"What is so special about computers?"

September 29, 1992

Swami finished the interview by about 4:40 pm. He came out and called two brothers.

Swami: (To the elder brother) You should not quarrel with others. You must see Swami in others. Do you like Swami?

Student: Yes, Swami .

Swami: Then how can you fight with other boys? (So saying, He lovingly and patted him on his cheeks. Then…) How many brothers?

Student: Swami, three brothers.

Swami: (To the younger brother) How many brothers?

Student: Swami, all are my brothers!

Swami: Very good very good! (To a primary school student) Any future plans? Do you want to become a Doctor, Engineer or a Manager?

Student: Swami, I want to become an Engineer.

Swami: What branch – Electrical, Mechanical, Civil…

Student: Swami, Computers.

Swami: Computers? Everyone is going for computers nowadays. What is so special about computers? It is the person who designs the computer who is special. He is the one to be given importance. But everybody is blindly running after computers. Once a farmer in Hyderabad planted two acres of land with grapes. He earned such large dividends that he realised ₹25,000 per acre, making a total amount of ₹50,000! Seeing this, many other farmers planted grapes. As a result there was so much of produce that the demand fell and they could not realise even ₹50 per acre! Our computers are also becoming like that. People run after computers, but neglect the person who designs it. Men are giving value to material items today. Who has made gold and diamond precious? It is man. But while gold and diamonds are given enormous value, man has made himself valueless. The day we start giving value to man, the craze and value of material will come down. One must remember that men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Students are good initially. But as they grow big, this ego sets in. And then, that is the end. There must be no place for ego in one’s heart. Ego leads to total destruction. Ravana was a master of 64 kinds of arts. But ultimately, his ego led him to total ruin. 

In my view,

Politics without Principles,

Commerce without Morality,

Science without Humanity,

Education without Character,

Are not only useless but positively dangerous.

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

Sri Sathya Sai Addresses the International Conference on ‘Strengthening Values in Education’ - Part 2

The Valedictory Function of the Conference was held in Sai Kulwant Hall, on 29th, at 7.20 am. Dr. Jumsai expressed gratitude to Bhagavan for His Blessings and Guidance. After that, Ms. Himela Bahadur Singh from Canada, Mr. Tom Scovill from USA and Dr. Roger Packham from Australia, presented the summary of the deliberation of the Conference. Dr. A. Parasuramen of Mauritius read out the Prasanthi Nilayam Declaration. 

Bhagavan then delivered His Valedictory Address and clarified the questions asked by some of the delegates.

"Every house is a centre of human values. It is from the house that the human values originate, blossom and foster the sacred culture. The person presiding over the house is known as Grihastha (householder). Since ancient times, Indians have attached great significance to the stage of a householder among the four, namely, Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa (celibate, householder, recluse and renunciant).

When a student takes to wrong path, he ruins himself, whereas if a teacher takes to wrong ways, he will be ruining the lives of hundreds of students. Hence a teacher, on whom lies the responsibility of moulding the careers of students, must cultivate virtues and lead an ideal life. Today, there is certainly no dearth of teachers, endowed with the spirit of sacrifice and leading ideal lives. But there are some teachers who have become slaves to vices like drinking and smoking. Naturally, the students emulate them and ruin their lives. If the country is to progress, teachers should mould the students as ideal citizens. The whole world will prosper, when students tread along the right path. Hence it is essential on the part of a teacher, whom the students are bound to emulate, to cultivate virtues.

The Teacher Must Have A Pure Heart And Virtues

A teacher can be compared to a water tank and students to taps connected to it. As is the water in the tank, so is the water that comes from the taps. Therefore, the teacher must have a pure heart and virtues like adherence to truth, good conduct, duty, devotion and discipline, so that he can impart the same to the students. He or she alone is a teacher in the true sense,  who imparts these virtues to the students. He or she alone is a student in the true sense, who cultivates these sacred qualities. If the teachers are ideal, the system of education too would be ideal. If the teacher does not possess moral, ethical and spiritual values, the entire system of education will go astray. Today we find some instances wherein the husband and wife part ways with each other due to some differences of opinion though they may be highly educated and occupying positions of authority. The reason is that they are not educated in the true sense but merely have acquired bookish knowledge. Mere bookish knowledge is no knowledge at all. Students should learn true knowledge, which bestows divine energy; they should not be satisfied with mere bookish knowledge, which becomes ‘allergy.’  This divine energy fosters harmony, coordination and integration and makes the students
ideal citizens...

