SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 2

Transcription

1

2

3 Utilise the chance of association with Me as much as possible and endeavour as quickly and as best as you can, to follow the directions that I have been giving. Obeying My instructions is enough; it will benefit you more than most rigorous ascetism. Practice Sathya(truth), Dharma(righteousness), Santhi(peace) and Prema(love), which are dear to Me; resolve to keep those ideals before you ever, in all your thoughts, words and deeds. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 2

4 Contents INTRODUCTION... 6 YOUR OPPORTUNITY AND MISSION DESCRIBED... 7 Unique Chance... 7 YOUR MISSION HAS BEGUN... 8 YOUR PATH TO SPIRITUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE THEREOF God is the Truth THE PLATFORM AND TOOLS FOR SADHANA SPIRITUALITY Noble Qualities from the Path for the Aspirant The Study of Books and One-Pointedness Sadhana - The Way of Life The Real Nature of the Life of Man Identity of Bhakthi and Jnana The Duties of Life Sadguna is Jnana Truth is God Ahamkara causes Ashanthi Aspirants on the Bhakthi Path Image Worship The SAI Centre Devotional Wing and Practices Prayers and mantras AUMKAAR Suprabatham GROUP DEVOTIONAL SINGING OR PRAYER WITH FAMILY MEMBERS ONCE A WEEK Gayathri Mantra ATTENDANCE BY ONES CHILDREN IN THE SSE CLASSES ORGANIZED BY THE CENTRE THE EDUCATION WING The Five Basic Human Values and the SSE Programme Children and their Parents PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK AND OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE ORGANISATION. 54 General principles Guidelines for service projects SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 3

5 Types of Service OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE ORGANISATION YOUTH FORUM LADIES PROGRAM ATTENDANCE AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH IN GROUP DEVOTIONAL SINGING ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE Thursday Program Remembering the Name is the panacea. When the name is chanted as a song set to music, it delights the heart immensely. Many pandiths recite the names as slokas (verse). They do not experience the intense yearning expressed in the stanzas. Some actors are able to pronounce the words loud and clear, but without any depth of feeling. But when the names are sung melodiously they appeal to the hearts of the singers and the listeners. Even non-believers and agnostics nod their heads in appreciation when they listen to devotional music. (Sri Sathya Sai Baba Divine Discourse, Prashanti Nilayam, 3 March 1992) The intention of standardising the group devotional singing format is to achieve uniformity throughout the country whereupon should a devotee travel within the country, any center that he/she attends will present a similar program framework The chanting of mantras, slokas like 108 ASHTHOTRANAMA, Gayathri, Saithree and Hiranyagarbha or even performing Hawan are all encouraged to be chanted or conducted prior to the one hour group devotional singing program INVOCATION/OPENING PRAYERS GAYATHRI PRAYERS AARTHI REGULAR STUDY OF SPIRITUAL LITERATURE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SAI TEACHINGS Centre library SPEAK SOFTLY AND LOVINGLY TO EVERYONE NOT INDULGING IN TALKING ILL OF OTHERS ESPECIALLY IN THEIR ABSENCE PUTTING INTO PRACTICE A CEILING ON DESIRES PROGRAMME AND UTILISING SAVINGS GENERATED FOR THE SERVICE OF MANKIND PRAYERS AND OTHER MANTRA S FOR CHANTING FOOD PRAYER A PRAYER TO MOTHER MORNING PRAYERS EVENING PRAYERS DEAR FATHER MINE I FIRMLY BELIEVE O LORD, TAKE MY LOVE This is a prayer written by Sai Baba for the students SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 4

6 PRAYER OF SURRENDER THUS I AM BORN WILL YOU, O LORD, LET GO THE HOLD? UNIVERSAL PRAYER CHRISTIAN PRAYER BUDDHIST PRAYER SRI SATHYA SAI BABA SEVA ORGANISATION CHARTER TEN PRINCIPLES SATHYA SAI BABA'S 46 MAXIMS AN ODE TO BHAGAVAN A Poem for Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba by Prof Kasturi REFERENCES SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 5

7 INTRODUCTION Dear Devotee (Embodiments of Love), with an Humble Offering at the Lotus Feet of Dear Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we offer this booklet as Prasadam for all of us to part take in so that we find that which is pertinent and resonant with each of our spiritual journey. The booklet is an offering of Love and we ask Swami to bless us all on our journey. Bhagavan through His numerous discourses, messages, interviews, etc, has given guidelines to his devotees pertaining to the code of conduct in the charter of Sri Sathya Sai Organization and has instructed how they can be carried out. Such guide lines have to be strictly followed to ensure that we, the members do not inadvertently deviate from our Sadhana or from the true functions of the Organization. The booklet attempts to consolidate the following: - 1) Tool set for spiritual practice 2) A general guideline to the activities of the SAI Centres 3) Specific prayers, chants, mantras and assurances to be used in our daily Sadhana. 4) The Organisations Charter "The sole objective of the Organization is to enable man to discover his innate Divinity, regain his Self-confidence and faith in GOD. The power and strength derived from Faith in Self and from faith in GOD, will be enduring and ever sustaining The objective of the Sai Organization is to make People aware of this truth and to live in that awareness. "The UNITY OF ALL FAITHS is the main plank of the Organization." [Baba Sevadal, April 1983, page 4] The practice of the five Principles propagated by Swami, Truth (Sathya), righteousness (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), Love (Prema) and Nonviolence (Ahimsa) will lead us to the GOAL, which is our own Transformation. The Activities of the Sathya Sai Centres are the means to the spiritual progress in the direction towards our Goal of Transformation. These Activities should help us to practice the Five Human Values which will translate in our daily life as Love and Service. "In our Organization there must be a Constant attempt to cultivate Love which Transcends caste, creed, race and class distinctions. This sense of equality is its special feature. It is not enough if the units undertake material, Moral and spiritual teachings. Emphasis on the ATMA and the awareness of the ONENESS OF THE ATMA is a Must. [Baba Sathya Sai Speaks, vol. 11, pg. 37, November 1980] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 6

8 YOUR OPPORTUNITY AND MISSION DESCRIBED Unique Chance Do not delay any more; take hold of this unique chance, given while you can. Ask me about the Sadhana you should adopt for your liberation: begin practising from this day. Later, it may be difficult to approach Me and ask Me. For, people are coming towards Me in full unending streams and you may have to take Darshan of Me from miles away! This is bound to grow into a Viswa-vriksha, a world-tree that sheds shade and shelter on all. This has come down in this Form with that very purpose. It knows no halting, no hesitation. My name is Sathya (Truth). My teaching is Truth; My path is Truth; I am Truth. In each Yuga, the Divine has incorporated itself as an Avatar, for some particular task. This Incarnation is different in that it has to deal with crisis which is world-wide and world-shaking. Intellectual audacity has grown so wild that men have become foolish enough to ask. "What and where is God?" Immorality has put on the garb of morality and is enticing man into the morass of sin. Truth is condemned as a trap; justice is jeered at; saints are tortured as social enemies- Hence this Incarnation has come to uphold the True and suppress the False. I behave like you, moving, singing, laughing hut. Watch out for the blow I inflict of a sudden, to chastise and to warn. I shall scorch the wrong doer for his wrong and soothe the virtuous for his righteousness. Justice shall be meted out to all. Discard through Sadhana the attachment to individuality, to sense pleasures; welcome through Sadhana. the aspiration to expand the heart into the Universal. Do not cloud your minds with cheap desires, transitory hungers and thirsts that need but morsels or mouthfuls. Yearn for the enthronement of your soul as the unquestioned Monarch of the Universe, when you merge in the Universal; celebrate your triumph over the foes within, that hamper your march to victory. Acquire Me as your Charioteer. I shall lead you to that Consummation. Earn that unfailing Grace, by your sincerity, simplicity and Sadhana. Cultivate nearness with Me in the heart and you will be rewarded. Then you too will acquire a fraction of the supreme Prema. This is the great chance. This chance will not come your way again, beware of that. If you cannot, if you do not, cross the sea of grief now, taking hold of this chance, when again can you get such a chance? Really you are the fortunate few; out of the millions of the millions of people you have come, though no one specially invited you to be present here. That is what I call the mark of destiny. The life of Sai, the Message of Sai, the Ideals Sai holds forth, the Lesson that Sai teaches the world - are all enshrined in one word, "Love". BABA - From: Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas, October, 2002 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 7

9 YOUR MISSION HAS BEGUN Your Mission has begun. Those are MY words to you, MY devotees. Each of you has a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. Only those whom I have called can Serve Me. MY Mission had now reached that point in time when each of you now has work to do. This planet has a purpose in the great galaxy in which it is held. That purpose is now unfolding before our eyes. I call upon you to radiate the Bhakti within you so that its unseen power will envelop all who come into your orbit. To successfully perform your part, always remain centred upon ME. Allow yourself to impart that purity of heart within you towards all human beings and all living creatures and do not reach for the fruits of your work. This part of MY mission is performed in absolute silence. You are my instruments from whom MY love will pour. Be always aware that the moment you let your ego descend upon you, MY work ceases. When you have overcome your negative mindedness, you will again become MY Source. The multiplication of MY Love will be felt throughout the world. I have prepared you for this work over many incarnations. I have drawn you to ME. I have made great steps in MY MISSION over these past incarnations. MY work is ceaseless and so your work too is without end. Know that I am within and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of the petty matters forevermore. You are no in ME and I am in thee. There is no difference. MY darshan will pour forth from ME to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure of heart and soul, and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. Others too will join ME in this MISSION when I draw them to ME. The time is approaching when all humanity will live in harmony. That time will be here sooner than one expects. Before it arrives, be prepared for whatever is needed to reveal to every living thing the true purpose of existence. It is not what anyone alive can imagine. It is not something that one can try to aspire to. It is beyond all comprehension. I can say that its beauty is magnificent beyond all dreams and as each of you perform your silent work, I embrace you to MY heart and henceforth your souls shall be lifted up and your eyes will reveal MY presence within. This I say to all MY devotees from the Lord s mountain top where all the universes become one. Be about MY work my beloved bhaktas. Your breath will carry the scent of the blossaums of Heaven. Your example will be that of angels. Your joy will be MY joy. [Baba] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 8

10 As a devotee of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we attend the activities of the organisation to ensure we are on the path to god whilst spiritually conducting all actions and understanding the nature of praying, serving and living in communion with god. The organisation provides the foundation by: Helping the individual - To be aware of the Divinity that is inherent in him and to conduct himself accordingly; To translate into practice in daily life, divine love and perfection; and therefore To fill one s life with joy, harmony, beauty, grace, human excellence and lasting happiness; To ensure that all human relations are governed by the principles of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Right Conduct), Shanthi (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-violence). To make devotees more sincere and dedicated in the practice of their respective religions by understanding properly the true spirit of their religion. Bhagavan has always required us to ensure we answer some basic question namely; WHO AM I? WHERE DO I COME FROM? WHERE AM I GOING TO? HOW DO I GET THERE? Who am I? The question requires the spiritual aspirant to be aware of the principle of Advaita (nonduality god and his creation are one) Where am I going to? The goal is to liberate oneself from samsara (cycle of birth and death) by merging with the creator. How do I get there? Sadhana or spiritual practices are designed to ensure that focus is an internal one and are well described in the nine modes of devotion and nine principles given by Bhagavan. Bhagavan also created the various platforms of Seva Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva Service to Man is Service to God and education for us to achieve our spiritual goals. The following are ways to achieve this: 1. By observing the four principles laid down by Bhagawan Baba, namely: a. There is only One religion, the religion of Love b. There is only One caste, the caste of humanity c. There is only One language, the language of the Heart d. There is only One God, He is omnipresent. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 9

11 2. By constant remembrance of God and looking upon all creation as a manifestation of Divinity in different forms and shapes; 3. By underlining the essential unity of all religions and securing proper understanding of all religions as being based on Love; 4. By looking upon all work as service dedicated to the Divine; 5. By bringing to bear upon all life s problems, attitudes flowing from Divine Love, such as, understanding, compassion, tolerance, helpfulness, etc. 6. By basing all actions on Love of Divinity, fear of sin and steadfast observance of morality in society; 7. By engaging in spiritual, educational and service activities, both at the individual and community level, in an organized, systematic manner, without expecting any material reward or appreciation, but solely as a means to win God s Love and Grace. The uniqueness of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation consists in the fact that it regards seva (selfless service) as a form of service to the Divinity that is in each being. The bliss that is derived from such service is incomparable. It is a spiritual experience. From: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XVI, Chapter YOUR PATH TO SPIRITUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE THEREOF God is the Truth Swami says, "God is the Truth of all beings and things. Every wave and particle, every atom and cell is filled with God and functions in and through God. You may, out of perversity, pride or poverty of intelligence reject this truth, but life has been assigned to you again so that you free yourselves from the shackles of falsehood and reach the goal of truth." Subjective defects and objective distractions are the challenges one confronts, but they are not as formidable as they seem. "Ask; it shall be answered. Knock; it shall be opened. March; you shall reach," we are told. Countless numbers of pilgrims and pupils have criss-crossed the earth, along its highways and bye-ways, in search of truth, the truth of themselves and of the scenario and struggle into which they have been thrust. The trek of patients in search of cures towards the doors of the wise has continued throughout history. Man can find no peace until he understands the truth of whatever arouses wonder, awe, sympathy, reverence, curiosity and fear. He strives for unity and coherence, harmony and beauty. He wants to know things as they really are, not as they seem to be or pretend to be. Luckily, there is a bright side to the story of man's journey to truth. Prophets, sages and saints, masters and messengers, have appeared among all peoples and taught men by precept and example the truth that can free them. The cosmic consciousness itself, when it becomes aware of its fragments getting fogged and frustrated, wills to shape itself into a form that can move among men and move them home towards itself. Such a Form is known as an Avatâr, a particularisation of the Absolute. The Avatâr happens in SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 10

12 order to fulfill a felt need and so, it's wisdom, love, power and compassion pour over all who need them. All men, indeed all living beings, are its concern. And, ' lifeless' matter too. For, as Swami says, Sarvam Brahmamayam, everything has emanated from Brahman, the vast ocean which emanates ripples, wavelets, waves, foam and flakes of snow and icebergs. The atom is a replica of the cosmic energy; cell is an echo of cosmic will. "Vâsudeva is all," the Gîtâ declares, without exception. The Rig Veda proclaims, "All this is Purusha himself, all that has been and all that is going to be." This is the truth. The Rudra Adhyaya of the Yajur Veda commands man to adore 238 representative entities of God, illustrating thereby that there is nothing except God. (The Katha Upanishad condemns those who see the cosmos as manifold and not as basically Brahman; they have to plod through life after life until they realise the error). Rudra, the name assigned to God, is described in the Vedic texts as the motivator seated in all hearts, as the provider, the saviour of the universe which is His selfassumed form. He is identified with the chiefs, the middling and the lowly, the tall, the short and the stout, the aged, the young and the juvenile, the wise, the curious and the dull, and the sleepy. He is stone, sand and dust, slush, pollen and gravel, ripple, foam and wave, river, stream, lake, and canal, lightning, cloud, shower and rain, ocean, island and shore. Rudra is the highway, the road, the track. He is the sprout, the shoot, the leaves, the pests, the birds with throats blue and yellow, the tree and the timber. He is the one engaged in trading or farming or rearing cattle. He is the cow pen and the crop, the food and the cook. He is the man behind the plough on fertile land or barren. He is the person who is brave and fearsome, fighting from trenches and on open fields, with missiles, arrows, spears and swords. He is the warrior who revels in duels, who moves forward in chariots with helmet and coat of mail. He is the foot soldier, the horseman, the leader of dogs and the led. He is the scout, the messenger, the smith, the carpenter, the hunter, the wily guerilla, the cheat and the dacoit, the decoy and the impersonator. Rudra is in the form of the monk, the cave dweller having a crown of matted hair, the one who has mastered the steady pose, the sage who has crossed over and who leads others across, the elderly scholar, the dialectician delighting in debates, the Vedic expert and the master of rituals. He is the person who is compassionate, sweet and tender. In fact, God is the warp and woof, the cotton and yarn, of the fabric, apparent to us as the universe. That is the Truth which is encased in every cell and star. (1987 Sanathana Sarathi) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 11

13 THE PLATFORM AND TOOLS FOR SADHANA SPIRITUALITY You are not separate from God. You are an aspect of mine. You should recognise your relationship with God. This relationship is eternal. You may belong to any religion, you may go anywhere, but this relationship with God will always exist. Hence, do not observe any differences whatsoever. [Baba Sanathana Sarathi November 2007] Noble Qualities from the Path for the Aspirant More than all the previous Yugas, the Kaliyuga offers multifarious paths through which man can acquire discrimination or viveka. If it is education that is needed, there are as many schools and institutions as you need, and, if it is wealth that one is after, there are various avenues by which, with effort, it can be honourably earned. In spite of this, however, we do not find any increase in human happiness or peace. Indeed, there is much more misery than in previous ages! What then is the reason? The reason lies in human behaviour, in man's way of living itself. Human life is undoubtedly the highest in evolution and to give it meaning, spiritual endeavour is essential, endeavour that is pure and holy. For this way of life, character is all important. Character makes life immortal; it survives even death. Some say knowledge is power, but it is not true. Character is Power. Even the acquisition of knowledge demands a good character. So, everyone must yearn to attain flawless character, without any trace of evil. Note that Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sankaracharya and Vivekananda, great Sages and Saints and Devotees of the Lord, all these are treasured in the memory of man even unto this day. What quality made them all memorable for all time? I say, it is the character of each one of them. Without character, wealth, education, social status, all these are of no avail. It is the fragrance of the flower; it gives value and worth. Poets, painters, scientists may be great, each in his own field, but without character, they can have no standing in society. Doubts will certainly rise whether all those who are now greeted with respect by Society have the character which we consider essential to greatness. But, I am speaking of a society and a character, which cling to certain unchanging values. Ordinarily, society attaches varying importance to certain qualities from day to day and fashions in character change with the vagaries of society. But the basic nature of a flawless character is eternal; it is the same, whatever the vicissitudes of society. In that sense, it is eternal, being associated with another immortal entity, the Atman. Among the qualities that make up a flawless character, Love, Patience, Forbearance, Steadfastness, Charity - these are the highest, these have to be revered. The hundred little deeds that we do every day harden into habits; these habits shape into intelligence and mould our outlook and life. All that we weave in our imagination, seek in our ideals, yearn in our aspirations, leave an indelible imprint on the mind. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 12

14 Distorted by these, we form our knowledge, our picture of the world around us, and it is to this picture that we get attached. Man's present is but the result of his past and the habits formed during that long period. Whatever be the nature of the character that he has come by, it can certainly be modified by modifying the accustomed process of thought and imagination. The wickedness of no man is incorrigible. Was not Angulimala, the dacoit, turned into a kind-hearted person by the Buddha? Did not the thief Ratnakara become Valmiki, the sage? By conscious effort, habits can be changed and character refined. Man has always, within him, within his reach, the capacity to challenge his evil propensities and to change his evil habits. By selfless service, by renunciation, by devotion, by prayer and by ratiocination, the old habits which bind men to earth can be discarded and new habits which take us along the divine path can be instilled into our lives. To discuss the nature of this character, its ways and vagaries, and to inform about the process of reshaping it, this is the purpose of all spiritual literature, poems, epics, books and periodicals. The Sanathana Sarathi has just this aim in view; it does not seek either the exhibition of erudition or the acquisition of name and fame. But, it has to be said, that the mere reading of a book or a journal will not vouchsafe viveka or discrimination. That which is seen, heard or read must be put into practice in actual life. Without this, reading is mere waste of time. If anything is read to pass time, it passes with time and nothing remains. The Study of Books and One-Pointedness Books are available in plenty and at very cheap prices. Vedas, Sastras and Puranas can be got and read by everyone. There is also no dearth of Gurus. Vidya-peeths abound and are ostensibly granting the boon of knowledge. Facilities for training the mind are plenty and within reach. But yet, from nowhere is heard the note of content at having partaken of the nectar of Jnana. When I see the heaps of books that lie around everywhere, I feel that the wisdom inside the book cannot succeed in penetrating the heavy binding and emerge into the light. God is hidden by the mountain ranges of lust, anger, envy and selfishness. So too, the Sun of Wisdom is hidden by these huge heaps of books. Though these books have spread to all corners of the earth, we cannot say that culture has increased or that wisdom has increased; man is still not far from the ape. An attractive binding and title, a beautiful picture, these are what the reader seeks, viz., transitory pleasure and momentary contentment. Only those who, by means of discrimination, select the books they read and practise what they read can realize the Truth and enjoy everlasting Bliss. Only these live worthwhile lives. So, those who seek the highest path and who revel in thoughts of God should strive to read only the life histories of saints and sages and books which help the contemplation of the Divine. Aimless reading of books all and sundry and whatever comes to hand will make confusion only worse confounded. It gives no profit, confers no peace. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 13

15 More than all, cultivate one-pointed steadfastness, ekagrata, in whatever you do. Samadrishti is Subha-drishti. The Lion, though it is the King of the forest, while walking through the wood, turns back for every few steps, for, it is afraid of being pursued. Fear in the mind makes the vision falter. Violence within the heart distorts the vision and distracts the sight. Man must have Samadrishti, equal sight. All creation must appear to his eyes as equally auspicious. He must look upon all being with as much love and faith as he has in himself. For there is nothing evil in creation, no, not even an iota. Evil appears as such only through faulty vision. Creation gets coloured by the nature of the glasses we wear. By itself it is eternally pure and holy. Sadhana - The Way of Life There have always been, there are and there will always be, teachers who reveal to man and who instruct him to attain the heights which he can reach by the fullest manifestation of his physical, mental and intellectual powers, through one-pointed steadfastness. The mind of man revels in external objects and in purposeless observation and criticism of the outside world. How then can it be trained to be steadfast? Each one should ask himself the question: Mahatmas and Mahapurushas were also persons like me; they were also embodied beings. When they could attain perfection, I can also succeed, if I follow their method. What do I gain if I spend my time in discovering the faults and weaknesses of others? Therefore the first sadhana is search for the faults and weaknesses within thyself and strive to correct them and become perfect. The unceasing toil of each succeeding day has as its aim and justification this consummation; to make one's last days sweet and pleasant. But, each day too, has its evening. If the day is spent in good deeds, then the evening blesses us with deep sleep, invigorating refreshing sleep, the sleep about which it is said that it is akin to Samadhi. Man has only a short span of life, here upon earth. But, even in this short life one can, by wisely using the time with care, attain Divine Bliss. Two men, in appearance the same, ostensibly of the same mould, grow under the same conditions, but one turns out to be an angel while the other stays on with his normal nature. What is the reason for this varied development? Habits and the behaviours formed out of these habits, and the character into which that behaviour has solidified. Man is the creature of character. The Real Nature of the Life of Man To a superficial observer, the life of man appears as an endless round of eating and drinking, toiling and sleeping. But, verily life has a much greater meaning; a much deeper significance. Life is a sacrifice, a yagna. Each little act is an offering to the Lord. If SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 14

16 the day is spent in deeds performed in this spirit of surrender, what else can sleep be except Samadhi? Man commits the great fault of identifying himself with the body. He has accumulated a variety of things for the upkeep and comfort of the body. Even when the body becomes weak and decrepit with age, he attempts to bolster it up, by some means or other. But, how long can death be postponed? When Yama's warrant comes each has to depart. Before Death, position, pride and power, all vanish. Realizing this, strive day and night, with purity of body and mind and spirit, to realize the Higher Self, by the service of all living beings. The body must be preserved as a vehicle for this service. But remember, you are not this body; this body cannot be you. Tat Tvam Asi. Thou art That. That is the highest and holiest Mahavakya; you are the indestructible Atma Tatwa. It is for the sake of that Atma Tatwa that you have this body and so in the attempt to realize Parameshwara here and now, you must be prepared to offer this body, at any moment, as a sacrifice. Utilise your authority over this body to foster the welfare of the world. This body is but an instrument, an implement given by God. Let it serve its purpose. But, until the realization of the purpose for which the implement is given, it is your duty to watch over it vigilantly and protect it from injury and disablement. During winter woollen clothes are worn to withstand the rigour of the cold gales. But when the cold subsides they are discarded. So, too, when the cold gales of material life do not affect us in the least, the material body is no longer essential. One is conscious of only the incorporeal body. When the rains come, earth and sky are one in the sheety downpour. It is indeed a beautiful inspiring scene, a scene by which creation itself is teaching you to become One, in unison with it. There are three lessons that can be learnt - the impermanence of created things, the role of Man as the servant, and God as the Master. This creation is the wherewithal of the Puja; Man is the worshipper, and God, the worshipped. The game called Life is played with these. Man must be happy that Purushothama has placed around him newer and newer materials for serving Him and gets done through him Puja in various forms. He must pray for newer and newer opportunities and exult in the chance that his hands receive. The attitude gives immeasurable joy. To lead a life suffused with this joy is indeed bliss. Whatever is done from sunrise to sunset must be consecrated, as if it is the worship of the Lord. As care is taken to pluck only fresh flowers and keep them clean and unfaded, so too ceaseless effort should be made to do deeds which are pure and unsullied. If every day, this vision is kept before the mind's eye and life is lived accordingly, then it becomes one long unbroken service of the Lord. The feeling of I and Thou will soon disappear; all trace of self will be destroyed. Life then transmutes itself into a veritable Haripaaraayanam. "I am the sevaka. This world is the offering. God is the master who is worshipped" - when one attains this stage of thought, feeling and action, all difference between mine and thine will disappear. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 15

