Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group V | Ms. D. Mahalakshmi

Ms. D. Mahalakshmi, III B.Com (Hons),
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
Anantapur Campus.

Ms. D. Mahalakshmi, a student of the third year B.Com (Hons) of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus narrates a few of her experiences of the Divinity of Bhagavan in her own words.

'When I agreed to join the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, I did it only to satisfy my parents. I was completely dissatisfied otherwise as my dreams of a carefree college life seemed to have been shattered. At that time, I did not realise the value of being a student in His sacred Institute.

It is common knowledge that Swami teaches us a lesson by putting us through several tests. The same was true for me. I was forced to study the subjects which were not to my liking. I did poorly in my studies, particularly in one paper. This demoralized me. Pass or fail, joy or sorrow, nothing matters to Bhagavan. He uses all circumstances as tools to perfect us. I realized that it was my testing period and tried hard to somehow get through the paper. I couldn't do it the second time also. I was totally shattered. This was also a time of realization that, in times of sorrow, the world shuns us. In those moments of depression and sorrow, I turned to my only succour, my sole saviour - Bhagavan.

On the 5th July, 2004, I was seated in the first line for darshan. I found expectant faces all around. I was just one among the pining thousand. After a few minutes, Bhagavan entered the hall and the usual proceedings commenced. He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. As He glided past the students on His way back, He came near me and I seized the opportunity to extend my plaintive letter to Him. He looked lovingly at the letter and said two words which will echo in my heart forever 'Nenu choosukuntanu (I will take care).' This assurance turned a new leaf in my life. With those two words, He built up an unknown power in me. I felt suddenly positive, confident and cared for.

On the Vinayaka Chavithi day of 2004, I made a sketch of Lord Sri Ganesh. As I waited to show my humble creation to the Creator, a thought crossed my mind - had my mother been here, she would have praised my art and made me feel proud. Would Swami notice this small offering? Nevertheless, I fervently prayed to Bhagavan to accept my humble offering of love. When Bhagavan came to bless us, I raised myself in an attempt to show my piece of art to Him. Bhagavan gave a glance at it, smiled beautifully, and blessed me. That look of encouragement and smile of appreciation is the greatest treasure I cherish in my heart. In the most desolate moments, when I miss my parents, I think of Him and He gently brushes away my sorrows with His ceaseless love. Thus, Sai is my Aai, Mai and Tai (Sai is my divine mother).'

-- Ms. D. Mahalakshmi

(As extracted from the souvenir Ananta Prematarangini published by the Anantapur Campus of the SSSIHL on the occasion of the 80th Birthday of Bhagavan)