How can I make good use of this Physical Body?

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks...

My Dear Students!

The physical body, the sense organs, the mind and the intellect are the vestures worn by all human beings. Only when you understand the subtle meaning and the mysteries of the vestures which are your own, you would be able to decipher the real benefit of it. You are wearing a pant, a shirt, a coat, etc. Only when you understand how to use and how to wear the cloth properly, will you be able to get the benefit. On the other hand if you do not know what a shirt is, then you are likely to misuse it. A person who does not know what a banyan is, may wear it over a shirt! A person who does not know what a pant is may wear it in a reverse fashion. Therefore, you should understand the purpose of all those clothes which you are wearing, then only will they give you beauty and joy.

Similar is the situation with this physical body. This body is worn by you. In the very first instance, if you understand how to use it, how to wear it and how to get benefit from it, it will be appropriately useful to you. 

Deha: Deha (the body), as everyone knows, will burn down after death. Not only that. This body burns with worries even as you live. This body is full of dirt. It is a basket full of diseases. It is the one which undergoes various modifications and it does not help you to cross the ocean of Bhava (life and death). This body is made of five elements. This body is going to fall down one day or the other. But the Indweller is the permanent one. If you see properly there is no birth, death and bondage for the Indweller. Truly speaking, the Indweller itself is the God of all Gods. You are like God of Gods and this physical body is just worn by you. You can enjoy this body, but do it with a sense of discrimination.

Shareeram: There is another name given to this body, which is Shareeram. That means this physical body gets worn out and destroyed. When this physical body is born, it is a mass of blood. With all its tenderness, it will be highly attractive. Gradually, this physical body enters the stage of youth. It also expresses itself with a sense of ego on account of beauty. Then it enters into old age. In this age, your body becomes weak. Thus, this physical body undergoes many changes. It has got the name Shareeram because it develops and finally gets destroyed. 

Mandiram: This body also has a third name, which is Mandiram. Why is this body described as Mandiram or temple? It has been described as Mandiram or temple because it is the house of God. This is the most sacred and Divine residence of the Lord. It is not proper to abuse or misuse this temple of God. The body has to be utilised in a proper way or sacred way. That is why it is said that this body must be used for performing good acts, good deeds and good conduct. This body is given to us to conduct ourselves on the path of righteousness. This entire body is given for performing righteous deeds. This body is used for performing right actions, but you should maintain this physical body in a proper way. The body is like an instrument, and when this body is fit, it can be used in a proper way. Take the example of the pen which you use. For it to function properly; it should have ink in it, and its nib should be perfect. Similarly, the sword is another example. It can be used properly only when it is sharp. Therefore, when this body has to perform some activity or righteous action it has to be in a good condition. A knife is useful only for cutting vegetables, fruits or some other perishable item, but if you use a knife for cutting some hard material it is in vain. Therefore you should have proper knowledge and discrimination power to use this body in a proper way.

You should put a question to yourself before performing any action, “I am the very embodiment of Atma, hence I am living in this body. Is it right to perform this task? Is this action worthy of being performed or unworthy of being performed?” Once you ask such a question to yourself, you will be able to perform righteous acts. Just because you are having a physical body you should not misuse it. This physical body is given to you to perform right actions. The body should be regarded as a temple of God.

Kshetram: Another name given to this body is Kshetram or the field. This physical body is the field and the one who recognises this field is known as a Kshetrajna. You are the one who should recognise and learn about this Kshetra or the field. You have to be a witness to this physical body and therefore you should have authority to utilise this body properly. Hence you should maintain this body in a sacred way. We call holy places such as Kashi, Badri and Tirupati as Kshetra. What is the use of this word Kshetra for describing these places? There is a sacred environment in these places and hence these pilgrimage centres are called Kshetras. In all these pilgrimage centres, there will be various rituals and prayers performed to please the Lord. There is a Divine environment that prevails in all these places. Similarly, we should use this physical body which is the temple of God for performing righteous actions or deeds. The inner meaning of this body is to perform right actions and right conduct.

Second meaning for this is field, i.e. whatever seed you sow the same crop you get. If you sow good thoughts, you will reap good actions, but if you sow evil thoughts the fruit will also be evil. This is the field where you sow the seeds of sin or virtue. On the field you cannot go on sowing seeds as and when you like. It is a regulated process based on time. You also have to see what type of soil supports which type of seeds. But this body can be cultivated at any time and under all circumstances. Throughout day and night you can cultivate this body. In the external agricultural fields you may get a crop or you may not get a crop. You may not realise your expectations in the fields. However, the special feature of this body is that whatever seeds you sow, it reaps only that. Whatever deeds you perform, it leads to that particular action. The crop you get can never be less by even half a percent than what you have sown. 

