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Nov 10, 2004

My own Personal Experiences - Part 1: Prof Anil Kumar

My own Personal Experiences - Part 1: Prof Anil Kumar

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

OM… OM… OM…

Sai Ram.

With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan,

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Completion of Sixty Years

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

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

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

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

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

My Grandfathers

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

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

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

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

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

My Mother and Father

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

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

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

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

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

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

My College Days

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

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

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

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

My Wife's Operation and Temple Visits

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

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

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

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

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

"Why Don't We Go To Puttaparthi?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then I started shivering in my shoes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"No, no, you can sit!"

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

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

I Did Namaskaar to Him

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why Don't You Call Me?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Was Just a First Class Student

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Became a Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Was a Non-Entity for Eight Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said, "Yes."

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

"I do not know."

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

Anantapur Campus

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said, "Impossible."

"Why?"

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

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

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

"Anil Kumar, Come Here!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation Inside

Then He said, "Come and attend Dasara."

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

So I said, "Dasara, Swami?"

"Yes, Dasara," He said.

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

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

"I'm staying outside."

"Why? Stay inside."

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

"Inside! Don't you understand Me?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give a Talk

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

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

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

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

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

"Okay Swami, by Your Grace."

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

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

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

"Oh, where do I inform, where?"

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

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

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

You Are a Pundit

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

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

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

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

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

"I see! All right!"

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

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

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

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

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

"Since when?" (Laughter)

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

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

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

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

Propagate the Message of Sai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Are Baba and Jesus the Same?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why Should I Suffer Now From Previous Karma?"

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

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

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

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

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

"What Is 'Bad Company'?"

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

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

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

Tyaja Durjana Samsargam.
Bhaja Sadhu Samagamam.

Be in good company. Run away from bad company.

Smara Nityam Anityatham

Think of what is temporary, what is permanent.

Kuru Karma Ahorathram

Do good deeds day-in and day-out.

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

The Inner Voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hear what is good. Hear no evil.

Do no evil. Do what is good.

Think no evil. Think what is good.

See no evil. See what is good.

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

"Why Is a Person Born and Born Again?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of Reaction, Reflection, and Resound

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Swami, I want to die now."

"Yes, Yes!" (Laughter)

"Swami, I got my leg fractured."

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

"Swami, my grandmother died."

"Nice, Yes, Yes, Yes!"

"I want to get married."

"Yes, Yes, Yes!"

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

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

May Bhagavan be with you forever and ever!

Thank you!

(Applause)

Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai!

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

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

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

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

Thank You!

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

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

Report on Dasara Celebrations

Report on Dasara Celebrations
October 17th - 23rd 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jai Sai Ram!

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

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

Parthi Update Nov 1st, 2nd 2004

Parthi Update

01-11-2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The evening concluded with Bhajans.

02-11-2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sairam

A Anantha Vijaya

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

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

Sai Baba on Bhajans

Sai Baba on Bhajans

http://www.vahini.org

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

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

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

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

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

Food and Health

Food and Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embodiments of Divine Love,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embodiments of Divine Love,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONTINUED…
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Brahmavidya and Women - Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Brahmavidya and Women - Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Namasmarana

Namasmarana

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

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

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

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

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Oct 28, 2004

Akhanda Bhajan

Akhanda Bhajan

This year's Akhanda Bhajan will be on the weekend of November 13-14.
This is a continous 24 hour devotional singing session. This event is
held all over the world in all countries. We encourage all of you to
take part in your center's devotional singing program.

The bhajan commences with the lighting of the sacred lamp - the
Akhanda Jyothi - that is kept burning for 24 hours. Thus the sacred
lamp will be lit in each country during the 24 hour period based on
local time and by the time a Sai centre at Honolulu lights the
Akhanda Jyothi, centres in the East would have completed their
Akhanda Bhajan.

Before the Bhajans are completed the world would be a girdle of
Akhanda Jyothis lit round the globe in Sai Units. The Akhanda Jyothi
not only helps to concentrate the minds of devotees but promotes also
a sense of spiritual unity and harmony among the devotees. The
prayers will be for Peace in the world.

This is being done not for the sake of one individual, one nation, or
one community. It is for the welfare of humanity as a whole. The
Bhajans that are sung permeate the ether in the form of sound waves
and fill the entire atmosphere, thereby, the whole environment gets
purified." - Baba

AKHANDA BHAJAN

An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Importance Of Bhajans

"As a matter of fact, Bhajan is a constant exercise. It has to be as
essential as breathing." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 238
"Bhajans always give joy and peace."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. 1, p. 190

"Wherever My devotees sing, there I install myself. So sing from the
heart, conscious of the layers of meaning each word has. You can have
God installed in your heart." Sai Baba

"The Name (of God) undoubtedly brings in the grace of God. Meerabai,
the queen of Rajasthan, gave up her status, riches, fortune and
family, and dedicated herself to the adoration of the

Lord, "Giridhara Gopala". Her husband brought a chalice of poison and
she was ordered to drink it. She uttered the Name of Krishna while
she drank it. It was transformed into nectar by the grace the Name
invoked." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 217

"Cast away ignorance; you are free, liberated from all bonds that
very moment. All spiritual disciplines have this liberation as their
goal. Nama-sankirtana (repetition of God's Names), too, helps you get
rid of this basic ignorance." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 70

"Measures for the elimination of egoism: the chief among these is the
Bhajan." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VI. p. 237

"Let your whole life be a Bhajan. Believe that God is everywhere at
all times, and derive strength, comfort and joy by singing His Glory
in His presence." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 75

"Bhajan is a good disciplinary process by which these two (Kama and
Krodha) can be kept away. Kama is the lust for physical pleasure,
power, fame, wealth and scholarship. Krodha is anger, which is the
result of foiled lust." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X. p. 79

"Bhajan (devotional singing) is more important than Bhojan (food).
Prayer is more important than pining for meals. Birds, beasts,
insects and worms, all feed and keep fit. Man is the crown of
creation, the monarch and master of all beings in creation. If he,
too, seeks only food and shelter as inferior species do, it is
deplorable indeed. From the moment of waking until the moment when he
lays himself down again to sleep, man is engaged in endless errands,
unceasing turmoil, never-ending tangles and boundless anxiety. And
what does he gain therefrom? More confusion, more mental agitation."
Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 79

"You will relish the Bhajan as you make it a daily function, like
eating and sleeping. You eat twice a day for the upkeep of the body.
Should you not do Bhajan at least once for the upkeep of the mind?
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 81

