Om Sri Sai Ram

SAI – OUR DIVINE MOTHER, FATHER, GURU AND OMNIPRESENT GOD -I

LOVING MOTHER
Sai the Mother is all Love. Here she knows only to forget and forgive, to tend, uplift and
correct. The rod is spared to give a love-lash. And in that flood of Love pure all dirt and
filth inside and outside are washed off. When it comes to attending Her children she is
meticulously careful. They miss nothing. The way Baba looks after the students whom He
claims as the 'only property of His' will abash even the loving earthly mother. His looks and
smile virtually stroke them with tender affection. Basking in that shine of Love and
enlightenment they also respond almost in the same measure, if not equal, for who can
equal Him in anything? He sits like a proud mother to hear His children reciting Vedas or
delivering a lecture. None is in ecstasy more than Him to listen to the brilliant academic
performance of His children.
This love of His has the same warmth when it is doled out to the elders as well, for whose
mother He is not? Those who have traveled with Him can vouch for this. Kasturiji, His
biographer, who had had the good fortune of traveling with Him many times says in his
autobiography, 'Loving God' that Baba would Himself fill the cups with coffee from the
thermos kept in the car and serve His devotees traveling with Him whenever the car halted
for a break. So is the case with lunch. And like a loving mother He would insist on their
having more of certain delicious items except where a certain item is harmful for a devotee
owing to certain chronic ailments.
Let us listen to a full description of this from Kasturiji himself from his Loving God.
"When He wills a journey by road He loads the car with hampers heavy with breakfast,
lunch or dinner, besides snacks and fruits in plenty. He scans the countryside to spot a
sheltered nook encircled by blossoms and He finds one soon. The carpet is spread, jugs of
water are brought, hampers are opened, baskets are emptied, plates and cups are handed
out. Mother Sai squats in the center. With exclamations of appreciation, He places each
item of food on the plates held before Him by us - the children. Devotees dare not say
'Enough' or 'No' on the basis of their digestive efficiency, allergic alarm, dietary prejudices,
etc. They relish whatever comes from the Divine Hand and consume the quantity He
grants. So, Baba decides the measure and the menu for each. He prohibits, persuades and
recommends. "You have a touch of diabetes", " you are over eighty", "This pickle is
popular in your state", He comments as He fills the plates…Bhagawan too shares the
breakfast or lunch with us; He loves to watch us enjoying the food He gives. Even while
inside the car, He takes out one by one-luscious apples from the bag He keeps near Him,
slicing them with care; He tempts us to eat in plenty. Once …. The skin could not be
chewed and swallowed by me since I had a set of artificial teeth unused to tough tasks. I
dared not to spit the stuff through the window for fear the denture would follow the skin.
Swami recognised the embarrassment, the next slice He handed over to me had the skin
removed!”
On another occasion Baba and a few others were traveling by car from Trichinopoly to
Bangalore via Palamaner. On reaching the Forest Rest House at Palamaner at 10 in the
night the party had to be satisfied with food from a hotel, which had not yet closed luckily.
But there was nothing to protect them from biting cold. Kasturiji says, "We were able to
persuade Him to use a shawl which the engineer-devotee was parading his torso at
Trichinopoly. Sleep stole into our eyes in the silence. When I woke at dawn from my bare
reed-mat, I found the shawl keeping me warm from head to foot. Baba, the mother, had
tiptoed during my sleep and gently spread it over me. Baba found me in tears. How else
could I express my good fortune and my gratitude at the lesson He taught us?"
When Swami visited Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) in 1982 a plane was chartered for His
return journey to Bangalore via Jamnagar. A retired Wing Commander of Indian Air Force
was requested by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation of Madhya Pradesh to pilot the
aircraft. There were seven others in the plane other than Bhagawan and the pilot. During
the flight Bhagawan took seat in the cockpit and, peeling an orange Himself, started giving
petal after petal to the Pilot with great love. But the pilot after one or two politely declined
more in the usual way of courtesy, for he did not realise the stature of the Giver at that time
- an action he repented for with moistened eyes thereafter. Bhagawan also graciously
created a gold ring with nine precious gems studded on it as a memento for him - a
priceless possession for anyone.
When sick or injured, His loving care has a feather touch. During the African tour of 1969
the car in which Kasturiji and Raja Reddy were traveling met with a small accident and
Kasturiji was injured with minor wounds. In his inimitable style he says:
"The East Africa tour enabled me to secure two priceless gifts of Grace. The first was a car
accident in which I received a few injuries, which drew on me for full seven days the
shower of tender affection from Sai, the Mother. I had long cherished a desire to be nursed
through an illness by Swami. The African continent conferred that boon on me."
It is not that He showers His motherly affection only on the devotees around Him. Time,
space and distance cannot come in the way of His compassion or motherly concern. The
author of Anyatha Saranam Nasti narrates an incident: "One night He was lying on his bed
and was talking to us, when He suddenly fell down. His body looked like a small bundle
that was twisted and tangled. After some time… He was in great pain … He was still in
some world … He opened His eyes and asked a devotee to massage His body. Baba then
said :"A lady was in labour. I just made a trip to America. The baby in the womb was in
breach position and could not come out. I entered the womb, turned the baby into the
correct position, blessed the child and the mother after delivery and now I have come
back."
RESPONSIBLE FATHER
Sai as Father is a strict disciplinarian. He brooks no mercy for those who cross the limit He
has prescribed whether it is in the Sai Organisation or among general devotees.
