The Whole World Is His Family - Dr. Samuel Sandweiss

Dr Samuel Sandweiss with Sri Sathya Sai at the SSSIHL Convocation - November 22, 2009

Once I was with Bhagavan when He spoke to a small group about changes happening in the world and in the minds of men. He said that there was a revolution afoot more vast and extensive than anything ever known to man. Man was in the midst of a major transformation of consciousness and that changes would be so vast and grand that no-one could begin to grasp them. 

So many of us are aware of the major and dramatic events happening in eastern Europe and in Russia — a revolution so great that it exceeds our understanding. Yet, we know our Bhagavan is guiding and protecting, directing and safeguarding the proper unfolding of these events. How could it be otherwise? He is everywhere at all times, now with us assuring that the vast transformation taking place is directly supervised and personally handled by Him. It is hard, however, for mere mortal man to understand the care and love with which Bhagavan is handling such worldwide events. It may be easier to grasp His gentle, loving, compassionate ways when He deals individually with us.

Samuel and Sharon Sandweiss
in the Prasanthi Nilayam
Interview Room

A few years ago, while visiting Prasanthi Nilayam with my wife, Bhagavan called us for a personal interview. Quite unexpectedly, He materialized a beautiful crystal japamala for my wife. She was overcome with joy. Tears filled her eyes and she fell at Bhagavan's Lotus feet with great love. Bhagavan then brought us into an inner interview room and spoke sweetly and lovingly to us. "Baba", my wife said, "The schools in the U.S. are now so chaotic and unhealthy for children. Shall we take our children out of the public school and find a private school? " With deep understanding and love, Bhagavan said, "No, it is the same everywhere. All schools are the same now. I will protect them." My wife then said, "Baba, if it weren't for you, all would be lost." Bhagavan then looked directly at both of us in a very serious manner, and with a certain strong emphasis, said, "Yes, if it were not for me, everything would be lost." 

The words are chilling and struck to the core. We all know how disturbed this world is now. A polluted environment, people suffering, selfishness, violence, lust, and greed seem to flourish unchecked. If we understood the full extent of it, we would die from fright. But our loving protective Bhagavan firmly reassures, "Yes, if it were not for me, all would be lost." He has told us this before, that it is for our protection and for the establishment of righteousness that He has come. But, to hear it directly from Bhagavan, and with such a serious tone — this was moving beyond description. Yes, He has come to protect us and to make our family right. He has come to give us confidence and to assure us that love, understanding, respect and faithfulness rule, and that Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa will guide the way. We are grateful to Bhagavan that He has come and given us protection in our individual families and that He is in charge of the great changes now at play in our world family. 

And so, I would now like to mention about my previous trip to Prasanthi Nilayam along with my family in August 1989. As I know that it reflects the sweet care and attention that Bhagavan is giving to the world events as well. For I know, Bhagavan handles all the events of all the worlds as sweetly, intimately, and personally as He did to my family in August. 

The Sandweiss Family with Sri Sathya Sai

My four daughters are now young ladies, ages 18, 29 and twins, 23. At this age, young people think for themselves. They sometimes break away from blindly following the beliefs of their parents, and begin to inquire about the whys and wherefores of life on their own. Many of us know how adolescents and young adults rebel and struggle with parental authority, and so how lucky we were when I recently asked the young ladies if they wanted to visit Bhagavan. Without hesitation, all of them shouted with delight and in unison, "Yes." 

This would not be the first time they visited Bhagavan. The twins had already been to see Bhagavan twice, and the younger two once, during the 60th birthday celebration. At that time, Bhagavan said that He would see us as a family. However, during the 60th birthday, we never got the family interview, and so there has always been that yearning in the minds of the children "One day will Swami see us personally?"  

On the third day of our visit, Bhagavan called the family for an interview. He had previously talked to me about the marriage of my twin daughters, and for the past few years has told me, "Less luggage, more comfort." He said that I must search for good young men and that He would provide the right mates. When I asked Him if there were any good men left on earth, He assured me that there were. He had told me that the best age for marriage of young women in our culture is between the ages of 22 and 25. They should be married early now because-the influence of - the society is not good. The best age for men is between the ages of 25 and 29. 

My children entered the interview room hesitantly. They sat close to the wall for support and wondered what would happen. In came Bhagavan with smiles and laughter that warmed everybody's heart. He materialized vibhuti for the ladies and met everyone with a sweet and loving smile. Worry dissolved. He then materialized a diamond ring for one of the gentlemen, and then sat in His chair and began to speak He looked at a Danish businessman who was in the interview with his wife, and two sons, aged 25 and 29. He said some kind words, and then materialized a beautiful gold medal on a gold stand, and gave it to him. Bhagavan looked at my twin daughters and asked, "How are you?" They said, "Happy, Swami". Bhagavan then moved His hand in that beautiful creative circle, and brought out two of the most beautiful earrings I have ever seen. They were large pearl and emerald earrings in a gold setting with diamonds sprinkled all over. The earrings were approximately an inch and a half long, and very substantial. He took one earring and, in front of our eyes, tore it in half, into its twin, both being the size of the original, and then said, "Twins for the twins - wedding earrings." He finished the task by tearing the other one in half the same way, creating two pairs of the most marvelous pearl, emerald, and diamond earrings out of one by simply splitting matter into its double. He then brought my daughters to Him and, with eyes a twinkle, put one earring on His ear and wiggled His head back and forth. "See how attractive?". He said. Merriment reigned. He then gave each one their precious gift and my daughters ears and hearts were attached to Bhagavan forever. 

