Sri Sathya Sai on: Why does an Avatar descend?

The Descent of God is for the Ascent of Man
When the Divine comes down as Avatar – whether it be as Rama or as Krishna, Matsya (fish), Varaha (boar) or Vamana (dwarf) – it is only for one purpose. You recognise only the momentary results of the advent. But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach mankind the truth about Love. 
- “Role of the Avatar”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 21, 
August 03, 1988, Prasanthi Nilayam


We must try to understand the nature of Divinity. God always assumes human forms. Why? Only for the upliftment of mankind. Only then can men feel intimate kinship with Him. Therefore, an Avatar has both Divine and Human traits. When in human form, the Divine sometimes behaves like an ordinary man and acts as if He knows nothing. Devotees get misled by His acting and think, “He seems quite plain. How can He be God?” People concentrate on His human qualities and forget His Divinity. “He eats with us, walks with us, talks with us. What is special about Him?” they say. That is why they are surprised by miracles. This happens in the case of every Avatar. 
- “Birth of Sri Krishna”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1995, Brindavan


The descent of the Avatar means the Divine coming down to the level of the human. No blemish attaches to the Divine as a result of this descent. There is no diminution in His puissance. Here is the example of a child playing on the ground. If the mother feels it is beneath her dignity to bend and calls upon the child to leap into her arms, the child cannot do so. But out of her love for the child, the mother herself stoops and picks up the baby. By bending down to take the child, does the mother bow to the child? Likewise, the Avatar descends to the level of the human to bless and rescue those who cannot rise to the level of the Divine. The ignorant assumes that because the Divine has descended with a human form God has lowered Himself to the human level. This is a case of bending and not kneeling down. It is an act of benediction and not of submission. 
- “Ideals of the Rama Avatar”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, March 24, 1991, Prasanthi Nilayam


God takes human form when the Godliness that is inherent in man is submerged, when the moral code and the spiritual discipline that have been prescribed by the experience of Godly seekers are neglected, when man slides into beast from which he rose and becomes a terror to brother man. 
- “How Far is God?”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 05, 
August 19, 1965, Prasanthi Nilayam


In response to the prayers of sages and seers, God comes down in human form. He strives for the welfare of humanity and bestows joy on one and all. The Avatar is a manifestation of Brahmaswarupa and Manavatwa (humanness). The same principle of Brahman is latent in all. One has to develop inward vision in order to experience Him. Eashwara Sarva Bhootanam (God is the indweller of all beings). In this cosmic drama, God alone is the director and also the actor. He is donning all the roles such as mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, son, etc. 
- “Develop the Spirit of Oneness”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 38, November 19, 2005, Prasanthi Nilayam


The common people can derive no benefit if the Formless Absolute remains in Kailasha or Vaikuntha. It is not possible to worship the Formless Absolute. An Avatar assumes the form that is beneficial to and within the reach of human beings. Men cannot comprehend the Formless and the Attributeless Absolute. Unfortunately, even when the Formless Absolute assumes a form, there are persons, who impelled by their own attitudes, attribute their own human foibles to the Avatar. “When He has the same form as ours, the same physical features, and eats, talks and moves about like any of us, what is the difference between the Avatar and ourselves?” they ask. Because of this narrow-minded approach, these persons are distancing themselves from the Divine. An effort must be made to understand the nature of Divinity. “Daivam Maanusharoopena,” declares the scripture (God in human form). It is only when God comes in human form can human beings have the full opportunity to experience and enjoy the Divine. 
- “Ideals of the Rama Avatar”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, March 24, 1991, Prasanthi Nilayam

Avatars make their advent with certain resolves. They also set certain limits to their roles. Krishna incarnated with three resolves: 

(1) Dharma Samsthaapanaarthaaya Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge (“I Incarnate from age to age to establish Dharma”); 

(2) Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham (“I shall promote the progress well-being of My devotees”); 

(3) Mokshayishyaami Maa Suchah (“I shall liberate those who take refuge in Me”). 

Rama also had three resolves: One word, one arrow, one wife. Rama declared that whoever sought asylum from Him, would be totally protected. Similarly all Divine personalities make their advent for some definite purposes. They will not deviate from them in any circumstance. Swami’s Prema Tatwa (essential nature of Love) is of the same character. Swami’s Prema (Divine Love) has no trace of self-interest in it. It is absolutely pure. Swami knows only how to give, not how to receive. Swami’s hand is held above for conferring something, not stretched for seeking anything. 
- “The Triple Promise”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 17, 
July 13, 1984, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Rama - The Maryada Purushottama
God comes in human form because man has strayed away from the path of righteousness. To reform man and bring him back to Dharma, God has to take the human form. Birds, beasts and insects lead lives according to their specific nature. They do not need Avatars. Today, only man has given up all righteousness, forgotten his Divine essence and degraded his humanness. To reform man in this state, God has to come in human form. The Avatar has to protect the good (Pavitranaya Sadhunaam), reform the erring and punish the wicked. 
- “Infinite Potency of the Rama Principle”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29, May 20, 1996, Brindavan


When Sri Krishna declared in the Gita that the Lord descends as Avatar to punish the wicked and protect the good, it does not mean that the Avatar’s purpose is to destroy evil-doers. Evil refers to bad thoughts. These thoughts are in everyone. It is these that have to be destroyed. 
- “Foster the Vedas”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Voulme 20, 
September 28, 1987, Prasanthi Nilayam


The role of every Avatar is to establish the reign of Truth and Righteousness, banish all that is evil, false and unrighteous in the world, and help to manifest the Divinity in mankind. 
- “Message of the Avatars and the Epics”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29, May 15, 1996, Brindavan


God incarnates for the revival of Dharma (righteousness) which includes morality, truth, virtue, love and a host of other qualities that uphold the communities of man as well as the individual. The other purposes usually given, such as serving the devoted, destroying the wicked, reestablishing the sacred tradition – these are all secondary. For, he who is righteous will be guarded from harm by righteousness itself, he who is unrighteous will fall into disaster through the evil that he perpetrates. The one task includes all else. 
- “Atom of Majesty”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 08, 
February 26, 1968, Prasanthi Nilayam


Avatars never come to re-establish Dharma – Dharma was never destroyed – but the practice of Dharma went on decline. 
- “Dharma Never Declines. It is the Practice of Dharma that Declines”, Summer Roses on the Blue Mountains, 1976, Ooty

Sri Krishna - The Poorna Avatar
Love is the form of the Supreme Lord. It is to preach the doctrine of love that the Krishna Avatar and other Divine incarnations made their advent on earth. According to the place, time and circumstances prevailing then, different names were given to the Lord. These differences are like the different figures made from sugar to appeal to the different preferences of children. These figures may be those of a peacock or a dog or a fox and so on. But what is common to all of them is sugar. 
- “Krishna: Incarnation of Love”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, September 02, 1991, Prasanthi Nilayam


The Divine is totally free from Anugraham or Aagraham (likes or dislikes). All that the Avatar (incarnate Divinity) thinks, speaks or does is entirely for the well-being of the world and for giving joy to mankind. The ways of the Divine have to be understood properly. Sometimes people may feel that Swami is angry and harsh. This is totally wrong. Swami appears to keep aloof from some persons when He feels they are pursuing wrong paths which may adversely affect their future. This is intended solely to correct the erring devotees. Not realising this, people subject themselves to various worries or doubts.
- “The Perennial Quest”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 20, 
November 23, 1987, Prasanthi Nilayam


The Avatars come to teach humanity the principle of oneness so that they may get rid of the idea of diversity and manifest their inherent Divinity, realizing their basic spiritual nature. The Avatar does not forgo any of His supreme powers merely because He lives and moves among human beings as a man. 
- “Ideals of the Rama Avatar”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, March 24, 1991, Prasanthi Nilayam


The Lord likes to be called Aarta-Traana-Paraayana (protector of, and devoted to, the distressed and oppressed) more than any other name, for He is most happy when He rescues those in agony. 
- “The Bottomless Pit”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 06, 
July 03, 1966, Prasanthi Nilayam


When the Lord (Narayana) incarnates in human form, He cannot avoid abiding by the regulations set by Him. You should not forget that even if the Lord is the Director of the cosmic drama, in His human form He is playing a specific role. If He does not act according to the role assumed by Him, either overdoes or underplays the role, departing from what is appropriate, He will be falling in His purpose. When the Divine assumes human form, He has to serve as an example by ideal actions. 
- “The Lord and the Devotee”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 19, August 27, 1986, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai - The Prema Avatar
In every Avatar’s life the first sixteen years are Leelas (sports). From sixteen to thirty-five years of age are Mahatmyas, miracles. From thirty-five to seventy-five years is the period of teaching. Every Avatar passes through these three stages. 
- “Birth of Sri Krishna”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1995, Brindavan


Labels: , , , 1 comment:

Life’s A Little Thing – By Dr. Anshuman Das

Life is a little thing, but a little thing can mean a life. He created the cosmos and felt dissatisfied. The rivers sprang, the flowers bloomed, and the firmament above held pearls in the dusk. The mountains rose, the birds began their song, the beasts appeared and life manifested itself in many forms. Only then did the Master decide to create one who could go back from where he came from... He then created you and me. 

There were times when I was very happy. This happiness bound me so greatly that I tended to forget God. But, He did not forsake me. The compassionate One took care of me at all times. The all knowing One had also taken care of my parents and everybody else. 

