Sri Sathya Sai On: The Secret of A Happy Life

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

Sometimes certain feelings originate in our heart. Clouds which originate from the sun cover the sun itself. Water that is not used for many days is covered by the moss which has grown in the water itself. Cataract, which is born of the eye, covers the vision of that very eye. Ash which comes out of the fire covers that same fire. So too, compassion is present in our very heart. But we neglect it, or divert our heart in a wrong way. A seed has oil in it, but you should know the procedure of extracting oil from it. Without thrashing the sugarcane, you cannot make sugar out of it. First, you have to crush the cane and extract the juice. Then you have to boil the juice to make sugar out of it. On the other hand, if out of compassion, you do not remove the juice from the cane, you will never get sugar. The flower of compassion doesn’t work over here. In the same way, our body is like sugar cane. Unless it is crushed by sufferings and pain, it doesn’t give the sweet juice of compassion and kindness. This is known as ‘Samskara’ or refinement. Refinement means removing all bad qualities, and fostering all good qualities. This is the main principle and the secret for leading a happy life. Unless you feel hot you would not purchase an air conditioner. Unless you feel hungry you won’t eating anything. In the same way, unless you face difficulties you will not remember God. In times of happiness and joy people don’t pray to God, but in difficult times they realise the need for God. In times of pleasure and comfort, man becomes egoistic. Pleasure is the interval between two pains. Therefore, first we have to suffer pain. Then only can we enjoy pleasure. 

Develop Faith in God and Yourself

Since ancient days Bharat had set these cultural thoughts. If you have gold with you and you take it to the goldsmith what does he do with the gold? He keeps it in fire, hammers it, and then the gold takes a particular shape. Then he will carve it into a particular design of jewellery. If you don’t want the goldsmith to hammer your gold how do you expect to get the jewellery? In the same way we should offer our mind to God and ask Him to make a jewel out of it. If, in this Kali age, you offer this wavering mind to God, then He will surely take care of it. You may be facing serious hardships but you should not waver. For this you should develop one-pointed vision and an unwavering mind. But you get these only when you have faith in God. Therefore, first develop faith in God and yourself. You should know the greatness of faith. If you don’t have faith in yourself then how will you develop faith in God?

Who is God? You are God. You are not able to know this truth. Why do you search for God when God is present in you? Body is the temple and the Indweller is God. What sort of a temple is this body? It is like a moving temple. And God will follow you wherever you go. That is why God is in you, around you, above you and below you. So we should have full faith in this eternal truth. We have to live in a manner such that our conscience is satisfied. 

Narada and Sanata Kumara

Narada and Sanat Kumara

Practice whatever you learn. You may learn many things in spirituality, but you should try to practice one or two at least. Once Narada approached Sanata Kumara and prayed to him for supreme wisdom. Sanata Kumara, in turn, inquired about Narada’s eligibility for receiving the highest wisdom. Narada replied that he had studied the four Vedas and the six Shastras. He had understood the secrets of all rituals and the fruits gained by the actions as expounded by the Vedas. He also claimed to have understood the meaning of each and every word. Having listened to all this, Sanata Kumara asked Narada, “It is good that you have gone through all these sacred texts, but how many things you have practiced from the Vedas? You would have gained wisdom if you would have practiced one of them”. Bliss or happiness does not lie in education. Modern education is confined to textual knowledge, and it is not enough if you are familiar with texts. Throughout your life you keep on reading. But when are you going to practice all that you have learnt, and when will you attain permanent bliss? All the food served in the plate should be partaken and digested. Only then will it give you strength. Narada was well versed with all 64 kinds of knowledge and yet he could not experience bliss. We should, therefore, gain practical experience. We should realise what we are reading so that we practice at least a fraction of it in our daily life.

Cultivate Spiritual Knowledge

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Students! Instead of lecturing in tons, it is enough if you practice in pounds. One pound of practice can cure all your diseases. You don’t know what is to be taken in. You take into your mind all the happenings of Japan and Russia. All unnecessary material is taken inside and hence there is no place for necessary material. Stuff your minds only with that which will help you in leading a peaceful life. There were so many great people who were born in this country who excelled everywhere. But do you find their name in the world today? You all know the city of Calcutta. It is the city of great people such as Bipin Chandra Pal and many others who were highly intellectual and highly educated. But does the present generation remember them? Their names are there only in books. But, the name of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a person who didn’t even learn alphabets, is present in the heart of every person. Therefore, we should try to enter into the hearts of people and not into books. Students, along with your regular studies you should cultivate spiritual knowledge. Only then there will be harmony. Just as a bird cannot fly without two wings and a car cannot drive without four wheels, you should have perfect balance between studies and spiritual knowledge. The text ‘Grantha’ and the fragrance ‘Gandha’ are our hearts itself. You should win all praise and acclaim so that people follow you later. 

Along with education refinement is also necessary. Many people like Elliot did research on this topic but could not come to the conclusion. Finally Elliot concluded that culture is the way of life. What is this way of life? Even bad way is a way of life. Therefore, you should select that path which can directly take you to bliss. You get eternal bliss if you follow the direct path to God. That path is the path of love. This bliss is one of wisdom and it is the one which is attributeless. Therefore, we should try to reach that God who is attributeless. This whole world is full of attributes. What are these attributes (Gunas)? They are Sattva (the pious), Rajas (the emotional) and Tamas (the dull). A violin, for instance, has only four strings but you can play all tunes on these four strings. In the same way many things originate from these three attributes only.

