Divine Life and Message for Balvikas classes

July 29, 2008

Swamy mahadevan

The Divine Life and Message of

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Part I

1. Where and when was Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba born?

Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born on 23rd November 1926 at Puttaparthi in Ananthapur District.

2. Give the details related to His birth - Month, Star, etc.

Baba was born on Monday in the holy month of Kaarthik (Kaarthika Somavaara) of the year Akshaya in the ascendance star "Aardhra".

3. In which clan was He born?

Baba was born in the Rathnaakara family of Bharadhvaaja gothra and Aapasthamba suuthra.

4. Why did He choose to be born in that family alone?

A certain ancestor of Ratnaakara family, Venkaavadhuutha prayed to the Lord of the Universe that He should be born in his family.

5. What are the names of His parents?

(Mother's name) Eeshvaraamba and (father's name) Pedda Venkama Raju.

6. Why was Baba named as Satya Narayana?

Baba was born after mother Eeshvaramma had taken the Prasaadham of Sri Sathyanaaraayana Vratham which her mother-in-law had brought from the next door family.

7. Who is Kondama Raju?

Kondama Raaju was the grandfather of Baba.

8. What were the mysterious intimations of the impending Divine Incarnation?

Before Baba was born, a Thambuura, a stringed musical instrument which was kept leaning against a wall started twanging and a drum started beating automatically, producing celestial music.

9. What did the women in the labour room find in the bed clothes on which the child was put?

They found a cobra under the bed clothes.

10. What was the original name of Puttaparthi?

Gollapalli.

11. What is the meaning of Puttaparthi?

Putta means ant-hill - place full of ant-hills.

12. What is the name of the river that flows in Parthi?

Chithraavathi.

13. What are the temples that we find in Parthi?

Venugopaalaswamy temple, Sathyabhaama temple, Aanjaneya temple and the temple of Shiva.

14. What is the significance related to the temple of Shiva?

The place where Shiva temple is constructed, is the birth place of Baba.

15. How many brothers and sisters does Baba have?

Two brothers and two sisters; elder brother is Seshama Raju, younger brother is Jaanakiraamayya; sisters: Venkamma and Paarvathamma.

16. What was the name given to Baba as a boy?

Brahmajnaani, Biddalaguru (Guru of children).

17. What were the noble qualities that one could find in Baba even as a child?

Baba was kind and compassionate even at the tender age of four and five. He sought out the maimed, the blind and the decrepit, fed and gave them clothes. He would plead against the killing of a fowl or chicken for curry at home. He was against all sports and games that caused pain and cruelty. He was reticent and reserved, but always cheerful.

18. Give one instance to illustrate the quality of desirelessness in Baba even as a child?

Baba's grandfather used to purchase yards of clothes for his grandchildren, during festivals. He used to ask the children to choose the cloth they liked. Baba never bothered, but just took whatever was kept aside.

19. Even as a boy, Baba never considered, doing any work as mean or below his dignity. Give example.

Baba had only one pair of dress. He used to wear a towel, wash his shirt and knicker, dry them up, put live coal in a brass vessel, iron them, fold them and keep them under a steel trunk.

20. In which places did Baba study?

Puttaparthi, Bukkapatnam, Kamalaapuram, Uravankonda.

21. What did Baba do as soon as he went to school?

He used to gather the children at school under a tree. He would keep a picture or an idol with flowers, conduct Puuja, Bhajan and perform aarathi. At the end of the session, he distributed Prasaadh. He used to take the Prasaadh out from his empty bag.

22. Who were the teachers who considered Baba as a Divine wonder child?

Mehboob Khan, Subbannaachaar and Kondappa.

23. What was the first divine power that Baba showed in the school?

One of the teachers made Sathya stand on the bench presuming that he was absent minded. When the period was over and the next teacher who had to take class in that room came, he found the previous teacher mysteriously glued to his seat. The teacher who entered the class was Mehboob Khan. He understood the situation, asked Sathya to sit down. Then the teacher could stand up himself, without the chair accompanying him.

24. Baba used to gather many children and organise Bhajan session. What was the name of that Bhajan Group?

Pandari Bhajan Group. It consisted of 18 children who wore yellow coloured robes.

25. Why did Baba organise Bhajan sessions?

In order to make the people interested in sacred Bhajans and prevent them from going to cheap musical sessions. But there was another important purpose, to drive away from a locality any epidemic disease.

26. What was the name of the dancer in whose stead Baba danced?

Rishyendhramani.

27. What was the unique skill in dance demonstrated by Baba?

Rishyendhramani used to keep a bottle balanced on her head, dance to music, finally pick up with her teeth a hand kerchief from the floor. But Baba instead of picking up a kerchief with the teeth, could pick up a needle with his eyelids.

