Thought For The Day
________________________________________________________________________________________
On
one occasion, a competition was arranged among
the gods for selecting the leader of the
ganas (troops of demigods who are
attendants of S'iva). Participants had to
go round the world quick and come back to the
feet of Lord S'iva. The gods started off
on their own vehicles; the elder son of
S'iva also enthusiastically entered the
competition.
Nevertheless, Nârada was able to assuage his anger. He drew forth from S'iva's son the cause of his predicament and his desire to win. Nârada consoled him, exhorted him not to yield to despair, and advised him thus: "Râma -the name- is the seed from which the gigantic tree called the universe has emanated. So, write the name on the ground, go round it once, and hurry back to S'iva, claiming the prize." He did so and returned to his father. When asked how he returned so soon, he related the story of Nârada and his advice. S'iva appreciated the validity of Nârada's counsel; the prize was awarded to the son, who was acclaimed as Ganapati. (Master of the Ganas) and Vinayaka (leader of all).
Discourse of Sathya Sai Baba, Madakasira, 25 November 1959
Though this area and this town are not new to Me, this is the first time that most of you are seeing Me. When a few more dishes are prepared, it becomes a festival day. So, when the district athletic competitions are held here, it is a festival for the boys and students as well as for parents and others interested in the welfare of the country. You have all put on a glad face forgetting the daily drudgery. You have witnessed the competitions and the games and enjoyed the keenness and enthusiasm of the participants. The students sitting before us are the instruments with which the India of tomorrow is to be shaped. Their teachers, who are also here, are indeed lucky; for destiny has allotted them the noble task, the golden chance, to serve the interests of the people in the pleasant manner, spending their time in the company of innocent fresh children.
The father, the mother and teacher are the three primarily responsible for moulding the future of the country. Of these, the teacher plays the most important role for he is specially trained and selected for the job; he voluntarily takes it up and therefore must carry it out to the best of his ability without demur; he is implicitly trusted by the child, the parents and the public alike and the trust must be repaid by honest service. He is honoured and respected by the children and the public as the Guru, with all the hallowed associations of that word. He may be poor, uncared for by the men at the top, but the satisfaction he gets by his quiet creative work is enough compensation.
The Teacher should himself follow the Advice he gives
The teacher should never curse his pupils whatever the provocation; he must always bless them. If he swears like a boor, he reduces himself to the level of a boor. He should watch his behaviour rigorously and find out whether there is some habit or trait which if imitated y the pupil will be harmful. He should himself follow the advice that he gives. Otherwise, he will be teaching hypocrisy to the little children and encouraging them to acquire the cleverness not to be found out. It sheer mental weakness and cowardice that allows hypocrisy to develop. If you have the courage to face the consequences, you will never utter falsehood. The teacher should not try to rule through the easier means of fear, for that is full of dangerous consequences to the pupils. Try rather the path of love.
Teachers should themselves take to the discipline of Japam and Dhyaanam (repetition of the Lord's name and mediation); this will give them the inner quiet they sorely need. They should create an atmosphere of plain living and high thinking, for pupils unconsciously accept them as heroes and begin imitating them. They should hand over to the rising generation the riches that past generations have amassed, viz., the spiritual disciplines and the discoveries. Learn them yourselves and teach them to the pupils under your care. This will enable you to discharge the debt due from you to the Rishis (sages) of old. I know that when you sow bitter seeds you cannot grow sweet grain. Yet, there are certain thing a possible even under the limitations of the present curricula and course of study.
Be grateful to the Village where you were born
The unmistakable sign of rain is the wetness of the ground; so too, the sign of a person who has had some years of schooling is good manners; he must have humility and know that the field of knowledge is so vast that the has been unable even to touch its fringe; he must be aware if his kinship with all mankind and he must show a keenness to do service to others, at all times, gladly, and without desire for publicity. The educated boy must move with others in a free and friendly way. God is the moving force in every one. He is behind all good impulses and useful attitudes. You are all separate beads strung together on that one thread, God. So hatred is ugly, unnatural and inhuman; it is against the very core of love that is in every one.
Always respect another's opinion and another's point of view. Do not start a quarrel at the slightest difference of opinion. He may be right and you may be wrong. Ponder over his argument; he might have had the advantage of knowing more about the subject or you may be prejudiced either for or against; or he may not know as much as you. All differences of opinion are not due to personal hatred, remember.
Above all, I must tell you one thing. Honour your parents and the villagers among whom you grow up. Be grateful to the parents for all the care and sacrifice they undergo for you sake. Be grateful also to the village where you first saw the light. What good is it if after being born in one place and bred in the cradle of its love, you run away somewhere and make that new place better? Always turn your attention to your village and think of ways and means of bettering its lot. That is the gratitude you must show.
Start the spiritual Pilgrimage early in Life
By all means, master the subjects prescribed in you curriculum of studies; but along with them, study also the principles of Sanaathana Dharma (eternal universal religion). Do not give it up as Sanaathana (old), coming down from very ancient times. It has stood the test of centuries and is capable of giving you joy and peace even today. It is like a very loving grandmother, anxious and capable of feeding you with nice good dishes. You will not allow such a grandmother to die of neglect, will you?
There was once a miser who lived in a leaky house; the rainwater poured into the house through the roof but he sat through it all. Neighbours laughed at him and warned him to get the roof repaired. But in the rainy season he replied, "Let the rains subside, how can I repair it now?" And when the rains stopped, he replied, "Why should I worry about leaks now the rains have stopped?" Do not suffer the leaks when the rains come, as they are sure to do; repair the roof now itself. That is to say, acquaint yourselves with the spiritual primers and textbooks now itself; begin the first lessons of silence, prayer and chanting the name of the Lord. It is never too soon in the spiritual pilgrimage.
Now when you wear bush-coats and strut about in pants, causing envy among the little children who cannot afford these, you feel elated. But you can be legitimately proud only when you are able to control the vagaries of the mind and direct your emotions and desires along honourable healthy channels, braving even the ridicule of your so-called friends. That is real freedom, real success. If you reach that stage, then you become a seasoned driver and can be trusted with the wheel on any road and with any cargo, however precious. Then you will not cause harm either to yourself or to others. Then you deserve to become a leader.
Only men with Ideals are remembered by Posterity
Be eager and earnest to know more and more about the art of joyful living, happy unperturbed living. One can advance only step by step and there is the danger of slipping down two steps when you climb one. What matters is the determination to climb, the resistance with which the sliding tendency is met, the yearning to rise to progress, to conquer the lower impulses and instincts. If you have that , the hidden spring of power will surge up within you; the grace of the Lord will smooth your path. Keep the ideal before you; march on. The student of today becomes the teacher of tomorrow and headmaster later. How? By study, by the development of a reliable character. Only those with ideals are respected and remembered in gratitude by posterity. Raama is honoured and worshipped while Raavana is execrated. Why? Because of the character they evinced.
Have the progress of your country, your Sanaathana Dharma and your own self always before your mind's eye. Let the hunger for serving these three grow more and more. Then your studies will serve a purpose and give you a sense of mission. Then you will acquire fear of sin, fear of the God within, fear of the mean, respect for elders and faith in your own self.
One thing more: Do not do anything which brings tears into the eyes of your parents. Honour them and obey them. Do not condemn them as old-fashioned. "Old is gold." They speak out of a longer experience of the world and its tricks.
Winners must be thankful to the Losers
Well, I am asked to distribute Bahumathis (prizes) to you by Anjanappa and others. They meant that I should distribute the prizes, but "Bahumathi" means "multi-mindedness". Now, I never give that type of mind! I always insist on Ekaagratha (single-mindedness). Anjanappa wished that I give you Prasaadham (propitiatory offering); My Prasaadham is always Aanandha prasaadham (gift of bliss)! It can be got through Ekamathi (single-mindedness) only. I do not like this competition and strife, this cultivation of egoism through prizes and ranking. I am sure none of you here will be spoilt either by pride or by dejection.
Take failure coolly and take victory also coolly. The second is a very difficult mental exercise. The winners must be thankful to the losers for their victory, for if only the losers had put in a little more effort, they would have carried away the prizes instead. The losers by running neck to neck with you also prompted you to run faster and thus encouraged you to win. They gave you the grit to put in that extra pace, which brought the prize into your hands.
