Sri Sathya Sai on Meditation Techniques – Part 2

A rare photo taken in a Bangalore photo studio on devotees' insistence

… Continued from Part 1

 

Three Stages of Meditation

Some persons use a Jyoti (lamp) as a basis for meditation. The lamp reveals the oneness that is the basis of the Unity of the Divine as well as the multiplicity that reflects the manifestations of the Divine. In this method, the experience of bliss does not come quickly. There are three stages in  this  type  of  meditation:  Uuha  (imagining  the  Form),  Bhava  (experiencing  the  Form)  and Sakshatkara (seeing It as a Reality). For instance, if one wishes to meditate upon Baba, he first tries to imagine with the dosed eyes the figure of Baba as seen by him earlier. This figure vanishes within a few moments.  In experiencing the figure, the process is longer and the impression also lasts longer. In this process, one starts envisaging the figure from head to foot and from the feet upwards. Gradually, by this process the picture of Baba gets firmly implanted and becomes an inner reality. While the imagining process gives only a momentary glimpse, the experiencing  method  leads  to  the  complete  identification  of  the  seeker  with  the  Divine  Form. Awareness of the Divine results in oneness with the Divine (Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati). When  we  are  experiencing  the  Divine  Form,  what  is  happening  to  our  mind?  The mind experiences every part of the Lord from head to foot and ultimately becomes one with the Form. It  is  the  process  of  identification  of  the  mind  with  the  Divine  form  that  constitutes  true meditation. Meditation is not merging the Form in the mind. It is merging the mind in the Form so that the mind as such does not exist.

Consistent Efforts are Necessary

While sitting for meditation in a group, one should not be in contact with anyone else. This is highly important. Meditation is like the process of electrifying a wire.  If a live wire comes in contact with something, it will produce a shock. During meditation, spiritual energy is generated. How is this energy lost? It is lost through finger nails and the hairs on one's body. This was the reason why the ancient Yogis (spiritually advanced persons) allowed their nails and hairs to grow freely. Spiritual energy has to be conserved by all possible means. The Rishis (saints) practiced silence to conserve the energy lost through speech.

Do not develop too close a relationship with one another.  Such  a close  relationship  results  in intimate  friendship  which  produces  mutual  obligations  and  expectations.  From these arise the sense of ego. When expectations are not fulfilled, resentment emerges. When they are realised, the ego gets inflated. Either way, the consequences of entertaining desires are undesirable. When resentment grows, the discriminating power is weakened. One loses control over his tongue and indulges in all kinds of abuse. Abuse leads to sinful conduct. The whole process is generated by excessive association with one another.

Young  people  tend  to  let  their  minds  wander  hither  and  thither.  They  should  concentrate  on their  studies  and  should  not  give  their  minds  a  free  rein.  They  should  reduce  their  worldly concerns  and  devote  some  time  to  meditation  every  morning  and  evening.  This will help to purify their minds and set them on the road to Divinity. Like the river losing itself in the ocean, the mind must merge in the Divine.  Then, there will be no mind at all.  That blissful state can be realised only through the path of Love. Love is God. Live in Love. Realisation of the power of Love is the true aim of meditation. That Love is utterly selfless and is dedicated to the Divine. Methods of meditation are many, but goal is one.

In  the  practice  of  meditation,  it  should  be  realised  that  all  cannot  follow  the  same  pattern  or method. It varies according to the evolution and circumstances of each individual and his or her capacity and earnestness. Some worship the Supreme as the Universal Mother. Some look upon the Almighty as Father. Some regard God as the Supreme Friend. Some devotees approach the Divine as the  Beloved  or  the Master. Jayadeva, Gauranga and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa belonged to the last mentioned category. They did not practise meditation. They felt the presence of God everywhere. Where could they go for meditation? Such was their experience. To the true Sadhaka  evidence  of  the  omnipresence  of  God  can  be  found  everywhere.  By merely closing one's eyes, one does not engage in meditation. One must feel one's unity with God in one's inner being.

Prayer  is  for  the  mind  what  food  is  for  the  body.  Just as wholesome food gives health and strength to the body, prayer purifies the mind and strengthens the spirit. If Bhajans (devotional songs)  are  done  in  an  ostentatious  manner,  the  ego  gets  bloated.  Young people must proceed from Tamas (the darkness of ignorance) to Tapas (spiritual penance). They must be steadfast in pursuing whatever they take up.  There  is  no  meaning  in  doing  meditation  for  two  days  and giving it up on the third day. Meditation must become an integral part of one's life. Along with it, all the knowledge and skills required for one's profession or vocation should be acquired.

