Sai - My Everything - By K. J. Srinivas

It is beyond my ability to write about Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, since words fail miserably to portray His glory. Sai, the name itself fills our heart with immense joy, confidence and happiness. Surrendering my ego and knowledge at His Lotus Feet, let me pen down the story of my journey to Sai.

It was in the year 1998 when I came to know about Shirdi Sai Baba when we were staying in Sambalpur, a town in the western part of Odisha. On every Thursday, my mother used to make Prasadam at home and she would ask me to offer it in a Sai Baba temple which was two kilometres away from my house. With a great difficulty, managing the Prasadam box on one side of the handle of the cycle and pushing the cycle pedal, I used to go on a road full of pits and stones. It continued for years. Something in the temple made me happy and comfortable.

A few years later we shifted our house near that temple and on every other day I used to go and spend my time there, while my classmates would be playing outside in the fields and on the playground. I read Shri Sai Satcharitra in the year 2007, during my under graduation when I was staying at a Hostel in Visakhapatnam. Whenever I read it, I was filled with sadness and grief. I used to consider myself unlucky in comparison with those people who moved and lived with Sai Baba of Shirdi at Dwarakamayi. 

Meanwhile my parents shifted to Visakhapatnam. One day my sister told me about a Satsang near our house where Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba used to show His presence by performing many Leelas. I went there to see the Leelas of Bhagavan. I was told that we could keep Prasadam or anything for blessings there. I was preparing for my chartered accountancy examinations at that time. I went with my admit card and placed it at the altar for blessings. Vibhuti appeared on my hall ticket and the devotees told me that Swami had blessed it. 

I felt good about it and came back. I thought that since Swami had blessed it I would pass the examination in flying colours. But the reverse happened. So, this centre to me was just another place for Bhajans and service activities. My mother was a regular participant in Bhajans and service activities there. Every morning she used to wake me up singing some Bhajan which irritated me a lot. But I would keep quiet and never said anything to her. I had a big gang of friends in the year 2009. We used to go to every movie in the city and roam around. Since my parents were very particular about timings, I used to do all this during my College time, i.e. from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. 

It was in the very same year I secured top marks in the university accountancy examination. I still wonder today at this. My so called best friends doubted that I had manipulated something in the examination and obtained high marks. I started keeping distance from them, because differences of opinion which made them doubt me more.

It was during that period after finishing my UG final examinations, I used to participate in Satsang and Narayan Seva conducted in a Sai centre there. I felt very happy and thought of continuing these Seva activities. One day I felt deeply disgusted with the scandals propagated by my friends. So I went to attend the Satsang conducted in the Sai Centre and prayed to Swami that He should help me. I also prayed to Bhagavan to keep me away from my friends. I further prayed that Swami should become my only friend. The very next day, I got calls from my friends one after another telling me that they did not want to continue their friendship with me. 

Srinivas (standing second from right) with other Sai Students at the Samadhi Mandir in Sai Kulwant Hall

I wonder even to this day what had made my friends discontinue their friendship with me overnight. From that day till today, Swami has been helping me in many ways, day-in and day-out. I slowly started developing a bond with Swami. Since I had no friends, Bhagavan became everything for me. His name was always in my heart, mind and on my lips. He would also respond and reciprocate in numerous ways. Whenever I thought of Him, a big picture of His would appear on a hoarding, or on an auto-rickshaw. 

At times I would feel His touch on my shoulder while riding a bike. At times I would see Him on a branch of a tree and He would suddenly disappear. For some time I thought that I was imagining or hallucinating. Either way I was happy.

On introspection, I learnt many things about Swami. Swami says, “Test is My taste”. Initially, He encourages us to get closer to Him and tests us. We learn many things during this period and we become wiser. We can pass the test of Bhagavan if we cultivate the spirit of surrender. The feeling of Anyatha Sharanam Nasthi is a source of immense strength and peace. Renouncing the feeling of the doer-ship and resigning oneself to His Will cements our bond with Him.

Srinivas offering Arati at Samadhi

What I have learned being with Swami is to never question Him. When we do not know what is going to happen in the next moment, how can we question the One who knows the past, the present and the future of everyone and everything? We can ask but not question. Acceptance of His Sankalpa and abiding by it is a source of infinite strength. He is not interested in our failure or success. He is not interested in what failure or success does to us. He is interested in our progress. His love for us is unique. I always pray to Him that till the last breath of my life His name alone should be on my tongue, His thoughts alone should be in my mind, His image alone should be in my eyes and His words alone should be in my ears. If coming to Swami is one achievement, then to continuously be with Him and in Him is the real achievement. His Grace alone can help us achieving this. Let us all live in Sai. Let us all live for Sai.

- KJ Srinivas

Currently, Doctoral Research Scholar

Faculty of Business Management & Commerce

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)

“Are you Kaurava or Pandava?”

July 24, 1992

Today, there were no interviews and Bhagavan spent most of the time outside talking to students. Grabbing the opportunity, all the students prayed that Bhagavan bless the Hostel with a visit.

Swami : Why? What will you give Me?

Students   : We shall give ourselves.

Swami : You can give Me yourself here itself! Why go to the hostel? Anyway, you give Me what I want?

