Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 6 - Sathya Sai's message at Hadshi

Swami is all smiles as He enters the hall where all the members of the Jadhav family have gathered.

Padapooja or Padasevanam or the worship of the Lord’s feet has been considered as the fourth among the nine forms of devotion. Though Swami has given the unique interpretation of worshipping the Lord’s feet as following in the footsteps of the Master, He also allows the devotees to actually perform worship to His feet when they pine for and pray for it. The Jadhav family had been blessed thus.

(Dear reader,

If you have come directly to this post, I would like to egg you on to enjoy the full story with its history. Link to part 1 is given below and the link to the next part will be at the end of each previous part. Thank you.

Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 1 - The Blessing Materializes)

As expected, it was the parents that got the opportunity to worship His feet.

The worship of His feet began once they had been prayerfully washed with scented water and dabbed dry with a soft cloth. The parents of the Jadhavs began the ceremony by offering rose petals and golden flowers at His feet. Mr. Shivajirao Jadhav recalled later,

"We thought that our parents should get this chance to worship His feet. But Swami was so merciful; one by one, He allowed this coveted opportunity to all the members of our family. The last time He was at Latur, many of our family members were unhappy as they did not have close darshan to their heart’s content. But now all are so happy."

A pair of wooden sandals and a pair of silver sandals were offered at the Lotus Feet.

Swami permitted the padapooja to go on for about half an hour. His feet decorated with red and gold was resplendent. Swami then moved around granting namaskar and blessings even to the workers, staff and servants of the household! At about 5:20 p.m., He emerged out of this hall and once again was by the poolside. I got a few wonderful photos from across the pool and Swami looked at me from there too. Once in the car, Bhagavan started His return journey to the Residence.

What joy to behold the beautiful, divine feet adorned thus!

We started to follow Him but He said, "All the boys go down and start bhajans." Implicit obedience was the nature of everyone among the team for Swami always has His wisdom behind everything He says. We went to the porch of the Vitthala temple on the first floor and started bhajans. Ten minutes later, as the door of the lift opened, Swami arrived onto the makeshift dais. Bhagawan then asked Mr. Shivajirao Jadhav to address the gathering. As this speech progressed, Swami gently dropped the rose that the Jadhav had given Him onto the floor by Him. I called the security guard seated nearby and told him to take and treasure that special flower. Any rosebud offered to the Lord is definitely special for it has received the divine touch.

Mr.Shivajirao Jadhav addresses the huge gathering.

Mr. Jadhav, who spoke in Marathi, thanked Bhagawan profusely in all humility for His visit. He was also grateful to the masses who had stepped into that pristine surrounding sanctified by Bhagawan’s Divine Presence. To the delight of all gathered he declared that Pandurangakshetra was in the shape of the Divine ‘Om’ – the source of all knowledge, the seat of all dharma. Mr. Jadhav then reverentially reminisced the day’s events when Bhagawan had graciously performed the Prana Pratishtha ritual for enlivening the divine energy in the Ganesha, Vitthal Rakhumai and Shirdi Sai Baba idols. He had no words to express His gratitude to Bhagawan for His grace and earnestly prayed that each one involves themselves in spiritual and service activities. He concluded by urging Swami to visit Hadshi as often as He can even as the crowd clapped in joy.

After this, Swami asked Mr. Srinivasan to speak. The rose offered by this distinguished elder was also again slipped by Swami onto the ground. As I was going to make another signal to the security person, Bhagawan looked at me and with a smile told me to let it be. I was lost in thoughts again.

“This Swami never gives importance to such ‘memorabilia collecting’ though it is a source of great joy to the devotee. If that security guard is not blessed enough to pick up that rose, I will definitely pocket it at the end of the day’s function”, I thought. The guard was blessed enough indeed for within a few minutes he noticed the rose and pocketed it!

A sweeping view of the gathered thousands.

