Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Darshan of golden-colored effulgent elephant-headed God

 

Experience that Baba granted to Swami Amritananda, a former disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi, which has been duly documented in Baba's biography Sathyam Shivam Sundaram, Volume I. This is what Prof. Kasturi, the author of this volume, writes:

Swami Amritananda came to Baba after the passing away of his guru, Sri Ramana Maharishi of Thiruvannamalai.

When Amritananda first came to Prasanthi Nilayam, Baba accosted him, "Amritam", and Amritananda was genuinely astonished at the familiarity and even affection with which the call was saturated, and said, "Only Ramana Maharshi, with whom I spent seventeen years, accosted me in that manner. The voice and manner were exactly the voice and manner of the Maharshi!"

Later Baba asked the eighty-five year old Swami about a Ganapati Homa, a sacrifice to Lord Ganesha, which he had performed for forty-one days when he was seven years old!

He told the Swami all the details of that sacrifice, including the long mantra involved chanting which the offerings were placed each time in the fire. The mantra, as disclosed by Baba, begins, Om Sreem Hreem Kleem Gloum Gam.

Swami_lookiingBaba told him that he had repeated this mantra a thousand times a day for forty-one days and made as many coconut offerings in the fire of the sacred sacrifice. "But what is the reward promised in the scriptures?" Baba asked the old ascetic.

He answered that if the sacrifice is done with scrupulous regard for ritual, Lord Ganapati Himself will appear in "the fiery enclosure" (the homa kunda), as the golden-colored effulgent elephant-headed God; that with His trunk He will receive the final and concluding offerings and will grant everlasting bliss by means of His darshan.
Baba asked him whether he had the Vision. Amritananda replied that it was not so easy for a seven year old boy to get the Vision of the Lord by the mere number and quantity of offerings and mantras. Baba interrupted him, saying, "No, no. It is due to all that mantra and all that sacrifice that you have now come to Me. You will today, after an interval of seventy-eight years, get the reward mentioned in the scriptures."
He asked the Swami to look at Him, and when he did, Amritananda saw the golden-colored elephant-faced Lord, Ganapati as described in ancient texts. He was overwhelmed with joy and bliss for four days following this darshan, and forsook food, drink, and sleep.

That is how Bhagawan confirmed the faith of this holy man in his spiritual practices.

http://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_09/01SEPT11/05_ganesh_chaturthi_1.htm

Friday, January 25, 2013

Every word of Sathya Sai is as true as the Veda - an experience of a Sai Student

 

- by Aravind

Swami 1 (3)

I used to often wonder as to why Swami makes use of the casual statement when a straightforward statement would pass on the message in a more clear manner. I received my answer from Swami through Prof.H.J.Bhagya, a teacher in the MBA department of the Sri Sathya Sai University. He told me what Swami had told him once,
“The sin man accrues by disobedience to God’s direct words is very huge. And so, He tells directly only to those who will accept what He says completely without a doubt and do whatever is necessary. For the others, He tells the same in a casual manner, as a joke or a passing statement. Then, if the person catches the hint and has faith in the words he is benefited. If he does not, then Swami will not allow any sin to accrue to him because He takes the blame upon Himself for not communicating properly! Isn’t His love so amazing? The minute He has faith of our faith in Him, He will simply communicate directly. For that matter, when we say that every word of Swami is a Vedavakya, why should we consider some as ‘serious’ and some as ‘casual’? Tell me? “

-- Read the full article written Wonderfully by Brother Aravind

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Farewell to a ‘dirty’ habit…

 

There goes a saying, “Old Habits Die Hard” meaning existing habits are hard to change. When Bhagawan is personally involved, the act becomes instantaneous. Read on how Prof Kasturi got rid off his dacades-long ‘vice’ companion. An episode from the Professor’s autobiographical account, Loving God.

On my first night at Rishikesh, the sacred spot on the Ganga, I gained a victory which had eluded me for over nine agonising years. I must admit that I had fallen a victim to snuff during my years at the Royal City of Mysore. The preparation of a dark variety of capsules which when pressed between thumb and index finger became flavourful snuff to be inhaled and enjoyed was an art known only to a few families there. It was an aristocratic aromatic acquisition. My friend Swami Siddeswarananda, the poet Puttapa and many others of that generation were devoted to that exciting device for mental arousal. For over three decades, that vice led me by the nose.

