The Circle of Love

[Guest guest]

The Circle of Love

By Mrs. Usha Ranganathan

''When Sai Baba measures man, He puts the tape around his heart - not

his head " .

- Radhakrishna Swamiji

 

As a devotee of Sai Baba and beloved Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, I have

often wondered that Swamiji is an Ideal without a body, an Image

enshrined in the heart of mine, a song whose music and melody have

thrown innumerable souls into the raptures of ecstasy. Little did I know that on

a fine morning that I could be part of the circle of 'Love', when I was in the

USA on a short assignment in 1984.

 

My colleague, Miss Albery, was perhaps the most unusual of my

colleagues. She seldom spoke herself. We knew that her early life had

been privileged, but that when she joined our company, she was old and

alone and impoverished, living in a shabby room with a few cherished

keepsakes.

 

She met adversity bravely, but with a stern and haughty demeanor. I

myself tried hard, but I could not break through her reserve. I used to pray to

Sai Baba and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji that I would find some way to reach her,

but she was too proud to let emotion show.

 

One lunch hour in December 1984, I was browsing in an antique shop, a

favorite pastime. I seldom purchased anything, but this day was

different. I spotted an enamel pencil in a silver case. It had a large

'A' in its elaborate monogram and I felt an urge - almost a physical

nudge - to buy it for my friend Albery.

 

" What is this? " she asked brusquely when I handed her the tiny package. " Just a

little Christmas something " , I said apprehensively. When Albery opened the

package and saw the silver case, her body tensed, and her eyes filled with

tears. " Usha'', she said, - never before had she used my first name - " Usha, how

did you know?''

" Know what? " I asked. " This one belonged to me, " she said, " I had to sell it

years ago, when I was hungry and desperate. It was given to me by someone I

loved. And now your kindness has brought it back'

 

A Circle of Love

'Circle of love' thought, 'I have been part of a as I thanked Sai Baba

and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji from my heart, I could see happiness

beaming across Albery's face.

(Source Shri Sai Padananda Jan 1990)