Sri Sathya Sai Addresses International Bal Vikas Gurus Convention

Monday, July 2, 2001 to 

Wednesday, July 4, 2001

An International Convention of Bal Vikas Gurus on the theme of ‘Sri Sathya Sai Educare’ was held at Prashanti Nilayam between 2nd and 4th July 2001. More than 7,000 Bal Vikas Gurus from all parts of India and 44 overseas countries participated in this convention. Bhagavan lit the lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall and inaugurated the convention on 2nd morning. The inaugural session commenced with Vedic chants and the address of Sri V. Srinivasan to the delegates. He then read out the message from the Prime Minister of India, Sri Atal Behari Vajpayee, expressing his good wishes for the convention. Smt. Sarla Indulal Shah traced the history of the Bal Vikas movement. Sri Ryuko Hira, Sri Art-Ong Jumsai and Dr. Michael Goldstein addressed the delegates.

The Valedictory Function of the convention was held in Sai Kulwant Hall on 4th morning. The programme commenced with Bhagavan’s Darshan amidst Vedic chants. Sri Indulal Shah, the International Chairman of the Overseas Sathya Sai Organisations, presented an overview of the deliberations of the convention. Dr. Victor Kanu, Director, African Institute of Sri Sathya Sai Education addressed the delegates.

Bhagavan then delivered His Valedictory Message. Excerpts are provided below:

“…Today, thousands of Bal Vikas Gurus have gathered here. Worldly education too is essential, but children should be taught spiritual education from the young age. In the conference held elsewhere, you find an ocean of difference between the number of delegates who are supposed to participate and the number of people who actually take part in the deliberations. But our conference is unique in the sense that all the delegates attend it. Nobody gets up in the middle except a few who do so only out of physical constraints. You cannot find such conferences being held anywhere else in the world. Though I know everything, sometimes I watch the proceedings of the conference from behind the screen or from above. All delegates are attending the meeting with utmost sincerity and devotion. Such conferences should be held more frequently. Many more members should be trained and should be taught new procedures. Only then will the whole world get benefit out of this. 

Letter from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Sri Sathya Sai - June 30, 2001

Yesterday our Prime Minister Vajpayee sent a letter to Me through Indulal Shah, “Swami, our government with all the power at our disposal cannot undertake such noble tasks. It is not possible for anybody except You. Please take up more and more responsibilities and involve even the Government in this matter.” They write such letters out of love, but we do not involve ourselves in the matters relating to Government because their temperament and influences do not match with our activities, experiences and happiness. So, we care of our activities without involving others. Many conferences are being held here, but do you find collection of funds here? No. Each one takes care of their own requirements. They come here wholeheartedly and enjoy the bliss. Such conferences should be held not once but thrice a year. Each time, new delegates should be given a chance. Be prepared to put any amount of effort for education purposes.

Let There Be Less Talk And More Action

Today students are acquiring various degrees. They are becoming doctors and engineers, but they are not doing the work that is expected of them. What is the use of their education? Can you call them educated at all? The modern field of education has become highly corrupted. Even those who cannot read a thermometer properly, manage to get a doctor’s degree these days! Even the engineering education has become a sham. In our institutions, you may call even a First Standard boy and ask him a question. He will give the correct answer. Our boys are well educated but they are not putting their knowledge into practice. They say, “Swami knows everything. Whatever He tells is good for me”. When you believe that whatever Swami says is good for you, why don’t you follow His command? I do not want such people. One must practise what one says. You may be teachers, but you should be good students in the first instance. If a student takes to bad ways, he ruins himself, but if a teacher takes to evil ways, he will be spoiling the lives of many students. So, teachers have to be very careful. It is not enough to merely attend here and keep quiet. You should go outside and propagate all that you have seen and experienced here. Be heroes in practice, not merely in platform speeches. Share the bliss that you have experienced here for the last three days. Talk less and work more. That is what I am doing precisely. For the last ten days, I have not been talking to people much. Why? There may be a few narrow-minded people who might feel that Swami is telling them to talk less, but He is not following the same. That is why I am talking less now. I am doing so only to teach them. There is limitless bliss in limited talk. Bliss cannot be obtained from outside, it comes from within. The good or bad that you see in others is nothing but the reflection of your own inner feelings. Once you understand this truth, you will never talk bad about anybody. All that you experience in this world is nothing but the reflection, reaction and resound of your own feelings. So, you should be good to everybody and take them along with you with the spirit of love. Take care that you do not forget your Swabhava, which is the true Purushartha (objective of life). 

