When Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister sent a letter Sri Sathya Sai...

February 28, 2002 (Thursday)

Today the Primary School students came for evening Darshan. After the interviews when Swami came out, two boys from the Primary School spoke before Swami. Swami sat down on the chair and listened to them. Both students spoke in English, after which they sang some songs. Swami then posed for photographs with the students. He blessed the students’ hall tickets for the Board Exams. Swami then came to the Institute students side and noticing the final year M.Tech. (Computer Science) students holding a card, Swami remarked…

Swami: Once in a while it is O.K. But you are bringing the card daily. (Saying so He asked them to sit down.) What is the Higher Secondary School Hostel’s lunch?

Students: Swami, Palak potato.

Swami: What is the Institute Hostel’s lunch?

Students: Swami, Potato.

Swami: (looking at Warden) You have adjusted the food.

Warden: Swami, tonight we will give them tomato soup and Puri.

After this, Swami asked Prof. Anil Kumar to share what the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu had written to Him.

Prof. A. K.: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh sent a letter to Swami. He expressed his happiness and sentiments as Swami took up the Water Supply Project for the city of Chennai. On behalf of the Government and the Cabinet Ministers, he expressed his full support and co-operation. The water project was pending for the last 11 years and only Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba can complete it in a record time of six months. He told about the projects undertaken by Swami such as the Super Speciality Hospital in Puttaparthi and Bangalore, the Sri Sathya Sai Water Project and others. He told this in the Assembly and all the people applauded to this. The letter was sent to Swami by a special person by the Chief Minister to be delivered to Swami only.

Swami asked the Vice-Chancellor to bring the letter sent by the Chief Minister and showed it to the students. 

Prof. A. K.: It will be called as ‘Sri Sathya Sai Ganga’. The pipes were laid from Srisailam to Somashekaram by the then British rulers. Now it is Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is going to complete it.

Swami then started explaining how the water will be supplied to the project.

Swami: The Krishna River and Godavari River water will be together supplied to Chennai. The water purifier will be laid at Kandaleru. The water purifier machine will alone be costing about 300 crores. By this coming August, the project will be completed. By Shivaratri the machine will be installed. For the last 11 years it could not be completed, but in the next six months it will be completed. This is Divinity. In Godavari river there is surplus water. The water from Godavari river and Krishna river will be given to Chennai city. This will benefit many people.

The route of River Krishna towards Poondi Reservoir for water to Chennai

Swami then sent some boys to canteen to get Laddu Prasadam. He then said…

Swami: 330 flats have been completed here. Today two lorries of cooking utensils came. There were 300 utensils in them. They are now kept in Poornachandra.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, devotees are taking very active part. Swami, when will the houses be ready?

Swami: They were ready long before. The painting, colouring, wiring everything is over. People are slowly coming. The houses should be given to people who have nobody to look after them, the orphans. Once people come and settle, then a school should be constructed for their children. 

(Swami then enquired with a devotee about the two students who were sent to U.S.A. by Swami for Hospital Management course.) When are they coming?

Devotee: Swami, in a few months time.

Swami: How many months course?

Devotee: Swami, 15 months course, but they are completing it in 12 months. 

(To Prof. Anil Kumar) Swami told me before itself that they will complete the course in one year.

Swami then asked Prof. Anil Kumar to enquire about them from a devotee.

Prof. A. K.: What are their classmates and teachers saying about them?

Devotee: They are very much pleased by their capabilities and are enquiring about Swami, about our University, about how things are taught in this place and other general things. They have finished their theory classes and are now doing their practicals. Their professors are very much pleased by them. They enquire about how operations are done in our hospitals, what kind of surgery can be performed, where the money comes from. They gave a slide show presentation in their College using the materials sent by Prof. G. Venkatraman (Former Vice-Chancellor). It covered the details of our hospitals, Institute, the Grama Seva and other activities performed by our students.

Prof. A. K.: Did some of them know about Swami before?

Devotee: Yes, some of them knew. Few of the students are Sai devotees. They visited this place before. They cook themselves. 

Swami: Do you want to go to U.S.A., Anil Kumar?

Prof. A. K.: No, Swami. I have already been there.

Swami: I know. You went to California when you were young.

Prof. A. K.: When are they coming back?

Devotee: In a few months time. I shall take them to Disney World and other places and then bring them back.

Prof. A. K.: Are they wearing suits?

Devotee: No. 

Swami: They wear pant and shirt with a tie, always.

Prof. A. K.: Do they attend Bhajans?

Devotee: On my son’s engagement both of them came and chanted Vedas and sang Bhajans in my house.

Prof. A. K.: Do they drive a car?

Devotee: No, they do not have a license. The college is at a walking distance from their place.