And the losers! I ask you not to lose self-confidence. Do not attach too much value to victory or too much importance to defeat. Even in examinations, when you fail, do not be overcome by despair and do silly things like attempting to take your own life. Life is much more precious than that. You are born for much greater things than the passing of examinations. Be brave and patient. All is not lost if you do not pass an examination which tests just one aspect of your intelligence! Your destiny does not depend upon examination marks; it depends more on character, willpower and the grace of God.
The headmaster hoped that this school would become a higher secondary school. I bless that it may be raised to that status soon and become a source of light and culture for this part of the country.
Kasthuri now spoke to you about the Puraanic story of the Amrithamanthana (churning of the ocean for gaining the nectar of immortality). He said that when the Dhevas (demigod's) were overcome by conceit, delusion and Thamas (ignorance), the sages cursed them with age, greyness and senility; they became easy victims for the Raakshasas (demons); and so, to restore to them the lost splendour, the Lord suggested the churning of the ocean and the winning of Amritha (nectar of immortality).
You have to take this story in its symbolic sense. The Puraanas (mythological stories) always deal in parables. Each tale has a deeper meaning, something that is more valuable and useful than what appears on the surface. This meaning is to be practised in daily life; they are not stories told to while away the time. Indhra insulted Dhurvaasa because he was blinded by the power of office; the curse of the sage forced him to rethink about his reality, to discover his innate status. Then, he found that he was Amritham, of the same nature as Parabrahman (supreme reality) itself. In fact, he came to know that he was Parabrahman, moving about in the delusion that he was Indhra! The churning is the symbol of the Saadhana needed to remove the veil of delusion, more specifically, the Raajayoga Saadhana (royal path of integral spirituality).
When the Dhaivi Shakthi (power of divinity) declines and evil impulses predominate, even the Dhevas fall; they lose their special privileges and rights. Once Anritha (falsehood) enters into the character, you lose contact with Amritha. He dies many deaths, he who is false, afraid of truth, blind to his own glorious heritage of immortality.
In their inner Impulse, Men are subhuman
Sathya (truth) is that which is Nithya (eternal). Falsehood is poison; truth is nectar. Truth alone confers splendour or Dhivyathawam (divinity). So, when the Dhevas fell a prey to pride and attachment to unreality, they had to churn their thoughts and impulses, their feelings and emotions, their instincts and inspirations and bring out the cream of truth. The two groups who pulled the churning rope are the "forward leading influences ad the backward pulling influences," - the Dhaivi and the Asuri (divine and demonic) urges.
As I said, Indhra insulted Dhuurvasa and invited upon himself the anger of that sage because of the ignorance of his fundamental reality, his Ajnaana (ignorance), which plunged him in pride. What should be done to restore him to sanity is to re-teach the Aathmic (universal spiritual) basis of all the pomp and pageantry of office, the evanescence that is immanent in all created things.
Today, though in outward appearance people are human, in inner impulse they are subhuman or Raakshasa; he who has no Dhaana (charity or sacrifice) in him is called a Dhaanava. Dheva and Dhaanava are mixed in the human make-up and now the Dhaanava rules the roost. Therefore, man has lost his glory and his power and his splendour; he must win them again by Saadhana. So, make yourselves pure by incessant striving.
Man is but a Flame of the eternal Fire
The partaking of the Amritha created by Me is only the first step in this process for you: it does not mean much if you do not take the second step and the third and march on towards self-realisation. You must have faith in the discipline laid down in Sanaathana Dharma and in the ultimate divine basis of all creation. Get convinced that the world can give you only fleeting joy; and grief is but the obverse of joy. Strive now, from this very moment; for the time is rushing like a swift torrent. Develop the joy that will not decline, the joy that will ever be full. Be true to yourself. Be bold, be sincere. The only reality is the twin-bird on the tree, the Jeevaathma (individual soul) that tastes the fruits and suffers and the Paramaathma (supreme soul) that sits unmoved and merely looks on.
Mention was made now of the Mohini-ruupa (form of fascinating woman) and the way in which the Asuras were misled by the enticing charm of outward form. Now, all this talk of the consorts of the Lord, of Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Paarvathi being the wives of the trinity, are absolutely silly. They reveal only the Samsaaric (worldly living) glasses that you wear, the projection of your worldly fancies on the 'heavenly families,' the weaving of stories on the human model for the satisfaction of human cravings. These names are only convenient expressions for the Shakthi (divine power) that is immanent in Godhead. For example, Lakshmi is the personification of Dhaya or the grace of Vishnu; that is why she is said to dwell on His breast! So too, Paarvathi is half the body of Shiva, inseparably incorporated in Him! The powers of creation, conservation and dissolution are coexistent and continuous in Godhead. You may ask how the three can coexist. Well, look at electricity! The current can create, conserve as well as dissolve, all at the same time, and to the same extent. These Shakthis (divine energies) are similarly pictured as inseparably associated with the three aspects of the absolute. Man's duty is to achieve unity with the Shiva-Shakthi for he is but a spark that has emanated from it; he is but a flame of the eternal fire.
Bhakthi must confer Patience and Fortitude
Enter upon that task of Saadhana from now on; that is the lesson you must learn here. Otherwise, Yaathra (pilgrimage) leads only to the accumulation of Paathra (vessel) - you buy vessels from wherever you go: from Raameshwaram, Thirupathi, Kaashi, Haridhwar, Madhura, Kumbhakonam. That is the merit you get from pilgrimage, a storeroom full of vessels. You come from long distances, incur heavy expenses, suffer in the cold, in the open or lie in the shade of trees and wait for days expecting the longed for interview with Me; but in the end, you return and dissipate the Shaanthi and the Santhosha (peace ad happiness) you derive from this place.
Bhakthi is something sweet, soothing, refreshing and restoring. It must confer patience and fortitude. The Bhaktha will not be perturbed if another gets the interview first or if another is given greater consideration. He is humble and bides his time: he knows that there is a higher power that knows more and that it is just and impartial. In the light of that knowledge, the Bhaktha will communicate his troubles and problems only to his Lord; he will not humiliate himself by talking about them to all and sundry, for what can a man, who is as helpless as himself, do to relieve him? It is only those who have that implicit faith in God, who will deign to communicate only with the Lord and none else, who deserve Amritha (nectar of immortality).
Make Naamasmarana as Part of yourself
The Sthula dheha (gross body) should be ever immersed in Sathsanga (holy company); the Suukshma dheha (subtle body), that is, the thoughts and feelings, should be ever immersed in the contemplation of the glory of the Lord. That is the sign of the Bhaktha. He who shouts and swears and advertises his worries to every one he meets and craves for sympathy, such a one can never be a Bhaktha. Such men are miscalled Bhakthas. They make earnest men lose faith in godly ways; earnest men feel they are superior to these pseudo-devotees. And this is a fact. It is a great responsibility to tread the godward path. There is no sliding back, no halfway stop, no tardy pace, no side lane on such a pilgrimage. It is always up and up, right to the crest of the mountain.
Though your responsibility is greater, take it from Me, you are luckier than others. Do not deny with the tongue what you have relished in the heart; do not bear false witness to your own felt experience. Do not carp and talk cynically of the very thing you have revered and adored when the company into which you fall start retailing such raillery. It is said hat the Bhaktha can get the Lord everywhere easily but the Lord cannot get a Bhaktha so easily. Yes, it is difficult to secure a Bhaktha who has that unshaken faith, that attitude of complete self-surrender. Such an attitude can come only by Naamasmarana (remembering God's name), constant, sincere and continuous, as continuous as the act of breathing and felt to be as essential for life. That is the Japam, the Thapas and the Dhyaanam (silent recital of Lord's name, penance ad meditation). Naamasmarana like this will immerse you ever in Amritha, not just a drop on your tongue.
Saadhana has to be followed from a tender Age
Do you know how much I feel when I find that in spite of My arrival and Bodha and Upadhesam (teaching and spiritual instruction), you have not yet started this Saadhana? You simply praise Me and strew compliments; that I am the treasure-house of grace, the ocean of Aanandha, etc. Take up the name and dwell upon its sweetness; imbibe it and roll it on your tongue, taste its essence, contemplate on its magnificence and make it a part of yourself and grow strong in spiritual you. That is what pleases Me.