All the students nodded.

Swami : (Jokingly) Well, I want ‘fish’ Sambar!

All the students burst into laughter! Then Swami added…

Swami : Yes! I want ‘fish’ and not ‘selfish’. Fish can at least clear the dirt in the water. But selfish is bad. Fish water is therefore pure and clean. I want that.

(Bhagavan thus emphasised on the need for being selfless through the pun on the words ‘fish’ and ‘selfish’)

Swami : Students must basically know the three P’s – Purity, Patience and Perseverance. When you have Purity, you will automatically gain Perseverance-the determination to persist on the Godly path.

Swami then asked a small boy.

Swami : Are you a good or bad boy?

Student : I am whatever You say, Swami!

Swami : No! Whatever you say that will be so. You sometimes fight with others. That is wrong. All are brothers. But even among brothers there can be fights – like Kauravas and Pandavas. Are you Kaurava or Pandava?

Student : Swami, I am Pandava. 

Swami : Pandava! That means there is a Kaurava group in the hostel (Jokingly)! No, No all must live like brothers and not enemies.

Then Bhagavan abruptly turned towards the interview room and said,

Swami : Oh! If I start talking to you, hours will simply fly by…

On the way back Swami stopped near the doctors of the Super Speciality Hospital and explained to them how they should be treating patients. 

Swami : You must explain and inspire them about their health. Never complain!

Bhagavan then spoke to teachers and students about the forthcoming trip of Home Minister SB Chavan and President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.

President of India with Sri Sathya Sai
(later that year President Sharma was the Chief Guest for the SSSIHL Convocation)

Swami : I told the President that it would be inconvenient for the devotees here if a vast entourage comes with him. The President accepted Swami’s wishes and sent a message to the effect that ‘none’ of the VIPs must accompany him, except local officials.

Swami : He is leaving them all behind at Tirupati and coming here alone. The security people were a bit troubled, but the President told them that Sai is all my security. I do not need anything more.

Swami : See, how these people listen to Swami’s words. Only a broad mind can understand My words (Jokingly) Students are all having very narrow minds!

Students: No, Swami.

Swami : No, what?

Students: We listen to Your words.

Swami : Do you?

Students : Yes Swami.

Swami : All right then, Keep quiet now! (Smiling)

Hearing this, all started laughing. Then one of the student asked Swami if his father could settle down here in Puttaparthi.

Swami : Why?

Student : He wants to serve the Master.

Swami : All are Masters.

Student : But Swami, He wants to serve God.

Swami : All are Gods.

Saying so Swami went to the interview room as Bhajans began.

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

Sri Sathya Sai Message at the Brindavan College Day Celebrations

Saturday, July 30, 1977

The Sri Sathya Sai College, Brindavan, celebrated their Annual Day and Guru Poornima at Brindavan on this day. Swami blessed the gathering with His Guru Poornima Message. 

Sri Sathya Sai in the Brindavan College Auditorium

Education must impart those qualities in the individual that will ensure his peace, and thereby, universal peace. It should cleanse the mind of all traces of narrowness and help in fostering unity and love. This is the message of Bharat from time immemorial. The Vedas (revealed scriptures of Supreme Knowledge) proclaim these as the goals of education. This is the Veda Bhoomi, the land that reveres the Vedas, which the sages learnt through Divine Revelation. The seeds of this Message grew up as saplings and blossomed in the garden of the Upanishads. These saplings then grew and into ancient Shastras, and the winds carried the fragrance of their Ananda (divine bliss) to the four corners of the world to vitalise and awaken the people of all the continents.

In those days the sages lived with their pupils in hermitages, in quiet sylvan surroundings on the banks of rivers. Each hermitage was a university with the sage as the Kulapati (Chancellor). They were proficient in ail the branches of knowledge and eager to give the knowledge over to whoever could receive it and make the best use of it. They succeeded in their mission as a result of their own efficiency, the enthusiasm of their pupils and the sublimity of the environment. It was all so simple and sincere, so fresh and free.

Teacher-pupil relationship in the olden days

The environment which surrounds educational institutions today is quite the opposite of this ancient picture. Then the pupils lived with their preceptor In his residence and imbibed not only information but also inspiration, not only manners but also morals. They rose with the dawn, bathed in cold water and went through the rigorous schedule of prayer, study, meditation and household chores. They ate the food that the preceptor gave them. There was no distinction made in any of these disciplines between the prince and the peasant, the son of a Pandit (scholar) or of an illiterate. There was no opportunity to waste time in idle pursuits or trivial gossip, or in satisfying vain whims and fancies.

Every pupil was acquainted with the basic values of Indian culture, their origins and developments and their essential validity for the progress of their country. Today the number of pupils has vastly increased but the quality of both teaching and learning, has suffered much. Serving the teacher was itself part of education in those days; it was easy to please the teacher and get the best out of him by the process of loving service. How can salaries and fees ever satisfy the teacher? They only increase the greed for more. Then the world's prosperity and peace were built on foundations of Dharma (righteousness); now they depend on Dhana (riches).

