What is Atma? Where is Atma?

Students!   

The senses are not the Atma. The sense organs can touch and see, but the Atma is different. You may say, ‘I saw the tree, I saw the tree’. But the ‘I’ has no relationship with the sense organs. Sight is related to the Atma. But the eye is a sense organ. That which stands between the sense organ and the vision is the Atma. That which makes sound perceptible to the ear is the Atma. The eye has the capability only to see.  Ears have the capability only to hear. The tongue can only taste. Each of the sense organs can do only one function. But the sense organs cannot carry out their function completely on their own. Eye can see and not hear. Ears can hear but not see. Hence, each of the sense organs is bestowed with one only one function. It is only Divinity that has all the powers. 

The sky is reflected in a pot filled with water. The sky is seen as a reflection in the pot only as long as the pot has a form. Once the pot is broken, the sky is no longer seen. Where has the sky gone? It has its existence. The sky did not come inside the pot. Neither did it go back when the pot was broken. It was visible so long as there was water in the pot. The sky is reflected in the water, and once the water flows out, the reflection of the sky also vanishes. In the same way, our body is like a pot and the mind is like the water. The Atma must always be reflected in this mind. It will be reflected as long as the pot is unbroken. It is there even after the pot is broken but is not visible. We cannot argue of its existence because it is no more inside the body. Hence it is said ‘Atmavat Sarvabhutani’, which means that Atma, which is all pervasive and existing for all times, alone is the truth. 

The Atma is limitless. It is called Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram (Truth, Purity and Beauty). These three words look different but they represent the same principle. Without purity, there is no truth. Without truth there is no beauty. Beauty gives glow. Truth lets you know the real nature of any object or a person. Thus, with the help of the other two, purity gives brightness to objects or persons. The united form of all these three components is the principle of Atma. 

This is cloth (showing His kerchief). What is the basis for this cloth? Thread is the basis of this cloth. Where did this thread come from? The thread comes from cotton. The true form of all these three different objects is the same. In the same way, truth, purity and beauty are three different words but the meaning they convey is the same. So also is the case with love, beauty, sweetness and glow. One of our ninth class boys talked about these words. There is no difference in these words. The meaning they convey is the same. When the heart melts, love flows. When this love ripens, it translates into beauty. When beauty is experienced it becomes sweetness. In the state of sweetness, everything looks glorious.

First comes the flower. When the petals of the flower gradually drop off, it transforms into a young berry. When this is protected, it grows and forms a ripe fruit. In all these four stages, the content matter is same. But there is huge difference in the sweetness of the unripe fruit and the ripe fruit. The unripe fruit may have an astringent taste. But as it ripens, it becomes sour and once it completely ripens, it becomes sweet. Where from did this sweetness come? It came from the astringent taste. In the same manner, if love is used as an aspect to melt the heart, it gives you beauty. When beauty is tasted, it becomes sweetness. Sweetness is the real component of the Atma. Hence be sweet all the time. That is why the Madhurashtakam says – ‘Eyes are sweet, words are sweet, everything is sweet and the Lord of Mathura (Krishna) is sweetest of all.’ Because of this sweetness, the whole world glows and becomes magnificent. Beauty, joy and sweetness are not the qualities of external objects. These are the qualities within. 

Source: Education for Social Welfare, Discourse 10, My Dear Students Volume 5; Divine Discourse on July 2, 1989 at Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam

“Swami I Want You…” - By Divij Desai

My first impressions of God were those of someone who could assume any form, as someone who would be bigger than the biggest and concurrently smaller than the smallest. I often conjectured how I should visualise my God, as someone who could appear in myriad colours, as one who possess imaginary weapons, and had the entire creation within Him. More startlingly, my imagination even led me to conclude that He was more of a punisher than a boon giver, as someone who was always framed in photographs and lived only in idol fortuitously. One day, these impersonations and beliefs changed to a perception of a beautiful, loving and affectionate God. 

It was the 16th of November, 1995 when I was seated in an august assembly with devotees from all over the world in the Sai Kulwant Hall. I had managed a place in front row. When Swami arrived I rose to offer a tray with Akshatas (rice grains) and said “Swami, today is my birthday.” “Achha, Phir Swami Bless Karta Hai.” (Is that so, then Swami is blessing you). He then took some Akshatas from the tray and showered it on my head. This was my first face-to-face interaction with Bhagavan and I had got my reply. 

God is not someone who would demand years of penance, who would tell His devotees and prove His heroics. That interaction offered a new image of God. Till then, Swami was restricted just to photos and distant Darshan. It was then that I realised that God is someone just like us, but with a difference. He is the most powerful yet tender, all-knowing yet compassionate and munificent. And if we were to take thousands of births hereafter and spend every second of it in reciting the Lord’s glory we would still drop short of describing it fully. I often wondered why they refer to Him as God when He looks, talks, walks, eats and drinks just like us. To this query, my heart whispered only one answer. He is like all of us, so as to teach us that we all can become like Him. The very purpose of our life should be to become ‘like Him’ or to become ‘one with Him’. 

