Life with Sri Sathya Sai – By Prof. Anil Kumar

Having been born as a human being contemporary to the Avatar in human form life with Bhagavan is the biggest blessing. Living in His proximity, every word, every action, the benevolent look, even His gentle avoidance is a lesson of its own kind. Everyone who calls himself a devotee should experiment and fully experience and that alone gives meaning to our existence.

The wide acceptance of Bhagavan cuts across all sections of the society, people of different faiths and different countries. They seamlessly merge under His divine guidance. A spiritual renaissance of humanity, a (spiritual) nuclear fission in the minds of millions, unnoticed by the nuclear regulatory authorities, greening of the human minds unplanned by the United Nations- all this happens, steadily and unendingly.

Professor Anil Kumar with Sri Sathya Sai on board flight to Chennai - January 2007

As the State President of Andhra Pradesh wing of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Baba had given me the most enviable opportunity of meeting a wide cross-section of people from both within the country and outside. I cherish the colloquy, the spiritual discussions which I have had with them. In such conversations, invariably everyone has expressed that they have had the most personal communication and guidance from Bhagavan; the modes of communication range from physical interaction through His most coveted personal audience, pointed reference to incidents in the most casual way, materialization of Vibhuti and various kinds of talismans, or through dreams: not only to cure physical and mental illness, but mainly to instil faith in their minds. Innumerable phenomena have been narrated by the devotees as we find in the ocean of Sai literature today.

To be seated in Mandir, silently waiting for Swami is a silent sitting. To pray for His divine Darshan and being occupied with His thoughts is meditation. At the end of that waiting, to have Bhagavan’s Darshan is the fulfilment of the heart’s desire. Outside the Mandir, discussing with people who have assembled and people who like to listen to the glory of Bhagavan as to what He said, what He did; all this is Satsang. Where else on this earth, this opportunity to spend the day in complete contemplation of God is available? It is right here at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan, I got this blessing to convert my daily life to a spiritual Sadhana.

Prof. Anil Kumar with Sri Sathya Sai in the Brindavan Campus Auditorium - 1990s

I was asked by Bhagavan to take up assignment as the Principal of the Whitefield College, affiliated to Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Working with Swami is like working with fire. One needs perfection of the highest order to live with the epitome of perfection. I was nowhere near that standard. I know of people who had lived with Him and were burnt, due to their inability to cope with His expectations. I hesitated a lot to take up the job. I was in no doubt that I lacked that kind of devotion to be in Swami’s divine presence. But Swami had commanded that I join. I am sure that Swami knew my predicament. I had enjoyed considerable happiness in serving the mission of Bhagavan as the State President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations. That afternoon, I had my lunch and was unable to sleep even for a little while. I was rolling from side to side, unable to come to a final answer to Swami’s call. That evening, Swami, in His conversations to the chosen few at Kodai, narrated some incidents from the sacred epic Ramayana. He asked me to translate the same.

He started recounting the conversation between Lord Rama and the vanara kings and the soldiers when Rama and Lakshmana were in search of Mother Sita. Rama was asking the vanara kings as to who was ready to accept the assignment of crossing the ocean to go to Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana and find out the whereabouts of Mother Sita.

Hanuman taking the blessings of Lord Rama

When Lord asked Hanuman, he alone, of all the warriors there, immediately agreed to undertake the task. Then Rama asked Hanuman, “Do you have the experience of crossing the ocean? Have you seen Sita before?” Hanuman replied in the negative for both the questions. When Rama asked how he had agreed to do the job, Hanuman replied, “Lord! I have not crossed any ocean nor do I have any knowledge of Mother Sita. But I am confident that when you assign to me the task of searching Mother Sita, you would give me the strength to cross and the knowledge to find her out. Why should I have any doubt about doing the work?” As Swami was narrating this story, He looked at me with a mischievous smile. Swami’s message to me was straight and unambiguous. I accepted the Divine Mission.

Bhagavan encourages students of the schools and colleges to develop their innate talents. He lets the students know and realize that He sees Himself in each one of them. You would have noticed that He addresses everyone as Divyatma Swaroopas. This gives the students immense self-confidence to bring forth the best in them, for the pure love of Swami. Boys who would not have had prior exposure, give enthralling solo performances in front of thousands of people, singing to their Lord. Some by their eloquent speeches praise the glory of their Lord. Actors, singers, instrumentalists, each one of them displays their best in front of Swami; all this becomes possible due to the love that they have for Swami. Everyone who watches these programs would know that all these are done to please Swami and Swami alone and not to get name and fame or get some favours political, financial or otherwise.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students during a Kavi Sammelan Programme in the Poornachandra Auditorium

In the Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami interacts with His students in several ways. He makes pointed references to their health, their study and their progress in both academic and spiritual matters. He makes the students realize that He is watching every act of theirs and listening to every thought and every word that originate from them. 

