Sai...the Breath of Paradise

[Guest guest]

Sairam embodiments of immortalityHeaven! Heaven! Heaven!Yesterday morning our beloved did not come, Kulwant Hall was robed in red and gold and the divine idol of Lord Ganesh, under an umbrella chandelier glistened with intermittent ruby, magenta and blue, green colors. Devotees were dressed in festive saris and glittering jewels. All of Puttaparthi too was celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi day, palm fronds, banana leaves, flowers and photos of deities decorated the streets. Huge pink idols of Sri Ganesha crowned Samadhi, Chitravati and Sai Tower roads. I took loads of photos Ganesh hopping with Lalitha Yogi, running into good friends and taking their pictures too.On Chitravati road, we sat for the puja and as we were leaving, excitement rang out, Swami's nephew was coming to do araathi ~

Heavenly leela! I was able to get some excellent snapshots of him doing araathi.Finally we decided to have a refreshment in Sai Surya, the restaurant just below the German Bakery, as we sat savoring our cool drinks, a sudden commotion ~ SWAMI!!! WAS COMING!!! We both peered out of the window, directly below we could both clearly see into Swami's blessed vehicle, i wasn't quick enough to snap a photo but it was a unique angle for darshan.Afternoon Darshan was another sweet blessing, I received token #1 and very good seating in the main aisle. Our Heavenly Father floated down the central aisle giving full attention to His students garbed in angelic white. We watched as Swami took letters and blessed special items, He was all smiles and loving looks. The students performed a small program of classical Indian music and song. Swami sat immersed in their love. Araathi was performed and delicious prasdam distributed to one and

all.This morning, Heaven showed her face and showered us with a divine benediction.There were only about 3 to 4 token lines and I again received token #1. I dashed to theisland section and got front row on the central aisle. This is the only place other than the exit aisle that the public can get real front row seating and only in the morning.So naturally we weren't too optimistic about Swami coming out as He hadn't for many mornings.Still we sang out hearts out, the small group of devotees feeling the Lord's presence, whether He was standing before them physically or spiritually. The students kept singingbhajans, the glory of the Lord catching fire to everyone present. Around 9:55 there was a rustle of breathless bliss, SWAMI WAS COMING!!!! we all waited our hearts in our hands singing and singing.Swami entered the Mandir full of joyful mischief. He sailed down the main aisle threw some vibhuti packets out and

when He passed our island section...OMG!!!!! His Divine Head turned towards us. We were under a Cosmic X-ray. The power and love that emanated from His gaze piercing through the maya was indescribable. I can still feel the intense heat of that look. One woman shouted Baba!!!!!! It was so wonderful for these devotees, who travel for thousands of miles and sit for hours in token lines, rain or shine, darshan or no darshan to receive such sweet attention and looks from the God of their hopes, dreams, The Lord of the Universe! Sri Sathya Sai Baba!!!!!Swami orbited the mandir and ascended the podium, He sat out with us for a good while enjoying the bhajans and sweet love pouring from all assembled there. From time to time He gazed towards our island section full of charming looks and smiles. At the conclusion Bhagavan took araathi and returned to His residence.Sending you all the breath of paradise this amazing Monday

morning.Lots of Premasonya ki