Sri Sathya Sai Addresses The Second World Youth Conference

Thursday, November 18, 1999 to 

Tuesday, November 23, 1999

The 74th Birthday of Bhagavan was celebrated at Prashanti Nilayam from the 18th to the 23rd of November 1999. Bhagavan inaugurated the Rathotsavam in the Mandir at 6.40 am, on 18th morning. The consecrated idols were then taken in a procession led by Sai Geeta to the village amidst Vedic chants. Bhagavan inaugurated the Narayana Seva in Hill View Stadium at 9 am, that morning. More than 20,000 were given food and clothes. The Bal Vikas students from Tamil Nadu presented the dance drama, ‘Krishna Kuchela’, in Bhagavan’s Presence in Poornachandra Auditorium that evening. 

Bhagavan was led in a procession to Sai Kulwant Hall by the bands of Anantapur Campus and the Primary School on 19th morning. He lit the lamps amidst Vedic chants and inaugurated the Ladies Day programme at 7 am. Cultural programmes were offered to Bhagavan. That afternoon Bhagavan granted Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall at 2.20 pm. Smt. Srinivas, Smt. Sarla Indulal Shah, Dr. Geeta Reddy, State Minister for Andhra Pradesh and Ms. Uma Bharati, Union Minister, gave short speeches. Bhagavan then delivered His Message. The professionals from Sri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Delhi, presented a programme, ‘Ram Leela’, in Poornachandra Auditorium in Bhagavan’s Presence that evening.  

The Second World Youth Conference was held at Prashanti Nilayam between 18th and 21st November 1999. 7,000 youth from India and 63 overseas countries participated. Bhagavan lit the lamps amidst Vedic chants in Sai Kulwant Hall and inaugurated the conference at 3 pm, on 18th afternoon. Sri V. Srinivasan welcomed the delegates and explained the theme of the conference ‘The Role of Youth in the Divine Mission’. Mr. Billy Fong from Malaysia spoke about the service activities done by the youth in Malaysia. Bhagavan materialised a gold chain for him. Sri Vijay Menon from Kerala and Ms. Pooja Sharma from Himachal Pradesh gave short speeches. Bhagavan then delivered His Inaugural Address.  He said:

“Goodness means good behaviour, good conduct, good discipline, and good character. Truth, righteousness, peace, love and nonviolence are verily the five life principles (Panch Pranas) of man. Human life is a journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’. This journey is subtle and the goal is very near, but man takes many births to reach the destination. Why should he take such a long time, undergoing hardships, to attain the goal, which is so near? 

Modern youth are making every effort to know all that is happening in the world but are not making any effort to understand the fundamental truth of human life. No benefit accrues from acquiring such information, which does not lead you to the goal of life. There are thousands of intellectuals, scholars, and eminent educationists in the world today. But all the worldly knowledge and skills will be a mere waste if one does not know oneself. The primary duty of man is to understand who he really is.

Faith in God is very essential for Man

Man has achieved everything in life but has lost human values, which amounts to losing his five life principles. As a result, he has become a living corpse. Faith in God is very essential for man. You may question who God is and where God is. Truth is God. Truth is one and the same for everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language, nationality and ideology.

There is no greater Dharma than adherence to truth. This fundamental Truth is God. Likewise, Love is God. So, live in love. True love is related to the heart, not to the body. Divine Love is “heart to heart, not body to body”. Body is like a water bubble, mind is like a mad monkey. Don’t follow the body, don’t follow the mind. Follow the conscience. Only then can you experience the Truth.

Service will lean you to Devotion

Your men and women! Your life is a long journey, and your desires are the luggage. “Less luggage, more comfort makes travel a pleasure.” So, reduce your desires. Human birth is gifted to serve others, not just to eat, drink, sleep, and make merry. The best way to love God is to love all and serve all. Man’s foremost duty is to serve his fellowmen and make them happy. Your life will be redeemed only when you involve yourself in the service of society. The highest Sadhana (spiritual practise) is to transform love into service. Service will lead you to devotion.

The Kerala boy who spoke earlier mentioned various diseases that affect the body. There are many instances in history wherein even mighty kings had to leave their mortal coil in spite of having access to the best medical facilities and the best doctors. Doctors by themselves cannot cure diseases. Divine grace is essential. There is no point in safeguarding your body if you do not uphold morality. For this, lead a life of truth and love. Modern youth do have love, but their love is artificial. It is limited up to saying “hello, hello,” and is in fact hollow within. So, their life has become artificial like a drama. 

Man can rise to the level of the Divine only through the path of service. When man is not able to understand humanness, how can he understand Divinity? First, know thyself. Human life is noble, since it is essentially divine. In fact, man and God are not two different entities; they are one and the same. Truth is one, but scholars refer to it by many names.” Your life will be redeemed once you understand this truth. The Divine power latent in man is not found in any other being. Since man is unable to understand his own divine nature, he is undertaking various spiritual practices such as penance, meditation, and Yoga. Spiritual practices bereft of love are a mere waste of time. Love is most important in life. Whatever you may say with love, it is bound to be true. 

Any work you undertake with love is Dharma. So, in the first instance, develop love. Lust, greed, hatred, jealousy, anger, and pride are animal qualities. These qualities are the result of the impurities in the food man partakes of. These are of man’s own making. Man is forgetting his divine nature due to the effect of these evil qualities.

