“May I ask you a question, Swamiji?” This came from a young lady, smart, well-dressed, presumably well read too. “Hmmmm,” said Gurudev. stroking his beard.
“We have heard you in so many talks. You have given us so many tips, hints, guidance for improving ourselves. But Swamiji, how will we know if we are really improving? How will we know whether we have come out of our old ruts? How will we know, Swamiji?”
Gurudev continued stroking his beard. He looked obliquely at the young lady who was sitting to his right. “When the doctor gives you medicine for your ailment, how do you know whether you are getting better? Do you run to him every now and then and ask him, “Hey, Doc, am I getting better?”
When you start getting better you WILL know it. You start feeling more energetic, stronger, fitter. “Similarly, when you progress on the path of self improvement, you yourself WILL come to know it. You will become more understanding, more compassionate, more kind. You will not lose your temper at the drop of a hat, you will be more helpful, more loving, more giving.
When this starts happening, you will know you are improving. One more thing. Make sure you DO take the medicine. Else there will be no progress.”