An Electric Experience

 

During the olden days, the decoration in the Mandir would be done by the students during the festive occasions. And on one such occasion, the students were putting up serial bulbs as part of the decoration. And it so happened that they needed to use a live wire to complete this particular task. A part of this live wire was bare, exposed and un-insulated. Somebody had very thoughtfully placed a stool, where the exposed part of the wire lay, so that no harm would occur to any of the students accidentally through an electric shock. But in the hurry that ensued, during the decoration, somebody moved the stool away from its position.

Swami was watching. He saw the stool being moved away and He quietly moved to the area where the exposed bare wire lay and stood with His legs across on both the sides, so that, the exposed part of the wire was right under Him and so that no harm would befall on any of His students.

From there, He continued supervising the work and giving directions. Till the entire decoration was over, Swami stood right there, in that very same place and exact posture, and finally, when the decoration was over, and there was no necessity for this wire, only then did He move away. And it was at this moment that the students too realized what Bhagavan had taken upon Himself to prevent any suffering to His students. The Lord voluntarily takes up the suffering of His devotees.

If a friend or a colleague commits an error, we know how we react in such a situation. But here was the Lord, who did not utter a word, but volunteered to take away the sufferings and avoid the harm to His devotees, saving the mistake of His devotee.

-- Mr. Subhash Subramaniam, a research scholar in Bhagavan’s University

The Charismatic Charioteer

Devotion to God is fundamental to leading a virtuous life. Swami, through His Divine Love and in His own inimitable way, evokes in each of our hearts, this devotion and builds our faith. I would like to share with you, one such instance, when Swami through a simple and appealing example captured the heart of a young boy in an instant, making him a devotee for life!

During an interview, Swami asked our young son to ask Him a question.

The boy said, “Swami, which is your favourite car?”

My heart sank and I thought to myself, “Is this the question to ask Swami? Time with Swami is so precious!”

Swami gave a lovely smile and answered, “Morris Minor” and went on to tell stories of how He used to drive to Madras and how He obtained a license.

“You used to drive it yourself Swami?” Exclaimed the boy, stars in His eyes!

Swami had woven a bit of magic and our son looked at Swami transfixed.

Swami went on to say, “I will give you a big car. Will you take it? You mustn’t say no!”

And the boy, a bit overawed by now, said, “OK!”

Swami then asked, “Will you give me your car?”

Prompt came the answer, “Sure Swami!”

“Shall I drive it?”

And the boy again said, “Sure, Swami.”

Swami then smilingly placed His hand on our son’s heart and said, “Your heart is the car and I am the driver.”

One of the most profound lessons in devotion had been taught by Swami in the simplest possible manner! Swami says, “Have faith in Him” and “Be free from fear, anxiety and agitation. Surrender to God; His Grace can save you. His wisdom can enlighten you. His power can overcome all obstacles. Faith and surrender are the manifestations of devotion.”

-- Mrs. Mallika Srinivasan, CEO of TAFE [Tractors and Farm Equipment]

God Listens to Every Little Thought

 

Swami once happened to come in His car to the hill view stadium. After completing a round, we saw His car coming to a halt just near the rear entrance of the hostel. With anticipation, we waited to see if His car would turn and take the route into the hostel. Strangely Swami's car just waited there – none of us could guess why. After this brief halt, to our disappointment Swami's car turned away and the divine visit was not to be. The purpose of this short halt did not remain a mystery for long. In the afternoon Swami enquired about a particular boy in the hostel. The warden started summoning boys to where Swami sat, but none of them was the student Swami was looking for. He then mentioned that the boy was a student in the music college. There was a music college boy sitting right next to me and I prodded him to go on upto Swami. As soon as he got up, Swami's face lit up with recognition and He beckoned him to come up front. We were wonderstruck, after all - what was so special about this boy that Swami Himself had to search for him? What we heard from Swami that moment was something none of us could have anticipated. Swami asked the boy "Today morning weren't you sitting near the window of your room with a bad headache? You thought how nice it would be if Swami were to come right there. However you did not to lift yourself and look outside the window – I was right there outside the hostel looking at you!"  Swami had conveyed a profound truth in such a casual and simple way! God is there always waiting, man only needs to lift himself – if he puts that effort then he could experience God.

