A Young Boy Helps Build a Hospital
A few years ago at the time when preparations were being made to begin the
Super-Specialty Hospital, Bhagavan Baba seemingly had less time to devote to
the young students. Day and night he was busy with matters relating to the new
hospital. Even after the afternoon darshan he would call together the doctors
and discuss the plans for construction in the most minute detail, as it was to
be a model hospital in every way. Previously after the evening interviews he
would come out and speak to the students and guide them but at this time he was
extremely busy and was unable to see them.
There was one very young student who could no longer bear the separation from
his mother Sai. He wrote a letter to Bhagavan one day and took it during
evening darshan but unfortunately he was sitting a few rows back. When Bhagavan
came to his side, the boy got up and offered his letter to Bhagavan. Bhagavan
Baba stopped, leaned over and made a special effort to take this young boy's
letter.
To say the least the boy was ecstatic. Then the darshan continued and as usual
Bhagavan called a group of doctors for an interview. All the students were
depressed as they had been deprived of the love of their mother Sai yet another
day. Then after about five minutes to their utter amazement, the interview room
door flew open and Bhagavan emerged in all his glory, holding a small letter in
his hand, the letter of the young boy. Bhagavan called that young boy to come
near and asked him, "Boy, should I read aloud what you have written to me in
this letter, so that everyone may listen." The innocent boy replied. "Whatever
you think or wish, Bhagavan". Bhagavan himself read the letter aloud so that
all could hear. The letter was as follows:
Dear Bhagavan:
You have given so much to me and to every one here. you have provided
free education for me and all my brothers and now I hear that you are
constructing a BIG Hospital what will provide the most modern health care
facilities to every section of the society totally free of cost.
Bhagavan! I also want to be a part of your glorious mission but I am just
a small boy and I don't know how I can contribute. Bhagavan, my parents are
extremely poor but in spite of that they send me a little extra pocket money
every month. I know it's due to their love and concern for me.
Bhagavan! For the last three months I have not given my clothes to the
dhoby. While all the other boys were sleeping in the night I washed my clothes
and thus I managed to save a little money. Bhagavan! I have also resisted the
temptations of toffees, chocolates and all the other things and thus managed to
save a little money.
Bhagavan! I offer this 100 rupee note to you. I feel ashamed and small to
give you so little but even if this money can be used to buy a small brick for
the new hospital, I will be the happiest child in the world.
Your Loving Son
You know the twinkle in the eye of a mother when her son does something that
makes her feel extremely proud. Well, that twinkle was there in Bhagavan's eye.
Holding the 100 rupee note in his hand, Bhagavan said to that young boy, "My
dear son, this is not a 100 rupee note for me, this is a note worth millions
and millions of rupees for me."
What do we learn from this? In God's kingdom - power, wealth, position, status,
these are of no importance whatsoever. God only looks to see whether our heart
is pure. God only searches for our love and devotion.
From an article in the monthly magazine, Sanathani Sarathi, February
1995. Published by Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust.
"Whatever talent a person has should be dedicated to the rest of
humanity indeed to all living beings. Therein lies fulfillment. Service to man
will help your divinity to blossom, for it will gladden your heart and make you
feel that life has been worth while. Service to man is service to God, for He
is in every man, and every living being, in every stone and stump. Offer your
talents at the feet of God."
Sathya Sai Baba
.
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