Sri Sathya Sai On: Sri Ramanujacharya's Message - Vishishtadvaita

Sri Ramanuja Acharya (1017-1137 AD)

Monism, as propounded by Shankaracharya on the basis of Vedic texts, seemed to the majority of individuals too simple a solution to satisfy their inner urges. They had in them the yearning to worship, to dedicate themselves to a higher power. They could not grasp the truth of their inner Reality being the one and only. Their emotions and activities had to be sublimated by disciplines of devotion. Therefore, Ramanujacharya commented upon the Vedic texts and religious scriptures from a new point of view. This made the Advaita take on a special outlook. So it was called Vishishta (special) Advaita (non-dualism). The path of devotion was laid down to enable man to merge with God.

- “The Sai Religion”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 13,

October 1, 1976, Prasanthi Nilayam

Advaita did not encourage or inspire devotion to a Personal God. There was no room for surrender to a master figure. The masses who longed for the removal of an inner thirst had to be led, step by step. Ramanuja interpreted the basic texts and discovered that man can realise God through worship, using the gift of Nature as instrument. God is the kernel, the shell is man and the fibrous stuff is Nature (as in the coconut). They are intimately intertwined, as limbs in the body, parts with their own peculiar characteristics. Man, Nature and God are One without a Second (Advaita) in a special and unique sense (Vishishta). So, Ramanuja’s philosophy is named Qualified Non-Dualism.

- “The Royal Road to God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 18,

August 28, 1985, Prasanthi Nilayam

Ramanuja who is the exponent of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy, derived the meaning of Bhakti from the name of ‘Raadha’ and interpreted it as the continuous flow of love for God. The word ‘Raadha’ contains four syllables- Ra, Aa, Dh, and Aa. If you read the word starting from ‘Ra’, you have Raadha. Starting from ‘Aa’, you get the word Aadhaara. Starting from ‘Dh’ you get the word Dhaaraa. Starting from the second ‘Aa’, you get the word Aaraadha. Aadhaara means basis. Dhaaraa means continuous flow. Aaraadha means worship. Thus, Raadha signified for Ramanuja the continuous stream of worship of the Divine.

- “The Triple Purity”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29,

January 1, 1996, Prasanthi Nilayam

Vishishtadvaita (qualified Monism): Ramanuja considered the problem whether God whom one seeks to worship and realise as real, must be conceived as being apart from oneself, or whether  God can be conceived as in oneself. His answer is, Life is the soul of the body. God is the soul of Life. God is the grantor, the force, the sustainer.

- “Modes of Worship”, Sathya Sai Vahini

To realise the Brahman through continuous meditation on the Brahman is not an enjoyable path for all to take. This was why spiritual teachers like Ramanuja favoured the path of devotion, experienced themselves the bliss flowing from the love of God and propagated the love-principle as the easiest means to experience the Divine. There have been teachers who have emphasised the Karma Marga (the path of Action), the Jnana Marga (the path of knowledge), the different types of Yoga or other means to realise the Divine. But the common under-current that flows through all of them is the path of Bhakti- the path of Divine Love. This is accepted by all of them. 

Love is God. The universe is permeated by God. To see God in everything, to love everything as a manifestation of God and to offer everything to God as an offering of Love—this is the way of Love.

- “The Love of God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 19,

January 19, 1986, Chennai

Sri Ramanujacharya’s Vishishtadvaita

Ramanujacharya founded Vishishtadvaita. What is Vishishtadvaita? Beings and things are different but there is a unitary Divine aspect within all of them. So, Ramanujacharya emphasised on this aspect. 

When a thing exists, then naturally there is a complimentary thing also in existence. Reflection is seen only when there is an object. Resound is heard only when there is a sound. So there is a reality and there is its reflection and this was well explained by Ramanujacharya. His philosophy is that a human being can merge in God through effort.

There is a unique analogy for this, in milk. When milk is warmed and set, it congeals into curd. When curd is churned, butter emerges. Butter is clarified into ghee by heating. Now, where did the ghee come from? Butter is the source of ghee. Milk is the source of butter. Every drop, every molecule of milk has butter in it. But it is not perceptible. Only after due processing, does butter get formed. Here milk is non-dualism. The essence of the milk is butter. What remains is buttermilk. There is no butter in buttermilk and vice versa. Therefore, butter is as important as it is the quintessence of milk. We need not bother about buttermilk at all. Butter should be our focus. This was what Ramanujacharya enunciated as Vishishtadvaita.

- “The Universal Religion”, Discourse 16, 

My Dear Students, Volume 02

Note: Born in Tamil Nadu in the year 1017, Sri Ramanujacharya was a philosopher-saint and the foremost exponent of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-Dualism) school of philosophy. Considered to be an incarnation of Adishesha, he combined the northern and southern traditions of Vaishnavism and propounded a new sub-sect known as ‘Sri Vaishnavism’. He spread devotion in society through his nine works known as Navaratnas. He established the traditional ways of worship in scores of temples across India, and propounded the principle of Prapatti or surrender to God as the highest Sadhana. He took Mahasamadhi in 1137 at the age of 120 in Srirangam.