From Vidhyullekha - Alumini's news letter - Annual Edition 2008 - 2009

Swami's Divine Poornachandra Session with Alumni Students

 

Swami had decided to bestow a great boon upon the 700 Alumni Students them as He had sent word that He would interact with all of them in the Poornachandra Auditorium after the morning bhajans. By 8:30am, all the students sat ready in Poornachandra and it was at about 9:00 am that Swami arrived for darshan. The time scheduled for the alumni was 10:00am.
But though Swami took a complete round of the Kulwant hall, He seemed to be in a great hurry as His beloved children awaited Him in the auditorium and He seemed to be wanting to be there as soon as possible, ASAP as its called! It was just 9:20am when Swami received Aarthi and then moved into the Poornachandra auditorium.
A small stage had been arranged for Swami so that He could be seen by one and all assembled. Swami was welcomed by a small contingent of Veda chanting boys and soon He took His place - on the stage and in the thirsting eyes of every alumnus sitting there.
There were also the elders whom Swami brought with Him- Sri Chakravarthy, secretary of Central trust; Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice chancellor; Sri V Srinivasan, the All India Sai organisation President; Prof. G Venkatraman, the great scientist and director of the RadioSai studios and Sri S V Giri, the former vice chancellor.
Sri Chakravarthy introduced the speakers for the day. First Sri S V Giri spoke on the responsibilities that rest on the strong shoulders of the alumni. As he spoke, an interesting incident took place. One of the members of the alumni, a senior above 50 years of age maybe, was moving to and fro right at the back, to get a good view of the proceedings maybe. Swami noticed that and seemed a bit uncomfortable. And sure enough, in two minutes, the student next to Swami came walking all the way to the back asking, "Who was it that was walking over here?" At first everyone felt that Swami was disturbed. It got confirmed soon but why had He been disturbed? The student located the disturber and asked, "Sir would you like a chair to sit on? Swami sees that you are not able to sit on the floor." The answering was done with a nod saying, "No" and profuse tears down the cheeks. The alumnus then got up and moving towards the front, sat in the corner but in the first row! Swami saw that and seemed satisfied!
The second speaker was Sri V Srinivasan. He spoke very inspiringly on the growth and spread of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in India. Many facts little known to most of the devotees and students were revealed and very deservingly, there were 4-5 rounds of applause for him. After he finished his speech, Swami told him with great pride to announce that he was the All India President. An overwhelmed Srinivasan said that more than anything else, he wished to be a humble devotee and concluded his speech.
The Alumni coordinator then went forward to request Swami for the divine discourse. Swami materialized vibhuti and gave him and then also agreed to address the students. Another poignant scene took place now. Swami noticed a student, Raghuram, who currently works for RadioSai global harmony. He has been physically challenged due to a tragic accident and has been on the wheelchair since. Swami asked him to come over to the dais.. As the boy reached there, Swami waved His hand and materialized a gold ring. Amidst the cheer that ran about the hall, Swami enquired into the well being of the boy's mother and sister. HE promised him that he would very soon speak to them as a family and then put the ring to the right hand. He asked Swami for paadanamaskar. Swami agreed and knowing that it was very difficult for the boy to bend down, Swami did something that none imagined. He slowly lifted His right leg and placed it near the knee of the boy. After he touched it, Swami now raised His left leg too and placed it there! The boy was thrilled at this special paadanamaskar. As he returned to His place, Swami began His divine discourse.

Important Points of the Wonderful Divine Discourse :

1. Swami emphasised on the message of Advaita, stressing the point that there is nothing in this world which is not divine, and that we should conduct ourselves bearing this in mind.
2. Swami also stressed on the need for one and all to realise the inherent divinity.
The most interesting part was when towards the end, Swami asked,"Does anyone have doubts? Ask and I shall answer them now in a perfect manner." What followed was a Divine Question and Answer Session
Question : Swami. We know that we are truth and the truth is everywhere. So we must be everywhere right…..
Swami could not follow the question hence the boy tried to explain! "Swami I'm everywhere but I don't realize it…!"
Swami----You are not everywhere, you are right now here!(everyone laughs )…If you are in path of Truth then you will know you are the Truth…..(Swami conveyed to boy that if he believes he is the Eternal Atma then he is everywhere and if he restricts himself to body then he is now here!)