Source: Follow Your Conscience, Discourse 6, My Dear Students, Volume 4

Vacation Conversations with Sri Sathya Sai

October 19, 2002 (Saturday)

Morning

As per the usual practice, a drama is presented on the evening of the University Convocation day. Swami asked the Brindavan Warden, to supervise the preparations and He was Himself guiding its progress personally.

Swami : (To the Warden) Do not bring any topic about religion in the Convocation drama. There are clashes, as such, among people belonging to different religions. The present situation in the country is not good. All over, the people are quarreling in the name of religion. So better avoid any reference to such a thing. Ours is only one religion – the religion of love. Rather, concentrate on the topic of education for all. That would be much better. The President (Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam) is the Chief Guest. It is appropriate if we concentrate on education in the drama.

Teacher : The President likes students and the topic of education. At his swearing-in-ceremony, he even invited some children.

Swami : Today, everything is politicized. Giving water, education, etc., everything is used for Swalaabha (for selfish purposes). Broad feelings for the nation are amiss in the leaders.

Teacher : Swami has once said, “We have not achieved unity though we achieved independence”.

Swami : I have always been saying that nothing can be achieved unless all people work united. Mere independence of the country is not enough.

As it was time for morning Bhajans, Swami went into the Bhajan hall.

October 25, 2002 (Friday)

As per Swami’s blessings, the series of talks every evening by students belonging to different classes continued for an entire week and were scheduled to conclude today. Two students belonging to the second year postgraduate classes gave the talks after Swami sat in His chair in the portico. After the talk, Swami indicated to one of the first year MBA students, Shashank Shah, sitting in the fifth row to come to the portico.

Swami : Baat Karta Hai? (Will you give a talk?)

Shashank : Yes, Swami.

Swami : (Smiling mischievously) Lekin Tumhara Naam Announce Nahin Kiya, Kaise Baat Kar Sakta Hai? (Your name has not been announced, how can you give a talk?)

Shashank : Swami, You indicated to me to come here. That’s why I came.

Swami : (Smiling and satisfied with the answer) Achha. Achha (Good). Where do you come from?

Shashank : From Bombay, Swami.

Swami : Achha. Baat Karo (Good. Go and give a talk). (After the talk, Swami asked Shashank to sing. He sang a song in Hindi ‘Hamein Tumse Pyaar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahi Jaante, Magar Jee Nahi Sakte Tumhare Bina’ (We don’t know how much we love You, but we can’t live without You.). 

Shashank Shah speaks in the presence of Sri Sathya Sai

Swami expressed His happiness and asked Shashank to sit down. As Swami got up and was moving towards the interview room, He told the teachers smilingly.) See, the boy whom I selected spoke much better than the boys you selected!

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

Sri Sathya Sai Principles on: Business and Ethics – By Ruchir Desai

Ruchir Desai with Sri Sathya Sai at Kodaikanal - May 2003

Volumes have been written on the need and importance of ethics in business in the last few decades. The wide profusion of literature on a subject, which needs to be practiced, more than discussed, is perhaps indicative of how difficult it is to practice it and more so to make others practice it.

The arguments espousing the cause of ethics in business have ranged from the morally upright stance, to the discharge of social responsibility, to enlightened self interest. While it would be futile to add to the vast body of well-thought out and documented literature on the subject, it would be in the fitness of things to examine how implementation can become more widespread.

We live in an age where society seems to be concerned more with ends rather than means. Sportsmen have to be monitored for using unfair means such as performance enhancing drugs; politicians use any means to come to power and retain power; people in positions of power or authority use their perch to enrich themselves; and temples of learning and temples of healing have become citadels of business. The icons of any age characterise the social mindset of that age and the icons of today are the rich and the powerful. It is but natural that in such circumstances, large sections of the populace fall prey to the same thinking.

Wealth and the perquisites attendant to wealth have been natural attractions for the human mind since ages. It is neither surprising nor wrong for businessmen to join in the pursuit of wealth. The businessman has traditionally been at the hub of society’s wealth and has been an important contributor to the process of wealth creation. Gandhiji’s concept of trusteeship was based on this philosophy.

Pursuit of wealth, per se, is not sinful. What makes the activity undesirable is the use of questionable means for the attainment of wealth and the thoughtless ways in which the wealth is used. Ethical behaviour is the first casualty when business seeks to amass wealth for the sake of amassing wealth, and without consideration of the means used. Any amount of logical argument, appeals to the conscience, or moral suasion, are of no use. Legal compulsions are even less effective, for ethical behaviour cannot be enforced.

It is here that some of the teachings of Bhagavan Baba become very pertinent. I would like to draw attention to what Swami says about discipline. True discipline cannot be enforced. What is enforced will have effect only when the person who has to enforce it is supervising the activity, and all aspects of human activity can never be supervised or regulated. True discipline springs from within. The best discipline, Swami says, is self-discipline. It is a natural and spontaneous response in any situation. It is born out of and sustained by the conviction that what one is doing is right and it is natural to pursue the right path, irrespective of the consequences. Such thinking is difficult to sustain for when the going gets tough, it is easy to succumb and move on to the primrose path. Yet, if one is convinced of one’s true dharma, it is possible to carry on the right path unwaveringly. The late Sri Nani Palkhivala very beautifully defined dharma, while delivering his convocation address to the students of our Institute in 1982, as “obedience to the unenforceable.” The only solution to the problem of ethics is self-discipline, which springs from a tough moral fibre and a superior value system.

