Sai Baba Quotes & sayings -
Shirdi Sai & Sathya Sai Baba online Resource, Info,
Books, Sai centres, mantras... -
Sai Baba Quotes & sayings -
Shirdi Sai & Sathya Sai Baba online Resource, Info,
Books, Sai centres, mantras... - photos: puttaparthilive - layout:SBOI
Text: Saistudents.org
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April 10, 2008
In life, food has always occupied a paramount position. In fact Swami
Vivekananda had said, "Feed a man before teaching him spirituality." Food that
sustains the "boat to cross this ocean" of life, is regarded highly even by
Swami as He says, "Annam Brahma". As if in accordance to these dicta, a new,
airy, well lit and spacious canteen had been built at the Super Speciality
Hospital! Swami had agreed to preside over the inauguration. Though it was
scheduled for the morning, Swami had it postponed to the evening.
Colourful toranams adorned the hospital premises. Creative and beautiful
rangolis (floor drawings) had been made all along the path that was to be used
by Swami as He came - not only in the premises but all along the road. Swami is
synonymous with life for millions all around the world as He has touched them in
a divine manner. But for thousands of people in the villages around Parthi,
Swami has done so much even physically, that they just do not know how to
express their profound sense of gratitude to Him. Like the squirrels in the
Ramayana, they do whatever little they can with all their Love. All along the
road, they make drawings trying to add a little more "colour" to the Lord's
journey!
At about 4:10 pm, Swami reached the hospital premises and He was being escorted
by motorbike riders. A Vedam contingent received Him at the entrance with the
traditional Poorna Kumbham. Lord Ganesha, the one who ensures an obstacle-free
path for any endeavour, had been installed at the entrance and a yellow curtain
had been drawn in front of Him. As Swami neared the spot, He was given a remote.
As He depressed the button, the curtains slowly parted and Swami so sweetly
peeped in between the many shoulders that almost obscured His view to see the
curtains move! Swami came out of the car at the door and all the various heads
at the Hospital offered roses to Him. Swami received them all and bunched them
in His hand as a beautiful smile lit up His face and all the faces around. He
went into the main hall where all had gathered. As He entered, bhajans began.
He was taken for a tour of the building. There were five different sections to
seat people. And today, all of them were being occupied by various staff of the
hospital. As Swami passed by each room, He seemed to fulfill the aspirations and
desires of all seated there. Many of them took the opportunity to fall at His
feet while some even offered roses to Him. Swami entered the huge kitchen hall
where a vessel of milk had been placed on the huge stoves. With Swami's
blessings, the staff placed the vessel on the stove. But then, much to their
tension and Swami's amusement, the stove just refused to light. Swami sat
watching their efforts to "light" up! Then a photographer nearby opened the gas
valve which had been shut! Immediately a flame shot up and the milk boiling
began. Swami then blessed the workers and also clothes to be distributed. The
tour continued at the end of which, Swami moved back to the central hall.
He called and created a gold chain for Mr.Manohar Shetty who was instrumental in
the beautiful building coming up so quickly and nicely. He also blessed the
architect. As Mr. Lakshminarayana "explained" to Swami on the various facets of
the hospital functioning, Swami expressed His desire to speak! A tiny table with
an elegant mike was placed before Him. In a short and sweet speech Swami said
that the building was very beautiful, well lit and airy. It was built with a lot
of purity and that Purity must be maintained. He was very happy and said that
soon He would come there again to have either lunch or tiffin with all the
people! There was a lot of excited buzz as Swami said this. Swami was smiling so
wonderfully and He seemed so happy. He called Dr. Neelam Desai and enquired
about how things were going on. He spoke to a few more people and then a plate
of some of His "favourite" eatables were offered to Him. Swami picked up a
groundnut and threw it to His mouth. The force seemed a little more than needed
and it fell hitting His upper lip. Swami was the first to laugh and there was
laughter all around. He so simply teaches great lessons. God is the first to
laugh at Himself! When anyone is able to laugh at himself or herself, there is
happiness all around!
Swami was then requested to partake some snacks that had been arranged. He at
first seemed to tell no, but then smiled as if saying, "Its all right if it
makes you happy!" Swami was then taken to a separate section where the "snacks"
turned out to be a banquet in silverware! Swami just nibbled at a few fruits. He
just wanted to taste a little to please the hosts. But the hosts often feel that
the extent to which the heart is filled is proportionate to the extent to which
the stomach is filled! When some little fried item was given to Him, He let out
a few gentle coughs! Then sipping a little water, so sweetly, like a child that
had overeaten, He said, "Chaalu"! He saw a student staff of the Medical Trust.
He called him and asked him as to where and how he was working. Then He returned
to the main hall. On the way He blessed each and every vessel carrying sweet
prasadam and apples. Once in the main hall, Swami received Aarthi and began to
move out. On the way out too, He blessed everyone and spoke to some of the
people. He blessed the octagenerian, Dr. Bhat, an icon of Urology, with a smile
and abhayahastha.
As He came out, there were hundreds flocking with a thirst to see Him. Swami did
not disappoint anyone. As He moved out, He blessed everyone with abhayahastha.
As He left, He left behind sweet smiles and momentous memories.
Photos: April 14, 2008:
Tamil New year Celebrations
Speeches, Divine Discourse and a skit entitled, 'Prema Vahini'
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