Sai Madhuryam

 "Heaven and hell are not far away places. 

They are related to one's actions. 

It you sow a neem seed, will you get a wood-apple tree? 

Your birth is the result of your Karma."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy

 

The Best Reward for Seva

 

Always remember the name and do your sadhana.  Swami has declared that He will be happy when other people in general are happy by your services.  As such we should try to make other people happy by our devoted seva and then Swami is happy.  The Divine Grace flows unto you automatically.

I wish to recall a petty event to illustrate how we can bring happiness to a fellow citizen.  Some years ago, I was trying to cross Mount Road in Madras, just opposite "The Hindu" newspaper office to reach the Government Estate.

At this point, the road takes a steep rise approaching a bridge.  I noticed an old cart man who was pulling a hand cart.  HIs legs were slipping, unable to move the cart due to heavy load and gradient.  Impulsively, I moved over and started pushing the cart from behind.  The cart man felt the relief in pulling the load over the gradient road.  He was surprised and looked back.  His eyes were sparkling  with gratitude.

After helping him out to reach the steep road, I walked off.  He stopped and was looking back to spot me, apparently to thank me.  I did not give him that chance.  I saw the smile on his face and I believed that was the best reward.

~ Mumbai Srinivasan

Be Patient

"Be patient.  In time, everything will be given to you.  Be happy.  There is no need to worry about anything.  Whatever is experienced, whatever has happened, know that this Avatar has willed it so.  There is no force on Earth which can delay even for an instant the mission for which this Avatar has come."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba !

(Source: "Life is a Challenge Meet It")

Sai Wit and Wisdom - Swami The Mid-wife

At Ichchapuram in Srukakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, there lived a family of one Suryanarayanamurthy, a Burma evacuee.  His daughter was pregnant for the third time.  Unfortunately, Suryanarayanamurthy had passed away and for her delivery, she had to get admitted in "Jiva Karuna Sangham" hospital managed by Swami Karunyananda.  

As there were no signals of immediate delivery, the nurses on night duty went for a cinema show.  There was a picture of Swami in front of the patient's bed.  The patient got into labour pains shortly and started crying aloud, "Amma! Amma!"

Mother Sai heard her cries.  Immediately, one woman came into the ward and attended to the safe delivery of the child and put it into the cradle adjoining the bed.  The nurses who returned from the cinema show, ran to the ward on hearing the cries of the child.  They were astonished to see the safe delivery of the child and asked the mother how the delivery took place.  She showed them the picture of Swami and explained that the lady in the picture came and attended on her.  On searching for the lady, no one was found.  

Later, when Karunyananda came to see Baba, Bhagawan told him, "Look at your nurses!  They were careless and neglected their duty.  You must instruct them to see that patients are not neglected."

(From the book "Wit and Wisdom of Sri Sathya Sai" compiled by P. Gurumoorthy)

Sathya Sai Speaks

Swami Likes Sincere Seva

 

It was the year 1996.  I was called in for an interview with Bhagavan.  There were several groups inside the room.  After speaking generally with every one, Swami invited the devotees group-wise into the inner room for personal interview.  Our turn came up last.  My son, Sri. S. Ramesh and myself were alone with Swami.

Suddenly, Swami asked me what was my problem in Madras.  I did not give any reply but kept my head on His lap.  I was about to break down.  Swami patted me and told my son, "Your father had been visiting Prashanthi Nilayam for the last 30 years or more."

Swami also revealed that I had come to Him with a lot of mental tension and worries.  He did not want me to be sad, having done a lot of Sai Seva.  Swami further added that this sincere seva had drawn Divine compassion and that He had bestowed me this unique chance of sitting under His feet and seeking solace.

Within the next two months, Swami blessed us with another interview, when Swami conducted our 60th Birthday wedding.

~ "Mumbai" Srinivasan 

Lessons in Life

 

I've seen better days,

but I've also seen worse.

I don't have everything that I want,

but I do have all I need.

I woke up with some aches and pains,

but I woke up.

My life may not be perfect

but I am blessed.

