Friday, January 29, 2010

The Significance of Lingodbhavam


In recent times, much to the delight of devotees, the Lingodbhavam has been revived. But how many care to look BEYOND the spectacle and ponder on the inner significance of what exactly the Lingam means as also its emergence from Swami? Bhagavan Baba has Himself explained those matters.
We reproduce below what He said way back in 1974, when there emerged a Lingam of a type very different from what we have been seeing in recent years. For a description of that Lingam and the significance of Lingodbhavam itself, let us go to the source!


“The manifestation of the Lingam is a part of My Nature. Spiritual scholars explain it as reminiscent of an epochal event in the past when Shiva challenged Brahma and Vishnu to gauge the height and depth of the Lingam Form He assumed. The two Gods failed and had to accept defeat – that is the usual folklore.




Truly speaking, however, the Lingam emerges as a result of prayer by devotees and Divine Grace. You have to recognise in this event a glimpse of Divinity and a sign of Infinite Grace. Just as Om is the sound symbol of God, the Lingam is the Form symbol or the visible symbol of God, the most meaningful, the simplest and the least endowed with the appendages of attributes.
Lingam means That in which this merges or dissolves. Eventually, all Forms have to merge in the Formless. Shiva is the Principle of the Dissolution of all Names and Forms, of all entities and individuals. Thus, the Lingam is the simplest sign or symbol of Emergence and Mergence.

Having had the unique good fortune of witnessing the emergence of the time-space-embodiment in the Linga-Form, I assure you that you are released from the bondage of birth and death. Recollect and relive the Ananda of that moment of Emergence, and meditate on the significance of the Linga-Form. This is an extraordinary chance that people seldom get, a chance that has been gained by you through the performance of Yajnas or Yagas or other elaborate rituals or as a result of years of arduous Sadhana.



When you are asked what happened at Prashanthi Nilayam, tell them that your life’s mission has been fulfilled, that you were able to witness the Lingodhbhavam, and see the Lingam which emerged during the auspicious hour. The Lingam, as you can see, is ten inches in circumference. It has within it, shining with native light, the Thrishuul (three-pronged spear) of Shiva, symbolising the three phases of Time — past, present and future — and the three dimensions of space-earth, sky and the nether regions, as mentioned by Me already.




Just as time changes constantly, in this Lingam too, as you can see even from where you are sitting, the colour of the Thrishuul inside the Lingam changes into a new one, every ten minutes. The handle of the Thrishuul demonstrates the One, of which the three are manifestations. This is the grand Mystery that has been revealed to you. You have witnessed the Divine Creation; you have seen the Divine Symbol; you have shared the Bliss. Out of the world’s population of many billions, you alone secured this fortune.



The Scriptures declare the Supreme One as splendorous and as Jyothi [Effulgence]. You have seen the splendour when the Lingam emerged; you have seen the triple Jyothi in the Lingam itself. No greater fortune can befall a man. Live hereafter as befits the recipient of this rare Grace.”


~ Baba


Sivarathri Discourse in 1974.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Worry: Bhagawan's Recipe




In an interview in 1989, Swami told me, "Don't worry. Always think of God, I am always with you. Have a happy and healthy life." I am sure He tells this to thousands of people. Look at the words and how we often take it for granted.



"Don't worry" is one of the most commonly used words in English. We use it to console our friends, to respond to apologies, etc. Do we mean it when we say it? We often say it just for the sake of saying it automatically. This is why we take Swami's word for granted; our mind doesn't take "Don't worry" seriously.



I commit this mistake, without realizing that these words are the highest teaching we can receive from God. "Tell me, what is the shape of worry?" asked Swami and He gave the answer, "Worry has no shape and single intense prayer to God can do away with it." Look at how ridiculous we are in the world; scientists and doctors have spent billions of pounds on research into tranquilizers.



Swami once told me in another interview, "Don't worry about the past. Past is past." We worry about the past, present and future, practically everything. Worry about the past is not going to change anything, neither is worry about the present or the future. Some people worry about not having anything to worry.



The solution lies in Baba's next words, "Always think of God. I am always with you." Someone asked Swami, "But Swami if that is so important, why don't we do this all the time? Why do we forget? Why don't we always think of God so that He will fill us with His love?" Here Baba smiled and said, "That is God's Grace, for you to think of God is God's Grace. It is His gift. It is His blessing. It is something He gives, the chance for you to think of God."


~ Dr. T.Jareonsettasin, Thailand.

