THE LEGACY OF BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

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THE LEGACY OF BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

Mr. V. Srinivasan

A qualified engineer, Mr. V. Srinivasan is a well-known industrialist. He is the chairman of W.S. Industries located in Chennai, India. He was formerly the national president of the Confederation of Indian Industries, the national president of the Institute of Indian Plant Engineers, a member of the Jawaharlal University Syndicate, senior member of the US-based Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, and founder chairman of its Chennai chapter.

He came to the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan more than four decades ago, and has since then been blessed by Swami to hold several key positions in His divine mission.

As the all-India president of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Mr. V. Srinivasan guides and supervises the activities of the organization across the country. He is a Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust.

For millions of devotees all over the world, Bhagawan Baba has been God personified. They worshipped and adored Him; they prayed only to Him in times of joy and sorrow; He was their friend, guide and philosopher. Many still continue to have the same attitude towards Him and He still answers their prayers in His own unique way, which we cannot even begin to comprehend and understand. Bhagawan continues to manifest His miracles all over the world. Each individual has his/her own special experiences of Baba’s Divinity. The greatest joy for Sai devotees is to share and listen to these leelas - the infinite stories of His glory. Through these conversations, which are in fact satsangs, each one’s faith and devotion is reinforced and strengthened.

All of us were greatly attached to Bhagawan’s wondrous physical form. We eagerly looked forward to the daily darshans for which all of us waited patiently for hours without caring for our bodily discomforts or inconveniences. Darshan was everything, and if by chance Baba looked our way, it was heavenly; if He spoke to us, we were transported to ethereal joy.

Baba had repeatedly told us “I am not this body, and you are not this body too”. He wanted us to realise the universal atma which He personified and of which each one of us is also a container.

Today many devotees are feeling lost. The road ahead is not clear to them and they are also plagued by the reports of various controversies. They seek solace from each other but are not sure whether they should really exchange thoughts and news. They wonder whom to turn to for some guidance on what will happen to the future of all the institutions and the Sai Centers, Samithis and Bhajan Mandalis.

The time has come for us to understand what is the real legacy of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba!

To me, the legacy of Bhagawan consists of several parts.

God-Made Institutions for Man's Inspiration

First are the Institutions that He has set up, such as the University, the Hospitals,  the Schools, the Ashram, etc. These are mainly administered by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the University Trust. With His vision and foresight, Bhagawan has set up adequate corpus funds for His Institutions to enable them to continue to function well on the income from these funds, which are all deposited in the fixed deposits with nationalised banks. Hence, all of them will continue to offer free education and medical treatment to all, irrespective of religion, caste, creed or income.

Sathya Sai Institutions in Relentless Service

Bhagawan established these Institutions to be models to prove that it is possible to offer free high quality education and the most modern medical treatment totally free of cost without seeking assistance from the government for everything. The proof has been there for more than twenty years in the successful working of these Institutions. Lakhs of poor and needy persons have benefited and they are indeed the living proofs of Baba’s compassion and love. These Institutions are for those that need them and hopefully will motivate others as Bhagawan wished, to set up similar citadels of love and service to humanity.

These are the material parts of His Legacy, which are there for the whole world to see and experience.

Love - the Royal Path to Salvation

The second part is a manifestation of the purpose for which the Sai Avatar descended. He was Love personified, a Love which transcended all barriers and limits, a Love which encompassed the entire creation. He has lit the lamp of love in millions of hearts, the brilliance of which inspires them to transform their lives and project that love in their daily lives. This love makes those individuals caring and sharing persons, who collectively engage in the society and by their actions, motivate others to also be caring and sharing, leading to a general improvement of society. Even though this process may be slow, its impact is long lasting. Baba’s inspiration of Love to millions of individuals is translated verily into Love in Action all over the world.

This Love transforms lives every second. Life acquires a new meaning. For Sai devotees there is a new path - Prema Yoga which embodies all the other yogas of Karma, Bhakti and Gnana within itself. Bhagawan has said “Live in Love” and that is the way for our continuous communion with Him.

LOVE is therefore Bhagawan’s greatest legacy, which may not be touched but is real and universal and experienced by all. It belongs to all mankind, not just to a few. It cannot be appropriated by anybody but can only be shared and experienced, for the redemption of one and all.

