june 2k5 - sathya sai baba · ramakrishna paramahamsa who could lead an ideal life by loving his...

June 2005 158

Embodiments of Love!

N THIS WORLD, THE LOVE OFone’s mother is much more powerfuland noble than that of all the relatives

and friends. The mother is, therefore, heldin high esteem all over the world. That iswhy everybody calls his country asmotherland. Bharat is our motherland. Thesacredness of the mother’s heart and thepower of her blessings are unparalleled. But,unfortunately, people today are not able tounderstand properly the sacredness ofmother’s love, not only in our country but inall the countries of the world.

Never Forget the Love of your MotherIn this sacred land of ours, there have

been many great centres of spiritualpower since ancient times. Great and holymen like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa andVivekananda could acquire spiritualpowers only because they received theblessings of their mothers. They alsoearned the grace of Mother Kali whomthey worshipped as the form of God.Vivekananda earned great name and fameby the grace of Mother Kali. In fact, thepeople of West Bengal achievedgreatness by worshipping God in theform of Devi (mother goddess).

It is a grave mistake to forget the motherwho is endowed with great divine powers. Inour scriptures also, the mother has beengiven the highest place. It has been said,

Matru Devo Bhava (revere your mother asGod); Pitru Devo Bhava (revere yourfather as God); Acharya Devo Bhava(revere your teacher as God); Atithi

When man emerges from the womb of his mother, one does not find any garlandaround his neck. There are no jewels made of pearls nor are there glitteringgold ornaments. There are no chains studded with precious stones likeemeralds and diamonds. But there is one garland around his neck. Brahmastrings together the consequences of his past deeds into a heavy garlandand puts it around his neck at the time of his birth.

(Telugu Poem)

EARN GOD’S GRACEBY SERVING YOUR PARENTS

AVATAR VANI EASWARAMMA DAY DISCOURSE

One may or may not respect others,but one must respect one’s mother.In fact, one should dedicate one’sentire life to win the love of one’smother. Mother’s love is always

selfless. We should learn to cultivatesuch love. Wherever you go,

whomsoever you meet, you can findthat people become rich and

prosperous only with the blessingsand love of their mother. If you

cannot win the love of your mother,how can you hope to win the graceof God? Hence, first and foremostyou should strive to win the love of

your mother.

I

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Devo Bhava (revere your guest as God).Thus, the mother has been given the firstplace in that order. It is only when we upholdthe honour and dignity of the mother thatwe will be entitled to be called true sons. Thelife of a person who is unable to earn thelove of his mother is a mere waste. Hence,we should do our best to win the love of our

mother. No one can describe the love of amother in words. It is only by the strength ofhis mother’s will that a son would come upwell in life. Hence, we should respect andlove our mother. She must be giventhe pride of place in our life. Only suchpeople who earn the love of their

mother can become the leaders of theircountry. We may or may not worship otherdeities, but we should certainly worship ourmother as God. We should neverforget the love of our mother. The love ofmother is supreme. It is only by the love oftheir mother that divine feelings develop inchildren. Where there is a virtuous mother,

there will surely be peaceand prosperity. It is foolishto crave for the love of otherpeople, ignoring the love ofone’s own mother. Oneshould, therefore, revereone’s mother and try toexperience her love.

Mother is your LivingGod

T h e m o t h e r o fRamakr ishna Parama-hamsa was noble andvirtuous. She belonged to apoor family, and had to facegreat hardships in life. Butshe earned the grace of Godby her sterling virtues andfirm faith in God. It is onlywhen one respects one’smother and wins her lovethat one can be called ahuman being in the realsense. There is no God

greater than one’s mother in this world.Unfortunately, today people forget thissacred truth and go here and there in searchof God. Where is the need to search for God

when you have living divinity right infront of you in the form of yourmother? Many people undertake

AVATAR VANI

There is no need for you to read voluminousbooks. Even a small book is good enough if it can

help you to contemplate on God. Do not besatisfied with acquiring mere bookish knowledge.

Such knowledge is only superficial knowledge.What you need really is the knowledge of the Self.Strive to acquire that knowledge. It manifests from

within. It cannot be acquired from outside.

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spiritual practices like penance, pilgrimageto holy places, worship and other rituals inorder to see God. But what is the use? Youcannot win the grace of God without firstwinning the love of your mother. The love ofthe mother flows as an undercurrent in everyhuman being. Read the life story of any greatperson; you will come to know that they couldreach such great heights in life only becauseof their mother’s love. When one leads one’slife in accordance with one’s mother’s nobleideals, one will be relieved of all kinds ofsuffering. One may or may not respectothers, but one must respect one’s mother.In fact, one should dedicate one’s entire lifeto win the love of one’s mother. Mother’s loveis always selfless. We should learn tocultivate such love. Wherever you go,whomsoever you meet, you can find thatpeople become rich and prosperous only withthe blessings and love of their mother. If youcannot win the love of your mother, how canyou hope to win the grace of God? Hence,first and foremost you should strive to winthe love of your mother. The heart of themother is very tender. Therefore, do not doanything which will hurt the feelings of yourmother.

One of the main teachings of the cultureof Bharat is: revere your mother and fatheras God. A person who is able to win the loveof his mother can win everything else.Ramakrishna Paramahamsa earned a greatname because he could win the love of hismother. Not only that, he could win thegrace of Mother Kali and attain her divinevision. There were many people inBengal who were the masters ofgreat wealth, high education andgreat scholarship. But they could not

achieve anything worthwhile in life due totheir lack of faith and devotion. It was onlyRamakrishna Paramahamsa who could leadan ideal life by loving his mother and obeyingher commands. He taught others that therewas nothing greater and nobler in this worldthan mother’s love. The mother is God, verily.It is, therefore, not good and proper to hurtthe feelings of the mother who is theembodiment of love. It is only when wedevelop love towards our mother will ourlife become happy and prosperous. Hence,first and foremost, we should strive to winthe love of our mother. Whatever the motherdoes is for our own good. We must developsuch firm faith. You take the life story of anygreat person in this world; he owes hisgreatness to his mother.

Modern students do not try to win theirmothers’ love. The mother undergoes greatordeals; she is prepared to undertake evenhard labour to earn a few rupees to bring upher children and educate them somehow.What a great sacrilege will it be to forget thelove of such a noble mother! Only a personwho wins the love of his mother can earnGod’s love. We are not born from the earthor the sky; we are born from the womb ofour mother. It is possible that at timesdifferences may arise between a mother andher son. But no mother would hate her sonon that account; she would not forsake him.There may be sons who hate their mothers,but there are no mothers who hate their sons.The mother will always aspire for the welfareof her son. Even if they go to a court of lawin a matter of dispute, the mother will

always say, “He is my son and I amhis mother.” They cannot refer toeach other in any other manner. The

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mother will always strive for the safety, healthand welfare of her children. People todayare facing great difficulties because they areignoring the love of their mother. If you areable to win the love of your mother, you canwin the love of all other people. The love ofyour mother will always be with you,constantly guarding and guiding you in allyour endeavours. Unfortunately, peopletoday do not realise this truth. They think, “Itis enough to provide a few morsels of foodto that old lady.” They are so narrow-mindedand selfish! It is a great mistake to think thattheir responsibility will end by providingsome food to their mothers. The mothershould always be held in high esteem andserved with love and devotion. She shouldbe made to feel happy and contented.

Pundarika was a great devotee of LordPanduranga. He held the view that serviceto the parents was of paramount importance.One day, he was serving his parents bymassaging their feet. In order to test his lovetowards his parents, Lord Pandurangaappeared before him. But Pundarika did notwant to be distracted from his attention andcontinued to serve his parents. Then, LordPanduranga asked him, “My dear son! I havecome to give you My Darshan; but you arenot looking at Me. Whom are you servingwith such single-minded devotion?”Pundarika replied that he was serving hisparents. Then, Lord Panduranga queried,“Is not God greater than parents? Won’tyou have My Darshan at least for onesecond?” But Pundarika was not distracted.He replied, “My parents are living divinitiesfor me. I cannot have Your Darshanunless I put my parents to sleep. IfYou wish to give me Your Darshan,

You stand there on the brick till then.” Sosaying, he pushed a brick towards LordPanduranga. The Lord then commended hislove and devotion towards his parents anddeclared, “The world will always remain safeand prosperous if all people cultivate suchlove and devotion towards their parents. Maysuch noble sons like you proliferate in thisworld!” Great and noble ideas of sacrificeand detachment continued to develop inPundarika. He spent his time happily servinghis parents and winning their love.

Mothers in Ancient Times FosteredValues in their Children

There were many ideal mothers in Bharatin ancient days. They contemplated on Godand chanted the Divine Name incessantly.They chanted Mantras like “Om NamoNarayanaya” before eating their food. Theywould never eat food without chanting the

Divine Name. They inculcated suchnoble habits in their children also.Thus, mothers in ancient times were

AVATAR VANI

When you chant the Divine Name,you will always have good

thoughts. Unfortunately, peopletoday totally forget chanting of the

Divine Name. People think thatthey are highly educated and havehigh degrees, but their degrees willnot enable them to tread the right

path. Education that does notdevelop self-enquiry is no

education at all.

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ideal. They used to inculcate in their childrenmoral values and put them on the right path.There are few such ideal mothers in the worldtoday. Mothers these days always think, “Myson should get good marks and rank in theexamination. He should acquire a highdegree and earn lakhs of rupees. He shouldrise to a high position in life.” A large majorityof modern mothers think in this manner. Veryfew of them teach their children, “My dear!Pray to God daily. Never forget God.” Thatis the reason why the country of Bharat isfacing innumerable difficulties. Our ancientsalways used to pray daily. They chanted,Rama! Krishna! Govinda! They chantedthe Divine Name incessantly. But thingshave changed. Now, there is no suchcontemplation on the Divine Name. Onthe other hand, worldly desires haveincreased enormously. The culture of Bharatexhorts the people to adhere to the principleof Sathyam Vada (speak truth) andDharmam Chara (practise righteousness).Unfortunately, today people act contrary tosuch noble ideals. They are distorting thoseideals as Sathyam Vadha (kill truth) andDharmam Chera (imprison righteousness).

Once Easwaramma came to Me andrequested, “Swami! Many poor mothers havecome here along with their children. Theyhave no food to eat. Kindly bless them.”Then I rendered them proper help and thusfulfilled Easwaramma’s wish. On anotherday, she came to Me and expressed heranguish thus: “Swami! Small children of fiveyears’ age are daily walking toBukkapatnam and back to attendschool. How can they study afterwalking such a long distance daily?”

Then, I called their parents and advisedthem, “These tiny tots can learn more fromtheir mothers than from their teachers in aschool. Instead of sending these smallchildren to such a long distance foreducation, you first teach them what little youknow. You teach them at least two or threeletters of the alphabet which you know.”Later, I established a school in Puttaparthiand fulfilled the wish of Easwaramma.

Though the mothers of those days werenot well educated, they never gave uppraying to God. Love God. There is no usewasting your time in worldly matters. Nevertry to imitate others. Try to develop faith inthe truth that manifests from your own heart.It is not good to hate other castes andreligions. Develop faith in your own religionand follow it diligently.

Once when I was a student, some politicalleaders approached Me and requested,“Raju! We understand that You write goodpoetry. We have arranged a meeting wherea large number of people are expected tocome. We request You to please write a goodsong that can inspire the people.” Thosewere the days of the Second World War. AdolfHitler was marching forward to conquervarious countries in Europe. He was tryingto invade Russia. India was then under thecontrol of the Britishers. Taking the situationinto account, I wrote a small playlet. In thatplaylet, I kept a rubber doll in a cradle andsang the following song, rocking the cradlegently:

Do not cry, my child, do not cry.

If you cry, you will not be calleda valiant son of Bharat.

Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep.

AVATAR VANI

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Did you get scared because the terribleHitler has invaded the invincible Russia?

Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep.

Do not cry, my child, do not cry.

For the Red Army is marching underStalin.

They will put an end to Hitler.

Then what else is the reason for yourcrying?

Is it because the countrymen lack unity?

All the countrymen shall unite and fight towin freedom;

Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep. (Telugu Song)

The mothers of those days used tosing such inspiring patriotic songs andteach their children good things. They triedto mould their character to inculcate inthem love for their country. There was noscope at all for untruth in their talk. By theirtruthful words, they put their children onthe path of truth.


If you want that you and your childrenshould attain purity and sacredness,constantly contemplate on God. If theparents lead a good and noble life, theirchildren will also be good and noble. Hence,the parents should be good in the firstinstance. Unfortunately, today the parentsare unable to set an example to theirchildren, with the result that the children aretaking to bad ways. The parents should,therefore, sanctify their life by contemplatingon God. But the people of Bharat areforgetting these sacred teachings. Themothers in ancient times used toimpart good lessons to their childrenin songs like this:

Get up early in the morning at the crowingof the cock,

Have a bath after your morning ablutions,

Wear a proper dress.

Eat properly and moderately.

(Telugu Poem)

But what to speak of children, even eldersdo not follow the rules of cleanliness today.They do not even clean their teeth properly.That is why we ourselves are generating allsorts of diseases. For both, good and bad,we only are responsible. When we cultivatesacred feelings, we will be rewarded withgood results. If sacred feelings are to takeroot in us, we have to cultivate good habits.

Once the village of Puttaparthi wasaffected by infectious diseases like choleraand plague. Several people died due to thesediseases. Then, I warned the children of thevillage that these diseases would spreadthrough drinking polluted water and eatingimpure food. I, therefore, advised them totake proper care in this regard. I advisedthem to drink clean and pure water. I toldthem, “Do not eat too much. Avoid uncleanfood. Eat only clean food in small quantities.Not only that, keep your mouth always freshand clean. Several diseases affect you dueto unclean mouth. It is not good to eatanything and everything when you feelhungry. Eat only wholesome food. God’sgrace is important both for good health andhappiness in life. Hence, always pray toGod.” Happiness can be attained onlythrough constant contemplation on God,nothing else. It is not something that can

be attained from outside. It springsforth from one’s own heart. In orderto attain health and happiness, we

AVATAR VANI

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should constantly contemplate on God andthereby sanctify our time.

In ancient times, parents put their childrenon Godward path by their example. Suchyouth were a source of strength for Bharat.Unfortunately, today children do not obeytheir parents. Modern youth dismiss the wisewords of their parents as mad talk. But these

are truthful and sacred words spoken by theparents with purity of their hearts. Godshowers His grace on those who pray with apure heart. Since ancient times, the womenof Bharat have been offering such prayersto God in all sincerity and devotion. That ishow Bharat has been maintaining a highposition in the world.

Sanctify your Life by ConstantContemplation on God

Engage yourself in good activitiesright from early morning. Then you

will automatically develop good habits. Infact, the country needs such youth today.Who are the youth? People generally thinkthat the boys and girls above the age of 18years are the youth. This is not correct.Persons endowed with noble thoughts canonly be called youth. Hence, one mustcultivate noble thoughts. As soon as you getup, your first action should be chanting theDivine Name, Rama! Krishna! Govinda!

Again, before you go to bed, you shouldchant the Divine Name. When you chantthe Divine Name, you will always have goodthoughts. Unfortunately, people today totallyforget chanting of the Divine Name. Peoplethink that they are highly educated andhave high degrees, but their degrees willnot enable them to tread the right path.Education that does not develop self-enquiryis no education at all. It will only lead toagitation! Mere reading of books does not

constitute education. Reading ofbooks will contribute only tobookish knowledge. That is artificial

AVATAR VANI

If you want that you and yourchildren should attain purity and

sacredness, constantly contemplateon God. If the parents lead a goodand noble life, their children will

also be good and noble. Hence, theparents should be good in the firstinstance. Unfortunately, today the

parents are unable to set anexample to their children, with the

result that the children are taking tobad ways. The parents should,therefore, sanctify their life by

contemplating on God.

AVATAR VANI

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knowledge. Real knowledge comes out ofthe heart. When young men and womenrealise and propagate this truth, the countrywill make all-round progress.


There is no need for you to readvoluminous books. Even a small book isgood enough if it can help you to contemplateon God. Do not be satisfied with acquiringmere bookish knowledge. Such knowledgeis only superficial knowledge. What you needreally is the knowledge of the Self. Strive toacquire that knowledge. It manifests fromwithin. It cannot be acquired from outside.Is it not a fact that the more you dig theriver bed, the more the water that comesout of the sand? Similarly, the more youremove your bad thoughts, the more thesacred knowledge and sacred thoughtsmanifest in you. Purity, steadiness, wisdomand such other noble qualities are presentin your heart. First and foremost, developsacred thoughts. Do not bother about whatothers talk about you. Do not leave yoursacred path due to the adverse commentsof others.

The mothers in ancient times impartedsuch sacred teachings to their children. Thatis why the children in those days, speciallyin the sacred land of Punjab, engagedthemselves in constant contemplation ofGod. Due to these sacred thoughts of itspeople, the land of Punjab attained greatsacredness. However, it is not the land thatis important. What is important is that thethoughts and feelings of the people shouldbe focused on God. Many people ask,“Where is God?” I tell them, “Mydear! I am God; you are also God.”

This is the truth. Why should we be afraid ofspeaking the truth? God resides in the heartof every being. All are the embodiments ofGod. There is divinity in every human being.If it were not so, we would not have existedin this world. It is only because of faith inGod that man has had his existence in thisworld till today.

There lived in a village a husband andhis wife. The wife was constantly chantingthe Divine Name, Rama, Krishna, Govinda,performing worship of God and singing Hisglories. The husband, however, did notapparently perform any worship. The wifefelt sorry that her husband was not utteringthe name of God even once in a day. Onenight, the husband could not get sleep andkept tossing in the bed. In this state ofrestlessness, he unintentionally uttered“Rama!” His wife was overjoyed on hearingthe Divine Name from the mouth of herhusband. The next day, as soon as she gotup from her bed, she collected all the riceavailable in the house, cooked it and fed thepoor people in jubilation. The husband askedher, “What is the matter? You are cookingand feeding the poor today. What is thespecial occasion?” The wife replied,“Yesterday night, I heard the Divine Nameof Rama from your mouth. I was overjoyedto hear it. Hence, this celebration.” Onhearing his wife’s reply, the husband felt sadthat the Name of Rama which he treasuredin the inner recesses of his heart had comeout. “Has my Rama gone out from my hearttoday?”, he felt worried. Many people do notshow their love and devotion for God. They

keep their devotion close to their heart.

Continued on page 167 ...

ELEBRATION of EaswarammaDay on 6th May is now an event ofglobal magnitude in which lakhs of

Bal Vikas children in all parts of the worldtake part. A series of cultural, spiritual andsocial welfare programmes are organisedin the memoryof the DivineM o t h e rE a s w a r a m m awho set great ideals to the world by herexemplary life. More particularly, her love forchildren and concern for the poor anddowntrodden make her life a shiningexample of ideal womanhood for the entiremankind. Sai Organisations all over the worldcelebrate this day to express their love andgratitude to the Divine Mother Easwaramma.

This event assumes added glory andmajesty when it is celebrated in the DivinePresence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba. A unique feature of this year’scelebration was that the venue wasSai Sruthi, the Divine Abode ofBhagavan at Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.

Preparations for the celebrations of thisauspicious day started on 5th May 2005 itselfwhen on the evening of this day Sai Sruthireverberated with Nadaswaram music. Theentire premises of Sai Sruthi bore afestive look with decorations of flowers of

J a s m i n e a n dK a n a k a m -baram, colourfulbuntings and

festoons. Life-like photographs of theDivine Mother Easwaramma, aestheticallydecorated with flower garlands, adornedSai Sruthi.

Devotees in thousands braving theinhospitable cold weather started queuingup in front of the main gate of Sai Sruthi asearly as 4 a.m. The programme started at6.30 a.m. with Nadaswaram recital. Everyavailable space in Sai Sruthi was occupiedby devotees eagerly awaiting the DivineDarshan of their Beloved Bhagavan.

Veda chanting started as soonas Bhagavan came to bless theassembled devotees. As Bhagavan

C

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EASWARAMMA DAYCELEBRATIONS AT KODAIKANAL

proceeded to the area where NarayanaSeva was arranged, the students of SriSathya Sai institutions started soul-elevatingBhajans. After the Divine blessings ofBhagavan, food, Dhotis, Saris, blankets,raincoats and bedsheets were distributed toneedy people. Bhagavan keenly watched

EASWARAMMA DAY CELEBRATIONS AT KODAIKANAL

the distribution of clothes and Prasadam.The morning programme came to a closewith Mangalarati to Bhagavan.

The afternoon programme commencedwith Bhajans led by the students of SriSathya Sai institutions. Before the DivineDiscourse of Bhagavan, Sri V. Srinivasan,All India President, Sri Sathya Sai SevaOrganisations addressed the gathering inthe Bhajan Hall. In His Discourse (full textgiven elsewhere), Bhagavan exhorted thedevotees, particularly the children and youth,to sanctify their life by earning the love oftheir parents. After the Divine Discourse, anexcellent play titled “Kali Yuga Nachiketa”was presented by Group III Bal Vikasstudents of Madurai district. Bhagavan satthrough the entire programme, blessed thechildren at the end of the play and also posedfor photographs with them. In the end,Mangalarati was offered to Bhagavan andPrasadam was distributed. EaswarammaDay celebrations at Kodaikanal came to ahappy conclusion with the staging of thisbeautiful drama.

Food and clothes being distributed to needypeople on Easwaramma Day.

... Continued from page 165

167 June 2005

However, one day or the other it getsmanifested on its own.


Contemplate on the Divine Name,whatever be your religion, caste, creed orsex. Choose the Name of God you like andchant it constantly. The mother ofRamakrishna Paramahamsa inculcatednoble virtues in him and shaped him into aman of great wisdom and devotion. Allmothers today should follow herexample and strive to put theirchildren on the right path. If you

constantly contemplate on God andchant His Name, that itself will purify yourthoughts and feelings. Never forget theDivine Name. Constant remembrance of theDivine Name will sanctify your life. Therefore,contemplate on the Divine Name incessantly.

(Bhagavan concluded His DivineDiscourse with the Bhajan, “Rama RamaRama Sita …”)

– From Bhagavan’s EaswarammaDay Discourse in Sai Sruthi,Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu on 6thMay 2005.

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OU HAVE ALL COME HERE TOtake part in the conference. Thoughyour stay at Prasanthi Nilayam is

short, your experiences are profound as you

have described them at length in yourspeeches. However, you have yet toexperience what you expect anddeserve.

The day on which all the devotees gatherand sing the glory of God melodiously; theday on which the sufferings of the poorare lovingly removed and all people livelike brothers and sisters; the day on whichgroups of Dasas (servants of God) whoconstantly contemplate on God are served

a sumptuous feast; the day on whichnoble souls visit us and narrate the

stories of God lovingly; enjoy thatday as the real day. All other days

GIVE UP DUALITY TO EXPERIENCEUNITY AND DIVINITY

God is love and love is God. When you hold on to this principle of love and

develop love to love relationship, you will attain the state of non-dualism.

AVATAR VANI VALEDICTORY DISCOURSE:SADHANA CAMP FOR KERALA YOUTH

(Telugu Poem)

Y

Mira experienced her oneness withKrishna through her non-dual lovefor Him. If one wishes to tread the

path of devotion, one should hold onto the principle of love firmly.

Ordinary mortals do not have suchfirm determination, but a true devotee

will never deviate from the path oflove under any circumstances. No

other path except love can take youto God. Develop love more and more.Love is with you, in you, around you.Love is changeless wherever you are;

love is your sole refuge.

169 June 2005

are mere death anniversaries. Do I needto say more, oh noble souls?

(Telugu Poem)

Non-duality Signifies True Devotion


In this conference, you have deliberatedupon many subjects such as duties andresponsibilities of youth and how they shouldmould their character. Let all your activitiesbe suffused with love. Modern youth fail tounderstand the true meaning of love. Lovecannot exist if there is a feeling of duality.Ekatma Prema (non-dual love) is true love.Give and take relationship does not reflectthe true spirit of love. One should keep givingand giving without expecting anything inreturn. That is true love. It is the sign ofselfish love to desert someone in times ofhis difficulties. When you give up Swartha(selfishness) and strive for Parartha (welfareof others), only then can you have YatharthaPrema (true love). You should know thedifference between Padartha (matter) andYathartha (reality). Yathartha transcendsPadartha. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verilyall this is Brahman). Consider everything asdivine and treat the dualities of life such aspain and pleasure, loss and gain withequanimity. Sukhadukhe SamekruthwaLabhalabhau Jayajayau (one should remainunaffected by happiness and sorrow, gainand loss, victory and defeat). Never becarried away by the vagaries of the mind.When you go by the mind, you see onlymatter since the mind is related to matter.Have no concern with matter. If youassociate yourself with the mind, youcannot achieve non-duality. You can

develop true love and devotion only whenyou give up duality.


Understand that the same principle oflove exists in you and others. It is essentialfor every devotee to understand this principleof unity. One who observes duality cannotbe called a true devotee. Non-dualitysignifies true devotion. Share your love withothers without any expectation. Loveeverybody for the sake of love. When youextend your love to others, you can attainthe state of non-dualism. The worldly lovethat you indulge in from morning to eveningis not true love at all. True love is that whichis focused on one form, one path and onegoal. It is a great mistake to divide love anddivert it to many directions. Love is God. Godis love. Live in love. Only then can you realisethe principle of oneness and attain fulfilmentin life. Prema Muditha Manase Kaho RamaRama Ram… (Sing the sweet name of Ramawith your heart filled with love). You maychoose any name you like, but you shouldchant it with love.