Once, one of the boys was looking sick and tense. Baba asked the boy, “What’s wrong with you?” The boy replied, “I had asthmatic attack. Doctors have advised me to take treatment.” Baba in reply said, “No, it’s not asthma, only eosinophilia. Go and get it confirmed.” On examination, it was found to be eosinophilia as Bhagavan had said and not asthma. Swami is the doctor of doctors; tests and medical examinations can fail, but His diagnosis would not fail.

Once, one of the boys was sitting with a serious look. Baba asked him what the matter was. Getting no reply from the boy Swami Himself said, “You wrote a letter to your father asking for money. You have not received the money order yet. I know.” So saying, He asked the boy to pick up any envelope from the bunch of letters He had taken from the devotees. He then asked the boy to open the same. The boy was hesitant. Swami jokingly said, “even if there is a snake inside don’t worry, open it”. Then He added, “Will I allow the snake to harm you?” When the boy opened the envelope, he found a new 500 rupees note. Swami said, “Take it. It’s for you. You asked for only five hundred. If you had asked for more I would have given more.” The boy was dumbfounded. Not just that: He knows what one wants, and gives that at the most appropriate time, thus rescuing us from a difficult situation.

Once, a student from Kerala was sitting in front of Swami with a long face. He was absorbed in deep thought, with his attention focused on Swami. Swami turned to him and asked, ‘Why are you sitting with a castor oil face? Why are you so serious?’ So saying, Swami materialized a pair of ear rings and gave him. Even as everyone around him was wondering, why Swami had presented earrings to a boy, Swami materialized another pair of ear rings and gave those also to the same boy. Inquisitive as I was, I exclaimed, ‘Swami! Why ear rings, and that too, two sets to a boy. I have three daughters; if you had given me this gift, it would have been useful’. Even as doubts ran in the minds of everyone around, Swami chided me saying, ‘I know whom to give what, where and when. The boy’s mother had died leaving behind her two daughters. She had desired to make earrings for both and her wish could not be fulfilled. Hence, as a Mother, I had to fulfil the wishes of that mother’. Through the gift of earrings, Swami had demonstrated that ‘truth expressed in the form of action is Love.’ The doubts of those around were dissolved through tears in their eyes at the loving gesture of benevolent Mother Sai.

Once in Darshan, Baba suddenly asked a boy, ‘Are you ready to become a doctor?’ The boy was just an intermediate student. The boy was puzzled at Swami’s question. He had not even written his Inter examinations, nor had he applied for the entrance examinations to join the medicine program. Later, when Swami was in Bangalore, He arranged admission for the boy in one of the private medical colleges, paying a huge sum as capitation fees, which even the members of the family could not have thought of. I asked Swami, ‘why did you pay such a big sum for admitting him in medicine? Could you not have made him study in the best of courses in your University itself?’ Swami replied, ‘Making the boy a doctor was the last wish of his mother. Unable to fulfil this wish of the mother, the father was about to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff. At that time, he heard a voice, calling out to him, “Don’t jump! Don’t jump!” I saved him from that undesirable end and I brought him here. I then reassured him that I will take care of them and make his son a doctor. That is the reason why I admitted him to a medical college.’ This boy is today a specialist with an excellent practice.

Continued with Experiences in Kodaikanal…

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision (2006)

With Sri Sathya Sai in Kodaikanal – By Prof. Anil Kumar

Professor Anil Kumar with Sri Sathya Sai in Kodaikanal

Swami observes even things that appear trivial to others. Swami teaches through His actions, that everything, even a small thing, done with love and care and selflessness pleases Him. It was in Kodai one day, during breakfast time, the boys were seated in the hall with their plates piled with various South Indian delicacies like idly, vada, etc. Students were waiting for Swami to come. There appeared Swami, apparently coming straight from the kitchen. He was holding a glass and a spoon. He then said, “One boy is sick and is lying down in the room. I Myself prepared porridge for him and I am going to serve him first in his room itself. I will join you later.”

Sri Sathya Sai Serving Food To Students

When we were in Kodaikanal, Baba gave Rs.500 to each of the students and told them to buy something for their parents. He even told them where to go and what to look for and gave them significant advice: He asked them not to go to big shopping malls. He told them to go to the market place near the bus stand. He said “There are many Tibetans selling sweaters and shawls. They always feel that when Baba is here, a lot of devotees would come and they will have good sales. If you buy their items, they will be pleased.” Such is the concern of Bhagavan for the society.

To reinforce this observation, let me narrate two more very interesting incidents that took place in Kodai. Once, when Swami was going out in Kodai, He suddenly stopped the car near a wayside hawker, selling sugar candy. To the surprise of those accompanying, Swami bought many candies and paid Rs.500. He gave them to all those who accompanied and to the boys. Looking at Swami purchasing candy, even the onlookers purchased candy from that vendor. He sold out his stock in no time. As Swami moved away from there, He started explaining, “That vendor’s parents are sick at home. It’s only when he sells his stock that he can go home early and attend to his parents. Not only that, he can also buy medicine for them. That is the reason why I purchased so many candies.” Such is His love for everyone and He had made everyone understand His omniscience even in such simple acts.

