I was not born into a Sai family, nor have I ever been to Prashanti Nilayam. It is only His unconditional love and grace that made me who I am today. I have always been an enthusiastic and energetic person. But there was a period, not too long ago, when I went through a phase of emptiness and disconnect.
My health was deteriorating day by day. The doctors could not figure out what was going on with me. The diagnosis they came up with was that it was a physical condition while others said it was an emotional imbalance, as they did not have any other explanation. Even though the doctors were unsure of my diagnosis, they prescribed various medicines to rule things out. At that time, I was so desperate for a way out and took the prescribed medications however, they gave me severe side effects and left me debilitated.
As a family, we were struggling and that is when my mother came from India to stay and help us out. Both my mother and husband took care of me like I was a newborn child. The only tasks I could do without their help were chanting Vedam daily and hosting weekly bhajans at home. I could not do any other essential tasks and even needed my mother’s help to eat. In her words, “What amazed me the most was that someone who needed help to do basic day to day activities, was ready every Saturday to host bhajans in our home.”
When I look back, I would say that Swami carried me in His arms more than even today. I owe it to only His Grace. I yearn to spend every passing moment with Him and experience His Omnipresence. You are my constant companion, and I would love you selflessly and wholeheartedly with an ever-growing faith. (Poornima, USA)
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My health was deteriorating day by day. The doctors could not figure out what was going on with me. The diagnosis they came up with was that it was a physical condition while others said it was an emotional imbalance, as they did not have any other explanation. Even though the doctors were unsure of my diagnosis, they prescribed various medicines to rule things out. At that time, I was so desperate for a way out and took the prescribed medications however, they gave me severe side effects and left me debilitated.
As a family, we were struggling and that is when my mother came from India to stay and help us out. Both my mother and husband took care of me like I was a newborn child. The only tasks I could do without their help were chanting Vedam daily and hosting weekly bhajans at home. I could not do any other essential tasks and even needed my mother’s help to eat. In her words, “What amazed me the most was that someone who needed help to do basic day to day activities, was ready every Saturday to host bhajans in our home.”
When I look back, I would say that Swami carried me in His arms more than even today. I owe it to only His Grace. I yearn to spend every passing moment with Him and experience His Omnipresence. You are my constant companion, and I would love you selflessly and wholeheartedly with an ever-growing faith. (Poornima, USA)
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Swami has always been a part of my life. When I was six months old, I suddenly fell ill and was losing fluids from my body. My parents consulted various doctors, but nothing seemed to work. Finally giving up all hope, they decided to take me to my grandparent’s place. Just a couple of hours before boarding the train, one of my father’s friends suggested that we consult a particular doctor.
My parents immediately took me to this doctor. He administered the medicines and told my parents that everything would be all right. Carrying the last glimpse of hope, my parents boarded the train as I continued to be sick. The next morning when they reached their destination, they were incredibly surprised to see me laughing and playing with them. Miraculously I was all right. My grandparents were pleasantly surprised to meet us.
Looking back at this incident, I realised that it must have been Swami, and Swami only, who sent this friend to our home and directed us. Incidentally, the name of the doctor who saved my life was Dr Satyanarayana.
However, the incident that brought our family into the Sai fold was after my sister was born. She was about 1.5 years old when she was suffering from an acute cough and cold. She was finding it extremely hard to breathe and was constantly crying. She was turning blue due to the lack of oxygen and my mother could no longer see her suffering. My mother had heard about Swami and the power of vibuthi (holy ash) through a friend and its ability to cure anything. She asked my father and I to get the vibuthi from her friend. As soon as my mother placed the vibuthi in my sister’s mouth, she instantly stopped crying and started sleeping peacefully.
I am eternally thankful to Swami and my loving family. Through this incident Swami came into our lives. (Lakshmi, USA)
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My parents immediately took me to this doctor. He administered the medicines and told my parents that everything would be all right. Carrying the last glimpse of hope, my parents boarded the train as I continued to be sick. The next morning when they reached their destination, they were incredibly surprised to see me laughing and playing with them. Miraculously I was all right. My grandparents were pleasantly surprised to meet us.
