In search of love
It was in those days, when the environment of Chambal Valley of Uttar Pradesh was not safe, that we found ourselves walking on a road in that area. From Binaganja we had walked 15 miles and reached Kala Pahad. We were all very tired. On the side of the road, we saw a settlement and thought that we should spend the night there.
There was a veranda outside one hut and we decided to stop there. Soon, an old gentleman came and said, ‘You are looking like strangers. Do you know where you are staying? This settlement is not a safeplace for you. You should leave straightaway.’ However, there was no village for ten to twelve kilometres ahead. It was impossible for us to reach the next village before sunset and we were so exhausted that we did not have the energy to walk. We thought it was just a matter of spending one night and so we should remain there and in the morning we would continue with our journey.
In the evening, as silence enveloped all around, we thought that it would be better to secure a room in the town. To search for a room, sister Nirmala and I went into town. Nearby, we saw a big solid house. We approached the door and asked if we could enter. Within moments, two or three people came out and one of them said in a stern voice, ‘Why have you come here? Does this look like a Dharmashala? Go, there is no place for youhere.’ With calmness, I answered immediately, ‘We have come to our brother’s place. We are 5 sadhvijis, we walk on foot and as it is evening, it is not possible for us to go further ahead tonight. Therefore, we will stay here for the night and leave in the morning.’
They were strangers and harsh in nature, but for some reason they listened with love and respect and said, ‘It’s fine, it’s fine, you can stay in a room which is on the roof of our house for the night.’
Although they readily made preparations for us to stay the night, their behaviour was still harsh. We felt that we should talk to the people of the town. We thought that if we are able to connect with them and make them understand, then there is possibility for their outlook and circumstances to be transformed.
I said to the main person of the house, ‘My guru is with me, her voice is extremely sweet and she gives inspiring discourses. If you invite all people of the town and arrange for a talk then everyone present will really feel happy.’
He honoured my request and hundreds of people from the whole village gathered in one place. As soon as Pujya Bai Maharaj addressed in her melodious voice – ‘My brothers…’, it seemed that their hardened hearts melted. Perhaps no one had addressed them with such love and respect before. After nearly 2 hours of listening they still wanted to hear more! After the sermon, with an aching heart and in a shivering voice the main person of the house said, ‘Guruji, even we want to spend our life in undertaking noble work like you, but people look at us with hatred and scorn. Therefore, we cannot even begin to think of living a decent life. We would like you to stay here and we will build a beautiful ashram for you. Listening to your good words, our lives will also become beautiful.’ The atmosphere of the whole town had indeed changed.
Those who are good are loved by all. But those who are able to accept and love wholeheartedly people whom society hates and considers evil, are indeed the true angels on this earth.
