SRI SATHYA SAI VRATHA KALPAM – Part VII (Procedure of Worship of Sri Sathya Sai)

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Om Sri Sai Ram

SRI SATHYA SAI VRATHA KALPAM – Part VII(Procedure of Worship of Sri Sathya Sai)

ByPedda Bottu

Translated from Telugu bySAI BANGARU CENTRE

DIVINE MESSAGE

Sri Sathya Sai Vrata Kalpam is a very admirable effort and this would be a treat

for the devotees. In times to come, it would be a Bible for the devotees for

Thursdays, especially for those who know English only.

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

PRAYER

Om Sri Sai, Ganesaaya NamahOm Sri Sai, Brahmadevaaya NamahOm Sri Sai,

Vishnudevaaya NamahOm Sri Sai, Maheswaraaya NamahOm Sri Sai, Dattatreyaaya

Namah

SARVA DEVATHAATHEETHA SWAROOPA SRI SATHYA SAI VRATHA KATHA

Chapter 5

BODHA KAANDA (Swami’s Universal Teachings)

Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawan is deep as the ocean of love and kindness, He is

everything, full and complete, leaving no vacuum, He is like father and mother

to this world, He has no beginning, no end, He is the personification of

Parabrahmah, He is Omniscient, He encapsulates the entire corpus of gunas

(characteristics) as well as the 64 fine arts /crafts (kalas) within himself.

The thousand-hooded divine serpent, Adisesha, the master of all learning-nay,

even a billion Adisesha cannot fully describe the innumerable Leelas and

Mahimas of Sri Sai. One never gets satiated whatever number of times one might

hear the Divine story of the Lord which is indescribably beautiful. Every move

of His generates immense happiness as well as wonderment in the onlooker. Even

as He is busy delivering his elevating message to the

thousands of devotees who throng to Him on the Maha Shivaratri day (on which day

Lord Siva had taken form), He simultaneously materializes Atma Lingas (i.e.

self-generated emblems of Siva) from his stomach, which emanate from his mouth.

And astonishingly there is immense variety in the Lingas so produced. Some are

shaped like Saligramas, some are of natural crystal, some of gold and some are

Jyotirlingas (of pure light). This manifestation is the grandest of His endless

Leelas. Such a marvelous Leela had never been witnessed during the period of any

previous Avatars. We can never gauge the measure of this Avatar’s greatness but

it is a fact that whatever words emerge out of those Divine lips make the

listeners bewitched, spellbound and enthralled. Our hearts resonate in

consonance with the tunes of the celestial Veena in His hands. Whatever He does

with His Divine Shakti (power), every one of His deeds is meant for the welfare

and progress of the world. He has established many an

educational institution and set before them noble ideas and objectives. One does

not find in these bodies of learning, boys and girls intermingling freely

without let or hindrance doing whatever they please. On the other hand, we meet

children of both sexes imbued with deep spirituality, disciplined conduct and

abiding love of God, much in the time honoured traditions of Bharat. The

trainees learn to understand what the venerable sages of this land had taught

in regard to social conduct; and when they go out, they are thus properly

equipped to lead well-ordered and productive lives by adhering to the noble

principles of Sathya (truth) Dharma (duty), Shanthi (peace) and Prema (love).

Let us hear from the Lord’s own lips His message to the students:

“You must first of all recognise the essence of humanness (manavathva) before

you choose the code of conduct appropriate and well suited to it. One should

intensely search for the Cosmic Being who is the basic link between one’s self

and creation. One should not act just on his own whims and fancy but within the

bounds of scriptures. Both the field (Kshetra) and the power (Kshethrajna) are

but the same Parabrahmah; and the same celestial principle (“Sarvam Brahma

Mayam”) permeates the whole universe. One should fully realise this absolute

truth by unbroken and unsparing practice. Man can achieve, through perseverance

(i.e. sadhana) the cosmic experience of identity with the Supreme Being, and the

resultant supreme sense of bliss (ananda), which are both transcendental in

nature, way beyond and above the human

mind’s range of physical senses. Students should dedicate themselves to their

duty in the single-minded manner of Arjuna of the Mahabharatha. Performance of

one’s duty requires from faith and undivided attention, which can be acquired

through selfless service. Every single person is entitled to raise himself and

quality to occupy the throne of the realm of the Atma.

“Man has within him the capacity to inspire great courage and enthusiasm in the

hearts of those around him. The noblest message from this land of Bharat to

mankind is that man’s highest virtue is absolute faith in himself. The

educational system now prevailing distances itself from the noble message and

therefore deserves top be discarded forthwith.

