Wildness of the mind can be controlled by practice..

Arjuna prayed to Krishna how the wildness of the mind can be controlled. Krishna prescribed abhyaasa (practice). You learn to talk or walk, eat and write, all through trial and error, constant practice, don't you? The mother feeds the baby, using many a song and ventriloquial demonstrations and distractions, but, later, through the force of habit born out of daily exercise, it starts feeding on its own, its hands taking the food to its mouth, even in pitch dark! Take the mind to God and keep it there for a short time every day morning and evening.

God is so merciful that He will come ten steps towards you, if you but take one step towards Him. Vibheeshana, the brother of Raavana, inquired from Hanumaan whether Raama will accept his homage and take him under His protecting shade. He said, "I am the brother of His worst enemy, whom He has vowed to destroy; I am a member of the demonic race; I am unacquainted with the Vedhas or Shaasthras or the rituals of the Aaryns." Then Hanumaan replied, "O you fool! Do you think He cares for ritual correctitude, or family status or scholarship? If so, how could He accept me, a monkey"? That settled the matter. Vibheeshana was assured of Grace.

When Vibheeshana went to Raama later, He asked the elder monkeys around Him whether He could accept Vibheeshana into the fold. Of course. He did not need any counsel from any one. He was never influenced by others. But, still, just to bring them into the picture, He consulted them and made a pretence of not having made up His mind yet. When Sugreeva said 'no,' Raama reminded him that he too had come to him, first, giving up his elder brother) When Lakshmana said that the only treatment he deserved was to be thrown back into Lanka, Raama said, "Yes! I am resolved to crown him as the emperor of Lanka, after the demise of Raavana.

Raama accepts surrender on the spot

Whoever surrenders, Raama accepts, on the spot, without reservations. When some one suggested that Vibheeshana should not be promised a Throne, for, Raavana may fall at the Feet of the Lord and earn pardon for his iniquity, Raama replied, "In that case, I will hold both hands of Bharatha and beg him to make Vibheeshana Emperor of Ayodhya, our ancestral domain; we both Bharatha and I, will spend our time happily in the forests." You must discover your identity; then only can you have Peace. You are like a man who has forgotten his name, his address, his mission in life. Realise it and try to delve into yourself, so
that you may know who you are. Then, you get security and peace. Sharpen your intellect for this purpose, cleanse your consciousness for this purpose, through Sathsang, Japa, Dhyaana, Naamasmaran, (holy company, chanting, meditation and constant thought of the Lord) etc. That is the advice I give.

Sathya Sai Baba - Dhashara, Prashaanthi Nilayam, 5-10-1970
 

Memories - WHEN GOD TEACHES YOU TO WALK....

by Aravind Balasubramanya on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 9:11pm

 

Early into my teens, I had read the famous story of the footprints in the sand. For those who are not familiar with it, let me recall it briefly. A person dreams about his life as a walk with God on a beach. He therefore notices two sets of footprints in the sand. But to his dismay, he sees only one set of footprints in those parts of the beach which represent the most difficult times in his life. He asks God, "Why did you abandon me when I needed you the most?" God replies lovingly, "Child! Those times when you see only one set of footprints are actually the times when I carried you!"

In spite of knowing this story, there were times when I was convinced that I was absolutely alone in life. And I felt that the single set of footprints were definitely not of His lotus feet, but of my own weary soles! I prayed to God, "Swami, I just do not believe that you are carrying me now for I feel so much pain and depression. Is that how one feels when one is carried?" This happened many times but like the proverbial passing clouds, everything would soon clear and days got brighter. But then came the mammoth cloud, so huge that I felt this time the clouds were there to stay. It is about that climactic period I was made to weather that I want to tell about - more so because this episode seasoned my life with the realization of Swami's omnipresence and love for me.

It was when I was doing my Masters in Chemistry at Puttaparthi that Swami gifted us students with opportunities to put up programmes in His Divine Presence. The programmes were mostly a compilation of His teachings, spiced up here and there with songs, skits and dances. Swami's encouragement was tremendous, so much so that on one occasion I remember Him telling our warden, "Why should I come and sit outside? There is no programme today!" And so, in that academic year alone, we had put up about fifteen programmes. In fact, it was Swami's enthusiasm towards us that ignited the large number of programmes that were presented (and continue to be presented) in the divine Presence by various states and countries during their respective Parthi Yatras or pilgrimages. This was the setting for my life changing episode.

Since I loved to do public speaking and was involved in dramatics, I was often part of every programme that was being put up in front of Swami. I was doing well on the academic front and I was quite popular among my friends in the hostel. I did fairly well in games and was the shuttle badminton champion for that year. Why I am telling all this is just to show that one may seem to have everything in life and still be unhappy. My God! Why was I unhappy? When I think back today, I cannot put a finger on the exact reason but I used to be very sad most of the times. And the major reason for this was my attachment to friends.What do I mean by that? Well, I thought that I was a fast friend to quite a few people. I went out of my way to help them and make them feel special. That was fine. The problem came when I expected them to treat me in the same way - that too in a manner I was expecting them to! And this expectation was very very strong. As a result, I used to feel very bad.

At this time, I decided that since God was my only true friend, I would look to Him for solace and support. I wanted to extend my arm of unconditional friendship to Him and wanted Him to extend His. I began to curb all my feelings and interactions with friends as much as possible and confided everything to Sai,the resident of my heart - my joys and sorrows, my successes and defeats. This came as a relief but still the disappointments and hurts from my friends continued. (Today I know that it is not anyone's fault. The nature of the world is thus and the nature of the mind is thus! Nobody will ever understand me fully! How can they when they do not read my mind?) Life went on this way and I am sure many of my friends wondered what on earth was I sad about. And I myself had no answer. The sadness was deep within and it was a kind of dissatisfaction in the search for some permanence.

Meanwhile in the mandir, speeches, songs and programmes by the students were on regularly. I even got two chances to speak in Swami's presence. They were like bright spots in the dark skies but I was in search of my sun - Swami as my dearest friend. One day, Swami asked in the mandir, "Are there any boys who wish to speak?" I raised my hand and warden told Swami that I was prepared. When I went ahead to take his blessings, I overheard Him ask the warden, "Aren't there any other boys? This boy alone speaks always!" That made me feel very bad. I was hurt. I gave my speech that day but resolved never to raise my hand to speak in His presence. I told my Swami in the heart, "This is the last time I'll raise my hand. I extended my hand in friendship to you and you do not want me to speak in your presence!" A childish reaction indeed, but that was what I felt then.

Once, a frog was injured when Lord Rama placed his bow on the ground. Seeing the bleeding frog, when the Lord asked, "Why did you not cry out for help?” the frog replied, "Lord! Every time I am hurt, I call out your name. Now when you place your bow on me, whom should I call out to?" I felt exactly like that frog! And so the days got lonelier and more miserable. I now did not have any more conversations with my heart-resident Swami. Nor did I talk intimately to any of my friends. I felt that my life was so meaningless and all my achievements were nought as I had no happiness. And then came the Sports Meet 2005.

The Sports Meet is an event where all the students from all the campuses come together to put up a performance of physical endurance, mental strength and skilful abilities. Almost a month long preparation takes place after which the culmination is the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet on the 11th of January. I enrolled in the carabining event and it was to be that sort of an item that is considered the "icing on the cake". But as I said, the clouds began to thicken. The trainer cum coach who was from Singapore somehow got the impression that though I was skillful in carabining, I was not disciplined enough. So he disqualified me from performing in front of Swami on the D day! I was devastated but I decided not to quit and put up a brave face. I used to go daily for the practices telling myself, “Swami is trying to make me feel miserable. I won’t give Him victory!" Poor Swami got the blame for my indiscipline.

My teacher in charge however melted at my misfortune and told me, "Don't worry! When Swami comes to see the practice sessions, I will ensure that you do carabining in His presence." Now that was something I looked forward to. Days passed and one day I had a bout of severe diarrhea. My teacher in charge excused me from practice and so, instead of staying in the ground, I went to mandir for darshan. The clouds became their thickest when Swami decided to go to the grounds that same day to watch the carabining practice. With tears streaming down my cheeks I returned to the ground and saw Swami enjoy the whole event as the boys practiced. And when He left in the car, He turned His face away exactly at the point when I came in front of his window. I stood devastated! I went back crying to the hostel and told Swami, "You never give me anything. You have planned my life in such a way that i get pain always. i have always tried to put in my efforts and come up and you always have put me down. And you have given me nothing."

Fast forward to January 11th when the Sports meet went on very well and it was acclaimed that the carabining event was the best! It added the salt from my sweat and tears at sitting in the sidelines to my deep emotional wounds. Now fast forward to the night of January 13th. The warden asked me whether I would be ready to speak in front of Swami the next day, i.e. Sankranthi and the prize distribution. I was shocked and i asked, "Sir, did Swami ask for me?" He said, "No. tomorrow the vice chancellor and Principal will be speaking. In case Swami asks for student speakers, your name will be suggested along with Raju and Jagdish." Now Raju was Swami's favourite speaker and when he spoke Telugu, it was as if Mother Saraswati sat on his tongue. The same was the story with Jagdish when it came to Hindi. Having considered this along with the "fact" that Swami was least interested in me, I went to bed without preparing anything at all.

The next morning, I went to the mandir without a proper shave or a bath! I cannot believe it now, but that's how depressed I was. On being scolded by a teacher, I went to a nearby saloon to get my stubble shaved and returned to mandir. Swami arrived and after the Principal of the Brindavan campus had made his welcome speech, the vice chancellor Sri.S.V.Giri began his speech. In sharp contrast to my pathetic state, Raju and Jagdish were dressed like princes! As I sat like a corpse, Swami suddenly intervened in Giri sir's speech and called him. Sri Giri heard what Swami had to say and returned to the podium and began, "Bhagawan has blessed two students to speak to us today..."

"Raju and Jagdish surely..." I thought. "The first is Ms.Tina Thomas from the Anantapur campus." He went about introducing her.

"The second will be one of these two" I thought. "The second is Aravind Balasubramanya." I was shocked. I was so absolutely unprepared. And I had not even submitted my bio-data to Sri Giri. So he introduced me as "the boy who did carabining." "What a joke" I thought but I had to speak!

I tried to glean tidbits from Raju and Jagdish as they had prepared well for their talks. But my predecessor was very strict in her adherence to time. I had barely begun collecting thoughts when she concluded to a rousing applause. I picked a rose and lot of courage and moved to Swami. I told Him, "Swami please, REALLY speak through me!" I realized that I very strongly needed Him to speak through me if I was to speak anything at all. I went to the podium and began disastrously, my first sentence being, "The annual Sports and Cultural meet is an annual affair." I moved from the valleys to the dales to hit my nadir of public speaking in terms of content and delivery. I could see many of my 'friends' heads crestfallen and some people were even laughing at the mess I was making of myself.

One plea filled look at Swami and a current of inspiration jerked me alive. A new enthusiasm rang in my voice and I could not believe my ears when there was a thunderous applause three minutes later! With gratitude I continued and the speech seemed to become a rousing success. I was applauded 4 times after that (yes, I was counting!) and when I concluded, the clapping was just one level below a standing ovation. I was very happy and felt rescued. I went to Swami and gratefully bowed at His feet for I knew it was not me who had spoken. He looked at me and asked, "Which class?" I answered, "II year MSc Swami." Then as i was about to rise, He called me.

Looking into my eyes, He asked in Hindi, "Tumko Pehle Kuch Nahi Diya?" ( Haven't I given you anything before?) In a flash that scene popped up in my mind's eye where I had told Him that He had given me nothing. Tears flowing down my cheek, I said, "Swami mere paas jo bhi hain, aapne diya!" (Swami, whatever i have with me, you have only given.) A twinkle came in his eye. He was happy that His child who had misunderstood Him was back on the path of understanding. He then waved His hand and created a gold chain with a pendant for me. He made my head rest on His lap as He chained me to Him- forever. With tears still streaming from my eyes, I said, "Swami I don't know what to say!" He patted me on my cheeks and said, "Only Love, Love, Love, Love!" I returned back to my place.

Now I realize that "unconditional friendship" is a very tough thing. I only stated my intent but filled my head with expectations of Him. And I ended up criticizing Him and not wanting to speak to Him. But He had already extended His hand of unconditional friendship to me and come what may, never left me or got angry on me. I realized that true love, instead of being the greatest binding force on earth, is actually the greatest liberating force. He was happy with me no matter what i thought or did. He had no expectations of me and still He loved me wholly. He loved me and loves me for what I am rather than for what He wants me to be. And that is because, in the ultimate analysis, He just wants me to "Be"- nothing more, nothing less. I wish in my heart that I can become atleast in part like Him and love Him to one millionth portion the way He loves me. Looking back at the beach of my life, I realize that the single set of footprints in times of crises is indeed mine. Those are the times when He taught me how to walk, always carrying Him in my heart!

Nine Lamps To Light From Now On

An Inspirational Message received by Seema Dewan April 28 11:14 a.m. US time

 
1. You have not lost Me… I was always there then… now … and for all times to come. All you have lost is Atma Vishwas (Self-confidence). Return to the confidence and restore its will.


2. The words of truth I have left in every atom of this Universe. This truth shall shine and its brilliance shall reach the pure mind and the loving at heart.

3. You have work to do… you must breath for the well-being of all living beings… I have left this body only to expand My work. Until your very last breath you must be ready to receive all work that I send your way.

4. Always remember you know only that much of time that I reveal to you… the rest comes moment to moment… and you shall lean on Me and make peace with what time offers to you…

5. There is nothing that I have left unspoken… I have reached out to you and always will… you must now interlock your life with My teachings.

6. The wise one remains silent in the middle of the chaos and not only finds a way for himself but also leads others to safety. Keep peace always in your heart......... that shall give you courage to rescue those that have panicked in fear and grief.

7. Strengthen your mind first. There is no one that can make you weak. There is no circumstance that can make you feeble… You are what you are for you have made it to be… No one else is to blame… Be firm and do not sway…

8. If you offer yourself to Me fully and completely then you shall feel My presence and shall witness My miracles moment to moment. But if there is even a slight doubt all will be lost in the raging pit of fear… Surrender to My will- Obeying it unconditionally shall give you the strength to wipe off all traces of weakness that secretly dwell in you.

9. Keep yourselves always simple… sweet… and untouched by selfishness… Then you shall attain Me… not by any rigorous practice but simply by your heart that you have left open… for My Grace to fill… Station your mind at My feet and place your heart in My hand and I shall do the rest… The best is yet to come if you light these nine lamps from now…

HIS MASTERPLAN- the indications!

by Aravind Balasubramanya on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 12:52pm

The 27th of April 2011 saw poignant scenes - the like of which have never ever been witnessed on the face of this earth. As the Mahasamadhi of an Avatar was witnessed the world over by a number unmatched in human history, tears flowed unbounded. Being in the world at this point in time was such a cleansing experience for the whole atmosphere was washed with tears - pure, selfless, love-filled and grateful. They were sufficient to wipe out all sins committed by all humanity it seemed! A lot has been written about the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and a lot more will be written for this is ‘His’tory! But here is a little thought I thought I would share.


The amount of prayers that have gone on in the world has been tremendous. The name of Sai filled every conceivable space for it had been enshrined in a billion hearts. Bhajans, service activities and spiritual sadhana of unprecedented proportions pulsated on Mother Earth. At the physical level, the best man and the best machines worked tirelessly day and night at the temple of Healing that He Himself had built. His most dear students constantly were by His side and aware of every breath He was taking. The sheer magnitude of the combined effort of every devotee was enough to bring life into an inert stone! And yet, the Lord took Mahasamadhi.

This thought had plagued me when I realized that prayer is not an act of asking God or telling God. It is silent communion with Him. When we either ask of tell God, we make the preposterous and utterly foolish assumption that we know better than Him. Swami often tells us the story of two farmers - one who prayed for rain for his crops, the other who prayed for a dry day so that his daughter’s wedding could go on uninterrupted. Whose prayers should God listen to?

Should He listen to the one who cries more? Or to the one who pines more? Should He give precedence to age or should He give precedence to status and influence?

Of course! He will listen to the one who loves Him truly. And who is that? Naturally, the one who has surrendered to His will. When one has surrendered to His will, is not prayer redundant? Our definition of prayer changes as we realize that the one who is always in sync with the Lord has his prayers answered for he always prays for what the Lord has already willed! This is indeed a very different way of thinking. If my prayer is answered, it is because I was in sync with God; I was in communion with Him. If my prayer has not been answered, I was not in sync with Him; I have to make efforts to be in communion with Him.

It is everyone’s experience that we feel some intuitive urges. And then, these urges just manifest themselves. Let us know that these are instances when we have been in communion with Him. And when these intuitive urges have manifested for me, I have felt the thrill of experiencing Him. I see Him, hear Him and feel Him and He speaks to me! I feel the thrill because I ‘know’ His plan. And I know His plan because I have been able to be in sync with Him for those precious moments.

That is why, when I found some instances in my life where Swami indicated His Mahasamadhi, I felt so relieved. It felt wonderful to ‘know’ that its all part of His Masterplan. In tha pages of my diary I discovered a dream where months before, He indicated that He would be leaving soon. Just like someone with white hair dyes it, or a person who loses teeth puts dentures, I too covered up my knowledge of the dream and went about my life. And then, Swami gave the most poignant indication!

It happened on the evening of 20th of March. Swami had not been ‘keeping well’ if I may use that term. His darshans were few and spaced between. And yet on this day, He took two darshan rounds. He called all the students who were seate dfor blessings and poured grains on their head. ( about 40 students were blessed that day). He distributed a few sweets and smiled at all present. He even called the tiny tots from Primary school and blessed them. In the words of a very senior singer, “Today Swami seems so hyper active!!” There was rejoicing. And when He received Aarthi, everyone were thrilled with His tapping His hands rhythmically. And then it happened...

As the Samastha Loka chant filled the air, Swami raised His hands. But it was not the familiar Abhayahastha. He had FOLDED HIS PALMS IN SALUTATION! He seemed to send a beautiful message, “Salute all for God is in all”. The Vedic chant “Sahasra sheersha Purusha” resounded in my heart. ( That hymn says that God has thousand limbs, heads and sense organs symbolic of the fact that God is in all.) In the Bharatiya custom, this is how one takes leave after a visit!

My hairs stand at their end and I have goosebumps when I realize how Swami had indicated the Mahasamadhi. But I did not see! Swami says, “Pashyan Api Na Pashyati Moodho” (You fool! You see and yet do not see!) That was the condition. But I took pictures that day.

And today, just seeing the pictures is so relieving and enthralling for it told me that Swami knows His plans. Even when He was fine and was a week away from being ‘admitted’ to the hospital, Swami had made shown us His decision. And in showing us this decision, He also showed us His expectations. He wants our lives to be His message and one of His final acts of benediction teaches us that we should see Him in all just as He saw Himself in all. We should bow to Him in all just as He bowed to Him in all. we should love all and serve all just as He did.
And in order to share the experience, ins(a)ight and blessings from Swami that day, I post the following five images. Let us pledge to Him that we will in our lives imbibe His message of pure Love for all. And as a teardrop makes its way down my cheek, a firm resolve flows in my blood - a resolve to Love Him and see Him in all!

                                                                              Jai Sai Ram

21st Dec 2012...Doomsday?? Judgement Day??..

based on the writings of Avadhoot Baba Shivanandaji of the Shiv Yog Foundation.

Every religion is talking about the 'doomsday' and in our religion also 'Mahapralaya in Kali Yuga' is mentioned. And the year 2012 is considered to be the doomsday – the day of judgement. Please elaborate on this.

Avadhoot Babaji:

December 21st in the year 2012 is the Ascension Day for the evolved human beings. It can be the doomsday for those who have not followed the path of truth. Actually every human being has an individual consciousness. Planet earth also has its own consciousness which is very clear and pure. That's why the whole Galaxy and the planet earth are ascending. Year 2012 is the transition period for planet earth when it will enter in the fourth dimension from the present position in the third dimension. Planet earth has been continuously ascending since late 1980's and its vibrational frequency has-been increasing ever since. In early 1990's, it was vibrating at the frequency of 7 hertz resonance. By December 2012, it shall vibrate at the frequency of 16.8 hertz resonance. That means the vibrational frequency of Earth will become double. More vibrational frequency indicates more purity and the energy, i.e. earth heading towards higher dimension. So, this is the period when the our planet is going to ascend into the fourth dimension, becoming more pure, divine and full of love energy. Now the question is what will happen to the human beings who are living in the third dimension? People are talking about saving planet earth, but it is not correct. It is because of our ego that we talk like this. Planet earth has its own consciousness and is already ascending to higher dimension. We should rather be talking about saving ourselves, about saving fellow human beings. All individuals have different consciousness levels and are still vibrating at much lower frequencies. More than 2/3 of our population is vibrating a below average frequency level. That's the reason in every such human being only 3.5%DNA is active and rest of 96.5% DNA is totally inactive, indicating the ignorance level, spirituality level and the level of truth within us. Baba Gorakshnath, Buddha, Christ and all holy Siddhas had 100% active DNA and had a much higher vibrational frequency. That’s why they were much more evolved beings. The low DNA activation influences thinking of mankind, making them think negatively thus generating negative energy. Collective generation of negative energy will take mankind towards disaster. As on today 2/3rd of the population has to be saved from the destructive negative energy field of ego, greed, hatred, resentment, holding on to herd mentality and trying to create herd of people which can be dominated by individuals and so on. The grace of the evolved beings can activate your DNA and erase your past accumulated karmas. Then you rise above all these negative qualities, your vibrational energy gets enhanced and the DNA activation starts. That's why it is said that it cannot happen on its own. Divine light is needed to initiate this process and at every stage of growth and activation. Therefore, if we also consciously make efforts to raise our energy levels and move towards higher spirituality, then we too can easily ascend to 4th dimension along with planet earth. But it can be the doomsday for those who are not growing spiritually. Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Islam, all religions say that the doomsday is the day of Judgment for all those who are unfaithful to the Divinity. But in the Siddha philosophy it is mentioned, as I said earlier, that on this Day of Judgment those who follow the divine path will be saved by Shiva (Infinite) himself. This means that those who are on the path of purity will ascend to the fourth dimension during their living time, and from the year 2012 to 2028 all these living human beings will be totally submerged in the fourth dimension experiencing the higher level of spirituality powered with unconditional love, bliss and happiness. And those who are still vibrating at lower frequency level of third dimension in 2012, when the earth is entering into higher dimension are likely to perish in the natural and man made calamities.

And when they are reborn, they will not come on this planet where we are living. Instead they will go down to another planet which is vibrating at the lowest 3rd dimensional energy and they are likely to face the ‘GhorKaliyuga’ with more suffering, sorrow, pain, disease and 'alp aayu' as mentioned in the scriptures.

So let's take the period from now up to the year 2012 as an opportunity to collectively work towards our ascension and also help all our near and dear ones to achieve the same.

If we work collectively, we can take the whole humanity towards happiness, towards unconditional love and towards self realisation. Let's be one divine ray of light of holy Siddhas and let us work for the divinity. Due to ignorance we might have worked for the Devil and might have been instrumental in making many people drift from the right path. But it's never too late. Let us illuminate our lives and work to illuminate the lives of others

Who is Sai Baba???

In His Own Words..

"I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on behalf of any exclusive religion. I have not come on a mission of publicity for a sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to collect followers for a doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love. " 4 July 1968, Baba Sri Sathya Sai Baba is one of the most revered spiritual masters alive in the world today. He was born on November 23rd 1926 in the village of Puttaparthi in South India. He has established His Ashram there which is known as "Prasanthi Nilayam" or "The abode of Supreme Peace." Millions of spiritual seekers visit the ashram every year to receive His blessings. He is quietly transforming the world by re-establishing the eternal values of truth, right action, peace, love and non-violence in everyday lining. Sai Baba has millions of followers of all faiths and all races in countries all over the world who congregate every week to sing the glories of God and spread his message of love to unite all mankind. As a child, Sai Baba demonstrated the qualities of compassion, wisdom and the desire to serve others. He also demonstrated great respect for elders. In the daily course of his activities he displayed remarkable miraculous powers which he used to help his fellow students and others in the community who come seeking his assistance. He also demonstrated a talent in drama, music and dance. He could quote from and discuss various spiritual texts without ever having studied them, to the surprise of the learned people of the village. At the Early age of fourteen, he left his brothers home where he lived and declared that he work to do and that his devotees were calling him. The teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba are universal and simple. They are based on five fundamental human values; truth, right conduct,


peace, love and non-violence. These are values taught by all the great religions of the world today. By faithfully practicing these values in daily life, individuals can rise to the highest spiritual potential. Sai Baba says that all religions are facets of the same truth. Through love and understanding he encourages us to forge unity of all peoples regardless of race, religion, colour or gender. He emphasizes that all human beings are inherently divine. Like lost children, they have forgotten the art of living in harmony with their true nature. They have a birth right to regain this heritage, and he's here to remind them of their roots. He's teaching by example that, through practice of love, compassion, generosity, forgiveness and sacrifice, all mankind can join together and usher in a new era of peace and harmony in the world. He has come to reinforce humanity's faith in their respective religions, faith in themselves, and faith in the one all pervading supreme God. "Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, let the glory of God be sung in all languages and in a variety of tunes. Respect the difference between the faiths and recognize them, so long as they do not extinguish the flame of unity. " Sai Baba.

An Unforgetable 24/4/2011...

By Dr. Viji Via SaiNewsMalaysia

Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,


Swami, after His 28 days of hospitalisation, He has left us all on a "physical level". Probably it was all part of the DIVINE PLAN to stay that long so that devotees would not be shocked to listen the sad news all of a sudden. Swami "pretended" to be in the body all these 28 days but it is only for us to minimise the sorrow. Such a great Avatar, even at the last days of His life, He preferred to make us happy. Since the day of His hospitalisation, there were millions all over the world who were praying for His speedy recovery. As Swami had told that He would be in the body till the age of 96, every one were hoping for a miracle. In Swami's DIVINE DICTIONARY it probably meant 86 and not 96.

As it is a great shock to every one, People in the streets of Parthi are banging their chest in grief. There are so many in the streets with tears in eyes, some are seated before the closed shops some on the pavements and every where.. Swami who had been part of our lives, especially to residents of Puttaparthi for whom every thing, every moment is SAI. It is a matter of great shock to the Sai Family. The great Avatar of Kali Age, has left us physically. But He has left us tons of " responsibilities". Sisters and Brothers, yes this is very sad news. The heart's of every devotee is hurt immensely. but a "true devotee" can never say that Swami is no more. If Swami was to be confined to His body, how could He be seen all over the world.

