Video Satsang Episode 23: Sri Sathya Sai reveals Virata Swaroopa to His Student - By Navinchandra Patel

Fortunate are those who know God; even more fortunate are those who gain His proximity and direct love. But the greatest fortune of all is to know God's reality from God Himself.

In this episode of Video Satsang, Sri Navinchandra Patel, Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Arts, Commerce and Science College at Brindavan, narrates how in the mid 1970s, Swami revealed His Virata Swaroopa to His student. 

The Message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba: In His Words – Part 5

On Love

The Life of Sai, the Message of Sai, the Ideals that Sai holds forth are all enshrined in one word, Love. 

- “Grow in Love”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14, 

November 19, 1980, Prasanthi Nilayam

I have love for all, even for those who are bad. I have greater love for those who deride Me I draw them nearer to Me. I derive great joy from this. Hence My life is My message. With Me, it is always Tyaga (sacrifice), not Bhoga (enjoyment). Sacrifice itself is enjoyment for Me.

- “Love God, Fear Sin, Serve Society”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 20, November 21, 1987, Prasanthi Nilayam

Man is now possessed by the ghost of delusion; he is prattling a language which is unbecoming, behaving like an animal moving in a zigzag manner, climbing and sliding. I have come to exorcise the ghost; that is part of My work. I am not attracted by learning or scholarship, which does not lead anywhere except towards egoism and pride. I am drawn only by devotion. Bring to Me whatever troubles you have; I shall take them on and give you Ananda. When I like My devotees, I like their faults too, though some here turn up their noses and laugh at the peculiar follies and foibles of people who come from all the various States. I am drawn by the Love which brings you here from long distances through great difficulties, which makes you happy in spite of the want of the comforts to which you are accustomed.

- “Kashi and Badri”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 04, 

February 03, 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam

On Himself

The establishment of Dharma: that is My aim. The teaching of Dharma, the spread of Dharma: that is My object. The miracles, as you call them, are just a means toward that end. Some of you remark that Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (an Indian saint) said that Siddhis (yogic powers) are obstructions in the path of the Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant). Yes, yogic powers may lead the spiritual aspirant astray. Without being involved in them, he has to keep straight on. His ego will bring him down if he yields to the temptation of demonstrating his yogic powers. That is the correct advice which every aspirant should heed. But the mistake lies in equating Me with a Sadhaka, like the one whom Ramakrishna wanted to help, guide and warn. These yogic powers are just in the nature of the Avatar. The creation of things with intent to protect and give joy is spontaneous and lasting. Creation, preservation, and dissolution can be accomplished only by the Almighty ... no one else can.

- Sai Baba: Holyman and the Psychiatrist, November 23, 1968, Prasanthi Nilayam

Births and deaths are like jokes for Me, though you may not know it. When someone comes to Me and wails, “My husband has passed away”, I remark: “Santosham” (happy). She may remark, “How can You be happy if my husband has passed away?” All events are the same to Me, I am always happy. One lady comes to Me and says that she is suffering from an unbearable stomach ache. I observe: “Chaala Santosham” (very happy). 

- “Vital Role of the Buddhi”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, October 08, 1997, Prasanthi Nilayam

Proper balance must be maintained throughout life. There must be balance in respect of knowledge and several other things. Students pollute their knowledge by seeing bad things, listening to bad things and by bad thoughts. Their minds are perverted by addiction to films. They should learn to lead pure lives. Only then will they experience bliss and health.

I am always happy. I would like to run but there is no place where I can do so. I can lift anybody at this age! This strength is present potentially in everyone. But it is being wasted. If the energy in everyone is properly conserved he can do anything. 

- Health Diet and Divinity”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 28, June 03, 1995, Whitefield

I did not like the fulsome praises with which you flooded Me in the address which was read when this meeting started. I am yours and you are Mine. This is a family gathering; as a matter of fact, all gatherings that I meet are family gatherings. The entire mankind is My family. It sounds very improper when a member of the family is extolled by another before the rest. This is a habit, a ceremony that is borrowed from political life, where ministers are given addresses wherein they are praised so that some benefits may accrue to the place which they are visiting and which present those praises.

- “Diminish Desires”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 06, 

March 27, 1966, Pune

I am showing you by My example how you must fill every moment with useful and beneficial activity. You talk among yourselves. “Swami is having His rest hour. Swami is sleeping”. But I have never craved for a minute’s rest or sleep or relief. Shall I tell you at what time I feel restful, relieved, and content? – When I know that you are all earning supreme bliss through detachment and spiritual discipline and not until then. 

I am ever engaged in some activity or other for your benefit. Things I could get done, I do not entrust to others. I do them Myself, so that they may learn self-reliance and get experience thereby. I always have your progress, your comfort, and your happiness in mind. You can note it in the slightest act of Mine. I do all work pertaining to Me. I open all letters addressed to Me and they are legion. 

