Divinity is beyond language

Divinity is beyond language

In 1980, Swamishri arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. An appointment was set to meet a religious leader at 4 p.m. After waking up Thakorji, Swamishri went to the meeting. Suddenly a reporter came to interview Swamishri. Even though he was in a hurry, Swamishri agreed.

The reporter started asking questions in English. Atmaswarup Swami translated those questions into Gujarati for Swamishri. When Swamishri replied in Gujarati, Atmaswarup Swami translated those answers into English for the reporter. He asked questions about Swamishri's divine activities and his life.

At the end, the reporter asked, "Since your vows don’t allow you to meet women, don't they feel upset?"

Even before Atmaswarup Swami could translate the question, Swamishri looked straight into the eyes of the reporter and began answering in Gujarati, "If you come and see for yourself, they are enjoying their devotion more …" He explained that these religious vows help the ladies feel more secure in the path of devotion. Atmaswarup Swami was really confused that Swamishri was answering the reporter’s question without having heard the translation of his question. He looked at the reporter and was astonished. The reporter, who did not understand a word of Gujarati, was busy writing notes of Swamishri's answer!

This continued for a couple of minutes. Then Atmaswarup Swami asked, "What did you understand?" The reporter read what he had written in English. It was exactly what Swamishri had replied in Gujarati! Atmaswarup Swami was surprised. How could someone understand Gujarati without knowing it? How could Swamishri reply to what was asked in English? He looked at Swamishri.

Swamishri just smiled modestly. His smile revealed that God and His Satpurush (a God - realised Sadhu) work in incredible ways. Even when people don't speak Gujarati it doesn't stop Swamishri from understanding and connecting with them. So you see, divinity is beyond language!