When I yielded to the impact of Baba, I decided, like Sindbad, to overthrow the old man who was riding on me. But he sat astride firmly. Baba often spoke sharply within my hearing on the habit. But luckily only in general terms. He spoke disparagingly about a few persons whom I knew, and condemned the weakness which prevented them from wriggling out of the dirty dusty snuff habit. I felt glad that he had not black-listed me, by name. When I joined the Rishikesh party I armed myself with a pound weight of the previous stuff bought at Madras, so that I could happily nose around the snuffless region.

expr267That crucial night, Baba came over from the cottage in the Ashram complex which was allotted for His stay into the dormitory where I and five others were settling down for rest. I had prepared my bed and was enjoying the stretching of limbs, when Baba appeared, followed by Satchidananda and Sadananda. He came near my cot and turned the pillow over to expose the snuff-box cosily resting there. I shivered in remorse. I remembered the centuries old ritual, which Hindus observe when they reach pilgrim spots. They give up a habit that is dearly loved. Baba looked at me sternly. He said only one single Word, “Dirty”. I took the box and threw it far into the thick night. I clenched my teeth to lock my sobs in. I took an explosive vow, touching Baba’s Feet. ‘No more Swami! I am giving it up from this moment!”

Baba gave me a soft pat on the shoulder. I bent under the cot, dragged out my leather luggage box and took hold of the one pound tin of the disgusting stuff and was about to cast it into the bushy under-growth when two renunciants in ochre robes snatched it from my hands. They said (they were evidently, not a part of the Sivanandarsam) they were getting their supplies of the ‘Jnana Choornam” (the Powder that promotes the Intellect) from New Delhi, which was too far away.

Hearing the noise, Baba turned back and laughed. Satchidananda and Sadananda too laughed. I have not inhaled that rajasic poison since. It was indeed a pity that what I, a house-holder, threw to the winds was caught and treasured by those Sanyasins!

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Posted in From Kasturi's Pen

The glory of Puttaparthi - by Hans Raj Hans

 

Friday, November 09, 2012

Conversing with the Antaryami SAI

By Brother Aravind Balasubramanya
****************************

Being a devotee of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, it will not be an exaggeration to say the the 24th of April, 2011, was the saddest day of my life. Swami, whom I consider as my Master, best friend and the light of my life, departed from the physical to the realms of the the spiritual. I am sure that it was a shock to so many of His followers and devotees also.
But before you think that this is going to be an outpouring of grief, let me stop. This is more 6973660_f496an expression of relief and joy. Why? Let me say this much that there are ways in which we are able to still ‘see’ Him and feel His presence. While manifestations and miracles happening depend on His will, there is one powerful technique that we can definitely adopt to open up a communication channel with dear Swami!
Unknowingly, I have used this technique in the past and the result was amazing. It is almost as if Swami can be bound permanently! I shall narrate that experience shortly but the best thing - this technique has been given by Swami Himself!
Even as I think of sharing this, it seems Swami wants to add another experience to the same. In course of an email conversation, my Chemistry teacher, Dr.K.Anil Kumar (not to be confused with Swami’s translator) shared his experience. It is actually to him that Swami gave the technique. Thus, it is with great joy that I present his experience which is His present to me.
The setting:
Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi in the summer of 1981 (or maybe 1982)
The situation:
Swami is residing in the room above the interview room in the Prasanthi Mandir…..READ MORE
http://aravindb1982.hubpages.com/hub/Visualizing-and-materializing-the-Lord

Friday, October 26, 2012

Swami's Bio Data

 

A Long time back, Swami was talking to some Boys in the Interview Room and then Swami saw a Bio Data of a Boy sitting there and Swami started reading it as Bhagawan's own Biodata, What Followed was a Most Wonderful Exposition of Swami's Biodata... :

About Me ( Swami): Prema Swaroopa, Embodiment of Love. Sathya Bodhaka, Teacher of Truth

Relationship status: Related with entire universe

Birth: I am Param-atma, No birth - No death374088_373128836107456_569990446_n

Age: Infinite

Here on earth for: Establishment of Dharma - Fostering all mankind, leading all who stray away from the divine path.