A Teacher Should Have Steady Mind

A teacher is like a guidepost. He or she should guide the students in the proper direction. If the guidepost itself is loose, how can it point to the right direction? So, a teacher should have a steady mind. Only then can he guide the students along the right path. He should impart to the students, the human values of Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. Many are confused as to what is the foremost value among these five. Love is of paramount importance among the human values. It is in us right from the time of our birth. Love and respect your parents, relatives, friends and your fellow-beings. When you do not respect others, how can you expect others to respect you? Give respect and take respect. It is not one-way traffic. There are a very few who would impart such sacred teachings to the students. Not only the teachers but also the parents should monitor the behaviour and activities of their children. Some students hide novels among textbooks and read them. The parents should take note of this and take necessary action. Parents have every right to punish their children if they take to wrong ways. The children should show gratitude to their parents as they owe their food, blood, head and money to their parents. Due to the impact of Kali Age, such sense of gratitude is missing among students. The Vedas declare to revere mother, father, teacher and guest as God. These teachings are highly sacred. Today people are ready to believe all that they see on television and internet but do not repose their faith in the Vedic declarations. Internet is like a waste paper basket. Follow the ‘inner-net,’ not the internet. Today the students are developing unsacred vision, thus polluting their minds. As is the seed, so is the sapling. As is the food, so is the belch. Likewise, as is the action, so is the result. So, you should think good, speak good, hear good, do good and experience good results. Teachers should impart such sacred teachings to the students. They should inculcate the spirit of selfless love in them...

Do Not Try To Manipulate Others

If human values are not there, humanity will be destroyed. Our life itself is human value. The organizers have been trying hard for the spread of human values in education. Please extend all your cooperation. Without encouragement they become weak. There are people from many countries assembled here. You will return. What is it that you are taking back with you? Carry with you at least one or two human values. If you go to the market, wander through it all and return empty-handed, is it a great thing? Having come to Prasanthi Nilayam, take back something valuable with you. There is Bliss here, enjoy it, take it with you and make others happy, make the whole world happy. Never be selfish. Share what you know with all you come in contact. Cooperate with everybody. Instead of cooperating, people merely operate, try to manipulate. Do not try to manipulate others. Only co-operate. You can achieve your objectives.

There are some questions I would like to answer.

Q1. Swami, please enlighten us how to maintain balance of the five elements by the practice of human values in a practical way. What is the practical procedure?

In human values we have the term EHV. In these three letters I have already enlightened you on what is education. Consider it as 3 HV, i.e., Heart, Head and Hand. The harmony between these three is 3HV. We say Proper study of mankind is Man. Head, heart and hands should co-operate and function in harmony. There is no human value greater than this. This can be taught easily. It is like teaching physical drill. Do not try to mystify the expression EHV and indulge in elaborate propaganda. Thought, word and deed must be the same. If this is not, these human values will disappear. Hence this harmony, this unity is essential. Lincoln is the best example for this. He thought of what he said; adhered to what he professed; and, finally, achieved what he believed. Hence this threefold unity is essential; otherwise humanity is lost. Hence, you must propagate this easy way. EHV is education in human values. All these are important. The thought, word and deed must be the same. Without this one ceases to be human. This is how you have to propagate.

Q2. Swami, you have said skill the education. How does one skill the education?

Education must be made into skill. The imbalance caused by the external education is balanced by the skill of human values and thus the imbalance is corrected and balance restored. By skill Bhagawan means Naipunya Shakti (the keenness of the mind). 

Education is the physical method. When skill and knowledge are joined, the scale becomes balanced. While walking you need balance. Life needs balance. Therefore education should also be balanced. This maintenance of balance is what we mean when we say skill. This is Naipunya Shakti, i.e., investigate, enquire and understand. A simple example: Scientists have understood the internal process of the sun, have studied and evolved many machines and devices from these processes. Understanding the solar process, they even manufactured bombs with similar reactions. How destructive are these bombs? They consider it a great achievement. No. The knowledge should have balance. This is what Bhagawan calls ‘skill.’ 

All your research should result in the welfare of humanity. Then only the beam of the balance is straight. If the research is lopsided concentrating on destruction only, it is imbalanced. We should consider pleasure and pain with equanimity. The results of research should maintain balance between benign and harmful effects. If only the destructive potentials of research are developed, there will be total imbalance. We should try to bring back some balance in all these new technologies, a balance between the harmful and benign consequences. Generation of electricity by various means, if employed for irrigation or village lighting, how beneficial is it! We are not exercising our mind properly on these matters. Hence, we suffer from imbalance. Electricity is beneficial in many ways; lighting, heating, cooling etc. But, if we say to electricity ‘you are such a fine friend of humanity’ and go and touch a live wire, you will be burnt. Every development should be employed within limits, and given due respect. So, as I have explained, when education is united with skill, the balance is restored. When there is imbalance, you look outwards and your inner vision is lost. Insight is vital. When there is balance, this inner vision is restored. Therefore, develop an inner vision that creates the balance. The key words are education, skill and insight. 

