Two Divine discourses on Shivarathri by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
EXPERIENCE OF UNITY IS REAL SATSANG (EVENING DISCOURSE - SHIVARATHRI) (NEW)
LET UNITY BE THE UNDERCURRENT EVERYWHERE (MORNING DISCOURSE - SHIVARATHRI)
(NEW)
Visit http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Yours in sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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The divine and the cosmos
The Times of India, Mumbai Edition - Page 2
By Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
Trees produce fruits for the enjoyment of others. Rivers carry water to meet the
needs of others. Similarly, cows offer their milk to humans. However, man,
forgetting that he has been endowed with a body for rendering help to others, is
immersed in selfish concerns and the pursuit of narrow ends. He does not exhibit
even a thousandth part of the spirit of selfless help to others shown by the
trees, rivers or cows.
From sunrise to sunset man today is steeped in selfish pursuits, and the
problems of humanity stem from this selfishness. Man does even live like a
human. It is only when man becomes truly human, that he can experience the
Divine. What you think exists is, truly speaking, not real. What you think does
not exist, is the Reality. God is the only Reality and there is nothing in the
world not pervaded by God. God is immanent in the entire Cosmos. The Universe
does not exist apart from God.
In every object (padaartham), there is a Divine element (paraartham). Without
this Divine basis, nothing can exist. In this Universe, there is no material
object without a Divine basis, no living thing without the vital force and no
inert substance without Consciousness.
It is usually supposed that the natural sciences are concerned only with matter,
while metaphysics is concerned with things Spiritual. But the physical and the
metaphysical are inextricably related to each other. The uniqueness of the
Upanishads lies in proclaiming this basic unity
Many imagine that there is no connection between the physical world and the
realm of the Spirit. This is a grievous mistake. The Divine is the base and the
physical world is sustained by it. Thus, the Cosmos is the synthesis of these
two, Spirit and matter. To ignore the physical Universe and remain preoccupied
with the Spirit is a form of narrow-mindedness.
You have to develop the conviction that the Divine and the Universe are
intimately interrelated. If the phenomenal world does not exist, one cannot
understand anything nor cognise the Truth.
The Universe is what helps in distinguishing the Real from the unreal. It is
impossible to accomplish anything, if the world is discarded. Basing yourself on
the physical world, you have to aspire for realising the Divine. If you want to
realise the Divinity in man, you have to first understand the nature of the
human state. The true goal of human life is to discover the cosmic unity of
Consciousness and matter. The best way to achieve this is to lead a life of
righteousness and to share the fruits of such a life with others. One's true
goal should not change with time; moreover, one should pursue the goal with firm
resolve. A righteous life develops Inner Vision, allowing one to perceive Unity
in diversity.
In this Kali age, owing to the various perverse influences present, people are
prone to ignore the prompting of Inner Conscience and act in response to
external impressions. This is not correct. They must instead develop Inner
Vision to achieve a balanced attitude to the world as merely perceived through
the senses arid the world as it really " is, that is, as the ephemeral
superstructure resting on the Eternal Divine Principle. One must learn to
function in the world ' and yet not get bound by it that is the meaning of
balance.
website source: http://www.sairam.ar.cx
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Sourced: The Times of India - Mumbai Edition - 21/02/2003 - Page 8
website: www.sairam.ar.cx
Absence of love, compassion responsible for pollution
By Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
Man has no doubt mastered many ways of accumulating wealth and amassing fortune;
yet happiness eludes him. Why? Because his conduct is not proper. For good
conduct, virtues are most essential. A virtuous person can accomplish anything.
A son lacking in virtues and a life with-out a meaningful goal are of no value.
Without virtues, life ceases to have any meaning. Good conduct should be the
real basis for life. However, modern man is totally lacking in character and
virtues. No wonder both peace and happiness elude him. Because of man's
misconduct and immoral behaviour, there is pollution everywhere in air, water,
land and food. All the five elements have been severely contaminated, consequent
to man's unbecoming behaviour. If man behaves properly, is pollution of the
elements conceivable? It is all due to the extensive prevalence of immoral
feelings and improper behaviour. It is the sharp decline of values like Love,
Compassion, and Forbearance that is directly responsible for the widespread
pollution that one sees today.
If you fill a coloured bottle with the water of the Ganges, it would appear
coloured. If the bottle is red, the water would seem red while if the bottle is
blue the water too would appear blue. Where does the colour come from? From the
water or the bottle? Ganges water is intrinsically pure; the colour is
therefore due to
the bottle holding the water. The human being is like a bottle. It evil thoughts
dominate, the body indulges in bad actions; if good thoughts prevail, the body
performs good actions. The body is not responsible for the actions; the thoughts
that propel the body are. Bad feelings, bad thoughts and bad company provide the
stimulus for bad actions.
If you constantly chant the name of God, the polluted atmosphere would
automatically get purified. The Divine vibrations originating from the chant
of the Divine Name mix with the atmosphere and spread everywhere, indeed
throughout the world.
Give up bad company and join good company. Do good day in and day out. This is
the way to sanctify human life. Although numerous opportunities exist for
following the correct path, people miss them all and instead waste their time.
People seem to revel in seeking bad company even if they have to pay for it.
Why do you have to go in search of bad thoughts and company? Instead, why don't
you receive the good that is offered to you free and at no charge? It is a grave
mistake to reject the good and accept only the bad.
Man is made up of the five elements, everyone of which is Divine in origin. They
are all intrinsically sacred. If they are polluted today, man alone is
responsible for that Enquire deeply into the meaning of the five elements, and
realise that you yourself are made up of them. Make every possible effort to
venerate and revere the elements in a suitable manner. Your breath must always
resonate to the chant of God's name. Always be singing His Glory
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Vigil On Shiva-ratri
'Every human being experiences three kinds of night. One is a moonlit night. A
second is a dark night. The third is night half-dark and half-lit by the moon.
But, apart from these three, there is one night, which is more sacred and
unique. That is Shivaratri. That is the night devoted to the chanting of the
sacred name of Shiva. That means that the entire night should be devoted to the
recitation of the auspicious name of Shiva." Sai Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 62
"Devotees are expected to keep awake this night by chanting the sacred name of
Shiva. Keeping awake in other way is purposeless. Spending the night reciting
the Lord's name sanctifies one's life. In the Gita, the 'Sthita-prajna' is
described as one who keeps awake when others sleep and for whom the daytime,
when others are awake, serves as night. The inner meaning of this is that the
Sthita-prajna (the realised person who is in a slate of constant integrated
awareness) contemplates on God when others are oblivious." Sai Baba, SS. 3/98.
p. 59 .
"Unfortunately, in this Kali age, people observe the vigil of Shivaratri by
seeing three cinema shows all through the night or playing cards or seeing some
dramas. This cannot be called Shivaratri. What is true vigil on "Shivaratri
night? It is to devote every moment of the night to thoughts of God and recite
His name. This alone is Shivaratri (vigil)." Sai Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 63
"You will be immensely benefited if you keep awake and sing the glory of God at
least on this night (of Shivaratri). Moon is the presiding deity of the mind.
Moon has 16 Kalas (phases). On the Shivaratri, 15 Kalas merge in God and only
one remains. By constant remembrance of God, the 16th phase also merges in God.
Can you not spend a single night in the whole year singing the glory of God?
Sanctify this night by participating in Bhajans. The bliss that you get in
Bhajans, the sweetness you experience in the divine name, the happiness you
derive from visualizing the divine form cannot be obtained elsewhere." Sai Baba.
SS. 3/99. p. 66
"Unfortunately, in this Kali Age, people observe the vigil of Shivaratri by
seeing cinema shows or playing-cards all through the night. This cannot be
called Shivaratri. Every moment of the night should be devoted to the thoughts
of God and chanting of His name wholeheartedly. The chanting should come from
within. This is what is called the reflection of the inner being." Sai Baba. SS,
4/2000.pp.101&102
For more on "Shivaratri - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba" visit
http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam or http://www.sairam.ar.cx
Yours in sai's seva.