How can the crop be different from the seeds which you have sown! You are going to reap the results depending upon the way your body performs the action. The crop depends upon your own thought process. The crops depend on your action, and whatever are your thoughts the same will be your actions. You should always make an effort to sow seeds of good thoughts. You should not misuse this physical body the way you like. You should not enjoy the way you like. It is very essential to think and understand how this physical body is useful. The one who aspires for having good thoughts and good deeds alone can make proper use of this body. 

Source: The Human Body: A Temple of God, Discourse 10, My Dear Students Volume 4

How Sri Sathya Sai taught me a lesson in Honesty - By J. Vamsi Krishna

Date: 28/10/95

Time: 11.00 a.m. 

Venue: I MBA classroom, 
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

It was a hot day and the discussion in the class was hotter. The professor was telling us that in every man there is God and this God will never permit one to do any wrong act. Even if we do something wrong, this God, who is inside us will correct us provided we have faith in Him. Some of our class students supported the view of the professor and some were arguing against it. Finally, by the time the bell rang all the students were convinced that there is a God in each and every one. But I was not convinced. My doubt was, if God is present in everyone, then why people commit sin. I prayed to Bhagavan to clear my doubt. At that time I did not know that Bhagavan, who is omnipresent, would clarify my doubt and that too so soon.

Date: 29/10/95

Time: 7.00 a.m. 

Venue: Sai Kulwant Hall 

The music started, indicating that Bhagavan was coming for Darshan. My heart was filled with joy. I don’t know why I feel so happy and joyful when I see Swami. He has the same face, same body; same red robe and same eyes which look like glittering stars that makes me feel happy. That smile, on one day is like the smile of a father to a son, loving; the other day like that of a friend to a friend, understanding; and some other day like that of a teacher to a student, meaningful. That day Swami looked at me and smiled meaningfully. I was confused but I felt very happy because Swami looked and smiled at me. Swami as usual selected some of the devotees and took them inside the interview room. The door of the interview room closed with the person who is my father, mother, friend and teacher, inside the room.

I now started thinking about what to write for the Sai Nandana homage volume. Suddenly, I heard a noise from the boys in the front rows. Some boys were distributing gifts which Swami had sent. At the first glance, I was unable to know what gifts they were. After a few minutes I came to know they were beautiful files which had zipper around it (so that we could close the file), a pen, and a nice diary with Swami’s quotations, Swami’s photograph and most importantly Vibhuti. My joy knew no bounds on seeing those files and I was praying that I would also get one. I then started thinking about what to write in the diary and how to make better use of the dairy. But to my bad luck, as I was sitting in the back rows, the files got exhausted before they reached us. The students started distributing a weekly planner and I received one with a little disappointment.

Then started the real magic of the Divine Magician. One of the boys sitting near me got both a file and a weekly planner. He was satisfied with the weekly planner and decided to give away the file to others who did not get the file. So he offered it to me. I took it with great joy. Now it became a tough task for me to decide to choose between the file and weekly planner. Both were equally good, both were equally important, not because of their beauty but because they had been blessed by Swami. Both contained Swami’s photographs which I was not willing to lose at any cost. There was a clash between the good and bad in mind. Initially, the bad won. So, I saw on both my sides and kept the weekly planner in the file and closed the file and remained quiet. Though I remained quiet I felt the uneasiness in me, a bit tense and the feeling of doing the wrong thing.

One of the lecturers came and sat by my side, and so my tension reached the peak. Adding to that, our lecturer looked at my file and took it into his hands asking me whether the file was good or not. My face became pale and my head was bent down with guilt. I started praying to Swami to help me in this embarrassing situation. Swami came to my rescue in the form of a student who came to the teacher to clarify a doubt. As the boy came, the teacher gave back my file and started listening to him. In the spurt of a moment, I took my file and sat in another place. Then my conscience started pricking me. I felt very guilty to speak to anybody. 

Swami came out of the interview room. He came straight towards me, looked at me and asked “How is the file?” He took the file opened the zip and took out the book inside it. As if He did not know anything He asked me, “How did you get both the file and the book?” There was no answer from me. I remained silent. All the other boys were looking at me as if I was a thief. 

Suddenly one of my friends called me, and I looked at him. Astonishingly Swami was not there and all others students were busy with their work. It was only an illusion. After this event, I decided to go to any of my lecturers and confess about my wrong deed and return the book. So I picked the book from the file and stood up to go to the teacher. Then the student by my side called and asked, “Brother, what are you going to do with the book?” I replied that I wished to give it to the teacher. Then he requested me to give it to him as he did not get one and I did the same.

