sai_pranam

CHAPTER - 3

This signal from Swami, directing us to go inside, signifies His Grace earned by us through our previous good deeds and karmas...

The month of November is always a memorable one in Sai Calendar. November 1995, was however, uniquely memorable for me at Prashanthi Nilayam. And it would ever remain green in my heart. Yes, it would remain a life time experience for me resulting from flood of Grace showered on me by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Swami was very much busy with the ongoing water supply project. The Sathya Sai water supply project, catering to the entire Anantapur District was in progress. Swami had willed that the project should be inaugurated during Bhagavan's seventieth Birthday celebrations. A world conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations was also planned for around 10 days, during the Divine birthday celebrations, including the Sathya Sai University convocation. Very high dignitaries including the President of India, the Prime Minster and scores of central and state ministers were listed to participate.

The November functions started with a 24-hour Akhanda Bhajan on the 4th. Swami had commanded me, during the earlier interview that I should come to Him with my wife on that day. On this auspicious day, I would have completed 59 years of existence and then stepping into the 60th year. I had submitted, "Swami, will you not be very busy during these hectic November days". Swami replied with a benign smile that Swami has always got time for His devotees.

Well before the rise of the sun for the day, 4th November 1995, I took up my seat in the Darshan line with 'AKSHTHA' (rice colored with turmeric powder). Sai Kulwant was filled to capacity and devotees were overflowing into the outer spaces as well. Everybody's look is tuned towards Swami, hoping for His blessings or His "ABHAYA HASTHA", or His "KRIPA KADAKSHAM" , even from a long distance. That would, indeed be a fulfillment of Darshan, even if it is from a long distance. They return home after a few days of stay at Prashanthi Nilayam. As for me, I was praying and hoping that I would be blessed with Paada Namaskar, and if lucky Swami's benediction by way of sprinkling of the Akshatha on my head. It was too much to expect anything more than such a grace from our Lord under the circumstance. In such a magnitude of crowd of devotees, what else could I aspire!

The melodious light music over the system signaled the sweet appearance of Swami from the Poornachandra Auditorium. As Swami entered the Mantap, all our attention was focused on and traveled along with Swami and we became even oblivious of the music. Swami was moving along the ladies side. The Mantap was enveloped in pin drop silence. We were feasting our eyes, on His divine, movement, accepting letters from some, allowing Paada Namaskar for some who gained access to His Paada (Divine Feet), and blessing all others with Abhaya Hastha. Swami looked like floating through the middle of the crowd.

As He was passing along, at a short distance from me, I was trying to catch a glimpse of Swami's Divine Lotus Feet. But alas, the long free flowing robe, came in between His Lotus Feet and my vision. With intense prayers, I continued to wait for a glimpse. There they were!. Swami's Lotus Feet came to my vision, as Swami took a couple brisk steps. And in no time, Swami was standing in front of me with Divine smile. I lost all consciousness and I was simply staring at Swami with tears in my eyes. Swami spoke; He asked me who else had come with me. I spurred to my senses and suddenly held out before Him the cup containing Akshatha and took Namaskar at His Lotus Feet. Swami sprinkled the Akshatha on me. When I got up, Swami again asked, who else had come? I replied, "Swami, only my wife", Swami commanded me to go inside.

This signal from Swami, directing us to go inside, signifies His Grace earned by us through our previous good deeds and karmas. This He himself confirmed later during the interview. A coveted interview with Bhagavan is a lifetime desire of every Sai devotees, and I am no less exception to this longing. I moved on to the verandah of the Mandir and took up my place. I could see my wife from the ladies side, also moving towards Mandir. My second son, S. Ramesh who was a student in Swami's college doing his B.Sc. final year, joined us in the veranda. Swami was still among the devotees, blessing them with His Darshan.

Quote:

A strong will is the best tonic; the will becomes strong when you know that you are a child of immortality or a person who has earned the Grace of the Lord.

- Sathya Sai

Volume 8 - Oct 02

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