A Divine Opportunity for All Humanity

Just as all rivers merge in the ocean, all branches of education end in spiritual education. One must experience that kind of totality and merge with Divinity. The traditions and truths are being separated into various groups, and the vicious syndrome of dislike for one person towards the other has come into existence. Not only in the past but even in the present, there are people who conduct themselves as per the traditional rules and guidelines. The means to liberation in the Krita Yuga was Dhyanam (meditation), in the Treta Yuga it was Yagam (performing of ritualistic sacrifice), in the Dwapara Yuga it was Archana (worship) and in the Kali Yuga it is Namasmarana (chanting the name of the Lord). These are the methods prescribed which when followed will help us in achieving the ultimate goal of life. In India, there is a constant conflict between ancient traditions and the modern traditions. So a clear distinction has been formed between ancient and modern traditions.  

What is the meaning of saying that an Avatar has arrived? God descends among the people with love, compassion, affection and mixes the Jeeva Prajna (Individual Consciousness) with the Deva Prajna (Divine Consciousness). 

Oh ignorant mind! Desire to have the vision of the Brahman. 

Do not go about searching for It hither and thither.

It is within you and search for It within yourself.

This is the path of Truth which tells what Reality is.

Embodiments of Love, students, teachers and well-wishers in the field of education! 

A Divine opportunity has been bestowed upon you as a result of all the good deeds of your past lives and you have thus been blessed with this human form. The Vedas declare that just as a bird without its two wings and a chariot without its two wheels cannot go anywhere, a human being who does not have the two attributes of Vidya (education) and Tapas (penance) cannot move ahead on the path of achieving the ultimate knowledge. The Bhagavad Gita says that of all types of education, the real one is the ‘Adhyatmic Vidya’ or spiritual knowledge (Adhyatma Vidya Vidyanam). ‘Brahma Vidya’ tells one about Brahman (the Supreme Principle). It is Tapas that makes us reach Brahman. So Vidya and Tapas are like the two eyes of a human being and one must look at the world through these two eyes. 

YOUTH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PHASE OF LIFE

Just as the cultivation season is the most important time for the farmer, youth is the most important time in the life of a student. The farmer waits for the opportune moment to sow his seeds so that he can reap a rich harvest. Time is a very critical element for the success of the crop. During the cultivation season the farmer does not care about food, water or sleep, and works hard with the focus on one thing, that is achieving a good harvest. He thinks that a good crop is the source of all his happiness. Similarly, for a Vidyarthi (student), the period of education is like the cultivation season. It is the most important time, and the very basis of life. Students should dedicate all their time without worrying about hunger, thirst and sleep, or loss and gain, and should focus on building good character and gaining complete knowledge. 

Source: The Descent of God is for the Ascent of Man, Discourse 1, My Dear Students Volume 5, Divine Discourse delivered on December 25, 1980 at the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam

"Swami, please speak to me..." - By Dr. Sunder Iyer

The One, We All Love

“GOD is more truly imagined than expressed, and 

He exists more truly than is imagined.”

- Anonymous

Sometimes, when I begin to write about someone whom I love, great and beautiful feelings arise in my heart. However, when it comes to confining these emotions to a limited set of alphabets and words, found in a few pages of dictionaries... that becomes an impossible task. Hence on occasions when I speak or write about our Lord, I always resort to an easier mean. In other words, one’s feelings and such one’s relationship with his God, has always been personal, and such experiences can never be revealed. But then there are always the Divine manifestations of the Lord which are perhaps, the fruits of such intimate relations that can be shared. When the Lord lets the devotees experience His majestic omniscience and omnipotence, then it becomes a Leela. And it is these Leelas that have been a perennial source of faith and inspiration to all those who have sought shelter at His Lotus Feet.

I open the worn out pages of my old dairies, and I dig into them to find out which of these experiences can I share with you. I cannot help but feel...

