The words or terms that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba uses in telugu (His mother tongue) referring to ‘Human Values’ are mānavata viluvalu or mānava guṇamulu or mānavatvaṁ. In this post we explore a few excerpts from various discourses delivered by Bhagavan Baba, to portray a wide canvas of what He meant by Human Values.
“Embodiments of Love! What is the difference between birds and animals and humans? Can eating, drinking, sleeping and ultimately dying, be the be-all and end-all of human life? All these are common to animals and human beings. What, then, is the difference? Although one is endowed with intelligence, discrimination and wisdom, without endeavouring to know the truth, a human regards physical phenomena as the only reality, the Divine as remote, and forgets the main goal of life.” (1)
Jantūnāṁ Narajanma Durlabham (Vivekachūḍāmaṇi)
Among all beings, rarest to obtain is the Human birth
“Born as human beings, growing as human beings, human beings have forgotten the value of human existence. Developing religious differences, fostering demonic tendencies, they are destroying peace. What is the state of human life today? The foremost thing that should exist is respect for human values. However great an intellectual or scholarly or learned one may be, one has also to acquire humanness. Without humanness, scholarships and intellectual eminence are of no value. It is only when men cultivate humanness that society will shine with radiance and the nation and the world will progress.” (2)
“If money is lost, by struggle and strain you can get back the lost money. If the health is lost, by consulting physicians you can get back your fitness. But once character and values are lost, human life is a waste. Human values are most important today. Human values are not found in any texts nor are they imported or exported. In fact, human values have their origin in humans. When you follow the path of truth and undertake truthful activities, you will have the human values with you. More than the education you acquire, or the activities you undertake, if you uphold the human values, all the rest will follow automatically.” (3)
“Humanness can be promoted only through spirituality and not by any other means. Just as a seed can sprout only when it is planted in the soil and watered, human values can grow only in a spiritual soil. If a person wants to cultivate human values he has to apply the manure of spirituality to his heart, water it with love so that human values will grow.” (2)
“Awareness of, “I am a human being,” is only half the truth. “I am not a beast,” is the other half. Always remind yourself of what you are, as well as what you are not; when this is done, when activities are in accordance with that awareness, a human will be manifesting the full significance of the name he is known by” (8)
“What is spirituality? That which destroys human’s animal nature, nurtures humanness, and finally transforms him into a Divine being is spirituality. (4) Spirituality aims at enabling a human being to manifest, in all its fullness, the divine Caitan’ya (cosmic consciousness) that is present within and outside. It means getting rid of the animal nature and developing the divine tendencies. It means breaking down the barriers between God and Nature and establishing their essential oneness. (5) Spirituality means the quest for oneness.” (6)
“The body, mind and Ātma together constitute the human entity. Actions are undertaken by the body and cognition by the mind. The Ātma is the Divine Spirit present in the heart. Action, Awareness and Being are the threefold aspects of human life which have to be properly understood. Although they appear to be distinct, it is the unity in Action, Awareness and Being which makes for the fullness of human life.
The Vedas have declared “Prajñānaṁ brahma”. Prajñā is the principle that is present equally in the body, the antaḥkaraṇa and the Ātma. Hence it may be regarded as “constant integrated awareness.” It is this constant integrated awareness that is the source of all values in a human being. This Prajñā is permeated with Prēma (Love). Satya (Truth) is the echo that resounds from the love-filled Prajñā. All actions that arise out of this love-filled Prajñā are reactions, constituting Dharma. Śāntī (Peace) is a reflection of this Satya (Truth) and Dharma. Thus Satya (truth), Dharma (Righteousness) and Śāntī (Peace) emanate from the Prajñā that is charged with Love, as resound, reaction and reflection. The proper understanding of the source and nature of Satya, Dharma, Śāntī and Prēma is Ahiṃsā (the attitude in which one cannot think of causing harm to anyone).” (7)
Sri Sathya Sai Baba summarised the above understanding in four simple yet profound statements as follows:
Love as thought is Truth.
Love as action is Right living.
Love as feeling is Peace.
Love as understanding is Non-violence.
The endeavour of Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Human Values is to strive for understanding the Human Values and how they can be practiced in daily life and living.
A one-day workshop was organized for the teachers of Government Primary school teachers on 3rd October, 2019 in Prasanthi Nilayam. The agenda was to expose the teachers to the basic tenets of Education in Human Values as enunciated by Bhagavan Baba.
About 40 teachers consisting of ladies and gents attended the same. The format was study circle based where a Divine Discourse of Bhagavan Baba was taken up for discussion. An overview of the Sri Sathya Sai Integral System of Education was presented. The program concluded with some value games for teachers.
On July 14th and 15th, 2019, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima, a parenting workshop was organized by the SSSCHV at Prasanthi Nilayam. Participants totalling to 36 participated in the program. These included ladies and men from all over India. It was conducted by Dr. Pal Dhall and Dr. Tehsin Dhall, Advisory Committee members and world renowned specialists in this field.
The Program began with an experience sharing session where the stage was open to all the participants to come forward and share their knowledge as well as challenges in running Bal Vikas program and Parenting program for of Parenting. The second session was a study circle on Bhagavan’s core teachings on Parenting practices.
After lunch, the topic that was taken up for discussion was as follows, “Why do children need spirituality for core skills for success?” This was presented by Dr. Pal Dhall where he brought up the latest research findings linking spiritual progress and material success.
Dr. Pal Dhall facilitating the session on nurturing adolescent spirituality
“Nurturing Adolescent spirituality and Parent–Guru support” was the topic taken up in the evening. Dr. Pal Dhall showcased a lot of research from Neurology and connected it to the need and techniques of handling adolescents. The role of Parents and Guru was also taken up.
Next morning, the topic was “Key competencies for fostering spirituality in children.” The need for the Parent and Guru to become partners in the Bal Vikas program process was taken up. Under this the current status of such engagement was discussed and gaps were identified. Measures to overcome these gaps were also discussed.
In the concluding session, “Framing an Action Plan” was discussed and arrived at.
Dr. Gurumurthy, Director of SSSIHMS-PG giving the welcome address
On November 10th, 2018, a workshop titled ‘The Heart of Sai Healthcare Mission’ was conducted for the DNB (Diplomate of National Board) doctors of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences – Prasanthi gram (SSSIHMS-PG) and Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital (SSSGH) in SSSIHMS-PG conference hall.
The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate the orientation of the young doctors (DNBs) working in the SSSIHMS – PG and SSSGH, Prasanthi Nilayam, towards the healthcare vision and mission of our beloved Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. About 50 doctors from the various departments attended the same.
In his welcome address, Dr. Gurumurthy, Director of the SSSIHMS – PG succinctly delved upon the purpose and philosophy of the Sai Health care mission. He gave an outline of the number of DNB doctors that are currently working in each of the departments.
This was followed by Sri Prasad Rao’s (IAS), Member Secretary, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust inaugural talk in which he highlighted the current state of medical care in the country and how the SSSIHMS was different from them all. Sri Prasad Rao’s talk was followed by the keynote address of Dr. V. Mohan, Trustee and world renowned diabetologist. He spoke over a video conferencing facility from his office in Chennai. His 30 minute talk covered the entire spectrum of the Sai Healthcare mission.
Dr V Mohan’s talk was followed by Prof. Vishwanath Pandit’s talk. He is the director of the SSSCHV and former Vice- Chancellor of the SSSIHL. His talk focussed on the need for values in day to day life. He explained in brief the purpose of the SSSCHV and its mandate.
Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, then Director of SSSCHV addressing the doctors at SSSIHMS – PG
Prof. Vishwanath Pandit’s speech was followed by the most awaited moment of the morning, video of an excerpt of Bhagavan Baba’s discourse from 1994. It was a discourse given on the occasion of the Cardiac Symposium but its message, as always, is relevant for eternity. The discourse covered a wide array of instructions, suggestions and guidelines to doctors. It brought out His philosophy beautifully.
After the morning tea session, Dr. Narasimhan, Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital, gave a rousing speech for an hour. His talk expounded on the five pillars of the Sai Healthcare Mission namely: Comprehensive Healthcare – state of the art, quality healthcare; Universal Healthcare – welcoming to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion; Spiritual healthcare – treat all as kith and kin, De-commercialised Healthcare – free for all, Preventive Healthcare – not just treatment of disease but also prevent its recurrence.
In the afternoon session, a panel discussion was conducted for all the participants. The following was structure for the panel discussion.
A video entitled “Start with why — how great leaders inspire action” by Mr. Simon Sinek was used as a structure for the workshop. The concept basically puts for the following proposition.
It proposes that all organizations / individuals know ‘WHAT’ they do. In our organization (SSSIHMS and SSSGH), too, we know ‘WHAT’ is done or what is to be done. Fewer organizations know HOW they should do what they do. However, very few organizations know ‘WHY’ they do, what they do. Defining or knowing the ‘Why’ is not necessarily the outcome; such as ‘to treat patients’ or ‘to cure diseases’. Why stands for the ‘what is the purpose?’, ‘Why do I exist?’ etc.
Research shows that those organizations / people who know very clearly the ‘WHY’ of their existence are those who thrive successfully and last long. Everybody wants to be a part of organizations that know their ‘WHY’ clearly.
The endeavour, in the two panel discussions was to take up the ‘Why’ and ‘How’ of SSSIHMS. The concept of the golden circle was introduced to the participants. Three aspects of ‘WHY’ was taken up:
The panel consisted of Dr. Neelam Desai, HoD of CTVS department, SSSIHMS-PG, Dr. Kolli Challam, HoD of Anaesthesiology, SSSIHMS – Whitefield (WFD) and Sri N. Karthik, Senior Manager, Finance and Account, SSSIHMS – WFD. Each of the members are vastly experienced with the Sri Sathya Sai System having spent decades in divine proximity and personal guidance from Swami.
The second panel consisted of Dr. Sundaresh, Director, SSSIHMS – WFD, Dr. Lathashree, SSSGH – Prasanthi Nilayam and Sri Vaithialingam. This panel dealt with the ‘HOW’. Three aspects of ‘HOW’ were brought up namely:
The panellist shared their thoughts , insights and complemented them with their experiences and anecdotes.
The workshop ended with the impressions of some of the current DNB doctors on their WHY and HOW.
Bhagawan says that one among the three beliefs that Bharathiyaas hold fast is the concept of Avatars. The other two being the law of Karma and the doctrine of rebirth. Humanity recognises only the momentary results of the advent of Avatar but as Bhagawan says, the only and very purpose of Avatar is to teach mankind the truth about Love. One such Avatar who displayed the principle of Love in every act of His is Lord Krishna.
Fortunate are we to be the contemporaries of the Poorna Avatar Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are blessed to listen about other Avatars directly from Bhagawan Baba, which is like an auto-biography. In this posting, Bhagawan speaks about the birth of Krishna and the message of Krishna Avatar.
This posting is a collection of excerpts from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan in the years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003.
In the 1st audio clip, Bhagawan explains the reason and the essential factors why God incarnates. He goes on to explain in clip 1B, the beauty of Krishna Thatwa/Krishna principle. He then goes on to explain in clip 2A, the master plan of the Lord regarding taking up an Avatar as Krishna. In clip 2B, Bhagawan reveals the birthday of Krishna according to the English calendar. In clip 2C, He talks of the misunderstanding that prevails among people about timing of Krishna’s birth. He then goes on to explain in clip 2D, the true birthplace and the true birthday of Krishna. Bhagawan elaborates in clip 3A, the events immediately after Krishna’s birth. In clip 3B, Bhagawan talks about the naming ceremony of little Krishna. He explains in clip 4, different meanings and inner significance of the name ‘Krishna’. He talks of the supreme message of Krishna’s life in clip 5. In clips 6A, 6B, and 6C Bhagawan explains the three vows that Krishna took. Finally, in the 7th clip, Bhagawan explains the purpose of Avatars, and lessons that devotees must take home.
1A. Why Avatars Come-1995 May 21
Whenever cruelty, falsehood and unrighteousness reach intolerable proportions, God incarnates on Earth to destroy the wrongdoers. God Himself steps into the world. Why should God Himself come down? Could He not send His powers or deputies to complete this task? If there is a small case (disturbance), a police constable will come to the scene first. If it intensifies further it will be handled by a S.P (Superintendent of Police). If the case is even more demanding, the D.I.G (Deputy Inspector General of Police) will take it up. Beyond a limit, the I.G.P (Inspector General of Police) himself will look into the case. Therefore, based on the duties and task at hand, a suitable action needs to be undertaken. Today’s world is boiling with lots of agitation. Similarly, Kamsa’s reign was full of agitation. There was a sense of insecurity among all the citizens of the kingdom. They weren’t sure which Yadava would be ordered to be executed and beheaded. Nobody’s life was secure. They lived a life filled with fear and anxiety.
Under those circumstances, God decided to incarnate and destroy such wicked people. The advent of every Avatar has two reasons: one, the prayers of the devotees; and two, the atrocities of the wicked people. The unity of these two factors too is very essential.
Divinity summoned Maya Shakthi. Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. All the events were unfolding as per His master plan. Vasudeva had two wives. They were housed at Nanda’s place to be guarded against the atrocities of Kamsa. The Lord summoned Yoga Maya Shakti and instructed, “Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. Don’t keep this child in her womb any further. This child is an incarnation of Adishesha Himself. Now, transfer this child to the womb of Rohini”. Hence, Balarama (the child born to Rohini) is also called by the name Sankarshanudu. Sankarshana means “transferring from one place to another”. Thus, Maya Shakti transferred the seventh child from Devaki Devi’s womb to Rohini’s womb and assisted in the Divine master plan to annihilate the demons. The Lord further instructed Maya Shakti to enter into the womb of Yashoda (wife of Nanda). “I will Myself enter Devaki Devi’s womb as her eighth child.”
Krishna was born in the Krishnapaksha. What is Krishnapaksha? Krishnapaksha means darkness (the dark fortnight of the month). At night there will be no moonlight. It is full of darkness. In peacelessness (Ashanti) there is radiance (Prakaanti). In that radiance there is Supreme Light (Paramjyothi). This Supreme Light is verily the Divine (Paramatma). Light has its value in darkness alone, but not in brightness. Similarly, when the entire world was filled with restlessness (Ashanti), which is unrighteous, Krishna took birth as the Embodiment of supreme peace.
