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same kind of devotional chanting and reverence by the young ladies. Again, there was the intimate play between devotees and the Lord, with Swami showering love on everyone. When the scenes were over, the crew expressed how deeply moved they were by the holiness and the discipline of the students. It is hard for many Westerners to believe that students can act with such virtue and self-control. In the West, this level of intensity in the spiritual life of students rarely exists. When we passed them on the road or sat among them, we all felt at peace. Oh, how lovely it was to be among students who were not afraid of allowing their goodness to shine and who strove aer high values, correct behavior, and expansive love.
Love and Guidance for the Film Crew
With filming completed, Swami was to see our group before we departed. Monsoon season was beginning, and as we le our lodgings for the ashram it began to rain. We grabbed our rain gear and bought a few umbrellas on our way to the ashram. Though all around the ashram there was a thundering rain, how unusual it was to see no rain whatsoever on the grounds.
Summer school had just ended, and Swami was spending time with his young female students. He was giving saris to the girls as going-away gis. It was touching to see the students so happy with Swami and the love he had for them. At such a time on the final day of summer school when Swami was saying goodbye to the students, we felt it would be unlikely for him to see the film crew too. We were standing inconspicuously toward the rear of the crowd when suddenly I saw Dr. Hislop standing up front. Rain was threatening, and I had the impulse to give him an umbrella. With this idea in mind, I made my way through the crowd to my friend. As I drew to his side, Swami walked in our direction, and our eyes met. “Sandweiss, is the gang here?” Smiling at his comical greeting, I replied, “Yes, Swami, the gang is here.” He said, “Get the gang.” So I hurried back to the group, and took them off to the side close to the entrance of Swami’s house, waiting for further instructions.
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