Sathya Sai Baba’s Physical Death Prediction Comes True...

By Raj Sharma


There has been much confusion in the last few weeks regarding the age of Sathya Sai Baba and the timeline of his presence in physical form, for Baba it is said, had declared that he would leave his physical form when he reached 96 years of age.


This confusion in truth pertains to the modes of computation for most people still adhere to the Roman/Gregorian calendar whereas Sathya Sai Baba always referred to the Hindu Nakshatra Kala Ganana (timescales based on stars) in his own discourses.

Accordingly, the Sidereal Lunar year as per old “Vedic” cycles is not 365 days but 324 days or 27 X 12 (12 sidereal months) because a lunar (sidereal) month extends from Aswathi to Revathi stars — that is 27 days. Hence it is important to note that we are not referring to the solar year 365 days or tropical lunar year from full moon to full moon which is 12 X 29 1/2 days or 354 days. We are speaking of the sidereal lunar year with one month consisting of 27 day moon transit of the zodiac and the 27 nakshatras. Therefore the lunar year in this case would have 324 days and not 365 days as in the Gregorian calendar.

Roughly speaking then, if we consider the prediction of death at 96 years of age then 96 lunar years at 324 = 31104 days, divided by 365 solar years= 85.2 solar years. Hence Sathya Sai Baba is no doubt around 85 ‘solar’ years according to the Roman/Gregorian calendar but he is ’96′ lunar years according to the old Vedic Hindu calculation (of the sidereal months). Moreover this information has been confirmed by many Vedic scholars and astrologists, including the eminent Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley)

It is also interesting to note an incident which took place on the 85th birthday celebration of Sathya Sai Baba. Usually, during any festival celebration, especially Baba’s birthday, the entire Prashanti Nilayam would be temporarily decorated with objects made of materials such as cardboards, etc. which could be easily dismantled and dismembered after the celebration ended since the new celebration would require the new birth date, etc. to be hoarded on the banner. However, during this 85th birthday celebration Sathya Sai Baba told his students “Make all the decorations of “PERMANENT” material”. Accordingly a board had been put up at the Ganesh Dwar which read “85 years of Love” and after celebrations the board has remained and not come down, just as Baba wanted and instructed. Moreover this time around instead of temporary gates, permanent gates were made and they are still there. When the students asked Swami whether they could remove and clear the decorations Swami responded by telling them not to remove the banner or decorations and to let it be there, implying that he knew this would be the last celebration.

Furthermore during his 80th birthday celebration, in the discourse that Sathya Sai Baba gave he declared that “Today is MY 90th Birthday”… and the entire crowd started laughing thinking that Swami had made a mistake…no one took it seriously and the publisher of Sathya Sai Baba in that subsequent volume went on to publish it as 80 years. Yet all of the devotees present that day undoubtedly heard Swami say that he was 90 years of age.

It stands to reason however that even if devotees knew that Sathya Sai Baba was indeed 96 years old, it would not make the situation any better but only worse since most devotees were already heartbroken and suffering even when they were convinced that Baba would not leave his body yet. Hence if devotees knew for sure that Baba would be leaving then Prashanti Nilyam would be subject to complete chaos and most devotees who have been so strongly attached to Baba would certainly succumb to emotional breakdowns, especially in the final years of Baba’s life. Instead, Baba, out of care for his devotees, made all circumstances transpire so fast, and out of the range of our conscious awareness of the actual reality of things, so that most of us would not really experience the real magnitude or impact of the situation making it less emotionally painful, which is why till today most people still feel as if it was all a dream.

More importantly, the way that avatars work ultimately always remains a mystery, so it never does matter whether in the end things add up mathematically or not as Baba’s age would still be irrelevant in the grand scheme of life. What will always continue to remain more important is our experience with him, his life, his message and his work, which is what devotees must continue to set their hearts and minds on

Cleverness and Wisdom

The human mind has two distinct capabilities. They are (1) the capacity to acquire worldly skills, and (2) the capacity for Spiritual Discrimination. These two faculties are called Medha Shakti and Buddhi respectively. People do not have a clear idea of the difference between (worldly) cleverness and (spiritual) Wisdom, and often mistake Buddhi to mean cleverness. This is not correct.


Being exclusively related to the phenomenal world, Medha Shakti would help a person to be shrewd in worldly matters and achieve success in Society. However, this is no blessing. A clever man is restless, does not enjoy peace, and often goes through mental conflicts. He is a slave to his ego, which casts a veil over the Self and renders Buddhi ineffective. Cleverness is not an attribute of the Wise but unfortunately in this Kali age a clever person alone is regarded as great and accorded much respect.

Modern education lays great stress on the sharpening of the brain and can certainly help people to become clever. But it has no positive effect on Buddhi or the spiritual intellect. Our ancients, on the other hand, were unanimously of the view that Buddhi is superior to Medha Shakti, and is any day to be preferred.

Buddhi is essentially the combination of Shradda (earnestness), Sathyam (Truth), Yoga (power of control), and Mahat Shakti (Divine Power). Shradda is the product of yearning and steadfastness. The Sathyam aspect implies a proper judgement and perspective, with Truth as the central focus. The third aspect Yoga connotes a mastery over the senses. One cannot speak of a person being with blessed with Buddhi, if he lacks sense and mind control. Shradda, Sathyam and Yoga together manifest as Mahat Shakti, the power of the Divine. In short, all the aspects of Buddhi are verily Divine.

Students should understand clearly the difference between Medha Shakti and Buddhi. Cleverness would help one in securing good grades in examinations, and in scoring victory in debates. It is associated exclusively with worldly skills. Buddhi, on the other hand, is spiritual in nature and close to the Atma. Thus, one must never confuse a Wise person (Buddhiman) with a clever person.

The hierarchical relationship of the various entities related to Medha Shakti and Buddhi is as follows: At the bottom of the totem pole is the physical plane. Above it are the senses; then comes the mind or Manas. Buddhi comes above the mind and last of all is the Atma or the Self. Buddhi is thus just a "stone's throw" away from the Atma and is verily a reflection of the latter. It is thus the height of ignorance to equate Wisdom (Buddhi) with cleverness (Medha Shakti). The latter is associated to the senses and is thus intimately related to the phenomenal world. It promotes ego, and as long as ego dominates you cannot understand anything about the Self. A clever person would never be able to achieve Self-realisation; only a Wise person can

Excerpts from a Divine Discourse of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Divine Leelas and Mahima's (2)

Our Guru, Everyone's Guru


Once Seva workers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization reached the outskirts of a remote battered village with packets of food, medicine, clothes and blankets. When they arrived at the village, it was past noon and the entire area was submerged. It was still drizzling. The volunteers stood at the gate hoping someone would come forward to show them where the survivors were most in need of their services and goods.

Finally, some villagers saw them and came running. The volunteers thought that help had come and they would be directed to where they could be of the most use, but the villagers began snatching and grabbing the rescue items. The volunteers stood there dumbstruck not knowing whom to pacify and whom to control. They were themselves drenched and exhausted.

Then a Girl appeared and pacified the villagers. She told sweetly the necessity of being patient and disciplined and to allow the helping team to carry out their mission. She enabled the volunteers to reach those with the most urgent needs first, such as first aid, medicine and food, and helped organize the entire rescue mission. When the villagers became impatient, she spoke a few kind words and also lent a helping hand in the distribution of food packets and medicine. Throughout the day, she led the team through the muddy and flooded roads to every nook and corner where people were who required help. She never looked tired and her face was always radiating with gratitude and loving-kindness.

The Seva Dal team finished their work and sat down for some rest. Suddenly one of the Seva Dal team members recollected that while the girl had taken them to all the needy people and helped them distribute food and medicine she had not taken any food for herself.

They asked her why she had not taken any food packet. Hesitatingly, the girl said that her GURU had told her that duty towards others should be the prime concern and when that duty is fulfilled He himself will take care of their needs. Such a small girl, staying in a poor condition and imparting the knowledge of the highest teachings reflecting implicit faith in her Guru held the team in awe and admiration. They inquired about the Guru and also wanted to know how she had met her guru.

The girl said, "I have not met or even seen my guru personally but I have his photo given to me by my teacher who stays in the nearby town."

The team members got more curious and asked her the name of her guru. "Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba," came the prompt reply. "I am a Bal Vikas student," she said further with a voice soaked in reverence and pride.

Everyone of the Seva Dal members were in Tears.

Swami always and every time reminds all of us, "There is no other quality nobler than Love in this world. The highest spiritual practice is to transform this love into service, Serve and help the Needy, Swami will be closest to you when you do Service and help the Needy".

Om Sai Ram.

Memories- When His boys became His voice...

by Aravind Balasubramanya on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 1:37am


It was going to be another of those special evenings - an evening when Swami would delight everyone present in a way none of them had imagined. It all started like any other day. Swami arrived for darshan at 5:15pm as the bhajans were on. He moved through the ladies' side and then the gents' side. Blessing some of the alumni, He moved towards the stage. Along the way, He blessed many of the research scholars who wanted to go home for a short vacation. The birthday boys too were blessed before Swami ascended the stage and sat for the bhajans. The bhajans were on and Swami read a few letters of His never ending mail. As a bhajan was concluding, He looked up and sat as if waiting for some precise moment.