In the meanwhile, the All India President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation spoke on in Hindi and declared that for 37 years Sai devotees from Lonavala and Pune had been eagerly waiting for His arrival. They had severe faced problems as even rains had become scarce. With Bhagawan visiting Pune, even dry and arid lands would now become fertile, the speaker felt. He stressed that bhakti is the only way to reach Swami and reiterated Swami’s teachings on Love. Later he went on to mention about various institutions established by Swami namely, the free University, Hospitals, and so on. Exhorting the devotees to follow His path and making their lives His message, he emphasized that the Sai Avatar has come for our transformation and to help us realize our innate divinity. In the end He appealed to all to engage in service activities in the rural areas saying only through Grama Seva can one be blessed with the fulfillment of doing Rama Seva.

Even as Mr. Srinivasan was winding-up, Swami looked at Nishikant as if confirming with him if he was fully ready to speak. He had fixed him as the speaker in the afternoon and seemed to feel personally responsible for his success. I was touched at His concern and receiving a ‘Yes’ from Nishikant, Swami asked him to begin. He too, spoke in Marathi and started by narrating experiences of his life.

Dating back to the times of Shirdi Sai Baba the stories of Nishikant Barodekar went thus:

In 1912 on one occasion when his great grand uncle and aunt were travelling by train, the condition of their 3 year old daughter who was suffering from typhoid deteriorated greatly. So they alighted at Kopergaon and someone there guided them to go to Shirdi. Once they did this pilgrimage, their daughter was completely cured. Years later, in 1965 the same girl who had by then, become a famous singer, Mrs. Heerabai, was going to be felicitated by renowned artists and other dignitaries at a function to be held in her honour on her 60th birthday. On the very same day Swami called for her to perform before in His divine presence. Without a second thought, Mrs. Heerabai decided to skip the function and landed in Puttaparthi. Once she was in His presence, Swami told her that she had seen Him before, clearly referring to her first encounter with Him during Bhagawan’s Shirdi sojourn.

Nishikant Barodekar is blessed by Bhagawan with an emerald ring after his speech.

At another time Mrs. Heerabai had been invited by the Government of India to perform before a group of foreign delegates. Once again, Swami asked for her exactly on the same day and like before she declined the invitation and rushed to His presence. A few days after she returned from Puttaparthi, came a cheque for her from the State congratulating her for her splendid performance at the all important event! Clearly, Bhagawan had Himself assumed her form and delighted the audience at the prestigious event.

Finally, Mr. Nishikant recalled his own experience. Once his guru, from whom he was learning Tabla, asked him to perform in his place owing to his ill-health. Extremely nervous, Nishikant thought of Bhagawan and His advice to contemplate on Him. No sooner he did this, Swami graced him with His divine darshan and needless to say, his performance was a great success!

The moment he closed his talk, a beaming Swami blessed him with a ring even as everyone applauded. Next, Swami Himself rose to speak much to everyone’s joy. Here is a note about the translation that day which was unique.

There were actually two translators, Prof. Anil Kumar for Telugu to English and Mr. Bhagawat for English to Marathi. The styles of both these people were so distinct and different. While the inimitable Prof. Anil Kumar was at his vociferous and enthusiastic best, Mr. Bhagawat seemed cool and collected! There were times when Swami who is generally accompanied by a single translator would often start speaking just as the Professor would end making the task of the Marathi translator even more challenging. But then, who can stop the flow of the Divine Ganges? However, after about 5-6 sentences Swami seemingly would 'remember' that there has to be Marathi translation and it must be said to the credit of Mr. Bhagavat that he did an excellent job of summing up what the Lord had said in the past few sentences. The whole experience was novel and interesting. This is what Bhagavan said in His discourse:

In the land of Bharat, real beauty lies in tolerance and forbearance.

Is there a feeling more nectarous than what one has towards one’s own mother?

How much ever you may know, there is always much more to learn

As knowledge which is infinite

Bharat is most sacred – it is a land of Divinity. Everyone born here has done a lot of meritorious deeds in their past lives.

What is the purpose of this human life? It is gifted to earn God’s grace. The person who receives His grace in abundance can bring transformation in society. Modern society is full of anxiety and restlessness. Wherever you go, whatever you encounter, you only find misery. We have witnessed several natural calamities recently. These have nothing to do with God; it is because of man’s own mistakes and makings. God teaches only Dharma (righteousness). He never wants you to walk the path of adharma (unrighteousness).

Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara – always speak the truth and follow righteousness.