Seva and Prema possess Infinite Power

Man should make proper use of his Mati (intellect), Gati (destination), Stithi (situation), and Sampatti (wealth). Wealth here does not mean worldly treasures. It refers to the power of the senses. This power should be utilised for service of society. The words Seva and Prema may be very small, consisting of only two syllables, but they possess infinite power.

Inquire and understand who you really are. Know yourself and you will know all. Since many of you are newcomers, you have to understand simple things to begin with. When you say, “This is my handkerchief,” it means the handkerchief is different from you. Similarly, when you say, “This is my body, my mind, and my intellect,” it means you are different from all these. Then the question naturally arises, “Who are you?” Inquire into this. Body, mind and intellect are mere instruments. Identifying yourself with these instruments is absurd.

You are the master. Master the mind and be a mastermind. Never be a slave to your body, mind, and senses. In fact, they should be under your control; you should not be controlled by them. One of the speakers quoted Swami, “My life is My message.” She also referred to the statement, “Your life is My message.” You should understand the meaning of these statements clearly. Saying that your life is Swami’s message and indulging in wicked activities and unrighteous deeds is treacherous. That constitutes 'your' message, not My message. You can declare that your life is Swami’s message only when you take to the path of truth and righteousness, install peace and love in your heart, and uphold nonviolence.

Don't Judge Others

All that you see outside is a reflection of the inner being. Good and bad do not exist outside; they are mere reflections of what is within you. No one has the right to judge others. Give up all that is bad in you and you will find goodness all around. As the colour of the glasses you put on, so is the colour of the world you visualise. The defect lies in your vision, not in the creation.

Heart is the dwelling place of God. So, only noble feelings should emerge out of it. If there are any evil qualities like lust, greed, and anger in it, then it ceases to be a human heart. It is verily the heart of an animal. If your conduct is devoid of humanness, then you are not a human being. Act in a manner that befits your human birth. When you are angry, remind yourself, “I am not a dog, I am man.” When your mind wavers, tell yourself repeatedly, “I am not a monkey, I am man.” Patiently think about your real nature.

Never act in haste. Haste makes waste. Waste makes worry. So, do not be in a hurry. Take time and think calmly. All these evil qualities can be eliminated by developing good thoughts and feelings. The remedy for all your mental ailments lies within you.

Undertake Service with Love

Only young men and women are capable of eradicating the evils prevailing in society. If we have virtuous youth, all ills of society can be removed. Today, the whole world is embroiled in wicked thoughts, wicked company, and evil acts. Excessive desires are the main cause for the suffering of man. Keep a check on your desires.

As a student, discharge your duties diligently. Study well and obtain good marks. Respect your parents and serve them. Keep in mind the welfare of the society and nation at large. Earn a good name in society. Do not feel proud of your education. Your education is a mere waste if it is not utilised for the welfare of society. The education you have received from society must be dedicated to it by way of service. The essence of education does not lie in merely acquiring degrees, securing good jobs, and amassing wealth. Service is the hallmark of the educated one. Morality is most essential for human life. No doubt money is essential, but it should be under certain limits. Excessive money makes many wrongs. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows.

Students! Young men and women! First and foremost, make efforts to understand your true nature. The difference between God and man is very subtle. As long as you do not understand the Truth, you remain a human being. Once you recognize it, you are God.

Service is the best way to understand your innate divinity. Service should be for self-satisfaction, not for name and fame. Experience the bliss that you derive from selfless service. Share it with others. Before serving others, serve yourself by making your mind broad and pure. Get rid of the narrow feeling of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ and extend your love to one and all. Love is the binding force that brings together the entire world as one family. I wish that you develop love and live like brothers and sisters.

This body has been engaged in service right from birth. You should also spend your life in serving others. This is My message. I practice whatever I preach. I love all and serve all and exhort you to do the same. You are not able to understand My love as your feelings are narrow. That is your mistake, not Mine. Today, conflicts are on the rise as there is no proper understanding and adjustment among people. Adjustment will be possible only when there is proper understanding. 

Develop Love and Uphold Truth

Only love has been constantly with you right from birth. It is love that remains with you all the time, not your relatives or friends. This love is God. Enjoy the bliss of love and share it with others. Absence of love is the root cause for all the unrest in the world. 

Develop love and uphold truth. Truth does not mean describing what you have seen, heard or done, as it is. Truth is that which is changeless in all the three periods of time. The Vedas call this permanent truth Rutam. 

Just as you change your dress, you have to change your body one day or the other. That is why it is said, “Death is the dress of life.” Therefore, you should have no fear of death. Life is not permanent. It is like a passing cloud. As long as there is life in the body, use it for the service of others. Engage yourself in service till your last breath. Service to man is service to God. Have control over your senses, because loss of sense control engenders demonic qualities in man. Service without sense control is an exercise in futility.

Cultivate Noble Thoughts

All of you have gathered here without being extended any invitation. It is your love for Swami and Swami’s love for you that has brought you here. If there is love in your heart, you will never be put to any hardship whatsoever. Your love should be extended to one and all; it should not be limited to your family and friends alone.

Today, we do not have ideal parents. There are no ideal teachers either. We do not have ideal friends and relatives too. How can then we find fault with the youth? First of all, the parents should be good. The teachers should also do their job of teaching in right earnest. Good company is very important. Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are. As is your company, so you become. How can one be good if one is in the company of bad people always? 