Even for meditation, skill is necessary. If you sit still in a quiet corner allowing your mind to wander all over, your meditation is worthless. If you cannot concentrate, you cannot meditate. Thus, for the inner processes, skill is necessary. Concentration has to be cultivated.  Wisdom is the goal of concentration. Wisdom is achieved by the dedication of the fruits of action; by sacrifice, the ultimate is achieved. Hence, Abhyasa, concentration, should be practised with effort. Constant practice therefore is the method.

Q3. Swami , the mass media like radio, video and internet are having more and more effect......

I have already told you about internet, radio, video, etc. We have seen so many people who have been exposed to these media. But, what is their effect? All transient, passing clouds that come and go. It is an utter waste of time. It is all business-oriented. That is not our aim. Do not hanker after internet; turn to the inner-net. Concentrate on inner vision. Sanctify your inner faculties. Then only can you unify and get access to human values. You must keep attempting toward unification; unity is the aim. When you achieve unity how much is your strength magnified? Look at this piece of cloth. It is not cloth, but a conglomeration of threads. The threads are a modification of cotton. Without cotton there is no thread. Without thread, there is no textile. The interwoven threads produce such a strong piece of cloth. When separated the threads are weak and can be snapped with a finger. Their great strength is unity. Human values, when internalized, become a sacred force and manifest as ideals.

Q4. Are devotion and spirituality necessary for a teacher?

Of course, without doubt. A teacher without devotion is worthless. Let him have faith in his chosen faith. Without devotion, he is no teacher. Devotion is necessary. He is in charge of several students. He has to set an ideal for all of them. For this, Divine grace is also necessary. All that you study is only material (inert). You have to convert it into energy. That is divine power. If one does not have this faith he is no teacher. A teacher has to be an ideal for several students. How can he be a model? Like a physical instructor who instructs by doing, he has to teach by being. Devotion has also to be taught by practice. Then it will be imprinted in the minds of the students.

Q5. Swami, increasingly the emphasis on education and academic achievement is gaining importance. Please advise us as to how to bring ‘spirituality’ back into the main stream of education?

Yes, ‘spirituality’ is very necessary in education. This spirituality has to arise from confidence. You must have confidence. If there is no faith you can achieve nothing. Where there is confidence there is Love. Where there is Love, there is Peace. Where there is Peace, there is Truth. Where there is Truth there is Bliss. Where there is Bliss there is God. In fact, without faith you can have no faith even in your mother. There should be confidence. Once you have confidence that a person is your mother, you love her. Confidence leads to love. Love takes you to peace. Peace produces truth and as soon as truth manifests, you achieve bliss. This Bliss is the very God-head itself. So, confidence is a necessary characteristic. It is this loss of confidence that is the cause of lack of spirituality in the world. Therefore this confidence is necessary."

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai Addresses the International Conference on ‘Strengthening Values in Education’ - Part 1

Monday, September 25, 2000 to Friday, September 29, 2000

The International Conference on ‘Strengthening Values in Education’ was organised at Prashanti Nilayam by the Institute of Sathya Sai Education Thailand between 25th and 29th September 2000.

Bhagavan lit the lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall and inaugurated the Conference on 25th at 3.30 pm. The Institute students and the students of Sathya Sai Schools of Zambia, Thailand and Nepal recited Vedic prayers. Dr. Art Ong Jumsai, Director, Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Thailand, welcomed the delegates. Dr. Michael Goldstein President, Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Foundation, gave a brief speech. Bhagavan then delivered His Inaugural Message. Some of the key excerpts are included below:

"Everyone should foster divine qualities, be he a student or an elder. Without these virtues, life is meaningless. For all your needs, do not depend on others, depend on God. In fact, you are not human, you are God as God is present in all beings. You will remain a human being so long as you think so. Have the firm conviction that you are God. Follow dharma and share your love with all. This is the essence of true education.

The goal of education is not merely reading and writing, which constitute worldly education. It is to attain purity and divinity. Worldly education is transient. Knowledge of the Self alone is eternal. It can be acquired only through devotion and love for God. Man is born to set an ideal to the rest of the world, not to amass wealth. Money makes many wrongs. Make your mind sacred. Where are all those kings of yore who amassed riches and conquered kingdoms? What is the use of such a life? One should lead a life that makes one immortal. True education will protect you wherever you are. This education will earn you the friendship of all, even if you do not have money and you are in a foreign land.