Now my heart is very light and happy. I borrowed a book from the student sitting by my side. It was a compilation of Swami’s discourses in Telugu. I opened at random and started reading it. My attention fell on the following sentences, “God is in every body. He is also in you. He is not going to keep quite if you do anything wrong. He will correct you. Men will become demons like Hiranyakashipu and Kamsa if they do not realise the God in themselves and God in others.”

Now everything was clear to me. This was the Leela of the Divine Guru to teach me a lesson and clarify my doubt. Now I understood the meaning of Swami’s smile.

  

- J. Vamsi Krishna

Alumnus (1995-1997), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday Offering)

"How are My Boys?"

July 21, 1991

Swami had spent a considerable time on the upper portico today. Many guest speakers had arrived for the Management Development Programme of the Faculty of Business Management, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Bhagavan was paying a lot of attention to them. He asked one of them during the course of the conversation, “Who is a leader”? 

He then answered, “He who leads is a leader. Today, nobody wants to lead.  Everybody shuns leadership and moves away a safe distance from it. This is the cause for all the chaos and confusion in today’s world.”

Swami then asked one of the invitees, “How are the boys?”, to which he replied, “Swami they are really good”. 

Swami said, “Good? Yes! When compared with boys outside, they are definitely good. You will never find such good boys. But, they can be rough too! You see here, the Ring Master (pointing to Himself) is present and therefore, they are under control. But, once they go out of the Ring Master’s sight, they revert to their wild nature. Boys should put into practice what they learn here. Otherwise, what is the use of staying with Swami and learning so much here? But, it is not their fault either. The outside environment itself is such. Our boys must equip themselves here to fight against that environment and continue to be as exemplary as they are here. They should foster and spread the values they imbibe here. For example, when dust makes friendship with water it sinks down to the earth. But, if it joins hands with the wind, it soars high into the sky. In either case, the dust does not possess the capacity to go up or fall down. The power to go up into the sky or sink down into the earth lies in the company which the dust keeps.”

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

Integrated Rural Development: Guidelines from Sri Sathya Sai - Part 2

... Continued from Part 1

Sri Sathya Sai serving the rural underprivileged

FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

If Indian culture in its proper form were to exist anywhere, it could possibly be found only in the rural areas of India. While doing one’s job, one should think about how one can contribute to rural development. All Management students must study a course on Integrated Rural Development Management (IRDM) [i]. For IRDM, the management of water, health care, plantation, sanitary systems, and wind energy are very essential. 

1. An educated person can do great service by residing in a village. He triumphs over the hearts of the simple villagers by talking to them with love and genuine concern. One can even win over the nation by sweet talk. You cannot always oblige, but you can speak always in an obliging manner. A farmer would feel very pleased if an educated person visits his fields and discusses farming practices with him. You can advise him about the superiority of organic manure over chemical fertilizers, as chemical fertilizers deplete the minerals from the soil. Cow dung is good natural manure. 

2. Diseases are rampant in villages due to poor sanitation and hygiene. One can arrange for the digging of a septic tank. No expenses would be involved as most of the able bodied people from the village would come forward with crowbars and contribute their labour with love, without having to incur any financial expenditure.

3. In villages, talking is ‘heartful’ [ii], whereas in towns it is ‘artificial.’ If one wants to perform the marriage of any close relation in a city, one has to get milk from the dairy paying INR 1,000 or INR 2,000. Whereas in villages, those who have cows take the initiative to say of their own volition, “We heard that there is a marriage in your house. Please take this milk.” The women in the village come forward and share the household work amongst them. In cities, they charge INR 5 for a laddu (traditional Indian round-shaped sweet made of chana flour and sugar), while in villages, people themselves make them as a group.

4. As regards pandals, people pay thousands of rupees in cities whereas in villages, those who are familiar with such work volunteer to erect the pandals. It is done perfectly. Green leaves (buntings) would be tied all over. In those days, houses were small and when a large number of people collected, it would become quite suffocating. The green leaves take in carbon dioxide and give back fresh oxygen. This is the significance of Torana (buntings). In cities, they put plastic leaves, which only serve the purpose of ornamental decoration without any natural utility value.

5. There exists a great sense of security in villages. While in cities, if thieves rob the neighbours’ belongings and take it away in a truck, nobody even bothers, whereas if a stranger just enters a village, people immediately inquire and ascertain details about his/her antecedents. Such concern, self-imposed responsibility and security prevail in villages. In case of a quarrel between a husband and wife in villages, the village elders would call both the husband and wife and reconcile their differences in a harmonious manner. Such sort of informal judicial system existed in the villages in India in the past to resolve the conflicts and also maintain law and order.

