With Joy in our Hearts... Dil Mein Lekar...

Dil Mein Lekar Utsaah Anoopam 

Jyoti Lekar Aao Chalen Ham

Saath Raho Tum Mere Hardum 

Chaahe Khushee Ho Yaa Gam

Ru Ru Ru...

Hai Hamaaree Khush Naseebee Aaye Ho Tum Aaj Yahaan

Hai Tumhaare Dam Se Apnee Ye Zameen Aur Aasmaan

Kah Do To Le Aayen Swarg Yahaan (2) 

(Dil Me Lekar...)

Mohabbat Ye Teri Paayee Jo Hamne 

Hua Jeevan Kaa Saveraa

Tere Liye Ham Jiyenge Aur Marenge

Har Saans Tujkho Yaad Karenge

Fariyaad Meri Sunlo O Sai, Sunlo Ye Dil Ki Pukaar

Dono Jahaan Se Hamko Hai Pyaaraa

Tumhaara Ye Pyaar Ye Pyaar 

(Dil Me Lekar....)

Source: Song 12, Section 3, Vandana: Students Prayer Books

Why are Human Beings Unhappy Today?

The scriptures have declared that it is difficult to acquire a human body. Human life is the highest among all living beings in creation. With all these endowments if man lacks Jnana (wisdom) he is no better than an animal. It is Jnana that distinguishes man from other animals. Inspite of possessing a human body, with its sacred capacities, man pursues wrong paths and indulges in misdeeds, thereby degrading his precious heritage. One who ought to dedicate himself to the pursuit of the Divine - Nivritti Marga (the Inward Path) and experience bliss, makes himself a slave of his senses and wastes his life in the pursuit of the external – Pravritti Marga. All his efforts are directed towards the cultivation of sensual pleasures instead of aiming at realisation of the power of the Spirit within him.

Of what avail is the human form if one’s actions and thoughts are not conducive to the realisation of one’s inherent Divinity? By concerning oneself only with the demands of the body, man today is forgetting his Divine essence and is immersed in material, pursuits. It is this preoccupation with the mundane that is at the root of all the insecurity and unhappiness experienced by man. He is perennially filled with discontent and dissatisfaction. Discontentment affects man in two ways: One is lack of peace of mind. The other is unhappiness resulting from lack of peace.

How to get rid of Envy?

What is the root cause of discontentment? It is envy. This has been the besetting vice of man from the beginning of time. Only when envy is eradicated from the human heart will man have self-satisfaction. The contented man enjoys peace. How does envy arise? When one compares oneself with those who are better off, or who hold higher offices, or score higher marks, or are more handsome, and suffers from a consciousness of his own inferiority, envy arises. Discontent over what he lacks gives birth to envy. To get rid of this evil quality one has to look at those who are worse off than himself. For instance, when you look at those who have got lower marks, you can be satisfied that you have done better than others. Likewise, when one views the state of those holding lower jobs, one can feel satisfied with one’s own position. Thus, if envy has to be got rid of, this sort of comparison with those who are worse off has to be undertaken. In due course one develops a sense of equal-mindedness both towards those who are better off and those who are worse off. Such equal-mindedness is a Divine quality. There is nothing wrong in aspiring for higher positions. But one should not feel envious about those who are in such positions. It is a crime to entertain such feelings.

Source: Trikaranashuddhi: The Triune Path, My Dear Students Volume 05, Divine Discourse delivered on January 19, 1989 at the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam

When Sri Sathya Sai Drove The Car | Dr. Abdul Kalam's first visit to Prasanthi Nilayam

When Sri Sathya Sai drove the Morris Tourer

July 19, 1998

Swami : Bad luck boys. I kept everything ready in Poonachandra. I got a phone call made to the hostel at 12 noon. Suryanarayana, your accountant picked it up. When I asked for your Warden Siva Sankara Sai, he replied that he was not there. Again I phoned at 1:30 pm; same result. At what time is your lunch?

Students : 12 o’clock Swami.

