Singing for Sri Sathya Sai

Balaramchandran T. S. was a student at the Department of Management Studies at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, from 1997-1999. Currently he is the Regional Training Manager at HDFC Bank Ltd., in Chennai, India.

Antaranga Sai—Sai, the indweller—are the opening words of a bhajan [spiritual song] that has always been so close to my heart. Thinking about it my mind goes back to the days when I joined the Brindavan Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for the B.Com program.

To give you a snapshot of what I was then… a boy from a small town in Kerala, born in a joint family amidst loving grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and friends. I grew up within the four walls of a local school—a haven of safety—where I did my entire schooling right from my kindergarten to the 12^th grade.

From this protected world, where I was a little prince in my own right, I had moved to the new world of ‘Brindavan’, the Lord’s play ground or should I say the training ground; where He imparted the highest of lessons in the simplest of ways that He alone can.

The pampered little boy that I was, I missed the warmth that I used to experience while at home with my large family and friends, in spite of the fact that my teachers, senior brothers, and classmates were showering sincere love on me.

When I left my home for the new world at ‘Brindavan’, my loving mother, who knew I would miss her dearly, had told me, “Dear child, l know you will miss me while you are in the hostel. But remember that you are going to Swami who is the epitome of love. He will bathe you in the love of a thousand mothers!”

And thus I landed in ‘Brindavan’ with a heart pining to receive from the Mother of mothers all the love and warmth that I had left behind at home. Those were the days when to me, the meaning of the word love was restricted to its physical expressions like: a smile, a pat, a loving glance, a few kind words… I expected that Swami, the embodiment of love, would talk individually to all students every day!

But soon I realized that physical attention from Swami and that, too, on a daily basis was too much to ask for! I felt lost, to say the least. On one side I had come away from home and all the people who loved me so dearly, and on the other, the source of love in search of whom I had come seemed so near yet so far.

With the passage of days I grew wiser and realized that it was unreasonable to demand Swami ‘s constant physical attention when there were millions flocking to Him hoping to receive a glance from Him. But while the head was convinced, the heart was not. Day and night I would hope against hopes that someday I would receive His undivided attention, that He would speak to me, smile at me…the wish list was endless. On many an evening, I would sit alone in the open terrace of the hostel shedding profuse tears for I missed my parents dearly, and the Lord too ‘seemed’ to be in no mood to take notice of my misery.

I was bent upon having some physical interaction with Bhagavan, and a chance came by pretty soon. I had to seek Swami’s permission to lead the bhajans in the mandir [temple]. One evening, I was sitting in the darshan [sight of a holy person] line awaiting His arrival, hoping with a heart that went pit-a-pat that He would give an ear to my prayer. As he walked toward me that day, I rose nervously and managed to utter my prayer to Him when he was within hearing distance, “Swami, can I lead the bhajans in the mandir?” His response was a smile… I was thrilled… But my joy was short-lived.

He pretended that He had not heard me clearly and asked, “You want an interview?” Then addressing the boy seated next to me He said, “This boy wants an interview, give him one!” The entire row of boys seated around me broke into laughter as He walked away, the smile still lingering on His face. I was disappointed and even angry for a fleeting moment.

How could He have ignored my desperate prayer? I had failed to recognize the invaluable gift that He had silently bestowed on me. The Lord who has come for the rejuvenation of the cosmos had taken time out of His all-important Avataric career to speak to me—however insignificant the message might have ‘appeared’ to be. And I had failed to recognize the great significance of the moment. It took me quite a while before I started relishing the sweetness of such gifts that He bestowed on me.

One evening we were sitting in Trayee Brindavan, the abode of the Lord, listening to His words of wisdom. “Oh mind, do not ask,” He said through a sweet Telugu poem, “if you ask, it will be ignored, and if you cease asking it will be granted. So, Oh mind, do not ask.”

The message was clear and I knew as clear as daylight that it was meant for me. I said to myself, “Let me stop asking Swami for physical attention or for a chance to sing in His presence and then let me see if the unasked prayers will be answered.”

