The Invisible arms
A song becomes close to one's heart because of several reasons. It would either be the lyrics which rightly describe your heart or the tune that touches deep within one's soul or the memories which comes right in front of you when you hear that song. There is one such "Special" song to me.
"Sai Bin Raha Na Jaaye
Chain Na Aaye Mohe Chain Na Aaye"
(I just cannot live without Sai.
Without Him, I am constantly restless, without peace.)
Soulful rendering of the "Special" song by Ravikumar Sir
The question one would ask at this point is, why this song ? what's so special in it? As shared in my previous blog (Born a beautiful relationship), Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has entered into the life of this little girl and initiated her on a path towards divinity.
The Crests, Troughs and His Caring Touch
It's not always an easy path in a spiritual journey. We are subjected to so many tests along the way. But our dear Bhagwan choses to walk with us throughout this journey. We might not able to see him nor feel him at every point in that difficult path. But He is always there, making sure you are protected.
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| A mother of mothers |
My life was also subjected to so many tests. It was not always easy. I was going through a tough phase of my life. At one side I was enjoying my spiritual life - bhajans, service, friends .. but on the other side my family was struggling financially. It was a difficult childhood for me as well as for my brother. But I would say I got through those days only because of Swami. He held our hands and didn't leave it from then on. Now you know, why the song remains close to my heart. He was my sole protector without whom I couldn't live.
At that point, my only way was to read well and uplift my parents. So I studied hard. My mother's sacrifices, my father's hard work and my brother's support pushed me forward. Two years passed by and soon I had to face the SSLC exams. And our prayers intensified to score well.
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| He is The Creator |
At that point, my only way was to read well and uplift my parents. So I studied hard. My mother's sacrifices, my father's hard work and my brother's support pushed me forward. Two years passed by and soon I had to face the SSLC exams. And our prayers intensified to score well.
At the backyard of our tuition, there stood a neem tree and a tulsi plant. Surrounding the neem tree was a semi-constructed brick wall where one of my friend saw Shirdi Baba for the first time. We were not allowed to go there except on special occasions. During our public exams, we used to stand at a distance from the room and do a namaskar to Baba. But once we stand at the place to receive his blessings, we can feel the powerful vibrations charging your whole self. Now this place has been built into "Dwarakamayi" and continue to remain as a place of miracles.
When Shirdi Baba lived in his physical body for about 60 years in a mosque, which he always referred as ‘Dwarkamayi’, the Mother of Mercy. It is a place where he eliminated the miseries of millions of people who climbed those steps with utmost faith and complete surrender.
When Shirdi Baba lived in his physical body for about 60 years in a mosque, which he always referred as ‘Dwarkamayi’, the Mother of Mercy. It is a place where he eliminated the miseries of millions of people who climbed those steps with utmost faith and complete surrender.
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| The place where the Divine chose to stay :) |
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| The Holy Tulsi Plant |
The win-win-win formula
After the exams got over, we were advised by our Guru (Mrs. Ponni Vaidhyanathan whom I am forever grateful) to write "Om sri sai ram" 108 times daily and pray to Bhagwan for scoring good marks in our exams. Everyday evening, I used to gather with my friends and start writing the name of the Lord. Also, as an usual practice, everyday sharp at 6PM we would close the eyes, chant and meditate upon the Divine Master. Little did we know at that time, the kind of spiritual practice we were undertaking.
Swami says, "There is water underneath the earth but how can man draw the underground water? There is soil and mud between man and the water. The mud symbolises the worldly transactions and affairs. They need to be removed. The water is available when the mud is removed. On the other hand when a bore-well is installed there, it digs deeper and pumps water from the depths of the earth. That bore-well is the ‘Namasmarana’, chanting of the Lord’s name. Therefore when one puts the bore-well of Lord’s name on one’s tongue, it draws the water of ‘bliss’ from one’s heart."