Swami: Emi Samacharamu? (What news?)

Warden: Swami, today in the Moral Class, students did a presentation on the life of Purandaradasa. (Purandaradasa (1484-1564) was one of the most prominent composers of Carnatic music.)

Sant Purandaradasa

Swami: I know. I know. 

When Prof. Anil Kumar asked the devotee about the availability of Sai literature in the library. Then Swami mentioned the name of a library and said…

Swami: It has 5,00,000 books. (Speaking about a devotee, Swami said…) I arranged his son’s engagement. He also has a daughter. His son is a Cardiologist and his daughter is also a surgeon.

Devotee: Swami asked them to join our hospital after they complete their studies.

Swami: (Mentioning about the devotee) When he and his wife come from Bangalore airport, they directly come to Prasanthi Nilayam without stopping anywhere. They say that they have come for Sai Baba and not for anything else. He brought Maramaralu (puffed rice) for Me when he came from U.S.A., he was holding it in his lap all the while in the flight, thinking about Me. He did not have anything to eat in the flight. He got down and came straight to Me. He brought it only for Me. He did not eat it.

Swami then called a person and asked him to get the bottle containing the puffed rice from His room in Poornachandra. Swami then opened the lid and gave it to the students. 

Prof. A. K.: (To the devotee) How is our hospital when compared to others?

Devotee: It is no way less than any hospital in the world. Our Bangalore Super Speciality Hospital contains machines, which even the hospitals in which I work, don’t have. Our hospital is the first in placing orders for most of the latest instruments.

Prof. A. K.: What is the average cost of an operation in U.S.A.?

Devotee: Anywhere between ₹15-20 lakh.

Swami enquired about the taste of the puffed rice from the students who have tasted it.

Swami: Is it hot? 

Student: No, Swami.

Swami: He brought it only for Me.

Swami then got up and went near the Primary Students block. Swami then permitted two of the Primary School students to speak. After their short speeches, Swami blessed them and went inside.

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

Bhagavan Whom We Love - By Dr. B. Sai Giridhar

Dr. Sai Giridhar with Sri Sathya Sai

"For the protection of the virtuous and for the annihilation of the wicked and for the establishment of Dharma, I incarnate from Age to Age. Thus declared Lord Krishna in His song celestial. Upkeeping His promise, He has come down again in all His Glory, Majesty and compassion to shower His grace on the deserving inhabitants of Mother Earth." 

Bhagavan Baba is called by many names and, plays many roles in His endeavour to uplift the humanity in large, who are caught in the morasses of worldly attachment, to the heights of spirituality. He is a Guru for some, a friend for others, a guide for one, a parent for another, a child for some and God for others. In any or all these roles, He is perfect of what is expected of the Role; Thousands have had the great good fortune of seeing Him, listening to Him, speaking to Him, touching Him. A touch, a word, a look or even a patient listening it may be, and the problems faced for years evaporate just like the snow melting due to the heat of the sun's rays. 

He feeds the hungry, clothes the needy, brings solace to the grieving hearts, calms the agitated minds, consoles the agonizing ones, and turns the tales of woe to the joyous songs of love and hope. All in a fraction of a second. 

We must consider ourselves to be extremely fortunate to be a contemporary of a Living and Loving God, who takes all pains to teach us and moulds us to be ready to face the challenges of life with, our hands in the society and head in the forest. 

Countless are the people who are indebted to Him for HIS gift of health, or wealth, or prosperity, or a happy family, or for that matter a new lease of life itself.

Innumerable are the ways of the Divine to teach us, to impart knowledge and wisdom which are very significant but subtle. Once we were arranging the articles in one of the store rooms of Bhagavan. He casually pointed towards the tiger skins which were there, He said "l will give these skins to you all, take it to Himalayas and meditate there". We all kept mum. Sensing that we have not been able to grasp the meaning of what Bhagavan really wanted to convey, He explained "What is the use of going to Himalayas and meditating when the end result of penance or the fruit of your hard work is right in front of you now". Another incident comes to my mind. It was in Prasanthi Mandir, when a man was being wheeled in for an interview, He had two people helping him to move the chair in. It was at this time that Bhagavan went up to him, created Vibhuti, smearing it on his forehead, and after gently tapping both the knees, commanded the man to walk. And lo & behold, the man took his first step towards independence and this happened to be his first step planted on the floor after a gap of 20 years. Then turning round to the boys, Bhagavan said "This man has got a lot of money and luxuries at his disposal but of what use are they when they couldn't give him comfort or peace of mind”.

