RECUERDOS Y MEMORIAS .. Un artículo de Prof.Anil Kumar (PRIMERA PARTE)
Om Sri Sai Ram querida Familia Sai.
Comparto con ustedes un artículo del Kumar Prof.Anil que se publico en telugu en el Sanathana Sarathi de noviembre del 2011, titulado "Recuerdos y Memorias", un viaje de vida con el Avatar, durante cuatro décadas.
Esta es la traducción de la primera parte del artículo en Telegu que apareció en la edición de noviembre del Sanathana Sarathi.
"¿Por qué piensas así? Swami sabe todo sobre ti. De hecho, él preguntó muchas veces. No te sientas molesto." Estas palabras de consuelo del Señor Kasturi aún están frescas en mi mente.
Fue en el año 1977, durante el segundo día del festival de Dasara. Me acerqué a Sri Kasturi y le dije en voz baja: "Señor, me parece que Swami le envió un mensaje para mí a través de un sevadals. Parece que Bhagavan quería que diera una charla en el Auditorio Poornachandra esta noche y como nadie pudo ubicarme en el ashram, he perdido la oportunidad divina.
"¿Por qué piensas así? Swami sabe todo sobre ti. De hecho, él preguntó muchas veces. No te sientas molesto." Estas palabras de consuelo del Señor Kasturi aún están frescas en mi mente.
Fue en el año 1977, durante el segundo día del festival de Dasara. Me acerqué a Sri Kasturi y le dije en voz baja: "Señor, me parece que Swami le envió un mensaje para mí a través de un sevadals. Parece que Bhagavan quería que diera una charla en el Auditorio Poornachandra esta noche y como nadie pudo ubicarme en el ashram, he perdido la oportunidad divina.
¡Señor! por favor me disculpan. ¿Cómo se puede volver de la mala suerte? "
Kasturi que estaba haciendo todo lo posible para calmarme, dijo, "¿Cree usted que Swami no sabe quién es digno de ser su instrumento elegido? . Él sabe todas las cosas y Él hará lo necesario en el momento adecuado. No se preocupe, manténgase contento de que usted esta en su mirada y los pensamientos divinos. ¿Qué más podría uno necesitar ? "
Dejen que les explique lo que ocurrió ese día en particular:
Kasturi que estaba haciendo todo lo posible para calmarme, dijo, "¿Cree usted que Swami no sabe quién es digno de ser su instrumento elegido? . Él sabe todas las cosas y Él hará lo necesario en el momento adecuado. No se preocupe, manténgase contento de que usted esta en su mirada y los pensamientos divinos. ¿Qué más podría uno necesitar ? "
Dejen que les explique lo que ocurrió ese día en particular:
Swami le preguntó acerca de mí a Sri Kasturi, que a su vez pidió a un sevadals y otros funcionarios que me busquen en el ashram.
El resultado final fue que he perdido la oportunidad única de hablar en la presencia divina en una ocasión tan enorme.
¿No creen que yo no estaría decepcionado por esto?
Antes nunca Swami había hablado una palabra de mí, nunca me sonrió, ni me dio padanamaskar, ni siquiera tuve la suerte de tener un asiento en primera fila.
Yo pensé que era mi mala suerte, que me perseguía desde mi nacimiento anterior. Si es que tenia suerte de conseguir una primera fila, Swami saltaba esa zona o hablaba a una persona que estaba sentada a mi lado y muchas veces materializaba una u otra cosa para esa persona.
Muchos de mis amigos, que ya sabía de mi mala suerte, decían, "Mr. Anil Kumar, que se siente a su lado en el comedor o en cualquier otro lugar, pero no en las filas de darshan". Tal era mi reputación entonces.
Después de siete largos años, finalmente, cuando llegó la llamada divina, no estaba disponible. Esta hubiera sido mi primera oportunidad para hablar con Él, para que me permitiera Padanamaskar.
Después de siete largos años, finalmente, cuando llegó la llamada divina, no estaba disponible. Esta hubiera sido mi primera oportunidad para hablar con Él, para que me permitiera Padanamaskar.
Yo estaba maldiciendo a mi buena estrella.
Sri Kasturi dijo: "No se preocupe. En la tarde se sientan en primera fila para el darshan, y vemos qué pasa."
Primera conversación con SWAMI:
Exactamente a las 16:50, Swami salió para el darshan. Bendijo y hablo con todos los devotos mientras se deslizaba lentamente, Swami vino y se paró delante de mí y dijo: "¿Dónde has estado esta mañana?. Envié gente a buscarte en el comedor y la habitación. No te podían encontrar. Pensé en permitirte hablar esta mañana". Mi cuerpo comenzó a temblar. ¿ Swami hablaba conmigo ahora? . ¿Ocurre esta conversación, es este momento, esto es real o un sueño de día?
Primera conversación con SWAMI:
Exactamente a las 16:50, Swami salió para el darshan. Bendijo y hablo con todos los devotos mientras se deslizaba lentamente, Swami vino y se paró delante de mí y dijo: "¿Dónde has estado esta mañana?. Envié gente a buscarte en el comedor y la habitación. No te podían encontrar. Pensé en permitirte hablar esta mañana". Mi cuerpo comenzó a temblar. ¿ Swami hablaba conmigo ahora? . ¿Ocurre esta conversación, es este momento, esto es real o un sueño de día?
Es este el final de mis 7 años de mala suerte o es el inicio de un nuevo comienzo? .
Después de unos segundos un bombardeo de pensamientos, tome un poco de coraje y dije: "Swami, por favor perdóname. Yo estaba en la casa de Sri Ammanna Sashtri fuera del ashram. Yo estaba también acompañado por Podili Viswanatha Sharma, Purighalla Appa Rao, Sri Manchi Raju Surya Narayana Murthy. Yo estaba fascinado por completo escuchando las glorias de Shirdi por Sri Viswanatha Sharma. Esto me hizo olvidar el tiempo. Es por eso que no entre en el ashram a tiempo ".
Nuestro amado Señor dijo: "No hay problema. No te sientas triste. Toma Padanamaskar". Al igual que un cervatillo salta sobre su madre, me postre sobre su divinos pies de loto. Pensé para mis adentros, "¡Swami! . ¿ Qué es lo que no sabes acerca de este mundo?. ¿Cómo me llamaste cuando no estoy presente?. ¿Por qué es que yo no estaba presente cuando me has llamado? ¿No es esto parte de su Leela Swami divino ? "
Exactamente un año después, en 1978, tuve la oportunidad divina de hablar en la presencia de Bhagawan.
Exactamente un año después, en 1978, tuve la oportunidad divina de hablar en la presencia de Bhagawan.
En ese día, intimación previa, me hizo sentar en el estrado. En el estrado, Swami estaba sentado en su trono y detrás de él Swami Karunyananda, Sri Kasturi y Bhagawantham. Tan pronto como Swami me hizo señas de hablar me acerqué a Swami y le preguntó: "¡Swami! Inglés o Telugu?" Swami respondió: "Habla en Inglés". Nuestro compasivo Señor también me dio una segunda oportunidad durante las celebraciones de ese mismo año de Dasara en Vijaya Dasami, día en que Él me pidió que hablara en telugu.
Este fue mi debut en Puttaparthi.
En el año 1980, recibí un telegrama que decía que yo era designado como el Coordinador Zonal de las Organizaciones Sri Sathya Sai de Andhra y Rayalaseema.
En el año 1980, recibí un telegrama que decía que yo era designado como el Coordinador Zonal de las Organizaciones Sri Sathya Sai de Andhra y Rayalaseema.
Inmediatamente me fui a Puttaparthi. Y me puse en la fila de darshan, y le dije , "¡Swami! El Presidente del Consejo mundial me ha enviado un telegrama. Estoy muy agradecido a usted. Por favor, me bendice".
Dijo Swami, "Yo personalmente lo he nombrado a usted como el Coordinador Zonal y el telegrama se lo envié Yo . "Al oír esas dulces palabras, mi corazón saltó de alegría. Pensé que todo era deseo de Swami y que todo sucede de acuerdo a la Voluntad Divina.
El tiempo pasaba. Fue en el año 1985, en la celebración de su cumpleaños en el Sri Sathya Sai Hill View estadio. En la sesión de mañana del cumpleaños de Swami, el entonces Presidente del Consejo Mundial, Sri. Indulal Shah, estaba leyendo los nombres de los presidentes de los Estados recientemente nombrados. Cuando llego a Andhra Pradesh (el estado en que nací ) mi nombre fue leído. Había escalofríos por mi espina dorsal.
El tiempo pasaba. Fue en el año 1985, en la celebración de su cumpleaños en el Sri Sathya Sai Hill View estadio. En la sesión de mañana del cumpleaños de Swami, el entonces Presidente del Consejo Mundial, Sri. Indulal Shah, estaba leyendo los nombres de los presidentes de los Estados recientemente nombrados. Cuando llego a Andhra Pradesh (el estado en que nací ) mi nombre fue leído. Había escalofríos por mi espina dorsal.
Me pregunté: "¿Ese soy yo? ¿O es alguien con mi nombre?"
Esa noche, mientras que los programas culturales se desarrollaban, Swami me llamó, me acercó, y preguntó : "! Señor Presidente de Estado ! ¿Usted acepta esta oferta?" Yo amablemente respondí: "¿Por qué no Swami ? Es su mandato divino?. Definitivamente voy a seguir ". Extiende las manos hacia adelante y me dijo: "Mira. Mi protección será más fuerte que cadenas de hierro. Todo el mundo va a cooperar contigo. No te preocupes. Sera exitosa".
Esas palabras de consuelo y de re-aseguro, fueron las palabras de la Verdad y todo sucedió tal y como dijo Swami. Cada actividad fue supervisada personalmente y hecha por él.
Esa noche, mientras que los programas culturales se desarrollaban, Swami me llamó, me acercó, y preguntó : "! Señor Presidente de Estado ! ¿Usted acepta esta oferta?" Yo amablemente respondí: "¿Por qué no Swami ? Es su mandato divino?. Definitivamente voy a seguir ". Extiende las manos hacia adelante y me dijo: "Mira. Mi protección será más fuerte que cadenas de hierro. Todo el mundo va a cooperar contigo. No te preocupes. Sera exitosa".
