“Our Students can chant Vedas better than professional Brahmins…”

January 25, 2004 (Sunday) 

At 4.05 pm, the interview room door opened slowly and Swami gracefully entered into the Bhajan hall as a surprise to the students sitting inside. While coming in, He started speaking in Tamil. He asked the students sitting in front. 

Sri Sathya Sai with Students in the Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir Bhajan Hall

Swami : I saw one boy when I came to Hostel. I am not seeing him here. Where is he? (And he added) Music Pillavadu (boy). (One music college boy went to Swami.) Not this boy. (Swami pointed to his nose and said big nose. 

Then one High School student came. Swami nodded as if he was not the one.) (Smiling) This boy has big mouth, that boy has big nose! 

(Then someone mentioned a Music College student’s name and said that he was in Hostel and suffering from viral fever.) From how many days? 

Student : From yesterday, Swami. 

Swami : No. He is suffering from two days. Ask him to take rest. 

(Swami addressed a one lady devotee by calling her name loudly. 

She was very old and her hearing was little impaired. She came near Swami.) What is your age? 

Devotee : Swami, You only know. 

Swami smiled benignly and started telling about the King of Bobbili.

Swami : Very great person. He fought in many battles. He was a brave man who fought courageously. (Pointing to the lady) They left all the kingship and all the royal privileges and came to stay with Swami. Once anybody comes to Swami, they will not like to go back. (Called one Secondary School student and asked) How much did Gavaskar (Rohan) score yesterday?

Boy : Swami, 54 runs. 

Swami : With whom?

Boy : Zimbabwe. 

Swami : He is a good boy. Before he left for tour (Australia), his father (Sunil Gavaskar) came to Me. I gave him blessings, and to his son also. (Then to that boy) Do you play cricket?

Boy : Yes, Swami. 

Swami : Batsman or bowler. 

Boy : Swami, all-rounder. 

Swami : Which group? Ladies group! (There was laughter in the Bhajan hall.) 

Swami addressing the same lady devotee started enquiring about her relatives. 

Swami addressing to another lady devotee in Kannada… 

Swami : How are you? How is our boys’ Vedam chanting? 

Devotee : Swami, very nice Swami. Good vibrations. 

Swami : Yes, yes good vibrations. (Moving His hand in the air and continued) Our Vedam boys know Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. (Sama Ganam was being sung by Vedam group at that time near the Ganesh portico.) They can chant better than professional Brahmins. Very good.

Then Swami started describing about His visit to Badrinath. How He went on donkeys, how the devotees requested Him to wear cooling glasses for protection from sun rays. He referred to cooling glasses in Telugu as ‘Ice Addalu’. Then Swami mentioned about the Venkatgiri Raja.

Sri Sathya Sai with Venkatagiri Rajaj

Swami : Raja was six foot five inches tall. Once he went to the forest for hunting. His soldiers and body guards were way behind. When he was alone, a tiger attacked him. He raised his hands (Swami demonstrated by raising His own hand) and fought with the tiger and killed it. (Pointing to the tiger skin under His throne) This is verily the same one. He gifted it to Swami as his offering.

Thus, Swami granted a joyful session till 4.35 pm and then asked the Bhajans to commence.

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

What are the weapons to overpower Pakistan and China?

Sri Sathya Sai hoisting the flag

Service is best built on the strong foundation of Tat-Twam-Asi - That and This are the same; That is This; This is That. There is no Other; there is only One. Kites fly high; but all are lifted and kept high by the same air, the same wind. The kites have no separate wills. The pots of water in which the Sun is reflected may be many, but the Sun is One and unaffected, when the pots break or the water is dried up. All help you give is therefore help given to yourself; all service is to the Self alone. When another is poor, you cannot be rich; when another is in distress, you cannot have joy. The same current runs through and activates all. Isaavaasyam Idam Sarvam - all this is God; Vasudevassarvam Idam - All this is Vasudeva (God), nothing more, nothing less.

Revere your mother and Motherland

This is the lesson that Bharat has been teaching her children, since ages. The Vedas say, Matru Devo Bhava - Revere your Mother as God. This applies to the country which gave birth to you, also. So, you must revere the country and follow its culture. You must also revere your mother, who has brought you up with love, care and sacrifice. However famous a man may be, if he does not revere his mother, he does not deserve respect. A person whose heart is so hard that it does not melt at the pleadings of the mother deserves nothing but ridicule.

We have won freedom; the land has become free from those who ruled it for more than a century. But, though the rulers went, their influence still persists. The attitudes and habits of the West still dominate the mind of the educated and the leaders. We are still enamoured of the fashions current in the West, in dress, in language, in opinion, and in conduct. The dependence still continues, though we style ourselves as independent. The Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Religion), which is a diamond necklace on the breast of the Mother, is discarded and a plastic necklace sought to be substituted. The authorities of this School and members of the Committee must resolve to see that the children passing out realise the efficacy of Sanatana Dharma, to grant them peace, joy and courage.

We see missionaries inspired by Christ moving thousands of miles away from their homes into lands with alien cultures, strange habits of food, drink, and dress, speaking unfamiliar languages and starting schools and hospitals to propagate their Dharma. They come to this country too, from far off lands. But, children of this ancient Dharma ignore, neglect and discard it, losing the valuable heritage left to us by the sages.

Children in schools learn to recite, "Baa, baa, black sheep! Have you any wool?" in sheep-like imitation of English children. They are denied the chance to recite the Stotras (prayers) which the village schools of old encouraged children to sing. The Stotras were permanent possessions from which solace and strength could be drawn throughout life. "Baa baa, black sheep" is a ridiculous ditty, which has to be given up, as the child grows.

The source of strength is in yourself, the Atman

This does not mean that you should cultivate a dislike towards any language. While you should revere your own mother-tongue and learn to use it well, you should not develop hatred against the language of others. Protect your mother-tongue and Motherland with all your energy. Make yourselves fit for this, by making the best use of the opportunities in the school. Progress as much as you can, without hesitation. Develop character as well as intelligence and health. The most reliable source of strength is in you, not in money, or kinsmen, or physical acumen, but, in yourself, the Atman. Know it; delve into it; draw sustenance from it; see it in all; serve it in all.

This is the stage when you should learn the value of discipline. You can be disciplined only when the teachers, the parents, the leaders of society, all are disciplined. The entire nation must learn to control the wild nature of passions and emotions; yielding to them brings only ruin in its wake. Discipline, self-control, desire to serve - these are the weapons with which Pakistan and its ally, China, can be overpowered. This is the time for humility and prayer. In the altars of your homes, of the temples in your villages, of your own hearts, pray to the Almighty Lord to rescue and protect. That is a weapon that even the weakest can handle; that can defeat even the strongest enemy. I assure you nothing can bring harm to this ancient and noble mother of Sanatana Dharma.

Source: Divine Discourse on November 27, 1965 at Dharmavaram

At The Lotus Feet of My Master: Sri Sathya Sai - By Arun Dhareshwar

Arun Dhareshwar receiving Gold Medal from Sri Sathya Sai at SSSIHL Convocation

The year was 1984.The time, winter. The weather outside was cold and windy. Yet, the hearts of the students were warm and receptive. The reason...? The Lord was in their midst in the Hostel. After experiencing the bliss of His Divine Company, the Warden, on behalf of the students said to the Lord, 'Swami, the boys are extremely fortunate. They have got this chance due to their past deeds'. Swami said, "No! It is only on account of my love for them that they are experiencing such joy." 

In a way, Bhagavan was reiterating that the only factor that counts is HIS grace and HIS will. He often says: "No one comes to Me of his own accord. It is my will (Divya Sankalpa) that brings anyone to Me."

The story of my coming to Bhagavan's Lotus Feet is an ample testimony to the operation of His Divine Will. After completing my secondary education the question of my joining college came up. Being introduced to Bhagavan's Divinity at an early age, I naturally decided to join His College. Out of His boundless grace He gave me admission into His Brindavan Campus of the Institute. My real training in life had begun from this moment onward.

 

Sri Sathya Sai with Students in Brindavan

The greatest miracle Bhagavan performs is not the creation of objects, not saving of devotees from accidents, perhaps not even curing incurable maladies; it is the transformation of individuals from misguided individuals to enlightened souls. 

From the moment I came under the influence of SAI, my entire life took a U-turn. Principles displaced priorities, values superseded attitudes and insight substituted outlook in short, my whole life underwent a metamorphosis. Bhagavan started working on me both internally and externally to mould me and take me closer to Him. He has been my Guru, Guide and God throughout my life.

Two years of Pre-University Course went by too fast. Before I could realize it, I had to decide about my future. For a science student, the obvious decision is to go in for Engineering or Medical Courses. One of my uncles even sent me an application from of IITs. I did not know what to do. At this point, Bhagavan's immortal words came to my mind, "Is Nidhi (worldly treasure) blissful or Ishwara Sannidhi (Divine Proximity) more blissful?" Two years of uninterrupted bliss and unalloyed love had convinced me of the priceless treasure in my possession. Thus guided by Bhagavan, I applied to the SAI Institute successfully. 

Another three years passed off in a trice and now I had to decide my career after graduation. I was really at crossroads not knowing whether to apply for Post-Graduation, or take up a job, or enroll in any other professional course. And considering the financial stringency in our family, it was absolutely imperative that I get a job and add my might to the dwindling resources of the family. 

At this crucial juncture, I had an unforgettable experience in which Bhagavan revealed to me His omniscience and His overwhelming love and concern for me. On one hand I was brooding over the possibility of my getting employed. This seemed ominously imminent. At the same time. I was saddened by the very thought of leaving Bhagavan. This thought was unbearable. I thought I was lost and that the situation was irreconcilable. Then as a soft and sweet mother, SAI (In Marathi language, it literally means SA + AAI i.e., Divine Mother) called me and said, "MBA is coming in July. You may apply, if you wish." I then started thinking about the financial viability and economic feasibility of this alternative. At this point of time in my life, my father's job was unstable. Earnings were unsteady and at times dismally low. Bhagavan, the Antaryamin, read my thoughts and replied. 'Don't worry, I shall give you scholarship. I shall look after you.' Out of His infinite Love, He literally looked after each need of mine. Never did I ever feel the want of anything. Why did the Lord do this to me, an insignificant part of His entire creation? I said to myself often, "When I look at Thy Creation, the work of Thy fingers, what is man that thou art mindful of Him?" It certainly was not my Karma, nor was it any position or qualification. It was His selfless Love and His Divine will.

 

Sri Sathya Sai with the first batch of MBA Students

Thus, He gave me a seat in the first batch of MBA students. I feel that He specially created the MBA programme so that I could be at his Lotus Feet for two more years. The two years passed like two seconds. Again, I was in a dilemma regarding my future. However, this time, the decision was more spontaneous, forthcoming and extremely clear. 

During the course of seven years at the Lotus Feet, I have realized the good fortune of being in the continuous contiguity of the Lord; I have experienced the utility of His Divine Presence and perceived the futility of going away from Him. The journey has begun; the flight from the terrestrial to the celestial has taken off. And now there is no turning back.

When I came to His Lotus Feet, I was half-backed, coarse material. The spiraling technology concomitant with its tantalizing lure of materialism had gripped me. I had vulgarized my external life and pauperized my spiritual life. As I look back, I conclude that what I have become today is only because of HIM. He has transformed me from a street dog to a street lamp. For me He is everything. We sing in the Arati song, "Mata Pita Guru Daivamu Mari Antayu Neeve", i.e., You are Mother, Father, Teacher, God and everything. 

Bhagavan is an inexhaustible treasure-chest from which we can draw out the jewels of life endlessly. What I have learnt at the Lotus Feet can be summed up in only one sentence: “Karishye Vachanam Tava”- I shall follow your command. Following Bhagavan is the only Mantram. If we follow Him, bliss and happiness follow. If not, doom and despair will be our fate. This is because He is the Lord who is Trikalajna or Trikaladarshi. He knows our past, present and future. Whatever Bhagavan does is always for our own good. I have indeed come to realize that the only Sadhana we have to undertake is 'TO FOLLOW HIM'. It is difficult to follow Bhagavan because the things He asks of us are simple. He does not want us to run away from the world and retire to the forest for meditation. Bhagavan says retiring to the forest without any goal is like fleeing from the battlefield. Some rationalists view such meditation as an act of indolent immobility, bovine absurdity and selfish laziness. Nor does He want us to undertake rigorous austerities and meditate on inverted yogic postures. All that He wants from us is pure unsullied love from a heart that is always in communion with Him. He says often, Tear of Sin, Love for God & Morality in Society. 

Arun Dhareshwar (extreme left kneeling) with Sri Sathya Sai after a drama performance

We all say that we have come only for Bhagavan and our only goal in life is to please Him. In this context, the Lord says that He and His Words are inseparable. Hence in order to please Him, He says, we must follow His Words. This reminds me of a loving Mother teaching a toddler to walk. The child just knows how to stand with support. It is very unsure of walking. The mother showers love, gives encouragement and goads the child to walk with stretched arms. The child's feet wobble, it is scared of falling. but being carried away by the mother's love, makes attempts just to please the mother. It knows that if it falls, the mother is there to protect. If the child falls and gets hurt, the mother will take it on to her lap, cajole and console it, shower affection, give it a break to gain confidence and then start the learning lessons once again. 

Bhagavan is doing precisely the same with all of us, to make us walk on the right path. Just as a child does not know or does not care why it is walking and how it will help, but is prepared to make efforts just to please the mother, let us walk on the SAI path just to please our Divine Mother and evolve ourselves. 

In conclusion, I offer a grateful supplication: 

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feet,

Praying I came for a single seat.

Mind troubled and senses bound,

running I came to this ant-hill mound;

To rid of ego and desires, a million pound,

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feet....

In Maya's grip wound and turning round,

To be sad, for the Lord I hadn't found

Then I heard His call and the sound

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feat

All come to this Abode of Peace,

Yearning and striving for the Lord to please,

A new leaf and for life a new lease,

Obtaining for us eternal release,

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feet

Fortunate are we in this Kali Age,

He's come to complete our life's voyage,

Sinner, saint, bandit or sage,

All of them come for His message,

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feet

Friend or foe, Honor and fame,

Joy or sorrow, censure and blame.

He teaches us to treat all the same,

With the flame of His Divine name,

He helps us to finish Life's challenging game.

His heart melts at Prayers' Heat,

It requires our hearts, pure and neat,

At my Beloved Master's Lotus Feet,

Praying I came for a single seat

- Arun Dhareshwar

Student (1983-1988)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Currently, Head Operations and Collections
APAC Housing Finance Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai

Source: Sai Vandana 1990 (65th Birthday Offering)

Be Exemplary Students!

Students! 

Understand that there is no freewill for individuals. They are constrained by various limitations. God alone has total freewill. All others are bound in one way or another. Whatever one's efforts, the ultimate outcome lies with Providence. Therefore, place your faith in God and do your duty, wherever you may be.  Do not cause any harm to others.  Observe continence, avoid covetousness and lead a good, righteous life.  A bad habit, which may seem trivial in the beginning, may develop into a menace in later life. Correct such faults in the initial stages. Pursue spiritual exercises with the same enthusiasm you have for sports and studies.

The purpose of the Sai Avatar is different from that of Rama and Krishna because the forces of good and evil are now present in every human being and the process of transformation has to be effected in a context very different from the previous Yugas. In the Kali Yuga, the process of transformation has been individualised. Everyone has to correct oneself.  “Child!  You have to save yourself.  I am present within you as a witness.”  This is the Lord’s message.  Hence, everyone should try to reform himself. You have to decide what is right and what is wrong and give up what is bad.

The ways of God are inscrutable. You should not ascribe to God motives which are a reflection of your own feelings. Hence, self-enquiry is essential. Embark on the Divine path with sincerity. You will emerge as leaders in the world. I have high expectations regarding your future. Revere your parents, serve society and protect the nation. It is to produce such students that I am devoting three-fourths of my time to them. Carry out Swami’s injunctions.  Earn a good name. Uphold the prestige of the Sai educational institutions. That is the gratitude you can show to Swami. Do not think of the pens and other gifts you receive. Remember only that Swami gave you good sense. Develop both goodness and Godliness. Beyond these two, there is nothing greater which education can do for you.

Source: Principles of Ideal Living, Discourse 20, My Dear Students Volume 2, January 18,1996

Sri Sathya Sai on: The Patriotism and Wisdom of Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)

LOVE FOR MOTHERLAND

Once, Vivekananda had gone to London and America. While returning to India, the American journalists asked him what he thought of his motherland, Bharat. He said, “I have a great regard and love for my country. 

I respect even the dust, the air and the environment of Bharat. I offer myself completely to the service of my motherland.” He who has no love for his motherland, mother tongue and religion is no better than a living corpse.

- “Royal Path to Divinity”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32, Part I, April 15, 1999, Brindavan

Swami Vivekananda
in Chicago

When Vivekananda was in America, he declared, “God’s hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and ears are everywhere. There is no place in the land of Bharat where God’s presence is not felt. His footsteps are heard wherever one goes. The melody of God is heard wherever one pays heed to. The joy of God is felt in every heart. I must return to Bharat. Earlier, I had shown a little indifference. Now I shall go back and proclaim emphatically that every atom in Bharat is suffused with divinity. I shall sprinkle her dust on my head. I shall feel the love that stirs in every drop of river Ganges”.