Question : Swami. We don't have time available for spiritual activities and service as we are bogged by daily activities….what shall we do (there were tears in his eyes out of helplessness)…

Swami : Don't feel bad about it…do as much as you can in little time available …do little service but offer it to lord….if you can't do even that then do your job or activity as the service to lord…..That'll make Him happy
Question :(In kannada) ,Swami as we (boys) plan to do activities and projects in larger scale how do we go about doing the same….do we need to form organized groups and start off…

Swami—(In kannada) Yes….form proper groups and go about in a systematic way…..I've already told this(swami has mentioned the same in Man management)
Question :(one student who was Teacher)…Swami…we all have only one prayer in our hearts …you should walk …like you used to do earlier….
Swami…(with out a pause) …Yes …I will!...I used to walk earlier properly….only recently I had a fall and doctors told me not to walk and take rest…I'm just abiding by their words….I have organize a Yagnam in Parthi (ARMY) and one in Chenni(ARMY ---II)…I'm managing quite a lot like this too…but I'll surely walk…(Swami lifted both His legs and played them in the air as He spoke)
Question : Swami…what should we do to become closer to swami….
Swami---(without delay)…Swami should (will to) take you closer…! (Swami conveyed its His grace that matters not any amount of penance you do…., he added ),If you want to become closer keep Swami in your heart…Then you need not come to Swami and He will come closer to you….
Question : Swami…How do we get Atmanandam (perennial bliss)…

Swami---You should carry less luggage…less luggage is more comfort… Reduce your desires and put a ceiling on it
Question : Swami..how do we take care of our kids in countries where there are not even Indian families forget the Sai centers….
Swami---where are you right now….
Boy---…I've returned back to India….
Swami---I'm very happy…Congratulations…America is not good at the moment…all our people should return to native land…One lakh in USA is equal to 10,000 in India….
Question - Swami---How do we achieve total surrender…..
Swami---Bangaaru! ---Surrender is not so easy…so many after they surrender would still carry the burden of doubt in their minds….so just follow how much you can….and stop doubting.
It was already nearing 11:30am and Swami said that He would speak to all the next day too. Then Swami received Aarthi and blessed those who took a flower and the holy grains upto Him. As He moved back towards the residence, Swami collected letters from all the students who lined up the entire pathway. Swami retired leaving behind cherished memories and wonderful feelings.
Om Sai Ram

From Disability to Ability

The Omnipresent One cares for you in your absence as much as He enthralls you in your presence. One such account by a student of Bhagawan's University sheds light on the affection par excellence of the Divine Mother. Read on for an account by Sri P.S. Priya Chakravarthi, an alumnus of Sathya Sai University as published in Fragrance - A Tale of Love, souvenir brought out by the School of Business Management - Accounts and Finance, Sri Sathya Sai University.

From Disability to Ability

It was during Dasera in 1995, just after my B.Sc. (Honours) Course, in the Brindavan campus of SSSIHL. All the Brindavan boys who stayed back for the vacation were accommodated in the old Hostel located near the Mandir. As usual, the students used to rush inside the Mandir and were often selective about their sitting locations. I used to have a particular seat where I sat for Swami’s Darshan. May be it was my perception, but Swami appeared to avoid looking in the direction where I used to sit.

One day during Darshan, observing my vacant seat, Swami enquired about my absence from my brother (Vamsi, MBA 1995-97) and asked him where I was. My brother was perplexed and he feared that I was absconding from Darshan with no valid reason. Once the Darshan got over and Swami went inside the interview room with a few devotees, my brother immediately rushed to the old Hostel where I was sleeping. He approached me with anger but seeing me, his anger melted down. He saw me in lot of pain and my face wet with sweat. I was finding it difficult to even sit down on my bed. I was struggling with excruciating pain at the right lower side, but I had not mentioned about this to anyone.

He immediately went back to the Mandir and Swami again approached him and asked him as to where Chakravarthy was. My brother promptly replied that I was in agony and was experiencing unbearable pain. This shows the Omnipresence of Swami. Bhagawan exhibits His Love for all His beings where ever they are, immaterial of whether they are present physically in front of Him or not.

Swami smiled at him and immediately calling a doctor, told him to take me to the Super Speciality Hospital. He also directed my brother to accompany me. I was transported to the Hospital and was given medical attention. In the evening Swami again called my brother and the doctor, materialised Vibuthi and gave money to buy tender coconuts to be given to me with instructions that the Vibuthi should be applied externally at the place where the pain occurred. It reached me by evening. This act of Grace repeated for 3 days (Swami materialising Vibuthi, giving money to buy tender coconuts to be given to me)!  The 3rd day, Swami instructed that the Vibuthi should be taken with water.