6. An individual can lead a simple, yet a happy life in a village. He can go into the open countryside and breathe the fresh air. He can lead a comfortable and a happy life even with a monthly income of INR 2,000, whereas in any metropolitan city in India even with a huge monthly income such comfortable life is not possible owing to heavy expenditure pertaining to house rent, transportation, taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. In cities, if one wants to lead a sanctimonious life, the society will not let one to do so. The nature of the leaf is to remain still, but when the wind blows, it flutters. So also a person’s mind wavers due to the various distractions in the city, the most important being the company he keeps. An individual ought to keep away from bad company. “Tyaja Durjana Samsargam, Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam, Kuru Punyam Ahoratram, Smara Nitya Anityatam”, meaning shun bad company, seek the company of pious people, engage oneself in pious activities day and night, discriminate between the permanent and ephemeral.

Continued in Part 3...

Notes:

i] Baba was actually suggesting this to the group of Management students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, to develop sensitivity about the problems of people living in rural areas. This, however, may be equally applicable in a general manner to all those pursuing Management programmes in other universities in India and elsewhere. 

ii] In villages in India and other neighbouring countries in the sub-continent, the rural folk are informal in their interactions and dealings with one another. They address each other as if they all belong to the same family or kin and they maintain warm and personal relations among themselves, which Baba terms as ‘heartful’ which implies conversing whole-heartedly. 

Source: Values-Oriented Rural Development, Chapter 2, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

When Swami gave Himself a New Name!

Tuesday, November 25, 1958

On 25th November 1958, Sri S.R.Venkatraman and family were returning from Puttaparthi after attending Swami’s Birthday celebrations. Baby Gitasudha, Venkatraman’s daughter, suddenly lay dead. The miserable parents were helpless. The bus pulled over, and a crowd soon gathered around the dead child. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Baby Gitasudha (now Smt. Sudha Ragunathan)

An old man from amongst the crowd commanded, “Hand me the child”. The old man had two ladies and a young lad by his side. The old man held the babe in his hands and muttered some Mantras. He asked the onlookers, who happened to be returning from Puttaparthi as well, for some Vibhuti and smeared it on the child’s forehead. The child that had been dead for all practical purposes suddenly let out a loud cry. The joy of the hitherto bereaved parents knew no bounds. A grateful Venkatraman offered the old man a rupee, but the latter turned him down. He then offered the old man an orange that was given to him by Swami. Venkatraman asked the old man what his name was. “Jodi Adipalli Somappa” was the reply. 

Later, the bewildered Venkatraman wrote to Puttaparthi enquiring whether Swami had gone into a trance around 2:45 pm (which was the same time ‘Jodi Adipalli Somappa’ had appeared to save his daughter from the jaws of death). Venkatraman had inkling that it may have in fact been Swami in the guise of the strange old man. Even before the letter could reach Puttaparthi, Swami told His close devotees in detail about how He had rushed to the rescue of the helpless family! He told them that He had drawn the evil power that had been dogging the child into the orange that was given to him, and had it cast away. It was indeed Swami who had made the trans-corporeal visit!

Sri Sathya Sai with Smt. Sudha Ragunathan, internationally renowned Carnatic vocalist (the Baby Gitasudha)

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

Sri Sai knows the Destiny of All... Yevari Gathi Yetula Nunduno Sri Sai Keruka...

Sri Sathya Sai - The Knower of Destiny

Yevari Gathi Yetula Nunduno Sri Sai Keruka 

Yevari Gathi Yetula Nunduno Sri Baba Keruka 

(Yevari...) 

Karmaanu Bandhamulanu Kada Throya Yevari Vashamu 

Dharmaraaju Viratuninta Thammulatho Koluvu Leda (Yevari...) 

Nithya Sathya Manubhavimpa Sathyaharishchandrudu 

Maata Koraku Thanu Maalavani Goluva Leda 

(Yevari...) 

Sriman Naarayanundu Ramaavataarametthi 

Aa Mahanubhavu Bharya Ravanache Dorakaleda 

(Yevari...) 

(MEANING) 

Sri Sai knows the destiny of all, 

Sri Baba knows the destiny of all.

Who can break open themselves from the clutches of Karma (one’s actions)?

Did not Dharamaraja stayed in the house of Viraata along with his brothers?

Sri Sai knows the destiny of all, 

Sri Baba knows the destiny of all. 

