SAI VANI - DECLARATIONS OF BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA - Part I

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· The same Supreme Being who saved Prahlada by appearing from the pillar

and punishing his demonic father, the same Supreme Being who came to the rescue

of Kuchela, the same Supreme Being who descended from Vaikunda to save

Gajendra (the lord of the elephant) has now come to the world as

Satchithanandamurthi, presiding over the hearts of all as 'Puttaparthi

Chakravarthi'. You should realise that I have come to remind you of your

reality, that in fact, every one of you is an embodiment of Satchidananda.

The One who has come to teach,

The One who churns for butter,

The hearts and minds of men,

The Friend, the charmer,

The liberator from blinding bondage,

The Comforter of those who clamor and pray,

The Destroyer of currents that drag,

The Consoler of torn hearts,

Like the moon so cool,

The Derider of pride,

The Healer, curing birth and death,

The Lotus eyed, the Negator of time,

Himself the process and the play of Time,

The Thief who steals for Himself

The pure minds of the good,

Beauty embodied, the child of Devaki,

Vaasudeva, Son of Vasudev,

The Glory of the Yadu race,

Is here, with you, beside you.

· You are singing with Me, conversing with Me and filling your eyes,

ears and hearts with My utterances and activities. This is not a mere physical

body composed of neither the five elements, nor this day My Birthday though you

may call it thus. This body

might have a birthday, but I have no birth. You say I am fifty-four years old

but I have no age, which can be counted.

The eternal, with neither entrance nor exit

The one who neither was, nor is, nor will be

The immortal person free from birth and death

The ever-effulgent Atman is Sai forever.

· When I am in the midst of men, I am a Man. When I am amidst women, I

am a woman. When I am amidst children, I am a child. When I am alone, I am

Brahman. Not only I, even you,

Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> when you are midst of ten elderly men, you

behave as an elder. When you are in the midst of ten women, you exhibit

femininity. When you are amongst children, even if you are a Supreme Court

judge, you behave like a child.

· I have come to reform you. I won't leave you until I do that. Even if

you get away before I do that, don't think you can escape Me. I will hold on to

you. I am not worried if you leave Me, for I am not anxious that there should be

a huge gathering here around Me. Who sent invitations to you? Yet you have come

here in thousands. You attach yourselves to Me. I am unattached. I am attached

only

to the task for which I have come.

But, be assured of this, whether you have come to Me or not, you are all Mine.

This 'Siva maatha', this 'Sai maatha'

New Roman'">(mother of all) has the love of thousand mothers towards her

children, that is why I do so much Lalana (fondling) and so much Palana

Roman'">(protecting). Whenever I appear to be angry, remember it is only love in

another form. For, I have not even an atom of anger in Me. I just evince my

disappointment that you do not shape as I direct. When I direct you along a

line of action, reflect on My advice. You have full liberty to do so. In fact I

shall be happy if you do so. I do not like slavish obedience. If you feel that

it will help you reach the goal,

'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> follow it. If not, go to some

other place. But let Me tell you one thing. Wherever you go, you meet only Me.

I am everywhere.

· The purpose for which I have come is not to fulfill small desires or

attend to the small incidents like what you have now heard about. There are

great Truths, which I have to establish. There is a considerable change in

human outlook, which I have to bring about. No one can stop Me or deter Me form

fulfilling tasks for which I have come namely the establishment of one

unchanging Truth. You have a part to play in the fulfillment of the Sai

mission, which remains ahead of us. Establishment of Dharma is the

task to which we have to attend immediately and I hope that you will all play

your part, however small it may be in completing the Sai work. Everything

depends on Truth and such Truth is not something, which has to yield

(something) to anyone. Untruth has to sub-ordinate itself to almost everyone

with whom it comes into contact. Truth will never sub-ordinate itself to

anyone. This form is the form of Sathya Sai or the embodiment of Truth.

· Everyone must imbibe higher values and consider himself as Atma and

follow the Atma Dharma. That is the Mission for which I have come. All men are

Mine. So the whole world has to be saved from the consequences of ignorance or

limited knowledge. I will get all My people near Me, for they are Mine and I am

theirs. Then I will start teaching and training them, until they become entirely

ego free.

For the last 25 years, it had all been sweetness, kindness, soft persuasion.

Hereafter it will be different. I will drag them, place them on the table and

operate. That is to say,

10.0pt"> I have no anger or hate, I have only Love. It is Love that prompts Me

to save them, to open their eyes before they get deeper into the morass.

Unless the child starts wailing the mother will not feed it. But this Mother is

different. She knows that the child must be fed and when it is to be fed. The

advent itself was according to My Sankalpa. Every step in this Avatar is due to

My own Sankalpa, not due to the prayer or petition of devotees. The devotees

seldom know what is good for them.

You are listening to Me and what do you get when you so listen? You agree that I

am giving you Anandam, is it not? Well what do you give Me in return? Give Me

the Aacharana of what I am telling you.

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">practice what I teach, that is enough, that is all I ask.

· Avatars choose the time and the mode of announcement of their Advent

and their glory. Even in this Avatar, such miracles had to be done when I

decided that the time was opportune for taking the people into My secret.

· Now, Bharata maatha is in a similar plight (similar to that of

Draupadi). Dharma, the very clothes that she has worn since centuries, which is

the expression of her natural style, is now seized by wicked irreverent hands.

They wish to dress her in unbecoming styles, as their own initiative or frenzy

dictates. So Krishna has to come again

for rescuing the victim of the wicked.

Krishna revealed the hollowness of the people who were confident of their

capacity to dishonor Draupadi and the weakness of those entrusted with the task

of protecting her. Now too I have to foil the attempts to undermine Dharma and

to stand in support of protagonists of Dharma.