Source: True Meditation, Discourse 5, My Dear Students Volume 2, Divine Discourse at Sri Sathya Sai Hostel on March 11, 1984

The Miracle of Man-Making at Prasanthi Nilayam – By Krishna Kumar Jawandhia

A teacher asked the sixth grade students, to identify the wonders of the world. One student wrote, ‘The greatest wonders of the world are To See, To Hear, To Touch, To Smell, To Feel and above all To Love’. 

I always wonder what has been Swami’s greatest and biggest miracle. Is it the Super Specialty Hospitals, is it the massive Water Project, is it the Value-Based Education system or is it the Global Sai Movement? Each one of them is a miracle in its own realm. But what has inspired me the most is Swami’s wonderful miracle of ‘Man Making’. This cuts across or rather assimilates all the facets of Swami’s activities. Whether it is the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi spread across the world or the Sathya Sai University where students from across the world come to learn, or for that matter the Hospital or the Water Project – each of these wonders are directed to help each one of us who get associated with, to explore, to discover and to recreate our own self into a better human being. 

The Unique Sathya Sai Social Welfare Projects

While I write, my thoughts take me to the year 1994, when I first landed in Prasanthi Nilayam to appear for the MBA entrance examination. Although I could not make it that time, I reappeared for the selection process in 1995, and this time I was Blessed with an admission. Darshan time, rigorous academic schedules, totally packed Hostel routine, supportive teachers, amazing colleagues and above all the ever loving Mother Sai – all of these now appear to be a beautiful dream. These are the most treasured moments of my life.

While our respected teachers taught us the principles of Management, our beloved Mother Sai enlightened us with the principles of life and living. ‘Be a good child to your parents, be a productive member in the organisation where you work, be a responsible member of the society.’

Many a times, I am asked by people, what is it that I have learnt from my two year stay at Prasanthi Nilayam, as part of the academic programme? It’s very difficult for me to pick up any one aspect, as the learning process was an integrated one. But then, one distinct change that took place while being a student at Prasanthi Nilayam has been my silent initiation by Mother Sai into the path of self-development. Am I evolving into a better family member, a productive member for my company, a responsible citizen of my country and above all am I a worthy son of my beloved Mother Sai?

The process is indeed not that easy as it sounds. As an ever loving mother who is concerned about the welfare of Her child, Swami extends His hand at the hour of need and guides us when the chips are down. The most beautiful part is that He helps us in such a manner that we feel strengthened after the event.

Once, a student at the Prasanthi Nilayam Hostel, a good long jumper, injured his foot during a sports event. A cast was put on his leg and he could not come for Darshan as he was unable to walk. A few days passed by and Bhagawan noticed the student’s absence. He enquired about the student from the Warden. Few minutes later, the students in the Mandir saw Swami boarding His car. They were surprised at this sudden development. Swami went straight to the Hostel. A few students, who were yet in the Hostel, were pleasantly surprised at Swami’s visit. However the injured student was blissfully asleep in his room unaware of Swami’s arrival. Swami went to his room, sat on a chair and woke him up. The student could not believe his eyes. Swami asked the student to touch and feel Him, so as to convince him that he was not hallucinating. The student was dumbfounded!  Swami Blessed him and left the room. Needless to say, the student was cured in a few days.

Bhagawan’s Divine touch is truly transformational. It can be as soft as a rose, or as hard as a rod. There is a wonderful story narrated by Prof. Kasturi. There was an attender working in a college in Mysore, where Prof. Kasturi was employed. This attender was a chronic drunkard. He used to beat his wife every day and inflict untold misery on his family members. Unable to bear this suffering, the wife came to Puttaparthi along with her husband and pleaded with Swami to help her. Swami assured her protection and said that He would transform her husband very soon. He Blessed the husband and told him not to harm his wife. However, the husband did not bother about this advice.

During the return journey by train, the husband made his wife travel by the unreserved class, while he got into the reserved class. The compartment was empty, and there was only one other passenger. To his utter astonishment, the other passenger was Swami Himself. But this time, Swami did not appear to be soft and tender. Swami chided the husband, commanding him to behave properly with his wife. When he appeared to take the advice lightly, Swami became ferocious and started beating him. The husband was terrified and decided to change for the better!

Swami remarks that true leadership is transformational leadership. Transformational leadership involves inspiring people, and motivating them for a higher purpose. This can take place only through personal example. Swami says that the first three letters of the word ‘Manager’ is ‘Man’. Therefore a good manager should in the first place, be a good man. Swami wants all of us to aspire to be ‘good’ rather than ‘great’. Character is more important than knowledge. A great person may be educated, but a good person is also disciplined, which stands with him throughout his life.

The greatest of all joys is the joy of exploring, knowing and developing oneself into a better human being so as to make a powerful, purposeful and self-satisfying contribution in the life of others and in one’s own life. 