Man is the crown of the animal kingdom 

The creation of the Universe must have happened when even time was unknown. Countless living beings have dwelt on this planet since, and the existing species are also innumerable. Man is considered to be the crown of the animal kingdom; his is the summit of living beings. Of Jantus (living beings), it is said, he is the highest. Why? Because he is the only animal that can investigate his own self and realise and reveal the Divinity which is his reality. Other animals have no thirst for the basic inquiry and no hunger for this satisfying wisdom. This thirst has led many to posit that there is God and others to deny the existence of God. God is described in the Geeta as 'more minute than the minutest and larger than the largest'. Let us consider this paradox a little.

We cannot see the air that surrounds us though we inhale and exhale it every moment of our lives. How, then, can we see the minute atom and the particles of energy that it is comprised of? Similarly with a clouded, and therefore limited, vision, how can we visualise Brahman, the basic Divine Force that manipulates even the subtle energy within the invisible atom? Of course when the vision is purified into its most subtle aspect, (Sukshma-Buddhi) and when we are equipped with the wisdom-eye (Jnana Chakshu) as Arjuna was, then we can identify the Divinity that lies behind the minutest form or particle.

Stages of change of the created Universe

As for being larger than the largest, consider the Sun. It is about 93 million miles away from the earth. Hence if we travel towards the Sun at the rate of 500 miles per hour and 24 hours a day, it would take over 20 years to reach it. The Sun is so big that the terrestrial globe can be dumped into any one of the thousands of pools or 'pits' which astronomers have discovered in its surface.

The stars that appear to be so tiny and so multifarious are each far bigger than the Sun, and the distances between them are far greater than even the distance between the Sun and the earth! How can the petty mind of man ever conceive this vastness of the entire cosmos? But here too the sages by their sharpened Intellect and ecstasy-filled minds, have been able to visualise God, immanent as much in this macrocosm as in the microcosm and even transcending its boundaries of space and time. Their experience has led them to express their adoration through names such as God, Allah, Jehovah and Bhagavan. These are embodiments of the Glory and the Grace they tasted, the Love they felt as being at the core of the cosmos.

The created universe is called Prakriti (Nature); prior to the Manifestation, there was darkness; after the Manifestation, there was light. The darkness was the Tamasic (quality of inaction) state, when there was no activity. The light was the Rajasic (quality of agitative) state, when with movement and agitation, uplift and downfall alternated. The 'five elements' were then formed, and in time attained comparative quiet. That was the Satttvic (quality of serenity) state, when Divinity shone through them. These five elements are perceptible by the five senses; in fact they are the responses to the needs of the senses. The Sattvic state is the Divine state, when light is shed on the Truth. This Truth was there even before the creation and the cosmos.

Meaning of 'one-pointedness' of mind

Truth is more fundamental than the atom. Every atom and every star manifests the Truth to those who have the eye of wisdom. Each aspect of science has a special feature when it applies to some one group of things or beings. What is the special feature of man? If he too lives and dies as any animal, how can his supremacy be justified? His supremacy lies in his capacity to become aware of his Truth. We use the phrase 'one-pointedness' when referring to Sadhana. The meaning that we generally give to that phrase is not correct. Each sense organ or faculty has 'a point' which makes it valid. Don't we say, 'There is no point in it,' when we condemn some thing in an argument? Seeing is the 'point' of the eye; hearing is the 'point' of the ear. If there is no point or agram, it is blind or deaf. The sense is then afflicted with some disease, It has some defect. Even if you catch a slight cold, the nose loses its 'point' for it cannot discover smells.

Now what is the 'point' of the mind? When we say 'one-pointedness' it must mean that the mind should be pointed towards the One-the One that is denoted as being without a second, the One which has willed that It may become the many. Unless the mind lays aside all other pursuits and seeks to become aware of the One that has become the many, it can be said that the mind too is diseased and is suffering from some defect.

Elevate yourselves by speaking and doing good

The sages of ancient India had mastered this one-pointedness, and when they willed they could transmit this awareness to their pupils. Such persons are rare today. We have teachers in plenty but none of them has taken up with determination this task of discovering his own identity. With the disappearance of Rishis (sages), the Rishikuls (hermitages) of those days have become the schools (Rishikul-Shikul-Shkul-school) of today.

I have told you often that besides your parents, your teachers and your elders, you have to also revere your deeds. Deeds elevate us or drag us down; they chain us to both, birth and death, or they deliver us from that chain; they result in Joy or grief, prosperity or poverty, gain or loss, pleasure or pain. You must realise that your enthusiasm or despair, success or failure, are but the consequences of your actions. While engaged in action, you come up against certain laws of nature which you cannot overstep. If you loosen your hold on something you have in your hand, it will fall down; similarly, if you slip while ascending a ladder, you shall fall, irrespective of your caste, creed or status. The law does not differentiate. In every deed or act, God is present as the Invisible Motivator; in every minute thing that you handle or manipulate, God is present as the Inner Core. So always try to elevate yourselves by doing good, speaking good, seeking good, and having the good of others in mind.