Do not wait until you are past middle age to practise this Saadhana; I know of some parents who drag away their sons who come to Me when still young; they tell them that they can take up religious practices in their old age. These parents do not know the extent of the loss. By some stroke of good luck, their children get the chance of knowing about the right path for Shaanthi and Santhosha (peace and contentment), but the parents are angry that the sons do not find pleasure in the articles that gave them pleasure! They feel there must be something wrong in the make-up of their sons; they tempt them to drink, to gamble, to exploit, to hate - to imitate them, in short - and take them along with them to perdition. But a straight plant means a straight tree; a bent plant can never grow into a straight tree. Rotten, overripe, worm-eaten fruits are not fit to be offered to God. Years of sin would have warped the character of a person beyond repair. So the Saadhana has to be followed from a tender age.
Doubt is a Component of the demonic Nature
Faith can grow only by long cultivation and careful attention. The old are haunted by the demon of doubt. I know there are many here who are afflicted by doubt. They think that I have hidden a vessel of Amritha in a spot in the sands previously fixed and known to Me only. That is why I know asked some from among those people themselves, to decide where we sit on these sands.
Kastuuri suggested this morning that since the thousands who have come to see the Amrithodhbhava (materialisation of nectar) cannot get a close view on this flat riverbed, a mound of sand be raised, whereon I can sit; I did not agree because I knew these doubters would immediately infer that the Amritha was hidden previously under the mound that was heaped up on purpose! This doubt is truly a component of the Raakshasa (demonic) nature, for it eats into the vitals of Bhakthi. It clips the wings of joy, it dampens enthusiasm, it tarnishes hope. Such men cannot attain the goal even at the end of a thousand births.
When doubt assails you, welcome the chance to see and experience and clear the doubt. But do not later deny the very truth of which you were once convinced and listen again to the voice of hate or foolishness. Do not put faith in the words of men into whose hands you will not entrust your purse; as a matter of fact, it is the words of such men that are now leading many astray. Really, this is a pitiable state of things, is it not?
Come to Me, eager to learn, to progress, to see yourself in Me, and I shall certainly welcome you and show you the way. You will indeed be blessed. All scriptures, all texts, the Geetha which is the milk of all the Upanishadhic cows, are intended to instil this thirst into you.
Do not vacillate and change Name and Form
The thirst has to be like that of the creeper for the tree-trunk, of the magnet for the iron, of the bee for the flower, of the waters for a fall, of the river for the sea. The pangs of separation must gnaw the heart; the entire being must yearn for union. Do not vacillate or change or try a series of Naama and Ruupa (name and form). That will only fritter away time and energy. Ceaseless contemplation of the Lord will give ceaseless taste of Amritha to you.
If you do not follow this path, you are doubly to blame; for you have contacted Me. The form usually creates doubts, for when only the name is there, you can build around it all your fancies, all that you want, to complete the picture. Do not be misled by such doubts when the form has come before you; make the moment useful, the life worthwhile.
-Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawan
There was a small kingdom in which strangely enough all people where
quite happy and very healthy. In course of time both the ruler and
ruled grew proud of this rare good fortune and claimed it to be a
reward of their personal righteousness. Since all of them were healthy,
there was no physician in the kingdom. One day, a physician came to
its capital city and was happy to find that there was no other
physician to compete with him in his profession in the whole kingdom.
But whenever he entered into conversation with the people and enquired
after their health, they would say: "Oh! We are brahmajnanis, no
illness can touch us. We are the fortunate few chosen by God and
blessed by Him with health and happiness. Why do you tarry here,
better go elsewhere to earn your living". The physician however did
not want to leave the city and was also hopeful that this snobbery of
the people will not last long.
Once the king suddenly fell ill. The physician was summoned to the
royal presence. He was pleased that God had given him an opportunity
to display his talent. He treated the king with reverence and great
attention. The king was slowly but steadily improving. However, he
said: "Sir, I really thank you for your treatment but can you not cure
me quickly? I am not used to lying down like this for days together".
The physician wanted to teach the king and the people a lesson. He
said: "Oh king, there is a quick cure, but I am afraid, I may not be
able to get what I want for preparing the medicine". The king said: "you
need not doubt the capacity either of my ministers or my people. They
will be ready to procure anything you may require. They are all brahma
jnanis. They will not bother about any type of strain or sacrifice on
their part to get their beloved king cured. Come, tell me what you
want". The physician said: "My Lord! I am glad that you are so
confident". I require 1/4 pound of flesh from the body of a brahma
jnani - that is all". "Oh! How simple!", exclaimed the king. The king
immediately sent word to his minister and commanded him to get at once
1/4 pound of flesh of any brahma jnani in the city".
The minister returned very late in the evening, very sad and dejected.
The king asked eagerly "Why so late? Come on, where is the flesh?".
The minister pleaded, "Oh! King, I am sorry, I could not get what you
wanted. When I made the people know of what you need, everyone said:
'Oh, I am not a brahma jnani. Do you think that brahma jnanis will be
found in cities such as this?' How can we say confidently that we are
all brahma jnanis?".
The king was surprised to hear this and looked at the physician
pitiably. The physician said: "Oh king!, do not feel sad. This is the
way of the world. One may claim to be anything but to actually live up
to that high ideal is extremely difficult. You are now recovered.
Nothing is wrong with you. I need no human flesh. I planned this
little drama, only to let you know the truth. Pardon me".
Each person is "three in one", i.e. what he thinks of himself, what others think he is and finally, what he really is.
Each person is "three in one", i.e. what he thinks of himself, what others think he is and finally, what he really is.
.jpg)
A devotee was feeling very
troubled by all the horrible rumours that have been circulating
in recent months about Sai Baba. He felt that it was so sad
that Divine energies were being denigrated by all the unproved
stories being spread by the media. He was wondering how to
reply to them when a friend phoned him and relayed to him the
following story. The friend said that only last week the former
vice chancellor of Sai Baba’s college was giving a talk to their
Sai Baba group in Connecticut and he had related this story.
The vice chancellor said that
recently he was sitting on Sai Baba’s veranda in the ashram in
Puttaparthi next to a very important Indian politician. Sai
Baba came by and called the politician by name and asked him to
come into his private interview room. The man went inside and
came out ten minutes later sobbing. Then the sobbing turned
into deep uncontrolled crying. Sai Baba came by and said to the
man “What’s wrong?”. Then Sai Baba waved his hand and made some
vibhuti (sacred ash) and gave it to the man who took it and ate
it. A short time afterwards when the man had regained his
composure he turned to the vice chancellor and said “Because you
have witnessed all of this, I will explain it to you.”
The politician explained that his
wife had been very sick and she had told him that she wanted to
go to see Sai Baba for one last look, for the very last time.
However the politician had been very busy and while he was away
his wife died. All this had happened ten days previously and
the man was now coming to see Sai Baba after cremating his
wife. When Sai Baba came into the interview room, the man said,
Sai Baba had scolded him and had reminded him what a wonderful
wife he had had, of how she took care of his every need, cooked
his food, looked after the house, even to laying out his
clothes etc. But when she had made her one last request to be
taken to see Sai Baba, he had been too busy. Sai Baba then said
“I went to her and I comforted her, and now she is with me. Here
I will let you see her now.” At that moment the man’s wife
emerged from inside Sai Baba and stood as a live being in front
of him, no longer appearing thin and sickly. She smiled and
took his hand and said “Do not be sad, do not grieve for me, I
am happy, happy.” Then the man’s wife merged again inside Sai
Baba.
I tell you this beautiful story,
because it seemed to come as an answer, just when I was thinking
how best to answer the question concerning all the bad rumours
about Sai Baba that were circulating. It seemed to me that this
was what I would call a synchronous wink from the Lord to help
me have an answer to all these questions. I think the story
speaks volumes.
Once Swami Vivekananda was in a certain town to give spiritual
discourses. People recognised in him a great monk and profound scholar.