“We urgently need to install and altogether different system. The new system

should emphasise that truthful conduct is itself a strict spiritual austerity

(sadhana), which has to be practiced for attaining higher goals. The most

sacred activity is to do good to others. One’s Mother is God, so is one’s

Father, one’s Teacher is God, so is one’s Guest – these are wonderful ideals

deserving to be cherished both in percept and practice. They would certainly

lead to immense collective happiness of humanity. Education is not meant merely

for the sake of livelihood (jeetham); it is meant for the sake of life itself

(jeevitham). Mere temporal education devoid of spirituality can yield no peace

or happiness or welfare. Modern civilisation coarsens the human heart; it turns

even the finest brain to worthless clay and

induces man to take to false and incorrect ways in life. In the present

educational system there is no provision or programme capable of encouraging a

student to strive for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Wildly

pursuing the means of finding physical enjoyment man is losing sight of

humanness (manavathva). It is only in this sanctified land of Bharat that the

techniques of spiritual procedures of Sadhana have developed to reach very high

levels. Therefore the people of this land have the advantage of having, within

their easy reach, the highest principles of spiritual development and

advancement. You may have immense knowledge, knowledge of the physical world

and everything materialistic. But of what use is this knowledge if you do not

know who you really are, from where exactly you have come here, what ultimate

destination you are headed for? Is it not foolish to waste your entire life

making no effort to find satisfying answers to these vital questions – answers

which

are certainly bound to benefit you enormously? Self-confidence, abiding faith in

one’s self, is the root of the tree of life; devotion is its flower, ananda

(bliss) is its fruit; good character is the sweet fruit juice. On your

shoulders rests the duty to defend, to protect and enhance the honour of

yourselves, of your country and of Sanathana Dharma (the ageless creed)”.

Those were the ringing words in which Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawan couched his

soul-stirring message to the young scholars. Such exhortations were given not

only to students but to those engaged in other fields of activity too. He

conveys his views and directions in numerous ways; with both hands he

bounteously distributes in valuable gems from his inexhaustible treasure of

jnan, bound in packages of Sanathana Dharma. Everyone without exceptions

receives these lovely tokens of tender love. Sri Sai plants in the hearts of

all the peoples of the world the seeds of absolute faith in God, thirst for

spirituality and keen desire to do service; and he diligently waters those

seeds with the sweet nectar of his love and compassion.

Through in numerable Samithis, Samajams, Sanghams, Mandalis and Sabhas in every

corner of the country, Sri Sai is spreading his divine messages and extortions

(Upadesh) for the benefit of mankind. Resurrection of imperiled Dharma is the

principal purpose of his Avatar. For furthering his agenda, he desired to have

a suitable focal point. The choice fell on Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra, the

state which had been his field of action in the earlier avatar. The name he

chose for the proposed centre was “Dharma Kshethram”. Armed with his blessings

members of Mumbai Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi took up the project. Sri Bhagawan

himself laid the foundation stone. Well ahead of schedule an imposing edifice

arose fully equipped with every facility and complete in all respects including

guest rooms. All were happy and

agreeably surprised at the phenomenal progress of the project blessed as it was

by the Lord himself. They gratefully took it as another instance of Sri Sai

Bhagawan’s spontaneous demonstration of his love and Leela. The structure was

christened “Sathya Deepam” (the lamp of truth) by Sri Sai. In Sathya Deepam’s

prayer hall, a lamp (Jyothi) has been picturised. It has the capacity to

attract all the diverse thoughts of the devotees and turn them in one single

direction and to immerse the praying devotees in a tranquil sea of concentrated

meditation (Dhyana). The celebrated line from the Upanishads, “Thamasoma

Jyothirgamaya”, meaning, “Lead me from the enveloping darkness into

Enlightenment”, fully reflects the agonized cry of the suffering humanity. The

merciful response to that prayer, the hand of compassion reaching out to the

desperate humanity of the world is the blessing of Sri Sai in the shape of

Sathya Deepam and the splendorous symbol of Jyothi incorporated therein. To the

rear of the prayer hall, there is a cylindrical structure, which houses a

winding staircase with marble steps. Sri Sai uses this to reach the upper

floor. The central pillar supports the upper structure called ‘Eighteen

Petalled Lotus’ (Ashtadasa dala kamala) is the sanctified residence of Sri

Sathya Sai Bhagawan. Mumbai is India’s gateway. Dharma Kshetra has been rightly

established in this city. In this beautiful building so aptly named “Sathya

Deepam” the Lord himself resides in person. Both directly and indirectly, Sri

Bhagawan carries on His three-pronged programme of preaching of Dharma (Dharma

Bodha), resurrection of Dharma (Dharmoddharama) and installation of Dharma

(Dharma Prathoshtapana). All the people of Bharat offer their homage, with

hearts overflowing with happiness and spiritual zeal, to the Lotus Feet of Sai

Bhagawan who is the inspirer of all these fruitful activities.

