Beauty Beyond Words
10-10-1980. USA.
During Fall, thousands would converge to a specific beauty spot to lose themselves in the enrapturing wonders created by nature. The snow-like falling of the leaves along with the red, pink, yellow and green landscape colors were eye-catching. This lovely site was only a short driving distance from Boston.
Out of devotion, some disciples beseeched Swamiji to come and view the scene. They urged, 'Swamiji, this place abounds with beauty. It's truly super.' At once, Swamishri's lips played a tune of heavenly words, 'True beauty lies amidst God, His sadhus and devotees. And this I call beauty-Supreme.' For Swamiji, call it beauty, call it power or call it intelligence; it's all in the whole and sole Creator - God. It's only we, who remain spellbound by natural wonders and appreciate very little of God and His work. Would not the Creator be more intelligent, more powerful, and surely more beauteous than His creation? So it rests upon us to seek Him, realize Him, and then to enjoy 'The Fall' and 'The Spring' of His spiritual bliss.
10-10-1980. USA.
During Fall, thousands would converge to a specific beauty spot to lose themselves in the enrapturing wonders created by nature. The snow-like falling of the leaves along with the red, pink, yellow and green landscape colors were eye-catching. This lovely site was only a short driving distance from Boston.
Out of devotion, some disciples beseeched Swamiji to come and view the scene. They urged, 'Swamiji, this place abounds with beauty. It's truly super.' At once, Swamishri's lips played a tune of heavenly words, 'True beauty lies amidst God, His sadhus and devotees. And this I call beauty-Supreme.' For Swamiji, call it beauty, call it power or call it intelligence; it's all in the whole and sole Creator - God. It's only we, who remain spellbound by natural wonders and appreciate very little of God and His work. Would not the Creator be more intelligent, more powerful, and surely more beauteous than His creation? So it rests upon us to seek Him, realize Him, and then to enjoy 'The Fall' and 'The Spring' of His spiritual bliss.
Giving Everything
Maharaj was touched deeply by the affection of His devotee. He looked into his eyes, remained thus fixed for a few moments, and then stood up on His throne and turned towards the crowd and called out loudly. 'Glory to Gopinath Maharaj!' 'Glory to Gopinath Maharaj!' the crowd echoed instinctively and then looked at each other confused.
Sura Khacher asked, 'Maharaj! Why the triumphant call?'
'We have enough donation now to build the Gadhada mandir.'
'But we've only just started collecting. . .'
Maharaj looked at the raggedly-dressed devotee before Him. It was Dubli Bhatt. 'Bhattji here has donated a great amount.' The people looked at the beggar and saw that at the Lord's feet he had placed only 13 paisa. They were even more confused. Maharaj, looking at the rags of Bhattji quietly said, 'You are all wealthy. You have given a lot of money, but you have farms, houses and horses. This man has nothing. Only his rags. And yet he has given me his all. With such devotion I feel as elated as if the work for the mandir is already over.'
Maharaj was touched deeply by the affection of His devotee. He looked into his eyes, remained thus fixed for a few moments, and then stood up on His throne and turned towards the crowd and called out loudly. 'Glory to Gopinath Maharaj!' 'Glory to Gopinath Maharaj!' the crowd echoed instinctively and then looked at each other confused.
Sura Khacher asked, 'Maharaj! Why the triumphant call?'
'We have enough donation now to build the Gadhada mandir.'
'But we've only just started collecting. . .'
Maharaj looked at the raggedly-dressed devotee before Him. It was Dubli Bhatt. 'Bhattji here has donated a great amount.' The people looked at the beggar and saw that at the Lord's feet he had placed only 13 paisa. They were even more confused. Maharaj, looking at the rags of Bhattji quietly said, 'You are all wealthy. You have given a lot of money, but you have farms, houses and horses. This man has nothing. Only his rags. And yet he has given me his all. With such devotion I feel as elated as if the work for the mandir is already over.'
The Lord Never Fails
It was a bright sunny day. Mulji Brahmachari prepared the Lord's breakfast. As Maharaj ate, he suddenly announced, 'Today we have to go to Dangra.' 'But Maharaj, I thought we were going to...' returned the Brahmachari. 'No, we go to Dangra today,' said Maharaj firmly. The Brahmachari gave a surprised look at the Lord. He didn't say anything. He knew there was a hidden purpose behind the Lord's every action.
