“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

The Hallowed Path!!! How much are we inspired by His hallowed presence? …how much are we into practising His precepts? with life sending myriad moments in our way, granting us an opportunity to grow, man has to take every precaution to raise himself up making his life His Message…writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri. (extracted from Sri Sathya Sai Newsletter, Pune) Maya so annamatti yo vipasyati yah praniti ya i srnotyuktamAmantavo mam ta upa kshiyanti srudhi sruta sraddhivam te vadami Through My essence alone all eat the food that helps them see, breathe and hear the spoken word. Though not aware of Me, they all dwell in Me solely. They who have no faith in Me court disaster. Oh! Learned Listener, listen, to what I say from inside your Soul. For I proclaim the Truth through the words I speak to you…these words deserve your trust…have faith in it.Ahameva svayam idam vadami jushtam devebhir uta manushebhihIt is I Who announces the tidings that the gods and men alike rejoice to hear. –   Devi Suktam (Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul) Are you really leading an inspired life,Whatever the tide…the rough ride…whatsoever the strife…?Are you being true to the inner you…?Does your life reflect the effect of ‘inner view’…?Is the Master only a picture frame for you…?Or does His essence resonate through the picture…to you……and all those around you…?…then why don’t you choose to surround yourself……with the Master’s voice……the sound…within you……that constantly resounds as your conscience true… Myriad are the moments life sends our way…and in myriad ways indeed we can grow, if only we subdue the flames of pride, ego and arrogance that are fanned by the breeze of greed and self indulgence…with the still calm of sincere affection, humility, forgiveness, acceptance and appreciation.With every step if we realise the Master’s Presence as the Supreme Reality…With every breath if we know the truth that He watches over all that we do……if only we had a clue… Wouldn’t we be utterly conscious how we tread…what we think, say or do…? So much our precious Lord has given us…what have we to offer Him in return?The reply to every question lies within us…as does the answer to every quest.The Lord seeks nothing material from us…what offering, then, would please Him?Is it a surrender of all that we are and our willingness to become what He wants us to be…? Is it an affirmation of our desire for transformation? That every salutation we offer Him exudes an earnest appeal? That each time, in hushed awe, when we utter His sacred name we do so in the hope of setting an example exemplary? That each flower we place at His Lotus Feet is a blossom that seeks to spread His fragrance everywhere? Each obeisance re-establishes a vow to intensify efforts to enhance noble qualities, to steer away from self to selflessness…to divinise every moment…to rediscover the joy of kindred oneness…to behold Him in all that we see…to revive the spirit of camaraderie…to lovingly practice expansive love…to consciously serve Him in all of creation while intoning Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…to Help Ever, Hurt Never…to understand the word ‘all’ that was so distinctly and eternally redefined by Him, when He, the Supreme Absolute, the Ultimate Reality, during His present advent as Sri Sathya Sai exhorted such a simple yet profound decree upon each and every devotee – Love All, Serve All. So too, must we live and let live…grow and let go…if we cannot help we must not hurt, block or dissuade others as they endeavour to reach out…in response to a distress call be it from man, woman, child, bird, beast or plant…Motherland, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, the elements five or the Universe itself!This is the hallowed path shown by Beloved Bhagawan. It is time enough to realise that we adore and worship Him true only when we, in totality, follow His proclamation through.

Size Does Not Matter… Memoirs of a tiny tot from the days  of Primary School recounting priceless moments with Bhagawan are ought to be ‘Divine’. When Bhagawan becomes an open book for close observation, assimilation and practice, every incident in His physical presence turns out to be a priceless gem,  serving deep insight. Read on a tiny tot’s chirping from his  primary days, as narrated by Sri  Amitabh Dasgupta, who had the rare good fortune of spending his entire academic life in His physical presence, from class 1 to MBA, in Prasanthi Nilayam. (Incidentally Amitabh Dasgupta narrated this incident in the New Year morning, yesterday…1 Jan 2014) It was one of those days for which I had waited long. It was my birthday. It was an evening in the summer of 1986, when beach sands adorned the darshan grounds, when Swami lived upstairs in the Mandir in His tiny room, when the sound of interview room door opening  with Sri Khayaldas  coming out , piloting, announcing Swami’s arrival. The final click of the interview room door announcing the Lord’s arrival could be heard near the East Prasanthi gate.  Even the birds stopped chirping on the two big trees, awaiting in gasp for a sight of the majestic orange.  Silence was the music on which He walked and made our hearts dance to His tunes. I was in Primary School. Those days Swami used to autograph heaps of His photographs for boys every day. The birthday boys used to get first preference. Many boys had huge photos, A3 size, cabinet size, post card size, etc.  Post card size was very popular those days that it was the betting currency in the primary hostel, what we called “clicked photo“. For any bet in primary school, the denomination was the “clicked photo” (not the autographed ones, of course). I had asked my mother to get me one post card size photograph of Swami from an outside shop. Instead of a postcard size photograph, my mother got me a tiny passport size photograph of Swami in a white robe. A postcard size photo was a luxury we couldn’t afford and one could buy two meals in the South Indian canteen those days, with that money.  