Sri Sathya Sai on: Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Through his association with holy men, Gauranga became a great devotee of the Lord and acquired the appellation Chaitanya (as he was always immersed in Krishna Consciousness). He devoted his entire life to glorifying God in song and dance. Thus through all ages there have been men who have been transformed into saints and sages by associating with good and holy men.

- “The Five-Letter Mantra”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 19, July 21, 1986, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534)

Chaitanya declared, “Oh Lord! I want your love alone and nothing else”. At his birth, the name given to Chaitanya was Gauranga, because of his fair complexion. But as he was always chanting the name ‘Krishna, Krishna’, he got the popular name ‘Krishna Chaitanya’ (one who was immersed in Krishna consciousness). The moment he repeated Krishna’s name he used to lose his consciousness. In this manner, there are many great ones who have the names given to them at birth and the names by which they get known later on. The lives of these great ones should be regarded as ideals for the rest of mankind. 

- “Inscrutable are the Ways of the Lord”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 26, August 10, 1993, Brindavan

CHAITANYA’S ANANDA

We should not be affected by praise and blame, censure and appreciation, gain and loss. Chaitanya was abused wildly by people. But Chaitanya danced in ecstasy even then. When someone questioned him why he danced in joy in spite of the foul abuses, he said, “The foul abuse of the people does not reach me at all. It melts into the thin air. That is why I dance in joy”.

- “The Quest for Divinity”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1993, Brindavan

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was walking through the market place, chanting the Divine Name. In fact, he was dancing in ecstasy. Some people on seeing him thought he was a madcap. They snatched away his Mridanga. But, he did not resent for this. He started chanting the Divine name while beating the cymbals. The irate onlookers took away the cymbals also. Even then he was not bothered. He thought perhaps God did not like his beating the cymbals. He resolved not to touch the cymbals which he thought were not to the liking of God. He consoled himself saying whatever musical instruments were taken away from him, were not to God’s liking. God’s will prevails ultimately. Such was his faith. From then onwards, he gave up all worldly attachments and concentrated on Prema Tattva (principle of love), which none could take away from him. One has to aspire for that which cannot be taken away by others. That is pure love. A printed matter on a piece of paper cannot be separated from it. Likewise, your heart should be like a pure white paper and love the printed matter. These two are inseparable. Cultivate such love.

- “Concentration of Mind on the Divine is Real Sadhana”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 37, February 19, 2004, Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu singing the glory of Krishna with his devotees

MESSAGE FOR HUMANITY

Krishna Chaitanya once went to the temple of Jagannath, at Puri. He was a handsome youth at that time. He addressed Lord Jagannath in these terms, “Oh Lord! You are not merely Jagannath (the Lord of the world). You are the Lord of all the worlds, of the Cosmos, the Lord of Life, the Lord of the Spirit, the Lord of all embodied beings. You can accomplish anything. I do not seek from you the powers of Yoga or physical strength. I seek only the power of your Love. Your Love will give me all the strength I need. It will be my real strength”.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu doing
Kirtana before the idol of Jagannath
 during the Rath Yatra

The power of love alone confers true strength. All other powers are of no avail. Hence the only strength we should seek from God is the strength of love. With that strength all the powers can be acquired. It is not Sri (wealth) that we should desire. We should yearn for Hari. It is not a man of riches who is a Maharaja. They consider only those who have renounced everything as Maharaja (real rulers). It is not rolling in wealth that constitutes enjoyment. To be immersed in God’s love and thoughts of God is the greatest enjoyment as well as true Yoga.

Chaitanya declared that, “The Lord is the indweller in my heart”, because according to the Lord’s own declaration, “My Atma abides in all beings as the indwelling Atma”. It should not be imagined that the Lord is only this human body. He is present everywhere in the Cosmos. He is timeless, without beginning or end. You must try to develop the awareness of this omnipresent Divine in your heart.

- “Wealth or Grace?”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 31, July 17, 1988, Prasanthi Nilayam

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu prayed to Lord Krishna, “I do not want Vaikuntha or Kailasha. I want only your Prema. Please give me a small place in your Prema Samrajya (kingdom of Love). I will be satisfied with that”. There is nothing in this world which cannot be achieved with love.

 - “Unity in Diversity - The Fundamental Truth”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 35, November 4, 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam

Today people are prepared to undergo many difficulties in pursuit of Sri (wealth). But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu considered Hari (Lord Vishnu) as his only wealth. He gave up Sri and contemplated on Hari. That is why I often sing, Hari Nama Bina Anand Nahin (one cannot have bliss without chanting the Divine Name). So, chant the Divine Name, take to the service of society. 

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

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sought his mother’s permission to go and pursue his studies. Then his mother said, “My dear one, there are various types of education in this world, but they are meant only for a living and not for life. Only the Adhyatmika Vidya (spiritual education) is true education. It is immortal and has no limitations. It is changeless in all the three periods of time. Make efforts to acquire such education”. From that day onwards, Chaitanya went about propagating the efficacy of chanting the Divine name in each street and in every village. He chanted the name of Lord Krishna at all times and under all circumstances. His message to mankind was simple, yet profound.

