Return of Life with HIS GRACE
In the 1960s, my father, as part of the SBT team, went to Andhra and very unexpectedly reached Puttaparthi. At that time, since it was not too crowded, he was able to see Bhagawan directly. Placing His hand on my father’s shoulder, Bhagawan blessed him saying, “I will take care of all your matters; I will protect you.” From that day onwards, our family became devotees of Bhagawan and came fully under His divine fold.
It was Swami Himself who wrote “Om” and initiated into letters, Vidyarambham. It is still in my Memory ” Mother placed a black slate into the Divine hands and requested Swami to initiate me into letters. He took the slate and paced a few steps and then wrote OM in that slate and Blessed me. I completed my preliminary schooling at Swami’s Ooty School. This gave me the blessed chance to have Swami’s darshan often and receive His grace. I was also fortunate to perform dance in front of Bhagawan three times. Twice, it was Swami’s physical body’s sister, Parvathamma, who prepared me with make-up and dressing for the performance. I always consider that a great blessing which put me into the trajectory of SAI SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES.
This particular experience happened at the time when I was to join Puttaparthi after finishing my studies at Ooty School, leaving behind the colorful Ooty memories which is still giving me unimaginable happiness in my life.
When I was 8 years old, I came with my father and mother from Ooty Sathya Sai School to Puttaparthi for admission. It was my deep desire to study in Swami’s Parthi school. After the interview, however, my body suddenly turned cold and started shivering. I became completely unwell. Everyone grew worried. The doctor there gave some medicine; a teacher was also present. But fate was cruel, the medicine started to overreact, and my physical conditions started deteriorating moment by moment.
Soon my condition worsened. My body weakened, turned bluish, and I slipped into a vegetative stage. I lost consciousness. Everyone was stunned and helpless. My mother kept crying, pouring out her prayers to Bhagawan with tears. My father too prayed intensely. The teacher and doctor were deeply worried and stood helplessly looking at me. None could do anything as my conditions was worsening.
To make things harder, Swami was in Bangalore at that time, so there was no way to reach Him directly. Yet the Omniscient Swami surely knew my condition. My father decided to send a telegram to Swami and set out to send the same.
The Omnipotent Swami began to act immediately. The very moment my father sent the telegram, I received Swami’s darshan and Blessings. In that vision, Swami gave me Vibhuti and gestured me to consume it. I did so, and soon there was slight improvement in my condition. This little change gave my parents some relief, and they decided to take me straight to Bangalore. My illness was very severe, and only Swami could do something to save the life. Without delay, they set off as there was no other remedy and medical team also took their hands off. My mother held me tightly to her chest, wrapped carefully, while chanting only Swami’s name. By then, my limbs were lifeless, only breath remained, and body was completely paralysed.
We reached Brindavan directly. After freshening up, my mother took me to the ladies’ side. It was darshan time. Everyone stared, wondering why this sick child was brought there instead of to a hospital. My mother did not respond to any such taunting but kept her perseverant prayers at Swami.
Swami slowly walked by my side, not even glancing at me. My mother was weeping. After walking three or four steps ahead, Swami turned and looked directly at me. For one or two minutes He stood, gazing. That compassionate, blissful glance of Swami revived me. Swami walked on, and slowly I began returning to life.
With no medicine, just Swami’s single glance lifted me out of the battle between life and death. Very soon my illness started to fade. The next day, to everyone’s astonishment, I was able to sit for darshan. Swami passed by me slowly, bestowed a gentle smile, and blessed me before moving on.
With Swami’s constant care and grace, I was able to progress in education and career. Though great challenges arose, I overcame them all. By His boundless blessings and love, I was later able to do much seva — organizing medical camps and even serving in the Gynecology Department at Puttaparthi General Hospital. This is His infinite grace and Love showered on us and made the belief strong that “Life and Death come under His plan”, You as a small Devotee has to remain as His Instrument only.
With folded hands, I offer this at the Lotus Feet of our ocean of love, Bhagawan.
Sairam