Ethical behaviour and profits are not necessarily opposites. However, ethical behaviour would definitely limit the profits that a business can garner and would certainly not allow a person to earn an unlimited amount of wealth. While it may yield adequate profits in the long run, it would also entail loss of profit or even an outright loss in the short run. Does society today have the patience and foresight to accept this, especially when short-cuts are available at the cost of some intangible called “ethics.” Moreover, even when profits are being earned, the question of what is reasonable and what is not; what is enough and what is not, remains. Further, it is widely believed that the summum bonum of the existence of business is the shareholder. 

While it is true that maximisation of shareholder wealth ought to be the objective of all business decision making, that alone cannot be the sole guiding light, as the interests of all other stakeholders have to be considered. Among the other stakeholders societal interests often suffer, as there is no one to represent it or speak out to protect its interests. Employees, creditors, suppliers, customers and other interest groups may, if active, protect their interest. The casualty is the overall social well-being and the general interests of society, be they oriented towards social welfare, environment, social equity or the payment of adequate “rent” by business for the benefits that it derives from society. This is also partly due to the apathy of people in public life and the indifference of the average citizen to anything which does not directly and immediately concern him. 

This is where Bhagavan Baba’s teaching of “Ceiling on desires” comes in. The mind can never be completely satisfied. The world has enough to satisfy everyone’s needs but definitely not enough to satisfy even one man’s greed. The route to happiness is not in acquiring all that one can set his sights on but in putting a ceiling on one’s desires. Ceiling on desires is not negative in that it does not negate either the pursuit of material objects or the enjoyment of the joys of life. It only seeks to awaken man to question his needs and make him discriminate. It helps one to achieve satisfaction and stop the endless pursuit of material objects.

The acceptance of ethics as the basis of behaviour, not merely for business, but in any walk of life, can become totally successful not by prescribing codes of conduct or enacting legislation alone. These are perhaps necessary for the very small section of society which refuses to enlighten itself and needs to be forced to evolve. However, for most others, self-discipline and ceiling on desires would be the basis for a successful and wholehearted adoption of ethics. 

- Ruchir Desai

Student (1982-87), Department of Commerce

Currently, Faculty, Department of Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Brindavan Campus

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision

Sri Sathya Sai Addresses 3,000 Children at The Festival of Joy

Saturday, October 22, 2005 to 

Friday, October 28, 2005

As part of the 80th Birthday celebrations of Bhagavan, three independent programmes organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, India, were held on different days at Prasanthi Nilayam. The programme entitled ‘Festival of Joy’ was held between 22nd and 24th of October 2005. 3,000 Bal Vikas students from all over India participated in this programme. Bhagavan lit the lamp on 22nd morning and inaugurated the programme. Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, gave the introductory speech. A few Bal Vikas students were given an opportunity to speak in the Divine Presence. Bhagavan then blessed the students with His Message. 

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks in Sai Kulwant Hall

“If you spend your time thus, if you fritter away your time and energy in vain pursuits thus, what for is your human birth? What will happen to you in future? Did you ever ponder over this? Time is the measure for human life. Time is the most precious aspect in human life. Don’t waste time. Time wasted is life wasted. You must seriously question yourself whether it is sensible to waste your time thus. If you waste your precious time in this young age, when will you be able to sanctify your life?

Man has to perform Karma in this Karma Bhoomi (field of activity) right from birth to death. In fact, the human birth has been given to us to perform karma. We are, therefore, engaged in performing various Karmas continuously. But, very few make any effort to inquire from themselves whether the Karmas performed are Satkarmas (good deeds) or not. One has to strive to sanctify his time right from childhood. We are partaking of a variety of items as food to sustain the human body. But, none is making an inquiry whether the food one consumes is proper and healthy; whether it is beneficial for nourishing and nurturing his physical, mental and spiritual health.

The Bhagavad Gita exhorts that man has a right only to perform his duty and not to the fruit thereof. Of course, there will be a result for every Karma that is performed by a human being. There will be a good result for a good Karma and a bad result for a bad Karma. This is the eternal law. When you partake of a mango fruit, you will have only the belch of that fruit and not that of a lime fruit. In the same manner, your head (thoughts) will always be conditioned by the type of food you consume.

Transform Yourselves Into Sattvic Individuals

“As is the food, so is the head (thoughts). As is the head, so is God” Thus, the food, the head, and God will be on the same wavelength. Hence, one has to cultivate good and noble thoughts always. If you eat Sattvic food and cultivate Sattvic nature right from childhood, your entire life will run smoothly. Hence, one has to be wary of his food and head (thoughts). If you wish to sanctify your human birth, you should not live like a bird, beast or an animal. Having taken birth as a human being, one has to perform the Karmas worthy of a human being. One has to conduct oneself as a human being. What does the term “Human Values” imply? Satya (Truth), Dharma (Righteous Conduct), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). It is only when we cultivate and manifest these five human values in our daily lives that we will be entitled to be called as human beings. Human being is a repository of Trigunas, namely, Sattva (calm serenity), Rajas (passionate activity), Tamo Guna (sloth and slumber). Unfortunately, today, we find the Rajo and Tamo Gunas more active in human beings. We do not find even a trace of Sattvic Guna anywhere. Hence, it is of utmost importance today that people are taught and encouraged to cultivate Sattva Guna, perform Sattvic karmas and finally reach the abode of Sattva Guna. 

