“God showers His grace on those who make their parents happy”

The yearning to be a Sai Student was fulfilled when Swami blessed me with a seat for my 11th standard in the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in 2012. Having been in His fold since my childhood, the initial years were filled with a sense of vacuum as I missed the physical form. I craved for Him and He did shower His bountiful love and grace multiple times, reassuring me of His omnipresence.

It was June 2013. I had returned to the hostel after the vacation for my 12th standard. It was also the month of my parents’ birthdays. My heart desired to make it a memorable occasion for them. I remembered my mother mention during a casual chat during the vacation, that she wanted a Swami’s picture with a golden frame at our home in Hyderabad. So, what greater gift than a picture of Swami from Prasanthi Nilayam? With the Warden’s permission, I got a Swami’s picture framed and sent it home along with a letter. It was on the eve of my mother’s birthday that I called them to confirm the receipt of the package. They were so happy that I couldn’t feel more satisfied. My heart was overwhelmed. I had the practice of recording memorable incidents of my life in my diary. The Books and Publications Trust’s diaries have Swami’s quotes on every page of their diary books. As I opened the page with the date 17th June 2013, my eyes went to the bottom of the page to read the quote for the day. It said, “God showers His grace on those who make their parents happy.” 

The joy in my heart knew no bounds. Here was an assurance to me that Swami is always around. If we cannot see Him, it’s a problem with our vision. He is there with us always.

A conversation between God and man

At this point, I am reminded of a conversation between God and man, that I had read on a social media platform. It goes like this:

Man: Are you omnipresent, God?

God: Yes, my dear child. Why do you ask such a question?

Man: I get such thoughts only because you do not respond to me when I need you the most.

(God smiled because it is a constant complaint that all of humanity has about Him)

Man: Why do you smile? Please answer my question.

God: Sure, dear child. Let me take cue from modern technology as that is the most relatable tool for today’s generation. Dear child, I am like Wi-Fi. I am present everywhere, but to connect to me you need the right password. That password is a very simple yet profound five lettered word, Faith.

Isn’t it true? Many times, we let our minds dominate us and question our faith in Swami. The great Pandavas in the Mahabharata also experienced such moments when they questioned their faith in Lord Krishna. Nevertheless, Lord Krishna was always there to guide and protect them. We too are blessed to have our Sai Krishna guide us in all aspects of life. He has given us the royal highway to excellence. The best that we can do is to obediently follow His words.

Limiting the Lord in form and name

It was February 2007. My parents, my uncle and I were in Prasanthi Nilayam to invite Swami for my Upanayanam (sacred thread) ceremony. My father and I got a spot in the special bay in the darshan lines. There was a good chance that Swami would come close to us and we could offer the invitation to Him. We had His name and address elaborately written on the invitation card. On the other side, my uncle was sitting in the middle rows of the devotees’ bay with an invitation card that wasn’t addressed to anyone. Swami came for Darshan and as He does quite uniquely, He spoke to the people seated on the right and to the left of us and moved ahead completely ignoring us. My father and I were dejected to say the least. After Darshan, we met my uncle outside, and he broke the joyous news that Swami had taken the invitation from him. Later that evening, we sat back and analysed the entire episode and understood Swami’s message for us. We had become so narrow in our vision that we had limited Swami to a form, a name, and an address. How can we limit the infinite Lord within these physical attributes? All names are His. All forms are His, and He is omnipresent. This is perfectly stated as a line in a popular Bhajan, “Hum sansaar ke hathon mein, sansaar tumhare charano mein“.

Always let us open our minds and hearts to experience Him everywhere. He is our co-passenger in this journey of life. As He once remarked to Prof. Kasturi who was going on a pilgrimage with his mother and wife. Swami told him, “Kasturi, book three tickets. It’s enough for the four of us”.  To that Sai who is with us, in us, above us, and everywhere around us, let us offer our lives at His Lotus Feet.

Abhishek Subrahmanyam High school Grade 11 & 12, B. Com (Hons) in Brindavan, 2012 – 2017. He was the Band leader of Brindavan Brass Band for two years. After graduation, he did his fellowship in Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini for one year. He hails from Hyderabad.