Most of the contents of the current newsletter contains notes of the Swami discourses as taken by April Skrobiza . April's descriptions and notes are lovely and gives a good picture of the happenings
Summer Showers at Brindavan.
To read the complete discourse, go to the official Sathya Sai site. Click on this link :
http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/
Summer Course 2002 Begins
(From: April Skrobiza )
16 May 2002 11:30 am Thursday Brindavan
My Dears, Today was the beginning of Summer Course 2002. Being Thursday, the crowds for morning darshan
were very large. I did not get into Sai Ramesh hall, along with lots of others. Only the first 6 or so
token lines got in the back section.
But, as Swami's grace would have it, I got a nice seat on the outside looking straight into Swami's
compound (beyond His gate)on the right side (ladies side). It's the first time I've sat there and been
able to see Him walk from the Lotus house all the way to the hall without obstruction (at 7:00 am). He
stopped and talked with several men along the way, including Anil Kumar.
As He came closer to us, He stopped by the VIP ladies bench (from outside the hall) and spoke lovingly
to several of the ladies. He usually does this in the morning. He even allows one maharini to kiss His
hands. It is very, very sweet to see.
After Swami went through the hall, He went up to the stage via the women's stairs (I could see this
through gate #2 entrance) and stood by His chair for a moment listening to the current bhajan. As soon
as that bhajan was finished, He signaled for arti to begin, lit the lamp and walked back down the stairs
toward the exit, where we were seated. Even the Prashanti staff, who are here for Summer Course, were
seated outside with us today. Of course, they were right at the entrance to gate #1.
Swami came out of the hall and came over to where we devotees were seated and gave us a nice wave
blessing with a beautiful smile. He began to walk back to the lotus house, when Anil Kumar came on the
loudspeaker and announced that today was the beginning of Summer Course. There would be an inaugural
discourse by Swami to students, staff and invited guests at the auditorium following darshan. He also
said that Swami had graciously given His consent to address all the devotees each afternoon during the
next 9 days.
Swami had stopped to listen to what Anil Kumar had announced. We could tell that He wanted something
else said, and saw Him send someone to tell Anil Kumar to say that those invited to the inaugural
discourse were to go immediately to the auditorium.
We had a nice long "after" darshan as Swami lingered in the driveway talking to several men before going
inside.
I decided to go over to the auditorium to see where I might get a view of Swami coming and going and
maybe even giving the discourse. I followed my heart and it lead me to the guest house (where I go on
Wednesdays and Fridays to practice bhajans). I was able to stay there and watch Swami come to the
auditorium in His red car and even watch the discourse on a TV monitor that was set up across the way
for overflow. But, there was no overflow. As a matter of fact, it seemed that there were not that many
people attending this function.
For the next couple of hours, I sat, watched and listened to the inaugural activities. The weather was
cool and breezy. I had a seat in a chair(!) under the shade of several trees. There were multi-colored
flags strung around the grounds near the auditorium and the water fountain in front of the school was
spraying water very prettily in the breeze.
There were two speakers before Swami's discourse. I could not hear what they were saying. Even when
Swami was talking, it was difficult to understand. Sometimes the wind would blow the words away,
sometimes a car or truck on the street would honk and obscure the text. But, I was able to get some of
Swami's discourse and share it with you:
The topic was self-confidence and self respect. He told the story about President Lincoln (Swami uses
this example quite often) as a young boy, being teased by his classmates for having poor clothing. When
he came home all upset and told His step-mother, she gave him some wonderful wisdom. She told him that
the best wealth is that of self-confidence (self-respect). If he remembered that, he would be far
wealthier than those who had nice clothing. Lincoln remembered this all his life and it took him to the
highest post in the land - president.
Swami continued to speak and at one point said - Purify your heart with love and those around you will
atomatically change. Develop a good character. An interesting bit of information was given - Anil
Kumar said Swami had not taken any food for the past month, yet He is always blissful (or youthful).
Swami said in English: My Life Is My Message. You'll be stong and healthy if you follow Bhagavan.
Toward the end He said: You are born to serve, not to rule. Swami seemed to finish by singing "Sai
Bhajana Bina", but after the song, He continued to say a few more words, then fianlly signaled for the
arti lamp. After lighting the lamp, He walked immediately out of the auditorium, got into His car and
went out of the school grounds, back to the lotus house. It was 10: 30 am. The Summer Course
inaugurual function had come to a close.
At His Feet, April
Summer Showers At Brindavan - Discourse #1
16 May 02 6:45 Thursday Brindavan
My Dears,
Well Summer Course began with a bang! I?ll explain what I mean in a moment.
After this morning, I decided to leave a bit early for afternoon bhajan token lines. I had arrived this
morning at my usual time and was in the late lines. My efforts were rewarded, as I got line 1 and a
wonderful seat on the main aisle in block 4. The second and third blocks were filled with students and
teachers.
The altar had been decorated for this afternoon with some unusual floral arrangements. Coming from
behind the Krishna statue in a fan shape were several palm fronds. In front of these were handmade
multi-colored foil hearts and moons pasted on long sticks, also fanned out. The Krishna statue was
draped in several flower garlands of orange, white, green and yellow with some red roses for accent.
Along the edge of the small roof over the altar hung double loops of orange and white flower garlands.
