"How was second round of Payasam?" - By Siddharth Malik
The Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is truly a unique Institution. What
makes it so special is that it provides opportunities to learn myriad, yet very
valuable facets of life. As a young boy, I would see students dressed in white,
eagerly coming for Darshan of our Lord. I often dreamt how nice it would be to
be a student in Swami's College, only to realise that in course of time, the
beautiful Lord would graciously bestow on me this golden opportunity to be a
part of His wonderful system.
I must confess that in Puttaparthi, I actually got opportunities to do things
that I never thought I was even capable of. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire
experience. The homely atmosphere in the Hostel, the most enjoyable lectures at
the Institute, the thought provoking discussions with our revered teachers, the
grandeur of the sports day and so many other moments. But above all it was the
care, loving affection and Divine Love that Swami showered on us.
Our Lord showered on us His Infinite Love - guiding, cajoling, inspiring and at
times when we were slow to learn, 'appearing harsh' as well. In each and every
action of Bhagawan, there was some message which was conveyed in the subtlest
manner. Often what appeared as a joke carried a meaning for somebody or the
other.
Today, as I turn back the pages of my life, and go down memory lane, fond and
joyous moments rush back. It feels like only yesterday... At this juncture, I
would like to share some of my experiences with Swami.
On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, the Mandir was beautifully decorated,
and in the morning the Hall resounded with the boys chanting stotrams. The
Hostel too geared up for the festival dishing out various delicacies. Amongst
the many treats was 'payasam' which, when prepared in the North Indian style is
relished as 'kheer'. It goes without saying that it tastes fantastic. After
having had my fill of the payasam, I returned to my room to find that my senior
brother too was treating himself to the kheer. Both of us just loved the
preparation and my senior brother announced in Hindi "Doosra Round Maar Ke Aate
Hain" - (let's help ourselves to a second round of kheer) to which I quipped,
"Haan Zaroor, Bahut Der Ke Baad Hamein Kheer Mil Rahi Hai" (yes sure, we will
go ahead as we are getting kheer after such a long gap).
After consuming the kheer and feeling satisfied, we went about our routine. In
the evening, it so happened that both of us were seated next to each other
during Darshan. The fresh fragrance of the earth from the morning's rain was
still present. The atmosphere felt charged as we all waited for Swami. The
music started; Sai Krishna glided out, looking so beautiful - with twinkling
eyes and a mesmerising smile. He slowly walked up to where we were seated;
looking at both of us with a mischievous smile, in a melodious voice He asked
"How was second round of payasam?" Both of us had the broadest of grins, and
the Lord joined us in the frolic. But more was to come as, looking at me
sympathetically, He said "Bahut Der Ke Baad Mein, Hostel Mein Deta Hai!" He
repeated what I had said just a few hours earlier!
In this manner Swami reminded us that nothing remains unnoticed by Him. He is
Our Omnipresent Lord.
The month of November is awaited eagerly by all Sai devotees around the world.
For the boys too, it is a special time filled with plenty of work. I was
blessed with a chance of participating in the Convocation Drama. Swami expects
that the best performance is put up. He inspires, guides, and motivates us to
do our best. That year I was selected to play the part of Sant Kabir's Guru - a
most daunting task in my opinion. Playing the role of a Guru and that too
Kabir's Guru was a formidable task. But Swami always encourages and motivates
us to rise up to the expectations. Swami gave His attention to every minute
detail of the drama and inspired one and all to give their best.
Sant Kabir (Died 1518)
During the interactions Swami asked me "Kya Karta Hai?" to which I said, "Sant
Kabir Ka Guru." "Kabir Ka Guru?" asked Swami with some astonishment. "Kya Naam
Kabir Ka Guru?" - "Raamaanand Teerth", I replied. Swami immediately corrected,
"No, No, not Raamaanand but it is Ramaanand, Raamaanand is the name of a
politician". I nodded.
After some days, Swami most graciously consented to bless the boys with a
Poorna Chandra auditorium session. In the session, Swami's attention went to
the drama and some details were discussed with our teachers. Swami then turned
His attention to me and asked "Kya Karta Hai?" "Swami, Sant Kabir Ka Guru Hai"-
"Oh Ho Kabir Ka Guru," said Swami chuckling - this caused much amusement
amongst boys and they all laughed at my expense. I of course joined them. "Kya
Naam Kabir Ka Guru?" - "Ramaanand", I replied confidently as I felt Swami had
already 'corrected' me. "Aye not Ramaanand, but Raamaanad Teerth. Ramaanand is
the name of a politician." I once again nodded thinking that I must have heard
Him wrong last time.
The drama progressed and Swami constantly monitored it, much to our delight.
But in the next few days more 'drama' was too follow. One evening during
Darshan, Swami asked me once again "Kya Karta Hai Drama Mein," and I gave Swami
my role description. "Kya Naam Kabir Ka Guru?"was Swami's immediate query.
Raamaanand - I replied now, 'thinking' I was very sure. Immediately He
responded saying, "Nahin, Kabir Ka Guru Ramaanand Hai." This left me thoroughly
confused and bewildered. I kept pondering as to what Swami was conveying. After
some introspection and prayers to Swami, the incident between Lord Krishna and
Arjuna raced across my mind. Arjuna humbly submits that whatever the Lord says
is right and does not use his individual discretion to say whether a bird was a
dove or an eagle or a crow. I held my heavy head in my hands thinking what a
dull student I had been.
The merciful Lord provided me another opportunity and asked the same set of
questions. This time I bent forward and said - 'Whatever Swami says is right. I
don't know if it's Ramaanand or Raamaanand.' Our Sweet Lord laughed
enthusiastically and everybody joined Him. Feeling pleased that it had finally
dawned on me, He then provided the 'correct' pronunciation saying "His correct
name is Raamaanand Teerth."
My time spent in Parthi was filled with opportunities to learn something new.
It has been a fascinating experience which I will always cherish. I submit my
heartfelt gratitude to my dear teachers and my Sweet Lord for enabling me to
undertake this wonderful journey.
- Siddharth Malik
Student (1997-1999), Department of Management Studies
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Source: Fragrance (2005)A
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