Follow Your Conscience

Many speakers have taught you many things on the basis of their experiences. I have been hearing them. Try to understand their experiences, put their teachings into practice and teach the same to others. I tell you only one thing. Having been born as human beings, you should overcome Maya, have the vision of the Atma and attain Nirvana. This is the purpose of your life. Where is the Atma? It is your very form. You are not the physical body. Body is temporary, it is like a water bubble. Mind is like a mad monkey, do not follow the body, do not follow the mind. Follow the conscience, which is your true form. How can you have the vision of the Atma? You need not search for it outside. Turn your vision inward. Only then can you have the vision of the Self. 

A person remained silent though he was being criticised. When his friend wanted him to react, he replied, “The same Atma is present in me as well as in the person who is criticising. So, why should I be annoyed when he is criticising himself.” A deep enquiry into the truth will reveal that when you love or hate others, you love or hate your own self. In fact, there are no ‘others’. You consider yourself different from others because of body attachment. Once you give up body attachment, you will realise that there are no others and all are yours. That is the true vision of the Atma. The Atma does not have a specific form. Bliss is Atma, Consciousness is Atma. Conscious means related to the senses; conscience is the inner witness and Consciousness is the all-pervasive Atma. Understand the unity of these three. Take to the path of service. Then you can proceed along the path of adoration and ultimately attain illumination. To the extent possible, serve everybody. True happiness lies in service.

Love And Sacrifice Will Confer God’s Grace

You may be disappointed that I have not spoken to you in the last two days, but I have been with you and listening to you all along. I do not have anger on you, nor am I disgusted with you. But I am disappointed in the sense that you are not paying heed to My words. Then how can you come up in life? What is the use of My talking to you or moving closely with you? This is the reason I have not spoken to anybody. But some people are unable to understand this truth. How can the narrow-minded understand My broad feelings? How can you attain God’s grace? Here is a small example. You toiled hard, earned money and deposited it in a bank for safety and security. No doubt that the money belongs to you, but the Bank Manager will not give it to you on your mere asking for it. There are certain rules and regulations for the withdrawal of money from the bank. You can withdraw the money only when you sign the cheque and surrender it to the Bank Manager. Likewise, you have deposited the ‘money’ of meritorious deeds with God, the Divine Bank Manager. Affix the signature of love on the cheque of sacrifice and surrender it to Him. Only then will He confer the wealth of His grace on you.

Man’s mind has become polluted because of modern education. When the mind is polluted, how can man come up in life? He may be highly educated and occupying positions of authority with name and fame. But all his achievements will prove futile if he does not know what he is supposed to know. What is it that he is supposed to know? It is the principle of the Atma. In order to lead a blissful life in this world, it is enough if you know that you are the embodiment of the Atma and everybody else also is the same. You are subjected to misery as you are unable to understand this subtle Truth. Tomorrow I will tell you in detail the Truth of human life, the goal of human life and the pathway to bliss.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Living With God Is True Education – By Prof. G. Nageswara Rao

Prof. Nageswara Rao with Sri Sathya Sai at Kodaikanal - 1989

Sri Sathya Sai University is a center for the learning of academic knowledge and yearning for spiritual wisdom.  In this Institute, we learn both secular and spiritual education. Both are required like the two wings of a bird to fly safely and comfortably at any altitude. One is for living and the other is for life itself. Sri Sathya Sai, the Sadguru, teaches us this right type of education ‘EDUCARE’, by His practice and precept.

Bhagavan says:                         

“Sadgunambulu Sadbuddhi Sathyanirati Bhakti Krama Shikshana Kartavya Palanambulu Nerpunade Vidya."

(Education is one that imparts virtues, good intellect, adherence to truth, devotion and discrimination, discipline and duty consciousness.) 

Good education confers humility, humility ensures credibility, credibility brings wealth, wealth induces charity, and charity confers peace and joy here and hereafter.

Sadgunambulu (Virtue)

Among the virtues, forgiveness (Kshama) is a noble one. Swami showed this when a lady devotee invited Him for lunch/ tea to her house and served poisoned vadas. Swami partook and came back home, His body became blue, He vomited the eaten vadas as a whole. The lady followed Swami and observed this. Swami’s reaction to the lady was one of love. She realized her mistake and asked for forgiveness. The Lord forgave her. She later on became a devotee.

