Sri Sathya Sai On: The Essence of Islam and Ramzan

All founders of religions have heard this impersonal Voice of God revealing the Atma that activates the entire Creation. Just as the Vedas (revealed sacred scriptures) were 'heard' and propogated as 'heard' (Shruti), the Quran too was 'heard' by Hazrat Muhammad. The Quran has Salat and Zakat as the two eyes. Salat means prayer; Zakat means charity. Those who consider charity as a high duty and elevate their consciousness through prayers and continuous meditation on God are Muslims. 'Islam' is a word which denotes not a particular religion but a state of mind, the state of total surrender to the Will of God. Islam means dedication, surrender, peace, tranquility.

Islam denotes the social community whose members have achieved supreme peace through surrender to the All-Merciful, All-Powerful God, and who have vowed to live in peace with their fellowmen. Later, it came to be applied to communities that considered themselves separate and different and so hostile to the rest. Islam taught something higher. It directed attention to the One in the Many, the Unity in Diversity and led people to the Reality named God.

The Atma can never be hurt by insult Every human being has three needs: food, clothing and shelter. Seeking to fulfill them, man has developed a variety of foods to fill his little stomach ignoring the purpose of eating them. Clothing has to be worn to protect the body from cold. But we are attaching enormously exaggerated value to clothing. Of course, one must have a house to live in and lay the body down for rest. The Muslim, Gibran, asks why build these gigantic dwellings then? They are erected not for oneself but to hoard one's treasure and riches. Gibran says these mansions are tombs erected by the dead for the living.

Hazrat Muhammad announced the message of God that he had heard to the townsmen of Mecca. At that time, people did not give heed to the Divine Declarations. They forced him to leave the place. But, Hazrat Muhammad knew that truth will win and God will prevail. He knew that the insult and injury were only for the body; the Atma can never be hurt.

The Ramzan month is set apart for the holy task of bringing into memory and practice the teachings that Hazrat Muhammad conveyed and attaining that stage of unity and purity which is truly Divine. Islam gives importance to the Moon which regulates the months. Hindus consider the Moon as the deity presiding over the mind. With the Darshan of the New Moon, the Ramzan fast begins and when the New Moon is seen again, the fast ends. 'Fast' does not consist in merely desisting from food and drink. The fast starts at sunrise and is broken' only after sunset and is observed most rigourously. The regime in the month of Ramadan includes waking as early as three or four in the Brahma Muhurta, prayer is started, and throughout the day, the constant presence of God is sought to be experienced. This is the meaning of Upavasa (fast). Also, during the Ramzan month, rivalry is avoided, hatred is suspended. Husband and wife live apart though in the same home, mother and children both follow the same spiritual regimen, and an atmosphere of brotherhood is maintained. The body, the senses and the mind are subject to rigourous discipline.

Periods of fast 'comprising a month are prescribed in all religions. The Hindus observe it in Magha and Shravana months. Zoroastrians and Christians have allotted for themselves months for the same purpose. The Quran lays down that all men should cultivate the sense of unity, of interdependence, of selfless love and of the immanence of Divinity. Generally, all men take food of some kind or other for the body five times a day: an early cup of coffee in bed, breakfast two hours later, a heavy lunch at noon, tea at four and a fat dinner at nine. Islam prescribes food for the spiritual nature of man and directs that it be taken five times a day, as prayer. For the arousal of the Atmic consciousness, for earning spiritual joy and for promoting the manifestation of Atmic illumination, prayer is prescribed as many as five times a day, from the dawn of discretion up to the moment of death.

Sri Sathya Sai seeing the Quran on the occasion of Ramzan Eid along with Muslim students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Prasanthi Nilayam

Unity is the basic teaching of every religion. Prayer, in Islam, is also a congregational activity. Prayer in a group produces beneficial vibrations. Islam promises a greater flow of ecstasy when God is adored by a huge concourse of yearning hearts. All of them bow low at the sight of the Masjid (mosque). They sit in rows on their bended knees and lean forward until their palms and foreheads touch the ground in humble submission to God’s Will. Misunderstanding, conflict and enmity should not disturb the serenity of the occasion.

Thus Islam emphasises the One in the many, the urge for God which manifests in various degrees in various minds. Unity is the basic teaching of every religion. Faith in unity is cardinal. Without it, no system of belief and conduct can be a religion. God is One and the teachings in all faiths that exalt Him are all on Love, Compassion, Tolerance and Sympathy. The tragedy is neither the Muhammadans, nor the Hindus, nor the followers of other religions are practising these qualities in daily life. Islam teaches that God's Grace can be won through justice and righteous living; wealth, scholarship and power cannot earn It. Holy Love alone can please the Lord. This is the message of every religion. But mankind has ignored this crucial point. 