Deepak Bharwani
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The Times of India, Mumbai Edition (Page 2) Thursday, February 13, 2003 **
The importance of the human body
By Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
Wealth, friends, property, and even wife, if lost, can be acquired again, but
the human body is not like that; once it goes, it can never be got back, no
matter now hard one may try.
Human life is most precious, highly sacred, beautiful and invaluable. It is,
therefore, the prime duty of every individual to take the greatest possible care
of the body. The body is an indispensable vehicle for experiences. Without it
nothing can be done, not even a simple task. The human body is, therefore, more
precious than worldly wealth and such other material acquisitions. Life must be
sanctified by making proper use of the body and engaging it in sacred actions.
Time gone will never come back. Once the Ganges merges in the ocean, you cannot
get back even a drop of its sacred water. Likewise, once life ebbs out and the
body is gone, it cannot be recovered.
The human body is also a clock marking time and the passage of life. It ticks
away the seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, and years. Man knows that life
is ticking away and yet he does not bother to enquire about the real purpose of
life. No one can say when the clock will stop. It is, therefore, most essential
to make proper use of life while it is still available. The body is the vehicle
for the journey of life. If the vehicle is not properly maintained, then one
must be prepared to face serious problems on the way.
The body has been gifted in order to serve others. You must firmly resolve not
only to take care of yourself but also others. Unfortunately, man today does not
know what service means. The essence of all the eighteen Puranas can be
summarised in two short sentences: Help Ever. Hurt Never.
Though God has given the body for service, man does not seem to understand what
help means, being ever immersed in selfishness. Every thought, every word and
every action is driven by selfishness.
Man has become a puppet in the hands of selfishness and self-interest. How can a
puppet ever be called independent? Selfishness must, therefore, be totally
rejected and selflessness wholeheartedly embraced. Then alone would the real
purpose of the human body and human life be realised.
You must make an effort to realise that the body is just an instrument given to
you for a specific purpose, and must further understand that purpose. The body
must be used only for performing good deeds. You must lead a virtuous life.
In the end, you must give up the body with good thoughts. Do not assume that the
body has been given for enjoyment, comfort seeking, beautification, and useless
pursuits of that nature.
Indulgence in pleasure seeking, comfort and luxury can be dangerous. God has not
given this body for indulgence. Safeguard your body by all means and take full
care of your health, but use your body solely to perform good actions.
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Kshama, the Grandest and Noblest Virtue
By Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
True and Selfless Love manifests as Sacrifice. Such Love knows no hatred. It
envelops the entire Universe, and is capable of drawing Satya Sai Baba near
even those who are seemingly far away Love it is that transforms the human into
the Divine. In the phenomenal world, you come across many shades and
derivatives of this Primordial Love. You love your father, mother, brother,
sister, friends and so on. In all such cases, there is always a tinge of
selfishness somewhere or the other. Divine Love, on the other hand, is totally
free of even the slightest trace of selfishness. You must surrender to such
Love, become completely submerged by it, and experience the Bliss it confers.
For acquiring such Love, the quality of Kshama or forbearance is a vital
necessity Every individual must cultivate this noble quality Kshama is not
achieved by reading books or learnt from an instructor. Nor can it be received
as a gift from someone else.
This prime virtue Kshama can be acquired solely by self-effort, that is, by
facing diverse problems squarely, enduring difficulties of various sorts, not
giving in to anxieties, and bearing with equanimity suffering as well as sorrow.
In the absence of Kshama, man becomes susceptible to various evil tendencies.
Hatred and jealousy easily take root in a person lack-ing this virtue.
Kshama is the grandest and the noblest among virtues. The troubles the country
is currently passing through are largely due to the absence of this noble
quality of Kshama. Without Kshama, mankind becomes degraded and starts
declining, but if it has this quality then it can progress in leaps and bounds.
Kshama is thus the very breath of life.
Everything must have a basis. For spiritual progress and advancement, Kshama is
the real basis or-foundation. When Kshama disappears, disturbance sets in and
there is decline. Great countries have lost their glory, prestige and reputation
for this reason. Patience is therefore a virtue that must be assiduously
cultivated, by individuals as well as nations, if troubles and tribulations are
to be successfully faced. Without patience and the capacity for forbearance, one
becomes spiritually weak. When patience is gone, the greatest of men get reduced
to utter fools.
The importance of Kshama cannot be over-stressed. This virtue is best cultivated
under adverse circumstances, and one must therefore gladly welcome troubles
instead of regarding them as unwelcome.
Jealousy is the greatest enemy of man, and it takes root when Kshama is absent.
If you possess the virtue of Kshama, then none of these enemies can come
anywhere near you. Cultivation of Kshama must therefore be an important
priority No doubt you will face many difficulties during life's journey, but
bravely march on, taking courage from the fact that once you have Kshama there
is nothing that you cannot achieve.
The Times of India - Mumbai Edition - Friday, February 7, 2003 (Page 2)
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"Sai Pearls of Wisdom"
Part Nine
January 8th, 2003
OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram!
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2002
Sai, the Centre of our Trust
So far, by Bhagavan's Grace, we have completed eight parts of "Sai
Pearls of Wisdom." And now, I want to share with you certain special and
important events that occurred in September 2002.
One such event was the anniversary of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. A big
function was organised on September 10th, 2002. It was really a big day, and
many things were brought to light that deserve our attention. To think about
these points will also strengthen our faith in Swami. It is with this view in
mind that I want to share them with you.
The function was held on Vinayaka Chathurthi Day. You know, Vinayaka
Chathurthi? It is the birthday of Vinayaka, otherwise known as Ganesha, which we
celebrate during the month of September. Bhagavan gave His Discourse that
morning on Lord Vinayaka and the significance behind the worship of Vinayaka.
All that was said during the morning session. You probably have read about it in
'Sanathana Sarathi'. So, it does not require any repetition, much less my
comment. ................
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The Sunday Talk Given by Anil Kumar
"Dream or Vision?"
January 5th, 2003
OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram.
With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Happy New Year 2003!
Let me first wish you all a Happy New Year 2003! May Bhagavan bless you with
plenty, prosperity, peace and health, with longing for God and yearning for God.
May Bhagavan grant you many, many service opportunities. And, may Bhagavan also
grant you repeated visits during this year 2003. May Bhagavan be with you
forever and ever more. That is my prayer from the bottom of my heart. (Applause)
You may be quite tempted to hear what Bhagavan said this morning, not even an
hour ago! (Applause) You can understand how things have been released faster
than super sonic -- like a space satellite! (Laughter) ....................
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sourced: http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam or http://www.sairam.main-page.com
Yours in sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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Sai Ram
Just Released - Bi-monthly Newsletter for the month of January-February 2003 by
the Sai - Youth of Mumbai.
Visit http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in.~sairam
Please right click on the link and select save target as...on to your hard disk.
Downloading time 5 minutes approx.
Happy viewing
Yours in Sai seva
Deepak Bharwani
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CHINESE NEW YEAR (LUNAR YEAR)
Significance
"Today (5 February 1998), You celebrate the New Year of Lunar Year (calendar).
The year is described as Samvatsara in Sanskrit. This term is also one of the
names of God. Hence, the advent of the New Year should be hailed as the advent
of the Divine. Without recognising this divine significance of the New Year,
there is no purpose in celebrating it with lavish decorations and sumptuous
feasts. It is not the feast that is important. It is the ideal that is to be
pursued which is important." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 32
Origin of The Word "China"
"Today (13 February 1997) the Chinese are observing their National New Year Day
here (Prasanthi Nilayam). What is the origin of the word China? It is derived
from the two words 'Chung' and 'Kuo'. 'Chung' means the human heart. 'Kuo'
refers to the country. The word 'China' therefore means that 'My heart is my
country'. This concept is applicable to all countries and all religions. For
instance, Bharata, it is derived from the two words 'Bhaa' meaning 'effulgence'
and 'Rata' meaning 'to rejoice'. The heart is the source of effulgence.