Swami : Oh! That is why he was not there. But where was he at 1:30? I knew that boys were there in the hostel, but at that time everybody was (Making a snoring sound) sleeping. Each one was making different kinds of sounds. What is this sleep? I have never experienced it. Even in the night at 1 a.m.- 2 a.m.

…Before, I Myself would drive the car from Parthi to Rajahmundry. Even last year, during the Kodaikanal trip, I drove the car. I listened to what Padmanabhan was telling. Years back Padmanabhan’s father (Dentist in Bangalore) Sheshagiri Rao also sat with Me in the car. He would close his eyes and chant “Sairam, Sairam” throughout the journey and open them only after reaching the destination. Such was the speed at which I used to drive. My car was a Morris Tourer. It was a very small car. I used to go at 100-150 mph. But those kinds of cars usually do not have so much capacity. At that speed, the tyres were almost in the air. Even at that speed I never ran over cats and dogs. I got my license when I was very young. While testing, Hanumantha Rao, the then transport commissioner of the then Madras state, and two Brake Inspectors were sitting in my car. They asked me to drive between two lines, forward and reverse. They also asked me to turn once suddenly towards the right and once towards the left. After the test, they certified that even though I was very young, they would be issuing a special license. They said, “He is able to drive well; better than even a man with 50 years of experience. What if he is young, he is able to drive so well.” 

Student : Please, Swami.

Swami : But I have no time.

Teacher : Swami has all the time.

Students : Please, Swami.

Swami : Abhi Baat Kar Sakta Hai(I can talk now). Students, are you ready?

Students : Yes, Swami. Please call us now. (Loudly)

Swami : No, no. Abhi Time Nahi Hai. You may have special classes in the evening.

Swami : (To teacher) See boys are telling, “No Swami”.

Teacher : If Swami wants, anything is possible.

Swami  : No time.

Teacher : Swami, please talk to us on Thursday.

Swami : Thursday I am not free. I have work.

Students : Please, Swami. Talk to us tomorrow.

Swami : Tomorrow is Monday. Not possible.

Students : Swami, call us this evening.

Swami  : No, Abhi next Sunday Hi Ho Sakta Hai (No. Now it is possible only on next Sunday). Did he come to the Institute, what is his name? … Abdul Kalam?

Dr. Abdul Kalam at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Labs

Students   : Yes, Swami.

Swami  : He is also a very good poet. When he entered the interview room, he looked at Swami and told, “Kalam Baba Ko Salam Karta Hai.” (Kalam is offerring his Salaam (salutations) to Baba.) After his work, he wants to come and settle here for the rest of his life. He is not married and has no children. Therefore he wants to come and settle here. He says that he wants to come and spend his time with students, by teaching them. He will give a lot of inspiration to boys. I told him, “It is your wish. Do whatever you want.”

Dr. Abdul Kalam with Sri Sathya Sai (on a later occasion)

Swami : (To a teacher) Come here! You are like a mini-road roller. Growing too fat!

Teacher :  Swami, I am growing thin.

Swami : Are you feeling guilty? Eating, eating. Dono Hath Se Khata Hai!! (Eating with both    the hands)

Teacher : Swami, I eat very less. It is because of Yoga (spiritual practice).

Swami : It is not Yoga. It is Roga (disease). How are the boys?

Teacher : Students are very good, they are sweet. Bhagavan, Please talk to the I-U.G. students quite often. They will feel very happy. They need it.

Swami : I will see, I will see. Which subject are you taking?

Teacher : Self-awareness for I-M.B.A. students.

Swami : What is ‘Self’?

Teacher : ‘Self’ means ‘Atman’ and it is everywhere. It is that which makes us speak and see.

Swami : Air is everywhere, similarly consciousness is also everywhere, with you, within you, around you. But you cannot catch it. Conscious, consciousness and conscience. “Follow the conscience to be conscious of consciousness.”

(Swami later went to the Prashanti Nilayam Campus Hostel Warden - Dr. Siva Sankara Sai and confirmed it with the boys that He had called in the afternoon. The Warden then requested Swami for Poornachandra session.)

