What are the Senses Given For?

Give up desires and attachment. What for are the ears given? Don’t listen to bad things. Why is the tongue given? Is it for chatting? No, no. It is given only to talk of good things. People show great interest if somebody is talking bad about others. The tongue is given to sing the glory of God. Why are the legs given to us? Is it to roam everywhere? No. They are given to visit holy places. Why are the hands given? Just for eating? No. They are given to worship the Lord. Hands are not given just to eat Idli, Sambar and Rasam! Why is the heart given?  It is given in order to install God there. That is the real altar of God. People don’t pay attention to these words. They behave in a foolish way. 

Today, human values are gone, but people are not worried about it. They speak about the value of the rupee going down; but they don’t consider the decline in human values. Alexander got everything. But he could never take anything with him. He earned a lot of wealth, crores and crores of rupees. There were many industrialists and politicians.  They earned a lot of wealth, but carried nothing when they left the world. Not even a handful of mud. They can’t take their own bodies. Even a millionaire can’t take his body. 

There is one story. A rich man earned a lot of wealth. But he would not eat because he was a miser. All the faculties of the senses left him. He was put in a cattle shed. He could not talk properly. His relatives thought that he had hidden some wealth somewhere and that he was going to tell that. They requested the doctors to prolong his life by 10 minutes so that he would divulge the secret of his wealth. They told the doctor, “He wanted to say something. We will give you thousands of rupees if you make him speak.” The doctors listened to him carefully. All the relatives were eager to know what he was telling. Finally the man said, “The calf is eating the broomstick.” Even though he was on his death bed, he was worried about the calf eating the broom stick! And he wanted the broomstick to be saved from the calf! That is miserliness. 

People don’t think of Divinity. They always think of money. People may acquire many kinds of wealth, but that is not real happiness. Divine happiness is real happiness. But people don’t recognise this. Divine happiness is real happiness, rest is only sadness. Living, being on earth, family life, relatives, wife, etc. are worries and troubles. Why don’t people chant the name of God at least once? Leave all the worries and take refuge in God. 

What is Rama Nama? Ramdas said, “Rama Nama is sweet pudding. Do any of you know this song? The essence of the Vedas is the wheat flour. In that, the milk synonymous with the Vedic texts is mixed. With these, the sweet of Rama’s name is made. Oh! Devotees come and savour this sweet. The heart is a pan. With the essence of Vedas as the wheat flour and the original texts of Vedas as the milk, in the pan of heart, the sages of yore made this sweet. That is real pudding. This is the pudding called Rama’s name. It is good if you have this pudding, and not the other varieties of pudding. Any other pudding like Payasam gives sweetness only for 2 minutes!” 

First, self-effort should be there. Everything is within you. Spirituality and liberation don’t come from outside, but come from within. Everything is within you. You have to give up one thing to get the other. You won’t be able to get the thing unless you drop what is there in your hand. That is the secret. All that is required is self-enquiry. We know what are the good qualities and the bad qualities in us. Remove the bad qualities and develop the good qualities. That is the greatest Sadhana. Sitting hours together in one place alone will not help. 

When we walk there is mind, when we sleep there is mind. There is mind in everything. There is no peace for mind at all. It is easy for man to stand, but it is difficult to control the mind. The mind wants to run around. It does not want to stand in one place. Man wants to be in one place, but the mind wants to run around. What is that we have to value? What is it that we have to control? How to control the mind? Direct the mind towards God, and that is the way to control the mind. 

Source: Discourse 18, The Glory of the Lord’s Name, My Dear Students, Volume 5, Divine Discourse delivered on December 7, 1995

Sri Sathya Sai: My Constant Companion - By Amar Vivek

The Vedas declared centuries ago that God is beyond the reach of words, beyond the reach of the mind and that he, who says has known Him, does not know even his own self! Bhagavan says, “Even if humanity endeavours for thousands of years to unravel His Mystery, they will still not succeed”. It is also true that the Sun needs no fan-fare that it energizes. How can birds keep silent? They articulate their joy of Divine Grace with their twitters and chirrups! Thus, I can’t restrain my little self from sharing a few of my very personal experiences with our most Beloved Divine Mother – Sai. His Grace thus encourages me to pen down the following few lines about my perceptions gathered from the pages of my personal experiences.

After completing my degree in Law at Chandigarh, I developed a yearning to join the Sri Sathya Sai Institute, and Bhagavan ‘created’ a way for me by starting the MBA programme. Needless to say, a lot of Sadhana was required to get admission into Sai’s University.