This is an interesting instance from my father’s life. My father is a senior medical officer in the Border Security Force (BSF). It so happened that he had been posted to Anantnag (a strife-torn place in Jammu and Kashmir). One fine morning he set out with two jeeps to open a bank account. He entered the bank and finished the work. As he was coming out, a few militants barged in and opened fire. He hurried into the bulletproof jeep and bent down. The ring went on for about 35 minutes and all the while he kept doing Likhitajapam in his diary. (Since he was unarmed.) With a lot of difficulty, they returned to their base with many soldiers sustaining injuries, including the driver of my father’s jeep. At about the same time my mother was seated in the Darshan line. At that time she was working as a lecturer in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus in the B.Ed Faculty. She happened to be seated in the front. Bhagavan came right up to her, created Vibhuti and said, “Don’t worry. Husband is safe.” At that time my mother did not understand fully the meaning of Bhagavan’s words. When my father rang up and informed her and narrated what had happened, she realised the meaning of Bhagavan’s words. 

What can we say about such a Lord? This ultimate Saviour asks for nothing but Love. He sheds blood for His devotees and students. He cares only about our welfare, not His. There have been many occasions where we may have hurt Him, but He never complains. This is an instance to show how much Bhagavan cares for His students. This happened years back, round the late 80s. One fine day, Bhagavan asked the boys, “How many of you can cook food?” All of them were surprised and a few managed to raise their hands. “You can only make tea. But, I am going to hold a cooking competition tomorrow,” Bhagavan said. All were excited. The next day Bhagavan asked them to prepare ‘Upma’ and ‘Kesari’. Both of these dishes are made of the same material but have opposite tastes. The boys had finished making and the samples were sent to Bhagavan. Bhagavan tasted them and said that the dishes were delicious and sent sweets for the boys as reward. The boys after receiving sweets wanted to taste their own samples. When they tasted it, to their utter horror, they found it extremely repulsive! Then they realised Bhagavan’s love for them, which overlooked all the bad in them. 

Let’s pray to this Great Lord to guide us so that we may do good and reach Him. 

You to me, are the flowers of the spring,
And I really love You,
You’re my all, You’re my everything,
Yes, I really love You,
You, to me, are the morning sun,
And I really love You,
In my life You’re my only one,
Yes, I really love You.
As the seasons tumble by,
With our lives, we blindly stumble,
Like a star shining in the night,
You guide me safely home,
Like a river that flows to the sea,
You carry me along, You guide me,
You speak to me, You be with me.


- Dr. Anshuman Das
Student (2001-2006), Department of Physics
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning


Labels: No comments:

“If you do not listen to what I say, you will be destroyed altogether…”

November 29, 1999

After the interview, Swami came out to the second block.


Swami : Have the sports and games started?

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : Which sport are you participating in? (No answer) Aye, you must participate. All boys should participate. Did the Vice Chancellor tell anything? 

Student : No, Swami.  

Swami : Anyway, I am not coming.  There is no connection between sports and Me. (Jokingly) Not My business, not My business… Vice Chancellor!! (To the Vice Chancellor Sri S.V. Giri) Have the sports and games started?

VC : Yes, Swami

Swami : Who is captain, vice-captain? (No answer) Captain, Vice-captain, President, Vice-president, Chairman. (Smiled. Then more seriously) What are you doing?

VC : Swami should tell.

Swami : There is no connection between sports and Me. Some of the boys are not participating. All boys should participate – MBA, MFM, and M.Tech, and all degree boys. All should participate .Make sure that all boys participate. 

VC : Swami, watch Chestamu. (We’ll keep a watch, Swami)

Swami : To watch, you need to put a watchman. (To a student) Aye Bheema, do the job of the watchman.

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : What will you do if you don’t participate? (The student pointed to Swami’s feet) There is no connection between sports and Me.

VC : It is all for your satisfaction, Swami.

Swami : No, no, not for Swami’s satisfaction. There is not a single person who is working for Swami’s satisfaction. Not a single person. Ask them only this question, whether they came here for their satisfaction or for Swami’s satisfaction. Ask in English”

VC : (To students seated there) Swami is asking whether you have come here for your satisfaction or for Swami’s blessings.

Students : (In a loud chorus) Swami’s blessings.