(Note – Lord Krishna was born in the month of Sravana. Bhagawan also brings out the significance of the word Sravanam (devout listening). In the discourse, Bhagawan goes on to talk about teaching the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna through the path of Sravanam.)
God Himself incarnated as the child. The Divine effulgence of the child illuminated the surroundings. Devaki and Vasudeva bowed to the child. What is the reason? They were aware that God would be born as their child. The Lord had appeared to them in a dream the previous night and, “I will take birth from your womb at dawn”. Indeed the Divine child incarnated. “But, what is the use ? How do we protect this child?”, thought the parents. They were worried about His safety. This was the impact of Maya, delusion! They knew He was Divine. How can they protect the Divine?
The Lord had already instructed Vasudeva to take the Divine child out soon after birth. Vasudeva placed the baby in a small basket and was wondering how he would go out. In a trice, the chains that tied his hands came loose. The doors flung open. It was three o’clock in the thick of the night. The gatekeepers were fast asleep. No one else was around. Vasudeva quietly walked out of the dungeon. As he proceeded, there was a tremendous downpour of rain. This was a sign of the intense joy; and purity of the occasion. Even the clouds were ecstatic at the Divine Advent. Placing the basket on his head, Vasudeva walked towards Gokulam. But, river Yamuna flowed across his path. When God Himself was going, who could obstruct Him? Adisesha covered the basket carrying the Divine child. The river parted and made way as they proceeded. At that very moment, Yashoda gave birth to Maya Shakti. Everyone was fast asleep at Gokulam also. Vasudeva switched the babies and returned. It was all done according to the Divine Command. But nobody believes this today. This was a Divine Plan.
In keeping with God’s command, Vasudeva placed the Lord next to Yashoda and returned to Mathura with the girl child. God’s ways are so mysterious! Only after Vasudeva returned and placed the baby girl next to Devaki Devi, did the guards wake up. The prison doors were found open and the guards were gripped with fear. The baby girl cried out loudly.
Sage Garga went to the house of Yashoda and Nanda for the naming ceremony of the babies. He exclaimed, “What I am seeing here today is strange. I have never heard of this in my life!” Incarnations generally occur in three colours of Shukla (white), Aruna (orange) and Pita (yellow). But here was a baby who was black. Hence, Garga considered the name Krishna (black) as most appropriate.
We must understand properly the meaning of the term Krishna. The word has three meanings.
One is “Krishyathi iti Krishnah” (The one who cultivates is Krishna). What is it that has to be cultivated? The Hridayakshetra (field of the heart). Krishna cultivates the field of our hearts. He removes the weeds of bad thoughts, softens the heart by watering it with love, ploughs it through sadhana, and sows the seeds of Lord’s name. Thus, Krishna is one who cultivates our hearts.
The second meaning of the word is: “Karshathi iti Krishnah.” (The one who attracts is Krishna). Karsha refers to attraction. Krishna attracts you by His eyes, His speech, His sports, His flute. Everything related to Krishna is attractive. By His words, He softens and calms the hearts of even those filled with anger and makes them rejoice.
Krishna displayed these qualities even as a small child. Once He had entered the house of a gopika at night, climbed a pillar to get to the curds that were kept in a pot suspended from the ceiling. The gopika came with a lot of anger, caught Him in the act and held and blocked the pillar, saying that she would now expose Him before His mother Yashoda. She asked Him what He was doing at the top of the pillar. Krishna, in the most innocent manner, answered that He was searching for the calf that was missing from His house. The gopika could not contain her laughter at the answer. She laughed loudly and let go of the pillar to cover her mouth. This gave Him the chance to slide down the pillar and make a good escape. This way, every aspect of Krishna is full of attraction. He is attraction itself.
What is the meaning of Sambhavam? One who expresses and manifests Himself according to His Will, unrestricted by rules, wherever and whenever necessary, is called as Sambhavaha.
The Bhagavad Gita says – Whenever righteousness declines, O Arjuna, and unrighteousness rises, I incarnate. To protect the pious and destroy the wicked, to establish dharma, I incarnate in every age.
The word Sambhavaami means: He incarnates whenever necessary, wherever necessary, not bound by any rules. Thus, man recognised the various qualities of God and attributed names describing each aspect.
Whoever it may be (Ye Janaah Pari Upaasate), if he thinks of Me (worships Me) all the time (Ananyaas Chintayanto Maam), I will take care of his/her day to day welfare (Teshaam Nityaabhi Yuktaanaam, Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham).
It must be Ananya Bhakti. If the devotion is limited to just oneself and one’s family, it becomes ordinary devotion. If one prays with the feeling that one should be fine and the society should also be fine, then it is somewhat better – medium level.
The one who understands the principle that all are one, all beings are one, he is the one with true infinite devotion (Ananya Bhakti). Ananya Bhakti does not mean Sarvada Sarvakaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam – that is praying to the Lord non-stop all the time. Ananya means not perceiving any differences; it means considering and seeing everybody as one. There is Divinity in everyone, everybody is essentially Divine.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna called upon Arjuna to renounce all Dharmas and seek refuge in Him alone – “Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya Maam Ekam Saranam Vraja.” What is meant by Dharma? In the present context, Dharma refers to the specific quality of each object. Heat, for instance, is the Dharma of fire in a burning charcoal. Without heat, it is mere charcoal. Sweetness is the Dharma (natural quality) of sugar. Without sweetness, it ceases to be sugar. It becomes sand. Likewise, there is a Dharma (natural tendency) for man. What is it? Desire for things. It is natural for man to multiply his desires. “Sarva Dharmaan Parithyajya” means giving up all desires. This is also called Vairagya (detachment).
Note: Following passage is extracted from a discourse given by Bhagawan on 6-9-1977
“Mokshayishyaami Maa Shucha”
(I shall save all those who surrender whole-heartedly to Me, and I shall liberate them from the cycle of birth and death). Thus Krishna assured man that He would save him from penury and grief and from sin and its terrible consequences, provided he adheres to Him and adores Him.As the name suggests, the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Human Values has been founded with the aim to study and propagate Human Values as propounded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Bhagawan Baba, considered by millions as the Avatar of the age, is the very fount of ‘Education in Human Values’. From His early writings it is amply clear that Bhagawan Baba’s emphasis has been on moral and spiritual uplift of the humankind in His own words:
Akhila mānavulaku ānanda munagūrci rakṣin̄Cucuṇḍuṭa dīkṣa nāku
Sanmārgamunu vīḍi, Cariyin̄Cu vārala peṭṭi kāpāḍuṭa vratamu nāku
Bīdasādalakainā penubādha tolagin̄Ci, lēmini bāpuṭa prēma nāku
Niyama niṣṭhala tōḍa nanugulcu vārini kāpāḍu Cuṇḍuṭa ghanata nāku
Man̄Ci Ceḍḍalu kūḍā manasulō samamugā bhāvin̄Cu Cuṇḍuṭa bhakti nāku
I have a ‘task’: to foster all humankind and ensure for all of them lives full of bliss (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.
– Letter to His elder brother dated 25th May 1947 (Sathyam Shivam Sundaram Vol 1)
In the line “Sanmārgamunu vīḍi, Cariyin̄Cu vārala peṭṭi kāpāḍuṭa vratamu nāku” – He declares His vow to lead all those who have strayed away from the right path. In order to fulfil this right from His young days, through His own life and acts, He demonstrated the ways and means to tread the right path. Through His many writings and discourses also He propounded this philosophy.