17 Identity of Bhakthi and Jnana There is no distinction between Bhakthi and Jnana. Just as Suguna becomes Nirguna, Bhakthi too becomes Jnana. I will not agree that Karma, Bhakthi and Jnana are separate. I do not even like to classify one of these as first, the other as the second and next as the third. I will not accept a mixture of all the three or even a samuchchaya, a merger of the three. Karma is Bhakthi and Bhakthi is Jnana: A block of Mysorepak has sweetness, weight and shape; the three cannot be separated, one from the other. Each little part of it has sweetness, weight and shape. We do not find shape in one part, weight in another and sweetness in a third. And when it is placed on the tongue taste is recognized, weight is lessened and shape is modified, all at the same time. So too, the Jiva, the Atma, and the Paramatma are not separate; they are one and the same. Therefore, each individual deed must be full of the spirit of Seva, of Prema and of Jnana. In other words each group of life's activities must be saturated with Karma, Bhakthi and Jnana. This is verily the Purushothama Yoga. It has to be acted in practice, not merely spoken in words, Sadhana should be done constantly with ever-expanding heart full of Bhakthi and Jnana. The sweetness of nectar or the Lord's name is the charm of life; the internal joy derived from the Name is akin to the external joy of the outer life. When one performs a kriya as an offering to the Lord, his good, the higher good and the highest good Swartha, Parartha and Paramartha, all become one. First I and you become we. Next we and He becomes identified. The Jiva (i.e. the Individual soul, I) should accomplish identity, with the Paramatma (i.e. the Prakrithi, You) and then with the Paramatma (i.e. the Supreme Soul, He). This indeed is the significance of the mantra, Om Tat Sat. Today, yesterday and tomorrow Om Tat Sat is, was and will be. 'He' and 'I' are there always. The Sadhana is also there always. Just as the sun is inseparable and is never apart from its rays, under no circumstances should any aspirant be without his sadhana. It is only when the sadhak adheres to his sadhana in such an incessant manner can he be said to be one with Om. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 16

18 The Duties of Life The blemishes of the heart have to be washed by the moral life and the doing of one's duty. A time may come when man becomes tired and weak, but he should then pray thus: Lord, things have gone beyond my capacity. I feel further effort is too great a strain. Give me strength, O, Lord! At first, God stands at a distance watching man's efforts, like the teacher who stands apart when the students write out answers to his questions. Then when man sheds his attachment to Bhoga and takes to good deeds, and Seva, God comes encouragingly near. For, He is like Surya Narayana, who stands waiting outside the closed door, like the servant who knows the rights of the master and his own limitations. He does not announce his presence or bang the door. He simply waits. And when the Master does but just open the door a little, the sun rushes in and promptly drives out darkness from within. When His help is asked for, He is present by the side of man, with hands extended to render assistance. So, what is wanted from man is only the viveka to pray to the Lord, the Jnana to remember Him. Sadguna is Jnana Jnana means understanding but, it is not just an intellectual feat. 'Eating' does not mean the placing of food on the tongue. Eating is worth while only when the food is chewed and swallowed and digested and assimilated in the blood stream and transformed into muscle and bone, into strength and vigour. So too understanding or Jnana must permeate and invigorate all the moments of life. It must be expressed through all the organs and sense, through all the Karmendriyas and all the Jnanendriyas. To this high stage man must reach. Mere accumulation of learning is not Jnana. Only Sadguna is Jnana. In order that one might do seva, a little Bhoga too has to be gone through. Such Bhoga is a part of yajna. To make this body-machine function, the fuel of Anna has to be used. Anna is not yajna, but it makes yajna possible. Therefore, eating food is not to be laughed at as catering to greed, as Udaraposhana. It is part of worship. Puja is not merely the plucking of a flower and placing it on top of the image; the gardener who toiled to nurse the plant that gave the flower is also a worshipper. It is only when food is given that the body can function. Even the means for a sacrifice is yajna. All Karma done for the sake of three entities is sacrifice, viz., to utilise the world for the worship of the Lord, to establish peace and justice in society and to control and coordinate the functions of the body. The first is called Yajna, the second Dana and the third Tapas. All human acts must sub serve these three needs. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 17

19 Truth is God For attaining this stage, an ethical life is the foundation. This ethical life is based upon discrimination between Truth and Falsehood. Just as the pearl is retained while the shell is discarded, the Essence, which is Truth, must be accepted and the non-essential rejected. Then again, individual exertion and Divine Grace should both be existent. One should also constantly practise the great lesson that the Body and the Atma are separate. This is a highly beneficial exercise. Such viveka or discrimination is necessary for all aspects of life secular as well as spiritual. It is indispensable for realizing the Truth, the Truth that persists in Creation, Existence and Destruction - the Truth which is God Himself. To serve this supreme Lord purity in diet has to be observed. As regards food, the question is not how much, but of what quality. Of course quantity too cannot be overlooked. But, why is food necessary at all? It is needed for acquiring the strength required for Seva. In order Sevayajna may yield fruit, food is needed and such food must be pure. Attention has to be paid to this aspect of food. In this way, each one should pay constant attention to his habits and to the traits of his character. And then, the attachment to the body will fall off and the task of securing Atmananda will be made easy. Man has all these various duties to perform before he actually attains realization; for it is only through such spiritual life can he acquire purity and through that pure nature alone is it possible for him to realize the Soul Supreme. Without getting himself engaged in them it is no use crying in agony that he has not been able to know the Paramathman. In this material world, one cannot appreciate the value of spiritual endeavour if he has had no experience of such a spiritual life and its purity. It may be said that one can undertake spiritual endeavour only after appreciating its value but, this is like saying that one would get into water only after learning swimming. Swimming can be learned only by getting into water, with a float attached to the body. In the same way, with some float attached to the mind, plunge without fear into spiritual sadhana. Then you will yourself understand the value of spiritual endeavour. The nature and condition of the spiritual path are known only to those who have journeyed along the road. They know that the path of Sathya and Viveka leads to Paramatma. Those who have not trodden that and those who are not aware of its existence cannot explain it to themselves or to others. Paramatma alone is real. Paramatma is Truth, Paramatma is Love. Meditate on Him as Truth, as Love. It is possible to realize Him, in whatever form you meditate upon. Be always in the company of His devotees. Through this satsanga, viveka (discrimination) and vairagya (detachment) will be implanted and increased. These will strengthen the spirit and endow you with inner Peace. Your mind will then merge in Paramatma. In everything that you do, use all the strength and talent with which you are endowed, speaking and acting truthfully. At first, you might fail in this and you might encounter SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 18

20 difficulties and sufferings. But, ultimately, you are bound to succeed and achieve victory and Bliss. I recall here the statement, Satyameva Jayathe, Naanritham. By your behaviour, through your way of life, you can realize the Truth, you can realize Paramatma. Ahamkara causes Ashanthi Man creates and developes in himself an abounding variety of selfish habits and attitudes and he gives rise to great discontent for himself. The impulse for all this comes from the power complex, the greed for accumulating authority, domination and power, the greed for things which can never be eternal and full. In fact, it is impossible for man to attain them, up to the level of satiation. Omnipotence belongs to Sarveswara, the Lord of All. A person might feel elated that he has become the master of all arts, or owner of all wealth, or possessor of all knowledge or repository of all the Sastras, but from whom did he acquire all these? That source must indeed be greater. He might even claim that he earned all this through his own efforts, his labour and his toil. But surely someone gives it to him, in some form or other. This he cannot gainsay. The source from which all authority and all power originate is Sarveswara. Ignoring that omnipotence, to delude one-self that the little power one has acquired is one's own, this indeed is egoism, conceit, pride, Ahamkara. If a person is a genuine vehicle of power, he can be recognized by the characteristics of truth, kindness, love, patience, forbearance and gratefulness. Wherever these reside, Ahamkara cannot subsist, it has no place. Seek, therefore, to develop these. The effulgence of the Atma is obscured by Ahamkara. Therefore when Ahamkara is destroyed, all troubles end, all discontents vanish and Bliss is attained. As the sun is obscured by mist, the feeling of Ahamkara hides Eternal Bliss. Even if the eyes are open, a piece of cloth or cardboard can prevent the vision from functioning effectively and usefully. So, too, the screen of selfishness prevents man from seeing God, who is, in fact, nearer to him than anything else. Many an aspirant and recluse, many a sadhaka and sanyasi has allowed all excellences won by long years of struggle and sacrifice to slip away through this attachment to the self. For, power without the bliss of Godrealisation is a wall without a basement. Mere punditry is of no use at all; the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Sastras are doctrines for living out in daily practice. Whatever the wealth of words, whatever the standard of scholarship, it is all a colossal waste. To bring the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads and the Sastras into one's actual life one has to scotch the feeling, "I know," and open one's eyes to the real Essence and Introspect on it. Then, one can attain Bliss without fail. The Panchanga might indicate that ten units of rain will fall, but even if the calendar is folded ten times and squeezed not even a drop of rain can be extracted. The purpose of the calendar is not to give rain but only to give information about rain and its quantity. Its pages do not contain the ten units of rain. Rain is in the clouds above. So, too, the Sastras can give only information about doctrines, axiaums, rules, regulations and duties. The sublime characteristics of the Vedas and the Upanishads and Sastras are that they give instruction in the methods of attaining peace and liberation. But they are not saturated with these essences of Bliss, so that one can collect them by squeezing SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 19

21 the texts. One has to discover the path, the direction and the goal as described in them; one has to tread the path, follow the direction, and reach the goal. If, however, the I- consciousness produces the pride, 'I know all', a fall is inevitable; the delusion causes death. The secret of salvation lies in the realisation of this danger; rebirth is inevitable, if this danger is not averted. Aware of all this, if you get immersed in spiritual practice, the world and its worries will not affect you. It is only when you are far from this truth, that you suffer, feel pain and experience travail. At a distance from the bazaar, one hears only a huge indistinct uproar. But, as we approach it and walk into it, one can clearly distinguish the separate bargainings. So too, until the reality of Paramatma is known, you are over-powered and stunned by the uproar of the world but once you enter deep into the realm of spiritual endeavour, everything becomes clear and the knowledge of the reality awakens within you. Until then you will be caught up in the meaningless noise of argumentation, disputation and exhibitionist flamboyance. Aspirants on the Bhakthi Path Every aspirant who seeks the eternal through the path of Bhakthi should strive to acquire the following characteristics: He must keep away from the turmoils, the cruelties and the falsehoods of this world and practise truth, righteousness, love and peace. This is indeed the path of Bhakthi. Those who seek union with God, those who seek the welfare of the world should discard as worthless both praise and blame, appreciation and derision, prosperity and adversity. They should courageously keep steady faith in their own innate reality and dedicate themselves to spiritual uplift. No one, not even a mahapurusha or avatar can ever escape criticism and blame. But they do not yield to threats. The real nature of the mahapurusha or the avatar is realized by those who indulge in criticism or blame only after wading through unbearable trouble and then, they too start to praise. The weakness of ignorance is the cause of this failure. So, let the aspirant keep away from all such waverers and ignorant persons and desist from discussing with them his belief and immerse himself in holy books and in the company of the devotees of the Lord. Later, rich with the experience of realisation and courageous on account of that contact with reality, they can mix in any company without danger and even endeavour to direct other minds on to the truth he himself has seen. Three types can be recognized among those who seek to do good deeds and tread the path of self-realisation. Those who are too frightened by the troubles, losses, and difficulties, to begin the endeavour; they are of the lowest or adharma type. Those who, after having depressed and defeated by obstacles and disappointments and who therefore give up, in the middle. They are of the middling, or the madhyama type. Those who steadfastly adhere to the path with calmness and courage, whatever the nature of the travel, however hard the road; those are, of course, of the highest or the uthama type. This steadfastness, this faith and constancy is the characteristic of the Bhaktha. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 20

22 Deluded by attachment to this illusory world and attracted by temporary joy, do not barter away the means of achieving permanent and complete happiness. Carry on your spiritual duties with full devotion. Paramatma cannot be known without faith and steadfastness; Only through Prema comes Sraddha; only through Sraddha comes Jnana; only through Jnana comes Parabhakti; only through Parabhakti is Paramatma attained. How then is Prema to be cultivated? It can be done through two methods: Consider always the faults of others, however big, to be insignificant and negligible. Consider always your own faults, however insignificant and negligible, to be big, and feel sad and repentant. By these means, you avoid developing the bigger faults and defects and you acquire the qualities of brotherliness and forbearance. Whatever you do, with yourself or with others, do it, remembering that God is omnipresent. He sees and hears and knows everything. Whatever you speak, remember that God hears every word; discriminate between the true and the false and speak only the truth; whatever you do, discriminate between right and the wrong and do only the right. Endeavour every moment to be aware of the omnipotence of God. The body is the temple of the Jiva, so whatever happens in that temple, is the concern of the Jiva. So, too, the world is the body of the Lord and all that happens in it, good or bad, is His concern. From the observed fact of the Jiva and the body, know the truth of the unobservable fact of the Lord and the world. The relationship of the Jiva and the Lord, the kinship between the two can be grasped by everyone who acquires three chief instruments: A mind unsullied by attachment and hatred; A speech unsullied by falsehood and A body unsullied by violence. Joy and peace do not inhere in external objects; they are in yourself. But people in their foolishness search for those outside themselves in a world from which, today or tomorrow, they are bound to depart. Therefore, awake soon. Try to know the essence of everything; the eternal truth. Try to experience the Love which is Paramatma itself. Discriminate at every turn, accepting what is true and discarding the rest. So long as one has worldly desires in view, he cannot escape sorrow. Image Worship There are many who cavil at image worship but its basis is really man's capacity to see the macrocosm in the microcosm. The value of image worship is testified to by man's experience; it does not depend on man's imaginative faculty. What is found in the Virat Swarupa of the Lord is found, undiminished and unalloyed, in the image Swarupa also. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 21

23 Images serve the same purpose as metaphors, similies etc., in poetry. They illustrate, amplify and make clear. Joy comes to man, not through the shape of things but through the relationship established with them. Not any child but her child makes the mother happy. So also with each one and with all things. With each and everything in the universe, if one establishes the kinship, that Iswara Prema, verily, what an overpowering joy can be experienced! Only those who have felt it can understand. [Adapted from Prema Vahini: STREAM OF DIVINE LOVE] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 22

24 The SAI Centre Devotional Wing and Practices Devotion is one of the three wings of the Sai Organization (the other two being selfless service (seva) and education in human values). When one thinks of the Devotional/spiritual wing, one immediately brings to mind, the various aspect of the devotion program, which includes devotional singing (bhajans), study circles, prayers, and meditation. We humbly provide some explanations provided by Swami on this wing s activities. We start off with the greeting Sai Ram Sai Ram Why we say "Sai Ram" as a greeting When you meet each other, do not shout hello or bye-bye, or some silly chatter. Let the moment of meeting be sanctified by the remembrance of God. Say, Ram Ram, or Om, or Hari Om, or Sai Ram. [Sathya Sai Speaks X, Chap. 14] The quote from Swami (above) states in a nutshell why we greet someone with "Sai Ram". It is a remembrance of God, the one God that IS the other person and our self. In Bavaria, southern Germany, many people greet each other with "Gruess Gott", which means "Greet God". Same idea! When greeting someone with "Sai Ram", try to think of greeting not only the worldly body that you see but our SAI in that person. We could use any name of God; it is the intent and feeling that counts. We have happened to choose "Sai Ram" because of the universal appeal of that name as a mantra. (Some devotees do repetition of the Name -- namasmarana-- with "Om Sri Sai Ram", repeating "Om Sri" on the inbreath and "Sai Ram" on the outbreath.) The word "Sai" can be split into two: "Sa" and "Ai". We have been told that "Sa" means universal father, while "Ai" stands for universal mother. Sathya Sai Baba, our Sai, is our mother and father. "Ram" can be viewed as a shortening of "Rama". One interpretation of this word is that "Ra" is the Fire Principle, which burns all to ash, while "ma" stands for maya or illusion, so together, they mean the destruction of illusion. Sai Baba has said also that "Rama" means "He who pleases, fills with bliss, causes delight", that "Rama" means the joy that comes from love. Devotional singing (bhajans) Devotion is the state of mind in which one has no separate existence apart from God. Sathya Sai Speaks VI, Chap. 6, 119 (old ed.) Bhajans charge the atmosphere with divine adoration; that is why I insist on group singing. [Sathya Sai Speaks VI, Chap 50, 239 (old Ed.)] Sing aloud the glory of God and charge the atmosphere with divine adoration... This is why I insist on group singing of the names of the Lord. (SSS, VI, 239) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 23

25 [Devotional singing (bhajans)] is the process of singing that originates in the heart, not from the lips or the tongue. It is the expression of the joyous thrill that wells up from the heart when the Glory of God is remembered. It is the spontaneous manifestation of inner ecstasy. No attention is paid to the blame or praise that others may give. It does not seek the admiration or the appreciation of the listeners. (SSS X, 84) Devotional singing (bhajan) is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure... Devotional singing induces in you a desire for experiencing the truth, to glimpse the beauty that is God, to taste the bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self. (SSS VII, ) Devotional singing (bhajan) is a spiritual practice (sadhana) for all who share in it. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) Remember, every song sung in praise of the Lord is a sword that cuts the knots of laziness. It is a fine piece of social service to remind all of their duty to the Almighty, who watches over them. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss134) People say that when you go to Sai Baba, there is nothing but devotional singing (bhajan). Realize that there is nothing greater than bhajan. What bliss is there in bhajans! What a demonstration of oneness is it when a myriad throats join in uttering the name of God! The vibrations emanating from them make the heart vibrant. If you sing alone in your shrine, the vibrations return to you as a reaction. But in community singing, what you have is not a reaction but a wave of vibrations. They enter into the atmosphere and purify the polluted air. The atmosphere today is polluted by bad thoughts and feelings. When you sing the glory of God, the bad germs in the air are destroyed and the air gets purified by a treatment of anti-biotics, as it were. (SS, Jan. 1995, 26) When all the participants in a bhajan sing in unison, what sacred vibrations are produced and what Divine energies are released! When these vibrations fill the world, what changes cannot they bring about! When one sings alone, the heart is merged in the song. But when many sing together, it acquires a Divine power. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) Those who sing bhajans get what can be called a 'double promotion', for they derive joy and distribute joy. (SSS X, 101) God is omnipresent. He is the in-dweller of every heart and all names are His. So you can call Him by any name that gives you joy. You must not cavil at other names and forms, nor become fanatics, blind to their glory. When you sing bhajan songs, dwell on the meaning of the songs and the message of each name and form of God and roll on your tongue its sweetness. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 134) Some people... question the propriety of calling God by means of... a multiplicity of names. But each name is indicative of only one aspect of Divinity. It denotes a single part of the Supreme Personality... Every name is but a facet, a part, a ray of the Supreme. The spiritual discipline consists in recognising and becoming aware of the One SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 24

26 that supports and sustains the many. That is the precious gem of wisdom that one must secure and treasure. (SSS X, 87) The procession to the cremation ground starts immediately on birth and the beating of the heart is the drum beat for the march towards that place. Some take a longer route, some reach quickly, but all are on the way. Therefore, devotional singing (bhajan) has to start in the childhood and has to continue. It must be the constant companion of man, his solace and strength. Do not postpone it to old age, for it is essential food for the mind. (SSS I, 123) Devotional singing (bhajan) must become an unbroken stream of bliss on your tongues and in your hearts; it must confer on you the uninterrupted awareness of soham, of the unity of I and He. (SSS IX, 41-42) The tongue is the post, devotional singing (bhajan) is the rope; with that rope, you can bring God Almighty near you and tie Him up so that His grace becomes yours. (SSS VII, 52) Desire and anger are... two enemies. Devotional singing... is a good disciplinary process by which these two can be kept away. (SSS X, 100) Take for example, there is a tree. It is full of birds. They make a mess all over. How to get rid of these noisy ones? You should clap loudly. Similarly, in this tree of life, there are birds of desire. The heart therefore becomes dirty. In order to cleanse it, do devotional singing (bhajans). (Kodaikanal discourse, April 12, 1996) Think of [devotional singing (bhajan)] as a part of spiritual training to be seriously taken for reducing the attachment to fleeting objects, and purifying and strengthening you, liberating you from the cycle of birth and death and consequent misery. It may appear a frail cure for such a dreadful malady. Nevertheless, it is a panacea. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 132) In this busy age of fear and anxiety, the remembrance of God and repetition of His name is the one means of liberation that is accessible to all. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) Let your whole life be a spiritual song. Believe that God is everywhere at all times, and derive strength, comfort, and joy by singing His glory in His presence. (SSS X, 94) Conducting devotional singing sessions (bhajans) Have the bhajans on as many days as possible or at least once a week. Have them in a central place where all can come. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 132) Any devotional song, in any language can be sung as long as all can follow. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29) Sing familiar bhajans, so that all can share in ananda (bliss). (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29) When you sing bhajans, dwell on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 25

27 You cannot insist that in the bhajans only songs on Sathya Sai should be sung! Fanaticism of that kind I very much dislike and condemn... You betray your ignorance of the truth when you stick to any one of my names and avoid the rest. (SSS VIII, 75). Bhajan has to be a thrilling experience, which must leave the participants full of pure energy and elevated enthusiasm. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29) Bhajan must spread good-will, love, ecstasy; it must cleanse the polluted atmosphere; it must invite all to share in the joy and peace. The nagarsankirtan (congregational singing of bhajans) must be radiating devotion and love. The ananda (bliss) I derive from bhajan I do not derive from anything else. That is the reason I am emphasizing these points. Fill every moment with energy, enthusiasm, and effort. (SSS VIII, 47-48) Some persons attending bhajans do not move their lips at all. They may say that they are singing the songs mentally within themselves. This is not proper... You must sing the names aloud, full-throated, as far as the voice can reach. Only then the Divine will respond in full measure and shower His grace. No one will go to the rescue of a drowning man if his cries are feeble. (SS, 35, April 1992, 70) Together with melody and rhythm, you have to impart feeling to your singing to make the bhajan a sacred offering to the Divine. A tune without feeling is an infliction. Giving up conceit and exhibitionism, you must sing the bhajans in a spirit of humility and devotion. That is the right way to perform bhajans. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) Bhajan must be a felt experience. Do not sing with one eye on the effect the song makes on the listeners and the other on the effect it makes on God. (SSS VIII, 60) Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility; they are not to be taken as exercises in an exhibition of talents or as competitions for mastery of musical skill. They have to please the Lord, not your fans. (SSS IX, 177) Bhajans should be sung with complete obliviousness to the body. Devotional fervor is more important than musical skill. (SS, June 1996, 156) Pay attention to the tune, the meaning, the variety, the voice, the raga (rhythm), the tala (beat), and other fine points of the bhajans. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30) Let your heart pant for God, then the raga (rhythm) and tala (beat) will automatically be pleasant and correct. (SSS VII, 60) Do not monopolize the time in bhajans by singing one song for six or ten minutes, repeating the same line often. Repeat each line twice and no more. Have only two speeds; one slow and the other, fast. In this way you can have in one hour of bhajan, more songs on more forms, more tunes and more variety, giving more people a chance. (SSS VII, 438) Let those with a good voice and musical talent lead; the keertan (singing the name of God) must be pleasant, it should not jar on the ear. If your voice is grating or out of tune, do not disturb the melody, but, repeat the namavali (song reciting the name of God) in your mind. (SSS VII, ) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 26

28 If your voice is not pleasant or sweet, keep quiet; that is the best service you can do. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31) Do not cause discontent or disharmony, insisting on singing because you are an officebearer. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31) After bhajans... there should be meditation for five to ten minutes. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31) People should return from bhajan carrying the elevated, uplifted and sublime mood created by the atmosphere at the bhajan. Therefore, after the bhajan people should disperse quietly, maintaining silence. Then the joy and peace derived at the bhajan will linger and abide in the heart. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31) Have [bhajans]... as simple as you can and without competitive pomp or show; reduce expenses to a minimum, for God cares for the inner yearning and not the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable expenditure must be silently shared, spontaneously... not collected by means of a plate... or a subscription or donation list. (SSS VI, 220) Prayers and mantras Namasmarana is the best Sadhana; it is the most beneficial Sathpravarthana. That is the highest Japam, tbe most profitable Thapas. Kuchela won the Grace of the Lord through the same means. Fill the Name with your Love, whenever you repeat it, saturate it with devotion. That is the easiest path for all of you. Japam and Dhyanam are means by which you can compel even the concretisation of the Divine Grace in the Form and with the Name you yearn for. The Lord has to assume the Form you choose, the Name you fancy; in fact, you shape Him so. Therefore, do not change these two, but stick to the ones that please you most, whatever the delay or the difficulty. The Ice peak of Karma- consequence accumulated by you, will be reduced by the avalanches and glaciers caused by the warming effect of Namasmarana. The sun melts the snow cap on the peak; but, during the hours of night, the snowfall restores the cap and makes up the lost of height. So too, Namasmarana melts the snow, but unless virtue holds back and overcomes sin, the snow falls again in the darkness of vice and igno rance. Repentance and prayer will certainly prevent further snowfall; the sun of God's Glory shining through the smarana will level the snow-peak to the ground. The Need for Sadhana Every human must primarily question himself as to the aim and purpose of this human life. When one meditates seriously on this topic, the realisation will dawn, that sense gratification is not be all and end all. The Creator had a more subtle design in Mind. The goal of man's life is self-realization. Man has to endeavour during his lifetime to elevate and evolve his soul to more sublime heights. It is only then that one can consider his or her life as a worthwhile one Undoubtedly, effort is the basic law of all human life. everyone is what he or she is, due to his or her own past Karma Their future is the citadel being built on the foundation of their present Karma Though man is full of weaknesses, yet he has inherent in himself immense strength and potential. Everything SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 27

29 is within his grasp if he would but strive for it. Divinity exists in all, though generally dormant. The Lord who is Omnipresent, is the Inner Atma the inner Motivator of all. It is only when we secure contact with that source of strength and inspiration, purity and bliss within us, that our lives will become an offering, a dedication at the altar of the Lord. As Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says - "Life is a pilgrimage to God; the holy spot is there, afar". The question is how are we to start this unique pilgrimage to God? How should we secure His Grace in the shortest period of time? As in the past eras, it is no longer possible for man to engage himself in ardu ous and intense austerities and practises. At the same time, the sadhana should be such that it removes all barriers and impediments in the flow of Grace. The Best Sadhana Not only have our men of God and our scriptures. but also all the religions of the world, universally acc laimed one infallible sadhana to secure the Highest. This sadhana is that of Namasmarana. Indeed they consider it the panacea to cure man (and therefore society also) of all his ills - be they physical, mental or spiritual. Namasmarana is second to none in its ease and efficacy. It involves the constant repetition (either orally or mentally) of the Lord's Name and meditating on His Form, His Glory and His Grandeur. Chanting of the Name however, must not become a mechanical process. The dynamics of this sadhana involves the mind in the remembrance, with love and devotion, at all times and under all conditions, the Name (and the Form) of the Lord. The reasoning and rationale behind this instrument of God realisation has been repeatedly stressed on, by the saints and seers of our glorious land. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai has explained in lucid and precise terms the effects the Name has on the hard layers of materialism and wordliness covering the soul. He says that the recitation of the Name is like the operation of boring, to tap underground water; it is like the chisel stroke that will release the image of God which is imprisoned in the marble. Once the encasement is broken the Lord will appear, even as churning brings the butter, latent in the milk, into view. The vibrations set up each time the Name is chanted to lead to the revelation of the Godhead, for the Name moulds the consciousness. In the initial stages, it might appear a formidable task to cut the mind away from wordly attachments and unite it with the Name. But gradually it becomes as natural as breathing. One will realise at this stage, that the subconscious is chanting the Name even during sleep. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 28

30 Nine Point Code of Conduct In order to remember Bhagavan s teaching continuously and become worthy instruments of our divine Master, every member has to engage in SADHANA, a spiritual discipline which has to be merged with his or her day to day life, and every member has to make his or her family as a unit for such Sadhana. Thus, with a view to qualify to become a true member of the organization the following guidelines have to be followed: 1. Daily meditation and prayer. 2. Group devotional singing or prayer with family members once a week. 3. Attendance by one s children in the E.H.V. classes organized by the centre. 4. Participation in community service work and other programs of the organisation. 5. Attendance at least once a month in group devotional singing organised by the centre. 6. Regular study of spiritual literature with special reference to Sai teachings. 7. Speak softly and lovingly to everyone. 8. Not indulging in talking ill of others especially in their absence. 9. Putting into practise a ceiling on desires programme and utilising savings generated for the service of mankind. Ten Guiding Principles 1. Love and serve your country. Do not be critical of others countries. 2. Honour and respect all religions as pathways to God. 3. Love all humanity as part of your family. 4. Keep home and surroundings clean. 5. Help the needy with food, clothing, and shelter. Help them become self-reliant when possible. 6. Be examples of honesty. Do not participate in any corruption such as bribery. 7. Curb jealousy, hatred, and envy. 8. Develop self-reliance. 9. Observe your country s laws and be exemplary citizens 10. Love God and avoid sin. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 29

31 DAILY MEDITATION AND PRAYER Whatever religion one belongs to, whatever your spiritual heritage, the necessity to still the mind, to control the vagaries of thoughts, to make the "monkey mind" do our bidding and not what it wills, is a basic spiritual practice. Divinity resides and reflects in man - but we are unable to see this reflection of Divinity in our consciousness because the lake of our mind is subject to incessant storms, its surface ripped apart by wild lashing waves. Only when the waters of the lake are still, can the reflection of the moon be seen on its surface -likewise the reflection of Divinity on the calm surface of our consciousness. But if we merely do meditation and still our mind - is this enough? The reflection of the moon will not be seen, even in the still water, if the waters of the lake are filled with dirt and pollutants. Thus, two qualities are required to see the reflection of the moon: (a) The surface of the water must be still, and (b) the lake must be free from dirt, debris, froth and pollutants. Sai Baba has placed meditation as the first point of the code for those who wish to glimpse the Divine within; - however stilling the mind (the waters of the lake) is not enough - a recycling plant must be erected beside the lake to clean the water. Other points of the code of conduct relate to this process of 'cleansing the water'- not only for ourselves but for our family members also. Sai Baba in various discourses has instructed devotees on the 'light' mediation. Devotees wishing to pursue this form of meditation and its technique should make attempts to listen to tapes/cassettes that are available or read books on it and what of prayer? Pray in whatever is way familiar to you... this will reinforce your meditation. You can chant mantras, sing devotional songs, traditional hymns or just speak to God in your own way - whatever makes you feel closer to Him and makes you truly feel that you are communicating with Him. We can do this silently, or quietly so that others hearing your prayers may benefit by thinking of God at least momentarily. Your chants/prayers at home will help to create positive and divine vibrations in the environment and be of benefit to those who live in your house. But most important of all do not take this daily task as a burden, something you carry around your neck like the proverbial albatross. Prayers, devotional singing should be done joyously, providing a sense of uplifting - lightness. God is 'Bliss'-'Joy'-'PEACE' and when you think of Him and sing or speak HIS name the same Bliss, Joy and Peace should fill your being... if this does not happen something is wrong with your attitude or method of prayer... reflect on this and adjust yourself accordingly. The hunger to communicate with God - should be equal to the hunger that we experience to fill our stomachs. We eat 3 or 4 times a day for our bodily health, or to satisfy bodily hunger, pray at least twice a day to feed the 'soul' or the inner being. There will come a time when every moment, every act, every word, is a form of communication with God. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 30

32 AUMKAAR Before creation there was nothing but darkness everywhere. Later on, there was rainfall for many years after which rays of light appeared from among the clouds. Sound became evident, that which one hears from within the spiritual heart when one closes his eyes and listens. This sound was created first, and with it small vibrations. Some vibrations could be heard and others could not be heard. For example, when our eyelids flutter there is sound even though it cannot be heard by the human ear. The sound that was created by these vibrations spread all over. For example, if you throw a stone in water, it will make continuously spreading waves, similar to these spreading sound vibrations created in space. We do not know how or from where these vibrations started in the atmosphere, and we do not understand the results of these vibrations. From the vibrations in the atmosphere, the wind was created, and from wind, heat was created. As a result of the friction between the sound waves and the wind, heat was created; from heat, water was formed. When one has a fever, perspiration results when the fever is reduced. This is like the relationship between heat and water. Water is denser than fire. As water becomes more and more dense, it becomes the earth element. Sky or akasha is prevalent everywhere above, below, around. After water was created, earth was created. By mixing of water and earth, more aspects were created. The earth became like a container to hold the water. As the heat decreased, the liquid hardened to form rocks. The studies about this are called physics. From physics, botany developed, and then zoology. From botany and zoology, biology developed. From space, sound was created, from air, wind was created, then heat, water, and earth. In the beginning these were not mixed together, but later when they were combined, life was formed. The three primary colours are red, blue and yellow, and when they combine we get the other colours. The sky is blue. Sri Krishna also is blue-complexioned by birth. He has the colour blue because He is all-pervasive like the sky. During creation, sound was formed first. Everything was created from sound, including the huge stars. When a huge star breaks up, small stars are formed. There are millions of stars, but scientists are aware of only a few galaxies such as the Milky Way where many stars are close together. The basis for all of this creation is consciousness. Wherever there is vibration there is sound. When one breathes, there is sound; sound is all-pervasive. Wherever there is magnetism, there is electricity. The Earth is a magnet, therefore electricity is created from the earth. The human body is also a magnet. In Sanskrit, body is called deha, and nature is desha. Scientists talk.about the law of nature, and Manu (a learned sage) also speaks about the law of nature. If there is a rose flower, there must also be a Creator who has created it. It is incorrect to say that the rose's existence is due to the law of nature. For everything, there is a Creator. The swan is able to separate and drink milk from a mixture of milk and water. Near the beak of the swan is a chemical which enables it to separate the milk. So says the scientist. But who created this chemical near the beak of the swan? Who has done this? Everything has a creator. One should not forget that there is a creator for all these things. Use the law of nature but don't break it. Lord Buddha said: SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 31

33 Buddham Sharanam Gachhami, Sangham Sharanam Gachhami, Dharmam Sharanam Gachhami. Cultivate wisdom and discrimination by using the intelligence (buddhi). Live in the society (sangham) as per its laws, and adhere to, take refuge in Righteousness (Dharma). One should follow the good example of others, rather than following only the pleasure seekers. Buddhi, sangham and Dharma were created for the sake of society. Why do we prepare food? The body requires nourishment and energy. Similarly if one sows good qualities in the community, the community becomes good. The sun has 98% hydrogen and 2% helium. Both are gases and the heat is controlled by these gases. If helium were not there, the earth would have been destroyed by the heat. There is a relationship between the sun and the earth. Earth is the daughter of the sun, and moon is the daughter of the earth. Moon has no life on it. The life form that exists on earth does not exist on other planets. Ice, fire and water are all alive. The life forms that live and die in the water are different from the life forms that exist in other elements. The life forms in each element are unique. The life forms on earth are not like those found in water, fire or air. The life form that exists throughout the entire world is the Atma. God is in the earth and He is also in all of the five elements. The earth has five qualities: smell, taste, form, touch and sound. The earth is heaviest. Water has four qualities: taste, smell, touch and sound. Fire has three qualities: form, touch and sound. Air has two qualities: touch and sound. And ether has one quality: sound. As ether has only one quality, sound, it is all-pervasive. God is beyond any of these qualities and elements so He is able to be all-pervasive. There are no flying saucers. The man-made satellites consist of three parts frontal, middle and back portions. When the satellite goes very fast, the rear portion becomes detached, breaks and falls into the sea. People who see these think they are flying saucers. The satellites made by scientists do not last very long. What is permanent is created by God and is called Truth; all the rest are impermanent. God created sound first, which is the primordial pranava.from this primordial sound, Om, other sounds emanated. Om or the primordial sound is the basis for all of creation. If we speak concisely about it, ether is infinite, but the created is finite. Discourses at Sai Sruti Kodaikanal during April 1996 In Prasanthi Nilayam at early dawn, the people in the Mandir chant 21 Aums and Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Each part of this chanting is significant, and knowing the significance can make this spiritual discipline more meaningful to us. Om is the verbal symbol of God, says Swami; it announces the Lord's presence. It is the primeval sound. In fact, Swami has said that Om is the only sound --every other sound arises from it. Swami has called Om the real life-principle of every person. So, when chanting Om, we are calling God and also affirming that we are God. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 32

34 The number 21 is not arbitrary, and each of the 21 Aums is chanted for a purpose. Five Aums are chanted for the organs of action: vocal chords, hands, feet, elimination organs (represented by the anus), and generative organs. Five Aums are for the organs of perception: eye, ear, nose, tongue, and skin, which correspond to sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Five Aums are for the five vital airs of the body. English doesn't seem to have names for these vital airs, so we list them with their Sanskrit names. They are: prana (located in lungs), apana (flatus, which moves downward through the rectum), vyana (diffused throughout the whole body), samana (navel; essential to digestion), and udana (rises through throat to head). Five Aums are for the five sheaths or encasings of the body: the material sheath, the sheath of vital air, the mental-emotional sheath, the sheath of intellect, and the sheath of bliss. The last Om is for the person itself --and the person's self-realisation. Chanting twenty Aums purifies and clarifies the five organs of action, the five organs of perception, the five vital airs, and the five sheaths. This prepares the human being for merger with the Supreme. Swami advises us to think of the life-principle in a person as a rider on a twenty-headed horse; we chant Om for each of the 21 components. Aumkaar ends with three Shantis: peace is chanted for purity of the body, purity of the mind, and purity of the spirit. In other words, Peace is prayed for in the physical, mental, and spiritual planes. Swami has said that "This recital of Om will tone you up, calm all agitations of the mind, and quicken the downpour of grace." He has said that "spiritual discipline of this sort is a must for all Sai workers, for it alone can give them peace and the other most valuable gift, love." We hope this explanation will make Aumkaar more precious to you [This was adapted from the International Sathya Organisation web page]. Sathya Sai Speaks 14, Chapter 3, discourse on 6 June First set of Aumkaars Karmendriyas (senses of action) 1. Vocal organs 2. Hands 3. Legs 4. Excretory Organs 5. Generative Organs SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 33

35 Second set of Aumkaars - Jnanedriyas (senses of perception) 6. Eyes 7. Nose 8. Ears 9. Tongue 10. Skin Third set of Aumkars Praanas (Life Forces) 11. Voice 12. Respiration 13. Circulation of Blood 14. Digestion 15. Excretion Fourth set of Aumkars - Koshas (Sheaths) 16. Food Sheath 17. Vital Air Sheath 18. Mind Sheath 19. Intellect Sheath 20. Bliss Sheath 21. Light Suprabatham Suprabatham literally means good morning'! (Su means good; prabhatham means morning or dawn). In Western culture, people wish each other "Good Morning." But in Indian culture this is not done, because it is considered to be the equivalent of pouring water on the leaves of a tree. For effective watering of a tree, water must be given to the roots of a tree. The root of the Tree of Life is God. So God, who is latent and immanent in all, is sought out and made patent and public. In this prayer God is visualised as sleeping and then woken up and wished "Good Morning." Of course the Divinity in us is never asleep; but unless we take at least one step towards activating it, it does not manifest itself. Such a step is the singing of Suprabhatham, and putting into practice its implications. The first two stanzas of any Suprabhatham song exhort the sleeping God in us to arise (uththista). This word is repeated four times. First, God is requested to get up in order to engage in Divine duties for the day (Kartavyam Daiva Mahnikam). Second, it reminds God that He is not an ordinary person, but one with responsibilities for the whole world. The last "please get up" addresses Him as the 'Most Merciful One' and requests Him to get up for the sake of the welfare of the world as a whole (Loka Mangalam). When we pray thus, the Divinity inherent in us is manifested not for the sake of individual material welfare, but for the purpose of the welfare of the whole world or at least for the integration of the whole personality: physical, mental and spiritual. After the first two stanzas others follow, each of them ending with wishing God "Good Morning." In the Sri Sathya Sai Suprabhatham there are six 'Good Mornings' and are SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 34

36 respectively said by: 1. Selfless volunteers (sevadals) in service of God 2. Singers of Soul-stirring and Heart-purifying bhajans 3. Devotees who have a special aptitude and enthusiasm in worshipping God ritually (Puja) with lamps, flowers, etc. 4. Devotees who are intellectuals like scientists, but have realised the validity of supersensory, beyond-the-mind Truths, revealed in Scriptures 5. Devotees who are interested in knowing the Nature of Life, more than anything else, and have come to Prasanthi Nilayam to seek answers for their questions from the Lord 6. The totally dedicated devotees who are wedded to the Lord for life and who seek nothing except praising the Lord and implicitly obeying His will. Devotees who have just begun their journey as spiritual aspirants should sing this Suprabhatham between 4 am and 6 am as a regular spiritual exercise. However, the maximum benefits may begin to flow only when the meaning is well understood and the implications sought are put into practice in day-today life. As Bhagawan Baba has pointed out, one must try awakening the Divinity inherent in everyone, not by preaching, but by the exemplary practice of Truthfulness, Right Conduct, Peace and Love towards every being. That indeed will be the true Suprabhatham, heralding the dawn of the Golden Age for Mankind! Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Suprabatham: Eshwaramba Suthah Shreeman Poorvaa Sandhyaa Pravathathe Utthishta Sathya Sayeesha Karthavyam Daivam Aanhikam O Son of Eshwaramba! O resplendent majestic one. Dawn is heralding in the East. The daily tasks of divinity which thou hast undertaken to be accomplished, therefore awake, O Lord Sathya Sai Utthishto Thishta Partheesha Utthista Jagadhee Pathey Utthista Karuna Poorna Loka Mangala Siddhaye Awake, awake, O Lord of Parthi! O Lord of the entire universe and mankind. Awake, O compassionate Lord! So that the world may attain auspiciousness, happiness, prosperity, welfare and blessings SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 35

37 Chitravathi Thatha Vishaala Sushaantha Soudhey Thisthanthi Sevaka Janaah (s)thava Darshan Aartham Addithya Kanthi Ranubaathi Samastha Lokaan Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham In the vast mansion, full of bliss and tranquility, Prashanthi Nilayam, on the banks of the river Chitravathi, those anxious to serve thee are waiting for Thy darshan. The radiance of the sun is illumining the world. O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day Thwanaama Keerthana Rathaah (s)thava Divya Naama Gaayanthi Bhakthi Rasa Paana Prahrusta Chitthaah Daathum Krupa Sahitha Darshanmaashu Thebhya Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham Devotees engrossed in singing Thy glory are happy and blissful, when they taste the nectar of devotion. Kindly shower Thy grace by granting them Thy darshan. O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day Aadaaya Divya Kusumani Mano Haraani Sree Paada Poojana Vidhim Bhavadanghri Moole Karthum Mahoth Sukathayaa Pravishanthi Bhakthaah Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham Bringing holy flowers with captivating colors and fragrance for worshipping Thy lotus feet, in the form as prescribed by the scriptures, Thy devotees are coming, with great yearning and enthusiasm. O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day Desaan Thara Gatha Budha (s) Thava Divya Moorthim Sandarshana Abirathi Sanyutha Chithth Vruthyaa Vedoktha Mantra Pathanene Lasanthya Jastram Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham Wise persons from distant countries, moved by yearning to have Thy darshan, have come and they are having great delight in reciting constantly the mantras of the Vedas.O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 36

38 Sruthva Thaava Adbutha Charithram Akhanda Keerthim Vyaaptha Digan Thara Vishaala Dharaathalesmin Jignaasu Loka Upathisthathi Chaasramesmin Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham Hearing Thy marvellous tales and fame that has reached the farthest horizons, earnest seekers of the reality have come to this place and are waiting. O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day Seetha Sathee Sama Vishuddha Hridambu Jaathaah Bahavanganna Kara Gruheetha Supushpa Haraah Sthunvanthi Divyanuthibhih Phani Bhushanam Thwaam Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Thava Suprabatham Women devotees, whose heart are unattached to the world like lotus petals and are similar to Mother Sita in virtues and piousness are singing Thy glory the glory of Lord Shiva, with serpent coils on neck and limbs, through holy hymns holding excellent flower garlands in their hands. O Lord Sathya Sai! Blessed by Thy wakefulness, we pray for an auspicious day Suprabatham Idam Punyam Ye Pathanthi Dine Dine Tey Vishanthi Param Dhaama Jnaana Vijnaana Shobhithaah Whoever daily recites this morning awakening Hymn will attain the Highest abode resplendent with the Supreme intelligence as well as supreme wisdom Mangalam Guru Devaaya Mangalam Jnaana Dhaayine Mangalam Parthi Vaasaaya Mangalam Sathya Saayine May the divine Guru be auspicious to us; May the bestower of wisdom be auspicious to us; May the Lord, who manifested in Parthi be auspicious to us; May Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba be auspicious to us SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 37

39 Meditation Meditation has many faceted approaches. People all over the world indulge in meditation as a means to silence the mind and ground the body so that the individual may mitigate the risks of stress, sicknesses and a racing mind (monkey mind). To this end, many schools have emerged and presented many methodologies on meditation. To quote Bhagavan Concentration is the one you think you are, Contemplation is the one others think you are and meditation is the one you really are. The following explanations were compiled from discourses of our Bhagavan on meditation and adapted from various websites within the Sri Sathya Sai Global Organisation. At first, set a few minutes every day for meditation, and extend the time as you feel the bliss that you get. "Let it be in the hours before dawn. This is preferable because the body is refreshed after sleep, and the dealings of daytime will not yet have impinged on you. Have a lamp or a candle before you with an open, steady, and straight flame. Sit in front of the candle in the lotus posture or any other comfortable sitting position. Look on the flame steadily for some time, and closing your eyes try to feel the flame inside you between your eyebrows. Let it slide down into the lotus of your heart, illuminating the path. When it enters the heart, imagine that the petals of the lotus open out by one, bathing every thought, feeling, and emotion in the light and so removing darkness from them. There is no space for darkness to hide. The light of the flame becomes wider and brighter. Let it pervade your limbs. Now those limbs can never indulge in dark, suspicious, and wicked activities; they have become instruments of light and love. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 38

40 As the light reaches up to the tongue, falsehood vanishes from it. Let it rise up to the eyes and the ears and destroy all the dark desires that infest them and which lead you to perverse sights and childish conversation. Let your head be surcharged with light and all wicked thoughts will flee there from. Imagine that the light is in you more and more intensely. Let it shine all around you and let it spread from you in ever widening circles, taking in your loved ones, your kith and kin, your friends and companions, your enemies and rivals, strangers, all living beings, the entire world. "Since the light illumines all the senses every day so deeply and so systematically, a time will soon come when you can no more relish dark and evil sights, yearn for dark and sinister tales, crave for base, harmful, deadening toxic food and drink, handle dirty demeaning things, approach places of ill-fame and injury, or frame evil designs against anyone at any time. Stay on in that thrill of witnessing the light everywhere. If you are adoring God in any form now, try to visualize that form in the all-pervasive light. For Light is God; God is Light. "Practice this meditation as I have advised regularly every day. At other times repeat the name of God (any Name fragrant with any of His many Majesties), always taking care to be conscious of His might, mercy, and munificence." - Sri Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume X, Page , Shivarathri, 1979 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 39

41 Jyothi Meditation This section is based on Bhagavan s step-by-step directions. Jyothi (flame) Meditation is the foremost spiritual discipline geared towards gaining inner peace. We should have a fixed time and place every day where we sit for meditation either in the morning and/or evening. We should sit on a thin mattress for this exercise. The sitting pose or asana should be comfortable both for our mind and body. We should then chant Aumkaar, the Universal Mantra glorified as 'Nada Brahma' at least 3 times but preferably 21 times. The mind under the influence of this divine sound slowly loses momentum and becomes more and more tranquil and steady. The next step is to put the breath in rhythm. The easiest and the most effortless method is to watch the breath, thereby the process becomes normal, that is, longer and calmer. When we inhale, the breath sounds 'So' and when we exhale, it sounds 'Humm' which means 'He' i.e. "God" and 'I' respectively or "God am I". Accordingly, synchronizing with these two breaths imagine that the flame 'Jyothi' is within us. Feel that the light of the flame is in our heart, right in the centre of SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 40

42 the Lotus. Gently move the light to other parts of your body -- the stomach, the limbs, the eyes, the ears and the tongue. Feel that the entire body is illumined thereby. Rejoice that the light is the light of love; it removes hatred; it dispels darkness and doubt; it reveals that all are Divine. As the light fills the eyes, you must feel that they have been purified. They shall no longer seek to look upon evil sights. When the light lights the tongue with love, decide that there is no more scope for uttering harsh words. Similarly, once the radiance of the divine light bathes the arms, they can no longer delight in performing harmful deeds while the feet can no longer move into polluting areas and places. Now visualize the light as surrounding our physical body and spreading far out to family members, neighbours and even those whom we do not like. Every object is enveloped in that divine effulgence. Isavaasyam Idam Sarvam. All this is illumined by God. This is the stage of bliss. In this manner, the ONE flame on which we concentrate can cleanse our mind and body and spread its light and radiance to include our entire environment. Finally, take the Jyothi on to the figure of our Ishta Devta or the Deity of your choice and/or fix our vision on the Jyothi, and commence meditation or silent sitting for a few minutes, followed by Japa of our chosen Mantra with the full understanding of its meaning and firm faith in its power and benefits. It should be inter-woven with our breathing process of inhaling and exhaling. Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Meditation We always have enough time to talk, visit cinemas etc. There is certainly time for meditation. The power is from God (referring to the feeling of strength after meditation). Early morning is best. Mind is quiet and there is not the pressure of responsibilities. There is difficulty during the day. People are around, and there is work. If meditation is attempted, even work may suffer. Real meditation is getting absorbed in God as the only thought, the only goal. God only, only God. Think God, breathe God, love God. Concentration means, when all senses and desires fall away and there is only God. In between concentration and meditation, like a separation between the two, is contemplation. From Concentration to contemplation and then meditation. As long as one thinks "I am meditating" that is the mind and not meditation. As long as one knows he is meditating, he is not meditating. In absorption in God, one puts aside every form and merges into God. In that process the mind naturally stops. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 41

43 Meditation for its proper practice, should be at the same place, at the same time. In that way, it surely will be successful. If one is away from home in travel, in his mind he can go to the accustomed place no matter where he is. Truth is in every place at all times. When away from Swami, by remembering Him doing this or that, the battery is "recharged". That also is genuine meditation. Meditation is constant inner inquiry as to who am I, what is true, what is ego action, what is loving and what is harsh. Meditation is thinking on spiritual principles, searching out the application to oneself of what Baba says, and the like. For the one who has completely surrendered to God and whose heart is filled with love for God, these 'college courses' (referring to Hatha Yoga etc) are not needed and have no meaning and are quite unnecessary. The Atma is everywhere, but for the purpose of sitting in meditation, the life principle can be considered as being 10 inches above the navel and at the centre of the chest. An inch in this measurement is the width of the thumb at the first joint. Without concentration nothing can be done. And we use that concentration through-out the day. Why is that same concentration so difficult to come in spiritual matters? Because the mind is outward turned, and by desire the mind clings to object. But the mind can be trained to concentrate inwardly, and the heart can be cultured to grow with love for God. How? By sadhana. The best sadhana is that every act through the day be done as worship of God. A fence is placed around a young tree to protect it. The same precautions must be observed in meditation. People think it is all right to meditate in any place. There are currents, there is will power. There is a strong current passing into the earth. Because of this, the earth exerts a strong attraction. In meditation it is advisable to insulate oneself from such currents. For this reason, meditators sit on a plank and cover their shoulders with a woollen shawl. Once the person has grown strong in his meditation, he may sit anywhere and not suffer for it. The light is first moved into the heart which is conceived as a lotus, the petals of which will open. The Jyothi is then moved to other body parts. There is no particular sequence. But important is the final body station, which is the head. There the light becomes a crown enshrining and covering the head. The light is then moved outside, from the particular to the universal. Move the light into relatives, friends, and enemies, trees and animals, birds until the entire world and all its forms are seen to have the same light at their centre as has been found to be within oneself. The idea of moving the light into the universal phase, the idea of universality is that the same divine light is present in everyone and everywhere. To impress this universality on the mind, we do the spreading of the light outside one's own body. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 42

44 One should understand that what comes about in meditation as one moves deeply into it, is not the thinking of the light, but the forgetting of the body and thereby the direct experience that the body is not oneself. This is the stage of contemplation when the body is totally forgotten. It cannot be forced. It comes about by itself and is the stage that naturally follows correct concentration. Seeing the light and moving the light here and there is to give work to the mind, to keep the mind occupied in the right direction so that the mind will not be thinking of this and that and thus interfering with the process of becoming more and more quiet. Spreading the light into its universal phase, sending the light into every other body, and when one is so concentrated in it that he is no longer conscious of his body, is the stage of contemplation. As contemplation deepens, the stage of meditation comes about of its own volition. It cannot be forced. If the meditator remains conscious of himself and that he is engaged in meditation, then he is not meditating but is still in the preliminary stage, at the beginning of concentration. There are three stages: concentration, contemplation and meditation. When contemplation deepens it moves naturally into meditation. Meditation is entirely above the senses. In the state of meditation, the meditator, the object of his meditation and the process of meditation have fallen away, and there is only one, and that One is God. All that may change has fallen away and Tat Twamasi, That Thou Art, is the state that exists. As one gradually returns to this customary and habitual state of consciousness, the Jyothi is again placed in the heart and kept lighted there throughout the day. The three stages, concentration which is below the senses, meditation which is entirely above the senses and contemplation which lies between and is partially within the senses and partially above the senses, which is on the border of each, this is the experience in genuine meditation whether the object taken be form or light. There is no essential difference. If the devotee has a form of God to which he is particularly devoted, he may merge that form into the Jyothi, and that form is most attractive to him and is the object of his concentration and is seen to be within the light wherever it is seen. Or, the concentration may be just on the form of God, for God is universal in every form. Again, the object chosen is just a device to allow one to sink deeply into quietness and to allow the body, which is non-self, to fall away out of consciousness. Anything concrete, such as light, form or sound may be chosen as the object of concentration. It is possible to just move directly into the stage of meditation. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 43

45 Meditation as described by Swami is the royal road, the easy path. For meditation to be effective there must be steady practice with no hurry and no worry. With steady practice, the person will become quiet and the state of meditation will naturally come about. To think otherwise is weakness. Success is assured. Call upon God, He will help you. He will respond and He himself will be your guru. He will guide you. He will always be at your side. Think God, see God, hear God, eat God, drink God, love God. That is the easy path, the royal road to your goal of breaking ignorance and the realization of your true nature. Which is one with God. Light a lamp or a candle. Gaze straight ahead at the flame. Then take the candle flame, the Jyothi, into the heart and see it in the midst of the petals of the heart. Watch the petals of the heart unfold and see the light illumine the heart. Bad feelings cannot remain. Then move the flame to the hands and they can no longer do dark deeds. In turn move the flame in like fashion to the eyes and ears so they may henceforth take in only bright and pure sensations. Then move the light outward and into your friends, relatives and enemies, and then into animals, birds and other objects so that all are illumined by the same light. Christ said, "All are one, be alike to everyone." To sit straight is important. Between the 9th and 12th vertebrae is the life-force. If the spine is injured at this point, paralysis occurs. If the body is in straight position, as if it were wound around a straight pole, the life force may rise up through the straight body and give the quality of intense concentration of the mind. Moreover, just as a lightning rod attached to the roof of a building attracts lightning, in like fashion a perfectly straight body provides a conductor, so to speak, for divine power to enter the temple of your body and give you the strength to accomplish your task and reach your goal. As another example, the divine power is always here, just as radio signals are here. But to hear the radio music there must be an antenna. Further, if the tuning device is not properly adjusted, there will be some sound but no music. In like fashion, the divine power, which is always present, may flow into you if the meditation is correct and the body straight. First you are in the light. Then the light is in you. Finally, you are the light and the light is everywhere. Enjoy for a while, then bring the light back to the heart and hold it there for all the day. The form of God may also be included. Krishna, Rama, Jesus, Sai, as you wish. The form of God selected may be seen in the centre of the flame wherever it is carried, and then you are with God everywhere. The stomach is four parts: 1/4 part air, 1/4 part food, and 1/2 part water. Too much food results in dullness of the mind. Food in moderation does not result in sickness. Too much milk is bad. It is rajasic. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 44

46 The type of food you eat, that kind of thought will come to your mind. If you have satwic food, there will be satwic effect. Fruit and milk everything that is cool and not hot like strong onions. Meat gives the blood its effect, like passion and similar qualities. Dirty thoughts come with fish. Although fish is always in water, it has a bad smell. If you are keen on spiritual life, eating meat is not worthwhile; but if you are keen on worldly life, it is all right. There is another spiritual reason. When you kill an animal you give it suffering, pain, and harm? God is in every creature, so how can you give such pain? Sometimes when someone beats a dog he cries, he feels so much pain. How much more pain then in killing? Animals did not come for the purpose of supplying food to human beings. They came to work out their own life in the world. When a human being is dead, the foxes and other animals may eat, but we have not come to provide food for those that eat the human body; we have not come for that purpose. Similarly, man eats the animal, but the animal has not come to provide man with food. But, we have taken to eating meat as a habit. In Dwapara Yuga, before Kali Yuga, 5680 years back, milk came into favor. Eleven thousand years is the full length of the Kali Yuga. (ie 3712 BC to 7288 AD). The world is also turning round like a fan. Even if the Kali Yuga stops, it still has a few more revolutions to go before the final ending. (Speech dated 1968) There are four Yugas. The sequence is circular, and when the last is finished, the whole cycle starts all over again. Kali Yuga still has 5,320 years before ending. (AD Year now is 1997, another 5,291 years to go!!) [Extracted from: Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba by Dr. John Hislop, pages , 22] Conversation recorded in 1968 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 45

47 GROUP DEVOTIONAL SINGING OR PRAYER WITH FAMILY MEMBERS ONCE A WEEK. There is an age old axiom, -'the family that prays together stays together'. Sai Baba is merely trying to remind us of this forgotten truth. In the early days families used to eat together and pray together, in recent times the notion of every man for himself seems to have crept into families too. Some Sai devotees have expressed this problem -'I am the only Sai devotee in my house - the rest refuse to accept Him - how can I keep to this point of the code?' Sai Baba does not say pray to Him! Have your family prayers in the traditional method of worship, be it Hindu, Christian or whatever. We need not even have Sai Baba's photo there, if this will help achieve the objective of weekly family prayer and family unity. We should have HIM in our heart. Also, it does not matter if all refuse to join. Start the family prayer with whoever is willing. Keep to a fixed date and time and continue with faith -let Sai Baba do the rest. Many such family prayers that started with one or two now include the whole family. If need be, start alone and leave the 'door' open for others to hear your prayer and to join. The important thing to remember is not to be disheartened by the attitudes of others who do not join. Give them time! Not all buds bloom at the same time when the sun shines - but the sun does not give up - it shines daily and silently, and over time - all will bloom!! However, it is important to show that we have bloomed - through our prayers and other spiritual practices. Our family members should see the visible, positive transformation in ourselves - which our spiritual paths have made us more loving, kinder, more gentle, more understanding... This will have a greater effect on non-participating family members than our actual 'prayer' itself and encourage them to join us, - i.e. we should make the whole day an extension of our morning and evening-prayers. Slowly, they will be drawn to the power that has transformed us and will join us. It is important to be aware that if we as wives and husbands, sons and daughters or fathers and mothers after starting prayers, after becoming 'born again', become intolerant, demanding, insensitive to the physical or worldly needs of others, and take a 'holier than thou' attitude, then we will drive our family members away from our prayers. Moderation and love should be the key guiding factors. Prayer Gayathri Mantra The Gayatri (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intellect) is the universal prayer enshrined in the Vedas (Divine Knowledge), the most ancient scriptures of man. It is addressed to the Immanent and Transcendent Divine, which has been given the name 'Savitha', meaning 'that from which all this is born.' [ ] Gayatri is Annapurna, the Mother, and the sustaining Force that animates all life. So do not neglect it. [ ] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 46

48 The Gayatri is considered as Vedasara --"the essence of the Vedas." Veda means knowledge, and this prayer fosters and sharpens the knowledge-yielding faculty. As a matter of fact, the four mahavakyas or 'core-declarations' enshrined in the four Vedas are implied in this Gayatri mantra. [ ] The Gayatri mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence) is a sacred mantra that demonstrates the unity that underlies manifoldness in creation. It is through the recognition of this unity that we can understand the multiplicity. Clay is one and the same thing, though pots of different shapes and sizes can be made from it. Gold is one, though gold ornaments can be multifarious. The Atma (Divine Self) is one, though the embodied forms in which it resides may be many. Whatever the colour of the cow, the milk is always white. [ ] What does the Gayatri Mantra consists of? The Gayatri may be considered as having three parts: (1) praise, (2) meditation, and (3) prayer. First the Divine is praised, then it is meditated upon in reverence, and finally an appeal is made to the Divine to awaken and strengthen the intellect, the discriminating faculty of man. [ ] This mantra is the embodiment of all deities. It is not related to any particular sect, caste, idol, or institution. It is said to embody nine "colours": (1) Om; (2) Bhuh; (3) Bhuvah; (4) Suvah; (5) Thath; (6) Savithur (powers); (7) Varenyam; (8) Bhargo; (9) Dhevasya. "Dheemahi" is related to the meditative aspect. "Dhiyo-yo-nah prachodayaath" relates to the aspect of prayer. The mantra as a whole thus contains three aspects: descriptive, meditational, and prayer. [ ] The Triple aspects of the Gayatri Mantra Who is Gayatri? Gayatri is not a goddess. Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas (Gayatri Chandhasam matha) Gayatri, however, has three names: Gayatri, Savitri, and Saraswathi. These three are present in everyone. Gayatri represents the senses; it is the master of the senses. Savithri is the master of Prana (Life Force). Many Indians are familiar with the story of Savitri, who brought back to life her dead husband, Sathyavan. Savithri signifies truth. Saraswathi is the presiding deity of speech (vaak). The three represent purity in thought, word, and deed (thrikarana shuddhi). Although Gayatri has three names, all three are in each of us as the senses (Gayatri), the power of speech (Saraswathi), and the life force (Savitri). [ ] When one's intelligence and intuition are developed by recitation of the mantra, the activating deity is Gayatri. When the life-forces are protected, the guardian deity is called Savitri. When one's speech is protected, the deity is called Saraswathi. Because of the protective roles of Savitri, Saraswathi, and Gayatri in relation to life, speech, and the intellect, Gayatri is described as "the embodiment of all goddesses (Sarvadhevathaaswaruupini)". [ ] Gayatri pervades everywhere. It consists of three deities, Gayatri, Savitri, and Saraswathi. Of these, the first one is master of the sense, the second is the teacher of SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 47

49 truth, and the third is the master of speech. Hence it is a Trinity of the senses, the mind, and speech. [ ] The five faces of Gayatri Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi. Is there anybody in the world with five faces? No. In the Ramayana, Ravana is said to have ten heads. If really he had ten heads, how would he be able to lie in his bed or move about? This is not the inner meaning of this description. He is said to be ten-headed because he was the master of the four Vedas and the six Sastras. Likewise, Gayatri is described as fivefaced. The five faces are as follows. Om (the Pranava). The Pranava Principle represents the eight different forms of wealth (ashta-aishvarya). Bhur Bhuvas Suvah. The third is: Thath-Savithur-varenyam. Bhargo Dhevasya dheemahi. Dheyo yo hah prachodayaath. When the Gayatri mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us. [ ] Gayatri represents in these five faces the five pranas (life forces). Gayatri is the protector of the five pranas in man. "Gayantham thrayathe ithi Gaytri (Because it protects the one who recites it, it is called Gayatri." When Gayatri acts as protector of the life-forces, she is known as Savitri. Savitri is known in the puranic story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband, Sathyavan. Savitri is the presiding deity of the five pranas. She protects those who lead a life of Truth. Gayatri has five faces and is the embodiment of all deities -- Sarva devatha Swarupam.[ ] The meaning of the Gayatri In the Gayatri Mantra, the unity of body, mind and soul is depicted in the first line,"bhur-bhuvah-suvaha." The next line, "Bhargo Dhevasya Dheemahi", means "Throw away the darkness." "Dheeyo yonah Pracho-dhayaath" means "Let the effulgence of the Divine dispel the darkness of ignorance." [ ] Gayatri means 'that which saves, when repeated'! It is the torch of spiritual wisdom (jnana) [ ]. This is the prayer addressed to the Sun in the Gayatri mantra. Dheeyo yo nah prachodayaath. (May the Sun illumine our intellects in the same way he sheds his effulgence). In this way, they came to regard the Gayatri mantra as Veda Matha (the Mother of the Vedas). This Gayatri mantra is not related to any particular time, place, or person. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 48

50 The following indicates that it relates to the three aspects of Time --past, present, and future: Bhur Bhuva Suvah The following says that light dispels darkness --without light, darkness will not go. Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dheeyo yo nah Prachodayaath The following signifies that the Sun is the dispeller of darkness. Bhargo devasya In this manner, the ancients believed that there was a supreme power and looked upon it as God. [ ] Stotra (description of the glory), dhyana (meditation), and prarthana (prayer) are all contained in the Gayatri Mantra. When does a prayer become meaningful? It is only when you stabilise your mind and turn it toward God. The basis for this is to meditate, pray, and experience. It is essential to achieve harmony in thought, word, and deed. Gayatri is teaching this great lesson. [ ] The Gayatri mantra has all three elements that figure in the adoration of God: description, meditation, and prayer. The first nine words of the mantra --Om-Bhur- Bhuvas-Suvah-Thath-Savithur-Varenyam-Bhargo-Dhevasya-- represent the attributes of the Divine. [ ] Dheemahi pertains to dhyana (meditation). [ ] Dheyo yo nah Prachodayath is the prayer to the Lord. [ ] The mantra is thus a prayer to God to confer all powers and talents. [ ] What the Gayathri does for you? The Gayatri is considered as Vedasara --"the essence of the Vedas." Veda means knowledge, and this prayer fosters and sharpens the knowledge-yielding faculty. As a matter of fact, the four mahavakyas or 'core-declarations' enshrined in the four Vedas are implied in this Gayathri mantra. So the Gayatri mantra has been given to you as a third eye to reveal to you that inner vision by which you may realise Brahman. [ ] It will protect you from harm wherever you are --traveling, working, or at home. Westerners have investigated the vibrations produced by this mantra and have found that when it is recited with the correct accent as laid down in the Vedas, the atmosphere around becomes visibly illumined. So Brahmaprakasha, the effulgence of the Divine, will descend on you and illumine your intellect and light your path when this mantra is chanted. Also repeat santhi thrice at the end, for that repetition will give shanthi or peace to three entities in you, Body, mind, and soul. [ ] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 49

51 Gayatri will protect your body, make your intellect shine and improve your power of speech. That is why Gayatri is considered to be very important for this second stage of your life, which you are entering today.[editor: This discourse was given in connection with Upanayam, the sacred thread ceremony for boys.] [ ] It is essential to recite the Gayatri mantra at least three times during morning, noon, and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day. It is like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of karmic (result of action) debt, since each day's karma (action) is atoned for that day itself by reciting the Gayatri mantra. [ ] Brahmaprakasha, the effulgence of the Divine, will descend on you and illumine your intellect and light your path when this mantra is chanted. [ ] Gayatri is the reliever of all diseases (Sarva roga nivaarini Gayatri). [ ] Gayatri wards off all misery (Sarva dhukha parivarini Gayatri). [ ] Gayathri is the fulfiller of all desires (Sarva vancha phalashri Gayatri). [ ] Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial. [ ] If the mantra is chanted, various kinds of powers will emerge in one. Hence the Gayatri mantra should not be treated casually. [ ] The attitude of surrender will grow in us as we recite regularly the Gayatri mantra. [ ] Like sunrise after the night, the Gayatri mantra dispels the darkness of ignorance: Dhiyo yonah prachodayaath. The rays of the Gayatri mantra illumine the mind and intelligence and promote knowledge, wisdom and discrimination. [ ] This Gayatri has the subtle power of removing evil tendencies and implanting virtuous habits. The Gayatri promotes the acquisition of Daivasakthi (God-power) [ ]. When should you repeat the Gayatri? Never give up the Gayatri; you may give up or ignore any other mantra but you should recite the Gayatri at least a few times a day. [ ] Do not sing cheap and defiling film songs. Instead, recite the Gayatri. When you bathe, the body is being cleansed; let your mind and intellect also be cleansed. Make it a point to repeat it when you bathe as well as before every meal, when you wake from sleep, and when you go to bed. And also repeat santhi thrice at the end, for that repetition will give shanti or peace to three entities in you --body, mind, and soul. [ ] Chant the Gayatri morning, noon, and evening. You do so many things. Why don't you chant this Gayatri? I bless all of you that you may sanctify your life in this way, making it useful and meaningful. [ ] It is essential to recite the Gayatri mantra at least three times during morning, noon, and evening. [ ] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 50

52 Gayatri is a treasure you must guard throughout your lives. [ ] The Gayatri can be recited even when one is taking a bath. It will mean also offering ablutions to the goddess. [ ]. At noon, if the Gayatri is recited before taking one's meal, the food will get sanctified and become an offering to the deity. [ ] Supplying the calories for the spirit is as necessary a process for happy living as supplying calories for the body. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, morning worship, noon worship, and evening worship --all six are equally essential. You miss any one of the six at your peril. [ ]. The Gayatri mantra has to be recited three times a day: in the morning at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset. These are called "sandhya kalam" --the time of coming together of night and day, of morning and evening, and of day and night. [ ] Time, like man, has three qualities: sathwa, rajas, and thamas (poised or pure or serenity, passion, and inertia). The day is divided into three parts: 4am to 8am and 4pm to 8pm have the satwic (equinimous) quality; 8am to 4pm are rajasic (passionate); 8pm and 4am are tamasic (inaction). The eight hours from 8pm to 4am are used mainly for sleep. The eight hours of the day (from 8am to 4pm) are employed by all beings, including animals and birds, in the discharge of their day to day duties and are regarded as rajasic (active pursuit). When the four satwic hours of the morning are used for engaging oneself in good actions like worship, virtuous deeds, and keeping good company, one is sure to raise oneself from the human to the Divine level. It is during the satwic period (4am to 8am and 4pm to 8pm) that the Gayathri mantra should be recited. [ ] What to think when you are repeating the Gayathri? In the practice of the Gayathri mantra, one should realise that everything is within one and thereby develop confidence in the Self. [ ] The prayers provided herein are those chanted at the centre at various prayer meetings (satsang) i.e. Thursday program, Sunday Morning Aumkaar program. The Ganesha Prarthana and Saithree are chanted at all functions as part of the opening prayers. The format for group singing and prayer with family members once a week can take the format of the Centre program as lay out further on. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 51

53 ATTENDANCE BY ONES CHILDREN IN THE SSE CLASSES ORGANIZED BY THE CENTRE THE EDUCATION WING The Education Wing of a Centre focuses mainly on providing Sai Spiritual Education to children of Sai devotees. Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) (previously called Bal Vikas) is the primary basis of the great movement to restore right action (dharma) in the world [ ] Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Baba initiated the Spiritual Education Program (Sai Spiritual Education, formerly known as Bal Vikas) to facilitate the spiritual growth of children in the ages 6 through 16 who attend the Sathya Sai Baba Centers. This program is designed to teach the children five basic human values (Love, Truth, Peace, Right Conduct, and Nonviolence), basic teachings of world's religions, and spiritual lessons based on Sathya Sai Baba's teachings. SSE teachers receive training on the specialized teaching techniques needed for this programme as set forth by Sathya Sai Baba. A unique curriculum based on the CORE PRINCIPLES of Unity of Faiths, The Five Human Values, Unity of Faiths, Unity in Diversity, The Life and Teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and The Ceiling on Desires, was developed to promote the child s journey from humanity to divinity. "From the most impressionable years the children should be taught to cultivate love for all. Love leads to unity. Unity promotes purity. Purity leads to Divinity." "To instil in the minds of the young the values of prayer, humility, and loving service to others, the homes where they have grown should be the first schools. The parents have to be imbued with faith in the basic truths of this Universal Religion." "Children's minds are innocent and pure. Each child is like a white marble for the teacher and the parents to sculpt the image of God, a bud to be helped to blossom in all its Divine glory so that it becomes a worthy offering to God." The primary task of the Education Wing is the operation of the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) program, whose purpose is to provide spiritual education to the children of members of the Centre. The curriculum is divided into four age groupings. The four age groups are: Group I: ages 6 9, Group II: ages 9 12, Group III: ages 12 15, Group IV: ages The Five Basic Human Values and the SSE Programme As explained by Sathya Sai Baba, the five basic human values are Love, Truth, Right Action, Peace and Nonviolence: Love in thoughts and words is Truth Love in action is: Right Action Love in feelings is: Peace Love as understanding is: Non Violence SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 52

54 Sathya Sai Baba tells us that these human values are inherent in all humans, and it is just a matter of drawing them out and letting them flourish. For example, in practice, TRUTH may manifest as honesty and integrity. The five human values are the essence of the teachings of all faiths. Here are important points about the SSE program in Sathya Sai Centres. The goals of the SSE program are to help children become aware of their divine nature, to draw out the Human Values (which are inherent in them) and put them into practice, to teach the children about the unity of all faiths, and to prepare them to live a spiritual life in this world. The life and teachings of Sathya Sai Baba, the five human values, and the essential unity of all faiths comprise the substance of the SSE program. There is a syllabus and curriculum for each SSE age group as well as various components of teaching (storytelling, singing, prayer, silent sitting, and group activity). The SSE teacher learns about them during training. The philosophies and teachings of many religions are taught in the SSE program. Practices of any one specific religion are not appropriate on a weekly basis no one Religion should be emphasized over others. Parents wishing to strengthen their children's faith in the family religion may find a suitable avenue for this in their community. The SSE program generally takes place weekly, for one or two hours. A certificate of completion may be given at the end of the course, perhaps in a graduation ceremony at the Centre. Children and their Parents Parents play a vital role in the spiritual development of their children and are regarded as a valuable component in the SSE classes. Consequently, parenting classes are held for parents whose children attend SSE classes. To instil in the minds of young the values of prayer and of humility and loving service to others, the homes where they have grown have to be the first schools. The parents have to be imbued with faith in the basic truths of this Universal Religion [ ] Sathya Sai Baba It is strongly suggested that Centre members enrol their children in the SSE program. For maximum effect, members with children in the SSE program should participate in Centre activities. There is no SSE class for children under the age of six. Where there are many children below the age of six, a child-care group could be a service offered by the Centre. Orientation meetings should be held annually for parents to share concerns and ask questions. Establishment of a parent group, which meets monthly, can help parents to learn about the education their children are receiving and provide support for the education at home. SSE classes are open to children of non-members, regardless of their faith and Form they worship the teachings in SSE are universal. It may be necessary to hold special orientation sessions for such non-members. In special cases, separate classes for non-members children may be established after consultation with the presiding education body (e.g. a regional Education Coordinator). SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 53

55 PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK AND OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE ORGANISATION. COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK (SEVA) Consider selfless service as the best spiritual discipline. But do not believe that you can by means of service reform or reshape the world. You may or may not; that does not matter. The real value of selfless service, its most visible result, is that it reforms you, reshapes you. Do selfless service as a spiritual discipline; then you will be humble and happy. [ ] Sathya Sai Baba and [ ]. The path of action (karma), embodied in selfless service, is one of the three paths to self-realization advocated by Sathya Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Baba emphasizes that small or large acts of service, performed with the attitude of serving God residing in those being served, confer immense spiritual benefit upon the aspirant. Sathya Sai Baba has said that selfless service is the best form of spiritual discipline. Accordingly, from the beginning of the Sathya Sai Organization, the Service Wing has been one of the three main wings of the Centre. The Service Coordinator leads this wing. General principles Selfless service is an individual practice. It becomes a spiritual activity, resulting in spiritual transformation, when performed with an attitude of serving God in the other person, with no focus on the result of the service. Such selfless service has to be performed according to these principles: Equanimity, by overcoming likes and dislikes and eliminating judgments, Impartiality, by becoming detached from personal expectations and controlling one s impulsive reactions, Reliability toward the beneficiaries as well as the people, with whom one is serving, Amicability, expressed through simplicity, pleasantness, empathy, nonviolence, and an attitude of respect toward the beneficiaries. The first aspect of selfless services is to take care of one s own body, for it belongs to God. The second is to serve one s parents. Third, one s own family is to be served. Fourth, one serves the community and society at large. In this service, we should not neglect service to needy members of the Centre itself. Selfless service must not be restricted to mere social work. Any interaction with others will become selfless service when done with the right attitude. Sathya Sai Baba has said that, The core of the spiritual discipline of selfless service is to see everyone as you and you in everyone. [ ] Centre members may of course perform their own individual selfless service projects. In some situations, and for some people, this may be the best way to serve. But the effectiveness of service can increase when pursued as teamwork. In keeping with the Organization s goal to provide an environment in which individuals may progress spiritually, the Service Wing develops and carries out service projects in the community. Centre members working on service projects should understand the significance of selfless service. Accordingly, it will be useful to have study circles on selfless service from time to time. It may also be useful to develop Study Circle Guidelines in a country or zone, which goes into more depth on the benefits of selfless service. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 54

56 Guidelines for service projects Service performed on behalf of the Organization should be an individual s choice. It may be encouraged, but it must never be imposed. It may be carried out individually or in groups. As Swami says, Not force but the Source (the Divine) should inspire you. [1989/10/4]. Work done within the Organization, including administrative activity, is regarded as service, and all members should be encouraged to take part. In compliance with the principles of the Organization Charter, proselytizing and fund raising must be avoided. Service activities must be self-financed. Donations may be accepted, but only in accordance with the regulations and instructions of Organization. A Centre service activity must be led by a member of the Centre (perhaps delegated to the task by the Service Coordinator). Volunteers working on Sathya Sai Centre service projects do not have to be members of the Centre or the Organization. However, they should be authorized by the Centre President, and they must follow the instructions of those in charge of the project. The Service Coordinator must continually oversee the service projects of the Centre and make sure that (1) they are serving a real need and (2) the Centre has the resources in terms of time, funds, energy, appropriately trained volunteers, etc. to carry out the projects successfully. Service projects that satisfy a local community need and that require hands-on volunteer time are best. A project that consists mainly of donating money or items to some cause may not be as effective as a spiritual activity because the volunteers doing the service are not coming in contact with the people being served. Depending on the country, the Centre may be required to have insurance against possible damage caused to people or things during the service activity; this has to be arranged through an insurance policy that has been suitably stipulated by the presiding body. All volunteers, whether Centre members or not, should be covered by the insurance policy. In some countries, the insurance policy may require the Centre to keep lists of those participating in each service project. In order to guarantee the effectiveness of service activities, especially when performed by several Centres within local and national institutions, an internal code of conduct may be issued by the presiding body. All volunteers will read and accept the code. Centre service projects are done by the Centre, usually without help from other organizations. Of course, they may involve other organizations, e.g. singing at a nursing home, providing lunch for the homeless at the Salvation Army, holding a medical camp at a church. A Centre desiring to participate in a service project with some other organization should get approval from the presiding body. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 55

57 Types of Service A Centre could engage in several different kinds of service. Those used most typically are: Projects that help the aged people, youth, and homeless, who suffer from loneliness and negligence. We must be ready to give our most valuable resource: our time. Doing so, we can make them feel the love they lack. Projects that promote good use of the earth recycling, reusing, planting trees, cleaning beaches, etc. Programs that promote hygienic knowledge, vegetarian diet, healthy life styles, and dissociation from drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Service activities for the elderly, orphans, disabled, destitute, homeless, prisoners, and others in need providing food, singing, or education. This could be done in hospitals, public and private institutions, in their houses, and wherever such needy persons are found. Computer training programs and after-school courses. In communities with two or more Centres, sharing service projects can develop an effective spirit of cooperation. This allows larger, long-range service projects to be undertaken. It also allows members of smaller Centres to take part in large projects without feeling overwhelmed, and it increases the pool of volunteers available for an on-going service project. OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE ORGANISATION YOUTH FORUM During the Sixth World Conference, Sathya Sai Baba laid emphasis on the formation of Youth Wings. This was the impetus for launching a formal Youth Wing throughout the world. Baba enunciates the challenges and the potential of this critical stage of youth in life: "Youth is the stage in life when the slightest turn toward the wrong will spell disaster. Thoughts shape the career. You plan to earn much wealth because you imagine that rich people are very happy. The rich have plenty to eat, but they have no appetite. The rich wield power over others, but they are held down by disease. The rich can have many servants, but they cannot live in peace. So, plan to be rich in virtue, in devotion and dedication to good causes. Be rich in sovereign character. What exactly is character? Steady adherence to truth, renunciation, genuine love, selfless service -- these are the essential components of character." "Youth should imbibe the right ideals and plunge into society with the thirst for service as a spiritual duty, and this will make their humanness worthwhile. They should cultivate basic human traits like humility, readiness to serve and commiseration at the suffering of others." The program is designed for young adults (16 to 30 years age) such as those who have participated in Sai Spiritual Education or others, to transition into the Sai Organization. The young adults programs operate on a regional basis, involving young adults from all SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 56

58 of the Centres in the region. There is a young adult s advisor for men and another for women, who provide overall guidance to the program. Two young-adults representatives (one for women and another for men) provide the leadership to plan develop and direct various group programs relating to service, devotion, and education. The young adults meet regularly, at least once a month, to plan and conduct their activities. LADIES PROGRAM I have initiated this Ladies day in order to foster respect and love for the mother. Not only the 19th of November but the 19th of every month is being observed as Ladies Day in some states. Whatever may be the circumstances, good or bad, do not forget your mother. [ ] Sathya Sai Baba In Prashanti Nilayam, 19 November is celebrated as Ladies Day, with the women arranging and carrying out programs, festivities, etc. This has inspired (optional) ladies activities within Centres in some countries or regions. Examples are: study circles on the role of the woman as mother, wife, worker, and Centre member; service activities oriented to helping women in particular; and cultural programs. In some places, the 19th day of each month is dedicated to the ladies, with various activities being carried out. A Centre should feel free to carry out spiritual activities initiated by ladies for ladies and to appoint someone with overall responsibility for the program, if the Centre members want it. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 57

59 ATTENDANCE AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH IN GROUP DEVOTIONAL SINGING ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE. Thursday Program Embodiments of Divine Love! "Samyak-keerthanam Sankeerthanam" (Congregational singing of bhajans is the best of bhajans). There is a big difference between Keerthanam and Sankeerthanam. Keerthanam is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual for the fulfillment of his prayers. Sankeerthanam aims at the well-being of the whole universe. This is also described as Saamaajika bhajans (community singing). This method of singing bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Sankeerthana aims at demonstrating unity in diversity. When all the participants combine to sing in unison with one voice, it is described as Sankeerthana. Four kinds of Sankeerthana Sankeerthana is of four kinds: One is Guna sankeethana; two, Leela sankeerthana; three, Bhaava sankeerthana; four, Naama sankeerthana. Guna sankeerthana applies to the kind of bhajan in which the devotee recites the auspicious qualities of the Divine, experiences oneness with the Divine, and acquires the Godly qualities. Thyaagaraaja had recourse to this type of singing. In one of his keerthanas, he exclaimed: "Oh Lord! You are beyond all words. Is it possible for even Brahma or other Gods to extol your glorious exploits? I am waiting for your grace. Hearken to my entreaties. You restored to the preceptor the son whom the Lord of Death had taken away. You conquered the God of Love. You liberated from prison Vasudheva and Dhevaki. You protected Draupadhi when she appealed to you in despair. You were the guardian of the Paandavas. You relieved Kuchela of his poverty. You saved 16,000 damsels from subjection." In this manner, Thyaagaraaja recounted the great qualities of God in his songs. Regard community singing as sacred devotional exercise. Even if you have no musical ability, utter the names of the Lord with feeling and love. There is no greater means of God-realization in the Kali Yuga than chanting the names of the Lord. Dhyaana (meditation) in Krita Yuga, Yajna (sacrifice) in Tretha Yuga, Archana (worship of idols) in Dhvaapara Yuga and Naama sankeerthana (Reciting the name of the Lord) in Kali Yuga are the methods prescribed for realizing the Divine. Remembering the Name is the panacea. When the name is chanted as a song set to music, it delights the heart immensely. Many pandiths recite the names as slokas (verse). They do not experience the intense yearning expressed in the stanzas. Some actors are able to pronounce the words loud and clear, but without any depth of feeling. But when the names are sung melodiously they appeal to the hearts of the singers and the listeners. Even non-believers and agnostics nod their heads in appreciation when they listen to devotional music. (Sri Sathya Sai Baba Divine Discourse, Prashanti Nilayam, 3 March 1992) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 58

60 The intention of standardising the group devotional singing format is to achieve uniformity throughout the country whereupon should a devotee travel within the country, any center that he/she attends will present a similar program framework. The chanting of mantras, slokas like 108 ASHTHOTRANAMA, Gayathri, Saithree and Hiranyagarbha or even performing Hawan are all encouraged to be chanted or conducted prior to the one hour group devotional singing program. Below is a suggested framework that has been work shopped with all regions and office bearers. Please feel free to contact your Regional Presidents and Devotional Wing Convenors for further details. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 59

61 ASHTHOTRANAMA (108 NAMES) 108 NAMES OF BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA 1) Om Sri Bhagawan Sathya Sai Babaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Divine Mother and Father of us all. 2) Om Sri Sai Sathya Swarupaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of Truth. 3) Om Sri Sai Sathya Dharma Parayanaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is solely devoted to teaching Truth. 4) Om Sri Sai Varadaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Giver of boons. 5) Om Sri Sai Satpurushaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the eternal Truth. 6) Om Sri Sai Sathya Gunaatmane Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who embodies pure virtues 7) Om Sri Sai Sadhu Vardhanaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who promotes Goodness in the world. 8) Om Sri Sai Sadhu Jana Poshanaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who guards and guides good people. 9) Om Sri Sai Sarvajnaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Omniscient. 10) Om Sri Sai Sarva Jana Priyaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is dear to all. 11) Om Sri Sai Sarva Shakti Moorthaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Omnipotent. 12) Om Sri Sai Sarveshaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who embodies all forms of God. 13) Om Sri Sai Sarva Sangha Parithyaagine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is totally detached from all things. 14) Om Sri Sai Sarva Antharyaamine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the indwelling Spirit. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 60

62 15) Om Sri Sai Mahimaatmane Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is all Majesty and Glory. 16) Om Sri Sai Maheshwara Swarupaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of Lord Maheshwara. 17) Om Sri Sai Parthi Gramodhbhavaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who was born in the village of Parthi. 18) Om Sri Sai Parthi Kshetra Nivaasine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is resident in the region of Parthi. 19) Om Sri Sai Yashakaya Shirdi Vaasine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who was known in His previous body, resident of Shirdi. 20) Om Sri Sai Jodi Adipalli Somapaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who appeared as Shiva Shakti to save a devotee's child. 21) Om Sri Sai Bharadwaja Rishi Gothraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who was born into the spiritual family of the Sage Bharadwaja. 22) Om Sri Sai Bhaktavatsalaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who loves and protects the devotee like a mother. 23) Om Sri Sai Apantaraatmane Namaha. We surrender to Sai, the indwelling Spirit Who carries us across the sea of Samsara. 24) Om Sri Sai Avatara Moorthaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the essence of incarnating Godhead. 25) Om Sri Sai Sarvabhaya Nivaarine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who dissolves all fears. 26) Om Sri Sai Apastamba Sutraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who was born in the lineage of the Sage Apasthamba. 27) Om Sri Sai Abhaya Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who bestows courage. 28) Om Sri Sai Ratnakara Vamshodbhavaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who was born in the Ratnakara dynasty. 29) Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Abheda Shaktyavataraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Whose Glory is the same as the Shirdi Avatar. 30) Om Sri Sai Shankaraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Lord Shiva. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 61

63 31) Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Murthaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. 32) Om Sri Sai Dwarakamai Vaasine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Resident of Dwarakamayi. 33) Om Sri Sai Chitravathi Thata Puttaparthi Vihaarine Namaha. We surrender to Sai at Puttaparthi on the banks of the Chithravati. 34) Om Sri Sai Shakti Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who bestows vitality and intelligence. 35) Om Sri Sai Sharanagata Tranaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who saves those Who surrender. 36) Om Sri Sai Anandaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is pure Bliss. 37) Om Sri Sai Ananda Daaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who bestows pure Bliss. 38) Om Sri Sai Artha Trana Parayanaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is ever engaged in serving the distressed. 39) Om Sri Sai Anatha Nathaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the supreme Benefactor of the destitute. 40) Om Sri Sai Asahaya Sahaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Helper of the helpless. 41) Om Sri Sai Loka Baandhavaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Kith and Kin of the whole world. 42) Om Sri Sai Loka Raksha Parayanaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is ever engaged in guarding the world. 43) Om Sri Sai Loka Nathaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Lord of all the world. 44) Om Sri Sai Deenajana Poshanaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Guardian of the downtrodden. 45) Om Sri Sai Moorthi Traya Swarupaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. 46) Om Sri Sai Mukti Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants absolute Liberation. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 62

64 47) Om Sri Sai Kalusha Viduraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is devoid of defects and deficiencies. 48) Om Sri Sai Karuna Karaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is utterly compassionate. 49) Om Sri Sai Sarva Adharaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Sustainer and Support of all. 50) Om Sri Sai Sarva Hridvasine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who resides in the hearts of all beings. 51) Om Sri Sai Punya Phala Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who bestows the fruits of merit. 52) Om Sri Sai Sarva Papa Kshaya Karaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Destroyer of all wrong doings. 53) Om Sri Sai Sarva Roga Nivarine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who removes all disease. 54) Om Sri Sai Sarva Badha Haraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who destroys all suffering. 55) Om Sri Sai Ananta Nuta Kartrine Namaha. We surrender to Sai, the Creator Who is praised eternally. 56) Om Sri Sai Adi Purushaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the primordial Being. 57) Om Sri Sai Adi Shaktaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the primeval Energy. 58) Om Sri Sai Aparupa Shaktine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who has delightful and wonderful powers. 59) Om Sri Sai Avyakta Rupine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Form of the Unmanifested Godhead. 60) Om Sri Sai Kama Krodha Dwamsine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who destroys anger and desire. 61) Om Sri Sai Kana Kambara Dharine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who wears a golden colored robe. 62) Om Sri Sai Adbhuta Charyaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Whose acts are unprecedented. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 63

65 63) Om Sri Sai Apad Bandavaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is our Friend and Guide through all calamities. 64) Om Sri Sai Prematmane Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is Love personified. 65) Om Sri Sai Prema Moorthaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of Love. 66) Om Sri Sai Prema Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who inspires Love in all beings. 67) Om Sri Sai Priyaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is loved by all. 68) Om Sri Sai Bhakta Priyaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is precious to devotees. 69) Om Sri Sai Bhakta Mandaaraya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who evokes supreme happiness in devotees. 70) Om Sri Sai Bhaktajana Hridaya Vihaaraya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who sports and plays in the hearts of devotees. 71) Om Sri Sai Bhaktajana Hridaya Layaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who dwells in the hearts of devotees. 72) Om Sri Sai Bhakta Paradinaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is bound to devotees by their devotion. 73) Om Sri Sai Bhakti Jnana Pradipaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who ignites the spark of devotion & spiritual Knowledge. 74) Om Sri Sai Bhakti Jnana Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who reveals the path of devotion leading to supreme Wisdom. 75) Om Sri Sai Sujnana Marga Darshakaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who reveals the path of attaining right Knowledge. 76) Om Sri Sai Jnana Swarupaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the manifestation of supreme Wisdom. 77) Om Sri Sai Gita Bodhakaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who teaches us the Celestial Song. 78) Om Sri Sai Jnana Siddhidaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants the attainment of divine Wisdom. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 64

66 79) Om Sri Sai Sundara Rupaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of divine Beauty. 80) Om Sri Sai Punya Purushaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of Purity. 81) Om Sri Sai Phala Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who bestows the fruits of our Karma. 82) Om Sri Sai Purushottamaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Universal Being. 83) Om Sri Sai Purana Purushaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the ever existent One. 84) Om Sri Sai Atitaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Whose Glory transcends the three worlds. 85) Om Sri Sai Kalatitaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is beyond the limits of time. 86) Om Sri Sai Siddhi Rupaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of all accomplishment and perfection. 87) Om Sri Sai Siddha Shankalpaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Whose Will is immediately effective. 88) Om Sri Sai Arogya Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants good health. 89) Om Sri Sai Anna Vastra Daya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants us food and clothing. 90) Om Sri Sai Samsara Dukha Kshayakaraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who abates all suffering in this life. 91) Om Sri Sai Sarvabhishta Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who fulfills all desires. 92) Om Sri Sai Kalyana Gunaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who has excellent and beautiful qualities. 93) Om Sri Sai Karma Dhwamsine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who neutralizes karma. 94) Om Sri Sai Sadhu Maanasa Shobhitaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who shines in the minds of good people. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 65

67 95) Om Sri Sai Sarva Mata Sammataaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who accepts all religions. 96) Om Sri Sai Sadhu Manasa Parishodhakaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who purifies the mind of the spiritual aspirant. 97) Om Sri Sai Sadhakanugraha Vata Vriksha Pratishthapakaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who planted a sacred banyan tree to benefit spiritual seekers. 98) Om Sri Sai Sakala Samshaya Haraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who removes all doubts. 99) Om Sri Sai Sakala Tatva Bodhakaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants the essence of all knowledge. 100) Om Sri Sai Yogishwaraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Path and Fruit of all Yoga. 101) Om Sri Sai Yogindra Vanditaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is revered by the masters of Yoga. 102) Om Sri Sai Sarva Mangalakaraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Cause of all prosperity. 103) Om Sri Sai Sarva Siddhi Pradaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who grants all accomplishment and success. 104) Om Sri Sai Apan Nivaarine Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who prevents misfortune. 105) Om Sri Sai Arthi Haraaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who removes physical and mental distress. 106) Om Sri Sai Shantha Moortaye Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is the Embodiment of Peace. 107) Om Sri Sai Sulabha Prasannaaya Namaha. We surrender to Sai Who is easy to please. 108) Om Sri Sai Sri Bhagawan Sathya Sai Babaya Namaha. We surrender to the most excellent Divine Lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 66

68 INVOCATION/OPENING PRAYERS Sri Gurubhyo Namah Harihi Om Gananam tva Ganapatigm Havamahe Kavim Kavinam Upamasra Vastamam Jyeshtarajam Brahmanam Brahmanaspata Anah Srnvannutibhisida Sadanam Prano Devi Sarasvati vajebhirvajinivati Dhinamavitryavatu Ganesya Namah. Sarasvatyai Namah Sri Gurubhyo Namah Harihi Om I pray to YOU, The Lord of Groups of Demigods who removes obstacles. You are omniscient with complete knowledge, you know more than anybody else. I have come to you, recognising your greatness. You are the emperor. You are Brahma. I have propitiated you with my chanting of adoring hymns. I salute you for the fulfilment of my desires. You are the highest treasure among all treasures. You grant your devotees the treasure of both food and wisdom. We invoke Saraswathi, the goddess of speech. May she be pleased with us and inspire our intelligence to pronounce the hymns properly. May you make our intellect leap into understanding. You are the guardian of thoughts. May you protect our thoughts? Salutations to you O Lord Ganesha. Salutations to you Mother Saraswathi and prostrations you Sri Guru. GAYATHRI PRAYERS Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat O Mother who subsists at all three Kalas (past, present, future), in all three Lokas (Physical, Subtle, Causal) worlds and in all three gunas. (Universal qualities Harmony, Agitation, inertia), I pray to You to illumine my intellect and dispel all darkness. I pray to you to make my Intellect serene and bright Aum Saayeeshvaraaya Vidhmahe Sathya-dhevaaya dheemahi Thannah Sarvah Prachodayaath We know this Sai as supreme divinity incarnate. We meditate on this God of Truth. May this Almighty All-in-all Personality lead us on the path of total liberation. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 67

69 Aum Premaathmanaaya Vidhmahe Hiranyagarbhaaya Dheemahi Thannah Sathyah Prachodayaath Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi We know this embodiment of divine Love, Sathya Sai. We meditate on this Goldenwombed divine personality. May the Truth Incarnate, Shree Sathya Sai, inspire us on the path of liberation? SARVA DHARMA PRAYER Aum Tat Sat Sri Narayana Tu, Purushotthama Guru Tu. Siddha Buddha Tu, Skanda Vinaayaka, Savitha Paavaka Tu. Brahma Mazda Tu, Yahva Shakthi Tu, Esu Pitha Prabhu Tu. Rudra Vishnu Tu, Rama Krishna Tu, Rahim Tao Tu. Vasudeva Go Viswaroopa Tu, Chidaananda Hari Tu. Advitheeya Tu, Akala Nirbhaya Atmalinga Shiva Tu ASATHOMA Asathoma Sad Gamaya Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya Mrithyor Maa Amritham Gamaya Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi From Untruth, Lead us to Truth From Darkness, Lead us to Light From Death, Lead us to Immortality Peace Peace Peace SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 68

70 AARTHI The prayer-song Aarthi is often (but does not have to be) sung at the close of a devotional singing (bhajan) session. The word refers both to the song-prayer and the waving of a camphor flame to a Deity. Aarthi is sung and performed to develop highest love for God and to express devotion. In Hindu temples, one may find Aarthi being sung and performed to various aspects of God, such as Ganesha, Durga, and even the Ganges River. Correspondingly, there are different versions of the Aarthi song. Aarthi is sung and performed at the end of each darshan in Prasanthi Nilayam, while a camphor flame is waved in a slow circle, facing Bhagavan. It has been said that the camphor flame has itself has been endowed by Bhagavan with the value and validity of a grand prayer, the culmination of the hour-long yearning (during the bhajan session) of all devoted hearts. Bhagavan says, "While it is being waved praying: O Lord! Make the allotted span of my life as pure, as fragrant, and as transparent as camphor; let it consume itself in the fire, scattering light and the warmth of love to all around me, and, at the end of it all, let there be nothing left of me (as the camphor leaves no ashes or residue) to render me liable to another sojourn amidst pleasure and pain." As with all rituals, it is not necessary to sing Aarthi and wave the flame. Sai Centre meetings should reflect the culture of the people in the local community as well as its members, and Centre meetings should be such that they are welcoming to members of all religions. External show is not important.... Devotion (bhakti) does not consist of having a photo for worship and giving it Aarthi every day or shouting Baba, Baba. True devotion means that there is a transformation in your behaviour. God is within you, around you, and in you. He is omnipresent. Recognising this truth, you must arrive at the result that you and God are one. Sathya Sai Baba, Summer Showers 1978, chap. 29 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 69

71 Aum Jaya Jagadheesa Harey Swami Sathya Sai Harey Bhaktha Jana Samrakshaka Bhaktha Jana Samrakshaka Parthi Maheshwara Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey Victory to Lord of Universe, Lord Sathya Sai, Who destroys grief, evil and miseries of life and Who guards and protects devotees. Victory to Lord of Lords - Lord of Parthi Sashi Vadhana Sree Karaa Sarva Praana Pathey, Swami Sarva Praana Pathey Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka Aapadh Baandhavaa Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey O Graceful and Charming as a Full Moon! O Auspicious One! O Lord Sai! Thou art the Indweller and life-force of all Beings; the wish- fulfilling Divine creeper to those who have surrendered to Thee; and kinsman, protector and friend in times of distress and calamities. Victory to Lord of Universe. Maatha Pitha Guru Dhaivamu Mari Anthayu Neevey Swami Mari Anthayu Neevey Naadha Brahma Jagan Naatha Naadha Brahma Jagan Naatha Naagendra Shayanaa Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey O Lord Sai! Thou art Mother, Father, Noble Teacher, Supreme Divinity and everything to us. O Lord Universe! Thou art Primeval Sound and art reclined on coiled serpent SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 70

72 Omkaara Roopa Ojaswi O Saayi Mahadeva Sathya Saayi Mahadeva Mangala Aarathi Anduko Mangala Aarathi Anduko Mandhara Giridhari Om Jaya Jagadheesa Harey O Splendorous One! O Lord of Lords - Lord Sai! Thou Form is Pranava. We pray Thee to accept the auspicious waving of flame of light (signifying the removal of ignorance). Victory to Thee, O Lord of Universe, Resident of Mandhar mountain - Lord Giridhari. Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana Narayana Narayana Om Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana Narayana Om Om Jai Sad Guru Devaa Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi Chant the name of Lord Sathya Sai Narayana, Whose Form is Pranava. Victory to Noble Teacher and Supreme Lord Sai, Sathya Sai. PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE May the love we re sharing spread its wings Fly across all worlds and bring New joy to all of Sai s divine creation May all the worlds eternally be happy (x2) May the love we re sharing spread its wings Fly across all worlds and bring New joy to all of Sai s divine creation May all the worlds eternally be happy (x2) May all creation in all the worlds, Realise You SWAMI Samasta Loka Sukhino Bhavantu(x3) Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 71

73 Vibhuti-abhisheka (the silver statue of Shirdi Sai Baba covered with ash): ritual cleaning with ash. Swami did this ceremony (first time in 1940 and last in 1976) to teach the devotees a lesson of detachment: "S'iva burns kama (god of desires) to a heap of ash. Afterwards, S'iva decoreates Himself with that ash and thereto shines as the triumphant on desires. When kama (desire) is destroyed, prema (goddess of love) can rule. Love can only be true and complete when all desire has been given up. There is no greater sacrifice to offer God then the ash, which is the sign of your victory over desire!" The Vibuthi Mantra is chanted 3 times. For reasons of universality, we chant the prayer in English as well. Paramam Pavithram, Baba Vibhuthim Paramam Vichithram, Leela Vibhuthim Param Aartha Ishtaartha Moksha Pradhaanam Baba Vibhuthim Idham Asrayami I take refuge in the supremely sacred Vibhuthi of Lord Baba, the wonderful Vibhuthi, which bestows salvation, the sacred state that I desire to attain. Sacred Ash, Miraculous, Divine Creation. Flowing From His Blessed Hand, Holy Creation. Granting Us His Greatest Wealth, God's Divine Protection. Beloved Baba, Grant Us Liberation SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 72

74 As aspiring devotees, we make mistakes or are distracted from our prayer. We may also chant the mantras, words of a bhajan, slokas or other scriptures incorrectly. For this we need to be humble and ask for forgiveness. For this we chant Kshama Prarthana. Kshama Prarthana Yadaksarapadabhrastam matrahinam tu yad bhavet Tatsarvam ksamyatam deva Narayana namostute Our prostrations to you O'Lord Narayana. Forgive me for all the defects in letter of phrase and for any phonetic aberration that may have occurred in my chanting or recitation. Visaragabindhumatrani padapadaksarani ca Nyunani catiriktani ksmasva saisvara Forgive me, O Saishwara for any defect in my pronounciation of visarga, bindu or intonation of alphabet, word or phrase and any other mistake. Aparadhasaharani kriyante harnisam maya Daso 'yamiti mam matva ksamasva saivara O' Saishwara, considering me as your servant, forgive the thousands of errors committed by me day in day out. Anyatha saranam nasti twameva saranam mama Tasmat karunyabhavena raksa raksa saisvara You are my only refuge for there is none else. Therefore O saishwara protect me compassionately Harih om tat sat sri Saishvararpana namastu May this be offering to Sri Saishwara Om Shanti Shanti Shanti SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 73

75 REGULAR STUDY OF SPIRITUAL LITERATURE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SAI TEACHINGS. This should not be interpreted in a narrow or extreme way that only books about Sai Baba must be studied. Needless to say all Sai aspirants are expected to study the life and teachings of Sai Baba. However, the literature of all the great religions and saints and other spiritual texts should also be part of our reading material. In short Sai' literature should be interpreted as literature that helps provide spiritual awakening and inspiration. Any literature that falls under this category should qualify as Sai literature. The regular study refers, not merely to individual study, but also participation in 'Study Circles' organised by the Centre. Some devotees, feeling that what takes place in a 'Study Circle' is too basic, too simple for them, keep away. Well, if one thinks they know more than others, more the reason to participate fully, and help others to rise to your level of understanding. Some find the study circle too advanced - here again - absorb what you can, up to your ability. If you grasp only one paragraph of what is spoken or read, reflect on it and put it into practice. You benefit more than the person who only listens and perhaps, understands all the words but does not reflect on the meaning or put any of it into practice. Listening or absorbing, reflecting/ digesting and putting into practice the message gained in the study of spiritual literature are the three stages which can assist our spiritual development. It is thus not the quantity of knowledge you absorb, but the quality and the degree you reflect and integrate the message into your life, that is critical. Centre library The maintenance of the library is the responsibility of the Spiritual and Education Coordinator. The following points should be considered: The library contains at least one copy of material published or sold by the Organisation. This includes the Guidelines for the International Sathya Sai Organization and the Operations Manual for Centres and Groups. The Centre can assist you with your subscription to Sanathana Sarathi and other newsletters of the region, country, or zone. A variety of free literature on Sathya Sai Baba and the Centre s programs, including reprints of appropriate articles and discourses can be made available at all study circles. Besides the items mentioned above, the library will assist with important texts of the major religions. The Charter of the organisation requires the Centre to ensure that all reading material is obtained at the lowest possible price in order to defray expenses. This means that the sales of the material should not overshadow or dilute the spiritual atmosphere of the Centre. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 74

76 SPEAK SOFTLY AND LOVINGLY TO EVERYONE The ear fills the head. The head directs the arm and the arm acts. So hear good things; do good things and share good things. That gives joy and contentment. Speak softly, kindly and lovingly; that is Dharma (righteousness). Give generously and wisely. Wipe the tear and assuage the sigh and the groan. Do not simply throw money at the needy give with grace and humility, respect and reverence. Try to live with others harmoniously. Do not judge others by their dress or exterior. Nurturing anger and hatred in your heart is like carrying a pot with many holes for bringing water. Discard anger, hatred, envy and greed. To achieve this, dwell on the Name of the Lord; it will certainly help you. - Divine Discourse, Mar 30, 1965 The UK Sai Centre compiled a write up on this point in the code of conduct and we adapted the writings as it is reflective on all Bhagavan s teachings. A tongue is but three inches long yet it can kill a man six feet high. Learn to speak little and to speak soft. That will reduce the chances of getting angry. Seek the good in others and evil in yourself Speech Swami has said, Through the power of speech (vaak) one can acquire a kingdom of great wealth. Friends and relations can be got through speech. Through speech one gets bound and loses his freedom. Even death is brought about by speech. Speech is the lifeforce of human beings. Speech is the backbone of life. It is all powerful In speech the use of words is charged with tremendous power. Words do not cost anything but they are priceless. So they have to be used with care. They must be employed not for gossip, which are barren, but pure and productive purposes only. The ancients recommended the vow of silence in order to purify speech of its evils. A mind turned inwards towards an inner vision of God and speech turned towards outer vision both will promote spiritual growth and success The Soft Word This code of conduct underwent a slight change during Bhagavan Baba s 60th Birthday. In the original code the words were To speak softly with everyone, it appears many mistook this to mean the Loudness of the voice and neglected the aspect of the Harshness of the voice. Even the words spoken softly can hurt the feeling of the other person as our choice of words may not be Soft but volume may be. Swami has said, Even the snake hisses softly but it is full of poison. On the other hand dog barks loudly on seeing his master but it is full of love. Therefore you must make a point to look into the choice of words you use. Words must be filled with Love as the essence. Swami said, Speak softly, sweetly, without malice in your heart; speak as if you are addressing the Sai who resides in everyone. The speech of enlightened men consists of truth soaked in affection. Gentleness of speech is not pleasant falsehood, but the truth that is spoken by men who are aware of the whole of the law are not misled by dry dogmas; they are full of affection for the person to whom the truth is addressed, and therefore they can find the words that saves truth from harshness. The kindly word and the glad and loving look accompanying a gift is appreciated even more than the gift itself. To give is good. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 75

77 But the sweet manner accompanying the gift touches the heart of the receiver, even more than the good gift itself. The relief of distress consists in the glad face, the welcome look and speech that is marked by genuine consideration for the feelings of the man who is in distress. Tongue can sting You should be very careful before you utter a word. Weigh it, analyse pros and cons of it. Swami reminds us, Be very careful about your speech. Animals have horns, insects have stings, and beasts have claws and fangs. But man s biggest weapon of offence is his tongue. The wounds that his tongue inflicts can scarce be healed; they feaster in the heart for long. They are capable of more damage than even an atom bomb. What about the Body Language? What about the Body Language? What is Body Language? If I move my hand and make certain gestures as I speak, what prompts me to do that? Most of our gestures are done unconsciously. So, perhaps as I speak, my fingers are moving or some other part of my body is moving. The body has a particular language of its own, which is called Body Language. The body creates such gestures and movements because all its actions are governed and controlled by thoughts. Any movement means that some thought that exists in the mind is being expressed. This is an important point; your actions are controlled by, are the result of, your thoughts, both conscious and unconscious. So basically the Body Language is the unspoken communication that goes on in every face-to-face encounter with another human being. It tells you someone s true feelings towards you and how well your words are being received. Between 60-80% of our messages is communicated through our Body Language, only 7-10% is attributable to the actual words of a conversation. When you speak to someone three things are very important to look at: Thoughts behind the words - dominating factor is Thought) Loudness of the voice and choice of words (dominating factor is Word) Body Language (dominating factor is Deed) Thoughts must be filled with Loved Words spoken softly and filled with Love. The body language must demonstrate Love, Care and Respect for the other person. This will give you Harmony amongst Thought, Words and Deeds. Swami has said, Trikarana Shudhhi, Trikarana means Threefold tools. Shudhhi means Purity. Man has three modes or instruments allotted to him by God to develop and demonstrate his uniqueness amongst animals. These Trikarana or Three folded tools are Mind, Speech and Action.. When these are utilised in unison and for beneficial purposes, they promote the progress of man from humanity to Divinity. When they are devalued and damaged and used for fulfilling sensual cravings, humanity is degraded into bestiality. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 76

78 Slip of the Tongue and Four Sins You may not realise that how much Karma you can build up, just by the use of the tongue. Slip of the tongue is the easiest thing to happen. That s why it is called slip of the tongue. It just slips away and utters venom, which causes damage to others and without any doubt to you as well. You say, I did not mean that, it was just the slip of the tongue. But if you look at scientifically, how could you say something that was not in your mind. Definitely you had those feelings or words in mind but you were controlling so far, and here you lost your patience or rather say self-control and have vomited all the venom on the another person. Swami has said, Be always on the alert against the four sins, which the tongue is prone to commit: 1. Speaking falsehood 2. Speaking ill of others 3. Backbiting and 4. Talking too much, attempt to control these tendencies. Swami pointed out, Speak so that your language is as sweet as your feelings are. Make the words true and pleasing. (Sathyam brooyaat; priyam brooyat). But, for the sake of pleasing another do not speak falsehood or exaggerate. Cynicism which leads you to speak about a thing in a carping manner and in order to bring it into disrepute is as bad as flattery which makes you exaggerate and cross the boundaries of truth. Swami has said, If you talk of anything you do not know, it is a matter for ridicule. If you talk about anything you have not experienced, it is reprehensible, for you are cheating your listeners. If you learn the art of public speaking and talk enchantingly using all the skills and frills recommended in the textbooks or borrowed from others, it is cheating, nevertheless. Be sincere; be simple, be honest. That is the best recipe for successful speaking. But that person was speaking rudely to me then, why should I not react? This is the normal question people ask in day to day life. Why should I speak softly and lovingly when the other person is so rude to me, I also get angry? Swami has said, Tongue is a tool that you can use in order to give vent to your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, your desires, your prayers, your joys, your sorrows. If you are angry, you use it to speak out harsh words very loudly. If you are pleased, you use it to speak soft words in a low pleasant voice. I want you to use your tongue only for your good and the good of others. If you speak harshly to another he too talks loud and harsh; angry words cause more angry words. But, if you use soft and sweet word, when another is angry towards you, he will calm down, he will be sorry that he used his tongue in that way. From where do the words come from? A number of times, you end up saying something very nasty and rude to somebody and later on realise that you should not have said that so. Well, you might be apologising to the person later on too. But sometime it is too late and the damage is not repairable. If you think it over, from where did those words which you did not intend to say and which hurt someone come from? You would find that the words were formed in your mind first and then expressed outwards. The question then is what is the mind? Swami says, Mind is a bundle of thoughts. The thought was formed in the Mind first which was expressed as words; the words were impregnated with negative feelings. You might wonder, I have said that, however, I am not like that; I never think like that, then why SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 77

79 did I say that? Obviously it has come out of you so it was formed in you, that s sure. Then who formed such thoughts? Thoughts are formed from whatever goes into your Mind. Who feeds the Mind? The answer is the senses: What do you see through the eyes? What do you hear from ears? What do you smell through your nose? What do you touch through your hands? The entire intake of the body affects the mind. If the intake is impure, then the impure thoughts are bound to arise one day. Hence, bad words. So what do you need to do? Purify the intake to the body. Also just think before saying anything. Just give yourself a fraction of a minute to analyse whether the words you intend to say must be said or not. We need control over the tongue. Swami has said, It is essential to keep the tongue under control. The manner in which the tongue is employed determines one s fame or ignominy. The tongue determines your friendship and relationships The tell-tale tongue Swami says, You must speak soft and sweet words to everyone. Do you like the voice of the crow? No. You drive the crow away when it starts to cave, its speech is harsh, and it is too loud for your ears. You must have heard the kokil, the cuckoo, haven t you? That bird looks very much like the crow-, it grows in the nest of the crow, with the baby crows, it is fed by the mother crow, along with her own kids. But, no one will throw a stone at a Kokil. Everyone likes to hear its sweet voice. Speak soft and sweet; then, everyone will like you. The eye sees; the ear hears; the nose smells; the skin tells you if a thing is hard or smooth. The tongue tastes. These five are called Indhriyas (senses). Each of these five does one job, and is fit to do only that one job. The eye cannot hear or smell or taste; the ear cannot see or smell or taste or tell you if a thing is smooth or hard to the touch Two big jobs God has given to the tongue This is not true of the tongue, for it can do two jobs, and not one. And both the jobs that God has given to the tongue are big jobs. Just think for some time about the first job tasting! If a thing tastes bad, you do not like to eat it. Of course, if you are ill, you have to take the drug, even though the tongue says that it tastes bad. So, you should not spit out all things that taste bitter. Some of those things help to cure your illness quickly and well. Remember another fact also; if a thing tastes nice, it may not be good for your health. The tongue tells you that a thing tastes bitter or sweet, or saltish. It cannot tell you whether a thing is good for you or bad, so, you must take care not to eat too much and spoil your health. When the body is ill, the mind too becomes weak, and the brain cannot work properly. Now about the second job that the tongue is given speech. It is a tool that you can use in order to give vent to your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, your desires, your prayers, your joys, your sorrows. If you are angry, you use it to speak out harsh words very loudly. If you are pleased, you use it to speak soft words in a low pleasant voice. Want you to use your tongue only for your good and the good of others. If you speak harshly to another he too talks loud and harsh; angry words cause more angry words. But, if you use soft and sweet words when another is angry towards you, he will calm down, he will be sorry that he used his tongue in that way. Do not shout, do not talk longer than necessary, do not talk when there is no need to talk; when you speak to someone or some group of friends, raise your voice to the pitch that SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 78

80 is just right for the listener or listeners and not more. Why should you waste your energy to talk louder and longer than necessary? Doctor s advice Just look into day to day life. Whenever you are sick, the doctors will advise not to speak too much. Why? Because! you need to conserve energy to recover. Excessive talking drains your energy, especially when the talk is not directed towards the right direction. Swami has said, Excessive talking must also be avoided as it is a waste of energy. When one gets weak due to wastage of energy, he is prone to get angry and develop hatred you must therefore, use the God given energy for good purposes. Energy is divine gift. By curtailing unnecessary talk and keeping silent, you can conserve energy. Talk less and work more is the golden rule to be adopted The Dual Power of the Tongue Each sense organ given to human beings has one particular use, but the tongue is endowed with dual power. It has both the power of speech and the power of taste. In the Gita, the Lord cautions you to be very careful in using your tongue. He praises the devotee who has attained complete control over the tongue, for such a person, one will soon develop a pure and steady heart and feel the constant presence of the Lord. To gain such control, devotees have been practising a number of special disciplines, such as observing silence, controlling their diet, or maintaining a complete fast. Fasting promotes health for the physical body. In the mental realm it gives joy and bliss. Unlimited and unregulated food is very harmful for devotees. Indulging indiscriminately in unwholesome foods is likely to lead the devotee into the torpidity of inertia. To think that you can go on indulging yourself in food, while at the same time trying to please God and enjoy the nearness of God, is extremely foolish. These two, indulging in food and gaining the nearness of God, are not compatible. Therefore, right from the beginning you must make a determined effort to keep the tongue under control. Once you gain mastery over the tongue, the other sense organs will automatically come under control. Restrain the Tongue from Food and Speech One of the most important disciplines necessary for coming into union with God is control of the tongue. This must be exercised both in the area of food and in the area of speech. Without control of the tongue it is impossible to follow the path of devotion and become one with God. How to maintain control over tongue? Swami has said, If you want to gain control over the food that you take in, you should not go on feeding the tongue whatever it desires. You have to develop discrimination. In every activity of life you have to apply your discriminating faculties to determine if what you are doing will benefit you spiritually. In the area of food, you have to explore and find out whether the food you take in is pure, or if it inflames the senses and passions, or if it is of a dull, unhealthy quality that produces a sleepy slothful reaction. According to the Gita, maintaining control over the tongue by taking in pure food in limited quantities is absolutely essential for the devotee. Use your power of discrimination with every item of food and ask the question, Is this food pure, or will it disturb or lower my SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 79

81 consciousness? If you were to examine every item of food you use in this way, and take food in judiciously, you would always remain equal- minded. You would not be affected by censure or praise. But, if you were to indulge in food without discrimination, without trying to find out whether it was desirable or not, paying attention only to satisfying your hunger and catering to your taste buds you would not be able to control your attachments and feelings. You would sink down into weakness. If someone were to make adverse comments about you, you would soon conclude that the whole world was against you and you would feel depressed. The moment you were criticised or blamed by anyone your happiness would go, you would become grief stricken and regard all of life as meaningless. On the other hand, if anyone were to praise you and appreciate you, you would start bloating up with ego and pride. It would be practically impossible to hold you down. What is the reason for such instability? The single most important reason for these weaknesses is the type of food you take in. All these adverse feelings come about because of your lack of control and discrimination in the area of food. The Gita has emphasised the need for exercising extreme care in selecting the food you eat. You must constantly keep in mind the importance of pure food for helping you to maintain equanimity in all situations, so that you become neither elated when praise is showered, nor depressed when criticism is heaped upon you Today s devotees have imposed on themselves all sorts of rules and regulations in order to live a disciplined spiritual life. Unfortunately, these have not been effective in gaining control over the tongue. Truly speaking, it is not necessary to make such strenuous efforts to control the various sense organs. If the tongue is properly controlled all the other sense organs will come in line by themselves. Because people have not been able to gain control over the tongue, they are afflicted with numerous doubts, emotional turmoil, contradictions and confusion. Control of the tongue refers not only to food but also to speech. You must recognise that there is nothing more powerful than the power of words. For this reason, you must keep your talk strictly under control. In life, you can observe that even for little things a number of sacrifices have to be made. You cannot get anything without paying for it. You are prepared to sacrifice even your own life to obtain some small, petty, useless things. But, you are not seeking that which is exceedingly important, that which includes all other things and is the very basis of everything worthwhile. That greatest of all treasures is the immortal self only when you give up one thing can you get another in its place. Should you not then give up everything else; for the sake of, gaining this most important and most valuable of all possessions? Should you not sacrifice everything for the sake of reaching your highest self? In the market place, if you want some vegetables you will have to give some money in exchange. Without offering to pay, and thereby sacrificing some of your money, you will not be able to get those vegetables. By giving up one thing you can then acquire another. In the same way, if you want to acquire virtues, you will have to give up your bad qualities. Only by sacrificing your likes and dislikes can you obtain equal mindedness. Only by sacrificing your bad qualities can you attain the noble qualities. Only by giving up your bad thoughts, bad habits and bad behaviour can you possibly achieve good thoughts, good habits and good behaviour. Many sages have described SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 80

82 how the tongue always longs to enjoy good things, and how everything will be easy once you can gain control over it. The principal way of exercising this control is by observing silence. Silence does not merely refer to restraint of the tongue. Not only should you exercise silence in speech but you should also be silent in thoughts. Your mind should remain free of all thoughts. That is true silence. Use the tongue for your good and good of others Never use foul words against another. Such words should not rise from your tongue, nor should they enter the ear of the others. Remember that there is God inside your heart, as well as in the hearts of all rest. He hears and sees all things. Do you not say? My head, my hands, my eye, my mind, my idea. Now, who is this I, that one who owns the body, the mind, and the brain? That I is the spark of God that is in you. That spark is in every one. So, when you use harsh, cruel, angry and foul words against another the God in you and the God in the other person is hurt. The tongue is a tool, as 1 said. You can harm yourself and harm others with it. So, be very careful; use it only for your good and for the good of others. If you use it for talking kind words, for repeating the Name of God or singing His Glory, or praying to Him then, it is put to the best use. I shall tell you something more about the tongue. You can learn much by watching the tongue. It stays in its own home and seldom comes out of its doorstep. It keeps quietly indoors; it knows its limits; it has no desire to wander or roam about. This is a lesson you should learn from it. Make yourself busy and useful at home; help your parents and brothers and sisters; do not run out into the street and move place to place, without aim or purpose. Do not rush into the homes of others and disturb them. The tongue never goes into another mouth; it remains inside its own home. It is not proper to leave one s home and waste time, standing or sitting idly, gazing at all those who pass by. You must earn a good name, at home and at school, by your strict mode of life. Always respect another s opinion Sometimes you do not agree with the other person s point of view. That does not mean that another person is wrong, he might be seeing the situation from another point of view. That does not give you the authority to start growling at him. You do not have to be rude, even by your body language. Be polite, be soft, be humble, and loving at all times. May be that is the challenge for you to be humble in difficult circumstances. Always respect another s opinion and another s point of view. Do not start a quarrel at the slightest difference in opinion. He may be right and you may be wrong. Ponder over his argument; he might have had the advantage of knowing more about the subject, or you may be prejudiced either for or against; or he may not know as much as you do. Every instance of difference of opinion does not indicate personal hatred, remember Watch around you to avoid accidents Do you know of another lesson that the tongue is trying to teach you? Watch your tongue when you are reading aloud or talking to someone. It moves quickly from one side to another. It moves forward and back, in order that the breath can come out as different sounds. And, when you are eating your lunch or dinner, the tongue has to move about pretty quickly. Have you noticed that during all this time, the tongue has to be very careful not to come between the teeth? There are 32 of them, all around the tiny home, with sharp edges like swords, which may cut into the soft thick tongue and SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 81

83 wound it, causing it to bleed. Yet, see how skilfully, how cleverly, the tongue moves inside the mouth, escaping the 16 pairs of merciless soldiers that are looking out to wound it! You must also watch all round you, so as to avoid dangers and accidents. Do not fall into bad company, do not be led into bad habits, and do not bring a bad name to your parents or your school. We can learn another lesson, too, from the tongue. The tongue has no greed; it does not keep anything for itself. It does not store anything secretly, away from others hand, so that it can have it all for itself. If a thing is good, the tongue sends it down the throat and to the stomach; if a thing is bad, bitter or rotten, it sends it out, beyond the lips, as vomit! It has no urge to have anything for itself. It serves others; it puts its own needs last. It does not even keep a trace of the things that pass over it, on the way out or in. It may be oil or ghee (butter), cream or jam; the tongue is as clean as before. It has no likes or dislikes; you must also give up greediness. Do not get too fond of anyone or anything. Do all your duties well; give full joy to your parents and teachers? Help all as much as you can. But, learn also to keep quiet for some time every day, and be calm when something happens in the way you do not like. Accountable for your Words At end of the day, you would be accountable for the words you utter from your own lips. If you say good words, good words will come back to you and if you utter bad words, bad words will come back to you as a reaction. As said in Christianity, But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. Speak lovingly and become free in this very life In the material world, every pie [cent] of money counts. In the subtle world, every ounce of energy counts. In the mental world, every force of thought counts. In the beyond state, only God counts, and in the realm of the God- Man, everything counts as nothing and nothing counts as everything. God does not listen to the language of the tongue which consists of japa, zikr and mantras. He does not listen to the language of the mind which consists of thoughts about God through meditation and concentration. He listens only to the language of the heart which is Love. So love God and become free in this very life. This love can be expressed in various ways, ultimately resulting in Union with God. The practical way for the common man to express this love, while attending to every-day life s duties, is to speak lovingly, think lovingly and act lovingly toward all mankind, irrespective of caste, creed and position, taking God to be present in each and every one. Swami has said, You have to practise speaking sweetly and softly and avoid unnecessary connections and relationships with all and sundry. The easiest Sadhana is to reflect on God with love that is expanding and embracing one and all. It is the only way to realise the Divine I did not mean to say that, I am sorry. This is a call for change - learn to organise yourself. You know that you should always speak softly and lovingly. But at times you get emotionally out of control; you say things that you do not really mean. Later you feel sorry, but what prompted you to say that negative thing in the first place? You need to understand what prompted you to SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 82

84 become wild and to have that emotional outburst. You never really want to hurt anybody, so then you apologise but the next day you repeat the same behaviour, because you do not understand your own emotions and from where your behaviour arises. This does not mean that you are a bad person or have ugliness inside you. But it means that you have not yet learned to organise, direct and lead that great emotional power. Someone who knows how to lead and direct his or her emotional power can attain in a short time, the same height of ecstasy as that achieved by a yogi, who does intense practices for many years to attain oneness with God. Both processes are the same, provided you know how to canalise your emotions and have learned how to go beyond the delusion created by your own mind and its thinking process. Counsel Yourself How to begin to counsel yourself? You cannot see an external counsellor or therapist every day to solve your problems. First you should learn to observe and understand something about yourself. One important question is, Is my first thought good or badis it clear or clouded? Sometimes your initial thought is very helpful and if you follow it, you are successful. Sometime, if you think twice, and then do what your second thought suggests, that is better. You need to learn for yourself, is your first thought a guiding thought or not? Does your second thought guide you more clearly, and does your third thought lead you to confusion or to clarity? This is something you should learn about yourself by observing how your mind operates while self-counselling and to know when you should trust the advice of your mind. You may appreciate the benefits of daily meditation, as discussed in the first point of Nine points Code of Conduct. If you meditate regularly some control over thoughts will definitely come, and hence speech as well. Swami has said, Do not listen to your body, do not listen to your mind, but listen to your inner consciousness. By self-counselling you will start listening to your inner voice soon. Purify your Speech Speech can be purified by constant and regular practice of Namasmarana (chanting the name of the Lord). Swami has said, The tongue must be sanctified by the repetition of the Lord s Name. It has also to use sweet expressions which will spread contentment and joy. Be very careful about your speech. Man s biggest weapon of offence is his tongue. The wounds that his tongue inflicts will leave behind scars that can t be healed; they fester in the heart for long. They are capable of more damage than even an atom bomb Learn from everyday life Have you ever worked as a Customer Service Officer, Telephone Operator, a Receptionist or a Telemarketing operator? Consider a situation where you have an urgent phone call to make oversees and you are not getting the line. What would you do? Probably you will ring International Subscribers Dialling Operator and ask for some help. However, how would you feel if the operator didn t respond to you in a pleasant manner? You would have already been dejected and frustrated with not getting through the phone line; on top of that the operator wasn t even speaking politely to you. By the way, why do you expect the operator to speak politely to you anyway? What is politeness? Politeness is the concern for the feelings of others. Some people SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 83

85 may call it Telephone Manners. There are three important aspects to good manners that we use today: custom, consideration, and common sense. Custom is the habit of doing certain things like shaking hands and tipping bats mentioned above. Consideration is the most important idea behind all good manners. Almost always, being considerate is being well mannered. Consideration is simply thinking about the way the other person feels. Being rude to someone is a bad manner, not because a book says so, but because it causes feelings of hurt. Nearly all good manners have an element of common sense. If you are standing in the rear of a crowded elevator, it s neither reasonable nor good manners to try pushing your way to the front so you can get out first. These are the basic ideas we want to teach our children when we are trying to instil good manners i.e. simple kindness, consideration, and common sense. The following suggestions written for and directed to children may give some added authority in the matter of what is common courtesy and what is not. There are three things which are immensely pleasing to the Lord: 1. A tongue that never indulges in falsehood. 2. A body that is not tainted by causing harm to others. 3. A mind that is free from attachment and hatred. These three constitute the Triple Purity (Thrikama Suddhi). Refrain from uttering falsehood, inflicting pain on others and entertaining ill-will on others. Practice silence as a means of preventing the tongue from straying away from truth. Practice Silence and the Value of Silence Silence does not mean merely the abstinence from talking. It really demands silence of the mind, of the speech and of the body in order to attain the state of total and perfect stillness. Silence protects one from a slip of the tongue, which is often dangerous than a slip of the leg. The injury caused by the latter can be cured, whereas the damage done by the former is often irretrievable. Excessive talking leads to premature ageing and loss of memory, while silence improves both of them. Silence helps in giving relaxation, rest and even healing power to the body and the mind. It is the speech of the spiritual seeker and is the only language of the matured one. He, who has reached stillness and silence, will enjoy the highest peace and highest blessing. Silence contributes to a productive life, as evidenced from the busy honeybee, when it sucks honey silently from the flowers. More importantly, constant practice of silence eventually leads to concentration and peace of mind in the midst of intense activity or even in turmoil. Silence is favoured by Him, while assigning only one tongue to two work functions (of talking and tasting), as against two ears to a single work function of hearing. Also, in order to remind of the adage, Talk less and hear more, the tongue is enclosed with two lids-the row of teeth and the lips-as against the ears without lids. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 84

86 Silence develops the quality to speak softly, obligingly, sweetly and lovingly. It cultivates the habit to speak the truth and the pleasant. It educates to speak neither unpleasant truth nor pleasant untruth. The combination of inner silence with outer activity will result in the happy consummation of the synthesis of work, worship and wisdom. Silence begins the art of communication. Learn to live in silence for some moments every day. It is because through silence, God can speak to you and the guru (teacher) can discharge the world wide knowledge onto you. Silence is divine. Source of Quotes Used in this Section Sathya Sai Baba: Sanathan Sarathi, August 1994, p 197, Sai Vandana, 1990, Sathya Sai Speaks, vol 4, p322, Sathya Sai Speaks, vol 4, p322, Sathya Sai Speaks, vol 4, p55 Thiru Kural - The Great Book Of Tiru-Valluvar The art of Joyful Living, Swami Rama, p 67 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 85

87 NOT INDULGING IN TALKING ILL OF OTHERS ESPECIALLY IN THEIR ABSENCE. DUTY What exactly is your duty? Let me summarise it for you. First, tend your parents with love and reverence and gratitude. Second, speak the truth and act virtuously. Third, whenever you have a few moments to spare, repeat the name of the Lord, with the form in your mind. Fourth, never indulge in talking ill of others or try to discover faults in others. And, finally, do not cause pain to others, in any form. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sadhana [The Inward Path, p65] Backbiting, character assassination, falsehood about another, trying to belittle or bring down the esteem of one in the eyes of the other, is a deadly cancer that has destroyed many groups, even great movements and. most certainly must be considered an anathema to any spiritual body. Here the talking ill or finding faults should not be mistaken as being blind to the genuine faults or mistakes of others. It means simply that we must be totally conscious of our motive should it be necessary to talk about the faults of others. To say that it is a sin to talk about others in their absence would be to make every living person a sinner. We always talk of others - this is inevitable. What then is this injunction? It simply means that if we do talk about others, than it should only be in a genuine positive manner where we want to help, to improve and elevate not to degrade and condemn. Sathya Sai Baba has said this is wrong If anyone starts talking ill of others, go away from that place without lending your ears to such evil talk. [Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 27, p. 95] The following are excerpts from Bhagavan s discourse given in the 2008 Convocation Lack of unity among the people is the root cause for the present state of affairs in Bharat. There is no unity in the family, in society, and in the country. Where there is unity, there will be purity, where there is purity, there divinity shall be. What is required today is unity, purity, and divinity. Scientists today are inventing several things. A double-decker aeroplane is being flown in the sky. However, along with the great advances made in science and technology, loss of the quality of human life is also on a large scale. This was not the case in earlier times. Several people used to live together under one roof, with peace and happiness. There was no fear complex at all! But, today, the fear complex is all pervading. Wherefrom did this fear come? It is due to lack of self-confidence. People have no faith in their inner Self. It is said, Naayamatma balaheenena labhyah (Atmic consciousness is not for the weak minded). People have developed faith in everything in this world, but not in their own Self. Where there is self-confidence, there will be self-satisfaction; SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 86

88 where there is self-satisfaction, there will be self-sacrifice; where there is self-sacrifice, and there will be self-realisation. Some people question Where is God? The answer is very simple. Everyone themself is God, you are God, verily. The Vedas declare, Chandrama manaso jaathah; chaksho surya ajaayatha (the moon was born out of the mind and the sun out of the eyes of the Supreme Being). The real strength comes from our own inner self. This strength is unparalleled. In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not know his true Self and a mean-minded person will not give up their evil qualities. Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to total wisdom. What is the use of acquiring education that cannot lead you to immortality? Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal. (Telugu poem) Parents are sacred. The Bharatiya culture exhorts people Mathrudevobhava! Pithrudevobhava! Father is God; mother is God. Every human being is an embodiment of God. In fact, the entire creation is God. Unable to realise this great Truth, we say this person is my enemy, he ill-treated me, and develop hatred against that person. As you think, so it will be, (yad bhavam thad bhavathi) love begets love and hatred begets hatred. It is common to help those who help you. But it is only Sai who is gracious enough to help those that try to cause harm to Him, ignoring their own faults. You must love even those who harm you. That is real humanness. You must develop such a human quality. Whomever you come across, treat him as an embodiment of Divinity. It is said, Daivam manusha rupena (God is in human form). You may observe the picture of any form of God, there God is portrayed in the human form. Rama, Krishna or any other deity all are in human forms only. You may relate to God in different forms and names; but all are embodiments of Divine Self. The Atma Tathwa is the same in all human beings, irrespective of names and forms. It is said, Ekatma sarva bhuthantharatma (One Atma resides as the Indweller in all living beings). One has to cultivate such noble feelings right from the childhood. You may think it is a difficult task. No; there is nothing easier than this feeling of equality. Suppose a person whom you consider as an enemy is approaching you; you offer your pranams to him and enquire, Hello, how are you, brother? Immediately the other man will respond saying, How are you brother? He will not get angry. Why? Since you called him brother, he will also treat you in the same way. It is in your language that either love and faith or enmity and distrust in the other person are displayed. You must rise to a level where you will be able to visualise the same Atma Tathwa in all. Then you will truly become Divyatma Swarupa (embodiment of the Divine Self). You must consider, I am a Divyatma Swarupa. All these different forms of human beings are only my reflections. I am able to see myself in these bodies, which are like mirrors. People crave for peace and undertake several spiritual practices for the purpose. But they don t find peace anywhere. Wherever you look, there are only pieces in the outside world. But, once they direct their vision inward, they will be able to find peace SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 87

89 there. The peace within is manifesting outside. Only such a person with inner vision can be called a human being in the real sense. Animals, however, have no such inner vision and discriminatory intellect. They therefore display cruelty. You are not an animal. You are a human being. Hence, lead a life befitting that of a human being. You say that you are a human being, but you live the life of a cruel animal. How then can you be called a human being? Live like a real human being. Get rid of animal qualities like kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), mada (pride), and matsarya (hatred and envy). Do not hate anybody. I have no anger against anyone till date. That is why all people love ME. I have only one quality: love toward all. Hence, even if I go to a forest, people will follow ME to that place. It is only MY love that draws all people to ME. Yet, some people develop antipathy towards ME. It is not MY fault, but their imagination. People wonder how Swami is so divinely peaceful and is able to interact with so many people day in and day out. In fact, peace is natural to ME. I always smile and put up a serene countenance. I can never put up a castor oil face. I am always happy and smiling. I exhort you also to be so. When you all are happy, I am happy. Your happiness is MY happiness. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 88

90 PUTTING INTO PRACTICE A CEILING ON DESIRES PROGRAMME AND UTILISING SAVINGS GENERATED FOR THE SERVICE OF MANKIND. Not only should you curb your desires, and set aside the savings thus gained to serve the poor, all aspirants along the spiritual path should put a rein on growing desires, within an increasingly materialistic, uncaring, and wasteful and obsolescence oriented society. Sai Baba unearthing once again the message of all great religions has called upon all people who want to have a measure of peace and contentment in their lives to place a 'Ceiling on Desires'... a ceiling on Food, Energy, Time and Money. In summary the Divine call is as follows: Do not waste Food... do not overindulge in food. Do not waste Energy... electricity, water, your own energy, (too much talking, anger, jealousy and other negative expressions are equally a waste of Divine energy). Do not waste Time... and whatever genuine knowledge you have, use it well. Do not waste Money SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 89

91 PRAYERS AND OTHER MANTRA S FOR CHANTING Part of the Saithree is the Gayathri chanted in the middle of the day paying obeisance to Bhagavan as the Lord of the Sun. Aum Shree Bhaaskaraaya Vidmahe Saayi-dheyvaaya dheemahi Thannah Suurya Prachodayaath We know this self, shining entity. We meditate on this divinity as Sai Surya. May this divine light enlighten us on the path of liberation? FOOD PRAYER This prayer is said before each meal in the three canteens/cafeterias at Prasanthi Nilayam. The two verses are from the Bhagavad Gita: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter IV, verse 24 and Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XV, verse 14. Swami's explanation of this prayer We should part-take food with a satwic (pure, serene) mind. Our ancestors recommended the offering of food to God before partaking. Food so partaken becomes Prasad (consecrated offering). Prayer cleanses the food of the three impurities caused by the absence of cleanliness of the vessel, cleanliness of the food stuff, and cleanliness in the process of cooking. It is necessary to get rid of these three impurities to purify the food, for pure food goes into the making of a pure mind. It is not possible to ensure the purity of the cooking process because we do not know what thoughts rage in the mind of the man who prepares the food. Similarly, we cannot ensure the cleanliness of the food ingredients because we do not know whether it was acquired in a righteous way by the person who sold it to us. Hence, it is essential on our part to offer food to God in the form of prayer so that these three impurities do not afflict our mind. The prayer: Brahmaarpanam Brahma Havir Brahmaagnau Brahmanaa Hutam Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahma Karma Samaadhinaha The whole creation being the gross projection of Brahman, the Cosmic Consciousness itself; the food too is Brahman, the process of offering it is Brahman; it is being offered in the fire of Brahman. He who thus sees that Brahman is action reaches Brahman alone. Aham Vaishvaanaro Bhutva Praaninaam Dehamaashritha Praanaapaana Samaa Yuktha Pachaamyannam Chatur Vidam SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 90

92 I, the Supreme Spirit, abiding in the body of living beings as the Fire (Vaiswanara) in their stomach I am associated with their Praana and Apaana, digest the four type of foods (solids, fluids, semi-fluid and liquid) which they eat. A PRAYER TO MOTHER (A prayer to Mother written by Sri Sathya Sai Baba) Mother Sai, We are children within Thy womb, As the Mother lovingly bears the hammerings of the embryo, Thou too, in Thy Supreme Patience and Compassion, dost put up with the painful knocks we give Thee by our misdeeds. Thou art the Mother cheerfully doing everything only for our sake, Thy children. As Mother Durga, Thou dost drive away our difficulties and protect us; As Mother Saraswathy, endowest us with wisdom; As Mother Lakshmi, givest us the treasure of wealth in correct measure; As Mother Annapoorna, fondly dost feed us Even without our entreaties, children what we are, Thou will bless us of thy own accord, with the right things at the right time. However, for our own satisfaction we pray. Pray, feed us with the dishes of devotion for the heart, and victual of wisdom for the brain. Grant us the vision that Thou art the one power immanent everywhere in everything. MORNING PRAYERS Oh Lord I am now born from a womb of sleep I am determined to carry out all tasks of this day as offerings to thee with thee ever present before my mind s eye Let no one inflict pain on me Let me not inflict pain on anyone Guide, guard and direct me on this day EVENING PRAYERS Oh Lord the tasks of this day whose burden I placed on you this morning are over. It was you who made me walk, talk and think and act; I therefore place at thy feet all my words thoughts and deeds. My task is done. Receive me I am coming back to you Sri Sathya Sai Baba, SSS, 2 p. 71 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 91

93 DEAR FATHER MINE Hoping You'll guide me- This day or the day after- I await your call from day to day. Hoping You'll give darshan but afraid you may not, I'm all alert from hour to hour. Hoping You'll come to me straight This very instant I'm watching and praying ever anon. Hoping You'll smile at me at last, though not at first, I'm longingly gazing with thirsty eyes. I shall stand and stay, in deep distress until my day of bliss does dawn I am Yours, Your own, though exiled far. Dear Father mine! Do heal Your child. Prayer written by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and given to Prof. Kasturi, November 23, 1962 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 92

94 I FIRMLY BELIEVE I firmly believe there is none kinder than You, to shower Grace on me. Tell me, is this not the reason why I am at your Lotus Feet? I firmly believe You will respond quick when I do pray and plead. Tell me, is this the reason why I am crying aloud for you? I firmly believe You are ever beside me to guide my steps aright. Tell me, is this not the reason why I am yours thro' day and night. I firmly believe You can never say 'No' Whatever I ask from You. Tell me, is this the reason why I long for a glance from You? What have you designed for me this time? Why this dire delay to offer boons? However long you make me wait and wail I will not leave, I'll be standing still Until your loving eyes do turn on me. Prayer written by Baba and given to Kasturi, New Year's Day, 1960 O LORD, TAKE MY LOVE This is a prayer written by Sai Baba for the students. O Lord, take my love, and let it flow in fullness of devotion to Thee; O Lord, take my hands, and let them work incessantly for Thee; O Lord, take my soul, and let it be merged in One with Thee; O Lord, take my mind and thoughts, and let them be in tune with Thee; O Lord, take my everything, and let me be an instrument to work for Thee. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 93

95 PRAYER OF SURRENDER Why get agitated? Let Me take care of all your business. I shall be the one who will think about them. I am waiting for nothing else than your surrender to Me, and then you do not have to worry any more about anything. Say farewell to all fears and discouragement. You demonstrate that you do not trust Me. On the contrary, you must rely blindly on Me. To surrender means: To turn your thoughts away from troubles, to turn them away from difficulties you encounter and from all your problems. Leave everything into My hands saying "Lord, Thy will be done. Thou think of it." That is to say: "Lord I thank you for you have taken everything in your hands, and you will resolve this for my highest good." Remember that thinking of the consequences of a thing is contrary to surrender. That is to say, when you worry that a situation has not had the desired outcome, you thus demonstrate that you do not believe in My love for you. You will prove that you do not consider your life to be under My control and that nothing escapes Me. Never think: How is this to end?... What is going to happen? If you give into this temptation, you demonstrate that you do not trust Me. Do you want Me to deal with it...yes or no? Then you must stop being anxious about it! I shall guide you only if you completely surrender to Me and when I must lead you into a different path than the one that you expect, I carry you in My arms. What seriously upsets you is your reasoning, your worrying, your obsession, your will to provide for yourselves at any price. I can do so many things when the being, as much in his material necessities as in his spiritual ones, turns to Me saying: "You think of it." then he closes his eyes and rests quietly. You will receive a lot but only when your prayer will rely fully upon Me. You pray to Me when in pain so that I intervene, but in the way you desire it. You do not rely on Me, but you want Me to adjust your requests. Don't behave like sick ones who ask a treatment to the doctor, all the time suggesting it to him. Do not do that; but rather, even in sad circumstances, say: "Lord I praise and thank You for this problem, for this necessity. I pray You to arrange things as You please for this terrestrial and temporal life. You know very well what is best for me." Sometimes you feel that disasters increase instead of diminish. Do not get agitated. Close your eyes and tell me with faith: "Thy will be done. You think of it." And when you speak thus, I accomplish a miracle when necessary. I only think of it when you trust me totally. I always think of you, but I can only help you completely when you rely fully on Me. Sathya Sai Baba SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 94

96 THUS I AM BORN This is a prayer written by Sai Baba. He says to Rise every day, sit on the bed, and says this prayer before starting the day. Then remember this pledge throughout the day: Thus I am born Make me speak soft, sweet words; Make me behave comfortingly to all; Let me do deeds that shower happiness on all, And form ideas in my mind that are beneficial to all. May this day be made worthwhile by thy service. - Sathya Sai Baba WILL YOU, O LORD, LET GO THE HOLD? Will you, my Lord, let go the hold? You will not, you will not, You will not let go, However bad I be. Will you my Lord, let me waste my years? You will not, you will not, You will not let me waste, However dull I be. Will you my Lord, let me run to ruin? You will not, you will not, You will not let me run, However wayward I be. Will you my Lord let me escape Your eye? You will not, you will not, You will not let me escape, However wanton I be. You cannot but rush to rescue Your own, You cannot delay for weighing pro and con; You cannot stay unconcerned when we weep; You cannot but respond to the prayers of the poor. Prayer written by Baba and given to Kasturi, New Year's Day, 1959 SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 95

97 UNIVERSAL PRAYER O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love! Salutations and prostrations unto Thee. Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. Thou art the Indweller of all beings. Grant us an understanding heart, Equal vision, balanced mind, Faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength To resist temptations and to control the mind. Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy. Fill our hearts with divine virtues. Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever Remember Thee. Let us ever Sing Thy Glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever. Let There be Peace in our Homes Let There be Peace in our Community May we all live as brothers and sisters in this beautiful Land of ours. Bless us All Dear Lord! CHRISTIAN PRAYER Our Father who art in Heaven Hallowed be Thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done On Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory Forever and ever Amen SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 96

98 BUDDHIST PRAYER Buddham Saranam Gachchami (I beseech the blessings of the Enlightened One.) Sangham Saranam Gachchami (I beseech the company of the virtuous.) Dharmam Saranam Gachchami (I beseech the guidance of righteous acts) The Mani mantra; is the most widely used of all Buddhist mantras, and open to anyone who feels inspired to practice it -- it does not require prior initiation by a lama (meditation master). The six syllables of the mantra, as it is often pronounced by Tibetans -- Om Mani Padme Hum Reading from left to right the syllables are: Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum (ohm) (mah) (nee) (pahd) (may) (hum) It is very good to recite the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast. The first, OM, is composed of three pure letters, A, U, and M. These symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha. Can impure body, speech and mind be transformed into pure body, speech and mind, or are they entirely separate? All Buddhas are cases of being who were like ourselves and then in dependence on the path became enlightened; Buddhism does not assert that there is anyone who from the beginning is free from faults and possesses all good qualities. The six syllables, OM MANI PADME HUM, mean that in dependence on the practice which is in indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech and mind into the pure body, speech, and mind of a Buddha. It is said that you should not seek for Buddhahood outside of yourself; the substances for the achievement of Buddhahood are within. As Maitreya says in his SUBLIME CONTINUUM OF GREAT VEHICLE (UTTARA TANTRA) all beings naturally have the Buddha nature in their own continuum. We have within us the seed of purity, the essence of a One Gone Thus (TATHAGATAGARBHA) that is to be transformed and full developed into Buddhahood. (From a lecture given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet at the Kalmuck Mongolian Buddhist Center, New Jersey.) SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 97

99 SRI SATHYA SAI CHALISA Doha Sathya Sai Bhagavan Tumhe, Koti Koti Pranaam, Sab Dharmo Ka Saar Tumhi, Sab Bhakto Ke Praan Vilag Na Ho Sai Charano Se, Sabka Ho Uddhar, Brahma Vishnu Shiv Shakti Ka, Kaliyug Mein Avatar We Offer Millions Upon Millions Of Salutations At The Divine Lotus Feet Of Our Beloved Lord, Sathya Sai. Beloved Lord Sai, You Are The Lord Of All Religions, And The Very Life Force Of Every Being In This Universe. We Only Pray That We Are Never Separated From You. May All Living Beings Be Liberated By You. You Are Verily, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva And Shakti In Human Form. You Are Our Kaliyug Avatar. Jag Mein Paap Badhe Jab Chaari, sathya Sai Aaye Avatari Santo Ne Jab Unhe Pukaara, Prakat Hue sai Saakara Aaye Dharaa Vaikunth Dhaam se, Parmeshwar Sathya sai Naam Se Dhanya Hui Bharat Ki Dharti, Shiv Shakti Aaye Puttaparthi To Restore Right Conduct, Values, Love And Peace In This Kaliyuga, And In Response To The Ardent Prayers Of Saints And Sages, Lord Sathya Sai Has Incarnated In Human Form. From The Highest Heavens, The Lord Of The Universe Has Taken Human Birth As Sathya Sai. How Fortunate Is The Land Of Bharat And Puttaparthi, Which Has Given Birth To The Creator Of The Universe. Lord Sai Is Simultaneously The Manifestation Of Shiva And Shakti, The Masculine And Feminine Expressions Of Divinity.. Vishwa Pita Hai Vishwa Ki Mata, Sanrakshak Wo Bhagya Vidhaata Sai Mein Brahmaand Samaya, Adbhut Shakti Adbhut Maya Baal Roop Jab Leela Karte, Harshit sabke Nayn Chhalakte Eeshwaramma Sut Ati Uttam, Sathya Narayan Raju Satyam Beloved Sai, The Mother And Father Of The Universe, The Entire Creation Exists Within You. Such Is Your Power And Glory. As A Child, You Showed Glimpses Of Your Divinity Which Left Those Fortunate Witnesses Of Your Miracles In Awe And Wonder. Born To Mother Easwaramma, With The Birth Name Sathya Narayana Raju, You Are Verily Satyam The Embodiment Of Absolute Truth SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 98

100 Chaudah Baras Hue Jab Puran, Diya Gyan Aaye Jis Kaaran Phool Phenk Kar Naam Sajaya, Sai Baba Likha Dikhaya Jag Ko Pahela Paath Padhaya, Bhakto Ko Ye Bhajan Sunaya Manas Bhajare Guru Charanam, Dustara Bhavasagar Taranam When Beloved Lord Sai Turned Fourteen, He Left Home And Declared His Mission To The World. Upon Being Questioned By Listeners, Lord Sai Threw Flowers On The Ground Which Formed His Divine Name Sathya Sai Baba. The World Was Once Again Blessed As Young Sathya Narayana Began His Mission By Imparting The Teachings Of God. Lord Sai Placed Puttaparthi Mein chaaro Dhaam, Prashanti Nilayam Rakha Naam Parthi Mein Jo Bhakt Padhaare, Paap Nasht Ho Jaate Saare Roope Aneko Sai Dharte, Saphal Manorath saare karte Chamatkar Se Chakit Hue Sab, Shiv lingam Saakaar Kiya Jab The Ant Hills Of Puttaparthi Represent All The Pilgrimages And Places Of Worship Worldwide. The Blessed Ashram Was Named Prashanti Nilayam The Abode Of Supreme Peace. Those Who Set Foot Inside Prashanthi Nilayam, Within The Proximity Of Lord Sai, The Supreme Embodiment Of Divinity, Verily Have Their Sins Away! Lord Sai, The Lord Of All, Embodies All Forms And Fulfills The Yearnings Of Devotees. He Constantly Performs Miracles, His Calling Cards, Reminding The Fortunate Witnessing Devotee And Many Others A Glimpse Of His Divinity. Every Shivarathri, Lord Sai Manifests A Shiva Lingam From His Mouth. This Astounding Manifestation Symbolises The Never Ending Process Of Creation, And Is An All Powerful Glimpse Of His Divinity. Sarva Dharm Ka Sthoop Banaya, Sab Granthon Ka Saar Bataya, Sathya Dharm Aur Prem Sikhaate, Shanti Aur Sadgyaan Bataate Ek Dharm Aur Ek Jaat Hai, Sai Sabke Saath Saath Hai Mandir Masjid Kashi Kaba, Chaar Ved Upanishad Hai Baba Lord Sai Erected A Sarva Dharma Sthoop To Exemplify The Unity Of Religions And Faith. He Also Perfectly Explains The Meaning Of All Spiritual Texts. Lord Sai Teaches Values And Right Conduct, Explaining To Us The Highest Teachings In The Vedas, And Those Of Spirituality. Lord Sai Says There Is Only One Religion, One Race, One Caste, One Creed That Of Love. He Is Verily The Eternal Life Force And Resident Of The Heart. He Is Also Inherent In Every Place Of Worship And Every Spiritual Text. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 99

101 Bal Vikaas Karaate Sai, Sad Gun Sabhi Sikhaate Sai Vidhya Ke Aalay Khulwaate, Gurukul Jaisi Pratha Banaate Vaidhyaalay Banwaate Sai, Jal Stroth Lagaate Sai Seva Nar Se Narayan Ki, Mil Jul Sab Karte jan Jan Ki Lord Sai Started The Bal Vikas And Sathya Sai Educare To Impart Knowledge Of Divinity To Children, Teenagers And Young Adults Worldwide. He Established A University In Puttaparthi Which To This Day Represents The Ideal In Education, Discipline And Conduct For All Educational Institutions. Lord Sai Has Also Opened Hospitals Offering Free Medical Treatment For All. He Has Provided Millions Of Households With Water. Why Does He Do All This? Lord Sai Says Service To Man Is Service To God. Through His Own Life, He Reveals The Unity Of Humanity, And The Brotherhood Of Man Under The Fatherhood Of God. Darshan Durlabh Sai Tumhaare, bade Bhagya Jo Sai Pukaare Jo Jis Roop Mein Sai Dhyaate, Usi Eesht Ke Darshan Paate Jis Par Sai Drishti Padti, Uski Nishdin Shakti Badhti Dev Lok Darshan Ko Tarse, Hum Par Krupa Prabhu Ki Barse How Fortunate We Are To Have The Divine Darshan Of Lord Sathya Sai. And To Chant His Divine Name. Why? There Is Only One God. Lord Sai Is The Lord Of All. One May Call Him By Any Name, As He Responds By Any Name Or Form. With Merely A Glance, Lord Sai Can Redeem Our Lives And Destinies, Leading Us Towards Liberation. We Are Endlessly Fortunate To Have His Divine Darshan. Indeed, The Gods Of The Highest Heavens Yearn For His Divine Darshan. Rog Dosh Jab Jisko Hote, Laga Vibhuti Saare Dhote Kaam Krodh Sab Har Lete Hai, Hriday Prem Se Bhar Dete Hai Bhakti Marg Par Hume Chalaate, Gyan Deep Har Hridayt Jalaate Karta Sai Kaaran Sai, Bhavsagar Ke Taaran Sai Upon Applying His Sacred Ash, All Ailments, Illnesses And Pains Cease. Our Beloved Baba Transforms Our Lives By Extracting All Negativity. From Within Us, Thereby Transforming Us Into Ideal Human Beings. How Does He Do It? By Filling Our Hearts With Love! Lord Sai Teaches Us To Follow The Path Of Devotion To The Lord, Lighting The Lamp Of Love In Our Hearts. Lord Sai Is Verily The Reason And The Doer. He Is The One Who Sustains Us Through Our Countless Cycles Of Birth And Death, Finally Into Divine Mergence With Him. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 100

102 Allah Buddha Yeshu Nanak, Sab Dharmo Ke Wo Adhinayak Treta Mein Sri Ram Wahi The, Dwaapar mein Ghanshyam Wahi The Shirdi Mein Aaye Shiva Roopa, Parthi Mein Shiva Shakthi Swaroopa Shakti Ban Kar Phir Ayenge, Prem Sai Prabhu Kahelaaynge Lord Sai Is Allah, Buddha, Jesus And Guru Nanak He Is Lord Of All Religions, In Treta Yuga, He Was Lord Rama, In Dwapar Yuga He Was Krishna. In This Trinity Of Births, He Came As Shiva In Shirdi. He Now Expresses Both Shiva And Shakti As Lord Sathya Sai. In His Next Incarnation, He Will Come In Shakti Form As Prema Sai Baba Jo Karte Sai Ki Bhakti, Wo Jaane Sai Ki Shakti Shradha Aur Shakti Dete Hai, Bhakto Ko Mukti Dete Hai Padhte Jo Sai Chalisa, Bhakti Bane Pyara Sai ka Sarva Loka Karte Ujiyara, Jai Jai Jai Sai Avataara Whoever Worships Sai Verily Knows His Power. Lord Sai, In His Infinite Love, Blesses Devotees With Faith And Energy To Perform Good Works. He Is Also The Giver Of Liberation To Devotees. Indeed, Whoever Reads This Sathya Sai Chalisa With Love And Reverence To Lord Sai Will Be Dear To Him. Hail Victory To Sathya Sai, The Kali Yuga Avatara And Lord Of The Universe. Doha Charan Kamal Mein Sai Ke, Puniya Phalon Ki Bhent Hirday-Kunj Mein Aankar Sai, Sweekaro Naywaidhya Beloved Lord Sai, I Humbly Offer Myself At Thy Divine Lotus Feet. Please Reside Within Me And Accept My Expression Of Love And Devotion For You. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 101

103 SRI SATHYA SAI BABA SEVA ORGANISATION CHARTER In His discourse at the World Conference on 21 November 1985, Sathya Sai Baba gave ten principles that should guide our lives. Below is this "ten-fold path to Divinity", meant for everyone, in some cases paraphrased slightly? With each principle, we give a pertinent quote from Sathya Sai Baba. TEN PRINCIPLES Love and serve your country. Do not be critical of others' countries. Have a sense of pride in your motherland. Just as your mother has given birth to you, so too the land has given birth to you. Whatever country you belong to, you should have a sense of patriotism. Do not indulge in criticizing other countries or people belonging to other nations. Having trust and faith in your own country, you won't try to put down any other country. Never bring grief or sorrow to your country. To have pride in your own motherland is important. Honour and respect all religions as pathways to God. Never have hatred toward any religion. Honour and respect all religions equally. Even as you are citizens of your motherland but respect all countries, also respect all religions equally. Love all humanity as part of your family; know that humanity is a single community. Develop a sense of the brotherhood of humanity. Look upon each person as your own brother or sister. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. All of us belong to the human race, so everyone is equal. Therefore, love each one equally. Keep home and surroundings clean. Keep your own house and its surroundings pure and clean. It will help ensure health and happiness for you and society. Help the needy with food, clothing, and shelter. Help them become self-reliant when possible. Be discriminating when dispensing charity. In the name of charity or philanthropy, we tend to do injustice to our country. Charity does not mean that the land should be full of beggars. We can provide some support and means for beggars, but provide food, clothing, and other conveniences in such a way that does not encourage laziness and begging. Be examples of honesty. Do not participate in any corruption such as bribery. Never give or take a bribe. Giving bribes, or accepting bribes, is contrary to the very name of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations. Bear this in mind continuously. Curb jealousy, hatred, and envy. Seek ways to solve difficulties such as hatred, envy, and jealousy. To curb this sense of envy and jealousy, develop a broader outlook. Do not differentiate on the basis of race, caste, creed, or country. Follow your cultural and religious customs in your own home, but do not attempt to impose them on society. Rather than this, love each person as your own brother or sister, not seeing them as belonging to another creed, religion, or country. Develop self-reliance; become your own servant before proceeding to serve others. SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 102

104 Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations should do things by themselves; they should not depend on others. You may be very wealthy and have servants and assistants to help in a few tasks, but your own work you must do yourself. If you wish to be of service to society, serve yourself first. One who will not serve society has no right to belong to a Sri Sathya Sai Organization. Adore God, abhor sin. Love God and avoid sin. Love God incessantly. As long as you keep committing sins, God will never be yours. Observe your country's laws and be an exemplary citizen. Never go against the law of the land. Follow the letter of the law. The members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations should follow the law in spirit also and be models for the government. SATHYA SAI BABA'S 46 MAXIMS 1. Prema, Love, should be considered as the very breath of Life. 2. The Love that is manifest in all things equally, believe that the same Prema is Paramatma. 3. The one Paramatma is in every one, in the form of Prema. 4. More than all other forms of Prema, man's first effort should be to fix his Love on the Lord. 5. Such Love directed towards God is Bhakthi; that is the fundamental test, the acquisition of Bhakthi. 6. Those who seek the Bliss of the Atma should not run after the joys of sense objects. 7. Sathya, Truth, must be treated as life-giving as breathing itself. 8. Just as a body that has no breath is useless and begins to rot and stink within a few minutes, similarly, life without Truth is useless and becomes the stinking abode of strife and grief. 9. Believe that there is nothing greater than Truth, nothing more precious, nothing sweeter and nothing more lasting. 10. Truth is the all-protecting God. There is no mightier Guardian than Truth. 11. The Lord who is Sathyaswarupa grants His Darsan to those of Truthful Speech and Loving Heart. 12. Have undiminished kindness towards all beings and also the spirit of selfsacrifice. 13. You must also possess control of the senses, an unruffled character and nonattachment. 14. Be always on the alert against the four sins which the tongue is prone to commit: Speaking falsehood Speaking ill of others SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 103

105 Back-biting and Talking too much It is best to attempt to control these tendencies. 15. Try to prevent the five sins that the body commits: Killing Adultery Theft Drinking intoxicants Eating of flesh It is a great help for the highest life if these also are kept as far away as possible. 16. One must be always vigilant, without a moment's carelessness, against the eight sins that the mind perpetrates: Kamam or craving Krodham or anger Lobham or greed Moham or attachment Impatience Hatred Egoism Pride Man's primary duty is to keep all these things at a safe distance from him. 17. Man's mind speeds fast, pursuing wrong actions. Without letting it hurry like that remember the Name of the Lord at that time or attempt to do some good deed or other. Those who do thus will certainly become fit for the Lord's Grace. 18. First give up the evil tendency to feel impatient at the prosperity of others and the desire to harm them. Be happy that others are happy. Sympathise with those who are in adversity and wish for their prosperity. That is the goal of cultivating the love for God. 19. Patience is all the strength that man needs. 20. Those anxious to live in joy must always be doing good. 21. It is easy to conquer anger through love, attachment through reasoning, falsehood through truth, bad through good and greed through charity. 22. No reply should be given to the words of the wicked. Be at a great distance from them; that is for your good. Break off all relations with such people. 23. Seek the company of good men, even at the sacrifice of your honour and life. But be praying to God to bless you with the discrimination needed to distinguish SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 104

106 between the good men and the bad. You must also endeavour, with the intellect given to you. 24. Those who conquer states and earn fame in the world are hailed as heroes, no doubt; but those who have conquered the senses are heroes who must be acclaimed as the conquerors of the Universe. 25. Whatever acts a good or bad man may do, the fruits thereof follow him and will never stop pursuing him. 26. Greed yields only sorrow; contentment is best. There is no happiness greater than contentment. 27. The mischief-mongering tendency should be plucked out by the roots and thrown off. If allowed to exist, it will undermine life itself. 28. Bear with fortitude both loss and grief; try and search for plans to achieve joy and gain. 29. Assume silence when you are invaded by anger or remember the Name of the Lord. Instead, do not try to remind yourself of things which will inflame the anger more. That will do incalculable harm. 30. From this moment, avoid all bad habits. Do not delay or postpone. They do not contribute the least joy. 31. Try as far as possible within your means to satisfy the needs of the poor, who are really Daridranarayana. Share with them whatever food you have and make them happy at least that once. 32. Whatever you feel should not be done to you by others, avoid you re doing such to others. 33. For faults and sins committed in ignorance, repent sincerely; try not to repeat the faults and sins again; pray to God to bless you with the strength and the courage needed to stick to the right path. 34. Do not allow anything to come near you, which will destroy your eagerness and enthusiasm for God. Want of eagerness will cause the decay of the strength of man. 35. Yield not to cowardice; do not give up Ananda. 36. Do not get swelled up when people praise you; do not feel dejected when people blame you. 37. If among your friends any one hates another and starts a quarrel, do not attempt to inflame them more and make them hate each other more; try, on the other hand, with love and sympathy to restore their former friendship. 38. Instead of searching for others' faults, search for your own faults yourself; uproot them, throw them off. It is enough if you search and discover one fault of yours; that is better than discovering tens of hundreds of faults in others. 39. Even if you cannot or will not do any Punya or good deed, do not conceive or carry out any Papa, or bad deed. This is far preferable. 40. Whatever people may say about the faults that you know are not in you, do not feel for it; as for the faults that are in you, try to correct them yourself, even SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 105

107 before others point them out to you. Do not harbour anger or vengeance against persons who point out your faults; do not retort, pointing out the faults of those persons themselves, but show your gratitude to them. Trying to discover their faults is a greater mistake on your part. It is good for you to know your faults; it is no good your knowing others' faults. 41. Whenever you get a little leisure, do not spend it in talking about all and sundry, but utilise it in meditating on God or in doing service to others. 42. The Lord is understood only by the Bhaktha; the Bhaktha is understood only by the Lord. Others cannot understand them. So, do not discuss matters relating to the Lord with those who have no Bhakthi. On account of such discussion, your devotion will diminish. 43. If anyone speaks to you on any subject, having understood it wrongly, do not think of other wrong notions which will support that stand but grasp only the good and the sweet, in what he says. True meaning is to be appreciated as desirable, not wrong meaning or many meanings, which give no meaning at all and cause only the hampering of Ananda. 44. If you desire to cultivate one-pointedness, do not, when in a crowd or bazaar, scatter your vision to the four corners and on everything, but see only the road in front of you, just enough to avoid accidents to yourself. One-pointedness will become firmer if one moves about without taking one's attention off the road, avoiding dangers, and not casting eyes on others' forms. 45. Give up all doubts regarding the Guru and God. If your wordly desires do not get fulfilled, do not blame it on your devotion; there is no relationship between such desires and devotion to God. These worldly desires have to be given up some day or other; Bhakthi feelings have to be acquired some day or other. Be firmly convinced of this. 46. If your Dhyanam or Japam do not progress properly or if the desires you have entertained do not come to fruition, do not get dispirited with God. It will dispirit you even more and you will lose the peace, however small or big, that you might have earned. During Dhyanam and Japam you should not be dispirited, desperate or discouraged. When such feelings come, take it that it is the fault of your Sadhana and endeavour to do them correctly. From Sandeha Nivarini, a book of questions and answers by Sai Baba SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 106

108 AN ODE TO BHAGAVAN A Poem for Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba by Prof Kasturi Have you heard our Baba speak At public meetings anywhere? He never calls it speech; Nor will you name it so! He does not raise His voice, harangue, Or rouse the mob or rail or flail; He does not hesitate, He will not calculate, Hum and haw and pause and ponder, Making you wonder why you came! He does not waiver, wander, Collecting thoughts, contriving notes; He does not waste a moment, decorating thoughts in showy lace and frills, clothing borrowed texts in shimmering gauze. He is no orator-pompous, proud, Clamouring for claps, publicity-mad! He will not circumambulate, declaim... or, even... 'speak'! He is the rain-cloud, bringing Life To the parched ones here below! He 'talks'... He 'talks', to you, and you, and every single you that has gathered there. To every single Arjuna, with heavy heart and empty hand, Afraid to fight the battle of Life on to Victory. You feel He has come for you, to you. You see Him, silently looking around! The searchlight eye full circle swings! How lucky, you are there! He smiles; He wins you by that smile! You scarce can take your eyes from off that Face, So alluring, so Divine! You scarce can pull your heart from off His grip; The clasp is cool comfort! The silence deepens... Though thousands have been squatting, waiting, For hours and hours... Himalayan stillness; twilight calm! SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 107

109 Premaswarupulara! The Golden Hour has come! Heaven's Gate ajar! The voice is sweet as honey Hived by Heavenly bees from Parijatha trees! His call is clarion clear! O! 'Tis thrilling, 'tis filling rapture in the soul, Flowing like the Ganga, freeing the bound, Yielding rich reaping, for just ploughing and sowing Welling and swelling like Gersoppa Falls, Yielding vast power, for just wheeling and wiring! His talk is a cascade, so limpid and pure, Teaching, never preaching, unraveling all knots, Stilling the questionings ere they emerge in mind; Defining, refining, consoling the pining, Commanding, yea, demanding the bending of pride, Sparing no one, be He ruling or serving. Chiding, reprimanding the fool, and fanatic; Joking and coaxing, poking fun at all hoaxing; Quoting from what He said in the past ages, Detailing facts of his incarnating. Resplendent poetry, spontaneous, sublime, Painting pictures of transcendent Truth, Parable, proverb, scintillating bright, Tinkling, twinkling, tintinnabulating lilt, Every hour a minute, every minute a second; Every word a mantra, every phrase, Sutra, A Gayathri a sentence, Upanishath a speech! For He is no well or tank or river! His is the ocean of Wisdom Divine! Oh! His words shower mercy, like morning dew On every heart-bud awakening from dreaming. He is feeding your roots and speeding the sap, Sprouting the buds, painting the petals, Perfuming them well, inviting the bees, Ripening the pods, with each word of His! There! The meaning of His word, a tiny seed Drops on your rock-like heart! And wonder of wonders! SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 108

110 It germinates there!... sprouts and puts forth leaves! The silken half-blind baby-roots do run about Tickling the stone, jabbing, pleading for suckling! Succeeding at last, it grows; and, growing into a tree, Your rock is broken into clay! His talk, you will find, is cooling, not freezing Warming, not burning; raining, not flooding; Healing the ailing and hearts bewailing; Soothing, not searing; no toxin, but tonic; Balming and calming; all fact and no fiction! Every sentence spreads joy and scorches gloom, Impelling attention, compelling assent, Dispelling dejection, repelling sloth, Attracting you nearer, detaching from bonds, Infusing courage, and fusing creeds, Imposing no doctrine, composing all feuds, Informing (so charming!), never harming, disarming! Sifting the responding, lifting the desponding. Stressing on 'Doing, Behaving and Living', Appealing for 'Feeling, Believing and Acting'. Calling all listening, to spurn imitating, Vainly disputing, blind leading the blind, Knocking at Paradise through power and pelf, Or boasting of branches of family tree, And seeking for peace, in earning and spending And wanting and panting and hoarding and guarding. As you hear Him talking, you quietly resolve To take a step forward on the pilgrim road; Unfold your wings and soar into the sky! You feel you are a Lion, cheated into bleating! A diamond, set in dirty lead! Engaging in no fray, enraging no foe, He is welcoming all, who are thirsty or starving, Or limping, or blinking, or climbing and sliding, Raising the stooping, embracing the drooping Assuaging pain, assuring His Grace. He reminds us all of the road we have missed. He describes the joy of the journey's end. He opens our eyes; He strengthens our limbs; He heartens the struggling, groping his way, SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 109

111 Awakening the sleeping, making the sitting stand, The standing to walk; the walking to reach! Proclaiming, revealing, announcing to all Asserting His coming for our burden assuming, Redeeming the wayward, the downcast, diseased; Underlining the Truth, undermining the false; Ah! What is this? What luck! What Grace! Even as He talks, 'it' blossaums into song, Oh! Captivating Song! He teaches us to pray Tranquilising all the furious waves, Steeling the nerves and strengthening the will, Attuning our soul to Dharma! Sathya! Prema! And when it stops And you open your eyes, You find them full of tears! Your neighbour weeps like child for mother, But why? Look up and see; He has left the dais! Be proud you had the chance. From this moment, I know You are bound to be an ascending, attempting, adventurous soul. Arjuna, resuming arms for the fray With Krishna leading the horses aright - How lucky you heard Him talk! [N Kasturi] SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 110

112 REFERENCES All work in the compilation of this booklet is adapted from Swami s discourses, book publications, Sanathana Sarathi, Other country s websites and Global Council. The work is attributed to our Divine Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya Baba using the Sandton Sai Centre as his platform for Sadhana allowing HIS devotees to participate fully in the day to day running of HIS Centres. Bhagavad Gita Canadian Centre Manual Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba; Hislop J His Holiness The Dalai Lama of Tibet Prema Vahini Sadhana The Inward Path Sai Bhajanamala Sanathana Sarathi (1987, 8/1994, 11/2007) Sandeha Nivarini Sathya Sai Speaks (vol. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 27) Summer Showers (1978) The Art of Joyful Living; Swami Rama The Holy Bible The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist; Sandweiss Thirukural UK Centre Manual Various Discourses (1965, 1968, 1975, 1977, 1983, 1995, Bear all and do nothing; Hear all and say nothing; Give all and take nothing; Serve all and be nothing. - Baba SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 111

113 May this booklet as a love offering be your companion and bring you all the bliss you may require in this birth on this soul s journey. For further enquiries, please feel free to contact your centre president or devotional wing convenor. Also visit the national website of South Africa and the international websites SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 112

114 An Offering to the Divine Lotus Feet of Our Beloved Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya SAI Baba For details regarding publication, please feel free to contact the National Coordinator of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of South Africa Book Trust SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA - DEVOTEE HANDBOOK Page 113

115

116