Bound by the truth, Sathya Harischandra has worshipped even a low-caste person. 

Sri Sai knows the destiny of all, 

Sri Baba knows the destiny of all. 

Sriman Narayana Himself incarnated as Rama;

Did not His consort get abducted by Ravana?

Sri Sai knows the destiny of all, 

Sri Baba knows the destiny of all.

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

Source: Song 68, Section 6, Telugu Songs, Vandana: Students’ Prayer Book

What do I desire on My Birthday?

Sri Sathya Sai on His Birthday

After the Summer Course was over, Members of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust came to Me with plans for various projects to be carried out in the next three years. Each year they wanted to carry out one project. I told them: “You should not do anything for Me. You may do anything you desire for the sake of the people, the society and the poor”. I told Srinivasan, “I have three desires”.

Even I have some desires, not for My sake. “Today, middle class farmers are experiencing difficulties in cultivating their fields. Owners of five or six acres are not able to get labourers to work on their farms and do not have cattle for ploughing the fields. Therefore, you get 70 tractors to be presented to small farmers on My Seventieth birthday in 1995”. Action followed right in the wake of my words. The Escorts people were immediately contacted on the phone and the tractors were brought for the selection of those that would be suitable for small farmers. As Swami was offering the tractors free to small farmers, the Escorts people offered a concession in price. Orders were placed immediately for 70 tractors.

Srinivasan asked what was Swami’s second wish. Swami said that young people were going about in Puttaparthi without any occupation and taking to bad ways. Some useful work should be provided for them. The Super Speciality Hospital is far from the township. Even the Post Office is at a great distance. Many people are having difficulty in going to these places. To provide employment to these unemployed youth and provide an essential amenity for the public, Swami suggested that 70 auto-rickshaws may be provided to the unemployed. “If these young men are given these vehicles, it would please me,” I said. Orders have been placed for these auto-rickshaws.

The third wish was this: There are a number of women belonging to good families, who have no independent means to sustain themselves and are not in a position to take up jobs outside. I felt that such women should be taught tailoring and given a sewing machine so that they can earn some income independently. Immediately, 70 sewing machines have been purchased.

A fourth wish: Marriage should be performed for 70 poor couples without regard to caste or creed. The marriage should be such that they should feel happier beyond all their previous experiences in life. It is not enough to give them wedding clothes and the Mangala-sutram. The Mangala-sutram should be attached to a gold chain. In addition, to enable them to lead a life of ideal householders, each couple should be provided with a home.

In this manner, all My thoughts are devoted to promoting the good of others. Is any Government or wealthy person thinking along these lines? None at all. When such sacred things are being done, jealousy rears its head in some persons. This is the outcome of their sins. These envious folk will not do anything good themselves, nor will they allow others to do good. This is not a human quality. A true human being should be filled with large-hearted sentiments.

- July 3, 1993, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai distributing tricycles on the occasion of His 70th Birthday - 1995

I am prepared to help anyone from any village, any state or any community. I do not cherish differences of any kind. Whether you believe it or not, I may assure you that I respect only one caste, the caste of humanity, only one religion, the religion of Love and only one language, the language of the heart. I shall never say “No” to anybody who seeks My help, whatever his caste, region or creed may be. A good many devotees are gathered here. I am prepared even to part with Prasanthi Nilayam to meet your requests. I am prepared to do anything for the good of the people. That is My only concern. I am working only to make the people worthy of the Lord’s grace. Few persons recognise this fact. Even those who have been coming to Me for years do not recognise this truth. It is difficult to comprehend the truth about the ways of the Divine. All of you should attend to your duties with faith in the Divine. All will be well with you. This is the path pursued by our ancients. In those days there were no parties and warring factions. All acted with one mind. That was the message of the Vedas. “Let us work together, enjoy together, love one another and share our joy with all” – this was the glorious message of the Rig Veda. Men based their lives on the injunctions of the Vedas. Today when these injunctions are not respected, how can human life be sacred?

- October 11, 1997, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai on His Birthday in the Poornachandra Auditorium

I do not expect anything from you. Only, develop Love within you. Regard all mankind with fraternal feelings. Recognise all as the children of God. Bear no ill-will or hatred towards anyone. Do not hurt anyone’s feelings. Only such a large-hearted attitude will confer on you limitless bliss. If you are celebrating Swami’s birthday, this is all that I desire from you. Have unity among yourselves. Strive to revive and promote the glory of Bharat.