Esas palabras de consuelo y de re-aseguro, fueron las palabras de la Verdad y todo sucedió tal y como dijo Swami. Cada actividad fue supervisada personalmente y hecha por él.
Yo no tengo ningún vehículo, excepto una bicicleta. En aquellos días, yo no tenía ni siquiera un teléfono. Por profesión era sólo un profesor ordinario. Me preguntaba si yo sería capaz de recorrer todo el estado ya que seria muy costoso. Yo exprese la misma duda ante mi esposa y ella dijo: "Vamos a asumir que tenemos un hijo más. Así como si fueran gastos de su educación, ropa, etc, vamos a considerar la organización como un niño "entregado" por Swami para cuidar de el, con el mismo amor y determinación.
Tomé sus palabras como un mensaje de Swami y no mire atrás desde entonces.
En este "viaje inolvidable", no hay pueblo o ciudad que no he visitado en Andhra Pradesh. Swami me llevó a los rincones y esquinas de Andhra Pradesh. Me hizo viajar en todo tipo de transportes. Esos eran los días en que los sistemas de comunicación y de transporte eran un caos total. He viajado durante horas de pie en los autobuses y en trenes abarrotados, traté de competir con las grúas al viajar durante horas en un solo pie. He viajado en tractores, en carros tirados por bueyes, en carretas con caballos.
En este "viaje inolvidable", no hay pueblo o ciudad que no he visitado en Andhra Pradesh. Swami me llevó a los rincones y esquinas de Andhra Pradesh. Me hizo viajar en todo tipo de transportes. Esos eran los días en que los sistemas de comunicación y de transporte eran un caos total. He viajado durante horas de pie en los autobuses y en trenes abarrotados, traté de competir con las grúas al viajar durante horas en un solo pie. He viajado en tractores, en carros tirados por bueyes, en carretas con caballos.
Cualquier medio de transporte y les puedo asegurar que he experimentado todos los paseos.
Desde 1979, Swami me dio la oportunidad de hablar en la Divina Presencia por lo menos cuatro a cinco veces al año. Una vez hubo una reunión en un lugar llamado Kurnool, organizada por la Organización Sathya Sai. Esa noche hubo una lluvia muy fuerte. Las estaciones de autobuses y las carreteras se convirtieron en lagunas. Todos los autobuses fueron cancelados. Expresando mi imposibilidad de asistir, envié un telegrama a los organizadores.
Desde 1979, Swami me dio la oportunidad de hablar en la Divina Presencia por lo menos cuatro a cinco veces al año. Una vez hubo una reunión en un lugar llamado Kurnool, organizada por la Organización Sathya Sai. Esa noche hubo una lluvia muy fuerte. Las estaciones de autobuses y las carreteras se convirtieron en lagunas. Todos los autobuses fueron cancelados. Expresando mi imposibilidad de asistir, envié un telegrama a los organizadores.
A la mañana siguiente, había una voz interior que decía: "No, usted no debe quedarse . Vaya !" Pensé que no podría llegar a Kurnool, que llegaría tarde y todo el mundo se dirigía a sus casas y que sería inútil continuar mi viaje a Kurnool en tales circunstancias. Pero la voz interior era fuerte y me decía una y otra vez, que vaya .
Obedeciendo el mandato divino (la Voz Interior), me fui a Kurnool. En el momento en que llegué allí, todo el mundo se dirigía a casa después del Mangala Arathi. Cuando los devotos me vieron, todos se sorprendieron. Comenzaron a pensar: ¿Cómo es que él está aquí, cuando envió un telegrama que no podría hacerlo. ¿Es el verdadero Kumar Prof.Anil o Baba viene en forma de Prof.Anil Kumar? De todos modos, todos regresaron a la sala de reuniones y después de dirigirme a la reunión, regresé a Puttaparthi.
En aquellos días, los bhajans acostumbraban continuar hasta las 11 horas. El Señor Majeti Eluru me vio y me dio un asiento en la veranadah.
Obedeciendo el mandato divino (la Voz Interior), me fui a Kurnool. En el momento en que llegué allí, todo el mundo se dirigía a casa después del Mangala Arathi. Cuando los devotos me vieron, todos se sorprendieron. Comenzaron a pensar: ¿Cómo es que él está aquí, cuando envió un telegrama que no podría hacerlo. ¿Es el verdadero Kumar Prof.Anil o Baba viene en forma de Prof.Anil Kumar? De todos modos, todos regresaron a la sala de reuniones y después de dirigirme a la reunión, regresé a Puttaparthi.
En aquellos días, los bhajans acostumbraban continuar hasta las 11 horas. El Señor Majeti Eluru me vio y me dio un asiento en la veranadah.
Swami salió de darshan y en su estilo habitual, dijo: "! Mr Anil ! ¿Has pensado en ir a la reunión en Kurnool ?. Los programas de Swami nunca se cancelan. Nadie puede suspender los programas de Swami" . Por supuesto, me senté allí con la boca abierta escuchando y mirando a nuestro Señor, que todo lo sabe. Por otra parte, Swami agregó: "Hay un Dr.Krishna Rao quien fue el primero Sevadal de Kurnool, sostenía una linterna pequeña durante las noches. En su ausencia, no se sentirían decepcionados?"
Sólo entonces comprendí la gravedad y la importancia de las reuniones de Sai, como nuestro Omnipresente Swami nos mira a todos en estas reuniones Sai y sabe todo de nosotros.
Hay un lugar con el nombre de Giddaluru en Prakasam distrito de Andhra Pradesh.
Hay un lugar con el nombre de Giddaluru en Prakasam distrito de Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Reddy era el presidente del distrito. Un gran encuentro fue planeado y creo que se llevó a cabo en terrenos Vivekananda College.
También me invitaron a la reunión. El mismo día, todos los autobuses y los trenes detuvieron sus servicios , ya que había una gran protesta política contra la decisión del Gobernador, de eliminar al entonces ministro jefe de Andhra Pradesh, Sri N T Rama Rao. Su partido, el Telugu Desam Party protestaba contra esta decisión y todo el estado estaba en paro.
Me preguntaba cómo iba a viajar en tales momentos de tensión.
Esa misma mañana, un Sevadal de Giddaluru vino a mi casa, para llevarme con él. Todos los miembros de mi familia, que nunca dijeron no a las reuniones Sai, estaban considerando los "momentos de tensión", y me pidieron que no fuera y me quedara. Cuando todos los trenes y autobuses estaban en huelga, no se sentían cómodos dejándome salir de la casa.
Esa misma mañana, un Sevadal de Giddaluru vino a mi casa, para llevarme con él. Todos los miembros de mi familia, que nunca dijeron no a las reuniones Sai, estaban considerando los "momentos de tensión", y me pidieron que no fuera y me quedara. Cuando todos los trenes y autobuses estaban en huelga, no se sentían cómodos dejándome salir de la casa.
Comprensión sus sentimientos y también teniendo en cuenta los problemas que enfrentaría en mi viaje, me acerqué al Sevadal y dije: "Señor, no hay manera de que podamos ir a la reunión en ningún medio de transporte. Por favor, discúlpeme . No puedo ir ".
Recuerdo su respuesta fuerte, incluso hasta nuestros días. Él dijo: "No hay manera de que podamos cancelar el trabajo de Swami.
Vienes y te llevaré conmigo".
Inmediatamente, empaqué unas cuantas piezas de ropa en una maleta pequeña, y sin éxito para convencer a los miembros de mi familia, me fui de casa con el Sevadal. Ambos nos sentamos en el tren sin saber cuándo arrancaría. ¿Este tren debe llegar a Giddaluru?. No estaba seguro en absoluto. Me había entregado por completo a Swami. El tren comenzó a moverse despacio, más lento que un caracol.
Mr Sathyam, que me acompañaba, se detuvo en cada estación e informaba a la gente de Giddaluru por teléfono acerca de nuestro paradero.
Para mí, todo parecía estar en estado de agitación. Mi mente estaba muy ocupada con todo tipo de dificultades.
Llegamos a una estación llamada Vinukonda. Y en Vinukonda se anunció que la huelga fue desconvocada. ¿Qué más ? , el tren tomó velocidad. Y en poco tiempo llegamos a nuestro destino final, Giddaluru.
En la estación había cientos de devotos, hombres, viejos, jóvenes y mujeres a la espera de recibirme. Tal como se anunció, la reunión se organizó en un vasto terreno que estaba repleto por entonces.
Desde Giddaluru, llegué a Puttaparthi. Nuestro omnisciente Señor preguntó, "¿la reunión fue muy bien? Después de tener su nombre en la invitación, los devotos se habrían sentido mal, si no se presentara en el programa. En nuestra Organización Sai , los programas son para el desarrollo espiritual de cada uno. Deben comenzar a tiempo. Debemos ser modelos a seguir para todos. "....al escuchar todo esto, quede sorprendido y sin palabras, una vez más.
Cuando pienso en Giddaluru, siempre me acuerdo de este incidente, que ocurrió mucho tiempo atrás. En aquellos días, solía haber un solo bus de Machilipatnam a Puttaparthi. Permite viajar cómodamente y toma 17-19 horas viajar de Guntur a Puttaparthi. Cada vez que viajamos, había una posibilidad clara de por lo menos dos pinchazos de neumáticos. En una ocasión, el autobús se detuvo para almorzar en Giddaluru. Como todos estábamos hambrientos, se detuvo en un restaurante cercano y le pidió al camarero que nos dijo el menú de el restaurante. Él dijo: "Tenemos pollo biryani, pollo pulao, tortillas, etc, etc .. Soy vegetariano puro por nacimiento, al oír esos nombres nos hizo salir corriendo del restaurante. Más tarde, encontramos otro hotel vegetariano y volvimos al autobús después del almuerzo. Cuando el autobús empezó a moverse, miré por la ventana el cartel de el restaurante por primera vez , y decía "Hotel Militar" (un nombre común para un hotel de no-vegetarianos). Como teníamos hambre no nos molestamos en leer el cartel.