You are now in the stage of childhood. This is the right age to cultivate Sattvic qualities. The quality of your life in the later stages will depend on the qualities you cultivate now. What is the use of trying to cultivate Sattva Guna at the very end of your life, when your physical body refuses to co-operate with you in your Sadhana? Hence, you must cultivate and put into practice Sattvic qualities in the youthful age itself. If man wishes to experience Manavatwa (humanness) and reach Divyatwa (divinity), Sattva Guna is very essential. It is only when you consciously cultivate Sattva Guna that you will be able to attain Sattvic nature. If you aim to attain Sattvic nature but indulge in Rajasic and Tamasic acts, it is not possible. All our ancient sages and seers did their Sadhana when they were young and strong.

You have to partake of Sattvic food. By partaking of Sattvic food, you will be able to cultivate Sattvic thoughts. And, by cultivating Sattvic thoughts, you will be able to undertake Sattvic Karmas. It is absolutely necessary that one should have Sattvic friends in youth and constantly move about in their company. Hence, you have to consume Sattvic food keeping your goal of liberation in mind. You may at times have a doubt that you would not get such Sattvic food always. I do not at all agree with this view. Don’t you get vegetables and edible green leaves in plenty? In fact, the moment you are born out of your mother’s womb, you are surviving and thriving on your mother’s milk or cow’s milk. Is this not Sattvic food? Can you not live upon a vegetarian diet consisting of vegetables, green leaves and cow’s milk? Why should you cater to the dictates of your palate adding chilies, salt, tamarind and spices? It is only when you gradually reduce these ingredients for taste you will be able to cultivate Sattva Guna. Parents have a great responsibility in teaching the children about the efficacy of Sattvic food and getting them accustomed to it right from their childhood. On the other hand, if the parents themselves prepare and serve Rajasic and Tamasic food consisting of meat, fish, etc., in their homes, how can they expect the children to develop Sattva Guna? I am of the view that the children at least should abstain from such Rajasic and Tamasic food and demand from their parents only the Sattvic food. One has to consciously cultivate the habit of consuming of only Sattvic food. Only then will one be able to develop Sattva Guna.

All our senses are conditioned by the Trigunas and the Gunas, in turn, are conditioned by the food we consume. Hence, if we start eating Sattvic food, undertake Sattvic Karmas and move about in the company of Sattvic friends, I am sure that we can transform ourselves into Sattvic individuals. It is the bad company that is responsible for evil qualities. If you want to cultivate good qualities, you have to eat Sattvic food. In fact, it is the food that we consume is responsible for all the evil qualities.

Shun Evil Qualities 

Dear students! If you develop bad qualities like anger, passion, envy, jealousy, etc., right form this early age, your entire life will be spoiled. You are poisoning your young minds with these evil qualities. My advice to the youngsters and students is eat Sattvic food; cultivate Sattvic behaviour and keep the company of Sattvic people right from this early age. I often observe that youngsters today join bad company the moment they enter the school or college and continue to move about in the company of bad people. With the result, they cultivate bad qualities, resulting in bad behaviour. Often, they are not even aware of the subtle changes taking place in their behaviour towards elders, parents, teachers and society. They think that they are on the right track, since they are pursuing education in a good educational institution. The education they are pursuing may be good, but the core of their heart is polluted due to bad company. Several bad thoughts emanate in their mind even at a young age.

People think that it is a natural phenomenon due to young age. I do not at all subscribe to this view. It is not a natural phenomenon at all! It is most unnatural. Since you are partaking of bad food, you are having bad thoughts. Hence, first and foremost, give up bad food. People who are devoted to Swami, must join Satsanga. But, you are joining bad company and, as a result, are developing bad thoughts. Once bad thoughts enter your mind, none can drive them away. Hence, you should cultivate good thoughts, even before bad thoughts enter your mind.

Dear children! There are several parents who are not concerned about the future of their children. Either they are too busy pursuing their vocations or they are helpless in supervising your behaviour. But, if you tread the right path they will be most happy. On the other hand, if you are moving about in bad company cultivating bad habits, resulting in bad behaviour, they will be very sad and will be unable to share their distress or anguish with anybody. Hence, it is your foremost duty to keep your parents happy. If you want to keep your parents happy, you must tread the right path. So, tread the right path and keep your parents happy. Only then will you be able to cultivate good behaviour. 

There are three aspects in human life which are interlinked the thoughts, behaviour and the end result. As are the thoughts, so will be the behaviour and as is the behaviour, so will be the result. Teachers expect good behaviour from their pupils. How is it possible when the students move about in bad company, eat wrong kind of food and entertain bad thoughts? The end result is always bad in such a situation. While taking bitter food, how can you experience sweetness? In short, the Rajasic and Tamasic food that you consume is the root cause for the bad thoughts that are entering your mind. 

Three Vital Disciplines in Childhood: Good Food, Good Thoughts and Good Company

Dear Students! All of you must tread the right path. Even if your parents for any reason offer you Rajasic and Tamasic food prepared in the home, you must explain and convince them of the ill-effects of such food, saying, “Mother! If you serve Rajasic and Tamasic food to methus, I will only get bad thoughts. This is not conducive to good behaviour on my part.” You must also convince them of the need to prepare and serve Sattvic food to all members of the family. Not only should you eat Sattvic food, you should also read good books. Your entire life is dependent on good food, good thoughts and good company.