    -    Krishna Kumar Jawandhia

Student (1995-1997), Department of Management Studies
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Currently, Founder and CEO, GoMo Tech, Mumbai

Source: Fragrance 2005

When the Greek Sports World Champions came to Sri Sathya Sai

October 1, 1997

Swami     : (To a teacher) Today’s paper for the 1st year MBA students was difficult.  Those who did B.Sc. and Engineering, for them it was difficult, but for the B.Com students, it was easy because it was Accounts. 3rd is the last exam – Rural Development (II year MBA/MFM) - easy paper. Swami has spoken many times about that topic. 

Teacher     : Swami Itna Patience Kaisa Develop Karta Hai? (How do You develop so much of patience?) 

Swami     : (After a pause) It is My nature. Today I gave interview to Greek people. (Pointing to a tall man in the group)  He is a world champion in high jump. 

Teacher     : World number three, Swami. 

Swami     : How do you know? 

Teacher     : I met him, Swami. 

Swami     : Yes, world number three. In that group, one lady has also gone to the moon. One girl is the 3000 meters running champion. (Then He called the leader of the group)  See how he is coming, with lot of devotion. (To the devotee) From where have you come? 

Devotee     : From You. 

Swami     : They came walking from Bangalore chanting - Om Sri Bhagavan Sathya Sai Babaya Namaha, with each step. 

Devotee     : Yes Swami. 

Swami     : What did you have for food? 

Devotee     : Swami, we had bananas and coconut water. 

Swami     : How did you carry the luggage? 

Devotee     : Swami, no luggage… only one small bed.  We slept in the temples at night. 

Swami     : So many sports people are coming from Greece. 

Devotee     : In the newspapers, they write so much about You in Greece.  

Teacher     : Ultimately everybody has to come to You. 

Swami     : Yes. 

Devotee     : Swami, Padanamaskar. 

Swami     : Why Padanamaskar? 

Devotee     : You are My Lord, Swami. 

Swami     : Chesko (do). (To students) See, how much devotion he has.

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

The first Sathya Sai Bhajan Mandalis established in Bangalore

October 1944

Sri Tirumala Rao and family with Sri Sathya Sai

Accompanied by Sri Narasimha Rao Naidu, Baba visited Sri Tirumala Rao’s house on St. John’s Road, Bangalore, staying there intermittently for a few months. Hundreds of people went to have His Darshan. The food prepared for the devotees, though seemingly little in quantity would miraculously cater to all those present. In 1944, Sri Seshagiri Rao, with the blessings of Baba, started Bhajans in various houses on all Thursdays. Baba materialised 5 photographs of Shirdi Baba and gave them to the 5 initial Bhajan groups. By the following year, ‘Bhajan Mandalis’ were formally established.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

What is the Significance of worshipping Ganesha?

Vinayaka means one who removes all obstacles in the way of fulfilling any action. Vinayaka also demonstrated the truth that His Divine parents (Parameshwara and Parvati) were the two to whom he owed his birth and existence and whom he should seek as his redeemers. This is the reason he is described as Vinayaka and Vighneshwara (The Lord of Obstacles). He is also called Ganapati - the Lord of all the Ganas (the host of spirits). There is an inner meaning for this name. Ganapati is known for his supreme intelligence. It is because of this intelligence, he is able to keep under his control the vast array of spirits. Only the person who has Sukshma buddhi (acute power of intellect) can realise this nature of Divinity. Saint Tyagaraaja enquired whether one needed refined intelligence to recognise the Lord. How could a monkey (Hanumaan) cross the ocean? How could Lakshmi attain the Lord? How could Yashoda bind Krishna? How could Bharata enjoy the glory of Raama without satiety? All this was due to the power of supreme devotion to the Lord. There was nothing greater than devotion to Rama, declared Tyagaraja. 

Ganapati, who was endowed with supreme intelligence which enabled him to understand the all-encompassing nature of the Divine, subjected himself to a test by which he could impart to the world this intelligence. Parameshwara invited His two sons, Vinayaka and Subrahmanya, to go round the world and said that whoever completed the trip first would get a fruit immediately. Subrahmanya mounted his peacock and set out on the race with zest. Ganesha's claim for completing the trip round the world Ganapati, who was cast in a big mould and had as his vehicle a mouse, was apparently no match for his younger brother. How could he hope to go round the world? Seeing Ganesha complacently sitting there, without joining the race, the 'Divine parents asked him why he had not yet started on his trip. They urged him to get busy. But Ganapati continued to enjoy what he was eating and seemed to be in no hurry to make a start. A little while later, seeing that Subrahmanya was approaching the place, Ganapati circumambulated his parents and sitting before them claimed that he had gone round the world. Parvati asked him: "Without going round the world, how can you claim you have done so merely by going round us?" Ganesha replied: "Oh, Mother, the whole earth is permeated by both of you. If I go round you, is it not equal to going round the whole world? What is the purport of statements such as: Eeshaavaasyam Idam Sarvam (All this is inhabited by the Lord), Vasudeva Sarvam Idam (Vasudeva is everything)? You are Omnipresent and to go round you is equivalent to circling the Universe," he said. Parameshwara presented a fruit to Vinayaka and said: "Because you have a keen intellect, you shall be the master of all the spirits." It is for this reason that Vighneshwara is worshipped by one and all before performing any auspicious function, whether it is entering a new house or performing a marriage ceremony or any other religious function. 

