During the most turbulent times, when Japan was hit by one of the worst ever natural disasters, earth quake and tsunami in March 2011, how the country suffered and during the most trying times how Bhagawan saved the land, protecting the country with His Divine Grace…Ms Kayoko Hira's Ladies Day 2012 speech was revealing enough, giving glimpses of Divine Grace On Japan.
I offer my most humble pranams at the Divine Lotus Feet of Bhagawan.
Revered elders, and my dear brothers and sisters, Sai Ram from all devotees of Japan.
First of all let us pray for people who are suffering from hunger, poverty, war, conflicts, diseases and domestic violence all over the world.
On March 11, 2011, a tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. 15 thousand people died and 3 thousand missing. 4 lakhs people became homeless. Suddenly small children became orphans, young brides became widows, homes were destroyed and nuclear power radiation gave fear of disease and death for millions.
We, Japanese never forget that aid groups from all over the world came to Japan for rescue. Many countries sent relief to earthquake victims and innumerable people all over the world offered prayer for Japan. India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, offered prayer at parliament. 254 countries and international organizations sent official letters of sympathy to our Emperor, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Today, Japan is on the way of recovery. Many people lost their homes and jobs but the government provided housing and people survive on public assistance. It is a phase to focus on their employment stability and mental care.
There are millions of episodes. Please let me share some of the most unforgettable one. There was one Japanese youth working in one poor village in Africa. When the villagers heard about the calamity in Japan, they wanted to do something to help Japan. The village head told her that "We cannot send money to Japan. In this village, we can harvest only beans. Please send our beans to the earthquake victims in Japan." In Africa, 15 countries sent monetary donations to Japan, but 10 of them are called the poorest countries as their per capita gross national income is under two dollars.
When we heard about this episode, many Japanese shed tears. Seva is action from bottom of the heart, Love. Quantity is not important. The most important is quality and love. Please allow me to share Bhagawan's grace upon Japanese victims of the earthquake.
On 14th March 2011, Brother Hira telephoned Sri Chakravarthi from Tokyo to report the great national devastation to Bhagawan. Hira asked for Bhagawan's permission and protection of life from intense radiation for the Sai Seva devotees to pass through nuclear contamination areas. After a few hours Br. Chakravarthi informed that Bhagawan has most graciously given permission to start immediate Sai Seva to victims. Bhagawan said "I shall protect you all. Go."
Convoys of Sathya Sai Seva trucks carrying hundreds of tons of relief supplies. 6000 litres of water, hundreds of thousands of meals, medicines, clothings were arranged in overnight operation. As all the roads were broken down, government had ordered civilian transport curfew. With Baba's grace, Japan Police gave Sai Seva trucks "Priority Pass as Emergency Trucks".
Sai Seva Volunteers could not reach the site as Japanese military was trying to make temporary roads and bridges- Sai trucks were stranded- we prayed to Bhagawan intensely. With Baba's blessings we got a message from the police.
Although all roads are blocked and broken a special empty cargo ship named "Miura" was especially dispatched overnight by Japan Coast Guard with a helicopter to transport all Sai Seva relief goods immediately to most afflicted areas. The captain of the navy ship thanked Bhagawan.
Next morning we got the news Sai Seva was the first and best lifeline to be dropped by helicopter in coastal cities devastated by tsunami. Sai Seva devotees then moved to seaside city of Natori where damage and loss of life was the maximum.
A Japanese Sai doctor named Hosokawa arranged through a nurse for food and water to reach the victims. The nurse said she had not slept few nights and was looking exhausted. Her house had been drowned in the tsunami- her old mother died in the tsunami, still she continued her duty to serve patients. Dr Hosokawa offered a room and transport but she refused. Then Hosokawa gave her a photo of Baba saying He is God, He can do anything for you. Pray to Him because you are sad, lonely and exhausted.
After a week, the nurse gave a letter to Dr Hosokawa and said she prayed to Baba. Her only wish was to get the dead body of her mother from the tsunami washed ocean so she could do her duty of cremation as a daughter.
Baba blessed her. She went to the sea shore early morning and among thousands of drowned bodies- only her mother's body was found and she cried "Sai Baba Is True God".
Dear Sisters and Brothers, although Bhagawan Himself was preparing to leave His very own body in the next few days, yet He answered the prayers of unknown mothers… daughters seeking His grace.
Sai ladies of Japan though very small in number continue to ardently love and serve Bhagawan. The Sai ladies of Japan have endeavoured to learn and practise Sai teachings which are so different from daily Japanese life style. We have workshops on making Rangoli, cooking Indian Prasad and making Indian style garlands etc. They have also translated Easwwaramma books, Divine teachings on foods and a number of Swami's discourses.
Over 300 original Japanese language melodious Sai bhajans have been made. Bhagawan loved Japanese bhajans and encouraged us to sing in Japanese language.
Japanese ladies are called YAMATO NADESHIKO. YAMATO means Japan. NADESHIKO is name of flower. Ladies are flowers in the world. Flower can make people happy, decorate home beautifully and scent sweetly.
Oh, our Dear Bhagawan, please guide us and inspire us always.
May all beings in all worlds be happy.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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