Sharing Swami's Message to the Youth

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Sharing Swami's Message to the Youth

 

A devotee shares her experiences with Swami

 

by Shalini Naidu

Seattle, Washington

 

When celebrating Ladies Day on Nov 19th 2000, our beloved Lord explained: "Today is declared

Mother's Day to make you understand the value of Mothers' Love and her concern

for you." Our Beloved Divine Mother Sai, is always guiding us with supreme care

and compassion. How fortunate we are to have this love of a thousand mothers.

A couple of weeks after the 2002 Seva Conference and the Service Exhibition at

the Hill View Stadium, my family returned to Parthi to visit our beloved

Bhagavan. Every day, hoping and praying as always, that He grant us the

opportunity of listening to His Loving words in an interview; we waited until

the day finally arrived!

While inaugurating the International Seva Conference on July 21st, our beloved

Mother Sai said, "I am prepared to spend any length of time to give you

necessary guidelines". In the interview, I asked Swami for guidance to better

carry out the responsibility as a Young Adult Representative in the United

States. Swami most compassionately gave me an opportunity to bring back a

message to the Youth.

Listening, very eagerly to what Swami had to say, I leaned closer and Swami very

sweetly leaned closer too! With the love and concern of a thousand mothers but

yet quite sternly, Swami first stressed 'right conduct'. He went on to say that

it was the most important thing. One should have a good character and that

everything else comes after that. He also pointed out that young adult boys and

girls mix too much here in the USA, and that Swami does not like that.

He said that there should be limited male and female interaction at meetings and

gatherings. If the need arises, the conversation should not be more than: "How

are you? Are you well? I am doing fine, thank you". That's it. He specified

that Swami is the only true friend and to turn to Him in times of trouble.

Secondly, He gave importance to 'Unity'. He continued to mention that unity in a

group is so important and so is peace and righteousness. If all these three

qualities existed in a group, Swami's love would shine through. It would help

spread Swami's message better if there is love and unity in the groups. It is

very important for us to be united! After saying this, Swami leaned back in His

chair.

The very first thing that I did when I came back to our room was to write all

that Swami said. Swami seemed very, very concerned, with the gender mixing and

almost sounded like that was what mattered to Him the most amongst the Youth!

My understanding from His loving words was that no matter what the purpose of

any Young Adult gathering, we surely can put forth an effort to implement His

Message. Depending on what approach works best for each of our groups, we can

and should minimize the male and female interaction and limit the conversation

to just what needs to be said. Just like we take caution in handling food

during service projects, it wouldn't hurt to remind the crowd to take caution

in indulging in unnecessary talk, particularly among the young men and women

during the activities.

I have heard from long-time devotees that Swami's message to the Youth has been

the same for quite sometime now. Shouldn't we make an effort to implement this?

Won't it be our way of saying, through our actions and right conduct, that we

understand the love and concern of our Beloved Mother Sai?

- Sai Young Adult Newsletter Fall 2002

http://www.syan.org/Fall2002/article_message.html