Kindle Your Spirit

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KINDLE YOUR SPIRIT

 

WRITING ON THE SAND

 

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.

During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend

slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt,

but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND

SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE."

 

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to

take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and

started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from

the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED

MY LIFE."

 

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked

him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a

stone, why?"

 

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it

down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when

someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where

no wind can ever erase it."

 

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN

STONE.

 

*****

GETTING SPIRITUALLY BETTER

ANALYSE THE RISK, BEFORE YIELDING TO ATTRACTIONS AND DESIRES

 

Some of the points mentioned earlier must no doubt have seemed scary.

However, we should not take an unnecessarily dim or gloomy view of

the current state of affairs. Rather, we must learn from history what

we must do and what we ought not to do. If there are deficiencies in

us, we must firmly resolve to correct ourselves and eliminate those

defects. That is the right and proper thing to do.

 

OK, agreed we have to transform; but how to go about it? Actually,

there is no shortage of rulebooks that prescribe all the Do's and

Don'ts. In fact, such rulebooks have been there from the distant

past; yet, mankind today is deep in trouble. Why? Because man today

is not convinced that following spiritual discipline is beneficial to

him.

 

Swami says this absence of conviction is the result of a lack of deep

analysis. Man analyses in depth when he has to buy a house, or make a

financial investment. But when it comes to matters spiritual, he has

no time to enquire; he takes the easy way out by ignoring the ancient

golden rules. Some would say that man today is guided more by "short-

term" gains rather than "long-term" benefits. Swami says that if man

clearly understands the dangers involved in some of the actions that

seem so attractive, he would refrain from engaging in them.

 

Baba gives a nice example. There is a marriage feast, and a tasty

sweet pudding is about to be served. This is the dish that all guests

have been looking forward to. The serving has commenced. Just then, a

person who is associated with the host announces: "Attention

everybody. We regret to inform you that while the pudding was being

prepared, a poisonous insect fell into it. Therefore, kindly do not

eat the sweet dish. Please reject it. We are very sorry and we

apologize." Baba says that the pudding, which tills then everyone

were eagerly awaiting, is now looked upon with revulsion. Why?

Because, everyone is aware of the danger. In the same way, all things

of the world that promise sensual pleasure of one kind or the other,

have lurking dangers associated with them. Once the dangers are

identified by clear analysis, then people would not be tempted to do

what earlier seemed very attractive.

 

This is true, and the revulsion to smoking that followed the

discovery that smoking causes lung cancer and heart diseases proves

the point. However, not all are convinced, and that is because they

have not analyzed matters in depth. Some take an escapist view. Take

corruption, for example. In a corrupt society, an individual often

says, "What is the point of my trying not to be corrupt? OK, I will

not take bribes, but to get anything done, I have to bribe left and

right; otherwise, nothing happens. Under these circumstances, does it

make any sense for me to be idealistic? In fact such a step would be

stupid, and like Don Quixote tilting at the windmills." This kind of

argument is quite common. Basically, such arguments arise because the

individual concerned (a) does not have faith in the power of Dharma,

and (b) does not realise that one day, he has to pay the price, even

though it might not be immediately. In fact, it is the false sense of

security provided by the idea that one can  'get away' that makes

most people to ignore in-depth analysis, the price one eventually has

to pay, etc. The consequences of evil Karma, Swami says, will finally

chase one like the 'bloodhound from hell'. There is no way to escape

from that bloodhound. But people labour under the illusion that there

is no such retribution, and that they can really get away with

anything, provided they are smart. Dharma can never be outsmarted,

nor cheated. To think so is utter stupidity; yet, 99% of the people

firmly believe that there is nothing to worry.

 

The seeker must get rid of such false notions. In fact, the true

seeker should say: "I don't care about success or failure. I will NOT

violate Dharma under any circumstance, because that would mean being

untrue to myself." Shakespeare said therefore, "Above all, to thine

own Self be true." Who is this Self that Shakespeare is talking

about? It is none other than what Swami refers to as the Real Self,

the true Inner Being, the Atma, etc.

 

Following Dharma requires courage, especially when Adharma becomes

the norm. That courage can be got through prayer. One must be

determined and have the feeling, "Come what may, I shall not flinch."

Suppose a soldier decides that his life is precious and flees during

battle, even though it might cost his country. Would the average

citizen accept such behavior? He would feel revolted. Yet, this very

same person would not mind reneging on his own duty! One cannot have

one set of rules for others and a different set for one's own self.

