World is a big stage and we have greater lessons to learn watching it. With Bhagawan, one has to be on a constant watch, as every moment is counted and if one is focused, he will have lessons galore to learn and imbibe.

After a momentous Thursday, the day when Bhagawan decided to bless the University Campus in Prasanthi Nilayam with His Divine visit, came a pleasant Friday. Though summer’s clutch was loosened, it has not left the spiritual township completely and the day’s weather was a mix and by the time for evening Darshan, it turned cool again with ominous signs of imminent rains.

Bhagawan came out just after 1630 hrs. before coming onstage for a brief spell, watching and blessing the students chanting Vedam. Bhajans started at the scheduled 1700 hrs. and Bhagawan came on stage once again. …And following Him came the rainy showers lashing from the heavens as if the mythical ‘Rain God’ was waiting for the Over Lord to come and decorate His dais. Lashing rains with strong winds splashed the rainy drops all around bringing in renewed natural freshness all over. With Bhagawan on stage granting static Darshan, with mellifluous bhajans on, hundreds of devotees outside the main gate next to the Sita-Rama statue got stranded in the lashing rains, leaving them completely drenched.

Bhagawan, The Silent Witness He Is ever, was waiting as He had something to demonstrate, a unique visiting card of His Love and Compassion. Even as the bhajans continued, He was glued to the main gate watching the hundreds getting ‘drenched’. For the onlookers, it was something uniquely strange, that He was physically focused on His devotees, watching the rainy celebration. Who would know what was happening inside of Him, as from inside ‘out’ Bhagawan was bathing them in His indefinable Gaze Of Love!

Sevadal volunteers were  disciplined enough to maintain ‘peace’, especially with Bhagawan onstage, watching the melee. Lord AlMighty He Is, and His Heart Is nothing but Love n’ Compassion, it was time for action!

Bhagawan soon sent word to the security to break the cordon, allowing the stranded devotees inside to occupy the vacant area near the Sita-Rama statue. The Prasanthi Nilayam Security, being conventional following the ‘laid’ discipline in letter and spirit, allowed the gents in,  leaving the ladies out. In Prasanthi Nilayam, as a matter of customary discipline, gents and ladies are not allowed to mix-up in the Darshan hall. Watching this security ‘drama’, Bhagawan sent special instructions ‘to break the deep cordon’, allowing the devout ladies in, allowing them to occupy one side of the vacant spot! Action done and lessons imparted, leaving the onlookers to take the best out of the ‘drama’.

Bhajans went on till 1750 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Post the Arathi Bhagawan’s compassionate loving gaze continued to shower on the special group,  who are the recipients of a special  ‘rain-packed-blessing’ from the Lord Supreme in His earthly Abode, right outside His Sanctum Sanctorum!!!  Our Lord Of Compassion was not in a mood to stop. He moved unto them next, granting them the DARSHAN of their lives… and one could hear ecstatic hearts, drenched in Pure Love, chanting Jaikars of infinite gratitude, that reverberated Prasanthi in the rain-hit twilight.

The Lord Who penned the thematic value-oriented drama ‘Cheppinattu Chestara’ during His teen years, meaning ‘do i follow what i speak’, Who HimSelf followed His ‘own’ dictum, ‘Love All Serve All, Help Ever Hurt Never’, demonstrated it in action yet again, out in public, leaving the best of the lessons for the world around.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Temperatures are soaring; the rays of the Sun are getting more scorching and intense, leading to that ordeal of a parched, thirsty feeling that seeks appeasement urgently. And so, come summer, there are many water supply projects at various places to cater to the needs of thirsty travellers, wherein volunteers willingly and lovingly distribute this most precious liquid with a smiling ‘SaiRam’. Water crystals are transformed into Prasadam!

However, what about animals and birds…four legged, tailed or winged children of Beloved Mother Sai…who can’t express how thirsty they are…and so, silently face the harsh heat and severe dehydration? Veterinary doctors have sadly expressed how so many birds and animals collapse due to heat strokes. Deeply understanding and keeping in mind their pressing need, we should keep bowls of water for birds, dogs, cattle, etc…a project that should conjoin supply of drinking water for human beings. This loving service would have a wider reach if some of us could keep bowls of water near our homes – in the balcony or in the garden, going a step further to convincingly request shop owners in the vicinity or those that are doing business in areas that are frequented, to do so too.

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How many more souls would be benefitted!

Water bowls can be cemented into the earth and then on all we need to do is refill the bowls with fresh water.

“Whosoever extends a hand to quench the thirst of another, especially the craving of those fellow beings that cannot help themselves, immense is the grace and manifold the blessings that descend to envelope such a sensitive soul.”

Besides, myriad are the forms Sai Narayana assumes to give us an opportunity to serve Him. Come let us rise to the occasion. Water is the elixir of life…let all forms of life have easy access to this elixir!