Bhagavan, the Father of the Universe, began talking about the rules that govern the universe. He started with education and asked us why we should have an education. He said that education was to focus the mind. He then asked, "Why study?" We all tried to give an answer, and then Bhagavan helped. "Study is to make you steady." He then sweetly asserted, "Politics without principles — science without humanity-commerce without morality - and education without character are not only useless, but dangerous." He then told us that there are five kinds of knowledge, book knowledge, superficial knowledge, general knowledge, discriminatory knowledge, and the most important — practical knowledge. And so Bhagavan was laying the foundations of a good life - values, precious human values — God's greatest gift of love to man. Right from the start of our marvelous contact with Him and without let-up, Bhagavan emphasized the importance of values. He was laying a strong foundation, making it sturdy, showering it up with love, and inviting us to protect and promote these values as His very own instruments. 

My daughters wanted to see a miracle. They said so prior to the interview and, of course, Bhagavan knew their minds. He materialized a beautiful diamond ring, and asked everybody what it was. When we all agreed that it was a diamond, He then blew on it and turned it into an emerald. Everybody smiled with delight, seeing Bhagavan showing His great power in such a playful manner. 

Bhagavan then invited us into a small inner room, for a private family interview. The girls were still a bit hesitant and sat distant from His chair. He came into the room, made a gesture mimicking their fear, but with great teasing play in His smile, and they all burst into laughter. They all drew close to the chair and Bhagavan began talking to us, the Father of our family. He talked about marriage. He looked at me and again said, "Less luggage, more comfort." He told the young ladies that they would be getting married and He told me to get ready. Our family is very close, and my daughters asked, "But Baba, will we always be together in spirit?" Bhagavan assured, "Yes, yes, always in spirit, always together." He then turned His attention to the younger daughters and indicated that they had thoughts about marriage. They giggled and Bhagavan said that it was natural. He was with us for over half an hour, and by the time we left, all hearts were melted. My children were His forever. How wonderful for parents to see their children's spiritual lives being given such guidance. 

Dr Samuel Sandweiss with Sri Sathya Sai - 1980s

Our family had another wonderful interview with Bhagavan and many lovely and precious moments with Him. By the time we were to leave, we were heartbroken at the thought of parting from Him. At our last Bhajan, I cried. Sometimes with Bhagavan, there are tears which have no name and come from a place that seems to have no location. Just a vast recognition of His greatness and His love — A feeling of holiness and a recognition that the Lord has come. As we were preparing to depart, however, these tears had a name. I was crying because we were leaving our sweet Mother Sai who had brought us close and given us an intimate experience of her compassionate boundless love. Later, I was to find that all of us, although sitting separately, were crying the same tears with the same name and form. We were so sad to be leaving our sweet Mother, our gentle, innocent, profound, compassionate, sweet Mother Sai. 

Bhagavan tells us that we are never apart from Him - that He is always with us, around us, above us, below us, beside us and within us, guiding, protecting, loving. And, He tells us to experience this love and to express it in the form of precious values entrusted to us by Him, for the protection, benefit and welfare of the world family. And so, cry yes, because we will miss the physical presence of our Sweet Mother Sai - but also, get down to business and do our duty. 

Through Bhagavan's grace, an unusual situation has developed in my professional life. The American Psychiatric Association has an annual meeting in which approximately, 15,000 psychiatrists attend. There are a few hundred meetings spread over 7 to 8 days. Three years ago, I proposed to present a workshop on the Spiritual Dimension of Psychotherapy. I was quite surprised to see the proposal accepted, and that the meeting, in Montreal, was a resounding success. The room allotted to us was filled to capacity. Then, last year, I proposed the same program, and again it was accepted. We had double the space, and again it was full to capacity and a resounding success. For this year's May 1990 meeting held in New York, I have written proposals for two meetings, and both were accepted. One will be a three-hour paper symposium on Psychiatry and Spirituality in which six psychiatrists will read and discuss papers. 

As we are aware, psychiatry has some resistance to spirituality, and that this kind of meeting is taking place at a large psychiatric Convention is unusual in and of itself. As Chairperson of this paper symposium, I will give the lead-off paper. What I will be emphasizing is that God is real, and we must not avoid talking about Him in psychotherapy. Man's yearning to establish a relationship with Him must be seen as an essential, vital and profound part of life. This relationship is established through the process of devotion and by practicing the precious human values given to us by God. Values must not be considered a peripheral issue in psychiatry, and we, as professional healers, must recognize that the establishment of basic human values is our primary goal. Values are an expression of God's love, and it is through living these precious values that we find our greatest purpose and meaning of life. They bring us peace and lead to eternal joy and boundless love. 

Dr Samuel Sandweiss addresses the SSSIHL Convocation - November 22, 2009

Bhagavan gave me and my family boundless love, and I now have the chance to reflect this love into the world by protecting and promoting divine blessed values. In this way, Bhagavan expresses His love through our thoughts, words, and deeds, so that the whole world, which is His family is permeated with His Love. 

About The Author:

Dr. Samuel H. Sandweiss received his M.D. from the University of Michigan, U.S.A. in 1962. He is currently Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine and practices psychiatry in San Diego, California. Dr. Sandweiss first met Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in May, 1972 and is currently a member of the Council of Sathya Sai Baba Organization of the USA He has authored "Sai Baba — The Holy Man and Psychiatrist", "Spirit and Mind" and "With Love Man is God". He was blessed to be the Chief Guest at the Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in November 2009.

Source: Sai Vandana 1990

Sri Sathya Sai On: The Glory of Bharatiya Culture

What greater misfortune can there be

Than the failure of Bharatiyas,

To understand the true greatness

Of their ancient and sacred culture?

To cavil at others’ faults

And to be blind to one’s own;

To jeer at others’ looks,

Not noticing one’s own ugliness;

To make fun of others

And not see one’s own follies;

To have such qualities from birth

Can there be a greater sin than this?

Students, Boys and Girls, and Teachers, Embodiments of Love!

The observance of morality in daily life, the Divinisation of all actions and thoughts related to life, and adherence to ideals together constitute culture. Students today do not make the requisite efforts to understand the sacredness and value of this culture. Sanskrit, Sanskriti and Sanskara are all terms which have been derived from the root words, ‘San’ and ‘Krit’. Bharatiya Sanskriti (Indian Culture) is a composite of purity, Divinity, sublimity and beauty. This combination is reflected in sports and games.

