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	<title>The Prasanthi Reporter &#187; Love All Serve All</title>
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		<title>My Life Is My Message</title>
		<link>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2019/09/my-life-is-my-message/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2019 05:29:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divine Foot Prints]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indelible Impressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love All Serve All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sai Spiritual Showers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=14540</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What i think, i must speak and what i speak, i must act&#8230; this is Trikarana Suddhi, purity and unity of the three essential faculties of man, viz., thought, word and deed. Bhagawan has always been in the forefront, practising what He preaches, not by being &#8216;liable&#8217; or &#8216;duty bound&#8217;, but purely by being Love HimSelf. On 5th June 2005 Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed something unique, when Our Beloved Bhagawan plunged &#8216;HimSelf&#8217; into a unique action,  acting HimSelf out His dictum &#8216;My Life Is My Message&#8217;. Reproducing a beautiful &#8216;Darshan&#8217; story from 2005. 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. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #993300;">What i think, i must speak and what i speak, i must act&#8230; this is Trikarana Suddhi, purity and unity of the three essential faculties of man, viz., thought, word and deed. Bhagawan has always been in the forefront, practising what He preaches, not by being &#8216;liable&#8217; or &#8216;duty bound&#8217;, but purely by being Love HimSelf. On 5th June 2005 Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed something unique, when Our Beloved Bhagawan plunged &#8216;HimSelf&#8217; into a unique action,  acting HimSelf out His dictum &#8216;My Life Is My Message&#8217;. Reproducing a beautiful &#8216;Darshan&#8217; story from 2005.</span><span id="more-14540"></span></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <em>Darshan</em>, it turned cool again with ominous signs of imminent rains.</p>
<p>Bhagawan came out just after 1630 hrs. before coming onstage for a brief spell, watching and blessing the students chanting <em>Vedam</em>. <em>Bhajans</em> 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 <em>Darshan</em>, with mellifluous <em>bhajans</em> on, hundreds of devotees outside the main gate next to the Sita-Rama statue got stranded in the lashing rains, leaving them completely drenched.</p>
<p>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 <em>bhajans</em> continued, He was glued to the main gate watching the hundreds getting &#8216;drenched&#8217;. 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 &#8216;out&#8217; Bhagawan was bathing them in His indefinable Gaze Of Love!</p>
<p><em>Sevadal</em> 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&#8217; Compassion, it was time for action!</p>
<p>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 &#8216;laid&#8217; 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 <em>Darshan</em> hall. Watching this security &#8216;drama&#8217;, Bhagawan sent special instructions &#8216;to break the deep cordon&#8217;, 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’.</p>
<p>Bhajans went on till 1750 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for <em>Mangala Arathi</em>. Post the Arathi Bhagawan’s compassionate loving gaze continued to shower on the special group,  who are the recipients of a special  &#8216;rain-packed-blessing&#8217; 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 <em>DARSHAN</em> of their lives… and one could hear ecstatic hearts, drenched in Pure Love, chanting <em>Jaikars</em> of infinite gratitude, that reverberated Prasanthi in the rain-hit twilight.</p>
<p>The Lord Who penned the thematic value-oriented drama &#8216;Cheppinattu Chestara&#8217; during His teen years, meaning &#8216;do i follow what i speak&#8217;, Who HimSelf followed His &#8216;own&#8217; dictum, &#8216;Love All Serve All, Help Ever Hurt Never&#8217;, demonstrated it in action yet again, out in public, leaving the best of the lessons for the world around.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II</span></strong></p>
<pre>[media id="I1" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/2015/" url="MyLifeIsMyMessage.jpg" posterurl="MyLifeIsMyMessage.jpg" primary="true"]</pre>
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		<title>Water For The Parched Throats&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2015/05/water-for-the-parched-throats/</link>
		<comments>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2015/05/water-for-the-parched-throats/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2015 19:30:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Reporter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Animal and Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love All Serve All]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=10468</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have known a parched throat, acute dehydration and overwhelming thirst on a blistering summer day, you will understand another&#8217;s craving for a few drops of water. Come summer, there are many many wandering &#8216;souls&#8217; with parched throats, dying for a drop of water. An inspirational piece exhortation, asking fellow devotees to do the least bit for the four legged and winged ones of Beloved Mother Sai&#8230; (courtesy: Sri Sathya Sai News Letter &#8211; Pune) 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 &#8216;SaiRam&#8217;. Water crystals are transformed into Prasadam! However, what about animals and birds…four legged, tailed or winged children of Beloved Mother Sai…who can&#8217;t [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #993300">If you have known a parched throat, acute dehydration and overwhelming thirst on a blistering summer day, you will understand another&#8217;s craving for a few drops of water. Come summer, there are many many wandering &#8216;souls&#8217; with parched throats, dying for a drop of water. An inspirational piece exhortation, asking fellow devotees to do the least bit for the four legged and winged ones of Beloved Mother Sai&#8230; (courtesy: Sri Sathya Sai News Letter &#8211; Pune)</span><span id="more-10468"></span></p>
<p>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 &#8216;SaiRam&#8217;. Water crystals are transformed into Prasadam!</p>