With His Grace, I joined the Institute in 1986. The ‘legal’ background initially proved to be a hurdle in the way of my completely understanding the Mission and Teachings of Bhagavan. I did not easily understand that ‘faith’ and ‘logic’ are poles apart, like Customary Law based upon practices and beliefs and Coded Law enacted by Legislature. ‘Faith’ necessarily has ‘experience’ and ‘understanding’ as its wheels, while ‘logic’ stems from or results in ‘doubt’.

The few appealing things during my initial days at Sai Institute were so superficial that my narrow mind accepted the ‘finer and deeper aspects’ of Sri Sathya Sai Education, only at a face value. The aspects like free education facility, perfect discipline, harmony and co-operation among students and staff, the integrated personality development approach at the Sai University, appeared extremely attractive and even unparalleled! Added to this was the aspect of unique communal-amity and national integration at the campus.

But, it was not very late when I began to notice the ‘Hidden Thread’ behind all the deeper things existent at the campus. Slowly, I was undergoing an experience that Sai had started this unique educational programme not merely to bestow a decent living upon the pupils, but to bestow upon them a wonderful gift of ‘Life’ itself.

One of my seniors at the Hostel once told me that I would be merely wasting my time, if I did not make genuine efforts to build an internal kingdom of Love with Sai. It was from then onwards that Bhagavan, in all His mercy and Love, started drawing me internally towards Him. He wanted us to be careful and caring in life, because according to Him, ‘Action is Perfection’. The more systematically we act in life, the more are we attuned to ourselves – the closer we get to our real Self. His only desire is to transform us from ‘street dogs to street lamps’. 

Once, a very senior Air Force Officer was sitting by His side. Bhagavan asked the students, if they could do anything at His Command. All, including the Officer, raised their hands enthusiastically. Bhagavan looked quizzically into the eyes of the Officer and asked Him, “Resign from Air Force, now!” The Officer immediately borrowed a paper from one of the students and addressed a resignation letter to the President of India. Bhagavan accepted the letter and said, “Your resignation has been accepted. Now onwards, you will work in Air Force as an Instrument of the Lord!” Bhagavan then asked the officer, “Have you ever thought the work in Air Force to be God’s work?” The Officer’s answer was in the negative as he treated only service to humanity, as God’s work, till that day. “Spirituality is not a uniform to be worn on certain days and occasions. Rather, every task should be done on behalf of the Lord and offered unto Him,” was the command of Bhagavan. We cannot allow our memory to forget such loving words of Lord Sai, at any point of time, because He is our very existence, nay our very breath.

There are endless tales to demonstrate that He is with us at all times, provided we allow the echo of His words to ring in our ears. 

After passing out from the Institute, I applied for a job in the corporate sector at Chandigarh. I, as a fresher, was pitted against about 40 well-experienced candidates for the post. The interview went on quite well for a good 35 minutes, and all the time the Managing Director (MD) asked me details about the teaching pattern of the Sathya Sai University. Thereafter, arrived a bombshell. The MD passed a curt remark at me, when he said that my learning at the Sai University might be ideally suited for a life to be spent in temples, forests or monasteries, but not for the corporate sector, because there was no place for ‘values’ in business dealings. I was totally shaken by his observation, and I prayed to Sai, to help me. Bhagavan took over at that very instant. I began my counter-offensive with a question posed to the MD, “Sir, if you were a manufacturer of tyres, where would you test the roadworthiness of the product? On smooth roads or on bumpy roads, which are full of potholes?” The MD replied, “On bumpy roads of course”. I immediately told him, that he had himself answered his query put to me and that we were also Bhagavan’s tyres, and were to be tested in the tough situations of the corporate sector and not in the calmness of monasteries and temples.

After I had completed my MBA programme, Bhagavan blessed me to work in rural areas for setting up a hospital, vocational training centre, and school, etc. As per Divine Guidance I began working. But the progress was quite slow. Once, I came to Bhagavan and informed Him that until we could acquire some land, we would not be in a position to commence the Project and that acquiring land was very expensive in North India. Bhagavan however told me that it was not the land which would help us but, ‘His Hand!’ As I was returning to Chandigarh, few devotees told me that a piece of land could be arranged in a village in Yamuna Nagar town. Within the next few days, the villagers donated a 27 acre piece of land for this project, and the day happened to be Guru Pournima! The name of the village where the land was donated was Darwa. This word has the same meaning, as the word Puttaparthi; a place which is infested with Darrars (snake holes)! Likewise, He also arranged a doctor couple, who had returned from U.K., to manage the hospital wing. Slowly but steadily, a school, hospital and a vocational wing have sprung up in a remote village in Haryana, on the lines of Bhagavan’s teachings.

