Month: September 2012

When we put a Ceiling on our Desires we get happiness

Man is drowned in unhealthy desires and overpowered by sorrow. In order to remove this sorrow, we have advised the control of desires. The inner significance of this is that only when we put a ceiling on our desires, we can get happiness. However, even you, the Sadhakas, are not able to understand the meaning of this correctly.

Do not waste Money, Food, Time and Energy

In our Organization, there are four important aspects related to “Ceiling on Desires”. The first one is, “Do not waste money”. The second one is, “Do not waste food”. The third one is, “Do not waste time”. The fourth one is, “Do not waste your energy”. Therefore,

Bhagawan wants only your Love!

Sai has not started this Organisation with the desire for money. My wish is that you must control your desires, walk along the path of detachment and enjoy the Divine Bliss. But without understanding these sacred feelings of Mine, you all have considered the saving and offering of money to the Organization as the prime purpose of the practice of “Ceiling on Desires”. This is not the correct approach.

Love, Service and Sadhana The Three Pillars of the SSSO

Merely reading the texts and listening to Discourses cannot make an impact on the heart. To touch the heart and make an impact on it, one must engage in service. One who does not undertake service has no right to talk or preach. Therefore, to acquire the right to speak, one must necessarily engage in service. Seva is the primary Sadhana. To whomsoever we serve, we must regard that we are serving God. We must consider that we are undertaking all activities to please God.

Always aspire to be Service Oriented

Embodiments of Divine Atma, the Sathya Sai Seva members, the Sathya Sai Sevadals, the Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, the Sathya Sai Balvikas – all these are always associated with the word Seva, Seva, Seva. Therefore, we must always aspire to be Sevaks (servants) and in the process attain the position of leadership, but not run after the aspiration to become leaders directly. If we enquire into the situation correctly, we find that in the Western countries, the one who is a Sevak today becomes a leader overnight. She/he becomes a leader or a Guru. You can imagine the harm that such Gurus can bring about. Therefore do not think about becoming Gurus, always entertain the noble thoughts of being a Sevak forever.

Enter Service – Practice Sacrifice

All people and specifically all members of the Sathya Sai Organization must enter into service activities. We must nurture sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice. There are so many wealthy and rich people. They are rich only for name sake but there is no sacrifice in their action. They do not even perform the meritorious act of giving somebody a glass of water. No, no. This is not human life. Sacrifice, sacrifice and sacrifice. Therefore, the Vedas have proclaimed, “Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Tyage Naike Amrutatva Maanashuhu” (Not by action, not by progeny, nor by wealth; it is by sacrifice alone that one can attain immortality). We must attain this form of immortality. 

In Service, there must be no differences

In the matter of service and bending your body and working, no differences of any type must be entertained, either by the members or the seniors of the Organization. When it comes to service, without having any differences in your mind, in a collective manner, considering all as the children of God; you must provide help and support.

Remove feelings of Mine and Thine

All the material objects in the world that give you comfort and joy are not for the use of one single individual. All have a right to it. Each one should put in an effort to experience her/his share of it. It rains, the river flows, the crop grows, the sun and the moon shine; all these activities are not meant for any one single individual. We must recognize the truth that each one has a right to experience these joys and comforts. The Sevadals must strive to remove the narrow minded feelings of “this is mine” (mine) and “this is yours” (thine). They must give up narrow minded ideas, must be contented with what they get and must help others with a sense of gratitude. They must understand that this is the true form of Worship. 

Adopt and Feed one poor person a day

In this conference, we must adopt one new practice. In this country there are so many poor people, forlorn people, sick people and others who are challenged in different ways. Each family must be prepared to nurture one poor person. Each family must offer food and protection to a poor person, thus preventing her/him from going to the market place to beg for food. Each family must welcome and offer food to at least one poor person every day. In this country that has assumed the form of Annapoorneshwari (Goddess of Food), if there is no one to feed the people who cry out, “Annamo Ramachandraha” (Oh Rama give me food), how then, can we call this country as Annapoorna Kshetra (land of the Goddess of food)?

God alone is the witness to the selfless service of the SSSO Members

Not just that, in many parts of the organization (SSSO), right from young children to old people; all of them are doing so much Seva. Selfless service can be seen only in the SSSO. In Bharath, a few months back, in West and East Godavari, the Pushkara festival was celebrated where lakhs of people congregated (Since time immemorial, river worship, known as “Pushkaram”, is performed to make people realize the importance of water, the life-sustaining force. Pushkaram is a holy happening once in every 12 years at each of the 12 major rivers of India, the Godavari being one among them. Every 12th year Jupiter’s entry into the constellation Leo marks the Pushkaram for Godavari). Even in Krishna district, thousands of people assembled for the Krishna Pushkara. The Seva done by the men and women over there is something that only the eyes which have witnessed it can understand and not the fools who only speak. God alone is the witness to the tolerance exhibited by them to all the impurity (dirt) around and to the sacred seva done by them in cleaning and sweeping the place.

Live like Children of One Mother

Embodiments of Divine Atma, all members who have joined the Sathya Sai Sevadal and the Sathya Sai Samithi must consider themselves as children of one Mother. You must make an effort not to have any differences of opinions, and must avoid exhibition of qualities like jealousy and ostentation. 

Be Humble

Embodiments of Divine Atma! Most importantly, all those who join as members in the Sathya Sai Organization must lead a humble life without pride or ego. One should not exhibit any pride that she/he is the State President, District President or the Samithi Head. So long as there is ego, you can never be a leader. Therefore, it is better to remove such people with pride from their leadership position. You should develop yourself into a servant and not into a leader. It is only a Kinkara(servant) who can become a Shankara (wise one or great one). First of all, we must make an attempt to reduce the ego in us gradually.

Give up Jealousy

The second aspect is jealousy. Looking at the good of others and their name and fame, others make their eyes red (become jealous). Jealousy is a bad disease. On account of this disease, one loses one’s humanity. Human nature which is Divine is transformed into a Demonic one. Therefore, we must ensure that we do not allow the demon of jealousy to get into us.

Do not be Ostentatious

Next is ostentation and exhibitionism. You must not start exhibiting that they have prepared Sakkarpongal (sweet rice) for Bhajans (as Prasadam) and so I will prepare Laddus (sweet balls). Yet in another instance, one individual may try to spend more money to be more ostentatious than someone else who has been very ostentatious. In our Organization, we must not give any scope for ostentation relating to misuse or wastage of money. It is said that misuse of money is evil. It is also said that wealth is the very form of (Goddess) Lakshmi. If we misuse Lakshmi (wealth) it would amount to misuse of our very goal. When there are times of necessity, you can spend anything and even give your own life to protect someone. You must not waste money in unnecessary matters, just for the sake of name and fame.

Follow and Propagate Sai Ideals

Embodiments of Divine Atma, today (representatives of) the whole world (have) has assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam, moving about as elder and younger brothers and sisters. This is a sight for the whole world to see. This is the right opportunity. Recognizing this opportunity, you all must determine as office bearers, to promote the sacred Dharma, and stand as shining examples and ideal role models. This is My wish. Those of you, who wish to stand as ideal role models for the world, will have to propagate the need for one common and uniform discipline amongst all of you. Our feelings may be different, our intentions may be different, our nations may be different, our religions may be different, our languages may be different; but the ideals of Sai can never be different. Therefore, those of you who are office bearers in Sai Organizations, must necessarily understand the oneness of Sai ideals and practice and propagate the same to the world.

Have a Steady Heart and Pure Mind

Today the world is becoming mad for wealth, authority and position; but it is necessary that the leaders of the Sathya Sai Organization become mad for the sake of their ideals. Today the world does not need a new religion, a new Mantra or a new society. An unwavering heart and a pure mind are most essential.

See Unity in Diversity

Without the practice of unity, one cannot realize what this life is all about. So much of diversity (difference of opinions) appears in humanity because each one wishes to follow her/his individual feelings. This is not what must be experienced or accepted in the Sathya Sai Organization. We must have conviction in and must have the vision of Unity in Diversity. Because we are unable to have the vision of Unity in Diversity, differences surface and hatred is on the rise. Where there is no Unity, enmity appears. In the world around we do not come across a sense of unity or Love. Life therefore becomes superficial.