· There is one point that I cannot but bring to your special notice

today. At the time when Jesus was merging in the Supreme Principle of Divinity,

he communicated some news to his followers, which has been interpreted in a

variety of ways by commentators and those who relish the piling of writing on

writing and

meaning upon meaning, until it all swells up into a huge mess. The Statement

itself has been manipulated and strangled into a conundrum. The Statement is

simple: "He Who Sent Me Among You Will Come Again!" and he pointed to a Lamb.

The lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It stands for the voice Ba - Ba. The

announcement was of the Advent of BABA. "His Name Will Be

Truth", Christ declared. Sathya means Truth. He wears a robe of red, a blood-red

robe(Swami pointed to the robe he was wearing). He will be short, with a

crown(of hair). The Lamb is the sign and symbol of Love. Christ did not declare

that He will come again . He said, "He who sent me will come again." That Ba-Ba

is this BABA.

And, Sai, the short, curly hair crowned, red-robed Baba, is come. Not only in

this Form, but, he is in every one of you, as the Dweller in the Heart. He is

there short

Roman'">, with a robe of the colour of the blood that fills it.

· You should offer your knowledge for the benefit of the people. You

should set an example to your fellow men. Cultivate the spirit of oneness of

all mankind. It is to teach this message that the Sai advent has taken place.

Sai has come to indicate the omnipresence of God. The Avatar has come down to

declare that God is present everywhere. This is as necessary as the need for

someone to light a lamp even if you have a lamp

holder, oil and wick. The Avatar comes not only to proclaim the eternal virtues

but also to shower His love on all mankind. But each one will get the benefit

according to the size of the vessel he holds.

· You are celebrating this day as the Birthday of Swami, and deriving

Ananda through various programmes carried on with enthusiasm by you. But, in

fact, I have no wish to consider this as a special day, because it is the

Birthday and celebrate it as such. I have come on a purpose to reveal to man

the mystery of his reality and the goal of his life. I have not come to set

them the task of celebrating Birthday or to arrange any pompous or

personal festivals. I have no such desire at any time, in this or any sojourn.

On what day do I celebrate my Birthday? On that day when all of you experience

genuine Ananda in your hearts! Now, When your hearts are surging with manifold

fears and anxieties, and torn by miseries and losses, and driven asunder by

grief

Roman'">, declaring this day as My birthday seems to be barren of meaning!

While on this subject, it is essential that I warn you of another subject also.

Do not spend your time to understand Me. Do no waste time in that attempt. The

reason why I am saying this is, It is beyond anyone's capacity to understand

Me. So, in trying to do the impossible, you are also wasting our time and your

effort. It is only when you succeed in knowing yourself that you can know Me.

I need nothing, however great or small, in this Universe. At no moment has

desire affected me for anything. I am the person who has come to give, not to

receive. And, what you can offer Me is just this,

Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> Pure, unadulterated Love. When you offer me

that I derive Ananda.

· I must tell you another fact. Swami's birthday is being celebrated at

Puttaparthi, because so many thousands are coming from far-off places,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> in spite of great difficulties during the journey

and the expense. Do not be under the impression that Swami's birthday is being

celebrated and therefore, you are coming. I have no desire to have My Birthday

celebrated. Such trivial thoughts can never come into Me. My only desire is to

share Ananda with You, to encourage you to lead lives full of Ananda. My

mission is "Loka Samasthah Sukino Bhavanthu".

· When this body had attained the ninth year, I had written a drama on

the fundamental trait of common man, that is saying one thing and doing

another. (Cheppinatlu Chestara).

· I have not until today revealed this incident anywhere to any one. It

was 1937. This body was then 11 years of age. I was then moving the whole day

with groups of boys who gathered around Me. I was then at Kamalapur with the

boys. On seeing Me, one person (Wolfe Messing) ran up to Me, took Me in his

arms and kissed Me, with tears pouring down his

cheeks and uttering the words, "I am so happy. I am so happy". He was also madly

dancing with joy repeating, "I love you. I love you". My companions who were

watching all this wondered, "Who is this white man? He looks like a lunatic.

Evidently, he is planning to kidnap us." As we moved off he was standing

riveted to the spot wistfully watching Me until I disappeared from view. The

chief characteristic of Sathya Sai is, let Me tell you, Equanimity.

· In this context, I may recall a poem I wrote at the age of seven. It

was as follows:

To see your face in a mirror do you need anybody's help?

Why do you need anyone's friendship for this purpose?

To view the moon in the sky do you need a lamp?

To look at the moon shining in the sky do you require any other source of light?

To know your own Atma why do you need a guru?

· Some of you may imagine that it is a source of joy for the Lord to

take a human form. If you are in this state you will not feel so. I am always

aware of the future, the past, as well as the present of everyone of you. So I

am not moved so much by pity. Not that I am hard-hearted or that I have no

daya. If you

bolt the doors fast, how can the rays of My Grace be available to you. "Swami!"

you cry. "You have no eyes. I am yearning to see you. Don't Your heart melt at

my plight?" Of course if this pitiable condition melts your hearts, will it not

melt mine! But since I know the past, the background, My reaction is different.

If only you knew you too will act differently. It is the consequence of evil,

deliberately done in previous births, and so I have to allow all suffering to

continue, modified, often by some little compensation. I don'

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">t cause either joy or grief, you are the designer of

both the chains that bind you.

· There are many who do not understand the Sai principle. Who is this

Sai? Why are certain things happening in this manner? These questions are

asked. I am not a Sanyasi. I am not a yogi. I am not a Bhogi (pleasure seeker).

I am not a Tyagi (renunciant). I am 'I'. This 'I' is the first name given to the

Atma. A

Sanyasi is bound by certain restrictions. The Bhogi is bound in many other ways.

I have no restrictions. I am limitless. Mine is boundless bliss My name is 'I'.

It is not a name given after one's birth. To understand Me, everyone has to

realise that the 'I' present in everyone, the 'I' used by everyone in every

context, whether he is a millionaire or a pauper, this 'I'

is Brahman. Everyone uses the 'I' from dawn to dusk without understanding its meaning.