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations – Part 2 (2000-2004)

Indian Economy: Problems and Solutions – Part 2

...Continued from Part 1

India is not a poor country. In the past, many foreign invaders viz. Turks, French, British, etc. invaded India. If only India was a poor nation what motivated the outside nations from far off places to invade India? India was a very affluent nation. In India, in the erstwhile State of Punjab, in the yesteryears, the plinth area of a house was 30 x 40 yards. The walls were covered with silver plates and the doors with gold. All this gold and silver was plundered by foreign invaders. The invaders those days had only limited number of soldiers, while India had a large number of soldiers. Why could such a strong army not safeguard the security of India? It was due to the inducements that the Indian soldiers received from the British in exchange of some vital defence secrets. Thus, the territorial interests of India were bartered for some tinsels by a few vested interests. The disunity among Indians was the reason for the establishment of foreign rule in India.

So, in the first instance, we should love our country as Lord Rama [i] had exhorted, “Janani Janma Bhumischa, Swargadapi Gariyasi”. This means that the physical mother and the motherland are greater than heaven itself. People should have national sentiment and have respect for Indian culture. Sacrifice, moral values and righteousness are very important and every Indian should cultivate these ideals. 

There is, however, a lot of difference between the ancient and contemporary culture. Today, people firm up wedlock decisions after a few chance meetings in some public meeting places. Because of such impulsive decisions, marriages are often meeting with unpleasant consequences. So, in every activity, man should aim at purity of purpose which results in wisdom. In every aspect therefore, man should analyse carefully taking into account all implications and ramifications. A man who has realised himself would not have any problems as he would maintain equanimity under all circumstances. Man should take decisions based on guidance from the conscience, and not out of superficial considerations and ulterior motives. As far as the financial aspect is concerned, there will never be a time when it will be all-perfect. The secret of the creation is, ‘There will never be an aspect in which an individual will have absolute satisfaction / contentment’. It is rather unwise to seek the absolute satisfaction in any human endeavour / pursuit for there is no absoluteness in this world. In the ephemeral and ever-changing world, it is not possible to find something called ‘total happiness’. The following anecdote illustrates the futile attempt of people seeking happiness in the ephemeral world.

VEGETARIAN FOOD IN 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.

Note:

[i] Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha belonging to Ikshvaku dynasty, is said to be the seventh of the ten reincarnations of Lord Vishnu in the ancient Indian tradition. He made this statement to his younger brother Lakshmana in the epic Ramayana.

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

With Sri Sathya Sai to East Africa...

The Divine Tourist: Sri Sathya Sai at the Murchison Falls, Uganda 

Sunday, June 30, 1968 to 
Monday, July 15, 1968

Sri Sathya Sai on Board Air India Flight to Nairobi
(To His right is Sri Raja Reddy)

On the 30th June, 1968 Swami embarked on His first ever physical visit beyond the confines of Indian soil. The African continent was the only other continent besides India, blessed to host Swami for a short while. The entourage reached Nairobi at 2.24 pm local time. Swami was welcomed by a huge gathering of fervent devotees singing the glories of His Divine Name. They showered flowers and waved lights as they sang melodiously. “I was reminded of the days when Jayadeva and Gouranga sang the glories (of the Divine),” commented a mightily pleased Swami.


Swami drove through Nakura and Malaba on the Uganda border to reach Kampala at 1.30 am. The late hour would have ensured no attendance in other cases. This was not to be so in this case. The roads milled with people eagerly awaiting Swami into the wee hours of the morning. Swami too walked among them and showered His Grace upon the simple folk that had gathered there unmindful of the hardship. Swami’s presence at Kampala was a blessing to a number of dignitaries who grabbed the opportunity to have His coveted Darshan. 

General Idi Amin and wives with Sri Sathya Sai

The Indian High commissioner, Sri K. P. R. Singh; the Chief of the Ugandan Army, General Idi Amin; the Minister of Defence, Mr. Onama; the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Ogira were some of the dignitaries blessed with Darshan.

