Rare Spiritual Treasure: "Divine Games of Bala Sai" by V.R. Krishna Kumar

Excerpts shared for educational and spiritual purposes with reverence to the author. This project is a non-profit initiative, offered as a labor of love and selfless service.

Jeevitfodfaramu

SANCTITY OF LIFE

If the opportunity of divine vision can be considered as past merit, the divine dialogue with the Lord can be considered as His grace, and the divine touch can be considered as salvation, the wise said. All three were granted to our family, in this era of Kali, by our compassionate Lord Sai. He became 'our-everything', from the moment we saw Him. If we begged for food He fed us nectar, but this magnificence was realised by us only latter. Bhagawan always knew what had to be done, and when it had to be done! For this we had to fully surrender to Him.

While involved in the service to the Lord, we may forget about thirst and hunger. In the same way, when Lakshamana was in the service of lord Rama during His exile, he never felt thirst, hunger or sleep. Mother Seetha observed this and took care of his needs. At the same time, it was not easy to become a recluse and ask for nothing. Those who had left their families and settled at Puttaparthi, never felt the separation from the family, because the atmosphere at the Old Mandir was electrified by Bala Sai's love. When we stayed there for months, we totally forgot about homes, and never felt separated, but in fact drifted in bliss. From day one, we received such a golden gift from Swami. This was the magnificence of His enormous love and the strength of His divine will.

DISTURBED COUPLE

Once a small family arrived at the Old Mandir and a newly married couple was among them. Did not Swami know about their arrival? Before they could set foot, His plans were ready! The strange aspect was, though the plan was set, He would not talk to them immediately. The arrows He would shoot would slyly pierce them, unnoticed and unobserved, by any. The sharp arrows of His sight were stronger than the mighty arrows of Lord Rama! The family members were so engrossed in Swami's talk, they forgot about the purpose of their visit. It was usual for anyone to forget about themselves, in His divine company. We reached the Chitravathi sands, as usual, in the evening. Swami started about the principle of Sathya, the truth. Unless people fully surrendered to Bhagawan, they would not fully understand His principles. He gave Vibhuti to everyone, but the boy of that group got a talisman. He was confused and did not know what to do. Swami had noticed the couple crying as He was talking. He told the boy to tie the talisman on his wife's left arm, but he was afraid to even look at her. If this was the case, how would he tie the talisman? So, his mother was asked to do it, but she was also hesitant! After this, the boy fell at Swami's feet and said, "I had committed a great sin. My pathetic condition was all due to the way I treated my first wife". Swami sympathetically said, "At least now you have realised your fault This is good! So, your mother and you both together tie the talisman on her!" Looking at his wife Swami commanded her to come forward and lift her left hand. She obeyed His order, like an obedient child. Swami blessed them and sent them away. Though we did not understand what spirit He had driven away-if it was the spirit of the first who had died due to torture they did return back as a happy family.

There are many reasons for the Lord to descend on the earth. To uplift the people He may even use His devotees to play an important role. Many a time He may not do anything in person, directly involving Himself. He may select someone to accomplish a task, and that person may not be aware of it, also. Many great beings like Kabir, Ramdas, Tulasidas, Thayagaraju, Jayagovinda, Jayadeva, etc, were entrusted with a particular task to accomplish. It would not be possible to consider one as great and the other as less. AH these tasks were done for the Welfare of the people. But at certain time, the Lord Himself shoulders the responsibility. Whenever the Lord tested His devotees, many felt this as His play. The secret of His play was to mould them in a better manner. He put me to tests many a time and even made me face the danger of losing my life. But He did save me, at the right time. The One Who tests, also saves. I shall tell you about this later.

SNAKE DANCE

In those days, journey to Puttaparthi was as difficult as journey to Kashi. Sometimes after much difficulty, we used to return back to our village Kuppam. Guess what would come the next day? It would be Swami's letter, asking me to come back, for reasons only known to Him. There was no question of declining His order. I would get ready in no time and start the tedious journey back to Puttaparthi. As usual; a garland for Swami, made by the family, with the famous Marigold flowers grown in these areas, mixed with Dhavanam, Margadam, Jasmin, etc, would enter the basket. People would be 'sent to collect good custard-apples, mangos, jackfruits, and I- would carry as much as I could lift.

