Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam Part I

SRI SATHYA SAI BHAGAVATAM
PART - 1

Compiled by
Tumuluru Prabha, Krishna Murty
PART - 1

Compiled by
Tumuluru Prabha, Krishna Murty

PRAYER
OM

Shukla-Ambara Dharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chtur Bhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayeth
Sarva Vighnopa Shanta Ye.

Om, Sri Sai Rama Subha Nama Manobhi Rama
Sampurna Kama Kamaneeya Vacohobhi Rama Sarvajna
Sargunaganya Muneedravandya
Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Mama Devadeva.

OM. SAAYEESHWARAAYA VIDMAHE SATHYA-
DEVAAYA DHEEMAHI
TANNAH- SARVAH PRACHODHAYAATH

I meditate on You - Sai Easwara, Lord Sai
Bestow Bliss, Grace and Happiness.

Oh, Shiva Shakti, My Salutations to you, Bless me, Oh,
Mother Sai,
As I commence this Sai Bhagavatam; May you be ever
with me.

Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu.

PART - 1

Compiled by
Tumuluru Prabha
Tumuluru Krishna Murty

Anasuya
C-66 Durgabai Deshmukh Colony
Ahobil Mutt Road
Hyderabad 500007
Ph: +91 (40) 2742 7083/ 8904

Figure 1: Original Photo of Swami Writing The Letter He
Wrote To His Brother On 25th May 1947 At The Age Of
20 About His Mission...
The word Bhagavatamu has five syllables:
BHA stands for Bhakti (Devotion)
GA Gnannam (Wisdom)
VA Vairagyam (Detachment)
TA Tatwam (Nature)
MU Mukti (Liberation) (SSB 1995, p. 37)

Bhagavatam chadivithe bagavatam in Telugu
means, If we study Bhagavatam, we shall
become good. That is to say, Bhagavatam
confers goodness on all. It contains the
essence of all Vedas. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p.
206)

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Table of Contents

Dedication .................................................................................................................. 13
Prologue .................................................................................................................... 15
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 17
Introduction on Bhagavatham ............................................................................. 19
Origin of Bhagavatam ............................................................................................ 19
The Bhagavatham contains the fruits of all spiritual practices. ............................. 25
Tyaja Durjana Samsargam ................................................................................. 26
Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam ............................................................................... 27
Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram ................................................................................. 27
Smara Nityam Anityataam................................................................................. 27
Section 1: The Glory and Majesty of God .................................................................. 28
God, the Supreme ....................................................................................................... 29
Few saying on who is God? ................................................................................ 30
The Concept of the Avatar .......................................................................................... 38
Avatar ..................................................................................................................... 39
The purpose of Avatar ........................................................................................... 48
The Lord manifests in different Avatars ............................................................ 51
Section 2: The Triple Incarnation ............................................................................... 55
The Triple Incarnation - Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai .................................... 56
Triple Avatars ......................................................................................................... 57
Advent of Sathya Sai after Shirdi Sai ................................................................. 58
Shirdi Sai Baba ............................................................................................................ 60
Shirdi Sai Advent: The Mystery .............................................................................. 60
Story of Shirdi Sai Baba .......................................................................................... 63
Advent of Pathri, birth place of Sai Baba ........................................................... 63
Shirdi Baba and Venkuusa ................................................................................. 63
Plan to kill Baba ....................................................................................................... 64

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Early years of the child ...................................................................................... 65
Arrival of Baba at Shirdi .................................................................................... 66
Building at Shirdi ............................................................................................... 67
A judge for a judge ............................................................................................ 68
Sai---the Guru .................................................................................................... 69
Sathe leaves Shirdi ............................................................................................ 70
Baba's concern for Devotees ............................................................................ 73
Baba's way of disciplining devotees ...................................................................... 74
The difference between devotees and disciples .............................................. 74
Baba and Shyam, the only disciple ................................................................... 75
Prophecies Regarding Sathya Sai Babas Advent ...................................................... 77
References to Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba in Ancient Treatises ............................... 77
Christ's announcement of the Advent of Baba ................................................. 78
Nadi Treatises ................................................................................................... 78
The Unique, Enchanting and Engrossing Story of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar .................... 82
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 82
Advent of the Avatar ............................................................................................. 84
The Raju Family ................................................................................................. 86
Satyanarayana Raju - His Childhood ................................................................. 92
The Sorceror ..................................................................................................... 99
Transformation: Emergence of Raju as Sathya Sai ......................................... 100
For advertisement of Ayurvedic medicine: ............................................................ 102
Song on the stage during a function: ...................................................................... 103
On observing odd fashions:.................................................................................... 103
Deriding vain practices: ......................................................................................... 104
For correcting the bad ways of Karanam Narayana Rao, husband of Subbamma : 104
Inspiring people about freedom fighters and fate of the country:........................... 105
Baba's attainment of freedom from Maya .............................................................. 105
Strange white man who was fond of Swami: ................................................. 106
Interesting Anecdotes ..................................................................................... 107
Ramesh and Suresh ................................................................................................ 107
Scout Camp ............................................................................................................ 108
The Final Declaration ...................................................................................... 112
Sai revealing His miraculous and divine powers ................................................... 116
Raju as Virupaksha .......................................................................................... 118

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Section 3: Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Man of Leelas and Mahimas ................................... 126
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, His Life, His Leelas and Mahima ..............................................127
Gang of seventeen thieves ..................................................................................128
Tapovanam ..........................................................................................................129
Letter of 25
th
May 1947 .......................................................................................130
Prasanthi Nilayam ................................................................................................134
Man of Miracles and Leelas .................................................................................143
Methodology Revealed ...................................................................................147
Do not exaggerate the significance of miracles...............................................148
Baba about Himself ..............................................................................................156
This Unique Avatar Is the Embodiment Of Truth And Righteousness .............157
The Same Atmic Principle is Present in All ......................................................159
One Atmanarayana Immanent In All ..................................................................... 160
Section 4: Divine Mission and Teachings of Bhagawan ............................................ 178
Divine Mission and Projects......................................................................................179
Introduction to Sathya Sai Babas Divine Mission................................................179
Educare ................................................................................................................182
Educare Confers Immortality. ........................................................................189
Education, Educare and Their Benefits............................................................191
Education and Educare Must Go Hand In Hand ..............................................193
Human Values..................................................................................................193
Music College in Prasanthi Nilayam .....................................................................194
God Is a Lover Of Music ...................................................................................196
Medicare ..............................................................................................................196
History .............................................................................................................196
What the Super-Speciality hospital signifies ...................................................197
Mission statement ...........................................................................................199
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram ...............201
Super Speciality Hospital-Whitefield ...............................................................208
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield ......................213
Ambiance ............................................................................................................... 215
For The Progress of Rural Urban India .................................................................216
Narayana Seva .................................................................................................217

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Refuge for the Forlorn .................................................................................... 219
Some of Sais Revelations, Assurances and Advices ................................................ 220
I - idi na dehamu .......................................................................................... 220
The Need For Ceiling On Desires .......................................................................... 221
Who Are You? ....................................................................................................... 222
Who is God? .................................................................................................... 223
Creation is My task. ............................................................................................... 223
I am the core of every being. .................................................................................. 224
I am Hari and Hara too. .......................................................................................... 224
I am the Paramatma ............................................................................................... 225
I am like the Kalpavriksha ..................................................................................... 226
Revelations...................................................................................................... 226
Sais Assurance: ................................................................................................... 233
Mission, Task: ...................................................................................................... 237
Sais Advice to man ............................................................................................. 239
Duty to Society ................................................................................................ 242
Be prepared to sacrifice yourselves for your Motherland ...................................... 246
Bhagawans Message of Love: ........................................................................ 246
Section 5: The Experiences of Devotees ...................................................................252
Experiences of Devotees An Introduction ............................................................. 253
Prabhas Experiences with her Prabhu .................................................................... 255
Sathya Sai Baba The Love Incarnate ............................................................ 256
The experiences of a young Sai devotee .................................................................. 259
Poem from Varun..................................................................................................... 265
The Intimate Relationship between God and Godly ................................................ 267
Episode One: You Belong to the Whole World ............................................... 267
Episode Two: I Visited the Home for the Aged ............................................... 268
Episode Three: You Cannot Escape from My Notice ...................................... 270
Episode Four: Change Your Qualities .............................................................. 271
Episode Five: A Few Students Are Privileged .................................................. 272
Episode Six: I Watch the Thoughts in Your Head ............................................ 274

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Seventh Episode: Cured of Heart Disease .......................................................275
Eighth Episode: Examinations Are Advanced ..................................................277
Reversing the Train ................................................................................................ 278
Ninth Episode: I Want Your Love .....................................................................280
Tenth Episode: Two Muslim Boys ....................................................................281
Section 6 ................................................................................................................. 283
Epilogue ....................................................................................................................284
Index .........................................................................................................................286
Bibliography .............................................................................................................289

List of Pictures

Figure 1: Original Photo of Swami Writing The Letter He Wrote To His Brother On
25th May 1947 At The Age Of 20 About His Mission... .................................................. 5
Figure 2: Sai Baba of Shirdi ........................................................................................... 71
Figure 3: Parents of Swami .......................................................................................... 165
Figure 4: The All-Knowning Baba ............................................................................... 166
Figure 5: Ganapriya and Ganalola ................................................................................ 167
Figure 6: Young Baba................................................................................................... 168
Figure 7: Baba on his various visits .............................................................................. 169
Figure 8: Punya Dampatulu - His Earthly Parents ........................................................ 169
Figure 9: Seeing an album ............................................................................................ 170
Figure 10: Baba with Sai Gita ...................................................................................... 171
Figure 11: Yogic posture .............................................................................................. 173
Figure 12: Baba with the Fortunate Baby ..................................................................... 174
Figure 13: Lover of Music ............................................................................................ 174
Figure 14: Planetarium ................................................................................................. 175
Figure 15: Music College ............................................................................................. 175
Figure 16: Sri Sathya Sai International Centre For Sports............................................ 176

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Figure 17: Administrative Buiding .............................................................................. 177
Figure 18: College........................................................................................................ 177
Figure 19: Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram ......... 209
Figure 20: Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield (suburb of Bangalore),
Karnataka, India ........................................................................................................... 211
Figure 21: Sai Service .................................................................................................. 212
Figure 22: Narayana Seva at the Stadium .................................................................... 212

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Dedication
Vyasa composed both the Mahabharata and the Bhagavatham. For his
greatness he is called sloka datagiver of divine verses. God is Loka
DataGiver of the world itself. (SSB 1995)

He has also established the truth that bliss can come only in the thought
of God and not by any other process. He established that bliss and
happiness are simply embodiments of God and that they cannot be found
elsewhere. Bliss and happiness can be given only by God, and he who
thus secures them is called a devotee. The close relationship that exists
between a devotee and God has been described in Bhagavatha. (SSB
1978, pp. 4-5)

Bhakta Pothana, the great devotee and poet who wrote the Telugu
Bhagavatam said at the outset - Palikedidi Bhagavathamata- Palikinchedi
vadu Ramabhadrudata which means I am speaking Bhagavatham and
the one who is making me speak is Lord Rama Himself, saying that
Rama was the real writer and he (Pothana) was a mere instrument in
Ramas hands. (ICS , p. 159)

There is a great spiritual significance to Pothanas verse of dedication,
which is a restatement of the famous mahavakya, viz. Thath-thwam-asi
(that-thou-art). In the present instance, Thath or That is represented by
the divine Lord Rama, Thwam or Thou by the poet-devotee Pothana, and

Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam Part 1

14

Asi or Art by the book Bhagavatham. In other words, Bhagavan, Bhakta,
and BhagavathaGod, the devotee, and the scriptureare three in one.
Moreover the five letters, Bha-ga-va-ta-mu have their own spiritual
significance. These five letters may be considered as the five elements,
five senses, five sheaths or Pancha Kosas and five life-breaths or pancha
pranas. The letter bha stands for bhakti or devotion, ga for gyan or
jnaana or wisdom, va for vairagya or renunciation, ta for thathwam or
realisation, and mu for Mukti or liberation. Thus, these five letters
represent the progressive steps for mans liberation from bondage or
ignorance. ( (SSB 1990)

Likewise, I am attempting to compile the Sacred Sri Sathya Sai
Bhagavatham and the Real Composer is none else than the Lord Sai
Rama.

We humbly dedicate this work at His Lotus Feet with pure love.

Tumuluru Prabha

15

Prologue
I beg this is not the translation or adaptation of the already made versions
of Vyasas Bhagavatham or Pothanas but I have chosen the Living
Loving Avatar in human form, before our very eyes. For authenticity I
have consulted Prof N. Kasturis and Sri B.N. Narasimha Murthys
Sathyam Sivam Sundaram Volumes, Tapovanam of Jandhyala
Venkateswara Sastry - Shanti Sri, His Story as told by Himself published
by Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, Splendours of the
Supreme by Tumuluru Prabha Krishna Murty and Amalgamated Digests
compiled by Tumuluru Krishna Murty and last but not the least
Bhagavan Baba has written Bhagavatha Vahini which became the most
accessible and useful and helpful. I offer Prayerful Pranams to our
Prabhu of Parthi and my grateful thanks to all others who had been of
immense help to me. In this context I offer my special thanks to Shanti
Sri as I got the inspiration to undertake this sweet and memorable
journey after reading the Preface in Tapovanam where it was mentioned
In the very first interview Lord Sathya Sai Bhagavan asked me to give
lectures daily on the Sri Maha Bhagavatha for an hour in the Mandir in
Prasanthi Nilayam. I was taken aback, felt a little nervous and was
hesitant to say Yes. Why fear when I am here, Swami said most
affectionately looking at me. Yes. He has been there with me all the time.
Otherwise, how could I give lectures on the Maha Bhagavatha, which I
never did earlier, except teaching school children? I could deliver
lectures for two and a half years continuously, that too inside the Mandir
of the holy temple of the Lord, Prasanthi Nilayam and that too to the
great-learned devotees. I noted that I was speaking, the Maha


16

Bhagavatha, but I also realised that it was He who was speaking through
me. He was the source of my lectures and He was also the subject of my
lectures. (Tapovanam, p. 13)

Like I make my humble submission, Bhagavan had not asked me directly
but, I got inspiration and fillip with Babas taking away the DTP copy of
Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham and after listening to Bhagavans Birth
Day Discourse. I fervently pray for His Divine approval, guidance and
grace.

And, finally, a word in all humility why and how I chose the present Sri
Sathya Sai Bhagavatham. We were in Prasanthi Nilayam before and
after Bhagawans 2008 Birth Day Celebrations deliberated on the need of
establishing a university campus for Muddenhalli students for whom He
planned to provide Spiritual Studies in Ramayana, Bhagavatha and
Bhagavad Gita besides academic studies when students would spread
their knowledge to the masses. Before that as my husband was sitting in
the verandah with a D T P copy of Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham,
Bhagavan very graciously took it, inspiring and guiding us to go forward
to share our deep love to the Lord. All these gave me the fillip to embark
on this great and steady journey, of course with my family members with
and for the Lord.

So, now, let us listen to the Lords Life, Message of Love, Mission and
the like and make our life more meaningful, purposeful, blissful and
peaceful.

Love
Tumulurus

17

Acknowledgements
In compiling this Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam all our family members
have spared much of their time in the loving service of typing the
manuscript, giving good advice, enthusiasm and encouragement, thus
bringing it to the present shape. We would like specially mention Dr.
Gowri and Sai Varun who laid foundation for the work. We are indebted
to them for their help.

We are thankful to many authors of the books we have consulted. We are
ever grateful to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for the inspiration He has
given us and guiding us at every step.

In conclusion while offering this sweet flower from the garden of our
heart and with soulful prayer for the acceptance, we offer our grateful
pranams at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

The play is yours; the role is Your gift; the lines are written by You;
pray, Baba, bless us to play higher and higher roles in Your Divine
Mission; that will be the true meaning and purpose of our lives.

Sri N. Kasturi, the fortunate Biographer of the Lord Sri Sathya Sai lived
with him and met many of His devotees. He penned four Volumes
wherein he narrated many rare and interesting anecdotes of the Living,
Loving Lords life quoting that Baba always speaks of personal


18

experiences, not books, as the best way of knowing Him. I am fortunate
to be a contemporary of the Lord and to be drawn to His fold and have
the Divine Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan many a time. Sri Kasturi
who took a great liking for me offered many opportunities to see and hear
Baba from close quarters, note down His Divine Discourses and
contribute to Sanathana Sarathi Telugu Edition regularly. Thus I was
able to attend many Inaugural functions and Public meetings in Bombay,
now Mumbai, Madras-Chennai, New Delhi and the like. Recollecting all
those sweet, unforgettable memories, we are making exhaustive use of
Sathyam- Sivam- Sundaram for Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam.

Tumulurus

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Introduction on
Bhagavatham
The name Bhagavatham indicates the account of those who have
contacted God and the godly. God assumes many forms and enacts many
activities. It describes the experiences of those who have realised Him in
those forms and those who have been blessed by His Grace and chosen as
His instruments. (Bhag Vahini, p. 1)

Bhagavan in His Divine Discourse has said:
Students! To understand the nature of God requires eligibility.
Bhaagavatah Idam Bhagavatam- Bhagavatam speaks of God and His
Divine sports. It is also said Bhaagavataanaam Idam Bhagavatam-
Bhagavatam describes the lives of devotees. Scholars have interpreted this
scripture based on their individual outlooks. Truly, Bhagavatam
illustrates the intimate relation between God and His devotees. It is a
bridge between the Lord and His devotees.

Origin of Bhagavatam
Students! Youth is a period characterized by unsteadiness. Youth can
become prey to various kind of confusion. But it is also the golden period
of life. You must achieve steadiness right now. Develop unwavering faith
in god and remove the restlessness of your mind. Then life will have been
well spent. There is nothing permanent in this world. This world is called
Jagat. Why? Ja (going) + Gat (coming) is the nature of the world- birth
and rebirth, creation and destruction, joy and sorrow. But divinity neither


20

comes nor goes. This divine principle was given a written form by Vyasa
in this scripture, Bhagavatam.

Vyaasa composed both Mahabharata and Bhagavatam. For his greatness
he is called sloka daata giver of divine verses. God is Loka daata: Giver
of the world itself. In spite of writing so many slokas, Vyaasas soka
(sorrow) did not come to an end. Why? When he wrote the Mahabharata,
he described the fight between good and bad forces. As you think, so you
become. In visualizing Duryodhana and Dussashana, Vyaasa himself
became tainted. Whatever actor you contemplate on, his actions enter
your mind. That is why Narada advised Vyaasa, Till now you wrote the
Mahabharata. You composed this epic but sullied your heart in this
process. You thought about both good and bad characters. Now write only
good.

The Vedas say- Tat Tvam Asi- You are That. Yat bhavam tat bhavati- You
become whatever you think. When you constantly think of others faults
that bad enters you. How? When you have a camera in your hand,
whichever direction you turn and click, that is the picture you will
capture. Your body is like camera. Your vision is the lens, your heart is
the film and your thoughts form the scene. Your intellect is the shutter.
With your intellect, absorb only those impressions into your heart, which
are spiritual. If you think bad, it imprints on your heart. So do not
encourage bad thoughts.

Narada continued, So long you talked of the Kauravas bad deeds, how
they troubled and cheated the Pandavas. Let go off the Kauravas sin. Let
go off the Pandavas virtue as well. Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati-
Think of the Lord and you will become Him. When you wrote
Mahabharata you thought of Prakriti (Nature, Creation) and not Purusha

Introduction to Bhagavatam

21

(God). So the restlessness of the Gods creation entered you. From
tomorrow describe only the Lord, His sports and His qualities. You will
achieve tranquillity without doubt. Thus, Bhagavatam came to be
written. (SSB 1995, pp. 45-46)

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Avatar of the Kali Age has explained,
elaborated and elucidated what Bhagavatham means. A few of His divine
quotes are given hereunder. Let us delve deep into them and enjoy the
bliss.

The Lord, Sri Narayana is the seed from which the tree of Bhagavatha
has sprouted. The sprout is Brahmam. The trunk of the tree is Narada.
Vyasa constitutes the branches. Its sweet fruit is the nectarine story of
Krishna. Those earnest souls that yearn for that nectar, and pine
plaintively, regardless of bodily comfort or the passage of the years, until
they secure the fruit and imbibe its essence, such are real saints and
yogis. (Bhag Vahini, p. 148)

The illiterate pronounces the word Bhagavatham as Baagavuthamu.

Bhagavatham means, let us become good. Yes! That must be the spirit
in which you must take up the Bhagavatham for study. Enter into the
spirit of the narration and imbibe the courage that restores the
equilibrium of the mind. Then you can easily pace the path of Madhava,
instead of the path of Manava (Man). Ma-dhava means, the Master over
Maya (Delusion due to ignorance). (Ma-Maya; Dhava, Master. Follow
God and nothing can delude you, putting on the apparel of the real. (SSS
Vol.7, p. 431)


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Bhagavatham is the story of the beginning-less, the endless Atma. The
Ramayana and the Mahabharata are Ithihasas, historical epics. They
endeavour to some extent to uplift the secular man, the ordinary man by
moral teaching and example. But those who seek to know the nature of
the atma and of the Paramatma should study Bhagavatham, that is of
most use to Sadhakas as it instructs in the path of Bhakti. Every verse in
this scripture is a pearl, a diamond. It was written for the purpose of
teaching the secrets of attaining God. It alone explains the nature of God
in entirety. (SSB 1995, p. 102)

The Bhagavatam says that the stories and deeds of God are beyond
comprehension. No one can understand His sports, but listening to them
generates bliss in the heart and grants immortality. Such is the nature of
the divinity. (SSB 1995, p. 23)

There are many stories, some strange in Bhagavatam. You might find
them long or cumbersome. No, no. They are all histories. History
means His story- stories of God. Unfortunately we are unable to
appreciate the Bhagavatam. Hence we violate its teachings. Truly every
verse of this scripture is a pearl, a diamond. Bhagavatam was written for
the very purpose of teaching the secrets of attaining God. Otherwise, why
would Vyaasa sit dispiritedly on the banks of river Saraswati after
composing the 18 Puranas, and why would Narada go there and advise
Him to compose Bhagavatam? Because there is no text greater than
Bhagavatam. Why? The Bhagavatam alone explains the nature of God in
entirety. (SSB 1995, p. 102)

Bhagavatam is full of devotion. But there is no one today with even
thousandth part of Dhruvas devotion and virtue. The sanctity of
Bhagavatam is unsurpassed because it contains the lives of such exalted


23

souls. But people neglect this scripture and even cast wrong accusations
on it. Bhagavatam is nothing but Gods love from start to finish. But all
cannot understand divine love. (SSB 1995, p. 70)

Bhagavan further explains, It denotes three sections of Knowledge
The Glory and Majesty of the Supreme God.
The names of those who are fully devoted to God and
The intimate relationship between God and godly.

Thus the narration inspires and promotes deep devotion to the Lord. It
binds Bhakta and Bhagavan, that is to say, the story fills one with God
and transmutes him into Divinity. It contains the stories of the
Incarnation and His Teachings to show devotees what is right and what
to follow and more importantly what to practise.

Suka said, O King! The Bhagavatha is not merely the narrative of the
Lords story, in the background of Mathura, Brindavan, Gokuls, the
Banks of the Yamuna, Nanda-Yashoda, Vasudeva Devaki, and others.
Bhagavatha includes the stories of all the incarnations of Bhagavan, of
the Lord. All incarnations were the manifestations of the self-same
Gopala, Krishna from Go-loka or Vaikunta. The story of each is but the
story of Vasudeva, emerging from Him and merging in Him. That Divine
Power is the sustaining factor for all incarnations as well as all living
Beings. (Bhag Vahini, p. 185)

We must experience at least a fraction of Vyasas pure feelings.
Purification of the mind should come first. A pure mind results in Gods
vision easily. Bhagavatam is an account of devotees experiences, their
bliss and the close relations they had with Lord all of which we must
absorb. (SSB 1995, pp. 45-46)


24

Vyasa has established the truth that bliss can come only in the thought of
God and not by any other process. He established that bliss and happiness
are simply embodiments of God and that they cannot be found elsewhere.
Bliss and happiness can be given only by God and he who thus secures
them is called a devotee. The close relationship that exists between a
devotee and God has been described in Bhagavatam. Devotees of God
have also been called Bhagavathas. (SSB 1978, pp. 4-5)

It is the Bhagavatham that is of most use to the Sadhakas. It alone
explains the real secret of the Lord. His real Glory and His real Path! The
Ramayana and the Mahabharata endeavour to some extent to uplift the
common man, the ordinary man, by moral teaching and example. They
show how man can deserve the Lords grace. But those who seek to
know the nature of the Atma and of Paramatma should study, more than
anything else, the Bhagavatham. (San Vah, p. 115)

Never forget God whether we are in sorrow or pleasure, pain or joy,
poverty or affluence. By the time Dwapara Yuga came, God in human
form as Krishna set an ideal example of love for the people: This aspect
of Krishna attracted all people. These were such that people lost
themselves in the happiness and bliss generated by the Avatar of Krishna.
Krishna was looking after, with tender affection, the needs of the people
at that time. The great truth that is contained in the Avatar of Krishna has
been communicated to us in the Bhagavatha. This Avatar of Krishna
showed that we should never forget God whether we are in sorrow or
pleasure, pain or joy, poverty or affluence. Draupadi, who lost
all her sons and who was in great difficulties, showed great forbearance
and affection when speaking with Ashwatthama. The Bhagavatha
teaches us that it is not right for a devotee to think of God only at times


25

of difficulties and completely forget him at times of happiness. (SSB
1978, pp. 10-11)

The Bhagavatham contains the fruits of all spiritual
practices.
The word Bhagavatamu has five syllables:
BHA stands for Bhakti (Devotion)
GA Gnannam (Wisdom)
VA Vairagyam (Detachment)
TA Tatwam (Nature)
MU Mukti (Liberation) (SSB 1995, p. 37)

Bhagavatam chadivithe bagavatam in Telugu means, If we study
Bhagavatam, we shall become good. That is to say, Bhagavatam confers
goodness on all. It contains the essence of all Vedas. (SSS Vol.32 Part II,
p. 206)

Therefore, the Bhagavatham is the gist of all scriptures and texts, the
goal of all paths, the essence of all fruits but to eat it. You are future
citizens of this country. Your virtue alone will guarantee progress in the
nation.
Tyaja Durjana Samsargam
Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam
Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram
Smara Nityam Anityataam
Renounce the company of the wicked.
Seek the company of the pious.
Perform good actions day and night.
Discriminate between the temporary and the permanent.


26

To understand the nature of God requires eligibility. Bhaagavatah Idam
Bhagavatham Bhagavatham speaks of God and His Divine sports. It is
also said, Bhaagavataanaam Idam Bhagavatham Bhagavatham
describes the lives of devotees. Scholars have interpreted this scripture
based on their individual outlooks. Truly, the Bhagavatham illustrates the
intimate relation between God and His devotees. It is the bridge between
the Lord and devotees.
Four requisites are absolutely essential to understand and practice the
message of the Bhagavatham.

Tyaja Durjana Samsargam
First, give up bad company. Bad company is not just bad people. Bad
thoughts must also be abandoned. Feelings acquire form as actions.
There should be no hesitation in renouncing bad company. Why? Bad
company can cause even a devotee to become an atheist and a renunciant
to become attached. Tell me your company and I shall tell you what you
are. The Bhagavatham states that a poisonous snake is much more
desirable than bad company! Why? A snake bites once and leaves; but a
wicked person bites repeatedly, day and night. The joy of malicious
people lies in violence, in making others cry. They cannot even sleep
peacefully without criticizing or harming someone! The human mind is
impressionable and assumes the attitudes of ones associates. In the
Mahabharata, the characters Duryodhana, Dussashana, Sakuni, and
Karna are called dushta chatushtayamfour wicked ones. Karna was
inherently noble but was corrupted by the other three. Hence, the sooner
we distance ourselves from negative people, the sooner we will perceive
Divinity within our hearts.


27

Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam
It is not enough to merely leave bad company. The company of the wise
and pious is necessary. We must cultivate friendship with people of
compassion and integrity and follow their example to realize the value of
human life. But even these two are not enough.

Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram
Third, perform sacred deeds day and night, ceaselessly. Vyasa said,
Paropakaarah Punyaaya Paapaaya Parapeedanam helping others is
merit, harming others is sin. What is paropakaaram? People take it to
mean para (others) + upakaaram (favor) = helping others. But this
limited, worldly meaning is not what Vyasa had in mind. Para (principle
beyond the world) + upa (near) + kara (to go) = Paropakaara. Therefore,
true merit is to be in proximity to the Atma. To develop nearness to the
Bhagavatham, to devotees, and to the Lord is the highest merit. This
must be followed day and night.

Smara Nityam Anityataam
Discriminate between the ephemeral and the eternal. Discrimination is
essential in every action. Is it good or bad, right or wrong? Such
inquiry must be exercised to the limit of our intellectual capacity. First
discriminate, then follow what is good. What is meant by good? Good
means eternal. Give up the transient. It is only when we cultivate these
four attributes that we can understand the significance and secrets of the
Bhagavatham. (SSB 1995, pp. 37-39)
As the Title suggests, this Book depicts the life story of Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba, the Incarnation of the Kali Yuga and incidentally a brief
account of Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sais earlier Avatar has been given.

28

Section 1: The Glory and
Majesty of God

29

God, the Supreme
Hindu Mythology quotes the Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara,
Brahma is identified as the Lord of Creation, generation; Vishnu for
Organising or Sustaining the Creation; and Easwara as the One
concerned with Dissolution or Destruction.

God, The Supreme, Absolute Birthless, Formless, Unmanifest and
Infinite Concretises Itself as Incarnation - Avatar for some specific
purpose or mission. (Spledours)

God is referred to by different names like the Lord, Supreme, Divine,
Bhagavan and the like and is believed that He is all- powerful, the great
power behind Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. Hindus worship
many Gods and Goddesses (female God or Deity) Bhagavan Baba the
Avatar of Kali Yuga gives elaborate explanations of who and what God
is, the purpose and mission of Avatar and the difference between an
Avatar and man.

God is the very embodiment of Atma and he is the Self that is present in
every one and to say that such a God is not present in Ones mind is to
say that he does not exist himself and is the same as proclaiming that one
does not believe in himself. God exists in every one and therefore to say
that God does not exist is ridiculous as saying that he has been born to a
barren woman. (SSB 1974 Part I, p. 7)


30

God is the embodiment of truth, purity and dharma. If you develop this
aspect of truth and purity, you become one with God. (SSB 1974 Part II,
1974, p. 28)

Few saying on who is God?
God is Truth, Goodness and Beauty. (SSS Vol.8, p. 6)

God is All. He is all forms. He is all names. There is no place where he is
not; no moment when He is not. God is here, there, everywhere, inside
and out, above, below around. Accommodate all Forms of God in your
heart; do not exclude some and welcome others. (SSS Vol.8, p. 43)

God is Love; so you must become Love in order to merge in Him. He is
Beauty; so be Beauty with no ugliness in you. Then, you can be one with
Him. He is compassion, be compassionate. He is sweetness. His words
are sweet, His sight is sweet, He sounds sweet, He is sweeter than
sweetness itself. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 44-45)

God is the spring of fresh water and sweet water in the heart. (CWBSSB,
p. 123)

God is all Names and all Forms, the integration of all these in
harmonious charm! Gods designated in different faiths, adored by
different human communities, are all limbs of the One God that really is.
Just as the body is the harmonious blending of the senses and the limbs,
God is the harmony of all the Forms and Names that man gives Him!
Only those who are ignorant of the Glory of God will insist on One
Name and One Form for His adoration and what is worse, condemn the
use by others, of other Names and Forms!

God, the Supreme

31

God is acceptable by all and to all Religions. Thus, God is Truth. God is
Righteousness; God is Peace; God is Love. (Reddy, pp. 110-11)

God is not a strong-hearted despot. He is Compassion. He is Grace
personified. Once you have cleansed yourselves by tears, He draws you
near and grants you consolation and courage. Without a cleansed heart,
realisation is impossible. (SSS Vol.8, p. 110)

God is not somewhere away from you, someone distant from you. He is
in you, before you, behind you, beckoning, guiding, guarding, warning
prompting, the Inner voice speaking ever with you. You need not seek
Him, He is there ready to respond to the call from the heart: Call on Me
and I am always by your side. (SSS Vol.8, p. 195)

God is omnipresent; He is in the past, the present and the future.

And, God is and can be only One, not more. There is only one God and
He is Omnipresent. There is only one Religion, the Religion of Love.
There is only one caste, the Caste of Humanity. There is only one
Language, the Language of the Heart.

This God has to be visualised by means of constant spiritual discipline.
Do not involve yourselves in doubts and hesitations. If only you observe
the disciplines and purify the Consciousness, you can see the God,
installed in your heart. (SSS Vol.7, p. 366)

God is all-powerful; God is everywhere; God is all knowing. To adore
such a formidable limitless Principle, man spends a few minutes out of
the 24 hours and uses a minute idol or image or picture! It is indeed
ridiculous. It is practically futile.


32

Adore Him so long as you have breath, so long as you are conscious.
Have no other thought than God, no other aim than knowing His
command, no other activity than translating that command into action.
That is what is meant by surrender. Render yourself unto Him. (SSS
Vol.8, p. 439)

God is the embodiment of Compassion. He watches for a grain of
humility so that he can reward it with tons of Grace.

God is the aggregate of all individual Jivas; and Virata Swarupa (cosmic
form) that of all individual bodies; and Hiranyagarbha (cosmic mind) that
of all individual minds. Thus God and man are essentially identical.
Individuals who have recognised such great truths and the Divinity of
man find statements declaring that God does not exist is ridiculous. Only
foolish people who do not recognise the significance of these profound
verities disbelieve in God. (SSB 1979, p. 42)

God is described as Aprameya. It means that God cannot be measured
like any limited phenomenon. Only the Vedas can give a satisfying
glimpse of His glory.

He is described as having two distinguishable forms - serene and the
terrible. The Narasimha form of God that emerged from the pillar was
mild and serene, beautiful and beneficent for Prahlada, the staunch
devotee, and at the same time, the form was terrible for Hiranyakasipu,
the father, who hated God to the utmost. Well, even Nature, the
concretisation of the will power of God has these two aspects the mild
and the fearful; Water is an essential ingredient for sustaining life in
beings. It is vital and health giving as well as fatal and death dealing.
(LKV, p. 26)

God, the Supreme

33

God is shaped by human imagination, inclination and intellect into
various forms, grand or grotesque, frightening or charming. The
Scriptures say, As the will so the happening. (NGM, p. 12)

God is the Prompter, the Promoter, the Sacrificer, the Sacrifice, the
Product achieved and the Recipient of that Product. Many people
perform yagnas without cleansing themselves. Only those yagna that
have, like this one, the peace arid prosperity of the world (Loka-kalyan)
with the avowed purpose, can reach God. For he is Yagna bhuk (the
consumer of the offering); He is Yagna bhrth (guardian of the Yagna)
and Yagna- krth (performer of the Yagna). He is all; it is only when he is
all that the act becomes genuinely Yagna. If this attitude can soak into
every activity, it will sanctify every moment of your life and make it a
Yagna. (SSS Vol.11, pp. 154-155)

God is the echo of the hills, the flutter of the leaves, the whisper of men,
the babble of children, the OM that is wafted everywhere. There is
nothing except God. Nature is His manifestation. Man must recognise
God in all human beings and in all else that exists. God is in everyone
and in everything. (San Vah)

God is in all. But all men are not in God. That is the reason why they
suffer. (FDD, p. 10)

God is the doctor, seek Him, rely on Him, you will be free from diseases.
(FDD, p. 15)

God is the light; God is the most distant star as well as the blade of grass
under your feet. (FDD, p. 16)


34

Out of concern for and seeing the predicament of man, Krishna has given
in the Bhagavad-Gita a very apt description of God. Anoraneeyam
Mahato Maheeyam, that is to say, God exists everywhere and manifests
Himself as both the Infinitesimal and the Infinite. (SSB 1979, p. 85)

God can be known only by EXPERIENCE, not by EXPERIMENTS. (SS
Mar '98, p. 82)

If one has some worry and anxiety that one has for the family and
children to God also for God also, one can see Him. One can see God
with proper enquiry; yearning and pining, one cannot see God with
negative feelings and thoughts. (DTB, p 8-9)

If one wants to see God, you should firmly believe that he is not the
body. He should understand the Reality that he is not the body but the
Atma. Then he realises that all are one- you and I are one. It is ones own
thinking that creates the feelings of separation. One should understand
ones true identity- that he is the embodiment of love. The principle of
love is one and the same in all and it should be shared with all as the
same Atma is present in all. Once this truth is recognised all differences
and conflicts disappear and the principle of unity is understood. (SS April
04, p. 109-110)

Thus converse with God who is in you. Derive courage and inspiration
from Him. He is the Guru most interested in your progress. Each will
come in his own good time, at his own pace, through his own inner urge,
along the path God will reveal to him as his own. (EL, p. 218)

God, the Supreme

35

God is bound to man by closest bonds of Love. Prema is His akara (form)
is Prema (Love); His swabhava (essential nature) is Ananda (Bliss); His
raktha (life-blood) is Sathyam (Truth). (SSS Vol.7, p. 128)

Man should develop nearness, proximity, kinship with God. Win Him by
obedience, loyalty, humility and purity. God is not involved in either
rewards or punishments. He only reflects, resounds and reacts. He is the
Eternal Unaffected Witness. Man decides his own fate.

Do good, be good, you get good in return. Do bad deeds, and reap bad
results. Do not thank or blame God. Thank yourself, blame yourself. He
does not even will. The innate law of the Maya ridden Universe -
creation, protection and destruction shall take place. (SSS Vol.7, p. 213)

The word God is the indication that there is the Padartha, that there is
God. If there was no God, the word would not have originated and gained
currency. You may see God or you may not, but, the word is proof that
there is God. (SSS Vol.7, p. 366)

Apart from the logical conclusion, if one realises God has four qualities -
Prema, Beauty (Soundarya), Sweetness (Madhurya) and Shobha
(Splendour).and cultivates those qualities, God really exists for him and
for all, though invisible. We experience the Splendours of the Supreme
all around us, in Nature that He lovingly created for us. Who else but He
rotates the Sun and Moon to drive out the darkness from the universe. He
pops up millions of stars high up in the sky, preventing them from
tumbling down. He whirls the world round and round, without an axle to
the wheel. He spreads the invisible winds and controls the ocean from
engulfing the lands. He holds aloft the canopy of the skies overhead


36

without its crashing down. He works unseen behind the scenes making
the world dance on the screen. (GG, p. 20)

God is not an alien living in far-off lands
God is close to each, in the heart He shines;
Sin is not an act or fact in far-off lands
Sin is in your mind, polluting word and deed.

God and the devil, good and bad, are denizens of one's own heart. Where
God is, there the devil cannot be. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 300/313) Vedas
indicate this, designating God as Vedavid (God is known through the
Vedas).

God is here, there and everywhere;
Though no eye has seen, He is everywhere;
To save the world from blinding night,
He waves two lamps in space the Sun and the Moon;
He stays the millions of twinkling stars on the firmament,
Lest they clash and crash;
He holds aloft the vast blue dome up above,
With neither a prop nor a pillar;
He rotates the axle less globe silently and smoothly
With never a jolt or a jar;
He lovingly fans soft, soothing breeze,
With never a demand for wages;
He has chained the feet of the reckless raging seas,
Lest they rush on land in ruinous haste;
Though no eye has seen, He is everywhere;
And what else does He do?
From behind the curtain,

God, the Supreme

37

The Divine operator pulls the stings;
Lo! The puppets dance to the tune He wills.
(NNSG Vol.7, pp. 87-88)

To such a compassionate Supreme Lord who is always eager to pardon
and protect; who is ever ready to cure and correct errors how can we frail
humans show Him our gratitude, express our love and redeem our lives?

I quote Lord Ramas advice to Sabari Mother! Devotion is the thing I
need. The rest are subsidiary. Other things like scholarship, intelligence,
status, social prestige, caste, I do not pay any attention to them. They are
of no value in my eyes. More than all the powers gained by spiritual
disciplines and austerities, I relish the sweetness of devotion saturated
with love. I seek only that. A man who has no love in him is as barren as
a cloud with no moisture, a tree with no fruits, or a cow yielding no milk;
he is ever far from God and can never earn Grace. (RKRV Part II, p. 75)

Devotion is complete surrender. What God wants is the flower of your
heart that is filled with humility and devotion. Eight types of flowers can
be offered to God, viz, (1) Ahimsa (Non-violence), (2) Indriya Nigraha
(Control of senses), (3) Sarvabhootha Daya (Compassion towards all
beings), (4) Sathyam (Truth), (5) Dhyanam (Meditation), (6) Santhi
(Peace), (7) Vinaya (Humility), (8) Bhakti (Devotion) (SSS Vol.16)

Seek God in the depths of the heart. Digest all Decrees of the Scriptures-
put them into practice Stick on to the ideals firmly and Success in every
field is achieved.

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The Concept of the Avatar
The concept of Avatar is very much in Hindu Mythology. Bhagavan
recalled the Assurance given to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and declared,
The Lord had announced that He would come down for the restoration
of Dharma (righteousness) and that He would assume human Form so
that all might gather round Him and feel the thrill of His companionship
and conversation. And the Lord has come, as announced. (SSS Vol.1)

Prof N. Kasturi, Editor of Sanathana Sarathi says, Sai (Isa, God), whose
Thought is the Universe, whose Will is Its History, is the Author,
Director, Actor, Witness and Appraiser of the Drama that is ever
unfolding in Time and Space. He has now deigned to tell us Himself the
story of this one epic Act in that Drama, wherein He took on the Rama
role. As Rama, Sai instructed, inspired and invigorated, corrected,
consoled and comforted His contemporaries in the Tretha Age. As Sai
Rama, He is now engaged in the same task in the Kali Age. (RKRV Part
I)

Sage Narada extols Lord and His stories:
The stories of the Lord are amazing;
It purifies the lives of the people in all the three worlds.
It is like the sickle that cuts the creepers of worldly bondage;
It is like a good friend who helps you in times of need,
It is like a shelter for the sages and seers doing penance in the
forest. (Telugu poem) (SSS Vol.39)

The Concept of Avatar

39

Thus, In this modern age when men move about despising the nations
culture, tradition and customs, bidding good bye to her values, the good
are always the target of malice and envy, slander and abuse from the
wicked. (SSS Vol.12)

The Avatar comes as man in order to demonstrate that He is within reach
of man as the human mind cannot grasp the Absolute, Attribute less,
abstract Principle.

Likewise the Unique Sai Avatar manifestation has come on November
23, 1926, In Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, South India with, Love as
His instrument and nonviolence as His Message to correct the evil
minded through education and example.

Bhagavan Baba in His Divine Discourses dealt very elaborately on who
an Avatar is? What His characteristics and His Missions are? I am giving
below a few of Bhagawans quotes:

Avatar
The word Avatar means descent. It is not coming down from peak of
mountain or the top storey of a building. It is descent from state of the
Atma to the state of the body. It means the Divine coming down to the
level of the human. No blemish attaches to the Divine as a result of the
descent. There is no diminution in His Pursuance. (M-P, p. 253)

Every Avatar is an amazing phenomenon, but it is also amazing not to
recognize Him. In each Yuga the Divine has incarnated itself as an avatar
for some particular task. The incarnation is different in that it has to deal
with the crisis which is worldwide and world shaking. In the Krita Yuga
Avatars manifested for the preservation of the Vedic tradition, in the


40

Tretha Yuga for the protection of Dharma and in the Dwapara Yuga for
the promulgation of right of property. In the Krita Yuga the Vedas were
neglected; in the Tretha Yuga women were dishonoured while in the
Dwapara Yuga there was injustice for property. In the Kali Yuga all the
three are in dire peril Vedas are even ridiculed; women are tempted into
unwomanly lives and property itself is condemned as theft. Man has no
purity in the heart, no sanctity in his emotions and no love in his deeds
and no God in his prayers. So the Avatar of the Kali Yuga has a three
fold task and Bhagavan Baba has taken upon Himself the triple task.

