98 April 2006

AVATAR VANI

CONTROL OF SENSES IS THEREAL SADHANA

DIVINE DISCOURSE:23rd FEBRUARY 2006

Embodiments of Love! Dear Children!

Y BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL. I AMhappy that you all studied hereright from the Primary School stage

up to the 12th standard, obtained good marksand earned good name.

Divinity Permeates the Entire Creation

Right from the Primary School stage, youimbibed many good qualities like love,compassion, kindness and discipline. Youacquired many talents and skills anddeveloped noble character. Playing, singingand moving together, you all lived like brotherswith mutual love and affection. However, thereoccurred a decline in these qualities of yourswhen you reached the Higher SecondarySchool stage. You can yourself see what

change has come about in you. All the same,your words are full of purity and devotion, andyour presentation (just before Bhagavan’sDiscourse, the students made a musicalpresentation expressing their love andgratitude to Bhagavan) has made everybodyhappy. I am not saying that all the boys arefollowing the wrong path. It is only a few boyswho take to wrong ways and spoil their minds.You can judge for yourself how pure is yourmind.

Human being is an amalgam of fivecomponents – body, mind, intellect,consciousness and senses. Since these fivecomponents are the very basis of his being,man has to keep them pure if he wants toproceed on the path of liberation. But, first andforemost, he has to cleanse his mind. It is aserious mistake to desire for that which doesnot belong to you. Whenever the mind cravesfor something, you should enquire first whetherthe particular thing belongs to you or someoneelse. When you know that it belongs tosomeone else, you should carefully avoid thetemptation of possessing it. The mind has tobe kept absolutely pure and sacred and freefrom all conflicts and controversies. All of youshould develop this Jnana (knowledge) rightfrom this early age. Unfortunately, peopletoday are ruining their lives by harbouring allsorts of desires. This is sheer madness.

Whatever you do, do it with a sense ofdedication and surrender to God. All the work

MM

Truth is the very life-breath of ahuman being. Truth is God. Do not

speak untruth. If only you follow truthin your life steadfastly, you can

achieve everything. Truth is like ashield that will protect you. Truth isyour support. If you give up such a

noble quality of truth and speakuntruth, how can you be called a

human being? You should never givescope for falsehood in your life.

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you undertake must be carried out in this spirit.Sarva Karma Bhagavad Preetyartham (doall actions to please God). First of all,try to know, “Who am I?” The entire

universe, right from the microcosm to themacrocosm, is permeated by divinity. Be ita particle of sand or sugar, a mosquito oran elephant – all are the embodiments ofdivinity. God assumes all these forms.Sarvam Bhagavanmayam (everything ispermeated by God). There is nothing in thisuniverse which is not permeated by God.The entire creation is the manifestation ofdivinity. In fact, it is God alone who plays allthe roles in this cosmic drama though thecharacters of the drama appear to bedifferent donning various costumes. Alldialogues and songs are also His only.Hence, whatever you do, whatever you seeand whatever you say – everything is God.You have to realise this truth and conductyourself accordingly.

Shun Divisive Tendencies

Unfortunately, today some people taketo wrong ways because of their bad qualities,bad conduct, bad thoughts and bad outlook.Whomever you come across, treat him asthe embodiment of divinity. Whatever yousay, it should reflect divinity. When youconduct yourself in this sacred manner, thatitself is Mukti (liberation). Conduct yourselfin such a manner that neither you hurtothers nor are you hurt by others. The wordsthat you use should be sacred. You shouldnot covet or steal others’ property or wealth.Cultivate faith in the unity of divinity.Everything is divine. Unfortunately, somepeople are not able to develop suchuniversal outlook. They harbour the feelingsof mine and thine and create differencesbetween people. The ancient history of India

is replete with instances of the ill effects ofsuch divisive tendencies.

You all know about the history of theKauravas and the Pandavas as

You are all pure gold. You are all goldenchildren. Your words are sweet. But ifyour behaviour is bitter, then what isthe use? Let your behaviour also besweet in conformity with your words.

Wherever you go, live happilydisplaying exemplary conduct and

behaviour as the students of Sri SathyaSai educational institutions. You do not

deserve to be called students of SriSathya Sai educational institutions

merely because you wear white dress.In keeping with your white dress, keep

your mind also pure and sacred.

described in the great epic Mahabharata. TheKauravas were the sons of Dhritarashtra andthe Pandavas, of Pandu, the younger brotherof Dhritarashtra. Both Dhritarashtra andPandu were the sons of the same father. Theywere brothers. Their kingdom was one. Then,where did the fault lie? Their thoughts andaspirations were different. A malicious desirefor annexing the entire kingdom for themselveson the part of the Kauravas resulted in evilthoughts and divisive tendencies. This was thecause of the war between the Kauravas andthe Pandavas. Similar is the story of the twobrothers Vali and Sugriva as described in theRamayana. They were also born to the samefather. While Vali enjoyed regal comforts in thecity of Kishkindha, his younger brother Sugrivahad to languish in the hills and forests. Thedifferences between the two brothers resultedin a fierce battle between them.

You may do Japa (repetition of God’sName) and Tapa (penance) for months andyears, but if you do not give up your divisivetendencies, there is no use. Such Tapaconverts itself into mere Tamas (sloth andignorance). Many people give up theirSadhana in the middle with a sense offrustration and despair, thinking that God isnot merciful enough to reveal Himself beforethem in spite of doing Japa for many years. Ifyou wish to have the vision of God, first andforemost you should develop oneness withGod. In fact, your own mind is the form of God.People often question, “Where is God?” “Whois God?, etc.” I would say, “Your mind is God.”Mana Eva Manushyanam KaranamBandhamokshayo (mind is the cause forbondage and liberation of man). Both bondageand liberation occur due to the mind only.Hence, the mind is God. Next comesthe intellect. It is common to observe

people praising a person of sharp intellect asan intellectual. But, God alone is trueintellectual. Not only our mind and intellect butour Chitta (mind-stuff) also manifests divinity.Once a great devotee sang, “Oh God! Let meoffer my worship to You with Chitta Shuddhi”(mental purity).

You can Control Your Senses

Just as the mind, intellect and Chitta arepermeated by divinity, so also are the senses.Hence, you should not taint your senses withKama, Krodha (desire, anger), etc. Kamasignifies desire. We should desire only Godand nothing else. We should love only God.That alone is true love. Love for people andworldly possessions cannot be termed truelove. That is only worldly love. If you have love

for God, you will have everything elseadded to it. All your desires should beGod-oriented. Desire only to please

The whole universe is one family.Hence, one has to cultivate such

universal love. That is Atmic love. It isonly when you cultivate such love,you deserve to be called a humanbeing. Only then can you visualise

the Atmatattwa (principle of theAtma). Devoid of love, if you go oncultivating evil qualities like anger,

hatred, jealousy and feelings ofdifference between one another, youwill be worse than an animal. Beastsand animals fight among themselves.If you also fight like them, then what

difference is there between youand animals?

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God. Even if you love an individual, do nottreat him as a mere mortal. Visualise thedivinity within him.

There is no object other than thePanchabhutas (the five elements of earth,water, fire, air and ether) in this universe. Youwill not find a sixth element, however muchyou may try and explore. For example, this isa hand consisting of five fingers. There is nosixth finger. In case someone has a sixth finger,he will have to be taken to the hospital forremoving it by surgery. Similarly, we all havefive senses. What is Mukti (liberation)?Liberation lies in the control of the senses.Unless one controls one’s senses, liberationis not possible. It is foolish to think that God issomewhere at a distant place. He is within youpermeating the five senses. So, sanctify thefive senses.

It is only the senses that are responsiblefor our pleasure and pain, good and bad.Hence, first and foremost control your senses.You may ask, “Swami! Is it possible for us?” Iam emphatically saying, it is possible, providedyou make an effort with firm determination.When you have the capacity to please Godand attain His grace, sense control is not abig task for you. It is a comparatively smalltask. Unless one controls one’s senses, onedoes not deserve to be called a human being.Jantunam Nara Janma Durlabham (of all livingbeings, human birth is the rarest). To be bornas a human being is a rare gift of God. Havingobtained this rare gift, one should strive toachieve sense control. If you allow even oneof the five senses to go out of control, you willlower yourself to the level of an animal. DaivamManusha Rupena (God is in the form of ahuman being). Having attained such arare and sacred birth of a human being,

how foolish it is to say that you cannot controlyour senses? One who goes by the dictatesof the senses is a Rakshasa (demon), verily!In fact, such a person is worse than aRakshasa. One has to evolve oneself into anoble human being.

All are the Children of God

You may be fond of your wife and children.But this does not mean that you should hateothers. You should not entertain the feelingthat so and so is mine and others are not. Allare the embodiments of divinity! All are thechildren of God. All the people in this worldare intimately related to each other. Whateverobject you come across in this world, it belongsto God only. It does not belong to anyparticular individual. In every object, everybeing, divinity is immanent. Viswam VishnuSwarupam (the entire universe is theembodiment of Lord Vishnu). The wholeuniverse is one family. Hence, one has tocultivate such universal love. That is Atmiclove. It is only when you cultivate such love,you deserve to be called a human being. Onlythen can you visualise the Atmatattwa(principle of the Atma). Devoid of love, if yougo on cultivating evil qualities like anger,hatred, jealousy and feelings of differencebetween one another, you will be worse thanan animal. Beasts and animals fight amongthemselves. If you also fight like them, thenwhat difference is there between you andanimals? In fact, anger and hatred are not thequalities of a human being.