Educare - the True Way Education is to be Imparted

The third part of His Legacy is Education. While many others talked about it, Bhagawan postulated and introduced in His educational institutions human values based educational curricula. The system of Integral Education implemented in the Sai University is unique and unlike any other. Education in Human Values has many concepts introduced by Bhagawan, including 3-HV, and Educare. The education given in His institutions is for life and not merely for earning a living. Right from the stage of childhood, such value-based education is available in the Bal Vikas classes which are conducted throughout the length and breadth of India and in many other countries through the full-time Sai schools and Sai University. This legacy of values-based Sai Education is His priceless gift to humanity for posterity.

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation – A Spiritual Nursery for Mankind

The fourth part of His legacy is the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, which is active in all the states of India and in 125 countries of the world. The Organisation is an instrument created by Bhagawan to enable all to perform their sadhana and achieve their spiritual goals through it. The Organisation has three wings - the spiritual, educational and service. One can choose any to perform their seva and sadhana. Today in India alone, there are 600,000 members who voluntarily serve with love and devotion. They include government officers and bureaucrats, doctors, engineers, judges and lawyers, professors and teachers, legislators, farmers, and students.  They work in over 2700 villages, and in slums, hospitals, old age homes, jails, orphanages and in disaster areas, inspired by Bhagawan's  message that service to man is service to God. Many of them have never even had a chance to talk to Swami, yet they have been supercharged by His divinity and have dedicated their lives to selfless service.

We see Sevadal volunteers from every state of India regularly in the ashram, in the hospitals, and in all places at Prashanti Nilayam. They come here at their own expense, lovingly giving their time and effort. For these volunteers, offering such seva is their communion with Bhagawan Baba, since they know that Bhagawan is pleased when we serve the poor and needy with love, and their faith is that Bhagawan is there where His work is done. This seva has transformed their lives and they will continue to engage in it till the end of their lives. Nobody can take their Bhagawan away from them for He is always with them. Nobody need force them to do anything, since they serve with love and devotion. For those that are served, this seva brings Bhagawan into their lives and transforms them also to in turn love and serve others.

The Organisation’s activities continue and will only increase in the future. The Youth are giving a new dynamism and energy to the Organisation, using new tools and technology to improve the efficiency of their Seva. This Legacy of Bhagawan created for human good and welfare is always His, never to be taken away by anyone but only to be shared and experienced by personal involvement.

The Sai Organisation is now active in 125 countries of the World. Bhagawan belongs not just to India and Indians but to all the citizens of this earth. They came in millions for His Love and Inspiration and they will continue to do so for He has become a part of their lives forever.

This therefore, dear brothers and sisters, is Baba’s legacy of Love. His legacy is His eternal message to Humanity. Blessed are those who knew Him. Even more blessed are those who share His legacy of LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL.

Jai Sai Ram!
sourced:

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_09/01JUL11/03-VS.htm

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WHY WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

Bhagawan answers this puzzle

- a video presentation

“God you think, God you are; dust you think, dust you are” said Lord Jesus. The entire Universe according to Bhagawan Baba is reaction, reflection and resound. Swami gives us the example of the little boy who told his mother that there was someone hiding in the hills, who scolded him everyday. With a smile, the mother taught him the principle of the echo and told him, “Always speak lovingly to him and you will see what a nice person he is!”

The Universe is a mirror. What we hold up to it, is what we get in return. If we hold something we like, then that is what we get. On the contrary,  if we hold up something unpleasant, even if we don’t like it, that is what the Universe will give us in return too. A mirror only reflects. Thus the onus is on us to hold good thoughts, good feelings and do good deeds. As we sow, so shall we reap.

