READING SAI SATCHARITA TEXT

Reading of the holy text, Sai Satcharita, was held for seven evenings from 22 - 28 September. The final evening coincided with Vijaya Dashami (concluding day of Navarathri festival). For seven days, our members made offerings of prayers, flowers, food and fruits. Daily Prayers included Vedam chanting, Gayatri Mantra and Lord Shiva sloka.

On the final evening, we also chanted additional prayers, i.e., Shri Sai Naatha Ashdothram (108 names of Lord Shirdi Baba) and Devi mantras. For seven days, all food and fruits offered to Lord Shirdi was served to members immediately at the end of every session.

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THE DHARMA OF SAI DEVOTEE

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 2/09

I have been to India many times since 1977, and invariably, people ask, "How was the Taj Mahal?" My answer is always the same, "I have never been there." "So, where have you been?" they ask. "To see Sathya Sai Baba." The question is always, "And who is He?"

I have experienced many aspects of Baba. I've seen Him heal people, watched Him smile and talk to many while seeming to ignore others. I've looked on as He walked among the multitude; He is there, but you know not really there; yet, He is everywhere. Yes, I have been blessed with personal interviews, as well as personal miracles, both at Prasanthi Nilayam and in New York. Throughout the years I have come to see Baba as mother, father, friend, and holy man.

In the many books I've read, He has been represented as the image of God, something I've never truly understood. Consequently, there had been a kind of separation between us. It wasn't until this past November that I got a glimpse of who He really is. I began to truly understand His message, not just intellectually, but from a new space that He opened up. All through the fall of '92, I had been trying to visit Baba. I wanted to go when the ashram was less crowded, for now that I had retired, I did not have to wait for a school break or for summer vacation. I thought I was free to go anytime.

Yet, each way I turned, the path was blocked. I made plans, but they kept falling apart. To my surprise, I was pushed to go in November, at birthday and conference time. My intellect said this was not the right time, it would be far too crowded. But my heart knew it was destiny, and I had little choice. Baba was indeed leading the way, and it was interesting that, at that time, all plans fell into place. There was no longer any trouble getting on with the trip. What ensued was the greatest miracle, the real transformation!

The Game of Life

I arrived in India, alone for the first time, tired, worried. However, the minute I stepped into the Ashram, all I could hear was, "Life's a game, play it!" This remained the theme of my visit.

This served me in good stead when I was told, "There is no room at the inn," despite the letters of recommendation I had brought. The theme, "Life's a game, play it!" also echoed as I was repeatedly seated far back during darshan, and, yet, I kept my cool. For the first time, I was not preoccupied with thoughts of myself. I did not ask Him for anything. I sat and observed; my eyes were only on Him. This was a far cry from the many times my mind churned with, "Baba, I'm here, look at me, help me." Instead, I was thankful to be there, to breathe in His glory and blessings, and to ask for nothing.

And so, I received! No matter where I was placed, there was Swami, as visible as could be. When the temple compound was so very crowded, and I was placed last, all of a sudden a new row would form, and I was there with Baba in full view.

Not only did I wind up with a room, but in the midst of hundreds of thousands, I had a dream fulfilled; I was in a room by myself able to meditate in silence, to eat and sleep when needed, not to talk, to be alone with my own thoughts. I had never been privy to these luxuries before.

So, what was happening? Baba was showing me how to play life's game. In a real sense, I was finally giving of myself. There, in the midst of throngs attending the birthday, convocation, and conference activities, I was given the opportunity to recognise Baba in His true form—more than mother, father and friend. I comprehended the meaning of omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient.

The rest of my visit was supercharged, constantly reinforcing who He really is. Here it is, months later, and I'm still filled with gratitude. The miracle of who Swami is, still remains. It is He who has enabled me to face my trials and tribulations—to hear of my grandson's problems, to go through my husband's major surgery, to better understand that I must see no evil and see only good. I remember His words, "It is like baking a cake. I stir, I knead, I pound, I twist, I bake you. I drown you in tears. I scorch you in sobs. I make you sweet and crisp, an offering worthy of God." And His statement to my husband and myself, "This Avatar has come to console, correct, guide, and love you. There is nothing to fear."