· You must take a path by which you can see deep into My heart and

experience the various Divine aspects of Mine. You must understand the

all-knowing power in Me. Do not be led away by people who always talk of having

got a locket, a watch or a ring from Me. These things have no deep meaning. If

you can earn My grace, it is as good as getting the entire world. Do not talk

about My miracles but talk of the Prema which you can get from Me by your

conduct. This is what is most important and you must make an attempt to get

it. When there is an invaluable diamond in Me, you must try and acquire that.

What is the meaning in your wanting to acquire smaller things? You must not go

away from this invaluable treasure. You must be as close to it as possible. It

is necessary for you to take and treasure it. You may ask what is the necessity

for us to earn such a thing as Divine Grace and Prema. In this context it is

useful if you know of the kind of love, which comes from the Divinity present

in Me.

I would have given a protective Talisman to a devotee and that individual would

have worn it either on his need or somewhere on his body. You do not have to

constantly think of Swami. He will be with you and looking after you, even if

you do not have a protective talisman on your bodies. My grace is always

available to all people. The purpose of the talisman is that if the individual

wearing it is in some danger or difficulty, then the talisman will immediately

bring to Me in a flash the news and goes back with My Grace to you. This is the

function, which the

talisman that I give performs. It constitutes of a kind of link between the

wearer and me in times of danger. Such material gifts have been protecting

thousands of people. Why I am telling this to the young people sitting here is

to make them realise that My aspect is such that it reaches the hearts of the

people. These external things and material gifts provide the link from heart to

heart and they function when they are required most. Such experiences are

happening not by ones or twos but by thousands. In fact, such incidents are as

many as this (pointing to the hair on His head).

· Once Sri. K.M. Munshi convened a conference of intellectuals in

Bombay. I was the chief guest at the meeting and Munshi was seated next to Me.

Munshi requested Me to clarify the doubts of intellectuals regarding

spirituality and right conduct. Many questions were put to Me and Me answered

all of them clearly and convincingly.

One member of the audience asked Me whether it was necessary for India to equip

itself with atom bombs in view of the fact that both affluent America and

communist Russia had huge piles of atom bombs. I replied, "What folly is this!

When there are millions in the country who lack food, clothing and shelter, the

provision of these necessities is the most urgent task and not manufacturing of

atom bombs. Of what use are bombs when you cannot feed the people? Crores are

being wasted on armaments. I cannot agree to such wastage"

10.0pt">.

Then another member asked, "How are we to meet an attack from outside?" I

replied, "Our country's name is Bharath. For this country the Mahabharata is

the another guidebook. The heroes in this epic are the five Pandava brothers.

Among them, Arjuna and Bhima are incomparable warriors. Nevertheless they

submitted themselves to Dharmaja, the eldest

brother. If India upholds Dharma, then America and Russia will have to respect

Bharath. Confronted by Dharma, anyone, however powerful will be cut to size.

Therefore, the most vital thing for Bharath is Dharma."

· In the name Sai Baba, 'Sa' stands for Divine and 'Ayi'

New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> stands for Mother. And so Sai stands

for Divine Mother. 'Baba' means Father. This name Sai Baba thus means Divine

Mother and Father. The words Samba Siva and Sai Baba have the same meaning.

Roman'">'Sa' 'Amba' 'Siva' means Divine Mother and Father, so does the word Sai

Baba. Because there is the aspect of mother and father and because both are

present, this form is rightly to be described as Siva Shakti Atma

Swarupa.

Like mother I will be tender and soft and give you happiness and like father, I

punish you, criticize you when needed and through these methods I take you to a

high level. Even your own mother and father in the worldly sense will sometimes

become selfish and may punish you in a manner which smacks of selfishness but,

this Divine Mother and Father in Me has not a tinge of selfishness.

· In rendering service, there should be unity of heart, head and hands.

Only then service becomes sanctified. The significance of the three letters in

SAI should be understood. 'S' stands for Service. 'A' stands for

Adoration. 'I' stands for Illumination. These three represent Karma, Bhakti and

Jnana respectively. Sai teaches these three. All the three concepts are equally

important. Sai is the combination of three spiritual paths of Action, Devotion

and Wisdom. Just as the Pranava sound is made up of the three letters 'A',

New Roman'">'U','M', "SAI" stands for the triple forms of spiritual Sadhana.

· No trace of fear can tarnish the purity of the heart that is shining

in the splendor of truth. I am Sathya Sai. Like the name Sesha Sai with which

God is known as one who is based on, who reclines on the massive coils of the

poisonous snake Sesha, the meanig of Sathya Sai is one who is based on Truth.

Truth knows no defeat, Truth knows no fear. It marches on heedless of

acclamation or declamation.

· I am always happy and peaceful. Even when some people wish Me 'Happy

Birthday', I tell them that I am always happy and the wishes should be

addressed to those who are not happy. Another feature of patience is not being

elated by praise or depressed by adversity. I am not affected by pleasure or

pain. It is the perfect state of Samadhi (Sama + dhi), which means equanimity

both in

pleasure and pain.

· There is no Sathyam without Sivam, there is no Sivam without Sundaram.

Truth alone can confer Mangalam and Mangalam alone is the real beauty. Truth is

beauty. Joy is beauty. Falsehood and grief are ugly because they are unnatural.

Buddhi, Chittam and Hrudayam, these are the three centers in the individual

where resides Jnana, Karma and Bhakti. The effulgence of Sathyam will reveal

Sivam. Do Karma, which is approved by the higher

wisdom, not Karma which is born of ignorance. Then all Karma will be Sivam,

auspicious, beneficial, and blessed. The experience of that Sivam is what is

called Sundaram. For it confers real Ananda. That is My reality. That is why My

life is named "Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram".

· Some of you may ask why there should be a Hospital at all here? Why

should not Baba cure diseases by an exercise of His will? That is the question.

