Swami Sivananda had universal love, no less and no more for any one, and that love extended to every sentient being on the planet, from a mosquito, to rats, animals to human beings. I have given you the example of the nest of rats which was found in his almirah. When that nest was being removed, he told the sannyasin, ‘Do not remove it, put it back. They are small children. If you put the nest out, the mother will be worried. The children will not get their food, they will die.’
Would this thought ever come to you or to me? If we see a nest of rats, you will be yelling, screaming and jumping on top of the table and chair, and asking somebody to throw the nest out. The attitude of Swami Sivananda exemplifies his compassion for every living creature. He simply said, ‘When they grow up, they will leave. Then take the nest out. Till then, let them be where they are.’
This is an expression of universal love, an expression of love for every being, and it can extend not only to rats, but to every aspect of creation. When that connection and realization is there, everything is nothing but love.