Education must confer humility and selflessness

You do not lose much if a finger is so damaged that it needs to be cut off. The body can still function and be a fit instrument. Even if you lose a limb, you can function and benefit with the help of your faculties. But If you lose your character, then everything is lost! You can be worthy of the name 'student' only from the day on which you imprint this thought on your mind. Do not allow laziness, hatred or anger to contaminate your hearts. The world looks forward to your leadership in establishing and ensuring peace; how can this. be realised if you cultivate hatred and anger? Practise calmness and the habit of deliberation. Don't get agitated and yield to mass frenzy, that is a sign of weakness and waywardness.

If anyone blames, abuses or hurts you, do not return him with the same. Behave nobly and with patience. When a dog bites a man, the man does not bite the dog in return. Education must lead you from darkness to light. It is only those who wander in darkness that fall into pits; can a man walking In the light fall Into a pit? If he does, it means that he is still in the dark, Vid means light, and a Vidyarthi (student) must seek light and gain it. What is the use of an eye that does not reveal to you the pitfalls? Education must endow you with that type, of eye which will reveal in time the pits that yawn in your path.

Vidya must confer humility, selflessness and the ideals of service. If a man adores his stomach and his material wealth as his heaven, how can he be honoured as a scholar?

The educated man must be ready and skilled to serve his parents, his villages, his state, his nation, his language and his culture. The air in a balloon is limited within the parameters and to the shape of the balloon; unless it bursts the balloon and overcomes its barriers, how can it merge with the Universe? Similarly, unless the self attains awareness and conquers the barriers of the ego, it cannot merge with the Omnipresent, Immanent Divinity.

You are born in society; it has helped to guard, guide and foster, you, to educate you and to fill you with dreams and Ideals, Repay to society the debt you owe to it. Proclaim aloud that you are Indians. Decide with pride and enthusiasm to serve India. The story of India and the culture of India - these are to be adored as your parents.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

"What is Chemistry? What is the meaning of Medicine?"

July 23, 1992

Today in the evening, all boys prayed to Bhagavan to come to the Hostel…

Swami : Where is the hostel? Give Me the address.

Student : Swami, You know where it is.

Swami : Yes I know. This (Mandir) is your hostel. It is your real hostel.

After sometime…

Swami : Who has games and sports today? 1st year or 2nd year P.G?

Student : No, Swami. Third year boys have games.

Swmi : How do you know? Information collecting! Where are the B.Com boys? Games? All  morning games and evening games.

Referring to the programme the third year boys presented on ‘Security Scam’ that morning Swami asked…

How was the programme today? It was slightly long. The one hour programme could have been completed in half an hour. No new programme for MBA boys. Second year boys have exams next month. The marks obtained in this exam will be added to the final exams. The II-MBA boys did not have any holidays during Dasara. But then, your quality of understanding will be very good. It is for your good only.

Swami    : Now there is not much demand in the market; because of this production has gone down. Economy of all countries like America, Japan, England, and Russia has been affected. 

Bhagavan then asked about what the different teachers taught them. To a visiting professor… 

Swami : Which subject?

Prof : Swami, Physics.

Swami : Oh, Physics! What is Physics? 

Students : Swami, study of matter.

Swami : (To the Professor) What is Chemistry?

Prof : Swami, it is the study of atoms.

Swami : Yes, correct. Anu Padartham. (Then taking a photograph in His hand) There is Anu Padartham in this. By combination it is now Ghana Padartham. In Chemistry, all chemicals are joined like this.

Swami : (To a student) Did your in-laws come? (explaining) What is the meaning of in-law? In-Love is Mother. In-Law is Mother-In-Law. That is not legal, but this is. There is so much of meaning hidden in the word itself. What is this? You say it is a photo. No, this is a Padartha = Pada + Artham, i.e., Word + Meaning. Even this is made of atoms. 

Swami then took a fistful of groundnuts, and threw it to the boys

Swami : Here, eat atoms! 

(Changing the topic to medicine, He asked a doctor) 

Swami : Doctor, what is the meaning of Medicine? 

Doctor : Swami, it is a study of disease and drugs.

Swami : Not study of ‘disease’. It is study of ‘This-is’! How many kinds of disease are there? (Getting all varieties of answers, Bhagavan Himself then said) There are 3 kinds of disease – those of Vata, Pitta, and Slesha. (Those that originate in Respiratory, Bile and Phlegm respectively). Vata consists of 54 kinds of disease, Pitta - 324 and Slesha - 82. Hunger is also a disease. Anger, jealousy, and ego – these are not natural to man. These are all animal qualities, not human qualities. So, they are diseases too. Love, compassion  and expansion – these are all human qualities.

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

Sri Sathya Sai's Guru Poornima Message on 'Ceiling on Desires'

July 13-14, 1984

On Guru Poornima the 13th of July 1984, Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His Discourse in Poornachandra Auditorium at Prashanti Nilayam. He declared, “Like Rama and Krishna in earlier Yugas, I have come to carry out three Pratijnas (promises). Once I accept a devotee as ‘Mine’, I will not abandon him, come what may. I have come to give, not to receive. When I undertake anything for the good of the world, I will not give it up, come what may.”  He gave yet another Discourse to the devotees at Prashanti Nilayam on the 14th.