And so, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has created a new being, not only freed in mind and emotions but changed on a physical plane. He has erased many of my face wrinkles and turned my lips upward, allowing sadness to give way to a smile, showing me that Love conquers all. Yes, the Lord is truly here!

(From the october 1993 issue of Santhana Sarathi)

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 2/09

In March this year I was privileged to be in the residence of Bhagavan along with devotees. As we waited eagerly for the sudden flash of the Red Robe, He appeared beaming with a smile; his eyes flashed "Vidyullekha”. I waited in grateful expectancy for events to unfold themselves. In Baba's Presence we learn the art of waiting for things to happen; anything unexpected can and will happen!

He suddenly turned towards me and said: "So, you have been transferred to Bangalore!" He was asking me this question after several months of my transfer even after I had first reported to Him before taking charge of my assignment! Like others I have also wondered why Baba the 'Omnipresent', the 'Omniscient', asks such questions and sometimes even feigns ignorance! I have found an answer which I believe is true.

Supposing Baba starts telling in front of everybody about us, what is in our mind and all our deeds and misdeeds, how many of us will have the courage to go to Him again? If He reveals all the time His Divinity and the attributes of "Omnipresence" few of us will dare go to him; the skin-deep facade of a devotee which we all maintain even in His Presence, is so fragile that it will be shattered and there will be no scope for improvement and the 'transformation' for which He has incarnated. So, in His mercy He gives us the impression that He is merely human and envelopes us with this Maya that is essential for our transformation which, unfortunately, is slow. 'Kramakramena', 'gradually' you will have to give up your undesirable habits, He says in His infinite patience!

Returning to the occasion when He asked me the question, I said, "Yes! Swami" and I thought that was the best occasion to volunteer additional information. "Swami I have only 71 days more before I retire.” I hoped that He would say.” "Yes! Bangaroo! Time will pass and you will join Swami's service.” He suddenly turned round and looked at me with those penetrating eyes. Out came the Sadguru's mantra: "Whether it is 71 days, 71 hours, or 71 minutes or 71 seconds, quality is most important" and in His characteristic style. He turned round and conveyed the same message to all. "Quality is important, isn't it?" He asked them, His way of confirmation.

This Is Baba's method; He uses all occasions to convey important lessons of spirituality in daily living by such mantra. He aims the mantra not only at the direct recipient but also at others who might care to learn the lesson. One will miss the import of His statements if one thinks that it was meant only for the individual who happened to be the target.

Baba shook me from my stupor. He has repeatedly said that all work is His; there is nothing like Sai service and government Service. All that you do is for Sai only; in fact it is for yourself, for awakening the Sai within you. Not that I did not know these teachings of His. But again I had forgotten the lesson and the ever vigilant Sadguru had given me the lesson again at the right moment.

What a great formula for Ananda! What is important is not what happens after 71 days. What is important is that till that last second we do not forget that it is His work and that we should carry out the work assigned with the highest quality since it is His Worship through whatever He has assigned. "The past is beyond recovery. Those days are gone. The future you are not sure of. The given moment is NOW! Sanctify it with holy thoughts, words and deeds,” He has declared. "Quality" means sanctifying every moment with holy thoughts, words and deeds. "The most important thing in life is not doing what you like, but liking what you have to do, He has told us. These are the keys to spirituality in daily living.

Can we do this in the office, in the factory, in the kitchen or in any other vocation and avocation? Yes! We can; we should try to bear in mind some of the other mantras He has given us. We can sanctify our thoughts, words and deeds if they are not motivated by the six enemies which the ancients had correctly identified, Kama (passion), krodha (anger), lobha (greed) moha (attachment), mada (pride), matsarya (envy). Difficult? Yes but not impossible if we try. Read any book on modern psychology; you will learn that all our diseases are due to these six enemies; our diseases are psychosomatic caused by these passions.

There is another aspect to filling every moment with "quality.” We must be fully involved in enjoying the quality of the work we do! That itself becomes "fulfillment" rather than the fruit of the act. In fact the real fruit of the act is the sweetness of the process. The game is more important than whether we win or lose! That is the real meaning of the Lord's statement, "Work alone is thy concern; not the fruits thereof.”

Knowing that we are all forgetful I pray: "Baba give me the wisdom to remember your mantra when it is most needed and fill every moment with the highest quality, for which you have endowed me with abilities."

(Extracted from an article by M.V.N.Murthy, published in Sanathana Sarathi, June, 1981)

PENANG STATE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CAMP

A free health and medical camp was held in Kampung Dara Estate, Sungai Air Tawar, Kedah (near Baling) on 12 September 2009. Services provided included overall medical checkup such as blood pressure check, blood glucose monitoring, BMI, eye test, pap smear test, urine test and breast examination. Medical consultation was provided by doctors and nurses. There was also a briefing on general health care. Medication was distributed where necessary. Prior to this date, on 5 September 2009, there was a premedical screening and ECG tests done for the residents there.

Our Sai members together with some of the ladies in the estate also prepared a delicious vegetarian lunch which was served to all on location.

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Medical Camp at Baling

TEN GUIDELINES FROM SATHYA SAI BABA (BILINGUAL)

ESSENCE OF SHRI BHAGAVAD GITA

Why are you unnecessarily worrying? Whom do you fear? Who can kill you? Soul is not born nor does it die. What has happened has happened for the best. What is happening is happening for the best. What will happen will happen for the best. Do not brood over the past. Do not worry about the future.

The present is on. What have you lost, that you are weeping? What have you brought, that you have lost? What have you made, that has been destroyed? You brought not anything. What you have, you have got from here. What was given, was given here. What you took, you took from this universe.

What you gave, you gave unto this universe.

You have come empty handed and shall go empty handed. What is yours today was somebody else's in the past and will be somebody else's in the future. You think it is yours and are deeply engrossed in it. This attachment is the cause of all your sorrow.

Change is the Law of Life.

~ Unknown Source ~

TEN GUIDELINES FROM SWAMI

TEN GUIDELINES FROM SWAMI

TEN GUIDELINES FROM SWAMI

1. QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry.
Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over little things that come your way?


2. PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs to be done or taken care of…
Put it on the list. No, not your list.
Put it on MY to-do list.
Le Me be the one to take care of the problem.
I can’t help you until you turn it over to Me.
And although My to-do list is long,
I am after all… God.
I can take care of anything you put into My hands.
In fact, if the truth were ever really known,
I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.


3. TRUST ME

Once you have given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in Me.
Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs,
your problems and your trials.
Problem with the kids?
Put them on My list.
Problem with finance?
Put it on My list.
Problem with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list.
I want to help you.
All you have to do is ask.


4. LEAVE IT ALONE

Don’t wake up in the morning and say, “Well, I am feeling stronger now…
I think I can handle it from here!”
Why do you think you are feeling stronger now?
It is simple…
You gave Me your burdens and I am taking care of them.
I also renew your strength and cover you in My peace.
Don’t you know that if I give you these problems back,
you will be right back where you started?

Leave them with Me and forget about them.

Just let Me do My job.


5. TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting, because you know I am in control.
But there is one thing I pray you will never forget…
Please don’t forget to talk to Me… OFTEN!
I LOVE YOU!
I want to hear your voice.
I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends and family.
Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me.
I want to be your dearest friend.


6. HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can’t see from where you are.
Have faith in Me that I know what I am doing.
Trust Me, you wouldn’t want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you and meet your needs.
You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing the simple part.
How hard can trust be?


7. SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old.
When did you forget? The rule still applies…
Share with those who are less fortunate than you.
Share your joys with those who need encouragement.
Share your laughter with those who have not heard any in such a long time.
Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry.
Share your faith with those who have none.


8. BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one life-time
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult…
have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands of people,
and experience so much…


9. BE KIND

Be kind to others for I love them just as much as I love you.
They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do,
but I still love you all.
Please try to get along, for My sake.
I created each of you different in some way.
It would be so boring if you were all identical.
Please… Know that I love each of your differences.


10. LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself?
You were created by Me for one reason only –
to be loved, and to love in return.
I am a God of love… Love Me…
Love your neighbors…
But also love yourself…
It makes My heart ache when I see you angry with yourself
when things go wrong…
You are very precious to Me!


(As published in April 2007 edition of Nava Sarathy)

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 1/09

Many people go to Baba and see only his beautiful form and incredible miracles. They are interested only in his physical presence, in a personal interview and a miracle. They take very little of Baba's message. Baba has told us that these miracles are not important in themselves; they are only baits to catch our attention, so that we will listen to the message He has come to Earth to give.

He has also explained that He is in each and every heart which thinks of Him. There is no need for a personal interview or for Him to speak to you or look at you or even for you to go to India. You merely have to open your heart wherever you are to realize he is there. So many have experienced this truth through dreams or meditation or in times of crises when they could see or feel Baba's presence.

We mention this, because we occasionally found at "Prasanthi Nilayam" emotions such as desire, anxiety and even fear, envy and hatred over whether or not Baba showed attention to one or one's neighbour. Of course, these emotions are perfectly normal considering our upbringing and ignorance of what we "really" are, which causes us to constantly look for approval and acceptance from those on whom we have high esteem.

But we need not have any fear, as universal love knows no attachment and no aversion. Ignore the physical drama and know that Baba loves all equally. In his own words: "I do not discard anyone. I cannot, it is not my nature to do so; have no fear, I am yours - you are Mine.”

The main physical means of communication with Baba is through letters. These letters can be of a wide variety: asking for interviews, requesting healing for a long standing or difficult illness, asking for advice on a material or spiritual decision - and who knows what other requests are hidden within those thousands upon thousands of letters. The letters may be sent to Baba from abroad, passed on to Him by a friend who is going, (or, in the event that you Yourself are blessed to be there,) you can hand it to Baba directly during "Darshan".

It is not my opinion that these letters are "read" in the physical sense of the word. In fact, I don't believe the letter even has to reach Baba. He is omnipresent - He knows all and everything past, present and future. So, He is aware of our question or request, the moment we pose it in our minds. The giving of the letter is all for our own feeling of security and satisfaction.

Letters may be written in any language for his mind is beyond the veil of languages. He will speak to you in Greek or English or any other language if necessary.

Therefore, we do not expect a "physical letter" back. We may receive our answer in different ways. Baba may speak to us physically (if we are there), in a dream or in meditation. We may pick up a book and the answer will be there or a conversation with someone may illumine us. If there is an illness involved, it may simply begin disappearing or we might become aware of what we must do to become well.

We would urge anyone who needs guidance or help of any variety (no problem is too material, too spiritual, too easy or too difficult), to write to Baba, physically or mentally and have faith in your overcoming this obstacle.

DIVINE DISCOURSE 2/9/2009

Develop Qualities of Humility and Obedience
Besides Morality in Society
by
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Man is born out of, grows in, and finally departs from this world due to karma.

Karma is verily the embodiment of Divinity for man.

It is due only to karma that happiness and sorrow occur in this world.

(Telugu poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Dear devotees of Kerala! Emperor Bali used to rule the state of Kerala in ancient times. He used to treat his subjects as his own family members and provide several conveniences for their happy and comfortable living. He used to develop sacred feelings among the people and create a proper environment to foster them.

In order that the people tread the right path and to set an example to them, he once started a yajna (ritual, sacrifice) by name ‘Viswajit’. Several people gathered to witness that event. Emperor Bali performed the yajna on a grand scale by donating land and money to several people and gave away gifts to a number of people on the occasion. During the Yajna, his family members were also seated on the Yajna Vedika along with him.

While everyone was watching the grand spectacle, a handsome boy entered the sacrificial hall holding a small umbrella made of palmirah leaves. As He was approaching the altar, Emperor Bali’s daughter Ratnamala saw Him. She was captivated by the beauty and effulgence of that charming young boy. Immediately, she was lost in deep contemplation, thinking, "How fortunate it would be if I had a child like Him!" The boy went straight to the altar. While everyone present in the sacrificial hall was watching happily, Emperor Bali welcomed Him, washed His feet reverentially, offered a garland, and asked Him to sit on an ornate chair. He then asked the young boy, "Who are You? Where did You come from and why?"

The young boy replied, "I have heard that Emperor Bali is doing several acts of charity. I too have a desire to be fulfilled."

The Emperor then asked, "What is it?"

The boy replied, "I don’t need much. I will be happy if small piece of land measuring three feet is given to Me in charity."

Emperor Bali wondered, "What! Such a small request! I thought You would ask for some big things. I am surprised at your small request. Is that enough? You may ask for something more."

The young boy replied that it would be enough if His request is fulfilled. He covered the entire earth with one step and the sky with the second and was waiting to take the third step. But there was no space left for the third step.

Emperor Bali then told the boy, "Dear one! You covered the entire Earth with one step and the sky with the second. Now there is no space to set the third step. Hence, put Your foot on my head, if You wish." So saying, he bent his head before the boy, who was none other than Lord Vishnu come in the form of Vamana Avatar. The moment Lord Vamana set His foot on the head of Emperor Bali, Bali was pushed down under its weight to the nether world! That was how Lord Vishnu liberated Bali.

The people of Emperor Bali’s Kingdom were very sad at the developments. They expressed their feelings of forlornness thus: "Oh God! Our Emperor is no more with us. He used to rear us like his own children. He is our protector. How can you live without him?" Their helplessness and agony over the separation from their beloved King were very painful. The happy event of Yajna being celebrated on a grand scale came to an abrupt end. This is an example of the saying, "Pleasure is an interval between two pains."

As the people were thus grieving, Emperor Bali declared from the nether world, "Oh my dear children! You are all very dear to me. I will always look after your welfare, wherever I am. I will see that you do not undergo any trouble. I will protect you. You need not feel that I am away from you in a different world. Every year on this day, I shall come and see you. Commemorate this day of my coming as a festival. Take a head bath, wear new clothes, and enjoy a feast with a variety of dishes on this day."

Since then, the people of Kerala celebrate that day as 'Onam festival' in remembrance of their most beloved King and protector Bali.

Emperor Bali used to do a lot of good work for the benefit of people and make them happy. This is why the people could not bear separation from their beloved King. Even today, Kerala remains a land of plenty and prosperity. Nature showers its bounty on the people of Kerala. In fact, the rains start in Kerala and then spread to the entire country. There is no dearth of food grains and drinking water in Kerala, which is nature’s gift to the people of Kerala. It is customary to see people in other states worrying about the arrival of the monsoon saying, "Oh! The rains have not yet started in Kerala"” It is a land where the omnipresent God incarnated as Lord Vamana. He may incarnate in one place but is present everywhere.

God is omnipresent, though at times He incarnates in one form at one place. God is only one, not two, though people refer to Him by different names and forms. Ekam sath viprah bahudha vadanti (truth is one, but the wise refer to it by various names). It is only our illusion to ascribe different names to God like Rama, Krishna, Govinda, Allah, Jesus, etc. The sun is only one, and it appears in different parts of the world at different times. It is now 9.00 a.m.; but it is night in the U.S.A. Similarly, the one God dwells in different people in different forms.

Do not be under the impression that God has different forms. He is beyond names and forms. Ekoham bahusyam (God is one but manifests as several beings). Divinity is present everywhere and in every country and in every individual. It is omnipresent. Since your perceptions are different, you ascribe different names and forms to the one God.

