Sri Sathya Sai New Year Message to His Students

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

People are full of hopes and aspirations on the dawn of a New Year. In fact, you should consider every moment as the beginning of a New Year. Names and forms have no value without the eternal virtues. Man suffers from various ailments, some internal and others external. A doctor can cure the external ailments. The Atmic feeling is the only remedy for all the internal ailments. You should make efforts to know the principle of Atma. The Atma is a synonym for Brahma, which is nothing but the Chaitanya permeating every human being. Man has a name and form, but Chaitanya has no form. The Chaitanya that is present in the human body is called "conscience". The all-pervasive Chaitanya is called "consciousness". When the individual understands the principle of unity in diversity, the "conscience" gets transformed into "consciousness". In spite of being endowed with such a sacred power, man gets deluded by the vagaries of the world. He is giving importance to the New Year, which is fleeting. In fact, he should give importance to the changeless "Time" and sanctify it by proper use. 

In this world, only truth and goodness will remain with us for ever. Their value cannot be quantified. So, we should strive to develop truth and goodness in us. We should not hanker after name and fame. For example, we should not be under the delusion that we are providing Telugu Ganga water to Chennai. Water is not something that one gives to another. It is nature's gift to all. Each one gets one's share based on one's prapti (deservedness). Man's activities yield the desired result only when the kala, karma, karana, and kartavya (time, action, cause, and duty) are in harmony with each other. Hence, one should make sincere efforts and wait for the right time. When the action fructifies, he should utilise it in accordance with the time and circumstances. 

Boys (former students of Swami's University) are doing a lot of good work. They are going to various villages and giving happiness to the people there by performing service activities and Bhajans. They should undertake all these activities with the spirit of love. There is nothing greater than love. You should lead your life filled with selfless love. 

The Message of Selfless Service

Embodiments of Love! 

The service activities and the Bhajans that you perform alone are not enough. You should give up the feeling that you are serving others. That is very important. You are serving your own self when you serve others. You should consider all as yours. In fact, others are not others but are the very forms of God. Hence, service rendered to humanity is service rendered to God. All service activities are meant to foster this feeling in you. You should plunge into the field of service with selfless love. That alone is true service. All other service activities are worldly and momentary. 

Students!  

You are under the mistaken notion that you are rendering service to others. You should give up such a feeling. Only then does the service you perform become real service in the strict sense of the term. Service does not merely mean helping others. The best way to love God is to love all and serve all. Your acts of service should be suffused with the spirit of love. Without the positive aspect of love, all service you render becomes negative in nature. 

All bodies are like bulbs, and love is the main switch. Only when the main switch is pressed will the bodies radiate light and happiness to one and all. You are switching off the main switch and trying to enjoy happiness. It is impossible. Hrid + daya (compassion) = Hridaya (heart). Your heart should be filled with compassion. All your activities should be suffused with love. There is no strength superior to love. Our ancient sages and seers used to live in dense forests amidst wild animals. They did not carry any weapons with them, yet they could move about without any sense of fear. What was the source of their courage? They possessed the single weapon of love, which protected them from the wild animals. 

The ancient culture of Bharat is divine, most precious, wonderful, and blissful. But you are not making any effort to understand its greatness. In fact, you are belittling such a sacred culture. You are deluded by the differences based on caste and culture. In fact, there is only one caste, the caste of humanity. The love that originates in the heart is true religion. The entire humanity is one family. All are brothers and sisters. The whole world is but one mansion. It is impossible to describe in words the happiness you would experience when you develop such broad-mindedness. Hence, make every effort to visualise divinity in humanity. 

Source: Divine Discourse on January 1, 2003 at Prasanthi Nilayam

Management Lessons from My Divine Master: Sri Sathya Sai – By Arun Dhareshwar

“I am always with you, above you, behind you, beside you, in you, around you…” These words of Swami constantly echo in our being at all times and experience has shown me that He is always there to guide and direct the course of our lives. Having had the golden fortune of studying in Swami’s Institute, every student has innumerable experiences of His Divinity and Love. It is always difficult to put these down on paper because they can only be felt by the person who has personally undergone the experiences. 

Life with Swami has taught me not to plan my life, strange as it may appear to people from the management world, where great emphasis is laid on planning, analysis etc. This is because, no matter what you think, plan and propose, Swami’s Divine plan overrules everything else. Also, whatever He does is always for our good. The best part of this is that He plans everything for us. I know that each and every stage in my life is in accordance with His wish. 

