Vivekananda and an old lady

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram

 

Vivekananda was once in a certain town, during his peregrinations. People

recognised in him agreat monk and a profound scholar and so, for about three

days, without intermission, streams ofvisitors poured into his presence. Some

asked about subtle points in saadhana, many argued withhim on the intricacies

of logic, grammar, and ethics that are found in the Shaasthras. Studentssought

to know the problems of national regeneration and the solutions he could

suggest. But,there was an old woman, sitting in a corner, watching Vivekananda

with avidity, who did notspeak one word. She was there for all the three days,

waiting for a chance to come near themonk. When the lady finally got the

chance, she asked him, Son! Shall I bring you something to eat?These people

never gave you anything, nor did they give you even a few minutes to go and

begfood from the town. Tell me, I shall run and bring you food and drink.

Vivekananda wasoverjoyed at the tender heart of that mother; he said, "You are

indeed blessed. What can merescholarship or mere earnestness to serve do, to

save man? Sympathy, service, putting yourselvesin the place of your neighbour

and trying to assuage pain and sorrow - that is what wins Grace."(Sathya Sai

Speaks. Vol. 6. "Love the source of love," Chapter 5).

 

Namaste - Reet