Bhagavan addressed the Office Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations from all over India in Prashanti Mandir on 14th July. Bhagavan in His Address explained the specific objective of the ‘Ceiling on Desires’ programme and clarified certain misconceptions related to the programme. Here are the excerpts:

"We have undertaken tasks of varying magnitudes and description. Before we embark on the execution of these programmes we have to ask ourselves three questions. One: for whose sake are we undertaking these programmes? Two: For what purpose? Three: How are we going to execute these programmes? These may be three different questions, but the answer is one. If we examine deeply, the answer to the first question is: "All for our own sake". The answer to the second is: "For our own happiness and joy." The answer to the third question is that "the results of our work will depend on what we do. If we do something good, the result will be good, if we do something bad, the result will be likewise."

In this world it is not possible to make use of anything without transforming it in one way or the other to make it useful. You cannot have rice for eating without converting paddy to rice grains and then cooking it. Similarly, you cannot have cloth without transforming cotton into yam and then weaving it into cloth. Similarly, a human being needs transformation in respect of three things: The first is bodily transformation; the second pertains to the mind; the third relates to the Atma. The Atma is changeless. It is only the body and the mind that require transformation. How does transformation take place? For instance, if we ask the question whether silver can become God or stone become God, the answer is 'YES'.

We are not aware of our internal impurities

When a sculptor converts a piece of rock into a beautiful idol to be worshipped in a shrine, what was inert and worthless becomes sacred. This is transformation. Similarly, an idol made out of silver becomes an object of worship. In the same manner, everything which is petty and worldly can be transformed in course of time into something sacred and divine. Such a transformation is necessary for man.

Take, for instance, the body. It is an entity which houses much that is bad and that is undesirable. Externally we take great care of the body through bathing and cleaning. We are aware of the external impurity and we try to get rid of it. But, are we aware of the internal impurities? How do we purify them? For this internal purification, we have to acquire sacred thoughts and do sacred deeds. We have the concepts of Jeeva (individual being) and Deva (God). Man is composed of the three Gunas (qualites), Sattva, Rajas, Tamas (serenity, restless activity, inactivity). As long as you are part of these Gunas, you are Jeeva. Once you transcend these three qualities you become Deva. The three Gunas are like the husk that covers the rice in the paddy. When you remove the husk it becomes the rice-grain. Whatever we do, whatever actions we undertake, if they were to be permeated with thoughts centred on God, they would become sacred. Today in our Seva (selfless service) activities, we do not have this lofty sense of dedication. We should get rid of the thought that Seva activities are being done for others. You should understand that they are being undertaken for your own sake and for your own betterment.

Four ways we should try to change ourselves

In Vedantic parlance this identification of yourself with others is called Maitri. In Seva activities you have to develop Maitri (friendliness). Another attitude you have to develop is Karuna (compassion). The third is called Mudita (contented) and the fourth is called Upeksha (indifferent to results). In all these four ways we should try to change ourselves and others.

What is Maitri? It is commonly equated with friendship. In the worldly sense this friendship is a mutual relationship. True friendship lies in regarding other people's comforts or joys or sorrows as your own. For instance we have an example in Ramayana in the relationship between Rama and Sugreeva. Their friendship was based on the fact that each could experience the suffering of the other as his own (Samana Avasta). The bond of friendship is drawn when there is ,a recognition of sharing of experiences common to both.

What is Karuna (compassion)? Seeing a person in distress and expressing verbally sympathy is not compassion. Compassion must express itself in action to relieve the suffering. Nor should you adopt an attitude of aloofness or indifference on the plea that each one is suffering for his own folly. Though suffering may be due to one's mistakes - mistakes to which everyone is prone - we should seek to remedy such suffering just as we try to get rid of our own suffering. Some people try to show off their sympathy by setting up charitable institutions like hospitals, etc.

True compassion should emanate from the heart. It should not find expression in outward manifestations which only reveal one's vanity. In the Sathya Sai Organisations there is no place for such demonstrations of vanity. Everything that is done to help the poor or the suffering should be based on the feelings coming from the heart and appealing to the hearts of those who are helped.

Next comes Mudita. This means acquiring peace of mind through cultivating equanimity in the experience of honour and dishonour, praise or calumny, loss or gain, joy or sorrow. These pairs of opposites should be regarded as things which come and go, like passing clouds. Every Sevak (volunteer) should develop such an equanimity of mind.

The fourth requisite is Upeksha. Apeksha (craving for the fruits) binds man. Upeksha (indifferent to results) frees man. Apeksha means involvement with the worldly concerns. Upeksha means getting rid of this involvement. Take the example of a pumpkin. A green pumpkin, when it is placed in water, it sinks. The pumpkin has plenty of water within it and when placed in water it sinks. The same pumpkin, when it is dried and has no water inside it, floats on water. What is the reason? In the first place the pumpkin has friendship for water and it makes water part of its own self. Similarly, when you are worldly yourself and you move in the world you are bound to it. When you free yourself from worldly attachments you go towards divinity and you are freed from bondage to the world. It is the process of "freeing yourself" that is called "Upeksha".

