Sathya Sai Baba's interview to Doctor's group

Aum Sri Sai Ram,

At the divine feet of Bhagwan Baba, I offer my humble pranams.

I recount a profound encounter with Swami, who has always been an ocean of love and the very embodiment of compassion. This encounter was not just mine but shared by 85 doctors from Visakhapatnam, who were blessed with a group interview at Prasanthi Mandir on the auspicious day of August 21, 2000.

Swami began by emphasizing the critical importance of time in our lives, urging us to use it wisely. He lamented the waste he observed in society—time squandered in negative thoughts, words, and deeds.

During the interview, Swami, the ultimate Doctor of doctors, was in a light-hearted mood, even as He posed medical questions to our group of seasoned professionals. His divine mastery shone through as He effortlessly demystified complex medical concepts with simplicity and clarity.

A profound teaching He shared was about the dual nature of the human heart—one physical and another spiritual, which He playfully called 'hrth+daya', the source of compassion, forgiveness, and other noble feelings.

Swami likened the spiritual heart to a pen, suggesting that just as a pen's ink colors its writing, our hearts color our personalities with the feelings they harbor.

He revisited this analogy the following day during His Krishnajansthami discourse, even mentioning our group in His message, which was an honor beyond words.

Swami's dialogue with a chest physician in our group was particularly enlightening. When the topic of tuberculosis treatment came up, Swami acknowledged the use of antibiotics but cautioned us about their side effects.

He advocated for a holistic approach to healing, combining medication with good nutrition and exercise—further emphasizing the importance of a sattvic diet.

In a moment of profound teaching, Swami likened a slight increase in body temperature to the dangers of excess in life, reminding us that anything beyond a certain limit poses a threat to our well-being.

He then turned to the topic of anger management, outlining strategies such as drinking water or engaging in prayer. He described anger as a reflection of one's weaknesses and implored us not to indulge in criticism but to recognize the divine oneness in all.

In a dialogue that seemed to encompass the entire cosmos, He asked a doctor about the number of digits in existence. When the doctor responded with mundane numbers, Swami, with a gentle smile, revealed that there is only 'one'—the foundation from which all numbers arise. Similarly, He reminded us, we all manifest from the divine and should therefore refrain from criticism.

Swami praised Ayurveda, venerating it as a timeless healing art devoid of adverse effects, unlike Allopathy, which suppresses rather than cures diseases.

He then drew our attention to the stark contrast between the past and the present. In ancient times, despite the existence of diseases like hypertension and heart conditions, people were not plagued by them due to cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles. Today, our challenges are compounded by pollution and unhealthy habits.

The principle of Agent, Host, and Environment, as explained by Swami, resonated with me deeply, illustrating the interconnectedness of our well-being with the world around us.

Swami encouraged us to engage in service with local Sai samithis, encapsulating this ethos with the phrase "Dil me ram, Hath me kaam," which means 'God in the heart, work in the hands.' He implored us to view every act of service as significant, no matter how trivial it might seem.

He shared that His occasional stern demeanor had a purpose and ultimately benefited those on the receiving end. Here, He referenced Sage Durvasa, whose anger, paradoxically, protected the Pandavas during the battle of Kurukshetra.

Swami also urged us to appreciate the divine over the material, using the analogy of the composer being greater than the computer to highlight the supremacy of God's wisdom over human inventions.

Towards the end of our time together, a doctor inquired about constructing a bus shelter. Swami's response was profound. Rather than focusing on physical structures, He wished for us to build inner temples, like Meerabai, who carried the divine in her heart.

As our blessed meeting concluded, Swami granted us Padanamaskarams and Prasadam. For many, especially those visiting for the first time, it was an indelibly sacred moment.

Following Swami's guidance, we departed the day after Krishnajanmasthami, filled with joy and a deeper understanding of His teachings. It was only upon our safe return to Visakhapatnam that we grasped the full import of Swami's words. Inclement weather had damaged railway tracks, disrupting travel shortly after our journey—a testament to His omniscience.

This pilgrimage to Puttaparthi has invigorated us, both seasoned practitioners and novices alike. As I continue in my medical profession, I do so with a rekindled spirit, fortified by the blessings of our beloved Swami.

Jai Sai Ram