<p>However, what about animals and birds…four legged, tailed or winged children of Beloved Mother Sai…who can&#8217;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 &#8211; 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.</p>
<p>[media id="I2" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/2015/" url="QuenchingTheThirst.jpg"]</p>
<p>How many more souls would be benefitted!</p>
<p>Water bowls can be cemented into the earth and then on all we need to do is refill the bowls with fresh water.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>(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 &#8216;heat stroke&#8217; for birds &#8211; 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!)</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300">II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II</span></strong></p>
<p>[media id="I1" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/2015/" url="water_for_the_parched_throats.jpg" posterurl="water_for_the_parched_throats.jpg" primary="true"]</p>
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		<title>My Task Is This&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2015/04/my-task-is-this/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2015 01:04:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Reporter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Indelible Impressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lest We Forget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love All Serve All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reliving Timeless Memories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sadhana - The Inward Path]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sai Spiritual Showers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sathya Sai Speaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sathyam Sivam Sundaram]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=3567</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[67 years ago, when Bhagawan was just over twenty years of age, He wrote a very revealing and inspiring reply to a devotee, who was perturbed by adverse talk by aimless tattered tongues, attempting to tarnish the Divine image. Pacifying the agitating mind Bhagawan responded, explaining His Task and His Divinity. The letter was dated 25th May 1947. &#160; 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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #993300">67 years ago, when Bhagawan was just over twenty years of age, He wrote a very revealing and inspiring reply to a devotee, who was perturbed by adverse talk by aimless tattered tongues, attempting to tarnish the Divine image. Pacifying the agitating mind Bhagawan responded, explaining His Task and His Divinity. The letter was dated 25<sup>th</sup> May 1947.</span><span id="more-3567"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To Bhaktas!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Good and bad co-exist; they are companions for ever. That is in the very nature of the world.</p>
<p>And, why, let me ask, should these people be blamed? Poor fellows! What do they know? What <em>can</em> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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, <em>Sathpravarthana </em>and <em>Sadbuddhi</em> are the fundamental traits &#8230;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.</p>
<p>[media id="I2" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="mytaskisthis.jpg"]</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Of course there are some &#8220;Yogis&#8221; who suffer from blame and <em>they</em> have every reason to fear. I shall tell you who they are.</p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They quaff their full, they swallow pills</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">Of opium, and chew the bhang—these &#8216;noble&#8217; folk!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They drink, they eat their fill</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">Of low unwholesome food—these `famous&#8217; men!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">&#8220;Tis wrong to state &#8217;tis false to say</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">That anything dies, they never die,&#8221;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They swear while (!) cutting throats and eat</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">The living things they like—these `teachers&#8217; grand!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They preach the lessons of love and peace</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">But hate and fight, all on the sly—these `gurus&#8217; great!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They fret and fume and speak for long</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">On dry as dust philosophy!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">This wondrous gang of Yogis false</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #993300">They surely dread a fall.</span></p>
<p>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&#8217;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.</p>
<p>[media id="I3" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="sathyasaisvow.jpg"]</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Thus…..Your Baba.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300">II Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu II</span></strong></p>
<p>[media id="I1" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="mytaskisthis_2012.jpg" posterurl="mytaskisthis_2012.jpg" primary="true"]</p>
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		<title>Walk towards ME and Leave maya behind!</title>
		<link>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2013/04/walk-towards-me-and-leave-maya-behind/</link>