The Avatar will not be affected in the least by these trivial tactics. It is
Love itself; so, it is always Bliss, always happy in song and dance. (SSS
Vol.9, p. 113)

What is the difference between man and Avatar? Man experiences the 15
factors, but he is not their master. They go their own ways. As control
starts to be gained, man comes closer to the l6th, the all-knowing
Paramatma. The five working organs have to do with talking, taking,
walking, rejecting (excretion) and eating. The five sense organs are the
hearing, touch, sight, taste, smell. The five elements are earth, water, fire,
air, space and the l6th factor is the all-knowing Paramatma.

Buddha, Christ, Mohammed and others were not Avatars. They had some
divine power. Only in India are Avatars born, because only in India are
the Sastras understood. And only in India do the sages constantly
experiment and practise. It is like in a gold mine. Where gold is found,
there gather geologists, engineers and experienced miners. The gold is
mined there, and then it is taken all over the world. (CWBSSB, p. 153)


41

The Avatar, or Form Incarnate, is only the concretisation of the yearning
of the seekers. It is the solidified sweetness of the devotion of godly
aspirants. The formless assumes the Form for the sake of these aspirants
and seekers. (Bhag Vahini, p. 2)

Among these, the incarnations, Rama and Krishna are most meaningful
to mankind, since man can grasp their example, follow their solutions to
problems, and derive Ananda through the contemplation of their
excellences and teachings. (Bhag Vahini, p. 267)

It was declared that Rama was born of the payasam which was brought
by the deity from out of the sacrificial fire. No Avatar is born flesh and
blood, including this Avatar. The body of the Avatar is chit
(awarenessful) substance; it is not jada (inert) like other materials. The
embryo of ordinary mortals is jalodhakashaayi (enveloped in watery
stuff ; the embryo of the Avatar is encased in Ksheerodakashaayi (the
pure white milk of holiness). That is why in the make-up of the Avatar,
there is no blemish, there is no trace of Guna. (SSS Vol.3)

Baba also explained the mystery of Avatar hood in a simple way when he
said on His Birthday Festival, 1971: "Every one of you is an Avatar. You
are the Divine, encased like Me in human flesh and bone! Only you are
unaware of it! You have come into this prison of incarnation through the
errors of many lives. But I have put on this mortal body out of My own
free Will. You are bound to the body with the ropes of the three Gunas, I
am free, untouched by them, for the Gunas are but My playthings. I am
not bound by them, I use them to bind you. You are moved this way and
that by desire. I have no desire except the one to make you desireless."
(SSSm Vol.3, p. 309)


42

The avatar behaves in a human way so that mankind can feel kinship,
but, rises to superhuman heights so that mankind can aspire to those
heights. The nara thathwa (real nature of man) can be transformed into
the Naaraayana thathwa (real nature of God), for both are basically the
same. Only, you have to switch on to the particular wave-length. Know
it, adjust correctly and the all-pervading will be grasped clearly with no
distortion. (SSS Vol.3)

An Avatar is capable of all things at all times, yet the Avatar will not
undertake to demonstrate his powers at all times. An Avatar will
undertake to demonstrate such powers when exceptional circumstances
demand it, and will shed the grace on a deserving person only.

Although such Avatars were present in our country for thousands of
years, and although our people were exposed to such Avatars, they have
not fully understood all the aspects of such an Avatar.

We should examine the reason why the formless Lord takes the form of a
human being and comes into the midst of humans. This formless being
comes in the form of a human being so that he may mix with the human
beings and set up examples and ideals for human beings and convey to
them all aspects which they should learn. Many people ask very
innocently and ignorantly why an Avatar, who possesses all powers,
should subject itself to all troubles; and why it should tolerate hunger and
suffering all around. An Avatar who has all the powers should be able to
remove all such suffering in one moment. If there is any meaning in such
a question, why should an Avatar come in human form at all? The Avatar
can remain as a formless divinity and do all these things from that
position itself. In time, and under certain conditions and environment,


43

whatever has to be done must be done and such acts, at a human level,
have to be performed.

Certain things are essential for remedial action and without doing those
things, to expect an Avatar to simply remove all suffering is a very
foolish thing. First of all, you should make an attempt to make good use
of the mental and physical strengths that have been given to you. When
you are so lazy as not to use the mental and physical strengths that have
been given to you, what are you going to do with divine strengths?
Suppose that you have been given food and drink by the divine grace and
strength of the Lord. Because God has given you enough food on your
plate, for you to think that God has also to help you in transferring this
food to your stomach is a very lazy idea. For taking the food to your
stomach, God has given you hands, a palate, and a mouth. You should
make good use of them. If you are not able to use the organs that have
been given to you, and if you are not able to use the mind and mental
strength that have been given to you, it is better to die than to live in that
condition. That we may learn to make good use of our mental and
physical strengths and other organs, God comes in human form to
demonstrate how these may be used.

The essential quality of an Avatar is to teach you how to make good and
proper use of your thought, word, and deed. Depending on the conditions
in the country and the environment in the country, the Avatar comes to
teach you and show you the right use of all your organs. (SSB 1976, pp.
113-115)

The Universal Absolute Birthless, Formless, Unmanifest and Infinite,
takes on the limitations of name and form on its own initiative and


44

concretises itself on many occasions as Incarnations, Avatars,
manifesting countless instances of Divine intercession and grace...

God incarnates, not merely for the destruction of the wicked. That is just
an excuse, one of the obvious reasons. Really speaking, God incarnates
for the sake of Bhaktas (faithful devotees). The cow has milk primarily as
sustenance for its calf. But it is used by man for maintaining his health
and efficiency. So too, God incarnates, primarily for the sustenance of
the faithful, the devoted, the virtuous and the good. God has no bondage
to time and space. For Him, all beings are the same. He is the master of
the living and the non-living. At the conclusion of every aeon the process
of involution is completed in the Deluge. Then, evolution starts again and
as Brahma, He creates beings again. He enlightens everyone with a spark
of his own Glory and fosters on the path of fulfilment every one of them,
as Vishnu. He is He again, who as Siva, concludes the process by the
destruction of all. Thus, you can see that there is no limit to His might, no
end to His potency. There can be no boundaries of His achievements. He
incarnates in countless ways. He comes as an Incarnation of a Kala
(fragment) of His, or an Amsa (part) of His. He comes as an Inner
inspirer for some definite Purpose. He comes to close an epoch and
inaugurate another (Yugavatar). (Bhag Vahini, pp. 220-221)

The Avatar appears as any other human being, equipped with body,
senses, mind, etc. But, consider the vast difference in thoughts, feelings,
emotions, etc. The Avatar is the total, the all-comprehensive, the Poorna
(Full). The human is partial, narrow, negative. But, in the human, the
Divine exists as the core and can manifest as Bliss. This is the reason
why God assumes the Avatar form and decides to award mankind the
power to discriminate between right and wrong, between truth and
falsehood. The Avatar does it through precept and example. (SSS Vol.15)


45

Previous Avatars like Rama and Krishna had to destroy a few individuals
who could be identified as enemies of the godly way of life and thus
restore the dharmic path. Today, however, wickedness has tainted so
many that humanity itself stands under threat of destruction. Therefore,
in my present avatar, I have came armed with the fullness of power of
formless, God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put
people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to
divinity. (S&M, p. 236)

The evil must and shall be removed before such a catastrophe
(destructive war) takes place. There will be minor wars and skirmishes,
of course; these cannot be helped in the existing state of affairs. The
Mahabharata war was a different issue altogether. Lord Krishna decreed
it and, in fact, led Arjuna to the battlefield in order to rid the world of evil
men and ungodly forces.

Today, as I told you, the evil is so widespread that humanity itself would
be destroyed in a nuclear holocaust in the event of a world war. It is to
prevent such a catastrophe that this Avatar has come to raise human
consciousness above the existing syndrome of anger, hate, violence and
war and save the world from disaster. This can be achieved only by the
reestablishment of the brotherhood of mankind through the Vedas,
Shastras and all religions with their evangel of dharma to liberate the
human race from the chains of karma (the cycle of birth and death).
(S&M, p. 239)

Every Avatar has six types of powers: all-encompassing Prosperity,
Righteousness, Fame, Wealth, Wisdom and Renunciation (or non-
attachment). God is the possessor of those six attributes. Sri Rama had all


46

these six attributes in equal measure. Every Avatar of God in every age
and every place has these six attributes. (SS May 89 -p. 122)

Avatars seldom give advice directly. Whatever they wish to
communicate, they convey more often by way of indirect suggestions and
only rarely by direct method of instruction. The reason for this is there is
divinity inherent in every human being, which he can manifest
spontaneously if favourable conditions are provided, just as a viable seed
will germinate and grow into a tree because of its inherent nature, if only
suitable facilities are provided for the manifestation of its potentiality.
Man should be enabled to correct himself by his own efforts, by merely
giving timely suggestions, rather than by stultifying his freedom and
dignity through directives imposed from without. In short, the best
maxim for helping people either in worldly matter or in the spiritual field
is: Help them to help themselves or Self-help is the best help. (ICS ,
pp. 95-96)

God is not a separate entity. Man is the image of God. "Daivam
maanusha rupena," (God appears in human form) declare the scriptures.
God has no separate form.. It is to show to humanity how human lives
can be divinised that Avatars come from time to time.

I have often declared that God does not come down as Avatar to relieve
individuals of their troubles and sorrow and to confer joy and happiness
on them. Difficulties, troubles and worries come in the natural course as
a consequence of past actions. The Gita says: "Karmaanubandheeni
manushya loke" (Human beings are bound by Karma in the world). As
human birth is the result of Karma, there can be no escape from the
consequences of Karma. As is your action, so is the reaction to it. When
you stand before a mirror and offer salutation before the mirror, the


47

salutation is reflected by the image. If you address harsh words to the
mirror, the harshness is reflected by the image in the same manner. It will
be evident from this example that the fruits of our actions are determined
by the nature of those actions.

Bharatiyas have held fast to three beliefs: The law of Karma, the concept
of Avatars, and the doctrine of rebirth. The law of Karma means that
there is no escape from the consequences of your actions. The Karma
doctrine lays down that one has to experience the results of his actions.

The concept of Avatar implies faith in God and in the divinity inherent in
man. Man does not merely mean the human form. Man is distinguished
from other animals and creatures by his capacity to judge what is
permanent and what is transient, and his ability to recognise the past, the
present and the future. Man alone has the capacity to comprehend this
threefold nature of time. Man can ruminate over the past and speculate
about the future. He can experience the present. However, man should
not worry about what is past. The present is the product of the past. What
has happened is beyond recall. It is futile to worry about the future
because it is uncertain. Concern yourself only with the present. By
"present" we may be thinking only of this moment. But this is not the
present as Divinity sees it. For the Divine, "present" is what is
"omnipresent." (SSS Vol.21)

Why fear when I am here? Come unto me all ye who suffer. Baba
assures us if we take one step towards Him, He takes ten towards us.


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The purpose of Avatar
When the Divine comes down as Avatar--whether it be as Rama or as
Krishna, Matsya (fish), Varaha (boar) or Vamana (dwarf)--it is only for
one purpose. You recognise only the momentary results of the advent.
But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach
mankind the truth about love. "Oh man, it is because you lack love and
are filled with selfishness that the world is plunging in so much conflict
and chaos. It is only when you develop love and the spirit of sacrifice that
you will realise the divinity that is in the human." The man who has no
spirit of thyaga (sacrifice) will be a prey to all ills. A man without love is
a living corpse. It is love and sacrifice which make man divine.

Love alone is the fruit of love. Love is its own witness. There is no trace
of self-interest in it. Because love exists, for its own sake, it has no fear.
It is to teach humanity the way of love that Avatars come in the world.
The world displays the diversity that has emanated from the One. The
Divine demonstrates the unity that subsumes the diversity. Recognition
of this "Unity in Diversity" can be learnt only from the Divine. The
Divine comes as Avatar to proclaim the pure, unsullied and disinterested
love of devotees towards God. People may consider that the Avatar's
activities include punishment of the wicked, protection of the good,
weeding out of unrighteousness and restoration of righteousness. This is
how they may look at the Avatar's doings. But that is not the way the
Lord sees things. There is nothing bad in God's view. Hence there should
be no hatred or ill-will towards any being. It is only when you love all,
that you can be said to love God. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 200-201)

Now, the Rakshasa nature is universal and hence this Avatar has to bring
a revolution in human character, attitude and behaviour and people have
to be taught certain disciplines. (SGM, p. 395)


49

Birds, beasts and trees have not deviated from their Nature; they are still
holding it valid. Man alone has disfigured it, in his crude attempt to
improve upon it. So, the Avatar has to come as man among men, and
move as friend, well-wisher, kinsman, guide, teacher, healer and
participant among men. He has come to restore Dharma, and so when
man follows Dharma, He is pleased and content. Act so that your career
as a man is not degraded, desecrated. With hands on chest, assert, "I am
man; I am human; I am saturated with shining humanity, humanness."
God does not draw you near or keep you far, you near Him or keep away
from Him. God has no likes or dislikes. You live according to the highest
demands of your nature and you are near Him. (SSS Vol. 10)

Every Avatar is searching for a true devotee. Rama was not
regarded as God. Would they have sent Him to forest, as God? He was
looked upon a king. He acted so. Only a very few sages knew His
Divinity. Krishna also was a king. As God, would He have been put to
work as the driver of a chariot? But still there was the body view of
comrade, friend, and relative. Only after Krishna left the body did Arjuna
realize that Krishna was God. Even in their status as kings, only the
residents of their respective cities gave Rama and Krishna homage and
worship. The Sai Avatar is the only such where his Divinity is known to
all peoples of all religions. Never has there been that before. With
Krishna, only the Gopis were aware of him as God but they were Rishis.
(Hislop J. S., p. 212)

This is precisely what I am doing by incarnating the indwelling God in
man to overcome such calamities like earth quakes, floods, draughts,
famine, and epidemics. There are two ways in which an Avatar can help
people: an instant solution as against a long term one.


50

Any instant solution would go against the fundamental quality of nature
itself as well as the Karmic law of cause and effect. Most people live in
the material world of their desires and egos, which is governed by this
law. They reap the fruits of their actions. This brings about their
evolution or devolution. If the Avatar intervenes to instantly solve their
problems, it would stop all action, development, even evolution. This
solution can be ruled out because it totally negates the natural laws.

The other and more effective alternative presents a long- term solution
whereby the Avatar leads the people themselves to a higher level of
consciousness to enable them to understand the truth of spiritual laws so
that they may turn towards righteousness and steadfastly work for better
conditions. This will relate them back to Nature and the Karmic law of
causation. They would then transcend the cycle of cause and effect, in
which to day they are involved as victims, and thereby command and
control the natural forces to be able to avert the calamities.

They would become shareholders of my Sankalpa Shakti (divine power,
universal energy). I have to work through them, rouse the indwelling God
in them, and evolve them to a higher Reality in order to enable them to
master the natural laws and forces. If I cure everything instantly leaving
the people at their present level of consciousness, they would soon mess
up things and be at one anothers throats again, with the result that the
same chaotic situation would develop in the world.

Suffering and misery are the inescapable acts of the cosmic drama. God
does not decree these calamities, but man invites them by way of
retribution for his own evil ends. This is corrective punishment which
induces mankind to give up the wrong path and return to the right path so
that he may experience the God-like condition of Sat-Chit-Ananda-that


51

is, an existence of Wisdom and Bliss. All this is part of the grand
synthesis in which the negatives serve to glorify the positives. Thus death
glorifies immortality, ignorance glorifies wisdom, misery glorifies bliss,
night glorifies dawn.

So, finally if the Avatar brings the calamities to an immediate end, which
I can and do, when there is a great need, the whole drama of creation
with its Karmic (universal inescapable duty) law will collapse.
Remember these calamities occur not because of what God has made of
man but really because of what man has made of man. Therefore, man
has to be UNMADE and REMADE with his ego destroyed and replaced
by a transcendent consciousness, so that he may rise above the Karmic to
command. (Hislop J. S., pp. 95-96)

Avatars are of two kinds: One, Amsaavatar; two, Purnaavatar. All
human beings are Amsaavatar (partial incarnation of the Divine).
"Mamaivaamso jeevaloke jeevabhutah-sanaatanah" (A part of My
eternal soul Self has become the Jiva--individual soul--in the world of
living beings), says Krishna in the Gita. These partial incarnations,
caught up in Maya, develop egoism and possessiveness and lead worldly
lives. The Purnaavatars, however, subduing and transcending Maya,
manifest their full divinity to the world in their lives. The Purnaavatar
may behave, according to the circumstances, as if He were subject to
Maya, but in fact He is free from Maya at all times.

The Lord manifests in different Avatars
In the Rama Avatar, for instance, Rama conducted himself as if he was
subject to Maya, but upheld Dharma for promoting the welfare of the
world. The Krishna Avatar was different. Keeping Maya under control,
He manifested His leelas (miraculous deeds). This was why Vyasa, in his


52

Bhagavatha, characterised Krishna as "Leelaamaanusha Vigrahah" (The
Divine manifesting as man for performing His Leelas). The Bhagavatha
has described in detail the leelas of Krishna and proclaimed His glory to
the world.

In the Krishna Avatar, Krishna not only performed many marvellous
deeds, but also taught the Supreme Wisdom to the world. He was one
who had transcended the gunas, but, for the sake of regeneration of the
world, behaved as if He was influenced by the gunas, and delighted the
world by His deeds. Whatever Krishna did was for the welfare of the
world. Krishna did everything, whatever He spoke or whatever action He
did, for the good and well-being of the world. But some people, not
understanding this truth owing to their own limitations, attributed wrong
motives for some of Krishna's actions. In this they reflected their own
feelings. (SSS Vol.23)

The Avatar Purushas have no merit or demerit accumulated in former
births, which like ordinary mortals, they have to pay off in this birth.
Theirs is a Leela (divine play), a birth taken on. The goodness of the
good and the wickedness of the bad provide the reasons for the Avatar of
the Lord. For example, take the Avatar of Narasimha. The merit of
Prahlada and the wickedness of Hiranyakasipu combined to cause it. As a
result of the coming of the Lord, the good will be happy and the bad will
suffer. The Avatar, however, has no joy or grief, even when it is
enveloped in the body it has assumed. The Avatar is not constituted of
the five elements; it is Chinmaya not Mrinmaya, spiritual not material. It
can never be disturbed by egoism or the sense of mine and thine. It is
untouched by the delusion born of ignorance. Though men may mistake
an Avatar as just human, that does not affect the nature of the


53

embodiment. It has come for a task and it is bound to accomplish it (GV,
p. 75)

Every Avatar is an amazing phenomenon, but it is also amazing not to
recognize Him. (ACPMSB, p. 2)

When the Lord (Narayana) incarnates in human He cannot avoid abiding
by the regulations set by him. You should not forget that even if the Lord
is the Director of the Cosmic drama, in his human form he is playing a
specific role. If He does not act according to the role assumed by Him,
either overdoes or underplays the role, departing from what is
appropriate, He will be failing in His purpose. When the Divine assumes
human form, He has to serve as an example by ideal actions.

Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu, impelled by their hatred, embarked on
many enquiries in search of Narayana. They felt after their probe that
Narayana was not in any of the five elements. But the tide of time and
circumstances led to situations in which they faced the Lord in His most
dreadful from and met with their end.

God (or Avatar) knows everything but pretends to know nothing,
whereas man knows nothing but pretends to know everything. (Uniq, p.
42)

To elevate man to the level of His Consciousness, He (God) has to
incarnate as man. He has to speak to them in their own styles and
languages. He has to teach them the methods that they can adopt and
practise. Birds and beasts need no Divine incarnation to guide them, for
they have no inclination to stray away from their Dharma. Man alone
forgets or ignores the goal of life.


54

The word Avatar means descent. It is not coming down from the peak
of a mountain or the top storey of a building. It is a descent from the
state of the Atma to the state of the body.

The descent of the Avatar means the Divine coming down to the level of
the human. No blemish attaches to the Divine as a result of the descent.
There is no diminution in His puissance. Here is the example of a child
playing on the ground. If the mother feels it is beneath her dignity to bend
and call upon the child to leap into her arms, the child cannot do so.
But out of love for her child, the mother stoops and picks up the baby.
By bending down to take the child, does the mother bow to the child?
Likewise, the Avatar descends to the level of the human to bless and
rescue those who cannot rise to the level of the Divine. The ignorant
assumes that because the Divine has descended with human form, God
has lowered Himself to the human level. This is a case of bending and not
kneeling down. It is an act of benediction and not submission. (ML, p.
253)

Section 2: The Triple Incarnation

56

The Triple Incarnation -
Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and
Prema Sai
You must grasp the complete Oneness of the three incarnations (Shirdi
Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Baba and Prema Sai Baba) of contemporary times
with those of the past like Rama and Krishna. This is a difficult task.
When people cannot understand the present, how can they comprehend
the past? Every incarnation is full and complete in relation to the time,
the environment and the task. There is no distinction between the various
appearances of God as Rama, Krishna or Sai. Rama came to feed the
roots of truth and righteousness, Krishna followed to foster the plant of
peace and love. Now these sacred principles are in danger of wholesale
destruction by reason of human weakness under the onslaught of evil
forces. They are overcoming the good, the spiritual and the divine in
man. That is why the present Avatar has come invested with the totality
of cosmic power to save dharma (righteousness) from anti-dharma.
(S&M, pp. 235-236)

On 6th July 1963 (Guru Purnima Day), Sathya Sai Baba declared: I
have been keeping back from you all these years one secret about Me; the
time has come when I can reveal it to you. It is a sacred day. I am Siva-
Shakti, born in the gotra of Bharadwaja, according to a boon won by that

The Triple Incarnation Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai

57

sage from Siva. And Siva himself was born in the gotra of that great sage
as Sai Baba of Shirdi; Siva and Shakti have incarnated as My-self in his
gotra now; Shakthi alone will incarnate as third Sai in the same gotra in
Mysore State (now Karnataka State). (Uniq, pp. 25-26)

Swami also prophesied that third Sai Baba, is reincarnation, would be
known as Prema Sai Baba who will be born in Gunaparthi Village in
Mandya District of Karnataka State, after His death at the age of 96 years
i.e., in 2022A.D. (Uniq, p. 26)

Triple Avatars
In My previous Avatar, Shirdi Baba, laid the base for a secular
integration and gave mankind the message of Duty is God (Christs
Messenger stage-the Karma Kanda of the Vedas). The Mission of the
present Avatar is to make everyone realize that since the same God or
Divinity resides in everyone, people should respect, love and help each
other irrespective of caste, colour or creed. Thus every work can become
as act of worship (Christs Son of God stage-the Upasana Kanda of the
Vedas).

Finally, Prema Sai -the third Avatar-shall promote the Message that not
only does God reside in everyone, but everyone himself is God. That will
be the Final Wisdom which will enable every man and woman to rise to
God (Christs I and My Father are One stage-the Jnana Kanda of the
Vedas).

Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai are not separate. I have already
mentioned the complete oneness of the three in the final objective of the
mission.


58

The Purpose of this Triple Incarnation is to unite all mankind into One
Family, the establishment of the Divinity- the Atmic Reality-in every
man or woman, which is the basis on which the entire Cosmic Design
rests. Once this is realized, the common Divine Heritage that binds man
to man and man to God will become apparent. And Love shall prevail as
the Guiding Light of the Universe. (TSF, pp. 180-181)

The Avatar comes as man to demonstrate that He is within reach of man
as the human mind cannot grasp the Absolute, Abstract Principle.
Likewise the Unique Sai Avatars Manifestation has taken place.

Shirdi Sai - September 28, 1835 to 1918
Sathya Sai - November 23, 1926 to 2011
It is for comprehending the formless Absolute that Divine comes with a
form; Sathya Sai Baba revealed in His Divine Discourse in 1991
September 28 :

Advent of Sathya Sai after Shirdi Sai
When he was asked, in what form the next advent would take place,
Shirdi Baba told Abdul Baba alone: I will give darshan in the name of
Sathya for upholding Truth." That is the present advent. (SSS Vol.23),
28-9-1990.

The Samadhi (death) occurred on Vijayadasami day in 1918. September
28, 1835 was his date of birth. On Vijayadasami day, he gave up his
body. Although this year Vijayadasami falls on September 29, in this
year of Babas Samadhi the date was different. The first advent of Sai
was in Maharashtra. The second advent will be in Madras. Baba said It
should be noted that when this form (Sathya Sai) made its advent,
Andhra Pradesh was part of Madras Presidency.

The Triple Incarnation Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai

59

When the Divine comes down as Avatar whether it be as Rama or
Krishna, Matsya (fish), Varaha (Boar) or Vamana it is only for one
purpose, you recognise only the momentary results of the advent. But
you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach mankind
the truth about love. A man without love is a living corpse. It is love and
sacrifice which make man Divine.

The two bodies are different, but the Divinity is one. The first advent was
for revealing Divinity. The second advent is to awaken the Divinity (in
human beings). The next advent is for propagating Divinity. The three
Sais are' Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai. The reason for relating all
this is that today happens to be the birthday of Shirdi Baba (September
28, 1835). Baba attained Samadhi in 1918. Bodies are transient. These
vestures are assumed only for the sake of devotees. Unless the Divine
comes with a form, no one can develop faith in the Formless. The Divine
in human form is the preparation for comprehending the Formless
Absolute. (SSS Vol.23)

60

Shirdi Sai Baba
Shirdi Sai Advent: The Mystery
On account of the passage of time and circumstances, no one knew the
exact dates of Baba's birth and passing. In this context, the mystery
relating to Baba's birth should be noted. One devotee wrote a poem
(Sanskrit) in which he offered his "salutations to the One born in Pathri,
who lived in Dwarakamayi and who was the protector of devotees."

When Gangabhavadya and Devagiriamma were living in Pathri village,
they were worshipers of Iswara and Parvathi. They had no offspring for a
long time. They intensified their prayers. Gangabhavadya used to ply
boats near the village for a living. One night, when it was raining heavily,
Gangabhavadya left his house to take care of the boats, telling his wife
that he would not be returning in the night. After the husband had left,
having an early meal, Devagiriamma took her food and went to bed. At 9
p.m. there was a knock at the door. Devagiriamma opened the door,
expecting the likely return of her husband. A very old man entered the
house. He pleaded: "It is very cold outside. Please permit me, mother, to
stay inside." As a pious woman, she allowed him to stay in the inside
verandah and went in after bolting the inner door.

A little while later, there was a knock on the inner door. She opened the
door. The old man said: "I am feeling hungry; give me some food."
Finding that there was no food, the woman mixed some flour with curds
and gave it to him. There was again another knock after some time.

Shirdi Sai Baba

61

When she opened the door, the old man said: "My legs are aching.
Mother, will you massage them?"

Devagiriamma went inside, Shirdi at in the prayer room and prayed: "Oh
Mother! Why are you testing me like this? What should I do? Should I
serve him or refuse?" Going out of the house by the back door she went
in search of someone who could be engaged to render this service. No
one was available. Again there was a knock by the old man. At the same
time a woman knocked at the back door. She said: "It appears you came
to my house and sought some feminine help. I was away at the time.
Please let me know what service I should render."

Feeling happy that Goddess Parvathi herself had sent the woman in
response to her prayers, Devagiriamma sent the newcomer to the
verandah for serving the old man and closed the door. The old man and
the new woman were none other than Parameswara and Parvathi the
divine couple. Parameswara told Parvathi: "Fulfil the cherished desires of
this lady." Parvathi told Easwara: "You are the Supreme. Please shower
your grace on her Yourself." Easwara said: "I came to test her. You came
in answer to her prayers. Hence you must bless her." There was a knock
on the door again. This time Devagiriamma promptly opened the door,
because of the presence of another woman there. Parvathi and
Parameswara appeared before her in their divine form. Unable to contain
her joy, Devagiriamma fell at their feet. Parvathi then blessed her: "I
grant you a son to maintain the lineage and a daughter for Kanyakadana
(a girl to be offered in marriage)." Then she fell at the feet of Easwara.
Easwara said: "I am immensely pleased with your devotion. I shall take
birth as your third child." When Devagiriamma got up, the Divine couple
were not there. Feeling ecstatic over this experience, Devagiriamma was


62

eagerly expecting the return of her husband in the morning to relate to
him the whole story.

The husband returned in the morning. Eagerly awaiting his arrival she
related to him all that had happened the previous night. The husband
said: "Devagiri! What is all this fanciful tale! It is all a dream. Parvathi
and Parameswara appearing before you and giving darshan! It is pure
fantasy!" Gangabhavadya dismissed the whole episode as incredible and
fanciful.

But, as the years passed, Devagiriamma became enceinte and a son was
born. A year later a daughter was born. Gangabhavadya was convinced
that the birth of the two children was the result of the blessing conferred
by Parvathi and Parameswara. He told his wife: "You had the good
fortune (to be blessed by the Divine couple). I did not have that luck."
When Devagiriamma conceived again, Gangabhavadya began to feel an
urge to give up hearth and home and go in search of the Divine couple.
He announced to his wife that he was leaving for the forest to do
penance. The devoted wife that she was, Devagiriramma decided to
follow him, though she was in the ninth month of her pregnancy. After
proceeding some distance, she developed labour pains. She delivered a
boy. Wrapping the babe in a piece of cloth, she left the child by the
roadside and followed her husband.

Because of these circumstances, no one knew who the parents of the
child were. The Fakir who found the child brought him home and took
care of him. Baba's life-story is known only from the time of his arrival
in Shirdi. (SSS Vol.23), 28-9-1990.

Shirdi Sai Baba

63

Story of Shirdi Sai Baba
Advent of Pathri, birth place of Sai Baba
In the former Nizam's dominions, there was a remote village called
Pathri. In that village there were a couple named Gangabhavadya and
Devagiriamma. They were grieving over the lack of children. In answer
to their prayers, a son was born on September 28, 1835. That child was
Sai Baba.

I would relate an episode from the boyhood years of Shirdi Baba.

Shirdi Baba and Venkuusa
When Shirdi Baba was about ten years of age, Patel took him to
Venkuusa. Patel had a dream in which he was told: "Patel! You are not
likely to live long. The boy whom you have brought up so far cannot be
looked after by anyone. There is a person called Venkuusa in a certain
place. You take the boy to him and leave him in his care."

Venkuusa was giving spiritual lessons to a number of boys. When the
young lad was being brought to him, Venkuusa had a premonition of his
coming. He called the lad: "Aaoji! Aaoji (Come, Come). I have been
waiting for you all these years." He spoke lovingly to the boy and asked
him to go in and have his food.

From then onwards, Venkuusa developed great affection for the boy.
Seeing this, the other students felt envious and started talking about him
among themselves. "How is it that the teacher is showing so much love
for the new boy? We have been here for years. He has not shown us such
Love." This was the way some of them spoke. Some others said: "He is
lucky to have such love." Some others remarked, "perhaps our teacher
expects some money from Patel, who is a wealthy man."


64

Plan to kill Baba
The attachment between Venkuusa and the young Baba grew steadily
from day to day. One day both of them were going to a forest called
Sikhaara. After they had gone, the other boys drew up a plan to do away
with the young Baba. "Then Venkuusa will have greater liking for us,"
they thought. They went to the forest and took rest behind a hut. One of
the bigger boys, according to the plan they had already made, took a big
brick and hurled it towards Baba. Venkuusa had great love for Baba.
Immediately on noticing the brick, Venkuusa stood in front of Baba and
let the brick hit him. What was aimed at Baba struck Venkuusa. Blood
was streaming from Venkuusa's head.

Baba immediately tore a piece of cloth from his robe and bandaged
Venkuusa's bleeding head. When Baba and Venkuusa were speaking
about the wound caused to Venkuusa, some of the boys came rushing
towards them bringing a dead body. That was the body of the boy who
wanted to kill Baba. "Biter bit," says the proverb. (If you intend to harm
others, you will be harming yourself).

The boys cried: "Guruji! Forgive us" and fell at his feet. Venkuusa told
them: "Children! I have grown old. This young lad is carrying on all the
work I was doing. Love alone can protect you. When there is no love no
one can save you." On hearing these words, the boys. fell at the feet of
Baba and placed the dead body before him. Baba burst into laughter.
Why did he laugh? Not because he felt that the boy who intended to kill
him was dead. He knew that death could come at any time, in any place
and in any situation. Even at the young age Baba had realised this truth
relating to the body. Baba transcended time. Age did not matter to him.
He was the Cosmic Person.

Shirdi Sai Baba

65

He told the boys: "Today this boy has died. Your turn may come
tomorrow. No one is immortal." The boys cried: "How can we explain
this calamity to the parents?" Baba told them: "Tell the parents what
actually happened." The boys realised that if they told the truth they
would be put to shame. If they told what did not happen, they would be
uttering falsehood. Recognising their dilemma, Baba asked them: "What
is it you want now? "Please restore the life of this boy." Immediately
Baba placed the head of the dead boy on his lap and passed his hand over
it. The boy revived. This was Shirdi Baba's first miracle. (SSS Vol.29)

Early years of the child
There was in the same village a Sufifakir. As he was also childless, he
took charge of this child and brought him up in his home. The boy stayed
in the Fakir's home for four years (1835 to
1839). The Fakir passed away in the tide of time. The Fakir's wife, who
had lavished great affection on the child, was grief-stricken. To add to
her worries, the boy was behaving in a troublesome manner. In those
days, Hindu-Muslim differences in that area were growing alarmingly.
There was considerable bitterness between members of the two
communities.

What the boy used to do was to visit a Hindu temple and sing songs in
praise of Allah. "Mein Allah hoo!" ("I am God"). "Allah Malik hai!"
("Allah is the Supreme Lord"). He used to declaim in this manner in the
temple. The Hindus used to chastise the boy in various ways for his
misbehaviour. Nor was that all. He would enter a mosque and declare:
"Rama is God", "Siva is Allah." His behaviour in singing about Allah in
a Hindu temple and about Rama and Siva in a mosque was a puzzle to
the public. Members belonging to both the communities went to the
Fakir's wife and complained about the boy's behaviour. Unable to deal


66

with this situation the Fakir's wife handed over the boy to a high-souled,
pious scholar named Venkusa, who was living near her house. The boy
stayed in Venkusa's ashram for 12 years from 1839 to 1851. Venkusa
was extremely fond of the boy. In every matter, he used to give priority
to the young Baba's views. Seeing this, in course of time, members of the
ashram developed envy towards the boy.

Arrival of Baba at Shirdi
One night in 1851, the boy left the ashram. He reached Shirdi, a very
small village at the time. He stayed there for barely two months and then
went about wandering from place to place. After strolling for many years,
he reached a place called Dhoop-kheda. When he was residing there, the
marriage of Chandu Patel's brother's son was celebrated there. Baba
joined the marriage party and reached Shirdi again. That was in the year
1858. From that day, till 1918, he did not move out of Shirdi. He
remained there for 60 years.

While at Shirdi, Baba used to converse with those coming to him, give
advice to them regarding their problems and offer courage and solace to
them with regard to their troubles. In this manner, Baba's activities came
to be known all over the country. At that time there was in the
Maharashtra area, a Deputy Collector and Settlement Officer by name
H.V. Sathe (Hari Vinayak Sathe). He was grief-stricken over the passing
of his wife. Prof. G.G. Narke, a friend of Sathe, came to his house and
advised Sathe that there was no purpose in grieving over his loss and that
it was advisable for him to have a change of place to get over his sorrow.
He suggested that it was good to have the darshan of some saint and
persuaded him to come to Shirdi.

Shirdi Sai Baba

67

Sathe was quite an extraordinary person. On reaching Shirdi, he and
Narke had darshan of Baba. On several occasions, looking at Sathe,
Baba used to laugh, sing and make strange gestures. Doubts arose in
Sathe's mind whether Baba was real sage or an eccentric person. No one
mentioned anything about Sathe to Baba. Sathe and Narke merely went
to see Baba and sat in his presence. Baba told Sathe: "Don't worry about
anything. Bodies are like water bubbles. Don't develop any attachment to
the body. Develop your attachment to the Dehi (In-dwelling Spirit).
Worries are passing clouds. Have courage. Protect your child." The last
remark had reference to the fact that Sathe's wife had died after giving
birth to a child. Even Narke had not heard about the survival of this child.
On hearing Baba's words Sathe realised that Baba was not a crazy person
but one who was a Trikala jnani (who knew the past, the present and the
future). Sathe, who had intended to stay for a short while just to have
darshan of Baba, prolonged his stay by two more days.

Making frequent visits to Shirdi, Sathe was the first to realise that there
were no proper amenities at Shirdi for those coming to Baba. The place
where he provided residential accommodation for visitors is "Sathe
Wada." Sathe was the first to set up apartments at Shirdi.

Building at Shirdi
While serving in this manner, Sathe went again to Shirdi after he began
to feel whether there was any purpose in his continuing to earn income
and accumulate wealth. On seeing, Sathe, Baba smilingly said: "You
appear to be losing interest in your job. You are wondering how to
dispose of the wealth you have acquired. Why give it to anyone? Use it
for a good cause. Build a 'Koti' in Shirdi." Sathe told Baba: "Swami! I am
not a millionaire. How can I build a mansion here?" Baba replied: "Go on
doing as much as you can. Why fear when I am here?" Baba encouraged


68

Sathe in this manner. In due course, Sathe's maternal uncle, Kelkar,
settled down in Shirdi. Sathe used to send funds from Poona and his
uncle used to carry on the constructions in Shirdi.

In this way, Baba used Sathe as his instrument. He regarded Sathe as his
right hand in regard to all matters. Because Baba was keeping Sathe close
to him and relying on him for everything, the residents of Shirdi grew
jealous towards him.
"Many are content to do nothing themselves, but they cannot bear
seeing others do things and will carry tales against them." (A
Telugu poem).
Several persons used to come to Baba and tell stories against Sathe. What
is the appropriate name for such tale-bearers? They should be called
"enemies of beggars" (namely, barking dogs).

A judge for a judge
At Shirdi, Baba used to do two notable things. One was to receive money
from whoever came to him. He used to ask for Dakshina (cash offering).
He did not ask for large sums. It was two rupees or five rupees. He would
receive the money and give it away immediately in their presence. He
kept nothing with himself.

One day a man by name Pradhan came to Baba. He had intended to offer
twenty rupees to Baba. In those days, there were no currency notes.
Everything was in silver coins; not like the alloy coins of today. In those
days every rupee contained one full tola of silver. Pradhan thought that
instead of offering so many silver coins, it would be better to offer one
gold sovereign to Baba.

Shirdi Sai Baba

69

Baba turned the sovereign this way and that and remarked: "How is it I
have not seen such a coin before?" A person near Baba said: "It is a gold
coin." Baba then observed: "I don't want this. Give me the money in
rupees." He asked how much the sovereign was worth. At that time it
was worth fifteen rupees. Getting back the sovereign, Pradhan gave
fifteen rupees to Baba. Immediately Baba remarked: "Pradhan! You have
to give me five more rupees!" Pradhan was a judge at the time. Pradhan
as well as persons around him wondered why Baba was demanding
five more rupees when a sovereign was worth-only fifteen rupees.

Noticing Pradhan's hesitation, Baba told him: "First hand over the five
rupees and then think about it." Pradhan gave the five rupees. Then Baba
observed: "When you set out from your home, how much did you want to
offer to Baba? You intended to give twenty rupees. You gave only
fifteen. So I was entitled to ask for five more." When Pradhan heard
these words, he was stupefied. He admitted that Sai Baba was a good
judge. In this manner, Baba was in the habit of collecting money from
those who came to him and to give it away to the needy.

Sai---the Guru
One day, he summoned Kelkar and told him, "Today is Guru Poornima.
Perform Guru Puja to me." No one there knew the meaning of Guru
Puja. Kelkar asked Baba what Guru Puja meant.
Baba asked: Who do you think is a guru ? It is not the pontiffs of Maths
who are gurus. Nor are sanyasins (renunciants)gurus; God alone is the
Guru (Preceptor)." "Brahmanandam Paramasukhadam Kevalam
Jnaanmurthim Dwandwa-athitham" (He is Supreme Bliss, the giver of
Divine happiness, the embodiment of the Highest Advaitic Knowledge
and one who transcends all dualities. He is Supreme Divine Preceptor).


70

"He is Brahma, He is Vishnu, He is Maheswara, He is the Supreme
Absolute. Salutations to that Supreme Guru. The true guru is one
who combines the three forms of the Trinity, the gods who preside over
creation, protection and dissolution. Thus God alone is the real Guru"
declared Baba. On hearing this, Kelkar asked: "Should I worship
Brahma, Vishnu or Rudra?" Baba declared in a voice of assumed anger:
"Eh Saitan! Here I am! Offer worship to Me!" Thereby Baba made
known that He was Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. All those present felt that
Baba was the Divine incarnate.

Sathe leaves Shirdi
As the days passed, the residents of Shirdi developed hatred towards
Sathe because he was collecting all the offerings to Baba in a hundi to
use the money for building a Mandir. Just at that time, a silver chariot
with silver horses which was in Sathe's keeping, was stolen by some
thieves. Sathe was the principal trustee. The people of Shirdi suspected
Sathe of complicity in the theft. One day one of the residents planned to
strike Sathe with an axe on the way. Getting wind of this, his maternal
uncle called Sathe and urged him to leave immediately as it was too
dangerous, for him to stay there. He told Sathe that he could worship
Baba wherever he might be. Reluctantly Sathe left Shirdi.

Baba used to ask for Sathe ceaselessly. But Sathe was not there. Baba
appeared to be in great distress. Sathe was near and dear to Baba. The
devotees felt that Baba was sorely affected by the absence of Sathe.
About this time, the parents of Shyam came to Shirdi with the two-year
old child. Shyam's father had just retired from service and decided to
settle down in Shirdi. The boy's name was Mohan Shyam. The parents
called him Mohan, while Baba called him Shyam. The boy was put to
school at Shirdi and in due course he completed his studies and received

Figure 2: Sai Baba of Shirdi

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Description The most well known photograph of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Date Before 1918
Source mosque in Shirdi
Author Unknown
Description The most well known photograph of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Date Before 1918
Source mosque in Shirdi
Author Unknown

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Shirdi Sai Baba

training as a teacher. He was appointed as a teacher at Shirdi. The school
adjoined Baba's room. During the day, Shyam would be teaching at
school. There was a ventilator in the wall separating Baba's room and the
classroom. Shyam used to watch Baba at nights through the ventilator.
He used to notice Baba talking to himself, getting angry at times, or
laughing to himself, or doing other curious things.

Baba used to sleep on an eighteen-inch-wide plank suspended from the
ceiling. Shyam was apprehensive that Baba might fall off from his lofty
but narrow perch during sleep.

Baba's concern for Devotees
Once he mustered courage to ask Baba while massaging his feet:
Swami! You don't seem to sleep at all at nights. You are laughing to
yourself or talking. What is the secret of all this?" "You simpleton! Do
you imagine you are the only person about whom I am concerned in this
world?

There are numerous persons who are praying to me. I am speaking to all
of them," replied Baba. "When I turn my finger, I am turning their minds.
When I laugh, I am amused at their follies.

These are the things I am doing for my devotees, dear child." Shyam
prayed to Baba: "Swami! My classes don't take up much of my time. Let
me stay with you during the rest of the time and serve you." At that time
there was a woman called Laxmibai who used to cook the food for Baba.
Shyam used to go to her and assist her in the preparation of jowar rotis.
Baba had a great liking for brinjals. Shyam went to Laxmibai to learn
how to prepare brinjal dishes. Shyam went on serving Baba in this way
and he alone knew the joy he derived from such service.


Baba's way of disciplining devotees
Baba often used to fly into a temper. This was only an outward
appearance. Sometimes he used to throw a stick at someone ten feet
away. Shyam once asked him: Swami! You are hurling the stick at the
man in such a rage. Supposing something happened to him and he died,
will you not get a bad name?" Baba replied sharply: "Saithan! You keep
quiet. That fellow's life is in my hands. He will die only if I permit him.
You better mind your business. Why are you bothered about others? That
man will come to his senses only if he sees me in this manner. If I am
indulgent they will try to ride the high horse." Thus, in this way, Baba
used to discipline people by threats and harsh words. "It is only with this
aim in view I am displaying anger and not for any other purpose." This
secret was revealed by Baba only to Shyam and none else. Baba's life is
really a saga of love and nothing else.