(Source: "Lessons Learned in Life")

Quotable Quotes

 

 "When you look back on your life when you're old and ask, "What have you done with your life?" And I don't mean doing something great like starting foundations over in poor countries.  I don't mean like being a Nelson Mandela or being a great politician or statesman who saved thousands of people in Africa.  I'm talking about just the ordinary small things which you have done in your life.  The things which will never be known by anybody except the people you've touched, you've helped, you've loved, you've been kind to.  That is your legacy.  That is the reason why you are here.  It's not to be some big shot who's famous but to be a beautiful, kind person who's served and helped so many."

~ Ajahn Brahm ~

Sai Blossoms

 

Baba's Storytime - The Rabbit Ran

Wherever you go, you meet only Me. I am present everywhere. 

Have you heard the story of the rabbit that had borrowed from Mother Earth four paise? She thought that if she moved into a new region she would be free from the obligation. So, one day she ran as fast as her legs could carry her and went far far away from the place where the amount was originally received. At last, she sat down in great relief and said to herself: "Now, no one will ask me to repay". What was her surprise when from the ground underneath she heard a voice: "Mother Earth is right under your feet, here. You cannot escape from me, however far you run".

So too, you cannot run away from Me. I will demand good conduct, good habits, good thoughts, good company, wherever you go seeking for refuge.

(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Waste of Time

"For all our troubles and difficulties, our conduct alone is responsible. If our actions are good the results will be good. Bad actions will lead to bad consequences. People think that good and bad are related to bad time. Not at all! Your thoughts alone are the root-cause. Hence, you should develop good thoughts and do good deeds. You should cherish good feelings and associate with good persons. Every one of you must also realise the preciousness of time. Today, most of you waste a lot of your available time. This is utterly wrong. Time should be used always for the right purposes. That is the foremost duty of every individual. Waste of time is a waste of life."

~ Sri Sathya Sai  Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 7.4.1997)

Lessons from God

 

It was a beautiful summer's day.  I love its glorious colours and scented flowers.  I was busy digging and preparing our garden.  I love gardening, planting flowers and at the same time praying or chanting mantras!

I was so engrossed in praying and digging, I suddenly noticed I had killed a worm.  My ecstasy faded away quickly when I saw the worm writhing away in pain.  As tears rolled down my cheeks, I asked God for forgiveness.

Sai Baba appeared looking at me - "I am very upset, I have killed a worm," I told Him.  "I don't want to do any more gardening - Baba, it's not for me, You do it from now on!"

Baba: "Amarjit, the prayers you were chanting while gardening have reduced much of your Karma for killing the worm, and as you were praying with purity in your heart, the worm's soul has been liberated.  Be aware, with every breath you are also killing countless organisms which is why you must always be focused with God.  Praying with a pure heart at all times thus forgives you much Karma while killing these organisms, insects and worms!

Carry on gardening, this too is part of your awakening, but be focused on the Divine at all times, remember always: Be divine love and have unconditional love for all - even inert objects!"  Saying this, Sai Baba disappeared.

Another step on the ladder - another lesson from God - enlightenment is certainly not an easy path!

(Source: SBOI Group)

Simply "is"

 

"Do not cast blame on Godhead, as most people do. When everything goes right, you say God is very close to you; when something goes wrong, you say God has deserted you and gone afar! He never moves far or near. The distance from Him to you is the exact same distance from you to Him. He is everywhere. He is always in your heart. Recognise Him there; realise Him as closest and nearest to you. He is your own Self, neither terrible nor tender, but simply 'is'."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 30.5.1974)

The Glimpse He Granted

It was a bright sunny morning. We had all just settled on the portico for Swami's Darshan. The rustle of His robe and the sweet fragrance announced His Divine Presence. To my delight I was called for an interview with my parents.

I was a most badly behaved boy indulging in 'modern' behavioral attitudes. I would like to admit that the entire family believed in Swami, except me. When we came to Prasanthi Nilayam in 1980, my brother got admission in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and we got Swami's grace for the first time. Swami poured his love on us. Even then, my natural instincts turned lovingly towards the enchanting Person but my weaknesses and worldly habits turned me away from Him. I lacked the moral fibre to transform myself. I was scared that He would reveal my nefarious doings. In fact, I loved and dreaded Swami's Interview. In fact I wanted to get away from Puttaparthi and I wanted to avoid joining Swami's School. But Swami's infinite mercy and grace did not throw me into the jaws of the world.