On another occasion, Swami purchased a bamboo hat from a road-side vendor. He then bought another and put it on my head. He himself wore one of the caps. With the hats on He took a photograph with me. This photograph is one of the rarest in my collection. Swami bought hats for all the students and took photographs with each and every one of them. He himself explained why He bought those caps. He said, “These hats are made by tribesmen who live on the meagre income they get, by making such small handicraft items from forest produce. When we purchase these items, not only do they get some money, but they also get encouragement”.

Sri Sathya Sai Selecting Sarees for Devotees

Once Swami was giving away saris to all those who had worked in the Kodai Hill resort. To one of the servant maids, who was engaged in cleaning the vessels in the kitchen, Swami presented a silk sari worth ten thousand rupees. I was wonderstruck. I jocularly remarked to Him, “Swami! A silk sari! That too such an expensive one to a servant maid! When and where she will wear such a sari?” Swami then interrupted me and told me, “They too have family functions and social gatherings. On such special occasions when she wears this sari, she can happily say that Bhagavan has gifted that to her and she will derive utmost joy. She is also My devotee. To give happiness to everyone is My job.”

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan from Car

Once, when I was given the rare opportunity of accompanying Bhagavan from Puttaparthi to Brindavan, I witnessed an extraordinary drama; the manifestation of pure love by an ordinary man to his Lord Sai. On the journey, a little ahead of Chikballapur, I saw a man with a lungie and a long moustache, with a sickle in his hand. He was standing straight in the middle of the road, as if to stop Swami’s car. I was wondering to myself, what the man was up to. As the thoughts ran through my mind, Swami instructed the driver to stop the car. As the car stopped by, the man came near Swami’s car window and with a beaming smile, cut open a tender coconut and offered it to Swami. His face expressed his inner joy at getting an opportunity to offer something to Bhagavan. Swami accepted the tender coconut and gave him a 500-rupee note and the man happily moved aside, with hands joined in Pranams. As the car moved past the scene, Swami offered the coconut to me. I immediately said, “Swami! Do I deserve to drink this tender coconut, so expensive; moreover, it was offered to you.” Swami then said, “Don’t you know that I never take tender coconut. Do you think it was a sale and a purchase? No, no. Whenever I travel on this route, if this person knows about my going, he will stand waiting unmindful of the time, to make his humble offering. I gave him the money as a gift of My love to him and not a price for the coconut.” Like the offering of Sabari to Lord Rama.

Once, at Bangalore, Swami entrusted a big sum of money to one of the staff and asked him to handover the money to the authorities in Puttaparthi. As the person was about to board the bus at Bangalore, his pocket was picked and he did not know what to do. The sum was so large that even if he had wanted to pay from his salary, he could not have managed the same. Not knowing what to do, he went back to Brindavan and stood in front of the gates, shedding tears at his misfortune and his carelessness. He was afraid that Swami would admonish him for his carelessness. Swami appeared at the gates, He came to him and said comfortingly, “I know everything. You should be careful in such matters.” Swami then gave money to him and entrusted him with the same responsibility again.

Narayana Seva in Sai Sruthi Mandir - Kodaikanal

Once in Kodaikanal, a Narayana Seva was arranged by Swami. ‘Sai Sruthi’, the abode of Bhagavan in Kodai, was well away from the busy area and normally beggars do not come that side. Not many people were expected to come. The food was arranged to cater to around two hundred people. Unexpectedly, more than six hundred people turned up to take Prasad and even some of the devotees had lined up to take Prasad. Food was almost exhausted. Mrs. Ratan Lal, a senior devotee, was in-charge of the kitchen. I was assigned the task of conveying to Bhagavan the message that food was exhausted. I went up to Swami and hesitantly told Him in Telugu, “Swami! ‘Aipoindi’ (meaning, food got exhausted). Bhagavan looked at me and said in stern voice, “Never say, ‘Aipoindi’, say ‘Sari poindi’ (meaning just enough). Now, you go and serve.” What a wonder! We saw that vessels were full with food again and it was enough and more for all those who turned up that day. This reminds me of the miracle that Jesus demonstrated when He went to a disciple’s dinner.

Yet another important lesson that Swami teaches everyone around is the secret of His calm and serene nature. It’s known to everyone, innumerable dignitaries come to Prasanthi Nilayam; from Governors to district officials. While making all arrangements for receiving them, their accommodation and other requirements, Swami is always very calm and serene. The protocol requirements do not put any pressure on His routine nor does He alter His programs for the high-profile visitor. He is seen still spending the same time with His devotees and students. When on one of the days, I asked Swami, “How are you so calm and cool, in spite of all this hectic activity?” He replied, “What has happened has happened; what is destined to happen also will happen; whereas, I live in the present and live that moment. Present is the Omni-present.” 

