A memorable incident from 1991. Swamishri's 71st birthday celebrations were taking place in Gondal. Sadhus were offering Swamishri various garlands. I was handed a garland made entirely from popcorn to offer to Swamishri. I placed it around Swamishri's neck, and bowed down at his feet. Then I was given a garland made of pulses, beans and lentils. It was rather heavy to lift. As I gave it to Swamishri, I casually said, "Bapa, this garland is very heavy. You won't be able to wear it."

I didn't particularly want Swamishri to wear it either. But before I could finish my sentence, Swamishri remarked, "You have to accept both the heavy and light. In life, we need the ups and the downs." So saying he accepted the garland.

Those few words from Swamishri helped me understand that life requires balance - a balance of happy times and hard times, though both are probably self-inflicted anyway. But by making God and Swamishri the focus of our lives, we can rise above happiness and hardships.