View Video: http://vimeo.com/26963662   Yad bhavam tad bhavathi (as you think so you become). You are bound to experience the reflection, reaction, and resound of your feelings, be they good or bad. If you see bad in others, it is only a reflection of your evil feelings. It is a mistake to blame others while ignoring your own faults. Purify your feelings in the first instance. Love even those whom you consider as wicked. In fact, nobody is wicked in this world. It is because of bhrama (delusion) that you consider some as good and some wicked. The August 31, 2008 turned out to be a special occasion for all of Swami’s students working in various institutions at Puttaparthi and Whitefield. Swami had graciously agreed to speak to them that afternoon. As He had promised, Swami enquired at about 3:30 p.m. whether all the students had gathered in the Bhajan Hall. He wanted to make sure none would miss the bounty that He was about to confer. Swami went around and enquired sweetly from everyone as to whether they were all happy with the food! When everyone responded with joy, Bhagawan was very happy and touched. Moving to the front, Swami lit the candle and cut a specially made cake. Then Swami settled comfortably facing all the students. Among the many things He told them, was a very poignant and powerful little story which runs thus: A dog once entered a hall of mirrors. Seeing so many dogs all around, it felt that it must assert its supremacy. As it growled in authority, hundreds of dogs growled back at it. Now it attacked one of the dogs. The mirror collapsed and broke into pieces. Now there were a thousand dogs growling back at the dog! That is how dogs behave. But when a human enters the same hall, he is only filled with love and admiration, for he  knows the truth that it is only him being reflected everywhere. If at all he notices any defect, he immediately corrects himself and instantly everything becomes perfect! Form alone does not constitute a human being. A true human being is one who embodies good habits, helps ever, and hurts never. You should not merely be an aakara manava (human being in form); you should become an aachara manava (human being in practice). Speak good, see good, do good, and be good. Divinity will manifest in you only when your conduct is good. The divine vibrations that result from the bhajan you have just sung is spreading to all parts of the world. The divine name that you chant purifies the hearts of many. Hence do not entertain bad feelings or use bad words. Employ sacred words. Sing the glory of God. By doing so, you will render a great help to the whole world. Do not hurt others. Help everybody. When you help others, you will certainly achieve positive results. Make proper use of your time. Chant God's Name and make your heart sacred.

Many times we see ‘nice’ things happening to ‘bad’ people and ‘unfortunate' things happening to ‘good’ people. Swami says that good and bad are relative; one only faces the consequences of one's actions and thoughts. The confusing disparity is because of the time frame involved.

When we clap our hands, we hear the sound immediately; the reaction is instantaneous. But it takes a while after we have finished food before we belch; that reaction takes some more time. Similarly when a mango seed is sown, it takes years for the tree to grow and yield fruits; the reaction time here is a lot more.

We do good and at times are struck by misfortune. We wonder, “Why did this happen to me?” In reality our actions too have different reaction times. We often confuse the reaction to one action when it seemingly comes after another action. And we are baffled all the more as we are unaware of so many of our past actions! So letting go of the past, let us always be good and do good, for that will ensure that we always get good results once the load of past bad actions is worn down!

And the best time to start being good is – NOW!
sourced:

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_09/01JUL11/11_05_video.htm 

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California BAL VIKAS CHILDREN ASK QUESTIONS

- An interactive session with Prof. G. Venkataraman in Prasanthi Nilayam

 

The Guru Poornima of July 2011 witnessed the historic event of the unveiling of the Maha Samadhi of Bhagawan Baba. Thousands had gathered in the sacred precincts of Sai Kulwant Hall to be present on this sublime occasion and soak in the divine energy that pervades this entire township and beyond. The crowd in fact was no lesser than in the earlier years. And like always Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed the homecoming of many a eager spiritual aspirants from overseas too.

The Guru Poornima festivities continued even after July 16 with many groups being blessed with the opportunity of performing for Bhagawan in the Sai Kulwant hall. The Glendale-Arcadia Sadhana Group and the Glendale Balavikas from Southern California were one such. This 121 strong pilgrim group from the US had the chance to offer a musical programme at the divine lotus feet on July 22.

A couple of days after this, on the request of the group, Prof. Venkatraman addressed them on  the evening of July 25. The presence of large number of children in this group (more than 40%) prompted Prof. Venkatraman to turn the session into an interactive one, though in the latter half of this meeting, he did share with them certain salient aspects of Swami's life and mission.

Prof. Venkatraman interacting with the Group from California		A Bala Vikas student putting forth his question

During the interaction session, the children asked many questions like “Why is there violence in the world today?”, “How to see the Atma in all?”, “How to feel Swami's Presence in the current times?” and so on. Some first-timers and young parents too sought similar clarifications. Since this session turned out to be pretty interesting and profound we now wish to make this available for all because the answers that Prof. Venkataraman offered may well help to clarify such doubts in the minds of many others – young and old – from all around the globe.

So please do listen to the recording of this interactive session which was held in the Conference Hall on July 25, 2011.

Hear the Audio

http://dl.radiosai.org/SI/2011/0729b.htm

 

We will also make available the transcript of this session at the earliest possible.

Thank You
Radio Sai team

 

sourced:

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_09/01JUL11/11_US_talk.htm

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Conversations with God

 

Q: Swami, can I get moksha (liberation) in this very birth? A: You can get it this moment, if you have the required purity of mind (Chitta Shuddhi). The only criterion is purity; birth is not important. God is beyond time—(Kalateeta). The time factor is applicable only to the universe (Jagat) and not to the Lord. Q: Swami, the mental tendencies (vasanas) of many lives hinder the progress. A: Vasanas can be changed by discrimination and effort (Viveka and Sadhana). You have to examine every tendency of your inner being, whether it is good or bad, before translating it into action. Q: Swami's grace must come ......... A: The grace is always there; it neither comes nor goes. You have to tap it with effort. Q: What is the difference between Dana (charity) and Thyaga (sacrifice)? A: Charity is giving of money, time or energy for a good cause; sacrifice is giving up of one's bad traits and weaknesses. If sacrifice means just the giving up of hearth and home, many people will do it very easily! The hallmark of true devotion is this sacrifice—the giving up of one's bad traits and weaknesses. A true devotee should not be deterred by adversities in life. The difference between true and false devotion can be discovered only in times of adversity. A ball of iron and a dry leaf look alike when there is no wind. But when the wind blows, the leaf flies away and the iron ball is not even swayed a little. In times of adversity, false devotion disappears; but a true devotee will think, "My difficulties and problems are in no way connected with my devotion to God. These difficulties are like passing clouds, but God is eternal and so is love for God." Q: On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna threw away his bow and arrows with a decision not to fight the war against Bhishma, the grandfather, Drona, the preceptor, and other kith and kin. But Arjuna had fought against Bhishma, Drona and others to protect the cows of Virata Maharaja, towards the end of the Pandava's incognito term in exile. What accounts for the difference in Arjuna's attitude? A: The purpose of the earlier fight was only to protect the cows. It was not a decisive battle. There was no intention on the part of Arjuna to kill Bhishma and Drona. But in the battle of Kurukshetra, the stakes were very high; he had to kill them to win the war. In this situation, attachment to kith and kin plunged him into sorrow. Q: Was Arjuna overpowered by the fear of fighting against the mighty heroes arrayed against him in Kurukshetra? A: No, Arjuna was never afraid of fighting against anybody. It was only the delusion of 'I' and 'mine' (moham) that overpowered him. Q: On the battlefield, Krishna taught Arjuna many aspects of the science of the Spirit. What was the path practised by Arjuna later? A: The purpose of Krishna was to make Arjuna fight the war and save him from misery and infamy. The knowledge of 'Atma and Anatma' and the truth about the body principle are essential for the performance of one's duties (Kartavyakarma). The most important thing that Arjuna learnt was to perform all actions with a sense of surrender to the Lord. This is the secret of Karma Yoga. This was practised by Arjuna. Q: The Bhagavad Gita says, "There is no killer nor killed!" On this basis Arjuna is asked to kill men on the battlefield. On the same logic, can anyone kill anybody he likes to kill? A: Bhagavad Gita exhorts all men to follow their Dharma. Arjuna, being a Kshatriya, had to protect Dharma by killing the evil men. It was his duty. Arjuna was made to know the immortal nature of the Spirit and this enabled him to do his duty with efficiency and perfection. One who has the awareness of the spiritual truth will not enter the wrong path and do wrong things according to one's whims and fancies. He will always follow the moral code of conduct. There is the story of a murderer, who argued with the magistrate, "There is neither any killer nor killed (according to the Gita). Therefore, why do you propose to hang me?" The magistrate paid him back in the same coin, telling him, "You also cannot be killed. Only your body will be hanged!" sourced: http://www.sssbpt.org/pages/SaiSpiritualShowers/SSS28Jul2011.html