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shelter to innocent animals and rear them myself!' To him, cruelty could not exist in a heart bathed in golden light. He has directed us to listen to spiritual teachings in order to generate shrosh, a force powerful enough to lift us from mere sensual living to the level of lasting peace. When you feel that force, live by it. Live by that golden light which floods the heart. Let this light be your joy and you will bring happiness to the world."
Gurudev told the Parsee people how much he admired them for their sweet cordial relations with all and for their generosity. He prayed that they extend their love and help not only to man, but to bird and beast as well.
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The Harijans of Bombay had heard of how Gurudev and his father had befriended the poor and low caste people of Bhavnagar and Botad. They invited him to speak to their colony at Cama Hospital compound. Gurudev was delighted to have an occasion to help them remove the myth of untouchability which had made such a stain on their lives. Preceding his talk, there was a rousing session of devotional singing and chanting. Afterwards, in pindrop silence, Gurudev told them.
"You are living proof that the wealthy and educated have no special advantage when it comes to divine worship! You are overflowing with bhakti and this love and music come straight from your hearts. It shows you are Harijan; this godhood is your birthright. Accept it, treasure it, trust in it."
He related to them the story of a great sage who was a follower of Bhagwan Mahavir. Whenever people would taunt him about his name, Metaraj, which represented his low caste, suggesting that he would be better off changing it, he always told them, "I am not troubled about my caste. I am convinced that my virtues will change me for the better, whatever my name and caste." In time, Mahāvir initiated him as a monk with the name Metarya Muni.
Gurudev told the Harijans, "Brothers, never imagine yourselves to be low or inferior. If you lead an honest life, in harmony with all living beings, you cannot be low. Live your life in such a way that your children may gratefully remember
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