THE DHARMA OF DOCTOR

CHOONG YUEN CHIEH FESTIVAL (MEMORIAL PRAYERS)

We celebrated the Chinese Festival, Choong Yuen Chieh (Memorial Prayers) on Sunday, 30 August 2009, at 7.00pm. Beautiful lotus candles with the names of departed loved ones were offered by our members and placed at Swami's altar before the commencement of bhajan.

In addition to our regular vedam chanting and mantras, special prayers chanted for the evening included Lord Shiva slokas, Lingashtakam, Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Great Compassion Mantra.

Click below for more pictures :
http://picasaweb.google.com/ssbcned2/ChoongYuenChiehFestival30809#

DIVINE DISCOURSE 29/8/2009

God given principles of Love for God, fear of sin and Morality in Society, have often been heard echoing in Prasanthi Nilayam, especially during the recent past, in Bhagawan’s Divine Discourses. This indicates the greater emphasis Bhagawan has been laying for the uplift of moral fabric in the society that would eventually help in nation building. When the valedictory function of the two-day conference on “Ethics & The World of Finance”, organized by the Sri Sathya Sai University and attended by scores of industry captains from the banking and financial sector across the nation, approached, there were much expectations of a Divine Valedictory Address, with Bhagawan divulging into the topics of ethics and morality, two subjects dear to His heart.

As the bhajans continued, Bhagawan was finishing His round of benediction, blessing hundreds and thousands packed in the Sai Kulwant Hall. Coming onstage Bhagawan spent some time with the luminaries from the world of finance, blessing Padmabhushan K.V.Kamath, Former Head Honcho of ICICI and currently Non-Executive Chairman, with a gold chain.

It was not a surprise, when Bhagawan asked for the mikes to be brought, as for such a grand occasion wherein He has invested great ‘individual’ interest, something was definitely due from Him, and the expectation was very much in the air.

In a most exhilarating Divine Discourse lasted an hour, hailing the day to be a day to rejoice, wishing that such days would repeat in future, Bhagawan exhorted one and all to recapitulate all that they heard during the day, concluding with an assurance that, wherever they were, be in the sky or on the mountain top or down in the deep sea, be in the forest or be in the city, He would be ever with them, urging them to have the faith deeply rooted assuring that God would never leave them.

Earlier, starting off in His inimitable style talking of the body and Atma connection, Bhagawan exhorted the devotees that God is one and one only and the indweller that He is, has no attributes that limits or binds Him. The nameless God, who is One and One alone appears as per the faith of the devotee, assuming the form of devotee’s choice.

Relating lucidly coining strings of anecdotes from the epic Mahabharata, going in detail of the story of Pandavas, hailing women of character in the epic, naming Draupadi and Subhadra, Bhagawan mentioned that teaching of women in the epic was of high order and esteem. Narrating the incident wherein a jealous Ashwathama killing the children of Pandavas, Bhagawan said, Arjuna was pacified by Subadra and Draupadi and so was Bhima who was pacified by Draupadi’s words of wisdom.

When, out of anger, Bhima was outraged vouching to finish Ashwathama, it was Draupadi who had advised him to understand the fact that, being mothers of the children, she and Subadra were equally agonized but advised against doing any retaliatory measure eventually leading to an attempt on Ashwathama’s life. They, in turn, advised Bhima to shave Ashwathama’s head to parade him in a procession in the city which would be an apt punishment. One who is fast asleep, one who is intoxicated and one who is resting without safety and security, it is not proper to kill such a person and one would never be justified in doing such an act, was the piece of pearls of wisdom from Draupadi to her husband Bhima, narrated Bhagawan.

Elucidating on the topic of the day, Ethics, interlinking the Mahabharata story, Bhagawan said, such ethics were giving protection for people. Equating life with wealth, Bhagawan said, to maintain life was equivalent to protecting one’s own life. Quoting the women of character in the epic, He added that women were broad minded and of noble character with noble ideals. Because of such women of integrity and character that Mahabharat has been shining since time immemorial.