I was pain-stricken.  I had never known Swami to have signed a passport size photo and the devil of the ego began to play havoc in my head. “What will people think, my class mates will laugh, Swami will be angry etc.” I was annoyed; I told my mother I can’t do that.  My mother replied, “Swami cares for everyone; He is your Real Mother; He will understand; Swami will sign; size doesn’t matter for Him.” I was in the first row holding the birthday tray. I had put the photo is my pocket. I thought for a moment that I would not take it out. I felt the lyrics of the famous Norah Jones song “It’s a half an inch of water and you think you‘re gonna drown”. Swami came to the birthday boys, created Vibhuti, showered akshata, the yellow rice grains on us and threw chocolates. My mind began racing, the ogre in little head was now becoming louder, “Swami please don’t sign any photographs today, so that I can save my so called pride of a 10 year old and save my embarrassments”. Swami had different plans. He asked for the first photograph and started signing, postcards size, cabinet size and then, on that particular evening, adding to my predicament, someone got a life size photo of Swami to be autographed, and the size of my photo kept shrinking. When the photographs of other boys were getting autographed, I thought of my mother’s advice and took out the small passport photograph from my pocket, sheepishly showing it to Swami. He saw it, kept staring at it for a while and then took the photograph and gave a chuckle; holding the thick marker He said ““Kaisa sign kar sakta hey ithna small photo, so big pen“ (how can I sign such a small photo with the big pen) ??? I swallowed a sob and then He asked around for an appropriate pen. Someone nearby grabbed the ‘golden’ opportunity, offering a pilot pen for Swami. Swami took the pen and signed my passport photograph. Swami looked at the photograph again and gave a dazzling, charming smile, which only He could give, that wiped away all my embarrassments. Swami said: “very nice photo, very nice photo”. My heart leapt to the heavens. One word from Swami sent it fluttering! My mother was right. Size doesn’t matter, isn’t it? II Samasta Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

When Will I See You Again? Can there ever be a last darshan of the One, Whose every darshan, Whose every glimpse and glance, had an everlasting effect in each cell of every devotee’s being? …commemorating the darshan on 25th March 2011 in a packed Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam, that is slated to be the ‘Final Darshan – Thus Far’, it is time for humanity to ponder over the deeper significance of His magnanimity, of His walking on the Earth…? and to win His grace, to win Him back, we need to amend, walking the talk, walking His path…let’s reminisce the grandeur and beauty of His Supreme Darshan granted on 25th March 2011, through the writings of Sri Jullie Chaudhuri. The heart does constantly reminisce, hitherto unsurpassed moments of sheer bliss…when our Beloved Lord glided into Sai Kulwant Hall, in His delightful chariot on 25th March 2011. Situation necessitates the word ‘hitherto’, for as yet…up until now…thus far…the memory of that darshan, referred to by so many as the ‘last darshan’, has carved a niche for itself in the endless corridor of time. Waves of devoted adulation, awed admiration, marvel, reverence and veneration…gushed forth to embrace the Beloved One. One could imagine peacocks laying down their plush plumes for the Master’s cherished footfall…even as Mother Nature submitted its elated obeisances with myriad effervescent, ethereally fragrant offerings quite beyond human perception. All eyes stayed glued on Him, all necks craned for a precious glimpse, each heartbeat did whirl and twist…waltz in bliss…enhancing its treasure trove of sublime divine memories. Entering at 1915 hrs, the Lord encircled Kulwant Hall at a leisurely pace twice, much to the utter delight of the devoted congregation…concluding the ‘Ultimate Darshan’ with a double Abhaya Hasta…even as Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu reverberated through the environment…the grace to be sprinkled all over the globe, being scooped into the sweeping arms of the passing breeze…an ally of Beloved Sai…ensuring that this purest of pure love of infinite mothers rolled into One…reaches all His children…touching every sentient and insentient being with eternal benediction. As it is, a question, a rhythmic refrain, seems to hover in the air after every darshan, an earnest query engulfed in the marvelous fragrance of devotion that never seems to wane, emitting from myriad hearts – When will I see You again?  Unspoken, yet heard by the One towards Whom it has been directed…each devout longing receives its due response…for no one is ever forsaken by Beloved Bhagawan! As that hitherto ‘last darshan’ is reflected upon with deep deliberation, each soul whispers these lines to the Beloved One –Maula merey Maula merey….ankhen Teri itni haseen…mujhse yeh har ghadi mera dil kahey, Tum hee ho uski aarzoo…mujhse yeh har ghadi merey lub kahey, Teri hee ho sab guftgu…baatien Teri itni haseen mai yaad inko jab karta hoon…phoolon sey aaye khushboo…Maula merey, Sai merey, Maula merey, Sai merey…Your eyes ever so captivatingly beautiful…unto me each moment my heart acknowledges that You are its sole desire…each moment the lips yearn – that every conversation should reflect only You…be connected to You…whenever I recall Your memories so vividly enchanting…it enhances the fragrance of flowers… which