Sri Sathya Sai giving Darshan at East Africa

During His address at Nairobi, Swami said:

"I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added lustre. I have not come to speak on behalf of any particular Dharma (righteousness), like the Hindu Dharma. I have not come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause; nor have I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into My fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this Universal unitary faith, this Atmic principle, this path of love, this Dharma of Prema, this duty of love, this obligation to love."

Swami’s first public address was at Kampala on the 7th of July. On that occasion He said:
 

"God is the source of all Love; Love God, Love the world as the vesture of God, no more, no less. Through Love, you can merge in the Ocean of Love. Love cures pettiness, hate and grief. Love loosens bonds; it saves man from the torment of birth and death. Love binds all hearts in a soft silken symphony. Seen through the eyes of Love, all beings are beautiful, all deeds are dedicated, all thoughts are innocent. The world is one vast kin… "

The Divine Tourist: Sri Sathya Sai on a boat ride over the Nile river

"…If you pay attention to the individual, differences thrust themselves on you. Fix your attention on the Samashti (the Collective); then points of identity will be more apparent, concentrate on the outer labels - Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Parsi, Buddhist, then, you will develop pride or contempt or hatred! But if you concentrate on the struggle that man undergoes to raise himself from the flesh to reach the level of Divinity, then, you find all labels insignificant. Then, it is all love, co-operation, mutual encouragement and appreciation. Go into the inner meanings, the deeper significance of religious symbols, rites and ceremonies. The outer forms and formalities are in accordance with the needs of place, time and person. Some among you relish one sweet dish more than another, others do not agree that your favourite is the tastiest. But, whatever the dish, they are all sweetened by the same substance, sugar; similarly, all things and beings are sweetened by the same principle, God."

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at a house of a devotee

These Discourses bound Swami closer to the hearts of the Africans. They began to see in Swami a friend, a guide, a leader and a light. News began to spread that Swami was scheduled to leave for India on the 10th. The devotees prayed in all earnestness, “Father, do not leave us this soon”. Their prayer was answered. Swami decided to stay longer even though He had promised Bombay that He would spend Guru Pournima (the 10th of July, 1968) with them.

Sri Sathya Sai at the Ngorongo Crater in Tanzania

Swami showered His Grace upon not just the human kind, but also the wild beast that roamed about the African terrain. Swami pointed out to His entourage, “Man is highlighting the advantages of competition and struggle, but the beasts are teaching him cooperation and service as the ideal means for survival.” He told a gathering of Africans and Indians that man alone among the animals had strayed from his allotted task. The rest stuck to their Dharma, whatever the obstacles. The tiger will never stoop to eating grass; the elephant can never be tempted to have a meal of fish or flesh; but man, the crown of creation, is groveling in the mire of bestiality, and is proud of it. The people of Africa bid farewell to Swami with hearts laden with sorrow. There was not a dry cheek amongst those who bid Him farewell. Even the cops who were in charge of road disciplining couldn’t hold back tears. Swami patted their backs, but their pain was only deepened by His touch. 

Swami arrived at Bombay to the crescendo of ‘Jais’ sounded by jubilant devotees on the 14th. Swami addressed a mammoth gathering at Dharmakshetra that evening. Sri K. M. Munshi, Founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan group of Institutions, who presided over the meeting said with tears of joy streaming down his eyes, “I was pained to see around me the quick decline of faith in God. However, as I look upon Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and witness the transformation He is effecting in the hearts of millions, I am heartened and happy”.

On that occasion, Swami said:
 

The young volunteers who regulated and served the gathering at Kampaala and Nairobi were students of colleges and schools; they had no experience of such vast numbers; each one was eager to approach Me and do obeisance to Me. Yet, they served remarkably well. They had scant knowledge of Indian ceremonial as regards reception and welcome; but they attended to every detail with remarkable anticipation. You in Bombay have heard Me often and you are aware of the rules of discipline I like to be observed. But, I found Africans were much better. However far I moved among the huge gatherings, people never ventured to rise and fall at My Feet; they did not as much as lean forward to touch them, unless I indicated that they could. They paid homage in their hearts only. Devotion, when it knows no bounds, easily falls into hysteria.