I went inside with bated breath and beating heart. As usual groups of devotees were taken in by Bhagavan into the inner interview room. I was relieved when our turn was over and Swami moved to distribute Vibhuti packets. Suddenly He halted. The expression on His countenance changed from motherly Love to fatherly sternness. He beckoned me back into the inner interview room, alone!

My hands would not stop shaking and my heartbeat raced beyond the range of my E.C.G. scale. He was already seated and commanded me to sit at His Feet. I sweated profusely. Then He asked me a question, "Tell me! Do you believe in Swami or not?" (By now it had become a choice between wanting to believe in Swami or not). 

He then gave me an undeniable and incredible proof of His omnipresence, of which even my own mother did not know. He told me how, utilizing my pocket money, I had gone to a Hindi movie, instead of attending school. He even told me the name of the film I had gone to, the name of the friend with whom I had gone, a Sarabjit Singh and even the amount of money I spent on 'Samosas' during the interval, which was incidentally Rs.10. 

This revelation jolted me into the realization of my aimless derogatory living and opened new vistas of a happy, joyful life, in which I have made and am making sincere efforts to transform myself.

~ B. Dutt, II B.Sc. (1987)
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

(From: "Experiences by Devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Dear Lord ...

Dear Lord,

How lucky I am to know You in this life.

I've never known a love so pure, so sweet.

Take charge of my life, dear Lord

and lead me on!

~ namaste 1081 ~

Language of the Heart

 It was a beautiful evening.  Darshan time in Prashanti.  The captivating music was in the air and the gentle breeze was making it even more enjoyable!  After the long wait through the lines and tokens, it was like Heaven to be sitting in the front row, awaiting the Master's arrival.

All the ladies were packed a dozen to an inch with no gap in-between.  And guess who came?  A lady Sevadal to ensure that we were packed close enough!  She was a stern old lady seeming to speak only Telugu.  She came straight to a lady sitting near me (she was from a foreign country) and commanded her: "Ae Amma Deggara Koorcho, Deggara Koorcho."

The foreigner, already tired and exhausted, said: "Well, how much more can I Koorcho, I am Koochoing already, I cannot Koorcho any more!"  At this, a lovely smile lit up on the volunteer's face and she nodded an understanding OK and moved on.

Everyone around us burst out laughing!  Immediately it made me think about the use of language for communication.  I remembered Swami's words - "There is only one language, the language of the heart".  It made me realize that understanding is really beyond the realm of language.  So many ways He chooses to bring home the point!  Oh, how sweet it is!

~ Latha Swaminathan ~

(Source: Sanathana Sarathi - Feb. 1997)

Spreading Happiness

 

Happiness can be a moment, a thing or a person to us.  We are living in a world where all of us are constantly striving hard to make ourselves happy.  But have you ever thought that the bigger joys in life are the ones in which we are the reason for making others happy?

Just sit back and think of all those moments where you have brought a smile on someone's face.  A smile can lighten the burdens in your life.  Even just complimenting your friend that she is looking good can make a lot of difference because you never know, that may be the only compliment or the only nice thing which she has heard for that day.

So folks, bring a smile onto your friend's face today and spread happiness!

~ Reshma Joel ~

Quotable Quotes

 

“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

Sai Wit and Wisdom - Swami Karunyananda

 

In 1959, Swami Karunyananda, an ardent devoee of Swami, went to Chittoor.  After finishing his work with his Sangham, he proceeded to Puttaparthi by bus.  The bus broke down on the way near Hoarsley Hills.  It was night time and the passengers that included children, women and old people were put to a lot of inconvenience.  

Karunyananda thought for a while, "Why this Baba is living in such remote place out of easy reach putting the devotees to lot of trouble, when they went to have His darshan?"  After some time, the cars were set right and they reached Mudigubba at 2 a.m.  Karunyananda had to change the bus to Bukkapatnam at that odd hour and from Bukkapatnam to engage a bullock cart to reach Puttaparthi.