Looking back at this incident, I realised that it must have been Swami, and Swami only, who sent this friend to our home and directed us. Incidentally, the name of the doctor who saved my life was Dr Satyanarayana.
However, the incident that brought our family into the Sai fold was after my sister was born. She was about 1.5 years old when she was suffering from an acute cough and cold. She was finding it extremely hard to breathe and was constantly crying. She was turning blue due to the lack of oxygen and my mother could no longer see her suffering. My mother had heard about Swami and the power of vibuthi (holy ash) through a friend and its ability to cure anything. She asked my father and I to get the vibuthi from her friend. As soon as my mother placed the vibuthi in my sister’s mouth, she instantly stopped crying and started sleeping peacefully.
I am eternally thankful to Swami and my loving family. Through this incident Swami came into our lives. (Lakshmi, USA)
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I dozed off while waiting for darshan and I woke up to the commotion around me only to realise that Swami had entered the Sai Kulwant Hall for darshan. Swami was on the dais getting ready to speak. I took a moment to compose myself, closed my eyes, and prayed, “Swami, do not start yet. I have heard your voice various times in recordings, I know what your voice sounds like, but it is the first time that my ears are about to be blessed with your Divine voice in real life.”
I paused to see what Swami was doing and He was drinking water very slowly. I continued to pray, “Everyone and everything in the ashram will be blessed by your voice and its vibrations. Swami, I am now ready, you can start with Prema Swa…(Embodiments of Love).” Before I could finish my sentence, Swami started the discourse with ‘Atma Swarupalara’ (Embodiments of Divine Atma). During the discourse, He mentioned that a person's hand has five fingers. He further elaborated on how the other four fingers struggle to function as one unit without the thumb and how the thumb is not closely attached to the other fingers by being on its own. Hence, Swami encouraged all devotees to be like the thumb to be a part of society but yet not be attached.
Throughout the years, the hand analogy has been my constant reminder regarding attachment to the material world only to understand that there is another aspect to attachment that Swami mentioned, namely attachment to thoughts.
Attachment can dismantle all efforts put towards any sadhana (spiritual exercise) or a person’s physical, emotional, or psychological wellbeing. A constant reminder for me of non-attachment to thoughts is self-acceptance and self-love. Seeking happiness from within is of prime importance to find the Atma (soul). (Hema, USA)
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I paused to see what Swami was doing and He was drinking water very slowly. I continued to pray, “Everyone and everything in the ashram will be blessed by your voice and its vibrations. Swami, I am now ready, you can start with Prema Swa…(Embodiments of Love).” Before I could finish my sentence, Swami started the discourse with ‘Atma Swarupalara’ (Embodiments of Divine Atma). During the discourse, He mentioned that a person's hand has five fingers. He further elaborated on how the other four fingers struggle to function as one unit without the thumb and how the thumb is not closely attached to the other fingers by being on its own. Hence, Swami encouraged all devotees to be like the thumb to be a part of society but yet not be attached.
Throughout the years, the hand analogy has been my constant reminder regarding attachment to the material world only to understand that there is another aspect to attachment that Swami mentioned, namely attachment to thoughts.
Attachment can dismantle all efforts put towards any sadhana (spiritual exercise) or a person’s physical, emotional, or psychological wellbeing. A constant reminder for me of non-attachment to thoughts is self-acceptance and self-love. Seeking happiness from within is of prime importance to find the Atma (soul). (Hema, USA)
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When I was about 5 years old, my mother would always tell me that “Amma and Appa (Mother and Father) may not always be there for you, but Swami will always be there for you.” In all honesty, I then thought that she was crazy, but it was only about 13 years later that I realised the profound truth in her words.
I had just graduated high school in India and was set, both in my mind and heart, to come to the United States for my undergraduate studies. I did not directly get admission into a university, instead, I chose to go to a community college and then transfer to a university to get my degree. Due to this, I had to build my entire life up, piece by piece, to figure out everything, from food to accommodation.
My mother used to teach in a high school and coincidentally, one of her student's family had just moved to Houston and she was able to get in touch with them. Just a few days before my departure, we were able to connect with the family. It turned out that his father was in Chennai, where I am from, to care for his parents. Uncle gave me a prepaid mobile SIM card which I could use to contact my family as soon as I land in the United States. Swami planned it all so well.