Sri Sathya Sai in East Africa

The nations of the West are yearning now for the opportunity to listen to the Message from Me and learn the lesson of Love, for they have lost the secret of peace within. Everyone from the Ministers, the Commander-in-chief and the Mayor to the ordinary peasant and labourer declared that they had never experienced such Ananda before as the visit gave them. The Mayor of Kampaala said when I was leaving, “We cannot give you a send-off, for you are always welcome.”

Henceforth, you will see Dharma, illumining With its splendour country after country. In every country, what is most essential is the practice of the principles they profess, the bringing into the details of daily life the attitudes of brotherliness that devotion to God instills. In India too, children of Bharat have to be inspiring examples of what spiritual Sadhana can achieve, how much of Prema and Shanti it can bestow. Be good Hindus, that is to say, act according to the meaning of the word, Hindu. Hindu means, he who is 'Duura' (far from) 'Hin' (Himsa - cruelty, violence). Be immersed in Prema; you will ever be away from violence. You can then be in Shanti and others will derive Shanti through you.

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

What is the meaning of Spirituality?

What does spirituality mean? It does not mean doing Dhyana (meditation), Japa (chanting) or singing of Bhajans. These are all only good actions which we perform to know about spirituality. To gain spirituality man has to give up all his animal qualities, which are deeply rooted in his heart accrued over past births. On one side doing Namasmarana and on the other side banging people for their deeds is not real Namasmarana. While chanting the Lord’s name, you should have sacred feelings in your heart. As the tree grows, its roots must also grow inwards. The outward growth of the tree depends on the roots below. As the external form is growing, the feelings should also grow deep. Then only will the tree have security, strength and fruits. If the roots don’t go deep, the whole tree will fall. We are also growing and claim ourselves to be philosophers. But there is no security to the roots i.e. our feelings. Therefore, God loves your feelings (Bhava Priya) and not your external appearance (Bahya Priya). External and internal feelings together get transformed into Divine radiance. We should try to change both within and without in order to attain Divinity. This is because God is present within, without and all over. 

While we are growing on the spiritual path, to what extent are we controlling our attachments? The attachments are ever on the rise. As the attachment to the world increases, the detachment with God also increases! Attachment to the world proportionately increases detachment to the Lord. When attachment to God increases, attachment to the world decreases. It is like the see-saw. When you travel to God, the world will be down, and when you go near the world, God will be down.  

So what step should we take? We cannot have the desire for both God and the world simultaneously. The heart is single sofa and not a double sofa and it definitely is not like the musical chairs. We should not change continuously. We must install only one. Then only will true sacrifice lead to immortality. If you want to keep milk in a bowl, you must first empty the bowl. Only then can we keep the cool milk in it. If you pour milk when there is water in the bowl, neither water nor milk will be stay in the vessel. Similarly in our hearts, there are so many worldly desires. We must first empty our heart of these desires and then fill the heart with Divine desires. If the brain is empty you can stuff it with anything, but if the brain is filled with other things it can never be empty. Therefore first we should cleanse or empty our mind. This is known as purity of mind or Chitta Shuddhi. Without purity, Divinity is not possible. And when there is no Divinity there is no unity and when there is no unity, enmity commences. Therefore first you should strive for purity. 

What is this purity? It is not selfish purity. You should think that God is present in all and respect everybody. You must respect others as if you are respecting God. Never look at others’ mistakes. First try to correct yourself. Consider only the good in others. Rectify yourself first. This is spirituality. Man will reach noble heights when he thinks about the merit in others and looks at his own demerits. Humanity in humans is completely subdued when man speaks about his own greatness and tries to cover his mistakes, finding demerits in others. 

Source: Look at the Merits in Others and Demerits in You, My Dear Students Volume 4

"Everyone has a friend... That’s Me!" - By N. S. Ramnath

Sri Sathya Sai at Trayee Brindavan

The greeting card was really beautiful. There was a painting of a small boy smiling cheerfully. The caption read “You have always been with me when I needed you, given me courage and made me feel good.” There was another caption inside the card, “Wish everyone has a friend like you. Happy Birthday!” The boy who bought the card liked it. He wanted to show it to a senior student who stayed in his room, as soon as he bought it. But, the busy schedule in the hostel could spare a few minutes only before the bed time. The senior student looked at the card, smiled and said somewhat cryptically, “There is only one friend I know who fits into this description perfectly.”
 

