Celebrations Galore at Prasanthi Nilayam - August 1995

 Tuesday, August 15, 1995 to Wednesday, August 23, 1995

From 15th August 1995 onwards, many special programmes were organised by different groups of devotees as their special offering to Bhagavan for His 70th Birthday due in November. The first of these events was a superb dramatic presentation by a group of Bal Vikas students from Germany. On August 16th and 17th, two Telugu films ‘Bhakta Ramdas’ and ‘Satya Harishchandra,’ were screened in the Divine Presence.

On Krishnashtami morning, 18th August 1995, Bhagavan gave Darshan clad in a yellow robe. All the cows of Gokulam proceeded to Sai Kulwant Hall led by the majestic Sai Geeta. Swami fed them with fruits. Bhagavan, in the course of His Discourse at Sai Kulwant Hall in the afternoon explained the nature of devotion to God and how the Gopikas were perfect examples of total devotion.

On 20th August, a mass marriage ceremony of 120 couples was arranged in the Divine Presence by the alumni of Anantapur campus. Bhagavan deeply appreciated the initiative of the ‘Messengers’ and He personally arranged for the other necessities required for the celebration. On 19th, He distributed the wedding clothes to the brides and the grooms. At 7 am on 20th morning, the priest conducted the marriage ceremony at Sai Kulwant Hall. After the ceremony Bhagavan went around the long rows of the couples and sprinkled Akshata (rice grains) on them. 

On 21st August 1995, the wives of the staff of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute, and the Lady teachers of the Secondary School, arranged for a Shashtiabhdapoorti (completion of 60 years of age considered auspicious in Indian culture) function of 70 poor and aged couples from Puttaparthi and the neighbouring villages. On 21st morning, Bhagavan blessed the couples individually after the function was over.

On 22nd August, a traditional Kanya Puja was performed for 150 young, unmarried girls in Sai Kulwant Hall. After the Puja, Bhagavan blessed the girls individually.

On the 23rd August, a ‘Divya Upanayana Mahotsavam’ for 560 boys was arranged in Sai Kulwant Hall by the Mahila Vibhag of Hyderabad Sathya Sai Samiti. After the main ritual of Gayatri Mantra initiation and the thread ceremony, Bhagavan went around the entire hall showering consecrated rice on them and blessing the vatus and their parents. The functions lasted nearly 3 hours and Bhagavan was on His feet throughout. In the Discourse, He said:

“Man today spends his life fully preoccupied with worldly concerns. Owing to attachment to the body; he forgets his true nature, is immersed in the affairs of the body as permanent and. makes bodily comforts his goal in life. These are the things which every individual experiences in daily life. If anybody accosts a person and asks him, "Who are you?", out of his identification with the body he gives his name in reply. In answer to further questions he introduces himself as a doctor, a farmer, or student, or the like. When the enquiry goes further, he identifies himself with his nationality as an American, an Indian, a Pakistani or so on. When you examine these answers deeply, you will find that none of them gives the truth. 

He got his name from his parents. It did not belong to him at birth. His identification with one or other of his professions is not true because he is not the profession. What, then, is the truth about him? "I am the Atma. That is my true Self." That is the truth. But people identify themselves with their names, professions and nationality and do not base their lives on the Atma. No driver of a car identifies with the car. Likewise the body is a car and the Atma is the driver. Forgetting one's true role as a driver, one is identifying one's self with the body, which is only a vehicle. 

This truth is emphatically brought out by the Gayatri Mantra. "Deha Budhyaat Daasoham" (From the standpoint of the body, I am your instrument, your servant). "Jeeva Budhyaat Tvadamshah" (In the context of the Jeeva, the individual soul, I am a spark of the Divine Thou). "Atma Budhyaat Tvameva-Aham" (In terms of the Atma I am yourself). When one views one's self from the Atmic standpoint, one is identical with the Divine. "I am you and you are me." 

Our life is a three-storeyed mansion 

Every man has thus three aspects. Our life itself is a three-storeyed mansion. The Brahmacharya (celibate) stage is the foundation of this mansion. After that, the stage of Grihastha (householder) is the first floor. Then you have the Vaanaprastha (retirement from the life of a householder) stage as the second floor. Finally, there is the stage of the Sanyasa (renunciant), consisting-the third floor. Thus, Brahmacharya is the foundation for the other three stages of life. The safety and security of the other three floors depend on the strength of the foundation, vis, Brahmacharya. Hence, Brahmacharya is the basic foundation. 

But, unfortunately this vital fact has been forgotten by people. They feel happy on seeing the super-structure. But the whole edifice may collapse at any time if the foundation is weak. When you feel happy at the sight of a tree and its flowers and fruits, you must be concerned about its roots. The unseen foundation is the basis for the visible mansion. The invisible roots are the basis for the visible tree. Likewise, the invisible Praana (Life-Breath or Force) is the basis for the visible body. Praana has no form, while the body has a form. There is, however, the Atmic principle which confers all the potencies for the Praana (Life Force). It is because of the power imparted by the Atma that the Life Force is able to activate the body. The body inherently is inert. It is made up of different kinds of material substances. 

Three potencies in every Human 

In the Gayatri Mantra the first line is: ‘Om Bhur Bhuva Suvah’. This Mantra is assumed to refer to three worlds, the earth, the middle world and Heaven - Swarga, the land of the gods. Bhu refers to the body. It is made up of Pancha Bhutas (five great, elements). These five elements constitute Prakriti (Nature). There is an intimate relationship between the body and Nature. The same five elements that are in the nature are also in the body. Bhuvah is the Praana Shakti (Life Force) that animates the body. Even if the Life Force exists, without Jnana (Awareness) the body will be of no use. It is on this account that the Vedas declared: "Prajnaanam Brahma" (Constant Integrated Awareness is Brahman). It is by the presence of Prajnaana that the Life Force is able to animate the body. The body represents inert matter. The Life Force operates in the body as a vibration. This Vibration derives its power from Prajnaana, which finds expression in radiation. 

Therefore, the body, the Life Force and the Prajnana are all within man. The entire cosmos is present in miniature within man. It is because of these three constituents that we are able to see the cosmos and experience many other things. Every potency is within us. The external is a reflection of the inner being. 

It follows from this that true Manavatvam (humanness) is Daivatvam (Divinity) itself. Hence, the Vedas declared that the divine appears in human form. Every human being is inherently Divine, but owing to his attachment to the body he' considers himself a mere man. How did this human body get animated by the Life Force? Whence has this Life Force come? It is from the Atma-Shakti (the power of the Self). Making use of this power of the Sell the Life Force carries out all activities. 

