Sri Sathya Sai on Message of the Scriptures: Watch Your Words, Thoughts and Vision

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks in Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam

Insights from the Ramayana - Watch Your Words

What did the Ramayana say? Through His life, Rama demonstrated many ideals. But the most important among them is ‘words’. Through words man can conquer empires and rule over them. And through words, he can lose the empire that he has conquered. All the comforts and wealth he wins through words, he also loses through words. Through words, we also get the Goddess of Wealth. Through words, we gain friends and relatives. It is only through words that we lose the relations and friends that we have gained. We are also bound by our words. Through words we gain liberation from bondage. All the experiences that we get in our daily life like happiness and sorrow, birth and death are also through words. Therefore we should try to control our words.

Kaikeyi was the daughter of the Kekaya kingdom, the King of Kashmir. She was very dear to the King Dasharatha. The desire for a family life is an important one among the worldly desires of man. Due to such family responsibilities, man gets many worries and has to face many troubles. The man, who enjoys peace, comfort and freedom when he was single, is bound to these responsibilities after the marriage. Many people say that there is no bondage after marriage and no bondage in family. But is reality, there is bondage in family life. However, for human beings, the bondage increases through ‘words’. A small example. In the Ramayana, Kaikeyi is a very important character. There was a servant who was very dear to her. Her name was Manthara. Servant means that she is under the control of the queen. But it happened that the queen was under the control of this servant. Senses are like our servants. We say that this is my body, my mind, my senses, etc. Then who am I? You are the Master. The body, mind and the senses are your servants. You should become a master who controls these senses. But in the modern age, it goes against this dictum. The Master (man) is under the control of the servants (senses). Because of that, in the Ramayana, a lot of troubles started. The servant Manthara, under anger and jealousy against Queen Kaushalya, complained to Kaikeyi at the time of the proposed coronation of Rama. She couldn’t tolerate the coronation of Rama. Against God, she did all sorts of treachery. She poisoned Kaikeyi’s mind by saying, “If Rama becomes king, he will treat you as a maid servant and your son Bharata will become his servant; so don’t allow this coronation to take place.” Because of jealousy towards Rama, Manthara went on accusing Rama of all sorts of wrong things. Because of bad advice and jealousy, she had to suffer a lot in future. Therefore we should control our words.

Rama consoling Dasharatha before leaving for exile

Kaikeyi was also a great person. It was Kaikeyi who taught all kinds of archery and weapon yielding to Rama. She loved Rama more than what she had loved Bharata, her own son. Because of listening to bad advice from Manthara, her mind also got polluted. That is why Swami says, ‘Run away from bad company’. You should not be under the control of wicked people. You should not listen to talk by jealous people. Because of listening to bad advice from Manthara, Kaikeyi’s mind got poisoned. What happened to both of them later? All the people of Ayodhya thought that they were wicked ladies. People thought that these both were sinners because they sent Rama into exile to the forest for 14 years. People thought that they were devils because they came in the way of the happiness of their subjects. Nobody accepted these two ladies. Even after thousands of years after the Ramayana, will anybody name their daughters as Manthara? Will any baby girl be named after Kaikeyi? No, they will not. What is the reason? In society, these two names were completely removed as these ladies had come in the way of the happiness of people. We should not complaint against others and should not talk wrong things about others. We have to control our words. Even the wealth that we may have gained, may be lost because of our words. This is what happened in the Ramayana. Both, the one who gave bad advice, and the one who listened to the bad advice, both became criminals in the end. 

Among our senses, first we have to control our words, i.e. our tongue. When we speak too much, we may also speak untruth. We may hurt others hearts also. Because of that, we may get into some sort of trouble also. We may get agitated also. Because of our talking we may get into many of these bad things. Talk less, study more. Students should study more and talk less. We must not become like Manthara by talking bad things. We should not speak with jealousy against anybody and should not listen to such talk at all. You must move away from the place where such talk is going on. If you listen to those words, you become like Kaikeyi. Except Manthara and Kaikeyi, you can aspire to become like any character in the Ramayana.

Insights from the Bhagavatam – Watch Your Thoughts

In the Bhagavatam, the two characters of Hiranyakashyap and Hiranyaaksha, hated God all the time. They were thinking against God all the time. What happened to them? Because of bad thoughts and hatred towards God, they couldn’t attain any happiness or peace inspite of their achievements. Hiranyakashyap was a great scientist. Hiranyakashyap and Hiranyaaksha had achieved great powers, thousand times of what the scientists of today have achieved. They also tried to change the orbits of the planets. Today’s scientists have been able to go up to the moon only. Hiranyakashyap went up to the sun also. He tried to even pull down the pole star. However, even though he was a great scientist, he never had peace of mind. What was the reason behind this? He wasted his life in only hating God. He also always had bad thoughts. Because of these bad thoughts, he could never get peace of mind. In spite of the physical, spiritual and mental powers they had, they led useless lives.

Insights from the Mahabharata – Watch Your Vision

In Mahabharata, Duryodhana and Dushasana were two such people. You all know both of them well. You should not develop friendship with such people. Duryodhana was all the time thinking and plotting against the Pandavas who were the embodiments of Dharma. They trusted God. Pandavas always followed the principle of “God first, World Next, Ourselves Last.” They gave first importance to God and as a result could achieve everything else. The Kauravas always had bad thoughts and continuously troubled the Pandavas. Ultimately, what happened to them? Among men, is there anybody named Duryodhana, Dushasana or Hiranyakashyap? In the whole world, there is nobody with those names. Because of their bad thoughts, the names Duryodhana, Dushasana and Hiranyakashyap have been cast out of the society. 