 - “Fundamental Principles of Indian Culture”, 

Summer Showers in Brindavan 2002, Brindavan

Narendra (Swami Vivekananda) tried his best to control his thoughts, when he was a youth. When he finally succeeded, he acquired a pure heart. He constantly reminded himself, “I am very proud of my birth as Bharatiya. How great and sacred is this country Bharat! How pure it is!” To whichever country he travelled, he used to teach the people of that country about the greatness of Bharat. The very thought of the sacredness of Bharat would make you great. Hence, you must constantly remind yourself of the greatness of Bharat. 

- “Expel the Six Enemies and Elicit Values”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32, September 29, 2006, Prasanthi Nilayam 

PEARLS OF WISDOM

God is to be recognised in all that exists, all that is charming, or suffering, blooming or drooping. He is intelligence in the insect, faithfulness in the dog, latent energy in the rock! Vivekananda announced at Chicago that Hinduism uncovered the Upadi (body encasement) and sought the inner core of the Divine in all things, animate and inanimate.

- “The True Tablet”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 08, March 5, 1968, Hyderabad

As Vivekananda used to say, you should have nerves of steel and muscles of iron. That is to say, you should have hope and joy and elation as an unshakeable resolution, not despair and dejection.

- “The Best Tonic”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 01, September 21, 1960, Prasanthi Nilayam 

“Vidya without Shraddha is futile”, said Swami Vivekananda. Shraddha (perseverance coupled with the capacity to take pains) is absolutely indispensable for Adhyatma Vidya (the science of the Self).

- “The Sovereign Knowledge”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1979, Brindavan

Vivekananda once said that if anyone wants to understand his sagacity and his ability, he must first himself become an able and sagacious person. The result of your effort would depend on the extent of your effort and your sacrifice. The final result will only correspond to the effort that you put in.

- “Brahman denotes the Totality of Prajna in the World”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1974, Brindavan

Ramakrishna once brought a householder devotee and Vivekananda, the ascetic devotee, together. He asked Vivekananda, “Son, What exactly is your goal of securing Jnana (wisdom)?” 

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa - The Guru of Swami of Vivekananda

In reply, Vivekananda elaborated on Kapila’s Sankhya system of philosophy. He said that everything, big or small, every cell and star, undergoes change every instant. Food consumed becomes fertilizer to feed plants which provide further food. The air which one man exhales is inhaled by another and the minute particles of one’s system enter the system of the other person. Sea water becomes the moisture in the air and gathered together as rain-clouds which feed the fields and gardens, is transformed into edible sweetness. Matter is but the perpetual communion and separation of particles. The human body has all its component cells replaced by new ones during every seven-year period of time. Therefore, how can we pronounce anything as stable, as permanent, as true? This is the reason man does not get contentment or peace. This is the reason man does not get joy, however wealthy or famous he may become. So long as he revels in the trivial and the temporary, he cannot be happy. It is only when he has discovered the Atman and is always deep in the ecstasy of that discovery that he can be in unblemished happiness. In that stage he is aware that he is eternal and all knowing, absolute and omniscient.

- “My Joy, My Sustenance”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 14, September 29, 1979, Brindavan

Earn the qualification; win the visualization. Vivekananda once said that no Aviveki (a person devoid of discrimination and sharp intelligence) can understand him and his mission.

- “The Third Force”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 08, September 29, 1968, Prasanthi Nilayam

The human body composed of the five elements, can drop off at any time and at any place. The wise person recognises the inevitable nature of death and knows the frail mortal body to be a mere water bubble. Swami Vivekananda used to remind his disciples of this and tell them that the knowledge and awareness of death enables man to understand the nature of truth.

- “The Voyage of Death”, Summer Showers in Brindavan 1979, Brindavan

Source: Sai Vani: Avatars on Maha Purushas

Sri Sathya Sai Message on Education, Service and Spirituality at Bangalore

Saturday, December 23, 1961

On 23rd December, 1961, Swami inaugurated the Sanathana Workers’ Industrial Co-operative Society at Bangalore.  The Chief Minister, Sri B. D. Jatti presided over the function. In His Divine Discourse, Swami said:

“The name “Sanathana” that you have adopted for your Workers Cooperative Industrial Institute is strange, even for the department over which the minister who is here presides. But it is that name which has brought Me here. You are all Sanatana (eternal), though you appear Nutana (new) on account of this new dress you are wearing. This you can discover only through learning that instils discrimination and emphasises basic values.