Behind the statue was a gold drape as a backdrop. On either side of the altar were two unusual flower
arrangements. In the shape of an S on it?s side, were greens and flowers attached to a wide bamboo pole
painted gold (I know it sounds unusual ? it was!). At the point where the arrangement attached to the
pole, was a large handmade butterfly. Swami?s chair and desk were in front of the statue along with two
podiums, one on either side.
As we devotees sat waiting for Swami , it was hot and humid, but a cloud cover and occasional breeze
made it reasonable. At 4 pm Swami came from the lotus house and bhajans began simultaneously. Swami
came through the back stage door and across to His chair. He sat and listened to two bhajans. Then
students in red dhotis and white shawls came on stage to chant. They were very good (and loud!). They
bowed to Swami and He blessed them from His chair with His upturned palm.
There were two speakers before Swami?s discourse. But, it was difficult to understand what they were
saying. The first spoke about what Swami had said in the mornings inaugural discourse about Rama. How,
when Rama was born, it was a cloudy day, so the Sun missed out on the blessing. When Krishna was born
it was night, so the moon was blessed. He said these tidbits were never revealed before and we are very
blessed to get such first hand information. He asked if Swami would talk about the Ramayana during
Summer Course fortnight.
The next speaker was named Deepak Anan. He told several stories to illustrate the greatness of Swami
and taled about all of Swami?s projects. As Sri Deepak Anan spoke, it started to rain a little.
At 4:30 pm Sri Deepak Anan finished and Anil Kumar came to the second podium. Microphones were brought
for Swami. It began to rain a bit more and distant thunder. A cool breeze came into the hall as Swami
stood and began to sing His opening remarks.
We may loose our friends, our property, our wife, but all can be replaced again, but once the body is
gone, you cannot get it back. So, we should make every attempt to experience a state of bliss and
happiness in this life. Since the body is not everlasting, we should try to acquire bliss in this life.
Bharat (India) is the birth place of many great things. Many noble people have come from Bharat. Swami
sang again. But modern man wants to acquire things from abroad not realizing he can get them here.
(Now the rain has become very hard an there is thunder and lightening. It's as if the rain is trying to
be louder than Swami! The thunder sounds like gunfire.) Anil Kumar and Swami speak louder, but we are
having difficulty hearing them.
A clap of thunder and a flash of lightening come right on top of Sai Ramesh Hall. It is so loud and the
concussion so big, that all of us are taken by surprise and jump out of our seats involuntarily. Even
Swami and Anil Kumar are affected. Swami stops for a moment, then continues. The rain is so hard, I
can't tell what Swami or Anil Kumar are saying.
There are devotees outside the hall and they scramble for cover. Those of us on the main aisle move
over further toward the middle (right on the edge of the carpet runner). Everyone slides over and that
makes room for more devotees on the outside to get inside. I now have an even better view of Swami. The
rain continues to pound and come down in buckets.
Swami has Anil Kumar ask if we can hear Him. Everyone raises their hands to say yes (even if they can?t
hear, they don?t want Swami to leave!). So, Swami continues. ( So does the rain.)
It is in this land of Bharat that God has taken human form. (Several times Anil Kumar cannot hear what
Swami says and has to repeat. This causes some laughter.) I can barely make out that Swami is talking
about Saraswati, then about knowledge. Man can be blissful by chanting the glory of God. Without God?s
grace we cannot even move forward one step. We are full of desires. God is not in a foreign land, He
is present in you. He is within you, around you, below you. All our suffering can banish in a moments
time by singing God?s name. (I can hear a bit better as the rain is slowing down.)
None can comprehend the power of the name of God. You are essentially divine. God is not separate from
you. Students have forgotten the glory and power of Bharat ? mistakenly thinking to find it in foreign
countries. Everything needed is here (India). Bharat is the center ? it is the sacred land.
Then Swami tells some stories about His childhood, that I could not understand. He sings several
bhajans that He composed as a child. Devotees around me that understand Telegu laugh several times.
Swami has a sweet smile on His face as He narrates these stories. By 5:20 pm the rain has almost
stopped. Swami said He will talk about the Ramayana in the following days as requested. He ends the
discourse by singing the main verses to "Rama Rama Rama Sita" and we sing the refrain. It is very
beautiful. After finishing the song, Swami signals for the arti lamp and we begin to sing as He lights
one lamp and takes a rose from one of the students. As we sing, prasad in big silver buckets and
cardboard boxes are brought into the hall. Swami watches for a few minutes, as it is distributed. It is
5:35 pm.
Swami makes His way over toward the exit door. He walks past one of the floral arrangements on the
bamboo pole and looks at it for a moment, before leaving. As we finish singing arti, He turns to us and
gives several double handed blessings. It is so filled with love, my heart is bursting. The door opens
and we see a car waiting to take Him to the house. He dismisses it with a wave of His hand and walks
past it. Devotees cheer. The door closes and we wait to receive our prasad. The prasad is a sweet in
a celephane bag. The rain has stopped and we can leave. Day one of Summer Course comes to an end.
At His Feet - love, April
Summer Showers - Discourse #2
My Dears,
Today we had the second of Swami’s discourses for Summer Course 2002. I had token line 3, so had a nice
view of Swami and the other speakers again this afternoon.