Triple Aspects of Gayatri 

Who is Gayatri? Gayatri is not a goddess. "Gayatri Chandasaam Mata" (Gayatri is the mother of the Vedhas) "Gaayantam Traayate Iti Gayatri" (Gayatri is that which redeems the chanter of the Mantra). Gayatri is present wherever the Mantra is chanted. Gayatri, however, has three names' Gayatri, Savitri, Saraswati. These three are present in everyone. Gayatri represents the senses. It is the master of the senses. Savitri is the master of Praana (Life Force). Many Bharatiyas are familiar with the story of Savitri who brought back to life her dead husband, Satyavaan. Savitri signifies truth. Saraswati is the presiding deity of Vaak (Speech). The three represent Trikarana Shuddhi (purity in thought, word and deed). Although Gayatri has three names, all the three are in each of us as the senses (Gayatri), the power of speech (Saraswati) and the Life Force (Savitri). 

Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence is called Pancha Mukhi. Is there anybody in the world with five faces? No. In the Ramayana, Ravana is said to have ten heads. If really he had ten heads, how would he be able to lie in his bed or move about? This is not the inner meaning of this description. He is said to be ten-headed because he was the master of the four Vedas and the six Shastras. Likewise, Gayatri is described as five-faced. The five faces are as follows. Om (the Pranava) is the first face. The Pranava Principle represents the Ashta-Aishvarya (eight different forms of wealth). The second face is: "Bhur Bhuva Suvah." The third is: "Tat-Savitur-Varenyam." The fourth is "Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi". The fifth face is: "Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat." When the Gayatri Mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us. 

Power of Gayatri Mantra 

The Gayatri Mantra has all the three elements which figure in the adoration of God description, meditation and prayer. The first nine words of the Mantra - "Om-Bhur-BhuvasSuvah-Tat-Savitur-Varenyam-Bhargo-Devasya" – represent the attributes of the Divine. Dheemahi pertains to Dhyana (meditation). "Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat" is the prayer to the Lord. The Mantra is thus a prayer to God to confer all powers and talents. "Sarva Roga Nivaarini Gayatri" (Gayatri is the reliever of all diseases). "Sarva Dukha Parihaarini Gayatri" (Gayatri wards off all misery). "Sarva Vaancha Phala Siddhi Gayatri" (Gayatri is the fulfiller of all desires). Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial. If the Mantra is chanted, various kinds of powers will emerge in one. 

Hence the Gayatri Mantra should not be treated casually. In our respiration process the sound of Gayatri is embedded. That sound is a reminder of our true form. In the breathing process, there is inhalation and exhalation. In the Yoga-Shastra, inhalation is termed Poorakam and the exhalation is called Rechakam. Holding the breath is called Kumbhakam. When air is inhaled, the sound that is produced' is 'So-o-o.' When it is exhaled, the sound is 'Ham-m-m.' 'So-ham, Soham.' (Bhagavan demonstrated how this happens while breathing in and out). 'So' is "that." 'Ham' is "I". "I am That," "I am Divine." Every breath proclaims this. The Vedas declared the same thing in the pronouncements: "Tat Tvam Asi" (That thou art), "Aham Brahmaasmi" (I am Brahman), "Ayam Atma Brahma" (This Self is Brahman). 

Gayatri is the Indweller

Don't imagine God is somewhere remote from you. He is within you. You are God. People want to see God. "Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma", say the scriptures. Truth. is God. Wisdom is God. Both these are present everywhere. They transcend the categories of time and place. Truth is that which is valid at all times – past, present and future. That truth is Gayatri.

Gayatri is thus the indweller in the Hridaya (heart). Hridaya contains the word Daya meaning compassion. There is compassion in every heart. But to what extent is it shown in real life? Very little. All the while only anger, jealousy, pride and hatred are displayed. These evil qualities are not natural to man. They are opposed to human nature. 

It has been declared that one who bases himself entirely on the mind is a demon. One who bases himself on the body is an animal. One who follows the Atma (the Self) is divinely endowed. One who relies on the body, the mind and the Atma is a human being. Humanness is the combination of the body; mind and Atma. Man should strive to ascend to the divine and not descend to the demonic or animal nature. 

How to remove insecurity and secure security? 

From today onwards parents should teach their children stories with morals. You all know in what a chaotic condition the world is today. Disorder and violence are rampant everywhere. Peace and security are not to be found anywhere. Where is peace to be found? It is within us. Security is also within us. How is insecurity to be removed and security secured? It is by giving up desires. In the language of the ancient Bhaaratheeyas this was termed Vairaagya (giving up attachment). This does not mean giving up home and family and retiring into the forest. It is reduction of wants. As a householder limit your desires to the needs of the family. As a student, stick to your studies. As a professional, adhere to the duties of your profession. Do not indulge in excesses of any kind. 

In the practice of the Gayatri Mantra, one should realise that everything is within one and thereby develop confidence in the Self. Man today is racked by numerous troubles because he has no confidence in the Sell The aspirant on the spiritual path is bound to face the troubles caused by the six enemies, lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and envy. He has to overcome them. 

Students! On an auspicious occasion like this, you should consider how you can lead an ideal life. Through faith in God, you have to sanctify the body. Without the body, you cannot experience the mind and the intellect. To achieve your ideals, the body is the instrument. It should be kept in proper condition. While the body is an instrument, the user of the instrument is the Self. All senses function because of the Aathma. The Aathma is the Witness to everything. It is also known as Conscious Self. It derives its sanction from the Divine. It is a fragment of the Divine. Every human being is a spark of the Divine, as declared in the Geetha. The human being is essentially Divine, but tends to forget his Divine origin. 

The Gayatri Mantra is enough to protect the person who chants it, because Gayatri embodies all the Divine potencies. It is an essential requisite for the young because it ensures a bright and auspicious future for them. The young students are the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Hence, they should develop pure and noble thoughts. The parents also should foster such a development. 

The Meaning of Upanayanam 

The Upanayanam ceremony is just over. The Gayatri Mantra has been imparted to you. You are wearing the sacred thread with three strands tied in one knot. The three strands represent Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara. They also represent the .past, the present and future. Upanayanam means being near to God. Nearness to God will enable you to get rid of your bad qualities and acquire virtues. 