Then came the D-day, when the senior surgeon recommended that I should be operated upon immediately. I was in a dilemma and could not accept the fact that I was suffering from appendicitis. But the situation demanded surgery and I had no choice. Prior to my operation, I wanted to have Swami’s Darshan and possibly, a chance to talk to Him about my operation (shows my ignorance!). I was permitted for Darshan and was sitting in the front line, mainly to catch the attention of Swami. As usual Swami was busy and He was distributing Prasadam. I was not making any attempt to talk to Him as He was very busy, but the doctor on the verandah began insisting that I should take a chance to talk to Swami. Then, by Swami’s Sankalpa I got a chance to talk to Him. I told Swami, “The doctor says I need to be operated; I need your Grace and Blessings”. Swami gave a stern look and He moved away from me without saying a single wor d. This gave me a shiver that chilled my bones! I was baffled and scared.

My operation was scheduled for the next morning and the doctor administered some medicines. He advised his team to do an initial scan on me to get more clarity about my ailment. But lo and behold! When the reports of the scan arrived, the protrusion of the appendix was literally not visible! The team wrestled with the machine but it always showed a negative report for the protrusion. I was brought back to my ward. The senior doctor was astonished, but was ready to accept this as an instance of the Omnipotence of Swami. I was discharged in a day and I went for Darshan. This time Swami gave me a smile and moved on silently!

This is just one of the many incidents showing His Omnipresence, Omnipotence and Omniscience.

Train service to Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam

CHENNAI: Southern Railway will introduce a direct train service to Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam from Chennai Central by extending trains (2691/2692) Chennai Central-Bangalore weekend expresses.

The inaugural service will be flagged off by Minister of State for Railways R.Velu on December 7 at the Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam railway station. Regular  service will commence on December 12 from Chennai Central and December 14 from Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam.

The train will leave Chennai Central at 11.30 p.m. on Fridays and reach Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam at 10.20 a.m. the next day.

It will leave Sri Satya Sai Prasanti Nilayam at 7.10 p.m. on Sundays and arrive at Chennai Central at 5.15 a.m., according to a Southern Railway release. — Special Correspondent

Source: The Hindu

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BHAGAWAN !!!

"The day when you resolve to practise My advice; to follow my directives, to translate My message into acts of service, and to engage in spiritual discipline-that day is My birthday for you. The 23rd of November which you now honor as the day on which I was born, is only like any other day, even if you celebrate it in a routine, ritual fashion. Adore man: the adoration reaches Me. Neglect man; you neglect Me. Of what avail is it to worship the Lord and to suppress man, His counterpart on earth? Love for God must be manifested as Love for man, and Love must express itself as service."

SAHASRA POORNA CHANDRA DARSHANA SHANTI MAHOTSAVAM - GOLDEN CHARIOT

VIDEO : http://sssbpt.org/Pages/83-birthday/videos.htm

When the almighty Lord decided to script His own story for a descend down to planet earth, He had everything fell in place and in that was written in gold – 17th November 2008, and the day was indeed golden.

Inducing nostalgic memoirs of the epochal scene way back in 1997, Prasanthi witnessed yet another grand spectacle, Golden Chariot Procession coinciding with the grand finale of the three day long Sahasra Poornachandra Darshana Mahotsavam.

The atmosphere around was electrifying as thousands of hearts and minds woke up to a morning that promised much, with greater expectation of beholding yet another Divine Sport!

As time ticked to the scheduled hour, it was expectation in the air with greater enthusiasm, as all eyes ready to gaze on the Lord of thousand moons coming in a regal procession on the golden chariot.  Adding to this expectancy came through the mike mellifluous poetic rendering by Madugula Nagaphani Sharma who rendered the air that was intermittently translated by Prof. Anil Kumar, boosting the air of expectancy.  The tempo was further enhanced with the song Sarvam Sai Mayam Jagamantha Sai that was followed by yet another audio on Sai Mahatmyam.

Surya Koti Samaprabha the brilliance of one crore (10 million) suns. As said in the Sloka (verse) Vakrutanda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha …Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba shone with the brilliance of millions of suns when He entered the stadium at 9.40 a.m. in a glowing yellow robe sitting majestically on the brilliant Suvarna Ratham (golden chariot). It was a sight to behold for everyone, not only for the mortals, but also for the gods of the highest heavens. An attempt to describe such a sight as the brilliance of millions of suns only shows our shallowness, it defies all descriptions.