Language: The Language of heart

Children: All humans, animals and plants are My children. Including the non-living things.

Ethnicity: Cosmic

Religion: Love All Serve All

Home: Omnipresent - My abode is in the hearts of all devotees - Physically in my present form at Prasanthi Nilayam.

Desire : My only desire is to make you desireless

Sports: Creation, Sustenance and Annihilation of universe

Activities: Transformation of human heart through my teachings : Sathya, Dharma, Prema, Shanthi and Ahimsa

Food : Bliss is my Food

Sai Ram

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The importance of a Guru... and the vacuum of his absence


By Brother Aravind Balasubramanya
****************************

 The Bharatiya scriptures have always accorded a very special place for the Guru. It is said that the mother points out the father to the child. The father points out the Guruand the Guru points out the Lord.6414077_f248
The term ‘Guru’ is loosely translated as the ‘preceptor’ for want of a better word just as the term ‘Bharatiya’ is often loosely translated as ‘Indian’ for want of a better word. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says that the term ‘Bharatiya’ is made up of two Sanskrit roots - Bha meaning God and Rathi meaning lover. A person who has love for God is a Bharatiya and the land in which such people reside is Bharat. Since India has been the birthplace of many religions, prophets, men of God and the incarnations of the Lord, it is referred to as Bharat. Thus, when Swami refers to the glorious Bharatiyas in His discourses, He is referring to the people who love God and not exactly to those that reside in the geographical boundaries of India.
In similar vein, Baba says that Guru is made up of two Sanskrit roots - Gu which stands for Gunateeta (beyond attributes) and Ru which stands for Rupavarjita(beyond form). A famous Sanskrit verse says,
“Acharya Devo Bhava”
which translates into, “The Guru is God”, because the Guru shows the way to God.
In this scenario, one can only imagine the good fortune of having the Lord Himself come as one’s Guru as I strongly believe happened with the advent of Bhagawan Baba.
But having a Master / Lord / Guru in human form has a big disadvantage too. The physical human frame is temporary in its nature and has to go one day even when it is occupied by the Supreme Being. And when that happens, the devotees and followers are totally at a loss as to what to do. The form that they love and adore has departed and they are drowned in sorrow.
That is what happened on the 24th of April, 2011 when Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba left the physical frame. All devotees were heart-struck at this act of their Lord. And the question that arose in all was,
“What next now?”……………………….READ MORE from the link below……….

http://aravindb1982.hubpages.com/hub/The-best-God-or-Master-to-follow-Sathya-Sai-Baba-Best-religion

Friday, April 27, 2012

Truth is stranger than fiction

Sai2.036

One thing for sure - there is only one way to come to Puttaparthi and that is - if He calls!

read the jaw dropping experience of Arun Mandalay in Aravind’s Hub – MUST READ !!!

http://aravindb1982.hubpages.com/hub/Mandalay-story

Thanks!!!