28. When the District Collector wanted to pin the prize medal and shake hands, why did Baba refuse?

The collector wanted to pin the medal on to the dress of the dancer and shake hands. But Sathya refused to shake hands and receive the medal. Since he was in the role of a girl dancer, he thought it would be proper to act according to the role. He could not permit a man to touch him.

29. What was the name of the play-let written by Baba as a boy?

"Cheppinattu chesthaara" - will you do as you say?

30. Who is Kota Subbanna?

Kota Subbanna was a businessman at Kamalaapuram. Sathya would compose songs set them to catchy tunes on a newly arrived product to advertise the product. Subbanna would engage some boys to go round the village streets with placards and announcing the product and singing in chorus, Sathya's ditties. In exchange of this help Subbanna used to supply Sathya whatever he needed in day to day life. Sathya even at that age seemed to have projected the idea of earning while learning. He did not want to be a dependent.

31. What are the names of students who sat on either side of Baba?

Ramesh and Sudhir.

32. To which place did the boys of Kamalaapuram school go for service?

Pushpagiri.

33. What is the reply given by Baba when his friend offered him scout uniform?

Sathya wrote to his friend and classmate thus: "True friendship should never be based on give and take. The bond that should exist is love. True friendship should be from heart to heart".

34. How could Baba manage to get money to go to service camp?

By selling the books of the previous class to a poor harijan boy.

35. What did Baba do after that to procure money?

Baba participated in Budabuda kata.

36. When Baba returned from the service camp, what did he bring for his sister-in-law?

Sathya brought Kumkum (red powder), haldi (turmeric), bangles and flowers (they are usually given to married women)

37. Why was his brother angry with Baba?

The family depended on Sathya for supply of fresh water. He used to bring water from a distant well. Sathya's absence from home to participate in the Service camp, inconvenienced the family.

38. Who was the teacher who loved Baba very much in Uravakonda?

Manchiraju Thammiraju.

39. What is the significance of the date 20-5-1940?

Baba got up early in the morning, called the neighbours and relatives, materialised and distributed delicious Prasad. He asked the people to wash their feet and come in for worship.

40. How did Baba's father threaten him?

Sathya's father wanted to teach his son a lesson and put an end to the strange and hysterical chapter. He armed himself with a stick and shouted at Sathya: "Are you a God, a ghost or a madcap?"

41. What was Baba's reply?

Baba said: "I am Sai Baba. I belong to Aapasthamba Suthra. I am of Bhaaradhvaja Gothra or lineage. I have come to ward off your troubles. Your ancestor Venkaavadhuutha prayed that I should be born in your family. So I have come."

42. How did Baba prove that he was Sai Baba?

He threw a handful of jasmine flowers on the floor. To the utter amazement of one and all, the flowers on the ground re-arranged themselves into letters in Telugu, "Sai Baba".

43. What happened in Hampi-Viruupaaksha temple?

Sathya, accompanied his brother Seshamaaraju and many others to Hampi. They went to Viruupaaksha temple. Sathya preferred to stand outside, while others went in for worship. The puujari or priest was performing camphor-aarathi to the deity of the temple. To the surprise of all, they saw the smiling face of Sathya, and not the stone image. Seshamaaraju had his own suspicion. He came out only to find Sathya standing.

44. When and where did Baba declare that He is the Avathaar of the Age?

On 20th October, 1940 in Uravakonda, in a place adjacent to the house of the Excise Inspector Mr. Aanjaneyulu.

45. What happened when a photographer took a snap of Baba as He sat on a boulder?

It turned out to be the image of Shirdi Sai.

46. What was the first Bhajan song taught by Baba?

"Maanasa bhajare, gurucharanam" - meditate in your mind on the feet of the Guru. That can take you across the sea of Samsaara or transmigratory life.

47. Who is Karanam Subbamma?

Karanam Subbamma was the wife of the Karanam or village officer of Puttaparthi. She recognised in Baba even at the tender age, of his divinity, and can be called the foster mother of Baba. She used to prepare food for the devotees who came to see Baba. She took care of Baba with rare love and affection beyond words.

48. What was the miracle performed by Baba at Uravakonda?

A jutkawaallaah (driver of horse drawn cart) lost his horse. He came to know of the rare powers of the miracle boy and approached Sathya. Sathya told him that his horse was safely grazing at the place nearby. The jutkawaallaah did find the horse.

Part II

1. What is the meaning of Sai Baba?

Sai Baba means Divine Mother and Father.

Sah + Ayee + Baba; S = Divine; Ayee = Mother; Baba: Father.

2. How does Baba describe himself?

Sathyam is my Prachaar - Truth is what I speak. Dharmam is my Aachaar - Dharma is what I do. Shanthi is My svabhaav - Shanti (peace) is My nature. Prema is my Swaruup - Prema or Love is my Form.