Professor Anil Kumar with Sri Sathya Sai

During the celebrations of Bhagavan’s 80th birthday year, Swami one day chose to bless those who were serving His various institutions, like the canteen, the Gokulam, the hospital, the stores, schools and colleges. The way Bhagavan spent that evening was a great lesson to be learned even by the great leaders of the world. Bhagavan normally sits on the dais of the Kulwant hall when programs are held. On that evening, when these staff made presentations before Swami, some speeches, songs and bhajans, Swami went down and sat with them, below the dais, took photographs with them and distributed dresses and watches to every one of them, directly from His divine hands. Lord Krishna is here again in our midst as Sai Krishna, to teach the great lesson of non-duality. This day and this lesson, I will not be able to forget in my entire life.

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision (2006)

"That is the New Year message I give you..."

You have gathered here in thousands, eager to partake of this festival banquet of spiritual discourses. That is the best and most profitable way of celebrating the coming New Year. The tiger lies in wait in a bush by the jungle track; it pounces on its prey and drags it to its lair. So too, death lies in wait for man. It trails behind him with silent paws and when the hour strikes, it leaps and snaps the thread of life. Flowers fade, fruits rot, and trees wither. Life is but the interval between birth and death, a procession towards the grave that starts at the very moment of birth.

Have God as your lamp, you can pass through life in safety. Have the Name of God on your tongue; He is bound to the Name, as Form! Resolve this day to adopt this Sadhana of Namasmarana, remembrance of the Name, Rama, for Rama means · He who is Bliss, He who confers Bliss - "Ramate Ramayate Iti Rama." Read the Adhyatma Ramayana, the Ramayana which emphasises the spiritual significance of the epic.

Manthara poisoning the mind of Queen Kaikeyi

The entire epic hinges on two women and two passions: Manthara representing Krodha (anger, resentment, vengeance), and Shurpanakha representing Kama (lustful passion). Manthara plotted to send Rama into exile and Shurpanakha caused the abduction of Seeta and the destruction of the Rakshasas (demons) as a consequence. The two women are insignificant characters in the story, but the roles they play are key roles, for they sparked off, by means of the passions they represented, long chapters of pain and grief. Krodha (anger) and Kama (desire) are more destructive than atom bombs; but when Rama is installed in the heart, they just fizzle out!

Shurpanakha attempting to attack Sita in the forests

Pray for Grace and do some Sadhana to acquire it

Welcome these epics as you welcome efficacious drugs; they can cure deep-rooted illnesses of the mind. Accept Mantras (mystic formulas) as medicines, to cure the phobias of the mind, the disabilities of the inner senses, the defects of the inner consciousness. They clarify your vision and make you strong and steady, on the path towards God.

God's Grace is as the shower of rain, as the sunlight. You have to do some Sadhana (spiritual practice) to acquire it, the Sadhana of keeping a pot upright to receive the rain, the Sadhana of opening the door of your heart, so that the Sun may illumine it. Like the music that is broadcast over the radio, it is all round you; but you must switch on your receiver and tune the identical wave-length so that you can hear it and enjoy it. Pray for Grace; but do at least this little Sadhana. Grace will set everything right. Its main consequence is Atma Sakshatkara (Self-realisation); but there are other incidental benefits too, like a happy contented life here below, and a cool courageous temper, established in unruffled Shanti (peace).

The main benefit from a jewel is personal joy; but when one has come to the last coin in the purse, one can sell it and start life gain! That is an incidental advantage. The plantain tree has the bunch of fruits as its main gift! But the leaves, the soft core of the trunk, the flower bud, these are subsidiary items that can also be put to profitable use. This is the nature of Grace. It fulfils a variety of wants.

Vedic injunctions are ignored in every home

When you have no faith in God, you cannot gauge the efficacy of Grace. If you discard Rama and Krishna, they cannot stand by you in your hour of need. You do not attach yourself to Sai Baba and so you do not receive His Grace. If you start with cynicism and doubt and try to criticise and discover faults, the result is deeper ignorance and confusion. Unholy thoughts fog the mind with foul fumes. How can clarity come to the vision then?

A shepherd boy picked up a big diamond from the ground; he thought it was a piece of glass; he tied it round the neck of a sheep! It does not belong there. Man has ignored his own preciousness, his own Divinity. He is reducing himself to the position of a piece of glass, and is hanging on to the neck of a sheep? He sticks to the place where he does not belong.

The country too is sharing this devaluation. Bharat, which was long looked upon as the preceptor of humanity, the teacher of all nations who seek to earn lasting joy, is today forgetting its genuine role and standing at the doors of those nations, with downcast head and extended hand, begging for alms. The Vedic injunction, "Revere the Mother as God" is ignored in every home; as a result, the "Mother Country" is not blessing her children with plenty and peace. Revere the parents, revere the teachers - that is the injunction of Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Religion). Brothers must be treated with the affection due to brothers. The fate of those who hate the brothers will be total destruction; that is the lesson taught in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, revered by millions as the fifth Veda.