We cannot escape from reflection, reaction and resound. Therefore we should know that God is one. We give many names to the One and the same God. All are indeed one. Therefore, in the whole world, there is only One in existence.

There is the same consciousness in all beings - Ekam Sath, Vipraha Bahuda Vadanti.

We feel we are miserable. If you ask yourself, you will know that the grief is of your own making and not related to God in the least. Therefore, never think that everything is given by God. In fact everything comes back to us because of our own thought process. God only confers bliss on all of us which is not dual, ethereal, and one without a second. If we make deep enquiries into our Vedanta, we realize that God gives us nothing. Pain or pleasure is what we gift ourselves with. We are mistaken if we think that someone else is responsible for our joys and sorrows.

Help Ever, Hurt Never; Love All; Have faith in everyone.

The hovering para-motorist was a feature throughout the evening.

There is no human being without love. Even beasts, birds, animals, insects including the smallest of creatures experience love. We should have deep conviction that God is present in everyone in the form of the Atma or Consciousness. When you dislike others, you are in fact hating yourself. Every human being is like a mirror where you find a reflection of yourself. In many mirrors, you see many reflections of yourself. There is always Reflection, Reaction, and Resound.

Therefore, whoever you may come across, have deep faith that they are all God’s forms. Man fails to understand this truth. It is not proper on our part to ridicule or hate anyone. Love is the only royal path that takes you closer to God.

All noble souls merged in God because of their incessant love for Him. Sakkubai  repeatedly chanted “Ranga, Ranga, Ranga”. Everybody insulted her including her husband who persecuted her. Ultimately, she merged in God. She always said “I am not different from Ranga”. In all the three states of awareness, she thought of only Ranga. It is only God who speaks, walks, and listens to every activity.

We go by name and form and identify a particular thing as a snake or scorpion. God is indeed in every creature and has given skills to each of them to protect themselves. The scorpion stings in self-defence and not with an intention to hurt. In a dense forest, a lion hurts only if challenged. Everything therefore is reaction, reflection, and resound. Bad actions lead to unpleasant results. So do good. All that you face are consequences of our thought processes. Therefore be pure in your thinking. A human being should have human values. Today, men are treated like dogs. In fact all defects and mistakes lie within man. That is why it is absolutely necessary that we correct our own follies and not search for them in others.

People mocked at those who were involved in the rescue of flood victims. In the same way, the whole community castigated Sakkubai who constantly chanted the name of Krishna. They were finally taught a lesson by the Lord. God is an ocean of love. Out of gross injustice and utter ignorance, we don’t understand ourselves and blame divinity. The good or bad that we face is the consequence of our own doing. We therefore have to correct ourselves within.

The Christians believe in the Cross; cut the ‘I’ and it becomes a cross. The ego has to be killed. Once we get rid of this ego, we can then realise the real self. Man today is knowledgeable in all aspects of life. He is conquering space and is prepared to count the stars but fails in simple things. Love is the undercurrent of everything. There are different kinds of sweets, but the sugar is one. The Upanishads say that whomsoever you salute, it reaches God. Understand your own mind and realise your own mistakes.

Help Ever. Hurt Never. He is a true man who knows this fundamental truth and has morality and character. If you understand this, you will never put the other person to suffering. Recognise the unity in diversity. God is only One, He is Atma or Consciousness, and has no name or form. It is the Spirit or Cconsciousness which permeates all beings. Several lights exist, but current is one. We may undertake different spiritual activities but it all comes back to oneness. If you recognise this, you will have peace and bliss. You are Atma, the only One eternal. God is only one – never think that He is many. When we face difficulties, we chant many names. But when we don’t have any problems, we forget God. We should cling on to ‘Soham’. In fact this is the name given to everyone at the time of birth. We will redeem our lives, working for liberation, if we know the divine principle and divine nature.

It was late in the evening when the discourse concluded and Bhagawan received Aarthi.

Many people speak of Swami differently. It is their imagination; all of this should be dispensed with. If only the politicians know the Truth, the nation will be a better place. Do not follow politics. There is no relation between what the politician says and does. Follow only that person who does good! This is the message of Baba to all of us today. 

