The Earthly Tutor…And The Cosmic Coach If Earthly Mother becomes the first teacher for a child, she turns an ideal one when she leads her child towards the Ultimate One, The Ultimate Lord. Bharatiya Cculture is replete with stories of such ideal mothers, who, with their powerful character, could guide their children to greater ‘Divine’ destiny. How many of us in the modern world dare to look back with awe-inspiring gratitude towards our physical mothers, for the world of good she has brought upon us, by being the an able instrument in connecting each one of us to the Supreme Source. Here is an inspiring tale of acknowledgment from a grateful daughter, who, dares to look into Swami’s Lotus Eyes and repeat, ‘She taught me to value You…eternally grateful am I…that You sent my soul to her womb and through her…I returned to You! Then, there was no looking back. I watched her keenly…and I chose to follow You wholeheartedly.’ …Sri Jullie Chaudhuri writes about her twin mothers of influence,  physical and Cosmic, with a heart full of gratitude on the occasion of International ‘Sai’ Ladies’ Day. Shakti represents the feminine principle…and Beloved Bhagawan has chosen to set aside this day – 19th November to honour and celebrate this vital facet that is the very cause and support of the cosmos. Without Shakti there is no creation…it is through Her the unmanifest manifests Itself. She symbolizes the Primordial Life Force Energy, represents the Supreme Divine Force and personifies Timeless Vitality…and Her empowering aspect is the subtle core of every woman…whether dormant or active. Can any mortal…grasp the immeasurable magnitude of Her attributes…? Uncountable, unaccountable and infinitely fathomless! The limitless Universe is a microscopic speck before Her vast might and spectacular effulgence. Accordingly, the female entity in the human world embodies Shakti, Jnana and Prachurta…Power, Wisdom and Abundance…the correct emphasis, expression and affirmation of which decides her distinct moral fiber, diverse persona and nobility…shaping her fate as well as the fate of all those around her.  A woman plays innumerable roles. It is her presence…her love, understanding and equity that transforms a house into a home. As a wife she can be the strength, fulcrum, confidante and lifelong companion of her spouse…as a sister – a buddy, ally and a comrade. However as a mother, her traits are her trademark, her character can shape the personality of her children…impacting their blossoming into fine human beings…guiding them with precise insight towards their purpose on earth…in fulfillment of the reason for their birth.If we value women less…the society will become valueless. With Beloved Bhagawan’s blessings, a cascade of these sentiments from my heart today is dedicated not only to the amazing mother who gave birth to me…but, these feelings lovingly salute my Eternal Mother too – Mother Sai!A miniature wave is attempting to embrace the Ocean! Beloved Bhagawan…through these lines that flow below, I am attempting to appreciate the incomparable Presence in my life of two precious feminine personalities: My earthly mother whom I call – Ma…and my Divine Mother – Sai Maa! She taught me values,She taught me to value values……through the way she lives her life…She sets an example by being one……One with You…She never puts anyone on a pedestal……nor do i……except You… I learnt to be fearless…for she urged me on to embrace independence. From her I learnt never to shy away from hard work…and meet obstacles courageously with faith in the Highest Being – You. She is the steadfast instrument that steered me towards You. She never went to college but she is free from labels, classifications and categories.She doesn’t have a degree…nevertheless…she has You in every cell of her being.She has no educational qualification, however, she has this great vast love in her soul and room in her heart…and this, along with her matchless sense of commitment, has given her adequate strength to be the strength of her family. Her life is an inspiration…her life is You…her life gave me inspiration…her life drew me to You. She gave me life…and then she gave me You…through her life she gave me You.She gave me life that’s true…but she made me come alive when she led me to You! Watching her live her life is a stirring revelation…for she, every moment of the day as well as the wee hours of the night, silently revels in You. Naamasmarana is her life-breath. Till she could sing…she would melodiously serenade You…now her heart space resounds with devotional hymns… akin to a sacred avenue. The depth of her earnest devotion leaves me in awe like nothing else.  The only other thing that does tremendously awe me is You…and she escorted me to You. She did what all mothers should do…she showed me the path to You…she led me to You. She taught me to value You…eternally grateful am I…that You sent my soul to her womb and through her…I returned to You! She taught me to value You…eternally grateful am I…that You sent my soul to her womb and through her…I returned to You! Then, there was no looking back. I watched her keenly…and I chose to follow You wholeheartedly. Beloved Mother Sai, You guide me constantly as I journey through life…You are my Cosmic Coach, monitoring and refining my self confidence, self esteem, self control, duty, discipline, discrimination, determination…in my vulnerable moments You manoeuvre me away from downbeat emotions like self pity…oh, so gradually, noticeably Your influence encircles my entire existence. Through lifetimes You have beckoned me, thus, Your Presence has always been an everlasting legacy and my breath – Your Will. In the classroom of the Universe I became Your forever student…an eager participant in the everyday learning game. Deeply do I cherish every lesson…the sweet, the not-so-sweet, the bitter; the smooth turf…the uphill, the oft times innumerable browbeating gradient; the inconveniences, the comforts, the sighs of exasperation; the joys and the dismays; the clear skies and the stormy whys; You reveal Yourself in every situation making me understand I must take everything in

