KANSAI LIGHT FOR SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE NO.45

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KANSAI LIGHT FOR SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE NO.45--------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KANSAI LIGHT , SEPTEMBER 2009. ISSUE NO 45

News letter of Sri Sathya Sai Organization Japan

address: I.S.S, 2nd Fl, 1-3, Kumochi 5-Chome, Chuo Ku Kobe

Tel: 078-222-1885, Email: rgcjp

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PLEASE PRINT COPY FOR YOUR EASY REFERENCE

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By: sairam99999

File Name: varalakshmi-33.jpg

 

KNOWLEDGE IS BETTER THAN PRACTICE,

MEDITATION IS SUPERIOR TO KNOWLEDGE,

AND RENUNCIATION OF THE FRUIT OF ACTIONS

IS EVEN SUPERIOR TO MEDITATION; FOR PEACE

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS SUCH RENUNCIATION.

(Gita)-------------------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUSINGS ON AVATARS PART 2 (Continued from the previous issue)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Prof. G. Venkataraman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Readers, for 40 previous issues – from October 2004 to February 2008 - we brought you a spiritual feast in the form of the "Gita for Children" in a serialized form. (To find all the issues of this series in one place, click here). Prior to that, we had started our first series entitled "Shirdi Sai – Parthi Sai" which is continuing till date. The "Gita for Children" series was taken from the book " Krishna - Arjuna Dialogue" authored by Prof. Venkataraman. As we concluded the final segment of this book in February 2008 issue, from March 2008, we started a new series on "Avatars" or Divine Incarnations. The articles in this series are actually adaptations of talks delivered recently on Radio

Sai by Prof. G. Venkataraman, and are based on the book "Message of the Lord" authored by him a few years earlier. We hope H2H readers will relish the spiritual insights this series offers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Story of Rama

Loving Sai Ram and greetings from Prasanthi Nilayam. In the last article (click here to read again), I gave you an overview of the ten Avatars of Vishnu and also narrated how Jayan and Vijayan, the two doorkeepers of the Lord’s Abode in heaven, chose the option of three births as villains rather than ten births as virtuous men. I explained that Jayan and Vijayan felt that this way, they would return faster to the Lord. By virtue of the option they chose, in the Sathya Yuga they took birth as the two demons Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapu, and how they were duly annihilated by the Lord, incarnating respectively as Varaha Avatar and the Narasimha Avatar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Narashimha Avatar to save Prahalada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Varaha to rescue Mother Earth

The Treta Yuga had set in, and it was time for Jayan and Vijayan to be born again, which they did as the demonic brothers Ravana and Kumbhakarna, belonging to the clan of the Rakshasas (demons). Propitiating Brahma with intense penance or Tapas, Ravana gained the boon of freedom from death by Devas, Asuras, Rakshasas (angels, demons, etc.). Curiously he omitted humans from his list of exemptions, feeling perhaps that humans were too weak to represent any danger - it was, of course, the Lord's play in leaving a loophole for Himself!

Being evil by nature, Ravana was in no mood to use the various powers gained by penance for doing good; instead, he went on an attacking spree and soon became a much-feared ruler. Unable to bear the harassment he inflicted on the three worlds, the Devas or the demi-gods approached Lord Narayana for protection. Yielding to their pleas, Narayana decided to stir out again from His abode, Vaikuntam. Unlike earlier when His incarnations were brief and highly goal-oriented, this time His visit to earth would be more leisurely. He would descend in human form, indeed as the perfect man; and His agenda would be larger than merely getting rid off Jayan and Vijayan, now born as demons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The King is blessed with the Divine Pudding

 

The Divinely Auspicious Birth

When incarnating, the Lord always chooses the time and place to suit His purpose. This time He chose to be born as the son of Emperor Dasaratha of Ayodhya. Dasaratha belonged to the Ikshvaku clan, descended directly from the Sun. A good monarch loved by all, Dasaratha had everything a king could possibly desire, except progeny. On the advice of his preceptor, Sage Vasishta, Dasaratha decided to perform a special ceremonial sacrifice or Yajna that would confer progeny.

As the religious rites wound to a climax, there emerged from the sacred fire to which oblations were being offered, a form carrying a golden vessel. Addressing Dasaratha, the form said, "Sire, I bring from Brahma His blessings to you and offer the sacred Payasam (sweet pudding) in this vessel as Prasadam. Kindly distribute this to your wives; they will soon present you with sons". Dasaratha did as instructed, and in due course, four sons were born to his three wives, Rama to the eldest wife Kausalya, Lakshmana and Shatrugna to the second wife Sumitra, and Bharatha to the third wife Kaikeyi.

Following the happy event, everyone was deliriously happy, from the Emperor down to the common people. The Princes were most charming and loved by all, Rama, the eldest especially. Among the brothers, Lakshmana formed a special bond to Rama, and likewise Bharatha and Shatrugna had special attachment for each other. However, it was not as if there were two groups; they all loved each other immensely, and the younger ones without exception were devoted to Rama beyond words.

A Sagacious Request

One day when the Princes were in their teens, Sage Viswamitra, famed for his rigorous penances, arrived at the court of Dasaratha and was received with all due honours and courtesy. After the initial welcome and greetings were over, Dasaratha respectfully inquired how he could be of service to the venerable sage; Viswamitra had only to command and Dasaratha would immediately obey and execute the order. Pleased with the offer, Viswamitra said, "O King, I am in the midst of performing some important Yajnas (austerities) in my hermitage, Siddhashram. Unfortunately, I am being severely obstructed by several demons, Subahu and Maricha, in particular. I believe they can be held at bay by your sons, Rama and Lakshmana. Please send them with me and help me to complete the rituals."

Dasaratha was stunned and his head reeled. Barely finding his voice, he replied, "O venerable Sage, it is only appropriate that you seek protection for your Yajna. I offer you my entire army for the purpose. Indeed, I shall personally come and supervise the protection. What can two young lads do compared to an army? I beg of you to spare them". Viswamitra shook his head and said, "Dasaratha, neither you nor your army would be necessary; Rama and Lakshmana alone are sufficient". Hesitantly, Dasaratha again ventured, "But O Sage, the Princes are mere teenagers! Please allow me to substitute for them." Viswamitra replied, "I appreciate your anxiety, but have no fear, for Rama is none other than the Lord Himself and Lakshmana is Adishesha personified (Adishesha is the thousand-headed serpent on which Narayana rests while in His heavenly abode Vaikuntam). But Dasaratha would not listen and again

offered arguments to claim that Rama and Lakshmana were inadequate for the task ahead.

Viswamitra now became angry and raising his voice said, "Dasaratha, I thought you were a man of honour who never went back on his word. You promised to do whatever I wanted, but when I actually asked, you are beginning to retract. You are a disgrace to the illustrious Ikshvaku clan". Seeing that matters were getting a bit out of hand, Sage Vasishta intervened and persuaded Dasaratha to stand by his word. Eventually, Viswamitra departed, with the two young Princes in tow.

Rama's Role - Defending the Righteous

Viswamitra had accumulated so much power through his penance (Tapas), that he could well have reduced to ashes the demons who were bothering him; but he chose not to. Instead, conscious of the Lord's game plan he was content to play a secondary role. The Lord had descended to destroy Ravana and there was an elaborate preamble to that which could not be short-circuited.

Although Viswamitra knew fully well who Rama really was, Rama kept up the pretence of being an ordinary Prince and plied the sage with various questions while they were making the journey to the Sage's hermitage. The sage smiled and said to himself: "Here is the Lord who knows everything and yet asks me questions as though He knows nothing. Well, I suppose I must keep up the charade." Thinking thus, Viswamitra narrated many a tale including one about how he himself was transformed from a king to a sage. (In passing it may be mentioned that Swami has remarked: Man knows nothing and yet acts as though he knows everything, whereas God knows everything but pretends He knows nothing!)

By the time the party reached Siddhashrama, it became dark and the demons in the neighbourhood came out for their prowls making hideous noises. Viswamitra suddenly became worried. "My God!†he said to himself, "Here are the demons out to do no good and I have these two tender young Princes with me. What if evil befalls them?" Thinking thus, he taught Rama and Lakshmana some special Mantras which would serve as protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahalya is redeemed at the Lotus Feet of Lord Rama

Swami says that Viswamitra was a Wise One (Jnani) which was why he was able to see the Lord in Rama when he first saw Him in Dasaratha's court. And yet his Knowledge (Jnana) was apparently somewhat clouded because he now thought of Rama as a mere Prince who needed protection! If a supremely wise sage like Viswamitra himself was subject to Ajnana (ignorance), then what to speak of lesser mortals!

Soon after their arrival at the hermitage, Viswamitra commenced his sacrifice or Yajna. As it approached a climax, the demons came in waves to disturb the proceedings, but Rama and Lakshmana made short work of them. In the end, came Subahu and Maricha; while Subahu was killed, Maricha escaped wounded, which, of course, was a part of the Divine plan as Maricha was to play an important role later.

The Yajna successfully concluded; a highly pleased Viswamitra then conducted the Princes to the city of Mithila, the capital of the kingdom of Emperor Janaka. En route, the Sage again narrated many a tale, especially about Rama's ancestors. He also took care to make Rama step on a particular boulder on the way. Once the stone came into contact with Rama's Lotus Feet, it immediately transformed into a lovely woman who introduced herself as Ahalya, the wife of Sage Gautama, cursed to be turned into a stone for unchaste behaviour earlier.

Viswamitra then explained to the Princes why they were headed towards Mithila. Janaka, he said, was a Raja-Rishi, meaning that while Janaka functioned as a king, he ruled with complete detachment, and in that respect, therefore, he was like a Rishi or sage (which, incidentally, is also the reason why Krishna praised Janaka). The Emperor had a foster daughter named Sita (also called Janaki and Mythili). Sita was found as a baby girl in a field by Janaka, and she was really a child of Mother Earth.

Rama Wins the Hand of Sita

Stored in the palace of Janaka was a mighty bow that once belonged to Siva. No one could lift the bow, and yet one day, when she was a young girl, Sita quite effortlessly lifted the box containing the bow, in order to pick up a marble which while playing had rolled under the box. King Janaka was astounded and resolved that when Sita came of age, he would get her married only to a person who could lift the bow of Siva and string it. A contest had now been arranged to select the right person from among the prospective suitors, which was why the Sage was taking the Princes to Mithila.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Rama breaking the invinsible bow effortlessly

 

Arriving at the court, the party found that the contest was on. One after another the suitors tried to lift the bow, but all of them failed miserably. On a nod from Viswamitra, Rama approached the box, lifted the bow with absolute ease and with equal nonchalance strung it. A delighted Sita garlanded Rama signalling her willingness to wed Him. Janaka was overjoyed, but Rama made it clear that He would not marry without parental consent. Riders were therefore sent post-haste to Ayodhya to give Dasaratha the happy news and to invite him to the wedding.

Dasaratha was overcome with joy. When the young Princes left for the forest, he was consumed with anxiety, but now all that had ended well, there was not a happier person on earth. Promptly, he left for Ayodhya with his three queens and entourage, accompanied by a sizable section of the city's population as well. (At times, Swami sings a lilting song describing this scene.) At Mithila, not only was Rama married to Sita, but the other brothers also were suitably paired off to the daughters of Janaka as well as his brother.

The wedding celebrations over, Dasaratha's party returned to Ayodhya with four new brides as additional members. Shortly after this, Dasaratha, in consultation with preceptor Vasishta and other elders, decided to step down from the throne, and hand over the task of reigning to Rama. Everyone rejoiced but the joy was short lived. Dasaratha's third wife, Kaikeyi, was one of those who at first felt happy but soon her thoughts were poisoned by Manthara, a hunchbacked servant of queen Kaikeyi.