Far away from the hustle and bustle of life in Gadhada, Khima Patel in the village Dangra had just decorated a beautiful swing he had made between two trees. He knew it to be impossible, but he wished Maharaj would grace the swing. Under the hot sun, along the dusty tracks, Maharaj left with a puzzled group following obediently.
Mulji Brahmachari could see the enthusiasm glowing on Maharaj's face. No one looks his best when being baked in the sun but Maharaj certainly looked attractive. Each step, filled with expectation, led the group to the house of Khima Patel. Khima's surprise was beyond belief. His joy was unbounded. Surely his Lord has come to fulfill his heart's desire! Maharaj smiled, as His eyes came to rest on the swing. 'This is a beautiful swing,' He said. With that He stepped forward and sat down on it. Then softly pushing with his toe, He started to gently swing Himself.
With tears in his eyes, Khimabhai fell at the Lord's feet. His only wish had been fulfilled. Laughing indulgently, Maharaj said, 'We have only descended on this earth to satisfy the spiritual desires of Our devotees.'
It was a bright sunny day. Mulji Brahmachari prepared the Lord's breakfast. As Maharaj ate, he suddenly announced, 'Today we have to go to Dangra.' 'But Maharaj, I thought we were going to...' returned the Brahmachari. 'No, we go to Dangra today,' said Maharaj firmly. The Brahmachari gave a surprised look at the Lord. He didn't say anything. He knew there was a hidden purpose behind the Lord's every action.
Far away from the hustle and bustle of life in Gadhada, Khima Patel in the village Dangra had just decorated a beautiful swing he had made between two trees. He knew it to be impossible, but he wished Maharaj would grace the swing. Under the hot sun, along the dusty tracks, Maharaj left with a puzzled group following obediently.
Mulji Brahmachari could see the enthusiasm glowing on Maharaj's face. No one looks his best when being baked in the sun but Maharaj certainly looked attractive. Each step, filled with expectation, led the group to the house of Khima Patel. Khima's surprise was beyond belief. His joy was unbounded. Surely his Lord has come to fulfill his heart's desire! Maharaj smiled, as His eyes came to rest on the swing. 'This is a beautiful swing,' He said. With that He stepped forward and sat down on it. Then softly pushing with his toe, He started to gently swing Himself.
With tears in his eyes, Khimabhai fell at the Lord's feet. His only wish had been fulfilled. Laughing indulgently, Maharaj said, 'We have only descended on this earth to satisfy the spiritual desires of Our devotees.'
Who Are You?
Swamishri was in Gondal for annakut. We had sent a poem from Amdavad to him. The poem described how the elements of nature acknowledged the existence of an entity greater than themselves... the sun shines very bright, yet it says there is someone who shines brighter; the trees and plants are green and fresh, yet they say there is someone greener and fresher than them. At the end, we had posed a question, 'Swami, everyone gives a different opinion of you. So we request you to tell us who you are?' Then we left a blank space for Swamishri to fill: 'I am...'
Swamishri told Dharmacharan Swami to keep this to one side. When, after some time, Swamishri came to Amdavad, Swamishri told him to bring the letter out. I had forgotten about the letter altogether. Then, Swamishri asked me, 'What do I have to write in the blank space?
'Bapa, write down exactly who you are. And don't hide anything.'
Swamishri said, 'I am a sadhu.'
Again I requested. 'Write exactly who you are.'
Then Swamishri said, 'How do you spell Aksharbrahma in English?' As I dictated, Swamishri wrote 'I am Brahman-Akshar.' Then he said, 'Now how do I write 'Maharaj's das?' Spell it for me.'
So then he wrote, 'Maharaj's Das.' Only then did he feel satisfied.
- Sadhu Brahmaviharidas
Swamishri was in Gondal for annakut. We had sent a poem from Amdavad to him. The poem described how the elements of nature acknowledged the existence of an entity greater than themselves... the sun shines very bright, yet it says there is someone who shines brighter; the trees and plants are green and fresh, yet they say there is someone greener and fresher than them. At the end, we had posed a question, 'Swami, everyone gives a different opinion of you. So we request you to tell us who you are?' Then we left a blank space for Swamishri to fill: 'I am...'
Swamishri told Dharmacharan Swami to keep this to one side. When, after some time, Swamishri came to Amdavad, Swamishri told him to bring the letter out. I had forgotten about the letter altogether. Then, Swamishri asked me, 'What do I have to write in the blank space?
'Bapa, write down exactly who you are. And don't hide anything.'
Swamishri said, 'I am a sadhu.'
Again I requested. 'Write exactly who you are.'
Then Swamishri said, 'How do you spell Aksharbrahma in English?' As I dictated, Swamishri wrote 'I am Brahman-Akshar.' Then he said, 'Now how do I write 'Maharaj's das?' Spell it for me.'
So then he wrote, 'Maharaj's Das.' Only then did he feel satisfied.
- Sadhu Brahmaviharidas
Preference for Mandir
1993.
Swamishri was to visit Junagadh and we had arranged for him to stay at the house of a devotee, instead of at the mandir. We informed him of this decision while he was in Gondal. Swamishri agreed, but when he arrived at Junagadh mandir he saw that all the facilities in the mandir were convenient for him to stay there. So he asked, 'Why have you kept my stay outside? Everything is fine here.'
I replied, 'The space here is small. The traffic of devotees would disturb you here and not allow you enough rest.'
'Understand one thing,' Swamishri interrupted, 'Where there is a mandir, arrange my stay at the mandir. It is convenient for darshan and discourses and easier for meeting the devotees. Whatever anybody else says, bear this in mind.'
Initially, Swamishri had agreed to stay outside the mandir thinking that the arrangements in the mandir were inadequate. But seeing even the minimum of facilities here he expressed his preference - demonstrating his desire to be more available for the devotees than concern for his own needs.
- Sadhu Uttamcharandas
1993.
Swamishri was to visit Junagadh and we had arranged for him to stay at the house of a devotee, instead of at the mandir. We informed him of this decision while he was in Gondal. Swamishri agreed, but when he arrived at Junagadh mandir he saw that all the facilities in the mandir were convenient for him to stay there. So he asked, 'Why have you kept my stay outside? Everything is fine here.'
I replied, 'The space here is small. The traffic of devotees would disturb you here and not allow you enough rest.'
'Understand one thing,' Swamishri interrupted, 'Where there is a mandir, arrange my stay at the mandir. It is convenient for darshan and discourses and easier for meeting the devotees. Whatever anybody else says, bear this in mind.'
Initially, Swamishri had agreed to stay outside the mandir thinking that the arrangements in the mandir were inadequate. But seeing even the minimum of facilities here he expressed his preference - demonstrating his desire to be more available for the devotees than concern for his own needs.
- Sadhu Uttamcharandas
Swami Says Nothing
Shriji Maharaj watched quietly as the sadhus quickly walked up to Him, bowed and then sat down in neat rows before Him. He had called the sadhus into the courtyard. It was the day after the Fuldol Festival, Samvat year 1879. As the last saint sat down, Maharaj asked lovingly, 'You are all senior sadhus. Tell me, each one of you, an outstanding attribute you possess.' Silence prevailed, the sadhus were surprised. They had expected a question from the scriptures, or some practical advice. They looked at one another. Who would be the most daring amongst them to answer the Lord. Maharaj smiled as Muktanand Swami slowly got up. With folded hands he said: 'Maharaj! Whosoever full of anger, advances with an intention to strike I can calm in a few, simple, loving words. Lord, this quality I possess by Your very majesty'. Brahmanand Swami was the next to rise. 'My Lord! Whoever claims to be the greatest of poets is but a novice before me. None can match my mastery of language and composing genius. This I possess by Your grace only.' 'True, you have that genius,' responded Maharaj. 'Maharaj!', Nityanand Swami got up. 'If a learned scholar, like Lord Brahma, were to debate with me on the scriptures, he would not be able to defeat me. Such intellect I have by your grace only.' 'How very true, there is no scholar like yourself on this earth,' replied Maharaj. The Lord looked at the radiant faces of his sadhus. His eyes rested on Gopalanand Swami. 'By your grace,' started Gopalanand Swami, 'I possess such power that I can pull all life out of this universe.' And so one after the other the sadhus spoke. Swami Gunatitanand was also present. He was telling his rosary with eyes transfixed on Maharaj, drinking spiritual bliss. He remained quiet.
Brahmanand Swami turned around. 'Swami! Please, we are all eager to hear you. Why don't you tell us? Maharaj Himself always praises you.' Swamiji said nothing and was least concerned about anything except the Lord's presence. Maharaj intervened. 'Swami's greatness is eternal. You will realize it when I return to my abode. Just as hundreds of thousands are attracted to me likewise thousands will devote their lives to him for me.' Gunatitanand Swami continued telling his rosary silently.
