The Visual Experience
Karathalamalaka, in Sanskrit, means something that is clear beyond the slightest shadow of doubt, like a berry in your palm that all can see and none can deny.
When Sri Sathya Sai Baba, at the tender age of fourteen was finally brought to Puttaparthi, after months of fruitless treatment by specialists in medicine and magic, bhaktas (devotees) flocked around Him and gained His grace, every day and in ever increasing numbers. Baba declared that He was Shirdi Sai Baba. He distributed udi (sacred ash) to all by a mere wave of His hands. He inspired, cured, consoled, strengthened, and blessed everyone, as He did in the previous Shirdi manifestation. A few people doubted the continuity and identity between the two Babas. One day, they approached Baba [Sathya Sai] with their doubts. He lifted his palms and holding them near their faces, said, “Look.” They looked and got karathalamalaka proof! On one palm was a shining picture of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and on the other was a shining picture of Shirdi Sai Baba, equal in size and splendor!
This happened eighteen years ago in Puttaparthi, with Baba right in front of the questioners. Sri. C. H. of New Delhi had an interesting experience. “It was exactly three months ago. I was returning on my cycle from my office in Old Delhi to my residence in New Delhi. I had been to Puttaparthi only once but I was so fascinated by Baba that I felt eager to visit the place again. I could not quite understand why a village boy from Andhra should call Himself ‘Baba’ and state that He was Shirdi Baba in His previous birth.”
“Strangely enough, while cycling along that road on that day, this doubt distracted me. Suddenly, someone on a cycle pulled up alongside the road and accosted me thus, “Well have you finished your office work?” He was an old but hefty person dressed in white, with a handkerchief round his head. I replied, “Yes,” and he said, “Can you come with me for a few minutes to that tomb over there? I wish to talk to you.” So we directed our cycles to a ruined tomb, riding two abreast for a furlong or two. We got down and sat on the grass, with our backs against the wall.”
“The old man began the conversation. “My friend, you planned to go south didn’t you? Do not cancel or postpone it,” he said. I was astounded. It nearly took my breath away. I thought I must tell him about my doubts, the absurdity of Shirdi Baba being born again. So without further enquiry, I poured out my heart to that old man. He evidently relished my story, for his eyes gleamed and there was a merry laugh hovering around his lips.”
“When I had finished, he stared me full in the face and holding both his palms spread in front of me, commanded, “Look.” I looked and (would you believe it?) there was a portrait of Sri Sathya Sai Baba on one palm and on the other palm was a picture of Shirdi Sai Baba! When I had recovered from my exhilaration, he told me “Do not neglect this great opportunity, my boy.” We both rode back. The old man turned in the direction from which he had come and even as I was looking at him and his cycle, melted into thin air.”
The same karathalamalaka proof, eighteen years later! Baba materializing Himself 1500 miles away, to direct the steps of a devotee who was hesitating at the crossroads! The continuity and the identity are as indisputable as the berry in the palm!
~Late Sri N. Kasturi
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, April 1959
