It is funny how we suddenly remember God when our lives are threatened. I remember praying profusely when the plane I was traveling started to rock in very turbulent weather. I was not alone.

Someone sitting not far away from me was mumbling incoherently and his hands were clasped tightly together in prayers.

A woman next to him whipped out the holy Quran and started reading. I think it was a test to our faith. I know that because twenty minutes later, when the pilot announced that the worse was behind us, everything went to normal. The man, who I thought was a devout Muslim, ordered a stiff drink to calm his nerves. The danger was over and now he could go back to his bad old ways. He would probably not remember God again until he faces another dangerous situation. You would think an experience like that would turn one into a better person. The difference, as a friend said to me, depends on how you have learned your lesson. He nearly died when a car hit him while he was bending to pick up his shopping bags.

He laid down looking at the night sky and he could see his past flash before his eyes. He said, in that tiny space of time, he saw his sins swishing past him to point accusing fingers at him. "It was as if my whole life was packed into this horrible moment and I was forced to watch all the mistakes I had made in the past. I vowed to correct myself if I ever survived the accident," he told me.

He survived, although he now says that he is living a 'corrected life,' I have my doubts. One does not need to have a close brush to death to fall flat on one's back. When I flunked an examination during college days, I felt like I was hit by a physical blow. The flash came and I saw myself playing soccer and doing everything else besides concentrating on my studies. I also had a vision of myself as a lay about who had to scrounge for a living. Although I staged a remarkable recovery, the experience has taught me many lessons. We know that the mind packs a much bigger punch than a closed fist could ever have. The other day a younger relative called to ask me if I could pull a few strings to help him secure a job he had applied for. I said I could not because my contact had left the company.

"What would I do now?," he asked me in desperation, "There is a long list of applicants." I did not need time to think about it but said readily," just pray."

He thought I was being sarcastic. I told him again, "Pray. There is nothing you can do about it." I think he was annoyed because he put the phone down without saying goodbye. Well, I am not sure what would happen to his job hunting. Perhaps he would not get it just because he did not have the right attitude. Talking about attitude, I can recall an incident that happened sometime ago. A man, who has been overlooked for a promotion for many years, suddenly turned to God and started to pray regularly. It took a few more years but he eventually got the job he wanted. Someone sent him a card, which said, "Your prayer has been answered."

He looked at the card thoughtfully and then said, "Yes, but maybe I was due for promotion anyway." I am not sure how one would react to such attitude but this is a common reaction with many people. We abandon God when we think we don't need Him anymore. That is the worse mistake we could ever make.
- by Karima B

Source courtesy :http://www.guidedones.com/issues/snippets/learned10.htm




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There was a great Bhaktha once who failed in the test and so could not get the certificate. Every day at noon, he used to look out for a needy guest whom he could feed lavishly. Thus he spent years, but one day, a frail old figure toddled into the house and sat for the dinner. He had crossed the century mark in years. The host had the steadiness of the vow, but he did not have the discrimination to derive the fruit of that vow. Like water poured on a dry sand bed, it did not add to its fertility. His heart still remained a dry sand-bed, though the waters of charity were poured on it every noon. The Viveka-less heart drank up the charity and he was the same strict ritualist. The decrepit guest was overwhelmed by hunger and so, as soon as the first dish was served, he swallowed a big morsel without reciting the name of God. Annoyed at this atheism, the host cursed the old man and pushed him out of doors to starve or beg in the hot sun.

Kodaikanal History

Related Sai link:  Kodaikanal ashram Info
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
"Sai Sruthi"
Lake Road
Kodaikanal
Tamil Nadu, 624101
India



There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.
The first European to visit Kodaikanal was Lt. B.S. Ward a surveyor in the year 1821. His Head Quarters was Vellagavi village. There were many American missions in South Tamil Nadu. The foreigners could not bear the oppressive heat in Tamilnadu and they faced sickness from epidemic diseases and consequential deaths. They wanted neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai to rest and improve their health. They were happy to find from the report of Lt. B.S. Ward about the hills with wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai & Periyakulam. Many English and American missionary people visited Kodaikanal through various routes. Notable among them are J C Wroughton -Sub Collector, C R Cotton Judge and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane built two houses in 1845 in the lake road. More houses were built by British Govt. The American Missionaries moved in and built a lot of dwellings in the southern side which is still there and now called 'Sunny Side' and 'Shelton' . In the year 1860, the first church was built jointly by the Bishop. American Madurai Mission built the union church in 1895. From year 1860, there was all round improvement due to the visit of several dignitaries. Roman Catholics came, purchased a bungalow for Jesuit fathers, as rest house which is now called La Providence in upper shoal road. Governors of Madras Sir Charles Travelyon and Lord Napier visited in the years 1860 and 1871. One major JM Partridge of the army introduced Eucalyptus and wattle trees in the year 1867. Bier Leverage, collector of Madurai lived in Pamhar house after his retirement. Only through his tireless efforts and initiative the man-made Kodaikanal lake, the foremost attraction of the tourists was formed. He arranged boat rides in the lake. He planned and executed several approach roads to Kodaikanal. He introduced several foreign trees and vegetables such as Pine Forms and Pears. In the year 1872 Lt. Coaker cut a path along the ridge of steep south eastern side which commends a magnificant view of the plains below. The path was named after him as Coaker's Walk.

Travel to Hills in the Past
In the very early days, most of the visitors to the hills came from Madurai. They had to walk in the steep grueling way. The popular route was from Periakulam to Kistnamma Naik Tope by road through bullock carts & Rom Tope through the hills. One has to climb 2000 metres height by foot paths. This route was called Coolie Ghat Road.Those who were not able to walk can hire dhoolies (a sort of palanquins) carried by hirers. Some went up by riding ponies. There were many risks. Some dacoits from Kalla tribes came but they soon vanished after seeing the high level of protection. Also there were interruptions by appearance of wild beasts like panthers, elephants, bisons etc. Loud noises were made to chase them away.

In the year 1875 Southern Railways extended train route from Chennai to Madurai and Tuticorin. Due to this facility many tourists from far off places visited. They alight at Kodairoad Station and travel by bullock up to Tope and then ascend the climbs.The government deputed Engineer Major Law to study and submit a plan to build a moterable road to the hills. After a long delay, the road was completed in 1914 and at last allowed for traffic in 1916. Public buses began to ply in the road from 1916.

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