Cultivate Human Values Through Self Effort

Never give up human values under any circumstances. Only then can you set an ideal to the world. Human values cannot be acquired from textbooks nor can the teachers bestow them on you. They are with you right from your birth. You have to cultivate them through self-effort. Lead a truthful life. The whole creation has emerged from truth, is sustained in truth and ultimately merges into truth. Is there any place where truth does not exist? In order to lead a peaceful life, one should always adhere to truth and righteousness. No doubt, the path of Dharma is beset with difficulties. In the beginning, you may have to face many problems, but you should take them in your stride and proceed on the path of truth. Purity, patience and perseverance are very essential for man. But man is becoming a patient as he lacks patience. Each one has to question himself or herself whether he or she has these virtues. It is not enough if you proclaim that you are pure; let others say it.

True Education Fosters Purity And Unity

Do not have excessive desires. It is said, “Less luggage more comfort make travel a pleasure.” Your desires are the luggage in the journey of your life. You will have peace of mind only when you reduce your desires. Swami is the best ideal in this regard. I don’t have any desires; I don’t want anything. As you are aware, we have a very big hospital at Puttaparthi and there are many educational institutions. They are functioning smoothly because they have been started with love and noble intentions.

My only desire is that all people should live like ideal human beings. After the Bhajans, you chant the prayer Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. It is not enough if some are happy and some are not. All should be happy. That is possible only when human values are practised. There are many who give lectures on human values. He alone is a true human being who puts them into practice. Elders should sow the seeds of human values in the tender hearts of the children. They will grow into gigantic trees and give shelter to many in future. It is said, “Start early, drive slowly, reach safely.” Human values should be taught to the children right from their early years. So, some schools have to be started for this purpose. If you start fostering values from Primary School level, the children then will grow to become ideal leaders of the nation. Parents and teachers should strive hard to inculcate ideals in children. If the parents at home, teachers in school and companions in the neighbourhood foster values in children, then there is nothing greater than this...

Human Values Can Not Be Acquired From Books

It is not enough if you start an institution. The students must be brought up in the right way. Speak gently. Never show anger towards the children. You cannot always oblige but you can speak always obligingly. Talk to the children softly and sweetly. Interaction between the teachers should also be pleasant. Then the children will be encouraged by their example. 

Every little thing should be taught to the children to the best of your ability. Only then the children will learn with enthusiasm. Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry can be learnt from books or by experiments in the laboratory. But human values cannot be learnt that way. It is not something that can be acquired from books. It cannot be taught by a teacher by mere oral instruction. It is like training in physical exercise. Drill can be taught only by demonstration. The drill master demonstrates the actions and helps the learners to follow the steps. The children imitate their elders.

Therefore, you should teach the children the values of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema by first practising the values yourself. Then the children will progress in the right direction. The whole country will grow. Not only this country, all countries of the world will be transformed. There are very few who teach these things today. Fewer still try to prove them. Those who practise are rare. That is why the world is in such a bad state now...

Many of you have come from far off places, spending a lot of money. After making so much effort and spending so much money, you must take back with you what will really sanctify your life. All of you have assembled here. Share your love with others and receive their love in return. Understand the meaning of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. Fully internalize these values. Truth does not mean merely to repeat faithfully what you have seen. Truth is eternal; it does not change in all the three periods of time (past, present and future). You must speak the truth and practise righteousness. What is Dharma? Dharayati Iti Dharmah (that which sustains you is Dharma). Dharma is the true nature of man. Fire is that which burns. If it does not burn, it is mere coal. Only when dharma is well-established in a person, his humanness manifests. The principle of love must shine prominently in you..."

Bhagavan blessed the delegates with two special Discourses on 26th and 30th in Sai Kulwant Hall. On 26th evening, in the Divine Presence in Poornachandra Auditorium, a unique cultural orchestra group named ‘Symphony of Unity and Love (SOUL)’, gave a presentation. The singers from Singapore, Malaysia, Latin America, France and USA presented a music concert on 28th evening in the Divine Presence.

Continued in Part 2...

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

Sri Sathya Sai On: Doctors and Ayurveda

Wednesday, September 3, 1980

Sri Sathya Sai blessed the Medical Centre ‘Sai Kripa’, (that started in the year 1979), at Abbotsbury, Madras, on this day. 

Sri Sathya Sai at the Kilpauk Medical Center, Chennai

During the occasion, He gave a message for the Medical Profession:

“Health and happiness go together. Happiness is a vain dream if health is absent. The Shrutis (holy scriptures) declare that health is very basic quality for man, since without it he cannot realise any of the four goals of life, right doing, right desiring, right earning and final release. A sound mind needs a sound body; the one reacts on the other. The world is supposed to be only the projection of the mind, when the mind is inoperative during deep sleep, the world too is inoperative and non-existent. The mind too has to be healthy. It should not be clogged by greed, envy, hate or pride. It should not be polluted and poisoned by antisocial inhuman plans and projects. It should be calm and dear, so that thought can see into its depths and get rid of the evil feelings and tendencies it evokes.

