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Nov 10, 2004

My own Personal Experiences - Part 2: Prof Anil Kumar

My own Personal Experiences - Part 2: Prof Anil Kumar

Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang at Prasanthi Nilayam
December 8, 2002
My Personal Experiences
Part Two

OM… OM… OM…

Sai Ram.

With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan,

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Sharing Some More Experiences

Today I'll divide my talk into two sections. In the first section,
due to the request of some friends, I'll share with you more of my
experiences. In the second part, we'll have questions and answers.

It was back on the 25th of October that I shared with you Part One of
my personal experiences. I thought that was the end of the matter.
But I have received a series of letters and demands, (Laughter)
saying that you want to know more of my personal experiences.

Really, I love to do it, except for the simple fact that I'm afraid
that people may mistake this as some sort of advertisement or
publicity-seeking, which I'm totally against. But because of the
spiritual pestering from my friends, I'll share certain experiences
with you this morning.

As I said in my last lecture on October 25th , I was in a period
of 'exile', receiving total silence from Bhagavan, without any
recognition of this human being by the name of Anil Kumar (Laughter).
For seven to eight long years, I was non-existent, a non-entity, and
almost in a vacuum wherever I sat. It went on for a very long period -
from seven to eight years. Later in the talk on October 25th, I
mentioned how things went following this long period of waiting.

Very Busy Teaching Students

During that long period of waiting, certain things happened
mysteriously, which were not understandable, beyond all explanation
and expectation. It was the year 1975 when I was very, very busy
during the summer teaching. I was preparing students for the medical
entrance examination, which is an annual feature. During this period,
we make some money too – unaccounted for, so it is all the more
welcomed! (Laughter)

I was extremely busy preparing students until 10 o'clock at night.
The program commenced at 6:30 in the morning, and went on until 10
PM. It depended upon the star value of the person, the magnitude of
attraction and presentation, to the taste of the students. Depending
upon the demand, you would be given as much workload as possible.
There were times when I taught for 13 hours a day because the star
value was such.

An Interview Conducted By Rotary International

Here it was the last hour, around 9.45 PM or so. Suddenly, I received
a message from some of my friends, asking me to appear for an
interview at 10 o'clock in the night. What interview I did not know.
I said, "I shall meet you afterwards."

But they all went and met the Principal, C.V.N. Dhun, of a reputed
college by the name of Ravi Tutor College at Guntur.

The Principal himself came and said, "I could not risk my reputation
when your friends came here. Better you cancel this class and oblige
them."

Then I asked my friends, "What is it that you want of me?"

They said, "An interview is going on. You should appear for that
interview."

"What interview? What am I supposed to do?"

They did not tell me. They pushed me into a big building very close
to this college. Finally I found out that it was an interview
conducted by Rotary International, which selects a team of five every
year to go abroad to study the social and educational aspects of that
country. The visiting team is called the Group Study Exchange
program, GSE. Under the GSE program, five are selected every year --
one representing agriculture, one representing engineering, one
representing medicine, one representing education, and so on -- one
from each walk of life. Except for the condition that you cannot be
related to members of the Rotary Club, it is an open competition.

Well, I didn't have face powder; I had chalk powder instead, having
taught until 10 o'clock that night. You can imagine me - my
personality - at 10 PM: totally tired, after having taught 13 hours
that day. As I could not say 'no' to my friends, somehow I went
inside. My turn was last, as interviews had started at 8 o'clock.
Good! I could say 'goodbye' to them and run away from there!

Well, when I went in there, the President, who happened to be a
doctor, a secretary, and a senior lawyer said, "We don't have to ask
you any questions."

"Then why did you call me for an interview?" (Laughter)

They said, "It is just a formality. Our children are your students,
so you were selected at the regional level."

I simply laughed at them, "Oh, things go like that? Okay!"

The next morning, they sent me an application form to fill out --
selection first, application next -- just the reverse order.
(Laughter) That's how Sai started working in His own way.

Going To The Final Interview At Hyderabad

Then I was to appear for the final interview in Hyderabad at the
Riggs Hotel, one of the prestigious hotels in those days. Later, many
other costly hotels were built. But in those days, Riggs was the
costliest.

Somehow I was tempted to attend the final interview that included
contestants from three states. The interview spread over five days.
Many people attended. Somehow I simply decided to attend the
interview. But I had no time to prepare or read anything because of
my tight schedule, teaching botany to my students and preparing them
for the medical entrance examination. The number of seats that my
students would get would decide my fate for the next year. (Laughter)
Therefore, I had to be very, very careful, and highly competitive.

As I sat in the train, which was speeding up towards Hyderabad, I saw
many youngsters preparing for the interview. I found out that I was
the only married man with four children, while many of the others
were eligible bachelors. Anyway, I was just relaxing because there
was no investment. There was neither profit nor loss. Since I had not
prepared for anything, there was nothing to lose!

Having just come into the Sai fold, being in that fresh period, I was
humming Sai bhajans, as most of us do. I never realised that I would
be disturbing some of these people who were preparing for the
examination. (Laughter) One or two got down from their berths and
gave me some books to prepare with. (Laughter) They did not ask me
not to sing. In a polite, refined, cultured way, they wanted me to
read instead of sing. (Laughter) Maybe it was for two reasons: my
voice was not that good, and they could not concentrate.

Then I realised my mistake and said, "What are the books you are
giving me?" The title of one book was "India, Who is Who?" That book
is published every year. It covers all the latest developments in the
country, plus national and international coverage of personalities
figuring in the newspapers, particularly on the front page. Expecting
that questions would be asked on this, some people were preparing. As
one chap completed reading that, he passed it on to me. Another man
gave me "Manorama", which also covers all the latest developments.

Because I was sufficiently matured, I told these gentlemen, "I
understand your problem. I am disturbing you. Don't worry. I have
nothing to read because I have never read anything along these lines
to prepare for an interview. So why should I read them now?
Either "India Today" (a popular national magazine), India yesterday
or India tomorrow, India is India. I have no time to read. Please
leave me alone," I said. (Laughter) They were happy with my silence.

Anyhow, a cardio-paediatric surgeon, a doctor by the name of
Balakrishna Murthi, who deals with the heart ailments of children,
was sitting just opposite me along with his daughter. His daughter
was staring at me, I didn't know why. I told her and her father, "I'm
not a mad person. (Laughter) I'm not going to bite you. After all,
I'm just humming some Sai bhajans. Don't be afraid of me." They just
laughed

Little did she realize that after three or four years, she would
become my student. Now she's happily married and settled in the USA.
Even to this day, whenever they happen to see me, they laugh
wholeheartedly recalling my comments that I was not a madcap. So,
that was the situation.
Nothing To Lose Or Gain

Another gentleman, an elderly man, very well known to me, came and
said, "What is it you are doing? Why don't you read? I appeared for
this interview last year and the year before last. I was not
selected. It calls for preparation. Then why are you doing like this?"

I told him, "My sister lives in Hyderabad. They sent an invitation,
asking me to attend their house-warming function, which I could not
attend because of a busy medical entrance coaching program. Now, in
the name of this interview, as a plea, I'll go and have nothing to
lose or gain. Sir, please busy yourself, I pray that you be
selected." And thus I silenced him.

Then I got ready to appear for the interview. My wedding suit was
still so nice in those days (Laughter). I picked up that dark blue-
coloured suit with an orange-coloured shirt, a dark blue tie with
stars on it, and well-polished shoes with spray applied. I then went
to Hotel Riggs, where I was to appear for the interview.

The Questions Put To Them

Many youngsters, after completing their interview, were talking among
themselves about the questions they were asked. Because of curiosity,
I wanted to know the questions, though I had no answers for any of
them.

It was the year when India launched a space research project
called "Arya Bhatta", which landed a space satellite. People were
asked some questions relating to "Arya Bhatta" -- about the launching
of this satellite by Indian scientists. I was wondering, "If that
question was asked of me, what answer would I give?" A nice big zero!
(Laughter)

Some other gentleman was asked a question about a treaty between
India and the Soviet Union. This was a time when India and the Soviet
Union had entered into an agreement. "India, being a non-aligned
country, how was it that it could enter into a treaty with the USSR?"
That was the question. I didn't know that there was an agreement at
all, let alone justifying it! (Laughter)

It was also a time when a very big person, a big black marketer, was
arrested. There had been a thorough search all over the country.
Ultimately, the government succeeded in arresting him. Some questions
were asked about that. I didn't know such a gunda (bandit) existed,
nor did I know about the subsequent arrest of that person.

It was also the time of a national emergency declared by Indra
Gandhi, who happened to be the Prime Minister. There were some
questions on this. "India, being a secular, sovereign, democratic
republic, how could a state of emergency (which is not a democratic
act) be declared in this country?" Well, emergency or non-emergency,
I wasn't bothered because I just did my duty. I'm the least affected,
being a teacher, by emergencies. Maybe those in the field of politics
are affected by an emergency. But most of us are employees. We are
not at all affected. So there's nothing to worry about. But I had no
answer, if the same question were asked of me.

I prayed a silent prayer to Baba: "Swami, see that I'm not exposed to
such questions." (Laughter)
"Swami, Save me From Insult!"

My second prayer was this: "Let them not ask certain questions of
general knowledge such as, 'What is the capital of Norway, of Sweden,
of Denmark, of Guatemala, or of Argentina?' (Laughter) I may not have
immediate answers."

"Once they know that I am a student of biology, don't have them
ask, 'Name a frog without a tail. Name the frog with a tail, with a
head, and without a head.' Finally, lifting their eyebrows, I'm
afraid they may say, 'What kind of teacher are you if you do not know
these things?' My job would be in disrepute. I would be defamed, and
I'd feel personally insulted if such questions were asked of me."

"Swami, save me from that insult and save my job as a professor, so
that we will not be a laughing-stalk in the sight of the public,
particularly the members of the interview board."

Anyway I went and sat relaxed, cross-legged, with my arm on the chair
behind, totally free, because I had nothing to lose and nothing to
gain. (Laughter) I was fully aware that I was speaking in the Divine
Presence of Baba, not only there, but here in your hearts, too. And
everything is subject to verification at any moment because Bhagavan
is a silent listener to every one of our conversations. I have had
many bitter experiences too, in this regard. (Laughter) He gives no
scope for any exaggeration or under-estimation, but only statements
based on facts and not fiction.

All Questions Centred Around Sai Literature Only

So, in full understanding of this, I'm telling you -- believe me or
not – all the questions were centred only on Sai literature!
(Exclamations of "Oh!" from the audience, and applause) That's all!
In my bio-data, there was no mention of Sathya Sai Baba -- nothing
whatsoever! Yet all the questions were on Sai literature.

That period I was fresh to the Sai movement, and was very familiar
with Sai literature. Going around to every village (in Andhra Pradesh
state) in those years, I was quite conversant with the teachings of
Sai. So I could answer every question. I think you'll be interested
to know some of those questions. They will be of interest to every
one of you.

There were 12 members of the Rotary International -- past district
governors, who asked these questions, one-by-one. It was something
like Abhimanya surrounded by so many people in Padmavyuha (a
formidable military formation) – such was the interview hall.

"God Is One And The Same"

The first question asked was this: "India is thickly populated, not
only with people, but also with many gods. How do you justify the
number of gods and the number of people there are in your country?"
That was the first question.

The answer was quickly available from Sai literature, which Bhagavan
prompted from within. What did Bhagavan say in this direction? "There
may be many different names and forms of Divinity, based on our likes
and dislikes and on our whims and fancies; based on our intensity of
devotion and on our concentration. The names and forms may be varied,
but Divinity is One and the same. You may give Him any name, but God
is One and the same. You may think of any form, but He's the same."
That's what I said, just as I also quoted Bhagavan's famous poem:

Flowers are many, but worship is one.

Forms are many, but God is One.

Cows are many, but milk is one.

Jewels are many, but gold is one.

Paths are many, but goal is one.

I repeated the famous quotation, and they seemed to have been
satisfied.

"It All Depends On You"

Then came the second question: "If God is the same, why is one God so
tall, like Rama, while one god is so short, like Ganesha? (Laughter)
Why should there be differences in the height of the gods, if all are
the same God?"

The answer was also available from Sai teachings. I remembered very
well Bhagavan saying that you get your dress stitched according to
your measurements. You don't wear the same shirt as the one worn by
King Kong! (Laughter) No! Or you don't give your shirt to that boxer
man. A shirt for a thin man cannot be given to a fat man. You cannot
wear a shirt stitched for a fat man because three of you could fit
into it! So, a garment or a dress is made as per your measurements.

Similarly, depending upon your choice, depending upon your
temperament, depending upon your background, your level of
comprehension, understanding and experience, the deity is designed in
that form. Some can easily concentrate on Rama. Some can concentrate
on Krishna. So it all depends on you. That was the second answer.

"You May Give Any Name Or Form"

Then came the third question: "If that's so, why should there be so
many names? How can there be Siva? How can there be Rama, or Krishna,
or Durga, or Lakshmi? Why so many names? Why?" That was the third
question.

Bhagavan had given an example: It seems on one day, a hotel-keeper
and a medical shop owner both got headaches on the same day. The
medical shop fellow went to the hotel for a cup of coffee. The hotel-
keeper went to the medical shop for a pill or a tablet. So he had
faith in the tablet. This other man had faith in the cup of coffee.
Both of them had a total cure of their headaches.

Similarly, you may give any name or any form to God. Water is called
neeru in Telugu. In Sanskrit, you may call it vaari; in Hindi, paani;
in Tamil, tanni; but the water, H2O, continues to be the same.
That's the example given by Baba, which I could also give because of
His Divine Grace.

Vast Spiritual Literature

Then there was a question like this: "India, being the land of rich
spiritual cultural heritage, how is it there is illiteracy? How is it
there's poverty? How is it there is corruption? Why? What answer can
you give?"

There was an answer, which I thought of at that moment. What did Baba
say? "Where do you find the doctor? You find the doctor where there
are patients. So, you get what you really seek. There are several
countries that have sought physical comforts -- countries that want a
daily life full of comfort and conveniences, luxury and extravagancy.
But Bharath has always been in search of God. This country has always
been in search of the experience of Divinity. There has been a
constant search for this by sages and saints, seers, aspirants and
seekers."

"There is so much spiritual knowledge today. In addition to four
Vedas, you have 108 Upanishads, 18 epics, Brahma Sutras and Yoga
Vasishta. So much vast spiritual literature has grown in this country
because of the selfless service and the penance undertaken by sages
in those days for the welfare of mankind. They prayed for the
progress of mankind without any trace of selfishness. So,
spirituality has grown here, not the electronic gadgets, not the
physical, mundane comforts and requirements." That answer seemed to
have satisfied those people.

50% Answered

Then came a final question, which was really amazing -- nay,
unbelievable! "Who is the Prime Minister of Israel?" (Laughter) This
question had nothing to do with the questions asked before. Well, I
had to put on a blank face. I fully realised at that moment that
Bhagavan was telling me from within, "All these questions I made them
ask you. Now you tell how much you know! (Laughter) Come out of your
emptiness and nothingness. I am exposing you now."

"Swami, it is a serious test! I am not such a fool to think that it
is for my glory. I'm not so stupid to think that I am a wise man. No!
I know every second that You have been prompting me."

Then immediately I said, "Sir, I know Goldameir has been the Prime
Minister of Israel until now. Now she is out of power. A man has come
in her place whose name I do not remember." (Laughter) Then one of
the persons said, "50% answered. You can go." (Laughter)

My situation was like a child in elementary school, who runs out of
school hearing the final bell, carrying his bag of books, running
happily! I was so happy and gay, dancing, coming out of the interview
hall because nothing had happened to me. Nothing happened to my
prestige whatsoever. Then I returned home happily, not expecting
anything.

There was some pressure from my friends, who were asking me to find
out the results. I was afraid to find out the results because I was
not prepared to accept failure. Success I didn't expect. There were
no expectations at all. I thought to myself, 'Let things come in
their own time, but let me not advance it.'

I said, "I'm not going to find out. No!"

Why? Because I had made no preparation, no investment and no training.

"Leave me alone," I said.

I Stood First!

After a month, the results were announced. I stood first on the list
of people selected to go to Southern Indiana in the United States
that year. I have been to a lot of places in the United States: (in
Indiana) Brazil, Corydon, Alora, Columbus, Indianapolis, New Albany,
and Terrehaute. All those places I have visited under the courtesy of
the Rotary International.

After my return home, I received a letter stating: "You are to attend
a meeting where you will be given some training before you go to the
United States. We will give you some training on how to answer
questions, how to meet people, and on certain requirements."

Suddenly, on the day of the training, the college where I was working
was to have the College Annual Day Celebration. I went to the
Principal, Dr. Isaac, at that time, and told him, "Sir, kindly grant
me leave on that day, so that I can attend the training before I go
abroad."

That man immediately said, "Who are they to give you training? I will
give you training here!" (Laughter)

"Sir, when they are spending their money, how can you give me
training here?"

He said, "Nothing doing. It happens to be the College Anniversary
Day. Therefore, I cannot grant you leave."

I said, "The College Anniversary is not based on me, Sir. The college
has 5,000 students and 300 faculty members . I don't think that
anything would happen if I go on leave."

He said, "Nothing doing!"

Then I returned home and prayed to Baba, looking at His
picture: "Baba, You are really fantastic. You made me stand first in
the list, and now I am the last to go. Whether I can go or not, I do
not know. But anyway, it is a question of Your prestige and Your
Name -- nothing to do with me, please remember! (Laughter) Because
You selected me, alright, You take the credit or discredit. The whole
world knows that I had not made any preparation. So what do I care
about it?"

