43. Sathya Sai Baba attracted unique people like a magnet, one of them was a philosopher and mystic – Ratan Lal
The teacher manifests himself not only in philosophical instructions or performed miracles, but first of all he manifests himself in his students. The greatness of a teacher is in the greatness of his students.
I can talk endlessly about the huge number of unique people whom I was lucky to meet in the ashram of Sathya Sai Baba; he, like the greatest magnet, attracted unique and amazing people. I received significant spiritual benefits not only from direct contact with Sathya Sai Baba himself, but also from contact with several of his great disciples.
In the early ‘90s, I met an amazing philosopher and sage, whose name was Ratan Lal. For many years he lived in the ashram and, with the blessing of Sathya Sai Baba, regularly lectured on the teachings of Vedanta. Almost every day, Ratan Lal met with groups that came from around the world. In those times, people from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus began to come to the ashram. Ratan Lal often interacted with Russian-speaking groups. I think that all those who knew him have wonderfully warm memories of this man.
He usually started the meeting by expressing certain philosophical ideas, then invited people to ask questions. His answers resounded from the depths of spiritual experience. In his presence, it was felt that what he was talking about was based on his own experience, this was his uniqueness and appeal.
Several photographs of Ratan Lal have survived, there are even rare videos of his meetings. However, I would like to describe this person because his appearance was also amazing.
He was small in stature, very thin, wearing white traditional robes, Punjabi. There was a remarkable detail in his clothes, he wore a white scarf, beautifully wrapped around his neck. When I saw Ratan Lal for the first time, I thought he was a musician or an artist, his scarf looked so artistic.
He could often be found walking around the ashram. He walked slowly, with tiny steps, and always looked down at the road ahead of him, immersed in contemplation. Occasionally, he raised his head and looked at the passer-by. He had a very sharp and piercing gaze. When our eyes met, literally, a few moments were enough to feel the amazing spiritual power of this man.
Ratan Lal made an indelible impression on me, not because he preached the philosophy of Advaita, as there was nothing special about it. Many teachers easily and effectively ranted about the high teachings of Advaita. What was important for me in this man was not words, but what I felt in his presence.
I came to his lectures and just listened. I had no questions. I simply enjoyed the energy and depth of his words. Subsequently, I developed a close and friendly relationship with Ratan Lal. I often talked with him outside of lectures, and we conversed on various topics.