(We have personally experienced this a few summers ago, when a pair of bulbuls flew into the society compound…into a room that serves as an office. One could clearly make out they were very thirsty…and they seemed very flustered too. Our Vet advised us about ‘heat stroke’ for birds – cool place for rest and some water. They were kept within the enclosure they had flown into…for the night, along with a bowl of water and some seeds of grain. They had perched themselves on a picture of Swami. The room was properly ventilated and secured to keep cats out. Next morning, as we opened the door, much to our relief, they flew away to freedom! As of now, innumerable birds, dogs, cats come along to the bowls kept in our society. It is a pleasure, so refreshing a sight, to see the birds satiate their thirst, play in the water and stay around to chirp melodiously, so too, to silently watch the animals as they sip away and sometimes even sit or take a dip in the water container!)

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Together Let’s Make A Daily Intent For Peace…

Requirements:
A Medium Size Box
A Pen
Some Paper
An Intent

Inscribe 
Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu can be written around the box
(Optional – As and when time gently gifts you some time…you may decorate your special Box that has been exclusively created to exude Love and Peace…loving, loving expansive peace…Prashanti for all beings whether wise or naive…young or old…incarnate or disincarnate…embracing all creatures both great and small…fragile, strong, tiny or mighty…)

Your intent is the most vital component for any kind of accomplishment or manifestation!

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Daily, at least once, write the above chants on a piece of paper and place in the box
(It is up to each person how many times he/she may like to write SLSB/SJSB)

Love and Peace are the soul’s natural inheritance…restore this abundance…release it from the core…allow it to reign the fore.

Beloved Bhagawan chose this period of Lent to perform an extraordinarily astounding leela…while enacting a Cosmic Drama with refined precision…absolutely in accordance to the script written by Him.  The aftermath of this episode naturally leaves mankind, those that are aware, in a state of extreme shock and agony…giving way gradually to the acceptance of His Divine Will.

He also chose Easter day – 24^th April 2011 to aloof Himself from the physical.

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The Cherished One, having chosen the period of Lent for His stay in the SSSIHMS and His – this most baffling, unfathomable Drama culminating in the ‘withdrawal, disappearance’ of His Beatific Form…with a hidden ‘For the Time Being’ board…and His choosing to remain momentarily unseen as the scenes play on upon the Earthly Screen…for the past few years…hasn’t it linked us even more deeply, unequivocally, vocally, silently to this period…this Season of Lent…Sai Lent? 

Isn’t the onus upon us all, His children…the children of Sai…to make proper use of this period He has lent us all….? Shouldn’t we enhance our study, our practice…our steady practice while inching towards graduation day, while honouring our enlistment in the classroom of the Universe…the University of Sai…where the ether becomes the expansive roof?

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Come then, with steadfast intent and pristine passion…let us in unison pray -
Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…
May there be peace for all those that inhabit the globe through…may there be peace for all beings the Universe through…may this vibrant resonance…all personal and environmental negativity undo… that includes cleansing within me and you…
Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…at the macro (lokaah) and micro (jeeva) level…may the Cosmos, Mother Earth, the World…each Heart that beats…know and feel peace, experience kindred harmony…that is sublime and true!

Peace arises out of the sentiment of Oneness! Intent, express, manifest…bestow this matchless largesse.

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Love you…Peace be yours…and be you in Peace too…

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II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Temperatures are soaring; the rays of the Sun are getting more scorching and intense, leading to that ordeal of a parched, thirsty feeling that seeks appeasement urgently. And so, come summer, there are many water supply projects at various places to cater to the needs of thirsty travellers, wherein volunteers willingly and lovingly distribute this most precious liquid with a smiling ‘SaiRam’. Water crystals are transformed into Prasadam!

However, what about animals and birds…four legged, tailed or winged children of Beloved Mother Sai…who can’t express how thirsty they are…and so, silently face the harsh heat and severe dehydration? Veterinary doctors have sadly expressed how so many birds and animals collapse due to heat strokes. Deeply understanding and keeping in mind their pressing need, we should keep bowls of water for birds, dogs, cattle, etc…a project that should conjoin supply of drinking water for human beings. This loving service would have a wider reach if some of us could keep bowls of water near our homes – in the balcony or in the garden, going a step further to convincingly request shop owners in the vicinity or those that are doing business in areas that are frequented, to do so too.

[media id="I2" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/2015/" url="QuenchingTheThirst.jpg"]

How many more souls would be benefitted!

Water bowls can be cemented into the earth and then on all we need to do is refill the bowls with fresh water.

“Whosoever extends a hand to quench the thirst of another, especially the craving of those fellow beings that cannot help themselves, immense is the grace and manifold the blessings that descend to envelope such a sensitive soul.”