Virtue is the panacea for both body and mind. The virtuous person can be both healthy and happy. How is virtue to be cultivated? How can it express itself in daily practice? Through service to living beings, through Seva (voluntary selfless service). Virtue must flow through the triple channel of love, mercy and detachment, in order to feed the roots of Seva. In order to urge humans into the path of mutual sympathy, continuous compassion and concrete service, they have been endowed with the instinct of gregariousness. Man is a social animal. Humans find solitary living, unnatural and miserable. The Ashrams (monasteries) of ancient times were academics where mutual cooperation and loving service were encouraged. The pupils worked as a group, tended cattle, served the household of the Guru and helped one another in all respects.

God works through a doctor full of love

Doctors are, really speaking, the most important class of Sevaks, under present conditions. Theirs is indeed a noble calling. When Seva is rendered with love, intelligence and earnestness, it leads persons nearer and nearer to Divinity, for it draws unto itself the Grace of God. This is the reason why the scriptures elevate the Vaidya (doctor) to the status of God. "Vaidyo Narayano Harih" (The doctor is Naaraayana (God), He is Hari.) He is Hari, the remover or destroyer, since he destroys hurdle on the path of man to Sadhana (spiritual discipline). If the doctor is full of love and compassion, God works through him. The doctor is no longer he but it is Narayana who manipulates his fingers and dispenses through him.

Doctors, therefore, have to endeavour to become the receptacles of Divine Power during their healing process. How can they heal, when they are themselves ill, either in body or mind? When their minds are innocent and contented, a smile will spontaneously shine in their faces and their words will be soft, sweet and tender - softer than any pharmaceutical balm. The manner and mien of the physician are more effective in drawing out the latent sources of strength in the patient, than the most powerful drug. A prayerful atmosphere of humility and veneration will go a long way to help the cure. We may. say that the behaviour, the voice, the mien of the doctor count for fifty per cent of the cure, the drugs and their efficacy manage the other half.

Ayurveda - The Science of Healthy Longevity 

Note that the science of medicine, practised by doctors in India is known by the sacred name of Ayurveda - the science of healthy longevity Its source too is as divine as the source of the Vedas! It has to be studied with as much awe and veneration as the Vedas are learnt, at the feet of the guru. It has to be practised with as much devotion and dedication as Vedic ceremonies and recitations are fulfilled. The Veda or knowledge that confers Aayu (longevity) is Aayur-Veda. It can prolong life, preserve and protect life from hazards. 

The Ayurveda deals not only with the curing of illness but it also deals with the prevention of disease. Absence of mental ease and equanimity leads to what we correctly call disease. One sacred duty of the doctor is to advise persons on how to preserve health and prevent disease. He has to be vigilant in society to discover and suppress every tendency in Aahaar and Vihaar (food habits and recreational activities) by which diseases are developed. The dress worn by humans, the houses where they live and the areas where they are situated, have to be tidy and clean. The food that is taken has to supply all elements.needed to keep the body strong enough to resist illness. Even if it falls short a little in this respect, health can be maintained if it is unpolluted, pure and holy. The atmosphere breathed in, the water taken in, the ground lived on, the animals and plants that surround - all have maleficent microbes that may cause illness, if the mind and body are not equipped with powerful resistance armour. Exercise, bathing, washing, cleaning, etc., are prescribed for this purpose. The body is the boat on which we voyage across the ocean of Samsara (worldly life) and it has to be kept trim and sea-worthy. The voyager too has to be strong, confident and courageous.

The current belief is that medicine is to be valued for its validity during illness. Its use ends with the cure. But this point of view has to change. Medicine is used to see that one does not fall ill, not so much as to raise him up when he falls, just as the purpose of truth is to so live that one is not subjected to birth again.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai Advises Mysore School Trustees on Dharmic Fundraising

Saturday, September 14, 1963

Swami stayed at Sri Ramachandra Shetty’s residence during His Mysore visit in September 1963. Swami performed ‘Sanku Sthapana’ (laying the foundation) for a school planned by Smt. Sunandamma at Mysore. 

On 14th evening, Swami addressed the Trustees of the school regarding the funds for the school construction. He said:

“I Myself asked Sunandamma to call you all here this evening so that I can talk to you about the great piece of social work you are engaged in. I laid the foundation stone for your institution this morning; I blessed the endeavour because you are serving women and children, especially children who are mentally defective and physically handicapped. I understand you have the help of experts in psychology, who can understand the special problems of the underdeveloped children. So far so good.