- “Transmute Every Minute”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 08, September 24, 1968, Prasanthi Nilayam

As far as I can remember, I have not done all these years any harm to anyone in any form. Even the idea of causing harm to anyone has never entered My mind. Due to this, in spite of My 70 years, I appear like a small boy. As I don’t find the time or the opportunity, I don’t run, but I can do so! Where from has this strength come? There are three factors responsible, the three P’s. First P, Purity. Second P, Patience. Third P, Perseverance. If you develop these three qualities, you can also acquire the same strength. Today, most people lack purity. Whether you believe it or not, I must tell you that there is no trace of self-interest in Me. I am keen to do something or the other for this or that person, but have no concern about Myself. Develop this attitude and you will experience your Divinity.

- “Render unto the People what is Theirs”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 28, November 17, 1995, Prasanthi Nilayam 

You are listening to Me and what do you get when you listen? You agree that I am giving you Anandam, is it not? Well what do you give Me in return? Give Me the Aacharana of what I am telling you. Practice what I teach, that is enough, that is all I ask. 

- “Purusha and Purushottama”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 03, October 20, 1963, Prasanthi Nilayam

Spiritual Solutions for World Problems

Trusteeship based on love, cooperation and brotherhood will help (in the removal of poverty). However, the change must evolve from the heart; it cannot be imposed from the outside. All materialist doctrines have failed to bring about any real transformation (in mankind). There is no equality anywhere. Only spiritual transformation to a desireless mentality can put through the imperative revolution in human consciousness from which alone the desired changes (removal of poverty) can accrue. We need to transform society from false to real values. 

We have to convince people that the ideal of a high standard of life is wrong. It must be replaced with a high level of living and thinking on the basis of humility, morality, compassion and detachment, as against the existing greed for luxury and conspicuous consumption. People have to be conviced that the only way to rouse the latent Divinity in them is to master desires and conquer greed for pleasure and luxury, instead of being a slave to these false materialistic values.

- “Spiritual Socialism”, God Lives in India, September 1976, Prasanthi Nilayam

The solution to the problem (India being a country rich in resources and yet Indian citizens remaining economically poor and backward), lies in hard work and increased production on a cooperative basis. To achieve this one has to rid the people of the diseases of individuality, greed and selfishness. Every individual must be taught to think and work in the broader concept of society and its needs. Once that is done, there will be less talk, more work.

Here again, it is the spiritual path that can save the country and the world from the wrongs of a materialistic order. What we need is a synthesis of the spiritual and material aspects of life. That will provide man with the social conscience and cooperative spirit imperative to the creation of national wealth and prosperity through selfless, cooperative labour.

There is no doubt that the distribution of wealth is not taking place properly. The existing doctornes of equality, socialism, etc. have not succeeded in achieving equality in distribution of wealth and property. The difficulty is that you can equalise wealth, land and property by legislation, but can the law bring about equality in the desires of the people? This requires the healing touch of spiritualism.

To begin with, one has to curb desire and its evil consequences. We must persuade the rich that desire and its fulfilment in materialistic wants is an aspect of the monkey-mind which can only harm them and put them under bondage. This alone will solve the problem of inequality and maldistribution. The rich will give up their extravagant wants, the poor will get what they need and a little more, and this process will bring more equitable distribution.

- “Socio-economic Synthesis”, God Lives in India, September 1976, Prasanthi Nilayam

From a purely material viewpoint, India’s social and economic backwardness is a question of supply and demand. Because of the over-powering material values of our society, the demand is growing large while the supply decreases. Then, of course, there is the problem of growing population. This triangular issue of economic balance needs to be spiritualized if an effective solution is to be found.

It is here that our insistence on a desireless life, in which human wants are reduced to the minimum needs, comes to the rescue as the only possible way of restoring the social and economic balance. Curb your desires, reduce your wants, live in spiritual austerity, and the available will be sufficient for all humanity. More than that, the tensions of a competitive socio-economic system will be desolved, and peace of mind will be restored.

Life is like a journey in a vehicle between birth and death. The body is the vehicle in which you are motoring to death. The lesser luggage you carry, the better. Why encumber yourself with wordly riches and material comforts, when you may have to change your course, or even meet with some dislocation or accident, and in any case, at the end of the journey will have to leave behind all your possessions except your Atma? Would it not be better to attend to the immortal Spirit rather than waste time, which is running out, on gaining wealth and securing comforts? This is the logic of spiritualism with which I seek to change the attitude of people.

- “Lesser Luggage, Better Journey”, God Lives in India, 

September 1976, Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sathya Sai Baba, Chapter 8, Sai Vani: Avatar on Avatar Purushas

Wherever You Are, You Are Mine – By Sohan Dutta

Sohan Dutta with Sri Sathya Sai

I had made my own plans of an escapade, but who at that juncture knew that the Master had a different plan, on which no one wielded any control. Though I spent just a few hours in the Hostel, I realised that it was not my cup of tea to stay in Hostel away from parents, friends and freedom. Without wasting much time, I sat and penned down a letter to give it to my parents, so that they would take me away with them to the City of Joy – Kolkata. 16th May, 2002 was a memorable day for the students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, as it was the first day of the last Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality at Brindavan. I had planned to hand over the letter to my parents after morning Darshan and I was sure that they would take me with them on the same day back to Kolkata after reading about my plight. 