The Grandeur of Bharatiya Culture

Although there may be differences among nations in their food and recreational habits, the spirit of harmony and unity displayed in sports is a gratifying example to all. It is a distinctive quality of sports that differences are forgotten and people engage themselves in games in a Divine spirit of friendliness and camaraderie. Sports help the players not only to improve their health but also to experience joy. Students, however, should not be content with realising these benefits. Man has another body besides the physical. It is the subtle body, otherwise known as the mind. It is equally essential to promote purity of the mind and develop large heartedness. True humanness blossoms only when the body, the mind and the spirit are developed harmoniously. The enthusiasm and effort which you display in sports should also be manifested in the spheres of morality and spirituality. You must endeavour to experience the Divinity that permeates Bharat’s sacred culture. Bharatiya culture is not a product of narrow-minded ideas and ideals. It is filled with profound, sublime and ennobling ideas. ‘Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu!’ (May all the people be happy) is the benedictory motto of Bharat. There is a prayer in the Purusha Suktam which students recite regularly, but they do not understand its full meaning. ‘Sahana Vavatu; Sahanau Bhunaktu; Sahaveeryam Karavavahai’. What is the inner meaning of this Mantra? ‘Let us grow together in harmony; let us move about in friendliness; let us spread together the light that we have gained from our studies. Let us live in harmony without discord. Let us promote in harmony the use of our talents and skills.’ This is the profound inner meaning of this Vedic hymn. No other language can stand comparison with Sanskrit in its sweetness or range of expression. The sages prayed for the happiness and well-being of every one on earth. ‘Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu’ (May all see only what is auspicious). Such were the benedictions pronounced in the Sanskrit language.

Sanskrit – The Mother of All Languages

Many European languages have a large number of words which are derived from Sanskrit roots. Words like mother, father and brother in English are derived from Latin words which are themselves derived from Sanskrit words like – Pitru, Matru and Bhratru. Thus English is like a grand-daughter, while Latin is a daughter and Sanskrit is the mother of all languages. Sanskrit enjoys this privilege of being the ancient mother of many languages. A great French scholar, Louis Renou , spent many years in India studying the Sanskrit language. On the eve of returning to his native country, he was given a big farewell party by many teachers and students. At that gathering Louis Renou was full of tears, feeling sad at having to leave India. Controlling himself, he said that he was feeling extremely sad to leave India. “Indians are treating the immortal Sanskrit language as a ‘dead’ language. Educational institutions and students are not making adequate efforts to study Sanskrit. Having this immortal language with them, they are not making any effort to enjoy its glory. There can be no greater misfortune than this”, he lamented. 

Max Muller  was another savant who explored the greatness of Sanskrit. He traced the Sanskrit origin of many English words. After completing a study of the Rig Veda, he inscribed an introduction to his work in Sanskrit in which he described himself as a native of Germany who had received his education at Oxford University. He coined Sanskrit equivalents for Germany and Oxford (‘Sarmany’ and ‘Gotirthapura’) and Sanskritised his own name as Mokshamula Bhatt. When great foreign scholars and savants show so much regard and esteem for Sanskrit, it is regrettable that Indians do not have the same regard for this great language.

The Bharatiya culture is based entirely on Sanskrit. Culture means that which sanctifies the world, which enhances the greatness and glory of a country and which helps to raise the individual and society to a higher level of existence. Culture contributes to the refinement of life. The process of refinement or transformation is essential for improving the utility of any object. For instance, paddy has to be milled and the husk has to be removed before the rice is fit for cooking. This is the process known as Sanskriti or transformation. This means getting rid of the unwanted elements and securing the desirable elements. With regard to men, Sanskriti (culture) means getting rid of bad qualities and cultivating virtues. The cultured person is one who has developed good thoughts and good conduct. In Sanskrit, the term Atma refers to the Self (‘I’) and ‘mine’. Where the ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are present strong attachment develops. This is described as Atmabhimanam (attachment to the Self). Even in relation to trivial matters, when there is mention of ‘I’, the person concerned places his hand on his heart. This shows that the Self (‘I’) that is referred to is not the body but the Spirit. When a person declares, “Whatever the disaster, whatever the trouble I may be confronted with, I am not afraid”, he reveals his confidence in his Atma (Self) which is the basis for his fortitude. Unfortunately, nowadays it is attachment to the body that is cherished, with the result that one’s outlook becomes narrow and limited. It should be recognised that the Atma (the indwelling Spirit) is one and the same in all beings. You have to develop this spirit of oneness and equality. Then the Divinity in you will be manifested and your human nature will get sanctified and Divinised. In every action, you should be comradely and cooperative. Today such a spirit prevails in the sphere of sport, although occasionally there are deviations from it. In the beginning, sports and athletics were intended mainly to promote health and experience joy. Today these objectives are being forgotten. Everything is being commercialised. Self-interest is getting predominant. Consequently, peace and happiness are being lost. If a person is invited to sing, he asks, “How much will you give me?” In cricket and tennis matches today lakhs of rupees are involved. When sports become a kind of business, there is no room for human values and peace becomes a casualty. It is essential, therefore, that the sense of spiritual oneness should prevail, transcending differences of nationality, language and religion. Only thus can real bliss be experienced.

Source: Bharatiya Culture and Sports, Discourse 11, My Dear Students Volume 3; Divine Discourse on January 14, 1990 at the Prize Distribution Function, Annual Sports & Cultural Meet, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanti Nilayam Campus Auditorium

Sri Sathya Sai Eventful Visit to Madras (1982); Addresses State Conference

Thursday, January 21, 1982 to 

Sunday, January 24, 1982

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at Sundaram

Bhagavan reached Madras from Brindavan on 21st January 1982. He gave Darshan to thousands at Sundaram. He graced the morning Bhajan sessions at Sundaram during His stay at Madras. 