The whole world should be happy. Let all the beings live in joy. You will acquire this bliss through love. We say ‘Peace, peace, peace’. Where is this peace? There is only pieces outside.

As I sat on the steps to the grand temple, listening to Swami, the security guard called me and said, "There is an ant on Swami's lap! What should we do?"

As he spoke to me, Swami saw me. What was I to answer? Being an embodiment of sweetness, it was but natural that He attracted ants (whom does He not draw?). I just sat straight and told the guard to look ahead. Sitting in such a prominent position and being caught talking by Swami is not an experience that one usually pines for! Swami also seemed to have left the matter there once I sat motionless and quiet. The ant crawled on Him for a while and then on its own, left having fulfilled its desire maybe!

Swami completed the discourse and wanted the mike to be removed. As I moved ahead to do this He looked at me and said,

"Tell the boys to do bhajans."

So a Vitthala bhajan began and as it progressed to the second speed, Swami signaled to me again and mentioned,

"Let them sing fast - Vitthala, Vitthala....Panduranga, Panduranga." I conveyed this to the singers (It was only later when I thought about it I realized that Swami wanted the bhajan to proceed to the third speed too! Ah! I prayed then for forgiveness and better understanding). Midway in the next bhajan, Swami asked for aarthi.

As I clicked away I saw Swami blessing all the thousands gathered who were all positively charged at this shower of nectarous words and grace. It was now 7:50 p.m. and Swami moved down the lift towards His car. There were many devotees who had sat by the side of the temple to have a glimpse of Him from close quarters as He left for the Residence. All the students made a security belt around the car as always to ensure that sudden outbursts of devotion did not turn to disasters of indiscipline.

A quick discussion on the evening's proceedings before dinner.

As Swami arrived, dinner was ready at the Residence. Bhagawan called the elders to sit by Him and the conversation then centered on Swami's discourse, AIP's talk in Hindi and Nishikant's speech in Marathi. After taking a bite or two, Swami told all of us to occupy the tables. He then moved up the lift and retired for the day. Meanwhile, I collected a few pictures on a DVD to be sent to Pune for printing. It was another blissful sleep that night, the second one at Hadshi.

to be continued in Part 7.

Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 7 - A day for group-photo taking and group-photo viewing.

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Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 5 - The idols get instilled with life

A view of the impressive crowd on the day of the inauguration

CG and I reached the Vitthala temple situated on the first floor of the temple complex. We knew that this was the central shrine and we saw hundreds who were waiting inside. Surprisingly, there were almost no cameramen there. Thrilled at this, both of us took positions in the sanctum, waiting for Swami to arrive. Five minutes later, we realized how naïve we had been! That area was cameramen-free because Swami was in the floor below us inaugurating the Shirdi Baba temple!

(Dear reader,

If you have come directly to this post, I would like to egg you on to enjoy the full story with its history. Link to part 1 is given below and the link to the next part will be at the end of each previous part. Thank you.

Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 1 - The Blessing Materializes)

Swami presses the switch the lights up His own photograph

Both of us rushed down instantly and luckily were able get a few shots of Swami with the Shirdi Sai idol in the sanctum. The two brothers sat by His side and bhajans were on. The Lord serenely glanced at the many members of the Jadhav family who plunged at His feet for namaskar. This moving tableau went on for about five minutes after which Swami began to move down the aisle of the temple towards the back end. There was the famous picture of Him sitting in the Sai Ram shed at Brindavan, Bengaluru engrossed in bhajans. It was a back-lit frame and was situated bang opposite the Shirdi Baba idol. Swami pressed a button and the photo lit up along with the faces of all those around. I recalled what the elder Jadhav brother had told me,

“We wanted to make a shrine for Swami here. But Swami refused. He said that the people in the region loved and worshipped Panduranga. The name of form does not matter to Him because God is one. For the joy of the people, He told us to make this Pandurangakshetra (literally, ‘the field of Panduranga’). But we wanted Swami’s temple also. He converted that into a Shirdi Baba temple. Finally, we just managed to place His photograph there.”

This is so typical of Swami. He never bothers about people seeking Him in the Sathya Sai form. His desire is that everyone seek the ‘Sathya’ that the ‘Sai’ form has come to propagate. So that was how Swami added one more idol to the list of Shirdi Baba idols He has installed.