My joining Brindavan Campus for the Pre-university course in 1981 and my graduation in the Institute was all a part of His will. When I completed my graduation, there was not even a talk of the MBA programme to be commenced in the Institute. It was a miracle. We personally witnessed Swami taking initiative in starting the MBA programme. He took all efforts to commence the MBA Programme, even though more than two months had elapsed since the beginning of the academic year. I still wonder as to how I got through the MBA admission test on my own, into the first batch. Now I know it was all His Will. 

The best part of our MBA course was the interactions we had with Swami every evening during Darshan time. As our classes had started late, we worked overtime to complete the portions and we were usually delayed for evening Darshan. However, where ever we sat as a class, Swami used to make a bee line to that place and interact with us. He used to ask us our personal details, make us comfortable with the place and most importantly infuse in us the self-confidence to face the real world of management and business. 

Peter Drucker - Management Guru

Swami was our MBA teacher, in the literal sense. Every week, Swami gave special Discourses for the MBA students and faculty members. They were the most practical management lessons we had received in the Institute. In one particular Discourse, Swami spoke about the need for an Indian orientation to Management. Swami quoted the famous Management Guru, Peter Drucker and emphasised the need for understanding the Indian Ethos for Management. 

Swami explained, “There are several soap manufacturers. During the manufacturing process, time must be given for the soap to solidify. In order to increase production, if enough time is not provided, the soap may look solid from outside, yet at the core it may remain in a fluid state. This will not satisfy the customer as the soap will get consumed very fast.” Interestingly, Swami did not just explain the intricacies of soap manufacturing. He is a teacher par excellence. He immediately created a piece of soap to illustrate His point. He told that though the soap looked solid outside, it was not so inside. There was a great rush among the students to get the soap from Swami’s Hands. 

In yet another Discourse, Swami made a momentous declaration. Swami declared, “All powers of nature are under my control. I can turn the earth into sky and the sky into earth”. The whole audience was awe inspired. Swami continued, “I can change all you boys into girls”. Smiling at the students Swami asked, “Does anybody want it?” All the students sheepishly smiled at Swami. To demonstrate His control over the forces of nature, Swami materialised a huge pendant studded with diamonds. Swami asked the pendant to be passed around the audience. Many students touched the pendant and admired its Divine beauty. They also reverentially placed the pendant on their eyes as an act of worship. Looking at this, Swami remarked with a smile, “When the Creator is here, why just worship the Creation?” The students learnt a new lesson. They were made to focus on the inner core where the creator manifests, rather than just the external creation.

Sri Sathya Sai with the materialised diamond pendant

As the first batch of MBA students, we were fortunate to be taken to Kodaikanal by Bhagavan. There, we learnt the true meaning of hospitality. We were looked after by Swami, who was playing the perfect host. We learnt the correct practice of management. The intricate way in which Swami planned every detail of our stay, truly taught all of us, the correct way to manage every situation. 

Sri Sathya Sai with the first batch of MBA Students at Kodaikanal - April 1987

Swami is the controller of our destinies. One of my batch students was weak in a particular subject. After completing his final year MBA exams, he went to Kodaikanal, when Swami had taken the second batch of MBA students. Swami asked him as to how he had performed in his exams. Even before the student could reply, Swami closed His eyes and said, “You have done very poorly in one subject. Just now the examiner is going to finish correcting your paper. He has decided to fail you.” The student was stunned. A sincere prayer emanated from his heart. Swami immediately continued, “But don’t worry. The examiner will not fail you. I will take care.” This assurance of Swami was enough. Needless to say, the student did pass the course comfortably, and he continues to serve at His Lotus Feet till this day. 

Arun Dhareshwar offering his obeisances to His Divine Master during the Birthday Jhoola programme at the Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam

My experience has not only shown me His presence within me at all times, but has also helped me strengthen my faith, conviction and love for Him. At every stage in my life, I have experienced Swami holding my hand and guiding me at every step. All this is His Will, Grace and Love. 

- Arun Dhareshwar

Student (1986-1988), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning 

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Senior Vice President and Head – Banking Strategy

Tata Consultancy Service Ltd., Mumbai

Source: Fragrance 2005 (80th Birthday Offering)

“Today is New Year… Bhajans will be Good…”

January 1, 2004 (Thursday) 

Swami came to give His Divine Darshan at 6.40 am. Teachers and students started chanting Vedam. After Swami sat in the portico, the Institute band leader – Sriram, showed the programme card to Swami. Swami blessed the band boys to start their musical offerings. After some musical pieces were played, Swami walked down the steps of the portico and to the pleasant surprise of all, walked into the middle of the students block. 

