GREATNESS

Founder Maiji says, “If you have done some service to someone, don’t talk about it.”

That is greatness. In other words, “Let not thy left hand know what the right hand doeth.”
“Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them.”

An example of the Founder’s greatness may be understood from the following incident:

The year was 1916. The place was Kurduwadi Railway Station. It was a cold winter night. Passengers were waiting for the Madras Mail, due at 2 a.m. On the platform stood a woman with a child. Some members of the railway staff behaved disrespectfully towards her and passed derogatory remarks. She objected to their behavior.

During the long wait, the child relieved itself, and there was no water available. Taking this as an excuse, the staff members accused her as if she had committed a serious offense and took her to the station master’s office.

A crowd gathered. The station master was brought to inspect the spot where the incident had occurred. But to everyone’s surprise, nothing could be found there. The place had already been cleaned by some unseen hand.

However, someone nearby might have noticed a woollen muffler soiled in the process.

Only after about four decades did it come to light that the person who had quietly helped the woman, without revealing himself, was none other than Saint Mai Swarupa, who at that time was just over 30 years old.

This is greatness — to serve selflessly, silently, and without seeking recognition.