10. My father and his swami brother

Swamis lead a very austere life. They renounce the world and live off alms. Once a seeker is initiated as a Swami, he can’t touch anyone’s feet except his Master’s. My uncle was initiated by a Master, and my father came to see him. My father was older than my uncle, so my uncle said, “This is my older brother. I have to touch his feet.”

My father told my uncle’s Guru, “My mother has requested that I bring my brother back. He has to come with me.” Because of his fondness for my father, my uncle left his Master and returned home.

Their mother lived only a month or two after that. My uncle stayed until she died. Then he said to my father, “I have only one boon I want from you in this incarnation.” My father knew what it was and said, “Granted!” He said that my uncle would never have to come back to stay with his family again. He could always stay with his Guru.

My father used to go and see his Swami brother once a year at the Guru's ashram.