Source: S.S. October 1991

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Tree

In the Bhagawad Gita, Sri Krishna declares, "Not even a leaf moves without My Will."
My journey began as a seed.
Blown by the wind of Time and Karma.
Embedded in the beauty of Mother Earth,
I began to grow.
Unseen by human eye,
My roots expanded into the depth of Being.
To the world I was a tree.
My earthly guardians ensured I had a straight posture.
Around me they placed the fence of discipline.
Their tender love and encouragement helped me grow.
Education taught me about the seasons of life.
Joy and sorrows with equal mind.
The sun frequently warmed my back.
The rain washed me clean.
Snow gave me a chill like no other.
And the wind shared my growth.
Another tree,
Another place,
Another time,
Another life.
Epilogue:

The time felt right, I had been part of history.

My purpose to provide shelter had been served.

With the world I had shared the breath of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

For the future, I had given new life, new seeds.

The day arrived, within minutes;

Divine will prevailed and the tree was no more.

Even then, the trunk moved on.

Process after process.

Until one day I was ready for another purpose,

to write "HIS-story".

I stand before you today, a blank piece of paper.

Blessed by His Grace and inscribed with the poem you are reading.

Only He knew my beginning,

Only He knew the end.

Because he remained with me throughout,

My loyal and trusted friend.

~ Anita Devi ~

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Helping Others

I recently began voluntary work at Kobe Kaisei Hospital, Japan. This is a difficult country to find meaningful activities. There is a barrier of language, culture and customs. These prevent foreigners from assimilating into Japanese society.



On the other hand, we all need friends and social activities and it is all too easy to lead a frivolous lifestyle. I believe we should help the community in which we live. This brought me to Kaisei Hospital. The first thing I was given were the Ten Commandments of Human Relations.



1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word.


2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, only 14 to smile.


3. Call people by name - the sweetest music to any one's ear is the sound of his name.


4. Be friendly and helpful. If you would have friends, be friendly.


5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do were a genuine pleasure.


6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.


7. Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism.


8. Be considerate to the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.


9. Be thoughtful about the opinions of others. There are three sides to a controversy - yours, the other fellow's and the right one.


10. Be alert to give service. What counts in life is what we do for others.



I met a variety of people at Kaisei Hospital. I particularly remember a young boy of 12 years who was ill with leukemia. It distressed me to think, so soon he must face death. It makes you realise that time is wasted in anger, vanity and uncharitable thoughts.



Coming from India, I have always had a dream of helping Mother Teresa. The selfless dedication of a foreigner has shown what we should do for India. My work at Kaisei is a small contribution to my ideal of helping the less fortunate.


~ Shalini Chand
(From Kan Sai Light, Japan)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Bhagawan's Divine Way of Healing




Bhagawan explains that when He walks all the disease causing pathogens present around Him are destroyed.



In the last few years, I do not remember Baba having ever stopped or talked to the patients in the "Patients' Area" (on the ladies' side) during Darshan at the Sai Kulwant Hall. I got curious and asked the volunteer there why this arrangement if He doesn't stop or talk to them. She said that Baba had instructed them to seat the severely ill or terminal cases there as the divine rays from Him will fall on them when He walks by there everyday, giving them the needed healing.



One day, there was a nine year old girl sitting next to me and crying. When I asked the reason, she told me that she was to have head surgery in the next two days and so was scared. I explained how heart surgery goes and assured her that she had nothing to be afraid of. She would feel no pain - the anaesthesiologist would see to that. Then I wanted to do something for her. I asked her to write a letter to Swami and try to give it to Him when He came. That day I happened to be in the first row and decided to sit her in my lap, as children are not allowed to sit in the front row. Swami came and we both said, "Swami, please..." but He did not stop or take the letter. The girl was so devastated and her young mother was in tears ... in the afternoon, someone else tried but with the same result.



When the day of the surgery came, Swami suddenly stopped near the girl and everyone was trying to hand Him letters. But Swami bent down and reached out to this little girl and took her letter. Her mother became extremely emotional, feeling Swami's assurance.



Many people, like myself, wonder why Swami seats sick people there if He is only going to walk past them. But His "walking past" is the greatest holistic therapy imaginable working at a pace the body, mind and soul of the individual are able to handle. Divine rays from Him begin to heal a person from deep within - where the cause of the sickness lies. Slowly, the cause removed, the effects of healing surface on the conscious mind and the body. If only we are patient enough and have faith in Swami, the worst diseases will be healed in the course of time. Swami will erase the karma causing the disease and also save us from the worst part of the suffering we are destined to undergo.



In that whole Divine Drama when I see people sicker than me, it gives me great mental strength and wisdom to look on the brighter side of things. I decided to be happy and patiently wait until Swami's spiritual radiations heal me completely.


~ Radha

From the Sanathana Sarathi April 1994.

Devotion - Whence and Whither?