It must also be noted that the Lord's family is an ideal one, maintaining harmony and peace in spite of the antagonistic elements present amongst them. The vehicles of Shiva (the bull), Parvati (the lion), Ganesha (the mouse) and Subrahmanya (the peacock) are in their natural state inimical to each other. But living in the presence of the Lord they shed their enmity and live at peace. Harmony in the Divine family shows that where there is Divinity there is peace and amity. Hatred and jealousy arise when the Omnipresence of the Divine is forgotten or ignored. 

Holy days like Vinayaka Chaturthi should be celebrated only to remind ourselves of such sacred truths and to sanctify our minds and lives accordingly. They should not be treated as holidays for feasting and merry making. Ganapati should be worshipped so that all the Ganas (spirits) become friendly and helpful to us. Tyagaraja sang that if he has the Daivanugraham (Lord's grace) all the Grahas (planets) will be in his grasp. 

We must purify our hearts so that the Lord may shower His grace on us. All education, all mastery of the scriptures and all kinds of worship will be of no avail if the heart is not filled with qualities like love, compassion and forbearance. 

Source: Divine Discourse on September 10, 1984, Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir

The Sea Called Sri Sathya Sai – By Sanjeev Abbi

Sanjeev Abbi with Sri Sathya Sai

Very often, when I need a little booster, I read this poem displayed on the wall of my office room. 

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very handsome man,

And wished I were as handsome.

When suddenly he rose to leave,

I saw him hobble down the aisle.

He had one leg and wore a crutch,

But as he passed, he passed a smile.

Oh, Bhagawan, forgive me when I whine,

I have two legs; the world is mine. 

I stopped to buy some candy,

The lad who sold it had such charm.

I talked with him, he seemed so glad,

If I were late, it’d do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me, “I thank you,

You’ve been so kind.

It’s nice to talk with folks like you,

You see,” he said, “I’m blind.”

Oh, Bhagawan, forgive me when I whine,

I have two eyes; the world is mine. 

Later while walking down the street,

I saw a child I knew.

He stood and watched the others play,

But he did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,

“Why don’t you join them dear?”

I forgot, he couldn’t hear.

Oh, Bhagawan, forgive me when I whine,

I have two ears; the world is mine. 

With feet to take me wherever I go,

With eyes to see the sunset’s glow,

With ears to hear what I want to know,

Oh, Bhagawan, forgive me when I whine,

I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine. 

Then I wonder why, when by Bhagawan’s Grace, all of one’s body parts and senses are intact and functioning properly; when one has been provided with food, clothing and shelter, is one still unhappy? Why does one get perturbed by the other person’s success, happiness, contentment and mental peace? He broods over the good fortune of others rather than being grateful to Bhagawan for having bestowed His Grace on him. Bhagawan has said, “I separated Myself from Myself so that I can love Myself”. 

We are all small drops in the ocean called Sai. We have come from Him and will merge in Him. Then why is it that we do not develop love and a feeling of brotherhood for each other? Why is there hatred, greed, anger and jealousy amongst us? This is because some where down the line, man has deviated from the path of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa and has got embedded in materialism.

Man is a spark of Divinity as he has originated from the Divine and merges back into Him – today or tomorrow. Thus each one of us has a relationship with Bhagawan. This relationship with Bhagawan is sacred and direct, with no interference or mediation by any other being – even his nearest and dearest ones. Does this mean that man should not care for the well being of others? The idea is not to project an image of man, wherein he moves on the spiritual path towards Bhagawan, ignoring his worldly duties towards his less fortunate brothers and sisters. The emphasis is that for one’s own Spiritual Sadhana, one develops a one-to-one relationship with Bhagawan. As he moves towards Bhagawan, his negative qualities give way to positive ones; his vision broadens and then it encompasses the entire mankind as one. It is during this transition stage of Sadhana that man develops and inculcates the values of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa and puts them into practice. 

Sitting for Darshan, during the early days of my life at the Institute in Parthi, and at the start of my journey of Sadhana towards Bhagawan, I was often perturbed, sometime or the other, by the following questions: 

1) Why does Bhagawan talk to him and not to me?