"Those who sing Bhajans get what can be called 'double promotion',
for they derive joy and distribute joy. Life today is filled with
sorrow. It is beset with fear and despair. The only time you can
forget these thoughts and strengthen yourself to meet the hard times
is when you contact the source of all strength. God. You cannot get
that peace while you bend under the burden of daily life." Sai Baba,
SSS. Vol. X. p. 81

"Whenever an idea of hurting others or taking someone's belonging or
spreading falsehood about others enters your mind, turn to God for
help. Ask Him to give you strength. Repeat the Name of God or hum a
Bhajan. You will find that all your bad thoughts will flee, leaving
you free from evil." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 154

"The hands should be lifted in prayer and words should come out full-
throated. It is unfortunate that even those who are gifted with good
voices do not sing aloud in Bhajans. Man has been endowed with a
tongue to sing the praise of God. If he fails to do so, he remains
indebted to God." Sai Baba, SS. 8/96. p. 206

"The recitation of the Names of the Lord will help to purify the
atmosphere as a result of the sacred sound waves getting absorbed in
the atmosphere. The power of the sound waves is evident from the way
radio Waves are transmitted and received over long distances. The
atmosphere that has been polluted by impure sound waves can be
purified by chanting the Divine Name. Likewise, sacred thoughts, pure
speech and pure actions will purify other polluted elements. There is
no better purifying agent than this." Sai Baba. SS. 4/92. p. 71

Meaning Of Akhanda Bhajan

"Akhanda means uninterrupted, without any gap. "Akhanda-Bhajan"
means that it should not be just a twenty-four hour, or even a seven-
day affair. It must go on from birth to death. Bhajan (devotional
song) has to start in childhood and continue onward. It must be
constant companion of man, his solace and strength. Do not postpone
it until old age, for it is the essential food for the mind." Sai
Baba, SSS, Vol. 1, 125

"This day (4 December r976), you have resolved to imbibe Divine Bliss
by reciting the glory of God in chorus and with music, continuously
for twenty-four hours. You call it Akhanda Bhajan, even though it
will end after that period. Still the idea is good and programme will
yield good results." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X. p. 79

"This has been named an Akhanda Bhajan, that is to say, Bhajan done
without a break. But was it really an Akhanda Bhajan? It is begun at
6:30 on the evening of one day, and is closed at 6:30 on the evening
of the next day. Can we call it 'unbroken Bhajan'? What is a period
of 24 hours when we consider the vastness of the universe and the
eternity of time? It is just a wink, a minute part of the life of man
on earth. By engaging yourselves in the recitation of the Name of God
for one single day, you claim to have done Bhajan 'without a break'.
Akhanda Bhajan must be as continuous as breathing itself if it is to
deserve its name." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 67

Meaning Of Global Akhanda Bhajan

"The Akhanda Bhajan that is observed by Sai devotees all over the
world for full twenty-four hours in November is an annual event of
global significance. Starting from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Akhanda
Bhajan concludes at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Bhajans (spiritual
songs) start with the lighting of the Akhanda Jyoti (the sacred lamp)
that is kept continuously burning for 24 hours." V.K.N, SS. 12/87, p.
341

Special Significance Of Global Akhanda Bhajan

"This programme of Akhanda-Bhajan continuously done for 24 hours all
round the world in all lands, has therefore spread the message of
love through the Names of the Embodiment of Universal Love. It has
saturated the atmosphere with thoughts of God and peace and joy that
He showers. The Bhajans that you have done here (Prasanthi Nilayam)
has affected not only this particular area and its environment, but
it will transmute the entire atmosphere. Continue this attitude of
devotion and humanity, of service and tolerance, the atmosphere will
not be polluted by hatred." Sai Babu, SSS. Vol. X, p. 75

"What is significant about the global Akhanda Bhajan is that while
apparently the duration of the Bhajan is identical, the time sequence
varies from country to country. For instance, when Bhagavan lit the
Akhanda Jyoti in the Prasanthi Mandir at precisely 6:00 p.m. on
November 14, 1987, the Akhanda Bhajans had been going on for many
hours in countries east of India from Japan to Singapore. This means
that as the earth revolves, lamps are lit at different Sai centres
according to the local time, and by the time the westernmost centre
in Vancouver lights the Akhanda Jyoti, (Sai) centres in the east
would have completed the Akhanda Bhajan. Before the Bhajans are
completed all round the world, there would be a girdle of Akhanda
Jyotis lit around the globe in Sai centres as far as Fiji in
the '"east" and Hawaii in the "west" V.K.N. SS. 12/87, p. 341
Purpose Of The Global Akhanda Bhajan

'Today we are having Akhanda Bhajans (non-stop twenty-four hour
global Bhajans by Sai devotees all over the world. This is being done
not for the sake of one individual, one nation, or one community. It
is for the welfare of humanity as a whole. The Bhajans that are sung
permeate the ether in the form of sound waves and fill the entire
atmosphere, thereby, the whole environment gets purified." Sai Baba,
SS, 11/86. p. 280

"Today the atmosphere is polluted by unholy and vicious sounds. This
results in the growth of evil thoughts and feelings, which lead to
evil deeds. If the atmosphere has to be'purified. it has to be filled
with pure and sacred sounds." Sai Baba, SS, 11/86, p. 281

"Singing with intense yearning for God and enjoying the experience of
adoring Him. helps to purify the atmosphere. Man is forced to breathe
the air polluted by sounds that denote violence, hatred, cruelty and
wickedness. Therefore, he is fast losing the high attainments that
are in store for him. The vibrations of the Namasankirtans can
cleanse the atmosphere and render it pure, calm and ennobling. It is
with this high purpose in view that this programme of global
Sankirtan was designed." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 67

"No man can escape the influence of the pollution of the air he
breathes. The sounds that we produce, with good intent or bad, spread
throughout the air around us. This is our daily experience. The
sounds produced by radio stations pass through the atmosphere and
reach our homes when we tune in. The vibrations travel vast distances
and affect the nature of those who inhale them. The atmosphere also
affects the food man consumes. The pollution in the atmosphere is
imbibed by the plants. The plants supply grain, the grain is the
basis of the meal and the meal shapes the character and behaviour of
the person who consumes it. When the environment is clean and free
from evil vibrations, the food. too, is pure. and the person develops
a tendency to be loving and simple. It is to ensure such an
atmosphere, this Sadhana (of Akhanda Bhajan) was initiated all over
the world." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, pp. 67 & 68

"The air, even of these villages, is polluted by vulgar film songs,
by demeaning and disgusting conversation. The 24-hour long Bhajan
will purify it by divine vibrations, and those who breathe. The pure
air will be healthier and more upright in behaviour." Sai Baba. SSS,
Vol. X, p. 81

"Bhajans have a place of pride in Bhagavan Baba's scheme of spiritual
Sadhana. Devotional singing in groups serves not only to concentrate
the minds of the devotees on the Divine but promotes also a sense of
spiritual unity and harmony among devotees." V.K.N.. SS, 12/87. p.
341

"The prayer to the Lord to light the lamp of wisdom and love in the
heart of every devotee, when it goes up from millions of devotees all
over the world, must have an ennobling and unifying effect which
cannot be produced by any other means." V.K.N. SS, 12/87, p. 341
"The Akhanda Bhajan should make devotees feel their unity with the
Divine and, at the emotional level, and fill them with love for
entire mankind. Bhagavan Baba's supreme role in His present advent is
to unify humanity by promoting recognition of the inherent divinity
present in everyone, transcending all divisions of creed, caste,
language, nationality and sex. The Akhanda Bhajan is like a beacon
and trumpet-call to humanity to jettison ths pretty divisions of the
past and rise to the heights of its divine destiny." V.K.N.. SS,
12/87, p. 341

Meaning Of Bhajan

"The word "Bhajan" has been derived from the Sanskrit root "Bhaj"
which means to render service. Bhajan singing is indeed a mode of
providing service for the audience to purify their head and heart."
Sai Baba

Meaning Of Kirtana

"Kirtana is the word used for the recital or singing of the Name and
the Glory of God." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, p. 217
"Kirtana is singing aloud the Glory of God." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X,
p. 67
"Keertanam (Kirtanam) is an individual affair. It is singing by an
individual for the fulfillment of his prayers." Sai Bubu. SS, 4/92,
p. 67

Meaning Of Sankirtana/Sankeertanam

"Samyak-K-eertanam Sankeertanam (Congregational singing of Bhajans)
is the best form of Bhajans. Sankeertanam aims at the well-being of
the whole universe. This is also described as "'Saamaajika Bhajans
(community singing). This method of singing Bhajans was first
initiated by Guru Nanak. the founder ot'Sikhism. 'Sankeertana' aims
at demonstrating unity in diversity. When all the participants
combine to sing in unison with one voice, it is described
as "Sankeertana." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, pp. 67 & 68

"San-kirtana means reciting or singing well, or aloud with joy in
ecstasy." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI. p. 217

"Combining one's voice, tune, feeling and rhythm to the appropriate
beat of the song, the devotee should immerse himself in singing.
Harmonizing the feeling with devotion and love, the sacred words of
the song should be an outpouring of love towards God. That alone is
devotional singing (Sankirtana)." Sai Baba. SS, 4/92, p. 69

"Sankirtana is the process of singing that originates in the heart,
nor from the tongue. It is the _expression of the joyous thrill that
wells up from the heart when the Glory of God is remembered. It is
the spontaneous manifestation of the inner ecstasy. No attention is
paid to blame or praise that others may give. It does not seek the
admiration or the appreciation of the listeners. It is sung for one's
own joy, one's own satisfaction, and one's own delight. Kirtana of
this supreme type alone deserves the name Sankirtana" Sai Baba, SSS,
Vol. X, p. 67

Purpose

"What is the essence of Sankirtana? Its essential purpose is to earn
the love of God." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92. p. 69

Different Forms Of San-Kirtana

The name of the Lord has been glorified in different ways all over
the world. Jayadeva was one who enjoyed always the sports (Leelas) of
the Divine." Sal Baba. SS. 4/98. p. 68

"Hanuman was proficient in music. There was none that could excel him
in singing. Even Narada Tumbura could not prevail against him." Sai
Baba. SS. 4/98. p. 69

"We can distinguish four different forms of Naama-sankirtana: (a)
Bhaava-naama-San-kirtana. (b) Guna-Naama-Sankirtana, (c) Leela-Naama-
San-kirtana, and (d) sheer Naama-Sankirtana." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI.
p. 219

a. Bhaava-Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Bhaava Sankeertana is illustrated by Radha alone who expresses her
different feelings towards God and identifies herself with the Divine
in every mood of devotion. She expressed her devotion in five forms
of Shanta (Serenity), Sakhya (friendliness, Vaatsalya (maternal
love), Anuraag (affection), Madhura (sweetness). Radha and Mira were
the exponents of' Bhaava-Sankeertana." Sai Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 68
"Bhaava-Naama San-kirtana is the name given to recitals where (God's)
Name is sung with one emotion, or mental attitude (Bhaava) toward the
Lord.(l) It can be Madhura-Bhaava (sweet emotion) as Radha was
overpowered only by that sweetness at all times and places. Her
adoration of God is the supreme example of Madhura-Bhaava. (2) Then
we have Vaatsalya-bhaava-sankirtana. Yashoda, the foster mother of
Krishna, can be taken as the ideal for this type of Bhaava (emotion).
Though she had a series of experiences of Krishna being Divine, she
preferred to save him as mother and adore him as her son. (3) Then
there is Saakhya-Bhaava- Sankirtana (comrade feeling), as found in
Arjuna who believed in Krishna as his intimate friend and brother-in-
law (for he married Krishna's sister), and confided in him as a
comrade. That too is an attitude that will attach you to divinity and
sublimate the tower impulses. (4) Daasya-Bhaava- (servant-master
attitude) Sankirtana is another type. Serve the Lord as His faithful
unquestioning servant. This is the path of Hanumana in the Ramayana.
(5) The last attitude is Sat-Bhaava-(unruffled, unconcerned) Naama-
Sam-kirtana, praising the Lord, whatever may happen, undeviated by
ups and downs, bearing all vagaries of fortune as His play. In the
Mahabharata, you will find Bhishma saturated with this attitude. He
adored Krishna even when Krishna was advancing towards him to kill
him." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 219

"Bhava means 'attitude' (of mind). So, Bhava-Sankirtan means the
adoration, in song, of God pictured and contacted under various
relationships. Some may prefer to adore Him as the giver of
equanimity (Santam), others as a friend, guide and guardian (Sakhya).
still others as the child one loves and tends (Vatsalya) and yet
others as the Lover whom one loves with sovereign love (Madhura)."
Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 68

b. Leela-Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Another method of Naama-Sam-kirtana is to remind oneself of the
various exploits and sports, the various acts of grace and
compassion, which the Lord has manifested in the world, while
reciting His Name. This is called Leela-Naama-Sam-Kirtana. Chaitanya
and Thyagraj realised the Lord through this path." Stii Bubu, SSS.
Vol. VI, p. 219

"This is (also) exemplified by the 'Gita Govindam' of
Jayadeva. "Sai Babti. SS, 4/92, p. 68
"Leela means 'sport', therefore Leela-San-kirtana is the adoration,
in song, of the various expressions of these attributes as evidenced
by the accounts of sages and seers of all faiths." Sai Baba, SSS.
Vol. X. p. 68

c. Guna-Naama-San-Kirtana:

''Many recollect more of the majesty, the glory, the might, the
mystery, the magnificence, the munificence, the love with which God
has clothed Himself, while reciting His Name. This attitude is spoken
of as Guna (attributes, characteristics) Nama-San-kirtana. Most of
the saints gradually honoured in many lands are of this category."
Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI, p. 219

"Guna means 'attributes' (of God) So, Guna-Naama-Sankirtana is the
adoration, in song, of manifold attributes of God - omnipresence,
omniscience, compassion, majesty, etc." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 68
"Guana-Sankeertana applies to the kind of Bhajan in which the devotee
recites the auspicious qualities of the Divine, experiences oneness
with the Divine, and acquires the godly qualities. Thyagaraja had
recourse to this type of singing. In one of his keertanas, he
exclaimed: " Oh Lord! You are beyond all words. Is it possible for
even Brahma or other gods to extol your glorious exploits? I am
waiting for your grace. Hearken to my entreaties. You restored life
to the preceptor's son whom the Lord of Death had taken. away. You
conquered the God of Love. You liberated from prison Vasudeva and
Devaki. You protected Draupadi when appealed in despair. You were the
guardian ofPandavas. You relieved Kuchela of his poverty. You saved
16,000 damsels from subjection." In this manner, Thyagaraja recounted
the great qualities of God in his songs." Sai Baba, SS. 2/92. p. 68

d. Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Another category is denoted by seekers who attach value to the
syllables and sound of the Name (of God) irrespective of the meaning
thereof. When the Name is pronounced, they say, it draws the aspirant
toward God and His grace, whatever may be the Bhaava (emotion),
whether the Leela (sports) or Guna (attributes) is associated with
the Sam-Kirtana or not. The Name (of God) has a strength, a power, a
capacity to redeem, cure and save, alone and unaided, they aver." Sai
Baba, SSS. Vol. VI. p. 219

"Nama means the 'Name of God'. So, Nama-Sankirtan means the adoration
of God, calling upon Him by various Names, each describing His glory.
His achievements, His relationship with the individual. The Names are
many. or even countless. It is so in all languages. We have many
groups of thousand and eight Names, which can be used for God, as the
Vedas declare, has a 'thousand heads', a thousand eyes. and a
thousand feet. Devotees can adore Him and derive bliss through that
adoration, filling each Name with the meaning and significance it
carries." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. pp. 68 & 69

"Chaitanya was the exponent of this form of Kirtana. "All Names are
yours. There is nothing in this cosmos which does not bear the
imprint of your Name or Form,' Chaitanya revelled in singing the
Names of the Lord as signifying all that was beautiful and glorious
in the universe." Sai Baba. SS, 4/98, p. 68

Congretational Bhajan Singing

Founder Of Community Bhajan Singing

This method of singing Bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the
founder of Sikhism." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, p. 67

Importance

"Community singing sets up vibrations which will cleanse the
atmosphere." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98. p. 33

"When all the devotees participate in the Bhajan, the vibrations that
are produced will generate joy and harmony." Sai Baba. SS. 11/86. p.
280

"Bhajans that arc sung permeate the entire ether in the form of sound
waves and fill the entire atmosphere; thereby the whole environment
gets purified. By breathing in this purified atmosphere, our hearts
get purified." Sai Baba

"Bhajan has been part of our (Indian) culture, part of the Sanatana
Dharma tradition. But it has survived, however, in an attenuated
form, in the villages only. It has disappeared from the towns, where
people have more 'exciting' ways of spending time and recuperating
their spirits. But this programme of congregational Bhajan by all,
must be fostered, developed and transplanted in the towns later. I am
glad to note that the young men of this (Seegehalli) village and of
the adjacent villages, especially those who are attending the Sri Sai
College, are evincing keen interest in these Bhajans. That is indeed
a promising sign fraught with great potential for the future of this
country. They are cleansing their own minds and helping to cleanse
the atmosphere of these villages." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 81
Seegehalli, 4-12-76)

Rules For Conducting Community Bhajans

"When the chanting of the (Divine) Name is done in community singing,
it should be done in a form in which the entire group can participate
easily.

The tune, the rhythm, etc. should be such that all can follow the
Bhajan. If the lead singer takes up a song that is not familiar to
others, the response from the group will be poor. There will be no
enthusiasm or genuine participation. Their minds will be distracted."
Sai Baba. SS. 11/86. p. 280

"Reciting the Lord's name is a process of 'give and take'. Singing
the Lord's name should become an exercise in mutual sharing of joy
and holiness. Sai Baba, SS. 11/86. p. 281

"Community Bhajans should not be treated as a pastime. When thousands
of persons join in singing Bhajans, they should be fully absorbed in
the devotional process and the ecstasy of that experience." Sai Baba.
SS. 11/86. p. 281

"The singing should be vibrant arid soulful and not mechanical or
drawling and uninspiring. It should combine feeling (Bhavava), melody
(Raaga) and rhythm (Taala) Sai Baba, SS. 11/86, p. 281

"Songs should glorify the Name rather than describe the attributes.
When attributes are praised, some may develop doubts." Sai Baba. SS,
11/86, p. 281

General Guidelines For Conducting Bhajans

"In the Sadhana (spiritual practice) of Nama Smarana (remembering
God's Name), which I prescribe, two other complementary processes are
included along the recollection of the Name and the fixation of the
mind on the Name: (i) there must be purity of feeling, (ii) and
dwelling on the meaning of the Name. That will ensure success." Sai
Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. 177.

"When the Puja (worship) with 108 or 1008 names is progressing, do
not be satisfied when the sound falls on the ear. Try to grasp the
meaning too, so that you can ruminate over the glory which each name
denotes." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VII, p. 287

"Many people do Japa (reciting God's name) and join Bhajans, but they
are not aware of the meaning and value of the words they utter
mechanically." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. IX, p. 167

"Take the Name of the Lord and repeat it always. Do Bhajans with
faith and enthusiasm. Let the whole city shake with devotion you put
into the Name." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. 1, p. 132

"When you sing Bhajan songs, dwell also on the meaning of the songs
and the message of each Name and Form of God. Do not waste time
purposelessly; let every moment be a Bhajan." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V,
p. 331

"Discipline has to be observed in speech, sport and every kind of
relationship. For instance, during Bhajans, all those singing in
chorus have to maintain the same tune. Discordant singing will jar
the ears. Singing Bhajans in unison is a form of discipline." Sai
Baba. SS. 7/96. p. 174

"When the Name is repeated without concentration and without
reverence, it cannot cleanse the mind. Now the Name is on the tongue,
the word is in the mind and the owner of the Name is in the heart."
Sai Baba, SSS. VI, p. 165

"Bhajans must be sung from the heart and just should not emanate from
the lips." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 140

"Bhajan must be a felt experience. Let your heart pant for God, then
Raaga (tune) and Taala (rhythm) will automatically be pleasant and
correct. Sincerity will blot out all errors in Raaga and Taala." Sai
Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 57

"The Bhajans, this time, were done in a ritualistic fashion. Greater
attention was paid to Raaga, Taala, Laya and Shruti (the melody, the
beat, the rhythm and the tone). All these are conventional qualities
(Vyaavaahaarika). To elevate the Bhajans to a spiritual level what
are required are true feeling and the ecstasy of devotion. The
(devotional) songs should flow not from the lips but from the heart.
When the songs come out of the heart they will be blissful for the
ears.'^ Sai Baba. SS, 4/97, p. 94

"Let melody and harmony surge up from your hearts and let all take
delight in the love that you express through that (devotional) song."
Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 75

"The words of a song can be expressed in a prosaic manner which has
no appeal to the listener. But when they are sung melodiously, they
tug at the heartstrings. (As in the song "Rama! Nannu Kaapaadu"-
"Rama!" save me. Swami sang the song to demonstrate its appeal.)
Such sweetness is contained in the song when it is rendered
melodiously." Sai Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 70

"Conduct your Bhajans with a pure unsullied heart, oblivious to all
worldly desires. When you chant the Lord's Name with a pure heart,
you will experience the Divine." Sai Baba, SS. 4/97. p. 94

Crores (millions of rupees) are being spent to purify the Ganges
water. Of what use is this exercise if the Ganges continues to be
polluted by the discharge of drainage water into the river? First
prevent the flow of filthy effluents into the Ganges. In the same
manner, the evil thoughts arising in the mind should be diverted and
it should be filled with pure godly thoughts by reciting the Divine
Name. Everyone participating in Bhajans should sing the Name of the
Lord and thereby serve to purify the atmosphere and promote the well-
being of the nation." Sai Baba. SS. 4/92. p. 71

"Bhajans have to be sung to please the Lord, not your fans. With each
Bhajan sung, the mind must be rendered purer, freer from passion, and
stronger in faith." Sai Baba. SS. 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX, p.
162

"You should sing whole-heartedly with the desire to please God. God
makes no distinction between a proficient musician and a beggar in
the street. It is the devotion and sincerity that matters. Merge your
soul in the Bhajans you sing. Spiritualize your Bhajan-singing. Then
you will experience real bliss." "Once Emperor Akbar asked his court
musician how he would account for the fact that a wayside beggar's
music moved him more profoundly than the music of the state musician?
The latter replied that while the beggar sang from his heart to
please God, his music constrained by the desire to please the
Emperor." Sai Baba. SS, 4/97, p. 96

"The hands should be lifted in prayer and the words should come out
full-throated. It is unfortunate that even those who are gifted with
good voices do not sing aloud in Bhajans." Sai Baba. SS. 8/96. p.
206

"Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter
humility. They are not to be taken as exercises in an exhibition of
talent and competitions for mastery of musical skill." Sai Baba. SS,
12/74, p. 297 & SSS, Vol. IX. p. 162

"When a man falls into a well, of what use is it if he controls his
voice and his emotions and whispers quietly, 'I have fallen into this
well, I have fallen into this well. I am in a great danger. Please
save me.' No one will be able to hear or save him. He must shout full-
throated, with all anguish he is experiencing and with extreme desire
to be saved, "I HAVE FALLEN INTO THE WELL! SAVE ME! SAVE ME SOMEONE!"
Then only can he hope to get succour. Similarly, when you are caught
in the coils of this world, when you have fallen into this deep well
of worldly misery, shout with all your might, with all your heart
that God may save you. There is no use of muttering faintly and half-
heartedly. 'Save me; I am floundering in this Samsar.' When the
prayer comes shrieking through the heart, help is assured." Sai Baba,
SSS. Vol. X. p. 68

"Some persons attending Bhajans do not move their lips at all. They
may say that they are singing the songs mentally within themselves.
This is not proper. If you have a devotional feeling, it should be
expressed by the tongue joining in the Bhajan. Only then it can be
called "Sankirtana"- singing in unison with others. You must sing the
Names aloud, full-throated, as far as the voice can reach. Only then
the Divine will respond in full measure and shower His grace. No one
will go to the rescue of a drowning man if his cries are feeble. Only
when he cries aloud at the top of his voice, the cries will be heard
and people will rush to save him." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92. p. 70
"Attitudes of difference and distinction should not enter the hearts
of devotees so far this sacred Sadhana is concerned. It would be far
better for all parties if such self-important and conceited folk stay
away from Bhajans rather than pollute the sacred atmosphere by spirit
of rivalry and factionalism." Sai Baba, SS, 12/74. p. 297 & SSS, Vol.
IX, p. 162

"Bhajans where you quarrel and compete, and revel in putting down
others and raising yourselves, might give you satisfaction. But, let
me announce here, they do not please Me at all." Sai Baba, SS. 12/74.
p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX. p. 163

"In singing Bhajans, there should be no spirit of competition and no
caviling of others. The entire concentration should be on the Name
and Form of God." Sai Baba. SS, 3/96, p. 61

"Remember! All are the sons and daughters of Sai Maataa (Mother). How
can I tolerate when the sons and daughters quarrel among themselves
into rival groups? Unless you sing Bhajans for your own joy, you
cannot bring joy to others." Sai Baba, SS. 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol.
DC. p. 163

"During Bhajans the women are engaged in mutual recrimination. They
quarrel over seats. Can't they experience Bhagavan wherever they
are?" Sai Baba, SS. 7/96, p. 184.

"The office-bearers in the units of our (Sai) Organization should be
ever vigilant, that this poison does not creep into the working of
the units, either in Bhajans, or in the activities ofMahila Vibhag
(women wing),-or Seva Dal (human service wine of volunteers)." Sai
Baba, SS, 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX. p. 163

"I am pleased only when love is the keynote, when the feeling of
unity prevails, when the melody comes from a cleansed God-loving
heart." Sai Baba. SS, 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX. p. 163

"I do not need Bhajans which like gramophone records reproduce songs
and Naamaavalis, without any feeling or yearning while singing. Hours
of shouting do not count, a moment of concentrated prayer from the
heart is enough, to melt and move God." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. IV, p.
149

"Some people affirm that the Bhajans used at the Prasanthi Nilayam
alone should be sung. But God is omnipresent. He is the in-dweller in
every heart. All Names are His. So you can call on Him by any Name
that gives you joy." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, p. 238

"This (Sai) Organization believes that the Atma (soul) in each is the
Atma in all, and the God that each worships is the God that all
worship. You cannot insist that in the Bhajans, only songs on Sathya
Sai should be sung. Fanaticism of that kind I very much dislike and
condemn. For. all Names and all Forms denote Me only. You betray your
ignorance of My Truth when you stick to anyone of My Names and avoid
the rest." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII, p. 71

"Do not care for what others feel about your Dhyana or Bhajan. Do not
seek the approval, appreciation, admiration of others, or refrain
from Dhyana because others dislike it or ridicule it. Be self-
reliant, self-confident, see through your own eyes, hear through your
own ears." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X. p. 73

"I have been observing how the Bhajans are sung. When the girls sing,
the boys do not follow in chorus. When the boys sing, the girls do
not respond. When both are singing the Divine Name, why should not
they sing in unison? What is the reason for this narrow separatism?
This should be given up." Sai Baba. SS. 4/97. p. 96

"When you sing Bhajans, take care that words you utter do not convey
negative meanings. Here is an example. Our boys (students) sing many
Hindi Bhajans, in which they often use the word 'Thu'. They sing 'Thu
Rama', 'Thu Krishna', 'Thu Sai' which does not convey the respectful
way of addressing the Lord. The Bhajans you sing must convey sacred
meanings. You should not use any disrespectful words in Bhajans." Sai
Baba. SS, 4/2001. p. 114

"There should not be any wrong word in Bhajans. If you sing in this
way, every word that you utter would have sanctity." Sai Baba, SS,
4/2001, p. 115

"When the Bhajans end, you should go out in silence. When you get
back to your apartments, you may discuss your private affairs. But as
a rule, observe restraint in speech everywhere. It helps to conserve
energy. Excessive talk affects the nerves. You are liable to forget
what you have heard." Sai Baba, SS, 8/96, p. 211

"At the end of a Bhajan, we say 'Shanti' three times. This prayer is
for peace of the body, the mind and the spirit. Without this trine
peace, man cannot have real peace." Sai Baba, SS, 11/97, p. 289

Sing Bhajans With Full Concentration - An Episode

"Today there is no steadiness of mind in man. Some people think of
their footwear when they sit for Bhajans inside. Once Ramakrishna
Paramahansa was giving a discourse in a temple. Rani Rasamani, the
owner of the temple, was sitting in the front row. All were listening
to Ramakrishna's discourse with rapt attention. All of a sudden,
Ramakrishna got up, went to Rani Rasamani and slapped on her cheek.
Everyone was surprised. They thought that Ramakrishna had become mad.
Ramakrishna told the public, '0 people, you may think it is a great
mistake on my part to have slapped her. What for you come? You are
here to listen to my teachings. Whether you practise or not, at least
you should listen to what is being said. If you do not like to listen
to the discourse, you better stay back at home. This Rani Rasamani is
thinking of her legal disputes. Why should she come all the way to
think of the court affairs?' She accepted her mistake and promised
not to repeat it. In modern age, many people attend spiritual
discourses and get impressed by them. But they do not put them into
practice." Sai Baba, SS. 2/99. p. 48

Music With Bhajans

"Bhaava (feeling), Raaga (melody) and Taala (rhythm) are the
essentials for proper singing. Even the name of Bharat (for India)
signifies th? combination of these three elements. (Bh-Ra-Ta). In
every action in daily life, the combination of these three elements
should be observed. This rule can be applied even to one's
studies. "Bhaava", in relation to study of a subject, means
understanding the subject thoroughly. "Raaga" implies cultivating
love for the subject and "Taala" means expressing one's knowledge
coherently and clearly." Sai Baba. SS, 4/892, p. 69

"Its essential purpose is to earn the love of God. Combining one's
voice, tune, feeling and the rhythm to appropriate beat of the song,
the devotee should immerse himself in the singing. Harmonizing the
feeling with devotion and love, the sacred words of song -should be
an outpouring of love towards Gcd. That alone is devotional s'rging.
When the song is rendered without understanding the meanings of the
words and without any inner feeling or genuine love for God, it is
mechanical performance." Sai Baba. SS, 4/92. p. 69

"Bhajans do not become effective through drums, cymbals, violins and
other accessories. They cover up essential things- feelings,
emotions, yearning, sincerity and faith." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. IV. p.
148

"Musical instruments used during Bhajans should not drown the voice
of the singer and those who follow. If there is mor»than one
instrument used, maintain a balance among instruments along with
singing." Sai Baba

"While singing Bhajans, you should utter the Names (of God) from the
depth of the heart, not concentrating on Raaga (tune) and Taala
(rhythm)." Sai Baba, SS, 6/94, p. 150

"Realise that what matters when they (singers) sing Bhajans is not
the tune or the conduct of Bhajans, but the genuineness of the
feeling with which they sing Bhajans. When their hearts are pure and
full of deep devotion, the Bhajans will be full of feeling and will
appeal to the hearts of the listeners. What ensures from the heart
is 'positive', while what comes from the mind is often negative" Sai
Baba. SS, 4/98. p. 92

