Edited by author 09-29-2006 07:21 AM
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http://www.thepost.co.za/general/print_art...tionId=1&fSetId=517 I'm blessed]
By Yogas Nair
As millions of devotees around the world celebrate the 80th birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba today (Wednesday), an unemployed Benoni father and his two children are giving thanks for the "amazing" miracles which have blessed their humble Actonville home - coconut water oozing from a lingum; sacred vibbuthi (ashes), kumkum and turmeric splattering pictures of Sai Baba and other Hindu deities, and honey trickling from the trunk of a Lord Ganesha statue.
For many years single parent Roy Naidoo, 45, a former chef, of Caledon Street, and his children Kreeson, 11, and Krystal, 14, have moved from home to home, relying on the generosity of people to survive. However, despite their trying circumstances, they left their fate at the "lotus feet of our Swamiji, Sri Sathya Sai Baba".
With no television or radio to entertain them at the time, Kreeson and Krystal often passed their time by singing praises to their Divine Master. In July this year Naidoo was at his wit's end - he was unemployed and living in a single garage with his two children was not the "ideal situation".
Naidoo said: "The kids had gone to school and I was sitting outside thinking about my future when I heard a sound similar to a kettle boiling. I went inside but the kettle was switched off. I went back outside and heard the same noise again. When I went to investigate I saw vibbuthi literally boiling out of a picture of Sai Baba."
He said the white, strongly scented ash was "flying" out of the picture and on to the floor and ceiling. "I was in awe. Within minutes neighbours had flocked to my home and were amazed at what was happening."
Naidoo said as the days passed his home became a "shrine" where raisins, kumkum, pendants and rings "miraculously" appeared. "We were truly blessed. Every day was a new miracle and people were coming in their hundreds to witness it."
He said on Luxmi pooja day (a prayer dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity) they were miraculously blessed with red strings on Swami's pictures and on Ganesha day, honey began trickling from the trunk of a Ganesha statue in the ashram.
Two weeks ago, Naidoo went on a pilgrimage to Baba's ashram in Puttaparthi, thanks to two devotees who paid for his air ticket and expenses.
"I was longing to see Baba and was blessed with his presence on the third day of my visit to his ashram. He was giving darshan (blessing) from his car and I was upset because I wanted to see him physically. It was as if he had read my mind. The car stopped and he came up to me.
"He said 'I am always with you' and 'I give South Africa my highest blessings'. He then waved his hand and materialised a lingum for me which was covered with ashes. I was suddenly mobbed by devotees and had to be taken away under police escort."
On his return home Naidoo, who said he was identified because of a South African sash, said he felt "reborn" and would continue to do seva (charity work) in Swami's name.
"I have been called a fake by many people. Some have even accused me of placing the vibbuthi on the walls and pictures myself. For them I have just one message - I live each day by Swami's name and one day you will come to know the truth."
Samantha Packery, 28, a planner, of Boksburg, said she had "witnessed" many of the miracles.
"Swami has found a home in Benoni and it is as a result of Roy's devotion and love for him. We have all been blessed and every moment at Roy's ashram is a spiritually fulfilling experience."
Selven Govender, 42, a wealthy businessman, of Northmead, said "seeing is believing". "I have seen these miracles happen and how it has changed the lives of people. This is divine bliss and has been a life-changing experience for me and my family."
Footnote: I visited Roy Naidoo and his family on Saturday and was amazed by their love and devotion for Shri Sathya Sai Baba. When I entered the ashram my nostrils were filled with the sweet smell of ashes and I felt weak at the knees.
I was suddenly filled with tearful emotion. As we spoke, it seemed like Swami was acknowledging the interview as spots of kumkum appeared on the carpet where we sat. A very calm Roy was not surprised and just said "He's listening to you" but for me it was a mind- boggling experience.
I do believe in miracles and it seems that Baba has chosen Roy to spread his love and teachings because of his loyalty and humility.
To me these miracles are Swami's way of reaffirming his presence and giving hope to the millions of destitute, sick, unemployed and confused people who look to him for sanity and salvation.
Published on the web by Post on November 22, 2005.
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