Besides, myriad are the forms Sai Narayana assumes to give us an opportunity to serve Him. Come let us rise to the occasion. Water is the elixir of life…let all forms of life have easy access to this elixir!

(We have personally experienced this a few summers ago, when a pair of bulbuls flew into the society compound…into a room that serves as an office. One could clearly make out they were very thirsty…and they seemed very flustered too. Our Vet advised us about ‘heat stroke’ for birds – cool place for rest and some water. They were kept within the enclosure they had flown into…for the night, along with a bowl of water and some seeds of grain. They had perched themselves on a picture of Swami. The room was properly ventilated and secured to keep cats out. Next morning, as we opened the door, much to our relief, they flew away to freedom! As of now, innumerable birds, dogs, cats come along to the bowls kept in our society. It is a pleasure, so refreshing a sight, to see the birds satiate their thirst, play in the water and stay around to chirp melodiously, so too, to silently watch the animals as they sip away and sometimes even sit or take a dip in the water container!)

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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To Bhaktas!

My dear Boy. I received your letter and I noted the flow of the current of Prema and the echo of Bhakti in every word.

It is impossible to see into the hearts of Jnanis and Yogis; nor is it possible to understand their ways. So, naturally, people talk about them, just as their fancy prompts them. No amount of fault-finding indulged in by these people can affect us, so long as we act truly and well, keep our purpose steadily in view and so long as we do not lose hold of the values dictated by Jnana. Don’t you know that only those trees get stoned, which have fruit on their branches? The tree with no fruits is not noticed by passers-by.

Good and bad co-exist; they are companions for ever. That is in the very nature of the world.

And, why, let me ask, should these people be blamed? Poor fellows! What do they know? What can they know? They are caught by every gust of greed, anger, envy and hate. So, they become intolerant and have no control of mind or tongue; they indulge in loose talk and slander. Those that know will never talk like that. It is not wise to take such ignorance seriously.

Truth alone can win, believe Me. Un-truth must fail. It might appear to win for some little while, but, as soon as Truth appears on the scene, un-truth does flee.

It is not the nature of Mahatmas to exult when worshipped or droop when they are neglected or cal­umnied. No Gita has laid down rules and regulations for the behaviour of Mahatmas; but, Sathpravarthana and Sadbuddhi are the fundamental traits …Beneficial Activity and Beneficial Thoughts. Provided these are there,  whatever is done over and above this for the benefit of the Bhaktas and for their welfare according to their deserts, we can afford to be free.

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You should pay no heed to the talk you men­tion. The Mahatmas do not owe their greatness to others who recognise them as such; nor do they lose their great­ness if some one fails to recognise them. Their stature is not heightened by praise or lowered by blame.

Of course there are some “Yogis” who suffer from blame and they have every reason to fear. I shall tell you who they are.

They quaff their full, they swallow pills

Of opium, and chew the bhang—these ‘noble’ folk!

They drink, they eat their fill

Of low unwholesome food—these `famous’ men!

“Tis wrong to state ’tis false to say

That anything dies, they never die,”

They swear while (!) cutting throats and eat

The living things they like—these `teachers’ grand!

They preach the lessons of love and peace

But hate and fight, all on the sly—these `gurus’ great!

They fret and fume and speak for long

On dry as dust philosophy!

This wondrous gang of Yogis false

They surely dread a fall.

It is only such that have to be afraid. You must have read, in the lives of Mahatmas, how they were as­sailed by small men in even worse ways. It is all part of the scheme,: don’t worry. How long can the poor dogs bark at the star? How can they produce any effect on the star? All this will continue just for a little time; our integrity is the means to victory.

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I shall not slacken My Task, My Activity, My Determination. For Me, Reputation, Fame, Blame, Calumny—all are equally insignificant. I am quite unconcerned with the whole lot. I speak and act, only to help the world and for the sake of the people. But, let Me tell you, I have no name, no place, no possession. By whatever name I am called, I respond! To whichever place I am called, I go and make My appearance. I have this as My very first, My vow, My self-imposed task.

I have not spoken of this to anyone so far; I am not a part of this world; I am far far away from it. But yet, I engage Myself in the uplift of its inhabitants. My Shakti, My Power, My Mystery can never be understood, whoever studies it, howsoever intensely and well.

You can yourself witness the glory that will be manifested hereafter. Bhaktas must learn patience and await events. Then, you will yourself realize the absurdity of your fears.

I wrote this reply to you, because I felt you will be sad, unless I wrote. Otherwise, I would not have replied at all, for it is not in Me to pay heed to such things.

Thus…..Your Baba.

II Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

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]]> http://theprasanthireporter.org/2015/04/my-task-is-this/feed/ 0 http://theprasanthireporter.org/2014/10/i-learnt-the-biggest-lesson/ http://theprasanthireporter.org/2014/10/i-learnt-the-biggest-lesson/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2014 10:51:46 +0000 The Reporter http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=9541 Look around optimistically and you will be ‘priced’ with precious life-lessons… Who said a poor street boy  who thrives on a loaf of bread cannot be your ‘teacher’??? Dr Derrick Angelsz writes what he experienced…what he learnt when he landed in India’s own Mumbai… The article is sourced from Sri Sathya Sai Newsletter, Pune…originally from the internet.. academictips.org/blogs/ (the banner image is sourced from the internet and does not bear any link with the story)

A few days ago I landed at the Mumbai Airport and took a cab to my scheduled destination in South Mumbai.

I was enjoying the busy traffic with people rushing in every possible directon when we got stranded at a very busy intersection. As we waited for the signal to turn green, my eyes saw a poor young boy, about 12 years old. He removed a piece of bread from his pocket and took a bite.

As he was about to take his next bite, a stray dog wagged his tail looking at him. Without hesitation, he sat down and put the bread on the road for the dog to eat.

The dog sniffed the bread and walked away. The boy waited until he was sure the dog was gone then he picked up the bread and ate it! My heart cried and I wanted to walk up to the boy but before I could open the door the signal turned green and our car drove away. I kept thinking about the boy and later during my evening meal I realised that I was thinking of approaching the boy but I never did, I could have stopped the car and walked up to him which again I never did.

All I did was ‘thinking’ and this poor little boy who had only one piece of bread, without any hesitation shared it with the dog, though he himself seemed to be very hungry.

I learnt one of the biggest lessons in my life which that boy taught me without a conversation. He taught me to share with love and happiness. I am so blessed to have learnt this beautiful lesson from my ‘little unknown master’. It is my moral duty to share this incident with all my friends across the globe and be blessed with happiness.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Ganeshaya Namah Saraswatyai Namah Sri Gurubhyo Namah Hari Aum…

Aham somamahanasam bibharmyaham tvastaram uta pusanam bhagam
Aham dadhami dravinam havismate supravye e yajamanaya sunvate
I sustain Soma, the moon which dispels darkness, the Adityas…Tvasta, Pusha, Bhaga…the life infusing air…and I endow with wealth the worshipper…the one who offers oblation…I enhance the prosperity of a person who leads his life based on the essence of wisdom…revering the sages.

Aham rastri sangamani vasunam cikitusi prathama yajniyanam
Tam ma deva vyadadhuh purutra bhuristha tram bhurya vesayantim

I am the ruling Queen, the foremost power that bestows treasures, first of those who are worthy of worship…replete with wisdom and all aspects of knowledge. The wise realise Me and see Me in the Universe in all the diverse Forms. That Me by their sadhana they have installed in their hearts…in many places, with many homes to enter and abide in.
- Devi Sukta- Song of the Goddess
(Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul)

Maya so annamatti yo vipasyati yah praniti ya i srnotyuktam
Amantavo mam ta upa kshiyanti srudhi sruta sraddhivam te vadami

Through My essence alone all eat the food that helps them see, breathe and hear the spoken word. Though not aware of Me, they all dwell in Me solely. They who have no faith in Me court disaster. Oh! Learned Listener, listen, to what I say from inside your Soul. For I proclaim the Truth through the words I speak to you…these words deserve your trust…have faith in it.
Ahameva svayam idam vadami jushtam devebhir uta manushebhih
It is I Who announces the tidings that the gods and men alike rejoice to hear.

-   Devi Suktam (Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul)

Are you really leading an inspired life,
Whatever the tide…the rough ride…whatsoever the strife…?
Are you being true to the inner you…?
Does your life reflect the effect of ‘inner view’…?
Is the Master only a picture frame for you…?
Or does His essence resonate through the picture…to you…
…and all those around you…?
…then why don’t you choose to surround yourself…
…with the Master’s voice…
…the sound…within you…
…that constantly resounds as your conscience true…

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Myriad are the moments life sends our way…and in myriad ways indeed we can grow, if only we subdue the flames of pride, ego and arrogance that are fanned by the breeze of greed and self indulgence…with the still calm of sincere affection, humility, forgiveness, acceptance and appreciation.
With every step if we realise the Master’s Presence as the Supreme Reality…
With every breath if we know the truth that He watches over all that we do…
…if only we had a clue…

Wouldn’t we be utterly conscious how we tread…what we think, say or do…? 
So much our precious Lord has given us…what have we to offer Him in return?
The reply to every question lies within us…as does the answer to every quest.
The Lord seeks nothing material from us…what offering, then, would please Him?
Is it a surrender of all that we are and our willingness to become what He wants us to be…? 
Is it an affirmation of our desire for transformation? 
That every salutation we offer Him exudes an earnest appeal? 
That each time, in hushed awe, when we utter His sacred name we do so in the hope of setting an example exemplary? 
That each flower we place at His Lotus Feet is a blossom that seeks to spread His fragrance everywhere?

