KANSAI LIGHT NOVEMBER ISSUE, 2007

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KANSAI LIGHT NOVEMBER , 2007 ISSUE News letter of Sri Sathya Sai Organization Japan address: I.S.S, 2nd Fl, 1-3, Kumochi 5-Chome, Chuo Ku Kobe Tel: 078-222-1885,

Email: rgcjp (Please print this copy for your reference) ... Sai Inspires - November 2007 Whatever qualities a man may possess, he cannot make proper use of them if he lacks company of good people. Through the Satsangam (company of good persons) one can develop good qualites, good thoughts, good feelings and do good deeds, and thereby transform his human nature into Divine nature. This, in fact, is the primary duty of every individual. To develop good qualities, one has to get rid of one's bad traits. ..

GITA FOR CHILDRENPART 36(Continued from the previous issue) CHAPTER 17 1. Arjuna says, Krishna, I want to ask You a question about the modalities of worship. I have seen two kinds of people, who seem to worship You in two entirely different ways. One group employs elaborate rituals and its members assert that unless these procedures are rigorously followed, God would be displeased with the worship. The other group does not seem to bother at all about

procedures. Its members behave in strange ways; they talk to You, sing to You and dance for You. In many ways they appear crazy and abnormal. Yet some people say that that is the way to worship You. I am totally confused. Please can You explain how exactly are You to be worshipped?’ 2. Krishna smiles and replies,

‘Arjuna, based on all the things I have told you thus far, you ought to be able to figure out the answer yourself! Yet, since you have asked Me, I shall give the answer.’ 3. ‘There are basically two approaches to worship, the external approach and the internal approach. The external approach relies heavily on procedures while the internal approach does not bother about procedures. Both approaches are acceptable, provided Love is the basis.’ 4. Arjuna says, ‘Krishna, this I am unable to understand. The two approaches appear to be totally contradictory; and yet You say both are acceptable to You! How can that be?” 5. Krishna replies, ‘Oh no, the two approaches are not

contradictory. Let me explain with some detailed examples. Let us take one form of ritual. In this, the devotee has an idol, and offers worship to it by chanting various Mantras. Instead of mechanically uttering the Mantras without understanding the meaning, try to understand what is being said and done.’ 6. ‘First you welcome God to your house. You wash His feet at the entrance and respectfully conduct Him inside. After this you offer Him a seat. Next you make preparations so that He can have a bath. After the bath is over, you offer Him new clothes. Then flowers, incense etc. After this the lunch and so on. All this is done via suitable Mantras.’ 7. ‘A person who goes through this routine mechanically before the idol would not realise that He is actually having the Lord as his guest. But one who is filled with that feeling does not think he is uttering routine chants. Instead, he is swept by the feeling that he is actually playing host to the Lord. No, it is not make believe as an atheist would imagine. Since I am the Indweller, I know exactly what the devotee feels. If the devotee is merely acting as a chanting machine, then the worship remains

external. But if the chants are uttered with feeling, then the very same ritual becomes internal! See?!’ 8. ‘Another example. You know Vedic priests perform complicated rituals called Yajna. These Yajnas are full of grand chants that proclaim the Glory of God. If the Vedic Mantras are uttered with feeling, if the one who chants experiences the Glory of God while chanting, then the Yajna is not a mere Vedic drill but a profound experience; otherwise it is a ritual that sceptics would dismiss as extremely wasteful. But if the Mantras are uttered with deep feeling, then even the atheist would be irresistibly moved by the majesty of the sound and the power of the words.’ 9. ‘In short, if Love is made the basis, then it really does

not matter whether the procedure adopted is formal or informal. Have I not told you earlier that as far as I am personally concerned, I am delighted if you worship Me with just a flower, a fruit, a leaf or even just a bit of water.’ 10. ‘I shall go one step further. You don’t have to offer Me a flower. To get that flower you have to go to a shop or a garden. Save yourself all that trouble. Just say, “God, I offer You one bad habit of mine!” God would be quite happy with that!’ 11. Arjuna replies, ‘Krishna, I know you mentioned this before but I still think you can’t be serious.’ 12. With a big laugh Krishna replies, ‘No, that is not true, and as a matter of fact I am

quite serious. You see Arjuna, when you offer Me a bad habit, you become purer to that extent and come a bit closer to Me. Is it any wonder that I am pleased?’ 13. ‘Arjuna, for Me the priority is faith plus Love. A child is not able to speak properly; it is just able to mutter a few words incoherently. Yet the

mother feels deliriously happy. Why? Because the mother sees Love in the child’s words, that is why. She is not bothered about grammar but Love! Got it?’ 14. ‘It is the same with Me, naturally! For Me, Pure Love is primary. If unadorned Love is all that you can offer, no problem! I am not bothered about the frills.’ 15. ‘Let us go back to the mother and child example. Let us say the child has composed a small poem expressing her love to her mother. The mother is very happy, as happy as she was when her daughter was a mere baby and was able to only prattle. What the poem and the prattle have in common is love, and that is what really matters.’ 16. ‘Having said that, I

must clarify that I am not anti-procedure. Just that if procedure is what you want to follow, then do so with the proper feeling. It is not correct to worship the idol thinking all the time about other matters. In this case, there is a lack of harmony between thought and action. As you know I am a great stickler for harmony of feeling, thought, word and deed. That ought not to be compromised, ever!’ 17. Arjuna says, ‘Krishna, if ritualistic procedures can make a person slip, how come they came into existence in the first place? What role do they have to play, if at all, in the development of devotion?’ 18. Krishna replies, ‘Now that is an interesting question, and let Me reply to it in some detail. Thousands of years ago, the world was very different. There were many

sages and Rishis then, and they all adored Me so much that that they spent all their time thinking of Me and doing My work in many ways.’ 19. ‘For example, the Rishis would meditate intensely for long stretches of time, and it was then that I would reveal great Spiritual Truths to them. Later, these Truths got compiled into what are called the Vedas.’ 20. ‘The Rishis performed a useful service to Society. They ran little schools called Gurukulas, where disciples absorbed Spiritual Truths. This is how the Vedas have been preserved through time, by being passed on from generation to generation. By the way, do you know that I Myself attended a Gurukula?!’ 21. ‘Besides preserving Spiritual Knowledge, the Rishis also started the custom of performing Yajnas. As they chanted the Mantras, there was a tremendous outpouring of Love for God, and so compelling was the grandeur of the chant that they drew even ordinary folk to the function. Their very presence did a lot of good to these

people, even though they did not understand one single word of the Mantras chanted. So powerful were the vibrations of the Vedic sound that it produced beneficial effects unknown to them.’ 22. ‘In later years, many ordinary people took to rituals, often without understanding their full significance. However, this in itself is not bad. These people performed rituals with full faith – that is the important point. In due course, they began to understand the inner meaning, whereupon the ritual acquired new significance for them.’ 23. ‘You see Arjuna, children are taught multiplication tables. At that age, they do not quite know the significance of the tables. They just get it by heart, because that is what they are supposed to do. Years later, when they understand

better the principle underlying arithmetic, these tables become more meaningful.’ 24. ‘In short, rituals are a stepping stone. They are like the floatation aids used by those learning to swim. Once they know how to swim, the floatation aids are thrown away. In the same manner, rituals are supposed to get people started on the path of worship; later, when love for God develops in full measure, rituals could be given up.’ 25. ‘The bottom line is faith and Love. If these are present, then any procedure or ritual, formal or otherwise, is acceptable. That is the point really. Got it?’ (To be continued... ................................................................................................................................. BABA'S STORY (SCENE) At the time Sathya went to the Pushpagiri Carnival, He had not yet declared to the world that He was an Incarnation of God, that He was a Poorna Avatar. That would come later, in October, 1940. But already, He was proclaiming His Message – Love, Compassion, Sacrifice and Selfless Service. He had no money, yet He went. In the process, He faced many difficulties. He showed by His own personal example, even at an early age, that if one wants

