Understanding the Love of God - By M.S. Giridhar

Sri Sathya Sai at the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir at Guindy, Chennai

Wonderful are the ways of Lord SAI His love is so elevating, that our hearts crave more and more for Him. In the forties, my grandfather had a plot of land at Guindy in the suburbs of Madras. A Siddhapurusha, who lived there then a century ago had prophesied that a temple would be built at the same spot for a great soul. His prediction has been - written on a palm leaf scroll. He also foretold that an industrial estate would come up towards the left of the plot of Land. Strange happenings preceded these two events. 

A black magician who commanded the services of evil spirits built a hut in a corner of the plot of land. Despite repeated warnings, the necromancer refused to budge from there. Finally reaching his wit's end, my grandfather, Sri Lokanatha Mudaliar brought a bailiff and proceeded to forcibly throw out the evil man's belongings. As he was doing so, the former returned from somewhere and was extremely furious and his rage took the form of a curse. With red eyes, he thundered - "You will be a raging lunatic tomorrow". Paying no heed to this, Mr. Mudaliar returned to his house at Triplicane (Tiruvallikeni) in the city. 

Next day dawned, Mr. Mudaliar was a totally different person - uttering words and throwing articles about - a pathetic victim of the necromancer's curse. His daughter, Miss Leela Mudaliar and his wife Smt. Dhanamma were at a loss to understand his turbulent behaviour as he had not divulged his encounter with the evil sorcerer. The Medical Superintendent of Kilpauk Medical Hospital was summoned. He suggested that he should be admitted to the hospital the next day if there was no improvement. Evening passed and dusk fell - there was darkness all around. 

In the night, a wonderful thing happened. As my grandfather had gone into the realms of deep sleep, he perceived a red robed figure with a mop of hair, who beckoned him and gave him Tulsi water to drink The stranger told him that his madness would disappear. "I am fine. I have been cured by an Afro-haired person donning an ochre robe". These were the joyous exclamations of an individual who had been the witness of a dream cure. 

At 11.30 a.m. a knock was heard on the door of the house. It was opened. .10 and behold, our Omnipresent Lord Sai was standing there in all His majesty and splendorous beauty. In a gentle voice, He said, 'Last night itself I gave you Tulsi water. I have now come to assure you that you will never be affected by the curse.' The Lord waved His hand and materialised a talisman and tied it around Mr. Mudaliar's neck. The latter wanted to prostrate at the Lotus Feet but was unable to do so because of a knee problem, Bhagavan tugged and the knee joint fell in position. 

"You are God I" exclaimed Mr. Mudaliar and fell at Bhagavan's feet. Tears of overwhelming gratitude and divine ecstasy wetted the soft, little, cosmic feet, so tender, yet bearing the unimaginable weight of the Cosmos.! 

'Go and dig at a spot where broken pieces of pottery lie.' These were the words spoken by Bhagavan. On Implicit obedience of Bhagavan's orders, carcasses of a chicken and goat were found, connected with the rites of sorcery. Bhagavan materialised Vibhuti and distributed to all members of the family. Mr. Mudaliar decided to build and house for Bhagavan in Guindy but he perceived the form of Shirdi Baba in a dream and was instructed to install a statue of Shirdi Sai Baba. On the day following the dream, a letter arrived from Lord Sai with the same instructions exactly as those given in the dream. 

As the construction was going on, a sculptor in Madras was repeatedly getting dreams instructing him to proceed to a house near Guindy railway station. Finally, he decided to go and on arrival at the station, he was escorted by a to Mr. Mudaliar's house The stranger introduced the sculptor to Mr. Mudaliar and the two were engaged in a discussion regarding the statue of Shirdi Baba. After a while, Mr. Mudaliar turned around to express his gratitude to the stranger but to his utter astonishment found that he had vanished.

Sri Sathya Sai with the Mudaliar Family the Guindy Mandir

On the day, the idol was installed, a few hundred devotees witnessed the levitation of the statue three feet above the pedestal and is subsequent fall back into position. Click here for more details on what happened that day - February 3, 1949, when the world's first Shirdi Sai idol was installed at Guindy.

Our beloved Lord had called Mr. Victor Kanu one day when all the student were seated on the portico of Prasanthi Nilayam, the Abode of Supreme Peace. Bhagavan enquired about the Sathya Sai activities in Zambia. The former replied that Sathya Sai Baba's glory was extolled in the churches and little children asked Mr. Kanu to request Baba to send small photographs of His Beautiful Form to them. Bhagavan was overjoyed and looking at the students seated there said, 'See the devotion of the little children' and gazed piercingly into my eyes and said, 'You are a doubting Thomas.' I realised how I sometimes failed to understand the significance of His actions and deeds. His sweet smile, piercing stares, the wave of His hand to produce anything and his writings on the ether and many others besides are beyond the comprehension of the finite mind. How can the limited human mind seek to gauge the grandeur and the majesty of the Entity who pervades the entire cosmos... yet His infinite powers, as evidenced by breathtaking miracles on the one hand and his mundane actions on the other, are indication of the Avatar that sometimes delude the human mind. The fervent appeal that wells up in my heart is, 'O I Lord... You are the repository of infinite powers that include the power of delusion, Maya or the cosmic veil. Give me the strength and wisdom to cut asunder this veil. O Sai, I cannot always understand Your Ways but I rest in the conviction that whatever You do is for my ultimate good.' 

My father was an Under Secretary in the Ministry of Home at New Delhi. In 1979, a list of candidates for foreign training was being prepared in the Ministry and pressure was exerted by the other candidates with the result that the chances of my father's selection became slimmer each passing day. He decided to come to Brindavan and pray to Bhagavan and seek His Grace as this would be a second and last chance to go abroad for the training programme. He secured leave for five days and he came over to Brindavan from Delhi. 

It was Darshan time... my father was seated in the front row. The gates opened and Bhagavan came out in all His majesty, gave a stern look to my father and went away without accepting his letter. With deep disappointment, he returned to Delhi. At the railway station, he was informed by my elder brother that he had been selected for the training abroad I Yes, we cannot always understand His ways but they are for our ultimate good .

The most effective form of prayer is informal, loving conversation with God from the innermost recesses of our heart'. Conversing with God with utmost sincerity and intense feeling is a sure way of contacting Him. As He often says, 'the warmth in the prayer is necessary for melting the butter of My Heart' There is no need of uttering complex intonations whose meanings we are not familiar with. Shloka leads to Shoka, He jokes sometimes. About twelve years ago, my brother and grandmother were attending the summer course in Brindavan. The latter had an observer badge and used to attend the speeches delivered by eminent speakers and our Master's Divine Discourse each day. My brother used to witness the proceedings with great difficulty seated outside the auditorium braving the intermittent rain and the chilly winds that frequently accompanied it Prayers to our Lord welled up in his heart and he cried, 'O! Divine Master How I long to be inside the auditorium and behold Your Thrilling Form and listen to Your nectarine words.' One particular night, the prayers had reached their zenith as it were and he relapsed into deep sleep and awoke the next morning. He opened his suitcase and 10 and behold, a nameless, guest badge was lying right on top of all the clothes.