The next day, I was stranded at Penugonda, as there was no bus service to Puttaparthi, due to some disturbance. Instead of wasting time, I piled up the luggage on my back and started walking towards Puttaparthi, a trek of about 30 KMs. Due to the heat, the progress was slow, and I continued the journey, with the belief that Swami would take care of everything. When I saw some farmer drawing water from the well my thirst took over me, and I went towards· the well. Suddenly, I stepped on something soft and suddenly stopped. The farmer saw my bewilderment and came running towards me. When he asked me if I had stepped over a snake, I literally made a snake dance, saw something moving away underneath! I did understand if this was auspicious or not, but I was shocked, and my heart was pounding away. He explained that I must have stepped over a snake that had not been seen by them for years, though they had been working on the same field.

At last, somehow, I reached Puttaparthi late in the evening. Compassionate Bala Sai received me at the gate and granted me Padanamaskar. He immediately opened the basket and wore the garland, right in front of everyone there. He moved around, showing His grandeur with stylish steps and commented that I had danced on a snake! "If something would have happened to Murthy, I He would have been held responsible by his parents", Swami commented. People did not understand anything, until I explained to them later about the snake I had stepped up on. He arranged for food, as I had walked all the distance without having anything to eat. Was there anything that was not known to Him? Like this, I had travelled to Puttaparthi many times. If you think that He had given me all the trouble, it would be necessary to note that He had taken care of everything, stood as a guide and guarded me all along, like a Guru saving His disciple.

It was in the same way that Shankaracharya saved his disciple, who tried to recover the clothes of his Guru that were being washed away in the river in spate. Every dangerous step he put forward, landed on a Padma, a lotus that appeared from on where. He did retrieve his Guru's clothes, and the Guru named him Padmapada, the one with a lotus foot. If you tread towards the Lord with firm determination, He shall surely take care of your safety. In the same way, Swami had ensured the safety of the people who came to Puttaparthi, beyond any count.

SIDDA PURUSHAS

Swami once started talking about Sidda Purushas, great beings with immense powers. How did they achieve so much power? Why cannot any human being acquire such powers? Swami said that the main reason for this was that they were not yet ready, or Siddam. The evaluation of a Sidda Purusha was based on Sadhana and experience. The so-called Pundits or heads of institutions, thriving to take leadership, may not be even aware of this. But some of them, having competence, may wonder if this was possible in the real sense. The Puranas describe about 18 Sidda Purushas and conferred upon them this rare title. Going a little further, Siddi would also mean accomplishment or achievement. With all the attributes, they cannot be considered as gods. Even many demon kings acquired many such powers, but they perished. Though Ravana, Narakasura, Kamsa, Basmasura, etc., were great demons, at par with the Sidda Purushas, due to abuse of power, they diminished. It was not. enough to acquire great powers, but it was very essential to make good use, of it, in tune with the changing times. Only those who cross all these hurdles may be treated at par with God. Though Lord Rama was God incarnate, to prove His might to Sugreeva, He had to bring down many trees with one arrow that returned back to Him. Lord Krishna proved His might (Siddi) by lifting the Mount Govardhan on His little finger. Such things had happened and are happening, even in this period of Kali, Swami confirmed. Rockets are being launched; with modern machines, many unimaginable things are being achieved, in the passage of time, In those days, these were achieved with Mantras and now by Yantras, machines. Day by day, the use of science has increased, Swami said.

WALKING ON WATER

In a similar manner, our Bala Sai had also revealed His powers by doing so many great things, way back in those days. It was our fortune to have witnessed these, due to our proximity to Him. One night, I woke up while sleeping in His room, due to some sound. Swami was going out of the room and I followed Him. He moved fast towards the Sathyamma temple and crossed the pond that was there behind the temple, in those days. He walked on the water as if it was firm ground. I got confused and started following Him. If I had taken one more step I would have plunged into the water. Swami dashed back with much speed and pushed me back. He had stopped me at the edge of the pond. Only then did I become fully conscience and realised where I was. After this, we both returned back to the room. All this happened in no time, in a mystic manner.

The next day, Swami got angry with me for having followed Him at such an odd time. I humbly expressed that it was my usual habit. At that time, Seshagiritata came there and Swami commented, “Wherever there are Angels it was customary to have demons also. For quite sometime one evil spirit was going around, but its fate came to an end yesterday!”Latter I came to know that the water calamity that endangered my life was averted that night.

