The Beauty Of Sri Sathya Sai Padha Seva

A student of Bhagawan’s educational institution at sacrosanct Prasanthi Nilayam nurtured a holistic desire once, to engage in His Padha Seva, pressing The Lotus Feet Of The Lord in love and devotion as a mark of service. No sincere prayers go unanswered, and with Sri Sathya Sai, He always does everything in His own inimitable style. Read on a student’s experience of ‘fulfilling his dream of Padha Seva’, extracted from the students’ blog, srisathysaistudents.blogspot.com… (edited version).

Every student of Swami wishes to grab the most coveted opportunity of doing Padha Seva (pressing the Lotus Feet of the Lord as a mark of service). I also nourished a similar desire. I used to fervently pray to my Beloved Mother Sai to grant me with that invaluable golden opportunity of performing His Padha Seva.

As time passed by, I cleared my 11th class, but my dream still remained elusive. Stepping up my prayers, I went into a higher-gear, beseeching Him with added zeal to see that I would be blessed with the coveted boon. The 12th standard CBSE ‘board’ examination was fast approaching, and Bhagawan kept on postponing our ‘Gratitude Offering’, the parting thanksgiving offering by the passing out batch of students at His Lotus Feet, in His immediate Divine Presence.

At last, we were through, as Swami ‘finally’ nodded ‘Yes’ for our ‘heartfelt’ offering. Thanks for the right ‘intervention’ of one of our teachers. We were given permission to offer the programme just two days before the commencement of the Board examinations.

On the D-day morning, we were ready and waiting for Bhagawan in the Mandir. Bhagawan arrived at 11:00 am. We were fully set with the complete programme paraphernalia of musical instruments along with greeting cards, pens and Vibhuti Prasadam for Divine Blessings. Swami beckoned our group onto the portico, and we were quick in responding, making the best of His loving munificence.

At first, Bhagawan moved towards the Primary School wing, blessing the girl students of 10th and 12th standards. Swami then came straight towards me; stopping by, He glanced all of us most lovingly, and quickly we got huddled around Him. Believe me, I was right in the front, facing Swami, with His Feet almost caressing my body!

Swami indicated to commence the programme, and soon our Principal came and sat next to Him, seeking His blessing, engaging himself in Padha Seva! I took it as a ‘Divine Nod’, a beckoning call of boon for me to join! And lo! The moment next, I was into it, doing Padha Seva!

I started pressing the other Foot of Bhagawan! Swami sat in ‘Sailence’ allowing me to continue at ease. Tears started rolling down my cheeks, for, a tiny speck of His myriad creations ‘i am’ that, He has granted me with this rarest of the rare boon to perform His Padha Seva, a cherished heartfelt desire nurtured for a long time!

The programme went on very well, and I was blessed to continue with my most cherished Padha Seva for my Swami for the whole of the session that lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes. I was literally humbled. I knew, our Swami, The Divine Director, had enacted a Divine Drama in His own inimitable style, granting me my heart’s most cherished desire, the invaluable golden boon of Sri Sathya Sai Padha Seva!

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II