Attributes To Be Attained By Bhajan Singers

"When you do Bhajans and sing the Name of God, you should contemplate
on underlying truth. The Naamaavali, 'Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare; Hare Krishna. Hare Krishna, Krishana Krishna Hare Hare'
has sixteen words. Each of the sixteen signifies a virtue, which has
to be cultivated along with that Bhajan. (i) He must be a Bhakta
(full of devotion), (ii) a Tapo-yukta (prepared to enjoy sufferings),
(iii) a Samsara-mukta (detached from worldly attractions), (iv) a
Padaasakta (eager to serve the Lord), (v) a Vihitha (correct
conduct), (vi) a Daana-sahita (charitable), (vii) a Yashomahita (with
unsullied reputation), (vni) a Kalmasha-rahita (unblemished), (ix) a
Poorna (fully content), (x) a Guna-Gana (endowed with all virtues),
(xi) an Utteerna (equipped with all virtues), (xii) a Vidya-vikeerna
(equipped with all fruits of learning), (xiii) a Jnana-visteerna
(ripe in wisdom), (xiv) a Swaantha (self-controlled), (xv) a Sadguna-
Kranta (adorned with social traits), (xv) a Vinaya Vishranta (moved
by humility), and finally (xvi) a Pada-swantha (fully dedicated to
God)." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. 1, pp. 164 & 165

Location And Time For Conducting Bhajan Sessions

"The Bhajan Mahdalis (groups), Satsahgs (spiritual meetings) and
Bhakta Mandalis (devotional groups), are now established, must spread
the message of Naama-smarana (remembering God's name), Bhajan and
Naama-sam-kirtana at all times and in all places." Sai Baba, SSS.
Vol. VI, p. 42

"Have Bhajans on as many days as you can, in your village or area.
Have them in places where all can come and join, not in the homes of
some people, for in homes not all may be welcome." Sai Baba, SSS.
Vol. VI, pp. 237

"Bhajans are best held on Thursday evenings and Sunday evenings. But
there is no unbreakable rule. for it is not the day of the week that
counts. It is the heart that must be ready and eager to imbibe the
joy and share it." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI. p. 238"Group Bhajans must
be arranged to suit the convenience of the locality and the people."
Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VI. p. 238

Expenses For Holding Bhajans

"Have Bhajans as simple as you can, without any competitive pomp and
show. Reduce expenses to the minimum, for God cares for the inner
yearnings, and not the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable
expenditure must be silently shared spontaneously by a few members of
the committee, and not collected by means of a (donation) plate or
Hundi pot. or a subscription or a donation list. The participants
must be bound by love, affection, loyalty, one Name and Form." Sai
Baba, SSS, Vol. VI. p. 237

The Magic Of Bhajans

"Remembering the Name is the panacea. When the Name is chanted as a
song set to music, it delights the heart immensely. Many pundits
recite the Names as verse (shalokas). They do no experience the
intense yearning expressed in the stanzas. Some actors are able to
pronounce the words loud and clear, but without any depth of feeling.
But when the Names are sung melodiously they appeal to the hearts of
the singers and the listeners. Even non-believers and agnostics nod
their hearts in appreciation when they listen to devotional music.
The words of a song can be expressed in a prosaic manner, which has
no appeal to the listener. But when they are sung melodiously, they
tug at the heartstrings. Everyone, whether he is well-versed in music
or not, should listen attentively to the singer and try to repeat the
words of the song with feelings." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, p. 70

"Do Bhajans and have the Name of the Lord on your lips. Do not waste
even a single moment. By chanting the name of Rama, Hanuman, the
monkey, became all-powenul, the embodiment of peace and the exemplar
of all noble qualities. Sita was full of praise for him." Sai Baba,
SS, 12/87. p. 324

"Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling heavenly cow, can be drawn and tied
to a post by means of a rope. God too. can be drawn towards you by
the rope (God's Name), and tied to the post (the tongue). Then His
Name will be dancing upon the tongue forever, conferring the
sv/eetness of His Majesty. The Name (of God) has to be sung for your
own delight, to quench your own thirst, to appease your own hunger.
No one eats to appease another's hunger, nor takes drugs to alleviate
another's illness. So do not care for what others feel about your
Dhyana or Bhajan." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 73

Bhajan Should Be A Continuous Process

'Do not think that it is enough if you just sing Bhajans when the
people from the (Sai) Seva Samiti come and join you. Sing them in
your minds, silently and sincerely, when you are at work, with your
friends or even alone by yourself. Just as a torch in your hand shows
you the way if you are walking at night in the dark, the Name of God
on your tongue will guide you through the night of ignorance in your
joumey of life." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 154

Origin Of Akhanda-Bhajan

"Embodiment of the Pure Atman! Last November (of 1975), on the 23rd,
people from all parts of the world had assembled here to celebrate
the Golden Jubilee, and the office-bearers of the (Sai) Centres were
here for the Second World Conference and other functions that took
place. Later, they expressed their desire that they should be
allotted a date before the close of the Jubilee Year, when they in
their own places could celebrate the happy occasion. In order to
overcome their disappointment, it was decided that in all (Sai)
Centres all over the world, Bhajan (Namasamkirtan) be held for twenty-
four hours, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (yesterday, 13
November 1976), and ending at 6:30 p.m. today (14 November J 976).
Therefore, in 42 countries around the globe more than 7000 centres
have enthusiastically taken up this pleasant assignment. This has
been named an Akhanda Bhajan, that is to say, Bhajan done without a
break" Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 66

"Srimati Sundaramma is one of the old devotees who has known Sri
Sathya Sai Baba since he was a boy of sixteen. Her father, Seshagiri
Rao, came to Sri Sathya Sai Baba after her. Sundaramma continued the
weekly Bhajan singing with great dedication and without interruption
for an entire year. Her father, Seshagiri Rao, thought that they
should celebrate the completion of the year of Bhajan-singing in a
suitable style. Each member of the family thought of different ways
to celebrate the anniversary in a befitting manner, but Seshagiri
Rao's idea that was adopted: Akhanda Bhajan (unbroken Bhajans) for
the one whole day and one whole night. The decision having been
taken, they got down to planning the performance at their house -
which songs to sing, what Prasadam to distribute and pooling of
resources to obtain the ingredients of Prasadam. This was
particularly tricky as, in those days. there was rationing of rice
and the system had to be worked out fairly in cash and in kind.
After making all the preliminary arrangements, father and daughter
went to Puttaparthi to announce their attention to Sri Sathya Sai
Baba. He was very happy to hear their plans and responded
startlingly, "I have come only for this reason, for the sake of my
devotees. Go ahead with the Akhanda Bhajans. I will go there and be
with you throughout the singing."

