The Canadian Parliament had decided to honour Swamishri in 1988. Swamishri arrived at the Parliament with Thakorji. The Speaker of the Parliament announced Swamishri’s presence to the MPs and requested him to stand, “With us today is a great Hindu sadhu. Please join me in welcoming His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”

The MPs applauded, but to everyone’s surprise, Swamishri did not stand. Swamishri told Nirbhayswarup Swami to stand up first with Thakorji in his hands. Swamishri then stood up for a brief moment, folded his hands and sat back down.

Why didn’t Swamishri stand up first? The answer was obvious to everyone around him. In Swamishri’s mind he wasn’t being honoured. The Parliament was honouring his beloved Thakorji.