Rama is Sent into Exile

The hunchback reminded her mistress that years earlier the Emperor had granted two boons to Kaikeyi, but the latter had never cashed them; now was the time to do so. She should ask that firstly, her son Bharatha be crowned King instead of Rama; and secondly, Rama must go to the forest for fourteen years; Kaikeyi succumbed to the foul advice. Meanwhile, Dasaratha arrived in Kaikeyi's private chamber to convey personally to her the tidings about the impending coronation of Rama. To his amazement, he found his lovely queen in a dishevelled state of dress and in an angry mood. Full of concern, he wanted to know what he could do to please her and make her happy. Seizing the opportunity, Kaikeyi promptly demanded that the Emperor grant her the two boons promised earlier, and went on to state her demands exactly as coached by Manthara.

Dasaratha felt as if he was struck by a thunderbolt. At first, he could not believe his ears and then he reeled under the impact of what he had heard. He pleaded and begged with Kaikeyi to withdraw her unreasonable demands, but the lady would not budge; instead she taunted the King for trying to go back on his words. At this stage, Dasaratha fainted. Meanwhile Kaikeyi sent for Rama, and when He arrived, told Him about the boons granted to her - Bharatha was to be crowned and Rama was to go the forest for fourteen years. Rama, who just then was getting ready for the coronation, agreed without a second thought to go to the forest exactly as He had been commanded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rama, Sita and Lakshamana leave Ayodhya and go into exile following their father's orders

 

News about the exile of Rama spread like wild fire. There was no dearth of people who advised Him against it, starting with Dasaratha and Kausalya. This scene in Ramayana (as the story of Rama is called) is a poignant and also an illuminating one, showing as it does the vast difference between human thinking and the viewpoint of Divinity. The various arguments offered to dissuade Rama from going to the forest appear very convincing (to us), but Rama skilfully overrules them.

To use Swami's language, whereas all others applied individual discrimination in arriving at their respective arguments, Rama employed fundamental discrimination i.e., that based on the Knowledge of the Atma. He firmly declared that the King had given his word that Bharatha would be crowned and that Rama would go to the forest. It was the duty of all subjects to uphold the decision of the King. If the King's command were to be flouted by his own son, how then could one expect the citizens at large to obey the King? Doing one's duty was what Dharma was all about.

Barely a few hours earlier, He was preparing for the coronation; now without a second thought, He was leaving for the forest in a hermit's dress (precisely as Kaikeyi wanted). Although only Rama was banished, Lakshmana and Sita followed Him out of their devotion.

What about Bharatha, the surprise beneficiary? At the time all this drama was taking place, he, along with Shatrughna, was away in his grandfather’s place, blissfully unaware of the scheming of his mother and the injustice done to Rama. Meanwhile, following the departure of Rama to the forest, Dasaratha died of a broken heart. Messengers were, therefore, rushed to fetch Bharatha, without unduly scaring him by giving him the bad news.

Bharatha Refuses to Rule

When Bharatha returned to Ayodhya, he received a tremendous shock. Rama had been banished and his father had died, all because of his scheming mother. Furious, he raved and ranted against her, while she feebly tried to tell him that it was all done because of her love for Bharatha. Meanwhile Vasishta advised Bharatha that he must perform the rites for the departed soul, which the latter tearfully did. But, when on completion of the obsequies ceremonies, Vasishta asked Bharatha to be crowned, he flatly refused. Instead, accompanied by Ministers of the realm and a good proportion of the citizens of Ayodhya, he left for the forest to search for Rama and persuade Him to return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"These padukas (sandals) shall rule the kingdom till your return, dear Rama" - Bharatha

Meanwhile, Rama had established a temporary residence in the forest, and one day shortly after that, they all heard a great commotion in the distance. Climbing up a tree, Lakshmana saw Bharatha approaching with a big army behind. Hastening down he conveyed the news to Rama and then proceeded to roundly condemn Bharatha not only for being so mean as to seize the crown, but now following Rama into the forest so as to attack and kill Him. Rama, who knew Bharatha better, cut Lakshmana short and said that Bharatha was actually coming for persuading Rama to return! And so, indeed, it was.

Eyes flowing with tears, Bharatha summoned every argument he could to plead with Rama to return, but the latter was firm in His determination to adhere to Dharma. Ultimately, Bharatha had to bow to Rama's decision to remain in exile, but at the same time, he stubbornly refused to be crowned King in Rama's place. Bharatha told Rama,

"Please give me Your Padukas (sandals), and I shall crown them in Your place (PadukaPattabhishekam). I shall stay in the village of Nandigram on the outskirts of Ayodhya and live as a hermit even as You are doing. Drawing authority from Your Padukas, I shall rule the kingdom on Your behalf during Your absence; exactly fourteen years, and not a day more. I shall be keenly awaiting Your return. If You fail to return after the stipulated period, I shall end my life" - that was the great Bharatha; a mighty empire was offered to him on a platter, but he refused to accept it.

Following the departure of Bharatha, Rama and party penetrated deep into the forest, visiting many hermitages on the way and calling on many sages. Eventually they arrived on the banks of the sacred River Godavari, built themselves a small hut and began to live in it. One day, there came near their abode, a grotesque female named Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana. Captivated by Rama's beauty, she approached Him and asked that He take her as His wife!

Being in a playful mood, Rama teased her by saying, "I am so sorry I cannot oblige you. I am already married you see, and in fact, the lady over there is My wife. Why don't you approach My brother Lakshmana? He is younger than Me, and what is more important, he is all alone, unlike Me. He would be your ideal match!" Believing what Rama said, Surpanakha approached Lakshmana and proposed to him.

Sensing Rama's game, Lakshmana decide to join the fun. "Madam," he said, "I am but a slave to my Brother. Do you want to be the wife of the Master or the slave? Just consider." Taking Lakshmana seriously, Surpanakha went back to Rama and renewed her proposal of marriage, in the process making some denigrating remarks against Sita. Rama now became angry, and deciding that the teasing was enough, ordered Lakshmana to cut off the nose and ears of Surpanakha as a punishment for her effrontery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lakshmana punishes Shurpanakha

 

Ravana Hatches His Wicked Plot

Disfigured, bleeding and screaming, Surpanakha ran to her brothers Karan and Dushan pleading that they avenge her mutilation. The brothers then went with a large army to attack Rama, but in no time at all, He annihilated the entire pack single-handed. Thwarted thus in her quest for revenge, Surpanakha then rushed to Lanka where her oldest brother Ravana was the monarch. Flinging herself at her brother's feet, she narrated her tale of woe and pleaded with Ravana to teach the Princes of Ayodhya a fitting lesson. And, as a bait, she included a captivating description of Sita's exquisite beauty.

The seeds of lust having been sown, Ravana now decided he must have Sita. To evolve a plan for achieving that, he flew to meet Maricha, his uncle. Having been chastened by his earlier encounter with Rama, Maricha was now leading a pious life, and therefore, strongly advised Ravana against any such misdeed. But drunk as he was with lustful desire, Ravana was in no mood to receive advice; becoming angry, he threatened to kill Maricha if no help was forthcoming. Preferring to die at the hands of Rama, rather than the evil Ravana, Maricha yielded.

A plan was thus hatched for the abduction of Sita. According to it, Maricha would assume the form of a golden deer, and play in the neighbourhood of Sita's abode in such a manner as to attract her attention. Wanting the deer as a pet, she would then appeal to Rama to capture it. That was when Maricha would skilfully draw Rama far away and deep into the forest. Exploiting Rama's absence, Ravana would go to the hut, grab Sita and fly away.

The plan was duly set into motion, and sure enough, Sita fell for the ploy, pleading with Rama to capture for her the golden deer. Rama cautioned that there was something weird and unnatural about the deer because there was no such thing as a golden deer in God's creation. But since Sita was adamant, Rama yielded to her wishes and went after the golden deer. However, before leaving on the chase, He took the precaution of placing Lakshmana on guard, emphatically ordering him not to leave Sita alone under any circumstances. Following the deer, Rama penetrated deep into the forest. He knew it was really Maricha in disguise, and so in order to kill him, shot an arrow. As the arrow pierced his body, Maricha fell down and imitating the voice of Rama cried, "O Sita, O Lakshmana, I am dying".

Both Sita and Lakshmana heard the cry; while Sita was fooled, Lakshmana was not. He knew that no one could kill Rama, but Sita did not have that confidence. Greatly agitated, she asked Lakshmana to go immediately and investigate. Lakshmana assured Sita that no harm could ever come to Rama, but Sita would not be convinced. Finding that Lakshmana would not budge an inch, she now became angry and accused Lakshmana of wanting Rama to die so that he could have Sita! For poor Lakshmana, these words were like daggers of fire. Unable to stand the taunts and unjust accusations, he finally went into the forest leaving Sita all alone.

Seizing the opportunity, Ravana, who was disguised as a Sannyasi or a renunciate, approached Sita as if begging for food, grabbed her, put her in his flying chariot, and flew away. Realising finally the trick that had been played on her, Sita wailed and pleaded with Ravana to let her go free; and when he refused to comply, she screamed for help.

Swami says that the inner significance of the abduction of Sita is the following: Sita represents Jiva or the embodied soul. Sita was well protected as long as her attention was focused on Rama (who stands for the Atma), but when it strayed to the golden deer (illusory worldly attraction), she got into trouble. In the same way, the Jiva will face no problems as long as it remains attached to the Atma, but if it gets tempted by the transient pleasures of the external world, then pain is inescapable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ravana in disguise as a Sannyasi (renunciate)

 

 

 

Jatayu jeopardizes its life to save Sita

Getting back to the story, Sita’s cries for help were heard by Jatayu, the king of eagles, and an old friend of Dasaratha as well. Rushing to the rescue, Jatayu attacked Ravana fiercely, but Ravana got the upper hand and succeeded in inflicting fatal injuries on the bird. Leaving a dying Jatayu, he then, resumed his flight to Lanka. Meanwhile, tearing off a piece of her sari, Sita wrapped into it some of her jewels and threw the bundle down in the belief that Rama and Lakshmana would spot it when they went around searching for her; hopefully, the bundle would give them some clue as to the direction in which she was taken.

Back in the forest, Lakshmana caught up with Rama and discovered, as he had suspected all along, that the death cry heard earlier was a cruel fake. Surprised to see Lakshmana, Rama sternly asked him why he had left Sita alone and unprotected. Trembling with remorse, Lakshmana feebly tried to explain the extraordinary circumstances that compelled him to disobey Rama's orders. It was now patently clear that the entire episode, starting with the mysterious appearance of the strange deer, was all part of a sinister master plan. Fearing for the safety of Sita, the brothers rushed to the hut, only to find it empty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rama cared for Jatayu as He would have done for His father

Rama's Quest to Rescue Sita

Rama now became crestfallen and inconsolably sad. (It was all play acting no doubt, but the remarkable thing is that the Lord went through every bit of it, even though He was alone in the forest with only His aide Adishesha by His side!). Lamenting the loss of Sita, the brothers then went in search of her and in the process met the dying Jatayu, who, they learnt, was a great friend of their father. Though in a feeble condition, Jatayu gave a graphic account of his attempt to rescue Sita, and then breathed his last. Rama and Lakshmana bade the bird a tearful farewell, Rama performing all the due last rites just as Jatayu's own son would have.

The brothers then moved in the general direction pointed out by Jatayu as having been taken by Ravana, and after crossing several streams, rivers, hills and dales came one day to an Ashram or hermitage once occupied by Sage Matanga. The sage was no more, but residing still in the Ashram was an old servant of his, a tribal woman named Sabari. Just before leaving for his eternal abode, Matanga told Sabari, "Wait here. One day the Lord will come and give you Darshan. After that you will be liberated."

Sabari waited patiently for that day, always keeping the pathways clean and free from thorns for she knew not when the Lord would come; and she also maintained a stock of fresh fruits and berries for entertaining the Lord when He came. Sabari had not the faintest idea of what or how the Lord would look like, and yet when Rama entered the Ashram, she immediately knew it was Him! Overjoyed she welcomed the Lord and lovingly offered the fruits she had gathered.

