Swami as the Example - Born to Serve (Radiosai)

Study Circle - Loving God Series
Swami as the Example - Born to Serve (Radiosai)
(Story is presented also as a plain text below the comic version)
Objective
To draw lessons from examples of how loving Swami has been even in His childhood.
Story (without pictures)
Little Sathya was a very responsible son. He considered helping His family members in their routine
chores His foremost duty. He would shop on behalf of His father, who had small shop in the village,
returning with four donkey loads of provisions. He would explain the purchase and return the exact
change - correct to the last coin. He would go to the well and fetch water for the family. Sometimes He
was also referred to as the ‘elder sister’ of the family as He would help in cleaning of the house as well.
He would also help His sister Venkamma to cook meals for the family. His active participation in the
household chores, some of which were considered girl’s work in those days, was exceptional. Even after
He shifted to His grandfather’s home, He performed all the tasks Himself from cooking food to cleaning
the utensils. After that He used to run all the way to another village called Bukkapatnam to attend school.
As soon as the clock struck on and the school bell ran, Sathya would go back home running to serve His
grandfather food and eat with him. Puttaparthi’s lack of middle school and such strenuous daily routine
did not become obstacles for Sathya. Instead, He marched forward bravely. After lunch He would run
back to Bukkapatnam again. Seeing his grandchild undergoing such physical strain, Kondama Raju (His
grandfather) would say, “You are a small child. Don’t go through this ordeal every day. Why don’t you
carry a lunchbox?” Sathya replied, “Grandfather, I’m prepared to undergo any ordeal. I don’t shy away
from difficulties. In fact, this is a good exercise for me.” He had only one set of uniform for school. As
soon as He returned He’d wrap a towel around His waist and wash the uniform, iron it and keep it ready
for the next day. Not only this, the curries He prepared grew very popular in the entire street. Whenever
people fell ill with fever they’d crave for the Rasam (soup) prepared by Him. They’d wait outside
Kondama Raju’s house. Sathya would return and immediately prepare their meal. After partaking the
Rasam their fever would leave.
Suggested Questions
1. Have you ever felt like you had to do more than your share of the work (at home, work, school)? How
did you deal with it? After reading this passage, how would you deal with it next time?
2. Give an example from your daily life as to how you can translate your love for God into a specific
action.
3. Do you think that Swami’s actions demonstrated in this story are due to His divine power? Please
explain.
Life Application
Pick a chore or unpleasant task during the week and remember how Swami as a child cheerfully did so
many chores and see if that helps you feel better.
Affirmation
My life is gifted to me to serve all and to do my tasks with love and cheerfulness.