Baba’s Leela

Recently, I returned from a two-and-a-half month stay at Prasanthi Nilayam (Sai Baba’s ashram in India). The daily experiences at the ashram will be etched in my memory for some time to come. One in particular stands out from the rest. I want to share it with you since it clearly points to the efficacy of Baba’s teachings.

I had hand-washed some articles of clothing and was attempting to hang them outside my room. Already hanging on the line were two dry blankets, so I folded them and put them on the railing below for the owner to claim. Later that day, a knock came at my door and an irate devotee demanded to know if my clothes were hanging in the place of his blankets, which had been put out for airing. I explained that I had assumed the blankets were hung to dry, not to air, and apologized for my innocent error in judgment. My explanation fell on deaf ears and my visitor walked off in a huff.

Up until this incident, I had never before experienced a devotee in such a rage. I was taken aback by his reaction. I tried to dismiss it and, within a few days, I had completely forgotten about it. One evening I answered a knock at my door. It was the same devotee, this time with his wife. They explained that their blankets, which they’d hung out earlier that day, were missing. They wondered if I had any clue as to where they had gone. It was close to bedtime and I realized they would be without coverings for the night. They seemed distraught. I offered to give them a blanket that my daughter had left with me when she returned home, and a new one I had purchased prior to her arrival at the ashram. As it was late in the evening, the couple did not want to pursue their search and were very appreciative of my offer. The husband, in particular, looked deep into my eyes, as he thanked me over and over again.

When they were able to purchase new blankets, they returned mine. Every time our paths crossed after that, they would stop to chat, smiling and thanking me once again. It warmed my heart to see the transformation that occurred and I know it was Baba’s leela (divine play).

~Marilyn Widrow
Manhattan, New York, USA