Develop One-pointed Love for God

Love is most sacred, sweet and non-dual.It is a great mistake to divide love andassociate it with multiplicity. Your love shouldremain steady in pleasure and pain. Wherethere is love and devotion, there is no scopefor differences. All differences are themaking of your mind. Develop the feeling ofoneness that you and I are one. Never thinkthat you and I are different. When you give

up the feeling of duality, you will attainunity and divinity. That is the sign oftrue devotion.

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The principle of oneness cannot beexplained in words; it has to be experiencedthrough love. But you do not understand thetrue meaning of love because you interpretit in the physical and worldly sense.Consequently, your love is never steady. Itkeeps changing every now and then. Truelove has no connection with the physicalbody. It should not be tainted with bodyattachment. The body is made up of matter.All that is related to matter will never giveyou peace and happiness. Hence, transcendthe matter and see the reality. DevelopEkatma Bhava (feeling of oneness). All areone, be alike to everyone. It is a big mistaketo attribute worldly feelings to love. There isno scope for dualism in love.


Your names and forms are different butthe principle of love is the same in all of you.That is why I address you as the“embodiments of love”. Love is always one,it should not be divided. Consider God asone and love Him wholeheartedly. Suchone-pointed love towards God can betermed as true devotion. Devotees likeJayadeva, Gauranga and Eknath developedsuch divine love and sanctified their lives.Likewise, Mira and Sakkubai had unwaveringlove and devotion towards God. They didnot worship various names and forms. Theyfollowed one path. They installed one nameand one form in their heart andcontemplated on their chosen deityincessantly. Those who are dual-minded andchange their path every now and then arebound to ruin their lives. Hence, neverbe dual-minded. Experience divinitywith Ekatma Bhava. You may worship

Rama, Krishna, Easwara or any other nameand form of God, you will reach the samegoal. Never forget the goal.

Mira’s Non-dual Love for Krishna

Names and forms appear to be different,but the reality behind all these is one andthe same. However, people are unable tolook deep within themselves and experiencethis oneness. The power of love isunparalleled. There is no power greater thanthis. Love cannot be understood byexperiments and investigations. It can beunderstood only through love and nothingelse. Mira’s husband Rana could not tolerateher singing in the Mandir all the time. Hecommanded her to go out of the Mandir. Thiscame as a great shock to Mira. She thoughtto herself, “Is Krishna inside the Mandir andnot outside? When Krishna is presenteverywhere, how can Rana take me awayfrom Him?” After understanding this reality,she left her home and set out for Mathura.Mathura is not merely the name of a town.In fact, the heart suffused with MadhuraBhava (sweetness) is Mathura. She sang,Chalo Re Man Ganga Yamuna Teer, GangaYamuna Nirmal Pani Sheetal Hota Sarir (Ohmind! Go to the banks of the Ganga andYamuna; the water of Ganga and Yamunais pure; it will make the body cool andserene). Here Ganga and Yamunasymbolically mean Ida and Pingala (left andright subtle channels in the spine). Thecentre of the eyebrows where Ida andPingala meet stands for Mathura. This is thereal meaning of the song. But people these

days do not enquire into the innermeaning of these truths. They arecarried away by the worldly meanings

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and interpretations. Do not go by theseinterpretations. The feelings of one’s heartare most important. They are true, steady,changeless and eternal.

Mira proceeded towards Mathurachanting the Name of Krishna incessantly,

crossing rivers, hills, dales and forests andultimately reached Brindavan. Her husbandRana repented for having ill-treated Miraand came there. He prayed to her forforgiveness. After some time she went toDwaraka, but she found the temple doorsclosed. In spite of her repeated prayers, thedoors did not open. Then she said, “OhKrishna, you don the crown of peacockfeathers and the yellow robe. Makemy heart Your temple. Dwell in the

AVATAR VANI

altar of my heart.” She banged her headagainst the temple door, calling out toKrishna. Krishna manifested there and shemerged in Him. Mira installed Krishna in herheart. In this way, Mira experienced heroneness with Krishna through her non-duallove for Him. If one wishes to tread the pathof devotion, one should hold on to the

principle of love firmly. Ordinary mortals donot have such firm determination, but a truedevotee will never deviate from the path oflove under any circumstances. No otherpath except love can take you to God.Develop love more and more. Love is withyou, in you, around you. Love is changelesswherever you are; love is your sole refuge.

Suffuse all your Activities with LoveEmbodiments of Love!

Fill your hearts with love and letlove be the guiding principle of all your

Love is most sacred, sweet andnon-dual. It is a great mistake todivide love and associate it with

multiplicity. Your love shouldremain steady in pleasure and pain.Where there is love and devotion,there is no scope for differences.All differences are the making ofyour mind. Develop the feeling ofoneness that you and I are one.Never think that you and I are

different. When you give up thefeeling of duality, you will attain

unity and divinity. That is the signof true devotion.

June 2005 172

AVATAR VANI

activities when you return home. When youhave love in your heart, you do not need toworry about anything. God will always be withyou, in you, around you and will look afteryou in all respects. When you say, “Krishna,I will follow You,” it means that Krishna isseparate from you. It is possible that you maylose your way. Hence, you should pray,“Krishna, please be with me always.” In fact,He is always in you. When you enquiredeeply, you will experience this truth. It isimpossible to be away from Him. Manydevotees proclaim, “Oh God, I am in You, Iam with You and I am for You.” They repeatthese words in a superficial way; they do notsay from the depth of their heart. Actually,God is never separate from you. Pray to Himwholeheartedly with firm conviction that Heis always in you, with you, above you, belowyou and around you. When you offer such aprayer to God, He will certainly redeem yourlife.

You have one more day for deliberations.I will further explain all these truths in detailso that you can easily understand them. Donot feel satisfied with what you haveexperienced so far. There is much more tobe experienced which will fill your heart withbliss. How can you say that your hunger is

satisfied by eating a little? There is a lot ofscope for you to experience divinity in fullmeasure in the days to come.

– From Bhagavan’s ValedictoryDiscourse on the occasion of thirdSadhana Camp for Kerala youth in SaiKulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam on 13thApril 2005.

Manishi (man) will be transformed into Maharishi (sage) by engaging in selfless

service. The merit that can be obtained from service cannot be acquired even

from the practice of rigorous austerities. Service brings human beings closer to

each other, and promotes affection and friendship. Without this friendship and

feeling of love for one’s fellowmen, one cannot attain intimacy with the Lord.

- Baba- Baba- Baba- Baba- Baba

The principle of oneness cannot beexplained in words; it has to be

experienced through love. But youdo not understand the true meaning

of love because you interpret it inthe physical and worldly sense.

Consequently, your love is neversteady. It keeps changing every now

and then. True love has noconnection with the physical body.It should not be tainted with body

attachment. The body is made up ofmatter. All that is related to matter

will never give you peace andhappiness. Hence, transcend the

matter and see the reality.

173 June 2005

ACRED chants of Vedic Mantrasalong with offer of oblations in thesacred fire filled the air with spiritual

v i b r a t i o n s w h e nceremonies wereheld to performYajnas for threedays from 16th May to 18th May 2005 forthe welfare of the world at Brindavan(Whitefield), Bangalore in the DivinePresence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.The venue of these ceremonies was SaiRamesh Krishan Hall which wasbeautifully decorated with flowers,plantain and mango leaves. Whilefour Yajna Kundas were set up on

the dais, one was set up below the dais inthe Hall for the performance of theseceremonies. An altar was also set up on

the da i s whe reKalashas (sacredv e s s e l s ) w e r eplaced for worship

by the priests. All the Yajnas were conductedby the priests from the Kollur Mookambikatemple, Udipi and Shirdi Sai Temple,Bangalore.

On the first day, i.e., 16th May 2005,Bhagavan came to Sai Ramesh Krishan

Hall at 7.20 a.m. in a majesticprocession comprising the Vedachanting group of students and the

Celebrations at Brindavan

SYAJNAS FOR THE WELFARE

OF THE WORLD

June 2005 174

priests who carried the Poornakumbham ledby Nadaswaram musicians. The entire Hallreverberated with sacred chants from theVedas as the priests started makingpreparations for the conduct of Dhanvantari

Homa that was scheduled for this morning.Before commencing the Yajna, the priestsperformed Ganesh Puja, Kalasha Puja andoffered other traditional prayers. At 8.00a.m., Bhagavan blessed the sacred fire whichwas placed in the Yajna Kunda by the priestsamidst sacred chants. When the priestsstarted the performance of the Yajna,Bhagavan sat in His chair near the YajnaKunda and blessed the performance of theYajna. The environment was surchargedwith sacred vibrations as a group of priestsseated near the Yajna Kunda engagedthemselves in the performance of the Yajnaand another group of priests seatedon the dais chanted Vedic Mantras.Besides, the students of the Institute

sang Bhajans and recited Mantras. Amidstsacred chants and Nadaswaram music,Poornahuti blessed by Bhagavan wasoffered in the Yajna Kunda by the priests at9.45 a.m. After this, the priests offered Aratito Bhagavan and received blessings fromHim. Durga Suktam, Mantra Pushpam andother sacred chants continued till 11.00 a.m.when the ceremonies came to a happyconclusion. Prasadam was distributed to allin the end. Chanting of Vedic Mantras bythe priests and students continued in theafternoon also. After the Vedic chants, therewere Bhajans led by the students of theInstitute. The programme in the afternoonconcluded with offer of Arati to Bhagavan at6.00 p.m. Prasadam was distributed to all inthe afternoon also.