“Really, do I know him?”
 

“Perhaps! He lives here”, said the senior student.

“Then I’ll find out. I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
 

With that, the conversation ended, and the boy went to bed thinking, “Who could that friend be? How wonderful it would be to have a friend like him! A friend who is near you all the time you need him.”
 

A student in the hostel suffered from breathing trouble. For him the days started with the fear of nights, when breathing became very difficult, and ended with symptoms of yet another attack of asthma. He could not concentrate on his studies, could not play any game, and found it difficult even to jog. That year, Bhagavan was in Brindavan, and he had called the boys from Prashanti Nilayam to participate in Guru Poornima celebrations. The boys were jubilant. They reached Brindavan, rushed to Sai Ramesh Hall to be in the comforting presence of their beloved Lord. 

Trayee Brindavan - Sri Sathya Sai Residence at Bangalore

The day came to a close and the boys retired to their beds. Among them was this boy, dreading the long night ahead of him. Then came the symptoms - cough and sweat. The boy thought, “Why should I fear, when Swami is so near to me?” He looked through the window facing Trayee Brindavan. It was just a few meters away. This thought comforted him. The minutes ticked by and he realized he was more aware of Swami’s presence, than he was of the difficulty in breathing. Though he had to take in long breaths, he did not feel any pain. During the snatches of sleep he could manage, he dreamt of Bhagavan. Thus, the whole night passed. The boy could feel Swami’s presence throughout. As the bell in the hostel chimed to herald the coming of a new day, the boy felt rejuvenated. The fear of asthma lurked no longer in his mind. He felt light, happy and grateful.

Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Brindavan

Swami has not cured the boy of his asthma yet, but the boy no longer fears the nights of suffering, for he knows that he is not alone.

The boy who bought the greeting card did not feel sleepy. He thought of how the students, after leaving the portals of Sai Institute, held on to the principles in spite of adverse circumstances. Those instances truly are demonstrations of courage for as Gandhiji said, “Mental courage is infinitely more important than physical courage.” There was the student who refused to drink Vodka (an intoxicating drink), offered by a Russian executive (during a contract negotiation meeting) even at the risk of losing millions of dollars. And then, there was another boy who refused to pay a bribe of five rupees to get a ticket to his place. Ultimately, in the first instance, the boy was instrumental in getting the million dollar contract for his company. And in the second instance, the boy did buy a ticket without bribing the clerk. Swami not only gives the courage to stick to one’s ideals but also makes sure that one realizes that it pays to lead a principle - centered life.
 

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at
Sai Ramesh Hall, Brindavan

Now, the boy remembered a story - Once, a man asked God: “O Lord! Will You forgive me for the sins I have committed?” God smiled and said, “Sins! My child, I don’t remember the mistakes you might have made. I only remember Your love.” A boy sitting in the first row of Darshan lines was feeling very bad. He remembered his unkept promises. He remembered how fast he lost his temper when a friend of his tried to play a practical joke on him. “What will Swami say? Will He ignore me? Chide me?” The boy was anxious. At last, Swami came and looked at the boy. What did the boy see in Swami’s eye? Anger? Reprimand? No! Love was all he could see, and his spirits soared high. Love and joy took the place of guilt.
 

Thinking thus the boy fell asleep.
 

The next day, the senior student came to the boy and read out from the greeting card, “Wish everyone have a friend like you.” With a mischievous smile he asked, “Did you find out?”

“Yes”, the boy pointed to a beautiful picture of Bhagavan. The smile in Bhagavan’s face seemed to say, “Yes, Bangaaru! Everyone has a friend. That’s Me!” 