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Each obeisance re-establishes a vow to intensify efforts to enhance noble qualities, to steer away from self to selflessness…to divinise every moment…to rediscover the joy of kindred oneness…to behold Him in all that we see…to revive the spirit of camaraderie…to lovingly practice expansive love…to consciously serve Him in all of creation while intoning Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…to Help Ever, Hurt Never…to understand the word ‘all’ that was so distinctly and eternally redefined by Him, when He, the Supreme Absolute, the Ultimate Reality, during His present advent as Sri Sathya Sai exhorted such a simple yet profound decree upon each and every devotee – Love All, Serve All. So too, must we live and let live…grow and let go…if we cannot help we must not hurt, block or dissuade others as they endeavour to reach out…in response to a distress call be it from man, woman, child, bird, beast or plant…Motherland, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, the elements five or the Universe itself!
This is the hallowed path shown by Beloved Bhagawan. 
It is time enough to realise that we adore and worship Him true only when we, in totality, follow His proclamation through.

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Youth in India and across the world are getting carried away under the influence of certain culture which is not true and real to their own cultural heritage.  Values of the yesteryears which have been so closely safeguarded from generations are getting shattered with the new age technology… youngsters are getting entangled in actions which are not real but ‘Maya’ induced. India, known for its rich and ancient spiritual heritage, is also one of the countries which is facing this challenge despite its rich ancient cultural heritage!

It is at this point that our Divine Lord Sai has provided succor to all of us with His ‘Upadesa’ – Divine words for over 85 years and the Hyderabad Youth group in particular has been one of those large groups in the world which has had the unique and very great fortune of being under His guidance right from the early 1980’s.

In the following few paragraphs, I shall be sharing a few of such divine thoughts for the welfare of youth across the world. This thought is to share and care the Love of our Divine Mother Sai, especially for the young adults:

During one of the group interviews, one of the boys asked the Lord with a lot of concern, Swami, we are all in delusion (maya).  How do we come out of this delusion?

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Swami, the all-knowing one smiled! With a surprised face He asked “Where?  Where is maya? There is no maya! He went on to explain with a lot of concern. Swami said For example; let us consider that you are walking in the opposite direction of the Sun, you see a shadow in front of you, Right? Consider yourself walking towards the Sun, the shadow is behind you and you don’t see the shadow. Correct?  We all nodded in agreement. In a similar manner, maya is seen when you walk towards worldly things.  Instead, walk towards Godly things. Dear Youths, walk towards God…then maya will be left behind you like the shadow you see. Understand?  This is a great example from the Almighty Lord to make us understand as to how we can stay away from maya (delusion) and lead a life of values and seva and get nearer to God.

On an another occasion, as we were all seated at the Divine Lotus Feet  of our Mother Sai in that small beautiful, most sought out room in Prasanthi Mandir– the interview room,  Swami said with a lot of concern and love , “My dear children, from today, all of you need to develop Love in your hearts.” With a twinkle in the Lord’s eye and a bewitching mischievous smile, Swami continued “This  Love, I Am talking about is not that Love which you have, think… all the time and see in the cinemas… that is mad love! All that love that is shown in the cinemas is contraction Love!  What I Am speaking is Expansion Love”. Immediately, one of the boys with audacity asked the Lord, “Swami, what is the difference between the two”?

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Swami in all His love explained in this manner.  “When you talk of something of ‘mine’, it is selfish! The Love that comes with Selfishness is called Contraction Love! This Love does not expand and is limited and has a boundary. Whereas we talk of thine (third person) … the feeling that all that exists is of the Almighty, the love that emanates from such a Divine feeling is Expansion Love which has no limitation and no boundary!”

I am sure that you all now understand what Bhagawan was trying to hint to all of us … the love that He gives has no limitations, no boundaries, beyond caste , creed, region, religion and colour… Pure Love ! Does it not recall a bhajan that Swami so melodiously sings … Life is My form …Truth is My breath …bliss is My food …  These  thoughts give us an absolute clarity to each one of us to expand our Love in Thy Mission? Come, let’s do our bit in expanding this phenomenon of Love across boundaries!

Swami was once narrating us the story of Meera Bai, great devotee of Lord Sri Krishna. He mentioned that all devotees of His aspire to get close to him in terms of physical proximity. “All of you desire to be very close to Me in physical terms – you feel that a few centimeters away is also a great distance! Right?” He asked. We all nodded our heads.

