The Secret of Time, Life and God

Time moves fast like a whirlwind. Each one's life span is getting reduced every moment, like a melting block of ice. Time passes even before man realises his duties in life. The human body is not easily acquired. The end of man's life should not be to waste his precious human birth without realising its primary purpose. It is the duty of every man to realise the purpose of life and utilise his time in the performance of his duties to sanctify his existence. Given the will, there is nothing that man cannot achieve in this world. But before embarking on any enterprise, man should recognise his abilities and endowments.

Today's man, who claims to know everything and engages in exploring space, is unable to experience bliss. If one acquires the ability to explore the stars or walk on the moon, but is unable to understand his own true nature, he misses his integral consciousness. This consciousness is not related to knowledge of the external world. It can be experienced only by turning one's vision inward. Only when he has Samagrata Bhavam (integral awareness) will he have the fight perception of a sage. Only such integral vision can confer bliss. 

The greatest cause of Bondage

When people speak about man's bondage, what is it that binds man? Man can liberate himself only when he knows what it is that binds him. Are wife and children the bonds? No. Is it property? No. Are they sensual desires? No. The greatest cause of bondage is the failure to know himself. An individual who is not aware of his true self cannot escape from sorrow. As long as sorrow is there, bliss cannot be experienced.

What is the sorrow that envelops man? Sorrow envelops man in three ways and afflicts him in many ways. One source of sorrow is Asat (the unreal). The second cause is Tamas (the darkness of ignorance). The third cause is death. In this context the Vedanta mentions three categories: Prakruti (nature), Jivatma (the individual soul) and Parmamatma (the Cosmic Spirit). As long as man does not give up what he ought to renounce, he will not experience bliss. As long as he is not aware of what he ought to know he cannot get bliss. Bliss will elude man until he reaches the goal he should aim at.

Give up the fascination for the world

What is it that man should give up? What is it that he ought to know? What is his goal? What has to be given up is Jagat-Bhavam (the fascination for the world). The reason is the world is not different from God. "Ishavasyam Idam Jagat" (God dwells in the Universe). "Vishwam Vishnu-Swaroopam." (The entire cosmos is the embodiment of the Supreme). Disregarding this profound and sacred truth, man is becoming a prey to grief by his worldly attachments. The world should not be treated as merely physical, but should be looked upon as a Divine manifestation. It is only when man is filled with godly thoughts that he will be rid of sorrow. Hence, what should be given up is worldliness. Then alone Atmananda (Bliss of the Spirit) can be got.

The second thing that has to be given up is Jiva Bhava (the feeling of separate individuality). Who is a Jiva? Jiva is God. "The Jiva (the individual self) resides in the body. God dwells in the heart." They come together and engage in mutual sport. There is a Director who directs the play of the puppets. Both good and bad are present in the puppets. The Jivatma (the individual self) and the Divine principle are not two distinct and separate entities. Out of ignorance, man forgets the basic reality and cherishes delusions which cause sorrow. It is like a man who is seized with fear when he mistakes a rope for a snake. When the truth is known the fear goes. Likewise man, looking at the world, considers it a separate phenomenal entity - Jiva Tattva. But in reality it is Divine. When the Divine nature of the cosmos is understood, man is free from the delusion of separateness.

The Divine Master illumines the entire cosmos

And the cosmos shines in the Divine.

God and the cosmos are inseparable friends.

This is the prime dictum of Sai.

Human destiny is realisation of his Divinity

What is the destination that man should attain? It is the original home from where he came (Swasthanam) What is this original home? It is the awareness of one's own true self. It is for the realisation of this truth that the body has been given to man by the Divine. Where can one search for one's self? Can the search be made outside of you? No. Similarly, the search for God in the external is futile. "His hands and feet are everywhere. His eyes, head and mouth are everywhere. He stands forth encompassing everything in the cosmos." When the Divine is omnipresent, it is foolish for man to search for God in some place. Hence the destination for man is the realisation of his Divinity (the original source). This realisation must come through the Vedantic process of exclusion ("Neti, Neti" "not this, not this"). "I am not the body. I am not the intellect. I am not the Will. I am not the Antahakarana, the inner instrument." All these are only instruments. Man should realise: "I am the Master of all of them." When by this process of elimination man realises his true Serf, he is freed from sorrow. 

Man's most precious and sacred gift from God is Buddhi (intelligence). The intelligence that should be used for seeking the Atma (Spirit) is being used by man today to seek Annam (food). When you are given a mirror to recognise your face, if you turn it in the reverse direction, how can you see your face? Use the mirror of Buddhi to recognise your true self. That is known as Sakshatkaram - direct vision of one's true Self.

Unfortunately man today seeks to know everything except his own true nature. He asks everyone: "Who are you?" but does not put the question, "Who am I?" One who does not know himself, what right has he to seek about others? Such an enquiry proceeds from ignorance. Without the awareness of his own true self, man can never attain bliss.

God contains everything within Himself

It is to set men on the path of such self-enquiry that the celebration of the New Year is intended. God as the embodiment of Time, is worshipped by the name Samvatsara (year). This name also means that God contains within Himself everything. God is also known by the name Kalatmaka (the Time Spirit). God incarnates on earth for revealing to man his divine essence. Man has been endowed with intelligence (as Dheemanta) so that he may use it for discovering the Divine within him.

The name Samvatsara represents the cosmic manifestation of the Divine. The Divine displays four kinds of glorious potencies (Vibhutis) as the Supreme Omni-Self. As such, He is called Chaturatma. This means He is the Self that embodies three potencies. The three are: Vasudeva, Sankarshana and Aniruddha. When these three Vibhuthis are understood the fourth one, Pradyumna becomes intelligible. 

The meaning of the four potencies of Divinity

Vasudeva indicates that the entire cosmos is the Lord's dwelling place. It also means that He is the Supreme Master of the Universe. This means that the Divine resides in all beings as the Indwelling Spirit. Moreover, He pervades the entire Universe. The Upanishad describes Him as "Narayana who is inside and outside and pervades everything."

Sankarshana refers to the divine's capacity to attract and transform all beings. All beings, moreover, have emerged from Him. The name is also associated with His power to transfer any object from one place to another. The child that was in the womb of Devaki was transferred to the womb of Rohini (another wife of Vasudeva) and for this mason the child got the name Sankarshana (another name for Balarama, the elder brother of Sri Krishna). The name Sankarshana also means one who attracts what is pure. Sam (pure) Karshana (attracts).

Aniruddha is one who is beyond the control of anyone. He can be swayed only by His grace and not by any other means. This term applies to one who is all-pervading, all-powerful and all-knowing.

Pradyumna refers to one who possesses Aishwarya (infinite wealth). He confers by His grace all prosperity and happiness on those who adore, worship and love the Lord. Aishwarya includes not only material wealth, but every kind of wealth such as health, knowledge, intelligence and virtue.

Another name of the Divine is "Bhagavan." The term "Bhaga" represents six attributes: Divine wealth, righteousness, power, fame, detachment and Supreme Wisdom. The Lord is called "Bhagavan" because He has these six attributes. 

Thus every name of the Lord is related to specific attributes and not an expression of the devotee's feelings or fancies. Because of the Divine's myriad attributes, the sages hailed Him as "Om Samvatsaraaya Namah." As the Creator of the Universe and as the One from whom everything emerged, God is also called Yugadi (The initiator of every Yuga or Aeon). He is the One who willed to become the Many.

The one Atma that has different names and forms

What is the unity that prevails in the multiplicity? This is illustrated by the example of a huge mansion within which them are rooms and halls for different purposes. When all the dividing walls are removed, only the main mansion remains. All beings in the world have different names and forms as embodied beings. When the embodiment is taken away only the one Atma in all of them remains. The sense of separateness is a creation of the mind. When this feeling, born of ignorance goes, the Godliness in man will shine.

Every man has within him a Kalpataru (wish-fulfilling tree). But around it there is a wild growth of bushes. When you clear away the bushes, the tree can be seen. That tree is the Self within each one. This Self is covered by man's sensory desires. When the desires are removed, the Self is recognised. Although the Self is in man, no attempt is made to realise it. How can a man who is involved in external pursuits realise his inner Reality? The fight method has to be adopted to attain the desired objective. The first requisite for the purpose is faith. There must be an unshakeable faith in God. Man's beliefs today are liable to be blown away like dried leaves. Man should strive to experience the Divine with firm faith, through weal and woe.

Man is inherently Divine

Man who is the embodiment of the immortal Spirit, identifies himself with his body and falls a prey to worldly desires. How can such a person be a true devotee of God, even if he calls himself a Bhakta (devotee)? Such a man is only a devotee of Prakruti (the phenomenal world of Nature). If you regard even Prakruti as Divine, it will be a good thing. But even here, men separate the Paramatma (Divine) from Prakruti (Nature). As long as this sense of separation exists, all forms of Japa and worship, performed even over many lives, are of no avail.

What is Srishti (creation)? Srishti is an expression of the will of God. This is called Prakruti. Everyone who emanates from Prakruti should have divine qualities. That which has emerged from the Divine should have divine qualities and not the traits of an animal or a demon. A human being without the feeling of compassion or love is not human at all. Every human being should manifest his inherent divinity. He should make himself a "messenger" of God. Instead, he behaves like a "miss-inger of God," as one who has "missed" what he should know about himself.

When man realises his true nature and his role in life, he becomes one with God. This is described in Vedanta as the Turiya Avastha -the fourth state of consciousness in which the individual Spirit is one with the Universal. It is a transcendental state which is beyond the body and the mind--beyond the waking, dream and deep sleep states.

What do we understand by the term Vyakti (individual)? This term is applied to one who manifests the unmanifested Divine Power hidden within him. It is meaningless to apply it to anyone who does not manifest the Divine with him.

The Cosmic form of Divinity

Manifesting one's inner divinity does not mean producing something new. Divinity is inherent in man. It is called Swabhava (one's true nature) - the Atmic nature. It is the Atma that confers all powers on man. Those who bemoan their weakness are not aware of their inherent potential and are not putting it to fight use. The first feeling which one has to get rid of is the identification of his physical form with his real self. Those who ask, "Where is God?" do not realise that all they see in the cosmos is a manifestation of the Divine. That is why the scripture declares, "Pashyannapi Cha Na Pashyati Mudho" (Even while seeing, the foolish one does not see). Man is all the time seeing the universe around him and yet declares he has not seen God. What is the form of the Cosmos? Is it not Divine? You are seeing the Divine in the form of the physical universe. In the Bhagavad Gita this cosmic form of the Lord is described as Vishwa Viraata Roopa. What is Vishwa? It is the whole cosmos. The Vishwa Viraata Roopa is the collective form of everything in the universe.

No attempt is made to understand the inner meaning of such expressions as Vishwa Viraata Roopa. The intellect is used to misinterpret words and create confusion. What is needed is understanding through the heart. Even a highly evolved person like Arjuna confessed to Krishna that the mind is ever wavering and fickle. Are the intellectuals of today, with all their degrees, greater than Arjuna? Not at all. Above all degrees and intellectual attainments, one needs the grace of God. Krishna recognised Arjuna as His devotee. That is the supreme accomplishment.

The abode of the Lord is the heart

When you earn from the Lord the epithet of Bhakta (God's devotee) you will be equal with Arjuna. God is not calling you as His devotee. It is not enough if you style yourself a devotee of God. God should hail you as His devotee. It is only when your devotion is acknowledged by the Lord that you can call yourself a devotee. If you have not received the acknowledgement, it may mean that you have given the wrong address in your devotion. The correct address of the Lord is Hridayavaasi - the Indweller in the Heart. This means that you must continue with your devotion to God untill your own conscience is satisfied. To achieve this satisfaction you have to purify yourself constantly. This means that you have to get rid of your bad qualities, bad thoughts and bad actions.

Body is an instrument for realisation of Dharma

Realise that the body has been given to you for the service of others. How is this service to be rendered? Through righteous and pure means. The body is an instrument for the realisation of Dharma (Righteousness). This truth is allegorically conveyed by the example of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The Pandava brothers (Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi representing Prakruti (Nature) followed Truth and Righteousness as represented by Dharmaraja (the eldest of the Pandavas) and sanctified their lives.

This applies to every human being. It is only when he adheres to Truth and Righteousness that he can realise the Atma. Worship of the Divine must stem from the heart. When devotion flows from the heart, the voice of the Divine can be experienced in silence - Shabda Brahman (sound of the Supreme Spirit). This was the experience of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He observed perfect silence awaiting the voice of God at any moment. Can the Divine voice be heard in the cacophony of daily sounds? No. Devotees must practice reticence. When speech is restrained, the voice of the Spirit within makes itself heard. That is subtler than the human breath.