The difference between devotees and disciples
In 1917, Baba once called Abdul Baba, Nana Chandorkar, Mhalsapathi,
Das Ganu and others and started asking each of them: "Do you know
who you are?" Each of them replied: "I am your sishya (disciple)." Baba
said: "Nonsense! Don't use that term any longer. I have no disciples in
this world. I have countless devotees. You do not recognise the
distinction between a disciple and a devotee. Anyone can be a devotee.
But that is not the case with the disciple. A disciple is one who carries
out implicitly the commands of the guru (the preceptor). The mark of the
sishya is total devotion to the preceptor. Only the man who says, I have
none in the world other than the preceptor is a disciple. How far have you
respected my injunctions? How are you entitled to claim that you are my
disciples? Only the one who follows me like my shadow can claim to be
my disciple. The devotee is one who prays to the Lord wherever he may
be. Hence, there is a big difference between a disciple and a devotee. The
disciple and the preceptor are like two bodies with one spirit. The

Shirdi Sai Baba

75

disciple should have no sense of separateness from the preceptor. He
should feel, 'I and you are one.' There are no such disciples to be found in
the world. There are millions of devotees, but no disciples.

Baba and Shyam, the only disciple
On hearing this, Shyam was in deep pain. He felt within himself: "Apart
from serving at your feet, I have no other concern." Baba then went into
another room and called Shyam inside. "In this entire world, for me you
are the only disciple. All others are only devotees." At that moment,
Shyam fell at the feet of Baba, and cried out, "You alone, you alone" (are
my refuge) and breathed his last.

In all his life of over 82 years, Baba had never shed a tear in the presence
of devotees. When Shyam passed away he shed three drops of tears. The
devotees present there said: Swami! Why do you feel so grieved? All
are in your hands." Baba replied: Dear boys! I am not grieving at all.
Almost all his sins had been wiped out already. By the three tear drops I
shed, the remaining sins (of Shyam) have been washed away."

Keeping Shyam near him and allowing him to serve him, Baba spent
many years. One day, Baba called Pradhan and asked him to construct a
small tank. Pradhan was thus the first to be involved in the building of a
Samadhi for Baba.

It was the year 1918. Pradhan's wife, who was living in her native
village, had a dream in which Baba appeared to have passed away.
Pradhan was in Shirdi. On waking up, Pradhan's wife started crying over
the passing of Baba in her dream. At that moment she heard a voice in
the house declaring: "Don't say that Baba has died. Say that Baba is in a


76

state of Samadhi." Samadhi means equal-mindedness. "Life and death are
alike. Joy and sorrow, profit and loss are the same.

All that Baba said or did was for the good of the devotees alone. Towards
the end, Abdul Baba came to Baba. Baba told him: I shall appear again
and give you darshan." "When will that be?" asked Abdul. Baba told
him: "It will be after eight years." (SSS Vol.23), 28-9-1990

Prophecies Regarding Sathya
Sai Babas Advent
References to Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba in Ancient
Treatises
Eight years after Shirdi Sai attained Samadhi, Sathya Sai Avatar has taken
place. There are prophecies galore with regard to Sathya Sai Babas
Advent.

Bhagavan in His Discourse revealed that He would incarnate again and
again. He says. There was never a time when I or you or any of these,
Ruling Kings did not exist. And we shall exist in the future for all the time
here after, (S S B 1995 p.152)

Baba Himself chose to take His Incarnation in India Andhra Pradesh-
Anantapur District and a small village in the earlier 20
th
century
Puttaparthi- originally called Puttavardhini place full of snake pits. There a
pious family of Ratnakar lineage was living at that time. Sri Kondama Raju
with his son Pedda Venkappa Raju and his wife Easwaramma was living in
that blessed place. Kondama Rajas daughter in- law gave birth to two
daughters Venkamma and Parvatamma and a son Seshama Raju- she
pined for another son and her prayers were answered in the birth of a
son on 23
rd
November 1926. It was the time of sun rise 5.06 a.m.
Monday- Ardra star.


78

Christ's announcement of the Advent of Baba
The statement itself has been manipulated and tangled into a conundrum.
The statement of Christ is simple: He who sent me among you will come
again!" and he pointed to a Lamb. The Lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It
stands for the Voice---Ba-Ba; the announcement was the Advent of Baba.
"His Name will be Truth," Christ declared. Sathya means Truth. "He will
wear a robe of red, a bloodred robe." (Here Baba pointed to the robe He
was wearing!). "He will be short, with a crown (of hair). The Lamb is the
sign and symbol of Love." Christ did not declare that he will come again.
He said, "He who made me will come again." That Ba-ba is this Baba and
Sai, the short, curly-hair-crowned red-robed Baba, is come. He is not only
in this Form, but, he is in every one of you, as the dweller in the Heart. He
is there, short, with a robe of the colour of the blood that fills it. (SSS
Vol.11), 24-12-1972

Nadi Treatises
Dr E.V.V. Sastry, a member of the Astrological Research Society of
India, studied several Nadi treatises written thousands of years ago by
various sages, and discovered therein many stunning references to
Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, which he published. Some excerpts are given
here.

Agasthya Nadi says, "Sathya Sai Baba will heal diseases of people with
lightning speed. By His mere will, He will bestow health. Many
educational institutions will be established by Him, He will publish
numerous books on spiritual subjects. He will develop spirituality in
humanity. To establish Dharma and to resuscitate Dharma, will constitute
the principal features of His mission. In His earlier incarnation, he would
be Shirdi Sai Baba. He will be the embodiment of kindness and

Prophecies regarding Sathya Sais Advent

79

compassion. He is the Father of the Universe! He will be an all-merciful
Avatar of God, preceptor, protector and Father of the world..."

Budha Nadi records, "Baba will be eternally immersed in Anandam
(Bliss)!"

Shukra Nadi says, "His residence will be called Prasanthi Nilayam. By
emphasizing the principles of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi and Prema. He will
establish and spread peace all through the world. He always delights in
serving humanity. He will be possessing all powers and siddhis. The
person of divine aspects would be previously Shirdi-vasi (resident of
Shirdi). He is Sankalpa-Siddha (whatever He wills, happens)... He will be
in Nirvikalpa Samadhi state... He is God Incarnate! He will derive
immense joy in the service of mankind."

Sri Chinnadurai consulted Brahma Nadi and found therein precise
references to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai. "In His life, Thursdays will be
sacred days. By the way He will live and act, He would create the
illusion of being just an ordinary individual residing in Puttaparthi. He
will bear the name of Narayana. He will be the incarnation of Siva-
Sakthi; and the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai. Born on the banks of the
river Chitravathi in a tranquil environment, He will be the embodiment of
Supreme Equanimity."

In Padma Purana, authored by the great Rishi Parasara, it is written, "In
the village named Parthi will be born a person called Sathyam. He will be
5 feet 3 inches high. He will act like a powerful magnet capable of
drawing to Himself the whole world." Baba Himself informed devotees
that Padma Purana was translated into English by an Englishman called
Wilson. Baba also said that the complete copy of Jaimini Bharatham,


80

which contains clear references to Sathya Sai, is in the possession of
some spiritually elevated persons.

In Vishnu Purana, it was mentioned that He will display great super
human powers in establishing the New Age of Truth. His parents will be
devotees of Lord Vishnu and will reside in a village worshipping the
cowherd form of Sri Krishna.

Sri Aurobindo was a great Yogi (Maha Yogi) and a great Rishi
(Maharishi). He was immersed in intense spiritual Sadhana (practice of
austerities) and meditation) at his ashram in Pondicherry between 1923
and 1926. He was praying that God should take birth in this world for the
spiritual elevation of mankind. On 24th November, 1926, he emerged out
of his Samadhi (Spiritual Trance) and announced, "Yesterday, God
incarnated Himself on the earth. With His boundless divine powers, He
will direct humanity's mind towards higher, nobler goals. In every heart,
He will light a spiritual lamp. His Godly voice will ring in the ears of the
whole of humanity." It is clear from the date of incarnation mentioned by
Maharshi Aurobindo that he was referring to Sri Sathya Sai only.

Prophet Mohammed's discourses were published in 25 volumes, seven
centuries after his death. The collection of those volumes is named The
Ocean of Light. Several symbolic features by which the coming Master
of the World could be identified have been mentioned in the Volume 13,
Mehedi Moud, meaning in Arabic 'the Great Teacher who was Promised'.
They are : "He will have very thick hair on His head. His forehead will
be broad. He will have a birthmark on His cheek. His face will always
look clean-shaven. He will wear only a pair of clothes. His dress will be
of flaming red colour. The colour of His face will look sometimes like
copper, sometimes golden, sometimes brownish, and sometimes like the

Prophecies regarding Sathya Sais Advent

81

moon. His physical form will be small. His feet will be delicate, like
those of a young girl. Right from the moment of His birth, He will carry
all knowledge in His head. So also the entire corpus of the world's
religions and precepts will be in Him right from His birth. He can grant
whatever one prays to God for. All the riches of the world will lie at His
feet. He will go amidst his devotees, move among them and touch their
heads with his palm. Whosoever sets eyes on him will experience
supreme bliss. He will take residence on a hill. He will live for 95 years.
He will fill the world with peace and tranquillity. This Lord of the World
will produce His own forms (symbols) out of His own body and His
mouth..." In this manner, as many as 27 references have been made
which clearly and unmistakably apply to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai.

Nostradamus, the French futurist of the 16th Century, wrote a book
called "Centuries" in which he wrote, the coming ruler of the world will
appear in Asia... The triplicity of waters will give birth to Him. He will
consider Thursdays as sacred. All the countries of the world will wonder
at, and admire Him for his boundless wisdom and powers. From all parts
of the world, people will come to honour Him.

The Book of Revelations in the Bible describes the advent of the great
Master. An angel appears before John and reveals, "... Behold a white
horse; and He that sat upon it was called Faithful and True... His eyes
were as a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns... He was
clothed with a vesture dipped in blood... and His name is called the Word
of God... Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword..."

The Embodiment of Compassion and Love, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba has been so described in numerous religious treatises.
(Tapovanam, pp. 130-134)

The Unique, Enchanting and
Engrossing Story of Sri
Sathya Sai Avatar

Introduction
When the milk-ocean of the Vedas was churned with Intelligence as the
rod and Devotion as the rope, the butter of the three great classics- the
Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavatha emerged, for
spreading the message of the Naamasmarnam way for the peace and joy.
It is to revive this message and to restore the faith in the Name that, this
Avatar has come into the world in the Kali Yuga. Naamasmarnam is an
instrument to realise the Lord. (SSSm Vol.5, p. 335)

The Present Age The Kali Yuga, of all the yugas is described as the
most holy, the most beneficial. Dhyana was prescribed as the means of
liberation for men in Krita Yuga; Tapas as the means during Tretha Yuga
and Archana (Ritual Worship) for Dwapara Yuga. But, for the people of
this Yuga, the simple remedy prescribed is just Naamasmarnam, the
Constant awareness of the Name; and when the name of the Lord is
remembered with glory, that is associated with it, a great flood of Ananda
wells up within the mind. Vyasa knew this and when some sages once
went to him to find out which yuga was the most conducive to success in
mans efforts for liberation, he replied, O, how fortunate are those
destined to be born in Kali Yuga; it is so easy to win the grace of the
Lord. In the scriptures, this Kali yuga is praised as incomparably

The Story of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar

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conducive to the salvation, for he can now attain the Highest through the
mere thought of God and remembering His Name.

Nasti Nasti Mahabhaga Kalikala samayugam Smarnath Uccharanaatheva
prapnothi paramaamgathi" (DD on 3-10-1981)

Bhagavan Baba in His immense Love and Grace gave SAI MANTRA
to the devotees and well wishers of humanity to whole heartedly take to
the chanting of the name Sai for longer hours daily with faith and
devotion and thus contribute their might towards bringing in peace and
happiness, in this present day world of strife, turmoil and unhappiness.
Thus, He gave us the simple remedy to save ourselves from anxiety and
fear, now and in the future; and which diverts our mind towards God,
relieving us of the pain the pain of the physical body and pangs of
senses will not affect the mind.

Kali Yuga which is now called Kalaha yuga the age of quarrels is
smothered in jealousy, hatred, fear, falsehood and greed and the principle
of Prema is not in evidence. That is why fights between mother and
daughter, father and son, teacher and pupil, guru and guru, brother and
brother. That is how Baba gave the simplest the most effective remedy of
the recitation of the name of God. That method cleanses the mind of all
the evil impulses.

Bhagavan foresees the human doubts and difficulties and replies aptly to
one, who asks, If we engage ourselves in this pastime (chanting the
name of God), how can we earn our livelihood? Baba assures, let me
assure you, if you have pure and steady faith in the Lord, He will provide
for you, not merely food, but the nectar of immortality. You have that


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mighty potentiality in you, to discover the Lord within and compel Him
to grant you that nectar. (SSS Vol.4)

I am the Cause of all Causes. I am Eternal. I am Sath-chith-ananda (I
am Existence, Knowledge, Bliss). I am Hari and Hara, too; for, I
transform Myself into these Manifestations as occasion arises. Creation,
the Universe, is but the projection of My Will. It has no basic reality. My
son, I declared this truth to you, as a result of My deep love towards you.
Others will not be able to grasp the mystery of this creation. What I have
just revealed to you is known as concise Bhagavatha. (Bhag Vahini, p.
240)

Advent of the Avatar
Sages and Seers prayed to God to save mother Earth from the pervading
evils and God took pity and decided to come down in human form to
alleviate their suffering. Thus in this Kali Age when Dharma of the Yuga
is laid aside, when the world is polluted by conflict and confusion, when
sacred texts are not grasped aright and when good men are caught in the
cruel coils of war, Achyuta Vasudeva Srihari has come into the world
to fulfil the promise made in the Treta Yuga. So the Incarnation has come
with the immediate and sacred purpose of Re-establishing Dharma anew
through loving means; restoring virtue and peace in the world; to save
good men from pain and shame and to teach mankind the message of
Love and thus relieve the earth of the burden of vice. (SBA, p. 11)

Likewise, the Avatar had decided the Time and the Place of His Birth
and who His Mother should be. Then He reveals:

I separated Myself from Myself and became All this;
So that I may be Myself.


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See in Myself, for I see Myself in all of you,
You are My Life, My Breath, My Soul,
You are all My Forms,
When I love you, I love Myself;
When you love yourself, you love Me.
I wanted to be Myself.. That is Ananda
Swaroop Prema Swaroop
That is what I am,
And I wanted to be that.
.So I did this,

I separated Myself from Myself
and became all this.
(Baba - August 5th 1975)

"There was no one to know who I am till I created the world,
at My pleasure, with one word. Immediately earth and sky
were formed, mountains rose up, rivers started flowing, sun,
moon and stars sprang out of nowhere to prove My existence.
Came all forms of life - plants, insects, beasts, birds and men.
Various powers were bestowed upon them under My orders.
The first place was granted to man, and My knowledge was
placed in man's mind." (SSSm Vol.4)

This is being said for the sake of the world, but not for My sake. If you
accept My words and put them into practice in your life, I belong to you;
He continues. Lord Satyanarayana thus came in human form, in a qui
little village, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh, Bharat India, in pious
Raju family.


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It is really a blessing that we are born at the time as the Avatar of this
Age and more so that we are drawn into His fold to see, listen and learn
who He is and through His Love and Grace to be made an instrument to
do what little squirrel service we can. So, dear readers, let us listen to the
Unique Enchanting and Engrossing Story of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The Raju Family
Satyanarayana, later on called as Sathyam, Sathya, Sai Baba, Bhagavan,
Swami and the like exhibited His Divinity - qualities and Power of His
Omnipresence, Omniscience and Omnipotence at different ages of His
Life and is revered by all ages of people children, elders, playmates,
neighbours, family members, Teachers and now the innumerable
devotees all over the world. He is the Lord, incarnated in human form in
a remote little village, Puttaparthi, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh,
South India. It is our good fortune that we are His contemporaries, more
so to be drawn into His fold (to know, see and listen to Him) and be one
of His instruments in His great Mission

The inner meaning of the word Bhagavan is the One who is capable of
lighting the Divine effulgence, the illumination of wisdom, the eternal
Inner light of the soul.

The Vedas say Brahmaithi, Param- Atmaithi; Bhagavatheethi Sabdya
the The Bhagavan Principle is the same as Brahman; Paramatma.
Bhagavanis the Ultimate, the Full. Bha means having full
auspiciousness and prosperity, Ga means deserving praise and
adoration. The word van means having capacity and ability
In the Ramayana, Bhagavan is described as one who sustains the
Universe, using His Creative Power as he means. He creates and fosters
what is created. So, He is Sambhartha He who raises, He who rules and


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saves. Bhagavan, thus, is responsible for the beginning (creation),
sustenance and dissolution. The word Sambhartha implies that he is
bearing the burden of creation (as Bharta). So we should try to
understand the origin of creation, Bha in the word Bhagavan also
means Light, Splendour. Thus Bhagavan is He who sheds and spreads
Light. Bhagavan is Jyothi swarup, embodied Light and effulgence. He
can and does illumine all things and beings everywhere at all times.

Bhagavan has seven characteristics, Aiswarya, Keerthi, Jnaana,
Vairagya, Srishti, Sthithi and Laya. Splendour, Prosperity, wisdom, Non-
attachment, Creation, Preservation and Destruction are the unfailing
characteristics of Avatars of the Maha Sakthi which persists fully when it
has apparently modified itself with Mayashakti. Whoever has these, you
can consider as having Divinity in Him. Bhagavan is thus capable of
lighting the Divine effulgence, the illumination of wisdom, the eternal
Inner Light of the soul. There is nothing on the earth or beyond it which
is equal to Divine Love.

Sathya Sai Baba, the embodiment of Love and who endearingly
addresses His devotees as embodiments of love! (Prema, Atma
swarupulara!) Imparts wisdom and enlightens their souls. Thats how He
is referred to as Bhagavan- Bhagavan Baba.

Puttaparthi, which was called Gollapalli or Home of Cowherds, long ago
has a long history of a cobra, a serpent writhing in pain threw a curse on
all gopalas of the village and the place itself that it would soon be full of
ant-hills-puttas as they are called. And, so it happened.

The cattle declined in numbers and health and ant-hills spread all over
the place. The name of the place is changed to Valmikipura


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Valmiki in Sanskrit means an ant hill and in common parlance
Puttaparthi. In course of time, the curse has lost its evil power and cattle
have begun to thrive at Puttaparthi and with the avatar taking birth there
it has regained its old splendour and glory.

Originally, Puttaparthi was famous for scholars and Pundits. The pious
Raju family of the renowned sage Venkavadhootha was living in that
village at that time. Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju (paternal grandfather
of Satyanarayana) was a master of music and histrionic talents. He
dedicated Satyabhama, a consort of Lord Krishna. (The story of the
construction of that rare temple is very interesting!). He lived for his
hundred and ten years and his wife Sri Lakshamma was a pious lady
observing holy fasts, rituals and strict regimen. They had two sons named
after the sage Venkavadhootha. They were called Pedda Venkapa Raju
and Chinna Venkapa Raju. They inherited their father's musical, literary,
and dramatic capabilities, as well as his piety and simplicity. Of the two
brothers, the younger was gifted with a greater variety of skills which
covered the fields of literary composition and the preparation of drugs
and talismans with the aid of traditional formulas.

Pedda Venkappa Raju married the daughter of Sri Subba Raju of a small
village, on other bank of Chitravathi River. Namagiriamma was the
original name of Pedda Venkappa Rajus wife but it was aptly changed to
Easwaramma by none other than the revered fatherinlaw after
Satyanarayana was born to her.

The happy couple Pedda Venkappa Raju and Easwaramma were blessed
with a son, Seshama Raju, and two daughters, Venkamma and
Parvathamma. Some years passed and Easwaramma longed for another
son. She prayed to the village gods and observed Satyanarayana Puja, a


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special vow to win the favor of the Lord, in the Name and Form of
Satyanarayana, and she faithfully kept a number of other rigorous vows
which required vigil and abstentions from food. As a result Lord
Satyanarayana of Vaikunta decided on where, when and how to take the
human form and the Advent of the Avatar has taken place on 23rd
November 1926.

(This was confirmed by Bhagavan when He said to a person who
requested Him to visit his place, Certainly; having come down from
Vaikunta so far, how can I say that I will not travel this short distance.
(SSSm Vol.6)

The year 1926 was Akshaya - the Never-declining, the Ever-full,
according to Telugu Calendar and the date 23rd November Monday
(Somavar) of the holy month of Karthika was sacred for Siva Worship.
That day became more auspicious as the ascendant Star Ardra
(Compassion) Thithi Thadiya (Triteeya), early morning during the
Brahma muhurtha. Special Pujas are performed in temples on such rare
occasions when the month, the day and the star coincide. Lord Siva chose
to take His Avatar on that day, 23rd November 1926 and the Incarnation
had chosen the village for His Birth and even His parents. Thus His
Avatar had made His Advent in Puttaparthi and was born to the Blessed
Mother Easwaramma who just finished her Satyanarayana Puja in the
early morning at 5.06 when birds were chirping and villagers were
chanting the names of Siva. And as if to announce the Advent the
musical instruments in the house tambura and maddala played
automatically and rhythmically as if an expert was handling them.
Seeking an answer, Pedda Venkapa hurried to Bukkapatnam where
there was a Sastri, an authority on signs of this nature and on whose
interpretation he could place faith. He was told that it was an auspicious


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occurrence; the unbidden music meant the presence of a beneficent
power, conferring harmony, melody, order, symmetry, spiritual elevation,
and joy. (SSSm Vol.1, p. 7)

That is the place encircled by the sacred river
Chitravathi which meanders its way in its pristine
beauty. That is the place around which there are
beautiful mango groves symbolising auspiciousness.
Standing on guard on four sides are the deities
Parvati and Parameswara protecting the place.
Nearby is the town of Bukkapatnam which speaks
of the glory of Bukkaraya. There stands Puttapuram
(Puttaparthi) in its divine majesty, spreading its
grandeur and glory all over the world.
(Telugu Poem)

What is the meaning of the name Puttaparthi? Parthi means effulgence.
So, Puttaparthi is the place of effulgence. It is the beacon of light. Earlier
it was called Puttavardhini. Putta means anthill. There used to be anthills
and snakes everywhere. The Ramayana has a close relationship with
anthills in the sense that anthills grew over its composer, Sage Valmiki.
He was completely covered by anthills, and snakes were moving in and
out of them. There are many snakes of wicked qualities in the anthill of
your heart. When you do naamasmarnam (remembering the divine
name), all the snakes of bad qualities will come out. Namasmarana is
like Nadhaswaram which attracts snakes and brings them out of anthills.
This Nadhaswaram is your jeevanaswaram and pranaswaram (breath of
life). One has to repeat Gods name in order to get rid of evil qualities.
(SSS Vol.35)


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"You will now witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. None
can stop or delay this development. I will not give up, nor can you give
Me up. My life-blood is Prema. I am repository of Daya. Understand Me
and My nature right Your lives are intertwined with My earthly
sojourn. Act always in a way that befits this great privilege", says Baba.
(SSSm Vol.5, p. 11)

Baba has said. one special point to be noted about this manifestation is
that the incarnation has not been transplanted away from the place where
the body was born, for He had chosen that very place as the center of His
alleviatory Mission. Puttaparthi was doubly blessed that November morn,
for the Lord had chosen that happy village not only for His Birth but also
for His Habitation. (SSSm Vol.1, p. 8)

Now, reverting to Mother Easwaramma on 23rd November, 1926

While the mother was going through the final rituals of her
Satyanarayana adoration in accordance with her vows, the birth pangs
forewarned her. When she revealed this, messengers were sent to inform
the mother-in-law, Lakshamma, the pious old lady of the house.
However, she had gone to the house of the priest to perform her own
Satyanarayana Prayers. The messengers went there and urged her to
return. She was so confident of the Grace of Satyanarayana, so steadfast
in her devotion, so disciplined in her religious adherence, that she refused
to be hurried! She sent word that she would bring with her to her
daughter-in-law, Easwaramma, the sacred offerings after the worship,
and that on no account would she interrupt her prayers. She finished the
entire ritual with full concentration, came home, gave Easwaramma the
flowers which had previously been placed on the idol and the sacred
waters with which it was washed. Easwaramma partook of the blessings


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of the Lord, wore the flowers in her hair, and sipped the water. In the
next moment the Lord was born. And the sun rose above the horizon!
(SSSm Vol.1)

The baby boy of the Mother Easwaramma, had a beautiful mole on the
left cheek of his charming face and a halo of splendour around his head
was noticed. He was named Satyanarayana and when the name was
whispered in the ear of the child, as per the tradition and practice during
Namakaranam, the boy smiled at the most appropriate name given to the
embodiment and exponent of Truth (Thus he has been exhibiting his
omniscient powers). He has become the pet of everyone in the village.
His charming smile, the silken lovely curls of hair, the sweet sounds of
vocabulary he uttered, the Vibhuthi markings with a dot of kumkum on
his broad forehead attracted many visitors to Pedda Venkappa Rajus
house. He is Siva and he is Sakthi and thus liked both Vibhuthi and
kumkum. Visitors used to go on some pretext or the other just to see the
baby in the cradle.

The baby moved about the house and the streets of the village later on
giving much joy and wonder to onlookers. The baby grew to a beautiful
sweet child like a jasmine bud spreading and filling the air with its
fragrance. The following chapters depict how Satyanarayana proved
uniquely Divine in nature and attainments

Satyanarayana Raju - His Childhood
Even from early childhood Sathya has been exhibiting his love and
concern for birds, animals and human beings in trouble or suffering. He
kept away from places where fowl or fish was killed for food and
avoided kitchens and vessels used for cooking flesh of pigs or sheep or
cattle. For his compassion for creatures he was nicknamed the Brahmin


93

child. When a bird was talked about for dinner the little boy would clasp
it to his bosom and fondle it, perhaps with the hope that elders would
relent and release the fowl. At such times he would go to Karnams
house as they were Brahmins and would have food given by Subbamma,
the lady of the house.

Sathya was very patient and never retaliated when any of his playmates
behaved roughly towards him. Even when he was a child of five
summers he had earned the names Guru and Brahmajnani (one who
has got the wisdom that reveals the Inner Reality), since he corrected and
counselled the children who gathered around him as playmates and since
his conversation and conduct were on a level of consciousness higher
than the adults who sought to guide him. As a child even at school, he
was meek but morally fearless; he abhorred violence, vengefulness and
falsehood; he preferred simple living to glare, gaudiness and garish dress.
He could sing and dance, compose hymns and poems, even while other
children of the same age were struggling with the first letters of the
alphabet. He demonstrated ready compassion for fowls and beasts.
Whenever any beggar came to the door and asked for alms he would
offer him immediate help in the shape of food or grain. The elders in the
house would lose temper and wanted to put a stop to Sathyas expensive
charity. Sometimes they would drive away the beggar but Sathya at such
times would start crying till he was brought back to the door and given
some relief. Mother Easwaramma would warn her child that he would
have to starve giving away his share of food to the beggar. No amount of
chiding or warning would stop him; he would stay away from lunch or
dinner for days When questioned by his mother he would reply that an
old man was feeding him nicely with milk- rice and as a proof he would
show his full stomach and his tiny right palm with the smell of milk,
curds, and ghee It was a mystery who that unseen, unknown old man was


94

and how and when he was feeding the tiny toddler of three or four
(years).

Sathya was attending the Primary School in Puttaparthi along with
children of the village. He would distribute sweets, pencils, pieces of
rubber, flowers, fruits and toys from an empty bag and when asked he
answered, Oh, the village Goddess gives me what I want. This also just
remained a mystery!

When Sathya was about eight years, he was sent to the Higher
Elementary School at Bukkapatnam, about two and half miles from
Puttaparthi. He would trek the distance in sun and rain; through stony
bunds or slushy fields carrying a bag of books on his shoulder or head
depending on the area after finishing his meal of cold rice and curds or
cooked ragi rice and chutney made of ground nut. He would carry the
afternoon meal in his bag and would return to Parthi in the evening. His
teachers were all praise for Sathya. Sri Subbannachar, in a book recalled
that, the boy was my student in the VIII Standard and as a student he
was a simple unostentatious, honest and well-behaved boy. Sri V.C.
Kondappa, another teacher who treated and respected Sathya as Divine-
Avatar, says, He was very obedient and simple. He never spoke more
than the minimum necessary. Coming a little early to school, he used to
collect the children and install some image or picture and with the
flowers he had with him, he conducted puja and did Arati and distributed
Prasadam.

Baba himself recollects his school days and narrated an uncomfortable,
strange happening in the class one day. The teacher, who was dictating
notes, noticed that Sathya was not taking down the notes he dictated.
When asked, the boy replied that he understood what he dictated and that


95

he would answer any question correctly. The teachers pride thereby was
hurt and he ordered Sathya to stand on the bench till the last bell for the
day. When Sathya did so all classmates felt sorry that their Guru was so
punished. The hour bell rang and the teacher for the next hour, one Janab
Mahbub Khan who loved and adored Sathya silently in his heart came
into the class and was shocked to find the wonderful boy on the bench
and the teacher still sitting on the chair. He asked the teacher why he
was not vacating the chair for the next class. The teacher whispered that
he could not get up because when he tried to get up, the chair, too, rose
up with him! The whisper was caught by the boys who quietly laughed at
the teacher's plight and said it must be due to Sathya's "Angel." Mahbub
Khan also suspected this was so, and suggested that the teacher ask
Sathya to come down. The teacher acquiesced. Immediately the chair fell
away, and with great relief he moved about unencumbered!

Years later, while relating this story, Baba said that He willed it to be so,
not out of anger - for He had no anger in Him - but purely to demonstrate
Himself and gradually prepare men's minds for the Announcement of His
Mission and Identity. (SSSm Vol.1)

Sathya was actually very much occupied in the class composing Bhajans,
songs, stotras and ashtottara satanamavalis and copying them out for
distribution among his classmates. That was Sathya even at that tender
age and those were Revelations that Baba made.

In later years at the Prasanthi Nilayam, where Sai Baba lives when at
Puttaparthi, He said, "I have no lands to call My own and on which to
grow My food; every bit is registered already in the name of someone
else. Just as landless people wait for the village tank to get dry so that
they may scratch the bed with a plough and quickly grow something for


96

themselves, I too grow My food, namely, joy in the dried tank-beds of
afflicted hearts." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 15)

As mentioned earlier Sathya was very good at writing songs for him and
others to sing. He even formed a prayer Pandhari Bhajan Group, or a
group of carollers, for the presentation of songs of love and devotion to
God. The group was modelled after similar groups which existed in the
neighbouring villages. It consisted of about eighteen boys, uniformly
dressed in ochre robes. Each held a flag and wore jingle-bells as anklets.
They danced to the tones of folk songs and ballads depicting the yearning
of pilgrims for Darshan or the blessing by sight of the Panduranga
Shrine. Sathya taught the children in poetry and song the ordeals of the
long pilgrimage, the pilgrim's anxiety to reach the shrine quickly, and
their joy at the sight of the pinnacle of the temple. (SSSm Vol.1) Sathya
used to play the roles of either the mother or the child and Sathya added
some Bhagavatha songs of his own. Villagers and elders wondered when
the children danced on the streets with songs depicting an unknown Deity
Shirdi Sai, a Muslim Fakir. Sathya was the central figure in all these
activities collecting one anna a month as subscription from each house,
organising, camposing and singing and he acted each role wonderfully
and perfectly well.

Soon a professional dramatic troupe visited the area and presented a
number of musical plays which attracted large audiences. They put up
their stage at Bukkapatnam and later moved to Puttaparthi,
Kothacheruvu, Elumalapalli, and other large villages. Their performances
became the talk of the entire district. There was a girl dancer in that
troupe whose stage name was Rishyendramani. She combined gymnastics
and music in her dance items wherein she would coordinate time and
tune. She would balance a bottle on her head, bend low, sit, lie down on


97

the floor, again would raise her back up and pick up a hand kerchief
placed on a match box with her teeth, sit again, rise, stand with the bottle
still balanced on the head. This beautiful and very arduous feat evoked
much awe and attraction and whenever it was performed drew much
excitement. Sathya went to witness this famous feat with his companions
and started practising it at home and to the surprise of elders he could do
it without much ado. This news made rounds to many near by places and
there were offers to Sathya to show it at Kothacheruvu during
Rathothsvam and cattle fair It was announced for publicity that
Rishyendramani herself would perform. But in reality Sathya had to do
the feat and he was dressed by his two sisters as a grl with the proper hair
do and was taken to Kothacheruvu. When the curtain rose, Sathya
substituted a needle in the place of the hand kerchief and lifted it with his
eyelids to the great applause of the audience. As a result, silver cups,
gold medals and a lot of praise were showered on young Sathya. And
also invitations to repeat the feat at other places also

He had also the mysterious power of tracing lost property, reading
others minds (thoughts) and even seeing far into the past and the future.
His elder brother Seshama Raju went to Kamalapuram and Uravakonda
as Telugu teacher, Sathya went with him and joined the High School
there. He finished the First year of the High School course and was a few
weeks in the Second year I class. Sathya could not resist the call of His
Sacred Task for which He had come.

Even prior to this, in Puttaparthi, He revealed his identity to his family
members who he was. On 23rd of May, 1940, he requested for some
flowers to be brought and put in his palms. Then he scattered them on to
the floor when they formed themselves into the Telugu Word Sai Baba
whereby Sathya declared that he was Sai Baba come again to save


98

humanity from downfall and asked them to clean their houses and
worship him on every Thursday. This strange Statement of Sathya made
the viewers stunned and stupefied, as they had not heard of Sai Babas
name before.

Even in Kamalapur and Uravakonda Sathya continued the activities he
carried while in Puttaparthi. Let us recall them, just as a reminder to
recollect how Sathya grew up in the midst of the big joint family of Sri
Kondama Raju about eighteen to twenty children, like Krishna in
Brindavan.

Now, reverting to Sathya Sai Babas talents as a poet, playwright,
songster of extraordinary standards of excellence, his name and fame
reached Kamalapur, even before he went there. Sathyas brother,
Seshama Raju, had married the daughter of Sri Pasupathi Subba Raju of
Kamalapur, in Cuddappah District. Now that Sathya had to proceed to
somewhere outside Bukkapatnam for higher studies, he was sent to his
elder brother to Kamalapur. It was planned that Sathya should become an
officer after college education. Sathya became a favourite with his
teachers in the school he attended in Kamalapur also. He sang the Prayer
Song in school and also on different occasions and public meetings in
the town and earned the name A fine musician, Sathya Sai Baba recalls
many of his experiences in the school like the one he attended the Fair
and Cattle Show at Pushapagiri so that school children could do Seva to
the crowds. When Sathya was in Kamalapur and Uravakonda with his
elder brother and wife he was only in his teens, thirteen. He was uniquely
compassionate and very Divine Uravakonda has got its name from a
single big boulder about 100ft high, which was in the shape of a serpent..
The place was originally Uragakonda Uraga meaning serpent and
konda hill. Sathya was to help the hard work of collecting dried branches


99

of trees on the hills around and carry those bundles of twigs on his head
every two or three days; draw water from a deep well nearby and carry
that potable water home every day, both morning and evening. In spite of
these difficult chores he was ever fresh and vibrant full of infectious
humour. When the neighbours pitied him and advised him to return to
his parent in Puttaparthi he would answer, I am happy that I could be of
service. Why are you bothered? I enjoy being useful.

The Sorceror
That was Sathya or Raju as he was endearingly called by his classmates,
playmates and even elders. But his own elder brother, with whom he was
staying, felt jealous of Raju for his popularity and wrote to his father to
come immediately and take Raju away. Pedda Venkappa Raju rushed to
Uravakonda with no money and so had to borrow from his elder son,
Seshama Raju and reached Bukkapatnam by bus with Sathya. From there
they had to reach Puttaparthi by walk, as there was no further bus service.
By the time they reached home with great difficulty. Kondama Raju was
anxiously waiting for them. Seeing them, he suggested that he would
keep Sathya with him for some time, saying that Sathyas strange
behaviour might be due to his innate divinity. Some other people
suspected that the boy perhaps, was possessed by a ghost and he should
be shown to a sorcerer in Kadiri. So Venkamma, Sathyas elder sister
who was not leaving her brother even for a minute, took him to a sorcerer
in Kadiri who turned out to be a drunkard. Seeing Sathya he said that he
would drive away the ghost and started beating Sathya with a stick so
severely that his whole body received bad injuries. But Sathya bore all
the pain patiently and silently. The sorcerer afterwards took some
Kalikam eye ointment or drops and put it in Sathyams eyes that they
became red causing severe burning and pain. Towards evening Sathya
asked Venkamma to make some cow dung mixed in water and put the


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mixture in his eyes. By next morning they became white and normal. But
the sorcerer as a last resort to drive away the ghost shaved off Sathyas
hair completely and made two cuts on his scalp. As the blood was
flowing out, pots and pots of water from a height of about ten feet was
poured on the blood soaked cuts. And this was not the end of the story.
Some lemons were cut and the pieces with the juice were applied on the
scalp and his sister brought a bullock cart and both returned to
Puttaparthi. Seshama Raju after some time took Sathya again to
Uravakonda and admitted him in the school once again.

Transformation: Emergence of Raju as Sathya Sai
Raju, as he was endearingly called by his classmates, had two boys
Ramesh and Suresh sitting and sharing the same desk of Raju in the class
and the three of them were very close and attached to one another. The
boys were rather dull in studies and Raju helped them to write the
examinations. They used to offer eatables like pakodas made in their
house but Raju was refusing them. Swami says, I am a person who only
gives but never takes. If there is no give and take relationship between us,
then only friendship between us lasts foe ever. If I take anything from
you, I will be indebted to you Hence, I will not take anything from you.
The two boys used to feel that there was no one else except Raju to help
them and sought Rajus Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan. That was
their faith in Raju and love for him. And Raju used to assure them,
Since you reposed your faith in Me I will definitely come to your aid.
Baba, later on narrates the small play let that He enacted during the
ESLC Examination. As the Director of the Cosmic Play, the entire
Universe dances to His tune, He says. The boys along with Raju secured
First Class in their examination. A lot of transformation took place in
their lives, even at that tender age. Likewise, we as humans, repose our
faith in our Baba, we can be sure of success in the examinations of our


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lives as Baba will always have His Master plans infusing courage and
confidence in us and we have to obey His commands in every aspect,
without flouting His instructions, like Ramesh and Suresh.

When we read the great devotion, unflinching faith and immense love of
Ramesh and Suresh and even the two (Punyajeevis) Jack and Jill, we
must know Subbammas devotion as narrated by Bhagavan Himself.

Sathyas stay in Uravakonda was very eventful. Not even in teens, a lad
of barely twelve, he won the respect of the common man, adored by his
teachers a Telugu Pundit, Tammi Raju entrusted him with the work of
writing a drama and young Sathya obliged him withCheppinatlu
chesthara?(Do Deeds follow words?), the hero of which was a young
boy and Sathya himself played that role; He was made the leader of the
School Prayer Group and would sing the most meaningful song, which
ran,
Aharaha thava aahvaana prachaarita
shuni thava Udaara Vaani
Hindu Bauddha Sikha Jaina Paarasika
Mussalmaano Christaani.

Thus in those days there was the recognition of the oneness of all
religions. Some of the teachers used to wonder how his small boy, Sathya
was propagating the unity of religions. (Golden Age, p. 33)

The English translation of the song is:
Moment to moment, Thy clarion call resounds
Hearing Thy magnanimous words,
The Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Muslims
and Christians come to Thy throne From east


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and west, making a garland of love
Hail to Thee,
Who unites all humanity!
Hail to Thee,
Who controls the destiny of Bharat!
Hail to Thee! Hail to Thee!
(His Story, p. 120)

Thus I taught the unity of Religions in the world even in those days
Swami.

When Sathya was in Kamalapur with his elder brother, he used to write
songs. In this context, I quote many such beautiful songs and poems
written by our Lord. Please read and enjoy.

For advertisement of Ayurvedic medicine:
Baba says, There was a businessman by name Kote Subbanna.
Somehow he came to know that I could compose excellent poetry. One
day he came to Me and pleaded, "Raju, there is a new medicine by name
Bala Bhaskara in my stores. Please write a song on the efficacy of the
medicine which would serve as an advertisement. I will give You
whatever You want. I am prepared to pay You any amount of money." I
told him, "I am not here to sell My poetry. You give Me the details of the
medicine. I will certainly compose a song for you." Then I composed the
following song:
There it is! There it is! Oh, children! come, come!
There is the medicine Bala Bhaskara;
Be it an upset stomach or a swollen leg;
Be it a joint pain or flatulence;
Be it any ailment, known or unknown;


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Take this Bala Bhaskara for an instant cure!
If you wish to know where it is available:
There is the shop of Kote Subbanna;
It is in that shop that you can pick it up.
Come here boys! come here!
It is an excellent tonic
Prepared by the famous physician Gopalacharya himself,
Come here boys! come here!
(Telugu Song)

This song was taught to ten children who went about carrying placards
and singing the song composed by Me in the streets. Everybody came to
know of the medicine and all the stock was sold out in no time. Kote
Subbanna became very popular. His joy knew no bounds. He brought a
new pair of dress stitched for Me as an expression of his gratitude, but I
refused to accept them. (SSS Vol.42)

Song on the stage during a function:
Take any vegetable of your choice.
Only one anna a measure.
Take brinjals; they are very tasty.
The well was deep and
It was difficult to draw water; so too,
the life in Uravakonda was difficult to forget.

On observing odd fashions:
How times have changed, My dear boys!
How times have changed
Face powder has made its appearance and
Turmeric has disappeared


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How times have changed
Necklaces of gold coins have disappeared and
Gold coins have instead
How times have changed.
(Telugu song - (His Story, p. 72)

Deriding vain practices:
People wear some glittering white badge to the left hand
With leather belt tied to it.
What fashion is this, Oh! Dear; What fashion is this?
Disgusting appearance they are; What fashion is this?
Long moustache is trimmed and shaved;
Few hairs are kept under the nose, instead;
What fashion is this, Oh Dear! What fashion is this?
(Telugu song) - (His Story, pp. 74-75)

For correcting the bad ways of Karanam Narayana Rao, husband of
Subbamma :
Dont seek the company of women of those loose character;
Surely you will fall down.
Your caste people will not allow you into their homes;

Your relatives will neck you out, if they see you;
Your friends will beat you with chappals, I
f they see you in the company of such women.
(Telugu song) - (His Story, p. 76)


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Kameswari, mother of Panchangam Ramappa used to gather some
elderly ladies and discuss intricate spiritual topics in Satsanga such
as:
Without coming under the veil of forgetfulness,
Always in the waking, dream and deep sleep states,
One should constantly be aware of
The Soham manthra that would enable
You to realise the Atma Thatwa.
Oh! Man! Cultivate the sense of discrimination.
(Telugu poem)- (His Story, p. 79)

Inspiring people about freedom fighters and fate of the country:
Do not cry my child, do not cry.
If you cry, you will not be called a valiant son of Bharat.
Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep.
Did you get scared because the terrible Hitler has
Invaded the invincible Russia?
Do not cry, my child, do not cry.
For the Red Army is marching under Stalin.
They will put an end to Hitler.
All the countrymen shall unite and fight to win freedom;
(Telugu poem and sung by Sathya placing a rubber doll in a cradle
and rocking it gently in a political meeting)- (His Story, pp. 80-81)

Baba's attainment of freedom from Maya
October 20th was a Monday
Returning from Hampi Baba was going to school.
The collar pin was lost and could not be found.


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That clay was the day of transformation.
The loss of the pin was the cause of a big change.
The link with worldly ties have gone.
The pilgrimage to Hampi also served its purpose;
Freedom from Maya was attained.

With his sweet voice, he got the title a fine musician. He, likewise, sang
Prayer songs at functions and public meetings as well.