What intimate hours I once enjoyed,

How sweet their memory still.

But they have left an aching void,

That world can never fill.

Swami proceeding to the interview room

February 21st, 1981... and my hand stops. As I go through this page, my mind races back the corridors of time and I find myself seated in the first line in the evening time and Swami finishing His usual Darshan, has just taken some devotees for an interview.

It so happened that during those times, I had just ventured into the Yoga path, and the initial enthusiasm was in its full swing. Yogasanas, breathing exercises, postures and various practices and all such matter occupied the place of prime importance among my thoughts and often I would indulge in fantasy... roaming in the Himalayas clad in a loin cloth perhaps... or lying next to a snow leopard... performing austerities, Tapas, etc. But as it happens to most of us, these ideas remained and vaporised within the realm of fantasy, for I soon found that somehow, the monthly special lunch bell had the power to penetrate through the deepest of my Samadhis and I would invariably be the first in the line, waiting for the dining hall.

But, nevertheless, in the years that have followed I have kept on, and in spite of all my shortcomings, Sai has always seen me through these. The experience I am going to relate, is of my one such occasion, when He let out His hand for me to grasp, as if saying, “Come on, you have a long way to go.”

And I am a seasoned seed

From Your own stores

My growing up, therefore

Is Your responsibility.

Sathya Sai with Students at the Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, in early 1980s

Swami had come a few days earlier to our hostel and pleased us with His Divine discourse. One of the points that caught my attention was that of the chanting of ‘Soham’ Mantra. Swami explained and demonstrated how this sacred Mantra can be chanted through regulation of breath. Immediately, all meetings were held and resolutions were passed in mind (which is not a very uncommon feature for those of my category) and I decided to practice it for the rest of my life.

Three days had passed, and I diligently practiced this Mantra as and when possible. As each day had passed, and as evening drew near, my heart would bloom with expectancy, perhaps Swami would acknowledge my ‘sincere’ practice, speak a word to me, or give me a Namaskar. The first day passed without even as a so much of a glance, but I was not deterred. I went on more firmly. But, somehow, when on the second day, Swami passed by me, without as a so much of a glance, my spirits were down in the dumps. Nevertheless, a ray of hope still hung in the frail cobwebs of mind, for, the next day, our class was going first in the line.

So, the evening of this third day found me sitting in the first line in the portico. The sun was just setting for his nightly intermission, and even as his golden rays bathed all of us not merely in light, but also in quite uncomfortable warmth, my mind was going on “Soham... Soham...”

Finally, the door opened and the usual hush passed over the atmosphere. All attention was on the door, expectancy accompanied by eager eyes and prayerful hands. My already upright position became more upright, as He came closer. “Swami” my mind uttered softly but in all vanity. “Swami, here I am looking at You... speak to me.” Swami passed by me, spoke to a boy next to me, smiled, patted him and went on.

He finished His usual round of Darshan and came back. By then, the portico was full of devotees who had been chosen for interview. I knew now that the probability was nil. As He passed by me once again, the sort  uttering of my mind now gave way to ferocious yelling (fortunately, all this was within). “Swami,” I screamed within my mind, “I have done what You advised, for three days now and there has been no response from You.” But He heard me not and the few more seconds that passed were filled with an unforgettable war between prayer and despair.

Leisurely as ever, Swami mentioned the devotees inside, and with a last look that went above my head, a smile to my partner. He closed the door and the floodgates holding my tears opened. My upright position now became low and I was busy fighting my tears lest somebody should see.

Most of the shadows of life are 

caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.

All my hopes were shattered; the fruit that my ego so eagerly sought was now beyond my reach. Even the innermost hidden desire to tell my friends, how Swami had responded to my spiritual Sadhana, lay bare. I was thus vainly trying to hide the nakedness of my spirit in a few drops of tears, perhaps those of anguish, humility and repentance.