Stressing on the greater need to uphold the tradition and culture of Bharat, Bhagawan highlighted that highest principles and lofty ideals in ethics and Upanishads are forgotten by Bharatiyas today. Tolerance adds to the beauty in this land. Calling the general tendency to ape the westerners as a sign of weakness, Bhagawan was categorical in telling that that one who protects the culture of Bharat is the true son of the land.

Repeating His oft quoted maxim, “Money comes and goes, Morality comes and grows”, Bhagawan urged one and all to uphold the tradition of Bharat, stressing on the greater importance to maintain integrity and character.

Dwelling on the subject of mind and control on thoughts, He said, limit is most essential; limitless desire would lead to perversion and diversion; mind should be directed in order to ensure that it does not hurt anyone, leading one to success.

Quoting another maxim close to His heart, “Help Ever Hurt Never”, naming it as one most essential quality to be developed, Bhagawan advised the assembly to never inflict pain on anyone to ensure that we do not suffer ourselves. He is intelligent who obtained such type of education. Claiming that such teachings would not be available in text books, He exhorted the students to rather test their brain than resorting to text books.

Quoting another of His favourite maxim, the three principles of God, “Love for God, Fear of Sin and Morality in Society” Bhagawan urged the students to intense love for God. Sins committed once would come back and with fear of sin one could develop greater character that would ultimately bring Love, cautioned Bhagawan.

Commenting on the present day’s plight of lacking sacredness in every area of activity, exhorting the devotees to “Be Good, Do Good, See Good” to take the Godward Path, Bhagawan ensured the devotees that they would be held in high esteem and respect in society, if they have tread the path prescribed.

He had special words of advice for students in particular. Reminding them that they are quite young, Bhagawan advised them to do good, demonstrate and undertake good tasks, deeds, serving the society.

And finally about Mother….Hailing mother to be the most important entity to be adored and loved, Bhagawan advised the boys to make their mothers happy; if one makes his mother happy, he will be happy throughout in his life.

Love All Serve All; this is your property; this has to be your property, you do not require anything else. Talking about service to fellowmen and society in general, He urged the students to understand the pristine principle behind the act; service should not be done with a money motive. Money comes and goes; Morality comes and grows.

Today is the day to rejoice. Let’s desire and wish that such days would repeat. Recapitulate all that you heard here today. You may be anywhere, be in the forest or in the city, in the sky or on the mountain top or in the deep sea, God will ever be with you, wherever you are…God will never be away from you…God is with you, in you, above you, below you, around you, protecting and safeguarding…Have this faith deeply rooted in you.

Bhagawan sang two Bhajans, “Bhajana Binaa Sukha Shanthi Nahin”…followed by “Subramaniam, Subramaniam…” This was followed by Arathi upon which Bhagawan retired to His “Divine Abode”, Yajur Mandiram, but not before announcing that, ALL STUDENTS ARE GOOD…urging them to CONTINUE TO BE GOOD…ALWAYS…

(Posted at 1610 hrs. on 30th Aug 2009)

DIVINE DISCOURSE 25/8/2009

The Formless Assumes Forms To Sustain Morality
by
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Bharat is the motherland of many noble souls who earned great

name and fame in all the continents of the world.

This is the land of valorous people who vanquished foreign rulers

and attained Independence.

This is the land that excelled in music, literature, and other fine arts.

Having been born in this great land of Bharat, oh boys and girls,

it is your sacred duty to protect its rich cultural heritage.

(Telugu poem)

The children of Bharath have celebrated the festival of Vinayaka Chathurthi in a grand manner. It was a happy occasion for all.

Embodiments of love, Dear students,

Who is Vinayaka? One has to realise this aspect in the first instance. Vinayaka is the Lord of the universe. He has no leader above Him. He himself is the leader for all. He is the Master of the universe. It is one's misfortune to forget such a Master.

