Shriji Maharaj was in the city of Bhuj, Kutch. Some devotees had come from distant villages to have his darshan. After enjoying a few festive days with Maharaj, they approached him to take his leave.
“Maharaj, we are going home. Please be compassionate and bless us.”

“Please always be compassionate to me as well,” replied Maharaj as he bid them farewell. Then the devotees left for home. While walking home, they started thinking, “Why did Maharaj ask us to show compassion to him?” They discussed amongst themselves but could not understand the meaning of Maharaj’s words. So, they decided to go back and ask Maharaj to clarify. They had already covered half of the distance home. Even so, they hurried back, and asked, “Maharaj! Why did you tell us to be compassionate towards you? You are our Lord. We are your servants.”
“If you truly believe that, then let me ask you a question. Where does your Lord reside?” Maharaj was smiling to himself.
“In our hearts, of course,” answered the devotees.

“That is exactly what I’ve been trying to tell you. I reside in all of your hearts. So please keep your hearts pure. If there is dirt in your hearts, then I will not be able to reside there. I only like to live in the hearts of those who are pure. So please show some compassion towards me. Please keep your hearts pure.”
The devotees, astonished to hear such insightful reasoning, vowed before Maharaj, “From now on we will remain pure at heart.”

INSPIRATION: If we remain firm in observing niyams and dharma, then we will remain pure at heart. And if we remain pure at heart, only then will Shriji Maharaj wish to reside in our hearts.