De vuelta en Puttaparthi, estaban las celebraciones de Dasara. El escenario estaba listo y para el discurso Divino de Swami. En el discurso de ese día, Swami dijo:
Desde Giddaluru, llegué a Puttaparthi. Nuestro omnisciente Señor preguntó, "¿la reunión fue muy bien? Después de tener su nombre en la invitación, los devotos se habrían sentido mal, si no se presentara en el programa. En nuestra Organización Sai , los programas son para el desarrollo espiritual de cada uno. Deben comenzar a tiempo. Debemos ser modelos a seguir para todos. "....al escuchar todo esto, quede sorprendido y sin palabras, una vez más.
Cuando pienso en Giddaluru, siempre me acuerdo de este incidente, que ocurrió mucho tiempo atrás. En aquellos días, solía haber un solo bus de Machilipatnam a Puttaparthi. Permite viajar cómodamente y toma 17-19 horas viajar de Guntur a Puttaparthi. Cada vez que viajamos, había una posibilidad clara de por lo menos dos pinchazos de neumáticos. En una ocasión, el autobús se detuvo para almorzar en Giddaluru. Como todos estábamos hambrientos, se detuvo en un restaurante cercano y le pidió al camarero que nos dijo el menú de el restaurante. Él dijo: "Tenemos pollo biryani, pollo pulao, tortillas, etc, etc .. Soy vegetariano puro por nacimiento, al oír esos nombres nos hizo salir corriendo del restaurante. Más tarde, encontramos otro hotel vegetariano y volvimos al autobús después del almuerzo. Cuando el autobús empezó a moverse, miré por la ventana el cartel de el restaurante por primera vez , y decía "Hotel Militar" (un nombre común para un hotel de no-vegetarianos). Como teníamos hambre no nos molestamos en leer el cartel.
De vuelta en Puttaparthi, estaban las celebraciones de Dasara. El escenario estaba listo y para el discurso Divino de Swami. En el discurso de ese día, Swami dijo:
"En este universo temporal, terrenal, donde se encuentra la verdadera felicidad ? Hay un aviso( consejo) escrito en este universo.
El aviso dice:" momentáneo ", y si buscamos la felicidad sin la lectura del aviso, no va a servir a este propósito.
Por ejemplo, si el aviso fuera de un hotel, dice "Hotel Militar", no podemos ir y pedir idli, sambar o Upma."
Esto definitivamente fue un mensaje para mí. Este es otro ejemplo de la omnipresencia de Swami.
Existe un Colegio VSN en Visakhapatnam. En esa universidad Sri. GV Subramanya era el jefe del departamento de sánscrito. Él era un miembro muy activo de la Organización Sri Sathya Sai. Era un orador erudito. Su satsangs en Bhagavatham fueron inigualables. Si empezamos a hablar y comparar Krishna y Baba, los oyentes, sin duda trascenderían el tiempo y el espacio, absortos escuchándolo con atención.
Existe un Colegio VSN en Visakhapatnam. En esa universidad Sri. GV Subramanya era el jefe del departamento de sánscrito. Él era un miembro muy activo de la Organización Sri Sathya Sai. Era un orador erudito. Su satsangs en Bhagavatham fueron inigualables. Si empezamos a hablar y comparar Krishna y Baba, los oyentes, sin duda trascenderían el tiempo y el espacio, absortos escuchándolo con atención.
Era un amigo muy cercano de la mina. Un día, dos de nosotros tuvimos una experiencia memorable, cuando regresaban de Sirisilla en el Distrito de Karimnagar, después de asistir a una reunión organizada por la Organización Sri Sathya Sai. Llegamos a la estación de tren Kajipet para tomar el tren expreso a Nasapur o Godavari. Ambos de nosotros tenía que asistir a la universidad al día siguiente. Mientras estábamos esperando el tren, el jefe de estación me reconoció y dijo: "Oh Mr. Anil !. El me presunto la causa de mi presencia aquí. Ven. Vamos a tomar un café y hablar de Swami."
Cuando hablamos de Swami siempre olvidamos el tiempo. Con mucho entusiasmo estábamos hablando de Swami. Mientras tanto, el jefe de estación dijo: "Ok. Vamos a ir ahora, ya que es hora de que el tren llegue." En el momento en que salimos, el tren ya había llegado y salió de la plataforma.
Cuando hablamos de Swami siempre olvidamos el tiempo. Con mucho entusiasmo estábamos hablando de Swami. Mientras tanto, el jefe de estación dijo: "Ok. Vamos a ir ahora, ya que es hora de que el tren llegue." En el momento en que salimos, el tren ya había llegado y salió de la plataforma.
Sri. Subramanya Sharma estaba muy preocupada. Se preguntaba cómo iba a ir a la universidad al día siguiente. De hecho, los dos estábamos pensando en lo mismo. De repente, el tren que ya cruzó el semáforo empezó a volver a la plataforma. Nos sorprendió por completo al ver esta maravilla. Sin preguntarse cómo y por qué, nos subimos al tren.
Después fui a Puttaparthi para un festival. Esa noche, Swami se acercó a mí sonriendo y dijo: "compañeros sin sentido. ¿No sabes llegar a tiempo a la plataforma? Usted sabe, usted podría haber perdido el tren esa noche. "
Una vez que tuve esta experiencia hermosa. Cuando fui a una reunión en el Distrito de Karimnagar, los devotos de Adilabad me pidieron asistir a una reunión en Ramakrishna puram. Ese día fue un poco raro, ya que nuestro coche fue interrumpido varias veces durante durante el viaje.
Después fui a Puttaparthi para un festival. Esa noche, Swami se acercó a mí sonriendo y dijo: "compañeros sin sentido. ¿No sabes llegar a tiempo a la plataforma? Usted sabe, usted podría haber perdido el tren esa noche. "
Una vez que tuve esta experiencia hermosa. Cuando fui a una reunión en el Distrito de Karimnagar, los devotos de Adilabad me pidieron asistir a una reunión en Ramakrishna puram. Ese día fue un poco raro, ya que nuestro coche fue interrumpido varias veces durante durante el viaje.
Había algunos elementos anti-sociales que trataban de desmantelar la administración, la policía estaba en alerta máxima y nuestro coche se detuvo varias veces para pasar por el control de seguridad. Cada vez que la policía detuvo el auto en el que se veía la foto de Swami en el coche, nos dejaron pasar. Lo que dio miedo tuvo un final feliz y finalmente llegué a casa a salvo. Después de unos días, cuando fui a Puttaparthi, Swami se me acercó y me dijo: "Os he dicho que no viajen a la medianoche. Ahora sabes de los muchos obstáculos que tuve que hacer frente?"
Agradeciendo a Swami por salvarme, me caí a Sus pies de loto.
Fue durante las celebraciones del jubileo de plata de la Organización Sri Sathya Sai. Todos nosotros viajaban en una camioneta dispuesta por el Presidente del distrito de Guntur, Sri.Kovela Mudi Narayana Rao.
A ambos lados de la camioneta había dos altavoces, citas de Swami muy bien escritas en ambos lados de la camioneta, y sobre todo, la camioneta estaba muy bien decorada con fotos de Swami también.
Recorrimos numerosos pueblos en esta camioneta. Ese día se suponía que íbamos a visitar Palakollu un pueblo en el oeste de Godavari.
De nuevo estábamos en el medio de una huelga. El transporte público se paralizó. El nuestro es un transporte privado, se las arregló para viajar con menos obstáculos hasta Bejavada. En Bejavada la huelga fue intensa .
Ellos no nos permiten viajar ni un centímetro más.
Estábamos escuchando casetes de Bhajan en la camioneta. Todo el mundo nos cuestiona por qué estábamos viajando a pesar de la huelga. Algunos malhechores con banderas, incluso trataron de detener el reproductor de casetes en la camioneta. Sin saber qué hacer y con un poco de miedo, empezamos a cantar para dentro de nosotros mismos. Mientras tanto, de la nada, llegó este hombre fuerte, en su motocicleta.
Estábamos escuchando casetes de Bhajan en la camioneta. Todo el mundo nos cuestiona por qué estábamos viajando a pesar de la huelga. Algunos malhechores con banderas, incluso trataron de detener el reproductor de casetes en la camioneta. Sin saber qué hacer y con un poco de miedo, empezamos a cantar para dentro de nosotros mismos. Mientras tanto, de la nada, llegó este hombre fuerte, en su motocicleta.
El tenia una enorme bandera en su moto y tenía una voz muy fuerte. Parecía que él era su líder. Él se asomó a la camioneta y mirando la foto de Baba, le dijo a sus hombres que nos dejaran ir. En cuanto a nosotros, dijo, "Ustedes pueden ir ahora. Nadie los detendrá. Voy a asegurarse de que nada les pasará a ustedes. Vamos. Arranca la camioneta."
Debido a la carretera bloqueada, llegamos a Palakollu un poco tarde. Aquellos devotos ya regresaban a sus hogares, después de ver nuestra bellamente decorada camioneta con bhajans en los altavoces, regresaron a la sede.
Debido a la carretera bloqueada, llegamos a Palakollu un poco tarde. Aquellos devotos ya regresaban a sus hogares, después de ver nuestra bellamente decorada camioneta con bhajans en los altavoces, regresaron a la sede.
A pesar de que teníamos hambre, nos salteamos la comida y fuimos directamente a la dirección de la reunión. Mientras yo estaba dando una charla, alguien en la multitud pasó un papelito que decía: "Estimado señor, tenemos una boda prevista en la misma sala de reuniones, pegado. Usted nos estaría haciendo un gran favor si deja de hablar ahora". Cuando leí la carta en voz alta, alguien de la multitud, en un típico acento Godavari preguntó: "¿Qué es lo que van a parar? Si desea que la boda sea exitosa debe tener las bendiciones de Baba. Mr.Anil Kumar, por favor, siga su charla. Harán arreglos de la boda en la parte trasera. "Me sorprendí al escuchar esto. Me saludó y se inclinó a su devoción.
