Sairam friends,
Today, I took my Amma and Padma aunty to get some small gifts for those who come to our home for Navratri. When my Appa was there, I used to take video of whatever they were shopping. Today, by the time I parked my car, got some notebooks and pens, my Amma already completed buying stuff.
Later, I took them to Saibaba temple here in Coimbatore. As I parked the car, I saw a girl coming to the securities and complaining that a man has drove his car opposite to them and since it being a narrow road, none could move further. I went and spoke to the man. Initially, I thought he was adamant not to take reverse. I hate people purposely coming in wrong side and showing-off as if they are Elon Musk just because they have a sophisticated car. This man was humble. He agreed to take reverse all the way out but asked me to guide him.
Why some women behave rude?
I have a old car and no reverse camera but wondered why people who have reverse camera too were scared. One of this lady who came to temple in scooter started yelling at this man. She started saying “Why do they come to temple”. I felt like taking a Nadhasawaram and punching it on her head.
I shouted at her saying, he came unknowingly in the wrong way and he’s trying to move out and hence she has to give way to him. I wondered why everyone wants to behave decent to people when they are hurting others. I ensured the women disappears from the spot and asked her to leave.
We have to be do all we can to people who are humble. The man in car kept saying he came by mistake.
Having said that, on both sides, we had to move the scooters and bikes to ensure the car doesn’t hit these vehicles. It took over 10 minutes and I left him only after he was able to drive out peacefully. This man and his wife thanked me a lot but I told him, he was kind as some people never listen to others and never adjust.
Later, I saw my Amma and Padma aunty in temple who already completed visiting all the shrines. So, we went to a restaurant in Saibaba colony. I like the old women who cleans the table and gave some money to her. I was watching news about Rahul Gandhi while having food and reached home.
The street Dog Pasi was inside our gate and wagging tail and wanted to go out. I carried it and asked her to have milk and go out. My Sister often says not to carry street dog as I will get infection. I say to myself, Indians cannot live like Americans. I can only wash my palm every time I touch the dog.
Sai seva is not just cleaning temple. It is to ensure a devotee who walks in or drives in a temple and goes out has a pleasant experience and we should try our best to give that experience to them.
Many people assume that someone who serves in Saibaba temple does work inside the temple. What we do inside temple is only a training for us to contribute something in a bigger scale for people in need. It starts from the road near the temple to the whole world. I had stood in the road adjacent to temple when there’s a traffic jam and tried to help people. Just that, I also had to bear people yelling at me as not all will understand us.
While having food, Padma aunty asked my amma about the ring I was wearing as she has seen it on my Father. My Mom told her that he lost his gold ring years back.
Here’s a blog I wrote about it – Lost my gold ring but I am thankful to Sai for blessing me with my Mom
It happened in 2018 in a Saibaba temple near the office. I have a vivid memory of that day. The best part was my Amma and Appa never uttered a word on why I lost the gold ring trying to help someone park the car during rain outside Saibaba temple. My Amma was worried that I came home late and she was happy when she saw me. I told her that I lost the gold ring expecting her to scold me for being careless.
I have to tell this to parents who scold their children when something is gone. If you educate your children that materialistic stuff is all you care, they also will become money minded. Their mind also will be cluttered with greed.
The ring I am wearing now was worn by my Appa. After my Appa passed away, the man who came in ambulance asked me if I need the ring. I said, yes. So, he took the ring and gave me. I dropped it in a box and forgot about it. After couple of weeks, my Amma asked me to wear it in memory of my Appa.
Anyway, I felt like writing this today because this man in the car listened to my request and took reverse. I could have just moved inside temple with my Amma. No one asks us to help others. No one asks us for help. People are disconnected these days.
We should keep our eyes and heart open and always be conscious of what’s happening around. If there’s something we can do to make others feel better, we should do it.
In the place you live, in the place you travel, in the office you work, there should be something you could do. Do what you think is right. Sometimes, you will get into problems when you do what’s right. That’s how cruel the world is. But Saibaba is watching you.
The more you think of doing good to others, good will come to you.
Om Sai Ram
Venkat