Swami : (To Institute band leader) Can you play March? (The student turns to the band group and signals to play.) Bhajans Aata Hain? (Do you know Bhajans?) (The students keep quiet. Swami asks about a research scholar who was the previous band leader. Dibya Jyoti Das, a research scholar in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences and leader of the Institute Brass band for over five years comes near Swami. Swami gives him a book of the 20th Anniversary Souvenir of the Higher Secondary School. Dibya Jyoti Das asks Swami the music piece that the band boys could play. Swami consents and the students play it. Swami asks) 

Can you play Bhajan tunes? 

Student : Swami, notes are kept there. (Indicating to the place near the portico where the students had kept their musical notes sheets.) 

Swami : Notes Akkada Petti, Pillalani Ikkada Petti Emi Chestunnavu? (Keeping notes there and the boys here, what are you doing?) There were smiles around. 

Student : Can we play “Star Wars”? (Name of a musical piece) 

Swami consents and the boys play it 

Swami : Do you know Bhajan lines? 

Student : Swami, can we do it tomorrow? 

Swami : Aa... tomorrow... Today is New Year day. Bhajans will be good. 

After a while of silence, a student asked for photograph with Swami. 

Swami : I will come there. (Saying so, Swami came and stood in the center of the students and blessed them with the opportunity of a group photograph on the New Year’s Day.) 

Student : Swami, if You are happy we will feel very happy. 

Swami : I am happy. If Bhajans are there, I will be happier. 

Swami repeatedly indicated this day that He wanted the band students to learn and play Bhajans as part of the band programme. In the later years, Bhajans played in the form of band music became a regular feature of all band programmes in Swami’s Divine presence including the Convocation, Sports Meet and New Year’s Day Programmes. Swami was extremely happy with this development. 

Swami there after moves inside the interview room. 

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

WATCH Method of Transformational Leadership – Part 1

[Note: This Article is based on the Discourses given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba on various occasions. This is not a direct excerpt from any Discourse, but an essay based on His Message on Management and Leadership.] 

Recent business scandals, global crises, the emergence of e-commerce, learning organisations, virtual teams, globalisation, knowledge work, work-life balance and other on-going transformations place new demands on leaders, far beyond the topics traditionally taught in courses on Management or Organisational Behaviour. The experiences of academicians and the practicing managers concerned with leadership for organisational change affirmed the value of traditional leadership concepts, while highlighting the importance of new ideas, methods, tools and applications. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in many of his spiritual discourses, uses the noun ‘WATCH’ as an acronym to explain the significance of a method in influencing human behaviour [i].  It is a method, which provides people interested in ‘Self-Development’, with a device and means to observe their own individual behaviour, and, if motivated thereafter, to take steps and initiate changes in personal behaviour. 

Every individual wears a wristwatch and whenever one consults one’s watch to know the time, one is reminded of the five letters of the word ‘WATCH’. This reminder creates the initial awareness needed to mould one’s behaviour. This awareness, through repetitive behaviour, progressively becomes a habit; as Aristotle said, ‘We are what we repeatedly do’. 

The life of people in the present-day organisations has become complex. People have to work under pressure and achieve the continually shifting targets. Altogether, too many people feel defeated by everyday problems of life. They go struggling, perhaps, even whining, through their days, with a sense of dull resentment at what they consider the ‘bad breaks’ in life. It is a pity that people should let themselves be defeated by the problems and difficulties of human existence. Baba says, “Life of people in the modern world is full of hurry, worry and curry”. People are not able to wriggle out of the highly-paced accelerated life, and it seems to have become burdensome for them. However, there is a method by which one can control, and even determine those breaks. Today, conflicts among family members, groups, communities, regions, religions, states, and nations occur because of unlimited desires, greed, tunnel vision, etc. All this again boils down to basic restlessness and turbulence in the human mind, and the dissonance, which people experience. 

Transformational Leadership 

Traditionally, leadership is considered a process wherein one person influences others to achieve a purpose. There are about four generally accepted approaches to leadership: traits, behaviour, contingency and modern theoretical models. Modern leadership models, which comprise approaches such as charismatic, transactional, transformational, etc., focus on symbolism, emotional appeal and extraordinary follower commitment. Transformational leadership is characterised by the ability to bring about significant change, and relies on referent and personal sources of power in order to arouse intense feelings that can motivate employees. 

Transformational leadership is based on the personal values, beliefs, and qualities of the leader. The influence of transformational leaders is proportional to the followers’ personal acceptance of the leaders’ values. Therefore, it all begins with personal change and individual transformation. In this context, ‘WATCH’ becomes a very important aid to bring about sustained self-development. Values provide guidance in decision-making and behaving, and as such, the followers, who share the leader’s values, do not merely depend on the leader’s orders. It upgrades the needs of followers from lower-order physical needs to higher-order psychological needs as explained by Maslow in his ‘Need Hierarchy Theory’. 