As trustees who have undertaken to help Sunandamma in this Mission of Mercy, I advise you to start the construction of the rooms for the inmates and for the classes first. The prayer hall can wait; the atmosphere of the place where such work is being done cannot be anything but a prayerful one. This is penance (tapas) that you are doing, and the children and adults who watch you and your efforts do not require anything more inspiring than that.

Discover a bridge between ancient and modern

Sunandamma was telling Me that some of you want the buildings to be reminiscent of ancient Indian architecture, a kind of temple, in fact, while others prefer the latest style, plain utilisation and cheap, without elaborate decorative motifs. You cannot revive the hut made of leaves, the hermitage, now, in the 20th century; you have to discover a bridge between the ancient and the modern. Moreover, I want the ancient spirit in the heart, not in bricks and mortar.

When the children are all of this modern age, affected by its attraction and attitudes, how can the style of the building in which they dwell change their outlook? And what of the teachers? They are imbued with the passions and prejudices of the modern age. Change their hearts into leaf huts, full of the ideals and aspirations of the sages of this land, charged with simplicity and sincerity, moved by the urge to expand in love to all beings. Then the style of the building does not matter. It is the architecture of the mind that matters. If the needs of the modern age require a change, change the non-essentials. Do not dilute the truth so much that it loses its genuineness.

If someone favours drinks of a blue colour or red, do not pour blue dye or red dye into the bottle; pour the drink into a blue or red glass, and offer it to them. That would be enough. So too, if one style of building is to be preferred, by all means, put up the structure, but do not change the essentials of the work to be done therein or the outlook of the workers.

Patience and strenuous effort will be rewarded

Pleasant and moderate, these are the directions. Let it not be too garish, too ramshackle, too costly, too fragile. Take the middle course to yield maximum benefits. The craving for sense objects cannot be given up fully, so transform it into an instrument for worship. Dedicate all your efforts to the Lord, and accept all achievements and failures as proofs of the grace of the Lord. His will decreed that they should so happen. Transform all six passions into instruments for spiritual uplift.

I know also that you are worried about funds for the completion of your plans. Sunandamma even asked Me to show the way! Well, He who showed the way so long will do so hereafter also. This will be completed; otherwise, I would not have laid the foundation stone. Good works never languish for want of funds; the Lord will come to their rescue. Only it may take some time, so do not lose heart. The orange is quite bitter when it is green, but time gradually sweetens it into a delicious fruit. Patience and strenuous effort will get rewarded.

I must tell you, however, that for such good causes as this, do not collect money in devious ways. Help should come form pious hearts, from well-earned money, from persons who know and appreciate the purpose for which they give. That is why I oppose all benefit shows, where you tempt people with a dance or a drama or a film and collect money for your pet plan. I am also against lotteries, where the lure of getting a big prize for which one does not do anything, a prize collected out of other people’s earning, is used for the collection of funds.

Let each one give out of the fullness of his heart, on their own initiative, whatever they can give gladly after studying well the present work and the future possibilities of the institution. Your duty is only to inform. Do not try even to persuade. Begging for the sake of work that is inherently good is an insult to human nature —the one who asks and the one who is asked are both demeaned.

I want to give you this courage and this confidence. Carry on in a spirit of humility and fortitude, and you will succeed.”

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)

Sri Sathya Sai On: The Spiritual Significance of Onam and Vamana Avatar

The name that is applied to the Festival celebrated with great joy by Keralites this day, Onam, is derived from the Samskrit Shravanam and Shronam, indicating the ascendant star of the day. The month too is Shravanam. That word reminds people of the very first step in spiritual Sadhana , the first of the famous nine, namely, listening to the Glory of God and imbibing joy therefrom.

Keralites believe that the Lord, who incarnated as Vamana, and Emperor Bali, who was immortalised by the Grace of that Avatar, bless that region of Bharat this day by their Presence together. In every home, they are worshiped with flowers and incense, ritual offerings, song, dance and folk sports. Tradition declares that the Emperor prayed for the chance to re-visit the area he ruled over and loved and he insisted that the Lord who led him into Self-realisation must lead him. This faith is being rewarded every year. Many do achieve the vision of both Vamana and Bali, there as well as elsewhere.

Lord Vamana mural in the Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir

Bali was an Asura by birth but he emulated his father, Virochana, who had risen to great spiritual heights through deeds of self-sacrifice and his grand-father, Prahlad, one of the foremost devotees of the Lord. He ruled over his vast empire with vigilant care and affection. His subjects were healthy, happy and filled with gratitude. People were so prosperous and holy that there was not even a single person in want in the entire realm.