After this, Swami moved out of the temple and around it towards the lift to take Him to the Vitthala temple which, as mentioned before, was on the first floor. All along the way, devotees craved for a divine touch. The volunteers literally became "wall and tears" and the students too added to the sorrow of the devotees with their mighty cordon. But it must be said in their favour that the crowd was too enthusiastic to be disciplined as they tried to somehow get to His feet. When emotion overpowers, the voice of reason becomes faint. CG and I rushed back to the Vitthala temple via the stairs in front and now, the cameramen were there! Our ‘Bhagawan's guest’ badge helped us to get right back into the sanctum.

Swami is thrilled like a little child when asked to do the 'life-instilling' for the idols 

Swami, the 'string-puller' of the Universe pulls the strings to instill life in the idols

Swami did the "life-instilling ceremony" for the Vitthala and Rakumai idols too. He lit a lamp in the temple in which were standing the aged father and mother of the Jadhavs. This was Swami's first close encounter with them on this trip. Then and there itself they seemed to have won His heart completely. Swami looked at them with a twinkle in His eyes. He was so happy that the children had accorded so much respect and love for their parents. Swami says that if the children serve and take care of their parents, they become automatic recipients of God’s love. The state of Maharashtra also has an ideal for this in the form of Pundalika who won Panduranga’s grace by serving his parents.

Group photos for the Jadhav family members

I was convinced that the joy the parents felt was responsible for the blessings being conferred on the Jadhav brothers and my conviction would be vindicated later during the trip.

Swami now agreed for a family photograph and soon all the priests made way for the family members in the sanctum. Ah! What a heavenly blessing for the family! In the centre were the idols of Panduranga and Rukmini and right in front of them was dear Sai! All around was the family. We took pictures and, having completed my duty, II moved out of the way to the entrance. I exited the sanctum and sat outside, in the temple hall. A moment later, a boy came running to me saying that Swami was looking for ‘His photographer’ as He wanted to grant a photo opportunity exclusively to the parents of the Jadhavs. Overjoyed at the special honour for the parents which had gifted me the opportunity to be called as His photographer, I went back into the sanctum and clicked furiously.

A special photograph for the parents of the Jadhav brothers.

So many people fell at his feet and many more came within breathing distance from Him. Swami then moved down the path that had been strewn with rose petals and came out of the temple. He now was outside, at the top of the huge stairway that the devotees would use to enter the premises. He remained seated there so that the thousands assembled below could see Him and rejoice. The band played a tribute to Him while the songs continued. Swami presently blessed a few books in Marathi and was ‘introduced’ to many VIPs by Mr. Jadhav. Swami then asked for Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and his son Rahul Sharma to be seated by Him and they felt honoured at this privilege.

Swami shares a light moment with the Santoor maestro, Pandit Shivakumar Sharma

Ten minutes or so later, at about 10:40, Swami moved to the lift and descended. The boys had made a human chain to provide ‘protection’ to the Ultimate Protector and everyone eagerly awaited the 'Descent'. Swami moved down and instead of going into the car, moved to a nearby area on the northern side of the temple complex where the final formalities of a yajnam were to be completed. Swami, the Yajnapurusha of all such sacrifices, attended the Poornahuthi (final offering) and blessed the Yajnashala. I did get good pictures of this event (Being a photographer is a funny experience. People look at the photos and are so happy. But those same also curse and scold when you obstruct their view while taking pictures! Posterity is thrilled at the expense of some in the present. It is like insurance where for a good future you undergo hardships paying premiums!)

A beam of sunlight filtered through as Swami arrived to bless the Yajna

At about 10:50 a.m., Swami started back in the car towards the Residence and in 10 minutes He was inside. Now, He had lunch with the elders and the topics of discussion were mainly centered on the proceedings in the morning. Once the guests were done, Swami looked at all of us seated on the floor and lovingly said, "Boys, go and eat." All the tables were soon occupied.