Well, for one thing, this Hospital is not My only Hospital. Hanumantha Rao has a

Hospital in Madras where disabled children are treated and trained to be useful

and self respecting individuals. That too is My Hospital. In fact all

Hospitals,

everywhere are Mine. I visit them all. Why, all those who call out from their

hearts for succor in whatever language, form whatever climate whether from

hospitals or home, are Mine. Do not confine Me to these few acres round the

Prashanthi Nilayam. Wherever a person craving for Prashanthi, lives and prays,

there a Prashanthi Nilayam exists.

Death comes swooping like the falcon on chicken feeding on the ground. The man

who dies, prays to Me to receive him. The person who weeps at his departure

prays to Me to keep him alive. I know both sides of the picture, the past and

the present, the crime and the punishment, the achievement and the

reward and so I carry out what is just, though modified by Grace. I am not

affected in any way, by arrival into the world of some or departure from it of

some others. My nature is Nityanandam. You can share that Anandam by following

My instructions and practicing what I say.

· I am not affected by either joy or sorrow. Mine is Samadhi or

Intelligence, which is Sama (steady), unaffected, unchanging wisdom.

· Whatever I say is for the good of others. I say only sacred things and

nothing that is unholy. Whether you believe or not, I may tell you that all the

time I only think of what good I can do to better the lot of the people. Swami

never thinks about Himself.

I declare that I am in everyone, in every being. So do not hate anyone, or cavil

at anyone. Share Prema always, everywhere. That is the best way of revering me.

I am beyond your understanding. Pray or worship for your own satisfaction and

contentment. But to say that I will respond only if I am called or that I will

save only if I am thought of, is wrong. Have you not heard the declaration,

Sarvathah Pani Padam? You can hear My Foot steps, for I walk with you, behind

you, beside you. When you cry out in agony,

'Times New Roman'">"Don't you hear my hearts complaint? Have you become so stone

hearted?" My ear will be there to listen. Ask that I should protect you like the

apple of the eye. My eye will be there to watch over you and guard you. Have

incense sticks (Dhoop) and scent sticks for the Pooja and I smell them. I

answer to whatever name you use. I respond to whatever request you make with a

pure heart and a sanctified motive.

· Sai's heart is as wide as the sky. Even the sky may have its limits.

Sai's heart is boundless. Some say Sai is in the hands of some persons. Yes, I

am indeed bound. Bound by the

devotees as well as by the wicked. In my view, I have more love for the wicked

than for the good. The good devotees remember me only occasionally. But the

wicked remember me all the twenty-four hours. I am thus in the hearts of the

devotees as well as the wicked. I cannot be caught in the grip of anyone.

In regard to every matter, my thoughts are always sublime and exemplary. You

must note that Swami's life is in His own hands and not in those of anyone

else. If I will it, I can live for as long as I please. I can also terminate it

at will. It is my will that decides and not any other person. The reason is my

purity

'Times New Roman'">, selflessness and Divinity. What other testimony is called

for? The life of the pure hearted is in their own hands and not in those of

others.

· There are many who are engaged in criticism and calumny. Many papers

published all types of writing. Many pamphlets are printed. All kinds of things

happen in the world. My reply to all this is just a smile. The reason is such

criticisms and distortions are the inevitable accompaniments of everything good

and great. Embodiments of Love! Not these only, but even if the entire world

opposes unitedly, nothing can affect Me. My Mission is essentially Mine. I am

engaged in the good. My heart is ever full of benediction. I have no ego. I do

not own anything. This is My Truth. Those who have faith in this, My Truth,

will not hesitate to dedicate themselves to it.

I am 'yes' to those who say 'yes'.

I am 'no' to those who say 'no'

'No' and 'yes' are words from you.

For Sai it is always 'yes', 'yes', 'yes'.

· You might infer, "Swami is doing this. Swami is doing that." But,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> it is not for My sake. For My sake (believe it or

not) I do not spend even a naya paisa. Whatever I do, I do for society only.

Though 56 years have passed, I have not stitched even one shirt or gown for Me

spending a naya paisa. I am wearing only what is given by a student, of the

Kingdom of Sathya Sai. Not today,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> but since the beginning, the thought that "I must

have this or that" has never arisen in Me. It is not rising now. It will not

arise at any time. Whatever thoughts arise in Me are only for the peace and

welfare of the world, for the progress of youth, will lead others along the

path. You must dedicate yourselves for rendering enthusiastic service to the

people of the world

Roman'">, recognising. that the Sai principle has no egoistic urge.

You may not be able to see it, but it is clear before My eyes. As days pass,

even those who are not able to recognise now the Truth of Sai will have to

approach with tears of repentance and experience Me. Very soon, this will be

worldwide. Swami is now firmly restraining this development. When once it is

allowed to manifest, the whole world will be transformed into

Prashanthi Nilayam.

· These are My three resolves and I am determined to fulfill them and to

set an example. You may believe in it or not. I must tell you that total

adherence to truth; absolute selflessness, Universality and spontaneous

outpouring of Love are to be seen only in Sai and nowhere else. Sai has not an

iota of

self-interest. Sai is motiveless. Sai deals with Sadhaks according to their

deserts. Sai will continue to love even those who revile him. Sai will not

forget anyone, even if he forgets Sai. But occasionally, Sai will appear to

ignore those who may have forgotten Sai, acted against his injunctions, set at

naught Sai ideals or traduced Sai. From these,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> Some persons may imagine that Swami is angry with

some persons or dissatisfied with some others. It is not without any reason,

that Sai avoids meeting or talking to some persons. I do not wish to waste My

words on persons, who do not respect Sai's directives or follow Sai's ideals. I

do not wish to speak to those who have no regard for My words. That does n't

mean I have no Love towards them.

When we delight, as He keeps us close and near

He sows anxiety in the heart, of separation sad.

