Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group I | Ms. R.Ramalakshmi

Ms. R.Ramalakshmi,
Retired Headmistress,
28-18, Jesupadam Street,
Radhanagar, chrompet,
Chennai - 600 044.
Tel: 22650590

Mrs. R. Ramalakshmi (65), a retired Headmistress and a Bala Vikas teacher taking classes every Sunday regularly, has many experiences of which she narrates a few in her own words.

'Owing to the grace of Bhagavan, I have had the good fortune of serving as Bala Vikas teacher taking classes every Sunday for the last twenty-five years. I also participate in seva and sing in Bhajans.

My first visit to Prasanthi Nilayam was in 1973 during Gurupoornima festival period. I had then Darshan of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

In 1980, the World Conference on Education took place at Prasanthi Nilayam. I was to attend it. But then my Headmistress was a strict person, and would not give me leave for such purpose. Some friends advised me to tell her a lie, and apply for leave hiding the real reason. I was not inclined to do so. I began praying to Bhagavan for help. Then I had a dream in which Bhagavan appeared in the guise of an orthodox Brahmin. I recognized Him as Bhagavan and Siva Perumal. He told me in the dream, 'give some pretext for the purpose of travel, and go to Puttaparthi. I will take care of you and protect you. Don't worry'. I wrote in my leave letter about some personal need for me to go out of station, and got the leave. I attended the conference. I was at Puttaparthi for 15 days that time. It so happened that I could go and sit in front everyday, and could give a letter to Bhagavan daily about my personal problems. One day Bhagavan remarked in lighter vein, 'why are you giving letters everyday?' I smiled and kept quiet. I returned to my place happily.

In 1986, one of my friends, Ms. Rajalakshmi Ramajayam who now resides at Prasanthi Nilayam in West 5, was going to Puttaparthi. She came to me and said, 'why don't you apply for leave and come?' Both of us went to Puttaparthi. As we both sat in Darshan lines, Swami came and asked my friend to go to the interview room. She told me, 'we both came together. So you can also come with me for the interview'.

'No!' I said, 'only those that are called can go. Bhagavan may ask me to get out if I accompany you'. But she insisted. Therefore, I had to accompany her though feeling guilty inwards.

Generally Bhagavan would check who was going in, and stop those that were going in without being called. But He did not stop me that day. In the interview room, Bhagavan materialized vibhuti and gave it to devotees. When He came to me, He skipped me and gave vibhuti to the next in line without giving to me. This was disappointment to me. It made me feel guiltier. Then Bhagavan took some people to the next room for a private interview. After finishing their interview, Bhagavan sent them out, came to the door and called, 'now Tamilnadu'. My friend went in. I was hesitant. Bhagavan then told me, 'you, too!' So I went in.

During the interview, I requested Bhagavan to give me Padanamaskar. He readily consented and I had Padanamaskar. I also requested Bhagavan to give me an opportunity to serve in the Education wing. 'You may be the Education Coordinator in the Samiti in your place', Bhagavan told me.

'Swami!' I said, 'I don't have mental peace'.

Bhagavan then put His hand on my head by way of blessing. I felt immensely happy and peaceful. I was in a state of ecstasy. Tears began rolling down my cheeks, as I was overwhelmed with emotion by the blissful touch of the Divine Hand.

'You were to get this interview long back', Bhagavan told me, 'but due to some obstacles it was delay. Don't worry. I will take care of you'. This happened the previous day of the Shivaratri.

We stayed on for Shivaratri and participated in the Akhanda Bhajan.

In September 2002, I had throat pain. Doctors made all tests and said that I had tonsils, which needed to be operated. Doctors asked me to come back for surgery after ten days. I returned home and began praying to Bhagavan to avert the threat of operation. I used to take vibhuti with water daily. On the 11th day, I went to the Doctor, who made the tests again. Miraculously, the problem disappeared. The Doctor said, 'There is no need for operation. You have some gas problem for which I will prescribe some medicine'. I thanked Bhagavan as I had felt great relief.

On May 1, 2004 I went to address Bala Vikas students in Chennai. I gave a talk about the five elements in Educare for about an hour. When I was going to the venue, the weather was pleasant. But by the time I finished my talk, the weather turned warm. I was talking to the Education Coordinator and others as to the way of return home from the Centre. I told them, 'Bhagavan will take care of it. He may send a car for me, who knows?'

Just at that moment, a car came that side. I knew the driver.

'What brings you here', I asked.

'I came to pick up the correspondent', he replied. He was nice enough to agree to give me a lift and drop me at my home. Thus Bhagavan arranged for my comfortable return home.'

-- Ms. Ramalakshmi.

(As told to Mr. B.Parvatala Rao at Prasanthi Nilayam on 14.05.2004)