“Tell Me! Do you believe in Swami or not?”

“Tell Me! Do you believe in Swami or not?”

Miracles are My visiting cards, said Bhagawan referring to Him performing miracles in the life of devotees. These miracles could be a materialisation, saving from a fatal accident or from a tensed situation, in the form of unseen Divine providence or it could be a word of revelation from the secret life of some one. But, He does it in style, bringing the recipient back on to the right track instilling greater faith in him or her. Read such an interesting account from the life of Bharat Dutt, a former student at Bhagawan’s Institute, as extrated from January, 1987 issue of Sanathana Sarathi.

It was a bright sunny morning. We had all just settled on the portico for Swami’s Darshan. The rustle of His robe and the sweet fragrance announced His Divine Presence. To my delight I was called for an interview with my parents.

I was a most badly behaved boy indulging in ‘modern’ behavioral attitudes. I would like to admit that the entire family believed in Swami, except me. When we came to Prasanthi Nilayam in 1980, my brother got admission in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and we got Swami’s grace for the first time. Swami poured His love on us. Even then, my natural instincts turned lovingly towards the enchanting Person but my weaknesses and worldly habits turned me away from Him. I lacked the moral fibre to transform myself. I was scared that He would reveal my nefarious doings. In fact, I loved and dreaded Swami’s interview. In fact, I wanted to get away from Puttaparthi and I wanted to avoid joining Swami’s School. But Swami’s infinite mercy and grace did not throw me into the jaws of the world.

I went inside with bated breath and beating heart. As usual groups of devotees were taken in by Bhagawan, into the inner interview room. I was relieved when our turn was over and Swami moved to distribute Vibhuti packets. Suddenly He halted. The expression on His countenance changed from motherly Love to fatherly sternness. He beckoned me back into the inner interview room, alone!

My hands would not stop shaking and my heartbeat raced beyond the range of my E.C.G. scale. He was already seated and commanded me to sit at His Feet. I sweated profusely. Then He asked me a question, “Tell Me! Do you believe in Swami or not?” (By now it had become a choice between wanting to believe in Swami or not). He then gave me an undeniable and incredible proof of His omnipresence, of which even my own mother did not know. He told me how, utilizing my pocket money, I had gone to a Hindi movie, instead of attending school. He even told me the name of the film I had gone to, the name of the friend with whom I had gone, a Sarabjit Singh and even the amount of money I spent on ‘Samosas’ during the interval which was incidentally Rs. 10/. This revelation jolted me into the realization of my aimless derogatory living and opened new vistas of a happy, joyful life, in which I have made and am making sincere efforts to transform myself.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Do you believe in Swami or not – A Question for the Heart

Do you believe in Swami or not is not only a question asked to another person; it is a question that every devotee must ask within. Belief is easy to express through words, but real faith is proved through thoughts, actions, patience, and character. Many people say they believe, but when difficulties come, doubts rise, complaints begin, and trust becomes weak. This is why the question touches the heart so deeply.

To believe in Swami does not mean only keeping His picture, attending bhajans, reading His teachings, or speaking about His miracles. These are beautiful parts of devotion, but they are not complete by themselves. True belief means allowing His message to shape our life. If Swami taught love, then our words should become softer. If He taught service, then our hands should become helpful. If He taught truth, then our conduct should become honest.

Do you believe in Swami or not becomes meaningful when life does not go according to our wishes. It is easy to have faith when prayers are answered quickly, when health is good, when money is sufficient, and when people treat us well. The real test comes during delay, pain, loss, insult, or confusion. At such times, faith asks us to remain steady and remember that Swami’s grace may work silently.

Swami’s presence is not limited to physical form. A devotee may not always hear His voice or receive an outer sign, but His guidance can still be felt through conscience, inner strength, timely help, and the quiet peace that comes after sincere prayer. Sometimes He speaks through silence. Sometimes He answers by giving courage instead of changing the situation immediately. His ways are deeper than our expectations.

Do you believe in Swami or not also asks us to examine our daily behavior. If we become angry over small matters, hurt others with careless speech, act selfishly, or ignore someone’s suffering, then our belief needs to become stronger through practice. Faith should not remain only in emotion. It should become visible in how we treat parents, family members, strangers, workers, children, and those who cannot repay us.

A true devotee understands that Swami does not want blind praise. He wants transformation. He wants us to become better human beings. He wants our hearts to become clean, our minds peaceful, and our lives useful to others. The greatest offering to Him is not expensive worship, but a life filled with compassion, humility, discipline, and selfless love.

Do you believe in Swami or not is also a question about surrender. Many people say they surrender, but still want everything to happen exactly as they desire. Real surrender means doing our duty sincerely and accepting the result with trust. It means believing that Swami knows what is best for our spiritual growth, even when the mind cannot understand His plan immediately.

This does not mean that a devotee should become lazy or careless. Faith is not an excuse to avoid effort. Swami always encouraged discipline, responsibility, and right action. We must study, work, serve, care for our health, and perform our duties properly. But after doing our best, we should not drown in fear. We should place the result at His feet with peace.

Do you believe in Swami or not becomes clear in the way we respond to people who trouble us. Can we forgive? Can we control our tongue? Can we avoid hatred? Can we choose patience over reaction? These moments reveal the depth of our faith. Devotion is not only tested in prayer halls; it is tested in homes, workplaces, relationships, and ordinary conversations.

Swami’s teachings are simple, but living them requires courage. “Love all, serve all” sounds beautiful, yet it asks us to rise above ego. “Help ever, hurt never” sounds gentle, yet it demands control over anger, jealousy, and pride. If we follow even one teaching sincerely, our life will slowly become peaceful and meaningful.

Do you believe in Swami or not should not create guilt; it should awaken honesty. None of us is perfect. We may fail, forget, become weak, or lose balance. But if we return to Him again and again with sincerity, that itself is devotion. Swami looks at the purity of effort. He knows the struggle of every heart and supports every genuine step toward goodness.

Belief grows through remembrance. When we begin the day with prayer, offer our work to Swami, speak kindly, help someone in need, and correct our mistakes honestly, faith becomes stronger. Slowly, we start feeling that Swami is not far away. He is present as love in the heart, truth in the conscience, and strength during hardship.

In the end, Do you believe in Swami or not is not a question to answer only with the mouth. It must be answered through life. If our faith makes us kinder, humbler, more truthful, and more service-minded, then our belief is becoming real. To believe in Swami is to live His message, trust His grace, and allow His love to guide every step.

The Hallowed Path!!!