Once Swami procured a bus. The dealer took money but supplied a substandard bus. The bus was not worth the money paid by Swami. In His large heartedness the Lord did not take any action against the supplier.

Sadbuddhi (Good Intellect) 

Cultivation of discrimination between good and evil, truth & untruth is culture. It is also removal of one’s evil thoughts, evil feelings and evil qualities. Culture is the realization of the inherent Divinity in man and making it manifest in one’s way of life. Swami gives us the example of Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya went to the seashore. He observed the ocean throwing out any leaf or particle (falling into the ocean) on to the shore. When asked, the ocean replied, “If it admits dust into it, in course of time the entire ocean will be filled with garbage, changing its very face.”

Sathyanirati (Adherence to Truth)

Sri Sathya Sai interacting with students during the Kodaikanal Visit in 1989; Prof. Nageswara Rao is seen in the second row

It was in the summer of 1989, Swami took some of us to Kodaikanal. One day Swami was talking about hostel food and kitchen. He asked me, “What is the monthly expenditure on milk, and daily how much milk is procured for the hostel?" I told Swami, “I don’t know.” Swami said, “That is good. If you don’t know something you can tell that you don’t know. One should not pretend as if one knows.” Adherence to truth also means to keep the word one has given. 

Once a lady whose husband had been killed by Naxalites came to Swami. Swami in the interview gave her solace and assured her that he would take care of her children. Swami gave seats in the college for her two sons. They completed their MBA in Swami’s Institute and currently are settled in good jobs. Once anybody says, “I am yours”, the Lord will take care and protect him wherever he is. The Lord speaks the truth. To be more precise whatever the Lord speaks, is the truth.

Bhakti (Devotion)

Devotion is Love for God and Love for Self within. It means seeing God in all beings and loving them as manifestations of God and showing compassion. Bhagavan fosters love in us. At first, He gives us what we want so that, in course of time, as we develop love for Him, we love what He gives us. Seeing His miracles, and His creations, we develop faith in Him. His protection and assurance in times of difficulties and adversities give us hope and we develop love for Him. Like a loving mother taking care of her children Mother Sai takes care of all of us. Once in Kodaikanal as usual all students sat with Swami and had food. One of the students was suffering from fever and did not take food. Swami observed this and asked him about his health. Swami went to the kitchen, brought a glass of milk, gave him and asked him to drink.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students during a Food Session

As one develops devotion to God, one sees God in all beings and loves them. This is the real attitude of spirituality. This love must manifest as service to fellow beings. For love grows in the womb of service. In Him we can see the spirit of service. His entire life is spent in the service of mankind. The Lord wants or does nothing for Himself. Whatever He does, speaks or thinks is for the good of the entire humanity. All the service activities and projects undertaken by Swami are expressions of His Divine Love. When we observe Swami and understand Him, we are prompted to give up selfishness and develop the spirit of service. He demonstrates and shows us His ideals, so that we can follow His example.

Love is sacrifice. The, spirit of sacrifice is very important. As it is said in the Vedas ‘Nakarmana Naprajaya Dhanena Thyagenaike Ammritatwamanashu’ (Not by action, progeny or wealth, but by sacrifice alone one can attain immortality) Real sacrifice is giving up bad qualities – ‘Arishadvargas’ like desire, anger and others.

The Lord is absolutely pure and selfless. As Swami says, “I have no selfishness. I am selfless from top to toe.” Out of His love and compassion for His devotees, He takes our suffering upon Himself and undergoes that suffering. That is His spirit of sacrifice. The Lord is willing to suffer for His devotee’s sake. A student was suffering from Asthma. He was called for an interview and during the course of the interview, the boy prayed to Swami to relieve him of his pain. Swami looked at him. His eyes were filled with love and kindness. The student started feeling that his breathing problem was decreasing, but now the Lord was breathing with difficulty. The student prayed to Swami, “Please don’t take my disease; I can’t see you suffering like this.” The Lord said, “What you have to suffer for years, I can take upon myself and finish the suffering in a few minutes.” 

Swami’s compassion is not limited only to humans but also to animals and birds - like Sai Geeta (Swami’s pet elephant), Sai Kishore (Swami’s pet camel), deer, pigeons, parrots, etc. and to all beings in this world, which is possible only for an Avatar.