College Anniversary Is Postponed

The invitations for the College Anniversary were ready and sent.
Refreshments were also ready. Students were given badges. All the
preparations for the College Annual Celebration were ready. Collector
Chandrayya, an IAS officer, was to be the chief guest.
Please believe me. This is subject to verification because I'm giving
the date and also the names of the people involved. I'm not here to
concoct or fabricate or imagine. I'm against such silly things. I'm
giving you all the details, being a student of science. Just 24 hours
before the Annual College Day, the Principal, Dr. Isaac, came to me
and said, "Anil Kumar, please leave this place tonight." (Laughter)

I said, "Sir, why do you want me, to go? You said you wouldn't grant
me personal time-off. You didn't want to give me personal time-off!
Why do you want me to go?"

He said, "The College Anniversary is postponed."

It was a college of 100 years standing. Now it must be 130 years --
one of the oldest premier institutions in the State of Andhra
Pradesh, managed and monitored by the Lutheran Church of America. It
is a very big college. The College Anniversary had never been
postponed in all of its history.

Our Baba is an excellent manager and a manipulator! (Laughter) He had
just got the Anniversary postponed for one bloke by the name of Anil
Kumar!

The Five Of Us

So, I went there, attended the meeting, and everything was checked
for my travel to the United Sates. I met my other colleagues, who
were eligible bachelors, quite handsome, occupying very high
positions, coming from medicine and engineering fields. I was the
only non-gazetted government officer with four children. So, what was
to be done?

They were talking among themselves about what they would do in the
United States. Finally, one of them ventured to ask me, "Anil Kumar,
would you like to have a sip of alcohol?"

I said I would like to have any number of sips of coffee, but not
alcohol.

Everybody laughed at me and said, "Five of us are going, but only
four will be returning."

They thought that once I was over there, I'd be finished (Laughter)
They said, "Do you eat meat or anything like that?"

"No, no, no, I'm a total vegetarian."

Just like that, I became an untouchable among the five of us!
(Laughter) A Godforsaken creature! Nobody was prepared to talk to me
or exchange any views because there was nothing in common.

Once we were there, oh! There were so many things that were served to
us! But there was nothing for me to eat. Though I mentioned that I
was a vegetarian, what is it that they brought for me to eat ? Boiled
potatoes made into chutney, like a paste. (No doubt Anil Kumar means
mashed potatoes.)

They said, "This is vegetarian. Why don't you eat it?"

Ah-re! Potato is no doubt vegetarian, but I don't eat it that way,
made into a paste or gum like that! So I didn't relish it, but
courtesy made me silent. I wore a broad smile on my face, "Fine,
fine, this much is enough."

But smart people they are, the Rotarians! The USA is a great country
of hospitality. The United States of America is a country where there
is the synthesis of religions. They are ready to invite new
ideologies. It is a country of friendship, where the people are full
of smiling faces.

They could understand my diet problem, and at the next session, I had
a number of things like peanuts, cashew nuts, ice crèmes, cakes,
biscuits, and so many such things! While the non-vegetarians had only
one or two dishes, I had so many. (Laughter). I was more energetic
than all of them, even without eating rice.

Pets Were Pestering Me

All right, I was quite fine. But here's another thing that I should
also share with you, though it is quite embarrassing. I'm not used to
pets, like dogs and cats -- no. At the residence of every American,
to my surprise, I noticed these pets, these dogs and cats,
everywhere. I used to check to see if my room were dog-free or cat-
free. (Laughter) Only then would I go into the room!

Unfortunately, at 11 o'clock in the night, I heard some sound --
"Purr, purr" -- like that. (Laughter) What happened? Immediately I
got up. I noticed one cat under my cot. (Laughter) I shouted to my
American friend. He came in immediately. "Anil Kumar, what happened?"

"Ah-re, what is this cat? Please take it out!"

"No, no, Anil Kumar! It is a Burmese cat -- so sweet!"

I said, "No! Burmese or Chinese, I don't want it here! (Laughter)
Please take it out. I can't sleep!"

That was the only problem I had.

I also remember in New Albany something happened. A gentleman
introduced me to his sons. "Oh, Mr. Anil Kumar, here is David and
Nelson." All that was fine. Finally he said, "Caesar, come along!"

I thought Caesar was a third son. Caesar was the name of their dog,
and he was my size (Laughter) and ready to climb up on me like an
expert in mountaineering! I am not Mount Everest -- to be climbed
upon! I was very much afraid.

This man said, "Say hello, Anil Kumar! Caesar is very friendly!"

"Sir, I'm not friendly. Please!" (Laughter)

As my legs were trembling, well, the dog came closer and closer, and
then started touching me.

"Sir, would you like me alive or not? Please take it away!"

That was my problem, and I didn't know what to do. I was about to
move to the next place -- some other residence. Instead of being
curious about the family with whom I was supposed to live, I was
curious about the pets there (Laughter) because the pets were
pestering me! Well, I had no alternative.

So, helplessly I told the gentleman, "This is my problem."

Then they started taking care of their pets and made me quite
comfortable -- such kind, nice people.

Singing Baba's Bhajans

Then one day, while speeding along in the car, I was just singing
Baba's bhajans and the American thought something was happening to
me. He said, "What's wrong with you?" (Laughter)

Well, I said, "Nothing is wrong with me. I'm quite hale and healthy,
and I hope to live for a couple more years! But the thing is, I'm
humming Indian bhajan songs -- Indian hymns or prayer songs."

The American said, "Would you do it at my residence this evening?"

I had been waiting for that opportunity! I said that I would be happy
to and would also give them the English translation to the songs. But
only on one condition -- they should invite their friends also. They
should not restrict this to only their family."

He said, "OK. Why not?"

Every day they invited their family and friends in the neighbourhood
to come. The result was that 30 or 40 attended the Rotary meetings
and 300 or 400 attended my evening bhajan programs! (Laughter) Since
that day, I became more and more popular. I was the 'most wanted'
person – 'most wanted' in a desirable way.

Interviewed by The TV People

The TV people and news reporters also interviewed us. My other Indian
friends were in search of good cameras and other things. I did not
have any kind of desire like that. I had a deep feeling that Swami
had sent me and that I should speak about Him everywhere. That was my
only mission. I had no other desire.

"How Is It You Don't Eat Beef In India?"

Some questions were put to us like this: "Why is it that you don't
eat beef in India?"

Well, I could not answer straightaway because there were five of us
seated in the television studio. One man said, "We don't eat beef.
Cows are sacred."

Then they asked another man, "Why are you eating beef here?"
(Laughter)

They were all very intelligent fellows. The third fellow
said, "Indian cows are sacred, not other cows!" (Laughter)

Then I raised my hand and said, "Sir, I'll give you the answer. That
was just a kind of joke -- that American cows are not sacred, no.
Cows are sacred, revered like a mother. There are many we revere like
a mother. One is the Motherland, Desha Matha. Another is Mother
Earth, Bhu Matha. The third one is Go Matha, the cow, as mother. A
fourth is the Scripture, Veda Matha. These four are respected, adored
and worshipped like the mother. That's all."

"Oh, that seems to be sensible," someone said.

"How Is It There Aren't divorces In India?"

Then they asked another question: "How is it that there are no
divorces in India? How is it that you live with the same person
throughout your lifetime, even though you don't agree?"

One man, by the name of Raj Kumar, was newly married. He was working
in the Union Corporation. He gave the answer: "Why marry a number of
times? You have to sit in front of a fire and smoke for long hours!
(Laughter) We don't want that tedious process to happen again and
again!" (Laughter)

Another man said, "Marriage is an expensive process. Why pay for it
more than once? We don't want to."

They all enjoyed these jokes. I said, "Sir, there is an answer.
Marriage is only an institution. Marriage is only a vehicle. Marriage
is only a transport to move from one end to the other end, to move
from one shore to the other -- the shore of life on earth to the
shore of life thereafter. I travel by car, but I don't live in the
car. I go across the bridge, but I don't stay there on the bridge my
whole life. So, marriage is an institution -- like a bridge, like a
boat, like a ship -- taking you from the shore of this life to the
life thereafter, to Eternity and Immortality."

That seemed to have been satisfactory to them.

"How Is It there Is A God Who Wants Human Hair?"

There was another question, "How is it that there is a god in your
country who wants human hair?" They meant Lord Venkateswara of
Tirupathi.

Another person laughed and said, "God can grow hair by Himself! Why
does He want your hair?"

A very pertinent question! Bhagavan spoke about this a long time ago.
The answer is simple and straight.

Bhagavan said, "Hair symbolizes animality or the bestial temperament,
the thamasic quality, the darkness of ignorance. When you remove your
hair, when you offer your hair, you make an attempt to be free from
the thamasic quality of dullness, of ignorance, of darkness, or
ignorance of the Self. That's why the hair is offered."

"Secondly, if anyone stands in front of the mirror just combing his
hair, everyone thinks that he is a film star -- most handsome, though
the next person tells him, 'You are not.' It is very different if one
is ugly when standing in front of the mirror. So once you offer your
hair, there is no more decoration, no more attempt to look
handsome. 'I disfigure myself.' This is self-effacement. There is
nothing like projection. This is the symbolic expression of offering
hair to God."

This made some sense to them. Somehow we came out of that television
program and all of them seemed to have been satisfied with the
answers. So, we began to disperse back to our destinations.

A Bag Of Pickles

The others, being rich, wanted to stop on the way back and visit
London, Amsterdam, and other places with the extra money in their
pockets. Since I was a teacher, I did not carry anything at that
moment.

I was to visit a close relation there. My father-in-law gave me a big
bag of Andhra pickles, hot stuff, to be handed over to her.
(Laughter) I was carrying this bag for one month -- a horrible
burden! The American brothers were good to me. The sisters over there
didn't allow me to carry anything. They carried all the things for
me. It must have been a headache for them to carry this big package
of Andhra pickles, such hot stuff. It will help you to land on the
moon straightaway -- straightaway, with no expenditure! (Laughter)
One mango pickle, one piece is enough -- you can try this afternoon!
(Laughter) Of course, you should write your will in advance!
(Laughter)

So, I was carrying these pickles all along. But how was I to reach my
relatives? When all my friends had dispersed, the Rotary governor,
someone named Clark who lived in New Albany, came and said, "Anil
Kumar, what are your plans now?"

I said, "I have no plans except to go home."

He said, "What is this bag?"

"That bag is full of pickles, which I have to hand over to my
relations."

"Where are they?"

I gave their address.

"How do you plan to go?"

International Sai Service

Should I say that I didn't have enough dollars to get there? Or
should I tell them, 'You fund my trip'? I didn't say anything.
"I don't think I have sufficient time to go there. I'll just bring
the pickles back."

Then he said, "No, no, your tickets and visa will enable you to stay
here for some more time. Why do you want to leave like that? No!
We'll see that you get to see your relations there."

They were staying in Hamden, Virginia. Immediately they made all the
flight reservations. My other friends were traveling by the Greyhound
bus service. Being sent by Sai International, Inter-continental Sai
service, I could fly all the way on Northwest Airlines, without a
single paisa (penny) in my pocket, through the courtesy of Rotary
International, unasked and unsolicited.

They also telephoned my relations and told them that Anil Kumar had
taught them many things about India, Indian philosophy and culture,
and that they wanted to visit that country some day. They said that
it had been an honour to have me there. They asked my relations to
please be there at the airport half an hour before my arrival time to
receive me. Then they put down the receiver. (Laughter)

By the time I landed there, my relations were waiting for me as if
they were receiving Clinton or Bush! (Laughter) That is the dignity
and the position one has with Sai's Grace, which has impressed me
very much.

The College Declared A Holiday

That is how my trip went. After my return, I was obligated to go
around to different Rotary clubs in India and share my experiences.
Many people don't do that because they don't travel everywhere here.
But I wanted to go everywhere because that gave me an opportunity to
share the Grace Bhagavan Baba showered upon me with everybody, along
with spreading Sai's message everywhere.

It so happened that I was invited to speak by the Rotary Club in
Nagpur. Eduljee was the Rotary governor. I addressed Nagpur
University and the official Rotary Club and shared my experiences.

I began my return journey. I was traveling by Dakshin Express, which
was to connect with another express. Due to my bad luck, Dakshin
Express was running late. I could not report to the college in time --
that was the magnitude of the emergency.

The Principal had been very angry with me because I had gone against
his wishes. I was expecting that he would be ready with a dismissal
letter. I was thinking and praying to Swami, "You have sent me on
this trip, so You cannot kick me out of the college, which is my only
means of livelihood."

Having arrived back home, I heard that the college had declared a
holiday that day because our students had won the state-level cricket
match. I congratulated the students, not for their performance, but
for getting the day declared a holiday! (Laughter) I wanted all the
players of the college to play like that and win many times so that I
could have a holiday -- so I could go on my trips like this, sharing
the message of Sai Baba with as many people as possible.

Questions

Within the time left, let me cover some questions given to me, as
those who have asked questions will be anxious about the answers. I
shall try to deal with some of the questions to the best of my
ability within the rest of the time.

"What Is The Origin Of The Mind?"

One question sent to me is this: "What is the origin of the mind? The
answer is simple. There is no mind, so there is no origin! If there
is a mind, you have to trace out its origin. The mind is non-
existent. The mind is only a bundle of thoughts. The mind is only a
bundle of desires. In the deep sleep state, there is no mind at all.
The mind is there in the dreaming state; the mind is there in the
waking state. But the mind is non-existent in the deep-sleep state.

When thoughts are withdrawn, when desires are given up, there is no
mind. Withdrawal of the mind or annihilation of the mind is called
amanaska or manolaya. So, the question of the origin of the mind does
not arise at all.

"What is The Significance Of New Moon And Full Moon?"

Another question: "What is the significance of the new moon and full
moon?"

Whether it is a new moon, a blue moon, or a full moon, a moon is a
moon. (Laughter) The answer is: The moon is the presiding deity of
the human mind. That's the reason why on a full moon day, mad people
are full of activity! (Laughter) On the dark night, they will also
full of activity. They may even resort to violence. So, the moon
controls the mind. The mind and the moon go together.

But spiritually speaking, there is another interpretation. The full
moon stands for wisdom, knowledge and awakening. It was on the full
moon day that Buddha was born. It was on the full moon day that
Buddha was enlightened. It was on the full moon day that Mahaveer was
enlightened. Purnima is the full moon day, which is the day of
enlightenment. Moonlight is like the awakening of the inner Self. The
full moon represents the knowledge of the Self. That is the meaning.

"Has Not My Karma Been Cleared?"

Another question asked of me is this: "You said," (he meant me) "the
very Darshan of Bhagavan will clear you of your karma. But I'm still
suffering from my karma. Has not my karma been cleared?" (Laughter)

That is the question. The answer is this: One will be cleared of
karmic effects if there is deservedness, if there is eligibility.

When I look at Bhagavan -- when all of us look at Bhagavan, all of us
will not have the same feelings. There are many people who tell me
that when Bhagavan passes by, they receive some vibrations. There are
many people who tell me that they are charged with energy. There are
many people who tell me that they feel a cool breeze when Bhagavan
passes by. So, experiences differ based on the nature of the
individual, their devotion or path and the intensity of their sadhana.

Therefore, I may not be cleared of karma because I'm not ready. I
have not done enough work. Though the teacher is excellent, when the
student is not able to follow the lesson, it only means that the
student has not done enough homework. The student has not the
required foundation to receive and appreciate the knowledge given to
him in the classroom, even though the teacher is an expert. In order
to be cleared of karmic effects, we should do some homework.

What is that homework? Intense devotion, total faith, complete
surrender and the sadhana of service -- these four are sufficient
physical practices on the spiritual path. Doing (practicing) these
four is sufficient homework for us to get ourselves ready and
prepared, so that we can be free from the karmic effects.

"Are Countries Also Bound By Karma?"

Then I received some more questions: "Karma, is it individual? Are
countries also bound by karma?"

Perhaps like 'wholesale' and 'retail'? This gentleman must have been
a top businessman! (Laughter) Very good!

Kind friends, do not misunderstand me -- I'm just joking. I don't
mean any disrespect to those who have asked these questions. I really
bow down in all humility to the people who have asked these questions
because they are all spiritual seekers. They are exemplary. They are
noble and role models for me in particular because these questions
help me to go into detail, into the depth. So, I thank them very much.

The question is this: Are countries bound by karma? In the Holy
Bible, there is a mention of two cities -- Sodom and Gomorrah. The
inhabitants of these two cities mentioned in the Holy Bible were
drowned. The inhabitants were totally punished by God. That's what
the Holy Bible says. When people are unrighteous, naturally the whole
place is condemned.

A country is not only a geographical location. A country is not only
dust, mud and sand. A country is a collection of people. When the
people are unrighteous…For example, just think of Afghanistan, where
ancient Buddha statues of 200 or 300 feet in height were bombed and
totally demolished by dynamite. So many Buddha statues were
demolished there in Afghanistan. What later happened to Afghanistan?
You all know that. When people are unrighteous, naturally they will
have to face the reaction. That's the answer I can give you.

"What Shall I Do To Dine With Bhagavan?"

The next question: "What shall I do to dine with Bhagavan? To sleep
in the room very close to His bedroom? (Laughter) To go with Him in
His car? To have a peaceful end of life, like His mother and
grandfather had? "

These are the questions put to me. Here is the answer, brother. Going
in His car, dining with Him or sleeping in the room next to Him are
all physical activities. You have the driver also in the car. I don't
think the driver is a saint or a sage. There in the dining room, you
also find cooks and servers. I don't think they are saints and sages.
I don't think so. In the building, there is the watchman. I don't
want to bow down to his feet.

So, these are all physical acts of Grace. They are privileges. They
are grand, golden opportunities. I don't underestimate them. But if
they lead to pride, if they make you egoistic, if they are acts of
publicity or advertisement, they will really take you to doom. No! If
these help you to be more spiritual, if these help you to do sadhana
with higher, greater or deeper intensity, then that is a boon. But if
it turns you into an egoistic man, then that is a curse. These
physical acts should take you to a psychological (mental/emotional)
level of togetherness with Bhagavan all through your life, wherever
you may go.

If you feel that the next man is Baba, it is living with Him. If you
offer prayer to God and start eating, it is dining with Him. If you
listen to Baba bhajans as you travel in your car, you are traveling
with Him. Baba said, "Wherever My glory is sung, I install Myself."
Whenever we sing bhajans, we are with Him. Whenever we think of Him,
we are by His side. Whenever we offer food, we are dining with Him.
That is the spiritual, psychological, metaphysical, mystical
experience one should have or one should crave for. (Applause)

"The Wife Is An Obstacle -- What Should the Husband Do?"

Another question: "The husband is very much interested in Baba, but
the wife is not. The wife is an obstacle. So, what should the husband
do?" He also has given three alternatives: (Laughter) "One -- should
he get divorced from his wife? Number two -- should he continue along
the spiritual path? Number three -- should he give up the spiritual
path? (Laughter) These are the alternatives – maybe it is like a
multiple-choice question. (Laughter)

My friend, this is an exceptional case! A husband finding his wife a
problem along the spiritual path is an exception. Usually the husband
is the problem for every wife! (Laughter) 90% of Sai devotees are
here because of their wives. Let all husbands be ashamed to declare
it in public. This humble self (Anil Kumar refers to himself) is also
one and the foremost. So, this case is not a matter to be ashamed of.
It is a matter to feel proud of.

If the wife is an engine, very good -- the family will be very fine,
peaceful and there'll be no problem. But here is an exceptional case
where the wife seems to be the problem. Wife or husband -- one of the
two partners will not totally agree with the other. So, what is to be
done?

My friend, the answer is simple. If one is totally worldly and if the
other is totally spiritual, we'll be nowhere. But in co-existence,
one takes care of the family, while the other takes care of the
spiritual end. The wife taking care of the family is the root. The
husband thinking of God is the fruit of the same 'family tree'. The
one (wife and mother) thinking of the family is the root, while the
other (husband and father) thinking of God is the fruit of that same
tree of life. So, let us not consider the life partner as an
opposition party leader! (Laughter) Certainly not! Certainly not!

To give you my own tale -- for 25 years, I went around the whole
state of Andhra Pradesh. I visited thousands of Sai centres -- at
least thrice on the average -- spread over those 25 years. My wife
stayed back at home, taking care of the children, my in-laws and my
parents, ours being a joint-family (an extended family, all living
under one roof together). Suppose that she had also become a
competitor. What if she had said, "If you go towards the north, I'll
go towards the south! (Laughter) If you go and start addressing
people in the east, I'll have audiences in the west." Then the
children would be on the streets!

Therefore, it is the pure and logical dynamics of life that one will
be at the 'grass roots' while the other will be 'in the air'. It
happens like that. Nowhere do the husband and wife agree 100%. They
may agree before TV news reporters. (Laughter) They may agree for the
television reporters, but not in reality. The family 'Korean War'
certainly happens once in a blue moon, without which there is no
melody in life at all.

Let us not worry if the wife is not sailing along with the husband,
or if the husband is not sailing with the wife. The husband will make
the wife follow him one day. Just as husbands are following their
wives, in such cases as this one, the wives will also follow the
husbands someday. It all depends upon one's own life example.

For example, in a crisis, if the husband is peaceful, the wife will
learn from him. If the wife is peaceful in the worst moments of life,
the husband will learn from her. By our example, we can certainly
carry on with the other life-partner without any sense of opposition
or critical attack.

"Are All The People I See False?"

Another question: "I am a teacher of yoga. I know God is One. But do
you think all the people I see are false? Do you think it's all maya,
illusion? Do you think they don't exist? Do you say it is all a
dream?"

The answer is simple: Yoga is a connecting link with God. The meaning
of 'yoga' is 'connecting or uniting with God'. So when you are
connected with God, you experience Oneness. You experience unity.
You'll see God everywhere -- in the animals, in plants, in mineral
matter. Everywhere you will experience God.

It will be just as Jesus Christ said, when He saw a dead, stinking
dog on the street. Everyone said, "Burn it! Take it away!" Jesus
smiled and said, "How bright the white teeth are! How bright are the
white teeth of that dead dog."

It means you'll see the best in the worst. If it is the true path of
yoga, you'll see unity in diversity. Yoga should give you unity. But
that does not mean in practical life we can be untidy, no! In our
practical life, diversity is there.

Suppose a student comes to me and says, "Sir, please teach me."

I cannot tell him, "You are God, I am God. So, there'll be no class
today!" (Laughter)

Suppose a patient comes to a doctor and says, "Sir, I am suffering
from excruciating pain."

Will the doctor say, "You are not a patient and I am not a doctor.
You are God and I am God. So there is no question of surgery!"

It is all nonsense! From a practical point-of-view, there is
diversity. From an ideological point-of-view, there is unity.
Ideologically, let us experience unity. Spiritually, let us
experience unity. Physically, let us operate at the level of
diversity. It is necessary to be practical, to be fundamental, to be
realistic. That is the best answer I can give.

"Can I See Baba In Different Forms?"

There is another question from Canada: "Can I see Baba in different
forms?"

Why not? Baba appeared in the form of a postman. Baba appeared in the
form of a watchman. Baba appeared in the form of a monkey to His
sister. Baba appeared in the form of a cat. Baba appeared in the form
of a bird. Baba can appear in any form. Why do we go to that extent?
All forms are Baba's only. We should pray and try for that
experience -- for the awareness of that experience.

Why should He appear in a separate form? All forms are His -- it only
appears to be many. It is something like a person in the midst of
several mirrors all around. That experience of seeing the One in the
many (forms) is the culmination of spirituality.

"What Are The Steps To Merge In Him?"

Next question: "What are the steps that I should take to merge in
Him?"

There are not many steps. No! The steps are of our own making. The
steps are created in our own imagination. Merger happens at once.

What are the steps that you should take to mix sugar into a glass of
water? How many steps are there? No, no! One spoon and stir it – you
get immediate results!

Similarly, for an aspirant to merge with God, there are not many
steps. Use a spoon of viveka or discrimination, plus a spoon of
vairagya or renunciation – totally stir this, which is the process of
sadhana. That is enough for total merger. There are no steps. "How
many lives are required? How many years are required?" No, no, no,
no! Merger is immediate, all of a sudden, instantaneous, spontaneous
and natural. It happens in a moment!

Merging is our original state. We only got ourselves separated. In
fact, we were all One, but we became separated. Example: here is
fire. Out of this fire, many sparks and pieces come. The pieces at a
distance turn black and become coal. So, originally it was fire. But
at a distance, it becomes coal.

Similarly, originally we were One, but later we got separated. To
know that we are One (though appearing in different forms) is called
realisation. Realisation is nothing but thinking of our original
Oneness -- getting back to that original Oneness or unity with God.
The reason that we separated from that Oneness is only due to having
taken a name and form. That is the secret of merger with God.

I should not detain you further. I beg your pardon for keeping you
for extra time this morning because of the tempting questions. I hope
you enjoyed those questions too!

May God bless you!

Sai Ram!

Om Asato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrtyormaa Amrtam Gamaya

Om Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!
Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!
Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!

Thank You!

Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang at Prasanthi Nilayam
November 4, 2001
Talk by Prof. Anil Kumar

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's English Translator Shri Anil Kumar
Kamaraju Professor of Botany S.S.S.I.H.L., Prasanthi Milayam and
Former Principal of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
Brindavan Campus, Kadugodi, addressed the devotees of Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba, at Sathya Deep - Dharmakshetra, Mumbai on Sunday
4th November, at 4.30 pm.

Anilkumar shared his personal experience to the vast crowd who had
gathered at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai. It was the first time he ever
spoke about his personal life, which he had never uttered in public.

He began his discourse with an old Sai Bhajan " Sathguru Nathanee Vaa
Vaa Vaa, Satchithanandane Vaa Vaa Vaa...." While singing he was
highly inspired, as if powered with a Sai turbo engine and started
the Bhajan directly in the supersonic speed. He was so excited while
singing that he demanded the "Dafli" from us and started playing
while rendering the Bhajan."

He said that he was born in Guntur which is almost like a furnace
during summer and to cool down, they ate "green hot chillies" ! He
was born to a Brahmo Samajist. His great grand father was a Brahmo
missionary in Calcutta and his father too was a staunch "Brahmo" who
never believed in rituals and idol worship.

His mother is the first Andhra lady post graduate and that too with a
gold medal. Because in those days girls were not sent out to schools
and colleges. If they did, they were ostracised from the community.
All his brothers along with him were the most eligible bachelors,
because "Brahmos" did not believe in dowry !

His wife was born in a devout hindu family and would attend the
temples regularly. However Anilkumar never went to any temples being
a staunch Brahmo. He had hired a rickshaw for her to go to the
temples. They would both go in the same rickshaw. His wife would go
to the temple and he would stand outside the temple for temple visit
was forbidden to Bramhos.

Then his wife fell sick in 1970s. All the 13 doctors whom he met
advised them to undergo surgery for a growth found in her stomach.
That was the end to all the delicious chilly food. She was only
allowed to take curd rice.

Soon after she came back from the hospital while returning from the
temple one day, they heard a Bhajan and they both visited the place.
It was a Sai Bhajan and after returning home, Anil Kumar says "my
plight was that of Dasharata confronted by Kaikeyi. She said if you
want me to be alive, you must take me to "Puttaparthi' " He agreed on
two conditions that she will never force him to come inside the
asharam premises and the second was that they will return after one
week. And so they both went to Puttaparthi. She would go inside and
Anilkumar with his two children would be roaming around outside the
ashram premises.
After 3-4 days he was curious to see what was happening inside so he
came and stood outside the gate to have a peep of what was going on.
It seems Swami came directly to him and just looked at him, he also
stood and stared back without offering pranaams. Then he saw Swami
was distributing Ladoo prasadam to the workers who were then building
the Poornachandra Auditorium. That's the time he saw the first
miracle. He saw the plate with Ladoos appearing in his hand and
mysteriously disappeared after distribution of the Ladoos. He wished
Swamy gave ladoos to his children but then that did not happen.

Since he was a voracious reader, he bought Sathya Sai Speaks volume-5
and went back home. When he started reading, he found that it was all
the Bhramha Samaj principle, the Sarvadharma and the Universal
fatherhood of God and Love etc.. He soon went back and bought the
rest of the volumes. Next day Swami again came near him. This time
his hands and legs were shivering He offered his pranaams and Swami
gave a nod and left immediately. It seems Swami did not talk or
acknowledge his (Anilkumar's) presence for nearly seven years. He
said it was like university exams. Appear for exams, if you fail
appear again in September and even that failed again reappear in
April and this went on with him for nearly seven years!

Because he loved debates and lectures, he would always snatch the
available opportunity and speak. Once he was invited to speak on Sri
Ram. Most of the other speakers were eminent scholarly persons. "So
amongst the list of eminent professors of literature and philososphy,
there was my name in between Mr. Anilkumar without any titles!"

When he saw the invitation he rang them up to say that he wanted to
be "dropped" as he did not find himself to be the right person
amongst those scholarly people. The organisers turned down his
request saying that they have already printed and posted the
invitations to everyone. So just like the way he would prepare for
the lectures, he would sit with Swami's "Rama Katha Rasa Vahini" and
prepared himself which turned out to be the best.

The following month he heard that Swami was in Hindupur and so he
took a bus to go there. On his way to Hindupur, he saw Swami's red
car going towards Ananthpur. He alighted from the Bus and took
another Bus towards Ananthpur. He says being from a Co-ed school and
college I did not know at that time that, at Ananthpur Girl's college
no males were allowed, not even a male mosquito!! And without knowing
this he barged into the campus where he was duly stopped by the
watchman and was asked to stand out.

But Anilkumar wouldn't give up.He requested the watchman, that all
that he wanted was a mere glimpse of Swami. At last the watchman told
him. OK keep your luggage here and you may go up to the tree, that's
all..not even an inch further. After keeping his luggage he went near
the tree to have a closer peep. He was not aware that there was a
meeting of all central trust members going on there comprising of Dr.
Goldstein, Mr. Craxy, Mr.Subba Rao, Mr. Gokak etc. etc.

Then after sometime, he saw Swami coming out of the complex and he
waved out " Hey Anilkumar Come here". Anilkumar it seems thought that
Swami was calling the watchman. And Anilkumar asked the watchman,
what's your name. He replied his name was "Chellaiya". Then Swami
again called, "Hey Gunturkara Anilkumar, ikada raa" (hey Gunturman
Anilkumar come here). And so Anilkumar was called by Swami for the
first time and was introduced to other trust members. "This is Prof.
Anil kumar. A good Botany teacher, He also conducts special classes
for aspiring medical students and all his students have become
Doctors. He is also a good orator and recently enthralled a jam
packed audience with Raamkatha !!" Anilkumar says I was flabbergasted
beyond words to see my bio data coming out from the Lord.

After the lengthy introduction, Swami created Vibuti and said thi

Posted at 03:43 am by saiavatar
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My own Personal Experiences - Part 1: Prof Anil Kumar

My own Personal Experiences - Part 1: Prof Anil Kumar

Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang at Prasanthi Nilayam
October 27, 2002
My Own Personal Experiences
Part One

OM… OM… OM…

Sai Ram.

With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan,

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Completion of Sixty Years

There have been repeated requests from friends -- in fact they have
been demands, so I can't just say requests -- asking me to share my
personal experiences with devotees, which I have not done so far.
(Applause) I feel that it amounts to self-praise and I am hesitant
that it may not help others. My experiences may not help others and
it may also exhibit my vanity or ego. These have been my misgivings
or misapprehensions regarding the subject of sharing my personal
experiences.

There is one milestone in each individual life. It is clearly stated
that one has to totally dedicate himself to his own liberation, for
his own salvation. One lives for a job; one struggles hard for money;
one strives very much to settle his children; but after sixty,
completing sixty, the scriptures clearly say, "My dear boy, it is
time to retire. You can no longer involve yourself in avenues of
income, and it's not proper to think of professional promotions. It
is absolutely foolish to think of your name, fame and esteem because
after sixty, the time you have left is to live for yourself. You are
no longer going to live for your family; you are not going to be
interested in wealth or name, dignity or prestige - nothing! It is
time for you to meditate, to reflect, to go within, to turn inward."

The completion of sixty years in our scriptures is called 'Shasthi
Poorti'. 'Shashti' means 'sixty' and 'poorti' means 'completed'. As I
have completed Shasthi Poorti, I take this opportunity today to share
my experiences in all humility and in all reverence.

First, let me express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart. I
really mean 100% of what I say. I'm grateful to every one of you for
all the encouragement that you have given me, for all the support you
have extended to me, for all the rapt attention with which you have
heard my talks. You have made me go through Sai literature in depth.
You have helped me to just reach across the shores of Sai literature.
You have helped me to go into the depth of Sai philosophy. Therefore
kindly accept my grateful thanks each and every one of you.

Had there not been this satsang, this assembly of noble souls, it
would not have been possible for me to come out with these topics of
immense interest. Because there have been continuous requests, even
demands, from friends, this morning I seek your permission to speak
on a personal note. I'm sure that you must know me by now, that
you'll never misunderstand me. In all humility, I submit to you my
own experiences.

My Grandfathers

I came to the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan in the year 1970, thirty-two
years ago. To tell you honestly, I belonged to a family of Brahmo
Samaj. Brahmo Samaj happens to be an improvement, if I am to say, or
the modern presentation of Hindu faith. Raja Rammohan Roy founded
Brahmo Samaj. He was very much interested in woman's emancipation and
very much interested in a classless society. Brahmo Samaj doesn't
believe in idolatry; it does not accept worship. Brahmo Samaj's
emphasis is on meditation, on God who is attributeless and formless,
who has neither a beginning nor an end. Brahmo Samaj believes in the
fellowship of faiths, the equality of all religions. It does not
accept yagnas, yagas, worship or pictures or incarnations - nothing
whatsoever.

I belong to the third generation of Bramo faith. My maternal
grandfather and my paternal grandfather, who were classmates, later
became related. Both of them were Brahmo Samaj missionaries for sixty
years.

My maternal grandfather served as editor of one magazine, a spiritual
magazine, with all the details of philosophy, by name 'Darshan
Sadhani', which means 'The Spiritual Path along the Path of Dharma'.
For forty-five years, he was editor of that magazine.

My paternal grandfather served for fifty years as editor of another
magazine, 'Dharma Jyoti' -- 'The Light of Righteousness'. Both of
them were married by Sri Kandakuri Veresharam Pantulu, a great
reformer from the state of Andhra Pradesh. Both of them happened to
be Brahmo Samaj missionaries.

In our homes, we did not have any pictures of Rama, Krishna - nothing
whatsoever - no formal worship, no ritual, nothing except prayers and
meditation. I belonged to that kind of family.

My Mother and Father

A matter of personal note I should also tell you: My father, late Sri
K. Bappayya did his MA in English literature, MSc honours in physics,
BEd diploma in library science. He was an outstanding student and a
gold medallist. He retired as the Deputy Director of Higher Education.

Then there is my mother: I want to tell you two points in this
connection. In those days, it was a matter of sin for a girl to go to
school or to college. No woman had any higher education - none. Every
girl got married below the age of eight. That was the horrible
situation of the society here in this country.

My grandfather, being a Brahmo Samaj reformer and missionary, had my
mother educated up to the post-graduate degree, MA English literature
from Queen Mary's College, Madras. She was the gold medallist in
English literature in the former Madras State.

When my mother used to go off to college, it seems that most of the
people came out of their houses and watched her proceed into the
college. They condemned my grandfather, as he was the man who sent a
daughter off like this. That was the condition then. The fact is that
she was the first lady graduate from the state of Andhra Pradesh.
(Applause) She retired as the District Education Officer. My father
is no more, but my mother is eighty-six, still hale and healthy, a
very honest officer. (Applause)

Naturally, there are very few Brahmo Samaj families today. We are
three brothers and a sister, so it was difficult to get us married to
those belonging to the Brahmo Samaj. It was not easy because we do
not have enough Brahmo families. However, there was some attraction
because the Brahmo Samaj does not accept or approve of any dowry.
That was a matter of attraction for perspective brides to visit us.
(Laughter) So there was no dowry and only a few people there to offer
their daughters in marriage to all three of the brothers. Some of
that was the only incentive for them, and somehow, by God's Grace, we
got married. (Laughter) Or else it would not have been possible!