Bharatiya is one who rejoices in the effulgence emanating from the heart. Every
man is attracted to the heart. God is not confined to any particular place. His
real abode is heart." Sai Baba, SS, 3/97, p. 60
The Chinese Tradition
"The Chinese have esteemed the heart as their native land. The heart is subject
to troubles and difficulties. From ancient times- and to some extent even today-
the Chinese have observed one ritual every morning before beginning their day's
chores. They declare, 'Difficulties are our friends. Let us invite them.' The
Chinese have looked upon difficulties as their true friends. They have
recognised that without trouble no good can be realised. They used to-start the
day's work with this thought before them. The Chinese also realised that true
happiness comes from the satisfaction of a task well done. In Bharat (India)
also there is a dictum 'UddhrethAatmanaa-aatmaanam' (Raise the Self by the
Self.') What is it that can raise the self? It is our own good conduct. Our good
conduct is not for elevating the country, but for elevating ourselves. A
whetstone is used for sharpening a knife, not for making the whetstone smoother.
Likewise, in this world, your good conduct improves you and, as a result, the
world." Sai Baba, SS, 3/97, p. 60
The Cult Of Hard Work
"There is a proverb in China: 'The most delicious food is that which is got by
hard labour.' What is got by arduous effort is relished with joy. One who enjoys
his food without having laboured for it is an idler. In China everyone works
hard to earn his living. This cult of hard work should activate every human
being. Unfortunately this is forgotten today." Sai Baba, SS, 3/97, p. 60
More on Chinese New Year.....
Visit http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
or
http://www.sairam.ar.cx
Here wishing all my Chinese brothers and sisters "A Happy, Blissful, Joyful,
Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. "
Regards
Deepak Bharwani
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"Sai Pearls of Wisdom"
Part Eight
January 2nd, 2003
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OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram!
Pranams to the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
MONTH OF DECEMBER 2002
Three Events in December
First, let me wish you a 'Happy New Year!' This is the first meeting of this New
Year 2003. I have a few details to share with you about events that happened
during the month of December. There were three major happenings that I will
explain in full detail.
The first, which I am sure you will be very much interested in, was Christmas
and Jesus Christ. Then the second was the visit of the President of India, Abdul
Kalam, to this place, the sentiments he expressed, the opinion he had, and the
letter he wrote. Finally, the third is the recent achievement of the Sri Sathya
Sai University. It has been declared to be the best university in this country!
These are the three important milestones that happened during the month of
December, which I want to share with you.
As you know, we are sharing highlights from Divine dialogues. I didn't say
Divine whispers; they are Divine dialogues. Our idea is that Bhagavan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba's conversations should also be made available for posterity just as
Ramana Maharshi's conversations were recorded and just as Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahansa's conversations with his disciples were recorded and made available
to all of us today. We are all accountable. It is for this reason that we have
started this endeavour. I am glad that it has been widely published and is well
received.
Website: http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
or http://www.sairam.ar.cx
Yours in sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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NASA scientist embarks on peace mission, seeks Baba's Blessings
BY A STAFF REPORTER
(Afternoon Despatch & Courier , Mumbai 23rd January, 2003
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Dr. Brian O'Leary, a former NASA scientist, astronaut, a physicist and former
science and energy policy advisor to four US Presidential candidates, is on a
special visit to India to the country's largest ashram to meet and receive the
blessings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is believed to preach non-violence.
Dr. O'Leary aims at seeking his advice on the ways and means to bring about
peace in the world. Dr. O'Leary will be arriving in India on January 24.
Dr. O'Leary's visit underlines the appeal of Sri Sathya Sai Baba who draws the
attention of presidents, prime ministers and other leaders not only from India
but also from outside the country. Parts of the appeal of the Baba, as he is
called by his followers, is that he has been preaching an unusual mixture of
faiths and encouraging religious tolerance.
Dr. O'Leary has embarked on a mission to bring world peace by spreading the
message of 'Satya' (truth), 'Dharma' (righteous action),- 'Shanti' (peace),
'Prema' (Love) and 'Ahimsa' (Non-violence) as propagated by the Baba.
By spreading the message of the Baba on the five eternal values. Dr. O'Leary
hopes that world peace will prevail from across the United States, India,
Pakistan and Iraq.
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Following is the email received from David Crockett Williams which is self
explanatory
Subject: Sai Ram, request for seva in Chennai for reception of Brian O'Leary,
press conference opportunity, Monday January 27, 2003.
Brian O'Leary will be arriving Chennai airport 3:30pm Monday Jan 27, and has
requested me to help organize a press conference opportunity on his arrival
before going on that day on his schedule towards P.Tewari and Baba in coming
weeks.
If you know anyone who can help in Chennai arrange a press conference at the
airport, ask them to email me right away to work this out in next day or so.
Dr. O'Leary will be composing a press release statement soon which I will send
out widely in any case as an invitation to meet and welcome him to India, and I
will send even sooner an abstract of his posts of today to India and the United
Nations Under-Secretary-General, more details on his mission and schedule, etc.
I have a few India media email addresses to send to and some addresses at
universities in Chennai area but also would appreciate any such for updates list
during this peace mission to India tour from California USA.
Om Sai Ram,
David gear2000@...
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source: http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Yours in sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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ANIL KUMAR'S SATSANG:
BABA'S CONVERSATIONS WITH STUDENTS
"Sai Pearls of Wisdom"
Part Seven
December 11th, 2002
OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram!
Pranams to the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
MONTH OF AUGUST 2002
This evening we'll be completing the course of conversations we
had with Bhagavan during the month of August. I am glad to know there is such a
good response to these conversations for which I do not take any personal
credit. I am well aware of the interest in hearing about the conversations
transacted on the verandah, since people have no access to them. So it is with
no personal credit or glorification that I am pleased to give them to you. I am
glad there has been a very good response from Sai devotees all over the world.
Please read online at http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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Amil Kumar's Sunday Talks
December 15th, 2002
OM...OM...OM
Sai Ram
Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan
Dear Brothers and sisters
"Whose Mistake Is This?"
I am glad to be here again this morning. Today, I would like to draw your
attention to the following question: "Who is at fault? Who is guilty? Whose
mistake is this?" That is the topic for today. Let us discover who is guilty, so
that we can be free from all the evil effects and enjoy the fun of life.
Why is it that some are saintly? Why is it that some are Divine? Why is it that
some are demonic? Why is it that one person is a sinner and the other is a
saint? What is the reason? Whose mistake is this? Let us analyse it clearly. My
friends, all these things have been discussed at length in the fifteenth chapter
of the Bhagavad Githa, called Purushothama Prapthiyoga. It explains clearly
where the mistake lies. "Whose fault is this? Whose mistake is this?" Let us
analyse clearly.
The first point that I would like to draw your attention to is as follows: Life
is a process of evolution from the lower to the higher. I am just quoting
Bhagavan. I think by this time you must be quite sure that whatever I say is
from Bhagavan's literature. Nothing is left to speculation or imagination. I
dare not do it.
Life is a process of evolution from low to high. In the course of evolution, the
process may be slow for some individuals and may be fast for certain other
blessed souls. The process is slow in most cases because we don't want to evolve
too fast. We want to take our own time and evolve leisurely. The ones who choose
to hasten and speed up the process of evolution are called seekers, aspirants,
or sadhakas. By following the spiritual path, these seekers speed up the process
of evolution, while the others evolve more slowly. But evolution is a must.
Therefore my friends, there is no reason to feel frustrated. There is no reason
to feel proud. You may reach there tomorrow and I may reach there the day after,
but both of us will certainly get there, okay? So on the spiritual path, the
process of evolution happens whether you like it or not. If you don't like it,
it will take more time. If you like it, it will happen sooner -- that's all.
