Video Satsang Season 2 Episode 17: Sri Sathya Sai Guides All Along - By Prof. Gangadhar Sastry

In this episode of Video Satsang, Prof. R. Gangadhar Sastry, Former Joint Director, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, shares how Swami guided him through the illnesses of his two daughters. 

A touching experience that depicts Swami's infinite love and compassion. 

How Should We Conduct Ourselves?

Sri Sathya Sai Addressing Students at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel

If one has the splendorous lamp to help him see, then there is no need for another lamp. In the same way, one need not search outside for wisdom. The birds and beasts, without any education, lead a systematic life. But, the educated man does not lead a life of wisdom. In fact, he leads a life of utter foolishness. 

The Building Of Life 

Your life is a four-storey building. If the building has to be safe, the foundation should be very strong. Many people see the building, they see its full glory and beauty; it attracts people. But, the foundation has no beauty, and it does not attract anyone. Yet, the security of the building depends upon the invisible foundation. The dome or any part of the mansion has its own beauty. But, the foundation never exhibits pride that the building depends upon it. It is not moved by praise or blame, and maintains equanimity. 

The first floor of this mansion of life is Brahmacharya (celibacy). The second floor is the stage of Grihastha (householder). The third one is Vanaprastha (forest life), and Sanyasa (life of renunciation) is the fourth floor of this mansion. Many people build these four floors. Some build only three, and some others only two. People in the first floor are the celibates. Hence, it is very important to lay a strong foundation. The security of the mansion of life depends upon the four virtues of humility, obedience, character and morality. 

There is a violent spread of seven dangerous sins in the country today; they are commerce without morality, politics without principles and honesty, education without character, worship without sacrifice, wealth without effort, science without humanity and devotion without steadfastness. We should get rid of these seven sins and achieve the seven goals, of commerce with morality, politics with honesty, educated people full of character, worship with a sense of sacrifice, wealth earned through hard toil, and science with humanity, and steadfast devotion. It is only then that the country will prosper. 

Human life is made of three virtuous qualities. But the man today does not cultivate the three attributes of charity, morality and character. The nation today is full of chaos because of the decline of these virtues. Though it is unpleasant to the ears of students, it is not possible to shut the mouths of people and students today. There should be a combination of conduct and behaviour according to the status of one’s life. If the person does not behave according to his status, tradition has to bend its head in humiliation. 

How To Conduct Oneself 

Once, a man went to the court of a king in the disguise of Shankaracharya. Thinking that Shankaracharya himself has come, the king offered due respects to the man. Being in the disguise of Shankaracharya, he taught all the truths of life to the king. The king, at the end, offered a plate full of gold coins to the man. The man replied that one has to leave his wealth, relations, and worldly duties in order to be liberated and said that he would come again the next day in another form. On the second day he came in the disguise of a dancer and danced majestically in the court. It was astonishingly beautiful. The dancer did not keep his two feet on the floor. The people present were astonished. As soon as the dance was over, the king came down with a plate full of gold coins and offered it to the dancer. The dancer told him, “Oh king, these coins are not enough for me. I want more.” The king questioned, “Yesterday, you discarded the same coins offered to you and today you demand more?” The dancer said, “As is the form, so is the behaviour. Yesterday, I was in the disguise of Shankaracharya and I acted according to the norms of a Sanyasi. Oh king! As people’s conduct is not accompanied by proper respect and decorum, as their behaviour is not proper, I have come in this form to teach you.” 

If the students behave properly, according to their standard, then only it is good. It will be humiliating for the tradition of a student, if he does not behave properly. If a teacher does not conduct himself according to his standard, it is shameful. If the householder does not keep up the glory of the tradition of a householder, it is an embarrassment for that phase of life. In whichever country you live, in whatever times you exist, you have to take into account the time, place and circumstances. 

"It is not my nature to burden people, but only to reduce it"

Even in history, this kind of behaviour of Divinity itself can be seen. A Gopika in the Dwapara age went to a well with two vessels. She rested one on her head and she wanted to keep the second one on top of the first. But there was nobody to help her. At that time, Krishna arrived there. She asked Krishna, “Would you place this vessel on top of the first vessel above my head?” Krishna said that He would not do it. She was full of sorrow that Krishna would not help her. And then came another woman, who helped her, and they went home. Krishna also followed her to her home. There without the Gopika praying to Him, He Himself put down the vessel from her head. The Gopika was surprised. She said, “Krishna, You refused to keep the vessel on my head near the well. Now, without my prayer, You have brought the vessel down. What is the significance of this?” Krishna said, “It is not my nature to burden people, but only to reduce it.” It is not God’s nature to burden people. On the other hand, He unburdens them. It is difficult for people to understand this kind of behaviour.

Man’s nature is to crave for happiness. Joy is his nature. Ignorant of his joyous nature, he seeks joy elsewhere (outside of him). When he learns, he thinks there is joy in learning. But he does not derive joy at all by learning. He makes many efforts thinking that employment gives joy. Even after obtaining a job, he does not derive joy at all. He thinks that marriage will make him happy and becomes a householder. Thinking that progeny will give him happiness, he wants to have children. He does not get any joy at all from children. Thinking that wealth is the source of happiness, he seeks wealth day and night, without any rest at all. Without finding any joy or happiness, he dips and wails for all that happened to him, often after losing his health. Then only man realizes that neither learning, nor wealth, nor children, nor anything in this world will give him happiness. Even if he has health and wealth, he does not enjoy any happiness at all. The dog at hay does not allow the cattle to come and feed on that, nor does it eat that hay. In the same way, wealthy people neither give anything to the society, nor enjoy their wealth. This is not the sign of affluence. Charity is a part of wealth. But man is not realizing that charity alone gives him happiness. 

Source: Mould Yourself Into An Excellent Student, Discourse 2, My Dear Students Volume 1

Sri Sathya Sai’s Word is His Will – By Arjun Banarjee

Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam 

Where should I begin? My true journey began when I was finally at the feet of Sai. It was the summer of 1993 when I visited Parthi for the fourth time in my life. As always, I stepped into the Ashram premises and rushed right to the entrance to Lord Ganesha. I stood firm, bowing my head to the remover of obstacles; the one who “ensures” success. I had always prayed to Swami in the form of Ganesha because at every stage in life, when obstacles presented themselves they needed to be removed and success begotten. Hasn’t He said “Ask and thou shalt be granted”? So I never failed to “ask”.  I would ask Him every time I wanted something.  In a way I felt like a child asking my mother for attention. 

This time my ‘wish’ was to pass the entrance exam that would help me join the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. I had always wanted to be there and felt that I was destined for it. Entrance into this school would change my life forever. I believed that I would be touched by Divinity and would be ‘accepted’, and that is exactly what happened. 

I had wanted to be admitted into the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School ever since the second grade. I clearly remember when I was sitting with my mother at the Darshan lines and when Swami walked by, I jumped up and grabbed His hand (I was a wee bit excited at that time. Excitement for “God” is justified, I guess!) It was the festival of Diwali! I approached Swami and tugging at his robe, I asked Him for two things: Fatakas (Fire Crackers) and admission into His School. Instantly, He called me from among the crowd and handed me fire crackers. At the same time, He blessed me with a Padnamaskar. Carried away by the excitement, I did not reiterate my primordial wish, my wish to be admitted into the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. Eight years later, my wish came to fruition. I was finally admitted to the School in the 11th grade. 

Having lived in different parts of India as an Army Officer’s son, I had attended many different public schools and army schools. Discipline was always emphasised in these schools but it was not until I was in Parthi that I realised that discipline had another meaning. 

During my first couple of days in Parthi, I was introduced to waking up at 5:30 a.m. (a significant change from the regular 7:00 a.m. at home). The day would begin with Suprabhatam, and then a strenuous jog coupled with other exercises would follow. Then there would be breakfast followed by classes. Initially, I thought it was very tough. But Swami has said, “Gold needs to be put through fire in order to become a beautiful ornament.” That is why He calls us ‘Bangaru’, for that is what He expects us to be. 

Throughout the day, there was one thought that kept me going; that in the afternoon, we would have the Divine Darshan.  It was the reward for all the hard work that each student had put forth throughout the day.  In fact, for all of us students who have had the opportunity to be there, He is the driving force – the silent energy that keeps us ticking. 

Life at the Hostel and at the University had its own flavour. I would often think to myself – why do I need to wake up so early, why share a room with eleven others, why not just have my own room and my freedom. Soon, I realised how shallow these thoughts were. It was in the Hostel that I learned to adjust and accommodate. The Hostel was like a ‘melting pot’. There were young men from different cultures and backgrounds who lived together under one roof as brothers. It was camaraderie, it was brotherhood and it was Divine Love, giving a glimpse of itself through the beauty of discipline. 

What I learnt at the Lotus Feet has been with me all through my life. Today, living away from home in another country, I have been told repeatedly by my colleagues that they perceive something different about me. They have expressed joy working with me and I am often coined as the ‘cool guy.’  They respect the values and culture that they observe in me. These are the values that have slowly ebbed into me during my seven years at Swami’s Lotus Feet. Hard work, determination, dedication, perseverance, knowledge, humility, politeness, patience and respect for others – these are the qualities that Swami’s Educational System imparts unto us students. These qualities are what will help us be instruments of the Divine Will to carry out Swami’s Mission. 

Bhagawan teaches through His own actions and we learnt by observing Him. The way he conducts Himself, His communication and His interactions with everyone – be it the Prime Minister, the biggest of industrialists or the poorest man on the street – are all worth emulating. Everyone has just one thing to say: ‘I Love Baba.’ Why does this happen? The reason is Bhagawan’s limitless Love, His Selflessness, His sense of duty, His desirelessness….everything comes together to win the hearts of one and all. 

I was fortunate to accompany Bhagawan to Kodaikanal in the year 1994. It was the most exciting and delightful time of my life. We would get up in the morning to see Bhagawan amidst us, spend the entire day at His Lotus Feet and go to sleep thinking about how blessed we all were.

With Swami in the bus

One of the days, I remember that we were driving through the hills of Kodai.  Swami was in the bus with us and I was sitting at His feet. We were all singing Bhajans and Swami was playfully trying to teach me how to play the ‘Taalam’ (cymbals). All of us were immersed in bliss – totally oblivious of the surroundings. Suddenly, Bhagawan asked for the bus to be stopped. All of us were perplexed. Why did Swami want to stop in the middle of nowhere? Why this sudden ‘pause’ in the world’s best ‘movie’?  Swami stepped out of the bus and went to the roadside where some women were carrying logs of wood on their heads. Bhagawan blessed them and gave each of them five hundred rupees. The look on their faces said it all! They were ecstatic. They touched Bhagawan’s feet. It was like they had been waiting for this moment for years. There were a thousand thoughts in my head…Was this the re-enactment of the Shabari episode in the Kali Yuga? When did He even notice them? What is the source of the joy that showed on their faces and on Bhagawan’s face? 

When I saw the look on Bhagawan’s face, I got all the answers. His face was bright like a thousand suns. He was literally beaming with joy. The joy was because of His selfless Love. His nature is to ‘Give’ and that is the source of His endless joy. He is happy when He ‘Gives’. The corollary is that we mortals, being nothing but sparks of Divinity should follow the same route i.e. of Giving and that will lead us to happiness and fulfilment. Can we be like Him? Sure we can, but only if we try consistently to emulate and incorporate Him into our lives and our-Selves.  This is something that I have kept close to my heart and have practiced at every opportunity that He has provided. 

When I was in my second year B.Com, my parents had asked Swami in an interview what He had planned for me. I thought it was uncalled for – a bit too early to ask such a question. But when parents are talking to the Divine parent, the child must keep shut! 

Bhagawan looked at me lovingly, smiled and said “Next year B.Com. Finish Karkey, MBA karo (Complete your B.Com next year and do MBA). Then I will send you to live with your parents for two years and then you go to America and do My work.” At that time my reaction was a simple smile. I was happy as I was. I just wanted to be with Swami for as long as He permitted. But I had the audacity to say “Swami, I will not go from here. I will be with You.” And He looked at me sharply and said “Swami’s Word is His Will.”  

Swami's Word is His Will

I completed my MBA at SSSIHL in March 2000 and stayed in Delhi with my parents for exactly two years. And then just as Swami had said, a job along came and I found myself in USA. Swami was proving a point and now I had to ensure that I was worthy of the Divine Word. 

My current job is challenging and exciting and every day I learn something new, not just professionally but as a person too. The best part of my day is when a colleague, client or supplier walks into my office and seeing Swami’s photograph on my desk, asks me who He is. When I describe Bhagawan and His teachings, it is an amazing ‘chain-reaction’ that occurs. It appears that these people have been waiting for Him to touch their lives.  Swami’s books and His photographs find their way into more and more homes and families, touching their lives. This is the “Expansion-Love” that Bhagawan epitomizes, where there are no boundaries of race, origin, culture, colour, or religion. His love is limitless and without boundaries. 

We are all forms of that same Divine Love. We are also messengers of His Word. Being students who have graduated from His Divine University we have a duty and a role to fulfil and He will make us fulfil it too. The only thing that we need to do is to consciously and constantly consider ourselves the instruments of His Divine Will and strive to be a part of His Mission. 

I was exiting Swami’s educational system in March 2000. (I should not use the word exited – for I shall always be a part of it) As I stepped out into the ‘outside world’, I was sorrowful. Bhagawan’s education is a continuous process of evolution and all of us are continually being guided by Him at each and every step. Leaving Bhagawan’s physical proximity was like leaving the Garden of Eden.  But again it was all His will.  On that last day in Brindavan, I touched His feet and He blessed me.  That day in the discourse He said that His Boys are His torches that will spread the Light. Having lived under His benevolent care and love for seven years, I realised that there was something that I needed to do in return. It was my duty; an eternal debt that I knew I could not repay. Yet in my actions and thoughts, I decided, there would be an eternal attempt to show my gratitude. I came back to Delhi and joined the Sai Samithi and was fully involved with the Youth Wing. 

We would conduct Medical Camps, Blood Donation Camps, Narayana Seva and help out at the local Sai Schools for the under-privileged. It was there that all I had learnt was automatically being put into practice. The MBA degree at Sathya Sai School of Business Management manifested itself into life with all the skills that it had imparted. What are those skills?  Swami has defined management to be Man-Management. It is about ‘touching-lives’, just like Swami does. It is about effective communication just like Swami has displayed to us many a times. It is about loving and doing things without any expectation whatsoever. Every time we were able to accomplish some task, we were satisfied feeling that Swami would be pleased. 

Finally, as I cruise along this journey, I realise that I truly have felt Bhagawan’s message manifest itself in my life. Having heard Swami say to us so many times “Love All-Serve All” and “My life is My message”; I have felt His love and His message touch all the people I have met. 

Bhagawan, it is my plea to You that You continue to guide us all through this path and make each of us, Your boys, a torch that shall light the world with the effulgence of your Love. 

- Arjun Banarjee

Student (1995-2000), Department of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Principal, Axxis Financial Group, LLC, Washington DC 

Source: Fragrance 2005

Sri Sathya Sai Conversations on: Dvaita Vedanta and Madhvacharya

Thursday July 27, 2000 

Sri Madhvacharya, the Chief Proponent of Dvaita Philosophy 

After the evening interview, Swami asked Prof. Anil Kumar about the morning talk given by Prof. G. Venkataraman on Dvaita and Madhvacharya. 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, he spoke about Sakshi (witness). He said that it is not conscience. Then what is it? 

Swami : Ask him only. I don’t have Sakshi, so I cannot tell. Whoever has, he can only tell. (Swami simply put a very profound statement in a casual conversation. By saying that He did not have a Sakshi (witness), He revealed His Divinity. God is the witness for all; none can be His witness.) 

Prof. A. K. : Not at God’s level Swami, for us, humans? 

Swami : Your conscience is your witness. 

Prof. A. K. : Then for God? 

Swami : For God, witness is Anubhuti (experience). 

Prof. A. K. : Swami has said that Moksha (liberation) means no re-birth. Not merger also? How? (As per the Dvaita philosophy, a soul can never merge in the Divine. It can only surrender to the Divine.) 

Swami : In My opinion, Moksha is Moha Kshayam (annihilation of the desires). 

Prof. A. K. : Ah! Classical definition, Swami. 

Swami : Not classical. 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, he also said that Madhvacharya established the Udupi Krishna statue. 

Lord Krishna of Udupi

Swami : Yes, the statue is very heavy. It has a very big stomach. (The Udupi Krishna temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in the town of Udupi in Karnataka; and established by Madhvacharya in the 13th century AD.) 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, he spoke about three different entities: pot, clay and potter. 

(In Dvaita philosophy, these three things are used as an analogy for created objects, creation and the Creator respectively.) He said both are eternal. How? 

Swami : Pot is made of clay. Both are same. Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, all the three said, ‘Bhaja Govindam’ and encouraged Bhakti Marga (the path of devotion). 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, what is beyond God? 

Swami : Beyond God, there is nothing. Only zero. 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, beyond God there cannot be anything. Not even zero. 

Swami : (To Hari Shankar, a students of the first year M.B.A. programme) IIT? 

(He nodded in the affirmative.) What subject? 

Student : Naval Architecture and Ship building. 

Swami : Why did you come here from IIT? 

Student : To be with You, Swami. 

Swami : How is M.B.A.? 

Student : Very good, Swami. 

Swami : How was ‘Madhvacharya’ lecture? 

Student : Good, Swami. 

Swami : Who is the potter? 

Student : God is the potter, Swami. 

Swami : Mud is Jeeva (individual soul). 

Student : Swami, why should Jeeva and Paramatma be separate? 

Swami : It is like this. We have a tumbler and a plate; both are made up of silver. But tumbler is used for drinking and plate is used for eating. Just because silver is same in both, can we say both are same? Similarly, Dehas (bodies) are different. But Atma is one. (The M.B.A. and M.F.M. students showed Swami a card, praying to Swami for guidance for the forthcoming M.B.A. Anniversary day.) So much time is there. 

Student : Swami, we have to practice. 

Swami : For practicing, one week is enough. 

(Swami blessed all of them with Padanamaskar.)

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

When Sri Sathya Sai Inaugurated Smt. Easwaramma High School

Thursday, July 20, 1972 

Sri Sathya Sai at The Easwaramma High School

On 20th July, 1972, Swami inaugurated at Puttaparthi Village, The Easwaramma High School, a fitting memorial to Mother Easwaramma who had prayed to Swami for a vow to provide education to the simple village children. In His Discourse on the occasion He said: 

“Every limb of the body has a distinct name, form and function. Every nerve, muscle, and joint has its own share in the upkeep and growth of the body. The word ‘body’ denotes all these together. So too is the word ‘Village’ and, the name, ‘Puttaparthi’. It denotes all the individuals, families and communities living and functioning together, here. If a single nerve or muscle or joint is diseased, the entire body suffers, loses efficiency. So too, even if one individual or family in the village has no ease, is distressed or disabled, anxious or afraid, iii or bed-ridden, indigent or ignorant, the entire village is infected by the misery. When the toe is hit, the eye sheds tears; when the lowest and the poorest are hungry and oppressed, the highest and the richest are also affected. During the ages when each one was recognised as complementary parts of the same 'body-politic,' there was peace in the land, laughter in the field and festoons across the door.

But, now, each limb endeavours to injure the other; there is no co-operation or co-ordination. And the body is lying prone, in pain. Living, happy living, is possible only in and through society; society cannot thrive on egoism, greed and envy, which turn one man's teeth and claws against another.

Villages which are the cells of the body-politic are afflicted with this terrible malady today. So, this school is being established in order to guide children on right lines and to inspire the elders to be examples of tolerance, service and mutual love. Joy and peace have to be restored in this village through truth, goodness, justice and love. Each one can best perform the duty that has fallen to his lot only when he develops in himself an attitude of dedication to these ideals.

Keep alive the roots of one's native culture 

Every village has to be equipped with four Aalayas (Houses). First, the Bhojan-aalaya (the Eating-house or Hotel), which must provide for a moderate price, clean sustaining food. Of course, man does not feed on such food only. He feeds on pure water and air and the food that he gorges through the eye, the tongue and the sense of touch has also to be free from pollution and poison next, the Aarogya-aalaya (the Medicine-House, the Hospital). This has become essential, since man has neither healthy eating habits nor the inclination to adopt them. Third, the Vidya-aalaya (the Learning-House, the School), which is a lamp lit to keep darkness away. The School must instruct the young and inspire the old, keep alive the roots of one's native culture. Last, the Deva-aalaya (the House of God, the Temple, the Heart of the Community), pumping the life-blood of Faith, Reverence and Steadfastness throughout the body-politic. 

The Smt. Easwaramma High School at Prasanthi Nilayam

The School is influenced by the Village, as much as the Village is influenced by the School. Children learn at School for a few hours, during a few months of the year, a few disciplines and skills, and some chunks of information. They are already shaped, well-nigh irreparably by their parents, kith and kin and elders. Children adore their elders and imbibe by imitation their prejudices and predilections. They watch the behaviour of the elders and value it more, though they may not follow their advice and admonitions. They can see through the veil of humbug and the pall of hypocrisy.

Puttaparthi is a name adored throughout the world; it has become a holy word which gives comfort, consolation and courage to people of all lands. But, this village itself is far behind others in education. I am aware of this; I need not be told or informed about anything. I know that communication with nearby places where we have High Schools are frequently cut off by floods; boys and girls of this village have to trek mites to attend them. So, this High School has been resolved upon.

Don't be misled into doubts and distress

My activities are not for publicity or propaganda or even to confer joy on others! They are for conferring joy primarily on Me! I have no need to please others and to earn approval or appreciation. For, I and you are not distinct entities; you are I and I am you. I am the current that flows into every bulb and illumines it. Those who see Me as separate are seeing falsehood. I am in your hearts; you are in mine. Don't be misled into doubt and distress. Dogs may bark and jackals howl; but Truth moves majestically forward.

Everyone in the village is a flower with its unique hue and fragrance. They are collected and strung as a garland for the Lord. The string that runs through all, that holds them together, that enables them to enhance the charm of the Lord (if ever that is possible!) is the Brahma Sutra, the unifying thread called Brahma (the Universal Absolute). This Truth has to be revealed to everyone; it has to be implanted in the heart, so that each one can have the faith that can face both failure and fortune. That is the inner purpose of the School. 

This is the gift the School ensures. But, the giver will be happy only when the gift is utilised to the best advantage and not frittered away or east aside. The giver can be induced to give again and give more, only when the gift is accepted with intelligence and gratitude. There is an intention to raise the School into a College to serve the needs of this area, a College which can be affiliated with others of a similar type coming up in all the States of India in the Sathya Sai Scheme of Higher Education.

Wisdom alone can bring peace 

There is a plan also of establishing in this village some opportunities for gainful employment so that no person suffers from the pangs of hunger. The intention is there; its execution depends on your enthusiasm and faith. The drug is effective and within reach; but unless it is consumed and the directions strictly adhered to, it cannot cure! Do not waste time in idle fantasies but demonstrate your sincerity and faith in practice---sending your children to school, facilitating their studies, and, providing them the environment necessary for progress. The vaults of the Reserve Bank have lots of money but of what use are they to you? Talking about them will not remove your poverty. Work alone can bring income; wisdom alone can bring peck. 

Gratitude to parents is a basic virtue; reverence to the parents is reverence to the past, to the traditions of the past, to the great treasure of wisdom that the past has garnered and preserved. I am spreading this message by Myself setting the example. The Kalyana Mandap that is fast coming up in the village will commemorate the ‘father’. He was eager to serve the best interest of this village, as you all know. The Mandap will be a community Centre for religious ceremonies and the spread of spiritual ideals. This School will commemorate the 'mother'.

The Bust of Divine Mother - Smt. Easwaramma - At the Entrance of the School

My life is My Message, as I often declare. I have been re-emphasising the Upanishadic exhortation, ‘Speak Truth; act righteously; revere the mother as Divine, revere the father as Divine, revere the preceptor as Divine’. I emphasise not only through words, but more by deeds. You must dedicate your skill, your earnings, your intelligence to the service of your parents and fulfil your duties as their progeny. If you fail in this, you do not deserve this glory of being an Indian, and a human." 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Video Satsang Season 2 Episode 15: If You Need Me You Deserve Me - By C.G. Sai Prakash

In this episode of Video Satsang, C.G. Sai Prakash, an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, and currently serving at the Prasanthi Digital Studios, shares his experience based on Swami's oft-quoted statement "If you need Me, you deserve Me".

How do we overcome Dissatisfaction?

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks to Students at the Hostel

Spiritual wealth is the real wealth. This wealth does not surrender to anyone. It can’t be burnt by fire; it can’t be stolen by anyone; it does not soak in water and it need not be shared among brothers. This does not figure out in property sharing agreements among brothers. To whom does it belong? It belongs to the one who looks at it as his life force. This is one that does not leave you, which does not move away from you and that which by all means ensures that you are on the right path. Try to acquire such wealth. It is only then that our country will be in a position to lead all other nations. Many people who were far more educated than you have left this world. Many rich and wealthy people, many people who adorned the path of truth and righteousness have passed away. What are you in comparison to them? You should leave a name and dignity that you have acquired in this short-lived life behind you while leaving this materialistic world.   

   

King Harishchandra who strictly followed the path of truth had to leave this world ultimately leaving behind his vast kingdom and riches.

Emperor Nala who reigned over a great empire could not take with him anything when he passed away.

Did the King Mandhata, who adorned the Krita Yuga carry any wealth with him when he left the Earth?

Even Lord Rama who built a bridge across the ocean is not to be seen on the Earth today.

Many kings have ruled over the Earth, but none of them could carry even a handful of dust with them.

Oh Noble one! Do you think you can carry the kingdom and its riches on your head when you leave the world?

You have to amass good name in this short lived life. You should earn peace. You should study for the sake of peace. That peace will come to only through prayer. Tyagaraja said, “If there is no peace, there is no happiness”. You should not get dejected at any point of time. “Asantushto Dvijo Nashtaha”, there are two losses for the one who is dissatisfied. The losses are that he will not have peace and he will not have happiness. When do students get dissatisfied? They feel dejected when they see someone who gets more marks than them. They become restless. If they see someone who is in a higher position than them, they feel disheartened. If they see someone who is wearing better clothes than them or someone who is more handsome than them, they feel dejected. Hence don’t look at someone who is better than you. Compare yourself with someone who is in a lower position than you. Then you will feel contented. You have to understand this clearly. Suppose you got 60 marks. See someone who got 40 marks and tell yourself that you are better than him. Then you feel contented. To develop contentment you have to look at someone who is behind you. To develop evil qualities you have to look at someone who is in a better position than you. Then ego enters you. See the under privileged, the distressed, have compassion for them and feel satisfied. You have to strengthen the feeling of empathy. Thus you have to develop the qualities necessary in the daily life in this way. 

You will not understand anything if I start teaching philosophy. That 11 year old boy of sixth class spoke on Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. (A student who spoke before the Divine Discourse) His heart is that pure. Even though he did not experience any of them, he enjoys speaking about them. He is contented. For this talk he might have studied a lot of books. Putting into practice such simple things, you have to try being satisfied in life. There is dissatisfaction all the time. Whatever one possesses in life one is not contented. There is a saying in Telugu, “Neeru Gatuku Kukka Erenta Paarina Preeti Kalugabodu Pisiri Gottu” (A dog can’t drink water properly. Even if there is surplus water or no water, it always gulps it with its tongue.) If we care for petty issues in our life we will never feel satisfied. You should always feel that whatever you have is not yours, it has come as God’s gift – Prasadam. The pain is also God’s gift and you should be contented with that. If you compare yourself with a wealthy person who is having four meals a day whereas you are having only twice a day, you feel discontented. You should be happy that God has given you enough to have two meals a day where as that poor man is not able to manage for even a single square meal a day. Thus you should develop contentment. You should be satisfied in simple things also. It is only then that Divinity arises from humanness. Being contented is one of the most important among human qualities. This can be gained only through devotion. Hence try to gain the Love of God by incessant chanting of God’s name, developing love for God and try to dedicate even your life for the sake of God. 

Source: Roadmap for a Righteous Life, Discourse 5, My Dear Students Volume 3; Divine Discourse on June 26, 1989 at Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam

From Expectation To Acceptance – By Parikshit Menon

The Eternal, with neither entrance nor exit;

The One who neither Was nor Is nor Will be;

The Immortal Person free from birth and death

That Ever-effulgent Atman is Sai for ever.

- Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14, 

November 23, 1979, Prasanthi Nilayam

Swami beautifully describes Himself in the above statement. But can we (human beings) comprehend the Reality of the One who cannot be described, who is inscrutable and beyond one’s stretch of imagination? He has said, “I cannot be explained but only experienced”. The experiences He has graciously blessed me with are a testimony to His omnipresence and love. These may seem to be fairy tales or stories beyond the scope of our understanding, but in retrospect, the person who has experienced His Grace feels overwhelmed and can only be grateful to Him for all He has done.

This is the case with everyone associated with Swami and the same applies to me and my family. We should not stop with His Leelas but take one step to understand the subtle lessons and significance of the events in order to allow Him to take a thousand steps to guide and enlighten our mind in this sojourn called life. The Chinna Katha narrated below is a step in this direction.

It was the year 1988, when my mother was visiting the gynaecologist for her regular check-ups. She was in for some terrible news. The doctor told my parents that, the foetus in her womb was in a condition which required immediate abortion; lest her life should be in danger. Hearing this, my mother became inconsolable and she did not know what to do. My maternal grandmother, a courageous woman, did not trust the doctor’s words and told my mother that, faith in Swami is more important than believing in science. My mother prayed to Swami with unflinching faith and perseverance. Who else do we have other than Him? After a month or so, when my mother went in for a second opinion, the doctor, to her utter amazement, told her that the baby was growing and was in a good condition. 

This instilled hope and confidence in her. Subsequently, my mother got reassurances from Swami which only confirmed His presence and strengthened her faith. Swami did this by coming in her dreams every Thursday (till the baby was born) and pushing a baby boy to her side, saying, “Boy Ma, Boy”. In every dream, the babies kept changing (toddlers, infants) but Swami, my mother and His words were constant. 

On November 25, the baby was born without any difficulty and as ordained by the Lord, it was a boy. This is the story of my birth and if not for His timely intervention, I would not have written this story which is His Leela. Like any other child, I went through the same pattern of learning, falling, playing, etc. I forgot the above incidents and got mesmerized in the mundane world of Maya. I felt my inner voice telling me that I was not in the ‘right company’ (friends). During those years, I was passionate about several things, ranging from football and car racing to rock music. I strongly felt that I should quit all these and do something better in life. 

I do not endorse that doing all this is not right but I was carried away by all these. This happened when I started reading Swami’s literature and made an attempt to understand His teachings. Slowly I started listening to Bhajans and enjoyed doing so. Life changed for me as I wanted Swami as my friend, guide and teacher and did not seek any external friends as I had done before. My journey of transformation had just begun! Time fleeted and I was now attending interviews after passing the CA course. I was not clear about my future ambitions and there was an air of uncertainty. I got placed in an MNC firm and took up the job, thinking that Swami wanted me to apply my knowledge and gain experience. 

I had read this quote in ‘Man Management’, where Swami says, “You may not get what you like, but you should like what you get”. Following this principle, I took my first leap into the corporate world, where I learnt the priceless value of connecting to Swami and the benefits of sticking to the values and principles enunciated by Him. During this time, I developed a deep yearning to get admission into Swami’s College, fuelled by experiences heard from my mother (an alumna of Anantapur campus) and several other alumni brothers (on Radio Sai and other platforms). I wanted to quit my job and my only aim was to join the MBA course at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. 

The Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

To give you a background, my mother (not I) had tried to get me admitted to Swami’s educational institutions after my 10th and 12th classes, even though I was not keen to join. The first time she tried, I did not even receive the call letter and the following attempt went in vain, as I did not clear the written tests. But now the situation was different. I was earnestly praying to Swami to help me in coming out of the organization on time so that I could write the entrance examinations.

When the Divine Director takes over the play and uses you as His instrument, it is simply wonderful to witness it. I was told by several people about the risk of quitting a good job, writing an examination which might end up in failure and the consequent ramifications. But I was not perturbed and held on to my faith since I knew that He would take care. Further, Swami sent many of His boys and devotees, who helped me in gaining clarity and clearing my doubts and apprehensions regarding the actions I had taken, which only strengthened my faith in Him.

My dream of becoming a student of Swami became a reality in 2013 when I got admission into the MBA (Finance) programme in Swami’s University. Life changed completely and I found myself in a world very different from where I had come from. Here I would like to pause and reflect on the lessons I learnt. 

During the interview for MBA, the Warden of the Hostel asked me whether I would be able to adjust to the Hostel environment and the rigorous schedule thereof. A day before the interview, the Warden had given a talk in the Institute Auditorium, wherein he stated that students need to only ‘accept’ this place in order to lead a comfortable life here. I was reminded of his talk during the interview and replied that as I had ’accepted’ this place, there would not be any difficulty.

Today as I complete my education and go back to the world outside, I realise that accepting what Swami gives us and where Swami takes us is a pre-requisite for achieving peace of mind and spiritual growth. My stay at the Institute has been a remarkable one, where I developed self-confidence, discovered my hidden talents (dramatics, magazine editing etc.) and understood the meaning of the word ‘service’. This hallowed place has broadened my perspective of life, giving me clarity which I lacked before, both from a professional and spiritual plane, coupled with a paradigm shift in my thought process.

There have been several occasions when Swami guided and taught me invaluable skills and unearthed my hidden potentials in diverse areas such academics, public speaking and extra-curricular activities. I cannot imagine a world without my Swami not being there with me. He always said that, we should not have an eye on the fruits of our actions and concentrate on our work. It was Robert H. Shuller, a televangelist who advised, “Don’t let success get into your head and failure to your heart”. I sincerely believe that being equanimous and maintaining one’s equilibrium, irrespective of the situation (happiness or sorrow) is one of the greatest qualities for any individual, and this place is a perfect training ground for the same.

I would like to sign off with a recent experience which demonstrates that if our intentions and motives are pure and sans ‘expectations’, Swami will surely respond it. As part of our MBA course, we are required to pursue a project on a topic of our interest. After submission of the project, students can publish their work in academic conferences and journal. Hence, I prayed to Swami to bless me one such publication. 

One day my classmate informed me about an international conference which was directly related to the subject of my project. But only one day was left for the submission of the abstract. After consulting a teacher, I went ahead and submitted the abstract. Surprisingly it was accepted and I was now told to submit the complete paper. Since this was the first time I was writing a paper, there were a few hiccups here and there. 

This is where Swami smartly plays His role. I was looking for an independent reviewer who could vet my paper and give critical feedback. The deadline for the paper submission was fast approaching and time was running out, but I was not able to find a person whom I needed. Swami is the embodiment of time and His timing is perfect. Swami sent His instrument in the form of a reputed and experienced visiting faculty, who is an expert in research methodologies. 

This erudite academician guided me and gave his valuable feedback which helped me in submitting the paper in time. I did not have any expectations of the paper’s acceptance, though deep within, I felt that it would be nice if my paper was accepted since it brings a good name to our institution and will help me in future.

Just a few days back, I received an e-mail from the authorities that my paper has been selected for presentation at the conference. This incident showed me that acceptance of His Will alone can grant us satisfaction and positive outlook in life. We need to plant within us, the seed inscribed with the words, ‘Whatever happens to us is for our own good’.

Parikshit praying in the Divine Presence

My only prayer to Swami is that He should always bless us and shower His Grace so that we always bring a good name to Him, His institutions, our family and the society. The only goal is to develop and grow our connection with Him and have a deep conviction that, He is the One who is always there by our side. 

- Parikshit Menon

Student (2013-2015), Department of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Manager (Finance), Office of the Group Executive Director (Finance & Corporate) 

Tata Steel Limited, Mumbai.

Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)