Once on January 1, 1997, the doctor-in-charge of the hospital came to me at Chandigarh and said that the patients visiting our hospital wanted Vibhuti, instead of medicine. The stocks of Vibhuti were virtually over. He asked me to procure about 100 packets weighing 200 grams each. I told him that such a large quantity of Vibhuti could be arranged only from Parthi, and that we would request someone going to Parthi to fetch the Vibhuti for us. Thereafter, I left for the court. As I was parking my car outside the court complex, I noticed some mustard yellow paper packets – appearing like Vibhuti packets, spread beside the road. However, I felt that as I had been thinking of Vibhuti since morning, every mustard colour paper was appearing to be a Vibhuti packet. 

I parked my car and was walking to the court in uniform, when abruptly I looked back again. The mustard colour papers were looking exactly like Vibhuti packets. I quickly went back to verify and was wonderstruck to notice that Vibhuti packs weighing 200 grams, were spread over the turf in large quantities. One of the packets was open. I tasted its contents. It was Vibhuti! I now began collecting the Vibhuti packets in full public gaze – a lawyer, picking up something from the ground. The packets were exactly one hundred, but one had been opened, just to strengthen my faith further. I quickly drove back home, rang up the Doctor-in-charge and handed over the Vibhuti packets to him. Of course, I retained a few of them as Divine Prasadam.

The appearance of these Vibhuti packets remained a mystery that took quite some days to unravel. An ardent devotee of Bhagavan had been returning from Parthi and was on his way to Shimla. Enroute to Shimla, he changed his bus at Chandigarh. He was carrying a carton containing 100 Vibhuti packets for his Samiti. According to him, someone had ‘stolen’ the carton. But this ‘thief’, not merely had opened the carton box after stealing it; but had even spread the 100 packets outside the court complex, at just the same spot where I was to park my car! Who else could the ‘miscreant’ possibly be? Undoubtedly, He was Bhagavan, who answered the prayers of the poor villagers, by providing them His Vibhuti.

Sai is the most wonderful experience that could ever dawn in our lives. Bhagavan has been demonstrating for the past 80 years that, “His life is His Message”. But the time is now ripe, when we should respond to the call of our beloved Divine Master and make our lives His Message! Only then, can we be true Sai Students. 

- Amar Vivek

Student (1986-1988), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Advocate, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh

Source: Students with Sai: Experiences

Sri Sathya Sai converses with a devotee from Greece

November 1, 2002 (Friday)

After seeing some devotees and some organisation members, Swami came towards the students.

Swami : (To the Warden) Why is that side empty?

Warden : Swami, Brindavan boys will come after 4.00 pm.

Swami : (A student came to handover a letter to Swami after crossing the rows of teachers.) Dunnapota (He-buffalo), don’t you have this much sense that you should not cross elders? (To Prof. Anil Kumar) You may not mind boys doing that, but you should teach them the right things.

(To the Warden) Even you have to teach them how to behave with elders. (To Prof. Anil Kumar) Where is that Greek person? Did you see him?

Prof. A. K. : Swami, this morning I saw him while he was praying to Ganesha.

Swami : What is his name?

Prof. A. K. : I think his name is George.

Swami : George Chakravarthi! Go and call him. (Seeing Warden who was trying to hold the chair in place for Swami to sit) I won’t fall.

Warden : No Swami, it is rotating. (It was a revolving chair.)

Swami : Let it rotate, I will rotate along with it. (Spotting the Greek devotee who was coming from one side of the devotees’ lines) Anil Kumar is searching for him on that side while he is on this side.

(To the Greek devotee) Where were you?

Devotee : Swami, I am just coming from Chitravati.

Swami : Why did you go to Chitravati?

Devotee : I went to be present at Mohan Rao’s cremation. (Sri Mohan Rao had been a very old devotee and Mandir Bhajan singer for over four decades.)

Swami : When are you leaving?

Devotee : Swami, I am leaving on Tuesday.

Swami : Where is that tall boy? (Enquiring about another member of his group.)

Devotee : Swami, You mean the sports person? (Swami nods His head in affirmation.) He is practicing for Olympics 2004, which are going to be held in Greece.

After a while, Swami asked the devotee to sing a Bhajan. Swami corrected some words in the Bhajan that he was singing. Noticing that the devotee was out of breath to sing aloud.

Swami : You are tired because of too much of running. Take some rest. Do you sing daily while in Greece?

Devotee : Yes Swami, daily I sing along with my sister.

Swami : Where is her ‘band’? (As the devotee could not understand.) Your sister’s husband, not band. (There was laughter at the pun. After a pause) 

Who was Socrates?

Socrates (Died 339 BC)

Devotee : Swami, he was a philosopher.