Source: Sai Vani: Avatar on Mahapurushas

Sri Sathya Sai on: The Significance of Adi Shankaracharya’s Mission

Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 AD)

When you have vision, you do not realise its value; you take it as just natural. It is only when you lose it or when it gets dim, that you run to the ophthalmic hospital. When the Vedantic vision of India had become dim, Shankaracharya restored it and so saved the country. If he had not done so, believe Me India would have become another China.

- “Role of the Pandit”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 04

February 24, 1964, Rajahmundry

Sadhana is essential because the effects of Karma have to be removed by Karma alone, as a thorn is removable only by another thorn. You cannot remove it by a knife or a hammer, or even a sword. The knowledge that the world is unreal was itself spread by Shankaracharya by means of activity in the unreal world, the establishment of Mutts, the writing of books and partaking in disputations.

- “The Path to the Presence”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 04,

 October 11, 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam

Shankaracharya could become Jagadguru (world teacher) because of his mother’s virtuous thoughts. 

- “Impact of Mother’s Thoughts on Children”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 33, November 19, 2000, Prasanthi Nilayam

Shankaracharya raised the status of ten among the Upanishads by selecting them for writing his commentaries, and so they became specially important. Humanity stands to gain or fall by these ten. All who are seeking human welfare and progress are now apprehending whether even these ten will be forgotten, for neglecting them will usher in moral and spiritual disaster. There is no reason, however, for such fears. The Vedas can never be harmed. Pundits and those with faith should resolve to present before humanity these ten Upanishads at least. They are Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka.

- Chapter I, Upanishad Vahini

Today is Shankara Jayanti, the day commemorating the advent of Shankaracharya who came to restore Dharma; it is also the day on which Brahmopadesam (instruction about Brahman) was given here for the boys sitting on this dais, who have come from Bengal, Bombay, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The Shankara Jayanti day was chosen by Me for their initiation into the higher Adhyatmic (Spiritual) life, for Shankara is an inspiration even today for millions of spiritual aspirants all over the world, who seek to know the Reality of the Universe and its fundamental Unity. They had this lucky chance of getting initiated here in My Presence by Me, as a result of their own good fortune.

Shankaracharya came to this world for the work of Dharmasthapana (establishment of Righteousness), but he did not wage a war against the narrow sectarians or the wild theologians, who opposed him or the critics who condemned him as a pseudo-Buddhist. He won them over by argument, persuasion and preaching. He spoke softly, but with conviction. He gave his opponents fair chances to present their cases to the best of their ability and sometimes he even helped them to clarify their own points of view. Through Bodha (knowledge) alone can Dharma be saved in the modern Kali Age. That is why I am engaged in Bodha (imparting knowledge), in this task of re-constructing through Upadesha (instruction). 

- “Upanayanam”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 04,

 August 14, 1964, Chennai

Shankaracharya called upon mankind to realise that as human beings they should cherish human values and practice them. Otherwise they would be betraying their true role in life. The study of mankind is man. The unity of thought, word and deed is the true meaning of human life. This is called ‘Trikarana Shuddhi’ in the Vedas. Once this unity is achieved, love shall be born. This love will cause the heart to blossom and thus lead to detachment. Due to lack of love, man leads the life of an animal. This is what Prahlada told his father, “O father! You are so knowledgeable and all powerful but you are not behaving like a human being. You are behaving like a wild animal”. Be good and do good, then your life will be good. 

Shankara went round the country exhorting people to lead spiritual lives, shedding their animal qualities. His disciples imbibed the essence of his doctrines and became proficient in expounding Advaita. Unfortunately some of his disciples later started distorting Shankara’s doctrines and started attributing their own views to Shankara. Ultimately the disciples fell out and opposed each other’s views. Similarly, among Christ’s 11 disciples differences developed and they fell apart. Only Mathew remained true to Jesus. He propagated the gospel. Peter was the first among Jesus’ disciples. But he denied Christ when the authorities questioned him. For a time the Advaitic doctrine held sway all over Bharat. In course of time, however, the doctrine lost its hold. Ramanuja who came after Shankara enunciated a modified version of Shankara’s Non-dualism. Then came Madhva, who propounded Dualism.

- “Sri Adi Shankaracharya: His Message”, Discourse 17, 

My Dear Students, Volume 03

Adi Shankaracharya with his disciples

In India, many great people were born to teach us the spirit of this love, and also to teach us the oneness of all the beings in this world. Among the people who propagated such lofty ideals, Shankaracharya is one. We will not be showing real gratitude to Shankaracharya if we merely treat this day as a festive day without trying to understand what he said and what he taught. When we are able to function wholeheartedly according to his teachings, then only will we be celebrating his Jayanti properly. If we do not try to know what he taught, and if we do not try to lead a pattern of life according to his teachings, if instead we content ourselves with sweets and feasting today, the day of Shankara Jayanti, it will not be a proper celebration. All festival days of India are not meant for just Ahara and Vihara (food and enjoyment), but they are intended to turn one’s mind to gaining knowledge of the Supreme Being. They have all a spiritual basis. On these festival days, we must try to know the full meaning of at least one saying said by such great men, and try to put it into practice. All the holidays that are generally given on such occasions, Jayantis and sacred days, should not merely be considered as holidays but as holy days. We must spend the time usefully and make our life meaningful.