then surge forth to envelope me… The Lord encircles Kulwant Hall, blesses all, listens to hymns that worship Him soulfully, then it’s time for Arati and He soon begins to cruise towards Yajur Mandir…in that hushed silence…resounds a collective refrain – When, Oh! Lord, my sweet Lord, when will I see You again? Till the next darshan, this question does in the mind forever remain. Silence speaks a language unknown…silence communicates through a language its very own…silence so uniquely vocal…so distinct and eloquent…an exquisite bond encompassed with glorious mystique between Bhagawan and bhaktha…and to these devoted ones most certainly His Presence is unveiled, disclosed and visibly made known. On that evening, except for Him, no one knew of His fundamentally vital decision. His decisions are His exclusive domain. What the Supreme Person takes upon His assumed physical persona always has selflessness as its base and is specifically for the eventual good of creation. Suffice for us await…plunge into and remain submerged in faith, patience, acceptance, awe, appreciation…and bated wonderment having experienced Him as the Avatar of all Avatars…!Thus far…as yet…up until now…this remains as the Ultimate Darshan. It indeed has been a most trying period for all…one suffused with astonishment, shock, distress, acute agony and bewilderment…that could perhaps be somewhat alleviated and assuaged only via deep introspection, trusting one’s own inner views, reflecting upon Beloved Bhagawan’s words and making His message our life…along with a resolve to live exclusively for Him through and through…every moment, each thought, word and deed a genuine offering…an intense dedication at His beauteous Lotus Feet. Our cherished Lord’s Love knows no space or time…being boundless…beyond reason and clime…as expansive as He is infinite… The answer to the refrain – ‘When will I see You again?’…lies in practising His word…for that is when our actions reveal true respect, reverence and love for Bhagawan and receives His ultimate, everlasting and equivalent response. However, one wonders, can there ever be a last darshan of The One, Whose every darshan, Whose every glimpse and glance, had an everlasting effect in each cell of every devotee’s being? There can never be a last darshan of the One with ageless beauty and timeless charm…His grace remains immeasurably profound…His ways inexplicable, incomprehensible…His persona enigmatic, inscrutable, transcendental…and His will…His Sankalpa – resolute, indomitable, unsurpassable…as much as His life is the life of Truth…experienced in the now…no folklore…this mystifying and unfathomable Ocean, the Source of creation, how much ever one tries to explore…whiffs and sprays waft refreshingly ashore…touching the very core… whispers that refreshingly echo – the era of Sathya Sai is not yet history…wherefore His story, as yet…has much more in store. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Eternal Honour For This Almighty Advent 25th March 2011 has taken a sure place in the annals of His Story, being the day when He chose to publicly appear for one last time, Thus Far…  Revisiting the day after three-long years, missing Him out in physical, what should be our plea…prayer…to the One-Off Supreme Advent Whom We Knew as Sri Sathya Sai… writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri, commemorating the day, commending on His Supreme Intent, praying that His Supreme Advent will honour each and every one of It’s Intent. 25th March 2011…thus far, the final darshan…wan and sallow…dim and faded appeared the rays of the Sun. March – April 2011…then on till 2014…Tough times…toughening process…those days filled with alarm and apprehension…unease, strain and trepidation…that something was amiss…not knowing what to do…acute was the helplessness…with prayers as the only refuge.Prayers to Him…for Him.Can we argue with God…?We can only try…and cajole our Mother…strive hard to persuade our Father…plead, appeal, beseech, implore and entreat our Friend, Guide and Gurudeva…that bereft are we…He has to come around…existence has meaning only because of His Presence.He signifies life…of what use is living…without a life…doesn’t it amount to merely subsisting?  What is the fate of a crop when faced with a drought so crippling…? Nature was confronting a sudden winter in the middle of spring…if a song has no tune…how can one with harmony sing…?The Beloved One was determined…so were we…with global pleas…fervent endeavours to beg Him to do something. Even so, the All Knowing One wouldn’t relent…the onus was on us to be patient for the moment…work upon ourselves and watch the divine plan unfold as per His Will.However, neither a second…nor a moment has been forgotten or relegated to the background…every bit is writ in large print on the screen of the heart, mind and soul. Nothing can assuage or diminish…in howsoever a minute manner – the sting, the soreness…the pain felt by each cell of the being. Oh, Compassion Incarnate, Beloved Bhagawan…so much You took and kept taking upon Your Physical Frame…flawless and fathomless is Your approach, method, tactic and technique…this is certain…it is all beyond human reason, unencumbered are You…beyond any and every boundary…no finite mind can ever grasp Your ways…suffice for us to be fully aware that You are the vital, pivotal Source…You – the Primary Force. It is You Who writes and shapes the Cosmic Script…it is You Who pronounces each edict…Your intent, words and deeds outline the Laws of the Universe. The ‘power hungry’, selfish, greedy, callous, heinous inhuman ‘human’ ways has entrapped man firmly in the material ‘race for supremacy’ clasp…bringing Earth to the brink of collapse…All that we know is that…boundless are You, Oh! Most Cherished Mother Sai…our heart acknowledges You as that Ultimate Incarnation…and