AURA OF DIVINITY

It is often said that Divine personalities have an aura about them. Some scientists believe that all living beings, including plants, have an aura. This is not visible to the eye but can be photographed by a technique known as Kirlian photography.

Dr. Frank Baronowski, a Professor in Arizona State University in America, is an expert in this field. He not only photographs aura but is blessed with the rare gift of being able to see the aura directly with his eyes.

In 1979, he came to India to make a study of aura of holy men in the country. Inevitably, his travels brought him to Baba, who was then in Bangalore. At the time Baronowski reached Whitefield, a course arranged by Baba for school teachers was in progress. Baronowski heard about this and was naturally keen to speak in the conference, sharing his numerous experiences. Baba knew about this and in His own way made it possible. But first, Baronowski had to see something he had never seen before!

The Professor's first glimpse of Swami was during the early morning Darshan. In those days, Swami used to give Darshan at the conclusion of the Nagarsankeertan, the early morning prayer/Bhajan procession that one can see to this day in Prasanti Nilayam. Baronowski was stunned by what he saw - Baba's aura was simply out of this world. He saw it again and again - during the morning Darshan and the afternoon Darshan. He saw how this extra-ordinary aura enveloped one and all, believers and non-believers alike, those who were directly looking at Him and those whose attention was wandering. Later, Baronowski was given the opportunity to speak during the conference proceedings, in the immediate presence of Bhagavan Baba. Here is an extract of what he said:

I have met over a hundred holy men in India. Too many of these holy men are involved in their own personal egos. Their auras show mostly concern for themselves and their institutions. So, the auras are only about 25 cm. broad or perhaps 50 cm. I am not a devotee of Sai Baba. I have come here as a scientist, to see this man Sai Baba.

I saw Him on Sunday, on the balcony giving Darshan to devotees below. The aura that Baba projected was not that of a man. The white was more than twice the size of any man's, the blue was practically limitless, and there were gold and silver bands beyond even those, far beyond this building, right up to the horizon. There is no scientific explanation for this phenomenon.

His aura is so strong that it is affecting me standing by the chair on which He is sitting. I can feel the effect and I have to wipe my arm, off and on, as you must have noticed. It is very difficult for me to admit. I am a scientist. I have given over six thousand lectures in all parts of the world, but this is the first time, believe me, my knees are shaking. The aura that emanates from Baba shows His Love for you. I have met any number of holy men, but none of them have made themselves as available to you as Baba does. That is a sign of greatness.

Baba has given you the key to success - the simple four-lettered word: LOVE! If ever I can use the phrase that I have seen Love walking on two feet, it is here.

I have been watching Baba, while He was addressing you. The pink aura that was manifesting was so vast and strong that it went even to the hall behind this chair. It filled the big hall, embracing all of you here. There can be no scientific explanation for this phenomenon. I have watched Him for a week now as He walked among you, morning and evening. I have seen this aura, pink in colour, go into the person He is talking to or touching. This is because we draw on His energy. His energy seems to be limitless. It spreads everywhere and can be drawn upon by everyone around. An ordinary man will soon get exhausted going round as He does, among so many. I have watched Him come to a little girl, in a wheel chair and tickle her. I was astounded at the aura of Love that was all around Him then.

I am not brought up in any belief, though I am a Christian born and a Roman Catholic. The scientific community in my country finds it difficult to accept a God. It is not scientific, they assert. I am risking my reputation when I make this statement. Two days ago, right outside this hall, I looked into His eyes. They have a glow inside them. It is clear to me that I looked into the face of Divinity. There is no scientific explanation for this; there should not be! In my estimation, He is exactly what He appears to be - LOVE! That is what He is!

I have spoken on platforms where President Ford of the United States, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands have been present, but I will never forget this experience! It is really overwhelming in its impact.

Dr.Baronowski had the rare blessing to 'see' the aura of Love. The rest of us may not be able to 'see' it, but none can deny that we all 'feel' the infinite Love of Bhagavan, when in His presence or even when we just think Him!