Bhagawan teaches humanity the most profound of Truths in the most simplest of ways – ways, which due to their utter simplicity, are often overlooked. Our beloved Lord often states that ‘Life is the best teacher and Nature is the best preacher’. How could it not but be so when He is the Creator, Sustainer and Transformer of the entire universe! Here are a few gems of His time immemorial teachings shared by a few of our Sai brothers.

Divine Concern

At the end of every Prashanti Seva batch, Bhagawan used to bless Seva Dals with Padanamaskar. As a part of the event, when He used to collect letters and offer Padanamaskar, a few students following Him handed over Prasadam and Vibhuti packets. For a while, I was blessed to do this small role along with a few of my batchmates.

We used to lavishly hand over the Vibhuti packets as they were in plenty and, needless to say, the Seva Dals too were very happy to receive so much.

Once Bhagawan, after such a Padanamaskar session, said to us, “These Vibhuti packets are small and the old ladies who fill these packets have trouble filling the small packets. You boys give away so much and the stock gets finished soon. It is a great strain on the old lady devotees. So, give 4 or 6 packets to each Seva Dal.”

That is the concern and care that He had for His devotees.

I Can Never Be Angry With You

There was a period when Bhagawan seemed to ignore me. He had not talked to me for days! Naturally, I was very upset and I was under the impression that He was angry with me.

One day, as He came for Darshan, my emotions rose and I tried to control my tears. How could I be so ‘distant’ from Him. Bhagawan slowly passed me and suddenly turned and beckoned me! I immediately got up and knelt at His feet. He place His hand on my shoulder and this unforgetable conversation ensued:

Bhagawan: Are you angry with Me?

Me: No Bhagawan… (I tried to control my tears and He repeated the question)

Bhagawan: Then, am I angry with you?

Me: No Bhagawan…

Bhagawan: I can never be angry with you. Do not entertain such thoughts in your mind.

Reflecting on this incident, I felt amazed that He actually responded to what now seems to have been a childish and immature feeling. Still, He chose to clear the air and soothe my heart.

You are Mine

Once during evening Bhajans, Bhagawan walked out of the Interview room and stood out near the Lions on the dais. Just before He went into the Bhajan Hall, He smiled and asked me something. As I was unable to hear His words, I got up and knelt near Him.

Bhagawan: You are?

I was silent…

Bhagawan (Repeating): You are? You are?

I did not know what to reply.

Bhagawan: You are Mine!

I smiled in gratitude.

You Will Talk and I Will Listen

The year was 1989 and the MBA students were huddled at the Lotus Feet as Bhagawan had called them for an interview before Darshan in the afternoon. He materialized 30 copies of the picture (shown here) with a wave of His hand and gave a copy to each of the assembled students. Handing it to them, He said, “Here Swami is talking and He is listening”. He continued,” In the future you will talk and Swami will listen”.

One of the brothers present there on that memorable day expressed that if we can listen and speak as we do when we communicate with Bhagawan, perhaps we have mastered the art of communication!

Other Gems

I had the habit of writing down Bhagawan’ s discourses as He delivered them. And just He would have it, he noticed me when I was furiously taking it down on my notebook. After the discourse, He made a significant statement, “Pustakamlokadu,mastakamloraayi” (Don’t write in a book, but in the head). Needless to say, I stopped writing down discourses after that day.

Once during a group interview, Bhagawan enquired, “Who is a Fakir (mendicant)?” We all gave varied answers. He finally gave us the answer, “One who has no Fikar (worries) is a Fakir.”

One evening during Bhajans, Bhagawan was outside the Mandir. He was standing a short distance away. It so happened that the Bhajan ‘Sundara Sundara Vinayaka…‘ was being sung in full gusto by students and devotees. Just then a weird thought came to my mind “Why do they call Him Sundara? He is not good looking!” I instantly apologised inwardly and continued following the Bhajan. Bhagawan while passing by me on the way to the Bhajan Hall said, “Why is Vinayaka called Sundara? He has a big trunk and big ears…He is not good looking!” Seeing my discomfort on being exposed, He laughed and walked away to the Bhajan Hall.

About 700 devotees from the Land of the Dragon had congregated to celebrate their New Year in the Divine presence. Two days before the day, Bhagawan inquired about the arrival of a senior Chinese devotee. The devotee was immediately advised to come to Prasanthi Nilayam at the earliest. He arrived on New Year’s eve and was sitting in the veranda awaiting the Lord’s Sambhashan. During the afternoon Darshan when Bhagawan came out of the interview, He ignored the gentleman and went straight to the stage to watch the celebrations. On His return too, Bhagawan did not speak a word with him. We were surprised. On reaching the Interview room, Bhagawan said, “On being informed that I was looking for him, he developed Ahamkaara and left no room for Saakshaatkar.  Whosoever comes to Bhagawan, should yearn and pine for Him, only then will Bhagawan accept him.” Though the Lord profusely blessed the devotee on the subsequent day, He left a golden message that I will treasure all my life.