समस्त लोकाः सुखिनो भवन्तु ।
For many days I had been thinking of sharing a Divine Story with all of you. I shall now narrate the unfolding of a greatest Truth.
In one of the Media Interviews, I was put on a difficult question. The question was:
“It is generally talked, that Swami is getting billions of dollars as donation, and out of these huge funds Sai Baba is living a very luxurious life. What have you to say about this?”
There was no time gap available, and I was pondering how to answer this tricky question. I just closed my eyes for a secoe"nd, and prayed to Bhagavan to help me answer this question. Swami did not let me down. He came to my rescue by calling back to a scene which I would not forget for ages. Here is the story !!!!
Sri Subramaniam Chettiar, founder president of Sri Sai Padhuga Trust, Madurai visited important dignitaries, during the occasion Swami ascending the Divine Golden Chariot. He was formally inviting them for this Holy Occasion. Sri Chettiar with his small group called on (Late) Sri Karunyananda who was living in the First floor flat of South Prashanthi. And what did we see there? !!! Sri Karunyananda was seen stitching by hand a torn patch on the Robe of Swami. Late Sri Subramaniam Chettiar enquired the Saint, why he is stitching the Robe. The reply He got was astounding and amazing.
Sri Karunyananda coolly replied that Swami has to wear this Robe the next day while coming out for Darshan. Sri Chettiar countered, “Why. Swami can put on an another Robe?” The next statement was more astonishing. “Yes, Swami is not having another good Robe to wear!!!”
Sri Chettiar was wonder stuck by this statement. With such a large Trust being handled, and with many devotees eager to offer anything Swami needs. Sri Karunyananda maintained that there was no spare Robe for Swami. He further clarified in simple words.
“But that is the Truth. Swami does not use any Trust funds for Swami’s own personal care, such as clothing or for Food. If somebody gives him a Robe, He will wear it. If somebody brings food for Him, Swami partakes it. But Never, Never does Swami use s public fund for his own convenience !!!!! “
This is a great lesson, the world should learn about Swami
Of course, Chettiar on that day announced to Sri Sai Padhuga Trust members, that during the Annual Padhuga Pooja celebrations, they need not bring fruits and other offerings and instead each one can provide “A New Robe” to Swami. He hoped that Swami would wear a new Robe everyday! But what does Swami do with such excess quantity of Robes?
Swami blesses and distributes these Robes to various Sai Centers, across the Globe. There is no iota of selfishness ot selfish desires in Swami!!!! I recalled this incident to the interviewer , who herself was astonished, and became emotional for a moment..