It is only through Prapatti or total surrender, that the Divine can be experienced. It is an experience that can be had every moment of your life.

Source: Divine Discourse at Prasanthi Nilayam on January 1, 1992.

Sacred Education at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning – By K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.)

“The Spirit shall look out through Matter’s gaze And Matter shall reveal the Spirit’s face.” 

- Sri Aurobindo, “Savitri”

Sri Sathya Sai with the Vedam Students

Spiritual education is to be secured only at the Divine Lotus Feet of Swami, by students as well as teachers; however, the Institute strives to build into all its programmes a spiritual attitude towards education. While learning their course content, be it Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Management, with all the academic rigor and meeting the highest standards of proficiency, our students do not forget that learning these subjects is not an end in itself. 

No formal educational system intends to turn out crassly self-centered students, moved by considerations of self-aggrandizement or amoral attitude. However, very often, the atmosphere in educational institutions does not provide for a conscious and coherent development of students informed by wholesome considerations of the larger welfare of society or a spontaneous assumption of responsibility towards the betterment of less well-placed brethren. It is our belief that young men and women who want to pursue higher education are essentially well-motivated people. If given a proper learning atmosphere wherein values are taught, cherished and practised, they are more likely to foster them during their own lifetime, wherever they go and whatever profession or occupation they come to hold.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students serving during Narayan Seva (poor feeding)

It is easier to preach than practice and nothing is more likely to make students cynical than the disparity between preaching and practising. That is why Bhagavan often talks to us about practising at least one virtue instead of merely talking about virtues as a whole. He tells us that practice of virtue is possible only where there is synchronization of good thought, good word and good action. Such synchronization leads to transparency and credibility. Young people who grow in an atmosphere where people stand as examples of unity in thought, word and deed themselves become role models, when they go out into the wide world and take up positions in organizations and in society. In the long run, this is the only sure way for well-educated students to combat the enveloping cynicism.

 

Charity begins at home, it is said. Similarly, morality begins with oneself. It is better to practice good conduct than to criticize others for their lack of good conduct. It is in this context Swami asks the students not to indulge in criticism of others. Moral life is both a means and an end. Moral life is to be led whether others lead it or not and that is why it is an end in itself. It becomes a means when the practice of it invests the practitioner with an authority that far exceeds the position he holds.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students - consecrating the idols of Rama Family for the Hostel

Noble qualities such as selflessness, sacrifice, gratitude to parents, Institute, societies and God, adherence to virtuous conduct in private and public life get promoted in an atmosphere of purity and divinity inherent in the presence of Bhagavan. Swami points out to students that while they should do well in their academic studies and bring joy to their parents, they should also be aware that acquisition of degrees is not the objective of their stay at the Institute and that their formal education should really lead to being better human beings, eschewing animal qualities in them, practising balance and moderation in their lives, giving no room to excessive desires of any kind and leading their lives in a spirit of dedication to the Omnipresent Divine. Human birth is a rare gift and human beings are essentially divine. All education must be a process of bringing out the divine in man, that is, to make manifest what’s already there. Such an education is not bound in time as in the case of formal secular education. Their stay in the Institute in the presence of Bhagavan is meant to give them the necessary internal strength to quietly pursue that journey. 

Secular and sacred education are seen as mutually reinforcing. There is no dissonance; spiritual education is not contra posed to secular education. Such an education should help the students to consider all life as precious, to consider all men worthy of respect, to treat parents with love and reverence, to appreciate that underprivileged people deserve kindness and compassion, and all service rendered to them as service done to the Omnipresent God who is seated in their own hearts.

While the academic community can feel a sense of fulfillment in fostering and promoting an ambience of teacher-directed learning as also student-driven self-learning, the long term beneficial impact on the students’ mental, moral and spiritual make-up is wholly attributable to the presiding Chancellor of the Institute, who is also considered by a large section of mankind as the presiding Chancellor of the Universe.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students celebrating Krishna Janmashtami

The students at the Institute have opportunities to learn about the perennial ever-refreshing wisdom of their ancient land as given by the scriptures, oral traditions, classics, philosophical treatises, epics, dramas and poems. They become familiar with ideals exemplified by the Divine Manifestations as recorded in great classics and the undiminished relevance of such ideals and eternal values in today’s world and their visible representation in the form of Bhagavan. Education, therefore, is seen by them as not merely to be acquired and spent in a routine manner, but as a sacred trust meant to be used for the betterment of the people around them.

Sri Sathya Sai with Students after the Drama on Annamacharya

Good education is hard to get. Good and free education is even more difficult to secure. Good, free and “man-making” education as given by Swami is one of its kind. The students get to know through their period of study here that nothing is expected of them by Swami except that they should use this literally God-given opportunity to prepare for a nobler, higher life. It is this visible act of selflessness of the Chancellor and their belief that enable them to put forth their conscious and continuous efforts at self-improvement to become worthy recipients of His love and grace.

Human nature is frail and unsteady. Education that provides strength and steadiness is a great gift. Students who receive such gift from Swami would have secured something precious to build their lives upon. They will not merely be working for a conventionally secure life, but striving for a good life – a life characterized by a sweet disposition towards others because others are also a reflection of one’s larger Self. What is spiritual education, if it is not a practical education which establishes the identity of the individual with that of others, thus promoting and realizing the reign of Non-duality?

About the Author

Sri K. Chakravarthi with Sri Sathya Sai

Sri K Chakravarthi joined the Indian Administrative Service (Andhra Pradesh cadre) in 1960; worked as Collector of Anantapur District, and held various positions including Finance Secretary (Projects), Commissioner of Relief and Commissioner of Commercial Taxes. He left the IAS in 1981 to become the first Registrar of Sri Sathya Sai Institute and later served as the Member-Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Currently, he is the Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision (2006)

Try to be like Jesus...

There are four types of persons - those who see only right everywhere, those who are less spiritual in their vision and so see right as right and wrong as wrong, those who shut their eyes to right and see only wrong and lastly, the worst of all, those who judge even the right to be wrong. No one brings wealth when he is born or takes it with him when he dies. Whatever riches one has accumulated have to be freely shared with others. Flowers scatter fragrance; trees offer fruits in plenty. Instead of learning the lessons they teach, man pursues his own sense-cravings, and his urge for fame and authority over others. Contentment is the most precious wealth; greed brings misery in its train. Contentment alone can lead man to the goal of life viz., the attainment of Divinity.