One of His earliest writings was in the form of a poem which goes as follows:
“Satya Dharmamū Śānti Prēmalatō nī nitya jīvana yātra sāgin̄Cu jīva (jīva…)”
TRANSLATION:
Carry on the journey of life with Truth, Righteousness, Love and Peace… O Being
His mission has been to impress upon humankind the crucial importance of leading moral lives by the practice of universal human values: Sathya (Truth); Dharma (Righteousness); Shanti (Peace); Prema (Love); Ahimsa (Nonviolence). He says education should bring out human values. “To bring out” means to translate these values into action. Since then, He has remained a constant motivator and guide in the development of Education in Human Values.
Speaking at the Maharani’s Women’s College in Mysore in September 1963, Sri Sathya Sai Baba said:
“Education is not for mere living; it is for life, a fuller life, a more meaningful, and a more worthwhile life. There is no harm if it is also for a gainful employment; but the educated must be aware that existence is not all, that gainful employment is not all. Again education is not for developing the faculty of argument, criticism, or winning a polemic victory over your opponents or exhibiting your mastery over language or logic. That study is best, which teaches you to conquer this cycle of birth and death and that will not be disturbed by the blessings or blows of fate. That study begins where this study of yours ends.”
The year was 1969 when, inspired by the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and under His guidance, a programme was established in India to teach children about the country’s ancient scriptures through storytelling, enacting plays with morality themes, and through singing of devotional songs. The responsibility for implementing the programme, which was named as “Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vihar”, was assigned to the Ladies Wing of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. A national conference was organised in 1971 for volunteers who had been trained as teachers and administrators of the programme. At the conference, the name “Bal Vikas” was chosen in order to better clarify the objectives of the programme. Bal Vikas is a Sanskrit term which means “blossoming of the child”. Accordingly, rules, regulations, and a course syllabus were developed in order to enhance the blossoming of “truth, beauty, and goodness in the child”.
By 1975 the number of trained Bal Vikas teachers in India had grown to 3,500, and the number of students to over 50,000. The programme was soon to be introduced to countries outside of India. In the very early 1970s a Bal Vikas programme was begun in the United Kingdom. In 1977, Sri Sathya Sai devotees in the United States of America started a Bal Vikas Programme, modelled along the lines of the one in India, and published an international Bal Vikas Newsletter, The Om Publication.
In 1980, Sri Sathya Sai Baba introduced His ‘Ceiling on Desires Programme’ at the Third World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations held at Prasanthi Nilayam (Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh). He said children must be taught not to waste food, water, time, energy, or money. Sri Sathya Sai Baba explained that wastage is a form of violence against nature. Further, the only remedy to curb violence in the world is for individuals to minimise their desires. This implied that the Ceiling on Desires Programme should be adopted not only by children, but adults as well.
The Bal Vikas Programme began to spread rapidly to other countries around the world, and in 1981, a conference for overseas teachers was held at Prasanthi Nilayam. It was here, during this conference, the concept of education in human values was introduced and Sri Sathya Sai Baba called for the development of objective assessment techniques. Subsequently, added emphasis was placed on the further development of Bal Vikas teacher training and curriculum. In 1983 the 15th Anniversary of Bal Vikas Celebration was held in Prasanthi Nilayam. This was attended by well over 20,000 children and teachers. In 1995 at the Sixth World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, in order to emphasize the universality of the Bal Vikas Programme, it was decided to change the name to Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) in countries outside of India.
Bal Vikas or Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes are designed for children aged 6 to 14 years. These classes are conducted at local Sai Centres by devotees who have been trained by the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. The core content relates to the five universal human values of Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Nonviolence. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has long held that these human values are valid and necessary for the education and schooling of all the children of the world.
In the early 1980s, a modification of the Bal Vikas programme was developed and given the name Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSSEHV) which is a secular programme (in the sense that it is equally respectful of all faiths and religions), which promotes character development, and seeks to instill in the students a respect and reverence for nature and for the rights of others. The SSSEHV teacher is expected to earnestly practice the human values in her or his own life. The teacher, as an exemplar, encourages students to grow in self-confidence and strive to realise their full potential as human beings.
In June 1966, Sri Sathya Sai Baba was at Anantapur, a town in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 kilometres from Prasanthi Nilayam, at the invitation of a high school for girls. The plight of the girls who had to travel over large distance for higher education, and also the plight of education for which they were spending much time and money, became the harbinger for the unfolding of His Divine resolve.
He announced that there would be a women’s college in Anantapur soon. The first educational institution to be established under the direct guidance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College for Women, inaugurated by the then President of India, Sri V. V. Giri, on 8 July 1971. The purpose of establishing this institution was expressed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba in His inaugural speech (1968) in the following words:
“This is a divine and blessed land whose tradition is based on spirituality. This college has to be an example. Motherhood aspect is very important. The influence of good or bad, which a mother exerts on her children is far-reaching. Good mothers are needed to rebuild India again.”
Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College for men at Brindavan, Whitefield, Bangalore, was inaugurated on June 9, 1969. Some years later on November 28, 1978 Sri Sathya Sai Baba laid the foundation stone of the College of Arts, Science and Commerce at Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba founded the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) as a deemed to be University, on November 22, 1981 and has been guiding its course as the Chancellor from its very inception.
The Peer Team of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), UGC, in 2003 noted in their report that this University stands out as a crest-jewel among the University education system worthy of emulation by the institutions of higher learning in the country and elsewhere, so that these benefits would be reaped fast and on the widest possible scale.
SSSIHL is a visible manifestation of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of education for the transformation of humanity. The Institute today has four campuses offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses with research facilities for doctoral candidates at Anantapur, Brindavan, Muddenahalli (Karnataka) and Prasanthi Nilayam.
The SSSIHL a non-profit, autonomous institution. The admission policy is open, based on an entry examination and admission is granted purely on merit. No consideration is given to caste, creed, income, region, religion, or language. Students come from different states in India, and a few from other countries, creating a national and international character for the University.
Right from its inception, the SSSIHL has integrated ethics and values as the undercurrent of every subject taught at the university. Combined with academic excellence, the university provides a holistic framework of inter-personal development for its students. Its compulsory residential character trains the mind, body and spirit of the student in an environment similar to the ancient Indian ‘gurukula’ system of education, in the most modern context.
On 15th June, 1981, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, initiated a primary and higher secondary school in Prasanthi Nilayam christened as Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSHSS). The school has been guided directly by Bhagawan Baba and His philosophy of education. This school is a fully residential English Medium school for boys and girls affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi. It consists of classes from I to XII and forms a vital educational limb of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
The school has been often adjudged the only school in the entire country to have achieved academic, cultural & infrastructure excellence at national level with free of cost education, with focus on integral development, with rural based location and with students of diversified culture and languages.
By the early 1970s, several devotees and followers of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, began establishing Sri Sathya Sai Primary and Secondary Schools in their local areas with the idea of offering this unique model of education. Most of these schools where run in collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations (a voluntary service based spiritual organization).
By the early 1990s Sathya Sai Schools were established in Zambia, Thailand, and Nepal. Similar schools were soon started in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Paraguay, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka,Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. Currently, there are over 60 Sathya Sai Schools in India and 41 Sathya Sai Schools in 26 countries outside India.