Once I landed in Houston, I contacted aunty, she helped me to settle in and introduced me to the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Houston, which became my second home. I immediately felt at home with my Sai brothers and sisters and of course received so much unconditional love, support, and home-cooked food. Truly, Swami has showered me with the love and care of thousands of mothers. (Sai Prashanth, USA)
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I had just graduated high school in India and was set, both in my mind and heart, to come to the United States for my undergraduate studies. I did not directly get admission into a university, instead, I chose to go to a community college and then transfer to a university to get my degree. Due to this, I had to build my entire life up, piece by piece, to figure out everything, from food to accommodation.
My mother used to teach in a high school and coincidentally, one of her student's family had just moved to Houston and she was able to get in touch with them. Just a few days before my departure, we were able to connect with the family. It turned out that his father was in Chennai, where I am from, to care for his parents. Uncle gave me a prepaid mobile SIM card which I could use to contact my family as soon as I land in the United States. Swami planned it all so well.
Once I landed in Houston, I contacted aunty, she helped me to settle in and introduced me to the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Houston, which became my second home. I immediately felt at home with my Sai brothers and sisters and of course received so much unconditional love, support, and home-cooked food. Truly, Swami has showered me with the love and care of thousands of mothers. (Sai Prashanth, USA)
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I started singing Sai bhajans at the tender age of four and one of the first bhajans I learned was an offering to little Krishna. My imagination was further kindled by my grandmother’s stories of little Gopal and my childlike imagination would allow me to run wild with Krishna on green pastures with His young calves. One of the most incredible discoveries I made was that the cows were very dear to Krishna and He would protect them from demons and was even ready to give up His life for the cows. One of Swami’s first projects was to set up a Gokulam at Puttaparthi as He dearly loved and honoured the cows as mothers and would personally select a unique saree for each cow.
When the pandemic hit us, I was incredibly blessed to volunteer with farm rescue sanctuaries. We started rescuing newborn orphan calves, baby goats, and old spent cows from traumatic situations. Sometimes we urgently rescued a calf by placing them in the backseat of our cars. Raising orphan calves was a very challenging task and Swami was constantly holding my hand through beautiful dreams and miracles. Once in a dream, He even transformed Himself into a beautiful animal to show that He is the indweller of all beings. We rescued about 23 cows and 9 goats. The pregnant cows and goats gave birth to beautiful offspring at the sanctuary and it was so heartwarming and fulfilling to see them raise their calves in peace.
I often think about the promised ‘Golden Age’ and sincerely feel that we can truly usher in this age of love by expressing our sincere gratitude to these beautiful beings through service. As Swami once said it is our supreme duty to protect the animals and not treat them just like commodities. All His life, Swami lived this example by showing great love towards all animals. (Sai Santosh, USA)
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When the pandemic hit us, I was incredibly blessed to volunteer with farm rescue sanctuaries. We started rescuing newborn orphan calves, baby goats, and old spent cows from traumatic situations. Sometimes we urgently rescued a calf by placing them in the backseat of our cars. Raising orphan calves was a very challenging task and Swami was constantly holding my hand through beautiful dreams and miracles. Once in a dream, He even transformed Himself into a beautiful animal to show that He is the indweller of all beings. We rescued about 23 cows and 9 goats. The pregnant cows and goats gave birth to beautiful offspring at the sanctuary and it was so heartwarming and fulfilling to see them raise their calves in peace.
I often think about the promised ‘Golden Age’ and sincerely feel that we can truly usher in this age of love by expressing our sincere gratitude to these beautiful beings through service. As Swami once said it is our supreme duty to protect the animals and not treat them just like commodities. All His life, Swami lived this example by showing great love towards all animals. (Sai Santosh, USA)
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Ever since I was six years old, Swami has played a significant role in my life. Since I was a child, life has not been easy as I was raised by a single parent who had to work multiple jobs to provide for me. We stayed at my grandmother’s home who helped to sustain us. As a child, I also suffered from a reading disability which affected me throughout my life and made it challenging for me to study at school. Attending the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes at an early age helped me. When I was young, I did not see the value in attending these classes at all. I did not realise how Swami helped me battle through the pain that I was going through at that time.