FLOATING IN AIR

Now you have to heart about the water episode, and you yet to hear about the air episode. If the Old Mandir was adjoined by Puttapathi village on one side, there was visit open space on the other site towards the hills. Once, in the dead of the night, Swami went out of His room, and I followed Him. He moved towards the open area with such speed that I remained behind Him, in spite of all my efforts. I observed that He was conversing loudly, with someone, who was not visible. His voice become louder with anger, and He started floating in thin air and moved far away from my vision. By the time I could think of some way to follow Him or even what to do, He came back speedily and landed before me. I felt that He must have chased away some evil spirit. Previously, it was on the other side of the Old Mandir, by running over water, and now it was on the opposite side, by flying in thin air. However, I pestered Him to know more about this, I never got a reply. After some years, in the same open space, Prashanthi Nilayam took shape. During that time, I thought that he had done everything necessary, before it could come up. His Leelas are surely beyond human comprehension.

TRANCE

Trance, leaving the body behind to accomplish something, could be considered as a mystic power. If the body was left behind and the spirit entered some other body, with a purpose, it was defined as 'Parakaya Pravesham'. This was possible only to a few, having certain powers. It was stated that Adi Shankaracharya left his body and entered the body of a king, to get to know the facts that could not be experienced by a devout bachelor like himself. But this was not necessary for Swami, for He was the all-knowing Lord, the embodiment of the Atma. Whenever He went in trance, it was only to save someone in danger, · but not for experiencing anything. There was nothing not known to Him. This was the vast difference between Sidda Purusha and the Almighty, Swami explained.

Swami would go in trance without any showing any signs. Once, while standing on the stairs and talking to some devotees, He just collapsed. Fortunately, I was standing near Him, and I held Him, avoiding a bad fall. It was necessary to be vigilant always. The devotees started shuddering, as He was not speaking, and the body had become cold. We slowly carried Him to His room and made Him lie on the cot. The news spread like fire, and many people arrived. I did not move out of His room and constantly looked at His lame body. As He was breathing, I did not get pe1turbed. Swami's parents arrived and informed that many times, He had fainted like this. Many people did not know that this was Trance. There was on hint of time, place, or anything for this to occur. My father also would faint suddenly, due to weakness and sometimes due to fits. Our doctor had advised us that medical care was very essential at such times, and at any cost, breathing should not stop. If necessary, artificial breathing had to be given, to save the life.

But trance was entirely different, and I had some knowledge of it. After some time, a great power seemed to have returned back to the body, and Swami started sweating. His body became warm, and He started stretching His body. I had started fanning His with a hand fan, to make His comfortable. To leave behind the body and go about on some purpose was possible only to great beings. There were so many who pretended to have such powers. People with experience would spot such false saints, easily. I am mentioning only a few such incidents, because Swami went in trance frequently, during one period. In case of death, the soul leaves the body and does not return back, but not so in case of trance. Swami may have gone to save someone, but on this occasion, He did not explain anything, and this was my first experience.

AFRICA VISIT

Swami went in trance on one other occasion and did not move for nearly two hours. It was rare to be. in trance for such a long time. At such times, we never moved away from Him for water, food or sleep, and such thoughts never occur. We used to keep fanning Him by hand fan, continuously, as there was no electricity or table fans in those days. Swami had clearly ordered that outsiders should never be allowed close to Him. Even people like Sakammagaru, Seshagiritata, and the other inmates would stand outside His room and peep through the window, to observe what was happening. The much-required patience, for us to remain cool, was also His gift only, and there was nothing much we could do. If we were overcome by panic and torment, we may have ended up doing some nonsensical things. After two long hours, He opened His eyes slowly, and we all breathed a sigh of relief. He became normal within the next one hour, had some coffee and went to sleep. As He seemed to have body pains, I slowly pressed His body, as He slept. Many hours passed off like this, but once in a while He and His eyes and informed us not to worry. The compassionate Lord, even during such times, would think of His devotees and shower His love.

The next day, He had lot of hot water for His bath and looked very relaxed. He expressed that He had been to Africa, “One good man was in great danger and He required My protection. He was seriously injured in a car accident and was stuck in a forest without any help anywhere nearby. The military camp he was attached to was far away. So, I had to go there, to rescue him. Due to much loss of blood, his life was in danger. Even in such a bad condition; he was thinking of God. The whole place was dominated by Christians, but Bhagawan never bothers about race or religion. I entered a hospital in this same form and put them on alert, by speaking their language. I ensured that he was brought to the hospital, and when the doctors were attending on him, I made sure that his wife and children also were close to him. He regained consciousness only after two hours, and there was no danger of life. I blessed him with Vibhuti and told him to come to Sai Baba of Puttaparthi, in India.”

