Divine Laundry

 

From the grounds between the foreigners' hostel and college, we could observe Swami’s robes hanging to dry in the middle of the fields. This was of course when Swami was away from Brindavan.

In those days, a new small washing machine with spin-dryer was launched and advertised in the newspapers. It was the first of its kind in India. I thought this would be nice to offer to Swami, instead of the spectacle of His robes air drying. So I suggested it to my father, and the first opportunity we had, he suggested to Swami.

Swami loves His games, and ‘pretended’ He didn’t understand. In retrospect, I realise now that Swami probably wanted it hear it from the instigator. He turned to me and asked what my father was referring to. After explaining, Swami lovingly responded,

“No, it is not necessary. It will take away the chance for the dhobi to wash my clothes, and will make them unhappy. They will feel Swami is angry with them.” 

- Recollection by an alumni