Press Release issued at the Press conference at the Press club at Bangalore on 12th April 2012

Press Release issued at the Press conference at the Press club at Bangalore on 12th April 2012

Press Release - SSCT/2012/47

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST AND SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATION

It is nearly a year since Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba attained the MahaSamadhi. We are planning a series of events starting from April 16, 2012 and we would like to brief the Media about these activities.
Right at the outset extend to all media and your friends our personal invitation to attend all these functions both here and at Prashanti Nilayam.

These events will commence with a summer course on Indian Spirituality scheduled to commence on April 16th.

Before we do so, we would like to take this opportunity to brief you about the happenings during this last one year. While grieving for the inseparable physical loss of Bhagawan, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has been doing all that it can, to maintain, to consolidate and to further the objectives for which Bhagawan Baba founded the Trust way back in 1972. All activities at Prashanti Nilayam continue exactly as before. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning commenced the academic year exactly as scheduled on June 1, 2011. All our hospitals continue their healing at no cost to the patient. Devotees across different faiths, from all states of India and from different countries of the world continue to arrive at Prasanthi Nilayam to offer their prayers..

The Trust published its Annual Report, the first ever, which was released on November 23, 2011 by His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Sri K. Rosaiah at Prasanthi Nilayam. The Annual Report will henceforth be a regular feature in future.

The Trust and other allied Institutions associated with it are planning several new initiatives. The University is ready with a new campus at Muddenahalli, awaiting formal clearance from the Government of India. New programmes, additional courses and new infrastructure to house these have commenced at Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam.Building activity has commenced to establish a multi disciplinary research centre, estimated to cost Rs 8 Crores National implementation of the Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, an innovative project that will transform the education landscape of India has commenced. There are 99 Sathya Sai Schools indifferent parts of the country, many of which are located in rural India. The Central Trust has earmarked additional funds, to the tune of Rs. 25 lakhs, to each of these schools for improving their infrastructure, subject to their fulfilling some criteria.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences and Super Specialty Hospitals at Prashantigram and Whitefield are being expanded with new equipment and laboratory facilities. The Central Trust is considering setting mobile hospitals based on the model of the Sathya Sai MobileHospital in Puttaparthi, which will take medical care to the doorstep of the villagers in different parts of India at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.25 crores each. The Sathya Sai Seva Organisations at Odisha and Delhi are ready with their proposals. The Delhi Hospital will launch on 6th May 2012.

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has offered to the Government of Andhra Pradesh that it would fund and construct the extension of the Anantapur Water Supply Project by extending the water supply to 118 more habitations in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. This will be fully funded by the Trust at an estimated cost of Rs. 80 crore. The Sathya Sai Organisation has set up about 35 water purification projects in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh. These supply purified drinking water at the rate of 10 liters per day per family in the rural villages. The Central Trust is considering setting up one hundred such projects every year all over India with an outlay of about Rs. 5 crore per year.
Following the floods in Odisha, the Central Trust under Baba’s direct guidance and instruction, had constructed 700 houses in 2008-09 in the state, benefiting the residents of 18 villages of 3districts. It is now proposed to fund and construct 300 more houses with an outlay of approximately Rs. 6crore.

All these are new initiatives in the last one year enlarging our free medical health, free education, free rural devolopement

As we near the anniversary of the Maha Samadhi of Bhagavan Baba, we are planning a series of activities.

To begin with, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Karnataka along with the Brindavan Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University), Bangalore is organizing a Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality for the youth of Karnataka from April 16 to 20, 2012 at Baba’s Brindavan Ashram, Whitefield, Bangalore. This will follow the tradition of the same course which was initiated by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba himself in 1972 in the same premises. From 1972 to 2002, Baba personally conducted, organised and addressed15 such Summer Courses and gave over 250 Discourses to youth from different parts of the country and inspired them to live more noble and purposeful lives as envisioned in the Indian Scriptures.

The Summer Course is oriented towards imparting to the young and sensitive minds a world-view and a comprehensive outlook on the glorious heritage of India and its essential universality in its plurality. The course attempts to infuse into young minds the eternal wisdom of the past and its vitality for inspiring individuals to lead noble lives at the present hour

Students and youth in the age group of 16 to 35 years, drawn from Educational Institutions of Karnataka, will be participating in this Summer Course. The total number of participating delegates will be around 900 . This will be a residential programme for all the participants.

Several initiatives are being planned to mark the anniversary of the Maha Samadhi. The Sri Sathya Sai Organization of Karnataka will do Narayana Seva by serving food to 25000 people across Bengaluru. At Prashanti Nilayam we will conduct a program titled Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana and this will be held from April 23 to April 25,2012. The theme of the programme will be “Experiencing theDivine – From the Form to the Formlessâ€. In addition to an address by His Excellency the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Narasimhan, the event will feature talks by several eminent spiritual leaders and prominent devotees ofBhagawan Baba.

It was a year of grief because of the physical absence of Bhagwan.. But it was also a year of fulfillment that His vision continues to inspire us and His mission proceeds from strength to strength

Media Coordinator Press Club Bangalore

Prof A.Anantharaman) 12-4-2012

Sathyajit at Dharmakshetra-20.01.2012

photos direct link: https://picasaweb.google.com/106193977869834254620/SathyajitAtDharmakshetraJanuary202012#

Live Video of Christmas Celebrations from Prasanthi Nilayam 2011

 

Dear Reader,

Sairam!

There is Christmas joy everywhere and it is more so in the heavenly hamlet of Prasanthi Nilayam. To enable every devotee to be part of this Joy, Radio Sai will offer Live Video Webcast of the celebrations from Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam from December 24 till December 26.

Please see below for the detailed schedule of Christmas Programmes (in India time) which you can Watch Live on our website radiosai.org.

 

 

On the morning of December 27, there is a Multi-faith Mass with Father Charles in the Double-Decker building in Prasanthi Nilayam. We will offer you the recorded video of this programme at the earliest possible on that day itself.

Please do share this good news with your family and friends.

Wishing you in advance a Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year!

 

At His Service,
Radio Sai team

Reply by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to the Times of India for faulty reporting - Please read

Beautiful reply:

New Prasanthi Schedule

‘Walk for values' on December 11 at ANDHRA PRADESH VISAKHAPATNAM

‘Walk for values' on December 11 @Andra Pradesh Visaksapatnam

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation will organise “Walk for Values-India” on December 11.

The walk will be organised from Visakha Museum to Kali Matha Temple on the Beach Road from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. State president of Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisations S.G. Chalam told reporters on Sunday that the walk was being organised to bring about a transformation in individuals and respect basic human values- truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence.

Such a walk is being conducted by the organisation for the first time in the country.

‘Omkaram'

The walk starts with ‘Omkaram' and will be inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu and Police Commissioner J. Poornachandra Rao .

Eminent personalities of the city, schoolchildren, college students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, general public, and devotees will participate. A mobile dais consisting of Bhagawan Baba's life size photo and depicting human values and the Baba's sayings will be part of the walk. All the participants will display placards depicting values and wear caps and T-shirts of the event. District president V.R. Nageswara Rao, regional youth coordinator A. Ramprasad, district coordinator K. Ramesh and city seva samiti convener K.Venkateswara Raju were present.

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Source http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article2688453.ece

‘Walk for values' on December 11

‘Walk for values' on December 11

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation will organise “Walk for Values-India” on December 11.

The walk will be organised from Visakha Museum to Kali Matha Temple on the Beach Road from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. State president of Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisations S.G. Chalam told reporters on Sunday that the walk was being organised to bring about a transformation in individuals and respect basic human values- truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence.

Such a walk is being conducted by the organisation for the first time in the country.

‘Omkaram'

The walk starts with ‘Omkaram' and will be inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu and Police Commissioner J. Poornachandra Rao .

Eminent personalities of the city, schoolchildren, college students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, general public, and devotees will participate. A mobile dais consisting of Bhagawan Baba's life size photo and depicting human values and the Baba's sayings will be part of the walk. All the participants will display placards depicting values and wear caps and T-shirts of the event. District president V.R. Nageswara Rao, regional youth coordinator A. Ramprasad, district coordinator K. Ramesh and city seva samiti convener K.Venkateswara Raju were present.

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Source http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article2688453.ece

THE SATHYA SAI SCHOOL IN FIJI

 

Raipur is Ready to Celebrate Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 86 B'Day

Opening of 3Days National level Prem Jyoti Exhibition 21Nov 2011

Bhagwan Baba's 86th Birthday celebration begin... Shobha-Kalash-Yatra Raipur C.G.

Help me

Dear sai baba,  Mujhe aap ka ashirvaad chahiye pls me bahut pareshaan hu mujhe kuch samajh ni a raha he mera sath dijiye rasta dikhaiye ......... om sai ram

The Divine Experience

AUM SAIRAM

Heard and listened to Aum Sadgamaya.... Its very peaceful, blissful -an out this world experience and  absolutely therapeutic!

AUM SAIRAM

Rani M

DASARA - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

DASARA - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

 

Dashara Or Dasara

Purpose Of Dashara Or Dasara

"Festivals like Dashara are designed to make man aware of his divinity, to endow him with purity, to become aware of its holiness, to imprint on his heart the wisdom won by sages after years of yearning." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VIII. p. 115, Discourse on 17-10-1972

"It is to give Ananda (bliss) to the Bhaktas (devotees) that I arrange this festival (Dashara). I have no other wish. Do not muddy the pellucid waters of your faith by the slightest trace of doubt." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 69. Discourse on 29 September 1965

"The Dashara Festival honours the victory of the Devas (gods) over the Asuras (demons), the forces of righteousness over the forces of evil. They (gods) were able to win, because Para-shakti, the Dynamic Aspect of Divinity, the power that has elaborated God into all this variety and all this beauty, came to succour them and fight on their behalf." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 43, Discourse on 26 September 1965

"Dashara is the festival that celebrates the victory of the forces of the good over the foes that resist the progress of man towards light. The sages who have decided on these festivals have a high purpose. They want us to imbibe the inner meaning and use each day as a step in Sadhana, as a reminder of the journey, which each person has to undertake alone to the Feet of the Lord. The forces of good (Devas) are combating with the forces of evil (Asuras) in every living being and if they only rely on Mahashakti, the great Divine Force that fosters and fends the universe, they can easily win and reach goal." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. V., p. 249, Discourse on 15 October 1966

Importance Of Dashara

"During the Dashara festival, the three Goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati - are worshipped according to certain traditional practices. The tenth day of the festival is celebrated as the victory. The celebration has its roots deep in ancient history of Bharat. In the Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas had to spend one-year incognito, they hid their weapons on the advice of Krishna, in a Jammi tree which is thick in foliage and whose branches are filled with latent fire. Vijayadashami was the day on which they retrieved their weapons from the tree and used them to win victory over the Kauravas." Sai Baba. SS. 12/92. p. 304

"In the Treta Yuga, Sri Rama's coronation, after his victorious return to Ayodhya from Lanka, was performed on the Vijayadashami day." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 304

Significance Of Dashara

"Today (23 October 1966), Vijayadashami is a thrice sacred day for Prasanthivasis. that is to say, those who live in Prasanthi Nilayam, here or elsewhere. It is as sacred as, Triveni, where three rivers commingle their holy waters. Today is the Samapti (Conclusion! Festival) of Dasara. It is also the Samapti (conclusion) of the Yajnasaptaha, the seven-Day-Rite of Puja and Parayana. It is also the Samapti Day of the Poorva-avataram, the Samadhi Day of Shirdi Shareeram. Sam-apti also means attainment of Brahmanandaand on this day you have a chance to the Bliss Indescribable." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p. 281

Inner Meaning Of Dasara

"The term' Devi' represents the Divine power which has taken the Rajasic form to suppress the forces of evil and protect the Satvic qualities. When the forces of injustice, immorality and untruth have grown to monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death-dance, when selfishness and self-interest are rampant, when men have lost all sense of kindness and compassion, the Atmic principle, assuming the Form of Shakti, taking on the Rajasic quality, seeks to destroy the evil elements. This is the inner meaning of the Dasara festival." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. pp. 284 & 285

Inner Meaning Of Devi Worship On Dasara

"When the Divine Goddess is in dreadful rage to destroy the wicked elements, she assumes a fearful form. To pacify the dreaded Goddess, Her faminine children offer worship to her with red kumkum (sacred red powder). The Goddess, seeing the blood-red kumkum at her feet, feels assured that the wicked have been vanquished and assumes her benign form. The inner meaning of the worship of 'Devi' with red kumkum is that thereby the Goddess is appeased. During the ten days of Dasara, the demons (Raakshasas) in the form of wicked qualities have been routed. Raakshasas do not mean demonic beings. The bad qualities in men are the demons. Arrogance is a demon. Bad thoughts are demons." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. p. 285

Symbolism Of Ravana

"Ravana is depicted as the king of Raakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. He was not born with ten heads. Who is this Ravana and what are his ten heads? Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsyasya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (will) and Ahamkara (the ego) -all these ten constitute the ten heads. Ravana is of all the ten qualities. Each one can decide for himself whether he is a Ravana or Rama according to his qualities." Sai Baba, SS. SS. 11/91. p. 285

Symbolism Of Rama

"Rama is the destroyer of the bad qualities. When engaged in this act of destruction of bad qualities. He manifests his Rajo-guna. But his Rajasic quality is associated with his Satvic quality. Even in cutting off Ravana's ten heads, Rama showed his love. This was the only way that Ravana could be redeemed." Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 285

Rama Vs. Ravana

"Ravana was one who was endowed with all wealth and prosperity. He lacked nothing in terms of comforts and luxuries. He had mastered the 64 categories of knowledge. His capital, Lanka, rivalled Swarga (heaven) itself in its grandeur. Instead of showing regard for Ravana, Valmiki extolled Rama, who gave up the kingdom, donned the robes of an ascetic and lived a simple life in the forest. What is the reason? It was because Rama was the very embodiment of Dharma. Everyone of his actions stemmed from Dharma. Every word he spoke was truth. Every step he trod was based on Dharma. Hence, Rama has been described as the very image of Dharma." Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 298

Teachings From Dying Ravana For Lakshmana

"When Ravana lay dying, Rama directed his brother, Lakshamana, to go to him and learn from him the secrets of successful statecraft. Ravana taught him that a king who is eager to win glory must suppress greed as soon as it lifts its head, and welcome the smallest chance to do good to others, without the slightest procrastination. He (Ravana) had learnt the lesson through bitter experience. Greed arises from attachment to the senses and catering to them. Put them in their proper place; they are windows for knowledge, not channels of contamination." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, last cover page.

Lord's Rajasic Acts Are Tinged By Satvic Qualities

"When the Lord metes out a punishment, it may appear harsh. But what appears extremely as Rajasic is, in reality, Satvic. In a hailstorm, along with rain there will be hailstones. But both the rain and hailstones contain water. Likewise, there is Satvic quality even in the Lord's Rajasic actions. Similarly, there may be Satvic quality even in Tamasic actions. These depend on the time, place and the circumstances in which the Lord acts. Butter can be split with finger. But a powerful hammer is needed to break a piece of iron. The Lord deals with Satvic persons in a Satvic way. He applies the Rajasic weapon against Rajasic persons." „ Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 285

Roudrakaara Worship Of The Divine

"People worship the Lord, attributing dreaded forms and qualities (Roudrakaara) to the Divine. This is not proper. The Divine has only one attribute, the Embodiment of Love. It has been said: 'Love is God. Love pervades the cosmos.' Hence, one should not view the world from a worldly point of view. It should be viewed from the eye of love." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. p. 285

Sai's Divine Will For Dashara

"The Maharani of Cutch, who is to preside over the Hospital Day this evening, was very much agitated whether she could come in time, on account of the disturbed conditions on the border with Pakistan, or whether Dashara itself will be cancelled by Me, as so many have been done in Mysore and elsewhere. But in spite of all obstacles, the fighting has stopped and news has come that peace is restored. This is another instance of the Grace, which Prasanthi Nilayam showers. This is the way Mahima works." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 46. Discourse on 26 September 1965

Participation In Dasara At Prasanthi Nilayam

"This Prasanthi Nilayam is the Nilayam (abode) of Nitya (eternal) Shanti (peace), that cannot be disturbed, because it is based on deep discrimination and on unshakable renunciation of Vishaya Vasana (vagaries of mind and urges). To be here on this sacred day is indeed a great piece of good fortune. Thousands of Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants), aspirants and seekers have assembled here and those who have come into this auspicious company have to make the best use of chance. Instead of celebrating this Dashara in feasting and catering to the frailties of the senses, I am happy you are determined to spend it in holy thoughts." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p. 43, Discourse on 26 September 1965

Lesson Of Unity

"Pilgrimages impress on people the lesson of unity. They bring together people from all comers of the world, irrespective of language or locality. Festivals like Dashara at Prasanthi Nilayam bring together Sadhakas from all the continents, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, and colour. They are motivated by the same urge, to involve themselves more and more in attempts to realise their innate divinity. They have met here to enjoy the supreme delight in the holy presence of the Lord and to recognise the unity of all in the Divine Atmic Splendour." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 115

Experience Of Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam

"The Dashara Festival has filled your eyes, ears and minds with Ananda (joy) for ten days and, with the bodies transformed by this rich experience, you are returning to your places." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 180. Discourse on 11 October 1970

Activities During The Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam

"You will find in the Dashara programme here various items like Veda-parayana (recitation of the Vedas), Puja for Divine Forms, the feeding of the poor, dramas, music, Harikathas (stories about God), reading Puranas, lectures on shastras (scriptures), etc.

"This Puja, this Yajna, and this Homa, are arranged here every Dasara, in order to help you to leam that other everlasting, abstract Yajna, which everyone of you has to do, to save yourselves from fear, grief and anxiety." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 113. discourse on 11-10-1972 

Purpose Of Conducting Various Activities On Dasara

"All activities (on Dashara) are designed for various purposes that may not be evident on the surface. You may be under the impression that all this is but customary and traditional. No. Each item has a deeper significance. It is intended to bring about a definite change for some section or other. The Vedas are for entire mankind. They have prayers for peace, subjugating the anger of the elements and of human communities. They invoke the forces of nature to be calm and beneficent. So, the Parayanam of the Vedas promotes world peace and human welfare. For those who derive joy when names of the Lord are recited, each Name invoking one facet of the splendour of God, we have the Pujas. For those thirsting for directions along the path of Sadhana, we have discourses by the Pundits. Musical recitations and discourses transmit the teachings of the Shastras and Puranas in pleasant palatable ways. The dramas are visible representations of the essential lessons embodied in our scriptures. All these unfold the petals of the heart of man." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p. 259, Discourse on 17 October 1966

Dasara Activities At Prasanthi Nilayam

Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna

"A Yajna for peace in the world is performed in Prasanthi Nilayam as part of Dasara and Navaratri celebrations. This year the Yajna started on 13th October 1999.

After Puja in Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir, the Ritwiks went in a procession to Poomachandra Auditorium at 8.20 a.m.to start the Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna in the divine presence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Yajnagni (sacrificial fire) was lit at 9.00 a.m. and placed in the decorated Yajna Kundam with the chanting of the Veda Mantras. The Yajna continued for six days and concluded on 19th October, the auspicious day of Dasara with Poomahuti performed by the Veda Purusha Bhagavan Baba Himself. After Poomahuti, Bhagavan sprinkled Yajna Teertham (sacred water) on the devotees in the entire Poomachandra Auditorioum and outside it. With Mangalaarti to Bhagavan at 9.20 a.m, the Yajna came to a happy conclusion."Editor, SS, 11/99, 343

Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha

"The programme included the Discourses of Bhagavan Baba and speeches by scholars and students during the Navaratri celebrations. With Bhagavan's blessings, three speakers addressed the devotees on 13^th October 1999. The first speaker, Sri G.V. Subbarao, told that Yajna meant sacrifice.. The purpose of holding the Yajna was to transform us, so that we could imbibe the virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema, Ahimsa. The second speaker, Sri Sanjay Sahni, narrated a few incidents to show how Bhagavan Baba revealed His identity in an extremely subtle way. The third speaker of the afternoon was a senior student, Sri Y. Arvind. He noted that sometimes

Bhagavan did not accept a devotee's letter or respond to his prayer immediately. He said that by doing so, Bhagavan gives us an opportunity for self-introspection and purification.