It really is a matter of surprise when I look at my only three
wedding photos. I see my mother-in-law with a long face and my father-
in-law with no cheer on his face. They look very worried about their
daughter. This girl would be stepping into a family where there is no
worship, where there is no puja, no Rama or Krishna pictures. 'Is she
going to live or not? What are these fellows going to do?' I read
that expression on their faces. Even today, I amuse myself by looking
at the photographs taken in those days.

My College Days

I very well remember my college days. One day I attended a thread
ceremony, upanayanam, of one of my classmates. It was lunchtime and
suddenly word was sent to me, "You'll be served food on the veranda."
(Laughter) Everyone else could fit inside. The only reason for this
was that I happened to be the son and grandson of Brahmo Samaj
followers, who don't believe in idolatry, who don't have a thread
ceremony, who don't observe the caste system, who believed in
reforms, who believed in woman's emancipation. So they said, "You'll
have your food on the veranda."

I was studying SLC at that time, in 1957. Immediately I said, "Don't
take the trouble of serving the food on the veranda. I'll have my
food at home." That's one thing I very much remember. Since then, I
have never visited their home.

I also remember another incident of one of my classmates who
celebrated Sita Rama Kalyana, the holy wedding of Rama and Sita. It
is performed annually by some of the families. I went there. When
they served special sweets and other items, they asked me to go on
the veranda, saying they were serving food to me outside the house. I
said, "Please keep it for yourself, thank you very much." I left the
house.

Then I started to imagine the face of my parents. If that was the
situation in the 1950's, you can imagine the position in the 1930's.
Both grandfathers were not allowed by their parents to be with them
because they did not approve of idolatry of anything whatsoever. That
was my position in those days. Somehow things went on like that.

My Wife's Operation and Temple Visits

To cut the story short, in the year 1970, we had a problem. I have
four children. They are all happily married and well settled, but in
those days, in 1970, the eldest was seven years old, while the
youngest was a few months old. My wife had a problem. People said
that she had developed an ulcer on the uterus. I consulted about
seven doctors all over Guntur, some of who were returning from
foreign countries. I spent a lot of money to have a second opinion, a
third opinion -- like that, repeated opinions. Everyone said that she
must be operated upon immediately because the ulcer might turn into
cancer. That's what they said. Even professors of gynecology said the
same thing.

It was a hot summer. Left with no option, I got her operated on and
it was a success. Later she was psychologically upset. She felt that
something was wrong with her; and she could not eat anything, but
only drink buttermilk, that's all. She said that she felt a burning
sensation. Therefore, I took her to about thirteen doctors, all over
Guntur. Today whenever I meet a doctor, he says, "How is your wife?"
I feel very much embarrassed. I wish that I could avoid all these
doctors because in those days, that situation had become the talk of
the town.

All of them said, "She's fine. Nothing is wrong with her." We became
a laughing stalk to our own parents. "When doctors say nothing's
wrong with her, why is she complaining of burning sensation and why
is she unable to eat anything?"

At that time someone said, "Why don't you take her to a temple?" As
Brahmo Samaj's do not visit temples, what could we do? Then I told
her, "Since you come from a traditional orthodox Brahmin family, and
as I am a democrat, I don't mind taking you to the temple."
(Laughter) So everyday we used to visit a temple, accompanied by our
four children

There was one condition -- I would always remain outside the temple.
She would go inside. I didn't want to be transformed or converted!
(Laughter) I wanted to stick to my own guns. She was quite happy that
she was going to the temple everyday. I made my children play there
and I played with them. That was my part during that time.

"Why Don't We Go To Puttaparthi?"

Finally, one day when we were returning, we heard some bhajans
somewhere. My wife said, "Why don't we go there?" Immediately we went
there and heard bhajans. For the first time, I saw Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba's photo. I had not seen His picture before. I had
only heard about Him.

In college I used to speak -- not positively -- about Bhagavan. In
fact, one day a girl was wearing a locket with Bhagavan's picture, so
I sent her out of class!

"You have no business having Baba's picture in my class." (Laughter)

And, when a student wore a ring, I asked him to get out of the
classroom, I used to say, "Don't ask me important questions for the
examination because I'm not Sathya Sai Baba."

In addition, if anybody came with a mop of hair, I used to
joke, "Would you like to imitate Sai Baba?" (Laughter)
In those days, that was my pitiable, shameful, meaningless prejudice
and bias, an inexcusable, unpardonable frame of mind.

After attending the bhajan, my wife said, "Why don't we go to
Puttaparthi?" (Laughter)
The family that does not approve of Rama, Krishna or Venkateswara,
now we are to go to Puttaparthi! It was something like the boon that
Kaika asked from Dasaratha, which eventually lead to Dasaratha's
death. (Laughter)

I said, "You have been so good until now. I don't know why you have
become Kaika. How can I take you to Puttaparthi? Impossible! My
parents won't approve."

I came from a joint family, where parents and grandparents all live
together. "They won't approve. "

She said, "Would you like me to survive or not? Can you give me a
guarantee that you will take care of these four children, thank you?"
(Laughter)

Then I started shivering in my shoes.

I said, "All right, I'll take you, but on two conditions. The first
is that you do not ask me to go into Prashanti Nilayam. The other is
that you don't ask me to do namaskaar to Baba. (Laughter) Point one,
don't force me to go into Prashanti Nilayam; point two, never ask me
to do namaskaar to Baba."

Another situation was that I taught at a Christian college, where it
was very difficult to get personal leave. The Lutheran Church in
America sponsors the college, where I had served for twenty-six long
years. They were a very strict and very disciplined institution. It
was impossible to get personal leave.

So I made another condition. I told her, "I can only give you four
days. Beyond that, I'm not going to stay. Better you stay, that's
all."

Somehow we came to an agreement. There is only a gap of one year
between us, so she understood that I was just compromising to find a
solution. That was the situation.

So we came here! Really, I did not step into Prashanti Nilayam during
all those days. I stayed away, that's all, making the children play.
That was my condition. I did not want to displease my parents and
grandparents. They were staunch followers of the Brahmo faith and
they had sacrificed their lives. Their parents and society had
forsaken them. I was their son; I could not betray them.

At lunchtime, my wife and I would have heated arguments, as in the
Parliament. She always used to say, "What is wrong if you come and
sit?"

I said, "You said 'Yes' at home. (Laughter) Why don't you keep the
promise you gave me? Don't do this!" (Laughter)

"No, no, you can sit!"

"No, no, I won't sit."

This was the heated discussion, morning and evening, everyday.

I Did Namaskaar to Him

On the final day, I was to leave here to go home. I was standing with
our four kids near the Gopuram gate, which is now closed. In those
days, the Gopuram gate was always kept open. I was standing with the
children at the gate. It was bhajan time. Swami was seated in a chair
in the bhajan hall. Suddenly He left His chair and walked towards me,
the whole way. (Laughter) He stood in front of me. I felt like
running away! (Laughter)

I stared and, praying to the formless, attributeless God, asked that
He make Swami leave -- that was my silent prayer. However, Swami
stood in front of me and just looked at me from top to bottom, "Hmm,"
Swami said, and then left. I did not do any namaskaar at all.
(Laughter) Good! That was the agreement -- we can't break the
agreement!

Swami went back and sat. While bhajans were going on, I kept standing
in the same spot. Again, Swami came down and walked towards me, all
the distance, which does not usually happen. He stood in front of me
and did not leave until I did namaskaar. (Laughter and applause) He
did not leave that place at all. What was I to do? Hopelessly, with
hands shivering and folded most unwillingly -- but out of fear,
nothing to do with love or devotion -- it just happened like that! Or
I should say, Bhagavan saw to it that I did namaskaar to Him. He did
not leave until then.

As He was walking away, suddenly a plate appeared in His hands with
laddus. Ay-ree! I saw Him just walking like that.

I was wondering, "Where did the plate come from? Who gave Him the
plate with laddus?"

Then He started distributing those laddus to some of the laborers
working there. It was during the construction of the Poornachandra
Auditorium and He distributed laddus to everybody.

Then I thought, "More than You, Your laddus will be helpful to my
children. (Laughter) They would like them very much."

Well, I didn't have any faith in Him, but let me see, I had total
faith in laddus! (Laughter) I knew the taste of them. So, along with
the children, I went there. But when the last laddu was given to the
last worker, the plate vanished. That was the first miracle I
experienced.

"Why Don't You Call Me?"

The next morning around 10:30 AM, I went to catch the bus. I was
sitting by the station. A man, whom I had never met before, by the
name of Naidu, introduced himself. He said, "I am the Headmaster of
Easwaramma High School."

I said to myself, 'So what if you are the Headmaster or Director! How
am I concerned? I'm waiting for my bus. I must go.'

I was also feeling within myself, "Oh God, You have been picking out
people for an interview. Why don't You call me? Why not? I am in no
way a rowdy. I'm not a bank robber. I'm not a reactionary. I'm not a
Naxalite - I'm not a man of violence. Besides, my parents and
grandparents are very great. I'm trying to live up to their
expectations, though I am sure I can never equal and excel them for a
lifetime. But, I know this -- I should not bring a bad name to them.
That is enough. Why don't You call me?" That was my feeling.

Then this man said, "Anil Kumar, are you feeling sad that Swami is
not calling you?" I did not tell him anything. (Laughter)

Then I thought, 'Prashanti Nilayam as a place is sufficiently
dangerous, and fellows like this are much more dangerous. (Laughter)
Better I leave this place!' That's what I thought.

Then the man said slowly, "Please don't go. Sit down; sit down. Don't
feel sorry for not being called for an interview. Swami calls many
people. Some Naxalites, men of violence, from Calcutta were given an
interview. Why an interview is given is best known to Him. One
patient is just asked to go home and another patient is operated on.
It does not mean that the doctor loves only the fellow on whom he
operates. No, no, no! One patient requires an operation, while
another patient just requires some liquid, some mixture. That's all.
Baba knows what is best. Don't worry." That's what he said.

I also suspected that he might come out with some other statements
because my brain was full of dirt and dust, which should not be
shared with anybody. So, "Thank you, sir," I said and I left that
place.

After leaving him, I began looking at a Swami book, Sathya Sai
Speaks, Volume V. While I was reading two talks, I became very much
interested. Immediately, I purchased the whole set of books that were
available at that time. I think there was up to Sathya Sai Speaks,
Volume XII then. After I returned home.

Back home, believe me, my wife's health picked up. She was perfect,
hale and healthy - no complaints thereafter. It took just a mere
visit to Prashanti, that's all. (Applause) No interview, no smile, no
conversation, nothing -- and with her husband, this bloke, totally
negative! (Laughter) Totally negative, that was my position. Anyway,
she was all right and I started reading Sai literature.

I Was Just a First Class Student

Here I should tell you that I never got less than 60% in my subjects
throughout my student career. I took care to see that they would not
be less than 60, and they have taken care to see they would not
exceed 70! (Laughter) So I was always between 60 and 70, that's all.
I never stood first in the class. I never got any gold medal - no,
no, no, I was not an outstanding student, just a first class student -
65, 68, that's all. That was my student career.

But right from childhood through high school level, college level and
university level, I always stood first in inter-collegiate, inter-
university elocution competitions --debating competitions. I always
stood first there, but in study -- only first class, that's all.
Otherwise my parents wouldn't allow me to participate in elocution.

They would say, "Unless you get first class, we won't send you to
compete."

So, I did it only for that fulfilment. I was very much interested in
public speaking right from childhood. That was my condition.
Later, after completing my MSc degree, my mother wanted me to be a
class one IAS officer, but I did not apply. I did not fill out the
application. My mother wanted me to at least be a radio announcer. I
did not do that! She wanted me to become a bank officer. I did not
apply!

I told her, "Mother, I want to be a teacher."

She said, "I don't want you to be a teacher because your parents and
grandparents, all of us are teachers. We want to have some officer
now. I don't want you to do that."

But I said, "I want to be teacher." So she could not help it.

I Became a Teacher

When my mother went to some place on inspection and my father was
also out-of-station, I got the job and began immediately. I did not
want to face them and have them say 'no' to me. By the time they
returned from their camps, they saw me getting ready to go to the
college. It was too late and somehow they compromised.

But my friends, I tell you that I have no regrets for having become a
teacher. Given a chance, in the next life I also want to become a
teacher. (Applause) The reason is that the 'bank account' is the
heart of my student. The 'entries in my passbook' are the feelings of
love and affection that my students have towards me. I have completed
forty years as a teacher. I have no regrets. I love this profession.

Just for a change, my younger brother became a doctor and my mother
was happy. But then that fellow became a professor of pathology and
principal of a medical college. (Laughter)

Then my mother wanted at least the son-in-law of the family to be an
engineer from an institute of technology. But he became a professor
of mechanical engineering at an engineering institute of technology.
So what is destined, no one can change. The entire family had the
genes for teaching, that's all. We cannot help it.

When my grandfather wanted me to become a Brahmo Samaj missionary, my
mother said, "Nothing doing. He should be a normal householder. We
have seen you suffer from this. Please leave our son like this."

But no one can say what is in store for us. I became a Sathya Sai
Samaj missionary right from 1972. (Applause) Who can stop it?

Later my mother wrote an article in a magazine: "What I never wanted
happened in this fellow's case." That is destiny. We cannot change
it.

I Was a Non-Entity for Eight Years

As things went on, (I'm telling you my friends, please believe me)
for eight years Bhagavan never looked at me - no smiles, no
padanamaskar and no interview. I was miles away from Him. I always
got in row thirty through thirty-five! (Laughter)

Because of my speaking ability -- I should say speaking -- which was
a virtue at one time, later became a vice. Even then (as now), I went
on speaking a lot and some of the office-bearers became acquainted
with me. Then, when I had just managed to sit in the front row or
third row by maneuvering, manipulating and managing the people there
because of my familiarity and acquaintance with them, Bhagavan used
to completely cancel darshan towards that wing! (Laughter) Other
times, if I managed to sit where He came, He would see everybody
except me.

"Get up, get up," He would say to others. It was as if I was in a
vacuum.

I was a non-entity, a non-existence - not even the size of a mosquito
or an ant! (Laughter) He used to call everybody. This type of 'Divine
Romance' went on for eight long years, I tell you!

In those days, many people used to ask me, "When Swami does not look
at you, when He does not talk to you, why do you keep coming like
this?"

I said, "We are teachers. If a fellow fails in a March examination,
he will appear for a supplementary September examination. (Laughter)
He'll get through then. So, He may not talk to me now. But what if
next life we will meet?"

All through that time, this is what I was feeling.

After eight long years, during Dasara a sudden message was sent that
Swami wanted me. "Anil Kumar should come to the Auditorium
immediately."

'Why?' Well, I have my own luggage. I have my own worth, not anyone
else's. 'There is no reason to call me all of a sudden. How does He
know me? Baba, how do You know me? First, is it this Anil Kumar or
somebody else?' (Laughter)

So I went there and the Seva Dal told me to sit in the front row.
Swami came! He looked at everybody except me! (Laughter) I see! Okay,
as usual, eight years! "Once bitten, twice shy." Okay, that's how I
felt. Then I went to Kasturi's house to seek his clarification, "Sir,
is it true that I was wanted here?"

He said, "Yes."

"How is it that Bhagavan did not look at me?"

"I do not know."

Either he must be bluffing, or I must be under misapprehension, or my
destiny must have been like that.

Anantapur Campus

Somehow, utterly disappointed, telling myself, 'Anyway, it doesn't
matter', I just returned and participated in a Ramayana seminar in
Hindupur, very close to this district. After participating in
Hindupur, I wanted Bhagavan's darshan, so I came to Puttaparthi.
Suddenly, as I was coming on the bus, I saw Swami's car going in the
opposite direction.

The driver said, "Sir, Swami is leaving for Anantapur."

'Oh-ho! Swami, so far You have avoided me. Now You are avoiding
Puttaparthi also. (Laughter) I'm so great as to make You move and
shift, very good!' (Laughter) I see. Then I thought, 'I should also
go to Anantapur.'

I got off this bus and got on another bus. I requested this driver to
stop the bus near the Anantapur Campus College gate. I had no idea
about Swami's institutions and Swami's discipline. I had no idea at
all.

I got out there and the gateman said, "Who are you?"

What am I to say? I have no answer. I simply said, "I want to see
Baba."

He said, "Impossible."

"Why?"

"This is a girls' college." (Laughter)

"Ah, so what? I have not come here to see girls. I have come to see
Swami! (Laughter) So there are girls! It doesn't matter. I want to
see Swami. I teach at a Christian college, where we have two
thousands girls. I can see them there. It is not necessary to come
here. Why?" (Laughter) What he said made me conclude that the
Anantapur Girls' College would not permit even a male mosquito to get
in, (Laughter) let alone a man! That's what I understood.

Then the gateman said that somehow his heart melted watching my
pitiable face. Perhaps, he was sympathetic. He said, "Put your
luggage there and stand here. If you move even an inch, I'll throw
you out." (Laughter) This much was good. I was standing there. By
that time, Bhagavan had completed the governing body meeting at the
Anantapur campus. The members of the governing body happened to be
V.K. Gokak, Mr. Craxi (a well-known Italian devotee), the late Dr.
Bhagavantham, and S. Naidu - great people in those days, great
scholars.

"Anil Kumar, Come Here!"

Swami came along with all the people, proceeding towards the dining
hall. He stood there on the veranda and shouted, "Anil Kumar, come
here!" (Laughter) It was the first time, and after eight (long) years.

Then I thought, 'It must be the name of the watchman and not my
name.' (Laughter)

So I asked the man next to me, "Hey, is your name 'Anil Kumar'?"