JAI SAIRAM!!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Inscrutable


An article published by Bhavan’s Journal in 1975 giving an analytical judgment of the Phenomenon called Sathya Sai Baba holds good even today after 36 winters, when we are into the 86th year of His Advent. Recapping those glorious days, of trudging the road with Sai Baba for 28 years, Prof. N. Kasturi summed up calling Him “The Inscrutable”. Read on…
The world has lived with a unique human Phenomenon for 50 years now! Millions are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Advent of this Person, on November 23, 1975. I have spent 28 years in the bracing climate of His Presence, the cool, comforting, but, none-the-less vital and vibrating aura of this Phenomenon. I have witnessed the waves of gratitude that surge round His Feet, from hearts reinforced by the impact of His Love, minds cleansed by the imprint of His Power, brains rendered wholesome by the intake of His Wisdom and bodies strengthened and straightened by contact with His Compassion.
Arthur Osborne summarized all that he had to say about the Sai Baba of Shirdi in two words: “The Incredible.” Dr. S. Bhagavantam ventured to summarise his experiences of the Sai Baba I am writing about in two other words, “The Inexplicable.” As a scientist who has dedicated himself to the study and propagation of physics, he had to confess that this Sai Baba is a law unto Himself, Who cannot be construed by any of the known categories of physics or even metaphysics.
Dr. Bhagavantam has the integrity of a scientist, who accepts the existence of the inexplicable and asserts that a fact can never be fiction, however vehemently it is ignored or denied by those who would not or dare not see.
I have experienced Baba in almost every phase of His multifaceted personality. He has cured intractable illness; He has infused confidence and courage; He has brightened the intellect revealing unsuspected sources of joy and power; He has opened several satisfying opportunities for offering skills and strength at the service of fellowmen.
He has allowed me to share in the wonder aroused atbthe manifestations of His Love in distant lands like Uganda, and nearer home in many parts of India. I have witnessed emanations of vibhuti, nectar, gems, slips of paper on which warnings, counsels, and teachings for the recipients are written, and eats, from pictures of this Sai Baba, in homes and shrines in places hundreds of miles away from where His physical frame resides. I have met and discussed with people who have welcomed Baba into their homes, sat around Him and talked with Him for hours, sung songs which He taught them – all this, when I knew He was hundreds of miles away.
Baba says, “No one can come to Me unless I call him.” And, I know hundreds of instances where cynics, agnostics, atheists, rationalists, fanatics of various creeds, patients suffering from various complexes, manias and intellectual anaemia, arthritis, apoplexy etc. have been called by Him and directed along the path of Sadhana to the understanding of their innate Divinity. How does He call them? By arousing curiosity, awakening interest, assuring cure, alerting during dreams, advising through friends or acquaintances, administering some warning or desire which He alone can avoid or fulfill.
Arnold Schulman toured India and even met Him; he returned to New York, happy in the conviction that in India every Guru is a ‘crook’ and every pupil, a ‘psychopathic patient’ – or at least a sizeable majority! Now, here was a person whom Baba decided to call and correct.
He implanted in his mind an idea which Schulman himself tried to dismiss as impossible, undesirable, impracticable, and even insane! It was “to write a book on one of those Gurus, the person he had discarded with a shrug, the Sathya Sai!” When he finally arrived before Him, after many hesitations and heart-searchings, Baba told him, “I wanted you to come not for the sake of the book-the book is publicity; I do not need publicity; I need you, you!” That is the measure of His Grace.
Those who believe in only things that they can see with their limited and perverted vision or experience with their prejudiced minds or infer as true on the basis of their perverted, polluted logic, are denied the joy and elevation of spirit that all can win by contact with Baba. They do not know that syllogisms cannot contain the Incredible, that laboratories cannot compress the Inexplicable into a formula and that science deals only with the tangible, the measurable, and the calculable. But, there are worlds, and worlds of emotions, ambitions, yearnings, exultations, adorations and a host of emanations from beyond the region of the senses and the intellect, which we ignore at our peril.
Baba is engaged in the fundamental task of discovering and defusing the germs of anxiety, restlessness, fear, doubt and distress that injure the individual and, through Him, society and ultimately, entire mankind. He has been busy with the Avataric Schedule from His very childhood; and on the fiftieth anniversary of His Advent, millions are offering Him the homage of gratitude. Millions are awaiting the healing touch, the kindling smile, the illumining word and the Divine vibration that His Presence arouses.
If I am asked to summarise what I have known and felt, during the 28-year-long road through which He has led me, I can only follow Arthur Osborne and Dr. Bhagavantam and reply in two words “The Inscrutable.”

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Memoirs of the Boatman

 

By Mr. K.V.S. Dileep
An alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning who has spent nine years studying in Baba's educational institutions, Dileep completed his Masters in Technology (Computer Science) in the Prasanthi Nilayam campus in 2010. Currently he is a Doctoral Research Scholar at Artificial Intelligence and Databases Lab (AIDB), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras in Chennai, India.
When I heard the tragic news on April 24, I was totally confused. I then prayed to Swami and He inspired me with a message which I have composed in the form of a poem. This did help me a lot and I hope it will serve many others too.