The first speaker of the afternoon on 14th October was Sri Sudhindran, a student of Brindavan Campus. He said that the Vedas bring home the immense importance of Yajna as means of liberation and immortality.... The second speaker, Sri V. Ashwin, a student of M.Sc II year, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, made a beautiful analogy between his mother and Mother Sai. While his mother gave him physical sustenance, Sai mother gave him physical as well as spiritual sustenance. The third speaker of the afternoon was Sri B.N. Narsimha Murthy, Warden of Brindavan Campus. Dwelling on the concept of Avatarhood, he said, 'An Avatar is divine mystery. It is therefore futile to try to understand the Avatar. In the end, Sri Narasimha Murthy prayed to Swami for His Divine Discourse as the devotees were thirsting for His nectarine words. Thereafter, Bhagavan Baba blessed the devotees with His discourse.

On the afternoon of 15th October 1999, the third day of the Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha, the programme started at 3.50 p.m. with Veda chanting by the students. Sri Ram Parsuram, a student of M.Sc 1st Year, was the first speaker of this session. He lamented that modem man had forgotten to love.. .The second speaker. Dr. T. Ravi Kumar, a faculty member of Brindavan Campus, narrated some of his personal experiences as to how he had lost his eyesight twice in accidents in the Chemistry Lab and how Bhagavan showered His grace by restoring his eyesight to the surprise of the eye specialists. The third speaker of the session was Dr. G. Venkataraman, former Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He said, Navaratri was celebrated to worship God as Shakti or Divine Mother, who was not only the ocean of compassion, kindness and love, but also energy. After these brief speeches, Bhagavan Baba blessed the devotees with His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close with Aarati to Bhagavan at 5.40 p.m.

On the afternoon of 16th October 1999, the first speaker was Sri. T. G. Krishanamurthy, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tamil Nadu. Referring to the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna, Sri Krishnamurthy said that Bhagavan Baba Himself was Yajna Purusha to whom all the sacrificial offerings were being made. The second speaker of the session was Sri K. Raghupati, a B.Com (Hons.) student of Brindavan Campus. He told that God was the only true friend of man and all other worldly friends were not dependable... The last speaker of the session was Sri Sandipan Chatterjee, a faculty member of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Sri Chatterji narrated several incidents of Bhagavan's miracles and exhorted the devotees to follow the teachings of Bhagavan to raise their consciousness to a level where their will and Bhagavan's will would become one. After this, Bhagavan gave His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close with Mangalaarati to Bhagavan at 4.15 p.m.

On the afternoon of 17th October 1999, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization and Central Trust Member, was the first speaker. Sri Srinivasan dwelt on the auspiciousness of the Navaratri festival and said that Bhagavan Baba Himself was auspiciousness personified. The next speaker. Major General S.P.Mahadevan, said that science had brought about material progress in the world, but it could not give peace of mind to man. The last speaker was a member of the Faculty of Commerce, Brindavan Campus, Sri Ruchir Desai. Sri Desai said, 'Bhagavan Baba has incarnated to teach the message of love.' After these brief speeches, Bhagavan narrated some of His childhood Leelas in His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close at 4.35 p.m. with Mangala-aarati to Bhagavan.

In the afternoon of the 18th October 1999, the first speaker, Sri S.V. Giri, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, spoke about the importance of nine days' festival of Navaratri. The second speaker of this session was Bhattam Sri Rama Murthy, a former Minister in the state of Andhra Pradesh. He narrated a few touching personal experiences to bring home the point that Swami' s life was only for devotees. The third speaker was a Sanskrit scholar from Rajamundry, Dr. Rama Somayajulu. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Bhagavan for this  opportunity to speak in His Divine presence. After these speeches, Bhagavan Baba showered bliss on the devotees by speaking about His childhood in His Divine Discourse for the second consecutive day. The programme came to a close at 5.10 p.m. with the offering of Mangaaarati to Bhagavan.

The first speaker on 19th October 1999 was Sri Indulal Shah, Chairman, Sri Sathya Sai World Council. Sri Shah referred to the significance of Dasara and said, 'It reminded us of the victory of the good over the evil. It also brought home the message of self-transformation through genuine spiritual practice."

The second speaker, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President of Sathya Sai Seva Organization, referred to the Navaratri festival which was celebrated to commemorate the destruction of demons by the Mother Goddess. He said, 'Bhagavan Baba, who is the embodiment of all gods and goddesses, destroys the demons of greed, ego, hatred and attachment through the weapon of love.'

The third speaker was Sri C. Srinivas, Member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Sri Srinivas said that one was filled with awe and wonder when one thought how Bhagavan had totally changed this small hamlet of Puttaparthi into one of the biggest pilgrimage centres of the world. He referred to a book published in America, which gave the designs of 100 best-designed hospitals of the world, in which Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences had been given on the first page.

After these brief speeches, Bhagavan delivered His Dasara Sandesh. The programme came to a close with Mangala-aarati to Bhagavan." Editor. SS. 11/99, p. 346

Glimpses Of Dasara Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1998)

"Dasara and Navaratri celebrations started at Prasanthi Nilayam on a grand note on 25 September (1998).

Bhagavan Baba came to the fully-decorated Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.00 a.m. and took a round of the rows of the vast gathering of devotees to shower the bliss of His Divine Darshan on them on the auspicious Navaratri day. After a brief round of Darshan, Bhagavan Baba ordered the distribution of Prasadam. Mangala-vadyam started about 7.45 a.m. Then at 8.00 a.m., all eyes turned towards Veda chanting Pundits, who came to the Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession followed by a group of Veda chanting students. They all came to the Mandir and received the blessings of Bhagavan before getting ready for starting the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna.

Soon after that the venue of the programme was shifted to Poomachandra Auditorium, where Veda Purusha Bhagavan Sai inaugurated the Saptaha Jnana Yajna.

The ceremonial lighting of the sacred fire was done by rubbing two pieces of wood against each other by the Pundits amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras.

After the fire was lit, the priests sat around the beautifully decorated Yajnashala and started the Yajna. While some Pundits sat near the Vedi and performed the Yajna by putting Ahutis (offerings) of ghee and other sacred articles in the sacrificial fire amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras, some other Pundits were engaged in performing Surya-Namaskaar, reading the sacred epics, worshipping Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and other related rituals.

At 11:30 a.m., Aarati was offered to Veda Purusha Bhagavan by the Pundits. The first day's Yajna programme concluded at 12:00.

The auspicious day of Vijayadashmi, 1st October 1998 marked the completion of the Veda Purusha Yajna with Bhagavan offering Poomaahuti (final offerings) in the sacred fire. In the end, Bhagavan showered His blessings by sprinkling sacred water on all devotees inside and outside the Poomachandra Auditorium.

While the performance of Yajna continued for seven days in the morning, Bhagavan delivered His nectarine discourses in the evening. Bhagavan also showered His love and blessings on a galaxy of speakers by permitting them to make brief speeches before His Divine Discourse. Thus, while the Yajna fumes and Vedic chanting sanctified and spiritualized the atmosphere, the Divine Discourses and other speeches provided a veritable feast for the soul."  Editor, SS, 11/98, p. 303 

"The first speaker on 30th September (Dasara Festival Day), Prof. G. Venkataraman explained the significance of Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna by saying that this Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna assumed importance because it was willed, organized and performed in the year 1998, which was being celebrated as the year of peace. He said true peace could be established on the foundation of Sathya, Dharma and Prema.

The present Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri S.V. Giri was the next speaker. 

Explaining the significance ofNavaratri, Sri Giri said that the nine days of Navaratri, devoted to the worship of Durga, denoted the principle of energy; Lakshmi symbolized power and prosperity and Saraswati granted intellectual illumination. So, the last day of Navaratri marked the culmination of nine days of penance, dedication, devotion, intellectual illumination and mental purification." Editor, SS. 11/98. p. 305

Dasara Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam - 1988

"The Dasara celebrations began with Kalasha Sthaapana in the Prasanthi Mandir on 11th October 1988. Devotees had started streaming into Prasanthi Nilayam from the beginning of the month.

Narayana Seva

There was Narayana Seva on 13th October on the spacious grounds of the Hill View Stadium. Nearly fifteen thousand men, women and children from all the surrounding villages had gathered on the grounds. As in previous years, Seva Dal volunteers and students of the Institute arranged for their sitting in orderly rows for the feeding.

Bhagavan arrived exactly at 9.00 a.m. and went to the rooms where the food was kept. Swami blessed the Prasadam and Himself inaugurated the Narayana Seva by serving food to some of the men and women. Scores of students from the Sathya Sai Institute and the Higher Secondary School served food to the thousands with remarkable speed and enthusiasm. Swami was on His feet for over half an hour attending to every detail of the Narayana Seva, inspiring the students and the Seva Dal by His presence.

Feeding the poor was followed by distribution of clothes (saris and dhotis)to thousands of men and women, with Bhagavan Himself presenting saris to a few women and dhotis to some men. Some overseas devotees participated in serving food and distributing clothes.

Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna

On the 14th, Bhagavan came in a procession, headed by a large group of students chanting Vedic hymns, and Ritwiks who were officiating in the Yajna. Leading the procession was Bhagavan's Sai Geetha, followed by a band troupe.

Bhagavan inaugurated the Athirudhra Homa. Besides the Ritwiks officiating at the Homa, there were others chanting the Vedas, an old couple doing Linga Archana and Devi Puja, a Purohit who performed Surya Namaskar, and two pundits who were doing Parayana of Devi Bhagavatam and  Valmiki Ramayana.

Bhagavan Darshan And Discourses

Bhagavan gave Darshan to thousands of devotees in the Auditorium every morning. In the afternoons, during six days, there were discourses by Bhagavan, preceded by speeches by some old devotees and by research scholars and post-graduate students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute.

Students' Testimonies

The speeches of the students not only testified to the extent to which they had imbibed the teachings of Bhagavan, but also revealed numerous instances in which Swami had given protection to the students or other devotees in critical situations. A common theme for all of them was the infinite love of Bhagavan, which they had experienced in innumerable ways. All of them pledged themselves to live up to the ideals of Bhagavan and dedicate themselves to His global mission for the transformation of mankind.

Conclusion Of The Yajna

The Yajna concluded on 20th October 1988, with Pumaahuti and adoration of Bhagavan as Veda Purusha by the Ritwiks. Bhagavan came to the auditorium from Prasanthi Mandir in a procession led by a large number of students reciting Vedic hymns.

Discourses

Bhagavan delivered His concluding discourse, emphasizing the inner significance of festivals like Navaratri and exhorting all devotees to rise above barriers of caste and creed, language and nationality and develop love towards each other as children of one God.

Swami later went round the auditorium sprinkling the mantra-charged Yajna-tirtham on all devotees and conferring His benediction on them.

Jhoola Festival

The crowning event of the celebrations was the Jhoola festival in the evening (20^th October), when Swami, wearing an immaculate white robe, showered bliss on thousands in the Poomachandra Auditorium from the glittering silver Jhoola. The Institute's students' orchestra provided a concert for the evening's function, which concluded with Aarati to Bhagavan." Editor, SS. 11/88, pp. 287 & 288.

---

From the book - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar.

The Divine concept of Grama Seva

As 80% of our population is in villages, where basic amenities are scarce and awareness about many life issues is poor, it is all the more necessary to take up Grama Seva on an active and continual basis. The ever-increasing size of Sevadal and Devotees enables to achieve the end result with ease.

प्रशांति निलयम में लिखित आज का विचार पढिये Sunday , Sep 25, 2011

Sunday , Sep 25, 2011   Loving Sairam from the SaiSmriti team. अपने इंद्रियों पर साथ ही साथ अपने मन पर नियंत्रण रखिये। याद रखिये इंद्रियां खुद ब खुद कुछ नहीं कर सकती है। वे स्वतंत्र नहीं हैं। यदि मन को नियंत्रण में रखा जाये तो इंद्रियों को भी नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है। कुछ लोग मन को नियंत्रित करने के लिए इंद्रियों को सन्यास से गुजरते है! वे असली अनुशासन से अनभिज्ञ हैं। असली अनुशासन इच्छा का विनाश है। हालांकि सतर्क पहरेदारो के बावजूद एक चतुर डाकू अभी भी एक सौ आश्चर्यजनक तरीके से चोरी कर सकता हैं। इसी प्रकार, आप कुशलता से इन्द्रियों को नियंत्रण में करने की कोशिश करेंगे पर, मन उन्हें अपने पक्ष में खींचें और उन के माध्यम से अपनी इच्छाओं की पूर्ति करेगा। इसलिए, साधक कप बाह्य इंद्रियों पर महारत स्थापित करनी चाहिए। फिर, सांसारिक कारणों के निरंतर संबंधों के विष में डूबे मन को, शांति और त्याग के माध्यम से नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है। जब ऐसा किया जाता है, एक आनंद (आध्यात्मिक आनंद) का अनुभव होता है और हर समय अपने भीतर दिव्य आत्मा की कल्पना कर सकते हैं। ~ बाबा Control your senses as well as the mind. Remember, the senses can do nothing by themselves. They are not independent. If the mind is brought under control, the senses can also be controlled. Some people undergo mere asceticism of the senses in order to control the mind! They are ignorant of the real discipline that is necessary. Real discipline is the destruction of desire. However vigilant warders may be, a clever robber can still steal in a hundred amazing ways. So too, however skillfully you may try to control the senses, the mind will drag them to its side and execute its desires through them. Therefore, the aspirant should establish mastery over the external senses. Then, the mind, immersed in the Vishaya, the continuous succession of worldly relationships, has to be controlled by means of Shanthi (peace) and Vairagya (renunciation). When that is done, one can experience Ananda (spiritual bliss) and visualise the Atma (Divine Self) within at all times. ~ BABA साईट पर विजिट करने के लिए क्लिक करें

प्रशांति निलयम में लिखित आज का विचार पढिये Tuesday , Sep 20, 2011

Loving Sairam from the SaiSmriti team.
Tuesday , Sep 20, 2011
शरीर, इंद्रियां, मन और बुद्धि एक इंसान के लिए उपकरणों की तरह हैं। केवल जब आप इन उपकरणों के रहस्य को समझेंगे तब आप इसके सिद्धांत को समझने में सक्षम हो पाएंगे। यदि आप अपने आवरण को समझ नहीं पाएंगे तब आप आत्मा के रहस्य को कैसे समझ पाएंगे? शरीर जीवन की सारे कार्यो, ज्ञान और कौशल के लिए मूल साधन है। इसे मुख्य रूप से परमात्मा की प्राप्ति के लिए हेतु आवश्यक साधन के रूप में मानना चाहिए। भौतिक सुखों के लिए शरीर से लगाव छोड़ देना चाहिए। यह पवित्र और अमूल्य है तथा आत्मा का निवास है और केवल पवित्र उद्देश्यों के लिए इस्तेमाल किया जाना चाहिए। ~ बाबा The body, the sense organs, the mind and the intellect are the instruments for a human being. Only when one understands the secrets of these instruments will one be able to comprehend the Atmic Principle. If you cannot understand the vesture you are wearing, how can you understand the mystery of the infinite, indwelling Spirit? The body is the basic instrument for all the actions in life and for the acquisition of all knowledge and skills. It should be regarded primarily as an instrument for the realization of the Divine. Attachment to the body for physical pleasures should be given up. It is essentially sacred and precious for it is the abode of the Atma and should be used only for sacred purposes. ~ BABA

On Sep 1 2010

CHERISHING TODAY

CHERISHING TODAY

-  A memorable 'date' with the Divine that year

A video story

For the last few weeks, on every Thursday we have been offering you short video presentations based on sometimes Bhagawan's life and at other times His message. This week we have attempted a new service – a video story based on what happened on this day in a past year!

A year ago on this very day, August 11, Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed a magical and love-filled evening. Swami showered His grace divine on the youth from Delhi-NCR region in such measure that it would be written of that day thus: “One has to see His love in action to get an idea of the beauty of the day’s events.”

Though earlier we had carried an elaborate story with photographs in the Prashanti Diary section, we present now a ‘moving’ picture story of that day! Something unique and wonderful happens towards the end - do not miss any part of the video!

When sage Vyasa felt depressed that all his years of learning, penance and worship had not brought him any peace of mind, the celestial sage Narada advised him to contemplate on the stories of the Lord - the Bhagavatham. That was how the great sage began to write the Srimad Bhagavatham.

Today science has blessed us with wonderful audio-visual technologies plus the internet. Let us use these modern resources as facilitators to connect to our 'innernet'; let us relive the divine moments spent with our dear lord and sanctify our lives. 

Sai Ram - Wonderful Sai Servant

The Scintillating Leela of Lord Krishna ...in the Voice of Beloved Sai Krishna (August 31, 2002)

The Scintillating Leela of Lord Krishna

...in the Voice of Beloved Sai Krishna (August 31, 2002)

 

On the Krishna Janmastami Day (the day celebrating the advent of Lord Krishna) in 2002 Bhagawan delivered a beautiful discourse wherein He recreated a number of fascinating leelas of His previous incarnation. Towards the end of this talk He narrated how Lord Brahma on one occasion sought to test the Lord Himself and how Lord Krishna responded giving a taste of His Divine Power and Magnificence to Brahma, and through him to the entire mankind. Watch Swami narrate this episode from the sacred epic Srimad Bhagavatham: 

living a Thankful life

Life is not about finding the right person, but creating the right relationship.
It's not about how we care in the beginning, but how much we grow and nourish one another in a relationship.

Some people always throw stones in your path. It depends on you what you do with them - build a wall or a bridge? Remember you are the architect of your life.

Search a beautiful heart, not a beautiful face, because beautiful things won't last forever, but a golden heart does and will prosper you and add value to yourself.

It's not important to hold all the good cards in life. But it's important how well you play the cards which you hold.

PROF. ANIL KUMAR VISIT MP-CG TO MOTIVATE YOUTH

FROM http://spiritual.saismriti.org/DARSHAN.ASPX

Professor Shri Anil Kumar is coming to Bhilai,Chattisgarh 21 August 2011 Sunday

Schedule :-
20 August 2011 Saturday
               Eve 6.45PM      :- Proff. Anil Kumar Reach Raipur Airport
               Eve 9-10.30PM :- Proff. Anil Kumar Address to Doctors at
                                            Bhilai Samiti Centers

21 August 2011 Sunday  
               9AM-5.15PM    :- "Youth Motivation Camp", At Kala Mandir,
                                            Civic Center, Bhilai

Rajya Sabha mourns the passing away of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 15 – August 01, 2011

 

Rajya Sabha mourns the passing away of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Today, Rajya Sabha mourned the passing away of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Describing Him as a charismatic spiritual leader, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Vice President of India, Sri Hamid Ansari said that he had a large number of followers in India and abroad.

Recalling the work done by Bhagawan in areas of drinking water and education, he said, "In passing away of Sri Sathya Sai Baba the country has lost an iconic spiritual leader and a philanthropist."

 

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

Cultural Programme by devotees from Middle East and Gulf

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 18 – August 10, 2011

 

Musical Tribute from Region 94

The devotees from Region 94 consisting of the Middle-East, Gulf and Turkey, today offered a Musical Tribute to Bhagawan Sai Sathya Sai Baba entitled "Sarva Devata Atheeta Swaroopa Karuna Sagar Sai".

After chanting of a few verses from the holy Quran, the music programme began with a string of Arabic Bhajans.

The songs were interspersed with interesting anecdotes from published works of Bhagawan regarding His Grace falling on the devotees of various God Heads. This included His Darshan as Maha Ganapathi to Swami Amrithananda, the mending of the heart of Prof. Haikawa, a Japanese scientist whose parents prayed to Lord Buddha, the appearance of the form of Jesus Christ, the compassionate in photographs clicked of Bhagawan by a Roman Catholic couple and Professor S Bashiruddin's vision of the holy Kaba in Saudi Arabia in the open palms of Bhagawan.

The photographs of the function are enclosed herewith.

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 17 – August 09, 2011

 

Cultural Programme by devotees from Middle East and Gulf

Prasanthi Nilayam, August 9, 2011: 260 members of Region 94 of the Overseas Sri Sathya Sai Organisation,comprising of Turkey and other Middle East countries offered a special cultural programme at Sai Kulwanth Hall.

The programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with a religious procession carrying a crystal replica of the Holy Mosque of Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE. The processionists were clad in regional attire of respective countries and were carrying national flags. As the procession completed its round, a brief introduction on Turkish culture and history and that of Islamic religious significance followed before the group burst into singing holy hyms. After the brief chanting four Mevlevis performing the Whirling Dervishes took the centre-stage, moving in slow, steady gait as is proclaimed in their religion.

For the next twenty minutes, the dervishes, four in number, with typical head-gear, symbolic of ego's tombstone, with white long skirt, symbolising ego's shroud, occupied the centre-stage, dancing to rhythimc tunes, completely engrossed in the Divine. Beginning with holding arms crosswise, the dervishes moved spinning, slowly blooming their hands, with the right hand directed towards the sky, singalling their readiness to receive Divine beneficience, while gazing left hands turned towards the Earth. Turning from right to left, pivoting around the heart, they moved in steady, rhythmic circular motion, presenting a visual treat of balancing the body and mind, tuning to spiritual perfection.

The 'dance' ended with a prayer for the peace of the souls of all prophets and believers. The entire programme was accompanied by soulful music, assisted by five musicians on various instruments, namely, Kanun, a Zither-like musical instrument with 72 strings, Tambur, an ancient form of lute, Ney, a reed flute played in Melvei music.

The 'Whirling Dervish' was a collective offering, a prayer to Beloved Bhagawan by the Sai Fraternity from the region to bless them, while they revolve in this circular motion, helping them in the spiritual sense with each and every turn. Offering the dance, they prayed to Bhagawan to help them to reach Him, the Ultimate Source, through the whirling movement.

Another group from Region 94 will perform again on Wednesday, August 10, 2011.

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

 

 

 

 

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 16 – August 08, 2011

 

A Musical Tribute from the Middle East and Gulf

260 devotees from Region 94- from Middle East and Gulf have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam to seek Bhagawan's blessings. They will offer a Two-Day Programme as follows.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 5:00 PM, the Turkish group will offer a Musical Tribute and a Dance Programme. The Dance Programme will include the "Whirling Dervish- Sema".

On Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 5:00 PM, they will offer a Musical Tribute of Arabic Choir / Bhajans titled " Sarva Devatha Atheetha Swaroopa Karuna Sagar Sai".

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

 

 

 

 

Great article with very interesting information. You are a very skilled blogger, thats for sure! =)

THE ETERNAL EDUCATOR - a video presentation

THE ETERNAL EDUCATOR

- a video presentation

 

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts.

Thus wrote the famous 16th century playwright William Shakespeare. But for aeons before that, this stage has been live and on, with many an actor who has donned different roles. There are climactic moments when the stage gets specially graced with the Director stepping into the play for an important two-faceted role:

1) To teach the erring actors the importance of abiding by the rules while on stage!

2) To teach them not to get so involved in the play that they forget they are merely actors!

Many times when we think of the accomplishments of the Divine Descent, we wonder as to what mighty change has been brought about? Like in the times of Jesus, the Buddha, the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon Him), Lord Rama or Lord Krishna, the world did not seem to change much before and after them. Even now, when we see the world and think of the Sathya Sai Avatar, we may wonder, “Of course there have been changes. But they are far too tiny compared to what God can bring about!”

A teacher from the Sathya Sai University answered this doubt most beautifully:

“When the Avatar descends, He achieves many things no doubt. But the most important accomplishment is that He cultivates Love for God in the hearts of people. That is in fact the sole purpose of God’s Descent, the rest being just associated benefits! And that is because, once there is Love, the other virtues automatically arrive and the vices are wiped away clean. The root of all peace and joy is Love.”

Having been blessed with the sapling of Divine Love in all our hearts, let us nourish this Love for Him and sanctify our lives. As Saint Augustine beautifully sums it, “To fall in love with God is the greatest of romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him the greatest human achievement.”

Press Release No. 10,11,12 – July 20, 2011

Note :-

"The Trust would like to point out that this is not a ‘search’ as reported in a section of the media today. This is an ongoing inventory process that the Trust is conducting for which they had requested the Government to send its representatives.

ANY MEDIA REPORTING THIS INVENTORY AS A ‘SEARCH’ WOULD BE INDULGING IN DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS AND WOULD CONSTITUTE A TRAVESTY OF TRUTH."

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 12 – July 20, 2011

 

Kadugodi, July 20, 2011: After completing the inventory at Prashanthi Nilayam, the Trustees took up this work at the Trayee Brindavan in the Brindavan Ashram, Whitefield, near Bangalore. Apart from them, the inventory was done in the presence of Sri M.K.Aiyappa, Deputy Commissioner, Bangalore District and Dr.P.S.Harsha, Deputy commissioner of Police, Bangalore South East, along with their assistants, who were there as independent witnesses at the specific request of the Trust to the Government of Karnataka.

This inventory covered the entire Trayee Brindavan building.

The following items were inventoried today (July 20, 2011):

. Gold in the form of chains, Thali Bottus and coins - 6.09Kg
. Silver in the form of Idols, Dinnerware, Poojaware, Medallion - 245.368 Kg
. Cash of Rs. 80,50,500.

The cash has now been deposited in the Bank Account of the Trust in the Kadugodi Branch of Canara Bank.

We also wish to inform that the Trust has paid today a tax amount of Rs.4.81 crore based on the value of inventory done on 18th and 19th July.

WITH THIS, THE INVENTORY EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE TRUST IS COMPLETE.

 

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

 

 

 

 

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 11 – July 19, 2011

 

The inventory was continued on the second day (July 19,2011) at Prashanthi Nilayam. The inventory was done in the presence of the Trustees, the Collector of Anantapur District and the District Taluk Officials. This inventory covered the following areas.

. Poornachandra chambers upstairs (3 rooms)
. Poornachandra chambers downstairs (2 rooms)
. Poornachandra auditorium backstage
. Sai Kulwant Hall backside

The following items were inventoried today (July 19, 2011):

. Gold in the form of chains, Thali Bottus and coins - 1.579 Kg
. Silver in the form of Idols, Dinnerware, Poojaware, Medallion, Umbrellas, Jhoolas, Abhishekam vessels - 1161.85 Kg
. Diamond in the form of bracelet, brooches - 5 pieces
. Cash of Rs. 36,87,211

SSSCT/2011/10 sent yesterday covered the inventory on the first day. With today's release (SSSCT/2011/11) being sent herewith, the inventory of valuables in Prashanthi Nilayam is complete.

The Trust would like to place on record its heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the Collector, Anantapur district and officials of District Administration for agreeing to serve as independent witnesses and assist us in the inventory exercise.

 

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

 

 

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Press Release No. 10 – July 18, 2011

 

As announced in our earlier Press Conference, the inventory was continued at the second building of Yajur Mandir and four rooms of Poornachandra chambers today. The inventory was conducted in the presence of the Trustees along with Sri.V. Durgadas- Collector, Ananthapur district, Sri. Venkatesam- Special Officer, Sri B.R Eswar, RDO, Sri M. Manjunatha Rao, MPDO, Sri D. Kodanda Rami Reddy, Tahsildar, G. Nagabhushanam, Tahsildar, C. Sathyanarayana, Tahsildar and other officials, who were present as observers at the specific request of the Trust.

The inventoried items fall generally into the following categories.

1.	Articles used for worship, pooja and yagnams like lamps, Pathrams, baskets etc. Articles used for distribution during marriages, festivals and similar functions like Thali Bottus, chains and medallions Momentos like shields, plates, artefacts like coins.
2.	The above items contain an approximate estimated quantity of 34.5 kg of gold and 340 kg of silver.
3.	Cash, to the extent of Rs 1,90,53,899 was also inventoried.

The inventory in the Poornachandra chambers is expected to conclude tomorrow.

The Trust would like to point out that this is not a ‘search’ as reported in a section of the media today. This is an ongoing inventory process that the Trust is conducting for which they had requested the Government to send its representatives.

ANY MEDIA REPORTING THIS INVENTORY AS A ‘SEARCH’ WOULD BE INDULGING IN DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS AND WOULD CONSTITUTE A TRAVESTY OF TRUTH.

 

Prof. A. Anantharaman
Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

 

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST PRASANTHI NILAYAM Press Release No. 3 – July 3, 2011

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST PRASANTHI NILAYAM
Press Release No. 3 – July 3, 2011

 

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust makes this Press Release as there has been incorrect reporting in a section of the press and electronic media with respect to the inventory of valuables undertaken in the ground floor of Yajur Mandir on July 2, 2011.

1. There was no “search” by the Government. The representatives of the Government visited Prasanthi Nilayam at the specific request of the Trust to assist in taking inventory of the remaining portions of Yajur Mandir; nothing was “seized”.

2. It was wrongly reported that the Yajur Mandir was opened by Mr. Satyajit.

The Yajur Mandir main door keys were kept in two covers duly signed and sealed by two Trustees namely Mr. S.V. Giri and Mr. R. J. Ratnakar. These were brought from the safe custody where they were stored. The locks were opened in the presence of the Joint Collector, Additional Joint collector, Anantapur and the Trustees and members of the Council of Management present in Puttaparthi that day.

3. It was reported in a section of the Press that Mr. V.Srinivasan, Trustee, was present. Mr. V. Srinivasan at that time was away in Jharkand to participate in a Seva activity of the Sai Organisation.

4. There was an unfounded allegation that on the night of July 1, substantial material from the Yajur Mandir was spirited away, anticipating the visit of the Government representatives.

From the day of Maha Samadhi, all movement to and from Yajur Mandir are being recorded by the Andhra State Police who are on duty 24 hours of the day.

5. There was a report that the Trustees had earlier made a statement after the inventory was taken on June 17 that the inventorisation of the Yajur Mandir was complete.

The Trustees had made no such statement. On June 17 and 18, 2011 only the private chambers of Bhagawan Baba was inventoried as was indicated in the Press Statement. The room adjoining the private chamber in the first floor and the ground floor were not inventoried. It was only to inventory these rooms, the presence of Government representatives was requested.

6. There was a report that there is lot more to be recovered from Yajur Mandir. There were even fanciful references to tunnels and secret passages. No such tunnels or secret passages exist.

 

All items in the room adjoining the private chambers of Bhagawan Baba and the ground floor were inventoried. A professional valuer was present and the final values were announced by the Trust in Press Release No. 2 last night (July 2).

 

Press Release No. 2 - July 2, 2011 The Yajur Mandir was inspected by the Trustees, Council of Management, Members and Representatives of the Government of Andhra Pradesh namely the Joint Collector and the Additional Joint collector today. The details of the valuables inventoried today in the Yajur Mandir, other than the Private Chambers of Bhagawan Baba, are as follows:   Items Value Silverware (116 Kgs) Rs. 5796607 Gold Jewellery (905 gms) Rs. 1583525 Diamond ring Rs. 309361 Cash Nil     Total Rs. 7689493   The private chambers of Bhagawan Baba were also inspected and no valuables were found.

The Joint Collector, who spoke to the Media, also made it clear to the Press that there were no other valuables in the private chambers and no silver, gold, precious stones, or cash were found elsewhere in the premises besides the inventoried material.

After the inspection, Yajur Mandir was double locked and the keys were kept with the two Trustees.

All the items that were inventoried are left in the central hall in the ground floor of Yajur Mandir and these will be deposited with the State Bank of India on the next working day, which is Monday, July 4.

7. The Trust is doing everything to be completely transparent in all its activities. A section of the Media is still indulging in incorrect reporting and innuendos. We appeal to them, in the name of responsible journalism, to desist from this practice. We do hope that they will realize that such misreporting would only damage the credibility of the institutions that Bhagawan Baba has set up for public good.

 

Media Coordinator

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

Prasanthi Nilayam

Sri.Ratnakar, member of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust's exclusive Interview 2nd July 2011.mp4

In this video dated 2nd July 2011, Sri.Ratnakar explains the great fortune to be born in Swami's family, the responsibility of being His nephew and also answers some interesting questions pertaining to Swami's hospitalization about the 35 lakh rupees being seized in a car and also the future programmes of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

AFTER THE STORM MUSINGS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM by Prof. G. Venkataraman

AFTER THE STORM

MUSINGS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM

by Prof. G. Venkataraman

This is the transcript of a talk delivered by Prof. G. Venkataraman which was played on Radio Sai on Sunday, July 3, 2011.

At the outset, I would like to offer my humble pranams at the lotus feet of our most beloved Bhagawan.

Loving Sai Rams and greeting from Prasanthi Nilayam. I am sorry I have been off the air for sometime. Many have written to me and some have even phoned to me about this ‘silence’ of mine. While some have been gently critical, others have expressed annoyance; for a change, one listener or reader – I do not know which – admonished me in what I would say unusual language (that’s putting it politely!), telling me that I would be doing a service if I were to just shut up! Such diversity of opinions is common in the broadcasting world and does not bother me. As for my prolonged silence there are several reasons, but I shall not go into that now.  Instead, let me now turn to what I wish to say now.

Recollecting the Ordeal

The last few months have been truly traumatic for all of us, individually and collectively, for people here and those elsewhere. There is no one who is not feeling the pain, though of course the pain and anguish are felt by different people in different ways. This pain is always individual, deep and internal. The reasons for the pain are well known; even so, it would be useful to list some of the causes.

The Bus Stand of Puttaparthi was occupied by the OB Vans of a host of TV channels who had stayed put there once Swami's body was placed in Sai Kulwant Hall. It was a similar scene in front of the hospital from the day Baba was hospitalised.

First, we had the sad news that Swami was hospitalised. After that came the daily bulletins which drove almost everyone crazy. And then the Media which was nowhere for years and years suddenly came out screaming, “Give us facts and not this crap.” All these years they studiously ignored Swami and His monumental contributions. Good work is never news and that is why they kept away. Now there was scope for spin to say the least, and they showed up in drives. Those days, I used to make a daily visit to the Hospital along with former Vice Chancellor Prof. Viswanath Pandit. Every day we would go in the evening to have a brief meeting with Director Dr. Safaya to know about Swami’s health condition. After talking to us, Dr. Safaya would give us a copy of the latest bulletin which he had just signed. When we came out, there was the sight of about two dozen OB vans of various TV channels, their cameramen zooming on everyone who went in or came out and their reporters ready with a mike to catch anyone willing to talk.

Meanwhile, devotees prayed fervently, from Puttaparthi to places in far corners of the world. Most of us firmly believed that Swami was merely teaching us a strong lesson and that He would miraculously bounce to good health. After all, did He not do that on Gurupoornima day way back in 1963 after being stricken with paralysis and heart attacks? And what about the famous appendicitis incident in Goa that came a few years later? This too was just a Divine Drama or Leela – so we told ourselves. However, this time the script was different; I am sure you know what I mean.

Influence of Connectivity

It was different in another way also. On earlier occasions, devotees just wept and prayed because instant telecom and the 24 hour news channels did not exist. This time both were around and they completely changed the flavour of the Leela. In other words, for some spreading ‘news’ which essentially meant passing on something they had heard on the mobile from X or Y or from an e-mail from Z became priority number one. Somehow, people seem to have forgotten that Media is a Grand Master of spin and good at taking people for a ride with idle speculation and by parading experts who knew everything. Swami had warned us many times in the past: Do not hear with the ears of others. Do not see with the eyes of others. Do not speak with the tongue of others. And do not think with the minds of others. Sadly, all that seems to have been forgotten.

Mind you, I am not blaming anyone. The truth is that when we are immersed in a particular ambience, we become tuned to it. That was precisely the warning Swami was giving for decades; and He said the best way of making sure we do not get infected is to stay away and remain detached. I am NOT making this up. I know this for a fact by closely following His discourses as a part of my Radio Sai work.

We Honor the Dignity of the Content

Just to amplify what I mean, let me recall a personal experience. There is a young man – obviously he shall remain unnamed – who is active in his own way in Sai organisation work in this country. He used to come here regularly and almost invariably we would run into each other. One day he made a comment relating to a spiritual matter and said, “Uncle, I think you should deal with this matter and clarify. This would be very useful to devotees.” I replied, “But you know, we have already dealt with this issue; we have expressed our view via radio broadcast and via text on our website.” To this he said, “But uncle, these are busy days. People have no time to go to websites. You must put it on Youtube……”

	Prof. G. Venkataraman

He went on in this vein. I was hurt. I just said, “I can appreciate you are busy and want everything delivered via youtube. But you know, whatever may be the visibility advantages, we cannot bring ourselves to diminish Swami by putting Him alongside of all the stuff that is on that outlet. That is OK for things of this world, but Swami is God come down in human form. Maybe we are wrong from a practical point of view, but I know in my guts that Swami would like people to connect with Him via avenues He Himself has founded and blessed.”  My point was simple. Until recently, people went to a temple, mosque, church, gurudwara, synagogue, etc., when they wanted to worship. Even now, this happens. That being the case, do we want to change the style and put the temple in a shopping mall or inside a super-market because that would be so very convenient?

I know many would be furious with me but please take a few minutes off to reflect calmly. Actually Swami says, “Bangaru, you really do not have to go to any temple, mosque or whatever. Sit where you are, close your eyes, shut off the world, and look for Me inside your Heart. Have you forgotten that your Heart is my permanent residence?”  That is what Swami says. Now tell me, if we were to put Swami on popular internet ‘malls’ because that would be so convenient for people with gadgets, how would people be able to concentrate? In a mall, people look at one thing when suddenly something else attracts their attention and they move away. Swami has said God should be our primary focus. True, in this day, it is difficult to do that all the time. Swami has always conceded that and also indicated strategies for dealing with that. But those strategies do not include what is sometimes suggested to us by some devotees.

Many years ago, one of our benefactors brought a TV executive so that their channel could carry Swami videos. The TV expert said to me, “You know, these days the attention span of people is very small; not more than ten minutes at best (this was about ten years ago). So we must present spirituality in an attractive way. We must mix it with entertainment and interesting diversions.” What he was telling me was that there must be commercial breaks between discourses, if we were going to put them on his channel.” The benefactor who had brought this TV executive was himself technology savvy and he not only heartily endorsed what this TV man was telling me but also gave me a lecture of his own. I suffered it all in silence and when they left I told myself, “How many disciples did Adi Shankara have? How many disciples did Jesus have? How many disciples did Buddha have? Yet, their messages are still around and robust.” Spirituality is not a soap opera and sadly, preoccupied with ratings these people were missing the point.

Radio Sai - Driven by Principles Not Popularity

Sai blessing every corner of the Radio Sai building on the day of its inauguration - August 29, 2002

Dear listener wherever you are, we agree that we can do a lot better; but for heavens sake please do not ask us to do certain things just because others do it and they are popular. Back when He came to our Studio to bless it, Swami spoke in depth about what we should do and how, and we do have an obligation to adhere to those guidelines and command. Let me be clear about one thing. We are not shy of technology per se. In fact, we use the latest cameras, computers and softwares. But when it comes to presentation and avenues for presentation, we have our own norms.

By the way, popularity is not always everything. In America for example, the New York Times has much less circulation than many popular papers. But all opinion makers, no matter what their political orientation, always read the NYT everyday, because its opinions are weighty. We do not have the number and the knowledge spectrum that NYT can command and of course, our budget is nowhere near billions of dollars. And yet, we have invaluable capital in the shape of Swami discourses, videos, and wonderful devotees. What we try to do is to bring you a flavor of that as best as we can. We are deeply conscious that we can do better, and we are trying, believe me. But we cannot compromise on certain standards. We are not in the ratings game, but we also know from the experience of broadcasters elsewhere that without being at the top in terms of ratings one could still be at the top in terms of making a difference. In short, we would like to be measured by a different yardstick.

	Post Bhagawan's hospitalisation, the Media has been very busy in Puttaparthi; one would be happy if they reported the actual facts, unfortunately it has not been so with many TV channels and newspapers.

Looks like I have strayed; let me come back on track and continue with what I was trying to say. Days passed and one day, Swami withdrew from the aspect we associated with; He moved from His beautiful Form to the Formless Aspect. That was a transition none of us were prepared for and our trauma increased. Then came the event referred to as Maha Samadhi. This time the Media wanted to cover every minute of it; why, because they knew that no matter what the propaganda, Swami was universally loved. So, if they screened the events, their ratings would go up; moreover, would not the high and the mighty be showing up? And what about the stars, VVIPs and so on!