2) Why does Bhagawan give him interviews and not to me?

3) Why does Bhagawan speak to him so sweetly and lovingly, but only glares at me?

4) Why was I not lucky enough to have come under Bhagawan’s fold in the year 1960 instead of decades later? 

‘Why this and Why that’ – is how I used to spend time in Bhagawan’s presence – both physical and omnipresence. Then one day Bhagawan opened my eyes as I came in contact with a devotee friend of mine, who narrated to me the following incident. 

Few years back, two blind people came to Parthi for Bhagawan’s Darshan, after hearing about His healing powers. Bhagawan took both of them inside for an interview. After the interview, when both of them came out, to the amazement of all those who were seated in the portico, the vision of one of them had been restored. Those who were witness to this miracle sympathized with the person whose vision was not restored. Nothing is hidden from Bhagawan. Aware of what was happening, Bhagawan said, “In his (the man whose vision had not been restored) previous birth, he had pierced the eyes of his friend with the help of a sharp-edged weapon, and as a result of his action, he is reaping the fruits in this birth. If I want I can restore his vision, but then, the problem is that he has to suffer the consequences of his actions. He cannot escape it. If I do restore his eyesight, then the period for which he has to suffer the consequence of his action will be passed over to the next birth. It is better if he is freed in this birth itself.” 

On hearing this incident, I felt guilty. I then realised how narrow man’s vision is. He takes the present into consideration, whereas Bhagawan takes into consideration, the past, present and the future. After this incident, there were times when I observed Bhagawan talking to one person and ignoring the other; taking the letter from one who was sitting very far from Him and ignoring the ones sitting next to Him; blessing one with several interviews or talking to a wealthy person, etc., but never did I entertain any doubts. Being human, the mind would however not stop giving way to doubts and thus the only solace I had, was to chant Bhagawan’s Name. 

No man can answer these questions. No one can predict Bhagawan. The greatest miracle of Bhagawan is to take a human form and walk among mankind. Each one of us need to only concentrate on Sai, our relationship with Him and take from Him what He has come to give us. To become a proper vessel in order to receive what He has come to give us, each one of us has to follow our path of Sadhana, and develop a one to one relationship with Him, so as to rise above the mundane matters and broaden our horizons to see ‘The same Soul in you as the Soul in me.’ 

At this juncture I am reminded of a story in which God comes down on earth to remind mankind about His existence. In this endeavour, God works through a little girl. In the end, after the Mission has been accomplished, God profusely appreciates the little girl’s efforts. After thanking her, as God is about to leave the earth, the little girl runs up to Him and embraces Him and says, “Thank you God for giving me a role in this Mission of yours as even without me your Mission would be achieved.” 

Bhagawan has given us all this unique opportunity to improve ourselves by being a part of His Mission. As each day passes, millions more are being brought under His fold. 

He has come for everyone. Each person has his own personal experience which has brought him to Bhagawan’s Feet. This points towards a one-to-one relationship which Bhagawan wants us to develop and nurture in our spiritual journey from- ‘I and SAI’ to ‘SAI and We’ and ultimately to ‘SAI and SAI’. 

It is towards this goal that we need to direct our energies everyday – at office or at home, during business hours or at leisure, during the thick and thin, during success and during failure. Let us reaffirm our pledge to play our role in His Mission. 

- Sanjeev Abbi

Student (1988-1990), Department of Management Studies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Deputy General Manager, Neptune India Ltd., Noida 

Source: Fragrance 2005

“… Should we give up Pooja and all other acts of worship?”

September 18, 1992 

Some students had gone in the front to present Swami with a card expressing all the students’ gratitude and joy at being blessed by Swami by His Divine visit to the Hostel. Swami saw the card and said, 

Swami : Thank you? Tank you? Tank you! I am not ‘Tank You’. I am ‘Tank of Love’. 

Bhagavan then finished Darshan and came straight to one of the elders and said, 

Swami : Today, there is not a single day without a Bandh (strike). Everyone wants to organise a Bandh. Why does not anyone understand the inconvenience caused to the people? Patients cannot be taken to the hospital; many important tasks cannot be fulfilled. The best thing to do would be to levy a heavy fee on the sponsors of the Bandh. No one will then come forward with the idea of a Bandh anymore! Your organisation started as a religious organisation, but now it is full of politics only! Anyway, what is this you are all doing? Why don’t the concerned parties come to a mutual understanding and solve the matter between yourselves? 

Devotee : Swami, we have agreed on many things. But the government always disapproves and obstructs. 

Swami : How can anyone obstruct when you both agree on something? If the bride and bridegroom are willing, the marriage can be performed even in a police station without a priest or a temple! If you both parties have really come to a beneficial understanding, the government will also see the point and agree! 

