Eternal Companion - December 2025
“Deena Dukhiyon Se Prem Karo, Mera Sai Prasanna Hoga
(Love the forlorn and the helpless, and my Sai will be pleased)”
This is the refrain of a popular bhajan. It is an extension of Swami’s commandments, “Help Ever, Hurt Never” and “Love All, Serve All.” Whenever there is an effort or even an intention to help others, Swami is pleased, and He showers His blessings.
The following episode that took place in 2025 in Botswana exemplifies this, showcasing the love of a son, the selfless service of devotees, and the miracle of vibhuti. It serves as a shining testament to this aphorism, demonstrating the power of vibhuti and His blessings.
A Cry Across Continents
It all started with a simple email to the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) from Mr. Eugene Gussenhoven.
“Om Sri Sai Ram, my father has not been feeling well. He is from the US and is staying in Gaborone. Is it possible to send some vibhuti for him?”
Eugene was in the USA, but his father, Francis Gussenhoven, was unwell and bedridden thousands of miles away, in Botswana. Eugene had tried to reach out to the local Sai Centre on Facebook, but was not successful. Now he was appealing directly to Swami’s organization, the SSSIO, clinging to the last strand of hope–Swami’s vibhuti, which was known to have miraculous powers. It was a cry for grace, a plea for his father’s healing.
The Heart of Seva
Eugene’s message reached Krishna, the SSSIO representative, who responded promptly with love and concern.
“Kindly send the address and contact phone of your father as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Eugene responded with gratitude, providing an address and phone number in Gaborone, Botswana, and received assurance that the vibhuti will be delivered within a week.
Days later, Eugene wrote again, his words heavy with distress:
“Sairam Krishna, my parents are in the hospital now in Gaborone, but the vibhuti has not reached them. Please advise how we can get vibhuti to them. My father has lost his ability to walk. Om Sri Sai Ram.”
His tone was urgent, as his father was deteriorating, unable to walk, and suffering from vertigo. His mother, too, had fallen ill, struggling with a blood clot in her lungs. The family was in deep anguish. Medical treatment seemed to offer little hope, as doctors could not readily diagnose the illness.
When medicine falters, when reason fails, and all options seem exhausted, that is the time when the heart turns to God, the sole refuge. Vibhuti–the holy ash that Swami Himself would often materialize and distribute with His own hands–was now the last refuge. To Eugene and his family, it was not just ash; it was hope, it was healing, it was life itself.
Relentless Efforts of Sai Volunteers
Behind the scenes, the Sai family in Botswana was doing all it could. Krishna quickly reached out to Dr. Sunil Kadiyala, the medical director of SSSIO, Zone 9 (Africa), and the physician who runs the free Sathya Sai clinic in Botswana. Dr. Kadiyala, moved by compassion, tried calling and sending text messages to Francis repeatedly, but to no avail. Going beyond the call of duty, he enquired for an alternative number and address. Learning that both of Eugene’s parents were admitted to Princess Marina Hospital, he arranged for Swami’s vibhuti to be delivered there. Perseverance in seva is indeed perseverance in love!
On July 2, Krishna received another email from Eugene:
“Om Sri Sai Ram, thank you so much, Krishna. The vibhuti was delivered today. We are now praying for Swami’s blessings. Peace and Love.”
The vibhuti had finally found its way, despite distance, confusion, and obstacles, by Swam’s grace. Swami had ensured that His gift reached His children.
Unfolding of a Miracle
Weeks passed. The family applied the sacred ash with complete faith and sincere prayers. Francis’s wife, though herself unwell and fatigued, lovingly rubbed the vibhuti on her ailing husband’s legs. Shortly, the amazing miraculous recovery began.
Francis, who had been unable to walk, lying helpless with vertigo, slowly regained strength. Day by day, step by step, he began to walk again–with the assistance of a cane at first, but gradually with increasing independence!
On September 21, Eugene wrote to Krishna again, this time with a heart overflowing with gratitude:
“I want to follow up on the vibhuti that was sent to my father while he was in the hospital due to Swami’s Grace. After receiving the vibhuti, my father’s condition began to improve. After two months, he is now able to walk with the assistance of a cane, and his condition is considerably better. I want to thank you and sincerely express my gratitude to Swami for the blessings of His vibhuti. I now pray that my mother will be healed and that she will be able to sleep restfully again.”
A medical miracle had unfolded, and it thrilled everyone, including Dr. Kadiyala, Krishna and the SSSIO members who played key roles in this divine drama.
Vibhuti: Ash of Assurance
What is this vibhuti, this simple grey ash that transforms despair into hope, illness into recovery, and weakness into strength? Swami has explained it often. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life, the truth that all forms ultimately return to ash, which cannot be degraded anymore. Yet, it is also fragrant with His love and imbued with His grace–an assurance of His presence, His protection, and His healing touch.
To Francis and his family, vibhuti was not merely any ash but a potent talisman that heals and evokes devotion. It was the living presence of Baba, reaching across continents, through the hands of His devotees, into the hospital bed where faith met grace.
(Based on communication with Mr. Eugene Gussenhoven, Botswana)