Now that I am a young adult, I understand the reason why Swami guided me on this path. He has moulded me into a person who can inspire others going through similar issues in their lives. Even though I struggled as a child, I have still been able to achieve success in my studies by graduating with honours in high school and obtaining admission to college to pursue a four-year degree. I thank Swami for this opportunity and all the things that I have learned in SSE. If not for His positive insight into my life, I would not be the person that I am today. I know this is not the end and am looking forward to the next chapters of my life. One of my favourite quotes from Swami, that has stayed with me ever since I was a little girl, is “Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realise it! Life is a game, play it! Life is love, enjoy it!” For me, this quote means to enjoy everything that I have in life and not to take anything for granted. (Savina, USA)
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Now that I am a young adult, I understand the reason why Swami guided me on this path. He has moulded me into a person who can inspire others going through similar issues in their lives. Even though I struggled as a child, I have still been able to achieve success in my studies by graduating with honours in high school and obtaining admission to college to pursue a four-year degree. I thank Swami for this opportunity and all the things that I have learned in SSE. If not for His positive insight into my life, I would not be the person that I am today. I know this is not the end and am looking forward to the next chapters of my life. One of my favourite quotes from Swami, that has stayed with me ever since I was a little girl, is “Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realise it! Life is a game, play it! Life is love, enjoy it!” For me, this quote means to enjoy everything that I have in life and not to take anything for granted. (Savina, USA)
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I was working abroad years ago and one of my colleagues, who also happens to be a Sai devotee gifted me a book on Swami. While reading the book, I came across the concept of Self-realisation. At that time, I did not dwell on the subject, but this idea of Self-realisation was reinforced when I witnessed my Ammamma (grandmother) breathing her last breath. I thought to myself that the ultimate goal of this life is Self-realisation.
In 2016, I visited the Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree in Puttaparthi. While I was there, I thought deeply about how I wanted to learn about Self-realisation. Two years later, I found myself with a group of like-minded young adults serving Swami in the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana of Love Subcommittee.
The subcommittee's main focus was centred around Self-confidence, Self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice, and Self-realisation which is also known as the 4S. My wish of being on the path to Self-realisation was fulfilled. Being in the subcommittee has helped me to better understand Swami's teachings on the 4S as I am learning throughout this journey about Self-realisation.
There have been instances in my life when things have not turned out as I have planned and when this happens, I get stressed and anxious. Last year, there was a time when despite putting effort into a particular task assigned to me, I was not seeing the results I had expected. One fine morning, I dreamt that Swami handed me a sweet. Through this dream, I realised that Swami gave me His Divine assurance that I need not worry about the results of undertaking any particular task for Him, for He is the Doer, and I am but a mere instrument.
Thank you, Swami, for making your Divine timing prevail in every aspect of my life and for having the best plans in store for me. (Yakshi, Mauritius)
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In 2016, I visited the Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree in Puttaparthi. While I was there, I thought deeply about how I wanted to learn about Self-realisation. Two years later, I found myself with a group of like-minded young adults serving Swami in the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana of Love Subcommittee.
The subcommittee's main focus was centred around Self-confidence, Self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice, and Self-realisation which is also known as the 4S. My wish of being on the path to Self-realisation was fulfilled. Being in the subcommittee has helped me to better understand Swami's teachings on the 4S as I am learning throughout this journey about Self-realisation.
There have been instances in my life when things have not turned out as I have planned and when this happens, I get stressed and anxious. Last year, there was a time when despite putting effort into a particular task assigned to me, I was not seeing the results I had expected. One fine morning, I dreamt that Swami handed me a sweet. Through this dream, I realised that Swami gave me His Divine assurance that I need not worry about the results of undertaking any particular task for Him, for He is the Doer, and I am but a mere instrument.