Sri Sathya Sai feeding Deer in His Ashram

Krama Shikshana (Discipline)

A fence is required around a sapling for protection. Swami says discipline is like the fence to the sapling of spirituality. As He puts it – in the army, firing and parade are common and everybody has to learn these two. Similarly, for members of Sai Organization, discipline and devotion are a must. Like a physical director, He demonstrates and teaches. Earlier, when any programme was announced, Swami used to come half an hour before the time. Sometimes few minutes before the announced time.

Kartavya Palanamu (Duty)

Professor Nageswara Rao with Sri Sathya Sai
at the Brindavan Ashram

In the Gita, Lord Krishna says, “I have nothing to gain in the three worlds. Still I act and do things to set an ideal, for common people look up to great ones.” Lord Sai also has nothing to gain but He is always engaged in activity for the welfare of the society. He diligently and lovingly performs actions which are Divine. He does all His activities without anybody’s help. Years ago, Swami sent word that He would speak to the members of the Faculty of the University. On the appointed day, He was not feeling well. Late Sri Radhakrishna, who was helping Swami in His room, requested Swami to postpone the trip as He was not well. Swami said that He had given His word and accordingly He would go and speak to them. He came to the college five minutes before the scheduled time. 

Thus, the Lord, Sadguru teaches us by precept and example and gives us the right education (spiritual education). Thus, a Sai Student is one who imbibes all these qualities and shines forth as an example to humanity.

- Prof. G. Nageswara Rao

Student and Research Scholar (1982-1988), Faculty (1988 onward) Department of Chemistry;

Currently, Dean - Sciences

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Nandana 2010 (85th Birthday Offering)

First Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference at Prasanthi Nilayam – Part 2

Wednesday, July 16, 1997 to Friday, July 18, 1997

... Continued from Part 1

Bhagavan delivered His Valedictory Message in Sai Kulwant Hall on 18th morning. 

Sri Sathya Sai delivers the Valedictory Discourse of
the First World Youth Conference

"Young men and women! 

You are all wasting time which is Divine. God is described as Kaalakaalaaya Namah. He is the master of Time. The four days that you have spent here are just a minute fraction of time. The same individual passes through stages when he is termed as boy, adult, old man, etc, due to the passage of time. Time is God. Therefore you should not waste time. Excessive talk is waste of time. When you switch on the Radio and listen to all unnecessary programmes the current is wasted. The body is like a Radio Receiver. Chanting the name and singing the glory of God are useful. But while you indulge in unnecessary gossip, the energy is wasted. In doing wicked deeds also, you waste energy, thereby facing dangerous consequences too. By adhering to the twin ideals of Satya and Dharma (Truth and Righteousness) you can sanctify your life and avoid wastage of the precious energy that you are endowed with.

Instead of preaching the ideals - which is unnecessary as they are already there - you should put them into practice. Propagation is 'quantity' while practising is 'quality'. Quality is always important. A spoon of cow's milk is much better than a barrel of donkey's milk. Youth should turn their minds away from distractions and concentrate on practising human values.

I always advise people to avoid waste of time, energy, food and money. Young people should take up a job or profession and start earning money. They should know how to use it properly. Food is God. Time is God. So you should take care-not to waste them. 

Transform work into worship

Be good, see good, hear good, talk good and do good. The basis for such discipline is to think good which entails the control of mind. You must perform all actions as offering to God. Meditation on God is one of the steps for achieving steadiness of mind. Concentration is needed for every action such as walking on road, talking, reading, etc. You must concentrate with single minded devotion on God. Performing work as worship is also tantamount to meditation. When you have the feeling of divinity in you, you will not think, see, hear, talk bad or do any evil. 

Having full faith in the Divinity within is Self-confidence. This is the foundation on which the walls of Self-satisfaction have to be raised with self-sacrifice as roof, so that the mansion of Self-Realisation is complete.

Enquiring into the Self

In Vedanta, man is urged to inquire "Who am I?" You will realise that the body, mind and intellect are only your instruments. The single letter "I" is the Inner self or Atma while the three letter 'eye' refers to the body. You are the master and should make use of these instruments. You should be careful to use your mind in the right direction. Just as a piece of cloth is a bundle of threads, mind is a bundle of thoughts. If threads are removed there is no cloth. When you remove the thoughts there is no mind and no worry.