- November 23, 1990, Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sathya Sai Baba, Chapter 8, Sai Vani: Avatar on Avatar Purushas

A Happy Birthday! - By Natesh Shankar Shetty

The 80th birthday celebrations of Bhagavan were in full swing. There was colour and festivity, celebration and joy all over. To us it seemed as if the whole Universe was waiting in all eagerness for the day to dawn when The Master of the Universe would turn eighty! And soon the golden day arrived. Grand arrangements had been made at the Hill-view stadium. Some of the greatest dancers, singers, musicians and sportsmen of the country were present on that day waiting to offer themselves to their Lord on that auspicious day.

Sri Sathya Sai on His 80th Birthday - November 23, 2005

Soon enough, Bhagavan came in all His splendour and glory. He ascended the dais and sat on the beautiful throne as a million hearts watched in awe. The musical ‘greats’ came up and offered their obeisance to the Lord thereafter and began their soulful rendition. Everything seemed to be going on perfectly. The decoration was grand, the programmeme was happening smoothly, there were impressive lights and lasers all over the ground and the crowds were lost in the magnitude of the event.  

I am a part of the University Brass Band and so was fortunate to be seated close to the dais. I too was totally in awe of the grandeur all around, more so with the knowledge that we were so fortunate to be sitting so close to Bhagavan and witnessing the mega feat. Even as I felt grateful to Bhagavan for this rare blessing, I looked towards Bhagavan and suddenly felt something to be wrong. It seemed to me as though Bhagavan Himself was not enjoying the show. The usual charm and the chirpiness, so characteristic of Swami, seemed to be missing that day. And as if reflecting His mood, soon Mother Nature too played her role by ‘dampening’ both the ground as well as everybody’s spirits. The musicians found themselves getting drenched, the crowds were getting drenched and Swami too looked disinterested in the celebrations.

The multitudes gathered at Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium on November 23, 2005

That set me thinking, out of my own humble understanding and knowledge. Probably Swami doesn’t need all this pomp and show for His birthday. Hadn’t He told us many times, that for Him, every day was like His birthday. One need not put up special lights and sound blasters all over the stadium to make Him happy. One only needs to feel Him and cherish Him within one’s heart. That was Bhagavan’s true birthday! Perhaps that day alone, when each one of us were in a position to foster Swami in our hearts, would be our real birthday too! So in reality we are only putting up a farce when we celebrate our birthdays (the day on which we were born physically) and make such a hue and cry about it.

But even as I found myself getting lost in this philosophical string of thought, another side of my head kept telling me, “Calm down brother! You are still a small kid. What would be your condition if on your birthday, nobody thinks of you, nobody greets you and nobody celebrates your birthday? You would be shattered and heartbroken! We all want to be loved. Your birthday is the one day when all those who truly love you come forward to express their love and regards for you. So don’t suddenly become a ‘renunciant’ and stop celebrating your birthday just because Bhagavan was a little dull on His 80th birthday. Why, Swami’s birthday celebration itself was an expression of the love of all the devotees for Him!”

This argument convinced me a fair bit. I seemed to like the dawning that whatever be the case, on one’s birthday, all his loved ones, family, friends and relatives would call on him to wish him. Without my knowledge, my mind had taken a tangential shift in its focus. Now it was very eagerly waiting for my birthday to arrive and was more interested in knowing, who are the people who would wish me on that day. And the results of this new ‘mind-game’ had the potential to reveal some exciting results: the people who thought of me on that day are the people who truly loved me and cared for me!

The months flew by and before I knew it, it was my birthday. The month was October and Dussera celebrations were on in full swing. Grama Seva was to begin that very day. I got up early in the morning expecting people to come rushing and wish me. Nobody came! Everybody seemed very excited about the first day of Grama Seva and people were busy getting themselves ready. I convinced myself that maybe my roommates had planned a surprise for me later in the day. That is why they were probably keeping things hushed up from me! 

Just then, some senior student came up and called me saying that the warden was looking for me. I met the warden. I entered his office wondering if somebody had told him it was my birthday and whether he was about to give me some Prasadam; but he gave me a rude shock instead when he asked me if I had a speech ready to be delivered in the Sai Kulwant Hall. The Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha was to start that evening! Delivering a talk in front of Bhagavan, and that too on such a prestigious occasion was no mean feat. I told the Warden that I was not at all ready and I should not be considered as a speaker that year. The Warden told me that my name had already been shortlisted as a potential speaker among the students. By then I was sweating in anxiety and my feet seemed strangely cold! Seeing my state the warden smiled and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll push your talk towards the end of the week so that you have enough time to prepare! Go for Grama Seva now!” Listening to the Warden’s reassurance, I was a little at ease and before long we had all set out for Grama Seva. 

