The compassionate Guru

Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji  Maharaj was a true tapasvi (disciplined renunciate  ) . He used to roar from the podium “ you are not the body”,   and he lived and demonstrated this conviction  every moment. We sometimes had the rare privilege of hosting him,and that was a great learning  for me. Some appointments of his got cancelled in Delhi so he suddenly said, “Oh! Chhutti Chhutti! Take me to Uttarkashi”. We were in a fix , as we could only drive him in  our new but non-Ac Ambassador, which used to be without an AC those days. Seeing me hesitant, some lady who owned a large ,swanky , imported and obviously more comfortable car, offered to drive him there. Even I thought that it  would be better for Gurudev and I readily suggested it to him. He pulled back his shoulders , broadened his chest and exclaimed “ Status my dear, status! No, I will go in your car.” Even if he was uncomfortable, he never embarrassed his host. Fortunately it was October/ November and not so hot. All our hopes of chatting with him throughout the journey were dashed as he travelled all the way doing his Japa, silently. When we stopped for some tea I asked him why he was doing Japa, and he answered, “ I am going to my Guru’s place, must do Japa” . Once ,a very loving,simple family  but with meagre means was hosting Gurudev. It was a non -AC room and Gurudev , after his massive heart attack and surgery was advised rest and no sweating. Some of us were very worried and made arrangements elsewhere and suggested that he shift there. He was adamant. We suggested that we could bring an AC and install it , but he firmly refused as obvious sensitivities were involved. He continued to stay there  and continued to smile!

Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.

Email: prarthnasaran@gmail.com

Prarthna Saran

Recent Posts

Israel approves US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza

The three-stage ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase when hostages held by Hamas will…

2 days ago

Musk hosts India Global Forum business delegation

Washington: In a first-of-its-kind event, Elon Musk hosted a delegation of leading Indian business figures…

2 days ago

Drone attack sparks fire at Russian oil storage depot

Kaluga Governor said that a fire had broken out after an industrial site was hit…

2 days ago

‘China ready to enhance political mutual trust with Bangladesh’

China expressed its readiness to boost political mutual trust, deepen Belt and Road cooperation with…

2 days ago

Cong moves SC seeking intervention in 1991 Places of Worship Act

New Delhi: The Indian National Congress on Thursday moved the Supreme Court to intervene in…

2 days ago

Court to pronounce quantum of sentences on January 20

Thiruvananthapuram: The Additional District Sessions Court in Neyyattinkara will pronounce on Monday, January 20, the…

2 days ago