You should not read all sorts of trash like cheap novels, stories, etc. Such trash will generate bad thoughts in you and pollute you mind. When you go to a library, you should read the biographies of great and noble people which will help to cultivate good qualities and good thoughts in you. One reason for the pollution of young minds and proliferation of bad thoughts in them is reading all sorts of cheap literature. In fact, it is only the mind that is responsible for good or bad thoughts. That is why it is said that Mind alone is the root cause for either bondage or liberation. Unfortunately, in these days it is only cheap books that have become popular and acquired great attraction. Good books have become a rare commodity. A question may arise as to where one would get such good books. You go to good libraries of institutions committed to the moral and spiritual uplift of humanity. Frequently we come across people travelling in trains and buses purchasing worthless books available in the railway platforms and bus stands and reading them with absorbing interest. They may say that they are reading them for whiling away the time. They do not realise how harmful those books are in generating bad thoughts and polluting their minds. Hence, you must always select books that contribute to your intellectual, moral and spiritual development. 

If you wish to cultivate good thoughts and good behaviour, you must read good books. Many students today consider it a fashion to read cheap literature that is available for a low price. With the result, cheap thoughts and cheap behaviour are generated in them. They look for cheap books and trash distributed free of cost. They woefully lack a sense of discrimination to judge whether such writings are conducive to their moral, spiritual and character development. They will, however, realise the consequences of their action after their minds are totally polluted. Then it will be too late for them to retrace their steps. It is only through good books that good thoughts and good behaviour can be cultivated. 

Dear Students! There are several other important aspects to be taught to you in these three days which will enable you to cultivate noble thoughts and tread the right path. I will teach several aspects in due course that will help you to cultivate pure thoughts.” 

More than 300 children from 18 states of India offered Bhagavan a grand musical presentation in Sai Kulwant Hall that afternoon. The Bal Vikas students from Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh presented an educative programme about the tenets, rituals and customs of five major religions of the world. This presentation was made in Sai Kulwant Hall after Bhagavan’s Darshan at 8.25 am, on 23rd morning. The students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Prashanti Nilayam, presented a musical drama entitled ‘Sai Prema Dhara’ in Sai Kulwant Hall that evening. Bhagavan had photographs taken with the children. 

The Bal Vikas students from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Maharashtra offered Bhagavan heritage sports and games of rural India on 24th morning. The children from Tamil Nadu presented a dance drama depicting the life stories of ‘Sant Tulsidas’ and ‘Sant Kanakadas’ that evening.

  

Bhagavan lit the lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall amidst Vedic chants and inaugurated The All India Conference of Bal Vikas Gurus at 8 am on 25th morning. Smt. Sarla Shah, All India Educational Coordinator, and Sri Nimish Pandya, Member, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Maharashtra, addressed the delegates. Bhagavan then blessed the delegates with His Inaugural Address. Bhagavan blessed the Plenary Sessions of the Conference held in the Poornachandra Auditorium with His Presence that same day. The Valedictory Session of the Conference was held in Sai Kulwant Hall on 26th afternoon. Dr.Usha Nair, Bal Vikas Guru, Smt. Nimi Kanwar, All India Joint Educational Coordinator, Sri A.V.Gokak, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute, and Smt. Jayasree Bajaj, addressed the delegates. Bhagavan materialised a gold chain and a ring for Smt. Bajaj. The conference concluded with Bhagavan’s Discourse.

Bhagavan lit the lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall and inaugurated the First National Conference of former Bal Vikas students, at 9.25 am on 28th morning. Sri V. Srinivasan gave the introductory speech. Bhagavan blessed three speakers to address the delegates. The programme that afternoon began with Bhagavan’s Darshan at 3.55 pm in Sai Kulwant Hall. Sri Nimish Pandya presented the recommendations of the Conference. Bhagavan blessed the delegates with His Message. The Conference concluded with Mangala Arati. 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai Addresses 8,000 Youth from Andhra Pradesh

Sunday, October 19, 2003 to 

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

The ‘Sri Sathya Sai Yuva Chaitanya Vahini’, comprising 8,000 youth from Andhra Pradesh undertook Grama Seva in 80 villages, spread over 23 districts of the State. This special Seva was a part of the 80th Birthday celebrations of Bhagavan. Their pilgrimage culminated at Prasanthi Nilayam between 19th and 21st October 2003. The youth group presented cultural programmes in Sai Kulwant Hall on 19th afternoon. On 20th October, the Avatar Declaration Day, Bhagavan rejoiced them with His Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall and permitted them to conduct the Bhajans in the morning. Bhagavan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall at 2.50 pm, that afternoon. The students of Sri Sathya Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music presented Hindustani classical devotional music. Dr. N. Anjanaiah, the State President of the Sai Organisation, Andhra Pradesh spoke in detail about the Grama Seva undertaken by these youth. Two youth members from the group addressed the gathering. In His brief Discourse on the Culture of Bharat, Swami said:

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam

“It is enough if there are one or two organisations like this; Bharat can be restored to its pristine glory. The service activities have brought about a great transformation in the hearts of youth. If such sacred activities are undertaken in every village and in every street, the ancient culture of Bharat can certainly be revived. Today, there are very few people who practise and propagate the sacred values of our culture. The Bharatiyas have completely forgotten their rich cultural heritage and are imitating the Western Culture, losing their sanctity. Though the culture of Bharat is ancient, it is ageless and as relevant in the contemporary scene and, hence, it should be practised and propagated in every village.

A few elders of the Organisation have approached Me for guidance in carrying out the service activities. Tomorrow I will speak to the organisers from Hyderabad and the youth, and give them the necessary guidelines. You are well aware how the values have degenerated in the city of Hyderabad which was once known as Simhapuri. People have lost faith in our ancient values and are ruining their lives by aping the Western Culture.

Embodiments of Love!

Words of appreciation or any type of compliments are inadequate to describe in full the great ideal demonstrated by you. I shall provide buses in which you can travel to various villages and perform service activities. Today, the world is witnessing a strange scenario. People preach spirituality on the one hand and act quite otherwise on the other. This has become common especially in the big cities. People in cities, however well-educated they are, have completely forgotten our ancient traditions and are behaving in a perverse manner in the name of modernism. The enthusiasm, dynamism and the ancient traditional values that are found in you, the youth in particular, are not found anywhere else. It is only those who know the greatness of our ancient culture will be able to understand and appreciate the sacred feelings of your hearts. It is most essential that you propagate our ancient culture in every village and in every hamlet. Though the people of villages are interested in disseminating our ancient culture, they are unable to do so for want of resources. Hence, I will give all necessary support and encouragement for the furtherance of this sacred cause. Such ideal students who participate in this sacred activity of Grama Seva will be given admission in our educational institutions. Do not think that you are outsiders. All this is yours. I am yours and these institutions belong to you. You have every right to be here. I am always ready to provide any help that you may require.

Tomorrow, I will address all of you separately and give you guidelines for your future activities. Never give room for disappointment. March ahead with all hope and enthusiasm. Tomorrow, with full of happiness in your heart, wait for Swami to address you. I may come any moment. Never give up chanting the Name of God. The Divine Name is like a boat that can take you across the ocean of life. I will give the necessary strength to your units. Be prepared to undertake rural service activities with great enthusiasm. Today, right at this moment, you must take a firm resolve to develop and expand your activities. 

Never get yourselves entangled in politics. Keep yourselves away from all political activities. Continue your sacred social work and sanctify your time by chanting the Divine Name. Follow your chosen path with determination and achieve success. Today selfishness is rampant in the field of politics. You should lead a life of selfless service contemplating on God all the time and thus redeem yourselves. Tomorrow morning, I will come and address you at length.”

The function concluded with Mangala Arati. On 21st morning, Bhagavan gave a Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall to these young members, enumerating certain important events in His childhood. Sri K. Arun and Sri Rameswar Prusty, former students of the Institute also addressed the congregation. The youth presented devotional songs. Bhagavan called a meeting of all the District Presidents of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Andhra Pradesh and some select youth members, that afternoon. During the course of His Benedictory Address to the youth in the Bhajan Mandir, Bhagavan launched the ‘Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva Trust’. He advised them to undertake the village service programmes in all the villages of the state. He assured them that He would provide the necessary infrastructure for this work. Bhagavan had a group photo taken with the participants in the meeting.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai Message on: Importance of Celebrating Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi

The human being is a composite of man and beast and God, and in the inevitable struggle among the three for ascendancy, you must ensure that God wins, suppressing the merely human and the lowly beast. This festival of Deepavali is to express gratitude at the defeat of the Naraka (demonic) tendencies in man, which drag him down from Divinity. Naraka is the name for hell, and the Asura whose death at the hands of Krishna is celebrated today is called Narakasura, the personification of all the traits of character that obstruct the upward impulses of man.

Artist's depiction of Krishna's
annihilation of Narakasura

He is said to be the son of Bhumi (the Earth) and he is also called Bhauma. This is very appropriate, for the earth and all attachments for things earthy lead us down into the regions of pain and grief. Earthly domain, earthly riches are powerless before spiritual domain over the senses, spiritual riches of self-knowledge and self-confidence. Man goes out into space with his rockets and space ships and sputniks, only to acquire superior striking power over his rivals on earth. Man must know the Universe as basically Brahmam and so as fundamentally knowledge and love and peace. He and the Universe are one; they are subsumed in the same unique entity.

The cosmic vision can be acquired either by watching the Universe or one's own inner Cosmos. Man has only to discover himself. In the citadel of the body, there is the lotus temple of the heart, with subtle Akasha (space) within. In it are contained heaven and earth, fire and air, sun and moon, stars and planets - all that is in the visible world and all that sustains it and all into which it submerges. Instead of rotating round the earth in the higher realms of space and planning to land on the moon or Mars, if only man plans and prepares himself to travel into his own inner realm, what sublime joy and peace he can attain! His attainments at present in the vast silence of outer space are all prompted by fear and spread only further fear.

Occasions to be celebrated as festivals

Victory won through weapons and guarded by armour is not something to be glad about; it is flimsy and fragile. It is fraught with danger and may topple at the lightest gust. But, victory won through love and sympathy transforms the defeated and makes him a willing collaborator for ever. Nara (man) falls into Nara-ka (hell), through over-indulgence in '/ca' or intelligence; '/ca' generally runs wild and like a raging flood, it spells destruction and grief. 'Ka' has to be subdued by humility and devotion, to the source of all intelligence, the Lord.

What is a festive occasion? It is when great men are born or when wicked men end their careers of vice. Deepavali celebrates the death of Narakasura; and, how did he meet his end? He died at the hands of Krishna, with the Lord standing before his fading eyes. That is a consummation to be wished for. When virtues grow and vice is given up, man has to make it a festival. When your son evinces a desire to go to a temple or a math to worship or to offer homage to the Swami, do not scorch that tender shoot of devotion; do not tell him that there is time enough for devotion when he reaches old age; encourage him, be happy that you have such a son; celebrate the day. Teach him the value of prayer and contrition; or, learn from him the lesson of yearning for God. 

