Prasang 83

Humility Personified

In 1994, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 74th birthday celebration was held in Mehsānā. He also gifted the city a magnificent shikharbaddh mandir on this same occasion.

The following evening, Narayanmunidas Swami, Rushirajdas Swami, and other swamis approached Swamishri with a proposal, “Tomorrow, after the birthday assembly, we plan to have devotees come for personal darshan in four rows.”

Since thousands of devotees were expected to come for darshan, this arrangement was made to save time so that Swamishri could return to his quarters without delay. But Swamishri was not pleased with this plan. He asked, “How can four people come together at once?”

The swamis replied, “Why not? If two people can come at once, then four can too.”

Swamishri remained silent. His displeasure was evident. He felt that this arrangement would not allow him to meet each devotee properly. He was not concerned about his time or his meals—his only concern was that devotees should feel satisfied.

Noticing Swamishri’s reaction, the swamis who had proposed the idea felt uneasy. They assured him, “We will do as you prefer, Swamishri.”

But Swamishri, embodying humility, responded with wisdom, “Gunatitanand Swami has said, ‘To do as the Sant says is best. To do as per one’s own wish is worst.’ So, what you all have decided is the right thing to do.”

Despite being the guru, Swamishri chose to follow the wishes of his disciples, leaving them deeply touched by his humility. However, sensing his preference, they modified the arrangement to allow devotees to come in two rows instead of four.

The next morning, on his 74th birthday, Swamishri gave Narayanmunidas Swami a flower from his pujā and said, “I thought about it all night. You all must have put great effort into planning this, and it is not right for me to change it. So, let it be as you originally arranged.”

On a day when thousands of devotees gathered to honor him, it was Swamishri’s humility that left everyone bowing their heads in admiration.