Divine Love alone can save us from sorrows

Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Discourse on the occasion on Onam
Prashanti Nilayam, 28th August 2004

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your belly. You acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields. Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness you have achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in acquiring worldly knowledge and earning wealth while forgetting God. (Telugu poem)

Embodiments of Love!
Hunger, thirst, pleasure and pain, are quite natural to man. One follows the other. Food is essential for man. But filling the belly is not the be all - and end - all of human existence. Man is born not for the sake of ahara (food) but to experience ananda (bliss). One who is oblivious to ananda and spends his time and energy in the pursuit of ahara will ultimately fritter away his life. The purpose of celebrating festivals is to experience bliss and not merely to partake of delicious food. No doubt the body requires food, but life is not meant for food alone. Unmindful of this truth, man is treading the path of unrighteousness for the sake of food and physical pleasures. The body is made up of five elements and is transitory. The Mind is a mere bundle of thoughts and desires. We should not be unduly attached to the body and the mind. We should strive to experience bliss.

Embodiments of Love!
Human body has emerged out of love. Hence, we should lead a life for divine love and not for food. But man has not understood this truth. He struggles hard from dawn to dusk for the sake of filling his belly. He is not utilising the gift of the body for the purpose it is assigned to. This body is a den of dirt, and prone to diseases; it is subject to change from time to time; how foolish it is to develop attachment to such an impermanent body and strive for its pleasures?

Embodiments of Love!
We should lead our lives in such a manner to redeem ourselves. We should love God and aspire only for Him. Your love should be directed only towards God, not for the body. Our speech, actions and the life-breath itself are meant to experience the Atma. Sometimes the body may be afflicted with ailments, but they are like passing clouds. Man is born to attain the eternal truth of the Atma. Life is meant for Atmaanveshana (quest for the Atma) and not for Annaanveshana (quest for food). Annaanveshana gives cause to physical ailments. They come and go like passing clouds. How foolish it is to be depressed about such ‘passing clouds’? We should never forget the truth that we are born to experience the eternal bliss of Atma.

Embodiments of Love!
You have come here all the way from Kerala to celebrate the holy festival of Onam and experience joy and bliss in the divine presence of Swami. We should not allow trivial matters to dampen the spirit of enthusiasm. We should march forward with courage and conviction, unmindful of any hurdles and inconveniences in the way. A few minutes ago, when all of you were blissfully immersed in the celebration, all of a sudden My nose started bleeding. I went inside, wiped the blood and came out cheerfully as if nothing had happened. How can we discontinue the celebration of a sacred festival of this kind on account of such trivial matters? We should not lose our self-confidence on such minor physical discomforts. They are transient in nature; you should not get distracted by them. Ailment and suffering are but natural to the physical body. Sometimes even the sun is covered by clouds. But can the clouds ever diminish the effulgence of the sun? No. Just as the sun is not affected by the clouds, you too should remain unaffected by ailment and suffering. When you develop such courage, conviction and determination, you will not be depressed or dejected by any suffering.

Embodiments of Love!
We should sanctify our time by performing sacred actions. This is the spiritual lesson we have to learn today. We can experience transcendental bliss only when we overcome the difficulties and suffering that come in our way. Never be afraid of difficulties; face them with courage. Only then humanness will blossom in you. Once you experience the bliss of the Atma, difficulties and suffering will no longer bother you.

Embodiments of Love!
Amidst the joyous celebration of the festival, My slight physical discomfiture has caused anxiety to you. You should never give scope for anxiety or worry. In order to allay your fears and anxiety and to give you joy I came back immediately. In this world, many difficulties come in our way. Truly speaking, they merely cause anxiety in you; they cannot harm you.

Onam is the most sacred festival of Kerala. You have to understand the significance and message of this festival and put it into practice. Onam is an occasion to share our joy with others. You cannot experience happiness without undergoing difficulties. Na Sukhat Labhate Sukham (one cannot derive happiness out of happiness). Happiness gains value in the face of difficulties. Even insurmountable difficulties will vanish like thin mist when you face them with courage and self-confidence. The problems may appear to be mountainous in nature, but you should not give scope for fear or anxiety in your mind. Mind is like a mad monkey. It easily gets swayed by difficulties. Hence, you should brush aside the difficulties that come in your way. Never allow them to get the upper hand. Mind is the veil of Maya (illusion) that stands as an obstacle in your path to spirituality. You should not become a slave of the mind; you should conquer the mind. Only then can you attain Divinity. But you are carried away by the vagaries of the mind which is nothing but Maya. You should ignore the dictates of the mind. We consider the mind to be the most important aspect of humankind. However, it can lead you to dangers and difficulties if you are carried away by its whims and fancies. Hence, do not submit yourself to the mind.

Embodiments of Love!
One who has control over the mind is a true Manishi (human). One who lacks control over the mind is no human at all. How can you call yourself a human being if you are fickle-minded and depressed over trivial problems? You should make efforts to overcome problems posed by the mind without being unduly worried about them. In this world, there is nothing greater than God’s love. Hence, we should transcend the mind that stands as an obstacle in the Godward path.

Embodiments of Love!
You are born out of love and sustained by love. You should sanctify your life by leading a life suffused with love. Treat love as the very basis of your life. You are not fit to be called a human being if you submit yourself to trivial problems. Even tiny ants are able to overcome obstacles that stand in their way. Problems are not limited to human beings alone; even birds, beasts and insects have problems.

Saint Thyagaraja sang, “Oh Rama, You pervade everything right from a Cheema (ant) to Brahma. You are in Siva and also in Kesava. Please take care of Me.” (Telugu poem)

The same divinity that is present in an ant is also present in man. Likewise, difficulties are also common for all. The suffering that an ant undergoes is similar to that of man. When such a tiny creature like an ant is able to withstand suffering, why is it that man is not able to do the same? He is influenced by his food and habits and thus has become a slave to his mind. That is the reason he is unable to withstand suffering. We should face the challenges of life with fortitude and brush aside the difficulties. Never be cowed down by difficulties. You can attain God only when you face difficulties with courage and overcome them.

Embodiments of Love!
You should not seek anything other than divine love. There is nothing superior to love in this world. You consider gold, silver, diamond, etc. as most valuable. In fact, all these so called valuable things are meant to delude man. We should not care for such worldly possessions. Instead, we should focus our mind on God. Perform your daily activities keeping God as your goal. Only then will your human birth find fulfilment. We should strive to attain the grace of God and not be deterred by difficulties and losses. When you have God on your side, you can achieve anything. All your difficulties and suffering will vanish in a trice. When such omnipotent Divinity is within us, why should we be worried about trivial matters? Love is the divine power that bestows on us the courage to overcome difficulties. Anything can be achieved with the power of love. We should be afraid of sin, and not difficulties. We have to develop Daiva Preeti, Papa Bheeti and Sangha Neeti (fear of sin, love of God and morality in society). Instead of developing fear of sin, we are enslaved by sin. Instead of seeking refuge in God, we are submitting ourselves to difficulties. Morality in society will lead to love of God which will in turn lead to fear of sin. Hence, we should uphold morality in society and dedicate ourselves to God.

Thyagaraja once prayed, “Oh! Lord, I am deeply concerned about the fear of sin. I am unable to surrender to your love. Please grant me the strength of conviction to bow down before your divine love. Please give me the strength to overcome the fear of difficulties.” What did we achieve in our life? What is the purpose of constant contemplation of God? One who is constantly contemplating on God should be able to keep himself away from sinful acts and develop love for God. There can be no greater fortune than having love for God. One must strive to achieve that great treasure. One should not be deterred by sorrows and difficulties in that Sadhana.

Embodiments of Love!
You have all gathered here to attain that great fortune of love for God. One should never be subdued by sorrows and difficulties. Sorrow and sin are obstacles in the path of spirituality. They are like the waves. When one gets into the water and attempts to swim, the surging waves must be pushed aside, so that one may move forward. Similarly, in the stream of life, if one wants to move forward, one has to push aside the surging waves of sorrow and sin. From a child to the adult, everyone has to strive to attain the love of God. This struggle for God’s love, moulds the personality of a human being. What is meant by personality? Does it mean height, weight and a strong body? No, it is a mistake to think so. Undeterred by the sorrows and difficulties, one has to march forward with courage and adventure to attain God’s love. That is the real meaning of personality. In fact, God has already granted such personality to every human being. Unfortunately, we fail to realise this truth. The word ‘Person’ implies a great Divine force that is granted by God to Man. Our ancestors called this Divine force as ‘Persona’. This is a great gift of God, granted to every individual. We are unable to safeguard this great treasure. These sorrows and difficulties are like passing clouds that come and go. Why should we be afraid of them? We have the eternal Divine principle immanent in our personality. Therefore, there is no need at all to be afraid of anything as long as we are constantly aware of our latent divinity. March forward with courage and conviction and achieve your life’s goal. It is only to instill this feeling of courage in you and reinforce your faith in God that you are subjected to face certain anxious moments.