"Oh no, sir. No, I'm not 'Anil Kumar'."

Then I didn't want to take the chance. So I kept quiet.

Then Swami shouted, "Oh professor, come here! Come here, Anil Kumar!"
There was not another person there, and the guard was not a
professor, I was sure. (Laughter) 'Swami must be meaning me!' So, I
went running all the way.

Bhagavan introduced me to everybody. "He's a professor in botany from
a Christian college. Last night he gave a lecture in Hindupur and
many people participated. His talk was very well received by
everybody - men, women and children." He went on giving details of my
speech.

'What happened to You, Swami, all these eight years?' (Laughter) When
You can repeat verbatim the highlights, the important points, from my
talk, why did You not look at me earlier?' I could not reconcile that
feeling - it was so bad. Immediately He materialized vibhuthi, gave
it to me and said, "Give it to your wife. She'll be all right. She
brought you here." (Applause)

Accommodation Inside

Then He said, "Come and attend Dasara."

I had never wanted to attend Dasara. I was not sure of accommodation.
I didn't know what to say.

So I said, "Dasara, Swami?"

"Yes, Dasara," He said.

So, I attended the Dasara festival. Because I could not get
accommodation inside, I stayed in a room outside the Mandir. In those
years, the rooms outside had no doors and no windows (Laughter). They
were all collapsible, replaceable doors (Laughter) -- everything was
like an open-air university system. (Laughter) Open air, that's all.
So, oh, I see. One had to sleep in tune to the lullaby -- the music --
of the mosquitoes. Plus there were no fans there. Then at 4:30 in
the morning, for twenty-five paisa, they would supply hot water. Then
that was the rate. Somehow, I went on like that.

After three days, Bhagavan came close and said, "Where are you
staying?"

"I'm staying outside."

"Why? Stay inside."

"Inside where? Who will give me an accommodation? Where, Swami?"

"Inside! Don't you understand Me?"

'Inside? Inside the Mandir or what?' I had no idea.

Then I said, "Swami, I paid in advance to that man." (Laughter)

"No, No, No! You go to that man and ask him to return the advance.
He'll give it to you. Don't worry. You say My name, that's all," Baba
said.

I didn't know about these things then. "Oh Swami, will he return the
money? In this Kali Yuga, who will return money?" (Laughter)

"No, No, No! They will give it to you. Go and tell them," He
said. "It's all right."

"Ah, Swami, You said, 'inside.' Where is inside?"

Then Swami called Kutumba Rao, who was there at that time, and
said, "Kutumba Rao, give him accommodation immediately. I am telling
you that whenever he comes here, give him accommodation totally free-
of-cost." (Applause) Since then, I have never paid money for my
accommodation. That was a permanent agreement between the Divine and
me. (Laughter) I love it!

Give a Talk

One day it was Durgashtami. Swami called me and said, "You give a
talk."

I see. "When?" He told me in the morning.

As I was about to get up, "No, No, not now! In the evening," He said.
(Laughter)

Oh, I see! In the evening, I went there and stood. Two of Swami's
students spoke ahead of me and then I gave a talk. Somehow, it was to
my satisfaction.

Next morning Swami came and said, "It was a very nice talk. Everybody
liked it. I'll give you another chance on Vijayadasami. This time you
speak in Telugu," He said.

"Okay Swami, by Your Grace."

On Vijayadasami Day, again He asked me to speak in Telugu. It also
went well and Swami said to everybody, "This boy has learnt Swami's
literature and he can speak in English and in Telugu fluently." He
was speaking to them about me.

'Swami, why can't You tell me directly? (Laughter) When I'm here, I
don't feel happy. Wouldn't I feel happy if You talked to me? What is
all this 'romance'? There should be a limit to it!' But He was
talking to them about me. All the while, He didn't look at me. See
the romance? This is how it happened! 'All right,' I thought. 'This
is the procedure of this God. We have to fit in, reconcile and
adjust. He won't adjust according to my demands. OK, thank You!'

The next morning, I was about to leave this place. Suddenly some men
said to me, "No, no, no! You should inform Swami before you go."
"Inform Swami and then go? No, no, that's not possible because I'm
sure to lose my job. For eight years, I never informed Him. He never
looked at me. Don't force me to do that now. I have no property.
Please let me go."
"No, no, you should inform Swami," one man said.

"Oh, where do I inform, where?"

He said, "You go sit on the veranda."

'Veranda! That heaven - that's unthinkable! (Laughter) Not in this
lifetime, no, no, no! Or, onto the road with you! That's all
impossible. Then too, the Delhi Seva Dal are in charge of the whole
thing.' (Delhi people, you know, have well-built bodies -- they eat
wheat and all that. They are unlike Southern people, who eat sambhar
and rice. Not that, no! The North people are strong people because of
the wheat -- they are well-built.) 'Who will allow me to go there?
What do I do?'

They were holding their arms like this. (Anil Kumar demonstrates by
placing his arms across his chest). While they were like this, what
did I do? I just ran! Whoooooosh! (Laughter) I ran there and sat on
the veranda. 'They can't pull me out now because this is a safe zone.
(Laughter) It is a Divine, protected area - nobody can come!'

You Are a Pundit

When Swami came, He called me into the interview room and gave me an
envelope. I put it in my pocket. I didn't know what it was. Then He
said, "Get a new dress for the Birthday,"

I said, "Swami, my birthday is October 25th."

Swami said, "Not your birthday! (Laughter) MY Birthday!"

Then I said, "Swami, why should I get a new dress for YOUR Birthday?
(Laughter) Why?"

"Chi, chi, chi! You don't know anything!"

"I see! All right!"

"In that envelope, there is enough money to have two dresses - one
for your birthday and one for My Birthday. (Laughter) All the money
is there. It is enough for the stitching charges; is it all right?"

Oh, I see. Now I understand. So I returned.

During the next year's Dasara, again Swami asked me to give a talk.
At the end of the talk, He called me upstairs in the Mandir.
Upstairs! In those days, there were winding steps, so I climbed them
and waited for Swami. Suddenly He called me and gave me a silk dhoti
as pundits wear. I don't wear dhotis or anything like that.

"Swami, silk dhotis! Why for me? No, no, no! They're given to
pundits."

"Since you are a pundit, I want to honour you."

"Since when?" (Laughter)

"Since you gave a talk here, you are now a pundit."

"Oh, I see Swami." Then He gave me a shawl. "Shawl, Swami, why? No,
No, No, a shawl is given to scholars." Oh, I see.

He said, "You don't understand anything."

Then He gave me a safari suit. "This is the dress for a special
occasion," He went on explaining.

Propagate the Message of Sai

Then my friends, with a great sense of satisfaction, gratitude and
thankfulness, I tell you this: He kept both of His Hands on my head
and said: "Go all over the State of Andhra Pradesh and propagate the
message of Sai -- talk to the devotees." That was the blessing He
gave me. (Applause)

Since then, I never spent any Sunday, any festival day or any
vacation at home. I toured to about a thousand Sai centers all over
Andhra Pradesh. On the average, I must have visited every center at
least thrice, spreading over a period of twenty years. I went all
over the State. During that time, I never purchased any provision
with these hands and I never took care of my children. I did nothing
because I was the 'Minister of Sai External Affairs'. That's all.
(Applause)

I'm really grateful to Bhagavan: He has given me enough strength and
courage through my wife, who could manage the children and could
serve my parents and grandparents. The credit for the family's
success is entirely, totally, wholly, purely and religiously hers. I
have acclaimed the platform performance, whereas the home affairs,
that goes to her.

Let me honestly confess that this has been my life since then. Swami
has given me a number of chances to talk in the Poornachandra
Auditorium every year, twice or thrice.

In the year 1989, Swami suddenly sent a message that I should come to
Bangalore, Whitefield College to serve as the Principal. I stayed in
Bangalore, Whitefield College as the Principal for six years. Then,
during His 70th Birthday Celebration in 1995, Bhagavan transferred me
to Prashanti Nilayam. I have been spending all these days here since.
I'm very grateful to Bhagavan for all the wonderful experiences that
He has given me because that will go on and on for any length of time.

In brief, this is how I came to Bhagavan. Before I pass on to Part
Two of this morning's talk, I again want to thank you for your
patient listening. I thank Bhagavan for having brought me to His
Lotus Feet. My only prayer is that some day, when I am to leave this
body, I should leave speaking like this and not on a bed, no!
(Applause) I want to leave this body while talking to people, while
sharing the joy of Sai's message, that's all. That is my only prayer,
nothing more!
I pray for Bhagavan to bless me. I pray that all of you bless me, so
that I'll have many more occasions of sharing the Divine message, His
mission and leelas with everybody in the years to come. (Applause)
Not to Put Personal Questions

I shall not break my promise to answer some of the questions that I
received, some of the questions that were sent to me. A formal
request has been made to our friends not to ask personal questions.
Questions which are of general use, questions which are of common
interest, questions which would help us to grow spiritually are
welcome, but not personal questions.

I received some personal questions: "We want to go to Canada. Will
Swami permit us or not? Please find out from Him." (Laughter) Nobody
can find this out for you from Swami!

Then somebody said, "We want to settle in Australia, but my wife
says 'no'. My son says 'yes'. What does Swami want me to do? Find out
from Bhagavan." (Laughter) We don't need to find out from Bhagavan!
All of you need to meet and settle the matter between yourselves and
Swami.

I request you again not to ask personal questions. I have no solution
to my own personal problems. (Laughter) How can I give you a solution
to your problems? Impossible! Here everyone has a head-load of
problems. Who am I to give a solution to you? I am not competent
enough to give you any solution to your problems and I would not take
the Divine risk of bringing these problems to Swami's notice. That
would be the last and final day. Well, that I don't want to happen.
(Laughter) Kindly bear with me and do not ask such questions. No
personal questions!

"Are Baba and Jesus the Same?"

Here is one question: "I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Are Baba and
Jesus the same? Or is this form the Christian concept of the Trinity?"

The answer is simple. Bhagavan said, "All names are Mine. All forms
are Mine. I respond to your prayers that are offered to Me in any
name, in any form. I'll answer your prayers. Let the prayers be said
to the God of your choice; they will reach Me. You may pray to Rama,
Krishna, Jesus or Allah - all those prayers will reach Me."

"Swami, how? When I say Rama, how does it reach You?"

Swami gave this example: "You may write a letter to somebody in
England or USA or Delhi or Hyderabad. When the letter is put in the
letterbox or post box, it will reach the addressee. Similarly all
your prayers come to Me. Don't worry, because I am in all forms. All
forms are Mine. All names are Mine," said Bhagavan. Jesus is no
exception.

I'll give you one instance. A doctor from Rome came here as a
participant and delegate for the International Cardiac Conference
held in Prashanti Nilayam. Catholicism is very rigid, very strict. He
was doing his daily prayer to Jesus and going through the scriptures.
He was given accommodation in the North buildings. One day before
dinner, while he was reading the scripture and meditating on Jesus
Christ, suddenly he noticed a hand lying on his shoulder. He looked
back and saw Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Now he says, "Baba and Christ are one and the same. This I declare at
the cost of my reputation, at the cost of my Catholic faith. My
relatives and friends may forsake me, but I declare that Baba and
Christ are one and the same."

Baba is the Cosmic Christ. Bhagavan is everyone for that matter,
Sarva Devata Swarupa. He represents all deities, all gods -- that is
the answer I can give you.

"Why Should I Suffer Now From Previous Karma?"

Then I received another question. "It is said that, due to one's
karma carried from previous births, he or she suffers in the present
birth. Because of our past karma, we are suffering in the present
life. In my humble belief, to suffer one should know what he or she
has done. Why not suffer in the present birth for the current karma
instead of it being put off till the next birth?" Very good!

"Why should I suffer my karma now from a previous lifetime?"

What did Bhagavan say? My friends, these answers are picked from Sai
literature only. They are not based on my imagination because I'm not
capable of it. I'm supported by Sai literature. If I run short of
answers, I'll seek your forgiveness on the matter. I don't bluff, no!

What does Swami say about this karma aspect? He said, "Some actions
give immediate results." Suppose there is a cut here. (He shows his
finger.) When you are sharpening your pencil and the blade cuts your
skin by mistake, what happens? It bleeds immediately. It is a
reaction - a result of the action then and there! You drink milk and
you don't feel hungry anymore - for an hour anyway. When you take
food, you don't feel hungry for four hours. For hunger to return, it
requires four hours. So, some actions cause immediate results, while
some actions call for an hour or four hours.

If you sow the seed now, you can have mango fruits next year. Why
next year? That's all. For the seed to germinate, for the seed to
sprout, for the tree to grow, for the seed to bear fruit, it will
take a long time. Similarly, some actions give immediate results.
Some actions give result leisurely, slowly. That is how we have to
understand karma.

"What Is 'Bad Company'?"

There's another question put to me. "What about the company we keep?
What is 'good company'? What is 'bad company'? What if I am fooling
myself?" Good, we often do that!

They want a definition. What is 'good company' and what is 'bad
company'? It is a very clear question. To Sai devotees, let us be
sure of the answer. What is good company? Good company is the kind
that will keep us holding onto His Lotus Feet. Good company is that
which will strengthen our faith. Good company is that which will
encourage us to do service. Good company is that which will draw us
closer to His mission. Good company is that which will help us to
withstand the bumps and jumps in life. Good company is that which
will help us not to have too much attachment to money and family.
That is good company.
The company which will help you to run away from here, the company
which will cause you to lose your faith, the company which will make
you go to anybody, anywhere, anytime for any reason, the company
which will make you depressed and frustrated, the company which will
turn you into being an atheist, a non-believer, is horrible,
terrible, bad company.

Being in good company, we find satsang. 'Satsang' means good company.
Bhagavan gave a few examples. The sand in the company of air will go
up. The sand in the company of water will go down. Similarly, in the
company of noble people, we come up in life -- our paths are noble.
In bad company, our thoughts are negative. That is bad company.
Beware of bad company. Baba said, "Run away from bad company."

Tyaja Durjana Samsargam.
Bhaja Sadhu Samagamam.

Be in good company. Run away from bad company.

Smara Nityam Anityatham

Think of what is temporary, what is permanent.

Kuru Karma Ahorathram

Do good deeds day-in and day-out.

These are the dictates of Bhagavan. These are the teachings of Swami.
The people who will help us to proceed in this direction constitute
good company.

The Inner Voice

We have another question: "How does a person know if the voice inside
is God?" A very good question! How do you know if it is the 'inner
voice'?

Point one is that the inner voice is independent; whereas the voice
of psychology - the reflection of psychology, meaning the preferences
and choices, the likes and dislikes of the mind, are never
independent. The psychology - the reflection of psychology, the
preferences and the choices, the likes and the dislikes of the mind -
all of these are never independent.

Here is a simple example: "I want to go to a cinema to see a
picture." That is from the mind.

"Don't go to the picture." That is the inner voice. Am I clear?

Suppose I want to have a bottle of Scotch whiskey. That is the mind.

"If you drink, don't come to Puttaparthi." That is the inner voice.
(Laughter)

"I want to enjoy the weekend in Miami Beach, why not! In a Holiday
Inn, we can enjoy ourselves." That is the mind

"Don't go there! Go to a Sai Centre." That is the inner voice.
The inner voice is not ambiguous -- it gives no scope for doubt. It
is straight. It has nothing to do with your preferences, your likes
or choices. It is always direct. It doesn't give you an option
like, "Do this or that." "Shall I go to this place or that?" "No, No!
Stop and be here, that's all."

So, the inner voice is very clear. It gives you no scope for choice.
The inner voice is instructive. The inner voice is affirmative. The
inner voice is not ambiguous. The inner voice is independent. The
inner voice comes from the Love centre. The inner voice is Truth-
based. The inner voice is peace-directed. The inner voice is non-
violent. The inner voice is based on all these values. The inner
voice is Divine. The inner voice is spiritual. The inner voice is the
conscience, nothing less than that. That is the answer.

How does a person know what is right action? What is right action? To
quote Bhagavan:

See what is good. Don't see what is bad.

Hear what is good. Hear no evil.

Do no evil. Do what is good.

Think no evil. Think what is good.

See no evil. See what is good.

This is right action. This is the way to God. So right action is
service; right action is selfless; right action is holy; right action
is Divine. Right action should be our life goal. That is the answer
to this question.

"Why Is a Person Born and Born Again?"

Here is another question: "Why does a person die and die again? Then
he's born and born again. Why does this happen?"

The answer is simple. There is a simple meaning from Sai literature.
Individually, it is impossible for us to answer. We are reborn again
and again - why? We aren't able to come out of the cycle of birth and
death - why? Why birth? Why death?

Birth and death are due to thoughts or sankalpa. Thoughts and counter-
thoughts are responsible for our birth and rebirth. When we are
thoughtless, when the mind is withdrawn, when the ego is totally
gone, when there is no thinking process, when we turn inward, when we
experience the soul, the spirit, the consciousness, we are not born
again.

Because we don't experience the 'conscience', we don't experience
the 'consciousness'. We are attached to our thought. We are attached
to our body. We are attached to our ego. Therefore, we are reborn
again and again. I think I'm clear.

Another point is that, truly speaking, there is no birth and no
death. There is no birth; there is no death. The one born is the
body; the one dying is the body. But the 'I' is still there.

A simple example: I remove this bulb here. Does this mean there is no
current? There is still a current, but the bulb gave an expression to
the current by shedding light. Once the bulb is taken out, there
still is a current!

Similarly, you and I exist as current. The body is the bulb. Whether
the body is there or not, the current is still there. Similarly,
there is no birth; there is no death. It is only changing the dress,
the nightgown, the evening gown, the swimsuit, or the golf dress,
that's all, right? Therefore, we change our dress, but the 'I'
remains the same. Truly there's no birth and no death whatsoever.