On the morning of 17th May 2005, Pujawas started by the priests at 7.00 a.m. withthe chanting of Vedic Mantras. Beautifuldecorations were done on the dais withflowers of different colours. The altar whereKalashas were placed was also aestheticallydecorated with fresh flowers. Three YajnaKundas which had already been made onthe left side of the dais were also decoratedand sanctified by chanting of Mantras by thepriests. Bhagavan came to the Hall at 7.45a.m. and blessed the Ritwiks and the sacredYajna fire. After receiving blessings fromBhagavan, fire was lit in all the three YajnaKundas and groups of priests sat aroundeach Yajna Kunda to perform Rudra Homa,Mrityunjaya Homa and Durga Homasimultaneously. While the priests offeredoblations into the Yajna Kundas with

chanting of Mantras, the Institutestudents recited Vedic chants and agroup of ladies devotees chanted

CELEBRATIONS AT BRINDAVAN

The altar set up on the dais for Kalashaworship in Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall.

175 June 2005

Lalita Sahasranama. The Yajnas continuedup to 10.00 a.m. sanctifying the environmentand filling the air with sacred vibrations ofDivine Name. At the conclusion of theYajnas, the priests offered Arati to Bhagavanand received blessings from Him. Bhagavanalso distributed clothes to them. The morningprogramme came to a close with Arati toBhagavan at 10.30 a.m. and distribution ofPrasadam to all. Sudarshan Homa wasperformed on the afternoon of 17th May2005. Before the start of the Yajna, therewere Bhajans led by the Institute studentsfrom 4.00 to 4.30 p.m. Bhagavan came toSai Ramesh Krishan Hall at 4.30 p.m. andblessed the priests to start the Yajna.Bhagavan also blessed the sacred firewhich was placed in the Yajna Kundaby the priests. Thereafter, the priestsstarted Vedic chants appropriate for theperformance of Sudarshan Homa andoffered oblations into the Yajna Kunda. Thestudents also continued to recite VedicMantras. At the conclusion of thissacred Yajna, Poornahuti blessed byBhagavan was put into the Yajnafire at 8.30 p.m. amidst chanting of

Mantras, sounding of the bell and sacrednotes of Nadaswaram music. Theprogramme concluded at 9.00 p.m. withoffer of Mangalarati to Bhagavan.

The Yajna ceremonies started on themorning of 16th May 2005 concluded withthe performance of Shatachandi Homa onthe morning of 18th May 2005. A YajnaKunda for this Yajna was speciallyconstructed in Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall infront of the dais. Puja was started by thepriests at 6.45 a.m. with prayer to LordGanesh. Sacred Yajna fire was lit amidst

chanting of Vedic Mantras and auspiciousNadaswaram music at 7.15 a.m. With theblessings of Bhagavan, the priests startedthe performance of the Yajna by puttingoblations into the sacred fire with thechanting of Durga Saptashati, DurgaSuktam, Sri Suktam, Gayatri Mantra, SaiGayatri, etc. Institute students and ladiesdevotees also joined the chanting of sacredMantras. The Yajna continued in this wayfor nearly three hours. At 10.25 Poornahutimaterial blessed by Bhagavan was put intothe Yajna fire amidst chanting of VedicMantras, Nadaswaram music and ringing ofthe Mandir bell. Chanting of Mantrascontinued for some time after this. At 10.50a.m. Mangalarati was offered to Bhagavanby the priests. Bhagavan showered Hisblessings on them and distributed clothes tothem. After the performance of the Yajna,renowned singers Smt. Parveen Sultana andher husband Ustad Dilshad Khan sangBhajans in praise of Devi and BhagavanBaba. The programme concluded with

offer of Arati to Bhagavan at 11.20a.m. Prasadam was distributed to allin the end.


Yajna being performed with the chanting ofVedic Mantras in Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall.

June 2005 176

HE holy festival of Buddha Purnimawas celebrated at Brindavan(Whitefield), Bangalore on 23rd May

2005 in which thousands of devotees fromIndia and overseas countries took part. Apartfrom a large number of devotees from India,over 2000 devotees came from overseascountries, viz., Sri Lanka, Thailand,Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Brunei,Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and Nepal tocelebrate it in the Divine proximity ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Thecelebrations continued on 24th May 2005also.

Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall, the venue ofcelebrations, was beautifully decorated onthis occasion with banners, buntings,plantain leaves and flowers. An electronicdisplay panel in the Hall conveyed the centralmessage of Buddhism in these famouswords: Buddham Saranam Gachchhami,D h a m m a m S a r a n a m G a c h c h h a m i ,Sangham Saranam Gachchhami. Exquisitedecorations on the dais looked verycharming with aesthetic flower arrangement.An altar was set up on the dais in an artisticmanner, in which beautiful idols of Buddhawere placed. Candles were ceremoniouslylit before the idols of Buddha in the altar onthe morning of 23rd May 2005 before thecommencement of the programme. Later,Buddhist priests, who had come fromSri Lanka and Indonesia to participatein the celebrations, performed theAbhishekam (sacred bath) of the idols withthe accompaniment of holy chants.

On the morning of 23rd May 2005,Bhagavan came to Sai RameshKrishan Hall at 7.55 a.m. in a grand

procession led by a group of Buddhist priestsfrom Sri Lanka and Indonesia followed bytraditional dancers of Sri Lanka in theirtraditional dress. Meanwhile, Buddhistdevotees in the Hall played sweet tunes ofSai Bhajans. As soon as Bhagavan came tothe dais, the devotees gathered in the Hallwaved colourful Buddhist flags. At the sametime, the dancers displayed their art to thebeat of drums to the delight of the mammothgathering in the Hall. Soon after this,Bhajans commenced which were ledalternately by the ladies and gents devoteesof Sri Lanka. Singing of the glories of theLord went on for nearly one hoursurcharging the environment with sacredvibrations. At the conclusion of Bhajans, Aratiwas offered to Bhagavan and Prasadam wasdistributed to all. Later in the day, NarayanaSeva was performed, and food and clothesblessed by Bhagavan were distributed to theneedy.

In the afternoon, Bhagavan came to theHall at 3.25 p.m. amidst sacred chantsby the overseas devotees. Before the DivineDiscourse of Bhagavan, three speakersblessed by Bhagavan addressed thegathering. Introducing the speakers, Dr.Michael Goldstein, Chairman, PrasanthiCouncil observed that Buddha showed theway to bliss, enlightenment and salvation tomankind. Quoting from a Discourse ofBhagavan, Dr. Goldstein exhorted thedevotees to rely on their innate reality toachieve the goal of life as shown by Buddha.After this, Sri Karu Jayasuriya, a former

Minister of Sri Lanka, addressed thegathering. Sri Jayasuriya said that thevalues taught by Buddha to mankind

TBUDDHA PURNIMA CELEBRATIONS

177 June 2005

2500 years ago have been revived byBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for modernman to follow and redeem his life. The nextspeaker, Sri Mangala Munasinghe, HighCommissioner for Sri Lanka in India, saidthat man should remove the poison ofdesire, anger and jealousy from his heartand inculcate the values of Sathya,Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa taughtby Bhagavan. Narrating her personalexperiences of Bhagavan’s Divinity, the lastspeaker, Kumari Mala Sabaratnam of SriLanka observed that the teachings ofBhagavan, such as ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never’,‘Hands that Serve are Holier than Lips thatPray’, could transform mankind if they wereput into practice.

At the end of these speeches,Bhagavan graciously released thesouvenir to commemorate 40 years

of Sai Seva in Sri Lanka and two booksentitled “Baba My Father” and “Buddhaand Baba”. After this, Bhagavan gave HisBuddha Purnima message. (Full text ofBhagavan’s Discourse has been givenelsewhere in this issue.) The programmeconcluded with Arati to Bhagavan at5.00 p.m.

In the evening, traditional dances of SriLanka were presented by the dancers to thebeat of Sri Lankan drums in Sai KrishanKalyana Mandapam in the Divine Presenceof Bhagavan. Based on the famous streetpageant of the sacred Buddhist templeenshrining the tooth relic of Buddha, thedances kept the audience spellbound for

over 30 minutes. The programme whichstarted at 5.25 p.m. came to a closeat 6.00 p.m. with Arati to Bhagavan.

The altar set up on the dais in Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.


June 2005 178

On the morning of 24th May 2005, therewere Bhajans which were led by theoverseas devotees who had come from tencountries to take part in Buddha Purnimacelebrations. It was really a grandpresentation that delighted one and all. Theprogramme which started at 9.00 a.m. cameto a close at 9.30 a.m.

On the afternoon of 24th May 2005,Bhagavan came to Sai Ramesh Krishan Hallat 4.00 p.m. After Bhagavan was seated onthe dais, a musical programme of rhythmson Sri Lankan and Indian drums waspresented by Sri Lankan devotees. After thisexcellent presentation on drums, Bhajanscommenced which were led by overseasdevotees. The programme in Sai RameshKrishan Hall came to a close at 4.35 p.m.with Arati to Bhagavan. Soon after this, BalVikas children of Sri Lanka presented adrama entitled “Life with the Divine” in SaiKrishan Kalyana Mandapam. The dramabeautifully depicted the creation of theuniverse from the primordial sound Aum, andthe relationship of five basic elements withfive human values of Sathya, Dharma,Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa propounded byBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The dancesof the children, their costumes, appropriatelighting and music effects portrayed thescenes of the creation of the five elementsand the universe beautifully. The drama wasa superb presentation from all points of viewand brought out the main theme clearly thatman should live in harmony with fiveelements by putting human values intopractice in his life. At the end of the drama,Bhagavan blessed the cast and posedfor photographs with them. Theprogramme came to a close at 5.45

p.m. with Arati to Bhagavan. Buddha Purnimacelebrations concluded with this beautifuldrama.

A very informative and educativeexhibition was set up in Sai KrishanKalyana Mandapam, Brindavan (Whitefield),Bangalore on the theme of Nama Sankirtan(singing the glories of the Lord) on 28th and29th May 2005 as part of 80th Birthdaycelebrations of Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba. On the morning of 28th May 2005,Bhagavan inaugurated the exhibition whichwas later opened for public. Organised bythe Spiritual Wing of Sri Sathya Sai SevaOrganisation, Karnataka, the exhibitionentitled ‘Sai Nama Kirtana Kali YugaSadhana’ depicted the efficacy of chantingthe Divine Name in the spiritual developmentof man. It was based on the teachings ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba andconveyed valuable lessons for the Sadhanaof Nama Sankirtan . A section on Hindustaniand Carnatic music gave very usefulinformation about Indian music. Similarly,the section on Bhajan singing was informativeand educative. Another section described thelife stories of great saints, poets andmusicians who attained liberation throughNama Sankirtan. An interesting aspect of theexhibition was the audio-visual presentationof each section and the interactive sectionof the Raga section where as many as27 Bhajans were made available oncomputers. One could listen to these

Bhajans and also view the name oftheir Raga as well as the Arohana andAvarohana of that Raga.

AN EXHIBITIONON NAMA SANKIRTAN

179 June 2005


ANY DIGNITARIES FROM SRILanka have spoken to you aboutthe great teachings of Buddha.

First of all, you have to understand that Godis omnipresent. There is no place where youdo not find God. The essence of theteachings of all scriptures is that God ispresent everywhere. Out of their ignorance,some people argue that God is limited toa particular place.

Divinity Indwells all BeingsTruly speaking, Divinity is present in

everyone and is all-pervasive. This is thebasic truth of all doctrines and philosophies.See everywhere God. If you see Godeverywhere, nothing bad will happen toyou. This Ekatma Bhava (principle ofoneness) should be understood bythe Bharatiyas.

See no evil; see what is good,

Talk no evil; talk what is good,

Hear no evil; hear what is good,

Do no evil; do what is good,

Be always with God.

Some people call Him Rama, some othersadore Him as Krishna and still some othersworship Him as Buddha. Names and formsmay vary, but God is one. God is not limited

to a particular name, form, region or religion.There is only one God who pervades everyatom of the creation. Words fail to expressthe glory and grandeur of Divinity. People

may describe Divinity in a number ofways, but no description can everportray Divinity in full measure.

DEVELOP THE SPIRIT OF ONENESS

AVATAR VANI BUDDHA PURNIMA DISCOURSE

M

Only those with self-confidence aretrue Bhaktas (devotees). You cannot

call yourself a devotee if you lackself-confidence. Without self-

confidence, you cannot achieveanything in life. Therefore, first and

foremost develop firm andunshakeable self-confidence. From

self-confidence arises self-satisfaction. Self-satisfaction showsyou the path of self-sacrifice whichultimately leads to self-realisation.

June 2005 180

In fact, to describe Divinity is a sign ofdelusion. Where is God? You are all theembodiments of God. God pervades allbeings as their life-breath. Suchtranscendental principle of Divinity cannotbe described. One may do one’s best todescribe it at any length, yet all descriptionswill fall short of what reality is. Water is infinite;a container cannot hold more water than itscapacity. As is the size of the container, sois the quantity of water collected. Likewise,God is infinite, but each one describes Himbased on his limited understanding. Divinityis much more than what human mind cancomprehend.


It is impossible for anyone to describeDivinity in full measure. God is one, butpeople may describe Him in various waysdepending on their feelings. Divinity is one.It is sign of ignorance to divide God in thename of religion and limit Him to a particularname and form. God is limitless andboundless. He is Sarvantaryami (all-knowinginner reality). He is Sarva Bhutantaratma(indweller of all beings). How can anyonedescribe such Divinity? God is present ineveryone in the form of Atma (Self). Developsuch self-confidence and spirit of oneness.Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti (truthis one, but the wise refer to it by variousnames). (Pointing to the tumbler, Swamisaid) This is water. Telugu people call itNeeru, Tamilians call it Thanni, so on andso forth. Different people call it by differentnames, but water is the same. Likewise, thesame God is extolled by variousnames. The indweller is the same inall beings. People worship God by

different names and forms, but God is one.The principle of the Atma which resides ineveryone is the true divine power. Only thosewith self-confidence are true Bhaktas(devotees). You cannot call yourself adevotee if you lack self-confidence. Withoutself-confidence, you cannot achieveanything in life. Therefore, first and foremostdevelop firm and unshakeable self-confidence. From self-confidence arises self-satisfaction. Self-satisfaction shows you thepath of self-sacrifice which ultimately leadsto self-realisation. Self-confidence is thebasis for self-realisation.

There is Nothing like my God andyour God

Today many people practise meditationwithout knowing what it is. In the process,they waste a lot of time. What is meditation?Is it to sit cross-legged with closed eyes?No. Not at all. People undertake meditationwith a deluded mind. Consequently, they areunable to achieve the desired result. Whatis meant by meditation? To think of God atall times and under all circumstances is truemeditation. You should install God in yourheart and discharge your duties with thefeeling that God is the basis of everything.Only then can you be called a true devotee.Wherever you go, whatever you may do,recognise the truth that there is only one Godand He is all-pervasive. Never give scopefor differences saying, my God and your God.Where is your God? Where is my God? Allare one; be alike to everyone. There is onlyone God and He is present in everyone. It

is a big mistake to think that God isdifferent for different people. Youshould have firm faith that God is

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o n e . T h e p r o c e s so f i n h a l a t i o na n d e x h a l a t i o n a sindicated by the Sohamprinciple is one andthe same in everybody.Soham means “I amG o d . ” T h i s c l e a r l ydemonstrates that God isnot different from you.When man comes into theworld, the first word heutters is “Koham, Koham”(who am I?). He shouldconstantly keep askingthis question until herealises his true identity.He should realise histrue nature and proclaim,“Soham, Soham” (I amGod) before leaving theworld.

N e v e r a t t r i b u t emultiplicity to Divinity onthe basis of differentnames and forms such asRama, Krishna, Jesus,Allah, Buddha, etc. You may call Him by anyname, but God is one and the same. Butthese days, we do not find teachers who canmake lasting impression on the hearts ofpeople by imparting such sacred teachings.All the time, man keeps searching for Godelsewhere. How can you find Godelsewhere? Some people may call Him Allah;others may call Him by some other name.Does God become different for differentpeople just because they call Him bydifferent names? No, no. These areonly names. To think that God is

different for different people is a greatdelusion. You may call Him by any name.God is one.