You are all virtuous and noble. Make every effort to enhance this goodness. Make the best use of your stay here. Run away from bad company and bad feelings. Cultivate noble thoughts and noble qualities. Develop the Atmic relationship with all, since all are your brothers and sisters. Lord Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita, Mamaivamsho Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta Sanatana (the eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being). The sun is one but it has many reflections. All that you find in this world is the reflection, reaction, and resound. Do not get carried away by them. Aspire to attain the reality. In order to experience the reality, give up body attachment and try to understand the divinity within. 

Help Ever, Hurt Never

Divinity is latent in everyone, but you are not making any effort to realise it because you are deeply engrossed in worldly matters. You are the embodiment of pure, unsullied, true, and eternal Atma. Experience this reality. Discharge your duties keeping this truth in view. Help ever, Hurt never. This is the essence of the Vedas and sacred texts such as the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Quran. All these holy texts speak of the same fundamental truth. 

It is a mistake to entertain differences based on religion. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one language, the language of the heart. Travel from ‘I’ to ‘We’ through the path of service. I will tell you how to go about doing it in due course of time. 

There are millions of people in this world, but only you, the fortunate few, have got the golden opportunity of coming here. Make the best use of this opportunity and share this joy with everybody. Serve the whole world. Understand the truth that you are born to serve society. It is not government service. It is the service of mankind. 

Do not lead a selfish life amassing wealth. Do not be satisfied by filling your own belly; understand that there are millions in the world, who are hungry and suffering. Your life will be sanctified only when you help the poor, the sick, and the down-trodden. That is true spirituality. Spirituality is a way of life. It is not something separate from life. That should be your way of life. In order to acquire a worldly degree, you need to study various subjects. But in spirituality there is only one subject and that is love. Undertake service activities in a spirit of love. Being young, you may have a few doubts. I will clarify all of them. Do not give scope for hatred, jealousy, and ostentation. Be a humble devotee and render humble service. That is the true human quality.”

On 20th evening, the overseas delegates presented a cultural programme in Poornachandra Auditorium titled ‘The Millennium Challenge.’ In this presentation, 221 youth from 63 countries participated. Bhagavan showered His love on the cast after the performance. On 21st afternoon, Bhagavan granted Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall at 2.45 pm. The valedictory function of the conference and the celebration of Education in Human Values Day were held that afternoon. The programme commenced with Vedic chants.  Sri Indulal Shah spoke about the importance of human values. Sri Jagadeesan presented the recommendation of the overseas devotees to Bhagavan. Sri V. Srinivasan placed the recommendations of the Indian delegates to Bhagavan. Dr. Jumsai presented a report to Bhagavan about the working of EHV and establishment of Sathya Sai Schools all over the world. Bhagavan then awarded the diplomas to the teachers who had completed their training courses in value education. Sri S.V. Giri addressed the delegates. Bhagavan then delivered His Valedictory Message for more than 100 minutes. 

18th Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

On 22nd, the 18th Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning was held at Prashanti Nilayam. The Institute band led the academic procession consisting of the Revered Chancellor, the Chief Guest Dr. Michael Goldstein and the Vice Chancellor Sri S. V. Giri, to Sai Kulwant Hall at 3 pm. The Vice Chancellor presented the Welcome Address. The Chancellor declared the Convocation open and awarded gold medals to the meritorious students. Dr. Michael Goldstein then delivered his Convocation address followed by the Chancellor’s Address. That evening, the Institute students staged in Poornachandra Auditorium a drama entitled ‘Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha.’ Bhagavan went on stage, blessed the students and presented gifts to them.  

Sri Sathya Sai Birthday Darshan

On 23rd morning, Bhagavan accompanied by the Trust Members was led in a procession to Sai Kulwant Hall by several band groups amidst Vedic chants. Prof. Chittibabu, Dr. G. Venkataraman and Sri Kondal Rao paid their tributes to Bhagavan. Bhagavan then delivered His Birthday Message and released a postal stamp commemorating Sri Sathya Sai Water Project. That afternoon, many renowned artists presented music and dance programmes to Bhagavan. They were Begum Parveen Sultana, Rahul Sharma, Playback singer Purnima, Aman Ali Bangash, Ayan Ali Bangash (sons of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan), Anand Shankar (son of famous dancer Sri Uday Shankar). The celebrations concluded with Mangala Arati to Bhagavan.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai Message To Chairpersons of Overseas Sai Centers

Tuesday, November 24, 1998

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

The valedictory function of the Convention of the Chairpersons of overseas centres was held in Sai Kulwant Hall on 24th afternoon. Bhagavan granted Darshan 2.15 pm and went around blessing the devotees in the hall. The function commenced with Vedic chants. Select seniors from the International Sai Organization spoke about the impact of Bhagavan’s value education. Bhagavan then delivered His Valedictory Address in which he answered questions that had been asked earlier by the members of the convention. Some of the excerpts from the question and answer session are included below:

“I have received letters from delegates to this conference seeking clarification of their doubts. What is the root cause of doubt? It is the absence of total faith. Jesus had a disciple, Thomas, who doubted everything he came across and was appropriately called “doubting Thomas”. In the path of spirituality, doubts do arise at times, even though one may have faith in God. One of the doubts is this:

Did Jesus really declare that He was the Truth, the Path, and that none was superior to Him?