Sundaramma explained that, up to that moment, they had planned only a
very simple celebration. But, if Sri Sathya Sai Baba was himself
going to attend, then, she felt that she ought to make more elaborate
arrangements. Then Sri Sathya Sai Baba said he would take charge of
all the arrangements. He asked her to book a place in town and to
have the Akhanda Bhajans sung there so that all those who wanted to
attend could do so more conveniently. He also advised her to ask
other devotees to assist in the event.

Sundaramma was in a quandary at this unexpected turn of events. To
cope with an occasion, such as it was turning out to be, was a
gigantic task in those days when even transportation was very
difficult. She calculated that about a hundred regular devotees might
turn up for the first Akhanda Bhajan and so she had Prasadam prepared
for that number. However, hundreds of devotees turned up on that day.
They had learned of the event by word of mouth and in dreams and
visions of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Sundaramma became anxious about how
she would provide enough Prasadam to all.

Puja to Shirdi Sai Baba's and Sri Sathya Sai Baba's images was
performed under a gaily bedecked floral canopy. Sri Sathya Sai Baba
materialized a silver figurine of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba to keep beside
a large bust of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, especially made for the
occasion. Then, with circular movements of hand, he produced 108
golden flowers for the Puja. After Archana (offering with Mantras) of
rare flowers, Seshagiri Rao performed Paadapuja (worship of the feet)
to Sri Sathya Sai Baba who lighted the Akhanda Jyoti (ever-lasting
flame) at the Bhajan meeting.

Sundaramma then requested Sri Sathya Sai Baba to come into the
kitchen and pronounce Akshya (limitless) blessings over the food. He
looked at the cooked food and loudly said "Akshaya" thrice. Then he
sprinkled water on the food and left.

Sundaramma remembers with awe how food prepared for a hundred people
fed several thousands people easily, even generously. The pot
containing the Prasadam simply never became empty. At last, before
leaving the kitchen, Sundaramma entreated Sri Sathya Sai Baba to let
the pot be empty and then it was easily emptied. 'Such was the nature
of Swami's blessing that it ensured an unending stream of food,' said
Sundaramma.

The event was truly remarkable. The first Akhanda Jyoti, organized by
Seshagiri -Rao, has led the lighting of thousands of other Akhanda
Jyotis on Akhanda Bhajan day in Sai Samithis Bhajan centres
throughout the world." Extracted from Shakuntala Balu's book "Living
Divinity", First edition, 1983, pp.175-177

Glimpses Of The Akhanda Bhajan At Prasanthi Nilayam (1994)

"The Akhanda Bhajan had special significance this year when Bhagavan
lighted the Akhanda Jyoti on November 12, 1994, in the renovated
Prasanthi Mandir. The Mandir wore a new attractive look with seven
artistically designed and exquisitely executed domes replacing the
old ones, besides the huge imposing new Mandap in front for
accommodating the vast concourse of devotees waiting for Darshan. The
Mandap with twenty massive ornamental pillars, covered with shining
polished granite slabs and bearing a lotus-shaped bowl to carry
concealed lighting, transformed the former open Darshan grounds into
a spacious hall with polished black and white marble slabs for the
flooring. Two wings of the hall appeared like two gigantic pianos,
with a series of elephant images decorating the frieze. At night the
Mandir appeared like a Fairy Land with multi-coloured illuminations
setting the Mandir in bold relief and enhancing the beauty of the
sacred edifice."

"The Mandap was filled with thousands of eager devotees from all over
the world while the Mandir was occupied by students from three
campuses of the Sai Institute. On the Akhanda Bhajan day (Saturday,
12th November), Bhagavan came to the Mandap before the Bhajans
started and gave Darshan to all sections of the crowd. The Akhanda
Bhajan commenced at 6:00 p.m. after Bhagavan lighted the Akhanda
Jyoti (lamp) in the Mandir. After the first song on Ganesha sung by
the men students, the Bhajan song, "Akhanda Jyoti Jalao" was sung by
the women students. The Bhajans continued nonstop for twenty-four
hours with men and women leading by turns."

"Bhagavan sat through the Bhajan for nearly two hourc on Saturday. On
Sunday morning, Bhagavan went round the devotees, giving Darshan, and
stayed for the Bhajans for two hours. The Bhajan came to a close at
6.00 p.m. on Sunday, with the distribution of Prasadam to all the
devotees with the-blessings of Bhagavan. Prasadam consisted of
tamarind rice and sweet rice. Bhagavan supervised the distribution of
Prasadam after taking Aarati and stayed on till all were served."
Editor. SS, 12/94, p. 318

Important Questions Concerning Bhajan

QUESTION: Years of Bhajan and Meditation have not borne fruit in me;
I am where I was before. Why?
Sri Sathya Sai Baba: "How can fire be struck from a wet match-stick?
Soaked in worldly desires and caught in material entanglements, how
can the light of wisdom shine in your head? How can you generate the
fire of Jnana" SSS, Vol. X. p. 140
QUESTION: The Lord told Narada that he could find Him installed
wherever His glory is sung by His devotees. Does it mean that He is
installed in the thousands of places where Bhajan is sung?
Sri Sathya Sai Baba: "No. The pre-condition is 'sung by devotees'.
The devotees sing to please God, to acclaim His Majesty. They do not
crave for exhibition, appreciation or fame, nor have they any envy or
pride in their hearts. Tansen was a celebrated singer attached to the
court of Emperor Akbar. He was so talented that when he sang the Raga
Megahmala, clouds gathered thick in the sky. When he sang Varuna,
rain fell. When he sang Nagaswara. serpents flocked before him. One
day while Akbar was engaged in prayer, he heard a Haridasa, a
wandering mendicant, singing a song which touched his heart
immensely. Akbar called Tansen to his presence and asked him why he
could not touch his heart so deeply. 'You have all gifts and are the
most talented singer, yet Haridasa moved me as never before. Why?'
Tansen said, 'Maharaj, while I sing, I look upon your face to
discover whether you are pleased or not. The Dasa sings always
looking at the Face of God before him, and he is happy only when God
is pleased.' Bhajan must be sung from the heart and should not just
emanate from the lips." SSS. Vol. X, pp. 140 & 141

From the book - Festivals at Prasanthi Nilayam - An Exposition by
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C
Bhatnagar

Significance of the Akhanda Bhajan can also be found here:
http://sathyasai.org/calendar/akhand.html

Sourced: http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam

Posted at 02:32 pm by saiavatar
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