The feelings of difference originate in manwhen he considers himself different from God.Where there is a feeling of difference, there

hatred raises its head. Whatever activityyou undertake, it should be done in aspirit of dedication to God. We extol

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Lord Easwara as Hiranyagarbhaya Namah(I offer my salutations to the golden-wombedLord). He is the embodiment of gold. Heregold signifies immutability. You are all goldenchildren. But, you forget your real nature andassociate yourself with dust and rust. Hence,noble souls incarnate in this world now andthen to transform you and make you realiseyour innate divinity. However, when a noblesoul embarks upon such a mission, somepeople doubt his motives, saying, “It is all his

foolishness. Can earth become gold? Cansand become sugar?” Modern man is full ofdoubts and doubts! What could be the reasonfor these doubts? It is only when one thinksthat one is separate from God that doubtsarise.

It is a well known fact that a vessel which iscompletely full is steady. Similarly, God isthe repository of all knowledge andhence He is always steady. People who

come here have many experiences. (Swamicalled a student onto the dais). I am aware ofthe past, present and future of every individual,irrespective of his caste, religion and place ofbirth. Some people who come here may think,“Perhaps Swami does not know who I am.”But, there is nothing that I do not know. Eventhough I know everything, I pretend as if I donot know. (Swami pointing to the student) Theparents and brothers and sisters of this boy

visited Prasanthi Nilayam quite some timeago. I called all of them for an interview andsaid to the father, “My dear! The mother ofthese children may not survive for long. In fact,she may breathe her last even before youreach your village. You don’t worry. I will take

up the responsibility of all your children.”The children started crying. I told them,“Don’t cry. Why fear when I am here?

You may be fond of your wife andchildren. But this does not meanthat you should hate others. You

should not entertain the feeling thatso and so is mine and others arenot. All are the embodiments of

divinity! All are the children of God.All the people in this world are

intimately related to each other.Whatever object you come across inthis world, it belongs to God only. It

does not belong to any particularindividual. In every object, every

being, divinity is immanent. ViswamVishnu Swarupam (the entire

universe is the embodiment ofLord Vishnu).

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(loud applause) I will look after everything.”From that day onwards, I have been lookingafter them as promised. The girls are allmarried. All the children have been providedwith due requirements. None of them facedany difficulty. There is one boy among ourband group. He was very young when he camehere along with his parents. I called him andtold him, “My dear! You don’t need to worryfor anything. I am your father, mother andeverything. I will look after you in everyrespect.” Whenever he came here, I used tocall him and talk to him, instilling a sense ofsecurity and confidence in him. Now all themembers of the family are leading a happylife. This boy was very young then. Now, hehas grown up. Thus, I have been showeringMy love and grace on one and all, whether Italk to them or not.

What is My property? Love! Love! Love! Ihave no anger whatsoever. It is only to correctan erring individual that I pretend to be angry.But, I am not angry with anyone. My entirebody is suffused with pure love. EaswaraSarva Bhutanam (God is the indweller of allbeings). Who is Easwara? Easwara is not theone who is portrayed as wearing Rudraksha(sacred beads) garlands around his hands andserpents around his neck. It is only a form thatis created for the common man to comprehenddivinity to some extent. The various names andforms like Easwara, Vishnu, Parvati, Lakshmi,etc., were created to enable the common manto worship God in some form or the other. Infact, every human being is an embodiment ofEaswara. There is nothing in this world whichis not permeated by Easwara. All names andforms originated from Easwaratwa (Divinity).

Be Ideal Students

Divinity is not limited to one nameand form. People say they had the

vision of Rama, Krishna, etc., but it is only theirimagination! However, divinity is only one.Unable to comprehend divinity, people ascribeseveral names and forms to it and get deluded.It is the devotees who change their chosendeities frequently. But, God does not change.God is one. He is permanent and eternal.

Real Sadhana lies in gaining control overthe five senses and realising one’s divinereality. In fact, it is only the one who has gainedcontrol over the five senses can comprehenddivinity. One has to undertake that Sadhanawhich enables one to gain control over one’ssenses. There is little gain in doing spiritualpractices like Japa and Dhyana (repetition ofGod’s name and meditation) if the senses arenot under control. For example, even if youengage yourself in Japa and Dhyana closingyour eyes, your monkey mind will be roamingabout in all the three worlds. People do notrealise this truth and engage themselves indifferent types of Sadhana. They should try torealise the divinity that permeates all the fiveelements in the universe. In fact, there isnothing in this world except divinity. Whateveryou see, whatever you hear, everything ispermeated by divinity.

God does not observe any differences. Godis Love. Love is one. There are severalthousand people gathered in this Hall.However, the love that is immanent in all ofthem is one. There may be differences in thenames and forms of people and theirrelationships, but their innate divinity is oneand the same. Hence, all should lead a lifefilled with love like brothers and sisters. Ineducational institutions where the system

of co-education is in vogue, the boysand girls should move like brothersand sisters. They should develop

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equal-mindedness, and should not observeany differences on account of gender. Whenthe children reach the Higher SecondarySchool stage, these differences may arise inthem. But they should not entertain suchdifferences. Whoever entertains suchdifferences is sure to fail in the examination ofdivine love. There is nothing great in passingexaminations in the worldly sense. Everyonecan pass, provided he puts in a little effort.Real achievement lies in passing theexamination of divine love, i.e., seeing God infellow beings and considering all of them asdivine. He who passes the examination ofdivine love is the most successful person inlife.

All are God’s children. All are the reflectionsof the Hiranyagarbha present in the humanbody. Hence, from now onwards all of youshould live like brothers and sisters withmutual love and affection. Then only youdeserve to be called ideal students. But, I donot find in the present-day students suchfeelings of kinship. Instead, they are cultivatingdifferences such as, “I am different and youare different.” Never entertain the feelings ofhatred and anger at any point of time. Angershould be controlled and hatred, given up.Your safety and welfare lie in controlling anger.When the controls on a railway station are notfunctioning properly, it can cause railaccidents. Similarly, the mind is the controllerof all our thoughts and feelings. Hence, if themind is controlled, the entire body comesunder our control.

You are all pure gold. You are all goldenchildren. Your words are sweet. But if yourbehaviour is bitter, then what is the use?Let your behaviour also be sweet inconformity with your words. Wherever

you go, live happily displaying exemplaryconduct and behaviour as the students of SriSathya Sai educational institutions. You do notdeserve to be called students of Sri SathyaSai educational institutions merely becauseyou wear white dress. In keeping with yourwhite dress, keep your mind also pure andsacred. Only then will you become idealstudents. Swami will then be constantly withyou, in you, around you. I am prepared to giveeverything to such students. I can sacrificeeven My life for them. In fact, I am protectingmany people in several ways; but, no one hasrealised this point till today.

Earn the Grace of God

Develop firm faith that Atmatattwa (principleof the Atma) is Iswaratwa (Divinity). God is theindweller of all beings. How can you be calleda human being when you do not have faith inthe divinity of man? Love is God; live in love.Your love should not be limited to an individualor your family members. You should share itwith all. If only you develop such broad-mindedness, you can become a true leaderand set an ideal to others. (When Swamienquired of the students whether they hadfaith in Swami’s words, all of them unanimouslyresponded by saying loudly, “Yes, Swami!”).It is not enough if you just pay lip service bysaying ‘yes’. The conviction must come fromthe depth of your heart. You commit a mistakeand say ‘sorry’. That is not enough. You shoulddesist from repeating the same mistake.

Truth is the very life-breath of a humanbeing. Truth is God. Do not speak untruth. Ifonly you follow truth in your life steadfastly,you can achieve everything. Truth is like a

shield that will protect you. Truth is yoursupport. If you give up such a noblequality of truth and speak untruth, how

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can you be called a human being? You shouldnever give scope for falsehood in your life. Godis the only leader in this world. He is the onlyjudge. It is only God who can judge what isjust and what is unjust. You should not forgetsuch an omnipresent, omnipotent andomniscient God.

Do not entertain the feelings of mine andthine. Develop equal-mindedness. Livetogether happily, pass the examination andearn a good name. (Bhagavan created a goldring with a green stone embedded in it andgave it to the student standing in front of Him).Everyone should thus earn the grace of God.Green colour is the sign of peace andprosperity. I wish that all of you attain peace,prosperity, love, devotion and grace of God.When you get rid of your bad qualities, Swamiwill always be with you. Divinity cannot beattained merely by offering prayers and doingBhajans. Along with these Sadhanas, you mustalso develop a pure heart and offer it to God.