But this precisely is what many people seem to want these days. No,

if a soldier has the duty to sacrifice for his country and Society,

so does every member of the Society; no one is exempt, though

individuals may imagine that certain rules apply only to certain

people. The entire Universe is delicately built around a chain of

balanced give and take, of selfless sacrifice. No one has the right

to tamper with this delicate balance.

 

Taking everything together, it should be clear that spirituality is

intimately related to many day-to-day matters, matters that affect

individuals as well as society. It is thus a very practical affair

and not something far-removed or esoteric, as many mistakenly

imagine. If any proof is needed, then Swami's life provides the best

example. The million things that Baba does as a part of His daily

routine that everyone takes so much for granted, reflect nothing but

the principle of selflessly giving the most and receiving the least.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES RELATING TO THE ABOVE

 

·         The above material deals with the problem of avoiding what

is bad.

 

·         Drinking is a bad habit.. Nobody is born a drunkard. People

get addicted to drink after they have first tasted it. It is the

faulty first step that is often very fatal.

 

·         One must be careful even while walking. If one is not

careful, one would stumble. And if one is unlucky, the stumble may

even result in a bad injury like a fracture, for example.

 

·         Likewise, while going through life, one must be very

careful. In particular, one must have a clear agenda of Do's and

Don'ts. One must be able to say: "This I shall do, and this I never

shall!"

 

·         Actually, it is quite easy to draw up such lists. Moses

gave a famous one thousands of years ago. The problem is in following

the list! Baba's approach is very practical. Analyse the risk before

you venture to do anything.

 

·         In many areas of the world, troubles erupt. These may be

famous tourist destinations but when troubles erupt, many governments

issue travel advisories. They say: "We advise our citizens to avoid

travelling to such and such a country." And most citizens take such

warnings quite seriously. Why? Because they are afraid that if they

did go to that destination, they would be in danger. They are not

prepared to take the risk of travel.

 

·         But curiously, people who are quite prepared to take

seriously the warnings of governments, do not take seriously the

warnings of the Wise or even the Conscience. This shows the power of

the senses to delude.

 

·         The senses are outward looking. That is the way God has

made them. However, they easily overstep their boundaries, and tempt

man. If the Mind is not strong, then the Mind falls for what the

senses say, and trouble follows immediately.

 

·         What Baba is saying is that one should not just jump when

the senses tempt. One should think calmly and reflect. One must

analyze the dangers and then only act. Once one clearly understands

the danger involved, one would surely not go astray.

 

·         Some people are very much under the control of the senses.

Yet, deep within, they want to change. They say: "I want to change

but I am unable to. What should I do?" There are many strategies one

can adopt. Supposing there is a poor man who wastes all his money on

liquor. This poor man has a child whom he loves very much. The child

becomes very sick. Money is needed for treatment. There is little

money and if even that is spent on drink, the man has to lose his

child. In such a case, love triumphs. The man says, "Enough is

enough; I must save my child's life. I will not drink. I shall

instead use that money for treatment." This is a case where love

provides the anti-dote.

 

·         Love for God, love for Baba can do similar if not greater

wonders. Thousands of people who thought they could not live without

meat, who thought they must have their smoke and drink, have given it

all up, because they felt that they must do so, if they truly loved

Baba.

 

·         People may argue: "Listen, all this is more easily said

than done. Have you not heard of withdrawal symptoms? You can't

always just cut off from drinks and alcohol that easily." Swami has a

solution for that! He tells a story.

 

·         Once there was an opium addict. One day, a Wise man came to

the village where this addict lived. This man desperately wanted to

give up the drug habit but try as he might, he could not succeed. He

then decided to seek the counsel of the Wise one. The Wise man heard

the young addict patiently and said, "You don't have to give up the

opium habit overnight. But you must strictly follow my instructions

if you really want to get over the habit." The young man agreed. The

Wise man then told the addict, "Take a piece of chalk and with it

write the word OM three times. After that you can take opium, but

only corresponding to the size of the chalk; not one bit more." The

young man did precisely that; day by day, the amount he consumed

decreased until one day, he was totally cured of the habit.

 

·         It must be mentioned that not always is such a slow

withdrawal the proper procedure. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to

let go instantly. To stress the point, Swami says, "You pick up

something thinking it is a rope and then you suddenly realise it is a

cobra. Would you keep holding it or slowly release or let go

instantly?" The answer is obvious.

 

·         In modern times, people often get drawn to bad habits on

account of two important reasons. First there is the strong

persuasion from what might be called the Sin Industry, especially via

most distracting advertisements. Second is peer pressure. The young,

particularly, want to "belong" and be counted by their peers. So, for

gaining acceptance, they readily plunge into doing things they would

otherwise not quite be willing to. As a matter of fact, peer pressure

is the consequence of fashions, which are often shaped by the Desire-

cum-Sin Industry. In short, there are many rackets to trap the

gullible, and it therefore becomes all the more important to analyse

thoroughly for oneself, the various risks involved in giving in to

the temptations proposed by the senses.

 

·         Today's situation is such that often these battles against

temptations have to be fought alone. This is where inner courage

becomes very important.

 

·         People can be quite careful when they want to. For example,

Westerners are often shocked by the way people drive in South Asian

countries. With great astonishment they ask, "Don't these people

understand that if they drive like this they are likely to kill and

also get killed?" But unfortunately, what seems blatantly obvious to

them, is not to the crazy drivers! It is the same with giving in to

the senses. In this game, the Wise are like the westerners while the

foolish and indulgent people are like the crazy drivers. What is

obvious to the Wise is not so to the people who are led by the

senses.

 

·         It is worth stressing that while risk analysis is important

and necessary, there must be a greater compelling force urging one to

stay on the right path. One must stick to righteousness and not

pander to the senses because it is one's DUTY to do so! This is a

very important point and must not be lost sight of.

 

·         A person who truly loves God must say, "I will simply NOT

do this, because God would not like to see me do it!" That is the way

to fight off temptation. If love for God is strong, even the greatest

of temptations can be kept at bay.

 

·         In short, risks apart, we have a DUTY to be moral. We must

avoid being immoral not because it would be advantageous to our

health etc. No doubt, preserving one's health is an important point.

However, the over-riding consideration must flow from one's

conviction in morality.

 

POINTS TO PONDER OVER

 

·         List some of the common attractions that people easily

yield to, and then analyse the defects in them in the sense Swami

wants us to.

 

·         Devotees regularly swear that they Love Swami; yet He often

declares that He is all the time waiting for a true devotee! Is there

something wrong about the Love that people profess? If so, what

precisely is the defect?

 

*****

 

MOTHER SAI, OUR SAVIOUR

 

Ramani Sambhara

Atlanta, Georgia USA

 

Arriving in Puttaparthi was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Even though I had previously been to Parthi several times, this trip

meant so much more. It's hard to explain my unbelievable experiences

in Parthi. How do I explain the feelings of knowing that we had an

appointment with God, yet unsure if the appointment was still on? How

do I express the feelings of sitting in front of the Lord of the

Universe, and hear Him talk to us like a normal human being? It was

inexplicable happiness, as though the world suddenly came into focus.

Swami had blessed our family by performing the 'Upanayanam' for our

two sons, Vivek and Deepak. Tears kept running down my cheeks and the

bliss I experienced was so intense and complete that I cannot find

words to express my feelings. It was like I just got out of a

whirlwind that has been spinning me around for years and, I found

myself pinching myself… wondering if it was all just a dream. An

impossible dream… that came true in a larger way than

I allowed myself to believe possible and yet, I knew would happen.

Now there is a tendency for most people to explain feelings of

happiness or unhappiness in terms of the external events of their

lives. They explain happiness by pointing to the positives and

unhappiness by pointing to the negatives. The implication is that

events determine whether or not they are happy. I was no different

and of course was on the ninth cloud during this trip as I was given

so much attention from our beloved Bhagawan.

 

On our return to Atlanta, we continued to float in this blissful

state when Swami decided to give us a major test of faith. Swami

says, "Difficulties alone can toughen your character and make your

faith firm. When you hang a picture on the wall, you test the

firmness of the nail to determine whether it is firm enough to bear

the weight of the picture. In the same manner, in order to prevent

the picture of God (His image in your mind and heart) from falling

and being shattered to bits, the NAIL (i.e. God's Name) driven in to

the wall of the heart has to be tested by shaking it, to ascertain

whether it is firm and steady". Swami wanted to find out whether our

faith in HIM was unshakeable.

 

On March 10, 2002, a major fire broke out in the apartment building

where we lived. The fire started out around 12.45 p.m. and spread

quickly, destroying many apartments and leaving several families

homeless. The fire began on the ground floor and eventually overtook

the third floor where we lived. However the good thing about it was

no one was injured, but the fire destroyed most of our material

possessions. We became homeless in matter of seconds. Even though I

am a trained social worker by profession, I was always under the

impression that to become homeless one must be poor or have alcohol

or drug problems. It never occurred to me that becoming involved in a

fire or flood or tornado or other natural disasters could also be the

reason for becoming homeless, and these natural disasters do not

distinguish between the rich or the poor. So here we were out on the

street watching in utter disbelief as our apartment came crumbling

down. While viewing this horrible scene the only thing  that was

going through my mind was "What will happen to the sari and clothes

that Swami recently gave us?" My husband on the other hand was

worried about the passports and all our I.D's. Very soon the building

management came and asked all the residents to gather in the main

office building, about living arrangements for the next few days.

Families whose apartments were not heavily damaged were escorted into

the apartments to retrieve valuables. However, we were not one of

them. Our apartment was totally gutted, and therefore we were advised

that it was dangerous to even attempt to enter the premises. I was

devastated and felt my whole world shatter right in front of my eyes.

This feeling was in total contrast to what I had felt when I was

basking in the attention given to me by of our beloved Bhagawan.

 

A group of 6 members from the Sathya Sai Atlanta center stayed with

us through out this difficult day. The building management was now

pressurizing us to make a decision on whether we wanted to move into

a hotel or find family members. Our Sai family immediately came to

the rescue and made the decision. We were whisked away to Ram and

Mala's home. My family continued to be in a state of shock and just

could not believe that such a traumatic event should happen to us. It

is common that emotions can run amok during stressful moments; I

could not stop crying at the loss. My husband however was a pillar of

strength. He had so much faith in our Bhagawan that he kept reminding

me that Swami was beside us every minute and HE would take care of

everything. He even had a dream the same night where Swami came and

told him that HE would not put us through the hassle of getting new

I.D's.

 

After that Swami not only took care of our I.D's, but also the things

that had a great deal of sentimental value. We were able to salvage

some of the most important things, like the clothes that Swami gave

us (they were in the same condition as on the day they were given)

many pictures of Swami (A huge picture that Swami had signed was

still in the tube, untouched by the fire or water) all my Sai books,

cassettes, videos of Sai discourses and many other things. Most

importantly, our Canadian Passports and documents kept in plastic

folder sitting on the bed were untouched by the fire, although the

bed burned down to ashes. If this is not HIS grace what else could

explain this miracle? I was really happy, and could not stop thanking

Swami for his kindness and love. After that everything happened like

a sweet dream. Swami showed us a brand new town home in close

proximity to my husband's workplace and son's school. Here we

regained our material belongings and our physical strength. The

difference now is that we have everything brand new- but no

attachment to these material possessions. Seven months later Swami

decided to move us into our own home, (on November 23rd 2002) where

we reside today. This was Swami's birthday gift to us. We moved into

this home on Bhagawan's 78th birthday. Throughout this experience we

were encouraged by Bhagawan to reflect constantly upon the

insignificance of material assets and their impermanence.

 

On February 23rd 2003 my husband was granted an interview with Swami.

In the interview Swami reminded my husband of the power of "Gayathri

Mantra", and how it actually protected us. Swami clearly indicated

that HE saved us not only from this fire but also from a car accident

that took place about 12 years ago at which time we were not yet in

Swami's fold. It is important to know that Swami takes care of

everyone whether one is Swami's devotee or not. HE confirmed that HE

has always been with us every moment of our lives, in all three

interviews during August 2003. Swami emphasized the immense powers of

the Gayathri mantra, which is truly amazing. Gayathri means, "That

which saves, when repeated". Swami had once said "The Samskara of

Upanayanam is beneficial not only to the boys who were initiated,

but, for every one of you, who witnessed it and drew inspiration from

it." Repeating the Gayathri and constantly remembering to surrender

to our beloved Bhagawan has definitely helped us to

recognize that we are looking at a spiritual achievement - and one

worth aspiring for. In conclusion I want to remind each one of us who

reads this of what Swamy has always asked us to ponder about:

 

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

 

(Mrs. Ramani Sambhara is the wife of Dr. Prakash Sambhara , DVM PhD,

an Associate Professor, Emory University and a visiting faculty at

the Biosciences department of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam)

 

Source: Volume - 2 Issue - Radiosai Journal - PSN 2004