BHAKTI - Part 3: The Stories of Yashoda, Gopikas and Radha

... Continued from Part 2

Yashoda's Vatsalya Bhakti

Mother Yashoda and Lord Krishna

After Dasya Bhakti comes affectionate devotion, the Vatsalya Bhakti. None can understand the delusion hidden behind the sentiment of affection. Yashoda witnessed all the fourteen worlds, in the mouth of Krishna. But, overcome by delusion, she told herself, “This is, of course, my own son. How is it possible that the vast worlds are seen within such a small mouth?” So, she forgot all that she had seen. Affection is related only to the body. The affectionate feeling, that she was the mother and Krishna the son, created such strong delusion in her. When Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill to protect all the cows and cowherds, her feelings were, “O God! He has lifted such a huge hill. How will He put it down? Won’t He get stuck? It is easy to lift, but so difficult to place it down.” So worried was she that after all the people left the place, she continued to wait for Krishna. All of a sudden, Krishna caused a deafening sound. Frightened, Yashoda closed her eyes and ears. As she opened her eyes, she saw the hill was back on ground, with Krishna standing besides it. As He lifted, so He put it down. She never thought deep enough. Couldn’t the Lord who lifted it, put it down too? Such lack of discrimination and investigation occurs, when one is overwhelmed by affection.

When Uddhava came to Gokulam, with the message of Krishna, describing His glorious acts, Yashoda kept asking him, “O Uddhava, is my Gopala fine? I do not bother about ‘Leela Manusha Vigraha’ or ‘Muni Manasa Sanchari’. Is my Gopala fine or not?” She was not interested in the great tasks Krishna accomplished or the fame He earned. She was only interested in her own Gopala, the little cowherd boy! Calling out the name of Gopala continuously, Yashoda finally attained Him through Vatsalya Bhakti. 

Gopikas' Anuraga Bhakti

Gopikas and Lord Krishna

Next is, passionate devotion, Anuraga Bhakti, for which Gopikas are the examples. They were riding on two horses simultaneously. At home, it was the husband and in-laws, outside, it was devotion to Gopala; they had no other preoccupations, but for these two. They did their household duty and also, enjoyed Divinity. Once in a while, the Gopikas might have failed in their worldly responsibilities, but they never missed to think of Krishna. Krishna was their friend and everything else. That is Anuraga Bhakti. 

Radha's Madhura Bhakti

Lord Krishna and Radha

Radha alone possessed Madhura Bhakti, sweet love, and none else. She would think of Krishna and forget herself at once. She lived in the feeling that Krishna was her husband and she was His wife, or that Krishna was the Master and she was His servant. Both are one. He is the supreme principle (Paramatma) and she was the manifested nature (Prakriti). She had no other thoughts, other than that of Krishna, on her mind. Whenever she saw the blue colour, she would call out Krishna’s name. If it were a tree, she would go and hug the tree. Always, in everything, she could see nothing else but Krishna. She continuously chanted Krishna’s name and craved to listen to His flute. She desired to hear Krishna playing His flute, in the last moments of her life.

Do you know how sacred is the sound of Krishna’s flute? The complete essence of the Vedas has formed into the melody of the flute. This essence is as pure as cow’s milk. So, to bless Radha, Krishna arrived in her final moments. He asked Radha what she wanted as the final wish. Radha spoke, “Krishna! Since long, I have nurtured You in the lotus of my heart. Then, the waters of love evaporated gradually. Then, I nurtured You with tears flowing from my eyes. Even the tears dried up. Now, how am I to nurture You? I am only left with the sound form of Yours, that is Your name, and I am nurturing that in me.” 

When Krishna played the flute...

Sing O Krishna! Please say some nectarine words. 

To my heart’s content O Mukunda! 

Extract the essence of Vedas;

Turn it into sound of God 

Pour it into the flute;

Give it the shape of a song; Sing O Krishna!

She closed her eyes. A flame emerged out of her and merged into Krishna. Thus, she proved that Madhura Bhakti means unity of two souls. How could she reach this state? Steadfast devotion, pure love and selfless heart - these three are the reasons for that. Radha offered her body, mind and heart to the Lord in full, and finally became one with Him.