The Vedas have emphasized three duties. Esteem the mother as God, the father as God and the preceptor as God. Bear this injunction in mind. Gratitude to your parents is your foremost duty. This is the lesson taught by Shri Rama. Love your parents and remember God. When you please your parents and make them happy, your entire life will be filled with happiness. Chant the Gayatri as often as possible. If you chant it while you take a bath, your bath gets sanctified. Likewise chant it before taking your food. The food becomes an offering to the Divine. Develop heartfelt devotion to God.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986 – 2005)

Namasmarana: Gateway To The Lord – By K. R. Raghavendra

For the bird in the mid-ocean flying over the dark, deep waters, the only resting place is the mast of the ship sailing across. So too, the name of the Lord is the mast for man. We must remember it forever. Moreover, Swami said, “The Nama (Name) is a Nava (boat) by which you can cross the ocean of life. So see to it that there springs no leak through Kama, Krodha, and the rest.” 

Swami beautifully brought out the significance and power of Namasmarana through a small story: 

Once there was a pilgrim who reached a jungle at nightfall. He found that he had to go through five miles of forest before he could get shelter in a village. He had a small lantern in hand. He lit it but found to his dismay that the flicker could light only up to a yard ahead of him. “How can I reach a destination that I cannot even see in this poor light?” he lamented. A wise man passed that way and saw his plight and said, “My dear fellow, carry that lantern along with you and walk on. You can then go five or even fifty miles.” 

So too, on a raft made of two logs, tied together, a man can safely cross the ocean. The instrument may be small, but the work it can do may be out of proportion to its size. A small torch will help a man to pass through a thick forest. So, do not think the name of the Lord is just a matter of a syllable or two. Though small, through it, the principle of Divinity can be realised. A tiny seed contains within itself the potency to produce a huge tree. 

The Shastras say that in Krita Yuga, man was able to achieve liberation through Dhyana (Meditation), in the Treta Yuga, through Yagna (Ritual sacrifice), in the Dwapara Yuga, through Archana (Worship) and in this Kali Yuga through Namasmarana (Constant contemplation on the name of the Lord). Such is the power of Namasmarana. But, Swami said, “It isn’t enough if you know the glory of the name. It would be like the knowledge of the vitamin that a tablet contains. That knowledge cannot cure. Swallow it, let it be assimilated, and then the tablet will cure.” Mere exercise for the tongue is no good. Feelings too must saturate the name and the brain must constantly remind one of the meanings of the name. Then the joy is complete. I would like to share some of my personal experiences in this context. 

Once, when my grandfather carne from Bukkapatnam to Puttaparthi on foot to have Swami’s Darshan in 1950. Swami once mentioned to him, “Mee kutumbamloni Varandaru Naa Bhaktulu Avutaru,” which means that all the members of your family will be My devotees and as per the Lords words it became absolutely true. 

Around 1981-82, when my parents’ marriage was fixed, my father came from Hindupur to Puttaparthi for Swami’s Darshan. After his arrival, he had Darshan of our Lord. While coming back, he travelled three or four kilo meters, when his vehicle hit a stone on the way, as a result of which he somersaulted and his head got badly injured and became unconscious. Even so, he recovered soon, which I think is due to the Love of Swami and also the Akhanda Ram Bhajan being conducted by my grandfather at home that time. 

The above incidents remind me of Swami’s saying, “Take one step towards Me and I will take a hundred towards you.” 

After joining Swami’s school, I prayed to Swami that He should talk to me. I prayed many a time from the depth of my heart. I thought, “God’s delays are not His denials.” The first term got over. In the second term, though I forgot about it completely, the Lord remembered. One evening, at around 4:45 p.m, on ‘Bakrid’ Day of 2005, Swami asked me to distribute Prasadam. Some students took the vessels containing Prasadam and came near Swami. Seeing those students, I also went to get some vessels to distribute Prasadam. Suddenly, the person in charge of Prasadam distribution told me to go to Bhajan hall to distribute Prasadam to students inside the Bhajan hall. Luckily, Swami entered Bhajan hall just 5 minutes before. As per instructions, I directly went to distribute without going near Swami and suddenly Swami called me and asked, “Emi?” I answered, “Swami, Prasadam.” Swami asked, “Bhajanavarika?” I nodded my head. Swami saw me for some time and called two ladies and instructed me to pass two vessels of Prasadam to them. That is how Bhagavan fulfilled my desire that Swami should talk to me. 

I would like to conclude with a prayer: 

“O Lord!
Let these lips be one which pray to Thee,
Let this tongue be one, which chants Thy name,
Let this mind be one, which remembers Thee,
Let this body be one, which serves Thee.”

- K. R. Raghavendra

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Nandana 2005 (80th Birthday Offering)

And The Greatest Is Love – By K. P. K. Chaitanya

“God is neither distant nor distinct from you.”

Long, long ago my parents were the devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. Even my grandparents were staunch devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. My grandfather was a Telugu pundit in Nellore. He was well known in Nellore as Shastri Sir. One day my grandfather heard of the great glories of Swami and also came to know about the new college built by Bhagavan. My grandfather had a desire to be a Telugu lecturer in Swami’s college. So he came to Puttaparthi. He had to stay here for four days. For three days he tried to ask Swami but in vain. On the fourth day’s morning, Swami came near him but didn’t say anything and simply walked away. My grandfather thought that now it was better for him to go away and leave for Nellore feeling disheartened. The bus was to leave at 6 pm. So he decided to try for the final time, during the afternoon Darshan. He managed to get a place in the first line. Swami came near him, talked to him about the matter and called the Principal of the Higher Secondary School. After talking to him, Swami finally selected my grandfather to be the Telugu lecturer for the Higher Secondary School. Thus the seed of devotion was sown in my grandparents’ hearts. As mentioned, my parents too were devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. One day my father read about the great Leelas of Sai Baba and was very much influenced by His Divinity. During that year, in 1991, my father was transferred from Madras to Bombay and then to Gujarat, as he was a government servant. He was a technical assistant in textiles department. When he was in Gujarat, he came to know a lot about Swami and His wonderful miracles through some of his friends, who were devotees of Swami. The more his love for Swami grew, the more distant he became physically from Swami. Once in a year all of us used to visit Puttaparthi to have His Divine Darshan. It was tough particularly because the entire journey used to take two and a half days and moreover my father did not have much leave from his work. 

One day during the Darshan, when he got a place in the first line, Swami came near him and talked to him about his personal matters and afterwards when he asked Swami about his transfer, Swami said that he would get transferred by the end of November. The very same thing happened, but he got transferred to Hyderabad only temporarily, that is for a period of one and a half years only. But it is due to Swami’s Grace that now three years have passed and he has still not received his transfer orders. Whatever Swami says will surely come true. We may not know when but it is certain. So whatever He says we have to follow by the word and that is enough. This is how my parents came into Swami’s fold. 

