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Nov 28, 2004
Karunyananda's Story
Prasanthi Nilayam, India
The anecdotes from Swami Karunyananda's experiences with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba are collected from several interviews between 1994 and 1997.
Karunyananda passed away in August 1997, under the auspicious celebrations of Dassara.
I have the good fortune of being the first person to greet Bhagavan in the morning. I go upstairs, and open the door of Bhagavan's room and have darshan and padnamaskar of Bhagavan. There is Sakthi in the feet of Swami. There is power in the glances of Swami. His body is not like ours, it is a Chinmaya Sareeram (divine energy form). Ours is a body made up of dust, which dissolves finally, into the primordial elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.
He is not limited to one form. He is the form of all deities worshipped by religions. He is the very embodiment of Chaitanya (energy, force). He is the embodiment of all Gods. We cannot probe into Him. Have you not seen Him during the mornings? He has a special effulgence in Him; sometimes this effulgence is frightening. On the last day of Devi Navaratri (Dasara) when Poorna Ahuti is performed, His body temperature becomes hot. I have touched His feet at such times and found that they were very hot.
I saw Bhagavan for the first time in Bhadrachalam in the year 1936. Bhagavan was ten years old at that time. That means that He started His mission even earlier to the fourteenth year, although the manifestation of the Bhagavan was not announced in 1936. People who saw Him felt He was the Son of God. Bhagavan's sister Venkamma, and uncle brought Bhagavan to Bhadrachalam during their pilgrimage trip. Women were already worshipping Bhagavan as the Son of God. I saw Him casually, and they were saying He was the Son of God. I thought, "Who is not a child of God?"
I was a member of a spiritual organization called Jeevakarunya Sangham in Rajahmundry. There was a meeting in 1956 when Bhagavan came to Rajahmundry. My Malayala Swamy and myself then had the darshan of Bhagavan. Bhagavan called me by the name "Karunyananda," and spoke to me as if he knew me very intimately. I turned and bowed down to Bhagavan. It was night time, about 8:00 p.m. Bhagavan said, "Will you come to Kakinada? We will go together."
I replied, "As you please, Swami."
I went to Kakinada with Bhagavan and during the car journey Bhagavan recounted my entire past history. He gave very intimate details of my conduct when I was young. Bhagavan was born in 1926. He was not even born yet when I was young, but all the same, He gave all the biographical details correctly.
In 1959 I came with the Jeevakarunya Sangham [a spiritual organization] to Puttaparthi for Shivaratri celebrations. We had two jeeps, one van, and a car with a driver with us, and a lot of other paraphernalia. We had an office in Chittur also. We first went to our Chittur office and then departed for Puttaparthi to obtain Bhagavan's darshan. Facilities for travel were very unsatisfactory at that time. I traveled by bus. It was too cold to travel by bus. The bus came to Horsey Hills area, beyond Madanapalle, and then went out of order and broke down! It was evening and it was getting very cold. It soon turned into dark night. The women and children were shivering due to the cold. I then thought, "These so called Baba's—why do they put us up to this trouble? Why do they reside in the hills? Why can't they set up residence in a place accessible to common people? How many people are suffering!"
I was thinking this way but did not mention these inner thoughts to anyone.
The bus was repaired and after many trials it started again and reached Mudigubba at 2:00 a.m. I had to stop there until morning, took another old rattling bus to Bukkapatnam, and reached there with great difficulty. At Bukkapatnam I hired a bullock cart and reached Puttaparthi after even more difficulty. Puttaparthi had scarcity of water at that time. I kept my bedding and luggage in the residence of one Sathyamma, bathed somehow, and then went to the Nilayam. Mr. Kasturi then summoned Bhagavan, and Bhagavan sent word for me and I went up to His room. One Veerabhadra Sastry [a scholar] and several other people were present with us. I paid my obeisances to Bhagavan, when He asked me, "What Karunyananda! What is the news? How many cars do you have?"
I wondered why Bhagavan had interest in the number of cars! I bowed to Him and I replied, "Swami, why should you talk about cars now?"
Bhagavan insisted, "No, no. How many cars do you have?" Veerabhadra Sastry then asked me, "When Swami asks you, why do you not reply?"
I thought there was no escape and replied, "Swami, I have two jeeps, one car, and one van."
Then Bhagavan asked, "When you have four vehicles, why could you not come by one of them? Why come by that bus, and blame later 'All these Babas reside only in the Hills!'?" Then I realized that Bhagavan knew what I had thought miles away as if a telegram had been sent to Him.
There are many such incidents. Even now, Bhagavan would be hearing all the words in our conversation [during the interview].
We would be sitting with Bhagavan at times, and He would be found as if He was somewhere else. He would later say, "I have just returned from Madras. Papum (Alas)! Vijayalakshmi is suffering very much. I went to the hospital. I gave her prasad and there is no problem with her now. She will be all right."
Thereafter confirmatory telegrams or letters would arrive adding that, "Bhagavan was here but He went away without taking [food or offering] anything." Take the incident at Tirupati, which happened around 1989-90. It was 10:00 a.m. in the morning and Bhagavan was very much in Brindavan at Bangalore. Yet, He was simultaneously seen at Tirupati! He was given a chair; He was seated. All this happened. Should Bhagavan put on dramas like others? No, it is all the grace of Bhagavan. [A similar incident has happened in Tirupati again in 1998]
In 1971, as we had returned from Ooty to Brindavan, Swami asked a schoolboy to take a photograph of Him, and lo!, He appeared as Lord Dattatreya in the photograph. Everyone saw this miracle and was astonished. Gangadhar Shetty wanted the photograph and I gave Him the photo. He then asked me if it would be all right if he printed it in the Sanatana Sarathi. He wanted everyone to see this beautiful picture. Swami took the photograph and tore it into pieces as He did not want publicity.
Gold remains gold wherever it is thrown. One day Swami asked me, "Karunyananda, from the beginning I have always been simple, have I not?"
Swami was then wearing a torn dhoti that day. I did not like this. So, I asked Him, "Swami, why do you wear a torn dhoti when you have so many good dhotis?" I tried to prevail on Swami for removing the torn dhoti. Swami smiled and then pleaded, "Oh? Will you tear it up? Was it not my leela that day when I sought for a handful of atukulu (beaten rise) from Kuchela? [A story from Krishna's life] Are you not seeing me for the last thirty six years like this?"
Once Suri Bhagavantam's wife had paralysis, which Bhagavan took on Himself to alleviate her distress. We were going in a car after the birthday festival of Bhagavan. Bhagavan, Bhagavantam, and I were in the first car. Several cars followed us. We crossed the borders of Andhra Pradesh State and entered Karnataka State when Bhagavan fell ill in the car. On the advice of Bhagavantam I got up and Bhagavan was laid upon the car seat. I got into the next car. Bhagavan got up after sometime. He stopped the car and made me sit again by His side in His car. He then asked me, "Did you worry about me? There is fifty to sixty years more time for this body!" Bhagavan will incarnate Himself as Prema Sai. I will also be there before Him. Bhagavan showed me also the place in which He will take re-birth.
Bhagavan eats only a few morsels of Ragi balls (a minor cereal eaten by the poor, prominently in Rayalaseema of Andhra Pradesh). His dining is only a drama, a mere pretence, as He takes very little food. He however, sees to it that people seated by Him are fed well. This He does Himself; it is all the mother's affection. Some people bring and offer sweets and curries to Bhagavan, but Bhagavan does not even touch these foods.
I keep telling Him to eat more because between dinner and breakfast, there is a gap of 15 hours. But, Swami always replies that though He eats lesser quantity than we do, He is more active and does not become tired and weak like we do. Divinity—that is the secret! It is divine energy. You and I would be worried if our food were delayed even for a few minutes. But, He is above all this.
Some people bring Him and offer sweets and curries to Bhagavan, but Bhagavan does not even touch these foods. I said once, "Why should they carry all these food stuff here? We have two cooks. All the items are offered to you. They have to be taken back without you tasting iit. Then why should they be brought upstairs?"
Bhagavan replied, "What is your objection? They bring the food here. Those who bring it, take it back again and it gives them satisfaction to offer food for me." He is verily the embodiment of compassion!
Once when I was returning from Kakinada in 1956 Bhagavan said, "Karunyananda, you are clapping in union seated before me now. A time will come when you can see me only from a distance." He told me again in 1970, "You are able to sit and see Bhagavan now. A time will come when you have to see Swami from a hill only."
On His 60th birthday in 1985, many devotees could only see Him from the distance of a hill.
Posted at 03:01 pm by saiavatar
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Parthi Update - Bhagawan Baba's 79th Birthday Celebrations
Parthi Update - Bhagawan Baba's 79th Birthday Celebrations
It was just 5.30 a.m. when the first line of students left the Hostel to the Mandir. Luckily it was not very cold this morning. We all rushed to the Mandir fearing the huge crowds. The queue for the gent's devotees to enter the Mandir had reached till the Primary School and was growing exponentially!! We were struck by the devotion and inspiration of these thousands of devotees. Did they not know that their chances to even enter the Mandir were almost nill? But still, what drove them to undergo so much strain and stand all these long hours? That is the miracle!! His Love is a powerful magnet that just attracts!! Who can escape that pure Love?
When we entered the Kulwant Hall, of course through the Ladies side entrance as our side was fully blocked, we found that the Hall was already full!! My! What about all those thousands standing in the queue? With a silent prayer in our hearts for al of them, we went and occupied our places - privileged as we were!! But the question kept nagging us. How could Swami satisfy all these devotees? If they do not get something, how is it that they keep coming again and again? This means that they all are receiving something - something intangible that words cannot express!! We realized the power of our omnipresent Lord, seated in each one of our hearts and having His relation with us both from within and without!!
At 6.55 a.m., the base drum of the band gave its first beat, heralding the 79th Birthday of the Avatar of the age!! Soon a huge procession marched forward from the Poornachandra Compound. It seemed like a river in full spate making its way to merge with the ocean! The Anantapur band, the Primary School girls band, the Primary School boys band, the Institute Gents Band, the Vedam boys....O the list goes on and on. And there, behind all of them, in the Lamburgini vehicle, driven by our dear brother Satyajit, was seated our most beloved Bhagawan shining brighter than all suns put together, in His brilliant white robe!! Swami was looking too good! His flowing curly black hair falling over His white robe and His shining, brilliant face with that beautiful subtle smile.....Manda Hasa Vadani Manohari Sai Jagat Janani. You would have had to see it to believe it!!
At 7.15 a.m., after taking a full round of the Kulwant Hall, Bhagawan stepped down on the dais. He walked from one end of the stage to the other end, Blessing all and casting a glance at all. At 7.30 a.m., He sat down on the sofa. Meanwhile, all the bands were playing catchy tunes one after the other. Both the Anantapur and Prasanthinilayam bands played 'Happy Birthday to You' in their own unique styles. There was a loud applause after each piece. After a while, Bhagawan signaled to them to be seated.
At 7.35 a.m., Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal of the Brindavan Campus of SSSIHL, made an introductory speech. He expressed his feeling that what sort of Birthday could one wish Bhagawan who is indeed the ageless and timeless, extolled as such in all our scriptures!! He also recalled several instances when devotees have wished Bhagawan a Happy Birthday and Swami has always replied, "I am ever happy, it is you who must be happy". This indeed is the very purpose of our life and the journey goes on and on. Sri Sanjay Sahni introduced the two speakers for the morning.
The first speaker was Dr. Michael Goldstein, a physician by profession and Chairman of the Prashanti Council that oversees the service activities of the Sathya Sai Seva organizations around the globe. Dr. Goldstein began his talk by making an apparently surprising but very thought provoking statement. He said that we truly are not brothers and sisters as we normally think. We are indeed ONE. Then why call ourselves brothers and sisters? Again where is the question of sharing Love? Love is one undivided entity, which must be experienced and not shared. He said that we are not celebrating the birthday of the physical body of Bhagawan but we are celebrating the confirmation of Divinity in this Holy Form, which we can see with our physical eyes. He referred to Bhagawan as the cause of faith, reason for hope and the embodiment of Selfless Love!!
The second speaker for the morning was Padmashri Prof. G. Venkataraman, the well-known scientist, winner of several awards, former Vice Chancellor of our Institute and currently heading several projects under the direct guidance of Bhagawan - notably the Global Sai Harmony. He paid his obeisance to Bhagawan on behalf of every man, woman and child on this planet earth as, in his opinion, all of us are His children whether we believe in Him or not.
He spoke very highly about our Institute and it's stress on moulding the character of students. He praised the boys, quoting several instances where boys had manifested in their behaviour the impact of this character building exercise. One incident was of one of our students, who went out of his way, even at the cost of arriving late to the Hostel, to help an old woman board the bus to her town - during one of the earlier Birthday celebrations of Bhagawan. That boy felt that this small service of his, was his offering to Bhagawan on that auspicious day.
Another instance was something that took place just a few days before. Old students of the Institute went to Penukonda (a close by town) in a vehicle and distributed blankets to all those sleeping on the streets, especially the children. This was very thoughtful of them especially given the weather conditions now. Prof. Venkataraman asked the audience whether there was any other University anywhere in this world, where alumni students would undertake such selfless service, even after five years of their passing from the college?
He also reminded us of the unique opportunity we have of being in the Divine Presence of the Lord. He gave the example of the 'Lady statue of opportunity' that he had seen in a museum. This statue had two wings and was blindfolded. On asking the curator the significance of this, the curator said that the blindfold implies that we often do not see the opportunity waiting at our very doorstep and the wings symbolized the fact that this opportunity would not wait for long, and if lost - would fly away forever!!
After the two talks, Bhagawan got up from the sofa. It was 8.15 a.m. The mike was arranged and Swami scanned the entire ocean of devotees and gave a Blissful smile!! He commenced His Divine shower of invaluable wisdom. Highlights of the Discourse follow:
Without Sathya, Dharma, Prema and Shanti, value of education is zero, acts of charity are futile and compassion is meaningless. These four values are the very pillars of human life.
Embodiments of Love, you are forgetting the very reason for your coming here. What would happen if we would post a cover, without writing the 'from' and 'to' address? It would be delivered to the 'dead letter' office. So too, you have come and fallen into this world without knowing your 'from' and 'to' address. You must necessarily recognize at least one of the three - Where have you come from, where are you going and where are you now. Otherwise life will be futile!
Bhagawan narrated the well-known story of the boatman, which He has mentioned several times before. A Businessman travels in a boat and in order to pass time, he keeps talking to the boatman. First he asks the boatman whether he is educated. The boatman replies in the negative. Then the businessman asks him the time, asks him about the newspaper, asks him about the prices of gold and silver in Mumbai and also the name of their destination. To all these queries, the boatman fails to give any answer, as he is illiterate in the very first place. Therefore, the businessman tells him that by not having a watch, he has wasted a quarter of his life. By not knowing how to read a newspaper and not even keeping one under his shoulder - as the fashion is these days, he has lost another quarter of his life.
Not being able to reply the query about the name of their destination, he had lost even the third quarter of his life, according to the businessman. Just then a severe storm sets in and the boat starts rocking. Then the boatman asks the businessman whether he knew swimming. The businessman nodded his head - indicating a 'no'. Then, said the boatman, that his whole life was a waste!!
Bhagawan in detail, explained the experience of Dr. Goldstein in his encounter with the air hijackers. Many of us would have heard this from Dr. Goldstein himself. Once Bhagawan had asked Dr. Goldstein to postpone his return trip to USA. But Dr. Goldstein, worried about losing the money paid for the ticket, 'sort-of' disobeys Bhagawan's command and proceeds with his plan. The result is that, he is caught in a major PanAm air hijack adventure.
Swami described in full detail as to what happened in the aircraft. How the hijackers opened fire with their guns and how almost all were killed but Dr. Goldstein and his wife were saved by Bhagawan's Grace. Swami praised them saying that both were ardent devotees and kept on chanting 'Sairam, Sairam', in their heart.
