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Sai Padananda January 2001

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Universal Prayer

May the wicked turn good;

May the good attain peace;

May the peaceful be freed from all bondage and

May the liberated redeem others.

May everybody be happy;

May everybody be free from disease;

May everybody have good luck;

May none fall on evil days.

May everybody surmount difficulties;

May everybody have good fortune;

May everybody realise his ambitions;

May everybody rejoice everywhere.

- Sri Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji

Contents

Keeping the Right Perspective

Happy New Year to You

What Sai Baba Teaches Us?

Impact of Great Works

Power of Guru

A dip in Sahasranama

Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Swamiji was in communion with Lord Venkateswara

Sai Philosophy

Efficacy of Sainama Japa Yagnas

Baba Visits Nursing Home to Cure Patient

Missing Bag Restored

Das Ganu's Prayer to Sai Baba

Baba as Guru

Tributes to Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi Celebrations

Ambrosia in Shirdi

Shirdi Sai Baba comes to Tiruvannamalai

To the Other Shore


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Editorial

Keeping the Right Perspective

Where do you stand in life? Where are you now, in terms of achieving the purpose and goal

of life? Only Lord Sainath and our Guru, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji know exactly where each

of us is in our progress back to God. However, each time we start a new birth, we bring with

us from previous life times certain Karmic tendencies - old desires and habits; these

determine to a great extent the opportunities we will have and the lessons we need to learn.

Obviously all Sai devotees certainly have good past tendencies. You may not think so, but

that is the truth. Listen to what Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji tells us in a 'Gita Jayanthi' message:

"Stored up good desires and experiences tending toward Liberation are the great forces that

impel a yogi to make supreme efforts to reach his Final God.” The mere fact that you were

drawn to Swamiji and Sai-marg is evidence that you have been on your spiritual journey for

more than just this one life time. Swamiji said, "You do not begin your search for God with

Vishnu Sahasranama; you end with Vishnu Sahasranama."

It is January, 2001. So now is the time to concentrate on the last stretch of the divine journey.

For that, we use the 'air plane that Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji gave us: Vishnu Sahasranama -

lifting the consciousness from body identification to soul consciousness. Recite Vishnu

Sahasranama at least once a day. Be patient. It takes time - I speak from experience - to feel

the deeper effects of Sahasranama recitation. There is karma being burned up; there is

spiritualization of the vibratory essence of the body, nervous system, and brain. It is a subtle

process, but very, very effective. You cannot fully appreciate that until finally - and it can

happen almost suddenly - you feel the tangible results. You feel the presence of God. It is

more satisfying than anything the world can offer. It is real. Be patient and practice; it is worth

it.

Sri Narasimha Swamiji has told us: "We don't have to be perfect before Sainath will love us.

He loves us now in spite of all our faults and weaknesses". Never forget God's love is

unconditional; Guru's love is unconditional.

Happy New Year to You

(Sri Saipadananda's Maxims)

He, who lives in 'Satsangh' or constantly associates with it, attains purity of mind and

happiness very quickly.

Above all, acquire eager thirst for righteousness, truth and freedom.

Priceless are the words of wisdom that arise from the tongues of saints.

Practice Dharma and Truth as essential objects of life.

Your duty is perpetually to concentrate on your Guru at all times, with your mind and soul.

Never hurt anybody, control anger by love, 'Kshama' and 'Daya’.


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Eternal bliss is the birthright of every one of us and we can attain it only by adhering to the

path of Dharma.

Where there is truth, virtue, justice and wisdom, there God is directly present.

Your kindness shines through your selfless feelings.

Eternal happiness, infinite knowledge, immortality, freedom and independence can be

attained by God-realisation above.

Avoid unnecessary worry; simple living and high thinking must be your aim.

Recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama has a great spiritual value.

The greatest remedy for all the ills of life, physical and mental, is to surrender the fruits of all

our 'Karmas' unto God.

One who rests at peace with himself will not be greatly perturbed by vicissitudes of fortune.

Your polestar is your Guru who guides you through his precepts and teachings according to

environment and circumstances.

One must transcend the individual consciousness and love all in the knowledge that every

living being is a moving temple of God.

Universal love means that you should feel an affinity to everything in creation.

"May Shirdi Sai Baba bless everybody and guide his destiny………….."

What Sai Baba Teaches Us?

By Sri Narasimha Swamiji

Grow in Nobility

To defend the weak, to guard those that are below us in the scale of evolution, is to grow in

the nobility and strength of life.

Goal of Life and of Knowledge is one of the problems discussed by intellectual workers on

purely rationalistic lines. Thirukkural says that 'it is only true knowledge, which enables you to

see the reality behind the final outward forms of things, which means the truth, which remains

after the analysis of the entire Triad, namely, Self, World and God; that is Brahman.' We need

not enter into questions of Dvaita or Advaita, though there are people who say that to deny

the separate existence of a human soul is to commit suicide, that on ultimate analysis two

things remain, namely, the self undestroyed and the God, whom the self reaches.

There are also many other divergent views. The ultimate truth is complex and not capable of

a simple statement, and thus the intellect also goes on contradicting and fighting. How does

Baba deal with devotees, when they are faced with this problem? Chandorkar and other

graduates, who had studied philosophy, Sankara's commentary on the Gita, and other works,

were confronted with these problems, and sometimes they discussed these at the Wada at

Shirdi. Baba did not profess to be a University professor offering solutions for problems, but

dealt with each man individually as he approached Him as Guru. Baba's solution was always


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on the lines of getting over theoretical difficulties by adherence to practical methods. By

sticking to Baba with full faith, these problems could be solved. Unless there is a proper

approach, there is no solution. Baba indicated this view in the way in which He dealt with a

skeptic like the Station Master of the Valambi railway station. That man had no belief in Baba,

but having been persuaded by Das Ganu that Baba was a great soul with wonderful powers,

he just prepared to accept Das Ganu's invitation so that he might go and see Baba for himself

before he judged Him. When the Valambi Station Master and Das Ganu came to Shirdi, the

all-knowing Baba was behaving peculiarly. He took up a number of pots, washed them one

after another, and placed them mouth downwards, which seemed to be quite the reverse of

what one should do, and what one does usually.

The Valambi Station Master was impatient and asked Das Ganu, "What is the meaning of all

this procedure of Baba?" In turn Das Ganu asked Baba and Baba's reply was, 'This is the way

in which people approach Me. Only when the vessel is placed with mouth upwards, it can

receive anything; but people approach Me, with mouth downwards." The hit was not quite

intelligible to the Valambi Station Master. Receptivity meant some degree of faith and respect

for the person approached, so that the person approached could pour into the approaching

person some seeds of instruction, edification or other useful teaching. However the Valambi

Station Master was quite innocent of any faith or regard for Baba, and could not derive any

benefit from Baba. However Baba's point was quite clear: to solve any problem, connected

with one's spiritual progress, one must be in dead earnest and approach some person whom

he has got the regard for, or faith in, and then patiently wait for the solution of his intellectual

or other problems.

Baba occasionally used even accidental chances to furnish further illumination on this matter.

After 1910, H.S. Dixit and some other friends wanted to leave Shirdi, and asked permission of

Baba to go. Baba said, "You may go." Then a devotee asked, "Baba, where is one to go?"

Baba's answer was, 'Up', that is 'Above this’, which obviously meant, 'Above the present

worldly level, in which one is groveling with so many attachments and repulsions, sorrows and

joys, and so much of confusion, without any calm perception of the underlying reality.' Then

the question was asked, "What is the way to go up)?" Baba's answer was," There are plenty

of ways proceeding from each place. For you here, there is a way leading from here. But the

way is rugged. There are tigers and bears on the route." Baba was talking in symbolic

language. There were no bears at Shirdi or tigers.

But, what he meant was: There were obstructions on the way to one's spiritual progress,

which are as fierce and terrible as tigers and bears! ‘It was just then that Dixit intervened and

said, "But Baba, if one has a guide with him?" Baba answered, "If one has a guide with him,

then there is no difficulty. Then, the tigers and bears move aside. If there is no guide, there is

also a deep yawning pit on the way, and there is the danger of falling into it." During the


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discourse, Annasaheb Dabholkar was present, and he had been debating once as to whether

a Guru was necessary at all for one's spiritual progress. Dabholkar felt that the instruction

given to him was that a 'Guru was essential and useful to overcome obstacles, that would

otherwise hamper one's spiritual progress'.

The word 'Guide' here meant Guru. Baba's reference to the deep yawning pit meant 'hell’. So,

Baba drove once again the much needed lesson, that unless one got a Guru, one would

make no progress at all, or in the language of Kabir: Guru Vin Kone Bhavave Vat' that is,'

Unless there is a Guru, who is to show the way? Baba again and again pointed out that the

solution to one's intellectual riddles, conundrums and mazes lies in the practical step of

summoning up faith, reverence and love to a Guru, who will himself thereafter solve all

problems: remove all difficulties, and drive off all tigers and bears from the route, and save

one from falling into the yawning pit. Baba's metaphors must have been reported or in any

case had far reaching results.

Impact of Great Works

By Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

The Secret

Both rain and sunshine are needed to make a rainbow. Both joy and sorrow are needed to

make life truly beautiful and colorful.

(Eknath Maharaj, it is said, had a neighbor, who though born a Brahmin, led an irreligious and

in disciplined life. Full of compassion for him, Eknath Maharaj taught him to read Sri Vishnu

Sahasranama, verse by verse, which helped the man in self-purification and ultimately in

getting redemption. It was the same book, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama that Baba gave to

Shama, despite his protests and much to the annoyance of the Ramadasi bua to whom it

belonged. Shama was asked to read it slowly, carefully and with understanding so that it may

pave the way for self-purification.

With the same purpose Shri Dixit and Shri Jog were asked to read aloud and with exposition,

books like the Nath Bhagvat, Bhavarth Ramayan, Dnyaneshwari, to the audience who was

specially sent by Baba to listen to them. Shri Dev, Shri Dabholkar and other devotees were

encouraged to read such books too. These books are beacon lights that remove doubts and

guide us along the right path. It is in this sense that they help in self-purification.

As with these books, so with Shri Sai Satcharitra, which unfolds a way of life for the pious and

the faithful? Its verses are full of anecdotes, experiences of people and philosophical

expositions. But these are as a foil to a gem; for it is Baba's personality, His powerful

presence and His invaluable words which lend significance to the stories, experiences and

philosophical expositions. It is most interesting to observe as to what valuable advice, simple


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practical guidance and principles of a good life are scattered through the pages of this

volume.

That one should respect all God's creatures; that one should realize that even the poor, the

meek, the dumb suffer the same pangs of hunger as we do; that we should never take labor

from anyone without paying for it well and adequately; that it is uncharitable to talk ill of

another;....these principles and a thousand others like these, are woven in and through

interesting stories and anecdotes. There is nothing new or unusual about most of these words

of simple wisdom, but it is only after reading and rereading Shri Sai Satcharitra that we begin

to take note of these, to ponder over them, and they begin to act as a check over all our daily

actions. We reproach ourselves when we fail to follow them in practice. Self-purification has

already begun imperceptibly, gradually.

It is also interesting to note as to how many devotees have discovered that when their minds

are troubled and they are faced with problems, the moment they open Shri Sai Satcharitra, at

whatever page and at whatever chapter, their problem is answered instantly and satisfactorily.

But there is a way, even of reading these books- be it Shri Sai Satcharitra or any other. One

may read it in seven days or three days or even in one day, - it is not the number of days and

readings that matter, but the manner of the readings. If the reading is cursory, or casual or

even mechanical and ritualistic, much of its value is diminished. How then one should read

these books so as to get profit from them. Baba has Himself given the answer -once again

through His words addressed to the devotees on different occasions. We read, for instance,

that Baba appeared in a dream to Shri Dev and told him that Dnyaneshwari must be read

slowly, carefully and thoughtfully, so as to be able to understand it properly. We also read

about Baba's comment on Shri Chandorkar's exposition of the 33rd verse in the fourth

chapter of Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta, where, by suggesting a slightly different and a more

appropriate exposition of the same verse, Baba surely brought out the importance of a critical

and more analytical approach to the reading of such books.

Again, Shri Dabholkar felt that in the repeated readings of Guru-Charitra, Shri Sathe was

more favored while he himself fell short of Baba's grace. Baba immediately but indirectly,

brought home to him the fact that one should not compare oneself with others in such matters

and that it is patience and faith that is important. Incidentally, He also brought to Dabholkar's

notice, the undesirability of leaving the daily reading of these books incomplete. What one

needs is a discipline of the mind.

To be able to concentrate fully while reading is also a sign of a disciplined mind. Such reading

impresses the essence of the book on one's mind. Whatever is read must be meditated upon,

turned over and over in the mind; it should be then strengthened further by repeated readings


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and contemplation. So much so, that the real significance of the book emerges and is

absorbed into one's line of thought, becomes a part of one's being. It is then that it is

naturally, spontaneously translated into one's actions. One may not even be conscious of it.

This is what Baba told the Assistant Collector who was given Vicharsagar by a saint at

Vadgaon and asked to visit Baba at Shirdi. Baba told him that 'now that you have read this

book carefully, its wisdom must be practiced in day-to-day life, otherwise it has no meaning.'

Above all, when we read books like Shri Sai Sat-Charita, we must approach them with faith

and reverence. In a sense all great books are like polished crystal; whatever object is placed

before it, it reflects it faithfully. From these books too, you get back exactly in proportion to

what you bring to it. If you bring faith to it, it will confirm you in it; if you seek wise counsel

from it, it will lay open its rich store of wisdom for you. Ultimately one must know what to seek

and it will surely be found.

Permanent feature

Power of Guru

(From the glorious life of Bhadrachala Ramadas Swamiji)

By Dr. G.R. Vijayakumar

DEVOTION

The day I touched Your holy feet seeking shelter,

Your compassionate looks, Your over poured love and grace

Have turned a new leaf in my life,

All the past has been forgotten like

Wild fire and my past pleasures and pains have disappeared.

I remain in your divine environment and leave everything to You!

My new life is a rebirth for me and I am still an infant.

It is in Your complete faith I totally surrender to you....

So, I am at peace.

And always serve You in total devotion and engrossed in the Totality Eternity alike, In Your

Divine form

- Smt. T.S. Lakshmi Mohan

Naamame Jeevaname Anyamemira Kripaavanam, Rama Naama Sudha Madhuramu Adi

Emaraka Bhajiyinchu Maamika. Opening lines from a kirtana by Bhakta Ramadas of

Bhadrachalam on his 'Ishta devata', Sri Rama.

The meaning is "Our life achieves meaning and purpose only in chanting the name of Sri

Rama. He is the ocean of mercy. His name Rama is most sweet. Please, please serve the

Lord through this ceaseless chant of Rama..." (Free translation).


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Sri Kancheria, Gopanna, later hailed as Bhadrachala Ramadas, merits a unique place

amongst the musical greats of the Telugu Desam (Andhra Pradesh). He has immortalized

himself by building the spectacular Ramaalayam in Bhadrachalam, on the banks of the holy

Godavari, which is hailed as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam.

Born in 1620 AD (consensus year of birth), nearly 400 years ago, this supreme Rama bhakta

existed only to experience and propagate Rama Bhakti through his great compositions. His

book Dasarathi Satakam (the one hundred on the son of Dasaratha -Rama) explains that

Bhadrachala Ramadas was the son of Linganna Mantri, belonged to Adi Sakha, Adrija Gotra,

and had his lineage in the Kancheria family. His mother was Kaamamba and he was born in

Nelakondapalli, about 15 Kms from Khammamet, where, even today, a small memorial for

him still exists. This Rama Bhakta, in his early years, was known as Gopala Rayadu. He was

affectionately called 'Gopanna' by all.

Even from his boyhood, Gopanna acquired commendable proficiency in three languages -

Telugu, Sanskrit and Urdu (the region was then under Muslim control). His Guru was

Raghunatha Bhattaraacharyalu. He married Kamalamma, and for a few years, led an

uneventful life as a householder, until he had occasion to meet Saint Kabir Das (a Muslim by

birth, but a great devotee of Rama). It was Kabir Das who enlightened him about his special

role, ordained by divine sanction, as the chosen devotee of Sri Rama.

"Truly blessed am I now, for I have found the hymn I sought, that hymn which transports me

across the ocean of samsara (transmigrate existence - the miserable chain of births and

deaths) .....Ramadas has found the sacred secret that this mantra in the temple of his heart

(Rama Nama - Taraka mantra), the chant of the temple of Bhadradri in the prescribed way is

the only way to liberation." - Taraka Mantramu Korina...Ramadasu Hrinmandiramu Ne Yunna

- lines from one of the most important keerthanas of Ramadas.

Historically speaking, Saint Kabir and Ramadas belonged to different periods, the former's

advent was between 1398 and 1495 about two centuries earlier to that of Bhadrachala

Ramadas (early 17th century : 1620 AD). It is therefore pointed out by analytical chroniclers

that Ramadas could not have been initiated into the Taraka mantra by Saint Kabir himself. It

hardly matters. Saint Kabir could have easily appeared in a vision to the devotee of Sri Rama.

Sri Hanuman is believed to have appeared before Saint Tulasi Das. Sage Narada is said to

have inspired Saint Thyagaraja. The point is Gopanna was divinely inspired, that is all.