He went on to say with that divine enchanting smile on His face, “Frankly, to tell you the truth, I do not know what physical distance means !
I Am beyond physical distance! God is beyond physical distances. One should learn to pray that God within their own hearts.”  Swami with great love went on to explain, “ Let Me tell you, my dear children,  God is not in a temple outside. Your body is His temple. He resides in your heart”.  To further substantiate His divine message, Swami said ,  “When the Rana of Chittoor   (Rajasthan) did not allow Meera Bai into the temple, Meera Bai immediately realised this concept and practised this form of devotion. She declared for her own self that her heart is a temple where Lord Krishna resides and it is at this point of time, she rendered the famous and popular bhajan:”

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 “Chalo Re Man Ganga JamunaTeer…  Ganga Jamuna Nirmal PaaniSheetalhota Sameer,…Chalo re man…”

The Lord went to sing the entire bhajan for all of us … the Divine Lord in Divine ecstasy!  We were so fortunate! Things did not stop at that point … Lord Sathya Sai Krishna sitting in front of us in His divine throne continued to explain with gestures the meaning of the song.

He explained that Ganga Jamuna here means inhalation and exhalation; Teer here means the point where the eyebrows meet; the point of concentration where one can feel the presence of God! Nirmal PaaniSheetalhota Sameer:  when the Heart meets this point of concentration, it is only then a cool breeze of Bliss and Joy will pervade within, bringing Divinity! Brother and Sisters , Isn’t this explanation amazing?   I am sure that all of us should follow this divine thought of making our hearts the residence of our Lord and derive the bliss and joy of  the Almighty… more so when we do not see the Lord in His Physical form in Prasanthi Nilayam.

During another interaction, one of the members of the youth group said, Swami, we have a great passion to do service but money is something.  The Lord did not let him continue his sentence.  He quickly remarked by interrupting the interaction, if you talk about money, you will get a beating now! Tell Me when did you ever feel the pinch for money for service? Did I not give you all enough money whenever you wanted? Remember each one of you, whenever you have an inclination to do good work, money will automatically come. Remember, Good work is God’s work and God will take care of the money!  We as mortals still have that doubt despite seeing our own selves as to how the Lord has taken up huge service projects with his Vajra Sankalpam! Guess, it is time that as devotees of the Divine Lord we follow His message and His Divine steps to do good work which automatically becomes God’s (HIS) work and He takes care of it!  It has happened for us and we are sure it will happen for everyone who takes up Seva as God’s work.

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This reminds me of yet another incident which actually proves and substantiates HIS words. This is not to prove His divinity but more so to reaffirm the faith we should have in Him.

We were all seated (about 15 of us) in the interview room.  Swami was talking about service.  I was one of the eldest in the group along with another brother called Uday Bhaskar Reddy who actually was leading the team of the Hyderabad Youth Group. At this point of time, in fact, I was the only earning member in the Hyderabad Youth group with a definite income every month.  As the interactions with the Divine Lord was going on the topic of Seva, suddenly the Lord looked at me with stern eyes and chided me “Pakoda, I do not like what you are doing! (Swami lovingly used to call me Pakoda which I  cherish till  date (it is a delicacy in India made of Bengal gram which bloats when fried in oil , he also used to call me Bonda which is another delicacy  in Southern India,  Double  size, Ghatotkacha, Son of Bheema)

The stern look sent a chill down my spine. Iimmediately said, I am sorry Swami!   The readers at this time may be wondering as to why did I immediately give in and apologize. Let me tell you dear Brothers and Sisters, I have learnt over the years that it is always the best approach to accept what the Divine Lord says! I am sure that you would all agree that the all-knowing Lord knows how many mistakes we commit every second knowingly or unknowingly!  If I had asked Him, what did I do Swami?  The most mischievous Lord would pull out a list of wrongs that I had done…so why to challenge? Meekly accept – this is the best way with the Divine Lord…so I apologized. When I did so, His stern eyes became a little softer and He said, “Why are you taking loans and doing Seva ? that too @  Rs. 2 interest ? I don’t like it at all “!  (Readers please note  that in India , interest rate at Rs.2 is 24 percent per month). I humbly said that, Swami, we started the project and we were stuck for funds so I took this loan to complete and not to get a bad name for Sai!

His immediate reaction was “Don’t do that! As a leader you are setting a bad example for others! You are doing good work! You should come and ask Me, I shall give you money! Never take a loan from outside! What will people think? They will think that this Sai Baba is asking children to raise money through loans, that too on high interest and do Seva … it will send a wrong message… your intention is good but the society out there will not understand! He assured us that for good work Swami would make money rain and see that there is no dearth of funds at any time. He further said money will rain and flow like a perennial river for good work. The best part of the interview was that the Lord calculated the entire amount and gave the money to me to repay the loan back.

That is the Divine Mother! It is from that day, we, as Hyderabad Youth, never looked back as we were all the time sure that the Lord is always there to support us in doing good things. If this has happened to us, why would it not happen for others, So brothers and sisters, move forward to do good work and He is there right behind you all the time !