There is no charity greater than feeding the hungry,

There are no greater gods than parents,

There is no greater Japa (chanting) or Tapas (penance) than adherence to truth,

There is no greater Dharma than compassion,

There is no greater gain than the company of the good,

There is no enemy greater than anger,

There is no disease like being a debtor,

There is no wealth greater than good reputation,

Bad reputation is death itself,

There is no ornament better than the chanting of God’s Name.

...When God is so close to him, why does man suffer from delusion and face hardships in life? God is permanently installed on the altar of human heart. He is all-pervasive. Man can certainly see Him, touch Him and also speak to Him. But, he lacks such determination and yearning for God. Hence, he suffers. Chaitanya prayed to Lord Narayana thus, “Oh Lord, You are all-pervasive. You are the master of all beings. You control the entire universe. You are the very life principle. I do not aspire to attain Vaikuntha or Kailasha, or Swarga (heaven) nor do I crave for liberation. Bless me with love so that I can love You”. When Chaitanya prayed in this manner, an ethereal voice said, “Tathastu” (Let it be so). The worldly education one may be well-versed in and the immense power one may be endowed with, are bound to disappear with the passage of time. Love alone is immortal. Hence, one should consider love as one’s very life. Chaitanya prayed to Krishna to bless him with such eternal love. Kailasha, Vaikuntha and Swarga are like branch offices of God. Chaitanya was not interested in attaining them. He recognised that Hridaya (heart) is the correct address of God. He prayed, “Oh Lord, I know that You are installed on the altar of my heart. Kindly, bless me with such experience.”

- “Unity in Diversity - The Fundamental Truth”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 35, November 4, 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam

If you have even an atom of Grace of the Lord, a mountain of troubles can be overcome. Chaitanya declared, “If a fraction of the time that is spent in worrying about wealth, provisions, wife, children, friends and business is devoted to contemplation on the feet of the Divine, one can face the messengers of death without fear and cross the Ocean of Samsara!”

- “The Name That Redeems”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 22, April 14, 1989, Prasanthi Nilayam

Note:

Known as Gauranga at birth Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born in 1486 in Nabadwip, West Bengal. He was a social reformer and a saint who founded the ‘Achintya Bheda Abheda’ sub-school of Vedanta philosophy. Despite having been initiated in the Madhvacharya tradition and taking Sanyasa (renunciation) from Shankaracharya’s tradition, Chaitanya's philosophy is regarded as a tradition of his own within the Vaishnava framework. He became the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect of devotional worship and popularised chanting of the ‘Hare Krishna’ Mantra, singing of Bhajans and rhythmic dancing. Gaudiya Vaishnavas consider him to be Lord Krishna Himself. He travelled throughout the length and breadth of India spreading the path of Vaishnava Bhakti (devotion to Lord Vishnu and His various incarnations). In 1534, he left for his heavenly abode at Puri, Odisha.

Source: Sai Vani: Avatar on Mahapurshas

The Precious Pearl – By G.V. Ravishankar

Ravishankar with Sri Sathya Sai

It was a few years after Swami’s Water Project had completed the first phase and water was flowing to parched villages in the region surrounding Puttaparthi. Alumni from Swami’s Institute had just concluded a medical camp in one of these villages. Over 1,000 patients had been seen and treated; road repaired, sanitation work done; a playground built for the school that Swami had provided some years earlier; school uniforms distributed to the school children - all in all it had been a day filled with chanting of Swami’s name, Bhajans, and love in the air.

I had come from the U.S. to be in Swami’s presence for a few weeks and so I was fortunate to have an opportunity to participate in this humble offering of Seva. As we were packing up in the evening to go back for evening Bhajans, we saw an elderly gentleman, a farmer, come running towards us. Thinking that this was an emergency, a few of us rushed to the gentleman. He explained that he had heard that Swami’s students were in the village and he did not want to miss us. In between catching his breath, he made some extraordinary statements.

Proudly displaying his entrance badge as a relative of a patient, the farmer explained that his wife was in the Super Specialty Hospital recovering from heart surgery. What he then told us was an example of Swami’s love. He explained that after his first visit to the hospital soon after her operation, he decided not to go again to take care of her on a daily basis since his wife was so lovingly being taken care of by the doctors, nurses, and Seva Dal – he attributed all this to Swami. He even mentioned how good the food was in the hospital! Then he made a powerful statement: that if not for Swami, poor farmers like him would simply die. The directness and reality of his words hit us like a thunderbolt. He explained that water was always scarce and people like him would always thirst, but now they had piped water due to the Sri Sathya Sai Water Project. As a poor farmer he did not have the wherewithal to go to private doctors or hospitals. Government hospitals were inadequate or required him to pay a bribe for treatment. His eyes welled up with tears of joy and love for Swami as he recounted Swami’s love that had saved his wife. He asked us to convey his gratitude to Swami. What a lesson for us all in love, humility, and gratitude.

I deem it my great good fortune to have had the opportunity to be a student and lecturer in Swami’s college. Though born and brought up in the U.S., our family was always oriented to Swami and we visited frequently to be in His Presence. However, a fantastic new facet to Swami’s Love opened up for me when my grandfather, father, and my mother beseeched Swami in May 1981 to admit me in His College. That was 25 years ago, and so this year of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning’s 25th anniversary is doubly special for me. Swami mentions that it is the mother that shows the father to the child, and the father shows the guru, who in turn shows God. Here, I am ever grateful to my mother and father who placed me at the feet of God Himself!

I recall the golden opportunities we had to participate in a very humble way, in the magnificent expansion that has taken place. From the Institute Administrative block, to the sports ground (now stadium) where massive Narayan Sevas were held by Swami, to construction of the Super Specialty hospital, and many more projects – Swami allowed us to participate in all of these so that we may as individuals benefit from being a small part of His grand mission. Students would rush for these opportunities. There was no dearth of construction workers or resources, but we were still given a place to lend our unskilled hands. Frequently Swami would come in His car, trailed by a jeep carrying food & drink, to distribute to us all and He would tell us to take rest and not strain ourselves, as a mother would.

What struck me when I first joined Swami’s College and Hostel was Swami’s direct involvement in the day-to-day welfare of His students. Swami would inquire how we were, what we had had for breakfast, lunch or afternoon 'tiffin'. Many times, Swami would send Prasadam to the Hostel for the students. His regular and surprise visits to the College or Hostel were treasured moments. I vividly recall my first week in Parthi. Swami would constantly inquire about my health and welfare and if I was eating OK – Swami’s love was truly the love of a thousand mothers. In the following months, the day before I would receive a letter from my father, Swami would ask if I had got a letter from him. This became so regular that when Swami asked me, I knew the letter would be arriving the next day! 

That love shown by Swami permeated the love shown by the Institute and Hostel administration and faculty. I had come to Parthi with my family for my younger brother Sanjay’s Upanayanam, which Swami graciously performed, but ended up staying for 11 years. Eventually Sanjay also had the good fortune to study in the Institute. Since I was born and brought up in the U.S., I would be asked by many friends in U.S. and India if I found it difficult to adjust to the Indian conditions – the simple answer was that I was at home with the Lord. So where was the question of adjusting? All His students consider being with Swami as being at home.

Sri Sathya Sai at the entrance of Trayee Brindavan

Life with Swami is truly an education, and His teachings of practical spirituality are infused with immense love. The lessons learned at Swami’s feet in the portico of Prasanthi Nilayam or in Trayee Brindavan are cherished moments for every student. Every action of Swami is a lesson in service and love. The service projects that we see today are an extension of what Swami has been doing ever since His younger days, as we experienced just before Swami’s 60th Birthday celebrations in 1985. During the months leading up to the celebrations, our M.Com. class had the good fortune to help conduct a socio-economic survey of the villages in Sathya Sai Taluk so that the Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, at Swami’s command, could build roads and schools, provide bore wells, and build/repair temples and mosques as part of the 60th Birthday celebrations. 

Before we set out for the villages, Swami graciously spoke to us and instructed us on how to serve. He explained that we must go with humility and ask them what they needed by way of infrastructure or amenities. Additionally, He told us that we must teach them about health and hygiene, but Swami was particular that we do this in a loving way and not as if we were lecturing them. From this we learned that service is an opportunity for us and service must be delivered with sweetness on the tongue and humility in the heart.

In conjunction with Seva Dal, some Institute faculty, and Sathya Sai Trust engineers, we would travel to villages near and far by jeep, bus, bicycle, or on foot where there were no roads. As we entered the villages, the residents would initially run inside their houses, thinking we were from a political party! When they saw us wearing the typical white clothes worn by Swami’s students, they would come and greet us lovingly. When told that Swami had sent us to ask them what they needed in their village, the typical response used to be that Swami has already given them so much! They would show us a school Swami had built, or a temple and idols given by Swami. Invariably we would find that Swami had, in the preceding 40 years, visited their village at some time or another or had blessed them with a school, temple or mosque. In the end, we would have to press them to tell us their needs since we must report back to Swami what they needed! This is the lesson of contentment that we learned from villagers who could barely afford to skip a day’s work lest they went hungry. Their sacrifice of food and wages to come and see Swami from a distance is deeply moving. All this is due to Swami’s Love. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Deer in the Brindavan Ashram

Swami has always taught students to excel and do their best, then leave the rest to Him. Later on in life, these precious qualities of the 5 D’s (Duty, Devotion, Discipline, Determination, Discrimination) and the WATCH (watch your Words, Actions, Thoughts, Character, and Heart) would help wherever I went. No matter how difficult a task or challenge, the foundation gained from Swami and in His Institute and Hostel always guides His students. As Swami says, “Education is for life, not just for a living.” This emphasis on character building is the hallmark of Sai Education. With the responsibility for client services at my company, and in a business environment where client service is given great importance, the values of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema, and Ahimsa taught by Swami are supremely relevant. Treating others with respect, conducting business in a truthful manner, client service with dedication and diligence – all these engender trust and rapport with clients, and give one a sense of self-satisfaction.