When you are tied to Kama you cannot get Rama

In the Ramayana, when Rama decided to go to the forest, Seeta wanted to accompany him and she gave away all her possessions. By giving up attachments to the possessions she could get Rama. But, when in the forest she developed a desire for the golden deer, she was separated from Rama. In the first place when she removed Kama (the desire for possessions) she became one with Rama. The meaning of this episode is, so long as you are tied to Kama, you cannot hope to get Rama or God.

This does not mean that you have to renounce the world. Living in this world as you are, you must strike a balance between worldly life and spiritual life. Man's life is like gold in its native state, associated with dirt, which is impure. It is impure in the initial stages. When you begin to purify your thoughts, speech and actions through seeking good contacts and cultivating noble ideas, you will be transforming yourself. This is the process of Upeksha.

More than Tapas (penance) Dhyana (meditation), service to others is the means by which one transforms oneself. In rendering service, you should be moved by genuine concern for those you serve. You should try to ascertain the cause of their suffering and try to remove it. Only then can you do Seva (selfless-service) properly. Momentary sympathy or charity or competing with others in exhibiting one's generosity is not true Seva. In rendering service if you try to do something which is beyond your capacity it is a sign of your ego. If you give less than what you can, then you are a thief (denying to others what is due to them). You must be discriminating in your service. You must regard service as a Sadhana (spiritual effort).

Do not do Seva to please others

You should believe that service is a path to God realisation. These activities are to be undertaken not for the sake of Sathya Sai or even for the sake of society. They are purely and essentially for your own sake. It is to transform your own lives that you undertake Seva. Through the medium of Seva you can reap the fruits of Japa and Dhyana. By making your fellow-beings happy you are making God Himself happy.

The Seva that you do, should not be done out of a sense of compulsion or to please others. It should be whole-hearted and spontaneous. In organising Seva activities do not attempt to compare one state with another. Because some states have taken up some work in some villages, you should not feel that you should do the same thing. Do whatever you feel is your duty and what is necessary for the areas in which you are working. Do it with all your heart without comparing yourself with others.

There is the programme connected with Ceiling on Desires. You must realise that this programme has not been launched to raise funds. The object of the programme is to prevent waste of money, time, food or other resources and to use all these for the welfare of the people. The money that is saved need not be kept for the Sathya Sai Organisations. It may be used in the best way you choose for the benefit of others. Do not waste time. Time wasted is life wasted. Time is God. Sanctify all the time at your disposal by undertaking seva activities in a pure and unselfish spirit.

Aims of the "Ceiling on Desires" programme

Today we waste time on unnecessary and unwanted things, in indulging in unnecessary talk and doing meaningless actions. In all these actions we are sacrificing the body to time. Instead we should try to make time our servant. It means spending our time in good thoughts and good deeds. Every second of your daily existence you must ask these questions "How am I utilizing time? Is it for a good or bad purpose?"

Likewise, with regard to food you must ask: "Am I just eating what I need or more? Am I wasting food?" So also with regard to money: "Am I using this money for my own selfish needs or for boosting my name and fame, or to satisfy my ego and vanity?" Once you start seeking answers to these questions, there is no greater Sadhana.

These are the aims of the Ceiling on Desires programme. It was never the purpose of this programme to collect money for the Sathya Sai Organisations. The object was to encourage you to share your money with others, to give you an opportunity to utilise your surplus resources for some good and noble purpose which will sanctify your life. 

Three types of strength are given to a person: physical strength, mental strength and the power of money. It has been said that all these should be offered as Yajna (sacrifice). This sacrifice is not offered to God. God, who has given you the body and the mind, does not need them for himself. God is also the source of all wealth. What does He want with your wealth? Use it for sacred purposes. The Seva programme is intended only to provide you with opportunities to make your lives sacred and worthwhile. It is to develop the spirit of sacrifice. 

Understand the basic purpose of all service activities

Hanuman on Rama's Mission

Was it beyond the power of Rama to discover Seeta in Lanka Himself? What need was there for Him to send Hanuman? Rama wanted Hanuman to go on the search, so that He could show to the world the devotion and steadfastness and faith of Hanuman. It is a case of Grace on the part of Rama. In the same manner, if Sai so much as wants to do so many things Himself, He could do anything. This endeavour is not for the sake of Sai. It is done through these Seva Organisations so that members of the organisation get the chance to do service and redeem themselves. Try to understand the basic truth that these avenues of service have been provided so that you will get good name for yourselves and not for the sake of Sai.

If people have any wrong notions about the service programme, endeavour to remove their doubts and explain the real purposes. For instance, some people say for the sake of the 60th Birthday Celebrations they have embarked on this project of Ceiling on Desires. This is a wrong notion. Tell these people it is not so. Sathya Sai does not need anything and He does not ask anything from you. Our idea is that we should undertake some development programme, so that the villages can get benefited. The idea is to save money that is now being wasted in one way or the other, so that it may be made available for doing something good. Above all, the basic purpose of all service activities is to effect a transformation from the state of man to the state of Divinity. Fill your hearts with that which is godly. Then there will be meaning to your volunteer service.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

"You should never dump waste in the oceans..."

July 22, 1991

Today was the first of a four-day Management Development Programme at the Institute.  Swami came to the MBA students who had participated in the programme, after evening Darshan. 