Your Chief Minister said this morning, when this Society was formally inaugurated in Shriramapuram, that all our troubles arise out of ignorance and that the spread of education will automatically remove them. I had to correct him and say that all our troubles are due to the fact that the educated are not educated at all in the subjects that really matter. They have neither discrimination nor humility nor trust. They do not honour or render gratitude to parents. They laugh at those who turn toward God and those who give the world a minor place in the scheme of things. They do not appreciate the simple pleasures of meditation, of the recital of the name of the Lord, of silence and service. Still, they are burdened with heavy degrees and titles that proclaim that they are 'educated'. That is the tragedy.

The educated have no iota of the peace that the uneducated have! The educated live in greater discontent and misery and are tossed about without a rudder in a sea of troubles. They do not know anything about the source of peace and bliss that they carry about within themselves; they allow the inner consciousness to go dry by neglect; they are not aware of the means to irrigate it with the waters of love and to grow therein the fruits of Tranquility (Prasanthi).

Without faith in God, man is blind

They read books but do not correct their modes of thinking and living. The shelves of the dispensary are full of drugs; but how can your illness be cured if you simply learn the catalogue by heart, or even the pharmacopoeia? You have to select the drug you need, drink it, imbibe it, assimilate it, and counteract the cause of illness. For example, I have now been moving around this Bangalore and other places for more than 22 years, but though lakhs of people have seen Me, those who have understood My Nature are very few. This is because the simple exercises of listening, reflection, and concentration are not practised; people do not know how to recognise Divinity in themselves or others. They simply prod and exhort each other to serve all as God’s own forms. This has become mere conventional talk devoid of inspiration or meaning.

In India, from very ancient times, the glory, the Divinity, the sanctity of humanity has been proclaimed and the way of recognising it has been taught. Only those who have learnt them deserve to be the sons and daughters of this land. Others are like the kokil birds, the cuckoos that are born in the nests of crows; their place of birth is India, no doubt, but they are basically aliens, of a different species altogether. Guru Nanak said that without faith in God, man is blind; without it, you are moving corpses. 

Guru Nanak

Your life might be as grand, as beautiful, as rich as the Taj Mahal — but remember, the Taj is but a tomb! Whatever the method of worship, whichever the name or form, it is faith that matters; it is faith that gives life and energy for higher things.

Do ritual worship for the sake of humanity

There is this panicky talk about the calamities that the conjunction of 8 planets will rain upon mankind. Like the tail of Hanuman with the flame at its tip, which lengthened on and on, setting all Lanka on fire, this panic is increasing every moment and setting everyone on edge. Believe Me, nothing will happen; no, there is no danger at all. Of course, in this terror, people are everywhere doing sacrifices and worshiping, which are by themselves good. They give you some courage and peace of mind. So far, so good. Even among these, I like worship that is done not for the sake of the individual but for the sake of humanity. By all means, do worship in order to promote the happiness and peace of living beings. Develop that love for men everywhere. That is My mission too, My resolution, My will, My vow — the planting of love in every human heart.

The Lord is Love (Prema); love is the highest Atma (Paramatma). If you fill your heart with love, hatred, envy, greed, and egoism cannot enter it. There will be no devastation for a loved-filled earth. The only chaos that may happen in February next is the chaos of failure for many candidates in the General Elections! No one else need worry over the conjunction. Chaos or no chaos, your duty is to pray for the welfare of the world and to work for it as far as lies in your power. Pray for supreme peace for all; do your bit for it by not adding to the disturbance that exists.

Everyone is basically God, that is to say, basically, you. He is the Inner Motivator in all. Every Indian knows this in the depths of their heart; they have imbibed it with the mother’s milk; that knowledge, and action according to that knowledge, are the hallmarks of the Indian. That should make the genuine Indian fearless; for the Atma, which every Indian really is, cannot be affected by pain or death or joy or accident or calamity. 

What is the use of searching for quiet, available only in the silence of the Inner Awareness, in the jungle of the world (Prakriti)? It is like searching for something you have lost in your room under the street lamp. Your “self” you have lost; search for it in you — that is the path of wisdom.” 

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai Address Sai Organisation Office Bearers and Devotees in Kerala

Sunday, December 17, 1967 to Thursday, December 28, 1967

Swami inaugurated the anniversary celebrations of the All India Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha at Tiruchchirapalli on 17th December, 1967. He then left for Budalur in Tanjore district. He granted Darshan to the devotees at Sathya Sai Nagar, Budalur and blessed the Bhajan sessions at the Sathya Sai Vihar temple hall. Swami proceeded to Palghat in Kerala on 19th December. On His way to His residence at Palghat, Devi Vilas, He inaugurated the Sathya Sai Samiti (Palghat) at the Vignana Ramaneeyam Hall. 