Our Divine Master possesses powers which parapsychologists characterize as extra sensory perception, psychokinesis, clairvoyance and many more besides. The source of all powers, He has rescued people from disasters, effected cures in dreams, performed surgical operations with instruments in vivid visions and even resurrected individuals and brought them back from the dead. The other fascinating facet of His Divine personality is that He can be so childlike and sweet that our hearts crave and our eyes crave ever more for His most enthralling Form. 

The President of India visited the Ashram in the month of June. On that day, I wrote a letter reluctantly to our beloved Master and was almost certain that He would not take the same. He came straight towards me and said 'Your handwriting is not good. You have studied M.Com, haven't you? I replied, M.Sc., Swami.' He took my letter, opened it and a beautiful smile broke on His Divine Countenance and He said, 'Today you have written slowly and your handwriting is good.' I was immensely thrilled. Our sweet Lord had spoken with the individual who occupied the Highest Office in the land and to me demonstrating that everybody is same for Him. 

Bhagavan Baba spoke to Dr. Sandweiss, seated nearby, a Psychiatrist from the United States and asked one student his native place. The boy replied, 'Venezuela'. In all his innocence our sweet Lord inquired, 'Where is that?' The former answered, 'Swami, South America'. Our Lord told Dr. Sandweiss, 'This boy comes from 'Venjula'. Dr. Sandweiss had not heard of such a country and looked enquiringly at Bhagavan. O! our Lord knows every nook and corner of Venezuela, nay the cosmos in its unimaginable vastness and entirely but what an act He puts on.

Our Divine Master was speaking to a set of boys a few days ago. He said that every act of ours is recorded by Chitragupta, a Hindu mythological entity who records the deeds of all the beings of the world. Each action of ours will have a resultant effect in the form of a reaction, reflection and resound. Thus Bhagavan after stresses the importance of good actions. He added that the Chitragupta is actually Chittagupta -the hidden mind that is intangible. Kare Jung's Theory in Western Psychology emphasizes the concepts of the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. The former is that part of the mind that consists of all impressions recorded in the present birth and the latter constitutes memories of past births recorded in the fabric of the limitless human mind. Under hypnosis, the conscious mind is suppressed and patients recollect happenings that occurred in their lives many years ago and other events having no connection with the present life confirming the concept of reincarnation. The ultimate task for each individual is the purification of the mind so that the microcosmic entity merges and becomes part of the infinite macro cosmic principle of cosmic consciousness or God. How is this possible? Our Divine Master says ceaseless repetition of the name of the Lord brings about the purification necessary to achieve the goal of human existence — mergence with SAI. 

God does not respond many a time when I have prayed. On introspection, I have felt that were two causes for this. Firstly, the level of intensity was not strong enough and secondly, the appropriate time had not come for His response. I liken the chanting of the name of the Lord to depositing currency in the bank whose denomination is directly proportional to the level of intensity with which the name is taken. Let God not respond immediately. The balance in His Cosmic Bank is increasing as I pray each day and when He responds in the most unexpected and sweet manner, I am transported into the realms of inexpressible joy. 

The various sense attractions of the world are compared by a saint to the toys that a child plays with. He enjoys a certain playmate for a limited period of time and gets too familiar with it and wants a new one. The saint further adds, the prayer that wells up in my heart is: 'O I Lord - if Your creations are so wonderful, how infinitely tempting must You be. Give me Yourself. Only in You, will I secure eternal bliss. God is EVER NEW JOY.' 

Christ said and our Lord reiterates, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you.' Fantastic... My mind reasoned, I will seek God with full fervor because along with Him I would obtain everything else of mundane value. What nonsense I cannot be too clever. God is cleverer. He responds only when there is complete detachment from the world. I realised how important was the process of deep introspection where the motives behind all my actions are laid threadbare and analyzed. Such a process considerably cleanses and purifies the thought processes and contributes greatly to self-improvement. 

A Sanyasi professing to be an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba came to Delhi and the Sai devotees gave shelter to him because he claimed to have contacts with the Shirdi Sansthan and could arrange for a trip to Shirdi. He took many devotees including us to Shirdi but was sent away on return because they suspected his motives. A year elapsed. One day, a letter arrived at our house and my mother broke down as she went through the contents. Subsequently, she never went out of the house alone and was always accompanied by my father. A fear psychosis revealed in the house and my parents went to Brindavan to pray to their ever-merciful Lord. Our Omnipotent Lord replied. "What can a Sanyasi do to you when I am always with you? Why fear when I am near? " Needless to say, the tense atmosphere in our house gave way to a joyful mood owing to these vibrant words uttered by the Source of Eternal Succor. 

I have always wondered at the mystery behind the purpose of God's creation. In the Bhagavad Geeta it is said: Not a leaf moves without my bidding. If God has ordained everything and controls, the movement of the trillion leaves in this vast planet and all that we see is part of His master plan.... Why is there suffering in this world? O Yes, my mind answers.... misdeeds committed in the past life. Another question crops up. If God has directed the course of the universe since its very beginning, why did He create Adam and Eve in the first instance and implanted in their minds, the seed of temptation? For is He not the Indweller in our hearts and is the cause of all thought that arise in our mind. No answer seems to be forthcoming. Our Divine Master answered a query of a brother of mine in an interview so graciously granted to the two of us on one day. 'O God, You have the power to change the earth into sky and vice versa. Why don't you purify all our minds and end the suffering in the world?' Our Lord replied, 'My Master Plan is to build a house but the workers have to work, isn't it? Man is endowed with the faculty of discrimination and should engage himself in ceaseless action. For Divine Grace is proportionate to human effort. The sayings of our Lord have many layers of meaning and we interpret them consistent with our levels of spiritual evolution. The key to the secret of cosmos is known only to Him.

I would end by a fervent prayer that wells up in my heart His LOVE Is Luminous, Overflowing, Vitalizing Energy that has touched my heart I pray ever more sincerely that He showers this indescribable property of this, on this little child of His, in abundance.

- M.S. Giridhar

Student (1984-1991)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: Sai Vandana 1990

“What is the meaning of ‘Bombay Buzz’?”

