Letters from India

69. Ooty Again - Oct 1987

Ooty Again

October 19, 1987

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Dear Peoples,

Mom, the night you left I got the same number as usual for bhajans – line 5. I was sitting closing the passage (after the VIP section). I think someone complained about me because, the top volunteer Sarojamma came to me, caressed my chin and started saying what a good girl I was, and how I helped her before! I was shocked (to say the least) and also, thought it a symbolic happiness just after you left. The top volunteer of Brindavan praising me! I always thought she didn’t like me.

In Darshan on the 17th I got second to last line! But I had nice Darshan – Swami said, “Very happy,” three times. Finally hearing Him talk – ahhh! :-)

That evening I got a good line for bhajans and was up closer than usual. Swami played the cymbals the whole time, very nicely.

On October 18th at 5:45 AM Swami went to Ooty! I followed in government bus (8 hours and $3.50; devotee bus was 10 hours and $17!). Cold here but I'm staying with two Americans and they’re taking good care of me. :-)

Everyday is Darshan at 9 AM (I come at 5 AM or 5:30 AM). Then He usually goes out in His car from 10-11 or noon. I usually stay the day – so peaceful. A home-feeling. Like being in Heaven! We even take naps (the 5 or 10 that stay the day) near His house.

At about 4 PM there’s Darshan – unless it rains. After Darshan we go straight in for bhajans.

He’s been picking many individuals and groups for interviews. More foreigners then ever this time. Looks more than at Brindavan! Plus many, many Indians.

He’s been generally keeping far from all. I’ve got many very beautiful Darshans, but He’s never come very close. I’ve been front row every Darshan. I’ve been mostly alright. But feel that I progress more near His sisters.....

Om Sai Ram,

Eileen

________________________

Dipavali in Ooty & Sisters Ask, “Is Mother Gone?”

October 25, 1987

Prasanthi Nilayam

Dear All,

Swami’s travels (also my travels!):

October 18th: To Ooty

October 23: to Brindavan

October 24th: to Prasanthi Nilayam

Swami was very nice in Ooty. I had a very strong feeling in my heart to go there – as I may have mentioned in my Ooty letter. Swami taught me several lessons there, so I'm glad I went.

The last two days He celebrated Dipavali in Ooty –the festival of lights. He lit sparklers for the tiny school tots and boys. They had so much fun with the lights – they ignored Swami, who was watching them! They leaped here and there with the lights, playing.

Swami swung in the jhoola two days (the last two in Ooty). The first night, He faced only the gents! We could hardly catch a glimpse of Sai in the swing. We only had back-of-swing-board Darshan. But next day, He had turned the swing so it faced both ladies (side) and gents (front). That day He played the cymbals very fast – beautiful! The first day He swung Himself – no one to push! The second day He was too busy playing the cymbals, so didn’t swing at all. Dark, dark blue velvet chair – so nice He looked inside it! (He sat – no legs up.)

Sai left early morning on the 23rd, to Brindavan. He stayed one night there only.

I heard at about 7:45 PM the night He arrived, that He was leaving the next day. I didn’t know whether Parvatamma would leave too or not. I felt I had to bring her something from Ooty. I bought delicious Ooty cheese that one can't get even in Bangalore, and some Eucalyptus oil, the local Ooty product. I talked with her a few minutes. Suddenly she asked, “Did your mother go back?” So I informed her, “Yes.” She told me that Swami was leaving the next day, and that she’d come the day after. So whole family will be in Parthi – good, good.

Office happily didn’t give me too much trouble. They asked where was my mother? They also strictly warned me that in exactly one month (the day after Swami’s birthday, November 24th) I must leave, unless Swami sends permission (that last part I added).

I got a room with pleasant German girl. She’s leaving in two weeks. Our room is, you won't believe, Round five. Remember we had B1 (BE ONE)? Now I have C1 (SEE ONE)! High teaching I must grasp.

The first Darshan in Parthi I was first line. He looked twice and came right to me, close!

I almost forgot, Swami took that lady’s letter the last Darshan in Ooty, October 22 evening! I made up my mind to give it – even though I was first row.

(Oct. 25) I met Venkamma while I was in the shops after morning car Darshan. She asked, “Did you arrive yesterday?” said, “Yes.” The rest of the conversation was about you!

Venkamma: Mother? Gone?

Me: Yes, gone to USA.

Venkamma: Why?

Me: Heart feeling.

Venkamma: Did Swami see her?

Me: No, but she had padnamaskar.

Venkamma: Oh, Swami gave namaskar!

Me: Yes, but He didn’t give her interview, what to do.

Venkamma: What! (Slapped my right cheek hard – ouch!) Namaskar is ENOUGH!

(She walked off… with a smile.)

Love,

Divya