Friday, March 12, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...NATIONAL NARAYANA SEVA !!!

. . .Celebrating 85 glorious years of God on earth. . .

"Sri Sathya Sai National Narayana Seva"

Structure of the Seva:

1. Every devotee family thinks there is ONE extra member in the family and sets aside RAW RICE and THUR DAL proportional to the family size. For example, If you are a 5 member family, then (1/5)th of the total consumption of raw rice and dal is to be kept aside (in separate containers earmarked for this Seva) EVERY TIME food is cooked.

2. All the food grains will be deposited in Sai Gitanjali and will be used in Narayana Seva distribution such as - Amrutha Kalasha in slums and villages, Narayana Seva for people on roads / in homes and destitutes.

3. Food will be cooked in Sai Gitanjali by mahila wing. Distribution will be done by the youth wing based on survey.

4 Separate containers are kept in Sai Gitanjali Narayana Seva room for rice and dal. Collected food grains are to be deposited into the respective containers in the room. The room is kept open on all days during SG office hours.

5. ALL devotees are requested to enroll in doing this Seva by registering with the Sai Gitanjali office / by sending details via reply email. An instruction sheet and Sarva Dharma sticker will be handed over to you upon registration.

On Sunday, the 14th of March 2010, food will be cooked and served to around 200 Narayanas. This event will start off with vedic prayers to Lord Ganesha and Devi Annapurneshwari bhajans while circumambulating Swami's house in Sai Gitanjali at 5AM. ALL requested to participate in this great sadhana.

PS: This report has been released from SAI GITANJALI, JP NAGAR, BANGALORE. Likewise all the SAMITHIS across the country are involved. Hence please check with your area samithi for further details.

You should undertake service. In fact, the hands are given to you to serve humanity. Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray. Therefore, undertake selfless service and attain glory. When you undertake good work, you enjoy peace in your life. God is not interested in worship and other Sadhanas. He is interested only in service. Hence, undertake service and more and more service. The best way to love God is to Love all and Serve all. God is interested only in love and service.

- From Swami's 2004 New Year Divine Discourse. Om Sai Ram

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...SOCRATES' TRIPLE FILTER TEST !!!

The Socrates Triple Filter Test

In ancient Greece , Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.
One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said,

"Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied..

"Before telling me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test.

It's calledthe Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," Socrates continued.

"Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say.

That's why I call it the triple filter test."

"The first filter is TRUTH.

Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

'All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the filterof GOODNESS.

Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"No, on the contrary...."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left:

the filter of USEFULNESS.

Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates,

"if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful,

why tell it to me at all?"

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...TIGER SKIN !!!

This photograph of Swami and the tiger skin involves a miracle Bhagawan performed early in his life.

A hunter had shot and killed a tiger and was driving home when his car stalled near the Chitravathi River, which runs through Puttaparthi. The hunter could find no way to get his car to work. It wouldn't budge and the engine couldn't be started.

The driver of the car told the hunter that there was a lad in the village who was said to have miraculous powers. The hunter, in his frustration, sent the driver into Puttaparthi to find the miraculous young man.

When Our young Bhagawan returned with the driver, he scolded the hunter and said, "What did this tiger ever do to you to deserve to be hunted down and killed? This tiger was a mother and you left her two cubs alone to fend for themselves. Go back and take care of the tiger cubs."

With that said, Swami slapped the car and it was fixed and ready to go. The Changed Hunter went back to the forest, found the tiger cubs and transported them to a zoo, where they could be well cared for.

Subsequently, he returned to Puttaparthi, gave Swami the skin of the tiger he had killed, and swore he would never hunt again.

That tiger skin and head is the one seen in the famous and Wonderful photograph of Swami.

PS: The taste of the vast ocean is to be found complete and undiminished in every single drop of its water. But this does not mean that the drop and the ocean are the same. We recognize the drop and the ocean as two separate entities, but the nature and taste are both identical. Similarly, the All-pervasive Inner Motivator of all (Sarvantharyaami) and the Name and Form you adore are not separate entities. They are identical. All the gross forms of Divine are fully saturated with the subtle. Without understanding this truth, it is impossible to realize your Loving Lord. - SATHYA SAI BABA

Love means not causing pain to anyone. My friends, when we talk we may offend someone unknowingly. When we devise certain plans, our manoeuvring and manipulation may lead to pain for someone. Our thought process may be the cause of pain for another. We may also pain others by our actions. So let us be cautious, and know that love means not inflicting pain on anyone by thoughts, words, or deeds. - PROF. ANIL KUMAR'S Sunday talk.

The exclusive 'FROM PUTTAPARTHI SERIES' is dedicated towards spreading Devotees' Experiences (throughout the World) & other Divine Miracles they had with our beloved SATHYA SAI BABA. Also contains powerful messages from SWAMI taken from various discourses. You can now join the PREMASAI Google group that commenced in July '08.

Just paste this link & go through the steps.

http://groups.google.co.in/group/premasai_gurukulam

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...THIS IS LIFE !!! C'EST LA VIE !!!

THE STORY OF LIFE

Everything in life happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck.

Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realised your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but
because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be, your neighbour, your co- worker, a long lost friend, or a complete stranger. When you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen.

Allow yourself to laugh, play, dance, sing; and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

If you love someone tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. Learn a lesson in life each day that you live.

Most importantly give a prayer of thanks daily to our beloved Bhagawan for His never ending Love & Grace. With Him by our sides, we can make anything of our lives as we wish. So let us create our lives and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

That's the Story of Life.

Om Sai Ram

PS: Gold gains in value when it is melted in the crucible. A piece of diamond when it is cut into a many-faceted gem is thereby rendered more brilliant and more costly. The dull stone is not sought after by all. Prahlaadha, the grandfather of emperor Bali was subjected to torture by his irate father; but, that only added to his lustre. Bali himself shone all the brighter for the punishment he received from the compassionate Lord. Every obstacle is a step that leads you to the Aanandha that can never be destroyed or taken away.

Anger will pollute the wisdom earned by man. Unbridled desire will foul all his actions. Greed will destroy his devotion and dedication. Desire, anger and greed together will undermine the devotion and wisdom of anyone and turn them into an animal. The root cause of anger is desire and desire is the consequence of ignorance. Ignorance is the characteristic of an animal. Realizing this truth, everyone must do well to elevate themselves through self-effort and training. - SATHYA SAI BABA

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...THE INTERVIEW !!!

Interview with New Zealanders – Nov. 2009

Here is an excerpt of an interview given in late November to overseas devotees from NZ.

Baba: What's new? Ask questions

Devotee (D): Baba, we come from such long distance, travelling thousands of miles to see you. Please bless us.

Baba: No, not thousands of miles; you have not even travelled an inch! Have you made the journey inside your heart? You have not even started yet, how can you say you've travelled so many miles....only a physical journey.

What about your spiritual journey, still starting troubles? First, go inside to see Baba in your heart and then come here.

D: But I'm trying hard to make that journey, still too many starting troubles, Swami.

Baba: Yes, Yes, I'm aware of all your plans and weaknesses. Your first enemy is Anger! Get rid of it and the journey to God will begin right away. Begin with a lot less luggage and it will be a smooth journey. Until you get rid of anger and jealousy, you'll not succeed. These are the invisible devils that dance within you and torture you. Too much anger...Baba has nothing to do with you, right?

D: How do we get close to you, Baba?

Baba: Distance is only in your imagination! You are always close to me when you realise that I'm in your heart. But until that happens, I remain here and you remain there, thousands of miles apart. No connection is made. Practice what I want you to do and then I'm yours automatically.

Eliminate your anger and jealousy; sublimate your ego and purify your heart...I'm there. Have you ever thought of practicing at least one idea, one teaching from Me? Do it, Do it, Do it! Then surely success will come and grace will flow.

D: Swami, how do we get your Grace?

Baba: Grace is always there like the ever-shining sun. When you open the windows of your house to the Sun, light floods in removing all darkness.The amount of light depend on how much wide you open the window. In the same way, My Grace will depend on how broad your heart is, how expansive your love is. You have too much anger in you! Remove all the evil qualities, then all will be divine.

D: How do we work for Sai's mission as true servants of the Lord?

Baba: For this Baba has given you the Sai organisation. Make use of it to your best capacity by doing service, by devotion and by being loving to all. Sometimes you're very impatient with the organisation. I know, I know,

I watch everything.. .Baba makes rules and regulations for a specific purpose. Without rules, without discipline, soon it becomes a zoo!

Discipline is the watchword in any spiritual path.

Sai Organisation is not like Rotary or Lions Club!! It is not a family club; it is a purely spiritual and service organisation.

The very name SAI stands for (S=Spiritual Transformation, A= Association (Social) Change and I=Individual Transformation) ...all these have to be achieved through the organisation. But if you're not interested in transformation, better to stay home and not waste your time.... time is precious, life is speeding fast, make best use of every minute. Make every minute the best minute for you and all around you. Have as few connections as possible. Have few attachments as possible. There is only God...wife, husband, daughter, son, this, that....all are mere passing clouds. Fix your attention on God only. Focus on God, do selfless service and be happy.

D: What about the Golden Age, Swami?

Baba: Yes, what about Golden Age? When is it coming? No, it comes only when your behaviour is Golden, your attitude is Golden, when your heart is Golden! Lead exemplary lives. As members of the Sai organisation, I want you to have good behaviour, good conduct. Remove anger, remove jealousy, remove falsehood and enmity, stay far away from the wicked and the manipulative. ..and then the Golden age will begin. Lust, anger, hate, jealousy, and selfishness - these are the strands that weave a cobweb around you, clear these and you are free – Blemish-less.

D: Is bhajan a good antidote to all evil qualities?

Baba: Yes, only if it's done with love...love for God and love for all round you. No use singing like a nightingale, when you are acting like a crow!!

Don't make show like cinema stars. It will be waste of time for everyone!

First bring love inside you, and then the love that comes out through your voice will touch God. Pay strict attention to Bhava, Raga, Tala (Feeling, Melody, and Rhythm) that will touch God and transform all who listen. Keep it vibrant and don't let it drown in sorrow and pity...God doesn't want your pity, God wants your joy. Now talk is over, too much talking is not good.

D: Before we leave one last question?

Baba: Yes, you may ask anything.

D: What should be our daily medication for a divine life?

Baba: Medication or meditation? You need both. Be good, do good, see good...don't fight, stick to the discipline of Sadhana (spiritual practice), sing the Name of God always; love all, serve all...accept everything that happens to you as the will of God done for your own good...then no worry, no pain. But first, always act with dignity... that you are God, not animal, not animal.

D: Swami, what's the first step in Sadhana (spiritual practice)?

Baba: Silence, silence of all the senses...now go and practice Swami's words and don't waste time in gossip. I bless, I bless all.

PS: The real goal of a person's existence should be giving up of desire. Giving up of desire involves giving up of lust, anger, greed, hatred, etc. Presence of desire implies the presence of these harmful tendencies; these other feelings and emotions are its natural attendant reactions. These together are veritably the gateways to hell. Envy is the bolt and pride is the key for the doorway to hell. Unlock and lift the bolt - you can certainly enter in! Hence the fundamental renunciation should be that of desire!

A true follower of Sanathana Dharma (Eternal Truth), will be truthful in speech, avoid jealousy and anger, and always acts with a loving heart. All those who practice the above without faltering, are entitled to be called as "Bharathiyas (Loving devotees of God)". SATHYA SAI

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...I AM YOURS' !!!

Q: Swamiji, a disciple should never say to God, 'You are mine.' Is that correct?"

Bhagawan : Yes, I will explain this connection in detail by an example, which Swami has often given on previous occasions: The waves on the surface of an ocean have no independent existence of their own. They cannot exist if the ocean is not there, but the ocean will continue to exist if the waves are not there. The waves have to depend on the existence of the ocean for their own existence but the ocean is independent of the waves. This has to be clearly understood. Now a wave can say, 'I belong to You,' because it cannot exist without the ocean. But the ocean will never say, 'I belong to you,' because it can exist without the waves.

Therefore, the appropriate thing for a devotee to say to Swami is, 'Lord, I am Yours.' There is no point in his saying, 'You are mine,' because the Lord can exist independently of the devotee. The individuals are like the waves and the Lord is comparable to the ocean. There is an inseparable connection between the two, also known as Avinabhava. If you say, 'I am Yours,' that is enough and appropriate. After that if you say to the Lord, 'You are Mine,' it is absolutely meaningless. You could say, 'You are Mine,' if I was separate from you, but since you and I are One the question does not arise.

Source : QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH BABA By Eruch B. Fanibunda - 1976 :

Om Sai Ram

PS: Once Swami most Beautifully said :

"One of the smallest Animals alive is the Squirell (Udatha ),It is the main reason for the Growth of Forests, It is also the Most Forgetful animal, It buries lots of nuts in the Ground and forgets them, these nuts grow into Trees which are the main reason for the Growing of Forests anywhere.

Any work done with Love and sincerity will always do good to the person and everyone,Work hard and Work for The Lord, Have sincerity in your work, In the Ramayana,Ramachandra did not perform great Miracles like SriKrishna Did in the Mahabarata, In fact he did not perform any, But his way of Life, his Noble Deeds are still worth Folowing, why ? because SriRamachandra was pure in his actions and Deeds, If you are, then you will experince Love of the Lord in the Purest form".

Om Sai Ram

Monday, March 1, 2010

FROM PUTTAPARTHI...GETTING ADMISSION !!!

This happened with a Dear Friend of Mine Lokesh Sriram who studied in Prasanthi Nilayam from his School days to his College days in Swami's Institute. After finishing his schooling in the High School, He wrote the entrance exams for the Institute, after that he went home confident of the letter of admission which never came.

When he came to know that he was not selected He was devastated, he cried for days together, Why did Swami do this to him?, what wrong had he commited in all the years in Prasanthi Nilayam ?, He sat for Hours dissillusioned with Life, Once while going out he went to the Pooja room and while praying Saw the Rose on Swami's Photo fall, He kept it
thrice and still it feel, he managed to put it on the Photo, Just when he was leaving He got a telegram saying that he was selected for the Institute, His joy knew no bounds, But How?, his name was never there.

When he joined the Institute, Swami spoke to him in the Mandir Portico saying that "He was with Him during every prayer that he done in his House" and that Swami had wanted him to understand the "Value of Studying in Swami's Institute" as he was taking things for granted about the admission.

This goes to show that wherever we are, Swami is always with us in our Prayers, when one prays Swami is always with us, always.

Om Sai Ram

PS: In God's creation, there is nothing like sorrow. Whatever God does is for the welfare of humanity. Some people feel depressed and wail as to why God gave those troubles and sorrows. But, sorrows and difficulties are our own making. God does not differentiate or cause trouble to anyone. Sorrows and difficulties are only your feelings. Everything in God's creation is meant to provide happiness and convenience to the living beings. That is what I have been repeatedly emphasizing. Whether you are in sorrow or enjoying happiness, always think that everything is for your own good. One has to develop a firm conviction that whatever God does is for one's own good and not for putting one to trouble.

Food when left unconsumed for long becomes stale and emits foul smell. So too, when our faults are not corrected, they will have a negative impact on our own lives. We must persist in the internal cleansing process, either by our own efforts or by heeding to the advice of those sympathetic souls who have succeeded in cleansing themselves. If we do not do it, like the plate of cooked food left aside too long, our life will begin to degenerate.

"The Lord does not test a man just for fun; He does not pile calamity because He enjoys it. Examinations are held, to measure achievement and award marks and honors. You must ask to be examined, so that your progress may be recorded ". SRI SATHYA SAI

Sathya Sai baba