From the moment of this inspiration Gopanna was a totally changed person. All his available

time was consumed by thoughts of Sri Rama alone. All the same, he had to seek mundane

employment as well. His brothers-in-law, Akkanna and Madanna, who were occupying



important positions in the Sultan's court at Golconda (both of them were important Ministers),

helped Gopanna to get appointed to the prestigious position of Peshkar and, later, as

Revenue Officer of Hasanabad Tahsil (even today the RDO's post is a coveted

assignment).Tahsildar Gopanna was most happy to find Bhadrachalam as part of his revenue

territory. One must point out here that Tahsildar Gopanna discharged his duties most

dedicatedly until he decided to build a temple for Lord Sri Rama at Bhadrachalam and

organize therein daily worship for Sita-Lakshmana-Hanumanth Samedha Rama idol found

under a palm tree in that area.

After passing through the evolutionary stages of various animals, man has ultimately got the

human form. It is because of this that traces of animal passion are still found in him. If at that

stage, he does not make full use of the human intellect to discriminate between virtues and

vice, he is inert, according to the Law of Inertia, for he refuses to change himself for his

betterment. He does not want to move forward, and make use of his human intelligence. He

allows the traces of animal passion in him to guide his actions.

Hence, one, who is not prepared to make progress or better his condition, is committing a sin.

This is the root cause of the sin. This is how a man imbibes sin.

- Swami Rama Tirtha.

Recognition

It was January 1980. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was waiting for 'Uttarayan' to set in to merge

in Lord Sainath. His devotees were all anxious about his physical health.

Swamiji said: "If I did not go how you would ever see?" "What is it we fail to see when you are

with us?" they asked.

But Swamiji did not reply. When the moment of his impending 'Samadhi' was near, they said:

"What is it we will see when you are gone?"

With a twinkle in his eye, Swamiji said: "All I did was sit on the river bank handing out river

water. After I am gone, I trust you will notice the river."

Insight

Devotees of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji were involved in a heated discussion on the cause of

human suffering. Some said it came from selfishness, others, from delusion. Yet others, from

the inability to distinguish the real from the unreal. When Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was

consulted he said: "All suffering comes from a person's inability to sit still and be alone."



A dip in Sahasranama

Swamiji and Sahasranama

By Dr. H. Janardhana Acharya

The human body is like a boat, the first and foremost use of which is to carry us across the

ocean of life and death to the shore of immortality.

- Divine Rays

Sai Baba had great love for 'Vishnu Sahasranama. We all know as to how He made Shama

to understand this great text (Sai Satcharitra Chapter 27). Sadguru Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

had a great mission in life, that of propagating the greatness of Vishnu Sahasranama.

I asked Swamiji, "why should we recite Vishnu Sahasranama?' What are the benefits that we

get by reciting this Vishnu Sahasranama, even without knowing the meaning of each of these

1000 names?" Swamiji smiled at my ignorance and cleared my doubts in his own inimitable

manner.

Repetition of God's names are immensely helpful for they give purity and concentration of

mind necessary for the life of uniform meditation. Only through divine grace, a person comes

to feel attraction towards God and the obstacles in his path to God are removed. Swamiji

prescribed that persons, who desire to cultivate love of God, should continuously resort to

Vishnu Sahasranama, which would bring out purity of mind, depth in contemplation, removal

of obstacles, and fitness for receiving divine grace.

Even for a beginner, it helps to contain mind in a spiritual horizon and save the trouble of

hunting for external ingredients of worship, which are often secured by causing hurt to others.

By chanting aloud the names of God, a distracted mind will have greater concentration and

peace, as the words uttered by mouth are listened by the ears. When we see a band of Sai-

devotees assembled at the Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore chant Vishnu Sahasranama

loudly, we have experienced that devotional feelings are aroused in them spontaneously and

continuously.

Vishnu (means 'Omnipresent') is the Lord of the Universe. He is the one object of worship. He

has no beginning or end and He is the unchanging father and mother of all. At the beginning

of creation, the universe stemmed out of Him and at the end it will return to Him. By chanting

His praise daily, by worshipping Him, by meditating upon Him, by serving Him, by uttering His

names and by bowing down before Him with great reverence, man will go beyond all sorrows.

Vishnu is the goal of all and His 1000 names ward off all sin and sorrow.

Radhakrishna Swamiji laid down the manner, in which this recitation should be done. We

should be pure in body and mind before we take to it. We should be full of loving



remembrance of God and our mind should be centered in the divine names with continuous

alertness.

I queried Swamiji, "What about those, who do not know Sanskrit and would repeat these

names rather mechanically?" Swamiji was emphatic on this aspect: "Feeling is more

important than reasoning in the process of chanting Vishnu Sahasranama. Usually therefore,

an investigation into the meaning need not be undertaken. Vishnu Sahasranama is a Holy

text used as a symbol to invoke and so, the general purport is more important than the

grammatical and analytical meaning. For a devotee, it is enough to feel, that the reference of

every word is God, and if by the mere remembrance of the word, his mind melts into a flow of

divine thoughts, the purpose of repetition will be served.'

Swamiji drew my attention to Shankaracharya's commentary on Gita (2:24): "One cannot

charge these verses with the defect of idle repetition. Whatever has to be said about Atman

can be compressed in a verse. All the rest may be tautological in word or sense. But since the

reality of Self is very hard to understand, the same thing is repeated under some pretext or

other, so that it is somehow made comprehensible to man, so that he may find liberation from

the round of existence. It is only those, who can not love a thing that quarrel with the

repetition of that thing."

To a devotee of God, His glories sung in diverse ways in endless repetitions give only

unbroken joy. The Vishnu Sahasranama teaches the human goal and the way to highest

human destiny, which may be summed up thus:

Let us not test this mantra by any touchstone other than our spiritual experience; for, as a

great mantra, it is an auditory representation of the Deity.

The doctrine of self surrender is regarded by saints as one of the highest significance to the

ultimate good of life. A time comes in man's life when he becomes tired of the painful

experiences resulting from sins. He desires peace. He learns that real joy can be had only in

the kingdom of God. He realizes he had gone astray till then and hastens to take the path

which can lead him to his savior and hence seeks protection from God demonstrating just

once his complete resignation to His will. The penitent then wins God's compassion.

The person who thus desires to reach His abode should seek protection only from the

Supreme who alone can grant salvation and who is equally keen to extend it by using His

powers. This process of seeking asylum under divine umbrage has to be routed through

spiritual guide. There should be a firm determination to live in conformity with God's

commands, attuned to His will. We should never violate or resent the divine decrees. Next is

our total belief that God alone is the savior at all times.



Authenticity

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was never impressed by diplomas or degrees. He scrutinized the

person, not the certificate. Swamiji was once heard to say, "When you have ears to hear a

bird in song you don't need to look at its credentials."

Prejudice

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji once said: "nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.'

When asked to explain he said: "A man cheerfully observed a religious fast seven days a

week. His neighbor starved to death on the same day.”

Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

By Prof. R. Narayana Iyengar

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji is further explaining his statement: "Once I was conversing with Sri

Seshadri Swamigai. We were sitting by the roadside and talking. We discussed for quite

some time. Then suddenly he got up, picked three stones from the roadside, gave them to me

with the advice' you cook these and eat them' and went away! For a second I thought 'this

person is a great sage, but then why did he do like this'..... The meaning flashed to me... the

three pebbles symbolize the three Gunas, he was asking me to go beyond the Three!"

Swamiji is sitting calmly without any kind of perturbation. Within a short while Bhaskara Rao

and Puttanna are discussing with Swamiji about the daily Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana.

The current daily average is about 50-60 repetitions. The discussion is about how to increase

this to at least 150 per day. Now it is around 10 p.m. Swamiji is very affectionately asking, "Do

you like to eat something. There is no one at home for you any way, why don't you eat here

itself?' Brushing aside my hesitation, he is telling 'does not matter, come and have a little curd

rice.'

Sitting in his small but holy room our conversation has continued. Swamiji is advising, "If one

desires peace and joy, then the feeling of mine-ness (this- belongs- to- me feeling) has to be

sacrificed. Possessions have to be lessened. Of course, even with all our sacrifices a few

things continue to stick to us. We can't do anything with them. We should take this as God's

will and proceed without desiring more. You see, I left Madras and came here, but here this

(meaning Mandir etc) is sticking to me! Earlier I was in N.R. Colony in a small cubicle.

Everything was going on there as usual. But here this has become a big organization. Well, I

don't know. He is running this".

"Swamiji, the mind does not come under control, however much I try, what shall I do?" "Hmm,

it will come slowly, whenever the mind goes astray, do you know what should be done,

ponder about who is this 'I' "



Acchedyoyam Adahyoyam Akledyo Ashoshya eva cha Nityah Sarvagatha Sthanuh

Achaloyam Sanatanaha

"If one meditates on this sloka things will slowly get all right. Once the feeling 'I am not this

body' arises, the mind has to become calm. But one thing, all this has to be achieved by self

effort only. In the preliminary stages, up to a level others can guide, that too the guide is only

an indicator. Do you know the Tamil proverb, 'however painful it may be, the pregnant woman

only can deliver?' The doctor can give some palliatives, that’s all. Even on the spiritual path it

is like this only, one has to persevere and increase the will power. This demands immense

enthusiasm, and effort."

20-10-1974 (Sunday)

Since today is Sunday, Vishnu Sahasranama repetition has started in the morning itself. Two

rounds might have taken place, Swamiji is instructing 'you’ keep on reciting V.S. I will make a

visit nearby and return soon.' Krishna Murthi, Seshadri and his young son are accompanying

Swamiji. The inmates of Sharada Balika Mandali have organized a cultural program today, for

which Swamiji is the chief guest. It appears the girls are inviting Swamiji from a long time. The

function which should have taken place on Krishna Jayanthi day has been postponed till

today, the Saraswathi Pooja day, to suit Swamiji's convenience. After some forty-five minutes,

Krishnamurthy has returned and is announcing "Swamiji is calling all of you there!"

Sharada Balika Mandali is a part of the Sharada Sevika Mandali located on Ranga Rao Road.

The institution, even though not a subsidiary of the Ramakrishna Ashram, is still inspired by

the monks of the Ashram. The assembly is in the prayer hall. The place is very clean and

spacious. A big size framed photograph of Sri Sharada Devi has been prominently displayed

at the center. A little above, the pictures of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami

Vivekananda are hung on the wall. It appears from the proceedings that today's function is

still the unfinished Krishna Jayanthi only. A girl is speaking in Kannada about Krishna. There

is a chair for Swamiji. All others are sitting on the carpet divided into groups of little girls and

elderly ladies. Apart from the entourage of Swamiji all the audiences are women only. The

program numbers have been compared very efficiently. The ambience is calm, pleasant and

joyful. After the speech in Kannada, a talk in English has been presented. This is being

followed with a song on Krishna by little children. Swamiji is listening to every word carefully

with interest. Now a young girl has started a Harikatha on Krishna, interspersed with songs in

the traditional style. This has made Swamiji close his eyes in meditation. Swamiji is much

impressed with the discipline and orderliness of the girls in conducting the program so

artistically.

The children are now requesting Swamiji to speak. Swamiji is choked with emotion and is

speaking with some difficulty. "Oh! What can I speak? You girls have arranged the function so



wonderfully. I felt as though Krishna was in front of me. My heart is so full; it is better I do not

speak." With great effort he is controlling his tears to speak, "you are inviting me for your

function since a long time. Due to one reason or other I could not come to your place. Last

week, due to my indifferent health, I could not make it. You have patiently waited for me.

Instead of coming on the Krishna Jayanthi day, I have come today, on the Moola Nakshatra

(Star of Saraswati) day. This is also good.

'Today is the day for Saraswati. You are all forms of that Shakthi only. It is commendable that

you have such devotion to the Krishna at a young age. Please cultivate your Bhakthi further.

For those desirous of going on the spiritual path devotion, faith, guidance and belief in the

Guru are essential. I find that you have both interest and faith in the spiritual path. Added to

this you have the help of the Tapas (penance) of Sharada Devi. There can be no doubt about

this, and you will continue with the good work you are doing. She (Sharada Devi) is none

other than the Avathara (decent) of Adi Parashakthi Herself. You are keeping Ramakrishna

as your Guru. He is in fact that Parama Hamsa personified. What more is there for me to say?

I am supremely pleased to have been here. May God bless you all." After the function,

Swamiji visited the exhibition of handicrafts arranged by the members of the Balika Mandali,

and returned to the Mandir.

7-12-1974

Swamiji is sitting in his chair, peace personified. Laxminarayan, Chengiah, Raghu and a few

others are sitting around here and there. All through the Bhajans, Swamiji was seen to be in

deep meditation. Even now he appears to be only half awake to this world. The devotees

around are expecting Swamiji to say a few words. As soon as Swamiji started to say

something, all have assembled near him. Swamiji is questioning: "who is truly a rich person,

what is real wealth?" Swamiji is again and again putting the question to each and every one

around. Chengiah is politely answering "he is rich, who is satisfied."

Swamiji is responding: "You are partially right; but not fully. Many people remain satisfied in

gambling and drinking. Can this be the quality of real riches?" All are eagerly awaiting Swamiji

to continue. "Every one is in need of some money, because without money, you don't get food

to eat and without eating, none can get satisfaction in this world. I am not referring to Jnanis;

the case of one without body consciousness is different. For such a person food or no food

matters little. But for others money and food are certainly needed. But what are real

possessions (aasthi). My definition is that by which we get happiness and also that happiness

and joy increases day by day without fail, is real wealth. Every one is searching for happiness

only, but only a few searches for it in the right place. Limitless and undiminishing joy can be

obtained only in God's name. So that is the real wealth...What…..? Do you follow what I am

telling? Once a person gets to taste the Name of God, he realizes that that is the most



attractive wealth in this world. But where is this substance located? - in Satsangh - in the

company of Saints." Swamiji is gesticulating with his hand as he is very emotionally talking.

"This is all what is needed...company of saints and remembrance of the Name! I am not

decrying the path of knowledge (Jnana Marga), but definitely there is more happiness in the

path of Bhakthi. Even though at the end both the paths lead to the same goal, the path of

Bhakthi is easier. Once you get good company also, time gets spent in great bliss, talking and

discussing about God. In addition you have any way music (bhajans). What else is needed?

(To be continued.....)

Dakshina

An important innovation in Baba's habits began in 1908, coinciding with the inauguration of

congregational worship: his use of requesting for dakshina.

Baba's requests for dakshina were motivated by various reasons. The main ones can be

identified from an examination of the sources:

1. Request for dakshina as Allah's will.

2. Request for dakshina to convey a spiritual teaching by utilizing the symbolism of the

number of rupees asked for.

3. Request for dakshina as a pledge, that is, as prophecy of a corresponding future gain,

which would compensate the donor.

4. Request for dakshina leading to a condition of indigence of the donor.

5. Request for dakshina to acknowledge a mental desire of a devotee.

Baba almost always promised a higher reward to those who offered dakshina.

-The Life and Teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Antonio

Rigopoulos, p 144-145.

At the feet of the Guru

Swamiji was in communion with Lord Venkateswara

By R. Seshadri

"Under the sway of strong impulse, the man who is devoid of self-control willfully commits

deeds that he knows to be fraught with future misery. But the man of discrimination, even

though moved by desires, at once becomes conscious of the evil that is in them, and does not

yield to their influence, but remains unattached."

- Srimad Bhagavatham

I had the good fortune to be sitting at the holy feet of Sadguru Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji one

evening when he was all alone. A few minutes after my offering pranams to him, Swamiji said:

"Venkateshwara says he is going to America." I could not understand it, but was afraid of

asking what he meant, as he appeared to be in a serene mood.



Fifteen minutes later, the Revered Sri Sampathkumara Bhattacharya, popular priest in some

temples like Sri Tulasiram Mutt and the Devagiri Srinivasa Temple, well versed in Agama

Sasthra and noted for his pravachana of Ramayana and Andal's Thiruppavai, dropped in for

Swamiji's darshan. Doing Sashtanga namaskara to Swamiji, he prayed: "Swamiji, they have

invited me to visit America, to officiate in the 'Pratishtapana' (installation) of the idol of Lord

Srinivasa at the Pittsburg Temple. I request you to bless me for a successful visit and

completion of the sacred assignment. Expressing his happiness, Swamiji blessed him. As for

me, the riddle was resolved.

Sri Bhattacharya's sons have been serving the Pittsburg Temple as Priests along with others.

Swamiji's family deity is Srinivasa at Gunaseelam, near Srirangam (Tamil Nadu). He had

granted many thrilling experiences to his chosen devotee. A couple of years back he had

instructed me to perform 'archana' to this deity. As I could not visit the place then, I happened

to mention this to Sri N. Parthasarathi, (Chief Engineer in Karnataka Government) casually.

He visited the temple soon after and carried out Swamiji's instruction.

It may be recalled that Swamiji performed the 'Bhoomi Pooja' for the Devagiri Srinivasa

Temple (a colour photograph of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji may be seen at the rear prahara of

the temple). Along with a few other fellow-devotees, I could be present at this and other

subsequent holy events along with Sri Vijayam Krishnamoorthi. This is one of the very well-

managed temples, drawing a large number of devotees now at Bangalore. A portrait and

'panchaloha' idols of Srinivasa and Padmavathi are at Swamiji's kuteer.

Sai Philosophy

University of Shirdi Sai is vast and complex. The status in life is achievable only, when Sai

offers His degree to us.

It is difficult to have admission in His University. The fundamental qualification needed is

Shraddha and Saburi. Baba is the Supreme Chancellor in this University.

The preliminary teachings by Him are as follows:

(1) To be meek and humble, and not to use harsh words;

(2) Not to covet others' property;

(3) Not to carp and cavil at others;

(4) Not to be jealous of others;

(5) To be righteous to oneself;

(6) To meditate and meditate calmly.

If we observe His golden words, the value of life will be magnified several folds. He frequently

utters, "If you look to me, I will look at you." This is the easiest Sadhana that one can practice

with Sai Nama Saptha which purifies our mind and soul.



- S. Shyamala

Autonomy

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji seemed quite impervious to what people thought of him. When his

devotees asked how he had attained this stage of inner freedom, he laughed aloud and said:

'Till I was twenty. I did not care what people thought of me. After twenty I worried endlessly

about what my neighbors thought. Then one day after fifty I suddenly saw that they hardly

ever thought of me at all."

Immunization

To everyone's surprise Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji seemed unenthusiastic about religious

education for the young.

When asked why, he said, "Inoculate them when they are young and you prevent them from

catching the real thing when they grow up."

Efficacy of Sainama Japa Yagnas

Baba's Presence

By R. Radhakrishnan (Sai Jeevi - Hubli)

Whenever and wherever Sainama Sapthahas, Sainama Japas Yagnas are conducted, Sai

Baba invariably manifests Himself in some form or the other, and blesses the devotees

participating in it.

A Saptha Sapthaha (non-stop chanting of Baba's Tharaka mantra, 'Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya

Sai' for 49 days (from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26, 2000) was conducted at the newly built Sai Baba

and Datta Mandir, Metupalya village, Thavarekere, Bangalore South Taluk. (It was extended

by three more days at the direction of Sai Baba. The Sapthaha commenced at 3 p.m. on

September 7, after preliminaries like Ganapathy Homa, Abhisheka to both the Baba and

Dattatreya idols, Archana Pooja, Bhajans etc. with Kakad Arathi at 5.15 a.m., concluding at 3

p.m. after release of the "Shathashrunga” - Sai International Magazine" by Sri R. Seshadri,

Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore, and the Sai Bhajan cassette by Sri H. M. Revanna, M.L.A.,

Magadi.

As mentioned at the beginning , Sri Sai Baba, as an ordinary ascetic (zoli on his shoulder just

like Baba going for Bhiksha at Shirdi, appeared at the Sai Baba Mandir, directly approached

me, and said: "Don't you recognize me? I am from Shirdi." Then we both went outside the

temple and sat near the Datta Mandir. I immediately recollected from memory that I had met

him at Shirdi on May 8. He was at that time wearing 'kapni1 and head - dress like Sai Baba,

when I inquisitively asked him: "How is it that Baba you have come here (to the Metupalya Sai



Mandir), he said: "My sister is living near Mysore Road. I have come to see her after a long

time and came here to see you."

By hearing these affectionate words, tears gushed out of my eyes and I was overwhelmed

with Sai joy and Sai Bliss. I cannot express the blissful state of mind in a few words. One has

to experience such Sai Leelas individually.

Then I took him to the Sai Annapoorna Dining Hall situated in the Mandir Complex (Aged

Home) and requested him to have prasad to which he agreed. He only asked for pickles. The

cooks told him that pickles were not available and 'chutney' was there. The visitor asserted:

"Uppinakai (pickles) is available here, go and find out and serve me". A Sai devotee by name

Manjula, who used to prepare separate food for me and my wife daily, at once took the lemon

pickles from the bottle and served Baba. He was satisfied, blessed us and quickly walked

away from the dining hall. Before we could follow him, he was outside the compound and

disappeared. We searched all over the place and could not find him. What a wonderful Sai

Leela!

It proves beyond doubt that Baba is Sarvantaryami (All-pervading). Otherwise, how did he

know that my wife was having lemon pickles for our personal use? Our Baba is Omnipotent,

Omnipresent and Omniscient. Let us always remember Him, meditate on Him, and chant His

Tharaka Mantra, "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI' constantly to cross over the sea of

mundane existence (Samsara) easily and finally merge in the Eternity of Baba.

God is in everything, where else shall we go to find Him? He is already in every work, in every

thought, in every feeling. Thus knowing, we must work; this is the only way, there is no other.

Thus the effects of work will not bind us.

- Swami Vivekananda

Baba Visits Nursing Home to Cure Patient

By Ananth

I am a regular reader of the well got-up SAIPADANANDA magazine, published from

Bangalore. I have an incident etched in my memory, to show that Sri Sai Baba is still with us

to alleviate the sufferings of His devotees and cure them of their illness. This Baba miracle

relates to my father, Sri Kasai Sreenivasa Setty and how Sai Baba personally visited the

nursing home and cured him of his illness.

In 1958, when my father was in Bangalore, he started vomiting blood one evening. My

brother-in-law, Sri L. Surya Prasad, Registrar of Bangalore University, admitted him in the

nursing home, run by Dr. Narayan at High Ground. The doctor diagnosed the ailment as lever

hemmorage and that the patient should be operated upon the next day.



According to my father, when he was on the cot with his eyes open, Sai Baba appeared in the

room in blood and bone and asked him, where he was having pain. On my father pointing out

the spot on his stomach, Baba sat on the cot, touching the patient's stomach, said: "Allah

Accha Karega," and vanished. When Dr. Narayan came on his night round to my father's

ward, the happy patient narrated the Divine visit. After examining him, the doctor said there

was no need for the emergency operation, as there was no problem. We are grateful to

Sainath to have saved the life of my father without surgery. My father was a Sai devotee from

1945.

Surrender

A devotee asks Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji: "If lust is conquered, anger will remain

unconquered. What should we do?"

Swamiji: "These are all evils which are to be completely removed. Lust or desire is like the

tiger which has the nature of attacking every animal that it comes across. Like this, any desire

is harmful. Desires never end. Then greed is compared to the bear which always collects

fruits and honey and stores them in its cave. Our greed to store and accumulate wealth and

property is exactly like this. But why should we worry about these evils? The best way is to

surrender ourselves to the Lord and say 'Oh, Lord! You take care of me; That is enough."

Missing Bag Restored

By Geetha Rajan

Since my childhood I used to go to Sri Sai Spiritual Centre often with my parents and

participate in the Bhajans, recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam and other poojas when Sir

Radhakrishna Swamiji was alive and continued even after his leaving the body. I was married

in 1985 and to my good fortune my husband also became a devotee of our Swamiji and Sai

Baba. By their grace we have two daughters and are happy. We had an opportunity to visit

Shirdi in 1993 with a party of devotees mostly from our Mandir led by Sri B.S. Gopinath and

Sri Sanjeevi. We stayed for two nights at Shirdi and were delighted to participate in the

various Mangalarathis and bhajans, a wonderful experience.

During our stay we collected vibuthi and other prasadams besides Baba's photos and other

valuable mementos. We left Shirdi with the party on the third day evening and boarded the

train at Kopergaon. After a few hours of journey, I was looking for my bag containing all our

belongings. The bag was missing! All of us made a thorough search in our coach and

concluded it had been lost even though we were sure we boarded the train with the bag. We

prayed silently remembering our Swamiji and Sai Baba. The co-devotees consoled us and

promised to share their prasadams/mementos soon after reaching Bangalore. The whole

night we rather had a disturbed time. Next day when the train reached Cantonment Station,



Sri Gopinath and Sri Sanjeevi took a stroll inside the train. As they passed through several

coaches beyond the canteen coach they saw an abandoned bag in one corner. They rushed

back to my husband and took him and showed him the bag to identify. Lo! He cried with joy

since it was our bag. I was thrilled and my joy knew no bounds and thanked profusely for the

grace and help of Swamiji and Sai Baba showered on us.

Das Ganu's Prayer to Sai Baba

By S. Mani

Religion always takes three steps. The first is dualism. Then man gets to a higher state,

partial non-dualism. And at last he finds he is one with the universe. Therefore the three do

not contradict, but fulfill.

- Swami Vivekananda

Of King of Sadgurus, Your prowess and Leelas are inscrutable. You are the mercy boat by

which the Jada Jeevas would cross the ocean of samsara.

(1) You became for me Lord Krishna and took me to Prayag to bathe me in the Ganga-

Jamuna waters dripping from Your two toes.

(2) You yourself have become Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and stride the wide earth.

(3) Your lips utter deep wisdom like Brahman personified and at times ascending Tamo Guna,

You assume the fierce aspect of Rudra.

(4) Sometimes you play childish pranks like Shri Krishna and converting the devotees' minds

into pools of water, sport in them like the swan.

(5) If one were to take you to be a Yavana (i.e., non-Hindu), you delight in sandal-paste; if one

were to regard you to be a Hindu, You always reside in a Masjid.

(6) If one were to take you to be a wealthy person, You beg Your livelihood. If You were to be

taken as a mere Fakir, You shame Kubera (Croesus) by Your liberal gifts.