…When we celebrate Shankara Jayanti, we must know what Shankara taught us and try to put all he said into practice. Even though some things appear to be lifeless, when they come and combine with ourselves in life, they will also become most important and significant. For instance, we cook vegetables and eat them. We boil rice and eat it. By cooking, the life principle is removed from the vegetables and rice. When they are cooked, we think that they have become Jadas or lifeless, but when they go into our body, they will turn into Chaitanya and give us vitality and strength.

- “Shankara Jayanti”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1972, Brindavan

Note: Born in Kerala in 788, Sri Adi Shankaracharya was a philosopher, Vedic scholar and foremost proponent of the Advaita (Non-Dualism) Vedanta school of philosophy. Considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, he is widely known for his outstanding commentaries (Bhashyas) on ancient and abstruse Indian texts such as the Brahma Sutras, Upanishads etc. He travelled across India propounding the philosophy of Divinity of mankind and defeated many opponents who were preaching superficial doctrines. Towards the end of his life, he established four monasteries at Badri in the north, Puri in the east, Sringeri in the south and Dwaraka in the west for the continued propagation of Advaita Siddhanta (Principle of Non-Dualism). At a young age of 32 in the year 820, he took Mahasamadhi at Kedarnath, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of literature and inspiration for millennia.

Source: Sai Vani: Avatar on Maha Purushas

When Sri Sathya Sai Inaugurated 'Trayee Brindavan'...

Thursday, April 26, 1984

Trayee Brindavan - Sri Sathya Sai Mandir in Bangalore

The 26th of April 1984, was memorable day in the Sai Era. Bhagavan inaugurated His New residence ‘Trayee Brindavan’ at Whitefield that day. Prior to the inauguration ceremony, Bhagavan distributed clothes to all those who had been associated with the construction including the architect, Sri Athale of Bombay, Brig. Bose, and Sri Vimalanathan, who supervised the construction. Clothes were also distributed to the students, doctors and other devotees. 

Huge crowds of devotees and special invitees had begun to assemble in the Sai Ram Mandap and in the Shamiana near the new building since the wee hours of morning. Bhagavan came in a procession at 9 am in a new Rolls Royce car. The procession was led by a group singing Bhajans, a military band and a group chanting Vedic hymns. Richly caparisoned cows from Gokulam formed part of the procession. Bhagavan was received at Trayee Brindavan at 10 am by the priests who were performing ‘Homas’ at the residence. Bhagavan cut the ribbon and unveiled the tablet with the inscription ‘Trayee Brindavan’. Narayana Seva was performed on this occasion.

Some of the press reporters requested Bhagavan for a message that He would like to give on this occasion. Bhagavan said, “Your joy alone is My joy”. He added further that the building was the result of the labour of love and devotion of numerous devotees. He recalled in this context, the monkeys and squirrels that had helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka. 

In the evening, Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi; the reputed violinist, Prof. Jog, Smt. S. Janaki and Smt. P. Leela presented a musical programme. Bhagavan blessed the artistes and the vast gathering of devotees.         

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai on: What can we learn from Avatars?

Sri Sathya Sai at Brindavan

When we read the lives of Avatars and when we are told such stories, we should learn their ideals and put them into practice. Only then will we be responding to Divinity. But merely to read any text which comes our way and not put it into practice is not the right thing for educated people to do. 

- “Krishna was always a Lover of Peace and never a Warmonger”, Summer Roses on the Blue Mountains, 1976, Ooty

The essential quality of an Avatar is to teach you how to make good and proper use of your thought, word, and deed. Depending on the conditions in the country and the environment in the country, the Avatar comes to teach you and show you the right use of all your organs. 

- “Mahabharata contains many Valuable Lessons for Us”, 

Summer Roses on the Blue Mountains, 1976, Ooty

The way in which the Avatar has to be used for one’s liberation and uplift is: watch His every step, observe His actions and activities, follow the guiding principles of which His life is an elaboration. Mark His love, His compassion, His wisdom, try to bring them into your own life. 

- “Atom of Majesty”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 08, 

February 26, 1968, Prasanthi Nilayam

If you wish to lead an ideal human life, you have to follow the example of the Avatars. Avatars can come in human form. But you should not be misled by this phenomenon. Avatars may appear in human form, but you should not equate yourself with Them. In physical form both may appear alike. But there is a fundamental difference. You should not mistake the cotton fruit for the mango. 

- “Infinite Potency of the Rama Principle”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29, May 20, 1996, Brindavan

Sri Sathya Sai with Rama-Sita-Lakshmana outside Yajur Mandiram
(The idols are now installed in the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam)

The life stories of Rama and Krishna are indeed treatises on righteousness. They are sacred works. They taught mankind how to sublimate human life. The message is clear: adhering to Truth, practising Righteousness, spreading Love everywhere, remaining ever peaceful, life should be sanctified. 