Swami : He was a saint.

Devotee : Whatever Swami says.

Swami : Who were his disciples?

Devotee : Swami, Aristotle.

Plato and Aristotle

Swami : No, Plato. Alexander was disciple of Aristotle. Was Alexander good?

Devotee : Swami, he was great.

Swami : He was a good person also. He took from India gold, some dust from Triveni Sangamam (the spot where the three holy rivers meet – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) and the holy book – Bhagavad Gita. (After a pause) Sing a Bhajan. (Referring to one of the words in the Bhajan sung by the devotee) What is the meaning of ‘Charanam’?

Devotee : (Showing Swami’s feet) Charanam means feet.

Swami : Sing a Hindi Bhajan. (As he was singing) What is the meaning of ‘Salaam’?

Devotee : Salaam means Namaskar (salutations).

Swami : (To Prof. Anil Kumar) He is from Greece. He came from such a distant place and he doesn’t even know our languages. Yet he is singing so well. He practices every day. He has been coming here for the last 29 years. 

He always repeats the name ‘Bhagavan, Bhagavan’.

(To the devotee) Are you married?

Devotee : No, Swami. 

Swami : Are you happy now?

Devotee : Yes, of course, Swami. Swami, bless me so that I can come here four to five times in a year.

Swami : Come tomorrow morning along with your sister for Darshan. (To Prof. Anil Kumar) Whenever he comes here, he walks to Parthi from Bangalore chanting the name “Aum Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Babaya Namah” carrying his heavy luggage on his back. He offers a coconut and a banana every day. (Pointing to a student) Which class is he studying in?

Devotee : Swami, may be class two.

Swami : No, He is in 12th class. In India, boys usually join in 1st standard at the age of five. (After a pause) Sing a Hindi Bhajan. (As he was trying to recollect a Bhajan) Any other Bhajan? (After he finished singing) Very nice.

Devotee : Swami, there in Greece we sing only Prasanthi Bhajans. No American or European songs.

Swami : Do you like these Bhajans?

Devotee : Yes, Swami. 

Swami : When do you sing Bhajans?

Devotee : Swami, every Thursday. I sing every day in my heart.

Swami : (Pointing to a student) He is a good singer.

Devotee : All the students are good, Swami. 

Swami : He is a good play back singer. (As the devotee was kneeling down all the while…) Sit down. Your legs will pain.

Devotee : No Swami. I am in front of You for the last one hour. I am not having any discomfort.

Swami : What is your name? (The devotee tells his real name and another Indian name, by which he calls himself ever since he started coming here.) 

Do you like the climate here?

Devotee : Yes, Swami.

Swami then went back into the interview room.

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

A Broad Vision in Business and Life: Sri Sathya Sai Paradigm

People have to serve the nation and society in so many ways and ensure that it progresses well. The feeling of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ must be minimised in the service of society. If the society is not there, ‘I’ cannot exist. There is the need for a greater number of such individuals to form a healthy society. A healthy society can be formed only when many such people form part of it. Therefore, Satsang (good company) is very important. One must never give place to any agitation in the mind. We must increase our love for God, as He is the real friend. Worldly friends are only false associates. You and your ‘real friend’ have two different bodies but one single mind. Worldly friends and associates can be compared to frogs in a well. Frogs reside in the well as long as it contains water. However, God is not like that. God is in you, with you and around you. You are also God. You are not one person but three. 

The one you think you are – the Body.

The one others think you are – the Mind.

The one you really are – the Soul.

When you realise this, you will not be troubled by anything. Therefore, develop this love and faith in God. Without that, you cannot achieve anything. With that faith, you must embark upon any work in society. The most important thing that one should recognise is gratitude. You must always show gratitude to the organisation that gives you a job. Gratitude must first be cultivated at one’s own home. First show gratitude to your parents (for they bestow you with blood [meaning in this context the physical body], food, head [intelligence, thoughts and self-image] and Duddu [money]); then to your Gurus (these days it can be inferred as teachers). A person truly becomes a human being if he possesses gratitude. Broaden your mind and nurture love. Once a person cultivates human values, he would be able to achieve anything. It is important for people to comprehend the significance of Man Management in the modern world. One should consider how one would be able to manage the mind and direct it along the right path.