Honesty is always the best policy

When young men realise that God is omnipresent and resident in one's own heart, then, they will certainly follow the Vedic injunction, Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practice virtue). They will always speak the truth only; they will practice only moral justice. Some say that since this is Kali Yuga, falsehood alone can succeed. But, in spite of all appearances, honesty is still the best policy. One lie has to be buttressed by a hundred others; whereas truth is the easiest, simplest and safest line of behaviour. Be what you profess to be; speak what you intend to do; utter what you have experienced; no more, no less.

There was a thief once who broke into a house at night; the master of the house woke up when he heard some noise and when he shouted, "who is there?", the man thought of a ruse to escape his attention. He mewed like a cat, from the room where the iron safe was; the master said, "O, it is only a cat", and bolted that room from outside, shutting out all possibility of the thief escaping from the room into which he had gone! He heard the master tell his wife, "Let it be there the rest of the night. At dawn we shall open the door and if it is a real cat, we shall let it go its way". A mew will not help, if it is not truly yours.

It is a hard job to maintain a false stand and so, it is always safe to be straight and honest. Do not take the first false step and then be led, on and on, to perdition. Truth is one's real nature and when you are yourself, there comes a great flood of joy welling up within you. When you deny yourself and deceive yourself, shame darkens your mind and breeds fear. You take the path of falsehood because of the Rajasic passions of lust, greed, hate and pride. Contentment, humility, detachment - these keep you on the path of Truth.

A street-hawker had on his head a basket full of empty bottles, as he walked along to the bazaar. He hoped to sell the lot at a profit of ten rupees and, in ten days, he calculated his earnings would have accumulated to a hundred rupees. With that as capital, he planned to switch on to more profitable deals, so that he imagined he could make a pile of a lakh of rupees in a few months and build a bungalow with a lovely garden tended by a regiment of servants, beaming all round the house. There, he saw himself on a sofa in the greenery playing with his grandchildren. He was engrossed in that charming scene; suddenly he saw among his grandchildren, the children of one of the servants; he got angry at this unwanted intrusion. Believing his fantasy to be a reality, he suddenly grabbed the child and gave it a swift hefty push, only to find that the basket of bottles had fallen on the road and all hopes of even the ten rupees lost! That was the end of a dream built on the slender basis of greed.

Steady faith wins True Wisdom

Truth will always triumph; do not doubt that in the least. There are two eight-lettered axioms in the Geetha, which support the Vedic dictum: 'Satyam Eva Jayate Na Anrtam' (Truth only wins, not falsehood): They are, "Samshayaatma Vinashyati" (He who doubts is destroyed), and "Shraddhavan Labhate Jnanam" (Steady faith wins true wisdom). If people are slaves of doubt, how can they save themselves?

Believe that the Name is the Boat, which will take you over the sea of worldly life. The Name is more efficacious than the contemplation of the Form. Draupadi did not send a chariot to bring Krishna to her rescue; she uttered the Name in her agony and Krishna responded, and saved her from imminent dishonour. In the Treta Yuga, when the Ramayana story was gone through, Nala and his monkeys were building a bridge over the sea to Lanka; the boulders on which they inscribed the sacred name Rama, floated on the waters, but, they found that the boulders floated away due to wind and wave. They did not form a continuous bridge for the army to pass over. Some ingenious person gave a suggestion to write RAA on one boulder and MA on another and they found that the two stuck hard together. The name will serve as a float for you too; it will keep you attached to God and bring on you His Grace.

Spiritual Renunciation gives Strength and Courage

With the Name as the very breath of your life, you can engage in all life's activities, with no fear of a fall. Meera quaffed the cup of poison with the Name on her tongue and it turned into nectar. Bhratrihari bewailed his lot, "Lord, these pleasures are eating me up; they don't allow me to be myself; no; I will liberate myself from their clutches. I shall take refuge in the un-diminishable Bliss, the Reservoir of Joy, the Lord. I shall not crave for Padaartha (objects); I shall yearn for Paraartha (the Highest Good)". Devotion and faith ensure the gift of knowledge of the Spirit - the great prize for the great adventure of birth, life and death. When the mind weds Pravritti (worldly activity), the progeny is bondage; when it weds Nivritti (spiritual renunciation), the progeny is freedom.

Nivritti confers fearlessness, even while you accept a little of it. It gives strength and courage, for, it is desire that weakens man and makes him cringe before those in authority and with influence. Detachment endows you with self-respect, and the capacity to stand up to slander and calumny. There are some who weep at the slightest sign of defeat or disappointment. This is despicable behaviour. Why should you have fear or sorrow, with the Lord installed in the altar of your heart? Do you not know He is there, guarding you and guiding you? He is in all beings, at all times. Endeavour to remember this fact whatever you may be doing, whoever you may be contacting, in whatever manner. You will succeed in this, provided you do not give up the recitation of His Name.

The Genuine Festival of Lamps

Sri Sathya Sai Lighting a Lamp in the house of a devotee

The Griha (home) where the Name of the Lord is not heard is a Guha (cave), and nothing more. As you enter it, as you leave it, while you are in it, perfume it, illumine it, purify it, with the Name. Light it as a lamp at dusk, welcome it at dawn, as you welcome the sun. That is the genuine Deepavali, the Festival of Lamps.