As for myself, because of my parents and grandparents, I have been exposed to Swami and His teachings since I was a small boy. When I was young, I used to be very naughty. But now, as a student Swami’s very own school, I realised how an ideal Sai student must behave. When I was in the Primary school, I was still a very naughty boy. Despite several requests and punishments, I did not change my behaviour.  I could not get accustomed to the life here. Due to my own mistakes, I was asked to leave the school. It was then that I realised how important it is to study here and that there cannot be any greater punishment than being asked to leave Swami’s school. After going to Gujarat, I faced several problems from all sides - from my friends, locality and from many others, even for any silly mistakes. What I had to learn here, I learnt it from the outside world the hard way. Here the teachers plead, request you to be good but outside, they thrash you and punish you to make you good. Such was my life after I was asked to leave Swami’s school.  

But finally when I was unable to bear, and when I cried out for my beloved Mother’s help, She (Swami) whose love is equal to that of a thousand mothers I came to my rescue. After a few days, my grandfather unexpectedly sent an application form for me. I applied for admission once again and today I am once more blessed to be a student in Swami’s school. I have been waiting for this opportunity for the last five years. Today I feel very proud to identify myself as a Sai student. Whatever Swami does is for our own good. If you can’t learn in one way, He will teach you in another. I was taught, unfortunately, the other way. The dream of my life at this age is to study in Swami’s school and present myself as an ideal Sai student by following and practicing His teachings and by spreading His message of love. I shall do it and make myself an instrument in Swami’s mission under proper guidance of His hand-picked teachers, my most loving brothers and most importantly my dearest and most beloved Mother Sai.

- K. P. K. Chaitanya

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Nandana 2005 (80th Birthday Offering)

Love and Serve the Motherland

There are so many changes in the educational front. Some leaders have plans which are quite irrelevant. They are after so many permutations and combinations in subjects like mathematics and science, economics and science, economics and mathematics, etc. In fact these are special disciplines. We may have such combinations. They think that we have got enough lecturers who will be able to implement this interdisciplinary approach. But do we have qualified teachers? We don’t have them. When we don’t have qualified teachers how do you expect students to learn? So to begin with, we need qualified teachers in the country. In our University, all efforts are made to train good teachers. When teachers are good, students also will be good. So good and bad depends on the teachers. 

Pollution Everywhere

We should not run after the changes, alteration or modifications. Because of the constant changes that we bring in relation to our health and our body, we fall sick. Earlier most of the items were made out of clay - mud pots and earthenware. Today, all the potteries are replaced by the usage of stainless steel utensils. We also find plates which are totally different, and these plates lead to contamination and make us fall sick. Now we also make use of plastic bags. Plastic will never go, wherever you throw it, it remains like that. These plastic bags remain like that even for couple of years and because of the plastic which is dropped as wastage, it leads to soil pollution.  And all eatables also get spoilt leading to food pollution. Thus, because of the constant changes we find pollution everywhere. 

Live in the Present – The Omnipresent

Therefore in the field of education, we should not bring about constant changes and we should not imitate anybody. You should also understand that the present Ananda - bliss that you experience here will follow you in future too. You can be blissful in the future too. People are very much interested in their future. What is future? It is based on the past. Don’t brood over the past and don’t worry about future. Past is past. Don’t worry about it or think about it. Past is past, forget the past. Present is important. Present is omnipresent. Therefore we should live in the moment and follow the present. It is only the Sathya Sai University that has got its curriculum and academic courses designed based on the moment – here and now; based on the present. Do not change the Sathya Sai Education System. The Sathya Sai Education System will ensure a bright future ahead of you, though it may appear to be a life of continuous work. 

Bhagavan always says - Help ever, hurt never. Never hurt anybody. We should not hurt anybody. Either we think of the past, or of the future and thus we ruin the present. In fact, you cannot always expect to be happy in the future. Past is past. What extent were you happy then? You are very happy in the present right now. You have sufficient money, no dearth. There is no change in your attitudes. Right now you are in perfect steady-mindedness. The mind right now is blessed. Earlier it was a dirty mind. There is a change in man because of the mind. Parents also do not notice the nature of the mind. Parents also teach in such a way that we follow past or the future. In such a case, what is the use of all your efforts? They are all useless. 

Our students are progressing. They are coming up in life in the present. And these present students are right now ideals to the whole world. In the present you must have less luggage and more comfort and thus make your travel a pleasure. Don’t think of the past, not in the least. Past is past, forget the past. The past which is dead and gone will be of no use. We have to work for our progress living in the present, living in the moment. Just think of the greatness of the present. Living in the present, think of yourselves. What does ‘present’ mean in a class? It means that you are in the classroom. If you are not present, you will be marked absent. Naturally, when you are marked absent, you lose your value. Therefore, ‘present’ is important in every aspect of life. Bhagavan wants all of you to follow the present, enquire and investigate it.

Lead a Simple Life in Your Motherland

Today all elders are feeling very sad because the past was glorious. The past was good and in the present they don’t find that quality. In the past elders were respected. People were courteous to elders and extended hospitality. They prayed to all elders and they received the teachings from them as to how to lead one’s life. As we know at our homes, we have grandmothers. Grandmothers teach all subtle things, simple things, easily. Those days were very happy, extremely happy days. Therefore, it is said old is gold. They taught a noble path of life. Today, we don’t follow that righteous path taught by elders. We should take care that we don’t spoil or loose the traditions of the past and ruin the present. What is happening today? Wherever you go, you find conflict. People fight for every issue. There is no unity. There is no purity. There is no unity, only enmity everywhere. You may talk to anybody but the other person is always full of anger and fear. There is constant conflict. Therefore we should give up evil qualities like anger, jealousy, pomp and show. Once we give up these evil tendencies, we will be able to attain unity. 

Subhas Chandra Bose

What was the reason for Bose being driven out of India? It was only enmity that was the prime cause. The enmity is born out of selfishness. Out of utter selfishness, Bose was sent out of this country. But wherever he went, he served the society and community. Therefore, we need good and virtuous people in this land. Our teachers also said that we have students of very high quality who secure very high percentage. Why should they go abroad? They can serve this country as well. Instead of earning Rs. 10,000 abroad, it is better even if you earn Rs. 1,000 in this country – India. From the Rs. 10,000 that you earn there, half has to be spent for house rent and you have to pay heavily for lots of expenses. It is difficult even to get drinking water. For everything you have to pay. Even if you want to buy a banana fruit, you have to pay Rs. 10. How can you afford all such expenses abroad? How can you take care of your children? Instead, it is enough if you serve some food at home – rice and little chutney, children will be extremely happy. You can just live the path of simple life. But you want to strain yourself, you want to exert yourself, you want to go abroad and struggle hard there. 