Examples of Reaction, Reflection, and Resound

My friends, I'm happy to receive all these questions. There is one
last question today. "Can you give some examples of reaction,
reflection, and resound?"

We have any number of examples. Stand in front of the mirror -- it is
reflection. If I stand in front of the mirror, I see my own
reflection. But there is philosophy behind it. The object is God; the
mirror is nature. The reflection is the individual, the main object
is Divine. The mirror is the world; the mirror is nature. That is the
example for reflection.

Second, reaction: Because of good thoughts, a positive mind, we have
positive results. Swami was telling us the other day, "If you love
everyone, God will love you. If you serve everyone, you will be
served. See the reaction! If you hate everyone, everyone will hate
you. If you love all, everyone will love you." So this is reaction.
As is the action, so is the reaction.

Then, resound: If I am here and shout, "Sai, Sai!" I get the same
sound, "Sai Sai."

"Sai, Sai," I get the same resound.

That's what Baba said. If you say 'yes', Baba will say 'yes'. If you
say 'no', you'll get the answer 'no'. 'Yes', 'no', belong to you; but
Swami says, 'Yes, Yes!'

"Swami, I want to die now."

"Yes, Yes!" (Laughter)

"Swami, I got my leg fractured."

"Yes, Yes, very good!" (Laughter)

"Swami, my grandmother died."

"Nice, Yes, Yes, Yes!"

"I want to get married."

"Yes, Yes, Yes!"

"I don't want to marry."
"Yes, Yes, Yes!" (Laughter) This is resound.

These are all examples of reaction, reflection and resound.
Thank you very much for being with us this morning!

May Bhagavan be with you forever and ever!

Thank you!

(Applause)

Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!

Om Asato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrtyormaa Amrtam Gamaya

Om Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!
Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!
Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!

Thank You!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabanews/message/4788

Posted at 03:36 am by saiavatar
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Nov 6, 2004

Report on Dasara Celebrations

Report on Dasara Celebrations
October 17th - 23rd 2004

The word ‘Mother’ immediately conjures up images of love and warmth in every person’s heart. If this be the love of a human mother that we have experienced, then how much more love, care and compassion would a Divine Mother shower on her children. To experience this very love, thousands of devotees gathered at Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of our Divine Mother Sai, to celebrate the festival of ‘Dasara’ or ‘Devi Navaratri’ and offer their obeisance.

Over the past many years the festival of Dasara in Prasanthi Nilayam, has been closely associated with the ‘Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yagna’, the week-long sacrificial ritual conducted in the Divine Presence, for the welfare of the whole world. But in addition to this Yagna, another Yagna was also undertaken, that of the ‘Grama Seva’ (Village Service), where the students of Bhagawan’s School and University visit villages around Puttaparthi and distribute Bhagawan’s Prasadam consisting of food and clothes, as a symbol of Bhagawan’s love and blessings to the people.

On the morning of 17th October, thousands of devotees and students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall to have Bhagawan’s Darshan. Bhagawan arrived at 7.20 a.m. amidst vedam chanting and the auspicious tunes of the ‘Nadaswaram’. Later, eighteen pundits (Vedic scholars) followed by the students of Bhagawan clad in saffron silk dhotis and white angavastrams (traditional Indian attire consisting of a cloth wrapped around the shoulders) marched in procession to the Poornachandra Auditorium, the venue of the Yagnam. At 9.00 a.m., the Yagnam commenced with the ceremonial churning and rubbing of wooden blocks to produce fire in the most natural way. Thereafter, the sacred fire thus produced, was placed in the ‘Yagna Kunda’ (sacrificial altar into which oblations are offered).

The most important component of the Yagnam is the Rudra yagam where the oblations are made in the Yagna Kunda to Lord Shiva while chanting hymns from the ‘Sri Rudram’. In addition to this, other rituals like – Surya Namaskar, Sahasralinga Archana, Srimad Bhagavatha Parayana, Ramayana Parayana and the Devi Mahatmyam are simultaneously performed. Amidst these rituals, a few pundits continuously chant various hymns from the Vedas, joined by Bhagawan’s students.

The evening programmes were held in Sai Kulwant Hall, under the auspices of the Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha, where many speakers, primarily students and functionaries of Bhagawan’s institutions, addressed the august gathering on many topics like spirituality and philosophy, Bhagawan’s teachings and experiences of devotees. Following these talks, heeding to the prayers of the devotees, Bhagawan would bless everyone with His Divine Discourse.

On the evening of 18th October, the Bal-Vikas children from Hyderabad presented a drama entitled “Ashtaguna Pushpamulu”, the eight flowers representing eight virtues that are to be offered to God as mentioned by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagawan has often stated in His discourses that the flowers that are to be offered in worship to God are not those that grow on plants, but the virtues like non-violence, control of senses, love and compassion towards all beings, forbearance, truthfulness, austerity, meditation on God, peace and equanimity, that one must cultivate in one’s heart. The children expatiated on each of these virtues by depicting scenes from mythological stories where the characters embodied these virtues, practised them in their lives and thus attained ever-lasting fame and honour.

On 22nd evening, there was a panel discussion where a six-woman panel comprising of teachers and alumni of Bhagawan’s educational institutions, dilated on the sayings from the Vedas and the Upanishads and correlated them with the teachings of Bhagawan. They said that the Vedas were not only a source of spiritual wisdom, but also a treasure-house of worldly knowledge pertaining to day-to-day life of man, encompassing the entire gamut of subjects like physical sciences, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, law, political administration, art, linguistics, etc. They amply corroborated their statements by quoting extensively from the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagawan’s discourses. They concluded with a note of gratitude to Bhagawan for leading us on the path divine and for giving us the profound teachings of the Vedas and the Upanishads in simple terms; for without Him, the vast knowledge of the scriptures would have remained completely beyond our ken of comprehension and assimilation. Following the panel discussion, there was a Carnatic music recital by Mrs. Anuradha Krishnamurthy. She began with a rendition of the famous composition of Saint Thyagaraja – “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” in Sree Ragam, and thereafter sang two more songs and concluded with the Bhajan – “Koti Pranam Shata Koti Pranam.”

The Dasara Celebrations came to an auspicious close on 23rd October. That morning, the Poornahuthi or the concluding ritual of the Yagnam took place at 8.10 a.m., when Bhagawan himself was seated in front of the Yagna Kunda amidst the priests. After the seeking the blessings of Bhagawan, the priests made the final offering of clarified butter into the fire while chanting hymns from the ‘Chamakam,’ praying for the physical and spiritual welfare of all the beings of the world.

In the evening, the Youth Wing of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Andhra Pradesh presented a play entitled – “Lakshala… Lakshyaala?” (Money … or Ideals?) that highlighted the dilemmas faced by the youth of today. Ravi, who has just graduated winning a gold medal, is troubled by the question whether career, money, etc could grant him lasting happiness or is there something higher in life. His teacher then guides him that true happiness lies in serving one’s fellowmen. The play brought out some finer aspects of Seva – that it has to be rendered selflessly and with a heart full of love. At the same time, one must offer Seva only where it is required, and without being attached to the results or the fruits thereof. At the end of the programme, Bhagawan granted photographs to the participants.

Jai Sai Ram!

http://srisathyasai.org.in/pages/dasara_04_report.htm

Posted at 06:03 am by saiavatar
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Parthi Update Nov 1st, 2nd 2004

Parthi Update Nov 1st, 2nd 2004

Parthi Update

01-11-2004

This evening, Swami came out for Darshan as usual and sat down on the sofa. At 3.45 p.m., He asked Sri B.N. Narasimhamoorthy, the Warden of the Brindavan Campus Hostel, to give a talk. Sri B.N. Narasimhamoorthy, a very good orator as we know, kept us gripped in attention, with his most inspiring talk for around 45 minutes.

He started with the aspect of the Avataar and how He functions when He comes down on earth. Giving the example of Lord Sri Rama, he said that, at the end of 14 years of exile, when Rama was faced with the adverse situation of Mother Sita being kidnapped; He did not approach brother Bharatha for help – though this is what one would logically have done. Instead, He used most unexpectedly, monkeys as instruments to win over Lanka and bring back Mother Sita!! Such an event of monkeys being used as instruments had never occurred before.

Therefore, for Mahapurushas and Avataars, success comes merely by their Willpower (Sankalpa) and not by the efforts of their instruments. Instruments are used in their Mission only to Bless them and redeem them (to give them a chance)!! He said that the greatest miracle of Swami is ‘Achieving perfect success with imperfect instruments’.

He also shared the happenings of the morning. This morning, after Bhajans, Swami went in the ‘Prius Car’ to the Super Specialty Hospital. The Nurses Quarters that is under construction, is about to be completed. Bhagawan went over there to Bless the workers with clothes and Prasadam. Around 20 senior students also followed Swami in a van to help in the distribution of clothes to the hundreds of labourers.

Once Swami reached the site, He got down from the car and stood on the scorching ground, bare feet, for more than 15 minutes, Blessing all the workers and talking to some of them! That is His Love! There is no difference in His Love, whether it is a Prime Minister or a labourer!

Then as the distribution was going on, Swami enquired, “We are giving them cloth, but are we giving them stitching charges? Go and tell them that we will be giving them stitching charges too.”

Sri Narasimhamoorthy continued his talk saying that miracles are very natural in the Presence of Love. They just happen! No instruments are required for it. Quoting Prof. Gokak, the first Vice Chancellor of our University, he said that, as instruments, our only role is to make sure that we do not become obstacles in His work. We do not have to do anything else. Just let Him do everything!

Here, he narrated a very beautiful experience that happened during his tenure as the Warden of the Prasanthinilayam Hostel. This incident happened during the 60th Birthday celebrations of Bhagawan.

There was an Asthma patient named Narayan Sharma in the Hostel. This student happens to be the batch mate of Dr. Siva Sankar Sai – the current Warden of the Hostel. Narayan Sharma used to suffer from very severe attacks of Asthma. One morning, he became very serious and he had to be rushed to the hospital. By the time he was taken to the hospital, his body had become blue and was already cold. A lady doctor who was in charge, examined him and said that there was no hope of his surviving. They tried all means but in vain.

Sri Narasimhamoorthy said that he was shocked and did not know how to take this news to Swami. It was already 6.00 a.m. Meanwhile, Dr. Chary, the then Superintendent of the Hospital, came over and examined the patient. He declared the student dead. No pulse, no breath! But as the Warden was hesitant to go to Swami, Dr. Chary himself went and told Bhagawan about this case. Swami smiled and asked him not to worry as nothing would happen to the boy. Dr. Chary returned to the hospital amazed and once again checked the patient. Same status, no change!!

Now, Dr. Chary asked the Warden to go and pray to Swami. At 6.30 Sri Narasimhamoorthy went to the Mandir and submitted the case to Bhagawan. Swami again said, “Nothing will happen to him, he will be fine”. Saying so, Swami thrust a flask with hot coffee into the Warden’s hand and asked him to go and give the boy some coffee!!

Sri Narasimhamoorthy returned to the hospital with the flask in his hands. Seeing the flask, the doctors asked for whom it was. When the Warden said that it was meant for the patient, all of them were convinced that the Warden had lost his mind. There was the body on the bed, wrapped in a cloth, with no life and here was the Warden bringing hot coffee for him!!

As all of them prayed hard and watched. Slowly the feet of the boy started moving!! The lady doctor exclaimed and went to the boy. She held her fingers in front of his nose. Yes, there was slight breath! She whispered into his ears, “Boy, Swami has sent hot coffee for you, please have some.” There was no _expression on his face, but he opened his eyes. Slowly, the coffee was poured into his mouth.

Just at this time, Swami arrived at the Hospital and entered. Moving towards the boy, Swami asked him, “Aye! all of them told that you were dead, how come you are still alive?” Bhagawan then asked Dr. Chary, “How did you declare him dead?” Dr. Chary said, “Swami, there was no pulse, no breath. According to medical science, this is defined as death.”

Swami then asked, “In that case, how did he come back to life?” Dr. Chary exclaimed, “Swami, You can do anything!!” All were wonderstruck at this stunning miracle!

There were a number of boys who had gathered outside the hospital, hearing the news of the death of their classmate. Swami looked at them and told the Warden, “Go and tell them what happened here. They are very anxious.”

It was wonderful to listen to Sri Narasimhamoorthy, a personal witness to this wonderful incident, narrate the entire episode in full detail. Subsequently, he started speaking about Sunil Gavaskar. Sri Narasimhamoorthy has been blessed by Bhagawan to continue the ‘Satyam Sivam Sundaram’ the biography volumes of Bhagawan started by Prof. Kasturi. In this capacity, Sri Narasimhamoorthy has interviewed a number of very great and longstanding devotees. He said that it was a very revealing experience for him and their devotion truly humbled him.

In this context, he shared the interview he had with Sunil Gavaskar. He narrated all about his life, how Swami was the secret behind all his successes….You must surely listen to this talk on Sai Global Radio or on the net. It’s wonderful.

After Sri Narasimhamoorthy Garu’s talk, Swami signaled to Dr. Siva Sankar Sai, the current Warden of the Boys Hostel, to address the gathering. Dr. Siva Sankar Sai, hesitantly got up and then praying to Swami to speak through him, began his talk with Vedic chants.

Being a batchmate of Narayan Sharma, about whom Sri Narasimhamoorthy just spoke, Dr. Siva Sankar Sai added his own comments about the episode. He also spoke about the visit of Sunil Gavaskar to the Hostel and the talk given by him to the boys. During their visit, Swami had asked Sunil Gavaskar to speak to the boys about Bakri Id as it happened to be Bakri Id that day. Sunil humbly submitted to Swami that he was totally ignorant of this topic and therefore Swami should excuse him.

Bhagawan replied, “You just go and stand over there, I will speak”. Sunil did just that and for the next 10 to 15 minutes he spoke non-stop about Bakri Id and finally there was a thunderous applause!! Sunil says that to this day he does not know what he spoke on that day. On the other hand, Dr. Siva Sankar Sai who was among the audience that day, as a Research Scholar, recalled the wonderful talk given by Sunil Gavaskar!

It was very nice to hear such experiences being narrated from different people on different sides of the scene! Subsequently, Dr. Siva Sankar Sai shared an incident wherein a student who was very unwell in the Hostel was helped by Bhagawan in a very mysterious way.

The evening concluded with Bhajans.

02-11-2004

This evening, Swami came out for Darshan by 3.15 p.m. and went straight into the interview room. Brindavan students have their classes in the afternoon as usual, until 4.00 p.m. Therefore, we from Parthi were seated in the Kulwant Hall. In a short while, we saw a number of boys running into the Bhajan Hall and a lot of activity was going on there. Naturally, it had to be distribution of something. What could it be, we were wondering. Clothes? Pens?....At around 3.45 p.m. the distribution began. Guess what?? Tetra Packs – chilled, straight from the fridge!!

It was a new brand named ‘Miruna Yo’. It was a light Yoghurt Drink with Mixed fruit juice. The manufacturer is ‘Balan Natural Food (P) Ltd.’ from Bangalore and marketed by the same company from Hyderabad. Obviously, it appeared that the company was launching the product. What a noble way of launching!! Incidentally, the manufacturing date on all the packs was 20-10-2004. Does it strike a note? 20th of October is the Avataar Declaration day!

Well, there was so much of commotion. Primary School children were there too and they were so excited!! In a short while all of us were sipping away to glory! Possibly it is the first time, as we remember that Tetra Packs have been given as Prasadam in the Sai Kulwant Hall. After drinking the juice, all started chanting Vedam even louder!!

Swami was standing near the interview room and guiding the distribution with great concern. That is His involvement! Has He ever touched, even once, any of the Prasadam that He distributes to all of us? We would have eaten hundreds of them but He has not touched even once! That is His selfless Love and Sacrifice!!

Bhagawan retired to Poornachandra by 4.45 p.m. Thereafter, Bhajans commenced at 5.00 p.m. and went on till 5.30 p.m.

The new building opposite Poornachandra Hall was made ready even before Dussera festival. But it has not yet been inaugurated. The building looks beautiful. Of course it’s a temple, the abode of the Lord and fits that description very well. It’s positioning on either sides of the Sarva Dharma Stoopa is so natural that it looks as though it has always been there and was meant to be there.

We have three photos of the completed temple. We are sure you would be very eager to have a look at them. But you will have to wait for our next mail for that. Till then hold your breath to witness the glorious abode!!

Sairam

A Anantha Vijaya

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabanews/message/4710

Posted at 03:34 am by saiavatar
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Nov 3, 2004

Sai Baba on Bhajans

Sai Baba on Bhajans

http://www.vahini.org

You receive joy when you sing and clap together with similar devotional feelings in your hearts"
- Baba -

"Music is the instrument by which passions are sublimated, emotions are tamed, impulses directed to higher purposes"
- Baba -

"Bhajan (devotional singing) is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wear it away from petty horizons of pleasure. Bhajan induces in you a desire for experiencing the Truth, to glimpse the Beauty that is God; to taste the Bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self. Once that search is desired, the path is easy. One has only to be reminded that he is divine..."
- Baba -

"You should sing wholeheartedly with the desire to please God. God makes no distinction between a proficient musician and a beggar in the street. It is the devotion and sincerity that matter. Merge your soul in the Bhajans you sing. Spiritualize your Bhajan singing. Then you will experience real bliss..."
- Baba -

Posted at 06:44 am by saiavatar
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Oct 31, 2004

Food and Health

Food and Health

Every activity of man is dependent on the energy he derives from the intake of food. The spiritual sadhanas he ventures upon depends on the quantity and quality of the food taken by the sadhak, even during the preliminary preparations recommended by Patanjali. The most external of the five sheaths that enclose the Atmic core, namely the Annamaya Kosa, has impact on all the remaining four - the Pranamaya, the Manomaya, the Vijnanamaya and the Anandamaya. The Annamaya Kosa is the sheath consisting of the material flesh and bone, built by the food that is consumed by the individual.

