Reflections from A Garden Chair
Seated in the garden in the summer months, a cherished time,
On a chair strong and sturdy, made of steel and sedately white,
After a short walk of ten and five minutes, a welcome respite,
Every morn and eve when the sun’s rays seem more friendly,
I enjoy my solitude spent with nature with its green abundance,
A time that is aligned with the blessings I received from Lord Sai.
At these times of communion with nature, my mind is stilled,
The mind that is in constant chatter, flitting from one to the next,
Takes a pause and lets the silence of joy to enter its own domain,
What a lesson taught by Sai! In the deep silence the divine enters,
Fills one with peace that is beyond human perception and reach,
As such are these precious moments in my garden chair every day.
Seated on this white chair made of steel and strength, in deep silence,
In the front garden which bears so many lovely trees and floral bushes
That we had planted so lovingly with so much care and a warm touch,
That which brings the nostalgic memories of my dear erstwhile partner,
Whose loving labor entwined with mine, too, wove this garden’s magic,
I let these memories pass undisturbed, leaving me with precious peace.
I watch as the little seed buried in the ground sprouting in its birth,
A gift from mother earth to all, a promise of a strong future floral bush,
I watch the flowers already in bloom displaying their beauty in all hues,
Didn’t Sai teach us the divine source that created all the wonderful glory?
I watch the towering trees, maples, double cherries with its greenery,
All displaying enchanting colors, all these, the creator’s divine charm.
I watch as the birds fly from branch to branch, finally finding the feeder,
Wherein the bird seeds entice them for a flitting feed to suffice their need,
I hear their twittering sounds of songs from all directions far far above,
Some melodious reaching loved ones, some querulous with a complaint,
I watch the squirrels with a stealthy look hopping beneath the bushes,
As they look for the seeds fallen on the grass, contented they run off.
I watch as the passers-by walk on the road facing me, mask-covered,
Sometimes with their family, sometimes alone jogging for a physical,
At times walking a dog or two on a leash, waving me as they pass by,
Mostly from the neighboring residence, drawing my attention to them,
I see in them, as our Beloved Sai taught, that spark, that divine spark.
Isn’t it a wonder that those under Sai charm learn this basic divine law?
At times my child from the neighboring house, grown up with her family,
Joins me for a maternal time as an offspring, a delightful time amidst all,
Yes, amidst all my solitary reverie, a welcome interlude warmly offered,
Makes life richer, more blessed with such divine gifts, more varied joy,
Seated in my white garden chair, strong and sturdy, time ticks on and on,
As I rise up from the chair, calm and contented, to wend my way back.
~Kanaga Ranganathan, July 16, 2020.
Reflections from A Garden Chair
In the peaceful silence of nature, the soul often discovers truths that remain hidden in the noise of daily life. Reflections from A Garden Chair is not merely about sitting in a garden; it is about experiencing the gentle whispers of existence through the beauty of creation. A simple chair placed beneath the shade of trees becomes a sacred space where thoughts slow down, the heart softens, and the spirit awakens to divine presence. Through these quiet moments, one realizes that life’s deepest lessons are often taught in silence rather than words.
The beauty of Reflections from A Garden Chair lies in its simplicity. The rustling leaves, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the songs of birds create a divine harmony that calms the restless mind. In such an atmosphere, worries lose their weight, and gratitude naturally fills the heart. Every flower appears like a reminder of God’s creativity, while every breeze feels like a blessing touching the soul. Nature becomes a living scripture, teaching patience, humility, and faith without demanding anything in return.
Many spiritual seekers believe that inner peace cannot be purchased or forced; it must be experienced gently. Reflections from A Garden Chair offers that opportunity to pause and reconnect with one’s true self. Sitting quietly amidst greenery allows thoughts to settle like dust after a storm. In that stillness, one may discover forgotten dreams, hidden strengths, and a renewed sense of purpose. Such reflections inspire compassion, kindness, and a deeper understanding of life’s sacred journey.
For readers of Devotional India, moments spent in contemplation are powerful reminders of spiritual wisdom passed down through generations. Saints and sages often found enlightenment not in crowded places but in nature’s calm embrace. Gardens symbolize growth, renewal, and divine balance. Through Reflections from A Garden Chair, one can understand how spiritual awareness blossoms naturally when the heart becomes silent and receptive. The garden chair transforms into a place of prayer, meditation, and gratitude.
In today’s fast-moving world, people rarely allow themselves the luxury of stillness. Yet Reflections from A Garden Chair teaches that even a few moments of quiet observation can heal emotional exhaustion. Watching the sunrise paint the sky or seeing droplets of rain resting on petals can awaken forgotten joy. These small experiences carry profound meaning because they reconnect human beings with the rhythm of creation itself. The soul begins to realize that happiness is often hidden in ordinary moments.
The spiritual essence shared by Devotional India reminds readers that true fulfillment comes from inner awakening rather than external achievements. Through Reflections from A Garden Chair, individuals learn to appreciate the blessings already surrounding them. The chair becomes a witness to prayers, hopes, memories, and silent conversations with the Divine. It encourages mindfulness and teaches that peace is not somewhere far away; it already exists within the heart waiting to be discovered.
As the sun sets and the garden slowly rests in silence, Reflections from A Garden Chair leaves behind a lasting message of serenity and spiritual awareness. The experience teaches that life becomes beautiful when one learns to pause, observe, and feel grateful. Through the inspiration of Devotional India, readers are reminded that every quiet moment can become a sacred journey toward self-discovery and divine connection. Ultimately, Reflections from A Garden Chair becomes a timeless invitation to embrace peace, love, and spiritual harmony in everyday life.
-The Advent of Sai Avatar