Where does devotion dwell?
Not just in winning words,
Nor in the sweetest song,
But in the little deeds
Done with love all day long.
What does devotion shun?
Egos that usurp His role,
Tongues that do not speak true,
Acts irreverent of Him,
Thoughts not of cheerful hue.
When is devotion false?
When the outer show is grand
And wears the hypocrite's pose,
When artificial routine
Robs fragrance from the rose.
How does devotion grow?
With ears that listen with love;
With small acts that kindness breeds;
With hands that hold and help;
With efforts that fill the needs.
Where does devotion end?
As Lord Sai works through you
His love you cannot miss;
Replete with thoughts of Him
The journey's end is Bliss.
~ Hal Honig ~


From: Sanathana Sarathi April 1994.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Eight Flowers of Offering

1. AHIMSA (NON-VIOLENCE)

Non-violence means not causing harm to any living creature by thought, word and deed.


2. INDRIYA NIGRAHA (SENSE CONTROL)

All spiritual practices will prove futile if one lacks sense control. Control of the senses is very essential for one and all. Lack of sense control is the main cause for all the unrest and agitation that you find in the world today. How can one control the senses? First of all, one should exercise control over the tongue. You must hold your tongue on a leash as it always craves for a variety of delicacies. You should eat for the sake of satisfying the hunger and sustaining the body. So, do not give undue importance to taste.


Likewise, tell your eyes to see God instead of watching unsacred things on the television or video. Teach your ears to listen to the stories of the Lord instead of listening to vain gossip.


3. DAYA (COMPASSION)

Towards all living creatures. Do not hate anybody. Live in amity with everyone but do not have too much connection with people.


4. KSHAMA (FORBEARANCE)

The Pandavas suffered a lot at the hands of the Kauravas. It was the virtue of forbearance that protected the Pandavas and made them an ideal to the rest of the world.

This flower of forbearance is very close to the Lord. God will be pleased with you and confer boons on you only when you offer Him the "flowers" which are dear to Him. God loves all, for He is the embodiment of love. But He will give Himself to those who offer the flower of compassion to all beings.


5. SANTHI (PEACE)

One should remain peaceful through all the vicissitudes of life. Only then can one attain Divine grace. Peace is not present in the external world. It is present within. You are the embodiment of peace. In the worldly life, there are bound to be many hardships but one should not be perturbed. One should bear all sufferings with fortitude and patience. Human life is given not merely to enjoy the worldly pleasures like birds and beasts. Life becomes meaningful only when one experiences the peace that originates from the heart.


6. THAPAS (PENANCE)

Penance does not mean living in the forest on fruits and tubers, meditating on God. This penance lies in controlling one's emotions in thought, word and deed arising out of Sathwic, Rajasic and Thamasic qualities. One should contemplate on God all the time and achieve harmony of thought, word and deed.


7. DHYANA (MEDITATION)

Meditation does not mean sitting cross-legged with eyes closed in contemplation of God. No doubt this is also needed but true meditation lies in unifying the mind with God. Some people contemplate on God for a limited period in the morning and evening. This cannot be called meditation. Contemplate on God at all times, at all places and under all circumstances. Do your work with your mind firmly fixed on God. That is true meditation.


8. SATHYA (TRUTH)

Truth is changeless in all the three modes of time, i.e. past, present and future. Everything may disappear but Truth remains forever. So Truth is God, live in Truth.





(From Bhagawan's Krishna Jayanthi Discourse on 22.8.00)


Discipline



"Discipline is essential for the success of every endeavour of man, whatever the field, whether it be economic, social, education or merely material and worldly. It is even more essential for success in spiritual effort.



I am insisting on FIVE points of discipline for the Permanent Residents of Prasanthi Nilayam:


1. SILENCE: This is the first step in Sadhana. It promotes self-control.


2. CLEANLINESS: It is the doorway to Godliness.


3. SERVICE: It broadens your vision. It deepens your compassion.



4. LOVE: Do not calculate or weigh the reaction, results or reward. Love calls, love responds.



5. HATE-LESSNESS: No being is to be looked down upon as secondary, inferior, unimportant or expendable. "



~ Baba ~




From: Sanathana Sarathi - April 1996

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Beloved Sai




Your face reflects in the moon,
We feel your breath at night,
Your eyes they twinkle in the stars,
Your brightness is the light.


We feel your warmth in the sun,
Your perfume fills the air,
Your love, simply melts our hearts,
You show us that you care.


We doubt you time and time again,
Yet still you grant us grace,
We yearn to be at your feet
And gaze into your face.


You tell us we are all divine,
And on which path to start,
That God does not live in Heaven,
But deep within our hearts.


We travel far, just to be near,
To our beloved Sai we come,
We simply fail to understand,
That He and we are one.

~ Gary Murphy ~


From: Sai Reflections - June 2000


Monday, January 4, 2010

Happy 2010


HAPPY 2010 AND LET US MAKE EVERY SECOND OF THE
NEW YEAR SACRED AND MEANINGFUL.