Devotee : Swami, You must tell… (Swami cut him off and said…) 

Swami : Me? Tell what? I do not wish to involve Myself into politics. My only intention is to take care of all creation - ‘Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu’. My only aim is to make everyone happy. I do not take sides. I do things to make everyone happy. Why do you think Ravana, Shishupala, Hiranyakashyap and others of their like were killed? It was for everybody’s good. Whatever I do, I do it for everybody’s welfare. (Changing the topic) Why did you not come yesterday? It was a very good programme. (To students) Are the boys all happy? 

Students : Yes, Swami. Very happy! 

Swami : (To a Devotee ) Yesterday I was talking about how Kama, Krodha, Moha and Lobha lead man to develop enmity with God and bring total ruin.(Swami then narrated the examples from Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Mahabharata to illustrate how Ravana, Hiranyakashyap and Duryodhana were ruined due to their vices.) These sacred texts are all ‘Acharana Granthas’ Texts which are read and practiced). In my view all sacred texts - Bible, Koran, Guru Granth - all of these are ‘Acharana Granthas’ only. What is the use of rituals and blind reading of these texts? One must practice them. Merely thinking of Bangalore is of no help. It is only by going there that some benefit might arise. 

Devotee : Swami, then should we give up Pooja and all other acts of worship? 

Swami : I never said that. I only said that mere rituals would be of no help. Rituals must be accompanied by the practice of sacred truths as well to give some benefit. Fish cannot survive without water, but water can exist without fish, isn’t it? What is real spirituality after all? It is not the rituals that you speak of. It is the killing of the animal qualities within us and rediscovering the Divinity within. It can be obtained through Acharana only, not just Parayana. Here, in our Institute also, boys are taught more of practical knowledge than mere bookish knowledge. 

(To a Professor) Our boys are taught to speak softly and in low voice here. 

(Speaking in general about the Super Speciality Hospital) 

The biggest disease is the disease of fear, not the heart disease. But here, villagers and small children are also now smilingly declaring, ‘‘Tomorrow is my operation’’. There is absolutely no fear. In our hospital, people are given milk, ice cream and fruit juice. Seeing the beds so neat they refuse to sleep on them lest they be soiled! They sleep on the floor despite being told that the cots have been specially provided for them. People find it hard to believe but actually, in our hospital, operation is on the first day, eating idlis on the next day, and the third day discharge! We aim at only giving them a good health. They are forced to leave the hospital because waiting list is very long. We have just finished 1,000 cases and there are thousands more waiting. We are shortly starting Urology Department also. We are now having a machine that can do away with operations to remove kidney stones. In a matter of minutes, it will powder the stones, so that it can be flushed out with the urine. This does away with surgeries which are time consuming! 

Swami then introduced an elderly gentleman from Australia and said, 

Swami : In India, even if people get a little old, they tell, ‘I am so old. Let me do my Pranams to God from here itself!’ But this person is determined to come here and has come. A strong determination is needed to achieve anything! 

At the end of it Swami had spent close to an hour outside with the boys. It brought a blissful evening session to a close with the song sung by a student from the 8th standard- “Entha Hai, Entha Hai, Eenadu… (Oh what a joyous day it is today!)” 

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

Top Indian Badminton Players at Sri Sathya Sai International Sports Center

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 

Sri Sathya Sai with the Players

A badminton tournament was held in Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports on 11th September, 2007, in the afternoon. The top ranking badminton players of India took part in this match. They were: Anup Sridhar, Chetan Anand, Kashyap P., Guru Sai Dutt, Sanave Thomas, Pullela Gopichand, Diju V. and Akshay Devalkar. The students and staff of Bhagavan’s educational institutions and devotees watched these doubles and singles matches. 

Sri Sathya Sai with the Players 
after the match

Bhagavan arrived at the Indoor Stadium at 4.00 pm on 11th afternoon. Soon after His arrival, the players and officials were introduced to Bhagavan. A doubles match between Diju V. and Akshay Devalkar on one side and Sanave Thomas and Pullela Gopichand on the other was then played in the presence of Bhagavan. At the conclusion of this match, Bhagavan blessed the players and materialised Vibhuti for them. After this, Bhagavan returned to Sai Kulwant Hall in order to bless the devotees during Bhajans. 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (2006-2011)

What is the Significance of Ganesha’s Names and Forms?

Lord Ganapati

The great message of Ganapati Knowledge of the seer and the seen is the great message of Ganapati, whose advent we are celebrating today. ‘Ga’ means Buddhi (intelligence). 'Na' means Vijnana (wisdom). 'Pati' means master. So, Ganapati is the master of all knowledge, intelligence and wisdom. There is also another significant meaning for the word, that He is the Leader of all the Ganaas who are celestial. He is also called Vinayaka, which term means that he is one who has no master above Him. He is the Supreme master. He is beyond the mindless stare. One who has stilled the mind cannot have any master. 