(7) If Your abode is taken for a Masjid, a Fire burns there perpetually in a Dhuni from which

You give Udi (holy ash) to all and sundry.

(8) From early morning Your humble devotees worship You and at mid-day they perform

Your Aarati.

(9) On all Your sides, Your devotees gather like multitudes of insentient things and wave the

chowries and chamaras to keep You cool and comforted.

(10) There is then a din of sounds of horns, sahnais and other musical instruments and the

gong sounds the loudest, and orderlies pace to and for yelling out to keep order.

(11) When the Aarti is being performed, You look like Vishnu sitting on His shining throne. In

the evening, sitting near the Dhuni, You burn Your worldly likes and desires.

(12) Such Leelas of the three Gods, You show everyday and thus project to us the image of

Baba Sai.



(13) Though a witness to such Leelas, my mind restlessly wanders all around. Now, I pray,

You please still and steady it.

(14) I am the meanest of the mean sinners and prostrate at Your feet. Now, Guru Raj, relieve

Ganu Das of the triad of afflictions, adhyatmic, adhi-daivic and adhi-bhautic to which he is

heir".

Shirdi Sai Baba - Our Guru - God

H. H. Narasimha Swamiji has said "It is necessary for us to diffuse as much knowledge about

Baba as possible. Facts must be marshaled and pressed home time and again. Everyone has

a duty to propagate and publish all useful and inspiring facts about Baba. Everyone must feel

it a service of the right type to speak about the worthy facts of divine acts of Baba and put

them in print." The Swamiji wanted that Sai must permeate the country from one end to the

other.

Following the release of the book, Shubhra Marga Shirdi Sai Baba, in November 99, Shirdi

Sai Baba Satsang, adhering to the sermon of Sri Narasimha Swamiji, will soon be releasing a

new book, portraying Shirdi Sai as our Guru-God.

Baba as Guru

By Chakor Ajgaonkar

Sai Baba's role as Atmic Guru emerged from the year 1909, when He was in the ripe years of

His life. This episode from Shri Chakor Ajgaonkar's famous book Tales from Sai Baba's Life

(Diamond Books) presents Baba's teachings in correct perspective for ardent devotees.

I Am Moksha Personified

Year: 1912 Place: Dwarakamai: Baba with His devout Guru Bhaktas

Baba; Bapusaheb, what was being received in post-bag today?

Jog: Baba, it is Lokmanya Tilak's commentary on Gita. I shall keep this copy on Your sacred

feet, {places on Baba's feet and bows).

Baba: (Taking in hand) keep two rupees on it! (Jog keeps them. Baba touches). Bapu, you

read this book with faith and patience! God will bless you!

Shyama: Baba, You have asked me to read Vishnu Sahasranama. You have asked Sathe,

Kushabhau and Bhishma to recite Guru Charitra. To Dixit You have ordained to read Nath

Bhagwat, a pothi with 32 chapters, which You call a Vrindavanachi Pothi.

Anna: Baba, You have asked Ganu to do samkeertan bhakti and comment on Ishavasya

Upanishad. You asked for five laddus from Bhishma and got 'Sai Sagunopasana' prepared for

general public. You also got this book of aartis and padas printed by Dixit.

Ganu: Baba, You have told Tatya's parents Ganpat Rao and Baijabai to be satisfied with your

satsang only. You made Mhalsapati to be engrossed in archan bhakti of Lord Khandoba.



You instilled Megha in Shiva's worship. To Upasani, You have prescribed Dhyana dharana in

solitude in Khandoba temple. You have taught Gita to Nana and Quran to Shariflo Abdulla.

Shyama: Baba, You are a puppet player, pulling strings and making the puppets to dance at

Your will. You have given a separate role to everyone. Nobody knows Your mind. You are

Nata- Nataki, a multifaced actor-director.

Baba: Shyama, this is not a drama. I have to direct people to different Sadhanas after

studying their past, preparation made during this birth, their dispositions and their destiny.

Everyone cannot be prescribed the same formula. Bhau and Mami were My relatives of past

births. I developed them through the easier method of satsanga association. Megha was My

loyal, steadfast and innocent bhakta. I had to lead him by hand to the abode of Shiva. I was

so much attached to him and won by his devotion, that I wept bitterly and shed tears on his

demise. There is none equal to such a benign, simple and steadfast devotee. I taught Karma

yoga of Gita to Nana, whereas I have given a vivid cosmic vision of Lord Vishnu to Dengle. I

have emphasized on the singing of glory of Lord (Sankirtan), as the proper sadhana. To you

Shyama and to Abdulla, I would teach sakhya and Seva bhakthi as you are My comrades and

intimate sevakas. All of you will have to be detached in life performing your rightful duties. Let

your life be full of Shraddha, Sadur and egoless state.

Anna: Baba, on the last occasion, You had promised us to show the Guru's way. You are our

Supreme Guru. There is no Mukti without Guru. That day, You called me "Hemadpant!

because I was squabbling and fighting over indispensability of Guru. Where we wrong? What

is the position of Guru in spiritual life?

Ganu: Baba, we want a Guru mantra from You today. We want to know the secret of

sadhana. "One, who knows the pristine feet of Baba, will have no wants in samsara. The

three worlds will feel elated to sing His virtues. Even though this life is full of worries, drab and

barren; it will be lively, pulsating and energetic, when love for Guru will light up its corners!

One who would sing the glory of Guru, his existence will be full of ecstatic joy." The whole life

of a devout Guru-bhakta turns into moksha.

Baba: My dear children, what Guru-mantra can I give to you? My Guru himself never

introduced Me to yoga, Dhyana, mantra or any such sadhana. He gave Me the direct

experience of reality through meditation on Guru's own form. I earned the grace of My Guru,

through dedication, surrender, Shraddha and Saburi. I do not, therefore, preach orthodox

sadhanas.

Anna: Baba, are You referring to sadhana, which is parallel to what is contained in Guru Gita.

Guru Gita says that one should meditate on the form or image of Guru (Dhyanmulam guru

murti). The meditation or concentration or Dhyana of Guru, transforms the disciple into Guru

himself. Baba, do you deprecate jap, tap, recitation of nama, yadnya or yaga!

Baba: O Ganu, what you are seeing Me before your naked eyes is itself a sakshatkar. The

very Rama, Krishna or Datta is before you in human form. Bhagawan has said in Gita:

Avajananti mam mudhaha manushim tanumashritam. One who knows My divine birth and

action is liberated.



Nana: Baba, no doubt You are an incarnation, an ambassador of God, but is it not necessary

for Your devotee to take recourse to jap, tap, nama, yoga, which are normal means?

Kushabhau: Baba, the service to Your Guru's feet alone should be considered as adequate

to God realisation.

Baba: Nana, Anna, Kushabhau! Remember, that no sadhana, bhakti, Dhyana or yoga will

give you to naishkarmya. Bhakti will raise you up to casual (karana) body. But you cannot

reach turiya or unmani state without the intervention of My grace. You come up to the

boundary of jiva state through self-made efforts. But further progress cannot be made without

the automatic gears of My uplifting kripa. So, I advise you to hold My hand of grace. It will be

too late if you become aware of it at a later stage.

Tatya, Shyama, Abdulla: This shows that the concentration on Guru form is superior to jap,

tap, nama and other sadhanas.

Baba: Certainly! My Guru heritage was unique. It is a blend of Natha, Kabir and Sufi styles.

My Guru asked for dakshina from Me of two coins, one was Shraddha (faith) and the other

Saburi (perseverance), which was tantamount to love and forbearance or loyalty and

patience. My Guru raised the curtain of My ego to show Me My inner hidden reality. I had in

My previous Kabir birth, said in one song, that "O dear one, you will meet your beloved; only

raise the curtain away from her face."

The ignorance is wiped off by Guru's grace to exhibit the truth. The disciple meditates on the

face of Guru as a moth does to the bee. Guru protects his disciple as a female tortoise

nurtures her young ones by her mere gaze. The Guru enters in the being of the disciple and

obverts his mind, makes his ego void and immerses him in Sat-Chit-Anand (existence-

energy-bliss). The disciple attains the state of simple union or sahaja Samadhi.

"O pious ones! A simple union is the best state. Since I am enjoined to this state through

Guru's grace, the state of ecstasy is enveloping me more and more everyday. The mind has

been sublimated in supreme bliss and has been following the path of light. I have realised in

perfect union. The bee of prana is humming round all the six chakras of the body. This kind of

samadhi does not end even for a while, even if all existence is at stake or is on the point of

extinction."

- Sai Geetayan

(Tales from Baba's Life")

Totalitarianism

To the devotees' embarrassment Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji once told a Catholic priest that

religious people have a natural bent for cruelty.

"Why?" the devotees demanded after the priest had gone.

"Because they all too easily sacrifice persons for the advancement of a purpose," said

Swamiji.



Selflessness

A wandering monk came to Sai Spiritual Centre and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was

impressed by his spiritual sadhana. The other devotees, who were onlookers, asked the

monk about his sadhana.