I faced an ocean far and wide,
Only a small boat I had for a ride,
Frightened I was, and completely crestfallen,
Cursing the misery befallen
Then came this boatman along the way,
With smile so serene and words so pleasing
He offered to be my friend, philosopher and guide,leftmenusai
Through the journey of ocean called LIFE
Armed with oars, and other implements
Me and the boatman set out for an adventure
We laughed together through the smooth sailing,
Leaving the oars to Him for the rough patches
Through the journey he always told
Tales of morality, and about lands far and behold
Under his tutelage and expert instruction
I found myself becoming a better boatman
How can I repay you, I used to ask,
Help and Love your travelers he used to tell
Where do I find you, I asked
Find ME in every heart that needs help
We journeyed along until time immemorial,
And then suddenly He vanished from the boat
No proper goodbye or a farewell hug
Leaving me in total shock
As a gasp of sorrow threatened to escape me
A strange feeling began to encompass
The boat continued to sail
As if He was never gone
It surged through the water much more than I rowed,
Then the subtle realization did dawn
For though the hold is gone, the grip remains
For though his voice is gone, the echo remains
The whistling wind of the sea then whispered,
Why to say goodbye my child If I never left
Keep rowing my friend, for I am always there
In the strength of the oars
And the Wind beneath the sails.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Rain Rain Go Away

 

- - Prof. N. Kasturi

I remember another funny incident. We were in Coorge, where the rain fall is the highest in the South, and once it starts raining it goes on for 10-15 days. Baba was there, so there was a public meeting in the open. I was to translate His Telegu speech into Kannada, the language of the area. Before Baba spoke, He asked me to say something. And like a fool, I started with rain as the subject.

Everyone in the audience, there were about 10, 000 people, were looking back at the hills in the distance, because they were conscious that the rain would be coming soon upon them. So I said in my speech, "Why are you turning back like that all of you, looking at the mountain ranges in the distance'? There won't be any rain because wherever Baba is, He has said His functions will never be disturbed by rain", and I told them a story that is in the Bhagavad Gita.

The story is that Indra - the God of rain, felt that he was insulted by Krishna who wanted the Indra worship to be stopped and he wanted the mountain in that region to be worshipped. Krishna said, "Why is everyone worshipping God in the sky, we must worship this mountain because it is full of trees, and it is this mountain that brings down the rain that grows the grass for our cattle to feed and therefore we must be thankful to the mountain and not to some imaginary God who lives in the sky". Hence, Indra worship stopped and Indra got angry and He poured tonnes of rain on every square inch of the ground. Krishna lifted up the hill with one finger, they say, and underneath the hill, the entire population of man and the cattle were sheltered.

nat09I told the audience that Swami can stop the rain without lifting up the hill, as was done in Krishna's time.

When Swami began His speech, I had to translate, so I was standing by His side. When I looked at the mountain range in the distance, I saw the rain coming closer. It came down the hills, it was attacking the plains, it was coming towards the town. It came very close; the distance was so small that we could feel the cold wind that was accompanying it, and all the time I was engaged in praying within my mind, "Swami, please stop that rain, If it comes here, people will be disillusioned. I am sorry Swami, I should have asked you whether I could give the story of You being able to control the rain. I should have asked You! But I did not, so You have to pardon me for my impertinence".

I was feeling terrible! My mind was in a dither. But I had to listen to Swami and translate His speech, and so I had to cut down my fear. I was terribly tortured during that one hour whilst Swami spoke. I continued to pray to Him in my mind, "Swami, stop this speech, the rain is coming. Swami please stop, the rain is coming". But He would not stop; He even spoke for extra time. And finally He said.

This Kasturi, though he gave the story of the rain, does not have faith, all the time he worried in his mind whether I will be able to stop the rain. The rain will come now. It will be here in about 15 minutes. So all of you get home".