Saturate your thought, word, deed with Divinity

There was a Guru (spiritual preceptor) once, who gave back to his pupils the fruits offered by them, with the direction, "Take, each one, what he likes most." One pupil did not take any fruit but sat unconcerned, in a comer. The Guru asked him, "What do you like most?" He answered, "Myself." That is the proper attitude; if you like yourself most, make the most of your sell know your self clearly and truly, revere your self deeply, be your best, make fullest use of your talents and skills, and lead yourself into lasting peace and joy.

Rely on the Shiva (God) in you, not on the Shava (corpse) that the body is, without Him. With every breath, draw His Glory in; with every breath, exhale all that reduces His Glory. Saturate your thought, word and deed with Divinity. Then, you can conquer death, and become immortal. Recite the Name of Shiva and save yourself. You are truly the embodiment of truth, goodness and beauty. But you have misplaced the key which helps you to tap the springs. That key is in the realm of your inner consciousness; but, like the old woman who lost a needle in her dark hut, and searched for it under the street lamp (because, as she said, there was a patch of light underneath it), man is searching for it in the region of material objects in the outer world.

It is to persuade you to engage yourself in Namasmarana (remembering of Lord's Name) that I am Myself concluding My discourses with a few Namaavalis (string of divine names) which I sing. An Officer of the Indian Civil Service has to write on the slate, A, B, C, and D and pronounce those letters, in order to teach his children the alphabet. When you find him doing so, you do not infer that he is himself learning the alphabet, do you? Therefore, do not be surprised if I sing Bhajan songs; I am but initiating you into this most efficacious Sadhana. Strengthen yourself purify yourself educate yourself by this Nama Sankeertan (devotional singing). Do it loudly and in company. Let those who join you listen and also imbibe the nectar of the Name.

That is the New Year message I give you.

Realise the Lord through Love, Service, Adoration

I bless you that the New Year may endow you with devotion and sweet spiritual experiences. Today, the year Plavanga is taking leave and the year Keelaka is entering in. How often in the history of man has this happened! The cycle of Time has seen such events in countless numbers so far. Do not let this chance too go by; Keelaka means lynch-pin, main support, pillar or column. Today's task for you is to discover the one column that supports all spiritual success. I shall tell you what that is: Love, adore, serve the Sarveshwara (Almighty Lord) who is resident in all mankind; through that Love, adoration and service, realise Him. That is the highest

Sadhana. Serve man as God. Give food to the hungry, food that is the gift of Goddess Nature (Annapoorna); give it with love and humility. Give it, sweetened with the name of the Lord.

Celestial spheres are revolving and disintegrating; time is fleeting; age follows age; era succeeds era; bodies that have taken birth, grow and end; but, the urge to sanctify life with good works and good thoughts is nowhere evident; the fragrance of sincere Sadhana (spiritual practice) is not traceable anywhere. Through the process of 'giving up,' great things can be achieved. Cultivate detachment, and the Lord will attach Himself to you. The past is beyond recovery; those days are gone. But, tomorrow is coming towards you. Resolve to sanctify it with Love and Service and Sadhana.

Source: Divine Discourse at Venkatagiri on New Year Day (Ugadi) – March 29, 1968

Sri Sathya Sai on The Bangalore Super Specialty Hospital

Sunday, March 11, 2001 

Evening

In the Ganesh portico, Swami saw Prof. Anil Kumar coming back to his place. 

Swami : (To Prof. Anil Kumar) Did you go for Bhojanam?

Prof. A. K. : Swami, bathroom. (Swami gave clothes to two Hospital boys.)

Swami : (Regarding the Bangalore Hospital) Bangalore technicians came. They are very good. In the Bangalore Hospital, the rush is increasing. They are performing 10 to 12 operations every day. Because of the increasing rush, they are doing checking (out-patient diagnosis) separately. Patients are happy.

Prof. A. K. : Many students are getting an opportunity to work in Swami’s Hospital. 

Swami : In the beginning, doctors thought that our boys are like any other boys. (Mentioning a student’s name) He works very well. He said that working in Swami’s Hospital has sanctified his education. In our Hospital, we have many nurses specifically working for each department like general, operation theatre, I.C.U., etc. Patients also recover very fast. The day of the operation, they will be unconscious. The second day, they are shifted to I.C.U. and by the third day, they are in general ward. In a central room, there is a TV, where one can see how the patients are after the operation. If the operation is over today, one can see the patient the next evening. One can also see the operation on the TV. All kinds of people are there, but poor people are more. Patients come even from Pakistan.

(To an alumnus of the Institute now working in the Hospital, referring to the Pakistani patient) How is that person?

H. Boy : Swami, he is fine. 

Swami : How many operations per day?