- “The Rama Path”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 21, 

March 26, 1988, Brindavan

God has four qualities and it is only when you cultivate them that you can understand Him. They are – Divine love (Prema), Beauty (Soundarya), Sweetness (Maadhurya), and Splendour (Shobha). The development of Prema is enough to add unto you the other three. 

- “Pranava: The Praana”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 06, 

November 23, 1966, Prasanthi Nilayam

Regard yourselves as children of God. There is really no difference between the Avatars and yourselves except with regard to the number of aspects of the Divine present in each one. These aspects can be enhanced by right conduct and by developing Divine love. 

- “Let the Conscience Rule”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 21, 

November 23, 1988, Prasanthi Nilayam

The Atma Tatwa or Divine consciousness is permeating the entire Universe. Not a blade of grass can move without this Divine consciousness. Everything in this Universe is the reflection of that Atma Tatwa or Divine consciousness. The same Atma Tatwa dwells in all human beings irrespective of religion, caste, creed and nationality. This is true even in the case of Avatars. The Avatars of Rama, Krishna, etc. may be different in names and forms; but the Atma Tatwa in Them is only one. They all lived in their human vestures till the completion of their Avataric mission and once their task was completed, They disappeared. Hence, the physical bodies are not permanent. In fact, nothing in this ephemeral world is permanent, not even the great Avatars. Atma is the only entity that is eternal. It is beyond birth and death. It is changeless. 

- “Develop Self-Confidence to Gain Success in Life”, 

Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 42, February 21, 2009, Prasanthi Nilayam

God is the embodiment of the Atma. The Atma is attributeless. The names such as Krishna, Rama or Sai Baba, etc., are the names of the bodies of the Avatars. The Avatars were not born with these names. Names were given to them by others. It is the body that has birth, not the Atma. 

- “Namasmarana is the Highest Spiritual Practice”, 

Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 41, May 24, 2008, Brindavan

The physical vestures last for a particular period and then cease to exist. Divinity takes different forms later. For example, you are now attached to this physical body (Sri Sathya Sai). You worship this body and derive great satisfaction and bliss thereby. But, after sometime, this body may disappear like the earlier Avatars. Then you should not feel sad. When the Divine Atma embodied in this physical body reaches its eternal Abode, it is a matter of joy, not sorrow. In Treta Yuga the Rama Avatar came. He went into exile in the forest and destroyed several demons including the great Rakshasa king, Ravana. Finally, having fulfilled His Avataric mission, He went into the Sarayu river and disappeared. Same is the case with Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga, who left His mortal coil after having been hit by the arrow of a hunter in the forest. Thus, the physical vestures are always temporary and untrue.

Sri Sathya Sai with the Gitopadesha Statues
in the Bhajan Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam

Hence, you should never consider the physical body as permanent. The bodies appear according to the time and circumstances. Once the prescribed time is over, they just disappear. Even the experiences gained by the physical body vanish. Considering the physical bodies as true, if you wish to have the Darshan of Lord Krishna of Dwapara Yuga now, how is it possible? As long as He walked in that body, He appeared in Mathura, Brindavan, Gokul, Dwaraka, etc., and made people happy with His Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan. You take the example of an electric bulb. Each bulb has separate wattage, which remains for a limited period of time. The Avatars are also like these electric bulbs. Over a period, God has incarnated as several Avatars. You should not be attached to the physical form of a particular Avatar, rather you should be attached to Divinity as the formless, attributeless Parabrahma which manifested as different Avatars in different ages. 

- “Love God and Meditate on Him”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 42, February 23, 2009, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai at the Poornachandra Auditorium

Every concrete manifestation of God is significant. There can be no higher or lower. The story of each one of Them is elevating. Each is a full manifestation. Listening to these stories may make you feel that one manifestation is grander and more sublime than another. It would appear as if you get more inspiration from one Avatar than another. But all are equally Divine and mysterious. The manifestation is suited to the time, the task, the circumstance and the need. Its form is in accordance with the purpose.

God is omnipotent; He knows no distinction between the possible and the impossible. His Wizardry, His Sport, His Play, His Pranks cannot be described with the vocabulary that man commands. He is One but He makes Himself Many. Matsya, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki – people relate to each other that these are the Divine Forms He has assumed. But that is not describing Him as vast as His magnificence. We have to visualise all forms as His. The vitality of every being is His Breath. In short, every bit in Creation is He, the manifestation of His Will. There is nothing distinct or separate from Him.

But for the protection of the world, for the upholding of Dharma, for fulfilling the yearnings of devotees, He wills specially and assumes a special Form and moves in the world. He confers joy on the devotees by His Divine acts, which convince them of His Advent. 

- “Puranas and Incarnations”, Bhagavatha Vahini

Source: Chapter 1, Avatars: An Introduction, Sai Vani: Avatar on Avatar Purushas

With Sri Sathya Sai in Trayee Sessions: Part 1 – By Dr. T. Ravi Kumar

The hallowed precincts of Trayee Brindavan - Sri Sathya Sai Mandir in Bangalore

When Bhagavan is in residence in Brindavan, after the evening darshan at Sai Ramesh Kishan Hall, the students wait anxiously to be called into the Mandir for what are famously called as the Trayee sessions. These are great opportunities that the Lord offers to the students to interact with Him at the personal level. The Trayee sessions offer the Sai student – Saameepyam, which means proximity, intimacy, closeness to the Divine. At a time when their own parents are busy in the work-a-day world, here is the Sovereign Lord assuming the role of a parent and spending quality time with the students. 