thus…it desires supreme honour for this Advent…even as it knows that this Supreme Advent will honour each and every one of Its intent. There is nothing that Divine Power cannot accomplish. It can transmute Earth into sky and sky in to Earth. To doubt this is to prove you are too weak to grasp the grandeur of the Universal. – Baba 25th March 2011…thus far, the final darshan…then on…wan and sallow…dim and faded appeared the rays of the sun…angst, so human a sentiment, encloaked the environ… Through it all…a belief stood tall – the Sathya of Sathya Sai will prevail to enchant future generations with many a wondrous Divine Trail and Sublime Tale…the Truth…no folktale…His infallible grace ensures that no doubt assails…that faith should never be stale, pale nor frail…a feeling does grow surely and certainly within the core – the era of Sathya Sai has so much more grandeur in store…for the He, Who is being referred to…is no ordinary person…but the Foremost Controller of destiny and fate…Whom nothing in existence can ever equate…for He is the Principal Substance…He is God Incarnate… Thus, how can this soul not seek perpetual Supreme Honour for this oh, so dearly cherished absolute Almighty Advent……when it knows with utmost certainty…that this Advent of that Supreme Absolute will eternally honour Its Intent…? Now, what about our intent…?Even as we enhance our sadhana, discipline…introspection and self improvement agenda…Let us accelerate our intent…intensify our intensity…renew our contract with ourselves…vow, pledge, pressing blemishes and characteristics address, reform…redress…transform our hearts into Prasanthi Nilayam…sincerely pray that our attempts may He so bless… Every prayer…each earnest supplication is lodged in the ether…transcending realms…embracing the Cosmic Essence…invoking heavenly benevolence and clemency…attracting and prevailing upon the mercy of the Matchless Sovereign…that tender Universal Heart…to finally culminate in a boon…the triumph of perseverance and patience…a long awaited benediction.And so…the soul does wait and sigh…absorbedly…keenly…intently visualizing Beloved Mother Sai…Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai…Dearest of all that is dear…for only one thing shines crystal clear…luminescent and bright in the inner sphere…a sole desire…all that the soul does desire is – Supreme Honour for this…so dearly treasured Almighty Advent… i miss You…Beloved Bhagawan…Nothing attracts the mind……for nothing distracts it……relentlessly the soul does Thee pursue……this overwhelming ardor nothing can subdue……from material manipulations and callous opportunism……creation…You must come and rescue……Your words the heart does constantly preview……value and view…Come, alter, transmute, commute……all questions in to a proclamation……an exalted exclamation……i miss You…Beloved Bhagawan……i miss You true……don’t ask me not to……for i simply cannot……i miss You, i miss You so, sweet Lord ……helpless am i…how can i not…? As it journeyed through lifetimes……epochs, eons, ages……many a form the soul did wrought……a myriad impressions surreptitiously begot……a dormant feeling…a restless disenchantment……a vexed discontent……somehow…Your subtle essence did the subconscious besot……in spite of every luxury……‘something’ was missing……je ne sais quoi…an elusive not knowing what…Yet, all through the glittering synthetic onslaught……thickly engrossed in Maya’s plot……chance encounters with Thy Presence severed a colossal knot……gradually Thy substance did my being absorb……through countless millennia……Your Name has echoed in my heart……You were and are my Guide, my Lucky Mascot……my constant Escort…You, i have loved…with You i fought……You made me complete…You made me distraught……thoughts of You did my mind besot……no answer to the ‘why, how or what…’…the mere mention of Your Name, Beloved Mother Sai……within my heart does immense

The Dance Of The Soul These words that you are about to wander through are from the April 2014 Issue of the Pune Youth Newsletter, edited by Sri Jullie Chaudhuri, dedicated at the enchanting Lotus Feet…HE is the One Who inspires…HE Who motivates…HE our inspiration…HE our motivation…in Him lies all kinds of celebrations…He the ultimate jubilation…To our Guru, Guide, Parent, Friend and God…we offer all that we are and ever will be… Ganeshaya Namah Saraswatyai Namah Sri Gurubhyo Namah Hari Aum… Aham somamahanasam bibharmyaham tvastaram uta pusanam bhagamAham dadhami dravinam havismate supravye e yajamanaya sunvateI sustain Soma, the moon which dispels darkness, the Adityas…Tvasta, Pusha, Bhaga…the life infusing air…and I endow with wealth the worshipper…the one who offers oblation…I enhance the prosperity of a person who leads his life based on the essence of wisdom…revering the sages. Aham rastri sangamani vasunam cikitusi prathama yajniyanamTam ma deva vyadadhuh purutra bhuristha tram bhurya vesayantim I am the ruling Queen, the foremost power that bestows treasures, first of those who are worthy of worship…replete with wisdom and all aspects of knowledge. The wise realise Me and see Me in the Universe in all the diverse Forms. That Me by their sadhana they have installed in their hearts…in many places, with many homes to enter and abide in.