The land of Kerala is the gift of God. The people of Kerala follow the commands of the noble Emperor Bali even today. That is why the state has developed in several ways. There is no dearth of food and amenities for a happy living in Kerala. Emperor Bali provided all comforts to the people before he left for his abode. It is a small state, and densely populated. Whatever may be the size of population, people enjoy a lot of comforts, peace, and happiness in Kerala.

Of course, changes in people’s aspirations and lifestyle are taking place in recent times due to the impact of Kali Yuga, but the core of their hearts and feelings remains the same. They still follow the Vedic injunctions Sathyam vada, dharmam chara (speak truth and follow righteousness). They respect the elders and serve them with love and affection.

What could be the reason for this? Love for God. It is a land where love for God exists even today. They have fear of sin. Those who have love for God naturally develop fear of sin. Consequently, such people will have a high degree of morality in society, which is very important for its orderly functioning. Thus, the people of Kerala scrupulously observe the three principles of Daiva preethi; papa bheethi, and sangha neethi (love for God, fear of sin, and morality in society). They respect elders and give due recognition to them.

One should have morality and integrity. The same principles have been enshrined in the Vedic injunction, Sathyam vada, dharmam chara (speak truth and follow righteousness). The people of Kerala follow these two principles scrupulously in their daily lives.

It is not enough to celebrate the Onam festival with a lot of religious fervour and devotion. You have to live up to the expectations of the noble emperor Bali. It is said Matru Devo bhava, pitru Devo bhava, acharya Devo bhava, atithi Devo bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor, and guest as God). (Mother is God, father is God, teacher is God, and guest is God). First comes the mother in that order. She gives birth to you, brings you up, and teaches you good things in your formative years. Then begins the role of father. He is your second guru. Then the teacher (guru) teaches you education to enable you to make a living in the world. And finally God takes command. Thus, your life in this physical world begins with your mother and culminates in God.

Hence, do not under any circumstances forget your mother. Love your mother more than anyone else and show her due respect. You will find that the people of Kerala respect the elders very much, particularly their mothers. They lend a helping hand and take good care of them. They keep them happy always. How fortunate are the people of Kerala to have an Emperor like Bali, whom God Himself accompanied to Vaikuntha (heaven)!

What is Onam? It is a day in which people take a good bath, wear new clothes, and pray to God with a pure heart. The people of Kerala prepare a variety of tasty dishes, particularly with banana. In fact, they prepare twelve varieties of dishes with the banana fruit. It is a unique celebration. They prepare these dishes with a pure and loving heart. Hence, they will be very tasty.

They offer these preparations first to God wholeheartedly and with a lot of devotion and then partake of it along with their family members and relations. They serve these dishes one after the other. Both the cooking and serving of the dishes is done with a pure and loving heart in the true spirit of Onam celebrations. They keep their houses clean and maintain a sacred atmosphere for God to manifest. They consider them not merely as houses, but temples of God. It is only in Kerala that such a sacred atmosphere prevails.

Even if some people have some misgivings about the festival of Onam, they get them cleared and celebrate the festival in its true spirit as a day on which Emperor Bali conferred blessings on his people from Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu), which he ultimately reached.

It is a tapas (penance) for the people of Kerala to remember the words of Emperor Bali on this day and lead their lives accordingly in a spirit of love and service. “Love all and serve all”! There can be no greater penance for anyone.

Whomsoever you come across, offer your salutations. Even if you encounter your enemy, offer your salutations to him first. Surely, he will reciprocate your noble gesture. Thus, people have to conduct themselves with mutual love and unity. It is only such people that deserve to be called human beings. They are, in fact, the people with morality.

You have to develop such morality today. Love for God enjoins one to develop morality in society. Hence, you have to develop Daiva preethi, papa bheethi, and sangha neethi (love for God, fear of sin, and morality in society). Do not ever forget these three principles.

Those who have no morality are not human beings at all! Can a nation or race exist without morality? No! You have also to develop the qualities of humility and obedience, besides morality. This was, in fact, the message of emperor Bali to his people. If you can cultivate and develop these qualities, your life will be sanctified.