Theos-Talk Archives (November 1997 Message tt00205)

In a message dated 97-11-09 19:06:06 EST, you write:

<< When you see Sai Baba's effect in motivating individuals to service and
 the accomplishments thereof, it is pure service to Humanity which is the
 prime objective of the launch of modern theosophical movement. While his
 specific philosophy may not be the same as that HPB propounded, as far
 as the objective is concerned, what he is doing is indeed implementation
 of pure Theosophy.

 mkramadoss >>

Thank you, Ramadoss, for your kind words about Sathya Sai Baba. I'm been a
devotee of His for the last seventeen years. I had the good luck (or karma)
to have an interview with Him in August, 1981 in Puttaparthi. Needless to
say, the experience changed the course of my life. Up 'till that time, I was
all head (a lot of theosophical knowledge) but little heart (bhatki). He
materialized a japamala for me which I treasure. The effects of the interview
started to take place after I returned home and many bad habits were dropped
and new outlooks were adopted.

 After leaving Swami's ashram in Brindhavan, I visited Adyar. In applying for
a room at Leadbeater Chambers, I was interviewed by an Indian chap whose
position in the TS escapes me now. I told him about my recent experiences and
he started complaining about TS members who would come to Adyar on their way
to see Baba. He said they were using Leadbeater Chambers as a respite in
their travels to go somewhere else rather than staying at Adyar for its own
sake. While he may have had a point, he kept prattling on in a somewhat
critical fashion about Baba's devotees. I told him Swami had given me a
japamala which I then showed him. He took the mala and immediately placed it
on his forehead. I thought this was rather interesting. In America this is
what we call "hedging our bets".

It's interesting to note that Howard Morphet, the biographer of HPB and HSO,
is not only a theosophist but also a long time Baba devotee. I have often
given Morphet's book, Sai Baba, Man of Miracles, to those who wish to become
acquainted with Swami's life.

Namaste
Lmhem111 (Heminway)