"Following My instructions without demur is the best plan while engaged in service or
Seva; it is wrong to yield to lower craving or to follow one's own impetuosity… I dislike
flippant talk, frivolous prattle, casual conversation and even face to face grouping of men
and women, at all times and, more specially during spiritual gatherings and occasions. You
must be models of straight and courteous behavior." Baba directs.
Many so-called 'close devotees' had to leave the Mandir at short notices whenever they
crossed the Lakshman Rekha marked by Him. But He will never have any ill will towards
them. All that He wants is to make them look inward and correct themselves for their own
good. Kasturiji admits of a bad habit he had had of using frequently the expletive 'idiot' for
expressing displeasure even without much of a provocation. Baba once admonished him
rather harshly "Don't cause injury to anyone's self-respect, intentionally or
unintentionally" and this practice was virtually erased.
As Father Sai He grooms His devotees far and near. During a halt at the residence of one of
the devotees, a young man in the group asked the host for a glass of buttermilk. Baba
unexpectedly entered the room detected the empty glass on the sill of the window. With
patriarchal authority he pointed out the mistake, as it must have caused inconvenience to
the host and advised all to be satisfied with whatever was given or served and to keep our
urges under check. He also gave tips on table manners and insisted on the need to desist
from asking for second helpings.
In order to discourage and dissuade His devotees from carrying on with certain bad
addictions that have assumed chronic proportions over a period of years Baba sometimes
expresses His displeasure about it in general terms within their hearing as the first dose of
treatment. If they do not give up such bad habits with such oblique references then He will
directly deal with them.
Kasturiji was a snuff addict for three decades when he traveled with Baba to Rishikesh and
other places of great spiritual importance. So he had stored enough of that stuff that would
suffice for considerable period. One night while camping at the Ashram of Swami
Sivananda, Baba came out of His cottage in the Ashram complex and straightaway walked
into the dormitory where Kasturiji and five others were preparing for sleep. Swami
Sadananda and Satchidananda accompanied him. Baba came near Kasturiji's cot and
turned the pillow over to expose the snuffbox. Baba looked at him sternly and said only one
word "Dirty". Kasturiji in great remorse and embarrassment took it and threw it away,
and touching Baba's feet assured Him "No more Swami, I am giving it up from this
moment". The immediate reward was a soft pat. The harshness or roughness of Baba
intended to correct anyone at all times has an undercurrent of perpetual love which makes
an everlasting impact on the corrected.
SAI MAHAVAKYAS
The Proper Study of Mankind is Man
Man is the basic unit of Mankind. So it follows that he should be the epitome of the ideals
that mankind stands for. How can man epitomize mankind? By spontaneously revealing
the divine qualities of Love, Compassion and forbearance in perfect harmony in his
thought, word and deed. In other words he should be a perfect example of his species.
Work is Worship, Duty is God
Any work undertaken with dedication and selflessness ie, without any expectation of
reward becomes worship when it is offered to the Lord as an offering. All work is God’s
work. When one belongs to God how can his work belong to another? When one discharges
his responsibility with a sense of commitment to one’s own Self – the God seated in every
heart that performance becomes verily God.
Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man
Humanity has to be seen as a single race. Just as a beautiful garland is made up of flowers
of various hues size and fragrance strung together the human race is also made up of men
and women of different complexion and languages. Again, just as a garland is strung
together by one thread, which is common to all flowers, the human beings also have the
same Atma or life force as the core. This obviously means that a common binds all humans
on the face of earth bond and therefore are brothers, east or west, black or white. This
common factor called Atma has its origin in Brahma or Brahman or God. Hence, the
Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.
Hands in Society Heads in the Forest
Here hands stand for service and head for mind of the humans. Service to society is the
bounden duty of everyone. And such service (Seva) has to be done selflessly, without
expectation of any gain or reward. In other words, it has to be done with complete
detachment. If the hands are to be engaged in Seva in a spirit of detachment and
disinterestedness the mind should be completely free from desires. Freedom from desires
means cultivation of Vairagya (detachment). Forest stands for Vairagya and head for the
mind, which has to be cleansed of desires that cause attachment and selfishness. When the
mind is thus cleansed the individual can do any amount of Seva selflessly for the welfare of
society.
My Life is My Message
Preaching is easy; but to practice the same is difficult. For this Bhagawan Baba refers to a
Drill Master for example. While all other teachers only teach the Drill Master demonstrates
also what he instructs the students. Man must put into practice what he professes himself
first. Then only he has the right to advise others. Bhagawan Baba lives every syllable of
what He preaches to His devotees from daybreak to dusk. So, such an ideal life becomes a
practical lesson and therefore a deep-going Message to His followers who need only
remember what He does throughout the day.
Miracles are My visiting cards
What is natural with the Miraculous is miracle for the ordinary. Man cannot easily identify
or recognise Divinity as he is enveloped in Maya or ignorance. He has to be woken up and
told of the Advent of an Avatar who has come for His upliftment. Hence just as many of us
present our identity card or visiting card to a stranger the Lord has to draw our attention
to the Superhuman Power of the Avatar so that we would listen to Him. It is like a call
attention notice. Once the identity is established, He can convey His Message. But He has
not to make any special effort for this, as what He does naturally and spontaneously will
look miraculous to us.