Shriji Maharaj watched quietly as the sadhus quickly walked up to Him, bowed and then sat down in neat rows before Him. He had called the sadhus into the courtyard. It was the day after the Fuldol Festival, Samvat year 1879. As the last saint sat down, Maharaj asked lovingly, 'You are all senior sadhus. Tell me, each one of you, an outstanding attribute you possess.' Silence prevailed, the sadhus were surprised. They had expected a question from the scriptures, or some practical advice. They looked at one another. Who would be the most daring amongst them to answer the Lord. Maharaj smiled as Muktanand Swami slowly got up. With folded hands he said: 'Maharaj! Whosoever full of anger, advances with an intention to strike I can calm in a few, simple, loving words. Lord, this quality I possess by Your very majesty'. Brahmanand Swami was the next to rise. 'My Lord! Whoever claims to be the greatest of poets is but a novice before me. None can match my mastery of language and composing genius. This I possess by Your grace only.' 'True, you have that genius,' responded Maharaj. 'Maharaj!', Nityanand Swami got up. 'If a learned scholar, like Lord Brahma, were to debate with me on the scriptures, he would not be able to defeat me. Such intellect I have by your grace only.' 'How very true, there is no scholar like yourself on this earth,' replied Maharaj. The Lord looked at the radiant faces of his sadhus. His eyes rested on Gopalanand Swami. 'By your grace,' started Gopalanand Swami, 'I possess such power that I can pull all life out of this universe.' And so one after the other the sadhus spoke. Swami Gunatitanand was also present. He was telling his rosary with eyes transfixed on Maharaj, drinking spiritual bliss. He remained quiet.
Brahmanand Swami turned around. 'Swami! Please, we are all eager to hear you. Why don't you tell us? Maharaj Himself always praises you.' Swamiji said nothing and was least concerned about anything except the Lord's presence. Maharaj intervened. 'Swami's greatness is eternal. You will realize it when I return to my abode. Just as hundreds of thousands are attracted to me likewise thousands will devote their lives to him for me.' Gunatitanand Swami continued telling his rosary silently.
One's True Form
Q: You have talked about believing the Satpurush as one's atma. But he is divine, free of all faults and above the influence of maya, whereas we are full of base instincts, faults, worldly desires and attachment for our bodies. So how can one believe the Satpurush as one's true form. Isn't it hypocritical to do so?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Shriji Maharaj says in Vachanamrut Vartal-5 that even though the worshipper is engulfed by maya, the God he worships is above maya, so ultimately he, too, will overcome the influence of maya. If one truly believes God to be free of all faults, then one becomes fault-free also. Still, we have to be vigilant. Believing ourselves to be fault-free like the Satpurush and so above the influence of maya is not an excuse to forsake our vows and lapse in our duties. It is not an excuse to behave without restraint. Always focus on the Satpurush. How does he live and act? Yogiji Maharaj was such a Satpurush, yet his life exemplified dharma, gnan, vairagya and bhakti. He never even casually lapsed in his duties and devotion.
Hypocrisy is believing oneself to be atma and the Satpurush to be above all influence of maya and base instincts and then using this understanding as an excuse to indulge in improper behavior. But believing the Satpurush to be one's true form and at the same time making sincere efforts to overcome our faults and base instincts is not hypocrisy. In this way, such persistent effort will make us brahmarup.
- Sadhu Brahmadarshandas
Q: You have talked about believing the Satpurush as one's atma. But he is divine, free of all faults and above the influence of maya, whereas we are full of base instincts, faults, worldly desires and attachment for our bodies. So how can one believe the Satpurush as one's true form. Isn't it hypocritical to do so?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Shriji Maharaj says in Vachanamrut Vartal-5 that even though the worshipper is engulfed by maya, the God he worships is above maya, so ultimately he, too, will overcome the influence of maya. If one truly believes God to be free of all faults, then one becomes fault-free also. Still, we have to be vigilant. Believing ourselves to be fault-free like the Satpurush and so above the influence of maya is not an excuse to forsake our vows and lapse in our duties. It is not an excuse to behave without restraint. Always focus on the Satpurush. How does he live and act? Yogiji Maharaj was such a Satpurush, yet his life exemplified dharma, gnan, vairagya and bhakti. He never even casually lapsed in his duties and devotion.
