Shirdi Sai ~ Sathya Sai

July 24, 2008

THURSDAY, July 24. 2008

INTRODUCED TO BHAGWAN SAI BABA

I was introduced the Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in Bhuj, where I was posted, while serving in the Army, from 1978 to 1981. We developed friendship with Desai's, a doctor family, having a hospital in Bhuj.

The elder son of the Desai family, Dr. Darshan Desai, and I were of the same age so were drawn towards each other. Friendship developed and Bhuj being a small place with no formal entertainment, invariably we were together every evening in our place or at there place.

The Desai residence was located at the first floor, above the hospital on the ground level. The staircase went up and as you entered the residence two huge life size pictures of Shirdhi Baba and Sathya Baba greeted you. We passed these pictures without any devotional feeling. Shirdi Baba was some Saint in Maharashtra and Sathya Sai Baba was the magical saint as news columns like Blitz etc. were portraying Baba at that time.

One day when we were returning after spending an evening with Darshan and Sonal, his wife, we were accosted by Darshans' mother and she said to me, while showing me a book, "Captain Shad, have you read this book." I replied, "No, auntie". To this she replied, "This is a very good book and you must read it". So saying she handed over the book to me. “Sai Baba – Man of Miracles”, by Howard Murphet, became the first book I read on Sathya Sai Baba, as million of other devotees.

Devotees need no introduction to this lovely book, which has been translated into many foreign languages.

It was an experience to read this book and go through the emanating fragrances all around me as I absorbed the experiences of many people about the impossible happenings or what we now refer to as miracles. As I would read at night in bed, when a strong fragrance would emanate I would ask Pam if she was also smelling Roses or Jasmine and she would say ‘no’ leaving me thinking if this was real or just my own imagination. Since we would light up incense in our house every morning - I presumed that this was probably a hidden pocket of that fragrance from the incense stick. But, then the fragrance were totally different from the fragrance of the joss sticks we would be burning.

Being from a religious family background both me and my wife Pam, expressed a desire to attend the weekly Sai-Bhajans. Our families were devoted to the Sikh religion and we were quite adept to the simplicity and practicality of the Sikh religion. The simplicity of the Sai-Bhajans appealed to us. Another thing was being practical and having no dogmas. This fitted into our limited beliefs, at that time. What was having a profound effect on this new seed of devotion sprouting in our hearts, was that nowhere had we read that Sai Baba was spreading a new religion or He was seeking devotion to Himself. We were permitted to adore our chosen forms and names.

Soon we were on our way to make the first pilgrimage to Puttaparthy. Besides the South and East Blocks there were only West 1 & 2 at that time. For visitors there were rooms, if available, or they were to stay in a huge hall, Hall No. 1, next to the Ganesh Mandir, behind the Prasanthi Sanctum Sanctorium. This huge hall accommodated the staff officials as well as sundry visitors like us. In the subsequent years it was demolished, when other sheds were constructed.

Even our going was nothing short of a miracle. I applied for leave. Got it. I made reservations from Ahemdabad to Guntakal, but, I was wait-listed. Our departure date was drawing near but the seats were not confirmed. It used to be a daily exercise to call the officer at Ahemdabad and check the status. On the day we were to leave Bhuj, I got a call in the morning informing me that my seats were confirmed as a group had cancelled. In a rush we packed and started our maiden journey. The uniqueness of this journey was that at every place we were guided, not by anyone suited and booted, but by common men, who would, without even our asking, tell us where to find what we were looking for. Amazing that it was - we wondered if some mark or writing on our forehead informed everybody that we were heading for

Puttaparthy. We reached Puttaparthy, in the evening after the evening Bhajan were over. We lugged our baggage and made way for the Accomodation Office. As we were going from the mens' side we stood at the gate and made a folded hands pranam. And lo and behold, Baba, came out of the mandir and we had His Darshan, the first, in this form - in our this life time.

Excited with Babas' first Darshan, we proceeded to the Accomodation Office, where we were given a chit for Hall No. 1.

At the Hall No.1, we met the in-charge, late Mr. Chadda. We were accosted a warm reception by Mr. & Mrs. Chadda and were given adequate place to spread our beddings, near to their beddings. The next few days were a virtual satsang in the company of staff members and senior devotees, who regaled us with unbelievable stories, anecdotes and happenings all centered around Baba. The most profound statement that has remained etched in my memory was Swami told students jokingly - Prasanthi Nilayam is now 4.5 Kilometer. I have a small task to remove this dot and make Prasanthi Nilayam 45 Kilometer. Unbelievable at that time, but have I not witnessed the coming up of the Hillview Stadium, the Super Speciality Hospital, The Airport, The Railway Station and I believe the first of the colony constructions across

Chitravathi have commenced. The Avatars words - even when uttered jokingly - have a clear vision of the future.

From my first visit till 1985, there is not much that I can add with respect to the Divine task that Swami gave us, except some Divine Experiences (Click Here to read) and one particular incident during one of the Darshans of Swami when sitting on the golden sands during an evening Darshan I had called to Swami when He moved in front of me, "Father", Swami kept moving, I called again "Father", still Swami kept moving on and I again called out "Father". Swami stopped and turned back and with His right hand raised in abhyahastha, said,

"Wait."

After this instance I waited patiently.

Source: http://www.sailopics.com/html/shirdi_sai___sathya_sai.htm

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