Swami was the only "person" in the world who wanted every thing to be give for "free". In the times when people don't even smile for "free", Swami has given world class medical services completely free to every one. There came one suggestion from some one requesting Swami to charge "little bit" to the rich who can afford to pay, and Swami our kind Lord said, there is no difference between "poor man's heart" and "rich man's heart' who could ever tell this.

Some years ago, in Kodai kanal, some officials were briefing Him about the arrangements for Eswaramma day and when one officer said, "Swami tomorrow we will have poor feeding", Swami corrected him saying, Sai's feeding can never be "poor feeding" you rather say "feeding the poor". Such is the kindness of Swami.

Swami who has given every thing to the devotees, has also given nutririous food to all at affordable price. Apparently couple of years ago, some one from the South Indian Canteen went to Swami and said, Swami our canteen has incurred great loss. So we have decided to raise the price from Rs.6 to Rs.10 for a full meal. Swami looking at him bit seriously said, if you irritate me like this, I am going to give the food for free. when it is Swami's canteen, why are you worried about the loss. It is my "business". Can any one do such Divine Business? No business man can make such a statement.

SWAMI'S SAMADHI ARRANGEMENTS:

Sai Kulwanth Hall, the venue for all the "historic" events in Parthi, will also be His Samadhi temple (tomb) in future.. Swami's divine body will be brought to the ashram around 4pm from the Super Speciality Hospital..there are already arrangements being made in the Sai Kulwanth hall. Swami's Samadhi would be on the dais from where He used to watch us all while we sing His glory. At present there are white curtains around the stage and the recently erected elevated wooden dais, is now completely removed. Any moment, they will start digging the dais. Meanwhile, the final darshan of Swami's BODY would start from 6pm, 24th april and the darshan will continue on monday, tuesday as well. in the morning of wednesday, the burial will be performed.

Police are making all the arrangements for the final darshan. I think Swami's body will be placed in the middle of Sai Kulwanth hall and ladies and gents would be allowed separately into the hall for the final darshan.

It is still unbelievable to know that we wont be able to see our beloved Lord in Puttaparthi. We devotees should not forget the great services rendered by the doctors in Super Speciality Hospital. Even though they tried their best, perfectly following Swami's message of KARMA YOGA, they(doctors) and We knew from the day one that it will be Swami's FINAL DECISION that will matter.We should also have to appreciate the patience and hardwork of Sri Sathya Central Trust and its members who tried their best to give ultramodern medical facilities to Swami in no time, all praises to Minister Geetha Reddy for all that she has done being a bridge of love between governemnt and devotees.

All the ministers, governors are reaching Puttaparthi. The Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sri.Ashok Chavan have already come to Parthi. Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, L.K.Advani, Ms.Jayalalitha and many other top leaders have expressed their deep condolences on Swami's Divine Departure. The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared 4 days of mourning.

It would be a very sad day for Sachin Tendulkar as his birthday unfortunately coincided with Swami's Physical Exit. He is also coming to Parthi tomorrow for the final darshan.
Since his hospitalisation, Swami was in headlines. while reporting they also spoke all the good work Swami had did and also His miracles. many people who were not in Sai Fold who were watching this did get an urge to have darshan of this great Avatar and hoped for one physical darshan but little did they knew that it was too late..

Looks like the final darshan will also be shown live in various TV channels as the arrangements are already being made. Please try the following links after 6 PM Indian Standard Time.

Swami has not left us. Indeed He has immersed in the state Maha-samadhi , which is beyond the ken of our our ordinary worldly comprehension. His premature termination of His physical sojourn on the auspicious day of this holy Easter in the Satwic hour of this mornig, when Christ got resurrected, indicates His early Advent as Prema Sai shortly. Just like Sathya Sai Baba revealed the historic facts of Shirdi Sai Baba including His birth date, place and parents , similarly the Prema Sai Avatar will certainly clarify the reason of Sathy's Sai Baba'a premature shedding of His mortal coils. Let us wait!

Just like Lord krishna changed many plans for the sake of His devotees and the Pandavas , Swami has also changed His plan for the welafre of the world and His devotees in wake of declining Dharma for its revival.

Swami is indeed a divine inscrutable phenomenon. God's ways are incomprehensible. Only the one whose pure heart is tuned to the Divine incessantly may get some glimpses of His Divinity. Other will keep wandering on the sea shore claiming that there are no pearls in the ocean.

If we calim to be His devotees, let us atttach to His Atmic principle, which is eternal and follow His main teachings of universal love and triple purity by engagiging in philanthropic activities. Swami never grieved over the departure of His parents, because he wanted to show the world that be attached to the Atma, indestructrible divine entity, not to the perishable body. Hence, instead of grieving and groaning, resolve to be His ideal devotees, as Swami said "Your life is My message". Just like the eleven disciples of jesus, let us resovle to change the world by emulating His example to establish peace and righteousness.

Swami will always be us, around us, below us , above us. He will give His Divine Drshan to some chosen few, just like Jesus did and Shrid Sai Baba did. Let sanctify our lives by indulging in Naama-smarana ceaslessly to seek His Divine Darshan.

SPECIAL MESSAGE CONCERNING BHAGAWAN’S HEALTH

By Dr. Micheal G. Goldstein, MD

Dr. Michael Goldstein, is the Chairman, Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, as well as the Chairman, Prashanthi Council – the international body that oversees the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations worldwide.

This is the transcript of the message Dr. Goldstein recorded in the studio of Radio Sai for the benefit of all listeners on April 8, 2011.

With humility and love I offer my pranams at the Divine Lotus Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Sai Ram to all of you!

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is currently an intensive care patient at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, the hospital that He built for the poor who receive treatment there free of charge. He has cardiac and pulmonary problems. His condition is stable. There has been improvement, but He is still seriously ill. Medical reports of His condition are being given on a regular basis by the eminent Director of this Hospital (Sri Sathya Sai Institute for Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram), Dr. A. N. Safaya, formerly the Medical Superintendent of the All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Medical updates can be obtained at the following internet page: srisathyasaihealth.wordpress.c om
Bhagawan Baba, our Beloved Swami as we refer to Him, is, and always has been, in control of the human life that He has assumed. He is, and has always been, in control of His own destiny in this life that He Himself ordained to take place for the benefit of mankind. We, who are devoted to Him, pray that He will decide to recover and remain amongst us. We pray that He will continue to teach us, inspire us, bless us, and love us as the Divine Mother and Father that He is and has always been. We pray that He will enable all of mankind to accomplish the inevitable spiritual journey that awaits each and every one of us, the journey towards enlightenment and self realization.

This last November, the President and Prime Minister of India visited Bhagawan Baba on the occasion of His 85th Birthday. They acknowledged and paid homage to the monumental and unprecedented humanitarian accomplishments and services rendered by Baba over many decades.

Free schools, primary through University level, providing high quality worldly education and unprecedented spiritual education, incorporating the universal human values: Right conduct, Truth, Peace, Love, and Non-violence, into the curriculum at all levels.

Who has ever done such a thing?

Free medical services in mobile hospitals, general hospitals, and super-specialty hospitals where the poor are treated for ordinary maladies as well as complicated medical diagnostic evaluations, treatments, and surgery. All free of charge.

Who has ever done such a thing?

Conceiving and building a system of reservoirs, overhead tanks, wells, and thousands of miles of pipes conducting pure water to millions of poor people at no cost to the people or the government.

Who has ever done such a thing?

Most noteworthy and awe inspiring, is the following of kindred hearts, the procession of human goodness and selfless love, the good people who have joined together to follow Him. They imbibe His Divine Teachings and emulate the noble examples that He has demonstrated. Over the years, people from many countries, who had a dream, or a feeling, or a thought, or heard a voice, or read a book, were all suddenly inspired to act and become His devotees. There was no solicitation, advertisement, or campaign. There was no telephone call or written invitation. They received the message promulgated by the Divine One, our Beloved Baba, heart to heart. There are hundreds of thousands of devotees all over the world, perhaps millions of good hearted people, finding the light of His love deep in their own hearts, transforming their lives into beacons of virtue.

Who has ever done such a thing?

Now, He, who has been the veritable source of goodness and godliness, who has taught and sacrificed for the people, who has taken upon Himself a serious illness, is being falsely maligned in some quarters. Onerous prefabrications are promulgated. A litany of old, scandalous accusations, proven false repeatedly over the years, is being published irresponsibly. Multitudes of tender hearts suffer as a result of this callousness.

“Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do!”

I am hopeful that noble minded journalists will seek, find, and write about the “greatest story ever told”. They will seek the truth and humanity will be served. They will find the truth in the lessons taught by our Beloved Baba to mankind through His Words and His Works over many decades. They will find lessons for the spiritual redemption of mankind.

Let us pray that Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba will decide to remain with us for the salvation of all. As He has taught, and may we all experience, that everyone of us are children of God. We are all essentially divine. Let each of us turn inwardly, find the light of selfless love - the light that enlightens. May each of us ultimately become the noble beings that we truly are and behave accordingly.

Let us all pray that Swami will hasten His recovery and move amongst us once again.
Jai Sai Ram!

Leelas and Mahimas of the Kali Yuga Avathar...

By Prof. G. Venkataraman


At the outset, I would like to offer humble Pranaams at the Lotus Feet of our Dear Lord Sai.
Loving Sai Ram and greetings from Prasanthi Nilayam. As I am writing this, it is about seven thirty in the evening of Sunday, April 3, 2011. I returned from the hospital a short while ago and I would now like to give you not only an update regarding Swami’s health but also take the opportunity to share a few pertinent thoughts. Later in the week, I hope I can do a full Musings on the recent hospitalisation of Bhagawan.

First, the news. I have been visiting the hospital regularly ever since Swami was first admitted a few days ago. This evening as I went upstairs, I found for the first time not only fewer people present but also a tension-free and relaxed atmosphere. That straight away meant that all was well and that there was absolutely no room for any kind of anxiety. Just to make doubly sure, I talked briefly to Dr. Safaya who said, “Good progress is being maintained, all vital parameters are completely under control, and there is absolutely no room for any anxiety.” A little later, Mr. Chakravarthi came out and he too confirmed every bit of the good news. I therefore most earnestly appeal to all devotees to pay attention to what people in responsible position have to say and not go by what they hear via e-mails, text messages, tweets, and so on.

It seems to me that we have two issues here; one is that of managing the health of Swami. That of course is the job of doctors in the hospital, who are assisted in matters relating to logistics by senior members of Swami’s Trust. Thus both teams, the doctors as well as the Trust members, are busy in their own respective ways. Turning now to the second problem, it is that of rumour management.

I don’t know how rumours get generated; indeed, I wonder if even God knows! Everyone decries rumours, but when the chips are down, most people tend to get swept and immediately carried away by bits and pieces of news, without bothering to check their source, veracity, the credibility of the person passing on the news, etc. Imagine now if people from all over flood the doctors and the Trust members with phone calls, distracting their attention.

I know people would say, “But what about us? Do you mean to say we do not care for Swami? Are you aware how concerned we are about Swami? Do you have any idea of how anxious we feel about Swami?” I understand all that, and indeed that precisely is why we in Radio Sai are constantly trying to reach out and assuage your anxiety. You might have noticed that we do it in two different ways; one is by broadcasting as well as posting the formal bulletins issued and signed by the Director of the Hospital, and the other is by offering suitable reflections on what we really ought to be doing during such a situation.
This afternoon, a young gentleman who helps us a lot in our work dropped into my room when I went for lunch. He came mainly to discuss some matters relating to our work and after we were finished with it, he said softly to me, “You know, this thing about Swami; it is too difficult to take. What are we to make of it? How do I personally handle it?” I knew perfectly well what he was asking; and yet, when suddenly asked that difficult and profound question, I found myself a bit dazed, to put it mildly. It got me thinking intensely, and several thoughts came rushing to my mind. But one thing was clear. Life always bowls bouncers, to use cricket terminology. And Swami has all along been telling us how to face such fierce bouncers that life has a way of surprising us with. However, we seldom pay attention to that, probably under the impression that what Swami is saying is all high philosophy and has nothing to do with us.

My mind immediately went back to the hospital, to Dr. Safaya there, managing a thousand things and the doctors attending on Swami, who were doing a job for which there is no known precedent in any of the earlier Avatars. And then the Members of the Trust who from the sidelines had many complex logistic issues to deal with. True, Lord Rama was injured during the battle with Ravana; however, there were Divine servants like Hanuman who could handle those kinds of crises. This is Kali Yuga where the Lord plays His human role with no frills. I said to myself, “Imagine what would happen if these people looking after Swami in various ways lost their cool?!” Luckily, that has not happened. How do I know? By watching from close quarters, how these people have been handling themselves. If there was one thing that they all radiated, it was equanimity. I tell you, it was a stunning lesson for me.

Remember Krishna saying that of all Yogas equanimity is the best? Remember Swami giving entire discourses on the importance of equanimity? I then recalled that equanimity does not drop like manna from heaven. It is a discipline and a virtue that has to be meticulously cultivated; and that is possible only by paying the closest possible attention to Swami’s teachings.

Talking of Swami’s teachings, I cannot help referring to an exceptionally beautiful Discourse that Bhagawan once gave, revolving around just two words. In brief, this is what that Discourse is all about. Bhagawan said, “Suppose you are not well? What would you do? Go to a doctor of course. After examining you and all that, the doctor would do two things; first he would give you aushadam or medicine, after which he would prescribe pathyam or diet restrictions. God also does the same to cure you of your spiritual sickness; He first prescribes aushadam or medicine and then outlines the pathyam or restriction you have to observe. What is the medicine God recommends? Simple; namasmarana or chanting the Name of the Lord. And what is the pathyam that God wants you to observe? That also is simple; it is that we must follow God’s command, always.”

Let us all pause at this juncture and honestly ask ourselves: “How often is it that we do namasmarana? Does even the idea of doing namasmarana occur to us, say once a day?” Similarly, Swami has given us so many commands, most of them absolutely simple ones. One of them is, “Talk less.” Do we do that? Earlier, we needed someone else if we wanted to talk. Not so these days, because there are the phones. Till about fifteen years ago, phones or landlines were still rare in India. But now, even children have cell phones. Recently a school teacher from Bangalore stunned me with the news that a survey conducted in her school showed that grade 8 students send on the average about 800 text messages per day! I am sure many of these students were children of devotees.

Let us be honest and ask ourselves; how seriously do we take Swami’s instruction, advice, command call it what you will, about being limited in our conversation? I guess we all know the answer. As I come to work or go for a walk in the evening, I see people on the cell phone all the time. I sure can understand some people having the need to have phone conversation when there is a specific need. But to keep talking while walking and going from place A to place B, while driving a scooter or even a car for that matter?

If you ask me, this is the moment when we all must ask ourselves how seriously we take Swami. This is a moment for a serious audit of our Heart, shall I say? It is not enough to say that we love Swami dearly. Of course, we all do. But does that not also place on us the responsibility of giving respect to His prescription and command? Maybe we mistakenly ignored it all along. But surely, we can make this the teaching moment, can we not?

Think about it.

God bless and Jai Sai Ram.

As always, with much love and deep respect, I offer this short talk at the Lotus Feet of Swami.


source: radiosai.org


In depth Information on Sai Baba's health: Latest Official Statement about Swami’s Health @ http://www.saibabaofindia.com/

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This morning's bulletin by Director, *SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram reads as follows:

(4th April 2011)

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who was admitted in the hospital on the 28th March continued to show improvement in His clinical condition. He is still on assisted ventilation and on kidney support through CRRT, which is a process of slow dialysis. All other clinical parameters are nearly normal. The panel of doctors attending Bhagawan are satisifed with the progress made so far.



*Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Puttaparthy



*********OM SAI RAM**********