En mis 20 años de servicio como maestro en Guntur, pasé todos mis fines de semana y vacaciones en viajar a los pueblos, la difusión de mensajes de Swami y compartir su amor. Yo tenía que equilibrar las horas de la universidad, gestionar el itinerario del viaje y prepararme para las conversaciones. Mi vida fue un ejemplo perfecto de la voluntad Divina de Swami, donde él puede dejar el trabajo realizado, incluso a una persona muy normal, que yo soy.
En este punto, recuerdo otro incidente peculiar que sucedió hace años. Después de participar en algunos programas de Sai en la región de Telangana, llegué a la estación de tren sólo para saber que me había perdido el tren.
En mis 20 años de servicio como maestro en Guntur, pasé todos mis fines de semana y vacaciones en viajar a los pueblos, la difusión de mensajes de Swami y compartir su amor. Yo tenía que equilibrar las horas de la universidad, gestionar el itinerario del viaje y prepararme para las conversaciones. Mi vida fue un ejemplo perfecto de la voluntad Divina de Swami, donde él puede dejar el trabajo realizado, incluso a una persona muy normal, que yo soy.
En este punto, recuerdo otro incidente peculiar que sucedió hace años. Después de participar en algunos programas de Sai en la región de Telangana, llegué a la estación de tren sólo para saber que me había perdido el tren.
Yo estaba muy preocupado ya que tenía que asistir a la universidad al día siguiente . Literalmente, corrí a la universidad directamente desde la estación de tren en el momento que llegué a Guntur. Ya que encima, yo estaba programado para enseñar en la primera sesión del día.
Cuando llegué a la universidad, me di cuenta de las puertas estaban cerradas. Curiosamente, pregunté al vigilante, que todo el campus parecía estar vacío, y me dijo, que nuestros estudiantes ganaron el partido de cricket entre las universidades, y la administración de la universidad ha declarado hoy día de fiesta.
Fue realmente un gran alivio para mí. Me hubiera gustado que nuestros estudiantes ganaran más partidos, para que pueda asignar más tiempo para las actividades de Sai.
En otra ocasión fui "salvado" por uno de mis colegas que se iba a casar. Me dije: Swami que todos mis colegas solteros se casen pronto, por lo que voy a tener más tiempo para su trabajo.
Muchas veces, la mayoría por ignorancia, tendemos a pensar que somos los hacedores. Creemos que nadie puede ser tan perfecto como nosotros. El ego nos exalta a pensar que sólo podíamos hacer cosas tan grandes, imposibles para otros y nos enorgullecemos de nuestra inteligencia.
En otra ocasión fui "salvado" por uno de mis colegas que se iba a casar. Me dije: Swami que todos mis colegas solteros se casen pronto, por lo que voy a tener más tiempo para su trabajo.
Muchas veces, la mayoría por ignorancia, tendemos a pensar que somos los hacedores. Creemos que nadie puede ser tan perfecto como nosotros. El ego nos exalta a pensar que sólo podíamos hacer cosas tan grandes, imposibles para otros y nos enorgullecemos de nuestra inteligencia.
Sí, es natural. Después de todo somos seres humanos. Además creemos que sin nosotros, las grandes cosas no podría llevarse a cabo.
Si las oportunidades se dan, hay varios otros que pueden hacerlo mucho mejor que nosotros. Si quiere Swami siquiera una brizna de hierba se convertirá en un poderoso instrumento.
Una vez hubo una reunión en un lugar llamado Ponnakollu pueblo organizado por la Organización Sathya Sai en su aniversario. Pero el mismo día, tuve que asistir a una reunión de Presidentes de Estado de Organización Sathya Sai en Puttaparthi. Me preguntaba qué habría sido de la "difícil situación" de la reunión en Ponnakollu sin mí. Finalmente, cuando volví, me enteré de que tres baluartes famosos de Andhra Pradesh, Sri.Karunasri, Sri Sharma y Sri Madhavarama Amarendra asistieron a la reunión a pesar de que sus nombres no fueron mencionados en la tarjeta de invitación y el programa fue un gran éxito .
Los programas de Swami nunca se detendrán. Es sólo que estaríamos perdiendo oportunidades de oro por no asistir, pero nuestra ausencia no hará de ninguna reunión Sai más pequeña. Siempre deben darse cuenta de este hecho, que hay una serie innumerables de autoridades competentes, personas talentosas, dedicadas e inspiradas listas para hacer el trabajo de Swami.
Otro incidente ocurrió en el mismo pueblo Ponnakallu. Hace muchos años asistí a la celebración de los locales del centro Sai allí. Para dar tiempo suficiente a los agricultores a volver a casa después de un largo día de trabajo, por lo general estas reuniones comienzan a las 7 pm. Mientras yo estaba hablando en la aldea un aldeano rico grande, se levantó y dijo: ¿Has venido a propagar a Sai Baba? Yo respondí: Señor, por favor, no nos malinterpreten. Somos devotos de Sai, y estamos celebrando el aniversario de nuestro Centro. Más tarde la aldea de Ponnakallu , se convirtió en un centro que siempre salía con las actividades Sai , innovadoras y estimulante. Durante una sesión de foto de grupo en un año, Swami parecía estar sentado en su trono en la foto, lo que habla alto de su devoción.
Una vez he visitado el pueblo de "Donepudi". Era demasiado tarde para el momento en que terminé mi charla. Al final perdí el último autobús también. Sin opciones, yo dormí en el templo esa noche y fui a Guntur al día siguiente. Del mismo modo después de la reunión en la 'Thulluru, no había autobuses para ir. Por suerte me subí a un tractor y llegue a Guntur.
Hace algunos años, asistí a una reunión Balavikas en Rajahmundry. No había tren hasta la medianoche. Viajé en un camión hasta Eluru, desde allí por camión hasta Vijayawada y finalmente llegue en autobús del estado a Guntur .
He utilizado todos los medios de transporte para llevar acabo el trabajo de Swami. Debo mantener la promesa que le hice a Swami. En el año 1980, durante las celebraciones de Dasara, después de el discurso divino, Swami me llevó a la primera planta de Poornachandra y me bendijo con ropas de seda, un traje de safari y un chal. Colocando sus dos manos sobre mi cabeza dijo "tendrás una larga vida con un carácter noble. Puedes difundir el mensaje de Swami, recorre todo el estado de Andhra Pradesh.
¿Cómo olvidar esta bendición del Señor de los Señores! Después de haber sido bendecido abundantemente, ¿no es ningún esfuerzo? ¿Habrá alguna molestias ? ¿Puedo volver a tomar un descanso?
Una vez hubo una reunión en un lugar llamado Ponnakollu pueblo organizado por la Organización Sathya Sai en su aniversario. Pero el mismo día, tuve que asistir a una reunión de Presidentes de Estado de Organización Sathya Sai en Puttaparthi. Me preguntaba qué habría sido de la "difícil situación" de la reunión en Ponnakollu sin mí. Finalmente, cuando volví, me enteré de que tres baluartes famosos de Andhra Pradesh, Sri.Karunasri, Sri Sharma y Sri Madhavarama Amarendra asistieron a la reunión a pesar de que sus nombres no fueron mencionados en la tarjeta de invitación y el programa fue un gran éxito .
Los programas de Swami nunca se detendrán. Es sólo que estaríamos perdiendo oportunidades de oro por no asistir, pero nuestra ausencia no hará de ninguna reunión Sai más pequeña. Siempre deben darse cuenta de este hecho, que hay una serie innumerables de autoridades competentes, personas talentosas, dedicadas e inspiradas listas para hacer el trabajo de Swami.
Otro incidente ocurrió en el mismo pueblo Ponnakallu. Hace muchos años asistí a la celebración de los locales del centro Sai allí. Para dar tiempo suficiente a los agricultores a volver a casa después de un largo día de trabajo, por lo general estas reuniones comienzan a las 7 pm. Mientras yo estaba hablando en la aldea un aldeano rico grande, se levantó y dijo: ¿Has venido a propagar a Sai Baba? Yo respondí: Señor, por favor, no nos malinterpreten. Somos devotos de Sai, y estamos celebrando el aniversario de nuestro Centro. Más tarde la aldea de Ponnakallu , se convirtió en un centro que siempre salía con las actividades Sai , innovadoras y estimulante. Durante una sesión de foto de grupo en un año, Swami parecía estar sentado en su trono en la foto, lo que habla alto de su devoción.
Una vez he visitado el pueblo de "Donepudi". Era demasiado tarde para el momento en que terminé mi charla. Al final perdí el último autobús también. Sin opciones, yo dormí en el templo esa noche y fui a Guntur al día siguiente. Del mismo modo después de la reunión en la 'Thulluru, no había autobuses para ir. Por suerte me subí a un tractor y llegue a Guntur.
Hace algunos años, asistí a una reunión Balavikas en Rajahmundry. No había tren hasta la medianoche. Viajé en un camión hasta Eluru, desde allí por camión hasta Vijayawada y finalmente llegue en autobús del estado a Guntur .
He utilizado todos los medios de transporte para llevar acabo el trabajo de Swami. Debo mantener la promesa que le hice a Swami. En el año 1980, durante las celebraciones de Dasara, después de el discurso divino, Swami me llevó a la primera planta de Poornachandra y me bendijo con ropas de seda, un traje de safari y un chal. Colocando sus dos manos sobre mi cabeza dijo "tendrás una larga vida con un carácter noble. Puedes difundir el mensaje de Swami, recorre todo el estado de Andhra Pradesh.
¿Cómo olvidar esta bendición del Señor de los Señores! Después de haber sido bendecido abundantemente, ¿no es ningún esfuerzo? ¿Habrá alguna molestias ? ¿Puedo volver a tomar un descanso?
La energía de Sai es incomparable y sin igual.
(Continuará ......)
Traducido de un artículo de Kumar Prof.Anil publicó en Telugu Sanathana Sarathi (Noviembre-2011 edition) ..
(Continuará ......)
Traducido de un artículo de Kumar Prof.Anil publicó en Telugu Sanathana Sarathi (Noviembre-2011 edition) ..
