Thapovanam - Day 2 : Friday (Chapter 3 & 4)

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DAY 2 : FRIDAY (Chapter 3 & 4)

 

 

SAMBHAVAMI YUGE YUGE(I INCARNATE AGAIN AND AGAIN)

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavathi Bharatha

Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadhathmanam srujamyaham

Parithranaya Saddhoonam Vinashaya cha duskhrutham

Dharma Sansthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge

 

~ Sri Mad Bhagavad Gita (Ch 4, verse 7.8) ~

 

 

PUTTA VARHADHANI

 

The present day village of Puttaparthi was known in olden times as Gollapalli (the village of cowherds). The whole

area was populated with cowherds and their cows. One day, a cowherd of

the village noticed that one of his cows had returned from grazing

fields with an empty udder. This continued to happen for the next

several days. He decided to stalk her quietly to the fields to find out

who might be stealing her milk. The cow went as usual to the woods with

the keeper watching her every movement with peeled eyes. She approached

a snake-hill out of which emerged a wondrous serpent, wound itself

around the cow's hind legs and fed itself from the udder without

hurting the cow. The cowherd lost his temper. It did not occur to him

that this serpent might be something uncommon or divine. He picked up a

heavy stone and hurled it at the serpent. Blood flowed out and stained

the stone. The serpent died. Ever since that incident, cowherd families

of Gollapalli gradually declined in numbers and serpent-hills

proliferated all over. People believed that the dying serpent cursed

the villagers, which was the root-cause of their misery. As time

passed, Gollapalli acquired the dubious distinction of being known as

Putta Vardhani (place where snake-hills abound).

 

The contrite villagers took the blood-stained stone which had killed

the serpent, named it Gopala Swami (Krishna, the cowherd) and installed

it in the village for regular worship. The charming name of Krishna

evokes the childhood pranks and amusing frolics of Lord Krishna who

grew up among cowherds. As a boy, he playfully stole milk, butter and

curds to feed himself and his cohorts and playmates. The villagers

worshipped the stone as Krishna, the cowherd, as an act of penitence

and atonement. Soon enough, the village prospered and grew, and came to

be known as Puttaparthi. During the reign of the great ruler, Sri

Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagar empire, it earned renown as a

stronghold of brave warriors who lent their services to the royal

forces. A temple was built and elaborate arrangement were initiated for

regular rituals of worship in the traditional manner, i.e., offer of

pooja, lighting of the sacred lamp, offer of incense and naivedyam to

the deity, and so on. The prosperity of the village grew more and more.

After the advent of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai, He confirmed the divinity

of that deity. At His instance, bathing of the deity (abhishekam) and application of sandalwood paste all over, were introduced. To the wonderment of the devotees, the stone revealed the divine form of Lord Sri Krishna with flute in hand!

 

There is in Puttaparthi a distinguished and devout family with the

family name of 'Ratnakara'. A great saint called Venka-Avadhootha was

one of their ancestors. The paternal grandfather of Sathya Sai, named

Kondama Raju, was a highly evolved soul and led a life of devotion to

God. He could recite from memory stories and verses from the sacred

epics of Sri Maha Bhagavath and Ramayana. Inspired by a dream, he built

a temple for Goddess Sathyabhama Devi, the consort of Lord Krishna. It

is now known in Puttaparthi as Sathyamma's temple. Lakshmamma was

Kondama Raju's wife. The saintly couple had two sons. In memory of

Venka-Avadhootha, they were named Peda (the elder) Venkama Raju and

China (the younger) Venkama Raju. Both of them, like their father,

became accomplished singers of devotional verses and songs.

 

 

EASWARAMMA

 

Some close relatives of Kondama Raju were residing in a village called

Kolimikuntla in the Koyalakuntla Thaluka of Kurnool District. Their

family name was Meesraganda. Subba Raju of that family built a temple

for Lord Siva in his village. While the temple was under construction,

Subba Raju was blessed with a female baby, who was named Namagiri.

While returning from a pilgrimage, Kondama Raju happened to visit that

village. He was very much distressed to find that his relatives were

leading uneasy lives due to the depredations of dacoits active in that

region. He invited them to come over and take permanent residence in

the village of Karnata Nagapalli on the other bank of the river

Chithravathi, right opposite to Puttaparthi, which he said, would be a

safe haven. As an added incentive, he gave his word that he would

accept Namagiri as his daughter-in-law.

 

The Meesaraganda family soon shifted and settled down in Karnata

Nagapalli and took up farming. As divinely ordained, Subba Raju's

daughter was wedded to Peda Venkama Raju. Not quite pleased with the

name his daughter-in-law was given by her parents, Kondama Raju changed

it to Easwaramma (mother of Lord Easwara, i.e., Lord Siva). That name

eventually proved not only quite appropriate but also prophetic! The

devout couple begot a son, Seshama Raju, and two daughters, Venkamma

and Parvathamma. To the great distress of Lakshmamma, four miscarriages

followed. She earnestly prayed to God to bless her family with another

child.

 

 

SWAMI'S INCARNATION

 

The moment of divine fulfillment was about to dawn. The prayers of

numerous saints, sages and renunciates for the incarnation of God on

earth were about to be answered. The agony of suffering humanity moved

the ever-merciful Supreme Divinity. Easwaramma was again pregnant, for

the eighth time. Quite significantly, Lord Krishna was born as the

eighth child of his mother, Devaki Devi. The Inscrutable, the

Incomprehensible, the Universal Absolute was now about to reveal

Himself. Musical instruments in the house, like mridangam (percussion instrument) and thanpura

(stringed instrument) used to produce, of their own accord, musical

sounds. People were surprised and also delighted at this extraordinary

occurrence, but at the same time, they were confused and concerned.

Peda Venkama Raju went all the way to the nearby town of Bukkapatnam to

consult astrologers. After carefully going through ancient texts, they

enquired whether any lady in the house was pregnant. When the reply was

affirmative, the astrologers said, "For the pleasure of the child in

the womb, celestial musicians are providing entertainment. When divine

incarnations are about to take place, such unusual incidents happen!"

They showed relevant parts of astrological treaties to Peda Venkama

Raju in support of their opinion.

 

It was 23rd November 1926. According to the Hindy calendar, it

corresponded to Somavar (Monday), Thadia (the third day) after the full

moon, Karthika month, Akshaya year and ardra star. Hindus consider

Mondays of the Karthika month as favourite days of Lord Siva and

perform special worship. From 4 am on that day, Lakshmamma was deeply

absorbed in the worship (vratham) of Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Swami, being performed in the nearby house of a purohit (Brahmin

priest). She was called several times as her daughter-in-law's delivery

was imminent. But she ignored the calls. She decided not to return home

without seeing the pooja through and receiving the 'pooja prasadam'.

She sat through and did indeed carry the prasadam home. She gave

prasadam to her daughter-in-law. It was now 5.06 am. Cool breezes were

wafting softly. Little bells on the top of the temple pillar (dhwaja sthambham)

were producing gentle and melodious sounds. Inside the house, musical

notes from the instruments spontaneously playing on their own were

softly reverberating. At that wondrous moment, Sri Sathya Sai, the

divine incarnation was born. He had a tiny black mole (birthmark) on

his left cheek. He had also another mole on his bosom, like the

Srivatsa ornament adorning the bosom of Lord Maha Vishnu. On his soles

could be discerned the signs of Sankha (the conch) and Chakra (the circular disk) which are insignia of divinity.

