In this episode of Video Satsang, Sri Mallikeswaran, an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, shares a famous incident incident in Swami's life of how He showed His true form to His students.
Video Satsang Episode 24: Revealing His True Form - By Sri Mallikeswaran
In this episode of Video Satsang, Sri Mallikeswaran, an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, shares a famous incident incident in Swami's life of how He showed His true form to His students.
How Important Is the Practice of Spirituality?
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| Sri Sathya Sai Speaks |
This entire life is extremely valuable. It is full of radiance and glory. But we are wasting such a valuable life by indulging ourselves in all kinds of bad thoughts and worldly pleasures. Human life is highly sacred. It has all friendship and character. The main responsibility of human beings is to realise the human values. Man is born without any desires, without any qualities. At the time of birth, man does not have any attributes whatsoever. But as he grows up, as he changes his food habits and because of the influence of his company, his qualities change. Owing to attachment and possessive instincts, he spends his life like that. If man has to live a human life and develop human qualities, he has to face so many difficulties and challenges throughout his life. If a man is successful in passing through all these challenges and difficulties in life, then only will he be able to uphold the human values. In life we are bound to face so many problems. They all help in directing the human life.
Man keeps on acquiring desires right from birth till the old age. From a pauper to the king, from the ignorant to the intelligent ones, desires exist for all. Some aspire for performing great and noble actions. Some desire to be educated, while others desire to be rich. These desires are very natural to man, but there should be a limit on these desires. As man crosses these limits of desires, he loses his peace and becomes restless. Desires alone make man restless. Desires may be there but there should be a limit to them. Of the various defects in man, desires are growing like ant hills. There is no limit to desires and so man is bound by these desires. Driven by these desires, man not only changes but also imprisons his entire life. Even animals have limited desires. Desires in animals are limited by reasons and seasons. But the desire of man has no reason or season. Hence, man today faces a lot of problems and challenges. It’s not the worry of food or shelter that makes man restless. Rather it is only excessive desires that make him restless. Therefore man must put a ceiling on desires.
Attain the Supreme Knowledge
Less luggage leads to more comfort. Life is like a long journey. In this long journey you should not have excess luggage. This is called renunciation in Vedanta. Though man has long been reading, listening and practicing renunciation, we realise that he has not taken even a single step towards it. He has remained as he was. In spite of listening to Vedanta and other philosophies, man has not followed the path of renunciation. In spite of praying, Japa (chanting the sacred syllables) and Tapa (undertaking penance) and reading sacred texts and scriptures, man has been where he was. Only when man actually practices what he learns, will he make progress and reach noble heights. But today practice is zero. Despite being told so many things and being able to recite so many poems, man has been where he was.
You should practice whatever is told to you. Then only will you gain experience. By simply knowing the menu, your hunger is not appeased. You should make an effort to eat. A beggar will not improve his condition by simply listening to the greatness of the economy. A very hungry person cannot get his hunger appeased by simply seeing the menu card. Darkness will never get dispelled by listening to the effects of light. Similarly man, by simply listening about spirituality, can never become a philosopher. By simply understanding the standard of the Vedic texts we can never become philosophers. This kind of superficial knowledge is only bookish knowledge. You require Supreme Knowledge and this can be obtained by practical knowledge. So, every man has to make an effort to practice. The one who does not put into practice, even after a thousand births he cannot reach the supreme state. Such a man would never deserve God’s Grace.
Practice all Good Things in Life
What are we sacrificing? What are we following? Both of these are not happening. We are neither practicing nor sacrificing. Then what is the use of listening to all these things? In our daily lives, we watch television and videos. But what is the use of watching all these. You remember it as long as you watch. But later you forget about it. But spirituality is not like that. That which is heard and watched must be treasured in the heart. Then only will you have satisfaction and peace in life. Man considers himself very great and thinks that whatever knowledge he has is superior to the others.
A small example. At one time Lord Krishna called Duryodhana and Dharmaja (Yudhisthira). He told Dharmaja to find out any bad person in the kingdom and bring him. Krishna then asked Duryodhana to find any good person in the kingdom and bring him. Duryodhana went around the kingdom and returned to Krishna and replied to Krishna that there was not a single good person in the kingdom. He replied that if there was any goodness it was only in him. Later Dharmaja came to the Krishna and replied that their kingdom had only good people and if there was any one bad it was only him. Then Krishna explained that because Dharmaja’s mind was good he could see only good in people. But Duryodhana’s mind was wicked and hence he considered everyone bad. The one who thinks that he knows more than others is highly egoistic. Today, man knows everything but he doesn’t practice. So he thinks that none is as great as him. Therefore, in human life, mental nature is very important. The one who claims that he knows everything doesn’t know anything. And the one who says that he doesn’t know anything, knows everything. Therefore we have to know everything and from that which is known we must practice at least one or two.
Sri Sathya Sai’s Visiting Cards – By Kevat Joshi
An old parable goes thus: When God created this Universe and sent man to dwell on earth, He bestowed on man all His wisdom, virtues and powers. After many years, as man started progressing scientifically using the knowledge given to him by God, his ego started showing its ugly face. He started thinking that he was the most important one in God’s creation. He started using ¬his powers for his selfish purposes. His mind was always swayed by thoughts of hatred, jealousy, envy, destruction and revenge. His heart, once filled with God’s Divine love, lacked the faith in God and the selfless love for his fellow beings and nature. It had only desire for money and power.
God was looking for a true devotee on earth. He called three of His angels, the angel of money, the angel of fame and the angel of love. He instructed them to go down to each and every house on earth and introduce themselves to all the people as the ones sent by God to confer His blessings on them. He laid condition that only one of the three should bless a particular house. The choice which angel should bless their house was left to the householder. The angels did as they were told. The angels of wealth and fame were invited to many houses. Only a poor old lady, immersed in her devotion to God aspired for the blessings of the angel of love. God was overwhelmed by her and directed the other two angels too to go and bless the lady.
Here we see that people with desires and ego did not get happiness people with humility are able to receive God’s love, which He gives to all. It is the same in our case. We have to cut our ego to realise the Divinity of Bhagavan. He has shown us many ways to cut the ego. The name of this sacred place, Puttaparthi, itself signifies the removal of the ego. By splitting up the word, it becomes “Put-Apart-I.” Put apart the ‘I’ (egoistic) feeling. Bhagavan also explains the cross, symbol of Christianity, similarly. He explains, ‘Just cut the ‘I’ in middle and you become Divine.’
Once when Swami was asked during an interview about the way of reducing the ego, He showed a way, which, in my opinion, is the best and the most effective. He told the person, “God created this whole Universe. In Universe, the Milky Way is a small galaxy. Here the Sun is a much smaller star around which revolves the earth, which is a small planet in our solar system this earth, only a quarter part is occupied by land. On this quarter, the continent of Asia is still smaller. In this small part, India is a small country. In India, Andhra Pradesh is a small state in which again Anantapur is a small district. In this district, Puttaparthi is a small village. In this small village, you are sitting in this small room occupying a little space. Now compare yourself with the vastness of the Universe. Immediately your ego will bow down.” Is it not a really effective way of making the ego bows down before you? It is also a way of being humble before God as a small part of His creation.
Whenever we lose faith in God and we are in troubled waters, He blesses us with His miracles to reinforce our faith in Him. Miracles are not tricks of magic. They are but incidents that show how God works, how He cares and how He hears even untold prayers.
This year, in May, I had been to Manali, a hill-station in Himachal Pradesh along with my family. It was raining heavily and we were trekking along the hilly road. Suddenly a stone under my father’s feet gave way and my father was sliding head first into the deep valley. Suddenly, as he was falling a packet of Vibhuti fell out of his pocket. He caught hold of some tender plants and weeds to prevent him from sliding further. The tender plants held the eighty kilograms of my father’s weight till someone could reach him and help him up.
Swami has said, “I know your name, your degrees, your profession, your status, and your history. I know your past, present and future. But you do not know Me. That is why, in order to reveal who I am, I Myself show My visiting card, something you call a miracle.”
Another interesting experience that I recollect happened on one of Bhagavan’s visits to Mumbai in mid-1980’s. Bhagavan was expected to return to Bangalore by flight and had to travel from Dharmakshetra to the airport by road. My father had a rough idea of the route and had told my mother, sister and me to stand on the main road so that we could have a view of Swami’s car and the convoy. It was a hot afternoon and so there were very few people on the road. But the traffic was flowing as usual on the roads in Mumbai. No one was standing around us on the road. We could see Swami’s car coming. Suddenly the signal turned red and Swami’s car came and stopped right in front of us. We went near His car with joined hands. Swami smiled beautifully and blessed us. Yes, He gives the most beautiful of experiences when you least expect them.
Another incident I would like to share happened during my childhood. When Swami visited Mumbai in January 1986, He told a family to perform their son’s marriage the following month in Puttaparthi. The members of that family were our family friends and they invited us for the marriage, which was scheduled for the 20th of February. We were supposed to leave for Puttaparthi on the 14th of February. That day, early in the morning, Shirdi Sai Baba appeared in the dream of an ardent Shirdi Sai devotee living in our colony and told her that He would come to the colony that day to save the life of His devotee.
That morning at 8:30 am my grandfather was sitting on the floor, having his food. I was sitting and playing on a stool nearby. He had a vessel of hot Dal (a liquid food) in front of him. I lost my balance and fell headfirst into the vessel. In trying to save my head, my hands also were burnt. Immediately, I was rushed to a doctor who applied some ointment on my face and hands, which were burning with boils and scars due to the heat. The doctor advised us not to take up the long journey to Puttaparthi. But my father was very keen on going to Prasanthi Nilayam and seeking Swami’s blessings. So we started out on the journey. I did not even utter a single word of pain throughout the journey of twenty hours.
The bus journey from Dharmavaram to Prasanthi Nilayam is usually hot and that day was no exception. But I never felt the heat or any kind of pain throughout that journey too. Swami was protecting me all the way. Further treatment was available at the General Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam. Every day during Darshan, on seeing me sitting with my mother, Swami would enquire about me. On the twentieth, after the wedding ceremony inside the interview room, Swami told my parents that He had saved me and that they need not worry about me.
Then with a lot of love and compassion, He cut a bit of my hair that was severely damaged in the accident. No doubt, the curing process was much faster after this day. Within a few days, all the boils, scars and marks vanished, my skin colour became normal and my hair reappeared. Most astonishingly, in the accident, there was no damage to my eyes. This incident shows that when Bhagavan assures that He takes care of everything we need not worry about anything else. It really demonstrates Bhagavan’s declaration, “Why fear when I am here!” Through many other incidents, He has, from time to time, strengthened my faith in Him. In gratitude, I offer at His Lotus Feet a small prayer.
“O Lord! You say that Your life is Your message. Guide us so that we can make our lives at least a small fraction of Your message.”
- Kevat Joshi
Student (2002-2005), Department of Biosciences,
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Brindavan Campus
Trayee Sessions – Part 22
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
Swami came at 4.30 pm. He came straight to the Jhoola. Sitting on the Jhoola…
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| Sri Sathya Sai on the Jhoola in Trayee Brindavan |
Swami : All are sitting here only. All Parthi boys have gone. (Referring to the new students who had joined for the new academic year) New faces.
Warden : Yes, Swami.
Swami called a teacher to speak. Swami blessed him saying, “Manchidi” (Good).
The teacher started by narrating the story of a man with four wives, representing the four types of devotees.
Swami : Four wives! Aarthi, Artharthi, Jignasu, Jnani.
He started the story stating that a person before going abroad, asked his four wives, what they wanted.
Swami : Eh! Not before going. While coming back he sent word asking what they wanted. He was a businessman.
The teacher said that the first wife representing Aarthi was a diseased lady.
Swami : Aarthi is not sick. What is Aarthi?
Teacher : Distress. Artharthi.
Swami : Artharthi is the second. She wants this thing, that thing. Aarthi means desires.
He then spoke of the second wife, Artharthi. Swami told that she represented ‘show’.
The third wife represented Jignasu, who wanted the spiritual books of the land.
Swami added that she was interested in the message of spiritual leaders. The last wife represented ‘Jnani’. Swami blessed him after his speech.
Swami : (Smiling) In what you told, nothing was complete! There was no full stop. Only comma, comma. There were four wives. The businessman got and gave what they wanted. What does that mean? There is no essence. It is just like telling, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star…’
Swami got up and accepted Aarti at 5.20 pm. Swami blessed a professor going to Prasanthi Nilayam. Swami gave Prasadam trays to the boys. He blessed all from the balcony before retiring for the day.
Sri Sathya Sai with Students Visits the Twin Villages: Kammavaripalli and Ammagondapalem
Sunday, May 26, 1985
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| Villagers welcoming Sri Sathya Sai into Ammagondapalem Village |
Bhagavan planned for a village adoption programme for the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning as a way of celebrating International Year of Youth in 1985. On 13th May, He gave a Discourse elaborating on Guidelines on Grama Seva. This can be accessed here:
The students started work at Puttaparthi on 16th May 1985, under Bhagavan’s guidance.
Bhagavan accompanied by the staff and students of the three Campuses of the Institute, proceeded to two villages, Kammavaripalli and Ammagondapalem, in the Sri Sathya Sai Taluk on 26th morning. Bhagavan was welcomed by the villagers at Kammavaripalli. He installed the idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Anjaneya in the inner sanctum of the village Mandir. He presented a set of musical instruments to the Bhajan Mandali of the village. Bhagavan directed the students to give a recital of ‘Rama Katha’ with its lilting folk tunes. Sri Challa Subbarayudu gave a short speech which was followed by Bhagavan’s Discourse. He said:
“Whatever qualities a man may possess, he cannot make proper use of them if he lacks company of good people. Through the Satsangam (company of good persons) one can develop good qualities, good thoughts, good feelings and do good deeds and thereby transform his human nature into divine nature. This, in fact, is the primary duty of every individual. To develop good qualities, one has to get rid of one's bad traits. If you want to cultivate unity, you have to give up hatred. If you wish to develop a sweet temper, you have to rid yourself of bitterness. As long as hatred remains, unity cannot grow. Even if there are differences of opinion, these should not be allowed to stand in the way of united action for promoting the welfare of the village as a whole. A village is made up of an aggregation of families. Therefore every householder has an obligation to the village as a whole, just as the five fingers of the hand have to act together to carry out any work efficiently, all the villagers have to work in cooperation for the welfare of the village. Indian culture and civilisation have been built up from ancient times on rural communities. Even today this culture survives predominantly in villages. The national life is sustained by the villages. It is wrong to ignore the interests of the villages or to allow them to decay.
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| Sri Sathya Sai with the Villagers |
Lack of unity prevents progress
Our ancients built temples to help the people to cultivate right feelings and act righteously. They felt that there should be no village without a temple. A school without teachers, a temple without a deity, a wire without current and a field without water are of no use. Everyone should regard his heart itself as a temple and strive to realise the divinity that is in him.
Villagers should seek to share all the amenities available in the villages. They must learn a lesson from the behaviour of the crow. When a crow sees an edible, it cries, 'kaw, kaw', to attract other crows to the place. Likewise, when ant sees a piece of jaggery, it does not start eating it alone. It brings other ants to the place. Rows and rows of ants can be seen coming towards the lump of jaggery and eating from it. Look at the unity and cooperation among the ants and crows. Such unity is not present among men. Personal differences are ruining the life in the villages. Enormous progress can be made by the villagers if there is unity among them. There will then be no need for approaching the Government for help. If the villagers are united, there is nothing which they cannot accomplish.
The first requisite is to promote the love of God. The Lord is the real and sole protector. Many powerful men are, in the ultimate reckoning, unable to protect themselves. Hence, you should put your faith in the Lord, who is the protector of everybody. Every morning and evening, and on every occasion when you have. time, you have to go to the temple, recite the name of the Lord and pray to the Lord to fill your hearts with love and enable you to lead a right life.
The mark of a true human being
You must see that every action of yours is pure and sacred. It should be based on truth and should be intelligent and purposeful. The ancient Rishis used to pray, ‘Tasmai-Namah Karmane’ (I bow to the all-powerful Karma). We tend to waste our precious life in activities devoted to worldly matters and petty pleasures. No time is devoted to the achievement of the enduing and sacred bliss that is delved from the enjoyment of the Self. Time is not anyone's exclusive property. It is common to all whether he is a multi-millionaire or a destitute. All are subject to the dictates of Time.
All must cultivate the spirit of equal-mindedness. This is the mark of a true human being. It is the spirit of serenity in which one looks upon praise or blame, honour or dishonour, pleasure or pain alike. We tend to shrivel up when somebody abuses us. The whole world looks gloomy. We swell with pride when anybody praises us. What we should cultivate is an attitude in which we remain unaffected in both the situations. Shanti (mental tranquility) is necessary for experiencing the truth of the Self. There is no greater thing on earth than peace of mind. Every effort must be made to acquire Shanti.
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| Sri Sathya Sai Instructing the Elders of Ammagondapalem |
Lead a life of unity and cooperation
The villagers lack many things. But they should not think that it is enough if they have clothes to wear, houses to live in and food to eat. How many, who have all these, are really happy? For real happiness you must have a large and loving heart. If you cultivate fraternal feelings towards all the people in the village, you will not only acquire real happiness but will also help to make the village a prosperous and harmonious community. Whenever I see such villages I feel extremely happy. There is generally more peace in the villages than in the cities. There is hardly any peace in the cities, with their hustle and bustle. Rural life should not be considered lowly and contemptible. The atmosphere in the villages is pure and healthy. With proper housing and good water supply, life can be very enjoyable in the villages. This village has been visited by many political leaders but because of lack of unity in the village, it has not received any aid from the Government. If you have unity, I shall be prepared to render any amount of help for your improvement. From today you must lead a life of unity and co-operation.
The idol of Rama has been installed in your temple today. You must feel that Rama has been installed in the hearts of every one of you. When you have this feeling, you will begin to follow the path of righteousness. Righteousness protects those who act righteously. As farmers, you know the gains from sowing a bushel of seed to reap a harvest of a bag of grain. Likewise if you devote five minutes to prayer in a day, the Lord will give you 55 minutes worth of grace. You must cultivate unity, co-operation and mutual trust. Love is the basis of all other human qualities like Truth, Righteousness and Peace. If the four qualities of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema are present in a person, he will manifest the divinity that is in him.
Not many of you may know that I first visited this village nearly 35 years ago. I have looked upon Ammagondapalem and Kammavaripalli as my two eyes and that is why I decided to initiate the installation of the Rama idol in the temple here. This village is at the periphery of Sathya Sai Taluka and is very backward. I shall be prepared to help you and promote your welfare in every possible way.”
Bhagavan materialised Vibhuti and a ring for the Seva Dal Convener of the village. He visited the Harijan colony and presented a set of musical instruments to the colony temple which had been constructed by Him earlier.
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| Sri Sathya Sai Blessing Villagers |
The convoy then proceeded to the next village, Ammagondapalem. Bhagavan distributed sweets and saris to the villagers in the village temple and presented a set of musical instruments to the Bhajan Mandali. Some of the villagers had their children christened by Bhagavan.
While returning, He stopped at Kammavaripalli Harijan colony temple and received Arati. Bhagavan stopped at many villages enroute and distributed Prasadam to the villagers. It was a sight to see Bhagavan standing on the foot board of the car waving out to the villagers at Janakampalli. His entourage reached Prashanti Nilayam in the afternoon. It was a memorable day for the students, never to be forgotten.
Video Satsang Episode 21: How Sri Sathya Sai Taught to 'End the Mind' - By 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 how the Sathya Sai System of Integral Education facilitates the process of students' spiritual development.
He elaborates on Swami's Message: "Bend the Body, Mend the Senses, End the Mind."
Gautam Buddha’s Experiences: Lessons For All
- “Purity – The Path to Liberation”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, May 15, 1997, Brindavan
One day He saw a farmer distributing grains. Buddha went to him and asked, “Where is My share of alms?” The farmer said to Him, “Oh lazy monk! Why should I give You alms? I give food to those who work hard. I also work hard. I till the soil. I sow the seeds, remove the weeds, water the fields and harvest the grains. But You do not do anything”. The farmer thought that he was working hard. Buddha replied, “I cultivate the land of the heart, I water it with love, I remove the weeds of bad tendencies, I harvest the grains of wisdom and I get the fruit of bliss”.
- “Sense Control is the Highest Sadhana”,
Summer Showers in Brindavan 2002, Brindavan
One day in His wanderings, Buddha came to a village. The residents of the village were performing a Yajna and, as a part of the rituals, were preparing to sacrifice an animal. Buddha saw this and advised the villagers not to do so. He said, “No harm must be done in any manner whatsoever to any living being, because God dwells in all”. Buddha added, “This is what I have learnt. God dwells in all; therefore the individual is God and God is the individual. Hence, it is wrong to kill this animal”. The head priest replied, “Sir, we are not killing this animal; we are offering it liberation”. Amused by the reply, Buddha said, “You are offering liberation to an animal that did not ask for it. Instead, why don’t you liberate a person who is asking for it? Your argument has no basis in the scriptures. No Veda advocates what you are saying. Your observation is false and untrue. Do you think liberation can be granted by inflicting harm, pain, and injury? No! Your father, mother, wife, and son all want liberation. Why don’t you offer them in sacrifice and grant them all the liberation that they seek? You are so eager to liberate an animal that has no desire for it but unwilling to liberate fellow humans who are hungering for it. What kind of perverted logic is this? What you are trying to do is the worst of sins. Never hurt, injure, or kill living beings”. This is how Buddha conveyed the idea: Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah. Ahimsa (nonviolence) is the greatest Dharma of all.
- “Buddha’s Message”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 2000, Brindavan
Once, Buddha was traveling from village to village giving spiritual discourses. One day, He felt tired and asked one of His disciples to address the gathering. He went inside to take rest. The disciple during the course of his speech said, “In this world, there has never been a spiritual master greater than our master, Buddha, and there will not be another like Him in future”. The audience gave a thunderous applause. On hearing this, Buddha came out. One of the disciples told Him the reason for the people’s joyous applause. Buddha smiled and called the disciple who delivered the lecture. “What is your age?” He asked. The disciple said he was thirty-five years old. “How many kingdoms have you visited so far?” Buddha asked him again. The disciple said he had visited only two kingdoms. Buddha said, “You are thirty-five years old and have seen only two kingdoms. You have not understood the present completely. Then how can you say anything about the past and the future? It is meaningless to say that a master like Buddha was never born before and will never be born again. Many Avatars and sages have taken birth in this sacred land of Bharat. Many more Avatars and noble souls will be born here in future also. There are many noble souls in this world, I offer my respects to all of them”.
In this way, Buddha reproached His disciple. It is foolish for a man with little knowledge to behave like a learned man. No one can estimate the sacredness and greatness of this country, Bharat. To be called an Indian is in a great qualification and honour. How can one describe the great good fortune of the Bharatiyas, for the Lord Himself has taken birth several times in this sacred land to show the path of Divinity to mankind? Many saints, sages, and men of sacrifice were born here. The sacredness and renown of Bharat are unmatched. That is why Buddha chose this country as His motherland.
- “Control Your Senses”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32 Part 01, May 30, 1999, Brindavan
Once, Buddha went to a farmer’s house for begging alms. But instead of offering alms, the farmer started abusing Buddha. He said, “You are eating and growing like a buffalo. Eating thus, you have become lazy. You are not only spoiling Yourself, but also the youth”. Buddha continued sitting on the slab in front of the house. The farmer got furious and shouted, “Will You go away from my house or not”? Then Buddha replied, “Sir, to whom will the alms go, if you have given it and the recipient doesn’t accept it?” The farmer replied, “This question of Yours does not need any terrific brain work. Of course, if You don’t accept it then I will keep the alms with me.” Then Buddha said, “I asked you for alms and you gave me the food of accusations. But I don’t accept the food given by you. So, the accusations will go back to you only”. Hearing this, the farmer realised his mistake and fell at Buddha’s feet.
- “Life is Love, Enjoy it”, My Dear Students, Volume 04, April 1993, Kodaikanal
Buddha was once resting in a forest. He was by Himself. A fearsome demon came to Him and said, “I am very hungry. Are You prepared to become a meal for me?” Buddha smiled and replied, “I am ready! Death is certain to come some day or the other. Why then should I not die today, especially if I can satisfy your hunger?” Never be afraid of death, because it is a certainty; no one can escape it. Buddha was not afraid of death, and that was why He was ready to become a meal for the demon. The moment the demon heard the reply, it transformed into a dove and said, “Today, You have demonstrated Your enormous capacity for sacrifice. From now on, I too shall spread your message everywhere”.
- “Buddha’s Message”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 2000, Brindavan
Once, Buddha entered a village along with His disciples. A lady approached Him and requested Him to have food in her house. Buddha blessed her and accepted her invitation. Seeing this, many villagers, including the village headman, warned Buddha, saying, “O Buddha, You are one of wisdom and have renounced everything. She is not a woman of good character. It is not proper for You to have food in her house”. Buddha smiled and asked the village headman to come forward. Buddha, holding the right hand of the headman, asked him to clap. The headman said, it was not possible for him to clap since one of his hands was in Buddha’s hold. Buddha said, “True, it is possible to clap only when two hands come together. Likewise, this lady cannot turn bad by herself unless there are men of bad character in the village. The men of this village are the root cause of her bad character”. The villagers realized their folly, fell at Buddha’s feet and sought His forgiveness. Through His teachings, Buddha instilled sacredness and wisdom in people. Buddha’s teachings are highly sacred, with profound inner meaning.
- “Control Your Senses”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32 Part 01, May 30, 1999, Brindavan
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| Buddha's Nirvana |
- “Buddha’s Message”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 2000, Brindavan
God’s Love Is So Wonderful – By G. Satish Babu
Where to start and what to write? The heart, which actually enjoyed His love, remains in its silent reminiscences. The mind speaks a lot. But it knows very less of the heart’s experiences. However let me attempt to explain this phenomenon called ‘God’s Love’ in my life.
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| Satish Babu with Sri Sathya Sai in the Prasanthi Nilayam Interview Room |
“I am with you, in you, around you...” He once told me in the interview room. How true it is! “God is your servant, always waiting for your command...” He declared in a public discourse. Isn’t it great? We have got the Lord of the Universe to listen to our prayers and fulfil our cherished reams. Let me share with you an incident in this regard.
There was a function in the Mandir and by Bhagavan’s grace we were permitted to witness it. All the students got up very early in the morning and were getting ready for Darshan. I too was busy with different kinds of works. Meanwhile a student came up to me and informed that one of his roommates was suffering from severe headache. I told him that I would see the boy before I left for Darshan and do the needful. But as it was getting late for the Darshan, I left hurriedly for the Mandir without even having breakfast. It was only after I sat comfortably for the Darshan that I remembered about that particular boy. I started feeling guilty for not discharging my duty. I was in a dilemma. I had to choose between the Darshan of the Lord and the duty given by the Lord. Darshan was more tempting for me. At the same time I could not sit peacefully. Finally I looked within for the Lord’s help. I prayed to Him, “Dearest Bhagavan, I want to see Your beautiful Form. I cannot go to the Hostel now. Please forgive me for not discharging my duties sincerely.” Ignorance is bliss, they say. With my stupidity I continued to pray, rather I suggested to Bhagavan most ignorantly, “Bhagavan, please go to the Hostel and discharge my duties. Give him (that brother of mine) some medicine and cure him of that problem.”
Once I presented the problem to Bhagavan, the so-called ‘guilt-feeling’ vanished from my mind, so much so that I even forgot about this inner struggle completely. I had Darshan and I had enjoyed the function too. Later, in the Hostel, that boy came up to me, thanked me for the medicine and informed that he was completely all right. I did not understand what medicine he was referring to. I enquired about it repeatedly and the boy was a bit puzzled. He thought that I was making fun of him. When I asked him to explain, he narrated it this way. “Sir, I was suffering from severe headache. I had sent word for you. After all the boys had left for Darshan I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes. Then you came to my room and enquired how I was feeling. You placed some medicine in my mouth and I slept peacefully. When I got up, I was completely alright.” I was astonished! I asked him once again whether it really resembled my voice. He confirmed that it was mine and told me that for some unknown reason he could not open his eyes and see me. How lucky he was to be visited by the Loving Lord and receive His grace and how much more compassionate that He listened to a simple prayer of my heart and ‘did the needful’.
I look upon Him as my Mother. One day I was sitting by Bhagavan’s path. Bhagavan went that way for giving Darshan, and returned the same way. I wanted to touch His Lotus Feet. But both times when He was passing by I could not get the opportunity to do so. I felt very bad. There was no chance of Bhagavan coming again that way for the third time. So I started praying hard, “Mother Sai, please bless me, and come this way again so that I can touch Your Lotus Feet.” It went on like that for some time. To my amazement, I saw Him coming towards me on the same path! I was overwhelmed, and every fibre in my body tingled with expectation. Bhagavan came along, stood before me, and asked me in Telugu, “Aa Ammayi Vacchinda?” (“Did that girl come?”). I did not understand properly, and whispered “No, Bhagavan.” I was busy caressing those lovely Feet. Then He said, “Ayyo Paapam.” While gently walking away He repeated thrice “She has come, she has come, she has come,” of course in Telugu. I was confused. What does this mean? Which girl was He talking about! Then suddenly a light flashed and understanding dawned on me! In Telugu ‘Ammayi’ means a girl. But when the word is split in two, (Amma + Ayi). Both words mean Mother (in Telugu and Marathi respectively). So together the word means Mother of Mothers! And who else was He referring to, but Himself! He came and stood in front of me, this ‘Ammayi’, the Mother of all mothers! I did not have enough tears to express my gratitude. How full of understanding, how full of Love, this Mother is!
His Love knows no bounds. Very promptly, He fulfils our petty desires so that one day we will aspire for the great spiritual wealth that He wants to confer upon us. His ways are mysterious. He does the most surprising things in the quietest manner. I always like to do service in the Hostel as a student inmate; particularly service in the dining hall. One day I kep¬t my plate and tumbler aside, and started serving lunch to boys. I was serving curd to each. Looking at the various sizes of tumblers boys brought, I had a fleeting thought, “Bhagavan, I have a small tumbler. I cannot take much in it. But this curd looks lovely.” Then I forgot about it. After finishing serving when I brought my plate and tumbler, and sat down to eat, I noticed something very strange about my tumbler. It had grown much bigger! On its side had been inscribed S.S.S.B.! How sweet, how considerate, how compassionate are His actions! Can you do anything else than falling in love with Him completely!
Sometimes I look back on how Bhagavan brought me here, and I feel like keeping my head permanently on His Lotus Feet, and never getting up. I used to come to Bhagavan as a devotee quite often. And every time I see the white-clad students in the sunshine of the Divine Love, I felt a yearning to come here as a student. After waiting for about half a dozen years after my twelfth class, I applied to the Institute. But I studied in Telugu medium schools, and was obviously weak in English. I could not speak in English properly. In the entrance test I couldn’t understand some questions and I answered the multiple-choice questions as I felt! And I was sure I wasn’t going to be selected. My dreams of coming physically to the Lotus Feet almost shattered. That year there was a gap of a few days between the entrance test and the interview. I was staying in a room in the Ashram. One day before the interview, I saw Bhagavan in a dream. He came with some dignitaries, and pointing out to me, told them, “This boy is selected.” That put a lot of hope and courage in me. Before the interview, this same dream was repeated once again. With the courage He had put in me I managed to clear the interview. After that, Bhagavan again came in my dream, and indicated that I have been selected to the Brindavan Campus. I wanted to come and stay with Bhagavan. But now I had to go to some far off place, away from Bhagavan! I did not know anything about the Brindavan Campus. I started crying and pleading with Him to keep me in Parthi. Next day night Bhagavan came again in my dream and agreed to let me stay at Parthi. In the dream I kissed His Lotus Feet. Then the list was published, and though I was selected I had been assigned the Brindavan Campus. I had made a mistake in filling up my application form. I had mentioned English as my second language, instead of Telugu. All boys opting for English had to go to Brindavan, the Registrar told us. Next day we were to board the bus to Brindavan. Though Bhagavan fulfilled the first assurance, the second remained unfulfilled. So I went on praying and crying. That evening for Darshan I got the first line, and I made bold to get up and tell Bhagavan that I wanted to stay in Parthi. Bhagavan asked me to sit down! That night we were asked to attend a freshers’ function. I was happy that now I was one among Bhagavan’s students, but sad that I was going away from Bhagavan. I personally was afraid to speak to the Registrar, for I was afraid he would immediately know my lack of proficiency in English and cancel the admission! Better something than nothing at all, I told myself. So I tried to reconcile myself going to Brindavan.
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| Sri Sathya Sai in the Portico |
Next morning, we were allowed to sit under the Mandir portico. As I stepped on to the mosaic floor of the Mandir veranda I was exhilarated; a long dream had been fulfilled! When Bhagavan came out, some students pleaded with Bhagavan to be allowed to stay in Parthi. Bhagavan did not agree, and took the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Controller in. We all waited with bated breath. After fifteen minutes He came out, and told us, “Boys, you can stay here. No need to go to Brindavan.” Oh, what joy! All boys surrounded Bhagavan in their joy. Since I was new and did not know what I should do I did not join them. But the temptation was difficult to resist. I saw them very close to Bhagavan, almost rubbing with His dress, catching His hands, His feet, and expressing their gratefulness. I also slowly made my way through them to come nearer to my lovely Lord. I did not want to lose this golden opportunity. I caught His hand, His soft, fragrant, delicate hand and kissed it. I held on to Him, filled with unspeakable joy. My life seemed to be full, over and over.
Later I changed my second language from English to Telugu. When in the second semester, all these boys were transferred to Brindavan Campus, I alone stayed in Parthi, for I had Telugu, and there was no Telugu teacher there. Finally all the assurances of Bhagavan were conclusively fulfilled.
One can keep narrating endlessly the great story of Sai. It is a story of compassion, of selfless love. In the name of secular education He has drawn us here to fill us with love and wisdom, which are essential for our souls to grow and reach Him. He makes our lives purposeful. He gives meaning to the business of living, and stands there in front of us as the true meaning. Though He has everything in His hands, He asks for selfless love from us. He gives us His selfless love, and then expects us to do the same. God is no more of an idea for us. God is an experience. And I am eternally grateful to Him for all that He has done for me.
- G. Satish Babu
Student (1987-1992), Department of Biosciences
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Currently, Faculty Member, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School
Prasanthi Nilayam
Trayee Sessions – Part 21
Sunday, May 27, 2001
Swami came at 4.30 pm. Swami came to the Jhoola and on seeing a student…
Swami : Take Namaskar. (To Brindavan Warden) He got ‘O’ grade.
Swami then sat on the Jhool and gave a Discourse. A gist of the Divine Discourse given then:
By the Samskara (transformation) of Sadhana (spiritual practice), Jiva (individual sould) can become Deva (Divine). But today, man with all his intelligence, thinks that he has got the human life only to enjoy sense pleasures. The sense pleasures that man enjoys, even worms, insects, animals and birds enjoy. Man’s goal is unique. Sense pleasures are not important. Sense control is important. But man doesn’t bother about it. God has given a goal for man.
Mahabharata and Ramayana, both depict ideals. Dharmaraja played the game of dice. But he never lost his patience, even when his wife was humiliated. He uttered a half-truth, “Ashwatthama Hatah Kunjarah”, meaning Ashwatthama, the elephant had been killed. He told Kunjarah (elephant) in a low tone. He said this as he followed Krishna’s orders implicitly. But because he uttered a lie, he had to pass through hell after he reached the other world.
Similarly, Hanuman was ever ready to serve Rama. Once all the brothers of Rama decided to share all the duties of serving Rama amongst themselves. Hanuman was not assigned any duty. They agreed to give Hanuman any duty. Hanuman asked for the service of snapping his fingers whenever Rama yawned. As this duty was assigned to him, he had to be with Rama always. He was a Deena (slave) in front of Rama, but a Dheera (courageous one) in front of Ravana. Every hair on his body chanted Rama’s name. Hanuman said, “God’s Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan have great potency. I will always serve Rama.”
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| Blessings from the Trayee Brindavan Balcony |
Aarti was offered at 5.35 pm and Swami gave Prasadam trays to students and blessed all from the balcony before retiring for the day.
Sri Sathya Sai shares His Vision on Village Adoption at Hyderabad
Sunday, May 20, 1984
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| Sri Sathya Sai arrives in Indian Airlines at Hyderabad Airport |
On 20th May, Bhagavan inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Dal Conference at Shivam. He said even though 14 States were holding Seva Dal Conferences, He chose to attend the Conference at Hyderabad. Bhagavan elucidated the implications of the village adoption programme. Bhagavan said that what mattered was not the number of villages listed in the programme, but the nature and the quality of the work actually done for the benefit of the villagers. Calling for a spirit of love and dedication in rendering service, He urged the Seva Dal members to assess their performance conscientiously, and concentrate on their work in such a way that by November 1984, the picture presented by the adopted villages would be pleasing and satisfying to both the villagers and the Sevaks.
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Sri Sathya Sai arrives at Shivam, Hyderabad
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“The first quality every member of the Sathya Sai Seva Organisation should have is firm faith in God. This faith must be based on the awareness that God is Omnipresent. The Divine pervades everything in the Universe. This may not be understood by everyone. Some may not agree that the Divine is Omnipresent. But whether they accept this fact or not, the truth is, evidence of the presence of God can be found wherever one turns.
Is it possible for this boundless creation to be brought into existence by man, if there had been no Divine Principle behind it? For instance, fire is latent in the branches of a tree and in the tree itself. If the branches rub against each other, they may generate a fire which could burn down the tree, branches and all. Which is the power that filled the branches with the latent fire and ensured at the same time that they did not destroy themselves by releasing that fire? Is man responsible for this? Take, again, the example of the process by which the food that we take is converted into blood. Is this the invention of any man? It is the immanent, all-pervasive power of the Divine that reveals Itself in numerous ways. We see flowers of all kinds. Men are able to make plastic flowers of the same kind. But can anyone fill the plastic flowers with the native fragrance that is got from natural flowers? This is possible only by the Divine. There is sweet water inside a tender coconut. Who poured the water inside the coconut? Was it the work of any man? No. Only the Divine can do such a thing.
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Devotees in the Shivam Darshan Grounds
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Serve to meet the essential needs of villagers
Examples such as these should serve to confirm your faith in the Divine. No one can probe the mystery of the power of the Divine or grasp its infinite magnitude. If members of the Sathya Sai Organisation have no faith in the Divine, there is no purpose in their remaining in the organisation. Such persons need not join the organisation or continue in it. It is with faith that one should take up social service. Society is our primary concern. The Divine is manifest in society.
Venugopal (President of the Andhra Pradesh Sai Samiti) stated that the State Samiti had adopted two hundred villages. He gave a list of the names of these villages. But is the mere selection of villages for adoption enough? ‘Will one's hunger be appeased if only the leaf is spread out before him for serving food? The hunger will be appeased only if food is served and it is consumed. You go to an adopted village, conduct Nagar Sankeertan (public devotional singing in streets) and undertake renovation of a dilapidated temple. Can these activities fulfil the purposes of adopting the village? They all merely symbolise preparations for serving food. They only whet the appetite of the villagers. What you must do is to find out what are the essential needs of the villagers. Do they suffer from poor water supply? You may feel that you need money for digging a well. But if all Seva Dal members work whole-heartedly, two wells can be dug in a single day. You must render service out of spontaneous urge from within, with a heart filled with love.
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| Sri Sathya Sai Speaks at the Seva Dal Conference |
Seva must be a spiritual experience
How is service, in fact, done at present? There are doubtless persons who undertake service with love. But for whose sake are they doing it? It is for their own sake, not for the sake of others. It may not be done to achieve name or to gain something. It is done for the pleasure derived from it. To engage in service activities with pleasure and to regard a day devoted to service as a good holiday is not enough. The pleasure derived from service must be a spiritual experience. Service must be regarded as a Yajna (a ritual sacrificial act) to atone for one or other type of lapses one may have committed.
To utilise one’s wealth, one’s talents and resources for the service of the people and help to all living things must be regarded as an offering to, and a form of worship, of the Divine. Only then can Seva (selfless service) become true service. Putting in one's appearance once a week or month in the name of service should not be thought as sufficient. Each Seva Dhal member should ask himself whether he is rendering real service to the maximum extent of his capacity. Today you have all come to this conference as delegates wearing the Seva Dal delegates badges. You must ask yourselves whether you are really qualified to wear this badge. Each one must ask himself: Have I done genuine service? Or have I joined one group only in the expectation of getting the chance to approach Swami? Examine yourself with a pure mind.
You all know how large Andhra Pradesh is in area. If the number of delegates is so small, you yourself can decide whether this is not a matter for shame. The greatest loss the country has suffered in recent years is the loss of a sense of decency and self-respect. For instance, if the clothes we wear become soiled we feel ashamed to be seen in them by our friends. We try to dress well before we go out, because we want to be respected. Likewise, we try to keep our dwellings dean because we do not want to feel ashamed when visitors see the dirty state of the house.
Motives of actions must be pure and unselfish
While we feel so concerned about, the state of our house or clothes, the heart in which the Divine resides is utterly polluted. It is filled with unclean thoughts and impure fancies. How many go about the world with such impurities in their minds without a sense of shame. If they make an honest examination of the impure state of their minds and the kind of double life they are leading, they will be able to get rid of their bad thoughts in a moment. What they are doing is to conceal their thoughts, but are externally well-dressed and move about as impeccable persons. Of what use is such conduct? We attach importance to the external appearance of the body and value the respect shown to it. But one who cares only for the body-and ignores the state of his mind is only a two-legged animal.
It is not enough to appear to do fight actions. Your motives and impulses must also be pure and unselfish. It is only when your motives are pure that the Divine will extend His grace. Whatever service you render, it must be unsullied. The motive is all important. The form of the action does not matter. Without pure impulses, actions get tainted at the source. If you are a good man, your actions will necessarily be good.
Sai Sevaks should promote a co-operative attitude
There is a Telugu proverb which says: "If the whole village unites, the entire farm can be harvested." With unity any work can be accomplished. You must strive to promote unity. You must fraternise with the villagers and demonstrate your awareness of the Divine that is present in everybody. You should not get entangled in local politics. Political differences have entered the villages and mined community life in the rural areas. You should tell the villagers: "Every individual can have his own political views. But these should not affect the welfare of the village as a whole."
In matters concerning the progress and well-being of the village, all the villagers should act as one regardless of party differences. You may support any party of your choice. But this should not affect your attitude to matters concerning the development of the village. All of you should act unitedly. Sai Sevaks (volunteers) should promote such a cooperative attitude. Insanitary conditions account for most diseases in rural areas. You have to provide sanitary facilities for the villagers such as dust bins, drains, latrines, etc. In all such work, the involvement of the villagers should be ensured so that they learn to develop self-reliance. You must try to wean the addicts from the drink evil, which has ruined many homes. Provision of roads, wells, lights and the like should be undertaken wherever they are required. The service you do must meet the needs of the villagers and give satisfaction to them.
A malady that is noticed in the Organisation
Adoption of a village can become meaningful only when you give love to them and earn the love of the villagers. Nothing should be done in a spirit of condescension. I know there are many good workers in the Seva Dal. Not in Andhra Pradesh alone, but in all the States. There is however, a malady that is noticed in the organisation. If the leaders behave well, the workers can render excellent service. The primary requisite is to see that the right persons are chosen as leaders. They must be dynamic persons. They must be filled with the spirit of service to society and dedication. They must feel that they owe everything to society and that their life can be worthwhile only when they have discharged their obligations to society. They must consider social service as their primary aim in life. It is only when they devote all their physical, mental and other resources to the service of the community that they will be doing real Sadhana. Sadhana (spiritual effort) does not mean performing Japa in a lonely place. There is no greater Sadhana than service to one’s fellowmen done in an unselfish spirit. Ignoring the sufferings of others, if you occupy yourself in meditation or other devotional activity, it has no spiritual value at all. It is only one form of selfishness. Through genuine selfless service, not only can peace of mind be achieved, but progress can be made in self realisation and the ultimate goal of life can be attained.
As members of the Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, you have to be an example to others. In whatever service you do, it is the quality that counts, not the quantity. No act of service should be considered trivial or debasing. Nor should there be unhealthy rivalry in rendering service. If one State has "adopted" two hundred villages, another should not think it should adopt an equal number or more to produce a better impression. Mere numerical claims have no meaning. It is better to render proper service in two villages than nominal service in two hundred. It is not the presentation of lists of adopted villages that matters.
Be your own judges of the service you render
What is the real work that has been done in the two hundred adopted villages? Let those who have worked in these villages speak up. For whose satisfaction are you claiming to serve the villagers? You must be your own judges of the work you are doing. Consult your conscience and see whether you are rendering proper service. I do not want anything to be done for Swami’s sake. My only object is promotion or the welfare of mankind. When you render service in the villages, you are redeeming your lives.
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| Sathya Sai Darshan at Shivam |
The sages of yore acquired various kinds of powers by their penance. They were able by these powers to fulfill whatever they promised. They used their powers with restraint. There is nothing wrong in acquiring even titanic strength. But it should be used in a humane way. It should not be wielded to oppress others. Shakespeare, the famous English dramatist, observed: "It is glorious to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant." Everyone must heed this warning.
There are all kinds of organisations in the world today, including spiritual organisations and service organisations. What are these organisations doing? How useful are they to the people? There is no proper answer. What use is there in having such organisations? ' If the Sai Organisations also function in this manner, what purpose is served by starting them? You must all be filled with the zeal to render service at any time, at any place, when the need is there. You must try to attract young people to the service organisation.
If you misuse the present, the future will be worse
With more young people in the Seva Dal, you can carry out many welfare activities in the years to come. The present is a product of the past, but it is also the seed for the future. If you make good use of the present, you can ensure a better future. If you misuse the present, the future will be worse. Hence, all those who are in the Sai Seva Organisation should engage themselves in worthwhile activities and achieve fulfillment in the service they render.
Every village today is exposed to many diseases. We need not blame anyone for this situation. We must be concerned only about the resources in men and materials at our disposal and use them with devotion for carrying out our welfare services. We have to do this work with faith. People display devotion and earnestness in the presence of Swami, but act in a contrary fashion when they are away from Swami. This is not a sign of true Bhakti. Bhakti (devotion) means wholehearted love for Bhagavan. Such love can tame even wild animals. It is only when your hearts are filled with such love that you can claim to be Bhaktas (devotees). You must show that love to anyone whom you see or talk to and in every one of your actions.
The grace of God is like insurance
Every act must be regarded as an offering to the Divine. It may not be easy to develop such an attitude. But if the effort is made sincerely, it can be achieved. It does not call for abandonment of hearth and home or giving up your wealth and position. What I ask from you is to devote at least half an hour in a day of twenty four hours to service. Is this beyond your capacity.:' If you can serve the government or someone else for eight hours a day for the money you earn from them, experiencing in the process many trials and difficulties, can't you devote some time of win the grace of God, the benefit from which is immeasurable? What you earn through the grace of God will confer on you enduring; benefits greater than the wealth you earn by other means. The grace of God is like insurance. It will help you in your time of need without any limit. Material wealth confers Bhoga (enjoyment), which leads to Roga (illness). But selfless service is Yoga which secures Divine grace.”
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| Sri Sathya Sai interacting with Seva Dals during the Conference at Shivam |