During this time, the discussion on the table veered towards speeches by the students and Bhagawan asked us as to who among us would speak. I was about to raise my hand when He announced the condition – it must be in Marathi! Almost everyone suggested the name of a senior in our group but Swami wanted someone else. Finally, He settled on Nishikant and asked him to prepare well for his talk in Marathi. So, that was the boys' involvement in the luncheon discussion.

As Swami was returning towards the lift after the lunch, He called out to KVSK Ganesh and said, "Do not only dance; do some work too." And then speaking to Mr. S. V. Giri, Swami said,

“Give this boy some work." Mr. Giri suggested that he could study further. Much to the relief of Ganesh (as he told me later) Swami vehemently disagreed saying,

"He has finished three degrees! How much more should he study? Let him work." Then turning to Ganesh, Swami blessed him.

As He moved up, all of us chanted the food prayer loudly. With that, Swami retired for the morning as we all happily helped ourselves to the elaborate menu.

By 3:15 p.m., refreshed after a nap, we were again waiting for His arrival. We had been told that the evening's snacks would also be served at the poolside along with Swami. In fifteen minutes, Swami was out and as He came near us, He called Ganesh once again and advised him to take up a job. It was evident that this was foremost in His mind. ( It is with great pride and joy that I state here that Ganesh is now my colleague, working at Radiosai Global Harmony studios.) Then He called Jagdish Kanadia too and asked about his brother.

After this Swami enquired about the tiffin to which Satyajit mentioned that it had been arranged near the pool waters. So Swami began His, "Pillalu paandi (Boys leave)” when we told Him, "Swami we had breakfast there. It is wonderful."

Swami: "Oh is it? What did you have?"

One by one all the various items were reeled out and when mention was made of Ragada Patties, He asked, "What is that?" We all tried our own explanations.

I said, "Swami it’s a kind of vada." Satyajit explained that it was a sort of cutlet. Finally Swami seemed to give up trying to understand these mundane things and said, "Let’s go there. Boys, get into the bus."

Then Satyajit added, "Swami, You please can come in the car. Boys will walk; it is very near."

“Where is it?”

“Swami, we can see it from here. Shall we go to the balcony?”

Sensing that Satyajit was trying to cajole Swami to go into the terrace, I got up and quickly told the boys to make a pathway for Swami to move towards the expansive balcony of the building. It is so beautiful when the Divine builds up a drama to confer greater joy. As if He did not know the distance to be traversed! But He wanted to give another beautiful opportunity to all of us and we did not know what it was then. Swami moved towards the other side of the room where the door to the balcony was.

Swami points out that the Ganesha is holding an umbrella in the wrong direction!

Enjoying a high-view from the balcony.

CG and I were already ready there. A gentle breeze was on and the sun shone down upon the balcony. As Swami looked at the southern side, the first thing He noticed was the large number of cars that had been parked. He mentioned how so many people were coming from so to have His darshan. He also saw the temporary shelters that had been erected to feed the devotees (about 20,000 people were fed daily and one sitting could accommodate about 6000 people and all this was served entirely free!).

Swami reached the end of the terrace and began to look at the small statue of a golden Ganesha holding an umbrella. This sunshade was pointing in the eastern direction and since the sun was in the western skies, the beams fell directly on the statue. Swami asked,

"The umbrella is facing the wrong side?"

One of the Jadhavs tried to force it into the ‘proper’ position but it was of no avail. Swami then told them to let it be as it was.

The swimming pool was also visible from here and Swami had a look at it. Beyond the gates one could see the devotees who were enjoying this unexpected darshan. Now He moved ahead and saw the northern view which was full of hills. Swami pointed out and said, "That is a Trikon." Literally translated it meant a triangle or 'having three vertices'. At this point Phaneendra and myself went forward and asked,

"Swami, the spot is so scenic here. Can we take a picture with You?"

Swami agreed and Phani jumped next to Swami. Bhagavan then said,

"All of you come together." And so I took group photos. After taking two, I gave the camera to Satyajit and, with CG, joined the group. In no time, everyone was on the terrace and even those not yet on it were pining for pictures with Swami.

