February 2022 and the world was still recovering from Covid. International travel was gradually re-opening and I was on a work visit to New Delhi. For those who have not visited India — I would only say that if you do not get intimidated by lots and lots of people everywhere, this country has more colors and emotions than any other place in the world.

I got up at 6A.M. and since the rest of the market was closed — I went for a walk to the nearest Sikh temple. Calm, serene and peaceful! Even though I could not understand the beautiful hymns being sung in the temple, I surely felt my sins being washed away.

On my way back, there was a large empty space which was used as a bird feeding station by the locals.

An old man, with his very rusty bicycle and three buckets of grains, was stationed there. You can pay him 30 cents, and he would give you a small bowl of grains that feeds both your soul and the birds.

I took two small bowls and started throwing a handful of grains at a time. All the pigeons gathered around me in no time, and the stupid monk was so happy to see this!

As I was feeding the birds, I tried to engage in a conversation with the old man. I understood later that the old man used to work as a crane operator in Dubai and hence was conversational in English. Since Covid had halted all the construction activity, he returned to India and now was selling these grains for his livelihood.

Our conversation continued for around 5 minutes, and I could see the old man’s expression change from despair to hope to happiness. Words can lie, but emotions in your voice can not. My two bowls of grains were finishing soon, and hence I asked him , “Do you have anything to say to me?”.

The wise old man said something that I will never forget —

Whatever may be the case, do not say harsh words to other! Even in the worst of arguments, learn to remain silent and walk away.

If you don’t reply, God will reply for you! But if you do reply back in an unpleasant manner, God will do the same to you.

There was agony, and his voice was breaking while saying this. I too had tears inching to come out, but I held myself together. I was very surprised that he did not talk about losing his job, or ask for financial assistance— but instead enriched me with a very valuable life lesson.

For the two bowls of grain, which were supposedly 60 cents only, I offered him equivalent of 10 dollars and he accepted it with all grace and humility. Moved by his words and wisdom, I bowed in front of him with folded hands, and took his blessings! At the end of our conversation, he asked me if I would like to have tea. Remember this is a guy who has nothing, and yet he was gracious enough to offer me tea!

The world never fails to surprise me with its kindness, compassion and wisdom. I might be a silent monk in the virtual world, but there I had met a true monk — disguised as nothing but an ordinary human being.

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P.S. To all the strangers I talked to during my visit to India, everyone offered me tea.

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