NUESTRA VIDA ES SU MENSAJE...
OMSAIRAMMM...
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MEMORIES AND MEMOIRS..An article by Prof.Anil Kumar (PART ONE)
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MEMORIES AND MEMOIRS..An article by Prof.Anil Kumar (PART ONE)
Om Sri Sai Ram dearest Sai Family
Sharing with you an article of Prof.Anil Kumar which is being published in Telugu Sanathana Sarathi starting from November 2011 titled, "Memories and Memoirs", a journey with the Living Avatar for four decades.
This is the translation of the first part of the article which appeared in the November edition of Telugu Sanathana Sarathi
"Why would you think like that? Swami knows everything about you. In fact, He enquired about you many times. Don't feel upset." These consoling words from Sri.Kasturi are still fresh in my mind.
It was in the year 1977,during the second day of Dasara festival. I went up to Sri.Kasturi and said in a soft voice, "Sir, it seems you sent a word for me through the sevadals. It seems Bhagawan asked me to give a talk in the Poornachandra Auditorium this evening and as no-one could trace my whereabouts in the ashram, I lost this DIVINE chance. Sir! please excuse me. How can you back an unlucky horse? "
Kasturi who was trying his best to pacify me said, "Do you think Swami doesn't know who is worthy to be His chosen instrument? He knows every thing and He will do the needful at the right moment. Don't be upset. Be happy that you are at least in His Divine sight and thoughts. What else could any one need?"
Let me explain to you what happened that particular day. Swami enquired about me from Sri.Kasturi who in turn asked the sevadals and other officials to look for me in the ashram. The end result: I lost the rare opportunity to speak in the Divine presence on such a huge occassion. Don't you think I would not be disappointed by this? Prior to that Swami never spoke a word with me, never smiled at me, no padanamaskar, not even a first row seat was in my luck. I used to think that this was BAD LUCK which was brought forward by me from my previous births. If at all I was lucky to get a first row, Swami would either skip that area or would speak loudly to a person who was seated right next to me and many a times materialise something or other for that person. Many of my friends, who already knew my bad luck would say," Mr.Anil Kumar, we would sit next to you in the canteen or anywhere else but not in the darshan lines." Such was my reputation then.
After seven long years, finally when the DIVINE CALL came, I was not available. This would have been my first chance to see Him upclose, to talk to Him, to have Padanamaskar. I was cursing my lucky stars. Sri Kasturi said,"Don't worry. In the evening darshan sit in the first row and see what happens."
FIRST CONVERSATION WITH SWAMI:
Exactly at 4.50PM, Swami came out for darshan. Blessing, talking with all the devotees and gliding along slowly, Swami came and stood in front of me and said, "Where have you been this morning? I sent people to look for you in the canteen and your room. No one could find you. I thought of letting you speak this morning". My whole body started shivering. Did my Swami speak to me now? Is this conversation, is this moment, is this day REAL or a DREAM? Is this the END of my 7 year BAD LUCK episode or is it the START of a new beginning? After a few seconds of bombarding thoughts, I took some courage and said, "Swami! Please forgive me. I was in Sri Ammanna Sashtri's house outside the ashram. I was also joined by Podili Viswanatha Sharma, Purighalla Appa Rao, Sri Manchi Raju Surya Narayana Murthy. I was completely spellbound to hear the glory of of Shirdi from Sri Viswanatha Sharma. This made me forget the time. That is why I didn't come into the ashram on time." Our beloved Lord said, " No problem. Don't feel sad. Take Padanamaskar" Just like a baby deer jumping onto its mother, I fell on His divine lotus feet. I thought to myself, "Swami! what is it You don't know about this world? How could you call me when I am not present? Why is it that I was not present when You called Me? Is this not part of Your Divine Leela Swami!!"
Exactly after one year, in 1978, I got the Divine chance to speak in the immediate presence of Bhagawan.On that day, on prior intimation, I was made to sit on the dais. On the dais, Swami was seated on His throne and behind Him were Swami Karunyananda, Sri Kasturi and Sri Bhagawantham. As soon as Swami signalled me to speak I went up to Swami and asked,"Swami! English or Telugu?" Swami replied, "Speak in English" . Our compassionate Lord also gave me a second chance during the same year's Dasara Celebrations on Vijaya Dasami day when He asked me to speak in Telugu. This was my Debut in Puttaparthi.
In the year 1980, I got a telegram which said that I was appointed as the Zonal Convener of Andhra and Rayalaseema Sri Sathya Sai Organisations. Immediately I left for Puttaparthi. In darshan line,I said, "Swami! The Chairman of theWorld Council has sent me a telegram. I am very thankful to You. Please bless me" Swami said, "I have personally appointed you as the Zonal Convener and the telegram was sent by Me." Hearing those sweet words, my heart jumped in joy. I thought it was all Swami's wish and that everything happens according to the Divine Will.
Time was passing by. It was in the year 1985 when Swami's birthday celebrations were in full swing in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium. In the forenoon session of Swami's birthday, the then Chairman of the World Council, Sri. Indulal Shah, was reading the names of newly appointed state presidents. When it came to Andhra Pradesh (the state I was born in) my name was read out. There were cold shivers down my spine. I asked myself, "Is that me? Or is it someone else with my name?"
That evening, while the cultural programmes were on, Swami called me closer and asked,"What, Mr.State President! Are you accepting this offer?" I politely replied, " Why not Swami! It is Your Divine command? I will definitely follow". Stretching both His hands forward and holding me He said, " Look. My protection will be stronger than iron fetters. Everyone will co-operate with you. Don't worry.Be expeditious and successful."
Those consoling and re-assuring words were the words of Truth and everything happened exactly as Swami said. Every activity was personally monitored and done by Him. I don't own any vehicles except a bicycle. In those days, I didn't even have a telephone. By proffession I was just an ordinary Professor. I was wondering if I would be able to tour the whole state which was an expensive affair.I expressed the same doubt before my wife and she said," Let's just assume that we have one more child. Just as we would spend on his/her education, clothing, etc., let's consider the organisation as a child "gifted" by Swami and look after it with the same love and determination. I took her words as a message from Swami and didn't look back since then.
In this "memorable journey" there is no village or town that I haven't visited in Andhra Pradesh. Swami took me to the nook and corner of Andhra Pradesh. He made me travel in all modes of transportation. Those were the days when the communication and transport systems were in total chaos. I traveled for hours standing in buses and in jam-packed trains I tried to compete with cranes by travelling for hours standing on one foot. I travelled on tractors, in bullock carts, in horsecarts. You name the mode of transport and I can assure you I have experienced all the rides.
Since 1979, Swami used to give me the chance to speak in the Divine Presence at least four to five times a year. Once there was a meeting in a place named Kurnool organised by the Sathya Sai Organisation. That night there was a very heavy downpour of rain. The bus stations and roads were transformed into lagoons. All the buses were cancelled. Expressing my inability to attend, I sent a telegram to the organisers. The next morning, there was this Inner Voice which said, "No, you shouldn't stay back. Go!" I thought that by the time could reach Kurnool, it would be late and everyone would be heading home and that it would be useless to continue my trip to Kurnool under such circumstances. But the Inner Voice was strong and was telling me again and again to go.
Obeying the Divine command ( the Inner Voice), I left for Kurnool. By the time I reached there, everyone was heading home after Mangala Arathi. When the devotees saw me, everyone was surprised. They started thinking: How come he is here when he sent a telegram that he could not make it to the programme. Is he the real Prof.Anil Kumar or is Baba coming in Prof.Anil Kumar's form? Anyhow, everyone went back to the meeting hall and after addressing the meeting, I went back to Puttaparthi.
In those days, bhajans used to go on till 11 am. One Mr.Majeti from Eluru saw me and gave me a seat in the veranadah. Swami came out for darshan and in His usual style said, "What, Mr.Anil! Did you think of skipping the meeting in Kurnool? See how I pulled you there. Swami's programmes will never get cancelled. No body can skip Swami's programmes". Of course I sat there with my mouth wide open listening to and looking at our All-knowing Lord. Moreover, Swami added, "There is one Dr.Krishna Rao who was the first sevadal from Kurnool. Holding a little torchlight, he safeguarded Prasanthi during the nights. By your absence, would he not feel disappointed?" Only then I understood the seriousness and importance of Sai meetings, how our Omnipresent Swami watches us all during such Sai meetings and knows every minute thing about us.
There is one place by the name of Giddaluru in Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh. Dr. P.C.Ranga Reddy was the district president then. A huge meeting was planned and I think it was held in Vivekananda College grounds. I was also invited for the meeting. On the same day, all the buses and trains were stopped as there was a huge political protest challenging the Governor's decision to remove the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri.N.T.Rama Rao, from his office. His party, Telugu Desam Party was protesting against this decision and the whole state came to a standstill. I was wondering how I would travel under such tense moments.
The same morning, one sevadal from Giddaluru came to my house to take me with him. All my family members who never said no for any Sai meetings, were considering the "tense moments" outside and asked me to stay back. When all the trains and buses were on strike, they didn't feel comfortable to let me leave the house. Understanding their sentiments and also keeping in mind the "practical" problems I would face in my journey, I went up to the sevadal and said, " Sir,there is no way we can go to the meeting in any mode of transportation. Please excuse me. I cannot make it". I remember his strong reply even to this day. He said," There is no way we can cancel Swami's work. You are coming and I am taking you with me".
Immediately, I packed a few pieces of clothing in a small suitcase and unsuccessfully failing to convince my family members, I left home with the sevadal. Both of us sat in the train not knowing when it would start. Will this train reach Giddaluru? I was not sure at all. I had completely surrendered to Swami. The train started moving slowly, slower than a snail. Mr.Sathyam, who was accompanying me, stopped at every station and updated the people of Giddaluru over the phone about our whereabouts. To me everything seemed to be in turmoil. My mind was very busy with all kinds of thoughts.With much difficulty we reached a station called Vinukonda. There in Vinukonda it was announced that the strike was called off. What more, the train picked up speed. In no time we reached our final destination, Giddaluru. In the station there were hundreds of devotees, old and young, men and women waiting to receive me. As announced, the meeting was arranged in a vast ground which was jam-packed by then.