The Maha Samadhi was over but not the Media circus. They were hanging around, and thanks to new rumours associated with the question, “After Baba what?” they got a chance – a press conference. After that, things became somewhat quiet and just as we thought we were slowly settling down to some sort of a sad equilibrium, there was a second innings. It erupted suddenly – I shall not go into those details for they are well known – and once more the Media circus was in town. This time, they walked around the Ashram freely with their spy cameras and what not, and brazenly surrounded people as they were trying to go about their work, bombarding them with questions.

This brings me to a question that was repeatedly addressed to us by devotees from all over the world. The actual questions came in many forms but the substance was always the same. It was: “The Media is saying so many things. Why are you silent? What are the facts......?” Let me give the answer. Firstly, whatever listeners and readers of our website may think, we were NOT set up either as a news channel nor as spokespeople for Swami’s Trust. The Trust dealt with the Media directly and it is not proper to expect us to hijack their responsibility. That said, we did offer whatever facilitation was asked for by the Trust, including carrying the video, the audio and the transcript of the various press meets.

Who Can Unravel His Mysterious Ways

This takes me on to a more delicate aspect of what might be called readers'/listeners' anxiety. Simply paraphrased, such questions boiled down to: “Why did Swami do this or that?” Of course this core was packaged in various ways.

You know something? Avatars have always been challenged. For example, to this day, people ask all sorts of questions about why Rama did this or that. Similar questions about Krishna are not lacking. In fact, way back when Mr. Kasturi asked Swami to explain something, Swami simply said, “Kasturi, even Balarama could not understand Me. So how can you?” That says it all.

For the benefit of those who lack the background, Balarama was the elder brother of Krishna, and was none other than Lakshmana of the Rama Avatar, where he played the role of the younger brother. I suppose with that clarification you should be able to appreciate that you and I are not really in a position to comment on or pass judgements about Swami’s actions.

Swami’s actions might seem incomprehensible to us; but then, He knew the past, the present and the future as well; we know none of that. So how can anyone of us question His actions? I know from personal experience that many of them are simply inexplicable; we just have to leave it at that.

This precisely is where faith comes into the picture. Many of you may recall that Swami often referred to doubting Thomases. A person who lacks faith belongs to that category. On the other hand, it was moving to see the way the people of this village expressed their faith.

 

A Glimpse of Faith and Love

Now please see this video clip.

 

This video was shot at the time of the recent Press Conference, and it shows a big crowd of locals gathered in front of the Indoor Stadium where the press conference was taking place. And what were the locals doing there? Giving the Media a piece of their mind. They essentially said: “What do you fellows who descend here once in a blue moon seeking juicy stories know about Swami? We know all about Him. He was born right here when this place was not even a village. All His life He stayed here and worked for not only us but the whole world. We have seen all this all our lives. Who are you to come from nowhere and make all sorts of allegations without knowing anything about Him...” and so on.

The village folk of Puttaparthi marched on the streets of this holy town shouting slogans and protesting against the wrong and outrageous stories floated by a few sections of the Media about Swami, the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram and the Trust

I am making a particular mention of the clip and the pictures because this says more about implicit faith than a whole book can. I believe someone said that faith means believing without any reason till wisdom dawns, when one really has a reason to believe. For some, this may seem like asking for too much. I can understand that. Let me make it clear that I am NOT decrying those who are not ready to accept what I am saying. I would be a fool to do so for two important reasons: a) Buddha himself said, ‘Do not believe till you think you have reason to’ and b) I myself started as a sceptic. But then there came a time when I had to look beyond what was superficially apparent.

So how did I overcome the doubt barrier? I began to ask what exactly does Swami represent and stand for? When the answers to those questions slowly became clear, I told myself, “From now on, I shall just hang on to faith. I shall have faith in Swami and do things because they appear right to my Conscience. Later maybe, I shall understand better.” That is the way it has been for me for over a decade and a half.

Committed to Bringing Swami's Love to You

Let me move on once more and say a few words about the important question: “Where do we go from here?” We here means Radio Sai, naturally. We have made a lot of plans and we really want to step it up. People want Swami and we have lots of audios, videos, letters, text, interviews, etc., that we need to package properly and share with the wide world. We have been planning this for quite a while and the time has come for action. The task ahead is not easy for a number of reasons starting with the fact that in terms of HR, we still remain subcritical. Secondly, when it comes to media matters, our internet connectivity is constantly an issue. It is a different matter if one is in a metro; but for those who control communication channels, Puttaparthi is still a remote village! That raises many connectivity issues and we are grappling with them. Also, we need technical consultancy. People may say all that is easy in today’s world. Alas, that is not the way it is. Speaking from personal experience, anytime I try to ring somebody, either the phone is switched off or I get connected to an answering machine! Even if one leaves a message few call back. Everyone is so busy! In a city, life moves differently because experts can easily move about. But over here we have our handicap because visitors have to set apart a whole day, which they often are not able to.

	Mr. S. S. Naganand, Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation and Prof. G. Venkataraman addressing the former students of Bhagawan's university who are now staff members in Radio Sai about the new challenges and responsibilities ahead of them on July 3, 2011.

Those are just problems of real life and I agree that we just cannot sit back with complaints and excuses. Praying to our Beloved Swami and placing full faith in Him, I give my personal assurance on behalf of all the wonderful people here that we shall enhance our services in as many different ways as possible, so that you can always feel you are here in Prashanti with Swami, no matter where you physically are in this planet.        

In summary, there is so much to share with you and also so much to do from our end. Some of you may recall that we ‘published’ a manifesto about our future direction. You might be wondering whatever happened to that. Well, as far as we are concerned, it is very much in our minds, but recent events have slowed things down a bit for a variety of reasons which do not concern us right now. But this much is clear. Swami said that Krishna came mainly to give a Message. That was even more true of the Sai Avatar since He was giving the Message all the time in various ways. About a decade ago, He put us in charge of disseminating His Message and clearly that job acquires a new meaning and urgency now. That we are very clear of. But please do bear with us because often we find ourselves with too much to do and too few people to do it. However, that does not mean that we do not care or are not bothered. Far from it. We are in fact exploring many new ways of reaching out. God willing, all that and much more would get done.

Meanwhile, please remember that keeping the Message alive and spreading it is a task not confined to us alone. You also are a part of that Mission and it is really a joint endeavor!

With those words I shall stop for now and thank you for your patience.

As always, I humbly offer this talk at the lotus feet of our dear Swami.

God bless and Jai Sai Ram.

Press Release by the Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Issued on - June 28, 2011

Press Release by the Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

Issued on - June 28, 2011

1. Ever since Bhagavan Baba was admitted to the hospital there has been a flurry of news reports in the print and electronic media about His health and treatment, His attaining Maha Samadhi, and the subsequent opening of his private chambers in Yajur Mandiram. The Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, are issuing this statement in order to give a true and fair picture of the events.

2. Recently the first floor of the Yajur Mandir was accessed and cash, gold, silver and jewellery valued at approximately Rs. 30 crores were duly inventoried on June 16 and 17, 2011 and deposited in the bank. Whatever is deposited with the bank is brought into the Books of Account of the Central Trust. The Trust is not taking any technical plea and the entire leviable income tax thereon of Rs 9.5 crores has been paid by the Trust as advance tax.

3. The inventory was done in the presence of all the Trustees (among whom there was a former Chief Justice of India and a former Central Vigilance Commissioner), two members of the Council of Management and two retired judges – one of the Supreme Court and the other from the Karnataka/Bombay High Court. The valuation was done concurrently by a valuer approved by the Government of India.

4. On the night of June 18, it was reported in the electronic media that an amount of Rs. 35 lakhs was recovered by the police from a vehicle going from Puttaparthi to Bangalore. The seizure was from an employee of a company which was entrusted the task of supervising the construction of the Maha Samadhi for Bhagawan Baba in Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam. The money had been contributed by a group of devotees for the construction of Maha Samadhi. Both the donors and the recipient have confirmed this fact in writing. Two employees of the company were arrested on mere “suspicion". On June 19, 2011 one more person, a driver of Mr. V. Srinivasan (a Trustee) was arrested by the police from a bus in which he was travelling. No seizure of cash or valuables was made by the police from him. He was also arrested on mere "suspicion". These events were widely reported and commented upon in the media with many innuendos.

5. The seized money does not belong to the Trust but is the money given by devotees for being used for the Maha Samadhi work. This had been confirmed by Mr. Ratnakar and Mr. V. Srinivasan, Trustees. All receipts and payments from and into the Trust are only through cheques, DDs or other financial instruments.

6. It was also reported by the press that on a subsequent date two sack loads of money between Rs 5 and 10 crores was recovered from two passengers in a bus going to Bangalore. This is completely false. No such seizure took place. The police have not denied the incorrect report. Subsequently the media never published a retraction that their earlier report was inaccurate - leaving in the process the incorrect report in the public realm.

7. The media has also been misreporting several other matters. When Justice Bhagwati demitted office as Trustee (due to a legal requirement) of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Education Trust in order to take charge as the Chancellor of the university it was wrongly reported that he resigned from the Central Trust.

8. Another report described that Mr. Indulal Shah was distancing himself from the Trust. This version is wholly untrue and Mr. Shah has been actively involving himself in all Trust matters and has attended every meeting of the Trustees, including the meeting held last evening.

9. There was another totally mischievous and false report in the Press that government cars are being used for transporting cash across the state borders. There is no truth in this. But after publishing an incorrect statement the press never retracted even when it had no evidence to support its inaccurate report.

10. It was also widely reported that there was a ‘will’ of Swami. There was even a reference to an ‘oral will’ - a concept which is unknown to law.

11. The print media and some electronic media put out reports of the ‘arrest’ of Mr. V. Srinivasan. This is wholly false. He was never arrested. He was in his house in Chennai. It was then reported that a senior police officer had stated that Mr. V. Srinivasan was absconding. When contacted by Mr. V. Srinivasan the said officer denied having made any such statement. He informed the Press; but his statement was never published.

12. It was reported in a leading national daily on the front page that Mr. Naganand, a member of the Council of Management, had stated that Bhagawan Baba had left a will directing that Mr. Satyajit should be given a prominent position in the Trust. This statement was denied in writing by Mr. Naganand; the denial was not published.

13. The Trustees recognize the need for public dissemination of information and the Right to Information is enshrined in the legislation of the country; but that is no license for inaccurate reporting. The role of the Fourth Estate is important in a democracy. The Trust has been alive to the legitimate desire to purvey information and yet strike a balance between transparency and privacy while emphasising truth.

14. The Trust would like to assure the public that all institutions set up by Bhagawan Baba will be administered well and transparently and that they will uphold all the ideals of Bhagavan Baba. The public are requested not to be misled by false propaganda.

POSTPONEMENT OF LIVE BROADCAST OF PRAYER SESSIONS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM

POSTPONEMENT OF LIVE BROADCAST OF PRAYER SESSIONS
FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM

 

Kind Attention of Radio Sai Listeners:

Sairam!

We regret to inform you that though originally we had scheduled to start Live streaming of daily prayer sessions being conducted in Sai Kulwant Hall from June 23, 2011, due to unforeseen technical problems we are postponing this service for a week or so.

We definitely want to offer this service to you as soon as possible and are working to sort out the issues at the earliest.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

In His Service,
Radio Sai team.

Om Sai Ram

Om Sai Ram....

Sai Baba I am really very distressed from this life. In this young age I have faced a lot of difficulties in life. I am fed up of this life. I can''t see even a ray of bright light. It''s mu humble request to you to please call me in your service. I do not want to live this life any more. Please show me the path to to end my life. Babaji pls reply me..

LIVE BROADCAST OF PRAYER SESSIONS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM

LIVE BROADCAST OF PRAYER SESSIONS
FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM

 

Kind Attention of Radio Sai Listeners:

Starting this Thursday, June 23, 2011 Radio Sai will offer you daily evening prayers Live from Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam.

From 4.30 P.M. to 6 P.M. (Indian Standard Time), our AsiaStream will connect you Live to the daily Vedam and Bhajan sessions being conducted in the divine precincts of Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Incase you are unable to tune in during this time, you can easily download the recordings of these prayer sessions from our website: radiosai.org. There will be a direct link to this special Live recordings download page from our homepage.

So, wherever you are, you can now log on to www.radiosai.org, select AsiaStream, join these elevating prayer sessions and feel the sacred vibrations of Prasanthi Nilayam in your heart!

Please do share this information with all your family and friends. Let us pray collectively for the welfare of everyone everywhere!

For any clarifications, please write to listener@radiosai.org

Thank you.

Radio Sai team.

Inventory of Valuables in the premises of Yajur Mandir

Press Release 17th June -2011

Inventory of Valuables in the premises of Yajur Mandir

Prashanthi Niayam

The Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust respectfully entered the holy premises of the Yajur Mandir, the private chambers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the morning of Thursday, the 16th June, 2011, duly obtaining the key from the The State Bank of India, where it had been kept in safe custody. Apart from the 5 Trustees, and two members of the Council of Management, including the former Chief Justice of India, Sri.P.N.Bhagawathi, two other eminent judges. Justice Sri.A.P.Misra, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Sri.Vaidyanatha, retired Judge of the Karnataka High Court, were also present as independent witnesses. An assessor approved by the Income Tax Department of the Government of India, was aso present to assist in evauating gold, jewellery and siver. The sole purpose of the exercise was to make an inventory of the valuables within the premises in a transparent manner.

The Above inventory was taken over two days, June 16 and 17 2011

The summary of the inventory is given below

CASH:

Rupees 11,56,47,049.50 (Eleven crores, fifty six lakhs, forty seven thousand, and forty nine and paise 50 only)



GOLD
98 KILOGRAMS approximately as per valuer’s report



SILVER ARTICLES:



307 KG approximatey as per valuer’s repot

Cash as per the inventory has been deposited in the Bank Account of the Central Trust with the State Bank of India, Prashanti Nilayam

Gold silver and Jewellery was assessed by the the certified valuer approved by the Income Tax Department, Government of India.

Issued by the order of Board of Trustees, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.



Signed by R.J.Ratnakar

Trustee

  "Later speaking to the Press Sri Ratnakar said the Mahasamadhi construction will be over by the 10th of July 2011. He also said that the Trust has no plans of having a Golden Statue by the Samadhi."...Ratnakar said, Yajur Mandir would be open for public very shortly most probably after Gurupoornima. He also said all the personal memorabilia of Swami would be displayed for devotees...."

Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, A Report - Day 3

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning organised a Summer Course on the theme of Indian Culture and Spirituality from the 10th June to 12th June 2011 at Prasanthi Nilayam. Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute participated in this programme.

DAY 3 (12th June 2011):

The proceedings of the third and final day of the summer course in Indian Culture and Spirituality began with Veda chanting from the Holy Scriptures by a group of staff and students of the Institute at 8.30 a.m. in the Poornachandra auditorium in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Dr. Naren Ramji, the fourth Registrar of the institute and an alumnus of the institute was the first speaker of the day who spoke on the topic, “Vision and Mission of SSSIHL”.  The learned speaker quoted expansively from the defining discourses of Bhagawan that laid the Vision of the Institute as bestowing both worldly knowledge as well as knowledge of the Self. He said that if the educated have to fruitfully play their role in the upliftment and betterment of the society, then they should first become better human beings, as true transformation only comes through a personal example.

Expressing his views on the way Bhagawan Baba built the ethos of the Institute that today stands as the ideal to the whole world, he said that the Lord never overwhelmed the administrators with the complete idea of the masterpiece that He wanted to built, but held their hand to paint one stroke at a time. In the process, the Lord made it very clear that His medium of instruction is discipline, which is nothing but practice of doing the right thing at the right time in the right way. But this self-discipline cannot be forced from outside, but has to come from within to be rewarding in the way envisaged.

To substantiate how Bhagawan sometimes forced His students to develop an inner connection with Him, he narrated a personal experience wherein the Lord when He withdrew Himself from them to teach them the efficacy of prayer. He encouraged the students to introspect in a spirit of enquiry as to why a ritual or a discipline has been espoused by Bhagawan for His students, to make best use of the same and make it a stepping stone for reaching Him. In this journey, the learned speaker asserted, we should have Saburi, i.e. patience with the right attitude, which is life-changing. This transformation, he affirmed was true freedom, where our inner peace and happiness does not depend on any externality.

He concluded by saying that in the eyes of Bhagawan, there is a difference between a student of the Institute and His student and that we should all endeavour to become His students by putting into practice the teaching He so lovingly bestowed upon us.

The second speaker of the day, Ms. Rajeshwari Patel, HoD, Department of English, Anantapur campus of the Institute, spoke on the topic, “Blending Science & Spirituality at SSSIHL”. The eloquent speaker started on an emotional note, saying that as in the 20th Century the upheavals of the times brought out the best in poetry, we the devotees of Bhagawan should offer our best, in our respective capacities as an offering to our omnipresent Lord.

She reiterated that it was impossible to achieve happiness for humanity unless there was a concomitant increase in its wisdom, in harmony with its increase in knowledge. Referring to the moral and Spiritual challenges of the 20th Century, she held that unfortunately material progress has been conjoint with moral and Spiritual regression, resulting in net loss for humanity.

She called upon the scientific community to take in its ambit the exploration of the universe within man to understand himself more holistically. In this respect she called upon the education fraternity to take the Vedanta as the benchmark of such a standpoint, exploring not only the kshetra, the outer world which is like a field, but also the kshetragya, the tiller of that field - God Himself.

She congratulated the students of the hallowed institute to be in a system of education where values were diffused in the teaching of each subject, by the inspiration of Bhagawan Baba. She said that this is diagrammatically opposite to the strife between the Church and the scientific community in the 20th century, where the scientific community lacked a fundamental knowledge of the spiritual world and vice versa.  

The erudite speaker, quoting extensively from the doyens of English literature alleged that if we have to bridge the two worlds into a wholesome one, we have to steadily progress from the realm of the food – the annamaya kosha to the realm of Bliss – the Anandamaya kosha at the core of our being. This she said was the nature of Atma, defined by Bhagawan as the most fundamental, most elemental core of our beings.

The   next speaker for the day was Dr.  T. Ravi Kumar, the newly appointed warden of the Brindavan campus of the Institute. In his eloquent speech on "Life sketch of Bhagawan - His role as an ideal Student and an ideal Master ", he shared from some of his beautiful moments spent with Bhagawan at Ooty. He reiterated to the student community that one must practice before teaching others, as was exemplified by Bhagawan in His life.

He then recollected the incident where Bhagawan materialized a medallion with 100 Sanskrit shlokas embossed on it, depicting the future 18 centres, where His students would be the guiding forces. He said that the life of Swami has always been an open book and recalled how next year Swami had shared very personal experiences of His life with His students.

He called upon the student community to never miss any opportunity to serve the Lord and His institutions to find fulfilment in their lives.

The talk was followed by a an excellent video film titled, "Living with God is True education" on the Kodaikanal visits of Bhagawan Baba with an entourage of selected students was produced by the Radio Sai team of the Digital Studio. It brought together some of the finest moments spent by Bhagawan with His students in the picturesque hill station. The presentation contained an interview of a student in whose presence the Lord had revealed that it was not the merit of past lives that had given them the qualification of being in His presence, but it was only a manifestation of His Divine grace that had made it possible.

The presentation also showed some moments from the earlier summer course programmes which were organised in the presence of Bhagawan, first in Brindavan and thereafter in Ooty. It showed students going into the town for a cleaning drive, much to the surprise of others.  It depicted very clearly as how service to others has become the second nature of students and how well they continue to serve the society even after passing out of the institute. This was reaffirmed through interviews of some of the employers of the students who heaped praises on the performance of the students due to their positive attitude, desire to learn and a sense of purpose in life.

The last speaker of the day was an alumnus of the Anantapur campus of the institute, Mrs. Nirmala Shekhar, who spoke on the topic “An Ideal Sai Student and her/his Role in Society”. She asked the students as to what was the first step in doing anything? A student replied that it was self confidence. Quoting Swami, she said that Bhagawan had said that it was ‘wanting to do something’. She felt that the essence of the summer course was awakening of the awareness of Lord’s presence in our life. She called upon everyone to watch coincidences as the handicraft of God - moments when God chose to be anonymous. She ended her interesting talk with an experience of how once Swami saved her life.

