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One day as he rose after his meditation, he happened to notice a young woman looking up at him from a window in the building across from his upasray. He raised his hands to greet her in the natural Eastern way - touching hands to forehead, palms together, which means “Namaste" or "I bow to the Divine Light in you.” After a moment of startled hesitation, the woman returned the silent greeting. For three mornings, this exchange took place, bringing a pure and gentle joy to both the muni and the woman.
Before long, another munT noticed the exchange. He hastened to warn Gurudev, “Do you know what you are doing? Don't you know that that woman is a prostitute? I advise you to put an end to this unseemly relationship at once.”
Gurudev passed the day pondering the meaning of appearance and reality, deception and honesty. That night he decided to accept his friend's advice. So the next morning after his meditation, he turned his back and walked from the balcony without the slightest glance toward the nearby building.
However, his usual feeling of complete tranquillity evaded him that day. Questions kept on forcing their way into his mind.
Even if she does sell her body, was I not bowing to her soul, not her body? Does she not hold divinity within her just as do any of us living here? I do not even know what circumstances led her to this condition. Do I have a right to judge her? Do I have a right to judge any person? What after all is the meaning of amity, purity, and compassion? Can I continue to feel and express these qualities if I reject such a person?
He meditated in this way, winnowing the chaff from the grain, discriminating between what was true and what was untrue. He was willing to confront himself.
Was 1 not partly afraid of what others might say if they found out about my moming greeting to her? Indeed, I have insulted her by accepting my friend's advice. This closedmindedness is a subtle form of harmfulness.
The inner debate ceased and peace returned. The next morning after meditation Gurudev looked again to the window and cheerfully offered his greeting as before. The lady seemed particularly glad to return his gesture. Still he did not feel that
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