God is present in you in the form of fivesenses. Considering God as your everythingand sole refuge, dedicate your senses to Him.This is an easy method to reach God. Whenyou follow such an easy path, you will attainMoksha (liberation). After all, what is Moksha?Moha Kshaya is Moksha (removal ofattachment is liberation). There is no usechanting “Ram, Ram, Ram …” when your mindis full of Moha (attachment). Whatever workyou undertake, consider it as God’s work.Whomever you come across, consider him asan embodiment of God. Even the beggar whocomes to beg at your door is an embodimentof God. Whether one is a king, an emperor ora beggar, the same divinity is present ineveryone. Dedicate your life to win thelove and grace of God. Undertake

every activity as an offering to God. Do yourstudies also with a sense of surrender to God.You will surely secure 1st class. I am happy tofind that you are all good boys. But it isnecessary for you to maintain the same goodbehaviour in Higher Secondary School also,as you did in the Primary School.

Let Me remind you that the teachers in ourHigher Secondary School will not allow you togo on the wrong path. They will check yourundesirable behaviour with firmness. Theyhave nothing against anybody, but they areduty bound to put you on the right track. If ateacher shirks his responsibility and condonesyour bad behaviour without giving punishment,then he is a ‘Guddi Guru’ (blind teacher). Hecannot be called a Guru in the real sense. Therole of the headmaster in the school is alsovery important. He is the head of the school.He should oversee the work of all the teachersand correct them when they make even smallmistakes.

Education does not mean simply readingof books. There is no greatness in acquiringdegrees. It lies in attaining the Divine. Onlythen will your life become sanctified and youreducation, meaningful. Your parents will alsobe happy. Your parents have admitted you inSri Sathya Sai educational institution with greathopes. You should not disappoint them. Youshould make all efforts to please your father,mother, teacher and God. Make your lifemeaningful and sacred by good thoughts,good qualities and good conduct.

(Bhagavan brought His Discourse to aclose with the Bhajan, “Hari Bhajan Bina SukhaSanthi Nahin …”)

– From Bhagavan’s Divine Discoursein Sai Kulwant Hall, PrasanthiNilayam on 23rd February 2006.

Story of Shirdi Sai in Burra Katha

HE FOLK ART OF BURRA KATHAcame alive in Sai Kulwant Hall whenthe students of Sri Sathya Sai

Institute of Higher Learning presented thestory of Shirdi Sai Baba in this ancient art onthe afternoon of 9th March 2006 in the DivinePresence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Three students in traditional Burra Katha dressunfolded the story of Shirdi Sai Baba throughlively dialogues and sweet songs sung to theaccompaniment of traditional simple musicalinstruments to the delight of devotees andstudents in the Hall. The programme whichbegan at 4.35 p.m. came to a close at 5.25p.m. Bhagavan sat through the entireperformance and blessed the students in theend. He also gave them the covetedopportunity of photographs with Him.

Devotional Music by Music College

Students

The students of Sathya Sai Mirpuri Collegeof Music organised a programme of vocaldevotional music on the afternoon of 13thMarch 2006 in Sai Kulwant Hall, presentingsweet Mira Bhajans and other devotionalsongs in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba. Commencing with GaneshVandana, the students filled each heartwith deep devotion by singing soulfulMira Bhajans like “Mein To Leeno GovindMol”, “Pag Ghunghru Baandh Mira Nachi Re”and “Payo Ji Mein Ne Rama Ratan DhanaPayo”, etc., with the accompaniment of sweetinstrumental music. The programmewhich started at 4.05 p.m. kept the

audience enraptured for nearly one hour andcame to a close at 5.10 p.m.

Talks by Eminent Educationists

Two eminent educationists addressedthe students and devotees in Sai Kulwant Hallon the afternoon of 12th March 2006.Renowned educationist and former ViceChancellor of Madurai Kamaraj and Annamalaiuniversities, Prof. S.V. Chittibabu, Member,Governing Body of Sri Sathya Sai Institute ofHigher Learning gave his talk first. Prof.Chittibabu began his talk by narrating his firstexperience of Bhagavan’s Divinity whenBhagavan not only told him without his askingthat he had problem in his head, butinstantaneously cured his chronic headachealso by applying Vibhuti on his forehead. Thelearned speaker observed that Bhagavan hasincarnated on earth to rescue humanity fromthe chaotic condition to which it has drifted.Bhagavan, he said, has been teaching us byHis words and example to serve mankind withselflessness and purity of heart because if onewas pure in heart, everything else would follow.Bhagavan, he said, has been expressing Hislove for mankind by relieving their sufferingthrough His humanitarian projects and in somany other ways.

The second speaker was the Warden ofAnantapur Campus of the Institute, Prof. (Smt.)Jayalakshmi Gopinath, another old andardent devotee of Bhagavan. Prof. Gopinathreminisced her old days spent in Puttaparthiand described how lovingly Bhagavan

interacted with His grandfather KondamaRaju who was simplicity personified. He

was one of those fortunate persons

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who recognised Bhagavan’s Divinity duringHis childhood days, she said. Describing herexperiences of those early days, the learnedspeaker told how she for the first time heardBhagavan declare emphatically “I am God”.She also described the love, simplicity andnobility of Mother Easwaramma with whom shehad the rare fortune to interact many times.Dwelling on the message of Bhagavan tomankind, she said, Bhagavan sums up Hismessage when He says, “Be Good, See Good,Do Good”.

Holi at Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations of Biharand Jharkhand organised two programmes atPrasanthi Nilayam, one in the morning and theother in the afternoon to celebrate the joyousand colourful festival of Holi on 15th March2006. Sai Kulwant Hall, the venue ofcelebrations, was beautifully decorated on thisoccasion. Besides floral decorations on thedais, colourful buntings covered theperforming area in the Hall and many bannersin the entire length and breadth of the Halldisplayed the message of Holi and teachingsof Bhagavan.

On the morning of 15th March 2006,Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hallat 7.35 a.m. amidst chanting ofVedic Mantras by the School andInstitute students. The programmecommenced with a beautiful danceand song expressing gratitude toBhagavan soon after Bhagavanoccupied His chair on the dais. Whatfollowed this was a medley of dances,folk songs, Holi songs and anexcellent Qawali presented by theBal Vikas students of Bihar andJharkhand. Soulful music, joyous

songs full of devotion, rich variety of colourfulcostumes of the performers and theirscintillating dances immersed all in the ecstasyof Holi and filled the entire milieu with colourof love, devotion and joy. Bhagavan showeredHis love and blessings on the performers atthe end of the programme and gave them thecoveted opportunity of group photos with Him.This was followed by Bhajans. The morningprogramme came to a close with Arati toBhagavan at 9.00 a.m. Prasadam wasdistributed to all in the end.

Bhakta Kavi Vidyapati: A Play

In the afternoon, Youth Wing of Sri SathyaSai Seva Organisations of Bihar andJharkhand presented a play on the life ofVidyapati, a famous poet and Siva devotee ofMithila, Bihar. The play commenced at 4.15p.m. after the arrival of Bhagavan in SaiKulwant Hall. It depicted the deep and intensedevotion of Vidyapati for Lord Siva who cameto serve him in the form of Ugna to do dailychores in his house. The identity of the Lordbecame manifest when Ugna produced waterfrom his locks to quench the thirst of Vidyapatiin a jungle. When Vidyapati decided tomerge in the Ganga, it changed its course to

An excellent devotional song being rendered bythe youth of Bihar and Jharkhand as part

of the play on Vidyapati.

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meet him in response to his intenseprayers. Powerful acting of the youth,beautiful dialogues interspersed withteach ings o f Bhagavan , app rop r ia teb a c k g r o u n d c o m m e n t a r y , p e r f e c tchoreography and simplicity of the storybrought forth the power of devotion showingthat the Lord can go to any extent to save andprotect His true devotee and can even changethe laws of Nature in answer to the prayersoriginating from his pure heart. The playconcluded at 5.05 with a very beautifuldevotional song depicting the theme of theplay. At the end of the play, Bhagavan blessedthe performers and posed for group photoswith them. He also created a gold ring for theyouth who enacted the role of Vidyapati.Bhajans after the play were also led by thedevotees of Bihar and Jharkhand. The holyfestival of Holi came to a close with Arati toBhagavan at 6.05 p.m.

The Inward Path: A Journey to Sai

On the afternoon of 27th March 2006,the students of Sri Sathya Sai HigherSecondary School, Prasanthi Nilayampresented this excellent programmeconveying the essence of the teachings ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba throughdialogues, skits and group songs in Telugu,English and Hindi. The presentation made inthe Divine Presence of Bhagavan in SaiKulwant Hall showed how even the schoolstudents had thoroughly grasped the subtletruths taught by Bhagavan for man’s inwardjourney to Divinity which they couldcommunicate effectively. The programmewhich started at 4.05 p.m. came to a close at4.45 p.m. In the end, Bhagavan blessedthe participants and posed forphotographs with them.

Bhakta Chaitanya: A Drama

The students of Sri Sathya Sai HigherSecondary School presented a drama on thelife and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhuon the afternoon of 29th March 2006. Thedrama portrayed through powerful dialogues,appropriate commentary, sweet lyrics andexcellent acting of the students how Chaitanyaadopted the path of devotion after his initiationand attained the vision of Lord Krishna throughhis deep devotion and intense yearning.

