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| Tsunami Relief Work undertaken by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba |
| 01.29.05 (9:38 am) [edit] |
Tsunami Relief Work undertaken by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
There are times in our lives when all hope is lost, there is no one to turn to and nothing to live for. And then God comes into our lives, like the first raindrop on the desert sands, like fresh air to one gasping for breath. The tsunami tides that struck the Indian coast was a disaster that washed away hopes more than it washed away houses, that ruined as many lives as it took. But we have the living and loving God, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the lighthouse to minds lost in the wild seas of sorrow.
A village in Nagapattinam District after being ravaged by the tidal waves
The tsunami waves that struck South Asia on 26th December 2004 affected thousands and created enormous damage to life and property. Soon after the disaster, as the survivors struggled to recover from the blow Nature had dealt them, Bhagawan's limitless compassion flowed to them in the form of dedicated service by the volunteers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tamil Nadu. Hundreds of volunteers organized themselves into teams and fanned out into the different areas where damage had been caused. The top priority was to extricate the corpses tangled in the rubble and suitably dispose them so that epidemics could be prevented. Food and basic amenities too had to be arranged for the survivors.
Relief materials arranged to be sent to survivors
Of all the affected areas in Tamil Nadu, Nagapattinam District bore the maximum brunt of the tsunami. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, under the Divine guidance of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, rushed relief to the villages of Serudhoor, Akkaraipettai, Keechankuppam, Kallar, Olakottaimedu and Thoduvai that were the worst affected in Nagapattinam District. Provisions, utensils, stoves, clothes and other basic items required to restore life back to normalcy, were procured and packed into cartons. Seva Dal volunteers worked day and night procuring, packing and transporting these materials. The cartons were transported from Chennai to the relief operations base camp near Nagapattinam. Simultaneously, another group of volunteers were engaged in the distribution of these cartons to more than 5000 families in Nagapattinam District and Pondicherry. Needless to say, the Seva Dal volunteers performed the entire task in a spirit of selfless love and dedication. They consoled the distressed, reassured them and gave them the courage and hope to start their lives afresh putting the tragedy behind them.
Trucks arriving from Chennai with the relief material
In one of the villages, as the supplies were getting exhausted at the end of the day, a villager was heard assuring his fellowmen that there was no need to worry as the Sai volunteers would definitely bring more supplies the next day and continue the relief work. Instances like these are a testimony to the confidence that these volunteers inspired in the hearts of these people by the dedication and commitment with which they served. The district administration also commended the well-organized and orderly way in which the materials were distributed.
Relief operations being conducted by Sai volunteers
It was a touching experience for the volunteers as they saw the affected people help each other rebuild their lives, cutting across barriers of caste, creed and socio-economic status. In a village, one of the villagers requested that the materials be distributed in the neighboring village too as no relief had yet reached that village. At a time when one would expect them to be anxious about their own welfare, it was moving to see the feelings of love and concern they had for their brethren in distress. Truly, Bhagawan's cardinal teaching of ‘Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God' was being translated into action by these innocent village folk.
Receiving Bhagawans gifts of Grace
It was not the villagers alone who benefited from the exercise, but also the volunteers who found the experience an inspiring one. The villagers were often heard to say that God is their sole refuge and He would definitely take care of their lives. To encounter such strong faith in God among these rural folk was a reminder of the deep spiritual moorings of the people of this country. They did not consider it as mere relief material but as consecrated gifts of Grace from God Himself who had come to their aid in their time of distress. One is reminded of the words of a song that is often sung in Bhagawan's presence:
"There is someone above to comfort me
There is someone above to show me the way
There is Swami to guide me
There is someone above to care
And it's Love, Love all the way..."
Jai Sai Ram!
Source: http://www.saibaba.ws/reports/2005/tsunamire lief.htm" title="http://www.saibaba.ws/reports/2005/tsunamire lief.htm" target="_blank"http://www.saibaba.ws/reports...
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| Wherever My Glory is sung... |
| 01.28.05 (7:30 am) [edit] |
Wherever My Glory is sung...
"Wherever my devotees sing My glory, I install myself there”, Lord Krishna declared in the Bhagavad Gita. The devotees of New Zealand experienced the truth of this statement on Akhand Bhajan Day this year held on the 13th and 14th of November at Auckland.The Bhajan began at 6.00pm on Saturday evening, the 13th of November, and went through until 6.00pm Sunday, the 14th. Nine centres from the Auckland area took part with another 3 smaller groups joining in as well, and each centre/group had a time slot for singing.The singing was excellent throughout the whole period, as there seemed to be a special energy on this occasion – so much so that devotees stayed much longer, even after their given singing slot, and the quiet period that normally seems to happen during the early hours of Sunday morning did not eventuate. The majority of the crowd of 400 plus devotees stayed for the total 24 hours.
Many singers and musicians stayed on and helped the smaller centres when it was their turn, which resulted in continuous, high quality singing throughout the period. There was also a wonderful feeling of unity and love which certainly helped in maintaining the quality of the singing and the choice of Bhajans.
The session that took up the final hour between 5pm and 6 pm on the Sunday evening, was performed by the Youth Group, and during this hour all of the songs were sung in either English or Maori with at least half sung as unison.
During this final session a devotee was praying hard, throughout, for Swami to somehow show that He was present even though we could not see His physical form.
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| Oh! I am a Chowkidar (watchman) |
| 01.22.05 (4:19 am) [edit] |
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Oh! I am a Chowkidar (watchman)
On one occasion Group Captain Bose, driving with his wife and father-in-law from Ambala to Gauhati in a high powered car with low clearance was unable to move on the slushy road near Hariharganj. The entire area was dangerously flooded by serpentine heavy rains; the road was a lake. The back wheels of the car sank completely into the mud, while upfront, one wheel was stuck in a ditch! At that late hour of 11.30p.m. no help was available, nor would it have been of much avail since all efforts to free her only succeeded in making her sink deeper.
The occupants were able to procure shelter in a nearby school, and slept on bare benches at night, but her husband was determined to reach Gauhati where he had to preside over a Court Martial. "Duty is God. Work is Worship," he quoted Baba.
When dawn broke, no passing car or truck would agree to help, nor would the small crowd of amused villagers lift a finger! Their enjoyment of the pitiable spectacle only fanned the flames of despair. Unfortunately Mr. Bose had a little bit of ego left in him: he decided to rely on horse power rather than Sai power! Ropes were procured, but the car would not move: the engine was restarted, but she only sank further into the slush. Eventually, an exhausted Bose flopped to the ground, saying, "The Lotus Feet of Baba is our only refuge.." Almost immediately a gentle looking man with a strong physique came towards them. No one seemed to recognise him, nor could they guess his whereabouts. Handing his umbrella to Mrs. Bose, he became master of the situation. Bose was asked to get into the car and take the wheel . A sweet fragrance flooded the interior, but before the engine could be switched on, or the gaping crowd could offer assistance, Mrs. Bose saw the man put his right hand under the bumper, and with one lift, he placed the car forward upon hard ground, all wheels safe out of the awful mire. Then all the occupants were requested to get into the car! Puzzled, they tried to thank him to ask who, and what he was. "Oh, I am a chowkidar."(watchman) he said, and walked away. Disengaging itself from the now vociferous crowd, the car moved away, and soon caught up with the man, walking briskly down the road. Bose begged the man to accept something but he refused. Then he spoke one sentence. "Why did you not call for me last night itself?". The Lotus Feet had indeed come to them!
