SAI SPIRITUAL SHOWERS – ISSUE 21

[Guest guest]

Trumpet as Bhagawan would call him affectionately, Late Walter

Maynard Ferguson was a virtuoso musician cum bandleader who had

demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the musical trends that

evolved from the 1940s through the 2000s, surviving the end of big band era

and the rise of rock and roll. But, the most blessed moment in His life

came when he was privileged to blow his trumpet for the Lord walking on two

feet in Prasanthi Nilayam…(From Sanathana Sarathi October

1990)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Swami means to me is

still a Divine and unfolding epic. I know that Swami is always with me for

He has told me so. Yet, I feel the innocence and shyness of a beginner in

His presence.

At the Summer Course in 1978 at

Brindavan my wife and I first came to Bhagawan Sai Baba. Baba allowed me to

perform a concert with Vemu Mukunda and his Indian musicians at one Summer

Course session. At the climax of my main solo, Baba sitting in the center

of the stage, rose to His Feet and holding out His arm with palm down,

while the audience cheered, materialized a beautiful jewelled necklace,

paused, then made it larger to accommodate my neck size, which swells when

I play. With the crowd still applauding, Swami garlanded me with this

necklace. As He did so He smiled, close into my eyes, and said, whilst

holding before me the gold medallion hanging on the necklace, "On this

I give you Krishna because He played a wind instrument."

We both laughed. The audience

was thrilled. I was ecstatic. Someone in white asked, "Discourse,

Swami?" I heard Swami's voice say, "Already had discourse."

And taking my hand, He led me to the front of the stage, and following His

direction I bowed to the audience. Then Baba, being the perfect master of

ceremonies, held out His other hand for Vemu Mukunda to join us for a final

bow. This was my first experience with Swami. It was fun, joy, mystery,

excitement and sweetness too. That is what Baba meant to me that first day

- and still does, plus much more.

On my concert tours for many

years now, always Swami's picture and puja materials are in my dressing

room, besides another puja set and pictures in my hotel room. I do a short

meditation and pray to Swami before each performance regardless of where I

am in the world and in my mind I always dedicate my performance to Him. On

the stage there are times when I call Baba by touching the Krishna on my

necklace. It gives me strength and enhances my confidence. During an

important performance, where one is often surrounded by excitement, anxiety

and tensions of backstage, by tuning into Swami I can clear the clutter

from the mind and turn on the joy and creativity. If Swami is always with

me how could I be nervous? Nervousness is created by the mind - so, better

to give the mind to Swami and just play.

Since 1978 Swami has been a part

of my actions. When things go right I thank Swami for His grace. When

things are difficult I pray to Swami to direct my actions to correct the

situation be it my fault or the fault of others. In my personal life as

well as career I bring all of my problems to Swami.

During an interview, my wife was

having a conversation with Swami about meditation. After He had lovingly

and patiently answered her questions, I asked Swami about "my

meditation". He interrupted me with a sweet playful laugh, pointed to

me and said, holding His thumb and forefinger about half an inch apart

-"For you - VERY SHORT!"

The summer before the 60th

Birthday, Swami said to me, on the verandah of the Mandir, "So much of

western music is so beautiful, would you speak to the students about your

music at the hostel for half an hour twice a week while you are here?"

I was delighted and after talking to them and seeing their enthusiasm to

learn to read and play western instrumental music, I soon received Baba's

permission and support to teach the students with the available instruments

here. When I returned to America my first performance was for the

"International Association of Jazz (Music) Educators" and soon

after for the "National Association of Music Merchants". During

the last four years various companies and individuals from these two

organisations have donated to the S.S.S.B. Institute of Higher Learning

many brass and electronic and wood wind instruments plus marching drums,

orchestra drum-set, cymbals, electronic guitars and piano plus computer

programs that teach fingering techniques, music reading, care of

instruments and other important learning materials. So now we are having a

wonderful time during this August of 1990 with all of this modern

equipment.

I cannot describe what a joy it

is to teach such talented, well mannered, intelligent students who are

totally devoted to Bhagawan Baba and eager to come at 6.00 a.m. to learn

marches and use the computer. They practise into the night while still

maintaining their high academic levels because they are so earnestly

looking forward to playing for Baba.

I have tried to write what Swami

means to me, but really there are no words to fully describe one's

relationship with Bhagawan Baba. Every time I come to Prasanthi Nilayam, I

take back into the world a little more of Baba. Recently I read in

"Sanathana Sarathi" one of Baba's Teachings,

"BE HAPPY...BE HAPPY! ALL

WILL BE HAPPY!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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