It is not a matter of respect or otherwise that He is called the God of Love. It is an experience of everybody who knows Him, who has been with Him, and who has tasted His nectarine Love. Hardly a few minutes had passed, when Swami opened the interview room door and came out. He was standing right in front, with His back towards me, watching the ladies go in. My mind was calm by then, and drying up my tears, I let out my hand to touch His Lotus Feet. And then it happened.

Swami with students in the verandah of the Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir

When He was about to go, Swami turned towards me, He had probably materialised some Vibhuti inside so His fingertips were still full of them. Within a flash of a second, He took a step, and as I looked up at Him, His beautiful face broke into a smile. Eyes pouring out Love, He looked into me, and saying, “Pichi (mad)?” He let His thumb press my forehead (the place between the eyebrows), and rubbed in the Vibhuti that was still there.

No soul can forever be banned,

Eternally bereft,

Whosoever falls from God’s right hand,

Is caught into the left.

The page in the diary ends here, and as I slowly close it, I make up my mind.

- Dr. Sunder Iyer 

Student, Doctoral Research Scholar & Former Faculty, Department of Commerce,
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Nandana 1985 (60th Birthday Issue)

Trayee Sessions - Part 9 (1)

April 24, 2001

Swami  : Which is your place?

Student  : You.

Swami  : This Vedanta is “Jhoota Vedanta”. Modern education is like that. Modern education does not show the path to fulfillment. It only shows path to attraction and show. It doesn’t show the path to cross the ocean of samsara. We don’t know how to cross it and instead learn many other useless things.

Sri Sathya Sai in Trayee Brindavan

Once there was an educated businessman. He wanted to cross a river to go to another place. He called a boatman. The boatman with humility agreed. The businessman on the other hand was arrogant. He ordered the boatman that he would like to go a particular village, and told the boatman to get ready. The boatman cleaned the boat. In the middle of the river, the businessman kept talking. Educated people can’t keep quiet. As only the boatman was available he kept speaking to him. He started a conversation with the boatman.

Businessman  : What is the political situation in your village?

Boatman  : I didn’t know. 

Businessman  : Don’t you read newspaper?

Boatman  : I am illiterate and I don’t know how to read.

Businessman  : Even if don’t know how to read, you must keep a newspaper under your arm to show off. OK, let’s go, what is the time?

Boatman  : I don’t know how to see time.

Businessman  : Even if you don’t know how to see time, you must at least tie a plastic watch on your hand. If you can’t read a newspaper one-fourth of your life is wasted in the Ganges. If you can’t see the time, half of your life is wasted. OK, tell what cinema is going on in your village.

Boatman  : I don’t know. I don’t have money to see films.

Businessman  : Even if you don’t see films, you must at least have a TV at home. 

Boatman  : I don’t have money for that.

Businessman  : If you don’t watch the TV, three-fourths of your life is wasted in the Ganges.

After sometime, there arose a big wind. It became cloudy. The boat started to rock. The boatman couldn’t control the boat.

Boatman  : Do you know how to swim?

Businessman  : I don’t know.

Boatman  : Then the whole of your life is a waste. 

Saying thus the boatman jumped into the river. He swam to safety. The businessman drowned in the river.

The One who came to guide us across the Samsara - The Ocean of Life

“While traveling in a river, one must know how to swim (in telugu - Eeta). Similarly while traveling in Samsara (ocean of life) one must know Gita. Each person must learn swimming. It will come to use some time or another. This 'Eeta' is Daiva Chintana (Thinking of the Lord). It will be useful whenever there is trouble. Any time one can think of God. Your pen, paper, and watch will not protect you. Only Daiva Chintana will protect you. If you learn this swimming, you can travel safely in life, just like the boatman was saved and not the businessman. As we are born in this Samsara, we should learn the education, which will help us reach higher positions in life. The name of God will help you to reach higher positions in life.”