They listened to his discourses with rapt attention for about three
days. Every day, when the discourse came to an end, some people used
to gather around him to ask about certain subtle points on Sadhana,
Ethics and Sastras. Students were eager to know about national
regeneration and the solutions he could suggest.
There was an old man sitting in a corner observing Vivekananda with
avidity but could not speak one word. He was there all the three days,
waiting for a chance to be near the monk. On the third day he made
bold, went to him and said: "Son! Shall I bring you something to eat?
These people never gave you anything nor did they give you time to
relax and think about your food. I shall run and be back with food and
drink for you." Vivekananda was greatly touched by the loving words
spoken by the old man. He said with a beaming smile: "Come, let us go
together to your place to eat and drink." Blessed indeed was the old
man for he had sympathy and consideration for a fellow human being. He
was ready to render loving service to the monk. This indeed is true
devotion and he is indeed a true devotee.
'Mataji, can you go to India tomorrow? Warner Brothers will pay your passage if you will go to ask Sai Baba's permission to make a documentary film on His life...' Somehow, I wasn't even surprised and answered very calmly, 'Tomorrow is Sunday and all the offices are closed, but I can leave on Tuesday.'
'Who is paying for my ticket?' I asked the Air India manager in Los Angeles.
'Warner Brothers,' he replied.
I arrived just in time for the celebrations which began early in the morning when Bhagavan hoisted the Prashanthi Nilayam flag on the roof of the temple. He then declared that He was Shiva-Shakti incarnated in human form, in order to lead men towards God. He exhorted people to cleanse and purify their hearts - to make Discrimination (Viveka) their flag post, unfurl the flag of Love on in and let it flutter joyfully in the wind of Grace. He also said that He is born in each of us as Love.
'Only that day, when love is born in you, can it be my Birthday.'
At eleven o'clock Swami went from the temple to the auditorium in procession. His mother, Easwaramma, started the ceremony by first garlanding the Sai, then anointing His head with a flower dipped into a cup of fragrant oil. She was followed by several others chosen by Baba from among His old devotees. The procession then moved, headed by the temple elephant Sai Gita.
The day before I was ready to return home, Bhagavan called me in to give His blessing. At parting he produced, with the familiar circling motion of His hand, a beautiful golden medallion of the Goddess Lakshmi.
'I don't want anything, Bhagavan,' I pleaded.
'This is not for you... for the protection of the house - no more fires.'
I did not know at that moment how badly we would need His protection a few months later when we were about to loose the ranch.
After returning from India, I went to the Warner Brothers Studio, but not a soul there had ever heard of Sai Baba let alone my trip to Him!
'Another leela of Baba?' wondered Dick Bock when I told him about it.
Indra Devi - Canada
America's foremost yoga authority - taught Sai Yoga under guidance of Sri Sasthya Sai Baba. A close associate of Baba; personally witnessed many wonderful miracles of Bhagawan.
"You elaborate in your lectures the
unique powers of Sai, the incidents that are described as
'miracles' in books written about Me by some persons. But I
request you not to attach importance to these. Do not exaggerate
their significance, the most significant and important power is,
let Me tell you, my Prema (Love) and My Sahana, (fortitude). I may turn
the sky into earth or earth into sky but that is not the sign of
Divine Might. It is the Prema, effective, universal, ever-present,
that is the unique sign. When you attempt to cultivate and
propagate this Love and this Fortitude, trouble and travail will
clog your steps. You must welcome them, for without them, the best
in you cannot be drawn out."
"I use My Shakti
(power) to attract people and to draw them towards the Godward
path. These miracles are merely baits with which I lure them
towards Me. Once their faith is firmly established, they begin to
look beyond the miracles and slowly start stretching their hands
out for what I have really come to give- Knowledge and Bliss."
"There can be no
limit for Sai Power, no hindrance, no opposition or obstacle.
You may believe it or you may not, but, Sai Power can transform
earth into sky, the sky into earth. only there is no call for that
transformation. This Divine behaviour is far distinct from the
mean exhibitionistic tricks of the inferior powers. This is
spontaneous manifestation, not those that are calculated to
collect customers and exploit the ignorant."
"Those who
profess
to have understood me, the scholars, the yogis, the
pundits, the
jnanis, all of them are aware only of the least important,
the
casual external manifestations of an infinitesimal part of
that
power, namely, the miracles! They have not desired to
contact the
source of all power and all wisdom that is available here.
They
are satisfied when they secure a chance to exhibit their
book-learning and parade their scholarship in Vedic lore,
not realising that the person from whom the Vedas emanated is in their
midst, for their sake. They even ask, in their pride, for a
few
more chances. This has been the case in all ages. People
may be
very near (Physically) to the Avatar, but they live out
their
lives unaware of their fortune; they exaggerate the role
of
miracles, which are as trivial, when compared to my glory
and
majesty, as a mosquito is in size and strength to the
elephant
upon which it squats. Therefore, when you speak about
these miracles , I laugh within myself out of pity that you allow
yourself so easily to lose the precious awareness of my
reality."
"I am determined to
correct you only after informing you of my credentials. That is
why I am now and then announcing my nature by means of miracles,
that is, acts which are beyond human capacity and human
understanding. Not that I am anxious to show off my powers. The
object is to draw you closer to me, to cement your hearts to me".
"You may infer from
what you call my miracles that I am causing them to attract and
attach you to me and me alone. They are not intended to
demonstrate or publicize; they are merely spontaneous and
concomitant proofs of divine majestys."
"This Sathya Sai
Incarnation is one where you see the full manifestation and
exercise of all the sixteen attributes of a Poorna Avatar. This
happened only once before, at the time of Krishna Avatar. I am the
Embodiment of Shiva and Shakti, that is Universal Consciousness
and Universal Energy. And I show evidences of both to the fullest
and maximum extent".
"Do not crave from
me trivial material objects: but crave for Me, and you would be
rewarded. Not that you should not receive whatever objects I give
as signs of grace out of the fullness of love. I shall tell you
why I give these rings, talismans, rosaries, etc. It is to mark
the bond between me and those to whom they are given. When
calamity befalls them, the article comes to me in a flash and
returns in a flash, taking from me the remedial grace of
protection. That grace is available to all who call on me in any
Name or Form, not merely to those who wear these gifts. Love is
the bond that wins grace.
My miracles are part
of the unlimited power of God and are in no sense the product of
yogic powers which are acquired. They are natural, uncontrived.
There are no invisible beings helping me. My divine will bring the
object in a moment. I am everywhere."
There was once a Raja, who had transferred all responsibility of
ruling to his Manthri, and who was spending his time in ease. He never
worried about anything, be it big or small. He had a personal
companion, whom he had always by his side, more or less as a bodyguard.
This fellow was very wise, for he never did anything without deep
deliberation, about the how and the why and the wherefore. The Raja
took all this deliberation to be just foolishness and he nicknamed the
companion, "Avivekasikhamani" or "The Crest-Jewel of Fools". He went
to the length of actually engraving the title on a plate of gold and
compelling him to wear it on his forehead for all to see! Many people
were mislead by this and they took him to be an ignoramus at court;
they did not heed his words.
Meanwhile, the Raja fell ill and took to bed. The kingdom was combed for physicians who could heal the king. Messengers went to the eight corners, seeking drugs and doctors. Hundred were busy round the royal patient, but, all efforts failed; the illness worsened day by day. The Raja was at the very door of Death.
Meanwhile, the Raja fell ill and took to bed. The kingdom was combed for physicians who could heal the king. Messengers went to the eight corners, seeking drugs and doctors. Hundred were busy round the royal patient, but, all efforts failed; the illness worsened day by day. The Raja was at the very door of Death.
The Raja suspected that his end was near; so he hurriedly made some
dispositions, spoke to all those whom he wanted to meet, and was
immersed in sorrow. He had no thought of God or any other auspicious
Power. He was in terrible fear of Death and could not think of
anything else.
One day, he called Avivekasikhamani to his bedside and whispered
feebly in his ear, "Well; I am going soon, my friend!" Then, the Fool
asked without any compunction, "What? You are weak and cannot walk a
few steps; I shall order a palanquin, please wait till it is ready."