The food that Lord Vinayaka takes is very sacred and refined. It has no oil content at all. Nine varieties of cereals are soaked in water and ground. Thereafter, the paste so prepared is made into "kudumulu" (modakas) and cooked by steaming. This is the food that is offered to Lord Vinayaka. It is also called undrallu". Since it is cooked in steam with practically no oil content, it is most healthy.

Lord Vinayaka is omnipresent. He communicates by His silence. Even His commands are by silent communication. His movements are subtle. Wherever you see, you can find Him blessing and guiding His devotees on the right path.

The omnipresent Lord Vinayaka can be worshipped by one and all irrespective of religion, nation, and region to which one may belong. He is the Lord of learning and good behaviour; hence, every human being interested in good education and conduct can worship Him and seek His blessings.

It is a mistaken notion to confine Lord Vinayaka to the Hindu pantheon of gods in Bharath (India). It is not true. He is the Lord of the universe, verily, and its leader. That is why He is called "Vinayaka" (one who has no leader above Him). By contemplating on such a Lord, all our sins will be destroyed. In fact, Lord Vinayaka is our very life-breath. It is sheer ignorance to worship such a great Lord of the universe as a mere idol made of some earthen material or some metal.

Vinayaka is your leader who leads you on the right path. You must therefore develop the feeling and awareness that Lord Vinayaka is within you and with you, constantly guiding you on the Godward path.

The idols of Lord Vinayaka seated on beautifully decorated chariots were brought into this hall in a procession yesterday by the students. Later, they were taken for immersion. What is the inner meaning of this ritual? Why are the idols of Vinayaka immersed in water? The immersion ceremony reminds us of the omnipresent nature of Lord Vinayaka. For, once the idols are immersed in the flowing river, they merge in water and spread everywhere. For example, when you mix sugar in water it merges into it and spreads everywhere. Similarly, Lord Vinayaka worshipped in the form of an idol would reveal His real nature of omnipresence after merging in water.

Lord Vinayaka constantly protects His children. He will always be with them. In fact, children are the property of Lord Vinayaka. Every human being should emulate His example. Children should never forget their parents, since all their life and education are the gift of their parents. Lord Vinayaka bestows siddhi and buddhi (wisdom and intellect) on His children who worship Him. Everything will accrue to the person whose buddhi is straight.

Lord Vinayaka has a trunk, which He uses for breathing, drinking, and taking food.

If one enquires into the nature of Lord Vinayaka properly, it would be obvious that He is omnipresent. He is primordial. That is why Lord Vinayaka is worshipped before commencing any work. Even the food one takes will be offered to Him first.

There is a tradition among the Bharathiyas (Indians) to worship Lord Vinayaka before commencing even a small work. You might have observed that the musicians start their concert by singing a prayer to Lord Vinayaka. Even our students commence their bhajans with a prayer to Lord Vinayaka. In fact, Lord Vinayaka is the leader of your life, who leads and guides you through.

It is not enough to simply worship Him on one festival day like Vinayaka Chavithi. There is nothing like a particular day for the worship of the Lord like Chavithi (4th day before the full moon fortnight), Ashtami (8th day), Navami (9th day), etc. Sarvada sarva kaleshu sarvatra Hari chintanam (always, at all times, under all circumstances contemplate on God) is the command. Since it may not be possible for people to perform elaborate worship to Lord Vinayaka on all days, three days, five days or ten days are prescribed for one's convenience.

The food offered to Lord Vinayaka is healthy, simple, and easy to cook. Lord Vinayaka is portrayed as having a large belly. Though a variety of dishes are offered to Him, He does not take any of those items. The devotion of people is His food. The nature of Divinity is that He always gives but does not take anything in return from His devotees. Lord Vinayaka is the source and sustenance of all forms of life. He controls the lives and destiny of all beings. In fact, the entire universe is supported by Lord Vinayaka. If control is not in the hands of Vinayaka, there will be only vinashana (destruction).

It is a fact that people cannot live without air. It is the very life principle not only of humans but of all living beings. Lord Vinayaka permeates this life principle. He is the very embodiment of our breath. He is the Soham Tattwa (Soham Principle), verily.