Continued to Part 2

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2000-2001)

The Role of Sacred Intentions: A Case of Sri Sathya Sai Institutions

Vegetarian Food in a Non-Vegetarian Hotel

There were two hotels in a town. One hotel was a ‘Vegetarian hotel’ while the other was a ‘Non-Vegetarian hotel’. A vegetarian entered the non-vegetarian hotel inadvertently. He called the waiter and ordered for some vegetarian dishes not being aware that it was a non-vegetarian hotel. The waiter was surprised at the order and questioned him “Sir, don’t you know that it is a non-vegetarian hotel. Haven't you seen the board outside?”

The message that should be taken from this anecdote is that the world is transient and it is not the place where people can find true happiness. Such ever-lasting happiness is not available in this ever-changing world. Hence, there is no use of scouting around for that which is unavailable. The ancient scriptures declared, ‘Anityam, Asukham Lokam’ which means ‘The world is impermanent and gives no happiness’. Thus, it can be said that just like the non-vegetarian hotel, this world also has a sign-board stating, ‘Genuine everlasting happiness is not available here’! Giving a direction for finding such happiness, the ancient scriptures further declare, ‘Imaam Praapya Bhajaswa Maam’ i.e. God is the only source where such a search for eternal happiness can end fruitfully. In order to attain such eternal happiness one should gradually discard desires one by one. Removal of immorality is the only way to immortality. One should lead an ideal life as long as one lives in this world and leave behind an ideal example for posterity.

Myrdal  persevered until the end of his life for this kind of an ideal. However, he had to work amidst different cross currents when he was the head of the economic body. People used to believe in different schools of thought to tackle the economic problems. He could not make up his mind regarding the approach to be adopted to tackle economic problems. Finally, he decided to follow the dictates of his conscience. Purusha (Divine principle) is the basis of humankind and other creations of God. Therefore, it should be remembered that this conscience is all pervasive and it should be the endeavour of man to recognise the Unity of Divinity in all. Once this unity is understood and experienced, the finance problems cease to bother people in the world. 

Note: 

Baba here refers to the well-known Economist Gunnar Myrdal, the author of the work ‘Asian Drama’. Karl Gunnar Myrdal (1898 – 1987) was a Swedish economist and politician. He was born in Gustafs, Dalarna, and died in Danderyd, close to Stockholm. He graduated from Stockholm University Law School in 1923 and received a doctorate degree in Economics in 1927. With Friedrich Hayek, he was awarded the 1974 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their pioneering work in ‘The theory of money and economic fluctuations’ and for their penetrating analysis of the interdependence of economic, social and institutional phenomena.

The Case of Sri Sathya Sai Institutions

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, Puttaparthi

The cases of the Super Specialty Hospitals at Puttaparthi, Bangalore and the drinking water projects in Anantapur and four other districts in Andhra Pradesh and in Chennai in Tamil Nadu illustrate this point. Baba proposed the Drinking Water Supply Project in Anantapur district with an estimated cost of Rupees 200 crores. At that time, even Rupees 100 crores was not available with the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. In case of the Super Specialty Hospital at Puttaparthi, the hospital administration put forth a monthly budget of Rs. 1.20 crores (1 crore = 10 million) to pay wages and salaries of personnel in the hospital and this amount were not available with the Trust’s bank account at that point of time. However by My Sankalpa (Divine Will) and to the astonishment of the hospital administration, at the time of presentation of the cheque, the exact amount of Rs. 1.20 crores were made available in the concerned account. Therefore, one has to realise that whenever one initiates any activity with sacred, pure, and selfless intentions; there need not be any room for apprehension or anxiety. All the actions must be based on Satya. ‘Satya’ (truth) and ‘Dharma’ (righteousness) should always be the guiding values while embarking upon any project, including learning the subject of finance. 

Source: Values-Based Economic Development, Chapter 1, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

On the Day Sri Ramana Maharishi attained Mahasamadhi...