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan at Sundaram

Bhagavan inaugurated the Fourth State Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation of Tamil Nadu at Abbotsbury on January 22nd. He exhorted the members to render service to society with love and compassion and to regard it as the greatest Sadhana for spiritual development. He said:

“The phrase "our country" denotes not the dumb ground but the living beings thereon with whom you are involved. You must grasp this fact. You are ignoring this truth today. Each one must regard the prosperity and joy of others in the community as one's own. Then only will India or any other country deserve that prosperity and joy. One's happiness is bound up with the happiness of Society. One's physical, mental and intellectual strength and skills have to be dedicated, not merely to one's progress, but equally to the progress of society. Members of the Units of the Sathya Sai Organisation must try to benefit themselves and the society through such service. Use the strength, skills, and spirit of service for such work. A machine gets rested if it is not put to use; the human machine too gets rusted if it is not put to constant meaningful work. The pulse is not the correct indicator of your being alive; work, activity that is the evidence and the value of real living.

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan in Madras

Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Geeta, "There is nothing in the three worlds that I am obliged to do, nothing unaccomplished that I have to accomplish, but I am still engaged in Karma (activity)." For, if God is inactive, the Cosmos will grind to a halt. Man's role is to translate his strength into activity along the path of duty. The young follow the lead of elders. So, elders must consistently hold on to ideals and work towards their realisation so that mankind can attain prosperity and peace.

Character is power more than knowledge

Good conduct has to be the main key to the life of man. It is the 'way of living,' the path of virtue, that keeps one in the memory of people long after death. If it is not the virtuous way, the person is as good as dead. It is often declared that knowledge is power. No. No. Character is power. Nothing can be more powerful on earth than character, Riches, scholarship, status, authority are all frail and flimsy before it. A strong virtuous character cannot be earned from guide books; it is earned only through intimate involvement with society.

There is no dearth of books today; nor is there lack of gurus. Educational institutions spread knowledge all around, To all appearances, the Sun of Knowledge (Jnana Bhaskara), is showering His rays in plenty. But, one can hardly notice those who have imbibed the nectarine wisdom thus offered and dwell in the ecstasy it can confer. The thick binding, encasing the books, seems to prevent wisdom from emerging. The mountain range with lust, anger, hatred, envy and pride as the peaks, shuts out the splendour of the Sun. Charity, compassion, fortitude, sympathy, and sacrifice, arise from the higher levels of consciousness while opposite tendencies breed in the lower levels. The latter cannot confer Ananda; they can only plunge us in grief.

See Nature as a Divine loving entity

Man is not merely flesh and bone. A gramophone record is not merely a circular plate with grooves on. Each groove looks like another groove, lines all over! In every groove are hidden voices, words, songs. In man, too, there is latent the possibility of all types of Karma. Every object, event or experience of ours since childhood lies dormant in us. The rivers, mountains and stars we have looked at are all in us. We have in us the past, the present and even the future. We are all that was, is, and will be.

Man sees Nature as cruel, because his mind is cruel. Clear the eye, purify the mind and you can see that Nature is a Divine loving entity. Do not seek faults and vices. Seek the right, the correct and the good. Develop sympathy and compassion. Cultivate Vairagya, the attitude of detachment. You may doubt whether there are any who have achieved Vairagya (renunciation). Let me tell you there are not only a few, but many. They have no sense of I and Mine; they dedicate all acts to God and free themselves from attachment. To feel there are none is self-deception. Out of ten evil persons there will surely be at least one who can be guided into the good path and out of ten such, at least one will accept God and out of ten such, at least one will be eager to live in accordance with Divine Law.

Offer your body to God as pure as He gave you

In fact, the Cosmos is activated by one single Chaitanya (Consciousness, Intelligence). It is the Sutradhari (Director). Man has only a role to play (Patradhari). That intelligence, the omni-will, urges all men to play roles decided on by it, and to think and work as it directs. The scriptures declare that the Body is the Temple and the I is the God installed therein. Or, you may take it that the body is a vessel for cooking food, given on loan to us for use, while hosting a festival. Can we return it to God, who has loaned it, in a worse condition? Should we not scrub it and clean it and return it bright and free from rust and dust? When the festival of life began and we received the body from Him, it was innocent of evil. It was pure, fresh and bright. Using it we have inflicted dents, leaks and other signs of damage, through lust, greed, hatred, anger and envy. Only the lowest would offer it back in that condition. Offer it as pure as He gave it; you can then be most worthy of Grace.

Remember always the high purpose for which you have come into this world, equipped with potentialities to acquire and utilise all levels of knowledge. Have faith in Divine Grace, the grace of Gopal on the Go (cow), of Pashupati on Pashu (bound animal). Wear the Garland of Devotion Gems round your neck and saturate your thought, word and deed with Divine Love.”

Bhagavan witnessed a fine display of group dances by Bal Vikas students on the 23rd morning. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Bal Vikas Students

Thereafter, He gave His Divine Discourse in which He gave the stages of devotion for every spiritual aspirant:

“You are all brought here today by bonds of Love. It is only Love that binds one person to another and one thing to another. The entire world is filled with Love. Life devoid of Love can be described as lifeless. In Love, there are three levels. The first is the best and the highest level (Uttama). Men at this level have full faith and belief that God, who is the embodiment of eternal bliss, is present in all beings without exception. They will have the feeling that Ishwara is present everywhere and in everything in the form of Love. For such people, "Adveshta Sarvabhootanam" will be the feeling. They see nothing but love in every being. They see no difference between their "own" people and others. Persons filled with such supreme love will experience bliss. Those at the second level care only for their own good and the welfare of their own kith and kin, their comfort and happiness. They do not care about others, about their merits or their faults. These people can be termed as Madhyama, or middle level persons.

