Skip to main content

What Bhakti means: Amazing story! This Italian Catholic Girl from Argentina left home to live in Prashanti Nilayam

I have just finished reading Elissa Bressnan's book, 'Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, My Best Friend: SNEHA - The Eight Step in the Path of Devotion.' Written with a real command over the events that began her spiritual journey and weaving it with her personal family details, Elissa's writing is lively, full of innocence and she is at her best when she is talking about her Italian roots and what faith means to many Italians. [READ: What are Tantric Practices? Find out!] 

 Elissa is an Italian girl, growing up in Argentina and her family worships Madonna (not the pop star!) and Saint Catherine and Saint Nicola among others. Throughout her early years, her interest in spirituality is evident and she explains it with small examples.

Some events happen in her life and Elissa finds herself in Prashanti Nilayam, where she begins to have faith in Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in every little thing that she does, be it a thought, word or action. 

 From then, Elissa's life becomes a joyful celebration of embracing 'Sneha' in every possible way. She begins to undertake odd jobs as part of 'seva' (service rendered in a spirit of love and awareness that it is for God), which is believed to be the best form of worship.This doesn't mean her troubles are over and she doesn't even want reader to feel think so. She reveals how she finds joy in simple things, like singing her favourite Italian hymn while kneading dough to make pizzas.

 She also talks openly about what she went through personally when Swami left his mortal body. 

Elissa is so open about her feelings that we feel we know her inside out. It didn't surprise me one bit when she finally opts to settle in India and to keep 'seva' as her priority. She is not defensive about her decision. What stands out is her happiness.  

 [READ: This Investment Banker Left His Job to Live in Prashanti Nilayam]

 She's finally home and she knows it. India is her home.

 [Do READ: This Japanese Lady in Prashanti Nilayam]


[MUST READ:  A Dad's Advise to the Daughter he loves]

When a woman knows where her heart truly belongs, she's home. 

 Elissa has finally found 'Sneha'. And I am so happy for her. 




Labels:

Comments

UNNI BABU said…
Great post! The title was enough to attract my attention. :-)
July 25, 2018 at 7:55 PM
Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. READ: Which type of Diya is good for your home What does Deepam represent? Attukal Pongala Story of Shivaji ] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. What is the purpose of lighting a diya? Light dispels darkness. When we light a diya, we bring light into our hopes and positive energy in our personal spaces. Nothing is more beautiful than Light. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

Is it bad if a diya goes off? This is a frequently asked question among people who light the evening lamp or diya regularly in their puja room.  [READ: How To Light Deepam at Home and  Why Malayalis Light Nilavilaku ]                                                     [Image by Sachin Yadav @ Pixabay] Why Did My Lamp Suddenly Turn Off? Where there is faith, there should be no scope for fear - this is Bhagawan Krishna's message to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.  That represents strength of Bhakti. [READ: Bhakti: Meera's Greatest Wealth] Consider another example in the tradition of Bhakti.  When Prahlada, a young lad, is targeted by his own father, he remains calm under every situation. When he is thrown into the sea, the wise lad is reminded that the sea is the abode of Shriman Narayana. [ READ: Amazing Stories of Lord Shiva ] H...
Post a Comment
Read more

Which type of Diya is good for home?

Curious to know which type of diya is good for home? In most Hindu homes, the diya is lit twice a day - once in the morning and thereafter in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. However, clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. [READ: What does Deepam represent? ] For special occasions such as engagement or festivals and on Fridays in particular, silver is considered as a symbol of prosperity, peace and abundance. Lighting a silver lamp is believed to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi's presence into one's home. Other metals such as copper are not usually used for lamps though copper is considered to be ideal for purposes of healing. [ READ: Significance of Om ] Benefits of Lighting Deepam Every Day Light eradicates darkness. We cannot begin to imagine how lighting a deepam brings in more serenity and positivity, not just in our homes, but even in our minds, the way we think and react over small ...
1 comment
Read more

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: Outstanding film! Biju Menon outshines Prithviraj Sukumaran like never before

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: After blockbuster hit 'Seniors', Malayalam film director Sachy is back in full throttle with Prithviraj-Biju Menon starrer 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' , a thorough and gripping entertainer.  [Malayalam movie: Seniors by Sachy - Watch and get back in Campus!]                                     [Image: Prithviraj Sukumaran's Facebook page] With its gripping narrative, crisp dialogues, outstanding performances and haunting BGM that creates a real mood, the film 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' left me completely spell-bound. Truth be told,  I watched it till about 2 AM on Amazon Prime video. Biju Menon and Prithviraj Sukumaran, are outstanding in every scene.  Every dialogue and scene between the two actors swings between light-hearted, humorous nuances that take down our society's mask and a blazing, raw intensity that makes you feel deeply for the two warring...
Post a Comment
Read more