May 2k5.pmd - Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publication Trust

AVATAR VANIcycle of birth and death. Good Karmas dobear good results and vice versa. I willexplain this subject today with someexamples. There used to be a great devoteeby name Karanam Subbamma inPuttaparthi. She was very rich. She had nochildren. Whatever she had, she used to givein charity to one and all with the feeling, “Iam only sharing my God-given wealth withmy fellow human beings.” With such feelingsof equanimity, she led a pious and noble life.She had, however, one desire. She used topray, “Swami! At the time of my departurefrom this earthly sojourn, please pour a fewdrops of water into my mouth with Your DivineHands.” I promised her that I would do so.Six years after I gave that promise to her, Ihad to go to Chennai. That was the time ofSecond World War. Once in every hour,there used to be an air raid siren and thestreets would become deserted in no time.After staying there for a few days, I startedMy return journey straight to Bukkapatnamfrom Chennai in a car. Meanwhile,Subbamma fell seriously ill and was takento her parental home in Bukkapatnam fromPuttaparthi. There she died. Subbamma’sbrothers and relatives made allarrangements for taking her body forcremation. In those days, it was not easy toget firewood to cremate a dead body,especially in the villages. However, theyprocured some firewood and kepteverything ready.While passing by the house ofSubbamma, I noticed many people gatheredthere. I enquired, “Who is going to becremated?” Washerman Subbannawas there. He replied, “Swami!Subbamma is dead.” I went into thehouse where her body was kept. Herrelatives were about to take her body out forcremation. All of them were crying. They toldMe, “Swami! She is gone, thinking of You tillher last moment.” Then I asked, “Where hasshe gone?” pretending as if I did not knowanything. They said, “The doctor came andtold that there is no life in her body.” I smiledat their answer. I had not forgotten thepromise given to her. I removed the cloththat covered her face. Ants were crawlingall over her body. I gently called her name,“Subbamma!” She opened her eyes andlooked at Me (loud applause). She held Myhands with eyes full of tears and enquired,“When did You come, Swami?” I replied, “Ihave come just now.” I wiped her tears gentlywith a towel and said, “Subbamma! Lookhere.” She smiled and asked, “Swami! DoYou still remember the promise You gaveme? How compassionate You are!” I createdVibhuti and smeared it on her forehead. Ithen poured a few drops of sacred water intoher mouth and said, “You were worried thatSwami was not by your side at the lastmoment. Now you have seen Swami, talkedto Swami and held Swami’s hand. Now closeyour eyes peacefully.” Subbamma drankwater from My hands and breathed her last.Thus, I kept My promise to Subbamma.Sathya Sai always keeps His promise (loudapplause). His name is Sathya. WhateverHe says is truth.Subbamma Comes Back to LifeWhile this strange phenomenon wasgoing on, all her relatives and the doctorswho attended on her were watching thehappenings with wonder. They couldnot believe their eyes. They wereMay 2005 144