All these efforts taken by Him to guide and direct us is due to the immense love that He has for us. As said by Bhagavan, "I miss no opportunity to advise you and guide you, to protect you and listen to you and to make you laugh and sometimes even make you cry. To make you happy in every way I do this". Our process of learning starts in the Mandir and continues in the Institute and Hostel. There is a close integration in the learning process between the Mandir, the Institute and the Hostel for our all-round development. 

Sai Giridhar (as a student) adjusting the chair for Swami during a Hostel Visit

"Awareness is life" is what Bhagavan stresses most. There is no area in which He leaves HIS students untrained. He says that the basics of everything important to life should be known. When talking to the boys, both formally and informally, He covers a wide spectrum of topics ranging from the basics of health & hygiene, about management to the ultimate goal in life i.e. Self-Realisation. 

The profound insight and meaning which Bhagavan renders to words that are normally used are unimaginable and unthinkable but at the same time, they are so accurate, significant and subtle. For e.g., we will take two words 'HINDU' and 'MANAGER'. According to Bhagavan 'HINDU' stands for: 

H - Humanity

I - Individuality

N - Nationality

D - Divinity

U - Unity 

This is the very essence of Sanathana Dharma. And coming to the term 'MANAGER', it stands for: 

M - Mind of Man 

A - Awareness of Atma 

N - Nature of Nations 

A - Aspects of Environment 

G - Guidelines of Goodness 

E - Enquiry of Ethos 

R - Role of Rules 

This is the perfect job description of a Manager, with a caution on what needs to be concentrated on, which has been spelt out. So far no one has thought or looked at this term from this point of view. 

To describe or explain Bhagavan is a task next to impossible. I am reminded of what the Lord has said in this connection. I quote "Your worldly intelligence cannot fathom the ways of God. He cannot be recognized by mere cleverness of intelligence. You may benefit from God, but you cannot explain Him. In truth, you cannot understand the nature of my Reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent enquiry, even if all mankind joins in the effort. But in a short time, you will become cognizant of the Bliss showered by the Divine principle which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred name". 

Sri Sathya Sai entering His room on the first floor (top right) of the Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir

One aspect we can dare to venture into is to describe the Love and concern he has for us and He proves and strengthens it through experiences for our betterment. I am touched by the way Bhagavan proved His Omnipresence and Omniscience to my father during their first visit to Parthi. It was in 1960 when my father, along with my uncle and aunt came to Parthi. On reaching Parthi, they were informed that Bhagavan had retired and they could wait till 7 p.m. if they want to have His Darshan, when He comes out for Bhajans. My uncle started telling my father that since there is no place to stay during the night since the place was new to them, it would not be advisable to wait till 7 p.m. Just then Bhagavan out of His Infinite Mercy, sent Prof. Kasturi down saying "Five persons have come from Mangalore and their car is parked in front of the peepal tree, you go and ask them to stay in the room next to yours for the night". This was in response to the prayers which in turn destroyed the feeling of security present in them. 

We, His students, have a lot to imbibe from our Divine Master. We can at no point say that we have completed our educational programme for all times to come. He keeps adding newer dimensions to the existing facts. I would like to end by saying that we should all make our lives worthwhile by practising all that we have learnt the Lotus Feet of our Divine Master. Bhagavan says:

"God as love is dwelling in your hearts and, therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven is within you. When you know that God, who is love, is dwelling within you, then you realise this Truth in the freshness and beauty of the immortal spirit. Let thy life sing with the music of Love". 

- Dr B. Sai Giridhar

Student and Research Scholar (1982-1993), Department of Commerce

Currently, Head, Faculty of Management and Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Vandana 1990

"Strive for Mother India’s welfare..."

February 22, 1993 

After giving interviews, Bhagavan casually came to the verandah, looked at an affluent devotee, and said:

Swami: You have accumulated crores and crores.  Now you are launching a huge project. Is it a ₹100 crores project? No, it is a ₹500 crores project. Of what use is all this wealth if it does not benefit others? The huge wealth you are investing will earn you a profit of ₹1,000 crores. Does it really benefit you? Your desire to make money robs you of your peace of mind. Engage yourself in philanthropic projects, which will earn you peace of mind in the years to come. Start an educational institution, a hospital and even other institutions of help and service. 

Bhagavan looked at another devotee and said…

Swami: You have accumulated ₹10 crores - Yes or No?

Devotee: Yes, Swami.

Swami: This person started his career as a newspaper hawker.  He had no shelter. He had to sleep on the pavements of Surat (Gujarat). Gradually, he made much money. What have you done with all that? 

Devotee: Swami, ‘Chhod Diya’ (I have given up).