Source: Devotion: The Royal Path to Salvation, Discourse 8, My Dear Students, Volume 1

The Embodiment of all forms of Divinity - By N. Sudhindran

“OM BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAl BABAYA NAMAHA” 

Swami is worshipped as ‘Sarva Devata Swaroopa’ - ‘The One Who embodies all the Gods and Goddesses’. But on a few occasions, Bhagavan exhibits the characteristics of a particular deity in order to bless devotees and bring joy to them. Among such instances, Bhagavan in the form of Divine Mother is most enchanting and endearing to many of us. 

“OM SRI SAl ADl SHAKTAYE NAMAHA” 

Sathya Sai with Students in Trayee Brindavan

One evening we were all sitting around Bhagavan in Trayee Brindavan at Whitefield. All of a sudden, Bhagavan asked me if I would give Him anything that He asked for. Immediately, I replied, “Yes, Bhagavan”. Bhagavan looked at me in my eyes and asked, “Are you sure, will you give me even your life?” Saying thus, He stretched out His palm towards me. I confidently replied, “Yes” and was about to place my palm on His palm, but He withdrew it at once, and said something that overwhelmed me by its impact. Bhagavan said, “You fool, who are you to give your life to Me? Your life is already in My hands, and you have no control over it!” I realised that none other than Goddess Shakti Herself, who is permeating each and every cell in my body and sustaining my life every moment, spoke these words. 

I would also like to narrate another experience where Bhagavan saved my father's life. 

In February 2000, my father underwent a regular health check-up where he was diagnosed to have a minor heart problem. The doctors then prescribed more tests. But my father decided that he would not allow himself to be treated further without Bhagavan's permission. 

So he came to Prasanthi Nilayam to seek Bhagavan's blessings and permission for his heart treatment. During Darshan, Bhagavan spotted my father and immediately went up to him and enquired about his health. Then Bhagavan materialised Vibuthi and gave it to my father and asked him to get himself checked up again at the Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital, Prasanthi Nilayam. 

As per Bhagavan's advice, my father underwent tests and the doctors recommended all operation. The operation was scheduled for 1st March, after Bhagavan's prior approval. Since my father was staying alone, he asked Bhagavan if it was necessary for my mother to rush to Parthi immediately. Bhagavan told that there was no need to hurry and assured my father saying, “Don't worry, I will take care of you!” 

A few days before the operation, my father decided to go for a short walk in the evening. When he was walking on the road, he felt a slight pain in his chest. So he thought that it would be better to sit down somewhere nearby. That very moment an ambulance appeared on the scene, and a senior Ashram official alighted from it and rushed towards my father saying that Bhagavan had personally sent him to enquire about my father's condition, and if necessary, to rush him to the hospital. Bhagavan thus demonstrated His love and omniscience and the chest pain vanished. 

As the D-Day approached, my mother and I landed in Prasanthi Nilayam. Finally on March 1st, my father was taken into the operation theatre at 8 a.m. What was supposed to have been a minor operation turned out to be a major and a critical one, which took five hours. When the doctors operated upon the heart, they discovered that there were five blocks in the arteries and it was a medical miracle how my father lived normally when there was apparently no way the blood could flow in and out of the heart. Undoubtedly my father is alive sheerly due to Bhagavan's grace. 

After the operation, Bhagavan told me to be happy and said, “Tell your mother about this successful operation. She will feel happy. And also convey to her that I am thousand times happier than she is.” 

Our love is filled with selfishness and attachment born out of a relationship of a few years. But Bhagavan has been loving and protecting all of us for thousands of births! 

“OM SRI SAI JNANASWAROOPAYA NAMAHA” 

The Divine Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Swami is worshipped as the very embodiment of knowledge and wisdom - Goddess Saraswati. As a standing testimony to this, we see the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning under the Divine Chancellorship of Bhagavan. This Institute with its three campuses in Anantapur, Whitefield and Prasanthi Nilayam has been providing the best quality of education absolutely free of cost for so many years now. Due to this, thousands of young boys and girls from all over the country and the world have immensely benefited. This Institute imparts not only secular education, but also more importantly ‘Educare’ - which is the holistic form of education for life. 