"No palanquin can take me there," said the Raja. "Then, I shall order
a chariot," entreated the Fool. "The chariot too is of no use,"
replied the Raja. "Of course, then, the horse is the only means of
journey," wailed the companion, who seemed eager to come to the rescue
of his master, and spare him the toils of travel. The Raja said that
the horse too could not enter there. The Fool was at his wit's end.
Then suddenly an idea struck him, he said, "Come on master! I shall
carry you there." The Raja became sad; he said, "My dear friend, one
has to go alone to that place, when one's time has come. No companion
can be taken." The Fool was thrown in great doubt; he asked the Raja,
"It is curious, is it not? You say that the palanquin won't reach
there, that the chariot can't go there, nor the horse; you say that no
second person can join you! Well can't you tell me at least where that
place is?" The Raja replied, "I do not know."
Immediately, the Fool unwound the Golden Plate with the engraving of
the title, 'Avivekasikhamani', and tied it round the brow of the Raja,
saying "Raja! You know so much about the place, even, which things
cannot go there, but, you do not know where it is, and still you are
going there soon. O, you deserve this title much more." The Raja was
overcome with shame. "Alas," he said to himself, "I wasted my years in
eating and sleeping and pursuing pleasures, never caring to inquire
who I am, whence I came, what I am doing, whither I am going, and why
I came. The precious time allotted to me has come very near its end.
There is no time for me any more for all that inquiry. Death is
knocking at the door; children have started weeping; my subjects are
in great anxiety. Can I, under such conditions immerse myself in
inquiry? Can a thought that I never entertained throughout my life
suddenly arise now, during my last moments? It is impossible. Yes, I
deserve the title, Avivekasikhamani more than anyone else, for I
wasted my life in useless pursuits; without any thought of the Reality."
The Raja let it be proclaimed that Inquiry is the best means of
knowing the Truth, that the inquiry must be directed to separating the
true from the untrue, the eternal from the temporary, that people
should arrive at the conclusion that, 'God is the only true and
eternal Entity' and that by their own independent investigation, his
subjects must not only grasp the entity intellectually but must also
attain the Grace of God, by their pure lives. Announcing this lesson
to his subjects, the Raja breathed his last.
This is not Swami's illness; this is an illness that Swami has taken on in order to save some one. Swami has no illnesses, nor will he get ill at any time. You must all be happy; that alone will make Swami happy. If you grieve, Swami will not be happy. Your joy is Swami's food.
(Then, Baba signaled to Kasturi to speak. After his short speech was over, Baba wanted the mike to be held before him. He asked through it "Vinapisthundaa!". But, though he asked again and again, the voice was so indistinct that no could make out what it meant.
He then signed for water. When it was brought, he sprinkled a little with his shaking right hand on the stricken left hand, on his left leg. He stroked his left hand with the right. Immediately, he used both hands to stroke his left leg, and that touch was enough to cure it. He doffed the disease in a trice! He started to speak! It was the same musical voice.)
For those who have no refuge, God is the refuge (Dikku lenivaniki devude gathi). That is exactly the reason I had to take on the disease that one helpless devotee was to get. He had to suffer this dire illness, as well as the four heart attacks that accompanied it, and he would not have survived it. So, according to my duty (dharma) to protect devotees (bakthasamrakshana), I had to rescue him. Of course, this is not the first time that I have taken on the illness of persons whom I wanted to save. Even in the previous Sariram at Shirdi, I had this responsibility. The suffering that you saw was too much for this particular devotee, so I had to save him by going through it myself. This is my play (leela), my nature. It is part of the task for which I have come, sishyarakshana.
People who were near me during the last week were asking me to give them the name of the person whom I had saved. I told them that it would make them angry against that person, for Swami, they would say, "had to undergo much pain in order to save that one person." Then, they replied that they would honor the person because of the extraordinary devotion that persuaded Swami to run to his rescue that Saturday morning.
Some people even asked me whether it was this person or that, giving names of those who had attacks of paralysis, especially on the left side! This is even more ludicrous, because when I save a person I save him completely. I do not wait until he gets the disease, and I do not leave him a fraction of a disease so that he may be identified later. It all looks funny to me, the guesses and surmises that you make.
Even in Shirdi, Dada Saheb, Nadaram, Balawanth, all were saved by these means. Balawanth was destined to get plague, but the bubo was taken over and the boy saved.
This is perhaps the longest period when I kept the devotees wondering and worried. That was because of the heart attacks, which had to come later on the devotee, from which also he had to be saved. Then, there is another reason why the 8-day period had to be observed. I shall tell you why. This means I must tell you about myself, about something I haven't disclosed so far, something that I was keeping within myself for the last 37 years. The time has come to announce it. This is a sacred day, and I shall tell you.
You know I declared on the very day when I decided to disclose my Identity, my mission, and my Advent that I belonged to the Apasthamba Suthra and the Bharadwaja lineage (gothra). This Bharadwaja was a great sage, who studied the Vedas for a full one hundred years; but, finding that the Vedas were endless (anantha), he did penance (thapas) for prolonging life, and from Indra he got two extensions of a century each. Even then, the Vedas could not be completed, so he asked Indra again for another hundred years. Indra showed him 3 huge mountain ranges and said, "What, you have learned in 3 centuries form only 3 handfuls from out of the 3 ranges that make up the Vedas. So give up the attempt to exhaust the Vedas. Perform a ritual (yaga) instead, which I shall teach you; that will give you the fruit of Vedic study, full and complete."
Bharadwaja decided to perform the ritual; Indra taught him how to do it; all preparations were completed. The sage wanted Shakthi to preside over and bless the ritual. So he went to Kailasa, but the time was not opportune for presenting his petition. Shiva and Shakthi were engaged in a competitive dance, trying to find out who could dance longer. Eight days passed thus, before Shakthi noticed Bharadwaja standing in the cold. She just cast a smile at him and danced along as before! The sage mistook the smile as a cynical refusal to notice him, so he turned his back on Kailasa and started to descend. To his dismay, he found his left leg, hand, and eye put out of action by a stroke. Shiva saw him fall, came up to him, and consoled him. Bharadwaja was told that Shakthi had indeed blessed him and his ritual. Then, Shiva revived him and cured him, sprinkling water from the Kamandalu. Both Shiva and Shakthi granted him the boons of a sage (rishi); they would both attend the ritual, they said.
After the ritual was over, they were so pleased that they conferred even more boons on the sage. Shiva said that they would take human form and be born in the Bharadwaja lineage, thrice: Shiva alone as Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva and Shakthi together at Puttaparthy as Sathya Sai Baba, and Shakthi alone as Prema Sai, later. Then, Shiva remembered the illness that had suddenly come upon Bharadwaja at Kailasa on the eighth day of waiting in the cold on the ice. He gave another assurance. "As expiation for the neglect that Shakthi showed you at Kailasa for 8 days, this Shakthi will suffer the stroke for 8 days when we both take birth as Sathya Sai and, on the eighth day, I shall relieve her from all signs of the disease by sprinkling water, just as I did at Kailasa to cure your illness."
It was the working out of this assurance that you witnessed today, just now. This had to happen, this stroke and the cure. The assurance given in the Thretha era had to be honored. I may tell you now that the poor, forlorn devotee who had to suffer the stroke that I took over was a convenient excuse, which was utilized. You see, a railway engine is not made available to haul just one car; when a number of cars are ready, then the engine is put into action. So too, the disease had to be gone through, the devotee had to be saved, the assurance had to be carried out, the mystery had to be cleared, the Divinity had to be more clearly announced by the manifestation of this Grand Miracle. All these were accomplished by this one incident.
Let me tell you one more thing: Nothing can impede or halt the work of the Avathaara. When I was upstairs all these days, some people were foolishly saying, "It is all over with Sai Baba," and they turned back many who were coming to Puttaparthy! Some said I was in samadhi, as if I were a spiritual aspirant (sadhaka)! Some feared I was the victim of black magic, as if anything can affect me! The splendor of this Avathar will go on increasing, day by day. Formerly, when the Govardhanagiri (a mountain) was raised aloft by the little boy Krishna, the cowherd maids and boys (gopees and gopalas) realized that Krishna was the Lord. Now, not one Govardhanagiri but a whole range will be lifted, you will see! Have patience, have faith. Tomorrow morning, I shall give every one of you the Namaskaram Blessing that you missed today.