As the documents is very large, please log on to http://www.sairam.ar.cx or
http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Yours in sai's seva
Regards
Deepak Bharwani
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SANKRANTI
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Purpose
"There are three sacred festival nights for Bharatiyas: Sankranti, Shiva-ratri
and Navaratri. Each of these has special significance. Sankranti enables man to
turn his vision towards the sublime. It is the day when the apparent northward
motion of the sun begins (Uttarayana Kaala). The day is considered auspicious
for man to embark on his journey . towards the goal of a purposeful, sacred and
blissful life." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 288
"This festive day has been celebrated from ancient times as a day of fulfillment
and joy. Every festival is a social occasion, arising in society, flourishing in
society, and promoting the well-being of society. Every festival has been
designed to promote the welfare of society. Today's festival is an extremely
important one for Bharatiyas (Indians). It is a festival to celebrate the glory
of the Sun God." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37
"Today is a sacred festival day. It is a day for the celebration of plenty and
prosperity. This day of Sankranti brings with it an abundance of crop and
wealth. This Pushya month brings with it a cool breeze, a bright sun, golden
fields and trees echoing the songs of birds. The earth shines in the glory of
nature. People admire the beauty of nature, but are not aware of the beauty in
their inner hearts. Make your heart beautiful by adoring it with the sacred love
of God." Sai Baba, SS, 2/95, p. 40 & 41
"Few people understand the true significance of festivals like Sankranti. Man
cannot secure enduring bliss through physical pleasures. He has to discover that
the source of this bliss is within himself. Sankranti enables man to make this
discovery, like a man, who carrying his spectacles on his forehead, searches for
it everywhere and discovers to his joy that it has been with him all along." Sai
Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44
More on Sankranti at http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
July 2002
Swelling On Swami's Cheek
Now we shall move on to more of Bhagavan's conversations in July. Well, you
know, during Guru Purnima, all of us noticed a swelling on the right side of
Swami's face. Most of you must have noticed it. He gave an explanation at the
end of one of His discourses. The swelling was so bad -- very red in colour --
and we did not know how He was managing with it.
We asked Bhagavan, "What is this? Why is it? What can we learn from this
experience? It is so painful to watch. How are You able to bear it?"
Bhagavan said, "Any doctor will tell you that the pain is excruciating. It is
terrible pain. It will last for 21 days and, if it gets really serious, it will
also affect the brain."
The severity of the problem He was experiencing was so great that we were not
able to look at it. In spite of the swelling and the terrible pain, Bhagavan
gave four or five discourses. How was that possible? I know that at one time, He
could not open His mouth fully, but just this much. (Anil Kumar demonstrates by
opening his own mouth just a little.) Nor could He eat. That was the severity of
the illness.
So we asked, "Bhagavan, why don't You cure Yourself from the pain and the
swelling? Why don't You cure Yourself?"
Bhagavan answered, "I will never cure Myself. I will cure your problems. I don't
cure any of My problems. But in response to your prayers, in response to your
wish, in response to your yearning, I will cure Myself, but not until then."
That is what Bhagavan said.
"Don't You feel the pain, Swami? Isn't it painful for You?"
Bhagavan's answer is very important. He said, "I don't consider Myself as the
body. I am not this body. So, I don't take any swelling or any complaint of this
body seriously. It is not a source of pain for Me because I don't identify
Myself with this body. Do you understand? I am not the body. So, I don't feel
the pain at all."
I would like to bring your attention to one or two points, which are mentioned
in the Bhagavad Githa. In the Bhagavad Githa, it clearly states: "God is
blemishless. God has no attributes, no pain whatsoever. God is in the body, but
the body is not in God. All attributes function or operate because God is in
them. But these attributes are not in Him."
How He carried out the day's schedule, how He moved around the auditorium,
talking to all the delegates who attended the conference, without eating any
food, was amazing! We could not believe it. That is the secret of His Divinity.
I would like to share an important point with all of you: After a few days,
there was no more swelling on Swami's face. Everything was perfect. Somehow I
picked up the courage to ask Swami: "Swami, are You OK now? I don't see any
swelling. Very good, Swami! We are happy!"
Do you know what Baba said? "Anil Kumar, look here. A small swelling slowly
increased to the size of an orange. It was that big! Slowly, as the size
increased, the pain also increased. But today, since it has subsided and is
totally gone, see here -- there isn't even a mark (or scar) of any kind!
Whenever you have a boil, whenever there is any cut, you will still be left with
a mark, even after it is healed. Though this was such a large swelling, now
after it has healed, there is no trace of its previous presence."
This is Divinity! This is Divinity! All of us were taken by surprise when
Bhagavan explained that. The lesson is this: badha or pain is bodha or a
teaching. God suffers to teach us. God's apparent external pain is also a chance
to communicate a lesson to the devotees. That is the underlying secret behind
this suffering.
Please visit http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl..net.in/~sairam for
more updates on Anil Kumar Talks.
Sai Ram
Yours in sai seva.
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My Personal Experiences - Part 2 Anil Kumar Sunday Talks 8th December, 2002
Sharing Some More Experiences
Today I'll divide my talk into two sections. In the first section, due to the
request of some friends, I'll share with you more of my experiences. In the
second part, we'll have questions and answers.
It was back on the 25th of October that I shared with you Part One of my
personal experiences. I thought that was the end of the matter. But I have
received a series of letters and demands, (Laughter) saying that you want to
know more of my personal experiences.
Really, I love to do it, except for the simple fact that I'm afraid that people
may mistake this as some sort of advertisement or publicity-seeking, which I'm
totally against. But because of the spiritual pestering from my friends, I'll
share certain experiences with you this morning.
As I said in my last lecture on October 25th , I was in a period of 'exile',
receiving total silence from Bhagavan, without any recognition of this human
being by the name of Anil Kumar (Laughter). For seven to eight long years, I was
non-existent, a non-entity, and almost in a vacuum wherever I sat. It went on
for a very long period - from seven to eight years. Later in the talk on October
25th, I mentioned how things went following this long period of waiting.
Please visit http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam for more
details and updates.
With Best Wishes for A Happy and A Prospeous New Year. May Sai Shower His
Infinite Love and Grace to each one of you.
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Brothers and Sisters
Please view your greetings
http://sai-arjan.tripod.com/whois/Merry.html
Love and Light
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sai Ram
CURRENT NEWS
SEMINAR ON HUMAN VALUES IN LEGAL PROFESSION
PEARLS OF WISDOM PART V (ANIL KUMAR SUNDAY TALKS: 26-11-2002)
Two more additions to the SAIRAM Website.
Visit
http://www.sairam.ar.cxhttp://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Christmas
website: http://www.sairam.ar.cx
"The term Christmas has been derived from the Roman language. Truly speaking,
Christmas falls in the month of March, not in December. Since it is very cold in
December and people are confined to their homes, they utilize this time to
celebrate Christmas. Actually, Jesus was born in the month of March. With the
passage of time, this fact has been distorted and misrepresented in the Bible.
Opinions vary from person to person (Munde Munde Matir Bhinnah). Each one
interpreted the Bible in his own way. Some wrote that it was the brother of
Jesus who was crucified, not Jesus and that he was in Japan all that time. This
is all imagination. Jesus is truth." Sai Baba, SS. 1/99. pp. 5 & 6.
Purpose Of Christmas Celebration
"This day is a holy day, the day on which Jesus was born. He announced Himself
as the Messenger of God. In fact, all humans are bom as Messengers of God. The
sole purpose of this human career is to propagate the omnipresence of God, His
might and glory. No one has incarnated for merely consuming quantities of food
and catering to one's senses. Human life is much more precious than that. That
is why the capacity to appreciate beauty, truth and goodness has been endowed
only on man." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-76, p. 84
"Religions arise from the minds of good men, who crave to make all men good.
They strive to eliminate the evils and cure the bad. It is therefore appropriate
that the birthday of Jesus, who felt the need to save mankind and who strove to
achieve it, be celebrated. But the celebration must take the form of adherence
to the teachings, loyalty to the principles, practising the discipline and
experiencing the awareness of the Divine that He sought to arouse. These days,
the world is deriving satisfaction in mere words, and in witnessing clever ruses
designed to cover up one's faults. The birthdays of the Great are honoured by
such hypocrisy and external pomp. There is no examination in the light of the
message they gave, nor, any effort to practise it and derive the bliss it
promises". Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII, discourse on 25-12-72. p. 129
Christmas Belongs To All
"The birthday of Jesus must be celebrated by all mankind, for such
'Karana-Janmas' (Masters born with a purpose) belong to the whole human race.
They should not be confined to a single country or community." Sai Baba, SSS,
Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78, p. 232
Jesus' Original Name
"Jesus was honoured by the populace as Christ, for they found in his thoughts,
words and deeds, no trace of ego. He had no envy or hatred, and was full of love
and charity, humility and sympathy. Jesus' original name was 'Isa' which, when
repeated, is Sai. 'Isa' and 'Sai', both mean Ishvara, God, the Eternal Absolute,
the Sat-Chit-Ananda. In the Tibetan manuscript at the monastery, where Isa spent
some years. His name is written as 'ISSA', which means the Lord of all beings."
Sai Baba, Vol. X. discourse on 25-12-78. p. 231
Meaning Of Jesus
"In Christianity, the term 'Esu' (Jesus) is used to describe Christ. This term
also signifies the oneness of Divinity. The inner significance of the term 'Esu'
is the recognition of the One Divine in all beings." Sai Baba, SS,~ 1/92'. p.2
"Jesus is truth." Sai Baba, SS. 1/99, p. 6
Birth Date Of Jesus Christ
"There are various theories about the birth date of Jesus based on the "bright
star" that appeared at his birth. It is visible once in 800 years, it is said.
Some say that He was bom on the fifteenth day of September. But He was born at
3:15 a.m. (early morning) on December 28. It was Sunday. The star that appeared
that day appears only once in 800 years. Its appearance had nothing to do with
the birth of Jesus. There is no rule that, when Divine Energy or Divine
Incarnation descends on earth, a star has to appear. That is the opinion of
devotees only. But, Jesus was himself a "Star" of infinite value, spreading
brilliance of infinite dimension. Why posit another less brilliant glow?" Sai
Baba. SSS, Vol. XI. p. 13
Birth Place Of Jesus Christ
'Two thousand years ago, in Palestine, a province of the Roman Empire, there
were Jews professing Judaism. The Jews believed in one God called' Yehovah'.
They believed that God would send a messiah for the people of Israel. Jerusalem
was the sacred city of the Jews and continued to be so even under the Romans.
This was the time when Jesus was bom." Sai Baba. SS, 1/92, p. 3
"Jesus' birth took place in a manger in Bethlehem." Sai Baba. SS. 1/89. p. 2
Visit Of Three Kings To See Christ At His Birth
"It is said that when Jesus was born in a manger, three kings were led by a star
to Jesus' place of birth. In fact, they were not kings but three shepherds. One
of them, seeing the infant Jesus observed: 'This child will be lover of God'. A
second one said: 'No. God will love him.' The third one said: 'Verily he is God
Himself. The true significance of these three statements is: To love God is to
be His messenger. To be loved by God is to be a son of God. The final state is
to be one with God. As Jesus said: 'I and my Father are one'. Thus, all persons
are messengers of God. This means that they should divinise themselves. When can
men call themselves 'sons of God'? Recognise what pure actions are done by God,
selflessly for the sake of all. There is no trace of self-interest in Him.
Everything men do, speak, or think is born out of selfishness. Men can describe
themselves as 'Sons of God' only when they are completely free from selfishness
and become Godly. To call yourself the 'son of God', you have to manifest the
qualities of the Father." Sai Baba, SS. 1/95. p. 4
Enlightenment Of Jesus
"Like most seekers, Jesus first searched for the Divine in the objective world.
But He soon realised that the world is a kaleidoscopic picture created by one's
own imagination, and sought to find God within himself. His stay in the
Himalayan monasteries in Kashmir and in other centres of eastern asceticism and
philosophical inquiry, gave him greater awareness. From the attitude of being a
'Messenger of God', he could now call himself the 'Son of God'. The bond of
relationship increased. The 'I' was no more distant light or entity. The light
became a part of the 'I'. With body-consciousness predominant. He was a
messenger. With the heart-consciousness in the ascendant. He felt greater
nearness and deamess. So, the son-father bond seems natural at this stage. Later
as the Atman-Consciousness was established, Jesus could declare: 'I and My
Father are One'. The three stages may be described as: 'I was in the Light',
'the Light was in me', and 'I am the Light', and may compared to the Dwaita
(dualism), Vishishta-adwaita and Adwaita (non-dualism) stages as described in
Hindu philosophy. The final stage is the one when all duality has been shed.
This is the essence of all religious disciplines and teachings". Sai Baba, SSS,
X, discourse on 25-12-78. p. 231
"Christ spent all His life in the service of mankind. He spent twelve years
alone, promoting the inner vision and realising God. While engaged in the
service to the diseased and the downtrodden, He announced Himself as the
'Messenger of God'. Later on, for some years Christ reflected the divine nature
present in Him and came to the conclusion that he was the 'son of God'. Thus He
moved closer to God. Christ lived for five years in the Himalayan region of
Bharat (India). He settled in Kashmir and met many exponents and practitioners
of the Adwaita system of thought, which declares there is only one God. He
realised the One-ness beneath diversity, then He spread the truth that 'I and My
Father are one.' Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X. p. 142
"When Jesus proclaimed that He was the 'Messenger of God', He wanted to
emphasize that everyone is messenger of God and has to speak, act and think like
one. This is the true Karma (action) Kanda of the Vedas: Sadhana, Japa, Seva and
Dhyana. When progress is furthered, Jesus asserted, each one can recognise all
as 'sons of God', children of God, brothers and sisters of oneself, and so. The
Upaasana (adoration of God) Kanda is the scripture in Sanatana Dharma (eternal
code of conduct) for this stage. Finally, knowledge ripens into wisdom and the
goal ofJnana (wisdom) Kanda is reached, when each one realises, 'I and my Father
are one'. Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78. pp. 232-233
Early Life Of Jesus
"Jesus exemplified the spirit of social service. The inspiration for this came
from his mother Mary. From His childhood Mary taught Him such good qualities as
truth, kindness, compassion and justice. In his twelfth year, Jesus and his
parents went to Jerusalem for a festival. In the crowd, the parents lost the
trace of Jesus and searched for Him everywhere. Not finding Him anywhere, Mary
sat under a tree and prayed to God to come to her help. At that moment, a
thought flashed in her mind that Jesus was perhaps in a nearby temple. Jesus was
there sitting in a comer of the temple and listening to the words of the priest.
Mary affectionately rushed towards Him and embraced him. 'Child, what agony I
went through on your account', she said. Jesus told her: 'Mother! Why should you
have any fear? Those who believe in the world will have fears. But why should
anyone believing in God fear at all? I am in the company of my Father. Why do
you fear? You taught Me that God is everything for us. How, then, can you worry
like this?' Jesus had learnt His lessons from his mother and developed His
spiritual faith. After they returned from Jerusalem, Jesus felt that service to
His parents was His foremost duty, because He owed everything to them. In this
spirit, He used to assist His father in his carpentry work. When Joseph, His
father, passed away, He sought His mother permission to devote Himself to the
service of the needy and the forlorn." Sai Baba. SS, 1/95. p. 3
Jesus's Ministry
After leaving home, Jesus had Himself baptized by John. Then for forty days,
Jesus observed severe austerities without food and drink. At first he considered
Himself as a 'Messenger of God'. After the penance, He realised He was the 'son
of God'. He began His ministry with a group of fishermen as His first disciples.
He taught them that they should first seek the 'Kingdom of Heaven.' To enter
that Kingdom, they had to cultivate loving hearts. Then, their hearts would
become the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus further declared to them: T and my Father
are one'. Sai Baba. SS, 1/95. p. 3
"As Jesus went on with His preaching and drew multitudes towards him, some of
the priests and those in authority grew envious of His popularity. This happens
in all countries. They started persecuting Him and charging Him with treason.
Jesus, however, continued His mission of love and righteousness, first, as the
Messenger of God, and later as the son of God." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 3
"How did Jesus get the courage to speak in this fashion? It was because He was
proclaiming the truth. Truth is bom out of love, which comes from faith in God
Where there is confidence, there is love.
Where there is love, there is peace.
Where there is peace, there is truth.
Where there is truth, there is bliss.