 

Lakshmamma, Easwaramma's mother-in-law, placed the new born baby

delicately on palm leaves, as tradition demanded, in a corner of the

delivery room. A little later, she noticed a slight movement of the

baby's bed sheets. When she picked up the baby, she found to her

dismay, a coiled cobra below the bed! True enough, Puttaparthi knew no

dearth of snakes. But it was nevertheless quite unusual for a coiled

cobra positioning itself as a bed for a new born baby right in the

delivery room. After the flutter caused by its presence cooled down,

the snake was searched for but it could not be found. There is

absolutely no doubt that the snake was none other than Adishesha, the

divine serpent who serves as a bed for Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in

Vaikuntha. This is the very first demonstration of the divinity of Sri

Sathya Sai.

 

As the baby was born immediately after his mother had partaken of the

prasadam of Lord Sri Sathya Narayana Swami, he was given the name of

Sathya Narayana. The old man, Kondama Raju, was immensely delighted

with this name. For he was reminded of the incident in the Sri Maha

Bhagavath when Lord Sri Krishna was born as the human incarnation of

Lord Narayana. Lord Brahma presented himself before the child and paid

homage thus :

 

Sathya Vratham, Sathya Param, Thri Sathyam,Sathyasya Yonim, Nihitam cha Sathye,Sathwasya Sathyam, Ritha Sathya Nethram,Sathya-Athmakam, Tvam Sharanam Prasannah.

 

(Oh Lord, You are the embodiment of truth. In fact, You are the truth

itself; only You are the eternal truth. Truth is the only path to reach

You. Oh the personification of truth, I surrender to Thee!)

 

Even if one goes by the name given to the little baby, Sathyam, it is

evident that he is truly Lord Sri Narayana and the embodiment of truth

(Sathyam).

 

The inner, profound spiritual significance of the word "Sathya" has

come out in all its striking appropriateness in Swami's life. Ritham and Sathyam are the two bejeweled ornaments of the ears of Sruthi Matha (Veda Matha,

the Mother Goddess of the Vedas). When we contemplate deeply on their

meaning and spiritual significance, even now ever new beauties are

revealed to us. Sathyam (eternal truth) and Nithyam (knowing no

beginning or end) are worth meditating on.

 

 

NOT CONCEPTION, BUT ADVENT

 

 

 

 

In the Sri Maha Bhagavath, it has been stated that Lord Narayana

intended to incarnate on this earth as Sri Krishna and "entered" the

womb of Devaki Devi. After Bhagavan Sathya Sai proclaimed, "I am that

Krishna of yore," a doubt arose in the mind of a learned scholar named

Sangubhatla Rama Sarma. He was the scholar-laureate (asthana Pandit)

of the ruler of Venkatagiri, and he was a learned scholar of scriptures

and sacred epics. One day, he happened to be with Sri Sathya Sai Baba

in the mandir when spiritual matters were being discussed. He asked,

"Swami, was your birth through normal conception (pravasam) or by advent (pravesham)?"

Everyone present was intrigued and somewhat surprised, "What is this

odd question and, in any case, what is its property?" they wondered.

But Swami certainly knew the inner substance and profound significance

of the question. He turned towards Easwaramma, the mother, who was

sitting in the front row, and said, "Tell Rama Sharma what happened on

that day when you were lifting water from the well."

 

 

Easwaramma then

narrated her experience : "When I was lifting water from the well", she

said, "suddenly I saw a ball of bluish sparkling light rolling down

from the sky. It entered my body and I lost consciousness. When I

regained my senses with ministrations of my mother-in-law, I told her

what had happened. She advised me not to breathe a word about it to

anyone because people might draw all sorts of undesirable and funny

inferences."

 

 

Bhagavan Sri Sathya

Sai now turned to Rama Sarma and said, "Do you now understand, Rama

Sarma? My brith was not through conception but by advent."

 

 

Kondama Raju used to

take this extraordinary child into his pooja room and seat him there.

As he would perform the worship, he would note that the child's

presence gave him immense tranquility of mind and he could effortlessly

concentrate on God in meditation. Why not? It is perfectly

understandable. Whoever enthrones Bhagavan in his heart is bound to

experience transcendental peace, which is something that every devotee

knows from personal experience.

 

 

The baby was

extremely handsome. Neighbouring women folk used to spend hours and

hours playing with him, caressing him and embracing him. Easwaramma

never bothered to know what caste or community or faith they belonged

to. She raised no objection whatsoever. The baby too learned to love

them and liked their company. He would often run away from his

mother's lap to the company of others. He was indeed restless except

in their company. Bhagavan Sathya Sai once declared that He would

unfailing go to those who yearned for Him wholeheartedly. When we hear

of his childhood pranks and plays, we realize that even as a child, he

had been practicing what He declared much later, after he grew up.

 

 

The house next to

the one adjoining Kondama Raju's belonged to a Karanam (village revenue

official). The lady of the house was Subbamma. Whenever she took the

charming child in her arms, his face would glow in happiness; he would

titter with delight and she would experience supreme joy. She had no

children of her own. She often took this child to her home, as proudly

as if she was bringing home precious treasures. She smothered him with

her motherly love. Subbamma's family was a Brahmin family and was

vegetarian in food habits. As Sathyam always insisted on going to her

house and found much happiness there, people used to observe that, like

his grandfather, Kondama Raju, little Sathyam would also be a

vegetarian and hence, he preferred to spend much of his time in the

environment of Subbamma's house. In fact, Sathyam was not as happy in

his own house as he was ins Subbamma's. Some of the relatives of

Kondama Raju's family used to comment that Easwaramma was 'Devaki' (the

natal mother of Lord Krishna) while Subbamma was 'Yashoda' (his foster

mother).

 

 

Another unusual

feature of Sathyam was that he never used to ask for any particular

thing to eat nor for any particular piece of clothing. Clothes used to

be brought from the neighbouring towns of Hindupuram and Ananthapuram

for all children in the family. The little ones would gather around

them and eagerly snatch up pieces they preferred. But Sathyam would

cheerfully accept whatever was left behind. He never indicated that he

had any choice of his own; there was nothing that he would particularly

prefer. On the other hand, when he saw the other children in

happiness, Sathyam's face would bloom with pleasure and satisfaction.

"Your happiness is My food," Swami declared many years later. That

surely, must have held true even when Sathyam was a mere child.

 

 

He was full of pity,

compassion, love and sympathy for any living being subjected to

hardship and grief. A few playful boys once collected about a dozen

frogs and were carrying them in a basket. They planned to have fun by

subjecting the poor creatures to some sort of torture. Sathyam

requested that they be freed. The boys did not agree. Suddenly,

Sathyam transformed them into pigeons through his divine will. He told

them that there were no frogs in their basket. When they

disbelievingly opened the lid to see, the birds escaped into the sky.

 

 

We can read a

spiritual meaning too in this incident. From that day to this day,

Bhagavan has been transforming ordinary individuals, who are entrapped

and living like frogs in the deep mire of ignorance (Ajnan), into strong human beings who are bold and happy and capable of soaring free in the spiritual firmament like birds in skies.