After inquiring about the lectures given by the guest speakers, He then inquired about the inaugural discourse, which He had given that morning in the Institute Auditorium.  

He then told the students, “Businessmen dump all the wastes from their factories into lakes and rivers and pollute them.  In Bombay, they dump the wastes even into the ocean. You should never do such things. If you do so, your own families will be affected later. You should not even join such companies. It is better to engage yourselves by doing small jobs than managing such companies.”

Speaking about the photo exhibition that was organized by the II year MBA students, He said:

“The exhibition was good, considering the fact that it was organised in a short span of time.  But, the exhibition as such is not important. What is more important is that you should please Swami. If you please Swami, you will please the whole world. A drop of water on your palm, if put into the ocean, becomes one with it. But, if it remains on your palm, it evaporates in no time. So, if you please Swami then you will be pleasing the whole world.”

Bhagavan then shifted to the topic of advertising.  He asked, “Why does one advertise?”  He Himself gave the answer, “If the products are not of good quality, then one has to advertise them to sell them. But, if the quality of the products is good, then they will be sold automatically and there will not be any stock pile.”

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

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning: A Dream Come True - By Prof. (Mrs.) Jayalakshmi Gopinath

Prof. Jayalakshmi Gopinath with Sri Sathya Sai (translating the Divine Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall)

In the present omniscient computer age, scientific know-how and technological achievements have reached unimaginable propositions on one side and surprisingly enough, there is an unprecedented erosion of moral values. The reason for this has been periodically sifted by the Great Masters of the spirit and solutions offered for the well-being of man’s material, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

The remedy lies in one term, Enlightened Education. Education at home, at the school and college levels which if well planned, taking into account that man is not brawn, muscle and brain alone but treasures within a heart and the spark of divinity which alone can make man bring down the kingdom of God upon earth.

We must have a clear picture of the Past to understand the Present. In India in the hoary past there was the Gurukula system of education, where the personal life of the teacher was beyond blemish. His character was a blazing fire of knowledge and renunciation, an example to be emulated by the pupils. Knowledge was considered so sacred that no man ought to sell it. The teacher considered the disciples as his own children and after satisfying himself that the student possessed the cardinal virtues of purity in thought, speech and action, a thirst for knowledge and perseverance, the Guru would initiate him in the learning of the Vedas. The pupil left the Gurukulam not only after acquiring skill and knowledge in learning but also imbibed the values of Truth, Love and Self-Restraint. They were moulded into men of character with a mighty will to walk the path of Dharma.

Later English Education was introduced which catered only to a small minority and the Elite. The consequence was, we as a colony of Britain forgot our culture, our tradition, our ancient system of education, for which we have to blame ourselves alone.

In the modern times, focus is more upon acquiring knowledge by specializing in one field to the exclusion of others. Importance is given more to gain expertise in varied aspects of Science and Technology; Humanities has been relegated a subordinate place. The balance is upset as intellect takes over and the heart is smothered. It is wealth and power alone that is worshipped and only ends matter not the means.

The long cherished dream has become a reality. The heavens have opened up and the saviour, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, has descended to resurrect all that was great and noble in the past, harmonize it with whatever is relevant and necessary to the present and cast it in a new mould which shall be the solution and sovereign remedy for man’s chaotic world of violence, fear and selfishness.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Its Campuses

To comprehend the magnitude and significance of Bhagavan’s educational super-plan we have to understand the great avatar’s cosmic vision and His selfless love to make man rediscover his innate divinity.

Says Bhagavan: “No University can regard itself as complete unless it sends out young men and women who are not only learned but whose hearts are full of compassion for suffering humanity.” Character is that on which the destiny of the nation is built. Tirelessly the Avatar of the age says that we must train a large number of young men and women to develop a sterling character and an integrated personality. This can be achieved when young men and women are inspired to look upon others as living images of God. Any satisfactory system of education, says Bhagavan, should aim at a balanced growth of the individual and insist both on knowledge and wisdom. It should not only train the intellect but bring grace in the heart of man. If we are to free ourselves from the debilitating effects and the nervous strain of modern life, we must be saved from the inordinate impact of the screen, the radio, the television and demagogy. The younger generation should be motivated to read the great classics of our country such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the invaluable store of knowledge and wisdom - the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred scriptures. It is the intangible that gives the nation its character and vitality. The young should be inspired by the great ideas enshrined in our culture while appreciating what is worthy in the others.

Bhagavan proclaims that the future destiny of the nation depends on the spiritual strength and not upon our national wealth. The nation is built in its educational system. Hence education should teach us to live in amity with others. Moral qualities are of greater value than intellectual accomplishments. If a man loses faith in values, he becomes ruthless and attempts to live outside the dimensions of the spirit.

A secular state does not mean that we are indifferent to our own tradition or disregard religion. In a college or university the fundamental values which are the most essential need of our age, lie in the spirit of religion, for what constitutes religion is to adhere to Truth and live in Love. It is a life of realization, gnosis and inner intuitive vision of God.