Food is generally looked down upon by ascetically minded sadhaks and seekers and treated as some thing which does not deserve attention. But since the body and the mind are mightily interdependent, no one can afford to neglect it. As the food, so the mind; as the mind, so the thought; as the thought, so the act. Food is an important factor which determines the alertness and sloth, the worry and calm, the brightness and dullness. The scriptures classify food as sathwic, rajasic and thamasic and relate these three types to the three mental modes (gunas) of the same names.

Man is the only living being who dislikes raw food found in the natural state. All other animals eat things as they are - grain, grass, leaves, shoots, fruits. Man boils, fries, melts, mixes and adopts various methods of cooking in order to satisfy the cravings of the tongue, the eye and the nose. As a consequence, the food value of these articles is either reduced or destroyed. When the seeds are fried, they do not sprout; that is clear proof that the 'life force' is eliminated. Therefore, uncooked raw pulse just sprouting, is to be preferred. Also nuts and fruits. The coconut, offered to the gods, is a sathwic food, having a good percentage of protein besides fat, starch and minerals. Food having too much salt or pepper is rajasic and should be avoided; so also too much fat and starch, which are thamasic in their effects on the body.

An intake of too much food is also harmful. Simply because tasty food is available and is being offered, one is tempted to over-eat. We have air all around us but we do not breathe in more than we need. The lake is full but we drink only as much as the thirst craves for. But overeating has become a social evil, a fashionable habit. The stomach cries out, 'Enough', but the tongue insists on more, and man becomes the helpless target to disease. He suffers from corpulence, high blood pressure and diabetes. Moderate food is the best medicine to avoid bodily ills. Do not rush to the hospital for every little upset. Too much drugging is also bad. Allow nature full scope to fight the disease and set you right. Adopt more and more the principles of naturopathy, and give up running around for doctors.

The type of food that you consume decides the degree of concentration you can command; its quality and quantity decide how much your self-control is lessened or heightened. Polluted air and water are full of maleficent viruses and germs and have to be avoided at all costs. There are four pollutions against which man has to be vigilant - of the body (removable by water); of the mind (removable by truthfulness), of reason (removable by correct knowledge) and of the self (removable by yearning for God). Vaidya Narayano Harih, the Sruthis declare. God is the doctor. Seek Him, rely on Him, you will be free from Dis-ease.

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[Source: Sanatana Sarathi, 1979. Discourse given by Bhagavan on Hospital Day, Dasara at Prashanti Nilayam on 21 September 1979. Discourse posted by Sai Deepak B. Daswani on SaiNet]

Posted at 01:46 pm by saiavatar
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Dasara Divine Discourse given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and divine miracle

Dasara Divine Discourse given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and divine miracle

October 20, 2004: Yesterday evening there was a discourse by Swami, and during the discourse a divine thing happened. Swami was narrating the story of Markandeya (if you want to know who Markandeya was and asked the devotees if they knew what kind of Lingam did Markandeya pray to and asked what color etc. Then from the thin air Swami materialized and showed a lingam and said that this is the Lingam. It really was a divine experience. Before Swami two other people spoke. The Yagna still continues today.

Courtesy: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saidevotees_worldnet/

Posted at 01:41 pm by saiavatar
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Sathya Sai Baba's Discourses at Sai Sruti Kodaikanal during April 1996 [Part -4]

Sathya Sai Baba's Discourses at Sai Sruti Kodaikanal during April 1996 [Part -4]

13. GOD IS PERMANENT, THE WORLD IS TEMPORARY [April 18, 1996]

Embodiments of Divine Love,

Let us remove all of the impurities from our minds and install only pure, sacred thoughts therein. We will then have the vision of wisdom that the entire universe shines as Brahman Himself who created everything out of Love. The lasting happiness that man desires is not of this temporary ephemeral world which is mainly one of worry and misery. Happiness and comforts from this world are neither stable nor permanent. It is possible for man to attain eternal Bliss when he realizes that the universe is the form of the Divine. He who views the world as the world only, is a fool. "The differences lie in one's vision and not in the creation, but man forgets the Divine feelings and views the world only from a material perspective. All of the apparent world should be seen only with the Divine outlook.

"The world is made up of atoms. From the macrocosm to the microcosm there is only Divinity; God is therefore the biggest as well as the minutest. God is within the atom and permeates through the entire creation which consists of atoms. If we develop sacred Divine Love we will discover Divinity in the world.

Heads are separate so thoughts will also vary. Here is a small story to illustrate this. Once four students visited a temple in India. "They argued among themselves that the idol there consists of different colors and materials. The first student saw the idol as consisting of white marble, another as red stone, the other as blue, and the last insisted that it was green. "They made a very big noise while arguing as is the fashion in the modern age, and this noise attracted the attention of the priest. He exhorted them to maintain peace as they were in a sacred temple. "The students then asked the priest the colour of the idol and he replied that it is black. He said that he had been worshipping this idol for the past twenty years so he could certainly affirm that it is black. "The priest understood that the students' quarrelling was due to their level of intelligence which has been developed through pursuing knowledge only through books. He distributed prasad to all of them and then removed their eye glasses. "They were then able to see that the colour of the idol was indeed black. With Divine vision one can perceive Truth. But sometimes one is not able to perceive the proximate Divinity due to distorted vision. Today knowledge has progressed in technology and all other fields, but has led to diversity in our vision with the result that individual Divine vision has been lost.

Man has learned to travel to the moon at great expense but not an inch within himself. He has developed the outer vision only; he does not look inside himself which is cost free. The reflection of Divine Light on the mind is known as the "moon." Man has not bothered to see his own moon (mind), but travels to the moon to bring back dust. Why do we need to go to the moon for dust when we can get truck loads full of mud here on earth? Man has developed a steadfast endeavor to experience that which is far away rather than his own nature. From afar a mountain looks smooth, but when one goes near it he can see that it is full of stones.

All modem education is like building castles in the air. The knowledge man has today is only like a small mustard seed, but man claims that it is the size of a pumpkin. This pride is characteristic of the modern age. In the present day man has invented weapons for killing people; the newspapers constantly report many deaths. Oh! Mad man; is your intelligence only to be used for inventing weapons to kill the outer enemies? Man has so many internal enemies like ego, anger, pride and envy, but he does not kill them; instead he goes on killing outer enemies. First one should kill the enemy ego and the deadly enemy jealousy. Man has been acting ignorantly. When he conquers his inner enemies, then he will have the right to conquer the outer ones. One who is subject to internal enemies is a slave and does not know the human qualities. To be truly human and develop one-pointed vision to the Divine, man should be the master of himself, not a slave. Baba sang,

The jewel for one's hand is performing acts of charity,
The jewel for one's neck is speaking the Truth,
The jewel for the ear is hearing the sacred texts,
What need is there for any other jewels?

Beauty is Truth. Charity is the real decoration. Listening to sacred texts is the decoration for the ears. Try to understand the distinction between Truth and untruth. As man today has no discrimination. Truth is taken as untruth and vice versa. There is no other cosmic form beyond this world that one perceives with the senses and the mind. Who has created all these lands and worlds that man sees? Oh! Krishna, the cosmic form is not separate from You. Every person being a part of the cosmic form is Divine. You, yourself, as Atma, are God and are also ancient. God has descended to the earth in all these human forms. If we realize this Truth, that we are not this human body but Atma, we will not have low and mean thoughts. Convince yourself that, "I am God," the eternal, ancient, ever-new one. After such an investigation into yourself, you will know that everything is sacred. However, today mankind is not proceeding in this direction.

In India, when you enter a bus, the first person to enter sits in the front seat and the last person takes the last seat. The first person to board the bus gets off last and the last person to enter gets off first. In the plane also it is the same. The first person to board gets down last and the last person gets down first. In life you should understand what is meant by first and last. "First" stands for Divinity. One who understands Divinity goes slowly and merges first with the Divine. In the beginning he is in the first stage of Divinity. If he keeps anything in his bag, while sitting on the bus, if it is valuable he has to look for it, so he has to be on the bus for a long time. This is called prapti (deservedness). Likewise, for many years now, you have been taking Darshan (seeing), Sparshan (touching) and Sambashan (talking) of Swami. Though you have come first you are going last. The one who has a pure heart, even though he may have come to God late in life, comes out first (attains liberation). Wash off all the dirt from your mind and fill it with pure thoughts and thus gain the vision of wisdom. Then the universe will shine for you as the cosmic form of God. Einstein stated that the universe is a combination of atoms. Everything in creation is dancing to the cosmic tune which consists of vibrations. Long ago the ancient saints declared that the whole universe is Divine. Oh! mind, dwell on Rama, the Divine principle; sages called this Divine principle Rama, while today science calls it atoms. The only difference is in the name. The ancient culture of Bharat is very sacred with lofty principles.

Thyagaraja, a saint who lived in India, prayed, "Oh! Mind; please tell me what will confer happiness. Does happiness come from pleasure or proximity to God? What is freedom?" Thyagaraja learned that thinking of the Divinity confers Bliss; that there is nothing more in life than this. One envies others because they have material plentifulness and seem to be happy, but the point is that you will become happier by dwelling on God. They have bhoga (riches) and roga (diseases). You should feel happy that you don't have roga. One should have only sacred thoughts but humans today are attracted in the wrong direction. What is the reason for this? It is due to the samskara (tendencies) from their past lives. If one is cleansed of past life samskaras, one's life can become sacred. Man wants everything without eliminating all of the bad qualities from past lives. Listen to one word, one good word; do not follow others and play mad games. Give up the mistakes and bondages. Chant the name of Sri Sathya Sai! Sri Sathya Sai!. Nowadays man is not listening to the good things but is eager to listen to the bad. Why have the eyes been given? Is to see everything? No; they have been given only to see God. Why have the legs been given? Have they been given only to wander around? Only for earning a living to buy food? No; they have been given to serve mankind and gain liberation. All one's physical limbs should be offered for service with this attitude in mind. All one's limbs are of God and indicate that, "I am God." "I" is the first name of God. We must inquire clearly. We say "I am Swami, or I am a man, I am a woman, I am a Brahmin, I am a Vaishya." When I say, "I am Swami," "I" is first and Swami is next. Likewise, when I say, "I am a woman," "I" is first and woman is next. So "I" is always first. When you ask anyone his name, he will say Rama or Ramaya, but first is "I" and next is the name. Once when a devotee prayed to God, God appeared and declared, "I am the Deity of your prayers." Even God says "I" first. The world is bound by "I" (universal).

The reason for the existence of "I" (personal) and "mine" is the feeling of attachment one has towards things as well as one's own body. If after you sold your car, it met with an accident, you would not bother about it or become sad. If someone hung a poster on the walls of your house you would become very annoyed and fight with him, but after you sell your house, you would not bother even if a bomb fell on it. If you have money in the bank (Love of God), you can draw a Cheque, and withdraw it at anytime. In every aspect of life, as long as one carries the sense of me and mine, there exists attachment. When there is no attachment one will not be affected, and this attitude of non-attachment will lead one to the realization of Divinity. All attachments should be directed towards Divinity as God is the one reality. The prayer,

"Twameva Matha cha Pitha twameva
Twameva Bhandu cha Sakha twameva
Twameva Vidya, Dravinam twameva
Twameva Sarvam, Mama Deva Deva"

means, "You are my Mother and Father, You are my Relative and Friend, You are my Knowledge and Wealth, You are my Everything." Instead of saying "This is mine," say "God is mine and everything is God." Such a relationship has seldom been developed today and that is the cause for unhappiness.

How should one understand this detachment? One should not claim that the body, mind, intellect, etc, are his. How can one say that they are not his? Say, "Na Deham," which means, "I am not the body"; "Na Buddhi," "I am not the intellect"; "Na Manas"', "I am not the mind." Here we are referring to the external mind; the other aspect is the internal mind that consists of inner Bliss. As this Bliss is within man, no search is required to locate it. One cannot acquire this Bliss from outside through one's status or position but can attain it only through Love. Without expressing Love, no one will Love you. The entire drama of life consists of dancing puppets. Man, do not be so proud of your beauty because you lie on the doorstep of old age when you will not be able to walk, your skin will be full of wrinides and all will laugh at you. Realize now that you are only a puppet. The human body has been gifted to do sacred action to realize that work is God and to know that Truth is God Who is infinite.

Swami ended His Discourse by singing "Sathyam, Jnanam, Anantham, Brahma......:"

14. STHREE (WOMAN) [April 19, 1996]

Embodiments of Divine Love,

The karma marga (path of action) is a beautiful flower, the Bhakti marga (path of devotion) is the raw fruit; the Jnana marga (path of wisdom) is the fully ripened fruit. Children of Bharat (India), please listen. If you do not first have the flower (dedicated action to God), you will not have a fruit (devotion to God); and you also will not attain the fully ripened fruit (knowledge and experience of the Atma). The flower is the basis, that is, karma (action) is the basis for Jnana (wisdom).

In this world which is full of karma, to be born as a woman is very fortunate. Ignorant men think that they are superior to women. Ladies have pride (self-respect), wealth (noble and virtuous qualities), sweet talk, education, intelligence, strength (fortitude) and patience. Not only in India but in foreign countries, there are men who do not understand this, but think women are weaker and not capable of doing important work. Men think that they are physically strong and only they are capable of important work, due to their ignorance. If the home, community or country has respect it is due to women. We describe our country as the Motherland; no one calls it the Fatherland. No one asks what is your language? Rather, they ask, what is your mother-tongue? No one asks you what is your father-tongue? (Laughter) The communities' reputation depends on the women. Everyone in this world says, "This is my motherland and this is my mother-tongue."

If a man wishes to perform any dharmic action or any big ceremony, he should always discuss first with the women in the home. If he wishes to complete a work successfully, he needs the cooperation of the wife. If he does not discuss with her before doing, it will not be successful. Though the husband may be bad, the wife should be able to give him good advice. She would be like a minister capable of giving good advice. What about Mandodari? Due to her good advice, Ravana was able to live for such a long time with all his sins. She said, "You may be a strong one, educated, intelligent and wealthy, but if Sita would curse you once, you would immediately become ashes. Therefore, you should understand the nature of feminine power." If a man wishes to perform a Yagna (sacrificial rite), his wife must sit with him. Even if he wishes to do charity, the wife should be by his side. The truthful Harischandra knows nothing other than Truth. When he gave his kingdom to Visvamitra, his wife Chandramati, was with him. If she wouldn't have been there, he could not have done it. A woman is equal-to a man's heart, and she is half of him. Because she is the one who brings respect to the home, she is named Grahalakshmi. Men are able to earn money, but the person who brings the good reputation to the family is the woman. The one who cooks and serves the food in the home is the woman, .isn't it? Because she takes good care of everything and maintains the reputation of the home, she is also called "Kirthi." Wealth consists of good health, good qualities happiness, purity and cleanliness, not only currency notes. Because she has all of these good qualities, she is known as "Grahalakshmi." Women have the ability to speak sweetly and soothingly, and in thus doing, they maintain their own and the family's respect. Only these days one may see the wife and husband together walking and talking, but the wife does not interfere when the husband entertains another man in the visitor's room. Only a lady can maintain this type of respect.

Buddhi (intellectual discrimination) is another quality (energy) of women. When the husband leaves in the morning and returns full of worries, the one who speaks soothingly and sweetly and comforts him is the woman. That is why she is called "dharma pathini." Women are more intelligent than men. Women are able to concentrate and do work better than men. Men use their discriminative ability only to do their jobs, but women can discriminate and deal with any work according to the situation. For example: Men and women both drive scooters and cars. But go and ask the police department who gets involved in accidents (clapping). When ladies drive there are not often accidents. What is the reason? It is due to their concentration (clapping). Due to their intelligence, they do not hurt others and themselves by causing accidents. Go and ask any university. Mainly it is the girls who score first class and first rank. For Bhagawan, men and women are the same, but if you really "see," this is the true situation (laughing and clapping). Women at all times use their discriminatory power to discover what is good and what is bad.

When a man desires to give his daughter in marriage, he will look at the future bride groom's education and profession, but the mother will always find out what type of family he belongs to and the family background and reputation. It is the woman who always worries about the future. A man is always in a hurry and then later he regrets. Haste makes waste; waste makes hurry. So don't be in a hurry. A man always shows his strength in his hands, while women have their strength in their hearts. When a man arrives home tired, his wife refreshes him with her pleasant words like giving an injection of glucose (clapping). Many men know this but they will not admit it (laughing and clapping). A man prospers in life due to the support of women. Only a woman can understand all the aspects of a situation, but men will have only a superficial understanding. Though many foreigners invaded our country and tried to destroy the culture, the culture is still alive due to women.

It is only the women who are always peaceful. Although some women quarrel, most of them are quiet. The relatives may give problems, the son-in-law or daughter-in-law may cause problems but women don't say anything. Rather, they keep it within themselves and suffer, because they do not want to tarnish the name and respect of the family. Ladies have seven qualities, but since people do not understand this, the country is in its present predicament. Men have three qualities. One is that they work and earn money. Due to this they become proud and egoistic. Ladies also go out to work but they don't have this kind of ego. A few of them do have ego. The strength of man depends on the housewife's cheerful words.

Until recently in the United Kingdom the Prime Minister was a woman. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India for 12 years. In Sri Lanka the Prime Minister and President are women (mother and daughter). In the world today wherever male Prime Ministers are in position there are problems and troubles. If a man completes five years of his term as a Prime Minister it would be surprising; yet Indira Gandhi could complete more than 10 years as a Prime Minister. Women have immense courage to lead and protect their countries.

In the field of devotion women are the first to enter the spiritual path, and then men slowly follow. In spiritual pursuits women are generally ahead. Men may have wisdom but devotion is prominent in women. Without devotion to God, one is nowhere.

In the court of the Maharaja (king), men can reach only as far as the entrance hall, whereas women can go up to the private quarters. Men have no right to enter here. What does the antapuram refer to here? Antapuram means the Atma within, which only women can reach due to their devotion and sacrifice. Women have attained liberation through devotion. One should never consider women to be weak, but should show equal respect for both men and women.