As Bhagawan ascended the golden chariot and came in the procession towards the Shanti Vedhi, filling the hearts of one and all with Divine ecstasy, a welcome song, sung Shankar Mahadevan, playback singer of fame, describing the Lord’s glory and grandeur rendered the air giving a fillip to the already charged atmosphere.Bhagawan was heralded into the Hill View Stadium in a long procession consisting of two huge elephants, Institute Brass Band playing sonorous tunes, Bhagawan’s beloved elephant Sathya Geeta and a big contingent of about 150 Veda chanting students in ochre dhotis and angavastrams. As Bhagawan neared the Yajna Vedika, like the previous two days of the Yajna, there was a booming display of pyrotechnics.

Upon entering the Yajna Vedhi after a 20 mts. chariot ride, Bhagawan was traditionally and religiously welcomed with Poornakumbham by family members and senior devotees. 

Earlier the proceedings for the final day began at 6:30 a.m. with ganapathi pooja and special sankalpa for the homam. Rithwicks in groups gathered around the 10 homa kundas offering ghee and boiled rice with the accompaniment of vedic chanting, that went on for almost 2 hours.

After Bhagawan entered the Yajna Vedika, this being the concluding day, 17th November 2008, Lakshminarayana Poornahuti was performed for the Yajna. The priests chanted sacred Vedic Mantras in unison, Veda chanting students chanted Sri Rudra Prasna, Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam and Durga Suktam as Bhagawan was giving Darshan to devotees from the Vedika. He went to each side of the Vedika to bless the vast multitudes of devotees with His Darshan. One could see a huge concourse of devotees literally filling every inch of space in the stadium. Precious materials were offered in each of the 10 Yajna Kundas. Bhagawan blessed them before they were offered in the Yajna Kunda. Final offerings were done in each of the Yajna Kundas with ghee (clarified butter) and fruits.

There was a wide array of Mathadipathis (heads of Maths) from different Maths of India. These luminaries are the heads of prominent Maths in India. They had come to grace this auspicious function by their presence and also shared the dais with Bhagawan. They were: Sri Sri Sri Dr. Shivakumara Swamigalu, Head of Sri Siddaganga Math, Tumkur is a nonagenarian and also spoke a few words on this occasion, Sri Jagadguru Madhwacharya Mahasamsthana Pejawara Mathadeesha H.H. Sri Vishwesha Tirtha, Sri Sri Sri 1008 Sri Sushameendra Thirtha  Sri Padulavaru, Sri Jagadguru Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Suttur Math, Sri Sri Rangapriya Mahadesika Sri Sri and Sri Sakthiamma, Sripuruam, Golden Temple, Sri Narayani Pitham. Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji graced this occasion on 16th November. Sri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra also shared the dais with Bhagawan and sought His blessings. This most auspicious and holy function concluded with Jaikars – Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ki Jai and offer of Arati to Bhagawan at 11.00 a.m.

After the Poornahuthi, Bhagawan appeared at the front of the Vedika followed by distinguished guests who arrayed on either side of Bhagawan granting a rare spectacle for the multitudes gathered all over the stadium. For the devotees who have been waiting from early hours it was indeed a sight to behold with the yellow clad Lord of thousand moons granting darshan on the most auspicious day. Adding fervour to the grand spectacle came the helicopter drizzling holy water blessing the multitudes from heaven followed by a shower of hues (confetti) rejoicing the grandeur and beauty of this earthly carnival. It was indeed a golden day to rejoice!!!

God and the Ice Cream

One day many years ago, Swami distributed ice cream to the boys. The brand name was JOY ice cream, and it was gifted by a devotee who owned the company. While boys were enjoying the ice cream, Baba went round as usual, asking the boys how they liked the ice cream. And then suddenly He asked a boy, "Boy what do you think God is like?" The boy was taken aback. He was fully immersed in enjoying ice cream, and God was, at least at that moment, far from his mind! Swami asked another boy the same question, and he too blinked. After drawing a blank response a few more times, Swami smiled and slowly said,"God is SWEET like ice cream!" The boys became attentive. Swami continued, "God is SOFT like ice cream!" By now, the boys had stopped eating, while Swami went on, "God is COOL like ice cream!" And then the punch line: "He gives JOY like ice cream!"
What a delightful play on words! Sage Ramakrishna Paramahamsa once declared, "God alone can make complicated things simple, so simple in fact that even a child can understand." How very true!