Swami : (To VC) You didn’t ask what I asked you to. You put the answer in the question itself. There is a big difference between satisfaction and blessings. I bless even an atheist. Whatever I do is for your own good, nothing selfish in me from top to toe. If you know this, it is enough. For those who don’t like Swami and sports, there is no place for them here, in our Institute. They can go outside, elsewhere. They should be sent out. Remember what Tulasidas said? ‘Those who haven’t understood the value of the Divine name are like those who don’t know the value of the gem that is with them. They treat it just like a marble and play with it. But once you know its value, you keep it safe, locked in a Godrej almirah. You don’t know the value yet. Payoji Maine Naam Ratan Dhan Payo. (I have received the gem of the name of the Lord) Nobody is looking inside to find out the meaning.  Last year what happened? You didn’t listen to My words and you saw what happened. (During the Sports Meet Festival in the previous year, Bhagavan had an injury. He took over the calamity that was to befall the students onto His body. Prior to the Sports Festival, Bhagavan had told all the students and staff to be very cautious while performing various stunts.) I told in Brindavan also, didn’t I?  Cheppina Maata Vinaka Pote, Patanamaipotaru. (If you do not listen to what I say, you will be destroyed altogether) Lower than the earth, lower and lower to Patala. There is no source, only force. What boy, source or force?

Student : Source

Swami : (Smiling) Source for sports!


Labels: 3 comments:

When Sri Sathya Sai corrected Smt. Anjali Devi and Smt. P. Suseela

Sunday, November 30, 1980

Bhagavan visited the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Shibiram located on the Bangalore highway close to Bagepalli on this day. He told the organisers, “My blessings are always available in plenty to whosoever is dedicated to doing good.” Inspired by Bhagavan’s blessings, the Seva Shibiram dedicated itself to the establishment of a Seva Sadan in the form of an orphanage and an old age home. During that visit, Bhagavan named this Shibiram ‘Prema Kuteeram’.
Smt. Anjali Devi and Smt. P. Susheela with Sri Sathya Sai

It so happened that Smt. Anjali Devi and Smt. P. Suseela, the well-known figures in the film world were traveling to Puttaparthi that day. Enroute, they were passing Bagepalli. The organisers at the Prema Kuteeram offered them Prasadam. But the famed travelers mistook them to be the usual run of cinema fans. Disdaining the kind offer they went their way. 

Later when they were with Swami He gently admonished them, “I am present not only in Prashanti Nilayam but also in the Seva Shibiram in Bagepalli.” The lesson went home. On their return journey they visited the Shibiram and apologised to the organisers. They humbly accepted the Prasadam from them before resuming their journey. 


Labels: 1 comment:

Sri Sathya Sai on: Who is an Avatar?


What is the meaning of Avatar (incarnation of God)? It connotes the combination of Divine consciousness with human consciousness. Man is the combination of body, mind, intellect and consciousness. God, who is the embodiment of love, assumes human form to establish identity with man so as to bring about transformation in him through Love. God descends on earth and involves Himself in the affairs of the world to teach and guide man and to put him on the right path. 
- “Do not Burden Yourself with Limitless Desires”, 
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 39, May 02, 2006, Bangalore

The Avatar (Divine Incarnation) is the Atma Shakti (power of the Supreme Soul) that has put on the raiment of Kriya Shakti and Yoga Shakti (power of action and power of Divine communion). Generally, Avatarana (the process of incarnation), is described as a ‘coming down’ from a higher status to a lower one. But, no! When the baby in the cradle weeps, wails and clamours for help, the mother stoops and takes it up in her arms. Her stoop is not to be described as a ‘coming down’. 
- “Happy Birthday”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14, 
November 23, 1978, Prasanthi Nilayam

The word Avatar means descent. It is not coming down from the peak of a mountain or the top storey of a building. It is a descent from the state of the Atma to the state of the body. 
- “The Inner Dialogue”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1979, Brindavan

Divinity has five names. The first is Paranaamam; second, Vyuhanaamam; third, Vibhavanaamam; fourth, Antaratmanaamam and fifth, Archananaamam. The Divine functions in the cosmos under these five names. Paranaamam refers to the abode of the Supreme – Vaikuntha. Vaikuntha means that which is unchanging. There the Supreme Lord dwells under the name Paranaamam. No one can enter that abode of the Lord. The Lord dwells there as an effulgence. He oversees everything. But He is not visible to anyone and no one can see His form. 

 The second is Vyuhanaamam. This name refers to the Lord who reclines on a serpent on the ocean of milk. The Lord in this form can be seen only by Devas. Only those with special powers can see the Lord there. Ordinary beings cannot do so. But the Lord in His Vyuha form fulfills the desires of the Devas. You are aware of the story of Hiranyakashyap. He was harassing the Devas in various ways. So, they went to the Lord’s couch on the ocean of milk and prayed to Him. In answer to their prayers the Lord agreed to incarnate on earth. 

 Third is Vibhavanaamam. This refers to the various human forms in which the Lord incarnates on earth as Avatars of Rama and Krishna to protect the good and punish the wicked and turn them towards the righteous path. The incarnations that are adored as the ten Avatars belong to this category of Vibhavanaamam. In this form, the Lord manifests the relationship between God and the devotees. 

 The fourth is Antaratmanaamam. In this form, the Lord pervades every part of a human being as an indwelling spirit. This indwelling spirit is Divine. The fifth is Archananaamam. This refers to the form in which the Divine can be worshipped, praised and adored for securing His grace.

In those days, there used to be frequent wars between kings of different territories. These wars generated hatred between people of different regions. The feeling of national unity was lost and all kinds of bad practices like untruth, injustice, dishonesty and disreputable conduct became the order of the day. Even the learned Pandits, scholars and intellectuals of the time started interpreting the Vedas in perverse ways. As a result, people’s faith in the Vedas and scriptures was diluted. At such times, God or a Divinely inspired saint or Messiah makes His advent on earth to reform the wicked and restore the reign of Dharma. Such incarnations are known as Archananaama forms of the Divine. In this Archananaama form, the manifestations are regarded as Amshaavatars – manifestations of partial aspects of the Divine. 

 The Vibhavaavatars (like Rama and Krishna) are Purnaavatars (total manifestations of the Divine). The Archanaavatars are Amshaavatars (partial manifestations). Such Avatars incarnate from time to time, not only in India but in all countries. Jesus declared at first that He was ‘A Messenger of God’. Who are these messengers? They are of two kinds Yamadoota and Avadhoota. Yamadootas are messengers who inflict harm on people. Avadhootas are messengers who protect. Jesus belonged to the second category. In due course, He recognised His own inner Divinity. Then He declared, “I am the Son of God”. Thereby He proclaimed His right to a share in all the qualities of God. When He acquired all the qualities of the Divine, He announced, “I and My Father are one”. The same threefold progress can be seen in the pronouncements of Hazrat Mohammed. First, He declared “I am in the Light”. Then He said, “The Light is in Me”. Finally He declared, “I am the Light”. These declarations can be compared to the three systems of Indian philosophy Dualism (Dvaita), Qualified Non-Dualism (Vishishta Advaita) and Non-Dualism (Advaita).
- “Sri Adi Shankaracharya: His Life”, My Dear Students, Volume 03

In the world, God has descended as human incarnation in five different forms. These forms are based on the different aspects of the Divine. One is Nityaavatar. Second is Viseshaavatar. Third, Aveshaavatar. Fourth, Leelaavatar, and fifth, Purnaavatar. Leelaavatar is also known as Amshaavatar. Nityaavatara, Visheshaavatar and Aveshaavatar have only five to nine Kalas (aspects) of the Lord. Only in the Purnaavatar are all the sixteen aspects of the Divine present. The ancients regarded only the Purnaavatars as the full manifestation of God. In this context, every human being must be deemed as Avatar as he has some aspect of the Divine in him. It is because he has descended from the Divine, he is entitled to be called an Avatar. 
- “Let the Conscience Rule”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 21, November 23, 1988, Prasanthi Nilayam

Avatars are of two kinds: one, Amshaavatar; two, Purnaavatar. All human beings are Amshaavatar (partial incarnation of the Divine). “Mamaivaamso Jeevaloke Jeevabhutah-Sanaatanah” (a part of My eternal soul Self has become the Jiva – individual soul – in the world of living beings), says Krishna in the Gita. These partial incarnations, caught up in Maya, develop egoism and possessiveness and lead worldly lives. The Purnaavatars, however, subduing and transcending Maya, manifest their full Divinity to the world in their lives. The Purnaavatar may behave, according to the circumstances, as if He were subject to Maya, but in fact He is free from Maya at all times. 
- “Role of the Avatars”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 23, 
August 14, 1990, Prasanthi Nilayam

All Avatars are equally Divine and it is pointless to describe one incarnation as partial and another as full. The form and role of each Avatar are dependent on the circumstances and the needs which led to the advent. Avatars are not to be judged in quantitative terms. Qualitatively, they are all essentially one. All Avatars are “full” in fact. Only their forms and names differ according to the circumstances in which they appeared. 
- “The Lord and the Devotee”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 19, August 27, 1986, Prasanthi Nilayam

The scriptures have declared that the one who possesses in full all the sixteen potencies is Purushottama (the Supreme Person). The term is applied to the Avatars (Divine incarnations) who utilise the sixteen potencies for the benefit of others. Whatever they say or do is totally free from the taint of self-interest. No Avatar, whether in Bharat or elsewhere, has ever used the five elements, the five senses, the five vital airs or the mind for any selfish purpose. Even when They go about in daily life like other ordinary beings, in every one of Their actions they demonstrate its purity and unchanging truth. The common people do not recognise this truth. Hence, they fail to understand the true nature of humanness. 
- “The Sixteen Potencies”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 24, May 29, 1991, Brindavan

Every Avatar has six types of powers: all-encompassing Prosperity, Righteousness, Fame, Wealth, Wisdom and Renunciation (or non-attachment). God is the possessor of these six attributes. Every Avatar of God in every age and every place has these six attributes. 
- “The Name that Redeems”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 22, April 14, 1989, Kodaikanal


Labels: , , , 3 comments:

“Pakoda means little fat, but Bonda means very fat…”


November 25, 2002 (Monday)


Swami came towards a student and materialised a ring for him.

Swami    :    Correct size. Is it ok?

Student    :    Yes Swami.

Swami    :  Goldsmith, Size Teesukoni wrong size Chesistaadu (A goldsmith even after taking the size makes a wrong-sized one)!

(To Brindavan Warden) Have all the boys come?

Warden    :    Yes Swami.

Swami    :    (To a student) How are you Pakoda? (Swami often uses this name to tease students who are chubby or over-weight. ‘Pakoda’ is a kind of fried item made of flour.) (To another student) What is the difference between a Pakoda and a Bonda? (There was no reply. Then He said smilingly) Pakoda Ante Koncham Fat, Bonda Ante Chaala Fat (Pakoda means little fat, but Bonda means very fat). 

(Takes a letter from a few students. Seeing one of the letters.) This is waste of paper. (Seeing another) Good boy, you should write only two lines. (Takes another letter from a student) He has written, “My Dear Lord.” If you write, “Our Dear Lord,” many will be included. But if you write only, “My Dear Lord,” only you are included. (Taking a letter from a student) This boy spoke better than you the other day. He spoke very confidently and firmly.

Swami then went back into the interview room.


Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2001-2004)

Labels: 1 comment:

Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebrations and Message of Sri Sathya Sai

Friday, November 14, 1975 to 

Monday, November 24, 1975

Sri Sathya Sai inaugurating the Second World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations
The 50th Birthday celebrations were held at Prashanti Nilayam between 14th and 24th November, 1975. The All India Sathya Sai Seva Dal Conference (3rd) and the All India Bal Vikas Gurus Conference (3rd) were held at Prashanti Nilayam on 15th, 16th and 17th of November. The Rathotsavam started from Prashanti Mandir at 8.30 am on the 18th morning. Chandi Yaga was performed in the Divine Presence from the 19th to the 23rd of November. Swami performed the Poornahuti of the Yaga on 23rd morning.


A World Conference Session in progress at the Poornachandra Auditorium
The 2nd World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations was held in the Divine Presence at Prashanti Nilayam between the 19th and the 21st of November, 1975. A rally by the Bal Vikas students was held on the 22nd. At the conclusion of the World Conference on 22nd November, Swami nominated the following members as the Members of the Governing Body of the World Council of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations: Sri Indulal H. Shah, Dr. J. Hislop, Dr. K. Pani, Sri S. Sitaram, The Rajmata of Navanagar, Dr. Bhagavantam, Sri Sohanlal, Sri Balesingham and Mrs. Natalie Santos.
Helicopter Darshan on the Birthday
Swami blessed the devotees with His Darshan from a helicopter on 23rd morning. When the helicopter landed, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Vengala Rao received Swami. Swami accompanied by the Chief Minister then moved in a procession to the Sarva Dharma Aikya Stupa. The Stupa was then inaugurated by the Chief Minister. On 23rd evening, Members of Sathya Sai Central Trust; the State Presidents of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation from India and all over the world; Sri T. A. Pai, Minister for Heavy Industries and Civil Supply; Sri Subbarayudu and Sri Sagi Suryanarayana Raju, Ministers of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh; offered their homage at the Lotus Feet of Swami at Poornachandra Auditorium. Swami then delivered His Birthday Message. He said: 

“A person who has mastered-Vedas (ancient spiritual revelations) and Vedanta (metaphysics of the Supreme Reality) might be honoured as a Pandit (learned scholar). Another might be praised for his brilliant writings in both prose and verse. But if such scholars have neither purity of consciousness nor elevating Ideals, their capacities will result in more harm than good. They will promote neither happiness of the people nor peace in society. They will pass through life without the awareness of its sanctity or sublimity. The Lord blessed the boy Dhruva, appreciating his Innocence and his steadfast faith in Him. The Lord saved Prahlaada from direct disasters planned by his own father, for the boy had surrendered to Him and placed unshakeable trust in His Mercy. The Lord showered Grace on Kuchela who suffered from agonising poverty because he never once faltered in his devotion to Him. The Lord is the refuge of all who seek refuge, the saviour of all who have to be saved. He is the Embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being- Awareness-Bliss Absolute). He is now at Puttaparthi as the Effulgent Emperor over the region of Truth, Goodness and Beauty.

