Passage to India

Passage to India

Dr. Abdelfattah M. Badawi, Egypt

By absolute coincidence I bought Dr. Mohamed Sadek EI-Adawy’s book about ‘SPIRITUAL THERAPY BETWEEN SCIENCE AND APPLICATION’ in which he mentioned on one of its pages that there are some contemporary cases nowadays which prove man’s coming back from the world of spirits to re-exist on earth, (reincarnation).

And one of the renowned cases today on the world level is an Indian spiritual master known by the name ‘Sai Baba’.

Since I was busy at the time, I actually forgot his book’s subject, and after one year I received from one of the western publishers book lists about spiritualism. I halted at a page including some twenty books about Sai Baba. I remembered where I had previously come upon this name and I selected from that list two books, one of which is titled: ‘Sai Baba., The Ultimate Experience’, by Phyllis Krystal and the other book titled: ‘Walking the Path with Sai Baba’ authored by the Australian journalist Howard Murphet. I then sent in a request for these two books and upon their receipt I read them in-depth with much interest. Upon completion of reading about this legendary personality, I felt a strong desire to meet this person, ‘Sai Baba’ the great spiritual master.

Next I visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Cairo and met with Dr. Ihsan Rahman, the Indian Cultural Adviser and asked him about Sai Baba and whether He was still alive to which he informed me that He had died a while ago, and he then let me know about a Yoga course held at the Indian Cultural Centre, in which I promptly subscribed. In the first Yoga course day, I met Dr. Praphakar, a Yoga instructor, who had just come from India and asked him about Sai Baba and he informed me that there are two personalities in Sai Baba, the first personality which died a long time ago whereas the second personality which is still alive. I felt glad about this news and looked forward to meeting that miraculous man. I wished fervently from the depths of my soul that Sai Baba would disclose to me a prophecy.

After a few weeks following this wish, during my attendance in a scientific conference, I happened to coincidentally sit beside an Indian scholar named Dr. Niela Kanta. This was the first time he travelled out of India. Upon chatting with him I learned that he was an old solicitor of Sai Baba’s, the preacher of the great generosities and that he would be able to help me locate him in Brindavan.. He then invited me to attend a world conference to be held in India, where he could facilitate my meeting Sai Baba. I accepted his invitation. I travelled to India in March 1996 arrived in Bombay and reached Madras to attend the scientific conference, meeting with Dr. Niela Kanta who then guided me to Sai Baba’s domicile in Brindavan near the famous city of Bangalore.

Then suddenly a dream became a reality. I sat within the rows of thousands of squatting people awaiting the presence of the great spiritual instructor. While I was still suffering pain in my lower back… and after two hours of waiting, and and repetitions of religions psalms, Sai Baba made His appearance, walking among the attendant’s rows. As He approached me, the fatigue and exhaustion in my body disappeared, feeling an unusual energy penetrating my whole body, and even my back pain had suddenly disappeared.

Most important, however, is the great prophesy of Sai Baba creating a deep-rooted transformation in my heart. My feelings towards God have become a focal point in my thoughts most of the time. This transformation is notable in spite of its being slow. In addition my heart has become filled with love for all people and has become to overflow with joy and happiness. Divine love has developed in the depths of my being and what a joyful feeling it is.

Passage to India – A Divine Journey Of Culture, Spirit, And Inner Discovery

Passage to India is a meaningful theme that invites us to look beyond travel and see India as a land of spiritual depth, ancient wisdom, devotion, culture, and inner awakening. India is not only a country seen through maps, cities, rivers, temples, and traditions. It is also a living spiritual experience where seekers have searched for truth, saints have walked with compassion, and countless hearts have found peace through prayer, service, and self-discovery.

For many people, a journey to India begins with curiosity. They may want to see its colorful festivals, sacred places, ancient temples, spiritual ashrams, holy rivers, and simple village life. But slowly, the outer journey can become an inner journey. The traveler begins to feel that India is not merely a destination; it is a mirror. It reflects the questions hidden inside the heart: Who am I? What is the purpose of life? Where can lasting peace be found?

Passage to India reminds us that true travel is not only about changing locations. It is about changing perception. A person may visit many places and still remain the same inside. But when a journey touches the heart, it opens new understanding. India has a special way of teaching through contrasts. One may see noise and silence, poverty and generosity, simplicity and deep wisdom, all existing side by side. These contrasts make the mind reflect more deeply on life.

India’s spiritual heritage is vast and timeless. The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, teachings of saints, and paths of devotion have guided humanity for centuries. These teachings remind us that man is not merely the body or mind. There is a deeper divine reality within every being. The goal of life is to realize this truth through love, purity, self-control, service, and surrender.

Passage to India also brings attention to the power of sacred places. Varanasi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Puttaparthi, Shirdi, Tirupati, Bodh Gaya, and many other holy centers carry vibrations of prayer and devotion. People come to these places with burdens, hopes, doubts, and longing. Some seek healing, some seek answers, and some seek only a moment of peace. A sacred place becomes powerful because millions of sincere prayers have been offered there.

Yet India’s true greatness is not limited to temples or scriptures. It is also seen in the spirit of hospitality, family bonds, respect for elders, reverence for teachers, and the idea that service to others is service to God. A simple meal served with love can become a spiritual experience. A humble person offering help with sincerity can teach more than a long speech. In India, spirituality often lives quietly in daily actions.

Passage to India teaches that culture and spirituality are deeply connected. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Ramanavami, Christmas, Eid, Guru Purnima, and many others show the richness of devotion and unity in diversity. Each festival carries a message. Light must overcome darkness. Love must overcome hatred. Dharma must overcome selfishness. Gratitude must overcome pride. When these meanings are understood, celebration becomes transformation.

A journey through India can also teach patience. Life may not always move according to strict plans. There may be delays, crowds, heat, noise, or unexpected changes. But these experiences can become lessons in acceptance. The traveler learns to slow down, observe, adapt, and trust. Sometimes the greatest spiritual lesson comes not from comfort, but from learning to remain peaceful in changing situations.

Passage to India inspires us to understand the value of simplicity. Many saints and sages lived with very little, yet their hearts were full of peace. They showed that happiness does not depend only on possessions. Real joy comes from contentment, devotion, discipline, and love. Modern life often teaches people to want more and more, but spiritual wisdom teaches us to need less and love more.

India also teaches the importance of unity. Though people may speak different languages, wear different clothes, eat different foods, and follow different traditions, the deeper truth remains one. The same divine light shines in every heart. This vision is essential for peace in the world. When we respect differences and recognize inner unity, life becomes more harmonious.

Passage to India finally becomes a journey toward the Self. The outer roads, temples, rivers, mountains, and holy places guide the seeker inward. The real India is not only outside in its culture and history; it is also inside as the land of the spirit. When the mind becomes quiet and the heart becomes pure, the seeker begins to understand that the Divine is not far away.

In the end, India is not only a place to visit; it is a lesson to live. It teaches faith, patience, devotion, service, humility, and inner search. A person who enters this journey with an open heart may return with more than memories. They may return with deeper gratitude, clearer purpose, and stronger connection with God. Passage to India is therefore a sacred movement from outer travel to inner awakening, from curiosity to wisdom, and from worldly vision to divine understanding.

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