No two Trayee sessions are alike! One thing, though is certain. Every session makes the student richer in the positive Values that make life a celebration. As one watches the Lord during these sessions, one cannot but marvel at the wonderful Teacher that He is. His Love is so exhilarating that the Values embedded in these capsules are hardly noticed as they enter one‘s heart. Thus, these Values take root in one’s heart and they are bound to grow there into gigantic trees under the shade of which mankind in future is assured of shelter from the scorching sun of materialistic pursuits. Every act and gesture of the Lord is imbued with Sathya, Dharma and Prema and the students get to know at first-hand what is dear to Him. I have myself had wonderful opportunities to benefit from Swami’s technique of teaching.

It is the very first day of the academic session. Students who have been fortunate to secure admission have joined the hostel and the grateful parents, having placed their children in His protection, return home. There are many students who have never stayed away from their parents till now. Added to this are tight routines and tough disciplines like waking up before dawn. This combined with the new setting unsettles them. So home sickness over-powers them even though they are ashamed to admit it!

Sri Sathya Sai in Trayee Brindavan Jhula

The classes are over. Luckily for us, Swami is in Brindavan. After bhajan and darshan in the Sai Ramesh Kishan Hall, Swami sends word asking us to assemble in the mandir. The students assemble in the front veranda. There is a Jhoola at the northern end of the room. All of us sit as close as possible to the Jhoola. I notice that the front line keeps inching forward ever so unobtrusively. And then Swami arrives. On the faces of the freshers, one notices astonishment that it is possible to sit so close to Him. All of us are in awe! Swami Himself melts the ice with the warmth of His Love. As His eyes scan the students, He says with a pleasant smile, “New students”. The smile welcomes and embraces them in its sweetness. “How is Brindavan, boys?” Hesitantly, a few voices say, “Nice, Baba.” “How is the hostel?” is the next question. “Swami, it is nice.” (a few more voices now). He says, “Nice … but the food is not so nice. No?” There is now a broad smile on the faces of the new students. “What did you have for breakfast today?” The students are now keen to answer and a large number answer “Dosa, Swami” “Oh Dosa! (Swami makes a wry face) not enough oil!” (all burst into laughter)… “Big or small?”, and before they could answer, “ Small, I know,” indicates the size with a small circle of His fingers. (All smile). There is no longer a gulf, there is openness and camaraderie. “What was there for lunch?” this question is directed to the warden, who lists out the menu. Swami makes a comment about the sambar (tasteless) and the curd (watery) … and instructs the warden: “These children have come away from their homes. Make their stay comfortable. Supervise the cooking and serving personally. Make the food tasty and ensure boys eat well.” The warden bows reverentially and assures Swami that He and his fellow teachers will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to please Him in this regard.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students during a lively Trayee Session

Within a few minutes of their being in His Presence, the Chancellor of this wonderful University has conveyed to the freshers that He is there to protect and safeguard their interests and intercede on their behalf with the authorities. Having attended to the item of greatest priority on their minds, Mother Sai now calls one of the old students forward and makes enquires about his brothers and other members of his family - sending out the signal that he cares as much for the families of the students. After this informal talk, Swami introduces the old student to the freshers stressing on his academic as well as other accomplishments. It is a proud mother introducing her elder son. The thought in a freshers mind - as one fresher confided in me - is: ‘How do I make Swami proud of me?’ So straight away the heart is prepared to receive the lessons on Values dear to the Lord. Swami then commands the alumnus to speak and even as he is speaking, Swami intervenes and supplements it with finer and intimate details the boy himself has forgotten to mention! This brings tears of bliss to his eyes and touches the hearts of all the listeners. Swami’s love for the world is not an abstraction. On the contrary, His Love and concern stretch to include each individual in his entirety. As the old student ends his talk, there is applause led by Swami Himself “Good boy,” He says, as His hands caress the boy’s head. There is no dry eye in the entire room.

“Hmm... its time for your dinner,” says Swami, ever alert to our needs. He knows that assimilation will be optimum only when the food - physical or spiritual - is administered in calibrated doses.

In those days the students used to sit for darshan along the walkway in front of Trayee Mandir and when Swami returned from darshan they would be very alert and vigilant for the slightest nod from Swami to rush into Trayee. One day seeing the students rush to secure vantage position close to His chair, Swami told the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. S Sampath, who was present there, “This scene makes Me nostalgic and reminds Me of the Dwapara Yuga when the gopikas and gopabalas used to rush to Me without caring for their life and limb.”

Trayee sessions are life-transforming and character-building congregations where Saimaa interacts with Her children and shares Her precious Time. These are great moments when Swami channelizes the turbulent flow of youthful energy and charges the spiritual batteries, making it available for nation building and such other purposeful activities.