Thus, when he regained consciousness, he was blathering 'India, Sai Baba......!' This was observed carefully by one doctor, and he· happened to be a Sai devotee. He clearly understood what must have happened and explained to him about Sai Baba. The doctor also showed him a locket with Swami's picture that was worn by him. Looking at this, he got excited and shed tears of gratitude. He· did. not forget Swami's call to come to India, and to his surprise, he got an official assignment, to work in India. For a layman this would have looked like an unbelievable fairy tale of a fox reaching Heaven. Even the people in the military camp were in great confusion and ended up with many unanswered questions like, how did the curly haired man enter the restricted area? How did he speak their language?

When Swami explained like this, about His mission to Africa, some of the people may not have believed Him! They were surely in for a surprise! There were also a few who questioned the necessity of Swami going there in person, to save someone who was not His devotee. The eyes of all these people opened when the person who was saved by Swami came to Puttaparthi, with the doctor devotee. Looking at Swami, he shouted in excitement that He was the One Who had saved him in Africa! He shed tears of gratitude and fell at Swami's feet We had to have a thousand eyes to see how Swami looked at him lovingly and enquired about his welfare. Swami blessed them with Vibhuti and bid farewell. From then on, many such incidents happened in far-away Africa and many people started coming from there.

WORLD TOUR

Usually, if the body remained lifeless for more than 24 hours, they would be declared as dead. This would be the worldly way. Once, Swami went in trance for more than a day and only on the third day, He became normal. I had the opportunity to remain dose to Him, and no one had intervened with my presence, by His bedside. People would get depressed and helplessly watch Him through the window, without moving from there, for hours. Water had to be served, whenever He asked for it. Seshagiritata would be ready with coffee, at the right time. All this was taught to me, by Swami. Swami explained later, that He had visited many foreign countries and had spoken to people in English. As they were in great danger, He had to remain there for so long and protect them. He had invited them to Puttaparthi, but they were not having any type of support to come to India. Two of them did come to Puttaparthi and shed tears of gratitude. Usually, newcomers would not fan at His feet, but though they were foreigners, not used to this custom, they prostrated before Him. They held His feet tightly and narrated their experience. As usual, our naughty Lord pretended as if He had not done anything! Now the whole world has started coming to Puttaparthi, and without going in trance He could do anything.

GANGOTRI WATER

Once, some foreigners visited Puttaparthi. They had travelled all over the word, examining various rivers, springs, holy ponds, etc. They had also conducted much underwater research under deep seas, lakes and rivers. They had come to visit Swami, out of curiosity. Will our Man of Miracles ever keep quiet? For some reason, He asked Seshagiritata to serve everyone with Holy Water on that day. The foreigners were wonder- struck, because they had tasted this water at Gangothri. Swami joked, saying that Gangotri was nowhere near Puttaparthi! But they were fully convinced that it was water from Gangotri only. He made them confirm once again, and the same water in the vessel was served to them by Seshagiritata. This time, they in for a bigger surprise. They confirmed that this fragrant water was available only at a remote places not easily accessible to humans! They had taken years of pain and trouble to taste such rare water, and now, only, they could taste it again. Swami had shown such unbelievable Leelas at the Old Mandir, way back in those days. People who could not digest these facts were the most unfortunate.

DUSHARA FLOODS

During one Dushara festival there was so much rain and floods all over. The River Chitravathi was in spate and flowed above the danger level. It was very necessary for us to cross the river, to bring some important items. Though it was Swami's work, we could not succeed, and the same was informed to Him. He just smiled and said, "Start early in the morning and return as soon as possible"! In the morning, when we went there, the. river was flowing in a normal spate, and we could cross. As commanded by Him, we reached back without any delay, after completing the work. We were surprised to note that in no time the river was in such a spate again, and the water was swirling with such a force, it seemed to flow in the opposite direction! The speed of its flow was such! Was there anything in the world beyond His control?