H. Boy : Ten, Swami.

Prof. A. K. : From which region do people come?

H. Boy : From all regions.

Swami : In O.P.D. (Out-Patient Department), 150 patients are checked per day. They are fully busy. There is separate place for out-patients. There is also a canteen to serve those who come to the Hospital. (To the Institute alumnus working in the Hospital) What do people say about the Hospital?

H. Boy : They say that it is a spiritual abode. People from all parts of the country come; places like Maharashtra, Kerala, etc. Many are very poor. 

Swami : They feel shy to go inside the Hospital and are surprised seeing the building and also the treatment provided there. In two or three days, the patients are discharged. Our boys are working on machines which cost ` 60 crores. Payments for the machines are made through bank. We have the latest equipment in our Hospital. (Swami narrated an incident of a patient who was denied admission in a private Hospital because he could not pay the required amount immediately, and subsequently died at the Hospital gate.) Here, the emergency patients are permitted to go directly inside the Hospital. The patients are given free food in both the Hospitals (Puttaparthi and Bangalore). Patients say that it is better than their house. More than a home, it is a temple. (To another Institute alumnus working in the Hospital) What do patients say?

H. Boy : They say that it is a spiritual abode, a temple.

Swami : 200 people are to be operated. Already 300 heart operations and 100 brain operations are over.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Bangalore

Prof. A. K. : The lawns are very nice. They are like the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India). The pillars are like that of the Parliament building. 

Swami : (After a while) Bangalore Seva Dals are doing a lot of work. How many Seva Dals are there?

H. Boy : Swami, 300. 

Prof. A. K. : Swami, are ladies less prone to heart disease?

Swami : Yes. In men, fat gets concentrated.

Prof. A. K. : The Hospital area is becoming a big center. 

Swami : There is a bus stop in front of the Hospital. One can come to the Hospital by a direct bus. Every day, the Hospital starts working at 8.00 am in the morning; they put on soft music. There is a separate vehicle for Swami to go around in the Hospital. There is also another 20-seater van. Even patients need not walk. (Then Swami gave details about the Hospital canteen. To the Hospital boy) When are you leaving?

H. Boy : Swami, after Bhajans.

Swami : By 10.00 pm, they will reach. What about your food? Bhutia (Caretaker of the Brindavan Ashram) will take care. In General Hospital (Bangalore) there is heavy rush. Muslims, Christians, all come. There are no caste feelings. They (the General Hospital staff) are praying that Swami should come. They do good work. They are fully busy. Even in the evenings, they do work. There are two senior doctors for brain. The care taken for brain operation is more than that for heart operation because there are many minute parts in the brain. The first operation was done on a 22 year old youth. Three days after the operation when I went to the Hospital, the boy spoke to Me. He said that he was the first person to undergo operation here and Swami has given his brain back to him. Nobody else does this kind of thing absolutely free. 19 operations have been done on children below four years of age. Students (alumni of Swami’s University working in the Hospital) are doing very good work. They are saying that they have got a great opportunity. Our boys don’t have contact with the public. There are separate public relations people.

Prof. A. K. : (Mentioning about a doctor, who is in-charge of the Hospital) He is from London. 

Swami : His wife is also a doctor. She also takes care of the patients well. 

Prof. A. K. : What are the timings for the public to visit?

Swami : Evening 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. In the morning they are not permitted. The last bus from the Hospital is at 9.00 pm. (Swami mentioned that a special bus had been arranged for them to go and come everyday. To the Hospital boys) Are you all not going to the city?

H. Boy : No, Swami.

Swami : Don’t you go for cinema?

Students : No, Swami.

Swami : They don’t see TV. They see TV only when they see the patients. Our boys want to be where Swami is. They are good boys. Many are working on the Heart-Lung machine and other machines to diagnose the patients. In the city, people are surprised at the work that is being done. They wonder how it is possible, how are they able to bear the cost? Are all happy at home?

The Cardio Thoracic ICU at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences

Students : Yes, Swami. All are happy.

Swami : Get up and go and sit in your place.

(To Prof. Anil Kumar) All are good boys.

Prof. A. K. : Very nice, Swami. People coming from Nepal and Pakistan for treatment. We never even dreamt of such things.

Swami : Kulwant Rai’s brother-in-law came with a programme at Delhi from April 4th to April 11th. I said ‘No’ to him. (After a while) What news? 

Warden : Swami, today is Sunday. Boys would like to speak in front of Swami. After this, Swami got up. Prof. Anil Kumar was staring at Swami’s legs.

Swami : (To Prof. Anil Kumar) My leg is proper. It is because of the fur mat. While going back, Swami spoke to an Institute student, Jambavantha (referring to the bear character in the Ramayana) and took his letter and read it. 

After this, Swami went back to the interview room.