 

 

Even as a little

boy, Sathyam was fond of natural beauty. He spent much time

contemplating nature. Mountain peaks, stars and sky gave him profound

happiness as he contemplated on them spellbound. At such times, he

appeared serene and serious, way beyond his tender age. The women of

Puttaparthi who had seen him so lost in his thoughts used to refer to

him as "Brahma Jnani" (one who attained supreme realization).

They might have, no doubt, said so in mirth and frolic; they could

never suspect that the boy they were making fun of was indeed a Brahma

Jnani.

 

 

 

DIVINE TOUCH

 

 

Easwaramma and

Karanam Subbamma would often sit, at dusk in the front protico of their

houses overlooking the street, and spend time in conversation. Right

in front of them in the street, Sathyam would wear a bandage across his

eyes and play hide and seek with his colleagues. That was the time

when cattle headed home from pasture. There was always the risk of

unruly animals trampling passers by. Easwaramma would naturally feel

apprehensive about her darling child's safety. But Subbamma would

always reassure her : "Calm yourself and just keep watching. Nothing

untoward will happen." The blindfolded Sathyam would catch hold of

some rogue animal. Under his gentle touch, the animal would become

docile, lower its head and move away harmlessly. Such incidents used

to leave onlookers baffled.

 

 

Probably because Sathyam was born under the auspicious influence of the 'ardra'

star, his heart would melt at the very sight of suffering. (ardra in

Sanskrit means compassionate). If a hungry person stood at his door,

Sathyam would run inside, bring some food and place it affectionately

into the outstretched hands. The glow of happiness in the eyes of the

hungry person would fill Sathyam's heart with satisfaction. He used to

bring to his home, persons shivering from cold and gave them clothes to

cover themselves. It was customary for people to carry fowl upside

down by their legs, bound together and heads hanging down, a position

tortorous to the poor birds. Bullocks were goaded to move faster by

twisting their tails cruelly. At the sight of such insensate cruelty,

Sathyam would suffer the agony of the poor birds and animals in himself.

 

 

After finishing

school in Puttaparthi, Sathyam went to the nearby town of Bukkapatnam

and enrolled in the middle school. The loving mother watched with

bated breath as her little child prepared day after day to go to

Bukkapatnam; he was hardly out of his cradle, but now he had to walk

all the way to town! Sathyam would put on a white shirt and shorts,

apply vibhuti on his forehead, and a red dot of vermillion to lend

accent to it. With a small bag contining his simple mid-day meal of

cooked ragi (a coarse grain) in one hand, and a bag of books in

the other, he would bid her goodbye every morning. The poor lady's

eyes would swim in tears. He would leave home at about 8.30am and

return only at dusk. How could she endure the agony of his absence

until then? Sadness haunted her every moment of the day.

 

 

His fellow pupils at

school were envious of Sathyam. He was evidently the cynosure because

of his excellent sense of cleanliness and immaculate orderliness. As

soon as the boys stepped out of the village, they would catch hold of

Sathyam and duck him in the river Chithravathi to make his spotless

white clothes dirtier than theirs. Their dirty deed accomplished, they

would feel happy and fulfilled. But never would Sathyam complain to

his beloved mother against them.

 

 

 

THE TEACHER'S CHAIR

 

 

In the school in

Bukkapatnam, a teacher by the name of Kondappa was dictating 'notes' to

his pupils who were assiduously taking them down. Sathyam alone was

not doing so, which annoyed the teacher. How could he know that

Sathyam, the all-knowing and all-comprehending, had no need for taking

down any notes? He ordered Sathyam to stand upon the bench, a

punishment usually meted out to delinquent boys. The boy meekly

obeyed. Time passed and the bell struck to mark the end of that class

and Kondappa had to leave. Though he tried to get out of his chair, he

could not as it stuck to his bottom. The teacher who was to take the

next class was Mehboob Khan. He came in and understood the situation.

He asked Sathyam to get down and be seated. As soon as Sathyam took

his seat, Kondappa was automatically released from his own chair. This

was but one small leela (playful prank) of Sathyam that was played

merely to demonstrate that he was no ordinary run-of-the-mill

schoolboy. News of this episode soon spred in Bukkapatnam and caused

some unrest too. The incident proves that an incarnation of God cannot

be bound by man-made limitations. In due course, Kondappa recognized

Sathyam's divinity and also wrote and published some poems in his

praise.

 

 

When the story of

the teacher's chair reached Easwaramma, she feared for the future of

her boy's education. She cautioned Sathyam, "If you do not study hard

and succeed in your schooling, you will have no future but to eke out a

living by tending cattle." Well, can the word of Bhagavan's mother

ever go wrong? Swami did not work hard at his studies in school. But,

as His divine mother had warned, He is certainly tending cattle! What

are the animals now in His care? All living beings are now under His

care and protection! That is why He has verily become Pashupati (the

Lord of animals, one of the attributes of Lord Siva). His

simple-minded mother had never dreamt that her darling child, so remiss

at school, would eventually take up such a glorious job, that of

minding the universe as Bhagavan.

 

 

The end of the year

saw Sathyam appearing for the final examinations held in the town of

Penugonda. He came first, and the people of Penugonda took out a grand

procession in honor of this brilliant boy. In her heart of hearts,

Easwaramma was delighted at the success of her charming boy, but she

was at the same time worried that this might arouse more jealousy

amongst the other boys. Often did she wonder and feel astonished at

some of the words uttered by Sathyam, his decisions and conclusions,

the sharpness of his views and the manner in which he expounded them.

 

 

Subbamma's husband,

the Karanam, was sporting a moustache all too odd and prominent,

somewhat in the style of Hitler, his conduct also was rather unusual.

Sathyam composed songs making fun of him and organized his colleagues

to sing them in public. Easwaramma would not approve of such

mischievous activities. She entrusted the task of correcting Sathyam,

of all people, to Subbamma! Subbamma admonished Easwaramma, "That

little Guru (Master) knows how to distinguish between good and bad.

Leave it to him and let him be."

 

 

With a mere wave of

his hand, Sathyam would materialize whatever his companions asked for,

be it a fruit or a flower or sweets. When they asked to know where he

was getting them from, he merely said that some celestial beings were

giving them to him. Yes, there can be no doubt about what he claimed.

Swami is the supreme master; it is but natural that heavenly beings

should serve Him with whatever He demands!

 

 

 

 

TIGER-HUNTER CHIDED

 

 

It was around noon

one day when a driver in uniform was noticed striding into

Puttaparthi. As he walked in, birds on the branches of trees raised

loud cries of fear and distress. Sathyam was sitting in the front

portico of Karanam Subbamma's house conversing with his friends. As

the driver stepped up there, the children scattered in fright. The man

told Sathyam that his master's jeep got stranded on the other bank of

the river Chithravathi. The master was in a hot temper. Having heard

that a boy of miracles was in this village, he had come here to obtain

some vibhuti if it could get the master out of his problem. Sathyam

agreed to follow him to the jeep. The master was proudly stroking the

dead body of a tigress, evidently shot by him in the forest. Sathyam

said to him, "What harm has this poor animal done to you?" Why have

you killed it for no reason? Her two little cubs are missing their

mother and are feeling miserable. It was I who made your vehicle break

down to make you realize this. Go back to those little motherless

cubs, rescue them and entrust them to the care of a proper zoo. Never

should you kill a living being for your own pleasure and enjoyment.