How then is this vision of Bhagavan translated in His educational system? Bhagavan’s educational system is an integrated one starting from the primary to the postgraduate and research level. Bhagavan’s educational institutions are built on the firm foundation of the Vedic Truths: 

‘Matru Devo Bhava

Pithru Devo Bhava

Acharya Devo Bhava

Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara’

(Revere the mother, the father and the teacher. Always speak the truth and follow righteous conduct.)

Bhagavan emphasizes these eternal values and says that it is the practice of Truth that leads to Dharma, righteous conduct. Dharma leads to selfless love and service to others which again expresses itself in Shanti or peace of mind. Ultimately it leads to Ahimsa, Bhagavan’s oft repeated maxim - 'Help Ever Hurt Never'. These absolute values are like skeins of silken threads that are woven so intricately and harmoniously into the tapestry of Bhagavan’s educational systems, for education is not for a living but for life.

The body is the temple of God and the students have to nourish their body to keep pace with the tight schedule of the academic programme. Discipline being the motto they queue up for all items of food. Silence has to be observed, as the intake of food is a sacred offering to God residing within. Prayer is chanted before partaking of the food and so the food is sanctified. It’s now time for the students to go to college and they go in perfect lines. It looks as if the contingent of a squadron is marching ahead to the holy task of performing their duty. All assemble in the auditorium for the Sarva Dharma prayer which is ah adoration of the Gods of all religions.

Sri Sathya Sai interacting with students at the Anantapur Campus Prayer Hall, 1984
(Prof. Gopinath is standing first to His left)

The prayer is followed by bhajan for 20 minutes and prayer talks are alternated with the bhajan days, when the students and the teachers speak on topics ranging from personal experience after coming to the Lotus Feet, and on topics revolving around their understanding of man, in all the complexities of his social, cultural, religious, aesthetic, philosophical, moral and spiritual dimensions.

Sri Sathya Sai at the entrance of the Anantapur Campus building

In the Institute, the temple of Saraswati, the unique feature is to impart education in its true sense. Therefore Education is totally free of cost. The teachers and students are members of an endearing family. The Vice Chancellor, Registrar and the Controller of Examination are their elder friends ever ready to help them out of any difficulty. It is built on the Supreme Truth that education is not a commodity either to be sold or bought. It is sacred. These great values are inculcated in this community of teachers and the students by none other than the Divine Founder Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who not only gives the education freely on a golden platter but like a loving mother and fond father looks after every need of the student.

Distinctive aspects of our educational system are the Self Reliance programmes, the Awareness

Course and the Sports Meet. The students have to be self-reliant. They look to the overall cleanliness of the Campus. This collective work fosters the sense of cooperation, adjustment, dignity of labor.

The inspiration is due entirely to the Perfect Divinity - Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose illustrious example right from his childhood days till the present moment is worthy to be emulated.

Sri Sathya Sai with Anantapur Campus Faculty, July 1987 (Prof. Gopinath is standing second from left)

The Awareness course at the U.G. and the P.G. level is designed by eminent scholar-devotees under the guidance of Bhagavan Baba. Students are exposed to the hallowed life of Bhagavan, great seers and saints, literature written by Baba and on Baba, literature of the world at large, science and great scientists, humanists, art, music and many such branches of study The chief aim is to broaden their vision, enthuse and elevate the students to transcend the limits of what they study within the four walls of their class room.

Anantapur Campus Sports Meet presentation

The Sports Meet of all the Sai educational institutions is conducted in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan Baba in the imposing Hill View Stadium. It is an incredible display of expertise in Sports and Games. This is a stupendous spectacle, God’s miracle, visually translated in the devotion and the excellence the students achieve in the harmony of the body, mind and soul. These are the chosen children that have been blessed to study in His institution.

Anantapur Campus Band at the Hill View Stadium

Nothing can be achieved without the grace, love and compassion of Bhagavan Baba. It is the Divine Ministry that has made the Impossible Possible. It’s not only in His educational institution that the students are shaped but they gather for every festival at the Holy and Sacred Prashanti Nilayam. Each festival or celebration is a wonderful synthesis of culture, tradition, worship, festivity, grandeur and joy. The Divine Potter has shaped the young clay into lovely forms both alluring to the eye as well as strong and sturdy to outlast the buffets of the world. The youngsters perceive the truth that there is only one caste, the Caste of Humanity, only one religion, the religion of love, one God – the Omniscient one.

I feel a justifiable pride in saying that the Women’s college in Anantapur was the first to be initiated. This is because Bhagavan says, “The woman, the symbol of sacred motherhood, is the very pivot on which the family, the society and the nation revolves. If she is educated-the whole world becomes enlightened.”

Sri Sathya Sai at the Anantapur Campus with Warden Jayalakshmi Gopinath

There is no summing up or an end to what one would like to say of Bhagavan’s Educational Institutions. It is ever growing and ever expanding. It is the magnetic impact of Bhagavan’s Divine presence, His transparent Love and concern for the burgeoning youngsters, His synthesis of the old and new, His mercy and Divine vision which is bringing about the rapid transformation in the youth, leading them steadily on the royal path from Becoming to Being.

- Prof. Jayalakshmi Gopinath

Warden (1971-2011), Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Anantapur Campus

Former Head, Department of English and Principal, Anantapur Campus

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Source: Sai Vandana 1990