Where there is bliss, there is God.
This-is way to develop faith in God
Sai Baba, SS. 1/88, p. 4
Jesus's Mission
"Jesus was a Karana-janma, a Master bom with a purpose, the mission of restoring
love, charity and compassion. He had no attachment to the self, nor paid any
heed to joy or sorrow, loss or gain. He had a heart that responded to the call
of anguish. He went about the land preaching the lesson of love. His life was a
libation for the upliftment of humanity". Sai Baba, Vol. X, discourse on
25-12-78, p. 230
"Love must be manifested as service. Seva (human service) must take the form of
food for the hungry, solace for the forlorn, consolation for the sick and the
suffering. Jesus wore Himself out in such Seva." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol XI,
discourse on 25-12-81. p. 225
The Inner Meaning Of Jesus's Teaching Given On His Last Supper
"Jesus said that the bread taken in the 'last supper' was his flesh, and the
wine his blood. He meant that all beings alive with flesh and blood are to be
treated as He Himself and that no distinction should be made between friend or
foe, we or they. Everybody, sustained by the bread, every drop flowing in the
veins of every living being is His (God), animated by the activity that the wine
imparted to it. That is to say, every man is Divine and has to be revered as
such." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X. Discourse on 25-12-78. pp. 232 & 233
Jesus's Spiritual Work
"Jesus announced Himself as a 'Messenger of God'. He spent many years in
austerities so that He could shower compassion and love on all humanity. Later,
He asked Himself: 'Am I just a messenger, or am I more closely related to God, a
part of God with the Divine as my essence?' Jesus spent twelve years wandering
alone in deserts engaged in this inquiry. At the end of this period. He returned
to the society of men and announced, 'I am the son of God'. At this time, the
priests of the holy temples of Jerusalem had become corrupt and commercialized.
They had deteriorated into proud and selfish men. Jesus condemned them and tried
to root out the evil practices. For, all forms, in th^ eyes of Jesus, were
Divine Forms. He could not tolerate any action, which belied this status. So,
when asked by people who He was. He could reply: 'I and my Father are One'.
Jesus tried to teach the Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of man.
Tradition-minded and egoistic men considered Jesus a false prophet and they
tried by every means to thwart His mission. Jesus, however, did not waver. Faced
with opposition. He continued to be an example of living truth, and tried to
purify the society." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. XI, pp. 11 & 12.
"Jesus found that scholars and ritualistic had befogged the true religion. He
engaged Himself in teaching both spirituality and morality, for education is the
very light of life. Jesus found that people are running after glass-beads,
imagining them to be diamonds and attaching great value to them. He went round
the holy shrines and discovered that they had become bazaars where (God's) grace
was being bartered and commercialized. He condemned the priesthood, which
tolerated and encouraged these practices. So, He drew upon Himself the anger of
the heads of temples and monasteries". Sai Baba, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78,
p. 232
"Jesus was compassion (Karuna) came in human form. He spread the spirit of
compassion and conferred solace on the distressed and the suffering. Noticing
the torture of birds and beasts at the temple in Jerusalem, He reprimanded the
vendors and drove them out of the precincts." Sai Baba, SSS, XI, discourse on
25-12-81, p. 224
Disciples Of Jesus
"Many disciples followed Jesus. But throughout history, it has been the
experience of Rama, Krishna, Jesus and Muhammad that disciples, however close,
are seldom fully dedicated. Most are only part-time devotees. Jesus had 12
disciples. Most of them had faith in Him and lived up to His teachings. But,
Judas yielded to greed. He betrayed his Master for a mere 30 silver coins. He
could not find joy in life after this treachery. His mind gave him no peace. He
had to take refuge in suicide. Betrayal by people who pretend to adore (their
Masters) is happening since ages. Corrupt, greedy and selfish people spread
falsehoods about their own Masters. We hear of Judas. 2000 years ago. But in the
Kali age, people are obsessed with money
and Judases have multiplied. They seek to amass paltry riches, whereas good
character, good conduct and knowledge of God are the three real treasures to be
gathered."
Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-79, p. 12
John
"Vedanta says, 'Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati.', the knower of Brahman becomes
Brahman himself. John resembled Jesus in all respects, as he constantly
contemplated on Him. As you think, so you become. If you think of God
incessantly, you will assume His form." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 4
Paul
"Initially, Paul hated Jesus. One day, Jesus appeared in his dream and asked him
lovingly, 'Paul! What harm have I done to you, why do you criticize me? All your
travails are the consequences of your own actions. I am not responsible for your
sufferings.' Then Paul was transformed and attained sainthood. Thus, Jesus
transformed many sinners into-saints. Sai Baba, SS, 1/99, p. 5
"Speak softly and sweetly with a smiling face. That will silence the critic.
Smile is the best answer to criticism. When Paul went on accusing Jesus, He
lovingly went to him and gave a pleasing smile. The sweetness in the nectarine
smile of Jesus transformed the poisonous heart of Paul." Sai Baba. SS, 1/99, p.
7
Matthew And Thomas
"Matthew was a tax collector. He would meet fishermen regularly and enquire as
to how they acquired faith in Jesus. Thomas used to doubt the divinity of Jesus.
Such doubting Thomases are on the rise. Never be in the company of such people."
Sai Baba, SS, 1/99, p. 5
Disciples At The Time Of Jesus Crucification
"One has to worship God both in times of pain and pleasure. Unfortunately, due
to the effect of Kali Age, people worship Him when everything goes well, but
criticize Him in times of difficulties. When it was ordered that all the
devotees of Jesus should be crucified along with Him, even His closest devotees,
Peter, Matthew, and Paul refused to identify themselves. Can these be called
true devotees? One should be prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of
God." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 4
Crusification Of Jesus
"They (heads of temples and monasteries) tempted one His (12) disciples with 30
silver pieces, to betray Him into their hands. The Roman rulers were told that
Jesus attempted to assert himself as King and so could be punished for treason.
Their insistence made the Governor order his crucifixion. When the nails were
being driven into him to fix him on the cross, Jesus heard the Voice of the
Father saying, "All life is one. My dear son. Be alike to everyone," and He
pleaded that those who were crucifying Him be pardoned, for they knew not what
they did. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sake of mankind". Sai Baba. SSS. Vol.
X. discourse on 25-12-78, p. 232
"When Jesus was on the cross and overcome with agony, an unseen Voice said from
Heaven: "Death is the dress of life." The body is the dress, which the Divine
Spirit puts on. Therefore, we should not weep when the body is worn out or falls
or is injured. Death is an event, that is the very nature of the body. Men seek
the cause for death, but no one seeks the Divine source of life." Sai Baba, SSS.
Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-79. p. 14
The Inner Meaning Of Making A Christan Cross Sign By Hands
You should not be afraid of difficulties. They are passing 'clouds. Do not
waver. Follow the heart, which is steady and unwavering. Unity of head, heart
and hand is essential for man. This is the true significance behind the
Christians making cross sign by hands (Swami made a sign of holy cross to show
how it covers heart, hands and head). Install God in your heart. Contemplate on
Him and undertake good deeds. Consider every activity as God's work and act
accordingly." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 3
Sacrifice Of Jesus Christ
"People talk of Christ's sacrifice as evidenced by his crucifixion. But, he was
surrounded and bound, and crowned by the crowd who captured him with the crown
of thorns, and later, nailed to the cross by his captors. A person bound and
beaten by the police cannot say that he has sacrificed everything, for he is not
a free man. Let us pay attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made while free,
out of his own volition. He sacrificed his happiness, prosperity, comfort,
safety and position. He braved the enmity of the powerful. He refused to yield
or compromise. He renounced the ego, which is the toughest thing to get rid of.