As the years rolled on and I was feeling the generation gap between myself and my students at the Brindavan campus, I would see how Swami, with His Divine love, would lovingly interact with the students at their level without overawing them. As Swami has said, “When with children, I am a child.” However, we would always be treated to His Divine aspects, lest we forget that we are in the company of the Lord Himself.

Sri Sathya Sai in the Hills

On one occasion, in Kodaikanal Swami took us to a scenic spot and the students saw this as an opportunity to ask for individual photographs with Swami. Swami graciously accepted and so as one of the photographers, I took many photos of Swami with students and of Swami standing near flower plants. As the group of photographers took the photos, Swami turned and commented that we all had big cameras but we should see how He takes photos. With that Swami stood in front of a  large rose bush and waved his hand in front of a large rose. He then materialized a hologram of that very rose. Whether it was creating this hologram, or Janaka’s ring, or Shivaji’s amulet given to him by his mother, Swami’s Divinity would manifest itself in the course of His teachings. But, in order not to overawe us, he would follow-up with a joke or would blow on the materialized object to send it back to where it came from!

Ravishankar with Sri Sathya Sai at Kodaikanal

Swami teaches us compassion and His word is Truth. At the end of our Bachelors degree, Swami graciously called our class for an interview. During the course of advising some to continue their studies for a master’s degree, others to help parents, Swami waved His hand in his inimitable way to materialize visiting cards (with Swami’s photo, signature, and address) for all those present, mentioning that He would always be there with us wherever we went! Interestingly there was one extra card, and none of us noticed till then that there was one student from our class who was not in the interview room. Though we may forget, Swami never forgets and so He asked that this card be given to the student who was sick in the hostel!

Sri Sathya Sai's Visiting Card

Swami’s students and devotees at large have benefited from His love and teachings. Each of us has a unique set of experiences and favorite teachings to guide us on this path to the Divine. Swami has always said that he does not need anything from us except that we put into practice just one of His teachings. As Swami Himself has said, we have been given this precious pearl of His love – we should not let it slip from our grasp.

- Ghandikota V. Ravishankar

Student (1981-1986), Department of Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Director, S&P Global Market Intelligence, New York

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision (2006)

Sri Sathya Sai Reveals Prof. V.K. Gokak’s Spiritual Journey

Saturday, June 18, 2005 to Thursday, June 23, 2005

Bhagavan returned from Brindavan on 18th June 2005, to Prashanti Nilayam. On 20th June, the children of Deenajanoddharana Pathakam presented a dance drama in Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagavan showered His Blessings on the children. On 21st June, the villagers from adopted villages of the Sai Organisation Durg District, Chhattisgarh, visited Prashanti Nilayam to express their gratitude to Bhagavan for the village upliftment measures organised by the Sai Organisation. On this occasion, a group of dancers from Chhattisgarh presented in Sai Kulwant Hall, a tribal dance that afternoon. Bhagavan showered His Blessings on them. On 23rd June, after Bhagavan’s Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall, Sri A.V. Gokak and Sri S.V. Giri addressed the devotees. Bhagavan then blessed the devotees with a Discourse wherein He elaborated the spiritual journey of Prof. Vinayak Krishna Gokak, the first Vice Chencellor (1981-1985) of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He said:

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

“The Present Vice Chancellor (Anil Gokak) and the former Vice Chancellor (S. V. Giri) have narrated their experiences. When Vyashti (individual) identifies himself with Samashti (community), he realises Parameshti (God). It is very difficult to understand Parameshti which is beyond both Vyashti and Samashti. There will be harmony between Vyashti and Samashti when one develops equanimity.

Know What Is True And Eternal

One should realise that Samashti is the basis of everything. People are not able to understand what is meant by ‘I’ and ‘you’. ‘Where are you studying? Where am I studying?’ In these two sentences, there are two different identities of the same principle of Samashti. Few have truly understood the principle of Samashti so far. But there lies in it the transcendental principle of Parameshti. However, the transcendental principle of Parameshti is much more difficult to understand.

Our Gokak (Prof. V.K. Gokak) also found himself in such a situation. He had read volumes of great books. He knew answers to many intricate questions. But he could not understand what was true and eternal. Similarly, he could not understand the difference between Atma (Self) and Anatma (non-Self). Truly speaking, Anatma has no existence. There is only Atma everywhere. After some time, Gokak realised this   truth and understood it clearly. I provided help to him at that time. Man wants help of many types for the sake of clarity. This help will provide a lot of lasting strength to a true devotee. This help is not temporary. It is true and eternal. When you keep on enquiring what is true and eternal, gradually the veil of Maya will be removed.