“OM SRI SAI ANNAVASTRADAYA NAMAHA” 

Swami supervising Narayana Seva at Hill View Stadium

Every year, come the month of November, we witness the grand Narayan Seva when thousands and thousands of poor villagers assemble in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium. There, our Beloved Bhagavan comes and personally initiates the distribution of clothes and food to them. 

This year being the 75th year of the Advent of the Avatar, in addition to the usual Seva, Bhagavan has planned to build houses for hundreds of families and invest INR 100,000 per family for educating their children. The very magnitude of men, materials and money to be involved in this project is mind-boggling. Well, if this is not an example of the Supreme compassion of Goddess Lakshmi, then what else is? 

“OM SRI SAI PREMA MOORTAYE NAMAHA” 

Inside the Prasanthi Nilayam interview room

One morning, Bhagavan had called a few people for a personal interview and among them was an elderly couple. When all the people were seated inside the interview room, Bhagavan came up to the old lady, and in a very humble and sweet manner asked her - “Amma, do you remember, nearly thirty years back, you saw me in - so and so’s - house in - such and such - village in Andhra Pradesh. Do you recollect that?” Needless to say, both the husband and the wife melted in tears of love and happiness. In spite of the fact that thousands and thousands of people throng at His Lotus Feet, every morning and evening to have His Darshan, He still loves and cares for us and protects us safely in His heart, personally in the most personal and intimate manner. This is what makes Mother Sai the greatest Mother. Oh! Mother! I offer myself at Your Lotus Feet!

Sudhindran with His Most Beloved Mother Sai

- N. Sudhindran

Student (2000-2002), Department of Management Studies
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Formerly, Senior Manager (Estates), Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
Currently, Assistant Manager (Finance), Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Chennai

Source: Sai Nandana 2000 (75th Birthday Issue)

"If boys follow My words... that itself is great Seva..."

June 25, 1995

After the interview Bhagavan mentioned that there was a lot of work to be done and the scaffoldings had to be erected to fix the fiberglass dome and so students should not come for evening Darshans. However, the students protested. The Warden prayed that the students be given some work. Swami, then remarked, “If boys follow My words and stay in the hostel, that itself is great Seva, sacrifice and Tapas”.

Swami walked up to the birthday boys, looked at their trays, and said that boys should not get toffees in future. Then looking at the students, Swami said, “Boys are very happy that they didn’t come for Darshans all these 4 days”. There was a cry of “No’s” expressing students’ deep feeling of not being able to have Darshan all these days. Swami then continued, saying that the previous day a heavy rod had fallen from above and that it could have been dangerous if the boys had been there.  

Later while talking to the doctors, Bhagavan mentioned that for the inauguration of the water project, both, the Prime Minister and the President wanted to come. Bhagavan also said that an arrangement was being made so that a tap near the Shanti Vedika would trigger water supply in Anantapur.

During this conversation Swami expressed that He was working without taking even a moment’s rest. Even after returning to the Poornachandra Auditorium, He said that He was personally supervising the carving (of the Ramayana) on the roof.  He was taking 4-5 rounds every day, looking into the minutest details. Swami said, “When Rama’s head was made very big (by the artist), disproportionate to the body, I got the defect corrected”. Further He advised the artists to draw ‘Pushpaka Vimana’ in the episode of Ravana carrying away Sita.

Then Bhagavan said that all lotuses, on the roof of the Auditorium, made out of plaster of Paris were being substituted by fiberglass.  He also informed that around the Sarva Dharma Stupa, a musical fountain was coming up and in place of the present Mandir stores, steps were being constructed for ladies to sit.

Commenting on His food, Bhagavan said that He had stopped eating His evening meal. He took only a cup of buttermilk and some water. Even in the morning, He would not take rice, and eat only a small Chapati. He told that even at 70, He was very active, energetic and walked long distances without getting tired. He said that His weight was constant, at 108 pounds.

