In 2004, Swamishri was on his way to an evening satsang assembly at the Raritan Centre in Edison, New Jersey. Jaimin Patel and Hitesh Patel were driving Swamishri to the venue in a new top-of-the-line luxury car. Knowing that Swamishri spends much of his time in a car travelling in the villages, they wanted to offer this comfortable car for Swamishri’s use.

After taking the first few minutes to explain the features of this fine vehicle, they daringly posed a question, “This car would be perfect for you. Right?”

Swamishri understood their intention and replied, “I am fine with whatever we have in India. Old is gold!”

Swamishri tried to change the topic, but the youths persisted, “You build new mandirs all the time and each one is built differently with new architectural designs and patterns. So why not take this new car?”

“Mandirs are made for God. They benefit thousands of people worldwide. This car will only give me comfort.”
Hitesh tried to argue from a different angle, “When Shastriji Maharaj designated you as the Pramukh of our Sanstha, he told you to please and satisfy the devotees. We would feel satisfied if you accepted this car as a token of our devotion.”

“We have always pleased and satisfied you…we sit with you, talk to you…”
Hitesh insisted, “Swami! We want you to. It’s our deep wish…”
“Never wish for such things,” Swamishri interrupted.
The youths were humbled by Swamishri’s virakti (lack of interest in worldly pleasures.).
They were offering one of the world’s finest vehicles to him, yet Swamishri was not interested. He was not tempted by it at all.

Swamishri has never asked for or accepted luxuries even in the name of convenience.