Picking up the strands of his life story from hischildhood, the drama depicted the main eventsof this great devotee of the Lord which includedthe humbling of the arrogant scholar whoclaimed himself to be world conquerer inlearning and the transformation of twonotorious rowdies Jagai and Madhai. Thedrama which began at 3.40 p.m. after theDivine Darshan of Bhagavan in Sai KulwantHall came to a close at 4.40 p.m. Bhagavanblessed the cast at the end of the drama andposed for photographs with them. He also

materialised a gold chain for the studentwho enacted the role of ChaitanyaMahaprabhu.

A scene from the drama presented by thestudents of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary

School, Prasanthi Nilayam on the life ofChaitanya Mahaprabhu.

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AVATAR VANI

INTENSE YEARNING EARNSDIVINE GRACE

DASARA DISCOURSES 2005

Dear Students!

LL THE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLDyearn for the proximity of God andtheir ultimate merger with Him. This

yearning is not new; it has been there sincethe beginning of human history. In accordancewith this yearning to see God and merge withHim, sages and seers in the past extolled Himin many ways, contemplated upon Him andperformed intense penance. This is truly an

ancient tradition which has been passed onfrom one generation to another.

God Incarnates to Transform Man

Sage Narada sang the glories of God andrecited the Divine Name incessantly.Thinking that the chanting of the DivineName merely for one’s own satisfaction

was not enough, he propounded the nine-fold path of devotion which all the devotees ofGod could follow for their redemption:Sravanam (listening), Kirtanam (singing),Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on Vishnu),Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet),Vandanam (salutation), Archanam (worship),Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (friendship),Atmanivedanam (self-surrender).

One day, Sage Narada prayed to LordNarayana “Lord! We are chanting Your DivineName, but its essence is in You. Our life willbe sanctified only when You bless us to

experience the sweetness of the essenceof the Divine Name.” Some peoplemisunderstood the prayer of Sage

AA

God can accomplish any task.

Sometimes, He may give Darshan to

some people, while others may not

receive this grace. Much depends

upon their mental attitude. Cultivate

unflinching faith in God. Many

sages and renunciants yearned for

the Darshan of God, but only a few

could win that grace by virtue of

their unflinching faith and single-

minded devotion.

110 April 2006

Narada and started doubting the efficacy ofNamasmarana in attaining God. There weresome who criticised Narada. They said,limiting of Sadhana to mere chanting of theDivine Name is a sign of laziness. Argumentsand counter arguments continued. Suchdifferences of opinion have been there sinceancient times. Some people told Narada thatthey were not able to visualise God in spite ofthe fact that they followed the path shown byhim. Narada replied, “You can have the graceof God in proportion to the intensity of youryearning for Him.” Each individual in this worldfollows his own chosen path according to hisnature and taste. No one has the right tocriticise others. God is one who resides in thehearts of all!

Radha intensely prayed for the proximityof Lord Krishna. She had a sister by namePrabha who had no such intense yearning.She was always in the company of herhusband. She could not bear her separationfrom him even for a moment. On the otherhand, Radha could not bear her separationfrom Krishna. The conduct and attitude of thetwo sisters was contradictory to each other.So, Radha prayed to Krishna to changePrabha’s mind and develop devotion in herfor Him. Krishna, however, counselledpatience saying, “Why do you worry? I will doit at an appropriate time.” Krishna performedmany Leelas (divine pranks) to bring abouttransformation in the hearts of people. Heshowed some of His Leelas to Prabhaalso. Since Radha was longing for thetransformation of her sister, Krishna told her,“You wanted Me to transform your sister anddevelop devotion in her. She has seen someof My Leelas. In keeping with the saying,Brahma Vid Brahmaiva Bhavathi

(one who realises Brahma will becomeBrahman verily), she will herself become anembodiment of divinity. First of all, one has toget rid of Bhrama (delusion) if one wants torealise Brahma (God). I am Brahman. I ambeyond both Dushan and Bhushan (blame andpraise). For Me both praise and blame areone.”

God makes people realise His divinity tobring about transformation in them. In courseof time, there was a perceptible change in theattitude of Prabha. She was now always in thecompany of Radha and both spent their timehappily in the divine proximity of Krishna. Theyused to share this divine experience daily.Thus, Krishna could bring about a change inPrabha by showing His divine Leelas to her.God is unblemished and pure. In fact, Hecorrects the mistakes of the devotees andtakes them into His fold. He will not distanceHimself from anyone. Lord Krishna isLeelamanusha Vigraha (God in human form).Both Radha and Prabha firmly decided thatthey would not leave Krishna under anycircumstances. Earlier Krishna told Radha,“Radha! Human beings are entangled in Maya(illusion). They are deluded to think that Godin human form is also a human being like them.You cannot develop love towards a personwithout developing attachment to him. This istrue in the case of God in human form also.Hence, first you will have to developattachment to a particular form of God in orderto love God. God assumes many forms so thatpeople may develop attachment to the formof their choice. However, God is unblemishedand embodiment of purity.”

None can fathom the Leelas of LordKrishna. Sometimes, He manifestedHis full divine glory. At other times, He

April 2006 111

behaved like an ordinary human being.Nevertheless, Krishna was Krishna, God inhuman form! In fact, even those who movedconstantly in the company of their dear Lordand who were witnesses to His many divineLeelas could not fully realise His divine nature.The question that people asked often was whyKrishna should perform such divine Leelas.He did this only to develop intense attachmentto His form in the minds of His devoteesand thereby develop devotion in them. He hadno desires at all excepting this. The constantcompany of Radha developed intensedevotion in her sister Prabha. As is thecompany, so is the transformation. Tell me

your company, I shall tell you what you are!

Accordingly, Radha and Prabha becameone in the end. Prabha’s other name wasChandrika. Her mother used to call herPrabha, but others called her Chandrika.

Divine Will is Immutable

It is very difficult to bring abouttransformation in human mind. It is only Godwho can accomplish this. Krishna furthered HisDivine Mission by transforming many people.The Ramayana, the Mahabharata and theBhagavata describe how God brings abouttransformation in people to redeem their life.Many people approach Me and pray, “Swami!Please change the mind of my son. He hasdeveloped hatred towards his parents for somereason; we do not know why. Normally, he isa good boy. He never takes to bad ways.Please Swami! Change his mind so that hewill behave well towards his parents.” A mindis a mind after all! Manomoolam Idam Jagat

(the mind is the basis for the objective world).

A knotted gnarled tree trunk may be made

straight as a pole,

A shapeless hunk of rock may be carved to

form a beautiful idol,

But, is there anyone who can change humanmind? (Telugu Poem)

It is beyond the power of man to changethe mind of others. In fact, he is unable tochange even his own mind. Under thesecircumstances, man should develop firm faithin God. When our faith in God is firm, God willhelp and protect us.

Divinity is not confined to any form. It is apower, and that power is infinite. This infinitepower can accomplish any difficult task. Godmay assume any number of forms, but thedivine power is only one. The sameAtmatattwa (principle of the Atma) that isresiding in this body as the indweller is presentin every human being as well. For example,you may refer to the electric current as DC orAC, but the basic characteristic of the currentis the same. Similarly, the Atmatattwa is thesame in every human being. Considering thePrapti (deservedness) of the concernedindividuals, God brings about transformation

You may call God by any name –

Venkateswara, Rama, Krishna or Sai

Baba. Only names differ, but God is

one. Some people may think that God

assumed the human form of Rama.

Then He assumed the form of Krishna.

God may assume any number of forms,

but He is always one. He remains

changeless irrespective of the form He

assumes. There is change in your

perception of God. God’s Sankalpa

(Will) is immutable.

112 April 2006

in them. Transformation of the human mindcannot be brought about by man. It is notpossible by any Mantra (incantation), Tantra(esoteric doctrine) or Yantra (mystic diagram).It is only when God wills so, it becomespossible. God can accomplish anything andeverything. He can be present anywhere andeverywhere. In keeping with the declaration

Ekam Eva Adviteeyam Brahma (Brahman isone, without a second), He is one. LordKrishna was one, but the Kauravas and thePandavas looked at Him differently. God doesnot change. If He changes, the whole universewill change. It is a serious mistake to think thatGod is subject to change. God is changeless,eternal and unblemished. None can changesuch a Paramatma (Supreme Self). It is noteasy to comprehend divinity.

Embodiments of Love!

Divine love is unique andunparalleled. No human being’s love

equals that of God. God’s love is changeless.He may assume any number of forms, but Hislove towards human beings remainsunchanged. Nirgunam, Niranjanam,

Sanathana Niketanam, Nitya, Shuddha,

Buddha, Mukta, Nirmala Swarupinam (God isattributeless, pure, final abode, eternal,

unsullied, enlightened, free and embodimentof sacredness). You may call God by any name– Venkateswara, Rama, Krishna or Sai Baba.Only names differ, but God is one. Somepeople may think that God assumed thehuman form of Rama. Then He assumed theform of Krishna. God may assume anynumber of forms, but He is always one. Heremains changeless irrespective of the form

He assumes. There is change in yourperception of God. God’s Sankalpa(Will) is immutable. He can transform

Human beings are entangled in Maya

(illusion). They are deluded to think

that God in human form is also a

human being like them. You cannot

develop love towards a person without

developing attachment to him. This is

true in the case of God in human form

also. Hence, first you will have to

develop attachment to a particular form

of God in order to love God. God

assumes many forms so that people

may develop attachment to the form of

their choice. However, God is

unblemished and embodiment

of purity.