Towards the end, some of the veterans, outgoing officials were felicitated by the new incumbents. This includes Prof. Jayalakshmi Gopinath, formerly Principal of Anantapur Campus, Prof. Ramamoorthy, formerly head of SBMAF - Prasanthi Nilayam, Sri BN Narasimhamurthy, outgoing Warden of Brindavan Campus, Prof. US Rao, outgoing Principal of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus and Dr. Siva Shankar Sai, outgoing Warden of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.

The programme ended with a presentation by some students on the lessons learnt. In the end, Arathi was offered to Bhagawan and Prasadam distributed.

Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, A Report - Day 2

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning organised a Summer Course on the theme of Indian Culture and Spirituality from the 10th June to 12th June 2011 at Prasanthi Nilayam. Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute participated in this programme.

DAY 2 (11th June 2011):

The first speaker, Prof. G. Venkataraman, eminent scientist, and former Vice Chancellor of Sai University, and the Director of Radio Sai spoke on the topic, "Relevance of Sai Education Philosophy in Contemporary World"..

Combining effortlessly and sensitively his reminiscences of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba with his own experiences of the secular world, and citing cogently from Sai Discourses, he elucidated on the topic. To believe, as some do, that there is no connection between spirituality and society is a big mistake. Before we discharge our duty to the world around us we must realize the universality of the Divine.

In order to carry out our duties, we must develop two qualities in ourselves: sensitivity and Integrity. Sensitivity is compassion; and we will be able to carry out this task when we keep in mind the possibility that today’s rich can become tomorrow’s poor. And sensitivity is needed in our dealing with the world at every level.

Integrity is absolute honesty; it also translates into steadfastness. It is practised in daily life in our one-to-one dealings or one-to-many dealings. For example, in business, Sai has exhorted us to keep in mind that ‘Customer is God.’ The evil we do will rebound on us.

We must look for God within—see the same God in everyone around you. Then we can never hurt others. Spirituality and our social obligations go together. Character and integrity are synonymous. Development of individual character leads to burgeoning of national character.

The second speaker was Prof. Viswanath Pandit, eminent economist, and former Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He spoke on ‘Role of Values and Ethics in Education.’

He reiterated Sai’s objective in establishing the University that SSSIHL must produce role models. He defined Education as the process which brings out the inherent divinity in each of us. Thus, Education is Educare.

Today, however, everywhere in the world outside, education has become a business; and education has become synonymous with the development of mere skills. Virtue and wisdom are replaced by folly and worse. Quoting from Swami Ranganathananda’s wry prescription of the Eleventh Command for the modern man—‘after violating the Ten Commandments, make sure you escape from the hands of law’.

The learned scholar traced the ills of the modern world to the failure of its education system. The recent recession in the West is a direct consequence; as well as the nexus between the government and the corporate world and rampant consumerism; Prof. Pandit quoted statistics to show how all this has resulted in unprecedented inequalities among the upper classes and the poorer classes.  The rich have become richer, the poor poorer.

The only way out is Sai’s prescription: practise ‘Ceiling on Desires.’ Quoting from the Yajurveda, Prof. Pandit stressed on the urgent need expand the concept of Ethics to Dharma; and take Dharma to the level of Sathya—God. He mentioned that the so-called Rationality and Reason have only resulted in selfishness and happiness is not related to economic success. There is a need to develop a ‘binocular’ vision—secular as well as spiritual awareness. Sai’s Golden Triangle of God, Man and Society must be our goal, the goal of education. Skill formation must go with development of spirituality.

The speech was followed by the second part of the video, ‘Living with God is True Education’.

The third speaker of the morning’s programme Sri K. Chakravarti, the first Registrar of the University and for the secretary of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, delivered an erudite talk on ‘Innovation in the Head, Passion in the Belly and Compassion in the Heart ’:

Quoting from a wide range of poets and writers, the learned speaker focused on the need for compassion; and the training of the minds of students. As someone closely following all Sai’s programmes and especially the progress of the Sai University, Sri Chakravarti expressed satisfaction that Sai students are among the top 1% of the country. Even the quality our research is better than the national average.

However, there is need to improve, and how do we do it? The learned speaker has a complete prescription: learn to learn. In other words, the teachers of SSSIHL must teach their students on how to learn. Classroom learning should inspire students to read the classics from their respective fields. The extracts in textbooks will be understood more in context only when the entire original text is studied, he emphasised. Even for relaxation, instead of fiction, students should resort to poetry since it is not only relaxing but also elevating.

Sai students, Sri Chakravarti emphasized, must practise Swami’s ideals: especially sharing and caring: sharing with others what we have and caring for others with a sense of equality and compassion. Thus a Sai student must foster his or her higher self.  Above all the value to nurture and practise is compassion, mercy. Let the noble and sublime side of our personality play its role. A responsive heart is what matters. At the same time Sai students and teachers must aim at pushing the frontiers of knowledge.

Sri V. Srinivasan, the All India President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, was the fourth speaker of the morning and he spoke on "Guidelines for the Institute". He recalled Bhagavan’s definitive statement: ‘I am God, you are also God, and the difference is that I know it and you don’t.’ He went on to allude to the various festivals celebrated in Prasanthi Nilayam, attended by thousands of devotees from all over the world, all brought here by Swami’s love acting as a Divine Magnet.

Sri Srinivasan went on to elucidate the guidelines laid by Swami for the University.
The first is, “Service to Society, where service to society is service to God”.
The second is, “Cultivate love in your heart because only when you cultivate love in your heart you begin your journey Godwards”.
The third is, “Truth is 3-H—harmony between head, heart and hands: thought, word and deed”.

He recalled a meeting with Swami: when Swami asked them what the meaning of Swaraj is; they all said ‘complete freedom’. Then Swami commented that no one in the universe has attained complete Swaraj only He, God, has because he alone enjoys Free Will.

Another guideline emphasizes that our mind should pursue not just information, but wisdom. Here he alludes to an episode from Ramakrishna’s life: when the Paramhamsa said that in order to attain God you should pine for him. He added that, true freedom is self-regulation. This ought to be the goal of every Sai student. He concluded by quoting Swami, “I give you what you want, in the hope that one day you will ask me what I have come to give you.’

Before the last speech there was an interesting Quiz based on the life and message of Bhagavan Baba, where teams from all the campuses participated enthusiastically. The quiz master, Sri Shashank Shah, a post doctoral fellow in Management, admirably brought the entire life and mission of the Avatar of the Age in front of the audience through insightful questions and slideshows of rare photographs bringing the moments to life. Even elders enthusiastically participated in the event answering questions passed by the participating students. Fittingly, the quiz ended in a tie with all three teams scoring exactly 80 points.

After the lunch break, the campuses met separately for further discussion on the selected discourses by Bhagavan Baba on Indian Culture and Spirituality, with the teachers acting as facilitators. These discussions prodded the students to introspect on the finer aspects of a spiritual life in harmony with the rich Indian heritage. Select Representatives from the groups presented the learnings.

Students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 04:30 pm. After Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students after which, there was a music programme by the students of Ananatpur campus of the University.

After Dinner, the three campuses met seperately and continued the much sought after Satsanga talking about individual experiences with Bhagawan.

Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, A Report - Day 1

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning organised a Summer Course on the theme of Indian Culture and Spirituality from the 10th June to 12th June 2011 at Prasanthi Nilayam. Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute participated in this programme.

DAY 1 (10th June 2011):

The Programme started at 08:30 am with Invocatory Vedic Chanting and Universal Prayer by the students. This was followed by a Welcome Note by the Registrar of the University, Dr. Naren Ramji. Prof. J. Shashidhara Prasad, the Vice-Chancellor of the University gave the inaugural address.

After the welcome note and the inaugural address, the first speaker of the session was Sri. A.V. Gokak, the seventh Vice Chancellor of the Institute. The learned speaker presented a historical review of Indian culture and Spirituality and Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s role in it. In his erudite exposition on the salient features of Indian Culture and Spirituality, Shri Gokak stressed that it is the Culture and Spirituality of a nation that determines the character and conduct of each individual, ultimately defining the direction and pace of its progress.

Quoting extensively from renowned philosophers and thinkers like Shelley and Victor Hugo, Sri Gokak opined that man is not merely an evolved animal, but, as declared by Bhagawan, is potentially Divine, if only he can come out of Maya that deludes him from his own reality.

In the age of globalization what is important to us is that we should merge Spirituality of the East with the materialism of the West for the development of the world at large, yet not lose our national identity. At the same time we should also recognise the fact as Bhagawan says,
There is only one caste: the caste of humanity
There is only one religion, the religion of love,
There is only one language, the language of the heart,
There is only one God, He is omnipresent.

Sri Gokak concluded by saying that evolution cannot happen unless there is a revolution in the human Consciousness and this is where Bhagawan should be our Divine Flame igniting Spirituality in our daily life.

Sri S.V Giri, the sixth Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai institute of Higher Learning, was the next speaker. The learned speaker spoke on “the Philosophy and Concepts of ancient Gurukula system”. Sri Giri observed that Swami’s philosophy of Integral Education, on which is founded Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, can be understood only by combining the ancient Gurukula system with the modern system of education.

 The speaker emphasized the fact that only when the mind is concentrated and pure, students can lead happy lives and attain their goals. To cultivate a focused mind, he emphasised on the role of discipline and also drew analogies from the scriptures, talking at length about Nachiketa and Satyakama. The erudite speaker went on to say how teachers should conduct themselves; and stressed their impact on the lives of students.

The speaker defined character from a practical standpoint and also highlighted the important dimensions of character, namely wisdom, heroic will, compassion and universal love, competence and untiring labour towards perfection.

In his concluding remarks Sri Giri recollected from his career as the Central Vigilance Commissioner that even a small compromise on one’s values would eventually lead to a catastrophe in one’s life. He believed that education of today should emulate the Gurukula system and always teach students to discriminate between right and wrong, making them able citizens to serve the society.

Thereafter a video, ‘Living with God is True Education’ was screened. The video, specially produced by the faculty and students of SSSIHL, with inputs from Radio Sai, showed Swami’s educational system closely cultivating the values already emphasized by Sri Giri in his talk on the ancient Gurukula system.

Sri B N Narasimhamurthy, Warden, Muddenahalli Campus of the Institute spoke on the theme ‘Ideal Masters and Disciples from Ancient India’. Sri Narasimhamurthy said that the SSSIHL is the dream University of all sages and saints of ancient India and the renaissance period as it provides an ideal blend of the physical and metaphysical.

He recollected Bhagavan’s emphasis on the dictum, ‘The Soul of Education is the Education of the Soul’.
Dwelling on the core of his topic he gave examples of many master-disciple duos from different periods of time, starting with Yajnavalkya and Janaka from the Upanishadic times, Krishna and Arjuna from the Itihasas, all the way to AdiShankaracharya and Padmapada of the Historic times.

He elucidated the ABCD of life as:
A – Awareness of God within as bliss and as beauty without
B – Balance of Mind
C – Control of Senses
D – Dedication to the welfare of mankind

Sri Sanjay Sahni, Director, Brindavan Campus spoke on the topic. ‘Educational Philosophy of Bhagavan Baba’
Sri Sanjay Sahni stated that the educational philosophy at SSSIHL is rooted in the Indian culture and heritage. He classified his talk into 5 dicta highlighted by Bhagavan as the core values for human life. These include:
At the individual level: Satyam Vada; Dharmam Chara
At the family level: Matru Devo Bhavan; Pitru Devo Bhava
At the society level: Paropkaraya Punyaya; Paapaya Parapeedanam
At the national level: Janani Janmabhumischa Swargadapi Gareeyasi
At the universal level: Samasta Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu
He laced each of these examples with very touching incidents from Bhagavan’s life which he was a personal witness to.

After a lunch break, the students broke into small teams of 20 and discussed on select Summer Course Discourses by Bhagawan and His other Discourses on Educare. There was one anchor discourse which was studied by all and six auxillary discourses of which one was read by smaller groups.

Students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 04:30pm. After Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students after which, there was a music programme by the students of Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses of the University.

After Dinner, the three campuses met seperately and shared their experiences with Bhagawan with Love and Devotion.

INTERRUPTION OF RADIO SAI SERVICE ON WORLDSPACE RADIO SETS

Sairam!

Kind Attention of those Listening to Radio Sai Programs on Worldspace Radio Sets:

We regret to inform you that there will be an interruption of our service only on Worldspace radio sets because of a satellite transmission problem. Therefore our programs may not be heard on Worldspace radio sets starting from Monday, June 13, 2011; this disruption of service (only on Worldspace radio sets) may continue for several weeks or indefinitely.

If we are successful in resuming this service, we will inform you about this by posting an announcement on our website and also by an email to all subscribers of "Sai Inspires" - our daily email service.

However, you can listen to all Radio Sai programs by two ways:

a) By visiting our website (www.radiosai.org).

b) Through your mobile phone. There are customised Radio Sai applications for iPhone as well as for several other mobile phones. To know more about this, please click here.

We deeply regret the inconvenience caused. However, these are things completely beyond our control and we are trying our best to find solutions at the earliest. Meanwhile from now on please visit www.radiosai.org to listen to any of our five audio streams.

Kind Attention of those Listening to Radio Sai Programs on our Website radiosai.org:

Our services on the website continue as before. So please listen to Radio Sai through radiosai.org.

For any clarifications, please write to listener@radiosai.org

Thank you
Radio Sai team

Bhagawan's Divine Energy cloud

  Some American astronauts had also reported a very bright light in South India in the area of Prasanthi Nilayam, a light that they could not account for in any way. Swami's Divine Energy is everywhere.

OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE

Sai Ram

Thanks to mannar krishna

Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning from June 10 - 12, 2011

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is organising a Summer Course on the theme of Indian Culture and Spirituality from the 10th June to 12th June 2011 at Prasanthi Nilayam. Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute will be participating in this programme.

This two and a half day programme, though shorter in duration compared to the 15 day long Summer Courses conducted by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is designed and structured along similar lines. Bhagawan used to organize annually, the Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, first in the 1970s for 7 years and later after a break again in the 1990s for another 7 years. The primary focus, as was then, remains the same now too: To expose the students of the Institute to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bharath, to create awareness among them of the lofty ideals and profound teachings of life illustrated in our sacred scriptures and epics, and draw out the distilled essence of our ancient wisdom for practice in their day-to-day life.

Bhagawan referred to Indian Culture as Bharathiya Samskruti, because as He explains, Bharath is not just the country defined by some man-made geographical boundaries. Bharath stands for Bha (God) and Rathi (Love). It is a land that promotes and nurtures love for God. The Bharatiya culture stood for Sanatana Dharma that prescribed the eternal blueprint for creation. It stood for unity of all mankind as one family (Vasudaiva Kutumbakam) and always prayed for universal welfare (||Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu||). It recognized the Divine principle immanent in all creation and therefore stressed on the principle of Unity in Diversity.

There could be no better way to commence the academic year of an Institution, which offers values-based education and is designed by Bhagawan Baba on the lines of the ancient Gurukula System. The Summer Course orients the students to Bhagawan’s educational philosophy and gives them deep insights into what their “take aways” could be from this unique Institution. This prepares them well to make the best of the rare opportunity that lies ahead of them.

The objective of giving the students vital inputs in our rich culture and spirituality will be achieved in part, through lectures delivered by elderly devotees and persons of esteem and reputation in society. The topics range from the salient features of our Indian culture, the philosophy and concepts of the ancient Gurukula System, to the Relevance of Sai Education Philosophy in the Contemporary World, the Role of Values and Ethics in Education and to the Life sketch of Bhagawan as an ideal Student and an ideal Master and the blending of science and spirituality in the curriculum of the Institute.

Other components will include specially produced video shows on Bhagawan Baba, Interactive sessions in groups with intra and inter group presentations based on select Discourses of Bhagawan Baba from the earlier Summer Courses conducted by Him, sharing of experiences with Bhagawan Baba by devotees, cultural programmes, quiz programme, vedam chanting and bhajans.

Prof.Anil Kumar's schedule in the UK

Amazing Academic Performance of SSSHSS, Prasanthi Nilayam

The Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam stood with excellence in the recently published CBSE results for 10th and 12th standards.

20 students earned the rare distiction of CGPA 10 out of 10 for the 10th standard. With the school earning 100 perc results, 67 students qualified with a CGPA of 9 and above, 86 students with 8 and above and 92 with 7.5 and above.

In the 12th standard category, the cent percent results has 105 out of 120 earning distinction. 55 students earned 90 perc and above and 119 passed with I division. Vivek Raju N. topped the school with 97 perc while Kum. Preksha and Debadritha Saha shared the second slot with 96.6 perc each and Rohit Kumar Chawla with 96.4 perc finished at the third spot.

With the new academic year begins, New wardens have been appointed at the hostels in Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan. While Dr. Pallav Kumar Barua of the Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Sciences has taken over at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel, Dr. T. Ravi Kumar of Dept. of Chemistry is the new warden at Brindavan Hostel in Whitefield, Bangalore.

OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE.

Sai Ram

Thanks to"mannar krishna" <mannar_sai@yahoo.co.in>

TIRED FALSEHOOD AND THE ACTUAL FACTS

TIRED FALSEHOOD AND THE ACTUAL FACTS

 

What follows relates to a recent article in the OPEN PAGE of THE HINDU, and Prof. Venkataraman's response, also published in the OPEN PAGE by THE HINDU on May 29, 2011 (Sunday). This exchange in the OPEN PAGE has also been covered by Radio Sai. You can listen to this programme now:

 

 

Presented below is the web version, with some additional comments.

 

As most of you are aware, during the many decades that Swami was physically here on earth, the Media was largely indifferent to Him, His Message and His amazing acts of compassion, even though many of them were absolutely breathtaking. Yet, when His body was critically ill, they gathered in full force, right in front of the Hospital, to start virtually a new industry, that of spreading false rumours on Swami, interspersed with innuendoes and unsubstantiated as well as outrageous allegations about our beloved Lord. And finally when Swami ascended to the Formless aspect on April 24, 2011, the newspapers began carrying articles and in some cases even editorials on the legacy of Sai Baba, as they often put it. While some of them were reasonably fair and even objective, others committed to extreme points of view, took the opportunity to sling mud one more time. A few others tried the so-called via media of mixing the two extremes, varying the proportions to suit their own views on the one hand while taking care not to lose devotee readers on the other – let us face it, Swami had and continues to have millions and millions of devotees; that was why these journals played safe, adopting a 60-40 or 40-60 approach, if one might call it that.

Among the leading newspapers of India is The Hindu. Founded more than a hundred years ago, it occupies an important place in the life of many, especially in the South. Currently it is read widely all over India by people looking for quality journalism and a paper that is not sensation-mongering. In fact, the newspaper wrote a short but reflective editorial on the life of Bhagawan Baba, soon after He left us.

Most readers were therefore surprised to see that The Hindu in its edition of Sunday, May 15, carried on its Open Page, an article by a prominent scientist named P.M. Bhargava that was particularly nasty, to say the least. The author is a biologist who, working several years ago in the CSIR (or the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), established the Centre of Cellular and Molecular Biology [CCMB] in Hyderabad. This is one of the premium labs in bioscience in the country and has played a leading role in introducing DNA fingerprinting into India. All that was many years ago.

Subsequently, Bhargava retired and entered public life, partly as a social activist. An ardent atheist he, for example, strongly attacks religion claiming it is against what he calls scientific temper. On the scientific side, he was active in many bodies connected with the promotion of science in the country, for example, the three prominent science academies in India. Bhargava had been elected a Fellow of all the three academies but, thanks to his strong opinions and argumentative nature, he resigned from all of them since he could not get along. The same happened recently when he was appointed to the National Knowledge Commission, a top body asked to prepare a blue print for propelling India into the new and emerging knowledge-based society. Once again, expressing strong dissenting views, Bhargava left the Commission, though insiders say he was asked to resign.

Coming now to Bhargava’s article on Swami in the Open Page, letters to the editor began to flow immediately, some in support while others sharply critical of the article. Be that as it may, many here in Prasanthi suggested to Prof. G. Venkataraman that he should give a proper response. That has been done, but before we come to that part of the story, here is the article by Mr. P. M. Bhargava:

Mr. P. M . Bhargava's article on Bhagawan Baba which was published in the OPEN PAGE of THE HINDU on May 15, 2011. [Reproduced below is the entire text of this article]

As the dust after the death of Satya Sai Baba has largely settled, it is time to evaluate him, his work and its implications, objectively and unemotionally, for there is a good deal to be learnt from his life and death. His rise to fame from an ordinary, even humble background, was based on (i) his claim that he was the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba; (ii) his claim that he represented divinity, that is, God himself; (iii) that, consequently, he had powers that no mortal man had; (iv) that he could provide succour and mental peace to people who came to him with problems of various kinds; and (v) that he engaged himself in charitable works like opening hospitals and providing potable water to villagers. Let us examine his above claims and actions one by one. There is not a shred of evidence of rebirth; the very idea of rebirth goes against all of science. Every claimed case of rebirth that has been investigated has been shown to be fake. As regards his being a reincarnation of God, the only proof he provided was that of performing miracles or miraculous acts. The fact is that he never performed a miracle. In fact, no miracle has ever been performed by any one. All miracles attributed to religious leaders are inventions of the clergy. An example would be that of Mother Teresa whom I met and who never claimed to have performed a miracle in her lifetime. But for her to be canonized after her death two miracles had to be — and were — invented and attributed to her. Every single act of Sai Baba that was a miracle in the public eye could be performed by ordinary magicians. My colleague at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology at Hyderabad, Dr. M. W. Pandit, performed them publicly. So did the well-known rationalist, the late Premanand. Invite Dr. Narendra Nayak by sending an email to <narenyen@gmail.com> and he will come and perform for you every miracle that Sai Baba ever claimed to have performed — be it producing a ring or a Japanese watch or sacred ash from nowhere, or his photograph shedding sacred ash. As regards the miraculous cures he claimed to have performed, we never heard of his failures. A distant cousin of mine had her young son suffering from an incurable disease. Sai Baba who blessed him said he would be cured. When she went back to him after the child's death, Sai Baba told her that he felt it was best for the child to come to him and that is what he caused to happen; so there was no reason for worry. The cures that may have been effected were never established to be directly on account of Sai Baba's 'divine' intervention. They were probably natural or psychosomatic, of which numerous examples are known. After all, what do neuropsychologists or psychiatrists do? That is why he never allowed rationalists like Professor Narasimhaiah, former Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, or Premanand, to come anywhere near him. It is believed that it were his men who actually once beat up Narasimhaiah. The late Dr. Y. Nayudamma, the former Director-General of CSIR, who died in an Air India crash near Canada years ago, told me of his visit to Sai Baba with a once ardent follower, Dr. S. Bhagavantam, a former Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister. Nayudamma stood in front of Sai Baba with folded hands and most respectfully, requested him to produce a blade of grass between his palms. That would have been a miracle. But, instead, Nayudamma had to leave. As regards his acts of charity, there are innumerable people in the country who engage in such acts to avoid undue attention focussed on their ill-gotten wealth. Accounting of his enormous wealth has never been transparent. Sai Baba's unusual accomplishment was to recruit such a large number of the rich and the powerful, politicians and bureaucrats, law-makers, law-keepers, and law dispensers, amongst his followers. Perhaps this is more of a reflection on his followers than him! Sai Baba's death was not a national tragedy. The national tragedy was his being given a state funeral, a state of official mourning being declared, and the country's political leaders — cutting across parties, including the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the NAC — spending precious time and resources to have his last darshan, relegating to the background the nation's constitutional commitment to a scientific temper. (The writer is a former Vice-Chairman, National Knowledge Commission, former member, National Security Advisory Board and former founder and Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. His email is: bhargava.pm @gmail.com)

Now, this is Prof. Venkataraman’s response to Mr. Bhargava’s article:

Prof. Venkataraman's Comments on the Article by Bhargava on Sathya Sai Baba In an article published recently in this newspaper, Prof. P. M. Bhargava has sought to evaluate ‘objectively and unemotionally,' the life and legacy of Sathya Sai Baba. Like the writer, I too come from a scientific background with, however, one important difference, namely that I have spent the last eighteen years in Baba’s ashram, following my retirement in 1992. Thus my response is based on direct personal knowledge. Bhargava ascribes five reasons for Baba’s ‘rise to fame,’ as he puts it. Three of these are connected with religion and the issue of miracles, subjects on which people tend to have sharply divided opinions, to which of course they are perfectly entitled; I shall therefore not discuss them. The last two concern firstly, the succour and peace that people who came to Baba sought and secondly, his charitable works ‘like opening hospitals and providing potable water to villagers.’ These are what I wish to comment on. Let me start with the last mentioned, which is summarily dismissed by Bhargava in exactly thirty six words with the condescending remark that ‘there are innumerable people in the country who engage in such acts to avoid undue attention focussed on their ill-gotten wealth. Accounting of his enormous wealth has never been transparent.’ This is a sweeping comment, made without offering a single piece of evidence concerning (a) ‘ill-gotten wealth’ (b) ‘enormous wealth’ and (c) the charge of lack of transparency. In science, one does not make a statement or remark that is not preceded by the presentation of appropriate facts and basis; and yet here is a scientist of repute doing precisely that! Frankly, I am stunned. Going further into these unsubstantiated allegations - for they are nothing more than that - let us start with the issue of transparency. Baba executed all his projects via Trusts set up according to due process. Every single paisa spent on every single project came out of donations received by these Trusts via cheques and drafts from people all over the world. Some directly paid their contribution to the branch of SBI located in the ashram; at no time was any cash received by the Trust. All accounts have always been and continue to be regularly audited and statements concerning these are furnished to all concerned authorities as required by law, including the Income Tax Commissioner. Where foreign donations are concerned, explicit permission of the Home Ministry has been obtained to receive them and every year, full particulars are furnished in the prescribed format. It is worth adding that lately the Home Ministry has tightened regulations across the board, in view of concerns about terrorism. Turning now to hospitals, the writer seems to be unaware that Baba’s Trust has set up two Super Speciality Hospitals that provide tertiary healthcare where, among other things cardiac and neuro-surgery are routinely performed, absolutely free – this includes everything from the initial consultation, all diagnostic tests including MRI and CT scans, surgical procedure, stay in ICU and general ward, all medicines, physiotherapy (where required), food, etc. Almost invariably, the beneficiaries are poor people who come from all over India and Nepal and occasionally from elsewhere too. During last (financial) year, over twenty five thousand people were treated as inpatients, the market value of the free service rendered being close to about Rs. 250 crores. Being a Trust activity, all accounts are audited as mandated and appropriate statements submitted to concerned public authorities. There is absolutely no question whatsoever of laundering of ‘ill-gotten wealth’ as alleged; in fact, there is no such wealth and there never was any, period. Passing mention must also be made of the drinking water project executed for the tribals of the East Godavari region for the simple reason that tribals of this country have a long history of being neglected. Many years ago, Baba travelled extensively in the East Godavari region, and when it became possible, he had the water project executed even though no one asked him to. That was just one of the many ways in which he offered succour to the poor, often without their having to come to him. He did the same following the massive floods in Orissa in September 2008, when thousands of poor villagers lost their homes. The moment he heard about their loss he had seven hundred houses built in three affected districts, swiftly, quietly and, as always, without fanfare. In conclusion, I find that Bhargava’s assessment is not only far from objective but also fails to meet the standards of accuracy expected of a scientist. Writing as he did in a reputed newspaper, the least the writer could have done is what all good journalists do, namely check his facts first.

The above text is what was read out over Radio Sai which, by the way was the article in full as submitted to The Hindu which was published in the OPEN PAGE section of this newspaper on May 29, 2011 (Sunday). However if one compares this with what actually appeared in print, one would find that there are some pungent sentences edited out (see the image below). This is strange for the article is supposed to have appeared in the OPEN PAGE! Maybe, the Editor thought that the deleted lines were too critical of Bhargava and represented bias. If so, what does one say of the entire article of Bhargava?

Curiously, on the morning of the same day (May 29, 2011), a columnist commenting on recent media attacks on a well-known cricket player said:

So what is it with the media raising controversy when there appears none? Not to sound naive here — there’s nothing new about sensationalism and yellow journalism — but it all starts to irk you when your beloved media plays over half-baked information and draws grand neurotic speculations and conclusions — much of which borders on defaming a person who appears rather decent.

That says it all regarding the media and how it does the 'reporting'.

Before we end this article, here are a few more remarks:

1. Please offer your comments to this special article, as always by writing to h2h@radiosai.org.

2. For your convenience, if you would like to download this entire audio program, you can do so by clicking here.

3. Since many people all over the world have been deeply pained and hurt by the numerous negative attacks by an ill-informed Media, we request you to draw the attention of as many people as you know, to the manner in which they can hear the program again, read this transcript or do both.

We also take the opportunity to announce that some time later when the dust settles down, we plan to do an in-depth program on how Swami related to the world and how the world for its part reacted to Swami bringing down the curtain on His earthly Form.

Thank you. Jai Sai Ram.
Radio Sai team.
sourced:

 http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_09/01MAY11/03-Response-to-The-Hindu.htm

AN APPEAL TO DEVOTEES OF BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA Sunday, May 29, 2011

Published Sunday, May 29, 2011 @ 1740 hrs.

AN  APPEAL  TO  DEVOTEES  OF  BHAGAWAN  SRI  SATHYA  SAI  BABA

We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for all the support that we have received from devotees of Bhagawan throughout the world during the difficult period of the ailment of Baba’s physical body and thereafter. The messages of faith in Bhagawan that were received and the experience of His continued presence fortified us in facing the challenges that confronted us.

Bhagawan has always said that He is not the body but the manifestation of the Supreme Consciousness that pervades all creation and beyond. He also impressed upon us that we were also the images of the Divine. His Mission on this earth was mainly to enable humanity to realise its inherent Divinity.

The Supreme Consciousness that Bhagawan personified is eternal. Bhagawan is therefore with us, now and forever. Prasanthi Nilayam is the place which the Divine chose to be His abode and it will continue to be so.

It is therefore obligatory on us to ensure that all programmes and events that used to take place at Prasanthi Nilayam are continued just as before. Starting from Guru Purnima this year, all festivals as per the normal calendar of events will continue. These will also include programmes like the Grama Seva, Dasara, University Convocation, Birthday Celebrations, Sports, etc.

Other events like the Prasanthi Seva, Parthi Yatra, pilgrimage programmes, various conferences and training programmes, Bal Vikas and cultural programmes, etc., will also continue as before.

The daily Darshan schedule has also been set in place and is being faithfully observed.

Bhagawan is with us and will always be with us, not only at Prasanthi Nilayam, but everywhere every moment of our life. We have to live our life under His unbounded love and protection and continued guidance.  He has shown us the path and we have to faithfully tread it to ultimately achieve union with Him.

Jai Sai Ram!

- The Trustees and the Council of Management of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO – 3 Sai Kulwant Hall – (the Emerald Hall)

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO – 3 ( The Emerald Hall) The year 2002, was the year of Golden days in my Life. I was assigned with responsibility supervising Gold fixing Job, in Kulwant hall, The Prashanthi Mandir and the Central Dome of super Specialty Hospital. Almost every day Swami used to visit the worksite at noon, to inspect the work in progress. When the work was commenced, Bhagavan was spending the summer in Whitefield, Bangalore. There are many square shaped boxes on the ceilings with ornate designs. We are to load gold on the designs and also to provide a suitable background colours. We made offers for choices of 8 boxes with 8 different colours, with pink, sky blue, Ivory colours etc. To make it 9 in all, we mixed few colours, which looked like “Green”. Swami drove down to Prashanthi Nilayam, to view the samples, and selected this particular mixed up colour. Swami never uses Red, Yellow, Green, dark blue or any other dark colours, And yet this time this green was the Divine choice. Many elders in Puttaparthi were also wondering and making enquiries with us whether we heard Swami all right. Within a month after commencement of the job, Bhagavan shifted back to Prashanthi Nilayam. Since a massive work, involving over 300 plus artists were working, Swami decided to give evening darshan in Poornachandra Hall. Almost every day, around 1.30 PM Bhagavan will walk into the vacant Sai Kulwant Hall. While walking by the side of Bhagavan, Swami may call us and give directions, or make enquiries. At times small spiritual advises will also be given. On a particular day, Bhagavan stopped in one place, and looking up on the ceiling asked me, “Do you like this colour?” I replied, “Yes, Swami we like it very much”. Swami then asked, “Do you know the reason why I suggested this colour?” Keeping my hand in “Namasthe” I told that it was Swami’s choice and we only follow the Divine guidance. Swami took hold of my hand, holding the ring I was wearing in my fingers, asked me. “Do you remember, what I told you when I gave you this ring?” I replied that I remember very well. Swami asked me to repeat it word-by-word. I told, “Swami told me that this is an Emerald Ring. Emerald is for peace, and you need Peace! Instantly holding the ring Swami spoke, “Exactly. Thousands of devotees arrive here, with many problems. They have Money problem, child problem, Job problem, Health problem, Childrens’ education problems and likewise many many problems. I cannot go on giving Emerald rings for each and every one. What I have done? This is gold, and there is gold up there. This is emerald, and there is the emerald up in the ceiling. What I am doing is that I am transforming the entire Kulwant Hall into an emrald Hall. Whoever is sitting inside this hall are getting the shower of Divine rays of peace, even without their knowing.” Swami further told, “You fool, you should see that Bhagavan had done this for the sake of devotees; Not for the sake of Bhagavan Himself!!!” Thus revealing this Divine Sankalpa, Swami lovingly patted on my cheek, and started moving away from the spot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With Love & Regards,

Thanks to “Mumbai” Srinivasan for this posting

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO – 2 (Mr. Amitab Bachchan) – Sai Experience

Story behind the Photo – 1 (The Loving Hands)

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO – 1 The occasion was the day of installation of Sri Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman at the far end of Sai Kulwant Hall. Preceding to this Holy day, we had worked for 4 days non-stop, day and night to prepare the Mandap. I was very much tired and was sitting far away, near the wooden doors of the Gopuram. On emergence from His residence, Swami walked upto the Mandap and walked around in an anti-clockwise way. After taking the round, Swami looked around. Lifting His Hands Swami backend me, and called me to come near Him. Swami also invited another devotee, Sri Srinivasa raghavan. We stood reverently on either side of Bhagavan. Swami placed his Divine hands on our shoulders,and lovingly asked us to proceed to the veranda of the Mandir. He also called another great old man with a white cap on his head, who was normally ringing the giant bell during Arathi. Swami joined us in the veranda, and gave us gifts. A pair of very costly silk Dhothis! After receiving the Divine gifts, we were allowed to walk along with Swami in procession, towards the Sri Rama Mandap. We were privileged to be nearer to Swami during the installation ceremony of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmanan and Hanuman!!!!! You will be interested to know why Bhagavan gave us the gift of Silk dhothis. Swami later on made us to understand that during coronation of Lord Rama, Clothes are to be gifted to Brahmins, and that He knew that we were Brahmins.!!!!

With Love & Regards,

Thanks to “Mumbai” Srinivasan for this posting

HEAVY THUNDER STORM IN PUTTAPARTHI, WISH FULLING TREE COLLAPSED

Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,

Last night (19th May 2011), there was heavy thunder storm after which it rained heavily in Puttaparthi resulting in partial collapse of the most famous Kalpa vriksham (wish fulfilling tree as it is commonly called). This tamarind tree was a historic one. According to the legend, Swami as a small boy, used to take some of His close friends and classmates to the tree which is on a hill top at the end of Chitravathi road. There Swami used to ask His friends to think of any fruit or object and He used to pluck the same from that tamarind tree.
There were many instances when He plucked apples, mangoes etc during unseason times that too from a tamarind tree. He even gave laddu and other sweets from that tree.This tree later on was called as Kalpavriksham, the tree which will fulfill your wishes. This tree is one of the main places of visit for every pilgrim coming to Parthi. There were few others who used to tie letters of prayers and wishes to the tree hoping that their wishes would come true.
This tree, even though HIS storic was neglected a bit without proper maintenance. Now only a small part of the tree is left. Hopefully atleast now, some care will be taken to keep this DIVINE MEMORY alive for few more years.
Mean while many locals in Parthi are not happy with this mishappening. Many think it might bring badluck to Puttaparthi. But we should not forget that even this episode is part of the DIVINE LEELA..Probably Complete DETATCHMENT from Physical objects…
With Pranams at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord,

Thanks to R.Satish Naik for this posting

Video Heavy Rains damages Wish Full fulling Tree`Puttaparthi

Last Divine Words by Bhagavan………

THE LAST WORDS FROM THE DIVINE LIPS….

Dr. Venugopal and his team of doctors wanted to ask Swami, “Swami do YOU have pain in any part of the body?”…

to which Swami just smiled faintly and didn’t reply…

then Dr. Venugopal requested Satyajit to ask Swami the same… Satyajit bent close to Swami’s ear…

the entire conversation was in Telugu….

and asked Swami, “Swami the doctors want to know, do YOU have pain anywhere in YOUR body?”….

and this time Swami replied….

“NO! SWAMI NEVER HAS ANY PAIN…

SWAMI IS ALWAYS IN BLISS…!!”

Those were the last words…

Source: B.N. Narasimha Murthy

Jai Sai

SAI NATH MAHARAJ KI JAI... SAI RAM, SAI RAM, SAI RAM.

I see Baba in my Dreams - Sachin Tendulkar in The Times of India Interview

‘ I see Baba in my dreams’

..says Sachin Tendulkar who is still coming to terms with the death of Sathya Sai Baba 

It’s not just Sachin Tendulkar’s bat that does the talking, his eyes are also known to speak volumes. This was especially evident when tears rolled out of the master blaster’s eyes as he paid his last respects to Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi recently.

Baba might not be present physically, but Sachin still connects with him in his dreams, said a teary Sachin. “That’s where I draw strength from. He will always be with me,” said Sachin emotionally.

Everyone saw you getting emotional. In fact you broke down post the World Cup triumph too...

It’s just that I could not control myself. Baba has always been my mentor and it was a great loss when he left us. But I remember his lessons and will continue to adhere to them. I felt very low on the day I sat near his body.

You have always set examples. We saw you playing your best, despite the fact that you were disturbed. You did the same many years ago when you lost your father.

I simply try my best to involve myself in the game as much as possible. Such losses are irrepairable and I will miss their presence.

What about Jaipur? You went there and sat under the tree where Baba had delivered a discourse over four decades ago...

I will be visiting Jaipur often now. It was a very different feeling when I got near the tree. The world looked very different and appealing. Yes, I got quiet for a while and kept thinking. Whenever I get time, I will go there are spend some time under that peepal tree.

What about the ‘Guru dakshina’? We heard about your plan to get a marble statue of Baba’s installed.

I can’t say anything about it. It’s personal.

Source : Times of India, Mumbai, Dated May 12th 2011

OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE

Sai Ram

Mr. Justice P. N. Bhagwati, former Chief Justice of India, appointed as the Chancellor

Press Statement

Released by

SRI SATHYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING
(Public Charitable Trust)

Prasanthi Nilayam

 

ISSUED ON MAY 06, 2011

 

The Board of Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Public Charitable Trust) met today (May 6, 2011) and appointed Mr. Justice P. N. Bhagwati, former Chief Justice of India, as the Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University).

 

The Trustees also co-opted the following persons to the Board of Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Public Charitable Trust):

1. Mr. Justice A. P. Misra, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

 

2. Prof. S. P. Thyagarajan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras.

 

3. Shri R. J. Ratnakar, Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

 

Issued by the order of the Board of Trustees.

 

Signed by,

Mr. V. Srinivasan

Trustee.

Easwaramma Day programme

Thursday, May 5

A special announcement on tomorrow's Easwaramma Day programme was made this evening at the end of bhajan session.

On the auspicious occasion of Easwaramma Day, 'Maha Narayana Seva' will be conducted in Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium tomorrow morning. Gates of the stadium will be kept opened from 0700 hrs. till 0930 hrs. during which food and clothes will be distributed as part of the programme. Inmates and visitors of Ashram can partake their food from 1030 hrs. at the South Indian Canteen.

In the evening, a special congregation will be held honouring the occasion wherein elders will share their experiences that will be followed by a Carnatic concert by Malladi Brothers.

Re-dawn Ceremony of the Avatar

Updated Wednesday, May 4, 2011 2300 Hrs. IST

Today, being the 11th day of  Bhagawan's shedding the mortal coil, a special function was held in the Sai Kulwant Hall.

The 11th day of the passing for mortals is normally celebrated as a Shraddha Ceremony. However, in Prasanthi Nilayam, the day was sanctified with a prayer for the Re-dawn of the Avatar. The programme commenced at the scheduled hour, at 0630 am, with "Punya Vachana", which is a prayer to

Beloved Bhagawan for the proper conduct of the programme. As one set of Ritwiks performed Havanam (sacrifice) through which various offerings were presented to the Lord, a second set of Ritwiks did Parayana (study) of Rudra Krama followed by Upanishads. At the conclusion of this,

there was a Tirtha Pooja (offering oblations with water from holy rivers) which was then sprinkled on the gathering by the Ritwiks as an assurance of Divine Benediction. Sri R.J.Ratnakar, the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in the proceedings, representing the family. The programme concluded with Mangala Arathi at 0930 hrs. Thereafter bhajans continued for the next half an hour to conclude at 1000 hrs. with Arathi.

Evening was marked by a special programme, wherein four eminent speakers shared the dais, speaking on the nostalgic golden days with Bhagawan. The programme was introduced by Sri S Rangarajan, Controller of Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Prof. Anil Kumar, Sri Sanjay Sahani, Dr. Naredranath Reddy and Sri V. Srinivasan shared the dais that lasted

for almost two and a half-hour. While Prof. Anil Kumar took the audience to the wonderful life of Bhagawan, narrating the beauty of the Avatar narrating various incidents in lucid Telugu,, Sri Sanjay Sahani had interesting incidents, especially that related to the student fraternity to share with. While Dr. Narendranath Reddy who spoke next reasserted the intention of the Organisation to continue with the programmes, with much more intensity and devotion, Sri V. Srinivasan, President, All India Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, gave a reassurance on behalf of the Trust to continue with every single activity Bhagawan has initiated. Referring to the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Srinivasan mentioned that the Trust would exemplify itself in its mission, with transparency, to become a role-model trust to other charitable trusts. It is also proposed to release annual reports, with transparency, of all activities of various institutions run by the Trust, national and International, said Sri V.Srinivasan.

Prof. Anil Kumar in an addendum to his speech made a mention of the villagers' devotional frenzy during the days when Bhagawan was hospitalised. Never have we witnessed such devotional fervour where entire township joined in unison, singing His glory, praying to Him for His early return, echoed the speaker. He also lauded the commendable service activities done by the Puttaparthi folk, irrespective or cast, creed and status in the society, done on their own with an inner prompting, serving thousands and thousands of 'guests' of Prasanthi during the two days when Bhagawan's body was kept in state for public darshan. Mentioning about the state honour given to Bhagawan, Anil Kumar said, never before in the history a spritual head got such a distinction by the ruling government whose mortal remains was draped in national tri-colour on the final day after a 21 gun salute.

Bhajans continued for some time before Arathi was offered at 1940 hrs.

It is admission time in Prasanthi Nilayam. Entrance 2011 for Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning began today with many girls participating in the first set of exams conducted today, for Anantapur Campus.

Watch Video of Re-Dawn Ceremony

SAI BABA'S FINAL DAYS - AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT, By Prof. G. VENKATRAMAN

SAI BABA'S FINAL DAYS - AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT, By  Prof. G. VENKATRAMAN

It is not Emptiness but a Super Cosmic Fullness

 - By Prof.G.Venkataraman
RECORDED ON APRIL 29, 2011.

OM SRI SAI RAM  - SPECIAL MUSINGS



At the outset, I offer my loving Pranaams at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Lord Sai.



Dear Listener. This is a talk that I never thought or dreamt I would ever have to give. In a sense, the events of the last one month or so have gone by like a surrealistic experience, and suddenly I feel bewildered. More explicitly I am wondering, as perhaps many listeners are, whether the world as it existed before 28th March was real, or the world as it appears today without that Beautiful Form is real, the earlier experience being just a dream. Inevitably, this reminds me of a story that Swami used to narrate occasionally, back in the old days.



The story goes like this. One evening, after a rather tiring day at the royal court, Emperor Janaka returns late to his chamber. Welcoming the monarch, his Queen asks him to freshen up and get ready for dinner. Janaka nods as if to say yes but, overcome by exhaustion, slumps into a chair and dozes off. During his nap, he has a disturbing dream from which he later wakes up with a start. As he looks around, the scene is very different from what he was seeing just moments ago–no forest, no tiger chasing him, etc. Puzzled, Janaka begins to mutter, “Was that real, or is this real?” The Queen keeps on reminding the Emperor about dinner but the latter continues to remain in a stupor, constantly repeating the same question. Palace medics are summoned but they are unable to help. Ultimately, the assistance of Sage Vasishta is sought and when he arrives, Janaka is still asking the same question. With a smile on his face the Sage places his hand on Janaka’s shoulder and gently observes, “O king, neither is real; you alone are!” Vasishta was of course referring to the Atma within, dismissing what is experienced both in the waking as well as in the dream state as illusory. In other words, Vasishta was telling Janaka that what is Real lies beyond the experience of the senses and the thoughts of the Mind, both of which are transient.



Alas, we have no Sage Vasishta to guide us out of our confusion but luckily, anticipating precisely the situation we face today, Swami has prepared us through innumerable Discourses in the past. Inevitably, I have to make references to them; however, all that would have to wait for the future; right now, I have just enough time for some reflections on recent events.



For me personally, this is the way it all started. Every evening evening during February and a good part of March of this year, I along with a couple of others would go for Darshan a little after 6 PM or so, since almost invariably Swami came out rather late. His arrival could be anywhere from 7 O’clock to as late as 8.15 PM and occasionally even later. Devotees waited patiently, while the boys sang Bhajans vigorously. By the way, Bhajans would commence punctually at 5.30 PM; however, when Swami came out the tempo of singing would become really charged. For His part, Swami would just sit there quietly enjoying the Bhajans, making everyone in the vast Sai Kulwant Hal forget about time. Bhagavan did have the magical power to make time disappear or lose meaning in His presence.



The Sai Kulwant Hall would always be packed to capacity, and not a soul moved when Swami gave Darshan, including the children from the local schools who came taking turns. Finally, around maybe 9 PM, sometimes even later, Swami would take aarathi, linger for a while, raise both His hands in loving benediction, and slowly leave. For over a year, it used to be that Bhagavan would come in a mobile chair (popularly referred to as car-chair) and leave the same way. However, the routine began to change, almost imperceptibly. He would still come using the chair but return using the Porte chair-car. Still later, He started coming by car and returning the same way. Towards the end on some days, the car would come to the porch and halt, after which aarthi would be offered almost immediately, without Swami even coming out of the car – all this on days He came out. There were also days on which Swami did not come out all, and I shall now briefly refer to that.



Basically, if Swami was rather tired, He would give an indication whereupon there would be a signal from Yajur Mandir and aarthi would be given to the Chair. Initially, it was the morning Darshans that Swami started skipping but not very often. When that happened, I inevitably recalled the days when we used to rush around 6.15 AM for morning Darshan. In winter particularly, it would be still dark and yet, all the devotees would be there in Sai Kulwant Hall, waiting for Swami to come out. And He always did, gliding out of the Poorna Chandra Hall, even as the Sun came out in the East to herald a new day. By 7.30 AM or Swami would have taken the first batch of devotees selected for Interview into the famous Interview Room, and all of us with work to do would rush back to our rooms to grab a bite of breakfast and go to college, office or whatever; that would be the case on week days. On Sundays, we would rush for breakfast while Swami was in the Interview Room, and be back in our seats by the time the Interview ended.



Bhajans would start on the dot at 9 AM and around 9.20, it would aarathi! Swami would then go into the Interview Room and from there into the adjacent Dining Room, followed by the Trustees and have lunch with them. Swami would come out in about seven minutes, leaving His guests struggling to finish, wash their hands and come behind Him. Bhagavan would then take His leisurely walk back to the Poorna Chandra Hall making His way through the ladies section, picking up letters and chatting with various people on the way. By 9.35 AM or so, Swami would have entered the PC Hall as we refer to it here, and one more morning Darshan would have passed into history.



I am recalling all this just to drive home the point how the scene never remained the same with Swami; He always kept changing the script. Getting back to late February-early March period of this year, on many evenings, Swami was rather tired to come out, and the signal would come to give aarathi usually around 6.15 PM or so.



Let me now cut to Saturday, March 27, 2011, the day before Swami was admitted to the hospital. That evening aarthai was given early, after which the current Vice Chancellor Prof. Prasad, former Vice Chancellor Prof. Pandit and I went to Swami’s residence, as we often did. We were told Swami was not well, that two doctors whom Swami lately permitted to attend on Him were upstairs with Swami and that some monitoring equipment was being brought to keep a watch on His health condition. At that time, no one had the slightest indication whatsoever that a crisis was fast approaching.



Night passed and when I checked next morning, I was told that Swami had rested and spent an uneventful night. Around 3 O’clock or so in the afternoon, Prof. Pandit called me to say that an ambulance had come to Swami’s residence Yajur Mandir and there was some activity around there. It seemed as if Swami was being taken to the hospital, and so we both rushed there. It so happened that though we left a bit later, our car almost caught up with the Ambulence, not only because we took a short cut but also for the reason that the ambulance was being driven slowly. Anyway, to get on with the narration, both of us managed to be there when Swami was helped out of the ambulance at the entrance to the hospital. Although Swami went by an ambulance, He was actually on a wheel chair and not on a stretcher as I had imagined. Prof. Pandit who was by my side all the time tells me that Swami gave him a gentle smile. Little did he know that that smile was going to become his most treasured memory.

Swami’s wheel chair was whisked away to the special elevator meant for patients, and soon He disappeared from sight, having been taken to we did not know where. Meanwhile, Prof. Pandit and I both were shown to a room upstairs where the operation theatres, the cardiac catheterisation lab and ICU’s are located. We waited silently and anxiously in the room we were sent to, while the clock kept ticking. One hour passed and not surprisingly, both of us became somewhat restless. Coming out of the room where we were till then, we tried to see if there was any doctor nearby who could give us some information. There was a surgeon around and he was standing at the end of the long corridor, near to where the cardiac operation theatres are. He signalled to us to join him and told us that Swami was undergoing a procedure in the cardiac catheterisation lab which was further down the corridor. He did not elaborate on the procedure but, after some time, told us that the procedure was probably approaching the end, judging by the test equipment coming out of the lab.



Shortly thereafter, we saw the Chief Nurse of the Hospital standing in the corridor right close to the catheter lab (which, by the way, was more than 50 metres or so from where we were) giving strict instructions to some of the staff nearby. It looked like Swami was ready to be moved from the catheter lab to a special ICU, located across the corridor. Meanwhile, we saw many people disappearing from the corridor into what we presumed was the ICU by way of getting it ready. Roughly about two hours after Swami arrived at the hospital, we saw a hospital bed on wheels come out of the cath lab, with a lot of staff in surgical dress, walking along with the bed, one person holding a drip bottle while others wheeled along the monitoring equipment to which Swami had been connected.



It seemed as if the crisis had been brought under control, and everything was looking good, at least for the moment. Swami having been transferred to the ICU, things began to settle down and we started getting a clearer picture of what actually happened. Apparently, Swami’s heart-beat had become irregular and He needed a pacemaker implantation. That was why He had been taken to the Hospital, and the pacemaker duly installed. Thousands of people the world over walk around with pacemakers, and if you saw them you would never be aware of it. We thus thought, “OK, Swami now has a pacemaker and everything would be fine in a few days. After that He would be back in Yajur Mandir, and maybe, after resting for a few days, life would return to normal, possibly with a revised schedule to minimise physical strain to Swami.”



By around 7 or maybe 7:30 PM or so, Prof. Pandit and I returned to the Ashram. All this, I remind you once more, happened on the evening of 28th March. Next morning, I checked with one of the people who had access to minute by minute status of Swami’s health, and the info I got was that the night seemed to have gone off well. Around 2 PM or so – remember, I am now talking of the day following the admission to the hospital, i.e., 29th March – Prof. Pandit called me to say there was hyper activity in the hospital and Swami’s condition was causing anxiety. This scared me and so both of us rushed immediately to the hospital. Meanwhile, with the rumour factory working overtime all cell-phone companies began to mint money. On our way to the hospital, Prof. Pandit and I saw a helicopter parked in the Sri Sathya Sai Airport, and that said something.



When we reached the hospital, Director Dr. Safaya, who knew both Prof. Pandit and me quite well, showed us a good place where we could wait. This was quite close to the catheter lab and in a short while, we saw Swami being whisked into the lab, the trolley-bed being rolled along and guided by a battery of hospital attendants and doctors in surgical gowns. Though we were close, it was not possible to see Swami; there were so many doctors walking along with and around the trolley-bed. The doors of the cath lab were shut and we waited. After about forty minutes or so, there was quite a buzz outside and it seemed as if Swami was being taken back to the ICU. Sure enough, the two specialist doctors who had come by helicopter from Bangalore, came out looking as if not only was what they had come to do had gone off well but also that they were ready to leave. Indeed, they had already removed their surgical gowns, slipped on their shoes, and walked away, presumably to be driven to the airport. A couple of minutes later, I saw the trolley-bed being moved back to the ICU. This time I was, thanks to Dr. Safaya, able to catch a momentary glimpse of Bhagavan’s face from just about a couple of feet away; the rest of the body was of course covered by hospital sheet. That was the last time I saw Swami before He shed His mortal coil. Being under the influence of sedatives, His eyes were closed. That was no doubt to be expected; yet that sight was like a huge electric shock, considering that until not so long ago, on many days I would find Swami’s face beaming and having an indescribable glow, even around 8:30 PM after a long and tiring day.



So why did they take Swami to the cath lab and what did they do there? And, what about the doctors who had flown in from Bangalore? I got all the answers about two hours later from Dr. Safaya. Looking quite tired but somewhat relieved, he dropped into a chair in the corridor next to me and Prof. Pandit and said, “Hey! You fellows are drinking tea! What about me?” We were sipping some tea from a paper cup, provided by some kindly soul doing seva there. We signalled once more to that person to give a cup of tea to Dr. Safaya. After taking a few much needed sips, Dr. Safaya told us that while Swami heart was not damaged, it was weak and the pumping action inadequate. The doctors from Bangalore had therefore inserted what was known as a balloon pump. This would considerably lessen the burden on the heart since the balloon pump would take care of most of the pumping.



Six or so days later, the balloon pump was withdrawn. However, the procedure had to be done with enormous care and ever so slowly. For us anxious to hear the news that the pump had been safely withdrawn, it was a long wait, maybe ten hours, I cannot remember exactly how many. Shortly thereafter when Dr. Safaya came out he looked greatly relieved. He even smiled a bit and said to me, “Now He is on His own,” meaning that Swami’s heart was now functioning satisfactorily without any external assistance what so ever. Obviously, that was great news, worth waiting for.

At that time, everyone was quite hopeful but soon started a roller-coaster ride of sorts. It turns out – so a specialist doctor explained to me – that beyond a certain age, when the heart gets affected, it impacts other organs also, most often, the lungs and the kidneys. If earlier the heart had to be given help from outside, it was now the turn of these two vital organs to receive such assistance. Although it is these two organs that were often in the news, as Dr. Narendra Reddy explained to us during the conversation that I had with him and which was broadcast by Radio Sai, all organs had to be watched carefully. Thus it was that all kinds of experts had to be called in some from within the hospital itself, some from other hospitals in the country, and some even from America. All that ground has been covered and I shall not go through it again. But this much I can say. Medically, the various parameters were sort of holding on with minor fluctuations here and there maybe; however, all this needed strong support from external systems.



Slowly, the organs started showing signs that they might not be able to come back to normal; however, one could not be sure either. After all this was not a just a mortal patient but Swami, and almost everyone including the doctors had the faith that Swami would defy all the medical books and research papers written by man and bounce back. In fact, one day I asked Dr. Safaya, “Doctor, how long would a normal patient and with a body age same as Swami have lasted with this multiple organ problem?” The doctor’s reply was short, “Certainly not this long,” which of course enormously boosted my confidence. I should mention at this point that though from a biological point of view Swami’s body was made up of the five elements just as all living bodies are, there were several exceptional aspects to it that came entirely from Purity rather than Divinity, as Swami Himself once explained to students. For example, not a single hair was grey. During the mid nineties, Swami often complained about loss of hair but also said it would come back. Indeed, it did after some time, though not to its fullest extent as in earlier times. And then there were His eyes. Not once did Swami have to ever wear spectacles, even for reading a piece of paper – not once. But everyone around Him needed at least one pair if not two, one for reading and another for distant vision. Thirdly, not once did Swami need the services of a dentist.



To get back to the main narrative, days passed while medical anxiety slowly began to mount silently. At the same time the confidence that Swami would not leave us also soared. After all, said everyone including myself, “Just look at how many thousands if not millions are praying all over the world! There are Christians praying in Madras. There are Sikhs praying in Delhi, and there are the villagers of Puttaparthi who are praying for their own Swami. Bhagavan has therefore no choice but to sit up, walk away from His bed, freshen up and come out, exactly as He did at the time of the famous Goa appendicitis leela.”



Alas, that was not to be. There is absolutely no doubt that Swami could have done all that and more. However, He chose not to. He had, on many occasions given hints, both privately and even publicly, that He could go anytime He chose to, overriding all His earlier pronouncements. Further, He has explained clearly in many of His Discourses that while the Avatar is an Incarnation of God and comes down with His full compliment of Divine Powers when He manifests as a Poorna Avatar as it was in this case, He would, at the same time, not only respect the Laws of Nature as ordained by Him when it came to His own body, but also bow to Time, of which He was always the Absolute Master. Thus it was that Swami would sometimes get tired, catch a cold, get fever, etc. As He took care to explain, not all His body ailments were due to His taking on the sufferings of others.



Around 7:30 on the morning of April 24, I received a phone call from a close friend who whispered, “Swami is in a critical condition.” However, I was not alarmed since my confidence that Swami would go the very edge and bounce back miraculously had soared to new heights. Twenty minutes later, I got another call. This was from one of the trustees who began. “Sad news. Swami passed away at 7.40 this morning. Now this is what we would like you to do….,” and went on to give me my first assignment in the world where the Light was there but in a passive form, having risen to shine and guide from above. It was a silent signal that the time had finally come for all of us to look for Bhagavan beyond the Form for instructions and guidance, which then had to be followed meticulously. Along the line, we had to work harmoniously with each other, smashing every ego-built barrier. In short, we HAD to become one family, united under God and working for common good. It was not enough to merely chant: “May peace prevail in all the worlds,” etc; it was now our job to make that happen. The examination bell had rung and God our coach as well as teacher had now become the invigilator!



Oh yes, for a while we would all cry and swear we cannot live without Swami and so on. But that has happened before, several times in fact, after Rama, after Krishna and after Shiridi. But soon, we must wake up to our new responsibilities, realising that it is for this test that Swami had been physically preparing us in diverse ways.



Swami Vivekananda is reported to have said, “Death of a near one always makes everybody very philosophical. However, that mood wears off in three days or even less, after which it is business as usual.” That comment applies in the case of the death of an ordinary mortal. The present situation is totally different since there is no question of death. Swami has merely shed the Form to exclusively remain Formless, playing a different and more subtle role. Rising to the occasion, we need to, as Swami Himself had said in many Discourses, “wake up, arise, listen to the call of the Divine Master, and accept our new responsibility.” The world is still out there, offering us more opportunities for service than ever before; all that is needed is to rise to the occasion.



I would like to close this talk with a brief recall of what Swami once said while bringing His Divine Discourse to an end. I do not recall the occasion but I do remember His message because of its depth, power and also for another reason that I shall mention shortly. Swami said in a powerful voice [and this is a paraphrase].