The monk replied: 'Nothing.'

One devotee remarked scornfully: "Isn't that laziness?"

Swamiji intervened: "Heavens, no. Laziness is mostly the vice of very active people."

Later Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji said to his devotees: "Do nothing and all things will be done

through you. Doing nothing really takes a lot of doing - try it."

Tributes to Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Six-day program of celebrations of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba's 82nd Mahasamadhi celebrations

concluded with a public meeting, organized under the auspices of Sri Saipadananda

Brotherhood on 13th October, 2000. After invocation by Smt. Vandana and Kum. Hema, Sri

D.L. Radhakrishna rendered a song on Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, specially composed by him

for the occasion. Air Commodore T.M.M. Raghavan, Convener of SSB, in his welcome

speech, mentioned certain events in Swamiji's life and explained how Swamiji, by His concern

for His devotees' welfare, was truly an "Apostle of Love". Another unique feature of Swamiji

was that He was totally devoid of any ego and always ascribed to Baba the beneficial results

of the prayers of the devotees.

He further explained that membership of the Brotherhood was open to all who believed in the

values of truth, universal love, compassion, etc. taught by Swamiji.

Prof. R. Narayana lyengar, Professor of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, and

former Director of Central Building Research Institute, Roorkey, a long-time devotee of

Swamiji, was the main speaker of the day. He narrated how he had the great privilege of

living in the Centre premises along with Swamiji for three years and the many extraordinary

events connected with Swamiji witnessed by him during those years and also in his later

association with Swamiji. He stated that on many occasions he was wondering at the Godlike

qualities displayed by Swamiji.

Sri K. Jairaj, IAS, Commissioner, BMP, who was the Chief Guest, paid glowing tributes to the

memory of Swamiji and the good work being done by the Centre. He suggested that the

Centre should further extend its services to the community by adopting a neighboring school

or hospital and render possible help to the institution. He also appealed to the gathering to

play an active role in the great task of making Bangalore a beautiful city.



Sri Sathyanarayana, Cooperator, BMP, for Thyagarajanagar, outlined the plans that are in

hand for improving the facilities and amenities in the area and requested everyone to

cooperate in this task.

Sri R. Seshadri, President of SSSC, and Patron of the Brotherhood, recalled his own

experiences of Swamiji and emphasized that Swamiji had all the 'Siddhis,' but His grace

operated in a subtle way. He never encouraged the 'miracle' seekers. Sri Seshadri also paid

tributes to the dynamic outlook of Sri Jayaraj and wished him good luck and the blessings of

Baba to overcome the obstacles in achieving the goals which he has set for himself while

taking over his present assignment. He also assured Sri Jayaraj that these suggestions would

be considered by the Managing Committee,

Sri R. Seshadri, President of SSC, honoring the Chief Guest, Sri K. Jayaraj, I.A.S.,

Corporation Commissioner then, and Prof. R. Narayana lyengar, of the Indian Institute of

Science, Bangalore who gave a talk on Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji at the public meeting held

under the auspices of Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood.

The Chief Guest honored Prof. Narayana lyengar with a shawl and flowers. The following

persons were also honored on the occasion for dedicated service rendered to the Centre in

various ways.

- Obstetrician & Gynecologist

- Pediatrician

- Medical Officer

- Chairman

Sri Rama Mandiram Trust N. R. Colony

Sri Lakshminarasimhaiah - Chief Executive, M/s. Design Group

Ms. Fathima - Architect, M/s. Design Group

Sri Ftemesh - Architect & Engineer



Sri Jayaraj was honored by the President, Sri R. Seshadri with shawl and flowers. The

meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary of SSSC.

Audio Cassette: 'Hey Sai Baba' Released

An audio cassettes 'Hey Sai Baba', containing devotional songs on Sai Baba, by Sri Masti

Ajay Kumar was released at our Centre on 17th September. Sri C. N. Seetharam, I.A.S.

Commissioner for Religious and Charitable Endowments, Govt. of Karnataka, who was the

Chief Guest on the occasion, released the cassette. He honored the Music Director, Sri Ajay

Kumar and other singers Sri Sashidhar Kote, Sri V. Manohar and Sri K. S. Suresh. Excerpts

of the speech of Sri C. N. Seetharam, appears elsewhere in this issue.

Right Actions

He who walks faster reaches his destination early and takes more rest. Similarly, performance

of one's duties becomes the cause of eventual freedom from action.

Like those who take medicines at the appropriate time get freed from their ailments before

long, actions performed in time and according to the scriptural injunctions destroy the Rajas

and Tamas qualities. Just as an alloy of gold, when treated with acid, gets purified and pure

gold is then obtained, actions performed with faith and dedication cleanses the Rajas and

Tamas qualities and brings into view the temple of purity of Satva quality. Those who desire

purification of their mind do righteous acts. It is tantamount to taking bath in the holy water. It

purifies them both internally and externally.

Really it is the righteous acts that are to be called 'holy waters.' They are the springs of nectar

that one gets in a desert. It is as if a river were to rescue a drowning man about to go under,

or the God of death prolonging the death of a dying man. In this way, good actions

themselves liberate a man from the bondage of actions. Just as the science of alchemy can

convert poison into a life-saving drug, if one skillfully performs actions, those actions, instead

of leading him to bondage, will enable him to be freed from the very bondage of actions.

- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi Celebrations

82nd Mahasamadhi celebrations of Shirdi Sainath Maharaj were inaugurated by Sri R.

Seshadri, President, Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, on 4th October, 2000, by lighting the traditional

lamp, followed by chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama by the devotees.

Thereafter Kalaimamani Vidwan Sri Kadri Gopalnath gave an excellent Saxophone recital,

accompanied by Kalaimamani Vidushi Kanya Kumari on the Violin, Vidwan Denkanikota Mani

on the Thavil and Vidwan Sri Rajasekhar on the Morsing.



The next day (5th of October) the devotees, led by Sri D. L Chandrasekhar, chanted Sai

Rama Nama Tharaka Mantra "Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai" for about 90 minutes, followed

by a devotional music program by Vidwan Gopalakrishna and party.

The women devotees performed Lalitha Sahasranama and Vishnu Sahasranama Archana in

the morning. There was a grand devotional music recital by the popular music director and

singer Sri Puttur Narasimha Nayak, which was highly appreciated by the audience. Some of

the songs on Baba were his own compositions.

On October 7, there was Samoohika Abhisheka to Baba. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji, soon after Kakad Arathi, and Mahanyasa Poorvaka Shatha

Rudrabhisheka in the morning. After Shatha Rudrabhisheka and Samoohika Abhisheka, a

large number of devotees participated in the Sai Sahasranama Bhasmarchana. Vidwan Sri

Sashidhar Kote, the popular light and devotional music singer, and TV. Music Director thrilled

the audience with his popular songs on Baba.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi Day/Vijaya Dashami was observed on 8th October,

starting with Samoohika Abhisheka to Sri Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji after Kakad Arathi. About one thousand devotees participated in the Abhisheka.

Vishnu Sahasranama Homa was performed as Part of the celebrations. After Poornahuthi

and Archana prasad was served to more than 2500 devotees.

A grand procession of the portraits of Baba and Swamijis in a specially decorated chariot with

colorful flowers and lights, marked the conclusion of the celebrations.



Procession of the portraits of Baba and Swamijis in a specially decorated chariot

Sri Narasimha Swamiji's Aradhana

H. H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji's Aradhana was observed on 13th October 2000. A good

number of devotees participated in the Samoohika Abhisheka to the Trinity. The portraits of

Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamijis were decorated with colourful

flowers for the occasion. Sri D. L. Radhakrishna rendered some soul-stirring Bhajans on

Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji. After Arathi special prasad was

distributed to all the devotees.

- S. Syama Rao

Ambrosia in Shirdi: Book Released

Ambrosia in Shirdi

"A good picture is worth more than a thousand words," is a well-known saying. Even a mere

glance at this beautiful pictorial book on Shirdi Sai Baba would amply prove it. Blessed in her

teens by H. H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and commanded by Sri Sivanesan Swamiji, Dr. Vinny

Chitluri, an ardent Sai devotee, has rewritten the original book by Sri Ramalinga Swamy along

with numerous rare photographs, mostly in colour and some black and white, for the benefit of

Sai devotees.



Baba's long (60 years) earthly stay in Shirdi, His daily routine, the temples and sacred spots

in Shirdi, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarakamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi, Lendi Bagh are only a few

depicted and portrayed through fine eye-catching photographs, with brief and apt captions.

The reading matter provides a lot of insight into the life in Shirdi during Baba's physical

presence and after.

Visitors would find very useful information about accommodation, bathing and toilet, boarding

and medical facilities, daily pujas and travel arrangements in the book.