Self-Management and Effective Leadership 

A person who’s ‘thoughts, words and deeds’ are socially acceptable, and are in harmony with one another, can become a good and effective leader. The entire distillate of the leadership process can be summed up in just four phrases. 

       Sri Sathya Sai's Mahavakya on Leadership

Management is fundamentally ‘Man Management’ and ‘Man Management’ (which could be interpreted in the current context as equivalent to leadership) is ‘Self-Management’. [ii] From the above analysis, one can infer that an effective leader is one who influences oneself (meaning one’s own words, actions, thoughts, character, and heart) first before influencing others. Therefore, ‘Self-Management’, becomes an important pre-requisite of effective leadership. Firstly, ‘To Be’ is a trait of leadership steeped in the leader’s personal values, qualities and knowledge. ‘To Do’ is leadership based on practicing what one preaches. ‘To See’ and ‘To Tell’ are the functions, tools and techniques of leadership. ‘To See’ implies that a leader must be in complete touch with the realities of the environment in which the leader works. ‘To Tell’ means conveying to others what the leader wants them to do.

Notes:

[I] Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.VI, 1996, pp. 218-219, p.338 and VII, 1996, p.106

[ii] At the time of inauguration of the Management programme at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on 21st August 1986, Baba made this statement and explained at length about the meaning and scope of management.

Continued in Part 2...    

Source: WATCH Method of Transformational Leadership, Chapter 23, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective

Sri Sathya Sai Message to Sadhus, Sadhvis and Ashrams

Sri Sathya Sai presiding over the Akhila Andhra Sadhu Parishad - January 1987

The Annual Conference of Akhila Andhra Sadhu Parishad was held at Prashanti Nilayam between the 2nd and 4th of January 1987. More than 300 hundred Sadhus and Sadhvis of various orders from Andhra Pradesh, the neighbouring states, Varanasi and Rishikesh attended the conference. Bhagavan blessed the Conference with His Inaugural Address. He was present in their midst during the deliberations. He delivered His Valedictory Address on the 4th and directed them to accept with faith, the message of spiritual elevation of society as the essential path towards Self-realisation. 

Sri Sathya Sai with the delegate Sadhvis at the Poornachandra Auditorium

Excerpts from that Inaugural Discourse given on January 2nd are given below:

“The Sanatana Dharma (the Eternal Religion) which is the basis of Bharatiya Culture is the essence of the lessons enunciated in all the Vedic texts. This Dharma is the source and spring of various systems of philosophy, codes of morality and even of the different forms and streams of literature. Through these means the Dharma has taught that man cannot live in peace, until he knows what ought to be known, he casts away what has to be cast away, and reaches the goal he has to reach. Veda means awareness, knowledge, discrimination. The four Vedas teach us who and what we really are and how we are related to the world around us. This is the greatest gift that the Vedas offer. This is the end of all enquiry, the aim of all scientific search. 

Knowledge has its consummation in the discovery of Truth. Truth which survives Past, Present and Future unaffected. Satyam, Jnanam, Anantam ‘Both Satyam (Truth) and Jnanam (spiritual wisdom) are Anantam (without end).’ They are eternal and limitless. The Vedas are vocal expressions of both these. To consider Vedas as literature or poetry is to devalue them. Vedic hymns are not intended for empty worship by rituals. They have been recorded by sages to help, practise and to experience. The sages had recognised this factor and therefore, the Vedas have survived untarnished until today. Their practice became Yajnas (sacrificial rituals). Their prayers became songs… 

… Activity finds fulfilment when wisdom dawns. Karma (sanctified activity) is the path by which Jnana (spiritual wisdom) is attained. And, wisdom in action is the highest Karma. Worthwhile activity must result in purifying the mind. Therefore, no one, not even a recluse or monk can desist from engaging in good deeds. These deeds must originate spontaneously and should not leave any trace of pride in the mind. Nor should any attachment to the result of the deed lead to a craving for claiming it for one self. Renunciation must be the only source of joy. Tyaga (self-sacrifice) is the truest Bhoga (enjoyment) for the Sanyasi (ascetic). The Gita recommends 'inaction in action' and asserts that 'inaction is the most rewarding action' for those who strive for supreme peace. This attitude is named Karma Sanyasa (non-attachment to action). Action or activity is generally associated with the body only, but the mind is also busy with the world. The Atma alone is the unaffected witness. So, the secret of 'inaction in action' lies in taking refuge in the Atma and in recognising all living beings as fundamentally Atma. 