Bad vision is also very dangerous. Do you know why these two eyes have been given to us? The eyes are given to us so that we see the beautiful nature and the Divine form of God. You should not see things that provoke your senses or agitate them. Pandavas were the embodiments of Dharma. For 13 years they were in the forest in exile, and the last one year, they lived incognito. At that time Draupadi lived as the maid servant in the kingdom of King Virata. She was serving the queen of the King of Virata. A gem will remain a gem wherever it goes. Even if a big diamond is found in a pit, it doesn’t lose its own value. It is always valuable. It is said that ‘even if the egg of a peacock is hatched by a hen, its color and form do not change’. Draupadi was a lady of great character. Even though she was a maid servant in the palace of King Virata, her face had great radiance. Kichaka (brother of the Queen Sudeshna) saw that great radiance. These were bad looks from the side of Kichaka. We should not look at other women. Even if you look at them, you should treat them as mothers. You should not give scope for bad thoughts. Ultimately what happened to Kichaka? His head was broken into pieces. How did this happen? With his fist, Bhima broke the head of Kichaka like a coconut! Will any man be named after Kichaka, the man with a bad vision? Thus in society, bad looks, bad thoughts and bad words make human beings behave like animals. 

Source: Discourse 17, Watch Your Thoughts, Words and Vision, My Dear Students Volume 5; Divine Discourse on June 14, 1997

When it rained heavily prior to Ganesha Immersion Day - By D. Sai Vamshi Krishna

Everyone has somebody to whom he owes gratitude. In my case I owe my thankfulness and gratitude to someone very special in my life: Mr. Mango. Yes, I know that you would wonder if I have gone crazy. Well, to understand this let me take you back to the year 2002. My mother was a staunch devotee of Bhagavan but that could not be said of others in my family. So my mother never asked Swami to admit me in His school at Prasanthi Nilayam. We were sitting in the Mandir and Swami was distributing ripe juicy mangoes to all the children of the Primary School. I liked mangoes very much and also wanted one. Therefore, I asked my mother. She did not know how to say that Swami was giving mangoes only to some ‘selected’ ones. 

She just closed her eyes and thought, “Swami, even my son is Your child. He also wants a mango. Can You not give him one?” It was just a thought. 

We went back to Hyderabad and a few months later my mother came home to find a fully filled application form to Primary School missing only her signature. On enquiry, she came to know that a devotee couple had left it in the house. My father who was not interested and had never visited Puttaparthi had already filled all the details in the application. My mother signed it and posted. It was under such mysterious circumstances that I got a call letter and was ‘chosen’. Well, the story does not end here. When my mother had come to Puttaparthi on the first Sunday in the morning, Swami stopped near her, smiled at her and went back to His residence. She did not understand. Later when she came to school for parents’ meeting, I ran out to her holding a big, fat, ripe and juicy mango in my hand, saying that Swami had given it to me. And it is for this very reason I would like to thank Mr. Mango. 

At first, I used to think nothing miraculous ever happened to me until one day a senior brother told us to try to believe that everything is a miraculous act of God. 

Recently, I was thinking and talking to one of my classmates in Mandir about these experiences. I suddenly felt that I had been experiencing these miraculous acts of grace even after Maha Samadhi of Bhagavan. I would like to share some of these with you. 

On the day when the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield had celebrated the 12th anniversary of their Hospital, I had ‘AIDS’, i.e. Acquired Intense Devotion Suddenly! It was just a mere thought that how nice it would be if my batch as a whole could serve Swami in His hospital as doctors specialized in various fields? But now after we all complete our final board examinations we would not know where each of us would be going and the only chance to meet would be on Swami’s birthday, when we all would come to Puttaparthi and do a bit of service. To this thought, Swami gave an unexpected reply through a song that was being sung as a part of the hospital anniversary celebrations, “Aaj Se Har Din, Har Pal, Har Kshan, Sai Ka Janam Din Hai!” (From today every day and every moment is Swami’s Birthday). At that moment I felt completely overwhelmed, as if Bhagavan was sitting on the dais and looking at me, answering each of my questions.

Let me, at this point, dwell upon a subject. Many people say that Swami has now taken a back seat and we are in the driver’s seat now. So it is we who have to take His mission forward. Well if you ask me, I totally disagree. To put in simple terms, it is like this: before we were travelling in a car and Swami was the driver. Now we are in a train and Bhagavan is the driver. More people are boarding the train. Just because we cannot see the driver, does it mean that there is no driver? In the car if you have a problem you tell the driver directly. It is slightly different here. There is a red chain which, when you pull, stops the train and the driver comes to check. He does not see whether that person is from A/C coach or from sleeper or from general compartment. It is the same with God. The prayer is like the chain. It does not matter who you are. As long as your prayer is sincere, He listens and responds. He answers each and every prayer. 

It was the night before the immersion during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It was raining heavily, and added to it, the chariot-making-spot for the eleventh standard students was far away from the Hostel. The entire road was flooded and a lot of work had to be completed. The electricity supply also did not co-operate with us. Everyone was already tensed since so much work was pending. They were thinking how they would be able to paint the chariot in such adverse conditions. And all became furious with Lord Indra – the God of rain. Back in the Hostel we were discussing the next day’s work. When one of our classmates told us that we should not blame the rain as it might be a blessing in disguise. The time was almost 1.30 am. Since I had to go for painting along with two of my classmates I decided to stay awake till three o’clock in the morning. All the time I was thinking how the downpour could be a blessing in disguise! 