Lowest level of Love

There are others who don't feel happy if they see others happy; in fact they grow jealous of others' happiness. They will always be looking for faults in others and criticizing them. They cannot tolerate other people being happy. Thereby they ruin all aspects of love in themselves. Just as a crow feels jealous when a cuckoo sings well, these people feel jealous at others' attainments. Just as the crow ridicules the swan, these people ridicule good people. They are in the lowest level of love (Adhama).

Although love is present in all these three, they enjoy, experience and use this love in different ways. In every tree of life, love is present in the form of sweet juice in its fruit. But this is covered by a skin called desire. Hence, we are not aware of the sweet juice in the fruit. Only those persons who remove the skin of desire and throw away the hard seeds of anger and jealously, can enjoy the sweet juice of the fruit of Love. When one throws away seeds of likes and dislikes and removes the skin of desire, he can enjoy Parama Prema - Divine Love, which is Rasa Swaroopa (sweetness personified).

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks at Chennai

The Upanishads say that this Rasa (tasty juice) is Brahmam. With a view to experiencing this Bliss, they prescribe nine types of Devotion. Bhakti is described in common parlance in many ways, but the Vedas say that there are three types of Bhakti: Bhautika, Ekaanta and Ananya Bhakti. These have been described in different ways and various commentaries also have been written about them.

Shravana (listening), manana (digesting what was learnt) and Nidhidhyasana (practicing what was preached and learnt), the rituals connected with Yajna, the visiting of various Kshetras (places) of pilgrimage, and various types of service such as charity (Dana and Dharma) are all classified as Bhautika Bhakti (devotion related to created or living beings). Japa, Tapas and Sandhya rites are all connected with this first type of Bhakti. Constructing temples, consecrating idols, worshiping in temples and rituals connected with these are also Bhautika Bhakti. These are all connected with the 'Jada' (the physical).

The Second Step in the Path of Devotion

Even though one may be immersed in meditation and experiencing visions of such idols, these have to be classified under this first type since all these experiences arise out of the body, mind and intellect, which are transient and not of a permanent nature. This body has to perish and hence experiences arising out of this body will also disappear with' the body. Nevertheless, this type of Bhakti is necessary as the first step.

Travelling on this path, we should slowly march to the second step of Ekaanta Bhakti. Many people think that Ekaanta Bhakti means dedication to one idol or form and experiencing mental vision of that one Form, exclusively in privacy. This is not correct. Ekaanta Bhakti is a subtle state achieved by effective control of the mind and experiencing one's inner self (Antaraatma). It is not correct to think that control of the mind means holding it steady without wandering around. To be able to cleanse the mind of impure thoughts is the correct meaning of 'Ekaanta.' This is a Sadhana (spiritual discipline) to be practiced in a lonely atmosphere, in a quiet place free from noise or disturbance of any kind.

The best time for this practice is from 3:00 am to 5:00 am which is called Brahma Muhurta. Selecting a particular time in this period, closing the door, contacting no one else, one should sit quietly and adjust the rate of inhaling and exhaling of breath. It is important that the pace of inhaling and exhaling must be the same. By gradual practice, the number of breaths per minute must be reduced from eight or ten a minute to two or one. You can take your own time; proceed gradually in the process of reduction of the number of times of inhaling and exhaling. Because of the flow of thoughts in the mind (Sankalpa and Vikalpa - mental resolves and doubts), the breathing also gets affected and disturbed.

Importance of Purity and Steadiness of Mind

To control the breath in this manner and direct it in the proper path, there is a very effective method that can be followed. The tip of the tongue must gently touch the rear of the teeth. When it is kept in this position, the thoughts in the mind become less and one can concentrate on the control of the breath. When you control the Sankalpa and Vikalpa of the mind and detach yourself from thoughts of the body and things around you, you come to the stage when the mind is without thoughts and desires, when it can concentrate on God.

In the state of Ekaanta Bhakti, the mind is dissolved and is in a still stage. God is everywhere in everyone; when the mind is rid of all impurities, God's presence alone is experienced by people with Ekaanta Bhakti. If you take a small tumbler with very little water and place it before the sun, you can see the reflection of the sun in the water. Though the quantity of water is very little, because it is steady and clear, you can see the reflection. On the other hand, if you try to look into the vast expanse of water in the sea nearby, you don't see the reflection because the water is always moving as tides and waves. Nor can you see the reflection of the sun in a well where the water is muddy.

Even in the sacred river Ganges, you can't see the reflection of the sun because it is ever flowing, though the water may be pure and the bed sandy. Similarly, God will not be reflected in a mind full of likes and dislikes and desires or a mind that is disturbed with impure thoughts. If you want to realize the presence of God in the beings, you must recognize the importance of purity and steadiness of mind. When the mind is pure and steady Divinity will be resplendent everywhere.

The Final Stage of Devotion

To experience Divinity in this way Ekaanta Bhakti alone will help you. On any other path you may experience visions of different types. These are nothing but hallucinations and products of imagination. Without virtuous qualities, you cannot control your mind. How can you build a house without brick and mortar? To achieve purity and steadiness of mind, earnest practice is essential. Ekaanta Bhakti is not obtained by locking yourself in a room and worshiping an idol with devotion. This can only be called Ekaaki Bhakti; after all, the idol is only a created object. You should experience your Atma Swaroopa and not a created object. You should have a vision of the Primordial Divinity, whose reflection is your Atma. Worshiping an idol is necessary as a first step. But do not devote all your lifetime on the first step!

By continuous training and practice of Ekaanta Bhakti, you will be able to know the 'Atma' within yourself. The Atma is in you. You can't see it because of impurity and waves of likes and dislikes hovering round. When you remove these impurities, the mind rests in a pure state. At that stage, if you turn your eye inward you will have the vision of Divinity, the 'Sakshatkara'. This is the Ekaanta Bhakti we read about in books. Ekaanta Bhakti is realised only when you turn the vision inward, away from sensory objects and experience the pure Atma. Ekaanta Bhakti is Antar Drishti or inner vision, while Bhautika Bhakti is Bahir Drishti or outer vision.