Knowing about his arrival at Puttaparthi from Kasturi, Baba summoned him and asked him, "How many cars do you have?"  Karunyananda did not know why Baba raised this question.  After great persuasion, he replied with humility that he had 2 jeeps, 1 car and 1 van.  Baba then asked him why he chose to come by bus, while he was having his vehicles.  "Not only you came by bus but also you were asking why this Baba is living in remote place not within the easy reach of the devotees?"

Karunyananda was stunned.  Bhagawan had come to know a matter which he had only thought of and not even spoken out.

(From the book "Wit and Wisdom of Sri Sathya Sai" compiled by P. Gurumoorth)

God's Grace

Q25: Swami!  Can we be sure of God's grace if we do sadhana regularly?

Bhagavan: Certainly!  As sure as anything!  Why do you doubt?  For example, you have a pet dog.  You feed it everyday and you will notice that it will get habituated to come to you exactly at the same time everyday to be fed.  Is this not true?  When regularity makes a dog respond, why not God?  You will definitely receive His grace.

(From: "Satyopanisad" Vol. 1 by Prof. K. Anil Kumar)

Sai Madhuryam

 All things happen according to the dictates of Time; 

Both good and bad depend on Time; 

Prosperity and poverty likewise depend on Time; 

Time is the determinant of all things, 

There is none who is not subject to Time 

In this entire world; 

That's the Truth. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Man's Primary Effort

"Man's primary effort today should be in the direction of getting rid of selfishness, narrow-mindedness and attachment to the body, and developing love of God, a broad outlook and devotion to the nation.  Develop confidence in the Self."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Chinese New Year Discourse - Feb. 1997)

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy

A Lunar New Year Message

 

"Sacrifice!  Sacrifice!  Sacrifice!  That is the supreme quality you have to cultivate.  The Vedas have strictly proclaimed that immortality can be got only through sacrifice and not by any other means.  Only through sacrifice can there be real enjoyment of what you acquire.  What you earn with one hand, give away with the other.  Without sacrifice, life is a waste.

I give you three formulae: One - Work, work and work.  Two - Enjoy the fruits of your labour.  Today there is no gospel of work in the country.  Everyone wants to enjoy without doing hard work.  Whatever be the troubles, work hard.  Three - Use your earnings for the public good.  When this kind of renunciatory outlook develops among the people, the nation will prosper immensely."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Chinese New Year Discourse - Feb. 1997) 

May the Chinese Lunar New Year bring peace, joy and good health to all.

God is in You

"God is in you, God is in every word of yours, in every deed and in every thought. Speak, do and think as it befits Him. Do the duty that He has allotted to the best of your ability, and to the satisfaction of your conscience. That is the most rewarding puja (worship)."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - April 1973)

Quotable Quotes

 

Sathya Sai Speaks

Share Your Love

This happened during the 60th Birthday celebrations of our Beloved Bhagawan.  Some of the students were given an opportunity to decorate the Prasanthi Mandir at that time. The previous night, some of the boys worked till 3.30 am  early morning and then left for the hostel to catch up with some sleep.  

However, one  of the boys returned to Mandir by 5.30 am to catch  an extra glimpse of Bhagawan and so he went straight to the upper floor of the the Mandir as they were permitted, being part of that elite decoration group.  As he waited there, exactly at 6 am in the morning, Bhagawan's door opened and Swamy Karunyananda was the first to take  Swamy's Padnamaskar, followed by a few elders of Prasanthi Nilayam.

As they moved on, Swami noticed this boy standing on the other side of the door.  So, He called him near and said, "See, so many devotees are vying to catch a glimpse of My Hair.  And here you are, when I am giving you Padnamaskar on the 60th Birthday morning."  Feeling highly blessed, the boy asked Swamy very innocently, "Swami, what can I offer to You on this day?  Please take something." 

Swami responded,  "Bangaroo, just be good."   The boy insisted, "No, Swami, please tell me."  Since he was insistent, Swami stretched His Hand out and said, "Will you give what I want?  Will you promise Me?"  The boy immediately responded by putting his hand on top of Swami's stretched Hand, "Yes, Swami." 

