Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai

Subramanian, a student of Sri Sathya Sai College from Whitefield (1977-1980), is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.

It is near to 17 years since I woke up to the presence of the Lord on this earth and more than 13 years since I entered the sacred precincts of Brindavan [Baba’s ashram in Bangalore]. As I pause during my life and glance at the past, I compare my life that has been these many years with what it would have been. As I look at myself, I notice the changes effected in me—my personality, thinking, habits, ambitions…. And taking stock, I consider myself thrice blessed to have been a student in Bhagavan’s college, to be a resident of Brindavan, and to have become a follower of Bhagavan.

Living in the Hostel in Brindavan is a unique experience. Here one must lead a disciplined and holy life punctuated with religious and moral learning. The Hostel is isolated from the disturbances and pressures of the world. Here one meets a wide variety of people, young and elderly from various sections of life, possessing a high degree of maturity and understanding of the world, and filled with love for God. The serene, holy, and austere atmosphere breeds a healthy mind possessed with calmness and clarity of thought that brings about a gradual but permanent change in one’s personality and a new attitude toward life.

Crowning all these is the opportunity of being in the proximity of Bhagavan when He is in Brindavan. The morning and evening sessions in the Mandir [temple] are the most cherished periods of time during one’s stay in the hostel. It is during these periods that Bhagavan bends down to our human level and through humor, playfulness, concern, and even through silence fills us with joy, peace, and spiritual elevation.

Any evening session in Brindavan finds one and all eager to be nearest to the Divine Chair, jostling for space. When Bhagavan has seated Himself, everyone sits in rapt attention drinking in His benign smile, the loveliness of His form, and nectarine sweetness of His child-like sport. And this way the face is relieved of tension and fear and the heart is cleared of worry and sorrow and is filled with happiness and delight through light talk, conversations, and discourses. He impresses upon the students the need to become disciplined and morally upright. He not merely preaches but also practices. He does not impress or overawe the students by a display of His formidable powers or by philosophic complexities.

He leads a life of openness and continuous activity. Depending very little on others, He performs His personal tasks with cheerfulness and efficiency. His life is one of continuous sacrifice and great austerity. A master in time management and planning. He achieves varied momentous tasks within the framework of a tight and unvaried routine. He is a perfectionist in tasks—spiritual or most mundane.

Come the Veda Purusha Yajna during Dassara, He expects a strict adherence to prescribed Vedic injunctions and a perfect recital of the mantras [holy verses]. Come the Annual Convocation of the Institute, He issues instructions to the minutest details for taking care of the guests, for stage arrangements, etc. It is in the light of these qualities—perfection in action, purity, dedication to a task, disciplined living, self-sacrificing, modesty, total goodness, to name but a few—observed in Bhagavan that a student sees in Him a perfect human being, a Master, an Inspirer. Through no prompting, a student resolves to acquire at least a fraction of these qualities for himself.

There is none to equal Bhagavan in the handling of adolescent students. It is a most wondrous sight to see students filled with restless energy and great dynamism being held spellbound and captive by His mere Presence, alert at His slightest gesture, and eager to fulfill His smallest wish. The power that Bhagavan wields over the students is that of love and understanding. He exhibits infinite tolerance for their shortcomings and exercises great patience in the face of their waywardness and vacillation. Though He deals firmly with any deliberate mischief, His actions are permeated with love. Love that is the magic wand Bhagavan uses to control the students and bind them to Himself. It is this bond of love that prepares a student to accept Bhagavan’s teachings and His mode of education.

Through His teachings, which are simple but effectively worded, often couched in attractive terms and beautiful phrases, He sows the seed of transformation in every student. He allows enough time for the seed to sprout, flower, and [come to] fruition. No student who has passed through the portals of His college can remain unmoved, unshaken.

The most important change that has been wrought in me by Bhagavan, as I see it, is the development of a strong faith in God; more, a love for God and spiritual matters. Faith in God is acquired in many ways. I, among the many fortunate ones, could develop this love for God by living near Him, observing His actions with my physical eyes, experiencing Him, and witnessing manifestations of His power and glory.

Bhagavan’s words and teachings touch one’s heart. They stir up in one’s heart a longing for something not found in this world. When one sees Him and comes close to Him, one realizes that there is no need to search anywhere to fulfill this longing. When I see Him, I remember the words of Lord Jesus: I am the way, the truth, and the life.

He has taught that I must feel His presence in myself. A life lived for the service of the Lord becomes devotion in itself. Work, when performed the right way with the right spirit, has a liberating effect. He has taught that God is for those who are not for themselves and demonstrated how one can perform all the allotted duties cheerfully and remain detached from the results. When God is the focus of one’s life, the vision is clear and penetrating. Through His words, He has given a proper understanding of religion and spirituality and the need for God in one’s life.