When we despire and feel His sport is our wail

He grants us in plenty laughter to split our sights.

When we ride on the crest of the wave of His praise

He pricks our pride well-timed jeers.

When we roam quite free at the boon, "Don't fear"

He heaps trouble on trouble and silently passes by

We cannot turn away nor proceed forward.

Thus who in Parthi, holds the earth in thrill.

· This body will enter its seventieth year on the 23rd. As far as I can

remember, I have not done all these years, any harm to anyone in any form. Even

the idea of causing harm to anyone has never entered my mind. Because of this,

in spite of my seventy years, I appear like a small boy. As I don't find the

time or the opportunity, I don't run, but I can do so. Where from has this

strength come?

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> There are three factors responsible, the three P's,

Purity, Patience, Perseverance. If you develop these three qualities, you can

also acquire the same strength.

There is no need to glorify what I have done. I have given back to the people

what was given by them. I have given to you what is essential for you. Nothing

is mine. If anything can be called mine, it is You. You are my greatest

property. If you are happy, I am happy. If you pursue the right path, that is

my food. When you are united,

Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> I feel happy. Therefore, do not speak about

what Swami has done. Swami served to you what you offered to Him. I have nothing

in My hands. People call them empty hands. But this nothing is everything.

Today, most people lack purity. Whether you believe it or not, I must tell you

that there is no trace of self-interest in Me. I am keen to do something or the

other for this or that person, but have no concern about Myself. Develop this

attitude and you will experience your Divinity.

· Society today is rampant with jealousy and hatred. Jealousy is a

disease, which gives rise to hatred. Develop forbearance and good will. That is

the cure for jealousy. I have often declared, "My Life is My Message."

'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> Often many have extolled Me and

many have denied Me. I do not get elated by praise or depressed by criticism. I

treat everything alike (Samatwam). "Samathwam Yogamuchyathe". That equal

minded-ness is Yoga. What do I lose when some one criticizes Me? That is his

opinion. It does not affect Me. Those who criticize Baba are suffering from a

disease, like those who reject a sweet because they suffer from

diabetes. The fault lies in the person and not in the sweet. They know that Baba

is engaged in beneficial activities. They want Him to fulfill their desires. But

because their selfish interests are not satisfied they turn against Swami. This

is a malady. When you see the facts in this light, you will realise the truth.

· I will never I am the witness of your activity, not the participant. I

am like the electric fan. Switch it on, it gives cool breeze. Switch it off, it

allows you to swelter in the heat. I have no likes or dislikes. Those who talk

ill of Me are also remembering My name and deriving joy therefrom and perhaps

earning a few paise thereby. They are happy when they write falsehood. You are

happy, singing the Truth. I am unconcerned with either.

I have come for a task, which I have imposed, on Myself. That task will go on,

from victory to victory, irrespective of praise or blame. It can neither be

halted nor hindered.

· forget those who come to Me and be with Me . This is a certainty!

When thus I move and I work and speak, say, how My Name can tarnish be.!

I shall not slacken My Task, My Activity, My Determination. For Me, reputation,

fame, blame, calumny - all are equally insignificant. I am quite unconcerned

with the whole lot.

I speak and act, only to help the world and for the sake of people. But, let me

tell you, I have no Name, no Place, no Possession. By whatever name I was

called

with, I respond!. To whichever place I am called, I go and make my appearance. I

have this as My very first, My Vow, My Self-imposed Task.

I have not spoken of this to anyone so far. I am not a part of this world. I am

far, far away from it. But yet, I engage Myself in the uplift of its

inhabitance. My Shakti, My Power, My mystery can never be understood,

'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> whoever studies it, how so ever intensely and well.

You can yourself witness the Glory that will be manifested hereafter. Bhaktas

must learn patience and await events.

· When "near-dear relationship" is established, one can delve a little

into the Sai mystery. That is the highest achievement possible. I am saying all

this, not out of anger or

resentment, but solely through a desire to declare My Truth.

· "My Life is My Message." Many will be criticizing Me, while many

others will be praising Me. But I am neither depressed by their criticism nor

elated by their praise. Why? Because, if some people mention about whatever

qualities are actually in Me I need to pay any attention to them. If anyone

attributes to Me what is factually not in Me, I need not be worried about it.

For instance, if some one calls Me "Butta Thala Sai Baba" (Sai Baba with a

basket-like crown of hair), I should by all means accept their remark, because

I have such a bushy hair on My head. On the contrary if anybody accosts Me as

"Batta Thala Sai Baba" (bald-headed Sai Baba), why should I accept it? I have

no bald-head. So if defects, which I do not have, are pointed out directly even

in My very presence, I do not accept them and hence I am not upset by them. That

is the right "determination", indicating self-confidence

· I am showing you by My example how you must fill every moment with

useful beneficial activity. You talk among yourselves. "Swami is having His

rest hour. Swami is sleeping". But I have never craved for a minute's rest or

sleep or relief. Shall I tell you at what time I feel restful, relieved,

content? When I know that you are all earning supreme bliss through detachment

and spiritual

discipline. I am ever engaged in some activity or other for your benefit .

Things I could get done, I do not entrust to others. I do them Myself, so that

they may learn self-reliance and get experience thereby. I always have your

progress, your comfort, your happiness in mind. You can note it in the

slightest act of Mine. I do all work pertaining to Me. I open all letters

addressed to Me and they are legion.

· In this connection, I should like to tell you something. Whether you

believe it or not, I do not have any worry. When I embarked on the construction

of such a big hospital (the Super Specialty Hospital), Joga Rao used to say, "We

are drawing up such gigantic plans. We don't have enough money. How are we going

to construct this hospital?" He

was highly apprehensive. I told him, "What we are undertaking is good work for

the welfare of others. There is no selfishness in Me. We are doing everything

for the well-being of the world. Do not give room for these depressing

thoughts. It is bound to come up. Have this confidence."