These are sessions where the littered hearts of wayward youth are converted into shrines - pure and serene, where Swami blesses them with the coveted chance to install His form. Their lives will no longer be the same again. They will now examine every thought and deed on the touchstone of this maxim: ‘Will this thought or deed of mine light up His form in my heart to reveal a smile or a frown?’ There are sessions when the Divine Gardener waters the tender sapling of talents in His students and encourages them to sing, play on instruments or give talks. As a student sings, He stops and corrects his rendering of the song. He asks bhajan-singers to repeat the songs they sang in public and points out deficiencies. “In bhajan singing there is no place for vocal gymnastics. Sing simple and sweet tunes. The song should bring alive the Ishta Devatha of the devotee. Honour all names and forms of God. Each Name is a gateway to the Haven of Bliss. When one is leading community bhajans one must cater to the aspirations of every section of the devotees.” Often Swami reminds the singers that the demands of rhythm and the detours of raga should not decapitate the word and make its meaning fall by the way side.

Dr Ravi Kumar speaks in the Divine Presence
in Trayee Brindavan

In many sessions, Swami encourages students to speak. “You are going to be the future leaders and pleaders. You must hone your ability to articulate.” Often Swami would start a Trayee session with “Who is going to speak today?” A number of hands go up and Swami calls them one by one to come forward and speak. As the students speak, Swami corrects the posture, the gesture, the diction and insists on the correct choice of words. He is particular about the pronunciation of Sanskrit or Telugu quotations. He advises that the talent of public speaking should be utilized to uplift and enthuse the listeners. He would say, “It should never be misused to disparage others or settle scores. Humour is indeed welcome provided it does not trivialize the import. A speaker should have a message to convey and public speaking is the subtle art of transferring noble thoughts, feelings and ideas from one heart to another. One can even transform the mind by the power of the word.”

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks in Trayee Brindavan

In Trayee sessions just before examinations, Swami counsels students on how to prepare for the examinations. “Many students study very hard and go to the examination hall. When they see the question paper, their memory draws a blank. The reason for this is that your technique of studying is wrong. In the examination you are writing but in the hostel you are reading. To write in the exam, practise writing earlier. Do not study late nights. Your health will be spoilt and you will not benefit either. Get up in the Brahma Muhurtam, have a bath and sit for study. Your mind will be fresh and grasp whatever you read. Do not read the same subject continuously. The mind likes change. After everyone or one and half hours change the subject. Give proper attention to food intake too. Eat lightly but adequately. After a concentrated hour of study, take a walk or sing a song. This way the mind will be kept cheerful and willing to cooperate. When you receive the question paper in the examination close your eyes and pray. Remember, it is only till the railway platform that you need to carry the luggage. There is no need to sit in the train with the luggage on your head. The train will carry you and your luggage to your destination. So too, having prepared the best you can for the examinations leave the rest in the safe hands of God. When you are given the question paper, read it thoroughly and start by answering the easy questions first. This will increase your confidence and you will be able to answer the more challenging ones too later.” When the results are out, Swami identifies boys who have secured distinction and blesses them with Padanamaskar while gently reminding them that marks alone do not suffice, they should not earn any remarks. He asks the Principal why some boys are weak in some subjects. Are remedial classes being taken? Do the teachers initiate follow up action to their lectures?

Sri Sathya Sai listening to a talk
during a Trayee session

Some days, there are private concerts by legends like Smt M S Subbulakshmi, Begum Parveen Sultana, Sri T M Soundarrajan, Smt P Susheela and others or talks by leaders in industry, prominent men of affairs of state, statesmen, learned Vedic Scholars, army generals, justices of the Supreme Court, academicians, members of the medical profession, senior members in the organization besides veteran devotees and faculty members at the Institute. These are people who have their fingers on the pulse of the nation. So these talks offer the students a glimpse into contemporary issues that confront the Nation. They also afford an opportunity to study what has made these men/women successful. Invariably such people attribute their success to their faith in God. Thus the message is driven home that Faith in the Divine is the sine qua non for success in any walk of life.

Continued in Part 2...

- Dr. T. Ravi Kumar

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai College, Whitefield
Research Scholar and Associate Professor (1981-2018), 
Department of Chemistry, 
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Warden, Sri Sathya Sai Hostel,
Brindavan Campus

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision (2006)

Sri Sathya Sai on Jesus Christ - Part 5 (The Significance of the Crucifixion)

Jesus and Judas

Tradition-minded and egoistic men considered Jesus a false prophet and they tried by every means to thwart His mission. Jesus, however, did not waver. Faced with opposition, He continued to be an example of living Truth, and to purify society. Many disciples followed Jesus but throughout history, it has been the experience of Rama, Krishna, Jesus and Muhammad that disciples however close are seldom fully dedicated. Most are only part-time devotees. Jesus had 12 disciples, most of whom had faith in Him and lived His teachings. But, Judas yielded to greed. He betrayed His Master for a mere 30 coins. He could not find joy in life after this treachery. His mind gave him no peace. He had to seek refuge in suicide.

Judas Betrays Jesus

Betrayal by people who pretend to adore is happening since ages. Corrupt, greedy and selfish people spread falsehoods about their own Masters. We have heard of a Judas, 2000 years ago. But in the Kali Age, people are obsessed with money and Judases have multiplied. They seek to amass paltry riches whereas good character, good conduct and knowledge of God are the three real treasures to be gathered. Land and buildings, silver and gold, dollars and other currencies are temporary and trivial. They are possessions only until life lasts. But those three treasures will stay on, sustain and strengthen you until you attain union with the Infinite.

- “The Way of Jesus”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14,

December 25, 1979, Prasanthi Nilayam

Changes in the nature of the reactions and the lines of approach are brought about by the whims of the moment, the turns and twists of desire and the pressure exercised by the environment, the region and the times. Last night you witnessed a play about Jesus enacted by the students. The disciple who was most loved, Judas by name, decided to work against the Master, yielding to the low temptation of a few pieces of silver. Greed for money is a demon that gets hold of the weak. When one is overcome by it, one loses all trace of discrimination and accepts with ease, wrongful ways of satisfying it.

The success of the task for which I have come will very soon reverberate throughout the world. The truth that all faiths are facets of the One and that all roads lead to the same Goal, is provoking to some persons. You witnessed in the play on Jesus how His emphasis on the basic truths of good and godly life was misinterpreted by even the leaders of religion, who sought to hide their own failings by slander and falsehood. They even plotted to inflict torture on Jesus. All the acts of Jesus were pure and holy, and filled with selfless love. One can have adoration for one’s religion, but it should not be defiled by hatred towards other religions. Be engaged, rather, in tasting the sanctifying, sustaining stream of Divine love. That will confer lasting Ananda.

- “The Task will Triumph”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14,

November 23, 1979, Prasanthi Nilayam

Jesus on the Cross

When Jesus was being crucified, He cried out to God, “O God, Why do You punish me like this?” Immediately He realized the Truth and said, “O God, let Your will prevail. It is You who has created me, sustained me, and protected me. I will not act against Your Will. It was a mistake on my part to blame You”. 

When He recognized His mistake, an ethereal voice said, “All are one my dear son, be alike to everyone.” Once you recognize your mistake, Divinity manifests. Man today does not recognize his mistakes; instead he looks for mistakes in others. Do not be bothered about others fault; search for your own faults and rectify them. Only then will your life be sanctified.

- “Develop Steadfast Faith in God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 31, October 1, 1998, Prasanthi Nilayam

Jesus Christ on the Cross - The Day now celebrated as Good Friday

Only that person who has realized, “I am not the body, I am not the mind; I am God verily”, is a real Jnani. When you say, “This is my body”, who are you? To whom are you referring? The expression ‘my body’ connotes that you are separate from the body. When you say, “This is my mind”, the mind is separate from you. Similarly, when you say, “This is my Buddhi (intellect)”, it means the Buddhi is separate from you. In all these expressions, what is that ‘My’? That ‘My’ is ‘I’. This ‘I’ is what was referred to by Jesus Christ as the ego that has to be cut. That is the real significance of the cross. You cut the ego.

         - “Install God in the Altar of Your Sacred Heart”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 42, December 25, 2009, Prasanthi Nilayam 

Jesus was crucified on the cross. Mother Mary could not bear that scene and wept inconsolably. Jesus then remarked, “Why do you cry? This is natural. Whatever has to happen will happen, hence you should not shed tears”… God can do anything at His Divine will. Everything is God’s gift only. One has to realise this fact and develop faith accordingly. If you are enjoying good times, it is God’s gift. On the other hand, if you are passing through difficult times, it is also God’s gift. You should develop such steady faith. If you are suffering from malarial fever, you will be given bitter pills. That is also for your good.

- “Contemplate On God, the Real Hero for Victory”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 41, December 25, 2008, Prasanthi Nilayam

The followers of Jesus have got broken into schisms on various counts; but, the life of Christ is a lesson of Unity. When Christ was on the cross, ill-feelings towards the men who tortured Him troubled Him. Suddenly He heard a voice alerting him. “All Life is One, my dear Son Be alike to every one!” This was followed by another admonition, “Death is the Dress of Life”. As one casts of the worn clothes and dons another set, so, the soul dons and doffs bodies. Therefore, Jesus was warned against hate and ill-feelings, as well as the lamentation to which man is heir.

- “He whom Christ Announced”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 11, December 24, 1972, Bangalore

Jesus was crucified on a Friday and He rose from the tomb on a Sunday. That is why Sunday is taken as the day of worship and service in churches. Catholics gave importance to Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, while Protestants gave importance to the birth of Christ. Catholics celebrate Christmas by worshipping Mary on the evening of 24th and Protestants celebrate the birth of Christ on the 25th.

- “Unity Based On Divinity”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 25,

 December 25, 1992, Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Vani: Avatar on Mahapurushas

Sri Sathya Sai Visits The Nilgiris

Wednesday, April 11, 1984 to Sunday, April 15, 1984

Sri Sathya Sai in the Nilgiris

Bhagavan visited Nilgiris for 5 days in April 1984. He left Brindavan with a group of devotees in the early morning of the 11th of April 1984 and reached Vidya Vihar, Ooty by 2.30 pm the same day. He blessed the devotees assembled in the school grounds with His Darshan. Bhagavan inaugurated at Vidya Vihar on Tamil New Year Day, the 13th of April 2984, a Ganesha Temple amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music. He materialised a gold ‘Yantra’ to be placed below the Ganesha idol before the ceremonial installation. 

Bhagavan blessed the devotees with Darshan every day at Vidya Vihar. He visited on 14th April, some of the villages that were adopted by the Sai Organisation for community development. The village folks entertained Bhagavan with folk songs and dances. The Bal Vikas students presented cultural programmes in some of the villages. Bhagavan visited two temples that had been renovated. At the end of the visit, He distributed dhotis and saris to the poor.

Sri Sathya Sai at the Melur Hosahatty Village - April 14, 1984

Bhagavan was impressed with the disciplined behaviour of the villagers in all the places. He was very pleased with the Bhajans organised by the wayside group enroute. He stopped at several places to bless them.

Bhagavan commented, “I am happy with these visits. I would have liked to talk to the villagers. But the programe was so tight.”

During a visit to Ooty in April 1984, Bhagavan related the following story about Sage Narada's encounter with Lord Narayana, to the small group of devotees accompanying him: 

"On one occasion Narada went to the Lord. In the course of their conversation, Narayana asked Narada: "You are moving around three worlds, what news have you brought for Me from your wanderings? Have you seen anything great in my creation?" "What is greater than Yourself in the world", said Narada. "I am asking you about my creation and not about myself", said Narayana.

Narada said: "I do not understand the question." "There are the Panchabhutas (five basic elements). Which is the greatest among them?" Narayana asked. Narada said: "The earth is the biggest." Narayana said: "In the earth three-fourths are occupied by water."

Sriman with Narayana with Narada, Tumburu, Hanuman and Garuda in Vaikuntha

Narada agreed that water is greater than the earth. But Narayana observed: "All the oceans were drunk by the sage Agastya in one gulp. Therefore, who is greater, water or Agastya?" Narada agreed that Agastya was greater. But Narayana observed that "Agastya is remaining as a star in the sky. In the vast firmament, Agastya is merely twinkling as a small star; is not the firmament greater than the star?" Narada said that the firmament is greater than Agastya. Then Narayana said, In my Avatar as Vamana I covered the entire earth and sky with one foot of mine. So is the firmament greater or my foot? Then Narada said: 'Your Foot'.

Lord's Devotees are greater than the Lord

"If my foot itself is so great, am I not greater than my foot?" Narayana asked. Narada agreed. Then Narayana said: "Although I am great, I am confined in the hearts of my devotees. So the devotees are greater than myself. And therefore, wherever my devotees sing my name I am there".

Hence, everyone must cultivate a broad mind, a large-hearted outlook. Broad mindedness is expansion, narrow-mindedness is contraction. Devotees should also cultivate broad mindedness. It is to broaden the heart that name of the Lord should be chanted. Instead of singing by oneself, when devotees sing in groups, a sense of unity develops. By all people singing in unison and all hands clapping together, all hearts become one. This unity is proclaimed by the Vedas by describing the different organs of the Lord as the source of the power in the different sense organs of a human being.”

On another evening at Ooty, Bhagavan expatiated on how devotional songs should be sung.

Narada with Sriman Narayana

“Narada once asked Sriman Narayana what was His permanent address. Narayana replied: "Wherever my Bhakta (devotee) sings my name, I am present there". Then Narada asked: "There are innumerable places in which the devotees sing your name, how can you be present in all those places at the same time?" (Bhagavan explained that it was not any kind of singing that appealed to the Lord). In singing there are some who indulge in gymnastics and do not reveal genuine devotional feeling. When songs are sung in that manner, how can the Lord be present there? (Bhagavan illustrated it by reciting merely the musical notation Sa, Ri, Ga).

Devotional singing which attracts the Lord 

Where the singers merely emphasise the Raaga and the Taala (tune and rhythm), He will not be present. It is only when the song is melodious combining Raaga, Taala and Bhaava (the tune, the rhythm and the feeling) only there will He be present. The singing must be full of feeling. The Lord is moved only by the feeling that is expressed, not by musical talent as such. It does not matter if the Raaga is not perfect and the Taala is not perfect. Those appeal only at the worldly level. The Lord loves only the sincerity of feeling.

There was a great musician in Akbar's Court known as Tansen. He used to sing night and day and the music was mellifluous. It was perfect music but there was no deep feeling in his singing. One day Akbar and Tansen were going round the city. Akbar found an old man singing to himself songs in praise of God. Akbar stopped his chariot and went on listening to the song of the devotee and even without his knowing it, tears started flowing from his eyes. His heart was deeply moved. He went some distance and told Tansen: "You have been singing for a long time before me and I have always found your music very sweet to the ears but it has never moved my heart, but the music of this devotee has melted my heart. I wish to know the difference between your singing and the singing of this devotee!" Tansen replied: "Maharaja! I have been singing to please you, but this devotee is singing to please God, that is the difference."

So something which is sung to please a man cannot move the heart. Only that which is addressed to God can have that effect. What pleases the Lord alone can change the mind of man. Both the devotee and the great musician Tansen were singing well, but only the song filled with devotional feeling could appeal to God.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)