A tender heart is more valuable than all material possessions. When moral and spiritual excellence is gained, the divinity in man becomes patent. Vishwamitra was a powerful king, proud of his might and the vastness of his kingdom. He wished to defeat the Sage Vasishta but could not succeed. Thus he learnt the lesson that material, physical or mental powers are too weak to win over Divine Power. So, he entered upon spiritual Sadhana (effort) to rid his mind of anger, greed and envy. As a result, he himself became a sage.

The Kaurava brothers, a hundred of them, were intoxicated by greed for more, though they had riches in plenty and kingdoms vast in area; so, they contended with their cousins, the God-fearing and God-led Paandava brothers, who were only five in number. In the end, the Kauravas destroyed themselves to the last man and the Pandavas were blessed with victory.

Every man in the world is a Messenger of God

The brothers, Hiranyaaksha and Hiranyakashipu, succeeded in securing as boons from God mastery over the elements but they misused this power and spread havoc over all the worlds. Man has to acquire mastery over the foul urges in his own mind - lust, anger, hatred, jealousy. Then only can he enjoy the Divine Peace that is his birth-right.

Every living being is on a pilgrimage - whether it is aware of it or not. The Bhagavata Purana (Story of Glory of Divinity), says that the destiny of all beings is to return to their origin. Lord Krishna has declared in the Geeta that all beings have emerged from Him and have to merge in Him. The Sun causes clouds in the sky raising water from the sea as vapour; the waters of the sea fall as rain, the rain water accumulates and flows as streams and rivers, until it merges with the source, the sea. It is faithful to its destiny; it confronts bravely all the hurdles and obstacles on the pilgrim path. Every man has come into this world as a Messenger of God.

Jesus announced himself as a Messenger of God. He spent many years in austerities so that he could shower compassion and love on all humanity. Later, he asked himself, "Am I just a messenger, or am I more closely related to God, a part of God with the Divine as my essence?" Jesus spent twelve long years, wandering alone in deserts engaged in this inquiry. At the end of this period, he returned to the society of men and announced "I am the Son of God."

In Kali Age Judases have multiplied

At that time, the priests of the holy temples of Jerusalem had become corrupt and commercialised. They had deteriorated into proud and selfish men. Jesus condemned them and tried to root out the evil practises. For, all forms were in the eyes of Jesus, Divine Forms and he could not tolerate any action which belied this status. So, when asked by people who he was, he could reply, "I and my Father are One." Jesus tried to teach everyone the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

Tradition-minded and egoistic men considered Jesus a false prophet and they tried by every means to thwart his mission. Jesus, however, did not waver. Faced with opposition, he continued to be an example of living Truth, and to purify society. Many disciples, followed Jesus but throughout history, it has been the experience of Rama, Krishna, Jesus and Muhammad that disciples however close are seldom fully dedicated. Most are only part-time devotees. Jesus had 12 disciples, most of whom had faith in him and lived his teachings. But, Judas yielded to greed. He betrayed his Master for a mere 30 coins. He could not find joy in life after this treachery. His mind gave him no peace. He had to seek refuge in suicide.

Betrayal by people who pretend to adore is happening since ages. Corrupt, greedy and selfish people spread falsehoods about their own Masters. We hear of a Judas, 2,000 years ago. But in the Kali Age, people are obsessed with money and Judases have multiplied. They seek to amass paltry riches whereas good character, good conduct and knowledge of God are the three real treasures to be gathered. Land and buildings, silver and gold, dollars and other currencies are temporary and trivial. They are possessions only until life lasts. But those three treasures will stay on, sustain and strengthen you until you attain union with the Infinite.

Three real treasures to be gathered

Man has mastered astronomy; he knows all about the earth. He is conversant with all that is happening in America, Russia and England. But he does not know who he is, and so, all other knowledge does not make him wise. He is eager to collect information about everything else but he never asks the question "Who am I?" though he uses the expression 'I' and 'my' freely almost always. You are the farmer; the body is the field. Sow the seeds of goodness, you can get the harvest of happiness; sow the seeds of evil, you reap the harvest of grief. You are the cause of either of these. Do not blame others or impute partiality to God. Above all, do not rely on this impermanent objective world; it is full of sorrow and change; cultivate detachment, equanimity and self-control and love.

This Life is a temporary rest place

Develop knowledge about the higher levels of consciousness and the higher planes of existence. Knowledge leads to skill. From skill in using such knowledge, one acquires balance. You must recognise that this life is a stage in the long pilgrimage and that we are now at a hotel, a temporary resting place which has also a watchman. The mind is the watchman. So, do not feel permanently attached to the mind or the body. This 'negative' body has the 'positive' Divinity within it. When you become all-embracing infinite Love, the Divine will manifest in and through you. Try to be like Jesus. Jesus was a person whose only joy was in spreading Divine Love, offering Divine Love, receiving Divine Love and living on Divine Love.

There are various theories about the birth date of Jesus based on the 'bright star that appeared at his birth.' It is visible once in 800 years, it is said. Some say he was born on the fifteenth day of September. But, he was born at 3-15 a.m. (early morning) on December 28, 1,980 years ago. It was Sunday. The Star that appeared that day appears only once in 800 years. Its appearance had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. There is no rule that, when Divine Energy or Divine Incarnation descends on Earth, a star has to appear. That is the opinion of devotees only. But, Jesus was himself a 'Star' of infinite value, spreading brilliance of infinite dimension. Why posit another less brilliant glow?

Today is the Birth Day of Jesus, celebrated amidst December snow-falls with lights and Christmas Trees, and prayers. But it is useless to pray just one day and forget God, the rest of the year. That is an empty show; it does not emanate from the heart. We are true Christians only when we live according to the teachings of Christ and practise them in daily life. Even if we follow two teachings of his, that would be enough. Christ said, "All life is one, my dear Son! Be alike to every one."

Be engaged in doing God's work

If we truly follow this, it would be enough to fulfill our destiny. When he was on the Cross and overcome with agony, an unseen Voice said from Heaven, "Death is the Dress of Life." The body is the dress which the Divine Spirit puts on. Therefore, we should not weep when the body is worn out or falls or is injured. Death is an event, that is the very nature of the body. Men seek the cause for death but no one seeks the Divine Source of Life. Be engaged during the brief span of life in glorifying God and in doing God's Work.