Swami: How did you give up? (The devotee was silent.) Yes, you gave it to a Trust. Stagnant water stinks, whereas the water that flows is conducive to health. Wealth accumulated should be used for noble cause; otherwise, the money will stink. The water from pools evaporates, into clouds and falls as showers of sweet water, and is enjoyed by all. Similarly, wealth too.  But it is not easy for everyone to give up. But this Pagal (mad one) has done that. 

(To another devotee) Strive for Mother India’s welfare. Let your money be spent for a worthy cause. 

(To the X and XII class students) See, how I speak to these elders?  I treat them as if they were My children. That is why I speak with such strong conviction.

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

"How many Idlis did you eat?"

February 19, 2002 (Tuesday)

After blessing the birthday boys, Swami came to the place where the teachers sit.

Swami: (To Prof. Anil Kumar) You came just now. You went at 3.30 and came at 4.30! (To a Visiting Faculty) Where is your wife? I was looking for her, but did not see her. (The teacher tried to show Swami) Can you see her from here? You know the saree she wears and so you can identify her. (To a teacher) What news?

Teacher: By Your grace, I do not have any problems. Because of Your Prasadam, my health is fine.

Swami: How is Anil Kumar?

Teacher: He looks very energetic, Swami!

Swami: He seems to be like that.

Teacher: Swami, he looks very happy.

Swami: (To Prof. Anil Kumar) If you eat well, you will be happy! How many Idlis did you eat? (Swami was asking through sign language – 3,4?)

Prof. A.K. : On an average, Swami.

Swami : One in Sambhar, One in buttermilk!

Teacher : One in pickle!

Swami : He does not have with pickle. (To a School student) How are you Himachal Pradesh?

Student:  Fine, Swami.

Swami: Plague is now in control. Many specialists from Delhi went there. (To another School student) How is your father?

Student: Fine, Swami. Our place was not affected by plague. Places above in the hills were affected.

Swami: Your place is very low. (Then reading a wedding card that a student had given Him earlier. He asked the student if it was his brother’s wedding card. To another School student) How is your lion? (from the lion dance)

Student: Fine, Swami.

Swami : Manchidi. (To a teacher) You cannot see properly. (The teacher replied in the affirmative.)

Prof. A.K. : If he puts on glasses, it will be alright.

Swami: You are not doctor sir. (The students start coming to the front.)

Warden: Swami, Burra Katha. (The Warden was requesting permission to present a Burra Katha by the students in the Divine presence.)

Swami: V.C. and Registrar saw it and said that it was not up to the University standards. (Swami tells one of the students to call the Vice-Chancellor, Sri Giri. To the Vice-Chancellor) How is Burra Katha?

V.C.: It is not up to University standards. For the Hostel, it is OK.

Swami: On 23rd, 1,800 devotees are coming here after attending some festival. (Then Swami spoke about a devotee who was staying in the Hospital. He said that the Hospital provides food that suits the patient.) Last year, one boy used to sit here, where is he now?

Teacher: He was a School boy, Swami. Now he is doing B.Com. in the Brindavan Campus.

Swami: Is B.Com. not offered here?

Teacher: No. Swami. Only in Brindavan Campus.

Swami: There, enough place is there. Here, enough place is not there. (To Prof. Anil Kumar) What are Sapta Gunas?

Prof. A.K. : Swami, I do not know about the Sapta Gunas. I know only about the Tri Gunas.

Swami: What are they?

Prof. A.K. : Sattva, Rajas and Tamo Guna, Swami.

Swami: (To a School student) What are you studying?

Student: 11th class, Swami.

Swami: (To the School Warden – Sri Janardhanan) How is he in class? Is he like his brother? 

(To the student) You talk more. (Some sound was coming from outside.) What is that?

Prof.A.K.: Canteen Generator, Swami.

Teacher: Bore well, Swami.

Swami: One is telling bore well, one is telling generator. Everything is imagination. In my view, this is the sound produced when a motorcycle is started. 

(After some time) All faces are looking new!

Prof. A.K. : From June it was like Summer for us, Swami. You started coming here and spending time with us only from the past two days. Otherwise, all are old faces only, Swami. 

(Then Swami called all the M.Tech. students and blessed their dissertations.) Who is S.V. Giri?

Students: Vice-Chancellor, Swami.

Swami: Who is B. Chandrashekhar? Classmate! (The students replied in the affirmative. Then Swami enquired from each of them as to where they had come from. He blessed all of them and then went to the interview room.)

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

Sri Sathya Sai On: The Spiritual Experiences of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)

The mind has to be melted out of shape in the Fire of Jnana (Jnanagni Dagdha Karmanam), in order to manifest Shiva Tattva (essential nature of Shiva). 

That was what Ramakrishna accomplished at Dakshineshwar. He transformed himself into a brilliant gem by intensive process of Sadhana.