Sabari's devotion is an everlasting example of pure devotion of which Krishna speaks so fondly in the Gita. A simple tribal woman and totally unlettered, she knew nothing whatsoever of wisdom, meditation, and the rest of all that high-flown stuff. But, she had great love for the Lord, unselfish love, and in the end that is all that matters!

Hanuman Pledges Eternal Devotion to Lord Rama

Continuing their journey south, for that was the direction taken by Ravana, Rama and Lakshmana entered Kishkinda, the territory of the Vanaras (monkeys). Here they encountered Sugriva and Hanuman (also known as Maruti and Anjaneya). Sugriva, they learnt, was in exile having been driven out by his elder and more powerful brother Vali as the result of a misunderstanding. Vali was currently the ruler of Kishkinda but, on account of a curse, he could not enter the premises where Sugriva was hiding. In fact, as the distressed Princes were approaching, Sugriva, suspicious whether they were the agents of Vali in disguise, sent Hanuman, his loyal minister, to investigate; and that was how Hanuman first met Rama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanuman, the ideal devotee, instantly recognizes his Master

Hanuman's entry into the story of Rama is a bit late, but he makes up by playing a stirring and unforgettable role in the later parts. More important, he would for ever be remembered as the supreme example of a Rama Bhakta or a devotee of Rama and an ideal servant of the Lord. Of the relationship between a master and a servant, Swami says that there are three types.

The first understands precisely all that his master wants, and a mere nod is enough; no need for elaborate instructions, constant supervision, reminders, etc. The second type is a calculative one and does just what he is told; no sense of anticipation and not an iota more of service than what has been ordered. The third kind is demonic and, thinking he understands his master, does just the opposite of what he is supposed to do. Hanuman, adds Swami, belonged to the first category.

After ascertaining who they were, Hanuman conducted the Princes to Sugriva. To the latter, they explained that they were in search of Sita who had been abducted by Ravana. Listening to the sad story, Sugriva said, "O Rama, one day we saw a demon flying above in a chariot with an abducted woman. She was wailing all the time and while the chariot was flying over us, she dropped a bundle containing jewels."

Sugriva then fetched the bundle and showed the jewels. Recognising them as belonging to Sita, Rama's anguish increased, whereupon Sugriva promised all help in locating Sita and in rescuing her. Rama, in turn, promised to eliminate Vali and a friendship was sworn between the two, with fire as the witness.

Shortly thereafter, Rama killed Vali and Sugriva was installed the chief of Kishkinda. Meanwhile the rainy season intervened, and the search for Sita had to be put off till the monsoon withdrew. That happened four months later and Rama became impatient to get on with the search. However, Sugriva, who had earlier assured help, now became immersed in kingly pleasures and forgot his earlier promise. A stern reminder from Lakshmana, and Sugriva promptly became alive to his responsibilities. Four search parties of Vanaras were then organised with instructions to proceed, north, south, east and west, in search of Sita; Hanuman was in the group headed south. Eventually, Hanuman's party reached the sea coast and no sight of Sita yet. There they ran into Sampati, the brother of Jatayu, who with his distant vision told the searchers that Sita was in the far-away island of Lanka. A hundred Yojanas (one

estimate is that a Yojana is about ten kilometres) separated Lanka and Bharath and the question was how to go to Lanka and continue the search.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mighty Hanuman, with the power of Almighty

At this stage, an elderly bear in the party named Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his extraordinary abilities, and asked him to leap over the ocean to search for Sita. Accepting the responsibility, Hanuman meditated for a minute, assumed a giant form and leapt across, constantly chanting the name of Rama. En route, he ran into various obstacles, but they all vanished like the mist before the rising sun - a reminder to us that obstacles can occur even in Lord's work, but they can invariably be overcome by relying entirely on Him.

That’s all for now and more next time. Meanwhile, I do hope you enjoyed the story. With the prayer that God bless us all, I sign off.

Jai Sai Ram.

(To be Continued...)----------------

 

THE SOLE MISSION OF LORD KRISHNA

 

 

 

The Purpose of Avatar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the Divine comes down as Avatar (a Divine incarnation) - whether it is as Rama or Krishna, or any other form - it is only for one purpose. You all recognise only the momentary results of the advent. But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach mankind the truth about love.

"Oh man, it is because you lack love and are filled with selfishness that the world is plunging in so much conflict and chaos. It is only when you develop love and the spirit of sacrifice that you will realise the divinity that is in the human." The man who has no spirit of thyaga (sacrifice) will be a prey to all ills. A man without love is a living corpse. It is love and sacrifice which make man divine.

Love alone is the fruit of love. Love is its own witness. There is no trace of self-interest in it. Because love exists, for its own sake, it has no fear. It is to teach humanity the way of love that Avatars come in the world. The world displays the diversity that has emanated from the One. The Divine demonstrates the unity that subsumes the diversity. Recognition of this "Unity in Diversity" can be learnt only from the Divine.

The Krishna Avatar has been described in various ways: as a sport of the Divine in human form, as an ideal for the world, as a sacred ruler, as a manifestation of the Atma (spirit). The Divine comes as Avatar to proclaim the pure, unsullied and selfless love of devotees towards God. People may consider that the Avatar's activities include punishment of the wicked, protection of the good, weeding out of unrighteousness and restoration of right conduct.

This is how they may look at the activities of the Avatar. But that is not the way the Lord sees things. There is nothing bad in God's view. Hence, there should be no hatred or ill-will towards any being. It is only when you love all, that you can be said to love God.

Think of the Divine at all Times

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The devotees’ feelings determine his concept of God. When a devotee prays: "Oh Lord! Don't you see my sufferings? Don't you hear my lamentations? Can't you see the troubles I am going through?" The Lord appears to him only as a pair of eyes. He is not able to see the full form of the Lord.

The state of mind of spiritual aspirants today is like this: when they are in meditation they appear like yogis. After the meditation is over, they return to their daily activities and are immersed in mundane pleasures. This is not the way of life preached by Lord Krishna. He declared: "Sathatham Yoginah" (Be Yogis at all times). What we witness today is: "Yogis in the morning, bhogis (epicureans) during the day and rogis (sick) at night."

How can such persons ever remain yogis at all times? You have to think of the Divine at all times, in all situations, in whatever you see, do, say or experience. To pray to God when you are comfortable and to blame God when you are in trouble reflects your selfish and narrow outlook…

The Gopikas' Devotion

Lord Krishna once enacted a small drama to demonstrate how the devotion of the illiterate cowherdesses (Gopikas) of Brindavan was deeper and fuller than that of His consorts, Rukmini or Sathyabhama, or the sage Narada.

He pretended that he was suffering from a severe headache, and that only the application of the dust from the feet of a devotee would cure Him. Neither Rukmini, Sathyabhama or Narada were willing to offer the dust from their feet, as they felt that they would be condemned to live in hell if they allowed the dust of their feet to pollute the Divine head of Krishna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Narada approached the Gopikas, they had no hesitation in collecting the dust of their feet, because their only concern was to relieve their beloved Krishna’s pain instantly, without caring about what happened to them as an outcome.

Even though they were warned by Narada about the dire consequences of their action, they told him that they were not concerned about the worst that might happen to them, if only their Krishna would be relieved of pain.

The Ways of the Divine

Krishna's pain was gone the moment the Gopikas offered the dust of their feet. Narada realized that the totally unselfish devotion exhibited by the Gopikas was Parama Bhakti (the highest form of devotion).

The Divine exists in everything, in every being, in every foot, as well as in the dust on the foot. He is also in the one whom you may consider as a thief. The troubles besetting the world today cannot be removed except through the promotion of unity.

This unity can be promoted only through love. There is nothing that cannot be accomplished through love. Love is God. God is Love. Live in Love. Here is an illustration on how love works. For the past fifteen days I could not move about without feeling a "shock." Today, when I came out and saw the happy faces of the devotees I was filled with joy and forgot the state of my body altogether. This is how the Divine works to experience your love and fill you with love in return. There can be no joy where there is no love. The Gopikas were filled with such love that they saw Krishna in all that they did.

Fill Your Hearts with Love

When you fill your hearts with love, you have no ill-will towards anyone. Cultivate the faith that the Divine is in everyone. Surrender to the Divine in a spirit of dedication. The symbolic meaning in the relations between Krishna and the Gopikas is this: The heart is the Brindavan (in each person). One's thoughts are like the Gopikas. The Atma (spirit) is Krishna. Bliss is the sport of Krishna. Everyone must convert his heart into a Brindavan and consider the indwelling Atma as Krishna.

 

 

 

 

 

Every action should be regarded as a leela (sport) of Krishna. Krishnastami is celebrated by offering to Krishna Paramaannam (rice cooked with jaggery). The real meaning of Paramaannam is Annam (food) relating to Param (Supreme). Paramaannam is sweet. Your love must be sweet. What you offer to God must be your sweet love. Your love must be all embracing. This is the foremost message of the Avatar.

- Divine Discourse on Krishnastami Day, August 3, 1988 -------------------------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAIPART-11 (Continued from the previous issue)

ACT – V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SCENE - II

 

 

 

 

 

LAKSHMI BAI: Baba! …..Baba!…..Baba! …….Baba!

Baba now calls out to His other devotees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABA: Shyama…….Malsa……are they here?

MALSA: Baba, all of us devotees are near you …….We are all here, Baba!……….Ramachandra Patil, Bala Shinde, Lakshmi Bai, Bhadoji, Nimodkar, Appa Kote Patil……………..all are here Baba!

 

With quite an effort, Baba gets up, sits, and begins to talk to them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABA: So you are all here………………Only four more days left for Vijaya Dasami [the last day of the Navarathri Festival that typically comes in September or October; Sirdi Baba gave up His body on Vijaya Dasami day]……….. I am not able to go to Lendi [the garden created by Baba] or to seek food……….I think Buti Wada is better for Me than this place. I’ll go there. Take Me to the Krishna Temple in Buti Wada. ….Malsa, take Me to the Krishna Temple .

Baba has a violent coughing fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A DEVOTEE: Baba, Your health is not good. You look very weak. Please Baba, take rest here itself.

ANOTHER DEVOTEE: Baba, after You get better, I shall myself take you there.

BABA: I feel like going there right now. It will be good for me if I go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAN: Baba, we cannot go against Your will. But please! If you rest here for three or four days, You can go to Buti Wada by Yourself.

BABA: Does that mean all of you will not come with me now?

MAN: Baba! What are You saying!! Can we live even for a second without You? Surely, we will go wherever You go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANOTHER MAN: We are just anxious about Your health Baba, that’s all.

BABA: Shyama……Appa Kote Patil……Malsa…..Ramachandra Patil…. Why are you all so full of anxiety? Whatever has to happen will happen. You should not worry. Understand?

LAKSHMI BAI: Baba, we are frightened by Your words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABA: Lakshmi, why are you afraid? It is an illusion to think we have come to this world. It is another illusion to think we exist here. To believe that we leave this world is yet another illusion! This business of so-called coming and going from this world is all a part of the Lord’s Play! It is a part of the secret of Creation! When we came into this world, were we afraid? In the same way, why should be afraid to leave it? We should not be afraid because it is all a part of secret of Creation! That’s all. … It is time for Bhajan. All of you go without any worry. ….Go …..Go peacefully……Go please!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALSA: How can we go, leaving You in Your present state?

BABA: Malsa! You cannot understand My situation but I understand yours! Nothing is permanent in this Creation, because impermanence is the very characteristic of Creation! However, I am Eternal! … Anyway, you will not understand these things! ….. Go please…..Don’t worry about Me. …I am alright… I really am!

Baba gets up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABA: I ……. I say I am alright…Go away all of you!

Devotees take Pada Namaskar and leave one by one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slowly all the devotees leave and Baba is now alone and all by Himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baba reflects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABA: How innocent are these people! They all are thinking about Me but do they know that I am all the time thinking about them?… How can they know!!

 

 

To Be Continued...

 

Chapter 6: Parallels and Polarities (Continued from the previous issue)

Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! We hear two terms very often used by pandits: prakruti and purusha. Please explain these two terms?Bhagavan: Prakruti and purusha are matter and energy. You can also take them as the positive and the negative. Even if there is bulb, you don't get light unless there is power supply. Likewise, the power supply remains useless, if there is no bulb either. Therefore, both power and light bulb are required. Similarly, this entire creation is a combination of prakruti and purusha. These two are interdependent and interrelated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prakruti is viewed as feminine. God is the only male.

In a College for Women, girls play all the different roles in a drama. So also, at the level of the body, there are differences. But, the indweller, atma, is one and the same. The body is a bundle of bones. It is like a water bubble, it is ephemeral. It is afflicted by many diseases. After all, it is full of urine, blood, muscles, bones and faecal matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It emits only bad odour and not the fragrance of flowers and perfumes. The body is prakruti and undergoes change periodically. But, the eternal, changeless, immortal truth is purusha or God. It is only the purusa that is valued. Prakruti is accepted and cherished so long as purusa is there.Sugar mixed with cream of wheat makes a sweet by name ravva laddu. Sugar in combination with dal makes a laddu. The same sugar can be mixed with any type of flour. Similarly, purusa functions through prakruti assuming different forms and names. But, purusha remains a witness, who is transcendental, beyond time and space; non-dual, eternal, blissful and is a personification of wisdom.It is purusha, who created prakruti, the universe. Purusha is the object

 

while prakruti is his reflection. Therefore, these twin terms are used by Sanskrit scholars to indicate purusha and prakruti: Loka-lokeswara, viswa-visweswara, jagat-jagadiswara, sarvam-sarveswara, prapancha-parameswara, etc.Let’s suppose there are containers made of gold, silver, copper and clay and they are filled with water. Although the containers differ in metal and value, the reflection of the Sun in all these containers is one and the same. So, the Sun is purusha while the containers represent prakruti. Matter + Energy = God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Having been born as human beings, you should strive to attain liberation, moksha. Science andtechnology can provide you many comforts and conveniences. They can't confer on you peace and bliss.

 

Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Some worship Vishnu, while some others worship Siva. They don't see eye to eye with one another. There seems to be constant rivalry between these two groups, the Vaishnavites and the Saivites. Kindly tell us how these two groups of devotees of God can be united.Bhagavan: This is utter ignorance and foolishness. The scripture says, ekamevadvitiyam Brahma which means “God is one without a second’. It also says, advaitadarshanam jnanam that is, true wisdom is non-dual. Every seeker of truth or a spiritual aspirant, should know the essential unity in diversity. You should experience unity in divinity. The worshippers of Lord Vishnu address the Lord of the seven hills of Tirupati as Venkataramana while the worshippers of Shiva call him Venkateswara. But, you know both are the

same.

Once a king convened a conference of scholars of both these groups to deliberate, discuss and finally decide as to who was the greater of the two, Vishnu or Siva. Both the contending groups presented their viewpoints convincingly. The king, therefore, wanted his Chief Minister to consider all the points of the scholars and then give his verdict on the issue. The latter got up and said, “Oh King! I do not think if either of these two groups has ever experienced reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those who argued in favour of Vaishnavism saying that Vishnu is greater than Siva knew little of Vishnu. Had they been genuinely devoted to Him, they would have seen Siva in Vishnu also. Similarly, those who held that Siva was superior to Vishnu would see Vishnu in Siva also".There is another episode to illustrate this fact. One day Lord Sri Rama was passing by and on the way He saw a stone. Hanuman observed it and wanted to pick it up and throw it away. He used all his strength, but could not lift it. That very stone was the Sivalinga installed by Sri Rama in Ramesvaram, a pilgrim centre in Tamilnadu. Rama, being Vishnu Himself, proved that He and Siva are basically one and the same by installing a Sivalinga. Isn't it so? Know that all names are His and all forms are His. He is the only one who responds to our prayers.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! You

repeatedly mention 'love' in Your discourses. Why? Don't we have prema, love, within us? If not, how are we to develop it? What is the difference between prema, love and moha, attachment?Bhagavan: You think you have prema, love. It is a mistake. You only have abhimana, or attachment. There is a lot of difference between the two. You have misdirected love and allowed it to flow in different ways and ultimately got it steeped in attachment. You have forgotten real prema.The love you have towards your children is vatsalya, affection. Your love towards your wife is anuraga, attachment and your love towards worldly objects is mamakara, possessiveness. Your love towards your equals is maitri, friendship. Like this, love flows in many different directions. All this is not love in the true sense of the term. This is all physical, worldly, ever

changing and temporary. This may give you prapanchika ananda, worldly pleasure, bhautik ananda, mundane pleasure, indriyananda, sensual pleasure, and manasika ananda, desire-oriented love. They give you only pleasure.Today you may be happy with one thing and tomorrow you may not be with the same thing. In winter, you are happy wearing a woolen coat but in summer, you will be unhappy if you wear the same woolen coat. Therefore, time, position, space and states of mind bind happiness. This is the type of happiness you get out of abhimana, attachment. Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya in the Ramayana, died of his attachment to Rama as he couldn't bear separation from him. It is again, the attachment of Kaikeyi that led to the attempt to crown Bharata and the exile of Rama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You observe the contrast between Rama and Dasaratha. The father, Dasaratha, due to his attachment to Kaikeyi, had to be separated from Rama by granting her the boon she had promised. But, his son, Rama, left his consort Sita to her fate in a forest, when a washerman spoke ill of her as she had spent eight long months in Lanka under the control of Ravana. What supreme detachment! He had no attachment to the kingdom either. So, he simply obeyed his father's command and left for the forest.In the Mahabharata, you know how king Dhritarashtra remained silent due to attachment when his sons were committing atrocities against their cousins, the Pandavas, which ultimately led to the death of all his progeny. Isn't it so?Don't you know that Yasoda couldn't fully comprehend the divinity of Krishna because she considered him always only her son and never as God, due to her

vatsalya, attachment? Had Buddha been attached to his wife, Yasodhara and his son, Rahul, would it have been possible for him to leave them? Krishna, once he left Repalle, a place where he had spent his boyhood, never stepped in there again. He was not attached to the place. But, His connection with the Gopis continued, as it was only love to love relationship, which was divine. The love of the Pandavas suffered no decrease or loss in spite of the terrible sufferings they had gone through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love is changeless. Love is steady and unshakeable. Love is non-dual. Love is not carried away by praise nor does it vanish with blame. Love is selfless and unconditional. Love is spiritual and essentially divine: it was the love of Jesus for humanity that made him pray for those who had persecuted him while he was on the cross. Isn't that the pinnacle of love?

Attachment is confined to getting and forgetting, while love always gives and forgives. Love is God. God is love. Live in love. Attachment is bondage leading to misery. Attachment is narrow and utterly selfish.

A child is full of love and bliss. As he grows up, he starts loving toys; thereafter he loves to play and slowly starts loving friends. On becoming a youth, he loves a life partner, then his family, and gradually he develops love for possessions, position and properties. Thus, love is allowed to flow in different directions, and as such, it becomes diluted and finally reduced to attachment.Your love for God is devotion, and helps you to cultivate virtues like humility and obedience and makes your life blissful. It helps you to attain mukti, liberation. What you need today is the expansion of love.First of all, you start with loving your family, extend your love to your relations and slowly to your community and your country as a whole, and ultimately to the entire universe. You can realise and experience God only by and through Love, as God is the embodiment of Love.

You may find people in want of one thing or other. But, you find none lacking in love. You have to channelise it. Love is the natural quality which is God's gift to man.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! What are Brahma, and bhrama?Bhagavan: To realise and experience unity in diversity is 'Brahma', divinity. But, viewing one as many is 'bhrama', illusion. That which is bound by name and form is bhrama. Brahma transcends time and space, and is eternal and unsullied. You know many sweets such as gulabjamun, laddu, jelebi, basundi, etc. These sweets have their names and forms. This is bhrama. But, they are made of sugar, which is one and the same. This is Brahma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another example: You see cloth which is made of yarn closely interwoven. This is bhrama. Though the yarn is apparently different from the cloth, it is after all made of the same cotton only. This approach is Brahma. So bhrama illusion, is multiplicity, plurality, diversity and has different names and forms, while Brahma (divinity is unity), is the fundamental primordial principle.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Some say that God has no form. But, we see devotees praying to idols in temples. The concept of Avatar, the incarnation of God, is of special significance in our land of Sanatana Dharma. But followers of other paths argue that God has no form. We pray to you to clarify this point.Bhagavan: When you see a doctor, you will be reminded of your physical complaints.

When you meet a lawyer, you think of litigation and court cases, don't you? Likewise, when you see a gopuram, temple tower, you will be reminded of God. As I often say: love may not have a form, but a loving mother has. Water may not have form, but the tumbler with water has a form; air may not have a form, but the balloon into which it is pumped has a form. In the same manner, the formless divine has its form or forms. The formless expresses itself through a form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you see a doctor, you will be reminded of your physical complaints. When you meet a lawyer, you think of litigation and court cases, don't you? Likewise, when you see a gopuram, temple tower, you will be reminded of God. As I often say: love may not have a form, but a loving mother has.

 

 

simple example: You know the screen in a theatre. You find pictures projected on the screen. In every picture, there is the screen. Without the screen, you can't see the picture. Pictures come and pass. Not even one remains permanent. This screen may be described in spiritual parlance as 'sat’ and ‘asat' or 'satasat'. ‘Sat’ is existence, ‘asat’ is non-existence. Like this, these two coexist, sakara, one with form, and nirakara, the formless.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! We hear of cellular phones and remote controls everywhere. All the necessities of our worldly existence seem to be from electronics and computers, drawing the attention of everyone. How does the subject of spirituality come into the picture here? Where is the time for it? As if this is not enough, we hear of nuclear tests

also. How are we to coordinate and integrate these diverse aspects? Kindly show us the way.Bhagavan: Men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Having been born as human beings, you should strive to attain liberation, moksha. Science and technology can provide you many comforts and conveniences. They can't confer on you peace and bliss. What is Science? What is Spirituality? What is the difference between the two? Science is below the senses. Spirituality is above the senses. Spirituality speaks of tat, that, and Science speaks of tvam, you, so as to make you learn tattvamasi, ‘That thou art’. This is nature, world, or prakruti. That is purusha or God.Spirituality is like the letter 'O' which is full and complete, whereas Science is like the letter 'C' which is incomplete with a hollow space within, starting at one point and ending elsewhere. Spirituality

begins where Science ends and it takes you from the world to God. Spirituality makes you feel and experience divinity in this world. This is the way to integrate Science and Spirituality. Spirituality is the unseen principle behind the apparent electronic or scientific gadgets and equipment.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Are Science and Spirituality contradictory to each other? We are eager to know Swami's views on this subject.Bhagavan: Science operates below the senses, while Spirituality functions above the senses. Science speaks of 'this', 'tvam', world, while Spirituality thinks of 'that', 'tat', divine. Science refers to tvamidam, 'near' while Spirituality concentrates on 'far', param, beyond. Science is meant for the padartha, 'material' and Spirituality is for the ultimate paramartha. Science deals with the

jada, inert, and spirituality, with chaitanya, awareness. Spirituality aims at the adhara, base and Science experiments on the adheya, superstructure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science is the 'split of love' while Spirituality is the 'spirit of love'. Science deals in pravritti marga, the external world, and Spirituality in the intuitive nivrutti marga. Science can visualise the vyakta, apparent, while Spirituality dives into the avyakta, hidden. You can learn Science with your karma chaksus, physical eye, but the understanding of Spirituality needs the gyana chaksus, 'eye of wisdom'. Science is the collection of facts, which are stuffed in your 'head'. Spirituality is metaphysical, and touches your 'heart'. Science is incomplete like the letter 'C' which begins at one point and ends somewhere else. Spirituality is purnam, full like the letter 'O'.Science supplies implements. Spirituality tells you how to use them. For example, a knife with which you can cut vegetables, fruits and so on can be

used to cut throats. Science shows what you see, like your photo or picture. But, Spirituality is an x-ray film. Science is 'negative' while Spirituality is ‘positive'.Creation is 'negative' while the creator is 'positive'. Fill your heart with positive spirituality as you fill the tank with water. Senses are the taps through which you draw the water of love. Science states facts, but Spirituality symbolises unchangeable truth, ritam.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! We experience love in our worldly life. How is it different from spiritual love?Bhagavan: Split of love is worldly, but the spirit of love is spiritual. Love shared with one's own kith and kin is the split of love. This is worldly love. The primordial principle governing the entire universe is spiritual love. This is the spirit of love. Spiritual love is universal.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Today everyone speaks of Free Will. Do we really have Free Will?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhagavan: Man has no Free Will. It is only God who has Free Will. Being a slave to the senses, how can you claim to have free will? Where from do you get Free Will? God alone is free and hence He alone has Free Will and that is why this Free Will is an absolutely divine attribute. How? Here is a small example. When a man suffers from a paralytic stroke, he is not able to lift or move the paralysed part of his body. Come on! Let him now try in the name of Free Will! So, there is no Free Will as such, and it is ridiculous to think so. There is no meaning in the claim.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! In modern society, much knowledge is only half knowledge and partial understanding. We don't have a clear picture of anything. We want to know the difference between Free Will and Divine Will?Bhagavan: It is ego and ignorance that prompt doubts of this kind.