God has incarnated in human form, in order to inspire man to follow higher ideals not only in India but foreign countries also. Men may have different languages and life styles but God is One and He is present everywhere. All religions speak of Him as Love and as attainable through love. Forms of worshipping God differ, for they are shaped by time and place but love is the basic content of all the forms. The language of love is understood and spoken by all hearts. There is only one race really, and that is the race of mankind. We now consider petty distinctions of nationality, race, religion and language as vital and hold back love which must flow to every one from the heart. That was the life and message of Jesus. Nurture it in your hearts. Experience Jesus as your Messenger sent from God.

Become what you truly are

Love alone can reveal the Divinity latent in all. Love is God. Live in Love. Love lives by giving and forgiving; Self lives by getting and forgetting. Love is self-lessness; Selfishness is Lovelessness. Do not waste your life pursuing the narrow interests of the self. Love! Love! Become what you truly are - the embodiments of love. No matter how others treat you or what they think of you, do not worry. Follow Jesus Christ. Love for your own evolution and not for what others say. Do not imitate others. Cultivate your own life. You have your own heart, your own opinion, your ideas, your own will. Why then imitate? Imitation is human, they say; but creation is Divine. Follow your chosen path. Let your own experience of God be your guide and master. Do not go into the grave, weakly copying others. You won't find God if you search in the outside world. Your own heart shining with Love is God's Love. Follow the Master. Face the Devil. Fight to the end and finish the game. You are God. The true you is God. You are not one person but three - the one, you think you are, the one others think you are and the one you really are. You think of yourself as your body and its sense cravings, others think of you as a personality. You are truly infinite spirit Divine. You should constantly remind yourself, "I am God" "I am God." "I am God." The day you see yourself as God, you become God.

If you think I am only human, you will be led astray. Do not allow your body and the sense to dictate your moves. Develop the inner vision. The body is the cart, the Spirit is the horse. Do not put the cart before the horse. Spiritual practice is the only means of acquiring mental peace. If all the cars in America are placed end to end, they would reach the moon; but there is no true happiness there, no peace of mind. Cultivate not riches, not comfort and luxuries, but Divine virtues. Then you become fit to receive God's Grace. Why trade permanent peace of mind for impermanent physical luxuries?

Speak sweetly; shed comfort with every glance of yours. Do not be slaves to your sensual desires. Prahlada told his father who had conquered the three worlds that he had failed to conquer lust and desire. You should conquer lust and vanquish anger. Exile from your mind greed, hate and jealousy. Dedicate your hand to the service of mankind. Jesus teaches infinite love and compassion. To resurrect love and compassion, you must kill jealousy and selfishness, purify your hearts. Earn the true mercy of Jesus. Follow the path shown by him and reach the position he holds.

Source: Divine Discourse on December 25, 1979

The World of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar - By Charles Penn

Many years ago when I had seldom experienced deep feelings that I could relate to the divine, it was far less likely for me to conceive my ability to see or understand God. 

Furthermore, for a student seeking divine understanding, as myself, I found it improbable to believe that I might find and have the exceptional privilege to be taught by a supreme power such as the Sai Avatar, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Once the initial relationship began there was no hesitation in proclaiming to myself the evident and truthful statement, "I believe!"

The knowledge that a world teacher, Supreme Being, was in a land on the opposite side of the world and who spoke Telugu, a language I did not understand, was never considered an unrealistic obstacle to my becoming His student. However, to be given lessons in English for my spiritual upliftment, at times on a moment to moment basis, and often including long question and answer sessions, became an unexpected and extraordinary practice. To have time and space cast aside and to have given to me the first four of twenty-five years’ tuition on a divine scholarship basis without actually coming into personal contact with my Divine Teacher, none other than the "Chancellor of a celestial university of higher learning" - who later became Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University), located at Prasanthi Nilayam in India - has been a remarkable and priceless experience for me. 

What is, is! I discovered that the higher elements are used by Bhagavan Sai Baba. For example, His teaching to me incorporates full color scenes played out to the end in heavenly vision form. Such vision teachings remain inscribed in my mind for years and years. An entire play or moving scene may be recalled ate moment's notice and expressed in minute detail so that His teachings can be drawn upon for the upliftment of myself and others. At times etherealized methods of communication are used, and viewed as a procedure within the higher realm. 

This all came about as a result of my life turn-around culminating unexpectedly. It was June 1965. I reached for a small book on a table in the sitting room of my wife to be, Faith, and her mother Althea, at their home in Westwood, California. 

Touching that book which was "Satyam-Sivam-Sundaram", written by Sri N. Kasturi, was for me like touching the fingers of God's outstretched hand. That momentary action changed my entire future. A glance at the photographs of Bhagavan Sri Baba as a boy, and looking at pictures of His mother and father, started to weave a web about me, a web I found shortly afterwards so beautifully powerful. 

A simple action such as the one I took can vastly change a life. Something to marvel at indeed! If I were to predict the future and were asked what I envisioned for a seeker taking a similar singular action, I feel I would say that from that moment on his or her life could become most wondrous in a way never before contemplated. 

As Prof. Kasturi's book unfolded in my mind, I had a desire to prepare a similar book omitting the Sanskrit but incorporating his translations of the Sanskrit. This would provide an American edition of the life of Bhagavan Sai Baba through His fortieth year which could be more easily understood and enjoyed in the West and by all English speaking people. 

I wrote to Bhagavan Sai Baba. Can you imagine my writing to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in India and receiving a letter from Him granting permission to produce the book, with His blessings, and in addition conveying in the letter a wealth of great knowledge? He endeared Himself with each word: "I am as near you as you are near me." And, "When the Name is remembered, the Form is evoked; when the Form is recollected, the Name is evoked. The Name and the Form are inseparable. That is the meaning of Presence."

Books Authored by Charles Penn on Sri Sathya Sai

I lengthened the periods of my meditation hours and hours a week, and my meditations deepened. I grasped every chance to draw to me the Presence. From around the whole world I was near Him. Geographically, He wrote, there was no barrier. After a while I actually started to feel I was coming nearer and nearer to Him. Whenever I had the courage I would tell Him I was listening. First, ever so silently, I heard words about things I had never thought of in my life. 

On a subsequent occasion, in order to remedy a foot problem, I had, Bhagavan Sai Baba conveyed to me the instruction to grasp my foot firmly with my hands and, while doing so, to count to a hundred. I was to say His name with each number (One-Sai Baba, Two-Sai Baba). I counted. I called it my "Sai Baba Count" In this way I was evoking the Name His Name as on my lips. 

His teachings flowed and flowed. So entrenched He became in me, and I in Him. The time arrived when I felt I was "One with Him." Turning my thoughts back to those glorious spiritual "young" days, I recall a lesson Bhagavan Sai Baba gave me with the inspiring words, "Every time the hand is lifted, lift it for Him." That teaching so infused me that I again wrote to Him and asked for further deeper guidance. He responded in a letter in August 1965: "If you lift the hand to serve, to help, to console, to encourage another man, you are lifting it for God, because in every man is God." 

The wisdom of the heavens was surely ascending upon me. "Every man is God! " That was a great revelation to me. "Every man," yes, "every man." Then-I knew, for the first time — God has to be everywhere in everything and in everyone. 

Now a few months had gone by and I was continuing to be saturated with the Love of Bhagavan Sai Baba. Discourses were undiminishing from wherever He was. I asked Him many questions about many things that might help my spiritual progress. 

I asked Him how one should be dressed and prepared for Brahma Marga, the path or way of life adopted by aspiring seekers who set their sights high to realize the Self in their quest for God. Eventually the gaze has to be turned inward to the true Self and the aspirants ascend the pathway to the state of lasting consciousness of God. the Infinite (Brahman). 

Bhagavan Sai Baba explained to me that, "Before starting on Brahma Marga and commencing your Sadhana, undress, disrobe. But not in the usual manner. The 'clothes' you cast off may vary in number. Some people may be more heavily garmented. Some may have already discarded unwanted 'apparel.' In whatever order you choose, cast off the 'clothing' of jealousy, hate, anger, pride, greed, desire. You know all the others. But you shall not be cold, for there is one 'garment' you leave on. That is the raiment of love. This one piece has many thicknesses to keep you warm and protect you on the coldest of nights. It will survive the greatest of storms, for what is this clothing of love? It is the love of joy, the love of giving, the love of survival, the love of living. Yes, my Bhakta, this one raiment is all you need when you come to Me in the quietude and stillness of your Dhyana, although you do not to wait until then to come to Me, for I am always near." 

A divine high point was reached when an official invitation was received by mail to attend the First World Conference of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Seva Organizations, to be held in Bombay in May 1968. On the midnight of May 9, 1968, I had the great joy to meet my Lord in Human Form, in India. The incredible realization filled me — in four years the Sai Avatar and I had become ever so close. Our love was the same love, and God within God was the same God. 

The knowledge that two people could inwardly communicate from one side of the world to the other was now less overwhelming. God unto God without physically traversing the world. Many other devotees know that this is possible and are able to rest in the knowledge that they can become One with the Lord. When the Sai Avatar makes it known that the divine contact is intact, devotees have the capability to rise to this higher realization. Achieving this goal overcomes many and misgivings previously generated in the mind. 

In appreciation for being given this boon, I have thanked Bhagavan Sai Baba for it on numerous occasions, including those when speaking from time to time devotees attending Sai centers, conferences, retreats, and special occasions here and abroad. He has shown me the folly of reading from notes or from a prepared script. In my experience everything spoken which one wishes to be efficacious must first be fully entrenched in the heart How better can it be said that when it emanates from one's heart? Bhagavan Sai Baba has taught me to speak in this manner. When invited by Bhagavan Baba to speak, and after basking in the joy of performing Padnamaskar, I look up to Him and whisper, "I'll need your help, Swami." By this time inner joy has taken hold of the glorious moment as I hear Him say, "Yes, yes."

There was the occasion of His 57th Birthday when, after the honor of garlanding Him, He whispered, "Char less (as he calls me), you would like to say a few words?' "Yes, yes, Swami," I replied. Rather slowly I approached the microphone at the podium. This brought me to a moment of great exhilaration. I faced the crowded Poornachandra Auditorium overwhelmed by His faith in me and my own inner feeling of His assurance. Simultaneously I was also fully aware that I had no pre-planned speech, no great salient point I wanted to stress. The freedom from all this made the joy of the moment ever so precious. I looked at the vast audience, glanced lovingly at Bhagavan, and His smile filled the moment. It is at times such as these that I know the seemingly long and precious moments serve their full purpose. I received a flashed inner direction from Him. "Seek the 'thread’. - Just a small starting thread is needed to begin. 

One requires deep insight to believe that our divine teacher, actually and ethereally, has thousands of students. I am astounded when I attempt to comprehend that the Avatar is simultaneously teaching students in all languages the world over. 

In this regard, during one of our visits to Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagavan Sai Baba was granting interviews to a number of devotees in the Mandir, as is His practice almost every day. From our floor vantage point, just feet away and behind a curtain He was talking to a young man from Spain. Bhagavan Baba's stream of words flowed at an extremely fast pace. Later, outside, I met the man and mentioned to him, "How amazing it is that Swami can talk to devotees in any language. His talk to you, in Spanish, flowed incessantly, and you undoubtedly clung intently to each word." (We speak some Spanish and can recognize it) The man looked at me in amazement and said, "He spoke to me in English"!

Reflecting, I say, "How Great Thou Art. “Here is a Teacher who astounds and uplifts His students world-wide, assisting and blessing them in multitudinous ways. I look momentarily at myself, and with deep gratitude I see myself being transformed by Him, writing about the world's greatest power — the Sai Avatar. 

About the Author:

Charles Penn had an extensive professional career as a writer, editor and publisher in America, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia where he was born. During World War II he was a Director of the Australian War Supplies Mission in Washington D.C. and a Captain on the British Army Staff. A devotee since 1964; is well known as a contributor to many publications. He authored — "My Beloved", "Sathya Sai Baba" (American edition of "Sathyam-Sivam-Sundaram") and several other books on Swami's Life and Message. 

Source: Sai Vandana 1990 (65th Birthday Offering)

"I have to keep cotton in My ears!!"

 December 21, 1997

Swami: Why did you not have classes today?

Teacher: Swami, Sunday is a  holiday.

Swami: Yes, Sunday holiday. Mind, body, machine, classroom, everything needs rest. 