After an early breakfast in the morning, all students gathered in the Dining Hall, to leave for Sai Ramesh Hall for Darshan and I thought that getting a first line was Swami’s way of blessing me before bidding me adieu. I was happy thinking about my meticulous plan of going back to Kolkata. The Darshan music started and we could see a glimpse of ochre robe walking from Trayee Brindavan to Sai Ramesh Hall, and in no time Swami was standing in front of me, looking straight into my eyes. Time froze for me till He moved to the dais. I had no clue about what had happened, and when I met my parents after Darshan, I gave them the letter and told them that I wanted to attend the Summer Course and after that I would return to Kolkata. Those few seconds of gaze ignited the fire of transformation without any inkling. A meticulous plan, an emotional letter, a determination to go back to the old life just vanished into thin air. 

Summer Course went by, the semester ended, graduation got over, post-graduation got completed and I could realise one simple thing: He knows the best and His Masterplan is perfect and immaculate. And in those few years of stay I could discover talents in me which I never dreamt of having; faith got embedded; witnessed numerous miracles; the values sowed by parents bloomed; the outlook towards life changed and I was definitely a much better individual. I had to be; after all I was one of those blessed ones who can lovingly claim to be His Property.

Those years were the best years of my life. I was directly under the guidance of the Divine, who Himself charted out the daily routine for His students. The routine is a perfect blend, bringing out the integrated personality and embedding values in the hearts of the students even without their cognizance. It gets highlighted only when we reflect back and connect the dots much later in our life. But the best part always was the searching for the smallest of opportunities to please Swami, sometimes in the form of participations in dramas, sports or other events. The best used to be the way He used to pat us and make us feel happy after every such endeavour. As a student, I got many opportunities as part of the drama group, the costumes group and during our class Gratitude Programme. But above all, I have felt His unseen hand always guiding me through.

There are a few incidences which are very close to my heart. Let me start here with a humorous one. It was the year 2004; we students from Brindavan Campus had put up a drama in the Sai Kulwant Hall, in His Divine presence. Swami was very happy with our performance and lovingly granted us group photographs. During the photo session, He spoke to me and I did not understand what He said. Once the photo session was over, I asked a friend of mine about what had Bhagavan told about me. He said that Swami had remarked, “You look like a goat with the beard”. Swami used to crack jokes this way and these small acts used to fill our hearts with tremendous joy.

There was another heart touching incident that happened during our Gratitude Programme. I had made a small pillow in the shape of a heart to give it to Swami, as a token of gratitude. When I showed the heart to Swami, I observed the effervescence on Swami’s face. His happiness knew no bounds. I could have never imagined that a small ‘heartfelt effort’ could make Swami so happy. He took that heart and rested His arm on it throughout the programme, and even took it with Him to Yajur Mandir! This was more at the physical level, but the unseen hand of His is with us always. 

It was during my final year of graduation that I was diagnosed with a soft-tissue injury in my left hand, and the doctor had restricted me from lifting anything with that hand for six months. As the house cricket match was nearing and I was feeling a little better, I went for the net practice. The pain soared immediately and it was unbearable. I was scared to confront the warden and the doctor, and kept praying to Swami. In my dreams, Swami came and gave me medicine to partake, which I did as per His instruction. On the next morning, 29th August, 2004, when I got up, the pain was gone and it never returned. I played the final match and we won! The fond memories and the strong faith that He is always with us, keeps us strong and steady amidst all the challenges thrown at us from different corners of life.

Life changed drastically with me stepping into the corporate arena. I suddenly felt as if I was in the wild with all predators around me. My beliefs battled with the harshness of reality; values found no existence and at times I felt out of the place. Series of personal and professional dilemmas left me confused and weakened my spiritual umbilical cord, but fortunately before it was too late, I could connect back to my roots. It was late, but not late enough to have an identity crisis. Trapped in a crossroad of social belongingness versus beliefs, I ran back to the abode of peace. But I was perturbed with numerous thoughts of ‘how will I face Swami, how do I justify my meandering into darkness, my mistakes?’ But as an ever loving and forgiving mother, He embraced the child, held his hand and started guiding without even saying a word of rebuke; maybe that is what pinches us the most and ensures that we strive our best to be His ideal instrument. 

Sohan Offering his heart to Sri Sathya Sai

It was the evening of 1st of January, 2009, I came to the Sai Kulwant Hall after many months with mixed feelings and a perturbed mind. But our loving mother in a jiffy effaced all the dark thoughts and filled my heart with hope, positivity and joy; and to reassure His benediction, I received a photo as Prasadam in which it was highlighted, “Wherever you are, you are Mine – Baba”. What more could I have asked for, an assurance like this from the Divine Mother who gives the power to overcome all challenges that the materialistic world throws at us. His Master Plan continued and I was inducted into the 2010-12 batch of MBA and the saga of transformation continues day-in-and-day-out at times even today, with or without my understanding. On reflection, I can make sense of the apparent puzzle of life created as per His Will, for us to become better individuals or rather His flawless instruments.

- Sohan Dutta

Student (2005-07), Department of Physics

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Manager – Business Strategy, HCL Technologies, Bangalore

Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)

Trayee Sessions – Part 18

Sunday, May 13, 2001

Swami came at 4.15 pm. He spoke to a student and created Vibhuti for him. He also spoke to a few Hospital Boys in the Central Hall. Turning to a boy working in the Super Speciality Hospital in Parthi…

Swami : Yesterday water came into the Hospital. How did it come? Did Safaya (Director of the Hospital) come up and see?

Student : The roof was leaking.

Swami : While building the Hospital, there must have been some haste. The roof was built again. But this should not happen. If it mixes (with other items) there can by problems. How many operations?

Student : Daily three or four.

Swami : Enough. Not bypass?

Student : Bypass also.

Swami : Bypass also? (To a devotee) Daily eight operations here. Sometimes ten. 

It is going regularly. Very good work. Here, there and everywhere. (To The Chief Engineer, SSSIHMS, Puttaparthi) When are you going?

Engineer : Whenever Swami tells.

Swami : There is leakage trouble. You must have heard the boy just now.

(To another devotee) When did you see the Hospital?

Devotee : After I came here.

Swami : (To another devotee) What did you speak yesterday?

Devotee : I gave the message for the new millennium.

Swami : Yesterday, the 12th May was the anniversary of Dharmakshetra (Swami’s Ashram in Mumbai).

Devotee : Yesterday was 33rd anniversary.

Swami : Yes. Speak to the boys. (After his speech, Swami blessed him. To a teacher) After searching everywhere, where did the Rishis see God? Beyond Tamas.

Teacher : (Quoting from the Purusha Suktam) Vedahametam…

Swami : When God is everywhere. Where can one search for Him? If one knows oneself, he also knows God. Along with worldly education, one must also have spiritual education. When one thinks I am God, he does become God.

Swami was then moved from the Jhoola and Aarti was offered at 5.30 pm.

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

Sri Sathya Sai visits Tamil Nadu for Darshan to the Aged and Disabled

Wednesday, April 10, 1963 to 
Monday, June 03, 1963

On the 10th May, 1963, Swami inaugurated the Rao Insulators Company’s Factory at Whitefield. He spoke to the British and Indian technicians, and addressed the workers as well. After a day’s halt at Mysore, Swami proceeded to Ooty for a short stay. Swami blessed the devotees of Ooty with daily Darshan and Discourses. He also visited Tirunelveli, Madurai, Mukkudal and Kodaikanal. Swami graced the function arranged by the Trustees of the Subramanya Swami temple at Kodaikanal on the 3rd. Swami mentioned that the reason for His visits to various places was to confer joy upon the aged, the disabled and the like, who were unable to make the strenuous journey to Puttaparthi.

The gist of His Message given throughout the month of May 1963 was:

“To earn the grace of God, you have to pray to the Personified Power with Name and Form; it is your yearning that decides in what form the Lord appears. You call and He answers. If you are not earnest, if you feel indifferent and say, “Let Him come when He wills, in the Form He likes and with the Name He prefers,” He will not come at all. Call on Him with anguish, and He will respond.

In Rajasthan, there was a priest who worshipped the image of Balakrishna (the child Krishna) installed in the temple, attached to the palace of Udaipur. His name was Devesha. His story may not be found anywhere, but since he was intimately connected with Me, I know him very well. Every night he used to “Put Balakrishna to sleep” with appropriate ritual and close the door of the shrine, but before he came out, he would take from the head of the image the jasmine garland he had placed there in the evening and wear it himself, before proceeding home. Of course, when the great king (Maharana) visited the temple, the garland had to be given to him to wear.

One day, however, the great king came immediately after he had worn it inside his tuft of hair, so when the ruler demanded the flower, he had to get inside the shrine, slyly remove it from his tuft, and hand it reverentially back to king. The king was happy that he had not missed the gift, but he was shocked to find a strand of gray hair in it! Suspecting some tricks, he shouted angrily. “What! Has our Balakrishna grown old and grey?” To save his skin, the priest said, “Yes, Yes.” The king replied, “Well, I shall not disturb now, but early tomorrow, I shall come and see if His hair has really gone grey.”

Devesha had no food or sleep that night. He wept his eyes out in agony, for, in his fear, he had imposed old age and greyness on the ever-youthful Lord. The morning came, and the king hurried to the temple to open the shrine. They both looked in and, lo, the hair was grey. The king suspected that the hair was false, planted by the priest. So he pulled and tugged at it, only to find drops of blood at the roots. God had responded to the anguished cry, the call of the agony. The Formless will assume any Form and undergo any transformation to satisfy the yearning of the devoted aspirant. The overriding purpose is to make all action-oriented beings (Karma Jivis) God-filled beings (Brahma Jivis). 

One must crave the vision of God; only then is one entitled to the status of human-ness. The human (Manava) must reach the Divine (Madhava). One must conquer the mind. The human is the ruler of the mind (Manas), not its slave.

Who takes the role of educator from the beginning of your life? The mother, is it not? Nature (Prakriti) is the Mother, the feminine principle, the illusory energy (Maya). She is the great teacher. If you do not learn the lessons well, nature punishes you, boxes you in the ear, hits you on the head. She is a stern, merciless instructress, but if you learn well, she will lead you proudly to the presence of the Supreme Person (Purushottama). Obey nature and be well trained by her. Then, you can inherit the glory of Purushottama. If you disregard Her teaching, the Mother gets disgusted with you, and the Father will also disregard your entreaties. The commands of nature, given for your good, are called dharma. Have that dharma as the witness of all your thoughts, words, and deeds. Be guided every instant by the dictates of that dharma, and success will be yours. 

Little children must be taught with the help of big letters scrawled on boards and slates. Temples, images, and crystal stones are the slates and boards for children in spiritual progress. But even if you play with a toy elephant, you cannot get the experience of contacting a live elephant, can you? The formless Godhead can be understood by you only when you have rendered yourself formless! When you are in the world of qualities (Gunas), you have to attach yourself only to a God with attributes (Saguna Lord).

Even a thief does not like being called a “thief”. He gets either ashamed or angry when he is called that. Why? Truth is his real nature, and his true nature revolts against the appellation. The Atma is always auspicious and holy (Shivam). So it protests vehemently when the vehicle where it resides is called inauspicious (Amangalam), dead (Shavam). The Atma is also beauty (Sundaram). A U M is the egoism of Supreme Self (Param-Atma); it has no ugliness in it. So it is always beautiful, charming, lovely (Sundaram). That is why, when it is described as ugly, deformed, disgusting, etc., the thief lowers his head in shame, for something revolting to his true nature is being imputed. Truth, Auspiciousness, Beauty (Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram) is yourself; you have not realised it because of delusion, ignorance, and false inference. Get rid of these and merge in your real Self.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926 – 1985)

Video Satsang Episode 19: Sri Sathya Sai's Love for His Students - Prof. Siva Sankara Sai

In this episode of Video Satsang, Prof. Siva Sankara Sai, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning; and Warden (1994-2011) Sri Sathya Sai Hostel for Senior Students, Prasanthi Nilayam, shares an experience depicting Swami's Supreme Love for His Students. 

Hanuman: The Ideal Devotee on a Divine Mission

Hanuman: The Ideal Devotee

When Hanuman was flying towards Lanka, he was flying over the ocean. The attracting power of the ocean tried to drag him down. But Hanuman thought about Rama all the time. The power of the name of Rama can conquer anything. Therefore, he could go higher and higher. It was not his power, but the power of Rama (Rama Shakti), the power of Divine Love. That power emerged from his heart. When he escaped the attraction of the ocean and went further, a mountain came up from the ocean. What was the name of that mountain? It was called Mynaka Mountain. What was this ‘Mynaka’? There was some close relationship between the Mynaka Mountain and Hanuman. In earlier times, the mountains had wings. They could fly from place to place. When they were flying like that, Indra went on breaking these mountains into pieces. Then, the Wind God took the Mynaka Mountain and put it into the ocean. He was immersed in the ocean. Hanuman was going in search of Sita. The son of Wind God was going in search of Sita at the command of Lord Rama. The Sagara also belonged to the lineage of Dasharatha. Dasharatha belonged to the Ikshvaku lineage – Sagara Putras - children of the ocean. The ocean prayed to the Mynaka Mountain. “Oh Mynaka! Why are you here? You are hiding yourself in my depths. It is because of the Wind God that you have come here. Here is the son of the Wind God – Hanuman. You go up to the surface of the ocean and give a resting place for Hanuman. In this way, you can repay your debt to Vayu Deva (Wind God). You should be grateful for the help given by the Wind God. For your gratefulness you have to go up.” 

Then the mountain went up. It prayed to Hanuman. “Hanuman, because of the grace of your father, I am alive today. Because of the help of Vayu Deva, I could come here. Otherwise Indra would have cut me to pieces. My life was saved by your father. Therefore, Oh son of Vayu Deva! Take some rest on me. Lanka is far away. You are going to search for Sita. You are going without food and drink. I will give you good food and sweet water. The ocean water is not sweet. I have got sweet water.” Hanuman replied, “I am going on a Divine mission. I am following Divine command. When I am following the Divine command, I don’t need food and sleep. I will be defying the Divine command if I do so. When I think that I need to take food and drink water, it is selfishness. I am not selfish. I have no hunger or thirst until I get the news and message of Sita and convey it to Rama. I am going.” Mynaka said, “You have not given me the fortune of your touch and you are going away.” In order to satisfy the wishes of the mountain, Hanuman touched it. He didn’t drink water also. Mynaka was satisfied. He thought to himself, “The son of Vayu Deva has satisfied me by blessing me with his touch.” 

There was no obstacle for Rama’s work. The son of Vayu Deva – Hanuman had sacrificed so much. “I have to fulfill the desire of my Lord Rama. I can do many things for Rama. Why did He select me for this task? At the mere wish of Rama, Sita can come back. He is testing the depth of my devotion and surrender. I have to pass this test. Therefore I have to go. There is no dearth of anything for Rama. In a moment, sitting in one place, He can easily kill Ravana and get Sita back. No. Each person should be used as an instrument for some work. Each person has to do his duty and work properly. Do your duty. Duty is God. Work is worship. So I am doing my work. If I think that here is a devotee of my father, let me go and sit there, take rest and eat food, then how can I do my Master’s work? When I eat food I feel sleepy. And when I feel sleepy, I forget God’s work. Divine mission is most important for me. I want God and nothing else.” Saying so, he jumped over the ocean. 

When he went a further distance, one demoness by the name Surasa appeared. Who sent her? The Devas got together and sent her to test the devotion of Hanuman. What did she do? She said, “Hanuman, you stop your journey. The Devas have given you as food for me. I have to eat you.” Then Hanuman said, “I am going for Rama’s work. If you want to eat me, I will tell you the truth. First I will search for Sita, get her message, give it to Rama, and then come back to you. At that time you can eat me. I am telling you the truth. I will definitely come back.” Then the demoness said, “You have to enter my tongue.” Hanuman said, “Oh, I have to enter your mouth, is it? Ok I will do that.” Like a small mosquito, he went and sat over there and came out. He said, “I sat on the tongue and therefore I am going now.” Saying so, he came out. When the demoness opened her mouth, Hanuman also began growing. Then he thought to himself, “Why should I grow along with this demoness?” So he became like a small monkey, the size of a mosquito. Then he told her, “I have satisfied your desire. So you cannot hurt me anymore.” Even demons used to follow Dharma in those days. There were some rules and regulations for them also. They could not defy those regulations. Then the demoness told him, “First you complete the work on which you have come.” Even a demoness changed and helped in the Divine Mission! 

You can speak about the many glories and stories of the Ramayana for many days and even years, but they would never end. They are like the ocean. With any number of pump sets, can you ever pump out all the water of the oceans? You can never empty the ocean. Similarly, any number of people may talk about the Ramayana but it will ever remain full and complete. Nobody can reduce the quantum of Ramayana. That is why it is said, ‘As long as the mountains and rivers are there, the Ramayana is going to be there.’ Then one sage asked the question, “Has Ramayana come for the mountains and rivers? Or has it come for humans?” No. Mountains represent men. Rivers represent women. So the adage means that as long as men and women are there in this world, the Ramayana will exist. That is the inner meaning of what is said. As long as mountains and rivers are there, Ramayana will be there. Who said this? Lord Brahma declared so. As long as men and women are there, the Ramayana will exist. There cannot be a world without men and women. So Ramayana can never perish. That is what Hanuman preached to others. He is Vayu Putra – son of Wind God. Without the wind you can’t stay. So you are all the children of the Wind God. Only the monkey tail is missing!! But all the monkey traits are there in you! 

Krishna said the same thing. He used to call Arjuna as Partha. Partha does not refer to Arjuna alone. All the children of Mother Earth (Pruthvi) are Partha. All are the children of Mother Earth. So you are all Parthas. That Partha had a Gandiva bow. You can’t lift up a tumbler also! How powerful Hanuman was! He lifted the entire mountain! You can’t even lift a stone! What is the use? 

Source: Understand the Inner Significance of Indian Culture, Discourse 8, My Dear Students Volume 5; Divine Discourse at Trayee Brindavan on April 9, 1999

Everything Happens For Our Own Good – By Vikram Eluri

Right from the word ‘go’ in the lap of Mother Sai in 1999, my life took a turn towards my own self. All my unanswered questions seemed to be unfolding themselves in front of my eyes. With an ambition to secure a seat in the MBA course in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, I stepped into the portals of the Institute in May 1999. Though I was not very confident of making it to the interview, I was short listed for the same. Coming from a Science background, what was all the more surprising was my name figuring in the final list of MFM (Master of Financial Management) instead of the MBA course!  I took this as Divine Will and joined the course to do my best.

The course curricula which aimed at the overall development of the body, mind and the soul were truly interesting. The Hostel schedule functioning with clock-work precision, changed my erstwhile lazy attitude in my day to day activities. While Accounts was a totally new subject for me, coming from a Science background, the professors were very helpful in training me in basics of Accountancy.

I had to put in extra effort in the subject “Cost and Management Accounting” to come up to the expected levels of performance. The first semester results were out and I was shocked to learn that I did not pass the Cost and Management Accountancy paper. It was as if my life had come to a standstill! For a moment it shook my faith in myself and my Mother Sai. My brothers and teachers helped me to gather courage.

I gave the second semester examination and was pretty confident that I had done well in all my papers including the one on Cost and Management Accountancy. As if destined, I failed to pass the paper in the supplementary examination too! The world had now really come to an end. I did not believe in myself and could not digest the fact that I had failed in a single subject twice over. All this had happened in spite of obtaining an overall ‘O’ (Outstanding) grade in the rest of the subjects.

What next? As per the university guidelines I had to discontinue my MFM course and retake the Cost and Management Accountancy exam as a fresher at the end of the new academic year. I was asked to discontinue my MFM course for one whole semester. All this made me feel as if I was fit for nothing. All my requests to the University authorities were turned down. I got nothing but sympathy. I felt as if I was a burden on this earth and lost faith in everybody including my own self. I did not know what was in store for me and with a broken heart I prayed to Mother Sai. I cried out my agony to Her. I wrote a number of letters to provide me with just one more opportunity to prove my worth, but all in vain. I did not have the courage to face my family and society.

I soon realised at that point that separation from Mother Sai was more painful than my failure in the examination and believed that my academics were the only way by which I could stay in Sai’s physical proximity. One day during the Darshan I grabbed the feet of my Divine Mother and wept like a child who had been separated from his mother. Mother Sai answered my prayers in Her own way by saying that ‘everything happens for your own good.’

I did not understand Mother’s words and kept cursing my fate for my failure. I had to spend six months at home doing my project work, help my parents in shifting home and was still feeling lost in this world. Little did I know that it was in this period of my life that I would encounter somebody who would turn out to be my soul mate at a later stage in my life.

Six months down the line I was back into my Mother’s fold to continue my studies. All my juniors were my classmates now. It is only in a Sai Institution that you live as brothers and sisters. Nobody is ever looked down upon for any reason. I slowly began to realise what an opportunity I was blessed with. I learnt the practical lessons of life while I was physically away from Mother Sai. I had the opportunity to put my learning to practice and now I was back again to relearn and of course, correct my life through my experiences.

I passed my Cost and Management Accountancy paper in my third attempt and went on to pass my MFM with an ‘O’ grade. I was very much doubtful of my career prospects because of my initial failure. I never knew what was in store for me. Nothing is unknown to Mother Sai. A day after appearing for my last exam, I was employed with one of the leading organisations of the country. That was the infinite Grace of the Mother. Truly everything happens for our own good.

- Vikram Eluri

Student (1999-2001), Department of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Account Manager at Capgemini, Los Angeles, USA

Source: Fragrance 2005

Trayee Sessions - Part 17

Thursday, May 3, 2001

Swami came at 4.20 pm. He spoke to a few students while coming. He saw the photo shown by a student now working in the Central Trust, and signed it. While coming to the Jhoola room, He saw Prof. Anil Kumar and smiled at him.

Swami : Why did you come late in the morning?

Prof. A. K. : Train was late.

Swami : Is Guntur cool?

Prof. A. K. : It is hot now.

Swami : That is after you have left. What is the temperature there? 

Prof. A. K. : I did not note.

Swami then asked a student who was studying in Swami’s institutions since the Primary School to give a talk. The student, now 21 years old, narrated his stay at the Ooty Primary School. He said that the place in Ooty had been gifted by … and stopped. He couldn’t recall the name. Swami said, “By T.T. Krishnamachari”. The student said that Swami had come to Ooty on Shankara Jayanti.

Swami : Eh! Deepavali. I gave crackers to all of you.

After his speech, Swami blessed him and told him to return to his seat. Turning to Prof. Anil Kumar – Do your dance! (meaning he should give a speech). Prof. Anil Kumar then narrated many hilarious incidents that made Swami laugh continuously. When he spoke of a Telugu sweet named Bobbattu, Swami translated it as ‘Sweet Puri’. 

Swami asked a student whether he had eaten Bobattu. After sometime, Swami asked him to conclude, telling, ‘Bas… Bas’ (Enough). Swami then accepted Aarti at 5.10 pm. While going back, He told a student that He would bless him and his brother the next day. Swami gave Prasadam trays to the students and blessed all from the balcony of the first floor before retiring for the day.

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

Video Satsang Episode 18: How Sri Sathya Sai saved my Life - By Y.M. Kishore

In this episode of Video Satsang, Sri Y.M. Kishore, Former Faculty Member, Department of Management and Commerce, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus; and a student of the Institute's MBA programme from 1987-1989, shares his personal experience of how Swami saved his life from a fatal accident. 

Click on the video and enjoy the Satsang:

Rama: The Ideal King

Rama: The Ideal 

Rama was an ideal ruler who ruled His people with due regard to their likes and dislikes, having their welfare as His primary concern. As a ruler Rama has no equals. He was a veritable mine of strength, virtue and love. Hence it is essential that every student should take Rama as an ideal to be emulated and derive happiness by practising the ideal of Sri Rama.

- “Perennial Message of the Ramayana”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 25, May 25, 1992, Brindavan

Rama ruled His kingdom in peace recognising that the people’s happiness is His happiness and recognising that the people’s prosperity is the primary concern of the king. Rama never thought that He was the king and that people are under the king. He never had any jealousy or ego in His mind. He regarded Himself as a driver who had to lead the people. Rama, by His own conduct, would make the people go along the right path and demonstrate to them the ideal path. All that He had said or done was only for giving happiness to the people. For setting an example to the people and for protecting the truth, Rama sent His own wife to the forest. If it was for sticking to truth and Dharma, to Rama it did not matter whether the person involved was the wife He married or the son who was born to Him. 

- “Sorrow is not Natural to Man:Happiness is his Nature”, 

Summer Showers in Brindavan 1977, Brindavan

Rama spoke to His subjects even before they spoke to Him, so ardent was His love towards them. He lovingly enquired about their welfare and was full of sympathy for them. So, the subjects too loved Him as their staunchest friend and dearest kinsman, and they revered Him for His affectionate interest in them. Rama followed strictly the various rules of living, dictated by tradition, whatever the inconvenience or discomfort. To whomsoever He spoke, He had a charming smile on His face, a merry twinkle in the eye and lasting sweetness in His words. No one noticed the slightest trace of anger, dislike, despair or hate in His face. 

