MAHATMA GOVINDA DAS – ASTONISHING WORK

The Selfless Buffering of Others’ Suffering

From the book Shree Shree Sadguru Sanga, vol. 2
Edited by Paramananda Dasanudas

You have written about the sadhu Govindadas. Who is he?

Dada: He is a stoical mahatma—he came here only to save me. There is no company here; I have to stay alone all the time. That is why I had kept a sadhu (not Govindadas) with me. This sadhu was very powerful. After my work, I used to spend the rest of the day with him. I would massage his body, fan him. After sending money home for expenses, I handed over the rest to him. I spent money as instructed by him. I became so attached to him day by day that I didn’t feel like being away from him. I almost gave up spiritual practice. Even though I didn’t gain anything from it, I still liked him. It was as though he had mesmerized me.

During such a time, suddenly one day, Govindadas arrived. That sadhu left soon after Govindadas came—possibly it was Govindadas who caused his departure. I was very happy in Govindadas’ company. He used to give only those sermons that enhanced devotion to God and encouraged spiritual practice. He was very kind-hearted and would become restless upon seeing anyone’s suffering.

One day, seeing a lame, old Brahmin approaching me for alms, he said with pity, “Aha, this poor Brahmin is destined to face severe suffering due to his prārabdha (karma). If he falls into a life of indulgence, his whole life will pass in suffering. He won’t be able to do anything that will lead to the well-being of his soul.”

While this conversation was going on, the Brahmin beggar came and asked me for alms. Govindadas asked me to go inside for a while. The Brahmin started begging loudly.

Govindadas cursed the beggar and said:
— “Hey, rascal! Why have you come to beg? Can’t you do some work?”

Brahmin: “I’m not asking you for anything.”

Govindadas: “Hey, vulgar libertine rascal! Are you asking your father then?”

Brahmin: “You seem to have become quite a great sadhu, I see! Shut up! Don’t abuse me.”

At once, Govindadas shouted, “Get out, rascal! Get out!” and beat the beggar so severely with a thick staff that one of his hands broke.

Govindadas then called me and said, “Take him to the hospital and get him treated.” The injury was major, and I reported it accordingly. A case was filed. Govindadas told me, “Sir, I’m going to jail for two or three years. What does it matter? That Brahmin has been saved!”
He was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment.

I said to Dada, “On hearing about Govindadas, Thakur (Shree Bijoy Krishna Goswami) had requested some influential persons in Dhaka for his release. That has borne fruit. Until recently, Govindadas had been lodged in a jail in Kashi. Speaking about him, Thakur said, ‘Govindadas is truly a genuine mahatma. He beat that Brahmin beggar only to help relieve him of his severe prārabdha. He went to jail by accepting the consequences of that man’s karma. It is difficult to understand the deeper meaning behind the actions of mahatmas.’”

GOVINDA DAS MAHATMA : You will cry!