Trumpet as Bhagawan would call him affectionately, Late Walter Maynard Ferguson
was a virtuoso musician cum bandleader who had demonstrated a remarkable
ability to adapt to the musical trends that evolved from the 1940s through the
2000s, surviving the end of big band era and the rise of rock and roll. But,
the most blessed moment in His life came when he was privileged to blow his
trumpet for the Lord walking on two feet in Prasanthi Nilayam…(From Sanathana
Sarathi October 1990)
What Swami means to me is still a Divine and unfolding epic. I know that Swami
is always with me for He has told me so. Yet, I feel the innocence and shyness
of a beginner in His presence. At the Summer Course in 1978 at Brindavan my
wife and I first came to Bhagawan Sai Baba. Baba allowed me to perform a
concert with Vemu Mukunda and his Indian musicians at one Summer Course
session. At the climax of my main solo, Baba sitting in the center of the
stage, rose to His Feet and holding out His arm with palm down, while the
audience cheered, materialized a beautiful jewelled necklace, paused, then made
it larger to accommodate my neck size, which swells when I play. With the crowd
still applauding, Swami garlanded me with this necklace. As He did so He
smiled, close into my eyes, and said, whilst holding before me the gold
medallion hanging on the necklace, "On this I give you Krishna because He
played a wind instrument."
We both laughed. The audience was thrilled. I was ecstatic. Someone in white
asked, "Discourse, Swami?" I heard Swami's voice say, "Already had discourse."
And taking my hand, He led me to the front of the stage, and following His
direction I bowed to the audience. Then Baba, being the perfect master of
ceremonies, held out His other hand for Vemu Mukunda to join us for a final
bow. This was my first experience with Swami. It was fun, joy, mystery,
excitement and sweetness too. That is what Baba meant to me that first day -
and still does, plus much more.
This was my first experience with Swami. It was fun, joy, mystery,
excitement and sweetness too.
During my concert tours for many years now, always Swami's picture and puja
materials are in my dressing room, besides another puja set and pictures in my
hotel room. I do a short meditation and pray to Swami before each performance
regardless of where I am in the world and in my mind I always dedicate my
performance to Him. On the stage there are times when I call Baba by touching
the Krishna on my necklace. It gives me strength and enhances my confidence.
During an important performance, where one is often surrounded by excitement,
anxiety and tensions of backstage, by tuning into Swami I can clear the clutter
from the mind and turn on the joy and creativity. If Swami is always with me
how could I be nervous? Nervousness is created by the mind - so, better to give
the mind to Swami and just play.
Since 1978 Swami has been a part of my actions. When things go right I thank
Swami for His grace. When things are difficult I pray to Swami to direct my
actions to correct the situation be it my fault or the fault of others. In my
personal life as well as career I bring all of my problems to Swami.During an
interview, my wife was having a conversation with Swami about meditation. After
He had lovingly and patiently answered her questions, I asked Swami about "my
meditation". He interrupted me with a sweet playful laugh, pointed to me and
said, holding His thumb and forefinger about half an inch apart -"For you –
very short!"
The summer before the 60th Birthday, Swami said to me, on the verandah of the
Mandir, "So much of western music is so beautiful, would you speak to the
students about your music at the hostel for half an hour twice a week while you
are here?" I was delighted and after talking to them and seeing their
enthusiasm to learn to read and play western instrumental music, I soon
received Baba's permission and support to teach the students with the available
instruments here. When I returned to America my first performance was for the
"International Association of Jazz (Music) Educators" and soon after for the
"National Association of Music Merchants". During the last four years various
companies and individuals from these two organisations have donated to the
S.S.S.B. Institute of Higher Learning many brass and electronic and wood wind
instruments plus marching drums, orchestra drum-set, cymbals, electronic
guitars and piano plus computer programs that teach fingering techniques, music
reading, care of instruments and other important learning materials. So now we
are having a wonderful time during this August of 1990 with all of this modern
equipment.
I cannot describe what a joy it is to teach such talented, well mannered,
intelligent students who are totally devoted to Bhagawan Baba and eager to come
at 6.00 a.m. to learn marches and use the computer. They practise into the
night while still maintaining their high academic levels because they are so
earnestly looking forward to playing for Baba. I have tried to write what Swami
means to me, but really there are no words to fully describe one's relationship
with Bhagawan Baba. Every time I come to Prasanthi Nilayam, I take back into
the world a little more of Baba. Recently I read in "Sanathana Sarathi" one of
Baba's Teachings,
"Be Happy...Be Happy! All will be Happy!"