After earning Bhautika Bhakti and Ekaanta Bhakti, Ananya Bhakti will be easy to attain. We have a feeling that Ananya Bhakti consists in surrendering to God, saying: "I have no saviour other than you." We think that simply by declaring "You are mother, You are father, You are friend and You are my saviour, Oh God of Gods," we have. surrendered and are practicing Ananya Bhakti. This is only oral Ananya Bhakti. Real Ananya Bhakti comes from deep inquiry into the reality of the inner Self...

Sri Sathya Sai interacting with Devotees at Sundaram during Darshan

Members of the Sathya Sai Organisations should attempt to follow the right path and raise their own spiritual effort to the level of Ananya Bhakti. The world today is in a very bad state. The situation can improve, only through Astikas who are believers in divinity. They should become Prema Swaroopas or embodiments of Love, and by their Sadhana, backed by patience, forbearance and compassion, play their role in serving society and contributing to the betterment of the world. God is present in you and is viewing with thousands of eyes what you do. Even if no one is seeing, God is always watching your actions. Do everything with this awareness.” 

Sri Sathya Sai leaving Sundaram

Bhagavan travelled by car to Neyveli on the 24th and conferred His Benediction on the large gathering that awaited His Darshan there.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai Eventful Visit to Chennai (1984); Visits Raj Bhavan

Wednesday, January 18, 1984 to 

Monday, January 23, 1984

Traditional welcome to Sri Sathya Sai at Sundaram

Bhagavan reached Madras from Brindavan at 7.30 pm on 18th January 1984. He was accorded a traditional welcome at Sundaram by the State President of Tamil Nadu and the members of the State Trust. Bhagavan gave Darshan to the devotees assembled at Sundaram.

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan from Sundaram Balcony

Bhagavan gave Darshan during early morning Nagar Sankirtan at Sundaram on the 19th. As it was the anniversary day of Sundaram, Narayan Seva was performed after Bhagavan’s Darshan. 

Sri Sathya Sai Darshan in Sundaram

Bhagavan addressed a huge gathering at Abbotsbury the same evening. Major General Mahadevan gave the welcome speech. 

Gen. Mahadevan addressing the gathering;
followed by the Divine Discourse

In the Divine Discourse He said:

“Dharma and Jnana (fight conduct and spiritual wisdom) are two eyes given to man to discover his uniqueness and his divinity. Dharma indicates the right path which every individual, group or society should follow. Dharma destroys the one who violates it. Dharma also protects the one who protects it. The scriptures have declared, "Where there is Dharma there is Victory". There is no Dharma greater than Truth. The edifice of Dharma is erected on the foundation of Truth. Nyaya (justice) is an essential attribute of Dharma. A society or nation or an individual shines with glory only when they adhere to justice, lust as one acquires wealth by the pursuit of agriculture, business or profession, one must acquire merit and Divine Grace by adhering to Neeti (morality) and Dharma.

However, Dharma alone is not enough. While Dharma leads to right action, it is necessary also to acquire Jnana. True knowledge consists in understanding the unity that underlies the Cosmos. All the sufferings and problems in life arise from the sense of duality. Once the feeling of 'I' and 'mine' is got rid of, consciousness of the all-pervading Divinity will be realised.

Two Greatest Qualities in Life

Today, it appears as if there is a revival of spiritual activity everywhere. Religious associations are coming up all over the world. But much of the activity of spiritual aspirants is motivated by self-interest. Devotees address prayers to God for the fulfilment of their material desires. All the study of scriptures is of little avail if genuine love of God does not flow spontaneously from the heart. It is only through such love that the Divine can be realised. Love and sacrifice are the two greatest qualities in life. It is on the basis of these qualities that our ancients dealt with the problems of society so that the individual, the family, the community and the nation may pursue the path of Dharma.

In the world the progeny of Dharma and Adharma are continually growing. Adharma (unrighteousness) married Mithya (delusion). Mithya is neither truth nor untruth. This couple had two children, a son called Ahamkara (egoism) and a daughter called Moha (infatuation). As both Ahamkara and Moha are the children of Ignorance, with no capacity to judge what is right and wrong, the unholy alliance between them resulted in the birth of Lobha (avarice) and Vanchana (deceit) as son and daughter. From the wrongful union of these two, Irshya (jealousy) and Krodha (hatred) were born. Out of their union, Bheeti (fear) and Mrutyu (death) were born, This lineage is known as Adharma Santati (the progeny of unrighteousness). In this lineage, every union was improper.

The Progeny of Dharma

Dharma married a great soul called Sathya (Truth). Out of the union of Sathya and Dharma, eight children were born. These are Shraddha (Earnestness), Daya (Compassion), Shanti (Peace), Pushti (Prosperity), Shanthushti (Contentment), Vriddhi (Progress), Lajja (Modesty), Gauravam (Honour) and Mukti (Liberation). It is now for each one to determine to which lineage one belongs. It would seem that 90% of the people in the world belong to the line of Mithya and Adharma.

Thousands gather for Sathya Sai Darshan in Madras

When we practice Dharma, the Divinity 'in us will manifest itself spontaneously. One should not limit Dharma to mere words. Man is regarded as the very embodiment of righteousness. But he will not be worthy of this appellation if he does not lead a life of Dharma. Everyone should realise that to attain oneness with divinity is the goal of human life. Hence it is everyone's duty to develop faith in the Divine. With the growth of faith, if one leads a life devoted to Dharma, Sathya and Neeti, he will be achieving the purpose of life. The man who does not follow Dharma is a burden on the earth. All the wealth he may accumulate will not accompany him when he leaves the world. It is more important to earn the grace of God than earn all the wealth in the world. Develop the love of God and realise the bliss that is beyond all words.”

Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan

During this visit, Bhagavan visited Raj Bhavan accepting the request of the Governor Sri Khurana. Bhagavan also visited the Tirumangalam slum adopted by the local Samiti for community service on 20th. He also visited a medical dispensary at Annanagar and distributed clothes and crutches to the disabled. 