During Darshan, all the Carol group students sat in the front to seek Swami’s permission for singing carols on Christmas day. One of them was holding a card. Swami looked at the student and told with a mischievous smile…

Swami: Keep it on your head and dance. (Again they pleaded with Swami for permission, when Swami came inside Bhajan hall after interviews.)

Students: Swami!.. Carols! Swami …

Swami: I have to keep cotton in My ears!! (Jokingly)

Teacher: Swami , it will be very hard to hear with cotton in the ears.

Swami very lovingly smiled and moved on to the V.I.P portico. There, Swami spoke to a doctor…

Swami: Students are singing .. What… What? What are they known as…?

Doctor: Swami  carols

Swami: Carols. You will have to put cotton in your ears!

In the Bhajan hall:

 

Student: Swami , breathing problem.

Swami: If  breathing is not there, life itself is not there.

Student: Swami I am participating in long-jump, but I have breathing problem.

Swami: Long jump?!! If you can jump three feet across this path, that itself is a long jump!

Student: Swami, breathing problem.

Swami: Dunnapotha, sit down. 

Then Swami blessed all the birthday students and moved into the interview room.

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

"Time has come. In Shuka Nadi it is mentioned so..."

 December 20, 1997

After the interview....

Swami: What is the news? 100 countries’ flags will be there. India’s flag will be first, followed by all the country flags like Pakistan, West Indies etc. In front of the car will be our Institute flag.

Teacher: Very nice, Swami. This type of thing would not have been there anywhere in the world.

Swami: Yes, yes. All the students with flags will go first. Then the Prime Minister will hoist the flag.

Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral hoisting the Sathya Sai World Unity Flag on December 30, 1997

Teacher: Institute flag, Swami?

Swami: No, no. It will be too small. He will hoist the world flag. (Unity Cup flag). Every nation’s flag will be represented on it with ‘Aum’ in the middle.

Teacher: Swami, what will You do?

Swami: I will light the Jyoti. One boy will take it up the hill and will light the torch held by the bird. It will move up slowly. Once the Jyoti is lit, the game will start. 

Teacher: Big cup, Swami!

Swami: Yes, yes. 5 feet in height… it will be brought by four students in a trolley. It is very heavy, it cannot be lifted easily. It weighs 20 kgs. It is made of gold.

Sri Sathya Sai presenting the Unity Cup to the Winning Captain Sachin Tendulkar on December 30, 1997

Teacher: Individual cups, Swami?

Swami: Yes, yes. Each player will get one cup made of one kg of silver. Round cup, one side ball, and other side bat. We can also keep fruits in it. It can be used in daily life. Outside they give plate on which they write something. After some days, it becomes copper. This is pure silver, pure gold!

Teacher: Swami, it will be a great occasion to remember.

Swami: Yes, yes. They will remember.

Teacher: This stadium is special when compared with other stadiums.

Swami: Yes, yes. In all the sides we have hills, it is like a natural fort. 

Teacher: The whole world is going to receive your Grace.

Swami: Happy, happy. Players will be accommodated in Shanti Bhavan, since they should know about the Mandir. Who are the six flag students? (The concerned students came forward) You should hold the flags and when the ‘tap’ sound comes, bend the flag. Who are the fifty students carrying flags? Fifty students from Brindavan and fifty students from Prashanti Nilayam. Students should be arranged height wise.

The Sri Sathya Sai World Unity Flag

Teacher: Swami, it is written in the Shuka Nadi that the Avatar will hoist the Sarva Dharma flag, and that will be the turning point for the unity of the world.

Swami: Time has come, time has come. Yes, in Shuka Nadi it is mentioned so.

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

Sri Sathya Sai celebrates Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Mumbai

 Monday, December 21, 1970 to 

Saturday, January 9, 1971

Swami reached Bombay on 21st December after His epoch-making stay at Goa. Swami blessed thousands of devotees with Darshan at Dharmakshetra between the 21st of December and the 9th of January. 

On 25th December, Swami blessed the devotees with His Christmas message. Swami inaugurated the Community Centre of the Kamani Enterprises on New Year’s Day, and addressed a mammoth gathering at Kurla a suburb of Bombay. Swami gave a Discourse at Dharmakshetra on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the 7th of January. Prof. V. K. Gokak, Dr. John Hislop and Sri Page spoke on these two occasions. 

During His Discourse Swami said: 

“What a tragedy! Truth is treated as a foe; falsehood is the friend of man. Liquor is sold in a tavern, to which people trek miles; but milk is taken to their doorsteps, by vendors who cry hoarse, to draw the attention of the residents, but yet, they turn away with their ware unsold. What a reversal of values has man accomplished!

On this sacred day called Vaikuntha Ekadashi, one is reminded of this, because, festivals like this have been ordained in order to take stock of one's spiritual progress and to make man resolve to march forward, until the goal is reached. This is a thrice-blessed day, as the Triveni is the confluence of three holy streams: Thursday, which is especially significant for Sai devotees, being Guru Vaar (the day of the Guru); the Akhanda Bhajan, which you concluded after twelve hours a few minutes ago; and the festival of Vaikuntha, for which you have gathered here.

 

Vaikuntha means, without any trace of grief or pain; the place where perfect peace reigns, and there is no flutter of fear. Ekadashi means the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. The phases of the moon are numbered, and the day after the tenth, Dashami, is referred to as the Ekadashi! But the real meaning of Ekadashi, the eleventh, is this. When the ten senses - the five senses of action and the five through which knowledge of the objective world is gained - are all coordinated and turned in the direction of God, the eleventh, then it becomes genuine Ekadashi!

Man has to pay attention to 26 categories

This is also the meaning of the Namaskaar, where you fold both palms together and hold them on your chest, near the heart region. The ten senses surrender to the person adored, with real sincerity in the heart! The caricatures of this reverential rites are today current in almost all circles. People are reluctant to follow tradition and so, they hold the palms as if they are trying to shield the rays of the Sun from their eyes (!) or vigorously shaking them defiantly at the face of the person who is sought to be honoured(!).