Source: http://www.saibaba.ws/experiences1/chowkidar .htm" title="http://www.saibaba.ws/experiences1/chowkidar .htm" target="_blank"http://www.saibaba.ws/experie...
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| The grace of Sai and story of a yogi walking on water |
| 01.22.05 (4:09 am) [edit] |
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The grace of Sai and story of a yogi walking on water
This the story of Yogi named L.S.Rao, who during 1971 and 1972 carried on a campaign of vilification against Baba. He has said that Baba was a fake and that he himself had performed many such miracles, such as walking through fire and on water.
The Blitz paper had carried these articles, in which the Yogi had carried on a tirade against Baba. He said that he would give a public performance in Andheri, near the Yogi’s ashram. The event attracted international interest and many people came to witness it. Television cameras and all the other media were invited to attend. Admission was restricted and the tickets cost between five hundred rupees and a thousand rupees.
This campaign agitated very much most of Baba’s followers and were very much upset and many devotees thought that Baba should teach this man a lesson. “The Yogi arrived, invoked the Gods, cursed Baba and said that He was fake.
Devotees prayed to Baba saying, “Swami please teach this arrogant man a lesson. Let him find himself at the bottom of the ten foot tank when he tries to walk on water.
“The yogi walked up a ladder that had been placed at the side of the tank. He stood at the top of the ladder and again repeated his mantras. He placed his right foot on the water and then the left foot, and promptly sank to the bottom of the tank. Devotees prayed to Baba and asked Him to put an end to this man’s ego
He came out of the tank and again cursed Baba and spoke against Him. He repeated his mantras and made another attempt to walk on the water. He again sank to the bottom and could not come up again. Two man had to go into the tank to rescue him.
When he was up brought the tank, he said “Where is my doctor? I am not well. My doctor told me not to do it today. “The spectators rebelled and shouted for a refund of their money, saying that this was a hoax.
Mr Karanjia, the editor of Blitz came to the microphone and announced that all money would be refunded The proceeds were to have gone to the Yogi’s ashram. After that the Yogi never again made a public appearance and his tirade against Baba ended.
Source: http://www.saibaba.ws/experiences1/graceofsa i.htm" title="http://www.saibaba.ws/experiences1/graceofsa i.htm" target="_blank"http://www.saibaba.ws/experie...
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| Experiencing Swami from within |
| 01.15.05 (3:46 am) [edit] |
Experiencing Swami from within
By Ted Henry
Dr. Wayne Dyer is a prominent American best-selling author and internationally recognized lecturer. Recently he was interviewed for a television news programme in Cleveland, Ohio. In the course of that interview Swami’s name came up, and at the first mention of Sai Baba tears appeared in his eyes. He has never seen Swami in person but said that he was well acquainted with Baba because He appeared often in his dreams.
How come Swami is blessing Dyer by regularly appearing in his dreams? That is because Dyer is an intensely spiritual person. He is regularly featured on Public Television in America and he is considered one of the foremost inspirational speakers in the field of spiritual growth and personal development. He has written 25 books over the last 30 years, many of which have been bestsellers throughout the world.
For the first decade of his life, Dyer lived in an orphanage and foster homes. He now looks back on those years as being some of the most formative years of his life, a time during which he learnt the important lesson of self-reliance. He sees himself as the Eternal Soul who is disguised as an author, lecturer, father, husband and a thousand other things – he obviously takes his Advaitam seriously.
Part of Dyer’s popularity is due to the inclusion of many quotes from Swami in his books and presentations. One of his observations demonstrates his closeness to the Teachings of Sai Baba: “Send out love and harmony, put your mind and body in a peaceful place, and then allow the universe to work in the perfect way it knows how”.
In public lectures around the world, Dyer invariably brings up the name of Sai Baba. “I am not sure why He comes to me,” he says, “it just started happening several years ago. This is a Being who lives at God Consciousness who has, as Jesus had, the ability to manifest at will (like Jesus manifested fish and loaves). All of us have the ability to manifest, but there is the timeline between what we think and what we do.”
In a recent TV interview Dyer exclaimed, “Even as you speak (about Sai Baba), I get very emotional. I could almost break down and cry right now. It’s not a tear of sadness; it’s not a feeling that I am hurt in any way. It’s just the most blissful, peaceful (feeling). Do you know what it feels like to be in a warm shower when you have been out in the cold? It’s like having a warm shower running inside of you.”
This is how Dyer describes Baba’s appearances in his dreams:
“It’s an energy that moves up and down your spine and gives you goose flesh; only, it’s internal goose flesh. It’s just bliss. That’s the way it is and that’s how I feel.”
When asked why others don’t have such access to the many qualities of Sai Baba, Dyer replied that everyone has access but they do not want it. He adds, “It’s just that they believe they don’t. It’s like your question itself (about this) has resistance built in to it. You know the idea is that if you believe you don’t have something, then you don’t have it.”
Dyer says this is how people create resistance to what they want. “If you use phrases like ‘the worst-case scenario’ then you just can’t have ‘the best-case scenario’. You know, ‘as a man thinks, so he is’. It’s based on simple metaphysics. Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.”
Often in his talks and frequently in his writings, Dyer teaches about non-attachment. About meeting Sai Baba in India one day he says, “I am not attached to it at all. Honestly, I am not. I don’t have any illusion that if He were to walk into this room right now, that it would be any different from this very experience (of talking about Him) right now”. Dyer adds, “It’s because I already feel Baba’s presence in this room right now. It’s just that strong.”
Dyer says, “I have a very, very strong internal knowing about my connection to Source (God) and Sai Baba is someone who lives at this level of God Consciousness. In David Hawkins book Power v/s Force, he speaks of a handful of people who live at this God-Realized level. He says they are steadfast in their abstention of thoughts of harm, that they don’t exclude anyone and that they include all, and Baba is one of those beings that calibrates at one of those exceptionally high spiritual levels that is commensurate with Source. He is Source Energy. He lives at Source Energy. He is God. We are all pieces of God, and He is there all the time.”
The latest book written by Dyer, The Power of Intention, describes the force brought to an individual’s life by ego and how it interacts with fear. “When you get ego out of the way,” he says, “when you just allow (life to be) and if you knew who it was who was walking beside you at all times on this path, then you would have no fear”. Dyer continues: “One of the quotes I like from Swami Paramananda is that when you reach God realization, nothing can go wrong, nothing can go wrong. All you have to do is live at the level I am speaking about and you don’t have to go around practising or worrying about it, you just have to reach for higher vibrational energy at any moment, which means staying connected to Source. One of the great questions to ask is, “Would God have this thought?”, and then to remind yourself that you are God, that you are a piece of God.”
Dyer says that by definition, anything that excludes cannot be spiritual. And he says that nearly all religions exclude. It’s one of the thoughts that makes this famous author so popular among those who know him. His life is dedicated to inclusiveness. It’s one of the reasons he speaks so forcefully about Sai Baba. He knows Sai Baba is all about inclusion. If Wayne Dyer is against anything for anyone, it is exclusion.
Source:
Radio Sai E-Magazine, January 2005
http://www.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_03/01JAN 01/misc_esfw.htm" title="http://www.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_03/01JAN 01/misc_esfw.htm" target="_blank"http://www.radiosai.org/Journ...
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| In honour of Swami Vivekananda |
| 01.15.05 (3:38 am) [edit] |
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In honour of Swami Vivekananda
Light and Love
Swami Vivekananda, the great soul of humanity was born at 6:33, a few minutes before sunrise, on Monday, January 12,1863. It was the day of the great Hindu festival Makarasamkranti, (Makara Sankranti) when special worship is offered to the Ganga by millions of devotees.
Swami has turned in His Works to Vivekananda as the great soul of humanity innumerous times.
"Note that Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sankaracharya and Vivekananda, great Sages and Saints and Devotees of the Lord, all these are treasured in the memory of man even unto this day. What quality made them all memorable for all time? I say, it is the character of each one of them. It is the fragrance of the flower; it gives value and worth. Among the qualities that make up a flawless character, Love, Patience, Forbearance, Steadfastness, Charity - these are the highest, these have to be revered." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. Prema Vahini. Noble Qualities from the Path for the Aspirant. Page 1).
Brief testimonials from his life and mission of the great saint has represented.
Before Vivekananda was born, his mother, like many other pious Hindu mothers, had observed religious vows, fasted, and prayed so that she might be blessed with a son who would do honour to the family. She requested a relative who was living in Varanasi to offer special worship to the Vireswara Siva of that holy place and seek His blessings; for Siva, the great god of renunciation, dominated her thought. One night she dreamt that this supreme Deity aroused Himself from His meditation and agreed to be born as her son. When she woke she was filled with joy.
The mother, Bhuvaneswari Devi, accepted the child as a boon from Vireswara Siva and named him Vireswara. The family, however, gave him the name of Narendranath Datta, calling him, for short, Narendra, or more endearingly, Naren. The family of naren was well known for its affluence, philanthropy, scholarship, and independent spirit.
Born Narendranath Dutta, in Kolkata, India, he became famous as Swami Vivekananda, when he became the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He studied philosophy at the Scottish Church College, Calcutta. He examined the histories of different countries and various philosophical systems. Aristotle and Plato, Kant and Hegel, together with Sankaracharya and Buddha, Ramanuja and Madhva, Chaitanya and Nimbarka, were thoroughly discussed. The Hindu philosophical systems of Jnana, Bhakti, Yoga, and Karma, each received a due share of attention, and their apparent contradictions were reconciled in the light of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings and experiences.
During the life, he never let them forget the goal of the monastic life: the complete control of the lower nature, the realization of God within as Oneness with Atmic reality and equality of all things and objects in Maya reality.
"Before realising the need for equal mindedness, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa* was attaching importance to things like wealth and position. On one occasion, with a view to test Ramakrishna, a disciple called Narendra or Vivekananda kept gold coins under the bed of Ramakrishna. Immediately Ramakrishna got up because he felt as if his body was burning. The inner meaning of this story is that Ramakrishna was still seeing the distinction between gold on the one hand and mud on the other and so on. It means that he had not got over these differences. At that moment he was still distinguishing one thing from another, but later, Ramakrishna held mud in one hand and gold in the other and kept on exchanging them, till he lost the sense of distinction between them. He had then realised the equality or the oneness of them." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. Divine Discourses "Seek Work, Worship and Wisdom-Avoid Wealth, Wine and Women." Summer Showers in Brindavan, May 1973).
(* Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa (1836 - 1886) was a great teacher of Advaita Vedanta Hinduism. He declared that all religions lead to the same goal, placing spiritual religion above blind ritualism).
Still today Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) has remained in the memory of spiritual seekers as one of the most famous and influential saint of the Hindu religion of the nearest past.
He delivered innumerable lectures, wrote inspired letters in his own hand to his many friends and disciples, composed numerous poems, and acted as spiritual guide to the many seekers who came to him for instruction. He also organized the Ramakrishna Order of monks, which is the most outstanding religious organization of India. It is devoted to the propagation of the Hindu spiritual culture not only in India, but also in America and in other parts of the world. He found that it is his duty to teach the youth and develop the broad outlook to social problems. His main contributions about Advaitin thinking (consciousness) are not only philosophical but showed how Advaita philosophy also has social, even political, consequences. His own life was an example of Advaitin thinking.
"The path that has been described in the context of a monkey and the path that has been described in the context of a cat, seem to be all right in common parlance and so far as ordinary persons are concerned and in their daily life, they are not so in the case of a person who is devoted and who wants to know the real inner meaning of Atma or the soul. Such a person will have to find a path which is different from these two and superior to these two. To give you the meaning and the character of this devotion, Vivekananda had a good example." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. Divine Discourses "Lessons From The Gita." Summer Showers in Brindavan, May 1972).
Vivekananda taught the branch of Vedanta what declared that no one could be truly free without detachment. Even the desire for personal salvation has to be given up, and only tireless work for the salvation of others is the true mark of the enlightened person.
"The aspect of Brahman is something which is beyond time and easy reach and if we want to understand it, we ourselves must adopt methods which are above and beyond time. It is in this context that our ancients have said 'Brahmavit Brahmaiva Bhavathi' meaning that one who knows the aspect of Brahman will himself become Brahman.
Vivekananda once said that if anyone wants to understand his sagacity and his ability, he must first himself become an able and sagacious person. The result of your effort would depend on the extent of your effort and your sacrifice. The final result will only correspond to the effort that you put in. This power of strength which we attempt to describe by the word Brahman is not something which is external to and is outside you. It is present in you and is in your own self. If you acquire some good or bad and if you are in the misapprehension to think that Brahman outside is causing good or bad to you or that he is giving some punishment to you, this is not the right attitude." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. Divine Discourses "Brahman Denotes The Totality Of Prajna In The World." Summer Showers In Brindavan, May/June 1974).
Vivekananda's main pinpointers:
Each soul is potentially divine.
The goal is to manifest this divinity within what is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details.
His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas are still remained as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga.
At the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda earned wild applause.
"When Swami Vivekananda introduced a new form of address at the Congress of Religions in Chicago, instead of addressing them as 'Ladies Gentlemen', he addressed them as 'Brothers and Sisters'. It was quite new to the foreigners and they were so much touched and moved by that gesture that they applauded him incessantly for 15 minutes. Of course, nowadays too, we are addressing the audience as sisters and brothers, but that feeling is not there in our heart even for the time we are on the platform. What we do not feel in our heart should not be expressed outwardly. We must give place to true feelings in our heart and we must try to practice good things in our life." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. Divine Discourses "Destiny and Divine Grace." Summer Showers in Brindavan, May 1972).
Within a few years of the Parliament, he had started Vedantic centres in New York and London, lectured at major universities and generally kindled western interest in Hinduism. After this, he returned to India. Swami Vivekananda was the first Asian to be invited to accept the chair of Oriental Philosophy at the Harvard University.
In his honour the Indian National Youth Day is celebrated on his birthday.
"If you want to know India, read Vivekananda". Rabindranath Tagore
Vivekananda strove to promote peace and human brotherhood on the spiritual foundation of the Vedantic Oneness of existence. Vivekananda had a direct and intuitive experience of Reality. He derived his ideas from that unfailing source of wisdom and often presented them in the soul-stirring language of poetry.
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| From the Divine Discourse: 1 January 2003 NEW YEAR |
| 01.11.05 (4:35 am) [edit] |
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From the Divine Discourse: 1 January 2003 NEW YEAR
People are full of hopes and aspirations on the dawn of a New Year. In fact, you should consider every moment as the beginning of a New Year. Names and forms have no value without the eternal virtues. Man suffers from various ailments, some internal and the other external. A doctor can cure the external ailments. The Atmic feeling is the only remedy for all the internal ailments. You should make efforts to know the principle of Atma. The Atma is a synonym for Brahma which is nothing but the Chaitanya permeating every human being. Man has a name and form but Chaitanya has no form. The Chaitanya that is present in the human body is called 'conscience'. The all-pervasive Chaitanya is called 'consciousness'. When the individual understands the principle of unity in diversity, the 'conscience' gets transformed into 'consciousness'. In spite of being endowed with such a sacred power, man gets deluded by the vagaries of the world. He is giving importance to the New Year which is fleeting. In fact, he should give importance to the changeless "Time" and sanctify it by proper use.
Always be happy and cheerful, for, your innate nature is bliss. You need not go in search of happiness. Bliss emerges out of Atma. Whenever you wish for it, you will get it. Happiness is union with God. Therefore, always be in the company of God. Once you are in the company of God, happiness will follows you like a slave. Today, man is in search of happiness, and, in the process, is becoming a slave to happiness. This is not correct. In fact, happiness should become a slave to you, for, you are verily the embodiment of Divine Atma. Believe it or not, I am always blissful. You can also experience such a state of bliss. You should not go in search of happiness. Instead, happiness should follow you wherever you go.
Divine Discourse: 1 January 2003
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
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| The Divine Will |
| 01.11.05 (4:27 am) [edit] |
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The Divine Will
THE INSIDE STORY OF HOW BABA’S FREE HOSPITALS CONTINUE TO HELP THOUSANDS
During these times when commercial gain seems to be the major motivating force behind almost any sort of activity, it seems strange and difficult to believe that one person would come up with an idea that is original, deeply rooted in compassion, requires intensive effort to translate into reality and is unimaginably difficult to sustain.
So often and with such interest, we read and retell the stories of entrepreneurial and political success, but rarely do we dwell on the noble and sacred idea and implementation of an enterprise that is totally targeted at the gain of our poor and needy fellow men, without looking for any self-gain whatsoever. For it is as Bhagavan says, “Love without Duty is Divine”.
You do not have to look far to see why the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital is a dream Hospital. This magnificent edifice came to life in one of the most backward areas of this country with its 346 million people below the poverty line. It was not the affluent societies of the West with their rich trusts and foundations but the Sri Sathya Sai Trust Founded by revered Bhagavan that ventured into such uncharted territory and the result was splendid!
Puttaparthi and the region around it is perennially drought prone. Power is scarce. Schools and colleges are few and skilled manpower is hard to come by. Availability of essential commodities, leave alone life saving equipment, their maintenance and upkeep were unimaginable.
Not only were the idea and the choice of its location totally unique in that there has never existed a completely Free Tertiary Care Hospital anywhere in the world, but the fact that Bhagavan insisted on beginning with the Cardiac Surgery Department is noteworthy. No doubt, the University runs entirely free courses right up to MBA, M.Tech & even Ph.D, but then providing free Cardiac Surgery and top level Cardiology is an entirely different matter and cannot be equated or compared with. In fact it is astonishing!
Unlike other specialties, Cardiac work involves huge initial capital investment in infrastructure. Blood bank services that can manage the demand; laboratories; microbiology; a reliable gas supply for oxygen and other gases for anaesthesia and ventilation of patients for several days at time; a dedicated laundry; and central sterilisation services; theatres equipped with operating tables; expensive heart-lung machines; anesthesia machines; operating lights; cautery and surgical instruments etc.; several echocardiography machines with TEE probes; cath labs costing over a core of rupees for diagnostic and interventional work; post-operative recovery ICUs equipped with multiparameter monitors; ventilators; blood gas machines and so much other equipment. Several patients need radiology services, CT scans and stress Thallium tests.
Add to the many crores of rupees invested, the personnel needed to run these complicated equipment and you have the perfect recipe for a hospital administrator’s nightmare, especially considering where Puttaparthi is located! Doctors specialized in so many different areas, nurses in three shifts in each unit, technicians to man the equipment with expertise, biomedical and other engineers, besides other technical staff to run generators, air-conditioning equipment and carry out various types of repairs.
As if that were not enough the recurring costs are high too. Heart operations are very expensive. The cost of oxygenators for open heart operations, valves, suture material, injections and drugs is very high because like the equipment, most of these have to be imported.
Some believed that the Hospital would start working, but that it would do just run for a while and then stop to recover from the financial crisis it would engender. Others were more generous and thought that it could function only with visiting teams and that eventually it would be mired in problems. Then there were those who called it an “experiment”.
None of that ever happened. Even now after 10 years of continuous, unparalleled, 100 % Free service by this Institute, it stands out tall. Not a single rupee has been collected from patients in this Hospital. Top quality medical treatment is available without barter. The Hospital is living proof of a love that knows no mathematics. How true each statement of Swami is! “Love lives by giving & forgiving.”
The Hospital is a beacon of hope. Elegant in structure and humming internally with redeeming activity, with its own permanent staff working hard to satisfy an uninvited but welcome throng of ailing humanity that has known rejection only because they do not possess enough money. For Bhagavan it is inconceivable that someone should be without help if He can assist.
Swamiji always feels the pulse of the people. No government, no leader feels as much and also has the capability to translate sympathy into action.
Many of us feel for others, but can do little or nothing about another’s need. But in Bhagavan’s case it is different. He sees and His heart goes out to suffering humanity….and He acts.
Bhagavan has set new benchmarks for the leaders of the world. One cannot even do so much for ones’ loved ones. Here is Baba accomplishing the unimaginable, the impossible for strangers, for people from afar, for people who have never heard of Him, for people who may not believe in or practice the ideals and truths He stands for. What greater example of large heartedness, what greater example of unconditional love does the world need?
Compassion without frontiers and service without self-gain! It is the same universal love that one reads of in the scriptures and makes you wonder. Only, now it is open to appreciation and study.
Swamiji has a way of making difficult things look easy. Many thought this project would lead other trusts and philanthropic organisations to follow suit after Swami had set a precedent -after He had set the trend. No one has been able to replicate this effort even on a smaller scale despite there being so many philanthropic organizations.
A decade and 12,000 heart operations and nearly as many Urology and Ophthalmology operations later, no one had even tried. Bhagavan, seeing the overwhelming need of so many patients flocking to this Hospital, took the gracious step of starting another Hospital this time offering Neuro-surgery and Neurology, besides Cardiac facilities.
Dear Reader, so much has happened only due to an amazing degree of Baba's personal involvement and that too without any trace of strain or compromise on His numerous other spiritual and service activities!
The Lord’s mission is vast and embraces new frontiers but the kindness and meaning it brings into individual lives is unimaginable. Blessed are we to be His contemporaries and witness first hand His work of Love.
From Radio Sai E-Magazine
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| The Silver Map of India materialized by Sathya Sai Baba |
| 01.11.05 (3:11 am) [edit] |
The Silver Map of India materialized by Sathya Sai Baba
We all caught our breaths, as Swami created a most powerful object. It had a round black onyx base and on it was a silver map of India. Surrounding the map were 18 jewels that glistened in the dark, from some mysterious inner light. He said that on the map were inscribed 100 Sanskrit verses giving the history of the Avatar from birth to the time when it leaves the body. He said, "All great works of the Avatar and all leaders chosen from my students are recorded here". He took it around for all to see and touch. Spiritually it was very powerful and esthetically very beautiful. The writing was too small to decipher. When asked, He answered, "I will not reveal the future. Everything will be revealed in due time. Why do you hanker after this object when you have its creator? You have Me and I have you. You are all sacred souls and have roles in the mission. No force can delay this mission even by one instant. I will appear in many manifestations of my form. Wherever you are, there I will be". He was not just speaking to the students, but to all of us... fortunate souls whom He has gathered in. It continues to be a great wonder to me, that not only is Swami still quite easily accessible, but there are so very few who have committed to become His devotees and live His teachings. Swami said His devotees are one in a hundred thousand. He said that one among ten, you can find one truly good person; one among ten such has some deep feelings for god; one among such ten will yearn for a direct experience; and one out of such ten will be ready to let go totally, to renounce, and surrender completely to God. "That is My devotee, and He is very dear to me", Swami said.
Al Drucker
From the book: Love in Action, Proceedings of the Meeting of Sai Organisations of Europe, Hamburg, 12-15 May, 1989
Source: http://www.saibaba.ws/miracles/silvermap.htm" title="http://www.saibaba.ws/miracles/silvermap.htm" target="_blank"http://www.saibaba.ws/miracle...
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| The Game of Life |
| 01.11.05 (3:02 am) [edit] |
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The Game of Life
The games you play may be compared to the Mahabharata war. On one
side were ranged the forces of evil—the Kauravas—and on the other
the powers of good—the Pandavas. They played the game of Life with
an empire as the football. Till the end of the battle, Lord Krishna
was the sole chief for the righteous Pandavas.
The wicked Kauravas lost their commanders one after the other in the
battle. The Pandavas, who had complete¬ly surrendered to Krishna,
achieved ulti¬mate victory. The contest could be des¬cribed as one
between the evil qualities of Desire, Hatred, Envy, Pride, etc. on
the one side and good qualities like Truth, Dharma, Tranquility, Non-
violence and Love on the other.
The body is the battle¬field. The captain of one team is the
embodiment of good qualities. The captain of the other is the
embodiment of mundane desires. There can only be defeat for those
who adhere to ever-changing, worldly desires. Only those who attach
themselves to the unchanging, eter¬nal Divine can hope for enduring
success in life. Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra and mother of
the Kauravas, and Sakuni, were children of the same mother. Gandhari
was like a vessel of nectar. Sakuni was a very clever man, but full
of poison. Acting on the advice of Sakuni, the Kauravas lost their
kingdom and everything else.
No one should feel proud about his cleverness or intelligence, or
about his ability to win laurels in studies. Good character and
right thinking are more valuable than scholastic achieve¬ments or
intellectual abilities. Utilize your intelligence and thoughts for
achiev¬ing that bliss which comes from leading a life of
righteousness and goodness. Enter on a life dedicated to ideals.
Sathya Sai Baba
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| Shri Sai Baba-The great saint of Shirdi |
| 01.06.05 (10:26 am) [edit] |
Shri Sai Baba-The great saint of Shirdi
Dr. S.D. Parchure
Shirdi
Though the birth and the early life of Shri Sai Baba upto the age of Sixteen is shrowded in mystery, still his life for nearly sixty years from round about 1858 to 1918, till his Mahasamadhi, is known and a part of it has been described in the Sai Satcharita, which is the only authentic book on the life of Shri Sai Baba. Shri Gurucharitra, which describes the life of Shri Guru, was composed nearly one hundred years after the Mahasamadhi of Shri Guru, while the case of the Sai Satcharita is altogether different- Shri Hemadpant stayed with Shri Baba for a number of years and knew him for nearly eight years from 1910 to 1918. The work was undertaken with His permission and blessing and His instructions to keep notes were followed.Some of the Leelas of Shri Sai Baba were personally seen and noted by the author and his brother deovtees like Shri H. S. Dixit and others. After Shri Baba's Mahasamadhi in 1918, Shri Hemad-pant completed the work in right earnest and by 1923, its publication was started in seriatim in the "Sai Leela" magazine. By 1930, the whole biography was published in Sai Leela. It will thus be seen that Shri Sai Satcharita is quite historic and reliable. The posterity should really be thankful to Shri Annasaheb Dabholkar alias Hemad-pant for having composed the work diligently and placed before us the real Sai Baba through it. The English version, published later on has helped the people, not knowing the Marathi language, to understand the life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba. The ceaseless work of both these authors is really commendable.From the Sai Satcharita, we know a good many details about Shri Baba's life and behaviour. Shri Baba lived a very simple life. He ate whatever food he got by begging once in the morning. He never stored anything for the next day. Shri Baba was sympathetic with all the devotees that come to him and He tried His best to give relief to the devotees, who came to him with some complaint or the other. Shri Baba knew the past and future of everyone and He helped everyone to improve one's prospects. Shri Baba was fond of wit and humour and He solved the problems of many persons amicably by his wit and humour. Shri Baba had acquired all the siddhis and he was well-versed in the Yoga practices. He was omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. Though apparently he did not appear to move out of Shirdi, still he remained present at places far away from Shirdi in different forms if he willed. He had respect for all religions and gods and He always advised the people to follow the path, that they have been following before meeting Him. He had profuse knowledge of all the religious books and the philosophy contained in them was at his finger tips. He cared so much for his devotees that He always warned them about the future calamities and helped them to come out of them successfully. He had no desire of any sort and distributed all the money (even more) that he collected by way of Dakshina. He had a very soft corner for the poor and always worked for them. He was not at all fond of publicity, because He had absolutely no ego. He had powerful will power due to which He could cure people of snake-bite by his mere order. Similarly He could cure so many people of physical disorders originally by certain medicines and later on by means of the Udi from the Dhuni, which he maintained in the Dwarkamai. Incarnation of god In the Shrimadbhagavadgeeta the Lord has made it very clear why He manifests himself in the world by his incarnation. Pulling down the bad elements and promulgating the spread of religion are the two main objects of god's incarnation on the earth. In some past incarnations, we find that destruction of the bad elements, was the main job accomplished by that incarnation, while later on there have been several incarnations meant only for the spread of religion. The incarnation of god in the form of Shri Sai Baba, was meant for the spread of religion and for doing away with the calamities of the people so as to help them in living a happy life. In the Marathi language there is saying in verse form the meaning of which is, " the personalities of saints are born on this earth for the well-being of the people and they suffer bodily pains by obliging the "devotees." If we look at the behaviour of Shri Sai Baba, which is described above at length, we see that Shri Sai Baba satisfies this description to the last letter. Nobody will therefore have a doubt that He is an incarnation of God in the form of a saint. His teachings Many saints have their teachings recorded in book form and those books, composed by them, are being studied by the devotees and disciples day by day. From the discourse about one verse from the Bhagwadgeeta, which is described at length in the Sai Satcha-rita, we find that Shri Sai~Baba had full knowledge of religious and philosophical books and he could have written a book containing his philosophy of life; but he must have observed the scanty respect shown by his devotees to the religious books written by other saints in the past. The reasons for this want of respect may be genuine. The struggle for existence in life becomes more and more acute with the advancement of civilization and this results in encroaching on the spare time of the people, which they can devote to spiritual and religious matters. This and such other things might have discouraged Shri Sai Baba from composing one more book of religious ethics, though he certainly had the capacity for doing it. In the absence of such an authentic book from the pen of Shri Sai Baba, we have to search for his teachings in the discourses that have been noted down in Shri Sai Satcharita. We find from that book that Shri Sai Baba was not in favour of elaborate rituals. In the beginning He did not even accept the Aarati and Padapuja from the devotees in spite of their continuous entreties. Later on however he started accepting the same, as He perhaps felt that non-acceptance of the same, may also. prove to be egoistic. In this connection we have to bear in mind some of His words, which are the keynotes to his teachings. They are "If you will look at me, I will look at you." "Why fear when lam here." t His main advice was to have faith and patience. It will be seen from our usual experience that many of our works are not accomplished because of our hurry and want of faith. On the other hand, those who have faith and patience get all their matters settled without any difficulty. His advice and teachings on the whole are very simple, He always advised the devotees to speak the truth and have sympathy for the poor and oppressed. He wanted that everyone should enjoy the pleasures of this life without any reservation. For that purpose, He was asking his devotees to put the burden of all their troubles on his shoulders and remain absolutely carefree. He also wanted his devotees not to envy others and at the same time not to talk ill about others. To remain quiet and unruffled was His another piece of advice. To observe one's own religion and to continue the worship of the family god was his other advice, which shows that he knew that it was quite difficult to change your faith overnight. Future of Sai cult There is a saying that "To know a saint, you must yourself be a saint." This saying is quite true-If we look to the persecution, that came to the share of the prophets and saints of the world, we feel that it is mighty difficult for the ordinary people to recognise a saint very easily. Jesus Christ was crucified. Shri Dhyaneshwar, Tukaram, Kabir and so many other saints had to suffer a lot at the hands of their contemporaries. Though Shri Baba was given some trouble at the beginning of his advent in Shirdi, the position improved later on ;but few people only recognised him as a saint during his life-time. After his Mahasamadhi, however, his fame has started spreading far and wide and his temples have come up not only in India, but they have also been built up at places like London, out of this country. From the constant increase in the number of His devotees every year, we may conclude that Shri Sai Cult is spreading far and wide and that it has a distinct future. We, Sai devotees, aie lucky in having the umbrella of Shri Sai Baba's grace on our heads, we should therefore master Shri Sai Baba's teachings, have absolute faith in him and wait with patience for the shower of his future blessings.
(Adopted from the Silver Jubliee Souviner on 60th Mahasamadhi of Sai Baba of Shirdi published by Sai Spritual Center Bangalore, This souviner can be read at www.saileelas.org)
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| Faith Can Move Mountains |
| 01.06.05 (8:00 am) [edit] |
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Faith Can Move Mountains
Believe me dear readers the context of the saying is Above Board (Honest, Upright and fair). An incident of my life will illustrate the truth of it.
But first let us see what is 'faith'.
Instead of going into an elaborate interpretation of the literary meaning of the word, the following narration will serve the purpose far better :
In a village there was no rain for a long spell. The people gathered therefore in the local Church to pray to God.
The priest who presided over the prayer-meeting looked at the crowd and inquired, "we have gathered here to pray to God to bestow us with rain. Why then have you not brought your umbrellas?. Where is Your Faith?."
Indeed, true faith is a rare gift and its fruits are the sweetest. We must develop such true faith in Sai, Our Lord, and should lay ourselves completely open to his protection in order to enable his divine grace to shower abundantly on us.
The perpetual faithful meditation of 'Mara Mara' (although a wrong pronounciation of 'Rama Rama') enabled dacoit Ratnakar to achieve fame and immortality as 'Rishi Valmiki".
True and sincere faith with firm belief in 'Sai Lord', and a little of Self-Help, can create wonders and surpass the worst of difficulties.
My mother-in-law and myself desired that the Navjote (Thread Ceremony - Munj) of my elder son should now take place. But the financial circumstances were such that it looked like a pauper's dream.
Years passed - time flew - taking on its wings my dear mother-in-law to her heavenly abode, leaving me alone with the dream which we had so jointly cherished. Realisation of this dream now seemed like a long road that has no turning.
I had now a double responsibility, two sons-one-of eleven an the other of eight, both of the age when the religious ceremony was absolutely required to be performed My husband and myself sought the help of our relatives to back us up But no avail Either they were helpless or pretended to be helpless
Driven to bay, my husband thought of seeking help fro our religious institutions which performed Common-joint Navjot -(Sarvajanik Munj) for poor Parsi children.
"Beggers cannot be choosers. Better a little fire to war you than a large one that burns." he advised.
But I could not give in I wanted the occasion to be grand one as dreamt by my mother-in-law. After all while the is life there is hope.
"Well, your dreams, your desires are your own bed and you must lie on it, "he threatened.
By now. (this is after 1977), I had come under the fold a protection of Lord Shree Sai and was well aware that "All things come to him, who waits".
Desperate cases need desperate remedies I started praying day and night, in earnest, at the feet of Sai, to invoke his help for I remembered. He had said, "Meditate on Me, repeat name, and sing about My deeds - I shall stay by your side, always".
It was October 1st, 1981, I saw His grace in my dreams beckoning me to go to Shirdi.
I had been to Shirdi before, on three occasions, but with a different problem, each time all of which were satisfactorily solved by my Lord Sai Baba.
The very next day, with my husband and children, I reached Shirdi.
Entrusting my husband with the problem of lodging, etc. I immediately ran to my dear father's abode, There in His royal presence 1 forgot all my worries and woes and found peace of mind. I looked at His Majestic personality with tear-streaming eyes, and placed my problem in his care.
Later on in the calm and serene atmosphere of Dwarkamai I poured my heart out to Him. I spoke to him as I would to the elders in my family and called upon him to help. Sai never sends anyone empty-banded. I too returned home with his Udi and his blessings, thrilled with the joy of His protection.
"Cast all your burdens on me and I shall bear them". He had said and if believed Him. I did So, I knew that when one enters the Dwarkamai his goal is achieved.
In November '81 my maternal aunt (one of the quarters I had knocked before, seeking help), a widow now, came to stay with us.
Casually she asked me when I would perform the Navjote of my sons. I appraised her of my mother-in-law's dream and how difficult it was for me to realise the cherished dream.
Deeply moved by my sincerity, she, of her own accord, promptly offered financial assistance to pay for the costs.
I was taken aback and all agog to hear this. The offer had come from the blue, What a Leela ! What a Miracle ! My Father 'Sai- had heeded to my prayer and set the ball rolling. Sai's mill grinds slow but sure.
Besides our own contribution of Rs. 10.000/- (from society etc.) my aunt had offered another Rs. 11.OOO/-. The monetary side was solved in a jiffy. When Baba wills, it does not rain It pours. The occasion could be now celebrated with pomp.
I had set my heart on having the Navjote on the 26th January 1982. But the hotel was fully booked for the next months. Not a single date was available. I could see my hope going up in flames.
That night as I lay in a semi-awake state, wondering what would happen, I suddenly felt Baba's presence in the room. His image on the wall glowed-a strange Mona Lisa Simla played on His face. "Do not fear child. My eye is ever on those who love me, I am always aware of everything. Try again tomorrow", he assured me. A great calm fulled me. I went to sleep.
I tried again the next day and was told that the hotel could be available on the 25th of January 1982 (A Monday My husband's Off-day) due to a cancellation. A second bolt of surprise. I was humbled. He was right. I must trust Him, I made the necessary bookings immediately.
From then on everything, connected with the occasion, went well and we were able to make the dream of my mother-in-law come true, through the benevolence of my father 'Sai'. My sons moved about, bedecked in the richest of clothes, smart as ever, proud as a pair of peacocks.
Yes, dear Sai - brothers and sai-sisters faith in Sai, had made the impossible possible. Without a single farthing in the month of October, we had performed a grand Navjote in the month of January -a span of only four months.
See how faith in Sai moved mountains,
Mrs. H. K. Chhapgar
Thane - 400 606
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| Sai Ganga reaches Chennai |
| 01.04.05 (2:12 pm) [edit] |
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Sai Ganga reaches Chennai
After what seemed like an eternity, at last water has started flowing towards Chennai. The scriptures say that Bhagiratha, an ancient Indian sage, prayed for hundreds of years to bring Ganges down from Heaven to Earth. With God Incarnate, things are different. When man is in distress, He rushes to his aid without waiting for prayers. And that is precisely what has happened in the case of the Chennai Water Project.
Readers might recollect the Cover Story on the Chennai Water Project, in Vol 2 Issue 3 of Heart to Heart. Click on the Archives to go that Issue. However for the new readers, here is a recap:
Since Baba’s Trust had already executed various water projects in Andra Pradesh [AP] bringing drinking water to over two million people, the Chief Minister of AP was ready and eager to co-operate with Baba and do all that was necessary so that Baba’s promise to Chennai became a reality. After technical examination, it was found that water flow to Chennai was minimal because the original Telugu Ganga Canal linking Kandaleru [in AP] to Poondi [in Tamil Nadu] had become dilapidated.
So, it was decided to literally rebuild the canal all the way [about 150 km] and Baba’s Trust took upon itself the responsibility of funding the entire project. In practice this meant a) making improvements to the reservoir in Kandaleru so that it could hold enough water to serve even during dry seasons, b) deepening and widening the canal as required, and c) lining the canal with the latest technology to totally eliminate seepage.
Actually, the Project itself was completed in thirteen months flat from the time work commenced. However, for reasons we would never know, Swami as the Controller of Destiny delayed the arrival of the Rain Gods. Finally, by early November 2004, there was enough water for discharge to Chennai. And the shutters were opened on 23rd November 2004, - that was Swami’s Prasadam to the people of Chennai on the occasion of His 79th Birthday!
After discharge, water took six days to reach the zero point [just before the Poondi reservoir]. The date was 29th November. The day was Monday and according to the Telugu Calendar, this was actually Swami’s Birthday. So the discharge started on the Birthday according to one calendar, and water reached the zero point on the Birthday according to another calendar!
A few days after the release of water, a few devotees from Chennai came to express gratitude to Swami. Swami went straight to them and asked eagerly like a mother, “Did the water reach Chennai?” The devotees replied in the affirmative and thanked Swami profusely. Swami face radiated the joy and satisfaction of a thousand mothers.
Later, when one of the H2H members asked Swami if there was going to be some function to celebrate this grand event, Swami said, “I am happy that water has reached My thirsty children. That is enough for Me!”
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| Prashanthi Bulletin |
| 01.04.05 (2:05 pm) [edit] |
Prashanthi Bulletin
January 1st 2005
It was the dawn of the New Year marking the beginning of the celebrations of the 80th year of the advent of the Sathya Sai Avatar. The Sai Kulwant Hall was beautifully decorated with floral buntings and banners on the pillars, windows and the Mandir walls, marked with the slogan "80 Years of LOVE IN ACTION - BHAGAWAN SRI SATYA SAI BABA". The banner had a lemon yellow background with bright red and deep blue coloured letters on it. It looked very attractive and elegant. And there came the Lord at 7.15 am in the new Golf Cart. He came and took his seat on the center of the dais.
The programme began with a talk by Sri Indulal Shah, Former Chairman, World Council, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and currently International Advisor of the Organisation and Member of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. He began his talk saying that the devotees should be what Hanuman was to Lord Rama and the Gopikas to Lord Krishna. The life of the devotees should be an ideal to carry the message of Sai. He also said that the devotees should not lose any opportunity to share their Love with fellow men. They need to understand, practice and propagate Sri Sathya Sai Educare. They must undertake the Grama Seva activities with added fervour and above all incessantly indulge in Namasmarana of the Lord. He said that over the next 365 days, hundreds of districts from India and over 2000 Centres across the globe, will be a part of the festive celebrations at Prasanthinilayam.
He then prayed to Bhagawan to permit the presentation of two programmes at the Divine Feet.
The first programme which started at 7.30 am - National Music Presentation, was a set of group songs by Indians from all over the country who had specially gathered at Prasanthinilayam for the occasion. They sang 6 songs - 3 in Hindi and 3 in Telugu on the theme - "Sai Our Divine Destiny". This was followed at 8.00 am by an International Choir presented by the overseas devotees. Devotees from many countries had gathered and sang 8 songs in English and other foreign languages. All the while, Swami was giving a Blissful smile and waving His hands in the air, seemingly looking into eternity, often closing His eyes and then reopening them! All of us gathered there were literally transported to another world on the auspicious New Year day.
Thereafter, Swami blessed a group of youth from the USA to sing some songs. They sang a few songs and Bhajans. The morning programme came to a close at 9.30 am with Prasadam Distribution and Aarti to Bhagawan.
The evening programme commenced at 3.10 p.m. with the arrival of Bhagawan once again in the new Golf Cart. Swami came and sat on the sofa at the centre of the dais. The old students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthinilayam and Brindavan Campus, were blessed by Swami to put up their programme in the Divine Presence. A group of the senior old students presented Bhagawan with flowers and the programme card. Swami also released some audio cassettes of the Bhajans recorded by the old students.
Bhagawan Blessed the Vice Chancellor to introduce the programme. The VC said that the Bhakti Marga through Bhajans, the Karma Marga through Grama Seva and other allied service activities and the Jnana Marga through the chanting of the Vedam - all three found their fulfillment at the abode of the Lord at His Lotus Feet.
At around 3.20 pm the programme commenced. There were 18 songs in Hindi, Sanskrit and Telugu. Students from very senior batches had come and participated in the programme. To name a few stalwart singers - - Sonam, V. Kumar, Kote, Ajnish, Vijay Sai and many others who sang their hearts out, filled with devotion to their dearest Mother Sai. When Bhagawan Blessed them before starting the programme, He remarked that with Him there are no old or current students. All are just students!! (forever!!)
Bhagawan once again was full of ethereal smiles!! Closing His eyes and waving His hands, sometimes giving the beat with His fingers, He reciprocated to the devotion pregnant in their songs!
Thereafter, our brothers from the Institute Band got an opportunity to play their tunes for Swami. They were praying since morning for this chance and finally Swami blessed them to go ahead. They had totally lost the hope that Swami would permit them. But when one leaves the expectation and learns to accept, the Lord rewards and so did He! They played 8 tunes - some Bhajan tunes and the other typical and popular band tunes. Swami called the band leader and materialized a gold bracelet for him. While the band boys played their tunes, Prasadam and New Year Diaries were distributed to the students and staff.
At 5.15 pm, Swami blessed Mr. Ajit Popat from London to address the gathering. Mr. Popat spoke for half an hour. He spoke about the inner significance of the word "Happy" in the term "Happy New Year" that Bhagawan had explained to him.
H - Holy
A - Awareness
P - Patience
P - Purity
Y - Yogi.
He said that only when we put this meaning of the word Happy and Swami's teachings into practice can we really call it a Happy New Year. He also mentioned that people feel that so many thousands of people have died in the Tsunami disaster, but what is Swami doing about it. However, we must understand that had it not been for Swami's Grace, instead of mere thousands, lakhs would have perished. We always see what has happened but we never know what could have happened but was averted. The Lord works quietly; taking no credit for all that He has done and is doing since time immemorial! It is only man who is not discharging his duties appropriately and creating chaos, confusion and corruption. Consequently, Nature is getting imbalanced, thereby resulting in such catastrophes.
The programme came to a close with Aarti to Bhagawan at 5.50 pm. Thus ended the first day of this very eventful and epoch making year.
We wish you all a very Happy and a Holy New year. Come, be a part of the celebrations of the 80th year of the advent of the Avatar -in person or in spirit, for such an opportunity will not come again in aeons to come...
January 2nd 2005
This morning, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 7.40 a.m. in the new Golf Cart. Meanwhile, at 7.30 a.m., the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy arrived with his big team. They had arrived at Parthi last night itself for some inauguration associated with the Tourism Ministry of A.P. Their cars halted at the main gate of the Mandir near the Rama Statue. From there, Sri Y. S. R. Reddy and the other dignitaries came walking into the Mandir and proceeded straight towards the main Portico.
Ten minutes later, Bhagawan came into the Hall for Darshan. He took a full round and proceeded towards the interview room. The Chief Minister was taken in for an interview by the Lord. The interview went on for about half an hour. This was the first visit of Sri Y. S. R. Reddy to Swami.
In the evening, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 3.40 p.m. He took a full round of the Kulwant Hall in the Golf Cart, and came and settled down on the Sofa. Most of our old students were seated next to the Vedam group as Swami had given an indication that He would possibly interact with them. Many others who were scheduled to leave by 4.00 p.m. were seated near the Krishna Statue.
Swami asked for the programme to be put up by the old students. We do not know whether they were prepared for this or not, but they all positioned themselves behind the mikes and for the next one hour we had soul stirring and mellifluous music soothing our ears. All the stalwarts who sang yesterday were present again and some who came late squeezed in 'stealthily' as Swami was closing His 'eyes' lost in Bliss!!
Andari Baduvvaiyya Bhadrachala Ramaiyya, Tana Ke Tambure Me Jo Sason Ke Tar Bole, O Ma Sai Ma Tu Kitni Achhi Hai, Om Namah Sivaya...Teen Shabdo Mein Shrushti Sare Samaye, Enta Hai Enta Hai Ee Naadu, Radhika Krishna Radhika Tava Hrudaye Keshava, Tera Ramji Karenge Beda Paar, Krishna Nee Begane Baro and many more scintillating Ragas and Taalas filled the air with elevating feelings. This was followed by a number of Bhajans. Throughout, Swami was lost in the songs! We drank in the ecstasy overflowing from His Blissful smile and swayed to the beats of His Divine Hands!!
At 5.10 p.m., Bhagawan instructed the Vice Chancellor about something. A little while later, watches were distributed by the Vice Chancellor to the group of singers! Prasadam was distributed to all in the Kulwant Hall. The Prasadam was a delicious Laddu packed inside a beautiful, attractive box with the same print of "80 Years of Love in Action' on it. This was organized and arranged by the Sai Students.
Bhagawan took Aarti at 5.20 p.m. and retired for the day filling the hearts of the Sai Students to the brim and even spilling over! When He gives it is much much more than what one could possibly expect!! That is the compassion and Love of our Beloved Mother Sai. Can He withhold Himself when His children come back to Him? His Love was just pouring out!!
We'll get back to you with reports on the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet Celebrations on the 11th of January.
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