Every single individual should begin somewhere and gradually develop spiritual

sadhana (practice). The degree of his application to sadhana should be steadily

enhanced. Supreme Divinity lies dormant in every individual. One should endeavor

to recognize it. This is the message of Sri Bhagawan. He once declared, “Through

this Dharma Kshethram my message will get more widely spread throughout the

world”. To constantly think of God, to dedicate to God the fruits of one’s

labours, to be absolutely devoted to God at all times – these qualities can

achieve for man, genuine spiritual liberation from bondage. One’s life span is

to be utilized purposefully for doing sadhana to secure Moksha (release from

the cycle of birth and death). On the other hand, man is squandering it through

indulgence of the physical senses. The

heart of every human being is his own working field, for the practice of Dharma.

It is the Dharma Kshethram (field of Dharma) as well as Kuru Kshethram (field of

action) the word “Kuru” means, “do”, do Karma (action). One’s duty is therefore,

to follow the path of Dharma, to perform good deeds and to attain salvation. It

is wrong to turn to bad ways, commit evil deeds and thus lay one’s precious

life to waste. That is also the gist of the Bhagavad Gita. Right in the first

verse (Sloka) of the Gita, there is a question from Dhritharashtra: “In the

field of Dharma Kshethram, which is Kuru Kshethram, what is being done by

Mamakah and Pandavah?”. Let us look at these words carefully. Mamakah means ‘my

people’, that is to say, an army enveloped by the veil of Ahamkara (ego) and

Mamakara (possessiveness). In other words, it an army tainted by the deadly

characteristics of Tamas (darkness, evil, impurity) and of rajas (insolence,

passion, ambition). Contrast this with the other word. Pandu

means white. Pandavah are the untainted ones, of placid, unruffled sathvic

disposition (of goodness, wisdom, purity). This battle is truly the eternal

battle raging in every age – the battle between the sathvic forces and Tamasic

and Rajasic forces. But it is the sathvic forces, which alone will ultimately

triumph, because they alone receive God’s grace and give decisive victory and

finally salvation. A river takes its birth really from the sea. Irrespective of

every obstacle in its way and overcoming all of them, it flows and flows on

until it reaches the bosom of its mother, the sea. In the same relentless

manner, man should travel single-mindedly towards his true origin, that is

Madhavatathvam (the Supreme Being), from he had taken his birth originally.

Whoever adopts the sathvic characteristics and strengthens them sufficiently,

will be showered with God’s grace as in the case of the Pandavas and he will

attain complete success. This Sri Sai’s inspiring

message.

Additional facilities like hutments for the Sadhakas, prayer halls, a Bhajan

hall to seat thousands of devotees and also a printing press are being planned

for Dharma Kshethram. To help Sadhakas from abroad there is a special package.

These foreigners have a deep thirst for devotion, cosmic consciousness (jyan)

and detachment (Vairagya). They are eager to undergo arduous spiritual

practices and austerities. (Sadhanas) They want to imbibe deeply the nectar of

Sri Sai’s preaching, which are reputed to be trans-denominational and attain

self-fulfillment at His Lotus Feet. Now these eager seekers require to be

properly received and housed, given appropriate facilities, and preparatory

instructions to help them in their spiritual quest. so, an International Centre

has been established within dharma Kshethram. There,

special devotional programmes are arranged on festival days and religious

occasions pertaining to all religions without distinction, in addition to

normal daily Bhajans. On the day of inauguration of Dharma Kshethram, in the

palatial building of “Sathya Deepam”, Sri Bhagawan, with His own Divine Hand,

lit the eternal lamp (Akhanda Jyothi). That lamp is meant to shine for ever and

ever eternally giving out its light all around. The flame diffuses the

effulgence of spiritual jnan all over the world and offers salvation to entire

mankind. Devotees lit their own lamps from that Akhanda Jyothi and carried them

to far off lands. Those little lamps are now installed in several Sri Sathya Sai

Kendrams and Yoga Sadhana Shikshana Kendras for the benefit of Sadhakas, who

practice Jyothi Dhyana Abhiyas rituals prescribed by Sai Bhagawan. Sri Sai

granted full permission to install such subsidiary Akhanda Jyothis. While

blessing their efforts, He advised; that every devotee’s heart should evolve

into Dharma Kshethram (field of virtuous action) and a Prashanthi Nilayam (Abode

of Spiritual Tranquility); that Sanathana Dharma, acclaimed by the Vedas,

constitutes a sublime doctrine which is trans-denominational (encompassing the

predominant precepts of all major religions) and that all people should learn

it, practice it and attain happiness.

To sump up, Sri Sai Bhagawan is verily the Supreme Divine Being without a

beginning or end. His Divine shakti (power) is boundless. How is it possible to

enumerate and describe His Mahimas of immense variety and significance?

“Anoraneeyaan, Mahatho Maheeyaan”, goes a profound description: tinier than the

tiniest particle, vaster than the vastest. I have tried to put it down in words,

to the best of my limited capability. Sri Sai’s greatness, His supremacy has

neither beginning nor end; it is extensive beyond imagination, outstripping the

farthest bounds of the Universe. Realising this and being aware of their own

limitations, devotees should worship Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawan to the best of

their ability and with sincere faith, love and devotion in their hearts. In

accordance with the prescribed procedure, they

should perform this Sri Sathya Sai Vratham and obtain fulfillment of their

heartfelt desires. May all devotees continue constantly, to perform good deeds,

which are worthy of Sri Sai’s approval, affection and love, imbibe jnan and

attain salvation.

End of chapter 5 [Last chapter – ending the Pooja]

MAHAA NAIVEDYAM

Atha Maha Naivedyam Samarpayaami.

Raajaanna Soopa Ghritha Bhakshya Samyuktha Mahaa Naivedyam Samarpayaami. Om

Bhoorbhuvassuvah. Om Thath Savithur Varenyam. Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi. Dhiyo Yo

Nah Prachodayaath.

Water from the Kalasam should be sprinkled on Mahaa Naivedyam using a flower.

Sathyam Thvarthena Parishamchaami. Amruthamasthu. Amruthopastharanamasi.

The devotee should gently wave his open palm from the Mahaa Naivedyam towards

the Lord, symbolizing that he is offering it for the Lord's pleasure.

Om Praanaaya Swaahaa. Om Apaanaaya Swaahaa. Om Udaanaaya Swaahaa. Om Samaanaaya

Swaahaa. Om Brahmane Swaahaa.

Madhye Madhye Paaneeyam Samarpayaami.

(Pour a spoonful of water in the plate)

Amruthaapidhaanamasi. Uthara Aaposhanam Samarpayaami.

(Pour a spoonful of water in the plate)

Thaamboolam Samarpayaami.

(Betel leaves; betel nuts and a coin will be offered)

Suvarna Manthra Pushpam Samarpayaami.

(Flowers)

Aathma Pradakshina Namaskaaraan Samarpayaami.

The devotee should stand up. He should go round himself three times with palms

joined in Namaskar posture. Then he should sit down and proceed with the Pooja.

 

Anyadhaa Saranam Naasthi. Thvameva Saranam Mama. Thasmaath Kaarunya Bhaavena

Raksha Sai-Easwara Prabho.

Anayaa Dhyaana Aavaahanaadi Shodasa Upachaarayaa Bhagawan Sarvaathmakah. Sarva

Devathatheetha Swaroopa Sri Sathya Sai Devatha Prasadam Sirasaa Gruhnaami.

The devotee should respectfully take a flower from the Pooja and place it on his

head as Prasadam. He should also take a small portion from the Naivedyam and eat

it as Prasadam. Those present at the Pooja should also be given a flower each

and some portion of the Naivedyam.

AARATHI

Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare, Swami Sathya Sai Hare,Bhakta Jana Samrakshaka, Parthi

Maheshwara,Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Shashi Vadanaa Sreekaraa, Sarva Praanapathe Prabhu,Sarva PraanapatheAasritha

Kalpa Lathikaa Aapadbaandhavaa,Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Maatha Pithaa Guru Daivamu, Mari Anthayu MeereSwami Mari Anthayu MeereNaada

Brahma Jagannaadhaa, Naagendra Shayana,Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Omkaara Roopa, Ojaswi, Om, Sai Mahaadevaa, Sathya Sai Mahaadevaa,

Mangala Arathi Anduko Mandara Giri Dhaaree,Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Naaraayana Naaraayana Om Sathya Naaraayana, Naaraayana Naaraayana OmNaaraayana

Naaraayana Om Sathya Naaraayana, Naaraayana Naaraayana OmSathya Naaraayana,

Naaraayana Om Om Jai Sadguru Deva

Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthihi.

Jai Bolo Bhagawan Sri Sathya Baba Ki Jai

Sarva Devathaatheetha Swaroopa Satchidananda Moorthy Ki Jai.

SWASTHI

Sri Sathya Sai VrathamSublime Pooja to performIn devotion true and deepEarns

Swami's Love and Grace.