The breathing process consists of three actions: puraka (inhaling), kumbhaka (holding the breath), and rechaka (exhaling). The regulation of these three actions is called pranayama. The processes of inhaling, retention, and exhaling of the air must be regulated in such a way that equal time is taken for each process and that the entire exercise is done in a natural manner without any strain. Then only is dhyana (meditation) possible.

Lord Vinayaka is the presiding deity of pranayama. He confers vidya (education) and siddhi (success in aim) on people. That is why He is extolled as Siddhi Vinayaka. These two are of utmost importance to a human being. Since there is none to explain this secret, people celebrate the festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi in a casual manner without realising its underlying significance.

It is customary in Bharath for the elephants to lead the ceremonial processions in any temple. We should realise the significance of an elephant leading the procession. Of all the beasts, the elephant is the largest in size. Once an elephant walks along a particular path, the footprints of all other beasts including that of a lion or a tiger will be erased by those of the elephant. The path made by an elephant even in a thick forest could be used by vehicles like a chariot in the earlier days or a car or a bus in modern times. That is why the marriage procession of Sri Rama in the Treta Yuga was led by an elephant brigade. The scene of that ceremonial procession was beautifully described thus:

Chariots, elephants, and horses,

The entire army of Dasaratha followed

The elderly Sage Viswamitra,

Emperor Dasaratha and his ministers too accompanying

The marriage procession of Sri Rama moved on.

What a beautiful sight to behold!

(Telugu poem)

The elephant is such a majestic animal that its very trumpeting can silence the noise of all other animals, including the dog. The call of an elephant is so majestic and powerful. Lord Vinayaka has the face of such a majestic and sacred animal. Unfortunately, one does not realise the greatness and significance of His form and worships His idol in a casual and routine manner.

Not only Vinayaka but all physical forms attributed to divinity convey some deep spiritual meaning. However, God is not confined to mere physical form. Divinity has neither birth nor death, for it transcends physical form.

For example, who is Brahman? It is not the four-headed divine form that is usually associated with the creation. It is the Transcendental Principle that goes beyond name, form, and attributes. The primordial sound Aum is nameless and formless, as is the inhaling and exhaling process referred to as soham (I am that). Brahman has neither birth and death nor beginning and end. It is the Eternal Transcendental Principle that permeates the entire universe.

Neither birth nor death for Him, the Eternal One,

Neither beginning nor middle nor end for Him, the Ancient One,

Neither He takes birth nor dies nor is killed,

The all-pervading Atma is everywhere

As a witness to everything.

(Telugu poem)

Never forget such a Divinity. The one divine Principle is present in every human being, nay in every living being. In fact, Divinity has to be understood as the principle of unity in diversity. Unity is Brahman.

Dear Students!

It is mere illusion to confine Divinity to one form like Rama, Krishna, Vinayaka, etc. If you make proper enquiry, it would be clear that the physical forms of Divinity are of human creation. They are born out of one's own imagination. No one has ever been able to visualise the nameless, formless, and attributeless Divinity.

For example, the artist Ravi Varma portrayed Divinity in different forms like Rama, Krishna, etc. based on his imagination and the descriptions contained in the epics and spiritual texts. But no one has ever been able to visualise God in a physical form. Yet, the physical form has an underlying meaning. For the physical form cannot exist without a meaning.

Never forget the physical form. It is only from the physical form that morality spreads. The physical form sustains and propagates morality in the world by its own personal example. Thereby, morality gains strength in the world.

I was very happy to witness the enthusiasm of the students in celebrating the Vinayaka Nimajjanam ceremony. I am happy that the students have been able to understand the Vinayaka Tattwa (Principle) at least to a certain extent.

No one can understand the true nature of Divinity without understanding the spirit behind the different spiritual activities. One has to understand who Lord Vinayaka is, in the real sense. When you realise that He is the omnipresent leader, you can understand His divine nature well. You have to celebrate different festivals with proper understanding of their spiritual significance.

GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi was commemorated on 23 August 2009. We had a lovely evening of Vedam chanting and beautiful Lord Ganesh bhajans. There were several new visitors who had joined us for this auspicious occasion including Bro Raju, a Caucasian Sai devotee from India.

After Arathi, we adjourned shortly for refreshments. This was followed with a Study Circle on the topic "Dharma and Duty" which was moderated by Bro Gan Boon Teong.

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 3/08

GIFTS OF GOLD

This is a story about the Gods. It deals with the greed of men. It was a fine day in Heaven; Sriman Narayana and His Consort Lakshmi were talking away the hours, when Narada, the Wandering Minstrel, entered and attracted their attention. Narayana asked Narada whether the denizens of the Earth were happy. Narada replied that since they worshipped Him and won His Grace, men everywhere were quite happy and prosperous.

At this, Lakshmi (who was the Goddess of Wealth) was afflicted with jealousy and anger, for, Her share in conferring happiness on man was not acknowledged. She challenged Narada to prove that Narayana was more adored than Herself down on Earth.

Narayana accepted the challenge. Donning ochre robes, He transformed Himself into a Monk and went down amongst the villages and towns, preaching the Path. Thousands flocked at these meetings and listened to the enchanting oratory. They followed Him from place to place and adored Him with effusive enthusiasm. He was being carried along on a huge wave of devotion and adulation.

Lakshmi saw this and could not contain herself; She was overwhelmed by envy. So, she too donned the Sanyasi robe and came down to the very region which Narayana had conquered for Himself. The people were drawn towards her by the effulgence of Her Presence; many came away from the meetings addressed by Narayana to bask in Her Presence.

A few invited Her to their homes for dinner. She agreed but, declared that it was a vow she had undertaken, not to eat out of plates other than her own. She said, she would bring Her own plate, cup, drinking vessel etc. The host was only too glad to comply with Her request, for, that helped him to overcome one bother among many!

Lakshmi took with Her when She went to the houses of Her hosts, a plate of gold, a cup and a water vessel, all three of gold! The host admired and adored Her the more for this display of pomp and wealth. But, he was astounded and delighted, when, after dinner, Lakshmi said that she was leaving the plate etc., at the hosts's home, since that too was part of her vow!

When the news spread that it was highly profitable to invite Lakshmi to Dinner and to adore Her, there was a huge clamour for Her Grace and millions deserted Narayana's Discourses and hovered around the Giver of Gold. People prayed to Narayana to go back to whence He came, for, they had no time to receive Him or listen to Him. Lakshmi was monopolising their attention!

So, Lakshmi came back to Heaven, to meet Narayana who was already there. She asked Narada, "Who is being worshipped more, Narayana or Lakshmi?"

Narada replied with another question "Whom are You worshipping, please?" Lakshmi answered, "Why? Worship Narayana" Then, said, “Narada, know that it is Narayana's Grace that is helping you to bestow those gifts of gold, which make men worship you.”

Lakshmi's pride was humbled; but, man's foolishness continues. He worships Lakshmi, not Narayana!

(From Bhagawan's Divine Discourse as it appeared in the September 1975 issue of Sanathana Sarathi)

KRISHNASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS

Krishnashtami was celebrated on 13 August 2009 with Vedam chanting, Sai Ashtottaram Namavalli (A garland of 108 sacred names in praise of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba), and followed with Lord Krishna bhajans.

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 2/08

In giving talks to various groups around the city of Milwaukee about the experience of Baba—how He came into my life (my life was saved from destruction thanks to Swami) what happened on my trip to India to see this Holy Man to receive His Darshan and to thank Him for saving my life, and how all this has considerably changed my life since then, invariably the expression "it blew my mind" is used. For it seems to say exactly what happened to me. The moment I realized who Baba was, the moment He looked into my eyes with His large luminous eyes, tears began streaming down my face. I was unaware of the torrent of water until it began to drip off my chin unto my chest. The moment He touched me and told me, "Don't cry ...everything is going to be all right now." It is true—everything has been all right—and nothing, nothing, has been the same for me. My life has completely changed. It blew my mind is the only way of describing these momentous events.