- “Veda Vyasa”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 07, May 23, 1967, Prasanthi Nilayam 

When it is admitted that God is in all beings, one should strengthen that conviction and act on that basis. On the contrary, men who profess to believe in God do not live up to their belief because of their attachment to useless trifles. Here is an illustration from the life of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata, where Sri Ramakrishna served as a priest

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to ecstatically enjoy himself in the worship of the Goddess in the temple built by Rani Rasmani. One-night thieves broke into the temple and carried away all the jewels on the idol of Krishna in the temple. With a view to carrying on his regular priestly duties, he went to Rani Rasmani’s nephew, Mathuranath, and told him, “Sir, thieves have stolen all the jewels on the idol”. Mathuranath was angry and proceeded with Ramakrishna to the temple. Losing his temper and balance of mind, he burst out in anger, “Oh Krishna! Are You not ashamed of Yourself? If You are unable to protect Your jewels on Your own idol, how are You going to protect the whole world? Were You paralysed when the thieves were carrying away the jewels? Or were You asleep? This is a disgrace to Your Divinity”.

Hearing these words, Sri Ramakrishna said, “Mathuranath! Shut up your mouth! For the sake of your petty jewels and trinkets, is this the way you should berate God? When the Goddess of all wealth, Lakshmi, is the Consort of the Lord, why do you get so agitated over the loss of a few trivial ornaments? The Lord can have no such petty feelings. You are feeling so much for the action of a few thieves who loved some jewels and came to the Lord to get them. It is because of your love for jewels that you are getting distressed so much. But the Lord has no desires. He is ready to give Himself away. God is prepared to offer Himself. Such a One, will he be worried about this petty loss? Hence, change your vision. Don’t comment on God”. At these words Mathuranath felt ashamed of himself.

Then, Ramakrishna sat near the idol of Sri Krishna and prayed, “Oh Krishna! As long as one is caught up in the coils of the world, he will speak like an intoxicated man. Only when he gets immersed in God will he become oblivious to himself. Therefore, do not let me get intoxicated. Confer on me the boon of self-forgetfulness.” This is what is meant by the saying, ‘The knower of the Brahman becomes Brahman himself’. When one experiences the Divine, he sees the Divine in everything.  

- “Beyond the Mind”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 26, May 22, 1993, Brindavan

Andam and Anandam, beauty and truth, harmony and ecstasy are found in Ekatwam (Oneness), the discovery and experience of Unity. Unity must be as symbolised by the experience of the unity of mud and gold; the sight, the seen and the seer, that is, the search and the success. Ramakrishna prompted this yearning, promoted this agony in Vivekananda and the others who came to him. Try with all your strength; test with all your doubt, earn it the hard way and enjoy the fruit of your exertions, that was the teaching he gave.

Swami Vivekananda (center), Swami Brahmananda (extreme right) and other monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

…The key to liberation has to be cast and forged and filed and fitted by each aspirant. It cannot be gibed in one moment by one word. Ramakrishna himself sought for it through years of inexplicable anguish; how then can we short-circuit the process for another? No one can just pass it on, saying, “Take!” The flower has to yield the fruit and the fruit has to grow, ripen and fall.

- “Experience Oneness (Ekathwam)”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 02,

October 20, 1961, Prasanthi Nilayam

The Hamsa (a legendary swan) has the property of separating the milk from the water and drinking the milk only. So too, Paramahamsa (realised person, who has achieved Truth) can separate the illusory from the Real and experience the Bliss, communicated only by the Truth. Ramakrishna was a Paramahamsa; he knew how to separate milk (Truth) from the water (untruth) added to it. When he was suffering from cancer of the throat, unable to swallow food, his disciples entreated him to pray to mother Kali, that the cancer may be cured; they felt that Kali will certainly answer the prayer if he but made it. But, Paramahamsa refused to ask any such boon from God. His attention could not be diverted to any such low desire. 

“Why pray? If it is Her will, it will happen; if not, that too is Her will”, that was the reply.

- “The Tricycle”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 07, October 8, 1967, Prasanthi Nilayam 

Intensify the Prema that is within you, as a sacred gift. Expand it so that all beings can share in it. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa had that Prema; when someone around him was sad, he felt sad; when someone was glad, he felt glad. He made himself one with all, in his great Prema Bhava (state of Love). Have your Prema fixed on the Lord, whether your petty wishes are fulfilled or not. Do not let slip the treasure, on some silly excuse or other.

- “Genuine Kinsmen”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 04, October 9, 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam

When you give expression to your innate Divinity, it takes the form of Love. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa could not tolerate someone walking on grass; he felt the weight of the feet and the crushing himself.