April 2006 113

the whole world with His Sankalpa. But Hedoes not want to do it in such a manner.

Divine Grace on Swami Purusho-thamananda

Embodiments of Love!

Cultivate pure love; for, purity is unity andunity is divinity. Let your individual love betransformed into pure love for God. This divinelove will help you to experience the Divine.Sometimes, people have a doubt whetherGod’s love undergoes change. Never, God’slove will never change. It is steady and strong.It will always remain unchanged. God canaccomplish any task. Sometimes, He may giveDarshan to some people, while others may notreceive this grace. Much depends upon theirmental attitude. Cultivate unflinching faith inGod. Many sages and renunciants yearnedfor the Darshan of God, but only a few couldwin that grace by virtue of their unflinching faithand single-minded devotion.

When I visited Rishikesh, I gave Darshanto Swami Purushothamananda living in theVasishtha Guha (cave) located on the way toBadrinath in the Himalayas. He was doingTapas, living alone in that cave. He used tokeep a small oil lamp in that cave. The cavewas located a little away from the road point.He used to buy milk and make some tea withit. That was his only food. Rest of the time, hewas immersed in Tapas. Days rolled by. Oneday, he came to know that Swami had cometo stay in the Sivananda Ashram for a fewdays. He was longing to have Swami’sDarshan. He, therefore, sent a small chitthrough a messenger praying, “Please comeBhagavan and grant me Your Darshan.” I wasaware of his intense devotion towardsSwami. As soon as I saw this chit, Iimmediately rushed to Vasishtha cave

to bless him with My Darshan. Purusho-thamananda was extremely happy on seeingMe. He wanted to spend a few minutes alonewith Me. He, therefore, advised Kasturi to goinside and have a look at the place. Kasturi,with his journalistic inquisitiveness saweverything. Purushothamananda fixed hisgaze on Me and was lost in bliss. After a fewmoments, he regained his normal self.Purushothamananda requested Me to stayfor one more day. The very next day, Ivisited Purushothamananda again. Afterreceiving My blessings, he went intoSamadhi (superconscious state). After Myreturn to Sivananda Ashram, SwamiSivananda was a bit perturbed that I visitedPurushothamananda’s cave twice and did notfind much time to spend in the SivanandaAshram. Everyone was happy to read innewspapers that I had visited the Ashram ofSwami Purushothamananda on two days. Igive happiness to one and all. Your happinessis My happiness.

On My second visit to Vasishtha cave, Itook a piece of paper from Kasturi and wrotea particular date for My next visit toPurushothamananda’s Ashram. On thescheduled date, Purushothamananda took aholy bath in the Ganga and was eagerlywaiting for My Darshan. Deeply lost incontemplation on My Divine Form, he haddivine vision after some time. A few minuteslater, he left his mortal coil in that deep Samadhistate itself. I was informed by a telegram thatPurushothamananda had merged in Swami.I confirmed the news saying, “Yes, yes”.Strangely, his birthday and the day on whichhe attained Samadhi were one and the same.

Later on, when the door of the Vasishtha

Continued on page 115 ...

114 April 2006

HE AUSPICIOUS DAY OF UGADIbecame doubly blessed whenBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

entered His new abode adjacent toPoornachandra on the morning of 30thMarch 2006.

Sweet notes of Nadaswaram and holychants of Vedic Mantras welcomed Bhagavanwhen He came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 8.00 a.m.in His sparkling yellow robe to bless thedevotees on the auspicious day of Ugadi. SaiKulwant Hall and Bhagavan’s residence weretastefully decorated with flowers, festoons andbuntings on this happy occasion. While amega size Kalasha in the centre of Sai KulwantHall marked the auspiciousness of theoccasion, decorations with plantain leavesand sugarcane from new crop on all its gatesaugured plenty and prosperity. Specialdecorations however were done in Bhagavan’s

new residence with beautiful floral designs andmyriad-coloured lights and trees and designsof light which glittered at night. After showeringHis Divine blessings on the devotees in SaiKulwant Hall, Bhagavan started ceremoniouslyin a grand procession to enter His newabode. The procession was led by the bandsof girls and boys students of Sri Sathya SaiHigher Secondary School and Sri Sathya SaiInstitute of Higher Learning, followed by Vedachanting students and Nadaswaram troupe.Bhagavan entered His new residence at 8.30a.m. amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras by thestudents and priests and performance ofPuja by the priests. On this happy occasion,Bhagavan hosted a sumptuous feast for allthe students and staff in PoornachandraAuditorium and in His new residence.

The festival of Ugadi was celebrated in theafternoon in Sai Kulwant Hall. The programmecommenced with a beautiful and sweetdevotional song in praise of Lord Ganeshby the Institute students soon after the arrival

TT

Bhagavan’s new abode glittering with decorativelights on Ugadi night.

The students and staff of Sri Sathya Saieducational institutions enjoying the grand feast

in Poornachandra Auditorium.

of Bhagavan in the Hall at 4.00 p.m.

Thereafter, the students made a very

illuminating and powerful presentation to bring

forth the inner significance of Ugadi

celebrations through group songs, skits and

dialogues. The programme also included the

traditional ritual of Panchanga Sravanam

(listening to the almanac) which was made

lively and interesting by the students who gave

the inner meaning of this custom on the basis

of the teachings of Bhagavan.

After this excellent programme of the

students, Bhagavan blessed the devotees with

His nectarine Discourse exhorting them to

follow Sathya and Dharma and give up anger

and hatred. He advised the students to control

their senses and mind and follow the path of

goodness. Bhagavan brought His Discourse

to a close with the Bhajan, “Prema Mudita

Manase Kaho …” After this, the devotees

experienced the bliss of singing the glories of

the Lord when they followed in chorus the

Bhajans led by the Institute students. In theend, Prasadam was distributed to all. Thefestival of Ugadi came to a happy conclusionwith Arati to Bhagavan at 6.30 p.m.

Bhagavan giving His Ugadi Message to thedevotees in Sai Kulwant Hall.

April 2006 115

... Continued from page 113

cave was opened, the entire cave was full ofVibhuti! From then on, the name and fame ofPurushothamananda spread far and wide.The disciples of Purushothamanandathereafter visited Prasanthi Nilayam. I providedthem accommodation and all conveniences.They stayed here for ten days and left for theirplace, carrying with them the love andblessings of Swami. Purushothamananda wasa noble soul. He was really a Purushothama(noble man). This is the story ofPurushothamananda.

Vasishtha cave is still as it was whenPurushothamananda lived there. It isperfectly clean and holy, spreading

divine vibrations in the entire Ashram. Thedisciples of Purushothamananda told Me:“Swami! The entire Ashram is permeated bydivine vibrations. We feel as though SwamiPurushothamananda is still with us.” I toldthem: “Fine! You continue to feel his presencethere and enjoy bliss.” During one of My visitsto Delhi, I arranged for conducting Bhajan inmemory of Purushothamananda, keeping hisphotograph there. Thus, many sages andseers show intense love and devotion towardsMe and yearn for My Darshan.

– From Bhagavan’s Divine Discoursein Sai Kulwant Hall, PrasanthiNilayam on 11th October 2005.

AI RAM, JUMSAI! TELL US A LITTLEbit about how you happened to cometo Swami?

Well, it is not how I came to Swami, but howSwami caught hold of me.

Of course, that is always the case. He alwayspulls the string, but in the purely worldly sensewe always think that we have come to Swami.All right, whichever way it is.

See, even before I knew about Swami, He hadalready made an appearance to my mother.He came during the war time and saved all ofus from bombing.

There was bombing in Thailand also!

Yes. At first we were invaded by Japan, thenlater on by the Allies.

So, you got it both ways (laughs).

Yes, we got it both ways. In any case, it wasproved that Swami actually came because Hesaid that Himself.

In which year was that?

It must have been around 1940-41.

It’s amazing. He was just a 14-year-old boyin physical frame. He had just declaredthat He was Sai Baba. When your

mother saw Him, what was His appearance?How old did He appear at that time?

Well, He seemed to be a young man. Mymother described Him as someone who lookedlike a monk, but not a monk.

In the later years, did you have any chance toshow the photograph of Swami to yourmother? Did she recognise the Form?

Well, I didn’t know Swami.

No, much later, after you came.