Swami reiterated,  "You should keep up  your promise"  Then Swami continued,  "THE LOVE WHICH YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM ME, SHARE IT WITH OTHERS".  This is the promise which Swami extracted from the student that day.

(From the collection of  Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawatham)

Sai Wit and Wisdom - Eat and Die!

When Peddu Bottu had a high fever, she was made to sit where Swami came to be garlanded by Sai Geetha.  Swami asked, "What happened?"  Pedda Bottu bowed down and told, "Fever, Swami."  Swami said, "Eat this apple and die."  Someone cut the apple into small pieces and gave her.  With this, the fever vanished.  What Swami meant was addressed to the fever - to die.

(From "Wit and Wisdom of Sri Sathya Sai" compiled by P. Gurumoorthy)

Desire and Anger

"Desire leads to anger, when it is foiled; anger weakens the body.  It impairs the digestive system and chases one fast into old age."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 30.3.1973) 

Baba's Storytime - Steadfastness and Deep Faith

When you have filled your heart with sympathy for the distressed, the Lord will shower His grace. 

Draupadî (daughter of king Drupada and wife of the Pândavas) had earned the grace through her devotion and virtues. Sîtâ, too, stuck to the highest ideal for life, in spite of the severe sufferings she underwent. Hanumân, who discovered her in the grove where she was kept as a prisoner by her abductor, Râvana, offered to re-cross the ocean with her on his shoulders and take her safe to her Lord Râma. But she replied that she will not allow herself to be abducted back from the custody of Râvana, since that will deprive Râma of the chance to punish him for his crime and retrieve her through his own heroism!

Splendid words these! Quite in consonance with the dictates of dharma! No wonder, the Lord's Grace saved her in good time! If you have no steadfastness and no depth of faith, you can have no Grace.

(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Sai Blossoms

 

Dear Lord ...

 

Dear Lord,

How grateful I am for the gifts you have bestowed on me.

When I see a blind child, I realize how lucky I am

to be able to see You and a hundred other things.

When I see a deaf child, I realize how lucky I am

to be able to hear Your sweet voice 

and the lovely bhajans I so much enjoy.

Dear Lord,

Everyday is a gift from You.

Let me spend it well with a song on my lips,

gratefulness in my heart and love

for all my fellow beings!

~ namaste 1081 ~

Baba Protects Those Who Surrender

 

A devotee was performing Bhajans regularly in his house. One day he received a threatening letter. It read thus, "You cheat people by telling lies; you have to stop the bhajan within seven days of receiving this letter. Otherwise, your head will be sheared." 

The devotee did not get perturbed even in the least. He continued the bhajan without any change. He knew very well that the name of Sai is the best shield against all such threats.

Seven days had lapsed. The naxalite who wrote the letter was infuriated with anger and decided on a plot to execute his threat the next morning. He entered the house of the devotee very early in the morning stealthily. This devotee had gone into the bathroom to have his bath and to get ready for the morning prayers. The naxalite blinded by his anger, aimed a knife at this devotee and delivered the knife. 

What happened? A whirlwind with an orange hue appeared in front of the devotee. A soft hand pushed him to a corner of the room. The knife missed the target and fell down with a loud noise. On hearing the sound of the knife falling and the running of a man, the devotee's wife and others came running. There was a fragrance of viboothi filling the space. They could see viboothi all over the body of the devotee. He was dazed. Yes! Baba had come to save His  devotee in time.

(From: "Experiences by Devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Wield the Bow of Courage

"Take refuge in God and wield the bow of courage, that is, hold the heart pure. That is enough. Victory and wealth are yours forever!"

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Vidya Vahini - Ch.9)

The Greatest Remedy

My mother was struggling with a heart problem and I lived with her for one week while my father was away on a business trip. He was due back yesterday and while we were sitting in the kitchen waiting for him, I noticed how beautiful she looked, despite being so thin and pale. There was a serene expression on her face, but her hands were shaking. 

Suddenly, we heard the lock turn and my mother jumped up and ran to my father, embraced him tearfully, and mumbled something into his shoulder. He hugged her in return and I just stood there, watching them and smiling. 

My father's love is my mother's greatest remedy.

(From: Brightside.me)