The beautiful and serene face of Bhagavan reflects Kshama (forgiveness). It is His Kshama that renders us happy and joyous. Each one of us has a story of our own. And these stories have a lot of good deeds and bad deeds as well, with the latter dominating the former in the lives of most of us. But when we face the Lord, He sees us as a clean slate. He erases all our erroneous writings. Though He reflects our own self for the Lord Himself is a clean and a pure mirror, He wipes away every mistake of ours every time we face Him and gives us a new lease of life. 

Swami has often stated the fact that by developing Kshama one evolves as a human being. And that is why He declares, “Forget the harm that others have done to you; forget the good that you have done to others.” 

The Vedas proclaim: 

Tyagenaike Amrutatva Manashuhu

(Immortality can be attained only through sacrifice.)

Bhagavan is the greatest example that the world can ever witness in this aspect. Many a time we would have heard of Bhagavan taking upon Himself a calamity in order to save a devotee from danger. I am reminded of one such incident, which took place when I was studying in my final year at the Brindavan campus. Bhagavan was down with an injury due to an apparent mishap. He did not come out to give Darshan for almost a fortnight. People all across the globe prayed only for Bhagavan’s health. Students, devotees, all young and old, had only one prayer in their heart - a prayer to Bhagavan to heal Himself as fast as possible. 

After a month when things were back to normal, an elderly devotee of Bhagavan mustered some courage and asked, “Swami, was this necessary? Why did You take this injury upon Yourself? It was so painful for us to see You in that condition.” And Bhagavan replied, “Listen. When I was hurt, every heart prayed only for Me. For once there was the spirit of unity in prayers all across the planet. And, when there is such harmony in thought the world over, do you know how many of your sins will be washed away. And if your sins are washed away, will you not be happy, and if you are happy will I not be happy?” 

Bhagavan had undertaken physical pain and trouble to wipe away our sins. Is there any greater example of sacrifice? If someone were to ask us what makes us believe that Sai Baba is God, what would we say? It is not because He can transmute earth into heaven or metamorphose night into day. The apposite reason is that He loves us more than we love ourselves. He loves us to such an extent that He is ready to sacrifice anything for our sake. In fact, by keeping a smiling face in spite of being under physical pain, Bhagavan teaches us the greatest lesson of keeping away from body attachment. 

“Love is life and life is love.” And it would be so easy to perceive that Bhagavan’s life is nothing but an expression of love. I vividly recollect an episode during my stay in Brindavan. It was the month of March when we were amidst examinations. Bhagavan had come to Brindavan after Shivaratri. The night after my first examination, I received a phone call from my mother. She informed me about a minor accident my father had met with. She reported that they had been to the family doctor who had asked them to get an x-ray done for the left leg, which had been injured. Till then, I had heard and seen other students and devotees getting up during Darshan and informing Swami about their troubles. Swami would usually bless them, comfort them, and at times even materialize Vibhuti and assure them that He would take care. All that was fine, but I, myself had never experienced it. 

That night I disclosed my anxiety in the form of a small plea to Bhagavan that, the next morning would be a test of my faith in Him and His love towards me. If it were true that even the minutest of the details does not escape Bhagavan’s attention then He would respond to my prayers. What transpired the next morning confirmed my credence in His omnipresence. He stood right in front of me and I got up to inform, “Swami, my father met with a minor accident.” He immediately created Vibhuti and said, “Give this to your father and don’t worry. There is no fracture. Bhagavan loves everyone.” 

More than avowing His Divinity, this happening taught me that if there was a life worth living, it should be lived in loving others just like the way He does. And if I was to pose myself the question as to what I would like to be, the sole reply would be – I would love to be like Bhagavan.

Divij Desai with Sri Sathya Sai - Kodaikanal, 2007

One fine day, during Darshan, Bhagavan asked me, “What do you want?” I had read myths about great saints and sages, who after years of penance, I fumbled while answering this question from the Lord. So with childlike innocence I replied, “Swami, I want You!” And intriguingly Swami replied, “I am always with you. I am always with everyone, all the time. What else do you wish?” 

“Swami, I want Your love.”

“Yes ... this is what you should ask for.” 

How true it is that if we were to ask for His love, we would develop His love, His sacrifice, His forgiveness, and become like Him, and indeed become one with Him. What else do we need to aspire for? 

- Divij Desai

Student (2001-2006), Department of Physics

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Manager, TCS e-Serve Ltd., London

Source: Sai Nandana 2005 (80th Birthday Offering)

Sri Sathya Sai sends Gujarat Earthquake Relief Material in 70 trucks...

Wednesday, February 7, 2001 

After the evening Darshan and interview, coming towards the students, Swami said… 

Swami : (For Gujarat earthquake relief material) 66 lorries! They are putting up 500 tents and on them will be written ‘Sathya Sai Gram’. (Swami mentioned the name of Sri Sanjay Singh, Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry, and few members from the Ashram including Sri Chiranjeevi Rao, whom He was sending along with the material.) I am also sending 20 Seva Dals for helping them.