September 28, 2002 (Saturday) 

Swami came out of the interview room at around 3.10 pm and blessed the birthday boys. Swami collected a letter from one of the staff members and gave administrative advice and emphasized that confidence is more important than convenience.

Swami : (To a student) Where is your ring?

Student : Swami, it is with my mother.

Swami : (Swami materialised a ring for that student.) Is it good?

Student : I do not want the ring. I want to stay with You Swami.

Prof. A. K. : Who said that if Swami gives a ring, you can’t stay with Him.

Swami : When Swami gives something, you should never say ‘No’, otherwise everything will become ‘No, no’.

Prof. A. K. : Yes, Swami. There are Gods who say ‘So be it’. So, we should not say ‘No’ when Swami gives anything.

Then Swami called Shashank Shah, student from the first year M.B.A. class, who was sitting in the front row. He gave a big brown envelope to Swami. Swami opened it and inside there were copies of the Youth Newsletter of the Bombay Sathya Sai Seva Organisation titled ‘YES’ – Youth in Eternal Seva. Swami went through the newsletter and asked him a few questions.

Swami : What is the meaning of ‘Bombay Buzz’?

Shashank : Swami, this section focusses on the latest activities in the Bombay Sai Organisation.

Swami : (Pointing at a page in the newsletter) Why are the eggs above and the nest below in this picture? (Smiling)

Shashank responding to the Divine queries

Shashank : It is a design, Swami. (After seeing the newsletter in detail, Swami distributed the newsletter to the senior teachers sitting nearby.)

(To Shashank Shah) Baat Karta Hai? (Will you give a talk?) Shashank Shah nodded in the affirmative and gave a talk for 15 minutes. Then Swami asked him to sing. He sang the Bhajan, ‘Hari Bhajan Bina Sukh Shanti Nahi’. 

The talk and Divine Blessings

Swami was extremely happy with his speech and blessed Shashank profusely by putting His hand on his head many times. With a fulfilling session, Swami left the portico towards the interview room.

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

When Sri Sathya Sai reviewed the rules of His University...

Sunday, September 27, 1981

Swami assigned Mr. K. Chakravarthi (IAS), the job of drafting the rules for the Sri Sathya Sai Institute, on this day, as the Sri Sathya Sai University was to be formally inaugurated at Prashanti Nilayam on 22nd November 1981. 

Bhagavan went through the draft before it went for final approval to the University Grants Commission and the Government of India. No single item escaped His attention. His enthusiasm for the forthcoming inauguration of the University was boundless. He meticulously checked each and every item of the programme from top to bottom; for instance, the order of the procession, the seating arrangements on the dais and so on, to the minutest details. He was the embodiment of spontaneous and unfailing guidance. 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai narrates: The Story of Savitri and Satyavanta

Of all the senses, the tongue is of prime importance. If we avoid excessive talking, learn to speak sparingly and speak truth, our mental energies increase greatly. It is important to talk less and talk sweetly. By speaking truth we can achieve the greatest of tasks very easily, for all righteous activities have truth as the foundation. ‘Satyam Naasti Paro Dharmaha’ - There is no greater duty than adhering to the Truth. Even the truth spoken should qualify the description. Speech should be pleasing, beneficial and should not cause anxiety or emotional disturbance. Life can be saved or restored by adhering to truth. Savitri was the only daughter of King Ashwapati. He agreed to marry her to Satyavanta and gave his word of consent to the groom. Then Sage Narada dropped by and said, “Ashwapati, you are making a mistake. You wish that your daughter leads a long and happy married life. But the bridegroom, Satyavanta, is left with only one year to live in his lifespan. Afterwards, you daughter will suffer much!”

He left having done his bit and the father became deeply worried. He came to his daughter and narrated Narada’s warning. Savitri said, “Father, words are given only once. Truth is God. If we give up the truth, we would be giving up God. What can we achieve without God with us? If we stick to the truth, adore and follow it, truth itself will bestow goodness upon all. Therefore, you should not break the promise made to Satyavanta. We should fulfil the word given to him. Let us see later what is in store for me. I am devoted to truth. I shall only marry Satyavanta. Truth will keep him alive. So don’t go back on your word.” She spoke with firm conviction. Finally, her faith saved her. As Narada predicted, her husband died within a year. She took a vow in the name of truth and brought him back to life. So we should be careful with our speech. Then we acquire a great amount of will power and purity of heart. Whatever may be the difficulties on the way, however much we may suffer, whosoever may blame and criticise us, we should not let go of our word of honour. We should not go back on the word given. We should be honest to ourselves. We should adhere to truth in our usual way. If we violate our commitment to truth, it amounts to violating God, as truth itself is a manifestation of God. Violating God, what can one achieve in His creation? All achievements and triumphs accrue only when God is with us.

Lord Yama, God of Death, approaching Savitri and Satyavanta

It is only when we keep God in our hearts and make our faith strong, that we can achieve victory. Unfortunately, today we consider worldly materialistic tendencies as our life principles. Mind has two types of will - pure will and impure will. When one wills in his mind things that are ephemeral, short lived and of relevance only to the materialistic world, then the will is impure.

Pure will is the idea that activates us to develop values that are eternal, true and Divine. Through purity of will and pure ideas we acquire clear vision and wisdom. Such revelations of wisdom cannot be obtained from Gurus nor can it be acquired through study of books, through our efforts alone can we develop such wisdom. Nothing is impossible to those of us who adore God in complete and strong faith.

Source: Master the Mind, Be a Mastermind, Discourse 14, My Dear Students Volume 1; Divine Discourse on July 6, 1989 at Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Prasanthi Nilayam

“Nobody should ask Padanamaskar...”

Sunday, September 17, 2000 

Morning

After Darshan, Swami asked Prof. Anil Kumar as to why the students had not yet come to the Mandir. After the interview…

Swami : (To a Research Scholar) Why were you late today? Rain stopped at 5.00 am only and from that time it was bright. (To a guest who was showing a plate) What is it?

Guest : Swami these are plates for poor feeding and this is the glass. Totally we are making 200,000 of them.

Swami : (Swami took it and showed it to another guest and told him) See, this is the plate for poor feeding 200,000 people in 350 villages. (Showing the tumbler) This is the tumbler. (To the first guest) Manchidi Bangaru (Good dear) Very happy... very happy. (To Prof. Anil Kumar) Did you see?

Prof. A. K. : No, Swami.

Swami : Whom? (Prof. Anil Kumar did not reply. Mentioning a devotee’s name) She has come. She is a Bharata Natyam dancer. Thirty years back I sent her to U.S. Since Swami has opened a new college on music and dance, she is going to come back here. She is a great devotee. Her husband is a doctor. I performed their marriage.

Prof. A. K. : For all those whom Swami performed marriages, they even have grand children now.