Strange white man who was fond of Swami:
As mentioned earlier Sathyas stay in Uravakonda was very interesting,
revealing his love and divinity. Bhagavan Baba revealed an incident that
happened in 1937 when he was in Kamalapur. Wherever I went many
boys would always be around Me. One day, I was one day near the
station at Kamalapur with the boys. On seeing me, one person ran up to
me, took me in his arms and kissed me, with tears pouring down his
cheeks and uttering the words, "I am so happy. I am so happy." He was
also madly dancing with joy repeating, "I love you. I love you." My
companions who were watching all this wondered, "Who is this white
man? He looks like a lunatic. Evidently, he is planning to kidnap him."
As we moved off he was standing riveted to the spot, wistfully watching
me until I disappeared from view. That man was none other than Wolf
Messing. (SSSm Vol.5, p. 28)

Wolf Grigorievich Messing
1
was a Jew born in Poland in 1899. He had
mystic powers and travelled all over the world demonstrating wonderful

1
Aura can be discerned around human body
Messing came to India in order to identify and realise the Atma principle. He
undertook a variety of spiritual exercises with this end in view. As a result, he
acquired Divine Vision. He met Gandhi and many holy persons engaged in ascetic
practices on the Himalayas and returned to his country gratified that he had won


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powers of the mind meeting famous men like Albert Einstein, Sigmund
Freud and Mahatma Gandhi. In the Second World War when Poland was
defeated by Hitler in 1939, Messing settled down in Russia. In this
context, Bhagavan, in His Divine Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam, on
23rd November 1980 revealed that Messing came to India in search of
spiritual enlightenment, toured many places, met many saints and seers in
the Himalayas and in that process met the young Sathya in 1937.
Messing passed away at the age of seventy-five.

Interesting Anecdotes
Bhagavan reveals many interesting incidents and anecdotes, of devotees
off and on depending on the time and circumstance.

Ramesh and Suresh
In this context I narrate the sad story of Ramesh and Suresh who were
very fond of Sathya and learnt the efficacy of Surrender to Sathya who
had helped them through the ESLC Examination with a grand first class.
When Sathya made the Declaration on historically significant day, in the
year 1940 that young lad Satyanarayana Raju said. Know that I am only
Sai; cast off all attachment; Give up your attachments; From now on your
ties to me are dead; Not even the greatest can bind me, and left his home

what he was yearning for. Only those who know and seek what has to be sought
can gain the goal. Only those who know the Brahman (Supreme Truth) Principle
can recognise It. Messing had the Atma (divine self) ever in his mind and so he
was able to announce that he had attained the awareness. He proclaimed that
Stalin's state would collapse and just as he prophesied, Khruschev transformed it
soon after. Kiril, the photographer, also helped the transformation. He conducted
many experiments in his laboratory on the Black Sea coast in South Russia. He
demonstrated that a multi-coloured aura can be discerned around the human body
and can be photographed. Science had not known of its existence; it reached
beyond the known limits of physics. It was caught by his camera around humans,
plants, insects, and stones. He proved true the Vedic dictum, "All this is enveloped
by Ishwara" (Ishaavaasyam idham sarvam). (SSS Vol.14)


108

and school the tender two boys could not bear the separation from their
friend whom they considered their master. One boy ended his life
jumping into q well and the other became mad, saying only Sathya and
Raju all the time and breathed his last only after Sathya made his
physical appearance before him.

Swami later on revealed that the boys with their deep faith, affection and
longing took birth with the grace of Baba as two puppies, about whose
story we are hearing in their Masters voice. The same Ramesh and
Suresh were born as Jack and Jill christened by Me, living with Me in the
old mandir. One was sleeping near My feet and the other near My head.
Once the Rani of Mysore came to see Me. As there were no proper roads
to Puttaparthi she got down from the car at Karnatakanagepalli, and
walked to the old mandir .. I called Jack and asked him to accompany
the driver to show him the way while Jack waked and the driver
followed.

Next morning, the driver started not knowing that Jack was sleeping
under the car. The wheel of the car ran over Jacks back, dragging his
body across the river (Chitravathi) and its backbone was broken.
Subbanna, a washer-man came running to Me and broke the news that
Jack was coming, wailing in pain. As I came out, Jack came close to Me
crying loudly, fell at My feet and breathed his last. After three days Jill
also died. The Tulasi Brindavam that you find behind the old mandir is
the samadhi of the two dogs. Thus the two punya jeevis attained the lotus
feet of their eternal Guardian. (SSSm Vol.5, pp. 32-33)

Scout Camp
Another interesting incident during Sathyas stay in Kamalapur and
Uravakonda was the Scout Camp in Pushpagiri. There was a drill


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Instructor in Kamalapur School who was also a Scoutmaster and he was
very fond of children, Sathya included. There was a cattle show at
Pushpagiri and the Drill master planned to take a group of boys including
Sathya to the Fair, thinking that they would be of good service supplying
drinking water, providing first aid, supervising sanitation and tracing lost
children in the crowd and handing them over to their anxious, worried
parents. Then a camp fee was fixed at ten rupees per boy and it was
decided that they would travel by bus. Sathya who did not have even a
pie but still wanted to do Seva along with his companions and at the
same time preserving the honour of his family walked to and fro to save
the camp fee and the bus fare. Sathya had a set of books of the previous
class, which were as good as new as he never used them. He gave them
to a poor student for five rupees, which amount he felt would be enough
for the camp. Then he packed his bag with a shirt and knicker and the
purse with the five rupees he got and started on his journey, just to show
that pure Selfless Prema Love will and can overcome and overpower
every thing when Sacred Seva Service is uppermost in ones mind and
heart. Baba, in His immense Love says that man is endowed with
wisdom and discrimination and tact added, he can face any situation, any
time.

Sathya reached Pushpagiri at 9 0 clock in the night and feeling tired,
slept on the sands of the river with the bag he had with him. He woke up
the next morning to find that the bag with the purse was not there. Very
brave, understanding and Divine he had been from early childhood,
Sathya was not worried at all. As I write all this I feel amazed that the
Lord who lords over the entire universe had undergone so many
difficulties and the pangs of poverty just to teach us Forbearance, which
in Babas words is equal in value to everything you can find in all the
worlds. (DBG, p. 245)


110

Sathya moved about the place unmoved by the happenings and saw a
masonry tank near by in which water was stored for bathing buffaloes.
The water was very dirty. In those circumstances that dirty water itself
was Ganga! He felt tired, hungry and thirsty, having walked all the way;
He washed his face with dirty water and drank some. Then he noticed a
packet of beedis (country cigarette) and a one anna coin on the tank
there, perhaps in advertently left behind by some one. He threw away the
packet, which had no use to him. He picked up the coin and proceeded
towards the market place. On the way he noticed a person sitting on the
roadside playing cards spread over on a cloth and inviting passers by to
bet on a particular card with some amount and the winner would be given
double the amount. Though it was a sort of gambling, but I was
completely helpless at that time, I, therefore, put one (bottu -being
exchanged with one anna) coin each on different cards I played the
game till I could make sixteen annas (one rupee). (His Story, p. 61)

Sathya could have made much more money but. he sympathised with that
person whose earnings were not much, as he was, felt satisfied with that
money and managed with meagre items of food in the camp. (He had a
miraculous power not only of feeding himself (in fact, the happiness of
those around Him is His food as he often said) but also he has had a
square he who was meal by extending his hand to be smelt.) So the
Scoutmaster was led to believe that he was being fed by his relatives at
the Fair! He did not make any distinction, therefore, in assigning work,
between Sathya and the rest; Sathya entered enthusiastically upon the
task of inspiring his classmates to do selfless social service. Even to-day
this is the central theme of His Teaching, service to others being, as He
says, service to oneself, for the other is only oneself in another form and
under another name!


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Sathya, quietly slipped out of the camp, when they proposed to take him
back by bus for he had not paid his share of the bus fare He walked back
journey the whole distance, as a matter of principle. (SSSm Vol.1, p. 24)

While returning from Pushpagiri Sathya purchased some sweets and
fruits to be taken home. When Sathya reached home he saw Seshama
Raju drawing lines with a ruler in a note book. Seshama Raju became
very infuriated on seeing Sathya and started beating him with the ruler
while his wife threw away those sweets and fruits saying, Who wants
these? Both were upset at the absence of Sathya for three days as the
household chores like bringing water from the well etc had to be done by
sister in- law and she was feeling tired. As a result of the beating,
Sathyas forearm became swollen but he kept silent without telling any
one and tied a wet cloth and bore the pain patiently. The next day one of
the sons of Seshama Raju died. Pedda Venkappa Raju in Puttaparthi was
informed of the sad news. Sathya says that he who is beyond joy and
sorrow had to pretend to be sorrowful along with the other members of
the family. Pedda Venkappa Raju who rushed to Kamalapuram noticed
the bandage on his sons hand and asked him what had happened. Sathya
tried to cover it up the truth by giving a casual reply; that there was a
small boil, which was covered. But a Vysya lady living in the
neighbouring house gave the truth to Pedda Venkappa Raju and also
advised him to take back his son with him. Sathya who was not in the
habit of complaining against elders, covered up the whole incident and
convinced his father who suggested that he would take back Sathya to
Puttaparthi, saying that it was not proper on his part to inconvenience the
family especially in that situation. His father thus left for Puttaparthi
alone saying My dear Son! How noble are your qualities! It is only your
good nature that will protect you (His Story, p. 64)


112

And, before leaving, he contacted a shopkeeper, Kote Subbanna asking
him to help him with any clothes. After reaching home Pedda Venkama
Raju wrote many letters asking Sathya to return home giving some
reason or the other. But Sathya stayed with his brother in Kamalapur till
he finished his examinations

The Final Declaration
The year 1940 was very significant Satyanarayana Raju - Sathyam, Raju,
Sathya, as he was affectionately called by his play mates, classmates,
villagers, members of his family and even his teachers revealed his
identity, his reality in three phases The first one was in March 1940; the
second one in May and the final Declaration on 20th October, the same
year, which brought a total change in the entire town of Uravakonda.
Sathya from that day onwards gave up his studies declared that he was
Sai Baba and that his devotees are calling him and that he would carry on
his task and left the house and family. Slowly a great change spread in
the students and teachers as well. They became emotional and wept at the
separation of Sathya. Even the Head Master Lakshmipathi announced
before the School Assembly that there would not be any prayer that day,
saying our weeping itself, unable to bear the separation of Raju from us,
is the prayer for today and declared that day a holiday.

On March 8th, the whole Uravakonda was shocked to hear that a big
black scorpion stung Sathya. There was a superstition that no one would
survive a snake bite or scorpion sting and thus this news created a big stir
in Seshama Rajus house who immediately brought in a doctor to see,
examine Sathya who was shrieking in pain, holding his right toe.
Thorough search was made in the house but no scorpion was found. But
exactly at 7 P.M the next day Sathya became unconscious, stiff and
would not speak to anyone. The doctor gave him an injection and some


113

mixture. Sathya continued to be unconscious, even supra-conscious. The
people felt that the Devatha, Muthyalamma should be propitiated
suspecting that some evil spirit would have possessed him. When they
offered flowers and were breaking coconut in the temple Sathya blurted,
coconut would have broken into three pieces and it proved true.

In two or three days, Sathya got up but was behaving in an extraordinary
way. He would not answer any one, would spend most of the time in
silence but would burst out in song and music sometimes. Seshama Raju
informed his parents in Puttaparthi about the goings on in Uravakonda
and was expecting them there. But when they arrived after a week they
found everything confusing and mysterious. Their little son of thirteen
was found behaving in a queer way sometimes very silent, sometimes
very boisterous, at other times appearing to leave the body and going
somewhere. One day Sathya asked the Sastri of the neighbouring house
to be in his presence. He is reading Bhagavatham all wrong; He is
explaining it wrong. Go and bring him here, Sathya commanded. The
Sastri then retorted that the young boy should mind his own business and
continued with his explanation. Ultimately he had to oblige Sathyas
parents who pleaded with the Sastri to teach humility to their son. On the
contrary, as it were, Sathya asked the Sastri to repeat his exposition and
told him where he was going wrong and had put some irksome questions
like when was Ravana born; who is the father of Vali; Who is Garudas
sister and the like. The Sastri fell at the feet of Sathya, praying for
pardon for not obeying his summons immediately.

Anantapur District Medical Officer was camping at Uravakonda at that
time and the doctor who was treating Sathya entrusted the peculiar
patient to him for diagnosis and treatment. The DMO started the
medication for fits, a type of hysteria. The situation remained the same


114

even after three days and some astrologers were consulted and they
predicted that the house where the family was residing was not proper;
magicians meant the ailment to some sudden fright; priests advised for a
Rudrabhishekam in a temple. Still Sathyas mystic manners continued
silence and eloquence speaking on God, pilgrimages not heard of, by
people there and that life was a drama. Seshama Raju brought an
exorciser to his house as the last resort. Sathya taunted him, you have
been worshipping me everyday now clear out, The ghost doctor felt
helpless and left the house immediately without taking his fees even but
leaving an advice that the boy was godly not affected by any devil and
should be treated with reverence.

The parents brought their son with them to Puttaparthi where Sathyas
condition reached new heights when he would say that Gods are passing
through the sky give Arati to them and the like. He was shown to
doctors in Bellary and Dharmavaram. It was reported that Sathya told his
parents, Why do you worry like this? There will be no doctor there
when you go; even if he is there, cannot cure me. And in course of time,
Sathya Sai Baba is the Doctor of doctors as we believe. Well- wishers of
the Raju family suggested a Sakthi worshipper in Kadiri who could cure
Sathya perfectly and as a result he would be able to attend to school and
continue his studies. So, Sathya was taken to the devil craft expert and
was handed over to him. Sathya was made to sit in the circle of blood (of
a lamb or fowl) and the man, gigantic with blood-red eyes started
chanting the incarnations and wanted to show his expertise. He shaved
off the head of the boy; made three x marks on the scalp; poured on the
open wounds the juice of lime fruits and garlic; further advised the
parents to pour 108 pots of cold water on the wounds early in the
morning for some days and in the end applied kalikam a kind of magic
collyrium, a mixture of all acidic things in his eyes as a result of which


115

the head and eyes became swollen and red. Sathya never uttered a word
but the parents and the elder sister felt helpless and guilty that they
remained only silent spectators. They cried and consoled the young lad.
Sathya was making some signs, now and then and after some time he
made some gestures indicating that he would go out and asked them to
wait outside. There he told them to apply a remedy he suggested put a
little cow dung mixed in water on the eyes and according to that the
eyes became quite normal.

I am Sai Baba

On May 23, 1940 Sathya got up from bed as usual and asked the family
members to gather round him. Then he created with a wave of hand
flowers and sugar candy from nowhere and distributed them to all around
him. Word was sent to Pedda Venkappa Raju to witness the scene. As he
was approaching he was asked to wash his feet, hands and face before
approaching Sathya. He was not at all impressed but felt that it was all a
trick, hiding all those things and bringing them out or rather showing by
a sleight of hand. So, nearing the little lad with a stick in his hand,
shouted, Are you a God or Ghost or a Madcap. Sathya promptly replied
that I am Sai Baba. The father became stunned, the stick slid from his
hand, perhaps ruminating over the words of Sathya who again continued
I belong to Apasthamba Suthra; I am of the Bharadwaja Gothra; I am
Sai Baba; I have come to ward off all your troubles; Keep your houses
clean and pure. Seshama Raju wanted some more clarifications from his
brother. And Sathya coolly told him, Your Venkava- dhootha prayed
that I be born in your family; So I came. Seshama Raju afterwards
explained who that Venkavadhootha was. He was looked upon as a Guru
by hundreds of villages around and there was a tradition in Raju family to


116

treat him as its ancestral sage. The sage ended his days in Huseinpura in
Mysore (present Karnataka) State. (Tapovanam, p. 128)

The crowd on hearing the name Sai Baba thought that he was a muslim
fakir and asked Sathya what they should do where upon Sathya replied
Worship me. And to the question when, he answered promptly
Every Thursday! Keep your minds and houses clean. I feel the word
minds should be given utmost importance since Sathya has incarnated
only for that as we will learn of it more and more the transformation
of man, society and the world at large. As luck would have it, the
villagers came to know that a particular government officer who was a
worshipper of a Muslim Fakir named Sai Baba was posted to Penukonda,
and the man just pronounced that the boy was suffering from mental
derangement and advised that Sathya was removed to some asylum.
Immediately Sathya interposed and said Yes, it is mental derangement,
but, whose? You are but a Pujari, you cannot recognise the very Sai
whom you are worshipping! So saying, he took handfuls of Vibhuthi
from nowhere and scattered it all over the room.

Sai revealing His miraculous and divine powers
After these two incidents of March 8th and May 23, 1940, Satyanarayana
Raju was preparing the people for his final Declaration of October 20, the
same year. Many of his associates, playmates, classmates, some teachers,
family members sometimes, and villagers were feeling and experiencing
some glimpses of His Divinity, though. But people sometimes had their
doubts, suspicions and jealousies.

One Thursday somebody from the crowd challenged Sathya to prove that
he was Sai Baba where upon he complied and asked some jasmine
flowers to be put in his hands. When it was done Sathya threw them on


117

the floor. They automatically formed into the Telugu words SAI
BABA! Thursdays became big and busy days when the house was full
of people offering fruits and flowers to Sathya, thereafter addressed as
Sathya Sai Baba. But his elder brother, Seshama Raju was not fully
convinced and Baba used to say Senseless man, he does not believe.
He still wanted to give higher education to Sathya and make him become
an Officer. So, in June he took him to Uravakonda and admitted him in
the High School there. Even the Headmaster of the School bowed before
his little student and the other teachers like Thammiraju and Sesha
Iyengar respected and loved him very much. Manchiraju Thammiraju
was all praise for Sathya, turned Sathya Sai Baba who was giving sacred
ash and other curative creations by mere wave of hand and attracting
hundreds of people around him. Thammiraju narrates many of his
experiences with Sathya. Sathya was creating pictures of Shirdi Sai and
one evening Sathya went to Thammirajus house and called on the wall
up the Ten Incarnations of the Lord, with life like portraits of sages and
saints of the scriptures. On another occasion Sathya gave him the picture
of Shirdi Sai in a strange way. A bumble bee entered the room through an
open window, with something rolled in between its legs. It dropped it and
flew away as it entered. And when opened, the bundle contained the
picture of Shirdi Sai. On still another occasion a monkey perching on the
window dropped a ball of cloth inside the room. When opened, a letter
from Satyanarayana and some sweets were found. "The other day, I sent
you with the bumble-bee My! picture; today, I am sending herewith
Prasadam for you." Others too had amazing experiences of the Divine
powers of the teenage Baba; but, he was biding the moment for Full
Manifestation and Final Declaration. (SSSm Vol.2, p. 4) Thus Bhagavan
was revealing His divine powers even in His teens.


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Raju as Virupaksha
During his stay n Uravakonda, Sathya went to a Siva temple on
Mahashivaratri day with a few young children, including Thammirajus
son, Sai Ram. The youngsters found a stream of effulgence flowing from
Sathya to the Idol of Siva and another from Siva to Sathya. Thus the
teenage Baba had been exhibiting his miraculous and divine powers off
and on but was not openly coming out till 20th October, 1940.

Sometime before October 20th, Seshama Raju thought of taking Sathya
on a picnic to Hospet which is a few miles away from Hampi, the capital
of the Vijayanagar Empire, feeling that the tour might improve the
mental health of his brother. Incidentally, some townsmen like the
Deputy Inspector of Schools, the Health Officer, the Engineer, some
Municipal Councillors and Merchants of Hospet sent an invitation to
Seshama Raju to visit their place. Thus the party left for Hampi during
Dasara holidays of 1940 along with Sathya and saw many interesting and
historical places like the palace of the Queens, and the elephant stables
there; the idols of Ganapathi, Lord Narasimha and the stone chariot in
Vittalanatha Swami Temple and then proceeded to the temple of Lord
Virupaksha, the deity of the Vijayanagar Emperors. Sathya was moving
around with others among the ruins. When the party went into the temple
Sathya was showing much interest in the Gopuram for its height and
splendour and stood outside appreciating it and refused to go inside into
the Sanctum Sanctorum. When the priest lit the camphor to the Lingam
inside the shrine, the people saw Sathya standing in place of the Lingam.
Seshama Raju went outside to strayed verify if Sathya had strayed inside
but Sathya was found outside leaning on a wall. The members of the
party did special puja to Sathya as they felt convinced that he was really
the manifestation. Hospet received this news and the next day being
Thursday, Bhajan was arranged and Sathya created many articles and


119

distributed to the people gathered. He also cured a person of a chronic
disease by his touch and made him walk.

Sathya became Sai Baba to some in some places and was waiting to
reveal his Reality to everyone. Thus next day after his visit to the
Historic Vijayanagar and his showing himself as Virupaksha in the holy
temple, he made the Historic Declaration on 20th October, Monday same
year. On that day Sathya as usual started for school accompanied by Sri
Anjaneyulu, the Excise Inspector who was very much attached to Sathya.
He went up to the school gate, saw superb halo round the face of Sathya
and returned home reluctantly. Sathya also turned back within a short
time and nearing home Sathya stood on the threshold and threw the bag
of books inside, shouting. I am no longer your Sathya, I am Sai. The
sister-in-law at that time was in the kitchen and just rushed out to see a
halo round Sathyas face and shrieked. Sathya spoke to her, I am going,
I dont belong to you. Maya has gone. My Bhaktas are calling me. I have
my work. I cant stay any longer. So saying he left the house in spite of
the pleadings of the lady. Seshama Raju who was informed of all the
happenings rushed home to find his teenage brother in the bungalow of
the Excise Inspector. Sathya repeated the same short spiritual speech, as
it were belong (relationship), Maya (material relationship belonging);
Bhaktas (devotion followers); work (Task, Mission); cant stay any
longer (Renunciation). Sri Narayana Sastri, their neighbour heard the
conversation between Sathya and his brother and ran to them and saw the
splendour of halo and fell at the feet of Baba, hereafter addressed as
Sathya Sai Baba. Baba sat on a Rock in Anjaneyulus garden. People
started flocking to Him with flowers and fruits. The very first song which
He taught the astonished mass of humanity was an invitation to surrender
to the Feet of the Guru who had so mercifully appeared. It also contained
a lesson that Baba has always emphasized since then that Bhajan or


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reverential adoration must be a mental upsurge, not an oral exercise. It
ran thus:
"Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam,
Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam
Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai
Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Nama Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya Namah Om
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Aruna Shiva Om
Omkaram Bhava Omkaram Bhava
Omkaram Bhava Om Namo Baba" (SSSm Vol.1)

And the whole garden reverberated with the chorus singing of the prayer
by the continuous stream of visitors. At last he thought of a plan to call
them to his place. And the classmates of Baba wept that their Sathya
Raju would no longer attend school. Some villagers went to worship him
with camphor and some others to sympathise with the family. But, many
to learn after listening to Meditate in your mind on the Feet of the
Master (Guru) who will make you cross the difficult sea of samsara
the prayer song recited. Like this, three days elapsed and word spread as
wild fire and a photographer came and when clicked the stone before
Baba was looking like the image of Shirdi Sai rather turned into the
Idol of Shirdi Sai. One evening when the Bhajan was going on Baba
suddenly said O, Maya has come and pointed to Easwaramma who had
just arrived from Puttaparthi. (Baba refers to his mother, the Griham
Ammayi, the mother of this Body and the like. And the father is referred
to as Griham Abbayi). The parents pleaded with Him to return home,
Baba asked who belongs to whom, just like he declared before. They


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tried their best, especially, Mother Easwaramma, to change their sons
Resolve but with no result and Baba most of the time repeating, It is
all Maya. At last, one day He asked the Mother to serve Him food and
when it was done, He mixed all the dishes and made them into balls.
When the Mother gave Him three balls of food, He swallowed them and
said Now Maya has left; there is no need to worry. The parents on their
turn promised Baba that they would not interfere in any of His Actions
with His Bhaktas devotees; teasing Him at any point of time or about
anything like His discussions with His followers and the like. Baba
agreed to accompany them to Puttaparthi and after a few days,
arrangements were made for their return to Puttaparthi from Uravakonda.
The townsmen organized a procession with music to the outskirts and
Arathi was offered at many places en route.

Sai Baba returned to Puttaparthi or rather was brought there by the
"parents"; they prayed to Him not to leave the village. Now, every day
became a Thursday and large groups of people gathered to have His
Darsan and Blessings. Baba spent most of the time at the village in the
house of the Brahmin Karnam (hereditary village accountant) of the
village where the aged Subbamma served the pilgrims with care and
love. (SSSm Vol.1)

Later on He moved to Pedda Venkappa Rajus and then to Subba Rajus,
the brother of Easwaramma. In the beginning a small room, was provided
to conduct Bhajans in Babas presence and as pilgrims from far and near
started pouring in large numbers, Subbamma constructed a shed and then
raised a tent. As the devotees came from distant places like Bangalore
and Anantapur, they used to pitch their own tents like we did in our
earlier visits when we did not have our own flat. We used to pitch sheds
with Bed sheets for protection from sun and rain and cold in winter and


122

Bhagavan once mentioned about the people who were spending in the
open and saying that they had the real devotion.

Even the large dining hall of Subbamma became insufficient as Baba
used to insist on feeding all those who visited to see Him. When the food
cooked was not enough Baba would ask for two coconuts to be brought
and He would strike one against the other when they would break exactly
into two halves and the water inside would be sprinkled on the items in
the vessels and needless to say that the food would suffice all till dusk.
Readers will learn more about Subbamma, considered to be the foster
mother of Sathya in a separate chapter.

Likewise we will know more of Babas Miracles as people are more
curious about The Man of Miracles. Baba used to spend most evenings
on the sands of Chitravathi River and create images of Gods, fruits and
sweets. Sometimes He would climb up the hill alone or with some
followers and reveal His Supreme splendour showing Himself as Krishna
or Siva or one of the Incarnations of God. That was how, He once started
plucking different kinds of fruits some which were out-of-season and
distributed them to those around Him and the Tree a big tamarind tree
came to be known as Kalpa Vriksha or Kalpa Tharu wish fulfilling
tree.

Baba revealed that The first sixteen years of this Life have been, as I
have often told you, the period when Bala leela (divine child sport)
predominated and the next sixteen is being spent mostly in Mahimas
(miracles) in order to give santhosha (joy) to this generation. Joy and
contentment are short-lived sensations; you have to catch that mood and
make it a permanent possession: Ananda (bliss). After the thirty-second
year, you will see Me active more and more in the task of Upadhesa


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(spiritual instruction)---teaching erring humanity and in directing the
World along the path of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema (Truth,
Righteousness, Peace and Love).

Not that I am determined to exclude leela and mahima from My activity
after that. I only mean that re-establishing Dharma, correcting the
crookedness of the human mind and guiding humanity back to Sanathana
Dharma (eternal universal religion) will be My task thereafter. (SSS
Vol.1)

He tried to correct, guide and advice and help men like He once corrected
the Digambara Swami who had vowed not to wear clothes and not to
speak. Baba gave him a towel and advised him to retire to a cave assuring
him of food and shelter wherever he was, in the deepest Himalayas or
the thickest Dandakaranya if only he had the firm faith in God and the
great courage. It was not with sarcasm that Baba advised him like that
but a sincere one that He would extend his help to anyone taking the
name of the Lord. The Assurance Baba gave them as a lad of sixteen
stands good even to-day to all sincere souls. The same authentic voice,
the voice of the Avatar, come to guide and guard all Sadhakas, whatever
the religion, the race, the clime! (SSSm Vol.1)

The news of the Manifestation of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi spread
fast and many devotees with chronic illnesses, many who had been
worshipping Shirdi Sai persuaded Him to visit their places. Baba obliged
and visited places like Pithapuram, Kolapuram, Mirzapur, Madras,
Bangalore and the like. Some devotees from the Royal Line of Mysore
also visited.


124

The stream of pilgrims increased considerably. This highlighted the
need for a bigger temple where Sai Baba could reside and the devotees be
accommodated. This was how the first temple was planned by Thirumala
Rao of Bangalore and others in 1945. The place selected was a short
distance from the village between the Satyamma and the Gopalakrishna
temples, the very site on which sheds and large tents were put up for
some years during the Dasara and other festivals.

When the servant, Gooni Venkata (Venkata with the hump) , dug at the
spot indicated by Sai Baba, so that consecrated stones could be laid as
foundation, a large number of stone bases used as stands for lingams
(emblems of the Form merging in the Formless, or emerging from the
Formless) were discovered! But strangely enough, no lingams could be
found, though a vigorous search was made. Dozens of bases - but not a
single lingam. People gathered round Baba and sought the answer. Sai
Baba told them cryptically, pointing a finger at his stomach, "The
lingams are all here." Those who have witnessed the emanation of
lingams from Baba's Mouth on the night of the Festival of
Mahashivaratri might be convinced of the correctness of the answer;
others will have to be satisfied with the consolation that the ways of the
Lord are beyond the categories with which we measure and weigh, infer
and judge. (After the completion of the building, Sai Baba came over
from the accountant's house and lived in the room to the left of the front
veranda, a small room about eight feet long and six feet wide.)

Meanwhile Sai Baba had gone to Madras and had given the blessed
pleasure of His Presence to thousands there. He also went as far as
Masulipatam. Wherever He went He granted people peace of mind and
spiritual advice, and assured them that He would guide and guard them.
One day while on the sands of the seashore near Masulipatam, Baba


125

walked straight into the sea! The devotees were sometime realizing the
situation.

Then they heard a voice and turned toward the waves. They saw a Vision
of the Lord on the Serpent Sesha, reclining on the waves! Within a
moment, Baba was by their side. They were struck by the fact that His
clothes were not wet at all. Another day He walked toward the sea, up to
the very edge and threw a silver cup far into the waves. Everyone
wondered why. In an instant the cup came back and was deposited near
them by a wave. Sai Baba lifted it up along with the "salt water" it
contained; he poured the water onto the palms of the devotees, a few
drops for each to be swallowed religiously. Each one found it to be
fragrant and sweet beyond compare! The sea had offered Him the "nectar
of immortality," just as years later it placed round His Feet a garland of
pearls.

People who witnessed these miracles and partook of the nectar are now at
Prasanthi Nilayam, His place of "Tranquil Peace" at Puttaparthi, and are
ardent devotees of the Lord. (SSSm Vol.1)

Section 3: Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
Man of Leelas and Mahimas

127

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, His
Life, His Leelas and Mahima
Sathya Sai Baba did not mind a man being rich or poor. Baba was unaffected
by the age, scholarship or length of association. He cared more for the
prayerful heart and the heart filled with remorse than the one puffed with
pride and contaminated by greed. He taught people to attach value only to
the unsullied blossom of a pure heart and the fruit offerings of good deeds, the
Hridaya Pushpa and the Karma Phala.

He moved freely even at that tender age revealing His Divinity through
Mysterious Miracles instilling great faith and devotion in them, inspiring
them to adopt the Spiritual Discipline He demanded from them and thus
they turn to Transformation of body, mind and soul through various
spiritual paths like Japam, Dhyanam, Naamasmarnam, Renunciation and
the like.

In course of time, Dasara was celebrated in the Mandir in His Divine
presence. Devotees made arrangements for this festival of the Mother. Baba
was indeed the Supreme Mother manifesting as Durga, Lakshmi, and
Saraswati and was addressed lovingly as Sai Matha and Baba proved to
be the Protector, Guide, Guardian and Teacher to the children as well. Baba
used to name the children and do Aksharabhyasam with His immense Love
and Grace, Suckling children with (on) the Milk of Jnaana like He did to
my grandson writing Om on the slate. Believe me, the boy fluently quotes
Baba and is doing very well in his job and life. It is all due his faith and love in


128

Baba and for Baba. During Dasara time the devotees were craving for
Swamis Discourses, music performances by big Maestros in the field and
many other such celebrations and feasts. There was a long procession on
every evening along the narrow streets of Puttaparthi when Bhagavan
decorated differently on each day would, be carried on the shoulders of the
eager relays of devotees to a palanquin. He would sit in dignified demeanour
plucking and throwing flowers from the garlands offered by devout
devotees on the road. The petals from the flowers would turn into
peppermints, small medallions with Babas portrait on one side and Shirdi
Sais on the other. Bhagawans forehead would be covered with Vibhuthi
and dots of kumkum by Bhaktas who could see that they emanated from
within. What a great fortune for those who flocked and witnessed all that
Glory of the God! And how I wish we were all there!!

The people of Puttaparthi, many of the pilgrims who were on their way to
Shirdi diverted their plans or added to the schedule used to visit the Mandir
to have the Vision of the Lord. Some people to get solutions to their
problems and derive solace; some others to get guidance for a carefree
comfortable life made their way to the Mandir to have the Darshan of the
Divine. Thus, the place became very small and Baba very often used to
take the devotees to the sands of Chitravathi where He revolutionised the
lives of all who came to Him.

Gang of seventeen thieves
I quote the example of a gang of seventeen thieves who turned to ways of
peaceful living. One night Baba was on a hill on the other bank of
Chitravathi and saw a group of dacoits who were dividing their booty
among themselves. He offered them the Divine Vibhuthi and spoke to them.
The black hearts immediately realised that they were face to face with the
Divine and followed Him to Puttaparthi where they took to honourable

Sathya Sai Baba: His Life, His Leelas and Mahimas

horticulture and to comfortable, blissful lives. This is not the end of the
Transformation story The Loving Living Bhagavan chose the sturdy, strong
middle aged man and appointed him as a night watchman.

In the same way, all should become united whether one is a theist, an
atheist or a theistic atheist. this is what we require today. It is unity that our
country Bharat needs most. Love, truth righteousness, justice - all are there
in this country. But it lacks unity, due to which our life is full of differences.
People should lead a life of unity, considering the difficulties of others as
their own. Today there are differences even between father and son, husband
and wife. If they give up these differences, they can lead a happy life. At
times, there may be differences of opinion between different people, but
these are all temporary and not permanent. If you wait for some time, they
will disappear like passing clouds, which come and go. Why should we
unnecessarily quarrel over such temporary matters? Sometimes big clouds
also come. But they will go as they come.

Tapovanam
In April 1959, while talking one evening on the sands of the Chitravathi
River to a gathering of devotees, Baba spoke of Buddha and the Bodhi Tree.
Even as He was speaking thus, He took out from the sands a thick
copper plate, about 15 inches by 10 inches, containing mystic markings and
letters of many known and unknown alphabets! He said that such Sasanas
are planted under the trees where Sadhakas do Tapas, so that they may be
helped to develop concentration of mind and control of senses. He
announced that He would be placing that Sasana under a Banyan tree that
He proposed to plant in the Tapovanam; this was actually done on 29
th

June and Baba declared that Yogis who have reached a certain stage of
Tapas will automatically come to know of this Tree and this Sasana and


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they will be drawn by a mysterious force towards the Tapovanam, which
will then be fully justifying its name! (SSSm Vol.1, pp. 74-75)

Letter of 25
th
May 1947
His elder brother, Seshamaraju, the teacher of Telugu, could not quite
grasp the mystery of this phenomenon. He watched with increasing
consternation and genuine fraternal love the procession of cars that came
to the right bank of the river and took his 'simple village-grown brother'
away into the cities that glittered beyond the horizon, full of temptations
and pitfalls. A few press comments that rose from ignorance pained him.
So, he wrote a letter to his brother warning him and imparting to him the
lesson he had learnt in life about society and human foibles, about fame
and its attendants.

The reply that Sai Baba wrote to him on the 25th May, 1947 is in th
possession of N, Kasturi. It is a Document that reveals Baba in
unmistakable terms. "To all who are devoted to me" (Though the letter was
written by the brother, the reply is addressed to all, including you and me,
for it is essential that you and I should know the real nature of the
Phenomenon that has appeared for our sake.) I quote the same here as it
revealed the real nature of the phenomenon.

The letter states My dear One! I received the
communication that you wrote and sent; I found in it the
surging floods of your devotion and affection, with the
undercurrents of doubts and anxiety. Let Me tell you that it
is impossible to plumb the hearts and discover the natures of
Jnanis, Yogis, ascetics, saints, sages and the like. People are
endowed with a variety of characteristics and mental
attitudes; so, each one judges according to his own angle,


talks and argues in the light of his own nature. But, we have
to stick to our own right path, our own wisdom, our own
resolution without getting affected by popular appraisal. As
the proverb says, it is only the fruit laden tree that receives
the shower of stones from passers-by. The good always
provoke the bad into calumny; the bad always provoke the
good into derision. This is the nature or this world. One
must be surprised if such things do not happen.
The people too have to be pitied, rather than condemned.
They do not know. They have no patience to judge aright.
They are too full of lust, anger and conceit to see clearly and
know fully. So, they write all manner of things. If they only
know, they would not talk or write like that. We, too, should
not attach any value to such comments and take them to
heart, as you seem to do. Truth will certainly triumph some
day. Untruth can never win. Untruth might appear to
overpower Truth, but its victory will fade away and Truth
will establish itself.
It is not the way of the great to swell when people offer
worship, and shrink when people scoff. As a matter of fact,
no sacred text lays down rules to regulate the lives of the
great, prescribing the habits and attitudes that they must
adopt. They themselves know the path they must tread; their
wisdom regulates and makes their acts holy. Self-reliance,
beneficial activity - these two are their special marks. They
may also be engaged in the promotion of the welfare of
devotees and in allotting them the fruits of their actions.
Why should you be affected by tangle and worry, so long as
I am adhering to these two? After all, the praise and blame


132

of the populace do not touch the Atma, the reality; they can
touch only the outer physical frame.
I have a 'Task': To foster all mankind and ensure for all of
them lives full of Ananda. I have a 'Vow': To lead all who
stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and
save them. I am attached to a 'Work' that I love: To remove
the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack. I
have a 'reason to be proud', for, I rescue all who worship
and adore Me, aright. I have My definition of the 'Devotion'
I expect: Those devoted to Me have to treat joy and grief,
gain and loss, with equal fortitude. This means that I will
never give up those who attach themselves to Me. When I am
thus engaged in My beneficial task, how can My Name be
ever tarnished, as you apprehend? I would advise you not to
heed such absurd talk. Mahatmas do not acquire greatness
through some one calling them so; they do not become
small, when some one calls them small. Only those low ones
who revel in opium and ganja but claim to be unexcelled
Yogis, only those who quote scriptural texts to justify their
gourmandry and pride, only those who are dry-as-dust
scholars exulting in their casuistry and argumentative skill,
will be moved by praise or blame.
You must have read life-stories of saints and Divine
personages; in those books, you must have read of even
worse falsehoods and more heinous imputations cast against
them. This is the lot of Mahatmas, everywhere, at all times.
Why then do you take these things so much to heart? Have
you not heard of dogs that howl at the stars? How long can
they go on? Authenticity will soon win.


I will not give up My Mission, nor My determination. I know
I will carry them out; I treat the honor and dishonor, the
fame and blame that may be the consequence with equal
equanimity. Internally, I am unconcerned. I act but in the
outer world; I talk and move about, for the sake of the outer
world and for announcing My coming to the people; else, I
have no concern even with these.
I do not belong to any place; I am not attached to any name.
I have no ' mine' or 'thine'. I answer whatever the name you
use. I go, wherever I am taken. This is My very First Vow. I
have not disclosed this to any one so far. For me the world
is something afar, apart. I act and move only for the sake of
mankind. No one can comprehend My Glory, whoever he is,
whatever his method of enquiry, however long his attempt.
You can yourself see the full Glory in the coming years.
Devotees must have patience and forbearance.
I am not concerned nor am I anxious that these facts should
be made known; I have no need to write these words; I
wrote them, because, I felt you will be pained, if I do not
reply. Thus, your Baba."
What a letter this! It is an epic epistle; a parting of the curtain, to give us
a quick glimpse of the God in this human frame! (SSSm Vol.2, p. 11)

It is no wonder that Truth establishes itself. More so when the Lord
Himself willed it so and thus hundreds of yearning hearts flocked to the
Holy Hamlet of Puttaparthi, day in and day out to have the Darshan of the
Divine. Thus, the need arose to build a bigger place for Bhaktas. A site
was chosen and a spacious Prayer Hall- cum-Residence was constructed.


134

Baba named it Prasanthi Nilayam, the Abode of Highest Peace where He
celebrated and celebrates Dasara (Navaratri or Festival of Nine Nights),
Sivarathri and the like when He would give the inner significance of the
deities presiding and the fortunate devotees who listen to those Divine
Discourses correlate them to the present one in the Human Form. During
the Divine Discourses Bhagavan as the great world Teacher gives some
Profound Truths, Revelations, Assurances, Advice apart from His Mission
and Message of Love. They all find place in different chapter of the
Book.

Prasanthi Nilayam
It is the abode of the highest form of Santhi Prasanthi. It is the spiritual
uplifting centre for the whole world. It is the Refuge for all who have no
other place to go. It is a workshop where damaged minds and hearts come
for repair or overhaul.

The Prasanthi Nilayam was inaugurated on the twenty-third of
November, 1950, the twenty-fourth birthday of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba. It took about two years to build. Baba can be said to be the
architect and engineer who directed the entire work for construction. His
suggestions had to be accepted by the engineers, for they found them
much better than their own. They recognized Sai Baba had a greater
sense of perspective, a finer aesthetic point of view than they had. Baba
was a hard taskmaster, but with immeasurable compassion. His Grace
overcame the most insurmountable obstacles! For example, huge heavy
girders for the central prayer hall came from near Trichinopoly by train
to Penukonda, but how on earth could they be brought over the District
Board Road, sixteen miles long with a sandy stream at the seventh mile?
How could any truck with those things sticking out negotiate the acutely
angled corners of the village on the ninth mile? After Bukkapatnam was


reached, there were three miles of a track that can be referred to only by
courtesy as a road; and then the broad expanse of sand which the
Chitravathi River spreads across, a distance of three furlongs. There were
the dilapidated culverts to be gone over, the slushes to be dragged
through; and if and when girders arrived at the spot, the task of hoisting
them on top of the high walls. The engineers gave up all hope of bringing
the girders to the village and asked Baba for some alternative proposals
for roofing the prayer hall.

One night in the small hours the chief engineer was awakened by a loud
noise in front of his house at Anantapur. He peered into the darkness and
was surprised to find a crane from Tungabhadra Dam Works, put out of
action and unable to move! He ran to Puttaparthi and told Baba that if
only it could be made to operate, the owner could be persuaded to travel
up to Penukonda and bring the girders along. Sai Baba materialized some
Sacred Ash and gave a small quantity to the engineer who piously
scattered it over the engine of the crane and asked the driver to make
efforts to set it going. With a grunt or two, the engine started, the wheels
turned, and the crane moved - toward the girders! Lifting them with its
giant arms, it somehow passed over all culverts, turned acutely round the
corners, lurched over the Vankaperu slush, and puffed up the
Karnatanagapalli hill! There the engineer said its strength was nearly
exhausted. It could not possibly draw all that weight through the sands.
So Sai Baba Himself sat near the driver and handled the wheel, and the
crane unloaded the girders near the work spot.

The grumbling of the engineers did not stop with this achievement. In
fact, they became even more exasperated. They asked, "Of what use is all
this trouble when it is humanly impossible to hoist them on the walls?"
Humanly impossible, yes, but where there is the Divine Will, there is a


136

Way! Labourers were brought from the Tungabhadra Dam, ropes were
fastened, pulleys were rigged up, and in order to make the girders lighter,
each girder was pulled up amidst shouts of "Jai Sai Ram!" (victory to Sai
who is Rama!) from the throats of hundreds of devotees in the Presence
of Sai Baba. The girders were set in place and all went well!

The central prayer hall with platform ensconced on either side is the main
part of the Nilayam. On the westerly platform is the shrine where two
life-size oil portraits are placed leaning against the wall, one of Sai Baba
of Shirdi, and the other of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. There is also a silver
figure of Sai Baba of Shirdi in the center and a small portrait of Sathya
Sai Baba under it. These are kept as aids for meditation and the repeating
of God's Name. Except for singing songs of God twice a day, once in the
morning and a second time in the early hours of the evening, there is no
regular worship as is generally done in places where an idol is installed
and consecrated. There are no fixed rites and rituals which have to be
performed on certain holy days, nor are there any schedules, prayers or
worship which have to be performed. There is no rule that even the figure
of Sai Baba of Shirdi should be there. The hall is a prayer hall, no more,
no less, with the portraits of all the various manifestations of Godhead
and of all the great spiritual and religious leaders on the walls.

The rooms on the ground floor are mainly used for storing articles and
vessels. There are two rooms set apart for private interviews granted by
Sai Baba to devotees who come to Him. The rooms on the first floor are
the living quarters for Baba. There is a large portico on the first floor
from which He gives Darshan to the devotees thronging below and
where He speaks on festival occasions. A charming marble image of Sri
Krishna playing the flute is placed right in the center of the top floor of
the portico. Everyone's attention is drawn toward its beauty and charm.


There is a flight of steps which leads to the top terrace at the center of
which, facing the approaching road, is a bust of Sai Baba, kept on a
pedestal in front of the flagpole. Sai Baba gives Darshan from near this
bust on days on which the flag is hoisted and He blesses the huge
assembly with His Hand gesture of "Do not fear." The flag carries on it
the representation of the symbol which Baba has materialized in the
circle right in front of the building on the ground.

