Tulasidas
was a great man. He suffered much hardship from his early years.
He did not know the care and affection of father and mother. He
was brought up by the charity of the people. Even after he became
a sanyasi, difficulties did not cease. When he settled down in
Kashi, many blamed him, and many made fun of him. But he was always
patient and calm. Once he said, "Some say that Tulasi does
bad deeds. Some call him a big cheat. Some others say that he
truly is a devotee of Rama. I can bear all comments. My mind is
untroubled. Whatever is to happen to Tulasi, good or bad, is in
the hands of Rama."
Kindness and
courage were blended in him A Brahmin, it seems, had done something
bad. So he came to Kashi to purify himself. The orthodox people
kept him at a distance as an outcaste. But Tulasidas treated him
as one of his own people. He knew full well that the orthodox
people would be furious; he knew he would have to face severe
criticism. Yet he ate the food prepared by that brahmin.
Tulasidas
was a very great scholar. He had made a profound study of Indian
philosophy and literature. But his scholarship did not make him
arrogant. For him meditation on Rama was more important than all
other things. Whatever the difficulties one should not lose zest
in life. One should always do good to others treating all as the
children of God, making no distinction of caste, status or rank.
This was the way he showed to others and this was how he himself
lived.
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