Dashara Or Dasara
Purpose Of Dashara Or Dasara
"Festivals like Dashara are designed
to make man aware of his divinity, to endow him with purity, to become aware of
its holiness, to imprint on his heart the wisdom won by sages after years of
yearning." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VIII.
p. 115, Discourse on 17-10-1972
"It is to give
Ananda (bliss) to the Bhaktas
(devotees) that I arrange this festival (Dashara). I have no other wish. Do not
muddy the pellucid waters of your faith by the slightest trace of doubt." Sai
Baba, SSS,
Vol. V. p. 69. Discourse on 29 September 1965
"The Dashara Festival honours the
victory of the Devas (gods) over the Asuras (demons), the forces of righteousness over
the forces of evil. They (gods) were able to win, because Para-shakti, the Dynamic Aspect of
Divinity, the
power that has elaborated God into all this variety and all this beauty, came
to succour them and fight on their
behalf." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 43, Discourse on 26 September 1965
"Dashara is the festival that
celebrates the victory of the forces of the good over the foes that resist the
progress of man towards light. The sages who have decided on these festivals
have a high purpose. They want us to imbibe the inner meaning and use each day
as a step in Sadhana, as a reminder of the
journey, which each person has to undertake alone to the Feet of the Lord. The
forces of good (Devas) are combating with the forces of evil (Asuras) in every
living being and if they only rely on Mahashakti,
the great Divine Force that fosters and fends the universe, they can easily win
and reach goal." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol.
V., p. 249, Discourse on 15 October 1966
Importance
Of Dashara
"During the Dashara festival, the
three Goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati - are
worshipped according to certain traditional practices. The tenth day of the
festival is celebrated as the victory. The celebration has its roots deep in
ancient history of Bharat. In the Dwapara Yuga,
when the Pandavas had to spend one-year
incognito, they hid their weapons on the
advice of Krishna, in a Jammi tree which is thick in foliage and whose
branches are filled with latent fire. Vijayadashami
was the day on which they retrieved their weapons from the tree and used them
to win victory over the Kauravas." Sai Baba. SS.
12/92. p. 304
"In the Treta Yuga, Sri Rama's coronation, after his victorious
return to Ayodhya from Lanka, was performed on the Vijayadashami day." Sai
Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 304
Significance
Of Dashara
"Today (23 October
1966), Vijayadashami is a thrice sacred day for Prasanthivasis. that is to say, those who live in
Prasanthi Nilayam, here or elsewhere. It is as sacred as, Triveni,
where three rivers commingle their holy waters. Today is the Samapti (Conclusion!
Festival) of Dasara. It is also the Samapti
(conclusion) of the Yajnasaptaha, the
seven-Day-Rite of Puja and Parayana. It is also the Samapti Day of the
Poorva-avataram, the Samadhi
Day of Shirdi Shareeram. Sam-apti also means attainment of Brahmanandaand on this day you have a chance to
the Bliss Indescribable." Sai Baba, SSS,
Vol. V, p. 281
Inner
Meaning Of Dasara
"The term'
Devi'
represents the Divine power which has taken the Rajasic
form to suppress the forces of evil and protect the Satvic
qualities. When the forces of injustice, immorality and untruth have grown to
monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death-dance, when selfishness and
self-interest are rampant, when men have
lost all sense of kindness and compassion,
the Atmic principle, assuming the Form of Shakti, taking on the Rajasic quality, seeks to
destroy the evil elements. This is the inner meaning of the Dasara
festival." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. pp. 284 & 285
Inner
Meaning Of Devi Worship On Dasara
"When
the
Divine Goddess is in dreadful rage to destroy the wicked elements, she
assumes
a fearful form. To pacify the dreaded
Goddess, Her faminine
children offer worship to her with red kumkum
(sacred red powder). The Goddess, seeing the blood-red kumkum at her
feet, feels assured that the wicked have been vanquished and
assumes her benign form. The inner meaning of the worship of 'Devi' with
red kumkum is that thereby the
Goddess is appeased. During the ten days of Dasara, the demons
(Raakshasas) in the form of wicked qualities have
been routed. Raakshasas do not mean demonic beings. The bad qualities in
men
are the demons. Arrogance is a demon. Bad thoughts are demons." Sai
Baba. SS. 11/91. p. 285
Symbolism Of Ravana
"Ravana
is depicted as the king of Raakshasas. He
is said to have ten heads. He was not born
with ten heads. Who is this Ravana and what are his ten heads? Kama (lust), Krodha (anger),
Moha
(delusion), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsyasya
(envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta
(will) and Ahamkara (the ego) -all these ten
constitute the ten heads. Ravana is of all the ten qualities. Each one can
decide for himself whether he is a Ravana or Rama according to his
qualities." Sai Baba, SS. SS. 11/91.
p. 285
Symbolism
Of Rama
"Rama
is the destroyer of the bad qualities. When engaged in this act of destruction
of bad qualities. He manifests his Rajo-guna. But his Rajasic
quality is associated with his Satvic
quality. Even in cutting off Ravana's ten
heads, Rama showed his love. This was the only way that Ravana could be
redeemed." Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 285
Rama Vs. Ravana
"Ravana was one who was endowed with all wealth and prosperity. He
lacked nothing in terms of comforts and luxuries. He had mastered the 64
categories of knowledge. His capital, Lanka,
rivalled Swarga (heaven) itself in its
grandeur. Instead of showing regard for Ravana,
Valmiki extolled Rama, who gave up the
kingdom, donned the robes of an ascetic and lived a simple life in the forest.
What is the reason? It was because Rama was the very embodiment of Dharma. Everyone of his actions stemmed from
Dharma. Every word he spoke was truth. Every step
he trod was based on Dharma. Hence, Rama has
been described as the very image of Dharma."
Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 298
Teachings From Dying Ravana For
Lakshmana
"When
Ravana lay dying, Rama directed his brother, Lakshamana,
to go to him and learn from him the secrets of successful statecraft. Ravana
taught him that a king who is eager to win glory must suppress greed as soon as
it lifts its head, and welcome the smallest chance to do good to others,
without the slightest procrastination. He (Ravana) had learnt
the lesson through bitter experience. Greed arises from attachment to the
senses and catering to them. Put them in their proper place; they are windows
for knowledge, not channels of contamination." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, last
cover page.
Lord's Rajasic Acts Are Tinged By Satvic Qualities
"When the Lord metes out a punishment, it may appear
harsh. But what appears extremely as Rajasic is, in reality, Satvic. In a
hailstorm, along with rain there will be hailstones. But both the rain and hailstones contain
water. Likewise, there is Satvic quality
even in the Lord's Rajasic actions.
Similarly, there may be Satvic quality even in Tamasic actions. These depend on the time, place and the circumstances in which
the Lord acts. Butter can be split with finger.
But a powerful hammer is needed to break a piece of iron. The Lord deals with Satvic persons in a Satvic way. He
applies the Rajasic weapon against Rajasic persons." „ Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 285
Roudrakaara Worship Of The Divine
"People
worship the Lord, attributing dreaded forms and qualities (Roudrakaara) to the
Divine. This is not proper. The Divine has only one attribute, the Embodiment
of Love. It has been said: 'Love is God.
Love pervades the cosmos.' Hence, one should
not view the world from a worldly point of
view. It should be viewed from the eye of love." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91.
p. 285
Sai's Divine Will
For Dashara
"The
Maharani of Cutch, who is to preside over the Hospital
Day this evening, was very much agitated whether she could come in time, on
account of the disturbed conditions on the border with Pakistan, or whether
Dashara itself will be cancelled by Me, as so many have been done in Mysore and
elsewhere. But in spite of all obstacles, the fighting has stopped and news has
come that peace is restored. This is another instance of the Grace, which Prasanthi
Nilayam
showers. This is the way Mahima works."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 46. Discourse
on 26 September 1965
Participation
In Dasara At Prasanthi Nilayam
"This
Prasanthi Nilayam is the Nilayam (abode) of Nitya
(eternal) Shanti (peace), that cannot be
disturbed, because it is based on deep discrimination and on unshakable
renunciation of Vishaya Vasana (vagaries of mind and urges). To be here on
this sacred day is indeed a great piece of good fortune. Thousands of Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants), aspirants and
seekers have assembled here and those who have come into this auspicious
company have to make the best use of chance. Instead of celebrating this
Dashara in feasting and catering to the frailties of the senses, I am happy you
are determined to spend it in holy thoughts." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p.