A Wonderful Incident of Bhagawan's Love – From a Sai Student’s Diary

 

This incident happened on Jan 3rd, 1989. Every year, the first two weeks of January are very lively for all the Students of Swami's college. Because, the Inter-campus Sports and Games take place during this time. I was a good Athlete in my school and college and I have participated in many sports and games and won a number of medals and had the good fortune to receive them from the lord himself for many years. That day early in the morning ( around 6 :30 a.m. ) I was all set to go for the Long Jump finals. There were 5 other finalists. I had won the first prize during the previous two years and I was a little overconfident this time, and thought I would repeat the history. I did not even warm up or loosen my muscles because of this overconfidence. But I always prayed to Swami before I took the jump. 1501

As all of us know, we would be given 3 chances to make our best mark in the Long Jump. I have taken my first and the distance I jumped was awfully low. Almost all
others cleared it. I have taken my second jump and it was fairly better but surely not the best of me. But something happened at that time. I sprained my ankle. I could not even stand up after that jump and I had to be physically lifted and taken to the hospital directly from the field.
I could not bear the excruciating pain at that time. Obviously, I did not take the third jump. I knew I would lose the prize this time as that was not my best jump. I was feeling awfully bad because Swami taught me a lesson for my overconfidence and I repented for this. The ever-forgiving and ever-kind lord has forgiven me and I learnt later at the hospital that I won the First Prize. I was in tears for his benevolence. There is more... Because of the Sprain I had to "bunk" my college, I was happy about it, but I was hoping to make it for the Darshan in the evening.

My doctor advised me not to strain my leg any further and he has advised complete rest. I pleaded to go for the Darshan and he said "Pray to Swami he will take care of you, but do not go for Darshan", because my foot was swollen and round like a big
football ! I felt miserable at this time and I kept crying as I had never missed Darshan in my whole stay at Prasanthinilayam. That was the first time. I was lying down on my bed kept imagining what was happening at the Ashram. " .......Now Swami is coming out... He is on the ladies section .. now He is taking letters from a devotee.. now He is creating Vibhuti for another Devotee... Now He is signalling a devotee to go in for the interview.......".
Another student, Srinivas, who was participating in some sports events that evening, was asked to take care of my needs as well, as I could not move out of my bed without someone's help. It was just around 4:15 p.m. or so.. Srinivas excused himself and went to the rest room. I was lying down on the bed, turned towards the wall, covered my face with the rug and lost in my imaginations about Swami's darshan. Tears kept rolling from my eyes as I was feeling really bad for not having Swami's Darshan. I did not want any one to see that I was crying so, I covered my face fully and turned towards the wall. Then.. I felt as if someone tapped my back from behind. I thought it was Srinivas again, I thought he brought me some coffee or some snacks.
Slowly I turned to tell him that I was not in a mood... but...it was not Srinivas... and behold... I found the Lord standing there !!! I was dazed... trust me I was totally amazed...I thought I was still imagining Swami's Darshan...and kept staring at Swami's beautiful face without an expression or a word.... I was not sure if I was in a dream or wakeful status.
As you all know by now that Swami gives Darshan in the mornings and there would be Bhajans at 9 a.m. Swami takes quick ( 3-5 minute ) lunch soon after bhajans and at that time if he wants to visit different places, he goes out for about 1 hour, and then retires for that session. The objective is to generally oversee how different organizations ( like the Super Speciality Hospital, the University or the Gokulam etc.,. ) are operating and any other new constructions etc.

Obviously Swami's visit to these places gives immense joy and pleasure to people working there and it rejuvenates their energy and dedication to their work. Because everyone wants to please Swami with their devotion and dedication to work. He, however, does not visit the Boys' hostel during these times. The Students will have to pray to Swami to make a visit, it is only then He goes to the Hostel when all the students are in the Hostel, and gives them the immense pleasure of his presence.
Apart from these morning visits, Swami normally does not go out of the Ashram at all. But that day was different.Swami apparently gave a very quick Darshan and got into His car along with another senior devotee ( Mr.V.K. Narasimhan- editor of Sanathana Sarathi ) came straight to the Hostel.......into my room. Swami said " it is not a dream, it is real " (in english ).. I tried to get up and Swami asked me not to.