3. Baba declared that his Avathaaric mission will be executed in three phases. What are they?

The first sixteen years of His life will be a period of Baala Leela. The next sixteen will be spent in Mahimas (divine miracles) to give Santhosh to people. After that life will be full of activity delivering discourses to teach erring humanity to take to the path of righteousness, guiding humanity back to Sanaathana Dharma. (Eternal-Universal Religion)

4. What is the historic letter in which Baba declared his mission in a detailed manner?

Baba's elder brother could not grasp the mystery of Sai phenomenon. He could not tolerate certain caustic comments about the "simple village miracle boy", made by some people. So he wrote letters to Baba warning him and also imparting a lesson that he had learnt in life about human follies and about fame and its trappings.

Baba wrote to his brother on 25th May 1947. First He advises his brother not to attach any value to such comments and take them to heart. Every Avathaar had to face such criticisms. It is very difficult for common people to understand Divinity in human form. They cannot even understand sages. Then He reveals His mission:

"I have a task to foster all mankind and ensure for all of them life full of Aananda.

I have a vow to lead all those who stray away from straight path, back again to goodness and save them.

I am attached to a work that I love; to remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.

I have my definition of devotion - those devoted to me have to treat joy and grief, gain and loss, with equal fortitude. This means, I will never give up those attached to me. When I am thus engaged in my beneficial task, how can my name ever be tarnished as you apprehend? Truth shall prevail. Integrity will win."

5. When did Baba declare that he is Shivashakthi in human form?

On Guru Puurnami day 1963.

6. Give the sequence of the Sai Trio.

Shirdi Sai; Sathya Sai; Prema Sai.

7. What is the name of the biography of Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba?

Sathyam Shivam Sundaram (Truth, Goodness, Beauty).

8. What is the name of the magazine published in Parthi? When did the publication commence?

Sanaathana Saarathi: 1958.

9. What is the special title given to Baba's writing in the monthly magazine that comes from Prashaanthi Nilayam?

The special title given to Baba's writings in Sanaathana Saarathi in Serials is "VAAHINI";

1. Prema vaahini.

2. Dharma vaahini.

3. Prashaanthi vaahini.

4. Jnaana vaahini.

5. Dhyana vaahini.

6. Bhagavatha vaahini.

7. Geetha vaahini.

8. Prashnotthara vaahini.

9. Raama katha Rasa vaahini.

10. Leela kaivalya vaahini.

11. Sathya Sai vaahini.

12. Vidhya vaahini.

13. Upanishad vaahini.

14. Sutra vaahini.

(also "Sandeha nivarini")

10. Why did Baba undertake visits to all important shrines in pilgrim centres?

Baba's visit to these ancient shrines (Ayodhya, Varaanasi, Badhrinaath, Pandaripura, Kanyaakumaari, Shrisailam) is to "charge the batteries that have gone weak" - i.e., to rejuvenate and infuse spiritual power in those dynamos of Grace. The resuscitation of holy places is one of the means of Dharma Sthaapana for which He had come.

11. Baba organized and established the following: (a) Prashaanthi Vidwan Mahaasabha (b)Summer courses in Indian Culture and Spirituality © Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. What is the purpose for which these were started?

(a) Prashaanthi Vidhwan Mahaa Sabha: The watch word of Vidwan Maha Sabha is "Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya" - lead (us) from darkness to light; to eradicate ignorance and light the lamp of true knowledge and instil faith in man's true nature - that "He is Aathma divine".

(b) Summer courses: The students and the youth of the present era do not have proper knowledge of Indian culture and spirituality. They are born and bred up in alien culture. In order to acquaint them with the knowledge of Bhaarath and her glory, Swami organised these summer courses.

© Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation: It is meant to be a training ground for the members to make themselves deserve Divine Grace through love and service to one and all and to spread Baba's message of Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi and Prema by precept and example.

12. How does Baba fulfil His mission of making man realise that he is Aathman. What are the stages through which he makes man involve himself?

Baba dose CHAMATHKAR (miracles of love) to attract people and instill faith in Divinity and through SAMSKAAR transform and transmute them, then make them involve in PAROPAKAAR selfless service to others so that they might imbibe and inculcate Thyaga (sacrifice) in order to become fit for SAKSHATKAR (actual visualisation of God).

13. What is the meaning of Bhagavaan?

Bhagavaan means one endowed with Bhaga, i.e., unique attributes:

Aishvarya - Authority derived from devine power

Veerya - Incomparable heroism, bravery

Yasas - Unexelled Fame

Shreyas - Comprehensive Prosperity

Jnana - Supreme Wisdom

Vairagya - Inner Detachment

It is also laid down in the Shaasthras that those who have these six primary endowments are referred to as Bhagavaan.

Uthpattimcha vinasamcha boothaanaam aagathim gathim.