Thank you, Swami, for making your Divine timing prevail in every aspect of my life and for having the best plans in store for me. (Yakshi, Mauritius)
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I have been blessed with Swami’s grace all my life. He has helped me on several occasions. One particular period of my life where He has helped me is when I had taken a calculus class for my major studies at college. It was extremely hard for me and at one point, in the semester, I left the class. I was upset and clueless about how to ace the subject. Then in the summer, I enrolled in the calculus class again which was for six weeks. When the class started, my professor announced that only quizzes and tests were going to be counted in this class. I was extremely nervous and prayed to Swami to guide me through this class.
Throughout these six weeks, I made sure to study diligently and revise all the study materials provided in class. By Swami's grace, I was able to succeed in calculus class. This is an achievement of which I had never dreamt. I thank Swami every day for all His blessings and grace. Without Swami, nothing in my life would be possible. (Ishwara, USA)
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Throughout these six weeks, I made sure to study diligently and revise all the study materials provided in class. By Swami's grace, I was able to succeed in calculus class. This is an achievement of which I had never dreamt. I thank Swami every day for all His blessings and grace. Without Swami, nothing in my life would be possible. (Ishwara, USA)
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I am blessed to have been born into a Sai family as a fourth-generation devotee and to have the opportunity to attend Balvikas and travel to Puttaparthi. Over the years, Swami was my constant support - the one who I would think of in times of dire need or imminent dangers. He would always help me and I would thank Him profusely. I carried on with my life while thinking about how Swami chose to be part of my life. Amidst challenging circumstances, with an assurance to never forsake me, I held onto Swami’s words, “Why fear when I am here" and realised it is not just merely a quote by Him.
Swami became the only loyal friend that I have ever had. He was the friend I had been searching for all my life. During trying times, I realised, that when there is no one, He has been a real blessing. Just being able to utter Sai’s name or think of His breathtaking form is a blessing by itself. Today, I have my own “personalised” Swami with me at all times - actively guiding me and testing me with those long silences yet always reassuring me that He will never let go of my hand! I live my life with this firm faith that if I take one tiny step toward Him, He will take a hundred steps toward me, protecting, and guarding me as the eyelid protects the eye. (Nivedita, USA)
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Swami became the only loyal friend that I have ever had. He was the friend I had been searching for all my life. During trying times, I realised, that when there is no one, He has been a real blessing. Just being able to utter Sai’s name or think of His breathtaking form is a blessing by itself. Today, I have my own “personalised” Swami with me at all times - actively guiding me and testing me with those long silences yet always reassuring me that He will never let go of my hand! I live my life with this firm faith that if I take one tiny step toward Him, He will take a hundred steps toward me, protecting, and guarding me as the eyelid protects the eye. (Nivedita, USA)
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At the age of 13, I received the Divine call to go on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam. Growing up in India, I would save my pocket money by taking the bus to school instead of the auto rickshaw so that I could go to Prasanthi Nilayam every six months to see Swami, and each of my pilgrimages were marked by an indelible encounter.
As Swami is Antaryami (inner witness), there are no secrets with Him, and He has made sure that I understood this reality. I used to look forward to His Divine darshans as His physical presence made me feel a source of joy, peace, and strength. As years rolled into my adolescence, I could never be anything but Swami’s good boy, because I felt that He would know about all my whereabouts. He was, is and will continue to be my moral compass.
He inspires me to perfection, grace, and subtlety all of which have shaped my personality and have influenced my career path. His teachings are unfathomably deep and transcendental. He is beyond human capability as He has said, “In truth, you cannot understand the nature of My reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort.” And I have understood this. (Aditya Ayyagari, Canada)
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As Swami is Antaryami (inner witness), there are no secrets with Him, and He has made sure that I understood this reality. I used to look forward to His Divine darshans as His physical presence made me feel a source of joy, peace, and strength. As years rolled into my adolescence, I could never be anything but Swami’s good boy, because I felt that He would know about all my whereabouts. He was, is and will continue to be my moral compass.
He inspires me to perfection, grace, and subtlety all of which have shaped my personality and have influenced my career path. His teachings are unfathomably deep and transcendental. He is beyond human capability as He has said, “In truth, you cannot understand the nature of My reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort.” And I have understood this. (Aditya Ayyagari, Canada)
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