1. Age Difference
Swamiji is 21 years older than I. When I became his secretary, I was just 25. Despite my youth and inexperience, I held strong views on many subjects and didn’t easily give in, even if it was Swamiji who disagreed with me. Decades later, when I began to work with strong-minded young people, I appreciated how respectfully Swamiji had treated me.
“I want to thank you, Sir,” I said to him one day, “for the kindness, patience, and respect you have always shown me. Never once in all these years have you referred to my age.”
“I’ve never thought about it,” Swamiji said. “I don’t see even children in terms of their age. Age is just a passing phase of the body. The soul is ageless.”
I’ve made the mistake of thinking that Swamiji disciplines himself to behave correctly. I’ve come to understand, however, that his behavior is not an act of will. It is the pure reflection of his consciousness.
2. Revolving Door
Swamiji was the guest of honor at an Ananda elementary school event. A little girl, nine years old, asked him, “How old are you?”
Swamiji replied, “Let’s put it this way: When I was your age, you were an old woman.”
For a moment she looked at him wonderingly. Then she seemed to understand and walked thoughtfully away.