Well, when I came to know about Swami, Iimmediately talked to my mother about it. Butmy mother did not recognise that Swami wasthe same person as that young man. But sheaccepted Him immediately and we cametogether for the first time. Anyway, I like to tellyou how I came. This was just over 20 yearsago in Thailand, when first few people cameto Puttaparthi – Thai people. Before that, therewere Indians and people of other nationalitieswho had come from Thailand. But we didn’thear much about it until a very prominent ThaiBuddhist came and he was transformed by

Swami. He came back and started to talkabout Swami and translated books intoThai language. Then he came to me

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SATHYA SAI EDUCATION IN HUMAN VALUESAND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY IN THAILANDSATHYA SAI EDUCATION IN HUMAN VALUESAND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY IN THAILAND

“The local school administration had given a target of 52% for all school leavers in grade 12

to gain entry into universities. The Sathya Sai School had already two batches of grade 12,

and we achieved 100% entry into universities, the only school in the district to do so. The

source of all the success and name and fame is, of course, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba,”

said Dr. Art-ong Jumsai, Director, Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Thailand in reply to a

question of Dr. G. Venkataraman.

116 April 2006

because he is a friend of mine. He said,“Would you like to go and see Swami?” I said,“If He is so great, He better call me. Otherwise,I won’t go.” Well, that put a challenge (laughs).On the same day as that challenge, I wassitting all alone; suddenly, I felt there was a lotof light and energy entering my body and Iwas shaking and shaking.

It was daytime?

Yes, it was daytime. And I was shaking andcrying. Tears were coming out. I felt I waspeaceful. So I thought, well, may be this is thecall. I went to my mother and told, “Would youlike to come with me?” She said, yes. So, wecame. It was in the year 1982 duringBhagavan’s Birthday festival. Of course, therewas a huge crowd. I couldn’t get anywherenear Swami. I didn’t know my way. Swami cameout for Darshan. I was outside the enclosureand He glanced in my direction. Suddenly, Ifelt the same light and energy entering mybody and I was crying and crying and crying.So, I knew that was the call. He did make thatcall.

Now let me come to your current activity, whichis in the field of education. You havebeen in it for many, many years now. Ihave seen you here at PrasanthiNi layam part icipating, organising,running so many courses. What I wouldlike to ask you is what EHV in simpleterms is and what you are doing inThailand and later on how the movementhas spread across the world, becausevery few people know really much aboutit. You are the best person to tell usabout it.

It all began in 1983 when a delegationof nine from Thailand attended the firstInternational Conference for Bal Vikas

Gurus held at Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagavanspent a lot of time with the delegates and wewere very much inspired. When we went backto Thailand, we started to work immediately.First, we experimented on children from theslum areas of Bangkok. With Sathya SaiEducation in Human Values, the childrenunderwent noticeable changes and parentsreported that they were very happy at thechanges that had taken place. TheOrganisation officially known as the Sathya SaiFoundation of Thailand then decided that weshould now inform teachers about the fivehuman values and their associated instruction.Thus, we held seminars for teachers twice amonth. Devotees worked hard to prepare foodfor the delegates, wash dishes, serve food,prepare banners, contact the Government andthe Ministry of Education, clean up the hall andprepare floral arrangements. The seminarswere popular and about 15,000 teachers hadbeen trained when the teachers started to askto see a school that used everything thatwe had described in the seminar. TheOrganisation then made a historic decisionthat a model school, the Sathya Sai School,

View of Sathya Sai School, Bangkok, Thailandfrom the top of a mountain.

April 2006 117

was to be established to demonstrate howchildren were to be taught to bring aboutHuman Values excellence.

Thus, in 1992, the Sathya Sai School wasopened. It was a residential school andchildren came from all over the country. Westarted only with grade 1 with only 14 children.Today we have kindergarten and grades 1 to12 with 350 children. Teachers and educatorsthat have been trained number over 50,000.The impact on society and the country as awhole was very great. After training 25,000teachers, the Organisation stopped allseminars as they became redundant. Theschools, colleges and universities continuedto arrange the seminars themselves and theOrganisation was requested to provide thespeakers.

The important part of this training is thatteachers learn to integrate values in allsubjects. So, in other words, they don’t haveto change the curriculum. They use the samecurriculum but learn to integrate values. Valueswould be an integral part of everything thatthey do in the school. We just need to motivatethem, inspire them because they are alreadyprofessional teachers.

Do you maintain any contact or feedback fromthem?

We invite them to come and see Sathya SaiSchool because that’s very important. Manyof them come. They visit, they see and arevery much moved by what they see in theSathya Sai School because the atmosphereis completely different from other publicschools.

Are you hopeful of making some impact onthe children and the youth of Thailand?

Certainly, the children in Sathya SaiSchools are really transformed. Theyhave changed so much.

Are the lawmakers lending you an ear?

Well, I tell you the secret. I had to become anM.P. myself. I was elected three times asMember of Parliament in Thailand. I wasalways in education work in Parliament, alwaysin house committees for education and so onand that helped a great deal to influence thelaws and, in fact, we now have been able toput out a new law five years ago. Thiseducation law states that values must be anintegral part of all subjects. So, this is a greathelp in Thailand because there is a greatdemand for training. They don’t know how toapply the laws in their schools. So, they cameto us because we were really the originatorsin Thailand. That’s why we have been trainingso many teachers. Almost weekly, we have totravel all over Thailand and give training.

In 1997, the Parliament passed a newConstitution and Article 81 of the Constitution

stated that the Government must provideeducation that will bring aboutknowledge and human values at the

The Ministry of Education was

searching for a model school for the

new Education Law and when the

Vice Minister of Education visited the

Sathya Sai School, he was very much

impressed by what he saw and

declared the Sathya Sai School as the

perfect model school for all to come,

visit and learn. Now we have visitors

from various schools, colleges,

universities as well as Buddhist

monks from all over the country

coming to visit the Sathya Sai School.

118 April 2006

same time. The Parliament then had to enacta new Education Law of 1999 and Article 6 ofthe new law stated that the purpose ofeducation was to bring about humanexcellence with human values and the abilityto live together in peace. The Ministry ofEducation was searching for a model schoolfor the new Education Law and when the ViceMinister of Education visited the Sathya SaiSchool, he was very much impressed by whathe saw and declared the Sathya Sai Schoolas the perfect model school for all to come,visit and learn. Now we have visitors fromvarious schools, colleges, universities as wellas Buddhist monks from all over the countrycoming to visit the Sathya Sai School. Thereare over 200 visitors every week. The SathyaSai School was declared by the Governmentas the most outstanding Buddhist School asThailand is a Buddhist country. A prestigiousuniversity awarded the title, the Philosopherof Thai Wisdom to me. Thailand is nowproceeding on the course of self-transformation. Not only has the Sathya SaiSchool become an example of Human Values,but also in the academic field. The local schooladministration had given a target of 52% forall school leavers in grade 12 to gain entryinto universities. The Sathya Sai School hadalready two batches of grade 12, and weachieved 100% entry into universities, the onlyschool in the district to do so. The source ofall the success and name and fame is, ofcourse, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. ForHe is the Inner Motivator and He is the Doerof all things.

Allow me to ask a somewhat difficult questionat this point. One of the things I am ratherworried about is the following: It is allwell for us to try and tell students about

values; we may do it with the best of motivesand best possible way. But the practicalproblem is that many of these students aresubjected to two very powerful opposingforces – one is the media and the other is thepeer pressure. Of course, media worksthrough the peers to its advantage. So, howdo you take across the message to thosepeople who might be reluctant listeners, whomight not be willing to accept what is reallygood for them? If you have some good tips, Ithink it will be useful to share them with ourlisteners who might be teachers.

Well, we are getting across to teachers; this isnot too difficult because already teachers arethinking in that line.

Teachers, of course, but the teachers mustget across to students. At least 20-25 per centmust accept what the teachers say.

Yes, getting across to students is not thatdifficult. It depends on the teachers. If theteachers are convinced and if they reallybelieve in this programme and if they are anexample, then it is not difficult. This is very

important. They must express values intheir own life. Then it is easy to transferto the children.

Classes being conducted in natural surroundingswhile visitors observe the students.

April 2006 119

That’s a good point. I have not heard anyone

say that. What you are saying is that you can

overcome any scepticism with example. If the

teacher becomes a role model, it is much

easier to convey. I think you have a real point

there, which has not been stressed enough.

We were able to accept Mahatma Gandhi

because he was a role model. The long and

short of it is that any teacher training

programme must focus on making a teacher

into a role model. Is that what you would say?

Yes. They must be a role model for thechildren to emulate.

Tell us something about the clones of your

institute, if I may use that word, which have

come up in many other continents. There is

an institute for Sathya Sai Education,

somewhat similar to you in many other

continents. Is it not?

Yes, we cannot work alone in one country. Weneed to spread out and delegate the work andso we have been asking many countries tostart Institutes of Sathya Sai Education.

One per continent or something like that.

Well, at first we were thinking ofregional institutes where each region

will have one, but when the countrybecomes very strong, then they will set uptheir own institutes. You may have two inthe region, that doesn’t matter, like inAfrica. They already have four or fiveSathya Sai Schools and they do a lot ofwork.

Oh, there are two institutes!

There are two institutes now in Africa.

What about Latin America?

In Latin America, we have institutes inArgentina, Brazil and now institutes arebeing set up in Mexico, Venezuela and

Colombia. Many institutes are being set up.South America is very active.

In Asia, apart from Thailand where do youhave Sathya Sai Institutes?

In Asia, we have institutes set up in thePhilippines, and if you go little further south,then of course, we have one in Australia. Wedo have institutes that are being set up inJapan, but they are not full-fledged institutesas they don’t have diploma courses. But theydo train teachers. So, they have alreadyarranged national training three or four timesin Japan.

There is no penetration in China?

Oh yes, we are working hard in China. Youremember we had a conference here in theyear 2000, an international conference. Therewere Chinese educators, really top educatorswho were invited and they came. They wereso impressed. They went back and contactedus to help them in training teachers. We havesent some of our people from Hong Kong togo and train teachers with these educators.It’s been very successful; they are very happy.

So, we are going to continue the work.

Now before we sign off, I would like youto give our listeners with some ideas

Girls’ hostels situated in sylvan setting in Thailand.

120 April 2006

which they can think about relating to

education and values. What would you like to

tell our listeners as a parting remark?

Life itself is an education. We learn all the time,every minute we are learning somethingbecause we are interacting with theenvironment; we have our instruments forlearning – the five senses are always used tointeract with the environment. So, through thefive senses we are receiving a lot of informationall the time and we need to process that sothat it is useful to uplift our mind to become abetter person.

Am I right in assuming that a better person is

one who serves society?

A good person is one with values. Suchpersons become selfless and therefore theywork for others rather than for themselves.Because our life is a learning process, wecannot avoid it. We need to have education,we need to teach everyone how to learn. Thatis very important. The learning process we allneed to use in our life. So, when we study, wewill see that values are always there in ourlearning process because it applies to our ownlife. Human values and integrated learningconcepts are now globally accepted. So, wehave at present 57 Sathya Sai Schools in 35countries of the world, besides several SathyaSai Institutes for training of teachers in humanvalues.

Courtesy: Radio Sai Global Harmony

April 2006 121

SRI SATHYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER MEDICAL SCIENCESPrashanthigram - 515 134, Anantapur Dist. (A.P.) India

(Accredited by the National Board of Examinations)Phone No. 08555-287388 - Ext.: 506, Fax 08555-287544. Email: adminpg@sssihms.org.in

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for undergoing DNB training for three yearsin the following Specialities.

Minimum Qualification

1. Super Specialitiesa. Cardiology MD/DNB (Gen. Medicine or Paediatrics)b. Cardio vascular and thoracic surgery MS/DNB (Gen. Surgery)

2. Broad SpecialitiesMinimum Qualification

a. Ophthalmology }b. Anaesthesiology }

The Institute offers stipend as prescribed by the National Board of Examinations and singleroom hostel accommodation on payment of usual rent.

The selection will be based on the performance in the written, clinical and viva voce tests forCardiology and CTVS and through interview and objective assessment for Anaesthesiologyand Ophthalmology.

The application form and the brochure can be had from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of HigherMedical Sciences, Prashanthigram, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. Pin - 515 134 onpayment of Rs. 300/- (rupees three hundred only) by demand draft drawn on SBI, PrasanthiNilayam in favour of “SSSIHMS, Prashanthigram”.

M.B.B.S and pass in the CentralEntrance Test of the National Boardof Examinations.

Director

B O S N I A A N D H E R Z E G O V I N A

Zenica is an industrial city located in centralBosnia and Herzegovina, north of Sarajevo onthe river Bosna. A meeting was held in the BigHall of the Zenica Council on 7th February2006 which was attended by 100 people. Fivespeakers spoke in the programme that lastedtwo hours. The speakers were Jakob Finci,Svetlana Broz and Ivan Vrhunc, SabinaMujezinovic, the Coordinator of a radioprogramme on Radio Kameleon, and an Imamfrom local community. The speakers spoke ofSri Sathya Sai and His works of service andglobal charities. A question period wasprovided during the meeting. The proceedingswere broadcast by an independent televisionstation with satellite reach throughout Bosniaand Herzegovina. In addition, many journalistswere also present in the audience. Theattendees appreciated the meeting andrequested for future meetings to learn moreabout Bhagavan.

B R A Z I L

A free dental clinic was established inAugust 2005 by Sai devotees in Sao Paulo,Brazil. This clinic runs for three hours everyTuesday and sees poor children betweenthe ages of 6 and 12 years. The goal is toprovide loving preventive dental care anddental treatment when required. During thepreceding six months, 82 fillings, 20 toothextractions and four dental surgeries havebeen carried out. The perennial love ofBhagavan and the overwhelming appreciationby patients’ families keep devotees committedto the clinic.

C A N A D A

A public meeting was conducted by SathyaSai devotees in Regina, the capital ofSaskatchewan on 26th November 2005 tocelebrate Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s80th Birthday. The meeting was attended byabout 120 people and was based on the themeof Sathya Sai Education in Human Values. Twoteachers from the Sathya Sai School of Canadaspoke on Bhagavan’s Education in HumanValues and how well it could be integrated intothe school curriculum. Smt. Sara Longman,Director of the Public School System in Regina,was present and was impressed by themagnitude of Bhagavan’s work.

For 11 months from January to November2005, the Sathya Sai Gayatri was sung inSaskatoon 1008 times every week withrice Abhishekam. The rice used for theAbhishekam was then cooked and a ricepudding was served to 300 homeless peoplein Saskatoon. In addition, 250 T-shirts weredonated to school children in an impoverishedneighbourhood and 800 li l ies plantedthroughout the city by the devotees.

S O U T H A F R I C A

The Sathya Sai Baba Organisation of SouthAfrica held a national conference on 4th and5th March 2006. The conference, held at theUniversity of Kwa-Zulu in the province of Natal,was attended by 1200 delegates. The daybegan with chanting of the Gayatri Mantra andverses from the Vedas. Delegates were theninformed that there was no pre-determinedprogramme for the event and that theproceedings would be driven by the sharing

122 April 2006

of individual experiences of the impact ofBhagavan’s teachings upon their lives. Topicscovered through discussions includededucare, parenting, health and diet, businessand human values, leadership and service.This event also marked the occasion of thegraduation of 300 delegates who received adiploma in Education in Human Values at theInstitute of Higher Learning, South Africa.

U. A. E.

A medical camp was held in Abu Dhabi on24th February 2006. A team of generalpractice physicians and ophthalmologists saw120 patients during that day. Patients wereprovided free transportation in an air-conditioned bus to facilitate travel to the clinic.Health screening was provided for diabetesand hypertension and treatment forrespiratory and dermatological ailments. Freemedications were dispensed as needed.Counselling was provided for generalhygiene, healthy lifestyle, alcohol andsmoking cessation. Patients were given a totalof 130 white T-shirts with the Sarva Dharmalogo. The Indian ambassador to the U.A.E.enthusiastically took part in the camp and gavea talk on healthy living to the patients,arranged for the embassy to provide furnitureand video display units and assisted in thedistribution of the T-shirts. The films, ‘His Work’and ‘Pure Love’ were shown continuouslyduring the clinic.

U. K.

The ancient city of Bath is located inEngland in the rolling Somerset meadowswest of London. On 5th February 2006, ameeting was held to herald the glory of unsungheroes by the Mayor in the famous Guild Hall

built in 1779. About 150 people attended theevent. After presentations from severalreligious groups, the event was capped by aninformative session by the Sathya SaiOrganisation. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Babaand His global service activities wereintroduced to the public. In addition, a questionand answer session was held along with adisplay of photographs of the activitiesundertaken by the Sathya Sai Organisation.The Mayor of Bath wrote to thank the SathyaSai Organisation for its activities and for the“thought provoking finale”.

The Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Manor Park,London, conducted a seminar on the themeof “Love and Harmony” on 21st January 2006attended by a large multi-faith audience. Apresentation was made on the life and workof Bhagavan. At the conclusion of the events,Sri Patrick Handley, the advisor on interfaithmatters to the Bishop of Brentwood spoke andapplauded the efforts of the Sathya SaiOrganisation. He remarked, “The example you

A meeting in progress in the ancient City ofBath, England where Sathya Sai Organisationof U.K. made a presentation about the life and

global service activities of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba.

April 2006 123

offer is all the more needed in today’s worldof materialism where the power factions, thenews and the media are offering the oppositeof what the Sai Baba Organisation stands for.”

U K R A I N E

A national public meeting was held in theidyllic town of Sumi near Minsk in the Ukraineon 21st and 22nd January 2006. Devoteesgathered to welcome the long-time devoteeof Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and theactive nonagenarian Phyllis Krystal. Bhagavanhad approved the visit and the long train ridein the depth of Russian winter upon therequest of Steve Picullel, Zonal Chairman of

In spite of extreme cold weather, a large numberof devotees came to listen to the talks of Phyllis

Krystal about Bhagavan and His teachings.