On account of body identification, you are not able to know reality. In fact, you are a slave to your senses. So, you are not free. How can you have Free Will then? God is the Master of all. He is above everything. He is not bound or limited by anybody or anything. He is absolutely free. Hence, it is only God who has Free Will or Divine Will.Today everyone thinks that he has Free Will enabling him to do anything of his choice and that he can decide anything in the name of his Free Will. This may be one thing today and quite a different thing tomorrow, but Divine Will never changes. While exercising your Free Will, you may succeed or fail, win or lose. If you succeed, you become proud and egoistic. If you fail, you become frustrated and disappointed. But, Divine Will is a transcendental phenomenon.

What you should do is simply surrender to Divine Will. It means readiness or preparedness to receive and accept happily whatever happens in your life, good or bad, with the feeling that it is only for your ultimate good. You must accept it as God's gift to you. This is true gyana and bhakti. In fact, you do not know what is good for you. God knows the when, the why, the what, and the how, of everything, of everyone. Everything happens according to God's will or Divine Will.If you know and sincerely believe this, you will never be elated, egoistic, proud, frustrated, depressed and disappointed once you have surrendered truly to the Divine Will.Divine Will is present in the guise of conscience, reminding you of your responsibility. It is the antarvani, Inner Voice. But, you neglect it and don't pay heed to its appeal and message, and so you suffer.

With your mind turned inward, your intellect tuned to the fundamental principle and your senses kept under strict control, you can hear clearly your Inner Voice, which is none other than the Voice of God. Divine Will is the master plan of God.Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Kindly let us know the difference between devotion and surrender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhagavan: Devotion is dual. Here is one who is devoted to God. Therefore, devotion is the path of dualism. A devotee has no meaning if there is no God. So also, God is associated with a devotee. It is devotion that links them. But, surrender is non-dual. In the path of non-dualism, we find this surrender. Once you surrender to God, you do not exist for yourself any longer. You do not have anything of your own.For example, you have water and sugar. As it is, these two are separate and different from each other in their names, forms and tastes. This is the principle of dualism, since sugar and water exist apart from each other. Now, mix both, what happens? It is neither Sugar nor is it water. It becomes syrup. So also, the devotee who totally surrenders himself to God does not consider himself as a separate entity apart from God. This is true surrender and the spirit of

non-dualism.

 

 

END OF CHAPTER 6 (To be continued...)

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When Tests Become his Taste …By Mrs. Neeta Banerjee

 

A devotee of Bhagavan Baba for the last 40 years, Mrs. Neeta Banerjee has spent the last two decades of her life in translating inspiring literature from many lndian languages like Assamese, Rajastani and English into Hindi. She has worked for leading Indian literary institutions like SahityaAcademy and Bharatiya Gyanpeeth, New Delhi, and has won awards. In 2000, she moved to Puttaparthi, where she currently resides with her family.

 

 

 

 

I vividly remember the Guru Poornima of 1972. My beloved Mother Sai had chosen that day to baptize all of us and take us under Her loving care so quietly that none of us had any inkling of the great change that was to come into our lives! At that time, I was going through a terrible phase in my life - my biological mother was counting her last days.

She was in the final stage of cancer and was living on a diet of one or two teaspoons of water or juice, and continuous namasmarana (chanting of the Divine name) all day long. She was the principal of a teachers’ training centre and was working in spite of her illness. Every evening, after my husband returned from his office, we used to visit my mother. We spent the whole evening with her, talking, singing and joking, to fill her last few days with joy.

My mother’s last wish was to come to Puttaparthi and have Swami’s darshan. Her doctor had refused to give her permission to travel and my father agreed with him. We, my two brothers and two sisters, were with her, so we tried to cajole our father into accompanying her to Puttaparthi. He did not believe in either Sathya Sai Baba or Shirdi Sai Baba.

Therefore, he was very reluctant, but under pressure from us and other Sai devotees from Kota, Rajasthan (where we lived at that time), he agreed. We used to pray to Sri Shirdi Sai, but had come to know of Swami a short while ago from Sai devotees of Kota. The devotees there conducted bhajans and did seva regularly.

Divine Light in the Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a very hot summer night in June, my mother was very restless and could not sleep. She suddenly saw Swami in His typical bright orange robe entering the bedroom from the door near which my father’s bed was placed. Swami came near her bed, put His hand on her head and talked to her for a long time, caressing her forehead all the while. Mother asked Him many questions and He replied, sometimes in the affirmative, mostly in the negative.

My father was watching this drama from barely eight feet away, wondering what was happening and who that person in the orange robe was! When Swami walked out of the room His robe touched my father’s bed. Even in the dark room my father noticed the halo of hair, but Swami’s face was blurred; he couldn’t observe any of the features.

My father was sure that it was some weird dream and went to sleep.

When we went to meet my mother, the day after this vision, she told us all about Swami and wished to have His darshan. She was hundred percent sure that she would reach Puttaparthi and have darshan, and only after that breathe her last. My father, on the other hand, had other ideas. However, after heated arguments with him followed by my husband allowing me to accompany her, my father agreed for the journey and booked our tickets via Mumbai (then Bombay) and Bangalore.

My mother applied for a fortnight’s leave and I too packed my suitcase. On the day before the journey, my daughter suddenly fell ill. So, I was dropped, and my sister, who had just given her Bachelor of Sciences final exams, seemed the perfect person to accompany my mother as the proxy nurse on her last journey, as it turned out to be. I cried a lot and handed over my suitcase to my younger sister. Maybe it was still not time for me to have Swami’s darshan.

“Mothers troubles will be over soon†- Swami

When they reached Mumbai, somebody told them that Baba was in Bangalore. So, after much inconvenience, my mother along with my father and sister reached Baba’s ashram in Whitefield, Bangalore, only to be told that Swami had left for Puttaparthi. They traveled again, with my mother in that precarious condition, praying all the while for Swami’s darshan to her before anything serious happened to her. Once in Puttaparthi, they received help from other devotees and the very presence of Swami filled them with a new life. They had darshan and received Swami’s blessings twice every day and sometimes even thrice! Well, ‘they’ here refers to only my mother and sister; my father, being a non-believer, strolled away outside the ashram to have his fill of smoking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After this, Swami patted my father on the shoulder and gave him Vibhuti. My father, given his attitude about such things, he first looked suspiciously at the Vbhuti in his palm and then at the long sleeve of Swami’s robe. Now, Swami’s eyebrow rose and giving him a quizzical smile, He ordered, “Mukherjee, phenk do†(Mukherjee, throw it away). My father threw the Vibhuti, which immediately vanished. Now, Swami rolled His right sleeve up, much above His elbow, raised His hand and then materialized Vibhuti. He gave it to my mother, sister, and father too, and then lovingly said, “Prasadam hai, kha lo†(It is prasad, eat it). My father gave a sheepish smile and swallowed it.

 

On Guru Poornima day, Swami called them for an interview, but my father was nowhere to be seen. Swami sent someone saying that Mukherjee must be having a smoke outside. Father was literally made to throw away his cigarette and rushed to the interview room.

Once he was inside, Swami told them many things about their past, the young ‘revolutionary’ days of my father and even his school days! Needless to say, everyone was awestruck.

Swami chided my father for bringing my mother to Him so late, even after His personal visit to their house! My father said that he did not believe it was Him as he could not see His face. Swami then pointing to my mother, clarified that He had indeed gone to Kota on that summer night and talked to my mother for a long time and then returned, walking past his cot.

The next moment, Swami laughed and said, “Face nahin dikha kyonki believe nahin karta. Amma Ko poocho main udhar aaya tha na! (You didn’t see my face because you didn’t believe. Ask mother. Am I not correct?)â€

Next, He asked my sister what she wanted. She had carried three slips with her which contained her requests. She now quietly handed over those to Swami. Bhagavan looked at the slips and then with a mischievous smile looked at her. Opening the first slip He said, “Amma Ka takleef jaldi dur hojayega.†(Your mother will be relieved of her troubles soon). Reading the second slip He kept His hand on my sister’s head and said “Parva nahi, tum to already second division se pass ho gaya. Jao, be happy.†(No problem. You have already cleared second division. Go, be happy).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Swami read the third slip, He turned to my mother and held her hand in His hands and then slowly reassured her saying, “Amma, fikar nahin karna, iska shadi usi ladka se hoga jisko tum pasand kiya hai. Good boy!†(Mother, do not worry. She will marry the boy that you have approved. He is a good boy!).

After this, Swami patted my father on the shoulder and gave him Vibhuti. My father, given his attitude about such things, he first looked suspiciously at the Vbhuti in his palm and then at the long sleeve of Swami’s robe. Now, Swami’s eyebrow rose and giving him a quizzical smile, He ordered, “Mukherjee, phenk do†(Mukherjee, throw it away).

My father threw the Vibhuti, which immediately vanished. Now, Swami rolled His right sleeve up, much above His elbow, raised His hand and then materialized Vibhuti. He gave it to my mother, sister, and father too, and then lovingly said, “Prasadam hai, kha lo†(It is prasad, eat it). My father gave a sheepish smile and swallowed it.

After blessing them profusely, Swami told my father to take my mother back to Kota the next morning. Mother cried and touched Swami’s lotus feet. To her Swami said, “Jao Amma, takleef bahut jaldi dur ho jayega. Sab theek ho jayega" (Go mother, your troubles will solved very soon. Everything will be okay). She asked, “Baba bachchon Ka Kya hoga?â€(Baba, what will happen to the children?) He said, “Don’t worry Amma, Swami sabko dekhega†(Swami will take care of everybody). Swami gave Vibhuti to my sister and instructed her to mix it with water and give it to my mother whenever she wanted something. With moist eyes and a heavy heart they left Puttaparthi.

Mother’s Blissful Final Journey

After reaching Bombay, they phoned us as they had missed the connecting train. Instead of reaching Kota on July 31, they said that they will now be reaching only on the morning of August 1. I was terribly depressed and disappointed. I could hardly sleep, but when I did I dreamt of my mother being taken out of the train compartment on a wheel chair, fully covered with garlands. It was shocking. In my heart of hearts I knew it was a message to prepare one for the inevitable. I kept crying and praying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When three of us did salutations, Mr. Swami asked her to open her mouth and held the same flower in his palm over her open mouth. I could see something dripping from his fingers. As I had placed that rose in the garland, I wondered what that fluid was, and from where did it come from? Before I could ask anything, Mr. Swami had extended that rose towards me. I automatically cupped my hands, collected the golden syrup and consumed it. What fragrance! Truly, heavenly taste! I had never tasted anything even remotely resembling this.