Today man's behaviour is really artificial

Life sustained by food is short; life sustained by the Aatman (Divine Spirit) is eternal. Do not lay claim to long life, but to Divine life. Do not pine for more years on earth, but for more virtues in the heart. The Buddha knew and made known to the world the truths: Everything is grief. Everything is empty. Everything is brief. Everything is polluted. So the wise man has to do the duties cast upon him with discrimination, diligence and detachment. Play the role, but keep your identity unaffected. Have your head in the forest ashram (retreat), unaffected by the aimlessly rushing world. But it is your duty, a duty you cannot escape, to fully engage yourself in your work, unconcerned with loss or gain, failure or success, slander or praise. The Geeta instils this very lesson In you: "Whoever does Upasana with no thought other than Me, him I shall have with Me; I shall bear his burden now and forever." The Geeta says, "Keeping Me ever in memory, engage yourself in the battle of Life." 

             
This 'Me' to which Krishna refers is not something outside you or extraneous to you. It is your own Divine Reality which you can cognise in the silence of your own Dhyana (meditation), when you shut out of your awareness the distraction of the senses, the mind and the ego. You can take refuge in the calm coolness of your heart where He has installed Himself as the Charioteer. You must only engage yourself in work that is purifying, with an attitude that sanctifies. Most people do not know how to set about on this most rewarding adventure. They waste their lives in sorrow, wading through disappointment and despair, for they cling to something as theirs and treat something else as belonging to others. They grab and grieve, and labour to acquire and lose. Desire multiplies desire, and man sinks deeper Into discontent and distress. The behaviour is really artificial; it does not conform to man's real nature, the prompting of his Atman, which is Divine. In the universal, eternal sea of change, the Atman alone is above change.

All differences are apparent, not real

In creation, in the objective world, no one article is like any other. No two human beings are similar in every respect; there is some twist or turn which distinguishes one from the rest. Each has his own peculiar experiences. Immense diversity prevails. Nor is an individual the same for any length of time. The infant changes into a child, then into a boy, an adolescent, an adult, and soon becomes middle-aged, old, decrepit and, finally, senile.

In one single day the Individual Is changed into a wakeful person, a dreamer and a sleeping log! So man must seek refuge in the changeless, the Paramatman (Supreme Reality), from which all variety emerges, and into which it merges. Then only can be secure peace and contentment. The past is past; do not lose time looking back on the road you have traversed. Look forward, deciding to march on with confidence and courage. Take the first step NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.

Repeat to yourself the truth that the world is as much God as heaven is. There are no two distinct entities or categories called material and spiritual. All distinctions are apparent, not real. Sai has drawn the old and the young to Himself and every one of them has Sai in his heart. The scriptures of different creeds – the Bible, the Quran, the Upanishads (philosophy of the Vedas, the Zend-Avesta, appear different, but their aim is the same: to establish the Brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God as the basis for the peace of mankind. No creed need put on airs of superiority as each is shaped by the compulsions of time and space, of language and levels of experience. You are all members of the Sai Family, bound by the religion of Love. Though ostensibly you profess to belong to different faiths, faith in Sai has removed the barriers in your minds. Love is God. Live in Love.

Love must express itself as service

Your Atman, which you mistake to be your body, your senses, your mind, your intellect, etc., can have no sorrow or Joy. It has no death, no birth. It is eternal and unchanging. What you judge as joy or sorrow is only like a passing cloud which cannot affect the splendour of the Sun or Moon. Know that such emotions follow one another when the wheel of life turns round from moment to moment. The sea has water that cannot quench thirst, but it has also pearl and coral. You have to get toughened by the hammer strokes of Joy and sorrow until you are unaffected by the vicissitudes of fortune.

This year you have named My birthday the 'Golden Jubilee' of the Avatar (divine Incarnation), and gathered in vast numbers from all parts of the world. I am sure you have benefitted by the Satsang (holy company). I do not accost one particular date in the calendar as My birthday, for I consider the day when Divinity blossoms in your heart as My birth-day in you. Therefore each of you should individually celebrate such a day as My birthday. The day when you resolve to practise My advice, to follow My directives, to translate My message into acts of service, and to engage in Sadhana, that day is My birthday for you. The 23rd day of November which you now honour as the day on which I was born, is only like any other day if you celebrate it in a routine, ritual fashion. Adore man; the adoration reaches Me. Neglect man; you neglect Me. Of what avail is it to worship the Lord and to suppress man, His counterpart? Love for God must be manifested as Love for man, and Love must express itself as service.

Through Love alone, Love acquired through Sadhana, and shared with all as Sadhana can peace be attained, by the individual as well as by the nation. My Life is My Message and My Message is Love. That explains why you have gathered hither in hundreds of thousands.”