Hypocrisy is believing oneself to be atma and the Satpurush to be above all influence of maya and base instincts and then using this understanding as an excuse to indulge in improper behavior. But believing the Satpurush to be one's true form and at the same time making sincere efforts to overcome our faults and base instincts is not hypocrisy. In this way, such persistent effort will make us brahmarup.
- Sadhu Brahmadarshandas
Untold of Powers
'Please ask everybody to halt'. No sooner had Swami Gunatitanand uttered these words, his command streaked lightning fast through the group of disciples that was accompanying him. Hit by surprise, each devotee stared at the other in a state stained by a slim stigma of hesitation. A flurry of questions and murmurs broke out. 'Why does Swami ask us to stop here?' Out of all places why this one?' While journeying to a nearby town Swamiji and his following had traversed barren lands, green luscious grasslands and were now into the thickets of forest. Worse still was the area they were in now. Just in their path lay a most sickening sight a dead cow its flesh horridly torn by the pecking of vultures and clawing of animals. The carcass infested with worms squirming in and out of its decaying meat gave off a revolting reek. Repulsive and nauseating! And this is where, right before the dead animal, Swami had asked all to stop. There is little wonder why many questioned the stoppage. Compelling themselves to stand still, the devotees with their breaths held back, noses pinched tightly or pressed by a loose end of their clothing waited for Swamiji to arrive.
The stench was all around them, growing stronger second by second. Just then Swamiji caught up with them. He exchanged a glance of wisdom and depth. While everyone impatiently hung on for the revelation Swamiji hid it behind a soft smile. Then, in a flicker, as speedily as he had called for the bizarre halt, he revealed the message. Pointing at the repulsive remains of the putrefying cow Swamiji said, 'This is how the infinite universes would stink if I were to withdraw my powers.' This said, Swamiji picked up his pace and gait, leaving the devotees lost in his words and charisma. There was not a slenderest impression of self-praise. His words were Truth, naked Truth, unclothed and striking, humbly spoken and humbly believed. On this rare occasion, Swamiji, exposed a seed of Truth which the devotees readily planted in their hearts. And with every step they took from then onwards they watered it with faith. They had begun to grow spiritually.
'Please ask everybody to halt'. No sooner had Swami Gunatitanand uttered these words, his command streaked lightning fast through the group of disciples that was accompanying him. Hit by surprise, each devotee stared at the other in a state stained by a slim stigma of hesitation. A flurry of questions and murmurs broke out. 'Why does Swami ask us to stop here?' Out of all places why this one?' While journeying to a nearby town Swamiji and his following had traversed barren lands, green luscious grasslands and were now into the thickets of forest. Worse still was the area they were in now. Just in their path lay a most sickening sight a dead cow its flesh horridly torn by the pecking of vultures and clawing of animals. The carcass infested with worms squirming in and out of its decaying meat gave off a revolting reek. Repulsive and nauseating! And this is where, right before the dead animal, Swami had asked all to stop. There is little wonder why many questioned the stoppage. Compelling themselves to stand still, the devotees with their breaths held back, noses pinched tightly or pressed by a loose end of their clothing waited for Swamiji to arrive.
The stench was all around them, growing stronger second by second. Just then Swamiji caught up with them. He exchanged a glance of wisdom and depth. While everyone impatiently hung on for the revelation Swamiji hid it behind a soft smile. Then, in a flicker, as speedily as he had called for the bizarre halt, he revealed the message. Pointing at the repulsive remains of the putrefying cow Swamiji said, 'This is how the infinite universes would stink if I were to withdraw my powers.' This said, Swamiji picked up his pace and gait, leaving the devotees lost in his words and charisma. There was not a slenderest impression of self-praise. His words were Truth, naked Truth, unclothed and striking, humbly spoken and humbly believed. On this rare occasion, Swamiji, exposed a seed of Truth which the devotees readily planted in their hearts. And with every step they took from then onwards they watered it with faith. They had begun to grow spiritually.
From Rags to Riches
Mawji Mistry was a poor devotee working as a mason in Rajkot. He went to Junagadh mandir to seek Gunatitanand Swami's blessings. Mawji prayed, 'Swami, you are indeed a gracious soul. Your mere glance can dispel all the miseries. Please free me from my financial difficulties.' Swami was pleased with his devotion and uttered, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan will eradicate your poverty just as Shri Krishna eradicated Sudama's.' Then Swami asked Mawjibhai to get some roasted grams for offering to the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Elatedly, he rushed to buy them from the market. At the exit gate, his Muslim friend, Mussabhai lovingly offered one anna (one sixteenth of a rupee) as a contribution for the grams, as he had great reverence and love for Gunatitand Swami. Mawjibhai heartily brought two annas worth of grams which Swami offered to the Lord. Then Swami gave some 'prasad' for Mussabhai. Mawjibhai was dazed by Swami's gesture since nobody had even told Swami about Mussabhai's contribution.