From Giddaluru, I reached Puttaparthi. Our All-knowing Lord asked, "Did the meeting go on very well? After having your name in the invitation, devotees would have felt bad if you didn't turn up for the programme. Our (Sai Organisation) programmes are for every one's spiritual development. They should start on time. We should be role models to everyone." Hearing all this, it was my turn to be surprised and speechless once again.
When I think of Giddaluru, I always remember this incident which happened long back. In those days, there used to be only one bus from Machilipatnam to Puttaparthi. It would easily take 17-19 hours to travel from Guntur to Puttaparthi. Every time we travelled, there was a definite chance of at least two flat tyres. On one such occasion, the bus stopped for lunch at Giddaluru. As we were all hungry, we rushed into a nearby restaurant and asked the waiter to tell us the menu in the restuarant. He said," We've got chicken biryani, chicken pulao, omlette, etc., etc. Being pure vegetarians by birth, by merely hearing those names made us run away from the restaurant. Later, we found another Brahmin vegetarian hotel and got back to the bus after lunch. As the bus started moving, I looked through the window. The signboard for the first restuarant we went to read "Military hotel" ( a common name for a non-vegetarian hotel). As we were hungry we didn't bother to read the board.
Back in Puttaparthi, Dasara celebrations were on. The stage was well set for Swami's Divine Discourse. In that day's discourse, Swami said,"In this temporary, worldly universe where will you find real happiness? There is a board written in this universe. The board says, " momentary, unhappy" and if we look for happiness without reading the board it will not serve the purpose. For example if the board outside a hotel says "Military hotel" we cannot go and ask for idli, sambar or upma." This definitely was a message for me. This was yet another example of Swami's Omnipresence.
There exists a V.S.N. College in Visakhapatnam. In that college Sri.G.V.Subramanya Sharma was the head of the department of Sanskrit. He was a very active member of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. He was an erudite speaker. His satsangs on Bhagavatham were matchless. If he started to talk comparing Krishna and Baba, the listeners would definitely transcend time and space listening to him with such rapt attention. He was a very close friend of mine. One day, both of us had a memorable experience when we were returning from Sirisilla in Karimnagar District after attending a meeting organised by Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. We came to Kajipet railway station to take either Narsapur express train or Godavari express. Both of us had to attend the college the next day. While we were waiting for the train, the station master recognised me and said," O Mr.Anil! I had to miss your talk because of my duty here. Come. Let's have coffee and talk about Swami."
When we talk about Swami we always forget the time. With lots of enthusiasm we were talking about Swami. Meanwhile, the Station Master said," Ok. Let's go now as it is time for the train to arrive." By the time we came out, the train had already come and left the platform. Sri. Subramanya Sharma was very worried. He was wondering how he would go to college the next day. In fact, both of us were thinking along the same lines. Suddenly, the train which already crossed the signal light started to come back to the platform. We were completely shocked to see this wonder. Without inquiring how and why, we jumped into the train.
Afterwards, I went to Puttaparthi for some festival . That evening, Swami came up to me smiling and said, " You senseless fellow. Don't you know to come on time to the platform? You know, you would have missed the train that evening."
Once I had this beautiful experience. When I went to a meeting in Karimnagar District, the devotees from Adilabad requested me to attend a meeting in Ramakrishna Puram. That day was a bit weird as our car was interrupted many times throughout the journey. Getting a tip-off about some anti-social elements trying to dismantle the administration, the police were on high alert and our car was stopped many times to go through the security check. Every time the police stopped the car they would see Swami's photo in the car and let us go. That scary drive had a happy ending and finally I reached home safe. After a few days, when I went to Puttaparthi, Swami came to me and said, "I have told you not to travel at midnight. Now do you know how many obstacles you had to face?" Thanking Swami for saving me, I fell at His Lotus feet.
It was during the silver jubilee celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. All of us were travelling in a van arranged by the President of Guntur District, Sri.Kovela Mudi Narayana Rao. On both sides of the van were two loud speakers, Swami's quotes beautifully written on either side of the van and above all the van was beautifully decorated with Swami's photos as well. We toured countless villages in this van. That day we were supposed to visit Palakollu village in West Godavari. Again we were in the middle of a strike. The public transportation came to a standstill. Ours being private transport, we managed to travel with fewer obstacles as far as Bejavada. There in Bejavada the strike was intense. They didn't allow us to travel even an inch further.
We were playing Bhajan cassettes in the van. Everyone were questioning us as why we were travelling in spite of the strike. Some miscreants holding flags even tried to stop the cassette player in the van. Not knowing what to do and a bit frightened, we started singing within ourselves. Meanwhile, from nowhere, came this hefty man on his motorbike.He had a huge flag on his motorbike and had a very strong voice. It looked like he was their leader. He peeped into the van and looking at Baba's photo, he said to his men to let us go. Turning to us he said, "You may go now. No-one will stop you. I will make sure nothing will happen to you. Come on. Start the van."
Due to the road bloackade, we reached Palakollu a bit late. Those devotees who were going back to their homes, after seeing our beautifully decorated van which had bhajans playing on the loud speakers, came back to the venue. Even though we were hungry, we skipped our meal and went directly to address the gathering. While I was giving a talk, someone in the crowd passed a little paper which said, "Dear Sir, we have a wedding scheduled in the same meeting hall tonight.You would be doing us a big favour if you stop your talk now". When I read the letter aloud, someone from the crowd, in a typical Godavari accent asked, "What is it you are going to stop? If you want the wedding to be successful you should have Baba's blessings. Mr.Anil Kumar, please continue your talk. They will make the wedding arrangements at the back. "I was surprised to hear this. I saluted and bowed down to their devotion.
In my 20 years of service as a teacher in Guntur, I spent all my weekends and holidays in travelling to villages, spreading Swami's messages and sharing His love. I had to balance college hours, manage the travel itenary and prepare for talks. My life was a perfect example of Swami's Divine will, where He can let the work done with even a very ordinary person, that I am.
At this juncture, I recall yet another peculiar incident that happened years ago. After participating in some Sai Programmes in the Telangana region, I reached the railway station only to know that I had just missed the train. I was terribly worried as I had to attend the college the next day and with no options left I literally ran to the college directly from the railway station the moment I reached Guntur. More over, I was scheduled to teach in the first session of the day. When I reached the college, I noticed the gates being locked. Curiously I inquired the watchman as why the whole campus seemed to be empty and he said, as our students won the inter-college cricket match, the college management has declared a holiday today. It was indeed a great relief to me. I wished that our students won more matches so that I can allot more time for Sai activities.
On another occasion I was 'saved' as one of my colleagues was getting married. I said: Swami let all my bachelor colleagues get married soon, so that i will have more time for YOUR work.
Many a times mostly out of ignorance we tend to think that we are the doers. We think that no one can be so perfect as we are. Ego elates us to think that we alone could do such great things; impossible for others and we pride on our intelligence. Yes it is natural. After all we are humans. Further we think that without us, those great things could not be accomplished. If opportunities are given, there are several others who can do much better than us. If Swami wills even a blade of grass will become a powerful instrument.
Once there was a meeting in a place called Ponnakollu village organised by the Sathya Sai Organisation on their anniversary. But on the same day, I had to attend a meeting of State Presidents of Sathya Sai Organisation in Puttaparthi. I was wondering what would have been the 'plight' of the meeting in Ponnakollu without me. Finally when I went back, I came to know that three famous stalwarts of Andhra Pradesh, Sri.Karunasri, Sri.Madhavarama Sharma and Sri Amarendra attended the meeting even though their names were not mentioned in the invitation card and the programme was a grand success.
Swami's programmes will never stop. It is just that we would be losing golden opportunities by not attending but our absence will never make any Sai meeting smaller. We should always realise this fact that there are umpteen number of competent, talented, devoted and inspiring people ready to do Swami's work.
Another incident happened in the same Ponnakallu village. Many years ago I attended the anniversary of the local Sai center there. To give enough time for the farmers to return home after a long day's work, generally such meetings start at 7pm. While I was talking in the village a big rich villager got up and said: Have you come to propagate Sai Baba? I replied: Sir, please don't misunderstand us. We are Sai Devotees and we are celebrating our Center's anniversary. Later on Ponnakallu village became a center which always came up with innovative and uplifting Sai activities. During a group photo session in one year, Swami appeared to be seated on His throne in the photo which speaks high of their devotion.
Once I visited 'Donepudi' village. It was too late by the time I finished my talk. Eventually I had to miss the last bus as well. With no options left, I slept in the temple that night and left for Guntur the next day. Similarly after the meeting at ‘Thulluru’, there were no buses to go. Luckily I got into a tractor and reached Guntur.
Several years ago, I attended a Balavikas meeting at Rajahmundry. There was no train till midnight. I travelled by a lorry upto Eluru, from there by another lorry to Vijayawada and finally reached Guntur by a state transport bus.
I have used all means of transport to carryout Swami’s work. I should keep up the promise I made to Swami. In the year 1980, during Dasara celebrations, after the divine discourse, Swami took me to the first floor of Poornachandra and blessed me with silk clothes, a safari suit and a shawl. Placing His two palms on my head He said ‘Have a long life with a noble character. May you spread Swami’s message touring throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh’.
How can I forget this blessing from the Lord of the Lords! After being blessed profusely, will I still have any strain? Will there be any irritation? Can I ever take rest? No. Sai's power is undaunted, unparalleled and matchless beyond comparision
(To be continued......)
Translated from an article by Prof.Anil Kumar published in Telugu Sanathana Sarathi (November-2011 edition)..
This is the translation of the first part of the article which appeared in the November edition of Telugu Sanathana Sarathi
"Why would you think like that? Swami knows everything about you. In fact, He enquired about you many times. Don't feel upset." These consoling words from Sri.Kasturi are still fresh in my mind.
