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PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
alms. He called out 'Narayana Hari' at the door of a householder. The lady of the house was engaged in nursing her sick husband. She was a very chaste woman who was very much devoted to her husband. She observed Pativrita Dharma. She answered from within the room: “O Bhikshu, kindly wait a bit.” The Sannyasin was very much annoyed He refletced: ‘Look at the arrogant nature of this lady She has asked me to wait. She is not aware of my Yogic powers.' While he was thinking thus the lady said: "O Bhikshu! There is no crane here Don't think too much of yourself. Do not be puffed up with your Siddhis." The Sannyasin stood in utter amazement. He had to wait quietly At last the lady came outside with alms for the Sannyasin. The Sannyasin prostrated at her feet and asked: "O Devi, how did you manage to read my thoughts?” The lady replied: “O Swamiji! I do not know anything of Pranayama or any kind of Yogic Kriya. I made you wait because I was busy attending upon my sick husband I am an ignorant woman. I am sincerely devoted to my husband. I regard him as my Guru and God. I worship him. I don't go to temples. I do not repeat Mantras I serve my husband day and night. I obey his words implicitly. I shampoo his feet. I walk in the footsteps of Savitri, Nalayani and Anasuya. I sleep after he has slept. I get up in the morning before he arises. He is my all-in-all Through such service, devotion and duty to my husband I have received illumination. I have
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