to serve, then one must be prepared to face any number of difficulties. For example, with twelve annas, He had to sustain Himself for ten days. Food was no doubt inexpensive those days; still twelve annas was too small an amount for ten days. He ate only once a day, quietly, without letting anyone know when He ate and what He ate. When friends asked Sathya to join them for food, He would say, “I have already eaten.” If they refused to believe, He would hold out His hand, and they would get the smell of food! He would have just drunk water but yet, the hand would carry the smell of food! That was His miracle, performed out of love for the boys; Sathya did not want them to feel pain on His accoun. The scene is the Carnival. Sathya is talking to one of His friends. BOY: Raju, are You eating every day? SATHYA: Am I not buying and eating dosas everyday? ANOTHER BOY: Raju, why don’t You eat with all of us? SATHYA: Today, I have finished My meal. THIRD BOY: Raju, You are not making it up, are You? Did You really have food today? SATHYA: I really have eaten. If you want, you can smell My hand. BOY: Yes, there is the smell of food. ANOTHER BOY: Yes, it’s true. THIRD BOY: Yes, there is a smell. FOURTH BOY: It is true, there is the aroma of food. Carnival scenes. There is a small girl who is lost, and is crying. The scouts go to her to help. SCOUT: Don’t cry, dear! …….What’s your name? SECOND SCOUT: With whom did you come? ANOTHER SCOUT: Tell me, dear. FIRST SCOUT: Did your mother come with you? SCOUT: Who came with you? Tell us, won’t you? …….. Don’t cry! Meanwhile, a boy picks the pocket of a man, and the scouts nab the thief. SCOUT: Hey, a pickpocket! Catch him! …. Come to the Police Station! In between, the mother of the lost girl is located and the girl is restored to the

lady. SCOUT: [to lady] Please take proper care of your child, and don’t lose her like this again! LADY: Thank you, my son; I will not lose her again! Days pass and the Scouts continue to do a good job. They render a variety of services. Slowly, the time to leave draws closer. At that time, the Scout Master calls the boys and talks to them. MASTER: Students, you have all done hard work and good service during the past ten days. Good. You have earned a very good name for our School. Very good! Now, we shall return to Kamalapuram. I am giving all of you one hour in case you want to buy anything. At the end of that period, we shall all meet

here again at this tent. Understand? CHORUS: Yes sir! Sathya is now with His friends. SATHYA: Ten days have gone by like ten minutes! RAMESH: If You had not been here, it would not have been so nice! BOY: Raju, we must hurry! Let us go and make purchases. Come on. The boys now disperse to do last minute shopping. Sathya goes to a lady who is selling things that ladies normally buy. He purchases a few items from her, using the small change left over from the twelve annas He started with. He is purchasing the gifts to present to His sister-in-law [seshama Raju’s wife]. Raju’s friend who is with Him does not know this; he is curious and asks. BOY: Raju, for whom are You buying these flowers, fruits, turmeric, and vermilion?

SATHYA: For My sister-in-law, who is soon to become a mother. These are auspicious gifts. BOY: Is that so? SATHYA: [to lady] Mother, pack it quick please! LADY: Will do. Here it is my boy! …… He is so adorable! SCENE 2 Sathya returns to

His brother’s house in Kamalapuram after an absence of ten days. His elders there had no idea where Sathya had gone. Seshama Raju is furious, and so is his mother-in-law. But Suseela, the sister-in-law, is more understanding. SESHAMA RAJU: Like a vagabond, You have been roaming for ten days

without the elementary sense to take the permission of the elders, Your brother, and Your sister-in-law! SATHYA: Brother, friends and Master compelled Me. I went because I don’t like to say no and refuse those who seek Me. SESHAMA RAJU: May be, but even then, don’t You think You have to take our permission? SATHYA: I went to the Carnival just for doing service. SESHAMA RAJU: Oh yes! A great lot of service!! Don’t You know that Your sister-in-law here is in the family way? Poor thing, all by herself, she had to struggle to

fetch water. Service must first be in the home, and then only outside. MRS. RAJU: Let go! Poor child, He has worked hard for ten days. SATHYA: Sister-in-law,

look, I have brought for you this flower, fruits and various other items. S-I-L: Why all these things? SATHYA: I don’t know, I just felt buying these things, and that’s why I bought them. Sathya tries to offer what He has brought, but they are snatched away by the mother-in-law. M-I-L: Stop acting as if you have done something great or have brought silk sarees. There’s not a drop of water in the house to drink, and the throats are all dry. Here, take this and go and fetch water. Throws a couple of pots before Sathya, for Him to go and get water. SATHYA: As you say. Pleased with her action, the mother-in-law now takes the bananas brought by Sathya and starts eating them. M-I-L: My, these bananas are good! SCENE 3 Drinking water was an acute problem in Kamalapuram. Everyone had to fetch water from a well that was quite some distance away. This well alone provided potable water. Everyday, Sathya had to bring water from this well. The task was hard, and He was but a small boy; yet, He had to do the job. One might wonder: “Sathya was God incarnate. He performed miracles. Why does God have to undergo suffering and punishment? Even if His elders gave Sathya tough tasks, could He not have used His miraculous powers to get water?” Bhagavan Baba has answered all such questions. He says that when God comes down as man, He will undergo suffering in order to show how man ought to face difficulties. In this case, Sathya never complained. He bore all inflictions cheerfully; and He never spoke ill of those who treated Him cruelly. In later years, Swami declared that people who treated Him badly were destined to do so as a part of His Divine Drama. He wanted to show humanity the meaning of forbearance; how else could He demonstrate it? This scene opens with people drawing water from the well. Sathya comes there with His two big pots. Some are surprised; some pity

Sathya. LADY:

Boy! SATHYA: Yes mother? LADY: Can you draw water in such a big vessel? ANOTHER LADY: Aunty! Do you see? This small boy is drawing and carrying water for his house. If I ask my husband to do the same, he complains about shoulder pain! FIRST LADY: If you feel so sorry for the boy, then why don’t you help him? SECOND LADY: Aunty, I wish I could but I am pregnant. FIRST LADY: Oh I see. THIRD LADY: There is the job of cooking waiting for me! I have to run home and do all those jobs! FIRST LADY: That’s the way it is, my dear! There is always so much work and so much rush! I still have to draw two more pots of water. You go now. Sathya returns home with the water. It was not just bringing water from afar; Sathya had to do a lot of household chores as well. He did all these cheerfully. At the same time, He did not allow these to affect His studies. He was demonstrating to the world that the human body is given just for service. In later years, Baba has repeatedly emphasised the importance of service. SCENE 4 Sathya returns to Puttaparthi for vacation. His mother is giving Him an oil bath in the backyard near the well in the house. V.RAJU [to Easwaramma]: Smear oil well and massage the body; it will do a lot of good. Also, put a few drops of oil in the ear; it will clean them. EASWARAMMA: Will do, will do! Easwaramma sees bruises on Sathya’s shoulder. EASWARAMMA: Oh my goodness! Sathyam, what’s this? The shoulder is swollen and seems bruised! Don’t You feel pain? SATHYA: When one carries water in pots suspended from a bamboo pole with slings, does it not cause swelling? EASWARAMMA: You?! You carried water in a sling? What for, my dear? SATHYA: Mother, there is acute water shortage in Kamalapuram, and one has to fetch water this way from long distances. Brother Seshama did not have time for this, and so I used to do the job. EASWARAMMA: Seshama saw all this?! Didn’t he stop you? SATHYA: Haven’t I already told you that he didn’t have time? EASWARAMMA: Hmm. ….They made You carry water just because You were available! SATHYA: Mother, what’s wrong with that? All the five elements are forms of God, and one of

these elements is water. So I went to God, received the water of the sacred Ganges, filled the pots, and brought them home. EASWARAMMA: Sathyam, what kind of a story is this?! Didn’t Your shoulder hurt while You were carrying water? I never thought that Seshama would do such a

thing! SATHYA: Mother, I fetched water not only for Seshama’s house but for all the people in our street. EASWARAMMA: Great! You and Your crazy actions!! SATHYA: You are talking just like the others! No one can understand Me. EASWARAMMA: Okay, my son, okay. …..[to daughter] Give me that……[to Sathya] Next time You go to Your brother’s house, don’t carry water like that. I can’t bear You suffering. ……[to daughter] Bring that water……[to Sathya] Tell Your brother gently, “I am sorry, I cannot

carry water anymore.” (To be continued) - Heart2Heart Team CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI part 37 To access all the previous issues of Conversations With Sai, please (Continued from the previous issue) God is the Doer H (Hislop): Swami, I have two questions important for our work in daily life, and in preparation for the Symposium in Rome. In His Discourses, Swami says that God should be recognized as the Doer of all actions and that we should not take it upon ourselves to be the doer. Further, Swami also says that instead of depending on limited human strength, we should call upon the strength of God. Since Swami says these two things in his Discourses, then the instructions must be intended for everybody?