The Guru should practise what he teaches

He was engaged in an elaborate Yajna, under the guidance of his Guru, Shukracharya, where he was giving away to Pandits and priests land, homes, cattle and gold when the Lord appeared at the place as a young dwarfish mendicant Brahmana, named Vamana. Bali tempted Him with gifts of dominion, riches and power, but Vamana asked only for a patch of space, as much as could be measured by three steps of His feet.

The Emperor's preceptor realised that the mendicant was the Lord Himself and that the three steps will encompass Bali's empire and beyond. He warned his disciple of the disaster that would ensue. He tried personally to prevent the gift, by entering the spout of the vessel used by the Emperor to conclude the rite of gifting. When a bunch of blades of grass was inserted into the spout to clear the obstruction, Shukracharya lost the eye which was pricked by the bunch. Teaching and practising what he preaches are the two eyes of the Guru. Shukracharya taught but did not himself honour his teaching. So, the loss of the eye was highly symbolic.

Vamana takes the form of Trivikrama

The "three feet" of space that the Lord wished to accept and sanctify after magnifying Himself into Trivikrama (Three-fold conqueror), are often identified as the Earth, Space and outer space, the Bhuloka, the Bhuvarloka and the Suvarloka. But, the Lord, who has projected the Cosmos by His own will, does not crave for a fraction of His own creation. Nor are the three Lokas situated one over the other. They are regions of consciousness, existing contemporaneously in Bali and everyone else. When you pay attention to the Lokas, the individual personality does not impinge on your attention; when the individual personality is cognised, the Lokas recede from view.

When the heart is pure, the Lord resides therein

When you look upon this chair as chair, you are not aware of the word; when you observe the word, the chair passes out of view. Take the instance of the idol of Shirdi Sai Baba in silver. When you adore it as Sai Baba, you are not aware of the silver; when you know it as so much silver, you exclude Sai Baba. So, too, when man concentrates on the Bhuloka in him, the other two are beyond cognition.

The Bhu Loka in man is the Deha Loka (the physical home of body which he carries about and in which he resides). The Bhuvar Loka in him is the Prana Loka (the vital equipment or sheath that activates the Bhu Loka and the principle of consciousness encased therein) and the Suvar Loka is the inner treasure chest, the Ananda (delight), which prompts by its very presence the spiritual bud to blossom. Vamana sought Bali's willing acquiescence in the Divine Process of purifying and sanctifying these three levels of his being the Body, the Awareness and the Cosmic Essence. Vamana spoke of this blessing, symbolically, as three 'foot- measures' of land!

And, Bali, unaware of the inner meaning, agreed to give Vamana what obviously He wanted. He was indeed in great ecstasy at the unique chance to offer to the Lord what He claimed out of what He had himself given!

An artist's imagination of Lord Vamana blessing Mahabali

Vamana assumed His Cosmic Form and measured the three steps, covering the Cosmos, including Bali. Bali surrendered totally to the Divine Will; he was amply rewarded. He lived up to the heritage handed down to him by his father Virochana and grandfather Prahlada. The Bhagavata Purana declares that he was consigned to Sutala, the most sacred of the nether regions. In other words, Bali was blessed with an inner vision of the Lord in his heart. The Lord assured him that He would grant him His constant presence in the Sutala region. The Message of Onam is that the Lord is won by means of total surrender of the ego. When the heart is pure, the Lord resides therein and guides man to Himself.

Source: Divine Discourse on Onam at Prasanthi Nilayam, September 7, 1984

“I told Vajpayee that Kashmir should never be given away…”

September 1, 2002 (Sunday)

Swami came out of the interview room, towards the students after giving interview to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir – Sri Farooq Abdullah. Two students knelt down showing a card to Swami. Swami called the two students.

Swami: (Seeing the card) What is this? 

Student: Swami, Krishnashtami card. You gave us opportunity to sing songs and get the cows to the Mandir. We are all very happy. (The students would use every opportunity to express their gratitude to Swami through a card. That would give them a chance to go close to Him and receive His Blessings.)

Swami: Manchidi (Good). (Seeing the card) Krishna is eating Patthi (cotton)! You are feeding Him Patthi? (In the card, cotton was pasted to represent butter.) 

Student: No, Swami. That is butter in Krishna’s hands. Yesterday’s discourse was very nice.

Swami: Nee Thalakayi, Na Gontu Anta Poyindi. (Your head, My throat was totally gone.) 

(Swami then came towards the chair. To the teachers in front) I told him (Farooq Abdullah) that he should spend the money in helping the needy. He then asked Me for suggestions. I told him that I wouldn’t tell him anything. It should come from within himself. (Swami takes a letter from one student. To that student) Where do you come from? 

Student: Swami, Rajahmundry.

