Prasang 96

“I’ve never made a fixed plan…”

In 2013, Mahant Swami Maharaj visited Jaipur. He was going from house to house, doing padharāmanis and blessing devotees. As the number of padharāmanis increased, the schedule was delayed. The local swamis received phone calls from the sevak swamis, saying, “Please bring Mahant Swami Maharaj back to the mandir as soon as possible, and cancel all further padharāmanis, because Swamishri’s meal and rest are being delayed.” However, even at the age of 80, Mahant Swami Maharaj was visiting each home with such immense love and care, that no devotee wanted their padharāmani canceled. So, he continued visiting homes until 1 PM.

Finally, when he reached the mandir, a devotee came running to him, saying, “Swami! My home was left out during your padharāmani!”

His house was undergoing some minor renovations, so local swamis tried to explain that they would visit in the future. But Mahant Swami Maharaj gently pressed the local swami’s hand and said, “Come on, let’s go to his house for padharāmani.”

Without a second thought, instead of going to his room for his delayed meal, he walked towards the car, signaling the accompanying swamis to join him. Skipping his meal, he went to the devotee’s home, making him happy.

After about half an hour, he returned to the mandir and sat for his meal. A swami curiously asked him, “Swami, don’t you ever feel tired and bothered in such situations?”

With utmost simplicity, Mahant Swami Maharaj replied, “I’ve never made a fixed plan that I must do things a certain way. Yogi Bapa taught us to do what makes all the swamis and devotees happy.”

Mahant Swami Maharaj has dedicated his entire life to the swamis and devotees. He never prioritizes or considers his own time, body, or convenience—he lives solely for us. While we try to please him, in reality, he is the one constantly striving to keep us happy!