It was in the year 1977,during the second day of Dasara festival. I went up to Sri.Kasturi and said in a soft voice, "Sir, it seems you sent a word for me through the sevadals. It seems Bhagawan asked me to give a talk in the Poornachandra Auditorium this evening and as no-one could trace my whereabouts in the ashram, I lost this DIVINE chance. Sir! please excuse me. How can you back an unlucky horse? "
Kasturi who was trying his best to pacify me said, "Do you think Swami doesn't know who is worthy to be His chosen instrument? He knows every thing and He will do the needful at the right moment. Don't be upset. Be happy that you are at least in His Divine sight and thoughts. What else could any one need?"
Let me explain to you what happened that particular day. Swami enquired about me from Sri.Kasturi who in turn asked the sevadals and other officials to look for me in the ashram. The end result: I lost the rare opportunity to speak in the Divine presence on such a huge occassion. Don't you think I would not be disappointed by this? Prior to that Swami never spoke a word with me, never smiled at me, no padanamaskar, not even a first row seat was in my luck. I used to think that this was BAD LUCK which was brought forward by me from my previous births. If at all I was lucky to get a first row, Swami would either skip that area or would speak loudly to a person who was seated right next to me and many a times materialise something or other for that person. Many of my friends, who already knew my bad luck would say," Mr.Anil Kumar, we would sit next to you in the canteen or anywhere else but not in the darshan lines." Such was my reputation then.
After seven long years, finally when the DIVINE CALL came, I was not available. This would have been my first chance to see Him upclose, to talk to Him, to have Padanamaskar. I was cursing my lucky stars. Sri Kasturi said,"Don't worry. In the evening darshan sit in the first row and see what happens."
FIRST CONVERSATION WITH SWAMI:
Exactly at 4.50PM, Swami came out for darshan. Blessing, talking with all the devotees and gliding along slowly, Swami came and stood in front of me and said, "Where have you been this morning? I sent people to look for you in the canteen and your room. No one could find you. I thought of letting you speak this morning". My whole body started shivering. Did my Swami speak to me now? Is this conversation, is this moment, is this day REAL or a DREAM? Is this the END of my 7 year BAD LUCK episode or is it the START of a new beginning? After a few seconds of bombarding thoughts, I took some courage and said, "Swami! Please forgive me. I was in Sri Ammanna Sashtri's house outside the ashram. I was also joined by Podili Viswanatha Sharma, Purighalla Appa Rao, Sri Manchi Raju Surya Narayana Murthy. I was completely spellbound to hear the glory of of Shirdi from Sri Viswanatha Sharma. This made me forget the time. That is why I didn't come into the ashram on time." Our beloved Lord said, " No problem. Don't feel sad. Take Padanamaskar" Just like a baby deer jumping onto its mother, I fell on His divine lotus feet. I thought to myself, "Swami! what is it You don't know about this world? How could you call me when I am not present? Why is it that I was not present when You called Me? Is this not part of Your Divine Leela Swami!!"
Exactly after one year, in 1978, I got the Divine chance to speak in the immediate presence of Bhagawan.On that day, on prior intimation, I was made to sit on the dais. On the dais, Swami was seated on His throne and behind Him were Swami Karunyananda, Sri Kasturi and Sri Bhagawantham. As soon as Swami signalled me to speak I went up to Swami and asked,"Swami! English or Telugu?" Swami replied, "Speak in English" . Our compassionate Lord also gave me a second chance during the same year's Dasara Celebrations on Vijaya Dasami day when He asked me to speak in Telugu. This was my Debut in Puttaparthi.
In the year 1980, I got a telegram which said that I was appointed as the Zonal Convener of Andhra and Rayalaseema Sri Sathya Sai Organisations. Immediately I left for Puttaparthi. In darshan line,I said, "Swami! The Chairman of theWorld Council has sent me a telegram. I am very thankful to You. Please bless me" Swami said, "I have personally appointed you as the Zonal Convener and the telegram was sent by Me." Hearing those sweet words, my heart jumped in joy. I thought it was all Swami's wish and that everything happens according to the Divine Will.
Time was passing by. It was in the year 1985 when Swami's birthday celebrations were in full swing in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium. In the forenoon session of Swami's birthday, the then Chairman of the World Council, Sri. Indulal Shah, was reading the names of newly appointed state presidents. When it came to Andhra Pradesh (the state I was born in) my name was read out. There were cold shivers down my spine. I asked myself, "Is that me? Or is it someone else with my name?"
That evening, while the cultural programmes were on, Swami called me closer and asked,"What, Mr.State President! Are you accepting this offer?" I politely replied, " Why not Swami! It is Your Divine command? I will definitely follow". Stretching both His hands forward and holding me He said, " Look. My protection will be stronger than iron fetters. Everyone will co-operate with you. Don't worry.Be expeditious and successful."
Those consoling and re-assuring words were the words of Truth and everything happened exactly as Swami said. Every activity was personally monitored and done by Him. I don't own any vehicles except a bicycle. In those days, I didn't even have a telephone. By proffession I was just an ordinary Professor. I was wondering if I would be able to tour the whole state which was an expensive affair.I expressed the same doubt before my wife and she said," Let's just assume that we have one more child. Just as we would spend on his/her education, clothing, etc., let's consider the organisation as a child "gifted" by Swami and look after it with the same love and determination. I took her words as a message from Swami and didn't look back since then.
In this "memorable journey" there is no village or town that I haven't visited in Andhra Pradesh. Swami took me to the nook and corner of Andhra Pradesh. He made me travel in all modes of transportation. Those were the days when the communication and transport systems were in total chaos. I traveled for hours standing in buses and in jam-packed trains I tried to compete with cranes by travelling for hours standing on one foot. I travelled on tractors, in bullock carts, in horsecarts. You name the mode of transport and I can assure you I have experienced all the rides.
Since 1979, Swami used to give me the chance to speak in the Divine Presence at least four to five times a year. Once there was a meeting in a place named Kurnool organised by the Sathya Sai Organisation. That night there was a very heavy downpour of rain. The bus stations and roads were transformed into lagoons. All the buses were cancelled. Expressing my inability to attend, I sent a telegram to the organisers. The next morning, there was this Inner Voice which said, "No, you shouldn't stay back. Go!" I thought that by the time could reach Kurnool, it would be late and everyone would be heading home and that it would be useless to continue my trip to Kurnool under such circumstances. But the Inner Voice was strong and was telling me again and again to go.
Obeying the Divine command ( the Inner Voice), I left for Kurnool. By the time I reached there, everyone was heading home after Mangala Arathi. When the devotees saw me, everyone was surprised. They started thinking: How come he is here when he sent a telegram that he could not make it to the programme. Is he the real Prof.Anil Kumar or is Baba coming in Prof.Anil Kumar's form? Anyhow, everyone went back to the meeting hall and after addressing the meeting, I went back to Puttaparthi.
In those days, bhajans used to go on till 11 am. One Mr.Majeti from Eluru saw me and gave me a seat in the veranadah. Swami came out for darshan and in His usual style said, "What, Mr.Anil! Did you think of skipping the meeting in Kurnool? See how I pulled you there. Swami's programmes will never get cancelled. No body can skip Swami's programmes". Of course I sat there with my mouth wide open listening to and looking at our All-knowing Lord. Moreover, Swami added, "There is one Dr.Krishna Rao who was the first sevadal from Kurnool. Holding a little torchlight, he safeguarded Prasanthi during the nights. By your absence, would he not feel disappointed?" Only then I understood the seriousness and importance of Sai meetings, how our Omnipresent Swami watches us all during such Sai meetings and knows every minute thing about us.
There is one place by the name of Giddaluru in Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh. Dr. P.C.Ranga Reddy was the district president then. A huge meeting was planned and I think it was held in Vivekananda College grounds. I was also invited for the meeting. On the same day, all the buses and trains were stopped as there was a huge political protest challenging the Governor's decision to remove the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri.N.T.Rama Rao, from his office. His party, Telugu Desam Party was protesting against this decision and the whole state came to a standstill. I was wondering how I would travel under such tense moments.
The same morning, one sevadal from Giddaluru came to my house to take me with him. All my family members who never said no for any Sai meetings, were considering the "tense moments" outside and asked me to stay back. When all the trains and buses were on strike, they didn't feel comfortable to let me leave the house. Understanding their sentiments and also keeping in mind the "practical" problems I would face in my journey, I went up to the sevadal and said, " Sir,there is no way we can go to the meeting in any mode of transportation. Please excuse me. I cannot make it". I remember his strong reply even to this day. He said," There is no way we can cancel Swami's work. You are coming and I am taking you with me".
Immediately, I packed a few pieces of clothing in a small suitcase and unsuccessfully failing to convince my family members, I left home with the sevadal. Both of us sat in the train not knowing when it would start. Will this train reach Giddaluru? I was not sure at all. I had completely surrendered to Swami. The train started moving slowly, slower than a snail. Mr.Sathyam, who was accompanying me, stopped at every station and updated the people of Giddaluru over the phone about our whereabouts. To me everything seemed to be in turmoil. My mind was very busy with all kinds of thoughts.With much difficulty we reached a station called Vinukonda. There in Vinukonda it was announced that the strike was called off. What more, the train picked up speed. In no time we reached our final destination, Giddaluru. In the station there were hundreds of devotees, old and young, men and women waiting to receive me. As announced, the meeting was arranged in a vast ground which was jam-packed by then.
From Giddaluru, I reached Puttaparthi. Our All-knowing Lord asked, "Did the meeting go on very well? After having your name in the invitation, devotees would have felt bad if you didn't turn up for the programme. Our (Sai Organisation) programmes are for every one's spiritual development. They should start on time. We should be role models to everyone." Hearing all this, it was my turn to be surprised and speechless once again.
When I think of Giddaluru, I always remember this incident which happened long back. In those days, there used to be only one bus from Machilipatnam to Puttaparthi. It would easily take 17-19 hours to travel from Guntur to Puttaparthi. Every time we travelled, there was a definite chance of at least two flat tyres. On one such occasion, the bus stopped for lunch at Giddaluru. As we were all hungry, we rushed into a nearby restaurant and asked the waiter to tell us the menu in the restuarant. He said," We've got chicken biryani, chicken pulao, omlette, etc., etc. Being pure vegetarians by birth, by merely hearing those names made us run away from the restaurant. Later, we found another Brahmin vegetarian hotel and got back to the bus after lunch. As the bus started moving, I looked through the window. The signboard for the first restuarant we went to read "Military hotel" ( a common name for a non-vegetarian hotel). As we were hungry we didn't bother to read the board.