43, Discourse on 26 September 1965
Lesson Of
Unity
"Pilgrimages impress on people
the lesson of unity. They bring together people from all comers of the world,
irrespective of language or locality. Festivals like Dashara at Prasanthi
Nilayam bring together Sadhakas from all the
continents, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, and colour. They are
motivated by the same urge, to involve themselves more and more in attempts to
realise their innate divinity. They have met here to enjoy the supreme delight
in the holy presence of the Lord and to recognise the unity of all in the
Divine Atmic Splendour." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 115
Experience
Of Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam
"The Dashara
Festival has filled your eyes, ears and minds with Ananda
(joy) for ten days and, with the bodies transformed by this rich experience,
you are returning to your places." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 180.
Discourse on 11 October 1970
Activities
During The Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam
"You will find in the Dashara programme here various items like
Veda-parayana (recitation of the Vedas), Puja
for Divine Forms, the feeding of the poor, dramas, music, Harikathas (stories about God), reading
Puranas, lectures on shastras
(scriptures), etc.
"This Puja,
this Yajna, and this Homa, are arranged here every Dasara,
in order to help you to leam that other
everlasting, abstract Yajna, which everyone
of you has to do, to save yourselves from fear, grief and anxiety." Sai
Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 113. discourse on 11-10-1972
Purpose Of Conducting Various Activities On Dasara
"All
activities (on Dashara) are designed for various purposes that may not be
evident on the surface. You may be under the impression that all this is but
customary and traditional. No. Each item has a deeper significance. It is
intended to bring about a definite change for some section or other. The Vedas
are for entire mankind. They have prayers for peace, subjugating the anger of
the elements and of human communities. They invoke the forces of nature to be
calm and beneficent. So, the Parayanam of
the Vedas promotes world peace and human welfare. For those who derive joy when
names of the Lord are recited, each Name invoking one facet of the splendour of
God, we have the Pujas. For those thirsting
for directions along the path of Sadhana, we
have discourses by the Pundits. Musical recitations and discourses transmit the
teachings of the Shastras and Puranas in pleasant palatable ways. The dramas
are visible representations of the essential lessons embodied in our
scriptures. All these unfold the petals of the heart of man." Sai Baba,
SSS, Vol. V, p. 259, Discourse on 17 October 1966
Dasara
Activities At Prasanthi Nilayam
Veda Purusha
Sapthaha Jnana
Yajna
"A Yajna for peace in the
world is performed in Prasanthi Nilayam as part of Dasara and Navaratri celebrations. This year the Yajna
started on 13th October 1999.
After
Puja in Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir,
the Ritwiks went in a procession to Poomachandra Auditorium at 8.20 a.m.to start the
Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna
in the divine presence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Yajnagni
(sacrificial fire) was lit at 9.00 a.m. and placed in the decorated Yajna Kundam with the chanting of the Veda Mantras. The
Yajna continued for six days and concluded on 19th October, the auspicious day
of Dasara with Poomahuti performed by the Veda Purusha
Bhagavan Baba Himself. After Poomahuti, Bhagavan sprinkled Yajna Teertham (sacred water) on the devotees in the entire
Poomachandra Auditorioum and outside it.
With Mangalaarti to Bhagavan at 9.20 a.m, the Yajna came to a happy conclusion."Editor,
SS, 11/99, 343
Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha
"The
programme included the
Discourses of Bhagavan Baba and speeches by scholars and students during
the Navaratri celebrations. With Bhagavan's blessings, three speakers
addressed the
devotees on 13th October 1999.
The first speaker, Sri G.V. Subbarao, told
that Yajna meant sacrifice.. The purpose of
holding the Yajna was to transform us, so that we could imbibe the virtues of
Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema, Ahimsa. The second speaker, Sri Sanjay Sahni,
narrated a few incidents to show how Bhagavan Baba revealed His identity in an
extremely subtle way. The third speaker of the afternoon was a senior student,
Sri Y. Arvind.
He noted that sometimes
Bhagavan did not accept a devotee's letter or respond
to his prayer immediately. He said that by doing so, Bhagavan gives us an
opportunity for self-introspection and purification.
The
first speaker of the afternoon on 14th October was Sri Sudhindran, a student of
Brindavan
Campus. He said that the Vedas bring home
the immense importance of Yajna as means of liberation and immortality.... The
second speaker, Sri V. Ashwin, a student of M.Sc II year, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, made a
beautiful analogy between his mother and Mother Sai. While his mother gave him
physical sustenance, Sai mother gave him physical as well as spiritual
sustenance. The third speaker of the afternoon was Sri B.N. Narsimha Murthy,
Warden of Brindavan Campus. Dwelling on the concept of Avatarhood,
he said, 'An
Avatar is divine mystery. It is therefore futile to try to understand the
Avatar. In the end, Sri Narasimha Murthy
prayed to Swami for His Divine Discourse as
the devotees were thirsting for His nectarine words. Thereafter, Bhagavan Baba
blessed the devotees with His discourse.
On the afternoon
of 15th October 1999, the third day of the Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha, the programme started at 3.50
p.m. with Veda chanting by the students. Sri Ram Parsuram,
a student of M.Sc 1st Year, was the first speaker of this session. He
lamented that modem man had forgotten to love.. .The second speaker.
Dr. T. Ravi Kumar, a faculty member of Brindavan Campus,
narrated some of his personal experiences as to how he had lost his eyesight
twice in accidents in the Chemistry Lab and how Bhagavan showered His grace by
restoring his eyesight to the surprise of the eye specialists. The third
speaker of the session was Dr. G. Venkataraman, former Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He said,
Navaratri was celebrated to worship God as Shakti or Divine Mother, who was not only the
ocean of compassion, kindness and love, but also energy. After these brief
speeches, Bhagavan Baba
blessed the devotees with His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close
with Aarati to Bhagavan at 5.40 p.m.
On
the afternoon of 16th October
1999, the first speaker was Sri. T. G. Krishanamurthy, President,
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tamil Nadu. Referring
to the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna,
Sri Krishnamurthy said that Bhagavan Baba
Himself was Yajna Purusha to whom all the
sacrificial offerings were being made. The second speaker of the session was
Sri K. Raghupati,
a B.Com (Hons.)
student of Brindavan Campus. He told that God
was the only true friend of man and all other worldly friends were not
dependable... The last speaker of the
session was Sri Sandipan Chatterjee, a faculty member of Prasanthi Nilayam
Campus. Sri Chatterji narrated several
incidents of Bhagavan's miracles and
exhorted the devotees to follow the teachings of Bhagavan to raise their
consciousness to a level where their will and Bhagavan's
will would become one. After this, Bhagavan gave His Divine Discourse. The
programme came to a close with Mangalaarati to Bhagavan at 4.15 p.m.
On the afternoon
of 17th October 1999, Sri V. Srinivasan,
All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization and Central Trust Member,
was the first speaker. Sri Srinivasan dwelt on the auspiciousness
of the Navaratri festival and said that Bhagavan Baba Himself was
auspiciousness personified. The next speaker. Major General S.P.Mahadevan,
said that science had brought about material progress in the world, but it
could not give peace of mind to man. The last speaker was a member of the
Faculty of Commerce, Brindavan Campus, Sri Ruchir Desai.
Sri Desai said, 'Bhagavan
Baba has incarnated to teach the message of love.'
After these brief speeches, Bhagavan narrated some of His childhood Leelas in His Divine Discourse. The programme came
to a close at 4.35 p.m. with Mangala-aarati
to Bhagavan.
In the afternoon of the
18th October 1999, the first speaker, Sri S.V. Giri, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Learning, spoke about the importance of nine days' festival of Navaratri. The second speaker of this session was Bhattam
Sri Rama Murthy, a former Minister in the
state of Andhra Pradesh.