- N. S. Ramnath

Student (1996-98), Department of Management Studies
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Currently, Co-Founder, How India Lives, Noida

 

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday Issue)

Conversations with Sri Sathya Sai on Vedanta

Swami in the Prasanthi Nilayam portico

13th July 2000

During the evening Darshan,

Swami : Where do you come from?

Student : Swami from You. (Swami smiled at him. Students belonging to the institute music group showed a card to Swami asking permission for music program on Guru Pournima day.)

Swami : Koorcho…Koorcho. ( Sit…sit )

Later, Swami went near the birthday boys and autographed five to six photos. Then he came to Ganesh Portico,

Swami : (to students) What did he (Anil Kumar sir) talk in the morning? Bhaja Govindam or Shankaracharya? (to Anil Kumar sir) How many Shlokas did Shankara compose?

Prof. A. K. : Swami he composed 12 and his disciples composed 14.

Swami : How do you know?

Prof. A. K. : Swami, from books on ‘Adi Shankara’.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya and his disciples

Swami : No. He composed only one Shloka - Samprapte San Neehite Kale… Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrun Karane (Meaning – When the end comes, your grammar will not protect you.) Shankara got five Jyotir Lingas and installed four of them and one is missing.

Prof. A. K. : Where is it Swami.?

Swami : (smilingly) It is Chidambara Rahasyam. He placed it at the feet of Nataraja. Where are the four Peethams?

Prof. A. K. : Swami, Dwaraka, Shringeri, Puri and Badrinath.

The Four Maths established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Swami : Who were the disciples in-charge of these Peethams? (Anil Kumar sir tried to answer. But could not relate the disciples with their respective Peethams correctly.) Don’t guess. Shankaracharya propagated Advaita (Non-dualism), Madhvacharya - Dvaita (Dualism) and Ramanuja - Vishishta Advaita (Qualified Non-dualism). But through Advaita, one cannot enjoy the sweetness of God. Like sugar which cannot enjoy its own sweetness. Through Vishishta Advaita, you can enjoy the sweetness of God. You can reach Advaitic state through Vishista Advaita. Once in an argument, in favour of Advaita, he defeated his opponent, Mandana Mishra. Mandala Mishra’s wife, Ubhaya Bharati, put forth a question on Kama-Tatwa (experience of a householder). But Shankara could not explain because he has not experienced it. Therefore, he did Parakaya Pravesham (entering another body). He entered a dead king’s body, experienced it, and explained it to her. That time in a temple in Kashmir, the doors of the temple closed. Ubhaya Bharati told him, “You talk about Advaita. But, you have the feeling that you are different from that person and you have to experience through him and explain. It is Dvaita (dualism)”. 

He agreed to his mistake and the doors of the temple opened. After realising his mistake, Shankara made a pyre (fire) and jumped into it. But Varuna Devata (God of the water bodies) took mercy on him and it rained. Only his legs got burnt. Who are his important disciples?

Sri Ramanujacharya: The Propounder of Vishishta Advaita Philosophy

Prof. A. K. : Few of them are there Swami.

Padmapada - Running across the river at
his Guru's command

Swami : No. Padmapada was the important disciple. He gained wisdom by Guru Seva. It is said – ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara. Guru Shakshat Para Brahma.’ (Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. Guru is verily the embodiment of Brahman) Once while he was washing clothes in the river, there was a sudden flood. To protect his Guru’s clothes, he started running. Wherever his foot touched the surface of the water, there appeared a lotus under his foot. Hence, he was called Padmapada (Lotus Feet). Advaita is Jnana Kanda and Dvaita is Karma Kanda. In between them is Vishishta Advaita. To get Jnana (wisdom) through Bhakti (devotion) is Vishishta Advaita.   

Sri Madhvacharya: The Propounder of the Dvaita Philosophy

Prof. A. K. : Swami, Paramatma is Nityam (permanent) and Prakruti (creation) is Anityam (Non-permanent) .

Swami : No. Prakruti is also Nityam. But Prakruti Vastu (created objects) are Anitya (non-permanent). It is like this - Individual cows may die. But not the cow clan; People may die, but not Manava Jaati (humanity); Society always remains, even though people in the society die. Prakruti is permanent. It is only through Prakruti that one can attain Paramatma (Divinity). You cannot ask which is important. Mother and father, both are important for a son. Similarly, both Prakruti and Paramatma are important.