Swami gave Darshan seated in the Jhoola on the 24th night. It was during the 50th Birthday celebrations that Swami most graciously permitted the Sathya Sai Organisation worldwide to hold the 24 hour Akhanda Bhajan on the same day at the same time globally. It was to commence at 6.30 pm on the second Saturday of November and end at 6.30 pm on Sunday. 


Source : Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)
Labels: , 1 comment:

Divine Trainer’s Drama Directions – By Prof. Siva Sankara Sai

Professor Siva Sankara Sai with Sri Sathya Sai
Bhagavan is everything for His students. He is a friend, philosopher and guide. In the education that is imparted in His University, He is the inspiration, goal and guide of every single activity. Even though we may consciously know this or not, I have found this to be true. Sometimes, when we detach ourselves and see the way “His Will” flows, then we become awestruck and feel supremely blessed to be part of that grand plan. Celebrating cultural events are an integral part of Swami’s education system. Swami defines culture as a way of life. He has come down to revive our sacred Bharatiya Culture. Swami used to encourage students to develop the talents of ‘acting’, ‘music’, ‘dance’ and ‘art’ along with secular education. After all, these are the ways our lovely culture was propagated for thousands of years. Each generation adds its own flavour and beauty to this great Indian culture and thus embellishes it further.

In Swami’s Hostel, dramas, dance, art & music are positively encouraged, nurtured and fostered. Swami provides a number of opportunities to the students for developing these qualities by putting up various dramas in His Divine Presence. I would like to relive one such occasion where I saw Bhagavan personally involving Himself completely with the students’ drama, in spite of His busy schedule and gave us the joy of His Divine intimacy and Directions.

It was the year 1987; Swami had decided that the students should put up a drama on the life of Markendeya to emphasise the devotion of young Markendeya to Lord Shiva. One day in the month of October that year, Swami called me and Sri Ram Mohan Rao sir along with a few students and explained to us the story of Bhakta Markendeya. He highlighted the qualities of young Markendeya, especially, his humility and obedience to the words of his parents. Swami also highlighted the steady and unwavering devotion of young Markendeya to Lord Shiva. He told us that if we put up a drama with this theme, it would be an inspiration for all the young students. Then He instructed us to write the dialogues of the drama based on what He mentioned and show to Him. We were overjoyed at this unique and rare chance.
Lord Shiva protecting Markendeya from Lord Yama
Ram Mohan Rao sir, being a good speaker both in Telugu and English, and also a lecturer in English literature, wrote the draft of the drama script. We both fine-tuned it to our level best as per the story and directions given by Swami and got the script ready to be shown to Swami. To our luck, after three days, Swami called us for an interview along with a few other students. He asked, “Enna Samacharam?” (What’s the news?) When we mentioned that the draft of the drama script was ready, He immediately listened to the entire script and gave a few suggestions and asked us to incorporate them. He polished certain sentences and corrected a few factual details. He stressed and drilled one very important point into our heads – when we are on the stage to enact a drama or skit, the entire attention of the eyes, ears, and mind of the audience is on us. Hence, what we speak and act is observed by a thousand minds, two thousand ears and two thousand eyes. Hence it is extremely important that what we say and do should be of high standard, inspiring and exemplary to the people. 

Swami was very particular that negative emotions, negative feelings, negative words and actions should be avoided or minimal (if we cannot avoid them completely due to the theme chosen). In the script of the Markendeya drama, we had introduced the conversation between the two soldiers of Yama very elaborately, to lighten the very sombre theme. The next day, Swami called us for an interview and reviewed our progress in writing the script. He liked the first part and approved the script of the first part. But, in the second part, Swami objected the conversation between Yama’s Kinkaras (Yama’s minions) that we painstakingly introduced. 

He told us that the Yama’s Kinkaras’ scene should not be made light or loose, like in films. He corrected us and mentioned that even humour can be there to lighten the mood, the drama should be of high standard and not cheap, as is commonly done. Especially in a spiritual theme, wherein the devotion is highlighted, we need to be extra careful to give proper emphasis to various emotions. Swami said that, our mind is so fickle that, inspite of many good things depicted in the drama; our mind gets attracted towards the negativity and tends to retain the negative dialogues and actions in the drama more than the moral of the drama itself. 
Professor Siva Sankara Sai with Sri Sathya Sai
Thus the script of ‘Markendeya’ drama had to undergo many changes to conform to the Divine standard. It was a great revelation for us to know the absolute and benchmark standards of our Divine Director. It need not be mentioned that the drama was a success because the Lord Himself became the script-writer and trainer. All of us were lucky because the Eswara whom Markendeya was praying for his life, was the one who directed all aspects of the drama.

- Prof. Siva Sankara Sai
Student and Research Scholar (1982-1989), Department of Physics
Warden (1994-2011), Sri Sathya Sai Hostel
Currently, Dean of Sciences
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam


Labels: , 1 comment:
Back to Top