Reminiscences

ShriMaharaj narrated this story to illustrate the point that a 'seeker' should always beware of the possibility of ever being touched by lust:

"In a certain town there lived a god-fearing man whom many took to as a guru. Among them was a man who lived elsewhere, but had a sister who was a young, comely widow living in that town. Once the man felt that the sister, like himself, should accept his guru's discipleship and ensure her future welfare. He mentioned this idea to her; on which she said,' Brother, I agree with you, but in my condition I am apprehensive.' The man thought it strange that she should show lack of faith in the good man, and eventually he mentioned it to his guru. The guru only said,' I note what you say." Later, when the time came for the guru to bid the world the final farewell, he told his disciples accordingly, instructing them to place his body untied to the bier, and carry it along a particular street —— the one in which the widow lived. Everything happened as the guru had pre­dicted and instructed . The whole town turned out, and those living on the route of the funeral, stood in the doorways, balconies, windows, etc. to have a last darshan of the saint. So, too the disciple's sister, stood in her doorway. As soon as the funeral procession came to that point, the ' dead ' saint sat up on the bier, and asked the bearers to stop. He jumped down, made straight for the doorway where the widow stood, and touched her feet in salutation, saying,' Mother, it was extremely correct of you to have said to your brother what you did, and a good caution that reminded me of the care I ought to take. Now I am really on my last journey, and you can place trust in me.' So saying, he returned to the bier and lay on it, really lifeless."