In the Ramayana, Rama, because He was born to Kausalya, could be called God. Due to the tender care of Sita, Lava and Kush (the twin sons), became very great. This greatness was due only to the mother's influence. Even in the world today the father earns money whereas the mother cautions and nurtures the children, keeping in view their education and behavior. All over the world it is women who are powerful. There is nothing that they cannot achieve through using their inner power.

The entire world is a ladies' college. The drama of life is staged here. Spiritually speaking all are female. In a girls college when a drama is being enacted the king, servants, ministers etc., are all women; though the role is that of a king, servant or minister, they are all women only. Food, sleep and fear are common to both men and women; both eat, cry and have desires. Brindavan (the place where Lord Krishna was raised and also the entire universe which belongs to all of creation) belongs to all. Govinda, Krishna or the Lord belongs to all. In order to show the qualities and capacities of women, Krishna enacted the following drama: At the main gate to Brindavan, Krishna said to the watchman, "See that no woman enters into Brindavan." One day when Radha came to the gate she was refused entry by the watchman. When she told him that Brindavan belongs to all, he replied that women were not permitted entry. She asked him what he was and he replied that he was a man. Radha challenged him by saying that there is no man; all are women only. God is the only male; all the created ones are Prakriti or children of the earth.

Arjuna (devotee of Lord Krishna in the epic Bhagavad Geetha) had many titles. Dhananjaya was the title which meant "holding the weapon" (of courage). But in the battle-field while he was in the chariot, when he dropped his bow and lost his courage, Krishna said "Stand up and fight. Know that in every age fate is strong, justice will win and selfishness will die." Though Dritharashtra had one hundred sons, there was not even one alive to do his obituary rites. What a destiny! So Krishna encouraged Arjuna to live up to his destiny and not to lose courage.

The world symbolizes womanhood. Therefore, one's country is called the "Motherland" and the earth is termed "Mother Earth"; all bodies have been born from the earth. For everyone mother is important; the motherly feelings which are supreme always ensure the welfare of a country.

Once Sage Vishwamitra went to Dasaratha to request help in the ritual that he was performing. Vishwamitra told him that though he had the power to kill demons he could not use it, as in a sacred ritual there should be no violence. As the chief priest, he requested Dasaratha to send his two sons, Rama and Lakshmana to safeguard the Yagna (ritual sacrifice). Vishwamitra told the king that his two sons were highly divine, that they always prayed to the Mother Goddess first and to the father afterward. Vishwamitra paid respect to his Mother first, father next and then preceptor. Why this order? Only the mother gives birth and most often the mother is alert and awake when father sleeps; if a child suffers from fever the mother will not eat. Such sacred Love is found in a mother. The father has only 75% of Love while the mother has 90%. The progress of the entire world depends on the women; women are not for the kitchen alone.

Today both men and women go to work, earn salaries and keep a cook, a driver and servants. The salaries to these staff may be more than their earnings but if the woman remains at home she would be able to take care of these matters. The husband encourages the wife to go to work. The wife's salary may be 2000 rupees but the servants' salaries and expenses come to 3000 rupees. This is like eating more pickle rather than the meal (laughter). The expense becomes more than the income. Since she goes to work the entire family is disturbed. Listen to this point carefully.

The Bhagavad Geetha refers to three aspects of purity: the vessel, the process of cooking and the cook (all need to be pure and clean). It is very important that the cook should be a pure, clean person not only outwardly but inwardly as well. From ancient times we have said the food prayer, “Brahmarpanam Brahmahavir" to offer the food to God so it would become prasad (blessed food). So the purity of the transformed food was ensured through prayer. Nowadays the husband and wife fight on the dining table. One reason for all these disturbances is the impurity of the cook who is mainly concerned with his salary.

The housewife cooks with purity. Even in royal families the queen herself served the members of the family. As is the feeling, so is the reaction. If the family is secure and happy, the society will also be happy; if the society is happy, then the entire state will be happy. So purity and happiness should begin with the individual.

Once in Hardwar there was a sixty-year old businessman who had no one to take care of his family while he was occupied in his business. He married a sixteen-year-old girl who was often very sad and weeping, missing her deceased mother. After their marriage, this businessman usually returned home late at night. Due to loneliness and grief she decided to end her life by jumping into the Ganges River. As it was the custom to feed people on the tenth day ceremony after a death, this businessman contributed sweets to the ashrams in Rishikesh in respect to his wife. That evening a certain renunciant sat in meditation. Normally he could meditate very well, but that evening in his meditation he was bothered by a sixteen-year-old girl crying. The next morning he asked his guru the reason for this disturbance. His guru replied that he must have been having impure thoughts. The renunciant replied that he was not. Then it was discovered that the cause of the disturbance was the eating of the sweets that had come from the businessman whose wife had committed suicide. Since that day this businessman stopped participating in feasts and became content with whatever he had. Thus before partaking food we should offer it to God for purification. You are God. Your heart is His altar; Love is His form; Bliss is His food. Many ask Baba where He gets His energy because He eats so little. I am Energy! Energy is the form of Divinity.

Women should not be looked upon as of little value. A house without the woman is like a forest. When a woman is present, it is "for rest." Give them all your respect, and care for their needs and comforts. If a woman sheds tears, prosperity will not remain in that home; so do not make women suffer. A woman stands for Love and devotion. From God's perspective or from the Atmic standpoint, there is no difference between a man and a woman as both are His creation. So surrender! God is your old friend, "old is gold" friend, whereas modem friends are friends today but they may say good-bye tomorrow. They may have motives and are friends only as long as you have money and such friendship changes from moment to moment. So Love such a God; to develop such devotion is the purpose of life.

Swami ended His Discourse by singing "Hey Shiva Shankara, Namami Shankar, Shiva Shankara Shamboo."

15. THE CREATOR AND THE CREATION [April 20, 1996]

Before creation there was nothing but darkness everywhere. Later on, there was rainfall for many years after which rays of light appeared from among the clouds. Sound became evident, that which one hears from within the spiritual heart when one closes his eyes and listens. This sound was created first, and with it small vibrations. Some vibrations could be heard and others could not be heard. For example, when our eyelids flutter there is sound even though it cannot be heard by the human ear. The sound that was created by these vibrations spread all over. For example, if you throw a stone in water, it will make continuously spreading waves, similar to these spreading sound vibrations created in space. We do not know how or from where these vibrations started in the atmosphere, and we do not understand the results of these vibrations. From the vibrations in the atmosphere, the wind was created, and from wind, heat was created. As a result of the friction between the sound waves and the wind, heat was created; from heat, water was formed. When one has a fever, perspiration results when the fever is reduced. This is like the relationship between heat and water. Water is denser than fire. As water becomes more and more dense, it becomes the earth element. Sky or Akasha is prevalent everywhere — above, below, around. After water was created, earth was created. By mixing of water and earth, more aspects were created. The earth became like a container to hold the water. As the heat decreased, the liquid hardened to form rocks. The studies about this are called physics. From physics, botany developed, and then zoology. From botany and zoology, biology developed.

From space, sound was created, from air, wind was created, then heat, water, and earth. In the beginning these were not mixed together, but later when they were combined, life was formed.

The three primary colors are red, blue and yellow, and when they combine we get the other colors. The sky is blue. Sri Krishna also is blue-complexioned by birth. He has the colour blue because He is all-pervasive like the sky.

During creation, sound was formed first. Everything was created from sound, including the huge stars. When a huge star breaks up, small stars are formed. There are millions of stars, but scientists are aware of only a few galaxies such as the Milky Way where many stars are close together. The basis for all of this creation is consciousness.

Wherever there is vibration there is sound. When one breathes, there is sound; sound is all-pervasive. Wherever there is magnetism, there is electricity. The Earth is a magnet; therefore electricity is created from the earth. The human body is also a magnet. In Sanskrit, body is called deha, and nature is desha. Scientists talk .about the law of nature, and Manu (a learned sage) also speaks about the law of nature. If there is a rose flower, there must also be a Creator who has created it. It is incorrect to say that the rose's existence is due to the law of nature. For everything, there is a Creator.

The swan is able to separate and drink milk from a mixture of milk and water. Near the beak of the swan is a chemical which enables it to separate the milk. So says the scientist. But who created this chemical near the beak of the swan? Who has done this? Everything has a creator. One should not forget that there is a creator for all these things. Use the law of nature but don't break it. Lord Buddha said:

Buddham Sharanam Gachhami,
Sangham Sharanam Gachhami,
Dharmam Sharanam Gachhami.

Cultivate wisdom and discrimination by using the intelligence (Buddhi). Live in the society (Sangam) as per its laws, and adhere to, take refuge in Righteousness (Dharma). One should follow the good example of others, rather than following only the pleasure seekers. Buddhi, Sangam and Dharma were created for the sake of society. Why do we prepare food? The body requires nourishment and energy. Similarly if one sows good qualities in the community, the community becomes good.

The sun has 98% hydrogen and 2% helium. Both are gases and the heat is controlled by these gases. If helium were not there, the earth would have been destroyed by the heat. There is a relationship between the sun and the earth. Earth is the daughter of the sun, and moon is the daughter of the earth. Moon has no life on it. The life form that exists on earth does not exist on other planets. Ice, fire and water are all alive. The life forms that live and die in the water are different from the life forms that exist in other elements. The life forms in each element are unique. The life forms on earth are not like those found in water, fire or air. The life form that exists throughout the entire world is the Atma. God is in the earth and He is also in all of the five elements. The earth has five qualities: smell, taste, form, touch and sound. The earth is heaviest. Water has four qualities: taste, smell, touch and sound. Fire has three qualities: form, touch and sound. Air has two qualities: touch and sound. And ether has one quality: sound. As ether has only one quality, sound, it is all-pervasive. God is beyond any of these qualities and elements so He is able to be all-pervasive.

There are no flying saucers. The man-made satellites consist of three parts — frontal, middle and back portions. When the satellite goes very fast, the rear portion becomes detached, breaks and falls into the sea. People who see these think they are flying saucers. The satellites made by scientists do not last very long. What is permanent is created by God and is called Truth; all the rest are impermanent.

God created sound first, which is the primordial Pranava. From this primordial sound, Om, other sounds emanated. Om or the primordial sound is the basis for all of creation. If we speak concisely about it, ether is infinite, but the created is finite.

CONTINUED…
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Brahmavidya and Women - Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Brahmavidya and Women - Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Q. You were talking of strict regimen; men too should follow this, is it not?
A. Of course! They too are flesh and blood, bone and marrow; they too are afflicted with illness. Each and every person who is afflicted with birth and death and suffering from this cycle is in need of this medicine. And, whoever helps himself to this treatment has to follow the regimen too. Man or woman, whoever neglects the regimen, cannot get rid of the illness. Men cannot afford to say that they are free from it; they have to stick to it closely and observe it strictly. Even if they have had Brahmopadesam (initiation into the spiritual path of Brahma-realisation), if they are devoid of virtues like Sama and Dama they cannot save themselves, whether they are men or women.

Q. But then, Swami, why do many scholars learned in the Sastras declare that women have no right for acquiring Brahmavidya? What is the reason?
A. There is no reason at all in declaring that women are not entitled to Brahmavidya. Vishnumurthy taught Bhudevi the glory of the Githa; Parameswara taught Parvathi the Brahmathathva through the Guru-Githa. That is what the Guru-Githa means when it says, "Parvathi Uvaacha". What do these words mean? Besides, Easwara initiated Parvathi into Yogasastra and Manthrasastra. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mentions that Yajnavalkya taught Maitreyi this very same Brahmavidya. This is a well known fact. Now, you can yourself judge and draw your own conclusion whether women are entitled to Brahmavidya or not.

Q. There are some others, Swami, who declare that women are not entitled to Brahmacharya and Sanyasa. Is it true? Do the Vedas prohibit it?
A. The Vedas have two sections: Karmakanda and Jnanakanda. The Karmakanda is for beginners, for the undeveloped; and the Jnanakanda is for the more advanced, the developed intelligences. There is no reference to men or women in connection with these. The beginners are worldly; how can they understand the immortal message of the Jnanakanda about the Atma? In the Brihadaranyaka we have mention of Gargi and Maitreyi who shine in the spiritual splendour of Brahmacharya and Sanyasa. In the Mahabharatha also, we have Subha Yogini and other women who are ideal women, full of virtue.

Q. Can women win Brahmajnana, even while leading the householder's life?
A. Why not? Madaalasa and others were able to get Brahmajnana while in the Grihastha stage of life, the house-holder status. You must have heard of these from the Yogavasishta and the Puranas, how they attained the height of auspiciousness, Brahmajnana itself. Then again, do not the Upanishads declare that Kaathyayini, Sarangi, Sulabha, Viswaveda and others were adepts in Brahmajnana?

Q. Swami, are there any women who have attained Brahmajnana while in the Grihasdtha stage? And who attained it while in the Sanyasa stage? Or any who realised it while in the Vaanaprastha stage? Are there women who got it in the Brahmacharya stage of life?
A. Do not think that there are no women who have realised Brahmajnana while in any one of these stages. Choodaala attained it while a Grihastha; Sulabhayogini won it while a Sanyasini; Maitreyi attained it while in the Vaanaprastha stage of life; and Gargi got it in the Brahmacharya stage. There were other great women of Bharath who have achieved this height. Why, there are even today many who are of this great category. I simply mentioned some four names because you came up with that question now; so do not in the least loose enthusiasm. There is no need for loss of heart.

Q. When we have so many examples of women who have attained Brahmajnana, how is it that so many argue against it? Why do they impose limitations on women?
A. It is sheer absurdity to deny women the right to earn Brahmajnana. But in worldly matters, it is necessary that some limitations are respected by them. They are laid down only in the interests of Dharma and for Loka-kalyana. For the sake of the upkeep of morals and for social health in the world, women have to be bound by them. They are too weak to maintain certain standards of life and discipline; they have some natural handicaps; that is the reason for these limitations. This does not mean any fundamental inferiority. Why, even Pundits and men learned in the Sastras acquire their Jnana through the reverential homage they pay to the Feminine Deity, Saraswathi. The patron Deity of Vidya, as well as of Wealth and Jnana are all three
feminine. They are Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi. Even in customary correspondence, when women are addressed, they are referred to as, "To...who is equal to Lakshmi" etc. You always speak of Maatha-Pithaa, Gowri-Sankara, Lakshmi-Narayana, Seetha-Rama, Radha-Krishna etc. The feminine name comes first and then the masculine. From this itself you can gather how much reverence is paid to women here.

Q. The distinction between man and woman - do you condemn it as Mithya-jnana or do you value it as Atma-jnana?
A. My dear fellow! The Atma has no such distinction; it is eternally conscious, pure, self-effulgent. So, it can only be Mithya-jnana; it can never be Atma-jnana. It is a distinction based on the Upadhi, the mask, the Limitation. The Atma is neither masculine, feminine nor neuter; it is the form that limits and deludes and that wears the names.

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Namasmarana

Namasmarana

Words have tremondous power. They can arouse emotions and the can also calm them. They direct or infuriate, they reveal or confuse. They are potent forces that bring up great reserves of strength and wisdom. The tongue should be used for pronouncing the Name of the Lord. It should not be used to hiss like a serpent, or growl or roar with intention to strike terror. That is not the purpose for which the tongue is granted to man. Dwell on the Name, and its sweetness will saturate your tongue and improve your taste. Speech is so powerful that it indicates one's character, reveals one's personality, educates others and communicates experience and information. So be vigilant about words. Slip while walking, the injury can be repaired; but slip with talking, the injury is irreparable.

The present age is described in the scriptures as very conducive to Liberation for, while in past Ages, rigorous penance was prescribed as the means, the present Kali Age requires only Namasmarana to win Liberation. When the Name of the Lord is remembered with all the Glory that is associated with It, a great flood of happiness wells up in the mind. The Lord is full of Bliss and in fact He is Bliss Itself. All this Bliss is to be tasted through the Name. Vyasa himself knew this, for when some sages once went to him to find out which Yuga is most conducive to success in man's efforts for Liberation, Vyasa anticipated their question and repeated to himself aloud, `How fortunate are those destined to be born in the Kali Yuga! It is so easy to win the Grace of the Lord by Namasmarana in the Kali Age.'

The Name of God, if recited with Love and Faith, has the power to bring upon the eager aspirant the Grace of God. The Name has the over-mastering power of even leaping over the ocean. It can award unimagined strength and courage. When questioned whether it was Ramanama that strengthened Hanuman to cross the ocean, Rama replied that since His Body was called Rama, the Name that combines the Bijaakshras of both Siva and Vishnu, He Himself was able to conquer Ravana and his hordes. The name has such efficacy. By repeating the Name, the Lord and His Attributes can easily be identified. The tongue must be sanctified by repetition of the Name. It has also to be used for sweet expressions which will spread contentment and joy. Remember that God, in whom you move, the God Who makes you move, the God who is all this Vast Universe- every little atom and every huge star, rememeber Him! Select some Name and Form for this All-pervasive Immanent God and keep It on your tongue and before your mental eye. That is what is called Japa-sahita-dhyanam. Recitation of the Name-cum-meditation. When you select one Name and one Form for Smarana, do not talk ill of other Names and Forms. Behave like the woman of a joint family. She respects and serves the elders of the family, such as the father-in-law and his brothers and her own brothers-in-law, but her heart is dedicated to her husband, whom she loves and reveres in a special manner. If you carp at the faith of others your devotion is fake. If you are sincere, you will appreciate the sincerity of others too. The Lord has thousands of Names. There is no Name that is not His. Krishna, Shrinivasa, Sai Baba- all Names are of the same Entity.

[Excerpted from pages 1 and 2 of 'Discourses of Sri Sathya Sai Baba on His Forty-third Birthday,' as published by Sathya Sai Seva Samithi of Poona, 18 pages softcover, 1968. Printed by W. Q. Judge Press, 97 Residency Road, Bangalore 560025.]

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