The three basic beliefs of Sanatana Dharma are: (i) the inevitability of karma in life; (ii) the fact of re-birth and (iii) Divine Incarnations. If one has no faith in all these three, he cannot claim to be a Hindu; whoever believes in them can be reckoned as a Bharateeya, child of Bharat. Mention was made of Krishna Avatar and of the Kaliya episode. The inner meaning of that episode is this: The serpent Kaliya and its minions are the desires that lurk in the depths of the human heart; into that depth, the Lord jumps, or rather showers His Grace and so, the poison is expelled and the place made safe and pure. 

Krishna Dances on The Hoods of Kaliya

When Krishna dances on the hoods, the serpents are tamed and rendered harmless. Without the extinction of desire, man cannot become Divine. Of what avail is it to repeat Shivoham, Shivoham, when you have not endeavoured to equip yourself with the qualities of Shiva? Why assert that you are Shiva and draw blasphemy on your head? 

Do not get elated at the riches, status, authority, intelligence, etc., which you may have. Consider that they have been given to you on trust, so that you may benefit others. They are all signs of His Grace, opportunities of service, symbols of responsibility. Never seek to exult over others' faults; deal sympathetically with the errors and mistakes of others. Seek the good in others; hear only good tidings about them; do not give ear to scandal. On this Deepavali Day, resolve to light the lamp of Nama Smarana and place it at your doorstep, the lips. Feed it with the oil of devotion; have steadiness as the wick. Let the lamp illumine every minute of your life. The splendour of the Name will drive away darkness from outside you as well as from inside you. You will spread joy and peace among all who come near you.

Source: Divine Discourse on Deepavali Day – October 24, 1965

Conversations with Sri Sathya Sai on the Convocation Drama Casting

Monday, October 16, 2000

After the interview, Swami came to the Ganesh portico. He looked at His wrist as if to see time. Then to a student...

Swami: It is already 4.05 pm, Brindavan boys have not come.

Student: (He checked the time in his watch.) Yes, Swami. They may be on the way.

Sri Sathya Sai in the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam

Swami went further and sat on His chair. He inquired about the teachers who are doing the security duty in the fourth block. He also called the Brindavan Warden, and asked him about the students who are going to play different roles in the Convocation Drama. Few of the students came forward.

Swami: (To Prof. Anil Kumar) The drama has roles of grandfather, father and a grandson. There are also scenes of Markandeya (Markandeya is an ancient sage from the Hindu tradition, born in the clan of Bhrigu Rishi. He is celebrated as a devotee of both Shiva and Vishnu and is mentioned in a number of stories from the Puranas. The Markandeya Purana especially, comprises a dialogue between Markandeya and Sage Jaimini, and a number of chapters in the Bhagavata Purana are dedicated to his conversations and prayers. In the drama, the episode of Markandeya, Shiva and Yama was to be depicted.) and Dhurva (Dhruva is a devotee of Lord Vishnu and the son of Utthanapaada. His story is recorded in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana.).

(To Dr. Chatterjee, Faculty Member in the Department of English at Swami’s University) How many scenes? 

Teacher: Six scenes, Swami.

Swami: Arishadvargas (Six bad qualities in man). Give the grandfather role to Anil Kumar. 

(To Prof. Anil Kumar) Will you do?

Prof. A. K.: Yes, Swami.

Swami: Grandfather is a bad man.

Prof. A. K.: Then I don’t want to do that role.

Swami: No, he is good man. His grandson is always near him. I am not involved in the selections (of the students for the different roles in the Convocation Drama). They (teachers from both the campuses) only selected.

Swami said that they should not feel that Swami is partial to any one campus in selecting the roles and hence teachers are selecting.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, they will not feel like that.

Swami: (Swami gripped His hair in His palm) I know so many (as many as the number of hair) who feel like that.

Prof. A. K.: Outsiders see that the students belong to one Institute and not two campuses.

Swami: Outsiders don’t think like that. Only the participants think like that.

B. Warden : Swami, the boys here go there (Brindavan) and the boys there come here.

Swami: That is different. Why the Brindavan students have not come yet?

Prof. A. K.: They may be having practical classes and hence they may be slightly delayed. 

Swami: (To Prof. Anil Kumar, pointing out at Shailesh, a student from Darjeeling, who is going to play the role of Markandeya in the drama) His face looks like Buddha’s face. How can he play the role of Markandeya?

An Artist's Impression of the Markandeya, Shiva and Yama Episode

Prof. A. K.: Swami, people may know how Buddha looks like. But nobody knows how Markandeya looks like! Seeing him, people may think that Markandeya also looks like Buddha. (Swami smiled and called a School student who was showing a poem, written by him. Swami took it from him and read the full poem. Later he also gave a letter. After reading the letter) Is it your handwriting?

Student: Yes, Swami.

Swami: Good. (Swami blessed him and he went and sat back in his place. 

To Prof. Anil Kumar) What is his name?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, Abhay.

Swami: Not Abbai? (Telugu word for ‘boy’. All smiled. Seeing his letter) What is BPC?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, Bi.P.C., Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Swami: This time during Birthday, no music programme.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, so many devotees are coming. Something should be there.

Swami: Some world-famous singer is going to sing and there will be a programme by Dilshad Khan.

Swami mentioned few other names also. After spending some more time, Swami went back.

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