Refuge of the Devotees

Refuge of the Devotees

Srimathi Sakamma owned a very large coffee plantation. She was also a very sathwik and Divine lady, performing lots of charity, like feeding the poor, offering them clothes, and so on. Recognizing her worth, the Maharaja of Mysore had bestowed upon her the title, Dharma Parayane.

One morning, around nine o’clock, when she was performing her morning pooja, Sakamma’s servant came and informed her that some people had come in a vehicle and wanted to see her immediately. Sakamma came out and saw an old car on which a board was put up, with the words, Kailas Committee. In front was a young boy of sixteen, with His hair all scattered. At the back, an old man was seated majestically upon on a deer skin, with a flowing beard and holy ashes smeared on His body and forehead.

Read Also: The Ever-Merciful Swami

One day, Sakamma had to go to Bangalore. While visiting one of her friends’ houses, to her utter surprise she saw the same young boy with the scattered hair. As she looked at Him, the boy transformed Himself into the old man and back again to the young boy. Sakamma was stunned. She went close to the boy and asked Him, “Were you not the one who came to my place as the Kailas Committee?”

The boy replied, “Many years ago, you had to pay one thousand rupees, which you did not pay. Therefore, I had come to take it from you.” Sakamma’s eyes welled up with tears. She prostrated before Swami and earned His Grace.

Read Also: Bala Sai’s Divine Leelas

One afternoon, while Swami was talking to some His devotees, He suddenly shouted, “Do not shoot! Do not shoot!” He fell down, unconscious. After about an hour, Swami arose and told the devotees to send a telegram stating, “Your revolver is with me. Do not worry.”

Someone told Swami the word “revolver” should not be used, as it would raise objections from the postal authorities. Hence, the word “instrument” was written instead, and the telegram was sent. All were wondering and asked Swami about this sudden happening. Swami told them that they would soon know.

Read Also: Sai Baba’s Mission Begins

At the same time, a knock occurred at the Officer’s door. The Officer quickly hid his revolver and opened the door. An old classmate had come to visit with his wife and servant. The Officer invited them inside. After a few minutes, they decided to visit the Officer’s neighbor, who was also their friend.

Bolting the door after they left, the Officer returned for his revolver, but he could not find it. Once again, he heard a knock at the door. He opened it and the postman gave him a telegram which read, “Your instrument is with me. Do not worry.” Sender: “Baba.”

Read Also:   Advent and Divine Childhood

Our Swami will not forsake nor let down whosoever worships Him. One has just to call and He will immediately run to their aid with His four arms of Truth, Right-Action, Peace, and Love. His mahima (miracle) is beyond words. In the above incident, the Officer’s wife was an ardent devotee of Swami.

The fourth chapter of Sri Sathya Sai, Sathya Narayana Katha,

ends with all auspiciousness.

Bow to Sri Sai. Peace be to all!

Refuge of the Devotees – A Divine Shelter Of Faith, Love, And Grace

Refuge of the Devotees is a beautiful spiritual theme that reminds us of the loving protection and guidance received from the Divine. In the journey of life, every person faces moments of fear, confusion, pain, weakness, and uncertainty. At such times, the devotee turns toward God, not as a distant power, but as a compassionate shelter where the heart finds courage, peace, and hope.

True refuge is not only a place outside us. It is a state of inner trust. When the mind becomes restless and the world feels heavy, remembrance of God brings strength. A devotee may not always receive immediate solutions, but sincere prayer gives patience, clarity, and the feeling that divine grace is silently guiding every step.

Refuge of the Devotees teaches that surrender is a powerful spiritual practice. Surrender does not mean giving up effort or becoming weak. It means doing our duty with sincerity and placing the results in God’s hands. When we surrender with faith, anxiety becomes lighter because the heart understands that divine wisdom is greater than human planning.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba always taught that God is present in every heart as love, conscience, and inner strength. He reminded devotees to trust the Divine, live with purity, and serve others with compassion. Taking refuge in Swami means not only praying to Him during difficulty, but also following His message in daily conduct.

Refuge of the Devotees also reminds us that divine shelter is open to all sincere hearts. God does not look at wealth, status, education, language, or outer identity. He looks at love, humility, and sincerity. Even a simple prayer offered with a pure heart can reach the Divine. The devotee who calls with faith is never truly alone.

Many people seek refuge only when problems come. But the wise devotee remembers God in both joy and sorrow. In happiness, remembrance creates gratitude. In difficulty, remembrance creates strength. In success, remembrance prevents pride. In failure, remembrance gives courage to rise again. Thus, divine refuge becomes a constant companion in life.

Refuge of the Devotees becomes meaningful when it transforms the heart. If we pray for protection but continue to hurt others through harsh words, selfish actions, or pride, then our devotion remains incomplete. True refuge should make us kinder, calmer, more forgiving, and more willing to serve. The heart that receives grace should also share grace.

The life of a devotee is not free from challenges. Even sincere seekers may face illness, loss, misunderstanding, delay, or disappointment. But faith changes the way these challenges are faced. The devotee learns to pray, reflect, act rightly, and remain patient. Divine refuge gives the inner power to stand firm without losing goodness.

Refuge of the Devotees also teaches that the greatest protection is protection from our own lower tendencies. Anger, ego, greed, jealousy, fear, and attachment disturb inner peace more than outer problems. When we take shelter in God, we pray not only for worldly safety, but also for purification of the mind and awakening of noble qualities.

Bhajan, prayer, namasmarana, meditation, study, and service are ways of entering this refuge. When the divine name is repeated with sincerity, the mind becomes steady. When service is done without ego, the heart becomes pure. When teachings are practiced, life becomes disciplined. These practices help the devotee feel close to God.

Refuge of the Devotees finally reminds us that divine grace works in many ways. Sometimes it removes a difficulty. Sometimes it gives strength to bear it. Sometimes it changes the situation. Sometimes it changes the devotee from within. The form of grace may differ, but its purpose is always spiritual growth, protection, and awakening.

In the end, God is the safest shelter for every sincere heart. Worldly support may change, human strength may become weak, and circumstances may turn uncertain, but divine love remains constant. When the devotee takes refuge with faith, life becomes more peaceful, service becomes more meaningful, and the heart becomes filled with courage, gratitude, and grace.

Bala Sai’s Divine Leelas