I have been taken to task by an acquaintance for using this remark. "Ange, why do you use that expression; it is so negative. It is awful! You are saying that your mind is blown up!" I was surprised at her discomfort and agitation she was angry with me for using that phrase—and she could not accept nor understand my explanation. But it seems the most fitting way to tell it as it is.

That favourite expression is still my favourite phrase when recalling my `Baba Experiences.' Baba blew my mind! And this is validated by a reasonable source—my inner being! What may pass as a negative in someone else's consciousness is a positive one in mine. For Baba did empty my mind of all thought, all time, all space! I was free, not enmeshed in a net of thoughts, worries, doubts, agitation—all were released into the ether ... into the void...Baba removed it all. I was filled with joy—with pure love—completely thoughtless, completely desireless, blissful filled with the grace that only the Lord can give! For the five days I was with Sri Sathya Sai Baba, I felt completely outside of time—the eternal had entered and completely transformed my being. There was a feeling of close kinship with all creation. It is difficult for me to find the proper phrases, the proper words to convey the proper feeling, to describe it all.

The only way I can is to continue saying: "Oh, Lord! You blew my mind!"

- an article by Angelina Marcotrigiano, published in the Sept 1983 issue of Sanathana Sarathi

SATHYA SAI BABA YAGNA 11 08

PENANG STATE BLOOD CUM ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN

Penang State Blood cum Organ Donation campaign was held on 8 - 9 August 2009 at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA). This was conducted in collaboration with Penang General Hospital. There was also a free blood-pressure check-up for members of the public by several doctors and nurses of Penang General Hospital. We managed to collect a total of 198 pints of blood and 30 organ donations.

PEACE NOT PIECES

Sai Spiritual Showers - Issue 1/08

It happened at Uravakonda, 24 years ago, (published in 1964) when I was a teacher at the High School there.

The most distinguished student of the school, Sathyanarayana, already known as Sai Baba was absent; He had gone to Puttaparthi, the village where He was born. My fourth son, Ramarao was then five years of age. Uravakonda has few wells with drinkable water; my wife used to go far for it, to the “Bungalow Well." It used to take some bit of time for her to walk up to the well, draw water and fill the pots and return, especially, if the crowd was big. So, that day, she collected the children from neighbouring houses for Ramarao to play with and giving them a quantity of sugar in a cup, she asked them to play “Puja of Sai Baba" and eat the sugar, after offering it to Baba. She thus left for the well, all the while lamenting in her heart at the absence, in physical form of Sathyanarayana, the present Avatar of Sai.

The children started Bhajan and Puja. And wonder of wonders, they saw Sai Baba of Shirdi sitting on the wooden plank which Sathyanarayana had given their parents to be placed near the shrine. They repeated some Namavalis and did Puja to the Divine Visitor. They offered the cup of sugar and, would you believe it, Baba ate some of it. The boys ate the remainder. Then, Ramarao ran out of the house to bring his mother in, for he had heard her sigh for a Darshan of Shirdi Sai Baba.

The women from the well were about 20 yards away; the children ran forward, shouting the good news and asking them to hurry up. But, they found the plank empty. “Where has He gone?” they asked the children in the room. They answered, “He went into that picture; we saw Him do it." Of course, Baba had denied Darshan to us, who are immersed in objective pleasure seeking; but, He gave Darshan to those innocent little kids and ate what they offered!

We went to Puttaparthi and asked Baba about this incident. Baba's answer was: “Your wife felt forlorn that I was away here, far from her and you. So, I presented Myself before Ramarao and the children, in that Form, just to convince her (through the description of their experience from these innocent children) that I am there always.

But, why did He choose that Form, the form of Shirdi Sai Baba? The answer is, there is no “that" Form or “this" Form; both are the same.

SUPRABATHAM (WITH ENGLISH MEANINGS)