Students from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam leave with their Ganesha Chariot for the Immersion

The next morning it did not rain and everything was just fine except for the fact that I was getting a little late for Darshan. I noticed a teacher arranging snacks for our Primary School brothers. No one was there. As he was doing all the work on his own I decided to help him. While we were arranging things the elderly person in-charge of the kitchen came there and started talking to this teacher in Telugu. And what I heard was really astonishing: “How compassionate is our Lord! Every year boys have to immerse the Ganesh idols in some far away tanks. But this year Swami sent so much rain that we can immerse them in Chitravati river itself!” I was spell bound by the way God blesses in disguise. This shows that He is not only present but is also watching us and answering all our prayers. Well then, if He is continuously watching us, does our behaviour measure up to His expectations? Swami once told some student, “Just because you are a student of the Institution, does not necessarily mean that you are a Sai student. A Sai Student is one who follows the ideals of Sai, and not merely the one studying in Sai Institutions”.

Once during the summer visit to Kodaikanal, Swami was very upset with the students and was not speaking to anyone. The only words that He uttered were, “I want to leave this body”. That was enough to make everyone cry. Then a senior teacher approached Bhagavan and said, “Swami what mistake have we committed? Please tell us. We are ready to give up our lives for You”. Swami did not reply then. But that evening during Darshan Bhagavan asked for the microphone to be brought and started speaking. He said, “Why do you want to give up your lives? I do not want you to give up your lives. I do not want you to die. What I want you all to live the way I want you to live. From the time I get up in the morning till the time I go to bed I think constantly about you. When you are with Me, you are all very well-mannered and disciplined. But the moment you leave My physical presence, you all get into bad ways! It is like the pot of water which is immersed in water. It is full as long as it is fully immersed. But the moment it is taken out, the water starts evaporating. I don’t have any desires. Nenu Nishkamadanu (I am the one devoid of desires). My only worry is about you all. I want you all to be ideal Sai students. Since morning I have not been talking to you all and some boys asked Me the reason for that and said that they were even ready to give up their lives for Me. Whose life is it that you want to give up? Do not die for Me! Live for Me”. 

Are we living the way Bhagavan wants us to live? This is a question which each one of us has to answer for ourselves. Are we following the discipline that Swami wants us to follow? From now on, let us make it a point to follow at least the small things taught by Him, because we know that it is small drops of water that make the mighty ocean. Let us strive to put in our efforts not just becoming students of the Sai Institutions, but ‘the Students of Sai’!

- D. Sai Vamshi Krishna

Student, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)

751 Manifestations of Ganesha at Prasanthi Nilayam

Friday, September 1, 2000 to 

Thursday, September 07, 2000

Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated at Prashanti Nilayam between 1st and 7th September 2000. Apart from regular celebrations in Sai Kulwant Hall, 751 different manifestations of Lord Ganesha were displayed in a big decorated pandal, opposite North Indian Canteen. Puja, Homam and Bhajans were conducted for 7 days at this venue. This grand programme was organised as part of Bhagavan’s 75th Birthday celebrations, by Sri Sathya Ganapathi Sangha, Bangalore. 

Bhagavan blessed the gathering with His Darshan and Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.05 am, on 1st morning. Excerpts from the Divine Discourse are given below:

“On this day of Vinayaka Chaturthi, it is the practice of the Bharatiyas to prepare delicacies and offer them to Vinayaka. These offerings are unique and special. Til (seasame) seeds, rice flour and jaggery are mixed, made into balls, cooked in steam and offered to Vinayaka. You should enquire into the purpose of making such an offering. These steam-cooked preparations are good for the eyes and are beneficial to people suffering from Asthma and Eosinophilia. These offerings are meant to improve health and confer happiness on man. They are not to be treated as mere ritualistic practices. All that is related to God has sacred inner meaning. Man, unable to understand this truth, treats everything in the worldly perspective.

Man is endowed with Pashu Lakshanas (animal qualities) as well as Pashupati Lakshanas (divine qualities). Pashu Lakshanas originate from the head. Worldly education and intelligence are related to the head. The scientists make use of their intelligence to study things, which are related to the world. This corresponds to the Pravritti Marga. Virtues like love, compassion and forbearance, which originate from the heart, lead man to Nivritti Marga. Today man wants to be intelligent, not virtuous. The Gita declares: Anityam Asukham Lokam Imam Prapya Bhajasva Maam (as the world is temporary and is full of misery, attain divinity by ceaseless contemplation on God). Give up Pravritti and take to Nivritti. Only then can you redeem yourself. 

Today we find elders teaching the children matters that are related to Pravritti, not Nivritti. Right from a child to a decrepit old man, everyone is interested in Pravritti. But is there anyone who could experience peace in life by treading the path of Pravritti? How can one attain peace? Where is peace? Keeping an atom bomb in hand, people give lectures on the need for peace. Such people may be able to reach the moon, but can never attain peace and happiness. There is no need to search for peace in the external world. All that you get in the external world is only restlessness. Peace is within you. It is your form. Try to manifest it from within.

All Are Sparks Of The Divine

There is no power greater than that of love. You can attain peace by cultivating love. Peace is your birthright. External peace is temporary. Man should try to attain inner peace, which alone is pure, unsullied, eternal and immortal. For this, it is necessary that man should make proper use of time. It is therefore his foremost duty to utilise time in a sacred manner. Today man is wasting a lot of time in vain gossip and talking ill of others.

The Atmic principle that exists in you also exists in people whom you consider as ‘others’. Understand that all are sparks of the Divine. Isavasyam Idam Jagat (the whole world is the manifestation of God). Deho Devalaya Prokto Jeevo Deva Sanathana (body is the temple and the indweller is God). As all are divine, you should love all and hate none. Do not observe differences on the basis of your likes and dislikes. Treat everyone alike. Understand that Divinity is one. Ekatma Sarvabhutantaratma (the same Atma is the indweller of all beings). Once you understand this truth, you will lead your life with peace and happiness.