Wielding the Ultimate Weapon of Conquest: Love

It was the worst nightmare anyone midair could ever go through. With the most menacing looking hijackers staring down at them, the horrified and helpless hostages watched the macabre dance of their imminent end being played out right before their very eyes. Armed to the teeth, the hijackers had strewn broken liquor and perfume bottles along the aisles to ensure that when they did light the fire, the plane would burn brilliantly. Meanwhile, they were running out of fuel and had been denied landing at any of the European cities the flight was hovering over.

The hijackers had originally hoped to land in Athens, Greece. They were seeking the release of two of their compatriots imprisoned there for a former similar misadventure. Their ultimatum to the passengers hardly required any translation from Arabic to English. Their intent was clear enough. With their original plan thwarted, they planned to blow up the planeload of passengers over the North Sea.

The year was 1975 and caught in the thick of this horrifying episode were the American couple, Mr. Sidney Krystal, a prominent Los Angeles attorney, and his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Krystal, a psychotherapist. The Krystals were returning home from India, after a visit to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Reliving that dreadful moment, Mrs. Phyllis Krystal, now 95, recalls, “One of the hijackers was smoking a cigarette which was hanging out of his mouth. Sydney, being a lawyer, said, ‘We know he is going to blow up the plane here if that cigarette drops on any of this ammunition…. Now, you know, we have had a very good and a long life together…. You are going to have to understand that you will not survive, and you will not see your daughters again.’ And then out of my mouth came the most astonishing sentence. I said, ‘Don’t be so foolish! We are going to survive.’ And I don’t know where that came from.

“I then remembered Baba’s room when we were at Dharmakshetra, [Baba’s residence in Mumbai] So, instantly I visualized it again, and really concentrated on that room and started to say in my very excited English accent, ‘Baba! Baba! Baba! Please help!’

“And the next moment the most astonishing thing came into my mind. It was as if His voice was clearly heard. He said, ‘Send love to them.’
“And I remember saying, ‘Are You crazy? Have you looked at their faces? Have you seen that they want to kill us and you expect me to send love to them?’ And the next thing that came to my mind, which was again very clear, was that I should be able to send His Love because only Sai Baba could see the God even in the hijackers.

“I started to visualize Baba in His room in Dharmakshetra. I was breathing in His Love so consciously as I had never done before, and then I just directed it to the hijackers. As I did it, they got more, and more, and more nervous. They were trembling, they dropped the ammunition. One man dropped the cigarette and immediately put it out.”

Through the force of this invisible energy that Phyllis Krystal was transmitting to the hijackers, the situation on the troubled flight began to change dramatically. The evil doers appeared visibly weakened in their resolve. Confessing her own shock at the effectiveness of the simple guidance she had received, she said, “I was so astonished! I was doing what I was told to do, but I suppose I didn’t realize that it would really work! And so, I was really quite surprised. But it was immediate! The one that was smoking started to tremble.

“Oh, and I forgot to tell you! He cut his wrist on one of the bottles! And then took a handkerchief and wound it around. And they really began to get extremely jittery and they were looking around wondering whatever was making them nervous and where it was coming from… the entire atmosphere was changing rapidly. Thank God, they didn’t suspect me!”
After hours of undergoing the horrific ordeal, the plane was allowed to land at Amsterdam and all the passengers had to slide down the emergency chute for their dear lives, leaving behind all their belongings, including passports, shoes and jackets. Within minutes, the hijackers set the plane ablaze. They were arrested shortly thereafter.

Later the same year, when Phyllis and Sidney Krystal were back in India to see Bhagavan Baba, He confirmed His direct intervention in the situation. Phyllis explained, “As soon as we got there, Swami came to us and I started to thank Him. And He interrupted me saying, ‘Yes, I heard you.’

"And He mimicked my voice in a very English accent which, as my children always tell me, comes out very strongly when I was angry or excited or frightened. It was hysterical and we laughed so much because Baba mimicking an English accent was really very sweet! He invited us for lunch and then gave us a very quick interview.

"And when we were with him, He explained what had happened: From what I understood, the most important thing He said was that the entire plane loaded with people was saved because the plane was filled with His Love.”

-- Mrs. Phyllis Krystal, one of the hostages of the 1975 hijacking

SCINTILLATING MOMENTS WITH SAI

Here are a few excerpts of Prof. Anil Kumar’s talk delivered in the Divine Presence on the 13th july 2004.