April 14, 1950

Sri Ramana Maharshi - The Great Saint of Thiruvannamalai

On April 14th, 1950, an extraordinary event took place at Puttaparthi. 

Sri Varadu, a devotee, reports:

‘The night Sri Ramana Maharshi passed away in Thiruvannamalai, Baba went into a trance at around 9 pm. He went into a trance quite suddenly and threatened to fall. We, another devotee Sri Krishna and I, held out our hands to support Him. Baba lay prostrate on our hands when all of a sudden His body rose up in air from our arms. He was as stiff as a board, and He was murmuring “Maharshi has reached Me.” Later, the sole of His right foot split open and nearly two kilograms of sweet smelling Vibhuti gushed forth. While we collected the Vibhuti, Baba was still levitating. After a while He descended and returned to His normal self. He then informed us that Sri Ramana Maharshi had merged in Him. The news of Sri Ramana Maharshi's Samadhi appeared in the newspapers the next day. The time mentioned was the same as that of Baba’s trance.’

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijiyam Part 1 (1926 to 1985)

That Son Of Nanda Has Come Again - Ananda Baalude...

Ananda Baalude Aa Nanda Baaludai

Tanavaari Gurthimpa Tharali Vache

Aa Ramachandrude Aaraama Chandrudai

Tana Bantulanu Kangonaga Vache

Aa Eeshude Baala Saayeeshudai Ita

Tana Gumputho Aadukonaga Vache

Aa Mahaa Vishnuve Ee Mahee Vishnuvai

Tana Aayudhamulu Chekonaga Vache

Yuga Dharma Paddhatul Vigalithamaiyunda

Nayamaargamuna Drippi Nadupu Koraku

Lokambulella Kallolamai Chediyunda

Nishkalmashamu Chesi Nilupu Koraku

Durmaarga Varthanul Thrulluchu Nunda

Saadhu Samrakshana Salupu Koraku

ANANDA BAALUDE (MEANING)

That child of Nanda has come as the blissful child (Ananda Bala) to recognise His people;

Like a relaxing moon, that Ramachandra has come to look for His servants;

That Shiva has come again as Sai Shiva to play with His group;

That Maha Vishnu has come again as Mahee Vishnu to this earth to take up His weapons;

When the Dharma of the Yuga (age) is declining, 
He has come to set it right;

When the whole world is full of conflicts, 
He has come to redeem it;

When the evil traits are on the rise, 
He has come to protect the good people.

(Note: This song has been composed by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.)

Source: Song 1, Section 6, Telugu Songs, Vandana: Students’ Prayer Book

When I was waiting for the arrival of the VIP - By G. S. Krishnan

“Rama is my mother, He is my father,

My master He is, and a friend in need.

He is everything to me, the most kind

And humble among those, known and unknown”

One day, while I was on my way to the school in the morning, I saw a crowd on the way. Curious as I was, I soon found myself a part of the crowd. The message reached my parents that I had not gone to the school that day, and was instead standing with the crowd. On the receipt of the message, my parents arrived at the spot.

They spotted me in the crowd. They questioned me as to what I was doing there. I replied that some V. I. P. was about to arrive and I was waiting for His arrival. On enquiry, they came to know that the V. I. P. was none other than Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Then, instead of scolding me, they too joined the crowd! 

We awaited the arrival of the V.I.P. There was a hushing sound as the car passed by. My mother then asked me, “Did you see Sai Baba?” I replied in the affirmative. The car having passed by, the crowd slowly began to disperse. 

I insisted that we go into the hall where Bhagavan had gone, or, wait till Sai Baba returned. After a while, the person at the gate was kind enough to leave us into the hall. Because of the crowd which had gathered there for function, we were able to secure a place only in the basement of the hall.