Swami : She used to come here often.

Prof. A. K. : Here or when Swami went to Madras.

Swami : No, here also they used to come. They used to come behind My car itself.

Prof. A. K. : Swami, the Music College is coming up nicely.

Swami : Did you go inside and see?

Prof. A. K. : No, Swami. I saw from the outside only. If I go inside, the ceiling may fall! (Swami laughed.) 

Swami : Ceiling work is all over. Only flooring is left. They are going to put granite. It does not require polishing. It is pre-polished. 

Evening

In the evening, Swami called few students for distributing Prasadam and observed them distributing slowly.

Swami : (To Vice-Chancellor, Sri S. V. Giri) M.B.A. Boys Chala Lazy. Slow Ga Pani Chestaru. Boys Ante Deer Laga Parigethali. (M.B.A. boys are very lazy. They work very slowly. Boys should be running like deer.)

(To a student) Are you M.B.A. boy?

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : Lazy. (To the Vice-Chancellor) Did boys work today?

V. C. : Swami, today is Sunday. Afterwards near third block, a devotee got up and showed a letter to Swami and told that a group of people were coming from Worli, Bombay. He informed Swami that they had Bhajans and Satsang there and they are coming here for Padnamaskar.

Devotee : Swami, can they come here?

Swami : Aye, look, how can they ask like this? They have to do with devotion, then I, Myself will give them. If they ask in this way, I wont even see them. If you do with devotion, I will only give them. You need not ask.

(To a Research Scholar) What do you say? Nobody should ask Padanamaskar like that. It is wrong on their part.

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

His Path and His Hand - By Jitendra Panjabi

It is almost two years since I have come into His fold. Today, as I sit cross-legged in the Mandir, faint music fills the air... crowds are gathering, eagerly awaiting the Divine Darshan, and I realise that this would be one more evening that would soon (Alas, very soon) become a treasured memory in my heart. My mind races back to the past, and I wonder how my life style, my ideas. my ambitions have undergone a complete change. Two years ago, He had called me and I had responded little realising that it would be the turning point in my life. I had completed my Computer Engineering in Bombay and was set to pursue higher (higher?!) in the U.S.A., when Bhagavan commanded me in an interview, that I should join His Institute for the M.B.A. course. Though I had planned to go for higher studies, and lo and behold, I landed up in Bhagavan's Institute of 'higher' learning I can still recall, how at that time I had hesitated initially; lost in the delusion of 'living', I found the Divine call was holding promises that were totally alien to me! Nevertheless, I could not resist His sweet call, and I made the decision to join His Institute, and today, I realise how lucky I am. 

There is a sudden hush among the students around me and I look up to see the Divine Lord gently stepping out of His room, to give Darshan to the thousands assembled at His Lotus feet. As I see Him gently floating along in divine ecstasy, to grant joy to devotees, I realise the worth of my decision; The words of Robert Frost come to my mind... 

"Once upon a time in the woods

Two roads parted, and I

Took the one less tread upon

And that has made all the difference"

Bhagavan finishes His Darshan and steps in between the boys, on His way back to the interview chamber. A loving word here, a pat on the back there, a Namaskar to somebody... If love can walk on two feet, It is here! And as He goes back into His chamber, I find that He has -left behind Him, a trail of love with footprints of sublime peace Embedded in every heart; I whisper a small line to myself: 

"Lord, your love has touched our lives so gently,

so warmly, so unforgettably that our lives shall

never he the same again….”

I remember how it was during the first few weeks of my life in the hostel. When I joined, I found that the simple lifestyle that one was expected to follow had been non-existent to me earlier. However, like everyone (without any exception!) I too had to go through the purification process — the purging of the dross…

New to the environment, I contracted insect bites on both my feet. They slowly began to spread all over my feet, and eventually got infected. Puss and blood kept oozing out of the wounds, making it very painful. Medication did not work (when it is a prelude to a divine experience, it just doesn't work) and I found that I could not even walk.

Unaccustomed to the training grounds that Bhagavan sets up for His chosen ones, I lay frustrated on the bed. Here was I, coming to the place with high hopes, with dreams of constant attention from Bhagavan and daily interviews, and instead finding myself lying sick, totally neglected and depressed. On the verge of giving up, I started feeling and saying to myself "If I were back home, my mother would have arranged at least one doctor to take care of me….at least one!" Little did I comprehend (I still fail to) the love of the Divine Mother... for at that very time, Bhagavan was making arrangements to send not one but two doctors to see me. Later on I was informed that Bhagavan was very much worried about my health, and so had arranged to send these two doctors in His own car... 

“No one can forever be banned

Eternally bereft

He who falls from God's right hand

Is caught unto His left….”

I suddenly wake up from my reverie, and bring myself together, once again, to start writing the article for the Homage volume... I stare at the white page (still blank) in front of me wondering what to write and how to begin, when a black insect suddenly lands spot in the middle. A black insect! That reminds me of something. 

One night as I lay on my bed, thinking of Bhagavan, an insect (I suspect the same black one) landed on my face and stung me right in the eye! I did not pay much attention to it, but slowly as the hours ticked by the eye became very painful and began swelling! Next morning, following a sleepless night, I found to my horror that the eye was almost the size of a golf ball. I could barely open it or see anything! More horrors awaited me in the hospital, when the eye doctor upon examining me, said that she was afraid it could be a permanent damage. Nevertheless, the best possible medicine was administered, but it only ended up in increasing the pain in its intensity. 

Patience, tolerance and my then latest newfound virtue of unquestioning faith in Bhagavan found themselves slowly dwindling as I sat that evening for Darshan. Mentally, I made plans to pray to Bhagavan about the problem, the pain I was undergoing etc. But what turned out was completely different... Bhagavan came out to give Darshan; He came up to me and lovingly smiled...  I found myself dumbfounded! No words came to my mind, no prayers for Vibhuti or cure prompted my heart, no feelings of pain forced me to speak. All I remember to this day, was that He looked at me... into my eyes. And that was it! It was only in the hostel, when I looked into the mirror later that evening, I believed what my friends said — the eye became perfectly normal with no trace of swelling or pain. 

Reach out your faith — Touch Him

He will not ask, who touched me?

He will know...

We the children of the Divine Mother, have the greatest good fortune of being trained in the Divine presence, and given the privileged opportunity to become instruments in His Divine Mission. Here we are at the Feet of the Lord, in the radiating effulgence of His euphoric presence, only to be considered by Him — 'as my property'. Today, there is nothing to lose in this world except Him, we walk by His side and He is leading us by the Hand through the path that is His, and to the goal that is Him!