Prof. V. K. Gokak addressing the gathering on the inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning - November 22, 1981

After some time, Gokak came close to Me. All his doubts disappeared and he held on to the principle of divinity which is formless, true, eternal, pure and unsullied. It is not possible for all to understand this divine principle. This principle of truth is present in you, Me and everyone equally. One who takes truth as the basis will never become unsteady. Everything may change, but truth will remain changeless.

Attain The State Of Doubtlessness

The principle of Karma (action) is difficult to understand. One type of karma may be responsible for all your doubts. But another type of Karma will destroy your doubts and take you to the state of unity. Gokak realised this truth and became doubtless. When you attain the state of doubtlessness, you realise the truth. This is the royal path of attaining Moksha (liberation). What is the real meaning of Moksha? Moha Kshaya (removal of attachment) is Moksha (liberation). So long as one has attachment, one cannot think of liberation. Hence, one should strive for detachment in the first instance. 

Gokak firmly held on to the principle of truth. One day, he came to Me and asked, “Swami! Am I the knower or is conscience the knower?” I told him, “There is something else between conscience and conscious. That is Maya.” Maya is responsible for all delusion. Do not become a victim of Maya. When you cast aside Maya, then truth will manifest from within. What type of truth is it? Truth can neither be heard nor seen though it appears that it is seen and heard. But it transcends both. All that is seen or heard cannot be experienced by the heart. When you transcend the senses, you see the dawn of consciousness. Truth is that which is close to consciousness. Next morning, he came to Me again and said, “Whatever doubts I had yesterday, have been removed. But I am finding it difficult to understand the origin of doubts.” Then I told him, “Take for, example, bats; they move about like birds, gather their food like birds. But contrary to the nature of birds, they hang head downward from the branches of trees. You may doubt whether they are birds or animals. Doubts come to man in the same manner. At one point of time, all these doubts will stop coming to you. This is not something related to Me and others; it is related to you and Me.”

Vyashti constitutes Samashti and Samashti is the collective form of Vyashti. In the final analysis, Samashti is the expansion of Vyashti. One who understands the relationship between Vyashti, Samashti and Parameshti can know the truth. This is what Gokak understood ultimately. Everyone has to make an effort to understand this truth. We are leading our lives in fun and frolic, but this is not the reality. We can understand the reality only when we transcend worldliness. Total change cannot come instantly. Gokak understood this truth fully well. Hence, he held on to this principle of fundamental truth firmly. In the end, he forgot everything else.

Dawn Of Truth And Experience Of Bliss

Vice Chancellor Gokak addressing the
Convocation gathering on
November 22, 1984

At that time, Gokak was studying Savitri (an epic poem written by Sri Aurobindo). All his inner thoughts were focused on Savitri. There exist inner thoughts in every human being which cannot be seen. One day or the other, truth becomes manifest all of a sudden when you are consistent in your Sadhana. At that time, Guru Poornima was fast approaching. He said, “Swami, I can see light approaching me on the path I am proceeding.” After saying this, he closed his eyes. He did not utter a word. I went near him and touched his head. I told him, “My dear, now you go home, have a cup of coffee and come.” But he did not say anything. He had transcended the state of duality. He went home, prayed to Savitri and came back. Ultimately, he could get all the answers from Savitri. From then onwards, he started contemplating on Savitri. He used to come to Me both in the morning and in the evening. One day when he came to Me, he was all smiles. I asked him, “You seem to be very happy, what is the reason?” “Swami! This bliss is Your blessing. It has not come from me”, he replied.

On Experiencing Illumination

I told him to remain in that state forever. Next morning, he came again. He said, “Swami, I have been in the same state.” He said that he did not even think where the blissful state had come from. Knowing very well that he should not speak much at that time, I asked him to go home and come later. He left. Next morning at Brahma Muhurtha time, he came again. He knocked at the door thrice, but I knocked six times. He understood the meaning and left the place silently. After this, no scope was left for questions and answers. Thereafter, he stopped asking questions. He went on contemplating on Savitri. Ultimately, he attained the state of non-duality.

One day when he was meditating with closed eyes, I slapped hard on his head twice. Then he started experiencing illumination. As illumination dawned on him, he lost interest in all worldly matters. He remained in that state. On another day, I told him to close his eyes. He did accordingly. As he closed his eyes, I pressed his Bhrumadhya (centre of the eyebrows) with My thumb. Instantly, all his doubts disappeared. He said, “Swami, I am one, God is one, love is one. I do not require anything else.” I told him to go and come the next morning. Gokak was very punctual and always came at the correct time. As he came again and again in this manner, he had the vision of Savitri. He could visualise Savitri every now and then, but not continuously. He considered Savitri as the fundamental principle. He held on to this principle firmly. In this manner, he could attain the state of divinity. As you proceed on the path of Sadhana continuously, certain powers will manifest in you. You should not attach any importance to them. Once you understand the fundamental principle, you will have everything. That fundamental principle is one, and not two. Truth is one, not two. Everything else is untruth; it is like passing clouds. He forgot everything else. He focused his mind only on the fundamental principle.