He was the embodiment of compassion and sympathy. He was full of eagerness to rescue those who surrender their wishes to His will. Undesirable habits to which royalty is an easy prey never dared approach Him. He was not a victim of the evil habit of garrulity and dalliance. In spite of this, if anyone displayed before Him his cleverness in argument, He would never fail to foil him by cleverer counter argument and put him in his place. He never knew illness of body or anxiety in the mind. He recognised the needs of the people and, even before they represented them to the ruler, He considered the response that could be made and remedied the grievance, after taking the permission of Dasharatha and making the ministers interested in the solution. Dasharatha too did not obstruct His wishes in any way. He put them into execution the moment he came to know about them. Rama paid detailed attention to even the smallest detail of administration and took adequate precautions to see that problems and complexities do not raise their heads once they had been solved and set right. 

Another quality which was evident in Rama was: He never revealed in advance what He had resolved in His mind. Until it took final shape no one could make out His will or wish. And His anger or resentment, or His satisfaction would never be futile. He would not delay or allow Himself to be diverted or deceived. With such supreme characteristics, Rama shone in glory. 

- “Preparations for the Coronation”, Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 1

As is the ruler, so are the ministers. As are the ministers, so are the administrators. As are the administrators, so are the common people. The ministers strictly adhered to Truth and Righteousness. Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna were assigned the duty of enforcing Sri Rama’s orders in all parts of the kingdom. They kept a close watch over what was happening in every nook and corner of the realm, how far the people were adhering to truth and righteousness and how they were getting on in daily life. For this purpose a large body of officials was employed to go round the country. These messengers gathered all information everyday about the difficulties experienced by the people and their conduct. This system prevailed as long as Rama reigned over the kingdom.

In Rama’s reign, all married women were Sumangalis (whose husbands were alive). Widowhood was unknown. It is natural for parents to die before their children. But it is unnatural for children to die earlier than their parents. In Rama-Rajya there was not a single case of premature death. Death of young people was not known. There were none suffering from disease. There was no sign of poverty. The rains came in the right seasons. The harvests were bountiful. There was no shortage of food. Unrest was unknown. All people were happy and peaceful. Comparing those days with the present times, we realise what apathetic plight is ours. Bharat will enjoy Rama-Rajya only when it has rulers like Rama, ministers like Sumanthra, saintly advisers like Vasishta and Vamadeva and brothers like Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. During Rama’s reign there was no conflict anywhere. People did not indulge in mutual recrimination. Everyone in the kingdom was grateful for any act of help and was eager to repay the act of kindness.

- “The Greatness of Rama-Rajya”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29, May 29, 1996, Brindavan

Rama was ever active in fulfilling the wishes and responding to the opinions of the people. Highly sensitive even to the remarks of a petty washer man, Rama sent away Sita to the forest out of a feeling that the washer man’s comment might be an indication of the unspoken feelings of many others among His subjects. Rama stands out as an ideal ruler intensely responsive to the wishes of the people. Rama demonstrated the ideal relations that should exist between the ruler and the ruled. 

- “Ideals of the Rama Avatar”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, March 24, 1991, Prasanthi Nilayam

Rama enlightens every seeker in the spiritual field, since He put into daily practice all that He deemed right. So, He sets the standard for every member of the household, of the society, of the nation and of the human race. He went into exile to maintain the highest ideal of a ruler responsive to the reaction of His subjects. The former holds forth the duty of Pitruvaakyaparipaalana (respecting the command of the father) and the latter, the regal duty of Janavakyaparipaalana (respecting the wishes of the ruled). 

- “Rama: The Ideal”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 15, Bangalore

After completing his great epic, Valmiki was considering how to make it known to the world and how to sanctify the lives of people by spreading its message. The Ramayana evokes joy in the listeners by the very sweetness of its poetry. Its Shlokas (verses) relieve people of their sorrow. Kusha and Lava (the sons of Sita) who were dressed like ascetics and who could sing melodiously and move the hearts of the listeners by their charming music came to Valmiki and offered their salutations to the sage. When the two appeared before Valmiki, the sage told them, “Children! I have composed the Ramayana with a pure and unsullied heart through arduous effort. You should proclaim to the world this sacred story”.

Luv-Kush receiving education from Sage Valmiki

Lava and Kusha sang the story of Rama in a manner that moved the hearts of one and all – from commoners to King Rama Himself. Thus Rama Himself enjoyed the narration of His story in song. He posed as if He did not know His own story. In this context, the human aspect of Rama should be noted. He lived like a common man, but ordinary men did not live like Rama. That is the secret of this phenomenon. Though Rama was Divine, He moved about like an ordinary man. Common men should live like Rama to manifest their Divinity. It is not enough to recognise the human aspects of Rama. People should also realise the Divinity in everyone. Rama dwells in the heart of everyone. “Ramayati Iti Ramah” (Rama is the one who pleases).

- “The Perennial Message of the Rama Story”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, April 16, 1997, Brindavan

Source: Rama, Chapter 4, Sai: Avatar on Avatar Purushas