Source: Discourse 14, My Dear Students Volume 2; Divine Discourse delivered on August 22, 2007

Journey Into Light – By N. Sai Adithya

Swami always says, “I am in you, with you, above you, around you, below you.” Swami has been with us from time immemorial, for many lives, even though we don’t know. However, when He chooses to show His presence He does it in the most inexplicable ways. We call them miracles but our Lord calls them His visiting cards. Every one of us has many such experiences, which stand as a testimony to how much Swami loves us, and cares for us. The following are a few experiences that took place in my family and I am grateful to Swami for all that He has done. 

It was the year 1992. My mother was twenty-eight weeks pregnant and went into premature labour. The doctors tried to avert the delivery for the fear that the foetus would die. Vibhuti was applied and the contractions stopped.  Again, at thirty- two weeks, she was hospitalized and they decided to deliver the baby.

The doctors administered medicines to my mother but the foetus reacted badly to the medicine and the heart stopped beating. The baby had to be delivered immediately. My grandfather had to administer the anesthetic and my father a doctor, had to assist the delivery as no one else was around. After two minutes, I was delivered lifeless.

My grandfather had to attend my mother first. By that time, forty minutes had passed since my heart had stopped beating. I was small, bluish grey in colour, not breathing and without any heart beats. My grandfather rubbed my heart and pushed oxygen into my lungs to try and get my heart beating. He was praying to Swami for help. After five minutes, he heard an inner voice saying, “Let go! What are you trying to do, create a monster in the house?” He realized what it meant, you may get the heart beating, but you cannot give life to a dead brain. My grandfather managed to get the heart beating to half the normal rate. But my body colour did not change. Everyone was chanting “Sai Ram” continuously. I was kept in an intensive care crib.

My father went home, prayed to Swami, and lit an incense stick in the prayer room. Swami showed His presence there. The ash from the burnt incense stick remained stiff, without falling, in the shape of letter ‘S’. At the hospital, they could smell whiffs of jasmine around the crib.

Overnight, some ‘mysterious hand’ had pulled out the feeding tube. When my grandfather came at 5:00 am, I had no limb movement. My grandfather did not re-insert the feeding tube, but took me to my mother. Miraculously I began drinking milk and my limbs began to move.

I slowly improved and went home on the fifth day. For the next few months the CD with Swami chanting the Gayatri Mantra was played round the clock. The following week my grandfather came to Prashanti Nilayam and thanked Swami. He asked Swami to name the child as He had given the life. Swami took my photo, which was clicked when I was a few days old, and wrote ‘Sai Adithya’ on its back.    

From the time I was very young, I used to feel sad while leaving Prashanti Nilayam. I used to tell Swami about this and ask Him whether I could study in His school. He would say, “Not now”. The time was not ripe.

Then in October 2003, I came to Puttaparthi with my parents for about three weeks. The day came for us to leave. We were leaving at about 5 pm, which meant we would have to get up just before the Bhajan. When Swami came in His golf cart in the verandah He signaled to my father with His hand that He would come back and see him. My father was still seated when the Bhajan started. I was wondering what was going on, because sitting on the side I did not know the happenings on the verandah.

After the Aarti Swami got into the golf cart and then saw my father and asked us to go for the interview. I got up and went inside. Swami asked me if I wanted to join the school in the sixth class. I replied in the affirmative. He told me to come in the last week of May and He would make me join the school.

In April 2004, I left my school in Australia and came to Prashanti Nilayam at the end of May. Two weeks went by but Swami did not say anything. I became very sad. One day I broke down and cried for a long time. Within a few days, on 22 June we received a phone call saying that Swami had asked me to join the school on Monday 24 June, being an auspicious day. Thus on 24 June 2004 I entered the portals of His school.

When I was in seventh class, Swami asked my father what I wanted to do when I grew up. My father thought for a while and then said that I wanted to do medicine. Swami became extremely happy and smiled. So, it was decided that I would be a doctor. It was possible for me to do math or biology after tenth class and then do medicine. I wanted to ask Swami for guidance.                   

During the Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam, I dozed off during the study hours. In my dreams, I was sitting on the stage in the stadium during the proceedings. Swami got up from His chair and walked towards me. I got up and asked Swami whether to do Math or Biology. Swami was about to answer when my dream abruptly ended as the teacher had woken me up. I felt a little sad but soon forgot about it.

As the New Year dawned, I decided to ask Swami as soon as possible as to what subject to take in eleventh class. On the night of January 2, I had a dream. I was sitting outside when someone informed me that Swami wanted to see me. I got up and ran inside a room where Swami was seated on a chair. This room did not look like the interview room. I asked, “Swami, math or biology?” Swami replied, “Biology”. Then Swami said something in Telugu and I told Swami, “You know that I don’t know Telugu, Swami.” Then Swami said in English that I could get better marks. So, I decided to take Biology in eleventh class. 

These few instances show how Swami guides us in our lives always. He knows what is best for us even if we may not think so. Swami is always there to guide and help us whether it is physically or through other means. He is our best friend and we should learn to talk to Him in heart. If we do this, He will respond and we will be uplifted. One must not waste this opportunity to be with God. One’s life should be made such that this will be the last and he will merge back into Him.

When I was very small, Swami created a chain for me. The pendant was a leaf with an image of Sai Krishna on it. I soon started to chew the pendant as I was still small and it developed into a habit. However much my parents tried to stop me, I would not. One day the pendant broke off the chain. It was then that I realized my mistake but it was too late. 

In the next few interviews we had, my mother would show Swami the pendant and ask Him to fix it. Finally, Swami told me to keep it at home and told me, “Krishna is in your heart.” This teaches us that God is inside us and we need not go searching for Him. He is always within us, guiding and guarding us. Once we realize this, we will be free from the cycle of birth and death.  

- N. Sai Adithya

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Chandana 2010 (85th Birthday Offering)

The Triple Formula for India's Wellbeing

How had the British captured our country at that time? Our population then was 480 million. When? 50 years back. How many people from Britain had come? Taking into account all the people of all the classes, they were not even 5 million. Such a small number of people conquered such a big country like India with such huge population. How? Indians had cheated themselves for money. They submitted themselves for the sake of money. They had become lazy dull heads. Thus they swallowed the whole of India as if it was an Idli! Our men were like mighty elephants. Just as an elephant does not know its strength, the Indians also didn’t know their strength. A mighty elephant submits itself to the iron rod of the mahout. Why? Because it is not aware of its intelligence. Likewise every man and student has got lots of power and energy. You can achieve anything in any amount of time. If you will it, you will certainly do it. You can achieve anything. But man is not making any attempt to bring out that latent energy stored in him. If a bird wills, it can fly miles and miles at a stretch. If it does not want to fly it cannot go forward. Ant, even though it is very small it can walk miles and miles. 

The Experience of Tyagaraja

It was Tyagaraja who said, “Rama you are in an ant and even in Brahma, You are in Shiva and Keshava. You have installed Yourself there, full of love. Please protect me.” Who are Shiva and Keshava? Man himself is Shiva and Keshava. The one with life is Shiva (auspicious), the one without life is Shava (corpse). Everything is Divine power – walking, talking, reading, writing; everything is Divine.

At one time the same Tyagaraja was disgusted. The elder brother of Tyagaraja, Raghunatha, had thrown the idol of Rama into the river Kaveri. Tyagaraja said, “Rama, why should I suffer? Don’t I have devotion towards You? Is it that You don’t have any power in You? If I have devotion, would You ever leave me? If You had the power, would You have made me suffer?” He gave a scope for ego to creep into him. He felt, ‘Rama has no power. I have devotion and always think of You. I worship You throughout the day, every moment. Thus I have devotion. But You have no power Rama.’ It is said, ‘When one cannot dance properly, he will blame the drum!’ Then he prayed later. He realised that he had committed a mistake. Rama is highly powerful. Then he said, “Will a monkey be able to cross the ocean? Can he ever be tied to a mortar? Will the consort Lakshmi Devi love Him? Will Lakshmana serve Him? Will the highly intelligent Bharata serve You? How mighty is the glory and strength of Rama?” He continued to think, ‘How could a monkey cross the ocean? That monkey could cross the ocean only because it chanted Your name, Rama. Who is Lakshmi? She is the Goddess of wealth whom everyone worships. There is none who does not worship Lakshmi Devi. Even a mad one will pray for wealth! Will such a Lakshmi Devi love You? If You had no power why should she serve You? How great is Your strength Rama! We are fools that we don’t realise Your strength. My feeling is so narrow, thus I could collect only that much of Your grace. Let me widen my thinking and I will receive more grace from You.’

Importance of Culture

God is love. Live in love. If you have to fill your heart and mind with God’s love than you must widen the vessel of your heart to receive it. The mistake is in the education system that is making the heart and mind narrow. There are no moral, spiritual and ethical values taught to the students. A scholar of ancient wisdom has a son. The boy has learnt all the daily prayers such as Sandhya Vandanam, Gayatri Mantram, etc. from his fathers and does them every day. Tell me your company and I shall tell you what you are. The boy had bad company at one point of time. The bad company made him ask his father that he be sent to America because his friends were also going. The father said, “Son you cannot follow our tradition and culture over there. If you start offering prayers over there people will make fun of you and laugh at you. Better you don’t go.” But the foolish fellow was determined to go. He was the only son. Attachments to wealth (Dhaneshana), wife (Dhareshana) and child (Putreshana) will strangle man to death. Out of disgust the father conceded to the son’s request. He went to Delhi, got his passport and visa. He got them both and was to leave next day. The father said, “Son, wherever you may go, our family deity is there. You should think of our family deity always. Chant the Gayatri Mantra every day. Never forget it any day.”  He wanted to reach America some way or the other as if it was verily heaven! There is nothing worse than such adoration for a foreign land. India is such a virtuous and sacred land. It is the land of redemption, liberation and sacrifice. Elsewhere life is very artificial. He wanted to go and experience. The father took a promise from his son that he must offer his morning and evening prayers every day (Sandhya Vandanam), whatever maybe the situation at that time and also told him that he must never forget the family deity. He made a promise because he was in a hurry to go. He spent five years in America. He even forgot the language of his country. He couldn’t speak in Telugu which was his mother tongue on the phone when he called up his parents. He was speaking some unknown language. Mother didn’t know this language since she was a lady of tradition. He told his father on the phone in English that he wanted to stay there for five more years. He hadn’t completed the study for which he had gone all the way there. He was only spending the money sent to him by his parents. It is said in Telugu, ‘A barber who has no work to do starts shaving the head of a cat!’ Since he didn’t find anybody there, so a cat became his client! The boy was spending the time like this. His father sent a telegram stating that his mother was very serious; otherwise the son wouldn’t have returned. Out of fear whether father would send money or not, he came back. The parents were happy that their son was back. In every letter he used to write all lies that he was remembering the Gayatri. The father received him at the airport. 

He took his son to the temple of Kali as he had done it before the son left. He wanted the blessings of Kali before they reached home. When the father asked the son do Namaskara to Kali, the boy said “How are you Madam?” to Mother Kali! The father was shocked at what the son had picked up there. He got angry and said that he was not his son and told him to get out of his sight. Couldn’t the son have said Devi or Goddess? Instead he went and said ‘Madam’. Is this human quality? These are the qualities of a demon. 

You cannot be a human in spite of all your education. The students are becoming like this today. First of all, moral values must be imbibed into a child. Without them, there is no life at all. The country is full of problems because of the absence of morality in society. What is needed today is ‘Daiva Preeti, Paapa Bheeti, Sangha Neeti’ – Love for God, Fear of sin and Morality in Society. Inspite of your high education, never lose faith in God. The person who has lost faith in God is equal to a corpse. The skin of a dead tiger is useful. There are some people who eat the flesh of some dead animals. Their skin is also useful for making footwear. But after the death of a man his body is worthless and useless. The skin is useless. In this human life, you must earn a good reputation for yourself. Lead an ideal life. You can acquire this reputation by increasing you love for God and only God. That love will encompass everything.  

 

Source: Discourse 6, My Dear Students Volume 4; Divine Discourse delivered on August 18, 1996 at Prasanthi Nilayam

Sai Student - The Process of Transformation - By Sri S.V. Giri, IAS (Retd.)

Sri S.V.Giri with Sri Sathya Sai

The system of Integral Education implemented in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning aims at the harmonious development of the body, mind and the spiritual awareness of the students to make them energetic, sensitive and well-rounded personalities, who at the same time are fully aware of their social responsibilities. While establishing the nucleus college of the University, Bhagavan Baba declared: “This College has not been established just to prepare you for earning degrees. The main purpose is to help you to cultivate Self-knowledge and self-confidence so that each one of you can learn self-sacrifice and Self-realisation. Our hope is that by your lives, you will be shining examples of spiritual awareness and its beneficial consequences to the individual and to the society.” This forms the Mission Statement for the Sri Sathya Sai system of Integral Education. The entire process of teaching-learning at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is based on the pattern of the Gurukula system of yore adapted to the modern context. It is so much more helping the students to learn than the conventional teaching by way of imparting information. The process of transformation which the students go through in a period of three to five years of their stay at the Institute is a sheer delight to watch. Adi Shankara in ‘Viveka Chudamani’ employs a striking simile – a butterfly emerging out of its cocoon after an intense struggle. If, instead of allowing it to struggle and find its own emergence, it is physically pulled out of the cocoon, though with the good intention of facilitating its emergence, it won’t be a full fledged butterfly.

The relevance of such a system of education to meet the current challenges hardly needs emphasis. In the report of the Delors Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century, an eloquent statement has been made of the conflicts of entering a global society of the 21st century, unable at the same time to think in global terms; marked by scientific breakthroughs but lacking in wisdom and compassion to apply them creatively; knowledge expanding but wisdom languishing. The Commission has stressed the need for a holistic educational philosophy, and a plea for love and compassion, caring and charity, and friendship and cooperation. Envisaging four pillars of education for the 21st century, the Commission spells out the tasks of education: “If it is to succeed in its tasks, education must be organized around four fundamental types of learning which, throughout a person’s life, will in a way be the pillars of knowledge: learning to know, that is acquiring the instruments of understanding; learning to do, so as to be able to act creatively on one’s environment; learning to live together, so as to participate and co-operate with other people in all human activities; and learning to be, an essential progression which proceeds from the previous three. Of course, these four paths of knowledge all form a whole, because there are many points of contact, intersection and exchange among them.

Yet formal education has traditionally focused mainly, if not exclusively, on learning to know and to a lesser extent on learning to do. The other two are to a large extent left to chance, or assumed to be the natural products of the former two. The Commission believes that equal attention should be paid in all organised learning to each of these four pillars, so that education is regarded as a total experience throughout life, dealing with both understanding and application, and focusing on both the individual and the individual’s place in society.”

Vice Chancellor Sri S.V.Giri with Revered Founder Chancellor and Chief Guest President Abdul Kalam - SSSIHL Convocation Day 2002

Bhagavan Baba, while delineating the true role of Education and the methodology of acquiring real knowledge went well beyond even these four learnings and emphasized the need to put into practice the Universal Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace and Non-violence, all suffused with unconditional and selfless Love. Speaking on the role of the Educational System in building the right values, He observed as early as 25 years ago that Human Values are the need of the hour – not only in educational institutions but in every walk of life and throughout the world. Human Values cannot be promoted merely by repeating the words Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. The heart cannot be transformed by lessons in a classroom. The world cannot be changed by mere preaching. In all educational institutions, it is only through action and practical examples can the impulse for change be intensified. When teachers and elders practise disciplined and regulated life and when Human Values are fully imbibed by them, the students will automatically follow. Truth and Right Conduct should be adhered to with pure intentions. A righteous life leads to peace. Love is to be experienced in the depths of peace. Love should find expression in non-violence. The Sathya Sai System of Integral education addresses these concerns and gives a practical shape to practice these values in Day-to-day conduct.

Four important aspects of the system of Integral Education would need to be highlighted as fundamental to its functioning. First, the simultaneous development of the body, the mind and the spirit gets addressed by a three pronged strategy: concentrating on toning up the body, the mind and the intellect; and every activity aiming at their balanced development. As the ideals of youth, Bhagavan prescribes ‘the body of Hanuman, the hands of Janaka and the head of Shankara’. These ideals are reflected in the way subjects are taught and learned, the discipline of the hostel life and more specifically, in a very vital component in the curriculum aiming at making the student aware of his true divine self: the Awareness Course. This is in sharp contrast to the rest of the educational system of the rest of the country, which confines itself to the development of only one aspect of the mind and, to some extent, the body.

A precondition for meaningful spiritual development is the awareness of the Divinity as much in oneself as in others. That comes when one grows out of one’s small self into the larger Self – the all-encompassing unity of all living beings. In the Institute the students are encouraged to develop this perspective. All the courses of study at the Institute are residential. Students live in the hostels which purposely provide only dormitory type of accommodation. The benefit of such a pattern of living hardly needs elaboration. It is a miniature of the world outside, with people of different habits, temperaments, living styles, languages and outlooks staying and working together. In such a situation, adjustments are the order of the day and the student will have to develop an attitude of looking beyond his immediate self. 

In such an environment, a student learns, in Bhagavan’s words, how to, “move in the society such that neither do you come to grief nor put others to grief.” The premium is on developing the fine art of being able to live with one’s own principles and yet be able to reconcile with the points of view that are not his. The outcome is, in Benjamin Franklin’s words, to “be civil to all, familiar to few, friend to one and enemy to none.”

Third and equally important is the role of the teachers of the Institute – the teachers in general and the resident teachers in particular. Teachers in this University are selected with extreme care so that they not only impart knowledge in secular academic subjects, but also take an active part in moulding the character of the students. This is truer with the resident teachers of the hostel, on whom rests the responsibility of being the role models. These are all old students and are well equipped to guide the younger students through their stay. The resident teachers reside under the same roof as the students, moving about and living with them. There are no barriers between students and teachers. The students look upon the teachers with respect and do not hesitate to approach them for help, guidance, and general counselling. The latter, at the same time, conduct themselves in such a way as to be worthy of respect and esteem. 

Vice Chancellor S.V. Giri with the Revered Founder Chancellor at the entrance of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel

All these assume a certain character of their own in the backdrop of the strict discipline that is unique to the Institute’s functioning. This is the fourth aspect I wish to stress. Bhagavan Baba says, “The medium of instruction in this Institute is Discipline; the first, second and the third languages are Love, Service and Sadhana.” With passing days, the physical discipline evolves into a mental state, paving the way for higher levels of concentration and significant achievements. This is an important feature of hostel living. The system is so designed as to pack the timetable of the students with fruitful activity, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The emphasis is obviously on learning the value of time and also, the fine art of time management. Bhagavan Baba frequently cautions, “Time waste is life waste.” Is it not our daily experience that people who make haste are usually saving minutes after having wasted hours?

It is not as if the packed schedule keeps students away from developing their own talents. The hostel in fact is the crucible that has produced batches of highly gifted and talented musicians, sportsmen, singers, artists and several others with exquisite creative talents – all of whom found time to hone their talents purposefully, and all this without compromising on their academic performance. Festivals also find the students actively involved in preparations like dramatics, music programmes, dances, general arrangements etc. It is all a question of learning to value and manage time. Once the lesson of time management and value is learned, it pays rich dividends throughout life.