This is a day on which one has to transcend the lower impulses originating from the Tamasic (inertia) and the Rajasic (passionate activity) natures and, help the upsurge of Sattvic (pure) tendencies. Men engage in good Works, good thoughts, good speech - but, they do not pause to inquire the purpose, the goal. Man has to pay attention to 26 categories. The 5 senses of action (Karma Indriyas); the 5 senses of knowledge (Jnana- Indriyas); the 5 vital airs (Praana); the 5 attributes of the elemental principle, smell (of Prithvi or earth); taste (of water); light (of fire); touch (of air); sound (of sky); and the remaining four manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), Chitta (differentiating memories) and Ahamkara (the selfish ego). The Jeevi (individual soul) the wave is the 25th; it has the 26th, the Paramatma (the Supreme Self or Reality) on one side and the 24 principles on the other. It has to illumine all the 24, and draw them all to the Reality, namely, the 26th category, the Paramatma. When they are illumined, they disappear, for they cannot survive light; they are but creatures that are the progeny of Maya (delusion and illusion).

Know thyself, you know the world 

When the 24 categories are analysed and known, nothing is gained. For, they belong to the realm of the relatively real, not the absolutely real. They are Jagat (world), the moving, changing, the transitory, the untrue! The Vedas, Shastras and Puranas have not mentioned anything about the origins and dissolutions of these, with any degree of certainty, because they are concerned more with the rescue operations of the I that is entangled in them and with validation that they are of no importance. Know thyself; you know the world, which is but a projection of thy mind; that is the lesson conveyed.

Measure the microcosm, you have measured the macrocosm. Know all about clay; you have known all about pots, pans, plates and cups. Know about the base, you have known about the superstructure. Know about water, you know about rain, cloud, steam, stream, river - all its modifications and manifestations. The same quantity of silver might be shaped into a plate today, a set of spoons tomorrow, a number of cups the day after. The forms get new names; the uses of each are different. When put to use or when silver remains as a silver 'lump' only, in the hands of every one that holds, it or handles it, in the beginning or in the end, it and they are always silver. The core, the truth is ever One. In the murky, dusk of ignorance, it appears diverse, that is all for, then, your are led to distinguish and differentiate on the bases of name and form.

There are two sets of rules which regulate human conduct: the one a-moral and the other moral. The a-moral is illustrated by the rule that you have to be at the airport at a particular hour, in order to board a plane. The moral rule is illustrated when the father's property is divided between the sons, half for one and half for the other, equal share for both. From the point of view of dharma (righteousness), equality is seen as the basic principle. From the Atmic standpoint, all beings are equal. 

The primary seed of knowledge

When one proceeds to attain the Atmic vision, one has to negate everything as 'Not this', until at the end of the journey, the Atma alone is cognised. It admits of no definition, no description, no designation, It is the end of enquiry, the summum bonum of all endeavour, the silence that swallows all speech. The primary seed of knowledge is "I am not the body." It contains three entities: I, Body and Not. I is the Atma, the Only truth. The idea I applies only to the eternal I, over which, the transient Is are superimposed by ignorance, born out of false identification. Then, we have the entity called, Deha (body).

Deha means that which will undergo destruction (dah: to burn). It means the five feet bundle of bone and muscle, nerve and brain, the senses, the vital airs, the mind that imagines (constructs images), the intellect that argues pros and cons, the Chitta that revolves around the past impressions and choices and the Ahamkaara (ego) that urges outwards, the internal and external equipments of man, Deha means not only these, It is composed of the five we elemental categories also: earth, water, fire, air and sky. It disintegrates finally into these five for, it is built up of those five. It is kith and kin, with these five; so, by Deha is meant all the regions of the five elements, Desha (country), in fact!

Realisation cannot be won by book knowledge

The multifarious efflorescence of Maya, the primal desire which proliferated into the Universe - all that is the permutation and combination of the five elements, to cognise which man has equipped himself with the nose (smell, earth attribute), tongue (taste, water attribute), eye (perceptible form, attribute of fire), skin (touch, attribute of air) and ear (sound, attribute of sky). So, the statement says, I am not the body, that is, it declares that Nature, the Universe, all created thin and beings, are not I, or Atma (the true Self), but, only appearances of I.

 

Man can realise the goal either by picturing something that is different and distant, and praying to it, adoring it, worshipping it - such ways are useful only up to a limit, to purge the mind of low desires, sensual urges etc., or by delving into oneself, to reach the truth.

The realisation of the One cannot be won by means of advice, listening to talks and discourses, study of books or austerities. It worried even Narada, who approached the sage, Sanatkumara, for the vision of the Infinite. With this decomposing body and the deteriorating intellect, man cannot experience and contain the boundless surge of bliss that accompanies the realisation that he is the absolute. The wisdom that comes of actual experience is as the rain drop, when compared with sea water which is saline and undrinkable book-knowledge or derived knowledge. Through the inter-action of the rays of the Sun, the salinity was removed and the water that floated into the sky became sweet and sustaining. Sadhana that turns the physical into the meta-physical is the solar action that confers potability.

Samadhi is a much-misunderstood word 

Deep sleep is often compared to Samadhi, for, the senses, the mind, the reason, are all absent therein; only the ego is immersed in itself. It is in bliss, but, it is not aware of that bliss, for, waking alone gives that knowledge. So, what can grant Realisation is the awareness of the waking stage and the bliss of the sleeping stage. Concentrate on the point, where one is having these two: that is the moment of victory.

Samadhi is a much-misunderstood word. It is freely misapplied. All kinds of emotional upsurges, attacks of hysteria, nervous breakdowns, neurotic fits are now extolled and exalted as "Samadhi"! Mark the word! It says Sama-Dhee, that is to say, balanced, unruffled intellect; that is, a discriminating reaction of equanimity, in the face of heat and cold, grief and joy, pain and pleasure, rejection or rejoicing. One who has attained that stage, or realised that he is the One without a second, will be indifferent to fear or favour, to hate or love, to exalt or execrate. Where there is One, how can even thought arise. That is the Sama-Dhee - the being, the awareness and the bliss.”

Swami flew to Pune on 4th January to inaugurate the Mahila Vibhag of Pune. He also addressed a huge gathering of devotees there. Swami blessed the Dharmakshetra school children and the Bal Vikas students who presented various cultural programmes at Dharmakshetra. He gave Discourses at Dharmakshetra to the various groups of Rotarians, artists, intellectuals, Seva Dal members, volunteers and Bal Vikas teachers on different days.

Sri Sathya Sai in Dharmakshetra - December 1971

During Swami’s stay at Bombay, a unique book was dedicated to Him by the members of the All India Prashanti Vidwan Mahasabha, Maharashtra branch. Swami left Bombay on 9th January.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)