As we settled down, Swami appeared on the stage. He began to deliver His Divine Discourse. I was too young to grasp the import of the discourse. The only thing which attracted me was Swami’s dress, and His hair style. The incident left a strong impression in my mind. After the function we proceeded to my aunt’s place. My aunt was happy to note that we had Swami’s Darshan. She gave me a framed photograph of Swami, which I have treasured till today.

After this introduction to Swami, I bought a small ‘Bhajanavali’ book and a pocket photograph of Swami. I shared my success and failures, anguish and happiness with Swami’s photo. A day came when I had a drawing exam. The topic for the drawing was ‘A woman worshiping God’. Along with others I got down to work. I sketched a woman praying to Swami. I thought that the teacher would like it, as it was a unique one, and other students had sketched Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva etc. To my surprise, the teacher was very angry. She was a non-believer and she felt offended, “Of all, you had to draw only this man”. My castle was shattered. I almost broke into tears. She threw away the drawing. With care, I picked up the sheet and cried looking at the sketch. I failed in the drawing exam.

I went crying to my aunt and narrated the incident to her. She wiped my tears and consoled me. She asked, “If you have a close friend and if someone criticizes him will you desert him for that?” I replied, “No.” She continued, “Just because someone has criticized Swami, you should not react like this. She (the teacher) can fail you in the exam, but don’t fail in your faith.”

The next time I saw Swami was in 1990, when Swami visited Bombay. I could appreciate Swami’s discourses then and began to see Him as a Divine friend. There were occasions when I relished the close Darshan of Swami. My heart submitted to Him when He sang, “Bhagavan Bina Koi Apna Nahin”. Later to follow was the inexplicable experience of the invisible Divine hand at work. 

I was in my third semester of my B.Sc. (Tech). The students were frustrated with the management of the institute, and a strike was declared. The authorities were insensitive to the problems of the students. This happened on April 2, 1991. A devotee was going to Prasanthi Nilayam for Swami’s Darshan. My friend and I wrote a letter to be handed over personally to Swami. I prayed for the well-being of all the students and proper guidance. This letter was accepted by Swami from the devotee’s hand on the 21st, and the strike ended on the 22nd. This may appear as a coincidence, but with God everything is a blessing. Isn’t it a blessing that God chose man of all the 84 lakh species, to gift him with the power to realise God?

Completing my graduation at Bombay and becoming a student of Swami has been a long way. During this period my sister’s marriage was performed. It is no secret that Swami has helped in the performance of several marriages. In South India, arranging a marriage is a long drawn process. But this marriage took place within a couple of months of my visit to Puttaparthi, in 1993. None of the relatives thought it would happen so soon. But when He wills, it has to happen. His will is supreme and nothing can bar His way.

In front of me, is a curtain of illusion,

Sai! Remove it, and grant me the vision,

Lest I become a part of history.

Oh! Lord, let me enjoy Thy glory,

As You bring about global fusion,

Pray, make me a part of Thy mission.

- G. S. Krishnan

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday Issue)

I am Watching Over You From Several Births...

August 17, 1991

Lord Rama and Lakshmana with Sugriva and Hanuman

When Sugriva brought the bundle of jewels that Sita had thrown down to the earth from the sky, when being carried away by Ravana, Rama joyously showed them to Lakshmana, saying, “See, Lakshmana! These are the jewels of your sister–in–law, aren’t they?” Lakshmana touched the jewels with great reverence and said, “Brother, I do know the anklets. They are hers! The rest I do not know, for I have never seen her face!” Rama pretended to be surprised, wanting to test Lakshmana, He asked, “Have you really never seen her face?” Then Lakshmana said, “Brother, the great Dasharatha is my father and the noble Sumitra is my mother, they had blemishless characters. The blood flowing in my body is theirs.  They never could do anything contrary to Dharma in their thought, word, or deed. How can I being their son do it?” 

As is the seed, so is the tree. As is the food taken, so is the belch. What the parents are, that embodies itself in their children too.

