The old lady in a wheel chair
Let me write down a miracle which has happened in front of us at Puttaparthi when we were studying there. One day Swami came out to give His Darshan (His Appearance). We were observing an old lady who was a foriegner, unable to stand or sit on her egs, since many days.
She was brought for darshan daily in a wheel chair and was placed behind the devotees.On that particular day, Swami pointed out at her and called her,during darshan.She was brought in the same wheel chair nearer to Swami.
Swami bent a bit forward towards her and patted on her knees and said, today is the last day to bear the fruits of your past deeds.You have been suffering for all these days as a result of your karma(deeds).Now I am relieving you of all that.While saying so, He lifted her hands up and helped her to stand up.
She was thrilled at that gesture. Slowly Swami helped her to walk towards interview room. Swami gave her a brief interview along with others and after that she came out walking slowly on her own in a blissful mood. On seeing this incident devotees were awstruck and shouted in joy.
That old lady was walking as if she was in a dream. Swami was saying jovially from behind that she can even run like any other youngster. This shows how Swami reacts to the griefs of His devotees. He is a loving God.
The Old Lady in a Wheel Chair – A Touching Lesson of Faith, Compassion, and Divine Grace
The old lady in a wheel chair is a deeply moving devotional theme that reminds us how divine love reaches those who suffer silently. Old age often brings weakness, dependence, pain, and loneliness. A person who once walked freely, worked actively, and cared for others may later need help for even simple movements. In such moments, faith becomes a soft light in the heart, giving strength when the body becomes weak.
The old lady in a wheel chair may appear helpless to the world, but before Baba, no devotee is forgotten. The body may lose strength, the legs may fail, and the hands may tremble, but a heart filled with devotion remains powerful. Baba always looked beyond outer condition. He saw the love, patience, prayer, and surrender hidden within the devotee’s soul.
For an old lady sitting in a wheel chair, every day can be a test of patience. She may depend on others to move from one place to another. She may remember earlier days when life was easier and the body obeyed her wishes. Yet, if her heart remembers Baba, even this difficult stage becomes sacred. Pain becomes prayer, silence becomes surrender, and helplessness becomes a doorway to grace.
The old lady in a wheel chair also teaches us how we should treat elderly people. Many old people do not need only medicine or physical support; they need respect, kindness, time, and gentle words. A careless sentence can hurt them deeply, while a loving smile can give them courage. Serving an elderly person with patience is not a burden. It is a form of worship.
Baba’s grace often works in simple ways. He may not always remove every physical difficulty, but He gives inner peace. He may come through a caring family member, a kind doctor, a helpful stranger, or a sudden feeling of comfort during prayer. When the old lady looks at Baba’s picture and feels protected, that itself is a blessing. Divine presence is felt most deeply when human strength becomes limited.
The old lady in a wheel chair reminds us that spiritual worth is not measured by physical ability. A person may travel to many holy places, attend many gatherings, and do many outer activities, yet remain restless inside. Another person may sit quietly in one corner, unable to move freely, but may be close to God through sincere remembrance. Baba values the purity of the heart, not the movement of the body.
Old age also teaches detachment. The body slowly shows that nothing in this world is permanent. Youth, beauty, energy, wealth, and social importance all change with time. What remains meaningful is love, faith, service, and the name of God. A devotee who understands this does not become bitter. Instead, the heart becomes more humble and peaceful.
The old lady in a wheel chair may also become an inspiration for others. Her patience can teach strength. Her prayer can teach devotion. Her smile in pain can teach courage. Many people complain despite having comfort, but someone who suffers quietly with faith can awaken gratitude in others. Such a devotee becomes a living lesson without giving long speeches.
Family members around such a person have a sacred responsibility. They should not make the elderly feel unwanted or ignored. They should listen to them, help them with dignity, and include them in prayer and family life. A home where elders are respected becomes blessed. Baba’s teachings remind us that love must begin with those nearest to us.
The old lady in a wheel chair also shows that Baba’s compassion is especially close to the weak, the sick, and the helpless. When the world becomes impatient, divine love remains patient. When people become tired of caring, Baba’s grace continues silently. A devotee may feel alone, but Baba knows every tear, every pain, and every unspoken prayer.
This story also gives a message to all of us: do not wait for old age to remember God. The body is temporary, and time passes quickly. While we still have strength, we should use it for good actions. Our hands should serve, our feet should walk toward noble work, our speech should comfort others, and our mind should remember the Divine. A life spent in love becomes peaceful in its final stages.
In the end, The old lady in a wheel chair is not only a picture of weakness. It is a reminder of faith, dignity, patience, and Baba’s loving care. The wheel chair may limit the body, but it cannot limit devotion. When the heart rests at Baba’s feet, even suffering becomes lighter. True strength is not always in walking freely; sometimes it is in sitting quietly with trust, prayer, and surrender.