I once attended an interview that included an Indian family from Delhi; the parents and two children, a boy and a girl. Sathya Sai Baba materialized a watch for the girl as a gift. Her little brother looked especially annoyed as he stared upon the beautiful watch. His expression showed so much sadness as if he would soon burst into tears because he had not received a gift too.
Seeing the boy's distress, Sathya Sai Baba instantly materialized a camera and presented it to the astonished child. The happiness of the child was boundless! He enthusiastically held the gift and carefully examined it. A moment later, Sathya Sai Baba took the boy's camera and gave it to me, asking me to take a picture of him with this Indian family.
Sathya Sai Baba playfully embraced the children, while the happy parents stood nearby. I found a good shot and tried to take a picture, but the camera didn't work. Sathya Sai Baba laughed and ordered me to give the camera back. I did so and he easily took a few pictures of everyone present. After that, he again gave the camera to me and asked me to take pictures. Despite all my attempts to take at least one picture, the camera would not work.
I felt uncomfortable with my helplessness. It seemed in my hands, the camera wouldn’t work, but as soon as I gave it to Sathya Sai Baba, it took pictures normally. Sathya Sai Baba hilariously joked, “all this modern technology is solid magic – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.”
Finally, I realized that everything happening was a joke of Sathya Sai Baba. With a smile, I turned to him and said that in order to take a picture I needed a blessing. Sathya Sai Baba shook his head approvingly and raised his right hand in blessing. After that, I was able to easily take some good shots.
22. Sathya Sai Baba appeared on the photo
This story was told to me by Mr. Subba Rao, one of the oldest devotees of Sathya Sai Baba. Not far from Bangalore there is a comprehensive school founded by Sathya Sai Baba. In the early ‘90s, the school celebrated its anniversary. Teachers and students invited Sathya Sai Baba to attend the event and he gave his consent promising to come without fail. The day came, but Sathya Sai Baba did not come, despite the fact that teachers and students were waiting for him.
The whole day there was a lavish music and dance program, in which all the students at the school participated. The children hoped they would be able to demonstrate their skills in front of Sathya Sai Baba, but, alas, he was absent. By the end of the holiday, the children were deeply upset and disappointed by the absence of their beloved Sai.
