Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale thinking not just about seekers, but about every jiva !

Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale guiding Mr. Ghanshyam Gawde during the construction (Year 2008)

Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale used to guide at each step during the construction work of Ramnathi Ashram. At that time, we had the opportunity to learn many things from Him. He thinks not only of seekers, but also of every jiva (Embodied soul). In His company, I experienced some examples of this. Here is a narration in brief.

1. He picked up the trash lying near the area of ‘centering’ erected for laying slabs despite getting soaked in the rain : Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale used to come to the construction site every morning. He used to review the work planned for the day. One day, when He came to the construction site when it was raining and at the place where ‘centering’ had been erected for laying slabs. As He reached there, we were standing far away. We saw that in the rain He was picking up the trash scattered there. There were also empty packets of gutkha (Tobacco mixed betel nuts) thrown by the workers. We learnt that there should not be any trash lying around at the construction site of the Ashram as would be at other constructions sites.

2. When Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale observed the workers carrying material on their heads, He asked them to use a four-wheeler or a hand-cart : Whenever He would see construction workers carrying material such as stones, bricks, sand, etc. on their heads, He would immediately instruct seekers in the construction section to send a message that ‘workers should not carry material on their heads, but should use a four-wheeler or hand-cart instead’. – Shrihari Mamledar, Ponda, Goa.

3. Commencing satsang for the workers : Construction workers came from other places for the construction work of the Ashram. Some workers used to serve really well and with perfection. When they came to know that Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale is a Saint, they would pay Him respect innocently. Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale realised that some workers have a lot of bhav (Spiritual emotion) and something should be done for them. Therefore, He asked us to reduce their work time once a week and take satsang for them in Kannada. He instructed us not to expect extra work from them and allow them go home after the satsang.

– Mr. Ghanshyam Gawde, Ramnathi, Goa.

4. Giving Prasad as well as sweets during festivals to the workers too : Because of the satsang, many workers started to feel gratitude. Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale also sent Prasad (Sacred food) for the workers who attended satsang. He asked us to provide food to the workers during festivals or other functions in the Ashram itself. If the number of workers was large and if it was not possible to arrange for food, He would ask us to give them some sweet dishes. Due to this, the workers started doing the work allocated to them as seva (Spiritual service).

Once He said, “Makar Sankranti is after a few days. Distribute sesame laddus to all the workers on behalf of the Ashram”. After two days, He asked me if I have distributed the laddus to the workers. I had forgotten about it. He made me realise this and reminded me of my mistake. At that time, I realised how much God loves everyone ! – Mr. Ghanshyam Gawde

Individual spiritual experiences of seekers published here are according to the Principle – ‘Where there is bhav (Spiritual emotion), there is God’. It is not that every individual will have similar experiences.