You might shoot, but only with a camera, not with a gun. That would

bring you name and fame." Surprisingly, the engine of the vehicle

sprang to life with a mere touch of Sathyam, and it went back the way

it had come.

 

 

Peda Venkama Raju,

Sathyam's father, was in a panic situation at home. For defying an

Englishman, that too, one who was sporting a gun, his little son might

invite trouble from the police. On the other hand, the Englishman felt

remorseful. Some time later, he brought the skin of the dead tigress

and offered it to serve as a footrest for Sathyam. Even today it is

there in Prashanti Nilayam near Swami's throne serving Swami as His

footrest.

 

 

Each and every incident of Swami's life serves as a mirror reflecting the essentiality of Swami's divine

personality. Swami is the personification of ahimsa (principle of

non-violence). Embodiment of compassion and pity for helpless

creatures, He is Jesus Christ and Bhagavan Buddha personified.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the teacher of teachers.

 

 

Om Sri Sathya Sai Parabrahmane Namah

Santhih, Santhih, Santhih

 

 

 

 

End of Chapter 3***********DAY 2 : (Contd.)

 

 

SAI BLOSSOMS

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

 

This

Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting the entire

mankind as one family, through the bond of brotherhood; of affirming

and illuming the inner reality of each being in order to reveal the

divine which is the basis on which the entire cosmos rests; and of

instructing all to recognize the common Divine Heritage that binds man

to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal and rise to the

divine which is his goal.

 

~ Baba ~

 

 

 

Seshama

Raju married the sister of Pasumarthi Venkata Raju of Kamalapuram in

the Cuddapah district. He was keen that his younger brother, Sathyam,

should be given high school education. So he brought the youngster to

Kamalapuram and put him in the local high school. But it so happened

that Seshama Raju had to himself leave the place and go elsewhere to

undergo teachers' training.

 

 

 

PUSHPAGIRI FESTIVAL

 

 

Sometime

after Sathyam got admitted into the high school, the annual festival at

Pushpagiri, a temple town nearby, was to be held. The physical

education instructor of the school organized a scout troop for doing

service during the festival. Sathyam enrolled himself in the troop as

he felt that it would enable him to do social work and service. As he

did not have enough money to spend, he did not join the school group

going to Pushpagiri but went there separately by himself, walking all

the way. He could not afford to buy food. So he just fasted all the

days he was there. He never mentioned this either to his teacher or to

his companions. He cheerfully participated in all the social service

activities of his troop. If anyone asked him whether he had his meals,

he would hold out his hand for them to smell. His hand would smell of

sweets made of pure ghee. His friends believed that he must have taken

some tasty food at some of his relatives' house. The scoutmaster would

allocate duties evenly to all the boys in his charge, including

Sathyam, though Sathyam was not as sturdy as the others. Restoring

missing children to their parents, providing drinking water to the

pilgrims, looking after their medical requirements and rendering first

aid - these were some of the activities Sathyam was engaged in. By his

dedication and assiduousness, Sathyam set a fine example as a social

worker.

 

 

The

scout troop, of which Sathyam was a star in the Pushpagiri festivities,

was undoubtedly the precursor of the present day Sri Sathya Sai Seva

Dal which is rendering yeoman services to mankind throughout the world.

 

 

On

successfully completing his teachers' training course, Seshama Raju was

appointed as a Telugu teacher in Uravakonda. As a teacher, he was

describing to the children of his class the childish pranks of Bala

Krishna and Sri Rama, but he could not understand the meaning of the

leelas being displayed in his own home by the God incarnate. Both he

and his father mistakenly attributed them to goblins and evil spirits.

Seshama Raju firmly believed that if his little brother were entrusted

to his care, he would soon set him right by liberal used of the rod.

With a heavy heart, poor Easwaramma agreed to send her darling son to

Uravakonda.

 

 

 

 

"I AM THE SERVITOR OF ALL"

 

 

Sathyam

was admitted in grade VIII in the high school in Uravakonda. He lived

with his brother, Seshama Raju. There was no drinking water in the

house. It had to be fetched from a well a mile away from the town. To

meet daily needs, Sathyam, would bring water every day, morning and

evening, making two or three trips each time. He would carry two large

containers on each trip, slung one at each end of a bamboo pole

balanced on his shoulders. The neighbours soon discovered Sathyam's

affable and obliging nature. They would ask him, endearingly, to fetch

some water for them too! And the lad would cheerfully meet their

requirements as well.

 

 

Sathyam

returned to Puttaparthi for the holidays. Easwaramma prepared to give

her little boy an oil bath. When she set about applying oil to his

body, she found calluses on his shoulders. The skin too had darkened.

He tried to evade her anxious enquiries but, when pressed, he explained

with a disarming smile, "It is probably due to my bringing water for

our elder brother's household." Eyes brimming, the loving mother

enquired why he should have to fetch water. Sathyam replied, "How can

they live on brackish water? That apart, dear mother, is it not a fact

that I have come only to serve people?" The answer brought no solace

to the distressed mother.

 

 

Anne

Marie Marwaha, a lady employed with the German Embassy in New Delhi,

had enjoyed the good fortune of tasting the sweetness of Bhagavan's

love. On one of her visits to Puttaparthi, she asked, "Swami, what is

the true nature of your incarnation? I fail to understand it."

 

 

Bhagavan

softly replied, "What shall I say? To tell you in a nutshell, I am the

servitor of all." The reply took her by storm. In a torment of pity,

she sobbed uncontrollably. She cried, "Why do you say like this,

Baba?" Swami explained, "Dear child, that is but the simple truth.

Everyone gives Me a job to do. Whoever does everyone's errand is

indeed the servitor of all. Is it not?"

 

 

Bhagavan's

words and deeds, be them of His childhood days or of the present day,

are the same. Swami fetched drinking water as a child. Even today,

grown up as He is, He is still fetching fresh, wholesome, drinking

water. The only difference is that a new name has now been given to

his labours : Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water Project. In the olden

days, neighbours requested him, "Baba (dear boy), will you bring some

drinking water for us too?" Today, people from neighbouring districts

are praying to him, "Baba, will you give some drinking water for us

too?" Bhagavan answers, with boundless love and affection, "Yes, yes,

certainly, certainly." Some of them have only heard of Puttaparthi but

do not know where it is. They have to enquire and find out how to

reach there. In their distress, they make their arduous way to Baba,

to their Divine Mother for succour. And sure enough, the compassionate

Mother responds, "My poor children have come to Me praying, not for

sumptuous feast, but for a mere quaff of water!" The motherly

assurance of Bhagavan comes forth spontaneously, "Surely, surely." It

is not one mother speaking but a thousand mothers. Indeed, it is the

love of a million mothers!

 

 

Swami

achieves single-handedly what an entire government or a whole nation

could not accomplish. The beneficiaries are His own children. For

their welfare, He has spent, and is spending, hundreds of crores of

rupees on a drinking water project. People are grateful; but can this

immense debt of love be repaid ever?

 

 

The

Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water Project has so far covered about 750

villages and 11 towns. It is considered to be one of the marvels of

the world. Water flows through 2500 kms of pipeline and quenches the

thirst of a million people in the Rayala Seema region of Andhra

Pradesh. The nectar-like love of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is

visible in every metre of the long pipeline.

 

 

 

DO DEEDS MATCH WORDS?