 

I had been waiting eagerly for my mother to come home, not only because she was sick and away from home, and I was so eager to know all that had happened at Puttaparthi, but also because something had happened in Kota about which I wanted to share with her.

A Guru Poornima special bhajan had been organized by the devotees and we were invited to come a little early before the bhajans commenced to help in the various chores. I was given the task of making the big white garland for Swami’s main photo. It had a big red rose in the middle making it quite heavy.

During the bhajan, when we were singing with great fervor and devotion, suddenly the main garland started surging and then broke at the middle! The big red rose dropped down behind the lamp. And all the while, the bhajans continued and finished with the usual arati.

For me, the uninitiated, this was something unique. I took the prasadam and waited quietly for everyone else to leave so that I could pick that rose and take it home. When everybody, except one old devotee, Mr. Swami, had left, the owner of the house who was also the organizer of the bhajan session, Dr. Banerji, called me to the altar. As I was looking for the rose behind the lamp, Mr. Swami picked it up and touched it to his forehead. I was very disappointed that my rose had gone! He called my husband and asked me to bring my daughter, who was sleeping in another room.

When three of us did salutations, Mr. Swami asked her to open her mouth and held the same flower in his palm over her open mouth. I could see something dripping from his fingers. As I had placed that rose in the garland, I wondered what that fluid was, and from where did it come from? Before I could ask anything, Mr. Swami had extended that rose towards me. I automatically cupped my hands, collected the golden syrup and consumed it. What fragrance! Truly, heavenly taste! I had never tasted anything even remotely resembling this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Neeta Banerjee's mother

 

Ms. Banerjee told me that this was Baba’s way of accepting our prayers. This is His blessing. She also told me that at that time my mother must have been praying to Baba for us and that probably He had accepted her prayers too! Mr. Swami then told my husband that we were indeed very fortunate as Baba had taken us into His fold. That was the Guru Poornima of 1972!

I wanted to share this news with my mother and sister, and wanted to know from them everything that had happened in Puttaparthi as early as I could. Four days had already passed since Guru Poornima day, and I was really waiting for the moment when I would hear from my mother of her experience of meeting Swami. But Baba had planned something else for me. I was not destined to hear anything from my mother…

In Bombay, at about 9.45 a.m., my mother asked for water with Swami’s Vibhuti. She also asked my sister to open the suitcase. She wanted to wear her ring with Swami’s photo on it. My sister tried to reason out with her that in an hour and a half they would be reaching Kota, and mother could then gift all the things they had bought such as books, rings, and Vibhuti to everybody, and then wear her own ring too. However, mother insisted to wear her ring right then.

Very reluctantly my sister opened the suitcase and took out all the packets and tried the rings one by one on her finger. When mother got a ring, which was a perfect fit on her finger, she wore it and smiled. Then, she took a sip of Vibhuti water and looked far away from the window of the running train. Restful, smiling, and with a faraway look in her eyes, she breathed her last in the running train at 10.00 a.m.

On the morning of August 1, my husband received a phone call from his office, and he had to leave urgently on some official work. He assured me that he’ll send the office car at 10.00 a.m. to fetch me. I was supposed to go to the station to receive my mother. As I was offering my pranams to Swami, my husband came quietly and stood behind me silently. When I turned around, he revealed to me, “It’s all over! I am coming with you to the station.†All the other devotees who wanted to come to meet her were stopped by Swami, for on that day, for the first time in Kota, a bandh (strike) was declared.

Swami’s Trial by Fire

I was shocked, to say the least. My whole world crumbled around me. My mother, who was my role model, inspiration, guide and guru was no more! I was dying to hear from her about her cherished last desire which Baba had fulfilled, but she died without saying a word! I was shaken, my faith was disturbed. Father had, in brief, told me the previous evening that Baba had blessed her and she was extremely calm and peaceful. But then what changed so suddenly?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was shocked, to say the least. My whole world crumbled around me. My mother, who was my role model, inspiration, guide and guru was no more! I was dying to hear from her about her cherished last desire which Baba had fulfilled, but she died without saying a word! I was shaken, my faith was disturbed. Father had, in brief, told me the previous evening that Baba had blessed her and she was extremely calm and peaceful. But then what changed so suddenly?

 

On the way to the station our family doctor joined us in his car. A police jeep and the pick-up van, in which mother had gone to the far flung villages hundreds of times, accompanied the two cars. The driver cried so much that our doctor had to brief him and me not to cry at the station as my mother was being brought out as a serious patient.

By Swami’s grace, there was no problem with railways or the police, and we came home safely. Before we reached home, hundreds of people had gathered to have her last darshan. That was the end of an era!

My sister was inconsolable. She kept questioning Swami all the time and accused Him of not caring for her. We all know that Baba puts us through an Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) before accepting us as devotees. Our pariksha (test) had just begun.

Too many things were happening at that time, but let me narrate only about the three promises made by Baba.

Swami Keeps His Promise

Baba had said that my mother’s takleef (troubles) will be over – my mother was now dead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My sister was supposed to have passed Bachelors in Science in second division, but she failed in physics and when she appeared for the supplementary exams, she failed again! During those days, if one failed in the supplementary exams too, one had to go back to the first year again. A girl who had just lost her mother could not have passed that exam, but why did Baba tell her that she had already passed B.Sc.?

Coming to the third slip, Baba had assured my mother that her daughter will marry the boy whom she had chosen for her. Now who will tell us, who that boy was?

I was not able to bear my younger sister’s heart-wrenching cries and her pointed questions, because I had no answers for them. When the form was brought for her to fill, she declared that she would rather die than going back to the first year class; she had almost threatened us.

I folded the form, kept it at Swami’s feet and offered an ultimatum, “Baba, if my sister dies. I will also leave this body and then people are not going to have faith in You. This is not our, but Your pariskha (test)! You have to prove Yourself.†I closed the door of the altar. I did no puja, no lighting of lamps or offering any prasadam. All I did was to cry and pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My own way of life was against everything that Baba teaches (laughs). I was breaking every one of Baba’s rules. But that is how Baba works! It’s not so much from trying to suppress and change the ‘bad’ in you, it’s more falling so deeply in love with the ‘good’ that eventually the ‘bad’ disappears. And that is what the transformation is - the ‘good’, the ‘right’ takes over more and more of your life. Till all of a sudden you realise that ‘darkness’ has no more power on you.

 

One afternoon during these days, the local postman delivered a registered letter from the University of Rajasthan. It was a regret letter from the Registrar of the University apologizing for the mistake they had made, which had caused so much anguish and heartburn to my sister.

Along with the letter was the new mark sheet in which my sister had secured 58% marks in the original B.Sc. final examination. We couldn’t believe our eyes! It was not a dream. It was… a miracle!

The altar was now opened, cleaned and decorated; apologies and prayers were offered. My sister joined Masters in Sciences.

A couple of months later a young and handsome boy came to my house. He offered his condolences and said that he had gone home on a long leave and hence, could not have my mother’s last darshan. He told me that on a particular night, after the Bengali Community’s Saraswati Puja, my mother had invited him for dinner and while he was eating she had enquired about his family, job, caste, and so on.

He then hesitatingly told me that he liked my sister very much. He also thought that my mother approved of him. Since my father was out of station, he requested me to talk to father and get back to him. He also told me that he knew my husband as he was also working in the same organization.

This was Swami’s reply to the third slip. Now we had only one question, which had the simplest answer - in death, my mother was freed from her takleef (troubles).

The Home Coming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So much has happened in the last 36 years, 25 of which have gone in yearning and pining for Swami. We tried to come to Puttaparthi so many times, but it didn’t materialize. Since my planned first visit, which got abruptly cancelled and my sister went in my place, I was, in my heart of hearts, cross with Swami. Sometimes I used to cry and tell Him, I won’t come till you call me Yourself.

One day, out of the blue, my friend called me to ask whether I was interested in going to Puttaparthi as a Sevadal. I had no inkling on the qualification of a Sevadal, but I immediately accepted.

In 1997, which was my first visit, whatever I asked for was granted immediately. He heard my prayers even though I was serving kilometers away in the Dietary Department of the Super Specialty Hospital.

When I returned Delhi, I was worried about a home, as my husband was about to retire in the very next month. Owning a house on your own land is not an easy affair in Delhi, it being the capital city of India, but Swami made it possible. When our house was built, I wrote a letter to Swami and prayed, “Swami, please always be with us in ‘Prasanthi’.â€

We had named our house thus, and felt Swami’s presence there always. Baba seemed to say, “Tathastu (so be it)!†But with a little modification - Prasanthi became Prasanthi Nilayam. Within the next three years we moved ourselves lock, stock and barrel to His physical presence in Puttaparthi. Baba had promised my dying mother that He will look after us. He is doing just that!

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Much have you given to me,Yet I ask for more...I come to You not merely for the draught of water, but for the spring;Not for guidance to the door alone,But entry into the Master’s hall;Not only for the gift of love, butFor the Lover Himself!

As I sit back and ponder over the bygone days, I realise that someone has secretly entered into my life and enriched it with priceless love. I was blessed with boundless gifts. I did not know who the giver was, but felt His presence and His gentle touch.

'Once in the early nineties, Swami visited Madras, and was staying at Sundaram. After the suprabhatam was sung, the Lord glided onto the balcony and gave darshan to the thousands who were waiting there. My parents and I were also amongst the crowd of devotees who had come to enjoy the spectacle of love spreading far and wide to rekindle the spirit of mankind.

The mass of devotees, who were seated till then, rose in reverence with folded palms, and tried hard to get a glimpse of the Almighty. Tears of joy rolled down my mother's cheeks as she saw the beautiful form of Love in front of her. I was surrounded by people, and couldn't catch sight of the wish fulfiller, as I knew Him to be. I tugged at my mother's sari. She seemed to understand what was going on in my mind. Just then, the devotees started murmuring amongst themselves that the Balvikas children were to present a programme in the portico so that Swami could see the tiny tots from where He stood. As the crowd made way for them, I rushed through the narrow passage, and positioned myself in the front row. It was then that I had a glimpse of my Guardian, my Eternal Friend. I knew for certain that He is my comrade, and that the unseen hand is His.

As I grew up, God to me was only an entity I used to look up to in order to satisfy my petty fancies. When I was promoted to the sixth grade, attending bhajans in the neighbourhood was a part of my everyday routine apart from academics, fun and frolic. After the bhajans, it was a regular practice among the devotees to narrate some experiences of how Swami had touched their lives and made a difference. Hearing them, I used to yearn for the day when He would enrich my life with an experience.

My life that was filled with the warmth and affection of my kith and kin until then was suddenly thrown into turmoil and tension when I was afflicted by what the doctors diagnosed as tuberculoma of the brain. Initially, I had an agonizing pain in the head which eventually began to run down my spine. Sitting in the classroom for prolonged hours was becoming impossible. I could not sprint in the streets and sport with my friends. I had to discontinue my studies before a week elapsed, and my sprightly spirit, that always soared high, plummeted. I withdrew myself from academics and all the activities and aerial ambitions that an 11-year old would dream of.

A score of bitter pills, steroids and splenetic syrups replaced the bars of chocolate puddings and pastries. The doctors were not happy with my progress. The oral medication did not suffice, and they decided that the needle had to be used to relieve me from the anguish. I had sleepless nights due to the sudden spasms, and my colourful childish world was flooded with darkness. My worried parents surrendered to Swami. I was sure that Swami was making my biography a momentous and memorable one.

I asked Him to hold my hand and deliver me from despair. I prayed fervently and asked Him to renew my lost strength. Behind the silent dark walls, God answered my prayer, and my parents decided to take me to Puttaparthi. I was fortunate to sit in the front row. My mother too secured a convenient position to have Baba's darshan. The music began. Swami came gently walking towards where I sat. He took some rice grains from the lady who was sitting besides me, and showered them thrice on me. In my anxiety, I blurted out 'Swami, I do not want to take those injections any more.' His benign smile gave me an assurance that everything would be taken care of.