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Russia. WithBhagavan’s blessings, it was not surprising thatthe meeting, held at – 25 degrees centigradewas attended by 135 devotees who gave hera thundering standing applause after her talk.A second public meeting was held in Belo,Russia on 3rd to 5th March 2006. About 150devotees gathered to listen to Phyllis Krystal.At both these meetings, she spoke of theimportance of heeding to Bhagavan’sDiscourses and not engaging in gossip,rancour and criticism. She narrated her ownexperience of how with complete surrender toBhagavan and by focusing on divine love, shecould escape from a life-threatening situationwhen she was on a hijacked plane withterrorists. She also patiently addressed severalspiritual questions.

On Sunday, 26th February 2006, SivarathriAkhanda Bhajans were held in the historictown of St. Petersburg. The Bhajans wereattended by over 200 devotees, many of whomreturned to work the next morning after a fullnight of devotional singing.

U. S. A.

A group of Sathya Sai Baba devoteephysicians from the U.S.A. gathered togethera multinational and multidisciplinary medicalteam to render free medical service to theneedy in Guyana. A total of 55 members fromthe U.S.A., Canada and the U.K. departed forGeorgetown, Guyana to set up their medicalcamps from 17th February to 24th February2006. There were 13 camp sites in the variouscities of Georgetown, Demerara, Essequibo,Linden, Village of Enmore and Wakenaam City.The group carried with them medicalequipment, medications and supplies toprovide primary medical care with the help ofthe Sathya Sai Organisation of Guyana.

124 April 2006

Seminar on “Love and Harmony” organisedby the Sathya Sai Baba Centre of ManorPark, London on 21st January 2006 wasattended by a large multi-faith audience.

The magnitude and scale of the camp wasunprecedented. A total of 3,622 patients wereseen for general medical care and 1,600patients seen for ophthalmological care. Ofthese, 65 eye surgeries were performed fordiseases including cataract and glaucoma, 60laser treatments for diabetic retinopathy and1018 corrective eyeglasses were distributedfor patients with visual impairment. Preventivehealth screening and education was providedfor cardiac disease, diabetes, dental hygiene,hypertension, osteoporosis, HIV, nutrition,health education for smoking and alcoholismand women’s health. Treatment was providedfor respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal,gynaecological and infectious diseases. Firstaid was taught to young adults.

The President of Guyana was very muchpleased with the service provided and met thegroup. He thanked Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba and pledged his full

Multidisciplinary medical teams from the U.S.A., U.K. andCanada organised free medical camps in 13 different

towns of Guyana where 3,622 general medical care and1,600 ophthalmic care patients were seen by the doctors.

support for future medical camps. Onthe last day of the camp, the HealthMinister of Guyana commented,“Guyana is better today than it wasone week ago – thanks to all of you.”

T H A I L A N D

On 6th February 2006, Sathya Saidevotees from Maesai in NorthernThailand donated 50 blankets to thelocal temple and provided meals tothe temple monks. Another group ofSai devotees went to the Klong Toeyslums on 5th February 2006 for SaiSeva. After chanting the GayatriMantra and Brahmarpanam, theregional coordinator Sri Sachdevspoke on Human Values anddistributed a spiritual diary to 120children. In addition, 731 food

packets consisting of noodles, milk and fruitswere distributed.

– Prasanthi Council

B H A R A T

Andhra Pradesh: Khammam district plannedand executed Children’s Joy Festival at districtlevel on 5th February 2006 at Kothagudemon the lines of Children’s Joy Festival atnational level held at Prasanthi Nilayam inOctober 2005. As part of the programme,elocution competitions on “Bhagavan’s Life –An Ideal for the World”, essay writing on “TheUnity of all Religions”, and quiz programmeon the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, theBhagavata and Bhagavan’s life were organisedin a fruitful way in which 69 children took part.81 children participated in various cultural

programmes. A district-level Bal VikasRally was also conducted, highlightingBhagavan’s teachings.

April 2006 125

Karimnagar district organised thefoundation stone laying ceremony of SriSathya Sai Gurukula Vidya Niketan on 16thFebruary 2006 at Bejjanki village. This districtarranged a big service camp at Vemulawadaduring Sivarathri festival to serve a hugenumber of devotees visiting the famousBheemeswara Temple. 278 Seva Dalvolunteers, both gents and ladies, took part inmaintaining queues, distribution ofPrasadam, Narayana Seva anddistribution of clean drinking water.

Prakasam district conducted aneye check-up camp at Badinenipallion 29th January 2006, examined 417patients, selected 87 cataract casesand got 21 of them operated inGovernment Hospital. To and frotransport charges, food and medicineswere provided free. This districtconducted a seminar on “Science andSpirituality” at Ongole in which doctors,lawyers and leading citizens took part.

West Godavari district conducted a majormedical camp at Antarvedigudem, a veryremote tribal village, treating 1,250 patientsand giving free medicines. During Sivarathri,this district carried out various services likemaintaining queues, sanitation in and aroundtemples, distribution of water and food packetsto devotees, milk to children and maintainingcloak rooms at Pattiseema and NattaRameswaram pilgrim centres.

Srikakulam district conducted two freemedical camps – one at Chinna Kedari villagetreating 200 patients and another at Polla tribalvillage treating 700 patients on 15th February2006. This district carried out variousservices at Sri Suryanarayana SwamyTemple during Rathasaptami, i.e., on

4th and 5th February 2006. About 10,000devotees were provided with accommodation.Sales counter, cloak room, information centrewere organised, besides carrying outsanitation work.

Assam, Manipur and N.E. States: Theinmates of the Ashram for leprosy patients atBoko in Kamrup district of Assam received a

pleasant surprise on 17th January 2006 whena group of Sai volunteers from Diphu,Guwahati and Uparhali Sarpara Samithisvisited them with a number of essential items.In the spirit of the tradition of Assam’s MaghBihu, the items including a wall clock, towel,rice, Dhal, utensils, woollen clothes, lentils,fruits, Bihu sweets, etc., were distributed.Guwahati and Diphu Samithis are offeringthem basic food-stuffs and other muchneeded essential items at intervals. They tooka silent resolution to make such visits morefrequent.

To accelerate the process of availability ofhealthcare facility particularly in rural areas

inhabited by economically lessprivileged people, a series of medical

Seva Dal volunteers offering essential itemsand gifts to leprosy patients at Boko in

Kamrup district of Assam.

126 April 2006

camps are arranged by Sai devotees. As apart of this programme, Sai devotees ofGolaghat in collaboration with the devotees ofDiphu (Karbi Anglong) organised a freedaylong medical camp in Borpathar Bilgaonvillage on 28th January 2006 in Golaghatdistrict. Free medicines were also distributed.Participated by local social organisations, theSeva Dal volunteers distributed leaflets andbooklets on sanitation, AIDS prevention andchild and women healthcare. At the close ofthe camp, mosquito nets were distributed freeto the more needy persons among thepatients.

Kerala: Sai Neethi, the lawyers forum of theSai Organisation of the State conducted athree-day training course in counselling forlawyers. Participants came fromdifferent parts of the State. Thiswas conducted on 10th, 11th and12th March 2006. Theseadvocates are participating in ourGrama Seva programme.

A cleft lip and palate screeningcamp was organised at Shornur on19th February 2006. 41 patientswere selected for free plasticsurgery. The first batch willundergo operation on 1st April2006.

An orientation programme forBal Vikas Gurus was conductedat Thiruvananthapuram. This was part ofstrengthening the activity as 2006 has beendeclared as Bal Vikas year.

During Sivarathri, all the districts of the Stateorganised Seva Centres in different parts ofthe State. There was display of SaiLiterature also on this occasion.

Ten lakh devotees participated in thetemple function at Attukal, Thiruvanan-thapuram. Sri Sathya Sai Organisation ofKerala organised medical camps at differentpoints for the benefit of the pilgrims. Serviceslike distribution of clean drinking water werealso provided.

Pathanamthitta district organised freedistribution of food packets during Sabarimalafestival. Clean drinking water was alsodistributed to the pilgrims.

Bal Vikas children participated in the‘Bhagavatha Sathram’ at Thiruvalla as youngSeva Dal volunteers. They distributed drinkingwater to 10,000 devotees everyday. Alldevotees appreciated the discipline, humility,care and love of these Bal Vikas children.

Under Sri Sathya Sai Vasthudhara Project,the Sai Organisation of the State has provideda number of newly constructed houses to theneedy poor people. About 75 houses weredistributed during the last three years. On 12thMarch 2005, another house was handed

over to a needy family at Thirur,Malappuram district.

A newly constructed house given to a needy family by theSathya Sai Organisation of Kerala on 12th March 2006under Sri Sathya Sai Vasthudhara Project of the State.

April 2006 127

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Sai Children’s Festival 22 Oct. ‘05Ladies Day 19 Nov. ‘05XXIV Convocation, SSSIHL 22 Nov. ‘0580th Birthday 23 Nov. ‘05mp3 CD (Rs. 100 each)Summer Showers 1973 (7 Discourses on 'Bhajagovindam' )Summer Showers 2000 (14 Discourses)Dasara 2001 (7 Discourses)Dasara 2002 (6 Discourses & 2 Music Concerts)Sri Sathya Sai Educare (6 Discourses)Sri Sathya Sai Speaks 2001 (12 Discourses)Sri Sathya Sai Speaks 2002 (22 Discourses)

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