A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai – By S. Ravi Kumar

A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai – By S. Ravi Kumar

It was studying in Class II in Mercara (Karnataka) when my father heard of Bhagavan’s school in Ooty. My father had an urge to send me to that school and I did not mind it, but it was my mother who was not very glad of my going away from her. Anyway, we got the prospectus, and got ready to leave. We left in our car for Ooty. After an overnight stay at Bangalore we proceeded to our destination. We started singing Bhajans and when we were near Bandipur forest, a white Mercedes Benz overtook us. Immediately, another white car passed by us. The curtain at the window was half open and through it we saw that the great halo of hair and orange colour. We recognised Him and sang Bhajans more vigorously, instructing the driver to go faster after the car. He did. Swami stopped His car at the Mudumalai rest house for lunch. We also stopped there. Swami in His infinite compassion sent us lunch through some Brindavan boys who were with Him. We enjoyed it.

Swami, before this lunch, had come over to my parents and talked to them in Kannada. He asked my mother, “Where are you going?” my mother hesitantly replied, “Swami to admit my son (me) in your school in Ooty.” He said, “Very good”, and went in. My father then told my mother, “Swami is omnipresent and knows everything. He knows very well that we talk in Tamil at home, and still why did He talked to us in Kannada?” as a reply Swami after His lunch came and asked us “Saptaccha” In Tamil (Have you finished eating?) my parents were shocked, but happy too…. for Swami had shown us His infinite Glory. My father said, “Yes Swami.”

Soon we started off from there. We reached Ooty and I had my entrance exam and other tests two days later. Then the list of the selected children was put up. There were about 25 names in all. We began going through the list, and I became more and more nervous not seeing my name in the list. There!! My name was the last in the order and I was selected. After admitting me in the hostel, my mother was sitting in the Darshan line, sadness writ large on her face. When Swami came and consoled her saying, “Don’t worry. I will look after him.” Thus my parents left me in the total care of Swami when I was 7 years old.

Now, I am here, all due to Swami’s grace.

–         S. Ravi Kumar

Student (1991-1993), Department of Management Studies
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently working at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences Prasanthi Gram

Lead Singer, Prasanthi Mandir Group

A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai

The lives of devotees are often blessed with extraordinary experiences that deepen their faith and strengthen their spiritual journey. One such inspiring account is A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai. This remarkable experience reveals how the divine presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba extends beyond the boundaries of temples and ashrams, reaching devotees wherever they may be.

The story unfolds amidst the serene beauty of a forest, far away from the bustle of daily life. Surrounded by towering trees, gentle breezes, and the soothing sounds of nature, the devotee found himself immersed in an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. What began as a simple visit to a forested region soon transformed into a profound spiritual experience that would remain etched in memory forever.

Nature has always been regarded as a manifestation of the Divine. Saints and sages throughout Indian history have sought solitude in forests to meditate and experience God’s presence. In a similar way, the devotee in this account felt an inexplicable sense of calm and spiritual upliftment while walking through the woods. Every rustling leaf and every ray of sunlight filtering through the trees seemed to carry a silent message of divine love.

As the journey progressed, unexpected circumstances created moments of uncertainty. Yet, at every step, there was an invisible hand guiding and protecting. The devotee gradually realized that Sri Sathya Sai Baba was orchestrating events with His boundless compassion. Through subtle signs, inner inspiration, and miraculous coincidences, Baba reassured His devotee that He was always present.

A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai beautifully illustrates one of Baba’s central teachings—that God resides in every heart and permeates all creation. The experience was not merely about witnessing a miracle but about recognizing the Divine in every aspect of life. The forest became a sacred classroom where lessons of faith, surrender, and trust were learned in a profound manner.

The account also highlights the importance of maintaining unwavering faith during challenging times. When devotees place complete trust in the Divine, solutions emerge in unexpected ways. Baba often reminded His followers that He is closer to them than they realize and that sincere prayer never goes unanswered. This message shines throughout A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai, inspiring readers to strengthen their own connection with God.

For devotees around the world, such experiences serve as reminders that spirituality is not confined to rituals alone. True devotion blossoms when one learns to see God everywhere—in nature, in humanity, and within oneself. The forest encounter became a transformative moment, leaving the devotee with renewed faith and a deeper understanding of Baba’s omnipresence.

Stories like A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai continue to inspire seekers on the spiritual path. They remind us that divine grace can manifest at any place and at any time. Through faith, love, and surrender, one can experience the guiding hand of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in every step of life. Such sacred experiences shared through Devotional India help preserve and spread these invaluable spiritual treasures, encouraging countless devotees to walk the path of truth and devotion. Through the efforts of Devotional India, these divine memories continue to touch hearts across generations.