One autumn night in 1990, London.
Swamishri’s room in the temple at Neasden to be precise.
Probably two to three hours after midnight.
By chance, the attending sadhu, Narayancharan Swami happened to wake up.
In the dim light, he noticed the silhouette of a figure sitting up in the bed. He rubbed his eyes. No he was not dreaming. Yes, it was his Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He looked a little closer Swamishri was sitting up, eyes closed and palms joined offering a silent prayer. Narayancharan Swami also began to pray.
Thirty long minutes passed before the prayer came to an end. Curiosity writ large on his face, Narayancharan Swami asked, “What were you praying for?”
“Back home, a major drought is threatening Gujarat. People are suffering without water. I was praying for the rains to come so that the cattle and people are saved from this calamitu,” came Swamishri’s reply.
Probing further, Narayancharan Swami inquired, “How long and how often have you been praying like this?”
He received no answer. He asked again... and again... and again. Only then did a half-hearted reply came. With great reluctance, Bapa disclosed, “Many times at night I pray. Those who come to me with their problems during the day, I pray for them at night. It’s more peaceful at night, much quieter!”