Size Does Not Matter…

Size Does Not Matter…

Memoirs of a tiny tot from the days  of Primary School recounting priceless moments with Bhagawan are ought to be ‘Divine’. When Bhagawan becomes an open book for close observation, assimilation and practice, every incident in His physical presence turns out to be a priceless gem,  serving deep insight. Read on a tiny tot’s chirping from his  primary days, as narrated by Sri  Amitabh Dasgupta, who had the rare good fortune of spending his entire academic life in His physical presence, from class 1 to MBA, in Prasanthi Nilayam. (Incidentally Amitabh Dasgupta narrated this incident in the New Year morning, yesterday…1 Jan 2014)

It was one of those days for which I had waited long. It was my birthday. It was an evening in the summer of 1986, when beach sands adorned the darshan grounds, when Swami lived upstairs in the Mandir in His tiny room, when the sound of interview room door opening  with Sri Khayaldas  coming out , piloting, announcing Swami’s arrival. The final click of the interview room door announcing the Lord’s arrival could be heard near the East Prasanthi gate.  Even the birds stopped chirping on the two big trees, awaiting in gasp for a sight of the majestic orange.  Silence was the music on which He walked and made our hearts dance to His tunes.

I was in Primary School. Those days Swami used to autograph heaps of His photographs for boys every day. The birthday boys used to get first preference. Many boys had huge photos, A3 size, cabinet size, post card size, etc.  Post card size was very popular those days that it was the betting currency in the primary hostel, what we called “clicked photo“. For any bet in primary school, the denomination was the “clicked photo” (not the autographed ones, of course). I had asked my mother to get me one post card size photograph of Swami from an outside shop. Instead of a postcard size photograph, my mother got me a tiny passport size photograph of Swami in a white robe. A postcard size photo was a luxury we couldn’t afford and one could buy two meals in the South Indian canteen those days, with that money.  I was pain-stricken.  I had never known Swami to have signed a passport size photo and the devil of the ego began to play havoc in my head. “What will people think, my class mates will laugh, Swami will be angry etc.”

I was annoyed; I told my mother I can’t do that.  My mother replied, “Swami cares for everyone; He is your Real Mother; He will understand; Swami will sign; size doesn’t matter for Him.”

I was in the first row holding the birthday tray. I had put the photo is my pocket. I thought for a moment that I would not take it out. I felt the lyrics of the famous Norah Jones song “It’s a half an inch of water and you think you‘re gonna drown”.

Swami came to the birthday boys, created Vibhuti, showered akshata, the yellow rice grains on us and threw chocolates. My mind began racing, the ogre in little head was now becoming louder, “Swami please don’t sign any photographs today, so that I can save my so called pride of a 10 year old and save my embarrassments”.

Swami had different plans. He asked for the first photograph and started signing, postcards size, cabinet size and then, on that particular evening, adding to my predicament, someone got a life size photo of Swami to be autographed, and the size of my photo kept shrinking. When the photographs of other boys were getting autographed, I thought of my mother’s advice and took out the small passport photograph from my pocket, sheepishly showing it to Swami. He saw it, kept staring at it for a while and then took the photograph and gave a chuckle; holding the thick marker He said ““Kaisa sign kar sakta hey ithna small photo, so big pen“ (how can I sign such a small photo with the big pen) ???

I swallowed a sob and then He asked around for an appropriate pen. Someone nearby grabbed the ‘golden’ opportunity, offering a pilot pen for Swami. Swami took the pen and signed my passport photograph. Swami looked at the photograph again and gave a dazzling, charming smile, which only He could give, that wiped away all my embarrassments. Swami said: “very nice photo, very nice photo”.

My heart leapt to the heavens. One word from Swami sent it fluttering! My mother was right.

Size doesn’t matter, isn’t it?

II Samasta Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

Size Does Not Matter – The Power of Sincere Love

Size Does Not Matter is a simple truth that carries a deep spiritual lesson. In life, people often judge value by outer appearance, quantity, position, wealth, or popularity. A large building may look impressive, a big donation may receive attention, and a famous person may be praised widely. Yet, the Divine does not measure life through outward size. God looks at purity, intention, love, and sincerity.

A small act done with a clean heart can be greater than a grand action filled with pride. A simple flower offered with devotion may carry more spiritual sweetness than costly gifts offered for display. A kind word spoken at the right time may heal a heart more deeply than many speeches. This is why Size Does Not Matter when love is real and selfless.

Many people feel that they cannot serve because they do not have enough money, power, or influence. They think service belongs only to those who can organize large events or give large amounts. But service begins wherever compassion is present. Giving water to a thirsty person, listening patiently to someone in pain, helping an elderly neighbor, or feeding even one hungry person can become sacred when done with humility.

Size Does Not Matter also reminds us not to underestimate ourselves. A small lamp cannot remove darkness from the whole world, but it can brighten the place where it stands. In the same way, one sincere person can bring peace to a home, hope to a friend, or kindness to a troubled moment. The world becomes better through countless small acts of goodness.

Spiritual growth also begins with small steps. A person may not be able to meditate for hours or perform great austerities, but he can begin with one honest prayer, one controlled reaction, one truthful word, and one act of forgiveness. These small efforts may look ordinary, but when repeated with sincerity, they slowly change character. A noble life is built through daily discipline, not sudden display.

Size Does Not Matter in devotion because God responds to the feeling behind the offering. A poor devotee may offer only a leaf, a tear, or a silent prayer, but if the heart is full of love, that offering becomes priceless. On the other hand, a rich offering given with ego may not touch the soul. The value of devotion is measured by purity, not by expense.

This lesson is especially important in a world that celebrates outward success. People compare houses, clothes, followers, marks, salaries, and achievements. Comparison creates restlessness because there will always be someone with more. But peace begins when we understand that true worth is not in having more than others. It is in becoming more loving, truthful, and useful.

Size Does Not Matter also applies to words. Sometimes a short sentence spoken with kindness can change someone’s day. “I am with you,” “Do not worry,” or “You can try again” may look small, but such words can give courage to a tired heart. Similarly, careless words, though brief, can hurt deeply. Therefore, we must use speech with awareness and compassion.

The same truth can be seen in nature. A tiny seed can grow into a mighty tree. A small drop can become part of a vast ocean. A gentle breeze can refresh a tired person. Nature quietly teaches that greatness is not always visible in the beginning. What matters is the life, strength, and purpose hidden within.

In human relationships, small gestures often matter the most. A warm smile, a sincere apology, a moment of patience, or a helping hand can strengthen love. Families do not become peaceful only through big promises. They become peaceful through everyday respect, gentle speech, and willingness to understand one another.

Size Does Not Matter when the heart is filled with compassion. One person may not be able to solve all suffering, but he can reduce someone’s pain today. He can choose not to hurt, not to ignore, and not to remain indifferent. Every small act of kindness becomes a prayer in action.

The Divine message behind this truth is very clear. Do not wait to become powerful before doing good. Do not wait to become rich before serving. Do not wait for a perfect situation before practicing love. Begin where you are, with what you have, and with the sincerity that lives in your heart.

In the end, life is not judged by how large our actions appear, but by how pure our intentions are. A small deed performed with love can carry eternal value. A humble heart can become a temple. A simple life can become a blessing to many. When we understand this deeply, we stop chasing outer greatness and begin cultivating inner goodness.

When Will I See You Again?