These are characteristics of a perfect person. Only when the leaders personify these qualities and practise them in real life will the country progress. In the Bhagavad Gita it is said, “Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham”. ‘Yoga’ means discerning that from others what we are not aware of; ‘Kshemam’ means welfare and security. Where there is God, there is victory. In all human undertakings in society, the following sequence of spiritual exhortations would have to be followed - God comes first, world next and then only ‘I’. Pandavas assigned first priority to ‘Krishna’ (referring to God); followed by ‘duty to society’ (referring to the world); and lastly ‘their personal interests’. That is why they always had Krishna with them in His physical form at the physical plane and His ‘infinite grace’ at the non-physical plane. On the contrary, as Kauravas gave God last priority, they swerved from the path of righteousness. One must have faith and confidence in God followed by belief in one’s own Self. It is very important, as without it, one cannot achieve anything in life. This will also help you in your professional life. An exemplary life is the fundamental basis for earning a good name for one’s parents and one’s institution. 

Source: Chapter 6, Management of Organisational Issues, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

Sri Sathya Sai Visits Mumbai and Hadshi (Photo Feature)

Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra, Hadshi

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 to

 Monday, November 2, 2009

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba blessed the states of Maharashtra and Goa with His Divine physical presence, when He visited these states for six days from 28th October to 2nd November, 2009.

Bhagavan left Puttaparthi along with His entourage on the morning of 28th October, 2009 from Sri Sathya Sai Airport to Pune by about 8.30 am. Bhagavan landed at the Pune airport at 9.40 am. He was accorded a grand and hearty welcome at the Pune Air Port by Sri Shivraj Patil, former Home Minister of India; Sri Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Sri Ramesh Sawant, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Maharashtra and Goa and many other dignitaries. The Bal Vikas children of Pune in their traditional dress offered their respectful greetings to Bhagavan.

Bhagavan was escorted by 11 motorbike riders and five cars from the airport to the residence of Sri Shivajirao Jadhav who organised this Divine visit. Bhagavan blessed the family members of the Jadhav family and then proceeded to Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra, a grand temple complex in Sylvan surroundings of Hadshi village, near Pune. On arrival, Bhagavan was welcomed by the Tukaram Dindi (procession) by about 1200 villagers of Hadshi. Throughout the morning, Bhagavan blessed the thousands of devotees with His Divine Darshan. In the afternoon, Marathi Abhangs (devotional compositions) were sung by 25 villagers in the Divine Presence. The renowned singers Ms. Kavita Subramaniam, Sri Nitin Mukesh and Ms. Sapna Mukherjee presented devotional songs. They were blessed and felicitated by Bhagavan after their performance.

Music Programme by Nitin Mukesh, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sapna Mukherjee and others at Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra, Hadshi

On the morning of 29th October, 2009, Bhagavan ceremonially performed the Prana Prathishta (energising with life principle) of the idols in the three temples that adorn this temple complex, namely Siddhi Vinayak, Shirdi Sai Baba and Vittal Rukmini temples. After this sacred ceremony, Bhagavan offered Poornahuti (final oblations) in the Yajna that was being conducted to mark this sacred event.

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at Hadshi

On the afternoon of 29th October, 2009, Bhagavan blessed the mammoth gathering of devotees with His Divine Discourse. Prior to Bhagavan’s Discourse, three speakers addressed the gathering. The first speaker Sri Shivajirao Jadhav expressed deep gratitude to Bhagavan for blessing Panduranga Kshetra with His Divine Presence and performing the Prana Pratishtha of the idols in three temples. The next speaker Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, exhorted the devotees to practice the teachings of Bhagavan in order to redeem their lives. The last speaker Sri Nishikant Borodekar, a faculty member of Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Prasanthi Nilayam narrated his experiences of Bhagavan’s Divinity.

Panduranga Kshetra lit up at night

Bhagavan in His Discourse said, 

“What is the purpose of human birth? It is to experience the love of God. Only those who were recipients of God’s love can bring about transformation in the world. God always helps. Your thoughts are responsible for your happiness and sorrow. Sakkubai always chanted ‘Ranga, Ranga, Ranga’. But others made fun of her. Her mother-in-law and her husband subjected her to great ordeals. Ultimately, Lord Panduranga came to her help and she was able to reach Pandharpur. Many people criticised even Radha and Sakkubai who always chanted the name of God. Ultimately, Krishna taught them a lesson. Never criticise anyone. Everything happens by the will of God. What is it that you must know today? You should know your mistakes and rectify them. That is enough. What do the Vedic Mantras signify? They signify the oneness of the Atma. There is no great spiritual practice than to realise the oneness of the Atma. Many people try to describe the glory of Swami in many ways. But it is all their delusion; they do not know My Reality. What is My name? It is not Sathya Sai Baba, though the world knows Me by this name. People should get rid of this delusion to know My reality. Today everybody is trying to realise the truth except the politicians. If only they realise the truth, the entire nation will prosper. Politics is the cause of all the conflicts that we see today everywhere. Whoever tells you something good, you should accept and follow. This is My message. Peace is present only in love. If you develop love, you will have everything. Very happy!”