Without understanding this truth, we think of the physical form of Vinayaka with the elephant head and human body. Whenever people want to commence any undertaking or start learning music or the fine arts or any branch of knowledge, they first offer worship to Vinayaka. 

He is also called Lambodara, which means Guardian of Wealth - Lakshmi Svarupa. Here Lakshmi represents all wealth and prosperity and not only Dhanam (money) for which there is a separate deity called Dhanalakshmi, one of the eight Lakshmis. Here wealth means Sukha and Ananda (pleasure and bliss). What is the use of having all other things when one has no pleasure or bliss? 

Ganapati endows us with supreme intelligence 

Ganapati is one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with supreme intelligence. These two are termed as Siddhi and Buddhi respectively. Siddhi and Buddhi are described as his two consorts. As He is the Adhipati (master) of Siddhi and Buddhi, he is regarded as their husband in mundane terms. Vinayaka has no desire and hence there is no need for Him to have wife and children. He is worshipped by people in this country since very ancient times. There is historic evidence that the worship of Vinayaka has been in vogue even in other countries such as Thailand, Japan, Germany and U.K. 

Adoration of Vinayaka as Prathama Vandana (First deity to be saluted) has been mentioned in the Vedas. Ganapati Tatva finds a place in the Vedas and Upanishads. Reference to Him is made in the Gayatri also. He is one who instils purity in body, and fearlessness in the mind. It is said, ‘Tanno Dantih Prachodayaat’, giving importance to his tusk. Some people, out of ignorance, comment upon the big animal form of this Primal Deity and question how one with such a huge form can ride on a small Mushika (mouse) which is depicted as His vehicle. Mushika is symbolic of the darkness of ignorance, while Ganesha signifies the effulgence of Wisdom that dispels the darkness of ignorance. 

Significance of steam-cooked offering 

Even the offering that is made to Ganesha has great significance because it is prepared with gram flour and jaggery or pepper and enclosed in an outer covering made form flour paste and then cooked in steam without using oil. This is supposed to be a healthy and delicious food item according to the Ayurvedic system. Modern doctors also recognise the importance of such steam-cooked idlis (rice cakes) which they recommend as post-operative diet for patients as it is easily digestible. Jaggery too has the property of controlling gas formation and this food item gives relief from eye troubles and prevents gastric disorders. 

In the ancient traditional mode of observing these festivals, great emphasis was laid on good health as the pre-requisite for spiritual pursuits with a healthy mind. For achieving the four goals of human life – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (Righteousness, Wealth, Desire and Liberation), one should have basically a healthy body. If you want to earn wealth by righteous means and cherish desires which lead to liberation, you should have sound health. 

Vinayaka is also called Vighneshvara as He removes all obstacles coming in the way of devotees who pray to Him sincerely. He is worshipped by students with books so that all that is contained in the books may get into their heads. Now-a-days people are only after Dhanam (money). Whatever scholarship one may attain, whatever power and position one may enjoy, one cannot be happy without the peace of mind that is got by pure devotion. One may have immense physical strength, one may pursue the path of meditation and penance, one may acquire profound knowledge, but all these attainments will be of no avail unless one acquires knowledge of the eternal – Satyam, Jnanam, Anantam Brahma. 

Symbolic significance of elephant head 

The symbolic significance of Ganesha's elephant head has to be properly understood. The elephant has profound intelligence. For example, yesterday Sai Geeta, (Bhagavan's elephant) came running when it heard the sound of Swami's car approaching. Though many cars were following Swami's car, Sai Geeta could unmistakably identify Swami's car from an uncanny recognition of the sound of the car. That is why it is termed Gaja Thelivi (elephant intelligence). One having a sharp brain is described as having the intelligence of an elephant. It has Medha Shakti. Moreover, the elephant has large ears and it can hear even minute sounds. Shravanam (hearing the glory of the Lord) is the first step in spiritual Sadhana for which ears should be sharp. After hearing one has to ruminate over this and put it into practice which are termed as Shravana, Manana and Nidhidhyasana. The elephant takes the Dushana and Bhushana (praise and blame) equally. When it hears something bad, it moves its body this way and that way and shakes off the unwanted things while it retains goods things quietly. Only Vinayaka reaches the lessons that are essential for mankind. You should not stop with installing the idol and doing Puja for a few days. You should make efforts to become a Nayaka or Master over yourself. You have the nine-fold path of devotion. Shravanam (hearing), Keertanam (singing His glory), Vishnu Smaranam (thinking of and chanting the name), Paada Sevanam (serving at His feet), Vandanam (obeisance), Archanam (worship), Dasyam (serving Him as a servant serves the Master), Sakhyam (befriending God), Atma Nivedanam (surrendering body, mind and soul). The elephant signifies combining of the first and the last, that is Shravanam and Atma Nivedanam, so that all the other paths in between are covered fully. 