Do not encourage distinction of any type

In the Sathya Sai Organization there must be no distinction based on caste, religion, lineage or race. All are the children of one God. When we promote this type of unity, Divinity will certainly shine forth. 

Regard the Whole World as One Home

All the office bearers (of the SSSO) must engage in Desha Seva (service to the nation) and Samaja Seva (service to the society). Considering and feeling the entire world as one home, they must perform their activities. This must be their primary aim.

SSSO must be distinct

You must conduct yourselves in such a way as to project a clear distinction between the other Organizations that exists in the world and the Sathya Sai Organization.

SSSO is Unique!

Today the whole world has recognized that, if there is any Organization that is sacred, ideal and united, it is the Sathya Sai Organization. There are many organizations in the world. But the conduct, practice and speech (communication) that is there in Sathya Sai Organization, is not to be found elsewhere.

The Sacrifice made by SSSO Members is beyond description

Truly, the sacrifice being made by the Sathya Sai Organization is beyond description. For all this, it is your Love which is the main basis. One small example: The Veda chanting goes on…Sahana Vavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu (May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together), but this forbearance has only been in words from ancient times. However, today the (members of the) Sathya Sai Organization is (are) showing this in practice. This forbearance can be acquired only through Love and not through any other path. One small example: So many wealthy people have come here. So many men and women who always live in comfort have come here. Many have come who have never bent their back and done any work. For each one there may have been (in their homes) a separate bedroom of 20’ x 20’ size, but that is of no consequence to them. You can imagine how such comfort loving people, such wealthy and rich people, have been living in Prasanthi Nilayam with so much of forbearance. They are not aspiring for any conveniences. They have no desire for any comfort. Wherever they get (a place) they put up with all the difficulties and wait for receiving Swami’s Love. You will not get this kind of forbearance in any other organization or congregation.   

Your Love is the prime basis for everything

Embodiments of Love, the whole world is recognizing the sacred feelings that are prevalent in Sathya Sai Organization. In a bag of rice, it is but natural to find few stones. In this ordinary world, being mere human beings, few may commit some mistakes. But this will not make any (negative) impact on the Organization. Truly, the sacrifice being made by the (members of the) Sathya Sai Organization is beyond description. For all these things, it is your love that is the prime basis.

Practice the Resolutions taken

Embodiments of love, let anyone talk good or ill about you, let anyone praise or criticize you, do not get elated nor depressed; you must determine to continue to engage in your Seva with genuine feelings, and seek fulfilment in this life and realize your Divinity. Most importantly, it is not enough to put on paper the resolutions taken in this Conference. They should take the form of action (practice). Every person should manifest these ideals in their experience.

Members of SSSO are like its Spinal Column

Members of the Sathya Sai Organization are like the spinal column of the body. If the office bearers do not conduct themselves along the right path, the very spinal column of the organization will get broken. Therefore do not lead the organization along the wrong path. Get a good name by leading the Sathya Sai Organization, which is an ideal for all other organizations; along the Divine, holy, and ultimate path. There can be no connection between money and the Sathya Sai Organization. Any organization having link with money cannot be Sathya Sai Organization at all. Love for love and heart for heart alone can bring about proximity and bonding. 

No connection between SSSO and Money

You all must live in unity, manifest your Divinity, promote the same, and determine to uphold the culture of ancient traditions of Bharath. You must develop the broad mindedness that service to man is service to God. Discard the narrow feelings of me and mine. The problems of the world today can be solved only through Love. Because of lack of love, humans are behaving worse than the cruel animals in the forest. Therefore, promoting the feeling of love and getting rid of the narrow minded feelings, you must engage in service to society with a Divine broad (generous) heart.

