DIVINE GRACE - FOOD TO HUNGRY

11-08-2002, 10:07 AM

DIVINE GRACE – FOOD TO HUNGRY:

Nana was convinced that Baba had superhuman power, superhuman love,
and made superhuman provision of needs for those who were attached to
him and whom he loved. So, he found that Baba was really a Deva
(God), and that Baba was pre-eminently fitted to take charge now of
Nana's life, of his comfort, and of all his concerns, temporal and
spiritual. Thus convinced, Nana was perfectly prepared to take the
plunge, of Prapatti to the Gurudeva, to surrender himself
unhesitatingly to the directions of Baba, being perfectly assured
that no harm would result thereby, and on the other hand much good –
nay every good – would result therefrom.

Having provided for the thirst of Nana in one place, Baba
marvellously provided for his hunger in another place. In Padmalaya
forest, there is a Ganapati temple. It is ten miles away from the
nearest Railway Station and the access to it is through ten miles of
forest. Nana had made arrangements for all this, but trains have got
a queer way of being late, and in this case, his train being many
hours late, all the arrangements were upset and there was no
convenience and no assistance forthcoming. Nana's arrival at the
railway station was evening time, very near dusk. But he would not be
thwarted. He determined to push along with his companions to the
temple, come that way. In the absence of any convenience, Nana had to
dare and dared the risk and trouble of walking ten miles to reach the
Ganapati temple. So he trudged on. But when he was about half way or
more than half way, it was already 9.00 p.m. and the Pujari of the
temple would usually lock it up by 9 or 10 p.m. and retire to his
cottage at some distance for his night's rest. So, Nana doubted
whether he would get into temple at all. Further, having walked
wearily six or seven miles, he felt the pangs of hunger.

Naturally he remembered Baba. He prayed, `Baba, I am not asking for
much. I am not over-greedy, I will be quite satisfied if, at the
close of this journey, I can get one cup of tea to quench my
hunger'. Then he and his companions trudged on. It was nearly 11
p.m. when they reached the temple. Instead of the temple being closed
(as it would usually be) the Pujari was on the watch, and on seeing
persons at a great distance (that is, Nana's party) coming, shouted,
`Is Nana coming?' It would be highly impertinent on the part of any
priest to call a Deputy Collector by his pet name, as though he was
his chum. But here there was no feeling of resentment, but one of
gratification on the part of Nana and his friends when they heard the
voice `Is Nana coming?' They approached and said, `Yes, How do you
know that Nana is coming?' Then the priest said, `I had an ethereal
message from Sri Sai Baba in which he said, `My Nana is coming weary,
thirsty, and hungry. Keep for him one cup of tea'. The priest said,
`Here is tea ready for you all'. He then gave Nana his cup. This
again proved that Baba's eye of supervision was not merely on hills
and but also in forests to look after the safety, comfort and health
of his beloved devotees.

Courtesy: HH Pujyasri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji
(Shri Vasuki Mahal Shirdi Sai Baba Trust, Coimbatore-641025, India)