Sri Sathya Sai distributing crutches along with Gen. Mahadevan

On His way back to Sundaram, He visited the Mariamma temple that was being renovated by the Sai Samiti. Smt. M.L. Vasanthakumari and party rendered Tyagaraja and Purandaradasa Keertanas at Sundaram that evening.

Sri Sathya Sai at the evening programme in Sundaram

Bhagavan visited Nandivaram village on 21st morning. He talked to the villagers and distributed clothes to the disabled. Bhagavan performed the last ‘Ashtabandhanam’ at Guindy Mandir that afternoon.

Sri Sathya Sai at the Guindy Shirdi Sai Temple

He materialised a ‘Sudarshana Chakra’ with the form of Sathya Sai on its reverse and installed it below the idol of Shirdi Sai. Bhagavan witnessed a cultural programme presented by Bal Vikas students at Abbotsbury that evening.

Sri Sathya Sai with Bal Vikas children

Bhagavan blessed a group of Bal Vikas Gurus on 22nd morning and awarded prizes to the rank holders of the All India Bal Vikas examination. Bhagavan also addressed 750 teachers from the Corporation Schools in Madras who were earlier trained in Education in Human Values. Bhagavan visited the Sathya Sai Nivas at Perambur that afternoon and blessed the large gathering there. He also visited the Trade Union College at Perambur and inaugurated the Industrial Training Centre. He blessed the large gathering of railway workers at the Centre.

Sri Sathya Sai leaving Sundaram

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985) 

Moments Made Special By Sri Sathya Sai – By Tanmay Das

Being with Swami has always been very special for me, not only because He is God. For me, He is more of a loving mother, a caring father and an adorable sister! The five years in the Institute have been like five days – as if we came just yesterday and today, our academic association with the Institute is over. When I joined for my under graduate course in 2009, it was for the first time that I came to know about Bhagavan. My mother had been an ardent devotee of Shirdi Baba right from her childhood days. But our family was not aware of Sri Sathya Sai Baba or about Prasanthi Nilayam, apart from knowing the fact that there exists a Super Speciality Hospital which treats people free of cost. When one of my friends came to know about this Institute through his father, he immediately bought the prospectus of the Institute. He asked me if I was interested in applying for the undergraduate course there. I immediately told him, “No”, thinking the Institute may not be well recognized like Hans Raj College or Symbiosis. But the events that took place subsequently were all part of his Divine Leela… to bring me closer to Him.

The last date for applying for the Institute was 28th February, 2009. I was one of the few students left in my batch, who hadn’t applied for any College till then. So I was a bit apprehensive and uncertain what to do next. I called the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Office of the Institute and inquired if I could still apply for the undergraduate course in Brindavan Campus or not. To my dismay, I was informed that the last date for applying for any course was over. As I was not quite well versed about the Institute, I didn’t feel bad. But Swami always waits for such moments when you give up and from there He takes over. My brother-in-law and his elder brother were alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School who had studied in the erstwhile Sri Sathya Sai School at Ooty, Tamil Nadu and then they got into to the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School at Prasanthi Nilayam. My brother-in-law had come to know that I was applying for this Institute. He called me up immediately and asked I was serious about joining the Institute. Something told me from inside that I should tell, “Yes”. What followed was just like a chain reaction. Suddenly, I got a mail of the application form from the Administrative block of the Institute which I was asked to fill up and send it the very same day. I did as I was required to do and sent it on 8th March, 2009. By the end of April 2009, I got the call letter to appear for the entrance examination. I did not do well in the written examination and I was sure that I was not going to make it. On the next morning when I saw my name in the list of selected candidates, I was shocked! Everything followed as usual and I was selected for the B.Com. (Hons.) course at the Brindavan Campus. 

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus

My second experience with Swami was on the eve of Krishna Janmastami 2009, when Brindavan boys had come to Prasanthi Nilayam. The boys who were in-charge of card making had made a beautiful card for showing it to Swami. I was sitting in the third block and for a long time I had wanted to see what the card room boys make. So when Swami arrived near the portico and the boys were finally showing the card to Him, I made a desperate attempt to have a look at the card. By then Swami had blessed the card and moved on to complete His usual round of Darshan. Later when the photos of the festival were printed, one of the seniors came and informed me that I was photographed with Swami in several of the photos. So those were my first photographs with Swami.

In the same year, during Guru Pournima celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam, some boys were called for distributing Prasadam inside Poornachandra auditorium, where devotees were eagerly waiting for a glimpse of Swami. I took a box containing Prasadam and went inside the auditorium where we were asked to wait. I waited there for a while and then ran back to Sai Kulwant Hall where Swami had already arrived. I got a chance to distribute Prasadam for the first time inside Sai Kulwant Hall. Once the distribution was over and Swami was returning to His residence, I remembered that I had left my sitting mat and fan inside the auditorium. I rushed towards the auditorium to fetch them, thinking that the Seva Dal might bring down the shutters. But when I reached near the auditorium, I was amazed by the pin drop silence inside the auditorium. I cautiously approached one of the entrances, not knowing what lay ahead. As I entered the auditorium, I heard all the devotees chanting ‘Sai Gayatri’ in unison. The auditorium was suffused with the Divine aroma but there was no sign of Swami. One of my classmates present there told me that Swami was coming there. My joy knew no bounds as I was sure that Swami would give us individual attention since only a few of the boys distributing Prasadam were present there. Uncertain as His ways are, He entered the main stage and sat for a while. He then called a few of the boys to bless the Prasadam. I missed that opportunity as I was not wearing a full sleeve shirt. So another brother next to me grabbed that chance and ran towards the stage. Nevertheless I was happy that Swami had come there, blessed each one of us and gave us His beautiful smile, assuring that He was very happy. So a task by chance was converted into a chance to be cherished for a lifetime.