Embodiments of Love!
I am aware that you are very anxious about the physical discomfort that Swami underwent, a few moments ago. You are very worried about this physical body. Understand and be convinced by the fact that a body is after all physical in nature. It is like a water bubble; the mind is like a mad monkey. You need not be afraid of this mad monkey. You should not worry about these passing clouds. They are like visitors who come and go. We have to be firmly established in the Atma Tattwa, which is nothing but Divinity. Develop full faith in the Atma Tattwa. That alone will protect you in every way.

Embodiments of Love!
God can do anything by His Divine will. Why should you fear when such all powerful God is always with you, in you, and around you? Develop such courage and conviction and march on. There cannot be a more powerful force than faith in God in this world.

Embodiments of Love!
All these children have gathered here to spend some sacred moments in the Divine presence of God. They are really fortunate. Their good fortune is the result of the merit acquired by their parents. Here is a small girl (pointing towards a girl). She participated in a group dance programme a short while ago. While doing so, she was constantly observing the steps made by other girls in the group. She developed so much concentration in this activity that she was constantly maintaining her steps in tune with the steps of other girls. (Swami created a gold chain and put it round her neck.)

Embodiments of Love!
I will be very happy, if all of you can become children once again. A child will never have the bad qualities of anger, passion, jealousy, conceit and ego. Jesus Christ was always appreciative of the quality of innocence in children. Once, he lifted a small child from the lap of her mother in the crowd and said “I like this small child very much; she has all the qualities of Divinity. She is pure, selfless and is in perfect bliss”. Children in general are Divine in nature. As they grow up they develop bad qualities like excessive desires, attachments, anger, jealousy, etc. Along with advancing in age, sorrows and difficulties will also increase. Therefore, one should strive for attaining control over one’s desires. That is ceiling on desires. If you can develop this control, you will come under the influence of Divine power. Otherwise, you will be deluded by the power of desires and get into that vortex from which you can never come out. A child like simplicity, purity and innocence, is the road to Divinity.

Embodiments of Love!
I wish you should become children at least for one minute a day. You should emulate those noble qualities, which are characteristic of children. Supposing you are troubled with desires, chase them away as unbecoming of your noble personality. Only then can you hold your head high. A few minutes ago, my nose was bleeding profusely. If I were to submit myself helplessly to this bodily ailment, it would have aggravated further. Therefore, I decided to defy this bodily discomfiture and stand erect with firmness, unmindful of what is going to happen to the body. I washed my face and came back to give My Discourse. After all, this body and the blood circulating therein are nourished and nurtured only by the food we supply. If we cannot control our own body, what is the purpose of our living? Wherever we are, we must keep the body in our control. Only then we become real human beings and can move closer to Divinity. The more you control your body and mind, the nearer you move to God.

In fact, love is the only quality that takes you nearer to God. There is nothing greater than love. It is a Divine attribute. Love is God. Live in Love. When you cultivate this noble quality, you deserve to be called a human being. This divine love is like the blood that circulates in every human being, nay, every living being. If we can cultivate this universal love, you can love not only every human being, but all living beings. Love is God and God is Love. Therefore, take every individual lovingly to your heart. Do not ever show anger or hatred towards anybody.

Embodiments of Love!
The quality of love that permeates every human being is one and the same. There are no differences whatsoever in this regard. When you cultivate such universal love, it becomes your very life-breath, which is dearer to God. Therefore, cultivate such pure, unsullied and selfless love. Love your neighbour’s child as your own child. All are embodiments of love. The message of this sacred festival Onam is love. This festival is observed to spread this message of love among all human beings. In fact, we are born to cultivate this sacred love and share it with others. If we fail in this endeavour, our whole life becomes a waste.

When my nose was bleeding a few minutes ago, some doctors advised me that I should take complete rest and not to go out to give a discourse. I asked them why? The doctors explained that if I go on talking, the bleeding may reoccur. Then I replied, “Ok! Let me see!” Thus I faced the problem squarely with courage and confidence. Thus, when we encounter a difficult situation, we should not feel sorry and dejected. We must face it with courage. Only then can we overcome the situation.

Embodiments of Love!
Whenever you encounter suffering either bodily or mentally, do not lose your cool. Do not get dejected. Instead, face the problem squarely and undertake activities that will instill a sense of courage and confidence in you. No doubt, situations do arise in life when we have to undergo sorrows and difficulties. When our loving parents depart from this world, we are in deep sorrow. Instead of losing our poise in such difficult situations, it is advisable to face the ordeal with courage, expressing gratitude to our parents for granting us the gift of this body.

Embodiments of Love!
I hope I am not causing inconvenience to you by speaking at length. It is only to instill courage in you that I am giving this long discourse. When I was suffering with a bleeding nose, all our children were anxiously waiting in the adjacent room in an anxious mood. I told them, “Do not feel worried. I will go out and administer a strong dose for this ailment. Such is My courage and confidence in facing difficult situations. In fact, this courage is My real strength. Come! Let us go!” The children collected all the blood-soaked towels and felt very distressed on seeing them. If those clothes are washed, the blood stains will vanish in no time. Likewise, only God's love can wash our sorrows off! Therefore, cultivate such divine love. All your sorrows and difficulties will be removed.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, “Prema Mudhita Manase Kaho …”

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August 2, 2004 - Guru Poornima

Reduce your attachment to the body. As your attachment to the body increases, your suffering also increases along with it. Consider your body as the temple of God. It is God's gift to you. Use the body for performing sacred deeds and attaining bliss; you will experience divinity. Continue your spiritual practices. Always be suffused with the feeling that God is in you, above you, below you, around you. Strengthen this feeling in you and shape your life accordingly. Lead your life with love.

August 3, 2004

Meditate on the truth and you will find that you are but a sparkling bubble upon the waters; born on water, living for a brief moment on water and merging back in to it. You owe your birth to God; you subsist on God and you merge in God. Every living thing, and for that matter, even non-living things have to reach that consummation. So do it now; take the first step. Purify your heart, sharpen your intellect or atleast start chanting the name of God. The rest will follow in due course of time.

August 4, 2004

The Divine is like intoxicating wine. It is produced by the nectar of the Lord's name. Taste it but once and you will forget everything else; you are transformed. Man is, they say, a monkey that has lost its tail; well, he must lose many more attributes of the monkey before he is entitled to call himself man. He must dedicate his thoughts, words and deeds to God and surrender himself to His will. Only then is this 'animal' entitled to become a man in whom the Divine is enshrined.

August 5, 2004

Proceeding along the road, you can watch your shadow falling on mud or dirt, hollow or mound, thorn or sand, wet or dry patches of land. You are unaffected by the fate of your shadow, is it not? Nor is the shadow made dirty thereby. It does not worry in the least where it falls or what it wades through. We know that the shadow and its experiences are not eternal or true. Similarly, you must get convinced that 'you' are but the shadow of the Absolute and you are essentially not this 'you' but the Absolute itself. That is the remedy for all sorrows and pains.

August 6, 2004

Nothing can illumine an object that does not reflect light; but a flame illumines itself and sheds light all around. God is self-luminous; He illumines all. He is beyond Nature which is but a manifestation of His glory. He can be seen only through the eye of wisdom that can be won only by His grace. Engage yourself in Sadhana (spiritual practice) which will secure the grace of God. That will grant you the eye of wisdom.

August 7, 2004

Be like a bee drinking the nectar of every flower; not like the mosquito that drinks blood and spreads diseases in return. Consider all as children of the Lord, as your brothers and sisters. Cultivate love and always seek the welfare of humanity. Love and you will be loved in return. Hate will never be your lot if you promote love and look upon all with love. If you want to attain Me, cultivate love and give up hatred, envy, anger, cynicism and falsehood. I do not ask that you should be a scholar or a recluse or an ascetic skilled in Japa (recitation of God's name) and Dhyana (meditation). Is your heart full of love, that is all I examine.

August 8, 2004

Like underground water, the Divine is inherent in everyone. He is the Atma (soul). He is in you as much as in everyone else. His spark illumines the cave of the heart of everyone. Just like the sun that shines equally on all, His grace spreads equally on all. It is you who erect obstacles that prevent the rays of His grace from warming your heart. Do not blame the Lord for your ignorance and foolishness. Underground water wells up in a gushing spring when a bore is sunk down to that depth. Similarly, when by constant chanting of His name, you touch the spring of divinity, it will gush out in cool plenty and bring unending joy.