Honour Him for these. He willingly sacrificed the desires with which the body
torments man. This sacrifice is greater than the sacrifice of the body under
duress. The celebration of His birthday has to be marked by sacrificing your at
least one desire or two, and conquering at least the more disastrous urges of
ego." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIIJ, 25-12-72
Important Christian Days
"Jesus was crucified on a Friday and He rose from the tomb on a Sunday. That is
why Sunday is taken as the day of worship and service in churches. Catholics
give importance to Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, while Protestants give
importance to the birth of Christ. Catholics celebrate Christmas by worshipping
Mary on the evening of 24th (of December) and Protestants celebrate the birth of
Christ on the 25th (of December)". Sai Baba, SS, 1/93, p. 4 '
"Today is New Year's Day associated with the birth and life of Jesus. It is a
good occasion to give up the old and welcome the new- in thought, word and
deed." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X, p. 141
The Christmas Tree
"There is a custom of putting up a Christmas tree on this day. The genesis of
this custom can be traced to Germany. A preacher by name Jensen from England
once visited Germany. When he was travelling in Germany on his mission, he
noticed some Germans attempting to offer a child's life as sacrifice to
propitiate God who, they believed, lived in an oak tree.The priest was warned
and questioned-them as to why they were offering an innocent child as sacrifice
to a tree. As they asserted that God lived in the tree, he took an axe and cut
the tree. To his surprise, he was shaken by the inexplicable vibration from head
to foot. He noticed the form of a child between the two portions of the tree
that was cut by him. This incident teaches the truth that God lives not only in
human beings but also in plants and trees. From that time onwards people started
putting up a Christmas tree." Sai Baba, SS, 1/93, p. 4
Read online for more details at http://www.sairam.ar.cx or
http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Yours in sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anil Kumar Satsang:
Baba's Conversations with Students
"Sai Pearls of Wisdom"
Part Three
November 6th, 2002
OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram
This is the third session of 'Sai Pearls of Wisdom'. During the two previous
sessions we completed all of the September conversations that Bhagavan had with
the students and the teachers on the verandah at Prashanthi Nilayam. Now today,
we pass on to the third session. And, as we did previously, I'll go in reverse
order to cover the earlier portions also.
NOVEMBER 5th, 2002
Traditions and Culture in His Childhood Days
It was on the 5th November that in the afternoon Bhagavan was talking about His
childhood days. I have not told anybody yet because this conversation happened
just yesterday afternoon. You are the first people to hear it. He was speaking
of His childhood days, and the traditions and culture of the villages in this
part of the State (Andhra Pradesh).
The culture in the villages signifies and testifies to the unity among the
folks. They all lived in the spirit of unity, and they cooperated with each
other, particularly during this season following Deepavali. This November is
called Karthika. During this month, people would take cold-water baths in the
early hours of the morning, around 5 o'clock. Also during this time, on the
weekends, people would go on retreats to sadhana camps, spiritual camps. There
they would enjoy some fun and frolic. All the villagers would go to distant
places where they would sit under trees. They would dine and exchange all the
food they brought from their homes. They would sing, and dance, and play and
enjoy the festivities. Such festivals brought people together, creating an
understanding and opportunity to exchange views. These gatherings promoted
fraternity and unity among the inhabitants of the villages.
Read online for more details at
http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Yours in Sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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The Sunday Talk Given by Anil Kumar
Happy Birthday!
November 17th, 2002
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OM.OM.OM.
Sai Ram.
With Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan
Bhagavan's Birthday Is Our Birthday
Let me begin this morning's session by wishing you a 'Happy Birthday', which
comes on November 23rd. Bhagavan's Birthday is our birthday. We should wish each
other a 'Happy Birthday'. The day when we recognize that God is within us, that
day is our birthday. The day when we spend time with God, in the company of God,
that day is our birthday. The day when we think of God, that day is our
birthday. The day when we are godly, the day when we take up service activities
that are so pleasing to God, that day is our birthday.
It's not simply the birth of our body in flesh and blood, certainly not! This
birthday is the realisation of the spirit within. This birthday is the
experience of Divinity within. This birthday is the total identification of the
individual with the Divine. With this background, I greet you all, wishing you a
'Happy Birthday', this Birthday of Baba being the event that has brought us all
here to this holy place, the sanctum sanctorum, the dwelling place of Bhagavan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
It is not possible for us to meet here again before the Birthday -- this great
event in the history of humankind and, in particular, in the contemporary world.
So I would like to make a homework assignment. It will prepare us all so we can
enjoy the Birthday that falls on November 23rd. Preparation is necessary! Before
we sow the seeds, we plough the land and water it to make the topsoil soft and
smooth. That way the seeds sown will germinate. They will sprout and give the
expected crop. Though I know that we have another week ahead of us, this is sort
of a 'ground preparation'.
Please read online at http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Sai Ram
Yours in Sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
Sai Ram
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Anil Kumar Sunday Talks:
More updates at http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
1. Pearls of Wisdom Part IV - Anil Kumar - 13-11-2002
2. Deepavali - Anil Kumar - 03-11-2002
3. My Own Personal Experiences - Anil Kumar - 27-10-2002
4. Sathya Sai Hospital Inaugurated in Alike.
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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More updates from Sairam website:
http://www.sairam.ar.cx
or
http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
1. Report on Doctor Visit to Parthi.
2.Divine Discourse to Bombay Doctors at Prasanthi Nilayam on 10-08-2002.
3.Human Values in the Legal Profession - A Universal Decree ( Lawyers'
Conference)
4. Pipe Dreams come true.
Sai Ram
Yours in Sai's seva.
Deepak Bharwani
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J JAGADEESAN IN MUMBAI
Shri J Jagadeesan, Central Coordinator from Malaysia, who is one of the
senior most and ardent devotee of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba will be
giving a lecture to the Youth of Mumbai and the devotees at Dharmakshetra on
Sunday, 1st December, 2002 at 5.00 p.m.
He is the author of several books -the prominent among them - " Journey to
God - The Malaysian Experience with Sai Baba" and "Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba - The Mission and the Message." He has also contributed many articles
and biographies on Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He has also recorded his
impressions in the book titled - Golden Age 1980 - "Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
The World Phenomenon"
All devotees are invited to hear about his experiences with Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba.
Shri J Jagadeesan has travelled widely and presented several technical
papers on Industrial development in developing economies.
Visit http://www.sairam.ar.cxhttp://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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The teachings of Sathya Sai Baba have led a top South African black football
administrator to apply them to better the game in the country.
A casual discussion in 1997 with colleagues in the soccer field led to
Molefe Oliphant, the South African Football Association president, becoming
a firm believer in the philosophy of Sathya Sai Baba.
"The following year in October I went down to Puttaparthi (the headquarters
of the guru in Andhra Pradesh, India) for the first time and I saw him,"
said Oliphant.
"What really captured me are the five human values that Swami preaches
--truth, love, peace, righteousness and non-violence. To me these are the
basic things that man should practise to transform his life."
He said he had applied this in his daily life and had been able to change
perceptions in football in the country.
"Everybody in football has been practising directly or indirectly those
values and their support has enabled us to maintain stability in football.
Stability can only be maintained where there is peace, love, righteousness
and non-violence, which has happened in football."
Oliphant, who lives in the town of Vereeniging, is a devotee at the Sai
Centre in the mainly Indian area of Roshnee, started in the apartheid era to
resettle all the Indian families in the region.
He said although this was essentially an Indian centre, the message of Sai
Baba was universal, irrespective of one's religious or cultural beliefs.
He said he always referred to Sai Baba's teachings wherever he had the
opportunity to speak and there was acceptance and an assimilation of these
principles.
"I point out that it is all about spirituality and not religion. I believe
in spirituality and basic human values. Religion is something else. Sai
Baba in his teachings does not refer to any specific religion. He believes
in unity in diversity and that is most important to me."
Oliphant was the chief guest at the 77th birthday celebrations of Sai Baba
held in the large Indian township of Lenasia, south of here, Saturday night.
He made a plea to the audience to implement the teachings of Sai Baba to
help fight the scourge of crime and other ills plaguing South Africa.
"Follow his directions and teachings. We have to love one another. We have
to preach peace. Be truthful to yourself and the people you live with.
Practice good conduct. Through the practice of these values, there will be
stability in our communities," he said.