You cannot always oblige, but can speak obligingly
This applies both to the material and the spiritual world. One cannot be in society without
mutual help and societal obligations. But very often one may not able to extend help in
solving the problems of a brother or a sister because of personal limitations. In such cases
one must, without losing balance, explain the position in an understanding way so that the
one in need will be able to appreciate it. Such a situation often occurs while undertaking
Seva activities by the Sevadal. Where discipline does not permit you to comply with
somebody’s seemingly genuine request, one has to convincingly explain the position in
minimum words so that the other party will feel satisfied and properly attended. Soft, short
and sensible talk satisfies everyone.
Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray
What is the use of spending long hours in prayers and meditation behind closed door when
one’s neighbour is helplessly groaning in pain? Such prayers will certainly fail to be
responded by the Lord. What is expected of a human being is to leave the prayers and rush
to attend to the one in pain. It amounts to the God in you rushing to the help of the God in
that person, since Manava Seva is Madhava Seva. That is how one should visualise God –
the God in everyone. Wiping a tear or rendering help to alleviate the misery of a brother is
much holier that reading the scriptures or repeating Vedic mantras, as the former is a
selfless act while the latter is a selfish one.
The end of education is character; the end of knowledge is wisdom
When the knowledge acquired by reading and studying is analysed and pondered upon it
develops into wisdom, granting an inner vision. The same knowledge can be converted into
skill by its practical application. For example, values are understood and stored in memory
as knowledge, but when applied in daily life it becomes a skill in the service to society. And
the spontaneity of their application brings refinement in an individual resulting in good
character, which really is the end of education.
Money comes and goes, Morality comes and grows
Money is known for the evanescence. It appears and disappears like a cloud. It never stays
with anyone for all times. Still it can easily ensnare man in its web, as without it one cannot
exist. But enamored by its glow and the comfort it offers man thinks that it has come to
stay. But like passing clouds it disappears leaving its possess or still under illusion as he
tries to obtain it more and more by fair or unfair means. In direct contrast is morality.
Once one begins to adhere to the moral principles they permeate his life in every field of
activity. Every exercise of its application gives a boost to its luster and growth with the
result morality becomes ingrained in its votary as a permanent asset.
Help Ever Hurt Never
This is the quintessence of the eighteen puranas authored by the great Vyasa. Every being
is a spark of the Divine that accounts for the totality of this universe. Hence there is an
unseen bond between human beings. So, helping another would mean helping oneself. It
becomes the bounden duty of all to help each other. Conversely it is a sin to harm anyone.
It amounts to harming oneself. ‘Paropakaraya Punyaya Papaya Parapeedanam’, it is said.
That is, it is meritorious to help others, but it is a sin to harm anyone. Under no
circumstances one should think of harming another – in thought, word and deed. Hurt is
not inflicted only bodily; it can be by harsh words as well. The wound caused by words
cannot be healed, as it remains etched in the mind forever. Hence, one should never hurt
another even if one cannot offer any help.
Love All Serve All
Only when one loves all, one can serve all, i.e., offer service without any discrimination.
One who loves you is bound to be loved in return normally. But what is important and
expected of us is to love the one who does not love us. This needs the awareness that there is
a bond between all of us and the dislike is only superficial and momentary. All are
embodiments of the same Atma and hence related inseparably. It is this awareness that
underlies the urge to offer selfless service to one and all without any consideration of
separateness based on any distinction. Offering help to another amounts to serving oneself.
Because, by doing so one is only relieving oneself of the pain or discomfort that has afflicted
him at the sight of the suffering of the other. In fact, only the body sheaths are different, the
core is one and the same.
Life is a Game Play It
Victory and defeat are the duality natural with any game and life is no exception. But as
one takes it in a spirit of sportsmanship in the case of a game, in life too, the ups and downs
should be welcomed with equanimity. But the possibility of victory can be worked up in the
case of the game of life by selecting better and more powerful teammates. In life the fight is
between the good six and the evil six. No doubt the evil six, namely, lust, anger, greed,
attachment, pride, and jealousy are highly skilled ones. But, the good six, namely, truth,
righteousness, peace, love, non-violence and sacrifice always have an edge over the
opponents because of their inherent virtue. So, life can be steered to success provided our
teammates are the good or the desirable six.
Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava
These Vedic injunctions virtually provide the pillars of Indian Culture. Bharat considers
mother as the first God to be revered, as she is the one whose care and sacrifice are
responsible for our birth and growth. It is on the lap of the mother that one learns the
alphabets and the basics of one’s conduct. It is she who teaches the child to walk and talk
and the fundamentals of social life. Naturally she deserves the first place of reverence and
adoration. She tells the child of its father, who, as provider of wherewithal for the family,
occupies only second place in the hierarchy of veneration. The father in turn takes the child
to the Guru or Preceptor who trains him in morals, ethics and the scriptures for a
meaningful life. And it is the Guru who tells him about God and his relationship with the
Almighty. So mother first, father next, preceptor later and God last and Ultimate - that is
the order of reverence expected to be offered by everyone.
Praying Hearts, Serving Hands
Every human heart is a temple. And in the altar of the temple is seated the Lord, the source
of Love Energy that sustains the individual. It is not love alone that is housed there.
Compassion, patience and forbearance also find a place there. In fact, heart is the origin of
these divine qualities that charge human feelings with a sense of sacrifice, prompted by
which the hands go out into action of charity and help to alleviate the sufferings of our
brethren. Wherever and whenever selfless service is offered a heart filled with compassion
and love must be behind that service. And for the Lord seated therein their prayerful
offerings are the unfading flowers of Love, Compassion, Forbearance and Sacrifice.