SAI: Take the viewpoint that God is working through you. H: What does that mean, Swami? How does that apply in the actual actions taking place each day? SAI: You think

you are engaging in the action, but it is your body doing so, or your mind, or your intelligence. But God is working through them. It is only the Atma in you which is the source of action. The Atma is God. H: Then, instead of considering that it is myself acting, I should tell myself-and appreciate-that "I" am just a word, and that all these actions and movements going on are not coming from "Hislop" but are actually God Himself acting? SAI: God is using your intelligence, mind, and body as His instruments for doing that particular work. You write with a pen, or cut paper with scissors - but it is not those instruments that are doing the work, it is you who are using the instruments for the purpose of doing the work. Likewise, the instruments you call "yourself” - intelligence, mind, and body - are used by God for

His purpose. H: Is that a practical thing to do, hour in and hour out? Tell myself that my mind and body, at any and every moment, are at that moment being used by God as His instrument? Is that a practical way to live and move through the day? SAI: Yes. That is the fact, and it is practical. H: But Swami! Then it is God doing evil! SAI: At first, maybe (i.e. apparently), but then not. It is not God who does evil. Evil is from the ego. H: When I die.... SAI: (interrupting) Who are you? You do not die! The body is like clothes - off and on.

H: Then after the body dies, I take another? Why? SAI: Balance of desires. Desires are like seeds - they sprout. These desires cause rebirth. Finish with desires - no more birth. Mind is a desire bundle. H: But this creation - world, body, and mind - is it a projection of the Atma? Are mind, body, intelligence creations or projections of the Atma? SAI: Creation is from the Atma. The Atma, God, is the positive. Body is the negative. They join and action results. Otherwise, nothing. H: There is the Atma, and then creation as the projection from the Atma. SAI: No! That is where the mistake is made! Creation is not a projection from the Atma; the Atma, God, is permeating every fibre of the creation. The form is just appearance....It is energy, God, the Divine Energy which causes the form and which is the actuality of the form.

The Unlimited Divine H: To do all these tasks, Swami, takes a lot of energy. Human energy is low, and Swami says to call on the Divine Energy. How? SAI: Yes, human energy is low and the Divine Energy is without limit! You are God! H: Does Swami mean that when the human energy limit is felt, that I should reject it as false, and instead identify myself as God, as He who is limitless energy? SAI: Yes. Reject it! Look at your shadow - you are sitting and your shadow is there. When you stand up, your shadow also grows. Your shadow is the human energy. You are the Divine Energy. When you rise, and also do the Divine work, your energy

grows. H: Swami, the Divine Energy versus limited human energy. SAI: There is only Divine Energy. H: But what seems to me to be my human energy does not seem to be sufficient; for example, the trip to Central America. SAI: All is God. Know that it is He who is Energy. Then all is well. H: Oh! When the human energy slows, leave it and know that the truth is Divine Energy! Like when some years ago on long drives, Baba would look a little tired; and then, instantly, he would be fresh like a flower. SAI: Do not equate this body with human bodies. It is only the appearance of a form for the sake of the devotees. There is nothing of Swami except for His devotees. There are no desires. This body is just an appearance of form....There is matter. There is humanness. There is Divinity. Matter is selfishness; humanness is selfishness plus some kindness; God has no selfishness, just total love. As the base, selfishness is essential

for health and prosperity. Without health, what can be done? Work for these must be done; then help others; then God only. H: But Swami, even in that worldly work of necessary "selfishness", where is "I"? Surely it is only God who is doing work? SAI: That is better. That is the best way. You are only an instrument for Swami, an instrument which Swami is using for His purpose – you, U.S. Chairman, speaking of Swami's teachings and so on. Unlocking Divinity Within SAI: What is Being? Q: It is "Sat". SAI: That is just a Sanskrit word.

Being means immortality. Q: How to feel that Divine Love in the heart? SAI: Your love, my love, they are the same. There is only one and He is God. Q: Do you mean we

should affirm that, that we should always say it? SAI: Here is humanity (pointing to a line in the wall denoting a layer of bricks). Below is the world, above is God. Aim up, not down. You are God. There is only One. For so many lives you have been declaring that you are human, with limitations, "I am faulty....I am...so and so. "That is wrong. Now say, "I am God". Never feel or say that you are other than God. You will show Godly qualities. You will have Godly powers. You will be God. If there are no thoughts, there are no actions. How is your health, Hislop? H: It is very good, Swami. (During the group portion of this interview, a lady with a dull colored bracelet on her arm, showed her wrist in front of Baba and asked Him to change the bracelet

into something pretty. It seemed to me that Baba was not pleased with the demand, but nevertheless he removed the bracelet, held it with two fingers, blew His breath upon it, and it became a new shining gold bracelet of an entirely different pattern and configuration. At this point, the group portion of the interview ended and Swami began the series of private conversations in the inner interview room). (To be continued...) – Heart2Heart Team How Hemadpant was Accepted and Blessed ........................................................................................................................................ Shri Sai Sat Charitra-Chapter 18 & 19 - Part I By: Swarna.Venkateswara Swamy How Hemadpant was

Accepted and BlessedStories of Mr. Sathe and Mrs. Deshmukh - Encouraging Good Thoughts to Fruition-Variety in Upadesh-Teachings Readings Slander, and Remuneration for Labour.In the last two Chapters, Hemadpant described, how a rich gentleman, aspiring for quick Brahma-Jnana, was treated by Baba, and now in these two Chapters, he describes how Hemadpant, himself was accepted and blessed by Baba, how Baba encouraged good thoughts and fructified them; and gives His teachings regarding Self-improvement, slander and remuneration for labour.Sai Ram. Hemadpant was accepted by Baba much earlier and that is how he was allowed to come to Shirdi and take refuge at the lotus feet of Baba. But he did not realise that he was accepted and thus felt temporarily despondent as we shall see below and Saguru Sai, immediately showed His beautiful leela and assured that He accepted Hemadpant. Thus this story will help all sadhakas like us not to ever doubt the Guru and not to give up our sadhana. Sai Ram. The Sadguru is like a monsoon cloud. He pours down profusely, i.e., scatters widely his nectar-like teachings. It is a well-known fact, that the Sadguru looks first to the qualifications of his disciples; and then gives them suitable instructions, without unsettling their minds in the least, and leads them on towards the goal of self-realization. In this respect, some say that what the Sadguru teaches or instructs, should not be divulged to others. They think that their instructions, become useless, if they are published. This view is not correct.The Sadguru is like a monsoon cloud. He pours down profusely, i.e., scatters widely his nectar-like teachings. These, we

should enjoy and assimilate to our heart's content; and then serve others with them, without any reserve. This rule should apply, not only to what he teaches in our waking state, but to the visions he gives us in our dreams. To quote an instance: Budhakowshik Rishi composed his celebrated Ram-raksha stotra, which he had seen in his dream.Sai Ram. The above was once again confirmed in my case too. When with my rash and overenthusiastic nature, I wanted to share my insights with one and all, Baba cautioned me and advised me to put in more sadhana and at the right time, He got these things published

through my writings. Sai Ram. Like a loving mother forcing bitter but wholesome medicines down the throats of her children for the sake of their health, Sai Baba imparted spiritual instructions to His devotees. His method was not veiled or secret, but quite open.The devotees who followed His instructions

got their object. Sad-gurus like Sai Baba open our (eyes of the) intellect and show us the divine beauty of the Self, and fulfill our tender longings of devotion. When this is done, our desire for sense-objects vanishes, twin fruits of Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion or non-attachment) come to our hands; and

knowledge sprouts up even in the sleep. All this we get, when we come in contact with Saints (Sad-guru), serve them and secure their love.The Lord, who fulfills the desires of His devotees, comes to our aid, removes our troubles and sufferings, and makes us happy. This progress or development is entirely due to the help of the Sadguru, who is regarded as the Lord Himself. Therefore, we should always be after the Sad-guru, hear His stories, fall at His Feet and serve Him. Now we come to our main story.Sai Ram. At one level, it is the same One who comes as the Guru and Sishya and every thing for His Sport. But at the practical level, the sense of " I " and " Not I " is very strong and we need a Sadguru to show us the right path. The Guru of course knows that the same Brahman pervades Him and the disciple, but the sishya (disciple) doesn't know yet, just as a baby doesn't know that he will, one day grow up to be a big man.

