Prasanthi Update - April 10th

April 11, 2008

Sent by a Dear Sai Brother from Prasanthi Nilayam :

Yesterday Swami went to the Super Hospital for inaugurating a new canteen complex.

In life, food has always occupied a paramount position. In fact Swami Vivekananda had said, "Feed a man before teaching him spirituality." Food that sustains the "boat to cross this ocean" of life, is regarded highly even by Swami as He says, "Annam Brahma". As if in accordance to these dicta, a new, airy, well lit and spacious canteen had been built! And what more! Swami had agreed to preside over the inauguration. Though it was scheduled for the morning, Swami had it postponed to the evening. Colourful toranams adorned the hospital premises. Creative and beautiful rangolis had been made all along the path that was to be used by Swami as He came - not only in the premises but all along the road. Swami is synonymous with life for millions all around the world as He has touched them in a divine manner. But for thousands of people in the villages around Parthi, Swami has done so much even physically,

that they just do not know how to express their profound sense of gratitude to Him. Like the squirrels in the Ramayana, they do whatever little they can with all their Love. All along the road, they make drawings trying to add a little more "colour" to the Lord's journey! At about 4:10 pm, Swami reached the hospital premises and He was being escorted by motorbike riders. A Vedam contingent received Him at the entrance with the traditional Poorna Kumbham. Lord Ganesha, the one who ensures an obstacle-free path for any endeavour, had been installed at the entrance and a yellow curtain had been drawn in front of Him. As Swami neared the spot, He was given a remote. As He depressed the button, the curtains slowly parted and Swami so sweetly peeped in between the many shoulders that almost obscured His view to see the curtains move! Swami came out of the car at the door and all the various heads at the Hospital offered roses to Him. Swami

received them all and bunched them in His hand as a beautiful smile lit up His face and all the faces around. He went into the main hall where all had gathered. As He entered, bhajans began. He was taken for a tour of the building. There were five different sections to seat people. And today, all of them were being occupied by various staff of the hospital. As Swami passed by each room, He seemed to fulfill the aspirations and desires of all seated there. Many of them took the opportunity to fall at His feet while some even offered roses to Him. Swami entered the huge kitchen hall where a vessel of milk had been placed on the huge stoves. With Swami's blessings, the staff placed the vessel on the stove. But then, much to their tension and Swami's amusement, the stove just refused to light. Swami sat watching their efforts to "light" up! Then a photographer nearby opened the gas valve which had been shut! Immediately a flame shot up and the milk

boiling began. Swami then blessed the workers and also clothes to be distributed. The tour continued at the end of which, Swami moved back to the central hall. He called and created a gold chain for Mr.Manohar Shetty who was instrumental in the beautiful building coming up so quickly and nicely. He also blessed the architect. As Mr.Lakshminarayana "explained" to Swami on the various facets of the hospital functioning, Swami expressed His desire to speak! A tiny table with an elegant mike was placed before Him. In a short and sweet speech Swami said that the building was very beautiful, well lit and airy. It was built with a lot of purity and that Purity must be maintained. He was very happy and said that soon He would come there again to have either lunch or tiffin with all the people! There was a lot of excited chatter as Swami said this. Swami was smiling so wonderfully and He seemed so happy. He called Dr.Neelam Desai and enquired about

how things were going on. He spoke to a few more people and then a plate of some of His "favourite" eatables were offered to Him. Swami picked up a groundnut and threw it to His mouth. The force seemed a little more than needed and it fell hitting His upper lip. Swami was the first to laugh and there was laughter all around. He so simply teaches great lessons. God is the first to laugh at Himself! When anyone is able to laugh at himself or herself, there is happiness all around! Swami was then requested to partake some snacks that had been arranged. He at first seemed to tell no, but then smiled as if saying, "Its alright if it makes you happy!" Swami was then taken to a separate section where the "snacks" turned out to be a banquet in silverware! Swami just nibbled at a few fruits.. He just wanted to taste a little to please the hosts. But the hosts often feel that the extent to which the heart is filled is proportionate

to the extent to which the stomach is filled! When some little fried item was given to Him, He let out a few gentle coughs! Then sipping a little water, so sweetly, like a child that had overeaten, He said, "Chaalu"! He saw a student staff of the Medical Trust. He called him and asked him as to where and how he was working. Then He returned to the main hall. On the way He blessed each and every vessel carrying sweet prasadam and apples. Once in the main hall, Swami received Aarthi and began to move out. On the way out too, He blessed everyone and spoke to some of the people. He blessed the octagenerian, Dr.Bhat, an icon of Urology, with a smile and abhayahastha.As He came out, there were hundreds flocking with a thirst to see Him. Swami did not disappoint anyone. As He moved out, He blessed everyone with abhayahastha. As He left, He left behind sweet smiles and momentous memories.

Om Sai Ram

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