 

 

During

his schooldays in Uravakonda, Sathyam was encouraged and inspired to

write a short play dealing with human values. It was significantly

titled, "Do Deeds Match Words?" The details of that play written a

long time back are topical even today.

 

 

Scene

1 of the play opens with a woman who is reading and interpreting verses

in the Sri Maha Bhagavath to a group of women. In the course of her

discourse, she exhorts her audience not to waste charity on able-bodied

beggars and the indolent, but to help only those who are infirm,

disabled, old or handicapped. After the gathering disperses, a blind

man approaches her and begs for help. She is annoyed and drives him

away. A moment later, a Haridas, wearing prominent caste marks

all over his body and singing songs, comes begging for alms. He is

playing on a stringed instrument as an accompaniment to his singing.

The lady gives him some rice as well as cash, bows to his feet and

seeks his blessings.

 

 

Krishna,

her son, is a witness to what has gone by. He is perturbed and asks

her, "Dear mother, what did you teach your friends during your

religious discourse, and what have you done just now?" She gets wild

and shouts at him, "Shut up. Does anybody do as he says?"

 

 

Scene

2 shows the same boy with his father in the latter's office. His

father extols the benefits of education and concludes his speech saying

that one should obtain good education overcoming every obstacle. A

poor boy standing outside is overhearing the inspiring words through an

open window. He comes in and says, "Sir, thanks to monetary assistance

from high-minded persons like you, I manage to pay my school fees. But

now I am short of one rupee to pay this month's fee. Kindly help me."

The gentleman replies that he does not have even a paisa with him and

opens his purse to show that it is empty. After the disappointed

student leaves, several colleagues descend on him and ask for

contributions for a function and refreshments to welcome an officer

newly posted to the office. In his opinion, he tells them, such an

important occasion deserves to be celebrated on a big scale and gives

twenty rupees as his contribution.

 

 

His

son, Krishna, a mute witness to all this, asks his father, "Daddy, you

spoke at length and in glowing terms about the value of education and

the importance of getting educated at any cost. But when that poor

school boy begged for just a single rupee for the sake of educating

himself, you turned him down. On the other hand, you have readily

parted with twenty rupees for the sake of an ostentatious waste.

Why?" The man turns on him in great annoyance, "Do deeds of people

match their words? Shut up and go to school."

 

 

In

scene 3, Krishna is seen sitting in his class. His teachers enters in

a great flurry. "The inspector of schools is visiting us today," he

tells the class. "We have finished 23 lessons so far. But if the

inspector asks you, tell him that we have completed 32. I will now do

the thirty-third lesson. Later, when the inspector comes here, I will

teach if afresh in his presence as if I am doing if for the first

time. Whatever questions I put to you now will be repeated in his

presence, so that you will impress him with your correct answes."

 

 

Krishna

meets the teacher a little later when he is alone. He asks him, "Sir,

the new lesson you taught us today is about King Sathya Harishchandra,

who was dedicated to truth irrespective of consequences. Even as you

taught us about such a noble person, you directed us to speak lies. Is

it proper?" The teacher flies into a rage and admonishes him, "Is

there anyone whose actions accord with his words?"

 

 

In

the fourth and final scene, Krishna flings his books aside and refuses

to go to school. Unable to bring him round, the parents send for his

teacher. In the presence of all the three, the boy says, "You are of

course teaching me good lessons. But you do not allow me to act on the

precepts I hear from you. Of what use are your lessons? I do not want

to learn them." The elders are spellbound but see the point. They

relent and express regrets.

 

 

This

is the substance of the short play written by Sathyam when he was

barely 12 years of age. He also donned Krishna's role when it was

played. He conveyed, through that role, to the world that hypocrisy

should be eschewed, and everyone should live up to his word. From that

day right up to this day, He has been exhorting people, "Mere words are

not enough. Your actions should conform to what you speak." This

ringing message reverberates through the entire world and guides every

aspirant (sadhaka) towards spiritual elevation.

 

 

 

THE MISSING HORSE

 

 

When

Sathyam was at school in Uravakonda, a poor Muslim of that town was

making a living by plying a horse-carriage. One day, his horse went

missing. Failing to find it, the poor man came to Sathyam for help.

The boy directed him to a wood situated about a mile and a half away

from the town. He did so and found his horse grazing there. From then

on, Muslims of the town developed great love and respect for Sathyam.

News of Sathyam's uncommon abilities spread far and wide.

 

 

Long

before this, Shirdi Sai Baba also displayed a similar miracle when a

well-to-do Muslim by the name of Chand Bhai Patil of Dhoopkheda village

in the Aurangabad District lost his mare. Disappointed and tired after

a fruitless search for the missing beast, he was dejectedly dragging

himself home with the saddle on his back. Shirdi Sai Baba saw him,

took pity at his despondency and directed him to search for his mare in

the nearby channel. Chand Patil did as told and to his great surprise

and delight found the animal there.

 

 

Now,

what is the deeper meaning of these two similar incidents? The horse

or mare represents the human mind that is ever unsteady. One who

succeeds in comprehending the true nature of mind is truly a Chitha Chor. Ashwa is the Sanskrit word for horse, meaning, one that is perpetually in motion. We normally take Ashwa

to mean a horse, but it is only its broad meaning. A horse is always

in motion, moving its leg, tail or ear every moment. Thus, 'Ashwa'

stands for the quality of unsteadiness, the state of being continuously

disturbed, restless. The Sanskrit word 'Ashwa Medha' (horse sacrifice) means "offering of one's unsteady mind to God." The Sanskrit word, 'Ashwathha'

(peepul tree), likewise refers to a tree that is in perpetual motion.

Even when there is little breeze its leaves keep moving. The human

mind also keeps on wavering similarly both during sleep and wakefulness.

 

 

Baba says that a horse-sacrifice (ashwa medha)

does not mean that the animal should be physically killed in flesh and

blood and offered to God. The true meaning is that our animal nature

should be given up as an offering to God.

 

 

 

DIVINE PUPPETEER ACTS THE DANSEUSE

 

 

When

Sathyam was at school in Uravakonda, his headmaster arranged a benefit

programme for raising funds for the school. Rishyendramani, a

celebrated dancer of those days, was to dance. Publicity material was

printed and widely distributed. But due to some unexpected

developments, she could not keep her appointment. Lakshmipathi, the

headmaster, got worried and became tense. Sathyam approached him and

told him not to worry. The item of dance that Rishyendramani was to

perform, he said, he would himself do. The amazing item that made her

justly famous was indeed very difficult to perform. She would put a

bottle made of glass on her head, position a plate thereon and place

some lighted oil lamps in the plate. She would then dance and, while

continuing with it, pick up a handkerchief from the ground with her

lips. Sathyam offered to do something more astounding. "Sir, she

picks up only a handkerchief with her lips," he said. "I will pick up

a needle with my eyelids. But please announce that the performing

artiste is Rishyendramani herself."

 

 

Several

years later, Swami described in his own words what happened on that

day. "I was made to wear a saree too big for Me. The organizers

provided a pigtail of the sort worn by women. As you know, while

dancing, the dancer flicks it from side to side. So they made it thick

and long. Lest it should fall off while I danced, they strongly tied

it all over. Strings of bells adorned my ankles. They found a jalopy

to carry me from my make-up place to the venue of the dance programme.

There was a run on tickets as nobody wanted to miss Rishyendramani's

dance.