– Devi Sukta- Song of the Goddess(Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul) Oh! Beloved Mother Sai – You, are our wealth, our life infusing breath…it is You, Who sustains us…You, indeed are our essence and it is You Whom we adore and revere. You are the Source of all knowledge and wisdom…and we are aware of You and experience You in all that is around us…it is You, Whom we abide by and have installed forever in our heart. Come, show us a way to purify our mind…the mind is the root…for a wondrous tree to flower and fruit…a root that needs nurturing and care…for the blossoming of fresh pure and fragrant thoughts…a sterling attribute…that none can dispute.So too, the mind can be a route…oh, so fine…that leads straight to a heritage divine…that our words and deeds by and by may express and comply…complete allegiance to Thee, Oh, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai… Oh! Beloved Lord, come…grant us devotion so true…that can touch Your Heart. An iota of Thy compassion can heal the environment; come, instill faith and fortitude…patience and gratitude…a righteous attitude…heal, repair and correct the mindset and herald in a much required transformation. Cause the effect…and effect the cause…help us let go, balance and blend the ‘was’ with the now…the ‘is’…assist us to adhere the unseen clause and cosmic laws…guide and steer our life, Beloved One towards a harmonious divine cause. An alteration sans any altercation.Do not be under the false impression that you can perform an evil deed and be done with it; remember that you will have to face the consequences for the rest of your life. – Baba There is so much reflected in one’s attitude. Some inherited traits, some impressions from prior lifetimes…some influenced and adapted as the journey from infancy to adulthood commences and continues. Some qualities are virtuous, some shabby, some noble and noteworthy…some incorrect, erring and unworthy. These overlapping coatings control the reaction and response of each individual as he/she sails upon the ocean of life. However, regular scrutiny, mental housekeeping, self study, examination, introspection and inspection can make these layers fall away as do onion peels…heightening a near exemplary transformation. There is something we all owe our soul – a stillness…a calm demeanour…a ‘sthita prajna’ state that can be wrought only through ethics and ethical behavior…exacting compliance with the Beloved Master’s simple, yet profound maxims…faith and belief in the Will and the Glory of God…the Glorious Will of God…that consistently exhorts and elevates us all to –Love All, Serve All; Help Ever, Hurt Never; Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…The soul has danced with life…donning many a form…assuming many a role…spanning innumerable epochs in the ballroom of time…without achieving deserving fulfillment. Hasn’t Prapti been somewhat elusive…?The soul’s betrothal to the material world did not always augment a serene affiliation.However, now in this lifetime, having savored moments in the Divine Presence, how can it not seek a higher way of living and being…? Any and every kind of restlessness, however subtle, one will realise gradually…eventually is an undetected, unrecognized, imperceptible…deep pursuit of and for the Supreme Source. Just as a stream rushes towards a river…and a river gushes forth towards the ocean…so too, the soul can never be content to meander off-course and remain for any length of time away from its Source. Restlessness is only the rise and fall of a wave on the ocean that you are. Nothing matters, so long as the depths are secure. Success is not important: failure does not matter. The river of eternity is flowing ever into the ocean of the Supreme Will. – Baba II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Mother With Care and Concern… Mother Easwaramma… Mother Easwaramma was ever an epitome of peace and tranquility… humility and simplicity…  The ‘naive’ mother in her often worried about her Son, dispite Him being Divine, about Him being subject to calumny… and for the suffering, she had always been a connecting link to The Supreme Divine… a beautiful episode from Ms Bikkina Veera Nagamani…(The author rendered service in the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital until merging with Swami in June 2013). I first came to Parthi along with my parents in 1956 and continued to make regular trips here until 1965. In June 1965 when I came here, Swami said I should live here for good and so I have lived here since then and Prasanthi Nilayam has become my home. My acquaintance with Swami’s mother soon developed into an extremely sweet and intimate relationship despite the difference in our ages. It became a regular practice for her and me to visit one another without fail everyday. Either she would come to our room or I would go to her’s. One day when she was in our room, Dr. Jayalakshmi who worked in the hospital happened to come there. When she saw Swami’s mother in our room, she sat down to listen to what she was saying because our conversation invariably centred around Swami. Dr. Jayalakshmi naturally wanted to hear something about Swami. She asked her what Swami was like as a child. On a wall in our room, there was a calendar with a picture of baby Krishna eating butter. Pointing to it Mother Easwaramma said: “Swami also looked like Him with His smiling countenance and curly hair. But we couldn’t deck Him up with so much jewellery (as the Krishna in the picture). Still somehow, I do not know how, we got some silver ornaments made for Him.” Her compassion towards people in distress prompted her ever so often to intercede on their behalf and plead with Swami. Whenever she saw devotees looking unhappy or troubled she would become concerned and appeal to Swami to talk to them. At the same time, her love for Swami made her ever alert to what people might say about Him. In those days, Swami used to freely grant interviews to devotees. At festival times, He used to personally supervise each and everything. One year at the time of Durga Navaratri festival, Swami being very busy could not so freely grant the much-coveted private audience to devotees who wanted to leave after the conclusion of the festival. So, He had it announced that they should return home without waiting for an interview and that His blessings were with them. Then two days later when a devotee came to the Ashram, He granted him an interview. That upset Mother Easwaramma immensely. She could not bear the thought that people might speak adversely of Swami. She wanted Him not to do anything which might prompt people to speak against Him. Feeling very agitated she said to me, “See, this is how He does things. What will people think?” At such times, she became just a mother concerned about her son’s reputation. She forgot that He is above praise and calumny and that whatever He does, He does for very valid reasons known only to Himself. Mother Easwaramma dearly loved her native village of Puttaparthi. Even during the summer months when Swami usually stayed at Brindavan Ashram in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), she chose to remain at Parthi. If someone suggested that she too should go to Bengaluru she would say, ‘No.’ She felt happy to stay at Parthi and was content to live there in spite of the heat. Summer would not last forever, she would point out. She never took any medicine. Sometimes, the visiting doctors would give her vitamin tablets which she would place in my hands with the injunction that I give them to some poor patient at the hospital. If I said she should take them in order to be strong, she would retort, saying she did not need to be strong as she was not going to fight in any war. If a patient’s condition was reported to be serious, she would frequently enquire about that patient and repeat the injunction that we should take proper care of the patients. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Mother’s Love Excels All… Undoubtedly the most exalted Mother on Earth, Mother Easwaramma, Who was chosen by the Divine Himself to be His ‘Chosen Mother’, She is much more than a pleasant memory for them, who know the Mother…rather She is ever an elated decorous memory for everyone in Sai fraternity… With her unbounded love for Her Divine Child, She exemplified herself as the most exalted of the Divine Mothers in the history of Avatars… a beautiful anecdote showing the mother’s attachment towards her Son Divine…shared by Ms Bikkina Veera Nagamani… (The author rendered service in the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital until her merger at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet in June 2013). After the conclusion of the World Conference, we left Mumbai with Swami’s blessings and permission to visit Shirdi en route to Parthi. Swami returned to Parthi on 11th June and on 13th June He gave us all Padanamaskar and Vibhuti Prasadam because He was once again leaving Parthi to go to Bengaluru that day. So, along with Dr. Jayalakshmi I went upstairs to Swami’s dining room to seek His permission for us to follow Him to Bengaluru. To Dr. Jayalakshmi’s verbal request He gave a verbal affirmative reply. I sought His permission with a mute look of appeal and He too indicated His assent with a look. Two days later, I went to Brindavan along with Pedda Bottu, an old devotee who had known and had been with Swami’s previous Shirdi form. At Brindavan, Swami told me to stay inside the Mandir along with Mother Easwaramma and other ladies. Swami had His food in the company of some male devotees in the dining room while the ladies were served food in the adjoining verandah. Swami would finish His food in about two minutes and then would come to the verandah to talk to the Mother. One night, He said in a most casual manner that He was going on a visit to Africa. And as He did so often to tease her, He remarked that in that strange land lions and tigers roamed about as freely as dogs do in our country. That really scared her and she pleaded with Him to give up the idea. Swami only laughed at her fears and then to divert her attention told her that gold was extremely cheap in Africa. That night, Mother Easwaramma had no sleep for Swami’s proposed visit to a land full of wild beasts preyed on her mind. A few days later, Swami once again spoke of His intended visit to Africa and said that His Mumbai devotees were making preparations to give Him a grand send-off on the occasion of His first ever visit abroad. They were constructing an arch with 108 lotus-like structures adorning it. Realising that Swami was definitely going to this far away land despite her protests, Mother Easwaramma asked to be allowed to go with Him as far as Mumbai. Swami said, “We will see,” in a non-committal fashion, but she was not satisfied with that response. As the day of His departure to Mumbai drew near, she once again voiced her wish. Aware of her feelings, and ready to comply with her wish, Swami still did not say yes. He said, “But who will bring you back from Mumbai? Wait, let us ask Java.” So saying, He went in for His breakfast and as we waited outside for Him to come out, there came Smt. Java herself. She greeted Mother Easwaramma and noticing the look on her face asked what the matter was. I asked Mother Easwaramma if I might say what it was and she nodded her agreement. When I told her the problem, Smt. Java was quite willing to accompany her and when Swami came out told Him the same. Swami looked at the Mother and said, “So, you asked her already?” Smt. Java said, “No Swami, she did not tell me,” but Swami said, “You should not tell lies.” So, Mother Easwaramma accompanied Swami as far as Mumbai and after Swami left Mumbai for East Africa, her anxiety for His safety left her sleepless. She ate nothing and would not even drink water until a telegram came announcing His safe arrival in East Africa. Until His return to India, she spent a very anxious and restless time and appeared to have lost her appetite. Though He is the Lord and Master of all the worlds, He was her son and it was a mother’s love that she had towards Him always. She addressed Him like all others as Swami though and had the highest regard for His words, scrupulously disciplining her life in accordance with His wishes. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Farewell…Little Princess Sai Gita… Seven years since Sai Gita’s glorious exit…still Sai Gita is as vivid a picture with her living presence in every devoted heart and mind, as one of the most exalted devotees of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai… Remembering the Little Princess, we recall the fateful day, through our pages on that day…paying rich tribute to one of Bhagawan’s most ideal devotee and celebrated devotee… Sai Gita, The Little Princess… To the mortals death comes as a big blow, for, it inflicts pain of separation from near and dear ones. Quoting an anonymous poet, Prof N. Kasturi wrote substantiating his statement that anything, which is born and grows, declines and dies… …as soon as we are born our funeral procession started! Our heart is the drum. Our hearts beat like a muffled drum and the funeral march starts! So, birth is only the beginning of death! With death defined as a consequence of birth and at birth man is given an opportunity to rediscover what he has  forgotten,  it should be man’s endeavour to dwell upon how best one could put an end to this otherwise unending cycle. In this modern age when man often fails to find out the real meaning of God’s greatest gift to humanity, the great sojourn called life, here in this ‘God’s Own’ village at Puttaparthi, an elephant by name Sai Gita has epitomized itself, to join an illustrious band of immortals, with its typified devotion!!! That is the inspiring saga of Sai Gita, Bhagawan’s pet-elephant whose sojourn on earth came to a spirited end at 1800 Hrs. IST on 22nd May 2007 after a lengthy script of glorious fifty years of dedicated service at His Divine Lotus Feet! The following extract from SAI GITA …A MYSTIFYING TALE OF UNMATCHED LOVE published in Heart to Heart journal gives clear insight into the unsullied love and devotion she had for Bhagawan. In the early sixties, the regular evening ‘appointment’ of Swami with Sai Gita was a sight which devotees looked forward to with great anticipation and elation. She would wait at the gate on the ladies’ side (where Swami’s car now enters Sai Kulwant Hall) and if for some reason Darshan was delayed, she would get very impatient. Twisting and twirling her tiny trunk, intermittently flapping her lotus-leaf-sized ears vigorously, and her swift and strong legs jumpy and restless, she would eagerly look at the Mandir unable to bear the delay. Tears that rolled down her cheeks on many an occasion, her mischievous pranks acknowledging ecstasy at having been blessed to be in the Divine Presence, were testimonies to the unmatched love,  pristine in quality, she has had for her Beloved Master, Bhagawan,  that for sure would be envied even by human beings. It was not a mere coincidence that brought The Creator and His Creation together in the Mudumalai forest marking the beginning of this glorious tale of love. It was a Divine happenstance, a well-crafted Master Plan by the Divine that would have had its roots linked to many previous births that had made such a meeting possible.  Sai Gita is a Shuddha Brahmacharini (pristine and perfect celibate). She has come for Me, said Bhagawan once, at the end of a long arduous trial she had been forced to undertake at the instance of some senior devotees; she had been ‘reluctantly’ sent to the forest for breeding at the dogged persuasion of some senior devotees in the ashram for no positive result. Sai Gita is history now and essentially a part of His-Story. In death body goes…but the soul, the indestructible divine essence in every being does move on, on a soul-search…and the soul of Sai Gita moved on to successfully find the bond beyond bondage, The Light that has been keeping her life a glowing fantasy that even exalted humans fail to achieve. “Death is the denouement of the drama of life” wrote Prof N. Kasturi. For those who loved Sai Gita, her passing away would definitely mark the end of a drama in physical and leave a vacuum that would never be filled. Devotees would definitely miss her beautifully caparisoned frame majestically leading processions, her gorgeous princely gait, rare sight of tears of love rolling down her cheeks, the beauty of her being cuddled and fed by Mother Sai so affectionately, her unruffled nonchalant looks dissipating every passing thought into the gleam of eternity and lots more…. But, her footprints would continue her legacy in the hearts of millions who loved her so dearly. Sai Gita indeed lived a Life…Full! Adorned as a Little PrincessThere came Sai Gita to Prasanthi NilayamRejoiced Prasanthi in her endearing presence…and struck a love tale…Creator with His creationEchoed the song of her heart’s melodyL-O-V-E for Baba…L-I-F-E for Baba!Gazing at Baba, she weptThe King returned ‘His Own’ to herHis Love was what she soughtHis Heart was what she conqueredKnowing fully, still unknowingly…She lived a Life…a Life Full…Unruffled and nonchalantDissipating every passing thought…into the gleam of eternityYet, in the end came ‘the end’Denouement of the drama of life…Yet, she survived the scare…deathBasking in the love of her ‘Sun’At the end…she receded…devoutlyInto the clasp of eternity!Into a Bond Beyond Bondage!Farewell Oh! Dear,Little Princess, Sai Gita!!!We salute You, Oh! Little Princess!!! For the passersby on the roadside, for those who pass by, to and fro Parthi, a peep through the gate to have a glimpse of the blessed elephant would definitely be missing from now on…one would peep to have a darshan of her samadhi hereafter, and there, one would feel her touch, her legacy, a feeling that would peep into the nostalgic past of her glorious sojourn. Little clue did we have of the Divine Vision Bhagawan had while getting along with the construction of a ‘Sai Gita Mahal’, a new home for His pet-elephant inaugurated in November 2006. Reminding one of the story of Shirdi Sai wherein the Muralidhar Mandir constructed at the ‘instance’ and blessings of Baba had finally turned out to become the ‘Samadhi’ Mandir of Baba Himself, who had expressed His