You are infatuated by the world. The world is Maya Sabha - A palace of illusions. You step into the pool of delusion, which appears that it does not exist, as Duryodhana did. You all tend to do bad to those who do well to you and do well to those who tend to harm you, out of fear. The world is Maya Sabha. You all hanker after it. M-A-Y-A, when reversed reads Yama. Maya will only lead you to Yama (the God of Death). But, here it is your ‘Ma Sabha’ – the house of your Mother...

You have slowly learnt to analyse Swami’s love with your own limited understanding. It hence fails to be seen by you how broad Swami’s love is. What you have then is the kingdom of hell, not the kingdom of heaven. 

How many of you are good boys? (None of the boys raised their hands.) Ah! See! None of you are good boys. You cannot raise your hands because your conscience is pricking you and telling you; ‘Don’t! You are not good!’ When a fan rotating in full speed is put off, it won’t stop suddenly. Now, I have put the full fan force on you. It’s impact will be there for two minutes in some boys, or two hours or two days or at the most two weeks in others. After that, it slowly wears off.

I am always watching over you...

Always remember, Swami knows everything. I am always watching – not just from yesterday or day before. From several crores of years; from several past births of yours. Do not think you can cover My eyes and get away with doing whatever you want. I always work hard to push the dirt of Maya in you away from the door. But, you stealthily get it back through the window, thinking that Swami is not watching! The basic cause is your Aham. It is very bad. Ravana was a great Tapasvi (one of penance), scholar, statesman, and warrior. But of what use it is, if you do not partake benefit from it? The environment here is good, you will improve if you work. Boys must not behave badly. They must not be cheap, but they must be Chief. If you have real devotion for Swami, Swami will also give His life for you. I am going on serving you with so much good, but you do not want to eat, you throw it away.

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991-2000)

Sri Sathya Sai portrays the Ideal Leadership of Lord Rama

There is a course on leadership as part of the curriculum of MBA programme. Who are leaders? Selfish people are not to be reckoned as leaders. Only those who are selfless and do not transgress the codes of morality and integrity are leaders. In order to fulfil his father’s promises, Lord Rama left for the forest for 14 years and lived in exile as a hermit.

Sage Jabali (Jabali was a priest in the court of King Dasharatha, who raised an objection to the strict compliance of Rama going to forest for 14 years to fulfill the promise given by his father to his third wife – Kaikeyee) argued with him that Dasharatha’s word (word here refers to boon) has to be kept up by Dasharatha alone and not Rama as he was in no way concerned with it.

Rama replied, “The people of Ikshvaku dynasty (the lineage to which Rama belonged) have never breached their promise. I should not bring a bad name to my dynasty by not complying with my father’s word.” If there is a virtuous person in a family, the whole family gets a good name just as that of a jasmine flower, which spreads its fragrance all over the jungle.

Likewise, if there is an ill-reputed person in the family, the entire family gets a bad reputation. Prahlad was born in a demon’s lineage, but he conducted himself as a righteous person. So in turn, his grandson Emperor Bali [Bali was the grandson of Prahlad. According to Bhagavatam, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vaman (fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) a tiny Brahmin lad. The legend goes that Vaman asked for three feet of land as gift from Emperor Bali and with two feet covered two worlds (the earth and the heavens) and with the third pushed Bali to the nether worlds] received the grace of the Lord, wherein God Himself came as Vaman and granted him Moksha (liberation).

Source: Individual Character and National Character: Fundamental Characteristics for an Ideal Leader-Manager, Chapter 10, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

RAMA NAVAMI AT PUTTAPARTHI IN 1931 AND 1948

Idols materialised by Swami

Friday, April 4, 1931

During the Sri Rama Navami celebrations in Puttaparthi, the 5 year old Sathya was taken in a procession in a decorated bullock cart along with the portrait of Lord Sri Rama.The children of the village considered Sathya as their Guru.