Sai Ram..................................................................................................................................... . SWAMI'S DISCOURSE ON KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI HE IS EVER JOYFUL...............................Swami's Discourse.......................................................................................... The good are always the target of malice and envy, slander and abuse from the wicked. Be assured that your goodness can be made tough enough to stand these ordeals. Avathars (or divine

incarnations) too are not exempt from the attentions of these wicked forces.Truth Always TriumphsKrishna had to encounter these obstacles from the very cradle, right up to the finish of His life on earth. Personal spite, false slander, unfounded abuse and defamation followed Him at every step. Demons who could not tolerate the Light and the Love that He cast around Him conspired to tarnish His Name and obstructHis Mission. They tried to bind Him, to foil His plans and pervert Hisinstruments. But Truth triumphed and falsehood stood exposed and disgraced.Truth may be clouded for some little time by the fog of slander but victory is certain. The forces of hate will be destroyed;defeated by their own wiles; they dig for their own downfall; their action results in reactions, ruinous for themselves.In the Court of Dhritarashtra (in the epic Mahabharata), the Kauravas (those who did not follow righteousness) planned to bind Krishna and put Him

out of action when He went to His Court on the mission of peace; but what happened? The stratagem recoiled on themselves and they were destroyed...... Krishna was unscathed by their wiles and their campaign of defamation.When the Kauravas were indulging in their campaign of slander, many devotees were greatly distressed. For example, Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandava Brothers (who followed righteousness), welcomed Lord Krishna back to their camp, with the words, “I am not concerned at failure of your mission; I know that it is all part of your plan. But I am overjoyed that you have returned unharmed,from that nest of demons.”Krishna is undefinable, ever pure, ever bright and ever effulgent in renown. Those who try to foil Him are forever tarred by their own blackness. The malignancy of those who cannot bear His Glory will cause their eternal disgrace; it cannot affect Him in the least. His Glory will increase a hundredfold with every challenge from these peddlers of slander. Wicked men tried to bring the Lord into disrepute by persecuting and torturing krishna’s devotees; but when they stood up to every challenge with joyful fortitude. They gained vaster glory and the Lord’s Truth wasmagnificently vindicated.False Campaign – A Feature of Every AgePersons who cannot tolerate the Glory of the Avatar have indulged in such campaigns,... in every Age! They have contributed to the heightening of the splendors and the spread of the message, in every age. Their activities are all instruments to the propagation of the glory throughout the world.Even today, such things happen; but all of you must recognize theirinevitability and their fundamental falsehood, and carry on your spiritual practice in full faith and assurance, with undiminished enthusiasm and joy. The Sai

Principle, the Sai Divinity can never be affected by any slander; it can never be shaken by any tactics; its progress can never be halted. Do not pay heed to the bar-kings you hear.A stray dog stops and looks at its own shadow in the stream; it mistakes the shadow for another dog and starts barking aloud. This sets all the dogs in the neighborhood, and later in the region, bark in unison. The reason why the first dog barked is its own ignorance of fact. The reason why the other dogs followed suit is that the first dog called the tune. A huge scare is built on a patent falsehood. Thus the story goes on, adding one thing to another.Just as devotees remained unruffled in the Age of Krishna, you too must stand firm and be unaffected. Faith must endow you with courage and calmness. The life of Krishna teaches you this lesson more than others: do not lend your ears or mortgage your minds to purveyors of scandal.Devotion to the Divine Will Give You

ProsperityKrishna had to meet these malicious slanderers and destroy them one by one, throughout His life. His parents, His companions, His devotees - no one had peace from that tribe of Kauravas. The message is that you must see the Truth that is covered by all the tales and legends that tarnish the Name.Devotion to the Divine will give you bliss, and prosperity and peace. It cannot inflict pain, perturbation or personal anxiety. It fosters love and brings all together as one band of brothers. The Avatar will not be affected in the least by these trivial tactics. It is love itself; so, it is always bliss, always happy in song and dance.Krishna lived all His years singing and dancing in the ecstasy which was His very nature. He was humming a tune within Himself all the while, whether He was on a flower bed or a battlefield.I too am unaffected by praise or blame. My bliss (or Ananda) never suffers diminution. Where there is love, there is Ananda;

where there is Ananda, there is music. That is the reason why Krishna sang the Bhagavad Gita (the Celestial song) while the clarion calls to start the battle were rising from the serried ranks.Love knows no fear, no untruth, no anxiety, no grief. I am love; I shower love; I share love; I am pleased with love; I bless that you have more and more of love to more and more Beings. Love is God, live in Love—that is the message of Sri Krishna.- Bhagawan Baba on Krishnastami Day, 10 Jun, ......................................................................................................................................... THE COSMIC LION’S ROAR By Mr. G. S. Srirangarajan ......................................................................................................................... This is the

transcript of the talk delivered by Mr G S Srirangarajan, a former student and currently a faculty member in the School of Business Management, Accounting and Finance of Sri Sathya Sai University, on August 23, 2007 in the Divine Presence in Prasanthi Nilayam. Mr. G S Srirangarajan

addressing in His Presence Bhagavan says that this entire Universe arises from the mind. Mano Moolam Idam Jagat. Therefore, needless to say, all the problems that arise in this manifest world are ultimately related to the mind. The only aspect that separates a human being from His own Truth, from God is his mind. If we were to think deeply, we would realize that the purpose of all religions, the purpose of all spiritual practices, be it the Karma, Bhakti or the Jnana Marga – are all associated with just one objective – mastery over the mind; so as to turn the mind inwards and realize one’s own true Self. If this is the

essence of all spiritual practices and the secret of our bondage and freedom, obviously this becomes the very purpose for which the Cosmic Lord comes down in a human form – to correct man, to transform him – which in essence means turn his mind inwards and make him realize his own true nature. How does Bhagavan

accomplish this feat? Once a devotee prayed to Swami, “Swami you say that this whole world is nothing but a projection of our mind and is therefore nothing but a dream. But you too have taken a Form in this dream, so are you also not a part of this dream?” Bhagavan smiled and replied, “Yes my dear, I too am part of your dream. But I am like the roaring lion in the dream. My roaring will wake you up from this dream unto reality!” Let us have a glimpse of how Bhagavan – the Cosmic Lion roars and wakes each one of us into the reality of our own Self. The roar could come in any form. It could be a dream, a smile, a deep look, a conversation, a single word, even a whisper or even His Silence! Let me take recourse to a few conversations that I have

had with Bhagavan and some that I have heard in the last few years at His Lotus Feet, to illustrate how He wakes us up from our deep slumber. Where Am I From? The most common conversation that I have heard between Bhagavan and a devotee in the Mandir verandah is Swami asking the devotee, “Where do you come from?” Invariably, the devotee replies: “Swami, Canada”, “Swami from Delhi”, “Swami, Italy” and so on. But this dialogue goes on every day and often one starts wondering as to why Swami asks the same question every time. Does He not know where we come from and why the same question again and again? Later, we understood that Swami does this to set us on the path of introspection. We start thinking, “Hey what is wrong with my answer? What does Swami expect from me?” Thus begins our inward journey, a journey of self introspection wherein the mind is used as the instrument to turn itself within and look for a deeper meaning and purpose in life. Now we all know that an appropriate answer to this question is, “Swami I have come from

you.” Many devotees have given this answer and we have seen a blissful smile on Bhagavan’s face. But well, you can never outsmart Him. When I discovered this answer I got fully prepared for the situation, if at all it would arise; and arise it did. One day, it was Darshan time. Bhagavan came towards me and asked, “Where do you come from?” With great joy and a sense of pride for I was well prepared, I replied, “Swami, I have come from you.” Immediately, I saw a frown on Swami’s face instead of the blissful smile that I expected and He said, “That is different saar, which place do you come from?” I knew I was caught. Whom was I talking to? The indweller of my heart. How could I play with Him? Swami wishes that the answer must come as a result of deep self enquiry and not merely from the tip of our lips! The journey inwards has to be undertaken. ‘You Are God’ There are several occasions when Swami has even asked many devotees, “Who are you?” I remember one occasion when we all were seated right over here. Swami was floating amidst us slowly with a beautiful smile on His face. As He just came close to me, He turned to a M.Sc. student sitting just opposite to me, and asked him very casually, “Who are you?” The student was taken by surprise and remained dumbfounded. Bhagavan patted his cheek and very naturally, with a spontaneous ease He said, “You are God.” It was as simple as it would be for us to look at this mike and say ‘this is a mike’ or look at a table and say ‘this is a table’. The Truth is as clear as that to the Cosmic Lord, nay He is the Truth Himself and is

