Devotee's Experience - By Sathyanarayanan, USA

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Devotee's Experience - By Sathya Narayanan U.S.A

 

 

OM SAI RAM

 

 

Dear All,

 

Allow me to share some of my experiences with you.

 

My first ever visit to see Baba happened about 25 months ago in May 2006. The

visit was not planned at all, and in my mind, I never could ever have dreamt of

making my way to India to see Baba. It all happened so suddenly. A couple of my

friends, asked if I would like to join them to see Baba in Whitefield,

Brindavan.

 

I was so excited at the opportunity and sincerely wished that I would have the

financial strength to pay for the trip. But my generous friend offered to absorb

the cost and told that I could return the money later. Hearing this, I quickly

agreed to join the team for this trip.

 

A few days prior to our departure, I received another surprise in the form of a

cheque. Here again , I have not expected this cheque. I have lost all hope of

getting this money back and have actually forgotten all about it. But the timing

of the cheque was perfect. Baba knew that I had no money, and he made all the

arrangement for the cheque to arrive just prior to my departure. The money was

more than enough to pay for the trip. I left my home with a peace of mind for my

journey to see my GOD.

 

It was truly a different feeling from the moment I touched down at Bangalore

Airport. We made our way to Brindavan Ashram and managed to get a place to stay.

We attended in total 8 sessions and we were lucky that each time we were able to

see Baba. Tears flowed freely upon seeing Baba. The bhajans were superb. Baba

even sang a song and we all followed. Baba also gave a speech and it was my

first time hearing Babas voice. It all seemed like a dream to me, and kept

asking myself if this is really happening. When I called home and spoke to my

children, parents and wife, I was very jovial. Such was my happiness while in

Brindavan. All my problems disappeared and those 4 days that I spent in

Brindavan felt like eternity. There was nothing to fear as you are in close

proximity of Baba.

 

Prior to the visit, I told myself that I shall be a vegetarian for the duration

of the trip and rightly so, I observed vegetarian diet without a complain. I

loved all the food that was served at the Western canteen in the Whitefield

Ashram. I have never tasted such a delicious vegetarian meal. It was fantastic.

 

For the last 37 years , I have been a staunch non vegetarian. My favourite meals

are chicken ,mutton, crab, fish , and prawns . I did not realize that 16 May

2006 was my last non vegetarian meal ( I did not bid farewell to my favourite

dishes ! J). Ever since returning from Brindavan, I have continued to maintain a

vegetarian diet. The reason : Baba has given me an opportunity to come to his

abode and see GOD , what is a meal after all compared to seeing the GOD in

action. With that , I do not consume meat anymore.

 

(Please, I do not look down on those who eat meat in anyway whatsoever as I

firmly believe in the principle of :

Not all vegetarians are good at heart ,

Not all non vegetarians are bad either)

 

In my life , I have seen some vegetarians who have acted in evil ways and have

also witness non vegetarians who have done absolute kindness to the less

fortunate).

 

I returned home a HAPPY man and there is more meaning to life than before.

 

Recently, I attempted a professional certification examination. The application

process is very stringent before the governing body would allow anyone to

attempt the exam. In random , some applicants would be selected for audit , and

only upon passing the audit , would the candidate be allowed to sit for the

exam.

 

As normal, I made my application for the exam, later received news that I was

randomly selected for the audit process. I was shocked ! I prayed to Baba to

help me. My whole family was supporting me. Each and every one of them said a

prayer for me to our dear Baba.

 

I supplied all the relevant information required by the governing body, and two

weeks later, I received an email, notifying me that I am now eligible to sit for

the exam.

 

Finally, I scheduled the exam on the 25th Jan, 2007. Before entering the exam

room, I prayed to Baba and read the Namavalli. Throughout the exam, at every

hurdle, I thought of Baba and 4 hrs later, the exam results appeared on the

computer screen. It read:

 

Congratulations!.You have passed the examination

 

I thanked Baba for this news and could not hide my happiness. Baba was there all

the way throughout the whole episode.

 

There are more instances that Baba has played a role in my life. If there are

more opportunities, I would love to share this with you all from time to time.

 

My family and myself are always ever so grateful to Baba for all his blessing

and love that he has given us. We are praying for a day that everyone in the

family would be able make the trip to either Brindavan or Puttarpathi.

 

SAI RAM to all.

 

Kind Regards,

Sathyanarayan

U.S.A