Monday, May 17, 1948

Baba supervised the construction of the Ramaswami temple at Puttaparthi in 1948. The Raja of Mirzapur financed the construction. Sri Krishnama Raju and the wife of the Raja of Mirzapur went to Thiruvannamalai to get the idols to be installed in the Ramaswami temple at Puttaparthi. Baba installed the idols on Rama Navami day (the 17th May 1948).

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijiyam Part 1 (1926 to 1985)

The Story Of Lord Rama As Sung By Swami

Lord Rama who wedded Mother Sita

Rama Rama Rama Seeta, Rama Rama Rama Seeta

Srimadravikulamandu Janinchi, Seetaadevini Preeti Varinchi

Premanahalya Shaapamu Deechi

Priya Bhaktula Rakshinchina Devara (Rama Rama...)

Rama, Rama, the Rama of Sita, O Rama, Rama, the Rama of Sita!

Rama! Born in the solar dynasty, the One who married Sita and removed the curse of Ahalya and the One who protects His devotees.

Lord Rama who accepted the devotion of His friend Guha

Gurunaajnyanu Vanamandonarinchi

Guhuni Bhaktikaanandamu Chendhi

Paramaadaramuna Bharatuni Gaanchi

Paaduka Losagina Paavanacharitudu (Rama Rama...)

Respecting the words of Your teacher (Vishwamitra), 

You entered the forest and pleased him. 

You were pleased with the devotion of Guha. 

With love, You gave Bharata Your footwear 

(as per Bharata’s request for worshipping it). 

O Rama, the story of Your life is sacred.

Lord Rama who changed the destiny of His servant Jatayu

Kharadooshanamukha Danujula Drunchi, 

Karuna Jataayu Gati Savarinchi

Sharabhangaadimuneendrula Brochi

Shabari Phalammulu Premabhujinchina (Rama Rama...)

Rama, You who killed the wicked-minded Khara and Dooshana, out of compassion, 

You changed the destiny of Your servant Jatayu, 

showered Your grace on the sages and seers (Sharabhanga and Suteekshna) and accepted the offerings of Shabari.

Lord Rama who accepted the friendship of Sugreeva

Mrunduga Hanumantuni Deevinchi, 

Muda Malaraga Ravisutu Paalinchi

Chengina Kinukato Vaalini Drunchi 

Cherina Vaanara Veerula Brochina (Rama Rama...)

Rama, You first blessed Hanuman and then Sugreeva, 

killed Vali with all fury and thus became the refuge of the valorous monkeys.

Lord Rama who built the bridge over the ocean to reach Lanka

Paavani Saahasa Moralaalinchi, 

Avanaraashini Neetabandhinchi 

Modamu Meeraga Lankanu Jeri

Aadaramuga Vibheeshanu Brochina (Rama Rama...)

Rama, You answered the prayers of the courageous Hanuman, made the monkeys build a bridge over the ocean, 

and crossed it to reach Lanka; 

You protected Vibheeshana (with Your magnanimity).

Lord Rama who annhilated the demon Ravana

Raavanaadi Suravairula Drunchi, 

Ramanithoda Saadhula Paalinchi

Devatalella Nutimpagajesi 

Devi Goodi Puri Jerina Sri Raghu (Rama Rama...)

Rama, You killed Ravana and other demons, 

came back to Ayodhya with Sita and together, 

ruled the kingdom benevolently for which You were praised by the Gods.

Lord Rama who established the reign of righteousness: Rama Rajya

Nijasahodarula Ninu Sevimpaga, 

Ninnu Koodi Prajalella Sukhimpaga

Ajaharaadi Surulella Nutimpaga

Aanandamutona Ayodhyanelina. (Rama Rama...)

Rama, Your own brothers (Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna) have served You. 

Under Your regime, all Your people were blissful. 

All the Gods pray to You. You have ruled Ayodhya with joy.

Source: Song 47, Section 6, Telugu Songs, Vandana: Students’ Prayer Book