The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet drama presented by the boys from the Brindavan Campus had been a major attraction over the years. With successful dramas like ‘Bhakta Potana’, ‘Sant Kabir’, etc. it was time for ‘Bhakta Tukaram’ to be staged during the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet, 2009-10. By then I had come to know from our teachers, that no role, be it big or small, goes unnoticed by Swami. I got a small role of an untouchable from the village, who visits the Vitthala temple and gets ill-treated by the Sabhapati (village head). Till then, whenever we practiced that scene the boy who was playing the Sabhapati’s role would swing the stick in his hand towards me and it would lokk as though he was hitting me and I would fall down. 

Students with Sri Sathya Sai after the drama on Sant Tukaram

On the final day, as we were presenting the drama in front of Swami, I don’t know what happened to me as I entered the stage; the same scene, repeatedly rehearsed, was lacking the right emotional touch even till the last day. The stick which appeared to be hitting me in the scene, actually brushed my nose that day. I got frightened and looked at Swami. Swami was in tears. Seeing tears in Swami’s eyes, I also started weeping on the stage. As the scene appeared very natural with tears in my eyes, it was well appreciated. Later, Swami gave all of us a chance to pose for a photograph with Him and also gave us safari cloth. We all sat around Him in the portico and requested Him to come to Brindavan. Swami replied to us in a feeble voice and our warden sir was translating it to us. Swami said, “You all study well, I will come”. Swami also told us that the drama was very good and appreciated everyone’s effort. That one assurance from Swami kept our spirits high throughout the year in Brindavan and we worked hard to make Him proud of us. Although Swami did not visit physically, yet His presence was felt in each and every activity that we undertook.

It was 16th October, 2010. This was the first time I got a chance to sit for blessing on my birthday. During that year Swami used to take Akshatas (yellow rice) from a boy’s plate and put them on him and also on a few other boys who also would be waiting to be blessed. I was praying intensely that Swami should take Akshatas only from my plate without taking them from someone else’s. It might sound foolish and childish on my part to pray this way, but for Swami, any prayer originating from the bottom of one’s heart is dear. I was not aware of the power of prayer till then. Finally, when all of us were seated for His blessings, there were few boys from Higher Secondary School seated in front of me who wanted to get their projects blessed. Swami came there and started blessing their projects. I became worried that Swami might not take Akshatas from my plate. Then He moved slowly towards me and as though responding to my prayers, He took Akshatas with His left hand, He took the letter from my tray and blessed me! His mere touch on my head sent Divine ripples across my body. I took Padanamaskar and sat down with tears in my eyes. Swami continued with the regular round of Darshan and I was left wondering how a small prayer, made and forgotten long back was beautifully answered by the Lord. This small incident made me realise the power of prayer – a lesson for life!

Tanmay Das with Sri Sathya Sai

This incident is by far the most memorable one and I cherish it every single day of my life. As usual, at the end of Akhanda Bhajans on Maha Shivaratri, Brindavan boys were given the duty to transport the vessels containing Prasadam from the South Indian canteen to Sai Kulwant Hall. We were ready by 3.30 am and the work was in full flow. After finishing our task at hand, Sri Gopinath told us that a few boys (around 35 in number) would be required inside Poornachandra Auditorium for distributing the Prasadam. Most of us knew that going inside Poornachandra meant losing a chance with Swami in Sai Kulwant Hall. But still, the required number of boys was available for distribution inside Poornachandra. We were all waiting inside Poornachandra from 4.45 am for Swami to come out. Around 8.30 am, Bhagavan finally came out. 

We were getting ready so that once He gave the indication for distributing the Prasadam inside Sai Kulwant Hall, we would also start distribution. But to our utter surprise, one of the brothers working in Radio Sai came running inside the auditorium and started unrolling a carpet which was generally used when Swami came inside the auditorium. We were a bit confused as to what was happening. On enquiring, we were told that Swami had decided to come first to the Poornachandra. Our joy knew no bounds! The ever merciful Lord didn’t disappoint His devotees who were awake throughout the night inside the Poornachandra, just to get a glimpse of Him. 

As Swami was ushered onto the main stage, we all lined up against the carpet in one single line. As Bhagavan was brought down from the main stage to a small makeshift stage below, my other batch boys were offering letters to Him but He did not take them. He looked very weak and lost in His thoughts. I did not give up and kept the letter in hand, praying that He should take mine. And there He was, right in front of me, extending His left hand towards me for the letter that I was holding in my hands. I could not speak a word, as usual, whenever Swami was in front of me. With tears in my eyes, I gave the letter to Him. But ever merciful that He is, He did not move on. He was waiting there and I seized the opportunity to take His Padanamaskar and only then He proceeded towards the small stage. At that moment, I was praying that time should stand still for me to behold that beautiful face for eternity! I just sat down and with moist eyes looked towards Him. He gave a beautiful smile looking at the devotees inside the Poornachandra Auditorium. Only a few seconds had passed when Swami began heading back towards Sai Kulwant Hall. I found myself lucky a second time, as He stopped in front of me but only for a second… I could only tell Him, “Swami, please come to Brindavan,” to which He didn’t reply and moved on. As soon as Swami reached the portico inside the Sai Kulwant Hall, indication for Prasadam distribution was given. When we started distributing Prasadam, it was very stunning as a few elderly devotees were touching our feet, telling that, “We could not touch Swami, for us you are Swami”. These words still ring in my ears, even though three years have passed! What was really memorable for me on that day was, when Swami was leaving Sai Kulwant Hall for His residence, there were very few letters that He had taken that day. And as the cameras focused on Him, I could clearly make out that He was holding my letter in His right hand. That was something I can never forget. 

He reiterated the fact that for Him, each and every individual is important. At this juncture when we are going to face a challenging new phase of life, I hope and pray that He guides us, holding our hands.

- Tanmay Das

Student (2009-2014), Faculty of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Specialist at Standard Chartered GBS Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)