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

Sri Sathya Sai Initiation Into The Gayatri Mantra

March 17, 1983

Bhagavan performed a mass Upanayanam ceremony for 680 boys at Prashanti Nilayam on this day. On the 16th He presented the boys with new clothes that were meant to be worn during the ceremony. The ‘Vatus’ and the parents formed a procession from the Mandir to Poornachandra Auditorium on 17th. Bhagavan went around the rows of boys and handed over the sacred yellow thread to each one individually. The officiating priests conducted the ceremony and the boys put on the sacred thread. These boys were so fortunate to receive the ‘Brahmopadesham’ directly from Bhagavan. He again went around and showered the sacred rice grains on all the ‘Vatus’ and their parents. He blessed them with a Discourse on the significance of the Gayatri Mantra. He said:

“Young Embodiments of the Divine! 

The grand mansion of Hindu thought has been raised on the four walls of Karma, Janma, Dharma and Brahman (action, birth, righteous action, and Supreme Self or God). These four are interdependent. No one can escape the consequences of one's action, whether good or bad. No action goes in vain. Karma (action) is the primary cause of one's birth.

It has been well said that ‘The body indeed, is the basis for the pursuit of Dharma’ (Shareeramaadhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam). It is by the pursuit of dharma that Brahman is realised. The Geeta has declared that whenever dharma declines the advent of the Avatar (Divine incarnation) occurs. This implies that the object of human existence is to uphold dharma. As creation is a projection of the Divine Will, the aim of every human being should be to live in harmony with that Will. One's life should be dedicated not for promoting one's selfish interests or to serve the interests of other fellow-beings but in the service of the Divine. Whatever is done to anyone, if it is done as an offering to the Divine, it will reach the Divine. Man should consecrate every action by regarding it as an offering to the Divine.

Gayatri initiation gives one the Second Birth

From the moment of issuing from the mother's womb, one is involved in action. This natural state is common to all and may be described as Shudratwam (the state of the Shudra, that is, one who is not subject to any regimen). After one receives the Gayatri initiation, he is born again and becomes a Dwija (the twice-born). The Gayatri is described as "Chhandasaam Maatah" - the mother of all the Vedas (ancient sacred scriptures). One meaning of Gayatri is that it is a Mantra (sacred formula) which protects or fosters the "Gayaas" or Jeevis (individual beings).

You must note that today you have all got a second birth by receiving the Gayatri Mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence). By observing the disciplines of the Brahmachari (celibate) stage, you will qualify yourselves for the study of the Vedas. When one begins to study the Vedas he is known as Vipra (Braahmana). This is a third birth, as it were. At this stage, by the study and understanding of the Vedas and living up to their precepts, one gets the opportunity to understand Brahman (Supreme Being). Once the Brahman principle is understood, one merges in Brahman. It is only when there is awareness of Brahman can one claim to be a real Brahman. It is not birth alone, but the realisation of Brahman which confers real Brahmanatwa (Brahmana-hood) on a person.

Gayatri Mantra is the embodiment of all deities

Vedamata Gayatri

The Gayatri Mantra has to be recited three times a day - in the morning at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset. These are called Sandhya Kalam - the time of coming together of night and day, of morning and evening, and of day and night. Time, like man, has three qualities: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas (poised, passion and inertia). The day is divided into three parts. The four hours between 4 and 8 a.m. in the morning and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the evening have the Sattva (equanimous) quality. The eight hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. are Rajasic (Passionate). The eight hours between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. which are mainly used for sleep, are Tamasic (inaction). The eight hours of the day (from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are employed by all beings, including animals and birds, in the discharge of their day to day duties and are regarded as Rajasic (active pursuit).

When the four Sattvic hours of the morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) are used for engaging oneself in good actions like worship, virtuous deeds, keeping good company, one is sure to raise, himself from the human to the Divine level. It is during the Sattvic period (from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m to 8 p.m.) the Gayatri Mantra should be recited. This Mantra is the embodiment of all deities. It is not related to any particular sect, caste or idol or institution. It is said to embody nine colours: 

(1) Om (2) Bhuh (3) Bhuvah (4) Suvah (5) Thath (6) Savithur or powers (7) Varenyam (8) Bhargah (9) Dhevasya. "Dheemahi" is related to the meditative aspect. "Dhiyo-yo-nah prachodayaath" relates to the aspect of prayer. The Mantra as a whole thus contains three aspects descriptive, meditational and prayer.

Discover the Unity that underlies the Diversity

On the basis of differences in behaviour, the Antahkarana (inner-psyche) has been accorded four names. When it is concerned with thoughts, it is called Manas (mind). When it is restless and wavering, it is called Chitta (consciousness). When it is concerned with enquiry and understanding, it is called buddhi (intellect). When it is associated with the sense of "mine" (possessiveness), it is called Ahamkara (egoism). Why are four different names and attributes given to one and the same entity (the Antahkarana)? The mind is pre-occupied with distinctions and differences. The buddhi is concerned with oneness and reveals the Unity that underlies the diversity. All our efforts must be directed towards discovering the Unity that underlies the diversity rather than seeking to divide the One into the many. 