The wise act solely for the promotion of peace and goodwill in the human community with no consideration of I and Mine. The ego is deep rooted in man during countless previous lives. It grows fast in this life also, seeking sensual pleasure, possessions in plenty, applause and appreciation, authority over others, fame and fortune. It can be removed only by relentless enquiry into our Reality. 

… While awake, man experiences a variety of relationships. He is interested in a multiplicity of persons, possessions and problems. He passes through joy and grief, praise and ridicule, insult and injury, honour and dishonour. But while engaged in dreams, the entire tangle fades away. He withdraws from the outer world and is wholly his own designer. He projects situations of pleasure and pain, happiness and misery. He plunges into fear and throws himself in despair. He creates both friends and foes and deals with them as the fancy dictates. While asleep, he is no more alert or active. He is alone with the Atma, with his Reality. The Atma, The Self, was his Reality all through the three stages, even when he denied it and ignored it. This Atma is the Truth. That Thou Art. Tat Twam Asi. 

Persons who have dedicated their lives to spiritual search and success have to discover the Atma in themselves and others. The discovery will confer sympathy and compassion and promote loving service. Ashrams (monasteries) of monks must be the centres of spiritual illumination, sources of Ananda and the inspiration to share the Ananda with all. Institutions and Orders arise out of unselfish enthusiasm to serve and save those who have lost their way and are flourishing on trivial pursuits. Fortunately, a long series of saints has upheld in this land these high ideals. The world is in dire distress today. It can be saved only by dedicated men setting an example of high morality, selfless service and Universal Love. Equipped with a calm and serene temper, adhering always to the Truth, man must involve himself in society with full faith in God as Protector and Provider.” 

Sri Sathya Sai with the delegate Sadhus

Excerpts from the Valedictory Discourse given on January 4th are given below:

“... The Sadhus (noble souls) of this country have to consider ways and means to carry the message of Gita to the common man in all lands. You have to transcend the usual method of viewing Gita as mere dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna by elevating it into what it really is a Divine dialogue between Ishvara and Jivi, God and man. The recitation of the Gita is now being encouraged as an end in itself. But that is only a method of spending time beneficially. The Gita is a Path, a Goal, an Achievement. Its purpose is gained by practice and experience. 

The voice of God as message to man, is a gift of grace to all men. But it is interpreted by man along the lines his temperament dictates. The pure, clear message gets contaminated thereby. Later when message is presented in a variety of forms, it produces confusion and conflict. Those who profess to teach and preach religion must avoid such consequences and concentrate on arousing spiritual hunger and satisfying it. There are many who try to cater to people's taste by means of irrelevant stories which tarnish the main spiritual theme. The message can succeed in capturing people's hearts only when it is experienced by the speaker and when his aim is only to inspire others to share his joy. The world's progress depends on the wisdom and altruism of those whom the people trust and follow. The leaders and guides should accept this responsibility and duty. They must be aware, all the time, of the Indweller and instruct others about the same. 

... Sadhus by the very act of renunciation, have placed themselves beyond caste and creed. While engaged in the service of humanity, care has to be taken against mentioning or emphasising these divisive features of the society. God is Almighty. It is sacrilege to ascribe human weaknesses to Him. Myths and legends about the mystery of God contain symbolic meanings, which are ignored. They yield their inner truth only to those who seek. 

Now, rural folk have become clever enough to ask, what benefit society derives from those who don the ochre robe. They expect exemplary lives and sincere, unselfish service. In fact, 'the Sadhana of service is superior to Sadhana aimed at one's own liberation. Worship God in His manifestation as mankind. Everyone is a child of God, whatever the colour, caste, creed, and language. This sense of unity has to be fostered. This is the real Matham (faith), the Abhimatham (true faith), the fulfilment of your Vratam (vow), the fruit of Manava Matam (humanity's faith). Service to man is worship of God. 

You have in you both the talent and the desire to uplift your fellow men. This country needs your service urgently today. God welcomed the urge to manifest the Cosmos. Ekoham Bahusyaam (I am One; I shall become Many), He said to Himself. You must also feel the need to blossom and expand. Derive Ananda in the process, 'possess it and share it, in order to increase it. The Upanishads proclaim the message of courage, of strength. Give up the idea that you are weak and helpless. Na Ayam Atma Balaheenena Labhyah (The Atma cannot be gained by the weak). Believe that you have in you the strength and skill you need. Those who can sing Bhajans (spiritual chorus) can, as a beginning, lead villagers in Nagara Sankirtan (street singing of spirituals) and teach them to sing in groups. Those who can speak on spiritual topics can gather the people, when they have returned from the fields, and explain to them, in simple language the mystery of God, Nature and Man. Persuade them to give up habits that undermine their health and peace. Promote in them the qualities of mutual aid, truthfulness and non-violence.” 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986 – 2005) and Sri Sathya Sai Speaks Volume 20

