Vijay Prasad
2007 Prasanthi Nilayam
What if I said Swami means nothing to me? Absolutely nothing! If you are befuddled, I invite you on a journey.
In my first grade at His school in Ooty, Swami paid us a visit. I had never seen Him in person before. And to a 5-year kid, the Afro hair and mysterious waves of His palm seemed unusual. Scary perhaps! But in one session with Him, Swami gave everything from chocolates, sweets to His personal attention to seemingly every kid. Enquiring about our names and seeking other sundry details, He broke the ice with the most sparkling twinkle one could ever seek in anyone’s eyes. By the end of a week’s stay, He had us all in tears as He made His departure. He gave all, His all. For Himself though, He sought nothing.
Ten years after this first exchange, I was extending my palms to Swami one evening in Sai Kulwant Hall. Nestled rather unstably in my palms were two pens. It was 10th grade exam time and I devoutly sought some Divine insurance for remarkable results. I prayed, “Swami examsundhi. Anugrahamkaavali.” He materialized Vibhuti and gave it to everyone, save me. Not accepting my letter either, for me He reserved a stare and proceeded to the interview room. After the interview, He gave me a second chance. Swami gestured me towards Him. I had done my soul searching. This time I prayed, wisely, “Swami andhariki exam undhi. Andharikimeeanugrahamkaavali.” (I sought grace for exam – this time for all). Swami’s eyes lit up and with one circle of His palms He materialized Vibhuti and gently sprayed it over the two pens I was holding. He left me with these words, “Andhariki pray cheyi. Nuvvuandhulounnavu” (Pray for all, you are part of all). Again for Himself though, He sought nothing.
Ten years after this incident, I am graduating with a professional degree from Swami’s university. It’s the Convocation Day and we are seated at Sai Kulwant Hall waiting for Swami and the chief guest. Lost in a reverie, I feel a sudden lump in my throat. I have studied in Swami’s Institutions for close to 2 decades. I have been treated at His Super and General Hospitals. I have been witness to the value of Swami’s water projects while participating in GramaSeva. Yet what I haven’t seen is a billing or fees counter. Anywhere! Anytime! I think of the teachers, staff, doctors, SevaDals. My teachers at the University brass band. None has ever sought anything from me, but my own welfare. Swami has rubbed off on them. I am moved that Swami has sought nothing. Ever!
Wait a minute. Swami has asked for something all along. Love. And I wonder what it is? I take a deep breath and the truth strikes me. When we inhale we are permitted life’s next dose of fresh air only if we exhale. Only if we don’t seek to possess! Only if we learn to let go! In His seeking nothing, Swami became my everything. My life breath. My life.
Brother Vijay Subramaniam Prasad studied in Swami’s schools at Ooty and Prasanthi Nilayam from 1st grade till MBA. He was part of the Institute Brass Band and gave public speeches in Divine presence.