Prasang 4
Nilkanth Varni’s Selfless Sevā
As Nilkanth Varni, Bhagwān Swaminarayan traversed India on foot, uplifting countless souls. During his travels from Venkatadri to Kānchipuram, he encountered Sevakram, a sadhu renowned for his Sanskrit scholarship and expertise in the Bhāgwat. Impressed by Sevakram’s deep understanding of the Shrimad Bhāgwat and his beautiful recitation of the “Gopika Geet,” (poems describing the love of Gopis for Shri Krishna) Nilkanth Varni chose to stay with him for a time.
While Sevakram was a skilled orator, he lacked the qualities of a true sadhu. Despite possessing a thousand gold coins, he had neither disciples nor anyone to serve him. During his journey, Sevakram fell ill with dysentery, suffering frequent, bloody stools that left him weak and in agonizing pain. Soon, he was unable to walk and began to weep in despair. Seeing Sevakram’s suffering, Nilkanth sympathetically comforted him by saying, “Do not worry, I will take care of you.”
From that moment, Nilkanth dedicated himself to Sevakram’s service, day and night. In a banana grove, he prepared a comfortable bed of banana leaves, stacked high [one arm’s length high], beneath a large banyan tree. He lovingly tended to Sevakram, washing his soiled clothing multiple times daily, without hesitation or disgust. Nilkanth would venture into the village, beg for alms, and then cook and feed Sevakram.
Despite this, Sevakram never once offered to share his food with Nilkanth, even though he sent Nilkanth to purchase provisions with his own money. Consequently, Nilkanth often had to fast when he received no alms. At times, he endured fasts lasting two days, yet Sevakram never suggested using his funds to prepare a meal for both of them. Nevertheless, Nilkanth served him diligently and lovingly for two months until Sevakram fully recovered.
Upon Sevakram’s recovery, they continued towards Rameshwaram. Sevakram, now strong enough to digest a pound of ghee, made Nilkanth carry his heavy, 20-kilogram pack. Despite having always travelled with minimal possessions, Nilkanth carried Sevakram’s load without complaint. Sevakram showed little appreciation or concern for Nilkanth’s well-being, treating him as a mere servant. Nilkanth Varni realized, “He has no bhakti and no appreciation for anyone’s sevā.” Recognizing Sevakram’s ingratitude, Nilkanth decided to leave him.
Selfless service is inherently challenging. However, to serve an inconsiderate and ungrateful person with unwavering love for months is the epitome of sevā. Through this incident, we witness Nilkanth Varni as the ultimate example of selfless service.
