Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana
It was at the morning darshan that Swami lovingly called a few devotees for a lifetime experience of Divine interview. After the interview, Swami opened the door and was standing near the interview room. I had come for the Divine Darshan just three days before with my daughter, who had come with me for the first time. My wife had decided to stay back at home in London.
Swami looked at me and enquired about some details about the UK group, which was to come after a few months for Parthi Yatra as per His Divine plan. He then said, “Puppet, come to residence at 3.00 p.m.” I was overjoyed and said, “Yes, Baba”.
At about 2.40 p.m., I was all ready to leave for Divine Abode. My daughter asked, “Dad, why so early”? I said, “Baba has called me. I will be back after the evening session”. She said, “Fine. I will wait for you. We will have dinner together”. I said, “That is great”. I reached the Divine Abode and sent word to Beloved Swami.
Very promptly, the person returned and said, Swami says, you should wait. Time was 3.15 p.m. As usual, Swami went to Sai Kulwant Hall for blessing the devotees with Divine Darshan and bhajan session. He returned at around 6.40 p.m. and went inside His Abode. I was now full of hope and joy and looking forward to go in and talk to Him.
At around 7.50 p.m., some officials who normally used to be with Swami to receive instructions and also have his Prasadam (dinner) came out from the front door. I was all the time, waiting near the adjacent building. One of the officials saw me and said, “Puppet, you are still here”? I said, “Yes, sir; I am waiting to be called in”. That was it.
There were sevadal boys at the gate, and one or two security staff moving about. It was getting dark and I was looking at the watch every few minutes and also praying in my mind, “Swami, please call Puppet, I am waiting”. At about 8.15 p.m., one of the senior boys came out with a chair and said, “Puppet sir, you better sit and wait”. (Swami had instructed me to wait and not sit). Time now was almost 9.00 p.m., mind you, I was standing there from 3.00 p.m. I was tired, thirsty, and also thinking about my daughter who was waiting. I was moving about from the gate of Divine Abode to the main entrance of residence, pacing up and down and praying.
Time now was 10.00 p.m., and suddenly the side door of the residence opened, and the same boy came out. I said, “Sai Ram”. He said, “You are still here? Swami has already gone upstairs and now there is no chance, you better go”.
I did not know what to say; I was completely dazed. Slowly, somehow, I climbed three long flight of stairs of W9 building and reached W9/D7. The door was open, the dinner was laid out on the dining table and my daughter was fast asleep on the chair.
Suddenly, she woke up when I came out of washroom and asked, “What is the time”? I said, “It is almost 10.15 p.m”. She said, “You took very long time! What did Baba say”? “I never met Him today”, I said. She said, “What? You did not meet Him! Then, where were you from 3.00 p.m.”? “I was waiting,” I said. She just could not believe me. “Let us eat, I am hungry. You too must be,” I said. “Yes, you can say that later”, she said. I could not sleep well. I was tired and disappointed.
Next morning, I left very early and was in the verandah by 6.30 a.m. (during those days, Swami used to come early.) Swami came around 6.55 a.m., and after giving Darshan, went inside the interview room. I was sitting at my usual place, right in front of the interview room, but there was no eye contact with Swami.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana – A Sacred Path Of Patience, Faith, And Surrender
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana is a deep spiritual truth that teaches the value of patience on the path of devotion. Many seekers want quick answers, instant blessings, and immediate relief from difficulties, but divine grace works with perfect timing. The period of waiting is not empty; it is a sacred training of the heart.
Human beings often become restless when prayers are not answered quickly. The mind begins to doubt, complain, or fear that God has not listened. But the Divine hears every sincere prayer. Sometimes the answer comes as relief, sometimes as strength, sometimes as correction, and sometimes as silence that helps the soul grow deeper in faith.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana teaches that waiting purifies desire. When we pray, we often ask for what the mind wants, but God gives what the soul needs. During the waiting period, selfish wishes become weaker, patience becomes stronger, and the devotee slowly learns to surrender personal will to divine wisdom.
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often reminded devotees that faith and patience are essential in spiritual life. Faith keeps the heart connected to God, and patience prevents the mind from falling into restlessness. A devotee who waits with trust does not become inactive. He continues to do his duty, serve others, and remember God with love.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana becomes meaningful when we understand that delay is not denial. A seed does not become a tree in one day. A flower does not open before its time. In the same way, divine blessings unfold when the devotee is ready. God’s timing is guided by compassion, not neglect.
The waiting period also reveals the strength of devotion. It is easy to love God when everything happens according to our wishes. But when life becomes uncertain and prayers seem delayed, real faith is tested. A sincere devotee continues to pray, serve, and trust, even when the outer situation has not yet changed.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana also teaches humility. Ego wants control, speed, and personal satisfaction. Devotion says, “Lord, I trust Your wisdom.” This attitude reduces pride and softens the heart. The devotee begins to understand that God sees the full journey, while human beings see only a small part.
Prayer becomes more sincere during waiting. The devotee stops praying only for things and begins praying for strength, patience, purity, and surrender. This is a great step in spiritual growth. When the heart asks for inner transformation instead of only outer comfort, the prayer becomes deeper and more powerful.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana finally reminds us that God is working even when nothing appears to be happening. The mind may see silence, but grace may be preparing the path. A closed door may be protection. A delay may be purification. A difficulty may be training. Faith helps the devotee see hidden blessings in time.
Namasmarana, bhajan, meditation, and seva help the heart remain steady while waiting. Repeating the divine name protects the mind from fear. Bhajan fills the heart with devotion. Meditation brings silence. Selfless service removes selfish worry and expands love. These practices turn waiting into spiritual practice.
A devotee should not waste the waiting period in anxiety, gossip, anger, or complaint. This time should be used for self-improvement. We can correct our speech, reduce ego, forgive others, serve someone in need, and strengthen our connection with God. Waiting becomes sacred when it leads to inner purification.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana also shows that surrender is not laziness. We must make sincere efforts, perform duties honestly, and take wise steps. After doing our part, we place the result at the feet of the Divine. This balance of effort and surrender brings peace to the heart.
In the end, this sacred teaching reminds us that the devotee’s waiting is never wasted when filled with faith, prayer, service, and love. God knows the right moment, the right way, and the right blessing for every soul. When the heart waits with trust and continues to live nobly, life becomes peaceful, purified, and blessed with divine grace.
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