- “The Sea-Saw”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 11, September 26, 1972, Prasanthi Nilayam

Today, there is no steadiness of mind in man. Some people think of their footwear when they sit for Bhajans inside. Once, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was giving a discourse in a temple. Rani Rasmani, the owner of the temple, was sitting in the front row. All were listening to Ramakrishna’s discourse with rapt attention. All of a sudden, Ramakrishna got up, went to Rani Rasmani, and slapped on her cheek. Everyone was surprised. They thought Ramakrishna had become mad. Ramakrishna told the public, “O people, you may think it is a great mistake on my part to have slapped her. What for have you come? You are here to listen to my teachings. Whether you practice or not, at least you should listen to what is being said. If you do not like to listen to the discourse, you had better stay back at home. This Rani Rasmani is thinking of her legal disputes. Why should she come all the way to think of the court affairs?” 

A commemorative stamp of Rani Rasmani issued by the Government of West Bengal

She accepted her mistake and promised not to repeat it. In the modern age, many people attend spiritual discourses and get impressed by them. 

But they do not put them into practice.

- “Install God’ Feet in your Heart”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 31,

October 12, 1998, Prasanthi Nilayam

Elders quote the Shastras (spiritual texts) which say that the home where the floor is soaked by the tears of a woman can never see peace or prosperity. 

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa took great care to see that Saradamani Devi did not take his simple jokes and ridicules too much to heart, for then she might shed tears.

- “At Every Level of Consciousness”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14, 

June 6, 1978, Brindavan

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and
Smt Sarada Devi (1853-1920)

You cannot sell your house to someone and later, mortgage it to another, and rent it out to a third party after some further interval. Sri Ramakrishna had to cut asunder even the form of Kali when it came across his path towards the realisation of the Nirguna (formless) aspect of God. Do not do spiritual practice off and on; do it in an unbroken disciplined way. Otherwise, it will be like watering a plant for some time and leaving it to go dry before you start again.

- “The Inner Prompting”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 02, July 17, 1962, Prasanthi Nilayam

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was an illiterate person. But he achieved worldwide fame by his pursuit of Truth and his realization of the Divine. Self-realisation is the goal for every human being.

- “Man, Mind and the Cosmos”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 26, May 21, 1993, Prasanthi Nilayam

The mother of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a noble lady. Even in dire circumstances when she had no food and drink, she developed unflinching faith and devotion to God and spent her time engaging herself in cultivating noble thoughts and performing noble deeds, thereby earning God’s grace. It is only when one respects his mother and wins her love, that he can be called a human being in the real sense.

...A person who could win the love of his mother can win everything else. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa could earn such a great name for himself only because he could win the love of his mother. How many great people are there in the state of West Bengal? How many people of noble qualities, rich and educated are there? But, they could not succeed in life due to lack of faith in God. It was only Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who could lead an ideal life by loving his mother and obeying her commands, due to his implicit faith and devotion to his mother. He used to teach people that there is nothing greater and nobler in this world than mother’s love.

…The mother of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught her son good things and shaped him into a great Yogi. All the mothers should take her as an example and strive to put their children in the right path.

- “Win the Love of Your Mother to Win the Love of God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 21, January 7, 1988, Prasanthi Nilayam

You may be great scholars or intellectual giants. There are many Nobel Laureates. How many remember them? But the great benefactors of mankind, the men of noble qualities, are cherished by all mankind. For instance, there is the example of a noble soul from Calcutta. Calcutta produced many great intellectuals. After a time, they are not remembered at all. But if today Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, an illiterate person, is enshrined in the hearts of millions all over the world, is education responsible for it? Likewise, if many noble persons are enshrined in the hearts of people, what is the reason? They have earned their good name by their faith in God, their character, magnanimity and. spirit of sacrifice. God has been the prime factor in their lives.

- “Learning a Lesson from a Child”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 29, 

January 14, 1996, Brindavan

During Ramakrishna’s time there were many pundits. But both Ramakrishna and his wife Sarada Devi were totally illiterate. Vivekananda tried to correct Sri Ramakrishna’s pronunciation for he could not even utter the word ‘pension’ properly. But Ramakrishna is treated as a Divine phenomenon even today. What is the reason? He followed the path of truth. He could realise that Truth alone could lead him to merge with the Divinity. That is what Bhagavata preached, “You should go to the place from where you have come”. That is the main objective of life. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, though ignorant of letter followed the path of truth. But today, there are very few who respect the truth. They however perform ‘Satyanarayana Vrata’ once in year. For Ramakrishna, Satyanarayana Vrata was the holy Trinity of word, thought and deed.

