Walk towards ME and Leave maya behind! The Hyderabad Youth, a bunch of dedicated youth from Hyderabad, has been famous in Sai circles for its absolute dedication and devotion to Bhagawan… When it comes to Seva, the group would often forget all personal issues, plunging wholeheartedly into action…  Over the years, especially in the late nineties and early twenties (1990-2000), the group had been immensely blessed with  many precious interviews, Face To Face With Divinity…wherein they learnt greater lessons, directly from The Lord… Sri Gopi Pidatala, one of the co-founders of the group, recounts some such precious lessons learnt at His Holy Feet… Youth in India and across the world are getting carried away under the influence of certain culture which is not true and real to their own cultural heritage.  Values of the yesteryears which have been so closely safeguarded from generations are getting shattered with the new age technology… youngsters are getting entangled in actions which are not real but ‘Maya’ induced. India, known for its rich and ancient spiritual heritage, is also one of the countries which is facing this challenge despite its rich ancient cultural heritage! It is at this point that our Divine Lord Sai has provided succor to all of us with His ‘Upadesa’ – Divine words for over 85 years and the Hyderabad Youth group in particular has been one of those large groups in the world which has had the unique and very great fortune of being under His guidance right from the early 1980’s. In the following few paragraphs, I shall be sharing a few of such divine thoughts for the welfare of youth across the world. This thought is to share and care the Love of our Divine Mother Sai, especially for the young adults: During one of the group interviews, one of the boys asked the Lord with a lot of concern, Swami, we are all in delusion (maya).  How do we come out of this delusion? Swami, the all-knowing one smiled! With a surprised face He asked “Where?  Where is maya? There is no maya! He went on to explain with a lot of concern. Swami said For example; let us consider that you are walking in the opposite direction of the Sun, you see a shadow in front of you, Right? Consider yourself walking towards the Sun, the shadow is behind you and you don’t see the shadow. Correct?  We all nodded in agreement. In a similar manner, maya is seen when you walk towards worldly things.  Instead, walk towards Godly things. Dear Youths, walk towards God…then maya will be left behind you like the shadow you see. Understand?  This is a great example from the Almighty Lord to make us understand as to how we can stay away from maya (delusion) and lead a life of values and seva and get nearer to God. On an another occasion, as we were all seated at the Divine Lotus Feet  of our Mother Sai in that small beautiful, most sought out room in Prasanthi Mandir– the interview room,  Swami said with a lot of concern and love , “My dear children, from today, all of you need to develop Love in your hearts.” With a twinkle in the Lord’s eye and a bewitching mischievous smile, Swami continued “This  Love, I Am talking about is not that Love which you have, think… all the time and see in the cinemas… that is mad love! All that love that is shown in the cinemas is contraction Love!  What I Am speaking is Expansion Love”. Immediately, one of the boys with audacity asked the Lord, “Swami, what is the difference between the two”? Swami in all His love explained in this manner.  “When you talk of something of ‘mine’, it is selfish! The Love that comes with Selfishness is called Contraction Love! This Love does not expand and is limited and has a boundary. Whereas we talk of thine (third person) … the feeling that all that exists is of the Almighty, the love that emanates from such a Divine feeling is Expansion Love which has no limitation and no boundary!” I am sure that you all now understand what Bhagawan was trying to hint to all of us … the love that He gives has no limitations, no boundaries, beyond caste , creed, region, religion and colour… Pure Love ! Does it not recall a bhajan that Swami so melodiously sings … Life is My form …Truth is My breath …bliss is My food …  These  thoughts give us an absolute clarity to each one of us to expand our Love in Thy Mission? Come, let’s do our bit in expanding this phenomenon of Love across boundaries! Swami was once narrating us the story of Meera Bai, great devotee of Lord Sri Krishna. He mentioned that all devotees of His aspire to get close to him in terms of physical proximity. “All of you desire to be very close to Me in physical terms – you feel that a few centimeters away is also a great distance! Right?” He asked. We all nodded our heads. He went on to say with that divine enchanting smile on His face, “Frankly, to tell you the truth, I do not know what physical distance means !I Am beyond physical distance! God is beyond physical distances. One should learn to pray that God within their own hearts.”  Swami with great love went on to explain, “ Let Me tell you, my dear children,  God is not in a temple outside. Your body is His temple. He resides in your heart”.  To further substantiate His divine message, Swami said ,  “When the Rana of Chittoor   (Rajasthan) did not allow Meera Bai into the temple, Meera Bai immediately realised this concept and practised this form of devotion. She declared for her own self that her heart is a temple where Lord Krishna resides and it is at this point of time, she rendered the famous and popular bhajan:”  “Chalo

The Hallowed Path!!! How much are we inspired by His hallowed presence? …how much are we into practising His precepts? with life sending myriad moments in our way, granting us an opportunity to grow, man has to take every precaution to raise himself up making his life His Message…writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri. (extracted from Sri Sathya Sai Newsletter, Pune) Maya so annamatti yo vipasyati yah praniti ya i srnotyuktamAmantavo mam ta upa kshiyanti srudhi sruta sraddhivam te vadami Through My essence alone all eat the food that helps them see, breathe and hear the spoken word. Though not aware of Me, they all dwell in Me solely. They who have no faith in Me court disaster. Oh! Learned Listener, listen, to what I say from inside your Soul. For I proclaim the Truth through the words I speak to you…these words deserve your trust…have faith in it.Ahameva svayam idam vadami jushtam devebhir uta manushebhihIt is I Who announces the tidings that the gods and men alike rejoice to hear. –   Devi Suktam (Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul) Are you really leading an inspired life,Whatever the tide…the rough ride…whatsoever the strife…?Are you being true to the inner you…?Does your life reflect the effect of ‘inner view’…?Is the Master only a picture frame for you…?Or does His essence resonate through the picture…to you……and all those around you…?…then why don’t you choose to surround yourself……with the Master’s voice……the sound…within you……that constantly resounds as your conscience true… Myriad are the moments life sends our way…and in myriad ways indeed we can grow, if only we subdue the flames of pride, ego and arrogance that are fanned by the breeze of greed and self indulgence…with the still calm of sincere affection, humility, forgiveness, acceptance and appreciation.With every step if we realise the Master’s Presence as the Supreme Reality…With every breath if we know the truth that He watches over all that we do……if only we had a clue… Wouldn’t we be utterly conscious how we tread…what we think, say or do…? So much our precious Lord has given us…what have we to offer Him in return?The reply to every question lies within us…as does the answer to every quest.The Lord seeks nothing material from us…what offering, then, would please Him?Is it a surrender of all that we are and our willingness to become what He wants us to be…? Is it an affirmation of our desire for transformation? That every salutation we offer Him exudes an earnest appeal? That each time, in hushed awe, when we utter His sacred name we do so in the hope of setting an example exemplary? That each flower we place at His Lotus Feet is a blossom that seeks to spread His fragrance everywhere? Each obeisance re-establishes a vow to intensify efforts to enhance noble qualities, to steer away from self to selflessness…to divinise every moment…to rediscover the joy of kindred oneness…to behold Him in all that we see…to revive the spirit of camaraderie…to lovingly practice expansive love…to consciously serve Him in all of creation while intoning Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…to Help Ever, Hurt Never…to understand the word ‘all’ that was so distinctly and eternally redefined by Him, when He, the Supreme Absolute, the Ultimate Reality, during His present advent as Sri Sathya Sai exhorted such a simple yet profound decree upon each and every devotee – Love All, Serve All. So too, must we live and let live…grow and let go…if we cannot help we must not hurt, block or dissuade others as they endeavour to reach out…in response to a distress call be it from man, woman, child, bird, beast or plant…Motherland, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, the elements five or the Universe itself!This is the hallowed path shown by Beloved Bhagawan. It is time enough to realise that we adore and worship Him true only when we, in totality, follow His proclamation through.

The Dance Of The Soul These words that you are about to wander through are from the April 2014 Issue of the Pune Youth Newsletter, edited by Sri Jullie Chaudhuri, dedicated at the enchanting Lotus Feet…HE is the One Who inspires…HE Who motivates…HE our inspiration…HE our motivation…in Him lies all kinds of celebrations…He the ultimate jubilation…To our Guru, Guide, Parent, Friend and God…we offer all that we are and ever will be… Ganeshaya Namah Saraswatyai Namah Sri Gurubhyo Namah Hari Aum… Aham somamahanasam bibharmyaham tvastaram uta pusanam bhagamAham dadhami dravinam havismate supravye e yajamanaya sunvateI sustain Soma, the moon which dispels darkness, the Adityas…Tvasta, Pusha, Bhaga…the life infusing air…and I endow with wealth the worshipper…the one who offers oblation…I enhance the prosperity of a person who leads his life based on the essence of wisdom…revering the sages. Aham rastri sangamani vasunam cikitusi prathama yajniyanamTam ma deva vyadadhuh purutra bhuristha tram bhurya vesayantim I am the ruling Queen, the foremost power that bestows treasures, first of those who are worthy of worship…replete with wisdom and all aspects of knowledge. The wise realise Me and see Me in the Universe in all the diverse Forms. That Me by their sadhana they have installed in their hearts…in many places, with many homes to enter and abide in.– Devi Sukta- Song of the Goddess(Vak Sukta…Vak Ambhrini and Her Song of the Soul) Oh! Beloved Mother Sai – You, are our wealth, our life infusing breath…it is You, Who sustains us…You, indeed are our essence and it is You Whom we adore and revere. You are the Source of all knowledge and wisdom…and we are aware of You and experience You in all that is around us…it is You, Whom we abide by and have installed forever in our heart. Come, show us a way to purify our mind…the mind is the root…for a wondrous tree to flower and fruit…a root that needs nurturing and care…for the blossoming of fresh pure and fragrant thoughts…a sterling attribute…that none can dispute.So too, the mind can be a route…oh, so fine…that leads straight to a heritage divine…that our words and deeds by and by may express and comply…complete allegiance to Thee, Oh, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai… Oh! Beloved Lord, come…grant us devotion so true…that can touch Your Heart. An iota of Thy compassion can heal the environment; come, instill faith and fortitude…patience and gratitude…a righteous attitude…heal, repair and correct the mindset and herald in a much required transformation. Cause the effect…and effect the cause…help us let go, balance and blend the ‘was’ with the now…the ‘is’…assist us to adhere the unseen clause and cosmic laws…guide and steer our life, Beloved One towards a harmonious divine cause. An alteration sans any altercation.Do not be under the false impression that you can perform an evil deed and be done with it; remember that you will have to face the consequences for the rest of your life. – Baba There is so much reflected in one’s attitude. Some inherited traits, some impressions from prior lifetimes…some influenced and adapted as the journey from infancy to adulthood commences and continues. Some qualities are virtuous, some shabby, some noble and noteworthy…some incorrect, erring and unworthy. These overlapping coatings control the reaction and response of each individual as he/she sails upon the ocean of life. However, regular scrutiny, mental housekeeping, self study, examination, introspection and inspection can make these layers fall away as do onion peels…heightening a near exemplary transformation. There is something we all owe our soul – a stillness…a calm demeanour…a ‘sthita prajna’ state that can be wrought only through ethics and ethical behavior…exacting compliance with the Beloved Master’s simple, yet profound maxims…faith and belief in the Will and the Glory of God…the Glorious Will of God…that consistently exhorts and elevates us all to –Love All, Serve All; Help Ever, Hurt Never; Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…The soul has danced with life…donning many a form…assuming many a role…spanning innumerable epochs in the ballroom of time…without achieving deserving fulfillment. Hasn’t Prapti been somewhat elusive…?The soul’s betrothal to the material world did not always augment a serene affiliation.However, now in this lifetime, having savored moments in the Divine Presence, how can it not seek a higher way of living and being…? Any and every kind of restlessness, however subtle, one will realise gradually…eventually is an undetected, unrecognized, imperceptible…deep pursuit of and for the Supreme Source. Just as a stream rushes towards a river…and a river gushes forth towards the ocean…so too, the soul can never be content to meander off-course and remain for any length of time away from its Source. Restlessness is only the rise and fall of a wave on the ocean that you are. Nothing matters, so long as the depths are secure. Success is not important: failure does not matter. The river of eternity is flowing ever into the ocean of the Supreme Will. – Baba II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

My Task Is This… 67 years ago, when Bhagawan was just over twenty years of age, He wrote a very revealing and inspiring reply to a devotee, who was perturbed by adverse talk by aimless tattered tongues, attempting to tarnish the Divine image. Pacifying the agitating mind Bhagawan responded, explaining His Task and His Divinity. The letter was dated 25th May 1947. To Bhaktas! My dear Boy. I received your letter and I noted the flow of the current of Prema and the echo of Bhakti in every word. It is impossible to see into the hearts of Jnanis and Yogis; nor is it possible to understand their ways. So, naturally, people talk about them, just as their fancy prompts them. No amount of fault-finding indulged in by these people can affect us, so long as we act truly and well, keep our purpose steadily in view and so long as we do not lose hold of the values dictated by Jnana. Don’t you know that only those trees get stoned, which have fruit on their branches? The tree with no fruits is not noticed by passers-by. Good and bad co-exist; they are companions for ever. That is in the very nature of the world. And, why, let me ask, should these people be blamed? Poor fellows! What do they know? What can they know? They are caught by every gust of greed, anger, envy and hate. So, they become intolerant and have no control of mind or tongue; they indulge in loose talk and slander. Those that know will never talk like that. It is not wise to take such ignorance seriously. Truth alone can win, believe Me. Un-truth must fail. It might appear to win for some little while, but, as soon as Truth appears on the scene, un-truth does flee. It is not the nature of Mahatmas to exult when worshipped or droop when they are neglected or cal­umnied. No Gita has laid down rules and regulations for the behaviour of Mahatmas; but, Sathpravarthana and Sadbuddhi are the fundamental traits …Beneficial Activity and Beneficial Thoughts. Provided these are there,  whatever is done over and above this for the benefit of the Bhaktas and for their welfare according to their deserts, we can afford to be free. You should pay no heed to the talk you men­tion. The Mahatmas do not owe their greatness to others who recognise them as such; nor do they lose their great­ness if some one fails to recognise them. Their stature is not heightened by praise or lowered by blame. Of course there are some “Yogis” who suffer from blame and they have every reason to fear. I shall tell you who they are. They quaff their full, they swallow pills Of opium, and chew the bhang—these ‘noble’ folk! They drink, they eat their fill Of low unwholesome food—these `famous’ men! “Tis wrong to state ’tis false to say That anything dies, they never die,” They swear while (!) cutting throats and eat The living things they like—these `teachers’ grand! They preach the lessons of love and peace But hate and fight, all on the sly—these `gurus’ great! They fret and fume and speak for long On dry as dust philosophy! This wondrous gang of Yogis false They surely dread a fall. It is only such that have to be afraid. You must have read, in the lives of Mahatmas, how they were as­sailed by small men in even worse ways. It is all part of the scheme,: don’t worry. How long can the poor dogs bark at the star? How can they produce any effect on the star? All this will continue just for a little time; our integrity is the means to victory. I shall not slacken My Task, My Activity, My Determination. For Me, Reputation, Fame, Blame, Calumny—all are equally insignificant. I am quite unconcerned with the whole lot. I speak and act, only to help the world and for the sake of the people. But, let Me tell you, I have no name, no place, no possession. By whatever name I am called, I respond! To whichever place I am called, I go and make My appearance. I have this as My very first, My vow, My self-imposed task. I have not spoken of this to anyone so far; I am not a part of this world; I am far far away from it. But yet, I engage Myself in the uplift of its inhabitants. My Shakti, My Power, My Mystery can never be understood, whoever studies it, howsoever intensely and well. You can yourself witness the glory that will be manifested hereafter. Bhaktas must learn patience and await events. Then, you will yourself realize the absurdity of your fears. I wrote this reply to you, because I felt you will be sad, unless I wrote. Otherwise, I would not have replied at all, for it is not in Me to pay heed to such things. Thus…..Your Baba. II Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

A Silent…Sai Lent Offering…Intend A Potent Intent Ahead of the intense Sadhana Aradhana Month of ‘Sai Lent’, as observed all over the globe by the Sai Organisations, it is once again time for introspection, looking within to make this world beauitful following Sai Ideals… echoes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri, writing on the supreme significance of the twin Maha Mantra gifted by Bhagawan, Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu and Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu. Together Let’s Make A Daily Intent For Peace… Requirements:A Medium Size BoxA PenSome PaperAn Intent Inscribe Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu can be written around the box(Optional – As and when time gently gifts you some time…you may decorate your special Box that has been exclusively created to exude Love and Peace…loving, loving expansive peace…Prashanti for all beings whether wise or naive…young or old…incarnate or disincarnate…embracing all creatures both great and small…fragile, strong, tiny or mighty…) Your intent is the most vital component for any kind of accomplishment or manifestation! Daily, at least once, write the above chants on a piece of paper and place in the box(It is up to each person how many times he/she may like to write SLSB/SJSB) Love and Peace are the soul’s natural inheritance…restore this abundance…release it from the core…allow it to reign the fore. Beloved Bhagawan chose this period of Lent to perform an extraordinarily astounding leela…while enacting a Cosmic Drama with refined precision…absolutely in accordance to the script written by Him.  The aftermath of this episode naturally leaves mankind, those that are aware, in a state of extreme shock and agony…giving way gradually to the acceptance of His Divine Will. He also chose Easter day – 24th April 2011 to aloof Himself from the physical. The Cherished One, having chosen the period of Lent for His stay in the SSSIHMS and His – this most baffling, unfathomable Drama culminating in the ‘withdrawal, disappearance’ of His Beatific Form…with a hidden ‘For the Time Being’ board…and His choosing to remain momentarily unseen as the scenes play on upon the Earthly Screen…for the past few years…hasn’t it linked us even more deeply, unequivocally, vocally, silently to this period…this Season of Lent…Sai Lent?  Isn’t the onus upon us all, His children…the children of Sai…to make proper use of this period He has lent us all….? Shouldn’t we enhance our study, our practice…our steady practice while inching towards graduation day, while honouring our enlistment in the classroom of the Universe…the University of Sai…where the ether becomes the expansive roof? Come then, with steadfast intent and pristine passion…let us in unison pray –Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…May there be peace for all those that inhabit the globe through…may there be peace for all beings the Universe through…may this vibrant resonance…all personal and environmental negativity undo… that includes cleansing within me and you…Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…Samastha Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu…at the macro (lokaah) and micro (jeeva) level…may the Cosmos, Mother Earth, the World…each Heart that beats…know and feel peace, experience kindred harmony…that is sublime and true! Peace arises out of the sentiment of Oneness! Intent, express, manifest…bestow this matchless largesse. Love you…Peace be yours…and be you in Peace too… II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

My Life Is My Message What i think, i must speak and what i speak, i must act… this is Trikarana Suddhi, purity and unity of the three essential faculties of man, viz., thought, word and deed. Bhagawan has always been in the forefront, practising what He preaches, not by being ‘liable’ or ‘duty bound’, but purely by being Love HimSelf. On 5th June 2005 Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed something unique, when Our Beloved Bhagawan plunged ‘HimSelf’ into a unique action,  acting HimSelf out His dictum ‘My Life Is My Message’. Reproducing a beautiful ‘Darshan’ story from 2005. World is a big stage and we have greater lessons to learn watching it. With Bhagawan, one has to be on a constant watch, as every moment is counted and if one is focused, he will have lessons galore to learn and imbibe. After a momentous Thursday, the day when Bhagawan decided to bless the University Campus in Prasanthi Nilayam with His Divine visit, came a pleasant Friday. Though summer’s clutch was loosened, it has not left the spiritual township completely and the day’s weather was a mix and by the time for evening Darshan, it turned cool again with ominous signs of imminent rains. Bhagawan came out just after 1630 hrs. before coming onstage for a brief spell, watching and blessing the students chanting Vedam. Bhajans started at the scheduled 1700 hrs. and Bhagawan came on stage once again. …And following Him came the rainy showers lashing from the heavens as if the mythical ‘Rain God’ was waiting for the Over Lord to come and decorate His dais. Lashing rains with strong winds splashed the rainy drops all around bringing in renewed natural freshness all over. With Bhagawan on stage granting static Darshan, with mellifluous bhajans on, hundreds of devotees outside the main gate next to the Sita-Rama statue got stranded in the lashing rains, leaving them completely drenched. Bhagawan, The Silent Witness He Is ever, was waiting as He had something to demonstrate, a unique visiting card of His Love and Compassion. Even as the bhajans continued, He was glued to the main gate watching the hundreds getting ‘drenched’. For the onlookers, it was something uniquely strange, that He was physically focused on His devotees, watching the rainy celebration. Who would know what was happening inside of Him, as from inside ‘out’ Bhagawan was bathing them in His indefinable Gaze Of Love! Sevadal volunteers were  disciplined enough to maintain ‘peace’, especially with Bhagawan onstage, watching the melee. Lord AlMighty He Is, and His Heart Is nothing but Love n’ Compassion, it was time for action! Bhagawan soon sent word to the security to break the cordon, allowing the stranded devotees inside to occupy the vacant area near the Sita-Rama statue. The Prasanthi Nilayam Security, being conventional following the ‘laid’ discipline in letter and spirit, allowed the gents in,  leaving the ladies out. In Prasanthi Nilayam, as a matter of customary discipline, gents and ladies are not allowed to mix-up in the Darshan hall. Watching this security ‘drama’, Bhagawan sent special instructions ‘to break the deep cordon’, allowing the devout ladies in, allowing them to occupy one side of the vacant spot! Action done and lessons imparted, leaving the onlookers to take the best out of the ‘drama’. Bhajans went on till 1750 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Post the Arathi Bhagawan’s compassionate loving gaze continued to shower on the special group,  who are the recipients of a special  ‘rain-packed-blessing’ from the Lord Supreme in His earthly Abode, right outside His Sanctum Sanctorum!!!  Our Lord Of Compassion was not in a mood to stop. He moved unto them next, granting them the DARSHAN of their lives… and one could hear ecstatic hearts, drenched in Pure Love, chanting Jaikars of infinite gratitude, that reverberated Prasanthi in the rain-hit twilight. The Lord Who penned the thematic value-oriented drama ‘Cheppinattu Chestara’ during His teen years, meaning ‘do i follow what i speak’, Who HimSelf followed His ‘own’ dictum, ‘Love All Serve All, Help Ever Hurt Never’, demonstrated it in action yet again, out in public, leaving the best of the lessons for the world around. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II