Sri Sadguru Mahime

Author: Charana Dasa

Translator:Shri.Ganesh Prasad

Chapter 15 :  Service - for everyone

The one, who could have achieved anything in a flash, lived a simple life distancing himself from all the transactions of this world.

Though visitors used to come and meet him from distant foreign countries, it had no effect on his lifestyle. Neither did he give himself a title called ‘Guru’ and let an ego about that grow inside. His supreme conduct and simplicity was a model for all his followers.

Even when having relatives and well-wishers, situations would make many people lead a lonely life, Gurunatha was very compassionate towards many such people and as a result of his compassion Charanadasa got an opportunity to serve a few people like that.

A retired teacher used to stay near Shiva temple in Sakharaya Patna. He lived a lonely life after his wife passed away and they did not have any children. Gurunatha used to send milk and tiffin to him almost Everyday. Whenever he came to Gurunatha’s residence, I got an opportunity to do his pada puja (washing one’s feet, as a mark of respect) and escort him back to his house.

Likewise, an old lady who was living in a small hut had to be given food Everyday. Whenever she visited Gurunatha’s house she was given a saree and some fruits and other eatables. Even after Gurunatha left this world I visited her couple of times, though she is visually impaired, she would recognize my voice and would break down remembering Gurunatha. Like this Gurunatha had risen over divisions and made sure his service reached who were in need of it.

It was a usual practice in Sakharaya Patna to use donkeys to carry areca, fire wood and other loads. To limit their movements after work the owners used to tie their front legs together. These donkeys used to regularly come and stand in front of the Gurunatha’s house as he used to give them fruits and other eatables. On one such occasion, we found one of the donkeys to be injured and wounds had got infected. On Gurunatha’s instructions we cleaned the wounds and applied medicines.

Like this Gurunatha’s compassion and love were probably equally distributed among all the creatures that came in contact with him. He probably took the meaning of ‘Service’ to a new high.

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