Character is the Most Precious Gift of Education
Bhagawan Baba repeatedly tell all His devotees in general and students in particular that
‘if wealth is lost nothing is lost; if health is lost something is lost; and if character is lost
everything is lost.’ Character constitutes ninety per cent of a man’s personality whether it
be in the field of social life or leadership. And it is the function of Education to bring
refinement in an individual making all the facets of his personality shine providing him an
impressive (not only physical) personality. Wherefrom can the shine come for a good
personality? It is by the harmonious blend of the five human values that lie embedded in
every individual. So the purpose of education is to bring out those sterling qualities that
alone can gift good character – the hallmark of true education. Swami calls this process
‘edcuare’ i.e., an education that takes care of the innate basic qualities, which are divine in
content but lying hidden in an individual. And that is the most precious gift of education.
Example, Not Precept is the best Teaching Aid
‘Example is better than Precept’ is an old adage that conveys more than what it looks to
imply. While discussing pedagogy, Bhagawan Baba often mentions the example of a Drill
Master who not only instructs but physically demonstrates also. If the teacher is an ideal
person, fifty per cent of teaching can be presumed to have been done. The young students
whose eyes and ears are wide open, observes their teacher from all angles – how he looks,
how he behaves, not only in the class but even outside. This total impression makes a strong
background for teaching. If the teacher maintains lofty ideals, his exhortation goes deep
into the hearts and minds of the young ones. He will be adored and emulated. And, that
exactly is the purpose of teaching. It is not to doll out what is written in the book that a
teacher is meant for. He has to set an example before the young ones. In other words he has
to be the embodiment of virtues rendering his designation meaningful.
On Himself
"I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith. But to confirm, each one in his own faith,
so that a Christian be a better Christian; a Muslim be a better Muslim; a Hindu be a better
Hindu "
In truth, you cannot understand the nature of My Reality either today, or even after a
thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry even if all mankind joins in that effort.
But in a short time, you will become cognisant of the bliss showered by the Divine
Principle, which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred name. Your good
fortune, which will provide you this chance, is greater than what was available for
anchorites, monks, sages, saints and even personalities embodying facets of Divine Glory!
Since I move about with you, eat like you, and talk with you, you are deluded into the belief
that this is but an instance of common humanity. Be warned against this mistake. I am also
deluding you by My singing with you, talking with you, and engaging Myself in activities
with you. But any moment, My Divinity may be revealed to you; you have to be ready,
prepared for the moment. Since Divinity is enveloped by humanness you must endeavor to
overcome the Maya (delusion) that hides it from your eyes.
This is a human form in which every Divine entity, every Divine Principle, that is to say, all
the Names and Forms ascribed by man to God, are manifest! Do not allow doubt to distract
you; if you only install, in the altar of your heart, steady faith in My Divinity, you can win a
Vision of My Reality. Instead, if you swing like the pendulum of a clock, one moment
devotion, another moment, disbelief, you can never succeed in comprehending the Truth
and win that Bliss. You are very fortunate that you have a chance to experience the bliss of
the vision of the sarvadhaivathwa swaruupam (the embodiment of all forms of Divinity)
now, in this life itself.
Let Me draw your attention to another fact. On previous occasions when God incarnated
on earth, the bliss of recognising Him in the incarnation was vouchsafed only after the
physical embodiment had left the world, in spite of plenty of patent evidences of His Grace.
And the loyalty and devotion they commanded from men arose through fear and awe, at
their superhuman powers and skills, or at their imperial and penal authority. But ponder a
moment on this Sathya Sai Manifestation; in this age of rampant materialism, aggressive
disbelief and irreverence, what is it that brings to It the adoration of millions from all over
the world? You will be convinced that the basic reason for this is the fact that this is the
Supra-worldly Divinity in Human form.
Again, how fortunate you are that you can witness all the countries of the world paying
homage to Bharath; you can hear adoration to Sathya Sai's Name reverberating
throughout the world, even while this body is existing-not at some future date, but when it
is with you, before you. And again, you can witness very soon the restoration of Sanathana
Dharma to its genuine and natural status, the Dharma laid down in the Vedas for the good
of all the peoples of the world. The revival of Vedic Dharma is Sai Sankalpa (Sai's Will), not
just drawing people towards Me, attracting them by the manifestation of My powers and
potential. This is not a phenomenon of illusion. This phenomenon is the one that will
uphold truth, uproot untruth, and in that victory make all of you exult in ecstasy. This is
the Sai Sankalpam (Sai's Will).
Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/home.htm
SAI – OUR DIVINE MOTHER, FATHER, GURU AND OMNIPRESENT GOD -II
MOST COMPASSIONATE ONE
An incident that happened in Brindavan gives a closer vision of the Compassionate One in
action. It was narrated by the Warden of Brindavan Hostel, Sri Narasimha Murthy in the
course of a revealing talk delivered in the presence of Bhagawan on 14th October 1999. The
second day of Vedapurusha Saptaha Yagna to a huge audience in the Sai Kulwant Hall of
Prashanthi Nilayam during Dasara celebrations.
