FEBRUARY 2006

34 February 2006

AVATAR VANI SANKRANTI SANDESH

REALISE THE SACREDNESS

OF HUMAN BIRTH

(Telugu Poem)

God is love and love is God. True spiritual discipline lies in developing love tolove relationship with all. Dear children! Hold on to this principle of love anddemonstrate the ideal of unity.

Dear Students – Boys and Girls!

UMAN LIFE IS HIGHLYsacred. God incarnates inthe form of a human being.

Daivam Manusha Rupena (God is inthe form of a human being). Divinityis not different from humanity. It isimmanent in humanity. The humanform is a combination of fiveelements, namely, earth, water, fire,air and ether. It is the divine power ofthe Atma which makes the fiveelements function. What is the formof the Atma? Many people often askthis question. In fact, it transcends allnames and forms. Do not entertainthe mistaken notion that God isconfined to a specific form.

Educare is Transformation-oriented

One does not become a humanbeing merely because one isendowed with a human form. It is theconduct and behaviour that makeone a real human being. In the samemanner, mere acquisition of bookishknowledge does not make one trulyeducated. Such worldly education is

HH

With prayer to God, you can achieveanything in life. I want you to pray. I want

you to stand united like brothers and sistersand earn a good name. Only then will our

purpose of establishing educationalinstitutions be fulfilled. I am always with

you, in you, above you, below you, aroundyou. Develop unwavering devotion to God

and make efforts to instil such faith anddevotion in your fellow human beings. That

will make Me very happy.

February 2006 35

negative. Who is a Vidyarthi (student)? Onewho pursues educare is a Vidyarthi in the truesense of the term. One must understand thedistinction between education and educare.Whereas education is information-oriented,educare is transformation-oriented. Educationis limited to physical and mental levels. Justas the rivers like Krishna and Godavari havea source from which they originate, the sourceof all knowledge is the heart. Physical andworldly knowledge corresponds to education.Educare is related to our inner feelings andpurity of heart. Our Maata, Paata and Baata(speech, song and way of life) originate fromthe heart. If the inner feelings are good, yourspeech and actions will also be good. Theessence of all knowledge is educare. Eventhough you may acquire a number of degrees,you cannot be called truly educated if you lackpurity of heart. Very few today make efforts tounderstand what educare is. Only thoseendowed with practical knowledge andwisdom can understand and appreciate theconcept of educare. Others are deluded bytheir high academic degrees. They areinterested only in acquiring bookish knowledgeand disseminating the same. Such vainpursuits will not entitle them to be called reallyeducated.

Students today acquire various academicdegrees such as B.A., M.A., C.A., Ph.D., etc.Acquisition of these degrees relates to worldlyeducation. It is Bahya (external) learning whileeducare relates to Bhava (inner feelings).However, those who understand the realpurpose of education and its inner significanceare rare. Once you understand the purposeof education and act accordingly, your lifewill be redeemed. You should utiliseyour knowledge and intelligence for the

benefit of society. Keep your emotions undercheck. Do not fret and fume over every trivialissue. Do not lose your temper. A true humanbeing is one who has complete control overhimself. You learn many things from books andyour teachers in the classroom. But it isessential that you should also understand thenature of your body, mind, intellect, Chitta(mind-stuff) and Antahkarana (inner motivator)so that you are able to realise your inner self.

God is the Source of Everything

Every individual has three Gunas(attributes), namely, Sattwa, Rajas andTamas. Sattwa Guna reflects our inner purity.Rajo Guna is the basis of our actions. TamoGuna signifies sloth and ignorance. However,the fundamental truth is that it is the Atma

which controls the functioning of thehuman body. You perform variousactions. You participate in sports and

You may study the Bhagavadgitaand learn all the Slokas (verses) byheart. But that does not make you ascholar. It is enough if you are able

to put at least one Sloka intopractice. With the help of letters

a,b,c,d … of the alphabet anynumber of books can be written, likethe Ramayana, the Mahabharata or

the Bhagavata. Likewise, the Atma isthe basis for everything. Once you

understand the principle of theAtma, you would have understoodeverything else. It is to impart such

knowledge that we have establishededucational institutions.

games. All these represent Rajo Guna. Thesedays people talk about Parartha (welfareof others) without giving up Swartha(selfishness). This is a grave error. You shouldgive up Swartha in the first instance andconsider Parartha as the basis of all yourendeavours.

What is most essential is the purity of innerfeelings and faith in God. God is the Adhara(support) and everything else is Adheya(supported). Divinity is one. The Vedastherefore declare: Ekoham Bahusyam (theOne willed to become many). Names andforms may vary, but the inherent divineprinciple is one and the same. For example,this hall is illuminated with a number of bulbs,but the electric current that flows through themis the same. Similarly, sweets may be many,but the essential ingredient of sugar thatimparts sweetness to them is the same. Quiteoften, we merely go by names and forms,forgetting the reality.

A human being should essentially havethree qualities – Nischalatwa, Nirmalatwaand Nirmohatwa (steadiness, purity anddetachment). One who has these threequalities is verily God Himself. You do not needto enquire from others whether you are goodor bad. Your conscience is the judge. Youshould think of God always. There have beenmany divine incarnations in the past, but thedivine principle in all of them is one and thesame. Just as sugar assumes the form of avariety of sweets, divinity is manifested invarious forms. People worship God, sing Hisglory, thinking that He is present at somedistant place. Your heart is the temple of God.Hence, fill your heart with love. One bereftof love cannot be called a human being.In fact, the Panchabhutas (five

elements) are the very manifestations of God.Consider the five elements as divine and makeproper use of them.

Who has given you life? What is the sourcefrom which it has originated? Have youacquired it by some spiritual practice? No!God gives you life and He is the one whosustains it. He is present in every living beingin the form of the Atma. Students study anumber of books and acquire high academicqualifications. What is the source of all theirknowledge and learning? They considervarious factors as the sources of their learning.But the reality is that the source of allknowledge is God. Everything has originatedfrom God. But man is unable to realise thistruth due to his delusion. First and foremost,develop firm faith that God exists. When Heincarnates in human form, He conductsHimself like a human being so that man canunderstand divinity and sacredness ofhuman birth.

The Atma represents the oneness of allbeings. Ultimately, everything merges in theAtma.

Religions are many but goal is one.

Clothes are many but yarn is one.

Jewels are many but gold is one.

Cows are many but milk is one.

(Telugu Poem)

Unfortunately, today instead of visualisingunity in diversity, man sees diversity in unity.That is the cause of all his suffering. Theprinciple of the Atma is the basis of allcreation. You may forget anything but not theAtma. The five elements that are immanent in

you are nothing but the manifestations ofthe Atma. Merely counting the beadsof the rosary does not constitute Japa.

36 February 2006

One should forget all that is worldly andmundane, and remember only God. That istrue Japa. One who realises the source of hisbeing is truly human. You may study theBhagavadgita and learn all the Slokas(verses) by heart. But that does not make youa scholar. It is enough if you are able to put atleast one Sloka into practice. With the help ofletters a,b,c,d … of the alphabet any numberof books can be written, like the Ramayana,the Mahabharata or the Bhagavata. Likewise,the Atma is the basis for everything. Once youunderstand the principle of the Atma, youwould have understood everything else. It isonly to impart such knowledge that we haveestablished educational institutions. In ourschools and colleges, character, virtues andconduct are given utmost priority. One shouldhave the yearning to tread the right path inlife and attain God. One should accepteverything as the Will of God. When youdevelop purity of heart, you will be successfulin all your endeavours.

Overcome Delusion with Atma Vidya

In the name of meditation, people sit cross-legged with closed eyes. How can suchpractices lead you to Divinity? When you closeyour eyes, you cannot see even the personstanding in front of you, leave alone God. Infact, God is present in you. A true Vyakti(individual) is one who manifests the Avyakta(latent divinity). If you contemplate on theprinciple of the Atma and make sincereefforts, you can certainly have the experienceof the Atma. You may do Japa or Tapa, but ifyou lack purity of heart, all your spiritualpractices will prove futile. There are differenttypes of flowers like rose, jasmine andchrysanthemum. But the honey beecollects honey from all flowers.

Similarly, whatever may be the practice youundertake, you should always focus your mindon the Atma only.

Man is called Manava. What is the meaningof this term? ‘Ma’ means Maya (delusion), ‘Na’means Nasti (without) and ‘Va’ meansVarthinchuta (to conduct oneself). A truehuman being is one who overcomes delusionwith the help of Atma Vidya (knowledge ofthe Self). Man is also called Manishi, onewho is endowed with Manas (mind). But onewho transcends the mind is a Paramahamsa(a realised soul). We are not simplyManavas (human beings). We are verily theembodiments of Madhava (Supreme Being).We should have faith in God and face thechallenges of life with courage and fortitude.Only then do we deserve to be called humanbeings.

The mind is meant to contemplate on God.One who knows the value of a diamond willpreserve it safely and make proper use of it.Likewise, one who realises the power of themind will not dissipate it. One should strive toattain the state of ‘die mind’ (annihilation ofthe mind). It is possible only by contemplatingon God incessantly. It is said, Mano MoolamIdam Jagat (mind is the basis for the entireworld). If you do not control your mind andget carried away by its vagaries, what will beyour fate? It is only through Mano Nashana(annihilation of the mind) that one can becomea Paramahamsa. Never follow the mind. Whatis the use of going through voluminous bookswithout understanding the nature of the mind?When you learn the alphabet from a to z, you

should also learn the meaning of words.What is the use of reading wordswithout understanding their meaning?

February 2006 37

Know your Reality

When you read the Bhagavadgita, youshould make efforts to understand itsteachings and put them into practice.Otherwise, there is little meaning in goingthrough the Bhagavadgita or giving lectureson it. No benefit accrues from merelyrepeating the Slokas like a parrot withoutunderstanding them. Here, students learn the

Vedas. It is said, Ananto Vai Veda (the Vedasare infinite). They are endowed with infinitepower. The Vedas have been passed on fromone generation to another by noble souls.They contain eternal truths. But in the nameof modern education, people are neglectingthem. One may like it or not, the Vedas aremeant to be studied deeply. It is not enough ifyou merely read the Vedas, you should alsounderstand the teachings contained inthem. Man today tries to acquire

education without knowing his own reality. Thisis the weakness of man. As a result, hereposes faith in everything else except God.Therefore, never forget the fundamentalprinciple of divinity.

Dear Students!

You are able to understand and acquireworldly and secular knowledge. But it is not

easy for all to understand the inner reality. Thenames and forms of individuals may appearto be different, but essentially all are one. Theinnate reality is Adhara and the externalnames and forms are only Adheyas. Knowingthe Adheya without understanding the Adharawill serve no purpose. Even while dealing with

physical matters, we should have spiritualoutlook. Hence, develop faith in God inthe first instance. Anything can be

One does not become a humanbeing merely because one is

endowed with a human form. It is theconduct and behaviour that make

one a real human being. In the samemanner, mere acquisition of bookishknowledge does not make one trulyeducated. Such worldly education is

negative. Who is a Vidyarthi(student)? One who pursues

educare is a Vidyarthi in the truesense of the term. One must

understand the distinction betweeneducation and educare. Whereas

education is information-oriented,educare is transformation-oriented.

38 February 2006

achieved with unflinching faith in God.Discharge your duties with a sense ofsurrender to God. That is the essence of trueeducation. Education does not mean mereacquisition of bookish knowledge. Trueeducation is beyond it. What is the use ofreading books without knowing thattranscendental principle?

Students! Embodiments of Love!

First of all, you have to realise that God ispresent everywhere. Perform all actions toplease God. You have come from God andare sustained by Him. All your actions shouldtherefore be dedicated to God. When youfollow such a sacred path, you will ultimatelyreach God. God is Bhavapriya, not Bahyapriya(lover of inner feelings, not outwardappearances). He sees the feelings behindyour actions. The world is interested inBahyam, but God is interested in yourBhavam. Hence, purify your inner feelings inthe first instance.

You ask others, “Who are you?” But, haveyou ever enquired, “Who am I?” True educationlies in knowing the answer to this question.What is the use of knowing about others if youdon’t know your own reality? That is not trueeducation at all. A true spiritual aspirant is onewho understands and experiences theprinciple of oneness. You say, “She is mymother”, “He is my father”, so on and so forth.Such physical relationship is related to themind. If you take the physical relationship tobe real, you will never understand the truth.You say, “I am Ramaiah.” It is the name givento the body. But you are not the body. Youshould say with firm conviction, “I am I.”However, when you call yourself Ramaiah,you should act according to your name.Once you understand your reality, you

will experience everlasting bliss. Manystudents have gathered here. But not all arestudying the same subject. You are pursuingvarious courses. But everybody shouldacquire one degree, that is, M.A. What is themeaning of M.A.? M.A. means master of AtmaVidya. If you understand the meaning of thisdegree, you will understand the purpose ofeducation. Nowadays many students aspireto go abroad after acquiring their degrees likeB.A., B.Com, etc. In fact, they forget the verypurpose of education, and expose themselvesto worldly temptations.

Love Unites All

One should have single-minded devotiontowards God. Your faith should be total andunconditional. If your faith is unsteady with‘bumps and jumps’, you will be confused andwill become restless. Keep your desires undercontrol. Limitless desires will take you awayfrom divinity. Annihilation of desires will leadyou to the principle of unity. You shoulddevelop virtues and lead a good life.Understand the purpose of education and actaccordingly. Only then will your birth as ahuman being be meaningful. One electric bulbcan provide illumination to many people.Likewise, a heart filled with love can illuminemany lives. It is the same love that is presentin all. The educated people should not lookdown upon the uneducated. One who is trulyeducated will treat everyone equally anddevelop unity. Where there is unity, there ispurity. When we have purity, we canexperience divinity. Love is the basis for unity.It is the lack of love that causes differences.

Students! Having joined our institution if youmerely acquire degrees without developing

virtues, we will not be happy. You shouldhave internal as well as external purity.

February 2006 39

Only then can you earn a good name insociety. People will praise you, saying, “So andso is a good boy; he minds his own businessand does not involve himself in unnecessaryactivities.” Such good persons can bring abouttransformation in society. Being students, youshould follow the code of conduct prescribedfor the state of Brahmacharya (celibacy). Onthe contrary, if you succumb to the vagariesof the mind and move about without anyrestraint, people will call you a rowdy. Whenyou are good in thought, word and deed,everyone will talk high of you.

Embodiments of Love!

There is love in one and all. There is nonebereft of love in this world. But some peoplecriticise others instead of sharing love withthem. However, you should not be perturbedby criticism. If someone criticises you loudly,it goes into thin air; if he criticises within, it isonly he who will be affected by it. Unperturbedby the criticism of others, the students shouldcultivate Sattwic qualities and develop theircharacter. Only then can they earn a goodname in society. It is not enough if you havegood command over language and speakeloquently about divinity. You should also putinto practice what you speak. You may beable to attract people with powerfulspeech, but what is the use if you do nottranslate your words into action? There shouldbe harmony between your thoughts, words anddeeds. It is said, Manasyekam Vachasyekam,Karmanyekam Mahatmanam; ManasyanyathVachasyanyath, Karmanyanyath Duratmanam(Those whose thoughts, words and deeds arein perfect harmony are noble ones; those wholack harmony of these are wicked). Never thinkthat you are different from God. You shouldtranscend duality and realise youroneness with divinity. Whatever may

happen, do not deviate from the path of unity.You should have unwavering faith. Install theseteachings firmly in your heart and put theminto practice in your daily life. Ruminate overwhat is being taught here after you go back toyour room.

With prayer to God, you can achieveanything in life. I want you to pray. I want youto stand united like brothers and sisters andearn a good name. Only then will our purposeof establishing educational institutions befulfilled. I am always with you, in you, aboveyou, below you, around you. Developunwavering devotion to God and make effortsto instil such faith and devotion in your fellowhuman beings. That will make Me very happy.

Today is Sankranti, which marks thecommencement of Uttarayana, the auspiciousand sacred time. At least from today onwards,develop noble feelings. Follow the sacred path.Then your future will certainly be safe andsecure. I hope I am not causing inconvenienceto you by speaking at length. When I see all ofyou, My heart overflows with Ananda (bliss).True happiness lies in union with God. Hence,contemplate on God incessantly. Nevergive scope for anxiety or worry, thinking,“Examinations are approaching. How am Igoing to face them? Will I pass in theexamination?” Have faith in God. Do your dutyand face any situation with courage. Then, theresult is bound to be good. Whatever be thecircumstances, I always perform My duty.Love is everything. Love is God. Live in love.

(Bhagavan concluded His Discourse withthe Bhajan, “Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha SanthiNahin …”)

– From Bhagavan’s Sankranti Sandeshin Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi

Nilayam on 14th January 2006.

40 February 2006

February 2006 41

Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2006 of SSSIHLAnnual Sports and Cultural Meet 2006 of SSSIHLAnnual Sports and Cultural Meet 2006 of SSSIHLAnnual Sports and Cultural Meet 2006 of SSSIHLAnnual Sports and Cultural Meet 2006 of SSSIHL

LL THE GALLERIES IN THEstadium were full to their capacitywith eager spectators when the

programme began with sacred chants on thepublic address system at 7.45 a.m., spreadingsacred vibrations in the entire stadium whichwas brilliantly shining in the early morningsun with all its decorations. The ReveredChancellor of the Institute, Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba entered the northern end ofthe stadium at 8.00 a.m. where the brass bandof Anantapur Campus offered Him a respectfulwelcome with sonorous notes. A squad ofmotor bike riders escorted Bhagavan as Hiscar proceeded towards the Santhi Vedika.Dressed in a sparkling yellow robe, Bhagavanwas led to Santhi Vedika in a grandprocession led by richly caparisoned SaiGeeta, Bhagavan’s dear elephant, followed bythe brass band of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus,flag bearers squad of captains of varioussports and cultural events and lion dancers ofPrasanthi Nilayam Campus.

Inauguration and March Past

When Bhagavan reached SanthiVedika, He was offered a hearty

welcome by the Vice Chancellor and seniorstaff of the Institute. Bhagavan lighted theceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Sports andCultural Meet at 8.15 a.m. At 8.20 a.m., theceremonial March Past commenced in whichcontingents of various campuses of theInstitute took part. The squads marchedmajestically in their brilliant dresses to themarching tunes of the brass band of PrasanthiNilayam and offered salute to their ReveredChancellor at Santhi Vedika. After the MarchPast, the Institute Flag was hoisted byBhagavan and the Sports Meet oath wasadministered to the participants of the sportsand cultural events by the Institute captain.Thereafter, Bhagavan lighted the sports torchwhich was first carried by two students. Thisyear’s mascot peacock then carried it onto thehilltop where it ignited the Sports Meet Urn.Meanwhile, Bhagavan released white pigeonsand colourful bunches of balloons to the delightof one and all.

Sports Events by Prasanthi Nilayam andAnantapur Campus Students

The sports events began with thepresentation of Prasanthi Nilayam

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AA

The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of Sri Sathya Sai educational institutions held every

year on 11th January in Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam is one of the

most significant events which showcases the talent and qualities of the students of these

institutions, especially their courage, enthusiasm, balance, skill and valour, and above all

their love for their Revered Chancellor, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This year’s

celebrations had added significance as these were held in the silver jubilee year of Sri

Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

Campus students. Making their entry into theperforming area in a grand manner, theydisplayed the theme of their presentation ona giant rotating pillar which carried the wordsDuty, Devotion, Discipline, Purity, Patience andPerseverance written on its various sides. Ontop of this pillar was the figure of a swan which

displayed the number “25” shining on a disc,marking the silver jubilee of the Institute. Oneither side of this pillar were huge cut-outs ofBhagavan’s photographs behind which weretwo giant banners depictingthe two important sayings ofBhagavan, “The End of Educationis Character”, and “The End ofKnowledge is Wisdom”. Hugefigures on stilts added grandeurto this display. What followed infront of this beautiful backgroundwas a spectacular show of grit,courage, skill and harmony in thesports items which includedbreathtakingly beautiful lion dance,symmetric movements on poles,

display on two 35 feet high giant wheels,marvellous gymnastic feats and jumps througha ring of fire and over a Maruti van. Anotherattractive item of Prasanthi Nilayam Campuswas rhythmic beat on 25 Chinese drums alongwith movement of three giant flags to the beatsof drums. Spectacular display by the students

who climbed up smooth slippery woodenpoles and performed various yogicpostures also showed their grit and skill.There was another display of yogicpostures in a coordinated manner whichthe students performed effortlessly whileSiva Tandava dance was enacted in thebackground. The last item of thePrasanthi Nilayam Campus was fun-filled game “Fun on the Run” involvinga number of items between two teamswhich included shooting balloons withcatapults, basketing balls after runningthrough an obstacle course and formingpyramids, etc. The presentation cameto a close with staff and students coming

into the performing area to pay their obeisanceto their Revered Chancellor as the closingsong was played on the P.A. system.

A grand display of dexterity, balance and skill ongiant wheels by the students of Prasanthi

Nilayam Campus of the Institute.

Breathtakingly beautiful and flawless acrobatics which formedpart of display of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus students.

42 February 2006

The next presentation of the morningprogramme was made by the students ofAnantapur Campus of the Institute. The themeof their presentation was Unity, Purity, Divinity.Entering the performing area, the studentsdisplayed the symbols of all the religions ofthe world while the song of unity was playedon the P.A. system which conveyed: “Let usall move together, let us all grow together, letus stay united and grow in intelligencetogether, let us live together with friendshipand harmony.” What followed this was a seriesof spectacular daring feats of the students onsix moving jeeps, which showed their dexterity,skill and balance. Their next item was a groupdance with red and yellow flags. This wasfollowed by a beautiful butterfly dance in whichmore than one hundred girls took part with

butterfly wings which turned silver white andbright gold when they made rhythmicmovements. The last item of the morningprogramme was another beautiful groupdance with colourful rings in the hands ofthe students who rotated them to thetune of music. At 10.25 a.m., the

students concluded their beautifulpresentation and moved into the performingarea for the closing ceremony. The morningprogramme came to a close with Arati toBhagavan at 10.30 a.m.

Colourful Display by Primary SchoolStudents

In the afternoon, Bhagavan came to thestadium at 4.00 p.m. Motor bike squad ofstudents escorted Bhagavan to Santhi Vedika,the leading motor bike among them carryingthe flag bearing the logo of the silver jubileeof the Institute to highlight this significant event.

The first presentation in the afternoonwas made by the students of Sri SathyaSai Primary School, Prasanthi Nilayamwho displayed the theme of Unity, Purityand Divinity in a very meaningful way

through the words: “Serve withUnity”, “Love All with Purity” and“Merge with Divinity”. Their firstitem was a group dance. Asthe P.A. system played thewelcome song “Prasanthi VaasaSwagatam, Puttaparthi PureeshaSwagatam …”, the studentsdanced to its tune in their colourfulcostumes. Soon after this, hordesof Vanaras (monkeys) swarmedthe entire performing area, anddanced to the tune of a fast beatsong. There were not less thanhundred boys with perfect make-up of Vanaras holding a mace in

their hand and delighting the entire gatheringwith their rhythmic movements. The climax ofthis presentation was entry of Rama andLakshmana for whom they made the bridge

over the Indian ocean in the Ramayanastory. Visual depiction of this scene ona giant canvas in the background

Daring feats on moving jeeps by the studentsof Anantapur Campus of the Institute.

February 2006 43

enhanced the beauty of this presentation.Their next item showed their skill and agilitythrough marvellous feats of gymnastics.Christening themselves as Sai Wheels, agroup of students made a wheel formation byinterlocking themselves together. Whatfollowed this was a grand display of captivatingdances in colourful dresses by the children.And then came a wonderful performance offeats on roller skates by the students whomade various formations and performeddaring jumps over ramps and over a group ofboys. Another item which earned them theappreciation of the spectators was theiracrobatics on top of sliding poles. The itemskept coming one after the other in quicksuccession. Dexterous balancing andsomersaulting on ropes was the next item.The last item of their presentation wasa dance by Primary School girls who

enchanted the spectators by their performancein colourful dresses. In fact, every item ofthe Primary School was a piece of art, richwith bright colours, beauty and aesthetics.This beautiful performance ended with finalformation of all the students offering obeisanceto their Beloved Bhagavan while a sweetsong was played in the background.

As the Primary School studentswere leaving the performing area, thes t u d e n t s o f S r i S a t h y a Sa i D e e n a -janoddharana Pathakam were gettingready with their performance. This particularproject was initiated by Bhagavan to helpdestitute children. Bhagavan has giventhem food, raiment and shelter and alsodeposited one lakh rupees for each boy.

They are given training even incomputers. Their performance waschristened Chadarang. The students

Every item presented by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Prasanthi Nilayamwas a piece of art, rich with bright colours, beauty and aesthetics.

44 February 2006

dressed as black and white chessmen likeking, queen, knight, pawn, etc., mademovements on a giant chessboard asappropriate commentary on the P.A. systemdescribed their movements. This play endedwith the defeat of the black army, culminatingin the friendship of the two opponents. At the

end of this innovative item, one of thestudents made a brief speech describing howBhagavan’s compassion and love weretransforming their lives.

Daring Feats by Brindavan CampusStudents

The last presentation of this delectabledisplay of sports and cultural events wasmade by the students of Brindavan Campusof the Institute. Their first item was dragondance. The dance requires team work,agility and strength ofarms. Swirling the dragonsthroughout the performingarea, they performedthe dance with aplomb,winning time and againa p p l a u s e f r o m t h espectators.

Their next performance was a medleyof different types of martial arts likeKalarippayattu, Karate, stick fight andfight with mace. Kalarippayattu is the martialart form from the State of Kerala. Efficientswordsmanship is the pinnacle ofKalarippayattu. The artiste requires agility

and strength for this martial art.The students displayed variousKatas in Karate gracefully. Karatehelps in eliminating weakness andindecisiveness in the mind. Thenthere was display of stick fight, fightwith flashing steel and fight withmace. The main emphasis of thisperformance was how the mind andbody reacted in unison instinctivelyto face the opponent. A wonderfuldisplay of blindfolded wielding ofNunchaku followed. The agility of theperformers was a sight to watch. The

last item of their performance displayedsheer human power. They jumped throughrings, crossed human hurdles of a few boysand broke pots with lethal power. To crown itall, the students smashed blazing tiles withtheir hands. The Brindavan Campus students’performance ended with final formation andoffer of salutations to the Revered Chancellor.

This memorable Sports and Cultural Meetended at 6.30 p.m. with Arati to Bhagavan.

A delightful game of chess on a giant chessboard beingenacted by the students of Sri Sathya Sai

Deenajanoddharana Pathakam.

A spectacular show of dragon dance by the students ofBrindavan Campus of the Institute.

February 2006 45

AVATAR VANI DASARA DISCOURSES 2005

FOLLOW THE GREAT IDEALS

OF THE PANDAVAS

In childhood, one develops absorbing interest in play and enjoys the company

of one’s playmates. In youth and middle age, one is engrossed in cultivatingworldly relations and earning money. In old age, one repents for not having thisand that; one still craves for money without contemplating on God even at thatripe age. In this way, man wastes his precious human birth.

(Telugu Poem)

MMEmbodiments of Love!

AN SPENDS HIS WHOLE LIFEtotally engrossed in worldlymatters. He undergoes pleasure

and pain at every stage of his life. Ultimately,

he realises that everything in this world isephemeral and transitory like waterbubbles. Worldly pursuits cannot

provide lasting happiness to man. It is merefoolishness to waste precious human birth insuch futile pursuits.

God is the Director of the Cosmic Drama

When God takes birth in human form,people doubt whether he is born like any other

human being from the mother’s womb orassumes the vesture of human bodyout of His Divine Will. The fact is that

The Pandavas set great ideals bytheir exemplary conduct. They

should be held in high esteem. Weshould emulate their ideals and

lead our lives in peace andhappiness. We may have to facesorrows and difficulties, but weshould remain undisturbed by

them. When we control oursorrows, then our strength willincrease. The Pandavas left the

world long ago but their ideals areeternal and timeless.

46 February 2006

the course of God’s Mission is already laid outbefore His Advent on earth. He takes humanform to carry out His Avataric Mission in everyAge. In Dwapar Yuga, He came in the humanform of Lord Krishna, guided and protectedthe Pandavas against the machinations of thewicked Kauravas. When they were engagedin the Kurukshetra war with the Kauravas,Krishna assumed the role of the charioteer ofArjuna and led the Pandavas to victory.

After the war ended, Krishna informed thePandavas that He would leave for Dwaraka.He wanted one of the five Pandava brothersto accompany Him during this journey. Kunti,the mother of the Pandavas, suggested thatArjuna should accompany Krishna to Dwaraka.Accordingly, Krishna took Arjuna to Dwarakaand did His best to serve him during his staythere. Arjuna was a bit embarrassed to availhimself of the service rendered by Krishna. Hetold Krishna, “Oh Lord! How can I acceptservice from You?” Krishna replied, “Arjuna!You are mistaken. Whom am I serving? Am Iserving your body? I am the indweller of allbeings. You should not delude yourself,thinking that you are the body. Even your bodybelongs to Me. It is not yours.”

The body is made up of five elements andis bound to perish sooner or later but theindweller has neither birth nor death. Theindweller has no attachment whatsoeverand is the eternal witness. Truly speaking,the indweller who is in the form of the Atmais verily God Himself. (Telugu Poem)

Krishna continued, “I am that Devadeva(God of gods). You identify yourself with thebody out of delusion and say ‘I’. But that isnot your real self. You are not the body. Aslong as you identify yourself with thebody, you remain at the level of Jiva

(individual self). Once you get rid of thatdelusion, you become one with Deva(Supreme Self). Hence, give up attachmentto the body. Human body is only an instrument.Man has to use this instrument to perform allKarmas (actions) in this world. He has the rightonly to perform Karma. Karma, in fact, isinstrumental in the conduct of this cosmicdrama. I am the Director of this drama.”

Final Journey of the Pandavas

The earthly drama of the Yadavas came toan end and they all perished. In the end,Krishna also gave up the human vestureand left for His heavenly abode. Watchingthese developments helplessly, Arjuna weptinconsolably. Unable to bear the separationfrom his dear Lord, friend, philosopher andguide, he wailed, “Oh! Krishna! You have beenconstantly protecting me and guarding me.Now that You have left for Your heavenlyabode, in whom shall I seek refuge?”

The city of Dwaraka presented a scene oftotal destruction. The entire Yadava clan hadperished. Arjuna did not know what to do insuch circumstances. He remembered thepossibility of his mother Kunti enquiring aboutthe welfare of Lord Krishna and the Yadavas.A hundred and one questions cropped up inhis mind, but he had no answer to any of them.Arjuna collected the royal retinue and leftDwaraka as Krishna had commanded himbefore leaving His sojourn on earth. On theway, Arjuna was suddenly attacked by a hordeof forest dwelling nomads. But, to his utterdismay and anguish, Arjuna could not evenstring his bow, Gandiva! The great warriorArjuna who performed heroic deeds in the

Kurukshetra war could not save theconsorts of Krishna from the robbers.He lamented at his helplessness and

February 2006 47

prayed to Krishna, “Oh! Krishna! What hashappened to all my strength? Where is it gonenow?” The answer came from within: He whohad granted this power to me has now takenit back.

At last, in utter helplessness and agony, heprayed to Lord Krishna “Oh Lord! Youhave to protect Your queens Yourself. I amhelpless.” Finally, Arjuna reached Hastinapuralong with some of the queens who could besaved from the clutches of the barbarians bythe divine grace of Krishna. The people ofHastinapur were eager to know all thathappened in Dwaraka. Yudhishthira enquiredfrom Arjuna about the welfare of Krishna.Their mother Kunti was also anxious to knowabout the welfare of Krishna. She askedArjuna, “Son! Is my dear Krishna all right?Please tell me everything that happenedduring your stay in Dwaraka.” She was veryeager to know the facts and Arjuna could notbut reveal the truth. Finally, he steadiedhimself and related everything about thedeparture of Krishna for His heavenly abodeand the subsequent developments.Themoment Arjuna told that Krishna had shedHis mortal coil, Kunti collapsed on the coton which she was sitting. Dharmarajarushed to her side and tried to consoleher saying, “Mother! What was destinedto happen has happened. All this is the Willof Lord Krishna. There is no use grieving overthese developments. Please get up.” But Kuntidid not respond. It was then that he realisedthat she had left her body. He put her headon his lap and called all his brothers. Thebrothers could not contain their grief. Theywept bitterly on two counts – one for losingtheir dear Lord Krishna and the otherover the death of their beloved mother.The people of Hastinapur were also

filled with grief when they heard this sadnews. Draupadi, who was witnessing thesedevelopments, could not maintain her poiseany more. She was immersed in grief at thedouble loss of Lord Krishna’s departure on theone side and the sudden demise of Kunti onthe other.

Dharmaraja called Arjuna and instructedh i m t o m a k e a r r a n g e m e n t s f o r t h ecremation of the body of their mother. Arjunaimmediately complied with his instructions. Atthe same time, Dharmaraja gave instructionsfor the necessary arrangements for thecoronation of young Parikshit. Thereafter, hecalled Nakula and Sahadeva to his sideand told them to make arrangements fortheir Mahaprasthana (final journey) to theHimalayas. Dharmaraja led the funeralprocession, carrying the fire in an earthen pot.As the funeral procession was proceeding, thepeople of Hastinapur were immersed in grief.They followed the funeral procession to thecremation ground. The body of Kunti wasplaced on the funeral pyre and Dharmaraja litthe pyre. In a few moments, it was engulfed inflames.

The next thing to do was to perform thecoronation of young Parikshit. The Pandavaslost their dear mother; they lost their very life-breath, Lord Krishna; yet they were nowprepared to perform the coronation of Parikshitwith perfect calm and poise! What an amazingequanimity of mind they displayed! Timemarches on. And, all things that have to beperformed have to take their course. Parikshit,however, was not very happy. He pleadedwith the Pandavas, “Oh! My dear grandfathers!

You are all great kings. You are still haleand hearty. Is it proper for me to wearthe royal crown in your esteemed

48 February 2006

presence? Do I deserve to wear this royalcrown? How worthless and insignificant am I!So, one of you should wear this crown andrule the country.” The Pandava brothers triedto convince Parikshit, saying, “Dear child! Wewill not be here any more to rulethis kingdom. There must besomeone to look after the welfareof the people as king of this greatcountry. You have to, therefore,shoulder this responsibility. Theaffairs of the kingdom have to belooked after. You should notshirk your duty in ensuring thecontinuity of the regal obligations.”Explaining thus, they persuadedyoung Parikshit to rule over thekingdom. The royal crown wasplaced on his head amidst thechanting of Vedic Mantras by thepriests. Falling at the feet of all hiselders, Parikshit prayed for theirblessings. All the five Pandavabrothers then hugged Parikshitwith affection and exhorted him tosafeguard the glory of thekingdom and uphold the fairname of his ancestors. Parikshitsaid that he would obey theircommand and protect the peopleof the kingdom like his life-breath.

The Pandavas then startedon their great march to theHimalayas, straight from the royalcourt where the coronation ofParikshit was held. When theyreached the bank of the river Ganga, theyimmersed the ashes of their motherin its sacred water. Thereafter, theycontinued their march to the

Himalayas, proceeding one behind the other.Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas, ledthe march. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula andSahadeva followed him in that order. AndDraupadi walked behind all. In this manner,

the earthly sojourn of the Pandavas came toan end. Who can understand the mystery

of life? None except God can know inwhat way the events in one’s life will

You identify yourself with the body out ofdelusion and say ‘I’. But that is not your real

Self. You are not the body. As long as youidentify yourself with the body, you remain at

the level of Jiva (individual self). Once you getrid of that delusion, you become one with Deva

(Supreme Self). Hence, give up attachment to thebody. Human body is only an instrument. Man

has to use this instrument to perform all Karmas(actions) in this world. He has the right only to

perform Karma. Karma, in fact, is instrumental inthe conduct of this cosmic drama. I am the

Director of this drama.

February 2006 49

take turn at a certain point of time. One maydon ochre robes, but that will not enable oneto know what the future has in store for him.The Pandavas symbolised virtues and valour.They led their lives in an ideal manner andsanctified their time in the contemplation ofGod. They ended their earthly sojourn alsopeacefully while contemplating on God all thetime.

Ideals Set by the Pandavas are Eternal

Parikshit ruled the kingdom with justice andkindness. All the people of the kingdom werehappy with his rule. He followed the high idealsset by the Pandavas. Like the Pandavas,Parikshit was also endowed with great virtues.Even while carrying out his royal duties, hespent his time in Namasmarana. When he tookover the reigns of the kingdom, some evil-minded kings joined hands and waged a waragainst him, underestimating his strength andvalour and thinking that he was young andinexperienced. But some other noble kingscame to help him. With their help, Parikshitcould vanquish the enemies and assert hissupremacy. He could emerge victorious dueto his unflinching faith in God.

God is your sole refuge wherever you maybe, in a forest, in the sky, in a city or a village,on the top of a mountain or in the middle ofdeep sea. (Telugu Poem)

When Parikshit was anointed as king,initially people were apprehensive as to howa young boy could rule the kingdom. However,under the able guidance of Kripacharya’s son,Parikshit proved to be a successful king. Hefollowed in the footsteps of the Pandavas and

practised and propagated their ideals. ThePandavas set great ideals by their exemplaryconduct. They should be held in high esteem.We should emulate their ideals and lead ourlives in peace and happiness. We may haveto face sorrows and difficulties, but we shouldremain undisturbed by them. When we controlour sorrows, then our strength will increase.The Pandavas left the world long ago but theirideals are eternal and timeless. We shouldcherish their ideals in our heart and try tofollow the same in letter and spirit. By followingthe ideals set by the Pandavas, we will havepeace, happiness and prosperity in our life.

Students! You are all very young. ButPariskhit was much younger than you whenhe ascended the throne. However, he took upthe challenge with admirable courage and faithin God. He stands as an ideal for all youngpeople. You too should develop such courageand fortitude and strive for the welfare ofsociety. That is the true ideal. Pray to God forthe necessary strength to hold on to this ideal.

Embodiments of Love! Students!

All of you are good children. You shouldlead an ideal life and set example to others.Never give room for sorrow. Be alwaysfearless. Face the challenges of the world withcourage and fortitude. Have firm faith that Godis always with you, guiding you and guardingyou. Having God firmly installed in your heartand with the Divine Name on your lips, youshould march forward.

– From Bhagavan’s Dasara Discourse inSai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam on 7thOctober 2005.

Do not walk in front of Me, I may not follow you. Do not walk behind Me,

I may not lead you. Walk beside Me and be My friend.- Baba

50 February 2006

New Year Day Celebrations

EW YEAR DAY WAS CELEBRATEDat Prasanthi Nilayam with gaietyand piety on 1st January 2006.

Soft and sweet Nadaswaram music bythe Nadaswaram troupe ofAnantapur Campus studentsreverberated in Sai Kulwant Hallsince early morning to mark theauspiciousness of the occasion.Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Babacame to the Hall at 9.25a.m. amidst these sweet andmelodious notes of music andsacred Vedic chants of PrasanthiNilayam students of the Instituteand showered His blessings onthe huge gathering of devoteeswho had thronged PrasanthiNilayam to pay their homage to Bhagavan onthis auspicious day. The gathering included alarge number of former students of theInstitute who come to Prasanthi Nilayam onthe New Year day every year to experiencethe bliss of Bhagavan’s Divine proximity andseek His blessings after performing GramaSeva in a village near Prasanthi Nilayam onthe previous day. This year, these studentsperformed Grama Seva in village Pulerusituated at a distance of 45 kilometres fromPrasanthi Nilayam on 31st December 2005and actively participated in the New Year daycelebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam byproviding a musical treat to the devotees inSai Kulwant Hall.

The programme started at 9.50 a.m.with sweet melodies of the Instituteorchestra and was followed by

devotional songs which delighted one and all.The morning programme came to a close at10.35 a.m. with Arati to Bhagavan. Beforeleaving for His abode, Bhagavan graciouslyperformed the cake cutting ceremony.

On the afternoon of 1st January 2006,Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.00p.m. and showered the bliss of His DivineDarshan on the devotees while listening to theVedic chants of the Institute students for nearlyone hour. Thereafter, the former students ofthe Institute presented a grand programme ofdevotional music for nearly one hour. Thisprogramme was verily a sumptuous treat formusic lovers as the students rendereddevotional songs to express their love forBhagavan and extol His Divine glory withsweet music and love-filled heart. The NewYear day programme concluded at 6.00 p.m.with Arati to Bhagavan. Prasadam blessed byBhagavan was distributed to all in the end.

Cultural Programme by Primary SchoolStudents

On the evening of 13th January2005, devotees in Sai Kulwant Hall

Sweet melodies by the orchestra team of the PrasanthiNilayam Campus students mark the New Year Day

celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam.

February 2006 51

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were provided an excellent musical andcultural treat by the students of Sri Sathya SaiPrimary School, Prasanthi Nilayam. Theprogramme began at 6.00 p.m. in the DivinePresence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.First of all, a group of girls students ofPrimary School enthralled the gathering withan excellent violin recital. Thereafter, thedrama “Sai Prema Dhara” was performed,through which the students presented thestory of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba byenacting selected episodes from His life to thedelight of the entire gathering. Though it wasa repeat performance of the drama enactedby them on 23rd October 2005, it was relishedby one and all with absorbing interest.Bhagavan sat throught the entire performanceand blessed the students at the end of thedrama. He also materialised a gold chain withlocket for the student who played the role ofProf. Kasturi in the drama, and materialised agold ring for one of the students who enactedthe role of child Sathya. Bhagavan alsoprovided to the students the covetedopportunity of group photos with Him. Theprogramme came to a close with Arati toBhagavan at 7.15 p.m.

Valedictory Function of AnnualSports and Cultural Meet andSankranti Celebrations

The sacred festival of Sankranti andthe Valedictory Function of the AnnualSports and Cultural Meet 2006 of theInstitute were celebrated on 14thJanuary 2006. Sai Kulwant Hall, thevenue of the function, was befittinglydone up with various decorationswhich included banners and portraitsof Bhagavan displayed during theSports Meet on 11th January 2006.The Revered Chancellor of theInstitute, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

came to Sai Kulwant Hall in a grandprocession at 9.50 a.m. The procession wasled by the brass band of Anantapur Campusof the Institute followed by flag bearers squadof captains of various sports and culturalevents and the brass band of the PrasanthiNilayam Campus of the Institute. As soon asthe procession reached the middle of the Hall,the flag bearers made a canopy of the flagsin honour of the Revered Chancellor. Afterarriving at the dais, Bhagavan formallyinaugurated the function by lighting the sacredlamp at 10.00 a.m.

In his introductory speech, Sri Anil VinayakGokak, Vice Chancellor of the Instituteextended a hearty welcome to all andobserved that sports and cultural eventswere harmonised in the integral system ofeducation of the Institute. They not only playedan important role in inculcating values likeperseverance, courage, skill as well asharmony of thought, word and deed in studentsbut also reflected the true spirit of sports asdisplayed by the participating students in thevarious sports and cultural events. Thevaledictory function had added significance

A scene from the drama “Sai Prema Dhara” enactedby the students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary

School, Prasanthi Nilayam.

52 February 2006

because it was being held on the auspiciousday of Sankranti and in the immediate DivinePresence of Bhagavan, said Sri Gokak.

After the introductory speech of Sri Gokak,Bhagavan blessed the gathering with Hisnectarine Sankranti Discourse (full textgiven elsewhere) exhorting the studentsto acquire educare. Emphasising theneed for inner purity, Bhagavan said thatstudents should earn a good name byimbibing good thoughts and performinggood actions. After the Discourse ofBhagavan, trophies and prizes weredistributed. The morning functioncame to a close with Arati to Bhagavanat 11.40 a.m.

Adi Kavi Valmiki: A Drama

The joy of celebrating Sankranti becamemanifold when the students of the BrindavanCampus of the Institute enraptured thedevotees at Prasanthi Nilayam by enactinga beautiful drama “Adi Kavi Valmiki” onthe afternoon of 14th January 2006 in

Sai Kulwant Hall in the Divine Presence ofBhagavan. Starting from the early life ofValmiki, the drama portrayed how a dacoit andmurderer like Ratnakara was transformed andbecame the great epic poet and Sage Valmikiby chanting the Divine Name of Ramaearnestly. After hearing the story of Ramafrom the divine bard Narada, Valmiki not onlybecame the Adi Kavi (first among poets) butearned the honour of writing the story of theAvatar as he earned the grace of God bypenance and Namasmarana. One of the mostbeautiful features of this drama was that asLava and Kusha sang the story of theRamayana in sweet lyrics accompanied byenchanting music, the entire story waspresented on the stage scene by scene.Excellent acting of the students, sweetnessof the Telugu lyrics, beautiful setsand very efficient and innovative stagemanagement made this an outstandingpresentation. Bhagavan blessed the cast at

the end of the drama and posed forphotographs with them. Prasadam wasdistributed to the entire gathering in the

end. The function came to a happyconclusion with offer of Arati toBhagavan at 6.30 p.m.

The students receiving trophies from the ReveredChancellor of the Institute, Bhagavan

Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The seven sages show Valmiki thepath of his redemption.

February 2006 53

HAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABAis inspiring millions of people all overthe world to become better human

beings. By His selfless love, by His example,by His Divine Message and through many otherways, He is touching the hearts of so manypeople and melting the shields that coveredtheir hearts. He is showing a different way ofliving and thinking, with a higher purpose, andpeople so inspired by His Divine touch start toput into practice in their daily lives the lovethat He ignites in their hearts. They start toexpand their concerns and compassion andfeel the need to do something for their brothersand sisters in need.

Sathya Sai Overseas Organisation’s Zone2 comprises 23 countries of Latin America. SaiOrganisation is present in all of them and it iscarrying out its service activities in them. It isimpossible to describe here all the differentactivities rendered by Sai devotees, but we willmention just some of them. The examples setby Bhagavan in India are being emulated inLatin America with water projects,dispensaries, medical camps, educationalinstitutions completely free of charge,and in so many other ways. Since

2004, we have started a very active programmeto spread the Divine Message of Bhagavan toour communities in the guidance of thePrasanthi Council. We have held till todayabout 100 meetings to spread Bhagavan’sDivine Message of love and service amongpeople. Nearly 40,000 people attended thesemeetings. However, many millions learnedabout the Divine Message and humanitarianwork done by Bhagavan through all the mediacoverage of these meetings. Many TVprogrammes, radio programmes andnewspapers informed about the serviceactivities and the teachings of Bhagavan andthe Organisation that bears His Divine name.We mention here some of the service activitiesdone in Latin America.

Mexico

In January 2001, in one of the poorest andmost populated neighbourhoods of theIztapalapa district in Mexico City, a small placewas prepared to serve as a dispensary. Thisis now known as Mexico City Sai MedicalClinic. Presently, the doctor’s office has basicand essential medical equipment; the servicesare provided by a general doctor, a nurse andan orthodontist. The clinic is entirely free ofcharge and remains open from Monday toFriday from 10:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m. Duringthese four years, there have been more thantwenty thousand medical consultations forpeople with different conditions such asrespiratory and gastrointestinal diseases anda high percentage of pregnant women whorequire medical follow-up. On an average,about 500 consultations are now beingprovided every month. The clinic was started

four years ago and has expanded tobecome a community centre. In additionto medical consultations, there is

John Behner

SERVICE ACTIVITIESOF SAI ORGANISATIONIN LATIN AMERICA

BB

Leonardo Gutter

and

54 February 2006

treatment for teeth, a service that thelocal population would not normallyreceive. There are classes on hygieneand diet and even human values forchildren. There are adult readingclasses. Refreshments are served forchildren. Some other services are alsorendered, such as:

� Dental care for children

� Lectures on dental care forfamilies

� Promotion of hygiene throughcleaning campaigns

� Lectures on nutrition

� Donation of devices for makingwater fit for drinking

� Supply of medicines during medicalsessions

� Supply of clothes for the people whoattend the medical sessions and forthe people who live in theneighbourhood

� Distribution of basic provisions to thepeople in the area.

Bolivia

Sai volunteers are helping very poor familieswho live on the bank of the Rocha River whichis a contaminated river. The residents use thiswater for cooking, washing, and even drinking.They don´t have electricity; so, they have touse candles. Their little houses are made withstraw and pasteboards. The whole family livesin these houses, which are 2x2 metres. Thevolunteers of the Sai Centre of Concha Bambahave been providing clothes, food, water andtin cans to these needy people.

Sai volunteers go to the families of strawdealers who come from South of Bolivia. Theylive in houses made with straw. They surviveby collecting straw in Potosí from where they

come. They don´t have electricity, water;sometimes they have no food. They make longjourneys with their entire family which usuallyincludes little children and babies. Saivolunteers provide clothes, food, needles,kettles, dishes and supplies to these needypeople.

Sai volunteers have donated books andnotebooks to the orphans in the orphanage atConcha Bamba. They also organise talks abouthuman values and the teachings of love andpeace.

Sai volunteers go to the Sacaba Prison forwomen and men and provide medicalsupplies, clothes and food items. They alsoprovide some non-violent toys, cookiesand dainties to children.

Sivingani is a small town located ina province of Concha Bamba calledIndependencia. Lots of children from thesurrounding area along with their motherscome there on Christmas. This is a special dayfor all of them because they know that aChristmas gift is waiting for them. It could bejust a ball, a plastic car or a doll but they know

Sai volunteers providing items of daily need to thestraw dealers from South of Bolivia.

February 2006 55

these gifts come from the hands of lovingpeople and so, they accept the gifts with love.

Argentina

The Florencia Varela community ofBuenos Aires has been provided a dental clinic,fully equipped with free service once a week.The Sai Foundation has built and equippedthe clinic and Sai dentists are serving there.

El Salvador

During the last 12 years, there has beenmedical service for a rural community once amonth. In the same community, the SaiOrganisation provided water for 350 homesas one of the 12 water projects which havebeen realised in the country.

A Catholic Church was re-constructed withthe help of members of the community by theSai Organisation after the earthquakes of2001.

An invalids home was constructed forwheelchair people together with workshopsand there is a Sai Centre on the 3rd floor.

Guatemala City

Four years ago, the Sai Centre inGuatemala City started a clinic which providedconsultations on Saturday mornings. The local

population was so gratified with the freeservice that each year another clinic has beenadded. Now there are four Sai medical clinicsand a pharmacy which is open four days aweek. One clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment,while the other three are run by allopathic Saidoctors. With the blessings of Bhagavan, thiswill become a Sai Hospital in near future.

Venezuela

Sai devotees recently organised an eyecamp at a private hospital where 10 cataractoperations were performed. This brings thetotal free operations performed here to 80.After the free lens implants are done, thepatients are provided transport to go to theirhome and follow-up treatment is given. Thisservice restored the eyesight of people whowould never have been able to afford suchtreatment.

The Sai Organisation in Venezuelaconducts regular medical camps outside thecity. Different specialities are covered, andmany devotees participate with parallelservices such as hair cutting, food, music, andstories for children. Food distribution is also apart of these camps. As many as 10 Sai doctorsoffer their services together with 30 devotees.

Sai volunteers distributing Christmas giftsto the children of Sivingani.

56 February 2006

The inmates of the orphanage at ConchaBamba joyfully showing the books and

notebooks donated to them.

Uruguay

Narayana Seva began in 2000. Thefrequency has been changing, but it has beendefinitely a service which makes us realiseeach time we have to face people in the streetthat we are not different from them.

Service to animals takes place once a week.One of our devotees is a veterinary doctor andwith a group of devotees takes care ofhomeless animals by feeding them and bytaking care of their health.

A Manual for Sai Groups has beenprepared. This project began three years agoas an idea for helping the groups that starttheir activities. So many people participated,so many people identified themselves with thisproject that the outcome of people’s love inaction was this Manual. And today it hasspread to all Latin American groups.

At the Montevideo Sai Centre, a blooddonation club was started. Here the devoteescan give “liquid love”. The name of the clubthat is registered at the National Blood Serviceis Sai Baba.

In the year 2005, the first course ofEducation in Human Values – Educare wasorganised for a group of elementary schoolteachers. The response was so great that wehad to create two groups of 40 persons each.

Colombia

The “Rainbow” programme is one of theOasis Social Institution programmes, whichhave been working during the last 10 years in“Paraíso”, a neighbourhood in Ciudad Bolívar,one of the most deprived areas in Bogotá,capital city of Colombia. Rainbow is orientedtowards the children’s population of thissuburb. Its main objective is to develop

human values following the method ofeducare, under the postulate that the onlyactivity to be carried out is to lay a bridge toenable love and truth to come out from withinus. Development of human values arises fromthe need to offer this population, overtakenby violence, poverty and abandonment, thekey to real education. Real education bringsabout a change in us so that we are moved tocare for our fellowmen, to cultivate our heartand to develop our own abilities andintelligence to be able to help and usethem within our own society and the world.

Brazil

The following are the main activities of theSai Organisation in Brazil: Medical camps areorganised in several locations in Brazil as a

mark of active love in the health area.Medical services in paediatrics,

Sathya Sai Overseas Organisation’sZone 2 comprises 23 countries ofLatin America. Sai Organisation is

present in all of them and it iscarrying out its service activities in

them. It is impossible to describe hereall the different activities rendered bySai devotees, but we will mention just

some of them. The examples set byBhagavan in India are being emulatedin Latin America with water projects,

dispensaries, medical camps,educational institutions

completely free of charge, and inso many other ways.

February 2006 57

ophthalmology, dentistry, dermatology areprovided. Besides, diabetes and bloodpressure tests are conducted. Youth groupservice in the community is also organised.

Water project of Sai Organisation deploysa water distribution network in a needyneighbourhood in Rio Grande do Sul, whichreaches each household through theirfaucets.

Professional courses in computer science,basketry, beauty school, cooking, hotelmonitoring in Amparo, Rio de Janeiro areorganised. Disarmament campaign in acommunity of 500 children has beenorganised. Distribution of meals in animpoverished community has been continuingfor 14 years in São Paulo.

The Brazilian Sai Organisation conductedGrama Seva at the Santa Rosa village, a ruralsettlement located 60 km near the City of Riode Janeiro, Brazil. The services offered were:blood pressure control, lectures on contagiousdiseases and on dental care, blood testing forcholesterol, adult and children vaccination,enlisting of elders for further distribution ofmedicines, as well as clinical, dental andphysiotherapeutic consulting. There was evena veterinary post for pets, with vaccination andclinic. EHV teachers offered classes to thechildren and a theatre to all the participants ofthe community. There were also services ashaircut, distribution of food and clothes foradults, children and special kits for thenewborn. The service team offered avegetarian meal for all the people there. The

project reached a total of nearly 400 people,served by approximately 140 volunteers fromthe Sai Organisation. The event began andended with group devotional singing,enthusiastically followed by all. The DivineLove of Swami permeated every action, andit could be sensed by the reactions fromthe people served as well as from therepresentatives of the Sai Organisation.

Costa Rica

� The members of the Sai Centre of SanJose provided emergency relief forpeople affected by the floods on theCaribbean coast. 85 families werehelped with food and emergency itemssuch as soap, candles and matches.

� Over 1000 bedding items have beendelivered to homes for old andphysically challenged people.

� Trees were planted in a municipal parkwith permission of the authorities in aafforestation drive by the Sai Centre.

� Breakfast is served to the homelesson Sundays in downtown San Jose.

� Every Saturday the members of theCentre help a group of elderly from ahome in San Jose.

� Talks on human values are impartedto student groups.

In this way, the Sai Organisation of LatinAmerica has been serving needy people indifferent countries and spreading the DivineMessage of love and service taught byBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

58 February 2006

My entire being, from head to toe, is dedicated to the service of people. I wishto do many things for the good of people. I do not wish to talk about them.Action must speak for itself.

- Baba

destruction, disease, destruction of vital oil andwater pipelines to the national economy.Devastation by Katrina was immediatelyfollowed by Hurricane Rita that made landfallon 24th September 2005 causing widespreaddamage to Southern Louisiana and South-eastern Texas.

In response to these national tragedies, Saidevotees quickly prepared themselves andbegan rendering immediate aid. Several Saidevotees underwent Red Cross training.Refugee families were adopted by local SaiCentres and were provided food, clothing,shelter, utensils and transportation. Bal Vikaschildren packed 500 toiletry bags and, alongwith adults, helped take care of children.Family counselling services were alsoprovided. Hurricane Rita had caused extensivedamage to Jasper, St. Augustine, Newton,Sabine, and Tyler counties in Texas. On 3rdDecember 2005, Sai devotees visited theseareas to deliver 636 care packages consistingof bottled water, blankets, fruits, gloves, socksand other essential items. Personal visits were

NEWS FROM SAI CENTRES

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A scene of devastation caused byHurricane Katrina in the U.S.A.

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U. S. A.

On 29th August 2005, Hurricane Katrinamade landfall in the State of Louisiana as acategory 4 storm. Its swath of destruction wasthe worst in American history over the last 100

years. It devastated the central Gulf CoastStates of the U.S.A. Cities such as NewOrleans, Mobile and Gulfport bore the bruntof Katrina’s force. Its impact was far reachingwhich caused human and property

February 2006 59

It has been said in “Ramakatha Rasavahini” that after the celebration of Sri Rama’s

coronation, every devotee of Sri Rama was immersed in loving service and compassionate

deeds. In the same tenor, the recent celebrations marking the 80th year of the Advent of

the Avatar, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba have inspired many to devote their lives to the

compassionate service of their fellowmen. Such selfless service and love can only stem

from the eternal life-spring of Divine Love. Some global activities of loving service and devotion

are described here.

made to 140 homes on that day. On the sameday, Sai doctors visited several homes toexamine children and the elderly. As part ofthe relief efforts, devotees have providedrefrigerators and freezers to a food pantry andmore than 300 school children have receivedshoes, socks and winter coats. In addition,assistance has been given to rebuild homesdevastated by the hurricane. Sai devotees arecontinuing disaster relief support.

Inspired by Bhagavan’s messages forLadies Day, the lady devotees of NorthernCalifornia and Nevada organised the firstRegional Ladies Day retreat on 22nd October2005 in Palo Alto, California. The event wasattended by more than 200 Sai sisters.Inspiring talks were given by Smt. Sharon

Sandweiss, Smt. Berniece Mead and Smt.Renee Choudhuri. There were also skits,devotional singing and spiritual discussions inbreakout sessions on bringing Sai values intofamilies.

MIDDLE EAST

A medical camp was conducted in AbuDhabi, U.A.E on the premises of the IndianEmbassy on 23rd December 2005. Preventive

healthcare and free health screening wereconducted for 105 patients. Presentationswere made in four different languages onstress management, balanced diet, hygiene,smoking and alcoholism. In addition, 470lunches were distributed to labourers insuburbs of Abu Dhabi on the same day. Inorder to help roadside labourers andconstruction workers who perform their jobsunder severe heat, 7,000 litres of pure drinkingwater was distributed over 32 days duringinclement weather until September 2005. Inthe same period, 10,056 litres of cold buttermilkwas distributed to workers at another locationin the city of Abu Dhabi. The Sathya Sai Centreof Abu Dhabi distributed fresh juices, applesand dates to people in a remote mosque.

In Oman, a health screening wasconducted on 13th January 2006 in which 140patients were seen in one day. Another medicalcamp was conducted on 30th December 2005in Qatar and 80 patients were screened.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

A public meeting was held by the SathyaSai Baba Organisation of Bosnia andHerzegovina on 29th October 2005 to foster

Ladies Day retreat in California to focus onbringing Sai values into families.

Medical camp held in Abu Dhabi on the premisesof the Indian Embassy provided counselling in

preventive healthcare and free health screening.

60 February 2006

loving discussion of Bhagavan’s teachingsamong people of many faiths. The meetingwas attended by 150 people in the Sveti AntoChurch. The invited speakers representingIslam, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduismunderlined the importance of unity of all thereligions of the world and emphasised theneed for promoting human values in societyas taught by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Sai devotees also visited a nursing home andsang Sarva Dharma Bhajans for the residentswho were refugees in this long war-torncountry.

F I J I

A public meeting was held in Suva on 24thAugust 2005 and another was held in Lautokaon 26th August 2005. The Suva meeting wasattended by about 300 people and the one inLautoka had 100 attendees. Both meetingswere addressed by Sri Vishnu Deo, Chairmanof Sai Organisation in Fiji. He spoke onBhagavan’s teachings that unify all faiths, Hismission to re-establish righteousness and toinspire love for God through service tohumanity. Sri Arthur Hillcoat, senior advisor tothe Prasanthi Council spoke of Bhagavan’s

Interfaith Meeting organised by the Sathya SaiBaba Organisation of Bosnia and

Herzegovina in progress.

Sainet Project has so far benefited 266,800people to save them from the menace of malaria.

February 2006 61

message of universal love and His globaleducational works.

In addition, 350 people attended a nationalconvention on “Unity, Purity, Divinity” thatwas held in the Ba province of Viti Levu on20-21st August 2005. The convention washighlighted by inspiring talks on the silentspiritual revolution of Bhagavan Baba andHis teachings. A devotee from the U.S.A.,inspired by Bhagavan’s love, sent 1,650wheelchairs to Fiji for the physically challengedand poor.

K E N Y A

The Sainet project to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets and maize meals to thedisease-vulnerable and the poor in Kenya hasexpanded to include more villages. To date64,400 Sainets and 56.8 tons of maize meals

have been distributed with love to cover apopulation of 266,800. The project has drawnappreciations from Hon. Joseph Kingi, theAssistant Minister for Provincial Administrationand Dr. P. Maasulo, the District Medical Officerfor Health.

M A L A W I

Five cataract camps were conducted inMalawi from July to November 2005 in which

A speaker addressing the gathering in Plymouth,U.K. where an interfaith meeting was held.

attended by 70 people. This meeting broughttogether Sai devotees and the PlymouthIslamic Educational Trust. The meeting beganwith the movie “His Work” and was followedby talks from Hindu, Christian and Muslimspeakers on how faith helps us in our dailylives and a panel discussion. It was concludedby unified singing of Islamic prayers.

B R A Z I L

The first Sai School in Brazil was started in1994 in a poor neighbourhood of Rio DeJanerio. At present, there are five schools inBrazil which take children from theseneighbourhoods and teach them the SathyaSai Education in Human Values programme.Recently, a large audience of 350 Saidevotees was touched by the stories sharedby a four-year-old girl from the Sathya SaiSchool in Minas Gerias State.

– Prasanthi Council

B H A R A T

Andhra Pradesh: Karimnagar district carriedout 80-hour Akhanda Bhajan, culturalprogrammes, exhibitions, etc., all over thedistrict as part of Bhagavan’s 80th Birthdaycelebrations. Moreover, it carried out threeveterinary camps vaccinating 900 animals, twomedical camps treating 425 patients,Narayana Seva to 10,000 people all overthe district.

Nellore district distributed 750 food packetsto cyclone and flood-affected people inKavali and Nellore areas. This districtdistributed 9 kg of rice, one blanket and datespackets to each of the 45 cyclone-affectedgirijan families besides giving Saris and otherdress material on 10th November 2005. Thisdistrict distributed 10 quintals of rice to

62 February 2006

a total of 5,295 patients were examined and516 cataract operations were performed.

P H I L I P P I N E S

On 19th November 2005, a programmewas held to inform the public about BhagavanSri Sathya Sai Baba and to inspire young adultsand parents to serve society with love. Theevents for the evening were performed by thestudents of The Institute of Sathya SaiEducation, San Pedro, and the Sathya SaiSchool, Pilil la and attended by a largegathering including Dr Pijano, ExecutiveDirector, Philippine Accrediting Associations ofSchools, Colleges and Universities and Smt.Navrekha Sharma, Ambassador for India tothe Republic of the Philippines. The keynotespeaker was Dr. Bhanoji Rao, ProfessorEmeritus at NUS, Singapore. He spoke on therole of students and youth in today’s society.There were also performances of songs, skitsand parables based on Bhagavan’s teachings.On 23rd November 2005, Sai devoteesdelivered 124 bags of food, milk and rice todestitute children as part of 80th Birthdaycelebrations of Bhagavan.

U. K.

An interfaith public meeting was held inPlymouth on 10th December 2005 which was

cyclone-affected girijan families in 11 differentvillages in the district.

Khammam district conducted 55 freemarriages at Sattupalli town on 10th October2005 giving the couples all the materialneeded in the marriage and providingsumptuous lunch to 2,000 people. The districtalso gave Amruta Kalasams to 80 needyfamilies, each containing 10 kg rice, 1 kg Dhaland one blanket.

West Godavari district carried out NarayanaSeva along with Nama Sankirtan inorphanages and Homes for physically,mentally and visually challenged people inEluru, Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, Palakole,Jangareddygudem and Kovvur towns. In sub-jails also, Narayana Seva was carried out.

Anantapur district distributed food sent byBhagavan to about 20,000 devotees comingto Prasanthi Nilayam to attend Bhagavan’s80th Birthday celebrations from 18thNovember 2005 to 22nd November 2005 byerecting Shamianas at Sri Sathya SaiPrasanthi Nilayam Railway Station.

Srikakulam district carried out Grama Seva(service to villages) from December 2004 toNovember 2005 in 1008 villages by performingspiritual, educational and service activities inthese villages. On the completion of this villagewelfare programme for 1008 villages, nearly2000 devotees visited Prasanthi Nilayam from3rd to 5th December 2005 and received theblessings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Aspecial programme was held on the afternoonof 5th December 2005 in PoornachandraAuditorium where Bhagavan addressed thesedevotees and commended their serviceactivities to villagers. Bhagavan also gave themthe opportunity to sing Bhajans andperform a cultural programme in HisDivine Presence.

Assam, Manipur and N.E. States: Therecent ethnic strife in Karbi Anglong HillDistrict of Assam caused deprivation anddisease to a large number of poor hill tribalsliving in interior and even inaccessible areas.Sai workers distributed clothes and otheressential articles in the relief shelters atTumpreng, Domkamakum, Longphermukhand other interior villages.

Sai Organisation also set up three freemedical camps from 18th to 20th December2005 in the affected villages of Borkak,Dalimbari and Borgoan of Hamren sub-divisionof the district in close collaboration withAutonomous District Council officials wherethousands of people were treated andmedicines were distributed. Warm clothing formen, women and children offered by nearbydistricts of Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat andGolaghat and collected by local Diphu Samithiwere distributed. Medicines for influenza, skinailments, cough, malaria and stomachdiseases along with pamphlets on basichealthcare and sanitation and prevention ofdiseases were distributed among affectedpeople.

Tamil Nadu: Sri Sathya Sai Organisation ofTamil Nadu celebrated the silver jubilee ofSundaram (Bhagavan’s abode in Chennai) withgreat enthusiasm in grateful remembrance ofthat golden moment when Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba entered it and graciouslyinaugurated it on 19th January 1981.

Daily Nagar Sankirtan, Homam,Abhishekam to the idol of Shirdi Sai Baba,Sahasranama Archana, video show, musicconcert and Bhajans were held as part of the

celebrations from 13th January to 19thJanuary 2006. On 16th January 2006,Bal Vikas children of Chennai Metro

February 2006 63

presented a value-oriented drama on Sathyaand Prema at the Sivagami PethachiAuditorium which was followed by the videoshow “Advent of the Avatar”. Both programmeskept the audience spellbound, consistingmostly of non-members.

A mega public event as part of thecelebrations was held on 18th January 2006at the historic Music Academy whereBhagavan had addressed a huge gatheringon an earlier occasion. The programmecommenced with Bhajans followed by Veda

recitation and welcome address by Sri G.K.Raman, Convenor, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, TamilNadu. Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President,Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation deliveredthe keynote address. Justice A.P. Shah, ChiefJustice of Madras High Court then addressedthe gathering. He was all praise forBhagavan’s humanitarian projects in the fieldsof medical care, education and sociocarethat he felt were unparalleled in providingbenefits to the poor. In his address, the ChiefGuest, Sri Surjit Singh Barnala, Governorof Tamil Nadu recalled how on seeingBhagavan’s water project that brought

water to the water-starved Anantapur district,he went to see Bhagavan who graciouslygranted an hour-long interview to him andblessed him with a ring and Vibhuti Prasadamwhich he still deeply treasures. He praisedBhagavan’s mega water projects that covermany areas in Andhra Pradesh and Chennaias the largest undertaken anywhere in theworld, and also the totally free services of thesuper speciality hospitals and educationalinstitutions set up by Bhagavan. Despite tightsecurity regulations, the 1,600 capacity

auditorium was packed withabout 2,500 people. Thefunction came to a close withthe vote of thanks by the StatePresident, Sri N. Ramanifollowed by singing of NationalAnthem.

On the anniversary date on19th January 2006, manyprogrammes were held atSundaram starting with NagarSankirtan followed by Homam,Abhishekam to Shirdi Sai Babaidol, Sahasranama Archanaand a melodious music concert

by Smt. P. Susheela. A notable event was thepresentation of sewing machines andhousehold articles to the needy. Theprogramme in the forenoon concluded withVastradan and Narayana Seva. In theafternoon, there were musical concerts byBombay Sisters, Sundaram Mahila Singers,Veda chanting by Mahilas and Bhajans.Prasadam with Swami’s picture and a key chainembossed with the picture of Sundaram as asouvenir were offered to all the devotees. With

the blessings and grace of Bhagavan, theweeklong celebrations concluded withMangalarati to Bhagavan.

64 February 2006

Silver jubilee celebration of “Sundaram” held in Chennai.(Inset) Chief Guest of the function, Sri Surjit Singh Barnala,

Governor, Tamil Nadu addressing the gathering.

Chinna KathaI Know ! I Know !!I Know ! I Know !!

O NCE WHEN A HUSBAND AND HISwife were sleeping in their house, athief started making a hole in the wall

of their house at midnight. Hearing that sound,the wife woke up her husband and said,“Perhaps a thief is making a hole in the wall.”The husband replied even without openinghis eyes, “I know, Iknow. The thief ismaking a hole. It is inthe southern wall ofour house.” Sayingthis, he continued tolie down in his bed.After some time, thethief collected all theutensils of the houseand kept them in acorner. The wife saidagain, “Please get up.There is the soundof utensils. The thiefis tying all ourbelongings into abundle.” Immediately,the husband replied, “I know, I know. Not onlyhas he tied everything into a bundle, he hascarried them near the wall of the house.”Saying this, the husband turned to the otherside in his bed. After some time, the sound ofjumping over the wall was heard. Once again,the wife said, “At least get up now. The thief istaking away all our things after jumpingover the wall.” The husband said, “I

know, I know. What to talk of jumping over the

wall? The thief would have already gone quite

far away from our house.” Enraged at hearing

this, the wife exclaimed, “What is the use of

saying ‘I know, I know’ without doing anything

when a thief is running away after plundering

our house! Is this the sign of wisdom?”

There are many so-called spiritual

seekers who spend all their life reading many

spiritual books and listening to discourses.

Spiritual practice lies in living up to at least

a few of those precepts that you read and

listen. Those who merely say, ‘I know this, I

know that’ after reading a number of books

are like the husband in this story.

“What is the use of saying ‘I know, I know’ without doing anything whena thief is running away after plundering our house! Is this the sign of

wisdom?” Lamented the helpless wife.

The teacher moulds the rising

generation into self-confident, self-

reliant, Atma-conscious persons. He

is the architect of happy homes,

prosperous communities and peaceful

nations. He has not only to equip himself

with knowledge and skills to inform and

instruct, but also the vision and insight

to inspire and transform. Children

absorb from the teacher and elders

their habits and manners, behaviour

and beliefs. Therefore, the teacher has

to be a constant example of the ideals

he has to implant in their hearts.

- Baba

Teacher : The Beacon Light