The pious and the righteousDedicated to His worship and prayMay Sai Bhagawan

fulfill their every wishAnd grant them protection ever.

Om Sarveshaam Swasthir BhavathuOm Sarveshaam Shaanthir BhavathuOm Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavathu.

Sarvaloka Saranya Sri Sai BhagawanSarve Janaah Sukhino Bhavanthu.Sarvam Sri Sai

Rama Parabrahma-Arpanamasthu.

UDVAASANA

This process of Udvaasana (ceremonial farewell) should be performed on the next

morning of the Pooja day. After a brief Pooja, the deity can be removed from

the place where the Pooja was performed the previous day. (This is also called

punar Pooja)

Sarva Devathaatheetha Swaroopa Sri Sathya Sai Devathaam Uddisya Sri Sathya

DevathaaPreethyartham Sri Sathya Sai Swaaminah Punah Poojaam cha Karishye.

Sarva Devathaatheetha Swaroopa Sri Sathya Sai Devathaabhyo Namah.Dhyaayaami.

Aavaahayaami.Rathna Simhaasanam Samarpayaami.

(Akshathas are offered)

Paadayoh Paadyam Samarpayaami

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Hasthayoh Arghyam Samarpayaami

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Suddha Aachamaneeyam Samarpayaami.

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Suddhodaka Snaanam Samarpayaami

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Vasthra Yugmam Samarpayaami.

(Pair of small thin, flat pieces of cotton are offered)

Yajnopaveetham Samarpayaami.

(Cotton sliver pressed in the shape of a thread)

Naanaa Vidha Parimala Pushpaani Samarpayaami.

 (Flowers)

Dhoopam Aaghraapayaami

(Lighted joss stick or incense)

Deepam Darshayaami.

(Lighted Jyothi)

Dhoopa Deepa-Anantharam Aachamaneeyam Samarpayaami.

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Naivedyam:

Here a fruit will be offered to the Lord.

Om Bhoorbhuvassuvah. Om Thath Savithur Varenyam. BhargoDevasya Dheemahi. Dhiyo

Yo Nah Prachodayaath.

Sathyam Thvarthena Parishamchaami.

Amruthamasthu. Amruthopastharanamasi.

The devotee should gently wave his open palm from the Naivedyam towards the

Lord, symbolizing that he is offering it for the Lord's pleasure.

Om Praanaaya Swaahaa. Om Apaanaaya Swaahaa. Om Udaanaaya Swaahaa. Om Samaanaaya

Swaahaa. Om Brahmane Swaahaa.

Madhe Madhye Paaneeyam Samarpayaami.

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Amruthaapidhaanamasi.

Uthara Aaposhanam Samarpayaami

(A spoonful of water in the plate)

Thaamboolam Samarpayammi.

(Betel leaves and betel nuts together with a coin will be offered)

Suvarna Manthra Pushpam Samarpayaami.

(Flowers)

Aathma Pradakshina Namaskaaraan Samarpayaami.

The devotee should stand up. With palms joined in Namaskar he should go round

himself thrice. Then he should sit down and proceed with the Pooja.

Anyadhaa Saranam Naasthi. Thvameva Saranam Mama.Thasmaath Kaarunya Bhaavena

Raksha Sai-Easwara Prabho.

Anayaa Dhyaana Aavaahanaadi Shodasa Upachaarayaa Bhagawan Sarvaathmakah. Sarva

Devathatheetha Swaroopa Sri Sathya Sai Devatha Prasadam Sirasaa Gruhnaami.

Udvaasana:

Yajnena Yajnam-ayajantha Devaah,Thaani Dharmaani PrathamaanyaasanThe Ha Naakam

Mahimaanah SachantheYathra Poorve Sadhyaah Santi Devaah.Swamin Yathaa Sthaanam

Pravesayami

The devotee should take a flower from the Pooja and place it respectfully on his own head.

It is time now to move the deity. That is to say, the carefully arranged Pooja

peetam and Mandapam will be dismantled, gently and slowly.

MANDAPA DAANAM

The priest who has assisted the devotee in performing this Pooja should be

venerated by offering gandham (sandalwood paste), flowers and akshathas (rice

grains coloured yellow with turmeric paste), and also some money according to

the devotee's ability. Then the picture of Sri Sai and the wooden seat below

should be kept back; but the rest of it all including the pieces of cloth and

vessel (kalasam) should be given away in one bunch as daan (gift) to the

priest. Only thereafter the Mantap, too, should be given away as daan.

TO BE CONTINUED… [Final part]

With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Divine Lord Sai

Sai brother, M. Palaniswamy

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