~R. Subramanian
Source: Sai Nandana 1990 (65th Birthday Offering)

Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai

In the spiritual history of humanity, there are rare moments when divine grace touches a devotee in ways beyond ordinary understanding. The sacred journey described in “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” reflects one such extraordinary experience where faith, devotion, and divine love unite into a life-changing blessing. The presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has inspired millions across the world, and the story of being “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” symbolizes the deep spiritual transformation received through His compassion and guidance. For devotees connected with Devotional India, these divine experiences continue to strengthen faith and awaken inner peace.

The phrase “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” beautifully represents the threefold blessings of spiritual wisdom, unconditional love, and divine protection. Devotees often describe how Sri Sathya Sai Baba entered their lives during moments of confusion, sorrow, or uncertainty and transformed darkness into hope. His teachings emphasized truth, righteousness, peace, love, and nonviolence, guiding humanity toward a life rooted in spiritual values. Those who experienced His grace felt that every encounter with Him carried a deeper purpose designed to elevate the soul.

Many devotees recall their first darshan of Bhagawan as a life-altering event. The divine aura surrounding Him created an atmosphere filled with peace and purity. In countless spiritual accounts connected to Devotional India, devotees narrate how a single glance from Sai Baba dissolved fears and brought tears of devotion. Such sacred experiences made them feel truly “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai”, as though divine energy itself had entered their hearts. These moments were not merely emotional experiences but spiritual awakenings that inspired permanent transformation.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba constantly reminded humanity that God resides within every individual. His teachings encouraged selfless service, compassion toward others, and unwavering devotion to truth. Through hospitals, educational institutions, and humanitarian projects, He demonstrated that spirituality must be expressed through love and service. The spirit of Devotional India shines brightly in these noble acts because they reflect the timeless values of Indian spirituality and dharma. Devotees who participated in seva activities often discovered that serving humanity became a sacred path to experiencing divine presence.

The journey of becoming “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” is not limited to miracles or extraordinary visions. It is also found in the simple transformation of character and consciousness. Many followers testify that after embracing Sai Baba’s teachings, anger gradually turned into patience, fear transformed into courage, and selfishness evolved into compassion. Such inner growth represents the highest form of divine blessing because it leads the soul closer to God. The spiritual wisdom shared through Devotional India traditions continuously encourages seekers to cultivate these noble qualities in daily life.

Sai Baba’s miracles attracted global attention, yet He often explained that the greatest miracle was the transformation of the human heart. Devotees witnessed sacred ash manifestations, healing experiences, and mysterious acts of grace, but beyond these wonders lay a deeper spiritual message. He wanted humanity to recognize the divine spark present within all creation. Those who understood this truth felt eternally “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai”, because they realized that true spirituality is not about external rituals alone but about awakening inner divinity.

Throughout India and across the world, bhajans and spiritual gatherings dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai Baba continue to inspire devotion among seekers of all ages. The atmosphere during Sai bhajans creates a feeling of unity where hearts connect through divine music and prayer. Such gatherings hold special importance in Devotional India, where collective devotion is considered a powerful path toward spiritual upliftment. Devotees often experience immense peace during these sacred moments and feel spiritually connected to Bhagawan’s eternal presence.

Another reason why devotees feel “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” is the timeless relevance of His teachings. In a world filled with stress, competition, and material distractions, His message of love and service remains a guiding light. He encouraged individuals to see all religions as pathways leading toward the same divine truth. This universal vision inspired harmony among people from different cultures and beliefs. His spiritual philosophy continues to inspire millions to live with kindness, humility, and devotion.

The legacy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba lives on through the countless lives He transformed. His teachings continue to guide spiritual seekers toward inner peace and self-realization. For followers associated with Devotional India, His message serves as a reminder that true happiness is found not in worldly possessions but in selfless love and devotion to God. Every prayer offered with sincerity and every act of compassion performed in His name becomes a sacred step toward spiritual fulfillment.

To feel “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai” is to experience divine grace in mind, heart, and soul. It is the blessing of faith during difficult times, the blessing of love that removes fear, and the blessing of spiritual wisdom that illuminates life’s journey. Devotees who surrender themselves to His teachings discover a profound sense of peace that cannot be described in words. Even today, His spiritual presence continues to guide humanity toward truth and righteousness.

The sacred message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba reminds every devotee that God’s love is infinite and available to all who seek with sincerity. Those who walk the path of devotion, service, and truth experience the joy of divine connection in every aspect of life. Such souls truly become “Thrice Blessed by Sri Sathya Sai”, carrying His love within their hearts forever.

-His’ First Step, ‘His’ Hundred Steps