revealing Himself – the true Self to all of us. This incident left a deep impression on that student and on many of us who heard those sweet words from Bhagavan’s lips. A Bold Request For Bhagavan, the entire world is one unified entity and He sees nothing but His own Self everywhere. However, looking at His physical form, one gets so easily deluded in believing that He is just a human being like us. Bhagavan says that He comes down in a human form to live with us, laugh and talk with us, but at the same time He rises to the supreme heights to remind us of His reality and to take us along with Him. It has been a very common experience for we students to witness how Swami mingles with us and makes us feel so comfortable as though we are with our dearest friend and then suddenly through a single word or remark, He

reminds us of His grand Truth and reality. Almost a decade ago, there was one undergraduate student from Delhi. He was the son of a temple priest and thanks to the past samskaaras and family upbringing, he was a very devoted and sincere student. He was a true Jignasu – a seeker of truth and had

just one wish – to receive the grace of self realization from the Lord. When he would talk to us, we would explain to him that this was not an overnight affair and one had to struggle a lot for it and so on. One evening, it was Darshan time. This boy was seated in the first row across the passage where Swami used to come walking giving Darshan. I was seated a couple of rows behind him. As Swami came closer to the boys’ section, suddenly, this boy knelt down on his knees and looked pleadingly towards Swami. Normally, unless Swami gives an indication – no student is expected to kneel down that way and so I was truly concerned as to what would he ask Swami, what would he do? The student in a loud voice – loud enough for all around to hear – without any hesitation or feeling of shyness, asked Swami, “Swami I want

Self Realization!” We were shocked. How could this boy be so arrogant? What would Swami say? But it was too late to do anything and we just sat glued to our seat. What happens next? It was amazing! Swami comes close to the boy and in an equally loud voice promptly replies, “I will give!” Who other than the supreme Lord can dispense Self Realization – as simply as that – just like distributing chocolates! We all were stunned with Bhagavan’s response and the mind received a strong jolt – once again turning inwards to proceed on its partially traveled journey. The Cosmic Lion had roared and woken us up! It was unto us now to keep awake or go back to our deep slumber. A Child of God Once in an interview in Trayee Brindavan, Swami

explained to us the meaning of true devotion. He said, “How can everybody simply claim that they are My devotees? It is I who must certify to that effect. You saying that 'Swami I am your devotee' is not as important as Me saying that you are My devotee.” Bhagavan went on to say that, first we must say, “Swami, I am Yours.” This is like sending a registered post to Bhagavan – not an ordinary registered post but registered post with acknowledgement due. Then, Bhagavan must tell us, “Yes, you are Mine!” This is like we receiving the receipt. Only then the relationship is complete. Having heard all this, I was deeply moved and this truth got embedded in my heart. Towards the end of the interview, Swami went around distributing Vibhuti Prasadam to all of us seated in the room. As He approached me, He asked like an ideal teacher conducting the test on the syllabus that He had just completed, “Who are

you?” I was so happy to hear that and smilingly I replied, “Swami, I am Your son!” Immediately Swami shot back. What did He say? It was again His roar. He said, “No, do not say I am your son. Son bhi ho sakta hai, daughter bhi ho sakta ha – you may be a son or even a daughter. Say, I am Your child!” What pearls of wisdom! Bhagavan was, in one sentence taking us to the reality of our true Self – wherein we are neither male nor female. These attributes are all related to the body and not to the Atma. He wanted the mind giving this answer to keep the Atma as its reference point and not the perishable impermanent body. That is our Lord. How subtly but yet profoundly, He reminds us of our own Truth through every gesture and word of His! Beauty is Within

Another wonderful incident. This was in the Brindavan Campus college auditorium. Swami had just completed delivering His Discourse on the valedictory day of the Summer Course. Towards the end, He had materialized a beautiful diamond swan, which He related to the mythological story of Nala and Damyanti. The Diamond Swan in Sai's Hand But what was more joyous was that, Swami came walking across the auditorium, between every row of chairs, holding the diamond swan in His hand for all to see. What compassion and love - the Lord walking across every row of chairs in an auditorium. But would He waste this opportunity without giving one of His roars? Impossible. As He came closer to where we all were seated, He stood for a while at one point. All of us craned our necks to catch a glimpse of that beautiful swan. Well, this was the right moment for Bhagavan. He withdrew the swan and as we all

suddenly turned towards Him, He said, “That is only creation - who is the creator? You all are interested only in the creation, not the creator.” Wow! That was like a lightning from the blue! Immediately, our mind did a summersault and went inwards to appreciate and feast on this wonderful statement made by Bhagavan. Do we all not get caught in this pretty trap of His? Bhagavan compares this to an aircraft and the pilot. He says that when a plane flies across the sky, we get so enamoured by its majesty, that we forget that there is a pilot who is inside the cockpit driving the aircraft. Bhagavan is the Cosmic Pilot who is driving the entire Universe. Again and again, Swami propels our mind to turn inwards and again and again we bring it out and let it loose among the temptations of this attractive world. How

painful must this task be for Him? As Bhagavan Himself says, “I alone know the agony of teaching you every step of the dance.” Who is Sai? How do we express our Love and gratitude to our dear Lord. Simple - by helping Him to facilitate this journey of ours. The journey may be painful, full of thorns and stones, but let us not complain. Let us bear all the difficulties for it is only after the heating, hammering and twisting that the gold is transformed into a beautiful jewel. Do we all not want to be instruments in His Divine Hands? Again, a beautiful episode and one of His Cosmic Roars. It was the Parthi interview room and all the MBA students were enjoying a beautiful interview with the Lord. Towards the end, all students started

praying, “Swami, please make us your able instruments.” Swami smiled and said, “That is My duty saar, that is My duty. You are all My instruments.” Pointing at each one of us, He said, “You are My instrument, you are My instrument…." and finally pointing at His own body, Bhagavan said, "This too is My instrument!” What? Our breath stopped for several moments. If this Divine body is also Your instrument, who are You Swami? Who are You Swami? The Player of the Flute He is the ultimate reality, the Cosmic Self, the ‘I’ in each one of us. The bodies are just instruments in the hands of the Cosmic Self. We have no separate existence of ours. What we perceive and feel as a separate existence is only a delusion of the mind. Just one more roar of the Cosmic Lion and I shall stop. This was right here at one corner of the Mandir verandah. It was 5.15 pm and the flute recital had just begun. It was those days when before evening Bhajans, there would a 15 minutes flute recital inside the Bhajan Hall. One of my brothers was seated at the corner. Swami came walking towards him. The

student folded his hands and knelt down. Swami asked him, “Where is this sound coming from?” Pointing to the speaker above, the student replied, “Swami the speaker is up here.” Bhagavan smiled and said in a voice that all of us could hear – for the message was meant for all of us – “The speaker is outside here, but the actual player is inside.” Saying so, He smiled and went further. The message was loud and clear. The real doer is within, and the body is just the instrument. A Startling Revelation The earlier we embark on this inward journey, the better it is for us. Why? Swami Himself gives the answer, and this is not just a roar but this is like an atomic explosion which has to wake us up. The scene

was the Bhajan Hall over here. The occasion – a surprise Divine Discourse to the staff of the Mudenahalli School and our Prasanthi Nilayam Hostel teachers. Bhagavan was talking about the Mahabharata and the episode where Lord Krishna reveals to Karna the truth that he was actually the brother of the Pandavas. We had heard Swami narrating this story before and hence we were anticipating further details from the Mahabharata story. But most stunningly, Bhagavan gave a sudden twist to the story and said, “Understand that after Karna realized that the Pandavas were his brothers, he felt so sorry that he was fighting and causing them pain for so long. He was filled with uncontrollable grief. My dear ones,

one day you too will realize that there is only One Self and that all the others around you are none other than your own reflections – reflections of the one Divine Self. At that moment, you too will feel immeasurable pain for having hated and caused harm to so many of your own reflections. Therefore, to avoid such a situation, realize now and at this moment that there only one Divine Self everywhere.” This alone is the solution to all the problems of the world. Manomoolam Idam Jagat. Therefore all the problems are related to the mind alone. Mana Eva Manushyaanaam Kaaranam Bandha Mokshayoho. This mind is the cause for both our bondage and our liberation. Turn it outwards and it binds us to the world, turn it inwards and it reveals to us our eternal Self and frees us forever. The mind when turned outwards sees diversity in unity, but when turned inwards, it perceives the grand

unity in creation and nurtures a world full of love, peace and harmony. May I conclude by reminding one and all that our dear Lord Sai stands for SAI – See Always Inside. Jai Sai Ram. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// DEVELOP MORALITY QUOTIENT IN CHILDREN - THE ONLY WAY TO WORLD PEACE The Talk of Dr. Jum Sai in the Spanish newspaper - "El Heraldo de Chihuahua" Dr. Jhum Sai, a NASA Scientist and founder of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Thailand, gave a very illumining talk in the largest state of Mexico, Chihuahua, on the 18 th of June 2005, which was very well received and newspapers carried stories about it. Here we have

the English version of a report of this talk which appeared in ‘El Heraldo de Chihuahua’, a Spanish city newspaper of Chihuahua on the next day. The only way to eliminate violence in the world NECESSARY DEVELOPMENT OF MORALITY QUOTIENT IN CHILDREN • Thai doctor

Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya, philosopher and NASA scientist, promotes the Sri Sathya Sai philosophy at an international level The only way to eliminate the violence that permeates the world, is by modifying the traditional system of educating children in the schools, as well as at home because beyond forming individuals that are outstanding in mathematics, science, technology and the other usual subjects. What we need is to cultivate honest, upright, peace-loving and, above all, loving people. ù The Thai doctor Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya, philosopher, Nasa scientist, advocator of the Sri Sathya Sai philosophy at an international level, said that in his Education in Human Values conference and provides concrete techniques for the teachers and parents in providing an integral education to children. Give Priority to Values The specialist does not say that teachers should stop teaching math and other sciences, but at the same time, while they are teaching adding, subtraction, division and multiplication tables, to give priority to the

values. For example: to show how to subtract, a textbook from a primary school in Thailand has a picture of a farmer with ten cows and seven were stolen, then the question is, how many cows are left. In this case, if the teacher does not explain that stealing is a dishonest act, that it is not right to do this, the children will think that it is a perfectly normal action. On the other hand, if instead of that construction, the teacher tells them that the farmer has a son to whom he gives seven cows because he loves him very much, in addition to helping subtract, it will develop the value of love in the students. In spite of the fact that the Thai doctor spoke in English, hundreds of people in the Ramiro Valles auditorium in the Accounting and Administration School at the new university campus, remained attentive during the three hours the speech lasted, from eleven in the morning until two in the afternoon. "The Person Who Loves Cannot Be Violent" Beyond developing intelligence, goodness should be cultivated in children, love for themselves and for others, because when they grow up they will do everything with an attitude of serving others. What is the use of only developing a child's intelligence, if when he grows up he will be selfish and do bad things because he doesn't care about others? Love is the basis of all human values because someone who loves himself and others, will have inner peace that leads to rectitude and to peace. Dr. Jumsai emphasized: "The person who loves cannot be violent." In his opinion, education should form and strengthen the following values in the child: illumination, duty, devotion, understanding, character, action, gratitude, integrity, unity and nobility. Constant Interaction With The Community - A Must For Every School He recommends that teachers should be more interested in developing the child's MG (Morality Quotient) and the EQ (Emotional Quotient) than the IQ (Intelligence Quotient). For the expert, who acts as consultant in education in values for the Thai

Government, the school should be in constant interaction with the community. Parents and society should be attentive to what happens in schools. They should know the teachers and know how they are teaching the classes, what and how they teach. All the information the children receive is stored in their memory and remains in the subconscious, so if they are treated badly, when they are grown that information will come to the surface and they will want to take revenge or treat others badly, he explains. To the contrary, if the child receives love, respect, gratitude and other values, as an adult they will treat others in the same way. According to the doctor, the best technique for strengthening values is to control the five senses. "We do not always see and hear reality, everything is in our mind, if our mind is dirty, everything we see and hear will be dirty, we interpret everything and give it meaning," he said. They key to good development is in giving love and understanding to the child so that he learns to think positiveJai Sai Ram. ..................................................................................................................................... “I want you to be leaders to protect the world. Leaders like lions –self reliant, courageous, majestic and just. Lion is the king of animals and I want you to be king among men.” Swami's Vision, our Mission In our endeavour to respond to His clarion call, look beyond the realms of intellectual posturing and move towards Love in Action, we need to network Sai Students across the globe. Our goal is to share our thoughts, energy, enthusiasm and resources to collaborate once again, to enable us to relive our student days of fraternal cooperation and play a new role as alumni today, as envisioned by Him, so that we may once again be a part of His Mission.

The end of wisdom is freedom. The end of culture is perfection. The end of knowledge is love. The end of education is character. - BABA .......................................................................................................... .///////////ts Reserved. Sri Sathya Sai

Students. .. HOW ‘THE SAFFRON’ SHAPED ME… By Ms. Sutopa Sen Ms. Sutopa Sen is a former student of the Sri Sathya Sai University, who completed her Bachelors and Masters in English from the Anantapur Campus in 1992. Currently residing in the UK, she works for the City of London Corporation and is an active member of the East London Sai Centre. It was the month of August; Swami was in residence and the ashram was a hive of frenzied activity. Back in the hostel at Anantapur just a few days earlier, the Warden’s announcement at evening prayer about the intended

trip to Prashanti Nilayam had been received with the usual excitement. It had been only four weeks since the last visit but it felt more like four, long months… Morning darshan was now over, but Swami was still out on the verandah talking to the Primary School children and joking with lecturers. Suddenly He motioned to our Warden and gave her some brief instructions. Before we knew it, we were being asked to sit in lines, facing each other – as we always did when Swami was about to distribute some gift. On several occasions previously, we had received blouse pieces cut from Swami’s robe, but we were yet to be the blessed recipients of a full robe. In the past, Swami had responded to our pleas sweetly explaining that if He gave us His robe we would probably put it on an altar and worship it, so a robe piece was much better. We had grown accustomed to this kind of “divine

reasoning” which was usually met with shrieks of delight. I suppose we should have known then that He was only waiting for the right time. ‘What Does Orange Mean?’ A few moments later, boys emerged from Swami’s room with armfuls of coloured robes. Within minutes, He was moving gracefully among us dropping various colours of silken cloth into

our eager hands – pink, gold, white, bright yellow, deep red – we had never seen Swami wear these colours! As He approached my line, my heart was beating fast. Which colour would I receive? Within seconds, He was in front of me - His form enveloping my face in a haze of orange – and eyes full of intense love met mine for a lingering second, before He dropped a folded robe into my lap and moved on. It was several minutes before I finally looked down at the robe. Instead of fresh silk, I saw the familiar saffron terrycloth that was Swami’s “everyday” wear and on closer inspection, I noticed it was well worn and laundered; there were even 2 stitches missing from the neckline! I soon realised that most of the girls had received crisp, new silken robes in beautiful, unusual shades. My heart was singing with joy at the thought that my gift had actually been worn by the Lord. Once Swami had disappeared inside the Mandir, the excited chatter soon began; what colour have you got? Did Swami look at you? Did He smile? Did He speak to you? A few had taken it upon themselves to elaborate, announcing… ‘Pink stands for Love, White symbolizes Purity, Red is for Auspiciousness…’ “What is Orange for?” I interrupted. No one heard me. “What does Orange signify?” I persevered. The girl next to me pulled herself away from her conversation and turned towards me, a sudden smile spreading across her face. “Saffron is for Sacrifice” she whispered, squeezing my arm. Out Into a Lonely World Seven years flew past and I eventually completed my education at Anantapur and returned to England to re-join my family, and resume my former life there. I naively assumed that on completing my education, my life as a student would be over. In actual

fact, though the theory lessons were over, the practicals were just beginning! The road was hard, long and lonely and I felt ill equipped due to my lack of experience in all things worldly. I often tried to recall the words that had been spoken by Swami to my mother at the time of my admission to Anantapur… “I’m going to look after your daughter, don’t worry!” After such divine reassurance, surrendering the outcome of my life to the Divine Will should have been simple. Sadly, not so. Looking back, I recall how every event, every occurrence, every happening in my life was still being filtered by my ego, my intelligence, my personality, my understanding, my interpretation and my expectations! In short, the result of countless lifetimes had created this “I” which was ruling my reactions to everything, and Swami’s words of re-assurance were cast into the shadow as attempts to surrender to Him were short-lived.

Ms. Sutopa Sen speaking in the Divine Presence in Prasanthi Nilayam To make things worse, Swami seemingly pulled back into the darkness during this time and stopped appearing in my dreams as well. I searched for Him frantically – to no avail. My loneliness was complete.