Cultivate Purity Of Heart 

Today, devotees from Bangalore have brought 750 idols of Lord Ganapati to worship, as this year happens to be the commencement of the 75th year of Swami’s physical body. One may bring 750 idols or 7 crore idols, but Ganapati is only one. No benefit accrues from offering worship to a number of Ganapati idols without purity of heart. It is enough if you offer worship to one Ganapati idol with the feeling of oneness. What is the purpose of doing pujas and vratas (austerities)? These rituals are prescribed to cultivate purity of heart. Chittasya Shuddhaye Karmah (the objective of actions is to purify the heart). All the nine paths of devotion, namely, Shravanam (listening), Kirtanam (singing), Vishnu Smaranam (contemplating on Vishnu), Pada Sevanam (serving the Lotus Feet), Archanam (worship), Vandanam (salutation), Dasyam (servitude), sneham (friendship), Atma Nivedanam (self-surrender) are meant to confer purity of heart. Sweets like mysore pak, gulab jamoon, burfi, etc., vary in name and form, but the sugar present in them is the same. Likewise, the principle of love is the undercurrent of all the paths of devotion. So, spend your life with love and end your life with love. This is the true spiritual practice. You are not separate from God. 

Divinity is the basis of human life. You can divinise your life by your Karma (action). Offer salutations to Karma before undertaking it. A driver, before taking his seat, offers salutations to the steering wheel. A dancer pays obeisance to her anklets before she wears them and starts her dance performance. A devotee pays his respects to the Gita before reading it. The purpose of offering prayer to Karma is to see that you perform only good actions which yield good results. This is the teaching of our ancient culture. You should offer Karma and its fruit to God before undertaking it. An illiterate lorry driver pays obeisance to the work he does, but not a scientist who is endowed with knowledge. Ego is the main cause for this. Such a scientist may consider himself to be very wise, but actually he displays ignorance. Just as our shadow follows us, ignorance follows one who is bloated with ego. Human life is a combination of wisdom and ignorance. It is a big mistake to consider yourself one of wisdom. Ignorance follows you like a shadow in all that you do. In order to get rid of this ignorance, you should consider Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat (whole world as the manifestation of Vishnu). There is nothing in this world which is not divine. On this basis, Thyagaraja sang,”O Rama, right from a Cheema (ant) to Brahma, You are present in everyone in the form of love.” How can one ignore such an all-pervasive Divinity?

Consider Every Moment As Divine

Consider every day as a sacred day. You do not need to wait for Vinayaka Chaturthi or Navaratri to worship God. Consider every moment as divine and make proper use of it. People do Bhajans without understanding their significance. Instead of focusing their attention on God, they are bothered too much about the tune and rhythm. No doubt, the tune and rhythm are also essential in bhajans. But once you fill your heart with Divine love, the tune and rhythm will automatically be taken care of. If you concentrate too much on the tune and rhythm, you will not be able to think of God.

Just as the iron ball cast in fire becomes one with it, your mind should become one with God. Water cannot be separated from milk; likewise, your mind should get merged with God. You should not think that you are separate from God. One who realizes this principle of unity is a true human being. Do not limit worship of God to festival days alone. Each and every moment should be spent in the contemplation of God. You may think, “If every moment is spent in the contemplation of God, then how is it possible to do our work?” Do not distinguish between your work and God’s work. Your work is God’s work as God and you are one. It is a mistake to think that all that you do in the prayer hall is God’s work and outside it is your work. You should not entertain such feelings of separateness. Consider your heart as the altar of God and turn your vision inward. One who understands this truth and acts accordingly is a true human being. 

Love Towards God Alone Is True Love

You think that you love your family and friends, but that cannot be called love in the true sense of the term. That is only attachment. Love towards God alone is true love. If you call yourself a devotee of Swami, act according to Swami’s expectation. Do not count the number of bags of rice and the number of saris and dhotis that you have given away in charity to the poor. You may submit such accounts to the Income Tax Department, not to God. God wants quality, not quantity. He sees the feeling behind your acts of charity.

Even a small act of charity will assume immense significance in the eyes of God, if it is done with purity of heart. One teaspoonful of cow’s milk is better than barrels of donkey’s milk. God is pleased even if you offer a teaspoonful of milk with love. God always observes your feelings. God’s valuation is always perfect; none can match Him in this respect. 

Conduct Yourself In Accordance With God’s Wish

Many students worship Vinayaka to secure high marks in the examination, to attain high qualifications and great reputation. But they do not aspire for good conduct and good behaviour. They should cultivate qualities, which are dear to God. Before undertaking any task, enquire whether it is pleasing to God. You are bound to attain success if God is pleased with your actions. Do not go by your own likes and dislikes. Conduct yourself in accordance with God’s wish. Eschew selfishness and self-interest. Cultivate sacredness and steadfastness. This is the teaching of Lord Ganapati. Ganapati confers on you Buddhi (intellect) and Siddhi (fulfilment). One can attain Siddhi only when one has good Buddhi. You have to love God wholeheartedly and offer Him all that you do. Then even a simple task performed by you will become significant.

In this land of Bharat, Ganapati is highly venerated. Ganapati worship is prevalent in all parts of India. Lord Ganesh shines in every heart. Who is Bhagawan (God)? ‘Bha’ means effulgence. One whose effulgence spreads everywhere is Bhagawan. Having self-effulgent God in your heart, why should you search for Him outside? Look into your heart. Divinity can be attained only through pure and selfless love. You may chant hundred and eight names or thousand and eight names of God. But without selfless service, it is of no use. All these are sterile activities. Service alone is fruitful.”