I often point out that you are not one but three persons in one. The one that you think you are at the physical (body) plane; the one others think you are mind; the one you really are Atma. When you have pure thoughts your heart is pure and full of love, radiating human values. In the term MAN 'm' represents mind, 'a' represents Atma and 'n' stands for merger of two. It also indicates Nirvana (Liberation). Buddha undertook spiritual pursuits and finally felt sorry that he had wasted his life in such external pursuits while he had everything within himself.

Man forgets Divinity within and indulges in wasteful exercises. The five vital airs in man are termed as Pancha-Pranas. In reality Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa - the five human values should be deemed as the five-fold life breaths or Pancha Pranas - Praana, Apaana, Udaana, Samaana and Vyaana (the incoming, outgoing, upward flow, even and circulating breaths). Since the values constitute the life-breath, one who does not radiate the value in his actions is deemed to be lifeless! There is an example for this in the case of five great elements: Earth, water, fire, air and ether. Earth has the five attributes of sense such as sound, touch, form, taste and smell. Hence it is very heavy and cannot stretch out. Water has all the other attributes except smell and it spreads to a limited extent. Fire has three attributes only, namely, sound, touch and form. It spreads more than water. Next comes air which has two attributes only sound and touch. It spreads around. But, Akasha (ether) has only one attribute-sound. Hence it is all-pervasive. God who is attributeless is present everywhere in every object.

When Form and Formless unite you get liberation

Modern boys ask, "Where is God? I want to see and catch Him." You are aware of air because without air you cannot survive. Can you see or catch it? Similarly, God is everywhere. Though you cannot see Him, you cannot live without God. God is consciousness. We know by experiment that two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen combine to produce water. Both these are inflammable when they are independent of one another. But, when they combine they produce water which can put out the fire. Separately they cause fire, when they join together they put out fire!

There are two entities namely, Nirakara and Sakara (formless and with form). In ice which is with form, there is formless water. Only when Form and Formless unite, you get liberation. This is similar to hydrogen and oxygen combining in a particular proportion giving water.

Consciousness which is all-pervasive and in all beings can be comprehended only by human beings. Animals and birds do not have this faculty. It is Divinity. from this you get 'Conscience' which is limited to body. The word 'Conscious' is related to senses. Consciousness is everywhere. All these three are in man. from the Dehatma Bhava (body identification) you have to rise to pure Atma (consciousness). Conscience warns you when you move on the wrong path. You. should not entertain any thoughts which do not conform to the dictates of your conscience. "Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati" (As you feel so you become).

Science has developed but senses have degenerated

Youth! You should mould your life by pursuing a good path, practising the ideals of Sathya and Dharma and grow spiritually. Today spirituality is being reviled. You give importance to Technology which is nothing but "Trickology"! It may yield temporary gains but is ultimately dangerous in the long run. In ancient times they observed Satya and Dharma (Truth and Righteousness) and had no fear. But in modern times Science has developed but senses have degenerated.

Science is a semi-circle while spirituality is the full circle. The Vedic dictum says, "That is full. This is full. This full has come from that. What remains is also full." You should keep everything within limit. Scientists discovered the Atom Bomb and also the Hydrogen Bomb, wasting huge stuns of money to produce instruments of mass destruction. All that money could be utilised for the welfare of humanity. If you have the feeling of brotherhood of man, then there is no need for fear and consequent building up of nuclear arms.

In Mahabharata, you have the Pandava brothers of whom Dharmaja is the eldest. Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva are the other brothers in order of their age. Now you have America and Russia leading in the world in technological skill and destructive power. But Bharat is like Dharmaja. Even though Bheema and Arjuna were endowed with more strength and valour than Dharmaja, they always bowed to him. Now Bharat is the nation upholding Dharma. When once you develop Dharma there is no need to attack or harm anyone. Hence no need to have destructive weaponry.

Dharma is the Astra (weapon). Satya is the Bhavam (attitude). Truth is common to all countries in the world. If you practise Satya and Dharma, you have no need to have bombs. 

Peace and love go together

We always chant at the end of all prayers and bhajans: Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti! Why are we mentioning Shanti three times? It is to invoke peace for body, mind and Atma (Inner Self). Atma Shanti can, not be there without Shanti of body and mind. Hence we invoke peace of all the three entities.