- Jitendra Panjabi

Student (1989-1991), Faculty of Business Management

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Currently, Macro Strategist, Capital Group, Mumbai

Source: Sai Vandana 1990

Sri Sathya Sai On: Does Justice Win?

In human life, there is Divine experience. Whatever object you love, it is not for the sake of the object. It is only your desire that makes you love. Whomsoever you love, you do not love them for the sake of that love. You love them for your own self. Therefore, when one loves, one spends time in anxiety, one is miserable because of his self. One is responsible for one’s own anxiety, happiness, and satisfaction. As one is responsible, one has to know his own nature. This is not present in text. People consider their aim in life as just taking the body and the mind until the end of life. One has to know the truth of life, which has got these aspects of reason. In this world, nothing is permanent. Nobody knows where and when what is going to happen? So long as we are alive, we should live happily. You can have satisfaction only by thinking of the Lord. Even Yagyavalkya, the great saint said, “The whole world is a manifestation of God. There is no place where God is absent. There is no name without Him, no place without Him. We should experience that unity.” That unity is present in the form of diversity. We are making an effort to view this multiplicity in that way. It is a mistake. In Bruhadaranya, it is said that the entire power and strength is Omkara. Wherever you listen, you can hear the Pranava (the sound of the mystical syllable ‘Om’). If you go down to a log of wood, you will hear the Pranava. You pat the electric pole and you will get the Pranava. You need not go anywhere. Just close your ears and you will hear the Omkara. It is this Omkara that is present everywhere. When we have full faith that this Pranava is the very form of Divinity, there is no scope for any anxieties and worries.

The Fall of the Bad is Imminent

In this world, there are so many miseries and so many losses. So long as you have body attachment, you are bound to suffer. All miseries relate to the body and not to the Self. This body is a combination of five elements. This body of five elements is weak and bound to fall. They have specified hundred years as the life span of an average human being but we cannot believe it. Either in the early ages, youth or in the old age, either in a farm, in a village or in water you never know, but death is certain. So long as you are alive, you should know your Self. So long as there is this body you should know this truth. Remember body is like a water bubble. It is born in water; it merges in water like a water bubble. Human beings are bubbles and Narayana is the water. The bubble has come out of water. This bubble is the body. Therefore, it merges in Narayana. Yagas and Yagnas teach the knowledge of the Self. The worldly people with all the physical feelings submit themselves to all kind of blames and frustrations. They take it as a responsibility to hurt everyone. Even the good is depicted as bad. He who lives in this way is bound to suffer or ruin himself. Therefore, we have to understand and conduct ourselves in facing this world of the mind. There are some who do not look at good but look only at the bad. There are some, who view only the bad and consider them as good. Both of these are false. The Divine Vision is that which looks only at the good throughout. Therefore, in human life, we should never think of anything bad. Even if anyone blames you, with all control you should be calm and cool. No other thing has greater power than this. We should develop peace. The more you are at peace the longer you live. Today we are losing peace. If anyone says anything, we get angry. Without finding any fault, taking everything as good, some people express themselves without considering anything as bad. These people take everything as good. Some divide these things as good and bad. They express in that way. Bad people go on accusing you, considering only evil things. A demon is better than such people. These types of people are on the rise in today’s world. They have perverted minds at times of ruin. This is the foundation for their destruction.

Justice will Win

At one time, Balarama and Krishna were conversing. Balarama questioned, “What is this present day position of the world? It is not only related to Kauravas and Pandavas. Even in our own clan – Yadavas, there is a revolution. They have got hatred; they fight each other, and are going forward for unnecessary things.” Krishna said, “This is the effect of Kali. All the forthcoming events are also because of its influence”.

All the wicked minds are there in times of total ruin. They can tie our hands. We should see that such minds do not have such a chance. We should develop peaceful feelings. Before you make an attempt to criticise anybody, make an enquiry. If you want to say anything, or publicise anything, take time to investigate whether it is true or not. We should not be carried away by what is said by everyone. The wise should take the truth, should investigate the truth. It is all foolishness to decide as and when you listen to a sage, why such things are happening? They happen only to develop the good. All sacred things improve purity. If you dig the pit deeper, you will find the mound on the side. These are worldly actions. When certain things happen with relation to Divinity, they are bound to take one to higher altitude. Pandavas and Kauravas fought for nine days and it looked like Pandavas are losing. All these nine days when Pandavas started losing, Arjuna lost all spirit. Then Krishna said, “Why are you worried? Injustice in the beginning will have to face the trial. Gradually they subdue and peace and truth will come out later. Therefore, you need not worry. Get up Arjuna! Justice will win. Selfishness will vanish. This will happen. The father thinks he has hundred children. He will be left with none to do the obituary rights. What is the reason? There are so many who have wicked thoughts. There are many people, who indulge in such acts. They are useless. They are a very inhuman society. They ruined this mighty kingdom. Further, Shakuni added to the fire and this fire is growing more and more. For this suffering to the people in the world, that rain of arrows is bound to take place.”

Kauravas could not bear the sight of Pandavas who were noble and full of virtuous aspects. Pandavas were the very form of Dharma. They had no trace of fault. At the time of humiliation of Draupadi, Bheema was there. Arjuna who had many titles was also there. Though they were very powerful, they did not act. If Bheema decided, he could kill all the Kauravas in an instant. What is bound to happen must happen. All these will help us in justice. The Kauravas have taken birth in this kingdom to destroy this kingdom.

Source: Truth Alone Triumphs, Discourse 18, My Dear Students Volume 1

Swami inaugurates the Nandana Vanam at Sri Sathya Sai Hostel

Thursday, September 17, 1992

Bhagavan visited the Institute hostel at Prashanti Nilayam on this day. He was received with Poorna Kumbham amidst Vedic chants and band music. He proceeded to the Rock Garden prepared by the students inside the Hostel compound. Bhagavan inaugurated the garden to the excitement of the students. 

Sri Sathya Sai at the Hostel Garden

He then resumed His seat on the dais. Sri Sanjay Sahni, Warden of the Hostel, welcomed Bhagavan on behalf of the staff and students of the hostel. Two students, Avinash Alimchandani and Sainath Seshappa, spoke on this occasion. Bhagavan then delivered an inspiring Discourse. Excerpts are given below:

"Dear Students! 

In order to foster one's individual personality, everyone has to acquire knowledge of ethics and morality. Personality is not an ordinary term. It expresses the essential quality of a human being. For the Sanskrit word Vyaktitvam the equivalent term in English is personality. Personality is acquired only on the basis of adherence to moral principles. The term Neeti in Sanskrit is associated with manners and good conduct. When a man exercises discrimination in daily activity, then he is said to observe morality. A life without morality is utterly useless. The prestige of any community depends upon its morals. If morality is absent, the community comes to grief. Whether it is a nation, a society, or an individual, when they conduct themselves contrary to morality, the civilisation which they might have fostered for a long time will come to ruin. One may have plenty of wealth, position, authority and much else, but all these are meretricious; morality alone enhances the worth of a human being.