Ramzan brings together in bonds of love kith and kin, near and far, friend and foe. This type of negligence is happening in every religion. The followers adopt the rules they like and break those which they find exacting. So, they become narrow-minded and crooked. And, they rationalise their defects and justify their failings. They have become habituated to this practice of self-deceit. Demonstrate love and tolerance in daily activity. Since Islam means surrender to God, all who in a spirit of surrender and dedication, live in peace and harmony in society, do really speaking, belong to Islam. Islam insists on full co-ordination between thought, word and deed. Muslim holy men and sages have been emphasising that we must inquire into the validity of the 'I' which feels it is the body and the 'I' which feels it is the mind and reach the conclusion that the real 'I' is the Self yearning for the Omniself - God. The Ramzan month, the fast and the prayers are designed to awaken and manifest this realisation.

Whichever may be the religion, its emphasis is on unity, harmony, equal-mindedness. Therefore, cultivate love, tolerance and compassion, and demonstrate the Truth in every daily activity. This is the Message I give you with My Blessings.

Divine Discourse on the occasion of Ramzan, Prasanthi Nilayam, July 12, 1983

Sri Sathya Sai: Hrudayasthaayi – By T.M. Padmanabhan

Brother Padmanabhan receiving Gold Medal for standing first in the MBA (Finance) programme at the Institute from the Revered Founder Chancellor on Convocation Day, November 22, 2009

Whenever we speak of Swami, many people refer to His omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience. Many scholars speak of the philosophy Swami stands for. But for a small boy like me who joined in 11th class in Swami’s school, without knowing anything about Him, all these seemed too difficult to understand and comprehend. For me, God was someone who has four hands or a lion as the vehicle or some such thing. He can be seen only by the greatest of the devotees. Talking to Him is the result of many years 'tapasya'. So, I could not just take the fact, that Swami is God.

But all of us are used to the love of our parents, and their concern for us. Here, I saw someone who loves hundreds of students like His own children. Like a loving mother, He gives them cups of ice-cream as Prasadam! He enquires about their breakfast with details about the size of idli! Slowly, I started loving God rather than merely worship Him. But, what attracted me most were not His miracles, but His love and concern for all the students.

One year later, my cousin joined the music college for his foundation course in ‘Mrudangam’. He too was not a devotee of Swami before coming here. He never got an opportunity to talk to Swami or be very close to Him. In the month of July or so, he got a viral fever and was in a very bad condition. Doctors were trying their best to cure him, but all in vain. He was not able to eat anything due to severe vomitting. Since he was not in a position to go to Mandir, he could not give even a letter to Him. In those days, boys were allowed to sit in front in Bhajan hall till Bhajans started. That day, Swami came inside the Bhajan hall and started talking about some boy. Swami said that a boy is suffering from fever and vomiting. Swami even imitated how that boy was suffering. When someone asked Swami who that boy was, Swami said that his name was ‘Sriram’. Immediately, everyone thought that it was the Band leader who's name was also Sriram and he was summoned in front of Swami. But Swami said that he was not the boy. Then Swami told that he was a Tamil boy from Kerala and had a long nose. No one had any clue as to whom Swami was referring to. Then Swami said that, the previous night, around 2.am in the morning, the boy had severe pain and was crying out for help from his roommates. He also said that he was crying “Ammaa…” Then, Swami said that He had been to his room and sat next to him consoling him. But the boy was not aware of that.  Slowly Swami put him to sleep and came back. It was then that one of the roommates of my brother, who was sitting in the Bhajan Hall, guessed that probably Swami was talking about my brother. He got up and told Swami about my brother and Swami confirmed it. Swami said that it would take another three days for him to get cured and told him that He would speak to him after that.

It is needless to say what happened later. But the more important thing here is that it increased the faith of many of us in Swami. In the story of 'Father Gilligan', the almighty Lord came down for a night so that His devotee could take some rest. Even in this case, He had the time and concern for a mere student while taking care of the entire creation as a whole.  He looks after every one of us in a unique way that only He can do. This bond of love is what makes all of us leave everything just to be with Him. He takes care of every blade of grass in His creation. 

Once Arjuna asked Krishna, “Oh Lord, how are You able to take care of all the beings in this universe. How do You remember everything? I am not able to remember my own life fully. Will You not miss out any one? Kindly enlighten me." Krishna asked Arjuna whether he remembered the day of his marriage with Draupadi, the day on which he got the 'Pashupataastra' from Lord Siva and so on. Arjuna replied in the affirmative. Krishna asked him, how it was possible for him to remember things that had happened so many years ago. Arjuna said that those were the most important days in his life and so it could not be forgotten. Krishna said that for God all are equally important and thus He remembers every one and at all times.

This is true even in the case of Swami. He remembers every one even after many years, nay many births. Nothing can escape His attention or memory. It might be a bull which carried water for Him to His house or the car that He used many years ago. We don’t even remember where we have our key bunch a few minutes earlier. If we are asked to list the things that are there in our house we may not be able to list most of them. 

When I was in Brindavan as a student, one day we changed the speaker that we generally used to keep near Swami. No one knew about it except a few of us who were in the Audio-Visual department. But the moment Swami came to the stage; He asked one of the teachers as to why new speakers were kept there. That is the amount of attention He pays to things that happen around Him.

In Brindavan, the ‘PA’ system in Ramesh hall is managed by students only. Since the control room is behind the Ramesh hall, students don’t get the opportunity to have Darshan like others. Anyhow, when Swami comes behind the stage, we have Darshan. One day, the students had arranged a ‘Kavi Sammelan’ programme in the Divine presence of Swami. Swami was extremely happy and rewarded all the ‘poets’ in His own way. He was very proud of the talents of His students and was praising them even after coming behind the stage. As usual, the AVC team was standing behind waiting for His Darshan. As soon as He saw some VIPs and few of us there, He said that everyone should have watched the programme and we all had actually missed it. Then immediately He turned towards us and said, “You all keep mikes everyday and that is why you missed it, right?” Our joy knew no bounds because Swami had recognized our bit of service to Him. No one told Him that and of course no one needs to tell Him that! 

He is always with us, in us and around us. He is the 'Hrudayasthaayi', (the indweller of our hearts) Over these years, I have started loving God rather than worshipping Him. Now the only thing that I ask Him is to make me love Him for love’s sake, love Him in my fellow beings, love Him in His entire creation.

- T.M. Padmanabhan

Student (2007-2009), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam

Currently, Senior Manager (Risk Management), Federal Bank, Kochi

Source: Sai Chandana 2010 (85th Birthday Offering)

“The Prime Minister of Nepal came to Prasanthi Nilayam today…”

Left Photo: Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala (right) and his daughter (left) with Sri Sathya Sai
Right Photo: Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala receiving Blessings from Sri Sathya Sai

Saturday, August 5, 2000

Today, the Prime Minister of Nepal, Sri Girija Prasad Koirala, visited Prasanthi Nilayam to have Swami’s Darshan. He arrived at 11.00 am and spent two hours at the Super Speciality Hospital. In the evening at 2.40 pm, he came to Mandir awaiting Bhagavan’s Darshan. Swami came out for Darshan at 2.45 pm. After blessing the devotees with His Darshan, Swami came near students.

Swami : (To the students) Why did you all came early? To see the Prime Minister?

Students : To have Your Darshan, Swami.

Swami : Everyday you come late. You came early to see the Prime Minister.

Students : No, Swami. To have Your Darshan.

Near the lion statue, Swami materialized Vibhuti for the cameraman, who was accompanying the Prime Minister. Seeing the cameraman struggling to take the video while taking the Vibhuti, everybody assembled in the hall applauded. Swami took the Prime Minister and the delegates to the interview room. After sending off the Prime Minister, Swami came near the students.

Swami : (To Prof. Anil Kumar) The Prime Minister was telling that boys are very lucky. They have Swami’s Darshan everyday. We come only once in a while. I told him that quantity is not important. Quality is important. 

Even if you have come once with your heart filled with love, that is enough. One teaspoon of cow’s milk is better than thousand barrels of donkey’s milk. Having Darshan morning and evening is no use. They come from far, Prem Se Aate Hain (they come with Love). He told me to come to Nepal. 

He also said that he will personally come and take Me. I told him to set Nepal right and I will come on My own. (Swami went back to the interview room and came back within few minutes. On the way to the Ganesh portico through the first block, Swami spoke to the Warden, Dr. Siva Sankara Sai) Nepal Prime Minister was telling that boys are very lucky. They have Darshan both morning and evening. I said that the boys have quantity, not quality. (After coming near to the students near third block, Swami materialized a ring and gave it to a student to be given to his brother – an alumnus of Swami’s University – on the occasion of his marriage. To the student) Not for you. Give it your brother. (To Prof. Anil Kumar, about the Nepal Prime Minister) He told, “I want to have a photo with Swami”. (Swami also mentioned that the Prime Minister felt that having a photo with Swami is more valuable than having with anyone else.)

Prof. A. K. : Swami, is he going back to Nepal directly?

Swami : No, he is going to Benaras (Varanasi). Outside people come here to go to places like Benaras, Ayodhya, etc. Indians go to Carlifornia, Los Angeles, Paris… You are also like that only. (Swami meant that people come to India to visit spiritual places, but Indians go abroad for sightseeing.)

Prof. A. K. : (Smiling) Swami, when You told the list (of the cities), then itself I knew that I am there in the list.

Swami : (Taking a letter from a Visiting Faculty) He was doing Tapas (penance) for past four days. (To a student) Are you from Nepal?

Student : Swami, from Sikkim.

Swami : Sikkim and Nepal are near by. Many people come here from Nepal because there is no need of passport to come to India. Nepal is a small country. I told the Prime Minister that there are students from Nepal and they are having fever. (Warden pointed out to Swami few more Nepali students who were sitting in the front. Pointing to one of them) He does not look like a Nepali. (Everybody laughed.)

Prof. A. K. : Swami, he looks like a person from Vijaywada or Guntur. (Peals of laughter.)

Swami : (To another Nepali student) What is your name?

Student : Swami, Asheesh…

Swami : Some people pronounce ‘Asheesh’ as ‘Aaseesh’, ‘Shankara’ as ‘Sunkara’. ‘Asheesh’ means blessing.

Prof. A. K. : Swami, Nepal is a Buddhist country.

