This happened in the living room of the a veteran devotee’s family in New Delhi. Gurudev was sitting and talking with some people when a uniformed Army General entered the room. He clicked his heels together and gave Gurudev a smart salute.
Gurudev rose graciously and to everyone’s amazement, returned the salute just as smartly. We all looked in awe as the General said, ‘‘Oh, Swamiji, you need not have done that.’’
Gurudev said, ‘‘I do believe that a courtesy, particularly a greeting must be returned. When we greet each other, our minds expand. We touch each others’ hearts. We embrace each other. Life becomes beautiful. It becomes meaningful.’’