Satsang, particularly bhajan singing and reading Sathya Sai literature seemed to be the lifeline for me during this period of my life. I would regularly be invited to speak at various Sai centres across the UK about my experiences as a Sai student and these visits never failed to instruct and uplift me. The culmination of this activity was being asked to speak in front of Swami as a Messenger of Sathya Sai on the Annual day in December 1996. For over a week leading up to the event I intensely prayed to Swami to advise me on what to speak about. Sure enough, one by one, the thoughts started to pop into my head! But simultaneously, I was tested on numerous occasions about the subject matter of my talk – and throughout all of this, the little voice inside my head kept repeating – “Swami, whatever you wish….” The great day finally arrived and Swami had instructed that the

programme should be held in the Mandir, not in the Poornachandra Auditorium. Despite this unexpected development, I still felt strangely calm as the entire proceedings seemed to unfold like a drama in which I was merely playing a small part. Just His Instrument Minutes before my speech was due to begin, I looked at Swami and said in my heart - “Swami, I am nothing, just your instrument – even if I have to trip on the stage and fall flat on my face in front of thousands of people, if it is Your Will, so be it”. In this way, I managed to control my ego and surrender my talk to Swami and surprisingly enough, it made Him very happy! During one of the rare occasions in my life, the Lord used most unexpected and generous words of praise to describe my efforts. At last, I had discovered the secret to His heart…it was to surrender one’s actions and He would take care of

the rest, transformation us from zeroes to heroes. I was so grateful to our Beloved Lord for giving me the best Christmas gift I had ever had. Into the Clouds Swami often uses the term “passing clouds…all passing clouds” in His discourses and slowly I began to observe a recurring theme in my life; each and every time I was knocked down, I always bounced back and recovered. In December 1997, I managed to squeeze in a trip to Prashanti Nilayam around my Christmas holidays. Although still weak from a recovering chest infection, and having just completed a course of antibiotics, I eagerly travelled to India to see my Beloved Lord. Indeed, I had a wonderful trip, although unknown to me then, due to my weak immune system, I somehow contracted a terrible virus which would eventually take its toll on my health. It actually took more than a year before the virus really

started to weaken me. Looking back, an early diagnosis by the doctor could perhaps have prevented much suffering, but as is often the way with karma – somehow, despite numerous visits to doctors, no one knew what was wrong or could help me – until the time was right. Eventually, my condition was managed with strong antibiotics, but I felt far from well. I finally forced myself back to work

after a six month absence and for the next two years, I became a complete shadow of my former self, an invalid - barely venturing out the house unless absolutely necessary. I thought my life was over and focussed all my energy on just getting through each day. Finally, one Saturday afternoon in April 2003, feeling completely desperate about my health, I fell before a huge picture of Goddess Durga in my bedroom and begged for Her mercy. The very next day, my prayer was answered. I came across the telephone number of a spiritual healer who listened sympathetically to my plight and agreed to help me. He slowly put me back on the road to recovery with various natural medicines and prayers. Within six months, I had regained most of my former strength and energy, astonishing everyone. In this way, like a phoenix from the ashes, I would emerge – after varying periods of absence – time and time again. A Divine Hand was leading

me, guarding me through all the ups and downs of my karma, which although inevitable – could not destroy my spirit. Professional Stepping Stones In my professional life, Swami would actually lead me directly into potentially conflicting situations. In retrospect, I now understand that these “trials” served to strengthen and shape my character as well as providing me with valuable professional experience. On one occasion, I had completed an application form for a job the night before the closing date, and placed the sealed envelope by my bedside before falling asleep. The next morning, I was woken by drops of cold water falling on my face, although looking around – there was nowhere this could have come from. Mystified, I looked at the clock - it was 5 am. I was now wide awake so I thought I would use the

time wisely and check my application again. When I did, I discovered that, in haste, I had omitted a crucial part of my IT experience that was essential for the vacancy I was applying for! As I had the time, I carefully amended the information on the form to my satisfaction, and submitted it. A week later, I was invited to the interview, which was accompanied by a very difficult test which was virtually impossible to complete within the allotted 15 minutes. Just when I thought I had lost all chance of finishing the test, my computer suddenly crashed! As a result, I was apologised to profusely and given a further 15 minutes to re-do the paper. Needless to say, my test performance exceeded that of the other candidates and I was offered the job. I duly accepted, but for the next five years, I found myself beset with problems on every side. I often wondered why Swami had led me into this particular job. However, I now realise that the experience I gained in those five years has proved to be most invaluable and, in fact, has recently resulted in my being offered an excellent opportunity within the City of London, my current employers. In this way, what felt like “dead end” jobs at the time have since acted as real “stepping stones” in my career. It seemed that God had already decided the set of experiences that I needed

to undergo to address my numerous foibles, so resistance was futile. I just needed to let go, trust and surrender. As Swami had told us in our outgoing interview with Him back in 1992, “whatever happens, take it for your own good…”. Learning to be patient certainly wasn’t easy, but an invitation to attend bhajan, or to speak to a Sai group, would always come out of nowhere – whenever my spirit began to tire. As time passed, I began to observe a subtle change in myself as a result of my experiences - which can only be described as a feeling of calm detachment. I realised that the more I applied positive thinking and let go of the outcome of things going on around me, the easier life became. Swami’s words came back to me time and time again… “Swami will take care…don’t worry!” During this time Swami also started flooding back into my life in various

manifestations – dreams, experiences, miracles, articles, photographs, bhajans, contact with devotees – suddenly, SAI was everywhere! Coming Back to the Father In March 2005, I came to Prasanthi Nilayam with sad news weighing heavily on my heart - my father had passed away the month before. I let Swami guide me by the hand through these difficult months and amazingly, everything fell into place smoothly. During this time, I also witnessed the outgoing students of Swami’s Institute pour out their heartfelt agony at the thought of physical separation from Him. I sat and cried for hours, feeling their pain and reliving every emotion from my own physical separation from Him – nearly thirteen years before. My earthly father may have departed, but my Divine Father had stepped up with His usual precision timing. I

suddenly felt that I was a student again and the darkness of those thirteen years disappeared in a flash. Like a weary traveller returning from the wars – with new inspiration, filled with stronger resolve and a sense of real purpose, I had finally returned home. Slowly, I began to immerse myself in Swami’s discourses explaining His expectations of students. I had read most of the material before, but this time it took on a whole new meaning. The difference was, this time I felt equipped and strong enough to lend myself to the task at hand. Too many long years had been spent tussling in the darkness with myself. Swami had probably allowed me to go through these difficult experiences to “uncondition” me and remove the effects of past experiences/karmas and their associated vasanas (tendencies), destroy the ego, the sense of doership and infuse me with a feeling of selfless love. For the first time, I understood why Swami had taken such pains to teach me the essence of sacrifice and surrender. The answer was simple – this was not just about me! I had to broaden my outlook. The maxim “to those whom much is given, much will be expected” constantly started to play in my head like a broken record and I began to pray to Swami to give me more resources, more strength, more time and more resolve to enable me to do something meaningful with my life. Learning the ‘Saffron Lesson’ It has taken many years to understand and appreciate the lesson given to me on that day in Prashanti Nilayam, when the Lord had lovingly placed His robe on my hands. I think of sacrifice as the quality of giving up something for nothing in return. But the irony is, the reward for this one selfless quality is that we receive everything that we can ever want – in the form of God’s Grace. In short, sacrifice endears one to God – and makes Him love us! And what more could anyone want? I’ve often since thought about visits to Prashanti Nilayam. It seems that the more you give up, such as sacrificing your comforts, the more you receive. Why does close darshan involve 3 to 4 hours sitting on the hard floor – usually giving up both

food and sleep? And in decades gone by, staying in the rural village of Puttaparthi may have been a physically challenging experience… but no-one could complain about the close and loving darshan opportunities! Today, with each passing year, Prashanti Nilayam grows - in size, in amenities and creature comforts – and while many think that the Lord will become more inaccessible physically, He is actually giving Himself away so much to the devotees. Moreover, Swami constantly urges us to engage in seva or selfless service. Why? Can we really make such a difference? If each soul has to pay its karmic debts, how are others involved? What has it got to do with us? Why should we interfere? Each of us comes to this world alone, and will leave alone. I think the answer to all these questions is simple. The purpose of seva is not so much to alleviate the suffering of others. I believe each

person’s suffering is pre-determined and can only last in accordance with their own karmic debt (under normal circumstances), so surely any alleviation or relief can only be rendered that extent? No, I think the reason Swami urges us to carry out seva is to alleviate our own suffering. Because seva is nothing more than a sacrifice of time, energy, emotion, resources – and sacrifice eliminates negative karma. Of course, this means that sacrifice isn’t actually selfless at all. In fact, it is purely selfish! But there is only one catch – sacrifice cannot be faked. It has to be 100% genuine – otherwise it is not sacrifice. And that is the process of sadhana or spiritual discipline. We must become selfless to be selfish – and so the circle is completed. And where do all these ponderings leave me? My debt to Swami can never be repaid –

however many more births I may take. But the one thing I can do – is to attempt to put into practice the lesson He has so painstakingly taught me …and remember the quality of sacrifice as a prime, motivating force in my life. And what of the gift I received from His hands? Needless to say, it takes pride of place on my little altar – just as the Lord once predicted it would - over twenty years ago. ..................................................................................................................................... The Crumpled Letter ,,, Students watch & Experience.

There are many incidents that reveal Swami's compassion. Let me narrate one that I remember. One day Swami was giving darshan to the devotees in Prashanthi Nilayam. As he walked amidst them, I saw a small girl, scarcely five years old, trying to give a letter to Swami. “Did this small girl write the letter ? Perhaps her mother would have written it.I thought. Even as this thought flashed across my mind, I saw Swami taking the letter, crumpling it and throwing it down as if it was waste paper. This strange act of His made me wonder, may be Swami meant that the letter was a waste paper.

Did this mean that their prayers were answered? He is compassionate. He might have answered. Even if He did not, there must be some meaning to it. This small girl was suffering from heart ailment.The doctors in Madras and Hyderabad

confirmed the presence of a hole in her heart. When they came to super specialty hospital at Prashanthi Nilayam, the same result awaited them. The doctors confirmed The mother saw Swami crumpling the letter, and took it as a rejection the hole in her heart. The date for the operation was fixed. The girl’s mother wrote a letter to Swami about the operation, and asked the girl to hand it over to Swami.This was the scene witnessed by people in the darshan queue . The mother saw Swami crumpling the letter, and took it as a rejection. Mother’s heart bled for her child assuming that there was no hope. The day of the operation dawned. The girl was wheeled into the operation theater. When the final tests were done the same doctors could not believe themselves!They found that there was no trace of any hole in the heart. The child was perfectly healthy. They went home glad and grateful to Swami. What a way to

indicate His benediction. Only Swami knows the purpose of what He does. However, once in a while He does let us peep behind the curtain of His mysterious ways. He always wants to instill joy in us. Perhaps He wants us to understand Him. But then He also says that we should not try to understand Him but only experience Him. Probably, He gives us these glimpses so that we will know the inscrutable nature of his deeds, and the futility of our efforts to comprehend them.SATHYA SAI BABA.PRASHANTHI NILAYAM TRUE STORIES & MIRACLES. .................................................................................................................................... Swami says...You complain that your neighbor began his spiritual

discipline only two years since, while you have been keeping schedule since 20 years But, he has secured happiness, while you are miserable. You feel that you have been coming to me since years, but I take near me, those who have come just a short while ago. Your reactions lead you to ascribe injustice and partiality but answer lies in the past about which you are not aware. Twenty hammer stroke have been given to a slab but it did not break. An another fellow comes along and his second stroke, the slab is broken. The man who dealt the 20 is disappointed and the man who broke it in 2 is elevated, but the slab broke as a result of the cumulative impact of the 22. Your neighbor has his credit 20 years of sadhna,

stored up in the causal body into which he came, from previous birth to his present one. Your nature and your predilections are shaped by the way in which you loved and wrought, fed and fought, in the long serious of lives you had already. Jai Sai Ram, (Sharing with Sai Love) Ram.Chugani ................................................................................................................................... Prof Kasturi's Poem... .He is, they say. rama, krishna, maruthi All forms of God are one in Him You can see Him in the form that

you want If you are good and true Because, He is the God that Kali needs, He has come to cleanse the world of lie and sin He is mercey ocean vast Come brothers,

come sisters we shall go to puttaparthi from Bhagavan. (Asking for right tl Chinna Katha...A little Story from Bhagavan. .................................................................................................................................... There is a small story for this. There was a rich person who had a daughter with a flat nose. The Father wanted to get this girl

married. Every person who came and looked at the girl, used to go away, although they were tempted by the wealth. In those days, persons who could perform plastic surgery were not available. In desperation, he announced that he would give plenty of money to anyone who would marry the girl. He somehow found someone willing to marry her. The marriage was performed and thereafter the couple developed considerable faith in God. They visited many temples, went on many pilgrimages and bathed in many sacred rivers. They met a saint who advised them that no one who is involved in worldly matters can give a good nose. Only He, who created the nose, can bring it back to normal. Although they had lots of wealth, they were not happy at all. The

girl used to feel that others were looking at her and making fun. She suggested to her husband that they should both go to the lonely Himalayas and pray to God and spend a month there in that manner. He agreed and they did so. The girl had a great desire to get back her nose, so she began to pray to God in great earnestness. God appeared, due to her good luck and asked her what she wanted. As soon as God appeared, she asked for the grant of a good looking big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon. As soon as God disappeared, she looked at her face. She looked at the big nose and felt that she had become uglier than before. She prayed again more earnestly and God appeared again and asked her what she wanted. She said that she did not want that big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon. She immediately found that her nose had completely disappeared. She had thought that she

was praying to God for a good nose and in the process, she lost her nose completely. The moral

of this story is that although God is present before you, playing with you and talking with you, you do not know what to ask, when to ask and where to ask. Not knowing what we should ask, we are asking him for one thing while really we want something else. In this process, we are getting ourselves into difficulties. God is always ready to give you all that you want, but you do not seem to know what is good for you and what you really want. Since you do not know what you should want and under what circumstances, it is better and easier to surrender yourself completely to God and simply ask for His grace. - Baba - Illustrations: Ms Vidya, . KOBE CENTER PROGRAMS Kobe Center Place : l.S.S. 2nd Fl. 1-3, Kumochi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Kobe (Tel: 078-222-1885) Home Page MAP Bhajans Bhajan Practice Study

Circle every Sun 4:00-5:00pmevery Thur 7:30-830pm 1st,5th Sun 2:00-3:40pm 2nd Sun 2:00-3:20pm3rd,4th Sun 2:30-3:40pm every Thur 7:00-7:20pm 2nd Sun 5:30-6:30pm (English)4th Sun 5:30-6:30 (Japanese) 2nd Sun 3:40-3:55 (Gayatri Chanting) Ladies Programme 3rd,5th Sun 5:30-6:30pm Youth Programme 3rd Sun 0:30-2:20pm 2nd Sun in odd months 5:30-6:15pm(Study Circle)1st Sun in even months 0:30-1:50 Seva Aisei-en (Orphanage home): 3rd Sun 9:30-11:30amNarayana Seva: 2nd,4th Sun 10:00-11:30am, 1st, 3rd Thur 9:00-10:00pm Veda Club Veda clup is held on every 4th Sunday after Bhajans. Study Circle in (Japanese) is held on every 2nd Sunday on 1st fl. Subscribe/Un information: (Free copy) To , please send your request to rgcjp To , please type “REMOVE” on the subject line and send to rgcjp ----------------------- SAI CENTERS: KOBE, YOKOHAMA, OSAKA, SAPPORE,HAMAMATSU OKINAWA, CHIBA, NAGOYA, TOKYO & KYOTO.' SAI BHAJAN GROUPS.: OBIHIRO, SAITAMA, SHIZUOKA, KITAKYUSHU, MORIOKA TAMA, NARA, FUKUOKA, TOHOKU, NAGANO, IWAKUNI, HIROSHIMA, KAGOSHIMA, GUNMA, KANAZAWA, KAGAWA. Note: Sometimes schedules is subject to change. Please

contact respective centers and groups for information. CONTENTS : Swami"s Quotation...Gita for children-Baba's story- Conversatin with Baba... Shirdi Baba's story...Swami's discourse...The cosmic lion Dr Jumsai... I want you to be leader... How saffron shapped me...The crumpled letter...You complain your neibour...Chinna Katha by Bhagavan...Kobe centers programs. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> .......................................................................................................................Ram ChuganiKobe, Japanrgcjp