Rescue operations in progress after the earthquake

Prof. A. K. : Is it from Hyderabad? 

Swami : No, from Parthi. In the place devastated by the earthquake, many robbers came and took away things. All the people there do not have anything. Boys are having exams, otherwise I would have sent them. 

Warden : (Mentioning the name of a teacher) Swami, he can go. He stayed in Ahmedabad for a long period of time. 

Swami : Not Ahmedabad. It is to nearby villages. He may not know those areas. 

Prof. A. K. : How many days are they going to work there? 

Swami : They will be there, as long as it takes to distribute all the material directly to the people. Andhra Chief Minister (Sri Chandrababu Naidu) was very happy and said that only Swami could do it. I am also providing basic vessels for the people there who do not have anything. 

Prof. A. K. : Are these for all people there? 

Swami : For 2,000 families. I am also giving rugs because it is very cold. The total expenditure comes to ₹3 crores. 

Prof. A. K. : You sent ₹2 crores worth of material from Bangalore. 

Swami : That is different. That time, we sent medicines, clothes and food. Four lorries of material were collected from Puttaparthi alone. (These were in addition to what Swami had sent.) 

Prof. A. K. : They collected all the material near Hanuman temple. 

Swami : As soon as they asked, so many people came forward and gave clothes. It is good. Tomorrow, the materials will go to Bangalore; from there to Hyderabad; then to Sholapur and finally to Ahmedabad. From there it will be distributed to the villages. 
(To Sri Sanjay Singh) Are you ready? (He nodded in the affirmative.) 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, he can wear (waist) belts like foreigners for keeping money. 

Swami : Foreigners do not keep money in their belts. They only keep kerchief and other such things. 

Prof. A. K. : There is so much material being sent there from various countries. In the papers also, they show the photos of the materials, which have arrived by planes. But there are no people to coordinate and unload the materials from the planes. 

Swami : Ours is not like that. We are sending everything fresh, which can be used immediately. We are sending 1,000 bags of sugar too. We are sending all that in big trucks. These trucks’ capacity is 20 tons each. If the exams were over, I would have sent the boys. 
(To Sri Sanjay Singh) Do you have a sweater? I will give. Only you have got the chance to go. 

(To teachers) In Rajkot Hospital (Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital at Rajkot), Patel and Shah are there (for receiving the relief material and for coordinating). They will distribute the material from there. 

Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot

Principal : Swami, You can send some teachers. Other teachers can share their work here. 

Swami : Exams are coming. They have to teach the students; hence they are necessary here. If teachers are not here, boys will say that there is no one to teach. When they do not get good marks and you ask them why they got less marks, they will reply that it was because the teachers were not there. 

Students : No Swami! No Swami! 

Swami : Now you will tell like this. But if the results are not good, you will tell that teachers did not teach you. 

Principal : Swami, you can send some students. We will adjust. 

Swami : What will you adjust? 

Principal : Swami, we can postpone exams for 15 days and boys will be able to help. 

Swami : No. If boys go there, they will forget all that they have studied and all those things there will come into their minds. It will affect their studies. 

Prof. A. K. : (Punning with words in Telugu) Bhukampam Nunchi Burrakapam Aitundi (From earthquake, it will become brain quake). (All laughed with Swami.) 

Swami : I am making arrangements for those who are going there. Lot of work is there. (Then, Swami went back to the interview room.) 

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

The Integral Approach to Healthcare by Sri Sathya Sai

Saturday, February 6, 1993

Bhagavan addressed the First International Symposium on Cardiac Diseases held under the auspices of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences at the Institute Auditorium on 6th and 7th February 1993. In His landmark discourse to the medical professionals, He elaborated on the integral approach to the problem of human health and disease. He gave them practical guidelines on how a healthy body can be maintained, and on how doctors should take care of patients. He said:

"In this wide world, everyone aspires for long life, prosperity and health. A healthy body is essential if one has to achieve the four goals of human life, namely, Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation). Science and technology have made great strides in contributing to the progress of human society. But man has deteriorated morally and spiritually. 

Among the four Vedas, the Atharvana Veda is the one that has given the science relating to longevity, known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda transcends time and space and is valid for all places, at all times. It relates to the spirit, mind and the body and has an integrated approach. The Allopathic system came much later. It is based on an objective, external approach while Ayurveda is subjective. Both have to be coordinated for better results. Since Ayurveda is subjective it is more efficacious than the Allopathic system. There is a superior artistic sense in Ayurveda. 

Doctors have to realise the distinction between subjective and objective approaches. The latter has an external outlook while the former has an inner view. The object is a reflection of the subject. Without realising this relationship between Ayurveda and Allopathy, doctors are wasting their time in arguments. 