 

 

"When

musical instruments began playing, I gently shook my ankle bells to

produce captivating sounds. The audience lost themselves in ecstasy.

The headmaster placed a bottle on the crown of my head. Another

teacher positioned a plate gingerly thereon and lighted the lamps. Why

did they do all this in public? Just to satisfy the doubters who might

be thinking that I had all these things fixed firmly and securely on my

head. It must be shown to their satisfaction that they were all

loosely positioned.

 

 

"Music

was being played for my dance. I was moving round and round on the

stage. Even as I danced, I suddenly bent down and picked up with my

eyelids, a needle placed on the ground. The audience clapped and

clapped in delight and applause. The District Collector, an English

man, came to the stage to award a medal to me. His name was Horsley.

He wanted to touch me before giving the medal. I refused. He said, "I

am just like a brother to you. I want to place this medal around your

neck." I replied, "I am just like your sister. Put it into my hand."

From the side of the stage, the headmaster was signaling to me that he

was the Collector and that I should accept without fuss. But as I was

standing there as Rishyendramani, I refused to be touched by the man.

Meanwhile, there were claps and noises from the audience asking the

Collector to hand over the medal and return to his seat. He gave it to

me and went back disappointed.

 

 

"The

President of Cuddapah District Board was Smt. Rama Subbamma during

those days. She came to the school on the next day. "It is due to

Rishyendramani," she said, "that the school could raise so much money

for constructing its building. We want to honour her and have brought

an expensive saree as a gift for her." She called out for

Rishyendramani and requested her to come onto the stage. From where

from could she come? As the audience eagerly awaiting the great

dancer, I came running. I was wearing shorts. The guard stopped me.

Then our headmaster intervened and told him, "Yesterday's

Rishyendramani is really this boy. Let him come in." Everyone was

puzzled, on seeing Me. Smt. Rama Subbamma lifted Me up into her arms,

kissed Me and said, "My dear child, you are so tender in age but have

brought great honour to us. I am proud that there are talented persons

like You in our country." She was all praise for Me. Ever since, she

showed great love for Swami. Wherever she went, she would narrate

tales of Swami's glory. This is how Swami gave a dance programme that

day in the high school in Uravakonda.

 

 

The

whole universe is a stage for the Supreme Being. Ever since that day,

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai has been assuming countless forms and

fascinating the world with His melodious music and divine dance.

 

 

 

THE STING OF A SCORPION

 

 

On

8th March 1940, a momentous event took place in Uravakonda. Sathyam

was stung by a big black scorpion. His body lost sensation; he sank

into unconsciousness. The news spread like wildfire and agitated many

people. In that region, a sting of a scorpion often meant death.

Sathyam was administered several injections and medicines but none

availed. Slowly, he recovered in a couple of days, got up on his own

and began to move about. But he seemed to have undergone a total

transformation, both mentally and physically. It was as though a

spiritual spark dormant in his inner being suddenly came to life and

began to glow. The effulgence of the Supreme Being comes only after

the darkest period. The Lord of Shirdi was about to unveil and display

in sharp relief, the immense body of his own spiritual powers through

the medium of this boy. Sathyam was often seen lost in his own

thoughts; he recited Sanskrit slokas, sang songs and gave religious

discourses. His behaviour was strange and inscrutable. Seshama Raju

and his parents were deeply concerned and confused.

 

 

Years

later, somebody gave a speech in the presence of Baba. He said, "Swami

was stung by a scorpion. That is the reason why he acquired spiritual

powers from that day." Baba who spoke after him, stated, "The person

who spoke before Me said that Swami obtained spiritual powers because

of a scorpion sting. Let him be stung by a hundred scorpions. Let us

see whether it would bring any spiritual powers to him." There is no

doubt that the incident of the scorpion sting is merely a turning point

in Swami's life. It cannot be the cause of His divine powers; it

merely marks the stage of His Sankalpam (Will) to unveil His divinity.

 

 

 

THE BESTOWER OF KNOWLEDGE

 

 

Going

back to the happenings in Uravakonda, one day, Sathyam appeared deeply

lost in himself. Suddenly, he said, "Narayana Sastry next door is

reciting the stanzas in the Sri Maha Bhagavath but is committing many

mistakes in his exposition. Send for him." Some persons went to the

learned man and requested him to come and see Sathyam. Disdainfully,

Sastry said, "Ah, he is but a mere boy. Is he finding fault with my

learning? What does he know?" He did not bother to come. But Sathyam

insisted. This time, the intermediaries could persuade the old man to

come into Sathyam's presence. The boy explained to him all the errors

he had committed. He also put to him some questions on the puranas

(sacred scriptures). The scholarly Sastry admitted his lapses and

acknowledged the corrections made by Sathyam. Astounded at the young

boy's brilliance and erudition, Sastry prostrated himself at his feet.

 

 

Even

now, occasionally, Bhagavan finds scholars whose quest for the Supreme

Reality consists merely of profound study of scriptures, sacred texts

and manthras. They devote a lot of their time to scholarly exposition

of their deep learning. But in their single-minded dedication to

learning, they fail to recognize that the very Supreme Being they are

aspiring to reach through scholarship, the very object of their

studies, is present right in front of them in human form. Scales of

intensive learning prevent their eyes from visualizing the Ultimate

Reality in the person near at hand, in flesh and blood. Looking far,

they miss what is close by. Bhagavan grants such persons proper

insight what they are in need of.

 

 

In

this context, it is relevant to recall an interesting incident that

reveals Bhagavan's profound knowledge of scriptures. A yajna was

performed during the Dussehra festivities some years back. Elaborate

arrangements were made and a special dais was erected for the purpose.

Eminent scholars of the Vedas and other scriptures were in attendance.

Some of them had no faith in Baba's divinity. They had not yet

acquired sincere love and devotion for Him. Probably because of that

casual and irreverent attitude, a lapse occurred. One of the scholars,

who was reciting a sacred manthra, committed a mistake in

pronunciation. Instead of correcting himself promptly, the scholar

went ahead thinking perhaps, that his lapse went un-noticed. Bhagavan

turned towards him, looked at him seriously for a moment and sternly

said, "Sastry, chant it again properly!" The scholar trembled as if he

was lashed. Then Swami started reciting that manthra with impeccable

intonation. The assembled scholars were astonished and joined Swami in

reciting the manthra with proper intonation.

 

 

 

FORBEARANCE

 

 

As

Sathyam's fame spread, people from far and near began flocking to

Uravakonda to meet the amazing boy. Tongues wagged. Some said that he

was a victim of some evil spell (black magic); that he was possessed by

a vile spirit; that he was controlled by a demon; and that a tantrik or

witchcraft might cure him. The distraught Seshama Raju brought in a

worshipper of Goddess Sakthi to help. Sathyam chastised him, "You are

worshiping Me every day. You are seeking My blessings daily. So how

dare you now come to give me treatment? Bow to My feet with reverence

and depart like a good boy!" The poor man got frightened, saluted

Sathyam and left.

 

 

Sathyam

was brought back from Uravakonda to Puttaparthi by his parents. He was

shown to well-known doctors of Bellary and Dharmavaram. None of them

could diagnose his problem. Now and then, Sathyam would suddenly cry

out, "There! Devathas (celestial beings) are coming. Offer Aarathi (sacred

lighting of lamps and camphor as a mark of devotion)." Such utterances

used to puzzle and distress members of his household. They were told

of a reputed exorcist near the town of Kadiri who could drive away even

the vilest and the most intractable evil spirit. Peda Venkama Raju

decided to take Sathyam to him. Together with his daughters, Seshama

Raju and Sathyam, Peda Venkama Raju travelled there in a bullock cart.

The exorcist had a dreadful mien and fiery eyes. He subjected the

fourteen-year-old boy to crude procedures and cruel corporal

punishment. He gashed the victim's shaven head with a razor at several

places. While blood flowed in streams, he poured lemon juice and onion

juice into the wounds. He rubbed an ointment in his eyes, which is

notorious for causing unbearable smarting. He poured 101 pots of water

on the bloodied and burning head. The inhuman torture, which Sathyam

silently bore with fortitude and forbearance, shocked his unfortunate

and helpless family members. They felt shaken and remorseful.

 

 

The

exorcist grew wilder because he believed that the devilish spirit that

possessed Sathyam was unyielding. Unable to bear their mental agony at

having surrendered their dear child to such inhuman torture, the family

begged the tormentor to give the boy some respite. They pleaded that

after he recovered somewhat, he would be brought back for further

treatment. Sathyam was thus rescued from further torture at the hands

of the exorcist.

 

 

Years

later, a Haridas was rendering Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's life in

His very presence. As he reached this particular episode of Swami's

bodily torture at the hands of a heartless brute, Swami intervened,

"Those details are too painful even to hear. Skip over them,

Bangaru!" Sometime later, Sri Kasturi asked, "Swami, You found it so

painful even to hear of those sufferings. Why did You agree at all to

undergo such inhuman treatment at that time?" The reply of Bhagavan

Sai is very revealing. He explained, "Whatever be the suffering this

body is put to, it will not affect Me. I transcend happiness and

sorrow of every kind. I wanted to demonstrate these aspects of Mine to

the world. That is why I endured all those tortures with patience and

forbearance. I invited that punishment willingly, because My suffering

would convince people of My spirituality; they would develop trust and

faith in Me and set foot in the rewarding realm of devotion to God (Bhakti)."

 

 

There

was a lawyer in the town of Penugonda called Krishnamacharyulu. He

came down to Puttaparthi to see Sathyam and concluded that his

condition was much more serious than he had imagined. He advised

Sathyam's elders to take him to the temple town of Ghatikachalam. He

felt that darshan of Lord Narasimha Swami (the man-lion avathar of Lord

Sri Maha Vishnu), the presiding deity there, would cure Sathyam. On

hearing the words of the lawyer, Sathyam smiled and asked him, "Sir, I

am the presiding deity at Ghatikachalam. Are you advising that I

should be taken for my own darshan?"

 

 

 

"I AM SAI BABA"

 

 

 

 

It

was now 23rd May 1940. Sathyam was sitting in the front portico of his

home in Puttaparthi materializing sugarcandy and flowers and

distributing them to one and all. The scene was one of merriment and

delight. Some went to Peda Venkama Raju and invited him to come and

enjoy the wonderful spectacle. The poor father could not tolerate what

he thought was his son's cheap trickery or sleight of hand. He picked

up a stout stick and marched to Sathyam and demanded, "Who are you?

Tell me. Are you god or an evil spirit?" Sathyam looked at his

father. He was perfectly serene. Calmly but clearly and firmly, he

said, "I am Sai Baba! I am of Aapasthamba Soothra and of Bharadwajasa Gothra.

I have come to rescue all of you, smitten as you are with fear and lack

of mental equanimity. Your ancestor, Venka-Avadhootha, prayed to Me to

take birth in your family. In response to his prayers, I have

incarnated!" Peda Venkama Raju was thunder-struck. He did not notice

that the big stick in his hand slipped to the floor.

 

 

Why

did his father, Peda Venkama Raju, become so overcome and speechless in

a moment? Why did he undergo such immediate transformation at the

mention of the great Avadhootha's name?

 

 

The

house of Kondama Raju, father of Peda Venkama Raju, used to be visited

often by a great person called Venka-Avadhootha. He wore a perpetual

smile on his face. He was a picture of spiritual equanimity and

bliss. The clothes he wore would wear out and be reduced to shreds on

his body but he never cared. If he placed his palm on any person's

head, that person would taste profound spiritual experience. Nobody

knew where he stayed, when he would come and where he would go. He was

a Sanyasi (renunciate) in every sense of the term; he was just

like a piece of wood floating free in a stream of water. Such

realized, noble persons who have attained supreme levels of

renunciation and non-involvement are known as Avadhoothas. In

the learned opinion of those familiar with sublime realms of knowledge,

Venka-Avadhootha was the same as Venkusa, who had fostered Shirdi Sai

in his childhood. The Avadhootha used to spend time now and then with

Kondama Raju discussing spiritual matters.

 

 

One

day, both of them sat conversing in a banana plantation. All of a

sudden, Venka-Avadhootha fell silent. Kondama Raju enquired why he so

abruptly became silent. The reply was, "Kondama Raju, Mother Earth is

weeping. Don't you hear her sobs?" Kondama Raju stared in disbelief.

Venka-Avadhootha went on, "Very soon, the Supreme Being, will incarnate

Himself on earth in human form! You are destined to witness that

incarnation!" He repeated the words a couple of times. He asked

Kondama Raju to place his hand in his own and assert that he earnestly

believed the extraordinary prediction. Sometime later,

Venka-Avadhootha left his physical body.

 

 

Now,

Peda Venkama Raju heard his son mentioning the glorious name of the

great ancestral saint. Like a flash, he remembered the closeness of

that divine person with this family, and also his fantastic prediction

about the coming incarnation! When details of what happened reached

the ears of the aged Kondama Raju, his eyes swam in tears of

happiness. But then, there was a small hitch. None of them who were

present there and heard Sathyam speak knew who Sai Baba was. Who was

he?

 

 

Peda

Venkama Raju heard that a government official had arrived at Penugonda

on transfer in his job and also that he daily worshipped a fakir called

Sai Baba. So, one day, he took his son to him. That gentleman saw the

boy and declared that he was suffering from some brain disorder and

needed to be admitted into a hospital for proper treatment. On hearing

his advice, Sathyam asked him, "Whose brain is ill, yours or mine? You

daily worship this very Sai present right before you in flesh and

blood, but fail to recognize Him as you have no brain." He asked him

to hold his hands; and waving his hand, materialized heaps of Vibhuti

and poured it into his hand. He also threw it all over the terrified

man's residence.

 

 

On

a Thursday, one of the persons gathered around Sathyam asked for some

proof that he was Sai Baba. Sathyam asked him whether he did indeed

need proof. Then he called for jasmine flowers. Taking them in his

hands, he flung them onto the floor. To the astonishment of everyone,

the flowers arranged themselves to read "Sai Baba" in the Telugu

script. All doubts melted away.

 

 

 

THE GREAT ANNUNCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

It

was now Monday, 20th October 1940. Sathyam was then in Uravakonda

having resumed his interrupted schooling. He was on his way to school,

when suddenly, he turned back, returned home, flung his books away and

cried out loudly, "I no longer belong to you. Maya (delusion)

has left Me. My devotees are eagerly calling Me." On hearing these

loud words, his sister-in-law looked out of her kitchen window. She

saw a halo of blinding luminescence around Sathyam's head. "I am

leaving," he told her, "the work I have come here for has to be

initiated." As he said these words, his brother, Seshama Raju, and the

neighbour, Narayana Sastry, arrived on the scene. On seeing the

splendorous halo, Sastry fell at the feet of Sathyam. Seshama Raju

stood speechless and motionless.

 

 

Glorious

with the crown of effulgent light, Sathyam walked to a nearby large

garden belonging to Anjaneyulu, an Inspector of Excise. He sat on a

boulder there. Several eager devotees sat around him. Sathyam began

singing a bhajan song, the first in the vast body of bhajan songs,

which are now resounding all over the world!

 

 

"Manase Bhajare Guru Charanam,

Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam"

 

 

First,

learn that you are in Bhava Sagara (ocean of worldly life); next,

resolve on Tharanam (crossing it); then fix a Guru or any name and form

of God, which appeals to you. Then, dwell on His Glory; do bhajan, but

do it with all your mind and concentration; sing in praise of the

Master's Lotus Feet with all your heart; it enables you to cross the

difficult-to-cross ocean of the birth-death cycle.

 

 

Devotees

forgot themselves as they sang in tune with him. Some lighted joss

sticks. Others garlanded Sathyam. A photographer turned up and

prepared to photograph him. A small rock stood in front of Sathyam

intruding into the picture and the cameraman desired it to be removed.

Sathyam said,"Let it be. Go ahead and take your photograph." When the

film was eventually developed and printed, that small stone was seen to

the astonishment of every one, as Shirdi Sai Baba's form.

 

 

 

REFERENCES TO BHAGAVAN SATHYA SAI BABA IN ANCIENT TREATISES

 

 

Dr

E.V.V. Sastry, a member of the Astrological Research Society of India,

studied several Nadi treatises written thousands of years ago by

various sages, and discovered therein many stunning references to

Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, which he published. Some excerpts are given

here.

 

 

*

Agasthya Nadi says, "Sathya Sai Baba will heal diseases of people with

lightning speed. By His mere will, He will bestow health. Many

educational institutions will be established by Him, He will publish

numerous books on spiritual subjects. He will develop spirituality in

humanity. To establish Dharma and to resuscitate Dharma, will

constitute the principal features of His mission. In His earlier

incarnation, he would be Shirdi Sai Baba. He will be the embodiment of

kindness and compassion. He is the Father of the Universe! He will be

an all-merciful Avathar of God, preceptor, protector and Father of the

world..."

 

 

* Budha Nadi records, "Baba will be eternally immersed in Anandam (Bliss)!"

 

 

*

Shukra Nadi says, "His residence will be called Prashanti Nilayam. By

emphasizing the principles of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi and Prema. He

will establish and spread peace all through the world. He always

delights in serving humanity. He will be possessing all powers and

siddhis. The person of divine aspects would be previously Shirdi-vasi

(resident of Shirdi). He is Sankalpa-Siddha (whatever He wills,

happens)... He will be in Nirvikalpa Samadhi state... He is God

Incarnate! He will derive immense joy in the service of mankind."

 

 

*Sri

Chinnadurai consulted Brahma Nadi and found therein precise references

to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai. "In His life, Thursdays will be sacred

days. By the way He will live and act, He would create the illusion of

being just an ordinary individual residing in Puttaparthi. He will

bear the name of Narayana. He will be the incarnation of Siva-Shakthi;

and the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai. Born on the banks of the river

Chithravathi in a tranquil environment, He will be the embodiment of

Supreme Equanimity."

 

 

*In

Padma Puran, authored by the great Rishi Parasara, it is written, "In

the village named Parthi will be born a person called Sathyam. He will

be 5 feet 3 inches high. He will act like a powerful magnet capable of

drawing to Himself the whole world." Baba Himself informed devotees

that Padma Puran was translated into English by an Englishman called

Wilson. Baba also said that the complete copy of Jaimini Bharatham,

which contains clear references to Sathya Sai, is in the possession of

some spiritually elevated persons.

 

 

*

In Vishnu Puran, it was mentioned that He will display great super

human powers in establishing the New Age of Truth. His parents will be

devotees of Lord Vishnu and will reside in a village worshipping the

cowherd form of Sri Krishna.

 

 

*

Sri Aurobindo was a great Yogi (Maha Yogi) and a great Rishi

(Maharshi). He was immersed in intense spiritual Sadhana (practice of

austerities) and meditation) at his ashram in Pondicherry between 1923

and 1926. He was praying that God should take birth in this world for

the spiritual elevation of mankind. On 24th November, 1926, he emerged

out of his Samadhi (Spiritual Trance) and announced, "Yesterday, God

incarnated Himself on the earth. With His boundless divine powers, He

will direct humanity's mind towards higher, nobler goals. In every

heart, He will light a spiritual lamp. His Godly voice will ring in

the ears of the whole of humanity." It is clear from the date of

incarnation mentioned by Maharshi Aurobindo that he was referring to

Sri Sathya Sai only.

 

 

*

Prophet Mohammed's discourses were published in 25 volumes, seven

centuries after his death. The collection of those volumes is named

The Ocean of Light. Several symbolic features by which the coming

Master of the World could be identified have been mentioned in the

Volume 13, Mehedi Moud, meaning in Arabic 'the Great Teacher who was

Promised'. They are : "He will have very thick hair on His head. His

forehead will be broad. He will have a birthmark on His cheek. His

face will always look clean-shaven. He will wear only a pair of

clothes. His dress will be of flaming red colour. The colour of His

face will look sometimes like copper, sometimes golden, sometimes

brownish, and sometimes like the moon. His physical form will be

small. His feet will be delicate, like those of a young girl. Right

from the moment of His birth, He will carry all knowledge in His head.

So also the entire corpus of the world's religions and precepts will be

in Him right from His birth. He can grant whatever one prays to God

for. All the riches of the world will lie at His feet. He will go

amidst his devotees, move among them and touch their heads with his

palm. Whosoever sets eyes on him will experience supreme bliss. He

will take residence on a hill. He will live for 95 years. He will

fill the world with peace and tranquility. This Lord of the World will

produce His own forms (symbols) out of His own body and His mouth..."

In this manner, as many as 27 references have been made which clearly

and unmistakably apply to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai.

 

 

*

Nostradamus, the French futurist of the 16th Century, wrote a book

called "Centuries" in which he wrote, the coming ruler of the world

will appear in Asia... The triplicity of waters will give birth to

Him. He will consider Thursdays as sacred. All the countries of the

world will wonder at, and admire Him for his boundless wisdom and

powers. From all parts of the world, people will come to honour Him.

 

 

*

The Book of Revelations in the Bible describes the advent of the great

Master. An angel appears before John and reveals, "... Behold a white

horse; and He that sat upon it was called Faithful and True... His eyes

were as a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns... He was

clothed with a vesture dipped in blood... and His name is called the

Word of God... Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword..."

 

 

The Embodiment of Compassion and Love, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been so described in numerous religious treatises.

 

 

A hundred salutations to His Lotus Feet!

 

 

 

Om Sri Sathya Sai Parabrahmane Namah

Santhih, Santhih, Santhih

 

 

 

End of Chapter 4

 

(From : 'Thapovanam' Sri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra by "Santisri" Jandhyala Venkateswara Sastry)

Copyright reserved by Author (1928-2003)

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