In the very centre of a series of concentric circles, there is a pillar which
represents Yoga (union with God), with a number of rings to indicate the
stages of Yogic discipline. This Yoga leads to the unfolding of the "Lotus
of the Heart", whose petals are borne on top of the pillar. The next stage
of this consummation of devotion and the blossoming of the heart is the
"Flame of Illumination" and "Spiritual Light" symbolized at the top of
the pillar. The first of the concentric circles and its intervening space is
bare and sandy; the second one, planted with a bushy type of plant that
grows in thick clusters which have to be occasionally clipped short,
represents the qualities of desire and anger that have to be overcome in
order to reach the Yogic stage, according to Baba. The first round, the
sandy one, is the desert of desire, the waste land, the purposeless striving
after evanescent things; the second, the one with the cluster plant, is
anger, which is difficult to destroy, for as soon as it is clipped, it sprouts
again. Then there are two steps, red in color, one low, the other a little
higher, symbolizing hatred, which man also has to overcome. One type
of hatred is caused when one is thwarted in the effort to achieve the
desired object, and another type when pain is caused to one by the action
of another. After these three are overcome, the circular space filled with
green grass, cool to the eye, reminiscent of contentment and prosperity,
represents Divine Love. This is the stage when the mind of man is filled
with bliss, due to the absence of desire, anger, and hate, and having


138

achieved the attitude of the state of "Being Equal Minded to All," the
very basis of Divine Love. Soon the aspirant moves onto the open space
of Peace, where he can sit at will and enjoy the fruits of the discipline he
has gone through. The Yoga fructifies and takes him on from one height
to another until the "Lotus of the Heart" blooms and the "Effulgence of
Illumination" is assured at last. Around the circumference of the circle
there are eight painted pots with flower plants, which Sai Baba explains
as symbolizing the Eight Perfections or Divine Faculties which guard the
Yogi.

On the occasion of the ceremonial hoisting of the Prasanthi Patka, or the
Flag of Peace, Baba generally expounds on the inner significance of this
Lotus Circle and explains why He has it on the flag also. He advises and
commands devotees to hoist the flag in their own minds and keep it
flying aloft there, ruminating all the time on the lessons that it is intended
to teach. Baba also speaks of the deeper meaning of the three gates to the
prayer hall. The first, the outermost one that leads one into the
compound, the one with the arch bearing the inscription of the name of
the Nilayam, is the "Gate of Darkness." A person who crosses it leaves
darkness, ignorance and inertia behind. He has nourished the holy
thought of coming to the Presence, and the spirit of darkness and
ignorance has fallen behind him. Those who are immersed in darkness
will not even have the curiosity to enter! Then there is a second gate, just
where the garden around the Lotus Circle begins. There one is attracted
by the magnificence of the building, the electric tube lights, the coloured
candelabras, the hanging flower pots, that is to say, the active and
passionate aspects which appeal to individuals who are active and
passionate. Next one comes to the very door of the prayer hall, "Gate of
Wisdom," leading to the "Abode of Peace."


The garden in front of the Nilayam is itself a tribute to the devotion of the
devotees, for it is watered by long lines of devotees who pass the pots
from one hand to another, thus bringing joy to the plants from the well
behind the building. Sai Baba has made it a genuine botanical garden, for
it contains fruit and flower trees from many different parts of the country
and trees that do not ordinarily thrive in that particular climatic belt, such
as the eucalyptus from Australia, the silver oak, orange, and coffee trees!
The day begins at the Prasanthi Nilayam with the ringing of the prayer
hall bell at 4:30 a.m., announcing the Divine Moment or period when
devotees must prepare for meditation and the repeating of God's Name.
At 4:45 the singing of Om begins in the hall and continues for about half
an hour, followed by silent recollection of the Name until 6:00 in the
morning. The syllable Om is extolled in the Upanishads as the best and
most effective symbol of God. It contains three Sacred Holy Sounds. A,
U, and M, as well as the soundless stage where the sound of Om rings
into the silence and makes the disciple feel the communion with God, as
the consummation of the contemplation of Om is the attainment of "Pure
Consciousness." The waking state in which the soul is dominated by
darkness and is engaged with the gross physical body, is represented by
the letter A. The dreaming state in which the soul is dominated by the
quality of activity and passion and is engrossed with the subtle body, is
represented by the letter U. The state of deep sleep which finds the soul
in a state of inner wisdom dominated by goodness and truth, represented
by the letter M. The waking and dreaming states merge in sleep. The
fourth state of the soundless Om represents the state of the self per se.

The significance of Om is often explained in public speeches and private
conversation by Sai Baba. Om is also repeated before and after each
Adoration Session, since it is the one great all-inclusive representative of
God, non-sectarian and universally accepted.


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Sai Baba also constantly emphasizes the need for meditation with the
repeating of the Name of God as an essential discipline for everyone. He
gives detailed instructions and guidance to everyone who is eager to
practice them. So there are at the Prasanthi Nilayam many devotees who
engage in this type of worship for many hours a day. While Sai Baba is at
the Prasanthi Nilayam, He is engaged all the time in the task of blessing
devotees, giving them chances of seeing His Grace, contacting Him,
making obeisance, and conversing with Him. He eats the simple food of
the poorest of the land, food cooked and brought with devotion by the
devotees at the Nilayam. He sleeps on a bed spread on the floor. He sits
on a chair placed generally on a platform in the west portion of the hall
during the singing of songs of love to God, and He gives Darshan to all
in the hall. He allows them to touch His Feet whenever He comes down
to the hall.

The morning hours resound with the powerful chants of the wisdom
writings of ancient India. These are repeated in the prayer hall during
consecration and worship with the Thousand Names of God. The
Sivalingam (Siva emblem), was "taken" for this purpose out of the sands
of the river Chitravathi, November 1958. In the evening during most of
the year, the Bhagavatha, Ramayana, or other great religious texts are
expounded for about two hours by learned pundits.

Everyone who comes to the Nilayam has the supreme advantage of
earning an interview with Sai Baba before departure from Puttaparthi. It
is given individually if they have come alone, in a group if they have
come as members of a family. Perhaps no other Divine Manifestation has
poured out so much Grace! Baba is the Divine Physician, diagnosing the
ills of the supplicant and laying bare the innermost blemishes of character
or conduct with the utmost kindness, applying the soothing balm of His


Grace for the prescription of appropriate remedies. The Interview Room
at Puttaparthi has been the scene of countless transformations of
character, revolutions of belief, confirmation of faith, curing of disease,
calming of temper, discarding of hatred, salvaging of souls, and reunion
of hearts. Seldom does a person leave after the interview with a dry eye.
Sai Baba gives to everyone hope and courage, contentment and faith,
assurance and solace, because He says, "Why fear when I am here? Put
all your faith in Me. I shall guide and guard you."

The songs of love to God sung in the prayer hall are highly elevating
experiences, for the atmosphere is one of serene reverence. Baba Himself
is generally present in the hall at such times. On rare occasions, when He
feels so inclined, He sits with the devotees and teaches in His entrancing
manner various ways of singing the Names of God. (SSSm Vol.1)

This Prasanthi Nilayam is a nice good school for you; achieve success
here before you leave. This school has only one teacher and that is
Myself. I have no Manager, Secretary, President or Chairman. I am the
example, the leader, and the guide. I have none to compel Me, nor do I
profit. Still, I work in order to guide and teach. If I remain inactive how
can the wheels of the world revolve? I attend even to the minutest detail,
of every arrangement here the stage, the dais, tarpaulins, sheds water
tanks, pumps, everything. I do everything even for Myself. So I do not
need your seva (service). If you do seva to those who gather here, that
gives Me Ananda. I need no other food than that Ananda, says Baba.
(Uniq, pp. 69-70)
You come to Prasanthi Nilayam, as cars come to a workshop. You must go out
with a new paint, with all the damaged and loose bolts and nuts replaced,
with the engine cleaned and reconditioned, every part spick and span,
beautiful, trouble free, in perfect trim, ready to speed on the journey that


142

lies ahead. Every bad habit has to be replaced by a good one, no trace of
vice must be allowed to persist, and the heart must be drained of egoism.
This is the fruit of the pilgrimage that you must acquire. (B B B p. 3)

Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed many changes and achieved much. All this is
not possible is 500 years. There have been great Avatars in the past. But
there was never such achievements in such a short span of time. All these
changes have been done single handed. Today Prasanthi Nilayam has
extended to every nook and corner of the world. The world is in Prasanthi
Nilayam; people from all corners of the world are coming here. It is a
mini-world. (NNSG Vol.2, p. 140)

Thus, summing up,
Setting foot on the sacred and holy soil of Parthi, Destroys
ones bad destiny;
The sight of the top minaret of Prasanthi Mandir
Saves men from all mishaps;
A drop of the pellucid water of Chitravathi surely extinguishes
the fire of ones sins;
The holy sight (Darshan) of Lord Sai confers all benedictions
and even Supreme Liberation
(NNSG Vol.2, p. 140)

Many Indian Festivals are celebrated in Prasanthi Nilayam. They acquire
all the splendour in the Divine presence and devotees derive greater bliss
with the Divine Discourses of Bhagavan enumerating the marvellous inner
meanings and specific significance of each. Divine Discourses thus exhort us
to cultivate noble qualities. These holy days were instituted for the purpose
of getting rid of ignorance and cultivating right knowledge, the higher
values and cosmic consciousness. (SS. May 89 p1160)


Man of Miracles and Leelas
Sathya Sai Baba is the Sanathana Sarathi ancient charioteer guiding
every being to the goal. I am the embodiment of all forms which man has
imposed on Godhead. I am the propeller of every heart. I shall respond
by whatever name you know me by . I have no place, which you can
call mine, all places are mine.. My power must prevail. I have come to
churn the mind of man and cleanse it. I am God; you too are God. I have
come to carry out the supreme mission of spirituality regenerating and
uniting mankind. I shall leave the world only after completing My
mission, reveals Baba. (S.S Sept.91 Front insider cover)

In February, 1958, on the sacred occasion of Sivarathri Baba inaugurated
a monthly magazine to convey His Teachings into every home, a
magazine which He named, "Sanathana Sarathi" (the Timeless
Everpresent Charioteer) ever intent on taking us to the goal of Peace,
Everlasting Prasanthi. This magazine is published in English and many
languages other than the Telugu original; it has brought Baba into
thousands of homes and hearts. It has also been the vehicle for a series of
books from the Divine Pen, as well as for the inimitably wise and simple
discourses that Baba gave in the cities and villages He deigned to visit, at
the request of devotees. (SSSm Vol.2, p. 14)

As mentioned earlier, Baba had announced that till the age of sixteen, He
would be mostly engaged in the sportive pursuits, Leelas and the next sixteen
years, that is till the age of thirty two, He will be drawing people to Him
by Miracles or mahimas and from then on He would begin His Upadesh or
Teaching to remove the ignorance of men. He has assured that Leela,
Mahima and Upadesam will be drawing people to Him for without these
visiting cards no one can gauge a fraction of His glory. If I had come
amongst you as Narayana with four arms holding the Conch, the Wheel,


144

the Mace and the Lotus, you would have kept Me in a museum and
charged a fee for those who seek Darshan; if I had come as a mere man,
you would not have respected My teaching and followed it for your own
good. So, I have to be in this human form with supra-human wisdom and
powers," Baba has said. (SSSm Vol.1, p. 106)

He is very compassionate and in every moment the spiritual guide and as
such He did not wait till His thirty second year but has emerged as the great
Teacher of the people since 1947 in which year He presided over the All
India Divine Life conference at Venkatagiri. All categories of people from
just the ordinary to the monk, scholar, industrialist and the like who
heard Him were greatly moved. Swami Sadananda and Swami
Satchidananda had heard many satisfying interpretations and Doctrines
of Religions and scriptural texts by Baba and persuaded Him to visit
Rishikesh, Kashmir, Mathura, Brindavan, Badrinath.

Baba is not enamoured by tours to see places or admire scenery nor has
He the urge to go on pilgrimages, for He is the goal of all pilgrimages!
When a mother once complained to Him that her son would not
accompany her to Puttaparthi, but had instead left for Tirupathi, the
famous Hill Shrine of India, He said, "That too is coming to Me, for I am
not different from the One who is on that Hill." By mere willing, Baba
can be at the farthest corner of the world, for He is beyond space and
time. Baba said, "I am not moved by the craving for a change, or for
recreation, or travel. Where there is a desire for mental tranquillity, I
hurry to grant it; where there is melancholy, I hasten to lift the drooping
heart; where there is no mutual trust, I restore it; I am ever on the move
to fulfil the mission for which I have come." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 106)


Baba started from Puttaparthi by car on the fourteenth of July, 1957. He
halted at Medkurthi, sixty-seven miles away, in order to install the silver
image of Sai Baba of Shirdi at the Ayodhya Ashram. A large group of
village folk had been waiting there since noon, and Baba addressed the
assembly. He said that any work, such as the building of the hermitage,
should be carried out in a spirit of devotion, without conceit and with no
desire for profit other than the work well done. Baba condemned the
studied neglect of the body as a means of realizing God. "It is the tabernacle
of the Lord; it is the boat with which one has to cross the ocean of birth and
death with the twin oars of discrimination and detachment; and so it has to
be kept in perfect trim." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 106)

Turning to the women who had assembled, He spoke of the need to infuse
devotion, courage, self-respect, and the habit of truth in the children. "No one
need go anywhere in search of bliss," He said. "It is there as a spark; it has
only to be fanned into a big flame and fire." He declared that although He can
transform the earth into sky and sky into earth, people who come to Him get
only what they ask and choose. He said that discrimination and detachment
can come about by the relentless examination of every thought on the
touchstone of goodness and truth. "The true devotee must conquer emotion;
the tree recluse must cultivate intellectual sharpness; the true helper or server
must develop strength of mind," He said.

During these tours an interesting incident happened. The party reached
Madras on the fifteenth of July. Four days later Baba and the devotees
whom He had chosen for the tour emplaned to Delhi. He was very much
amused when He found His name entered on the ticket as Mr. S. S. Baba!
He had a hearty laugh over the "Mr.!" Baba moved about inside the plane,
dividing His time among the passengers so that everyone could have the
privilege of His Grace and by giving them even an Interview. Sathsang


146

were held in the places that Baba visited and Baba gave His Discourses on
topics like Sanathana Dharma, the Three Gunas, and Atma Thathwa, Prema,
Bliss and the like.

Referring to the appellation of "Bhagavan" which was used while introducing
Him to the gathering, He said that Bha meant "creation," Ga meant
"protection" and Va meant "change" or "transformation." "Bhagavan is
capable of all three. That is My secret," He announced. (SSSm Vol.1, p.
106)

He even deliberated on the Miracles. He materialized things in order to
give joy to His devotees, just like a father gives sweets to his little ones,
not to advertise his generosity or parenthood. Baba gave them in order to
save people from worry or anxiety; to ensure their peace of mind, to help
develop spiritual concentration and in many cases to keep up His own
contact with the recipients. They were not intended to attract any one;
they were the products neither of manthra or thanthra. They are produced in
just the same way that all articles are produced; only much quicker, may
instantaneously. They last as long as all material objects do last. But My
best Gift is Prema; devotees should strive to acquire that, as well as viveka
and vairagya which only the Guru can give, said Baba (SSSm Vol.1, p.
109)

Baba is usually referred to as Man of Miracles and the common man can
very well see and watch the Wave of the Hand that happens in no time
and enjoy the enchanting thing in His Hand that glitters and grants all the
bliss. If and when the devotee is lucky Bhagavan even grants Him the
visions of the many manifestations of His chosen God. But, beware!
Three things are to be fulfilled before the person draws Babas attention
for protection. The person must either have something from Baba in the


form of a Raksha; or protection; or he should call on the Lord, whole
heartedly-heart and soul whenever danger threatens him; the third factor
is he must be a man of Truth and Sincerity. It does not matter if he is no
devotee and more so he need not call upon any name or form of God as
He is all Names and Forms. He is all the time ready to answer the cry of
the one in distress and to avert it. Baba declares I will grant both Annam
and Amritam to those who trust Me and entrust their lives to Me. On
another occasion He proclaimed I never let down those who repose
complete faith in Me. There are a number of people who ruined
themselves for want of faith. But there is none with faith in God who got
ruined. There may be ups and downs in life, but a true devotee will
finally emerge victorious. (SSSm Vol.5, p. 29)

Baba, in His usual fashion elaborates, Miracles are the spontaneous and
natural expressions of Avatar-hood. Rama means He who confers joy.
Krishna means He who attracts. Every act of mine, for conferring joy or
attracting the heart, becomes a miracle in your phraseology. The Avatar has
come to reform and reconstruct and so the miracle has invariably this result.
The Chamathkara has as its aim the Samskara of mankind. This is
achieved in this Avatar through the process of Love. Anyone drawn
through Love is persuaded to love all since all are the same Atma
encased in different, distinct bodies and to transform that love into
service, Paropakara. As a result their minds get sanctified, their intellects get
clarified and their hearts get purified. So they attain the Realisation that
their core is the Atman, which is but a wave in the ocean, the Universal,
Eternal, Absolute Paramatman. This is the goal of human life-Sakshatkara.
(SSSm Vol.4, pp. 49-50)

Methodology Revealed
Once, when Baba was asked about His 'methodology', He said,


148

"I have no methodology or machinery or strategy in the accepted
organizational sense. My methodology is a simple one, based on
conversion by love, and the machinery is one of human cooperation and
brotherhood. Love is My instrument and My merchandise." (SSSm Vol.4,
p. 84)

Baba advised the thousands who had witnessed the emergence of two
golden Lingas from Him, "Why do you discuss and debate among
yourselves about My nature, My Mystery, My miracle, My reality? Fish
cannot gauge the sky; the gross can grasp only the gross. The eye cannot
see the ear, though it is so near. When you cannot reach down to your
own reality, why waste time trying to explore the essence of God? You
are like a Telugu audience sitting through a Tamil picture or a Malayali
sitting through a Japanese picture. The nuances, the subtler significances,
the deeper meanings and inter-relationships, the inner patterns of the
fabric, are beyond his understanding. Sit through the entire film; master
the language and the technique; watch earnestly and vigilantly and try to
imbibe the meaning of every gesture and act and word; then, you may
know Me, a little." (SSSm Vol.2, p. 12)

Do not exaggerate the significance of miracles
Baba cautions, Do not give importance to miracles. Do not exaggerate
their significance; the most significant and important power is, let Me tell
you, My prema (love). I may turn the sky into earth, or earth into sky; but
that is not the sign of Divine might. It is the prema, the sahana, effective
universal, ever-present, that is the unique sign. (SSS Vol.8) It is only for
the sake of love that Divinity descends as an Avatar. All the ostensible
miracles are only droplets of that ocean of love. Do not be dazzled by the
droplets. Recognise the ocean and come to dip yourselves therein. (BSS
Part 2 p 88/89)


Baba asserts My miracles are part of unlimited powers of God and are in
no sense the product of yogic powers which are acquired. They are
natural, uncontrived. There are no invisible beings helping Me. My
divine will, brings the object in a moment. I am everywhere. (EL, p. 67)

Baba refers to Himself as 'Sai Baba' and to the Sai Baba of Shirdi as 'My
previous Body'. He speaks of His having come down, like Rama and
Krishna, for the restoration of Truth and Morality, Peace and Love
among mankind, for instilling faith in God among men who deny Him
through pride and ignorance, and for saving the good from the talons of
the bad. "I shall give you what you want, so that you may want what I
have come to give", is what Baba has said, at Shirdi, while in His
previous body. These miracles range from revealing to those who go to
Him their past and future, to shaping their future as He wills it to be; by a
wave of His hand, He changes empty air into sacred ash, sweets, images,
idols, flowers, fruits, books, bowls, rosaries, crucifixes, drugs, dolls - in
short, all things that man is accustomed to, as well as many that he has
not known. (SSSm Vol.2, p. 12)

Bhagavan further elaborates, Besides being spontaneous tokens of my love,
my so called miracles are to plant the seed of faith in the minds of
unbelievers and to foster humanity and veneration towards a Higher power.
(DG, p. 75)

His love is the inexhaustible source of all His powers (SSSm Vol.5) I add
a little touch of personal experience in this Bhagavatham the unique story
of our Lord. Our family members were fortunate to witness the grace and
glory of Sri Sathya Sai Baba through His many miracles in the interview
room and even in the darshan lines. On innumerable occasions Baba


150

created and gifted Vibhuthi. Once as were sitting round Him in the interview
room, He sprinkled yellow rice on our head and started reciting marriage
mantras. Then with His great Love He created a ring of three diamonds
and asked me to put it on the ring finger of my husband. When the ring was
found to be too small, He took it and blew on it and it became bigger
too big this time. And ultimately Baba put it, saying Fit, perfect fit and we
felt Baba had celebrated our marriage that day recollecting our marriage in
Annavaram, before Satyanarayana Swami in 1958.

Prior to this Baba made us sit in the interview room in Thrayee Brindavan
and just waved His hand and as He opened His fist we found three rings
in His palm, which made a metallic sound. Baba had put the Navaratna
ring on my finger saying that no jeweller would be able to make one like
that and it is really so that it is maintaining its glitter and glory till to-day
after two and half decades and the other two rings of three diamonds each
were gifted to my two daughters. That time I was feeling that my
husband was not given but Baba in His great compassion compensated as
mentioned earlier.

On another occasion Bhagavan created with the wave of His hand, a
Lingam and gifted it to us with Love and we treasure it greatly. Baba gave
us instructions as to how we should do Abhishek daily with water and take
that Jalam for good health and well-being. I prayed to Baba if I could show
It to others and give that Jalam as prasadam. On hearing His positive
reply I do so to our many sincere believers and visitors.

In this context I quote excerpts from Sai Baba Man of Miracles written by
Howard Murphet:


and you find it difficult to believe in miracles? I, on the contrary,
find it easy. They are to be expected. The starry world in time and space,
the pageant of life, the processes of growth and reproduction, the
instincts of animals, the inventiveness of nature they are all utterly
unbelievable, miracles piled upon miracles ... Professor W. MacNeile
Dixon, Gifford Lectures, 1935-37

Most of us meet with the miraculous and magical in the tales of early
childhood, and in those plastic years, before the "shades of the prison
house" have begun to close around us, miracles are part of the accepted
order. There is no incredibility, for example, in the magic power of
Aladdin's lamp, or in Jack's beanstalk to the land of the giants, or in
Christ walking over the storm-tossed water.

Such stories are not, of course, confined to the folklore and religious
scriptures of the western world. The written chronicles of Man in all
areas unroll a record of miracles that stretches from Lord Krishna, some
5,000 years ago, down to the present day. The Age of Miracles has
always been with us. We read of its rosy morning on the far horizons of
ancient Egypt, Chaldea, India and Palestine. And in the old Alexandria of
the early Christian Era there were theurgists who at public ceremonies
made statues "walk, talk and prophesy".

In the latter half of last century Madame H P Blavatsky startled an
incredulous western world with a stream of inexplicable phenomena.
Apparently. With Yogic training, which is in fact spiritual training,
miraculous powers (siddhis) begin of themselves to make their
appearance, as Patanjali points out in his Yoga Sastras.


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Madame H.P. Blavatsky stated the occult viewpoint thus, "A miracle is
not a violation of the laws of nature, as is believed by ignorant people.
Magic is but a science, a profound knowledge of the occult forces in
nature and of the laws governing the visible or the invisible worlds."
Such occult laws are known to esoteric science, but those who possess
such knowledge have always been few in number and not generally
known to the public. So public opinion usually discounts their existence,
and the existence of any esoteric body of knowledge.

Miracles, as found in the records, fall into a number of classes. Bhagavan
Das classifies the miracles of Lord Krishna as follows: (1) giving
illuminating visions; (2) seeing at a great distance; (3) multiplying small
amounts of food, or other material things, to create large quantities; (4)
projecting his subtle body or bodies to appear simultaneously in several
places at once; (5) healing the sick and deformed by a touch (6) on rare
occasions bringing the "dead" to life; (7) laying dooms on particularly
grievous sinners such as the one who murdered infants and sleepers.

Krishna and Christ are the two outstanding miracle-workers of the worlds
scriptures. (MoM)

Sai Baba of Shirdi, for instance, told his followers that in the course of
concentration on ones Guru or God in any form one becomes, if
sincere, more calm, more placid, and in a number of cases the latent
power of reading the minds of others or of seeing clairvoyantly are
spontaneously acquired.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita asks, The Srimad Bhagavata asks: "What power
is beyond the reach of the sage who has controlled his mind, senses, nerve
currents and disposition; and concentrates on God?" And in another place


it says: "When a person is merged in God, all powers, all knowledge, all
wisdom, all perfection, which are termed divine, shine forth from such a
person." (MoM)

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba performs more types of miracles than the
seven types listed by Bhagavan Das above.

Baba says, Miracles are also like My visiting cards and send Me instant
flashes when the person is in danger or in need of My help. Sometimes
these gifts are made for special reasons: for the sake of devotees health or
I may give someone a gemstone so that the rays from it may constantly
influence him or her to follow the right path. I want to tell you whatever
Swami does has a purpose. He never does anything without a reason. -

Baba has been performing the miracle from His childhood; there are so
many, some have been recorded by Howard Murphet in his book
mentioned above and by N. Kasturi in Sathyam Sivam Sundaram
Volumes and in Sanathana Sarathi from time to time and Dr, M.N. Rao in
his book Sri Sathya Sai Baba A Story of God as Man published in
1985 in two parts. But, there are so many which are not recorded and
these outnumber the recorded ones.

There may be many which only devotees and Baba know and not known
to all. However, if you ask any devotee he has a story to tell. These are
indescribable. Here are only a few instances and are not being repeated.
Creates Gifts from sand and sea and from thin air as His Sankalpa,
showering grace on His devotees:

It is almost a daily occurrence and more particularly on functions and
festival days when food and Prasadam are multiplied, though the food or


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prasadam to be distributed is not adequate to the people present,
automatically it becomes more than sufficient and every one present gets
his share. We see this on almost all occasions.

Regarding curing the patients of various types of illness and diseases, He
does by flowers, fruits, Vibhuthi, by physical touch or accidental touch of
His robe to the patient, by creating medicine, or word of mouth like
Cancer cancelled or Operating the patient by creating surgical
instruments. These types of cure are recorded. But there may be many
other modes.

It is reported and recorded that He was present at two places
simultaneously.

He has presided over the death of His devotees of Jack the pet Vegetarian
Pomeranian, Kameswaramma, Subbamma Etc.

He resurrected the lives of Radhakrishna and Walter Cowan. (SoGM)

He appears at more than one place e.g. He was in Venkatagiri and in
Kerala in 1964. (SoGM)

He averts accidents and saves people in India and all over the world.

Dr K. Hanumanthappa former Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai
University in his book describes how in the interview room the dead wife
of a former Chief Minister of a North Indian State in flesh walk out of
Swamis body and came to him, she took his hand and spoke softly, I am
with Swami now and very happy, Dont be sad. I am very happy, and
disappeared into Swamis body. (SSB Yug, p. 219)


As stated in this book elsewhere on the mystery of Shirdi Sai birth, who
did His first miracle in resurrecting the boy who threw the brick to kill
Baba.

We must develop unflinching faith in His Divinity, and be instruments in
His hands in His Mission.

During Dasara 1961, Baba said that He has just started the work for
which He has come. He has spent only thirty five years in human form
(frame) and He has assured us that He would inhabit it for over sixty years
more. Bhagavan Baba has often said that one of the important purposes of
His incarnation is the revitalization of the divine potency of deities in
ancient temples. With this purpose in mind Baba had charted out a
programme on 11th June 1961 with a visit to the sacred temple of
Badrinath in the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh. Baba took His parents and
many devotees with Him and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao garu- Governor
of U.P joined the pilgrims at Hardwar. Baba while giving the description
of Badrinath temple said that people want to go to Badri to see Lord
Narayana, the deity there while in the present case the devotees were
going there in the company of Lord Narayana Himself. Baba narrated how
Adi Sankaracharya prayed to Lord Siva and got from Him five Lingams
which he installed in the five corners of India-one each at Badri in UP;
Puri in Orissa; Sringeri in Karnataka, Dwaraka in Gujarat and
Chidambaram in Tamilnadu.

Baba had revealed His miraculous powers to the 200 and odd devotees
who accompanied Him to Badri. He waved His open hand and
materialized a plate of gold with a thousand petalled golden lotus which
was then kept in a silver plate. With another wave of His hand He
produced a Lingam which Baba explained that it was the Nethra Lingam


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which was installed underneath the idol of Lord Badarinath by Adi
Sankara some 1200 years ago. Baba further explained that the idol was
visible to visitors for worship daily, the Nethra Lingam lay concealed ever
since its installation.

Bhagavan Baba has been a leader from His early childhood. He is the
world teacher and wanted to bring about a silent but radical revolution in
the field of education. He has declared The need of the hour is not a new
social order, nor a new political or economic revolution; what we need to-
day are men and women of character. Thus the real crisis is the crisis of
character as a result of which modern man is to choose between a New
world or no world. (S.S.Sm Vol 5 p.62)

According to Bhagavan the New world where man will not inflict
suffering on man, where man knows the secret of immortality; where men
join hands with God on earth to bring down the heaven where no one will
be allowed to starve without food or shelter; none will suffer without
medicines and care when needed and none of the children born into this
New world will be denied opportunity for the right kind of education. In
short, the New world is a world where the basic material needs of
everyone are met and where man has learnt the art of living in harmony
with himself and fellow men and with Mother Nature. Such a New world
can be built only by a New man.

Baba about Himself
The Avatar Reveals the Truth of His Incarnation
It is reported, In an epoch-making Discourse (Dasara Discourse) on the
auspicious day of Vijaya Dasami on 9th October 2008, Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba made a profound revelation: Lord Satyanarayana is also
called Vishnu. Lord Vishnu has incarnated as Satyanarayana in this world.


Hence, Satyanarayana is verily Lord Vishnu. This has been explained in
the Vishnu Purana. You must understand His Tatwa (true nature) well.
(SSS Vol.41)

Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Narayana. Here Narayana refers not
Lakshmi Narayana but Satyanarayana. Satyanarayana walks amidst
common people, talks to them blissfully and gives happiness to them. He
appears to be an ordinary human being, but He is endowed with
extraordinary and supreme powers. None can describe his power and
glory although He appears to be simple and ordinary. He is Sathya (Truth)
personified. Wherever He goes, He teaches only Truth, Dharma
(righteousness) emerges from Sathya. He is the embodiment of Sathya
and Dharma. He has incarnated only to teach these two principles. Many
scriptures also declare Satyanarayana as the Supreme Being and an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Though many people consider Him to be an
ordinary human being, yet, in reality He is not an ordinary person.
Whatever He says is truth and nothing but truth! It is the truth of His heart
that utters in His words and demonstrates in His actions. Therefore, never
consider truth as an ordinary principle.

The creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,
Is there a place in the cosmos where truth does not exist?
Visualise this pure and unsullied truth.
(Telugu Poem)

This Unique Avatar Is the Embodiment Of Truth And
Righteousness
This Satyanarayana moves among people, cuts jokes, talks to them and
makes them happy. The Lakshmi-narayana reclines on Adisesha, the
serpent. This Satyanarayana too was rocked under the bed, by a serpent


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when he was just a newborn baby. Satyanarayana looks like any other
ordinary human being. But, He possesses extraordinary and superhuman
powers. They are indescribable. He looks very innocent. Yet, sathya
(truth) is the most important quality He looks for in the people. Wherever
He goes, He teaches truth (sathya) only; for, from truth emerges
righteousness (dharma). Sathyannasti paro Dharma (There is no Dharma
greater than adherence to truth). In fact, Satyanarayana is the embodiment
of Truth and Righteousness (Sathya and Dharma)! It is for propagating
these two human values that Lord Satyanarayana has incarnated in human
form as Satyanarayana Raju. Satyanarayana is an unique Avatar, though
He appears to be an ordinary human being. People often commit the
mistake of taking Him to be an ordinary human, since He very closely
interacts with them at the human level. Whatever He speaks is truth, truth
and nothing but truth! Truth is often times construed as giving expression
to ones own thoughts. It is not as simple as that, it is much more putting
them into action. Truth is one with perfect accord between ones thought,
word and deed.

People do not follow My words properly. They take My words lightly
thinking them to be just a joke or fun. Whatever I speak, even if it is a
joke or for fun, it is Truth, Truth and Truth only! Unfortunately, people do
not recognise this truth, even those who move very closely with Swami.
They therefore take it lightly. They just listen and forget about it. But,
surely the result of their apathy would be apparent sooner than later. Only
those who are unable to visualise the future will be taking my words
lightly. Though Swami is moving in front of them, giving them darshan,
talking to them now and then and performing several gigantic tasks right
in front of their eyes, people are unable to recognise His true nature and
get convinced by His words. How strange it is! It is nearing 83 years since
this body was born. I have not forgotten a single incident in this earthly


sojourn. But people say, Swami forgets things. No, there is no truth at
all in this statement. Forgetfulness is not in My dictionary. (SSS Vol.41)

The Same Atmic Principle is Present in All

The principle of Sathya Sai is the principle of Soham Mantra,
which never comes under the veil of forgetfulness in the
waking, dream and deep sleep states. (Telugu song)

People should understand this truth. It is mans weakness that he
misunderstands this transcendental principle. Today I am trying to make
you understand his truth as the destined time is drawing near. Sathya has
no differences. He has no hatred, no enmity, no dislike or anger towards
anyone at any time. All are the children of Sathya. Therefore, all are equal
for Me. I do not observe any differences, but at no point of time have I
observed any differences. You may think that I have differences. Our
students are very well aware of it. Whatever people may say, even if they
talk against Me, I keep smiling. I have never shown anger towards
anyone.

At times I may appear to be angry, but in reality I have no anger in Me.
Our students are amazed that even though many people pester Swami
with many demands and some even criticise Him, Swami always keeps
smiling. What a wonder it is! What is the secret of Swamis forbearance?

All belong to the same family; though the individuals appear to be
different, the power working in them is the same.


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One Atmanarayana Immanent In All
For Me, all are one even though individuals appear to be different in form
and qualities, there is only one divine force working through them. That is
atma sakti (the power of atma). There is only one Atmanarayana
immanent in all human beings, nay, all living beings. Every human being
must try to realise this Atma Tatwa.

There are so many bulbs illuminating this hall. However, the electric
current flowing in all these bulbs is the same. The bulbs may appear to be
different, but current is the same. Similarly, even though the names and
forms of the living beings in Gods creation appear to be different, the
atmic consciousness permeating them is only one. All these lights go off
and darkness envelops if the main switch is switched off. Thus, God
illumines the entire universe as the atma tatwa immanent in all the living
beings and objects. Even though God may appear to be involved in so
many activities in this world, it is only for the pleasure of His devotees.
He has no desires of His own. He has only one desire Samasta Lokah
Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the beings in all the worlds be happy!).
Human beings, however, will be experiencing the results of their own
actions. It is not possible for all to be happy always in this ephemeral
world. One may experience happiness, while another may be suffering at
the same time. This is the nature of the world. The sorrows and
difficulties or pleasure and pain bring different experiences to different
people, the atma tatwa present in all the human beings is only one.
Electric bulbs may be of different colours and sizes. But, the electric
current passing through them is the same. Only the wattage of the bulbs is
different. Depending upon the wattage, some bulbs may be bright while
others are dim. The brightness or dimness is only due to the wattage of the
bulbs and it has nothing to do with the current. Similarly, the sorrows and


difficulties, pleasure and pain experienced by different individuals are
only their own making and God has nothing to do with it.

Understand the Divine Principle of Satyanarayana
Lord Satyanarayana is also called Vishnu. Lord Vishnu has incarnated as
Satyanarayana in this world. Hence, Satyanarayana is verily Lord Vishnu.
This has been explained in the Vishnu Purana. You must understand His
Tatwa (true nature) well. I have not given any discourse during the last ten
days. What is the reason? People attributed different reasons for this,
according to their imagination. But, one thing is true. I am sitting before
the microphone today to reveal the truth. My love is supreme and pure. I
love those who love Me. I love even those who develop hatred towards
Me. I am also extending My love to those who are demonic and who try
to put Me to great inconvenience. There is no one in this world whom I do
not love. Unfortunately, people do not realise this truth. People think,
Swami is not talking to us; perhaps Swami is angry with us. Let Me
assure you that I have no anger at all. I have only one thing hunger;
hunger for devotees! It is only due to this hunger I am drawing devotees
in large numbers to Me. Be assured that God is the embodiment of Love.
He has no hatred towards anybody. It is to teach this principle of love that
the Navaratri celebrations have been started. Different people worship
God and sing His glory in different ways. I have no difference at all! I
wish that all should live as embodiments of love and like brothers and
sisters. Men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world.

All are Gods children. God is the only father of all. Hence, we must love
all. Others may or may not love us, but, we must love all and serve all.
People keep distance from us, so long as they do not understand the power
of love. Once they understand and experience love, they become one with
us. I am waiting for such a transformation in the hearts of people.


162

Thousands of people have heard My discourses over a period of time.
Thousands and lakhs of people witnessed My divine powers on various
occasions. In spite of all that, people are unable to understand the true
nature of My Divinity. People talk of so many things according to their
perceptions and understanding. It is not their fault. There are very few
people who could realise Truth and conduct themselves accordingly.
Those who realise the path of Truth only will be able to follow it. When
people develop anger or hatred against Truth, they keep themselves away
from it. Irrespective of their love or hatred, we should always love them.
People keep distance from one another due to differences of opinion. In
fact, you are not different from others. Today they may appear to be
different, but tomorrow they may come close to you. All are brothers and
sisters! Hence, all should live like brothers and sisters with love and unity.
All are one; be alike to everyone. This is My special Message on this
holy occasion of Navaratri.

You will be able to realise Truth sooner or later. When a tree bears fruit,
not all the fruits in a bunch will be ripened at the same time. Similarly,
when a plant bears flowers, not all the flowers blossom at the same time.
Some will be in the process of blossoming, some are fully blossomed, yet
others will be in the bud stage only. It is only the fully blossomed flower
that spreads its fragrance. Similarly, men will also be in different stages of
evolution some are like the bud, some at the blossoming stage and some
others like the fully blossomed flower, spreading their fragrance. We have
to patiently wait till the fragrance stage comes. This is My important
message.

Today is the Poornahuti day of the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajnam.
What is meant by Poornahuti? It means total sacrifice. My life has always
been one of sacrifice!


Poornamada poornamidam,
Poornat poornamudachyate,
Poornasya poornamadaya, Poornamevavashishyate.
(That is full, this is full. When the full is taken out of the full,
what remains again is the full.)209
(Sanskrit sloka) (SSS Vol.41)

Those who understand the truth will be able to know. Children are like the
buds and hence they may not be able to understand this now. But with the
passage of time as they grow, they will gradually understand the meaning
of the words of Swami. Till you attain that mature age, lead your life in a
calm and composed manner.

Pictures

Figure 3: Parents of Swami

Figure 4: The All-Knowning Baba

Figure 5: Ganapriya and Ganalola

Figure 6: Young Baba

Figure 7: Baba on his various visits

Figure 8: Punya Dampatulu - His Earthly Parents

Figure 9: Seeing an album

Figure 10: Baba with Sai Gita

Figure 11: Yogic posture

Figure 12: Baba with the Fortunate Baby
Figure 13: Lover of Music

Figure 14: Planetarium

Figure 15: Music College

Figure 16: Sri Sathya Sai International Centre For Sports

Figure 17: Administrative Buiding

Figure 18: College

Section 4: Divine Mission and
Teachings of Bhagawan

179

Divine Mission and Projects
Introduction to Sathya Sai Babas Divine Mission
Whenever Dharma declines, God comes down as Avatar to restore it and
put down the forces which cause the decline. An Avatar is shepherd who
takes care of His sheep viz., His devotees who follow Him with implicit
faith and surrender. He nourishes them with green pastures of His Love
and refreshing waters of His Grace, thereby appeasing their spiritual
hunger and thirst. (NNSG Vol.5, p. 16)

Thus God has assumed Dasa Avatars at different times, circumstances
and for the purpose to be fulfilled. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Eleventh
Avatar as it were embarks on His Divine Mission which He says, is four-
fold Veda Purusha Poshana, Vidwat Poshana, Bhaktha Rakshana and
Dharma Rakshana.

He says that His Mission is to raise the consciousness of man to a level at
which he neither rejoices or mourns over anything. My main task is the
reestablishment of Vedas and scriptures in the Kingdom of India and
revealing the knowledge about them to the people. His mission will
succeed. When the Lord decides and Wills His Divine Grace, the task
cannot be hindered.


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My mission has now reached that point in time when each one of you
has work to do. This planet has a purpose in the great galaxy in which it
is held. That purpose is now unfolding. (WP, p. 20)

Your mission has begun. Those are my words to you, My devotees. Each
of you has a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. Only those
whom I have called can serve me. (V. p.126)

My mission has now reached that point in time when each one of you
has work to do. This planet has a purpose in the great galaxy in which it
is held. That purpose is now unfolding. before your eyes. I call upon you
to radiate the Bhakthi within you so that its unseen power will envelop all
who come into your orbit. To successfully perform your parts always
remain centred upon ME. Allow yourself to impart that purity of heart
within you towards all human beings and all living creatures and do not
reach for the fruits of your work.

This part of my mission is performed in absolute silence. You are My
instruments from whom MY love will pour. Be always aware that the
moment you let your ego descend upon you, My work ceases. When you
have overcome your negative un- mindfulness, you will again become
MY source. (WP, p. 20)

The multiplication of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have
prepared you for this work over many incarnations. I have drawn you to
Me. I have made great steps in My mission over these past incarnations.
My work is ceaseless and so your work too, is without end. Know that I
am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourself of
petty matters forever. You are Me and I am Thee. There is no difference.
(NNSG Vol.5, p. 16)


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This I say to all My devotees from the Lords mountaintop where all the
universe becomes one. about My work, My beloved devotees! Your
breath, the scent of the blossom of heaven. Your example will be that of
angels. Your joy will be my joy. (M-P, p. 275)

New World will emerge with the people enjoying safety and security,
great bliss and immense peace. Declaring His Divine Mission thus
Bhagavan gives a clarion call to the devotees as well, advising them to do
their work well leaving aside petty matters.

My mission is to show rich and poor alike the way to peace of mind they
desire. We open to them wonderful new world of spiritual treasures and
they must sacrifice material wants and comforts. In this process of
spiritual evolution the seeker learns that this blissful state cannot be
purchased for money in a shop or gifted to one by anybody but oneself. It
can come only from the universal source of divinity, the indwelling God
that embraces poor and rich alike. The concept creates a common
fellowship, a brotherhood of give and take between the wealthy and the
poor, those who have too much are obliged to give up their unnecessary
wants, while those who have too little to get their needs fulfilled. (S&M,
p. 246)

That is how in spite of our rigorous discipline industrialists, businessmen
and the like come here to secure peace of mind beyond physical comfort
which no wealth or power on earth can purchase or provide.

With such noble Ideas and Ideals, Bhagavan has embarked on many
Works for the all-round transformation of Individual, Society, Nation
and the world.


182

Educare
In ancient culture, the first lesson taught to our children was that we are
all divine. The concept of fatherhood of and brotherhood of man was
conveyed to us all the time. A childs journey in life began with an
understanding of its integral relationship with the whole world. We were
always told that the divine cosmic energy pervades the entire universe
including all of us. From the smallest atom to the largest galaxy is the
source and foundation of all existence. (Atmodbhava July 2008)

Education can yield peace and prosperity only when, along with
technical skills and objective information, students are equipped with
moral ideals righteous living and spiritual insight, says Bhagavan.

The concept of integral education in Sri Sathya Sai Educational
Institutions comes closest to ancient ideals. Blessed indeed are the
students who have had the privilege of going through an educational
programme, which combines deep appreciation of the method of modern
science and technology and the ancient Indian knowledge and wisdom
accumulated over the centuries. This type of education can be a powerful
means of Self- perfection and social redemption. (Dr Manmohan Singh,
Finance Ministers Convocation address, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Learning 1995).

