Whenever Shri Nathji went out for a walk there was a divine purpose behind it. All his actions were meant for the humanity at large. He had to go out into the world and meet seeking souls wherever they existed. If they could not reach out to him he had to reach out to them. There was a time when Shri Nathji was going for a walk in Lawrence Garden at Lahore. He was dressed royally as always and had a walking stick in his hand, which he swung back and forth briskly with a delightful swagger
Shri Nathji used a walking stick not from any infirmity–he could walk as swiftly as any young man–but from habit acquired from earlier days when it was the fashion. A more polished, suave, and cultured person than Shri Nathji was difficult to find. His clothes were always spotlessly clean, and immaculately pressed, his shoes polished. His manners were so charming that they would have been the envy of the best of civilisations.
He would frequently get up from his chair to receive visitors, would always be the first to offer the day’s greetings, would be the very living epitome of politeness.
Many attributed this charming aspect of his character to his association with Lucknow, a city of Muslim nawabs and intellectuals famed for their culture. But Shri Nathji’s charming manners came from another world.
His ever-beaming smile had become the source of consolation for many a wounded heart. His politeness and humility gave warmth to the poorest of the poor. Within the personality of Shri Nathji one could catch the glimpse of the character of Lord Rama as spelled out by Tulsidas. He would never have a harsh word for anyone; he would be tolerant and polite even when others were rude.
But then, there were very few occasions when anyone could be rude with Shri Nathji. Even the most pompous amongst his visitors found themselves filled with awe and reverence in his presence. The most vicious of animals would become submissive and mild in his presence. Dogs would cease to bark and would lie down at his feet, wagging their tales with affection.
The most belligerent of children–even the crying babes in mother’s arms–would be quiet before him, staring at him intently as if in wonder. Many a time newly born babies were brought before Shri Nathji for his blessings. The babies would immediately stop crying and stare at Shri Nathji as if they were surprised at finding themselves face to face with God.
A clear illustration of this was found in Lahore, when Shri Nathji was walking in the Lawrence Garden. A certain Parsee couple, Mr. and Mrs. Naazar, met Shri Nathji in the garden. Mrs. Naazar was carrying a child in her arms, as she approached Shri Nathji. After the basic introductions were over, Mrs. Naazar asked the men of Shri Nathji’s entourage: What is his mission?
Love Divine, they said, and its propagation in the world!
Love Divine? said Mrs. Naazar, an inquisitive woman, but how can such a mission succeed in the world of today?
Shri Nathji said: If this child in your arms accepts me, then I can be sure my mission will succeed!
Oh, but he would be much too frightened of you! said Mrs. Naazar, in a light vein.
In reply, Shri Nathji turned to the child and said: Come to me! I am your real mother! This lady is merely your nurse!
The child immediately beamed with joy, and extended its arms towards Shri Nathji, exerting its body out of its mother’s lap. Shri Nathji, in turn, extended his arms and caught the child. Mr.and Mrs. Naazar, both, became greatly devoted to Shri Nathji.
When they met him many years later, they brought the grown-up child before him and said:
Here is the child you caught in your arms. We have named her Almighty!
When Shri Nathji laughed at this, they said:
Whenever she is happy, good things come our way, and whenever she is angry, misery comes our way! She has taken your divine touch. We are almost afraid of her. That is why we gave her the name of Almighty!