I travelled back counting my blessings. The follow-up CT scan reports disclosed that I was on the way to speedy recovery. My parents were grateful to Bhagawan who had granted their daughter a new lease of life. It is said that: 'the strongest metal cometh from the toughest furnace.' This phase of despair strengthened my faith in Bhagawan.

The love story does not end there. Years passed. Now, as His student, I am a humble part of His Avataric Mission. He shows us the path way to immortality by being our guardian. This is the assurance given to me in one of my dreams. I dreamt that all His students were made to stand in a line forming a human chain and were asked to walk behind Him. He turned to see if all His children were following Him. When He found that some of us had slightly deviated, He gently pushed us into the path set by Him. To my right was a beautiful garden, and to my left was marshy land. He said to me, 'if you follow Me, I will guide you to the garden.' The dream ended there but the message was clear. The goal is set and the path is clear. All we need to do is to tread it with commitment.' --------

 

 

 

 

a pure desire... and a profound blessing

 

How God guided Gayatri to put her worst foot forward and transformed her from being physically challenged to a charismatic character brimming with inspiration and inner joy

 

 

 

 

 

Driven solely by the highest aspiration to serve in the hallowed premises of Bhagavan Baba’s ashram, a young lady was willing to give it her all, despite her crippling polio. All she prayed for was the special chance and in the process, she discovered untapped inner powers, a healthcare system that sought out the root of her disability, and which helped her overcome her childhood malady.

Supporting herself on a stick that she had held across her frame, Gayatri stood in the calming atmosphere near the Ganesha idol facing the main entrance of Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram. Aarti to Lord Ganesha was in progress. With eyes closed, her mind floated gently on the soft strains of hymns and the wafting aroma of incense, as her soul soaked in the serenity of the moment.

“Yesterday was a bad day.â€

Gayatri’s mind raced back. Though polio had completely crippled her right leg when she was three, and forced her to lead a dependent life, she never flinched. Nor did she pray to God to give her back her leg. Bearing her entire body weight on her healthy left leg and supporting herself on a stick, she had fought on.

A Pure Desire to Serve

Her family used to attend bhajans of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in her neighbourhood, and that was her first contact with Bhagavan. This was in the early nineties. She soon realised that Baba was none other than God in flesh and blood. The one desire she had was to go for seva, where she could serve as a volunteer at Prasanthi Nilayam, amid the Presence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For her family, fulfilling her wish was not an easy task. The family of six stayed in their small ancestral home in Gadwal town in the Mahboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. Her father was a small time contractor, not earning much. A chunk of the family income came from a two room woman’s hostel that her mother ran in a part of their house. She was the third of four daughters, and the most unassuming.

From the beginning, she knew that a sound grounding in academics was the only way for her to a secure future. She strove hard. Known for her academic brilliance, she finally graduated in Bachelor of Arts with an astounding 80 per cent marks. Her parents and sisters never made her feel that she was physically challenged, they helped her in every way they could.

When she put forth her wish to go for seva at Prasanthi Nilayam, her parents to make sure that they fulfilled her wish, put together some money and sent her along with the other volunteers from Mahboobnagar district in December 2006.

Hopes Dashed Due to Disability

But the day she reached Prasanthi Nilayam, her only dream seemed to crumble. Considering the difficulty she faced while walking, the officials of the district seva dal, remained undecided on whether to assign her a duty to perform as part of the seva or not.

As a rule, a typical sevadal volunteer is expected to be on her feet most of the time. Naturally, it was feared that Gayatri would find it extremely difficult to cope with the duties.

At the possibility of losing the opportunity of performing seva in Bhagavan’s divine presence, she had cried the whole day.

Despair Drives Her to Pray for Strength in Both Feet

No wonder when she participated in the Ganesha aarthi on that momentous day, for the first time in her life Gayatri then asked Bhagavan to make her stand on her two feet, so that she too could have the privilege to perform selfless service at His holy abode.

That night when sleep finally overtook her, she had a lovely dream. Gayatri dreamt that Bhagavan in His ochre robe was standing right in front of her. He then put His hand on Gayatri’s head and said, “Do not worry, I will take care of everythingâ€. Walking away, He gave her a red rose.

 

 

 

 

 

That night when sleep finally overtook her, she had a lovely dream. Gayatri dreamt that Bhagavan in His ochre robe was standing right in front of her. He then put His hand on Gayatri’s head and said, “Do not worry, I will take care of everythingâ€. Walking away, He gave her a red rose.

 

In the morning, Gayatri woke up bright and full of anticipation. Her sadness alleviated and her large bright eyes shone forth, as her face wore a curious smile. Somehow she felt the auspicious dream from Bhagavan augured a very special event ahead…

It was still very early in the day and Gayatri’s eyes were closed, lost in absorbing the tranquillity of the serene morning, even as the priest of the Ganesh Temple was waving the camphor steadily in circles and finally raising the fire high in the direction of the devotees marking the conclusion of the morning rituals.

Waking Reality Confirms Dream Experience

The aarti was over and Gayatri opened her eyes. From a distance she saw the priest descending the steps of the temple and distributing flowers offered to the Lord Ganesha to the assembled devotees. Suddenly, the priest turned and walked up straight to Gayatri. Picking up a red rose from the bunch of flowers in his hand, the priest handed the flower to her. One look at the rose and Gayatri eyes opened wide.

“It was exactly the rose, which Swami had given me in the dream. The resemblance was unmistakable. I could not believe it was all really true,†Gayatri said.

 

 

 

 

 

“It was exactly the rose, which Swami had given me in the dream. The resemblance was unmistakable. I could not believe it was all really true,†Gayatri said.

 

That night again Bhagavan came in Gayatri’s dream, again the reassurance, and another red rose. Again after the aarti, the next day, the priest handed over the exact red rose, she had seen in the dream. It was as if Bhagavan was saying, yesterday was no coincidence.

First Encounter with Sai Medical Counselling Ushers Hope

That day, Gayatri’s uncle asked her to accompany him to the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital (SSSGH), in Puttaparthi. He wanted to find out whether a prosthetic leg could somehow be fitted to Gayatri’s diseased leg, so that she could walk again. The doctors at SSSGH taking a look at Gayatri, told her that what she needed was surgery on the incapacitated leg at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS), Prasanthigram, which could bring back strength to her lost right leg.

Both Gayatri and her uncle were surprised, when told that everything, right from the operation to the medicines, would be provided absolutely free of cost. They were also told that none of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Hospitals charged anything from the patients.

Information Echoes Dream Assurance

“The words of Swami came back to me,†Gayatri said. “I will take care of you, don’t worry,†He had said. “I felt certain that I would stand on my two legs and will be able to come for seva,†said Gayatri exuding joy.

 

 

 

 

 

“The words of Swami came back to me,†Gayatri said. “I will take care of you, don’t worry,†He had said. “I felt certain that I would stand on my two legs and will be able to come for seva,â€said Gayatri exuding joy.

 

Gayatri is 21 but looks barely 15. Polio had inflicted Gayatri when she was three years old. In her 13th year Gayatri’s family visited a renowned hospital close to her home. The doctors who checked Gayatri told her, there was little hope of her walking again. “We cannot do anything. The limb is too deformed for us to do anything. She is too weak, even if we perform the surgery, she will not be able to recover,†were some of the answers Gayatri’s family had received. Those who did not understand her pain, mocked her. Others who did understand, would try and sympathise with her. Gayatri never let the insults demoralise her or the sympathy soften her.

The visit to the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital gave her new hope and information about the super specialised healthcare available at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. This time around, she returned to her town, filled with both happiness and sadness. Happy because she had now seen a new hope after years of a difficult life with a handicap, but sad too as she could not have her much desired opportunity to serve.

Face-to-face with God’s Surgeons

Early next year, on January 2, 2007, Gayatri entered SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram for the first time. On the first day itself, all the tests were done and the Head of Department, Orthopaedics, Dr. Kailash Rao, gave Gayatri an operation date for July 4, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

Prasanthi

Nilayam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the surgeons who performed surgery on Gayatri said that due to polio in her early childhood, Gayatri’s muscles had become paralysed. The paralysis of the muscles had deformed the right leg down from the waist. Gayatri’s condition was described as Anterior Poliomyelitis Sequelae.

Thorough Diagnosis Traces Root of the Problem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gayatri's hip joint was corrected by releasing the muscles that were twisting it out of place

 

According to Dr. Kailash Rao, Gayatri’s hip had flexed and had turned away from the body, while the knee was bent in. Gayatri’s right foot was pointing out of the body. The muscle function was minimal and she used to support her body on her left leg and used a stick for support.

The surgeons, then decided to first correct the hip joint and then later correct the knee and the ankle. The first surgery was performed on July 4, 2007. The muscles around the hip joint were released and the hip joint corrected. According to the doctor treating Gayatri her muscles after being released became stronger and better.

After the operation, Gayatri was put on traction so that the length of the limb was corrected. She was also made to undergo physiotherapy for a month to improve the functionality of her operated limb. The doctors advised her to walk wearing callipers for six months. After six months she was called for the second operation. In the second operation, her knee and ankle were corrected.

Second Surgery Sets Stage for Miraculous Recovery

After the second operation was performed, to everyone’s surprise, Gayatri started taking her first steps, taking support of a crutch without even undergoing physiotherapy. “After the second operation, she did not require any physiotherapy,†the Head of the Orthopaedics Department said. Still, for adequate recovery and normal functioning of the right limb, Gayatri was suggested to wear callipers for six months.

Gayatri who had come for a check up in November 2008 is now able to stand on her two feet and walk. Her steps are slow and she sometimes uses a crutch for support. But doctors treating her have said that two months later Gayatri would be able to walk freely without any support.

 

 

 

 

 

“The rate of her recovery has surprised us,†the doctors said. Though such a recovery does occur in some cases, it is however pretty rare. We have seen cases in which after the surgery is performed the patients have to take the support of the callipers for the rest of their life. But this was a unique case, in which the recovery was much greater than we expected it to be.â€

 

“The rate of her recovery has surprised us,†the doctors said. Though such a recovery does occur in some cases, it is however pretty rare. We have seen cases in which after the surgery is performed the patients have to take the support of the callipers for the rest of their life. But this was a unique case, in which the recovery was much greater than we expected it to be,†they said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“But for us it is the happiness that the patient reflects after recovery, which is far more important,†said the Head of the Orthopaedics Department, SSSIHMS, Prashanthigram.

Walking Towards God, One Small Step At a Time

For her part Gayatri is ecstatic. Taking small and cautious steps, sometimes taking support of her mother, she is slowly reclaiming what polio had snatched from her in her childhood.

Though she is gradually coming to terms with the metamorphosis, what is surprising her and giving her joy at the same time is the reaction of her friends.

“Many of my friends could not recognise me at all,†she chuckles. “They just kept staring at me, as if I was a stranger, and I used to guffaw when I saw their jaws drop in surprise,†Gayatri said. “I had phoned almost all my friends and they came to congratulate me. That feeling was so hard to describe.

“I had never prayed to Swami to grant me use of my leg. I had told him that I wanted to be able to perform seva at Prasanthi Nilayam. The moment I am able to walk on my feet freely, the first thing I would do is to come for seva,†Gayatri said.

“Swami has given me a gift of a new life and it is my duty to do whatever little I can do on my part to show my gratitude. First I will perform seva, everything else can wait,†she added.

This young lady’s astonishing experience is a sure testimony of the divine grace that flows into our lives when our hearts and motivation are set on the path of virtuous conduct. If our minds are directed by purity of intent then there is no obstacle that can stand in our way as we will find ourselves walking beside a God who is literally guiding our every step.

~ Heart2Heart Team in association with SSSIHMS

 

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FROM PUTTAPARTHI…CLEANSING THE HEART!!!

 

 

 

 

All hearts are His property, it is His entire domain. But just as the Zamindaar sits only on a clean spot though the entire area may be his, the Lord will install Himself only if the heart is cleansed.