Thereafter, Bhagavan arrived at the special pandal at 8.40 am in a procession, led by a Yaksha Gana Cultural Troupe. He was received with Poorna Kumbham by the priests. Bhagavan lit the lamps and unveiled a six-foot long Sanathana Sarathi Ganapathi Idol, placed in a chariot. Bhagavan then proceeded to the galleries of the Pandal, where 751 forms of Ganapathi were displayed. Bhagavan blessed the organisers and materialised a gold chain for one of the ladies. Bhagavan then performed Poornahuti amidst Vedic chanting. The programme concluded with Mangala Arati at 8.55 am. Sri R. K. Prasanna Kumar of Bangalore presented a classical vocal music programme that evening. Bhagavan materialised a gold chain for him. Bhagavan blessed the idols of Ganesha that were assembled in Sai Kulwant Hall on 3rd afternoon. He posed for photographs with each group before the idols were taken for immersion.

On 7th, Bhagavan came to the pandal at 7.15 am, and performed Poornahuti. In the afternoon, the Shirdi Sai Ganapati Idol was taken out in a grand procession to Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagavan broke coconuts in front of the idol, before it was taken for immersion. He posed for photograph with the members of Sri Sathya Ganapathi Sangha.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986 – 2005)

Sri Sathya Sai On: Significance of Ganesha Worship

The five-element body of man equipped with five senses has as its life-breath the five-lettered formula, enshrined in the Namaka section of the Yajur Veda "Namah Shi-vaa-ya". It is a basic mantra which means "that which can save, when meditated upon." Every mantra has a seed-sound (Beejaakshara) which precedes it and provides it with additional potency. Sound emanated first through the will of God. So the Beejaakshara is fundamental for the mantra and its efficacy. The Akshara is sanctified by the Vedas or by the Tantra texts. The Beejaakshara for the five-lettered Namah Sivaya is the Vedic sound, OM.

The Sound OM arouses Energising Vibrations

OM is how A, U and M are jointly pronounced. Each of these letters is devoid of spiritual force but, together, they arouse energising vibrations. 'Shivaaya' in the mantra means 'to Shiva'. 'Shiva' is That which confers good fortune, wealth, prosperity and happiness. Pandits have commented on this formula and explained it in various ways. They have interpreted Na as indicating Nandi Vahana, the God who has Nandi (the Bull) as Vahana (vehicle). They take ma as the pointer to another Name of Shiva, Mandaara Maalin (wearing a garland of Mandaara flowers) and Si as Surya (the Sun which when it dawns on earth unfolds the Lotus of the Hearts of Beings etc). Each one al1ows his imagination to lead him along.

But, the formula contains a more universal and abstract concept. It has to be pronounced always with OM. The Namah (prostration) is for OM which is denoted as having the Shiva attribute (being the source of peace, prosperity and success, of Mangalam in short). The process of worship is best described by Pothana in the Bhagavata he has rendered in Telugu. Pothana speaks of "Chethulara Sivuni Puja" (worshipping Shiva with the hands). By 'hand', he means, the 'five-fingered', representing the five-lettered mantra. Shiva is the five-element-lord and so He has all the power and wealth the five can yield to man who is himself a composite of the five!

The Vedas assert, "Atma Vai Putranaamaa Asi" (Oneself is the person known as son). One repeats himself in the son. Ganesha is therefore Shiva Himself expressing certain aspects of Shiva on certain occasions for certain purposes. Ganesha means the leader of groups. Ganapati too means the same.

The Elephant head is the Symbol of Wisdom

The elephant-head of Ganesha is a symbol of intelligence, discrimination and wisdom. The elephant is ever alert and eminently conscious of its surroundings. Its memory is strong and deep. It treads through the thick forest imprinting huge foot marks on the track. One such print can subsume the marks left by scores of other animal, both wild and tame. It moves majestically through thick jungles; its very passage blazes trail for other animus to go through. It is a path-maker, helping others without being aware of it, because it is its nature. Ganesha guides the stars, the communities of men and their homes. He is Lord of Obstacles, causing them when needed and helping men to overcome them, when that boon will promote the well-being of the

supplicant. 

There is astronomical support also for the Ganesha festival, celebrated on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada month. A constellation with the appearance of the elephant-head becomes brightly visible on this very night. Ganesha is the embodiment of Buddhi (intelligence) and Siddhi (achievement). He was approached by Sage Vyasa with a prayer to write down the Mahabharata, even as he composed the hundreds of thousands of its verses! Ganesha agreed immediately; He brooked no delay, even to secure a writing tool: He broke his sharp-pointed tusk and was ready to start!

Lessons that Ganesha teaches Men

Ganesha can teach many a lesson to man. That is the reason for His being adored by people of all ages and professions. Take the problem of food. Thygaraja invites Ganapati most endearingly, and delights in offering Him sweet Sattvic items of food - coconut kernal, sweet fruits of various types, steam-cooked rolls and balls of Modak, etc. The elephant feeds on grass, sugar cane, bamboo-shoots, and twigs and leaves of the banyan tree. Devotees offer Ganesha, while worshipping, leaves, grass blades and flowers gathered from meadows and valleys. Ganesha, the Elephant-headed, is adored as the source of Love, Faith, Intelligence, Guidance and Grace. 

Take into consideration another role assigned to Ganesha. When Shiva is moved to supreme ecstasy and it is expressed as the Cosmic Dance of Nataraja, Ganesha, Master of Tune and Time, leads other Gods, marks time on the mrdangam (drum). No wonder, the Gods are pleased when puja is offered to Ganesha even before any of them is propitiated.

