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When we observe Swami, so untiringly carrying out his mission of establishing values on a firm footing, when we see our children turning to goodness and behaving correctly, when we see Swami bringing peace to a broken world family, we shed tears of gratitude.
A Sparkling Vision
Following is an experience I had with Sai Baba on this trip that deepened my vision about the importance of human values in life in general and in my practice of psychiatry in particular. Gratitude about the healing power of human values leads us to a determined practice of these values.
One morning I was siing on the porch of the ashram temple just before early morning darshan (seeing the Lord). I soon became aware that this was a special morning. Microphones were being set up on the porch. It was the morning of Ganesha’s birthday (the elephant headed Hindu God of wisdom, detachment, and strength, who removes obstacles). The colorful arrangements of flowers, banners, and ground paintings, and the large gathering of people created an air of excitement. I sat back with full enjoyment watching the preparation. At such special events, the best musicians and singers of India come to play and sing for Swami. All of a sudden there was stillness, signaling the start.
There was pure sweetness in the singing that came directly from hearts full of devotion. It was extraordinary to feel the love flow without obstacles, holiness in the early morning sun that bathed us in sweet jasmine. Suddenly, from being a cool observer, I started to weep. Why is it that in Swami’s presence, quite unexpectedly and without warning, we find ourselves in tears? It must be that we recognize sacredness, and we thus shed tears of devotion. From this unique place of delight, I had a special vision of Swami. Moments like this change my view of reality. Something new is seen and felt; the heart changes.
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