		<comments>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2013/04/walk-towards-me-and-leave-maya-behind/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:27:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Reporter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Divine Foot Prints]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indelible Impressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love All Serve All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reflections]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=5965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Hyderabad Youth, a bunch of dedicated youth from Hyderabad, has been famous in Sai circles for its absolute dedication and devotion to Bhagawan&#8230; When it comes to Seva, the group would often forget all personal issues, plunging wholeheartedly into action&#8230;  Over the years, especially in the late nineties and early twenties (1990-2000), the group had been immensely blessed with  many precious interviews, Face To Face With Divinity&#8230;wherein they learnt greater lessons, directly from The Lord&#8230; Sri Gopi Pidatala, one of the co-founders of the group, recounts some such precious lessons learnt at His Holy Feet&#8230; 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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #993300">The Hyderabad Youth, a bunch of dedicated youth from Hyderabad, has been famous in Sai circles for its </span><span style="color: #993300">absolute dedication and devotion to Bhagawan&#8230; When it comes to Seva, the group would often forget all personal issues, plunging wholeheartedly into action&#8230;  Over the years, especially in the late nineties and early twenties (1990-2000), the group had been immensely blessed with  many precious interviews, Face To Face With Divinity&#8230;wherein they learnt greater lessons, directly from The Lord&#8230; Sri Gopi Pidatala, one of the co-founders of the group, recounts some such precious lessons learnt at His Holy Feet&#8230;</span><strong><span id="more-5965"></span></strong></p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>It is at this point that our Divine Lord Sai has provided succor to all of us with His ‘<em>Upadesa</em>’ – 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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>[media id="I2" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="walktowardsme1_jan2013.jpg"]</p>
<p>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 <em>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?  </em>We all nodded in agreement. <em>In a similar manner, maya is seen when you walk towards worldly things.  Instead, walk towards Godly things.</em><em> </em>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.</p>
<p>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<em>”?</em></p>
<p>[media id="I3" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="walktowardsme2_jan2013.jpg"]</p>
<p><em>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!”</em></p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 !<br />
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:”</p>
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<p><em> “Chalo Re Man Ganga JamunaTeer&#8230;  Ganga Jamuna Nirmal PaaniSheetalhota Sameer,&#8230;Chalo re man…” </em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>He explained that <em>Ganga Jamuna</em> here means inhalation and exhalation; <em>Teer</em> here means the point where the eyebrows meet; the point of concentration where one can feel the presence of God! <em>Nirmal PaaniSheetalhota Sameer</em>:  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.</p>
<p>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 <em>Vajra Sankalpam</em>! 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.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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! <em>(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</em>)</p>
<p>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 “!  (<em>Readers please note  that in India , interest rate at Rs.2 is 24 percent per month)</em>. 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!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 !</p>
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<p>In another instance, Swami had called us for an interview. One of the brothers said, &#8220;Swami, how would you describe spirituality in one sentence? &#8221; Swami replied with a smile, &#8220;True spirituality is to Love All and Serve All&#8221;. 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 !</p>
<p>[media id="I7" type="image" mediahost="http://www.sssbpt.org/images/" url="walktowardsme6_jan2013.jpg"]</p>
<p>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 !</p>
<p>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 &#8220;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!</p>
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<p>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!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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…</p>
<p>May Sai Bless us all to be worthy instruments in HIS Mission … which is His–Story to create HISTORY!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300">II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II</span></strong></p>
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		<title>Dil Without Bill&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2012/11/dil-without-bill/</link>
		<comments>http://theprasanthireporter.org/2012/11/dil-without-bill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:27:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Reporter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Love All Serve All]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/?p=5336</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;Love All, Serve All&#8217;&#8230; &#8216;Help Ever, Hurt Never&#8230;&#8217; Words that appear so simple, but like innumerable other messages of Bhagawan, they have a profound meaning and a deep impact on the lives of His devotees. Following the example He has set with His life &#8211; of reaching out to whosoever is in need of help &#8211; the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is immersed in constant service activities vis-à-vis &#8211; Mother &#38; Child Care, Mobile Medical Service, Education In Human Values, Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas and many other such related undertakings. The ultimate purpose of working towards this upliftment of mankind and that of all other beings is linked with transformation – that of our hearts, our souls, our lives. Taking a step forward in this direction, the SSSSO Maharashtra and Goa has organised a Free Heart Diagnostic Camp, under the banner &#8216;Dil Without Bill&#8217;, recently in the Divine Abode, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai. A Report on the unique initiative. It [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8216;Love All, Serve All&#8217;&#8230; &#8216;Help Ever, Hurt Never&#8230;&#8217; Words that appear so simple, but like innumerable other messages of Bhagawan, they have a profound meaning and a deep impact on the lives of His devotees. Following the example He has set with His life &#8211; of reaching out to whosoever is in need of help &#8211; the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is immersed in constant service activities vis-à-vis &#8211; Mother &amp; Child Care, Mobile Medical Service, Education In Human Values, Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas and many other such related undertakings. The ultimate purpose of working towards this upliftment of mankind and that of all other beings is linked with transformation – that of our hearts, our souls, our lives. Taking a step forward in this direction, the SSSSO Maharashtra and Goa has organised a Free Heart Diagnostic Camp, under the banner &#8216;Dil Without Bill&#8217;, recently in the Divine Abode, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai. A Report on the unique initiative.<span id="more-5336"></span></p>