- “The Mysteries of the Mind”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1993, Brindavan

Many scholars, pundits and experts flourished as contemporaries of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. But awareness of the Atma failed to illuminate them to any extent. As a result, the names of the scholars, pundits, and experts are not heard today. Only the name of Ramakrishna, who could not claim scholarship in any material or objective field of knowledge, has spread all over the world. Why? Sugar water and plain water look the same. Drink! Then you distinguish the one as sherbet and the other as just water. Paramahamsa’s words, which are full of supreme wisdom, are the sherbet; the words of scholars, which are soaked in textual scholarship, are the plain water. Pretentious pundits who have only perused the pages go after monetary gains; they don’t rush toward the Divine. 

- Chapter II, Knowledge of Self, Vidya Vahini

Didn’t Rama and Krishna incarnate because the Lord heeded the prayers of the sages? Many have read this in the Ramayana and the Bhagavata. Even Ramakrishna, though he was divinely-born, prayed to Goddess Kali (for he could not bring Dharma about) to send someone who could preach to the whole world the Dharma that would uproot injustice and selfishness. This is known to all who have read his life history.

- “The Qualities a Sadhaka should Cultivate”, Prema Vahini

Mother Kali - The idol of Bhava Tarini worshipped by Sri Ramakrishna at Dakshineshwar

Towards the end of his life, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was suffering from cancer of the throat. All his disciples appealed to him to pray to the Mother, whom Ramakrishna worshipped, to relieve him of his malady. Ramakrishna said, “I have prayed to the Mother”. They asked him what the Mother’s response was. Ramakrishna said, “The Mother told me, “When I am caring so many things with so many months, does it matter very much if you are unable to eat with your one mouth? Her words opened my eyes”.

- “Dedicate Your Lives to the Divine”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, December 25, 1997, Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Vani: Avatar on Mahapurushas

Sri Sathya Sai shares His Vision on Sathya Sai Education

Sunday, February 10, 1980

Sri Sathya Sai at Brindavan Campus Auditorium

A special meeting of the Sri Sathya Sai Study Circle was held at the Sri Sathya Sai College Auditorium at Whitefield at 10 am on this day. The meeting was attended by over 300 educationists. Prof. V. Pappu, the convener of the study circle welcomed the gathering and gave a brief report of the progress of the study circles in the educational field. Prof. V.K. Gokak and Sri T.A. Pai also spoke about the important role of the study circles. Bhagavan then blessed the gathering with His Divine Message on the theme of ‘Education in the Sai Era’.

“Education must enable a person to discriminate between light and darkness. It must foster and promote the precious wealth of moral strength and spiritual victory and purify the inner impulses of man. Mere mastery of books does not entitle a man to be called 'educated.' Without mastery over the inner instruments of emotions, no man can be deemed to be educated. The latent has to be cleansed so that the patent can flourish. Experience is essential for the confirmation and consolidation of what is learnt from books. We do not see any sign of this in the present educational system. There is no attempt to awaken the Divine in Man, no awareness of the possibility of rising to the psychic plane.

The ideal that is held before the student in our educational institutions is different. They are engaged in a mechanical process of turning out young men and women who detest work that soils the hand or disturbs the fold of their dresses. They instil the passion for profit in their hearts, and ignore the urge to sympathise and serve. Education must produce wisdom and moral character. It can be acquired only by hard living and spending days of toil, with no respite for even sleep. But present-day education makes those who undergo it, mere bonded-slaves to their senses. They do not know how to avoid this bondage, so they revel in envy, greed and egoism. What the country expects and demands from the educated person is, however, that he should set an example of honest labour, lighting the lamp of knowledge in every home.

Atharva Veda embodies many Secrets

When you really analyse it, you will discover confusion, uncertainty and indecision in every section of the educational system. The remedy for this unhappy situation lies in the revival of ancient ideals and practices with slight adaptations to suit the changed times and circumstances. For these ideals and practices enshrine values that are eternal and essential.

For example, though the Russians and Americans boast that they have advanced far ahead in the fields of science and technology, one has to admit that this country had made vast progress in them even in the Vedic age. The Atharva Veda embodies many technological secrets and scientific laws which were directly utilised by Westerners. Western scholars are investigating the possibilities of the exploratory laws mentioned in this Vedic text. Mention is made of aerial vehicles, of gravitation and of various other scientific principles and appliances. They have inspired many inventors and technicians in other lands through the ages.

Indians have developed a fascination for foreign lands. They admire the achievements of other people but ignore those of their own. The faculty of initiation is subdued by this faculty of imitation. As the proverb says, "they prefer the stale, insipid dish available at the neighbour's home to the well-cooked, tasty dish available at their own." As a result they are unable to identify and promote the knowledge and skill that they have mastered in their own country.