In generations to come what will be remembered as the most precious
Gift of Sri Sathya Sai Baba to all mankind is His Message:

If there is righteousness in the heart there is beauty in character.
If there is beauty in character there is harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home there is order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation there is peace in the world.


183

To establish such Peace on earth, individual transformation should be
brought about. A body of men and women with sacred ideas and ideals
can transform society. For instilling sacred thoughts good value based
education should be imparted to children. Value based education is not
just the head to be filled, but heart that has to be cleansed and illumined.
Baba clarifies, Education is for life, not for living.

Any system of education that does not help to discriminate between right
and wrong, that does not instill the fear of sin and the love of God, train
you in the codes of humility and reverence, widen the horizon of your
wonder, encourage you to worshipfully serve your parents, and inspire
you to dedicate your skills and attainments to the progress of your family,
village community, country, language and nation, stands condemned.
The corruption and cruelty that are rampant in this country can be traced
to this grave defect. (SSS Vol.12)

Education sans wisdom, mere wisdom bereft of discrimination, action
without discretion, erudition lacking sagacity, power not justified by
credentials, statements not based on truth, music wanting in melody,
adoration not sustained by devotion, a person devoid of common sense
and character, a student not endowed with humility and a discourse that
fails to inspire: these serve no useful purpose. (SSVahini, p. 195)

The inner growth is educare. Educare brings out our latent sacred values.
Values are not to be taught but manifested. Mere accumulation of
information from various books is not educare; it is education. Educare is
the blossoming of the Divine Lotus in our heart. Educare enables us to be
not just receptors but vibrators and radiators of values to all creation.
Values are to be translated into action. That means, both precept and
practice are equally important.


184

How to put the principles of educare into practice? Many modern boys
and girls have no knowledge about these principles. It is absolutely
necessary that every student should know all about educare and its
importance. The latent powers in each student have to be brought out.
These powers must play their part in all his activities as reflection,
reaction and resound. Thus, the process of education has to work in such
a way as to transform the students into reflections of their latent powers.
They are to be moulded properly and shaped beautifully. Our institutions
bring out ideal students and present them to the world.

Sathyannasti paro dharma. ( There is no Dharma greater than adherence
to truth). You shall not tell anything but truth. What has happened
should be reported truthfully. What all you have done, you should say it
exactly. This is what most people say and believe when they give the
meaning of truth. But this is only one dimension of the vast interpretation
of truth. Similarly, you must understand that Educare has much deeper
meaning. In fact, Sathya (truth) is educare; Dharma (righteousness) is
educare. It is truth and righteousness which protected India from all
dangers. Sathya and Dharma do not come from outside. All that comes
from outside is not permanent. Today it comes, tomorrow it goes. But
what comes out from ones heart is permanent. Educare comes from the
heart and it has to go to other hearts only. (SSS Vol.37)

Bhagavan said that the youth of the country suffered the imposition of
pointless and purposeless curricula. They were being shaped in colleges,
into recalcitrant unemployables and sent out into the world with begging
bowls called 'degrees' and 'diplomas'. They saw through foreign eyes,
thought along borrowed concepts and held only film stars as their ideals.
They had become rootless saplings, drifting with every whiff of wind.
Their patriotism was not even skin-deep, for they had no knowledge of,


185

or love for, their traditions and culture, their poets and saints, their fellow
men and homeland. Dr. Benito Reyes, president of the world university
in Ojai, California, who attended the course and stayed with the
participants, commented in high appreciation on the benefits derived
from it by westerners who had no knowledge of the depth and vastness,
the value and validity of the spiritual message of India, so vividly
perceptible in Bhagavan. He quoted T.S. Eliot and asked, "Where is the
wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have
lost in information?" and answered, "It is here." (SSSm Vol.4)

The physics, chemistry or mathematics that you learn at college has no
practical validity so far as your daily activities are concerned. In the
laboratory you learn that oxygen and hydrogen constitute water. But,
when you are thirsty during lunch at home, you cannot put the two
together and drink the result. You have to drink water, as prepared by
natural faces. For living out your years in peace and harmony, you have
to develop common sense and master general knowledge. Pouring over
books or cramming formulate will not help. At present education is
oriented to jobs, to secure a living, but not to lead a life. Education must
teach a person what is life and what are its goals. It must purify the heart
and clarify the vision. To establish such a new world the All-powerful
Bhagavan introduced New System of Education which has been called
Educare. With New Education which will be combination of the modern
and the ancient, a beautiful synthesis founded on Sri Sathya Sai
Philosophy of Integral Education, which combines the physical and
metaphysical. This philosophy of education is idealist in its objectives,
pragmatic in its approach and naturalistic in the settings and aims to
mould integrated men and women by imparting wholesome education to
the three constituents of human personality- body, mind and spirit
(SSSm Vol.5, p. 65)


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He advises them, Your heart has to be saturated with pure feelings, clear
impulses and selfless urges towards service of living beings. Do not sink
it in hate, cruelty and other evil qualities. Often, you yourselves cause
injury or mental agony to others. You revel in mean tactics to insult
others. So, keep your heart clean and clear that it receives correct
impressions of the struggles of your parents, the problems of society and
anxieties that pester the country, put your years in peace and harmony
you have to develop common sense and master general knowledge.
Pouring over books or cramming formulae will not help. At present
education is oriented to jobs, of secure a living, not to lead a life.
Education must teach a person what is life and what are its goals. It must
purify the hart and clarify the vision. It must prevent pollution of mind
and heart.

Thus, the first institution of higher education founded by Baba, was the
College of Arts and Science for Women at Anantapur in 1968; the
second was the College for Men in Whitefield in 1969. In these
residential colleges with modern settings one could see the Gurukulas of
the ancient India and Vidya - education imparted is completely free of
cost at all levels (from elementary to PhD., levels) Only Baba, Bhagavan,
the Man of Miracle can only achieve such a feat . The following pages
revel more about the Educational institutions founded by Bhagavan.
Likewise we come to learn of Institutions of Medicine and other Social
Activities.

Bhagavan Baba exhorts students, promote the peace and prosperity of
the motherland. Students alone have the enthusiasm and the skill
necessary for this task. In this land revered as the treasure house of
spiritual riches, dharma is declining day by day; unrighteousness,
injustice, violence, anti-social acts, falsehood are running amok. They are


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indulging in their devil-dance unhindered. In this Kali era, students have
to rise as lion cubs, re-establish peace and restore dharma in individual,
social and national life. (SSE-HV, p. 30)

Acquaintance with the contents of a pile of books does not make one an
educated person. Wherever there are students, the place must shine with
the brilliance of peace and security; it must radiate the aura of sanctity.
But have we peace and security in the campuses today? No. Real
education must be judged by the concern for others which it promotes.
Students should grow to be the guardians of the people. As the
prospective protectors of the people, their future leaders and
administrators, they should prepare themselves for national service. On
the shoulders of students today rests the task of making India great. The
educational system has to be shaped anew so that students can fulfil the
task of brightening the future of this land. (SSE-HV, p. 31)

Many carry swollen heads because of the degrees they have won
through the study of books, Baba says. As a result scholarship is
accumulated, man is losing the compassion which urges him to love his
neighbour, to discover the neighbour's troubles and anxieties so that he
might give relief. He is turning more and more egoistic. Education must
broaden the heart; it must expand ones love. Bhagavan feels and
advises that the students should cultivate faith in God and love towards
all beings.

With such noble ideas and ideals Swami has founded the Anantapur and
Prasanthi Nilayam colleges, which in a short period are raised to the
status of the constituents of New University the Unique University
where Botany course is not merely a study of trees in nature, but it will
spread the knowledge of the Tree of true living.


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In the same way along with imparting the knowledge of Economics, the
knowledge of theistic Ethics will be included. Likewise, while teaching
chemistry Rasayana Sastra, the students will be made aware of the
secrets and truth of the Supreme Embodiment of nectarine sweetness, the
Atma Raso via Sah. The students of this Rare University will be
taught the knowledge of Parartha (non- material world) along with
science of Padartha (of material world). This it was proposed to integrate
Spiritual education harmoniously with the teaching Physical and
metaphysical Sciences in the curriculum of this Unique University and
the alumni will be conferred with the courage and confidence to shape
their careers for an honourable and honest living in their lives. The
Sacred Sai Sankalpa fructifies and takes shape in the formation and
accumulation of different Institutions of Education, Medicine, Social
Activities of Innumerable Projects which imbibe and include thousands
and lakhs of people through out the world in these Services to the
humanity through voluntary Volition. A marvellous Transformation of
the individual, Society and Nations through service which becomes
Worship; Love which is God! And all his by and through God, the
Avatar of this Kali era Bhagavan Sai Baba! And Samastha lokah
Sukhinobhavanthu by His Divine Love, Mission and Grace!

In Baba's seats of learning, children are educated from kindergarten level
to post-graduate level absolutely free of charge. M.B.A, M.F.M, M.
Tech. (Computers) courses have also been introduced in the Sri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Learning, a deemed University. These are in
addition to normal courses at Bachelor's level (in Arts, Science and
Commerce) and Master's level courses in Arts and Sciences. Facilities are
available for doctoral studies as well. A number of big, neat, roomy and
airy buildings have been built.


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Educare Confers Immortality.
The word 'Educare' has a sacred inner meaning. That which is manifested
by 'Educare' cannot be seen by the eyes, cannot be heard by the ears and
cannot be felt by the mind. But all that education confers can be seen,
heard and felt. Education fosters desires leads to rebirth, whereas
'Educare' confers immortality. There will be no rebirth. The inner divine
qualities like truth, righteousness peace, patience, forbearance and love
cannot be seen by the naked eye and they lead to no birth. Modern
education is giving rise to desires, which form the basis for rebirth. You
need to develop detachment to control desires. Attachment leads to
bondage and restlessness. The innate values alone control the desires.
Inner voice leads to detachment.

You have to enquire into the difference between attachment and
detachment. To attain detachment, you must obtain release from worldly
bondage. Here is a small example. When you insert the key into the lock
and turn it to the right, the lock opens; you turn it to left, it gets locked.
The heart is the lock, the mind is the key. You get attachment, when your
mind is turned towards the world. When it is turned towards God, you
attain liberation. It is the same lock and the same key that are responsible
for bondage and liberation. The mere change in the direction causes a
change in the consequence, namely, bondage or liberation. Liberation is
not some specific location-an air-conditioned paradise. It is a state of
supreme peace. Where do you get the supreme peace? It is to be obtained
in the realm of a pure heart. It is steady, sacred and utterly selfless. To
enjoy supreme peace, you should achieve a supreme state. Unity, purity
and Divinity, when these three principles are unified, it takes you to
supreme state. Take, for instance, Rama and Lakshmana. You know what
kind of brothers they were? Lakshmana was totally loyal and followed
the commands of his elder brother and thereby attained the supreme state.


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What is the condition of the Ramas and Lakshmanas today? Instead of
attaining supreme state through unity, they go to Supreme Court to settle
property disputes. Desires take you to Supreme Court. When there are no
desires, no quarrels, there will be no Supreme Court. You will be in the
constant state of Supreme peace. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 256-258)

One does not become a scholar or a learned person as soon as one is
born. These qualifications are acquired over many years and after much
effort. Educare is the name given to this process that brings to the surface
the latent virtues and values. The secular instruction that is currently
offered everywhere is education. Dealing as it does exclusively with the
phenomenal world, it is artificial. As Swami often says, Art is outside
while heart is inside. Therefore art is education while heart is educare.
There is no person in the world today who can be said to be truly learned
in the sense of Educare.

He has studied everything,
And mastered all;
Yet a fool he remains,
Not knowing about the Self.
No matter how advanced the learning,
Or how high the position held,
A mean person will ever remain mean.
Too much scholarship
Promotes only argumentation.
No matter what the attainments,
The scholar too one day has to die.
Hence seek that Knowledge Supreme,
Which alone leads to Immortality.
(SSB 2000, pp. 64-65)


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Education, Educare and Their Benefits
Can you call all those who know how to read and write educated?
Can one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees?
Can you call it education which does not confer virtues?
If education is just for a living, dont we find birds and beasts carrying
on their lives? (Telugu poem) (SSS Vol.38, p. 184)

Worldly education imparts knowledge pertaining to the physical world.
Spiritual education is essential, without which human life has little value.
But, in the modern education system, spirituality finds no place. Only
worldly education is given prominence. Just as two wings are essential
for a bird to soar high in the sky, and two wheels for a cart to move; so
also two types of education are needed for man to attain the goal of life.
Spiritual education is for life, whereas worldly education is for a living.

Only when man is equipped with these two aspects of education can he
be deserving of respect and adoration in society. Possession of these two
aspects of education will bring not only respect and adulation but also
self-satisfaction. Worldly education, which relates to the head, is
ephemeral. Reading, writing, eking out a livelihood, and attaining name
and fame all these result from worldly education. Worldly education
makes man great, whereas the spiritual education makes man good.
Spiritual education relates to the heart, which is the origin of sacred
qualities like compassion, truth, forbearance and love. (SSS Vol.32 Part
II, p. 3)

No doubt, education has to be pursued and some activities have to be
undertaken in the world for leading a comfortable life. One has to take
care of the worldly needs for himself and his family like food, clothing
and shelter. But, to what extent? These are all activities that one


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undertakes for the sake of oneself and ones family, not for others.
Modern education is breeding selfishness. It is for acquiring goods and
services for ones own comfort.

These are worldly pleasures. The qualities of kama, krodha, lobha, moha,
mada and matsarya (desire, anger, greed, delusion, pride and envy) drive
mans efforts in pursuit of worldly pleasures. No doubt the worldly
education helps to provide comfort and joy in the objective world, but it
does not at all contribute to inner bliss. It is only the five human values of
Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), Santi (peace), Prema (love) and
Ahimsa (non-violence) that confer inner bliss.

A person who cultivates these five human values will always be happy.
The five senses of action provide external pleasure; but the five human
values confer inner bliss. Education helps to obtain various conveniences
for external pleasure, whereas inner bliss can be experienced only by
Educare. There is a lot of difference between Education and Educare.
Education involves reading of books written by someone and listening to
the lectures delivered by someone. Educare, however, has nothing to do
with books. It has no form at all! It is Truth that has no form. (SSS
Vol.42, pp. 209-210)

Wherever you go, whatever activity you may undertake, let your heart be
filled with love. Such a person, wherever he is, whether in the town or in
the forest or in the sky or in a deep sea will surely be protected. Divine
love neither grows nor diminishes. It always remains the same. (SSS
Vol.42, pp. 210-211) Educare is related to bhava (feeling), whereas
education is related to bahya (external). The education you acquire
should be beneficial to society. You should utilise your knowledge and
intelligence for the benefit of society. Keep your emotions under check.


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Do not fret and fume like Durvasa who had no control over his temper.
Only the one who has complete control over himself is a true human
being. (SSS Vol.39, pp. 5-6)

Education and Educare Must Go Hand In Hand
Educare is that which makes the human values blossom from within.
Whether you have acquired educare or mere education will become
evident in your speech. you should not talk loosely; especially when you
speak to elders, you should carefully frame your sentences and speak
with all humility and respect. True education is not limited to textual
knowledge. You should manifest the human values of truth,
righteousness, love, peace and non-violence. Truth should not be con-
fined to mere words. It should be translated into deeds. Share your
knowledge with others.

Let us all move together, let us all grow together,
Let us all stay united and share our knowledge,
Let us live together with friendship and harmony.
(Telugu poem) (SSS Vol.38, p. 69)

Human Values
In this most noble and sacred task of Sai all strata of people children,
youth, elders parents, teachers, administrators, Managers and the like
should imbibe Sathya (Truth) Dharma ( Righteousness) Shanti (Peace)
Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non violence) from an early age and
imbibe the right (mind), action (hand and other limbs) deed and feeling
(heart). Bhagavan advises See Good; Do Good and Be Good. This
great good maxim works wonders to bring about the great transformation
the all-round transformation. If one adheres to this advice, Peace will
reign in the world.


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Times have changed. With the passage of time and the progress of
science and technology present day man of lure of wealth, power and
position has increased manifold. As a result the system of education itself
is changed with more stress on the intellectual development of the child
neglecting and ignoring the spiritual side. At the behest of His chosen
mother Easwaramma, Bhagavan promised her a boon to provide school
in Puttaparthi and he started the Primary school. In course of time
Bhagavan master plans started transforming the entire structure of
education in the whole world; consequently resulting in the
administrators, educationists and the educated becoming more and more
conscious of the importance of conscience the Atma. Thus Human
Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence are given
the additional place with academic studies- love occupying the first place
as He often says, Love as thought is Truth. Love in action Right
conduct; Love as feeling is Peace; And Love as understanding is Non-
violence.

Further adding God is Love, Live in Love, Start the day with Love, End
the day with love. Thus the Love Incarnate embarked on the Divine
Mission of several activities- Education, Medical and Social. Thus EHV,
Education in Human Values has become a part and parcel of the school
curriculum with moral instruction occupying a place (a period) in the
time table for the week.

Music College in Prasanthi Nilayam
Embodiments of Love! In this world, you can achieve everything with
love. I am the best example for this. Love is My greatest property. I love
everybody and do not desire anything except love. The power of love can


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transform earth into sky and sky into earth. There is nothing in this world
that cannot be achieved by love.

Here is a small example. Many students are coming here for studies. But
modern education is not doing any good to the world. All the subjects
like physics, botany, and chemistry will help only to eke out a livelihood.
But none of them can attract the human heart as music does.

Even God is attracted by music. Once, Narada asked Vishnu, Swami,
You have various branch offices like Vaikunta, Kailasa, and Swarga. But
I want to know the address of Your head office so that I can contact You
without delay. Vishnu said, Madbhakthaa yathra gayanthi tathra
thistaami Narada (you will find Me installed wherever My devotees sing
My glory). That is why God is extolled as Ganapriya and Ganalola
(lover of music). It is music that melts human heart and literally moves
everyone. So, music should be started in our colleges. I wanted to start a
music college here. But I did not tell anybody about this.

I usually do not tell what My plans are. Whatever I Will, it certainly
happens. Last week a devotee named Puri from Indonesia came here and
prayed to Me to start a music college here for which, he said, he would
donate 10 crore rupees. The modern music is essential. But along with
that, street plays, Harikathas (singing the stories of God) have to be
encouraged. Music plays a vital role in fostering Indian culture. The
construction of this college will commence in the next month i.e.
Sravana. The current month is Ashada, in which, according to the elders,
a new project is not undertaken. That is the reason I postponed the
commencement of construction to next month. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, pp.
24-25)


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God Is a Lover Of Music
You know a music college has been constructed. In November 2001, a
new music college was also opened on the university campus. This is
also useful for the entire world. God is a lover of music and He is
charmed by it. It is for the encouragement of such divine music only,
have we established this musical institution. Just imagine, some
individual living in some foreign country has come forward to construct
this institution in Prasanthi Niliyam. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 368-369)

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai, reaches for us exactly in the same way with
worldly learning in His open hand but holds spiritual learning in the other
hidden hand. Boys and girls come eagerly seeking admission into His
educational institutions, colleges and university. Swami receives them
and imparts spiritual learning along with worldly learning. Even an
ordinary individual is gradually processed and refined in this manner.
Man becomes truly wise in course of time. Swami's indescribable love
makes it possible. (Tapovanam)

A state-of-the-art Planetarium costing crores of rupees has been installed.
These are all tokens of Baba's boundless love for children. Side by side
with these symbols of 'worldly learning', Baba ensures that the students
receive 'spriritual learning' too. (Tapovanam)

Medicare
History
Sathya Sai Baba's mother, Easwaramma, "had expressed her desire that
there should be a hospital for all the poor people of Puttaparthi. Sai Baba
had promised her that it would be done at the proper time." "The
foundation of the Prasanthi Nilayam hospital was laid on 23 November
1954, and the hospital was inaugurated on 4 October 1956. Many


197

devotees toiled to help build the hospital by carrying stones, bricks,
cement, and other articles on top of the small hill on which it was
constructed. The hospital initially had twelve beds, six of them for
confinements, according to the needs of the time. The hospital catered
mainly to the villagers and devotees. The doctors and the paramedical
staff were appointed by Sathya Sai Baba. They worked voluntarily
without any remuneration. Treatment both for inpatients and outpatients
is free. Medicines, injections, operations, and deliveries are also free. As
the demands on the hospital built in 1954 increased ... the need was felt
for the construction of a new hospital building, equipped with all medical
facilities.

The foundation of the new hospital building was laid on 23 November
1982, and the hospital was inaugurated on Sivarathri Day, 29 February
1984. The hospital has arrangements for one hundred beds with an air-
conditioned, fully equipped, operation theater; blood bank; laboratory;
intensive care unit; X-Ray unit; eye unit; and dental unit. Well-qualified
medical and paramedical staff have been recruited to staff the various
branches of the hospital

On November 22, 1990, Sathya Sai "Baba announced that a Super
Specialty Hospital offering sophisticated treatment completely free of
charge to all, would be inaugurated the next year, in the very hamlet of
Puttaparthi." (From Wikipedia)

What the Super-Speciality hospital signifies
Divine members of the medical fraternity! It is not my intention to extol
the excellence of our Hospital here. I wish to highlight the fact that the
people in these areas used to be mortally afraid of heart disease because
there was no facility for high-grade medical or surgical treatment and


198

they had to take the patients to far off places entailing enormous expense.
But, from 22nd November 1991, when the Super-Speciality Hospital
started functioning, even kids entered the hospital smilingly without any
sense of fear. Their courage and faith ensure successful treatment.

This is the only hospital where you can see patients, doctors, nurses,
technicians and paramedical staff with smiling faces. Even the relatives
accompanying the patients are all smiles. Wherever you move in the
hospital, you can see smiling and cheerful workers doing their duty with
devotion and dedication.

How has this happiness come to the people who go to the hospital for
treatment of dreaded diseases? Happiness arises out of union with God.
Because there is lack of faith in God elsewhere, there is grief. But in our
hospital there is full faith in Divinity. Most people who have all physical
comforts do not have inner peace. We get peace only from within us. If
one acts in consonance with one's conscience one gets peace. A spirit of
sacrifice is essential for securing peace.

This hospital is not Swami's. It belongs to all of you. This hospital was
established with the noble aim of serving suffering humanity. Besides
excellent equipment of the highest quality, we have here the most
modern facilities for medical and surgical treatment and, above all, a
team of dedicated doctors and other staff who render selfless service with
a smile. The construction of the hospital was completed in an incredibly
short period of five months. The construction of a hospital of this
magnitude might have taken even ten years if the Government had taken
up the work. When I announced on 23rd November 1990, that this
hospital will function from 22nd November 1991, many eyebrows were
raised, doubting the possibility of the date being kept up.


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But it became an accomplished fact as willed by Swami. (SSS Vol.25,
pp. 44-45)

The Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital is a tertiary health care
hospital created to provide patient care facilities to all, free of cost. There
are currently two super speciality hospitals, one in Puttaparthi, Andhra
Pradesh and another in Whitefield, (outside of Bangalore), Karnataka,
India:

Sri Sathya Sai Institute Of Higher Medical Sciences (Super Speciality
Hospital, Puttaparthi (Inaugurated on 22/11/1991 by Prime Minister Sri
P V Narasimha Rao)

Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield- (Inaugarated by Prime Minister Sri
Atal Bihari Vajapayee on19th January 2001)

Mission statement
"Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust provides free medical care to the sick and
ailing with the dedication, commitment, love and the best of skills, so
that they will be cured in body, mind and spirit. Our Mission is to
provide high quality medical care free of charge to all irrespective of
caste, creed, religion, and financial status in an atmosphere of love and
care."

The super speciality hospitals (run by the Trust) follow the guiding
principles laid down by Sathya Sai Baba
Universal Healthcare: Healthcare should be available to all,
irrespective of caste, religion, nationality, or financial status
De-commercialized Healthcare: Healthcare should be delivered
free of charge


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Human Values in Healthcare: Healthcare should be administered
with Love
Spiritualisation of Healthcare: The aim should be to heal the
patient in body, mind and spirit, not merely to cure disease.

Elaborating on the objectives of the hospital, Sathya Sai Baba said in a
discourse on November 23, 1991, "Many persons appealed to me to set
up the hospital in an urban centre. There are many medical institutions
run as a business in several cities. When any educational or medical
institution is established, the sole aim is to make a business of it. There
are few who are ready to set up such institutions to provide free facilities
for the poor. Therefore, from the start we decided to set up a hundred-
crore hospital near Prasanthi Nilayam itself. Even as higher education is
free here, "Higher medicine" also will be free. People spend some lakhs
to get heart surgery done in the U.S. What is the plight of the poor? Who
looks after them? Recognising this fact, we have launched this big
hospital project. Whether it is heart bypass operation, or a kidney
transplant, or a lung operation or brain surgery, everything will be done
free."

Col Joga Rao was worried about the super specialty hospital, as there was
not much time left and there were no sufficient funds also to complete the
project. Even after completion, where do funds come to run a free
hospital of such magnitude on a sustained basis? That was the worry and
he had no sleep that night and the next morning Swami asked the reason
for his sleeplessness and when he said Bhagawan knew the reason,
Bhagawan declared)

It was I who promised that super specialty hospital will be opened in
November. Why do you worry about it? Our country Bharat is a Punya


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Bhoomi, Yoga Bhoomi and Thyaga Bhoomi. In this sacred land, if
anyone takes up any activity with a pure and selfless motive, all that is
required for the fruition of that activity will come spontaneously. There
will not be any dearth of funds for our super specialty hospital. Rest
assured! (SSSm Vol.6, p. 359)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,
Prasanthigram
We have here today the President of India, the Chief Minister, the
Governor of the State and other eminent persons. In the sphere of
education, if we establish a system of free education for all without
distinctions of rich or poor, or classifications like backward and
forward,the nation will take a great leap forward on the path of
progress. We are wasting crores of rupees on many unrewarding
ventures. If we ensure the right kind of future for our children, the nation
will benefit immensely. Free education and medical relief should be
provided to one and all.

With this object in view, we decided yesterday to establish a big hospital
here. Many people appealed to Me to set up the hospital here in our urban
centre. There are many medical institutions run purely on business lines
in several cities. There are few facilities for the poor. Therefore, we have
decided to establish a hundred-crore hospital near Prasanthi Nilayam
itself. Just as higher education is free here, higher medicine also will be
free. People spend lakhs of rupees to get a heart surgery done in U.S.A..
But what is the plight of the poor? Who looks after them? If they go to
cities, they will not even get coloured water(medicinal mixtures)!.
Recognising this fact, we have launched this, hospital project. Whether it
is heart surgery or kidney transplant or brain surgery, everything will be
done free. The hospital will be opened on November 22, 1991. This is


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Sai Sankalpa; no one can fathom it. In the case of Sai, thought and
action are simultaneous like the light and sound that emanate when a gun
is fired. Hence it is not easy for everyone to understand Sais resolve.

Embodiments of divine love, there is not a trace of self-interest in Me.
Whatever I do is only for the sake of others. In fact, I do not consider you
as others. All of you are My own people, Such an all-encompassing
feeling cannot be found anywhere in the world. Have you seen anywhere
else an organization, which has grown so stupendously in fifty years? In
the case of the earlier Avatars, their fame spread only long after their
passing. In this case of the present Avatar, in His own lifetime, a
university, a big hospital, an aerodrome and many other institutions are
being established for the benefit of one and all, especially the villagers.
Many more will follow in the years to come. Many people wonder as to
how all these are being accomplished. The advent of this Avatar took
place sixty-four years ago. All these years, I have never stretched My
hand at any time to seek anything from anyone. I have not asked anyone,
I will never ask anyone, and there will never be an occasion for it. How
are then these things happening? For any good and self less work, there is
no impediment in this country of Bharath. When you want to do any
good work, money will flow in torrents. The narrow-minded who
undertake any work will never be free from want. Such people cannot
understand the actions of those who are large-hearted and broad-minded.
I do not expect anything from you. Only, I want you to develop love in
your hearts. Treat all mankind as your brothers and sisters. Recognise
that all are children of God. Bear no ill will or hatred towards anyone.
Only such a large- hearted attitude will confer on you limitless bliss. This
is the birth-day gift that I desire from you. Have unity among yourselves.
Strive to revive and promote the glory of Bharat.


203

As I was coming here, some people greeted Me with the words, Happy
birthday! Happy birthday to You I am always happy. I do not need such
greetings! Only those who are not happy need them. I am filled with
infinite joy at all times. I have never had any worry at any time. What is
the reason? I am aware that all things are transient like passing clouds.
Then, why worry about them? We should not be elated or depressed by
births or deaths. We came naked into the world. When we leave, we
cannot leave our address with our kith and kin. How can they be our
kinfolk, all these are worldly phenomena. As long as we live we should
spend our lives in harmony and love. All our difficulties can be overcome
by contemplation on God. What do you achieve forgetting God and
immersing yourselves in worldly concerns? Have firm faith in God.
Dont give any scope for differences on the basis of caste, creed or
nationality. All names and forms belong to the Divine. All that you see is
the Cosmic Form of the Lord. With firm faith in the Divine, chanting the
Lords name, redeem your lives. (Excerpts of Divine Discourse on 23rd
November, 1990) (SSSm Vol.6, pp. 346-347)

In a discourse that day, Sathya Sai Baba said, "Today an auspicious
announcement has to be made. Within fifteen minutes of the inauguration
of the Hospital by our Prime Minister, the first operation was begun in
the Hospital. Within three hours four operations were performed. One
was a very complicated case. There was a hole in the heart of the patient.
All the operations were performed successfully and all the patients are
doing well.

"The second phase was inaugurated a year later by the then President of
India. Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, when the uro nephrology department
started functioning. The super specialty hospital continued to expand:
opening the kidney transplant programme in 1993, Department of


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Ophtalmology in 1994, and in 1995, the CT Scanner and Vitreo Retinal
Services were inaugurated. In 1999 the Lithotripsy Centre was opened.
Kidney transplantation facility is no longer offered. (Wiki)

The government is seeking to provide various amenities in the villages.
But it is one thing to proclaim ones intentions and quite another to fulfil
them. Speaking is easy; acting is difficult. Neither the authorities nor the
leaders appear to be concerned about the plight of the villagers. The
villagers are also apathetic. Bharat is not lacking in resources. It is well
endowed in every respect. Had it been so, it would not have attracted to
many invaders from outside. Today, Bharatiyas themselves are
considering their country as poor and belittling its status. This by itself is
not a great danger. The greater danger is the development of a mood of
cynicism Avishasam. It is only when the pessimism among the people
is transformed to robust optimism, will the country march forward. The
retrograde movement has reversed. Material prosperity, which is
transient, is not important. Real and lasting wealth lies in good qualities
and morality. It is this form of wealth that should be acquired.

With a view to setting an example to the authorities, to the community
and to every individual, Swami is undertaking activities, small and big, in
various spheres. This hamlet of Puttaparthi had a population of barely
eight hundred. To conceive of a University for such a village was a
fantastic dream. Another amazing phenomenon is the construction of an
aerodrome near such village, when there are no aerodromes even at the
district headquarters. Puttaparthi has become the cynosure of all highly
sophisticated and most modern hospital, which should be located in a
well-developed metropolis, has been set up in this rural area. The wealthy
can anywhere and get medical relief with their abundant resources. But
the rural poor cannot go far from their villages for medical treatment. It is


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for the sake of such poor folk this hospital has been established. I have
told our doctors to examine the heart ailments of the villagers around
here. Today, an auspicious announcement has to be made. Within fifteen
minutes of the inauguration of the hospital by our Prime Minister,
(22/11/1992) the first surgery was begun in the hospital. Within three
hours four operations were performed. One was a very complicated case.
All surgeries were carried out successfully and all the patients are doing
well.

You should know how the hospital came up. The Larsen and Toubro
Company is known for its massive constructions in India and abroad. But
nowhere else was such enthusiasm and zeal displayed by the workers in
the construction on this hospital. Even the smallest worker did the work
of ten persons with cheer and joy; they did it with great devotion. Work
on the hospital began in the month of May after My return from
Kodaikanal. Within six months from May to November, a work, which
would have normally taken five years, has been completed. This is a
gigantic project. It is intended to benefit people for a thousand years.

This hospital has been set up to provide relief to villagers suffering from
various diseases. No distinction will be made, however, between villages
and cities. Diseases do not afflict only villagers; they make no territorial
distinctions. Likewise, there will be differentiation in providing relief.
For achieving anything in the world, a sound body is essential. The body
is the primary requisite for the pursuit of dharma and it has to be in good
health. Even for this realisation of the four goals of life-Dharma, Artha,
Kama and Moksha sound health is essential. Having regard to this
importance of health for all purposes, Swami has launched such medical
institutions. (A few excerpts from the Discourse of Bhagawan On
23/11/1991) (SSSm Vol.6, pp. 372-374)


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Currently the hospital offers the following facilities:
Cardiology
Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
Urology
Plastic Surgery
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Gastroenterology (Endoscopy)

The hospital is equipped with 300 beds, 11 surgical theatres, five
intensive care units, two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, medical and
surgical wards, and a 24-hour emergency unit. "Leading doctors
specialising in the fields of Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular
Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology etc. come from different parts of the
World on their own and render their services free of cost One of the
DNB students of the hospital was awarded the gold medal by the
National Board of Examinations.

Dr. Michael Nobel, great grand-nephew of Alfred Nobel, chairman,
Appeal of Nobel Peace Laureates Foundation states, "The world's
hospitals are filled with expensive and advanced medical technology. It is
also easy to find free hospitals. But the combination of the two, of a
super speciality, highly advanced, state-of-the-art hospital which is free
for the poorthat is a unique, completely unique concept. And if we add
to that Sai Baba's presence, and the spirituality which his presence lends
to the hospital, it becomes a very unique creation. I know hospitals very
well, but I have never seen anything like this on earth." Anna Tibaijuka,
who was appointed by the World Health Organization as a member of the
WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, visited the Super
Speciality Hospital in Puttaparthi.


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Dr. Mitch Krucoff, an eminent cardiologist from Duke University, North
Carolina, United States, talks about his experience with super speciality
hospital. "There is an atmosphere of joy amongst the staff of this
Hospital, as they do their work. When we first went over to India, we
thought were going to this poor third world nation and share with them
our technologies, teaching them how to use it properly. Honestly stated,
this was a very arrogant start. Later, it turned out that we learnt more than
we taught."

"The hospital was set up on 150 acres of land near the Sri Sathya Sai
Airport" and "was designed by Professor Keith Critchlow from the Prince
of Wales Institute of Architecture in London."

The architecture is a mix of ancient Hindu and Islamic styles. However,
some components of Indo-Gothic style could be noticed in the building.
The hospital has a total built-in area of 153,000 square feet.

"Isaac Tigrett ... (who started the Hard Rock Cafes) sought Prof.
Critchlow's aid to design a hospital in an Ashram in Puttuparthi, India.
Critchlow had never heard of Sai Baba." "The hospital has a large central
building with a magnificent dome which is connected to four buildings
on either side each with a dome. Critchlow was given three months to
complete the design and the hospital was built in nine months. This
according to Prof. Critchlow is a feat only Sai Baba could perform. The
central building represents Swami (Sathya Sai Baba)'s heart and the
others with the connecting curved corridors represent Baba's two arms
embracing humanity."

"The impressive building ... stands as a magnificent temple of healing, its
inspiring architecture imparts an aura of divinity and peace to all who


208

enter the hospital for investigation or treatment and to those who work
there. Spread over an area of 15,000 sq. meters, the hospital hosts 300
beds. The hospital, with its beautiful architecture and serene rural setting,
serves not only as a temple of healing for the body but also for the mind
and the spirit."

Sathya Sai Baba says of the building process, "The firm of Larsen &
Toubro are known for their big constructions in India and abroad. But
nowhere else was such enthusiasm and zeal displayed by the workers
engaged in the construction as in this Hospital. Even the smallest worker
did the work of ten persons with zeal and joy. All workers performed
their jobs with enthusiasm and devotion."

There have been recent improvements since 2002 of rail transportation to
Puttaparthi, one of the reasons being the Super Speciality Hospital.
(Wiki)

Super Speciality Hospital-Whitefield
Last month when I was in Bangalore, one day, the Chief Minister of
Karnataka, Patel came to Me and said, Swami, You have constructed a
Super Speciality Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam, which is of immense
benefit to the poor. But diseases are common for both the rich and the
poor urban or rural. It will be of great help to the people of Bangalore
city, if You would be kind enough to establish another Super Speciality
Hospital here. I just smiled and did not say anything. The very next
week, the Chief Minister, the Finance Minister, the Revenue Minister and
many other dignitaries came here with the documents concerning the
registration of 70 acres of land. This plot is situated adjacent to the
Information and Technology Park.

209

Figure 19: Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,
Prasanthigram

The Super Speciality Hospital (Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Medical Sciences) was setup at Prasanthi Gram (about 9 kms.
from Prasanthi Nilayam) under the auspices of the Sri Sathya Sai
Medical Trust in the year 1991 to demonstrate that medical care of
the highest quality even in highly specialised fields like
Cardiology, Urology, Nephrology, Ophthalmology etc can be
provided totally free of cost. The aim of the Trust is to ensure that
ailing persons receive the best treatment, irrespective of their
caste, creed, or social status.
The Super-Speciality hospital acts as a nucleus for the extension of
primary health care at village levels in the surrounding areas. Sri
Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam and Sri Sathya
Sai Hospital at Whitefield, Bangalore extend the secondary health
care and finally the Super-Speciality Hospital acts as the tertiary
link in the chain of total health care.
Some of the interesting surgeries performed in this department:
Mobile left atrial clot with Rheumatic mitral stenosis.
Left ventricle to aorta tunnel.
Anomalous left coronary artery arising from pulmonary
artery.
Arterial switch.
Aortopulmonary window.
Coronary artery bypasses grafting with Radical Rt. Hemi-
colectomy, Ascending aorta and arch replacement for chronic
dissecting aneurysm.
Repair of a huge ascending aorta aneurysm that had eroded
the chest wall.

Figure 20: Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield
(suburb of Bangalore), Karnataka, India

Figure 22: Narayana Seva at the Stadium
Figure 21: Sai Service


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They are supplying water and electricity. If you are prepared to undertake
noble tasks, the whole world will support you. An American devotee by
name Sinclair has come forward to donate a few crores of rupees for this
hospital. Previously he had given a few crores of rupees for the Super
Speciality Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam also. I have not told about this
project to anyone else, otherwise there would have been a shower of
gold. (DD on 28-07-1999, p. 8)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield
"The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Bangalore, was
inaugurated on January 19, 2001. After its success, the Karnataka
government offered Sathya Sai Baba 53 acres of land to establish another
super-speciality hospital." "The cost estimate was Rs.2000 million."
(Wiki)

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, said, This hospital will surely attain an
exalted position. You may not understand now, but you will surely
realise it in future. People belonging to different parts of the world will
come here for treatment. This hospital has such a divine potential in it.
Do not entertain any wrong notions about the hospital. Earlier when the
Super Speciality Hospital was established at Puttaparthi, people had their
misgivings about the functioning. Now, in the surrounding villages, you
dont find anybody suffering from heart diseases.

Here the treatment will be rendered free of cost to the rich and poor alike.
Even the food will be provided free. Our objective is to cure the patients
of their ailments and send them home happy and healthy. This hospital
will serve the poor for ever/. Some may have a mistaken notion that it
will be a temporary one. All the institutions established by Sai are
eternal!


214

Addressing the doctors, He said, Fill your hearts with compassion and
serve the poor and the needy. Dont be stone-hearted and money-minded.
It is your good fortune that you have become doctors. Sacrifice is the
hallmark of a true doctor. Serve the poor with love. That alone can
redeem you. Service to the poor is service to God. Sacrifice your life for
the cause of the poor. Service should be your motto. I have no other
desires. I am prepared to sacrifice even My life to serve the poor. Do at
least a thousandth part of what Swami is doing. Of what use is the human
life if it is not spent in the service of the poor? (SSSm Vol.7, pp. 305-
306)

The Whitefield Super Speciality hospital offers free care for Cardiology,
Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery.
The hospital also has in-patient services such as Radiology, Laboratory
(Pathology, Microbiology, Biochemistry labs, and an in-house Blood
Bank), Physiotherapy, Dietary and Counselling.

Alangar S Hegde, neurosurgeon in private practice and part-time director
of the 330-bed hospital, said in a Zee news interview, "Treatments, tests,
medicines, food and hospital stay are all free ... and if some tests cannot
be done here, we get them done outside at our cost. On an average day,
surgeons here perform seven neuro and seven heart surgeries. Together
with laboratory tests, X-ray scans and outpatient procedures these are
worth over Rs 5 million (USD 100,000) in commercial terms but done
free." "Built with trust funds, the Rs 200 million that the hospital spends
annually on salaries, medicine, equipment and maintenance come
entirely from unsolicited donations from [Sathya Sai Baba] devotees."
"The state government gave us land and the power supply for hospital is
free," Hegde said. "Companies give us medical equipments at discount


and one computer firm installed Rs 10 million (USD 20,000)-worth
hospital software at no cost."

"The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, (Whitefield)
Bangalore, is the second in the world and the first in India to have
acquired the Stealth Neuro Navigation System (for image guided
surgeries), the latest technology in precision neuro surgery. "We have
acquired this surgical navigation technology in keeping with the
philosophy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba that the best medicare should be made
available to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion and at free of cost,"
said Dr. A. N. Safaya, the ex-director of the hospital.

Ambiance
The Whitefield Super Speciality "hospital is actually known as a "temple
of healing" as it provides Medicare in a spiritual ambiance devoid of
commercialism, its employees say. It is not just the state-of-the-art
technology or high quality service but the spiritual ambiance pervading
through the campus," says hospital manager. Satyaranjandas Hegde says,
"Those who man the gates, serve at the reception and counsel patients are
all volunteers inspired by Sathya Sai Baba's philosophy that "seva," or
selfless service, is service to god. People wanting to offer 'seva' are so
many that there is a waiting list for volunteers. We keep rotating them to
give everyone a chance." "It actually makes me feel I am entering a
temple and not a hospital," said Akella Chendrasekhar, medical director
of Wyckoff Medical Centre in New York.

During a visit to the hospital in 2006, former president of India APJ
Abdul Kalam said, "I can see god's mission being carried out here. The
doctors and staff looked to me as angels."


216

Dr Michael Nobel has said, "I have never seen anything like this on
earth. It is a wonderful feeling, far removed from the national healthcare
in the West, which does not seem to work very well. The impressive
thing about the hospital created by Bhagawan Sai Baba is the
combination of the three aspects: state-of-the-art technology, free
medical treatment and the healing powers of his presence instilling in the
patient the firm belief that he or she will get well." The hospital is
managed by MBA graduates from Swami's management institute at
Puttaparthi, who oversee all day-to-day activities of the hospital like
admission wait list, priorities, medical and surgical costs, and report to
higher authorities. (Wiki)

For The Progress of Rural Urban India
My Sankalpa (resolve) is to provide the advancement of villages. They
have to be fostered first as they are the heart of India. We have to build a
strong rural India if we want to strengthen our country. Baba.

For this, Bhagavan stresses that a constant, continuous service is need.
He introduced a novel subject Constant Integrated Rural Development
for M. B. A. students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (now
Sri Sathya Sai University). Students and workers attend to Rural Service
Activities like Health and Hygiene, teaching the villagers the value of of
vegetables, fruits, milk etc., as source of nutrients; the importance of
cleanliness; generation of electricity from cow dung; maintenance of
kitchen gardens etc

It means all that are considered to be essential items for the village must
be generated there itself making it self reliant. Baba has also identified
specific areas for rural service activities where the service should not be


haphazard or casual as service to village is service to God Grama
(village) Seva is Rama Seva should be realised, sooner or later.

For sooner realisation, the wise statements of great people should be
remembered. Mahatma Gandhi said, My India is India of Villages, The
freedom that has been won and the prosperity that is looked forward to
can be ensured only when the villages are free and prosperous. This
depends on its turn on the freedom and the prosperity of each family in
the village.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba stresses the importance of Rural
Development Activities as mentioned earlier, further saying, Sacred
Activities are undertaken in every village and every street, ancient culture
of Bharat can be revived and a great transformation in the hearts of youth
will be brought about. India was once the Guru of the world. Go to the
villages, serve the needy and undertake various rural development
programmes and make India strong and happy. ( (MSSG, pp. 100-101)

Narayana Seva
Bhagavan Babas chosen Mother, Easwaramma urged her dear son to
embark on good things to help the villagers tide over their difficulties for
food and clothing. Baba immediately felt that the grain harvested by
Narayanas in human form should naturally partake of it and thus
Narayana Seva was started. The students were directed to serve food and
distribute clothes to the poor villagers at their doorstep.