Swami: Whose son are you? (The student tells his father’s name.) 

Student: Swami, what should I do after M.Sc.? 

Swami: Do MRS. (Swami would often jovially pun on the word ‘M.Sc.’ by responding with ‘MRS’, which meant get married.)

Student: No, Swami. Please tell me what to do after M.Sc.? 

Swami: Neeku Ishtamainadi Chesuko. (Do whatever you wish to.) (Swami takes letters from a few more students. After a pause, to Prof. Anil Kumar) Emiti, Ala Chustunnavu? (Why are you looking like that?)

Prof. A. K.: Swami there is a lot of Vibhuti on Your robe. (Swami searched on His robe for Vibhuti. One of the teachers goes forward to wipe it.)

Swami: (To the teacher) Voddu Bangaaru. (No dear.) (Swami creates Vibhuti and gives it to the teacher.) I was giving a lot of Vibhuti to the people inside. That is why some of it fell on My robe. (Swami while going back repeats it to one of the students.) While I was giving them Vibhuti, all of them stretched their palms, so I gave them with both my hands. There was lot of Vibhuti; some of it fell on My robe (Swami pointing to His robe). 

(Swami went a little further, took letters from two students and created Vibhuti for them.) See, when there are so many boys here, only one of them is calling me to Hostel!

Students: (In chorus) Swami, please come to Hostel.

Swami: No, no, Tamaasha, Koorcho (Sit down, I was saying so just for fun). 

(To a student.) Farooq Abdullah, Kashmir C.M. (Chief Minister), came today. He was telling that if Swami came to Kashmir, everything would become all right. I told him that I would come when there is unity. I told Vajpayee (the Prime Minister) that Kashmir is a high-altitude place and it is very important for India. It should never be given away.

Prime Minister Vajpayee with Sri Sathya Sai at Prasanthi Nilayam

Student: Swami, Kashmir is very beautiful.

Swami: What is beautiful there? Parthi is more beautiful.

Sri Sathya Sai with His entourage in Kashmir, 1956

Student: Swami, Kashmir is having lot of problems. There is lot of fighting going on.

Swami: Yes, once a bomb fell right in front of the C.M.’s car. He told, “Swami, only You are keeping me alive. Swami, I offer my son at Your lotus feet. You should take care of him.”

Student: Swami, they are very old devotees.

Swami: Yes, I met his father (Sheikh Abdullah, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir (1975-1982)) in Kashmir. He was arrested and kept in Kohinoor Mansion during emergency. I went there and conducted Bhajans.

Sheikh Abdullah and Begum Abdullah with Sri Sathya Sai in Kashmir, 1980

Student: Swami, it will take time for the problems in Kashmir to settle down.

Swami: Not time, but it needs prayer. All should pray sincerely.

(To a Primary School student) Where do you come from?

Student: Swami, U.S.A.

Swami: Where is your mother?

Student: Swami, You are my mother.

Swami: Where is your father?

Student: Swami, You are my father.

Swami: (To the Institute students) See, they have such good feelings.

Swami asks the Primary School students if they were ready to speak. Some students came and spoke before Swami. Swami went back to the interview room after listening to a few of them speak. He comes back after sometime and sits on the chair. 

Swami: What is the next festival?

Warden: Swami, Vinayaka Chaturthi. 

Swami: When is it? 

Warden: Swami, it is on 10th September. 

Swami: (To a teacher) Do you celebrate it in your house? 

Teacher: Yes, Swami. 

Swami: Do you make the Ganesha or buy it? 

Teacher: Swami, we buy it.

Swami: No, you should make and worship. What is your full name? (The teacher, Prof. V. E. Ramamoorthy tells his full name – Vaidyanathapuram Easwaran Ramamoorthy.) Where do you get the idols from? 

Teacher: Swami, we get it from outside. 

Warden: Yes Swami, they sell it outside. 

Swami: Is it made out of sand?

Teacher: Yes, Swami. 

Swami: (Creates a beautiful golden Ganesha, which was about one and a half inches in size and gives it to the teacher.) Put it in your Puja room and worship it every day. (To Prof. Anil Kumar) Does anybody make Ganesha out of gold?

Prof. A. K.: No, Swami, they don’t make it. 

Warden: Swami, some students are ready to speak. 

Swami: When big boys speak, it is not so good. When the small boys speak it sounds very good.

Teacher: Swami, the small students spoke very well. Even though there was no mike, it was heard all over the hall. 

Swami: Even My voice was like that previously. Now it is not like that. (Looking at an old doctor. To Prof. Anil Kumar) I only made him do the medical course. (After a pause) They have to play the music.

Saying so Swami got up and went to the interview room.

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