There was one Ramayya in Brindavan Hostel, working as a scavenger for more than
twenty years. His daughter's marriage was to take place shortly. So he sought permission
from Mr. Murthy to stand at a vantage position with a wedding card, a few flowers, etc., to
draw Swami's attention and Divine Blessings. It was a Monday. Swami just touched the
flowers and moved ahead on his usual Darshan round at about 7.30am. and returned to the
Ashram. Ramayya waited there only. At 9.15 Swami came straight to him - only for him -
and, handing over two costly sarees to Ramayya, He said: "Ask your daughter to select one
of them. Don't feel hurt that I did not come and talk to you earlier. It was Rahukalam
(inauspicious time 7.30 to 9 am being Monday); not good to talk about marriage.." When
Prof. Murthy quietly submitted "Swami, any one saree Swami could select and give,"
Swami replied, "You do not know the nature of women." When Mr. Murthy again said in a
hushed tone that it was too costly a saree for them, Swami, in great compassion said: "It is
only once in a life time these poor people can have such a saree."
His compassion is unlimited. It flows to the rich and the poor alike. He treats all with equal
love and concern, for all are His children for whose welfare and betterment He has come.
As predicted, the President of India commuted Kalpagiri’s death sentence, in response to a
mercy petition, to life imprisonment. This benedictory gesture of Baba prompted the
prisoners to write to Him opening their hearts. And prompt came the response from Lord
'Sai', the redeemer. A prisoner wrote:
"We are sinners, certainly, but our lives have become full of hope, through some stray acts
of merit which we chanced to do, in some past birth For we have rendered ourselves fit to
receive Your Grace. Really, if there are any who can be declared fortunate in the world, we
are the ones. We are truly proud of this. That the stream of Your Mercy has started flowing
towards these mean men who have injured society and who are suffering punishment, is no
ordinary event. We pray that You should grant us Your Darshan and Your Blessings. You
have written to us out of the vastness of Your Mercy, that You will elevate us with Darshan,
Sparshan and Sambashan at Puttaparthi! The Sage Narada blessed Savitri on whose head
the blow of widowhood had descended, with the statement, 'May, you have Being - with -
husband status long' and she was able to win her husband back from the dominion of
Death. We too have learned from Kalpagiri, whose death sentence was cancelled, that your
word will come true. It knows no defeat".
Daily prayers and Pooja before the portrait of Bhagawan Baba became a routine with the
prisoners changing their very life style. There was only one aim:
Darshan of Lord Sai to redeem themselves. And Sai's compassion knows no bounds. A step
in the right direction is always responded with hundred from Him.
'Baba often warns against the sin of thought, word and deed. Our minds entertain sinful
thoughts in association with common undesirable traits of lust anger, greed, attachment,
pride, jealousy, hatred and impatience. Our tongue is prone to commit the sins of uttering
falsehood, slander, backbiting and gossip. Our body is to be weaned off from committing
the sins of killing, stealing, adultery, eating meat and drinking intoxicants. Baba assures us
that such care taken by us in this direction will certainly ensure purity, i.e., of thought,
word and deed which alone is the real Thapas securing human values of Truth, Righteous
conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence.
HUMORIST
As a humorist Sai is matchless. His subtle humour, which is often earthly in texture,
deludes us to believe that He is of the earth and is with us on the same plane. It will not, all
the same, hurt or offend anyone. He is at home with the boys of His College with whom He
cracks jokes to often convey a lesson in spirituality, morals or ethics.
One day Swami on His way to the Hostel plucked a Tulsi leaf and placed it in the palm of a
student and said: 'Keep it safe. Don't show it to anybody'. He just obeyed. But the warden
insisted to see it. When the boy opened the handkerchief in which it was tied he found a
gold coin. So he said 'Keep it safe, don't show it to anybody'. But his friends pestered and
he had to yield. When they opened the handkerchief it was only a Tulsi leaf. The boy was
greatly disappointed. Seeing his disappointment Swami called him and asked for the leaf.
He blew at it and lo! The gold coin appeared and Swami blessed him to keep the same with
him as His gift. Nothing is beyond His Power. His Sankalpa is enough. It can change earth
into sky and sky into earth. This incident, though humorous, was but a glimpse of His
omnipotence. The students get such revelations often, which cement their faith in their
protector and patron.
Once Baba was to reach Bangalore a few days after the Shivarathri festival at Puttaparthi,
as was His wont. But even after a week or ten days He did not move. Students at Bangalore
were disappointed at the delay and they started imagining about possible reasons. But
towards the end of March news reached them that Swami was shortly expected there. Their
joy had no bounds. The usual preparations were carried out briskly for receiving the Lord.
Baba came. The students sang and did Aarati. He received it with no smile or talk. The
students were flabbergasted. Each one started a vigorous and thorough search of his heart.
None could find any reason. Swami gave Darshan to the devotees and returned to His
residence with head down as if to avoid the students standing in a row on either side. Their
prayer for reason was unanswered. There was gloom in the campus. They apologized for
any error unknowingly committed. No effect. Prayer turned into sobs and tears. The next
day He gave Darshan and returned as usual. But this time the students were determined
and they encircled Him and cried for Pardon. Nothing happened. He looked only
downward. A few seconds passed in grave silence. Then He like a great actor just mumbled
"April Fool". There was a spurt of radiant laughter, which was shared with love by Swami
as well. What a drama! The Divine actor cum director wanted to open the floodgates of joy
to His ever loved dearest children, His 'only property'.
Once, looking at the overgrown hair of a young man in the hippie style sitting before Him
in the interview room Baba asked, ' Why are you carrying this hair? Why don't you crop
them off? The young man replied: 'Yes Baba, You may kindly cut one strand and the rest I
shall do' Baba replied 'I am Baba, not Barber'.
