Story of the week - Vivekananda and the Old Man

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Vivekananda and the Old Man

Once Swami Vivekananda was in a certain town to give spiritual discourses.

People recognised in him a great monk and profound scholar. They listened to

his discourses with rapt attention for about three days. Every day, when the

discourse came to an end, some people used to gather around him to ask about

certain subtle points on Sadhana, Ethics and Sastras. Students were eager to

know about national regeneration and the solutions he could suggest.

There was an old man sitting in a corner observing Vivekananda with avidity but

could not speak one word. He was there all the three days, waiting for a chance

to be near the monk. On the third day he made bold, went to him and said: "Son!

Shall I bring you something to eat? These people never gave you anything nor

did they give you time to relax and think about your food. I shall run and be

back with food and drink for you." Vivekananda was greatly touched by the

loving words spoken by the old man. He said with a beaming smile: "Come, let us

go together to your place to eat and drink." Blessed indeed was the old man for

he had sympathy and consideration for a fellow human being. He was ready to

render loving service to the monk. This indeed is true devotion and he is

indeed a true devotee.

— Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Source: Chinna Katha II, 218http://beaskund.helloyou.ws/askbaba/stories/s1029.html