The Significance of the Life and the Message of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

Only those who are not keen on practising the message will waste their energies in condemning other religions and glorifying their own. And, once you enter sincerely into the path of spiritual practice, the urge to find faults in others or publish one's own excellences will disappear. Such people will celebrate the Birthday of the Founders in a spirit of dedication only, deepening the faith in their hearts and revering its doctrines by more intense practice rather than by more emphatic argumentation. If one has the yearning to reach the goal, one has to follow the path that leads to it. When you learn to reach God, you have to observe the guidelines He has marked out.

You need not dwell on His name, or His lineaments all the time! That may not take you far. But, walk along the Path; every step will bring you near. When you need to reach a village, you have to rise and move towards it; it will not rise and move towards you! When you need to reach God, rise and move, as He has directed you to. By this means alone you can make life worthwhile. Jesus taught simple practical lessons in spiritual advancement for the good of mankind; He manifested Divine Powers to instil faith in the validity of his teachings; he marked out the path that can confer on men the sweet nectar of Ananda. He exhorted people by precept and example to cultivate the virtues of charity, compassion, forbearance, love and faith. These are not separate and distinct qualities, they are only the many facets of the Divine in Man, which he has to recognise and develop.

Significance of the story related to Christ's birth

People talk of the sacrifice of Christ as evidence by His crucifixion. But, he was surrounded and bound, and crowned by the crowd who captured Him with a crown of thorns, and later, nailed to the cross by his captors. A person bound and beaten by the police cannot say that he has sacrificed anything, for, he is not a free man. Let us pay attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made while free, out of his own volition. He sacrificed his happiness, prosperity, comfort, safety and position; he braved the enmity of the powerful. He refused to yield or compromise. He renounced the 'ego', which is the toughest thing to get rid of. Honour Him for these. He willingly sacrificed the desires with which the body torments man; this is sacrifice greater than the sacrifice of the body under duress. The celebration of His birthday has to be marked by your sacrificing at least a desire or two, and conquering at least the more disastrous urges of the ego.

The followers of Jesus have got broken into schisms on various counts; but, the life of Christ is a lesson of Unity. When Christ was on the cross, ill-feelings towards the men who tortured Him troubled Him. Suddenly he heard a voice alerting him. "All Life is One, my dear Son{ Be alike to every one!" This was followed by another admonition, "Death is the Dress of Life." As one casts of the worn clothes and dons another set, so, the soul dons and doffs bodies. Therefore, Jesus was warned against hate and ill-feelings, as well as the lamentation to which man is heir.

Manifestations seen when Christ was born

The lives of such personalities are lived out, in order to establish the welfare of humanity, the prosperity and peace of the world, and individual liberation from bondage to sensual desires and passions. This is illustrated by the strange phenomenons that occur at the time of their Advent. It is believed that when Christ was born there were such manifestations. The ruler of the realm had ordered a census, and each had to be counted in his own village. So Mary and her husband moved along the road that led to his native village. Mary was with child; the pains started midway; they knew no one in the hamlet through which they were passing; so they took refuge in a cowshed. Joseph made ready the space between the cows, and went out into the road at midnight, to seek some woman who could help. But, soon, he heard the Baby's cry. And, the story says, there was a Star in the sky, which fell with a New Light, and this led a few Tibetans and others to the place where the Saviour was born. This story is read and taken on trust by many, though stars do not fall or even slide down so suddenly. What the story signifies is this: There was a huge halo of splendour illuminating the sky over the village when Christ was born. This meant that He, who was to overcome the darkness of evil and ignorance had taken birth, that He will spread the Light of Love in the heart of man and councils of humanity.

Use and misuse of wealth and wisdom

Appearances of splendour, and other signs to herald the era that has dawned are natural when incarnations happen on earth. Jesus was to shatter the darkness that had enveloped the world and the aura of light was a sign that announced the event. The Masters arrive in answer to man's prayer. "Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya" (Lead us from darkness unto Light!) If each one does his duty, in the spirit of dedication, the Light can illumine all, but, if the doors of the heart are shut against the Light, how can darkness disappear? You cannot sit back, and expect the Incarnation to bring peace and joy into you. The incarnation comes to warn, to guide, to awaken, to lay down the path, and shed the light of Love on it. But, man has to listen, learn and obey with hope and faith.