You should restrict your talk to the barest minimum. When you talk too much, you may stray away from Truth. That is why the ancients practised 'less talk, more work'. Love is the most essential undercurrent of your talk and work. Speaking with love is Satya and doing work with love is Dharma. It will give you Shanti. Prema Tattva (Love principle) should be followed. God is Love - Live in Love. we have only polluted love. We should practise pure love. With the same set of eyes, you see your mother, wife, daughter, etc. Though the eyes are the same, the vision is different. You see the mother with respect, wife with Anuraga (attachment) and daughter or son with Vatsalya (affection). The feelings are different. As you feel sorry when someone teases our sister, the others will feel likewise when you tease other girls. This principle of oneness should be imbibed by you. 

Students are generally good but change their behaviour due to environments. The famous scientist Einstein invented great scientific truths. But, in the last stage of his life he began realising the Truth and took to the study of Bhagavad Geeta! He used to say "Tell me your company. I shall tell what you are." What is good company - Sat Sanga? Sath is Truth, that is, God. So this means you should always be with God. Satsanga does not mean Bhajan participants. If you realise your. Reality which is Divinity there will be no trouble. When Mahatma Gandhi wanted to go abroad to England for higher studies, his mother did not like it. Gandhi understood his mother's fears about his maintaining sobriety and purity of conduct. So he made promises that he would nor drink, would nor smoke, and would have no contacts with women. He kept up all the three promises and returned with his principles of morality preserved intact.

Today the mothers themselves encourage their sons to go abroad and do not bother about their behaviour and conduct. You should have the feelings of oneness of humanity. Wherever you are, you should not hate anyone.

Realising oneness, the essence of Spirituality

Goldstein mentioned that 2,000 delegates attended this conference from abroad. He did not mention about the large number of delegates from India at all. You should consider the whole world as a mansion m which countries are different rooms. You should develop this feeling of oneness. The main lesson of spirituality is to share and live together in unity. Swami does not like the word 'Religion' which is often misused. Religion should help one to realise one's Reality. But people have narrow compartmentalised feelings as Muslim, Christian, Sikh, etc. Love makes no difference. It is the basis of all human values and you should practise it with full vigour to justify your real humanity. Having come here, you should return after leaving all your bad thoughts and feelings.

Prasanthi Nilayam is just like an automobile where all parts of a car are repaired, reconditioned and returned to the owner with new tyres, new parts and new painting. You, who come here, should shed your evil habits and thoughts like untruth, etc., and go back with fresh outlook so that your friends and others should find. you to be a transformed person. They should feel happy from your better behaviour. Thus you will contribute to the progress of your nation also.

Serve your parents and your country

Speak softly and obligingly. By using harsh words even to your mother, you will ruin yourselves. Consider Mother, Father, Teacher and Guest as God. You have to respect your parents even after your marriage, since they gave birth to you and brought you up. Wife is your selection. But mother is not so. Mother should be given first place. You have to talk to her sweetly, softly and respectfully. You should also try to influence your friends and relatives, inspiring them to transform and make their life meaningful by doing service to humanity. What is service? It is to do good and share your knowledge with others without selfishness.

Many people invite me often to visit other countries. I do not like to go abroad before setting this country right and transforming its citizens. Many people go abroad begging for money. Many also resort to begging in the name of Swami. Swami has absolutely no selfish motive. You must serve your mother country first. Swami wants nothing from you. You must become true embodiments of love and serve to remove fear. Be good and get happiness. Do good and you will be good. Through sacred action, make life sacred with the principles of Satya and Dharma as your guide posts.”

In the evening, a musical programme based on human values was presented by the 15 world regions. Each of them presented one song. On 19th July, Bhagavan blessed the youth delegates with a special Discourse in Poornachandra Auditorium, covering a wide ground indicating the spiritual basis on which a new harmonious and cooperative world should be organised. 

The full discourse can be viewed here:

The devotees from Bengal presented a drama based on the life of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda that evening. Bhagavan blessed all the artists. The conference concluded with Mangala Arati.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

First Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference at Prasanthi Nilayam – Part 1

Wednesday, July 16, 1997 to 

Friday, July 18, 1997

First World Youth Conference at Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference was held at Prasanthi Nilayam from the 16th to the 18th July 1997. Over 2,000 delegates from 66 countries and 10,000 delegates from India participated in the Conference. Bhagavan lit the lamps in the Sai Kulwant Hall and inaugurated the Conference on 16th morning after the March Past by the representatives from all the participating countries. Bhagavan then delivered His Inaugural Address. 