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In another instance, Swami had called us for an interview. One of the brothers said, “Swami, how would you describe spirituality in one sentence? ” Swami replied with a smile, “True spirituality is to Love All and Serve All”. It sounds so simple! Isn’t it? To be true, we were not very happy with the answer as it seemed to be a routine one. The Divine Lord gauged our minds, Swami said with a smile suddenly, “Dear children, but before you love someone, you need to love yourself ! In order to love your own self, you should ensure and have that firm conviction that you do not have any bad habits and evil thoughts. In order to get to such a state of mind, one should achieve perfection. This is what I call Sadhana. In normal terms, you all think of Sadhana, as doing Namasmarana, doing pujas, rituals etc., To Me it is not. Attaining a state of perfection in the state of mind is Sadhana for Me. It is only when you are in a state of mind where you are in love with your own self , only then would you be in a state of mind to love all . When you are in this state, you are ready to serve all. This is Sadhana to Me ! HE declared !

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What an answer! Do we really love ourselves fully? Are we sure that there is no quality in us which we detest? Think about it! Let’s tread the path of Sai … the only Being who taught us this mantra for salvation… Love All – Serve all !

We all aspired to be called for an interview by Swami. Once Swami  called the  youth group.. During the interview, one of the brothers had the audacity to ask “Swami, these days you have not been calling us for an interview!  Immediately Swami said, “I have called you now.” The boy’s response was, “Swami, please call the entire group.” We were only a few of us in Prasanthi Nilayam and hence that plea. Swami smiled and said “You are all busy people! Dears! You never wait! you boys come, work  in the canteen and leave! You never come for darshan too!  “Your focus is  on Seva but you should also have Darshan. You should  come when I Am free, not during festival time…but also remember if butter has to melt, there is a need for heat ! Right? Similarly, if you want Me to call you, you should also practise what I have preached you ….then I shall definitely call you ! I shall be always with you, beside you, behind you, in front of you and all around you! So, start practising from this second!

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Isn’t this true? We always seek the grace of the Lord without getting into perfection mode! There is an absolute assurance that the Lord will always be with us …  so why delay?  Let’s get into that perfection mode and seek His blessings! We also learnt that day, the importance of Divine Darshan!

Having said all these, Dear brothers and Sisters, let me assure the divine messages that Swami  gives us or  has given us is for a life time which we should pass it on from generation to generation.  The need of the hour is transform ourselves to be better human beings, follow our ancient cultural heritage and not get influenced by unwarranted influences of the society.

Today, we all read about Lord Krishna’s Divine Leelas and Upadeshas. Similarly, over the last century we have read the messages and leelas of the Divine Master Shirdi Sai! I recall a discourse that our Lord Mother Sai had given on the March 3, 1996 addressing the devotees in Sai Kulwant and in specific the Hyderabad Youth group that there will a day when HIS  messages, HIS leelas and the seva that HIS  devotees have undertaken will be spoken about by  our  great great grandchildren!! Are we not fortunate to be contemporaries of the Lord?  If we feel happy about it … let’s all together move forward to practise what He preached/s us and make oursleves worthy to be HIS contemporaries…

May Sai Bless us all to be worthy instruments in HIS Mission … which is His–Story to create HISTORY!

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The chemist who can extract from his heart’s elements – compassion, respect, longing, patience, regret, surprise, and forgiveness and compound them into one, can create that atom which is called love. - Khalil Gibran

Temperatures are soaring,
Fertile fields turning barren,
Smoke is replacing oxygen…
Rivers are going dry,
To appear on the horizon,
Rain clouds are fighting shy,
Where the distant Sun seems scorchingly close-by…
…When human beings take unjust, unethical, unrighteousness,
And wicked ways as an ally,
Not only does Mother Nature reply,
But the graph of crime too shows an all time high…
When hearts lack compassion…rivers go barren…
When human hearts become like cacti…the environment goes dry…

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Drought…no doubt…gradually overcomes the land, when there is a consistent massive drought, rather an enormous dearth…of sympathy, empathy, thoughtfulness, care, concern, consideration and compassion in human hearts. Rivers face a depleting water level…when the fiery flames of selfish ways evaporate the fragrance of selfless love in a human heart.
As you sow…so you reap…seeds of  arrogance reap egocentric thoughts; self-centered thoughts reap vainglorious…immodest words; immodest words reap disgracious acts that benefit no one in particular…and a collective combination of such thoughtless actions ultimately affect the terrain…the environment…ultimately earth as a whole. Seeds sown with egotistical intent…will magnetically attract catastrophic results.

We are the cause and so also the effect. When a large percentage of the population lives portraying just such a prolonged famine of wholesome sentiments…an acute paucity of that natural substance called love, being overcome with the desire for meeting personal needs solely, succumbing to selfishness and self aggrandizement…not being able to see beyond gain meant for themselves and their immediate family…the environment, per force and most certainly is affected in a reciprocal negative manner.