Little Wonders perform before Sri Sathya Sai at Hadshi

On the morning of 30th October, 2009, the village Bal Vikas children led the Bhajans during the Divine Darshan of Bhagavan. On the same evening, a group five child artistes – Arya Ambedkar, Rohit Raut, Pratamesh Laghate, Mugha Vaisham Payam and Karthiki Gaikwadi – presented a devotional music programme in the Divine Presence. At the end of their presentation, Bhagavan showered His profuse blessings on the children and their family members. 

Sri Sathya Sai and the entourage at the Jadhav Bungalow in Hadshi

After showering His love and grace on the devotees at Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra, Bhagavan along with His entourage left for Mumbai on the morning of 31st October, 2009. His caravan of more than 40 cars was escorted and led by 11 motorbike riders and security cars. Bhagavan’s car arrived at Dharmakshetra at about 2.00 pm. 

He was offered a traditional welcome by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Dharmakshetra with Poorna Kumbham amidst chanting Vedic Mantras. Sri Indulal Shah and other dignitaries welcomed Bhagavan offering roses to Him. Bhagavan blessed the devotees singing Bhajans. Then He entered His Abode.

Sonu Nigam with Sri Sathya Sai at Mumbai

Bhagavan blessed a gathering of 50,000 devotees in the suburb Goregaon at 6.30 pm, on the evening of 31st October, 2009. The renowned singer Sri Sonu Nigam offered at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan a devotional music concert. At the end of the presentation, Bhagavan blessed the singer and materialised a diamond ring for him. Mangala Aarati was offered to Bhagavan at 7.10 pm. Thereafter, Bhagavan went to the residence of Sri Indulal Shah and returned to Dharmakshetra at 9.30 pm.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Leader of Opposition Gopinath Munde, ICICI Bank Chairman K.V. Kamath and a number of industry captains with Sri Sathya Sai at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai

On the morning of 1st November, 2009, Bhagavan blessed thousands of devotees with His Divine Darshan. Besides, Bhagavan blessed a group of bankers and industrialists. On this occasion, Sri Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra prayed for Bhagavan’s blessings for his new administration and said he would follow the principles taught by Bhagavan in his administration. Sri K. V. Kamath, former Chairman, ICICI Bank also addressed the august gathering. He referred to the insights revealed at the conference held at Prasanthi Nilayam and praised the humanitarian projects of Bhagavan.

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at Gandhi Maidan, Mumbai

On the same day, later in the morning at 11.10 am, Bhagavan blessed a gathering of 25,000 devotees with His Divine Darshan at Worli, Gandhi Maidan in South Mumbai. Mangala Aarati was offered to Bhagavan at the conclusion of Bhajans at 11.45 am.

From Gandhi Maidan, Bhagavan proceeded to Malabar Hills to visit the official residence of Sri Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Sri Chavan hosted a lunch in Bhagavan’s honour. The Chief Minister, his wife and two daughters offered a reverential and grateful welcome to Bhagavan at their residence. A select gathering of dignitaries were present during the lunch. 

Sathya Sai with Students at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

On the evening of 1st November, 2009, Bhagavan blessed the huge gathering of devotees with His Divine Darshan at Brabourne Stadium at 5.00 pm. On this occasion, the students of Sri Sathya Sai University presented a programme of devotional music. As every song was saturated with love, devotion and true feelings, it elevated the minds and spirits of the listeners. 

The Last Supper at Dharmakshetra - Sri Indulal Shah, Smt. Sarla Shah and Smt. Ratanlal with Sri Sathya Sai

On the morning of 2nd November, Bhagavan granted His Divine Darshan to thousands of devotees assembled at Dharmakshetra during the Bhajan Session. Bhagavan also watched a short video documentary on the evolution of Dharmakshetra produced by former students of Sri Sathya Sai University. He gave His special blessings to the active workers of the Sai Organisation of Maharashtra and Goa in Shanti Deep.

On the afternoon of 2nd November, 2009, Bhagavan left Mumbai for Puttaparthi along with His entourage by a chartered plane from Mumbai airport at 3.35 pm. A huge gathering of devotees collected at the airport to have a last glimpse of Bhagavan when He departed. They offered their grateful thanks to Bhagavan for His visit to Pune and Mumbai that had left long lasting blissful memories in each and every heart. 

When Bhagavan reached Sri Sathya Sai Airport, a group of motorbike riders were present to welcome their Lord. They escorted Bhagavan to Prasanthi Nilayam from the airport. Bhagavan was welcomed with Poorna Kumbham amidst Vedic chanting by the students, as He entered Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.35 pm. Joyous welcome songs were sung by the students to welcome their beloved Lord. After granting the bliss of His Divine Darshan to the devotees for 15 minutes, Bhagavan received Mangala Aarati at 5.50 pm and retired to His Abode.