Prof. V.K. Gokak with Sri Sathya Sai on the Second Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning - November 22, 1983; He was felicitated on completion of two years as the Vice Chancellor of the Institute.

Once when I was at Kodaikanal, he sent a lengthy telegram to Me. I then sent him a telegram with the message, “I know, this is right. Don’t change your mind.” From then onwards, there was no further correspondence between us. However, once he asked his wife to write a letter to Me. Her name was Sharadamma. She was also a Mahajnani (one of great wisdom). She used to write in such a way that two words written by her would have four different meanings. Thereafter, only Atmic relationship existed between us. He attained the state of absolute silence. He did not touch any book nor did he ask any question. He did not write any letter either.  All that he said was, “Swami! All Your answers have touched my heart.” Then I told him, “Both of us understand the relationship that exists between us. You don’t worry about anything else.” After that, the relationship between us at physical level ceased to exist. At the same time, our relationship at spiritual level became more intimate. Before leaving his mortal coil, he wrote these words, “I have reached You.” 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005) and Sathya Sai Speaks Volume 38

Sri Sathya Sai Inaugurates New Hostel Wing at Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Monday, June 22, 1987

Sri Sathya Sai entering the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel

Bhagavan addressed the students of Prashanti Nilayam Campus at the Institute Auditorium on 22nd June 1987, on the commencement of the new academic year. Bhagavan formally inaugurated the new wing of the Institute’s Hostel that evening. He lit the lamp at the hostel building and moved around the dormitories. 

Sri Sathya Sai in the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel Quadrangle

He then addressed the students and staff in the hostel dining hall. He said:

“A lamp has a unique power, which is not possessed by any other object. It dispels darkness. For this reason, Bharatiyas have always worshipped lighted lamps. Before commencing any auspicious or religious function, the ceremonial lamp is lit. Another notable quality of the lamp is that the flame goes upwards - the path of the Brahman. The sinful path leads downwards.

The light of the lamp, however, can only dispel the darkness outside but cannot remove the darkness that envelops the heart as a result of attachments and aversions carried from previous lives. Not all the blaze of light which filled Lanka when Hanuman set it on fire could remove the darkness from Ravana's heart. Because his heart was filled with lust and hate, no light could penetrate it.

Even as a lamp needs a container, oil, wick and a match stick to light it, for lighting the inner flame, one needs a container in the form of Vairagya (renunciation), Bhakti (the oil of devotion), the wick of mental concentration and Tattva Jnana (the match stick of true awareness). Even if any of these four is lacking, the light of Self cannot be lit.

Where there is no attachment there is no fear

The world today is immersed in fear and suffering. The only way to get rid of fear is to cultivate Vairagya (non-attachment). Where there is no attachment, there is no fear. Only through nonattachment and renunciation can one acquire the competence to experience inner illumination. Renunciation does not mean giving up property and society and going to the forest. What is called for is renunciation of all evil tendencies. That is Yoga. In the Gita three paths have been indicated. Mathkarmakrit Mathparamo Madhbhaktah ("Who works for me only, who looks on me as the only refuge, and is devoted to Me"), says Krishna. Here, Matkarmakrit ("Who works for Me") does not mean doing service to Krishna. The "Me" represents the Cosmic Being. Because everything in the universe is permeated by the Divine, one who is enjoined to do service to all as the primary duty. All actions have to be done in society. You have to serve your country. The individual, the community and the world are the triune aspects of Divinity. To ignore any one of these is to court failure in the purpose of living. The goodness of the individual promotes the welfare of society. Social well-being is the basis for national welfare.

The cultivation of Vairagya (renunciation) calls for practice of certain restraints and disciplines. There should be curbs on desires. One should give back to society what one has been able to acquire by the use of the knowledge and skills received with the help of society. True sacrifice consists in sharing with others one's wealth, strength and qualities, which are in fact derived from society.

One should not be remiss in discharging one's duties and responsibilities. The proper fulfilment of duties is part of the spiritual discipline necessary for getting enlightenment. No room should be given for doubts. Many are haunted by doubts of every kind. While doubts remain, there can be no liberation from bondage.

Sri Sathya Sai in the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel Dining Hall

Sacrifice leads to communion with Divine

Students should strive to lead exemplary lives. No one can give up completely all social relations or actions. Hence, one should dedicate all actions to the Divine and thereby develop the sense of detachment. To remove the chaos and violence prevailing in society today, you have to become Karma Yogis and devote all your knowledge, abilities and energies to the transformation of society. It is not wealth that is important. Character alone counts. Bhoga (sensual pleasures) can only lead to Roga (disease). Tyaga (sacrifice) leads to Yoga (communion with the Divine).

I have lit the lamp in the hostel today as a symbol of the spiritual light that has to be lit in the hearts of all of you. Spiritual enlightenment is as important as academic knowledge. All other branches are like rivers which merge in the ocean of Spiritual Knowledge.

During your educational career, develop purity of character and cultivate right habits. Even in ordinary routine actions like sitting, do not be sloppy and indifferent. If your back is bent when you sit, the Sushumna Nadi (which runs through the spinal column) gets bent and this will produce harmful consequences including loss of memory power. Discipline is vital. Avoid unnecessary talks and purposeless association with anyone. Having come for study, you must concentrate on your primary duty. Strive to make your parents happy by your conduct and performance and see that you bring credit and good name to the Institute. Only then will your life be an example to others.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

True Education Is For Transformation

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Auditorium

Anglicised education has gained prominence,

Spiritual studies have taken a back seat,

How then can purity of the mind

The essence of education — be developed?

Teachers! Students and Lovers of education! 

The entire visible universe is a cosmic university. In it, every human being has to learn how to eat, walk, speak and do many other things. So, Nature is the first teacher. At birth, man is like an animal. The parents teach the child how to develop its human faculties.  If the parents do not undertake this task, the child would remain an animal. Thus, the second category of teachers for a man is his parents. The ancient sages  felt  that  it  was  not  enough to  develop  the  human  qualities  in  the  child  and therefore envisaged a system of Samskaras (cultural training) for the spiritual development of the child. The Samskaras are intended not only to develop further the human qualities, but also to eliminate all remnants of animal nature in man.

What is meant by Samskara? It is a system of practices by which the bad tendencies in man are got rid of and good tendencies are inculcated. They are intended to turn the Pravritti (outward-looking tendencies) of man towards the cultivation of the Nivritti (inward-looking tendencies).

Transformation Increases the Value of the Object

The process of Samskara (refinement) is not confined to specific things; it is applicable to every object in the universe. No object can be enjoyed by man without its going through a process of transformation.  For example, take the case of paddy. The paddy that is grown and harvested cannot be consumed as such. It has to be converted into rice. In the process of transformation, the original paddy has considerably increased in its value as rice. The transformation process thus makes an object more useful and valuable. Take another example, that of cotton. Cotton in its primary form has very little utility. But, when it  is  spun  into  thread  and  made  into  cloth,  it becomes usable  by  man.  There is a wide gap between the value of cotton and that of cloth into which it is converted. The same rule applies to gold. There is a big difference between the value of the ore that is extracted from a mine and the gold that is got from the ore after processing.

It  is  clear  from  these  examples  that  all  objects  in  the world,  unless they go through various processes of transformation,  cannot  acquire  much  value.  If  that  is the  case  with  regard  to ordinary  objects,  how  much more  is  it  necessary  for  man,  who  is  more  important than  all  of them, to go through this transformation? Man is the most precious object in creation. Men are more valuable than all the wealth in the world. It is man who imparts value to all objects. Today, we are failing to give proper value to man.

What is the reason? It is because man is attracted towards the visible objects of the world experienced by the senses and is unaware of the Atma (the Spirit) within him. The powers that man is endowed with are limited. By appropriate practices he can make good use of them. But by involving himself in sensual pleasures, man is losing his powers. The main reason for the loss of powers given to man is his lack of self-control. This accounts for the premature onset of old age among many people.

For accomplishing anything in the world, three things are essential: one, mastery over the senses; two, control over the mind; three, maintaining perfect bodily health. It is only when all these three requisites are present, that man can achieve his aims.  If today man fails to achieve even petty objects, it is because he is deficient in all these.

To  acquire  these  three,  man  has  to  practise  Dharma,  as  laid  down  by  the  sages.  The Vedas declare – “Yatho Abhyudaya Nissreyas Siddhih Saa Dharmah” (that which is conducive to one's well-being here and hereafter is Dharma). This means that in this world, that which gives happiness and relieves sorrow here and hereafter is Dharma. This calls for unity in thought, word and deed. This is true righteousness. Where there is no accord between what one thinks, says and does, one’s life is meaningless. It is by the harmony of thought, speech and action, that the true worth of man is manifested.

EHV is 3HV

The  mere  human  form  is  of  no  use  to  the  world.  It is by one’s thoughts and actions that one's humanness is revealed. Hence, all the studies that are pursued should be related to the body, the mind and the Atma. Today's education stops with the concern for the body and does not proceed up to the heart. People speak about ‘Education in Human Values’ (EHV). In My view, what is needed is not EHV but 3HV - education which embraces the Head, Heart and Hand. Students should reflect on the human values. One who pursues knowledge in the world may be a student or a scholar. But one cannot become thereby a Jnani (a man of wisdom). There is a big difference between a scholar and a Jnani. Ravana had mastered 64 categories of knowledge while Rama had studied only 34 categories. Although Ravana had studied more subjects than Rama, Valmiki described Ravana as a Murkha (a foolish person). Why was Ravana called as Murkha?  Because  despite  his  mastery  of all  skills  and  arts,  he  was  a  slave  of  his senses. The one  who is a slave  of  his  senses  is  a  fool  who  has  lost his  reason.  Rama was not dominated by his senses. He was their sovereign. 

The difference between Rama and Ravana can be seen in three aspects: Sarva Loka Hithe Ratah (one  who  rejoices in the  welfare  of  the  whole  world); Sarva Jnana Sampannah (endowed  with  all wisdom); Sarve Samudita Gunaihi (one who is filled with all the virtues). Rama promoted the welfare of the world by adhering to Truth and setting an example in righteous conduct. Hence, the supreme importance of upholding truth should be recognised. Everyone should try to keep one’s promise and live up to what one says. The simple motto - ‘Truth is vital to speech’, contains a profound message. All of you tend to speak a great deal. How much truth is there in your speech? This is the first lesson students have to learn. Without truth, what you speak has no value. Moreover, truth has to be spoken for the welfare of the world.

Source: True Education is for Transformation, Discourse 8, My Dear Students Volume 2, Divine Discourse delivered at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Auditorium on June 15, 1989

"The ones, who have realised the Truth, can feel the omnipresence of the Lord."

June 17, 2002 (Monday)

Swami : Where is Radhaswamy? (Swami called one boy and took letters from him. As he was holding two letters, Swami asked to give one of them. But he gave two letters.) Whose is the other letter?

Student : Swami, my father’s.

Swami : Where is the Warden? 

Teacher : Swami he hasn’t come yet. (As he was saying this, the Warden arrived).

Swami : Where are the Muslim boys?

Warden : Swami, they are there. (Warden called the two students.)

Swami : (Pointing to the two students) Did you participate in the Lion Dance?

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : Which class are you in?

Student : Swami, second year.

Swami : What is your name?

The boys answered. Then Swami created a pendant having ‘Allah’ and ‘Bismillah’ on one side and on the other side ‘Sairam’.

Swami : Keep it with you. What is the meaning of Bismillah?

Teacher : Swami, Allah means God and Bismillah means it is some kind of name like Bhagavan.

Just then some sparrows started making noise.

Swami : In Parthi, there are too many cuckoo birds. They gather in the evening and sing. (After a pause) How was the function?

Warden : Swami, it went on nicely. Two small music boys sang nicely. One of them sang Swaras (musical notes) also. They have learnt it from their childhood. 

Swami : If one learns at a young age, he grasps better. Even eating also! 

(Swami called a teacher and was discussing some personal matter with him. In this context…) Swami doesn’t oppose marriages. However, the decision regarding marriage should be such that the couple may lead a happy life. But some people don’t think about this in advance and hence they land up in difficulties later. Caste system causes problems for marriage at every step. One can change anything, but it is difficult to change the customs. But there is an example of one lady who could transform her husband. She made him leave all his bad habits and made him lead his life like a chaste Brahmin. She also made others change for the better. This change was not by force, but from the source. Her sons are working in the Mandir. (After a pause) These days, they take 25 lakhs for a seat in M.B.B.S. (medical education).

Prof. A. K. : Swami, by the time a student finishes his education these days, so much money is spent on him.

Swami : First of all, the one who studies doesn’t have a brain. If he deposits the money in a bank, he will receive interest just like a salary. He can spend his life happily with that much money! After having spent so much, there is no value for M.B.B.S. (medical degree). Anyway, he has to do M.D. after that. And even then, there is no guarantee that he will get a job.

Prof. A. K. : Swami, money madness.

Swami : Dabbu Picchi Kaadu, Donga Dabbu (It is not money madness; but money got by wrong means). There was a drunkard in Bangalore. He asked one lakh rupees from his brother. He was given ten minutes time. In the eleventh minute, everything was over.

Prof. A. K. : Swami, for the sake of one lakh!

Swami : Laksha Kanna Lakshyam Mukhyam Vaadiki (More than the money, the objective was important for him). These days, people are ready to do anything for money. (Swami then asked a devotee to speak. After the speech, Swami asked the teachers) Vinnara Meeru? (Did you all listen?)

Teacher : Swami, You are omnipresent.

Swami : The ones, who have realised the Truth, can feel the omnipresence of the Lord. The ones who don’t, can never feel so. “No” Anna Vaariki “No”, “Yes” Anna Vaariki “Yes”, Kaani Sai Ki Sarvam “Yes Yes Yes”. (It is ‘no’ for those who say ‘no’ and ‘yes’ for those who say ‘yes’, but for Sai everything is ‘Yes Yes Yes’.)

Some Jaikars were heard. Swami said that they were from Bhopal and raised His hands in blessings.

Swami : Sing some songs. All the singers come together and sing.

The Warden called two small Music College students.

Swami : (To Warden) How can small kids sing? All cannot hear them. This is like disrespecting the singers. If there any good singers, they may sing. 

(All the students sang ‘Humko Tumse Pyaar Kitna...’ together.) It is better if you learn group songs and sing loudly together so that all can hear you. Learn group songs and be ready. I may ask anytime. Happy. 

The students had been praying for nearly a week for this opportunity and finally Swami blessed them with the opportunity. Now the expectation was in the air that very soon Swami would give them the chance of presenting their programme before Him.

A little while later, Swami got up and went into the interview room. After Bhajans Swami retired to the Poornachandra residence.

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