Miraculously, both were spared by the hijackers and after the three day long ordeal, they were free and they caught another flight to USA. Bhagawan went into the further details and gave all the nuances of their adventure. Finally, Swami praised Dr. Goldstein's wife and said that Ladies always had more devotion than men. Bhagawan said that ladies are able to manifest their devotion more easily than men.
He also praised Dr. Goldstein for taking up weight losing exercises seriously and burning away nearly 60 kgs of fat. Bhagawan said that growing physically is not so important, growing mentally is very essential. At this point, Bhagawan sang the Bhaja Govindam song.
Why are we born on this earth? Is it for Khana, Peena, Marna and Sona? (eating, drinking, dying and sleeping?) There is a lot that we have to do in between birth and death. There is a purpose for our coming here into this world. You all are forgetting that.
Premaswaroopulara, we are traveling in this ocean of the world. So many waves push us continuously. We must have the strength to face all these challenges. Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare Krupaya Pahe Pahi Murare. Is life merely about coming and going from the mother's womb?
Human life is for liberation. We study to earn a lot of money and eke out a living. Even birds and beasts do this. What is the use of all this education unless it is used for noble purposes? We are here, not merely for education. A degree is necessary but not sufficient. Therefore, all must discharge their duty keeping the goal in mind. Boys say, I have done an MBA. What is the use? Degrees are just on a paper.
We must know why we have come here. Indeed, man alone has the power to know this. Being born, studying, securing a degree, earning money, going abroad - is this all life is about? No. At the end of our life, we must feel Blissful, happy and a sense of fulfillment!
Bhagawan then spoke about Mahatma Gandhi and gave several insights into his life and about the great sacrifices he made for the country. He also spoke very highly about Kasturba, the wife of Gandhi, who served the people lovingly, even when Gandhi was in prison. But then, though we won freedom ultimately, Swami said that this is not the true freedom. True freedom is that of the spirit. Mahatma Gandhi too strived very hard for this.
Swami also spoke briefly about Subash Chandra Bose, and how his wife and son had come and been with Swami for a long time, both at Ooty and Brindavan. He praised Subash Chandra Bose a lot saying that he had a very good mind. He said that these were people with great devotion. Those who have true devotion, will manifest the same in some way or the other.
Bhagawan again stressed that political freedom is only one level of freedom. True freedom is Svarajya - that of the spirit. There are many hundreds of people who have sacrificed their life for the nation and given up bodily attachment - promoting Atmabhimanam. The nation must be safeguarded by such people with Atmabhimanam - attachment to the Self. Body is merely an instrument. We must be ready to sacrifice at any moment. Body is like a dress; we can have it only till it is worn out.
Having been born as humans with this body, there may be many sufferings. But keep praying to the Lord and let the body go through all these sufferings. You will have no problem.
This body fell down in the bathroom. I have no body attachment at all. I told the doctors that they could do anything. I do not care for this body. Till this day I am walking happily. Many renowned doctors told me that I must undergo another operation. Prakriti itself did the operation for Me. My falling down and breaking the bone was an operation in itself.
I have no suffering or pain at all. Many devotees feel bad. But I have never known what pain is. Sacrificing body attachment in this manner, you can accomplish anything. I say and also act accordingly!! There is unity of thought, word and deed. I can stand for any length of time. Doctors told me not to stand for a long time. But I can stand however long I want. Even now I am standing and talking to you all. I have not resorted to any bandage or any tablet for all this.
Students, body is bound to suffer. Body is like a water bubble, mind is like a mad monkey. Do not follow the body, do not follow the mind, follow your conscience. Live with Atmabhimanam, then there will be no suffering. Swami's programme will face no obstacles because of all this. Swami will keep moving all around the world; nothing can come in the way of His Plan!!
All this is being done to set an example to humanity. The human body is given to serve the Lord. This body must be offered to the Lord. By itself, this body is nothing but a bundle of bones and flesh, full of stench and dirt. It is not permanent. Surrender the body at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
Serve your country as far as possible. To help an old woman in need is also an act of service. No service is too small. Even a small service will yield huge rewards!! To suffer in the process of serving others is good.
The lady devotees wonder how Swami looks so healthy and good inspite of all these problems!! You must understand this. My weight neither decreases nor increases. I can walk fast if I want. But the doctors have some fear and therefore to satisfy them, I am walking like this. The doctors have advised Me to have two boys on either side to help Me. Hence, I have these two boys over here.
I am not troubling them in any way. Arun and Prusty - both are serving Swami so well. I am not troubling anybody nor am I troubled. These boys go to their offices and do their work. In their free time, they come and serve Swami. I ask them sometimes for a glass of water, nothing more.
Today is the birthday of this body only. Do I look like a 79 years old person? Not at all!! People at this age get so many ailments. Their ears become weak of hearing, eyes develop cataract, wrinkles form on the forehead. For Me, all the organs are perfectly normal. You will not find any wrinkles on My forehead. Not just now, even at the age of 80 or even 90, I will be like this only!!!
You must have such courage and go about doing your work. But you are losing your strength by misusing the latent inner power. Otherwise, you can accomplish so much with Swami's Grace!!
This human body must be maintained well for the purpose of serving, not for decoration or show. If anybody wants My life, I am ready to give that also immediately. You too must be ready like that. At the same time, you must also not neglect this body.
When there is smoke, there has to be fire behind; when there is a moving train, there has to be a driver responsible for it; having such faith, why not be courageous O Mind?
I see these boys sitting here. They may be just 20 to 30 years old. But look at them. They look so dull and old. No, you must not be like this. You must be ready for any task at any time. Be ever ready to sacrifice! You must always say, "I am ready, I am ready, I am ready!!" Mmmm..... Chala Santosham....
The purpose behind this Birthday celebration is to communicate the message that the body is meant for service to society. This is true Seva.
Bhagawan concluded His Discourse at 9.25 a.m. with the Bhajan, "Sai Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin...".
Prasadam Distribution began. Meanwhile, Swami called Sri Maharaja Rasagotra, the Chief Guest of yesterday's Convocation and materialized some Vibhuti for him. Later, Swami called him again and materialized a ring and put it on his finger. Apples were the Prasadam this time. The distribution went on and on for a long time. Swami went into the interview room and retired by 10.00 a.m. However, the Prasadam distribution went on till 11.00 a.m. Thousands of devotees joyfully partook of the Prasadam!
In the evening, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 3.20 p.m. Vedam chanting was going on and the students of the Music College were playing the Panchavadyam (Kerala equivalent of Naadaswaram). Bhagawan was in His normal orange robe and in the golf cart. He went straight into the interview room. He came out at 3.45 p.m. and gave some instructions to brother Nitin Acharya.
Immediately, there was lot of commotion - Sevadal people running around. We then discovered that Swami wanted a platform to be arranged on the dais for the singer. By 4.15 p.m., the platform was arranged with a beautiful velvet blue carpet spread on it. Bhagawan came onto the dais and sat down on the sofa. Few minutes later, Begum Parveen Sultana with her husband Ustad Dilshad Khan came over to the stage and took Bhagawan's Blessings.
Begum Parveen Sultana was to be the singer for this evening. Accompanying her on the tabla were brothers M. Ratnakar and Niranjan Kanadia of our Institute. Dr. Shailesh Srivastava played the harmonium and Sanket Modi from the Music College played on the keyboard. All of them offered a bouquet to Bhagawan and took their seats.
The music programme began at 4.20 p.m. Bhagawan, the Master of all knowledge and art, had asked her to commence the programme with Raag Hamsavardhani. Therefore, as per Divine instructions, she started with a Tarana in Raag Hamsavardhani. This was followed by some Meera Bhajans and Sai Bhajans. We had - Mere To Giridhara Gopala, Payo Ji Mene Naama Ratana Dhana Payo, Bhaja Mana Nanda Nandana Giridhari, Sairam Sairam Sumirana Karo and Dayani Bhavani - all her top favorites!
Bhagawan took Aarti and got into the golf cart at 5.40 p.m. The ocean of devotees packed in the Kulwant Hall and also parked all along the lanes and pathways of the Ashram kept their eyes glued onto the golf cart as it slowly moved away towards the Poornachandra Hall carrying our dear Lord in it. Each one of us wanted just one more glance of His Divine Form before the curtain dropped on this most holy and auspicious day in our lives!
Let us all pray to the Lord to give us the strength to follow His command and rise up to His expectations, so that the next year when we assemble for the 80th Birthday, He feels proud of us - His children and takes us further on our journey towards Him!!
Let us wish each other a very Happy Birthday with the full knowledge that Bhagawan is residing in each one of our hearts. In fact that is what Bhagawan says about His Birthday. He says that His true Birthday falls on the day when we realize His presence in our heart!! Sai Ram to All.
Posted at 01:34 pm by saiavatar
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Water released from Kandaleru to Chennai
Water released from Kandaleru to Chennai
Nellore, Nov 23 - Water was released from Kanadelu reservoir to Chennai on Tuesday after a brief puja ceremony at the head regulator by the Telugu Ganga Chief Engineer Vijayakumar Reddy.
According to information, directions were given by higher officials to release the water on Tuesday to coincide with the birthday of Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi who was instrumental in sanctioning Rs 200 crore for the lining works of the Kandaleru-Poondi canal, now known as Sai Ganga canal which carries water to Chennai.
Though the initial release was 200 cusec there are possibilities to increase the quantity, the SE said, and noted that it would take three days for the water to reach Poondi reservoir, near Chennai.
Pointing to the water reserves of 8.965 tmc in Kandaleru balancing reservoir and dead storage limit of 4 tmc, the SE indicated the feasibility to supply upto 5 tmc to Chennai. TGP SE Rajagopal Reddy was also present among other senior officials of the project.
Source: http://www.sunnetwork.org/news/regional/andhra/andhra.asp?id=10867
November 23, 2004
Posted at 01:20 pm by saiavatar
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Conversations with Sai
SAI: …….When you have deep love for God, then concentration on Him will come automatically.
H: But that is the point, there is the whole point.
SAI: In all these experiences we must hold to the Truth, to life. You love life. We have all these experiences because of life. So we are clinging on to that sort of pillar which is life; for we know that without life we don’t have experiences. Life gives so many things externally but life does not change; life is the same. That life is Truth and that is God. The unchangeable is Truth.
H: Since we are that Truth, we would like to have love in our hearts and flow naturally with life and not according to our arbitrary wishes. Yet we don’t. Swami says we do not, because we lack the intensity. So we say to ourselves, “Well I must get that intensity.” So we strive towards that goal, and striving towards that goal makes the thing stronger – that prevents the desired intensity.
Translator: I don’t follow that.
H: We are selfish and greedy naturally. If we substitute a spiritual goal for a physical goal, then we are still engaged in the same greed. One has just changed the physical greed to a spiritual greed. A further point. If one does not love, as indeed one does not, then one says, “I must get love”. Then love is over there and oneself is here.
SAI: Who are you? Who are you?
H: I am the accumulation of all my past, all my ideas.
SAI: Who is that ‘my’? Who is that ‘my’? Who is claiming? Between the love and yourself there is this claim. What is love and who are you?
H: I am that which I am, the accumulation of all these…
H’s Wife: The accumulation is the idea that you have, but according to Swami you [Atma] and the love are the same thing. You [ego] are the one who puts the separation.
H: Yes, I am the one who puts the separation between us. I am the ego.
SAI: Ego is untruth.
H: Ego is untruth, then I…
SAI: But you are not ego. You are Truth. Ego is not Truth. Any amount of arguments and discussions like this are just words. You will not get this without spiritual practice, without Sadhana. An example: someone asks us what sugar is. We say it is brownish and sort of sandy, because we know sugar. But the sweetness has no form. You can describe sugar like this, but you cannot picture the taste, because the taste has no form.
Even pertaining to the world there are so many things we do not know, and we don’t imagine or worry about. If we only feel intensely for God instead of much discussion and reading books. We must get into the field and try it out. Even if someone writes a book it is his spiritual experience.
You love your wife and she loves you. But if she is hungry you cannot eat for her. And if you are hungry she cannot eat for you despite the fact that you love each other dearly. Spiritual hunger is like that. Each man must seek and appease that hunger according to his faith. Even though
Swami tries to explain, you do not grasp it. It is only through experience that you can come to it.
When you start to learn to drive, you must have an open space for practice; but once you learn, then you can go confidently even on a narrow road. It is just like in a school. Gradually you go and you understand. If big words are used when the child is still learning ABC then the child does not understand.
In the beginning, we do not understand the things of the world, and do not even understand ourselves; so how can you understand that which is beyond you? So, first you try to understand yourself by doing spiritual practice, by doing Sadhana. First ‘I’ next ‘you’. ‘I’ plus ‘you’ equals ‘we’. Then ‘we’. Then ‘we’ plus ‘He’. Then only ‘He’.
H: No, I don’t understand that.
SAI: First ‘I’ then ‘you’. First ‘I’ that is life. Next ‘you’ that is the world. ‘I’ plus ‘you’ is ‘we’. ‘We’ plus ‘He’ is God. Only ‘He’. There is love, the person who loves and the person you love. And when all get together it is bliss.
You see there are three blades in the fan. The three Gunas are represented by the three blades. Only when the blades circulate together in harmony do you get the air. When they move in the same direction then they bring the cool air. The three Gunas within us are going in different directions. When you turn them in the same direction all going round together then you will have one-pointedness and you will be enabled to know.
A Visitor: Could it be like this? It is the experience of a number of people including myself that gradually one does Sadhana, but then comes such an experience that would have taken an immense time to gain, but through your Grace one has the sudden experience.
SAI: Another example: in a house, each one does a particular job and divides the work. In the evening when the family has finished the work nobody says, “Father, I did such and such a work and you must pay me.” It is one house. So you don’t ask for payment you just do the work. But when someone from outside comes you fix up the rate and pay accordingly. When you pay them that shows that they are outsiders. But when they become your own you don’t have to pay them. They work with interest and no pay is expected. Similarly with God. When you think God is the nearest and dearest to you, like one family, you don’t ask for pay. The one who surrenders like that, he is My own, he does not have to look for payment. But the one who says, “I have done so much Sadhana” and barters with God and says, “I have done so much Sadhana and you give me such and such a reward”, then that is the difference; he is the outsider.
The child who is so small does not ask the mother “I want milk. I want to be changed” and so on, but the mother looks after every need of the child without its asking. When you have surrendered yourself completely to God and become God’s child, you don’t have to tell God what you want. He will give even more than you have asked for. But it is only by love that He is your dearest. Do Sadhana and there is a closeness to God; then you don’t have to tell Him that you want this or that. Because you are like a little child, He will come and give you more than even what you ask for. Ego is what prevents us from becoming close to God. It is that ego, ‘I’ have to do this, ‘I’ have to get all this. You must see that ’I’ is only the instrument of the Lord. Like the fan is an instrument, you are an instrument of the Lord. Now is the fan making the fan rotate or is the current making the fan rotate?
H: The current is making the fan rotate.
SAI: The current is God; so you are only the instrument. Even the fact that we think that our eyes see things and that our ears hear things is not correct. My eyes are here but the mind is in Bangalore thinking of this or that. My eyes are seeing, but my mind is somewhere else. Mind is important. Body is like a torch; eye is like the bulb; mind is the battery cell; intelligence is the switch. Only when the four work together do you get the light. The body is only like a torch.
H: Surrender to God is everything of course but…
SAI: The word ‘surrender’ in English is not quite correct; it is not the right word. Because, when you say ‘surrender’, you are separate and God is separate. That is the meaning you get. But God is not separate.
Posted at 12:38 pm by saiavatar
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Nov 18, 2004
The Ideal of Womanhood
"The Feminine Principle is spoken of as the illusion imposed on Himself by the Lord, as the Energy with which He equipped Himself out of His own will. This is why Woman is considered to be an embodiment of the Supreme Shakti. She is the faithful companion of man, his fortune; since she is the concretisation of the Will of the Lord, she is Mystery, Wonder, the representative of the protective Principle. She is the queen of man's home, his beneficence, the illumination of his house. Women are in now way inferior (to men) for they are the repositories of the divine Force." Sathya Sai Baba (Dharma Vahini, ch 4)
One may well be wondering what Sai Baba means when He says that women "are repositories of the divine Force", that they are the "embodiments of the Supreme Shakt". We are apt to equate force with physical strength, but that is not the force of which Baba is speaking here. It is rather the energy of patient perseverance, of idealism, of inner wisdom, the life-force that propels things towards greater fulfilment. I has been said that the woman is the force behind man’s forcefulness. Baba continues to say, "How full of fortitude, patience and Love is their nature! Their self-control is seldom equalled by men. They are the exemplars and leaders of men in treading the spiritual path. Pure, selfless love is inborn in women. Women who are full of knowledge, who are cultured, who are bound by love and who are keen to discriminate whether their words are in conformity with righteous living (Dharma) – such women bring joy and good fortune to the home." (Dharma Vahini, ch 4)
Sai Baba asks that "men should realise the high status of women and honour and respect them accordingly." (discourse of 19-11-1995) But, as women, perhaps we need to appreciate our own high status too, and fully understand our role as women. Right from the first incipient beginnings of civilisation, we have been the Yin to man's Yang, the inspiration that turns the practical into the beautiful, and, above all, we are the makers of a home. A home is not a house – that is just the shell that may, or may not, contain a home. "What is a home? How is it different from a house? A home is filled with love, and with the sacrifices that love involves, the joy that love radiates, and the peace that love imparts. The brick and mortar structure where parents and children spend their lives is not necessarily a home. Children do not yearn for it and parents do not find peace therein." (discourse of 26-7-1969) A home is a place in which its members feel welcomed, accepted and loved. It is a place of nurturing – nurturing not just of the body but of the spirit. It is the place from which one derives the strength to face the world.
He says too, "Countries are in a state of chaos today, therefore we must see that an atmosphere of peace prevails. For both peace and joy, it is the home that is most important. If there is no joy in the homes, how can there be joy in the nations? How can persons who are unable to set right their own homes, ever succeed in setting right the nation? We say that the world is full of discord, but from where has this discord come? It has come from within us." (discourse of 19-11-1995)
Homes are the basic units of any nation, and only a woman can produce one. As Baba says, a woman is the "wealth of the home, as man’s faithful companion in the pilgrimage towards God and self-realization, and as the mistress of the house. If the women of a country are happy, healthy and holy, the men of that country will be hardy, honest and happy." (discourse of 9-9-1958) In today’s world, there are many women who resent being seen as ‘only’ home-makers. They feel that to dub her thus is to relegate her to the kitchen sink. Not at all. There are many other areas in which women can usefully contribute to the wellbeing of society, but we should not do so at the expense of our one greatest contribution, that of producing a home for our family.
To again quote Sathya Sai Baba, He says, "I do not declare that women should not be educated or that they should not move in society. Wherever they move, if they are endowed with good qualities, and if those good qualities are accompanied by good actions and good habits, then their study will have been worth while and society has indeed benefited." ("Dharma Vahini" ch V) He says too, "You may also take up jobs, but you should not give up the obligations of womanhood. The first title given to a woman is ‘goddess of the home’. A woman is expected o confer all prosperity, honour and good name on the home and on the family. . . . The home and the family is the basic social institution, everywhere in the world." (discourse of 19-11-1996)
There is something that I think we women do not always realise. A woman is in no way inferior to a man, but she is different, and her role is different. A woman has her own nature, her own talents, her own strengths and her own weaknesses – and, above all, she has her own role to play. Instead of that, modern woman feels that, in order to proclaim her equality with men, she must be like a man. She feels that, in order to fully express herself, she must give priority to her job or profession, dress in the feminine equivalent of a business suit, hug a briefcase under her arm, and tackle the world of business head on.
In doing all this, she proudly asserts that she is man's equal, but her slavish emulation announces to all the world that she considers womanhood to be an inferior state. It is said that "imitation is the sincerest form of praise", and, by aping men in nearly every field of activity, all that modern woman has succeeded in proclaiming, is that to be a worth-while person one has to act and work like a man. Let us women be in the work-force if we have to – and many of us do have to – but let us not forget that no one else can do our job of producing a home and bringing new lives into the world. To the extent that we have to neglect that primary duty, the world is that much poorer. "The home is the . . . beacon which illumines the world and sustains it. Women should realize that, irrespective of their education or position, their foremost duty is to protect the home." (discourse of 19-11-1996)
We all know that only a woman can bear children, but bringing a new life into the world is only half the job. There are creches, there are play-centres, there are schools, but none of those can replace the vital role of the mother. There is a subtle link between the child and the mother, and that link is not broken when the umbilical cord is cut. To develop properly, a baby needs the caring love of the mother, and continues to need it well past the time when it begins to walk. Care-givers can give physical care, but only the mother can give the child the sense of security born of love for which it craves. As the years go by, that ‘mother-love’ needs to manifest as a nurturing of the spirit, not just as a bodily nurturing, but the need for it always remains. For the growing child, it spells ‘home’.
And who, apart from the mother, can teach her daughters how to manifest the true qualities of a woman? "Modesty is essential for a woman; it is her priceless jewel. It is against the Dharma of a woman to overstep the limits of modesty; crossing that limit bring on many calamities. Without modesty, a woman is devoid of beauty and culture. Humility, purity of thought and manners, meekness, surrender to high ideals, sensitivity, sweetness of temper – the peculiar blend of all these qualities is modesty. It is the most invaluable of all jewels for women. The modest woman will ever keep within limits, through her innate sense of propriety. She becomes automatically aware of which behaviour is proper and which is not. If a woman has no modesty, she is injuring the interests of womanhood itself, besides undermining her own personality. She becomes like a flower without fragrance, which the world does not cherish or honour, and of which it cannot approve. The absence of modesty in a woman, makes her life a waste and a vacuum, however rich she might be in other accomplishments. Modesty lifts her to the heights of holiness, giving her authority in the home as well as outside, in the community as well as in the world." ("Dharma Vahini" ch IV) Who else but the mother can teach her daughters that?
http://www.sathyasai.org.nz/IdealWomanhood.htm
Posted at 03:19 pm by saiavatar
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Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday celebrations commence
Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday celebrations commence
PUTTAPARTHY: The 79th birthday celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba will begin a Prashanti Nilayam here from Thursday.
Already scores of devotees have landed from various places to take part in the celebrations, for which the APSRTC is running special buses from Tirupati, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bangalore and Chennai.
The festivities will begin with Venugopalswamy Radhotsavam on November 18, while November 19 will be observed as Youth and Women's Day. On November 21, students of Sri Sathya Sai educational institutions will present cultural programmes.
On November 22, the convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University) will be held. Former union secretary for external affairs Maharaj Krishna Rasagotra will attend the convocation.
On November 23, the birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba will be celebrated. Congress leader Digvijay Singh, Animal Husbandry Minister G Surya Rao and others will attend the birthday celebrations, while Tourism Minister Gita Reddy will participate in the Women's Day celebrations.
Already noted pop singer Tona Guilepsi has reached Puttaparthy and more VIPs are expected to arrive here on November 22.
The district administration is making all necessary arrangements for the devotees arriving here from abroad and all over the country.
sourced:
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEA20041117091755&Title=Southern+News+-+Andhra+Pradesh&Topic=0
Posted at 07:38 am by saiavatar
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Seva - the Lowdown : the how/why/when/where to do?
Seva - the Lowdown : the how/why/when/where to do?
Om Shri Sai Ram
Before one reads, one should take note that this is some heavy stuff
coming up and requires much study.
Seva (selfless service) can be done in many ways. We all generally
are exposed to the physical aspect such as Grama Seva (village
upliftment), hospital visits, medical camps, feeding schemes, etc.
One gets joy out of physically participating in these activities.
Notice that these activities are bound within a certain time limit.
Example : You with a group leave for Grama Seva in the morning and
return in the evening. This is the physical type of seva. This in
itself must be done with pur intentions without seeking of reward.
There is another aspect to selfless service and can be done all the
time wherever u are, in whatever situation regardless of time. This
is keeping GOOD THOUGHTS ! simple as might seem, but more complex to
implement than meets the eye. Does one simply say, i shall have good
thoughts and then it simply happens. we all know this simply does not
occur. Lets investigate further.
What generates thoughts ? An example. One a hot day one see an advert
on TV for a cool drink. Then one gets a thought maybe to go to the
fridge and drink something cool or go buy a cool drink. What has
happened in this instance is that a sensory input (sight) generated a
thought. Then followed action.
another example : One is walking through the streets of Puttaparthi.
One may notice the cars honking, poor kids begging, the buffalo doing
its thing merrily and then sudeenly you hear a catchy tune or bhajan.
You think of Swami during Darshan that morning and how graceful He
looked. Again here another sensory input (Ears) generated a thought
and what followed was maybe a good feeling or such.
The point here is that thoughts are generated by what we take in
through our senses. We have Five of them.
1.Eyes
2.Ears
3.Nose
4.Touch
5.Tongue
Out of these the tongue is paramount. TO control this is to control
the other senses. You see tongue can take in and give out too. Here,
diet plays a crucial role. Very bluntly put, if one is serious on
this spiritual path with the goal of merging with God, a satwic
(pure) diet is non-negotiable. Diet here refers to all sense also.
Tongue : Ofcourse vegetarianism for starters. But i'm sure you've
come across some vegetarians who can act like demons :-) So, what
plays critical role here? This area of diet is extensive and is
paramount for study, experimentation and implementation by every true
sadhaka (spiritual aspirant). This is described in detail at
www.srisathyasai.org.za - click on health & diet on the left. This is
not an attempt to promote this website. It simply contains the most
researched information (both from scriptures & medical science)
geared towards spirituality. Study this.
So what's all this got to do with SEVA ? Simple as this brother &
sister. The Seva activity by DEFINITION is to be SELFLESS. One's
thought process needs to be in pristine check if the Seva activity is
to be of benefit. Now this is not saying, "Oh i have some negative
thoughts, i can't do Seva." No, this is a defeatist attitude.
Refining this activity on an individual basis is a challenge for all
of us. I doubt if there is a single one among us all that does not
have negative thoughts at least some of the time. But we should
aspire to have none as Swami expects nothing but excellence from us.
The above was written in response to a question of how to do Seva at
1. home with chores or
2. if one does not have these opportunities one feels guilty/useless.
I am sure many have been in this quandry.
1. Well at home, always do the chores with excellence. If you are
washing the dishes, wash it as if Swami where going to physically eat
of it. When cleaning your toilet, wash it as if Swami where going to
use it. You see, if these home activities where done with such
THOUGHT processes, then automatically it becomes a service activity.
2. Having no seva opportunities ?? With due respect, this IS the Kali
Age after all. Suffering is abound. Go FIND the opportunities. A
small story i heard to illustrate.
Once at Kodai-Canal (a place in India Swami has often visited) Swami
was doing some distribution of food, clothing & blankets. So all
these poor people from around the area queued up near the ashram at
Kodai to receive the distribution. Students, Teachers & Officials
were very happy towards the end of the day having served so many
people. Swami however, did not seem entirely satisfied. He signalled
to one of His drivers and soon he disapeared around the back only to
come out in His car about to go out. Well!. Many thought," Ah Swami,
after a wonderful day of Seva, is going for a relaxing evening drive.
Splendid!"
After some time Swami returned. Many Students had gathered around but
dared not enquire how Swami's evening drive was. So, Bhagawan in His
Mercy revealed. He said " You have served many people here today. but
what about the people who are disabled, who are destitute, who are
sick and can't move, who are not able to travel here to receive these
items. I went to seek and find them and distribute these items to
them Myself."
wonderful story. Swami does not waste a single utterance or action
of His. He has come to teach us.
" My Life is My Message" - have you not heard ? We need to go find
these opportunities as Swami Himself has shown us. Swami has more
recently endeared us to say, "YOUR life is MY Message." What
responsibilty we have !
It all starts on individual level. One should understand how the
internal administration of man works. how your mind works. why we
react, respond in different ways at different times.
The book every Sai devotee should STUDY is Summer Showers 1990. In
fact all Summer Showers are intense and should be studied in general.
(Summer Showers is generally a two-week long "concentration camp"
where Spirituality & Culture is studied by Students with them
receiving lectures from many reknowned speakers from India & the
World as well as Swami giving Divine Discourses every day!!)
This together with the web link (above) to the health & diet stuff is
a powerful tool for transformation. And as Swami has stated, "Without
information, there can be no transformation."
Jai Sai Ram
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabanews/message/4892
Posted at 07:32 am by saiavatar
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When in Despair
Om Shri Sai Ram
Many times in our lives we go through trials and tribulations.
Sometime they seem unbearable and torturous. However, we are all here
to wipe of karma & being contemporaries of the Avatar this process is
sometimes somewhat accelerated. This story below better explains.
Many years back a devotee from India once went to Swami with his
family. While at the ashram Swami graced them with an interview &
they thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Swami saying Very Happy &
I Bless You, I Bless You, I Bless You.
The gentleman & his family returned home very inspired and full of
that Divine Energy. During the first couple months and returning,
things on the man work front started getting shaky. Not worrying too
much the man put his faith in Bhagawans triple blessing, " I Bless
You !" x3. Because of the pressure at work, there was some friction
at home. The kids also were not on best behaviour & the like. this
went on for a year.
The next year this family returned to Bhagawan only to be totally
ignored. not only that, it so turned out that even they couldn't even
get a close Darshan line. So, they returned dejected.
As soon as the returned home the man lost his job. Soon the trouble
at home hightened with serious problems in the marriage. The kids
barely doing any justice in their studies. No matter where this man
went no-one would give him a job. The household managed on the meager
savings they had over the years. Still remembering Bhagawan's words &
yet at the same time having some questions, after a year the family
made another trip to Swami just to experience the same trouble, this
time strangely being always harassed by Sevadals on something or the
other during their stay at the ashram.
Once again returning seriously doubting the authenticity of this God
who blessed them. Things becoming unbearable financially, they lost
their house, car & all their material possesions. Having to sell what
jewellry they had to survive they had to impose upon some relatives
for shelter. Husband & wife were always squabling and it came to the
point of divorce. What kind of God would do this to His devotee was
the question in the mans mind. By some stroke of luck, they decided
to go one more time to Swami & after that to call the marriage quits.
They arrived at the ashram & again expreince the same hardships &
total ignoring leela again. On the morning they are to leave,
miraculously they are called in for an interview. The man asks
Swami, " Is the result of Your Blessings. We have lost everything. We
are having problems." Swami smiles at him and says,"My Dear, in these
past three years of your life, these past three years of hardship,
My Grace in these three years has wiped out THREE LIFETIMES of your
karma."
Dear sister/brother, we don't know what the Master Planner has in
store or how He is Gracing us. Let us be grateful just for the simple
knowledge that we know He is here. We are with GOD. Wow. Sit and
think about that for a while. Just that we blessed with this
opportunity makes one shed tears of joy. Contemplate on this in
silence. We are not here to get possesions, earn degrees or any other
things that today's society dictates one to do. Millions own houses,
millions have degress, millions have millions. How many have the
chance to serve in this mission actively? We are here to return to
Him. THAT IS ALL. only by Namasmarana (constant contemplation on the
Lords Name) & Seva (Selfless Service) can we achieve this goal.
How to do? Simply doing bhajans, attending Sai activities wont
achieve this goal. Only by doing service to fellow creation whilst
constantly having His Name in our hearts, minds & lips will this move
us forward. Everything whether at home, work, school or at an
organised Sai Seva activity is a Seva opportunity. Grab it and make
full use of it.
Sorry for this long Mahabharata. Maybe it was part of your Karma to
be tortured thus. After this very holy weekend, njoy :-)
Jai Sai Ram
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabanews/message/4853
Posted at 05:38 am by saiavatar
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Kali Yuga, Golden Age, Swami's and Krishna's predictions
Kali Yuga, Golden Age, Swami's and Krishna's predictions
Light and Love
(My article is devoted to Swami's 79th Birthday).