Basic difference between Ayurveda and Allopathy 

Ayurveda affirms that purity of mind is more essential for one's health while Allopathic doctors do not consider the mind as so important. They give importance to the eradication of disease causing germs and consider this as the only means to cure diseases. This does not take into account the role of the mind and the Spirit in the eradication of disease. Allopathy is based on external knowledge and experimentation, while Ayurveda is based on inner knowledge and experience. There is gulf of difference between experiment and experience. Because of the difference between the subjective and objective approaches, in course of time, Allopathy resorted to the use of antibiotics to deal with various diseases. The antibiotics act powerfully and yield quick results in curing a disease. But, in the process of curing a disease they give rise to adverse side-effects. 

The role of the mind in causing sickness 

Allopathic doctors experiment only with matter. They do not take the inner consciousness (Self) into account. In spite of the prodigious technological developments in the world, man is not able to enjoy peace. Peace cannot be achieved by knowledge of the physical. Peace should come from inner feeling or the Spirit within. It is only when the body, the mind and the Spirit are in harmony that peace will prevail. Medical science should recognise the role of the mind in causing sickness. Good health confers mental peace. Mental worry impairs physical health. Ayurveda, therefore, lays emphasis on mental peace and aims at the elimination of the root cause of disease. 

There are three basic factors which are responsible for health or disease in the human body according to Ayurveda. They are Vaata (vital air), Pitta (bile) and Shleshma (phlegm). Vaata accounts for 36 diseases, Pitta accounts for 98 and Shleshma for 96 diseases. These three factors are essential for the human body but they should be in proper balance without exceeding their respective limits. When they are in balance, there will be no disease. Moderation is the golden rule for good health. 

For the treatment of disease arising out of Vaata, Pitta and Shleshma, gingely oil, ghee and honey respectively are prescribed as remedies. These should be taken in moderation. The body is a gift of God and cannot be made by doctors. The human heart beats 1,03,000 times a day. The blood circulation in the body is computed to cover 1,68,000 miles per day. Man breathes 21,600 times and consumes 438 cubic feet of air every day. These are based on Divine Will and are regarded as a Law of Nature. 

God is the preceptor of Prakriti (Nature). The body is unclean in many ways and is subject to various diseases. But in such an inherently unattractive abode dwells the most valuable divinity. Man should always act in harmony with Nature, which is reflection of Divinity. 

Heart troubles are caused by hurry, worry and curry 

What is the cause of heart ailments? Many doctors say that they are due to smoking, consumption of fatty foods, overeating and other habits. The relationship between food and habits should be properly understood. We should see that proper balance is maintained between the physical body and inner feelings (Spirit). Modern man is continuously in a hurry. Hurry causes worry which affects the physical health. The main cause of heart troubles may be said to be hurry, worry and curry. Curry means fatty foods. Many doctors have made investigations in this field but the results have not been made known widely. Heart diseases are found to be more rampant among non-vegetarians while vegetarians are not prone to heart ailments to the same extent. This is because of higher percentage of fats in non-vegetarian food which increases the cholesterol in the blood. Worry causes high blood pressure and hurry causes diabetes. Both of them are like twins, one acting on the heart inside and the other externally on the blood. Everyone should know how to control these causes. Some people do not do any physical exercises and lead a sedentary life. My advice to office-goers and students is that it is good for them to commute by cycle at least 5 or 6 kilometers a day. This cycling exercise is very useful not only for maintaining health but also for reducing the expenditure incurred on automobiles. Another advantage is the avoidance of accidents. Moreover, it serves to reduce atmospheric pollution caused by the release of harmful fumes from automobiles. The carbon-dioxide smoke form motor vehicles and factories is already polluting the air in cities and is affecting the ozone layer above the earth. 

Purifying the environment is the primary task 

The primary task' is to purify .the environment which is affected by pollution of air, water and food. All the five elements are affected by pollution. People should, therefore, try to reduce the use of automobiles and control the emission of harmful industrial effluents. In the ancient times, sages and scientists commended the Ayurvedic system of treatment as it was considered a natural system for curing disease. Trees play a vital role in helping mankind to receive oxygen from the atmosphere while they absorb the carbon dioxide' exhaled by human beings. Hence, the ancients favoured the growing of trees to control atmospheric pollution. But nowadays trees are cut down indiscriminately and pollution is on the increase. The relationship between man and trees is indicated by the term 'Vanaspati' (herbs) employed in Ayurveda. 

Man is leading an artificial life today. One should understand that he is not merely the body but a combination of body, mind and Spirit. In the Gayatri mantra, "Om Bhur Bhuva Suvah" is the first line. In this Bhu refers to matter, that is the body, Bhuvah refers to the Prana Shakti (Life Principle) which animates the body, and Suvah refers to Prajna Shakti (Awareness or Conscience) which acts through radiation. Hence man is made up of Prajna (awareness), Prana (the vital force) and the body (the material substance). The doctors should not consider only the body (matter), but should take into consideration the Praana (Life Force) and Prajna Shakti (Integrated Awareness). Prajna Shakti is the radiation energy that promotes wisdom. Vibration is the expression of the Prana (Vital Force). In every action, there is a vibration which is in between the consciousness and the physical body. We should see that the mind is not influenced by any external 'force' but by the internal 'source,' which is Prajna or integrated awareness. 

Doctors' duty to ensure healthy life for all 

Esteemed Doctors! You must strive to ensure long and healthy life for the people. In my view a godly life is more important than mere longevity. What is the use of a selfish person leading a long life without rendering service to society? Only those who serve the society and the nation, should have a long life. The essence of the 'Eighteen Puranas of Vyasa was given by him in the motto' Help ever, hurt never. 

It is true that doctors generally work with devotion and dedication. It will be better if they develop more devotion towards God instead of being concerned with earning money. Obviously money is needed to carry on worldly life but there should be a limit to the acquisition of money. The use of money should be properly regulated. When one does not observe restraint in daily life, he is a prey to disease. The body is governed by limits and controls. The temperature should be 98.4°F neither more nor less, the blood pressure should be 80-120. Any increase or decrease spells illness. Doctors should not compete with one another in earning huge sums and acquiring more and more possessions. They should render free service to the needy and the poor. The spirit of sacrifice is the hallmark of true education. Money earned should be usefully spent in a spirit of sacrifice. 

Health and Human Values 

There should be a harmonious blend of religion, philosophy and art for man to live healthily in the world. In this context religion means the religion of love. This is the only religion in the world. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. One should cultivate human values for healthy living. This calls for harmony in thought, word and deed. When you cultivate this harmony you will be free from desires and fears. As selfishness is rampant in the field of medical science and other branches of sciences, the world is rocked by many hazards and calamities. Doctors should educate laymen about the various reasons for heart ailments. Whenever people think of heart disease, the prospect of an operation looms large before them as a bugbear. As far as possible you should avoid surgery and try to cure the patients by drugs. Doctors should treat operation as a last resort. As the word operation creates fear in all types of people, whether rich or poor, high or low, you should help them to develop self-confidence and remove the cause of fear. 

What the Super-Specialty hospital signifies

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Science, Prasanthigram

Divine members of the medical fraternity! 

It is not My intention to extol the excellence of our Hospital here. I wish to highlight the fact that the people in these areas used to be mortally afraid of heart disease because there was no facility for high-grade medical or surgical treatment and they had to take the patients to far off places entailing enormous expense. But, from 22nd November 1991, when the Super-Specialty Hospital started functioning, even kids entered the hospital smilingly without any sense of fear. Their courage and faith ensure successful treatment. This is the only hospital where you can see patients, doctors, nurses, technicians and paramedical staff with smiling faces. Even the relatives accompanying the patients are all smiles. Wherever you move in the hospital, you can see smiling and cheerful workers doing their duty with devotion and dedication. 

How has this happiness come to the people who go to the hospital for treatment of dreaded diseases? Happiness arises out of union with God. Because there is lack of faith in God elsewhere, there is grief. But in our hospital there is full faith in Divinity. Most people who have all physical comforts do not have inner peace. We get peace only from within us. If one acts in consonance with one's conscience one gets peace. A spirit of sacrifice is essential for securing peace. 

This hospital is not Swami's. It belongs to all of you. This hospital was established with the noble aim of serving suffering humanity. Besides excellent equipment of the highest quality, we have here the most modern facilities for medical and surgical treatment and, above all, a team of dedicated doctors and other staff who render selfless service with a smile. The construction of the hospital was completed in an incredibly short period of five months. The construction of a hospital of this magnitude might have taken even ten years if the Government had taken up the work. When I announced on 23rd November 1990, that this hospital will function from 22nd November 1991, many eyebrows were raised, doubting the possibility of the date being kept up. But it became an accomplished fact as willed by Swami. 

Devotion and selfless service of doctors 

Dr. Venugopal, AIIMS

Dr. Venugopal came from Delhi to conduct the operations on 22nd November, 1991. Ever since he took up the work; it has been a saga of success. It has not been mentioned in the public before that he is a doctor in government service working in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. He used to start from Delhi on a Saturday; arrive here and perform operations on Sunday and return to Delhi for work on Monday. He has not taken any remuneration for his work and has defrayed even the travelling expense himself. I am mentioning these facts only to highlight his devotion and sense of selfless service. His entire team is of the same type. They are very happy to have the .opportunity to serve here. Their purity of heart and selfless service, have helped the hospital to achieve such splendid results. Most of the nurses and technicians are our college students. They were sent to Delhi for technical training in the operation of highly sophisticated equipment. They have often been working smilingly from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. They serve here only out of devotion to Swami and not for money. 