There is a tale told of old that Wisdom and Wealth once quarrelled loud and long, about their relative importance. Wealth argued that without it, the body will be weak, the brain hazy and wisdom a will-o-the-wisp. Wisdom retorted that, without it man cannot even distinguish wealth from non-wealth or know how to earn it or use it. The Soul intervened and told them that they were both equally important, but, only when properly used. Wealth without wisdom becomes an instrument of exploitation and tyranny: wisdom without wealth becomes mere fantasy and a bundle of blueprint. Use makes them worthwhile; misuse makes them disastrous. It is like the knife in the hands of a maniac, which becomes an instrument for murder; in the hands of a surgeon, it becomes an instrument which saves a life! Are you doing good with wealth? Are you benefiting others by means of wisdom? - that is the test. This day, Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Christ, resolve to lead the lives of loving service to the weak, the helpless, the distressed, the disconsolate. Cultivate tolerance and forbearance, charity and magnanimity. Hold dear the ideals He laid down and practise them, in your daily lives.

The best way of celebrating the Birth of Christ

The ways in which Christmas is being celebrated now show how far men have moved away from those ideals, how much ignominy they are heaping on his name! The midnight hour is revered; illumination is arranged; the Christmas Tree is set up; and then, the night is spent in drinking and dance. It is a day of Holy Ananda, but, the Ananda is reduced to the level of the poisoning excitement of intoxication! Drink is so pernicious an evil habit, that when man puts the bottle in, he himself gets into the bottle and cannot escape! First man drinks wine, then the wine drinks more wine; and finally, the wine drinks man himself! He is sunk and drowned in drink. Liquor destroys the humanity in man! How then can it develop the Divinity in him? One must dance in Divine Bliss; instead, sensual dance is indulged in as a deleterious substitute! Make your hearts pure, your activities holy, and your feelings beneficial to all. That is the best way of celebrating the Birth of Christ.

There is one point that I cannot but bring to your special notice today. At the moment when Jesus was merging in the Supreme Principle of Divinity, He communicated some news to his followers, which has been interpreted in a variety of ways by commentators and those who relish the piling of writings on writings and meanings upon meanings, until it all swells up into a huge mess.

Christ's announcement of the Advent of Baba

The statement itself has been manipulated and tangled into a conundrum. The statement of Christ is simple: “He who sent me among you will come again!" and he pointed to a Lamb. The Lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It stands for the Voice - Ba-Ba; the announcement was the Advent of Baba. "His Name will be Truth," Christ declared. Sathya means Truth. "He will wear a robe of red, a blood-red robe." (Here Baba pointed to the robe He was wearing!). "He will be short, with a crown (of hair). The Lamb is the sign and symbol of Love."

Christ did not declare that he will come again. He said, "He who made me will come again." That Ba-ba is this Baba and Sai, the short, curly-hair-crowned red-robed Baba, is come. He is not only in this Form, but, he is in every one of you, as the dweller in the Heart. He is there, short, with a robe of the colour of the blood that fills it.

The great axioms of Bharatiya culture found in the Vedas - Ishwara Sarvabhutaanaam, Isaavasyam Idam Sarvam, Vasudeva Sarvam Idam - "God is the inner Motivator of all beings. All this is enveloped in God, All this is Vasudeva, the Divine" are to be in every one. This is the inner mystery of Incarnation, God incarnating in all! All are One; The One is All. There is only one God; He is Omnipresent. There is only one religion, the Religion of Love; there is only one caste, the Caste of Humanity; there is only one language, the Language of the Heart.

Source: Divine Discourse on December 24, 1972 at Brindavan

The New Year Message from Sri Sathya Sai – By Ashwin Kumar

When a New Year dawns, it brings along with it many subtle gifts. The joys of pleasant memories and the lessons wrought from painful ones. The gift of looking forward with enthusiasm, casting aside failures along the shadowed Year gone by. The gift of hope, rekindled in each man, to look forward to a new world... possibly a better one. 

Truly, every New Year is one, which brings back the excitement and joy in living. That is why it feels so special. In Bhagavan’s presence, even ordinary days take on brighter hues. What to speak of a New Year? We draw so much inspiration from the many lessons we receive each successive year. 

