April 10, 2008 (source: http://saistudents.org/alumni/home/news.php)

[Guest guest]

April 10, 2008

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

at the Super Speciality Hospital! 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 (floor drawings) 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 buzz 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 all

right 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.

 

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