Kings and emperors in Bharat from quite ancient times based their lives on morality and acquired honour and glory. It is on account of them that Bharat was called a Divine land, a land of Karma (right Action), a land of Yoga, and a land of Tyaaga (sacrifice). The name and fame of Emperor Ashoka have survived for millennia because he practised in his day-to-day life the great virtues. Akbar, among Mogul emperors, has been esteemed as a great ruler because of his conduct as an emperor.

Only a moral life can be called sacred. Man is a sacred being. But when he indulges in selfishness, his sacred, divine life is undermined. The sacred Atma is fundamental for every human being. This is also called Antaratma. God as the Indweller guides and directs human life as Antaratma, the inner-conscience of every human being. In human life today selfishness and self-interest have assumed prodigious proportions. Whatever he does, whatever he sees, whatever he studies, man makes it sub-serve selfish interests. Human life has become a plaything in the hands of selfishness. Only when selfishness is totally destroyed in the human heart, will man develop a broad-mindedness that will promote unity and sacredness among mankind. When this selfishness grows continually, it takes the form of Kaama (lust), Krodha (hatred) and Lobha (greed). These three vices are demonic in nature. When these three demonic vices grow in them, human beings lose faith in God. Besides losing faith in God, they also develop enmity towards God. Worldly desires increase. The Divine quality declines...

Dear students! 

Pursue your studies. But, together with education, earn the blessings of your parents. In addition, earn the grace of God. Despite all his knowledge, authority, power and prowess, what happened to a warrior like Karna? He lacked God's grace. Earn God's grace. That is true spiritual education. Along with spiritual education, you may pursue worldly education. A basic requirement for all this is good character. Morality alone helps one in a number of ways. If your conduct is not good, society will not respect you. As long as one is in power, society may respect one. Once power goes, the man will be an object of derision. You may not have any power, but morality will confer honour and respect."

Thereafter, the students presented a music programme. He visited the various service wings of the Hostel and also the prayer room of the Secondary School on the second floor of the building. This was followed by a dinner in the dining hall with Bhagavan surrounded by the students. Bhagavan then visited the Card exhibition organised by the students. It was an exhibition of the cards that were made by them for several festive occasions.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai: The Divine Teacher - By Dr. Sunder lyer

It is our greatest good fortune that, we have in our midst, a Divine Incarnation who has assumed the role of a preceptor and a teacher. One of the highest inspirations that I have derived from this spiritual phenomenon, is from the methods He adopts to teach. To my knowledge, this unique quality can be attributed only to Him. He has His own ways of conveying messages. When He talks to you, for instance, He explicitly conveys what He wants to say; and when He doesn't talk, His silence is equally profound. When He looks at you, even if it be for a second, mountains of doubts melt into nothingness before that fleeting glance; and when He doesn't look, He makes sure you know why He has not done so. Then again, He has other planes of consciousness through which He could reach you. Dreams, visions, miracles in your home. And every time He comes and goes, there is always a message left behind. To live with such a mystifying and inexplicable personality is really an experience by itself. 

What shall I write and where shall I begin? Having spent so many years at His Lotus Feet, my heart is so full of experiences that to choose from among them and to write my feelings in words becomes a near impossibility. Nevertheless, allow me to relate two incidents — one on the psychic plane (a dream-vision sequence) and another on the physical plane, where the Lord taught me two beautiful lessons. Perhaps, after reading them, you will be able to understand better, the beautiful, yet powerful ways He chooses to bless, guide and inspire us on the spiritual path. 

'MY TRUE NATURE' 

It was early in the morning; I was lying on my bed half-awake and half asleep, when suddenly Bhagavan appeared and called me. I looked up to see Him, and He offered me His Hand. Grabbing my wrist which I offered hesitatingly, He took me to a deserted place. In front of us was a huge bonfire which was lit. The flames were leaping high (perhaps even dancing, I thought, in the presence of Lord Sai), and Bhagavan said, "You always wanted to understand my nature. Now listen. He turned towards the blazing fire, His eyes bright and powerful, and murmured softly but surely, "My nature is pure love, like this FIRE you see here — pure, powerful and divine. I do not know whether it was the early morning breeze which was chill or His words, but a cold shudder went through my being and I clutched Him even tighter. Then recollecting myself I braved to ask Him — "Lord, I said with an imploring tone, "You say You are like the Fire. But fire does not distinguish between the good and the bad. It burns everything that comes its way. If, both a theist and an atheist were to put their hands in the fire, it would naturally scorch and burn both." Even as I was finishing, He stared straight into my eyes. "Divine Love”, He said, His voice rising above the crackling flames "Divine Love, burns up everybody in the end. But how you burn depends on what you are." I looked up at this awe inspiring spiritual master, and wondering inwardly as to why He always chooses riddles for answers, I said, "Lord, I do not understand. Then smiling, He rotated His hand and materialised a piece of wood. It was a small piece, perhaps a foot in length and less than a centimeter in thickness. Handing it over to me, He asked me to light it from the flames in front of us. I did so, and it did not take long for it to burn itself out. All that was left of the wood piece was just a tiny mound of ash that lay in the ground. With His feet, Swami strewed the ashes and said, "This is the atheist, the cynic and the sceptic. When he burns, he leaves behind ashes - ashes of doubts, ashes of ego and ashes of skepticism. 

Then taking a step back, He once again rotated His hand, and this time He materialised a big lump of something white. He asked me to light it from the fire. I instantly obeyed, and to my surprise I found it was camphor. Within minutes, the camphor was finished. Swami asked, 'What is left over of the camphor?  I looked down where it had burnt itself. There was nothing. As I slowly lifted my eyes to Him, with light dawning within me, He said, "My child, my chosen ones, get burnt in the fire of my love, like this camphor. Once they offer themselves to me, there is nothing left behind, no trace that they even existed. And, did you get the perfume? " He added, with almost a twinkle in His eye; their lives are offered to My service with such happiness and willingness, that their actions and thoughts become the sweet perfume that the world benefits from. He let go the grip on my wrist, and through the veil of tears that had now blurred my vision, I saw Him walking towards the blazing flames and slowly but majestically entering the fire. THE FIRE THAT WAS TRULY HIM.

I was lying on my bed, now, wide awake; I looked out of the window. Faint glitters of the early morning sun were just beginning to brighten up another day. On an impulse, I smelt my right palm, in which I had held the camphor. Then I laughed to myself. What if it smelt of camphor and what if it didn’t.? the Master had come and taught — one more lesson in this game of Divine Love!

