The Deer That Became ‘Dear’
Baba has had many pets-dogs, rabbits, peacocks, budgerigars and deer, all housed in big walk—in cages. His pet elephant Sai Gita adores her Master so much, that should He be away for long, she shed tears. In fact Sai Gita can lay claim to the privilege of having garlanded Baba, more number of times than perhaps any other devotee of Baba!
Swamiji had reared a small deer with love and it had become a beautiful stag. It was a hot sunny day and Swamiji had as usual retired to His room after lunch. Usually He only comes down again in the evening to give darshan. But on that day Swamiji came down almost immediately after lunch and went to deer park in a great hurry. He walked straight to the stag that was waiting for Him, and gently caressing the animal fed it with fruit. Soon after eating out of Swamiji’s divine hands the deer shed profuse tears, fell at Swamiji’s Lotus Feet and passed away. Such is the beauty of God’s Love and Grace.
Narration: Smt. Priya Sujith
[Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Guru]
[Source: Lessons from the Divine Life of Young Sai, Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Group I, Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Trust, Compiled by: Smt. Roshan Fanibunda]