The power of great Saints, Sidda Purushas, and the Divine can never be understood by ordinary human beings. They could win over and control the five elements and use them. as they willed. They fully knew how to use these, without creating any imbalance in nature. Adi Shankaracharaya was described as a great being with many powers, but not as God. He had travelled a lot to spread his message and won many arguments. It was not necessary for our Sai Bhagawan to travel, as He would draw heaps of people to where He resided, and they were free to assess His greatness. No one can ever miss to take note of His control over many things in the world!

IRON GIRDERS

Do you know what would happen, if we did not listen to Swami's command? This happened when Prashanthi Nilayam was being built. Huge iron girders had to be lifted to the terrace level. Everything was being done under His supervision. We lifted two girders using some pulleys, ropes and manpower, and it just moved into the right place. Due to some reason, Swami to go the Bangalore, and He told us not to do any work that would cause danger. Instead of wasting time the next day, during His absence, we tried to lift the third girder to the top. With an our efforts, it would just hang on dangerously and refused to pass through the girders already placed. By chance, if it would have slipped, so many would have been crushed under it. A great calamity was averted, as we aborted our heroic attempts. When Swami came back from Bangalore, we were worried how angry He would become, for not listening to His command.

The next day, Swami came there and pretended not to have observed our previous adventure. We were spared from His wrath, and we started our work in His presence. What we could not achieve in two days, was done in two hours. The remaining girders floated in air and soared into place, just like paper kites. When, as Krishna, He had lifted the Govardhanagiri on His little finger, what was this for our Sai Krishna? When we explained about our previous efforts, Swami just joked, "Oh! The girders must have felt shy to go up"!I was sure that none of us would ever forget that naughty smile of His!

UNREAL TO REAL

There was so much craze for paper flowers and paper buntings of various colours, in those days. We used to make flowers of various colours and sizes. It was our pleasure to decorate the whole place with these, and Swami would also join us. On such an occasion, one Head of an organisation arrived with his disciples. They were not accustomed to paper decorations, as it was not common in those days. They had a good laugh and commented that in this place of Truth, there was Untruth! Such learned people should not have ridiculed like this, even for the fun of it. Would this have gone unobserved by our ever-watchful Bala Sai? In the evening, when all were getting seated, there was a sudden breeze, and the paper flowers caught fire! Within no 'time it spread all over, as we had decked the whole place nicely. The devotees cried 'Sai Ram!' and wondered what would happen next! Swami saw all this with a smile and just raised His Abhaya Hastam (blessing), the hand of protection. The fire just disappeared, and there was not much damage done. People were surprised to see that only some paper flowers were burnt. In spite of witnessing such a great event, the newcomers were still in a joking mood. Swami spoke loudly, “Where there is Truth, Truth alone shall remain!”When they had a close look they saw many real flowers that were fresh and fragrant. They wondered from where did these come, in place of paper flowers seen by them earlier! This was not only a lesson for them, but for us also.

The next day, when we all were seated in the Mandir, the head person, instead of listening to Swami, was boasting about his spiritual knowledge. Swami, with all humility expressed that He did' not have much knowledge about spirituality, but He was not sure if they could understand what little he would say. He drew their attention in this manner and started speaking. They started nodding their heads, as if they knew everything. Suddenly, Swami questioned the head person, “Will you bear with untruth? Do you know, what is the secret of life?” This hit the head person by surprise and he could not come out with answers. He did not even lift his head for a long time. Swami started speaking with a Telugu proverb, “No one knows what was written by Brahma! But some people claim to know everything! How could anyone believe them? The person who heard did not express anything, and the person who said had not seen anything. If the listener was deaf and the one who said was blind, how can they claim to have the knowledge of the secret of life?”The way Swami looked intensely at the head person, he froze like a statue. He must have realised that our Trikalagyani, the knower of the past, present and future, must clearly know the untruth in him and also the secret of his life! Instead of asking for trouble, he preferred to keep silent.

108 WICK-HARATHI

No one could take Bala Sai for granted, due to His innocent looks and humble behaviour. Swami clearly knew when to have a go at someone and make him realise that he was facing the tower of knowledge. Whether a pundit or sadhu, once hit by such a blow, they had no other alternative but to keep their mouths shut. A bird may look small, but its shrill call would be very loud. Our Bala Sai may have looked very simple, but when confronted, the right blow was sure to descend. In spite of this, they did not seem to have learned the right lesson. Will our Bala Sai let go of anything like this, easily? Unless such religious heads were moulded, how could they do anything good for the world? It was customary to give Harathi to Swami after every sessionin the morning, afternoon, and evening, after returning from the Chitravathi and also late in the night. But this was not the case with other religious institutions and temples. They were used to Maha Mangalarathi, one grand Harathi at a specific time, composed of many types of Harathis; starting with one wick, then three, and ending up with 108 or more. The Harathies of soaked ghee wicks, oil lamps, butter wicks, camphor, etc, were placed on plates of various shapes and sizes or on jaggery moulds, or lemons, depending on their likings. It was necessary for them to get ready with all these items before-hand, and many disciples were required for such a task. But this was not the case in the Old Mandir, as each time, only a few pieces of camphor were being lit. That evening, Swami told us to perform Harathi of 108 wicks. Though we were not used to this, we had to obey His command.

We had much difficulty to light all the wicks, and we were struggling. The head person had observed our plight and sent his disciples to help us. As those stalwarts took charge, we, the inexperienced ones, backed out. When they were used to performing so many types of Harathi, the lighting of 108 lamps was nothing for them. The best part of it was, with so many of them on to this simple task, they could not keep everything lighted. When they would almost complete the task of lighting, one or two would go out. Swami entered and commented, “What! Still you people are struggling! When you people could not light these small lamps, how could you the Jyothi within you?”He told them to move away and just lifted His hand. All the wicks lighted up and started burning majestically! They were wonder-struck and looked at this in disbelief. Swami had done such things on many occasions, as already mentioned, Young or old, our mischievous Bala Guru would teach everyone suitable lessons, like this.

Was there, anything in the world Swami could not control? If we recollect what was read till now, we can surely conclude that He was the Master of all elements!

EARTH: Winning over the earth would be to get what was willed from it. From beneath the sands of River Chitravathi, Swami had taken had taken so many things from within that were beyond any count. No one could ever estimate the value of these items. This was how He won over the earth, as seen by me.

WATER: Winning over water would be to keep it control, as willed. Even Mother Ganga had descended in Puttaparthi for the Darshan of Swami, as described by my sister Kumaramma. Swami had blessed many people with some rare Holy Waters of different tastes and a. variety of fragrance, from the same vessel placed in the Mandir. He had walked on the pond behind Sathyamma temple in the dead of the night. Just by His will, He could control floods and bring down a shower of rain from the blue sky above (Full details in ASN). This I would call as winning over water.

AIR: The flying of girders to the top of the terrace of Prashanthi Nilayam building could never be forgotten by me. Prior to this, I had seen Swami float in thin air to chase away something that was never explained by Him later. The Vibuthi and the items that materialised out of thin air, as willed by Him, could be considered as winning over air.

FIRE: Swami had shown us the burning Sun, even after sunset. He had showed us the magnificent Third Eye of Lord Shiva, the brilliant sparks that made many faint. The lighting of lamps or dousing the burning paper buntings, just by snapping His fingers had been witnessed by us many times. These I would consider as winning over fire.

SKY: By sky, I would mean the open space. We had witnessed Swami leave the body, reaching faraway places in no time. The Atma does not have any form, but Swami had appeared in His form elsewhere, far away. He would also take any form He willed, to protect people in need. Had He not conquered vast space, in no time? He was the Master of all the five elements.

RARE WHITE SNAKE

Some foreigners did come to the Old Mandir, during those days. One such group that had gone around the world observing animal behaviour had conducted much research on rare animals. They arrived during the festival of Deepavali, the festival of lights. Abundant flower garlands had arrived from various places. After the Pooja was over, the garlands were stacked away in one corner of the open space, outside the Old Mandir. During that evening session Swami commented why those discarded garlands were still kept there? When some sound came from that direction, we thought it must be due to some rats! After some time, when some dear hissing sound was heard, fear took over. Shortly, a snake peeped out of the heap of garlands. The surprising thing was that it had shiny milky white body, and this was, really, a very rare sight! Its red eyes were shining like burning balls of fire, and its hood was nearly one footwide. Though it was a poisonous animal, it was beautiful and majestic. As it started moving towards Swami, people started moving away. When Swami sprinkled some water towards that direction, it just stayed at that place. The foreigners were- completely dazed, looking at its beauty, and started clicking their cameras. When the snake seemed" to get irritated at the bright flash-bulbs, flashing in its direction, Swami stopped them from clicking more pictures. The crowd started swelling, after this news spread around, and they were ready to: kill the poisonous snake. For about half an hour, it granted its majestic appearance at that very place. Swami arranged for Harathi and seemed to bid farewell. It cooled down, and slowly moved out of the gate towards the old temple of Sathyamma. Besides its majesty, its length also surprised everyone.

The foreigners expressed that they had wished to see a snake like this, which was hardly seen by the humans. They also expressed that they would have even risked their life and gone to any extent to see such a spectacle. It was only then that Swami said it was not an ordinary earthly animal and that its poison could spread to a great distance. Even other animals and birds would not come, close to such a poisonous snake, and it was only for their sake He had brought it here. He also surprised them by saying that it would not appear in any of the pictures clicked by them. As, they were very depressed at this news, He excited them by materialising one picture of the snake and gave it to them. Out compassionate Bala Sai would not disappoint anyone, after having done so much for them. The foreigners fully believed that He could show any wonder on this earth, staying right here at Puttaparthi! If they had been so excited seeing this white snake, what would have happen to them, if they were shown the rarest?

RAREST SNAKE

Once on our way to Chitravathi, Swami asked me to look behind a bush. Did He not know what was there? But it must have been a test for me, I thought. I slowly crept in to find the shred skin of a snake. It looked as if the skin was shred only a while ago. Swami told me to pick it up carefully, and my childhood experience seemed to have come in handy. As already mentioned, some of my favourite games were to climb hills, enter caves, nm into forests, and do all that. was forbidden. Sometimes I used to pull my sister Kumaramma also with me, and I never used to fear such adventure sport and enter into unknown territories. I used to frequently sneak onto Chetrayiswami hill, surrounded by forests, near Kuppam. It was there I had seen shred snake skins, in plenty. The. skins were so thin and fragile they used to break into pieces when lifted. If someone went there for hunting, I used to accompany them. There were bears, and some people believed even tigers were there, but I was not fortunate to have any of these. On the top of the hill there was one natural spring that was very tare for us in South India. The local people believed that the water in that spring came from Kashi, and l loved to drink that water. I never used to mention about such adventures to my family members and even my friends, for the fear of getting some nice thrashing.

As commanded by Swami, I brought the snake skin carefully, without breaking it. Swami played with it like a plastic toy and filled it with fine sand. He enjoyed its snake-like looks, and it seemed to have come alive, after being filled with fine sand! Was there any art not known to Him? When I had a close. look at its hood, I was shocked to see not one but five hoods. Once, Swami had shown a live five-headed snake inside the snake pit in the Old Mandir. We were never allowed to go near that pit, without His presence. Full details are there in my sister's book[1].

When Swami showed this to the foreigners, their eyes just popped out, and they wanted to keep this in a famous museum. Swami declined their offer, saying, “This is a divine secret that should not be seen by everyone. It shall disappear in due course, as the eyes of sinners should not fall on it.” He got the snake buried under the sands. If they would have seen the live five-headed snake, you could imagine what would have happened to them! Such five-headed snakes were seen by us in temples in the form of carvings on stones. Many a time we used to wonder if this was true, or was it myth? After having seen this, we had enough proof of its existence somewhere.

THREE IN ONE

Many a time, Bala Sai created rare fruits that had two or three different fruits-in-one. We also had the pleasure of eating such fruits. Sometimes Swami would materialise fruits as desired by us, though they were not to be found anywhere near Puttaparthi, and even rare fruits that were never seen by us. This was the secret of life that could not be assessed by anyone! Swami said, “Bhagawan can grant anything that is wished!”Once, Swami had given such a rare fruit to my sister Sarala and told her that her wish would be granted. His strange deeds could not be perceived by anyone. When her wish was for a boy baby, she had one daughter followed by another. He again created a rare fruit and assured her that she would conceive a boy baby. But when she ended up with a third girl baby, she decided not to have any more. But Swami had His own way of coaxing her. He created one more rare fruit, and gave all His assurance for a boy baby. She could not overrule His command. Surprisingly, she ended up with the fourth daughter. Really, who could ever understand His Leelas?

Swami would also grant us various fruits plucked from one single tree that never would yield such fruits. What was there in the world that He could not do? Bala Sai's Leelas were unforgettable!

[1] „Anyatha Saranam Nasthi – Other than You refuge there is none” by Smt. Vijayakumari