The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation is careful to ensure that these schools operate within the jurisdiction and educational norms of the country where they are located. The local educational authority must be satisfied that the school meets all appropriate requirements, including approving the aims and objectives, the site and structural adequacy of the buildings, syllabus, teacher preparation, proper classroom size, physical resources, staff salaries, and the capacity to meet maintenance and sustainability needs.
The main purpose for establishing Sathya Sai Schools is to provide quality education permeated with human values to children who would otherwise not receive it. To this end, the schools are often located in disadvantaged areas. Funding comes primarily from donations and, in a few cases, from government grants when such grants are consistent with national educational policies and those of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. The Schools strive to provide free education. In some cases a small fee is charged for consumables.
In the Code of Conduct enunciated for the members of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization – National and International, ‘Regular Study of Sai Literature’ has been put down as an expectation to be followed by every member as part of Sadhana (spiritual discipline) at a personal, family and societal level. Sri Sathya Sai Baba commenced the Study Circle as a means to grasp His message so that as many as possible understand it and practice it in their day to day life. This activity has been going on for over 50 years.
Bhagawan Baba’s teachings are a treasure trove which needs to be elaborated to understand how a person can tune their life to reach the goal. This needs proper understanding through discussions and clarification with appropriate elaboration to digest and absorb. Only correct and proper assimilation of His teachings can result in adhering and following the right path to reach the Divine.
Baba says that the spiritual growth of a person is best achieved through an integrated practice of devotion, study, and service. The purpose of a study circle is made explicitly clear by Baba as follows: “It is not just reading books make a Study Circle. Study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them—like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at the same point in different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle”.
Baba further tells us, “Not information, but transformation, not instruction but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practiced, when it can be lightened into wisdom and assimilated into daily life. Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring. Every activity must be rendered valid and worthwhile by its contribution to the discovery of Truth, both of the Self and of nature.”
The study circle carries many benefits to participants. The primary benefit is the acquisition of Self-knowledge. Swami says, “In the study circle you can learn a lot of things, but the most important thing to be learnt is your own true nature – your Atma-Tatva. Learning all about external things without knowing your real Self is like studying the branches of a tree, ignoring its roots.”
Swami also cautions us with the following statement not to turn the study circle into a reading group, study with faith and devotion. Delve into the significance and the meaning of what you read, and always have before you the goal of putting into practice what you read. Unless you do so, the study circle will remain a half-circle forever; it cannot be a full circle.”
All of the above developments and practice culminated in a report that was submitted to Bhagawan Baba in the year 2004 which stated “that a Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Universal Values be set-up in Prasanthi Nilayam which would serve as an apex body for all Educare / Education in Human Values- related matters not only with regard to interpretation and clarification of basic concepts but also in terms of offering practical guidelines for all who are concerned with various types of Educare related activities.”
Based on this recommendation, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Human Values (SSSCHV) on 15th November, 2017. The focus of the SSSCHV is to take up a more concerted and deeper study of the extant Sai Literature available in terms of research and its applications through training programs.
Burrows, L., (1988), Sathya Sai Education in Human Values, Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Erikson, E.H., (1969), Gandhi’s Truth: On the Origin of Militant Nonviolence, W.W. Norton, New York, USA.
Freire, P., (2004), Pedagogy of the Heart, The Continuum International Publishing Group, Inc., New York, USA.
Gokak, V.K. and Rohidekar, S.R., (circa 1981), Teachers’ Handbook for the Course in Human Values, Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Hauser, M.D., (2006),Harper Collins, New York, USA.
Institute of Sathya Sai Education, (2002), Towards Human Excellence: Sri Sathya Sai Education for School, Book 1, An Insight into Sathya Sai Education, Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Mumbai, India.
Institute of Sathya Sai Education, (2002), Towards Human Excellence: Sri Sathya Sai Education for School, Book 2, The Five Human Values, Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Mumbai, India.
Institute of Sathya Sai Education, (2002), Towards Human Excellence: Sri Sathya Sai Education for School, Book 3, The Five Teaching Techniques, Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Mumbai, India.
Jaroensettasin, T., (1997), Sathya Sai Education: Philosophy and Practice. Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Bangkok, Thailand.
Jumsai, A., (2003), A Development of the Human Values Integrated Instructional Model Based on Intuitive Learning Concept, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok,Thailand.
Kapani, M., (2000), Education in Human Values, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, India.
Montessori, M., (1971), The Child, The Theosophical Society Publishing House, Chennai, India.
Reddy, A. Adivi, (2000), Necklace of Nine Sai Gems (Sai Nava Ratna Maala), Sathya Sai Book Center of America, Tustin, USA.
Sathya Sai Book Center of America, (2002), Sathya Sai Speaks on Education, Sathya Sai Book Center of America, Tustin, USA.
Shah, I, The Divine on Education, A Compilation of the Discourses (1992-1994) by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, from private collection.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, (1984), Vidya Vahini, Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, (circa 1981), Education in Human Values Handbook Part II, Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, Education in Human Values Handbook Part II, Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
https://thetruesai.weebly.com/attend-study-circles.html
http://www.sathyasai.org/organisation/guidelines/study-circle
https://www.sathyasai.org/education/globaloverview/Chapter1_30Jun07.htm
The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.
03 August to 09 August 2015
20 July to 26 July 2015
I have told you this number of times. If you wish to have a vision of your heart (figuratively, the chest literally), what should you do? If I look at myself I will only be able to see my clothes, but not my heart. Only when the garments covering the chest are removed, we can see our heart. However, today unable to bear the chill of the world, man is covering himself with three thick clothes. On the top is a thick coat. Inside the coat is a shirt and inside the shirt is a thin vest. Being covered by these three pieces of garments, we are unable to see our heart.
Embodiments of Love, if we wish to see God and converse with Him, we need not undertake any special Sadhana (spiritual practice). All activities we undertake that help us to cleanse the dirt in us (and purify our mind) may themselves be considered as Sadhana. But such Sadhana only cleanses the dirt (malinya) in our minds but does not create God (Madhava) or manifest Him. God is not someone or something that can be created by you. It is self-resplendent, self-illuminating, and always remains in its true Form. All that we need to do is remove the obstacles (that prevent us from seeing God).
Therefore, we need to recognize the fundamental principle. It is the same stone that we tread upon (tokkedi), it is the same stone that we worship (mokkedi), it is the same stone that is used for building (kattedi) and the same stone that is used for hitting (kottedi). The fundamental rock or stone remains the same. In the same manner, every object or material is the form of Sat (Being) Chit (Awareness) Ananda (Bliss), i.e. Asti Bhaati Priyam. Sat Chit and Ananda are verily the form of God. To this we add an imaginary name and form. These transform into the quintuple Prapancha (creation) consisting of Sat, Chit, Ananda, Name and Form. When you remove the name and form it becomes Divinity (creator). With name and form it becomes Prapancha(creation). Thus we need to change our Drushti(vision) and not the Srushti(creation). We need to change our vision with respect to the name and form.
06 July to 12 July 2015
Only when we are able to cleanse the dirt in our mind, we will be able to develop the right vision. That is why in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna does not ask Arjuna to surrender to Him (Lord Krishna). He asks Arjuna to surrender to himself. Now, who is this “himself”? Who are you? We need to find out this Truth. We chant the sloka: Tvameva Maatacha Pita Tvameva…You are my Mother, You are my Father, You are my Guru, You are my friend.
Today is Gurupurnima. Purnima (full moon day) stands for the fullness of the moon with respect to its 16 aspects. Mind is the reflection of the moon and the moon is the reflection of the mind. If we also aspire to achieve our full glory, we need to sacrifice and give up 16 aspects. What are these 16 aspects? These 16 aspects comprise the following:
There are three types of Maya (delusion). They are Swechcha, Parechcha and Ayichcha. Swechcha is to be prepared to act in accordance with one’s own will and then be ready to bear the consequences of joy or sorrow thereafter. Parechcha is when one enters into action based on the inspiration and enthusiasm provided by others and is then prepared to silently bear the consequences of joy or sorrow thereafter. Ayichcha means to transform one’s will so as to align to Divine Will. If something joyful happens, that is God’s Will. If sorrow befalls on you that is also God’s Will. If difficulties come your way that is also God’s Will. If you get profit, then that is also God’s Will. The true Ichha(wish or desire) is to consider both happiness and sorrow as God’s wish (Will).
Matter + Being = God. We must make an effort to understand this Divine principle. However, there are many obstacles that come in the way of our understanding this supreme principle. There are primarily four obstacles that come in the way. One is Avidya Pratibandhakam. Second is Prajna Pratibandhakam. Third is Kutharka Pratibandhakam. Fourth is ViparyayaDuraagraha Pratibandhakam.
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| Two powerful analogies to illustrate our reality |
18 May to 24 May 2015
Many parents (of our students) are also devotees. They too perform Upavaasaor fasting. They do Bhajans. But, what type of Upavaasa or fasting do you need to do? Upavaasa means your mind should always be close to God.
04 May to 10 May 2015
Bhagawan mentioned three words: Nijam (fact), Sathyam(truth) and Ritam (absolute reality). What is Nijam (fact)? Fact is to state what one sees at a given point of time; for instance, stating what dress has been worn by an individual at a given point of time is a fact. Let us say you have come here wearing a white dress. I have seen you wearing a white dress. This is a fact. But let us say that as soon as you return home you change your dress and put on a blue bush coat. Then what Bhagawan has said earlier would not be a fact now. Speaking what you are seeing at a given point of time is Nijam (fact). When it changes later, it is no more a fact. Therefore, narrating whatever you see or experience at a given point of time is a fact at that instant.
We must first of all destroy our bad qualities. There is no use undertaking meditation or other such practices for this. Many undertake meditation, but do you know what type of meditation it is? It is decorative and ostentatious. They meditate for taking pictures. All actions done by the (physical) body are unreal and not real. Whatever you do with the mind and with love becomes real. Therefore,
13 April to 19 April 2015
06 April to 12 April 2015
At Sathya Sai Institute, not even one naya paisa is being collected from you. Teaching is free, Library is free, Laboratory is free, Education is free, Games is free, Medicines are free. Everything is free. For having made you experience such an environment, for having taught you so many lessons, for having preached you so much wisdom, and for having done so much; what gratitude do you have in you? You do not need to give Swami anything. If you exhibit (manifest) the good qualities that you have learnt here, that is enough.
At times, your mother will go to the market. You too go with her. Carry the items purchased by your mother. How happy your mother will be! She will feel, “Oh, how much my son is serving me”. This is the happiness you must give to your mother who has nurtured you for nine months in her womb. Even while seeing your mother carrying all the items, if you sit on a chair and ask, “Oh, mother, when did you come?” she will think, “Oh, what a worse child has been born from my womb”. Therefore never give pain to your mother. Help your mother. Serve your mother.
23 March to 29 March 2015
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| There is no atonement for the sin of ingratitude |
16 March to 22 March 2015
The king enjoys the pleasures in the privacy of the inner rooms of his palace. The dog enjoys the same pleasure in the market. Is this true happiness? Saint Tyagaraja put forth a very fundamental question to his mind, “O mind, tell me truly, what gives real happiness; this wealth or the proximity to the Lord?” Happiness does not lie in merely getting academic degrees. Earning lot of wealth does not give happiness. Getting into positions of authority does not give us happiness. We need to earn the Grace of Iswara, the Lord. That gives true happiness.
Never forget God. Do not trust the world. Do not fear death. You need to understand these three things.
02 March to 08 March 2015
The atomic power is present everywhere. Scientists refer to this entity as the atom, as a minute particle. However, the atom too can be split further into smaller particles that have a form. There is nothing in this world, which does not have a form. Everything assumes some form. Now take for example the state of Karnataka. What form does this state of Karnataka have? If you look at the map, you will find a form or a shape for the state of Karnataka too. Similarly, what form does Andhra have? Andhra too has a form on the map. What is it that does not have a form? If we cross the border of a state, one is considered to have transgressed the boundaries of the state. How exactly can we define the boundary of a state? If we think in this manner, we will realize that every material in this world has got a form.
23 February to 01 March 2015
Some people in this Kali Yuga, approached Ramakrishna Pramahamsa. They asked him, “Swami, have you seen God?” He replied, “Yes, I have seen”. They asked, “In what way have you seen God? In what form have you seen God?” Ramakrishna replied, “I have seen God just the way I see you and you see me”. They queried, “How is this possible?” He replied, “Yes, it is possible. The kind of worship and yearning that one needs to see God is not there in you. O People, you crave for property, wealth, conveniences and comforts. You work so hard for your wife and children (family). You shed tears for the smallest to the biggest issues. You cry day and night for earning money. But, have you ever cried like this for God?
16 February to 22 February 2015
Today with respect to God, the atheists, the Cārvākas (one of the heterodox schools of Hinduism, that rejects supernaturalism, emphasizes materialism and philosophical scepticism; holding empiricism, perception and conditional inference as the proper source of knowledge) and the scientists, based on their deliberations, came up with the idea of direct proof or empirical evidence. It must be possible to see with the eyes, touch with the hands and taste with the tongue. Only then one could believe in the existence of something. How can one believe in a power that cannot be seen, cannot be grasped by the hand and cannot be tasted? Scientists consider people who still hold such beliefs as foolish people. Truly speaking, in this matter, if the scientist claims that direct proof or empirical evidence is the only way to believe in the existence of something, then there is no greater fool than him. How can we say this?
Similarly, for this creation that can be seen, there is an invisible Divine energy that is the basis. Basing on that Truth (energy) only, we are able to perceive the world. A few more examples: We have fragrance. We have love. Love has no form. Fragrance too has no form. But we do experience them. Can we say they do not exist? These cannot be seen by the eyes, cannot be grasped by the hand and cannot be tasted by the tongue. How then do we have belief in them? This means, for that which is not seen, there is something which is seen and forms the basis. Love has no form but the mother who loves has a form. Fragrance has no form but the flower that gives the fragrance has a form. In the same way bliss has no form but God who bestows bliss has a form. What is that form? This form is incomprehensible, hidden and can take any shape.
Here is one more example: What is the form (shape) of air? What is the form (shape) of water? We see the water and also the air. We experience them. But they do not have any form. When will air get a form? When it is filled in a football or a balloon it assumes the form (shape) of a football or a balloon. Water too assumes the form (shape) of the vessel in which it is filled. In the same way, God who cannot be seen assumes a form based upon the feelings of the devotee. The feelings of the devotee give a form to God. This is called Bhavaroopa(form based on feelings). Dhyana(meditation) is required to understand this form based on feelings. Whatever feelings the devotee entertains, God assumes a form accordingly. If we entertain bad feelings the form will be bad and if we entertain good feelings the form will be good. Therefore, all forms of God are based upon the feelings. It is impossible to state that God is like this or like that. That is why it is said:
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| Life is a game, play it… |
Many children play football. How long does the football get kicked around? Members from both the teams keep kicking the ball. The ball cannot escape the kicks of the players. How long can it not escape? So long as there is air in the ball, it will receive kicks from players of both the teams. Once the air is lost (ball is deflated), the ball is taken into the hands.
We must continuously engage ourselves in sacred actions. In the world many consider meritorious acts as providing conveniences to others or helping others or engaging in charity and righteous acts. But Sage Vyasa did not consider these as meritorious acts. He stated, “Paropakaaraaya Punyaaya”, and people assumed the meaning to be “service to others is merit”.
26 January to 01 February 2015
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| Each Avatar played the role appropriate to that time |
Among the principle of the Avatars, the easiest path, the sweetest path, the most wonderful experiences are found mainly in the Krishna Avatar alone. But that does not mean that the other Avatars were any less. Every Avatar’s life is appropriate to that time. Here is a small example: Some two people started a fight in the bazaar (market). Seeing the brawl, a policeman arrived at the scene. But the fight became serious. So, the Superintendent of Police (SP) arrived there. However, the fight became all the more serious and it came to a point where each one was trying to kill the other. To handle the situation, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) came over there. To start with the policeman comes there, subsequently the SP comes there and thereafter the IGP comes to the scene; why all this? As the lack of peace increases in its proportion a person with a higher designation needs to come over there.
19 January to 25 January 2015
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| True peace is within… |
To think that one can attain God through Dhyaanam (meditation), Japam (chanting the Divine name) or Tapam (penance) is merely an illusion. All these may give only temporary peace for that moment. To get eternal peace or eternal joy, we need to develop Divine feelings within us. But for this you need an appropriate environment too. Only in a Divine environment and sacred surroundings you can get such feelings. Elsewhere, you cannot get such opportunities. That is why in ancient times, sages went to the forest, sat in an isolated silent place and developed a Divine environment around them. This is because they thought that in the village (or town or city) their vision and their hearing would become unsacred. It is this weakness that led them to go to the forest.
12 January to 18 January 2015
Science, science, science – this is modern education. The study of science is essential, but how should it be? Today, science is taking us in the wrong direction. It starts from a point and stops at a point (Swami draws the outline of a “C” in the air). This “C” stands for science. Like the letter “C”, science starts at one point but ends at another point. It is not a full circle. But spiritual education is like a full circle. It ends at the point where it starts.
Many of you know this story. In the Ramayana, Kaikeyi was a great queen. She was the daughter of the King of Kashmir. She had great titles and was an expert in all forms of knowledge. She was indeed the queen. A maid servant came to assist her. Her name was Mandhara. She was a servant. But Kaikeyi made Mandhara her master. Finally, the queen became the servant of Mandhara. What happened at the end? Because Kaikeyi became a servant to her own servant, her life was ruined. She lost her position. She became the victim of the anger of her son. She sent the sacred Rama to the forest. She made the noble Sita cry. This was her pathetic plight at the end. She too got ruined along with the others. Therefore, a servant should be kept only as a servant and a master should be kept only as a master.
05 January to 11 January 2015
I keep telling many of My students, the spelling of watch is W A T C H. First of all students must be taught about this W A T C H.
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| Grace of the Lord is the greatest wealth… |
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| Man’s existence is bound by actions… |
Human beings are born in action. They grow and finally die in action. Action is verily Divine. Actions are responsible for pleasure and pain. Action expresses itself in three different ways. The thinking process is one form of action. Expressing one’s thoughts in words is another form of action. Translating the expression of words into action is the third form of action. Thoughts represent the mind, words the mouth and action the hand. Therefore, human life is a combination of the principle of the body (action), the mouth (word) and the mind (thought). These three are responsible for all the joys and sorrows of human beings. Humans have no existence without these three (thought, word and deed).
15 December to 21 December 2014
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| Castes are meant only for operational convenience |
Every being born in this world has a mix of Tamo (sloth, dull, inactive), Rajo (action, restlessness, passion) and Satva (pious, pure, balance) Gunas (attributes). All their actions are based on their Gunas. It is on this basis that the Gunakarma Vibhagais done (original sloka from the Bhagavad Gita given at the end of the discourse excerpt), i.e. beings are categorized based on the Gunas and activities. When man is born, he is ignorant. When he dies, he dies (or rather should die) as a Jnaani (a wise one). Similarly, when a man is born, he is always born as a Shudra, meaning he is ignorant. But being born as a Shudra, he must die as a Brahmin. It is on this basis that the four Varnas came into existence. Based on these three qualities, three categories of people have been identified. The first category of people consists of those who are foolish. The second category of people consists of those who get angry and agitated. The third category of people consists of those who are totally selfless, having given up everything and full of purity.
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| Transcend the Three Gunas |
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| Rajasic Sadhana is not desirable… |
The one who has love, the one who aspires for Divine Love, he / she is My real friend. But today’s friends act in a contradictory manner. When there is money in the pocket and when father is in a good position, hundreds of friends come to you saying “Hello, Hello, Hello”. But when there is no money in the pocket and when father has lost his position, they would not even tell you goodbye! Is this friendship?
Birthday Special
This morning when I came downstairs, all My boys told Me, “Happy Birthday!” I told them, “I am always happy. You people who are not happy, must experience happiness”. Therefore when every human believes in his Divine principle, acts according to it and experiences it, he will always remain happy. Divinity does not reside in some separate region or land. Divinity is not any specific form. We must recognize the fact that that we are verily the Divinity that is omnipresent, resident in all beings, the Atma in all beings, all powerful and omnipotent.
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| Love is God. Live in Love. |
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| It is easiest to reach God in Kali Yuga |
Today, we need to develop compassion. That is the principle of Love gifted to mankind by Jesus. Love, Love, Love… Love is God. Live in Love. Therefore,
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| Give Love…Take Love |
(Swami in an address to devotees assembled from all parts of the world in Sai Kulwant Hall on Christmas day) So many of you have assembled here. Where have you all come from? Germany, Japan, Italy, France…you have come from so many countries. But, however happy you may be – staying here, once the money you have with you gets exhausted, you will have to return (to your nation). If your Visa expires, you will have to return to your country. You will not be able to stay close to Me.
27 October to 02 November 2014
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| We must have attachment only for God and not for the physical body |
When we make an attempt to understand the true meaning of words that have emerged in this world, we find that the word “Manava” actually relates to the Atma. Embodiments of the Divine Atma, you must have complete faith in the Atma (Self). Do not put your faith in the physical body donned by you. The body, mind, intellect, awareness, senses, inner senses; all these are mere instruments. They are like the dress worn by us. The dress also gets worn out at some time.
20 October to 26 October 2014
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| The Self present in all states of existence is the ultimate Truth |
Everything is Maya (illusion). In this waking state we listen to everything, see everything and experience everything. After we go to sleep, we get drowned in a dream. Where is this waking state in that dream state? The waking state is completely forgotten. We consider and believe the dream state to be true. But for how long does the dream state last? Once the waking state dawns, we neglect the dream state. Is that true or is this true? This is a day dream and that is a night dream. Therefore, both are verily dreams.
Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman), Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art),Prajnaanam Brahma (Awareness is Brahman), Ayam Atma Brahma (I, the Atma is verily Brahman) (these are the four Mahaavaakyas– aphorisms found in the Vedas).
I am Atma, I am Brahma. We must develop such feelings. I am so and so, I am a man, I am Ramaiah, I am Krishnaiah – we must not go by such cheap bodily feelings (illusion). Who gave birth to (gifted) this body? It is our parents. Who gave a name to this body? It is our parents. The name is only given and not born (with you).
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| The permanent address of God is our Heat!! |
Kailasa…Vaikunta…That which never withers away is Vaikunta. Kailasa is the place where there is happiness always. There is no specific city called Kailasa, nor is there any special city called Vaikunta. When Narada asked God, “O Lord, where indeed is your head office?”, He said:
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| Perception of Unity in Diversity is Wisdom |
What is Jnana (wisdom)? There are many types of Jnana. Loka Jnana(worldly knowledge), Bhautika Jnana(physical knowledge or knowledge of the physical world), Samanya Jnana (general knowledge). But what we are referring to here is not knowledge of the physical world. It is Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Atman). It is not mere pursuit of knowledge or enquiry of the physical body, senses, objects or nature. When we enquire into mere physical objects of the world, we acquire only worldly knowledge of the physical world. It is only when we go deep and enquire into spiritual matters that we can acquire knowledge of the Atman to some extent.
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| The entire universe is Shiva Shakti Swaroopa |
Students in this modern age should understand the scientific meaning of the Ardhanrishwara(see note below) principle. No scientist is explaining this concept elaborately and clearly. One must enquire into the similarities that exist between the Ardhanrishwara principle as talked about by the ancients and the terminologies and key words used by modern scientists. There are many more such similarities.
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| Tarakam, Sankhyam and Amanaskam – The way to Divinity |
It is very difficult to know the different levels prescribed by Vedanta. The entire Vedanta may be summed up into three Yogas. More than anything else, we need to understand these three most importantly. Students must listen with great attention. These three (Yogas) are the most significant things that we need to know (in Vedanta). The first one is Tarakam, the second one is Sankhyam and the third one is Amanaskam. These three are the goals, the end and the essence of Vedanta.
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| Past is past…forget the past… |
We should never worry about the past. Nor should we worry about the future. The future is not known to us. It is hidden in the womb of time. The past will never return again. Therefore, we must recognize the present situation.
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| Krishna kept all arrows of Bheeshma pressed under His toe, thus protecting Arjuna from any harm |
Krishna said, “Arjuna, no one has understood the principle of Divinity and the Divine play or sport. God has no selfishness. His only vow is to protect His devotees. His only duty is to nurture His devotees. Today, all the arrows shot by Bheeshma were pressed under the toe of my feet. That is why none of the weapons could harm you. If at all I had got down first, all these weapons would have exploded and turned the chariot into ashes. Under these circumstances, you too would have burned to ashes. Without recognizing this truth, you were insistent that I should get down first. Once Arjuna heard these words, he vanquished his ego. Finding faults in God is also a quality of jealousy.
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| God submits only to pure love and devotion |
Note: Tulabharam is a ritual, symbolic of offering oneself to the Lord. Since one has to live in this world performing one’s mundane worldly affairs, till life lasts, one offers a representative item equal to his / her body weight; usually items like bananas, coconuts, jaggery, fruits, grains or if one can afford, even gold. The ritual consists of literally placing the individual who makes the offering in one pan of the scale and the item to be offered in the other pan, until the two pans of the scale balance equally).
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| God is always loving and has no quality of anger Anger if at all, is shown only to correct the devotee. |
Sages, saints and aspirants; just by changing the tone of their voice have been bringing about protection or punishment. Sage Durvasa also brought about protection and punishment by modulating his voice. Many ignorant people criticize Durvasa, stating that how can such a great saint have anger in him. But only those who understand the inner significance of anger will enquire into this truth. God has no anger of any kind. The one who gets angry can never be God. But, He changes His voice to protect people. No sage or saint can have any anger in them.
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| Krishna multiplies Himself to become each of the missing cowherds and calves |
It is impossible for everyone to understand this Divine Principle. Considering the human form (assumed by God) as an ordinary human being, all are drowned in Maya or illusion. They think, “That body is also like my body only. That body also eats like me, that body also moves around like me. Therefore, there is no difference between the two bodies. I am not different from Him”. Thus they see oneness here. But they do not see oneness of the Atman (Self). They are seeing only the physical form. Thus it is very difficult to recognize the Divinity when it assumes a human form.
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| One leaf from the vessel satiated Krishna’s stomach and the stomachs of thousands of disciples of Sage Durvasa |
When God is satisfied, the whole world becomes satisfied. When God denies you, nobody will accept you. When God says “Yes”, everybody will say “Yes”. Krishna was satisfied. With this, the stomachs of all the disciples of Durvasa were also filled. Having gone for a bath, they went away from there itself and never came to visit the Pandavas. Thus, Draupadi had this quality of great devotion. Having faced all trials and tribulations successfully, God Himself was impressed with her name and fame.
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| Draupadi had full faith that Krishna could grant life to Parikshit |
You say that and you say this also. You say Vamshanaashi and now you say Vamshodharakka. All this does not affect Me!
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| Gopikas alone are My true devotees!! |
Today, in the name of love, you are playing the game of musical chair. You are not allowing the chair to belong to one person. At one time, one person is given the seat, at another time, some other person is given the seat. How can you say the chair is yours then? The Gopikas alone demonstrated that type of authority as an ideal. They lived with all Divine feelings. They experienced every sensory organ with the feeling of making it an offering to God. Their talk was all about God, their thoughts were all about God, their hearing was all about God, their hands were always engaged in the work of God; thus they used all their sense organs with the feeling of offering the experience to God. One could not see anything that they considered as their own. Who are they after all? It is Krishna who is theirs!
Today in the world, everybody claims that they are Swami’s devotees and that they are close to Swami. They feel so, but truly none of them are. In every devotee, there is some amount of selfishness. So long as there is selfishness and pride, God’s vision will never fall on them. How does this happen? The sun is always shining. When dark and dense clouds obstruct the sun, none can see the sun. But is there no light? It is there. But since the clouds obstruct the sun, that light is not able to fall on you. In the same way, God is always the form of Love. But since ego, selfishness and ostentation come as an obstruction in the form of dark and dense clouds; He is not able to spread the principle of Love on you.
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| Total faith in Krishna and His words, made Arjuna eligible to receive the Bhagavad Gita |
Therefore, first and foremost, we must have total faith in the Vedanta (wisdom of the Vedas). Only when there is strong faith, one can conduct accordingly. Whoever it may be, if they follow Swamis command with total faith and with incessant thoughts on Him, they will get Sakshaatkaara(realization of Swami) within one second; just one second, one second, one second!!