Here is a short video capturing the highlights of the Divine visit:

Thus, concluded this historic visit of Bhagavan to Pune and Mumbai, kindling the light of spirituality and Divinity in the hearts of thousands of people.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (2006-2011)

Jeevamu Neeve Kada Devaa

Jeevamu Neeve Kada Devaa (2)

Broche Bhaaramu Neede Kadaa, Naa Bhaaramu Needikadaa 

Ninne Nammi Nee Padayugalam, Sannuthi Jese Bhaktavaliki 

Minnagulagana Bhaya Madiyela, Pannaga Shayana Narayana 

Jeevamu Neeve Kada... 

Madilo Velige Cheekati Baapi (Baapi) 

Padamu Chupe Patita Pavana (2) 

Jeevamu Neeve Kada... 

Bhavajaladhini Badi Telegaleni, Jeevula Broche Parama Purusha 

Nanukaapade Nee Birudamunu, Nilupakunduva Shritamandara 

Jeevamu Neeve Kada... 

MEANING

Oh God! This life is Yours and it is Your duty to care for it. 

My burden is Yours Oh Narayana! Resting under the Adishesha! 

Devotees believe You and sing Your glory. How can our minds forget You? 

Oh God! This life is Yours. Oh sanctifier of lives! You dispelled the darkness in our minds by showing us Your feet.  Oh God! This Life is Yours. 

Oh Divine person! You protect those who are lost in the world.

Oh Shritamandara (The One compassionate towards the forlorn)! You protect me and be true to Your name. 

Oh God! This life is Yours and it is Your duty to care of it. 

Source: Song 18, Section 6, Telugu Group Songs, Vandana: Students Prayer Book

Sri Sathya Sai tells us about 'Inner Significance of Deepavali and the Lighting of Lamps'

Jyoti Swarupa lighting the lamp

Bharatiya festivals and holy days are designed to reveal the greatness and integrity of Indian culture. Failing to recognise the inner significance and power of this immemorial culture, the nation has drifted into a purposeless existence. All these festivals have a profound meaning and purpose. But no earnest effort is made to understand their inner meaning and deeper objectives.

These holy days and festivals are intended to celebrate the birthdays of Avatars and saints and to mark the destruction of evil and wicked forces. The ancients observed these occasions to honour the memory of the great souls and to remember how the demoniac forces were vanquished. The advent of Sri Rama, the embodiment of Dharma, occurred on the Shuddha Navami in the Chaitra month. That day is observed as the sacred birthday of Rama. The Bahula Ashtami in the month of Shravana is observed as the sacred day on which Sri Krishna made his advent for the establishment of Dharma and propagating Dharma as the Gitacharya (the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita).

Godesses Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati

The Navaratri festival, Shivaratri and Sankaranti (festival dedicated to Sun God) are observed as memorable days marking the destruction of demonic forces by the Divine. Vijaya Dashami is the day when the evil-minded Ravana, who was well versed in all the sciences and was very powerful, was destroyed. The Shuddha Paadyami (first day of the bright fortnight) in the Aasayuja (Ashwin) month was the day in which the combined powers of the three goddesses, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, (Ichha Shakti, Kriya Shakti and Jnana Shakti) put an end to the evil forces represented by Mahishasura (the buffalo-headed demon). Vijaya Dashami is also the day when the Asura King, Ravana, was destroyed. It is the day on which the great Emperor Vikramaditya ascended his bejewelled throne acquired as a boon. 

The Story of Narakaasura and Naraka Chaturdashi

Lord Krishna with Satyabhama killing Narakaasura

Bharatiyas have been observing, in this manner, the birthdays of the Avatars and the days marking the destruction of the wicked. When Sri Krishna installed a king in Mathura after destroying the wicked, evil-minded Kamsa, Narakasura invaded the city several times. When the residents of the city were apprehensive about their safety and security, Krishna founded a city at Dwaraka to provide a place of refuge for them.

The city in which the demon Narakasura had his capital was known as Praagjyotishapuram. The name consists of four syllables: Praag, jyoti, sha and puram. ‘Praag’ means former; jyothi means light; sha means forgetting and puram means the body. Together the term refers to the heart. The inner meaning of the term is that the man in his body is forgetting the light, the Atma Jyoti, in him. Nara has various meanings. One is Atma. Another meaning is that which is not permanent. As Nara, man has forgotten his true spiritual state. When bad qualifies enter the city of nara, man becomes Narakasura (a demonic being). The term Narakasura also means one who carries people to Naraka (hell).

The life-story of Narakasura reveals the magnitude of his wickedness. His entire realm was plunged in darkness. No lights burnt in the homes or in streets. No woman could be seen anywhere in the open. He imprisoned thousands of princesses and tortured innumerable women. Unable to bear these indignities, the women appealed to Krishna for succour. As Narakasura had inflicted sufferings on women, he had to be punished by a woman. For this reason, Krishna took Satyabhama with Him and destroyed him in battle. Vijaya Dashami celebrates the victory of Krishna over Narakasura. It is also known as Naraka Chaturdasi.

The following day is Amavasya (New Moon Day). Krishna freed from prison 16,000 women and asked them to go back to their respective homes. But all the Gopikas fell at Krishna's feet and pleaded that it would not be possible for them to live in dignity in their old homes after having been prisoners of Narakasura, and they would prefer to end their lives at His feet rather than to go back. "You are the Protector of the Universe, can't you protect us?" they pleaded. Krishna agreed to protect them. Because of the pledge He gave to them that He would bear responsibility for protecting them, He was called their Bharta (supporter). This has been wrongly interpreted as meaning that He was their husband. It is a libel on Krishna to say that He married 16,000 Gopikas. 

Why the lamps are lit on Deepavali Day?

This Amavasya day is the day of liberation for the Gopikas. It is a moonless day when the night is utterly dark. The Gopikas prayed that as on that day they had got the light of freedom it should be marked by illuminations which would make everyone rejoice as on a full moon night. It is for this reason that the day, which is a New Moon Day, is illumined by lamps and fireworks and turned into a Full Moon Night.

Scientific Reason behind the lighting of the lamps

There is a scientific reason also for this celebration. With the end of the rainy season water stagnates in many places and the surrounding areas teem with mosquitoes and other insects. The smoke from the crackers and fireworks destroys these insects and disinfects the atmosphere. The inner meaning underlying the Bharatiya festivals should be rightly understood. Note, for instance, the fact that the whole array of lamps are lit by the light from one lamp. That one lamp symbolises the Supreme Effulgent Lord. The others symbolise the light in individual selves. The truth of the Vedic saying, “The One willed to become the many” is exemplified by the lighting of lamps by the flame of one. The Deepavali festival thus bears out the profoundest spiritual truth. 

Inner Significance of the Deepavali lamps

The lamp points to another significant fact. Wherever it may be placed, the flame goes upwards only and never moves down. Likewise, the flame of Jnana (Spiritual Wisdom) leads one to a sublime level through the path of Righteousness. Four elements required to light the inner lamp. If you want to light a lamp, you need four things. First a container, second oil, third a wick and fourth a match box. If any one of these is lacking, you cannot light the lamp. This lamp can, however, remove only the outside darkness. How is the darkness in the heart to be removed? It can be removed only by Jnana Jyoti (the Light of Wisdom) and by nothing else. How is this Light of Wisdom, this spiritual light, to be lit? This also needs four elements. Vairagya (detachment) is the container. Bhakti (devotion) is the oil. Ekagrata (one-pointed concentration) is the wick. Jnana (Knowledge of the Supreme Truth) is the match stick. Without all the four, the Light of Spiritual Wisdom cannot be got.

Of the four, the primary requisite is the spirit of Vairagya (renunciation). Without this detachment, all knowledge of scriptures is of no avail. What is this detachment? It is the absence of attachment to the body. The ego-feeling, which makes one think of the "I" all the time, should be given up. The sense of Mamakara (possessiveness) and the ego-feeling are the causes of raga (attachment). How is this disease of attachment to be eradicated? By the process of self-enquiry.

When you realise the impermanence of the body and all the sensory experiences, you acquire the sense of Vairagya (detachment). It only means you should discharge your duties, treating the body as a God-given instrument for this purpose. “Paropakaaraartham Idam Shareeram” (This body is for the purpose of helping others). It should not be used solely for selfish ends. Deepavali has to be observed as a day for getting rid of all the bad qualities in us, symbolised by the demon Narakasura. The Gopikas who were freed on that day represent the imprisoned good qualities in us. They should be manifested effulgently. This is the inner significance of the festival. As long as the demonic qualities remain in man, he will be immersed in darkness. Bad qualities and thoughts have to be got rid of altogether.

I desire that our festivals and the holy days should be observed in the fight spirit, with an understanding of their inner significance. The destruction of the Narakasura symbolises the destruction of evil and the restoration of what is good. 

Source: Divine Discourse in the Prasanthi Mandir, November 9, 1988.