Walk with Lord Ganesha

One fine morning, after a few days of my stay in the hostel, an incident occurred which revealed to me my true friend. After the bell had rung I started for the Institute. I stopped awhile to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha installed in front of our hostel. When I opened my eyes I heard, “Why do you boys leave me alone at the hostel?” I thought of the loneliness that pervaded the hostel after all the boys had left for the Institute. A little surprised I replied “Oh! Lord. Why don’t you accompany me to the Institute? I would be blessed to have your company while I go to the Institute.”
Lord Ganesha seemed pleased with my words. He stepped out of his beautiful little enclave and I could see his little vehicle following its master. I was reminded of the merit that I must have acquired in my past lives to have this blissful vision. His form was small, coming only up to my chest. Wooden sandals adorned his feet. A vision of the beautiful dancing trunk would rid one of the sorrows of the earth. The trunk sometimes made movements in the air or rested on the protruding stomach. Dressed in yellow and green silk Lord Ganesha looked more beautiful than anything in the world. The little mouse was very happy, as it was moving out with its master after many days.
Crossing the hostel gate we moved on towards the Institute. After a while our conversation began. I was very interested in listening to him narrating the events relating to His birth, getting an elephant head and how He became the ‘Agrapujya’. This narration thrilled me to the core. By habit, I tried to speak in between His narration and committed other mistakes too. When I did such a mistake He would punish me by hitting me with His trunk. It was more than a reward for me. Of course they served the purpose.
As we moved on He was on my right. Every time a vehicle or something else neared me I was afraid that they would collide with Lord Ganesha. Understanding my thought He replied, “Do not worry. None can harm me. I am invisible to everyone else except you.”

On reaching the Institute we walked towards the temple built for Him. As we ascended the steps He was ready to receive the prayers of many students who were waiting there. I made pradakshina, offered prayers and left for the classroom.
The forenoon session was over. I descended the steps on my way back to the hostel for lunch. He was there throughout overlooking the studies and classes of all students. Now He also was ready to come back to hostel. I was blessed again. This time we talked things relating to the material and spiritual worlds. We reached the hostel gate. A sudden thought caught me still, “What about lunch for Lord Ganesha?” The all-knowing Ganapathi immediately said, “I need none of the food you take. Your Vidya and Jnana are My food. If you study well My hunger is satisfied. You go and have your lunch. I shall wait for you.” I walked into the hostel. He waited for me in His beautiful little enclave.
I had my lunch. I was filled with the thoughts of Lord Ganesha. I left my room for afternoon session of classes. He was waiting for me. As I offered my prayers He came out to walk with me. I had thought about talking to Him on some topics and questions. He said, “We have spoken this morning. From now onwards we shall walk quietly.” I obeyed His command. As had happened in the morning He came back with me to the hostel after the classes. Our walks continued every day. He came with me to the library often. He always had the blissful smile on His enchanting face. I had at last found my soul companion.

Originally published in Sai Nandana – the commemorative publication of the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel for Senior Boys at Prasanthi Nilayam on the occasion of the 75th Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.