Back in Puttaparthi, Dasara celebrations were on. The stage was well set for Swami's Divine Discourse. In that day's discourse, Swami said,"In this temporary, worldly universe where will you find real happiness? There is a board written in this universe. The board says, " momentary, unhappy" and if we look for happiness without reading the board it will not serve the purpose. For example if the board outside a hotel says "Military hotel" we cannot go and ask for idli, sambar or upma." This definitely was a message for me. This was yet another example of Swami's Omnipresence.
There exists a V.S.N. College in Visakhapatnam. In that college Sri.G.V.Subramanya Sharma was the head of the department of Sanskrit. He was a very active member of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. He was an erudite speaker. His satsangs on Bhagavatham were matchless. If he started to talk comparing Krishna and Baba, the listeners would definitely transcend time and space listening to him with such rapt attention. He was a very close friend of mine. One day, both of us had a memorable experience when we were returning from Sirisilla in Karimnagar District after attending a meeting organised by Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. We came to Kajipet railway station to take either Narsapur express train or Godavari express. Both of us had to attend the college the next day. While we were waiting for the train, the station master recognised me and said," O Mr.Anil! I had to miss your talk because of my duty here. Come. Let's have coffee and talk about Swami."
When we talk about Swami we always forget the time. With lots of enthusiasm we were talking about Swami. Meanwhile, the Station Master said," Ok. Let's go now as it is time for the train to arrive." By the time we came out, the train had already come and left the platform. Sri. Subramanya Sharma was very worried. He was wondering how he would go to college the next day. In fact, both of us were thinking along the same lines. Suddenly, the train which already crossed the signal light started to come back to the platform. We were completely shocked to see this wonder. Without inquiring how and why, we jumped into the train.
Afterwards, I went to Puttaparthi for some festival . That evening, Swami came up to me smiling and said, " You senseless fellow. Don't you know to come on time to the platform? You know, you would have missed the train that evening."
Once I had this beautiful experience. When I went to a meeting in Karimnagar District, the devotees from Adilabad requested me to attend a meeting in Ramakrishna Puram. That day was a bit weird as our car was interrupted many times throughout the journey. Getting a tip-off about some anti-social elements trying to dismantle the administration, the police were on high alert and our car was stopped many times to go through the security check. Every time the police stopped the car they would see Swami's photo in the car and let us go. That scary drive had a happy ending and finally I reached home safe. After a few days, when I went to Puttaparthi, Swami came to me and said, "I have told you not to travel at midnight. Now do you know how many obstacles you had to face?" Thanking Swami for saving me, I fell at His Lotus feet.
It was during the silver jubilee celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. All of us were travelling in a van arranged by the President of Guntur District, Sri.Kovela Mudi Narayana Rao. On both sides of the van were two loud speakers, Swami's quotes beautifully written on either side of the van and above all the van was beautifully decorated with Swami's photos as well. We toured countless villages in this van. That day we were supposed to visit Palakollu village in West Godavari. Again we were in the middle of a strike. The public transportation came to a standstill. Ours being private transport, we managed to travel with fewer obstacles as far as Bejavada. There in Bejavada the strike was intense. They didn't allow us to travel even an inch further.
We were playing Bhajan cassettes in the van. Everyone were questioning us as why we were travelling in spite of the strike. Some miscreants holding flags even tried to stop the cassette player in the van. Not knowing what to do and a bit frightened, we started singing within ourselves. Meanwhile, from nowhere, came this hefty man on his motorbike.He had a huge flag on his motorbike and had a very strong voice. It looked like he was their leader. He peeped into the van and looking at Baba's photo, he said to his men to let us go. Turning to us he said, "You may go now. No-one will stop you. I will make sure nothing will happen to you. Come on. Start the van."
Due to the road bloackade, we reached Palakollu a bit late. Those devotees who were going back to their homes, after seeing our beautifully decorated van which had bhajans playing on the loud speakers, came back to the venue. Even though we were hungry, we skipped our meal and went directly to address the gathering. While I was giving a talk, someone in the crowd passed a little paper which said, "Dear Sir, we have a wedding scheduled in the same meeting hall tonight.You would be doing us a big favour if you stop your talk now". When I read the letter aloud, someone from the crowd, in a typical Godavari accent asked, "What is it you are going to stop? If you want the wedding to be successful you should have Baba's blessings. Mr.Anil Kumar, please continue your talk. They will make the wedding arrangements at the back. "I was surprised to hear this. I saluted and bowed down to their devotion.
In my 20 years of service as a teacher in Guntur, I spent all my weekends and holidays in travelling to villages, spreading Swami's messages and sharing His love. I had to balance college hours, manage the travel itenary and prepare for talks. My life was a perfect example of Swami's Divine will, where He can let the work done with even a very ordinary person, that I am.
At this juncture, I recall yet another peculiar incident that happened years ago. After participating in some Sai Programmes in the Telangana region, I reached the railway station only to know that I had just missed the train. I was terribly worried as I had to attend the college the next day and with no options left I literally ran to the college directly from the railway station the moment I reached Guntur. More over, I was scheduled to teach in the first session of the day. When I reached the college, I noticed the gates being locked. Curiously I inquired the watchman as why the whole campus seemed to be empty and he said, as our students won the inter-college cricket match, the college management has declared a holiday today. It was indeed a great relief to me. I wished that our students won more matches so that I can allot more time for Sai activities.
On another occasion I was 'saved' as one of my colleagues was getting married. I said: Swami let all my bachelor colleagues get married soon, so that i will have more time for YOUR work.
Many a times mostly out of ignorance we tend to think that we are the doers. We think that no one can be so perfect as we are. Ego elates us to think that we alone could do such great things; impossible for others and we pride on our intelligence. Yes it is natural. After all we are humans. Further we think that without us, those great things could not be accomplished. If opportunities are given, there are several others who can do much better than us. If Swami wills even a blade of grass will become a powerful instrument.
Once there was a meeting in a place called Ponnakollu village organised by the Sathya Sai Organisation on their anniversary. But on the same day, I had to attend a meeting of State Presidents of Sathya Sai Organisation in Puttaparthi. I was wondering what would have been the 'plight' of the meeting in Ponnakollu without me. Finally when I went back, I came to know that three famous stalwarts of Andhra Pradesh, Sri.Karunasri, Sri.Madhavarama Sharma and Sri Amarendra attended the meeting even though their names were not mentioned in the invitation card and the programme was a grand success.
Swami's programmes will never stop. It is just that we would be losing golden opportunities by not attending but our absence will never make any Sai meeting smaller. We should always realise this fact that there are umpteen number of competent, talented, devoted and inspiring people ready to do Swami's work.
Another incident happened in the same Ponnakallu village. Many years ago I attended the anniversary of the local Sai center there. To give enough time for the farmers to return home after a long day's work, generally such meetings start at 7pm. While I was talking in the village a big rich villager got up and said: Have you come to propagate Sai Baba? I replied: Sir, please don't misunderstand us. We are Sai Devotees and we are celebrating our Center's anniversary. Later on Ponnakallu village became a center which always came up with innovative and uplifting Sai activities. During a group photo session in one year, Swami appeared to be seated on His throne in the photo which speaks high of their devotion.
Once I visited 'Donepudi' village. It was too late by the time I finished my talk. Eventually I had to miss the last bus as well. With no options left, I slept in the temple that night and left for Guntur the next day. Similarly after the meeting at ‘Thulluru’, there were no buses to go. Luckily I got into a tractor and reached Guntur.
Several years ago, I attended a Balavikas meeting at Rajahmundry. There was no train till midnight. I travelled by a lorry upto Eluru, from there by another lorry to Vijayawada and finally reached Guntur by a state transport bus.
I have used all means of transport to carryout Swami’s work. I should keep up the promise I made to Swami. In the year 1980, during Dasara celebrations, after the divine discourse, Swami took me to the first floor of Poornachandra and blessed me with silk clothes, a safari suit and a shawl. Placing His two palms on my head He said ‘Have a long life with a noble character. May you spread Swami’s message touring throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh’.
How can I forget this blessing from the Lord of the Lords! After being blessed profusely, will I still have any strain? Will there be any irritation? Can I ever take rest? No. Sai's power is undaunted, unparalleled and matchless beyond comparision
(To be continued......)
Translated from an article by Prof.Anil Kumar published in Telugu Sanathana Sarathi (November-2011 edition)..
OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE...
OMSAIRAMMM...
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Our faith diminishes because our ambitions are limitless. There was a rich person who had a daughter with a flat nose. The father wanted to get this girl married. Every person who came and looked at the girl used to go away, although they were tempted by the wealth. In those days, persons who could perform plastic surgery were not available. In desperation, he announced that he would give plenty of money to anyone who would marry his daughter. The marriage was performed, and thereafter the couple developed considerable faith in God. They visited many temples, went on many pilgrimages and bathed in many sacred rivers. They met a saint who advised them that he, who created the nose, alone, could bring it back to normal. Although they had lot of wealth, they were not happy at all. The girl used to feel others were looking at her and making fun. She suggested to her husband that they should both go to the lonely Himalayas and spend a month there in that manner. He agreed and they did go. The girl had a great desire to get back her nose, so she began to pray to God in great earnestness. God appeared, due to her good luck, and asked her what she wanted. As soon as God appeared, she asked for the grant of a good looking big nose. God said, so shall it be and granted her the boon. As soon as God disappeared, she looked at her face. She looked at the big nose and felt that she had become uglier than before. She prayed again more earnestly and God appeared again and asked her what she wanted. She said that she did not want that big nose. God said, so shall it be and granted her the boon. She immediately found that her nose had completely disappeared. The moral of this story is that although God is present before you, playing with you and talking with you, you do not know what to ask.
