Letters from India

23. Leaving Parthi & Tourist in Madras - May 1985

 Sai Won't Let Me Stagnate

May 11, 1985

Bangalore

Dar Ones,

I'm fine. Dearest peoples, I think I'm going to be staying till Birthday. When I offered that note to Him right before leaving for Kodai (when the office was trying to throw all over-stayers out) remember, I was offering it (saying, ‘I leave it all in Your Hands’ but thinking, ‘how can I ever leave India?’) – and He gave a beautiful look, smile and laugh and said, “Good, yes,” right to me. Now if He had looked stern or angry I would have been forced to think that maybe He’s disapproving of me staying but nooo, He looked in great joy! 

I dunno, five months seems an awful long time to stay away from the ashram (or even the 2½ months before I go to renew visa), I really don’t know if I can spin off being a tourist for that long, especially on a budget. But whatever happens, you can rest assured that Sai won't let me stagnate and mildew. He’ll keep me busy & rushing towards the Goal wherever I may go.

I have purposely kept other details out of this letter to avoid anger or worry on your part. It wouldn’t have been good Dharma to the parents if I had caused you unnecessary worry.

(Note in 2012: I didn’t mention in the original letter, that as I was leaving Prasanthi Nilayam, I got a uncontrollable urge of vairagyam – non-attachment. I sent Barb to the bus stand early, then I left all my luggage in the ashram room with a note, “Not needed, for donation,” including all my clothes, 1,000-page spiritual diary, and everything else I had, including the vibhuthi packets Swami gave in the interview! The only thing I took with me was a shoulder bag with one lone change of clothes, pen & paper, soap & toothpaste, and not much else.)

Om Sai Ram!

Indian Child (literally now!)

 _________________________

Tourist in Madras

May 12, 1985

Madras

My 6-months in India anniversary! :-)

First by the way, Barbara and I left 10 AM bus from Parti to Bangalore, arrived 4 PM.

Barb went to the airport – goodbye, goodbye; I went to hotel. Then 7 AM the next morning, got bus to Madras. Arrived 4 PM. Went by bus to Theosophical Society buuut, only members allowed soo, went to trusted Hotel Karpagam (Rs 27 a night).

Today, had this craving to go to Church. So got up early and left 6:50 AM, tromping off to find a nice church. About a mile later, you’ll never ever guess what I stumbled upon! St. Thomas’s Tomb! Yes its true, St. Thomas Cathedral. They built the cathedral over the tomb. And five minutes after I arrived the 7:30 AM Sunday Mass (in English) started!

After the service, I could look all around. Everyone is allowed to just wonder onto the central alter (platform stage). The tomb is right in front of the alter. I felt soo blessed! Just think, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples! And he lived & preached here, right in the beloved Mylapore area of Madras! Can you believe it - !

Then I came home happy, and visited the Ramakrishna Math. Went to bookshop and there was some really high important Swami there, who was going to speak that night.

Then I decided to go to the beach for awhile. Stayed awhile. Tonight I plan to go to Sundaram for bhajans.

I'm doing all this cuz I have this feeling Sai wants me to keep moving, learning, progressing. I was soo aversed to tourist/traveling stuff, but now that I'm not allowed in Parthi, I'm finding a new “Oh! India! Yes, let’s discover & explore her” tourist, tourist spirit. He’s doing this for my progress - progress I wouldn’t get in a cave trying to meditate – and being depressed at the lack of samadhi.

Guess that’s all for now, take care,

Om Sai Ram