Sri Saipadananda Graphics, Bangalore, has done a commendable job in Designing and

Printing this useful book in art paper, priced reasonably at Rs. 70/- only. A book that merits

being in the hands of every Sai devotee.

- APR YESS

Shirdi Sai Baba comes to Tiruvannamalai

By R. Seshadri

Sri Sai Baba has come to the sacred Agni Kshetra, Tiruvannamatai. Giri Pradhakshana of the

Arunachala is being undertaken by devotees from time immemorial, as a spiritual sadhana

with highly beneficent results. The town is noted for the Samadhis of numerous saints and

sages. Who has not heard of Sri Ramana Maharshi or Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal among

them?

The great apostle of Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji, stayed in a cave at the Ramanashram

for three years and he is the first biographer of Sri Ramana Bhagawan. His chief disciple, Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji, Founder - Patron of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore, had been

blessed in his teens by these two great saints.

No wonder, Sai Baba has chosen to come here as a marble idol now. The 'Murthi' was

brought by a group of Sai devotees, led by Sri D. Shankaraiah of Hyderabad, and installed at

Sri Seshadri Swamigal's Ashram on September 24, and taken round the Hills in a procession,

chanting "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" the next day.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji before writing the biography of Sri Narasimha Swamiji visited the

Ramanashram and Mahan Seshadri Swamigal's Ashram early in the Seventies. Four of us

had the good fortune to accompany our Guru. The car was driven by Group-Captain Gopala

Rao. After getting some information and taking some snaps with the help of the then

President of Ramanashram, Sri T.N. Venkataraman, who is a resident sanyasi there now,

Swamiji took us to the adjoining, compound about 5OO yards away, on Chengam Road.

There was an old mantapa with a portrait of Mahan Seshadri Swamigal. Our Guru explained



to us how He was blessed by this great Mahan, when he approached him as a boy. The saint

picked up three stones and asked the young visitor to cook, eat and digest them. The

bewildered youngster brought them to Sri Ramana Bhagawan. Even before Radhakrishnan

could open his palm, the Maharshi asked him: "What did it (Seshadri Swamigal) say?" When

he was shown the stones, he explained that Radhakrishnan had been blessed by the Mahan,

and that he would become a "Gunatheetha."

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji told us than that a building would come up and many devotees

would also be visiting Sri Seshadri Swamigal's Ashram in due course. As a regular visitor to

both the sacred Ashrams, I find it quite so. Numerous devotees are visiting them every day.

Sri R. Muthukumara Swamy, Secretary of the Ashram, has been making dedicated, concerted

and sincere efforts, under the guidance of Brahmanisri Umadevi Ammayar, his wife and

Medium for the Swamigal. Now it is a big complex affording all facilities to the increasing

number of devotees. I have had the luck to meet both of them seven years back and also

received some spiritual instructions.

The following is a brief summary of Sri Seshadri Swamigal's Divine message through Mother

Uma Devi, given on Sept. 24, 2000.

'During the current Kali Yuga, it is better to worship God through Bhajans and

Namasankeerthan. The lives of great Sages, including Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, are service-

oriented. Saints and Sages are born to redeem the ills of the world. Tiruvannamalai is sacred

because many sages attained "Siddhi" here. Besides meditation and pilgrimages, acts of

charities and performance of poojas nullify the effects of sins and help us for the next birth.'

Sai Baba, in a message through Mother Uma Devi, said: 'When I lived as Sai Baba, I could

not visit this place. But I visited it in 'Sukshma'. We can change our Karma by our service. All

of you present here must purify yourselves. It is a rare opportunity. Sri Annamalaiar and Sri

Rama, bless you. When you return home, whatever you do will be successful. If you are pious

and if your thoughts, words and deeds are clean, you will be hale and hearty and avoid

hardships. Our blessings to all of you.'

In the course of an appeal, Sri Muthukumaraswamy, says: "This is the first time that an idol of

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba has been installed at Tiruvannamalai. It is proposed to have silver

'Vimanam' for the idol. Devotees are requested to contribute morally and get the blessings of

the Sage.



Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji with a resident-Sanyasi and devotees from Bangalore at the

Ashram of Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal, early in the Seventies.

Book Review

Baba's words of Wisdom

The Divine Treasury of Shri Sai Baba: Compiled and edited by Prof. B. M. Patel, Mahendra

Patel, Krishna B. Patel and Geeta B, Patel. Publisher: Prof. B. M. Patel, ‘Sai Shraddha’, 11,

Chunilal Colony, Kankaria, Near Old Pilot Dairy, Ahmadabad - 380 022. Ph.: 5327142.

This nice booklet carries the Utterances, Assertions, and Declarations of Shirdi Sainath

Maharaj. The pithy 'Vachanamruthas' cover not only all aspects of daily life, Do's and Don't,

Devotion and Surrender to the Lord, Spiritual Life and the Shubramarga. There is an earnest

appeal to the sadhaka, caution to the erring individuals, and solace to the distressed, to reach

the Ultimate. These pearls of Wisdom emanate not from just a mortal or God man, but from

the Parabrahman, who incarnated as a human to elevate humanity.

"If one meditates on Me, repeats My name, My deeds, and is thus transformed in Me, One's

Karma is destroyed. I stay by his side always." Does not Sai Baba through the Assurance

reiterate Lord Krishna's clarion call to the world at large?

This well-got up useful booklet is worthy of daily parayana.

- ArrYcss.

Self - Righteousness

A young man boasted that he will never marry and on the other hand, join the Ramakrishna

Mission as a 'Sannyasi.'



A little later he changed his mind and got married. When Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji heard this,

he remarked to a lady devotee: "Be sure you don't marry a saint."

She asked him: "Why ever not?"

"Because it is the surest way to make you a martyr" was Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji1 s merry

reply.

Enthusiasm

To a woman devotee who complained that riches had not made her happy, Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji said: "You speak as if luxury and comfort were ingredients of happiness; whereas all

you need to be really happy, my dear, is something to be enthusiastic about."

Book on Sai Baba Released

'Ambrosia in Shirdi' by Dr. Vinny Chitluri was released by Sri Srichand Rajpal, Chairman, Sri

Sai Spiritual Centre Trust, at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, on December 3, 2000.

Sri Srichand Rajpal wishing the venture all success explained how fortunate he was in getting

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji's blessings. The Guru had been fulfilling all his wishes all the while,

he added.

Presiding over the informal function, Sri R. Seshadri, President, S.S.S.C., after paying

homage to Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, commended the beautiful pictorial book to all Sai

devotees.

Earlier, Sri D. L. Radhakrishna rendered the invocation and Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary,

proposed a vote of thanks.

The same book was released earlier on November 14, at Shirdi and on Nov. 30th, at All India

Sai Samaj, Chennai.

'Sai Darshan', an exhibition of rare photographs of Shirdi Sai Baba, was held at S.S.S.C. from

the morning till evening of December 3, by Dr. Vinny Chitluri and Sri B. H. Chamaraj,

President, Shirdi Sai Baba Satsangh. Hundreds of devotees visited the exhibition.

These books are available at:

Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang KBRS Building, Kamaraj Road Bangalore - 560 042 Ph.: 5300225

(pp) and other Sai Mandirs of Bangalore



To the Other Shore

Sri D. C. Anantha Ramaiah

With deep regret, we record the demise of a senior

devotee of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji and Baba, Sri D.

C. Anantha Ramaiah, aged 89, on December 20, 2000.

Sri Anantha Ramaiah was a senior member of Sri Sai

Spiritual Centre. He was actively associated with the

N.R. Colony Rama Mandir association. He was

President of the Association and also a Trustee for

some time. He was also the President of the Ramayana

Prakashana Samithi, which has published several

volumes of Ramayana. He was instrumental in and

totally involved in these publications. In his death Sri Sai Spiritual Centre has lost a great Sai

devotee. He leaves behind him a son and six daughters and a number of grand children and

a host of friends.

We pray to Baba and Swamijis to grant him Sadgathi, and to give sufficient courage and

strength to the members of his family.

Smt. Seetha Lakshmi Ammal

We record with deep regret the passing away of Smt. Seetha Lakshmi Ammal, wife of the late

Sri V. S. Rajagopala lyer, elder brother of H. H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji. She was 98 years

old and has left behind three daughters.

It was the Revered Sri Rajagopala lyer, who installed the marble Murthi of Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre. Swamiji was brought up by him and his wife. They

bestowed much love and affection on young Radhakrishnan. Sri lyer was his preceptor.

Swamiji stayed in their palatial house on Fern Hills, Ooty, for nearly twenty years. The

venerable old lady used to recall with pleasure how she could attend to the needs of

Radhakrishnan during his younger days.

Though she desired to visit Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, her wish could not be fulfilled because of

her advanced age. May Sai Baba and Swamiji grant her Sadgati.

sai padananda january 2001saileelas.org/sai/numo/modules/listing_service/uploads/u8... · may the...

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