Prof. A. K. : Swami, if both Prakruti and Paramatma are important, where is Ekatwam (oneness)?

Sri Sathya Sai: There is only one - Unity in Diversity

Swami : Ekatwam is there in Nityatwam (permanence). Bhinnatwam (Separateness) is Anityam. Ekatwam is Nityam. The word ‘Bhinna’ itself means Veru - separate.

Teacher : In Trayee Brindavan, Swami has told that Bhinnatwam and Ekatwam are two sides of the same coin.

Swami : Yes, they form the two sides of the same (more stress) coin.

Teacher : Swami, Unity in Diversity.

Swami : Yes. Ekatwam people do not go for argument. Only Bhinnatwam people go for argument. Parameshti, Samashti, Vyashti and Srushti. Divinity (Parameshti) in community (Samashti) operates through individuals (Vyashti) for creation (Srushti).

(From a distance, a schoolboy showed a card to Swami. Swami signalled him to come close. On the card, it was written - ‘Swami, I want to merge in You.’)

(To institute students) Boys don’t know exactly the meaning of some words. They learn some words and write them, but they don’t know the meaning.

(Swami opened the above-mentioned letter and showed it.) See, what the boy has written, “I Want To Merge In You.” What is the meaning of ‘merge’? Rivers merge in the ocean and they lose their identity and be one with the ocean. It should be like this. It is true merging. Before merging, they have different names, different taste different forms, and ones they merge, they lose their identity completely. It is not easy.

Student : How is it Swami?

Swami : It is not by practice that you go near God and then merge with Him. It is Upanishad. Upanishad is coming near. The four steps to come near are Salokyam, Sarupyam, Sameepyam, Sayujyam. First remember the name (Salokyam), and then comes the form (Sarupyam), slowly you come near (Sameepyam) and finally merge (Sayujyam). 

(To another student) Do you want to merge?

Student : Yes Swami.

Swami : (To another student, punning the words Majjiga and merge) Ask Siva Sankara Sai (Warden) to give him one glass of Majjiga (buttermilk). Majjiga Le Sakta Hai. Merge Kaise Ho Sakta Hai? (You can have buttermilk. But how can you merge!)

Near the interview room door, the music group students again showed their card, asking permission for the music program on the Guru Pournima day.

Swami : (seeing the card) Enduku Ra Idi? (What for is this? )

Students : Guru Pournima Programme Swami.

Swami : (showed a letter written by the above mentioned student) See, somebody has written - ‘I want to merge’, without knowing, what merging is?. What is the meaning of merging? (No answer) Take river. River goes and merges in ocean. Before merging, river was there. After merging there is no name and form for the river. There is only ocean. Saalokyam, Saaroopyam, Saameepyam and Saayujyam. River goes to ocean for merging. But ocean will not easily allow it to merge. It will say, “Go away, go away.” for 2-3 days. That is backwater. The river will say, “No. I want to merge. I want to merge.” Finally the ocean will say, “Come in”. That time, the ocean will rise up and the river will go underneath. If you see the place where the river merges, you can see the ocean water on the top and the river water below. Sameepyam is going nearer. (Swami saw their card and went through the songs written on it.) Only ten songs.  Swami read out the song - “Every moment of my life…” 

(To Registrar) How is the Vice-Chancellor’s health?

Registrar  : Now, he is fine, Swami.

Swami : For diabetics, the best medicine is diet control. No other medicine is required.

(To music group students) Which class are you studying? (They replied that they are from MBA, MFM and M.Sc.) All are in MBA or M.Sc. No MRS. (To a guest) what is MRS? (No reply.) Mrs.!! (Laughter. To another student) Which class?

Student : Swami M.Tech.

Swami : M.Tech or M. Trick?

Teacher : If Swami gives permission, we like to have some solo performance.

Swami : Whatever you asked, do that. If you have more programs, do according to the time available.

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