The great Perfectionist as He is, the Lord started readying men and
material for this new divine project as well. Minute details like
population statistics, preparing road map, acquiring trucks and trailers to
transport to hundreds of villages, and equal number of hamlets selected,


218

for serving a minimum number of hundred thousand people were all
planned from 2000 A.D. ,the service activity is done ever year for
continuous 10 days. Batches of senior students headed by teachers are
associated with the work at all stages so that the seeds of compassion
are sown in their hearts.

It was sheer luck, if one selected and associated with this sacred work in
all stages like cutting vegetables, cooking of the food on the previous
night which goes on till about midnight in huge vessels with ladles,
electric grinders, pouring the cooked rice and other items of food in the
area of the huge sheds sitting in rows, moving about assisting ; and then
batch packing ; and loading those packets after taking count in the trucks
waiting outside was a sight to watch, praying and thanking the tireless,
timeless great Lord of Love who teaches the Practical Vedanta, his
devotee whoever they are students, teachers volunteers and so on.

By the time all this is done it is 5.00 a.m. Every one rushes to their
respective residences wherever they are located in Prasanthi Nilayam
Premises to finish a quick bath and assemble to have the Divine Darshan
at about 7 a.m. Once the Love is blessed by Baba with a smile and raised
Abhaya Hasta, the boys of His institute do Pradaskhina with Prayers and
then they all rush to the waiting trucks to take them to the planned
destination to distribute the clothes and prasadam to eagerly waiting men
and women with their children at their door steps. There is no omission
or commission in this religious routine, every day with duty discipline,
dedication and devotion being maintained; with the bliss of their Lord
blessings and love, his or her life journeys on and on come what may,
pleasure or pain according to ones karma
in the past life despite all the punya karma going on in the present with
the Punya Purusha of the Present Age.


Thus Rural and Urban India as well progresses setting an example to the
whole world.

Refuge for the Forlorn
Some time back in 2000 A.D. there was sad news in the local newspaper
that a mother committed suicide killing all her three children out of
poverty. Our compassionate Bhagavan was very much moved by that
saddening report which prompted Him to provide food, shelter, clothing
and education to such destitute children. Fast action followed. Initially
construction work was taken up in the shape of two room tenements to
sixty orphan and destitute children by converting His own orchard into a
housing complex. Later on, these children from Bukkapatnam and
Puttaparthi Mandals under the Deenajanodharanapathakam (project)
under the loving care of Sri Sathya Sai. To provide some support when
children grow, a sum of Rs one lakh in the name of each child was placed
in Fixed deposit in a Bank They come to Sai Kulwant Hall every
Thursday for Bhagavans Darshan,

Many such orphanages have come up in the country. Old age homes have
also been opened Easwaramma Womens Welfare Trust looks after
the social, moral and economic uplift of the women folk and children.

Samastha Lokah Sukhinobhavanthu.

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Some of Sais Revelations,
Assurances and Advices

Bhagavan as the great world teacher gives some profound truths,
revelations, assurances, advice, His Mission His immense Love and
Divine Grace to mankind. In this sacred Sai Bhagavatam Sri Sathya
Sais life story and some of His teachings on several occasions and
contexts are given. For full definitions, information, clarifications etc.,
the texts quoted may be referred.

I - idi na dehamu
I is not the body. You refer to the body with my; it is my body, my
mind, my eye, my face. Then who am I? When you say my face, are you
not separate from your face? This is my kerchief, my flower. Flower is
separate from me. Kerchief is separate from me. Then who am I? This is
discrimination. We should discriminate that way wholeheartedly. Then
you will have the true vision of the I. (DTB Vol.3, p. 10)

I am not the body a mass of flesh, bones and blood, I am not the mind
a bundle of wasteful desires, manifest and unmanifest. I am not the
feeling of infatuation that obstructs the way to liberation;

I am that Eternal Paramatman, who is aware of the power that I Am. (PD
P.74)

Some of Sais Revelations, Assurances and Advices

I am not the body. I am not the mind. I am not the intellect. I am not the
Chitta. (SSS Vol.40) People say idi na dehamu (this is my body), very
casually. But, people well-versed in Sanskrit language would interpret
the expression na dehamu (my body) in a different way. They explain
that na means not based upon the literal meaning and conclude na
dehamu means I am not the body. Similarly the Telugu expression na
manasu (my mind) can be interpreted as I am not the mind. Same is the
case with buddhi (intellect). The sum and substance of all these
expressions is I am not the body, I am not the mind, I am not the buddhi
(intellect) etc. In the same logic, one has to maintain a state of perfect
equanimity unaffected by pain and pleasure at all times affirming, these
sorrows and difficulties as well as happiness and pleasure are not mine. I
am beyond these dualities.

The Need For Ceiling On Desires
It is my body means I am different from the body. When you consider
yourself as separate from your body, why should you feel the pain out of
it? The situation, however, is that you are unable to bear the pain caused
to the body. Hence, you remain at the level of a human being only. You
are unable to come out of the delusion of body attachment. As long as
you are attached to the body, these sorrows and difficulties as well as
pain will haunt you. These are all your own making. Supposing you get
angry. From where did this anger come? This has come from you only.
Similarly, jealously is a quality that manifested from your mind. Thus,
each one of these bad qualities are the result of your own thoughts.
Hence, if only you are able to control your thoughts properly you will be
able to achieve anything in life. The mind, intellect and chitta are the
reflections of Atma. The mind has no stability. It is the repository of
thoughts and desires.


222

It is said Manayeva manushyanam Karanam bandha mokshayoh (the
mind is the root cause of either bondage or liberation). Hence, one has to
keep the mind under proper control by putting some ceiling on desires.

Attachment of Oneself With The Body Results in Ego
Both the body and mind undergo change constantly. However, there is
one entity inside which is changeless, that is Atma. It has no form. But, it
has a name, Atma. Self and Atma both mean the same. Atma is also called
Aham. One should not confuse himself in this context that this Aham is
Ahankara (ego), which is identified with the body. God has no name and
form and He is always referred to as Brahman. If God were to reveal His
true nature, He will say Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). The same
Brahma Tattwa is permeating all beings as Atma Tattwa.

We say, So and so is my wife; so and so is my son; so and so is my
daughter-in-law etc. These are all illusory and bodily relationships.
They are acquired by us and not God given. Similarly God is not granting
you either pleasure or pain. All are your own making only. They are due
to your body attachment. As long as you are attached to the physical
body, you will experience pain only. Once this physical body is
consigned to flames, nothing comes along with you. Atma, Self, I - these
are the different names given to the same Atmic principle. The
identification of One (Self) with the body is done by the individual,
thereby resulting in Ahankara (ego). That is why Jesus advised (main) to
cross the little I (ego), so that he may become God himself.

Who Are You?
Your own Self (Atma) directs all your activities from within. This Self
has no birth and death, just as Brahman has no birth and death. It is
eternal, true and changeless. We have to attach ourselves to such an


everlasting principle; not to the constantly changing and ephemeral
objects. Supposing you married a girl, you call her your wife. Prior to the
marriage who was she? Who were you? There was absolutely no
relationship between you. It is only after your marriage, you became
husband and wife and acquired marital relationship. The relationship is
acquired by you. God has nothing to do with these worldly relationships.
Yet, He is the eternal witness to all that goes on in this world. (SSS
Vol.42, pp. 4-7)

Who is God?
God adopts endless Forms to manifest Himself in the world and saves it.
His incarnation is in conformity with the need of the crisis at the time.
Thus, the Lord assumed various Forms according to the needs of the
situation, the Forms best suited for the destruction of the wicked Danavas
(the race of evil-minded Ogres), and for the protection of the good and
godly, and the preservation of the Scriptures that reveal the Truth, the
Vedas.

Creation is My task.
Creation is My task, the way in which I fulfil My Mission, My Thapas. I
will, and Creation happens. But I lay down certain rules and modes for
each species; and if they are properly adhered to, the wheel will turn
aright in Dharma. Instead if the modes and rules are neglected and they
toil for the satisfaction of their own wishes, along crooked and
misleading paths, they will have to suffer various miseries.

I take the form of Rudra.
Day and night are willed by Me. The rulers of living beings are parts of
Me. The urge that people have to increase and multiply is the reflection


224

of My Will. Sometimes, when the created worlds have to be sustained, I
myself assume Name and Form and initiate Manvantharas (the Eras of
Manu), and provide the Earth with appropriate Divine personalities and
Sages, who set examples to be followed and indicate the paths for
progress.

I end also the unlimited increase of beings, when it happens. For this, I
take on the Form of Rudra too. I create the bad, in order to highlight and
promote the good. In order to protect the good, I set certain limits, both to
the good and the bad, for, they would otherwise stray into wrong ways
and inflict great harm.

I am the core of every being.
I am immanent in every being. People forget Me, who is within and
without them. I am the inner core of every being, but they are not aware
of this. So, they are tempted to believe the objective world to be real and
true, and they pursue objective pleasures, and fall into grief and pain. On
the other hand, if they concentrate all attention on Me alone, believing
that the Lord has willed everything and everyone, I bless them and reveal
to them the Truth that they are I and I am they. Thousands have been
blessed thus. They are the seekers, the aspirants, the Mahatmas, the
Sages, the Divinely-Inspired, the Manifestations of the Divine, the
Guides who show the Path. They have acquired the experience that Truth
is Dharma.

I am Hari and Hara too.
I am the Cause of all Causes. I am Eternal. I am Sath-chith-ananda (I am
Existence, Knowledge, Bliss). I am Hari and Hara, too; for, I transform
Myself into these Manifestations as occasion arises. Creation, the
Universe, is but the projection of My Will. It has no basic reality. My


son, I declared this truth to you, as a result of My deep love towards you.
Others will not be able to grasp the mystery of this creation. What I have
just revealed to you is known as concise Bhagavatha. (Bhag Vahini, pp.
238-240)

I am the Paramatma
Krishna said, My Apparel, which I willed and folded around Me became
Akasa, the Akasa got transformed into Vayu, the Vayu changed into
Agni, the Agni into Jala (water), and Jala became Prithvi or Earth, the
Earth grew grains of food, the food developed into the body! So, it is
clear is it not, that the Deha too is Myself? Why doubt this?

Therefore, I am Adhibhutham also, as much as I am, as I said before,
Brahman, Aadhyathmam (substance) and Karma. The cause is the same
as the effect. I am the Primal Cause and so, I am all these effects also. I
am the Paramatma; the rest are all Adhidaivam. In every physical citadel
or body, the Divine Personality named Hiranyagarbha (The Golden
Womb, primal cause) is immanent. Just as a man is served by his senses,
the Hiranyagarbha is served by the Adhidaivas (Deific).

My apparel, which I willed and folded around Me became aakasa, the
aakasa got transformed into vaayu, the vaayu changed into agni, the agni
into jala, the jala became prithvi or earth; the earth grew grains of food,
the food developed into the body! So, it is clear, is it not, that the deha
too is Myself? Why doubt this? I am the Sath-chith-ananda, the
Sathyanithya (Eternal Truth) entity, I am unaffected by Death, Decline
or Destruction, Krishna made the devastating admission. (GV, pp. 159-
160)


226

I am like the Kalpavriksha
I am like the Kalpa Vriksha (Tree of Heaven, wish-fulfilling tree). My
task is to give each what he asks for. I have no prejudice and no
favouritism. Not even the shadow of cruelty can touch Me. No fault can
be imputed to Me. The rays of the sun fall equally upon all that are
directly in their way. But if something is behind something else, inside a
closed room for instance, how can the Sun illumine? Cultivate the higher
yearnings and you receive the higher stages. The fault lies in the aspirant
and his aspirations, not in the attitude of the Lord. (GV, June 2002, pp.
80-81)

Revelations
Bhagavan interprets the meanings of the letters in His name Baba: My
name is Ba Ba I am a double graduate. B means Being Sath; A means
Awareness- Chith, and second B means Bliss Ananda and the second A
means Atma. Therefore, the entire word means that I am Sath-chith-
ananda Atma. And you too are the same Sat Chit Ananda Atma. Only
you are not aware of it and you have not understood and realized it.

He further says, Baba is beyond the keenest intellect and the sharpens
brain. Do not try to delve into Me; develop faith and sraddha and derive
Ananda through Prema. That is utmost you can do; do that and benefit.
Do not run after all and sundry who blabber text stuff. Examine, judge,
and admire the trend of advice; the coordination between what is said and
what is done. (SSSm Vol.2, p. 24)

"The cowherd boy, the son of Nanda (foster father of Krishna) [see:
Bhagavata Vahini, Chapter 44], has come again among you, embodied
as Ananda, so that He may collect His playmates. The same Rama has
come again, with a great deal of Aaraam (leisure), since now there is no


burden of imperium, no dynastic responsibility; He has come again to
give his erstwhile followers the chance of service. The same Sai has come
to you from Shirdi to be in the midst of his erstwhile companions and
comrades. Once again, the same all-comprehensive, omnipresent
Principle named Vishnu has come in this comprehensible, cognisable
human form, so that you may benefit from Him. He has come without His
instruments and weapons, for He has willed to forge them here itself."

I never deviate from Truth. Since I recline on Truth, I am called Sathya
Sai; Saayi (as in Seshashaayi) means reclining. The name is very
appropriate, let me assure you. It is only those who fail to follow my
instructions and who deviate from the path I have laid down, that fail to
get what I hold out before them. Follow My instructions and become
soldiers in My army; I will lead you on to victory. (SSS Vol.2), 21-11-
1962

When someone asks you in great earnestness where the Lord is to be
found, do not dodge; give them the answer that rises onto your tongue
from your heart. Direct him/her to Puttaparthi and invite him/her to share
your joy. (TSF, p. 245)

Like good food that comes to one who has been fasting for the past ten
days, like a heavy downpour of rain that comes to fill the dried and empty
tanks, like a child coming into a family which has for long been yearning
for children, like a shower of wealth on a very poor man, has come Sri
Sathya Sai in Puttaparthi, when there is a total decline of Dharma among
the people. (SSB 1977, p. 282)

Sarva Roopa Dharam Saantham


228

Sarva Naama Dharam Sivam
Satchidanandam Advaitham,
Sathyam Sivam Sundaram
[Sanskrit sloka] (SSS Vol.31)

I am all forms ascribed to the Almighty; I am the Embodiment of Perfect
Peace. I am known by all the Names through which the Almighty is
addressed and adored by Man. I am the Embodiment of Goodness; I am
Being - Awareness Bliss, Atma, the one without a Second, Truth,
Goodness, Beauty. (Golden Age, p. 137)

I have a reason to be proud, for I rescue all who worship and adore Me
aright. Dont limit Me to this form only. This human form is one in
which every Divine Entity, every Divine Principle, that is to say, all
names and forms ascribed by man to God, are manifest. (Sarva daivatha
swaroopamu anudharinchina Manavaakaarame Ee Aakaaramu).

I have My definition of the devotion I expect. Those devoted to Me have
to treat joy and grief and loss with equal fortitude. This means that I will
never give up those who attach themselves to Me. (Golden Age, p. 38)

God is neither distant, nor distinct from you. You are God. You are Sath-
Chith-Aanandha (Being, Awarenessand Bliss Absolute). You are Asthi
(being), Bhaathi (awareness), Priyam (bliss). You are all. When do you
cognise this Truth? When you shake off the delusions which hide the
Truth. If your yearning to experience Brahmaanandha, the Sath-Chith-
Aanandha is sincere and pure, from this day, keep ever in your memory
what I am about to tell you:


1. "I am God; I am not different from God." Be conscious of this
always. Keep it ever in mind. "I am God; I am God. I am not different
from God." Be reminding yourself of this. Pray that you may not fail
in this saadhana (spiritual exercise).
2. "I am the Akhanda Para Brahman (Indivisible Supreme Absolute)."
This is the second Truth to be established in the consciousness by
unremitting repetition and prayer.
3. I am Sath-Chith-Aanandha ("Being, Awareness, Bliss").
4. "Grief and anxiety can never affect me." Develop ' this Faith and
convince yourselves of this Truth by repeated assurance and prayer.
5. "I am ever content; fear can never enter me." Feel thus for ever. Pray
that this conviction grows stronger and stronger. Exhort yourself, "O
self ! Utter 'Om Thath Sath', 'Om Thath Sath' "the threefold symbol
of Brahman. As the physical body is maintained healthy and strong
by the five praanas (vital airs), these five prayers will endow you
with the "awareness of Brahman,"which is the same as "the status of
Brahman Itself." (SSS Vol.16)

The totality of the Divine energy has come on to humanity as Sathya Sai
- to go to each and everyone, to wake up the slumbering Divinity of
every human being. Even if in your sleepiness or in your wake-ness from
sleep, you growl, grumble or groan, kick, criticise, quarrel or cry. I will
not for sake you; I will not let your divinity go to sleep. A mother never
forsakes the child she carries or lets the child fall down, even if the child
works out its resentment and anger on her. I have come to help, to
accompany and to carry you. I can never for sake you. I will never fail in
my duty to my children - and I shall be very grateful to each child of
mine who helps my task.........


230

Wake up, my children, wake up to the dawn of knowledge, wake up to
your divine duties, wake up to your divine rights and wake up to your
divine reality. (S&M, pp. 312-313)

This Sai has come in order to achieve the Supreme task of uniting the
entire mankind; as one family, through the bond of brotherhood, of
affirming and illuming the; inner reality of each being in order to reveal
the Divine which is the basis on which the entire cosmos rests, and of
instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds man,
so that man can rid himself of the animal and rise into Divine which is
his goal. (DM, p. 289)

When the Dharma of the Age is laid aside,
To establish it anew through loving means;
When the world is polluted by conflict and confusion,
To restore the path of virtue and peace;
When good men caught in cruel coils wail,
To save them from pain and shame;
When sacred texts are not grasped aright,
To proclaim the message they teach mankind;
To relieve the earth of the burden of vice,
To fulfil the promise made in Tretha Age,
Achyutha has incarnated on this earth,
Vaasudheva, Shrihari, has come into the world. (SSS Vol.14)

For, this Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting the
entire mankind, as one family through the bond of brotherhood, of
affirming and illumining the Aathmic Reality of each being in order to
reveal the Divine which is the basis on which the entire Cosmos rests,
and of instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds


man to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal, and rise into the
Divine which is his goal. (SSS Vol.12)

On the occasion of Bhagawans sixtieth birthday, He began His discourse
with a poem in which He declared His avataric advent as the
continuation of all the earlier avatars from Narasimha to Sri Krishna.
He alone is a real man
Whose thought, words and deeds
Are in perfect harmony.
How can he be a genuine man
When his mind is divorced from speech and deed
And all three are not in harmony?
If birth, old age and death don't happen,
If desires don't fail and gain isn't lost
If the world isn't the fleeting flow it is,
How could man have affection, compassion, love?
The attributes and qualities which were assumed
When, to save Prahlada, the Supreme Person came;
When, to save the elephant, the Lotus-eyed came;
When, to save the poor Kuchela the Lord of Veda came;
The attributes and quashes which were assumed
When, to save the boy, Dhruva, He came from Heaven;
Now, with all the attributes, all the qualities has come,
He whom the gods adore, the Refuge of the Rejected.
The Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Infinite Glory,
As all Existence, as all Knowledge and
All Bliss in one Form embodied
As Puttaparthi Sathya Sai, the Over-lord of all that Is.(SSS Vol.18)


232

You should know that Swami is Sriman Narayana come down to earth
in human form. He is Purna-Avatar, as in the cases of Sri Rama and Sri
Krishna. The other great spiritual Masters, who walked on the earth from
time to time, were manifestations of the Divine Power - not Divinity in
its entirety. Even as this body attained the age of five, My grandfather
knew who I was; and also My mother, My elder sister and My foster
mother.

The Rishis, in ancient times, had to work hard over unconscionably long
periods and then be satisfied with a brief glimpse of the Lord
(Darshan). In the Tretha Yuga, the Vanara Sena enjoyed the privilege
of conversation with Lord Sri Rama (Sambhashan). In the Dwapara
Yuga, the Gopikas received Grace by a touch of Lord Sri Krishna
(Sparshan). Currently, Sri Sathya Sai grants to all His devotees, at all
times, all the three forms of bliss - Vision, dialogue and touch. (Uniq)

My life is my message. I have love for all. I have affection even for those
who commit wrongs and for those who dislike me. I have no ill will
towards anyone because of my love for all. And therefore the whole
world loves me. The root cause of my love is my esteem for all
(Visvasam). The basis for the esteem is adherence to the path of Truth.
Divinity is the basis for adherence to Truth. Thus this Divinity is the
primal source of universal love. All should practice universal
brotherhood. Out of fraternity will be born Divinity. Then, humanity will
manifest its glory. Men will behave like ideal human beings. Try to
understand My Doctrine of Love. I often address you as Embodiments
of Divine self. You will be true embodiments of the divine only when
you develop divine love. Manifest the Divine within you. (SSS Vol.31, p.
45)


According to the need and emergency I leave my physical frame and
assume Divine form to travel in the astral plane to provide instant
protection to my devotees. It is by the merit of several births that you
have come to My presence. (M&M, p. 82)

The chief characteristics of Sathya Sai are, let me tell you, equanimity,
forbearance (sahana). There are many who are engaged in criticism and
calumny. Many papers publish all types of writings. Many pamphlets are
printed. All kinds of things happen in the world. My reply to all these is a
smile. Such criticisms and distortions are the inevitable accompaniments
of everything good and great. Only the fruit laden tree is hit by stones
thrown by greedy people. No one casts a stone on the tree that bears no
fruit! (SSS Vol.15)

Sais Assurance:
The totality of the Divine Energy has come to humanity as Sathya Sai to
go, to each and every one, to wake up the slumbering Divinity of every
human being. Even if in your sleep or in your weakness you growl,
grumble criticize, quarrel or cry. I will not forsake you. I will not let your
Divinity go to sleep. A mother never forsakes the child she carries or lets
the child fall down even if the child is angry with her. I have come to
help to accompany and to carry you. I can never forsake you. I will never
fail in My duty to my children and I shall be very grateful to each child
of mine who helps My task. Wake up my Children, wake up to the dawn
of Knowledge, Wake up to your Divine Duties, Wake up to your Divine
Rights and wake up to your Divine Reality. (S&M, pp. 312-313)

You all are in the Kingdom of Sai!
You all are in Sai's Home!
You all are in Sai's Light!
You all are in Sai's Heart!


234

I will bless you, I will bless you in
This Holy Night This is your right.
(SSS Vol.22)

I shall be ever with you, wherever you are, guarding you and guiding
you. March on; have no fear. (SSS Vol.13)

He says, "Why fear when I am here? Put all your faith in Me. I shall
guide and guard you." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 99)

Devotees of Sathya Sai Baba have heard Him assure them, "Why fear
when I am here?" "You look to Me, and I look to you." "All your sins are
forgiven the moment you come into My Presence." "I shall carry all your
burdens." "Take, take as much bliss as you can from Me and leave with
me all your sorrows." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 99)

"I am the Servant of everyone. You can call Me by any Name, I will
respond, for all names are Mine. Or rather, I have no particular Name at
all. Even if I am discarded by you, I shall be with you. In My view, there
are no atheists at all; all are existing by and for the Lord; denying the sun
does not make it disappear." (SSSm Vol.1, p. 101)

Come, I am the repairer of broken hearts of damaged Anthahkaranas. I
am like the smith, who welds, mends and sets right. Ten years ago, a
devotee prayed to Me in song, "My heart has gone 'dry, my lamp has
gone out, my path is dark, my brain is confused. Lord, make me fit again
for life's arduous journey." The Lord will be waiting outside the door of
the puja room of the bhakta, anxious to fulfil his wish! Verily, he who
has the Lord as His Servant, he is the real Prabhu (Lord)!


Only, do not allow your faith to falter. Do not become a slave to others;
no, not even to God. Test. Test, examine, experience and then, when you
find God, demand as of right. But' before you get that right, you should
appear for the examination and pass, is it' not? I set tests not as a
punishment or because I enjoy putting you into trouble, but just to give
you the joy of passing!

You should not also yield to despair or become dejected. It is My
sankalpa (resolve) that you progress in spiritual development. I have
collected all of you and I shall lay the concrete foundation and build the
walls and erect the roof and complete the mansion. My sankalpa never
proves ineffective. (SSS Vol.2, p. 285)

I shall not give you up, even if you forsake Me; for it is not in Me to
forsake those who deny Me. I have come for all. Those who stray away
will come again to Me, do not doubt this. I shall beckon them back to
Me. I bless you that you earn the Vision of the Divine in this life itself,
with this body itself. (SSS Vol.2, p. 129)

However you are, you are Mine. I will not give you up. Wherever you
are, you are near Me; you cannot go beyond My reach. (SSS Vol.2, p.
198)

Whether my devotee who is in trouble calls me or not, I will go to his
rescue. I will take instant action. (M&M, p. 81)

The Lord of Puttaparthi will always protect you.
He is the ocean of compassion.
Holding your hand,
He will take care of you.


236

He will never forsake you.
Recognise thistruth. (SSS Vol.33)

Cultivate nearness with Me in the heart and it will be rewarded. Then you
too will acquire a fraction of that Supreme Love. Be confident that you
will all be liberated. Know that youre saved.

From tomorrow, I shall be seeing you, one by one, the ailing, the old and
the sick first, and the others later. Many of you have come with problems
of health or mental worry of some sort or other. They are mere baits by
which you have been brought here, so that you may contact the Grace,
and strengthen your faith in the Divine. Problems and worry are really to
be welcomed as they teach you the lessons of humility and reverence.
But, not all continue the attachment they are able to establish; they lose
the fortune that has fallen into their hands. You will see the day when the
Chithravathi sands alone can accommodate the gatherings that assemble
here from all parts of the world; when the sky alone can provide a roof
for them all. Many hesitate to believe that things will improve, that life
for all will be happy and full of joy, that the Golden Age will ever recur.
Let me assure you that this Dharma Swarupa (Righteousness
personified) has not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis
that has come upon Humanity. (SSS Vol.5), 3-3-1965

I am Nataraja, the King of dance-masters. I know the agony of teaching
you each step. Bear all and do nothing; hear all and take nothing serve all
and be nothing. (SSS Vol.6)

I have come to help all men to acquire Satwic nature and to give the Key
to the treasure of bliss, to tell you how to tap that spring. Let me also tell
you something that I have not announced so far. I am not of this world. I


am far, far above it. My real nature can never be understood. I have no
name; I can answer by any name I am called. I have no place; I go there
where I am called. Fame and blame are equal to me.

I am the bonded slave of My devotee. I will be waiting inside the puja
room to carry out what my devotee wishes for. The Divine can be
grasped only through love, faith and sadhana. (Uniq, p. 263)

Mission, Task:
In this Avatar (Divine Incarnation), the wicked will not be destroyed;
they will be corrected and reformed and educated and led back to the
path from which they have strayed. The white-ant infested tree will not
be cut; it will be saved Again this Avatar will not select some place other
than the place where the Nativity took place for the centre of Its Leelas,
Mahimas and Upadesha (divine sport, miracle power and divine
instruction).

This tree shall not be transplanted; it will grow where it first rose from
the earth. Another speciality is this: the Avatar has no affinity or
attachment in Its Career to members of the Family wherein it appeared.
Unlike the appearances as Rama, Krishna, etc., where the Life was
played out mostly among and for the family members, this Avatar is for
the Bhaktas, the Sadhus and the Sadhakas (devotees, noble souls and
aspirants) only. It has no japa (recitation of holy name), dhyana
(meditation) or yoga (practising union with God). It knows no worship; It
will not pray to anything, for It is the Highest. It only teaches you to
worship and pray. (SSS Vol.1), Mahashivaratri, 1955

"My Task is to open your eyes to the glory of the Vedas and to convince
you that Vedic injunctions, when put into practice will yield the promised


238

results." "My Prema towards the Vedas is matched only by My Prema
towards Humanity." "My Mission is just four: Vedaposhana, Vidwath-
poshana, Bhaktharakshana and Dharmarakshana". (SSSm Vol.2, p. 43)

I have a task: To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full
of Ananda. I have a vow. To lead all who stray away from the straight
path, again into goodness and save them. I am attached to a work that I
love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they
lack. I have a reason to be proud, for, I rescue all who worship and
adore Me, aright. I have My definition of the devotion I expect: Those
devoted to Me have to treat joy and grief, gain and loss, with equal
fortitude. This means that I will never give up those who attach
themselves to Me. (S.S.Sm Part I - p. 10)

Baba revealed some part of His Mission and Message. "My task is not
merely to cure, to console, and to remove the misery and pain of
individuals. That is but incidental. My main task is the re-establishment
of Vedantha and the Vedantic way of life in India and the world." (SSSm
Vol.2)

My main task is the re-establishment of Vedas and scriptures in the
heart of the Kingdom of India and revealing the knowledge about them to
the people. This mission will succeed. It will not be impeded by any
obstacle. It will not be slowed down. When the Lord decides and Wills,
His Divine Grace cannot be hindered. (L.S.- p. 78)

Oh! You devotees bring me the depths of your minds, no matter how
grotesque; no matter how ravaged by doubt or disappointment, I will not
reject you. I am your Mother- Be patient. In time everything will be
given to you. Be happy. There is no need to worry about anything


whatever is experienced, whatever happens know that this Avatar willed
it so. There is no force on earth which can delay the mission for which
the Avatar has come down.(UC P- 64)

For, this Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting the
entire mankind, as one family through the bond of brotherhood, of
affirming and illumining the Atmic Reality of each being in order to
reveal the Divine which is the basis on which the entire Cosmos rests,
and of instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds
man to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal, and rise into the
Divine which is his goal. (SSS Vol.12), 19-6-1974

My main task is the re-establishment of Vedas and Shastras in the heart
of Bharatavarsha and the revival of knowledge about them in the people,
This task will succeed; it will not be impeded by any obstacle. It will not
be limited or slowed. When the Lord decides and wills, His Sankalpa
(Resolve) cannot be hindered; it will not be hindered. (SSS Vol.4), 17-
12-1964

You must see, hear, study, observe, experience and reflect. Only then,
can you understand me. You will learn then that I am Love (Prema); that
I give only one thing, Bliss (Ananda) through Love. My task is to grant
solace, courage, and Peace (Santhi). That is to say, my characteristics are
the ancient, authentic ones. Only the manifested form is new. (SSS
Vol.25)

Sais Advice to man
Make good use of the Sai who has come to you.
Adore the feet of this Lord at Parthi.
Offer your devotion and achieve liberation.


240

Do-not go after all and sundry.
Awake! Abandon your delusion.
(Telugu poem) (SSS Vol.30)
Oh you devotees! Secure lasting happiness by worshiping Sai Baba. He
grants wisdom by dispelling the darkness of illusion. He reveals the truth
to you. It is Saiesa manifested as Satyanarayana he has descended in this
form for your sake. (Bhaktodharaka Sri Sathya Sai, p. 49)
I am in everyone, in every being. So do not hate anyone, or cavil at
anyone. spread prema always; everywhere. That is the best way of
revering Me. Do not seek to measure or evaluate me. I am beyond your
understanding. Pray or worship for your own satisfaction and
contentment. Ask that I should protect you like the apple of the eye and
My eye will be there to watch over you and guard you. Have dhoopam
and scent-sticks for the pooja and I smell them. I respond to what ever
request you make. I answer to what ever name you use, with a pure heart
and a sanctified motive. (S.S.S. V 3 P- 55)
Man deserves to enjoy peace and bliss, but does not make the necessary
effort to get them. If he cultivates love and faith, he will acquire peace
and bliss. Without these two, his effort is as fruitless as a letter that has
neither a stamp nor the proper address.

With love and faith in Swami, you can accomplish any task you
undertake. Observe three maxims: Love of God; Fear of Sin; Morality in
Society. To develop love of God you have to see whether every act of
yours pleases God or not. When you please God, you will have no fear of
sin. When these two are present, morality in society will follow naturally.
All the ills of the world today are due to absence of fear of sin and
decline in love for God. Decline in respect for human values has
undermined world peace.


When the Lord's name is chanted from the depths of the heart, it turns
into the nectarine music of Krishna's flute, which charmed even the cows
of Brindavan. The melody that flows from the devotee's heart confers
ineffable bliss.

Love and faith are the cardinal principles for redeeming human life. My
life is my message. I have love for all. I have affection even for those
who commit wrongs and for those who dislike me. I have no ill will
towards anyone because of my love for all. And therefore the whole
world loves me. The root cause of my love is my esteem for all
(Visvasam). The basis for the esteem is adherence to the path of Truth.
Divinity is the basis for adherence to Truth. Thus this Divinity is the
primal source of universal love. All should practice universal
brotherhood. Out of fraternity will be born Divinity. Then, humanity will
manifest its glory. Men will behave like ideal human beings. (SSS
Vol.31, p. 45)

Dedicate all worship, all adoration, all Vedic rituals and other vows and
vigils with all the fruits that may accrue, to Me. Take Me as the Ultimate
Goal, as the Final Aim which transforms all acts into worship. Fix your
mind on Me, meditate on Me. I shall then shower My Grace and take you
across the Ocean of Change, of Samsara. I shall favour you with the Goal
you seek. Arjuna! It is not an easy task to fix your mind steadily on Me.
Not everyone can succeed in this. However long the practice, it is hard to
keep the mind on Me, without deflecting it towards other things or ideas.
(GV, p. 224)

You should not worship the Lord, as an emergency measure. Dedication
inspires the body, mind and speech. If what you speak is not approved by
the mind, if what is felt in the mind is not wholeheartedly put into action,


242

then it becomes sheer hypocrisy. Be convinced that the doer, the deed
and the doing are all He. Be devoted to Him, rather than to riches, wife
and children. (GV, pp. 227-228)

Duty to Society
Man is born in society; he is bred in society; he is shaped well or ill by
the subtle influence of society. He, in his turn, as a member of society
influences the people who contact him. His life is
turned or twisted by the standards, modes and behaviour patterns of the
society into which he is
born through the effects of his accumulated karma. The dheha and the
dhesa (body and the
country) are inextricably intertwined. The body is one encasement, the
country is another, for the
spirit of man. Use society for your uplift; try to shape society so that it
will help the uplift of
individuals and not turn them away from God. (SSS Vol.8)

Man has to recognise his indebtedness to society and his duty towards it;
this is the best way to solve the troubles of the day. Attention is paid only
to arguments and counter-arguments, propositions and oppositions, plans
and programmes; the aim of the ego-centred is more to win a verbal
victory than achieve a valid target. No attempt is made to foster the social
virtues of honesty, tolerance and cordiality.

Society is the expression of Divinity into manifold phases, with its love,
its ardour, its eagerness to comfort and console. A chance
conglomeration of humans does not become a society. It has to be welded
into a unity by the consciousness of kinship of God, by the sharing of
each other's joys and sorrows, and the cultivation of Samarasa


(empathy). The individual has to manifest through word and deed, the
Ananda (Divine bliss) inherent in him and in society. (SSS Vol.12)

Duty towards Mother. Mother Land and Mother tongue
Always be immersed in divine feelings. If you happen to see a wicked
person, do not immediately think of that person as being bad. The bad
actions of that person are due to the body but within that person is the
same Atma that is also in you. This unity, this Atmic Principle is what
you must focus on. Deal with this other person with the feeling that the
Self in you is also present in him. This is the way to develop love for all
beings. Also, do not bear ill will toward any country but be alike to all.
Do not criticise the culture of other countries. Love your culture as your
mother, just as people of other lands love their respective cultures.
Janani Janmabhumisca Svargadapi Gariyasi.
Ones mother and motherland are greater than the very heaven.

Always love these two. If you live like this, you will, without question,
become an ideal person. It is not dress that makes a person great. Merely
putting on kaashaayam (ochre robes) does not make one a noble person;
one should see that there is no kashaayam (ill-feelings) within. It is not
externals but internals that are important. You must spiritualise your
attitude, tendencies, and mind. (SSB 2000, p. 309)

Never ridicule or speak ill of your culture, especially driven by fear.
Mother is so near to you. You may have to search for God but you dont
have to search for your mother. Therefore, how can you ever forget
mother? (SSB 2000, pp. 257-258)

To be able to declare that you are a Bharatiya is a matter of great luck.
You must be worthy of this boon given to you. Under no circumstance


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must you criticise your Motherland. Even in your dream, you should not
think of forgetting or disowning your Motherland. That is true gratitude.
What is the use of taking birth as a human, if one lacks a sense of
gratitude? The one without gratitude is a wicked person. In the hymns
that pertain to the worship of Surya or the Sun God, it is said that the Sun
God may forgive any sin but not ingratitude. You should never fail to be
grateful, and never give anyone the opportunity to accuse you of being
ungrateful.

You must endeavour to enhance the glory of Bharatiya culture. Dont be
afraid or ashamed of doing this. Do not think that others would harm or
criticise you. Just ignore such people. In fact, you must be even ready to
lay down your life to defend the culture of Bharat. Death comes but once,
and what can be nobler than facing it for the sake of the country? Such a
brave death would amount to an expression of the deepest gratitude to
your country. (SSB 2000, p. 257)

The Motherland should be revered as divine. Only then there will be
world peace. Ensure security and prosperity in the country . Experience
bliss taking to the spiritual path. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 350-351)

We should love our motherland whether it is rich or poor. Today it has
become a fashion for the students to go abroad immediately after they
complete their education. Students! You should serve your own
motherland. Develop love and respect for your own motherland. Have
faith in your motherland. You should be so proud of your own
motherland that you should be prepared to dedicate your entire life for
serving life for serving it. People imagine that they go abroad in order to
acquire higher education. But what they acquire there is only arrogance


and disbelief. They forget their own parents. What is the use of such
ungrateful persons?

The mistake does not lie entirely with the students. The Government is
also responsible. It should realise that our students are being spoilt by
being sent abroad and the number of passports issued to them should be
restricted. Are there no sufficient facilities for higher education,
including Science and Technology in India? All that the students learn by
going abroad is pride and ostentation. Lord Rama declared, the mother
and motherland are greater than Heaven itself. All of us should follow
this.

Dear student! Realise the greatness of Bharat. You need not criticise
other countries, but have faith in your own nation. Be prepared to
sacrifice everything for your motherland. In modern life, students are
more attached to their bodies (dehas) than to their country (desa). Realise
the unity of the two. The relationship between the motherland and the
body is that of the object and its image. They are mutually dependent.
We should recognise this essential truth. Bharat is a country which
teaches unity in diversity. Every Indian should protect the honour of his
motherland understand and respect her culture. (BA, pp. 101-102) (BA-
P101/102)

The Motherland which bore children who earned
immortal renown all around the globe;
The Battleground, which witnessed the fight of
heroes from the West who ruled;
The Bharatha-land which shone so brilliant with
seers and scholars, each a gem;
The Happy land which fostered and brought to


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fame songsters and poets, thinkers and teachers;
The Birth-land of the beauty and charm divine
through master artists of brush and chisel;
This mother Bharath to guard her Dharma
treasure, O! student! yours is the bounden task.
(SSS Vol.18)

Be prepared to sacrifice yourselves for your Motherland
Once, Sri Aurobindo asked a group of students in Calcutta: "For what
purpose are you studying? If you are going to make use of your education
for the benefit of the nation pursue your studies. Otherwise, you better
burn your books. If you are studying only out of selfish motives, the
education is of no value at all. If you are intent only on earning a living,
you may as well beg from door to door. You must be prepared to
sacrifice yourselves for your Motherland."
"Breathes there the man with soul so dead
who never to himself has said'
This is my Motherland; this is my mother-tongue.
To love my country is my religion."

A youth who is not prepared to sacrifice his life for his country is as good
as dead. Service to the nation is the greatest thing one can think of. All
religious practices are worthless without service to one's fellowmen.
Without the spirit of service, holding any udhyoga (office or position) is
meaningless. Udhyoga (official position) must stem from Yoga
(realisation of the Divine). (SSS Vol.26)

Bhagawans Message of Love:
I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines
day by day with added lustre. I have not come to speak on behalf of any


particular dharma (righteousness), like the Hindu Dharma. I have not
come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause; nor have
I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have no plan to attract
disciples or devotees into My fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of
this Universal unitary faith, this Atmic principle, this path of love, this
dharma of prema, this duty of love, this obligation to love.

All religions teach one basic discipline; the removal from the mind of the
blemish of egoism, of running after little joy. Every religion teaches man
to fill his being with the Glory of God, and evict the pettiness of conceit.
It trains him in methods of detachment and discrimination, so that he may
aim high and attain liberation. Believe that all hearts are motivated by the
One and Only God; that all faiths glorify the One and Only God; that all
names in all languages and all forms man can conceive, denote the One
and Only God; His adoration is best done by means of love.

Cultivate that Eka-bhaava (attitude of Oneness), between men of all
creeds, all countries and all continents. That is the message of love, I
bring. That is the message I wish you to take to heart. (SSS Vol.8)

"Prema, Love is My distinctive mark, not the creation of material objects,
or the granting of health and happiness by exercise of Will. You consider
what you label 'Miracles' as the sign of the Divine. But, the Prema that
welcomes you all, that rushes Me to the presence of those who seek God,
of those who suffer from handicaps on the pilgrim route, where they are,
is the real Sign, fill every act with Love. Let no one suffer the slightest
pain, as a result of your thought, word or deed. Let this be your Sadhana,
for, you are all; you injure yourself when you injure another. You are Sai
and all others too are Sai. How can the hand pluck out the eye of the
body to which it belongs? I have come to light the Lamp of Love in your


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hearts so that you can, with that Light, see Sai in everyone." (SSSm
Vol.3)

Love is the most powerful thing in this world because it is selfless. Love
is eternal. Love in thought is truth that is which is always the same and
beyond the beginning and the end. Love in the feeling is peace, bliss
being unaffected by sorrows or joys, the ups and downs of life. Love in
understanding is non violence and respect and reverence for all
creation. Love in action is morality and right living, the giving of selfless
service to all in need without desire for reward. If one desires to bring
about peace, welfare and prosperity to the world one should cultivate
love. Love, Prema is called Anuraga which means worldly attachments;
but it is temporary, whereas love for God confers peace, joy and wisdom.
Love is the solvent for the hardest of hearts. Let love be ones breath.
Love can tame even the most ferocious of hearts. Start pouring out love
to all the members of you family and gradually to all mankind and even
the lower creatures.

You should remember that you are born in love, live in love and die in
love. That is to say one emerges from God and merges in God. One
should spread love, and be full of love. Love must see the best in others.
It cannot ignore the divinity in others. Love is the basis of ones character
and it is the greatest of all virtues. God is love and can be won only
through the cultivation of love. Love blossoms as compassion and
tolerance and yields the fruits of peace. Love activates. It fulfils. Fill your
heart with the sweet fragrant water of love then every act of yours, every
word of yours (which are like the water drawn from the tank through the
taps), words from your tongue; hand brain etc will be sweet and fragrant.
If the tank is polluted the water from the tap cannot be pure. Likewise,
your thoughts and deeds should be pure. When you know that you are but


a spark of the Divine and all else are the same divine sparks, you look
upon all with reverence and true love.

You may believe in it or not. I must tell you that total adherence to truth,
absolute selflessness, universality and spontaneous outpouring of love are
to be seen only in Sai and nowhere else. Sai has not an iota of self-
interest. Sai is motiveless. Sai deals with Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants)
according to their deserts. Sai will continue to love even those who revile
Him. Sai will not forget anyone, even if he forgets Sai. But occasionally,
Sai will appear to ignore those who may have forgotten Sai, acted against
His injunctions, set at naught Sai ideals or traduced Sai. From this, some
persons may imagine that Swami is angry with some person or
dissatisfied with some others. It is not without reason that Sai avoids
meeting or talking to some persons. I do not wish to waste My words on
persons, who do not respect Sai's directives or follow Sai's ideals. I do
not wish to speak to those who have no regard for My words. That does
not mean I have no love towards them. (SSS Vol.17)

I have not come to speak of any religion. If love declines in society,
nations will become weak, and the future of mankind will turn bleak,
Justice, Security, Morality, Law and Order should be restored by
nourishing with Love.