Life As An Expression Of Love And Gratitude… His creation is abound with lessons galore. Infinite are the possibilities for man to lean from every instance, from every speck in creation. …And, what are the chances when one is blessed with a most ‘adorable’ ideal earthly mother?…who guides you to the Supreme Divine in the physical, showing you the Goal Of Your Life in the physical. Adjectives fail to illustrate, minds fail to fathom, for we are in the midst of an Infinite Bliss Ocean called Sri Sathya Sai. Many understand this Truth, a few thinks in prospective line to follow His guidelines, but a rare one really puts ‘Him’ in practice. Here is a reflection by one such soul, Ms Revathi Sundar, an Indian in New Zealand, writing about the twin Mothers, the Earthly One and the Cosmic One, sharing her views and the priceless lessons learned at the Feet Of The Mothers… A unique Birthday Offering. Om Sai Ram! This day being the Most Auspicious Day of The Advent of The Supreme Most Avatar of all times, beyond Time and Space, The Shiva Shakthi Avatar, with specific focus on The Purusha Prakrithi Principle, The Creator and His/Her Creation, this humble offering is a Homage and Tribute to all the Earthly Mothers across the globe and through them to The Eternal Supreme Divine Universal Cosmic Mother SAI. Every Earthly Mother bears intense pain and suffering in order to deliver her child on to Mother Earth. The journey of every being begins from a Biological Mother’s Womb and ceases with the Ultimate Merger in The Divine Mother’s Cosmic Womb. Until then, there are any number of cycles of Birth and Death that the Being goes through. Fortunate and Blessed are those who find the Auspicious Divine Lotus Feet of God in this Birth as The Advent of The Supreme Most Phenomenon of Godhead, The Ultimate Para Brahman has come in the Name and Form of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, The Matchless Avatar ever to be! One such a Blessing descended on self, in the form of my Earthly Mother. It was the Divine Will of Sai Maa to intervene right from the moment of the birth of the self, by way of answering the ardent prayers of my Mother. As a consequence, even as I was being delivered in the labour ward, The Divine Presence of Cosmic Mother Sai had been felt and seen, assuring Ultimate Deliverance. It is said that God made Mothers so that His/Her representative is made available to every child in every home. It is the Mother who is accorded Primary significance in Bharathiya Culture and Tradition, as the Adage goes: Matha Pitha Guru Deivam, which translates to Mother Father Preceptor God. This sequence is of great relevance as it is the Mother who shows the child who the Father is. The Father in turn leads the child to the Guru and the Guru in turn guides and carries the child to God.   As a toddler, I was guided by my Mother, who had no fancy degrees and pomp show attached to her, to follow the Divine Footsteps of Sai Maa and always to remember to call out to the Divine Mother. Her words still ring in my ears: There may be a time and a space where your physical parents cannot hear you nor can reach out to you. But there is no time or space which is beyond the reach of the Divine Mother. So learn to depend only on Her. Holding fast on to her words of wisdom and observing her life, demonstrating dedication to the Divine Love and Service, Sacrifice and Selflessness, i learnt to take baby steps in to adoring and worshipping Sai Maa, through every breath. Today if Sai is what I thrive on, I primarily owe that to my mother. She taught me that I am no separate from Sai. SAI stands for SAI AND I. She also helped me intensify my awareness so that I realize: SAI AM I. According to her, no conflict can be resolved by another conflict and Peace cannot be attained through arguments and fights. To the letter she believes in giving willfully, voluntarily and happily for the welfare of all around, an immortal lesson taught by our Most Beloved Sai Maa. The most valuable life lessons that I have learnt from both my Mothers is to Love and Serve unconditionally, to Give and to Forgive, to Give and to Never Expect any returns, to Trust, to have Faith and most importantly to be Patient. Under many trying and testing situations, where it would have been very easy and tempting to judge and to find fault with one or many around, I have observed with amazement, my Mother, keeping away from such vile tendencies. She strictly adhered to Swadharma, and was content with that. What makes me bow to her, more than all else, is her invaluable teaching of Self Restraint. I am fortunate to be guided by These Twin Mothers, Earthly Mother being an ideal role model for me to emulate her example, who has based her entire life’s journey on The Divine Mother’s Teachings. The Self Confidence that Her Priceless Teachings have instilled in me, has given such courage that I do not feel the need to seek acceptance or acknowledgement from anyone for performing any small act of goodness. It lifts the heavy burden of pride and arrogance and of limiting ego, which otherwise would have been pressing me down. How am I to thank Sai Maa, for making available such an ideal perfect role model in Her Own Supreme Self and in the form of the biological mother as well, in terms of dedication, inspiring and motivating others, in treating everyone with compassion, in letting go of every unpleasant situation? I can go on and on…In a nut shell, She is the one, who has made me believe in my Self, in my Truth, in my Inner Core. She has made me aware

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai And The Emphatic Significance Of March/April 2011 – A Period Of Profound Reflection… The forty day period of Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter, when countless devout hearts spend their days praying to God, contemplating, overhauling the mindset and enhancing spiritual discipline. Two thousand years since the supreme sacrifice by the Son Of God, crucifixion of Jesus Christ, The Supreme Divine Father HimSelf, as Sri Sathya Sai, enacted a Divine Drama in March – April 2011, during the Lent period, resulting in HimSelf being aloof from the human sight hitherto. Connecting the two epochal events spanning two millennia, Ms Jullie Chaudhuri writes about her passion called ‘Sai Lent’, touching upon the unparalleled glory of Sri Sathya Sai Avatarhood and His Divine Sports… More than two thousand years ago an incident shook the world – the Crucification of Christ. Seemingly barbaric, bizarre, savage and ruthless…yet, it was a distinct part of the Cosmic Plan.  The ripples of this unbearable pagan episode are felt even now when anyone genuinely reflects upon the life of Jesus with a pure intent to know, understand, learn and grow. This extreme occurrence gave birth to the solemn period of Lent which culminates on Easter Day. There is an ancient Hawaiin belief – Ho’oponopono, which states that if we are a witness to any incident even if we simply hear of it…may it be whatever is happening around us…we are a part of it and are responsible for it.  It is not related to reproach, fault finding or blaming…but it indicates a healing process – in order to heal any situation…it is our responsibility to heal ourselves first. And so, right now, we are in the midst of a sombre phase…where millions are involved in a penance of sorts…heartbeats that remember the selfless life, the sacrifice…the incomparable gentle love, the spontaneous forgiveness…and the matchless compassion so classically synonymous with Christ.  While one participates in a ‘Fast’ one indulges in a feast too. Fasting is an abstinence which goes beyond food…and this takes place while incessantly feasting on the Holy Name and the accompanying divine dictums, messages, parables, and so on…from dawn to dusk and dusk to dawn. Lent is a 40 day period and Beloved Bhagawan chose this period of Lent for His immensely mystifying leela…and all that He chose to put His Form through for the sake of humanity – akin to forsaking His Form for the sake of humanity. His ways are unfathomable to our finite minds…yet, it doesn’t stop us from thinking, introspecting, wondering about this particular span of time and what it entails for all humans.The Supreme Father and His compassionate Son…sacrosanct advents that took so much upon Themselves for the benefit of the human race. Infinitely incomprehensible, utterly perplexing, puzzling and interwoven with humans and earth matters…because humans and earth matter to Him…in Whom merges the Son with the line – I and my Father are One.  The depth of what They exemplified with their Incarnation is totally inexplicable …much too vast and completely beyond human ken and understanding. So, what does the human heart feel for Jesus…for Sathya Sai…for Their advent…their ‘life’ on this planet? Is it filled with Paschatap – regret/lament and Prayaschit – atonement? Does it want to do something? Does it feel responsible in some minute way? Isn’t it true, that oft times it’s not what we have done…but what we have omitted to do; it’s not what we have thought…but what we have forgotten to think; it’s not what we say but that which we have overlooked to mention that turns us into a defaulter of sorts? Is there a tug in the heart…to remodel our thoughts, alter our words, rectify our actions, re-intensify our endeavours so as to live to please only Sai? What does Bhagawan and all that He stood for and exemplify mean to each of us? Should not each moment of this span of time be spent in reflection, reaction, resound and deep response? So much went into this span of time…the Divine Decision to take so much upon the Sacred Form…the onus lies upon us all to accord it reverence supreme. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The Last View…Of The Everlasting One…Hitherto… Friday, 25th March 2011. Soft sunrays caressed the evening hours whilst giving way to an impatient twilight waiting in a star studded awning yearning to have a glimpse too of God on Earth. Unseen to the mortal vision celestial beings too hastened to these hallowed precincts. All eyes were glued to the entrance of the ever so holy Yajur Mandir. When the hour, the minute and the second merged in a harmonious blend as willed by the Supreme One, there was a flurry of activity outside the Divine Residence. An awed hush enveloped Sai Kulwant Hall…heartbeats were stilled into joyous silence as the devoted gathering waited with bated breath for a darshan of Beloved Bhagawan. Souls delightfully leapt in delight, necks craned, eyes steadfastly remained centred beaming adoration…innumerable palms joined in prayerful reverence as the Divine Chariot glided in. At the same time silent requisitions brimmed in the environment, many held up their written communiqués seeking the compassion and benevolence of the orange hued golden Cherished Presence. Spiritual travellers, earthly wayfarers holding micro and macro desires while swimming against the tide…each one benefitted from the omniscient, all-encompassing mercy endowing gaze. For certain, some ancient ones, gifted with sage vision helplessly pleaded with Him for Him…surrendering to an uncanny knowing being aware of the purpose of the Advent…imploring that He may not in His pristine compassion overly annex and affix the humongous manmade calamities, appalling woebegone state of humanity and the despicable tattered condition of Mother Earth upon Himself…His Beatific Persona. Tears welled in many a devoted heart for myriad reasons…for Bhagawan symbolised a distinct aspect through the different phases in each individual’s life – Mother, Father, Companion, Best Friend, Master, Guru…Beloved Higher Soul. None were aware nor were given a hint as to the shrouded finality that encircled those moments and momentous episode. Only He knew how much was being bestowed upon us all…so too, it remained with and within Him how much was being taken away. There was an interlude scheduled with a precision only God can plan for every speck in creation revolves and responds to His Will and Plan. The Divine Director had prepared His Script and the climax – it remained as His Exclusive Mystery! His Essence being eternal was to remain…even as His Form was being withdrawn…the lessons, reasons, shift, span, extent – His sole prerogative. He is Ananth…Eternal…His Leela…His Cosmic Play…Ananya – matchless and unique. He transcends time and space…so too, time and space know Him to be their Source…the origin of every bit in creation. There is no such place as far away…and Bhagawan remains as close as close can be, His Omnipresence during His Physical Presence fascinated countless many. Millions have experienced Him in million ways and continue to do so, thus, all that we have witnessed is just the tip of the ‘Saiceberg’ and His Word…for the heavens hail Sathya Sai as the Greatest Avatar.Then, can there be a last darshan of the Everlasting One? Who doesn’t want more, having known a glorious fraction of the Supreme and His Supreme Facets…? As did Mira, Tuka, Namdev, Andal, Radha and each Gopika…the cows, calves, the dust and terrain of Brindavan…the core, each heartbeat along with the soul of Yajur Mandir and the soil of Prasanti Nilayam and Parthi yearns and echoes – the era of Sathya Sai has so much more in store for me and you. He being Who He is…His Will being what it is…His Word being the Sathya of Sai…Shrishti being entirely His…Perhaps the chronicles of Earth hereby has this to say as regards this decisive day 25th March 2011 –The Last View…Of The Everlasting One…Thus Far And Hitherto… Read on  the Last Darshan Report as reported by The Prasanthi Reporter on the eventful evening of 25th March, 2011. Prasanthi scripted a beautiful darshan story this evening with Bhagawan emerging at 1915 hrs, coming for two full rounds of darshan. After completing the first round Bhagawan moved into the ladies’ side and continued with a bonus round of darshan. Primary School children had a wonderful time with Bhagawan, as Bhagawan preferred to stop at the block for a while during the end of His first round. The little children literally swarmed around His car with greetings in their hands. One after one, each one of them sought blessings from Bhagawan before His car moved into the ladies’ side, granting the bonus round of darshan. A group from Alike, Muddenahalli institutions also received Bhagawan’s special attention during the round of darshan. Coming on stage at 1930 hrs, Bhagawan sat for the next half-an-hour and bhajans turned intense. With Bhagawan joining, giving finger beats in between, the session turned out to be a delectable bhajan treat for the august assembly in the twilight. Just two minutes short of 2000 hrs, Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Even as Arathi was coming to an end, Bhagawan turned into a blessing mood, blessing the audience with double hand abhayahastha, continuously. Post Arathi, before leaving the dais, once again His blessing right palm went up, blessing the audience with Abhayahastha. Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 2005 hrs. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Now And Forever As humanity is passing through a crucially important phase in its history, man needs to attempt to reinvent his lost fervour, fervour for spirituality utilising all God-given agendas to the best… and thus comes the supreme importance of “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu” – the Universal MahaMantra born of Sri Sathya Sai HimSelf. Dwelling upon the sublime living exemplified by Bhagawan, the Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham, writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri about the supreme importance of the phase humanity is passing through… Easter Day 2011 the world received some excruciatingly devastating news.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had chosen to aloof Himself from the Physical. Easter was on 24th April that year. This year Easter Day just passed us by on 27th March. Incidentally, 28th March, was the day The Lord selected to admit Himself into the SSSIHMS. Then on, each day every devoted heart experienced tremendous soreness and awaited any bit of news, each moment of the day about their Beloved Swami – their Centre of Adoration. The fervour for Bhagawan surpassed limits. And anxious thoughts flooded each cell of the being.What all has He taken upon Himself? What can we do to ‘ease’ things?  Are we not responsible in some way for all that was happening? How can we share in howsoever a minute manner the colossal expanse, the unimaginable magnitude, the almighty contamination the Almighty had thrust upon His most adorable Form? Bhagawan is beyond pain, yet, each heart was writhing, burning in agony. And still is.Prayers rented the ether…prayers to Him…for Him. On this day, on 28th March 2011, a pacemaker was fitted into the heart of the One Who is the Heart of the Universe…Who sets the pace of every atom in creation! Is there anyone Who can fathom the leelas, the sportive play, the mystical pronunciations, the transcendental acts of Bhagawan? The human mind is fixed in limitations, confined in conditions. Conversely, God is beyond conditions, beyond logic, beyond any and every limitation. There are no laws binding upon the One Who makes the Laws…for, even as the energy structure is being altered, transformed and amended as each person and the environment evolves…classifying a dynamic process…His Will too refines, redefines and decides the Cosmic Script and the laws that harmonise and fit the script. No one can comprehend the ways of God. They are beyond description. – Baba Avatars do not manifest to please or convince any mortal. The descent of God in the Physical is for the resuscitation of Dharma, for reviving Shanti, for escalating pristine Prema, for establishing Ahimsa, for the protection of the meek and downtrodden, to bless the helpless, fundamentally the Divine Being appears so as to facilitate the wellbeing of each being. The welfare of all beings attracts a Divine Incarnation. Consequently, the life, breath, message and mission of the Sathya Sai Avatar, the Source of Creation, the eternal spring of Compassion is essentially Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu. Moreover, the essence of Samastha Lokaah was planted in each individual soul as it birthed itself from the Cosmic Womb…the womb of Mother Sai. Quite essentially and unknowingly all are silently exuding this Mantra. It is time enough to arise, awaken and be aware of this truth, this Dharma of our existence especially during this period of Sai Lent. Then on may it blend with every heartbeat, each inhalation that destiny has bestowed upon us. Isn’t this what pleases the ever blissful Supreme Father and Mother of Creation? Isn’t this the bliss of our Precious Lord? Come, let us dwell upon the sublime living exemplified by Sai…may Sathya Sai Bhagavatam continuously absorb our soul, may Samastha Lokaah/Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu propel our thoughts, words and deeds. May His compassion be our everyday mission. Together let us offer allegiance to the breath of Sai. Every dawn guide us, Oh! Beloved Master,How may we reach out to all incessantly?How may we live to please only Thee?May the shimmering pink-gold Light of Thy Prema,Embrace our heart space,Help us to be kind to ourselves too,Strengthen our personal sadhana,Intensify our Aradhana,That we may  sychronise the five senses with each human value,In thoughts, words and deeds as they flow through,Deepen our understanding of Samastha Lokaah/Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu,Whereby,We remain ensconced in the sphere of Sathya Sai,Enhance our link and association with You,You are Now, You are Forever,May we ever bask in the realm of forever with You.Now and Forever. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Poisoned Arrows Or Scented Blossoms…Sorrow or Celebration? All that, to which, our conscience whispers a firm “No” are most undesirable and to all which our conscience hums  a firm ‘Yes’ are the most desirable actions for man to follow. When man listens to his conscience, that is the Inner God, he moves in the right direction and thus pleases Him Who is The Indweller…and when he moves opposite, he is inflicting pain in Him, Whose directives he chooses to ignore. Every negaive thing, be it our lackadaisical attitude, actions that reeked of kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya are arrows, darts, shafts, missiles that hit the Divinity Within us writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri  quoting references from Prasnottara Vahini reminding the children of Sathya Sai to awake, exult and herald in the Golden Age following Him studiously…Read on… She lit the evening lamp,Watching the rays of the Sun bid adieu and disappear,Dusk pirouetted to the fore from the rear,Deep was her contemplation on the events of the past year,A colossal ‘why’ and many, many , many ‘why nots’,In the mind did churn and appear…With open eyes she saw that Effulgent Form,The mist lifted even as the heart did mourn,With delight she looked upon Him,Moist eyes in which teardrops did brim,Upon a closer look she couldn’t stifle a loud gasp,She ran over and the Beloved One’s hand she did clasp,Agony stabbed her aching heart,Her voice was a hoarse and painful rasp –‘My Lord, Beloved Mother, Oh! Baba, Baba…’Was all she could muster,Mind reeling, senses not at par,As grief did her nerves scar,And the flow of words completely debar…Up close,She saw that His frame was entirely covered with arrows…Slowly the meaning did unfold. Every thought, word and deed which was not in sync, that was negative, harmful in intent, thoughtless, uncaring, acutely insensitive, horrifyingly arrogant, cruel and abusive to any living being or the minutest part of creation, was indeed an arrow; each thought and word wrongly intended brought on a torrent of chain reaction in rapid succession. Every lackadaisical attitude, each action that reeked of kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya was an arrow, a dart, a shaft, a missile, embedded in the lotus like frame of Beloved Bhagawan. Each arrow had a name on it. Countless arrows  pierced His gentle frame through the flaming orange robe. Arrows that came from all over the globe. Each and everyone was responsible for having pierced with toxic arrows and shafts, the Benevolent, Magnificent and Supreme Frame of God. Let us read excerpts from ‘Prasnottara Vahini’ by Beloved Bhagawan to get a clearer picture about these venomous and destructive weapons which lie either subtly, overtly or downright blatantly in every human persona. Q – Swami! What are the traits of character that we have to avoid, that is to say, which are the obstacles in the path of one who seeks liberation from the cycle of Birth and Death? Ans – The six, the Ari-shadvarga: Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsarya; these are to be avoided. Q – What exactly is Kama? Ans – Desire for riches, property, honour, status, fame, children; why list the lot? Attachment to all things of this sensory world – this false, temporary, impure world. Q – Krodha? Ans – Yearning to harm others and cause ruin to them. Q – And Lobha? Ans – Determination that no one else should partake of even a small fraction of what one has earned or what one has; also, that even in times of distress, one’s possessions should not be diminished by use. Q – What is the meaning of Moha? Ans – The delusion that some people are nearer to one than others and the desire to please them more than others, leading to exertions for earning and accumulating for their sake. Q – Mada? Ans – Mada means the swagger that develops when one feels that he has either scholarship or strength or riches or fame, more than others. Even when one has not got these, Mada makes men move about without reverence for elders and consideration for others’ feelings and craving only for one’s own comfort and security. Mada is extreme egoism. Q – The last that You mentioned is Matsarya. What does that mean, Swami? Ans – When others are as happy as yourself, Matsarya makes one miserable; one cannot tolerate it. Such lucid explanations about the excess baggage that we carry, weapons of self as well as social destruction in the psyche of each individual. Yet, we point fingers at disgruntled neighbours, street fights, terrorists and warring nations. Each arrow that falls off due to virtuous, ethical behavior continuously gets replaced when the worst in us gets the better of us.But these attempts at self transformation needs a Cosmic Boost, intense endeavour and an absolute one-pointed focus. The arrows on that Cherished Form have to be removed. They have to fall off, disintegrate, vanish, crumble. Since those arrows belong to us all, the remedy too lies with us. We need to replace those arrows cautiously, skillfully, carefully, being ever dexterous and vigilant so that they do not surface ever. These poisonous arrows need to be wiped out, their repeated recurrence barred.  And for this we need ‘zoomed in’ determination, a soul centered obsession with the Ultimate Goal, a burning passion for purification, a supreme will and complete absorption in the gigantic task at hand – unfurling and manifesting our inherent, latent divinity. If these words have touched your hearts, dear brothers and sisters, if they have created ripples of impression upon a mind ever ready to please the Beloved One, if they have evoked feelings of harmony and linked our thoughts…then we must not remain sanguine, nor must we procrastinate. Nothing else matters, no other call is more urgent, no trivial distraction need attract our attention. ‘That’ ever overflowing Ocean of Love, Compassion, Mercy and Truth deserves only petals of fragrant blossoms, perfumed and coloured with the myriad hues of goodness, purity, unity, divinity and the oneness of adoration. Beginning this very moment, the thought uppermost in our mind posthaste must be – ‘I

Parthi Prays… The lines that you are about to peruse through had its initial debut in the brook of soulful sentiments that caressed the cherished Lotus Feet of Beloved Bhagawan through the booklet – Eternal Sanctity, being a special edition of the Pune Youth Wing Newsletter in June 2011. Memories of those days linger on as intense now as it was then. Let us ceaselessly unite in profound prayer…in deep reverence for Him…for His magnificent Advent…for His Love…His Mission…for each of His Word!  We will be publishing these reports in sequnce, as and when they were originally written in April 2011. May we lovingly ask you to join us as each sigh eternally echoes absolute yearning for Mother Sai. This is how Parthi stepped up its individual and collective Sadhana as The Divine Frame chose to take upon Itself, perils that threatened humanity… Oblivious to malicious talk and unperturbed by vicious pens, Parthi continued its Sadhana in a calm vein. In temples and individual homes, chants and  bhajans rang out. The village geared up for akhanda bhajan and night long vigil, so no procession on the streets of Parthi…but the inner procession continues non-stop as it should. The world over, the feeling is thus – Where the mind is without I, and the heart is full of Sai, into that heaven of freedom, Oh Lord let my soul awake… …each drum beat, each ring of the cymbals is pleading with the Lord and praying to Him for Him…and why shouldn’t they…? For all that He takes upon Himself, saving humanity from disastrous effects of natural calamities which threatens the existence of millions, it is on their part but a humble act of  acknowledgement and gratitude, isn’t it….? …gratitude to the Beloved for all that we know He does and all that we don’t know…to the Universe for all its abundance, for the country we live in…do we wish to be in any other place than the one the Lord chose…?…to our parents for giving us life and for introducing us to life i.e. the Beloved; also, it’s important to have gratitude towards the physical casing of the atma, the vehicle for the soul, to each and every organ for functioning well, to the eyes for seeing His form, to the ears for having heard Him, to the feet for having walked His way, to the mind for its focus on Him…and to the heart for being the shrine where He does dwell. 8th April..…Collective Harmony in the heart of Parthi…beyond caste, colour, religion – a rare example of unity… When the cherished One allows Himself to be admitted to the ICU of SSSIHMS, the Cosmos watches with bated breath as to what He has written next in the Divine play, for only He knows the script and He is the Director Supreme in this Cosmic drama. What is known to us is that devotees the world over – in every village, city, home and heart are praying to Him…for Him. For a change, there is a selfless prayer in every heart, mind and soul, an ardent appeal, a passionate plea, in all humility, with pure love replete…that goes beyond any personal benefit or selfish need…a prayer that asks Beloved Bhagawan to cure Himself…as He has done with millions over the last eight decades of this Avatarhood. What is perhaps not known to us is that every being in the Universe also has a prayer in its heart, concern in its mind, tears in its eyes and hope in its very being. From the plain to the deserts, to the mighty Himalayas…from the lay person to heads of state, to saints and Himalayan masters…all souls are joined in prayer to the One for the One. Faith is the sole factor for each soul. A collective appeal from the individual soul to the Super Soul to heal whatever It has deemed fit to take upon Itself, for the higher good of the Cosmos. And Puttaparthi, the village which received the ultimate benediction when the Lord willed Himself to be born and continue the scenes of His Divine mission here…is awake, alive, alert and aware with fervent prayers and deep devotion. Every hearth, home and heart is imploring its dearest Bhagawan to heal Himself and return to Prasanthi Nilayam without further delay. All temples are holding prayer meetings which include bhajans, yagnas and various chants for the speedy recovery of their Beloved Lord. Come evening and there are groups of devotees converging from different lanes and by lanes, with adoration in their hearts, devotional songs on their lips and candles in their hands. They are like little streams and rivulets, gushing forth from myriad directions, bobbing up and down with diyas, merging together at the Feet of the Loving Ocean of extreme benevolence, represented by the deity of Sathyamma at the temple dedicated to Her Sathyabhama, the precious consort of Krishna. Their passion, dedication, loyalty and love for Bhagawan is overwhelming to witness and exhilarating to experience. The entire village is effervescent and vibrant with adoration for the One Who gave them life and is their life. An amalgamation of unified faith, a combined gathering of such a large multitude continuously over a period of 11 days for just ‘one person’ is unheard of anywhere in the world. But of course that ‘one person’ happens to be Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Whose unconditional love and selfless service for humanity is an example in itself. Bhagawan is receiving the love with which He has touched the lives of millions in every nook and corner of the globe. Unified prayers bring collective harmony resulting in a benediction supreme, and this is the entreating hope of every soul. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamayaa… Browsing through His ‘most mystifying’ Story from April 2011, we see a united Puttaparthi that stood united for a Cosmic Cause, her very own SOUL… HeartBeat, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, Whom she ‘fondled’ with great care, right from the day-1 of His Story. With Bhagawan’s most mysterious Divine Leela on in the summer month of April, Puttaparthi  turned abuzz, with collective hearts beating for Him…for Him…for Him Alone… Recapping Parthi’s mood during the trial days, here is a report from the 13th and 14th days of April 2011, extracted from the book ‘Eternal Sanctity’ by the Pune Youth Wing. 13th April Millions flock to Him…they love Him for what He is, all that He is, for all that He has done and keeps doing for the individual, the society, the nation, the world and the universe too. For them that is proof enough of His divinity. They have experienced His magnanimity, His presence, His little and great acts of supreme grace, the miracle of His unconditional love and so are now expressing it in a befitting manner. For them, He deserves the best and they are bent upon offering their best. Unshakeable is their faith, heartfelt their gratitude, unmatched is their fervor, dedication, devotion and tenacity of purpose – to have their Lord amidst them at the earliest. This is how it is in Puttaparthi right now. This little township is alive with plentiful pageants that carry lifesize photographs of the Lord of Parthi, while singing devotional songs through the lanes and by lanes, the crisscrossing of various such groups charging the environment with piety. More than 200 women had a ‘coloured light’ procession of their own. A parade that glowed with the hues of adoration. Carrying plates of worship, that contained candles, flowers, coconut, turmeric, vermillion, betel nuts and betel leaves – phalam, pushpam, patram toyam – upon their heads and singing aloud hymns in worship of their Lord, these ladies carried out a special act of devotion past every temple of this holy village. Large groups of children too have taken to the streets, themselves pulling the huge chariot carrying garlanded pictures of Bhagawan – a Rath Yatra, even as they sing aloud in their tender voices, bhajans pure in their intent. Candle lights – that rekindled hope and faith. TamasoMaa Jyotir Gamayaa – leading away from the darkness arising out of the absence of their dear Lord to the radiance of His coveted darshan. It seemed the onus is on humanity to woo Beloved Bhagawan. Clearly devotion has swept into the sands of Parthi and the hearts of its inhabitants … “Parthipurishwar Jaya Mana Mohana”. 14th April Thursday was reserved for the men folk of Parthi to express their devotion. Hundreds gathered outside Ganesh gate with candles in their hands, a prayer in their hearts and hymns in praise of their Lord on their lips. Chants of ‘Om Sri Sai Ram’ rang out aloud and echoed in the ether. Accompanying this devoted gathering was a floral float drawn by a tractor. Colorful bouquets and flowers bedecked the gigantic photo frame of Beloved Bhagawan. They passed on their ‘candles of love, hope, faith and worship’, as an offering, which was collected by seva dal and devotees from inside the Ganesh gate and made to adorn the parapet surrounding the deities under the canopy of the peepal tree opposite Ganesha. A myriad candles glowed bright with unified prayers and collective harmony. Further down the main street of Puttaparthi, children sang and danced in circular formations, even as the elders of the village played the drums and cymbals with synchronized rhythm. The residents of the village, each one of them were leaving no stone unturned to coax and cajole their Beloved Lord to be amidst them again. Indeed a sustained spectacular effort with amazing dedication. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Parthi Prays… Crucial days ahead of the most crucial moment in April 2011… 20th and 21st April found an upsurging wave of devotional frenzy in and around Puttaparthi, seeking and beseeching, pleading and praying for His Supreme mercy…. to return to His normal Self… from the archives of our reports for 20th and 21st April, 2011. 20th April This evening it was clearly a play of rain and reign…the natural elements were openly lending their support to the persistent pledge of prayers, by not only the residents of Parthi, but devotees all over the world, in whose hearts Beloved Bhagawan reigned supreme. The roar of thunder fueled the storm of devotion in every heart, the gusty winds carrying their devoted fervor echoing into the ether, only to mingle with fresh wisps of adoration throughout the planet. The rain did not dampen the will of Parthi but delivered their spirits into the realm where the benevolent, limitless One reigned absolute. Prayers, a myriad chants, devotional hymns, continued in respective homes and temple complexes. Some took rounds, circumambulating the shrine while others did surround the deity with adulation. From offering garlands made up of betel leaves to Hanumanji, seemingly asking him to carry their message to Sai Rama, to festoons of fragrant flowers, devotees continued their efforts to woo their dear Lord. Keeping in mind the whimsical, fathomless and mysterious ways of the One, Who sat under the Neem tree in Shirdi, it appeared to them, that the same mystifying, inexplicably mystical phenomenon had been carried forward into Parthi. Erring humanity had to be taught lessons that would wake them up from their slumber. They had made a firm choice – Ours is not to question why… ours is but to follow Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. And so it was, that the towering crusade of their trust, faith, love and hope was not to be overcome or disturbed by the tiresome tirade of tattered tongues. 21st April As the evening gradually got enveloped by velvet dusk, devotees flocked to the various temples to propitiate the deities. There was a synchronized pealing of bells from all the temples. Sathyamma looked ever radiant accepting offerings of flowers, fruits and colourful glass bangles. Dressed in dark green silk with a pink border, Her hair was adorned with fresh blossoms and dazzling ornaments, while many an appeal was being whispered in Her ears. Along with the daily worship, which was ever fresh and fragrant and never a ritual or routine, Parthi was diving into the memories of days following the spectacular divine dawn that heralded the advent of the Avatar. A reminiscing that not only refreshed many a wondrous saga that had been witnessed, but rejuvenated faith and hope, as limitless were the miracles that every heart and household had experienced. The innumerable acts of care, concern and compassion of ‘tiny’ Sathya; the knowledge, wisdom, insight and understanding of their ‘little’ Raju; the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent acts of their Beloved Swami resounding through the globe, beyond space and time made them realize they were face to face with God – and Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was He. This was the dwelling that the Lord chose for His advent. He chose to be the cherished ‘Son’ of Parthi. No, not a palace as in Treta, or as the ‘Prince’ among the cowherds in Dwapara, not even the royal household chosen during the time of Buddha…for the much awaited sunrise for this dark age of Kali, He chose a humble hamlet, obscure and hitherto unknown…soon to be considered most sacrosanct. And so Parthi realizes that this jolt out of the blue, from the Infinite to the finite was to shake awake slumbering humanity steeped in sloth. The Lord chose this humble hamlet and with His charming ways became its most cherished Soul. The hardships He faced as He ‘grew’ – walking for miles to reach a school; carrying water in pots attached to the two ends of a stick, which left His tender shoulders bruised; extreme paucity of medical facilities, later led to free Educational Institutes, innumerable Water Projects and Super Speciality Hospitals, besides other acts too numerous to mention, that became His benediction to humanity at large. Through the examples of little Sathya’s life, Parthi learnt that man can learn how to elevate his destiny and ascend to a higher way of living and being. Knowing that sensationalism and speculations led to strife; irrational thought, reckless talk and irresponsible reporting led to distress, disharmony and a display of immaturity, and that aggressive accusations belonged to devious, disgruntled minds…Puttaparthi decided to –’put apart I’ and follow the ways of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu The Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam is just concluded with grand celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam in the immediate Divine OmniPresence of Beloved Bhagawan. With the spirit of Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana on… how crucially important it is to take up the revised Cosmic MahaMantra, Born Of Bhagawan, as a way of life… before moving forward.  A beautiful presentation on the Cosmic ‘Liberatory’ Theme called ‘Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu’ by The Prasanthi Reporter. (Script, Concept and Voice by ‘Mother Sai Poet’ Sri Jullie Chaudhuri for The Prasanthi Reporter) Dear Sisters and Brothers…Loving Loving  Sai Ram…Peace of the soul and Harmony for all! We are here to hear and connect to a distinctly selfless mantra. Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu. As we have all seen, heard, read and witnessed our Beloved Bhagawan’s teachings and the examples set by Him, the welfare of all beings is what He stresses on…Consequently, on 31st August 2008, Bhagawan modified Lokaah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu which interprets as – May all the beings in this world be happy and peaceful… to now be intoned as – Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu…that it may exude peace for all the beings in all the worlds. Is it not imperative then   that we chant this mantra for Universal peace? As we keep chanting this, the mantra becomes ‘us’ – universal seva. The bonus is that along with peace, this revives a feeling of brotherhood, camaraderie and the chorus of kindred oneness. Beings of light did spring forth from the silence deep within the Lord’s heart and so we are all connected and never apart…for those beings are us all… Many are the challenges faced by the individual, the society, and the world, and this is having serious repercussions on and is a constant  threat to Mother Earth…a threat that is gathering enormous momentum…