"SOHAM" 

Let me share with you one more experience, where He chose to instruct me on the physical plane. Bhagavan had come to the hostel. During the course of His discourse, He elaborated on the effectiveness of chanting the Soham mantra along with the breath. That evening I found myself in a highly excited state of mind. I was in my second year degree course at that time, and having been recently initiated into the practice of Yoga Asanas, my mind would invariably be dreaming of snow clad mountains, yogis steeped in austerity, miraculous powers and so on. Now, this practice of Soham! I immediately took to it most diligently, with the fervent hope that somehow Bhagavan would respond and Bless me. 

The first day went by most uneventfully, though I had kept up my practice. During darshan, Bhagavan went past me without any sign of acknowledgement whatsoever. However, this only spurred me on. The second day saw me even more determined and eager to practise the Soham Mantra. I practiced almost non-stop, one could say. In the evening, I managed to secure a place along the path that Bhagavan usually takes. To my utter dismay, Bhagavan took a detour and went by another route. which He normally never did. Even later, though He came out and talked with many boys, He made sure never to come my side. Spirits were dampened, and my enthusiasm was at its lowest ebb, as I walked back to the hostel. But I did not give up. The next day, I knew, our class was going first in the line. The probability of me sitting in the front row, right in front of the interview room door, was very high. And I was almost sure that Bhagavan would speak to me. So once again, I summed up the remaining bits of optimism, and practiced hard the third day. I was quite happy with my performance, and was certain that He would somehow come and bless me in this Sadhana. May be He might come and give me Namaskar; or perhaps a pat on the back for my sincere practice, or a world of encouragement or praise. you never know!!! 

With my mind crowded with such feelings and my heart apparently full of prayer, I found myself seated in the first line for the evening darshan. Bhagavan came out, as usual, ever so beautiful and charming, walking slowly and gracefully There are moments, it is said, when even a glimpse at Bhagavan's Divine form can transport your mind to those higher realms where time and space stand still and empty, meaning nothing, or perhaps showing themselves to be what they truly are — ILLUSIONS. 

But this was definitely not one of those moments. Bhagavan had come out, and for me, what mattered most was whether He would come and speak to me. He blessed some birthday boys, gave them Namaskar and turned away into the crowd. My prayers were at their peak Bhagavan went around giving darshan, selected a few fortunate for interview and returned. My mind was now screaming in prayer, and my eyes were fixed in anticipation upon Him, waiting for the moment. Bhagavan stood in front of me, spoke to the boy to my left, took a letter from a boy to my right and enquired about the health of a third just behind me, and went towards His room. There was an uproar within me, as my ego hurt and wounded, lay dying. 'Swami', I could hear myself almost sobbing as I prayed within, 'please me. After all I only want your blessings.' He came out and called the devotees He had selected for the interview. After a few more agonizing moments, the interview room door closed. and the floodgates holding my tears opened. All my expectations had been crushed; all my yearning was in vain. wiping my tears least somebody should see them, I quietened my mind. I realised I had tried my best and had prayed the hardest. There was nothing more I could do now. And so, I let go all my feelings…….

Sri Sathya Sai at the Prasanthi Nilayam interview room door

That very moment, Bhagavan opened the door and came out. Only about five minutes had passed. Surely, He had not finished the interviews so fast I Bhagavan had just materialised Vibhuti inside, because His fingers were still full of them. And then it happened. As if searching for somebody Bhagavan came right up to me, looking here and there. I had no feeling now; No screaming prayers, no noisy vexations, no hysterical anticipations. nothing. I had already let it go; Everything had become still within and without. He turned to go back, and as He turned, He took a step towards me, and even before I could realise what was happening, He pressed His thumb on my forehead between the eyebrows, and rubbed the Vibhuti that was left on His fingers……

Dr. Sunder Iyer with Sri Sathya Sai

It is now more than a decade with Bhagavan. A decade full of joyous experiences, spiritual illuminations and cascades of ever flowing love. Every moment, I spend with Him, I get lost amidst an infinite number of totally new impressions, for the expression which I have neither words nor forms ……. 

- Dr. Sunder Iyer

Student, Research Scholar and former Faculty Member

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Source: Sai Vandana 1990

Sri Sathya Sai on the Ideal of Engineers Day: Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya

What is the use of education without awareness? There is better discrimination amongst people who are less educated and less qualified. Today education makes easy the passing of remarks. Students have to work hard, but they are very lazy. They want all their homework, class work, assignments to be done by others like their mother, father, sister or brother. The more you work, the more remarks you get. You are assuming that you are educated, but you do not know the proper use of your education. You have to check how your education changes society. You should think of the prosperity of the society. There is a lot of difference between the ancient education and the modern education. Students in the olden days used to put efforts – mentally and physically to acquire education. Nevertheless, today students never put in any efforts and at the same time expect the results. Because of this sort of an attitude, the value of education has gone down today.

Vishweshwaraiah Mokshagundam
(1861-1962)

In the Kolar district of Karnataka, Chickballapur, Muddenahalli, in 1861, Vishweshwaraiah Mokshagundam was born in a very poor family. He worked very hard during his childhood and in school. He tried very hard to get into an engineering college. Finally he got a seat. But he didn’t have enough money to pay for the fees. Therefore, he started earning money by teaching students in his village. He even studied under the streetlights at night. With this sort of self-determination, he put his physical and mental efforts to achieve his goal. He even performed a few practical experiments that proved to be beneficial to the people. So apart from his own studies, a student has to even serve society. In Arabian countries where there was a shortage of water, he gave the idea of a pump-set and the water problem was solved. He knew that he had to offer his gratitude to his country. So he planned the Krishna Raja Sagara project.

The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore

Once, a big workshop was held in the United States. At that time, Vishweshwaraiah was 83 years old. There was a high staircase that led to the way inside. Many amongst the older people were not able to make it to the top. But Visweshwaraiah easily climbed up to the top as if he was a young person. He later even told one of the people there that he could do anything for the sake of his country. Despite his age he could climb up so easily. But today, students aren’t like that. 

Vishweshwaraiah achieved many great things. Therefore, the Maharaja of Mysore appreciated him and conferred upon him a post in his royal court. Nevertheless, he did not confine himself to Mysore only. He achieved many great heights in Andhra Pradesh also. When the Moosi River was damaged in Hyderabad, and people were facing many difficulties, Vishweshwaraiah came forward and planned a project and built a dam. It was not for his sake that he had done all these things.

