Swamishri's 1977 foreign tour was the most grueling experience for him. No doubt, the heavy demands on his frail body throughout the tour contributed to his illness after the tour ended. This being Swamishri's first serious illness, had already set in when he landed in Mumbai. After one-and-a-half months of rest in Sarangpur, Swamishri arrived in Amdavad. Recovery wasn't complete yet, and signs of weakness were more than apparent.

In a friendly tone, Shrihari Swami requested Swamishri, "Why don't you give your illness to us? Just transfer it!"

Swamishri replied with a smile, "Sorry. It's not transferable. Besides, whatever Maharaj has done has been for the best. Otherwise there'd have been processions in every village with bands and all the rest (as a welcome-back from abroad). And if we had said 'no' it would have hurt the devotees' feelings. This way, it's worked out nicely."

Swamishri's words actually let out a sigh of relief, of having been 'saved' from praises and honor. It seemed as if Swamishri had accepted the illness on purpose to avoid the tributes.
This incident made a profound effect on me.