Man is bound by three tendencies. The first is Kama (the longing to possess). When that longing fails, Krodha (anger) raises its hood. When the desire is fulfilled and the thing is gained the third tendency, Lobha (greed) overtakes him. If one's desire is beneficial, the Divine will shower Grace. Ganesha has no desire, no anger, no greed. His Grace is available for all who seek good and godly goals. Look at the vehicle which He has chosen, the mouse! The mouse is a creature that is led, even to destruction, by Vasana (the smell of things). Men are all victims of Vasana (Preferences and predilections stamped on our minds during the past lives). Ganesha smothers and suppresses the Vasanas which mis-direct man and create misfortune.

Since the mouse has been honoured so, it shares the worship offered to Ganesha. Association with Gods, as vehicles, ornaments, accessories or servants of Gods, endows objects, animals and men with specially sacred status. Elephants, Lions, Eagles, Snakes, Primates--all these and many more have been divinised thus. 

This day is Ganesha festival Day. Since Ganesha leads when gods are invoked, installed and adored, this Festival leads the long line of festivals 'for other forms of God - Navaratri, Deepavali, Sankranti, Shivaratri. The duty this Day is to contemplate on the Universal and Eternal Truth embodied in Ganesha and worship Him with purity and faith, praying for the Grace which can prevent lapses and promote progress in all efforts to achieve the highest goal.

Source: Divine Discourse on September 18, 1985; Ganesha Chaturthi Day at Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai Principles on Business Management – By Prof. U.S. Rao

One may have any number of degrees, held high positions of responsibility in business organizations, but at the Lotus Feet of our beloved Bhagavan, one realizes that he has to reorient management concepts with a new perspective. Bhagavan is all-knowing. All the knowledge - both known and unknown to the world - is at His command. He discusses intricacies of cardiac surgery with cardiac surgeons, nuclear physics with nuclear scientists, and latest management theories with management students and faculty.

Prof. U.S. Rao with Sri Sathya Sai

I still vividly remember the day in 1994 when in Trayee Brindavan, Bhagavan explained the concept of Re-engineering, its importance and how it can be applied, at a time when the first book on the subject had just entered Western markets. In another session, He explained the subject of TQM (Total Quality Management) and how it is different from traditional Quality Control. His explanations are lucid, simple and direct. For example, He explained that the quintessence of TQM is ensuring harmony between Thought, Word and Deed (i.e., Intention or Plan, Instructions or Procedures and Action or Implementation). The unity in Thought, Word and Deed when applied at a personal level can make a person noble and when applied at the Organization level, can build the corporate image and win the trust and loyalty of customers and all other stakeholders.

Bhagavan also goes to the root of the problems facing business organizations, and gives practical advice to managers to excel in their profession and remedy the current drawbacks. Unfortunately today in India, business models and practices are directly taken from the West without considering their suitability and adaptability to Indian culture and conditions. Bhagavan says: “In America, the management pattern is based on competitive and profit-oriented system. The relations between management and workers are based on ‘hiring and firing’. Money and profits are more important than Human Values. By copying the American management model in India we are having difficulties and are not reaping the benefits we expected.” In Japan, the management pattern is different. The workers have a high sense of discipline. Even when they have grievances, they do not resort to strikes which affect production. The relations between management and workers are generally cordial and harmonious. It is this quality that has helped Japan to advance industrially and economically.”

On various occasions Bhagavan has given His pearls of wisdom on the following aspects of management which can help managers progress professionally as well as spiritually: 

• Importance of Character in Business

• Characteristics of an Effective Manager

• Harmony in the Organization

• Balance for Success

• Spirit of Work

• Man Management

• Spiritual Progress through Work

These pearls of wisdom have been compiled from Bhagavan’s discourses to His management students and faculty, to enable managers to excel in their profession and benefit from the same.

Importance of Character in Business

• “Right conduct is the royal road for man to achieve the highest state in life. When morality declines in a man, society, or nation, that man, society or nation faces destruction. The loss of morality may even result in the destruction of an entire civilization built up over centuries. Without morality, people perish. Morality is the life-breath of humanity. It is because of the decline of morals that humanity today is decadent.”

• “The long term performance of an organization depends on the competence and individual character of its Managers. It is not enough if they discharge their assigned responsibilities effectively, but their ‘off the job – job related as well as non-job related’ behaviour should be stainless. Character connotes verbal transactions, actions, daily conduct etc. A manager is required to communicate with subordinates in an affable manner and influence them positively. He will be able to evoke positive response from subordinates only when he conducts himself in an exemplary manner in their presence. Labour unrest in organizations today is because of the inapt personal conduct of managers. A manager should correct the subordinates if they happen to be on the wrong path, and can be firm with them for their own good. The workers then would be willing to look up to their managers as their role models.”

• “Character is very important for managerial excellence, but it is being ignored in today’s society. In Japan, a bank went into bankruptcy because of one characterless individual, who resorted to gambling and endangered the bank’s very survival. The people at the helm of affairs in the bank, who were supposed to monitor deviations, could not sense the impending catastrophe because they did not pay attention to the importance of character in business. If the character of the people working in an organization is good, even an organization faring poorly can be transformed into a successful organization.”

Characteristics of an Effective Manager

• “Those who are keen on shaping themselves as good managers should be good at Man-Management. People can become effective in Man-Management only if they possess good character. The manager can make work as the means to achieve material as well as non-material objectives, while working in an organization. The manager should regard work in an organization as an offering to GOD, and this will give maximum satisfaction to his own conscience. Managers should conduct themselves complying with the dictates of their conscience, understand the purpose of business, and thereby satisfy customers and community. Selfish people are not leaders. Only those who are selfless and do not transgress the codes of morality and integrity are leaders.”

• “One should cultivate heart to heart communication and good behaviour. One should practise everything that he expects others to implement in their day-to-day lives, and only then preach the same to others.”