In Sai literature and in sites dedicated to Swami have various explanations concern to the Golden Age, noted by Swami in His interviews, talks and discourses. Among the Vedic saints, also various opinions exist.
The article shares some frames from this huge study. There are many references. Mainly they are as the sources for additional information for them, who is more deeply interested in this topic.
Probably Swami thinks under Golden Age not sudden becoming the age of global happiness and prosperity in the beginning of 21st Century, but something else. (There is nothing has to be gained by self-effort). Some of His explanations were pictorial as lessons for His devotees.
Swami addresses the Golden Age as an age of better opportunity to humanity for the spiritual growth in the conditions of the Kali Yuga. As Swami stresses many times, His Avatar's (the word "avatar" derivatives from Sanskrit root Avitr, i.e., to descend) incarnation is for the benefit of humanity to establish the righteousness (Dharma) and to direct His devotees towards anyone's inner golden age to study the art of discrimination.
"Many people are scared because they believe that the Kali Yuga in which we live will witness the ultimate Deluge. Others call it the Kalaha Yuga, the Age of Conflict, for it is now well-nigh omnipresent. No, no. This age is the Golden Age for the seekers of God, for earning and learning viveka." (Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 15, Chapter 30). /Viveka -discrimination/.
How is possible to obtain skill for discrimination?
By Swami and Vedic wisdom, there are three stages: Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita and Advaita (Dualism, Trained, Qualified Dualism and Non-Dualism). By Dvaita individuals accept each other as separate from God. By Vishishtadvaita individuals accept themselves and the God as a real person, very dear and close to them. They worship the image of God (Swami), feel His help, and support everywhere. The most devotees can tell many wonderful stories and experiences connected with faith to Swami, His image. Here still Swami is as a separate Divine incarnation and a devotee is the other person. By Advaita an individual realizes that the God is everywhere, in every atom and galaxy, in human being, and in fly...
It is the third stage towards what Swami leads the humanity. It is His Divine Duty, purpose of His incarnation. When human beings have realized the third stage in practice, the Golden Age can arrive step-by-step inside the Kali Yuga as a beautiful flower in desert of ignorance.
In the light of the Vedic scriptures Swami's notes, predictions, sayings concern to the Golden Age is easy to understand.
Ancient Vedic scriptures revealed a conception of cycles of the Yugas alias Cosmic Ages regulated by the Light of the Galactic Center. Cycles of cosmic creation (Sarga) and cosmic dissolution (Pralaya) dependent on the Brahma, the Creator, one cycle of His existence is a hundred years of Brahma. This concept is presented in the Mahabharata (III, 12, 826) and the Vishnu Purana (I, 8 and VI, 3). One Brahma's cycle is Maha Yuga or Divya Yuga which consists of four Yugas - Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. One Maha Yuga is 12,000 years of the demigods (4,320,000 human years). At the end of a Maha Yuga after 4,320,000 years there is a universal cataclysm will happen when everything will destroy by the cosmic whirl of recreation, fire (1, 2). A Brahma's day is followed by a Brahma's night of equal length. Then, a new cycle of Satya Yuga will develop out of the previous Kali Yuga. The ratio between the Yugas is as 4:3:2:1 by duration.
By Swami and Vedic literature, Kali Yuga began 20 December 3102 BC, on the day when Krishna attained mahasamadhi, 5106 years ago.
The period of existence the Yugas by Vedic scriptures are Satya Yuga or Krita Yuga - 1,728,000 years, Treta Yuga - 1,296,000 years, Dwapara Yuga - 864,000 years and Kali Yuga - 432,000 years.
According to the modern science, the Universe is expanding, after the 'Big Bang'. It will continue to expand until reaches a maximum stage when starts to collapse reaching eventually a zero size again, the 'Big Crunch' (3). It is easy to notice that the 'Big Bang' theory is near to Vedic concept of beginning of creation (Sarga) of Maha Yuga. The 'Big Crunch' can be considered as the dissolution (Pralaya). Sarga and Pralaya are nothing more than a Divine play of Time. No one knows where Time began and where it ends, and it is Time only which plays with cosmic creation, maintenance and destruction of the material manifestation.
Bhagavad-Gita (9.10) confirms this conclusion as follows: “This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.”
Swami Yuteswar and some other Vedic saints found the incorrect calculations of Yugas in Vedic scriptures. Yuteswar represented the other dates for Yugas with motivated explanations in his book "The Holy Science" (4). According to his book, written in 1894, the Sun is a part of a binary system, orbiting another star, with an orbital period about 24, 000 years. (The modern astronomy has recently recognized that many stars are parts of stars gravitational/orbital systems, for proper study - www.binaryresearchinstitute.org). As the Sun moves through this orbit, our solar system is periodically closer and further from Center of Galaxy (called by the author 'Vishnunabhi'. This center is responsible for the creation of some kind mental, spiritual power Brahma. His Yuga Cycle ("Electric Cycle") is based on the movement light through declining and ascending cycles. From practical side such theory is closer to explain the opportunity to have a Golden Age within Kali Yuga. Some Vedic scholars propose that humanity is experiencing the 10,000-year period known as The Golden Age within Kali-Yuga. Present time is an upward cycle of Galactic Light. At that time, the Avatar has incarnated. Swami is with our generation.
By the Bhavishya Purana global changes and tribulations will begin around the year 2000 AD alongside a continuous upswing in spiritual consciousness due to the influence of the Golden Age of Kali Yuga, which began around the year 1500 AD. (The Bhavishya Purana is said to be one of the oldest and reliable Vedic scriptures on prediction and accurately predicted the coming of Jesus, Mohammed and Buddha). This lesser cycle of light within a greater cycle of darkness will only last for 10,000 years and then the full effects of Kali Yuga will ensue. The Golden Age that we are now experiencing is considered a very important time for humanity’s spiritual growth and evolution. Stephen Knapp the author of “The Vedic Prophecies” writes, “During the period within the Golden Age of Kali-Yuga, the spiritual opportunity for people increases, although we can plainly see that the standards for moral and spiritual principles also continue to decrease at the same time amongst most people, but not quite as rapidly.”
The predictions to the 10, 000 years of Golden Age inside Kali Yuga are represented in Brahma-vaivarta Purana* Part 4, Krishna-janma-khanda. Chapter 129 is called Golokarohanam, because it describes how Krishna returns to His abode. There is a specific dialogue is between Lord Krishna and Mother Ganga. Verse 49 is a question by Ganga, Verses 50-60 are Krishna's answers. (*When "Purana" is used alone it refers to Bhagavata Purana. Otherwise, it will specify Skanda Purana, Visnu Purana, etc.).
Below are the Verses in short, without original text. For me seems that these verses are very important, they serves as an additional explanation to Swami's predictions concern to the Golden Age. The verses consists the advices for devotees who are the roots of the Golden Age in the middle of the Kali Yuga.
Verse 49. "Ganges said: O protector, Supreme enjoyer, on your departure for the perfect abode, Goloka, thereafter what will be my situation in the age of Kali?"
Verse 50. "The Supreme Personality of Godhead (Lord Krishna - R.P.) said: On the earth 5,000 years of Kali will be sinful and sinners will deposit their sins in you by bathing."
Verse 51. "Thereafter by the sight and touch of those who worship Me by My mantra, all those sins will be burnt."
Verse 52. "There will be chanting of the name of Hari and reading of the (Bhagavata) Purana. Reaching such a place, attentively hear.
Verse 53. "Sinful reactions including the killing of a brahmana can be nullified be hearing the Purana and chanting of the names of Hari in the manner of devotees."
Verse 54. "Just as dry grass is burnt by fire, by the embrace of Vaisnavas all sins are burnt."
Verse 55. "O Ganges, the whole planet will become a pilgrimage sight by the presence of Vaisnavas, even though it had been sinful."
Verse 56. "In the body of My devotees remains eternally [the purifier]. Mother Earth becomes pure by the dust of the feet of My devotees."
Verse 57. "It will be the same in the case of pilgrimage sites and the whole world. Those intelligent worshipers of My mantra who partake My remnants will purify everything."
