Let's be "real" for a moment. Nowadays as a woman, I am being taught and shaped by all aspects of society, whether it be marketing, advertising, magazines, television, movies, and the people I encounter. These influences force me to be independent and ambitious, and to suppress the slightest bit of emotion. Ultimately, according to society, being a woman today is to live in a state of confidence in my pursuit of so called "happiness".

This is frightening! Not only does it completely oppose and challenge Swami's teachings, it also sets me up for long-term failure. Several years ago, I was ready to conquer the world by being at the forefront of the medical field. I was not about to be "belittled" into being a simple housewife. I believed in the modern phrase, "I am woman, hear me roar." Like most females in society who are told not to be timid, shy or quiet, as this will reveal a weakness, I was bombarded with such notions throughout my adolescent years. Then came the bombshell from Swami Himself - on the very day of my engagement, as my family sat in the famed interview room, "No more studies (to be a doctor); he is your responsibility," uttered the Lord of the universe pointing to my future husband! I thought I misheard. My parents also thought they misheard. What to do? Well, the obvious was to ask Swami. So, the very next day when the opportunity arose during that actual ceremony I asked, "Swami, what about my studies in medicine?" The reply was swift and confident, "There is no question of studies now; Your duty is towards him."

Swami explained to me, my husband and our families the qualities of a woman. First, He said "Grihalakshmi" a woman is the Lakshmi of the house, the pillar without which the family has no foundation to progress or operate. Next, "Ardhangi" which is the better part of the husband that creates balance and harmony in the home. "Dharampatni" is the righteous wife who confers the sense of morality, ethics and right conduct to the family, especially children. Finally, "Illalu" is the mistress of the home, the Shakti that gives power to all who reside in the home.

It took me many years to digest, contemplate and realize the life saving statements Swami directed me to follow. Under no circumstances does Swami disagree with women being educated. Some may recall when Swami initiated the educational institutions He constructed the girls college in Anatapur first.

He says,

"It is not my view that women should not get educated. They should have education. You may also take up jobs. But you should live up to the obligations and glory of womanhood."

As a married woman, the greatest lessons have come in learning about myself - as an extension of God. It is also learning to be one half of my husband and knowing how to balance my wants with those of another. What lessons can I share in a few words? As Swami says, "First Be, then Do, then Tell." I have learned that who I am is defined by Love, not by secular society's definition of a woman. I have learned the inherent value that even separates me from my husband, which is unconditional Love. Swami often reminds us that when a child is ill, the father will take the temperature and console the offspring. But it is the mother who will stay up all night and share the pain of that child. Love is the natural aspect of a woman.

Today, I have been blessed with two children, a husband with many tasks and a very busy household. Indeed, I AM woman, hear me roar in the spiritual sense as I am a female who is grounded in herself, her role and her duties. It is a tough balance-with less income but greater mothering. My reward with my children is seeing them grow up to be pillars of society whose foundation consists of Sai ideals rather than confusing television values.

Yes, all this requires practice but the best is yet to come when we as woman aspire to be who we truly are - reflections of Swami! I am woman, I thank you Sai!