Sri Lanka will be Safe and Secure

When you develop such spirit of oneness,you will certainly have Sakshatkara (visionof the Divine). Everyone should developEkatma Bhava (spirit of oneness). EaswaraSarva Bhutanam (God is the indweller of all

beings). It is sheer ignorance to say,“My God is different from your God”.Those who quarrel with each other in

AVATAR VANI

Today many people practise meditation withoutknowing what it is. In the process, they waste a lotof time. What is meditation? Is it to sit cross-leggedwith closed eyes? No. Not at all. People undertake

meditation with a deluded mind. Consequently, theyare unable to achieve the desired result. What is

meant by meditation? To think of God at all timesand under all circumstances is true meditation.

June 2005 182

the name of religion are foolish people. Forsome time now, certain types of differenceshave cropped up in Sri Lanka. Whateverothers may say, we have to firmly believethat God is one. It is a great mistake todevelop differences on the basis of ourdeluded thinking.

Once an old woman went in search ofJesus. When she met him, she asked, “Areyou Jesus?” Jesus replied, “That is the namegiven to me. But you can call me by anyname, I shall respond.” Names and formsare bound to change. When you are born,people call you a child. As you grow up, youare called a boy, then you become a manand later on a grandfather. But the child,boy, man and grandfather are one and thesame. Childhood, youth and old age aremerely the different stages of your life. Butyou are one and the same. Similarly, namesand forms may be different, but God is one.


You have come here all the way from SriLanka because of your love for Me. My lovefor you is hundred times more than the loveyou have for Me (prolonged loud applause).Sri Lanka had to face many hardships, evenfrom the time of Ravana. But Sri Lanka cannever be put to harm. It will always be safe,secure and prosperous (loud prolongedapplause). God is the leader of your country.As long as you have faith in God, you havenothing to fear. May you all enjoy safety andsecurity! Wherever you go, whatever you do,have firm conviction that God is always withyou, in you, around you, above you, belowyou. Do not be carried away by what otherssay. Have God firmly installed in yourheart. You can never be put to anyharm. No danger can ever befall you.

AVATAR VANI

Lead your lives with such courage andconviction. God will certainly bless you withsuccess.


The hearts of the people of Sri Lanka aresacred. Hence, they will always enjoy safetyand security. Difficulties will come and go likepassing clouds. You don’t need to be afraidof anything. God will always protect you. Becourageous and face difficulties withfortitude. You are the embodiments of Love.Where there is love, there cannot be anyadversity. Love is God. God is Love. Hence,fill your hearts with love.


Very soon I will visit Sri Lanka and bestoweternal bliss on all of you (thunderousapplause). In the present situation, it isdifficult for Me to walk. However, difficulty isonly for the body. It comes and goes. I donot care for such physical constraints. I willcertainly come to your country very soon andfulfil your long cherished dream. Right froma child to an old man, devotees in Sri Lankathink of Swami always. Your prayers andpenance will certainly find fulfilment verysoon. Cherish this sacred feeling in yourheart. The passage of time will not affect theintimate relationship that exists between youand Me. It is eternal and everlasting.

(Bhagavan concluded His Discoursewith the Bhajan, “Prema Mudhita ManaseKaho …”)

– From Bhagavan’s Buddha PurnimaDiscourse in Sai Ramesh Krishan

Hall, Brindavan (Whitefield),Bangalore on 23rd May 2005.

183 June 2005

Venezuela

On 27th February 2005, the SaiOrganisation of Venezuela conducted its 5thcataract eye camp at the Instituto de MicroCirugia Ocular hospital in Caracas. Ten

cataract eye operations were performed intwo operating theatres. Eight doctors wereassisted by a team of forty devotees whoprovided food, transportation, and mostimportantly loving care. All such operationsperformed since 2003 have been successfuland this medical camp brought the totaloperations performed to 100. In addition toeye surgeries, members of the SaiOrganisation of Venezuela providedlaboratory services and postoperativecare free of cost with love. The patients,who were selected from economicallypoor neighbourhoods, were happyto receive the treatment withloving care.

Brazil

The Sathya Sai Organisation of Brazilorganised a medical camp on 4th February2005 in São Paulo. Five doctors, 3 dentists,5 nurses, 1 pharmacist, 5 psychologists and88 Sai volunteers served 256 patients.Paediatric services, infantile nutritionservices, dental services, ophthalmologicprevention, blood pressure check-ups,cardiology services, and quality life andhealthcare education were provided with loveand dedication. Sai volunteers preparedrefreshments for the patients and arrangedseparate rooms for meditation and devotionalsinging. Seeing the whole environmentcharged with divine fervour, one patientremarked, “Everything that is made with loveworks.”

USA

The Sai Centres of Manhattan andScarsdale, New York joined the Sai Centresof Shelton and Norwalk, Connecticut toorganise a Health Fair on 2nd April 2005 atHart Magnet Elementary School, Stamford,Connecticut. With unity and love, 17 doctors,5 lab/clinical assistants, 1 diabetic educator,2 nutritionists, 10 Spanish translators and58 Sai volunteers participated in this healthfair. A total of 155 patients received medicalcare and health information. Screeningbooths were arranged for height/weight/BMI,blood pressure, asthma screen, eye,cholesterol/HDL/glucose, haemoglobin and

mammograms. In addition, preventivehealthcare booths such as obesity/dietetics/nutrition, cancer, stress

NEWS FROM SAI CENTRES

1. Medical Camps

A patient being attended to after theeye operation in Venezuela.

June 2005 184

human values songs to the children. On 16thMarch 2005, Sai devotees helped the firevictims of Klong Toey slums in Bangkok topurchase necessities such as rice, noodles,milk, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste andmugs.

USAWith the blessings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya

Sai Baba, the devotees of Arizona incollaboration with the researchers andstudents of Arizona State University startedan IT project called “iCARE”, which standsfor Information Technology Centric Assistiveand Rehabilitative Environment. The goal ofthe project is to do selfless service to thosewho depend on others for their day-to-dayactivities, and thereby to achieve individualtransformation. When the idea for this projectwas conceived in 2001, the devoteesapproached the local deaf and blind supportorganisation. Then the requirements weregathered from the blind children, studentsand adults, their families and friends,

disability specialists and mobilityinstructors. They also nailed down themost important challenges faced bythe blind individuals.


management, diabetes, HIV, coronarydiseases and hypertension providedinformation and awareness. Familypractitioners and specialists in paediatrics,cardiology, internal medicine, oncology,obstetrics and gynaecology, andpsychology served the patients with lovingcare.

Impressed with the services providedby Sai volunteers, many patients requestedthe Sai centres to hold another health fairbefore winter. The Principal of Hart MagnetElementary School was pleased with theservices, as the patients were able tospend time with doctors from variousdisciplines and discuss about their healthproblems. She felt that the health fair wasunique because even those who buyexpensive health insurance often do not getaccess to all medical services on the sameday.

2. Community Service Programmes

Italy

A free canteen for needy people wasstarted in the premises of the Sai Centre inFaenza. The project was also welcomed bythe local social services with great interest.In 1997, Bhagavan blessed the project.Todate, members of the Faenza Sai Centrehave served approximately 17,000 meals tothe needy.

Thailand

On 6th March 2005, the students of theEHV classes along with their teachers visitedthe slums in Klong Toey, Bangkok. Theydistributed 418 food packets to thechildren and adults. Each food packethad milk, noodles and a fruit. Thestudents also spoke and taught

Items of daily need were distributed toneedy people in Bangkok,Thailand.

185 June 2005

After much research, four devices weredesigned: 1) iCARE Reader Device that can

help the blind to read a book or paper; 2)iCARE-Interaction Assistant, a wearablecamera that can help the blind to identify andgreet people; 3) iCARE Information Assistantthat can help to get information fromanywhere in the world; 4) iCARE Haptics, atouch interface for the blind and therehabilitating patients with neurologicaldisorders, which can help to feel objects.Bhagavan’s sweet words “I will help, I willhelp” in an interview is the only energy thatmade all the above possible.

Two blind students received a degree incomputer science using the iCARE ReaderDevice. Eleven more children from thenearby schools are now being trained. It isalso currently deployed at a localorganisation for blind children. TheiCARE Information Assistant is beingconsidered for deployment in many


A visually challenged person is being helped toread a text through iCARE Reader Device.

locations. Research on other iCAREprojects is well underway.

The iCARE project was presented atthe World Health Organisation’s GlobalHealth Forum summit in Mexico City inNovember 2004 as a demonstration of oneof the missions of WHO, namely, helpingdisabled individuals realise their fullestpotential. The project was awarded theprestigious Governor’s Innovator of the Yearaward. The above accolades are but minutefacets of Bhagavan’s infinite glory and aconfirmation that His Divine Will shall alwaysprevail.