Bhagavan was talking about Justice Ramamurthy’s report and mentioned that the judge quoted Swami for full 5 pages in his 90-page judgement. Swami observed that Justice Ramamurthy had the courage to do it,while many lacked it. Bhagavan said one should take interest.  Then one would acquire knowledge. “Shraddhavan Labate Jnanam” (The one with faith is bestowed with wisdom).

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations, Part 1 (1991-2000)

Corporate Competition: Sri Sathya Sai Perspective

 

Earning millions in business through cheating, injustice, fraud, and dishonesty has become the order of the day. People who indulge in such nefarious acts occupy responsible positions in the society. The students after completing their studies in this institution apply for various jobs in many organisations. But the response may not always be quick. Our students should not get into business with the only objective of making lot of money. They should join business to contribute their might for the development of our nation. We have to bear in mind the ‘nature of nations’ and mould our temperament according to the needs of our nation. Only then the nation can progress in a proper manner. We should not blindly imitate other nations with the singular aim of surviving in the competitive world by hook or crook. Today’s business is full of unhealthy competition, which is not conducive for the holistic progress of society. Hostility surfaces if there is animosity in the garb of competition. Because of imitation, the value of products goes down. This strongly goes to suggest that there should be neither blind imitation nor unhealthy competition. 

Take for instance the case of big automobile companies. Each hour, companies manufacture thousands of cars. What should be done to clear all their stockpiles? They set a limited life-span for their cars. This is a deceitful practice because all the components that form parts of the final product are made to last only for a short time. At the end of that time period, the car (the example chosen is only to illustrate an unhealthy practice in this context but the same would hold true in case of any other product as well) wears out as planned, so that people would be compelled to go in for a new car. These automobiles seem more suitable for conditions in other countries wherein roads and traffic conditions are more systematic and of a different nature. Is there any sync between the environment where these cars are used and the production models of foreign companies? We have to evolve production practices by factoring in all the constraints that are pertinent to our environment. Life is akin to business even though business does not amount to mere give and take. You do not have the right to get something without foregoing something in lieu of it. 

Only when bad qualities are discarded, do good qualities surface in us. When one goes for shopping, only if one is prepared to spend INR 15 or so, one will be able to purchase a handkerchief. What is the connection between the purchaser and the shop owner? If what has to be parted with is parted, then only what has to be received will be received by the purchaser. This is the nature of day-to-day commercial transactions in business. But this is not clean business (meaning deal from an ethical standpoint). Business ought to be a heart-to-heart and love-to-love transaction. Such a transaction with a human face alone deserves to be called real business. You become a true businessperson if you are able to appreciate unity in diversity and diversity in unity. 

In normal societal associations, people relate to one another in accordance with one-on-one relation that exists between different people. For example, in case of a master of a household, different people in his family address him depending on their respective relationship with him; his son addresses him as ‘father’; his wife as ‘husband’; his mother as ‘son’; and his grandson as ‘grandfather’. Though the relationships keep varying, the focal person (person being addressed) continues to be the same. In business too, we have different relationships with different stakeholders, but the principle of Atman is one and the same. First, we should have a sublime human nature. If that is present in us, we can achieve anything. Hence, we should foster human values and ensure that the animal nature present in humans (traits prompted by raw instinctive drive) would not raise its ugly head.

Only when one possesses human values, one can be successful in business; and consequently contribute to the development of the nation. Whenever we embark upon a new venture, we usually encounter many obstacles in the beginning. But if we hold on in a steadfast manner, there will soon be a favourable change in the complexion of the situation. Therefore, we have to reorient the focus of our education system accordingly, so that, it provides a conducive environment to foster human values. There seems to be no correlation between the inputs we receive during the formal study in educational institutions and the job we do later. Probably in your first job (after you begin your career), suppose you go to a worker (who has 20 years of work experience with a machine) and question his performance, he would say, “Sir, what do you know about this machine and the work over here? I have put in long years of work experience here, so please get away”. You have only bookish knowledge (meaning theoretical and conceptual information) whereas he has practical knowledge (meaning special skills and abilities pertaining to a particular job). The bookish knowledge is of little consequence without practical knowledge. 