And then, He asked for the bhajans to be stopped. Looking to His right, He whispered, "Mikes". Everyone assumed that there was going to be a talk when one of the student's by His side got up to confirm. "Swami should we get your mikes?" Swami nodded a yes and then everyone realized with a thrill that Swami had decided to speak! And now, it seemed to be a strange predicament. The person who normally translates, Prof.Anil Kumar was not in station. The warden of the Brindavan campus, Sri.B.N.Narasimhamoorthy too had left just two days ago. Swami was told, "Swami there is no translator." Pat came the reply, "What can I do? I will speak!" The student next to Swami had an idea to call Prof.Nanjundiah, the former Controller of examinations and more importantly, the former translator for Bhagawan.

Swami began His discourse in a very soft tone and said, "Everyone today seem fearful for no reason at all!" Age and the physical distance from Swami ensured that the translator heard nothing and the translation went off mark as he said, "God is the embodiment of bliss." Swami looked at him and said that was not what He said! He repeated once or twice and then looking at everyone, Swami smiled as if to say, "This is not going to work this way." A couple of enterprising students who knew Telugu moved forward towards Swami and since they could hear Him better, began a sort of a different translation process. Borrowing from the genetic mechanism in the cells, shall we say that there was a transcription and translation activity that was on?

What we mean is that, as Swami spoke, the boys in the front grasped the import and either repeated Swami's words or the import to the revered translator who then framed it into a sentence and spoke it over the PA system. It was a unique experience for everyone involved and Swami seemed to be enjoying this Divine play! When transcription and translation occur, can mutations be far by? Indeed there were mutations but the Lord was very kind and loving. Whenever there were errors, He repeated Himself to make things clear. He smiled many times and said, "Paapam! He cannot hear!" The discourse has been summarised below

The land of Bharat has produced great chaste women. Consider the case of Savitri. She saw her husband lying dead in front of her and Yama had arrived to take him away. With the sheer power of her chastity, she could chastise even death and bring back to life her dead husband. Draupadi was another great woman who treated all her five husbands alike. The story of Harishchandra shows the power of Truth. He was an emperor but when he moved out, he did not have a naya paisa with him. his son had to drink water from the God-given hands as they did not even have a cup. When he put his wife, son and himself for an auction to pay off his debt, nobody came forward to buy for who would dare buy the emperor and the empress? After a while the wife and child are sold. Finally an undertaker buys him off too and the king keeps his word. His own son is bitten by a snake and when his wife comes to the crematorium, Harishchandra refuses to allow the pyre without her paying the tax. He asks for her mangalsutra to pay for it. It is in this state that the Lord manifests and returns Harishchandra and his family to their erstwhile grandeur. One should be selfless but everything that one earns, he must keep one fourths of it for himself. The rest he can give away.

Chandramati is another great woman. With her chastity, she could put out a forest fire. That is the power of chastity. It is equal to the power of penance. Sita too underwent to Agnipariksha - the trial by fire and came out unscathed. Such are the great women of Bharat. Will you ever find such stories and deeds in any otehr country? Just like a Pativrata lives for her husband, there is also the concept of Sativrata where the husband lives for the wife. The former is on the rise today but sadly, the latter is declining. Everyone must develop into ideal Pativratas and Sativratas.

When I say my kerchief, my chair, my boys, who is the 'my' refering to? Enquire into that. Kill the small 'i' of your ego and identify with the capital 'I' that is your self. I and you are one. there is no difference. I shall speak more tomorrow for it is already late now.

It was indeed a great opportunity and privilege for the veteran translator and the boys. It also showed that Swami's work always goes on - perfectly. Nobody is indispensable and many times, His mission goes on inspite of us! Swami said that the translator had also been strained. In response to that, the translator humbly submitted, "Swami, I have troubled you a lot. Please forgive my inadequacies. The Discourse has proceeded in spite of me." Swami blessed him and told the boys to begin bhajans. Bhajans began and the mikes were removed. Swami was smiling at the boys in the front and the translator moved to Swami to seek pardon it looked like. Swami seemed to just brush him away as if it was all a part of His play - and it indeed was! Swami then asked for Aarthi and after that was done, Swami blessed everyone and then moved towards the Residence. The time was 7:20pm.

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…