Links:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/2002/Nov/25/181_108493,00050006.htm
Website:
http://www.sairam.ar.cxhttp://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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"Efforts and endeavour are man's duty. Success or failure is God's domain,"
President APJ Abdul Kalam said on Friday as he reminded students that sweat
and perseverance were the secrets of his success.
Exhorting the students to lay stress on acquisition of knowledge, sweat and
perseverance, Kalam said in his convocation address at the Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning, a deemed University here, that "nobody
succeeded without failure."
"Thinking is progress," he told the students at the spiritual centre of
Prashanti Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. "Non-thinking is
destruction to the individual, organisation and the country. Thinking leads
to action. Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant," he said.
Showering praises on Sai Baba, Kalam, who had visited him a day before the
presidential elections, said because of the former's vision and blessings,
the area had been transformed. It now has all basic amenities in sharp
contrast to 40 to 50 years ago when there was no drinking water supply
system, no educational institution and no healthcare centre.
Kalam, who had an audience with Sai Baba, recalled how the godman spoke
about how technology and spiritualism can make the citizens an enlightened
lot.
Links:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/2002/Nov/23/181_107318,0008.htm
Visit:
http://www.sairam.ar.cxhttp://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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President APJ Abdul Kalam on Friday reiterated India's nuclear doctrine of
no first use" and said it was born "out of the civilisation of our heritage.
Kalam said when India conducted nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, he felt India
could create the energy of any magnitude and he also remembered the
importance of technology in the hands of good human beings.
"Fortunately, the central theme of our nuclear doctrine has become "no first
use". It was born out of the civilisation of our heritage," Kalam said,
delivering the 21st convocation address of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Learning, a deemed University here.
Giving an example of how software solutions, knowledge and enthusiasm can
work with hardware constraints, he recalled how years ago an Indian task
team came out with technical solution in eight months after developed
nations denied high accuracy gyros for the country's Prithvi and Agni
missiles.
"We have to work for high end software which will bring more value addition.
Also, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) foundries should be continuously
upgraded to the submicron level," he stressed.
To keep these foundries going, one of the major requirements was high purity
VLSI grade silicon material, Kalam said, adding, the country should have
this facility and investment should take place in the critical area.
Speaking on strategic sectors, the President said while nuclear, space and
defence technology has witnessed growth, other areas like advanced sensors
and materials would need a push. "The nation has a plan for 70 per cent near
self-reliance in a decade in defence equipment," he added.
The President called for networking of rivers for balanced development in
the country.
Noting that the nation has to educate nearly 300 million young minds, Kalam
said a time-bound programme to accomplish value-based education throughout
the country has to be in place, since education is not merely imparting of
information and skills.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who is the Chancellor of the University, gave the
benedictory address of the function held at the spiritual centre of
Prashanti Nilayam, his abode.
The "godman" spoke about truthfulness, righteousness, divinity and the need
to discharge one's duties. He exhorted the students to give up the idea of
going abroad and called upon them to serve in the country.
For Kalam, it was his first visit after becoming President. He had visited
Puttaparthi a day before the presidential elections.
Links:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/2002/Nov/22/181_107331,0008.htm
Visit:
http://www.sairam.ar.cx
http:/web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Regards
Deepak Bharwani
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President APJ Abdul Kalam, second right, walks with spiritual leader Sathya
Sai Baba, left, at the 21st convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher education Puttaparthy 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Bangalore on
Friday, November 22, 2002, on the occasion of the 74th birthday of Baba.
Link: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/625_0019000100010101,0.htm
See the photo on the above link.
Website:
http://www.sairam.ar.cxhttp://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam
Sai Ram
Deepak Bharwani
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CONVOCATION DISCOURSE
THE BEST WAY TO LOVE GOD IS TO
LOVE ALL AND SERVE ALL
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(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on
Convocation, 22nd November 2002 in Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam)
Those who could teach the essence of Vedanta to even the ancient Rishis
Those who could make the inert stones dance by their sculptural skills
Those who could make the heads of the enemies roll like rubber balls with
their sharp swords
Those who could rule the entire world with their sovereign authority
Are there in the land of Bharat.
Of what use it is?
Not one of them is prepared to listen to the
Heart rending cries of the common people.
(Telugu Poem)
Dear students!
What is meant by 'education?' What kind of education we must pursue? What should
be the educational standards? What type of education contributes to the human
development? What benefits do we derive from the present system of education? A
real student is one who contemplates on these five issues and understands them
thoroughly. Vijnana (higher knowledge) and Prajnana (supreme wisdom) are not
merely products of education. Man can acquire these sacred powers only by
culture and refinement gained through education. What is culture? Culture is the
conscious effort put in by a man to achieve a transformation in his daily life
from untruth to truth; from non-conformance to conformance to scriptural
authority and from evanescence to eternity. It is a spiritual journey towards
divinity. Where is such divinity? It is in every human being as the embodiment
of truth. What you have to protect today is not your country; but Sathya (Truth)
and Dharma (Righteousness), they, in turn, will protect the country. Only then,
the whole world will enjoy peace and prosperity. The entire universe is based
upon Sathya and Dharma.
The creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,
Is there a place where truth does not exist?
Visualise such pure and unsullied truth.
(Telugu Poem)
The life of every human being is based upon Truth. Truth and Right Conduct alone
are protecting the universe. But, unfortunately, man is unable to recognise this
fact and is leading a miserable life.
Embodiments of Love!
Education is not an exercise. Neither is it meant to make a living. It is for
the purpose of achieving the goal of life. Dear Students! You are born, brought
up and living in this country of Bharat. But, you are unable to recognise the
underlying philosophy for which this sacred country stands for. The land of
Bharat is a Karma Bhumi (field of activity) in which you perform the sacred duty
enjoined upon you. It is a land of virtue where you accumulate punya (merit) by
the diligent performance of your Kartavya (duty). What is the intimate
relationship between this sacred land and God? This is hand; this is leg; this
is head; this is stomach - all these are parts of the body. There is humanness
in the body. That humanness is a part of society. That society is a part of
nature. The nature, in turn, is associated with the Paramatma (Supreme Being).
Thus, Prakriti (nature) is an Anga (part) of the Paramatma (Supreme Being). It
is only when man recognises the nature of these parts and sub-parts (Anganga)
and conducts himself accordingly, he will be able to understand Divinity.
Visit http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam for more
details.
Sai Ram
Yours in Sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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PRESS RELEASE
MUMBAI, November 28, 2002: Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation Mumbai has organized
three days Human Values Festival of Music, Dance and Drama on 4th, 6th,and 7th
Dec. 2002 at Amar Gian Grover Auditorium, Worli. Students from various Schools
and Colleges in the city and suburbs in Mumbai will express their thoughts on
Human Values and National Integration in the form of Music, Dance and Drama.
The Organisation has spirituality as its core and conducts various social and
educational activities in and around Mumbai. The Organisation has adopted about
45 schools in Mumbai to impart education in Human Values of Truth, Righteous
Conduct, Peace, Love and Ahimsa through trained teachers. They have also been
organizing Awareness Programmes for the Youth in Colleges with the intention of
provoking the student's/ youth's thoughts towards Human Values and National
Integration. This programme comprises of Essay Writing Competitions, Elocution
competition, Poster Making, Music and Drama Competition based on the subject of
Human Values and National Integration. In the current academic year students
from nearly 40 colleges have participated in the events
Participation by students has been overwhelming during the last few academic
years, culminating in this grand festival. The programmes are to start at 4.00
p.m. all the three days.
The Bal Vikas students of the organization would be presenting a dance ballet
titled "Janani Janmabhoomi" on the 6th December, 2002 at 4.00 p.m.
Scholarship to girl students from various slums adopted by the organization in
Mumbai would be distributed on 6th Dec, 2002. Women from these slums who have
been imparted various vocational training like Tailoring, Agarbathi making,
Perfume making, Candle Making etc. would be exhibiting the wares they have made
on 7th Dec. 2002.
Prominent personalities and educationists are expected to grace the occasion.
For Further Details, Contact:
Rajeev Nambiar
Tel: 24145515
Website : http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam/index.htm
for the latest updates
Yours in Sai's seva
Deepak Bharwani
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