Sri Sathya Sai Addresses the First World Youth Conference

“When one's wealth is lost, it can be acquired again. If one friend is lost, another can be got. If the wife passes, one can many again. If land is lost, it can be acquired, again. But if time is lost it cannot be got back. In this vast cosmos and among the myriad species, man is the highest and noblest being. He is sublime. He is full of good traits. If a man loses these attributes of humanness, they cannot be easily regained. 

Young men and women! The prosperity and well-being of the world depend on the conduct of the youth. Only when their conduct is good, the world can have an ideal future. The night that has passed Cannot be recalled by any means. The waters of the Yamuna, once they have merged in the ocean, cannot be turned back. A fruit that has been eaten and digested cannot be recovered. Man is spending his days aimlessly without any awareness of what is in store for him in the future. He is not aware of the continuous erosion of his life-span by the passage of time.

Life is like a mega-clock. Its three hands indicate the rate at which the days, months and the year are passing. Man rejoices in the movement of the clock's hands but does not realise that every movement is a reminder of his diminishing lifespan. Hence, before the final hour strikes, every man should realise what his duties are and see that the remaining time is well spent. 

What is the root cause of man's birth in the world? What are the duties of man? No one seeks to recognise the inherent divinity in man. Young men and women today waste a good deal of their time, without realising, the preciousness of human life.

Transform from the human to the Divine 

There are two qualities in man. One is the animal nature; the other is humanness. Unfortunately, man is forgetting his humanness by falling a prey to the six enemies - lust, anger, greed, envy and others, and misusing his God-given talents. He thereby degrades himself to the level of the animal. On the other hand, man should use his mind, status, and talents to become virtuous, pursue the path of righteousness and strive to raise himself from the human to the Divine. All things in the world should be used properly, and not misused. A knife can be used for cutting vegetables or another's throat. How a knife is used depends on the man using it. His mental state should be in proper condition. A man's conduct is related to his thoughts and feelings. The heart is inherently pure. But one's thoughts can pollute it or keep it pure. One can make or mar his destiny by his thoughts and actions. 

Today everywhere the world is haunted by suffering, tin-rest, disorder and agitations. Any country filled with noble beings is bound to be peaceful and happy. What is the mason for the sad plight of a country? It is the absence of men and women of high character. To protect a country, it is not so important to have arms and missiles and atom bombs. It is most essential to have men and women of great virtue.

The world's prosperity or otherwise is based upon the character of the youth--men and women. Hence, young men and women should be pure hearted and render selfless service to the country. They should keep the company of the good and godly. Losing Paapa Bheeti (fear of sin) and not cultivating Daiva Preeti (the love of God), men today have lost the essential quality of humanness. This has resulted in the loss of peace in the world.

Show your gratitude by serving the society

Everyone should realise what one owes to the society in which one is born and from which one derives so many benefits. Young people should reflect on the question what gratitude they can show to the society which has given them so much. What service are you doing to society? Every man should show his sense of gratitude to society by rendering selfless service. It was for this purpose that the Seva Organization was started. But even here the Seva Organizations are being used to promote one's name and fame and not to render service for its own sake. 

The body is given for rendering service to society. Today wherever you turn in the administration, in the business world, in politics or other fields - you see no spirit of sacrifice. In every field, the atmosphere is saturated with pollution. This foulness has to be removed. Today the pollution affects people in authority, the parents, the educationists and intellectuals. Those who preen themselves on their scholarship have no humility that should characterise genuine scholarship.

People should consider the whole world as the mansion of one human family, when this spirit of oneness prevails, there will be no tendency to harm others. You should forgive even those who harm you. The youth should cultivate the quality of forbearance. Forbearance is a supreme virtue in man.

Love of God is selfless and everlasting

Embodiments of Love! Man should be free from fear. Animals inspire and birds are subject to fear. But man should neither cause fear in others nor be afraid himself. Today's young men and women should develop fearlessness as a principal quality. You should be afraid of only one thing: fear of sin. God is the only being to be loved. All other forms of love are transient and selfish. Love of God is selfless and everlasting. 

God seeks nothing from you. He is utterly selfless. Today if you wish to earn the esteem of society you have to secure Daiva Preeti (the love of God). For this you have to entertain fear of sin. What is sin? It covers all those activities which are motivated by selfishness born out of regarding the body and sensual pleasures as the primary things in life. Punya (merit) arises from all actions which take one nearer to God Para + Upa + Kaara = Paropakaara. Sin has been defined as Parapeedanam (causing harm to or forgetting the Divine). To remember the divinity in everyone is the means to acquire merit.