Barely a day or two had passed by and Swami told the Warden of the hostel that He wanted to listen to the ‘new boys’ who could sing. Very soon I was given an opportunity to sing in His presence in Trayee Brindavan as He sat on the jhoola [swing] listening in rapt attention. His smile greeted me when I had completed my bhajan. “Where do you come from?” He asked. “From Trichur Swami” I said. He smiled again and I was delighted. This was really working!

Then it dawned on me that very silently the Lord was guiding me to the path that would take me to Him. The physical Swami was not for me, for my attempts to approach Him at a physical level were all ‘dodged’ by Him. On the other hand, He was responding even before I completed the slightest hint of a prayer addressed to the Sai within me—the Antaranga [indwelling] Sai. A bhajan that began with the words ‘Antaranga Sai’, a bhajan I had always enjoyed, became even more meaningful to me. It was selfish, I learnt, to ask for the constant undivided attention of the ’physical‘ Swami, since there were millions flocking to Him for solace. But I could always demand the attention of the ‘Antaranga Sai’ who is installed in every single heart!

Slowly but surely, the Lord helped me to seek Him within me. Increasingly, I stopped praying for His attention on the physical realm and tried to turn within to make contact with Him. It was all fine till that momentous day—the Vijaya Dashami day—when the Lord seated amidst us, listening to a musical performance in the Sai Ramesh Hall, my mind wanted that the Lord should bless me by placing His abhayahastha (Divine blessing hand) on my head—a long cherished desire. I tried telling myself that the path to the Lord was to seek Him within myself and not to ask for His attention externally. But all my efforts were in vain and the sorrow caused by the unanswered prayer was gnawing at me. I was soon submerged in the deluge of my tears.

The musical program ended and Swami got up from His chair to walk toward the stage where the artists stood awaiting His blessings. Instead of taking the path set apart for Him, He surprised us by taking a path across the row of boys seated around Him. As per His will I was seated on the ‘ad-hoc’ path that He had created for Himself.

As He came close to where I sat my heart started to beat wildly. I raised my head to look at Him when He was near me, and our eyes met. I saw in those eyes the love of a thousand mothers that my mother had referred to, the Divine love that He had concealed from me. It was evident to me that He knew my innermost prayers. He knew how I pined for His Divine sparshan (touch). His countenance donned a smile that I would treasure for the rest of my life. Under the pretext of supporting Himself while walking, He placed his Abhayahastha on my head! He, the Indweller, had heard the cry of my heart and had responded like only He can!

My path still remains the same and Swami for me remains the ‘Antaranga Sai’—the Sai in my heart. But there are plenty of days when in spite of the awareness that He resides within, the childlike desire to be fondled by Mother Sai, the pangs of hunger to hear a word, a smile, or a loving glance from the corner of Her eyes, fills my being. But I just keep adding these to a list of prayers. Although not answered in the physical realm, they are definitely answered in the subtle realms of the heart where my ‘Antharanga Sai’ resides. Maybe this is what Divine romance is all about. So far, yet so near!

I know that my Lord has His watchful eyes set on every little step that I take. I know His heart thrills at the slightest goodness of my actions and my smallest triumphs, and I also know that as I write these words my beloved mother Sai, my Antaranga Sai is, thinking about me.

~Balaramchandran T. S.
Source: Students with Sai Experiences

Singing for Sri Sathya Sai

Music has always been a divine bridge between the human heart and God. In the spiritual world, devotional singing creates vibrations of peace, purity, and love that elevate the mind and soul. Singing for Sri Sathya Sai is not merely about melodies or musical talent; it is an offering of devotion from the depths of the heart. Devotees across the world experience inner transformation through bhajans and spiritual songs dedicated to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The beauty of Singing for Sri Sathya Sai lies in its ability to unite people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds in one rhythm of divine love. Through sacred singing, devotees feel connected to the universal message of truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence taught by Sai Baba. Platforms like Devotional india continue to inspire devotees by sharing spiritual hymns, bhajans, and divine teachings that strengthen faith and devotion.

