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Articles: Devotion | Mahatma & old woman
- Prof. venkata ramanamurty mallajosyula
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Gandhi would often remark on this episode to illustrate the sacredness of the old lady’s action. 'This copper coin that the lady gave me is worth much more than thousands of coins,' Gandhiji said. 'If a man has several lakhs and he gives away a couple of thousand, it doesn't mean much. But this coin was perhaps all that the poor woman possessed. She gave me all that she had. That was very generous of her. What a great sacrifice she made. That is why I value this copper coin more than a crore of rupees!'
Rare is the one, like the old lady, who truly gives to the level of self denial and inconvenience. Such people show us by their lives and example that the way to God is by sharing and sacrifice.
The elderly lady’s act of sacrifice was exemplified in Gandhi’s whole life as he strove to further his dream of an independent India. He adhered to his principles even if it lead to imprisonment at the hands of the British, or confrontation with his compatriots. His struggle was for exactly those such as this lady - the poor and downtrodden of society. In one of his last statements, given a few days before his tragic assassination in 1948, Gandhiji’s feelings and love for his country, and humanity at large, is depicted magnificently. He says,
'I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away.'
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