Give up the mad pursuit after Diplomas

The Wright Brothers are declared to be the pioneers, the very first to fly a heavier-than-air plane in the sky. Their powered flight took place on December 17, 1903. But a German had actually forestalled them by his flight on September 13, 1896. We must note that even earlier than this German, on August 14, 1895, an Indian belonging to Bombay, Shivaraam Baapuji Kadalekar, had succeeded in a similar feat. His name failed to draw public admiration and his feat was not acclaimed because of the envy, selfishness and the quarrelsome nature of our people.

Unity of minds, mutual love and cooperation are the qualities we have to develop today. Education is not for securing university degrees. Give up this mad pursuit after diplomas which cater to the ego and increase the distance between you and others. Develop the desire to serve others and equip yourselves through education with the skill needed to serve others better. Education must enthuse youth to understand the precious heritage of Indian culture and spirituality, and to evoke the higher powers they possess. Though there are perennial sources and springs of strength within them, they behave like weaklings and ignoramuses. Patience, tolerance, tranquility and calmness have to be implanted in the heart.

Education is not mere book-knowledge

Education has to cultivate humility and discipline, but today it is yielding a harvest of pride and envy. Vidya means-Vid (light) and Ya (that which gives). So Vidya (education) has to shed light and illumine the darkness in the mind and intellect. It does not indicate mere book knowledge. It has to clarify the kinship of man with man and his intimate relationship with nature. It must harmonise one's earlier experiences with one's present one, and guide one to profitable and beneficial experiences in the future. It must validate the knowledge gained from books by these experiences and, by that process, make man more and more human, until he becomes Divine.

Riches beyond reasonable limit will result only in disaster. So, too, mere scholarship beyond limit will only bring about pride and competitive struggle. Of course information of a certain quality is desirable in a certain quantity, but without a parallel and simultaneous cultivation of morals and self-awareness, scholarship will only be a burden and a danger. The cultivation of a social consciousness is also very important. One must not learn to live like a drop of oil on a pond spreading all over the surface and refusing to merge with the water. One must join others in common tasks and contribute one's strength and skill to the common pool. A single thin string cannot bend even an ant, but hundreds of them twisted into a rope can hold back an elephant. This is the effect of united effort. It is a desirable trait to work for a common cause with others in cooperation; but today people unfortunately only believe in operation.

Study the best means of bringing peace

What can gatherings, meeting and sessions of learned bodies achieve? The conclusions arrived at after extensive discussions are not put into practice at all. Large sums of money as well as countless reams of paper are wasted. The recommendations and resolutions must be tasted on the touchstone of practice. The money can be better spent on raising the standard of life of the village folk. You have formed a study circle. Study the best means of bringing peace and apply those means in a few villages to prove their validity. They can then be taught to people in other lands also. Members of the circle can help students who are handicapped or defective and who have not been able to keep abreast of the rest, by giving them extra attention and special guidance.

The clouds gathered thick in the sky have, in their midst, streaks of lightning. So, too, there has to be wisdom illumining the clouds of knowledge. The learned man's life itself must shine as his message to mankind. Every particle of strength, every moment of life, every expression of virtue and every manifestation -of intelligence, must be directed to the fulfilment of this high purpose. When the name of the drug is repeated, can the disease be cured? Can poverty be overcome by reciting the word, 'Dollar' or 'Rupee'? Can the reading of the menu-card remove the pang of hunger? A pass in the examination does not make a person more useful or more wise. Lecturers and professors of the teaching faculty are like an 'overhead tank' and the students are the 'taps.' When the tank is filled with potable water, the taps too, will yield water with which people can slake their thirst.

The duty of teachers is to correct and counsel the students, charging them with enthusiasm and courage and removing their sloth and vacillation. This is the underlying object of all the curricula and classes - to eliminate narrowness of outlook and to promote wide, inclusive modes of thought, word and deed. Faith in the One-ness of all must be rooted and strong.

The Upanishad declares, "All this is enveloped by God," and the Geeta declares, "All this is the Lord," and "The Lord is in all beings." Consider every student who is eager to learn as your own child. Consider every subject you teach as a means for instilling faith in God. When you teach physics, also lead the students into the magnificent mystery of philosophy. While teaching botany, guide them into the sublime secrets of the tree, and of the Creator who has blessed them with it. Life is a tree. The mutual relationship we cultivate and cherish is symbolised by the branches, twigs and leaves; the thoughts arising in the mind are the flowers; Ananda (bliss) is the fruit, and dharma (virtue) is the sweet juice it contains. The tree is held firm by the very roots which feed it - roots that symbolise faith and self-confidence.

At present, discipline has almost disappeared from the educational field. Professing one thing and doing another has become a Universal vice. The nation can prosper and be happy only when education develops in an atmosphere of Truth, Love and Reverence.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)