Swami surprised everyone by coming early: 3:50 pm. Most all the devotees were in the hall, but the
security people and seva dals had to run to get into their places before Bhajans began. The altar was
the same as yesterday except there were no looped garlands on the roof over Swami’s chair and the
Krishna statue had new flower garlands. Swami’s desk, chair and two podiums were in place. Today, there
were new box speakers on the stage, pointed toward Swami's desk and the podiums, so they could hear
themselves, if it rained like yesterday.
Swami came across the stage and stood at His chair listening to the singing for awhile before sitting.
When He sat, several men came in from behind the gold curtain (backdrop behind the Krishna statue) and
sat on the floor behind Swami.
Today there was no rain, but it was cloudy and occasionally, a nice breeze came through the hall . It
looked like it could rain later. The bhajans stopped and a group of young men in red dhotis came up to
the podium to chant. Swami blessed them from His chair after they finished.
A fellow, who acted as the MC, came to the podium next and gave us a rundown of what we could expect
this afternoon. He said that two students would give us a summary of the morning talks (given to the
students in the auditorium), then Vidya Jyoti Das who graduated with a masters degree from Swami’s
school (and is in charge of the brass band) would speak. Finally, Swami would give His discourse.
The two students (one male and one female) summarized the morning talks very nicely. It was like a
school assignment. The first young man spoke about Venkataraman’s talk (he is now in charge of Swami’s
Global Harmony radio broadcasts). Venkataraman's talk was about his memories of Summer Courses in the
past years and He presented a question to the students: What is the purpose of life? He gave Swami’s
answer: To go back to where you came from. He said to have a broadminded perspective, which is taught at
Swami’s schools. He said broadmindedness is a part of the culture of India. He told several stories to
illustrate some of his points. He told the students to follow Swami’s commands implicitly and to realize
how fortunate they are to be in Swami’s school.
The second speaker that was at the morning session was a Mr. Madhusudan (not sure of the spelling). He
spoke about some of his experiences with Swami that illustrate the mother and teacher side of His
nature. He also gave some stories of Swami as God.
Then a young female student came to the other podium to summarize the one talk given by a woman—Dr.
Parvati Challi (spelling is unknown) who is a professor at one of Swami’s schools. She gave the students
at wonderful story of her life and her goal of service to Bhagavan. She told of her prolonged illness
and how that brought her closer to Him; how He appeared to her in the hospital and gave many examples of
service and faith. Swami gave her faith at the lowest ebb of her life.
After these two summaries of the morning events, Vidya Jyoti Das came to the podium to speak. He started
his talk with the story of the tree that was cut down by a woodcutter. The tree was crying in pain, but
the woodcutter soon had cut it down. No one would listen to its cries. Now the tree was a log and was
eventually taken to the sawmill. It could not cry anymore, even though it was now going to be in even
more pain. It bore the pain silently. A small piece of the tree ended on the workbench of a craftsman.
This craftsman used a sharp chisel to cut into what was left of the tree. The tree thought there would
be no end to the pain.. But, it became a beautiful violin and made wonderful music. The tree thought:
Could this be me, making such beautiful music? This story illustrated the theme that Mr. Das spoke
about: pairs of opposities – joys and sadness (suffering). Why is there sorrow? It is then that people
turn to God. Who are we to question the ways of the Divine? He then told so me stories about Swami
At 4:25 pm Anil Kumar came to the podium and microphones were brought for Swami. He stood up and sang
His opening remarks, as usual (so very sweetly!).
This whole world is under God’s control and the noble men who follow the path of the Divine. For modern
society the Ramayana is essential. Today we don’t have people who are of high character doing their
duty. The Ramayana sets before us the principles for the whole world to follow. How children should be
raised, how brothers should interact ideally. How husband and wife should be. But this is not seen
today. We find freedom is more and more. In the present circumstances Ramayana teaches the ideals.
Modern parents need to remember that the home is the first school of learning – how to speak truth and
follow dharma. Schools then teach respect, how to be with friends. But, no one is bothering with these
aspects of life. The moment a child is admitted to school, students should know how to behave. We have
to clearly understand the role of discipline in the institution. Once this is put into practice,
students will become ideal.
In ancient times, people would getup early – cleanup and eat properly (very little), then go to school
with humility. If you follow the proper conduct, you will no doubt have perfect health. Modern students
don’t respect their mothers.
Then Swami told a story from the Ramanyana about the yajna that Dasaratha was doing for the wealfare of
the world. Demons were interfering, but he could do nothing as he was part of the yajana. Sage Vaisista
suggested that Rama and Lakshmana go with him to the forest to get rid of the demons and protect the
yajana. Dasaratha was shocked at this suggestion as the boys were so young (thirteen according to
Swami). Then Swami told another story from the Ramayana – this one about how the four boys were born
because of the sacred pudding being consumed by the 3 queens and how the pudding of Sumitra’s was stolen
by a bird when she was drying her hair on the balcony (there were no hair dryers in those days according
to Swami! – this brought a laugh).
Swami told how the other 2 queens shared their portion of the pudding (with permission from the Sage and
proper prayers) with Sumitra. These two queens were ideals. They felt that they were all one. Swami said
we don’t see this kind of sisterly attitude today. Swami told how the 4 children were born to the queens
and cried all the time until the sage was consulted and had a vision. He told Sumitra to put Lakshmana
with Rama and Satrughna with Bharatha. She did this and the children stopped crying and played happily.
Swami said that Satrughna’s virtues are not mentioned in the Ramayana, but that he was very noble. He
said that the story of Kikye asking for the two boons so her son could be king is incorrect. The truth
is that she was a very virtuous woman. She knew that the only way the demons would be killed was for
Rama to go to the forest and take care of it. This was her plan all along. So, the boons were asked for
this reason. And, eventually Rama did get rid of the demons including Ravana.
Swami also told of how the pudding taken by the bird from Sumitra was dropped where Angelidevi was
meditating and is responsible for the birth of Hanuman. Thus Hanuman was intrinsicly tied to Rama and
the other brothers.
Swami used these stories to illustrate a number of ideals, such as unity, obedience, etc. He said the
Ramayana teaches how to be an ideal mother, father, brother, teacher, etc.
Swami then spoke about the death of Rama and Krishna and what happened. Unfornately, I was unable to
understand exactly what was said and I don’t want to get it incorrect. (I will ask tomorrow for
clarification from some friends and send the correct information along later.)
Swami ended by talking about how people think He is old and weak. Ladies ask why He walks so slowly – is
He in pain? Swami said He is in perfect health and these questions are a sign of ignorance. He is 77
years old and can see perfectly. He can walk quickly and strongly, but since He is 77 He plays this
role. (Swami was very forceful throughout the discourse today – showing lots of energy and vitality!)
He said that the reason He walks slowly is because the taylor makes the robe and slip too long and so He
has to be careful not to step on it! Then He said there are many secrets in the Ramayana and He would
tell us and clear any doubts. (Can’t wait!)
At 5:25 pm, Swami began to sing " Rama Kodanda Rama" and we all sang along. Anil Kumar sat on the stage
floor and keep time to the song, tapping on one of his books. When Swami finished the song, He signaled
for the arti lamp. Two students came up. One gave Swami a rose, and the other brought the lamp. Swami
took the rose and put it in the students pocket, then lit the lamp. He turned to walk out of the hall as
we sang. When He was about halfway to the door, He turned to us and pulled up the bottom of His robe to
show the underslip – gesturing to show how long it was – as He had mentioned earlier. We all smiled and
laughed at this cute moment. (It was precious!)
Day two of Summer Course 2002 came to an end. It had not rained during the discourse, but within 10
minutes, it began to pour like yesterday with thunder and lightening (not as much thunder and lightening
though).
At His Feet – love,
April
Summer Showers - Discourse #5
20 May 02 Monday 9 pm Brindavan
My Dears,
Today we have the events of Summer Course – Day 5. Time goes so quickly –
we are half way through already.
This afternoon began as usual with Swami coming from the lotus house but
each day He has come a bit earlier. Today it was 3:25 pm. Bhajans began
immediately. The altar had been refreshed with new garlands of red, white
and orange. His desk, chair and two podiums were in place. He came through
the back entrance and crossed the stage to His chair listening to the bhajan
“Ram Rahimko”. He sat and we all sang bhajans for several minutes before He
signaled for the young men in red dhotis to come and chant for us.
After bowing to Swami and receiving His blessing, they left and the MC came forward to give us the
schedule for today. First would be a summary of what had happened at the morning Summer Course session,
followed by a speaker named Sri Ravi Merebala (not sure of name of spelling), who has a masters in
biochemistry and an MBA in Marketing both from Swami’s colleges. He has been working at the
Superspeciality Hospital in Puttaparthi (at Swami’s request), since it’s inception. After Sri Merebala,
we would hear from Swami again, with more episodes of the Ramayana. The summary of the morning session
was given by two students (male and female). The first young man told us about talks given by Dr.
K.Hanumantapa and Professor Anil Kamar. Dr. Hanumantapa spoke about “My Experiences With Swami” and the
current “universal spiritual revolution” which is due to Swami’s presence on the planet.
Professor Kumar spoke on the topic of Indian Culture and Spirituality. Some of his subtopics were a
discussion of the difference between a teacher and a master. A teacher gives information that has been
learned from others – a master shares his own truth. Professor Kumar also gave 10 commandments of
spirituality (I was only able to get 9) which he listed by their key words:
I Don’t use this word
We Use this one
Ego Kill it
Love Value it most
Smile Use it generously
Rumor Ignore it
Success Achieve it in spirit
Jealousy Avoid it
Knowledge Acquire it
After finishing his summary, the male student left and a young female student came up to summarize a
talk given by a woman ( Kumari C. ? - did not hear her last name). Kumari C. spoke on “The Story Of
Man”. She spoke on the need for us to take responsibility for the world as well as individual problems
and gave some practical ideas on how to achieve this. She extolled the Sai educational system and gave
some personal experiences with Swami, which had helped her grow spiritually.
Her summary over, the young woman left the stage (after bowing to Swami) and Sri Ravi Merebala came up
to the podium to begin his talk. He took us back in time to the Emperor Akbar’s palace and a discussion
about why God would take human form to come help mankind. The Emperor did not believe that God would
want to do this. The story illustrated God’s deep love for his creation and Sri Merebala compared this
to Swami’s being here now to help mankind again. He said Swami’s power comes from His deep Love.
He narrated a story about Swami as a young boy, and a couple of sweet incidents when he was a student at
Swami’s school and how Swami asked him to work at the Superspeciality Hospital before it was even
completed. Swami sent him and a couple of other boys to Dehli for training and personally wrote them
each two letters while they were gone, also taking care of all their expenses. He said there were a lot
of skeptics in Dehli, saying the hospital would run out of money and the “experiment” would be over. But
now after 55,000 successful operations to date, it is certainly no “experiment”.
Sri Merebala continued to talk about his experiences at the hospital and Swami. One day Swami arrived
unannounced, opening the doors to the hospital Himself and walking into the ICU. The doctors were
surprised, as they are always informed when Swami is coming and He never comes alone. But there He was,
so they followed Him into the ICU and saw Him give a beautiful raised-hand blessing to a woman who was
recovering from two surgeries. She was in pain and weakly put her hands up in the namaste position to
acknowlege His blessing. Then Swami left.
The doctors were wondering who this woman was – was she important or some VIP – that Swami had come to
her all by Himself. They did some inquiry and found that she was no VIP. She had a heart condition and
was pregnant, but the baby had died due to her poor heart. She had been admitted on an emergency basis.
They had to operate on her heart first, then remove the dead baby. She had been very sad after the
operation and in a lot of pain. She told them that she had been wondering if there was anyone to share
her sorrow with and Swami had come. Sri Merebala made a point that Swami came to her, even though she
was not a VIP nor did know who Swami was until later.
Then he told another story about a young female child who had been admitted to the hospital for heart
valve replacement. The doctors told her father that they could fix her heart, but she would need 400
rupees a month in anti-coagulant medicines. In front of the child, the father said he could not afford
this medicine, that he had 3 sons to raise, he could not pay for his daughter’s medicine also. It was
matter-of-fact – girl children are still not valued in India. The child was tearful, hearing this from
her own father. So, the doctors went to Swami and He said of course they would pay for the medicines. So
now they not only pay for the operations and care, but for post operative medicines as needed. They
tried several different medicines and techniques, but nothing was working. It was looking bad. Sri
Merebala had been in the operating room for many hours, and was given a break. While on the break, he
said he had the thought (which he said must have come from Swami) that maybe prayer would help, when
nothing else was. So, he went to a quiet place and visualized Swami and said a little prayer for this
patient, whom he did not even know. Then he went to have a quick bite of food before returning to the
operating room. When he got back there, he saw that the monitors and dials Sri Merebala finished his
talk at 4:30 pm. Seva dals brought microphones for Swami and Anil Kumar came up to the podium to
translate. It was time for Swami’s 5th discourse of Summer Course 2002.
Swami sang the introduction as usual. None can estimate the power of love. Though we are ignorant, we
are prepared to criticize and analyze. One may praise and another may blame, but Divinity will say the
same. Those who are for name and publicity have no place here. Thousands of students are educated free
of cost without advertisement or publicity. Swami is blissful, because our bliss is His food. Swami said
the Ramayana explains certain things about Divinity. Bharatha did not reach Ayodya with Rama’s sandles
on his head. He stopped and built a hermitage and stayed there with his wife Mandari for the rest of his
life. They both sang about and meditated on Rama all the time. Lakshmana went to the forest with Rama &
Sita to serve them. But what about Satrughna? No one knows about him.
Since the death of King Dasaratha, and with Rama and Lakshmana in the forest and Bharatha in the
hermitage, who was going to rule (administer) the kingdom of Ayodya? It fell to Satrughna as his
service. This allowed Bharatha to stay in the hermitage. Satrughna was an able administrator and the
kingdom flourished under his care.
The four brothers demonstrate unity. They were not after publicity. Satrughna had surrendered his life
to serving Bharatha. Satrughna ruled Ayodya for 11 years. The brothers always supported each other. So
when Bharatha stayed in the hermitage, Satrughna naturally helped by administering the country.
Swami told the episode about how upset Rama was when Lakshmana fainted and Hanuman went to get the plant
from the Sanjivi Mountain to cure him. Hanuman ended up bringing the entire mountain, because He didn’t
know which plant was which. News of Lakshmana fainting came to Ayodya and Urmila (Lakshmana's wife)
heard it. After Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went to the forest, she painted pictures of Rama and Sita with
full concentration. She never stopped painting even when she heard this news about her husband. She had
such awareness that she felt Lakshmana was not in danger. It was Rama who was suffering due to His upset
about his brother fainting.
The four brothers were noble and of high character and so were their wives. The character of the wives
is responsible for the good of the husbands. The four brothers demonstrated to all mankind how brothers
should be. No one wanted recognition. Just as the brothers set an example, so did the four wives. For 11
years Satrughna ruled Ayodya without complaint or publicity. Ayodya was very peaceful and successful. He
devoted himself to this job – he did not want Bharatha to get a bad name. Bharatha did not really have
anything to do with ruling Ayodya. He always followed the suggestions that Satr Swami said that if you
have four children now days, they would all take different directions – no unity.
Swami related the story of Surpanaka being teased by Rama and Lakshmana and how they cut off her nose
and ear when she tried to harm Sita. When she went to Ravana to ask for revenge, Ravana asked why she
didn’t do anything to defend herself. She said the beauty of Rama and Lakshmana was such that she was
unable to move to defend herself.
Swami ended his talk with some brief words about the Superspeciality Hospitals and how many times there
are medicines needed after the operations that are very costly. Sri Merebala came back up to the
microphone and explained this further – saying that many times patients need costly hormones to help
recover properly and that Swami will always provide what care is needed fully.
Swami finished his discourse at 5:15 pm by leading us in a rousing rendition of “Prema Mudita”. We all
sang and clapped along, loudly. After finishing the song, He lit the arti lamp. He walked down the
stairs from the stage on the women’s side and exited the hall as we finished with the Loka prayer. Day 5
of Summer Course 2002 came to a lovely end.
At His Feet – love, April
Summer Showers - Discourse #6
My Dears,
Today we had Summer Course 2002, day 6. In the
morning, right after darshan, I noticed that there
were new decorations going up for the afternoon
session. I had some breakfast and came back to the
hall around 8 am. Young men were bringing arm loads
of flowers and greenery, ribbon, scissors and other
items needed. So, when I came back to the hall this
afternoon, I wasn’t surprised to see the changes.
The four pillars that hold up the roof over the altar
area were wrapped in gold fabric. Two large,
colorful, hand-made butterflies and one heart were
attached to this fabric on the front two pillars. The
back two, each had a green garland encircling it.
There were four floral baskets hanging from the front
of the roof filled with roses and greens.
A wooden lattice work backdrop had been placed behind
the brass Krishna statue. Behind it, so you could see
it through the lattice work, was dark, royal-blue
velvet fabric. On either side of this lattice work
was a panel of gold fabric. This stretched across the
entire back of the altar area. Entwined in the
lattice work were floral arrangements made of white
glads, greens, and multi-colored roses. A large bow
with a huge white arrow was also attached to the
lattice. I assume this was a depiction of the Kodanda
bow which figures prominently in the Ramayana story.
The Krishna statue had two huge garlands, one of red
roses (very thick) and the other of white flowers.
The tall brass jyoti lamps on either side of Krishna
were hung with white garlands as well.
On either side of the altar (there is a large stage
area on either side), terra cotta flower pots with
green plants had been set, spaced about. Some of the
pots had hand made sunflowers (painted with yellow and
orange on long wooden stems) stuck in the middle.
More floral baskets with roses and greens were
attached to the railings along the edge of the stairs.
The effect was that of a beautiful garden. It was
very sweet and childlike – reminiscent of a Disney
animated movie.
The weather has been very comfortable for sometime
now, rain a few days ago -- now just big puffy clouds
and sun, with cool breezes. It is very mild weather.
I have not had to use the fan in my room except in
mid-afternoon just before going to the ashram. I had
expected it to be much warmer. In fact, this morning,
I was quite cold and wished I had brought my shawl to
darshan!
At 3:45 pm Swami came from the lotus house toward the
hall. He had an entourage of 6 men with Him. Bhajans
began immediately. The men came in the hall through
the ladies side and crossed over to take seats in the
men’s first block. Swami came in through the back
stage door (I could see Anil Kumar in the background
with hands together and head bent as Swami came in the
door). Swami crossed the stage to where His desk,
chair and two podiums were set. Bhajans continued as
Swami took His seat.
We sang for a few minutes, then at 4 pm, with a small
glance from Swami, the bhajans stopped and a group of
young men in red dhotis came up to chant. They
finished and bowed to Swami before leaving.
The MC came over and bowed to Swami before going to
the podium. He told us what the afternoon schedule
would be. First, a summary by two students of the
morning Summer Course session, then a speaker: Sri
Rajit Vasai who is a former Sai student graduating
with highest honors and is currently a lecturer at
Swami’s college. Then we would hear from Swami on the
Ramayana story.
The morning session for the students consisted of a
speaker (Dr. Gokak) and a panel discussion on the
topic of “Hands that serve are holier than lips that
pray”. Dr. Gokak spoke on “Indian Culture &
Spirituality: It’s significance in the new
millennium”.
After the two students finished their summary of the
morning session, Sri Rajit Vasai came to the podium
and spoke to us about Swami. He said there are lots
of parallels between Swami’s current incarnation and
that of the Ramayana. True teachers teach not by
words, but by their very lives.
He related two stories of Swami’s life – one in the
1940’s and another in the 1970’s. Both stories were
told to illustrate how Swami responds to the sincere
person with love and compassion. One was about a
cobbler and the other about a poor woman. Both were
not well known or wealthy, but Swami came to both of
them when they sincerely yearned for Him. He visited
the poor cobblers home when invited and took a small
gift (beetle nut) from the woman, who had yearned to
give Him something.
Sri Vasai ended his talk at 4:30 pm. and went to Swami
for His blessing before leaving. Microphones were
brought for Swami, as Anil Kumar came to the other
podium to translate. Swami sang the opening remarks,
as usual.
The one with compassionate heart, who speaks truth,
who renders service, such people will not be effected
by the Kali Age. But, in fact, everyone is effected
by the Kali Age and people have been suffering because
of it.
Swami began to talk about the Ramayana, starting with
Ravana’s death. Having come to know the end of his
life, sages gathered around him. They asked what He
wished to convey to them. He said, those who want to
do good, should do so without delay. Don’t wait.
Make proper use of time in rendering sacred service.
Ravana said he had all these plans. He wanted to make
a ladder from earth to heaven. He wanted to convert
sea water to sweet drinking water and wanted to
provide needed conveniences to those in hell (!).
But, he did not undertake these tasks. So, don’t
delay in doing good actions. This is one thing I tell
you.
We postpone things and waste our lives. We should
step forward and do good service immediately – put
good thoughts into action. This is the main thing
humanity must do.
Ravana did many things, but not prompted by good
thoughts. All were wicked feelings with ulterior
motives. He wanted a good name, but did not get.
Swami narrated the story about Sita’s abduction and
how Rama and Lakshmana went in search for her,
meeting a strange person with no head – or rather the
head was in the stomach area. They thought it might
be a demon. Lakshmana asked who this ugly creature
was and why was it like that.
The creature said his name was Kabunda (?) – my hands
can stretch 10 miles. I can catch hold of animals
without moving from my place. Kabunda asked why Rama
and Lakshmana were there. They told him of their
search for Sita and asked if Kabunda could help find
her.
Kabunda said He could help, but that Rama had to kill
him first, then burn him to ashes. Rama and Lakshmana
were surprised at this, but Kabunda explained that is
was the effect of a curse. So, Rama did as asked and
killed and burned Kabunda. From the fire a beautiful
form came forth and was able to help them with a plan
to find Sita.
So, Rama and Lakshmana went to find the monkey
kingdom. Swami continued the story about Sugriva and
Vali – brothers who ruled the monkey kingdom and who
had gotten in a dispute. Vali had accused his brother
Sugriva of many things that Srugriva did not do. Vali
had Sugriva banished from the kingdom and took his
wife.
When Rama and Lakshmana came along, Sugriva saw them
from the mountain top and sent Hanuman to check out
who they were. Hanuman found them to be divine and
brought them to Sugriva. Rama listened to Sugriva’s
sad story and agreed to help him get his kingdom back
in return for help saving Sita from Ravana. A plan to
help Sugriva was divised and put into action.
Sugriva went to find his brother Vali and they got
into a terrible fight. Rama had agreed to support
Sugriva, but could not tell the difference between the
two brothers in the midst of the fight. Surgriva
finally retreated. Rama encouraged Sugriva to fight
again the next day. In order to tell the two brothers
apart, Lakshmana made a garland, that was put on
Sugriva. Now when the two brothers began to fight
again, Rama was able to tell them apart and shot Vali
with an arrow from behind a tree.
As Vali was lying wounded, he spoke to Rama. Vali was
very intelligent. He asked why Rama had agreed to
help Sugriva, when this was a fight between two
brothers - that Rama had no business getting involved.
Rama said that Vali had accused his brother of all
manner of false deeds, but Sugriva was innocent. It
was Vali who had been the wrong doer, not Sugriva.
Vali was acting like an animal and so Rama could treat
him like one – shooting him from behind a tree like a
hunter. The argument went on, but Rama would not
yield and made His point.
Swami drew parallels and contrasts between the
behavior of the four brothers (Rama, Bharatha,
Lakshmana, Satrughna) and Ravana and his brother; and
Vali and Sugriva. With the four princes, all were
one. They all agreed that Rama should be king. There
was no conflict about it.
Swami said Rama did not kill Vali for selfish
purposes, as some say. Every event in the Ramayana is
full of truth. Swami then returned to the episode of
Sita’s abduction and how she passed through the test
of fire to prove her purity and chastity after being
with Ravana for 10 months.
Swami said Rama is the director and the actor as well,
in this play. Rama acted per his role, there is no
mistake. Though 1000 years have passed, the Ramayana
is ever new. Take sometime and learn from it – make
inquiry.
Swami began to sing a song about the marriage of Rama
and Sita and how the people all wanted to come to the
wedding of such a divine and beautiful couple. Swami
sang so sweetly, as if He were re-living the entire
thing. Anil Kumar was trying to keep up and
translate, but Swami was carried away and kept
singing. Anil Kumar had to stop. Swami repeated some
of it – they looked at each other – we laughed. It
was like being with family. Swami kept singing about
the wedding and what people said about it and the
beauty of the wedding couple and the ceremony.
Finally Swami stopped singing and said – no one should
doubt the Ramayana. Ramayana is History – His story!
(Anil Kumar said this with a big smile). The
Sita/Rama nature is divine. The brotherly love is not
known now, nor the sisterly love of the three queens.
Kikye did not make a mistake in asking for the boons
– it is all Gods play.
Swami promised to tell us more unknown things about
the Ramayana in the days to come. At 5:25 pm, He
started to sing a Rama song. The audience did not
know it, but some of the bhajan leaders began to
follow it. Swami said something to them, then
stopped. He started a new bhajan “Rama Kodanda Rama”
which everyone knew and sang out loudly, clapping
happily. After a rousing finish, Swami lit the arti
lamp and took a rose from one of the students. We
sang as He walked down the stairs on the ladies side
and out of the hall. Day 6 of Summer Course 2002 was
over.
At His Feet – love,
April
Visiting cards of the Divine Doctor
(Fwd From: Bharathi Kasturi)
In 1998, I was given an opportunity to consider working as a full time volunteer at the Whitefield
hospital. Our thoughts were always centered aound Swami. Yet, our ardent prayer to be in Parthi or
Whitefield, did not figure in our thoughts. On 2nd Jan.99, Swami gave us the green signal, all our
affairs were wrapped up within 4 months, and we started work at the hospital on Eswaramma Day. >
Seemingly, Swami had long cherished the idea of a Super Speciality Hospital in Karnataka. A devotee
showed two sites, but Swami was asking His companions about the vast area opposite the small plots! It
was earmarked for industrial development. Exactly seven days later, the Chief Minister presented the
documents to Swami. Such is the Power of Sai Sankalpa. I was very happy to be part of the historic
proceedings of Bhoomi Puja on 2nd Sep.99. All of a sudden, an official invited me to dig the land and
gently led me to the area of action. I dug the land as Pundits chanted the Mantras. With tears in my
eyes, I received the garland and Prasadam. I have felt the unforesen shower of Grace of Swami many
times, but this was the most unexpected! - Dr. M. Veeravahu, in the book Sai Spandan, 75th Birthday
Offering by SSS Institute of Higher Medical Sciences.
In June 90, I asked Swami for permission to work at the Sathya Sai Hospital, and He said I would be
given the opportunity. I made the mistake of telling Him that Swami is likely to forget it. He turned
around and looked at me with eyes wide open and said, "Swami always talks with one tongue". This taught
me a very good lesson - Swami never makes a statement without a meaning. >In the 60th Birthday discourse
Swami said, "Of course, money is an essential requisite and those who have assumed responsibility for
service projcts do need it. When I decide on a Project, the wherewithal for accomplishing has to be
spontaneously available without any fund-raising campaign. My Will has the Power to concretise My Plan.
I willed that a College must rise in Parthi; the Rajmatha of Nawanagar built it. I willed a Higher
Secondary school; Bozzani from America asked that he be given the chance. I thought of education from
Primary stage itself; Craxi, the brother of Former Italian Prime Minister, offered to build the school.
When I decided for a college and hostel at Bangalore, Mrs. Elsie Cowan asked for the previlege. Such is
the Might of My Sankalpa, My Will".
It is a wonderful opportunity that Swami has given us, to be part of His Mission. It is now our
responsibility to ensure that we render service in any form and utilise the opportunity to serve Swami
through His projects.
"You must dive deep into the sea to get the pearls" - Baba. - Dr. D.C.Sundaresh,
in the book Sai Spandan, 75th Birthday Offering by SSS Institute of Higher Medical Sciences.
SYAN
Sai Young Adult Newsletter ("SYAN") team is happy to
announce the release of the Spring 2002 issue "From Tolerance to Unity:
Living with Love." To access this, click here : http://www.syan.org/Spring2002/spring2002-print-col.pdf
While SYAN continues to be available at the web site at www.syan.org, they have
also set up an email subscription service for our readers. To
subscribe please send an e-mail to syansubscriptions@hotmail.com
Sites/Photos/Links
Wonderful Sai sites :
http://www.srisathyasai.homestead.com
http://www.bombaysrinivasan.com/
To read the wonderful story of Rama narrated by Swami, please click on link below to read the Ramanavami discourse: http://www.kingdomofsai.org/DISCOURSES/Disc20020421.html
Sivarathri slideshow (photos taken by Col. Barry) at San Jose:
htttp://photos.yahoo.com/bc/saicenter_us/slideshow?&.dir=/Sivarathri&.src=ph&.view=t
Pathri, Parthi and Gunaparthi
(From Bombay Srinivasan)
In the Group Heading, “Miracles and Godmen” under chapter
head “Godmen” a beautiful narration of Avatar hood is given by Mr. M. N. Rao.
(Please see page No.114 and 115). I shall now reproduce an extract.
“Sai is the name from northern India and might have had its origin in
Persian Language. The term Baba is an endearing term, common in the north and
used for accosting an elderly person, father or a Guru. The term, Sai Baba
became familiar perhaps only during the days of Shirdi Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Baba
gives the true meaning of Sai as mother and Baba as Father and Sai Baba mean the
universal mother and father combined in one. Shirdi Sai Baba also was considered
a Godman, both during his life time and in later years. In the year 1926 was
born Sathya, who declared as a teenager that He was reincarnated from Shirdi Sai
Baba. As years passed, He revealed that He will continue to be a near centurion
and also that a few years after Him, will be born a third incarnation, Prema Sai
in Gunaparthi village of Mandhya district in Karnataka. The three divine members
of the Sai Baba trinity are a trio of Gods by whatever name posterity might like
to call Him. On November 28, 1983 Sathya Sai Baba at Bangalore was in an
unusually happy mood. On enquiry from the devotees around, he was reported as
having made a significant revelation. Prema Sai’s would-be father was just
born on that day and Swami was happy on that account.
At an exclusive session in July 1984, Swami had underlined the three-in-one
phenomenon of the Sai Baba Trinity. All three have the same Sayeeswara trinity.
All the three have the same Sayeeswara Divinity. The first-born is more of Siva,
the second of both Siva and Sakthi and the third more of Sakthi. The three are
born in remote villages having the same name and also at the confluence of
rivulets. Shirdi Sai was born at Parthi at the confluence of a tributary to the
river Godavari in Maharashtra. Sathya Sai was born at Puttaparthi at the
confluence of Chithravathi and once-existing Kusavathri in Andhra. And Prema Sai
is yet to be born in Gunaparthi of Karnataka on the banks of Tungabhadra.
To the outside world however, they are different phenotypes. Shirdi Sai and
Sathya Sai are seen to be so different. It remains for posterity to see how much
more different would Prema Sai be among the Sai Trinity. Swami had however given
an indication that by the time of the advent of Prema Sai, the world would be in
a better shape and that for a couple of decades, he would be incognito, moving
around with a beard.”
I hope that this narration will give more light on the advent of the third
incarnation “Prema Sai”
All the photos in this page are from Bombay Srinivasan