A devotee once told Swami: 'Swami, there is one way to wipe off the poverty of India'.
'What is that' Swami enquired. 'If you can by your divine power convert the water of
Indian Ocean into petrol, that is enough', said the devotee. Swami said 'But….' The devotee
enquired ' Why but, Swami?' Swami quipped: 'Then, if someone throws a lighted
matchstick into it?
Once with a mischievous smile Swami asked Allen Drucker: 'Drucker have I gone fat?' 'No'
Swami 'No' replied Drucker. But placing his hand on His abdomen Baba repeated the
question. 'See why this is so enlarged'. Drucker repeated his 'no'. Then swami slowly
whispered in the ear of Drucker 'I am carrying Prema Sai'.
Judy Warner was waiting for Darshan with the typed script of her book in hand for
Swami's blessings. Bhagawan came and stood before her. When she showed the manuscript
He touched the same and enquired 'What is the name of the book?'. She replied
'Transformation of the heart'. 'Transformation of the spiritual heart or physical heart?'
Swami asked. 'Swami, Spiritual Heart' she said. 'Good. The only change for the other heart
is Bypass surgery'.
An incident of 1959, which Kasturiji has narrated in his Loving God, is interesting and
revealing. Kasturiji was called to the Presence through a messenger. Baba told him that He
needed a photograph of Kasturiji to be passed on to the editor of a newspaper having a
circulation of 30,000. Kasturiji was enticed by the prospect of high publicity and, as
directed, he rushed to get ready for the event that was to bring name and fame to him. He
returned 'shaved and starched' in minutes to be positioned and photographed by Baba
Himself. Looking at him through the lens Baba further inflated his ego by admiring
Kasturiji's 'photogenic face'. And with a 'Ready' He clicked, only to drive out a cotton
mouse tucked inside the camera which drew a shrill shriek from a frightened Kasturiji who
had already reached the corner of the room thinking it was a real rat. Baba had a hearty
laugh and Kasturiji followed. Reprimanding for being so gullible Baba advised him to
aspire for lasting fame through dedicated service to God than through newspapers, which
became waste paper the next day.
Swami's humour is only a medium to convey a great lesson, a correction to weed out a flaw,
and a gentle push on the path of spiritual progress.
LIFE GIVER
Sai the Life giver is a shining facet of His personality. Sai can effortlessly, by His mere will,
raise anyone from the dead, avert an impending death or prolong the life of anyone He
chooses. He can do undo or change the course of action at will, which proclaims His
omnipotence.
Sai devotees are quite familiar with the name of Karanam Subbamma, the foster mother of
Baba. In his childhood days he spent most of his time in the spacious house of Subbamma,
almost next door to His house, under her loving care. Perhaps this Yashodamayee of Swami
had greater opportunity to shower her affection on Bala Sai than mother Easwaramma.
Baba had assured her that at the time of her death He would be present to give her Tulsi
water, a traditional action of filial gratitude. The foster mother was extremely happy and
contented on bagging the coveted boon. It was when the construction of Prashanthi
Nilayam was nearing completion that Subbamma breathed her last. But Swami was away
from Puttaparthi. Her relatives and close neighbours wondered why Baba did not fulfill
His promise to her. Since Swami's coming was of remote possibility they decided to cremate
her without waiting any further. But the all-knowing Lord had already started for
Puttaparthi after telling His devotees around Him about this incident. On reaching
Puttaparthi Swami straightaway went to Subbamma's house. He called her by name and
Subbamma opened her eyes and started shedding tears of joy on seeing Swami, her dearest.
Swami told her 'Look Subbamma I have come'. He immediately created Tulsi water and
poured slowly into her mouth. She took it with gratitude and held His hand in great
affection before closing her eyes forever.
Dr. Michael Goldstein is a living example of His Grace, for the Divine intervened to avert a
shooting to prolong his life. Dr. John Hislop, a long time devotee of Baba narrates an
incident in his 'Seeking Divinity". One day when Dr. Goldstein was at Prashanthi Nilayam
Baba took him for a round in His car. When the slow moving car reached Gokulam and
turned to return Baba with a grim face told Goldstein that he was seeing Him for the last
time. Upset by this statement, that too from the Divine Master, Goldstein pleaded that, that
should not be and he must be blessed to attend the forthcoming birthday celebrations. A
seemingly thoughtful Baba, after a pause of a few seconds said, 'Yes, You may come'. The
incident that followed confirmed that Goldstein was brought back from the mouth of
Death.
Dr. Goldstein and his wife boarded a flight for their return journey. At Karachi Airport a
few hijackers armed with sophisticated weapons took all the passengers as hostages. One of
them put a gun on the airhostess at the entrance and another aimed his gun at Mrs.
Goldstein who was by her side. Mrs. Goldstein started repeating 'Sai Ram' with folded
hands as if in prayer almost loudly. The gunman suddenly turned his attention to the other
passengers inside. Goldstein who was unhurt and was standing near the next exit door
which opened abruptly, started helping the panic stricken passengers one by one by
pushing them out and thus saving them from the flying bullets of the hijackers. In that
commotion it was not known how many have been killed or injured till the commandos
brought the situation under control.
Goldstein returned to California and, after a few months reached Prashanthi Nilayam, his
heart still pulsating with gratitude to the Lord. And when Swami came and stood before
him Goldstein acknowledged the same with his overflowing eyes. Baba told him that, that
day when He told Goldstein that he was seeing Swami for the last time He was actually
seeing Goldstein being killed in that terrorist attack. He saw Goldstein being murdered by
them. Then he told Goldstein 'I changed the picture'
God alone can change the course of an already destined action, as He alone is the Master of
creation, preservation and dissolution. And so He willed to change the whole sequence of
events.