• “People in general today are ignoring the present, and are brooding over the past or are worried about the future. For past as well as future, the present is very important and if we are careful about the present, even the future is safeguarded.”

Harmony in the Organization

• “There should be perfect co-ordination among employees of an organization, just like that among the organs of perception and action in a human being. When the eye spots a fruit on a tree, the back bends, and the fingers pick up a stone. The hand throws the stone aimed at the fruit and strikes it down. The fruit thus collected will be passed on to the stomach through the mouth. If one evaluates the whole process to rate the relative importance of different organs: eye, hand, fingers and teeth, it is not possible to arrive at the relative ranking as all are working in perfect co-ordination for the overall progress of the person, and all tasks are equally important. For the survival and prosperity of an organization, there should be perfect cooperation among all its employees. Confidence or trust is an important aspect for such cooperation to be achieved among personnel of an organization.”

• “The relationship between management and workers should be similar to the relationship between a mother and the children, based on mutual love and understanding. It is desirable to start the day in every factory or workshop with a silent, common prayer in which managers and workers join. When such prayers are held, the workers will be able to experience harmony in the factory.”

· “Suprabhatam actually refers to the awakening of goodness in oneself. In the morning Brahmamuhurta time, all good feelings emerge. They have to be kindled. One has to awaken the spirit of divinity within oneself. If one gets up with good feelings willingly, the heart gets sanctified. Yad Bhaavam Tad Bhavati. With whatever feelings one gets up, the day is spent with the same feelings. So, if one gets up with good feelings, his whole day will be fine. If not, one will unnecessarily quarrel during the day. So, as soon as one gets up, one has to awaken the conscience so that it can be merged with the consciousness. So, students must have the ‘spirit of work’, follow discipline, and discharge their duties properly.”

Balance for Success

• “What man needs is balance. Man may be proud of his knowledge but only when it is used properly does he get the balance. It should be borne in mind that balance is attained only by a dynamic synthesis between knowledge and skill. It means that an individual achieves equilibrium only when he learns to transform the knowledge into skill. Today, one pays more attention to knowledge than to balance. But life is based more on balance. Even business is based on balance. If attention is paid to all aspects of business, only then the business can be successful. Man faces a lot of difficulties   and problems, and in their midst, he must have balance. If he faces sorrow, he has to courageously accept it knowing that there is some good even in it.”

• “Business has five life forces. They are Production, Marketing, Warehousing & Distribution, ensuring safety and security of all resources (Risk Management) and Direction. If there are lacunae in any one of these, business will suffer. All the five are equally important and concentration on only one or a few of them will not be effective. For business, Production is the engine and Direction is the guard. In between them, the other three aspects lie. These are the keys to success in management. These five life breaths of the business have to be in tune with the nature, traditions and culture of the nation. As business has become international, even management should possess international orientation with a cross-cultural perspective.”

Spirit of Work

• “The Japanese have patriotic feelings and they work for the development of their nation. The unique feature in Japanese workers is that they have the ‘spirit of work’. They are more concerned about it. Today in India, the spirit of work has declined. Workers work less but demand more wages and so, the prices are soaring. As a manager, one should not give importance only to one’s own interests. Instead, one should concentrate on the spirit of work, and on the methods for improving the factory. Everyone should work and be a worker. Then only will one’s value go up. Japan learnt everything from America, but it has surpassed even America because the Japanese concentrated on the spirit of work. In Japan, if workers start a job, they do not go home until they finish it, even if it becomes late in the night. Japanese do their duty sincerely. That type of working gives them Self-satisfaction. It satisfies their conscience. This satisfaction is essential.

• “In today’s world, the industrial and business organizations are in a state of chaos. The reason for this is that neither managers nor workers volunteer to take up any responsibilities, but only crave for rights. However, it should be remembered that only those who accept responsibilities with enthusiasm would be endowed with rights.” 

Man Management

• “Management means knowing mankind. First is having the ‘mind of man’; ‘I Have a problem, and I suffer for it. Similarly, if another person has a problem, he also would suffer like me.’ ‘If someone troubles me, I feel hurt. Similarly, if I trouble another person, he would also feel hurt like me.’ This is the meaning of having the ‘mind of man’. Thinking that my problem is mine and his problem is his, is the nature of animal mind. If your boss abuses you, you feel hurt. Similarly, the worker will feel hurt if you abuse him. As such, one should use one’s authority in relation to work and not to the individuals. This is possible only if one has ‘Awareness of Atma’. Everything is encompassed and realized by this awareness. So, one must understand that the same Atma resides in all beings. Qualities or Gunas may be different, but Atma is the same.”

• “One should be able to take good from everything and gradually view everything as Good. If a worker in the organization commits a mistake, he should be called privately and counseled to mend his ways. One should look for ways and means that win, and not trigger agitation among workers.”

• “The problem of overstaffing arises because of the recruitment policy of an organization. Recruitment should be need-based and the number recruited should be limited. With a small number of dedicated members, more work is accomplished by effectively utilizing the resources. If you employ more and later attempt downsizing, it becomes a problem as it evokes stiff resistance from unions. Therefore, the number of people to be taken into the organization should be restricted at the stage of recruitment itself.”

Spiritual Progress through Work

• “It is quite easy to practise ‘oneness’ while working in an organization. This can be achieved by concentrating one’s attention on the work one is doing. If one regards work as Divine, then that work will be transformed into worship. If one considers his work as an offering to God, he will also be able to attain excellence in work, and the results will be favourable. One should identify oneself with one’s own work and should get merged in it.” 

• “Atma is the conscience residing inside. Whatever activity one does, it must please the conscience. One’s conscience tells the mistake made. One may cover up one’s defects and argue with others, but if his conscience tells, “Yes there are defects”, then argumentation and covering up is futile. Conscience always speaks the truth. This is the inner voice, internal talk and internal connection.”