The Lord has said that, "madh bakthaah yathra gaayanthe thathra thishthaami, Naaradha" - "Where My devotees sing of me, there I install Myself, Naaradha."

I must tell you that you are luckier than men of previous generations. The accumulated merit of many previous births must have granted you this luck. You have got me and it is your duty now to develop this relationship that you have achieved by sheer good fortune.

- From Swami's Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam on 27th September'1960

PS: Some people say that they are facing hardships and are leading a miserable life. It is foolish on their part to say so. God, the indweller has absolutely no sorrow and worries. He is the embodiment of supreme bliss. God Himself says, "I am present in you. You are but a spark of my Divinity." Such being the case, how can one be affected by difficulties and sorrows? When you enquire on these lines, you will realize that the demonic and bestial tendencies in you are responsible for these feelings. You will not be able to experience the truth that God is all-pervasive unless you give up evil qualities. God is present in all elements and in all beings in the form of radiance.

 

Articles from Prema Sai

 

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Spring with Love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swami with John Hislop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In recent New Zealand conference, which started in very hilly mountain city of Wellington, there were many many children and seeing so many children Dr Hislop told them story of angels and when the program was over, many children and adults came to him told him, that they saw angels on the stage and there was Swami too.

 

Before Swami started his world mission, When Swami was very young man. He would stay with his hostess in Madras.

There was man Bob Rayer who presented an old second station wagon to Swami and in this Swami will make trip to Bangalore and Madras.

 

But in those days Swami will drive his own car , He will drive by himself to Madras . The devotees will hear that Swami is going to Madras . What they do ?

 

They will line up or find the post of observation along the route-way, because Swami will come in his car in a very good speed. He

Will be sitting behind the weal like this , and the car was buzzing along, and even more than ,the people told , the car was that far, above the ground and many people have told Hislop about this and believes that these experiences are actual.

 

Anyway one time Swami went like this to Madras and went up to the door of Hostess . The Hostess came to the door and saw Swami, and said Swami Swami I am very happy to see you, but Swami you did not tell me that you are coming and I have not got the things ready.

 

In India ,when the Lord visit the house , the house Lady feels that she must have flowers, fruits and proper offerings to the distinguish visitors. But she did not have any of these things so she felt quite badly.

 

But Swami said <do not worry – do not worry > then Swami turned to the car and back like that and out of the car stepped two angels with wings and they were carrying a great big silver trays, completely loaded with all the things which the hostess needed to properly welcome Swami.

 

The angels handed the tray to the hostesses and then Swami made a motion like that and the Angeles went back to the car and disappeared.

 

Now this story came to light some years later, when somebody has given Swami a bus and Swami started to take the students, wherever Swami went and one day Swami took the student in a bus and they went to the house of same hostesses first, because the students would stay in some other place, so let Swami get first.

 

When the Hostesses saw the student , she went back to the room

and brought out the big silver try , the very same silver try the angles had given to her and she told the students and that is how the rest of us came to know the story of Angeles. I am sure all of you will enjoy the story , if you share with your loved ones.

 

Now all of us are here in this room , and around us in this Neibourhood are hundred & thousand of very good people, very good ladies, very good men and they are not here and so why we are here. What is it that brings those of us here.

People in general under value themselves and let us point out to you , that how really great you are.

 

You know Swami said that, if you choose a regular worldly person and he is ready to sit down and listen to you and you explain to him very carefully , the practices of spiritual life , but that person may not understand ,even one word to what you are saying.

 

So, Swami said that those who come to HIM { only those whom he has called } No body comes to see Swami, unless Swami has called that person to Him. Dr Hislop asked Swami why are those people called and Swami said that in the distant past they have engaged in very good deeds & spiritual practices and there by they have established a saving account and when I call them to me, then they draw on that saving account of their merits and come here to see me.

 

So there are some persons ,sitting in this room, who despite their present situation in life, who have a very significant life in the past, and everyone of you in the past ages has been a yogi, again and again, or spiritual aspirant or devotee of great people. So you are not ordinary people and it is a mistake for you to say that I am just ordinary person, and I really can not understand and I really do not know, how to put into practices what Swami is saying. It is false statement framed up by the mind.

 

Now let us see what all of us want ?

I, believe for talking so many people over the years , all of us wants to experience in his own life, that which Swami is constantly experiencing .

 

Baba says I am always in bliss, you cannot know how happy

I am ? I don’t know what worry and troubles means , they have no meaning to me at all.

So we think of that state as self realization or liberation. We know that there is state of being which is full of joyful and happy and we are all aiming to achieving that state of happiness.

 

So the question arise , how do we that ?

How in our daily life, we can do the things , that are necessary to open our mind, open our hearts to reach the goal of our life. which is the self realization or liberation or returning to the source.

 

Now because of many books, that are printed, many things that

are said, there are so many ideas flowing around and so much

conversation, some times it is hard to know what we should be

doing. We sincerely want liberation, that is what we want??

then should we not be thinking of that carrier or the person whom

whom we love, and there is intensity there.

 

So he asked Swami, why is Swami that all your devotees read your books and meet together and what is the principle things, which prevents your devotees from achieving the goal of life, which is liberation

 

Swami says the principle reason is lack of intensity. We are not giving our hearts and minds, every moment of the day to that goal , to achieving that purpose and that is the principle reason.

 

Some times back Swami mentioned that his American devotees, are very good people , they do good seva and they sing beautiful bhajans but they do not know anything about spiritual life, so is the spiritual that difficult ?

 

So fast way Swami says is to always keep GOD in the mind. How could that be true . It is true for this reasons that the only reality is GOD. Everything else is false produce

 

Swami gave example, ...For example the current is making the fan to rotate thru current that is God, so you are only the instruments. Even the fact that we think that our eyes sees things, that is not correct, my eyes are here, but the mind is in Bangalore thinking of this or that. My eyes are seeing, but my mind is somewhere else. mind is important.

 

Body is like a torch, eye is like the bulb, mind is the battery cell, intelgence is the switch, only when the four work together do you get the light. Body is only like a torch.

 

So Swami explain the more intensity, the greater result. Even that God gives for our own good, when you don’t have the hunger, why should He give you food? So Swami said when you have the hunger and receive the food it is useful, but if you don’t have hunger and He gives the food, you will have indigestion.

 

Even a spiritual experience, sometimes God withhold it, because God does everthing for man’s good. He never does anything to harm or give him sorrow But faith you must have. First you must grapple with fact that duty is God and start doing your duty.

 

(Dr Hislops talk in Los-angeles in 1992)

 

Swami declare that I am in every one, in every being. So do not hate any one, or cavil at any one. Spread Prema always, everywhere. That is the best way of revering Me. Do not seek to measure Me. Or evalute Me. I am beyond understanding. Pray or worship for your own satisfaction and contentment.…. BABA…..

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CHINNA KATHA- A Little Story from Bhagavan

Ideal and Incessant Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Chinna Katha

A few days after Lord Rama’s coronation, Sita and the three brothers of Rama met and planned to exclude Hanuman from the seva of Rama. They wanted to divide the responsibility of rendering the various services to Rama only among themselves.

The reason? They all felt that Hanuman had had enough chances serving their sweet Lord already. And so, they drew up a list, as exhaustive as they could make it, of the many services from dawn till dusk, down to the smallest detail and assigned each item to one among themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They presented the list of items and assignees to the Lord, when Hanuman was present. Rama heard about the new procedure, read the list and gave His approval, with a smile. He told Hanuman that all the tasks had been assigned to others and that he could now take rest. Not believing what he had just heard, Hanuman prayed to Rama that the list be read once before him.

And after it was, Hanuman noticed that the task of ‘snapping fingers when one yawns’ had been left unassigned. He said that since Rama was an emperor, he should not be allowed to do it himself, as it had to be done only by a servant. Saying so, he pleaded to the Lord to grant him the opportunity to be that servant and Rama agreed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It came to be the greatest piece of fortune for Hanuman, as the task entailed Hanuman’s constant attendance on his Master. After all, how could anyone predict when the yawn would come? And since he had to be ready with a snap, as soon as the yawn was on, it meant that Hanuman could not be away even for a minute nor could he relax for a moment. His love and sincerity to be of service to his Lord Rama had gotten him the best out of an otherwise disappointing announcement.

True indeed it is that when we have sincere love for God, everything else falls automatically into place.

~ Baba

~ Illustrations: Ms. Vidya, Kuwait

---------------- 1. Swami's message

2. Musing on avatars Prof G.V

3. The sole mission of Lord Krishna

4. Shirdi Sai , Parthi sai

5. Conversation with Sai Prof A.K

6. When teste becomes His tastes

7. Much you have given, Yet i ask for more

8. A pure desire & Profound blessings

9. Cleaning Heart

10. Angeles story Dr. Hislop

11.Chinna Katha A little story from Bhagavan

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KOBE CENTERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place : l.S.S. 2nd Fl. 1-3, Kumochi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Kobe (Tel: 078-222-1885) Home Page MAP

 

 

Bhajans

 

Bhajan Practice

 

Study Circle

 

 

every Sun 4:00-5:00pmevery Thur 7:30-830pm

 

1st,5th Sun 2:00-3:40pm 2nd Sun 2:00-3:20pm3rd,4th Sun 2:30-3:40pm every Thur 7:00-7:20pm

 

2nd Sun 5:30-6:30pm (English)4th Sun 5:30-6:30 (Japanese) 2nd Sun 3:40-3:55 (Gayatri Chanting)

 

 

Ladies Programme

 

3rd,5th Sun 5:30-6:30pm

 

 

Youth Programme

 

3rd Sun 0:30-2:20pm 2nd Sun in odd months 5:30-6:15pm(Study Circle)1st Sun in even months 0:30-1:50

 

 

Seva

 

Aisei-en (Orphanage home): 3rd Sun 9:30-11:30amNarayana Seva: 2nd,4th Sun 10:00-11:30am, 1st, 3rd Thur 9:00-10:00pm

 

 

Veda Club

 

Veda clup is held on every 4th Sunday after Bhajans.

 

Study Circle in (Japanese) is held on every 2nd Sunday on 1st fl.

Subscribe/Un information: (Free copy)

To , please send your request to rgcjp

To , please type “REMOVE†on the subject line and send to rgcjp

----------------------- SAI CENTERS: KOBE, YOKOHAMA, OSAKA, SAPPORE,HAMAMATSU

OKINAWA, CHIBA, NAGOYA, TOKYO & KYOTO.'

 

SAI BHAJAN GROUPS.: OBIHIRO, SAITAMA, SHIZUOKA, KITAKYUSHU, MORIOKA

TAMA, NARA, FUKUOKA, TOHOKU, NAGANO, IWAKUNI,

HIROSHIMA, KAGOSHIMA, GUNMA, KANAZAWA, KAGAWA.

 

Note: Some schedules are subject to change.

Please contact respective centers and groups for information.

.....................................................................................................

Inside This issue...

Sai Ram

I am following your mails, messages and articles that were posted

in K.L also and really like them. I want to give this enjoyment to our

group members. I request you to post your articles to our group.

 

Sai Ram

Surya.

----------------

Sai Ram

 

Dear Brother Thanks i also enjoy receiving all your mails including

Kansai.Light which is very much appreciated. For every article is gem

to read and share.

Thanks

Deepak

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Respected Sir, Sai Ram

Your articles are really interesting. Mushing on Avatars is fantastic.

and all articles in Kansai.Light are wonderful.

Please keep posting us monthly journal.

Thank you again

Mahesh L.A

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Dear Brother Ram

Sai Ram.

It is a pleasure to read Kansai.Light which is spiritual News Letter with so many

articles. Thanks and may Swami bless your work.

Sony.Chugani

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Dear Sir sai Ram

Kansai.Light for August issue is wonderful and we love to read every articles

which gives us knowledge. Please posting us this beautiful Journal.

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Please write us at rgcjp mentioning your name and country.

Thank you for your time.

Sai Ram

There are few buttons, one can make size small or big

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