To cite an example of the spirit of dedication of the staff, yesterday while Swami was returning from the hospital, nurses who had done hard and strenuous work for more than three days were found walking on the road and on enquiry it was learnt that their bus broke down and they decided to trek the long distance back to the Mandir on foot. Swami asked them to wait there and arranged for a relief bus to pick them up. The relationship between Swami and. devotees is heart to heart based on love. 

Advice to Doctors 

Not a single paise is collected from patients for anything, right from diagnostic tests to surgery and after-care. Even nutritious food is supplied free to the patents. In the beginning, the innocent and simple village folk did not know how to use the hospital beds. Some of them slept under the cot saying in utter simplicity that they were not worthy enough to sleep on such expensive beds. Patients do not show any sign of worry in this hospital. 

I wish to give a word of advice to the doctors. While you are examining the patients you should have smiling faces and talk to the patients sweetly. If you check the pulse with a grim face the patients may collapse fearing that there is something radically wrong. Some patients even dread the very sight of a doctor when he approaches to examine. This is not good. Doctors should infuse courage in the patents and speak soothingly radiating compassion and love. The kind approach of the doctor will have greater healing effect on the patients than the medicine itself. Doctors must instill courage in the patients. Swami wants more hospitals to render free treatment to the poor. Doctors should cooperate and work with unity. 

Aim at a disease-free human society 

It is only by sense control and steadfastness that one can lead a happy and healthy life. Along with control of the mind, one should control the temper and avoid tension. Prevention of disease should be the goal. We should aim at a human society free from diseases. It will be a happy day when a hospital gets no patients at all. All of you have assembled here to discuss and exchange your knowledge and experience in the field of medical science, particularly relating to treatment of cardiac and cardio-vascular cases. I wish you should discuss freely and find solution to problems and render service to the people." 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digivjayam (1986 – 2005)

Video Satsang Ep.6: God First, Everything Else Last - By Dr. T. Ravi Kumar

Sathya Sai Baba always taught us Jesus first, Others next, You last - that is the source of JOY.

In this episode of Satsang: Experiences of Students and Teachers with Sathya Sai Baba, Sri Ravikumar shares the true joy that we come to realize when we give God the top priority in our lives.

Sri Sathya Sai narrates the Story of the Valorous Freedom Fighter – Chandra Shekhar Azad

My Dear Students! It is very essential for students to have purity, peace and perseverance. Even if you fall behind in terms of purity and peace, you should have perseverance, which helps in achieving what you desire. Many leaders fought against the British in order to achieve freedom for our country. The youth started a party called Indian Socialist Party. There was a 14 year old village boy named Chandrashekhar in the party. He was very poor and ate only once a day. He was studying in Varanasi but had no place to stay. He used to study under streetlights. When he was carrying on like this, the freedom movement started in full swing. The youth wanted to conduct a massive congregation. The Punjab Lion, Lala Lajapat Rai participated in many such youth organisations. At that time, a British minister was visiting the country. All the youth gathered in demonstration against the British Raj on his arrival. There was violence and the police assaulted the rioters. In this attack, one of the police shot at Lala Lajapat Rai. On learning that the leader had come to fight for the sake of freedom, the boy was moved and made a resolution to himself, “In less than one month, I must put an end to the policeman who injured our leader.” He was just a boy. He did not think twice before he made his resolution. But, he had strong determination. Swami keeps telling you often,

“Pattinadediyo Pattane Pattithivi

Pattu Neggedudaka Atteyundu!

Korinadediyo Korane Korithivi

Korika Chelledudaka Kolachiyundu!

Adiginadediyo Adagane Adigithivi

Adiginadidudaka Viduvakundu!

Talachinadediyo Talachane Talachitivi

Talapu Teeredudaka Taralakundu!

Porupadaleka Taanaina Brovavalayu,

Vodalu Teliyaka Neevaina Adugavalayu!

Intiye Kaani Tirigi Povuta Bhaktula Deeksha Kaadu!”

(You have aimed at something; do not leave it until you win it.

You have desired for something; keep praying until your wish is fulfilled.

You have asked for something; do not leave until you are granted your wish.

You have reflected upon something; do not retreat until it is realised.

Either He has to confer your yearning, unable to bear the nuisance,

Or you must keep on pestering Him for your wish.

But, leaving midway and withdrawing is not the character of a true devotee!)

Chandrashekhar Azaad’s Determination

Chandrashekhar Azad (1906-1931)

Chandrashekhar kept a watch on the policemen who were responsible for the death of the great man. Police found that he was moving with the rebels. He was arrested and taken to the court for trial. The Judge asked the boy, “What is your name?” In Hindi, ‘Azaad’ means freedom. The boy answered with courage, “My name is Azaad.” “What is your father’s name?” He replied boldly, “Swatantram (independence).” “Which is your hometown?” He said, “Jail.” The Judge was fuming, as he was a British man. He sentenced the boy to be whipped 30 times. Policemen lashed him with the whip. He did not cry out with agony or fear. All through the punishment, he kept shouting “Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram” (Salutations to the Motherland). Though his body was bleeding, he was smiling. He did not give up his determination. Hardly half of the lashes were given when he became unconscious and was ordered to be released by the Judge. His anger grew further from that day. “What for is my education? What is my struggle? Where shall I go leaving my motherland in others’ hands? It is better to die revolting against such a situation. I shall not give up my oath until freedom is attained.” 

He continued with his struggle for liberation of India from the hold of the British.  In spite all their efforts, the police could not catch him for the next 10 years. However, Chandrashekhar was successful in fulfilling his resolve to kill the policeman responsible for the death of his leader. He went back to Varanasi thus fulfilling his vow. Later the boy became much stronger with the support of a leader in Varanasi. But, none could know the whereabouts of Azaad. In the local newspapers, it was announced that the one who brings the head of Azaad would be rewarded with 10,000 rupees. Chandrashekhar exclaimed, “They want to purchase my head for 10,000 rupees because I fight for my motherland? What meanness! I will not be caught by anyone. My head will be offered only to my country”. 

Nothing is more Precious than Your Motherland

Similarly, Lord Rama had said, “Having been born here, I am indebted to My mother and My motherland. There is no heaven higher than these two”. He declared, “Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi” (Mother and Motherland are greater than the heavens.) Why did He say so? After the war was over, Lakshmana suggested to Lord Rama, “Brother, even if you return to Ayodhya, it is of no use because Bharata is ruling over the country. Let us stay in this Lanka which is more prosperous and powerful”. Rama became upset hearing these words and said, “Lakshmana, what are you talking? Is Bharat poor? There may be lot of money and gold in Lanka. But I do not appreciate this gold more than My motherland. Bharat is a land of sacrifice and action. Is there a greater wealth than the strength of Yoga, which our country stands for? My country is My heaven and I love My motherland. Of course Lanka is a beautiful country. It is more beautiful than paradise itself! But it is not right to reject the motherland saying that it is not beautiful. If one’s mother is ugly, one cannot acknowledge another beautiful woman as a mother. I love My motherland, however it is.” 

In the same way, Azaad was determined that he would offer his head for his motherland. Azaad being his name, he lived up to it. He remained free. “I surrender myself to God, but not to anyone else. God has given me this body. I am grateful to God for this and I offer it back to God.” Azaad went around the country spreading the message of freedom. Once, he met one of his old friends. But, the friend’s mind was polluted. What kind of friends do you get in this age of Kali? This friend reported the whereabouts of Azaad to the police in return for the prize money announced earlier. He gave all the required details. The Police entered the scene and surrounded the house. Azaad observed this through the window but did not try to hide. He opened the doors and attacked the police with an iron rod. He knew how to wield the rod. He killed three or four police officers before disappearing. Police were afraid for their lives and nobody dared to catch him even if they wanted to do so. He was feared for his will power, which even the Chief of the Army did not possess. Azaad escaped the police and nobody knew where he was for sometime after this incident. One day, as he was resting under a tree, the police spotted him and opened fire on him indiscriminately. They shot at the body repeatedly until it tore into pieces. Even then, the police hesitated to go near his body! He was as a leader with soaring willpower. Many people achieved great heights inspired by Azaad. He had strong determination in everything he did. 

The Purpose of Life 

You too should question yourself, “Why am I given this birth? Why does God confer life to men?” Man has conquered everything. He has great determination. But, he has not conquered himself. He is trying to know everything without knowing himself first. When a person does not know himself, what is the use of knowing everything else? 

Even men of high cadre served in the army and sacrificed their lives for their motherland. Sometime back in India too, there was a rule that all the youth should join the army. But the parents were afraid because they did not want their children to be killed in the battlefield. You should not show your back in such situations. Our country is of utmost importance to us. It provides us with sustenance and gives us protection. How can you think of ignoring it? 

Source: “Test is My Taste”, Discourse 4, My Dear Students Volume 2; Divine Discourse in Trayee Brindavan on April 22, 2000.

“What is there in this world that is not spiritual?” – By A. Sethuraman

Sethuraman (extreme right) chanting Vedam on Rama Navami Day at Brindavan - April, 2003 

“What is there in this world that is not spiritual?”- A question which I would treasure for life. This is something which Bhagawan has been conveying to us for decades (and maybe for many lives!). I was preparing for a spiritual quiz programme in the Mandir, during the first year of my MBA at Prasanthi Nilayam. There was a question regarding the spiritual insight behind a certain incident in the epic – Mahabharata. A brother from the M.Tech. class, who was along with me in the quiz, came up with an answer different from what I had in mind. Either of these answers could have been appropriate, but I voiced my opinion saying that my answer was a more spiritual one. To this he asked me, “What is there in this world that is not spiritual?” I could not answer his question at that point of time. The question posed by this brother remained at the top of my mind for quite some time. I pondered over it again and again and also studied some of the books written by Bhagawan. I did find some valuable answers and insights that I feel maybe useful to all of us. 

At this point in time, when I stand at the portals of my professional pursuits, I certainly cherish these five most precious years spent at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet in Brindavan and in Prasanthi Nilayam. It has been a great learning experience. Bhagawan has often said, “Living with God is True Education”. I am sure each one of us has had his share of learning at His Lotus Feet. The integral system of education as imparted in Bhagawan’s Institute is something very wonderful. It has helped me in developing a holistic perspective towards life. What we learn in the classroom is not different in principle from what Bhagawan imparts in the Mandir. 

Sri Sathya Sai at Brindavan

Bhagawan has often written and spoken on the importance of Atmadharma and Paradharma in our lives. Put in very simple terms, Atmadharma is the supreme responsibility of every individual to go back to where he has come from – attaining Liberation or Moksha, God-Realisation or Self-Realisation, by whatever name different people may refer to. Paradharma comprises all the subsidiary Dharmas which are added onto us from time to time; for example as a son, daughter, mother, father, husband, citizen of a nation etc. Bhagawan says that these subsidiary Dharmas though important in their spheres, have to be followed with the full knowledge and consciousness of the inner basic Atmadharma. i.e. every Paradharma must be pursued in synchronisation with the more fundamental Atmadharma.

By Bhagawan’s Grace I could discern this sublime principle embedded in some of my favourite subjects like Corporate Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Management Control and Decision Support Systems. I clearly remember what one of our professors used to say very often, “In the real world of business, we do not come across stand alone issues like Production, Finance, Marketing, Strategy, etc. They may appear to be so but that is just to facilitate a certain amount of systematization and order. Every activity, whether Operational, Middle Level or at the Corporate Level is to be pursued directly in line with the Corporate Strategy which is, in turn, a function of the Corporate Mission and Vision.” 

The Corporate Vision is the brainchild of a company’s founder(s). It is the foundation upon which the entire edifice of corporate structure is built. The vision, which is abstract in nature, gets expressed in the form of a company’s mission statement. For example, Walt Disney who founded the world famous Walt Disney Inc. concretized his vision in the form of a mission statement, which reads, “We are in the business of making people happy.” This one statement forms the common thread that strings together all the activities of the company at all levels. Going by the theory of corporate strategy, three things are very important for the achievement of a vision – strategy, structure and control systems. 

Strategy lays down the broad plans for achieving a vision. Initially, plans are laid down for the long term. Yearly, monthly, weekly and even daily plans are derived from there. When enacted efficiently and effectively, they contribute to the achievement of the corporate objectives. Structure helps in organizing and allocating the resources and people of the company in such a manner so as to facilitate the implementation of the corporate strategy. Control systems refer to all the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, so as to ensure that the company’s resources are optimally utilized and its people work towards the achievement of its corporate objectives. In order to achieve their corporate objectives, Top Management has to ensure that all these three elements are always in line with the company’s vision. 

Coming to our own lives, each one of us is a company in ourselves. Bhagawan being the very cause of our existence is to be deemed as the most important stakeholder – The Shareholder. The maximization of wealth to the shareholder is the underlying principle upon which all our endeavours should hinge. The other important stakeholders towards whom we have obligations include – parents, relatives, the society at large and other creatures. In the holistic perspective of spirituality, all of us have the same vision – God Realization, Self-Realization or Liberation – by whatever name we may call it. Mission statements may differ, strategies may vary, structures and controls systems in place may be diverse, but the Fundamental Vision remains the same for each one of us. Strategies may be as diverse as the number of paths taken by different seekers. We structure our lives, relationships with family, society and the world at large in different ways. Control Systems exist within us broadly at two levels – control of the mind and control of the senses. In order that we achieve the fundamental vision, harmony between strategy, structure and control systems is indispensable even in these ‘companies’ of ours. It is only the close coordination between several instruments in an orchestra that produces scintillating pieces of symphony. Similarly, the responsibility of each one of us is to orchestrate the various strategies, structures and control systems in our companies so that we do not lose sight of the fundamental vision at any point in time.

Bhagawan has often emphasized the fact that all our learning, knowledge and actions, however great they might appear to be, are in vain if they are not dedicated to God. The same message is echoed in the theme of Sri Adi Shankara’s “Bhaja Govindam”. Thus, in simple terms there is just one End – the rest are manifold means to achieve this End. 

As a concluding note, I only wish that the readers gain from what is actually tacit in the content of this article. My comparison of life to a company having a vision, mission statement, strategy etc. is not intended to show how these concepts from the corporate world can be applied to our lives. Rather, the very intent of this article is to emphasize that everything has its roots in spirituality. Principally, these concepts have been in existence since aeons. From time to time man has only discovered and tried to apply what is already latent in him. Perceiving things from a holistic viewpoint and basing all actions on the same provides a sense of direction to, and reveals the true meaning of life. 

- A. Sethuraman

Student (2000-2005), Department of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Assistant Manager at Dr Reddys Laboratories Biologics Division, Hyderabad

Source: Fragrance 2005