He narrated a few touching personal experiences to bring home the point that Swami'
s life
was only for devotees. The third speaker was a Sanskrit scholar from Rajamundry, Dr. Rama
Somayajulu.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Bhagavan for this opportunity to speak
in His Divine presence. After these speeches, Bhagavan Baba showered bliss on
the devotees by speaking about His childhood in His Divine Discourse for the
second consecutive day. The programme came to a close at 5.10 p.m. with the
offering of Mangaaarati to Bhagavan.
The first
speaker on 19th October 1999 was
Sri Indulal Shah, Chairman, Sri Sathya Sai
World Council. Sri Shah referred to the significance of Dasara and said, 'It
reminded us of the victory of the good over the evil. It
also brought home the message of self-transformation through genuine spiritual
practice."
The second
speaker, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India
President of Sathya Sai Seva Organization, referred to the Navaratri festival which was celebrated to
commemorate the destruction of demons by the Mother Goddess. He said, 'Bhagavan Baba,
who is the embodiment of all gods and goddesses, destroys the demons of greed,
ego, hatred and attachment through the weapon of love.'
The third speaker
was Sri C. Srinivas,
Member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Sri Srinivas said that one was filled with awe and
wonder when one thought how Bhagavan had
totally changed this small hamlet of Puttaparthi
into one of the biggest pilgrimage centres of the world. He referred to a book
published in America, which gave the designs
of 100 best-designed hospitals of the world, in which Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences had been given on the first
page.
After these brief speeches, Bhagavan delivered His
Dasara Sandesh.
The programme came to a close with Mangala-aarati
to Bhagavan." Editor. SS. 11/99, p. 346
Glimpses
Of Dasara Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1998)
"Dasara and Navaratri
celebrations started at Prasanthi Nilayam on a grand note on 25 September (1998).
Bhagavan Baba came to the fully-decorated
Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.00 a.m. and took a
round of the rows of the vast gathering of devotees to shower the bliss of His
Divine Darshan on them on the auspicious
Navaratri day. After a brief round of Darshan,
Bhagavan Baba ordered the distribution of Prasadam. Mangala-vadyam started about 7.45 a.m. Then
at 8.00 a.m., all eyes turned towards Veda chanting Pundits, who came to the
Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession followed by
a group of Veda chanting students. They all came to the Mandir and received the blessings of Bhagavan before getting
ready for starting the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna.
Soon
after that the venue of the programme was shifted to Poomachandra
Auditorium, where Veda Purusha Bhagavan Sai inaugurated the Saptaha
Jnana Yajna.
The ceremonial
lighting of the sacred fire was done by rubbing two pieces of wood against each
other by the Pundits amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras.
After the fire was
lit, the priests sat around the beautifully
decorated Yajnashala and started the Yajna. While some Pundits sat near the Vedi and performed the Yajna by putting
Ahutis (offerings) of ghee and other sacred
articles in the sacrificial fire amidst the
chanting of Veda Mantras, some other Pundits were engaged in performing
Surya-Namaskaar, reading the sacred epics,
worshipping Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and other related rituals.
At 11:30 a.m.,
Aarati was offered to Veda Purusha Bhagavan by the
Pundits. The first day's Yajna programme concluded at 12:00.
The
auspicious day of Vijayadashmi, 1st October 1998 marked the completion of the
Veda Purusha Yajna
with Bhagavan offering Poomaahuti (final offerings) in the sacred fire. In the end, Bhagavan showered His blessings
by sprinkling sacred water on all devotees inside and outside the Poomachandra Auditorium.
While
the performance of Yajna continued for seven days in the morning, Bhagavan
delivered His nectarine discourses in the evening. Bhagavan also showered His
love and blessings on a galaxy of speakers by permitting them to make brief
speeches before His Divine Discourse. Thus, while the Yajna fumes and Vedic chanting sanctified
and spiritualized the atmosphere, the Divine Discourses and other speeches
provided a veritable feast for the soul." Editor, SS, 11/98, p. 303
"The
first speaker on 30th September (Dasara
Festival Day), Prof. G. Venkataraman explained the significance of Veda
Purusha Jnana Yajna by saying that this Veda
Purusha Jnana Yajna assumed importance
because it was willed, organized and performed in the year 1998, which was
being celebrated as the year of peace. He said true peace could be established
on the foundation of Sathya, Dharma and Prema.
The present Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri S.V. Giri was
the next speaker.
Explaining the significance ofNavaratri,
Sri Giri said that the nine days of Navaratri, devoted to the worship of Durga,
denoted the principle of energy; Lakshmi
symbolized power and prosperity and Saraswati
granted intellectual illumination. So, the last day of Navaratri marked the
culmination of nine days of penance, dedication, devotion, intellectual
illumination and mental purification." Editor, SS. 11/98. p. 305
Dasara
Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam - 1988
"The
Dasara celebrations began with Kalasha Sthaapana in the Prasanthi Mandir
on 11th October 1988. Devotees had started streaming into
Prasanthi Nilayam from the beginning of the month.
Narayana Seva
There
was Narayana Seva on 13th October on the spacious grounds of the
Hill View Stadium. Nearly fifteen thousand men,
women and children from all the surrounding villages had gathered on the
grounds. As in previous years, Seva Dal
volunteers and students of the Institute arranged for their sitting in orderly
rows for the feeding.
Bhagavan arrived exactly at 9.00 a.m. and went to the rooms where the food was kept. Swami blessed the
Prasadam
and Himself inaugurated the Narayana Seva by serving food to some of the men
and women. Scores of students from the Sathya Sai Institute and the Higher
Secondary School served food to the thousands with remarkable speed and
enthusiasm. Swami was on His feet for over half an hour attending to every
detail of the Narayana Seva, inspiring the students and the Seva Dal by His
presence.
Feeding the poor was
followed by distribution of clothes (saris and dhotis)to thousands of men and women, with
Bhagavan Himself presenting saris to a few women
and dhotis to some men. Some overseas
devotees participated in serving food and
distributing clothes.
Veda Purusha
Jnana Yajna
On the 14th, Bhagavan
came in a procession, headed by a large
group of students chanting Vedic hymns, and Ritwiks who were officiating
in the Yajna. Leading the procession was Bhagavan's Sai Geetha,
followed by a band troupe.
Bhagavan inaugurated the
Athirudhra Homa.
Besides the Ritwiks officiating at the Homa,
there were others chanting the Vedas, an old
couple doing Linga Archana
and Devi Puja,
a Purohit who performed Surya Namaskar,
and two pundits who were doing Parayana of
Devi Bhagavatam and Valmiki Ramayana.
Bhagavan Darshan
And Discourses
Bhagavan gave Darshan to thousands
of devotees in the Auditorium every morning. In the afternoons, during six
days, there were discourses by Bhagavan, preceded by speeches by some old
devotees and by research scholars and post-graduate students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute.
Students'
Testimonies
The speeches of the students not
only testified to the extent to which they had imbibed the teachings of
Bhagavan, but also revealed numerous
instances in which Swami had given
protection to the students or other devotees in critical situations. A common
theme for all of them was the infinite love of Bhagavan, which they had
experienced in innumerable ways. All of them pledged themselves to live up to
the ideals of Bhagavan and dedicate themselves to His global mission for the transformation
of mankind.
Conclusion Of The Yajna
The Yajna
concluded on 20th October 1988, with Pumaahuti
and adoration of Bhagavan as Veda Purusha by the Ritwiks. Bhagavan came to the
auditorium from Prasanthi Mandir in a procession led by a large number of
students reciting Vedic hymns.
Discourses
Bhagavan delivered His concluding
discourse, emphasizing the inner significance of festivals like Navaratri and exhorting all devotees to rise above
barriers of caste and creed, language and
nationality and develop love towards each other as children of one God.
Swami later went round the
auditorium sprinkling the mantra-charged Yajna-tirtham on all devotees and conferring His
benediction on them.
Jhoola Festival
The crowning event of the celebrations was the Jhoola
festival in the evening (20th October),
when Swami, wearing an immaculate white
robe, showered bliss on thousands in the Poomachandra
Auditorium from the glittering silver Jhoola. The Institute's students' orchestra provided a concert for the
evening's function, which concluded with Aarati
to Bhagavan." Editor, SS. 11/88, pp. 287 & 288.
Posts