Swami Chinmayananda had Darshan of Swami at Devi Vilas and had conversations with Him. Swami blessed the foundation stone of the prayer hall at Alathur village in Palghat. 

(Left) KR Menon, Organisation Secretary offering Pranams to Sri Sathya Sai in the shrine room
(Right) Sri Sathya Sai with devotees in Trichur

He left for Trichur at 5.00 pm on the 19th and blessed the devotees at Trichur with His Darshan. 

Newspaper report in Trichur

Swami reached Ernakulam from Trichur at 10 pm. Chief Justice, V. Balakrishna Eradi, received Swami at Eranakulam. On 20th December, the first Conference of the Office Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations of Kerala was held in the Divine Presence. Justice Eradi spoke about Swami’s matchless love. Swami in His address declared that the conference in Kerala was the first of a series of State Conferences, preparatory to the World Conference to be held in Bombay in early May 1968. Swami inaugurated the Bhajan Mandir donated by Sri T. Krishna Nair at Ernakulam. 

In the Discourse that followed, He said:

“The conference of the Office-Bearers of the Sathya Sai Organisations in Kerala State has been called in order to assess how far the resolutions made at Madras Conference at the All-India level are put into practice and in order to prepare the Organisations for the World Conference that is to be held in May 1968. I have come amidst you because this is an appropriate occasion when I can give you the joy of Darshan. You know that these organisations - Seva Samitis, Bhajan Mandalis, Seva Sanghams - are for awakening in man the consciousness of the Divinity inherent in him and to encourage him to cultivate it, so that he could blossom into a real Sadhaka and then into a Sadhu (detached, devoted, virtuous, wise, aspirant), and finally into a Liberated Personality merged in the Supreme.

You are about 150 in number; your President said that the number of Organisations is still small, but I am not enamoured of mere numbers. For, this is not like any other Organisation. This does not seek to establish a new cult or sect, a new type of Japa or Dhyana, a novel ritual, an initiation that separates people as 'disciples' within the fold and 'non-initiates' without the fold. It seeks to restrain Tamo Guna (dullness, ignorance, and all the evils that arise from these) and Rajo Guna (passion, violent emotion, desire, egoism and consequent evils); it instills in men the Truth that all are kin in Atma, that the stranger is but oneself in another habiliment, and that service to another is the best service that one can do to oneself.

All are limbs of one body, nourished by the self-same life-blood, motivated by the same Will, the Will of God; bound by the same Divine Law. That is the Vishwarupa (Cosmic Vision), that one must see and experience: God in all, God everywhere. That endows you with everlasting Ananda.

God is the Father, mankind the children

Feelings of hatred, malice, envy and pride that create separation between men who are kin, arise from identification with the body. You feel and believe you are the body; you know your body is separate from the other bodies; your hunger, your thirst, your comfort, your family, your community, your state; thus, you create bounds for your love, and crib yourselves, treating all outside the bounds as enemies, strangers, competitors. But the source is one, the sustenance is one: God the Father, mankind the children. Pay attention to the Fatherhood, more than to the brotherhood. That will underline the brotherhood more and more in your heart and remove the poison of distinction that has come through ignorance.

Man is a pilgrim, who has already come a long way from birth to birth. The journey so far accomplished decides how far he has to go still. If he has lost his way and meandered into the deserts or jungles, he will have a great distance to travel yet. If he has been led right, his pilgrimage will end soon successfully. Cultivate sympathy with fellow-pilgrims, seek to know the right path; learn to guide and be earnest to reach the goal, safe and quick.

Don't have crookedness in your speech

These organisations are meant to broaden your love, to canalise your activities along lines of constructive service performed, as worship, not to confer on some people more power over others, or greater control over the activities of other members, or for the display of the devotion of some people. All must be conscious of this, all the time. Help the weak and the unwary at all times.

You have two eyes in your consciousness, namely, Sathya and Ahimsa. They are the guides which will take you to the goal, the two lights, the sun and the moon of the inner firmament. If you want to know the way in which you have to observe Satya or Truth in speech, look into the Geeta. It tells you that the best speech is "Anudvegakaram Vaakyam" (speech that does not create pain or anger or grief to others). The Shastras also say, "Satyam Bruyaat, Priyam Bruyaat Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam" (Speak the truth, but speak pleasantly. Simply because a statement will be welcome to the hearer, don't speak it out to win his approval; if speaking truth will cause grief or pain, keep silent.) That is the vow of truth in ordinary daily life. Don't have hypocrisy or crookedness in your speech. Both unpleasant truth and pleasant untruth have to be avoided. Satya is God Himself, as the Shruti says, Satye Sarvam Pratishthitam “All this is established on the firm foundation of Truth,” state the Vedas. So, see that no trace of falsehood contaminates your transactions in these organisations. Truth is My nature, My Mission, My Message. Organisations bearing My Name have to be strictly adhering to Truth.

