In the year 1987, a terrible drought hit Gujarat. This led to no water for farming and no grass for cattle. Swamishri visited a cattle-camp that was set up near Rajkot. When Swamishri entered the cattle-camp, the calves rushed towards him and followed him around. Tears filled up in Swamishri’s eyes when he heard that these cattle have been hungry and thirsty for 3 days and that these cattle follow every visitor in the hopes of getting fed. He thus organised 4 cattle-camps for over 10 000 cattle in Bochasan, Atladra, Sankri and Nenpur. In addition, 31 295 000 kg of hay was distributed to cattle that could not be brought to the camps.
Gajendra, the King of Elephants, was bathing in a lotus filled lake. Midway, his front foot was caught by a crocodile. Gajendra tried in vain to free himself from the clenched jaw of the crocodile. The Bhagavata Purana states that the fight between Gajendra and the crocodile lasted for a thousand years as neither warrior would budge an inch in either way. Exhausted, Gajendra held up a lotus in the form of a prayer to God asking for help. Instantly Lord Vishnu left his throne and rushed to liberate Gajendra.
In 1966, Swamishri travelled to Dangra. Swamishri affectionately fed all the sadhus as well as the youths. There were no special arrangements for Swamishri’s rest. Along with the other sadhus and youths, Swamishri slept on the rough gravelled ground by spreading a thick piece of sack cloth. Even after successfully serving as the Sanstha’s president for 15 years, Swamishri’s lifestyle always remained the same.
This quality is depicted through art using chana magas and nuts.
Once, while travelling, Surdas fell into a well. Shri Krishna appeared and rescued him. At that time Bhagwan offered him the gift of sight. After seeing Bhagwan, he appealed, “O Bhagwan! Having seen you with my eyes, I do not wish to see anything mundane. Please return my blindness.” Bhagwan granted him his wish!
Having attained the bliss of God, Surdas was content to not enjoy the pleasures of the world and the senses.
This quality is depicted using cheesecake.
“Simplicity is the essence of universality”- Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi embodied the essence of simplicity. He had controlled food habits and he went on hunger strikes several times between 1913- 1948. Moreover, he wore a simple dhoti and urged people to wear only home-spun clothing. His living quarters were spartan and chose to commit his life to the principles of truth and non-violence.
The few and simple possessions owned by Gandhi are depicted using focaccia and spices.