Sai wants your Virtues, not Money

What Sai wishes is the wealth of virtues and not this miserable wealth. Even the Sathya Sai Organization will have no necessity of wealth. They are doing Bhajans, Nagar Sankeertan, Social service, Seva in Hospitals. Why do you need money for any of these (activities)? If virtues and according to that, strength is there; if Icchha Shakti (will power or strong wish) and Kriya Shakti(strength or power of action) is there; then there need not be any relationship between these noble activities and money. It is not that there are no associations (among SSSO), which proclaim that money is required for carrying out such noble activities. Such associations are actually bringing disrepute to the Sathya Sai Organization. Even if there are 10 associations that relate to the Sai ideals, they are enough. Why these 100 and 1000s of associations? We do not need them. One teaspoon full of cow’s milk is enough, why barrels and barrels of donkey’s milk?

Maya is very powerful. It can delude anybody

Embodiments of Divine Atma, even as we get onto the path of spirituality in different ways, perform various sacred activities and undertake service to society; Maya (delusion) which is very powerful, engulfs man and makes him take onto many wrong paths. Death is sweeter than the blindness of ignorance. The engulfing Maya is so powerful that it can delude any type of person within a few seconds.

Never beg or ask for money

One more point. Even for small trivial matters and for small trivial programmes, money is being collected. There are many rich people, many able bodied people. Even if 1 or 2 of them get together, so much work can be accomplished. Our Organization should never get into the act of going unnecessarily from house to house and begging for money. Here is a small example.

Never give cash to anyone, Deposit directly into the account of the Trust, if you wish to

I am wishing that none of you (members of SSSO) take the Sathya Sai Organization on the path of collecting money. Rather, you should perform the Sadhana of taking the Organization along the path of developing virtues and present the model of an ideal life to the world. Those who are interested and enthusiastic and have the ability to give may contribute anything to the Health and Education Trust. Sai has no objection to that. Here also, there is a simple solution. Do not give any money into anyone’s hands. Those of you who are enthusiastic may directly go to a known bank and deposit the money in the account according to your ability and take the receipt. But do not give money directly into the hands of any individual. If you do so, you will be responsible in making the sacred name of Sathya Sai unsacred.

If you need anything, come to Me I will give!

Swami has no desire for anything. The Sathya Sai Organization must progress further through the quality of sacrifice. Then alone will the nation of Bharath be restored to its glorious ancient culture. This is not that far. Very soon there will be a resurgence of our ancient culture. Therefore, all members of the Sathya Sai Organization must develop sacred feelings, nurture sacred thoughts and perform all actions with noble thoughts. Then there is bound to be victory. Therefore what we need to do is this: never stretch your hand before anyone. If you have any necessity, come to Me, I will give you. Why do you stretch your hand like this?  In fact members of the organization that stretches its hand like this are not devotees at all. They all will become “beggars”. But we must become “biggers’. We must set an example by living an ideal life. We must engage in activities that are selfless.  We should help the poor, we must respect the forlorn. Only when we undertake service activities like this, we can be called devotees.

Take back all your money I only want your pure Love!

Since today the office bearers (of SSSO) of all the States of India are here, whatever money has been extracted from different states, whatever wealth has been got by begging from different districts; I am returning all that money of 60 lakhs got from begging, back to you. You only make use of this. From whatever district you have collected this money, use it in the same district to help the poor and forlorn people by doing service in the right way. The only thing I seek from you, for which My Hand turns for receiving (palm upwards), is your pure, serene and selfless Love. For no other thing will My Hand ever turn to receive. For everything else, My Hand will always turn to give (palm downwards). Therefore, recognize the truth that in the name of Sathya Sai (Organization) if any money is collected, it can never be connected to Sathya Sai. You must also act accordingly. I do not desire for this, I have never desired for this and I will never desire for this (wealth or money). What I seek is sacred feelings alone. Even these sacred feelings are not for My sake. They are for the welfare of the world. For the welfare of the world, the members of the Sathya Sai Organization must develop a sacred heart, enter into this world, clean the dirt that has accumulated and promote a Divine environment. Our work is Seva, Seva, Seva. This must be our primary aim.

Our business is Love to Love, Heart to Heart

Today even spiritual organizations are becoming commercial establishments. But Sathya Sai Organization must not become a commercial establishment. What sort of business must be there? Heart to Heart and Love to Love. We must get into the business of giving and receiving. Herein, there cannot be a relationship with any object or with money or with anything else. An Organization that develops a relationship with (material) objects and with money can never make any progress. Therefore we must aspire for union of heart with the heart that is truly close to the Divine. We must connect Love with Love. We must join our hands and do service. In this manner we can experience the Viswa Viraata Swarupa (Cosmic Form).

To protect a sapling, we need a fence

Today, we have decided to accept certain regulations and discipline for the Sathya Sai Organization. Why do we need all such controls and regulations? Many enquire whether such regulations are necessary even on the spiritual path. A small example to illustrate this point: A plant would not grow just by watering it. It is necessary to protect it by building a fence around it, thus preventing any damage to it by animals. Once the plant becomes a tree, we would not need any fence. In the same way, we have planted the sapling of our spirituality in us. There are so many forces in this world which try to attack it. In order to protect (this sapling), we will have to have some regulations in the form of a fence. When it grows fully and bears fruits, we would not need any of these regulations. By that time you would be a total Sarva Sangha Parityagi(total renunciant). But before becoming a Sarva Sangha Parityagi, if you do not practice this discipline, you will make no progress.

All are Brothers and Sisters

Here, we consider all as brothers and sisters. In the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, we are practising with faith, specifically, the discipline of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God. Therefore, be it America or Germany or Japan or Russia, he remains your brother only. But in the name of brother, brother (brotherhood), we cannot have a separate rule for America, a separate rule for Japan and a separate rule for Russia. All Sai brothers (members of the Sai Organization) must follow the same path.

Ladies and Gents must be seated separately

A small example to illustrate the point: In Bharath, in sacred Prasanthi Nilayam, men and women are seated separately; and in such conferences, each one goes about doing her/his own work and discharging her/his own duty. This is the tradition in the Sai organizations. In the same way, so many of you have come from America, South Africa, Germany, Italy, etc. This same discipline has to be observed even in your own respective countries.

Control of Mind is necessary

Some Westerners argue “We men and women sit together (in a mixed manner and not separately) and sing Bhajans; it is not possible for us, men and women to sit separately; this is our tradition; this has been our culture right from the beginning”. But this culture has to be changed. Only when it is changed, you will become devotees. If you keep saying, it is our culture, our culture, then you will never become devotees any day. Be it Westerners or the Bharatiyas, we have to sacrifice some of our past practices and unnecessary traditions. This is the spiritual path. Chanchalam Hi Manah Krishna Pramaathi Balavad Dridham(Gita 6:34 – O Krishna, this mind is restless, stubborn and strong). The courageous and heroic Arjuna himself says that he cannot control his mind. Therefore, the mind is like a mad monkey. To control this mind we have to practice very rigorously some type of discipline. 

SSSO has not been established to propagate the name of Sathya Sai

It is essential to recognize the truth that these organizations have not been established to propagate the name of Sathya Sai. As so many other organizations have come forth in the world on account of which atheism is on the rise and theism is on the decline, such organizations (SSSO) have been started so that at least a few people will spread across the nation and across the world and preach the noble ideals. 

Call the Centres as Sathya Sai Centres

Sathya Sai Organizations in America, Mexico and other countries are called as Sai Baba Centres. There is no difference between Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba. However, the physical body of Sai Baba and the related organization is different. The physical body of Sathya Sai and the related organization is different. Therefore, if we enquire from a worldly point of view, differences do arise between Sai Baba Centres and Sathya Sai Baba Centres. In the name of Sai Baba Centres, a lot of preaching and propagation goes on. If we become one with them, we will have no authority to point out the good and bad in them. We will have every right to go to those who call their Centres as Sathya Sai Centres and point out the good and bad aspects in them and help them to walk on the right path. It is not only from the authority (to speak) point of view that we need to have this practice, but coming together like this, will make it possible to help them to lead an ideal life along the righteous path. It is not right for members of one organization to go and join another organization or to have relationships and connections between two different organizations.

Set up a Council of Management

In the Western countries it is not possible to have the name “Sathya Sai Seva Organizations”, because they would not understand the meaning of the word “Seva”. They would mistake it for just “Service”. Calling it “Service Organizations” would also not convey the right meaning. Hence it is advisable to call them as just “Sathya Sai Centres”. Members of the Western nations, it is necessary to address you all in specific. There are certain differences in the traditions and practices of Bharath and your nations. Each Samithi, each Bhajan Mandali, each Seva Centre, each Study Circle, and each Satsangh may operate as independent units. However, for each nation it is necessary to have a Council of Management consisting of 5 or 10 members who would oversee the activities of all these units.

Selection and not Election

Some people are being troubled by some doubts. There are few who do not understand the feelings of the office bearers of the International Sathya Sai Organization. They are also not recognizing the connection and interrelationship with the World Council. An effort is being made to have some specific individuals as representatives for certain nations. How do we determine these representatives? Who will determine these representatives?  Some people have lot of misunderstanding regarding this. Basing on the wishes of the devotees over there and according to their likes, they would like to select a representative. If we go by this approach, then there will be politics and it will be followed by election. In election, the love is completely destroyed. We will be misusing our love. If we wish to truly promote our love, then we must have selection and must not get into election. This selection must be done through the Central Trust. Fighting and creating chaos amongst themselves, they must not divide themselves in the course of arguing over matters.

Work in Unison and Harmony

Be it the Samithi, or the Study Circle, or the Seva Dal; some wish that these should operate completely independent of each other, without any relation or connection between them. This is not correct. There must be a close link between all these units. A small example. This finger is the Seva Samithi. This other finger is the Mahila Vibhag – Women’s Wing. The middle finger is the Seva Dal. The next finger is the Bal Vikas. The last finger is the Bhajana Mandali. If these five fingers are chopped off and made independent, what remains? It is only when these five work collectively that we can accomplish any task. Therefore, in our organization, it is not possible for any unit to operate independently. All these units are like the rivers that flow into the ocean. Rivers have different names and forms before they merge into the ocean. Even the taste (of their water) is different. But once they merge into the ocean, they lose their individual name, form and taste and assume the name, form and taste of the ocean. Therefore, all citizens of all nations must become one with respect to the ideals of Sai.

Entire Humanity is One Family

Every individual, with a narrow minded feeling refers to “Brothers and Sisters of the Sai Family”. “Sai Family, Sai Family”, this is such a narrow minded feeling. Therefore, henceforth, do not use the term “Sai Family”. That is, do not use the term “Sai”, because all belong to the human family. Some may like Sai, others may like Rama, yet others may like Krishna. In this congregation, there are so many people with different tastes and likings. I do not have such narrow minded feelings. You are all not members of a “Sai Family”. You are all members of the Divine Family of God. God is the same for all nations, for all families, for all times. One Name and one Form is a narrow minded approach. We must develop the broad mindedness that all Names and all Forms are One.

Spread the Message through Love

We do not need any great publicity. We do not need to have any advertisement. Silence is our advertisement. We must work silently. There must be only mind to mind, love to love and body to body connection. You must acquire love only through love. Love will expand in the entire world. What is spoken somewhere, when broadcast on the radio, can be heard this very second in Kadugodi (Whitefield, Bangalore). Similarly, our noble thoughts are like radio waves. These waves have to spread only through love and not through broadcast. Prachaaram (publicity) is not at all the Aachaaram (practice) of the Sathya Sai Organization. Aachaaram (practice) is our Prachaaram (publicity). Therefore, with such sacred practice, we must develop our Organization, making it well known across the world. With the love principle, we must make the entire world stand like one family. 

Spiritual Conferences purify our Minds

When we are unable to see our own form, we hold a mirror in front of us. Similarly, when we are unable to recognize our Satvic (pious) qualities and Divine nature, we need to participate in such conferences, hold the Satsangha (good company) as a mirror and make an attempt to see our own true form. Whatever we see and hear in this world are all a reflection of our own inner feelings. When we think and reflect on our good and noble feelings, we will become deserving of witnessing our true form. Without cleaning the impurity that engulfs our mind, even if we take bath ten times, we will continue to remain impure. Therefore, we must recognize that these conferences are instrumental in purifying our minds.