Mrs. Devsi

I don't remember what standard I was studying in when this incident took place. All I remember is it was Mrs. Devsi's class and she was checking notebooks. She came as an substitute for some other teacher who was absent that day. Normally on such occasions substitute teacher wont bother teaching their own subjects. They were just present to make sure class didn't make much noise.

So was Mrs. Devsi present there - and she preferred to utilize that time by checking notebooks. Just to introduce Mrs. Devsi - She was (and is) teacher in strictest sense - she was gentle at heart but strict enough to make sure pupil learnt for what they were in school - she taught us grammar. I wouldn't be wrong if I say almost whole school was scared of her .... actually her "pinches". A single mistake you make, she would put her hand in your half sleeves shirt and "pinch" you until you realize your mistake. She would also use canes at times, but not that often.

Looks like I am going on to tangent, so I'll end the introductions. This was Mrs. Devsi. And I will go back to the story....

So Mrs. Devsi was present in our class as a substitute teacher and she preferred to utilize that time by checking notebooks. All children were busy too - doing something or the other - some chatting, some playing 'tick tack toe', some 'bollywood', some 'sweet 16'. Class was little noisy - you could hear all children, also Mrs. Devsi who once in a while asked for a spare pencil for doing corrections in some notebooks. Everyone seemed to be enjoying this 'free class'. I can't remember what I was doing but I too was busy - perhaps busy in paying ear to what others were gossiping around. It so happened that I again heard that Mrs. Devsi was asking for pencil. I looked in my pencil box and took one spare pencil to her. To my astonishment, Mrs Devsi got up from her seat in anger. To catch everyone's attention she banged the duster on table once or twice and shouted  - 'There's only one student in my class, and that is Sunil. I have been asking for pencil from some time but only he has heard & responded." I then realized no one else in the class had got up to give her a pencil. I was taken aback by her reaction - never expected such a statement from her. But Mrs. Devsi said this in front of whole class -  I too felt nice, not only she.

More than 15 years have passed since this incident happened but I haven't refreshed it more than 15 times since then. However, now feel like reminding myself of it again and again - but more in spiritual context. I seriously wonder if Mrs. Devsi can feel nice when I heard her once, will Guru not feel great if I listen to what He is asking? On similar lines, deep within there is desire to make Guru happy by following what He is teaching.

But there is difference too! At that time, perhaps it was immaturity, I myself felt nice when Mrs. Devsi said I was the only student in class. In spiritual arena, I realize there can be no competition between students. All you can expect is, by grace, that "There's one student, Sunil, in my class". There is no room for 'Only' word in spirituality - and perhaps that's not important too. What's important is following what you hear...

God bless Mrs. Devsi - where ever she is still teaching!