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High on Waves

I asked my Guru for strength
that I may achieve.
I was made weak
that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health
that I might do great things.
I was given sorrow and infirmity
that I might do better things.

I asked for riches
that I might be happy.
I was given poverty
that I may be wise.

I asked for power
that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness,
that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things
that I might enjoy life.
I was given life
that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for
but everything I had hoped for.
Among men I am
the most richly blessed.

Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati
Guru Purnima 1997

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