On 18th November 2021, I got up early morning, got ready. It was a bit cold outside; I wrapped a black shawl around me and was ready for early morning aarti. Morning was more than perfect. There weren’t many people unlike in the evening puja. I had a chance, to be bit closer to Bhagwan Sri Hari ji. I realize it is impossible to be closer to Sri Hari Ji at the time of aarti or at any events. I was a new person, a nobody, and no where close to the ladder of hierarchy at the ashram. Right contacts and power can do better magic than Sri Hari ji. After aarti, I sat there talking with HIM. We had our one-on-one chat.

After our yummy breakfast, we didn’t do much that day. I realized how tired and jet lagged I was. We just waited for lunchtime, even after heavy breakfast, we were ready for lunch. I guess, that’s what empty day does it to you. Eat all day long!!

I adored all four-legged devotees at the ashram. They became out instant friends. I was not aware of the rule, of not feeding the hungry and fragile dogs at the ashram. There was one lady dog, very skinny, must have had puppies recently. She used to hang out around the office area and café. I adore caring, feeding and loving animals, no matter where I am. After our lunch I took one chapati and kept it aside. I washed my plate, and was heading out, right there, that gorgeous girl with big brown eyes, looking at me, knowing I am going to give her something very small but may help her hunger subside a little. After all, she had to create milk for her puppies. As I bent down and started giving her small pieces of chapati, there came a very strict, loud and dry voice. “Stop feeding the dog, you are not supposed to feed them. They come from the village. They bark and make noises that bothers Swami ji. He has given us a strict instruction to get rid of these dogs from here. People like you, visitors, come to see our ashram and leave, but we live here and we end up cleaning up your mess.”

I was completely frozen, a few tears rushed down. I didn’t say anything. I just looked down and started walking away. Why did I experience such a hatred at this holy place? Isn’t this place starts, teaches and elevates compassion, kindness and love to all? I couldn’t bare the fact, that I was so hurt. Was I hurt because I got yelled at, from a stranger, or was it because I was considered as an outsider here, or was it so wrong to feed the hungry life, or did I let down Swami ji, by disobeying his instructions? But then, Swami ji sees God in everything and in everyone. He would never keep God hungry. Didn’t Swami ji, himself,  told us a story about Sant Namadev feeding a dog with ghee? I tear every time, I listen to that story.

Now it was my choice: Should I keep my focus on barking dog or should I give my love and attention to hungry dog?

This was my test, followed by the life lesson . What did I do?

Truth to be told: Till I was in the Ashram, I fed that little momma twice a day. I confessed to Bhagwan Sri Hari about it. If, I was collecting bad Karma, I was ready to accept, but couldn’t see that kind soul go hungry. I don’t know if I pass or not but I was happy feeing that soul.

That afternoon, me and Shubs went down to visit Giri, we had a fun time. We took lots of selfies, did small meditation session, listened to Swami ji’s YouTube lectures. There were few cows hanging out with us. One of the cows had silky brown color skin, she was wearing an earring, looking all sassy and cute, drinking water from the river Giri. She was wearing a long bell in her neck. It would make bell ring sound every time she would move her neck. I was marveling her and the nature around me.

Now, it’s your turn, to let me know what would you do?