<p>It was the message of their Lord &amp; Master – that each and every person in this country is entitled to Free Medicine. The message was loud and clear to the world, when they saw Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Maharashtra &amp; Goa &amp; Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot organize a FREE cardiac camp ‘Dil without Bill’ at Dharmakshetra, Andheri, Mumbai on 28th October, 2012.</p>
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<p>&#8220;The aim, as always, is to tread on the route of selfless and unconditional seva as expounded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba,&#8221; said Sri Ramesh Sawant, State President, SSSSO commenting on the unique initiative. The initiative was open to  the age bracket of 3-60 years, with an income of less than Rs 20,000 in urban areas and less than Rs 10,000 in rural areas.</p>
<p>The volunteers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation had conducted a series of screening and diagnostic camps across various districts of Maharashtra throughout September and October 2012, screening over 1500 patients. Through diagnostics and counselling about 400 patients were short listed for the final camp at Dharmakshetra. Additionally about 160 people walked in for on the spot registrations who went through the mandatory check-ups before being advised on further course of action by a team of more than 20 doctors. ECG and 5 2D Echo machines were arranged for an immediate check up and diagnosis.</p>
<p>The ambience at Dharmakshetra was so charged with Divine Love, that far from being a dreary medical exercise, the camp seemed like a celebration of life, a tribute to the Divine residing in all – the doctors, the patients and their relatives and the volunteers! Dharmakshetra was suitably bedecked for the occasion and one could be mistaken for thinking there was a festival being celebrated.</p>
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<p>A magnificent stage and a pandal served as the place for a short programme graced by a galaxy of dignitaries. His Excellency Dr D.Y Patil – the Governor of Tripura, Shri. Suresh Shetty, the Health and Family Welfare Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Sri Asit Mehta, Arav Diamonds, Belgium , Smt Deepti Sahay, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Sri Kanubhai Patel, Chairman, Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot, Sri Manoj Bhimani, Managing Trustee Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot, Sri Nimish Pandya, All India Vice President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation &amp; Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Trust Maharashtra, Sri Ramesh. D. Sawant, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation (Maharashtra &amp; Goa) &amp; Sri Anoop Saxena, District President Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Mumbai were among those present. Everyone present commended the efforts in organising this unique effort. A book describing all the activities at Rajkot hospital aptly entitled “Service of Heart through Heart” was released by His Excellency Dr D.Y Patil and Sri Asit Mehta.</p>
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<p>A short but emotional drama depicting the life of a young girl hailing from a remote village of Maharashtra who suffered from severe heart problem and how she was treated at a free hospital was enacted by a group of young girls from Navi Mumbai District. The drama was the true life story of Sheetal Makrand a girl from Kundoli village, Maharashtra who was treated at the Rajkot hospital after being untreated for over 13 years due to their economical status. Many patients sitting in the audience could easily identify with the ‘Sheetal’ in their lives.</p>
<p>An army of volunteers had prepared a meticulous step by step screening procedure to guide the patients through. The objective of this camp was to advise the patient whether surgery was required or not and if yes then to give a date for the same at the Rajkot hospital. The unique nature of the entire activity was a complete end to end solution for the patient totally free of cost. The loving volunteers served refreshments, tea, coffee, and food all through the day to everyone present. To help the patients benefit from Yoga, a team of Yoga experts led by Mrs. Sankpal kept the audience engaged by teaching basic Yogic practices that would benefit them in the long run.</p>
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<p>At the end of the long but satisfying day over 400 people went through a series of screenings, including ECG and 2D Echo tests. The Sathya Sai Rajkot Hospital gave confirmed dates for various heart related operation to 143 patients (109 Non Valve Patients, 10 TOF, 24 Valve replacements) and will review 39 more after basic reports are submitted. Some of the patients, who had given hopes of a healthy life, were so overwhelmed with joy on getting closer dates.</p>
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<p>The project was ably assisted by various groups including the Sate Bank Of India donning the role of patrons in this unique service.</p>
<p>All seemed to revel in fulfilling Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of making Medicare accessible to all. The 2 super speciality hospitals aptly known as Temples Of Healing in Puttaparthi and Bangalore built by Bhagawan stand testimony to His commitment as they have conducted thousands of surgeries and treated many more patients in the fields of cardiology, neurology, nephrology and urology over the last 20 years absolutely free of cost. This is a constant source of inspiration to all who attended this camp and we pray to Bhagawan to bestow health and happiness to all.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300">II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II</span></strong></p>
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