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Off we went, and Swami invited us in for an interview!
We were so happy to be with Swami in such an intimate seing. Teachers from Swami’s college were with us in the interview room, and though Swami initially directed his comments to them, we knew that his comments were also meant for us. Swami began, “There are three types of teachers: those who explain, those who complain, and those who inspire. Be able to inspire the students to reach for high ideals. Always instill in them the good, and they will get rid of the bad. The body is like a water bubble and the mind, like a mad monkey. Don’t follow the body or the mind. Follow the conscience; that is God. Remember, past is past. Forget the past. Live in the present, it is the omnipresent.”
How profound and loving is Swami. Using simple terms he makes everything so understandable. The conversation was personal and intimate, and the delivery so natural that it seemed like an everyday friendly conversation. Yet be not fooled. If we have the awareness to grasp and digest his every word, we come to realize their exquisite depth.
Then Swami invited just our family into a small inner room for a more personal interview. Swami sat in a chair, and we quickly gathered around his feet. Ruth, full of love, said, “Swami, we love you so much.” Swami replied with the sweetest smile, “And I love you so much, too. Yet, every day I come to you and ask, ‘What is your program?’ and say that I will see you, and yet you don’t believe that I will see you. What kind of faith is that?”
This point should be emphasized because doubt can be a huge obstacle on the spiritual path. Swami is mischievous and difficult to understand, so doubts grow. Somehow we have to learn to surrender, no maer what happens.
Rachel asked, “How can I get closer to you?” Swami replied, “You have to talk to me all the time and give me your pain.” I contemplated, “How can one person allow all of mankind to give him their pain and take from him love and strength?” He invites us all to come to him and then tells us that it is his duty
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