 Narayanashrama Tapovanam |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
24th Jan 2022 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Harih Om Tat Sat. As all of you know, we had started constructing houses for the homeless in September 2021. Our intention was to build 15 houses. The first four houses were completed and the keys were handed over on January 12, 15 and 19 to the recipient families:
The simple function with the accompaniment of divine recitation, in which I handed over the keys placing them on a tray along with some sweet as prasaada, was quite touching. ‘Prasadam’ is engraved in the plaque fixed to the front wall of the houses. Santha, aged 68 came with her sister, daughter and relatives. She is a widow, and had lost her sight about 16 years ago. The house is for her and elder sister to live. In a very humble, loving and touching manner she was acknowledging what we did and expressing her gratitude and prostration. She said: "I had wished that Swamiji would come to our house and bless it before we begin to live there. Usually, an auspicious day is fixed to enter the new house, light fire and boil milk, to commence our life there. If you would come, then that itself would be the auspicious time for us to enter. No further astrological consultation is necessary in that case. "I did not ever think that we would have a house to live in safely. It has now become a reality. The building has been completed quite soon too. I do not have words to express what I feel in my heart." “Are you happy," I asked. “Yes, I am extremely happy, contented." I rejoined: “Even if I come to your home, you will not be able to see me. The contentment you will have will be the same as you feel now. Consider that I have come there. Begin to stay in your new house. Have enough of health and longevity." She spoke in a cultured manner, revealing humility, fondness and devotion. More than once tears filled my eyes and a lump graced the throat. One may give many things to another who needs them. But to build and gift a house for a family to live in stands distinct. I am happy that on behalf of all our devotees and seekers, the Ashram is able to fulfil at least a small measure of what I have in my heart. Every one of you should feel the touch of fondness and gratitude the recipients feel and express. These are occasions when the individual human mind becomes benign and divine, feeling the rare note of expansion and oneness with others. It is a singular blessing to the individual and the society alike. May all of you have more and more of this blessing.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