3. Public Meetings

Japan

The year 2005 marks the 30th anniversaryof the birth of the Sai Organisation in Japan.In celebration of this milestone, the 8th AllJapan National Convention was held in thecity of Nagoya for three consecutive daysfrom 19th March. Over 300 people attendedthe convention. The theme of the conventionwas “Unity, Purity and Divinity”. After theceremonial lighting of the lamp, Sri L.P.Chablani, National Chairman of the SaiOrganisation of Japan, welcomed everyone.A slide show summarising 30 years of growthof the Sai Organisation in Japan was thenpresented.

Dr. Pal Dhall, Zonal Chairman, gave aninspiring talk on the emerging awareness ofspiritual oneness. He emphasised thatscientists, politicians, and policy makers nowrealise that only the path of unity showed by

Bhagavan could solve the current social,economic and medical problems inthe world. Sri Makino explained the

June 2005 186

importance of the Vedas, which was followedby workshops on the five elements and aJapanese folk dance. All the participantsvowed to burn one of their vices as anoffering to the Lord. On the final day of theconvention, Dr. Pal Dhall and Smt. TehseenDhall conducted a workshop on humanvalues in parenting, which was followed byan inspiring talk on “One with Sai” by SriRyuko Hira.

A unique feature of this Convention wasa picture of Swami made from 39,000coloured origami cranes, which formed thebackdrop on the stage. Devotees in all 24Sai Centres throughout Japan worked in unityto create this one-of-a-kind picture by writing“Om Sai Ram” on little origami colouredpapers and then folding them into cranes.

Canada

On 23rd March 2005, a symposium onCharacter Education was organised inToronto. It was attended by over 30 people.

The speakers, Ms. Carole Alderman, Ms.Nancy Campbell, Ms. Sandra Deanand Dr. Yassin Sankar emphasisedthe need for character education with

many quotes from Bhagavan’s Discourses,which elevated the minds of the educators,parents, trustees from school boards andCity Councillors. At the Holiday Inn inBrampton, Ontario, a four-day interactiveworkshop on human values, starting 25thMarch was organised by Ms. CaroleAlderman. Over 100 participants acrossCanada, many of them educators fromprivate and public schools, attended theworkshop. The participants felt the need forvalue education and were encouraged toexplore avenues for introducing thecharacter education programme in theirschools and communities.

Switzerland

On 12th March 2005, the Sathya SaiCentre of Ticino organised a public meeting.About 40 people attended the meeting, ofwhom over 20 were newcomers. Speakingabout Bhagavan and His work, Sri GioachinoCarenini, President of the Sai Centre, andSmt. Suzanne Carenini, EHV Coordinator ofSwitzerland and South Europe, inspiredeveryone to know more about the teachingsof Bhagavan. Sri G. Bebedelis, EHVCoordinator of Greece, concluded thepresentation with an inspiring talk on “KnowThyself.”

– Prasanthi Council

Andhra Pradesh: Uravakonda Samithi ofAnantapur district started 80-day

Annasatram on 27th April 2005 in thepremises of the Avatar DeclarationCentre to provide midday meals toabout 80 selected persons as part of


A view of the gathering at the symposium onCharacter Education in Toronto, Canada.

B H A R A T

187 June 2005

80th Birthday celebrations of Bhagavan.Sumptuous lunch was served to 800 people,cooking vessels were given to 8 selectedpoor families, new Saris and blouses(stitched) were given to 70 poor women, newDhotis and shirts (stitched) were given to 25men and one sewing machine was given toa poor woman for eking out her livelihood inthe inaugural function of Annasatram whichwill be carried out up to 15th July 2005.

Mahabubnagar district constructed 2mini water tanks at Palkonigutta Thandavillage to meet the drinking water needs ofGirijans.

Assam, Manipur and N.E. States: Saiworkers of Diphu organised a free medicinedistribution cum counselling camp in avirtually inaccessible remote village of thedistrict. The daylong camp held on 24th April2005 at Donghap M.E. School came as aboon to a large number of hill tribes sufferingfrom malaria, stomach problems, recurrentfever, skin diseases like eczema, etc.Faculties drawn from district healthauthorities educated the villagers on healthand hygiene and the need to observe certaindisciplines in life to remain free fromailments. Stress was laid on the importanceof preventive measures to keep at baymalaria as well as the scourge of moderntimes – AIDS. The District Council authoritiesrequested the Sai Organisation to conductmore such camps in remote areas.

Orissa: As part of 80th Birthday celebrationsof Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the youthof Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Cuttackdistrict have decided to offer a divineproject, “Sai Barnalee” at the LotusFeet. The project includes:

1. Sri Sathya Sai Yuva Chetana Saptaha

2. Grama Pushpanjalee

3. Sai Youth in Sai Sannidhi

The objective of this project is to createmoral and spiritual awareness amongcollege-going students (through “SriSathya Sai Yuva Chetana Saptaha”), tomake them aware of their responsibilitiestowards society by involving them in GramaSeva in 80 villages (through “GramaPushpanjalee”) and finally to give anopportunity to them so that they can haveBhagavan’s Divine Darshan at PrasanthiNilayam (through “Sai Youth in SaiSannidhi”).

As part of this divine project, Sri SathyaSai Yuva Chetana Saptaha was observedfrom 21st February 2005 to 27th February2005 at Cuttack which was attended by 140college students. During this weeklongprogramme, competitions like paragraphwriting, debating, painting, guess the plot,listen and write, quiz, etc., were conductedamong the participants to test their aptitudeand attitude. Discussions on “Divine Graceis Proportionate to Human Effort”,“Awareness is Life” and “Discipline is theMark of Intelligent Living” were also held.Opportunity was also given to theparticipants to put various questions, and thequestions asked by them were answered tosatisfy their spiritual hunger.

The valedictory function was held on 27thFebruary 2005. Justice ManoranjanMohanty, Member, Judicial Central

Administrative Tribunal, Orissaattended the function as Chief Guestand distributed prizes and certificates


to the participants. On this day, most of theparticipants made their commitment to takepart in Grama Seva in 80 villages during the“Grama Pushpanjalee” phase which is to beobserved during March 2005 – June 2005.The grand weeklong programme came to ahappy conclusion with offering of Mangalaratito Bhagavan.

Tamil Nadu: As part of Silver Jubileecelebrations of Sundaram, the Divine Abodeof Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba atChennai, Sri Sathya Sai Sahasranama KotiArchana was performed from 23rd January2005 to 24th April 2005. 6612 Mahilas and4698 gents devotees participated in thisYajna. The devotees from nearby districtsof Chengalpet, Vellore, Thiruvallur andKancheepuram also participated in it. On theconcluding day of the Sahasranama KotiArchana, i.e., 24th April 2005, GanapatiHoma and Dhanvantari Homa wereperformed which were attended by over 400devotees.

Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal: Pokhri isa small remote village with 70 hamlets ofpoor farmers without electricity in the hillydistrict of Pauri Garhwal in Uttaranchal. Asmall water channel flows nearby. SaiOrganisation thought of utilising the Headfrom this channel and generate electricityby installing a micro hydro turbo-generatorset and provide electricity to the villagers aspart of Bhagavan’s 80th Birthdaycelebrations. The turbine-wheel and gearbox were fabricated in the local workshopand the 7.5 kw generator and otherelectric accessories were procuredfrom Meerut.

Modifications of fabricated equipment atsite, necessary adjustments, installation anda series of trial runs took a few months.Heavy duty cable (750 metres ) was laid fromgenerating Head to the houses in the village.Complete set of one tube-light withaccessories was installed in each house. TheSai Organisation bore all the expenditure onthis humble effort. A team of severalmembers and villagers took keen interest inthe work. A village mechanic was trainedduring this period and he will be useful lateron for its maintenance. Complete systemwas formally inaugurated on 18th April 2005after Nagar Sankirtan in the morning by ourteam and the villagers along with theirheadman who joined joyfully. As there areno rains during April, May and June, wateris diverted for irrigation. As such electricitycould be provided to 10 houses only. Lateron when sufficient water is available,electricity would be provided to all the 70houses. The villagers were immenselyhappy as they had the boon of light for thefirst time and expressed gratitude toBhagavan and the Sai Organisation for thisgift of love. The village headman has beenrequested to look after the maintenance andsecurity of all the equipment as the samehas become their property now. Bhagavanwas the source of constant inspiration,guidance and strength for the whole teamthroughout the period. The Sai Organisationis extremely happy that Bhagavan gavethem this opportunity to serve their brethren

and seek His grace and blessings forsimilar future projects.


june 2k5 - sathya sai baba · ramakrishna paramahamsa who could lead an ideal life by loving his...

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