Travelling To The Light… Ana Elena Diaz-Viana received a spiritual gift from Bhagawan the night of November 23, 1975. At that time, she didn’t know Him, had never heard of Him, and didn’t even have any idea as to why she was having the experience. In March 1976 Bhagawan appeared for the first time in her dreams and six years later she went to India to be in the Divine Presence. Bhagawan has guided her mostly through dreams and personal experiences. She received a technical degree in Computer Sciences in her native Venezuela, where she was the founder of Sai Centres in different cities of the country and eventually worked for the S.S.S.B Organization, becoming the first president of the Venezuela’s Coordinating Committee in October 1988. Since 1993 she lives in the US. In a visit to Swami in 1997 He gave her indications to ‘write’, but remained apprehensive for want of further hints and details. In the next trips Swami would make gestures as a joke about her ‘inability’ to write a word.  After helping with the Spanish translation of the book ‘Sai Thy Kingdom Come’ that speaks about the extraordinary prospects of Sathya Sai Avatar, she realises the extraordinary time we are living now.  Awaiting Bhagawan and His Golden Age, she wonders at the bounteous blessings of being a witness to epochal times of Sathya Sai Avatar.   Nothing could be more difficult than offering something to the Lord.  For the hundredth time I watch through my window. The golden-brownish leaf refuses to leave the tree, the sun and wind have been punishing it for a while, but it is still there…attached.  I have been waiting for the small leaf to drop as if it was a divine signal. For the hundredth time, I’m going through the inner revision of my motives to write this story, scrutinizing the depths of my heart, reviewing the intricate layers and disguises of my ego. Would it ever leave? Swami asked me to write many years ago. He used to tenderly scold me with a twinkle in His beautiful eyes: ‘you have been here two weeks doing nothing!’ As He encouraged me, He also knew I wasn’t ready. My shyness, my silence, my ego, my reluctance to get out of my mind…. Sreejith, a dear friend is now playing Swami’s role in pushing me to write, and at my age, I may not have too much time to continue delaying this unfulfilled request. This story is not mine, it is actually a script written by Thy Hand. Here I am, Divine Sri Sathya Sai Baba, my beloved Swami, at Your Divine Lotus Feet. With all my imperfections, offering just the intention to transcribe the script, the action and the results are all Your’s. Divine Light In November 1975, I was a 25-yr old mother living in Maracaibo, Venezuela. At that time, I was going through an existential crisis. Although I have read about religious experiences, nothing could have prepared me for the event and the life-changing experience that started on the night of November 23rd. By early November I had been preparing for my son’s fifth birthday party and celebrating a job promotion. I was enjoying a successful career in Information Technology, a field that at the time had a high demand for professionals. Apparently from a personal and material point of view, my life seemed a fulfilled existence, needing nothing. Why did I feel so empty all of a sudden?  Was the most recent job promotion what brought this realization? There was no material success or worldly affair or mundane love enough to fill the void in my entire being!  I thought I was going through a depression, but other than this feeling of emptiness I continued to function as usual. One night, while working late as usual, I felt the void and desperation taking over my mind, regardless of my need to focus on work. This time, I realized it was coming from unresolved basic existential questions. Everything was meaningless! The feeling was overwhelming.  Driving home I asked God if He really remembered His creation. Is He aware of His creation? If so, could He please demonstrate to me that He was listening or will this be a one-side conversation again? Between the ages of 5 and 9 I could clearly remember conversations with Him, it was so natural to feel His presence in my heart! Then, when I was 10 years old my parents moved to a farm, and I was sent to a Catholic boarding school. The religious practices were designed around a rigid daily schedule of prayers and masses.  Perhaps to balance all these obligatory rituals, once in a while I used to go alone to the Chapel and sit in front of the Crucifix. Not praying, it was my only opportunity to talk to Him: Why do I have to see You in a statue? Why do I have to settle and have faith just by listening to the stories of the Gospels, rather than experiencing You in the flesh? Why did You come almost 2,000 years ago and not now? I would have followed You! I would have recognized You among the people. Why is everyone saying You died for our sins? I wasn’t even born then! Why? My ‘complaining’ session would usually end with: “I am sorry to say that I am like Saint Thomas*, I desperately need to see You! If You are really listening, give me proof!” Fifteen years later, in that blessed night of early November’ 75, my plight was still the same but the pain, this time, was unbearable. Looking up at the starry night and doubting His existence, I raised my hand –as if possible to touch Him- and asked: “If You really hear me, give me proof!”…. Nothing prepared me to expect a trip across the universe as part of the answer. Some days later, I was working on a weekend. There was a payroll modification that had