Then Swami blessed Mawjibhai, 'You may proceed to Karachi and start off a contractor's business. Maharaj will bless you with great prosperity. But, please remember to keep a fifty percent share in the earnings for Mussabhai, who has contributed for half of the grams offered to the Lord.' No sooner did Mawjibhai reach Karachi, then he was offered a big contract by an English officer at the port. As time went by, he kept on getting big business and soon he was the proprietor of a prospering firm which he named 'Mawa-Mussa & Co.' with a fifty percent share for Mussabhai. The company has a booming business even today and bears testimony to the fact that blessings from a great sadhu like Gunatitanand Swami can transform one from rags to riches in no time. Also, his blessings transcend all barriers of caste, creed and color provided one has a pure, devout, loving heart, as was the case with the Muslim, Mussabhai.
Mawji Mistry was a poor devotee working as a mason in Rajkot. He went to Junagadh mandir to seek Gunatitanand Swami's blessings. Mawji prayed, 'Swami, you are indeed a gracious soul. Your mere glance can dispel all the miseries. Please free me from my financial difficulties.' Swami was pleased with his devotion and uttered, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan will eradicate your poverty just as Shri Krishna eradicated Sudama's.' Then Swami asked Mawjibhai to get some roasted grams for offering to the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Elatedly, he rushed to buy them from the market. At the exit gate, his Muslim friend, Mussabhai lovingly offered one anna (one sixteenth of a rupee) as a contribution for the grams, as he had great reverence and love for Gunatitand Swami. Mawjibhai heartily brought two annas worth of grams which Swami offered to the Lord. Then Swami gave some 'prasad' for Mussabhai. Mawjibhai was dazed by Swami's gesture since nobody had even told Swami about Mussabhai's contribution.
Then Swami blessed Mawjibhai, 'You may proceed to Karachi and start off a contractor's business. Maharaj will bless you with great prosperity. But, please remember to keep a fifty percent share in the earnings for Mussabhai, who has contributed for half of the grams offered to the Lord.' No sooner did Mawjibhai reach Karachi, then he was offered a big contract by an English officer at the port. As time went by, he kept on getting big business and soon he was the proprietor of a prospering firm which he named 'Mawa-Mussa & Co.' with a fifty percent share for Mussabhai. The company has a booming business even today and bears testimony to the fact that blessings from a great sadhu like Gunatitanand Swami can transform one from rags to riches in no time. Also, his blessings transcend all barriers of caste, creed and color provided one has a pure, devout, loving heart, as was the case with the Muslim, Mussabhai.
Concern for Welfare
23-12-1995, Mumbai.
For two days, during Swamishri's meals, I had been narrating the stories of sacrifice of the volunteers who had come to serve at the Amrut Mahotsav in Mumbai. At the end, Swamishri called me and said, 'Compile a list of those volunteers who are poor, have come here amidst great difficulties or have borrowed money to come here. We will help them. They have come here despite many hardships. They've stopped their work and business. When they leave here what will they do? You and Dr. Swami compile a list and decide. But we want to help - even if we have to give several lakhs of rupees.'
All these volunteers had come to serve and earn Swamishri's blessings. But Swamishri was also deeply concerned about their welfare and keen to do whatever he could to help them.
- Sadhu Brahmadarshandas
23-12-1995, Mumbai.
For two days, during Swamishri's meals, I had been narrating the stories of sacrifice of the volunteers who had come to serve at the Amrut Mahotsav in Mumbai. At the end, Swamishri called me and said, 'Compile a list of those volunteers who are poor, have come here amidst great difficulties or have borrowed money to come here. We will help them. They have come here despite many hardships. They've stopped their work and business. When they leave here what will they do? You and Dr. Swami compile a list and decide. But we want to help - even if we have to give several lakhs of rupees.'
All these volunteers had come to serve and earn Swamishri's blessings. But Swamishri was also deeply concerned about their welfare and keen to do whatever he could to help them.
- Sadhu Brahmadarshandas