Vice Chancellor S.V. Giri with Revered Chancellor Sri Sathya Sai at the Annual Sports Meet at Hill View Stadium

The focused attention of the students shows in the sports field as well. The Annual Sports day in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is a great day marked by artistry, skill and team effort. Students, boys and girls alike, excel in feats which call for daring and a sense of adventure such as rock climbing, carabining, horse riding – tent pegging, cantering, galloping, show jumping - paragliding, skill riding and jumps on the motorcycles. All these are items which call for long periods of training and strenuous practice. Personally, I know how much practice and control it requires to ride a horse well, make it canter, gallop or take a jump. All these exercises were performed by our students with ease and aplomb and with minimal training. The students say that it is all due to Baba’s grace, and the single motivation is to please Bhagavan since He showers so much of love on them. Looking at the sports events, one will also appreciate that this is the best example of building team spirit and leadership skills in the students. They do not mind what slots are assigned to them. It may be a very insignificant role, but they perform it cheerfully and well. For the number of students in the field, there is an equal number in the back up services. The latter are the silent workers who set everything in order for the sportspersons to perform. Occasions are not infrequent when the roles get reversed and the on-field performers withdraw and quietly merge in the backup services and vice-versa. This strengthens their sense of equanimity and detachment without compromising excellence – no matter what you perform, what matters is how you perform. The comparison is not with peers, but with one’s own self – was the task performed to the best of one’s ability? This is true Nishkama Karma in action.

Under the watchful eye of the Revered Chancellor, Vice Chancellor S.V.Giri distributing clothes to the SSSIHL Students before the commencement of Annual Grama Seva

Sports field is only one instance. Another exercise of enormous spiritual significance, which also calls for a high degree of well-coordinated teamwork, is Grama Seva. Bhagavan says that His students are His only property, and showers His boundless grace on them. He gives them several opportunities to learn to perform selfless service – from participating in Prasadam distribution in the Mandir to the far more complex and demanding annual exercise of Grama Seva. This exercise covers hundreds of villages; fanning out in different directions to reach places as far as 40 kms over difficult terrain, distributing clothing and food to every family at its doorstep and returning just in time for the afternoon Darshan. The entire exercise is a great essay in, social work, management, and spirituality. While the tasks involved are numerous and complex, they are planned and executed with precision and thoroughness applying sound principles of management. All the actions were undertaken in a spirit of worship. 

Sri S.V. Giri with SSSIHL Students in the village during the Grama Seva 

Each one of the students had the opportunity to visit a large number of villages and see rural life firsthand. Bhagavan is emphatic that the food should be distributed right at the doorsteps of the people, as a gesture of love. The impact of the experience is profound and lasting for both the giver and the recipient. The feelings of empathy elevate the exercise to a spiritual level as an exercise in practical Vedanta. Where else can you see this type of social service? Swami demonstrates how any Seva, big or small, needs to be rendered – its conception, planning, execution, spirit of service, and social consciousness; and above all, with purity in thought, word and deed. It is a great learning experience to the students and there can be no doubt that this will make a fundamental difference to their perception of their responsibilities to the society and to the nation.

No wonder the chrysalis of a student emerges from his cocoon charged with a mission to give of his best wherever he happens to serve, to maintain his cool whatever be the provocation, and be of help to his brethren in whatever little way he can. Swami’s injunction to His students is “Do not attempt to change the world; you transform yourself”. Implied in this statement is that their perception of the world will change and the unified effort of many will eventually change the world. 

Vice Chancellor S.V.Giri, Revered Founder Chancellor, and Chief Guest Prime Minister Vajpayee on SSSIHL Convocation Day 1998

Before I conclude, I would like to refer to some happy experiences conveyed to us at the Institute by the organizations employing its alumni. Interestingly, the alumni happen to work in clusters in organizations of repute. It is like a crystal growth, accretions taking place steadily after the formation of one crystal. In a recent Conference of Eminent Educationists held in Prasanthi Nilayam in 2005, a senior participating manager [HR] came out with very interesting observations. He stated that when the company carried out its assessment of the candidates who were interviewed for recruitment on the basis of the five important criteria: sincerity and dedication and high performance levels, long-term commitment to the organization, high level of integrity, team spirit not individual star and ability to bring about change in the value system of the organization, the company found that the candidates from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning were head and shoulder above their counter parts from other educational institutions. Eighty five percent of the total number of candidates who appeared from this institute could get the first two grades. A thoroughgoing professional assessment of the Institute and the quality of education imparted therein was made by the Peer Team of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 2002. After studying the functioning of the Institute in great detail and a meeting with the students, the Team had this to say: “The Peer Team without hesitation records here that this meeting with the students was refreshing and illuminating and at the same time satisfying to see each of the students fully charged with a mission to translate all thoughts and training into action on entering the world of work.”

A disciplined devotee, able administrator and humble human being walking in the footsteps of His Divine Master - Vice Chancellor S.V.Giri with the Revered Founder Chancellor on SSSIHL Convocation Day 2004

As I conclude, there is a compelling thought. The history of civilizations shows unambiguously that their vitality in no way relates to thier geographical expansion and technological innovation, but this has to be achieved by means of a higher culture which comes very close to implementation of those heavenly laws whereby man conquers the self and wins the heart of others through love and service. At the beginning of the new millennium, the country is at the crossroads. The choice is whether we go further the same way the richer countries have gone about with crass materialism as the dominant thrust or adjust our course keeping steadily in view our hoary past, rich and noble traditions and a humane culture. The famous French Philosopher, Montesquieu said that great leaders build institutions in the first instance and thereafter the institutions build the leaders. Bhagavan Baba has built these institutions and is continuing to shape them to send out students as His messengers of transformation. It is my conviction that the students of the Institute will be the fit instruments of transformation spreading across the globe the message of Love espoused by Bhagavan Baba.

About the Author

Vice Chancellor Sri S.V. Giri being felicitated by Revered Founder Chancellor on the culmination of his term - February 2005

Sri Sethuraman V Giri served as the sixth and the longest-serving Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning from August 1998 to February 2005. He was a career bureaucrat of the Indian Administrative Service (Andhra Pradesh cadre). Before his retirement, he served the Government of India as Education Secretary and later as the Central Vigilance Commissioner. He served as Director, Sathya Sai World Foundation from 2005 to 2010; and Member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust from 2010 to 2015. He merged at the Divine Lotus Feet on August 12, 2021.

Source: Vidyagiri: Divine Vision 2006