Monday, May 24, 2010

"What more do you need whenI'm here?"



SRI BALA CHARANAM.
MAY 23RD, 2010.


“WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED WHEN I’M HERE FOR YOU?”


On May 21st, 2010, the day began quite normally. I was checking my e-mail in the morning over a cup of tea. There was a certain air of satisfaction since I had just finished my interpretation of Sri Bala Andhadhi and published this article on my blog site. I wasn’t sure who was going to read this work, however, I was just relieved that I had completed the task set me by Bala. I spent a few moments looking at some of the paintings I’d done of Bala earlier, in particular, my depiction of “Arpudha Bala” completed in May, 2009 at the request of Sri Baba.G.


I looked into Bala’s eyes for a few moments and then moved on to complete my
e mail correspondences. Suddenly, without warning, I could hear Sri Bala’s voice very clearly.
When I say I could “hear” her, I mean that certain thoughts were coming on very strongly in my mind.

“ Draw an image of me within two days”, this voice said.

I was startled and for a few moments carried on with the task at hand, without paying undue importance to this sudden request.

The voice started speaking again “ I want you to draw an image of me to tell everyone that when I’m here for them, they should not worry. Through this drawing, viewers should realize that I’m here to grant ALL their wishes. What more can they desire, when I, as a small child, am patiently waiting to give more than what anyone can ask for”?


Again, I thought this voice was my own imagination and did not pay much heed. However, for the next 15 minutes or so, I found I could not perform any work successfully. My mind seemed to reverberate with this command from Bala(?) to depict her in a painting.


Finally, I asked her “ Bala, in what manner should I depict you? I have portrayed you several times before in various poses. I can’t seem to think how you wish to reveal yourself to your devotees this time".

There was an immediate response “ I want you to draw me standing, with both hands in front of me, palms facing outward, as though I’m coming to both grant everyone’s wishes as well as to say what more do you need when I’m here for you”.

Bala went on to say “ you must finish this painting within two days. On May 22nd, it should be completed”.

“But how?” I started to protest. “I’m not sure I can do something like this so quickly”. Bala’s response cut like lightning “ Of course you will because you are not the person doing this work. I’m using you to give something to my devotees”.

Of course, this is true. I’ve never fancied myself to be an artist. All the paintings I’ve done over the past few years ( which have been given away to Sri Bala Peetam) have been the result of Divine command and clear directives from an astral plane.


However, I thought to myself “ I have already done a painting of Bala coming towards her devotees, arms outstretched. This is the Arpudha Bala painting I finished last year. Why does she want another one in the same style?”


Bala seemed to be still hovering nearby. She said “ This image will be different, you’ll see. Now get off the computer, shut down the useless conversation you are having with this person on G-CHAT , there’s work to be done”.

So, that’s exactly what I did.

Within half an hour, I was staring at a blank sheet of white paper laid out on my dining table. I picked up a pencil, thought of Bala and over the next couple of hours, finished the drawing! My hands were guided by none other than this child- Goddess. Of this there is no doubt in my mind.

I looked at the completed pencil sketch and thought I could finish the painting using charcoal pencils. After all, there were a few left over after my portrait of Sai Baba had been completed last year.

The moment this thought occurred, Bala stepped in “ Ha, I’m not letting you go so easily. I want to be seen in a bright pink skirt with a green blouse.” She proceeded to tell me the colors I had to use for her painting. I realized I had to make another trip to the art store.

However, there was one more day left to finish the painting. I worked steadily on May 22nd, making Bala look even more (?) pretty in her billowing pink skirt and enjoyed creating glittering ornaments for her to wear.

By 6 p.m. on May 22nd, I’d finished the work.

I took a step back and heaved a sigh of relief. I didn’t for a single moment consider this as a work of art. I looked at the painting and it seemed Bala was stepping out of it, smiling impishly. Although I realized this, the next moment I looked again, and saw many flaws in the painting.

However, Bala’s instructions were very precise. I was not to meddle and try to “fix” this painting in any way. This was “her” work and this is the way she wants to appear to all her devotees.

On May 23rd, BALA allowed me to put finishing touches only to her eyes, only because I pleaded with her . Even so, I’m not sure if these few changes in any way enhanced an already perfect work. Also, she has allowed me to write up about this incident.

No doubt, this picture will be published on the day Sri Bala stipulates.
It is my sincere wish, indeed prayer, that those who view this divine image can actually “see” the mischievous spirit of this wonderful child- Goddess shining through.

I hope all your wishes are fulfilled and Bala comes to reside in your heart permanently.

Please print this image and give it away to all your friends and relatives. It will surely provide them solace, protection and make all their wishes come true!


Sri BALA Charanam.
SRI BALA THUNAI.

4 comments:

Thirumalaiselvi Nambivel said...

Thanks Uma for publishing this. My eyes are filled with tears when I read this one. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I am truly blessed cause I am viewing this picture for the first time on a day filled with doubts and anxiety. And She has answered . Thx Uma Athai .

JS said...

Thank you so much. I am truly blessed to be able to read about your experiences with Sri Bala. I too love her very much and reading your experiences makes me cry. I love the painting. Thanks once again because I am seeing this picture when I am very sad and She has come to bless me through you.

Meenakshi Subramanian

vysh said...

Wonderful to read