August 9, 2004

Utilise the world as a means to an end; do not desire to stay in it. It is a bridge wide and strongly built leading back to the source. But, can any pilgrim build a house on it for himself? The cosmos is changing constantly. The minutes that have passed cannot be retrieved, even if tempted with a billion rupees. The past is not ours anymore; the present slips from our grasp; and the future is uncertain. In spite of this, bonds of attachment keep growing. This is the greatest illusion.

August 10, 2004

If you have Shanti (peace) within, the world will appear like a quiet, peaceful place. If you have Ashanti (agitation) within, the world will be full of Ashanti. Shanti is to be won by Sadhana (spiritual practice), not by study of books. One judge reads huge volumes and delivers one judgement for a case while another judge reads the same books and delivers quite an opposite judgement for the same case. Books are just guides for a small part of the journey. Thereafter, you have to find the way yourself.

August 11, 2004

It is to clear the path of spiritual progress of man that the Avatar (Divine incarnation) has come. The Ashanti (unrest) in which man is immersed has to be removed. That is what is meant by "Parithraanaaya sadhoonam" or protection of the virtuous as declared in Bhagavad Gita; saving good individuals from the tentacles of Ashanti or grief caused by ignorance of the unimportance of worldly things. All individuals must get Shanti (peace) and Santhosha (happiness), that is the mission on which the Lord comes again and again on Earth. He takes on a human form so that you may meet Him and talk to Him, understand and appreciate, listen and follow, experience and benefit.

August 12, 2004

Intelligence being the special mark of humans, every effort must be made to amplify and sharpen it. Along with intelligence, character too has to be cultivated in equal measure, for then alone can that intelligence be used to serve society. The readiness to renounce one's pleasure in order to relieve the burden of another is a prime virtue. When asked as to which is the most valuable object, everyone says gold or diamonds. But who cuts the diamond to expose its lustre? Who finds the ores of gold deep within the Earth? It is man who is really most valuable and his strength lies in his capacity to purify his thoughts, words and deeds.

August 13, 2004

Man is burdened with the delusion that the temporary is eternal. Long identification has trained him so; so he has to be re-educated into the right vision. The absolute reality that persists unchanged is this ' I '. All else is unreal, appearing as real. The ' I ' in you is Paramatma (God) Himself. The waves play with the wind for a moment over the deep waters of the sea. It gives you the impression that it is separate from the ocean below., but it is just an appearance - a creation of the two ideas of Name and Form. Get rid of the two ideas and the wave disappears into the sea; its reality flashes upon you and you realise that God is present in man as Love.

August 14, 2004

The grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason, the contortions of yoga or the denials of asceticism. Love alone can win it- Love that needs no requital, Love that is unwavering, Love that knows no bargaining. Love that is offered gladly as tribute to the All-loving. Love alone can overcome obstacles, however many and difficult.

August 15, 2004

Wherever you may be, in whatever country, do not give room for religious differences. Do not give up your religion, adhere to your faith and tradition. When differences between religions are given up, love will develop in you. When love grows, you can have a direct vision of God. Without love, mere verbal prayers are of no avail. Realise that the Love that is present in everyone is the same. It is that common bond of love of God that binds everyone.

August 16, 2004

Believing that the world as cognised during the waking state is real and that the highest goal is the attainment of happiness in that world, man accumulates the instruments and symbols of that happiness; he fashions after his own taste and inclination, the laws, ideals, institutions and principles that would bolster that happiness. But can the goal of Life be just this - to struggle amidst the waves of joy and grief that rise and fall in this visible objective world, to be carried along the current of desire, gathering food, shelter, comfort and pleasure, and finally, to flounder into the jaws of death? If man too leads life in this manner, verily he is no better than a mere animal.

August 17, 2004

No one can liberate you, for no one has bound you. You hold on to the nettle of worldly pleasures and you weep in pain. The kite is pursued by crows so long as it carries the fish in its beak; it twists and turns in the sky trying to dodge the crows that seek to snatch the fish; tired at last, it drops the fish. That moment it is free. So, give up attachment to the senses, then grief and worry can harass you no more.

August 18, 2004

When one's inner reactions and agitations are sublimated, all that one experiences through the senses, the mind and the intellect take on a divine lustre and reveal their divine core. When man's heart is full of love, he can be in the world and yet be unaffected by it. All activity will then be for the Almighty, for His Grace, and through His will.

August 19, 2004

When in difficulty, pray for guidance before making a decision. Men can give you advice only as far as their intelligence can reach, but the Lord who illumines the intellect will reveal to you the way out of the difficulty. Have patience and wait prayerfully. Prayer can bring about the impossible. Sing the glory of the Lord and repeat His name. That will bring success.

August 20, 2004

Dreams are unreal; they are illusory. Yet, for as long as we are dreaming, the experience appears to be real and valid. Often in these dreams, we experience such extreme fear, pain or excitement we awaken and the dream dissolves away. Thus, the dream itself led to the awakening. So too, in this waking dream - the illusory world, where every experience is deemed true and valid, the teachings of the Vedas awaken man into Higher Awareness.

August 21, 2004

Man has to give up the pursuit of sensory objects if he seeks lasting peace and joy. Material wealth brings with it not only joy but also grief. Accumulation of riches, multiplication of wants - these lead only to alternation between joy and grief. Attachment is the root of both joy and grief; detachment is the saviour. Feel that your family, your house and your possessions are all the Lord's property and you are only the trustee.

August 22, 2004

A fine diamond, even if it is in a heap of garbage, will not lose its brilliance or its value. Likewise, the glory and greatness of good men will suffer no diminution in whatever circumstances or situation they may be placed. Such divine effulgence is shining in every human being. Love is an expression of this effulgence. To manifest this love, men must bear every kind of suffering. The human being is like the sugarcane, filled with the juice of love. It is only when he is subjected to hardships that the divine, sweet juice of love can flow from him.

August 23, 2004

Purify your emotions; make your mind strong to resist the force of ignorance and the wiles of the senses - then you are assured of peace and joy. You maintain health by physical exercise, similarly mental health must be maintained by means of certain spiritual exercises or sadhana. For example, by means of pure food, the mind can be rendered pure and sharp; it can then cut through obstacles and temptations and rend asunder the veil of misconception. You must also try to be constantly in a good environment and in good company.

August 24, 2004

Practice the attitude of offering every act at the feet of God as a flower is offered in worship. Make every breath an offering to Him. Do not be upset by calamities; take them as acts of Grace. Understand that nothing happens without His Will; everything that happens has a deeper significance attached to it. When you know that the Lord is the Ultimate Cause, the source of all, you will deal with everyone in a humble and respectful manner. This is the easiest path to Divinity.

August 25, 2004

Service is the most difficult of the nine steps to God. It is basically the action arising out of the yearning to win the grace of God. It is the most important step to erase the ego. Through service alone can man attain mastery of the senses, the passions and the predilections, and through that reach Divinity. Love expresses itself as service, and God is Love.

August 26, 2004

Egoism is a thorny bush, which when planted and fostered in one's heart, makes one pay the penalty. Egoism makes enemies of even dearest friends; it ruins many good causes and projects, for it does not allow two competent men to work together. Grief follows it like a shadow. Joy, peace, courage, co-operation and love flourish in the absence of the ego. When man is aware that the same Divine consciousness that motivates him is equally motivating all others, then love ousts the ego to the background and takes charge of man's actions, words and thoughts.

August 27, 2004

There is no discipline equal to service to smother the ego and to fill the heart with genuine joy. To condemn service as demeaning and inferior is to forego these benefits. If a wave of service sweeps over the land, catching everyone in its enthusiasm, it will be able to wipe off the mounds of hatred, malice and greed that infest the world. Attune your hearts so that it will vibrate in sympathy with the woes and joys of your fellowmen and fill the world with your love.

August 28, 2004

Onam is the festival of Lord Vamana's advent as well as Emperor Bali's transformation. Lord Vishnu approached Bali in the guise of a Brahmin boy named Vamana and asked for a gift of just three paces of land. His preceptor Sukracharya however, dissuaded him. Bali replied that there was no greater sin than going back on one's words and he upheld the promise made to Vamana. Bali was prepared to undergo any misery while upholding truth and thus attained to eternal life through truth and love. This is the lesson that we must learn from Bali's life. Body is like a water bubble, mind is like a mad monkey. Don't follow the body, don't follow the mind; follow your conscience, for conscience is deathless.

August 29, 2004

There is no living being without the spark of love; even a mad man loves something or somebody intensely. But, you must recognise this love as but a reflection of the Premaswarupa (embodiment of Love) that is your reality, of the God who is residing in your heart. Without that spring of Love that gushes forth from your heart, you will not be prompted to love at all. Recognise that spring, rely on it more and more, envelop the whole world with it, discarding all traces of selfishness. Do not seek anything in return for it from those to whom you extend it.

August 30, 2004

Move towards the light and the shadow falls behind; move away from the light and you have to follow your own shadow. Go every moment one step nearer to the Lord and then Maya (illusion), the shadow, will fall behind and will not delude you at all. Be steady and resolved. Do not commit a mistake or take a false step and repent later. To make the right decision first is better than having to regret for a mistake committed.

August 31, 2004

All religions teach one basic discipline, the removal of egoism and giving up petty desires. Every religion teaches man to fill his being with the glory of God and evict the pettiness of conceit. It trains him in methods of detachment and discrimination, so that he may aim high and attain liberation. Believe that all hearts are motivated by the One and only God; all Faiths glorify the One and only God; all names in all languages and all Forms that man can conceive of, denote the One and the only God who is best worshipped through pure Love. Cultivate that Ekabhava (the attitude of oneness) towards men of all creeds in all lands.

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Do Constant Namasmarana for Mental Peace

Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 23rd August 2004 at Sai Kulwanth Hall

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your belly. You acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields. Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness you have achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in acquiring worldly knowledge and earning wealth, while forgetting God.

(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!
Whether a pauper or a millionaire, one has to eat. But, having attained the sacred human birth, it is unseemly of man to spend his entire life merely for the sake of filling his belly. Why don't you spend a few minutes in the contemplation of God, instead of spending your entire life just to earn a living? There are of course a few people in this land of Bharat, who are sanctifying their time and their environment in the contemplation of God, but the vast majority are wasting their births in vain pursuits.

Embodiments of Love!
It is not only in Srikakulam District, but in many other places all over India, there are people who are struggling and straining to eke out their livelihood. In spite of all the effort, they are unable to attain peace, happiness and comfort. Only those who are spending their time in the contemplation of God are able to experience peace and happiness. Those who forget God and spend all their time and energy in mundane pursuits are bound to suffer. Till this day, nobody has been able to enjoy mental peace and physical comfort in full measure. The body is like a water bubble. It is nothing but a bag full of bones. Mind is like a mad monkey. It is a mistake to strive for the happiness of such a physical body and wavering mind. So long as one is alive, one should make efforts to keep the body healthy, so that one may not cause inconvenience to others. There are many who spend their entire life for the sake of physical comforts and pleasures. It is only a few who are not concerned with their mind and body, but are centred on eternal peace and happiness. Human birth is meant to experience divinity and not to crave for fleeting pleasures. Human body is a divine gift, which is being put to improper use, instead of its proper purpose of adoring God. Do not be under the mistaken notion that body is meant for eating and enjoying physical pleasures only. Certain duties have been assigned to man by performing which he will be able to experience happiness at the level of the body, mind, senses and the spirit. One should enquire what the purpose of human birth is. The goal of human birth is to work for release from the cycle of birth and death. This body is a den of dirt, and prone to diseases; it is subject to change from time to time; it cannot cross the ocean of Samsara. The body should be used as an instrument to rise from the level of humanness to divinity. Human life is sanctified only when we experience divinity. There are many people who are making efforts in this direction. But only a few are able to realise the truth and achieve the goal. One may undertake any type of activities, but one should always aspire to attain peace of mind. Without peace of mind whatever enterprise that man undertakes will only add to his restlessness.

Embodiments of Love!
You are really fortunate to have come here all the way from Srikakulam in spite of your financial constraints and various other difficulties. Swami is very well aware of your aspirations. You have come here to experience divine bliss. You were feeling sad that Swami has not spoken to you a word even after two days of your stay here. In fact, last night you were all praying intensely. In response to your sincere prayers, I have decided to address you this morning. It is not My intention to satisfy you with just a discourse. I am ready to extend all the help required to fulfil your aspirations. Many of you are facing problems due to shortage of water. Some of you do not have even proper food to eat. Food and water are very essential for everyone. Do not give room to worry and anxiety. God is not stone-hearted. He will certainly take care of your needs. His heart is filled with compassion. Swami's concern for you is hundred times more intense than the concern you have for yourselves. You need not be worried at all. Develop the feeling that difficulties and suffering are for your own good. Even insurmountable difficulties will vanish like thin mist when you have firm conviction. Hence, do not be unduly perturbed about your problems. Difficulties come and go. Not only the poor, even a millionaire cannot escape from difficulties. Swami confers His blessings on you so that you will be relieved of your suffering soon.

You may consult the elders of your villages and take the help of those who are willing to cooperate with you. I will see to it that there is plenty of water available in your mountainous area. Do not be depressed or bogged down by difficulties. Having put on the vesture of the human body, one cannot escape from difficulties. The physical body may undergo suffering, but you should make efforts to attain peace of mind. Mind is the basis for happiness for everyone. All physical comforts will be of little use without peace of mind. Only through contemplation of God can you attain peace of mind and not by any other means. Hence, chant the Name of God incessantly unmindful of the difficulties that come in your way. It is because of contemplation of God's Name that you have been able to experience peace in spite of the innumerable difficulties you faced. God is the refuge for the poor and the forlorn. He is always with them through all the vicissitudes of life. Do not think that God is in some distant land. God is by your side always. In fact, He is present in the inner recesses of your heart. Never think that God is away from you at any point of time. Neither friends nor relatives can come to your rescue. God is your sole refuge. He will protect you under all circumstances. In spite of numerous difficulties, Bharatiyas never swerved from the Godward path. If Bharat occupies a pivotal position among all nations, it is only because of Bharatiyas' one-pointed devotion to God. There are many affluent countries where people lead a luxurious life, but they are unable to attain peace of mind. It is the good fortune of Bharatiyas that they are able to enjoy peace of mind. Their devotion to God is responsible for this. Since ancient times, the culture of Bharat has been protecting the Bharatiyas in all respects. Its glory and grandeur defy all description. One who has peace of mind will have moral strength. Hence, chant the Divine Name constantly. Yesterday you went round the entire village singing the glory of God and entered the portals of Prasanthi Nilayam; you experienced peace of mind. It is not possible to experience peace by any other means. Hence, never forget God. Sanctify your time by chanting His Name. Contemplation of God should be man's constant endeavour. There may be some jealous people who will try to dissuade you from chanting God's Name. They say, "What is the use of chanting God's Name? It will not help us to eke out our livelihood. We have to work hard for our survival. So, stop chanting God's Name.' Do not pay heed to such narrow-minded people. Never forget God's Name. You may not be aware; people all over the world in all villages are facing hardships. They are suffering from physical ailments and mental agitations. Only Bharatiyas are able to enjoy peace of mind because of their devotion to God. There is no happiness greater than experiencing peace of mind.

Mental peace can be obtained only by constant contemplation of God. This cannot be purchased from the market. It is only by constant contemplation of God that mental worries can be overcome. This is the experience of people all over the world. Contemplation of God alone can bring about mental peace and happiness. No other means can achieve this.

To be born is a worry, to be on the earth is a worry; world is a cause of worry and death too; entire childhood is a worry and so is the old age; life is a worry, failure is a worry; all actions and difficulties cause worry; even happiness too is a mysterious worry.

(Telugu Poem)

Contemplation of God is the right royal path that would remove all types of worries. Therefore, do not try other means for achieving mental peace and get into trouble and worry. March on along the divine and glorious path. All the Karmas in the spiritual field are meant to bring peace and happiness to us. They are not intended to trouble us. Mental peace can be achieved only by performing one's own duty, not by any other means. Karma brings about a result; and that result brings happiness and peace. Even when you are undergoing difficulties, always think that they are meant to bring you happiness. Every human being undergoes difficulties, only to enjoy happiness later. However, he does not realise this during the period of suffering. But, in course of time, when suffering ends and happy days arrive, he would realise the truth. Hence, always remember the truth that sorrows and difficulties are prelude to happy days ahead. In fact, real happiness comes out of suffering only.

Embodiments of Love!
Love is the only property that always grows — the more you spend, the more it grows; it never diminishes. Supposing you go up a hill and sing the glory of God; the Divine vibrations will reach to a large area and the people hearing the Namasmarana even from a distance will feel very happy. Divine music can confer solace even to children and animals. By hearing Namasankirtan, even the heart of a stone-hearted person will melt. We have heard of several instances in Indian history where great devotees of God, by their Namasankirtan, could bring about complete transformation in die-hard criminals.

Suppose you are digging a pit; the soil in that is taken out and stacked by its side becomes a mound. You need not feel anxious that the pit is becoming deeper and deeper. The soil that is dug out of the pit and the soil that is piled up next to the pit are the same. Similarly, along with the difficulties you undergo, you will experience happiness also in abundant measure. When you fill in the soil that is piled up (namely happiness) in the pit of sorrows and difficulties, you will attain a state of equanimity. This is what you have to realise today. You need not feel sorry, "Oh! I have fallen into this pit of sorrows and difficulties. How can I come out of this? How am I to bear this?" The soil of happiness stacked next to the pit of suffering may be filled into the pit. You will attain a state of equanimity. You have to do this Sadhana.

Embodiments of Love!
You have come here with love-filled hearts, undergoing lot of difficulties and physical strain. It is your love and devotion to Swami that brought you here. Go back to your places with the same intensity of love and devotion. Continue to enjoy the moments of joy and happiness you experienced in the presence of Swami.

Pleasure and pain, good and bad co-exist, none can separate them. You cannot find pleasure or pain, good or bad to the exclusion of the other. Pleasure results when difficulties fructify.

(Telugu Poem)

Thus, happiness and sorrow come to teach us equanimity.

Embodiments of Love!
Love is the only wealth that can never diminish. That is the property of God. Therefore, cultivate pure and selfless love. God's love will always follow you wherever you are and will protect you at all times. Do not ever consider that money alone is your property. In fact, love is your real wealth. The wealth of Love always grows (expands), never diminishes. Those who realise the Paramatma will be able to understand this truth better. My heart is overflowing with love and joy on account of the Namasankirtan you have done yesterday in the streets of Puttaparthi. Continue this Namasankirtan wherever you are throughout your life. Especially, when your spirits are down with sorrow, sing the glory of God full-throated. Never feel diffident to sing the glory of God, thinking that others may make fun of you. Irrespective of what others may think or say against you, continue this sacred activity of Namasankirtan. Only then will you be charged with Divine power.

Embodiments of Love!
I am very happy that you are all gathered here. I always wish joy, happiness, comfort and peace for all of you. Today, 8000 devotees from your place have come here to share the happiness of Swami's Divine Presence. All of you, please go to the canteen and partake of Swami's Prasadam happily. Swami's Prasadam will become Akshaya (never diminishing) and will remove all your sorrows and difficulties. Everything that is granted by Swami is suffused with love. Whatever is granted by Bhagawan is always free. God will never succumb to monetary considerations. Wherever any service activity is associated with money, it is tainted. The entire property of Swami consists of Love only. Such Divine love must become your very life-breath. All your past Karmas will become extinct, if only you cultivate that pure love.

All of you go to the canteen and have food, as Swami's Prasadam. Thereafter, you can go to your respective villages, happily.

Embodiments of Love!
Having come here from such a long distance, fill your hearts with love. Sometime ago, there was a singer by name Saluru Rajeswara Rao. He used to visit Swami, regularly. He remained absorbed so much in music that he would sing while walking in the streets, unmindful of what others thought of him. Today, his son has come here to sing some devotional songs in the Divine presence of Swami. These devotional songs fill the hearts of people with overwhelming joy. Late Rajeswara Rao used to sing a particular song on Sri Krishna melodiously "Challagaalilo Yamunathatipy Shyama Sundaruni Murali …" (Shyama Sundara is melodiously playing His flute on the banks of the Yamuna, while the cool breeze is blowing). His voice as well as his feelings were sweet. Both Rajeswara Rao and another devotee Adi Naryana used to come here regularly. They were the people who composed the "Sai Charita" and sang those songs melodiously. They may be anywhere; the lives of such pure-hearted devotees are sanctified. Those, who sell their God-given talents and make a wholly living out of it, can never be truly happy. Rajeswara Rao and Adi Narayana never made business out of their musical talents. They always sang to their heart's content, with love and devotion. The glory of such devotees, whether dead or alive, will remain forever. There was another well known devotee by name Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao. He also underwent many difficulties. But, he was always devoted to God. Whenever he was in difficult situation, he used to sing, "Oh! God! Won't You pull me out of these difficulties?" Even when he was sick and was hospitalised, he used to sing lying in the hospital bed, "Oh! Lord! How long have I to suffer this agony! Won't you relieve me of this pain? "Once I went to the hospital to see him. I consoled him saying, "My dear Ghantasala! Never think of these difficulties and suffering. These things happen to test your faith in God. You will come out successful in this test, by constant Namasmarana." A devotee like him who is constantly engaged in Namasmarana under all circumstances, will become immortal. Namasmarana is the only property that lasts forever. Therefore, you also undertake this Sadhana, as a lifelong activity. Whether your voice is good or not, continue to sing the glory of God by constant Namasmarana at least in your heart. Thereby, you will acquire merit that will protect you throughout your life. If you do this Sadhana, God will always be with you, in you, around you. Whenever you take food, do Namasmarana before partaking of the food. By doing so, the food will be sanctified and will become Prasadam (gift) of God. Your heart also will be purified. That is why, our ancestors prayed thus before partaking of food:

Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
Brahmagnou Brahmanahutam
Brahmaiva Thena Ganthavyam
Brahma Karma Samadhina.

When you pray in this manner before you partake of your food, God immediately responds thus:

Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutva
Praninam Dehamasrita
Pranapana Samayukta
Pachamyannam Chaturvidham.

(My dear! I am present in you in the form of Vaishvanara digesting the food that you partake of)

The prayer thus made invokes an immediate response from God. That is reaction, reflection and resound. Therefore, constantly engage yourself in Namasmarana, which will confer Bliss on you.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin …"

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My Students Are My Wealth

Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 21st August 2004 at Sai Kulwanth Hall

One may acquire a high academic qualification such as M.A., B.A., MBA and MFM and attain exalted position,
One may amass wealth, perform acts of charity and attain name and fame,
One may have physical strength and enjoy a long and healthy life,
One may be a scholar, but if he lacks human values all his achievements will prove futile.

(Telugu Poem)

Students! Boys and Girls! Teachers! Patrons of Education!
By mere acquisition of worldly education man cannot attain exalted position in life. All human efforts will be in vain without Divine grace. There are many in this world who are highly educated, but are they rendering any service to the nation? No. In this respect, the unlettered people appear to be better human beings than the highly educated. In spite of his education and intelligence, a person who does not his true Self is but a fool. One may be highly intelligent and educated, but bereft of human values his life is meaningless. In fact, one devoid of human values is no human being at all! There is little use in acquiring a number of degrees without imbibing human values.

Embodiments of Love!
To know and recognise a truly educated individual, you have to look closely at our students. They are not satisfied with mere acquisition of degrees. They utilise their knowledge for the benefit of society. Education which is not useful to society, serves no real purpose. Our boys are highly virtuous and are endowed with the wealth of character. They consider virtues as their very life. Men of eminence who come here from all over the world learn many things from our students. Some of our students remain here and serve as teachers after the completion of their education. I am very happy about it. We don't need to be worried about getting good and noble teachers from elsewhere for our Institute. Our own students, after their studies, take up the responsibility of teaching. In other academic centres students are interested in pursuing higher studies for their own selfish ends, but our students are not interested in accumulating degrees, but in disseminating their knowledge for the benefit of others.

One cannot acquire such character and nobility from mere education. The education they received here is not limited to textual knowledge alone. It develops virtues which originate from the heart. Our students are incomparable. They are taking up the roles of teachers all over the world and are helping society by moulding ideal students and men of character. Character is the prime objective of education here in our Institute. A person of such education and character, can rule over the entire world. Education without character is useless. I am very much pleased to have such students who are virtuous, energetic and intelligent. Our MBA students have all the noble qualities that are expected of them. In addition to their studies, they learn various languages. Students from Kerala have gained proficiency in various languages, such as, Tamil, Hindi, English, Telugu, etc. They speak all these languages with such fluency that it is very difficult to identify their mother tongue. For such talented students, it is not difficult to learn the language of the Atma. They give talks even in Sanskrit. But they also adhere to our Samskriti (culture). Samskara is not imbibed by learning Sanskrit, it comes from adherence to Samskriti. One who adheres to Samskriti will be able to attain all types of wealth and be an ideal to others. When I asked one of the students which place he belonged to, he said, "Swami, I belong to Puttaparthi." That boy speaks Sanskrit very fluently. He has also learnt various other languages. Students who have studied in Puttaparthi are spreading Swami's message in various countries, such as, America, Japan, Germany, Italy, etc. Students who have such dedication and devotion are very rare these days. But here are many such students in our institutions. It gives Me great joy to have such students here. We need such students. I wish that these students, after completion of their education, share the knowledge they have acquired here with fellowmen in society and transform them. Men of eminence like the President of India, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers are all praise for our students. They extol our students whenever they visit this place.

In our Institutes, students are provided education totally free of charge. In addition to this, scholarships are provided to deserving students. If you ask what is Swami's property, I say, "Students are My property." Without the students, I will not be able to do anything. They are looking after Swami with utmost love and care. In fact, they are responsible for all the development that we find in our educational and other institutions.

The culture of Bharat is based on the Vedas which are in Sanskrit language. Here students chant the Vedic Mantras both in the morning and in the evening. You cannot get such students even if you do intense penance. They can certainly bring about progress in society. There is no language that our students do not speak; they are very versatile in all kinds of skills. You may be under the impression that Swami is taking great pains to mould the character of students. There is no pain whatsoever. In fact, students are of great help to Swami. They are spreading the ideals of Sai to the rest of the world giving Hai (joy) to one and all. There is a need to establish more similar institutions in order to mould such ideal students. Parents themselves are not aware of the innate potential of their children. Our students are filled with noble thoughts and sacred feelings. They give top priority to the service of their parents. They treat their friends and relatives with love and affection. They have no desire for accumulating wealth. Their sole aim is to obey Swami's command and work for the progress of society. I do not want any other property than My students. With the help of these students, many educational institutions can be developed. Unlike students elsewhere who wake up very late in the morning, our students get up in the early hours at the crowing of the cock. They observe moderation in food and habits. Such discipline can do not find among student community elsewhere. They are attentive in classes and learn their lessons well. They are obedient to their teachers. They take part in sports and games, such as, Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball in the right spirit. They take good care of their health too. They are all very strong in physique and spirit. You do not find anyone weak and afflicted with diseases. Such students who take care of themselves are capable of taking care of the country as well. Our institution is fortunate to have students of such calibre. If there are another five institutions of this quality, they will be able to raise the happiness level of whole regions of the country. In fact, other colleges are trying to emulate our institution.

Our students are like diamonds. They are obedient to elders, courteous towards relatives. Seeing their good conduct and listening to their sweet words, the guests who visit their houses are highly impressed. They are creative in their thinking and shine as role models. We do not wish to praise the qualities of our own students. But when dignitaries who visit this Institute talk high of our students, I feel very happy.

(Here Bhagawan referred to the hip bone fracture He suffered last year.) I am not suffering from any disease or any ailment. Last year, one boy was hanging colour buntings on the door while standing on an iron stool. Meanwhile, I opened the door and came out of My room. As soon as he saw Me, he became nervous and fell down from the stool. As he was falling, the iron stool got toppled and fell on Me. He too fell on Me. That was the time when My hip bone was fractured. Doctors tried their best to set it right. They felt sorry that it would be difficult for Swami to walk. I told them, "No one needs to feel sorry for Me. My students will take good care of Me. They will follow Me like shadow wherever I go." My students have become My doctors. It is because of them that I am able to move around. Our students tell Me, "Swami, we don't need to be worried about anything when we are with You. We want to sanctify our lives in Your service. With such love and faith, hundreds of students have remained with Swami after the completion of their education, performing various duties assigned to them. They do not want to go outside for a job. You may find it hard to believe if I tell you about the work they do. Once someone from outside came here and took two of our boys for employment. They were given a salary of 50,000 to 60,000 rupees per month. They utilised the money to serve the poor children. Later on, they resigned their jobs and came here as they could not bear the separation from Swami. Our students have transformed Prasanthi Nilayam into a big workshop. They are able to handle various types of instruments and equipments very efficiently. They are striving hard for the development of hospitals. It is not possible for anyone to understand the sacred feelings of our students.

(Swami asked one of the boys who was sitting near Him to get up.) This boy did his Engineering and then completed his MBA degree in our Institute. Many people from all over the country requested him to join their companies. But he rejected their offers. What is he doing at present? He is spreading Swami's message all over the world through Radio Sai Global Harmony. Even his parents tell Me, "Swami, please keep him with You always." When he was with his parents, though they would force him to eat more, he did not put on weight. But after coming here, he has gained 18 kg. even without timely intake of food. Now he is always with Me attending to My needs. At the same time, he does not keep his office work pending. He attends to it at night.

(Swami asked another boy to get up.) What do you think of this boy? He hails from a backward area in Orissa. His father has three sons. Now, all the four of them are working in Puttaparthi. These boys have completed their M.Sc and MBA. They do not want to undertake any job outside. All of them have remained here serving Swami. They are satisfied with the salary they are paid here. In this manner, all the boys who are working here are full of virtues and are leading a life of sacrifice. For the last few months, our boys are taking good care of Me. I do not have any pain. I do not require any medical treatment. I do not need to be worried about anything. It is because of the loving service of My students, I am spending My time blissfully without any inconvenience or suffering whatsoever. They are always ready and eager to serve Me. They carry out My instructions meticulously. There are 200 such students around Me in Prasanthi Nilayam. They do not sit idle; they discharge their duties diligently. It is not possible to describe the magnitude of work they do. They attend to all jobs. If there are such students everywhere, the nation will certainly prosper. They help everyone. I want to make them totally self-reliant. They should depend on the work they do and not on anybody else. They will certainly be able to lead their lives in that manner. I am telling all this today so that you will know the noble qualities of our students. They are Gunavantulu (virtuous), Balavantulu (energetic) and also Dhanavantulu (wealthy). They earn their own money. They do not take even a paisa from their parents. Sometimes, the parents may come and ask, "Do you require anything? They reply, "Swami has provided everything. He is taking care of us very well."

In future, many great events are going to take place. The country need not fear. Bharat will certainly become a land of plenty and prosperity. Our students will contribute a lot to the development of the nation. They are the future leaders. It is a matter of great joy for Me to see the students as future leaders.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin …"

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The Path of Total Surrender

In this interview Sri K. Anil Kumar, a faculty member of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, tells Dr. G. Venkataraman, former Vice Chancellor of the Institute, some interesting and illuminating incidents from the life of two old and ardent devotees of Bhagavan Baba - Sri Ramabrahmam and Sri Kamavadhani. Both of them followed the path of total surrender and earned Bhagavan's grace and proximity.

G.V. I would like you to speak about some old timers because they played a vital role in shaping the things of what we now take for granted. They were the pioneers. It is appropriate that we remember those pioneers. One of them whose name I heard you mention often is Sri Ramabrahmam. So, I would like you to tell us a little bit about Sri Ramabrahmam starting with when you first came to know him.

A.K. Sri K. Ramabrahmam belonged to Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Well, I knew him for 30 years, and I moved with him intimately ever since I took charge as the Principal of the Brindavan Campus, Bangalore in the year 1989. He was the caretaker then and used to visit me almost everyday. I was staying alone in the bungalow given to me at that time as my wife did not join me and my children were still studying. He used to come to me and give a pep talk since initially I did not know how to conduct myself with Swami. He served as the most faithful worker of Sai, a devotee par excellence.

G.V. Incidentally, when did Sri Ramabrahmam first come to Swami?

A.K. He said, he stayed with Swami for 30 long years.

G.V. So, that is what he told you in 1989; that means, more or less from 1959.

A.K. He stayed in Bangalore.

G.V. So, he was a Bangalore man, not Puttaparthi man.

A.K. It was all a forest in those days and there were no buildings.

G.V. Swami used to spend a lot of time at Brindavan those days.

A.K. Except the central old building, there was no other building whatsoever. There was only Swami's building in the centre. No lights as we find today. They moved in the midst of snakes. There are many, many things to learn from the late Sri Ramabrahmam. He never considered his job of caretaker of Brindavan as a means to earn his livelihood. He told me, "Never consider that this is your job, never consider that the college is a place where you work. Consider that these things belong to you. Just as you take care of your property, you should take care of Swami's college, hostel. Take care of the students, as you would take care of your own children." Sri Ramabrahmam had that spirit in him "-'   throughout. But the greatest thing about him was that he would never pray to Swami for anything. He said, "Never ask any personal favour from Bhagavan. He knows everything. When you do His work, He will do your work." What a great statement it is!

Sri Ramabrahmam had three sons; they used to visit their parents at Brindavan. Whenever the children came, they stayed outside with the devotees. He never told Swami that his son had come. But Swami always told him, "Ramabrahmam, your first son has come, give him accommodation. Ramabrahmam, your second son is there, give him accommodation." Sri Ramabrahmam told me that we should never ask any favour from S.wami. He will take care of us. We should do our work. Another thing he told was also a great statement. I asked, "How is that you are very serious in front of Bhagavan? I have never seen you smiling or cutting a joke. You stand like a military man with folded hands." He said, "Look here, I don't see Swami as you see Him. I observe three parallel lines of Vibhuti on His forehead. That makes me feel that I am in front of God. I cannot smile, I cannot take Him in an easy way. So, I always maintain that spirit."

Then another point he said, "If you were to continue staying with Swami, follow His instructions scrupulously, no margin whatsoever." He gave an illustration from his own life. Once Swami told him, "Why does your wife keep shouting so much? I hear her voice. The people in the Mandir also hear her voice." The very next day, he dropped her back home in Krishna district, 17 hours drive from Bangalore. Then he reported to Swami, "Swami, she is no longer here. You are free from her disturbing voice." Then after a week, Swami asked, "When is she coming, Ramabrahmam?" "I don't know, Swami", replied Sri Ramabrahmam. Again after a few days Swami asked, "When is she coming, Ramabrahmam?" "I don't know, Swami." This divine romance continued for a long time. Finally, Bhagavan became stern and said, "Ramabrahmam, I will send you out if you don't bring your wife." So, he had to go and bring his wife. He said, "There was a choice between Bhagavan and wife, I chose Bhagavan and not my wife."

G.V. Is it not very similar to what Swami often says about great devotees like Prahlada, Mira, Mahabali, so on and so forth? Even in this Kali Age, there are people like Sri Ramabrahmam. I have not come across examples of a choice between wife and God. This is a classic example.

A.K. He also said, "We have to follow Swami carefully. We cannot take anything for granted." He gave an instance. Bhagavan asked him to wear His own ochre robe. Sri Ramabrahmam was a well-built man, a hefty personality. He said, "Swami, my head won't fit into Your robe. How do You expect me to wear it?" Swami said, "No, nothing doing. You have to wear it." With great difficulty, he could push his head into the robe. He became breathless and was almost in tears. As he started wearing, the robe started expanding. Finally, it was a correct fit to his size. Sri Ramabrahmam said, "When He tells you to do something, He sees to it that you are able to do the task."

G.V. Was it to give Sri Ramabrahmam a taste of His Divinity?

A.K. That's what he always told. Another example. Once Swami called, "Ramabrahmam, come here." He was having a thermos flask in his hand. So, he thought it would be improper to go with the flask. He went into the kitchen, kept the flask, climbed up the steps and went to Swami. Swami said, "I called you a few minutes ago. Better you go back."

Once a big borewell was being dug in Brindavan. Seva Dal volunteers were at work. In spite of 20 - 30 feet depth, they could not get water. Sri Ramabrahmam happened to pass that way. Seva Dal members said, "Sir, why don't you also take a crowbar and help us in digging the well? Perhaps by the hands of a devotee like you, we may get water. Our efforts are in vain. You are the grand old man of Brindavan. Come on, take this crowbar and render some service." He was 70 years old at that time. He forgot his age, took the crowbar and started digging. Water sprang up immediately. But while returning, he slipped and fell on the ground. His pant and shirt became dirty. It was time for him to report to Bhagavan. Immediately he went, changed his dress, and reported to Bhagavan. Bhagavan said, "When you fell down there, I immediately came to your rescue. But some months back, when I called you, you went into the kitchen and took some time to come. You delayed in attending to My work, whereas I did not delay; I immediately rushed to save you. This you must learn." He often used to tell the devotees, "This is my experience, just as we expect Bhagavan to come to our rescue immediately, we should also do His work without any delay."

Sri Ramabrahmam narrated another experience. One day, Swami said suddenly, "Ramabrahmam, your second son has died. Don't tell your wife. She will be shocked. Both of you go to your native place. Finish off all that you are supposed to do and return." When they reached their native place, his wife saw the dead body of her second son. All the 17 hours, this man remained tight-lipped without divulging anything whatsoever since Swami had told him not to tell her. There the wife felt very bad that even after having come to know he did not tell her. He replied, "I would have revealed everything, but Swami instructed me not to tell anything because you had to travel for 17 hours. As a mother, you would not have been able to bear it." They finished the final rites and returned to Brindavan. His wife started crying, "Oh God! We lost our son." Swami said, "Why do you cry? He is with Me." "Swami, is he with You?" She asked. Swami replied, "Yes, he is with Me." Swami asked, "Do you want to see your son?" Then Bhagavan asked the couple to go into the interview room.

They saw with their own eyes their second son sitting there, who had already been cremated. When Swami says, he is with Me, he is really there.

G.V. Apparently, this is not the first such experience. Many others had this kind of experience. I was talking to the Raja of Venkatagiri, the present younger Raja. When Swami first went to Venkatagiri, after keeping the family waiting for several years, the first thing he (the elder Raja, now no more) asked was, "I want to see my mother who is no more." Swami said, "You want to see your mother, grandmother!" Swami looked at the wall and called out her name. She stepped out from the wall. The Raja touched her. She was in flesh and blood; he also talked to her.

A.K. Sri Ramabrahmam gave another instance. It was an occasion wherein he had to attend his granddaughter's wedding. He gave an invitation to Bhagavan personally. "Swami said, "You go." He was expecting that Bhagavan would tell him to go on 14th since his granddaughter's wedding was on 15th. But Swami did not say anything. After the marriage was over, Swami started enquiring, "Ramabrahmam, why did you not go?" Then he said, "Bhagavan, I take it positively. I feel that You did not want me to attend. So, I kept quiet without asking You." Bhagavan said, "Good boy, this is the sign of a devotee." He was not for any relationships nor for any business. Before coming to Bhagavan, he was a very rich man, involved in tobacco business. He did not have time even to count his cash.

G.V. And he was working here as caretaker. How did he happen to come to Swami?

A.K. As ill-luck would have it, he lost all his money. It was then that he came to Swami.

His sons told that they were ever grateful to Swami for He took care of their parents tor forty long years. They said, "Our parents never came to stay with us. On the other hand, we were their guests; they were never our guests."

I want to tell you one more incident. It was the time when Sri B.D. Jatti was the Vice President of India. He was the one who inaugurated the hostel building. He was an ardent devotee of Bhagavan. It was Indo-Pak war time. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, sent Sri B.D. Jatti all the way to seek Bhagavan's blessings. He came by a special flight and went straight to Brindavan. It was 6 o' clock in the evening. Bhagavan had already retired for the day. As Sri Jatti was the Vice President of India then, he came along with a big convoy of cabinet ministers, local authorities and the Chief Minister of Karnataka. In their presence, Sri B.D. Jatti pleaded with Sri Ramabrahmam, "I have to report to the Prime Minister before sunrise. Please inform Swami that I am waiting for Him here. I must immediately go." Sri Ramabrahmam said, "I am sorry, sir. You can take my head. But you can never force me to knock the door of Bhagavan and request Him to talk to you. Impossible! Once Bhagavan retires, nobody dares to knock the door. I am sorry. If you want, you can have my head. That's all." Then Sri B.D. Jatti with folded hands said, "Okay, sir, what am I to do now?"

G.V. The Vice President of India said so?

A.K. "I suggest to you only one thing, sir. Sit here, squat on the floor and chant Sai Ram. You do it and Swami will take care", said Sri Ramabrahmam. Sri B.D. Jatti along with other cabinet ministers sat there repeating Sai Ram. What happened? After half an hour, Sri Ramabrahmam heard a knock from Swami's room. Swami opened the door and said, "Ramabrahmam, I am coming. Jatti is waiting for Me. Tell Jatti that I am coming." Swami came down, spoke to Sri Jatti who conveyed to Swami what he had been asked to tell. Sri Ramabrahmam said, "Had I not followed Swami's instructions, Sri Jatti would have been in trouble, and I would also have been in trouble. It would have been a very bad experience for me. Moreover, it was revealed to all that Swami knew everything - the urgency of the situation, the need to talk, when, where and how. None can force Bhagavan. Everybody has to wait for Bhagavan." That's what Sri Ramabrahmam used to tell me.

G.V. You have seen Sri Ramabrahmam from close quarters and interacted with him intimately. You are seeing so many other people also and are interacting with some of them closely. Do you feel that the kind of loyal devotees that Bhagavan had those days are scarce these days or there are still people with steadfast one-pointedness? Do you feel the people now are different because of the change in environment and climate or do you feel that devotees are devotees always?

A.K. There is a decline in standards in every walk of life. So, naturally there is a decline in standards in this field also.

G.V. Is it because they don't have these experiences or something else is the reason?

A.K. Old devotees had intense love for Bhagavan. For them, love for Bhagavan was first. Today it is not so. My intention, my motive, my desire first, devotion next. But in their case, devotion first, other things next. So, priorities are different.

G.V. Swami also talks about the Vedic scholar Sri Kamavadhani who renounced everything and refused to go back home. It is very nice to hear about another devotee of the same stature. Do you know anything about Sri Kamavadhani?

A.K. Excepting what I have heard from Bhagavan, I do not know much.

G.V. Okay, tell us about that.

A.K. Bhagavan said a few things about Sri Kamavadhani.

G.V. You must have seen him.

A.K. I saw him.

G.V. Have you talked to him.

A.K. Yes. Bhagavan said a few things about him. He was a great scholar in Vedic literature. I can say, none could equal him in this field. He was of that stature.

He was well-versed in all the Vedas, a most respected person in the State of Andhra Pradesh, particularly East Godavari, and a very rich man. But he said goodbye to his family, leaving all the property, children and grandchildren, and settled here at Prasanthi Nilayam.

G.V. That was long ago.

A.K. It was he who started teaching Vedic Mantras to our students here. There was a Veda Pathashala (school) in those days. He gave training to the students. He was incharge of all Dasara celebrations, and no surprise, one could easily make out Sri Kamavadhani's voice during Dasara celebrations as against the voice of the rest. There might be a hundred people, yet Sri Kamavadhani's voice was distinct, golden voice. The Mantras have to be chanted like that. He was a scholar and a great believer. Having come here, he never went back. But it so happened that Bhagavan wanted him to follow Him during His trip to East Godavari. Sri Kamavadhani belonged to East Godavari and the very village which he belonged to was also included in Bhagavan's programme. That is how Bhagavan plans. Bhagavan thought, "This man has not gone to his village, let him go to his people and spend some time." Bhagavan took him along with Him straight to his house. Everybody received them and Swami gave a nice talk also there. At the end of it, the children, grandchildren came to Sri Kamavadhani and said, "You have come after a long time, spend a couple of days with us and then join Bhagavan." This man said, "Nothing doing, I am leaving right now. I am following Bhagavan in His trip to East Godavari district. I am not going to stay here." Then he followed Bhagavan.

G.V. And what did Swami say?

A.K. Swami was just watching the drama and appreciated the devotion of Sri Kamavadhani. Having gone all the way to his house, Sri Kamavadhani had no regrets that he did not stay for more than a day or so, even less than that.

G.V. I heard he lived for one hundred years.

A.K. Yes, he was over hundred at the time of his death. Everyday, he used to report to Swami, both in the morning and evening, and Swami would grant him Padanamaskar. One day, Swami told him, "Go home, you don't have to see Me in the afternoon." He went home, did Puja, had his food and breathed his last. That is why Bhagavan didn't want him to come again. That too happened on the day he performed Sita Rama Kalyanam in the Mandir. Having performed the Divine wedding in accordance with Vedic injunctions, having had a sumptuous lunch, sitting comfortably, he left his mortal coil.

G.V. Well, I think, I can go on and on. But you must be tired. Let us stop at this point.

Courtesy: Radio Sai Global Harmony Prasanthi Nilayam
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, July 2004 Page 198-203
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Report on Onam Celebrations in Prashanti Nilayam

26th – 28th August, 2004

The people from the state of Kerala proudly describe their land as ‘God’s Own Country’. It is a land of great natural beauty that has cherished and preserved its rich cultural heritage to this day. It is home to varied forms of art, music and dances that enchant and captivate one and all with their beauty. So, when the people of Kerala gather at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the occasion of Onam, it is indeed a grand cultural feast. This year, the Onam celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam were held over three days, from 26th to 28th of August.

The festivities commenced on the evening of 26th with the rendition of ‘Sai Katha’ – the beautiful lyrical narrative of Bhagawan’s childhood penned by Bhagawan Himself in Telugu. The singer enthralled the audience by recounting, in his mellifluous voice, various incidents from Bhagawan’s childhood days culminating in the historic declaration of His Avatarhood. He embellished the recital with a commentary and a few related experiences of devotees narrated in English. Following this, there was a music concert of devotional songs in Malayalam.

On the evening of 27th August, the Bal Vikas children of Ernakulam, presented a play titled ‘Bhaktha Sakha Bhagawan’ (God is the True Friend of His devotees). The play depicted episodes from the life of three devotees of God – Draupadi, Kururamma and Shyama, who experienced Him as their only saviour and friend. Shyama, who was a close devotee of Sai Baba of Shirdi, was once bitten by a venomous snake. When some passers-by offered to take him to the Vithobha temple nearby, Shyama said that he considered Sai Baba as his Vithobha and asked to be taken to Him instead. But, when they reached the Dwarakamayi mosque where Baba resided, they were shocked to see Baba turn upon them and shout at Shyama saying, “Devil! Get out of here. I don’t want to see you again”. Shyama was dismayed and prayed to Baba that he knew no other refuge and continued to importune Him to save him. After a while, Baba softly called Shyama near. Shyama asked Baba why He had to shout at him in such a harsh manner. Baba replied that He had not shouted at him, but at the venom that had entered him, so as to drive it away and thus save him. Shyama fell at Baba’s feet overwhelmed by Baba’s love for him and understood that the Lord would never forsake His devotees and always acted for their welfare.

At the end of the programme, Bhagawan blessed the participants and graciously allowed them to stand with Him for photographs. The next programme was a musical offering of devotional songs by renowned musicians from Kerala, who expressed their love and gratitude to Lord Sai through their soulful renditions.

On the morning of 28th, the day of Onam, Bhagawan was welcomed into the Sai Kulwant Hall, amidst Vedam chanting and Panchavadyam music, by colourfully dressed children holding lamps and performing the traditional ‘Kavadi’ dance. Thereafter, the Bal Vikas students of Thiruvananthapuram presented a tableau entitled ‘Kerala – The Sai Samrajyam’ (Kerala – The Kingdom of Sai) which celebrated the rich cultural tradition of Kerala with a display of the various dance forms, folk as well as classical, that are popular in Kerala. One of the participants was dressed as Mahabali, the legendary king of the Kerala country, who is believed to visit his beloved subjects on the Onam day. This time he had chosen to visit Prasanthi Nilayam also, the narrative explained, as he wanted to be in the presence of Sai Vamana.

Prof. Mukundan, the President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Kerala, then addressed the audience and reminded them that Bhagawan’s descent amongst mankind is His greatest gift to us. He expressed his gratitude to Bhagawan, mentioning that Bhagawan’s message and example are today transforming the attitudes and outlook of the people of Kerala. He then introduced the next speaker, Sri Balakrishna Pillai, the Honourable Minister for Transport, Government of Kerala. Sri Pillai said that it is our great fortune that we are contemporaries of the Avatara Purusha. He prayed that Kerala be blessed by the divine touch of Bhagawan’s holy feet.

Thereafter, Bhagawan delivered His Divine discourse, in which He enjoined the devotees to make ‘Atmanveshana’ (the quest for the Self) one’s goal instead of frittering away one’s life in ‘Annanveshana’ (eking out a living). Difficulties and troubles may assail one, but one should face them boldly and overcome them instead of tamely yielding to them like a coward. The virtue of courage will certainly take one closer to God, He said. During the discourse, Bhagawan praised the performance of one of the children who had participated in the dance programme and said that she had carefully watched the other participants as they danced and moved in step with them. He then called her to the dais and materialized a gold chain and placed it around her neck. He exhorted everyone to be like a child, atleast for a minute each day, full of love and innocence, and devoid of any traces of envy or hatred. Bhagawan concluded His discourse on the note that we should develop love towards everyone and ended with the Bhajan “Prema Muditha Man Se Kaho”.

That evening, the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Srisailam staged a play titled ‘Pithru Bhakthi of Adi Sankara’, which demonstrated his devotion and obedience towards his father. The play drove home the point that by pleasing one’s parents, one can earn the grace of God. This was followed by a dance ballet ‘Ambarisha Charitham’ performed by Bal Vikas children from Malappuram district. The story depicts how Lord Vishnu protects his devotee, King Ambarisha, from the curse of sage Durvasa by releasing His weapon, the Sudarshana Chakra (discus) upon Durvasa. When Durvasa rushes to Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, all of them in turn express their inability to come to his aid. Finally, as per Lord Vishnu’s advice, Durvasa falls at the feet of Ambarisha and asks for his pardon, and only then does the Sudarshana Chakra retract. The presentation held the audience spellbound with its music, dance choreography and colourful costumes.

The three day Onam celebrations concluded with a rendition of ‘Abhangs’, devotional songs in Marathi in praise of Lord Vithobha, whose rhythmic beats of cymbals and drums made the devotees lose themselves in the ecstasy of the music and devotional fervour. Bhagawan then accepted Arati and retired to His residence.

Jai Sai Ram!

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