The tradition of Singing for Sri Sathya Sai became an important spiritual practice during the life of Bhagawan Baba. In Prasanthi Nilayam, bhajans were not performed for entertainment but for spiritual awakening. Sai Baba emphasized that devotional singing purifies the mind and fills the heart with divine vibrations. When devotees sing with sincerity and surrender, every note becomes a prayer. The atmosphere created during Sai bhajans is filled with peace, devotion, and spiritual energy. Millions of followers continue this sacred tradition in Sai centers around the world, where collective singing creates unity and harmony among devotees. Many spiritual seekers discover inner calm and emotional healing through the practice of Singing for Sri Sathya Sai, making it a powerful path of devotion in modern life.

Bhajans dedicated to Sai Baba are often simple, soulful, and deeply meaningful. They focus on love for God, selfless service, compassion, and surrender to the divine will. During group bhajans, devotees clap rhythmically and chant the holy name of Sai with devotion. This repetition of divine names helps calm restless thoughts and increases concentration on God. The spiritual vibrations generated through collective singing create a sacred atmosphere where devotees feel closer to the divine presence. In many homes and spiritual gatherings, Singing for Sri Sathya Sai has become a daily practice that brings positivity, unity, and spiritual discipline. Spiritual platforms such as Devotional india help preserve these sacred traditions by spreading devotional music and inspiring spiritual content among devotees worldwide.

One of the greatest aspects of Sai bhajans is their universal nature. Sai Baba welcomed all religions and encouraged devotees to respect every faith. Bhajans sung in Sai gatherings include songs from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Sikhism, reflecting the message of universal brotherhood. This inclusiveness makes Singing for Sri Sathya Sai a spiritual practice that transcends barriers of religion and nationality. Devotees experience a sense of oneness when singing together, realizing that all paths ultimately lead to the same divine truth. The spiritual atmosphere created during bhajans inspires love, humility, and mutual respect among participants. Through devotional singing, devotees learn to focus less on worldly worries and more on spiritual growth and inner peace.

The emotional power of devotional music cannot be underestimated. Many devotees share experiences of feeling immense peace, joy, and tears of devotion while singing Sai bhajans. Music touches the heart directly and awakens divine emotions that words alone cannot express. For many spiritual seekers, Singing for Sri Sathya Sai becomes a form of meditation where the mind gradually becomes silent and absorbed in divine remembrance. Sai Baba often said that God listens not to the quality of the voice but to the purity of the heart. Even a simple song sung with sincerity reaches the divine. This message encourages every devotee to participate in bhajans without fear or hesitation. Through the efforts of Devotional india, many devotees today can access inspiring bhajans and continue their spiritual journey with renewed devotion.

The younger generation is also discovering the spiritual beauty of Sai bhajans. In today’s fast-paced world filled with stress and distractions, devotional singing offers emotional balance and mental relaxation. Many Sai youth groups organize bhajan sessions, music workshops, and spiritual gatherings to preserve this sacred tradition for future generations. Through modern technology and online devotional platforms, Sai bhajans now reach devotees across the globe instantly. The timeless practice of Singing for Sri Sathya Sai continues to inspire people of all ages to live with love, kindness, and faith in God. The teachings embedded in these songs remind devotees to serve humanity selflessly and lead a righteous life guided by spiritual values.

Ultimately, devotional singing is a path of inner transformation. Every bhajan dedicated to Sai Baba carries divine vibrations capable of purifying the heart and awakening spiritual awareness. The practice of Singing for Sri Sathya Sai helps devotees move beyond ego, anger, and negativity while developing humility, devotion, and compassion. It creates a sacred connection between the devotee and the divine presence of Sai Baba. Whether sung in temples, Sai centers, homes, or spiritual gatherings, these devotional songs continue to spread peace and unity throughout the world. Through spiritual communities and platforms like Devotional india, the message of divine love and devotion continues to inspire millions. In the end, singing for Sai is not just music; it is a soulful journey toward divine bliss, eternal peace, and spiritual fulfillment.

-Golden Moments at Sri Sathya Sai Institute