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All this is due to repeated insensitive, unfeeling and callously corrosive acts which are completely out of sync with the word human…humane ways and humanity.
Each one of us is responsible for the appallingly deplorable, distressingly alarming state of affairs – be it the Physical Environment, the Biotic Environment or the Social/Cultural Environment. We tend to blame everyone and everything else for our misfortune – stars, planets, neighbours, friends, relatives, cats and crows…pointing a finger at all and sundry…except facing our own follies fair and square.

Let us view what may appear as an insignificant example…Trimming of plants and trees in the neighbourhood…some of which may be fragrantly covered with flowers. Indeed to cut down these blooms is a ghastly atrocity on Mother Nature. Trimming is one thing but what is taking place in some gardens is clearly termed as ‘hacking’ down of plants. These plants enhance our environment, are a home to birds, give shade to so many, cool down the areas they bloom in, do their own little minute bit to attract rain bearing clouds…thus completely exemplifying a selfless way of living.
As regards the cutting down of full grown ancient trees with their thick and wondrous foliage…that, any sage mind will agree, certainly amounts to a loathsome sin.

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Next, let us see what is happening with animals. Unaccountable continuous atrocities are taking place on innocent domestic animals, as well as the majestic creatures of the wild. From dogs…to baby seals, to fox to bears to tigers and rhinos…insane culling, brutal poaching, savage hunting…such gross acts just to use animal products to enhance beauty and vigour are horrifyingly and swiftly bringing certain species to the brink of early extinction.

Children, women, old people…too have not been spared monstrous, mercilessly outrageous misconduct and immoralities.
Has humanity failed…and the human mind…does it need complete overhauling and restructuring…?
The soul of Mother Nature which includes plants, animals and the five elements…tires of repeated wanton misuse of its bounties…including consistent disrespect of space, air, fire, water, earth…and thus is enormously wounded.

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What will our children inherit…the curse of Mother Nature…which arises not from her lips but from the actions and inactions committed time and again due inhuman insensitivities…a regretful result of our own personal follies…? Will trees and animals, in times to come, be identified only through picture depictions…heartbreaking memories of things that were flourishing once…?
Ultimately when human hearts become like cacti…the womb of Mother Nature…goes dry…

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Care for Life, Concern for Nature and Reverence for all of creation is the need of the hour.
So also is awareness.
In so many countries, especially the Gulf nations, including Israel, it is a sacrilege to harm even a leaf of a tree, for they owe the change in their topography, the enhanced beauty of their land profile…to these plants and trees…from being known as desert land to receiving a fair share of rainfall and plush beauteous greenery.
Awareness of aesthetic sense needs to be urgently augmented.

It would be admirable, as well as reflect solidarity of purpose, if actions and decisions are taken respecting sentiments…with sensitivity and respect…maintaining overall awareness of the environment and all that does exist in it…in a judicious, righteous and compassionate manner while not entertaining vain individualism…enhanced by greed…based on the strength of personal  power and authority.

This is the question of our environment…setting an example to our children to respect all those who live in it…and form a part of it…be it from the plant world, animal world or human world.

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Let us live and let live…learn from our mistakes and grow in awareness…in expansive love and consciousness…owing befitting allegiance to our Beloved Bhagawan…His life…His words…His teachings…His selfless affection…to finally love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never…
Bhagawan with His transcendental cosmic examples forever redefined the ‘all’ in Love All, Serve All…to include every bit in creation…sentient as well as insentient beings.

Pray for the welfare of all. The power of prayer is incalculable. Everyone should pray every day for the welfare and happiness of all people everywhere. This is true spirituality. To render service to others to the limit of your capacity is real spirituality. The body has been given to man for serving others. If one has a compassionate heart, is truthful in speech, and uses his body for serving others, he needs nothing else to redeem his life. – Baba

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So just what does this imply…?
Our thoughts, words and deeds we must posthaste rectify,
Before, due to our own follies…we are force to reap an arid karmic reply,
Be penitent, seek forgiveness, repent, atone…
For the bitter and rotten fruits,
That have on the tree of humanity grown,
Through seeds that we or our fellow earth beings have sown,
Amend, reform, revise, rectify,
Alter, enhance, elevate and modify…
Before it is too late…
…and our negligence attracts a colossally damaging…
…tremendously destructive negative reply…
…where only the Lord’s benevolent grace can save the human race…
As it has done so often…in moments gone by…
Time enough to…
Readjust, retune…reconnect…
…realign…re-harmonise…
Our soul to the essence of Beloved Mother Sai…
Thus our lives exemplify…
For…
When Hearts Lack Compassion…Rivers Go Barren…
When Hearts Become Like Cacti…The Womb Of Mother Nature Goes Dry…

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