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Banda Bairagi was engrossed in his sadhana in solitude while the whole society was in turmoil. When Guru Govind Singh met Banda, he told him, "When our country is in danger, our culture is being destroyed by attackers, and we are being enchained in slavery, all these acts of worship, sadhana and meditation are worthless deeds."

These words woke up Banda and he became Guru Govind Singh's disciple. Just like his Guru he took an oath to free his country and to fight lifelong against those who were destroying Indian culture and religion. He devoted his entire life towards this goal. He was caught by muslim invaders and put into a cage. He was asked to convert into a muslim or face death. Banda did not relent and chose death instead of conversion. His body was cut into pieces, but Banda kept smiling right through. From an unnoticed life his Guru elevated Banda into a source of inspiration for millions and earned him fame that is eternal.  

The Miraculous Shadow

There once was a very devout saint who had deep faith in spiritual practices. He had established control over his senses and his mind. His qualities, actions and nature were just what an ideal saint must have.

Twenty four years of sadhana attained maturity. Lord Shiva had to accept his prayers. He appeared before the saint and said, "I am pleased with your devotion, and I have come to grant your wish. Tell me what do you want?" The saint was very simple. He said, "O God, the intent of my sadhana was to clean up all the dirt I had acquired on myself and purify myself so that I can see Your reflection in my being. I have reached the pinnacle today, I do not want anything else."

Lord Shiva said, "You are a very sincere sadhak. I wish to grant you several siddhis (supernormal abilities) as boons. Then you would have self-confidence and people would wonder at your accomplishments. Their faith would increase and you would be able to do service to others. Tell me which siddhi do you want?"

The saint replied, "This would only increase my ego. Everyone may start worshipping me in place of You. Please do not grant me any siddhi."

Lord Shiva said, "Sadhana leads to siddhi is an incontrovertible principle. Your not asking for any siddhi is disobeying the principle. You have to ask for something. Let it be for the benefit of the whole world. I would be very happy to grant you your wish."

The saint now had to find a solution that would please Lord Shiva and at the same time would not lead to increase of his ego. The saint thought for a long while and finally got the perfect solution. He asked, "O Lord, grant me a wish that wherever my shadow falls, let that region turn prosperous and happy." Lord smiled and returned after granting the saint his wish.

Now, wherever saint's shadow would fall, in that region leafless trees would turn green again, lakes would get filled with water, diseased people would regain health, and those in trouble would get relief. All this would happen and the saint would keep his eyes in front. He would never look back to see what his shadow was doing. He would never try to find out who got benefited and how.

Those who received his grace would wonder and try to find out how such a miracle happened. But none could find out that it was the saint's shadow that was bringing about these changes in their lives. And the saint would never stop walking. He would go from one place to another, walking from day to night, with the miraculous shadow trailing him faithfully forever.

To be able to remain unaffected of others' adulation is the supreme characteristic of greatness. Such people can change others' lives with their touch without making an unnecessary show of their greatness.