“You Should Know That I Know”

These were the days when I was there in Brindavan quite fresh to the Sai system of education and the campus as well. (Prof. Anil Kumar had newly joined the Brindavan campus as the Principal of the college).

One Sunday Bhagavan drove straight to the campus about 8 am. Luckily I was there, even though usually we would take rest on Sundays but I congratulated my stars that they had driven me to be present on that day most unexpectedly.

At that time there was a gentleman named Col. Sood from Punjab who, along with 18 associates, was working in the garden. Well I did not know who they were but someone told me that they do the work regularly.

Bhagavan got down from the car and asked me who are those men. I replied that I did not know. Bhagavan immediately said 'Can anybody step into the college like that and do work without your permission?' (Prof. Anil Kumar being the Principal).
What am I to do? But then I wanted to be smart and said 'Bhagavan shall I ask them to get out?' Bhagavan replied, 'Since you did not ask them to come in, how can you ask them to go?' I was stuck in between 'to be or not to be that is the question'. Swami smiled and left.

Then I thought it is my duty to keep myself abreast of the situation. I slowly approached Col. Sood and did some homework: who he was and his associates. I became familiar with all the data: so and so from Kerala, another from Tamil Nadu, etc.

Bhagavan again came to the college campus at 4 pm . Without being called to come close I ran up to Bhagavan and started to exhibit my knowledge. So and so is Col Sood, so and so from Kerala, so and so from Tamil Nadu.
Swami heard this and I thought that He appreciated my knowledge. Swami walked to Col. Sood and materialised a big ring for him. He then enquired about his son and daughter saying that she must be in her final year of medicine and that his son is in Patilia… He went on talking like this.
I was really non-plussed at that moment. I went up to Bhagavan and said 'Swami, when You know him and everybody very well, why did You ask me about them? Why did You listen to all this information from me?

Swami's reply is the message that we should take note of. He said,

"I know everything but you should know that I know - therefore I ask you."

Anything Can Happen At Anytime

Another experience that I wish to share with you happened in Kodai Kanal. We were all seated at the breakfast table and by my side was one gentleman by name Mohan Das. A very good gentleman of my age group and both of us usually sit together. Swami walked slowly up to us and said 'What is the breakfast?' Then I replied, 'Swami, poori and idli.'

'Oh I see' said Swami, 'good, good' and looked at the plate.

Then Swami came close to Mohan Das and picked up one poori saying, 'It is well done' and tore it at the centre. A diamond ring appeared there! Swami put it on Mohan Das' finger!

Watching all this I started to eat slowly. Bhagavan asked me why I was eating slowly? I replied,

'Swami who knows there may be a diamond ring in my poori also. I want to be extra careful so that it does not get stuck in my gullet by accident!'

Baba reposted, 'I am not going to give - ask your mother-in-law. '

So I saw the materialisation out of a poori ! Anything can happen at anytime

He Can Never Forget You

I remember Bhagavan attending a music concert in Choudaiah Memorial Hall in Bangalore . A very good music programme attended by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the Chief Commissioner, the Railways Minister and Bhagavan presided over the whole programme.

At the end of the programme while Bhagavan was leaving the auditorium I saw an old couple who must have been in their 90's at the back of the hall. Swami went all the way there, took the old man's hand and asked him how he was. Swami blessed the couple and then left.

I was very much surprised at this but later I came to know that he had been the Electricity Board chairman and also an ardent devote of Bhagavan for a long time.

This only goes to prove that Bhagavan will never forget us. We may find it difficult to walk because of age, we may find it difficult to hear but Bhagavan always remembers everybody.

Long back in the 1980's a yagna was taking place in the Poornachandra auditorium. Next to me sat a man called Rajagopal, a revenue inspector from Venkatagiri. He told me that he had visited Prashanti Nilayam many years ago but he is returning now after 20 years. He related that Swami would visit Venkatagiri every year and sang some of the songs that Swami used to sing.

Around 9 am Swami started walking in the midst of the devotees, came straight to Rajagopal and said, 'Rajagopal, how are you?' This man was shocked! Swami remembered him after 20 years! And then Swami looked deep into his eyes and said,

'You might have forgotten Swami but Swami has not forgotten you.'

Swami remembers every one of you.