Bhagawan did not disappoint anyone. Starting with the Jadhav brothers and other members of his family, Swami granted photos also to the two little kids of Ratnakar. Swami is so happy when this duo is around and generously showers affection on them. And so He posed proudly and happily with them. Then Ratnakar too came by and he was soon followed by the State President of Maharasthra Mr. Sawant. In between this, I could not resist the temptation of taking a few close-ups of Swami too. He was looking into the camera, and so, even as I took the group photos, I zoomed in and clicked only Swami.

“So beautiful Swami”, I exclaimed and thought that He blushed and smiled.

After everyone had got their priceless moment, Swami moved out of the balcony.

A family photograph which will be cherished forever.

As He came out, I went to Him and showed the picture of Him with the children on the camera screen itself. Swami was positively thrilled. He called out to the kids saying,

“Come and see… your photos are already there!”

When they came, Swami gladly showed them the shot. There was a gleam in His eye. I felt really happy at His unexpected outburst of excitement. A sweet little thing happened here. Swami had seen me sift through the photos of the camera screen by pressing one among the several buttons on the camera. While showing the photos to the kids, He too wanted to sift through the photos. So, He began to press a random button on the camera. That was so sweet and I didn’t feel like telling Him that He is pressing the wrong button. Every time He pressed the button, I ‘secretly’ pressed the right button and the photos shifted seamlessly. I felt happy to have silently ‘helped’ Swami.

The joy I felt there was also accompanied by a realization - the realization that Swami does for me in life what I did for Him with the camera. Swami is the silent worker ensuring success in all my efforts - in whatever field they are. He makes the correct moves, presses the right buttons and gives the me joy as if I have done it myself. I am eternally grateful to this Sathya Sai, the silent worker.

All of us then proceeded down where all the ladies of the group posed with Swami. Now, Satyajit along with this mother posed for a picture. The other women followed suit. At the end, Swami confirmed whether all the pictures had come out well. I was extremely delighted and showed Him the shots; He held the camera and looked intently at the screen. The Lord was satisfied and mentioned that it had come out well. Then He moved out of the Residence and proceeded in His car to the poolside.

Arrival at the poolside. I really wish to be like that pool -
reflecting the Lord within always.

As Swami alighted there, it was a beautiful sight to see His reflection in the still waters - a photographer’s delight! An umbrella was brought for Him and I remembered Kasturi’s words – “Holding sunshade over the sun!” As Swami moved beside the pool, He looked at its clear blue character. Nearing the tables where all the snacks had been arranged, Swami said,

“These are the same boys who serve us inside; they have made all the arrangements here (referring to the Sai Youth from Mumbai).” Through a sliding door and over a ramp, Swami arrived into the balcony. His table had been arranged and as He sat down and gazed at the beautiful greenery around, I told Him,

“Swami this is the union of Prakruthi and Paramatma (Nature and the Supreme Creator)!”

He looked at me with half admiration and half mockery playing in His eyes and exclaimed, “Abba!”

He then told the elders to sit on the chairs that had been arranged and enquired about the whereabouts of the other students too. It was only Swami who always had an eye out for His boys. He would never begin or do anything without ensuring that all of us were present. Soon all the boys came to the balcony and took their seats opposite to Bhagavan, just a few metres away. Swami was now happy and the snack session started. When He was told about the swimming pool, Swami said,

“If I swim, You will not even be able to catch Me; I will quickly reach from one end to the other!”  

The younger Jadhav was sitting next to the Lord and explaining the scenery around. Swami asked if there was no boating in the lake to which he explained that it was not yet available (I won’t be surprised if by now that too is available). CG and I quickly finished the food and got right back into shooting. Oh! It was a photographers' delight! God and Nature together enjoying each other's company!

The beautiful scene of the Purusha and Prakruthi

Once this session concluded, Swami moved out of the huge balcony. There was a hall by the poolside that was now full with the members of the Jadhav family tree - inclusive of the twigs and leaves this time! They had prepared themselves to perform padapooja for Swami. When requested, Bhagawan gladly consented to the Jadhav brothers’ plea to proceed with the ritual. He then moved into the hall where more than 200 were seated. I had not imagined that I would be witnessing a very unique and special padapooja, the likes of which I don’t think has been performed often for Swami. ​

to be continued in Part 6 published at the link given below.

Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 6 - Sathya Sai's message at Hadshi

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