The twentieth line of Ashtottara Shata Namavali of Bhagawan (108 appellations) reads as
Jodi Adipalli Somappaya Namah. There is an interesting story behind this appellation. The
story has undergone many cuttings and clippings and additions as usual, as it happened
elsewhere. But I had the privilege of hearing it directly from Kasturiji, an excellent
storyteller, with the warmth it deserved.
After the Birthday Celebrations in Prashanthi Nilayam a group of devotees left for
Bangalore on 26th November 1958. The group had several ladies in it. But while getting
adjusted in two cars all the ladies with a two year old child got into one and all gents in the
other. Not only that; the car with the gents started first and went ahead of the other. After a
few miles of journey at an isolated area the child suddenly developed fits and the
breathlessness that followed resulted in asphyxia and finally the child collapsed. The ladies
began to wail bitterly. The first car had gone much ahead. There was none on the roadside.
The child became blue and stiff. No speeding vehicles that passed at intervals would stop.
The women could only cry helplessly. In minutes there came an elderly villager
accompanied by a young man and a woman. The villager enquired the reason for their
wailing. When he was shown the dead child the young man said that the elderly man with
him was a physician and had the experience of reviving such lost cases. The lady asked
other ladies to unhesitatingly hand over the child to the physician. The ladies agreed and
the physician laid the child on his lap. He asked if they had vibhuti with them. A vibhuti
packet was placed in his hand. He applied the vibhuti on the child and, opening the
clenched teeth, somehow inserted a pinch into the mouth of the child. The child opened her
eyes suddenly and began to cry aloud. The ladies began to laugh happily. Meanwhile the
men folk reached the spot as they could not see the second car. The child's father gave one
rupee to the physician, which was politely declined. He was then offered a musambi (a
citrus fruit), which he waved around the child to ward off evil eye, and threw away as soon
as they left. It became rotten! But before leaving they did ask the physician's name. He
replied 'Jodi Adipalli Somappa'.
At Prashanthi Nilayam Baba was to come out of His room in the afternoon. Kasturiji was
waiting to receive routine instructions. As soon as Baba came out He told Kasturiji with a
drawn face 'Kasturi that child of ……… died on the way to Bangalore'. Kasturiji was a bit
shocked, as the child had on the previous day attracted the attention of everyone as a
sprightly little girl, running and jumping and hopping happily. 'No Swami, that should not
have happened' said Kasturiji in glum. Swami said 'Do you think I would allow it to
happen?.' Kasturiji immediately pulled out his small handbook and pen and was in
readiness, as he knew he was getting some hot stuff for his pen. And Baba narrated every
detail. He had to assume three forms, one of the physicians, another of a young man to
introduce him and speak of his capability and a woman to instill courage in the ladies and
ask for the child, as they were all women. He asked for vibhuti which He only had given
them, for, they would have recognised Him if He were to create Vibhuti then and there. And
to the child He appeared in His original form, which frightened the child to cry much to the
relief and joy of the women. Kasturiji noted down all the points carefully and asked for the
explanation of the name He had given to Himself. Swami said, 'Jodi means pair, Adipalli
means first village i.e., Kailas belonging to the pair and Somappa means with Uma
(Sa+Uma) or Uma Maheswara'. 'I asked them to offer an Aarati to their 'Ishtadevata' on
reaching home, they did it for Lord Venkateswara, ignoring My picture, little knowing that
I am Lord Venkateswara Himself'. On the third day Kasturiji got a letter from the child's
father wherein he ticked all the points correctly.
Even after seeing, experiencing and receiving several favors of Grace, most of us have not
realized that He is Sarvadevata Swarupa and that prayers offered to any name or form will
reach Him and Him alone.
Let us take the case of Kuppam Radhakrishnayya, head of a family all members of which
were highly devoted to Swami. Radhakrishnayya had a chronic stomach ailment which
medical care could not cure. All the same, the family, especially the wife had pinned her
faith to Baba and Baba alone.
Once on 5th August 1953 with unbearable pain, which lasted for two days, he rushed to
Swami's room and fell at His feet for merger in Swami's Lotus Feet. But Swami consoled
him and sent him back. The whole of the next day he could not pass urine and his condition
became miserable with a stomach that had bloated to the bursting point. His pulse became
very weak and breathing became irregular. His condition became worse at 6 o' clock. His
body became black and the nails blue. All pleadings from his near and dear ones to
immediately shift him to a big hospital for a last attempt to save his life were rejected by his
wife who left everything to Swami's will and waited for his intercession. At 4 am close
relatives around him began to wail. His daughter went upstairs to Swami (the family was
given a room close by in the Nilayam by Swami for their stay) to report and bring Him to
the patient thrice. But Swami was preoccupied with some personal work. At last He came
to the room where all near-ones were virtually bidding farewell to Radhakrishnayya.
Entering the room Swami asked everyone to go out. Nobody knew what had happened
inside, but moments later Radhakrishnayya was found sitting on his bed and smilingly
enquiring from everyone as to what had happened to him. Turning to his wife Swami
reminded her of a past conversation in which Swami had assured her to save the life of her
husband. He said, 'you have forgotten…. But I have not forgotten that conversation. Today
I have given the gift of Mangalyam to you by the gift of life to your husband'.