Young people today have lost the feeling of forbearance and as a result have become a prey to many bad qualities like anger and envy They should remember that today most young people are afflicted, in getting degrees, with Ahamkaara (the disease of egoistic pride). And this is the cause of all sickness in the world. This egoism has no real basis because the individual is an insignificant speck in the vast cosmos. it is born of ignorance. This ignorance will go if man realises that the whole universe is permeated by the Divine and belongs to the Divine. Everyone should do what is good and never forget God. That is the way to overcome egoism.

"Hands in the society, head in the forest"

It is the privilege and duty of the young men and women to promote the welfare, progress and peace of the world. Transform all your actions into sacred duties. Experience the love of the Divine. That is the meaning of Swami's declaration: "My life is my message." Adhere to the ideals set before you by Swami. Today people tend to forget Aaashayaalu (ideals) and foster Aashalu (desires). Selfishness prevails over patriotism. This should change. Never forget your motherland. Remember that our ancients enthroned sacrifice as the supreme virtue. They stood for justice and   truth. And as a result they enjoyed peace.

Today humanity is haunted by fear because there is no spirit of sacrifice; righteousness is at a discount and truth has become rare. Young people should enthrone Tyaga (sacrifice) in their hearts, wear the crown of justice on their heads and carry the sword of Truth in their hands. These are the weapons needed, to defend the nation. Young people should consider the true purpose of life. They should get rid of all the impurities in their hearts. With pure hearts, they should embark on service at all times and everywhere. Hands in society, head in the forest. From today develop an unwavering mind and a steady vision. That is the way to Divinise the world. 

…Young men and women! Today at the inaugural function only the broad pattern of the tasks before you has been presented. In the ensuing days the details of the duties you have come to discharge and the programme of activities you have to rake up, will be considered. What is basic to all these in the spiritual path is the chanting of the name of the Lord. By this means you can experience God. You must chant the name with love.”

On the 17th evening, Bhagavan addressed the delegates in Poornachandra Auditorium. The Discourse can be viewed here.

Thereafter, a musical programme was presented by the Indian devotees in the Divine presence. 

Continued in Part 2…

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

"How to sublimate our bad feelings?"

July 15, 1995

After Darshan, Swami sent word for Mr.Rao (a very old devotee of Swami). Before interview, Swami had told a student that everything was fine with his brother.  The student’s brother was ill for the past 3-4 days.  Swami said, “Do not ring up your parents, it will create only tension”. Swami took a few people for interview. After the interview, Swami came to the birthday boys. A Primary School student got up.

Student : Swami, my grandparents are not well.

Swami : Where are they?

Student : Swami, in Hyderabad.

Swami : I know grandfather has stomach pain and grandmother has heart disease. Don’t worry, I will give Prasadam. Send it through post. Are you a Marwadi? 

Student : Yes.

Swami : Your brother is also a Pakoda like you!! 

(Swami would often call fat people as ‘Pakoda’ referring to an Indian delicacy which is round in shape)

The student who was in tears, laughed and said, “Yes Swami.”  Swami signed the photos of the Primary School students. After few minutes, He went inside, got few Vibhuti packets, and gave them to the student. The student had no words to say. Swami called a doctor and materialised Vibhuti telling him, “Not for you.  Give it to the boy.”

July 16, 1995

After the interviews in the morning, Bhagavan came into the Bhajan hall, and seeing some students talking, He expressed His displeasure. Later looking at the Greek devotees who had come to sing Bhajans, Swami mentioned that they had great devotion and had come walking all the way from Bangalore.

Student : How to sublimate our bad feelings?

Swami : Sit in one corner for five minutes and chant, “I am not an animal”. Question yourself, “Why should I live like an animal when I am a man?” When you keep contemplating in this way, all the animal feelings will go away from you. If you see a snake, you’ll not go near it. You know that poison is there in the snake. Even if someone pushes you from the back, you will not go. (Swami emphasized the point that one should always keep away from the bad.) Follow My Teachings. That’s enough. Believe in Me. I’ll take care of everything. When you get a doubt, follow your conscience. Don’t follow somebody else. God is not somewhere outside. God is here. (Swami made this statement by pointing to His heart.) 

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991-2000)