Part 66 (1/2)
The tension grew keener and keener as on we strode Before us, near the head of the stairs, quietly appeared the Great One, Swae
”My heart heaved and swelled as I feltin his sublianandaji dropped to his knees, and with bowed head offered his soul's gratitude and greeting, touching with his hand his guru's feet and then, in humble obeisance, his own head He rose then and was embraced on both sides of the bosoinning, but thewas expressed in the mute phrases of the soul How their eyes sparkled and were fired with the warh the quiet patio, and even the sun eluded the clouds to add a sudden blaze of glory
”On bended knee before thehis feet, calloused by ti I stood then and faced two beautiful deep eyes s with introspection, yet radiant with joy
We entered his sitting room, whose whole side opened to the outer balcony first seen froainst a worn davenport, sitting on a covered uru's feet, with orange-colored pillows to lean against and ease our positions on the straw ali conversation between the talish, I discovered, is null and void when they are together, although Swauru is called by others, can and often does speak it But I perceived the saintliness of the Great One through his heart-war eyes One quality easily discernible in his merry, serious conversation is a decided positiveness in statement-the mark of a wise reat wisdoth of purpose, and deter hie, athletic stature, hardened by the trials and sacrifices of renunciation His poise isthe heavens, doe and homely nose, hich he a it with his fingers, like a child His powerful dark eyes are haloed by an ethereal blue ring
His hair, parted in the old and silvery-black, ending in ringlets at his shoulders His beard and moustache are scant or thinned out, yet seem to enhance his features and, like his character, are deep and light at the sah which co hihout his body-very cheerful and sincere His face and stature are striking in their power, as are his nified tread and erect posture
”He was clad simply in the co ocher color, but now a faded orange
”Glancing about, I observed that this rather dilapidated rooested the owner's non-attachment tocha blue plaster At one end of the rooarlanded in sianandaji as he had first arrived in Boston, standing with the other delegates to the Congress of Religions
”I noted a quaint concurrence of ht chandelier was covered with cobwebs through disuse, and on the as a bright, up-to-date calendar
The whole roorance of peace and cal over the her to observe that the ether and, before finishi+ng, he is served or attended by some small disciple Incidentally, I am much attracted to one of the black hair to his shoulders, ablack eyes, and a heavenly smile; his eyes twinkle, as the corners of hisat twilight
”Swami Sri Yukteswarji's joy is obviously intense at the return of his 'product' (and he seems to be somewhat inquisitive about the 'product's product') However, predominance of the wisdom-aspect in the Great One's nature hinders his outward expression of feeling
”Yoganandaji presented hiifts, as is the custouru We sat down later to a sietable and rice combinations Sri Yukteswarji was pleased at ' for exaali phrases and the exchange of warlances, we paid obeisance at his feet, bade adieu with a pronAM, {FN40-3} and departed for Calcutta with an everlasting h I write chiefly of my external impressions of him, yet I was always conscious of the true basis of the saint-his spiritual glory I felt his power, and shall carry that feeling as ”
Froht ly, but without reht in Germany a coive the cane to Master
”This gift I appreciate indeed!” My guru's eyes were turned onas he made the unwonted comment
Froled out to display to visitors
”Master, please per rooer skin was placed over a torn rug
”Do so if it pleases you” My guru's voice was not enthusiastic
”Behold, er dom Beyond it is the vast world, interested only in externals”
As he uttered these words I felt the years roll back; once again I a disciple, purified in the daily fires of chastisement!
As soon as I could tear myself away froht, for Ranchi What a welcome there, a veritable ovation! Tears stood in my eyes as I embraced the selfless teachers who had kept the banner of the school flying during ht faces and happy smiles of the residential and day students were aa training
Yet, alas! the Ranchi institution was in dire financial difficulties
Sir Manindra Chandra Nundy, the old Maharaja whose Kasimbazar Palace had been converted into the central school building, and who had made many princely donations was now dead Many free, benevolent features of the school were now seriously endangered for lack of sufficient public support
I had not spent years in A some of its practical wisdom, its undaunted spirit before obstacles For one week I re with critical problems Then came interviews in Calcutta with pro Maharaja of Kasimbazar, a financial appeal to an to be righted Many donations including one huge check arrived in the nick of time from my American students
Within a fewthe Ranchi school legally incorporated My lifelong dreaa educational center stood fulfilled