Ahimsa (non-injury) is another phase of Satya. When once you are aware of the kinship, the Oneness in God, the fundamental Atmic unity - no one will knowingly cause pain or distress to another. Let your Organisations promote Love, scatter Love, be fragrant with Love, and preach the Gospel of Love, through example.”

Swami gave Darshan at the Darbar Hall grounds on 20th evening. 

In a short Discourse followed by a few Bhajans, He said:

“This morning I spoke to you about the basic outlook that you should have, when you carry on the various activities of the Sathya Sai Organisations; now I shall go into more details, so that you can chalk out various programmes of work, on behalf of the Samitis and Sanghs and Mandalis, in your own places.

Members spoke now about the irreverent and wild activities of students and the need to divert their activities and adventures into channels which will make them useful and worthy citizens. They are but imitating the elders and leaders. They find their parents and teachers fighting with others to gain some ends or fighting among themselves to gain superiority or power. So, they too fight with others and among themselves. The parents, teachers and elders must set a good example. Otherwise all this schooling and college-going activities are sheer waste, nay, positively harmful.

There is a conscience in man, whispering fight advice, restraining unjust hands, which man has almost succeeded in silencing; but, it is the voice of God; it can never be made dumb. Make the children cognisant of it. In Kerala, there is a practice, still happily existing in rural parts, of the elders gathering the children around them every evening and spending an hour or so reciting aloud the Stotras in praise of God. It is essential that it must be revived. Time thus spent in is well spent. It will give great peace and joy. Plant a fruit tree; you get fruits therefrom. Plant neem trees; you cannot expect them to yield oranges! Sow falsehood, fear, faction--you reap the same. 

Perform acts of sympathy without fanfare

Samitis can hold classes for children and tell them stories from the Upanishads and Epics, teach them Bhajans, and get dramas enacted by them on Puranic themes. Let them also develop reverence towards parents, teachers and elders. The home atmosphere must be made purer, more holy. They must learn by observation that their parents are happy and without anxiety because they have full faith in God and they know that whatever happens is for the best. On Sundays, you can gather the children and teach them, in an attractive way, religious texts. You can give them some nutritious milk also at that time, so that they can get both Ksheeram and Saaram (Milk and Essence).

The doctors among you can serve the poor by treating them without insisting on payment; give the poor all the attention and care that you lavish on the rich, paying patients. Do it for the sake of God; feel that it is the Puja you are offering Him. The lawyers among you can help those, who for want of a skilled advocate, have to go unfended or have to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous men. Do not publish these acts of sympathy; do them spontaneously without fanfare. That is more precious than demonstrating your service with the help of headlines and photographs. These reduce the worth of deeds of compassion. You must be uncomfortable, when those around you are unhappy; when you ease their discomfort, you are making them happy and making yourself happy, isn't it? Similarly, you must be happy, when those around you are happy. This is more difficult than the previous one; but it is the sign of the truly good.

Service done to the disabled is a Sadhana

It is your duty to recognise all men as your kin and to share your skill with others, so that the maximum benefits accrue therefrom. The skill is a trust, which must rescue all. Service done in homes for the disabled, the defectives, the feeble minded, the delinquents, the orphans, the refugees - is indeed very beneficial and a good Sadhana. So too, in jails and hospitals. Visit these places often, give solace and strength; light lamp of devotion in the inmates. Do Bhajan; help them to write to their homes, give them books for reading or read books for them, be the kith and kin of those who have none whom they can call their own. Your smile will be a lighted candle in their darkness.

Women devotees, if they have the enthusiasm and support, can start Mahila Satsangs not only for Bhajans and study of sacred texts and books, but for service of women. Go among the poor in the slums and spread light and joy therein. Gather the helpless girls and try to provide them with some means of honourable livelihood. Sweeten their lives with Bhajan and the Sadhana of Japa and Dhyana. Women too have a right to know that they are the Atma, encased in human form, and they too can tap the strength, the joy and the peace that the Atma holds. Inculcate in them the prayer habit; that will cleanse the mind of all impurities, and make God shine in His full splendour.”

Swami left for Trippunittura on 20th night, where a magnificent welcome had been arranged by the devotees.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)