Ramakrishnan Ramani
2000 Prasanthi Nilayam

Just as most of us, I too was introduced by my parents and grandparents to the ‘person’ in saffron robes and Afro hair as the most venerable ‘form of God’ at an age when I couldn’t distinguish between Lord Rama and Lord Krishna… But the sad fact is that even when I was sitting in His Divine presence as a ‘student’ of His Institute enjoying a unique blessing and trying multiple ways to attract His attention, talk to Him, make Him smile through all antics I could dare display, I was unable to truly fathom the scope of my great fortune. I just wanted His attention. But who was He? Did I understand then? Do I understand today?

When seniors at the ashram and university told us time and again our once-in-a-Yuga opportunity, we smiled with glee at the ‘opportunity’. But did we truly understand? Did we truly utilize our chance? Today when I sit alone and contemplate on Him, I am at awe! Oh my God! We were before the Lord of the Universe! Our Creator! Before that power that was the source of the Big Bang, the Shakti that creates Red Giants and White Dwarves. The power that makes a rabbit’s heartbeat, the beauty behind numerous Nebulae. The Supreme Energy that came as Rama, as Krishna, as Sri Ramana and the Paramahamsa. The Lords of Chidambaram and Srirangam. We saw that power as Sri Sathya Sai. As I think of this deeply, my hair stands on end. What an immense phenomenon – one that the mind can never comprehend try as it might. Yet, in His infinite grace and love, He let us play with Him, toy on Him! Holding our hands and helping us take one faltering step at a time in our magnificent journey to Him.

Brothers and sisters! I do not know whose blessings gave us this immense good fortune. Let us not lose it! They say that the Sages and the Gods awaited His Darshan, while we happily munched on Pulla Reddy sweets. This may bring a smile on your face, but isn’t it true? In those moments of pure gustatory pleasure did we forget His significance?

Bhagawan is too great to comprehend – every time I try to ‘contemplate’ about Him, I am at awe. Just to think about those moments with Him is a treasure worth counting again and again and again – throughout our lifetime.

I have only one humble prayer to our Lord… Divine, merciful Lord! Please forgive my trespasses. I did not understand my chance then and I still do not completely understand the opportunity I might have let slip by. But, Oh Lord, have mercy on me and leave me not!

Brother Ramakrishnan Ramani is based out of Chennai and works for the communications team of a major IT firm. He is an active volunteer in Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini and is a part of the Vidyullekha team (alumni magazine). He is a member of Rhythmic Energy, the alumni band and occasionally performs with the band.