Source: The Manager and Values-Based Management: Significance and Salient Features, Chapter 9, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

With His Students in Kodaikanal - The Inauguration of Sai Sruthi...

Sathya Sai with Students at Kodaikanal - 1986

 

Wednesday, June 18, 1986 to Wednesday, June 25, 1986

In the year 1986, Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal along with a party of devotees and students of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Enroute to Kodaikanal, Bhagavan halted at Dharmapuri, Salem, Dindigul and Palani to bless the devotees. He reached ‘Sai Kripa’ in Kodaikanal at 6 pm on 18th June 1986. 

Sathya Sai with Students at Kodaikanal - 1986

Sri V. Srinivasan and his wife were shocked to hear Bhagavan’s decision to reside in the new guest house along with His party. Earlier in May 1984 when the guest house was under construction, Bhagavan had planned to allot it to the Rajmata of Navanagar. He had now decided to make that guest house His own residence. Bhagavan decided to change the guest house into a Mandir. Sri Srinivasan gladly accepted Bhagavan’s command and made preparations for the inauguration of the guest house on 19th June. Bhagavan inaugurated the guest house on 19th morning and named it ‘Sai Shruti’.

Sai Sruthi Ashram at Kodaikanal

The first historic and popular sessions of Bhagavan with His students started on that day. Along with the students, a few devotees like Col. Jogarao, Sri Indulal Shah, Smt. Sarla Shah, Smt. Brij Ratanlal, Sri Srinivasan, Smt. Vidya Srinivasan, Sri Mohandas Naidu and Sri Narasimha Chari were the blessed ones to attend that first Divine session at Kodaikanal. 

During one of these sessions, Bhagavan materialised a Lingam, white in colour and about 3 inches in size. He said, “It is Vishwa Lingam and it represents the Universe.” He gifted it to Sri Indulal Shah and said, “Indulal Shah is the Chairman of the World Council of our Organisations. Therefore I am giving this Lingam which stands for the world, to him”. He instructed Smt. Sarla Shah, “Perform Abhishekam to the Lingam with milk everyday, and both of you partake of that milk. It will keep you healthy and strong”.

Swami with the students during the bus ride

Bhagavan left for Ooty along with His entourage on 24th morning. He stayed there for a day and left for Whitefield the subsequent morning. Enroute, He waited at Mudumalai forest for the students who were following Him in a bus from Ooty. When the bus arrived with the boys, Bhagavan got into the bus and told them, “I wanted to take you for an elephant ride in the forest but there is no time now. Still, I will show you elephants and other animals on the roadside itself.” The bus moved slowly on the road in the midst of the forest so as to enable the boys to see the animals. Bhagavan enjoyed those moments like a child. For nearly an hour, the boys enjoyed the most delightful journey with their Divine Master. When the bus came out of the forest, Bhagavan went back to His car. He reached Brindavan at 10 pm on 25th June.

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

Salutations to Sathya Sai! - Namo Sathya Sai Ananda Daayi

Namo Sathya Sai Ananda Daayi, 
Chirunavvu Lolikinchu Andaala Sai

Paalinchu Sai Laalinchu Sai, 
Yededu Lokaala Yeleti Sai (2)

Namo Sathya Sai Prema Pradaayee, 
Choopulatho Vennelanu Vedajallu Sai

Muripinchu Sai Maripinchu Sai (2)

Sharananna Vaarini Karuninchu Sai (2)

Namo Sathya Sai Akhileshtadaayee, 

Maatalato Madhurimalanandhinchu Sai

Navvinchu Sai Kavvinchu Sai (2)

Naa Annavaarini Nadipinchu Sai (2)

Namo Sathya Sai Bhaava Pradaayee

Nadakalatho Hrudayaalu Spandinchu Sai 

Daya Thalachu Sai Dari Cherchu Sai (2)

Ammalaku Ammavai Veligeti Sai (2)

NAMO SATHYA SAI ANAND DAAYI (MEANING)

Salutations to Sai, the One who bestows bliss and the One beautified with gentle smiles. 

O Sai! Take care of us and shower tender Love on us, as You are the One who rules the fourteen worlds.

