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Inspiring the Prisoners
It was the eve of Gurudev's departure for Bombay. He was scheduled to give a final talk to the prisoners of Sabarmati Jail the next morning. A small incident occurred that evening with regard to where he would sleep. Very few people lived near the prison, and, at the last minute, the only place available was a nearby stable. The chieftain, Pratapsing, who was in charge, was distressed by this, but Gurudev declined to go elsewhere.
In the morning, on the way to the talk, he admitted to him, "Oh, Gurudev, I was so worried about your comfort that I could not sleep a bit last night!"
Gurudev smiled, "You should not have burdened yourself. I slept as sound as a baby until daybreak. When you have peace of mind, it does not make any difference whether you sleep in a stable or a palace."
In his talk that morning, Gurudev's loving voice and penetrating insights affected his listeners deeply. Guards and hardened criminals alike were heard weeping. At other times, gales of laughter filled the air. Gurudev spoke directly to their plight.
"The first thought that struck me as I entered the gates of this jail was—are we not all in some way prisoners? Some are behind prison bars. Others are prisoners of their own passions. From these bars some day you will be liberated. But what about the chains that bind you to greed and lust? Can you break them? Whether you are king or beggar, saint or outlaw, these chains are the hardest to break."
He recalled an incident from his life. "Once I was in my uncle's house looking out of the window. The window was covered with several bars, but I did not notice them because my mind was engaged in watching a parade pass by on the street below. When the procession was over, I became aware of the bars.
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