Now this is My car

Once a man brought a brand new car and asked Swami to accept it. Swami said that He did not want it. The man started crying but Swami replied,

"If I accept all the cars offered and they are all piled one on top of the other there will be no space to walk. So I do not want it.'
Then Swami gave him an interview but still the man was crying in the interview for Swami to accept the car. Bhagavan said, 'Alright, where are the keys?"

Swami took the keys saying,

Now this is my car. You run the car in My name; the car belongs to Me. You use it, you understand.'
He gave him back the keys.

Bhagawan on Namasmarana

The name of God is the most effective tonic; it will keep off all illness. Do not indulge in Namasmarana as a pastime, or a fashion or passing phase or as an unpleasant part of an imposed timetable or as a bitter quota to be fulfilled each day. Think it as a Sadhana to be seriously taken up for the purpose of reducing your attachments of fleeting objects, purifying and strengthening you and liberating you from the cycle of birth and death. Hold fast to it as the means of rescuing yourself in every way from the bonds of time and change. It has to become as much as a must, as breathing, as welcome to the tongue as sugar; as essential for happy living as sleep or food or water. Rise every day with the thought of God; go back to bed with the thought of His Glory as enshrined in His Name. Have faith in His Name and repeat it whenever you get the chance.

Quotable Quotes.......

Talk less, Sensibly.

Face challenges. You know that god will not let you down.

Have higher goals, but not too self-interested.

Seriousness is not the sign of spirituality. It is the sign of a sick man.

Have a WATCH on your mind...............

W - Watch your Words

A - Watch your Actions

T - Watch your Thoughts

C - Watch your Character

H - Watch your Heart

Remember the good that others did to you and forget the good you did to them;

Remember the harm you did to others and forget the harm they did to you.

Do not act immediately on your thoughts. use your intellect - think for sometime before you act.

Faith is the first sep to the grace of god.

When you do something less than your capacity, remember it is theft.

To evoke the divine in you, there is no better method than NAMASMARANA.

Love is like a lamp. Share it with a million, it will still be as bright as it was alone.

Life is simple - stupidities makes it complex.

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When you do your duty, God will reward you in more ways than you expect

By Mrs. Geeta Mohan Ram

There is another incident, which conveys how Swami teaches us simple things in beautiful ways. When I was a young girl in Brindavan we were given some jobs, as there was no Sevadal gardener and cook.

Everything was done by us. So my job was to set up the altar in Swami's bungalow and I used to come only once a week since I had school on other days. That particular weekend I did not want to go because MS Subbulakshmi (a very famous classical vocalist) was giving a concert in Bangalore - Swami is always there, but MS comes only once a while!

But my parents were very strict and committed to Swami. They said, "Once you are committed to Swami you should do the work."

Then I said "Why can't you do it for today?"

Then my parents replied that I should have informed Swami last week. Then I requested for half the concert. Mother said that we can come back after Swami's Bhajan. Then I grumbled, "Swami sits and goes on answering questions after Bhajan and He will take an hour."

Everyone was doing their job but I had a long face. Swami was moving around the house and He looked at me, saying "Hey 'castor oil face', what is wrong with you, why are you banging my pictures? What happened, an argument with mother?"

"Swami, today there is a concert by MS Subbulakshmi in Bangalore."

Then Swami said, "She is a great singer isn't she? Then why did you not go?"

"Swami, my mother told me I have to do my duty first."
Swami replied, "She could have cleaned the altar. At least she should have done that much. OK, you can go a little late, but if I start speaking afterBhajans then you will be late." So Swami was speaking of all that I had told my mother!!!

Then Swami said, "Today I will not speak afterBhajans - you all go for the programme." I was thrilled.

Bhajans started and Swami was also singing. After sometime Swami asked everybody to wait and that He would come back. Five minutes later Swami walks in with MS Subbulakshmi! !! (See photo)

We were all shocked and Swami said, "Subbulakshmi, didn't you have a concert today in Bangalore?"

"No Swami," she replied, "There was a misprint in the newspaper, it's tomorrow."

Swami told her "See that young girl sitting there; she loves your music so much."

He then gave her a list of songs which I like and asked her to sing those songs. She was a very good devotee of Swami and with all devotion she gave a private concert to the Lord. Then Swami called me and said "See when you do your duty, God will reward you in more ways than you expect. You heard the concert today; you can go to the concert tomorrow as well."

Wonderful Day Today - Namasmarana!!!