Readers Respond
The following are reactions to Swami ‘s Sankranti Discourse which was published in last month’s Sai Sarathi.
I found Swami’s Sankranti Discourse profound. Swami shows us a brief glimpse of how He works and the reasons why it is so important for us to follow His commands, even if we do not understand them. The discourse inspired me to do more inner searching each day and to reflect on how I have and have not listened to Him, and consequently, whether or not I have felt happy.
~Sandra Duggan
One day about a couple of weeks ago, I was in my apartment, feeling sorry for myself because me periodontist had just told me that he thought I had a cracked tooth that would have to be pulled. As I sat there, building this domestic nuisance into a terrible tragedy, the phone rang. A Sai sister from the Manhattan Center had called to tell me about Baba’s accident. Needless to say, after I heard about Baba’s terrible injuries, my own crisis paled by comparison. My tooth-engendered depression soon turned to concern for Baba and then to relief when I found out He was alright. After I got off the phone, I resolved to follow Baba’s example and not take bodily concerns so seriously, and although I plan to do whatever dental work is necessary, I haven’t had any anxiety about my tooth since.
~Judy Wechsler
I first read Swami’s Sankranti discourse in the February Sanathana Sarathi. I’m glad you also published it in the Sai Sarathi. My first reaction was to cry–I felt ashamed somehow that I presumed Our Lord is above our pain and suffering. But in reaching for the higher message, as you suggest, upon the second reading the next day, this is how I was inspired: Swami so loves us that He revealed how His Thoughts, Words, and Deeds are in perfect harmony. He described the way He dealt with His Dharma in great detail—”Saying this to Myself, I conducted Myself accordingly.” He has thus blessed us with a sterling example and model of exactly what to think, do and say to give up body attachment, especially when in physical pain.
~Felicia Gironda
The main lesson I learned from reading Swami’s Sankranti Discourse is how important it is that I follow Swami’s instructions implicitly. Oftentimes, when things are out of whack, I find myself complaining or becoming discouraged. But after reading how Baba allowed His body to withstand pain and suffering, I came to the realization Who am I to complain things don’t go the way I would like them to? Instead, I am to count my blessings, one by one. If I am able to stay centered on God and not become discouraged during my challenges, I will be okay.
When I realized that the Lord himself suffered such agonizing pain and endured it with such dignity, it encouraged me to be stronger during my adversities. It reassured me of the importance Baba places on His faithful devotees. I felt pain reading the discourse, but, even more, I felt loved in an enormous way. I could feel Baba’s love oozing out of the pages. I am diligently working on becoming a better devotee, trusting in Baba’s love to get me through.
~Melba Roberson
God’s extravagant love for each of us and all creatures is absolutely awesome!
To contemplate Baba God (my name for Swami) taking on my suffering and being concerned for my happiness, loving me without condition or expectation, floods my whole being with gratitude, praise, and an intensity of love beyond words.
Knowing and loving Baba has helped me know love, understand more fully Jesus, his truth, suffering, and death, as well as his resurrection. I have grown in my own faith since I was introduced to Sai Baba four years ago.
I minister with women inmates and I share Baba’s teachings and the Christian Scriptures with them. They are beginning to realize and become more aware of their own divinity! I am most grateful to God for these blessings.
~Barbara