But Baba had already confided to Kasturiji about this saying that 'His children are still
young. He did not even write a will. He has yet to perform marriage of his children. That is
why I saw to it that he was brought back. The extra years of life I have given him I shall
deduct from his next birth'.
The Omnipotent Almighty that He is, life or death is a mere sport for Him. But one must
deserve such a grace.
The mind-boggling experience of Walter and Elsie Cowan immediately after the All India
Conference at Abbotsbury, Madras in December 1971 loudly proclaims that He alone has
the power to give life to anyone as the Supreme God. I had the chance of seeing the couple
at the conference as they were being guided to the dais to be seated at a vantage position.
After the conference was over the Cowans stayed at Connemara Hotel at Madras. It was
there that he became seriously ill with an attack of pneumonia and died. On their return to
America Elsie Cowan described the event at a limited gathering thus: "We have come from
India, my husband and I, brimful of the most astounding news that can happen to anyone.
It is so fantastic that many of you may doubt it, because hardly any of us realise the great
importance and the tremendous powers of this Great High God, who not only walks the
earth but also cares for all the planes from earth to eternity. Walter died at Madras. Sai
Baba resurrected him."
Kasturiji tells the story: "Cowan died and his body was kept in the mortuary"
"Mrs. Cowan came to Swami, who was in a conference. It was for that conference that Mr.
and Mrs. Cowan had come to Madras. I was there when Mrs. Cowan came to Swami and
told Him about Cowan's death. Swami said, 'Chey! Chey! Papam. It should not have
happened. Now this old lady will have to take that old man's dead body to America.
Coming all the way from America to take back his dead body there! No, No. He told her 'I
will come to Hospital at 11 O'clock. You may go'. Instead of 11, He went at 10 am an hour
early. He could not remain in his place unless the injustice was corrected. That is the extent
of His compassion. He went and rised up Walter Cowan, the present Lazarus! Later Cowan
came to Bangalore when Swami was in Whitefield. I was there. They were received by
Swami and were brought to Swami's bungalow in a procession with Sai Gita, the elephant
in the lead and college students playing the band.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cowan were made bride and bridegroom once more and a second marriage
was celebrated. Dr. Bhagavatham was there, and Swami told him ' Ask him what happened
in Madras? Bhagavatham asked him 'Tell what happened at Madras' and Cowan started
telling "I died at 5 O' clock…. Never a man says, I died!"
Dr. Hislop and his wife were the first to rush to the Hotel room where Cowans were staying
as soon as they got the news. Mrs. Cowan told them 'Yes, during the night, Walter died. I
went down the hall and got Mrs. Ratanlal to come and help me'. They lifted Cowan to the
bed, called for an ambulance and Walter was taken to a Nursing Home…. Mrs. Ratanlal
and Mrs. Cowan went to Swami's house to tell what had happened. Then Swami said ' Do
not worry, I will go to the Nursing Home at 10 O'clock in the morning'. When Mrs. Cowan
arrived in the nursing Home, she found that Swami and Mrs. Ratanlal had been there an
hour before and that Cowan was alive".
Let us hear from Mrs. Ratanlal as to what had happened when Swami arrived in the
Hospital at 10 am. 'Swami and I arrived at the Nursing Home. We went into the room
where Walter's corpse was lying covered with a sheet - cold as a fish. Dead as dead could
be. Swami stood beside the body and raising His hand, He struck Cowan across the
abdomen saying, 'Rise up, Cowan'. Then He did it once again 'Rise up Cowan'. Cowan did
not rise. Then a third time 'Rise up, Cowan' Cowan started to move, sat up and was alive
once again.'Hislop adds "Now, Walter Cowan's part of the story was that he died. In the
ambulance on the way to the Nursing Home, his body was bouncing around. He felt himself
apart from his body looking down at it. Then he said Swami came and took him away, way
up in the sky where there was a building. The headman in this building was the accountant
who is inside each of us, recording every thing that happens, and he was reading Cowan's
history. So by and large, Swami said ' Release this man to me, I have use for him'. Then
Walter was told, Go down into your body Cowan'. Cowan did not want to go back to his
body, but he had to. After Swami had revived Walter, his wife transferred him to a
Hospital.
"Now the same day all this was happening at the same exact time, Swami was in an
auditorium, on the stage, giving talk to a large group of Sevadal ladies. He was presenting
each of the ladies with a beautiful sari. An Indian chap and I were on the stage with Swami,
sitting up against the wall, and we were watching Swami every second of that address. We
can both testify that Swami never left that stage, even for a moment.
But as soon as the talk was over, Swami said, “Come let us get into the car and go". As we
were getting in the car He said, "While I was talking, Mrs. Cowan called to me. Cowan had
died again, so I went to the hospital and took care of matters."
"We were off to have lunch with a devotee. There was this other chap and myself and Baba
in the car, we went to the home of the devotee where we were to have lunch. When we
arrived Swami turned to me and said, ' Hislop I am afraid you cannot join for lunch. I
want you to take this vibhuti to the hospital, rub some on Cowan's chest and put some in
his mouth. I just gave him life again, he needs this… If you just walk upto the corner, you
will find Mrs. Hislop in a taxi around the corner…' Together we went to the hospital and
Mrs. Cowan said 'Walter died again. I called on Swami, He came and gave Walter life
again'. I gave Cowan the vibhuti and left."
With Sai love, Sai brothers – ‘saidevotees_worldnet’
Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/home.htm