At around 1 pm we were serving in some village, a little out of Puttaparthi, when suddenly some boys came rushing to me saying that the Warden was looking for me. The Warden had come all the way on his bike to meet me! Again my feet went cold and I felt butterflies in my stomach! This time when I saw him, he looked more tensed than I was. He pulled me aside and told me, “Swami has asked for you to speak this afternoon at the ‘Vidwan Maha Sabha’! We don’t have time. It’s already 1 o’clock. By 3 o’clock be in the Kulwant hall ready with your talk.” And as an afterthought he added, “Please pray hard to Swami! He will take care!” He got me onto a vehicle that was headed back to the hostel and I was supposed to prepare for a talk in two hours!

My mind was numb. I had no idea where to start from. The moment I reached the hostel, I fumbled up to the library, managed to pick up a few books and noted down a few incidents that I could share. I approached a few senior students in the hostel who were regular speakers at the Mandir and made desperate attempts to gather any sort of material that could be narrated! I was really tensed!

It is a commonly observed fact that only at those moments when we are absolutely hard-pressed for time, time seems to move the quickest! That day, time was flying at the speed of light! And before I knew it, I was in the Bhajan hall, waiting for my chance to speak. It was the first day of the ‘Vidwan Maha Sabha’ and there was a senior teacher who was scheduled to speak before me. 

I knew that within moments, my name would be announced. My apprehension grew when I suddenly realised that on that day, I was like a representative for the entire students’ community and hundreds of students would be hoping that I deliver my best. Moreover, Swami also likes to showcase His students in such forums to other eminent speakers who had come from the world over. And here I was, absolutely unprepared! I had a few loose stories which were disjoint and unrelated. I had no idea how to start and how to end. And by the time my name was announced I could only pray for a miracle to happen!

I walked up to Swami, with a rose in my hand. I managed to whisper into His ears, “Swami, please speak through me! I’m not prepared!” Swami looked into my eyes mischievously and said, “Nenu Chuskuntanu! Po!” (Go speak! I’ll take care!) And I spoke! For the next twenty minutes, I managed to keep speaking. And sometime when I was about to conclude, a thought struck me that probably I should express my gratitude to Swami for giving me an opportunity to speak in His presence on my birthday. I said so and nervously looked at Swami to see His response. Swami immediately looked at me with a bright smile playing on His lips. He called me to His side. He patted my cheek and materialized a ring for me. As he put it on my finger, He told me, “Idi Nee Gift! Chudu Perfect Fit!” (This is your gift! See, it fits you perfectly!) It was as if He was waiting for me to tell everybody that it was my birthday on that day! I tried to seek pardon for not doing a very good job with the speech, but He immediately cut me off saying that I should not harbour such thoughts on such a happy day. He then said, “I am happy! You also be happy!”

Everything after that was like a dream. Hundreds of people seemed to be wishing me for my birthday and greeting me on my good fortune. It took me almost half an hour to reach the hostel that evening after Darshan. But somewhere, on my way back, I started pondering over all that had happened that day. I recollected my decision a few months ago, to wait for my birthday to know for sure who were the people who truly loved and cared for me. Well, the criterion was that only those who wished me on my birthday were the ones who qualified. It suddenly dawned on me that all day nobody had wished me for my birthday. Even my parents (I later found out) were not able to get through the telephone line that day to wish me. My friends were busy with Grama Seva all day and by the time they returned I was already in the Mandir. So it turned out that the first person to wish me was Bhagavan Himself on that day! And according to my ‘theory’, if I were to make a list of all those people who truly loved and cared for me, God was the only name that featured in the list! Of course, once God Himself had come into one’s life, the whole world cannot but follow like a shadow. People started wishing me right from the moment Swami left the dais, and wishes kept pouring in for the next four days! The list of people who loved me remained incomplete because I lost count of the number of people who wished me; and yet it was complete in its own way because it had only one name in it – Swami’s!

But things have been different after that day. On my birthday I no longer wait to count how many people wish me and how many gifts I receive. It is now that day of the year when I just sit down and close my eyes, with gratitude in my heart for Swami’s presence in my life! It is that day when I sit down to count my blessings and not know how to repay Him! It is now more special a day than ever before for I recollect every year on this day that God Loves me! 

“Swami we are on the eve of Your Birthday today. All of us, Your children, with one voice have only this to say to You – “We Love You Swami!”…Happy Birthday to You Lord!”

- Natesh Shankar Shetty

MBA (2008-2010), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Holistic Healer, Violet Hues Healing Center, Bangalore

Source: From His Loving Students, Sai Chandana 2010 (85th Birthday Offering)

Swami... You are not taking care of Your Body...