Jesus Christ

Enquire into the truth yourself. Jesus was never egotistic at any point of time and never made any such declarations. There was a tax collector who recorded the conversation between Jesus and the fishermen. It was during one of those conversations that Jesus assured them that He would take care of them, but at no point of time did he mention with a sense of ego that He was the only One and the ultimate One to protect them. He did this only with a view to increase their confidence and enthuse them into action.

Three Wise Men visit Baby Jesus

At the time of Divine birth, three wise men visited Jesus in the manger. One of them, looking at child Jesus, remarked; He looks as though he was a “Messenger of God”. The second wise man exclaimed that the child looked as though he was the “Son of God”. The third wise man disagreed with both and concluded that He and God were one and the same. These three statements have been interpreted in varied ways. 

Jesus had no trace of ego in Him. He was filled with compassion at the sight of the meek and the afflicted. Paul opposed Jesus in all matters from the very outset. Once Jesus appeared in the dream of Paul and questioned him, ”What harm have I done to you? Why do you criticise Me so?” This caused Paul to ponder and realise that his ignorance and ego blinded him to reality. Thereafter he became an ardent disciple of Jesus. 

In every age, every noble soul had to put up with criticism. People always have mistaken notions about good and bad. If only we understand the truth in the Bible, we will come to the conclusion that there was no fault in Jesus at all. Jesus always aspired to put people in God consciousness. At the time of crucifixion, Jesus prayed: “O Father! What sin have I committed? Why am I put to suffering thus?” When Mother Mary stood crying at the foot of the Cross, an ethereal voice was heard. “All are one, My dear Son; be alike to everyone.”

The Krishna-Arjuna Dialogue

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna declared, “Chaaturvarnyam Mayasrishtam (All the people of four varnas were created by Me).” What is varna? Varna means colour, but it has been misunderstood to be caste. Therefore, do not make any distinction based on colour. The four colours are: black, yellow, white, and red. The Negroes and the Bharatiyas (Indians) are black in complexion. The Japanese and the British are white in complexion, while the Chinese are yellow and the Russians are red.

What God has declared is broad in nature and not narrow. Do not give room for any constriction of thoughts. You may be a Christian, a Muslim, a Hindu, or a Zoroastrian, but you must consider yourself to be a child of God. Jesus said that He was “persona”, meaning that He was the spark of the Divine. This Roman word has been translated by the British as “Person”. “Persona” originated from the Roman language. “Persona” means that which is sacred. Since man has Divinity inherent in him, he is called a person. 

In Hindu scriptures, e.g., the Puranas, the Vedas, the Shastras, and the Itihasa, this has been declared as Purusha. Yallabdhwa Puman Ichharamo Bhavati Trupto Bhavati Matto Bhavati Atma Ramo Bhavati (After attaining That, man gets total satisfaction, fulfillment, ecstasy and bliss). It means God is in everyone. We should visualise this unity in diversity and try to experience it. Consider this as the chief goal of Sathya Sai Organisations. You should not give rise to differences or hatred of any sort. There is only One that is present in all. If you realise this Truth, that in itself would be spirituality in practice. Practice is more important than publicity.

There are two mikes in front of Me. There is one mike in front of the translator. The words that emanate from the mikes may differ, but the underlying sound principle is the same. Similarly, we must experience the divinity in various names and forms. Words that emerge from the heart constitute expansion talk. Some people speak only from lips in order to suit the situation. Such words constitute contraction talk. Such contraction talk is equivalent to death. People who indulge in such contraction talk have no connection between their speech and heart. When all that which is in the heart finds expression in speech, that is termed as expansion talk.

Those who speak from the heart speak the truth; others, whose speech does not come from the heart, speak untruth to suit the occasion. Your words should emanate from the heart. This is possible only when there is complete confidence in the Self. One with total conviction does not give room for doubts. 

The enquiry into the fact whether that which is applicable to others is applicable to individual self also constitutes a search for Truth (Satyanveshana). One may ask why there should be a search for Truth, when Truth is all-pervasive. In each human there is the dual aspect of truth - untruth; righteousness - unrighteousness; and nonviolence - violence. There is an example to illustrate this. Suppose you have pure 24 carat gold with you. After some time, you add copper to it. Later you add silver to it, and then aluminium and brass. As and when new metals are added to the gold, its true nature undergoes a change and it loses its value.

Today man is undergoing such a change. When he is a child, he is pure. As he associates himself with others, he acquires violence and non violence, righteousness and unrighteousness, truth and untruth. This is the root cause for the cycle of birth and death. When you are one with the Self, there is no scope for birth and death. Body attachment, educational and monetary attachment reduce the Self to the present state of man. Man thus forgets his true nature. Man has to be cleansed by the process of Samskara (refinement) to get rid of all the bad qualities and regain his resplendent pristine purity.

Man has been acquiring evil qualities such as jealousy, hatred, and ego. Due to such a tendency, man destroys his very human nature. Do not let it be debased by evil tendencies. We have to foster our faith firmly. Only pure gold should be mixed with pure gold and truth should be mixed with truth. Similarly, one should join good company and run away from the bad company, which is harmful. Some may appear very pious through their words and deeds, but if you observe their behaviour, it is demonic in reality. Do not have faith in such people, and do not lose your purity. Impure gold of this nature is increasing. You must become pure gold. Even a small quantity of pure gold is better than a mound of debased gold. Quality should be preferred over quantity. Half an acre of fertile land is better than ten acres of barren land, so that you can grow crops on it. 

Man today is proceeding on the wrong path. You need not follow anybody. You should follow your conscience, which is your master. Since you respect and follow the words of those who have disharmony in their thought, word, and deed, you tend to forget your Swami, your true Self. This situation is of your own making. Follow your conscience. I never force anybody to do anything. What is the reason? The reason is that one has to follow the dictates of one’s source, conscience. Force connotes external imposition. Source relates to the Atma, which is verily love. So, cultivate love.

This is the answer to the first question about Jesus. Jesus said, all are the embodiments of truth and purity, all are children of God. His teachings were based on such broad-minded feelings. He emphasised the need for refraining from hurting others…

The third question:

Everyone is undertaking spiritual practices, but I am unable to do so for lack of time. Due to my preoccupation with my business and profession, I am unable to think of Swami and participate in service activities.

It is a big mistake to think on these lines. There is no need for a specific time and place to think of Swami. Discharge your duties sincerely with the conviction that everything is Swami’s work. “Work is worship, duty is God.” You do not need to sit and chant “Sai Ram” repeatedly. Sarva Karma Bhagavad Preetyartham (do all acts with the feeling that they are for pleasing God.) That is the greatest Sadhana. Suppose on a Sunday, you sat for meditation. But could you concentrate even for a minute? So, instead of wasting your time in meditation devoid of concentration, it is better to attend to your household work. Karmanubandheeni Manushya Loke (human society is bound by Karma (action).)

What is Karma and what is its inner significance? Karma does not mean sweeping the roads and serving the sick. Vibration is Karma. Even your breathing process, batting your eyelids, eating, sleeping, reading can be termed Karma. Life without Karma is impossible even for a moment. Life will be sanctified only when you do all Karma to please God. Do not make any distinction between God and yourself, His work and your work. Work with the conviction that you and God are one. Then even a small work will assume magnificence.

Greatness lies in small things. No doubt, sweeping the roads and visiting hospitals are good deeds but they in themselves do not constitute service. Discharging one’s duty properly is true Sadhana. In the name of Sadhana or spiritual practices, if you neglect your office work and if your work is not commensurate with the salary you draw, then it would amount to cheating the government. True service lies in discharging one’s duty properly. Hence, service can be done even in office. Any work undertaken without discriminating it to be a personal work or God’s work would become service. Suppose you work in office for eight hours and you need six hours for sleep. Then what do you do in the rest of the time? Never give an excuse of lack of time.

There is a small story. A devotee wanted to know his life span so that he could set aside sufficient time for spiritual practices. He prayed to God to let him know his life span. God replied that he was given 80 years. The devotee felt happy, but he continued, “Out of 80 years allocated to me, 20-25 years will be spent in studying and playing. The next 25 years are required for family and household activities. The next 25 years are needed for planning my future and for the well-being of my children. So, I am left with practically no time for spiritual practices. Therefore, O Lord! Grant me 20 more years so that I may think of You and attain You.” 

God laughed and said, “O mad man! Do you need 20 years to attain Me? Even two seconds are enough. How long does it take to put on the switch to get light? Not even a second! Granted that you need 20 years to think of Me wholeheartedly, what is the guarantee that you will not use it for other activities?” 

It is nothing but laziness. Slow and steady wins the race. Even a second spent in contemplation of Me with a steady mind is enough to draw you to Me. Do not waste time; Time is God, time waste is life waste. Proper utilisation of time is true spiritual practice. Consider time as the very form of God and your life will be sanctified. Some people lament saying that they do not have enough time to contemplate on the Lord. Whoever has raised this point is lazy by nature. Once you give up laziness, you can easily tread the path of sacredness. Laziness is rust and dust; realisation is best and rest… 

The fifth question:

How are we to clear the debts of the consequences of our actions?

In order to be free from the consequences of your karmas, you have to use the medicine of Love. There is nothing greater than Love. Love God wholeheartedly. All the effects of your action will be nullified. All your diseases will be cured. If it does not happen so, you should not think otherwise. But, if you pray wholeheartedly, it would come to pass.

Some people sit for prayer in the puja room chanting “Sai Ram.” Suddenly their mind wanders toward the washerman, and they enquire if he has brought the clothes. If you are really chanting the Lord’s name wholeheartedly, why should the mind go to the washerman? Some others sit in meditation but are easily distracted by the smell from the kitchen. If this is the nature of your spiritual pursuit, how can it be termed as a prayer to the Lord? All your spiritual practices are done with a wavering mind. Do them with a steady mind. You are bound to reap the fruits. 

You may undertake any type of spiritual pursuit, but love wholeheartedly. Love can eradicate any type of disease and act as a panacea for all afflictions. You must, in the first instance, develop love. This can be possible if you believe that God is the embodiment of Love. How can you develop love when you do not believe that God is the embodiment of Love? Love is the perfect medicine. If you were to put a plant in a tin and water it, the plant would die in due course of time; but if you were to plant the same in the soil and water it, the plant would grow into a fine tree. Similarly, God’s name and form should be implanted in the soil of your heart and nurtured with water of love. This will ensure good results. If one cultivates love, one need not undertake any other spiritual pursuits. 

The sixth question is very strange:

In our Puja room, we have photographs of Rama, Krishna, Shiva, and Jesus. We also keep Swami’s photograph amidst them. Is it right or wrong?

Once you are convinced that all forms are of one God, why should you fear to keep any particular photograph? You may worship Rama, Eswara, Jesus, Allah, Zarathustra, or Sai! Develop the feeling that all are one. I often give a small example. In Bharat, there are various types of sweets, viz., halwa, badam kheer, gulab jamoon, jilebi, laddu, mysore pak. Though their names and forms are different, the sugar in all of them is the same. You may worship Rama, Eswara, Vishnu, Allah, Jesus, or Sai. But, you should realise that the undercurrent of Divinity is the same in one and all. Then the difference of name and form will not affect you in any manner.

If you do not like other Gods, you can remove their photographs and replace them with those that you like. If you do not like Sai Baba’s or Rama’s photograph, you may remove the same. But this will not serve any purpose. What is essential is recognising unity in Divinity.

Here is a small story. A student was to appear in an examination. He was weak in mathematics. Since the exam was the next day, he worshipped Swami and went for the exam. He failed in mathematics. With the result he removed Swami’s photo in the altar and placed it in a cupboard. The second day, he had Mathematics Paper Part II. That day he worshipped Rama’s photograph. He fared even worse. The third day, he was to go for the accounts examination. Thinking that Mother Goddess would be more benevolent compared to other gods, he brought Devi’s photograph and did Puja. That day, he could not even understand the questions in the examination. He came back and put this photograph also in the cupboard. Fourth day was Accounts Paper, Part II. Realising that Vinayaka is the remover of all obstacles, he brought incense sticks and coconut and garlanded the idol. When he lit the incense sticks, the smoke began to waft toward the cupboard in which the discarded photos were placed. Then he thought, “I brought incense sticks for Vinayaka; why should I let the benefit of the fragrance be experienced by these gods—Rama, Sai Baba, and Devi, who have betrayed me?” He went into the house and brought a piece of cloth to tie the nose of Sai Baba, Rama and Devi. Having assured himself that the fragrance would not reach them, he sat down for prayer.

At that very moment, Sai Baba, Rama, and Devi appeared. He was amazed and questioned the deities: How is it that you did not appear when I worshipped you and now that I have punished you, you have appeared before me? Sai Baba replied, “Son, till this day you had limited Me to a picture. Today you have got the feeling that this photo is a living entity, so you tied a cloth around the nose to prevent the fragrance from reaching Me. The photographs will not help you. Picture will remain a picture. You may worship picture as God, but not God as a picture. Today, you have begun to believe the picture as God Himself and tied the cloth. So, I have appeared before you.”

Nowadays, we worship God as a picture. It is only when we take picture as God in form that our desires will be fulfilled. It does not matter what form you worship or what name you chant. Realise that all names and forms are His. Nothing is wrong with any name. All are the forms of the same Godhead. You may even worship your own parents. In such a case, how can you have doubt about various forms of God? At no point of time, you should entertain doubts regarding God. God is God. Never comment or criticise the names or forms of God. Have any photograph and chant any name. God is one; Truth is one. “Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti (Truth is one, but scholars refer to it by many names).” Do not go about changing photographs. Have the photograph of your choice and worship. Do unto others what you do unto yourself

The seventh question:

In the worldly path, which spiritual practice will satisfy Swami? I am ready to do the Sadhana that pleases Swami. 

There is only one answer to that. I do not advocate any specific Sadhana. Consider all people to be the forms of Divinity. Have faith that God is in all. That pleases Me the most. Refrain from doing that which causes grief to others even if it were to give you happiness. Do unto others as you would like to be done by. “Help ever; Hurt never.” Help everybody. Do not harm or hurt anyone. Do not develop ill feelings toward anybody. Even if people were to hurt you or curse you, do not refrain from loving them. This is the main point of Swami’s teachings. That is what Swami expects of you. 

There are people, who do not worship Swami. Some worship and some others criticise. I remain unaffected by both. I do not take note of any of these. I continue to love all. Each one has to bear the consequences of their actions. If you do good deeds, you would reap good results, and bad results if you have done bad deeds. Realise this in the first instance and act accordingly. I do not hate anybody. I do not doubt anyone. I love even those who do not believe in Me. That is My nature. Some tend to doubt My power because I repose faith in them, though they themselves do not have faith in Me. That is a mistaken notion. My Love is the same for all. I desire that all be blissful. 

Water is colourless, but it assumes the colour of the bottle in which it is poured. Good or bad are within you and not in Me, and they shall never be in Me. I am always for the maxim, “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May the whole world be happy).” Even If you were to hate Me, I shall love you. That is My nature. That is the Divine quality. You may worship Me today and censure Me tomorrow, and vice-versa. When drunk, one talks in a certain manner, while when sober, in another. When you are deeply drunk with worldly desires, the mind oscillates from one side to another. But one who is filled with wholesome and unsullied love remains the same under all circumstances.

You may forget Me, but I will never forget you. I am always with you, in you, around you, and above you. People who are in divine proximity are extremely fortunate. It is a culmination of the merit acquired in various births. It has not come in this birth. Therefore, do not waste your energy brooding over what pleases Swami and what displeases Him. Do not entertain such doubts. I am pleased with whatever you undertake with purity of heart I desire only the purity of your heart. With pure love in your heart, you may undertake any type of service. Have total faith in Swami’s words, implicitly obey His commands…”

That evening, the overseas devotees presented another cultural programme in the Divine Presence in Poornachandra Auditorium. The famous Italian singer Antonella Ruggiero sang a few songs. The Russian Folk group presented a grand musical performance. The function concluded with a prayer song for the world peace by all the members.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India

Sri Sathya Sai leads the procession;
(left) Air Chief Marshall O.P. Mehra, Governor of Maharashtra;
(right) Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India;
(extreme right in second row) Prof. V.K. Gokak - Vice Chancellor 

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning was inaugurated at Prasanthi Nilayam on this day. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Revered Chancellor of the University, came in a procession wearing a resplendent white robe accompanied by Sri Y.V. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India; Governor of Maharashtra Air Chief Marshall O.P. Mehra; Chancellors from 10 Universities of Maharashtra; Smt. Madhuribhen Shah, Chairman, University Grants Commission; Sri Anjaiah, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh; Prof. V.K. Gokak, Vice Chancellor of the Institute; and Sri Chakravarthi, Registrar of the Institute. 

The procession also included the Trustees of the Institute Trust – the Rajmata of Nawanagar, Justice Bhagawati of the Supreme Court of India, Dr. S. Bhagavantam and Sri Indulal Shah. Justice Y.V. Chandrachud inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, and Governor O.P. Mehra presided over the function.

Dignitaries on the dias at the Poornachandra Auditorium:
(from left): Sri Chakravarthi; Prof. Bhagavantham, Justice Bhagwati; Prof. Gokak; Chief Justice Y.V. Chandrachud; Chancellor Baba; Governor O.P. Mehra 

In His Inaugural Address, the Chancellor said:

"Students! Embodiments of Divine Love! Educators! Promoters of Education!

When we fall low in education or in knowledge, our parents feel great grief. When we fall low in morals and spiritual virtues, our motherland bemoans her fate ten times more sadly. We have to assuage the grief of the physical mother and the cultural mother, and promote the peace and prosperity of the motherland. Students alone have the enthusiasm and the skill necessary for this task. In this land revered as the treasure house of spiritual riches, dharma is declining day by day; unrighteousness, injustice, violence, anti-social acts, falsehood are running amok. They are indulging in their devil-dance unhindered. In this Kali era, students have to rise as lion cubs, reestablish peace and restore dharma in individual, social and national life.

Students! Remember that all those whom we are accepting now as leaders, whom we respect as holding positions of authority, whom we worship as elders, were some years ago students like yourselves. Therefore, you in your turn will be the leaders, power-wielders and elders of tomorrow. Do not forget this destiny of yours.

The motherland is not a mere lump of earth. When we desire its progress, we have to promote the progress of the people who dwell therein. The skills needed for resuscitating and reforming man are found only in students. The reforming process involves the removal, in daily living, of bad conduct and bad habits and the practice of good conduct and good deeds. A man's worth can be measured by his efforts to reform himself. This day, the Government has no capacity to reform the people and people have no authority to reform the Government.

The Educational Process is a holy endeavour

Students are the very foundation of the nation. When the foundation is strong, the building can be stable. To make the foundation strong, people, rulers, parents, teachers, and students, all have to coordinate their plans and efforts. These five elements, these five vital forces, have to work together towards this end.

The solution for the problem is just one; the Light of Truth has to be fostered and spread in the field of education. Students are proceeding along devious distorted paths, not because they are intrinsically bad, but because they are infected by the pollution rampant in all fields, social and national. The nation cannot advance through a reform of the educational system alone.

The educational process is basically a holy endeavour. We have many lessons to learn, many duties to fulfil, many points to note while trying to improve it. In ancient times, moral excellence was the goal of this endeavour. After gaining that excellence even today, students can roam free and fearless in the realm of education, like lions in the forest. They should not degrade themselves to the level of cunning, deceitful, marauding jackals or wolves. Today, there are no lions in the jungle of educational institutions. But wolves and sheep abound!

Acquaintance with the contents of a pile of books does not make one an educated person. Wherever there are students, the place must shine with the brilliance of peace and security; it must radiate the aura of sanctity. But have we peace and security in the campuses today? No. Real education must be judged by the concern for others which it promotes. Students should grow to be the guardians of the people. As the prospective protectors of the people, their future leaders and administrators, they should prepare themselves for national service. On the shoulders of students today rests the task of making India great. The educational system has to be shaped a new so that students can fulfill the task of brightening the future of this land.

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks at the Poornachandra Auditorium

The Importance of Faith

Embodiments of Love! Every man desires to acquire Ananda. From where can Ananda be acquired? Faith alone can win Ananda. Peace can be got only through faith; faith is the spring of joy. But now, we see sorrow wherever we cast our eyes. Why does this happen? Because, man has lost faith. He has no faith in himself. How then can he acquire Ananda? How can a person, who has not got faith enough to live happily for a few days, win the grace of God? This day, when education has achieved remarkable progress in many directions, man has lost faith in the highest and the most supreme - God. He queries, "What exactly is God?" He argues, "Is there God? Well, I shall prove, that there is no God."

Seek the Truth and you are seeking God. Truth is God. Truth exists; so, God exists. God IS, because Truth is God. Does anyone argue that there is no Truth? Come. I shall show him Truth. He who denies the existence of Truth can never be a man. Can there be a God higher than Truth? 

The human condition today is full of falsehood; it is sunk in wickedness. So, no one can understand the significance of Truth. Truth is generally understood to mean speaking exactly what has been heard by the ears. No; this is not the meaning of Truth. What has been heard undergoes change; Truth is changeless, it is the same in the past, present and future. Have faith that Truth exists thus and can be experienced. Faith is the very breath of life. Without it, man is a living corpse.

Education must broaden the Heart

Many carry swollen heads because of the degrees they have won through the study of books. But of what avail is that load when they do not fold their palms to adore God? Humility is the mark of scholarship. If this mark is absent, the scholar is an ignoramus. Humility is the product of Atma Vidya. Of course, the study of the material world is important. It should not be neglected. But, the study of one's Atmic core is essential. Other studies relate to the five elements, the energies, the composition of the objective world, the manipulation of Nature's forces for living more comfortably. How does the earth rotate and why? How far is the sun from the earth and the stars? How far do the rays of the sun reach? To what distance can they travel in a minute? By learning these facts, to what extent can man profit? More important items to study and watch are - How broad is your heart? How much benefit has society derived from you? What are the Sadhanas that can make you better and more useful? How much are you aware of your inner principle? What exactly is the purpose and goal of your existence?

Bhagavantam (Former Director, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore) has mastered the details about the world which I mentioned now. He has also taught them to many students of his and they in their turn have taught them to many others who were their students. That was all. He knew and he made others know that he knew. Those others knew and they passed on that knowledge to others. Thus it has spread from one set of people to another. Has this process furthered the peace and progress of the world? It has not helped in the least. As scholarship is accumulated, man is losing the compassion which urges him to love his neighbour, to discover the neighbour's troubles and anxieties so that he might give relief. He is turning more and more egoistic.

Embodiments of Love! Do not think otherwise. When truth is made known, one is apt to resent it. Educated persons today are all afflicted with selfishness. Why! They have been rendered so helpless by this disease that they do not pay attention even to the misery of their parents. This is no sign of education. Education must broaden the heart, it must expand one's love. Fortitude and equanimity belong to the Reality in man. One must reveal this fact in every act, also gratitude for kindness shown.

Students should strive to earn Virtues

People forget those who helped them to advance in life; they repay kindness with injury. The very teachers who contribute to the progress of students in studies are hit on the head by their students. The teacher may have faults but the student has no authority to search for faults or expose them or retaliate. Upanishad means 'sitting at the feet' of the teacher. The Guru is the Tat; the Sishya is the Twam. Tat speaks; Twam listens. That is the lesson in humility which the Upanishad conveys. 

Students strive in many ways to attain 'ranks'; they do not strive to earn highly esteemable virtues. No, not even a thousandth part of that effort is spent for earning virtue. They are eager to collect marks; they do not try to avoid remarks and ensure a good reputation. Strive to earn a good life, good conduct, good thoughts and good opportunities. 

Students! You are aware that there are now 108 universities in India. This University is the 109th, one more than that traditional total. Lokaah Samastaah Sukhino Bhavantu. May all the universities succeed and serve the country well. But, this university must be distinct from the rest and attain a unique status. It must be the ideal for others. For this consummation students, teachers, parents, rulers and the people must cooperate.

My Students Are My Property

To have inaugurated a University cannot be a source of full satisfaction for me. It has to be fostered and made to fructify. It is like accepting the gift of an elephant; it brings with it the responsibility to feed it and utilise its potentialities beneficently. If some deviation occurs while managing it, the elephant might run amuck and destroy lives. Students and teachers are valuable assets to make the University an ideal one. Along with subjects related to worldly knowledge, this University will impart instruction in ethical, moral and spiritual codes and Sadhanas. It has as its goal the cultivation of the student's mind on these lines. Virtues, purity of the mind, adherence to truth, dedication to the Supreme, discipline, devotion to duty - these qualities will be fostered and promoted in this University. Such seats of learning were established in ancient times by the sages and seers of India and as a result of their self-sacrificing efforts, they have left for posterity the priceless heritage of Bharatiya culture. This culture has sprouted from the vision they had of God, in every atom in creation. "God resides," it proclaims, "not only in the idol installed in the temple, but in every atom and cell, without exception." Bharatiyas have allowed this all-inclusive, sublime, eternal culture to slip out their lives, in the frantic pursuit of illusory, trivial tantalising cultures.

Leading Educationists with Sri Sathya Sai
at the Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir

Students! Teachers! Devotees gathered here! Administrators! This is the inaugural day of our Institute. It has been planted today. The students are its roots. The tree will grow with branches on all sides; countless flowers will bloom; it will provide and promote peace and security to the world. In order that it may realise this result, students must as the roots do, remain firm and provide sustenance. I know that the roots have to be watered so that flowers and fruits may emerge. Students are My all. If you ask Me, what is My property, many expect the answer to be, "Oh! All these buildings, all this vast area of land." But, My answer is: "My entire property consists of My students." I have offered Myself to them.

Source: Divine Discourse on the Inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on November 22, 1981 at the Poornachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam