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—Swami Sivananda—
Once Swami Sivanandaji was in his Kutir (residence). There was a small bridge close to the Kutir. The stream (over which the bridge was constructed) was very narrow and shallow. Gargi, a little girl, was crossing the bridge coming from the side of her house and at the same time a bull was crossing from the opposite side. Somehow, the bull got annoyed, gave a big snort and tossed the little Gargi into the stream. Her elder sister started screaming. Someone got down into the stream and brought the girl from there. There was one injury from the bull's horn and several other injuries and scratches due to the fall. She was unconscious. Her father said, "We should take her immediately to Swamiji." Someone ran to the Kutir and told Swamiji that Gargi was tossed into the stream by a bull and was injured. He was so full of anxiety and concern, one should have seen his face to believe it. He immediately took his stick and came out of the Kutir. The father was rushing towards the Kutir with Gargi. He cried, "Look Swamiji, Gargi is serious." And he put Gargi in Swamiji's arms. And Swamiji was in tears! One just can't imagine his concern for the child.
Swamiji was a tower of strength. All his life he had been consoling the people in distress. Now when confronted with that sight he was in tears! What a heart this big, towering personality had! He took the unconscious child in his arms, brought her to the Ashram dispensary and gave the necessary treatment. And the girl regained consciousness. The outer treatment was only a pretext. As soon as the girl had come in his arms, she was beyond all possible danger.
This is the story of all great ones. For them the world does not exist, only God exists. When God chooses to manifest through them, He finds expression in human nature of the loftiest kind. These great ones become embodiments of love, kindness and compassion.
Swamiji was a saint of compassion. His heart was as soft as butter but with a difference that the butter melts at its own sufferings whereas his heart melted at the sufferings of others.
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