Vetthi vidhyaam avidyamcha sarvascha bhagavan ithi.

He who knows the mystery of creation, dissolution of created beings, the mystery of their redemption and of their ignorance, wisdom.

14. What are the attributes of an Avathaar?

The word 'Avathaar' means one who descends from the level of God-head to the level of a man only to enable man to ascend to the level of God.

The Avathaar shares the possession of five senses with the world of animals and human beings. He shares with mankind the four attributes of mind, reason, emotion, ahamkar or egoism. Avathaar possesses seven main unique characteristics Srishti, (creative power;) Sthithi, (the power to foster; guard and protect;) Laya, (the power to destroy;) Thirodhaana, (the power to make things disappear;) then there is Anugraha (the power to shower grace) for the deserving and non-deserving as well. An Avathaar is ever present when His name is uttered, form is recognised.

15. Why does Baba perform miracles?

Baba himself has said thus about miracles: "Miracles are very natural and normal to me". He performs miracles to inculcate faith in Divinity. These miracles are to prove to the mortals the Super human powers with which He has come down to redeem humanity from the shackles of ignorance.

16. How did Baba declare that He is the very embodiment of all Gods that mankind has been adoring?

He declared it in the form of a poem:

The same Lord who descended to protect Prahlaadha -

The same Lord who rushed to rescue the elephant king from the jaws of the crocodile -

The same Lord who came down to grant boons to the young Dhruva -

The same Lord who showered grace on Kuchela and relieved his poverty -

The same Lord with the same attributes -

The redeemer of humanity Srinivasa

Is here on earth now as the

Lord of Puttaparthi shining forth with all His Glory.

17. How did Baba prove that He is the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai.

When His father questioned Baba about Sai Baba, he showed to His father and Karanam Subbamma, the Samaadhi (burial places) of Shirdi Sai Baba, and the nearby places against a wall in a series of pictures.

There lived until recently an old lady called "Peddha Bottu"! Her original name was Shaaradamma, She was the daughter of a collector in the Nizam's dominions. She visited and had the Darshan of Shirdi Sai several times, with her father. She experienced untold miseries after marriage and her husband died, her four children died. Then in utter agony she sought the feet of Shirdi Sai and asked for spiritual initiation in Lendi Baagh in 1917. Baba said, "Not now, I will come again in Andhra. You will meet me and be with me." After many years during her visits to several places where she gave Harikatha (divine story telling performance), she came to Uravakonda. She heard that a certain Baba calls himself re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. She went to attend a Thursday Bhajan session at Seshamaraju's house. Then Sri Sathya Sai Baba spotted her and said "So you have come, my child, you owe me sixteen rupees" - only to prove to Shaaradamma

that He is Shirdi Sai come again as promised. Shaaradamma sent to Shirdi Dasara celebration, Rs.40/- through a man called Balarama. He returned to her 24 rupees. Baba addressed her as 'Gori' (the pet name given to her by Shirdi Sai Baba to Peddha Bottu alias Shaaradamma).

18. In what form did Baba give Dharsan to (a) Purushotthamaanandha (b) Karnam Subbamma © Abhedhaananda (d) to people gathered on the sea shore of Machilipatnam.

(a) Jyotheeruupa Anantha Padhmanaabha Swami (b) Karanam Subbamma could see in the wide open mouth of Sathya, the entire Universe and creation, © Ramana Maharshi (d) Shesha Saayi.

19. Why does Baba give gifts to His devotees?

Baba Himself has said thus about gifts. The gifts are expressions of his Grace and Love. 'They are like my visiting cards and send me instant flashes when the person to whom the gift is given is in danger or in need of my help. Sometimes these gifts are for the sake of health or to indicate right path'.

(a) John Hislop (b) Dr. Bhagawantham © To the Principal of a Saainik school when Baba visited, Jaamnagar and nearby places. He instructed that the idol of Annapuurna may be kept in the dining hall of the hostel. Annapuurna bestows food that endows one with 'puurnathvam' or fulfilment.

21. Who wrote Suprabhaatham?

Sri Thirumalaachaar.

22. What is the meaning of Baba?

BABA means : B = Being, A = Awareness, B = Bliss, A = Aathmaa.

Baba is Aathma: Being, Awareness and Bliss.

23. Baba says "You are not one person, but three". Explain.

You are not one person but three:

The one you think you are - refers to body;

The one others think you are - refers to the Mind.

The one you really are - refers to the Aathmaa.

24. How does Baba describe the sequence in Vishishtaadhvaitha and Adhvaitha?

Swami says the progress of man, the pilgrim of eternity, passes through the three stages of Vishistaadhvaita, Dvaitha and Adhvaitha as stated by Jesus and Zoraster as well in the following manner.

Jesus said first: "I am the messenger of God".

Then: "I am the son of God".

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