· Truth is the life of the plighted word. My words bear the imprint of

truth. I cannot depart from truth. I don't speak to those who attach no value

to My words. This should be realised by those who complain that Swami does not

talk to them. When people heed My words, I am ready to help them in every way

and confer happiness on them. I do nothing for My own sake. This is My truth.

The Sai Lord is the embodiment of Love,

Who taught the Love Principle

Proclaimed the equality of all beings,

And revealed the preciousness of humanness.

· I have no devotees. You may describe yourselves as Sathya Sai

devotees. I am Myself a devotee. Whose devotee? A devotee of those who claim to

be My devotees. My duty is to fulfill their desires. I belong to you and you

belong to

Me. Understand and strengthen this relationship. This is My sole desire.

· I am prepared to help anyone from any village, any state or community;

I do not cherish differences of any kind. Whether you believe it or not, I may

assure you that I respect only one caste, the caste of humanity, only one

religion, the religion of love, and only one language, the language of the

heart. I shall never say "No" to anybody who seeks My help, whatever his caste,

religion or creed may be. A good many devotees are gathered here. I am prepared

even to part with Prashanthi Nilayam to meet your requests. I am prepared to do

anything for the good of the people. That is My only concern.

· You must have freedom not only from fear, but from hope and

expectation. Trust in My wisdom. I do not make mistakes. Love My uncertainty,

for it is not a mistake. It is My intent and will.

· Birth and death are like jokes for Me, though you may not know it.

When someone comes to Me and wails "My husband has passed away", I remark:

"Santhosham" (happy). She may remark "How can you be happy if my husband has

passed away?" All events are the same to Me, I am always happy. One lady comes

to Me and says that

she is suffering from an unbearable stomach ache. I observe: "Very happy" (chaala santhosham").

· I do not need any publicity. What are you doing to publicise Me? What

do you know about Me, let Me ask. You speak one thing about Me today and

another tomorrow. Your faith has not become unshakable. You praise, when things

go well, and blame when things go wrong. You flit from one refuge to another.

And even before your Bhakti ripens, you strive to lead others, you collect

donations and subscriptions and plan mandirs and sangams. All this is a mere

show, which brings spiritual loss, rather than spiritual gain. When you start

publicity you descend to the level of those who compete in decrying

others and extolling themselves.

Where money is calculated, garnered and exhibited to demonstrate one's

achievements, I will not be present there. I come only to places where

sincerity, faith and surrender are valued. So spend the silent hours in

meditation and Namasmarana in your own homes and deepen faith. I do not need

Bhajans, which like gramophone records reproduce songs and Namavalis, without

any feeling or yearning while singing. Hours of shouting are not needed, a

moment of concentrated heartfelt prayer, is enough to melt and move God.

· Ghandikota Shastry said that I gave him a Siva lingam for Pooja

(worship) with remark that it was My swarupam. I do not like this contribution

to publicity. I want publicity for teachings and the message. I want 'Thathwa -

Prachara' and not 'Vyakthi Prachara'. Publicity of principles, not of

individuals. That is more important. There is no need to talk about Me.

· I did not like the fulsome praises with which you flooded Me in the

Address which was read out when this meeting started. I am yours and you are

mine. This is a family get together. As a matter of fact all the gatherings

that I meet are family gatherings. The entire mankind is My family. It sounds

very improper when a member of the family is extolled by another before the

rest. This is a habit, a ceremony that is borrowed from political life, where

politicians are given

addresses wherein they are praised. So that some benefits may accrue to the

place which they are visiting and which present those praises.

· Swami's will is firm. No one can alter it. Swami's glory, fame and

sacredness has not been achieved through publicity. They are the results of

Swami's actions. I have no concern with publicity. Action alone counts. What is

achieved through publicity will disappear through publicity. Sai will not be

affected by propaganda. The world may be affected by propaganda but Sai will

remain the same. Many of you are pained by the calumny. Some

papers are indulging in disregarding Me. Many are urging that something should

be done about it. But I am holding everyone back because that is the best way

to deal with praise and blame. The ocean knows no overflowing or drying up. It

is ever full, ever majestic, ever unconcerned.

I have been advising you to do good to others, to make others happy, to help

others live comfortably. This is called Sat Karma (beneficial acts). Now,

these papers that live on falsehood are able to scrape together a little money

from the people with low tastes. The people who spread such fantastic

absurdities, knowing them to be false and knowing that they are manufactured by

their own brains, get joy out of this exercise. Do not stop them from it, for

without spending a single naya paisa, you are now able to give them joy. Let

them revel in their own mind. Joy is what one desires from one's own mind. when

the mind is vicious, it derives joy from vicious things. when it is pure. Only

purity can give it joy.

· I am surprised that you read out a welcome address to Me and extolled

Me as Jnanaswarupa, Premaswarupa etc. I must tell you that I am no stranger and

therefore need no welcome. I am no stranger anywhere, much less here,

New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> of all places where I took birth! I

belong to you. I am very near to you. Besides I do not like these praises, for

praise places you at some distance, whereas I take delight in being with you,

beside you, around you. No father likes his sons to praise him! No son

approaches his father with a welcome address,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> in which his scholarship, wealth, strength, virtues

are listed and extolled. Kinship evokes kindliness. There is no need or chance

for formal ceremonial behavior.

· I have no other purpose than this: To lead you to the path of Ananda.

I have no special attachment to Vidwan Mahasabha because I have established it.

All sabhas, Sanyasis and individuals that do the same task, according to their

capacity and means are dear to Me. I do not call upon you to cultivate faith in

Me or worship Me. I want only that you should cultivate faith in yourselves and

worship the Lord who is utilizing you as His instrument.

I do not like demonstration and show. They are against My very Nature and

purpose. I love all those who come to Me, as well as those who stop coming,

those who stay in the Nilayam, as well as those who stay away, those who praise

as well as those who blame

Roman'">, for no one is beyond my boundary of Love. As a matter of fact, I am

Prema Swarupa. I do not need any rest in My efforts to give you Ananda. I am

unattached to any event or plan. I am not worried at all by fear or failure for

I know that My plans must succeed.

I live upon the Ananda that you derive when you sing the name and glorify the

Form of the Lord. That is My food, My daily sustenance. So I have no need to

talk to you, it is sufficient if I sit here and draw in the Ananda that you

feel when you do Bhajans. I do not like pomp and show. I do not derive any joy

out of it.

· With regard to the drinking water project people have been praising

Swami in laudatory terms. Swami is not happy with these eulogies. Nothing is

Mine. All these gifts are from devotees. They have taken the form of water. To

demonstrate the exemplary character of this devotion, I launched the water

project. I am only a trustee. I am a postal runner. Whether the messages

delivered by the postman are pleasant or unpleasant, only the recipients can

know. Hence, it is not right to attribute to Swami, that He is responsible for

everything. God seeks nothing. What you have to offer to God is only your love.

 

· If you accept Me and say "Yes!," I too respond and say "SSS!" If you

deny and say "No!," I also echo "No!" Come,

examine, experience and have faith, that is the method of utilising Me.

· After the Summer Course was over, Indulal Shah, V.Srinivasan and

others came to me with plans for various projects to be carried out in the next

three years. Each year they wanted to carry out one project. I told them: "You

should not do anything for Me. You may do anything you desire for the sake of

the people, the society and the poor." I told Srinivasan I have three desires.

Even if I have some desires, not for My sake. "Today, middle class farmers are

experiencing difficulties in cultivating their fields. Owners of five of six

acres are not able to get laborers to work on their farms and do not have

cattle for ploughing the fields. Therefore, you get 70 tractors to be presented

to small farmers on My Seventieth Birthday (in 1995)". Action followed right in

the wake of My words. The Escorts people were immediately contacted on the

phone and the tractors were brought for the selection of those that would be

suitable for small farmers. As Swami was offering the tractors free to small

farmers, the Escorts people offered a concession in price. Orders were placed

immediately for 70 tractors.

Srinivasan asked what was Swami's second wish. Swami said that young people were

going about in Puttaparthi without any occupation and taking to bad ways. Some

useful work should be provided for them. The Super Specialty Hospital is far

from the township. Even the Post office is at a great distance. Many people are

having difficulty in going to these places. To provide employment to these

unemployed youth and provide an essential amenity for the public, Swami

suggested that 70 autorikshaws might be provided to the unemployed.

'Times New Roman'">"If these young men are given these vehicles, it would please

me." As I Said, Orders have been placed for these autorikshaws. The third wish

was this: There are a number of women belonging to good families, who have no

independent means to sustain themselves and are not in a position to take up

jobs outside. I felt that they could earn some income independently.

Immediately 70 sewing machines have been purchased.

A fourth wish: Marriages should be performed for 70 poor couples without regard

to caste or creed. The marriage should be such that they should feel happier

beyond all their previous experiences in life. It is not enough to give them

wedding clothes and the Mangala Sutram. The Mangala Sutram should be attached

to a gold chain. In addition, to enable them to lead a life of ideal

householders, each couple should be provided with a home.

In this manner, all my thoughts are devoted to promoting the good of others. Is

any Government or wealthy person thinking along these lines? None at all. When

such sacred things are being done, jealousy rises its head in some persons.

This is the outcome of their sins. These envious folk

will not do anything good themselves, nor will they allow others to do good.

This is not a human quality. A true human being should be filled with

large-hearted sentiments.

· (Baba was brought down the winding stairs into the Private Room on the

ground floor, in Prashanthi Nilayam because He insisted on giving Darshan to the

thousands of devotees who had come on that auspicious day. He had an attack of

cerebral thrombosis (of tubercular meningitis) and was in bed for eight days

from the morning of Saturday, 29th June to evening of 6th July (1963). His left

hand, leg and eye was affected. His right hand had also slight palsy. The speech

was indistinct and the face was twitching. He was placed on

the silver chair in the Prayer Hall and His hand and leg was adjusted in proper

position. As soon as He was seated, He communicated the following message which

was interpreted and announced).

This is not Swami's illness. this is an illness which Swami has taken on, in

order to save someone. Swami has no illness, nor will He get ill at any time.

You must all be happy, that alone will make Swami happy. If you grieve, Swami

will not be happy. Your joy is Swami's food.

(Then, Baba signaled to Sri Kasturi to speak, and after his short speech was

over, Baba wanted the mike to be held before Him. He spoke:"Vinipisthunnada!"

(Can you hear me) But though He asked again and again, the voice was so

indistinct that no one could make out what it meant. He then signed for water

and when it was brought, He sprinkled a little with His shaking right hand on

the stricken left hand and on his left leg. He stroked His left hand and His

left leg. Immediately, He used both hands to stroke His left leg. That touch

was enough to cure it. He doffed the disease in a trice! He started to speak!

It was the same musical voice!).

"Dikkuleni vaniki devude gathi" (For those who have no refuge, God is the

refuge.) That is exactly the reason why I had to take on the disease that one

helpless Bhakta was to get. He had to suffer this dire illness, as well as the

four heart attacks that accompanied it and he would not have survived it . So

according to My Dharma of

Bhaktasamrakshana, I had to rescue him. Of course, this is not the first time

that I have taken on the illness of persons whom I wanted to save. Even in the

previous avatar at Shirdi, I had this responsibility, the suffering that you

saw was too much for this particular devotee and so, I had to save him

'Times New Roman'">, by Myself going through it. This is My Leela, My nature. It

is part of the task for which I have come, sishta samrakshna.

Persons who were near Me during the last week were asking Me to give them the

name of the person whom I had saved. I told them that it will make them angry

against that person, for, they would feel that Swami had to undergo so much of

pain in order to save that person. Then they replied, that they would honour

that person,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> because of the extraordinary Bhakti that persuaded

Swami to run to his rescue on Saturday evening.

Some people even asked Me whether it was this person or that, giving names of

those who had attacks of paralysis, especially on the left side! This is even

more ridiculous, because when I save a person, I save him completely. I do not

wait until he gets the disease and I do not leave in him a fraction

of the disease so that he may be identified later. It all looks so funny to Me,

the guesses and surmises that you make.

Even in Shirdi, Dada Saheb, Nandaram, Balwant, all were saved by this means.

Balwant was destined to get plague, but the bubo was taken over and the boy was

saved.

This is perhaps the longest period when I kept the devotees wondering and

worried. This was because of the heart-attacks which had to come later on the

Bhakta and from which he had to be saved. There is another reason too, why the

eight-day period had to be observed. Well, I shall tell you why. That means I

must tell you about Myself, about something I have not disclosed so far

Roman'">, something which I was keeping with Myself for the last 37 years. The

time has come to announce it. This is a sacred day and I shall tell you.

You know I declared on the very day when I decided to disclose My identity, My

mission and My advent, that I belonged to the Apasthamba Sutra and Bharadwaj

Gothra. This Bharadwaj was a great sage who studied the Vedas for full one

hundred years: but finding that the Vedas were Anantha (endless), he did Thapas

for prolonging life,

Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> and from Indra he got two extensions of a

century each. Even then, the Vedas could not be completed, so he asked Indra

again for another hundred years. Indra showed him 3 huge mountain ranges and

said "What you have learned in 3 centuries is only 3 handfuls of the 3 ranges,

which the Vedas are. So, give up the attempt to exhaust all the Vedas. Do a

Yaga, (sacrificial) instead, which I shall teach you: That will give you the

fruit of Vedic study, full and complete

10.0pt">."

Bharadwaj decided on performing the Yaga. Indra taught him how do it. All

preparations were completed. The sage wanted that Shakti must preside and bless

the Yaga. So he went to Kailash but, the time was not opportune for presenting

his petition. Siva and Shakti were engaged in competitive dance, trying to find

out who could dance longer.

Eight days passed thus, before Shakti noticed Bharadwaj standing in the cold.

She just cast a smile at him and danced along as before! The Sage mistook the

smile as a cynical refusal to notice him. So he turned his back on Kailash and

started to descend. To his dismay, he found his left leg, hand and eye put out

of action by a stroke. Shiva saw him fall. He came up to him and consoled him

Roman'">; Bharadwaj was told that Shakti had indeed blessed him and his Yaga.

Then, Shiva revived him and cured him, sprinkling water from the Kamandalam.

Both Shiva and Shakti granted the Rishi boons. They would both attend the Yaga,

they said.

After the Yaga was over, they were so pleased that they conferred even more

boons on the sage. Shiva said that they would take Human form and be born in

the Bharadwaj Gothra (lineage) thrice, Shiva alone as Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva

and Shakti at Puttaparthi as Sathya Sai Baba and Shakti alone as

Prema Sai later. Then Shiva remembered the illness that had suddenly come upon

Bharadwaj at Kailash on the eight day of the waiting in the cold on the ice. He

gave another assurance. "As expiation for the neglect which Shakti showed you at

Kailash for 8 days, this Shakti will suffer the stroke for 8 days, when We both

take birth as Sathya Sai, and on the 8th day I shall relieve her from all signs

of the disease by sprinkling water, just as I did at Kailash to cure your

illness."

It was the working out of this assurance that you witnessed today, just now.

This had to happen, this stroke and the cure. The assurance given in the Treta

Yuga had to be honored. I may tell you now that the poor forlorn Bhakta who had

to get the stroke, which I took over, was, a convenient excuse, which was

utilized. You see,

mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> a railway engine is not made available to haul just

one bogey. It waits until a number of bogeys are to be taken along and then they

put the engine gets into action. So too, the disease had to be gone through, the

Bhakta had to be saved, the assurance to be carried out, the Mystery had to be

cleared, the

Divinity had to be more clearly announced by the manifestation of this grand

Miracle. All these were accomplished by this one incident.

Let me tell you one more thing. Nothing can impede or halt the work of this

Avatar. When I was upstairs all these days, some people foolishly went about

saying, "It is all over with Sai Baba" and they turned back many who were

coming to Puttaparthi! Some said I was in

Samadhi, as if I am a Sadhak! Some feared I was the victim of black magic, as if

anything can affect Me! The splendor of this Avatar will go on increasing, day

by day. Formerly when the Govardhanagiri was raised aloft by the little boy,

the Gopis and the Gopalas realised that Krishna was the Lord. Now, it is not

one Govardhanagiri, a whole range will be lifted, you will see! Have patience,

have faith.

Yesterday, when I came into the hall, I could see the agony you all felt. That

was because you identified Me with this body, that was having the illness. If

you had known Me truly, you would not have been sad. In fact,

'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> if you had known the truth, that

would be enough. The illness came and went. I was its master throughout. One

day, when it reached its climax, I was watching its behavior and directing it

to finish its Dharma. For I had taken it on Myself and so, I must allow it to

do its Dharma! All kinds of silly stories were circulated when I was ill! Some

people feared that when I went to the South recently, some black magic was

inflicted upon Me and that the stroke was the consequence. Let Me tell you that

nothing evil can affect Me. Nothing can harm Me. I am the master, the Shakti

that overpowers everything else. I knew the explanation some people were giving

that I was in Mauna or Samadhi. Now why should I keep the vow of silence? If I

am silent, how can I carry out my task of reforming you and making you all

realise the aim of life

Roman'">? And why should I seek Samadhi, I who am the Ananda Swarupa and the

Prema Swarupa Himself?

With Sai love from Sai brothers – ‘’

Source: http://members.rediff.com/saivani/SriSathyaSaiBaba.htm

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