A few of us sat huddled around Bhagavan’s Lotus Feet one memorable New Year eve. Any evening remains memorable in Bhagavan’s presence, but this was one that we would cherish till the end of our lives. “Tomorrow is New Year’s day, My boys,” Bhagavan said. “Are you ready for it?” It was a question which took us all by surprise. Yes, a good deal of mental preparedness would be needed to face a New Year. I’ve always wondered what happens to all of it when Bhagavan pops these little questions at us. We sat not knowing what to say. Bhagavan sat erect, bent forward and asked, “Do you want to know My Message on this New Year?” His eyes glowed with a Divine brilliance as His palm made large circles in the air. All of a sudden, a card appeared in His little palm. It was small, the size of a visiting card, and white in colour. Such a small palm... such a great force. It remains for us to wonder why great power always chooses the gentlest of ways to express itself. Neatly inscribed in beautiful letters of gold, were the following words. 

“The only wealth that you can carry with you after your death is the love of the Lord. You should strive to earn that Love during your life.” “But how?” my mind screamed. The ancients spent years in penance and the intellectuals in debating philosophy. One yearns for the love of God and knows not the means to acquire it. Our goal is clear. Our minds are clouded. The message showered sweet relief. 

“This can be done,” it continued.,. “only by selfless love and by devotion. To earn God’s love, you must dedicate your time, your body and your actions to the service of the Lord.” 

Only the Lord can put so much into so little. In the modern day, as we campaign aggressively in spirituality’s name, so much is said and so little done. We cry ourselves hoarse from public platforms. We can talk endlessly and most of us do just that. Divine love is so deep and we confine it to our shallow speech. Spirituality is so vast. It stagnates in our little pools of thought. The Lord’s message is clear. To win the love of God, we need action, not words. 

The Lord turns seventy five and we scramble around, searching for a little present to offer Him. We try and express the inexpressible. What cannot be expressed in words should be left that way. Instead, let’s take the message from a little card... a Divine little card and take our little steps forward. It would be a beautiful Birthday present. 

- Ashwin Kumar

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Nandana 2000 (75th Birthday Offering)

“Kalam said he was a changed man after coming to Prasanthi Nilayam…”

December 27, 2002 (Friday)

Swami came to Ganesh portico at around 4.00 pm.

Swami : What are boys doing?

Teacher : Swami, they are practising in the grounds for the Sports Meet. Only two weeks are left.

Swami : It will start in the second week of the next month. Tomorrow in Delhi, Kalam (President of India) is going to speak about the Sathya Sai Institute. He will be giving a report about the work done by the Ph.D. boys. 

(Then, Swami called the Vice-Chancellor, Sri S.V. Giri, to the portico. To the Vice-Chancellor) Where is Kalam speaking tomorrow?

V. C. : Tomorrow the President is scheduled to speak at 11.30 am in the Vigyan Bhavan on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the U.G.C. (University Grants Commission).

Swami : He is telling something about our Ph.D. work also.

V. C. : Yes, Swami. He is going to mention about the research on Fluoride and Spectroscopy. Among all the Universities, he liked the atmosphere of our University very much.

Swami : He liked the atmosphere; he liked Swami and everything here. Yesterday, the Prime Minister (Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee), the Deputy Prime Minister (Sri Lal Krishna Advani), Delhi Governor and Kalam – all of them sat together and spoke about our University and Swami for one and half hours. They said that ours is a high-tech College. Vajpayee told that the Ideal Master is there. But who is Ideal Master here?

Teachers : (In chorus) Swami, You only.

V. C. : Swami, Kalam said that he was a changed man after he came to Parthi.

Swami : Kalam said, “I am a changed man.”

Teacher : Swami, is he coming for the Sports Meet?

Swami : I did not tell him to come. I did not permit him. 

Teacher : Swami, once Kalam said, “Sai Baba Ko Abdul Kalam Ka Salaam” (Salutations to Sai Baba from Abdul Kalam).

President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam with Sri Sathya Sai - November 22,2002

Swami : Yes, I remember. In this month’s issue of the Sanathana Sarathi the Convocation procession and Kalam’s speech was published. (To the Vice-Chancellor) Did you see it?

V. C. : Yes, Swami.

Swami : What are boys doing in the ground?

Teacher : Swami, they are practicing bike stunts. Swami it would be nice if You come and see them doing the stunts. It will be encouraging for them.

Swami : I will not come on any other day except on that day. Till now I have travelled in Jatka, Tonga and Tram (different modes of transportation in the earlier days). But never have I travelled on a motorcycle. I sat even on a bicycle. But I never rode it, I only sat on the back.

Teacher : In your school days, Swami?

Swami : Yes. When the place around Karnatanagepalli used to be submerged in water, I had to come around like that.

Teacher : Swami travelled in cars too.

Swami : I have driven all the cars except the BMW. (Then Swami mentioned the names of few cars and said that they were available at very less price in those days.) 

Saying so, Swami started walking towards the interview room at 4.35 pm.

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