Swami says, "There is water underneath the earth but how can man draw the underground water? There is soil and mud between man and the water. The mud symbolises the worldly transactions and affairs. They need to be removed. The water is available when the mud is removed. On the other hand when a bore-well is installed there, it digs deeper and pumps water from the depths of the earth. That bore-well is the ‘Namasmarana’, chanting of the Lord’s name. Therefore when one puts the bore-well of Lord’s name on one’s tongue, it draws the water of ‘bliss’ from one’s heart."
Such was the power of Namasmarana. Meanwhile in the summer holidays, we decided to go on a spiritual tour. And guess who had that deciding authority ??? Bhagwan himself. :-) Before going on any trips, we used to put chit to Swami seeking his permission. There were several times when Swami said no and we would be disappointed. But this time he said yes and we were all excited for the trip. 😇
We started early morning with packed lunch and all smiles. We went to so many places mostly temples. One would think that how could a kid find excitement in visiting temples at that age and that too in their summer holidays. Yes, we did enjoy a lot visiting temples and enjoying the serene atmosphere. That is the way Swami has molded us right from the young age, to seek only true happiness.
I once read that there are three types of happiness. Bhagwan lovingly explains us that Priyam, Modam and Pramodam are three types of happiness. For example, when you recall your favourite fruit, you experience some happiness. When you spot the fruit in the market, you feel greater joy! (Modam). Finally, when you procure the fruit and relish it, it gives the greatest joy! (Pramodam). Thus, Priyam is the pleasantness or happiness that arises due to the affection you have on a particular thing, person or object. Modam is the happiness you experience when you come in contact with the things you like. Pramodam is the ecstasy, the real happiness you experience when you actually enjoy the object of your liking. Similarly, the thrill you experience by knowing God’s powers – the manifestation of His Divinity and His love from scriptures and epics is called Priyam. When you put into practice what you heard, you derive the happiness of Modam. You experience Pramodam, the everlasting state of joy and bliss, when you are in Union with God.
We should realize the fact that the true happiness lies in Union with the God !!
Coming back to the story, our day's journey ended with worshiping Annamalaiyar. On the way back home, as I was rejoicing the moments of that blessed day, I was also getting braced for the next day. Why is it so ? Because the next day was our SSLC results..
Let me end this chapter with a question.. Can you guess what score Swami had blessed me with ? ? ? 😍
- Rohini Sai
We started early morning with packed lunch and all smiles. We went to so many places mostly temples. One would think that how could a kid find excitement in visiting temples at that age and that too in their summer holidays. Yes, we did enjoy a lot visiting temples and enjoying the serene atmosphere. That is the way Swami has molded us right from the young age, to seek only true happiness.
I once read that there are three types of happiness. Bhagwan lovingly explains us that Priyam, Modam and Pramodam are three types of happiness. For example, when you recall your favourite fruit, you experience some happiness. When you spot the fruit in the market, you feel greater joy! (Modam). Finally, when you procure the fruit and relish it, it gives the greatest joy! (Pramodam). Thus, Priyam is the pleasantness or happiness that arises due to the affection you have on a particular thing, person or object. Modam is the happiness you experience when you come in contact with the things you like. Pramodam is the ecstasy, the real happiness you experience when you actually enjoy the object of your liking. Similarly, the thrill you experience by knowing God’s powers – the manifestation of His Divinity and His love from scriptures and epics is called Priyam. When you put into practice what you heard, you derive the happiness of Modam. You experience Pramodam, the everlasting state of joy and bliss, when you are in Union with God.
We should realize the fact that the true happiness lies in Union with the God !!
Coming back to the story, our day's journey ended with worshiping Annamalaiyar. On the way back home, as I was rejoicing the moments of that blessed day, I was also getting braced for the next day. Why is it so ? Because the next day was our SSLC results..
Let me end this chapter with a question.. Can you guess what score Swami had blessed me with ? ? ? 😍
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| Waiting for the results Bangaru? What score can I give you??? |