He then started explaining to Mr. Narasimhan in Telugu as to how I jumped and fell down in a wrong position. he told Mr. Narasimhan that for that fall, I should have broken my ankle. But Swami saved me, made sure that my ankle was not broken and it was only a sprain.
I then realised finally that swami was actually there in front of me !! I broke down, my heart melt down for His motherly love and I threw myself on His feet and kept sobbing. Swami patted my back with a lot of affection, created Vibhuti and rubbed it on my face, put some in my mouth, gave some in hand and asked me to put it on my leg. He said, "do not worry.. It will go away soon.( in telugu )" and quickly walked out of the room.

No one in the Ashram knew where and why Swami was going. I was just one of the 800 students and thousands of devotees sitting for swami's darshan in the Ashram, leaving all his near and dear devotees in the Ashram and many important tasks in the Ashram and go out of his way to shower his grace on a small, not-so-important, unwanted soul like me ? He would melt for pure Love from the devotee and sincere yearning and craving for Him.

OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAFGE

Monday, August 01, 2011

Remaining loyal

 

During the 2nd world conference of Sri Sathya Sai organizations held in Prasanthi Nilayam, besides the daily Divine discourses, there were talks by some of Swami's close devotees.

Dr. Nithyananda Menon, who was at that time a faculty member of Swami's college at Whitefield, narrated this astounding miracle in the DIVINE presence.
This incident is about a rich gentleman in Zimbabwe in Africa . At that time there was a lot of political turmoil in that country. This rich Landlord, who owned lot of properties in that country, had come to India and was staying in Bombay . He came in contact with many overseas visitors in that hotel, some of whom happened to be devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba!!!
He was hearing about Baba for the first time and came to be impressed by some of the miracles reported by others. Incidentally, Baba had also come to Bombay at that time and was in Dharmakshethra. Our gentleman from Zimbabwe accompanied others to have Baba's Darshan. He later followed Swami to Puttaparthi and stayed there for the next few months!!!
In Prasanthi Nilayam, he was also blessed with many interviews. Swami had explained to him the purpose of human birth in this planet and the necessity to live a pious and spiritual life. He was made to understand that divinity is inherent in all the creations and that love should be extended to and shared with all others especially those who work for him.
After a few months in the Divine presence, he was directed by Swami to go back to his country. He had to leave Prasanthi Nilayam reluctantly and reached Bombay on his way back to his country. During the entire period of his blissful days in Prashanthi Nilayam, he was unaware of the happenings around the world, especially in his own country!!!
On reaching Bombay , he came to know of the political upheaval in his country, involving the take over of the country by the natives from the minority government.
The Landlord got worried & called his ranch manager and was surprised to hear from him that though the country was passing through a state of turbulence, his ranch and properties had not been affected. On the contrary, the workers very considerate and demonstrated a total loyalty, something unbelievable! !!
On arrival in his country, he invited all the workers to his ranch the same night to have food with him. A large size photograph of Bhagavan Baba brought by him from Prasanthi Nilayam, covered with a piece of cloth, was kept near the chair. He mingled very freely with his workers enquiring about their welfare, which he had never done in his earlier days. After the food was served, he addressed the workers.
SwaminatureHe conveyed his heartfelt thanks to all of them for their noble behavior even at the time of crisis in the nation. He told them of his meeting with the Living God in India and of the blissful days he spent in His Divine Presence, which had mellowed him into a true human being.
He further announced that he was going to show them the Living God and removed the cloth covering the photograph of Bhagavan Baba!!! But to his surprise this didn't evoke any trace of curiosity among the laborers. On the contrary they were laughing by themselves!
The labor leader got up and said; " You might have seen Him in India .. But till yesterday, we were seeing Him, here every day in our fields!!! First, we sighted Him one day far away in the Horizon when the sun was rising early in the morning. He raised His hands and blessed us. Later on He came down to us and conversed with us.
This was going on during all these days when you were away. He had taught us the importance of remaining loyal to those who were giving work and a living to us.. He had taught us the same path of love, which had been taught to you also.. It seems the very same God who happened to be with us had taken you also under His merciful fold. Yes sir, we were seeing Him almost everyday! 
This amazing disclosure of the laborer completely astonished the landlord who was with Swami all during that time at Prasanthi Nilayam!!!

OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE

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