Swami : No, it is a mixture of Hindus and Buddhists. Even Chinese are there. Till two years back even communists were there. (Swami materialized two capsules for a School student who had mentioned about his stomach ailment to Swami yesterday.) This is Sodium Bicarbonate. (Swami also mentioned another chemical name. One more student told Swami about his eye problem. Swami rubbed his eyes gently and sent him back. The student asked for Padanamaskar.) Boys come near, so that they can take Padanamaskar.

Student : Swami M.B.A. day.

Swami : What?

Student : Swami, 21st August, M.B.A. day.

Swami : On whichever day you celebrate, it is M.B.A. day.

(To Prof. Anil Kumar) Prime Minister came at 11.00 am. He spent two hours in the (Super Specialty) Hospital. He was asking Me, “How free?” If one is broad-minded, then everything is possible. If one is narrow-minded, nothing is possible.

(To a tall student) What is the height of Clinton? (The student could not answer.) Six feet, two inches. (Telling about Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), Former President of the U.S.A.) Those days, mothers taught good things to their children. That is why they were able to bring up such children. 

His parents were very poor. His mother used to stitch torn clothes and his father was a carpenter. Those days, mothers used to teach good things to their children. Now-a-days mothers bother only about money. Things are like this only from last ten years. The Bangalore Hospital dome is 150 feet (high). Since it is near the airport, authorities came to check the height. They told it is of correct height. We always go by rules.

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

Natural Environment – Protection and Preservation - Part 1

The Five Elements that form basis of Creation and the Mystic Syllables associated with each of them

The permutations and combinations of basic elements of nature result in the origin of various forms of creation. There are various forms of light rays. These light rays cause multitudes of changes in matter. These light rays are of various types such as physical light rays, magnetism, electricity, X-rays, Dharmic rays, laser rays, etc. that exist in nature and which result in the materialization of various colours, forms and names. Certain forms become extinct and new forms come into existence. What is the root cause behind this creation? It is the transformation of energy into matter and matter back to energy. These changes at energy level also activate changes in the mind and the thought processes. 

The scientists have also begun to recognise that Divinity was the primordial cause for the creation of the Universe (however, the nomenclature used by them may be different). They also appreciate that there is nothing in the Universe that is not permeated by the esoteric law (Divine Principle), including the atom. However, what is the evidence available to prove that Divinity is the very basis of the Universe? God is described by people in various ways, but with the help of five words: Kleem, Krishnaaya, Govindaaya, Gopijana Vallabhaaya and Swaaha. These words have some meaning: Kleem means Pruthvi (Earth); Krishnaaya – Jal (Water); Govindaaya – Agni (Fire); Gopijana Vallabhaaya – Vayu (Air); and Swaaha – Akasha (Ether / Space). The entire nature is the manifestation of these five elements, which are essentially Divine. These five elements encompass the entire Universe and there is nothing anywhere devoid of it. Therefore, Divinity is the basis of the entire creation. 

Pruthvi (Earth)
If the importance of earth is recognized properly, it will be possible to understand as to why humankind should show gratitude to earth. Scientists discovered that the earth is rotating on its axis. There are forests, hills, seas, rivers, cities and villages on the surface of the earth. It is heartening to note that earth, bearing all this weight rotates and revolves at a great speed, without causing any harm or disturbance to various things on its surface, the reason for this being the magnetic force. However, the source that provides this power of the gravitational pull (magnetism) to planet earth is Divinity (as believed by theists). God does not move, but His creation alone has movement. The creation would be subjected to catastrophe if God too would be in motion. This is analogous to a train that runs fast on the rails, but the rails are motionless. Divinity that is changeless and steady is responsible for the manifestation of various forms of creation.

Jal (Water) 

The planet earth has water everywhere, whether it is perceptible or not. Hence, it can be said that water is all-pervasive. 

Agni (Fire) 
Fire is present in every human being, which is known as ‘Jatharaagni’ (digestive fire), which enables the digestive system to digest the food that is partaken. This is present not only in humans but even in inanimate objects like stones and trees in a passive manner. That is why, when two stones or pieces of wood are rubbed against each other, fire is created when subjected to friction. That is how fire is also present everywhere in a latent manner.

Vayu (Air)
Air is present everywhere. Along with electricity, air enables sound to travel everywhere. Life cannot exist without air. However, air is invisible and ethereal. One can appreciate the omnipotence of Divinity by observing the power of this element. All types of rays pass through with a great velocity. Light travels at a velocity of 186,284 miles per second. People estimated the velocity of Divine energy to be 600,000 crore miles per second.[i] How can it then be possible to comprehend the greatness and power of Divinity that travels at such an inconceivable velocity? 

Scientists assume that the Divine principle lies at the centre of the whole Universe. How can it be possible for one to reach God, racing along with Him around the world? It however becomes feasible only if one can match with the speed of light i.e. 186,284 miles per second. It ultimately means that by factoring in all the variables concerned, it takes 22,000 crore years to reach the state of Divinity. The body of humans may survive for a maximum period of about 100 years. How then can one reach God if it requires 22,000 crore years to reach Him? It should be understood in this context that the whole computation relates not to the human body but to the indwelling Atman.

Akash (Ether / Space)
The vast space was the first of all the elements, which became the place of birth for all other elements (earth, water, fire and air) that subsequently came into existence.

Note:

[i] The speed of light in the vacuum of free space is an important physical constant usually denoted by the letter c. It is the speed of all electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, in free space. It is the speed of anything having zero rest mass. In imperial units, the speed of light is about 670,616,629.4 miles per hour or 983,571,056.4 feet per second (roughly one foot per nanosecond), which is about 186,282.397 miles per second.

Continued in Part 2…

Source: Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

Swami inaugurates Prem Deep at Muddenahalli

Swami at Prem Deep on the day of inauguration

Friday, August 05, 1994

Bhagavan inaugurated a magnificent Mandir at Sathya Sai Gram in Muddenahalli, on 5th August 1994. Bhagavan went around the building along with His party, commending the good work of the architect and the contractor. He presented to them, shawls and mementoes, and materialised a gold ring for the architect, Mr. Kamath. Bhagavan gave an informal talk to the the staff of the school and the devotees, moved amongst them and blessed them. Bhagavan gave a Discourse in Kannada in the Bhajan Hall of the new Mandir. After the Discourse, He laid the foundation for a new dining hall attached to the school hostel. Bhagavan and His party left the campus at 2.30 pm, and reached Brindavan at 4.00 pm.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986 – 2005)

Aaj Ke Din Khuda Ko Yaad Kar Le

Aaj Ke Din Khuda Ko Yaad Kar Le

Dard Bhare Is Jeevan Mein Naam Uska Lele To Tar Jaaye Tu

Khudaa Ka Naam Le Le Khudaa Ka… (Aaj Ke Din…)

Jidhar Bhi Tu Dekhe, Udhar Gam Hi Gam Hai

Tadapta Hai Insaan Yeh Uska Karam Hai (3)

Maan Le Tu Ab Bhi Yeh Tera Dharma Hai (Aaj Ke Din…)

Yaad Kar Le Yaad Kar Le Yaad Kar Le Khuda Ko Yaad Kar Le Re…

Ji Haan Ji Haan Ji Yaad Kar Le Re

Yeh Dhan Daulat Amaanat Sab Mit Jaayegi Maati Mein

Khaali Haath Aaye The Sab 

Khaali Haath Jaayenge 

O… O…

Haan Ji Haan Yah Allah Moulah (Aaj Ke Din…)

Dha Pa Dha Ni Dha Pa (Aaj Ke Din) 

(Alaap)

Aaa…  Allah Ko Yaad Kar Le (Aaj Ke Din…)

Aa Anmol Samay Is Jeevan Ka 

Kyon Khota Hai In Jhamelon Mein 

O Ant Samay Yaad Kar Loonga 

Bahaana Banaata Aisa Kyon 

O Naamumkin Hai Yeh

Haan Ji Naamumkin Hain Yeh

Mouka Milega Na Mout Ke Din

Is Wakt Ko Na Khona Yeh Chaandi Yeh Sonaa (Yeh Chaandi …)

Aur Bhoola Agar To Padega Hi Ronaa (Padega…)

Ab To Tu Maan Le Tu Naam Uska Le Le (Allah Ho Akbar Allah Ho Akbar)

Khudi Ko Bhool Khuda Mein

Khuda Ko Yaad Kar Le

Khuda Ki Taakat Se Tu

Aaj Har Kaam Kar Le

Khuda Se Pyaar Kar Le Pyaar Kar Le Tu (Ji Hanji Haan)

Usi Ka Yaar Ban Le Yaar Ban Le Tu (Ji Hanji Haan)

Dard-E-Dil Duniya Ka Kasar Kar Milaa De Tu

Hanji Naam Usi Ka Le Le Hanji Yaad Usi Ko Karle

Allah Naam Le Khuda Ka Naam Le…

Source: Qawalli 1, Section 3, Hindi Group Songs and Qawallis, Vandana: Students’ Prayer Book

Sri Sathya Sai gives insights into episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata

July 2, 2002 (Tuesday)

Swami came out after the interview at 3.15 pm.

Swami    :    (To Prof. Anil Kumar) You came from there just now.

Prof. A. K.    :    Yes, Swami.

Swami    :    Here, the sunrays are falling directly. (In a pitiful tone) Paapam (poor fellow). Here, the heat is more. Do you know which bird revealed the whereabouts of Sita to Rama and Lakshmana?

Teacher    :    Jatayu, Swami.

Swami    :    No, Jatayu’s brother, Sampati did. A group of messengers had come to the seashore. Jambavan saw the sea and confessed that he could not cross it. Only Vayuputra (the son of Wind God - Hanuman) could achieve that. Then, Hanuman turned towards the East and started. When you do activities relating to God or your father, you should face the East. 

You should not face the North or South. Hanuman got the strength to cross the sea immediately. He climbed a mountain, shook his body and leapt into the air. Before he went, he did not even take the permission of Rama and Lakshmana. While he was flying over the sea, Mainaka rose from the sea and requested Hanuman to take rest. Then Hanuman replied, “I did not take permission even from Rama and Lakshmana. I do not need rest. I have to find Sita and relieve Rama of His misery. My mind is fixed on the goal.” That is Ekagrata (concentration). On the tenth day of the war, Kumbhakarna came. He died and Lakshmana killed Indrajit also. Sulochana came to know about the death of her husband. See how great Ravana was! Ravana said, “Do not to worry. I will go and fall at Lakshmana’s feet and get the body of your husband”. Then Sulochana said, “There are so many people here; why should you go?” Then Ravana said, “You should go to such good people only.” Rama and Lakshmana both were observing Eka Patni Vrata. (In the days of yore, the tradition for royalty was to have many wives. In that context, this vow entailed being married only to one woman.) Ravana fell at Rama’s feet and asked permission to take the body of Indrajit. Then Rama told Lakshmana “See, even Rakshasas (demons) have some good virtues.” Rama not only gave the body but also asked Lakshmana to accompany Ravana to his palace.

Teacher    :    We never heard all this anywhere, Swami! 

Swami    :    After Hanuman reached Lanka, he told Lankini, “Mother, I have come from a far of place; please allow me to see Lanka.” Then Lankini said, “There is no permission for monkeys into the kingdom. Listen to my words, otherwise I will hit you and you will be burned to ashes.” But Hanuman started to climb the walls. Lankini caught him by the hand. Hanuman started to become small and tried to escape. But she gave him a kick and Hanuman fell down. Then Hanuman thought that if his army came to know that a lady kicked him, they would feel bad. So he got up and gave a tight punch to Lankini. Lankini then remembered the words of Lord Brahma. Brahma had said earlier that when a monkey would come and defeat her, bad luck would befall Lanka. After defeating Lankini, Hanuman entered Lanka from the main gate. He thought, “I am the messenger of the king of kings; why should I therefore go from back door.” He went and advised Ravana to change his mind. There are so many incidents like this.

Prof. A. K.    :    Now a days, nobody tells these things 

Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani Mountain

Swami    :    Vibhishana told Hanuman to get the tree that would cure Lakshmana. There were four types of trees. One type could bring dead people back to life. Another type could bring an unconscious man back to consciousness. One more type could make an insane person sane. The last one was capable to ensure that a person never forgot his Guru. Hanuman immediately went and tried to get the trees. When he went there, he thought why he should waste time searching for the trees and instead, got the whole mountain. Because of the trees, most of the monkeys that had died were brought back to life. Each person’s history is beautiful.

Teacher    :    Swami what is the specialty of ‘Sundarakanda’ (a canto from the epic Ramayana)? 

Swami    :    The place was beautiful, the trees were beautiful, Sita was beautiful. 

Prof. A. K.    :    Swami, was Lanka described as beautiful?

Swami    :    Not Lanka, but Ashoka Vanam. ‘Ashoka’ means that there is no ‘Shoka’ (misery).

Prof. A. K.    :    But Swami, Sita was having Shokam (sorrow)!

Swami    :    She was grieving for Rama and not for herself. This is Prapatti (complete surrender). Emi Samaacharam? (What is the news?)

Teacher    :    Swami, tell something on the ‘Virata Parva’ (a canto from the epic Mahabharata) of the Mahabharata.

The Pandavas leaving their weapons behind for their incognito stay 
in Virata Kingdom

Swami    :    When Virata lost to Dharmaja in a game of dice, he threw the dice on Dharmaja’s forehead. Seeing the blood trickling down his forehead, Draupadi prevented it from falling on the ground. When she was asked for an explanation, she replied, “My husband is a great Tapasvi (one of penance). If his blood falls on the ground, your kingdom will not have rains.”

Virata was surprised seeing Arjuna riding the chariot. He was amazed that how a dancer could achieve this feat. Then he came and told his mother that they were the Pancha Pandavas. Subsequently, the whole of the Virata Kingdom prostrated to the Pandavas. On the Semhi tree, there was a nest, which was shining. The weapons of the Pandavas were kept there. (Swami saw a teacher trying to cover his face from sunlight.) Here the sunrays are falling more, I will come after sometime. (He blessed the birthday boy took letters from the students. To one student) Which class? (The student replied that he was studying in the M.B.A. programme. Then Swami exclaimed) M.B.A.? So small! (The student was short in stature.) Swami then went back into the interview room. 

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2001-2004)

The Fifth Goal of Human Life

Meera, the great devotee of Lord Krishna

Students! 

See that love is not directed in the wrong direction. Don’t make it cheap. See that you don’t act against the norms of the society. Don’t act against the wishes of your parents and elders. See that you direct your love to win the appreciation of everybody. You don’t need to adhere to anybody’s command except God’s command. 

Once Meera was singing, ‘Giridhara Gopala, Giridhara Gopala.’ Hearing this, Maharana, her husband became very angry. Out of fury and anger, he caught hold of her hair and dragged her out of the temple. Meera felt very sad. She said, “Krishna, can I leave You? God is everywhere. My heart is Your temple. Not this temple which is built by Maharana. The temple You built is permanent. You cannot give up my heart. That is my temple. Let the mind travel where Ganga and Yamuna meet. Prayag is the place where Ganga and Yamuna merge. Ganga is devotion. Yamuna is action. The inner current is Saraswati. All the three are at the centre of the Teertha. There You are present. Oh mind! Travel to that place. The water of Ganga and Yamuna are very pure. It is pleading to the mind so that it might travel to that place and it may find God. Go there. Don’t go anywhere.” Where is this Teertha (place of pilgrimage – the confluence of rivers)? It is within you. It is not the outer world or outer place. God is in your heart. However, if you experience Him, see Him directly, you will be happy.

Krishna along with Gopikas

You find some books which contain the recipes of various sweets. You will not know the taste by mere reading. You will only know it when you eat the sweets. So too, it will not help you if it is merely a feeling. It should come to you as an experience. That is the purpose behind the advent of an incarnation. This is what Gopikas wanted. They prayed to Krishna, “The land of our hearts is barren. Let us be there where you are born. Oh Krishna! If You are born as a flower, let me be the bee. I will go into You (the flower) making a humming sound and draw thy nectar. If You are there as a tree, let me be the creeper twining around You and not separate from You. If You are the ocean, let me be the river and merge in You. If you are the Meru mountain, I will be the waterfall running and touching the mountain. If you are the infinite sky, let me shine there as a tiny star. There should not be any separation between You and all of us here. There should be this continuous union.” That union is true devotion. Pray for Saalokya – ‘I should think of You’, Saameepya – ‘I should be near You’, Saaroopya – ‘I should have Your form’, and Saayujya – ‘I should merge in You’. This is the 'Panchama Purusha Marga'. There are four goals of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The fifth one is union with God - ‘Parama Bhakti’. There is no other thing beyond this supreme devotion. 

Source: Always Remember the Lord, Discourse 7, My Dear Students Volume 4

Divine Interactions with Sri Sathya Sai – By Sri Krishna

Swami has various means of interacting with His devotees. His physical interaction is rare and our family is blessed to have received it. I would like to quote some of those soul stirring interactions which Swami has had with us through letters. 

It was in the year 2000. My father met with a major accident. It occurred at 11:30 pm and there was nobody to take him to hospital. He had a severe fracture on the skull and it was bleeding heavily. But one person came forward to take my father to hospital. Doctors operated and put 18 stitches around the brain to stop bleeding. Doctors declared that he was going to die in a day. The person who helped in admitting my father called home and informed us about this event at 3:00a.m in the morning. We rushed to the hospital immediately but by the time we reached hospital my father was in I.C.U. 

At about 5:00 am, he himself got up from the bed and looked at all of us. All doctors and nurses were surprised to see my father walking. Next day he was discharged from the hospital. At the entrance of the hospital there was a big photograph of Swami. As we did not know about Swami then, we just prostrated at the photograph assuming Him to be an ordinary saint. But one of the patients came near us and narrated some of the miracles of Swami. My mother believed in Him instantly. But my father was reluctant to accept Him. He even scolded Swami vehemently. But somehow my mother had developed a deep faith in Swami. 

Thereafter my mother started worshipping Bhagavan daily, and this led to frequent quarrels between my father and mother. One day my father even threw his plate at my mother in anger. She broke into tears and went to bed. That night Swami appeared in my mother’s dream and told her, “Bangaru, come with your family to Puttaparthi. I am waiting for the arrival of your family.” 

The very next morning my mother requested my father to come to Parthi. To her utter surprise, he agreed to come.

In the year 2001, we came for Swami’s Darshan and fortunately we got the first line. Swami came near my father and asked him to come for an interview. My father alone went and sat in the room. Swami came in with a serious face. Swami started talking to my father with much love and affection. Swami then showed a wound on His palm and said, “On that day when you threw the plate at your wife, it hit her badly on her palm and I had to take the pain. Is that the way to treat your wife? Is that the way to behave as the master of your house? You have to change your attitude immediately. If you are angry with me, scold me! But if anything happens to your wife, I have to take her pain. I love you Bangaru because you are serving poor people with love and affection. You should and must change your attitude Bangaru immediately. Will you?”

My father broke into tears and said, “Swami knowingly or unknowingly I might have scolded you. Please forgive me.” Then Swami caught my father’s hand and said, “In my presence, one or the other day the whole family will settle permanently in Puttaparthi. Your family will come increasingly closer to me. I will never give up your family,” said Bhagavan to my father with His sweet, soft and melodious voice. That’s how my father surrendered at the lotus feet of Bhagavan.

It was in the year 2003; my father was looking for a house-loan from some bank. None of the banks was ready to provide the house-loan as my father’s salary was not up to their expectations. My father got tired and prayed to Swami whole heartedly for help. That night Swami appeared in my father’s dream and told, “Bangaru, this is to test your patience. In a few days, you are going to get a house-loan and the house should have a special room allotted for me. I am the one who is going to construct the house through the workers,” said Swami. On the next day morning, at 9:45 am, my father received a post which was sent by Swami Himself. The letter consisted of the same matter about which my father got a dream. Along with the letter, Swami also sent Vibhuti and mentioned in the letter that Vibhuti must be mixed in the cement and should not be used for personal purposes. On the very next day, some of the bank dealers came to our home and asked all the details about the loan. In consonance with my father’s salary, the bank provided Rs.3.72 lakhs, which was more than sufficient to construct our house. 

On February 12th the foundation was laid, and by April 30th the work was completed. The house was inaugurated on May 6th. On 9th may, Swami sent a letter again saying, “This house must be named as Prashanti Nilayam, and this residence will be full of peace. Who so ever comes to this residence must be provided with all the comforts and sumptuous food.”

It was in the year 2006 when our family returned home after attending ‘Athi Rudra Maha Yajna’. My father was feeling very uncomfortable. My mother was performing pooja. Meanwhile a beggar came to our home and happened to say, “Your husband is in great danger!” My mother did not believe his words. She went to the bedroom and slept. Swami appeared in her dream and told, “Tell your husband not to go to office. He is in danger! It is your responsibility to stop your husband.” My mother thought for some time, told about the dream to my father and stopped him from going to office. The very next day Swami wrote a letter to us which went thus, “Bangaru, it was I who saved your husband’s life. I gave him a second birth. While going to office he would have met with a major accident. It was such a horrible event to narrate. A lorry would have come and hit him with high speed and his head would have been crushed under the tyre.” Along with this letter, Swami had also sent Vibhuti Prasadam of ‘Ati Rudra Maha Yajna’, Swami also had written, “Mix the Vibhuti in water and drink it twice a day because the effect of that accident will be there for about a week and also body pains will arise. There is nothing to worry. I will take care of your family.” This shows how much love and affection He has for us. 

Nothing can be compared to His love; for an ocean can be compared only to another ocean. He is omnipresent and knows everything about us. 

It was the year 2008. I came here with my mother and father to have Swami’s Darshan just before the board exams of 10th standard. My father and I were sitting quite far in the Darshan hall. But suddenly a sevadal came and told us to sit in the second line. Immediately we rushed to the second line and sat there. My father was holding a letter and waiting for Swami. Meanwhile I told my father to move ahead so that he would get a chance to sit in the first line. It happened that Swami came near my father with a smile on His face and Swami told him something by means of signs. In the letter my father had written, “Swami I am Hari Krishna. I want my son Sri Krishna to join your school. Please bless him. It is not that I am not able to educate him but I want him to study in Your Divine presence. I am ready to offer my son at Your lotus feet Swami, please accept him as Your student.” After we returned home, we received another letter from Swami which said, “Bangaru how are you? How is everyone at home? If they are unhappy tell them to be happy as I take care of your family. I want to share a few words with you. I think I have received a letter from you. I am very happy with your letter. The matter which it contained was very beautiful. After your son gets a seat in My school, he has to face a few tests conducted by Me. The number of tests he passes, that many times closer He comes to Me.  It is not important to pass in the exams conducted in the school, but it is important to pass in the examinations conducted by Me.”

It was in the year 2003 when we were experiencing the Grace of Swami. Swami used to send letters very often to our home. On May 6th 2003, we entered the newly constructed house. On 21st may, Swami sent a letter once again, “Bangaru, you have given excellent concrete shape to your new residence. Why don’t you name it as Prashanti Nilayam? The letters must be made in silver. It is my residence. You might have taken a loan to construct this house. But I have provided the house-loan to you, and at the end of every month, I am receiving the interest for the loan. I got you married. But at that time you did not know about me. I visited your marriage; I had stomach full of lunch.

All food items were very tasty. I put ‘Akshatas’ on both of you. I blessed you to lead a happy and joyful life. But nobody noticed Me. It was I who gave the financial assistance to your parents to make your wedding a grand success. I came in the form of an old couple. Though you had not invited them, the couple came. At the entrance,  your parents asked me, “I have never seen you. Who are you? What is the purpose of your visit?” Then I answered that I came to bless the couple. Immediately your parents washed My legs and allowed Me inside the hall. They received Me with love and affection. They offered Me sweets. I watched every moment of your marriage. In the afternoon they offered Me 21 varieties of food items. These are the only clues I can give Bangaru,” said Swami. Bhagavan is present with us in each and every moment of our life. He protects His devotees from all kinds of problems. 

After the half yearly exams of this year, I was feeling unhappy as I had scored very low. That night Swami came in my dream and told me, “Bangaru if you cry, I will also cry for you. Don’t feel bad about your marks. According to Me you have scored well and that is enough. Why don’t you be satisfied with your own marks? This is only to examine you. You are staying here for Me. When you want something you have to sacrifice something,” said Swami.

This shows us that Swami observes everything. We may think that Swami is only at Puttaparthi. But the truth is that Swami is present in each and every one of us; He is omnipresent. Swami’s grace can take us out of any problem that we may face. If one has sincere devotion towards the Lord and a sense of service, the Lord will make sure that nothing will be impossible for him to achieve.

- Sri Krishna

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Chandana (2010) – 85th Birthday Offering