He cultivated so many sandalwood trees in the forests. For the sake of the people, he prepared sandal soaps. So many people came to use these soaps. This clearly showed that whatever he did, he did it only for the welfare of the people. Once he was asked by a relative who was working under him, to increase his salary. Vishweshwaraiah refused to increase the salary, but then agreed to give him as much money as he needed from his own pocket and not from the treasury. Such was the nobility of Vishweshwaraiah. He always looked for a chance to serve society. Thus, he utilised his studies and behaved like a truly educated person and not like any other ordinary person. However, he never considered himself to be a great person. He was so humble that he often felt and expressed that he knew very little. Because of his great contribution to the Krishnarajasagar dam, so many villages were benefited. He always felt that ‘Duty is God’; ‘Cleanliness is Godliness’. Many foreign countries like Italy, Germany, Japan, etc. welcomed him. But even when he visited those countries, he wore a turban on his head so that he could constantly keep thinking of his country. 

Sir Vishweshwariah conferred the Bharat Ratna by President Rajendra Prasad in 1955

My Dear Students! 

You all do not know what social life is. You think that when your family is happy, you are also happy. But you should think of your society also. In Muddenahalli, Vishweshwaraiah built a school. He was also working there for the sake of the poor children. Once during Dasara celebrations at Mysore Maharaja’s palace, Vishweshwaraiah even made all the arrangements for the celebrations. He followed our country’s culture and always honoured it. Our honour and respect depend on our behaviour. Therefore, your education should be beneficial to the society. You should live your lives independent of others. Swami never depends on others. I always do my work on my own. ‘Swatantratam’ (freedom) does not merely mean self-reliance, but ‘Atmavishwasam’ (self-confidence).

When Bhojaraja was sent to Dharanagar, he was very young. Once he went to a saint in his kingdom in disguise. The saint went on telling people that this body was only meant to serve people and we must utilise our entire life in serving society. He said that all should depend on themselves and not on others. Listening to all these, the king’s doubts were clarified. “Nidhi Chaala Sukhama? Ramuni Sannidhi Chaala Sukhama”, said Tyagaraja. True happiness lies in God, not in world pleasures and money. Money cannot give happiness. Money makes many things, but not everything. Even if we do not earn money, people will honour us if we have self-respect. Therefore, you have to be aware of yourself. You must have knowledge about ‘Atma-Tatva’ (nature of the Self). In spite of being poor, Vishweshwaraiah worked hard, achieved his goals by realising the Self and knowing the principle of Atma-Tattva.

So during the earlier days, people used to complete their studies and think about how they could serve society. But today’s students, after the completion of their studies think how much salary they may get by doing some job. They are always thinking of money. But Vishweshwaraiah always worked for social welfare. You students should follow the principle of Vishweshwaraiah and become good citizens of our country. You must respect and honour the society. Only if you have these good qualities you and your education will be respected. Otherwise, you and your education will not have any respect. It is good if you are able to complete all the degrees from A-Z. But of what use is it to society? If these are not useful to society, they are of absolutely no benefit. Vishweshwaraiah knew how to build a dam. He wanted to utilise his knowledge for the sake of his state. He got more respect only after people recognised his achievements. The Maharaja also honoured him. The British learnt about him from the Maharaja and were quite satisfied with his work. “Maharaja, he is a good man. But, if he was in a foreign land, he could have got more opportunities”. Listening to this, Vishweshwaraiah asked, “Sir, do you think that by honouring people like me you are respecting all those who are already there?”  Today if anyone comes up in life, others feel jealous of him. However, in India, the people only give him more enthusiasm. In India, people always think how they can be useful to the society. Whatever one may achieve, even society has a hand in it. We have received so many things from society, so we must do at least something for the society.

Vishweshwaraiah lived only with truth and served society truthfully. In the society, many changes that have come to take place were because of him. He also built several dams in foreign countries. In Arabia, there is a shortage of water. Vishweshwaraiah walked along the roads and somewhere far away he found some water collected. He got a dam built there and then pumped the water from there to the city. Even though the people had lived in Arabia for so many years, they had never seen a facility like this before. When there was no means of transport, he walked up all the way to the site. Nowadays, Indians are forgetting his services, but Arabians still remember him. Help is always remembered. That is why Swami says, “Help ever, Hurt never”. Even after the person dies, his help is remembered for generations. So, every man must put in efforts to help fellow human beings. Do not think that you are doing something to others. By helping others you will get a lot of satisfaction. 

There was a tank full of water in a village. After some time, all the water dried up. However, in the centre there was still some water left. A calf went there to drink water to quench its thirst and got stuck in the mud. All the elders and the youngsters in the village crowded around it. It was striving very hard to get out. Seeing this, all the villagers were laughing. They were looking at what the calf was doing with great enthusiasm. Then a Sanyasi came. He was not like the Sanyasis of today. He removed the piece of cloth on his body and got into the mud, took the calf from the mud, carried it on his back and came out. Seeing this, the villagers asked him, “Why did you remove it from the well?” The Sanyasi replied, “The calf was in trouble and looking at it I was feeling troubled. So by removing it, I have removed only my own trouble and not its trouble.” Therefore, when we help others, we get a lot of self-satisfaction. If we help others who are in trouble, though it may seem troublesome, it will eventually reduce our own troubles.

Today the situation of our society is quite bad. Swami wishes that the students work hard to make the society good. It is necessary to maintain a family. Swami is not telling us not to make money, but we must not show too much concern for money. We must follow the ancient culture of India and we should always think of how we can serve society and how we can utilise our education for the benefit of society. If we have such an aspect to ourselves, the country will soon develop. Though Vishweshwaraiah is no more, his name remains. Bodies come and go, but the name remains. 

An illustrious and exemplary life

Today, the members of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute are sacrificing themselves and working hard for the welfare of society. You can join in any work. If you become a lecturer, you should be able to explain to the students well and help them to get better in their studies. If you cannot become best teachers, you should at least not become complaining teachers. If you become a doctor, you should take time to think what medicine can relieve the pain of the patient. If that medicine is not available in your hospital, get it from some other hospital. The doctor should be careful in giving the prescription. He should look up to the patient with love and affection. Today, if you hurt any patient, tomorrow you may be a patient and someone else may hurt you. Today those who do not respect their parents will not be respected by their children also. Those who do not respect their teachers will be disrespected by their students in turn.  Therefore, everybody’s action will have a reaction. The good and the bad that happens to us do not come from anywhere else. They come from our own behaviour. If any bad is done to you, do not blame others saying that he did it. Blame yourself that it was because of your own mistake. If you recognise your own defects, you can reach greater heights in life. If you blame others, how can your life be well? Therefore, you should depend on yourself to achieve anything. You must have self-confidence that you can achieve anything. Without self-confidence, you can never achieve anything.

Source: Discourse 24, My Dear Students Volume 2