• “The essence of all Values is Love, which is the very basis of all other values. One should be able to love everybody selflessly. One will not be attracted by anything if he is bereft of love. There can be no Righteousness, Truth, Peace and Nonviolence without Love. Love is Life. If Selfless Love is there, there will be perfect harmony. There is nothing which cannot be achieved through selfless love. One should continue to fill oneself with more and more Love till one merges with the Universal Consciousness.”

• “One should earn wealth based on Dharma. The wealth has to be used for righteous purposes. Only then will the wealth be sanctified. Desires have to be fulfilled in tune with Dharma and Artha. Dharma, Artha and Kama are really life breaths of Man leading to the final goal of Moksha.” 

Managers with Integrity and Character - Need of the hour

Considering the need of the nation for managers and leaders with integrity and character, Bhagavan started a specially designed management programme (MBA) in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam on the 21st August 1986. During the inauguration, He declared the objectives of the programme in the following words:

“We need today leaders with integrity and character. Therefore, the aim of management institutes should be to produce such leaders. Their courses should be based on Indian culture and values. Along with other courses in remaining aspects of management viz., production, accounts, finance and personnel, we should have a strong base in ‘Indian ethos and values.’ We should concentrate on meeting the basic needs of our country. Our programs should be based on our resources and on our practical ability to achieve the goals. We have also to combine morality with spirituality in business and other spheres. In our Institute, we should turn out Masters in Man Management (MMM). Our students should develop a broad outlook and prepare themselves to serve the society with sincerity and dedication. They must set an example in morality and bring credit to the country by their work and their contribution to the development of the nation.”

- Prof. U. S. Rao

Dean (1988-2009), Faculty of Management & Commerce

Director (1995-2011), Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision

Conversations on the MBA Day Drama

August 20, 1997 

After the interview, Swami came to the MBA students and asked…

Swami : Drama Ho Gaya?(Has the drama got over) Very nice.

Principal : Ledhu (No), Swami 

Swami : Repeating again, Drama Ho Gaya, Bahut Achha (Very good). I will not come.

Students : Please, Swami.

Swami : You have practised only once. What can you do?

Student : Swami, we started practicing two days back!

Swami : (Referring to another student) He started only in the morning, whole day practice Kiya. (To another student) What is your name? (The student told his name) No, what role you are playing in the drama?

Student : Chanchal, Swami. 

Swami : Oh! Monkey! (A burst of laughter from the students).

Student : Not real monkey, Swami.

Swami : Mad monkey. (Looking at some words written on the card…) What is this?

Student : ‘Divine’, Swami.

Swami : Why is ‘D’ in one direction… ‘I’ in another?

Student : Modern art, Swami.

Swami : I do not like modern art. What is the spelling of ‘Scene’?

Student : S-c-e-n-e.

Swami : That is ‘skene’. (Everyone laughs) What is the spelling of ‘Walk’?

Student : W-a-l-k, Swami.

Swami : ‘L’ Kahan Jata Hai? (Where does the  ‘L’ go?). Chup Ho Jata Hai!! (Becomes silent).

Swami : What is this… 1-mind, 2-mind? This is wrong. ‘Divine’- Where is the ‘I’? It is cross. Ek Idhar Jata Hai Aur Ek Udhar. (Referring to the alphabets - One is going this way and the other is crossing it).

Student : Swami, this is modern art.

Swami : I like only ancient art. What is SBMAF?

Student : School of Business Management Accounting and Finance.

Swami : Why school? School means, where small children go.

Student : We are Swami’s children, we are small.

Swami : Small children MBA Kaise Kar Sakta Hai? (How can small children do MBA)? Small children ABC Karta Hai. (Small children can learn the alphabets) What is the meaning of ABC? 

Student : Always Be Careful.

Swami : There is one more meaning.

Student : Avoid Bad Company.

Swami : Yes, that is more important, and especially the company of bad thoughts.

Then Swami looked at “XI” and asked, “What is this?”

Student : ‘Aleven’, Swami.

Swami : It is not ‘Aleven’, it is pronounced as ‘Leven’. (Swami then called the Principal - Sri Sivaramakrishnaiah) In School, there is no concentration on pronunciation and handwriting, that is why some students say, ‘Aleven’ ‘Woruld’ (World) and ‘Thard’ (Third). This is very bad.

August 21, 1997

Swami : (Seeing the SBMAF students) Boys, do you want to know how the drama was? It was good. In future, boys should think about what they had spoken in the drama and put them into practice. The dialogues are not just for a drama, they are for real… Some boys have come from Hyderabad and the surrounding villages. Many are students. These boys do Grama Seva everyday right from morning to evening, and in the evenings, they perform  ‘Burra Katha’ (folk tradition where legends are told with the help of songs and dialogues) on Swami’s life and teachings. After the Youth Conference, they started working vigorously. I am going to talk to them now. 

(Referring to SBMAF students) Did you all have a sound sleep in the afternoon? Last night you all worked till 2 O’clock; I know.

Principal : Swami, we offer our gratitude to You for coming to the Institute.

Swami : Don’t use words like ‘Thank You’ and ‘Gratitude’. Am I a third person? Did you hear the songs sung by the Hyderabad Youth Group?

Principal : No, Swami. (Swami then asked the Hyderabad boys to sing two songs)

Swami : All should learn these songs. They have a very good meaning. (To Hyderabad boys) You are all Swami's children. 
(To one of the Institute students) What were you boy? (In the drama)

Student : Manu Chakravarti.

Swami : Yesterday Manu Chakravarti, today No Chakravarti!

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