When a man is born he does not have round his neck any necklace of pearls or gems or any possessions. But he is endowed by Brahma with the garland of the effects of his past actions, good or bad, which hangs invisibly around his neck. If you do good you will enjoy good results and if you are bad you will not escape suffering the consequences thereof. 

The lessons of sacrifice that Vinayaka taught 

Lord Ganapati writing the Mahabharata as Sage Vyasa dictates

The teaching of Vinayaka is one of sacrifice. You may not heed the contents of the Puranas, but you should not miss the vital principles which they convey to mankind. When Vinayaka was writing the Mahabharata to the dictation of Sage Vyasa, the latter laid down the condition that Vinayaka should go on writing non-stop whatever Vyasa said. But Vinayaka also stipulated a condition that Vyasa should never stop his dictation but should go on without a break. While he was writing, Vinayaka's pen broke and he did not hesitate to break one of his tusks to use it as a pen. That is why he is called Ekadanta or one with a single tusk. This is a shining example of the spirit of sacrifice that Vinayaka exhibited for the welfare of humanity. That is why the Vedas proclaim that it is only by sacrifice one can attain immortality. 

Source: Divine Discourse on September 9, 1994, Prasanthi Nilayam

Moments of Revelation in the proximity of Sri Sathya Sai – By Rabin Kumar Diyali

As I sit alone in a rather pensive mood, making a vain attempt to frame a mental resume of my student life at His lotus feet, the thought overawes me that, in fact, seven precious summers have passed since I entered the portals of this Paradise. It is unbelievable…for, was it not only yesterday that I joined Bhagavan’s college? Verily one forgets to keep track of time when one is living with the Eternity itself. 

The thought gives me joy with a tinge of sorrow, for when I try to peep into the inner recesses of my heart to find the glow of His love; I at once discover that He has been unfailing in His bountiful love for me. In spite of knowing that He is the way and the goal for all of us, without whom our lives would not be of any meaning or taste, we fail to understand His Love. Has He not said that His is the Love of a thousand mothers? 

Yet on a number of occasions, He has reminded us to realise the Divinity in Him and not to be deluded by external appearances. Through parables and examples, jokes and stories, He has been constantly trying to drive home this truth in all of us. 

One such golden moment came in my life on a bright morning. The day was the 7thof November, 1984. All of us were eagerly awaiting Swami’s Darshan. As He came out, He picked up four boys and I was among those fortunate four. Swami directed us to go to His room in the Mandir, to clean and tidy up the room. 

After going round the devotees and granting them the much coveted Darshan, Swami came straight into the room, where we were cleaning. We all stood in front of Him with folded hands. Swami in His characteristic and Divine way proceeded to grant me one of the rarest moments of my life. 

Swami pointed at a deer skin which was rolled and kept on a rack and addressed one of the boys, “Take this deer skin to the Himalayas and do Tapasya there.” For a moment the boy was nonplused and puzzled- “Did He really mean it? Is Swami telling seriously or is it meant to be a pleasant joke?” There was silence for a few seconds, while Swami waited for an answer from us. Swami looked at me and asked, “Is it good to do Tapasya in the Himalayas?” I replied, “Yes Swami”. But this answer did not satisfy Him. He Himself said, “Do you not realise that the result of all Tapasya is here?”, and pointed at Himself. He thus gave us a glimpse of His Divinity that there is no need to do Tapasya in the Himalayas when the result of all such endeavors was right in front of us. He continued, “Whenever I give Darshan to those who are engaged in penance in the Himalayas, even for a few seconds, they feel extremely blissful for having attained that vision of God and they regard it as a great experience. But you all are having My Darshan every morning and evening, yet you never realise the value of it.” 

He further gave a beautiful illustration saying, “Whenever people desire to see an elephant, they go to the forest. And by chance if they see even the tail of an elephant whose body might have been hidden among the bushes and shrubs, they feel immense joy for having seen an elephant. In your case, there is an elephant (Sai Geeta) in front of your hostel. But you do not pine to see her, because she is a familiar sight.” 

Thus, we must realise the value of His Divine Darshan from these beautiful examples. Since we are blessed with opportunity to be near Him, we should make the best use of each and every moment of our life here. Sometimes, we may be confused by delusion and despair. In such moments, we must pray to Swami for His benign grace so that we may always feel His presence within us. 

- Rabin Kumar Diyali

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday Offering)