To give love and receive love this is my business. There is no limit to
My Ananda. I am always immersed in bliss. This is because my bliss is
associated with love and not with material objects. If you follow this path
you will also realize peace of every kind.

I I am always aware of the future, the past as well as the present of every
one of you. So, I am not moved so much by pity. Not that I am hard-


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hearted, or that I have no dhaya (pity). If you bolt the doors fast, how can
the rays of My Grace be available to you? "Swaami," you cry, "I have no
eyes; I am yearning to see you. Won't your heart melt at my plight?" Of
course, this pitiable condition melts your hearts; will it not melt Mine?
But, since I know the past, the background, My reaction is different. If
only you knew, you too will react differently. It is the consequence of
evil, deliberately done in previous births, and so, I have to allow the
suffering to continue, modified, often by some little compensation. I do
not cause either joy or grief; you are the designer of both the chains that
bind you.

Remove the weight from your head by transferring all burdens to the
Lord; leave everything to His Will, His law. Feed your mind with sweet
and wholesome food---Sathsangha, Sathpravarthana, Sarveshwara-
chintha (company of the holy, speaking of God, thinking of the Lord of
the Universe); then you are full of joy. I am of the nature of Bliss
(Aanandhaswaruupa); come and take Aanandha from Me and returning
to your avocations, dwell on that Aanandha and be full of Shaanthi. (SSS
Vol.4), 26-11-1964

I miss no opportunity to advise you and guide you, to protect you and
listen to you and make you laugh and sometimes even make you cry; to
make you happy in every way. I do this (V. p.211)

My Reality is unreachable. It will not be only today but even for a
thousand years are spent in ardent inquiry by all the people of the world,
acting in unison. But the bliss emanating from that reality is within the
reach of all the nations of the earth and you can partake of it. My Shakti,
My Power, My Mystery can never be understood, whoever may try for
however long a period by whatever means. (ACPMSB, p. 107)


Complete surrender to the Lord is one way of closing the windows and
doors, for, then, in that stance of Sharanaagathi (complete surrender to
God), you are bereft of "ego" and so, you are not buffeted by joy or grief.
Complete surrender makes you draw upon the Grace of the Lord for
meeting all the crises in your career and so, it renders you heroic, more
stalwart, better prepared for the battle.

If you practise spiritual discipline to attain the Lord, when the Deity of
Vision is moving towards the Divine Region, you get the benefit of the
momentum. Many of you expect Me to go to the Chitravathi riverbed and
create nectar and give it to all. Well, on the road to the river, you meet
herds of cattle that move to the river and return. You have earned this
Vaagamritham (word-nectar), from this discourse, which you can
treasure in your minds and act upon. This is the real Heavenly Nectar;
know its worth, do not allow it to be wasted, garner it to become Godly.
(SSS Vol.5), 13-1-1965

Section 5: The Experiences of
Devotees

Experiences of Devotees
An Introduction

The name Bhagavatha can be applied to every account of the experiences
of those who have contacted God and the Godly (Bhagavan and Bhakta).
God assumes many Forms and enacts many activities. The name
Bhagavatha is given to the descriptions of the experiences of those who
have realised Him in those Forms and of those who have been blessed by
His Grace and chosen as His Instruments.

The great Work known by that name is honoured by all masters of the
Vedas. It is a panacea which cures physical, mental and spiritual
illnesses. The Bhagavatha is saturated with sweetness of nectar; it shines
with the splendour of God. (Bhag Vahini, p. 2)

Bliss and happiness can be given only by God and he who secures them
is called a devotee. Devotees are aplenty and the experiences of a few are
included in this section.

Some persons boast that they are devotees of God, that God has blessed
them in such and such ways that God's Grace has helped them thus and
thus; do not give ear to these ego centred pretenders. You become a
devotee when God has acknowledged your devotion. The ego is the
greatest obstacle in the way of such acceptance. God has said, You madh
bhakthah sa me priyah: "He who is my devotee is my friend!" Why has


254

God mentioned both 'devotee' and 'friend'?. The devotee reveres God, he
fears God, and so, cannot be quite close to Him. A friend is most close to
Him. But, if one is only a friend and not a devotee, there is the danger
that he might take liberties with Him, which might not be pardoned.
Freedom must not turn into licence! (SSS Vol.11)

God is the truest friend. A sage has described the spiritual family, which
will never hurt you with such ingratitude. Truth is the father; Love is the
mother. Knowledge is the son; Peace is the daughter. Devotees are Many
call themselves devotees, but this claim means nothing by itself. It is like
addressing a letter to someone. Unless it is acknowledged by the
recipient, you cannot be sure whether it reached the addressee and how
they reacted to it. (SSS Vol.11)

Humility and obedience are a quality of a devotee. Real devotees will
never announce such absurd claims or listen to such claims made by
others. A true devotee will be steadfast in faith, whatever the ups and
downs of worldly fortune. He prays to the Lord not for padhaartham
(material objects or the fulfilment of worldly desires), but, for Para-ar-
tham (the happiness that is supra-worldly). (SSS Vol.12)

Prabhas Experiences with
her Prabhu
I want to share my love and experiences to and with Bhagavan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba not because they had and have been fantastic fantasies but they
are amazingly beautiful the way the Divine interacted with His devotee. I
remember Baba often saying that He has been searching for a true
devotee and though I do not know whether I am one. But Baba gave so
much love to me and my family and I have had wonderful, unique
experiences that I cherish all my life. I just glanced through my old diary
to check the various occasions I/we spent with Bhagavan Baba and a
copy of it enclosed. I also enclose a copy of my article written in 2006
and printed in a spiritual magazine. That is how I spend my life and time
with Baba, who is known world-wide attracting lakhs of people. The
Great Lord of the Cosmos who is believed to be pervading it in all Glory
and Majesty can be perceived, understood, realised and enjoyed if only
one has the divine inkling and inner vision. But still, with the
development, facilities and progress in modern technology so much of
Sai Literature is available and as a result people are all the more
developing the Awareness of Sai.

Bhakta Meera prayed to the Lord, Swami, I delved deep into the ocean
and could get the pearl of your divine name. Let not this valuable pearl
slip from my hand and drop back into the ocean. Having been born in this


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world, let me sing the glory of the divine name constantly and make my
life sanctified. (SSS Vol.40)

In a like manner, I am endeavouring to share the Divine Love of our
Living and most Loving Lord, Sri Sathya Sai Baba with my
contemporaries, through this small book I have compiled the caption of
which is Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham the Divine Life Story of
Bhagavan Baba. Bhagavathas Devotees sing innumerable names of
God they adore and pray. As I attend and hear to devotional singing of
Bhajans, I correlate the several names of the Lord to our Sathya Sai and
feel convinced that He is none other than Rama of Treta Age, Krishna of
Dwapara and to so many others .

Sathya Sai Baba The Love Incarnate
As we are living in Sai Kingdom enjoying His Divine Love which
knows no bounds, I do not embark on the Lords Advent of the Avatar,
which is a known fact, but would like to share with you some of my
experiences with Sathya Sai Baba, which may be interesting.

Baba describes Himself, I am Ananda Swarupa, the Ananda you desire
from Me, the Ananda you, experience is My food, My sustenance,
Prema and Ananda cannot be separated and because He is Prema
Swaroopa, He is Ananda Swarupa as well. Babas Prema, Divine Love is
responsible for bringing Him closest to the people of all kinds, castes,
creeds and temperaments. That is what I experienced and have been
experiencing since I have come to know of Him from1970s .As recently
as in November 2005 when thousands of people from all over the world
had assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam for His Birthday celebrations, He
came where I was sitting, accosted me lovingly by name Prabha, Prabha
and spent few, sitting in His magnificent wheel chair, opposite to me. It

Prabhas Experiences with her Prabhu

was 21st November, 2005 the next day was my second daughters birth
day, where she used to spend with Bhagavan on many times. I was so
overwhelmed with joy that I forgot myself - even to stretch out my hand
to have the sacred sparshan of the Divine sitting in all Majesty and Glory
with his broad, wide beautiful smiling face, before me. I only prayed in
my heart of hearts, as He always says and I believe, Heart to heart and
Love to love with my Lord.

Now my mind goes back and I hereunder share a few of the great lessons.
He taught me over the years in one of the interviews He told me, you
are very sentimental the ritual part is mostly for the body you keep
Sai in your heart and he will be with you all the time showing His
Heart with His Divine hands, saying, Sai okkadu Nee Pakkanu
Eppudu One and only Sai with you always- beside you, with you like
He says Neee kanta, Inta, Janta, Venta like Swami said in His Divine
Discourse on the 8th October 2005 about Lord Krishna who promised
Dharmaraja that He would be constantly overseeing the situation in the
country. (SS March 2006 p.81) That is how His Loving Assurance
always gives the necessary confidence, courage, faith and love and
develops more and more devotion.

Thus, Bhagavan Sai has been guiding and guarding me- us the entire
family- through thick and thin and I see all the Gods. I have been adoring
my Sai All rolled into my Sai and Prasanthi Nilayam the only Pilgrim
centre where I can see my Lord in flesh and blood. His mere Darshan
imparts physical, mental and spiritual strength; His Sparshan, if I am
lucky transports me to greater heights and Divine discourses even a
small word- a short sentence blesses me with great Bliss. That is Sai-
who makes known to us His Divine Loving Nature.


258

You all are in the Kingdom of Sai!
You all are in Sai's Home!
You all are in Sai's Light!
You all are in Sai's Heart!
I will bless you, I will bless you in
This Holy Night This is your right.
(SSS Vol.22)

He further says ,
Love is My form,
Truth is My breath,
Bliss is My food.
My life is my message,
Expansion is my life.
No reason for love,
No season for love,
No birth, no death.

Love is Myself, you are Mine and I am yours (V S p. 209) Let us put
into practice a fraction of His Love in our daily life towards all beings
which will act as his food and sustenance as That is how we can
dedicate our lives to Him and be of loving service to Him. He is our
Inner Resident

259

The experiences of a young
Sai devotee
Om Sri Sai Ram
My Humble Panamas at the Lotus feet of Bhagawan

Swami has showered a lot of grace and love on my family. His love is
immeasurable. Let me first give a description of how Swami has come
into our life. We joined the Sai Community in 1974 through my
grandmother, Smt. Tumuluru Prabha. She visited Prasanthi Nilayam,
Puttaparthi in 1974 and has been blessed by Swami. Since then our
family is devoted to Swami. He has given us immense love. The love is
beyond any human love. His message is love. Whoever enters Prasanthi
Nilayam will be in the state of bliss. He forgets all his worries, and
enjoys the love of Swami. Swami only gives happiness. On this occasion
I would like to thank Swami for give me such a loving and caring Sai
devoted family.

To begin my experiences with Swami, it was in my childhood when I
was around 3 years of age. Swami came to Sivam, Hyderabad to bless the
devotees. I have been residing in Hyderabad since my birth. So I was
fortunate to get the blessings of Swami. My parents had the strong
ambition to get my Aksharabhyasam done by Swami. My mother and I
were waiting at the front side of the mandir in Sivam where all the
devotees were anxiously waiting for Swami to come out. But Swami


260

didnt come and we were all disappointed. There is a small pathway to
the backside of the mandir. Due to heavy rush, we and couple of devotees
were waiting there to clear the rush. Suddenly to our surprise, Swami
came from the backdoor of the mandir. My mother quickly recognized
that and pushed me to go to Swami for the blessings. I and couple more
kids ran towards Swami who was waiting to give blessing. I have given
my slate to Swami and he asked for chalk piece then I recognized that I
forgot the chalk with my mother in hurry. So I immediately ran towards
my mother for the chalk. I collected the chalk and went to Swami. He
immediately blessed me by writing Om in Telugu language. We were all
overjoyed with Swamis grace and love. Whatever we wish in our heart
Swami blesses it.

I was fortunate to go to Puttaparthi quite a number of times as my parents
and grandparents are staunch devotees of Sai. Every time we go to
Swami, we are showered with immense grace and love. In my teens, I
started reading the books of Swami like devotees experiences, teachings
of Swami. Swami always says not just mere reading of books will help
you but it is what you have understood from it and what you are
following the advices or teachings or principles or message in the book?
First I tried to implement the Swamis message of love. I tried to share
my love with everyone. By sharing love I have gained a lot in my life.
Anybody I meet used to love me and always help me in my difficult
times and share my happiness in good times.

Now my parents and I had a desire to become an engineer and my
brother to be a doctor. I have passed my Intermediate exams and
appeared for EAMCET exams. But unfortunately I could not get a good
mark. I lost hopes of getting an engineering seat. I got the application for
degree colleges. This is the time Swami started his play. My grandfather

Experiences of a young Sai Devotee

261

went to Puttaparthi for Shivaratri. He was sitting in the lines waiting for
Swami. In the lines, His friend and Sai devotee sat next him. They started
talking to each other. In the discussion my grandfather noticed that he
was the correspondent of the Vasavi College of Engineering. Then he
immediately told him about me that I was trying for a seat. He
immediately told my grandfather to meet once he reaches Hyderabad. My
grandfather has called me from Puttaparthi and informed me the news.
Swami has gifted me engineering seat though it was a management quota
seating. Once again he showered his grace and love and has given a
direction to my life. In the way, my brother (N. Sai Srinivas) was also
blessed with a medical seat. Swami grants all the wishes of the devotees.

Then it was in my fourth year first semester exams, my mother (N.
Satyawathi) became very ill. I had to complete 11 subjects. She became
very weak and even she could not walk. My father (N. Chakradhara
Rao), brother and I were very worried about her condition. We were
constantly praying for Swamis grace. I used to sit near the bed of my
mother and study for my exams. At point I told my father, mother and
brother that I will not write exams and serve my mother. But my father
and brother told me that they will take the responsibility of my mother
and asked me to attend all the exams. I kept everything on Swami and
attended all my exams. My mother slowly recovered from the illness and
became normal with Swamis grace. He has cured her completely. We
used to mix Swamis Vibhuthi in whatever we served her. Swami always
the best medicine in this universe for any kind of illness is his Vibhuthi.
We believed in it and as per Swamis saying faith can do anything. We
have experienced it. I was worried little bit about my results and thought
I would fail in 4 or 5 subjects but to my astonishment I have passed in all
my subjects with a good percentage. Then I have realized that it was only
Swamis blessings that have made me successful. Once you keep faith in


262

Swami he will make you successful. He takes all your difficulties and in
turn gives you full joy and happiness. His form is love.

Then we faced financial problems where Swami has been always guiding
us. He helped to get a job in Kenya of course with the help of my
grandfather who believes to always help a person in need. Swami always
says that his students are role models for this world. True, I was fortune
to stay with my uncle (Tumuluru Kumar) and aunty (Satya) who are
Sathya Sai students. I have learnt so many things by staying with them
like discipline, neatness, punctuality, tact, Human values, etc. I worked in
African countries for a span of 5 years. Every one used to say that these
are very dangerous places as the crime is high. I have never experienced
a crime there. I have Swamis principle of giving love. I have applied it
and in turn was awarded with immense love by the Africans. They have
treated like their brother and made me successful in all my endeavours.
Never had I experienced even a small theft or crime. Swami always
protected from evil.

When I was working abroad, my father could not attend the office for a
long gap of 2 years who is a government employee. He applied sick
leave. After a gap 2 years he submitted a fitness certificate and applied
for reinstatement but was rejected. They were disappointed. I was
informed about the matter then we decided to reapply and go to
Puttaparthi. It was the time when Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam was being
performed in the Prasanthi Nilayam, my father, mother and brother were
blessed to attend the last three days of yagnam and Swami blessed
everyone present there by giving a message that as the yagnam was over
and He blessed all the devotees to return to their homes and experience
the good that will happen to them. With all the joy my parents and
brother returned home. My neighbours informed us that there was courier

Experiences of a young Sai Devotee

263

on my fathers name and was asked to collect it. My Father rushed and
collected the courier. As per Swamis words it was a miracle that he was
reinstated into the job. With Swamis blessings my father proudly retired
with full benefits from the government job.

As everyone says that the world is going through recession. I went on a
holiday to India last year 2008 in August. I visited Prasanthi Nilayam and
was showered with Swamis grace and love. We returned home and I got
an interview call for a Dubai job. First, I was not interested in Gulf jobs.
My aunt called me and explained the positives of the job. I attended the
interview and was selected with Swamis grace. The Employer applied
for my visa. I was waiting for the visa and in the meantime my uncle who
has been working in the same company in Dubai called me and informed
that recession had its effect on this company and they were retrenching
so many employees from the company. He asked to check with the
company. I verified with company representatives but they sounded
neutral. So all were worried but I had full faith and confidence in Swami.
I had the feeling whatever may happen will happen only for my good and
prayed to Swami whatever he gives, I will accept. As I thought like this
and slept the immediate next morning I got a call that I got visa and was
asked to collect it. We thanked Swami and immediately my father and I
rushed to collect visa. We collected the visa and while returning my
father noticed that my visa was stamped on the 23rd November 2008
which is Swamis Birthday. We were all overjoyed. Usually we present a
gift to birthday boy but in Swamis case it is vice versa. He gives
everything to us and in turn expects only love from us. Who can give
such a selfless love in this world other than Swami? I will still try to be
Swami's devotee because it is not for us to say that we are Sai devotees
but Swami has to approve us that we are His devotees. This is not the end
of Swamis experiences. Every moment of our life is Swamis grace.


264

Everything happens with Swamis Will. Everywhere Swami is there. He
is omniscience, omnipresent, omniscient.

We have faced health problems, financial problems, etc. but with
Swamis grace and love we have come out of all the problems. Whatever
may be the difficulty we all must face with full faith and confidence in
Swami which help us to overcome difficulties. Swami has blessed us full
of happiness and never had the problem of food. I offer my thanks and
love to Swami. Lastly, I express my gratitude and my love to my
grandmother who was like a backbone to my family, a well-wisher. She
has been always sharing her experiences with Swami and has been
instilling faith and influencing us to be in the path of Bhagawan. She has
given us immense love, which she claims to be her only property.

Love and praying Swami bless us all
Sairam
N. Sai Kiran
Abu Dhabi

265

Poem from Varun
Varun Tumuluru (12yrs), perhaps the youngest in this project quotes
Baba and contributes a short scribbling of his own.

Baba says, Help ever, Hurt never.
Because when you help you gain;
but, when you heart lose.

Friends:
Friends,
Friends help you,
You help them,

Friends,
You hurt them,
They hurt you,

You lose their trust,
You lose a friend,
They make new friends,
But,
You are alone,

Help someone,
Make a friend,


266

Hurt someone,
And lose a friend.

Friends,
Gain new ones,
Keep the old,
The new Silver,
The old is Gold.

267

The Intimate Relationship
between God and Godly
Message of Love to humanity through Prof. Anil Kumar who narrates
some episodes with Swami

Episode One: You Belong to the Whole World
Now, let me share with you the eleven episodes. One day in the course of
conversation, unknowingly, I committed a mistake. I said, Swami,
people of our region, of our area, dont act like this. They dont speak
like this. I made this remark on one of the occasions.

Immediately, Bhagavan said, What? You said our area, my area. No,
no, no, no, no! You should not talk like that. You belong to the whole
world. You should not say my area, my region. Why did you say
that?

Then I said, Swami, Im sorry. I will not repeat it. In fact I want to give
up this feeling of identification with the place where I was born. Im
attached to my native place. Im sorry. Im trying to give it up.

Swami said, Trying? No, no, no! Try, try, try it becomes dry, dry,
dry. (Laughter) No trying! You must do it! Give up that regional
feeling.


268

Swami, Ill do it.

Then He said, You know, when you understand that what you hold in
your hand is a serpent, what do you do? Do you play with it? Do you
continue to hold it? No! You immediately drop it because you know the
snake is poisonous. Similarly, when you know this regionalism is bad,
you should drop it immediately. Thats what Bhagavan said.

It is a beautiful message for everybody. The world is divided on grounds
of religion, region, language, politics narrow, silly, stupid
considerations, when, in fact, we are all one. The whole world is one. We
belong to the family of the universe. We are not separate. So Baba says,
Give up that regional feeling. You belong to the whole world. And, we
should never say, I will try to give up, no! You must do it, as the
message given by Bhagavan so nicely conveyed.

Episode Two: I Visited the Home for the Aged
Now, I move on to the twelfth episode. It was the time when Bhagavan
had just returned from Bangalore after the summer course, and He was
standing there.

Anil Kumar, do you know why I am late? Do you know the reason for
the delay?

Swami, how am I to know? I dont know.

Swami said, On the way, I visited the home for the aged. The local
Samithi people started a centre for old people, and they are all staying
there. I visited that centre.

Intimate Relationship between God and Godly

269

And then, Swami started speaking about it.

I spent one hour with the old people there. I gave them clothes and
sweets. I joked, and made everybody happy.

So nice to hear Swami, so nice! And then Swami started telling us a few
details.

Those people who are running the centre there, the home for the aged,
they are facing so many problems. There is some opposition from the
locals. There are some people who are not cooperating.

Then I said, Swami, what is to be done then? When the local people
pose a threat, a challenge to the authorities, how do they run the centre
for the aged this centre for senior citizens? How? (Or what, in USA,
you call a young adult centre because no one wants to be called old.
No one is old no all are young, ever young! Young adults, thats all.)

So Swami, what is to be done?

Then Baba said, Any good program will have to face challenges.
Because of opposition, you should not run away. Because of criticism,
you should not be fear stricken. You should resist all the problems, all the
difficulties, all the obstacles, and proceed ahead. You will have Gods
blessings.

This is a message to all of us: We should not be carried away by blame,
by insults, by assaults, whatever it may be losses, criticism, or
whatever may happen. But, in the name of God, we should start doing


270

something good, and we are bound to be successful because there is God
above, who will bless our attempts.

Episode Three: You Cannot Escape from My Notice
This is the thirteenth incident: One day, the music started it was
Darshan time, morning time. Well, I was late for Darshan. What is to be
done? My place, the place where I sit though it is very convenient,
though it is a very good position, an advantageous position it is also
an embarrassing position. If I am late, I will be caught. It will be noticed.
So therefore, it is a very risky position.

Seeing Swami had started already, and the music was on, I ran. I didnt
come in by way of the front. I started walking from behind, across the
veranda. Swami was walking this way and I was going that way
management, you know (Laughter) Then, silently, slowly, softly,
walking amongst in-between the devotees cautiously, I sat in my
usual place. I just sat there, adjusting my collar and adjusting my hair,
thinking that I was a very successful manager, if not manipulator.

Our dear God started Darshan. He crossed the ladies line, and started
moving amongst the gents. Slowly, slowly, He came towards us.

He stood in front of me and said, Hmm, you came from behind!
(Laughter) You came late and sat in the front, chi! Are you not ashamed
to do it?

Then I simply said, Swami, I thought that I would be able to escape
from Your notice. I thought that I would be able to manage.


271

Then Swami laughed, smiled and said, Your grandfather also cannot do
it! Your grandfather also cannot escape from My notice, I tell you! You
want to manage? Impossible! I will know whatever you do. Your
intelligence is nothing. I can easily detect it and find out your plans.

Thats what Bhagavan said. Here I am reminded of a statement from the
Bhagavad Githa, the Song Celestial, which says that Gods Feet are
everywhere; Gods Hands are everywhere; Gods Eyes are everywhere;
Gods Ears are everywhere. So that He can hear, He can watch, He can
go, and He can pick you up. So, I could not escape the Divine notice. I
had to face the music that morning, along with the usual music.
(Laughter)

Episode Four: Change Your Qualities
Fourteenth episode: Well, I made a casual remark, Swami, the Andhra
Pradesh State Government is trying to bring in some reforms in the
Department of Police.

You call them cops in USA, right?Constable in UK, police people,
cops.

So, the Andhra Pradesh Government is trying to make a change in the
uniform of cops, thats what I said.

And Baba said, Oh, oh! Its not enough if they change their dress. They
should change their qualities. Changing the dress is easy, but to change
the qualities is tough. So, I want you to change your quality to change
your mentality not merely your dress.

Thats what He said, which is also a lesson for all of us.


272

Episode Five: A Few Students Are Privileged
I will close for this evening with the fifteenth episode: Bhagavan started
to say something special one evening.

He said, Out of so many students, a few students are privileged. A few
students are specially blessed because they stay with Me at My residence.
They sleep by My bedside. They sleep in the anteroom. They are very,
very close to Me.

And Bhagavan said, Do you know that? Some people sit and sleep very
close to My bedroom. Please listen carefully and attentively. These are
the boys who are working in the Super Speciality Hospital Swamis
college students.

Bhagavan said, One day, these boys got up around midnight. What did
they see? Only the bed Bhagavan was missing! These boys started
shivering. Their bodies were literally shaking, and immediately these
boys got the other boys up about five boys all together. Where is
Baba? Baba is not here only the bed! They were all talking, and very
much surprised and worried. Some of them even started crying. Then,
immediately, all of them gathered and went into the bedroom again. This
time they saw Swami sleeping there on the bed.

And another time, what happened was These are all Babas words. I
am putting in the words of Sai, quoting Him literally.

Another time what happened was this Swami was resting. The boys
were sleeping there in the anteroom. They started hearing some
conversation. Immediately they thought that Swami was talking to


273

somebody. However, they did not see anybody. Swami was simply
talking. They were very much surprised.

Swami said, My mother comes to Me now and then. I talk with her.
These boys were wondering, With whom is He speaking? We dont see
anybody! They see Me talking to somebody, but there is nobody.
Sometimes they dont see Me in the room. They have many experiences
like this, and quite often they cry.

But, this is an important statement I see to it that they forget
these experiences.

Then I said, Why, Swami? Why do You do that?

Baba said, If I didnt do it, all the newspapers will publish these
experiences! (Laughter) The whole thing will come to everyones notice.
I dont want that.

Thats what He said. Really speaking, if Swami allows these things to be
known to the whole world, well not have space here at Prasanthi
Nilayam. The whole world will start pouring in.

And so, what I said was, Bhagavan, it is really surprising that You
manifest and You express Yourself to some, and You hide Yourself to
many!

Bhagavan said, It is out of compassion for you all. Because of
compassion for you, I see that many people dont understand Me. It is
also My leela. Thats what Bhagavan has said.


274

Episode Six: I Watch the Thoughts in Your Head
And then, I would talk to you now about the sixteenth episode: This is
from the month of July. (From now on, we think of July episodes.)

It was the time of Guru Poornima, and all the preparations were going on
in a hectic way. You also know, this year we had an exhibition in the Hill
View Stadium.. Many of the foreign countries had their own stalls, and
many of the states from India also had their own stalls.

I said, Swami, the crowds are gathering; the population is increasing
day-by-day, as Guru Poornima is fast approaching.

Swami said, Good, good. You will not be put to any inconvenience.
Dont worry. You dont worry. You will not be put to any
inconvenience! Let any number come here, He said.

Then I said, Swami, somebody told me around 50,000 people are
expected for Guru Poornima. Am I right?

Then Bhagavan said this is a very important statement Look here,
you go by the numbers, by the count of heads, of how many people are
here. No, no, no! You go by the count of tala, the head talalu, heads.
But, I go by the talampulu, the thoughts. I watch the talampulu, the
thoughts in your heads.

This is an important thing. The crowds, or the number who gather, do not
carry Swami away. He goes by the feelings, by the thoughts, of the
devotees who come here.


275

And further, He made a remark, One spoon of cows milk is better than
barrels and barrels of donkeys milk.

Thats what He said, Im not for publicity. Even if there is only one
genuine devotee, it is enough for Me.

Thats what Bhagavan said. Well proceed next time with the rest of the
episodes from July 2002.

Seventh Episode: Cured of Heart Disease
Now, the seventh episode: There is one student here who you must have
observed. Hes a Sikh boy, of the Sikh philosophy. Not sick. It is
Sikh, a follower of Guru Nanak. When I say he is a Sikh boy, dont
feel that he is a hospitalised fellow, no! (Laughter) I mean Sikh, like
Sardarji. You must have seen this one student. That day Swami asked
him to speak. So, the boy began speaking.

Well, the Sikhs have very good, well-built bodies. Most of them are in
the North (a wheat-eating place), in the border areas, protecting this
country.

The boy said, Twenty-three years ago an old lady visited this Prasanthi
Nilayam along with her little grandson. Why? To receive Babas
blessings. What happened there?

The doctors said that this little grandson had a hole in his heart, and that
he must be operated upon. The doctors also said that this little boy had no
hopes of survival even after the operation. So, this old lady, the
grandmother, prayed to God, Swami, you should save my grandson


276

because the doctors said the situation is critical, and all the doctors have
confirmed it is a heart problem.

Swami blessed and gave Vibhuthi to that little child. The child was
cured because of the Vibhuthi. That little boy has grown up and
completed his schooling. He completed his college studies and that little
boy is the one talking to you now, he said. The one whom you see now
is the very same boy who was cured of heart disease 23 years ago, when
he came along with his grandmother to visit Swami. That is the power of
Sai Vibhuthi.

And further, as I said earlier, most of the Sardarjis are army people.

He said, pumping his chest, Look here, I declare that Guru Nanak and
Sai Baba are one and the same! The head of a strict philosophy - Guru
Nanak, and Baba, yes, I say that. I declare it.

All clapped in joy.

And then Swami said, Hey boy, nice talk, good! Hmm. I know your
father is in the Kashmir area. Now a lot of fighting is going on there.
Dont worry, Ill take care of him, dont worry!

And then He turned to every one of us and said, Hey, poor fellows! Do
you think there will be a war now? No, no! No war will take place now.
Dont be afraid of that. It is only a threat a war threat but not actual
war.

Nothing will happen to your father. He will come for Swamis Darshan
next month, dont worry.


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Thats what Bhagavan told him, Be happy.

This is an incident of the miracle of the boy and Swamis blessing to the
boys father, working in the border area, protecting this country.

Eighth Episode: Examinations Are Advanced
Now, we think of the eighth episode: He asked another MBA boy to
speak. His name is Sashank. This boy spoke in front of Swami for the
first time quite fair enough, with big eyes, nice to look at a boy
from the city, delicate, quite sensitive, well dressed and handsome too.

The boy began talking like this, I wanted to be a student of Sathya Sai
University. It had been my long-cherished dream and a desire. But I
could not get admission all these years, though I really wanted to be here.
There is one genuine reason. I was a student of Bombay University. After
the examinations, by the time the results were announced at Bombay
University, the classes would begin here at Sathya Sai University. So, I
had no chance to apply because the examination needed to be completed
there and the results published before I could apply here. Only then it
would be possible to join here. So, it was not possible. I was very
desperate. I was very disappointed.

Then that boy said, Look here, my friends. The Bombay University has
five lakhs students on its rolls. It is one of the oldest universities in this
country. In response to my prayers, for the first time, examinations were
advanced for the first time!

In India, examinations are always postponed. (Laughter) Of course, boys
want total cancellation (more laughter) but thats only a dream. It will
never happen! But here, for the first time, examinations were advanced.


278

So, he could write his examination, appear for the entrance test, get the
seat and then talk to everybody. Really, can you imagine a university
advancing examinations? It never happens! Believe it or not, it did
happen.

And the boy said, The whole thing happened because of my prayers to
Bhagavan.

Reversing the Train
Here my friends, I may tell you a personal story. I was travelling from
Hyderabad by train. And I have this weakness I lose track of the time
when I start speaking about Swami. This is my weakness, but I cant help
it. It is too late to repent or correct it, and I feel its not necessary! Why?
When devotees are so eager to hear me, when I have so much stuff with
me, why cant I share it? After all, it doesnt matter.

So one time, it so happens, I was travelling by train and somebody the
stationmaster, said, Anil Kumar, I heard that you gave a beautiful talk
this evening in the city. I could not attend the meeting because, as you
see, Im on duty. Why dont you have a cup of coffee?

He asked me into his air-conditioned office. There was some time before
the train was due to arrive, so I accepted his offer and was enjoying the
coffee. I always like a hot cup of coffee. (Laughter)

As I was drinking the cup of coffee, that man said, What did you speak
about? What was the topic? That was enough for me! (Laughter)


279

Then I began to speak. (Laughter) Suddenly, that man looked at his
watch and said, Anil Kumar, I think its time for the train. Lets go and
check.

We both went to the platform and found that the train had not only
arrived, but it was also in the process of leaving the platform.

Ah-re, what a fool I am! The train left already.

Then I told the stationmaster, Sir, you are responsible. I have to wait for
the next train. That train may arrive, or it may not. Trains always run late
here that is punctuality. So what is it I can do?

That man said, Dont worry, Sir!

I replied, Sir, it is very nice for you to say, Dont worry, however, I
have to bear the cross.

I was feeling so badly. Swami, please help me because I must go to the
college. Please help me!

To the best of my knowledge, it never happened before. For the first
time, the train started reversing! (Laughter) I never saw a train reversing.
It came back and stopped. I got in the train yes! and then it started
moving again.

Baba, hey! You are capable of reversing the train also! Ah!

It has happened in my case, so I am the witness. Most of the people will
tell you this story if you talk with them. There is one place by name


280

Kajipet near Hyderabad all of them there speak about this miracle. It
happened. The train that had left the station began reversing. That
happened, yes!

Ninth Episode: I Want Your Love
And the ninth episode what happened was this: Swami sat there on the
chair with a bunch of letters, and then He said, Hmm. Pick up this
letter...

I picked up that letter. See what is there inside.
I opened the envelope and saw a cheque for Rs. 37,500. It was a check
sent by a student to Bhagavan. It was his first months salary, as a token
of love and gratitude.

Swami said, The boy who has sent the cheque is also here, but I wont
tell his name because that boy will feel embarrassed. He will start crying.
I wont tell his name, but look here, boys and teachers! Im telling you
now. Hear me! I dont want your cheques; I dont want your money. This
is not the thing that I want from you.

I want your Love. I want your Love, thats all. And this Love is not your
property. I gave you this Love at the time of your birth. You are born
with Love. Why? It is My gift to you. So I want you to give Me that
which I gave you. Give it back to Me, thats all. Not the money. I dont
want anything.

And then what happened? He tore up that cheque! He tore it into a
number of pieces, and He went on tearing it.


281

Then I laughed and said, Swami, one tear is enough! (Laughter) You
dont need to make so many pieces like that. If you tear it once, thats
enough. The cheque is invalid.

Then He laughed, Im doing it to let you know how I dislike these
things.(Laughter)

My friends, what is the position today in society, all over the world?
Many gurus want money. Most of the gurus all over the world give
discourses in the name of spirituality, and collect money.

But here is a place, Prasanthi Nilayam, where there is only one God, by
the name of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who says: I dont want your
money, no! I want your Love. This is really unique.

Tenth Episode: Two Muslim Boys
The tenth episode: Here in Sathya Sai University, we have students of all
religions. There are two Muslim boys here.

Swami called one boy, Hmm, what is your name? He said his name.
Hmm, good!

He waved His hand and materialised a chain for him. It was a gold chain,
and at the centre there was a crescent a half-moon of diamonds with a
star, which is the symbol for Muslims. Because this boy was a Muslim,
He gave him the symbol of the Islamic faith.

And then, He looked at me and said, Did you see that?

Swami, I saw it. What did you see?


282

Swami, I saw the crescent and the star the symbol of Islamic faith.

Hmm, come here, come here. Take it. See what is written on the reverse
side of the locket. It is written in English read it!

Allah Bismilah was written on the reverse. It means Have faith in
God...

And Baba said, You see, I promote, I encourage, all religions. All
religions are Mine. I dont believe in conversions. I dont believe in
changing your religion. Follow your own religion you will reach Me.

That is what Bhagavan has said.

And then He called another Muslim boy and He said, Boy, are you
feeling jealous that I gave him a chain? Jealousy?

The boy replied, No, Swami.

Dont worry. And then, He materialised a ring for this boy a chain
for one Muslim boy and a ring for another Muslim boy. So, He made
everybody happy that day.

Thats the reason why, during bhajans, we sing loudly:

Sarva Dharma Priya Deva, Sathya Sai Deva.
Allah Yesu Buddha aur Nanaka
May Bhaghawan bless us all.

Sai Ram

283

Section 6

284

Epilogue
Bhagavan Sathya Sai is regarded, recognised and revered by people from
all over the world, irrespective of caste , creed, community and even
Nationality.

Bhakta Mira pleaded in her prayer, Swami, I delved deep into the ocean
and get the pearl of Your Diamond. Let not this valuable pearl slip from
hand and drop back into ocean. Having been born into this world let me
sing the Glory of Gods Divine Name constantly and make my life
sanctified.

We thought that it would be desirable to make this Bhagavatham in two
Parts, the First Part portrays His life and Mission, His Miraculous Powers
and various unimaginable voluminous works (Divine Mission) and some
of His sacred Sayings and Teachings.

The second Part deals with some of Swamis Darshan and Sambhasan
(Divine Discourses) and spiritual quotes of Bhagavan in an alphabetical
order Mini Digest.

Wedded to the whole world as He is, giving His motherly Love of not
one mother but Thousands of Mothers. He endearingly addressed and
followed as SAI MA. As and when Her children fail or fall, the Loving
Mother picks them up and embraces them to Her bosom, consoling and
comforting to give them Bliss and assuring us your happiness is My


285

Food- My Ananda, through His Loving Divine Discourses as and when
and celebrations take place in His immediate presence in Prasanthi
Nilayam. These also are included in Part II of Sri Sathya Sai
Bhagavatham.
So, dear brothers and sisters let us strive to make and keep our Sai
Mother ever happy by following His Foot- steps at least share a fraction
of His Love and Glory to others That will be the redemption of our lives.

Jai Sai Ram!
July 2009

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Index

Ahimsa, 192
Assurance, 10, 38, 123, 233, 257
Atma, 21, 24, 27, 29, 34, 39, 53,
87, 105, 106, 132, 146, 147,
160, 188, 194, 221, 222, 226,
228, 243
Avatar, 7, 8, 9, 15, 21, 24, 27,
29, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,
45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52,
53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 77, 79, 82,
84, 86, 89, 94, 123, 147, 148,
156, 157, 158, 179, 188, 202,
232, 237, 239, 256
Avatars, 57
Bellary, 114
Bhagavan, 253
Bhagavatam, 7, 13, 17, 18, 19,
20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 220
Bhagavatha, 253
Bhakta Pothana, 13
Bhakti, 6, 25
Bharat, 244
Bharatiya, 243, 244
bliss, 192
Brahma, 29, 44, 70, 79, 89, 222
Bukkapatnam, 89, 90, 94, 96,
98, 99, 134, 219
Chitravathi, 79, 88, 90, 108, 122,
128, 129, 135, 140, 142, 251
culture, 243, 244
Devagiriamma, 60, 61, 62, 63
Devotion, 6, 25, 37, 82, 132
Dharma, 192
Dharmavaram, 114
Dr E.V.V. Sastry, 78
Easwaramma, 77, 88, 89, 91, 92,
93, 120, 121, 194, 196, 217,
219
Educare, 9, 182, 183, 184, 185,
189, 190, 191, 192, 193
Education, 189, 191, 192, 193
God, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40,
42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,
50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 65, 69,
70, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 90, 96,
114, 115, 122, 123, 128, 133,
136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 143,
145,146, 148, 149, 152, 153,
156, 160, 161, 179, 181, 183,


287

187, 188, 189, 194, 195, 196,
198, 202, 203, 214, 217, 222,
223, 228, 229, 235, 237, 240,
242, 243, 244, 247, 248, 250,
251, 253, 254, 256, 267, 269,
270, 271, 275, 281, 282, 284
Guru Purnima, 56
Hampi, 105, 106, 118
Hindu, 29, 38, 65, 101, 207, 247
immortality, 189
Isaac Tigrett, 207
Kali Yuga, 27, 29, 40, 82, 83
Kalpa Vriksha, 122, 226
Kamalapur, 98, 102, 106, 108,
112
Knowledge, 190
Krishna, 1, 4, 14, 15, 21, 23, 24,
34, 38, 41, 44, 45, 47, 49, 51,
56, 59, 80, 88, 98, 122, 136,
147, 149, 151, 152, 225, 226,
231, 232, 237, 241, 256, 257
krodha, 192
love, 14, 16, 22, 24, 34, 37, 40,
45, 47, 48, 53, 56, 57, 59, 63,
64, 74, 84, 85, 87, 92, 96, 100,
101, 102, 106, 121, 127, 130,
132, 140, 141, 147, 148, 149,
161, 180, 183, 185, 187, 189,
191, 192, 193, 194, 196, 199,
202, 203, 214, 218, 225, 231,
232, 237, 238, 240, 241, 242,
243, 244, 246, 247, 248, 249,
255, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261,
262, 263, 264, 280
Mahabharata, 13, 20, 21, 24, 26,
45, 82
Mahashivaratri, 118, 124, 237
mahavakya, 13
Maheswara, 29, 70
Medicare, 9, 196, 215
miracles, 9, 122, 125, 148, 149,
151, 152, 153
Mission statement, 9, 199
Mother, 37, 61, 84, 89, 91, 92,
93, 121, 127, 156, 217, 238,
243, 284, 285
Motherland, 10, 244, 245, 246
My mission, 143, 180, 181
N. Kasturi, 15, 17, 38, 153
Narayana Seva, 10, 12, 212, 217
Parvathi, 60, 61, 62
Pedda Venkappa Raju, 77, 88,
92, 99, 111, 115, 121
Prasanthi Nilayam, 9, 15, 16, 79,
95, 107, 125, 134, 139, 140,
141, 142, 187, 194, 196, 200,
201, 208, 213, 218, 256, 257,
259, 262, 263, 273, 275, 281,
285
Prema, 192
Prema Sai, 7, 56, 57, 59
Pushpagiri, 108, 109, 111
Puttaparthi, 39, 77, 79, 85, 86,
87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96,
97, 98, 99, 108, 111, 113, 114,
120, 121, 123, 125, 128, 133,
135, 140, 144, 145, 194, 196,
197, 199, 204, 206, 208, 213,


288

216, 219, 227, 231, 235, 259,
260, 261, 262
Rama, 13, 14, 37, 38, 41, 44, 45,
47, 49, 51, 56, 59, 65, 136,
147, 149, 189, 217, 226, 232,
237, 245, 256
Ramesh and Suresh, 8, 100, 101,
107, 108
Revelations, 10, 81, 95, 134,
220, 226
Sai Baba, 63, 69, 72
Sathya, 192
Sathya Sai Baba, 8, 9, 10, 17,
21, 27, 56, 58, 77, 78, 81, 86,
87, 98, 114, 117, 119, 123,
126, 127, 134, 136, 143, 149,
153, 156, 179, 182, 196, 199,
200, 203, 207, 208, 213, 214,
215, 217, 234, 255, 256, 281
Satyanarayana, 8, 85, 86, 88, 89,
91, 92, 107, 112, 116, 117,
150, 156, 157, 161, 240
scorpion, 112
Scout Camp, 8, 108
Seshama Raju, 77, 88, 97, 98,
99, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115,
117, 118, 119
Shirdi, 58, 62, 66, 67, 68, 70, 72,
75
Shirdi Sai Baba, 7, 56, 60, 63,
78
Shyam, 70, 73, 74, 75
Siva, 65
Sri Aurobindo, 80
Subba Raju, 88, 98, 121
Subbamma, 8, 93, 101, 104, 121,
122, 154
Super-Speciality Hospital, 198
Swami, 8, 11, 15, 57, 67, 73, 74,
75, 86, 100, 102, 106, 108,
118, 123, 128, 144, 150, 153,
154, 158, 159, 161, 163, 187,
190, 195, 196, 198, 199, 200,
204, 205, 207, 208, 214, 216,
232, 240, 249, 255, 257, 259,
260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 267,
268, 269, 270, 271,272, 273,
274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279,
280, 281, 282, 284
task, 10, 38, 39, 52, 56, 110,
112, 122, 123, 132, 135, 140,
179, 186, 187, 193, 223, 226,
229, 230, 233, 238, 239, 240,
241, 246
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Medical Sciences,
213, 215
Uravakonda, 97, 98, 99, 101,
103, 106, 108, 112, 113, 117,
118, 121
Vedas, 20, 25, 32, 36, 40, 45, 57,
82, 86, 179, 223, 237, 238,
239, 253
Virupaksha, 9, 118, 119
Vishnu, 29, 44, 70, 80, 156, 157,
161, 195, 227
Vyasa, 13, 15, 20, 21, 23, 27, 51,
82

289

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Manasa Bhaja Rey Guru Charanam
Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam
Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai
Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai

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