Verse 58. "They are more dear to Me than My life, who everyday meditate only on Me. Those intelligent worshipers of My mantra who partake My remnants will purify everything."
Verse 59. "For 10,000 years of Kali such devotees of Mine will fill the whole planet. After the departure of My devotees there will be only one varna (outcaste)."
Verse 60. "Devoid of My devotees, the earth will be shackled by Kali. Saying this, Krsna (Krishna -R.P.) departed."
As a conclusion to of these verses by the words from Padma Purana, Svarga Khanda 61.5 that in the Kali Yuga, a person should accept only one process, which is devotional service.
More clearly, Swami says the same:
"Though the evil is thickest in this Kali Age, the remedy is the simplest." (Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 8, Chapter 22).
As predicted several millennia ago in the By Bhagavata Purana, written thousands years ago, the present Dark Age of Kali is the time of increasing destruction, disorder and decline. The most people are aware only of the physical aspect of existence, the predominant emphasis of living is material survival, and power is mostly in the hands of men. According to the Vedic scriptures, Kali Yuga, is the age of total spiritual darkness and violence.
Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 12.2 tells that during the 432,000-year age of Kali, humanity deteriorates and falls into barbarism. Humans begin to kill animals for food. They fall under the spell of intoxication. They lose all sexual restraint. Families break up. Women and children are abused and abandoned.
The Vedic saints and sages of ancient India describe the people of this age as greedy, ill behaved, and merciless. By Srimad-Bhagavatam in this age merely possessing wealth is considered a sign of good birth, proper behavior, and fine qualities. Law and justice are determined by one's prestige and power. Marriage ceases to exist as a holy union - men and women simply live together on the basis of bodily attraction and verbal agreement, and only for sexual pleasure.
Women wander from one man to another. Men no longer look after their parents in their old age, and fail to provide for their own children. Filling the belly is said to be the only purpose in life. Cows are killed once their milk production drops. Atheism flourishes.
The new leaders emerge from the laborer class and begin to persecute religious people, saints, teachers, intellectuals, and philosophers. Children are killed in the wombs of their mothers. Women who have relations with several men are numerous. The Linga Purana says that in Kali Yuga, young women freely abandon their virginity. Women, children, and cows - always protected in an enlightened society - are abused and killed during the Iron Age. Thieves are numerous and rapes are frequent. There are many beggars, and widespread unemployment. Merchants operate corrupt businesses. Diseases, rates, and foul substances plague the populace. Water is lacking, fruits are scarce. People in this age eat their food without washing beforehand. Water is scarce. Many people watch the skies, praying for rain. No rain comes. The fields become barren. Men are without virtues, purity or decency. (Visnu Purana 6.1).
The men of Kali Yuga seek only money. Only the richest have power. People without money are their slaves. Farmers abandon living close to nature. They become unskilled laborers in congested cities.
However, it is the time when the spiritual growth is possible to realize most easily and quickly.
"This Kali Yuga is praised in the scriptures as incomparably conducive to the salvation of man, for he can now attain the Highest through the mere thought of God and remembering His Name. So of all the Yugas, this Yuga is described as the most holy, the most beneficent. Dhyana (meditation) was prescribed as the means of liberation for men in the Kritha Yuga, Ascetism as the means during the Tretha Yuga and ritual worship for the Dwapara Yuga. But, for people of this Yuga, the simple remedy prescribed is just Namasmarana, the constant awareness of the Name." (Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 11, Chapter 28).
What is the result of spiritual experiences? They are bringing the seekers of God closer the Advaita, recognition the God within. The Enlightenment of devotees is the first condition for realization the ‘customs’ Satya Yuga.
The scriptures write that the Golden Age i.e. Satya Yuga is time when many people can experience spirituality intuitively. Maybe, at that time people also can communicate telepathically. (Even the modern science does not deny such possibility). The Golden Age will begin when Swami's devotees and followers will grow spiritually towards acknowledgement the Truth, Righteousness, Love, Peace, Nonviolence and Right Conduct (Five Human Values). Temples and idols are unnecessary, as people feel the Omnipresence God, (Cosmic Consciousness) and the matrix of the whole Universe within and in every human being and everywhere. No external ritual is necessary, when one acknowledged this Advaitic truth. Swami on this Atmic level is as a Omnipresent and Omniscient Cosmic mirror what reflects as a witness the aspirations of His devotees and followers.
I selected some excerpts as examples of Swami's predictions concern to the Golden Age.
In the Introduction of the book "The Golden Age of Sai” compiled by Nirmal, 1997 (2nd edition) the author writes:
"Sri Sathya Sai Baba has declared that He will usher in a new era of Love, Peace, Righteousness, and Truth. This "Golden Age," as He calls it, is destined to begin soon with an event (or series of events) that will draw world attention to His Divinity. Many of Baba's devotees wonder what these events will be like, what the Golden Age represents, and what our duty is towards it, Bhagavan, and each other."
The Golden Age is begins now, when the number of Swami's devotees has increased to the cosmic numbers. During the recent years, Swami stresses to the Advaitic stage of spiritual development. His recent discourses (October 2004) are the bright examples of His advanced approach to rule the humanity closer to divinity.
Anil Kumar (Questions and Answers, 05.01.2003) answered to the question 35 "What is known about the Golden Age that Swami often talks about? When will it begin?" (http://www.internety.com/anilk-q&a/) Excerpts from the answer.
"The Golden Age began when Bhagavan took birth...Then, why am I not aware of it? The reason is that the Golden Age was my dream. If the Golden Age had been my vision, then I would have been awakened by this time. That Golden Age should have already kindled in my heart the light of wisdom within me, awakening the third eye of vision."
Swami has assured us that there is no reason for humankind to be extremely worried about the future, for the Golden Age of humanity is soon dawning. He has assured that Satya Yuga shall start from 1999 and during the days of His next Avatar as Prema Sai which will be from 2030 onwards, the world will see the best period of human civilisation. (“Pralaya 1999”, by M. R. Narendra), http://www.geocities.com/priyasai108/cd/prophecy.htm.
David Jevons in his talk at Sai Summer Picnic held in Langley, British Columbia, Canada on Sunday July 9th 2000.(http://www.ramalacentre.com/newsletter09_00_01.htm) indicates to Swami's words from his Discourse before His 75th birthday. “Many events are going to take place very soon. Many mega projects are going to come up. The time is not far off when people will see me at different places at the same time. I may be travelling in a car, but at the same time I shall be giving darshan at Sai Kulwant hall and at the same time I shall be speaking at the Hillview Stadium.”
It is real, as all who recognized the Self within are potential carriers the same divine energy, vibrations as Swami. It is Swami's Omnipresent Divine Energy what spreads everywhere and 'fills' even the deepest holes and the darkest humans' minds. As we can read from Puranas and other scriptures from Vedic saints, the Golden Age is the Divine Will and it begins from recocognition of Self through communion of spirituality and science with human values as a Cosmic Conscience, awareness of Atman and afterwards spread to the society as experience, cosmic experience of the Divine Will among humanity. How humanity responds to it depends upon the readiness of humans free will to fuse into vibrations of the Divine Will. The way to the global Golden Age of humanity seems to be long jet. This is the purpose why Swami predicted His third incarnation.
Swami answers to the question what sign will He gives that the Golden Age is beginning that the glory of Sai will spread to every part of the world. It will increase a thousandfold (Sanathana Sarathi, 36, December, 1993, p. 333). This time is arrived.
References:
1. Eliade, M. Aspects du mythe, Gallimard, 1963, p 83.
2. White D. G., The Alchemical Body, Chicago, The University of Chicago, 1996, p. 46.
3. Penrose R., The Emperor's New Mind, Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 418 -419.
4. Yutesfar, Sri. "The Holy Science." Los Angeles, CA. Published by Self-Realization Fellowship, 1949.
5. Knapp, Stephen. The Vedic Profecies: A new Look into the Future. Detroit MI. World Relief Network, 1998.
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Yuga
http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/kaliyuga.htm
Posted at 05:35 am by saiavatar
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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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