The Gayatri Mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence) is a sacred Mantra which demonstrates the unity that underlies manifoldness in creation. It is through the recognition of this unity that we can understand the multiplicity. Clay is one and the same thing, though pots of different shapes and sizes can be made from it. Gold is one, though gold ornaments can be multifarious. The Atma (Divine Self) is one, though the embodied forms in which it resides may be many. Whatever the colour of the cow, the milk is white always. 

There is no object in the world which does not have a form and a name. The Cosmos is made up of things with forms and names. While the forms are subject to constant change, the names remain unchanged. The form may change and even completely disappear but the name remains. Once we know the name, we can recognise what or whom it represents. In a large gathering, it will not be easy to trace a person merely from the description of his features. But when his name is called, he immediately responds and can be identified. Likewise, through the name of the Lord; the form of the Lord can be visualised.

Five faces: Three deities

Gayatri is described as having five faces. The first is "Om" The second is "Bhurbhuvassuvah" The third is. "Tatsavitur Varenyam". The fourth is "Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi". The fifth is: "Dhiyo-yo nah Prachodayaath", Gayatri represents in these five faces the five Pranas (life forces). Gayatri is the protector of the five Praanas in man. Gayantam Traayate Iti Gayatri – ‘Because it protects the one who recites it, it is called Gayatri.’ When Gayatri acts as protector of the life-forces, she is known as Savitri. Savitri is known in the puraanic story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband, Sathyavaan. Savitri is the presiding deity of the five Pranas. She protects those who lead a life of Truth. This is the inner meaning.

When one's intelligence and intuition are developed by the recitation of the Mantra, the activating deity is Gayatri. When the life-forces are protected, the guardian deity is called Savitri. When one's speech is protected, the deity is called Saraswati. Because of the protective roles of Savitri, Saraswati and Gayatri, in relation to life, speech and the intellect, Gayatri is described as ‘Sarvadevata-swarupini’ - the embodiment of all Goddesses.

It is essential to recite the Gayatri Mantra at least three times during morning, noon and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day. It is like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of karmic (result of action) debt, as each day's karma (action) is atoned for that day itself by reciting the Gayatri Mantra.

Sri Sathya Sai Gayatri at Prasanthi Nilayam

Redemptive Power of the Gayatri Mantra

The plea that one cannot find time for reciting the Gayatri thrice a day is specious and untenable. People waste so much of their time in worthless activities that they can easily find a few moments for reciting the Gayatri when they wake up from bed and before they go to sleep, if only they have the will. The Gayatri can be recited even when one is taking his bath. It will mean also offering ablutions to the Goddess. At noon, if the Gayatri is recited before taking one's meal, the food will get sanctified and become an offering to the deity.

The Brahmacharis (celebates/religious students) should realise the redemptive power of the Gayatri Mantra. Through the Brahmopadesam (initiation into sacred knowledge), the young boys have had a second birth. It is only when they have achieved the purposes of this second birth will they be qualified to enter on the sacred third stage of "Vipratvam" (Brahmana-hood), which leads to the realisation of Brahman.

‘One who is aware of Brahman, becomes one with Brahman’ is the Vedic saying. To recognise the Brahman principle, one has to understand one's own true nature. There is a story to illustrate how one can see whether he is qualified to realise Brahman. An unmarried girl acquires the fight to a haft-share in a man's property after she is married to him and he ties the Mangalasutra (the auspicious marriage thread) round her neck. It is this sacred thread that confers the right on her. Likewise, one remains remote from God as long as one has not acquired the thread of ‘surrender to the Divine’ (Sharanagati-Tattva). The moment one wears the Sutra (thread) of Sharanagati (total surrender), one acquires the right to a half share in the energy and authority of the Divine. We must strive earnestly to pursue the path of submission to the Divine

Will and offering everything to the Divine

The attitude of surrender will grow in us as we recite regularly the Gayatri Mantra. This is the reason why boys are initiated into the Mantra at an early age. There is also another reason for this early initiation. Boys, who have been indolent or dull before getting the Brahmopadesam have been able to develop their intelligence and be more diligent in their studies after they have received the Gayatri Mantra. This is a matter of proven experience. Like sunrise after the night, the Gayatri Mantra dispels the darkness of ignorance: "Dhiyoyo-nah Prachodayaath." The rays of the Gayatri Mantra illumine the mind and intelligence and promote knowledge, wisdom and discrimination.

I bless the young vatus (boys who have been initiated) so that from today they recite the Gayatri regularly, lead exemplary lives and grow into good, god-fearing, educated and enlightened citizens of Bharat.”

He entertained them to a grand feast. In the evening, another meeting was held at Poornachandra Auditorium during which Prof. V.K. Gokak spoke and Bhagavan delivered a Discourse.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)