November 27, 1999

After the interview was over, Swami came out.  He talked to some of the elders seated in the veranda.  Then, He went towards the birthday boys to bless them. He accepted a letter from one of the primary school boys and read it out to the elders seated there. After materializing Vibhuti for the birthday boys, He came to the third block towards the students.

Swami : A Primary School boy has written this letter.  His name is Varun Rai. (Swami called that boy and asked his name) Varun Rai, yes! 

(Swami reads the letter) 

“Swami, I have a prayer. You are not taking care of your body. Please take care of Your body’s health. You are my aim. You are my goal. My life. You are my everything. If You are fine, then everything is fine. Please take care of Your body’s health. This is my birthday prayer.” 

(Swami stopped reading the letter and then to the boys…) See, how he has written! Does anyone write like this? No. Only selfish, selfish, selfish. My health, my health, my health. Swami, I want this... do this for me.  

Swami went to the staff members and again read out the letter.  He went back to the portico and talked to a Primary School boy. After that, He went to the Bhajan hall and again read out the letter.

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

Integrated Rural Development: Guidelines from Sri Sathya Sai - Part 1

SCENARIO OF LIFE IN RURAL INDIA

Life in Indian Villages

The surroundings and the environment in villages are fresh and unpolluted when compared to urban areas. The villagers (ought to) have unpolluted air, clean drinking water and simple life conducive for peaceful living unlike the urban areas. The urbanites are prone to all kinds of diseases because of congested living conditions, which seldom happen in rural areas. However, it has to be noted with regret that the Government (Central and State in India) is not providing the required facilities and amenities in rural areas. The drinking water facilities, sanitation, and cleanliness are very poor in rural areas. The villagers are not aware of the importance of hygiene, sanitation and safe drinking water. They do not know what kind of water they should or should not drink. Though the urban people are aware of good and bad, they are also exposed to unfavourable living conditions. But the educated people (in rural as well as urban areas) have to put into practice various aspects of hygienic living and thus become role models to others for emulation.

REASONS FOR DECLINE OF VILLAGES IN INDIA

In the sacred land of Bharat, there is no real dearth of natural resources. In ancient India, people cultivated their own lands but in current times, they are not depending on cultivation to eke out a living. The villagers found cultivation uneconomical and there was a structural shift to other forms of livelihood such as business and industry. They converted the agricultural lands into housing and industrial sites and thus gradually migrated to urban areas. They are now fascinated by real-estate business as they are lured by higher financial gains. As a result of this mad race for wealth maximisation, the health (physical and mental) of the rural people was affected. There is thus a great need to educate the rural people to earn their bread through agriculture, become self-reliant and thereby contribute to the growth of the villages. 

During the times of Pothana [i] (a devotee of Lord Rama and the saint poet who translated the Sanskrit epic of Bhagavatam into Telugu), the importance of village life and agriculture was highlighted in his poems. His brother-in-law, Srinatha [ii] , a contemporary scholar, derided the life in villages and also agriculture. He tried to influence Pothana to migrate to urban areas (abandoning cultivation) to serve in the courts of kings for wealth, name and fame. Pothana’s son replied very firmly to his uncle that the self-reliant life in villages (despite the meagre earnings) was much superior to the ostentatious life in the urban areas that lacked self-respect. In those days the people of Bharat had great reverence for Bhoo Mata (mother earth), Gou Mata (cow), Deha Mata (mother who gave us birth) and Veda Mata [iii] (the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharvana). Today the youth do not possess this national outlook. They are all leaving the motherland and immigrating to foreign countries because of fascination for name, fame and money. The youth on the contrary should make use of their knowledge and skills for the progress of India. It should be however borne in mind that today’s towns / cities were villages of yesteryears. Madras was known as Chennappapalli  in the bygone times and likewise Bangalore was Bengaluru, meaning the place where fried groundnuts were sold. The basic cause for this entire decline is the erosion of human values in the society.

Notes:

i] Pothana is a renowned poet of Telugu literature belonging to the times of Kakatiyas in Orugal presently known as Warangal about 60 miles from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. He translated Shrimad Bhagavatam originally authored by Sage Veda Vyasa in Sanskrit into Telugu.

ii] Srinatha was the brother-in-law of the Saint Poet Pothana.

iii] In Indian culture, people consider/refer to different animate and inanimate things such as rivers, cow, trees, scriptures, etc. as mother.

iv] Palli means ‘village’ in Telugu language.

Continued in Part 2...

Source: Values-Oriented Rural Development, Chapter 2, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective