Sathya Sai Baba was born on the 23rd November
1926 in a tiny remote village called Puttaparthi in the Anantapur district of
Andhra Pradesh, Southern India.
As a Child, He Demonstrated exceptional qualities of wisdom, compassion and
generosity.
At the age of 14, he announced to his parents and villagers that
His mission was to bring about the spiritual regeneration of humanity by
demonstrating and teaching the highest principles of Truth, Right Conduct,
Peace, Non-Violence and Divine Love.
Since 1950, His residence has been
Prasanthi Nilayam (‘The Abode of Peace’) near the village of his birth. For
many years Prasanthi Nilayam has been a gathering site for millions of
pilgrims from all religions throughout the world.
His birthplace, once a tiny rural village, is now a beautiful
university town with schools and colleges lining its main street; in addition,
hundreds of villages in surrounding areas have been adopted by Sai Baba’s
voluntary workers who have built roads, bridges, schools and dug wells for
them.
Regular medical camps care for the health of thousands of local people
and Sai Baba’s Education programme has been implemented in schools throughout India
and other countries.
Again it is not only his example, which inspires but his
extraordinary level of being, which shines through his teachings and has an
impact on all who come into his presence.
His frequently witnessed and documented healings,
materialisations of objects, telepathic powers and appearances in more than
one place at once are due to powers he was born with, not developed by special
disciplines.
It is said he is not just a fully realised man but the Avatar of
this Age; his life certainly fulfils prophecies in several religions. He
says:-
“I know who I am; I have
come to help you realise who you are”
What are we to make of all this? Could
a man who left his village school at 14 have such a profound knowledge of the
world religions and the ability to teach and explain them with sayings and
stories of Christ-like simplicity? Sai Baba says:-
“Come, test, inquire,
taste, experience”
He also says:
“…do not be attracted simply by stories of
what I create by a wave of the hand. Do not jump to conclusions with closed
eyes; watch, study and weigh…”
The Divine
Life and Message of
Sri
Sathya Sai Baba
Part I
1. Where and when was
Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba born?
Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba was born on 23rd November 1926 at Puttaparthi in Ananthapur
District.
2. Give the details
related to His birth - Month, Star, etc.
Baba was born on Monday in
the holy month of Kaarthik (Kaarthika Somavaara) of the year Akshaya in
the ascendance star "Aardhra".
3. In which clan was He
born?
Baba was born in the
Rathnaakara family of Bharadhvaaja gothra and Aapasthamba suuthra.
4. Why did He choose to
be born in that family alone?
A certain ancestor of
Ratnaakara family, Venkaavadhuutha prayed to the Lord of the Universe
that He should be born in his family.
5. What are the names of
His parents?
(Mother's name) Eeshvaraamba
and (father's name) Pedda Venkama Raju.
6. Why was Baba named as
Satya Narayana?
Baba was born after mother
Eeshvaramma had taken the Prasaadham of Sri Sathyanaaraayana Vratham
which her mother-in-law had brought from the next door family.
7. Who is Kondama Raju?
Kondama Raaju was the
grandfather of Baba.
8. What were the
mysterious intimations of the impending Divine Incarnation?
Before Baba was born, a
Thambuura, a stringed musical instrument which was kept leaning against
a wall started twanging and a drum started beating automatically,
producing celestial music.
9. What did the women in
the labour room find in the bed clothes on which the child was put?
They found a cobra under the
bed clothes.
10. What was the original
name of Puttaparthi?
Gollapalli.
11. What is the meaning
of Puttaparthi?
Putta means ant-hill - place
full of ant-hills.
12. What is the name of
the river that flows in Parthi?
Chithraavathi.
13. What are the temples
that we find in Parthi?
Venugopaalaswamy temple,
Sathyabhaama temple, Aanjaneya temple and the temple of Shiva.
14. What is the
significance related to the temple of Shiva?
The place where Shiva temple
is constructed, is the birth place of Baba.
15. How many brothers and
sisters does Baba have?
Two brothers and two
sisters; elder brother is Seshama Raju, younger brother is
Jaanakiraamayya; sisters: Venkamma and Paarvathamma.
16. What was the name
given to Baba as a boy?
Brahmajnaani, Biddalaguru
(Guru of children).
17. What were the noble
qualities that one could find in Baba even as a child?
Baba was kind and
compassionate even at the tender age of four and five. He sought out the
maimed, the blind and the decrepit, fed and gave them clothes. He would
plead against the killing of a fowl or chicken for curry at home. He was
against all sports and games that caused pain and cruelty. He was
reticent and reserved, but always cheerful.
18. Give one instance to
illustrate the quality of desirelessness in Baba even as a child?
Baba's grandfather used to
purchase yards of clothes for his grandchildren, during festivals. He
used to ask the children to choose the cloth they liked. Baba never
bothered, but just took whatever was kept aside.
19. Even as a boy, Baba
never considered, doing any work as mean or below his dignity. Give
example.
Baba had only one pair of
dress. He used to wear a towel, wash his shirt and knicker, dry them up,
put live coal in a brass vessel, iron them, fold them and keep them
under a steel trunk.
20. In which places did
Baba study?
Puttaparthi, Bukkapatnam,
Kamalaapuram, Uravankonda.
21. What did Baba do as
soon as he went to school?
He used to gather the
children at school under a tree. He would keep a picture or an idol with
flowers, conduct Puuja, Bhajan and perform aarathi. At the end of the
session, he distributed Prasaadh. He used to take the Prasaadh out from
his empty bag.
22. Who were the teachers
who considered Baba as a Divine wonder child?
Mehboob Khan, Subbannaachaar
and Kondappa.
23. What was the first
divine power that Baba showed in the school?
One of the teachers made
Sathya stand on the bench presuming that he was absent minded. When the
period was over and the next teacher who had to take class in that room
came, he found the previous teacher mysteriously glued to his seat. The
teacher who entered the class was Mehboob Khan. He understood the
situation, asked Sathya to sit down. Then the teacher could stand up
himself, without the chair accompanying him.
24. Baba used to gather
many children and organise Bhajan session. What was the name of that
Bhajan Group?
Pandari Bhajan Group. It
consisted of 18 children who wore yellow coloured robes.
25. Why did Baba organise
Bhajan sessions?
In order to make the people
interested in sacred Bhajans and prevent them from going to cheap
musical sessions. But there was another important purpose, to drive away
from a locality any epidemic disease.
26. What was the name of
the dancer in whose stead Baba danced?
Rishyendhramani.
27. What was the unique
skill in dance demonstrated by Baba?
Rishyendhramani used to keep
a bottle balanced on her head, dance to music, finally pick up with her
teeth a hand kerchief from the floor. But Baba instead of picking up a
kerchief with the teeth, could pick up a needle with his eyelids.
28. When the District
Collector wanted to pin the prize medal and shake hands, why did Baba
refuse?
The collector wanted to pin
the medal on to the dress of the dancer and shake hands. But Sathya
refused to shake hands and receive the medal. Since he was in the role
of a girl dancer, he thought it would be proper to act according to the
role. He could not permit a man to touch him.
29. What was the name of
the play-let written by Baba as a boy?
"Cheppinattu chesthaara" -
will you do as you say?
30. Who is Kota Subbanna?
Kota Subbanna was a
businessman at Kamalaapuram. Sathya would compose songs set them to
catchy tunes on a newly arrived product to advertise the product.
Subbanna would engage some boys to go round the village streets with
placards and announcing the product and singing in chorus, Sathya's
ditties. In exchange of this help Subbanna used to supply Sathya
whatever he needed in day to day life. Sathya even at that age seemed to
have projected the idea of earning while learning. He did not want to be
a dependent.
31. What are the names of
students who sat on either side of Baba?
Ramesh and Sudhir.
32. To which place did
the boys of Kamalaapuram school go for service?
Pushpagiri.
33. What is the reply
given by Baba when his friend offered him scout uniform?
Sathya wrote to his friend
and classmate thus: "True friendship should never be based on give and
take. The bond that should exist is love. True friendship should be from
heart to heart".
34. How could Baba manage
to get money to go to service camp?
By selling the books of the
previous class to a poor harijan boy.
35. What did Baba do
after that to procure money?
Baba participated in
Budabuda kata.
36. When Baba returned
from the service camp, what did he bring for his sister-in-law?
Sathya brought Kumkum (red
powder), haldi (turmeric), bangles and flowers (they are usually given
to married women)
37. Why was his brother
angry with Baba?
The family depended on
Sathya for supply of fresh water. He used to bring water from a distant
well. Sathya's absence from home to participate in the Service camp,
inconvenienced the family.
38. Who was the teacher
who loved Baba very much in Uravakonda?
Manchiraju Thammiraju.
39. What is the
significance of the date 20-5-1940?
Baba got up early in the
morning, called the neighbours and relatives, materialised and
distributed delicious Prasad. He asked the people to wash their feet and
come in for worship.
40. How did Baba's father
threaten him?
Sathya's father wanted to
teach his son a lesson and put an end to the strange and hysterical
chapter. He armed himself with a stick and shouted at Sathya: "Are you a
God, a ghost or a madcap?"
41. What was Baba's
reply?
Baba said: "I am Sai Baba. I
belong to Aapasthamba Suthra. I am of Bhaaradhvaja Gothra or lineage. I
have come to ward off your troubles. Your ancestor Venkaavadhuutha
prayed that I should be born in your family. So I have come."
42. How did Baba prove
that he was Sai Baba?
He threw a handful of
jasmine flowers on the floor. To the utter amazement of one and all, the
flowers on the ground re-arranged themselves into letters in Telugu,
"Sai Baba".
43. What happened in
Hampi-Viruupaaksha temple?
Sathya, accompanied his
brother Seshamaaraju and many others to Hampi. They went to Viruupaaksha
temple. Sathya preferred to stand outside, while others went in for
worship. The puujari or priest was performing camphor-aarathi to the
deity of the temple. To the surprise of all, they saw the smiling face
of Sathya, and not the stone image. Seshamaaraju had his own suspicion.
He came out only to find Sathya standing.
44. When and where did
Baba declare that He is the Avathaar of the Age?
On 20th October, 1940 in
Uravakonda, in a place adjacent to the house of the Excise Inspector Mr.
Aanjaneyulu.
45. What happened when a
photographer took a snap of Baba as He sat on a boulder?
It turned out to be the
image of Shirdi Sai.
46. What was the first
Bhajan song taught by Baba?
"Maanasa bhajare,
gurucharanam" - meditate in your mind on the feet of the Guru. That can
take you across the sea of Samsaara or transmigratory life.
47. Who is Karanam
Subbamma?
Karanam Subbamma was the
wife of the Karanam or village officer of Puttaparthi. She recognised in
Baba even at the tender age, of his divinity, and can be called the
foster mother of Baba. She used to prepare food for the devotees who
came to see Baba. She took care of Baba with rare love and affection
beyond words.
48. What was the miracle
performed by Baba at Uravakonda?
A jutkawaallaah (driver of
horse drawn cart) lost his horse. He came to know of the rare powers of
the miracle boy and approached Sathya. Sathya told him that his horse
was safely grazing at the place nearby. The jutkawaallaah did find the
horse.
Part II
1. What is the meaning of
Sai Baba?
Sai Baba means Divine Mother
and Father.
Sah + Ayee + Baba; S =
Divine; Ayee = Mother; Baba: Father.
2. How does Baba describe
himself?
Sathyam is my Prachaar -
Truth is what I speak. Dharmam is my Aachaar - Dharma is what I do.
Shanthi is My svabhaav - Shanti (peace) is My nature. Prema is my
Swaruup - Prema or Love is my Form.
3. Baba declared that his
Avathaaric mission will be executed in three phases. What are they?
The first sixteen years of
His life will be a period of Baala Leela. The next sixteen will be spent
in Mahimas (divine miracles) to give Santhosh to people. After that life
will be full of activity delivering discourses to teach erring humanity
to take to the path of righteousness, guiding humanity back to
Sanaathana Dharma. (Eternal-Universal Religion)
4. What is the historic
letter in which Baba declared his mission in a detailed manner?
Baba's elder brother could
not grasp the mystery of Sai phenomenon. He could not tolerate certain
caustic comments about the "simple village miracle boy", made by some
people. So he wrote letters to Baba warning him and also imparting a
lesson that he had learnt in life about human follies and about fame and
its trappings.
Baba wrote to his brother on
25th May 1947. First He advises his brother not to attach any value to
such comments and take them to heart. Every Avathaar had to face such
criticisms. It is very difficult for common people to understand
Divinity in human form. They cannot even understand sages. Then He
reveals His mission:
"I have a task to foster all
mankind and ensure for all of them life full of Aananda.
I have a vow to lead all
those who stray away from straight path, back again to goodness and save
them.
I am attached to a work that
I love; to remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they
lack.
I have my definition of
devotion - those devoted to me have to treat joy and grief, gain and
loss, with equal fortitude. This means, I will never give up those
attached to me. When I am thus engaged in my beneficial task, how can my
name ever be tarnished as you apprehend? Truth shall prevail. Integrity
will win."
5. When did Baba declare
that he is Shivashakthi in human form?
On Guru Puurnami day 1963.
6. Give the sequence of
the Sai Trio.
Shirdi Sai; Sathya Sai;
Prema Sai.
7. What is the name of
the biography of Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba?
Sathyam Shivam Sundaram
(Truth, Goodness, Beauty).
8. What is the name of
the magazine published in Parthi? When did the publication commence?
Sanaathana Saarathi: 1958.
9. What is the special
title given to Baba's writing in the monthly magazine that comes from
Prashaanthi Nilayam?
The special title given to
Baba's writings in Sanaathana Saarathi in Serials is "VAAHINI";
1. Prema vaahini.
2. Dharma vaahini.
3. Prashaanthi vaahini.
4. Jnaana vaahini.
5. Dhyana vaahini.
6. Bhagavatha vaahini.
7. Geetha vaahini.
8. Prashnotthara vaahini.
9. Raama katha Rasa vaahini.
10. Leela kaivalya vaahini.
11. Sathya Sai vaahini.
12. Vidhya vaahini.
13. Upanishad vaahini.
14. Sutra vaahini.
(also "Sandeha nivarini")
10. Why did Baba
undertake visits to all important shrines in pilgrim centres?
Baba's visit to these
ancient shrines (Ayodhya, Varaanasi, Badhrinaath, Pandaripura,
Kanyaakumaari, Shrisailam) is to "charge the batteries that have gone
weak" - i.e., to rejuvenate and infuse spiritual power in those dynamos
of Grace. The resuscitation of holy places is one of the means of Dharma
Sthaapana for which He had come.
11. Baba organized and
established the following: (a) Prashaanthi Vidwan Mahaasabha (b)Summer
courses in Indian Culture and Spirituality (c) Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organisation. What is the purpose for which these were started?
(a) Prashaanthi Vidhwan
Mahaa Sabha: The watch word of Vidwan Maha Sabha is "Thamasoma
Jyothirgamaya" - lead (us) from darkness to light; to eradicate
ignorance and light the lamp of true knowledge and instil faith in man's
true nature - that "He is Aathma divine".
(b) Summer courses: The
students and the youth of the present era do not have proper knowledge
of Indian culture and spirituality. They are born and bred up in alien
culture. In order to acquaint them with the knowledge of Bhaarath and
her glory, Swami organised these summer courses.
(c) Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organisation: It is meant to be a training ground for the members to
make themselves deserve Divine Grace through love and service to one and
all and to spread Baba's message of Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi and Prema by
precept and example.
12. How does Baba fulfil
His mission of making man realise that he is Aathman. What are the
stages through which he makes man involve himself?
Baba dose CHAMATHKAR
(miracles of love) to attract people and instill faith in Divinity and
through SAMSKAAR transform and transmute them, then make them involve in
PAROPAKAAR selfless service to others so that they might imbibe and
inculcate Thyaga (sacrifice) in order to become fit for SAKSHATKAR
(actual visualisation of God).
13. What is the meaning
of Bhagavaan?
Bhagavaan means one endowed
with Bhaga, i.e., unique attributes:
Aishvarya - Authority
derived from devine power
Veerya - Incomparable
heroism, bravery
Yasas - Unexelled Fame
Shreyas - Comprehensive
Prosperity
Jnana - Supreme Wisdom
Vairagya - Inner Detachment
It is also laid down in the
Shaasthras that those who have these six primary endowments are referred
to as Bhagavaan.
Uthpattimcha vinasamcha
boothaanaam aagathim gathim.
Vetthi vidhyaam avidyamcha
sarvascha bhagavan ithi.
He who knows the mystery of
creation, dissolution of created beings, the mystery of their redemption
and of their ignorance, wisdom.
14. What are the
attributes of an Avathaar?
The word 'Avathaar' means
one who descends from the level of God-head to the level of a man only
to enable man to ascend to the level of God.
The Avathaar shares the
possession of five senses with the world of animals and human beings. He
shares with mankind the four attributes of mind, reason, emotion,
ahamkar or egoism. Avathaar possesses seven main unique characteristics
Srishti, (creative power;) Sthithi, (the power to foster; guard and
protect;) Laya, (the power to destroy;) Thirodhaana, (the power to make
things disappear;) then there is Anugraha (the power to shower grace)
for the deserving and non-deserving as well. An Avathaar is ever present
when His name is uttered, form is recognised.
15. Why does Baba perform
miracles?
Baba himself has said thus
about miracles: "Miracles are very natural and normal to me". He
performs miracles to inculcate faith in Divinity. These miracles are to
prove to the mortals the Super human powers with which He has come down
to redeem humanity from the shackles of ignorance.
16. How did Baba declare
that He is the very embodiment of all Gods that mankind has been
adoring?
He declared it in the form
of a poem:
The same Lord who descended
to protect Prahlaadha -
The same Lord who rushed to
rescue the elephant king from the jaws of the crocodile -
The same Lord who came down
to grant boons to the young Dhruva -
The same Lord who showered
grace on Kuchela and relieved his poverty -
The same Lord with the same
attributes -
The redeemer of humanity
Srinivasa
Is here on earth now as the
Lord of Puttaparthi shining
forth with all His Glory.
17. How did Baba prove
that He is the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai.
When His father questioned
Baba about Sai Baba, he showed to His father and Karanam Subbamma, the
Samaadhi (burial places) of Shirdi Sai Baba, and the nearby places
against a wall in a series of pictures.
There lived until recently
an old lady called "Peddha Bottu"! Her original name was Shaaradamma,
She was the daughter of a collector in the Nizam's dominions. She
visited and had the Darshan of Shirdi Sai several times, with her
father. She experienced untold miseries after marriage and her husband
died, her four children died. Then in utter agony she sought the feet of
Shirdi Sai and asked for spiritual initiation in Lendi Baagh in 1917.
Baba said, "Not now, I will come again in Andhra. You will meet me and
be with me." After many years during her visits to several places where
she gave Harikatha (divine story telling performance), she came to
Uravakonda. She heard that a certain Baba calls himself re-incarnation
of Shirdi Sai Baba. She went to attend a Thursday Bhajan session at
Seshamaraju's house. Then Sri Sathya Sai Baba spotted her and said "So
you have come, my child, you owe me sixteen rupees" - only to prove to
Shaaradamma that He is Shirdi Sai come again as promised. Shaaradamma
sent to Shirdi Dasara celebration, Rs.40/- through a man called
Balarama. He returned to her 24 rupees. Baba addressed her as 'Gori'
(the pet name given to her by Shirdi Sai Baba to Peddha Bottu alias
Shaaradamma).
18. In what form did Baba
give Dharsan to (a) Purushotthamaanandha (b) Karnam Subbamma (c)
Abhedhaananda (d) to people gathered on the sea shore of Machilipatnam.
(a) Jyotheeruupa Anantha
Padhmanaabha Swami (b) Karanam Subbamma could see in the wide open mouth
of Sathya, the entire Universe and creation, (c) Ramana Maharshi (d)
Shesha Saayi.
19. Why does Baba give
gifts to His devotees?
Baba Himself has said thus
about gifts. The gifts are expressions of his Grace and Love. 'They are
like my visiting cards and send me instant flashes when the person to
whom the gift is given is in danger or in need of my help. Sometimes
these gifts are for the sake of health or to indicate right path'.
20. To whom did Baba give
these unique gifts? (a) Jesus on cross, (b) Bhagawad-Geetha from sands
(c) idol of Annapurna.
(a) John Hislop (b) Dr.
Bhagawantham (c) To the Principal of a Saainik school when Baba visited,
Jaamnagar and nearby places. He instructed that the idol of Annapuurna
may be kept in the dining hall of the hostel. Annapuurna bestows food
that endows one with 'puurnathvam' or fulfilment.
21. Who wrote
Suprabhaatham?
Sri Thirumalaachaar.
22. What is the meaning
of Baba?
BABA means : B = Being, A =
Awareness, B = Bliss, A = Aathmaa.
Baba is Aathma: Being,
Awareness and Bliss.
23. Baba says "You are
not one person, but three". Explain.
You are not one person but
three:
The one you think you are -
refers to body;
The one others think you are
- refers to the Mind.
The one you really are -
refers to the Aathmaa.
24. How does Baba
describe the sequence in Vishishtaadhvaitha and Adhvaitha?
Swami says the progress of
man, the pilgrim of eternity, passes through the three stages of
Vishistaadhvaita, Dvaitha and Adhvaitha as stated by Jesus and Zoraster
as well in the following manner.
Jesus said first: "I am the
messenger of God".
Then: "I am the son of God".
Later: "I and my father in
heaven are one".
Zoraster said: "I am in the
Light",
"The light is in me" and
"I am the light".
Part III
1. What are the six basic
principles on which Baba's philosophy of life and education are based?
The six basic principles of
Baba's philosophy of life and education are SATHYA (truth); DHARMA
(Righteousness) SHANTHI (peace); PREMA (love), AHIMSA (Non-violence) and
THYAGA (Sacrifice).
2. What is the meaning of
Human value?
That which gives value to
man is the realisation of the fact that he has to seek and find the
place from where he had come. Man alone has this capacity.
3. What is 3 - H.V.?
3-HV stands for head, heart
and hand. V = values.
4. Who is an integrated
personality?
One who has the head of Aadi
Shankara, the heart of Buddha and the hands of Janaka.
5. Of the six human
values. Love is said to run as an undercurrent. How?
When love enters one's
thought and word it becomes truth. When love is expressed in right
action it is Dharma. Love in feeling is peace. Love in understanding is
Ahimsa or non-violence and Love in selfless service is Thyaaga.
6. What are the ideals of
Sri Sathya Sai Education?
The ideals of Sri Sathya Sai
education are knowledge, skill, balance, insight and identification and
service. The pursuit of Truth yields secular and spiritual knowledge.
Dharma or right action is the result of acquiring three skills - self
help skills, ethical skills and social skills. The pursuit of peace will
result in equanimity - balance between thought and action. It is through
love one develops insight and through non-violence identification. Love
here means Truth by intuition, nonviolence should imply the essence of
the saying "mamaathma Sarvaboothaantharathma".(I am present as Aathma in
every living being) and sacrifice is selfless loving.
7. How many types of
knowledge are there?
Superficial knowledge;
bookish knowledge; general knowledge, discriminatory knowledge;
practical knowledge.
8. What is the difference
between individual discrimination and fundamental discrimination?
Individual discrimination is
related to selfish interest. Fundamental discrimination is related to
doing good to one and all.
9. What are the three Ps
of life?
Purity, Patience,
Perseverance.
10. What are the four Fs
of life ? What do they stand for?
Follow the Master; Face the
devil; Fight to the end; Finish the game. They stand for Dharma, Artha,
Kaama and Moksha (Righteousness, prosperity and fulfilment through
service and liberation).
11. What are the five Ds
that students have to cultivate to achieve anything in life?
Dedication, Devotion,
Discipline, Discrimination and Determination.
12. What are the fourteen
undesirable qualities that man has to give up?
The 8 types of pride and 6
evils: Pride of strength, birth, scholarship, wealth, penance, beauty,
youth, authority; evils of desire, anger, greed, infatuation, arrogance,
jealousy.
13. What are the true
flowers (qualities) of worship?
Non-violence, compassion,
sense control, forbearance, peace, penance, meditation and truth.
14. What are the five
evils that students have to avoid?
Seeing evil, hearing evil,
speaking evil, thinking evil, doing evil.
15. What are the four
sins that human tongue is liable to commit?
To tell lies, to talk too
much, to engage in slander, to carry tales.
16. What are the four
components of 'ceiling on desires'?
Do not waste food: Food is
God
Do not waste Money: Money is
God
Do not waste Time: Time is
God
Do not waste energy: Energy
is the gift of God.
17. Who are our real
kinsmen?
Let truth be your father
Let love be your mother
Let wisdom be your son
Let peace be your daughter
Let devotion be your brother
Let yogis be your friends.
18. Fill up the blanks:
(a) Study in order to....
(b)Truth is more
fundamental than....
(c) Spirit of love is
....
(d) Science is.....
(e) Body is a ..... Mind
is a .... Don't follow...
Don't follow .... follow
your....
a) Study in order to be
steady.
b) Truth is more fundamental
than the Atom
c) Spirit of love is
spirituality
d) Science is split of love
e) Body is a water bubble
Mind is a Mad Monkey
Don't follow the Body. Don't
follow the Mind.
Follow your conscience.
19. Give the meaning of
the following: Man; Nara; Human; Maanava; Moksha; Samaadhi; History;
Hindu.
Man: M = Maya A = Aathma N =
Nirvana. When Maya is removed, Aathma is revealed and then Nirvana is
attained.
Nara: Na - without or (Not)
Ra - Destructible One who is without destruction.
Human(ness) or being humane:
Highest value of mankind
Understanding mankind
Mind full of duty
Aanandha
Name Divine.
Maanava: Maa + Na + Va - One
who is free from ignorance.
Maa + nava - One who is not
new.
Moksha: Moha Kshaya (Moha -
delusion, kshaya - destruction).
Samaadhi: Sama + dhi - Equal
mindedness (In this state there is no experience of pain or pleasure,
loss or gain. heat or cold, praise or blame. It is the nature of the
SELF ever unaffected by duality).
History: His story.
Hindu:
H for humility
I for Individuality
N for Nationality
D for Devotion
U for Unity.
20. What is the five
lettered Manthra that Swami gave on Shivaraathri?
WATCH
21. Arrange the following
in proper sequence: (a) Head, Food, God. (b) World, Self, God. (c) God,
Father, Mother. (d) Unity, Purity, Charity, Divinity.
a) Food - Head - God
b) God - World - Self
c) Mother - Father - God
d) Charity - Unity - Purity
- Divinity.
22. What are the two
things that one has to forget and remember?
Forget the harm done to you
by others; forget the good done by you to others.
Remember the good done by
others to you remember the bad done by you to others.
23. Who is the richest
man in the world?
One who has few desires is
the richest man.
24. What kind of man will
not be troubled by Kali Yuga (Kaliage)?
One whose heart is filled
with compassion One whose lips always speak truth One whose body is made
use of to help others.
25. What are the real
ornaments for an individual?
Charity is the ornament that
should adorn the hand. Truth is the ornament for the faculty of speech
and listening to scriptural texts is the ornament for the ears.
26. What are the four
Purushaarthas (objectives) that students have to pursue?
Maithri (friendship); Karuna
(compassion) Muditha (sense of appreciation) Upeksha (to be away from
undesirable people and action).
27. Swami gives unique
meanings to some words. Give such meaning for the following: (a) Maithri
(b) Foreigners (c) Forest (d) Interview.
Maithri is spelt as My Three
standing for purity of Mind, Word and Deed.
Foreigners are far - nears
Forest is for rest
Interview - to enter view.
28. In what context does
Swami make use of the following analogies: (a) Lock and key (b) Garland
of flowers (c) Seed and tree (d) Registered letter (e) Postman (f)
Mariner's compass (g) current, wire, bulb, light (h) Car.
a) Lock and Key: To explain
the truth that human mind is the cause of bondage and liberation, Swami
uses this simile.
b) Garland of flowers: is
cited as an example to explain Brahma Suthra. Just as different kinds of
flowers are strung in a thread which is invisible, so also the invisible
Divine principle is present in all the beings of creation. c) Seed,
Tree: This simile is used to explain the meaning of the Mahaavaakya,
THATHVAMASI and the Vedic statement EKOHAM BAHUSYAM.
The seed looking at the tree
from which it has come says "I AM THAT".
Just as the manifold parts
like branches, leaves, flowers, seeds etc have come out of a single tree
the entire creation has emerged out of DIVINITY. The ONE became MANY.
d) Registered letter: When
you receive a registered letter, it becomes yours only when you sign it
and take it; otherwise it is sent back to the sender of the letter.
Similarly when you are abused by others, keep calm; do not reply or
retort. (The abuser will cool down after some time.) Then the abuses
will go back to the abuser.
e) God is a postman. His
duty is only to deliver letters addressed to you. He is not concerned
with the contents of the letters, be it good or bad. So also God is not
responsible for your joys and sorrows. They are the results of your own
actions.
f) The needle of the
Mariner's compass always points to the North, wherever we may keep it.
Similarly devotees must always turn their vision towards God in Joy or
sorrow.
g) Current is Truth; Wire is
Dharma; bulb is Peace; and Light is Love. All the four values are
inter-dependent and integrated.
h) Car is very much like a
human body. Its four wheels are four Purushaarthas; (the four goals of
human life). The air which fills the tyres of the wheels is faith.
Steering wheel is the Mind. Switch is the intellect. Brakes are sense
control. The driver is the Jeeva. The owner who rides in the car is
Aathma. According to His directions the vehicle should be run.
29. Swami uses certain
analogies to explain the importance of keeping good company and avoiding
bad company. Give three examples.
Coal in the proximity of
fire is transformed into fire. It is divested of its blackness and
becomes bright and red like fire. In the company of fire, a piece of
iron shines like fire. In the company of moisture and water it becomes
rusty, and dirty. Dust goes up higher and higher in the company of air;
in the company of water it goes down lower and lower. So also the
company of good and Godly elevates man and the company of wicked and
vicious persons drags him down and makes him wicked and devoid of
virtues.
30. Explain these: (a)
Life is a limited company (b) In your heart there should be only one
sofa (c) Mind is like a cat (d) Hurry, Worry, Curry.
a) Life is a limited
company: Body is indispensible to live. To live happily and peacefully,
one has to be aware of the capacity of every organ of the body and its
functions.
Eyes are given to see but
only to a limited extent. Human eyes are not designed to see light
beyond a certain limit of brightness. For example we cannot see the Sun
with our eyes without getting the eyes damaged. So also there is a limit
for the human ear to hear the sounds. The same thing holds good to the
other organs of the body like nose, skin, etc. Beyond a certain limit
they cannot function properly; trying to exceed the limits amounts to
misuse or abuse of organs, in which case there will be no joy but only
sorrow. Similarly there is a limit set to one's pulse, heart-beat, blood
pressure etc. If any of the functions exceed their limits or fall below
the limits set, there is surely an ailment or disease. Hence the body or
human life is said to be a limited company. Above all, these organs
should not be used for seeing evil, hearing evil, talking evil and doing
evil.
b) In one's heart there
should be only one seat, not more than one and that should be for God.
c) The human mind is
compared to a cat. A cat catches hold of its kitten with its mouth and
carries it to a safe place in order to guard it from danger. The same
cat uses its mouth to pounce upon a rat and catches it only to kill it.
So also the mind could be a benefactor if it is engaged in good and
Godly thoughts while it can bring about disaster if indulged in wicked
thoughts.
d) Swami says that three
principal causes for cardiac ailments are hurry, worry and curry. It is
the hurry and worry that create mental tension and raise the blood
pressure while the improper food upsets the blood circulation and
cholestrol levels. The physicians not only prescribe medicines for
cardiac ailments but insist on dietary control.
31. What is the
translation that Swami has rendered for (a) Paropakaaraya Phunyaaya,
papaaya para peedanam (b) Sahanavavathu sahanau bhunakthu saha veeryam
karavavahai. Thejasvinaa vadheethamasthu maa vidh vishavaahai. Om Shanti
Shanti Shanti.
a) Help ever, hurt never.
b) Together together we
shall steadily grow,
Together together we shall
feed and foster, fortune and friendship, full vigour and virtue,
Together together the
knowledge we have gained, together together we shall share as friends.
Together we shall aclaim and
spread the message of PEACE".
32. Explain with
reference to context: (a) "Look here, you may give them food, but mind
you, you will have to starve".
(b) "Hey! you are a
wonderful boy, you will help thousands, you are a great power".
(c) "Let each one be
given clothes he selects and what remains is good enough for me".
(d) "the lingams are all
here".
(e) "I shall give you the
feet of Sai Baba, my previous body".
(f) "Bhavaani gave a
sword into the hands of the emperor Shivaaji commissioning him to
venture forth and uphold Hindhuism. This Shivashakthi is giving these
Pandiths the sword of courage commissioning them to revive Dharma in the
world,"
(g) "Your neck shall wear
a Japamaala, a rosary which I shall myself put around when you come to
me after the sentence is over,"
(h) "Look at the mutual
service that bird and beast are rendering to each other."
(i) 'Poor things!' They
are sorry I kept them aside. Alright. I shall take them also to
Ananthapur with me.'
(j) "This is my trade
mark."
a) These words were spoken
by Mother Eshvaramma. At the tender age of four Baba used to persuade
His sisters to hand out grain or food to beggars. The elders were
naturally irritated by the procession of beggars that come every day. In
order to put an end to this act of charity of Baba, Mother Eeshvaramma
caught hold of Sathya's hand and with a finger raised in warning said
these words.
b) These words were spoken
by Mehaboob Khan, a teacher who taught English in the school. He treated
Sathya with a unique affection. He used to give Sathya often, some items
of food or snacks specially prepared for him. He would ask Sathya to sit
beside him and stroking his hair he said these words. One of the rare
souls who recognised early the latent divinity in Sathya.
c) These words were spoken
by Baba. Kondamaraju, the grandfather used to bring various types of
dyed cloth to get shirts stitched for the festivals. The grandfather
would ask Sathya to select a cloth that he liked best. In that context
Sathya said these words.
d) When the site for
construction of the first Mandhir had been selected, people were digging
at a particular spot indicated by Baba. While Guni Venkanna was digging,
a large number of stone bases of Shiva Lingams were found. There was not
a single Shiva Linga in that place, and people were wondering why Shiva
Lingas were not there. Then Baba told them, pointing a finger at his
stomach: "the Lingams are all here". These words were spoken by Baba.
e) These words were spoken
by Baba. At Madras where He had sanctified a temple at Guindy in His
22nd year, the devotee who had built the temple, washed and worshipped
Baba's feet and prayed to him to give an impression of His feet on
sandal paste, on a piece of silken cloth. Then Baba said, "I shall give
the feet of Sai Baba, my previous body".
f) These words were spoken
by Baba on the occajion of the inauguration of Vidhvan Maha Sabha on
20th October 1965 during Dassera, thereby declaring that his mission is
to revive Vedic studies.
g) These words were
addressed to Kalpagiri, a murderer and a criminal who escaped from the
hands of police, and was wandering in the robes of a recluse, (a monk).
He came to Prasaanthinilayam, after visiting all the pilgrim centres in
the South. Then Baba gave him an interview and advised him to surrender
to the police assuring him that he will not be hanged. Baba also gave
him money and Vibhuthi prasaadh, and said these words.
h) When Baba visited Africa,
He took a number of devotees, students and Africans to see the river
Nile. There they found a host of crocodiles on the shore basking in the
sun. There, Baba pointing out to the plover birds, hopping about the
crocodile area, some birds even dared to perch inside the horrible
teethy trap of the crocodiles, Baba said that the plovers have no fear
of being swallowed by the crocodiles because they are eating off
particles of flesh stuck in between the teeth, thereby easing them of
their tooth-ache.
i) These words were spoken
by Baba, when Mr. Hislop was also there in his room at Dharma Kshethra.
Baba had ordered 100 saris to be brought in order to distribute them to
women workers engaged in the Ananthapur college building work. Baba
selected 96 saris and kept the remaining four on a table. An hour later
when Baba returned. He found droplets of water inside the packets.
Hislop was wondering how it could happen, then Baba said these words:
"This is to prove that every artifact has a human feeling." He also
narrated the episode of Govardhana Hill.
j) This sentence was spoken
by Baba as an answer to the question put by Sri Eruch B. Fanibunda. Mr.
Fanibunda noticed the letters T.P.S. on some medalions created by Baba.
He was curious to know the meaning of the letters and asked Baba what
they stand for. Swami said: "T means Thaara or Star of heaven, born in
human form. The letters PS stand for Pathri Sai, Parthi Sai and Prema
Sai. All the three Sais have the letters TPS as their trade mark."
33. Why does Baba address
us as Bangaaru?
There is an inner
significance attached to Baba, addressing us as "BANGAARUU". It
indicates Baba's plan to transmute the unpurified gold ore that we are
into pure shining gold. Just as raw gold ore is washed in certain
chemical solutions, heated, melted, re-heated and beaten - finally
shining with all its glitter, so too Baba heaps on us several tests in
the form of troubles and problems only to chasten us, remove the gross
and the dross in us and make us pure - in thought word and deed. All
that we have to do is to patiently endure the tests with full faith in
God.
34. Illustrate with a
suitable incidents the following Namaavalis: (a) Sujnana maarga
dharshakaaya namah (one who shows the path of attaining right knowledge)
(b) Mukthi pradayahamah (One who enables and make it possible for his
devotee to attain liberation).
a) There is the incident of
the visit of a certain Dhigambara Swami who was instigated to challenge
the Divine boy of Puttaparthi when Baba was young. Some people in
Puttaparthi who did not like Baba invited the Dhigambara Swami, an aged
man. a lame person, who had taken to the vow of silence and was
completely nude to Puttaparthi. His disciples brought him in a palanquin
to the Karanam's house. Baba came out with a big towel in his hand. He
spoke to the aged swaami with love and compassion (yet firm) "Why this
nude exhibition? Why this silence? Why should you make people carry you
from place to place? All these indicate that you have taken to the
Saadhu's garb only to eke out your living. Only those who are not
worried about the needs of the body deserve to be called a Saadhu. First
cover yourself with the towel and turn from now on to a true Saadhu. Go
to a forest, and meditate in a cave. Do not fear. I shall see that you
are fed and freed from the fear of animals." These comforting and
encouraging words of Baba opened the eyes of the aged Saadhu. He was
full of gratitude to Baba because Baba had revealed to him the way of
attaining the state of a true Saadhu and the right knowledge.
b) 1) This description of
Baba means one who grants or confers liberation from human bondage.
Babas ways of conferring grace is unique and varied. It depends on the
devotee's experiences and sadhana in this life and the past life.
Seshagiri Rao was a Pujari
or priest in the Mandhir or Shrine at Prashaanthi Nilayam. He was a
pious man having full faith in Baba. Once he had been ailing for months
and was almost on death bed. He was ready to welcome death and to be
released from the body. Just then Baba entered and sternly said "How can
you leave without my issuing a ticket, go and attend to your duty". Of
course Seshagiri obeyed the Divine command. Yet after some time once
again he became ill and suffered a lot. His suffering was such that his
kith and kin were very anxious to take him away from the Nilayam. But
Baba once again came, fed him with his own hands and said to his
relatives, "I only made him suffer, so that his Karma may be wiped out
in this birth itself". Baba left the place saying "you can go now". Thus
Seshagiri Rao was freed from the cycle of birth and death.
2) One girl hardly of six
years replied to Baba's question "What do you want", "I desire to merge
in you", Baba tried to dissuade her from such a pleading. Yet the girl
insisted. Needless to say the girl's wish was fulfilled. It was Baba
Himself who had induced her to request Him to grant her only desire -
the only desire that man should pray for.
3) Once a blind boy was
brought by his parents to Baba. They requested him to bless the boy with
vision. Baba replied "I can grant vision but this boy has to take
another birth as a blind boy to reap the consequence of his cruel act of
blinding a boy in the previous life. Let him live like this and let him
wipe out his Karma in this birth itself.
35. Complete this song of
Baba:
'Love is my....
.... is my....
..... is my food.
My life is my message
.... is my nature
No.... for love
No.... for love
No.... No......'
"Love is My form
Truth is My breath
Bliss is My food
My life is My message
Expansion is My nature
No season for love
No reason for love
No birth No death."
Part IV
1. What are the aims and
objectives of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations?
The aims and objectives of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation are a) Self Purification, Self
improvement and Self discovery, b) To establish the essential unity of
all faiths and propagate through example the values of Truth, Righteous
conduct Peace, Love, Non-violence and selfless service.
2. What are the three
wings of the organisation?
The three wings of the
organisation are Service, Spiritual and Educational which stand for
work, worship and wisdom.
3. What is Balvikaas?
Balvikaas is the most
important component of the Educational wing. It is meant to enable
children to imbibe human values and practise them in day to day life in
order to realize that the end of education is character and to make
their subsequent life happy useful and fruitful both for themselves, for
society and for the country.
4. What is the motto of
Sevaa Dal?
Duty is God; Work is
worship.
5. Explain the quotation,
"Hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray".
It does not mean that prayer
is inferior to service activity. It means that prayer alone is not
enough; it should be followed by service. It actually means "Haath me
Kaam, Dhil me Raam". (work in hand and God in heart).
6. What is Study Circle?
Study circle is very much
like a round table conference. One subject is discussed from various
points of view by the members. The spiritual aspirant can clarify his
doubts in spiritual matters. However it is not a debate nor a
complaining and explaining session but an inspiring one.
7. What is Sath Sang?
Sath sang can transform a
sinner into a saint, because of the contact with the virtuous men. It is
not just keeping company of good people but of good and sacred books and
entertaining good thoughts.
8. What is the benefit of
devotional group-singing?
"Wherever my glory is sung I
am present there", says the Lord. Hence Bhajan (devotional group
singing) is the most inspiring of spiritual practices. It is in fact
melody or music therapy. One can easily forget oneself in devotional
group singing and experience Divine vibrations. India has set this holy
tradition as the most effective Saadhana to realize God.
9. What is Nagar
Samkirtan?
Nagar Samkirtan: Devotees
get up early in the morning, go about the streets singing the glory of
God. This samkeerthana awakens people from sleep or Thamas when the
sacred sound of God's name reaches their ears.
10. What is meditation?
"It is only in the depths of
silence that one can hear the voice of God." If prayer is a communion
with God, meditation is Union with God. In deep meditation, one who
meditates, the process of meditation and the object of meditation become
one. Meditation is the stage attained after concentration and
contemplation. It confers peace.
11. How does Swami
explain meditation?
Swami says that
concentration is like identifying a rose flower among the leaves and
thorns. Contemplation is like cutting the flower without touching the
thorns. Meditation is offering the flower at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
12. What is the role of
festivals in spiritual practice?
Festivals are meant to
inculcate the foremost values of life: Love of God, Fear of Sin and
Morality in society, in the observance of each one of the festivals the
Saadhana of work, worship and wisdom are practised.
13. What are the nine
points of Code of Conduct?
The nine points of Sai code
of conduct are:
1. To engage in meditation
every day.
2. Entire family to
participate in Bhajan atleast once a week.
3. All members should send
their children to Balvikaas classes as a matter of principle.
4. To participate in
community service and other Seva activities organised by the Samithis.
5. To participate in Nagara
Samkirthan and Bhajans organised by the Samithis atleast once a month.
6. Regular study of Sai
literature.
7. Be obliging in speech.
8. Not to speak ill of
others especially in their absence.
9. Not to waste food; to set
apart some grain every day for the poor and hungry (Naaraayana Seva).
14. What are the ten
commandments given by Baba?
The ten Sai commandments are
:
1. To be patriotic.
2. Have no hatred to any
religion; respect all religions alike.
3. Our race is human race;
we should learn to treat all men as brothers.
4. Keep houses and
sorroundings clean.
5. One should not encourage
begging but strive to provide livelihood for the needy. To encourage
begging amounts to encouraging idleness.
6. Do not give or take
bribes.
7. Not to have any
difference of caste, creed or religion.
8. Everybody should learn to
do his own work and should not depend on others to do his work.
9. Have Fear of Sin and Love
of God.
10. To honour the Law of the
Land and not to break any rules and regulations made by the Government
of the day.
15. How can we try to
establish integration at the national level and international level?
Since the factors of
disintegration are based on different conceptions about God, Religion,
Caste, Language and Work, integration can be made possible by following
Baba's message:
There is one God. He is
omnnipresent
There is only one religion
the religion of Love
There is only one Caste, the
Caste of Humanity
There is one language, the
language of the heart.
Part V
1. What are the
prophecies made on the advent of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba?
PROPHECIES OF SAI
AVATHAAR
1. I. Sri Sathya Sai Baba is
the Avathaar of Kali Yuga. To day both in this country and in many other
countries, millions of people believe this. God men and men of vision
have prophesied several thousand years ago about God coming down to the
earth in this form. The advent of Sathya Sai marks the beginning of the
golden age of spiritual renaissance of the world. The Avathaar's mission
is to save mankind from the ruinous path of moral degradation, and to
unite the entire humanity into a single family.
The prophecy of the Avathaar
has got its source in Dwaapara Yuga. When Sage Maarkandeya visited
Pandavas in their exile informed them that Lord Vishnu had declared that
HE would take the human form in Kali Yuga having a body of dark colour
and be born in southern India. The Avathaar would assume inconceivable
human form and possess great energy, intelligence and powers to manifest
all things, He thinks of. He would restore order and peace. The truth of
this prophecy was proved to a devotee by Bhagavaan Baba, by showing in
His face, all the nine previous Avathaars and the last Kalki Avathaar in
the reflection of waters of Chithraavathi.
The fact that the Sai
Avathaar is Kalki Avathaar, has again been confirmed by Swami at
Prashaanthi nilayam to Mrs.Hilda Charlton of U.S.A., who could see
during bhajan session, a figure of great beauty riding on a white horse,
over Baba's head, while Swami was sitting in the chair.
II. Shuka Naadi Grantha, a
palmleaf manuscript written about 5000 years ago, has the prophecy of
Sai Avathaar. It contains many details about Sri Sathya Sai Baba's
family, the year, month, Tithi or say, birth-star and Lagnam planetary
conjunctions of Sai Baba's birth. Also about his unique personality,
abilities including details of HIS previous Avathaar as Shirdi Sai and
His mission.
Shuka Naadi also states that
Sathya Sai will make people to overcome all problems and difficulties
and realise their inner divinity. It says, He is all knowing, all
pervading. The Naadi says that Sathya Sai's full powers will be known
when Adharma or unrighteousness in the world grows to the fullest. It
has also mentioned the age upto which the present human body of Sri
Sathya Sai will remain.
III. The statement of Jesus
is another prophecy. "Jesus said He who has sent me will come again, His
name will be Truth, He will wear a red robe, He will be short with a
crown of hair." This statement admirably refers to Bhagavaan Sri Sathya
Sai.
IV. The Agasthya Naadi
describes Baba as "Medical Master of great efficiency". Those who are
familiar with the instant cures effected by Swami on patients suffering
from incurable diseases, will see how these words about Swami in the
Nadis are true. It also says this Avathaar shall found many educational
institutions, produce literature of virtuous conduct and preach
spirituality. It has predicted Svaami's leaving His house at an early
age and His being the Shirdi Sai in the earlier Avathaar.
V. Braahma Naadi records
that Sathya Sai Avathaar is a Shiva shakti Avathaar in Shaanthaalaya of
Parthi, (Prashanti Nilayam) and He is the reincarnation of SRI Krishna.
It also says that He is an Avathaar of Trinity.
VI. In Kalagnaana, the
Yogi-Narayana Yathindra of Kaiwara, in Karnataka, prophesies the advent
of Sai Avathaar. He says, the Avathaar will be of par excellence. He
will be an expert in Brahma vidhya. He will be of pure spiritual
knowledge and with a free and steadfast mind (vimala vignnaani). He also
says that the Avathaar will arrange Upanayanams (sacred thread
investitures), marriages of the poor, will build places of worship,
people of all faiths will be benefited by him. (All these prophecies are
fulfilled in Sri Sathya Sai's omnipresent Avathaar.)
VII. The Jewish astrologer
Nastradamus long ago prophesied that a supreme leader of mankind will be
born in South India. Thursday will be the day dear to him. The enormous
powers of Saainaath will emerge victorious and prevail in the entire
world.
VIII. The prophecy of
prophet Mohammed in the "Ocean of Light", is: He will be a great leader,
His hair will be profuse, His forehead will be large and concave. The
nose will be small with a slight bump at the bridge, His front teeth
spaced apart. He will have a mole on the cheek, His dress will be like a
flame. He will wear dhothi. His face will be like the colour of copper,
sometimes like gold, sometimes dark and sometime like moon. He will give
you the things, you ask from God. He will go round among devotees. He
will be kind to the whole world. Muslims will recognise him only nine
years before His passing away. He will bring out things, out of his
body, through His mouth (Shivalinga). All these features fit closely
with Bhagavaan Sathya Sai.
IX. Pope John XXII
prophesied that a small bare foot man of dark skin, in the red robe,
will eventually take over the Vatican.
With the above prophecies on
the Lord Saainaath's Avathaar, let us also remember His own declaration:
"I have come:
i. In order to turn men away
from the immorality and injustice, greed and envy, on to the royal road
of spiritual practice or Sadhana, through loving gentleness,
ii. In order to demonstrate
the value of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love as instruments for
individual and social progress.
iii. In order to infuse
confidence and contentment in the hearts of the good people who are
stricken by fear and anxiety."
2. What is the revelation
made by Harold Baranowski of the University of Arizona. Who had
developed the Science of Auronomy by means of his Kirlian photography?
"THE LORD HAS INCARNATED
AT PUTTAPARTHI"
2. Harold Baranowski studied
the auras of many eminent people. But he found the aura emanating from
Baba was something unbelievable - super human. Baranowski stayed in
Brindhaavan and studied Baba's Aura by means of his Kirlian camera. He
saw that at all times the aura of love pink in colour emanate from the
body of Baba extending and expanding at least 300 feet distance almost
blanketing a crowd of three thousand people. He says that Baba is
Divinity indeed, the embodiment of Love in all its purity. Love is His
form. Love is His message, and Mission. Love is God, God is love.
3. What has Baba said
about "The Sai Trinity"
Swami explained the triple
incarnation as follows:
"One has to understand the
oneness of the three incarnations, Pathri Sai (Shirdi Sai), Parthi Sai
(Sathya Sai) and Prema Sai. The powers and their tasks are the same
though there might be some differences according to the environment and
situation. Shirdi Sai laid the basis for secular and spiritual
integration and His message is Duty or Work. The mission of this
Avathaar is to make man realise the Divinity residing in everyone and
enable them to help one and all. Thus work should become an act of
worship. The third Avathaar will make man realise he himself is God -
that is wisdom. The three Avathaars stand for Work, Worship and Wisdom."
4. How does Baba explain
the significance of the three letters in His NAME SAI?
Baba once (13-8-78) declared
:
i) Believe that the SOHAM
principle meaning ( I am that) is implicit in SAI S stands for SAI A
stands for and I stands for the sadhak
The name SAI reminds you
Thathwamasi : SAI and I are one.
In another context Baba
said:
ii) SAI means "See Always I"
meaning 'self
iii) Recently (18-11-1995)
Baba said that His Name Sai spells out the three fold transformation
that He desires to bring about. S standing for spiritual transformation.
A standing for Association or social transformation. I standing for
individual transformation.
iv) Baba said in another
context (18-11-1995) that the three letters in SAI stands for: S =
Service Activity (Work) A = Adoration (Worship) I = Illumination
(Wisdom)
Thus Sai stands for the
triple form of spiritual sadhana, which He wants us all to practise.
