The Little I

 

The Little "I" That Swami Removed

Swami's grace often reaches us after quietly removing the invisible obstacles within us. Sometimes those obstacles are fear or doubt. At other times, they are the subtle ego that makes us believe, "I achieved this."

A brilliant final year student at Swami's university was preparing for the MBA entrance examination. During Darshan, Swami lovingly asked about his preparations. The student confidently replied, "I am prepared. I will do well. I am sure I will get through." Swami smiled and moved on without saying a word.

The student performed excellently in the written test, group discussion, and viva. Yet, when the results were announced, his name was missing. Heartbroken but filled with faith, he decided not to seek admission elsewhere. Instead, he prayed to Swami every day, trusting that only Swami could decide his future.

After eleven days, Swami called him for an interview and said, "Today I will tell the Registrar to give you the seat." Exactly as promised, the student was admitted.

A year later, the Registrar revealed the real story. The student's name had originally been on the selected list, but before it was announced, Swami instructed, "Remove his name. I shall give him the seat later."

Only then did the student understand Swami's divine lesson. His admission had never been in doubt. Swami had only removed the subtle pride hidden behind the repeated "I." Once that little ego dissolved, the blessing was given as pure grace.

The lasting lesson is simple. Success is never ours alone. When the little "I" disappears, we realize that everything, including our abilities and achievements, is Swami's gift.

Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu