Sri Sathya Sai Baba for Beginners

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color:red">SRI SATHYA SAI BABA FOR BEGINNERS

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font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Sai Baba once gave the ESSENCE of

his mission as follows:

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10.0pt;color:blue;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">'I have come to

light the lamp of love in your hearts to see that it shines day by day with

added lustre. I have not come to speak on behalf of any particular spiritual

practice or Hindu philosophy. I have not come on any mission of publicity for

any sect or creed or cause; nor have I come to collect followers for any

doctrine. I have no plans to attract disciples or devotees to my fold or any

fold. I have come to tell you of this universal faith, this divine

consciousness, this path of love, this philosophy of love, this duty of love,

this obligation of love.'

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font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">So, Sai Baba we may call a great

spiritual teacher for ALL mankind.

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font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> As Sai Baba has said above,

there no ONE path, only that which empowers the human race with love. This

small place on the web will look at what Sai Baba helps us to discover ... what

it means to be humans following an obligation of love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba, also known as ‘Sai

Baba’ or simply ‘Swami’ to millions of people in the world is

revered by many of his followers as a Divine Teacher. He is revered as Divine

because he is seen to exhibit divine characteristics. He is also revered as a

Teacher, as he has come to teach humanity the path to blessedness, which has

been forgotten.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba is the Divine Teacher

among Divine Teachers such as Rama, Krishna, Zoroastra,

Jesus, Guru Nanak and the Buddha.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Early Life of Sai Baba

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba was born on 23rd of

November 1926, in an isolated village called Puttaparthi, in the State of Andhra

Pradesh in India. He was the

fourth child of a humble, hardworking couple and was named Sathya Narayana

Raju. In May 1940, at the age of 14 he disclosed that he was the reincarnation

of Sai Baba of Shirdi. This Sai Baba of Shirdi, although a Brahmin by birth,

lived the life of a Muslim fakir in the village of Shirdi until 1918.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba of Shirdi laid the foundation of

Hindu-Muslim unity in northern India by the example

of his life and activities. Before his death he prophesied that he would be

reborn 8 years later. After disclosing that he was the same Shirdi Sai Baba, he

threw down his school books and told that He was leaving as His devotees were

calling for him. Cutting the familial cords of attachment, the young Sai Baba

commenced fostering his devotees.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba’s Ashram

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">In 1945, devotees began the construction

of a temple and residential buildings for an ashram, about a mile away from His

village. Sathya Sai Baba named this ashram, Prashanthi Nilayam. Today thousands

of Sai devotees converge at Prashanthi Nilayam. Sathya Sai Baba has come for mankind

and not for any other particular peoples, faith or interests. His teachings are

universal, and not exclusive toward any one religious or cultural group.

Devotees, seekers and adherents of all faiths, from all nationalities and

countries find their way to Prashanthi Nilayam driven by a quiet conviction

that they have to encounter Sai Baba, attend Darshan, and learn more of Him and

His teachings.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The small village of Puttaparthi now has Sathya Sai

font-family:"TimesNew Roman";color:black"> Schools and University,

a spiritual museum, and a Super Specialty Hospital equal to any

facility in the world. Sathya Sai Baba’s hospitals provide free medical

treatment and all the Sathya Sai schools from kindergarten to Post Graduate

provide free education. Sathya Sai Baba has also auspiced and provided several

clean drinking water projects, providing water to in excess of 1000 villages in

the state of Andhra Pradesh. A new Super Specialty Hospital was recently

opened in Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba says I have come to

reconstruct the ancient highway to God”. His task and mission is to

revive the spiritual fervor of humanity through Truth and Love, whereby mankind

will seek to live with love and cooperation instead of hate and competition.

Sathya Sai Baba has come to unite the entire mankind as one family in the bond

of brotherhood.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Human Life - Human Values

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Humanity is blessed with the means of

creating a lifestyle in accordance with personal choice. Those choices are

governed by values, what is important. Sathya Sai Baba teaches that humankind,

in order to be truly human, ought to be guided by the transcendent values of

Love, Peace, Non-Violence, Right Conduct and Truth. These values are found in

all the major religions of humanity, and exist in all times and in all places.

It is the practice of these values that make man truly human. Thus, one is able

to recognise the Divinity within oneself and one’s fellow man.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Respect all Religions

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba has not come to establish

a new religion; neither has He come to convert people to any one faith. Sathya

Sai Baba says “Let the different faiths exist. Let them flourish. Let the

glory of God be sung in all languages and in a variety of tunes”.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Character and Integrity

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Devotion, Discipline, Devotion,

Discrimination and Determination are the character of the truly noble human

person. Sathya Sai Baba’s teaches that the true human following human

values always acts with thought, word and deed in alignment. This makes for a

life of peace, truth, love, right conduct and non violence. This creates good

character and integrity, thus ennobling the doer. Sathya Sai Baba says

“Education without character, science without humanity, politics without

principles and commerce without morality are not only useless, but positively

dangerous”. What humanity needs now is examples of good character and

integrity, particularly among the youth of the nation.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Guidelines for Goodness

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">While Sathya Sai Baba is concerned with

the soul of man, He recognizes that man is a social person as well and has

obligations to society. He requires all His devotees to undertake the code of

conduct for their spiritual development and observe the 10 principles to ensure

a fruitful and harmonious life in society.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sathya Sai Baba is the Omnipresent,

Omnipotent and Omniscient One. As such, His nature is unfathomable. He has this

to say of the world: 'There is only one religion - the religion of Love. There

is only one language - the language of the Heart. There is only one caste - the

caste of Humanity. There is only one God - and He is Omnipresent.

color:red">Spirituality

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Spirituality brings up many connotations

for different peoples. For some it is prayer and contemplation; for others it

is something you "do", a practical activity, like going to church or

temple. Other people see spirituality as burning candles and incense, sitting

cross-legged and either chanting or listening to chants. The more silent types

may be attracted to spirituality as a way of life, something you

"be". The fruits of prayer, or yoga or meditation inform and shape

their presence in the world. Such people seem more self assured, happier, and

lead simpler lives. There is an indefinable quality in their lives that touches

others. We all like to be with such people.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">For others, religion is the keyword that

describes their experience. Many may recall going to church, temple or

synagogue as a young person; family is an important environment for spiritual

nurturing. People will recall these experiences (or lack of) with positive or

negative feelings. Many people are influence or make decisions about religion

and spirituality on the impact of the leaders - prophets, teachers, gurus or

priestly leaders. Most religions have clearly identifiable leaders and there

can be positive or negative perceptions about spirituality and religion based

on the words, teachings and behaviours of the leaders in religion.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in"> For some leaders,

spirituality is action, action that helps the doer to see the basic dignity of

the human person, action that connects or reconnects one to another at the very

basic roots of what it means to be human, to be loved, to be healed of pain and

hurt. Such is the spirituality of selfless service.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Just to be clear, Sai Baba tells us that

spirituality is essential for

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> health of the body

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> peace of mind

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> bliss of spirit

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">So these fruits or end - like - verifiable

- and - knowable states would be necessary for any teaching or religious system

to be of value to humanity at large. Sai Baba says that all religions and

spiritual teachings are like pathways up the rocky mountain to God. The

different paths urge men to seek greater control over their lives and lives

filled with more spirit. Peace comes from a sense of connectedness to all. Sai

Baba is very broad minded, and encourages all to express that broadmindedness

and listen softly to the story of all religions.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in"> Moreover, it is not the

religion of Sai Baba or the guidelines laid down in any religion that will save

a man or woman from one fate or another. We create the result we see around us

and near-death experience is showing some common elements for the afterlife.

What is needed is a *FIT* between the you and the teachings of a religion or a

spiritual discipline you may choose to follow ... what works for you, without

you having to surrender common sense or your innate sense of right and wrong.

color:red">Sayings of Sai Baba

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">To enable you to realise the Lord within

you as the Prime Motivator is the task for which I have come in human form. I

have come to correct the intelligence by various means. I have come to reveal

to people the worth of the Vedas, the Scriptures, and other spiritual texts.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">A society without values will cease to be

human. The more human values are cherished; the better will be the growth of

society, the nation and the world. We cannot rest content with an education system

which is confined to academic achievement. It has to simultaneously promote

human virtues. The main problem of our education is to adapt the spiritual and

cultural traditions we have inherited from the past, to the needs of daily life

today.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">I do not appreciate in the least the

distinctions between the various appearances of God. I do not proclaim that

this is more important or that is less important. Continue your worship of your

chosen God along the lines already familiar to you.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">I have come

to give you the treasure of Bliss; to tell you how to tap that spring; for you

have forgotten the way to blessedness.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">My activities

or movements will never be altered whoever may pass whatever opinion on them.

Not even the biggest scientist can understand Me by any laboratory knowledge. I

am always full of bliss whatever may happen. Nothing can ever come in the way

of My smile. That is why I am able to impart joy to you and make your burden

lighter.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">I never exalt when I am extolled nor

shrink when I am reviled. Few people have realised My purpose and significance.

I am the dweller in the temple of every heart.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">"There are four types of persons: the

‘dead’, who deny the Lord and declare that they alone exist,

independent and self-directed: the ‘sick’, who call upon the Lord

when some calamity befalls them or when they feel temporarily deserted by the

unusual source of succor: the ‘dull’, who know that God is the

eternal companion and watchman, but who remember it only off and on when the

idea is potent and powerful: and lastly the ‘healthy’, who have

steady belief in the Lord and who live in His Comforting Creative Presence always".

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">"That is My path, the path of Prema,

along which I shall take you. This I offer as my visiting card to every one of

you when you come to Me. I know your name, your degrees, your profession, your

status and your history. But you do not know Mine. I have no need to know all

about you from perusal of your cards: but I want you to know something of My

glory: and so I give you a glimpse of it, as a Mahima. But I also give you

enough of My Prema so that you can mix a little of it with whatever you do or feel

or think and make it sweet and palatable".

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Man in his ignorance finds contentment in

separating himself from the rest for the search of his own happiness,

forgetting that he cannot be happy unless all are happy. He pollutes himself

through the cultivation of pride. He uses time for degrading himself to the

bestial level. The thirst of sensual greed can be prevented by keeping good

company and putting into practice the axioms of good conduct that one can

imbibe from it.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The company of good persons shall promote

good thoughts. It is good thoughts that help us to strengthen our will power,

which is the basis of acquiring other qualities, that is, discrimination,

determination, intelligence, and enquiry, but this will power becomes weak due

to limitless desires. It is a great pity that the mind of man is making him

sacrifice the good things in life like the love of God, fear of sin and social

morality.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Man by his very nature has a tendency to

make an effort to satisfy the desires that arise within him or which are

prompted through senses from without. Very often these are deleterious. Is

there any end to the list of your worldly desires? When you satisfy one,

another starts tantalizing you. If something is lost or stolen from you, you

lose faith in Me. I have not come to guard your jewels and your valuables. I

have come to guard your virtues and character, and guide you to the Goal.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">I am engaged

in the task for which I have come. I shall not stop. I am full of bliss. Many

hesitate to believe that things will improve, that life will be happy for all

and the Golden Age will return. Let me assure you that This Divine Body has not

come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon

humanity.'

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The relationship between the individual

and society has to be rightly understood. Why should the individual serve

others? What claims has society on the individual? When we examine these

issues, we realize that the individual can find fulfillment only in society.

Born in society, growing up in society, living in society, man's life too ends

in society. Man cannot exist for a moment away from society. In the word

samaajam (society), "sam" represents unity, "aa" means

going towards. Samaajam means marching forward in a united manner

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">"You must have noticed that I do not

speak about Sai in My Discourses, nor do I sing of Sai during the Bhajan with

which I usually conclude My discourses. And you must have wondered why. Let me

tell you the reason. I do not want the impression to gain ground that I desire

this name and this Form to be publicized. I have not come to set a new cult. I

do not want the people to be misled on this point. I affirm that this Sai form

is the Form of all the Various Names that man uses for the adoration of the

Divine. So, I am teaching that no distinction should be made between the names

Rama, Krishna, Iswara, and

Sai, for they are all My Names".

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">There is no benefit accrues without

adherence to proper discipline. Everything should be within certain limits. Our

body is the best example for this. If the body temperature crosses the limit of

98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, fever sets in. 120/80 is the perfect blood pressure,

crossing which the body will be subjected to ill-health. Even the eyes can see

light only up to a particular level of intensity. The retina of the eye will

get burnt if you try to see excessive light. Thus, God has set certain limits

to everything in His creation. So, man should keep a check over his desires.

Otherwise, he will be put to danger. Only when man leads a regulated life, can

he enjoy health and happiness.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The earth is a caravanserai where men come

and stay for the night and when dawn breaks they tramp their different ways.

Kith and kin are the words we use for the attachment to the travelers

cultivated in the caravanserai during the short term of acquaintance. Husband

and wife are like two pieces of wood drifting down a flooded river; they float

near each other for some time and when current comes between, they are parted;

each must move on to the sea at its own rate and in its own time. There is no

need to grieve over the parting of the two.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">A discourse of Sai Baba

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba gives discourses on festival

days, such as New Year Day, several Indian New Year days (different from

January 1st) and on other religious festivals, such as Christmas, and important

Indian religious festivals. Sai Baba speaks about aspects of human life that

will lead the human to the knowledge and experience of the Divine within. This

is the main purpose of all his discourses. Below is an annotated discourse,

given in 1999.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Song

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba frequently begins his discourses

with songs. These songs, sung in either Baba's mother tongue, Telugu, or in

Sanskrit (the language of the ancient Indian sages) pronounce eternal truths

and wisdom. Note the song hereunder:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Life

without love is like an electric wire without power supply, a field without

water, a temple without a God and a school without teacher.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Speech is the cause of prosperity

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Speech is the cause of friendship

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Speech is the cause of bondage

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">And speech may even cause death.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">(Sanskrit Verse)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">The Power of

Speech

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">In this world, speech carries more value

than money. In ancient times, people used to give immense value to speech. With

the help of speech they were able to become rich and prosperous; they could

even win kingdoms. Man becomes virtuous only when his speech is good; he

becomes evil when his speech is bad. Speech promotes friendship. It also brings

about differences between friends. Speech promotes affinity among relatives. It

also creates discord. The effects of speech are not confined to passing worldly

matters only; speech also affects our spiritual progress. Speech may even cause

death. Too, speech can save one's life. Sweet speech brings you name and fame.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">As man today has lost his pleasant speech

and sweet temper, he is subjected to innumerable ordeals and sufferings. That

is why I tell the students now and then, you cannot always oblige but you can

speak always obligingly. When the speech is good, man becomes a hero. But, man

will become a zero if the speech is not good. Who is a hero? God is the only

hero and the world is a zero. So, you should make friendship with that hero.

The eternal nature of the Divine Love, which is blemishless, selfless and pure,

this divine love alone stands the test of true friendship. When you enjoy the

proximity of such a friend, you will be free from fear even in the face of

insurmountable difficulties. Lack of faith is the cause of fear in man. So,

cultivating faith in the Divine is the foremost task of man. Endowed with such

faith, one can achieve success in every kind of task.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba then sings a song about the

failure of humanity to understand the power of speech, and the resulting loss

of peace.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">What is the root cause

of disturbance and restlessness in the world? Due to their ignorance, people

have lost fear of sin and love for God, resulting in the depravity of human

nature. What a blow to the cause of peace in the world! (Telugu Poem)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Seek Love

Within

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Man today has made giant strides in all

fields. But, the progress he has registered can be compared to an electric wire

without current since he does not possess human values. Love of God has

infinite power. Here is an example. People are coming here from far off places

in India and

from different countries spending a lot of money and time. Why do they gather

here? What is the reason? They find something here which they do not find in

their family members, in friends, in relatives, in the society they live in and

also in their countries. If they were able to find it in themselves or in their

societies or in their countries, they would have never come here. What do they

find here? You find love here. For the sake of experiencing Divine Love, you

all embark on long and arduous journeys. But, if you make a thorough

observation and investigation into the matter, you will be able to know that

love is present within you only. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declared:

"The eternal Atma in every human being

is a part of My Being".

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Hence, the Divine Love is present in every

individual. But, human beings, unable to realize the truth that love is present

within himself, thinks that it is something separate or different from him, and

undertakes long journeys searching for love. Know that the Divine is not

different from you - That omnipresent

essence which is God has His hands, feet, eyes and mouth everywhere.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">To have a vision of God, who is

omnipresent, you have to make certain enquiries. The Vedas proclaim That

omnipresent essence which is God (Brahman) is all-pervasive. The Divine is

immanent in every being. Man should cultivate good qualities if he wants to

realize the truth of these statements. Without such qualities, man cannot

realize even a fraction of the truth of the statement verily all this is Brahman. By means of

good qualities only one can recognize the Divine who is omnipresent.

Cultivating good qualities is the basic tenet of devotion.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Cultivation of virtues, right attitude,

and adherence to truth, discipline and sense of duty are the signs of devotion.

Only those who develop these qualities can be called devotees.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Our foremost task is to cultivate good

qualities. The Sanskrit word "Sath" stands for eternity, which is

called "Being". We should acquire the qualities of "Being".

What are these qualities? They are attributelessness, purity, steadfastness and

enlightenment. It is not an easy task to acquire all these qualities. However,

there is one way out. As all the virtues are embedded in pure, selfless and

divine love, if you develop love, all the virtues will manifest in you. The

true nature of love should be cultivated to experience the Divinity latent in

you.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Who am I?

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Several ways were taught in the Hindu

Scriptures to clarify one question - "Who am I?" What is its inner

significance? The "I" is all-pervasive. Question yourself, "Who

am I?" A doubt may also arise as to why I should try to know "Who am

I" when there are so many other things of interest in this age of

information. If you find out an answer to this question, you will be able to

realize not only your true nature, your true identity, but also the true

identity of the millions of people in the world. You will be able to recognize

the true nature of every individual.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Whenever you come across a stranger you

ask him, "Who are you?" and waste your time. Instead, question

yourself, "Who am I?" By finding out the answer to this question you

will be able to very easily find out who he is, as the true nature of every

human being is one and the same. Every human being refers to himself as

"I". The word "I" is applicable to every individual. If you

understand this one word "I", you can understand the real nature of

every being in the world.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Here is an example. Look at these bulbs

and tube lights. Their colours, wattage and shapes are different. You know that

the electric current that flows through these different bulbs is one and the

same. The ancient scriptures teach, "Truth is one, but scholars refer to

it by many names". Likewise, forms are different, names are different, but

the divine vibration is one and the same. So, there is only One without a

second. That is Divinity. If you recognize Divinity, you will be able to

understand the nature of the Self immanent in all individual beings. Everything

has emanated from the Divine.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Here is an example. First you were alone.

Later you got married. Before marriage you had only two legs and you enjoyed

greater freedom. You could go wherever you wanted to go. After marriage, you

acquired two more legs and your movements were restricted, as you did not feel

like leaving your wife alone at home. This is bondage. Your wish to have a son

might be fulfilled after two years. With the arrival of the son, you added two

more legs. Your movements were further impeded. With the passage of time, you

might feel bad for not having a baby girl though you had a son who could uplift

your family and bring name and fame. Two more legs were added with the birth of

a daughter. The greater the number of legs, the lesser the freedom would be.

You would give away your daughter in marriage. Members of the bridegroom's

family would become your relatives. With the arrival of the daughter-in-law,

the members of her family too would become your relatives. In this manner one

becomes many. Here oneness is the cause of multitudinous. If you realize this

truth, the scriptural axiom one Brahman

multiplies itself into many can be understood easily. To realize

this oneness as the unifying force of the multitudinous is the

normal">summum bonum of the Indian Culture. But, man today is not

thinking on these lines. He is dividing oneness into many. He is carried away

by attachments at physical level and is fully immersed in worldly relations

like son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson and the like. This attachment leads

to bondage, if he realizes the truth that the nature of the Self is one and the

same in every being, there will be no suffering.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Cultivate

Purity and Divinity

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The world is like a cinema and the Atma is

the screen. The different projections that appear on the screen are transient,

whereas the screen remains as it is. That is why Hindu Scripture proclaims

"Brahman is Truth, the world is an

illusion". The pictures in the form of projections on the

screen come and go, but the screen does not change. Let us analyze this from

the standpoint of the scriptural statement "

italic">the entire universe is Brahman". When the pictures

appear on the screen, it become invisible. Where does it go? It is there within

the picture, but it is invisible. But, without the screen you cannot see the

pictures.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Observation reveals the fact that the

screen is not at all affected either by the innumerable visuals or by the sound

effects. The fire that appears on the screen does not burn it. A tempest

appears, it may even uproot the trees. The screen depicts the scenes, but it is

not affected by them. Sometimes, we see floods on the screen. Rivers like the Ganga,

the Yamuna and the Godavari may overflow. But, the

screen is not drenched. What is the reason? Floods, earthquakes and tempest

that appear on the screen are not real and so the screen is not affected by

them. It remains as a witness. Your heart is a big screen, which is changeless.

On the screen of the heart, you see sufferings, happiness and ordeals. All

these are transient scenes like passing clouds. None of the scenes is

permanent. Only the screen of your heart is permanent. That is Divine. It is

also called conscience which is the eternal truth.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The conscious perception of what is going

around and the people we come across through bodily senses and mental powers is

transient. Conscience is within. It vibrates throughout the body, whereas

conscious perception is associated with the senses. Where do these two,

conscience and conscious perception, come from? Both have their origin in all

pervading universal consciousness. Where do you find consciousness? It is not

confined to one place. It is infinite, immutable, invisible and all-pervasive.

First, you should understand this consciousness. You can then attempt to merge

it with Divine Consciousness. This merger leads to bliss and liberation.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">What should we do to attain this? Air is

everywhere. It is invisible and we cannot catch it. But nobody has got any

right to deny its existence. It is our life force. So, it does exist and it is

all pervasive. In your body this air is in a limited quantity. If you inflate a

balloon, the air, which is all pervasive, enters the balloon. But, the quantity

is limited. If you tie the balloon securely with a string, the air in it cannot

merge with the air outside. What is the reason? It has a limitation as it is

encased in a balloon. What should be done to overcome the limitation? The

encasement should be destroyed. How? Pump more and more air into the balloon

till it bursts. Then the limited air in the balloon will get merged with the

infinite air outside. Likewise, the body, which is only a vesture of the

divine, is the cause of bondage. In the body also, there is the air of

divinity. But, it is limited and bound. If you cultivate purity and divinity

more and more, attachment to the body gets destroyed, which will lead to

liberation.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The body is composed of

the five elements. It is subject to change and death. It is stated that life

span of man is a hundred years but do not trust these words. It may drop away

in childhood or in youth or in the middle age or in old age. It may fall away,

Oh man, in a village or in a forest or in the midst of waters. The body is full

of filth and is subject to all sorts of afflictions and diseases. It is bound

by the cycle of birth and death. It cannot cross the ocean of life. Oh mind!

Believe not that it will exist forever. Take refuge at the feet of the Lord.

(Telugu Poem)

10.0pt;color:black">

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Rise above

Earthly Joys

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">For the sake of physical gratification,

you undergo many ordeals from dawn to dusk. What do you gain out of it? You are

able to experience ephemeral pleasures only. But, you should realize the truth

that eternal bliss is within you. You should strive to experience that bliss.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">God is not different from you. He is not

confined to places like temples, mosques and churches. He is omnipresent. He is

the resident of your heart. The body is the temple

of God. So, you should strengthen

the feelings of love within you. You do develop love, but it is based on bodily

relationship. You love your son, your father and your mother. You identify

yourself with the body, so you direct your love towards those with whom you

have a relationship with at the physical level. You are not able to manifest

the kind of love which is beyond name and form. Love has no form. It does not

differentiate between young and old or man and woman. Love is love. It cannot

be compared to anything else. Love is the very form of the Divine. Love is God.

Live in love. How do you do this?

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Start the day with Love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Spend the day with Love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Fill the day with Love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">End the day with Love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">This is the way to God.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">You can cultivate love in several ways.

But, you should not limit it to the bodily needs and your relations. However,

as long as you live in the world, you do need the warmth of relationship. You

can wish for the welfare and progress of someone else. You can also share his

or her happiness. But, all these feelings are limited to the physical

relationship, which is transient.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The human being has both the head and the

heart. Whatever comes from the head is related to the worldly affairs only.

Reading, writing, walking, feelings of pain and pleasure belong to the head.

These are all ephemeral. Eternal values like truth, love, patience and

compassion emanate from the heart. What comes from the head is worldly and ephemeral.

What comes from the heart is transcendental and eternal. That which comes from

the heart leads to the inward path. But, all that comes from the head leads to

the outward path. The head carries responsibility, whereas the heart is

bestowed with right. Whatever is done by the head is temporary. You feel

hungry. You go to the canteen and eat a meal to satiate your hunger. But, after

two hours you feel hungry again. It is cyclic in nature. You feel hungry, you

eat something, the food gets digested and again you feel hungry. This can be

compared to the cycle of birth and death. An ancient sage by name of

Sankaracharya sang:

0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center">

font-style:italic">The cycle of birth and death is repetitive. World is an

ocean of woes; win the grace of God and transcend it. Oh fool! Chant the Lord's

name instead of memorizing the rudiments of grammar. Grammar would not come to

your help at the time of death (Sanskrit Verse)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">The three

States of Consciousness

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">As long as you are awake, you aspire for

many things and indulge in many activities. You are also subject to manifold

experiences. But, you forget everything while sleeping. The state of sleep can

be compared to a short death and death can be compared to a long sleep. It is

not easy to understand the true meaning of birth and death. You forget in the

sleep state what you experienced during the day. So, the sleep state can be

considered as a short death. Similarly, the waking state can be considered as

long life. However, the waking state and the sleep state are temporary. But, in

both the states witness-consciousness exists, which experiences everything.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Here is an example. During the waking

state you move around with the help of the body, listen to many things and

experience happiness. When questioned, you claim that it is you who is

experiencing all this. But, in the dream state, who is experiencing the dream?

It is you only. In the deep sleep state, you forget everything and enjoy bliss.

Here, who is experiencing bliss? Again, it is you only. So, in all these three

states - waking, dream and deep sleep you do exist and it is you who experience

everything. Truth is changeless in all the

three periods of time. You remain the same in all the three states.

So, you are the very form of Truth.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Live in the

Present

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Embodiments

of Love!

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Time undergoes change. Waking, dream and

deep sleep states are subject to change. Matter, worldly things and bodies are

composed of the five elements which undergo change. Mind, intellect, feelings

and senses also undergo change. The senses are afflicted with various diseases.

So, they are all transient. But you are permanent and you experience

everything. Do not brood over the past. Past is past, forget it. The future is

not certain. It is beyond your perception. So, live in the present as it is

permanent. It is not ordinary present; it is omnipresent. How? Past is in the

present as the present is the result of past actions. Future is also in the

present as it depends on the present actions. So, you should pay attention only

to the present.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Instead of giving importance to the

ephemeral pleasures, you should follow the right path. That is all you are

supposed to do now. But, you are not doing what you are supposed to do. You

simply brood over the past and worry about the future. In this way, you ignore

the present. As a result, you are subjected to suffering. Why should you not

derive happiness from the present state of affairs? Brooding over the past and

worrying about the future are the main causes of man's suffering. Why do you

think about the past? You walked that path consciously. Then why do you look

back? Be happy in the present. That is all you should aspire for. You may face

many ordeals. But, do not pay too much attention to them. Lead your life

happily till the end.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Man yearns for happiness in every act, in

every kind of experience. He pines for happiness. All his actions are aimed at

deriving happiness. Whether he does business or work in an office, his aim is

to derive happiness. But does he find it? No. It is a temporary phase only as

it is worldly happiness. He may be happy for a while, but permanent happiness

is attained only by contemplation on God. So, contemplate on the Divine. You

must understand that the final product depends upon the original material. From

clay you can make a doll of clay. Is it possible to make a doll of gold from

clay? Your bodies are composed of the five elements. They survive on food. You

may prepare a several course meal. But, you should eat it before it gets stale.

If you waste time, the food may decay and become unfit for consumption.

Likewise, you should experience the eternal divine bliss at the right time

before the body decays and becomes decrepit. This is the task of the human

beings today. You try to experience many things. Instead, experience the divine

bliss which is within you. That is the supreme bliss.

0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center">

font-style:italic">It is the very form of supreme wisdom. It is one without a

second. It is expansive and pervasive like the sky. It is eternal, pure and

changeless. It stands as a witness of everything. (Sanskrit Verse)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Cultivate

Divine Love

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Look at those glowing lights. In this

assembly, some persons are listening to My discourse, some are moving away and

some are sleeping. Different people are doing different types of work. The

light stands as a witness. It is not affected by your sleep. It is not affected

by your movements. It is not affected even though you do not listen to My

discourse. It simply remains as a witness. Divinity like light is the witness

of everything. Its effulgence illuminates everything else. Where does it exist?

We find peace within unrest. In the depth of the peace there exists supreme

splendor. In this supreme splendor one can experience Divine Effulgence. This

Divine Effulgence in the form of the light of the Atma is within you. That is

the light of non duality and eternity. That is the light of immortality. That

is the light of the Self. As you possess that light within yourselves, why

should you be afraid of anything else? Why should you worry? Be happy. Where is

happiness? How do you experience it? Union with God is happiness.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">You should realize that love is the form

of God. As long as Divinity, in the form of love, exists within you, unrest

cannot reach you. But, these days’ people are subjecting themselves to

unrest and unhappiness by misinterpreting the nature of love and by attributing

to it certain impure feelings. It is a blunder. Know that the Divine Love is

unsullied, selfless and pure. Without any hesitation you should try to acquire

that love. You should strive to possess this.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The world today is full of misery. There

is no place without fear and grief. People are afraid of traveling by air, by

trains or by cars, as they are wary of evil elements. Even walking has become

unsafe. People are not happy at home also as they are haunted by numerous

fears. They are terribly fear-stricken. What is the reason? They are unable to

bear difficulties and ordeals. But, think who is facing ordeals? Who is

undergoing suffering? It is the body only, which is the composition of the five

elements. Reduce attachment to the body. Then you will experience eternal

bliss. Reducing body attachment and increasing attachment to the Self is the

true meaning of devotion. Attachment to body leads to the outward path, while

attachment to the Self leads to the inward path. The combination of these is

human life.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Strengthen love, saturate your lives with

love and live in that Divine Love.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Sai Baba's

Principles

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba has started an Organisation

called the Sathya Sai Organisation. It has Centers in 134 countries all over

the planet. That Organisation is purely for the upliftment of humanity through

several common activities - spiritual education of children and youth in Human

Values, common devotional singing, and selfless service in common to our fellow

man.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The principle objectives of The Sai

Organisation are:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">1. To help the individual -:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">To be aware of the Divinity which is inherent in him and to

conduct himself accordingly?

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">To translate into practice in daily life divine love and

perfection and, therefore,

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">To fill one’s life with joy, harmony, beauty, grace, human

excellence and lasting happiness.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">2. To ensure that all human relations are

governed by the principles of Truth, Right Conduct, Love, Peace and

Non-violence.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">3. To make devotees of any religion more

sincere and dedicated in the practice of their respective religion by

understanding properly the true spirit of that religion.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">These objectives are to be obtained in the

following manner-:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">1. By observing the four principles laid

down by Sai Baba, namely -

6.0pt;text-align:center">a) There is only ONE religion, the

religion of love.

b) There is only ONE caste, the caste of humanity.

c) There is only ONE language, the language of love.

d) There is only ONE God and that God is omnipresent.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">2. By constant remembrance of God and

looking upon all beings as only a manifestation of Divinity in different forms

and shapes.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">3. By underlining the essential unity of

all religions and securing proper understanding of all religions as being based

on Love.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">4. By looking upon all work as service

dedicated to the Divine.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">5. By bringing to bear upon all of

life’s problems attitudes flowing from Divine Love, such as

understanding, compassion, tolerance, helpfulness etc.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">6. By basing all actions on love of Divinity,

fear of sin and steadfast observance of morality in society.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">7. By engaging in spiritual, educational

and service activities, both at the individual and the community level, in an

organized and systematic manner, without expecting any material reward or

appreciation, but solely as a means of winning God’s Love and Grace.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">THE NINE POINTS

OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

1.

Daily meditation and prayer.

2.

Devotional singing/prayer with family members once a week.

3.

Participation in Sathya Sai Spiritual Education programs organised by the

Centre for children of Sai devotees.

4.

Participation in community work and other programs of the Organisation.

5.

Attendance at least once a month at group devotional singing organised by the

Centre.

6.

Regular study of Sai literature.

7.

Speak softly and lovingly to everyone.

8.

Not to talk ill of others, especially in their absence.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">9. To put into practice "ceiling on

desires" and to utilise savings thus generated for service to mankind.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">"The Sai Organisations have been

enjoined to carry out a programme of ceiling on desires. Everyone should try to

control desires as much as possible. The promotion of human values is another

item in the programme. These human values are inherent in every person. All

that is needed is, for everyone to manifest them in his daily life. Truth,

Righteousness and Peace are all in you. You are embodiments of Truth, Peace,

Love and God. Recognise this fact."

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">THE TEN

PRINCIPLES

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">"Rules are necessary until the

members realise the spiritual unity of all. When they become incapable of

inflicting harm or transgressing the moral code, rules become

superfluous." Sai Baba

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">1. Treat as sacred, the land in which you

were born. Have patriotism to your nation - but do not criticise other nations

or put others down. Not even in your thoughts or dreams should you think of

bringing grief to your country.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">2. Respect all religions equally.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">3. Recognise the brotherhood of man and

treat all as brother. Love all.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">4. Keep your house and surroundings clean

for this will promote hygiene and health and help you.

5. Practice charity, but do not encourage beggars by giving money. Provide them

with food, clothing and shelter. Help them in other ways but do not encourage

laziness.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">6. Never give a bribe or take a bribe. Do

not yield to corruption.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">7. Curb envy and jealousy; expand your

vision and outlook; treat all equally regardless of caste and creed.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">8. Do as much as possible by yourself

though wealthy and having servants. Do service to society in person.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">9. Have and cultivate love for God and

fear sin. Abhor sin.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">10. Never go against the law of the land.

Follow these diligently both in word and in spirit.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Ashrams

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba has three main ashrams, and

himself visits some other places in India. The ashrams are

located at

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Puttaparthi,

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Whitefield, (sometimes called Brindavan), and

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Kodaikanal

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Generally, Sai Baba can be found at the

Puttaparthi Ashram. This is in South India, approximately

three hours drive from Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">During the hot summer in Puttaparthi area,

Sai Baba generally departs Puttaparthi for Bangalore, where there is

an ashram located in Whitefield, some 27 kilometers out of the city of Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Occasionally, Sai Baba visits a small

ashram located in the hill resort town of Kodaikanal, which is

somewhat further south of Bangalore in the adjoining

state of Tamil Nadu.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Travel to India

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Air

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Generally, visitors to Sai Baba fly to India, arriving in

either Mumbai (Bombay) or Bangalore. If visitors fly

to Mumbai, then a connecting flight to Bangalore is needed.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">There is a weekly flight to Puttaparthi which

travels Mumbai - Puttaparthi - Chennai

and returns in the opposite direction the next day. Have your travel agent

contact Indian Airlines for details. There is a courtesy bus at the Puttaparthi

Airport which will take

you directly to the Ashram accommodation office.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Visas

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">You must have a valid visa to enter India. Tourist visas

are available from your Indian Consulate for a moderate cost and a validity of

6 months. The Indian Consulate checks visas and it takes time, so it is best to

allow between 7 to 10 working days in ANY country for visas.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Healthy

Suggestions

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">See your doctor about your health needs.

You will most likely need to attend to mosquitoes (so consider anti malarial

tablets). Most roll ones work well with the mosquitoes. You would be well

advised to discuss Hepatitis and Tetanus with your doctor.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Eat only in clean, recommended places.

This means, eat in the Ashram Canteens (Whitefield and Puttaparthi both have

canteens dedicated to both Indian and Western food, vegetarian food. Do not

drink anything that is not in a sealed bottle, or sealed can. Tap water is for

washing the body and clothes only, rinse your mouth after brushing teeth with

your bottled water. Do not travel without a bottle of water at your side. These

are cheap and an absolute necessity. Refill bottles only at the water stations

in the ashrams, and throw the bottle away after about three or four refills,

bacteria will form naturally in any bottle after a period of time.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">If you have cracked heels or toes, take

precaution and begin a treatment before leaving to seal those cracks up. You

will spend quite some time in bare feet in the ashrams, and its always better

to have healthy feet.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Clothing

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

10.0pt;color:black">India's climate is

warm. Fly in loose comfortable clothing and take a walk around the aircraft two

or three times to keep the thrombosis at away.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">On arrival at India, have light,

cotton clothing to wear. Light shoes or sandals. You can obtain clothes for a

very good price in the ashram and outside the ashram. Thick winter pyjamas are

not needed, only light sleepwear. It is better to buy clothing when you arrive

in India (as it costs so much less), or ask another devotee to loan you clothes

to get you to your first Darshan; after that, you can purchase your own and

return the loaned clothes. Clothing is available in both ashrams (Puttaparthi

has a four storey supermarket!) and from the clothing stores outside the

ashrams.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Money

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">If you change money in India, you will

receive what is called an Encashment Certificate. To get one of these, you

change money at the airport, and produce your passport. When you leave the

country, and you want to change the Indian Rupees back to your own currency,

you need an encashment certificate to change that money back. You will most

likely receive encashment certificates from any forex (foreign exchange) dealer

you attend.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">A simpler solution is to obtain some

rupees before you arrive in India. You can also

use ATM's in India and use your

credit card in most banks.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Flying to visit Sai Baba - What you need to

take with you

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Surprisingly, some people overlook the

obvious.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">You will need, among other things:

1. A

bottle of water to drink after you get off the aircraft and before you reach

your accommodation

2. Some Indian money

and small notes at that. Get this at the Foreign Exchange desk at your home

airport before you leave. What if you have to pay for a bus or taxi journey? Or

worse, buy a bottle of water for 14 rupees?

3. A valid visa.

Don't try entering without one.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Keeping

Fit on the Aircraft

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Again, some overlook the obvious. You do

not have to practice herd mentality on an aircraft. Your body belongs to you;

you should take care of it.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">· If

Cabin Calistentics or Airborne Aerobics are shown on the

video, especially after a meal, do them. Rotate your ankles, wiggle your

shoulders, and make circles with your wrists. Keeps that blood moving around.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Go for hourly walks up and down the aisle.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Feet swell on flights. Take your footwear

off and ensure you wiggle those feet around. Do not take tight fitting footwear

as you may not be able to put them on when the flight ends.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Some airlines now leave soft drink, fruit

juice and ice and water jugs in the galley for passengers to help themselves

to. Get up and look for it.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Do not over-eat and take it easy on the

alcohol and bread. These make you feel sluggish and induce drowsiness.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> If you are asleep and a meal is offered to

you at night, don't take it. Go back to sleep, your stomach and body are in

cleansing cycle, purifying the body of the day's toxins.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Deep Vein Thrombisis is not a joke. We know

some people who have traveled to Sai Baba and have contracted this condition.

Take every step to keep yourself agile and reasonably limber.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Airline

Vegetarian Meals

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">You can order meals of your preference

when you book your ticket. Most airlines cater for specific religious and

vegetarian diets, particularly those that fly in and out of the Near East, and Asia. Most flights

that originate from India or terminate in India will have Indian

meals, either Veg, or Non-Veg, as it is called in India.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">The information below is offered for your

interest. Generally, you should ring and book your meals 48 hours before

departure. Alternatively, you can specify this at ticketing, and follow up by

checking the meal allocation at the Airline Check-in counter; they can tell you

if a special meal has been ordered for you. If it is missing, at least you can

have a try to get them to make an arrangement for you.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">General Notes

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

Vegetarian meals

in Business Class are reputed to be of better quality than the meals offered in

Economy or Thrift Class

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Most of the larger airlines also offer

fruit platters. If you are doing several hops on one airline and order

vegetarian on all of them, it is possible to get the same meal several times in

one day.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> If you are in this situation, a suggestion

would be to order

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> one vegetarian meal, (VGML)

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> one fruit platter meal (FPML) and

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> either RAW or ASIAN Vegetarian Meals

available (RVML)(AVML)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">In-Flight

Meals:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Meals are divided into

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">1.

color:black">Main Meal

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">2.

color:black">Cold Meal

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">3.

color:black">Hot Breakfast

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">4.

color:black">Snack Meal

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">5.

color:black">Afternoon Tea

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">AIRLINE

VEGETARIAN MEAL CODES

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">An additional note on the characteristics

of vegetarians (from Canadian Airlines): "Some vegetarians also

incorporate restrictions on other foods and beverages such as

alcohol/caffinated beverages, highly processed foods and foods that are grown

or processed nonorganically or with certain additives or preservatives."

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Sleeping

on board

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">· Many

people find

it difficult to sleep during a flight. That’s why many also take sleeping

tablets or tranquilizers. But that is not recommended because they interfere

with the body’s biological rhythm in an unnatural way and also make it

difficult to adjust to a different time zone at the destination.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Instead, passengers should try to create

conditions that help them fall asleep. Here are a few tips for a relaxed and

healthy sleep:

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Take a cushion with you to prevent cramp

in your shoulders and neck. These can be purchased at most airports before

departure.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> A sleeping mask protects your eyes from

bright light. Some airlines give this out in First and Business class.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Put a cushion behind your back –

that relieves the intervertebral discs and prevents back pain.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Ask a flight attendant to give you a blanket

before you go to sleep so that the air-conditioning won’t make you feel

cold and disturb your pleasant dreams.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Because feet swell on flights, we recommend

that you remove your shoes and put on a pair of thick, warm socks. Again, some

airlines supply you with socks to wear.

mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> To help you sleep, listen to the in-flight

radio program on low volume. Soft music has a relaxing effect and helps you

drop off gently.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Sai Baba's Ashram at Puttaparthi is called

Prashanthi Nilayam.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Prashanthi Nilayam means "the abode

of Highest Peace".

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">This is a very big ashram with the

capacity to house thousands.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Here we will give you an overview of

visiting Sai Baba, and some important information to get you well prepared!

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Puttaparthi is located in South India, in the state of

Andhra Pradesh. The ashram is approximately three hours drive from Bangalore.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Travel to

Puttaparthi

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Air

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">International flights land in either

Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) or Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">There is a weekly flight Mumbai to Puttaparthi

which travels Mumbai - Puttaparthi -

Chennai and returns in the opposite direction the next day.

Have your travel agent contact Indian Airlines for details. There is a courtesy

bus at the Puttaparthi Airport which will take

you directly to the Ashram accommodation office.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

normal">Terminal

font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Building,

Sathya

font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Sai

font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Airport

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Indian Airlines and Jet Airways both have

regular flights from Mumbai to Bangalore, and Chennai to Bangalore. These can be

booked at the same time as your International ticket.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">

font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Puttaparthi Railway Station

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Trains ply regularly between Bangalore City and Puttaparthi.

The railway station, with four platforms, is called Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi

Nilayam, and is host to as many as 18 trains per day in each direction. Buses

and rickshaws meet every train to convey devotees to the Ashram, some 5

kilometers away. During festival times, additional services to Prashanthi

Nilayam station are added. You can check out the Southern Railway website for

further information

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Bus

6.0pt;margin-left:0in">Buses ply daily from Bangalore to Puttaparthi.

Luxury buses, Andhra Pradesh Buses, and Karnataka State Buses also ply daily to

Puttaparthi. There is also a daily bus at

color:black">1PM outside the entrance to Whitefield

Ashram, which goes to and from Puttaparthi.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Taxi

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify">Fares

Bangalore-Whitefield 250 rupees - Airport PickupBangalore-Puttaparthi 1200

rupees (more for a/c taxi)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">ACCOMMODATION

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Ashram

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Sai Baba

provides low cost accommodation to those who visit his ashram. Rooms are

available for Married couples, and those traveling alone or in a group are

allocated rooms in one of the many accommodation blocks. All rooms have shower,

toilet and vanity. Dhobi's (washer-men and women) visit each accommodation

block morning and afternoon to collect and return washing. Seva Dal provide

security and there are watchmen allocated to every accommodation block in the

Ashram.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Accommodation

outside the Ashram

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There are

many hotels outside the ashram, in the village. Comparable to three-four-five

star hotel accommodations are available, along with guest houses and other

accommodation rooms. As far the guest houses are concerned, if you are arriving

at festival days and accommodations is full in the ashram, or simply want to

live on your own without sharing rooms, you can go hotel hunting. Rates vary

according to season, and you should bargain intensely as rates are very

exaggerated and overpriced for the quality of the room. You should start your

offering at Rs. 75-100 per night unless the place is more simple and small

without running water.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Shopping

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The ashram

supermarket caters for all needs, from clothing to photographs, audio cd's to

Darshan clothing. It is open in the mornings for ladies (

color:black">9 to

color:black">11 AM) and gents can go from

color:black">5PM - 7PM each evening.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The ashram

has a superb bookstore with books available in many languages. Also sold are

multimedia cd's, audio cd's, photographs, and tapes. Temporary bookstalls are

put into operation during festival times.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Fresh fruit

and vegetables, bakery goods, water, cold drinks, ice creams can be obtained at

the new complexes near the shopping centre.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Food

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Puttaparthi

Ashram has three canteens, South Indian, North Indian, and Western Canteen. All

canteens are set up to serve large numbers of devotees quickly, and on

festivals, additional temporary canteens are also provided. Meals range in cost

from Rs 7 (South Indian) to Rs 30 (Western Canteen). All meals are vegetarian.

Ladies and Gents eat separately.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Money

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Money can be

encashed at the State Bank of India, (branch inside

the Ashram) and most other banks in Puttaparthi. Many banks will also allow you

to use credit cards to make withdrawals, and some ATM's are available in Gopuram Road.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Visiting Sai

Baba at Whitefield

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Whitefield is

on the outskirts of Bangalore, and is home to

the ITPL, the International Technology Park, where most of

the innovative computer companies are located.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Here we will

give you an overview of visiting Sai Baba, and some important information to

get you well prepared!

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Where and When

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Generally,

Sai Baba can be found at the Puttaparthi Ashram. This is in South India, approximately

three hours drive from Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">During the

hot summer in Puttaparthi area, Sai Baba generally departs Puttaparthi for Bangalore, where there is

an ashram which was formerly the British Governor's residence. This has since

been replaced by a new building called Trayee Brindavan.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Travel to

Whitefield

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Planes fly to Bangalore, which is an

International airport, and has Customs and Immigration facilities. This airport

is quite close to Sai Baba's ashram, and in fact, the ashram is on the same

main road the airport is on! HOWEVER,

in two years, approximately 2006, a new airport will be opened at Muddenahalli,

which is located approximately one hour from Whitefield Ashram, and about two

hours from the Puttaparthi Ashram.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Travel

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Trains stop outside the

ashram. The station is called Whitefield. There, you have a 5 minute walk to the

ashram.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Buses ply between the Bangalore city and the

ashram. Bus travel takes approximately one hour. Fare is Rs .100

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Taxis are available

from the airport to Whitefield.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Bangalore Taxi Pickup

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">You can

arrange a pre-paid a taxi to meet you at Bangalore airport.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Late Arrival

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">All the taxi

drivers will wave a printed government card at you which says the fare after

color:black">10 pm is Rs750/

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">It is best to

either pre-book or use the Government Taxi Service, as the exit to the airport

is usually congested with taxi drivers who want to take your luggage and drive

you. They will almost always ask you to pay the Rs 5/ parking fee to leave the

airport car park. You can stick up for yourself and tell the driver YOU did not

park the car in the airport, if you feel so inclined. We generally carry a bit

if Indian money and hand over 5 rupees.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">If your

flight arrives at night, particularly after

color:black">midnight, you would be well

advised to take one of two options:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Go to the

Government Tourist Bureau on the left, on the way out, after you collect

baggage at Bangalore Airport. Tell them you

are going to Sathya Sai Baba and they will give you a taxi with a set fare, to

a specified hotel, and you will be bedded for the night. The Government Travel

Bureau can make all these arrangements for you.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Or, you may

ask the Government Tourist Bureau to allocate you a taxi to take you to

Whitefield to an accommodation you have already arranged, and travel directly

to that Hotel at Whitefield. You will pay the taxi driver what is on the slip

and there will be no difficulties over fare.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Accommodation

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">You can

obtain accommodation at the ashram. You may do this by going directly to the

ashram accommodation office, called Gokulam, some 500 meters down the road past

the Brindavan Ashram. Go in the entrance and turn left to the accommodation

office. They will advise you of available accommodations. It is not costly, and

there is also a canteen at that Gokulam residential accommodation

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Whitefield

Environment

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Whitefield is

all flat; there is no need for stairs, steps except at your accommodation.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">At

Whitefield, the weather is dry and hot, approx 26-35 each day. Light summer

clothes only, and light ashram whites are appropriate. Perhaps a shawl for the

occasional chilly morning. You can obtain a good shawl opposite the ashram for

about 250 rupees. You can obtain white Punjabi suits and other ashram whites

from the shops across the road from the ashram, go one block back from the main

road and you will find all the clothing shops. Ladies wear is also available.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Occasionally,

it will rain at Whitefield. Rain in India is sudden, fast

and heavy. Water runs everywhere, and puddles form quick where you usually

walk. A foldable plastic Macintosh and a collapsible trolley are suggested.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Ashram Routine

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">At

Whitefield, Darshan is anytime between

color:black">7 AM and

color:black">8 AM

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Queue on the

footpath outside the ashram wall. Ladies to the other side of the ashram gate,

and straight inside to sit inside, in lines. Go to the queue at

color:black">6.15 AM.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There are two

cloak rooms, one for cases, umbrellas, etc, and the other for your shoes,

thongs, chappals. Leave footwear outside at the cloak room, you will be given a

chit.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Afternoon

Darshan is generally Bhajans, and commences between

color:black">4 PM and

color:black">5 PM. Go to the ashram at approximately

color:black">3 PM

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">When Sai Baba

gives permission, there are morning talks in the marriage hall (Kalyan Mantap)

opposite the Darshan hall, nearby the gate to Sai Baba's residential rooms.

These talks are normally at

color:black">10am and you will see a notice on the

gatekeepers hut inside the entrance to the ashram with the time, speaker and

topic of the day's talks.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Visiting Sai

Baba at Kodaikanal

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Kodaikanal is

a famous hilltop resort that usually has rain ten months of the year. This is

called off-season. Season is generally April-June, and that's when most

tourists visit. Kodaikanal is a lovely place, free of dust and mosquitos, and

has plenty of tourists attractions, like the restaurant called Buddha's Belly!

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Here we will

give you an overview of visiting Sai Baba, and some important information to

get you well prepared!

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Generally,

Sai Baba can be found at the Puttaparthi Ashram. This is in South India, approximately

three hours drive from Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">During the

hot summer in Puttaparthi area, Sai Baba generally departs Puttaparthi for Bangalore, where there is

an ashram located in Whitefield, some 27 kilometers out of the city of Bangalore.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Occasionally,

Sai Baba visits a small ashram called Sai

Sruthi, located in the hill resort town of Kodaikanal, which is

somewhat further south of Bangalore in the adjoining

state of Tamil Nadu.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Traveling to

Kodai

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The only

direct way into Kodaikanal is by road. It is a hilltop town, and the roads

narrow and winding. Those traveling for the first time, best not look down when

looking out the window!!!

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Planes fly to Madurai and Coimbatore. Then a two hour

taxi journey.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Luxury Buses ply between

Bangalore Majestic and Kodaikanal. Bus travel takes approximately 12 hours.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Taxis from Whitefield

to Kodai will cost between Rs 6000-8000 and you would be advised to share a

taxi if you do this. Travel time to Kodaikanal would be approximately 10 hours.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Currently,

there it is not known whether or not Sathya Sai Baba will visit Kodaikanal in

any year. Kodai is cool at night, oft times raining overnight, and generally

mild, up to 23 degrees in the daytime. Plenty of fog and rain most days.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">IF Sathya Sai Baba

visits Kodaikanal, then the following are suggested:

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Umbrella,

thin light jumper, thin winter clothes as you would wear in a sub-tropical

winter, thin plastic Macintosh like that you can get in Woolworths or Kmart for

$5 to have in case of rain.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Kodaikanal is

flat where Swami's house is, there is one driveway to walk up (steep), then

flat sitting area for Darshan. If you were to stay in town at the Hilltop Hotel,

Carlton Hotel or around the corner from Swami's place at the Sterling Hotel,

then it is largely flat walking to Swami's Darshan. The remainder of Kodaikanal

is hills, hills, hills and incredibly

narrow roads. A taxi to Darshan is the usual practice if

staying in one of these other Hotels.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There are

Western Hotels at Kodaikanal with charges somewhat similar to Hotels here in

Australia. The top two are

the Carleton and Sterling, standard Hilton

Hotel type accommodation. Hilltop is very good and somewhat less, approx

750-1000 rupees per night.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There are

many other hotels and guesthouses available in Kodaikanal.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Weeping

Madonna's

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Sai Baba says

"I hear all your prayers to Mother Mary" to some people. Mary is the

feminine divine in Christianity where devotion is concerned and devotion to

Mary is devotion to the Divine. The Pope was seriously considering elevating

her to co-redemptrix, that is, she is a sharer in the divine mission of her son

to redeem humanity. Forgive the dogmatic language, but this is an accurate

estimation of the strength of devotion in the orthodox and catholic Churches to

Mary, Mother of God. In the last two centuries, devotion to Mary somewhat

eclipsed devotion to Christ; that was because the faithful had devotedness, and

Mary was human, mother, and many could identify with her. Around the1960's

there was a change or movement from devotion to spirituality and many devotions

were either actively discouraged, discarded, or simply neglected in light of

pursuing a personal spirituality and focusing on the person of Christ the

Redeemer.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Pope Paul the

Sixth, (famed for encyclical which basically told families no pill, no

contraception, etc, etc, ) wrote an encyclical called Cultus Marialis, where he

deftly outlined the excesses of devotion to Mary, situated her in relation to

Jesus, and encouraged a Christ-centered devotion to Mary as Mother of the

Redeemer, and like titles. It was an attempt to strongly persuade the faithful

to move from devotion to a bible-based spirituality of Mary. Cultus Marialis is

worth a read as it will quite accurately paint a picture of where the Church

was focused at a particular point in the last century. It's a long read, full

of dogmatic statements and I admit, it may be quite foreign territory to you.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">

bold"> "Spirituality"

presented much opportunity for Christians to take up their personal

relationship with God, Jesus, Mary and the Saints in a way that was personally

satisfying and put responsibility for that relationship firmly in the hands of

the individual Christian. However, as a substitute for devotion, it was a

catastrophe. Devotional practices particularly in Catholicism simply became passé

and those who practiced it were seen as out of step with the church in the

modern world. There were some strong pockets of devotion here and there, but

those pockets were either eclipsed by changes in ritual, or simply lost in

protest against changes in rituals. That's another chapter.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">To wrap up on

Mary, John Paul II has this simple, large M on the shield in his coat of arms,

upsetting all the heraldry boffins and whatnot, for Mary. He is devoted,

devoted, devoted to Mary. The other issue is that he recently gave 5 new

mysteries of the Rosary to the Church, the Mysteries of Light. I find that

interesting, he called these 'luminous' mysteries.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Unfortunately,

to me, Christians seem to be perpetually defensive about one thing or another

and practice rituals with fervor and devotion. Very few get past the need for

the rituals. It seems to me that the Church points to the great mystics and

saints of the past as role models, but then tells people in the modern era that

these great heights attained by the saints can be reached only by a very few.

Some time ago, the Church issued one instruction which cast aspersions on

Meditation; a more recent instruction dismisses the New Age.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Weeping

Madonna's is a good thing. I recall that TS Eliot poem about the Crucifixion,

mentions that the "very halt and lame" even got up the hill to jeer

at the crucified. Well, they will also jeer at the Weeping Madonna's. We will

always have these demons around, pointing fingers and casting stones. In 1995,

Photographs, Brass and wooden idols in Hinduism drank milk a few years ago, on

one fantastic day, and the scoffers were there as well.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There is

something divine at work here, and often, if the miraculous is allowed to be

what it is, just that, miraculous. Rudolph Otto wrote that philosophical tome

"The Idea of the Holy" and he took religious or divine experience and

did what philosophers do and came up with 'numinous', which he derived from

'ominous'. Ominous comes from omen has elements of awe, overpowering ness, a

mystery uncontrollable with unknown elements of terror and horror that the mind

cannot fathom. Otto took this and applied it to numen. Numen has two

components, mysterium and tremendum.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">He presents

the tremendum component of the numinous that is being experienced as comprising

three elements: awfulness (inspiring awe, a sort of profound unease),

overpoweringness (that which, among other things, inspires a feeling of

humility), energy (creating an impression of immense vigor).

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The mysterium

component in its turn has two elements. Firstly, the numinous is experienced as

'wholly other.' It is something truly amazing, as being totally outside our

normal experience. Secondly, here is the element of fascination, which causes

the subject of the experience of the numinous to be caught up in it, to be

enraptured. To read a current item, (November 2003) The Hindu Milk miracle is

still happening.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">This

mysterium tremendum can be found at work in the media, in bad news, in all the

old gothic horror novels, and more so recently in horror movies. Horror and

mystery work well, along with signature music. Think of that movie JAWS.

Fascination is something the mind cannot let go of; it pulls the mind in,

inexorably, like a tractor beam, right into the tremendum component. Think of

that UFO movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Note that they all kneel in

front of inexpressible, non-understandable mystery of a spacecraft appearing in

the sky.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">There are two

sides to this mysterium coin; there is the mystery of the divine, and the

mystery of the unknown, generally portrayed as horrible, horror, unknowable

blackness emerging from a black hole.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Weeping

Madonna's attract people using exactly the same principle; its humanity's

constant response to any matter greater than the human mind. It evokes devotion;

it reaches down to the heart and taps forgotten memories of childhood and

rosaries, Holy Cards and candles. Lourdes, Medjugorje,

Guadalupe, Fatima, Knock, all

these places attract pilgrims where Mary has been appearing. Glimpses of the

numinious, faith healings, crutches and wheelchairs left behind, all these

things add up to a recovery of devotion in the modern age.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Sai Baba

himself says that he has come to foster devotion. Sai Baba does not ask that

you change religions to following Sai Baba; indeed he asks that a Hindu become

a better Hindu, a Christian become a better Christian, and so forth. Sai Baba

gives gifts to his devotees with images of the divines in different religions.

He materializes Vibhutti, which signifies the cessation suffering and desire;

he materializes rosary beads, chains, medallions and rings with images of

different divines on them. All this is to foster devotion in the heart of the

adherent, something which is an integral part of his mission.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Human Values

color:black">"Let us grow together;

color:black">Let us live together,

color:black">Let us study together,

color:black">Let us develop knowledge together, without conflict, with

friendship, with broadmindedness."

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Adult Learning

and the 5 Human Values

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Adults

discover Sathya Sai Baba via various ways and means - more often than not, a

book had been given to them, they have read it, and become curious to know more

about Sai Baba and so begin a spiritual journey of discovery. Among the

discoveries are the 5 Human Values. One of the questions most frequently asked

by this group of newcomers is how to put these 5 Human Values into practice in

daily life.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Many people

read books, visit Puttaparthi, listen to divine discourses by Sri Sathya Sai

and still ask the same question.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">What could

help is an understanding of the principles of adult learning and an

appreciation of learners preferred ways of learning. Adults need to take

sustained effort over time, use the principles Duty, Devotion and Discipline

coupled with perseverance will help all to have self-confidence in practising the

5 Human Values.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Learning is not

limited

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Learning is

not limited by any earlier learning in your life, or lack of scholarly

learning. One does not have to have a University degree to learn. Learning and

intelligence are two different things. Science and psychological research would

tell us that Intelligence is often called a static thing - some professionals

state that a person is born with a certain amount of intelligence or only has a

limited capacity of intelligence, all through life. Sai Baba has said, use your

intelligence well, and the giver will be pleased to give you more...

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Left the

Classroom Forever

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Many adults

have left the classroom forever. Even a teacher cannot return to the classroom

as a student. Different strategies are required for learning to be retained

effectively and practiced in a manner that indicates competency in that which

has been learned. These different strategies suggest that adult learning be

best achieved when the learning is

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Meaningful

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">· Active

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Concerned with first and last impressions

(the remembering or forgetting curve!)

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Holistic - it engages all the senses

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Practiced and reinforced

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black"> Feedback is given

..5in">

font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;

color:black">· Reward is built

into the learning process

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Meaningful

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The essential

thing in learning is to incorporate the learning - embodying it and being

transformed by what is learned. That only occurs if the material is meaningful,

and that all of the learner's life experience is brought to the learning and

acknowledged. 'Meaningful' here refers to moving from the known to the yet

unknown - the learner is enabled to integrate learning into all the experiences

they have had to date.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Active

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Learning has

to be active, and interactive. Swami has said that the journey to liberation

cannot be carried on in solitude or alone. Learning carries power and energy

(or shakti) when information is shared in a process that ensures interaction.

In other words, we learn best when we interact with other people and bounce our

ideas off them, and give responses to their shared experiences.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">First and Last

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">That which is

remembered most from a lesson or a meeting of people is usually the first and

last impressions - both of the people we encounter (a mentor or tutor, or a

Guru) and the material that is presented. The remembering/forgetting curve says

that interest, attention and retention are at their highest at the beginning

and at the end of a learning encounter. Various strategies have to be engaged

in order for the entire session to be retained and the learner becomes aware of

their learning.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Holistic

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Holistic

learning engages the emotions, the body and the mind. Drama, role-plays,

hypothetical, debates, and energy exchanges that engage these aspects of the

person engage the energy of learning. There are different ways of taking in

information: sitting and reading is the least effective way of learning and

integrating for many adults. Educational research indicates we remember 20% of

what we READ, 30% of what we HEAR, 40% of what we SEE, 50% of what we SAY, 60%

of what we DO and 90% of what we HEAR, SEE,

SAY AND DO. It is not without relevance to remember what Swami says

about Namasmarana (repeating the name of the Lord). Swami says we must have

both name and the form in our mind's eye as we do this.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Visual

learners learn in information through use of posters, charts, graphics,

slogans, advertisements, visual display, flipcharts, overheads, booklets,

handouts, texts. Cartoons, memory maps, variety in colour, shape, size and

brightness, in fact, anything I can see or watch. They need to "see"

to understand.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Auditory

learners learn best through question and answer, lecture, story, audio tapes,

discussion (pair or group) variety in tone, rate of speaking, pitch, volume,

speeches, debates, jokes. The auditory types learn by listening. They love to

talk; they think in sound and can be distracted by noise.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Kinaesthetic

learners generally learn by doing or 'hands on'. They like to feel, grasp,

catch, and have the concrete example. They learn best through doing to learn,

team activities, acting out, role-play, role reversal, coaching, demonstrating

to others, anything they can do. They are constantly moving, tapping pens,

shifting in seats. Perhaps the long Darshan waits in Prashanthi Mandir are

important learning experiences for the "shifting types"!!

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Practicing and

reinforcing

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Values are

guides to action. Values tend to be practiced in one of three ways. Lets look

at these and use the example driving a car.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

italic">Compliance

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">is obeying

the letter of the law. Speed limits are there to provide for safe driving and

to protect life. A motor vehicle takes a farther distance to stop the faster it

is traveling. Compliance practice of values means a person will drive at the

speed they choose and only slow down in the presence of the police. The letter

of the law is only observed in the presence of the law.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

italic">Role Modeling

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Role Modeling

is copying someone else. One would like to be like an admired other and possess

their qualities and capture their admiration. Role modeling with the speed

limit in the motor vehicle is driving at the same speed everyone else is

driving. In the absence of others, or the admired one who passed appreciative

comments on our driving, the driver reverts to the former behavior of any speed

that satisfies them.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

italic">Internalisation

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Internalisation

is behaving and observing the value for its own sake. It is understood to be a

value that preserves order, life and the public safety. The driver of the motor

vehicle drives at the town and city limit, because they know that this speed

gives them the optimum stopping distance. They observe the limit for the open

highway for the road is constructed to support that driving speed, with the

curves, the camber, the presence of signs, the foundation of the road.

Therefore, the driver who has internalised obeying the speed limit recognizes

the inherent value it contains.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Compliance,

role modeling and internalization are all stages we progress through in the

practice and reinforcement of the 5 Human Values.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Feedback

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Feedback is

the capacity to put the ego aside and listen to another or observe another's

reactions to our behavior. Swami frequently tells in His Divine Discourses that

every action produces a reaction, and that everything in this world is

reaction, reflection, resound. It takes a sharp, alert, aware person to

perceive the small messages that convey the response to our behaviors. Swami

says Life is Awareness. This awareness can be developed and garnered through

asking others for feedback on interactions and values.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Another

method is the daily review that Swami suggests we practice before sleep. This

is simply a review of the day and a checking out of things that have happened

and being open to impressions, images, and words about our actions in the day.

This is not an opportunity for breast-beating, self-condemnation or abasement.

Swami says, simply, be sorry and make a resolve to do better. We are not

allowed to call ourselves sinners, and the worst sin, Swami has sometimes said,

is to call the Divinity within you sin.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Building on

experience

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Learning is

generally thought of as the acquisition and practice of a new skill, or the

integration of new information into our lives. Simply reading something and

trying it out, and giving it away if it does not work out too well, is

submitting to the tyranny of the ego. Visual learners, auditory learners and

kinaesthetic learners would all benefit from some structured and progressive

reflection on personal experience and keeping a record of one's progress in a

permanent form.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Many people

say "One step forward and two steps backwards" or "Learning and

applying the values is a long, trying process fraught with difficulty and

failure" Well, the answer to that is beware of such thoughts and statements.

Swami has told many, many times in discourses that you become what you feel,

and that any thought you send out will return to you fulfilled. Make the

building on experience an exciting process, dust yourself off, get up and don't

let go. Swami, when He revealed Himself as the Sai Avatar, taught a song on

that very first day. It had the message that life was difficulty, and the best

way through it was to select a guru (one who knows the goal and can lead you to

it) and HOLD ON!

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Reward built

into the learning process

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">The reward of

a life spent in lifelong learning and practice of the 5 Human Values is that

Peace, that Happiness that Bliss which Swami frequently tells us, we inherently

are. This is our true nature. Learning and practicing the 5 human values is

like blowing on an ember and bringing the coal to life, burning brightly and

pure. Each time we practice, reinforce and build on previous experience instead

of assassinating ourselves as a failure or a sinner, we are burning away the

dross of the ego that surrounds the pure divinity within us. It is true that

Swami is the one who proclaims who is devotees is. He has said, Truth, Love,

Right Conduct, Peace, Non Violence: Practice

any one of these, you are Mine, I am yours.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">When you

express and explain these properly, anybody from anywhere will agree, human

values are those, which are common to all people at all places, races and

creeds. The very name is human values. If a human being will not accept human

values, who else will? What sort of person is he who will say 'no' to this

truth? There are valuable ideals within us. You have to develop them more.

Wherever you go, you should not give up truth. Sometimes it may not be safe to

speak the truth. Even then you should not speak lie. You must find clever ways

to get out of such critical situations, without actually speaking a lie. These

human values, you must adhere to with intelligence, self-confidence and the

grace of God and you will not go wrong.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Values and

Human Values

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Sathya Sai

Baba has told us he is following human values. He want us to follow also. This

is his right. With this right, we should fight. When someone asks you if you

are following human values, you should not reply, "I will try". This

is failure. The secret of success is to be prepared for all situations. One

should be prepared with strength of mind, self confidence and this will bestow

strength of human values.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Sub Values

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Sub Values

illuminate the full dimension of each overarching human value. Sub values

complement each human value and lead to an overplus of meaning, to a whole

synthesis. Balance and harmony are the fruit of the synthesis and application

of each sub value. Truth is illuminated by its corresponding sub values; Love

is complemented by all the dimensions of these sub values. Peace is integrated

wholly by sub values; Right conduct is a whole synthesis of the practice of all

its elements. Educare means to bring out human values. "To bring out"

means to translate them into action.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">In ancient

times, Truth and Right Action were fostered. In more recent times, Peace and

Love were fostered. In the present modern era, the necessary strength has been

given to every human to foster all the five values. Instead of relying on

worldly power, man can rely on the fundamental powers of human life, Truth,

Love, Peace, Right Conduct and Non-violence. This is an endowment that was not

given to human beings in ancient times. All these human values and sub values

are the inherent properties of the human person.

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">HUMAN VALUES:

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">108 Sub-values

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">As Human

Values are the five pillars supporting the Sathya Sai Human Values Program,

they can also form the hanger on which the cloth of daily life is based, be it

at home, work, recreation or service activity.

6.0pt;margin-left:0in;tab-stops:.5in">Human values

are the qualities that already lie within each of us like a golden effulgence

and can be drawn forth into consciousness in all our cultures through Educare.

Educare is the spiritual process of eliciting the 5 human values latent in

every person. The five human values are the essential ingredients for good

Character, which is the end product of education and the catalysts for

sweetening and strengthening the daily life curriculum into something that can

benefit society, rather than harming it; the pivotal foci for self-learning

which fits one for life. Human values provide the Unity in our apparent

diversity. We are the sculptors of our own character, chipping away and

dissolving those thoughts, words and actions, which are not related to the

universal Human Values

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">LOVE

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Bliss,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">caring,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">compassion,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">dedication,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">devotion,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">empathy,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">friendship,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">forgiveness,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">generosity,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">helping,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">human dignity,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">inner happiness,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">joy,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">kindness,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">patience,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">purity,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sharing,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sincerity,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sympathy,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">tolerance,

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">wisdom (21)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Truth (Love in

speech)

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Consciousness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">creativity,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">curiosity,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">discrimination,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">equality,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">honesty,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">integrity,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">intuition,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">natural environment,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">optimism,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">quest for knowledge,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">reason,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-analysis,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-knowledge,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-worth,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sense control,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">spirit of inquiry,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">synthesis,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">truthfulness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">unity in thought word and deed,

..5in">

font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;

color:black">·

color:black">unity in diversity (21)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Right conduct

(Love in action)

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Cleanliness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">contentment,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">courage,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">dependability,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">duty,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">ethics,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">gratitude,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">goals,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">good behaviour,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">healthy living,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">helpfulness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">initiative,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">leadership,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">perseverance,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">time management,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">resourcefulness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">respect,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">responsibility,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sacrifice,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-sufficiency,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-confidence,

..5in">

font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;

color:black">·

color:black">simplicity (22)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Peace (Love in

thought)

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Attention,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">calm,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">concentration,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">contentment,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">dignity,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">discipline,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">endurance,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">focus,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">happiness,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">honesty,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">humility,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">inner silence,

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">

mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">reflection,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

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color:black">satisfaction,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-acceptance,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">self-confidence,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

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color:black">self-control,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

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color:black">self-discipline,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

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color:black">self-respect,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">understanding, c

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

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color:black">are for environment,

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color:black">·

color:black">national responsibility (22)

margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Non-violence

(Love in understanding)

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">Appreciation of other cultures and religions,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">brotherhood,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">ceiling on desires,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">citizenship,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">compassion,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">concern for all life,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">consideration,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">co-operation,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">forgiveness,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">global awareness,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">good manners,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">inclusiveness,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">loyalty,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">national awareness,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">recycling,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">respect for property,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">service to other,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">social justice,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">sustainable growth,

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mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black">·

color:black">

color:black">universal love,

..5in">

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color:black">·

color:black">unwilling to hurt (22)

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bold">PREMA - LOVE

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color:red;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Excerpts of Swami's

teachings on Prema (Love)

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Love is the

basic nature that sustains human being and strengthens his resolve to march

ahead. Without love man is blind; the world for him will be a dark and fearsome

jungle. Love is the light that guides the feet of man in the wilderness. All

the four goals of man (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha) can be attained through

the practice of love. The Atma principle expresses itself in man as Prema

(Love).

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Every human

being needs love inhales and exhales love. Love is the basic breath; every one

is the embodiment of Love. Love knows no fear; it seeks no rewards; love is its

own reward. When it is directed towards God, it is called Bhakti. Love removes

all egoism; the self is forgotten, it is superseded, it is transcended.

Divinity is the magnet. Humanity is the iron. Love is the force that brings

them together. Nara is the iron,

Narayana is the magnet. Bhakti or love is the force that draws the two

together.

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">God is love

and can be won only through the cultivation and exercise of Love. He cannot be

trapped by any trick; He yields Grace only when His commands are followed -

command to love all, serve all. Love is God, God is love. Live with Love, move

with Love, speak with Love, think with Love, act with Love - this is the most

fruitful Sadhana. Love is the core of Atma. Love is selflessness. Love brings

people together. Love is the solvent for hardest hearts. Love is the strongest

antidote for greed. Love will destroy the roots of ego.

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Love is the

natural state for man and all the other contrary emotions are unnatural. When

you recite the Name of God, remembering His majesty, His compassion, His glory,

His splendor, His presence, Love will grow within you. Its roots will grow

deeper and deeper, its branches will spread wider and wider, giving cool

shelter to friend and foe. Love God without reserve. To love God destroys all

the barriers to Love. If you develop love, you do not need to develop anything

else.

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Prema must

grow with every moment of Sadhana. It must sweeten every word, deed and thought

of yours. Emerge from Dhyana as a person more charged with Love! Return from

Bhajan with a greater measure of Love! Return from Nagarsankeerthan with a

firmer conviction that everything is surcharged with the same Divinity that is

behind all your activity.

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">Love in

speech is truth. Love in action is righteousness. Love in thought is peace.

Love in understanding is non-violence.

text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in">There is no

power greater than love in this world because it is selfless and pure. Love is

Ananda; love is power; love is light; love is God. Love helps you to see God in

everyone, everyone as divine.

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bold">Source: http://www.saibabaforbeginners.com

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bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">With Sai love from Sai brothers

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