Guest guest Posted November 16, 2008 Report Share Posted November 16, 2008 do attacks on swami have any message for us? An In-Depth Inquiry By Prof. G. Venkataraman 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Next >> *AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION* The article that follows is our response to one that appeared some time ago in an online news service entitled, " NEWS FROM BANGLADESH [NFB] " . Founded in 1996, NFB is an online news monitoring service, directed to some extent to expatriate Bangladeshis. Its web site is: http://bangladeshweb.com. Our article is a response to one written by a person named Haraldur Erlendsson, who claims to be in Stockholm, Sweden, and whose email ID is given as: isverige99. We gather that the name Haraldur Erlendsson is not unusual, especially in Iceland, and we wish to make it VERY clear that our article has reference ONLY to the person who wrote an article some time ago in NFB, maligning the good name of Sathya Sai Baba of India, and TO NO ONE ELSE WHO HAPPENS TO BEAR THE SAME NAME. PART 1: WHY THIS ARTICLE? Right from the forties of the twentieth century, a small minority has always attacked Swami. While the types of people who engaged in slander, their status in life as also their nationalities have varied, the attacks have remained, in some form or the other. By and large, we ignore all such mud-slinging, not merely because they are so hollow that it is a complete waste of time to engage in rebuttal, but also for the reason that we cannot stoop to such low levels. Yet, occasionally, we have come out of our shell to present facts, because in these exceptional cases, the circumstances have warranted such action. Recently, there has been one more attack and this article is in the nature of not only a detailed reply but also an analysis about why such negativity is spread in the first place. Actually, although in recent years the attacks by a small but determined group overseas has somewhat diminished [probably because there are fewer takers for the same old nonsense repeated endlessly], the particular attack to which a detailed rebuttal is being offered is not only somewhat different but also quite sinister in scope. The hidden agenda behind the latest outburst is explained in the article, but here I would like to say that but for this lurking danger behind this latest attack, we would have hardly bothered to comment. And having decided to reply, we thought we might also address the deeper question of why Avatars have enemies! Loving Sai Ram and greetings from Prasanthi Nilayam. We are now into the eighth year of the new century and a new millennium as well. As always, everyone is hoping and praying that at least this year would, 1) see the turning of the tide, 2) herald the advent of peace, 3) bring joy to all, and 4) spread harmony everywhere. But such is the nature of the real world, there are always forces that seek to destabilise; that, however, is inevitable and indeed in the very nature of things. Mercifully, quite often these forces are inconsequential and can be ignored, even as we proceed with our normal business. That said, it is a fact that there are times when we simply cannot afford to be so casual or indifferent; this special article is meant to call attention to that truth. Sri Sathya Sai Baba As our readers know, for many years, there has been a small but at times a rather vocal group, intent on smearing Swami, His message, His numerous projects [that bring help and succour to the helpless], and also the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. Generally, we ignore such negative propaganda but when the unfounded accusations tend to acquire serious overtones, we do feel the necessity to set the record straight. We have done this occasionally in the past, and we feel compelled to do so once more, because alas, there is this time, apart from the repetition of familiar charges, a rather alarming overtone to the attack. That and the fact that, I have personally been named several times and accused implicitly of being a ‘spin-doctor’, compels me to express myself once more. In brief, the present provocation comes in the form of an article written by one Haraldur Erlendsson, an Icelander now resident in Sweden. This article has been specially written for an on-line newspaper published from Bangladesh, and it is this fact that gives special significance to the latest onslaught. Basically, the article seeks, apart from a repetition of familiar accusations, to portray Swami as an anti-Muslim, which, of course, we all know to be totally untrue. It is this particular aspect that compels me to return to the task of responding to falsehood packaged as “truth”, something that I do rather reluctantly, for, I would rather spend my time discussing positive matters. Before I start, there are a few points I would like to make clear. Firstly, whatever I say is merely with an interest to present facts; I bear no particular ill-will to those who wish to see evil where there is none. I am no saint and some years earlier, I would have blown hot and cold when involved in such rebuttals. However, I now realise after a careful study of the Bhagavad Gita, Swami’s teachings, and those of Jesus as well, that it is not good to harbour anger or hate towards anyone. Indeed, to do so would be going against the very spirit of Swami’s teachings, which are all about pure and unselfish Love. Keeping this in mind, I shall do my best to present facts, without malice or ill-will. So, help me God! What follows is presented in five parts. I start with a response to some of the old allegations, repeated this time by Haraldur Erlendsson. I then turn my attention to the main point, namely the subject of Swami and His relationship with Muslims. After that, I offer a brief look into the so-called “Muslim angle” and its complex relationship to Indian history; without some idea of this, one would not be in a position to understand why both Shirdi Baba and Swami have always emphasised communal amity. In the concluding part, I do something which I have not attempted before, namely, discussing the whole issue of “enemies” from a larger philosophical and spiritual angle. That roughly is the road map I intend to follow. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Next >> http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_06/01NOV08/muslim.htm Ram ChuganiKobe, Japan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Sai Ram brother , Thank you so much for the great in depth inquiry - what an eye opener. Professor G Venkataraman has done a great job. Every Sai devotee should read this Inquiry. Thank you so much for sharing this article. Thanks a lot Sai Ram Soumendra --- On Sun, 11/16/08, Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp wrote: Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp[saibabanews] An In-Depth Inquiry - By Prof. G. Venkataramansaibabanews Date: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 5:42 AM do attacks on swami have any message for us? An In-Depth Inquiry By Prof. G. Venkataraman *AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 I hope all people read this article(An In-Depth Inquiry-By Prof. G. Venkataraman). We have to be aware of all types of motivated groups who are working against our dear Lord of Parthy. They are jealous of Swamis popularity & magnetic attraction to millions of people around the world. This malicious campaign against him is worse than that conducted against President-elect Obama. They want to see some physical harm to Swami & that is the reason they are writing this from one of epi-centers of terrorism, Bangladesh. Professor Erlendur Haraldsson is the author of the Book, Miracles are My Visiting Cards, is not related to this chap, Haraldur Erlendsson. See how they have switched the first letters of first & last name. That name is fictious to carry out this character assasination of a person like Swami who is genuinely carrying out good work to help the poor 24X7, 365 days a year. Hope common sense prevails among the readers. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ saibabanews , Captain Jatindar Shad <egreatindia wrote: > > Sai Ram all, > > Please note that Professor Erlendur Haraldsson is the author of the Book - Mairacles are My Visiting Cards - Which is the only research paper in which two scientists went about examing Swami at close quarters, whit His permission and also related to Devotees. > > The defaming message from Haraldur Erlendsson (NOT THE AUTHOR REFERRED ABOVE), covered below, is dealth with by Prof GVK, which is not only intersting to read, but full of knowledgeable insight. Must Read for all devotees. > > Sai Ram ~ Be Happy > > > Captain Jatindar Shad > > FOR ALL DEVOTEES OF BHAGWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA > WORLD FAMOUS " EMBOSSED FOIL PICTURES " , > made exclusively by FJ Warren of London > > > Avail FREE OFFER Now: > http://www.sailopics.com/html/free_offer.htm > > > > --- On Sun, 11/16/08, Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp wrote: > > Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp > [saibabanews] An In-Depth Inquiry - By Prof. G. Venkataraman > saibabanews > Sunday, November 16, 2008, 5:42 AM > > > do attacks on swami have any message for us? > An In-Depth Inquiry > By Prof. G. Venkataraman > *AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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