Salutations to Sai, the ever loving, the One who sprinkles tender glances as cool as the moonlight; the One who enchants us and delights us. You are the One who showers compassion on those who seek refuge in You.

Salutations to Sai, the One who fulfills all our wishes and the One who sweetens us by sweet words; the One who makes us smile and throbs our heart. You are the One who leads those who surrender themselves to You.

Salutations to Sai, the One who suffuses us with noble feelings and who makes the heart throb with Your gentle gait. Shower Your compassion and take us to the shore of our destination. You are the One who shines as the Mother of mothers.

Source: Song 33, Section 7, Telugu Group Songs, Vandana - Students Prayer Book

BHAKTI - Part 2: The Stories of Arjuna and Hanuman

Krishna and Arjuna

... Continued from Part 1

Arjuna's Sakhya Bhakti

Next is Sakhya Bhakti, the companionship devotion. Arjuna had been a consistent companion of Krishna and he believed that there was no one else in this world who was as good a friend as Krishna. So, he was immersed in Krishna consciousness, by the way of friendship with Him. He addressed Krishna as ‘brother-in-law’, lest the world might question his attachment to Krishna. Krishna was not for such relationships. But since Arjuna called Him brother-in-law, though He was not, He wanted to provide a justification to his words. Therefore, Krishna gave His own sister Subhadra, in marriage to Arjuna. He personally performed their wedding, and thus became entitled to the relationship. Now, Arjuna could truly call Him his brother-in-law. Krishna did not want him to use meaningless words, so He did all this. This is true purity, inherent in God’s character. 

Krishna with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra

In good and bad times, in success and in failure, even during the exile, Arjuna considered Krishna as his best friend and well-wisher. This is true companionship. Blaming the other in difficulties and praising him in happiness, is not a mark of true friendship. Arjuna clung to Krishna with faith; “I have none else but You, come what may”. Krishna and Arjuna were two bodies, but one life. This is true friendship. Thus, Arjuna safeguarded his friendship with Krishna.

Hanuman's Dasya Bhakti
 

Hanuman and Lord Rama

We have Hanuman as the ideal for Dasya Bhakti, devotion through service. He would always look up to Rama as his Master and consider himself as Rama’s servant. Once, when Hanuman had not been to Lanka yet, all were lying down in the open on a moon lit night. Sri Rama too was reclining. How? There were no beds there, only sand, Rama was in the guise of a Yatri, with matted locks etc. While Lakshmana sat down, Rama’s head was resting on his lap. Rama, in the course of conversation, put a question to each one present around Him. He asked Sugreeva, “Sugreeva, do you see the dark spot in the moon? What do you think it is?” Sugreeva replied that he did not know. Rama next asked Jambavan. Jambavan explained that the dark spot was the shadow of some mountains and craters existing on moon’s surface. Jambavan was well versed in Astrology, Ecology and Geography. Rama continued putting the question to the remaining, one by one. When it was the turn of Lakshmana, he replied, “Brother! It looks like a deer or some animal like that”. Hanuman, who was massaging the legs of Rama, was asked as to what he saw in the moon; He said, “Rama! I see nothing strange there. As You lie down here, Your face is reflected in the clear moon. So, it is the image of Your face in the mirror of the moon that I see.” Thus, Hanuman saw Sri Rama’s name and form in everything. At all times, he was engaged in Rama’s service undistracted. He was very strong, very virtuous and a picture of perfect peace. Hanuman went to Lanka and destroyed it. 

When Ravana questioned who he was, he did not display an iota of pride or ego. “Dasoham Kosalendrasya” (I am Sri Ramachandra’s servant), he declared and added, “O Ravana! Think for yourself as to what the Master’s strength is, based on His humble servant’s display of strength”. There is no better ideal than Hanuman, who always thought of himself as a servant of Lord Rama.
 

Rama complimented ‘Bharat’ as the native land of gratitude. Devoid of gratitude, humanness is non-existent. Jatayu lost his life in the attempt to defend Sita, when she was being abducted. Consequently, Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu, in gratitude towards his sacrifice. 

Lord Rama's gift to Hanuman

In the case of Hanuman too, Rama expressed His gratitude thus: “Hanuman! I do not know how to thank you. You are the one who carried the message of My well being, from Kishkindha, all the way to Ashoka Vana, where Sita was. You are the one who brought Me the news about Sita, who lay aggrieved in Ashoka Vana. In fact, you ventured into the jungles and crossed oceans, to locate Sita. You broke the greatest good news, that Sita is alive. You carried My ring for Sita and brought her crest-jewel in return. O Hanuman! You fulfilled My mission. How can I thank you? I have nothing to give you. So, I give Myself to you. Please accept.” It was Rama’s name that gave Hanuman the power to cross the ocean. So, you can realise the enormous power of God’s name. Hanuman exemplified true meaning of servility. Once he surrendered and offered himself, he remained so for the rest of his life. That is true Dasya Bhakti.

Continued in Part 3...

Source:Devotion: The Royal Path to Salvation, Discourse 8, My Dear Students Volume 1

The Nature of Economic Super Powers: Sri Sathya Sai Analysis

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

Nowadays, morality is gradually declining in the economic sphere. Man is hanging himself with the rope of wealth. To widen morality, one has to decrease the greed for money. As money increases, ego and bad qualities increase. Today, when people become wealthy, their respect for others becomes sparse, though they expect great respect from others. This is not proper. The absence of ethics and spirituality in business is the cause of their downfall.

The people of all nations enquire into the first two questions. But some nations like China and Russia did not enquire into the third question: ‘What is theism? From where does it come and where does it end? What is the relationship between man and theism?’

Russia

Russia: Even after disintegration of erstwhile USSR [i], Russia has vast geographical area, but has comparatively less population. They are quite advanced in industrial development. They export arms, ammunition and value-added raw materials to other countries. They have plenty of natural resources even today. They focus more attention on other things as compared to food grains, which is essential for people. Every year, they import a large quantity of food grains. Gradually, over a period of 70 years, their faith and confidence dwindled. But in such an industrially advanced nation, why was there a decline?

China: If one looks at China, the geographical area is relatively small, but when compared to large nations like former USSR, the population is huge, running into billions. China is an emerging economy but poverty is still rife in the countryside. Chinese people discovered the drawbacks in their country’s public administration. There were many controls in the pre-liberalisation era and very little freedom was given to the people in business. There was struggle in China which affected the dynamic balance among the different constituents of society.

Germany: East Germany re-merged with West Germany by breaking the Berlin Wall [ii] to reap economic advantages. Why has Japan advanced? It took help from USA, learned the technical know-how, indigenized the technology and became more developed than USA in certain sectors. However, economic development in many countries has been accompanied by a rise in their egos.

Today, many ancient civilizations are on the decline because morality is on the decline. As a result, the relationship between man and man, man and society, and man and nature is worsening. These ills are the effects of the decline of ethical and spiritual values. People forget the wisdom in the adage, “Man disregards his own value because he attaches great value to manufactured goods.” As people go on attaching more and more value to goods and services, value of people decreases. As the human assessment of commodities goes up, human values take a beating.

India: Today, India is weak in confidence levels and as such she tries to ape others. It has not been able to recognise its own distinctive strengths and achievements. If others progress following a particular path, let India also try to achieve progress in her own way using its own native systems and practices. India should not adopt any country’s management practices and systems simply because they succeeded somewhere else in a phenomenal manner. India must not forget its own culture at any cost. Our national leaders go abroad and ask others to invest in our country. Why call outsiders? Earlier, East India Company too came under the pretext of business and ultimately captured political power in India and ruled India for about three centuries. Today, some other country will come and show interest in investing in business. They are not going to invest without mutual benefit. If you show them the tip of your finger, they will swallow your hand! Hence always be careful. 

Note:

[i] The dissolution of the Soviet Union was the disintegration of the federal political structures and central government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), resulting in the independence of all 15 republics of the Soviet Union between March 11, 1990 and December 25, 1991. The direct cause of the dissolution was the failed attempt by Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the USSR from March 11, 1985, to revitalise the Soviet economy through a process of limited political liberalisation within the confines of a totalitarian communist one-party state. The broader result of the dissolution was the fall of Communism as a global ideology between 1989 and 1991 and the end of the Cold War.

[ii] The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) starting on 13th August 1961, that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. The Soviet-dominated Eastern Bloc officially claimed that the wall was erected to protect its population from fascist elements conspiring to prevent the ‘will of the people’ in building a socialist state in East Germany. However, in practice, the Wall served to prevent the massive emigration and defection that marked Germany and the communist Eastern Bloc during the post-World War II period.

Source: Social Culture and Management, Chapter 18, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

When Sri Sathya Sai visited Jammu and Kashmir (A Photo Feature)

Sunday, June 1, 1980 to 
Tuesday, June 17, 1980

Bhagavan visited Jammu and Kashmir between 3rd and 14th June 1980. Bhagavan flew to Delhi on 1st June along with a group of alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Colleges, and a few other blessed devotees like Swami Karunyananda. Bhagavan gave Darshan to the devotees assembled at the Hyderabad Airport during the stopover. Bhagavan stayed at the residence of Sri Sohanlal at Delhi and granted Darshan to the devotees there. Many dignitaries, Judges, Members of the diplomatic Groups, Ministers of the Central and State Governments, Members of the Parliament and Shri Sanjay Gandhi, grandson of the first Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and son of the Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi, came to offer their homage to Bhagavan. He blessed them with His counsel. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Lt. Gen. Malhotra and other army officials

Bhagavan left for Jammu by plane on 3rd June. En-route, He blessed the devotees at Chandigarh Airport. Bhagavan and His party reached Jammu at 9.30 am. Lieutenant General S.P. Malhotra, Area Commander in Chief, received Bhagavan and His party and drove them in a motorcade to Udhampur, the Regional Centre of the Army. Bhagavan addressed a mammoth gathering at the Army Gymkhana club in Udhampur that evening. 

Sri Sathya Sai with entourage at Jammu and Kashmir

Bhagavan accompanied by General Malhotra proceeded by road with His party to Srinagar on the 4th. 

Sri Sathya Sai travelling with entourage and students

He stayed at the General’s Bungalow at Srinagar. 

He met the members of the Sathya Sai Samiti of Srinagar and gave them valuable guidance. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Kashmir Sai Samiti Members

Between the 5th and the 14th of June, Bhagavan blessed thousands of devotees with His Darshan at Srinagar. 

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at Kashmir

He also visited the bordering villages and blessed the villagers.  

Sanctifying the hills and valleys with Divine touch

The Chief Minister of the State, Sheikh Abdullah, had an audience with Bhagavan on 6th June, and later brought his family for Bhagavan’s Darshan. 

Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah with Sri Sathya Sai

Bhagavan blessed the Governor of the State, L. K. Jha and his wife with an interview. He had a quiet stay in a little rest house in the midst of a lush green lawn at a nearby village Dachigam. 

Sri Sathya Sai with the Amarnath Lingam and the Lakshmi Narayana statue

There, on one evening, seated at the river bed, He materialised the replicas of the ‘Sphatika Lingam’ of Amarnath and the Lakshmi Narayana idol of Badrinath. 

On another evening at Pahalgam, He materialised the replicas of the Holy Sri Chakra and the Lingams of the famous temples at Chidambaram and Kedarnath.

 

Sri Sathya Sai with Students in the picturesque Kashmir Valley

Bhagavan addressed a mammoth gathering at Srinagar on the 8th of June. 

He flew back to Delhi on the 14th. He stayed in Delhi on the 15th and the 16th. He visited the houses of a few devotees in Delhi on 16th. Bhagavan left for Bombay by plane on the 17th. The members of the Seva Samiti and the organisers of the Third World Conference (scheduled to be held at Prashanti Nilayam in November 1980) had meeting with Bhagavan at Dharmakshetra. He laid the foundation stone for a hall at Dharmakshetra on the 18th and subsequently left for Bangalore. He reached Brindavan at 1 pm the same day.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam Part 1 (1926-1985)