Dear students! When you sing Bhajans here, don’t imagine that they would impact only the people currently assembled here in the Sai Kulwant Hall. True, the sound waves coming from the various loud speakers would be heard only by the devotees here. True those sound waves would also be heard throughout the Ashram. However, besides these sound waves, subtle waves are also generated. You cannot see them and in fact you do not even know about them. They are ripples in the Ocean of Consciousness. Those ripples can travel not only all over this planet but to the very edge of the physical Universe and beyond. They will never dampen nor dissipate but remain for ever. They would penetrate everywhere, including the pillars, the structures and whatever you see around here. Indeed, the vibrations from every Bhajan that you sing would remain embedded in them for ever. Further, every day, there would be fresh additions, as a result of which the intensity of the built-in spiritual vibrations would steadily grow. The more passionately you sing, the greater would be the stored sanctity. The more love you add to your feelings as you sing, the greater would be the enhancement of sanctity. Thus, by having sacred thoughts while seated here and by singing Bhajans with Pure Love in your Heart, each of you can leave behind an invaluable legacy.”





That in brief was what Swami said. All of which reminds me very strongly of what the Headmaster of a school where I was studying in the late forties said one day after morning assembly and prayer. Those words are still ringing in my ears. He said, “Boys, some of you must be wondering why we go through this routine day after day. To some of you, this may even appear meaningless and also a complete waste of time. But here is the reason why we make you come here day after day. While some of you might not, many of the boys that come here do pray and sing sincerely. The subtle vibrations from those prayers and songs remain for ever bound in the walls of this assembly hall, saturating this place with sanctity that increases day by day. By spending some time here every day, you become at least a bit more spiritually purified. Why do you think people go in large numbers to some temples but not to others? That is because thousands of good people and many saints have worshipped in those temples earlier, conferring thereby the subtle fragrance of saanithyam.” By the way, the word saanithyam might be loosely translated as eternal sanctity.



Getting back to our Headmaster, he continued, “When an ordinary person goes to such a temple, that very saanithyam spiritually cleanses that person to a certain extent. That also is the reason why people of this country want to bathe in sacred rivers. These are rivers where innumerable rishis and saints have had a dip, making that river that much sacred. If you and I bathe there, a bit of that sanctity seeps into us, making us better persons.”



Dear Listener! There is a particular reason why I am ending on this note. It you think about it carefully, you would realise that Prashanti Nilayam is THE place that has been the abode of the Avatar of the Age, from the time He moved out of the Paatha Mandiram in 1950. During the six decades that followed, how many Darshans He has given here! How many festivals He has celebrated here! How many plays and dramas He has seen here! And, how many Discourses He has delivered here! Just think of how much Pure and Divine Love He has personally poured out in the process, all those years! Have they all vanished into Time? At the worldly level, they have indeed become memories. But at the subtle and Causal level, the Sai Kulwant Hall is the most Love-charged spot not only on the face of this planet but indeed the entire Universe. For, was this not where the Divine Chancellor, Swami to all of us, showered His Love non-stop, both at the individual and collective level?



The Form would no longer be visible to our eyes. However, if we care to open the eye of our Heart, the Third Eye if you prefer to call it that way, we can have the grandest and the most blissful experience possible. Remember, even the best Steinway piano or the rarest Stradivarius violin cannot produce great music when it is not properly tuned! In other words, if we want to experience Eternity, we can do so only if our Hearts are properly tuned before going into the SKH. If we go in without tuning, all we would see is a physical emptiness that would make us cry instead of feeling uplifted.



Swami has not gone. He is very much here, there, above, below, around, etc., indeed everywhere. However, we need a new vision to see Him. That is the essence of the last part of my talk today.



I think I shall end here. The new situation has, naturally, placed many new responsibilities on us, and I have many more things to say concerning these as also about Swami’s teachings; however, those would have to wait for other occasions.



For now, I would, as always like to conclude by offering this talk at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Swami.

Thank you for listening, and Jai Sai Ram.

The inner significance of the Divine Act of moving beyond His physical frame

Published Sunday, May 1, 2011 @ 1730 hrs.

Looking into the positive side of Avataric drama, of pulling the curtain down of His earthly sojourn, Sri VN Prahlad writes, urging fellow devotees not to grieve, but to understand the inner significance of the Divine Act of moving beyond His physical frame. Read on...

As the curtain fell
The veil lifted
In a billion hearts.
The tears that flowed
Were of bliss
Not sorrow,
For,
Was not the Name
Form and Frame
But a cage
For Pure Bliss, and love?
He IS ever,
Past and future
Are not in His Nature
Omnipresent is He.
He cast aside
An empty shell
Like an over-used robe
Back into the five fold void
By His very own will
Grieve not
You foolish heart
Still encased
In carapacious*
delusion
Of me and mine
Thee and Thine
Meanwhile
The Nectar of Bliss
Is pouring in torrent
For all to bathe or swim
In eternal joy.

Enjoy!

*shell-hard

missing you baba very dearly

OM SAI RAM BABA, YOU ALWAYS WITH ME ALL THEASE YEARS TO COMFORT AND SAFE ME, CAN''T TAKE IT IN STILL YOU ARE NOT IN PHYSICAL FORM, BUT YOUR TEACHINGS HELP ME TO SEE YOU IN ME, PLEASE BABA COME ON MY DREAM AND GUIDE ME ALWAYS. COME BACK TO EARTH SOON AND LIVE WITH US EVERLASTING LIFE , MISSING YOU SO MUCH BABA. FORGIVE ME FOR MY WRONGS AND GUIDE ME ALWAYS AND FOREVER WITH LOTS AND LOTS LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER SUKUMARAN

Best treatment given to Sai Baba, says Trust

 

—PHOTO: R.V.S. PRASAD

Devotees at Sathya Sai Baba's Samadhi in Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttaparthi on Thursday.

The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has denied reports that found fault with the Trustees and others close to the Sai Baba for neglecting his health.

The Sai Baba was attending to all his work and activities and the question of his sickness did not arise till he was admitted to the hospital on March 28 with complaints of chest and lung congestion. There was no reason to believe that something extraordinarily wrong happened to the Baba as he was interacting with all, and with full possession of his faculties.

Asked whether the Baba was treated as a spiritual guru or like any other patient, Trustee V. Srinivasan said the doctors treated him with utmost care as a patient insofar as administering medical care was concerned. The Baba opted for treatment by the doctor of his choice as it was a patient's prerogative. Mr. Srinivasan replied in the affirmative when asked whether the Baba was conscious enough to decide for himself about the treatment.

Mr. Srinivasan admitted that the spiritual guru was fragile and tenderly built, but was actively carrying out his work until March 27, a day before he was hospitalised. Recalling that the Baba himself prescribed medicines to his devotees on many occasions, he said it was difficult to give a suggestion or advice to a person of such stature. He refused to identify the “vested interests” working against the Trust saying it was not the culture of the Trust.

Reacting to the charge that the casket for the Baba was ordered when he was very much alive, he said the Trust had not made any such order and a devotee of the spiritual guru had sent it after the announcement on the passing away of the Baba was made.

Asked about the controversy surrounding the presence of Satyajit in the intensive care unit when the Baba's own family members were denied entry, another Trustee R.J. Ratnakar said Satyajit was a student in the Sai University and chosen by the Baba himself to be his personal attendant. Mr. Satyajit was not a Trustee as reported; he was an employee of the Trust. Mr. Ratnakar denied charges that he had a rift with Satyajit.

Asserting that the reports on its value were “hugely exaggerated”, the Trust said the lands owned by it were given for specific purposes and they were an integral part of the educational campuses and hospitals.

SOURCE http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/29/stories/2011042959390100.htm

Recording from NDTV Sathya Sai Baba's last rites in Puttaparthi

Prime Minister pays homage to Beloved Bhagawan...

Updated Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 1900 Hrs. IST

Baba was the personification of the highest spiritual values of the human race - Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.

I pay my pranaams to Sathya Sai Baba in gratitude for giving hope to millions and millions of people - Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson.

Prime Minister of India, along with many other diginitaries, that included UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Ministers, SM Krishna, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni, Panabaka Lakshmi, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Governor and Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, ESL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy respectively flew down to Parthi to pay homage to Beloved Bhagawan, this evening in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Arriving in a chartered flight from Delhi, the Prime Minister and his entourage arrived at the Sai Kulwant shortly after 1700 hrs. to spent ten minutes offering homage. He even chose to speak to senior Trust officials in Prasanthi Nilayam, Former Chief Justice PN Bhagwati and SV Giri, formerly Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Other dignitaries visited Prasanthi this morning included Former Prime Minister of India, Deva Gowda, Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, Vishwa Hindu Pardishad leader Ashok Singhal, Swami Nityananda of Nithyananda Peetam, former Sri Lankan Cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga etc.

In the meantime, timings for Darshan of Beloved Bhagawan has been extended till midnight.

Love you, Swami

We love & miss you, Swami....Please come back to us....don''t leave us....we need you!!!

Holy & Divine Body of Sri Sathya Sai Baba lying in State at Sai Kulwant Hall

In to the second day of the sudden jolt, after enduring the separation of Her Beloved in the physical sense, the township is gripped in sorrow as pall of gloom descended on Puttaparthi.

Lakhs and lakhs of devotees are streaming into the Ashram, in unending lines, day and night, to have a priceless glimpse of The Lord who enthralled millions over millions during His earthly sojourn that spanned over eight and a half decade, with His Divine Darshan!

 

Frenzy gripped the township with then unexpected turn of event, and Prasanthi Nilayam, that has been the cynosure of eyes for all the epochal spiritual happenings over the years, is once again in the limelight, this time for a different reason, the sudden departure of her Beloved Lord.
 

Devotees, some many with unshakable faith, ever hoping against the hope and not ready to accept the happening, some resigned to accept the happening and many more dwelling upon the glorious saga of Love Incarnate form a diversified feeling at the unexpected departure of Beloved Bhagawan. Regional, National and International Channels are camping in the township, capturing the events from Prasanthi Nilayam.
 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in His condolence to the bereaved Sai fraternity described Bhagawan as a spiritual leader who inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life even as they followed the religion of their choice. "Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a preacher of the highest human values was an iconic figure for over five decades.

He endeared himself to the people through various institutions, with headquarters at Prasanthi Nilayam, that promoted egalitarian values, education and public health," said the Prime Minister. Cricketing icons Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar joined the unending list of dignitaries paying obeisance to Bhagawan.

As per the announcement made on Sunday, Bhagawan's physical frame would lie in state until Wednesday morning.

‘Can there be a better role model to promote nation’ - former President of India Dr Abdul Kalam.

I admire Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba for his selfless work and contributions to the welfare of the people by providing drinking water for the rural population, free healthcare facilities for the rural poor and free higher education. The major factors in human resource development are value-based education and quality healthcare. In addition, the infrastructural requirement like availability of potable water is an essential need of the human resource. While the government is actively engaged in providing these resources to the citizens, Baba has been sensitive to these essential needs of the Indian population, particularly of the people living in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, for over four decades.

Keeping this in mind, he has created vast infrastructure for providing value-based quality education to children from primary to university level, established super specialty hospitals in rural areas — as early as 1991 when there were no corporate hospitals in such interior regions — and worked on a project to provide potable safe drinking water for people of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. I would like to discuss the unique characteristics of these institutions. 

Value-Based Education

The best part of a young person is his or her childhood in school and the best time spent is 8am to 4pm each day in the school. This is applicable for all children in the age group of five to 20 living in both urban and rural areas.
Baba has realised the problems of the rural poor and has made it a point that education is absolutely free in all the schools and colleges established by the Sathya Sai Trust.

Interestingly, the Sathya Sai Educational Institutions cater equally to the development of the mind, heart and the body. This is achieved through integrated education, which lays equal emphasis on keeping the body healthy, the mind active and sharp and the heart pure. Baba, being the chancellor of the institute, spends substantial amount of time with the students to groom them into ideal citizens.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, “Students are the foundation of the nation, the only wealth that I cherish. Students are my all; my entire property consists of students. I have offered myself to them.” He also says, “The end of education is character and the end of knowledge is love.” This is the reason why Sri Sathya Sai Institute of higher learning emphasises character building as an important component of education apart from acquiring academic excellence.

Nobility in character comes out of humility, generosity, compassion, helpfulness and respect for moral values. The single thread that runs through all the activities of the institute, curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular is that education is for life and not for mere living. Experience has shown that leading organisations and companies in the country absorb Sai students. It is claimed that the students so recruited bring about a quiet change in work ethics and inject team spirit as well as a value-based approach to all aspects of organisational activity.

Water Mission
In 1994, Baba made a moving reference to the difficulties experienced by the people of Rayalaseema region in getting safe drinking water and suggested that the century-old problem needed urgent attention. In 1995, he added a new dimension to his societal mission by the trust, undertaking work to provide good and safe drinking water to as many people of Anantapur district as possible in the shortest possible time, irrespective of the difficulties experienced and the cost. Tapping ground water was considered as an option, but was ruled out because of the fluoride problem. It was decided to use rainwater by drawing water during the monsoon and storing in special reservoirs.

Most of the water sources were in the northern part of Anantapur district and the terrain to the south sloped upwards. Hence, bringing water to the southern region needed creation of large number of pumping stations to pump water against gravity. This called for extensive civil and engineering work. In spite of all the difficulties, the water was made available to Anantapur district in 18 months. After a year of regular operation, the entire water works was handed over to the people of the state as a gift. The scheme covers 750 villages and provides water to over one million people. India needs a thousand such organisations to provide cost effective potable drinking water to the billion people spread in different parts of the country.

NAVBHARAT, MUMBAI (Hindi), 21 NOVEMBER 2006

Healthcare
During the 1980s, a substantial number of super specialty corporate hospitals came into being in our urban areas. However, due to commercialisation, they could cater only to the needs of urban rich people. There was wide gap in the availability of medicare for the rich and poor and between rural and urban population.

Keeping this in mind, Baba declared on November 23, 1990, there would be a world-class hospital in Puttaparthi area within a year and it would offer free treatment to everyone who come there, especially the poor. This hospital was inaugurated on November 22, 1991.

After its inauguration, the super specialty hospital has conducted many major heart surgeries and catheterisation procedures. Specialist surgeons from reputed hospitals, both from India and abroad, voluntarily take leave from their regular work and come to Puttaparthi and perform operations free of cost. Same is the case with nursing services.
I understand the convalescing patients provide voluntary help to the new patients who come to the hospitals for operation. Also the hospital premises are maintained in a clean, calm, serene and divine atmosphere. We can see the power of service consciousness flowing in the entire hospital environment.

Project Management
Whether it be a super specialty hospital at Puttaparthi or provision of safe drinking water for Anantapur or provision of drinking water to Chennai by solving the problems associated with Kandaleru reservoir, all projects have been completed to meet the specified objective within the prescribed time and cost. How this has been possible? I was thinking about it. A charitable empire

The major reason appears to be that the projects have been entrusted to socially committed project managers, contractors and sub-contractors. They have executed the project with a spirit of co-operation, the spirit of sacrifice and dedication.  The programme chiefs have followed the five core human values — truth, right conduct, non-violence, love and peace — while executing the projects. Can there be a better role model than this for promoting a nationwide selfless, societal transformation mission?

Dr Abdul Kalam is former President of India.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Can-there-be-a-better-role-model-to-promote-nation/Article1-689266.aspx

Sachin Tendulkar pays last respects to Sri Sathya Sai Baba

                           Iconic Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, both of whom are devotees of the late Sathya Sai Baba, today paid their last respects to the godman who died here yesterday. The 38-year-old Tendulkar skipped his birthday celebrations.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar in front of swami and talk with inner voice 25Apr 2011

SWAMI IS IN IT VERY EARLY...........

I NEED SOME MORE TIME...........

WHY SWAMI WHY.................

BE WITH ME ALWAYS.... I NEED YOUR LOVE...

(sachin ramesh tendulkar may think like this.....)

Updated Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 2246 Hrs. IST

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has been admitted in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram for the last 28 days breathed His last this morning,  at 0740 hrs., as per the Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS, this morning. After His admission into the hospital on the 28th March with cardiac related problems, Bhagawan has been on ventilator support for many days.

The official bulletin reads as follows:
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on 24th April, 2011, at 0740 hrs. due to cardio-respiratory failure.

Bhagawan Baba's Body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days (Monday and Tuesday). Arrangements will be made for Darshan after 1800 hrs. today, at Sai Kulwant Hall.

As the news spread, thousands upon thousands are flocking into the Prasnathi Nilayam to have the darshan of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This includes commoners to celebrities to government dignitaries. As per the announcement, Bhagawan’s physical frame would be lying in state for two days, Monday and Tuesday, allowing devotees to have darshan of Bhagawan.

The Divine Body was taken out of the hospital after 1400 hrs., brought to The Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram at 1425 hrs.

As announced, Bhagawan’s physical frame was brought into the Sai Kulwant Hall after 1815 hrs., in a glass case, in a procession led by Vedic chanting and bhajans by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

With Bhagawan’s physical frame lying in state for the next two days, bhajans will continue throughout, as thousands upon thousands are expected to flock into the township to have the darshan of their Beloved “Swami”.

State Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh air-dashed to Parthi after hearing the news of Bhagawan’s passing away. Many other prominent figures have also joined in, offering condolences at the grave happening.

Elaborate arrangements have been made with thousands of police men keeping a vigil around the township, ensuring avoidance any untoward incident.

SWAMI TO BE BURIED IN SAI KULWANTH HALL ON WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL 2011

Satish Nayak from SBOI Group

SAWAMI

SWAMI IS NOT IN A EARTH BUT HE LIVE IN  OUR DEVOTEES HEART ALWAYS........................

SWAMI WITH US ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS

Sathya Sai Baba Health News April 24 2011

Sachins Tweet

Sachin Tweet

I m praying for Shri Sathya Sai Baba's quick recovery. Hope everyone will join me in praying for his return to good health.

Updated Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 1705 Hrs. IST

This Evening's Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS, PG at 1700 hrs. reads thus:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical condition of health on the 27th day of His treatment in this hospital.

He is still breathing with ventilator support. The episodes of low blood pressure are still a cause of great worry to the doctors treating Him.

Bhagawan Baba continues to be under constant attention of the panel of doctors attending upon Him.

Updated Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 0850 Hrs. IST

This Morning's Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS, PG at 0800 hrs. reads thus:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in the same critical condition as yesterday. He continues to be very critical.

He is still on ventilator support. A cycle of slow haemodialysis has been completed on Him this morning.

He continues to be under close scrutiny and round the clock treatment by the panel of doctors attending upon Him.

..and musings on yet another evening in Parthi when overcast sky and summer drizzle kept the temperature 10-15 degrees cooler...

Clearly in Parthi the mind had not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit. Taking its cue from ‘Little’ Sathya, who started a ‘Pandhari Bhajan’ group at the age of ten, many continue this tradition in Puttaparthi. Even at the age of five He was a Guru to His friends, setting an example with His ideal behavior. For Ramanavami, the children would make Sathya sit next to the picture of Sri Rama, placed upon the flower bedecked bullock cart that gently ambled its way through the village. The Pandhari Bhajan group consisted of twenty ‘little’ members.  They would dye their clothes light orange, wear scarves and garlands, and bell – anklets. While some carried flags in their hands, some had little wooden clap sticks, as well as drums and a harmonium. Sathya would compose the bhajans and teach His friends. Thus, these tender aged ones would sing and dance and go around the village, to the great delight of the elders. When they ventured out to neighbouring villages, people would clean their houses to welcome them and feed them too. The villagers firmly believed that it was because of this remarkable Pandhari Group and their devotional singing that the dreaded epidemic of cholera kept its clutches away from Puttaparthi. Though Sathya was the ‘littlest’ of this assembly, He was the soul of the Pandhari Group and its most active member, often jumping and dancing in rhythm to the hymns.

Today, the Bhajan Hall in the Hanumanji Temple complex has devotional songs reverberating through the ether every evening. The clanging of bells and other holy chants that ring out from elsewhere simultaneously makes the environment intensely devout and potent.

The walls of this bhajan hall, are adorned with many a unique picture of Bhagawan. There is a magnificent, thought provoking, lifesize painting at the back of the hall that depicts the churning of the Ocean and Lord Shiva as well as Beloved Bhagawan, swallowing the poison that spewed forth.  
From then till now He is still doing so in order to shield and save humanity from its own follies.
Small wonder then, that in this sacred village of Parthi, as well as elsewhere around the globe, all hearts beat for Beloved Bhagawan and every lip has a prayer…to Him for Him…

Even as ebony and ivory exist peacefully on a piano keyboard, Parthi too, through the ideals of their cherished Sathya, has made this harmonious blend a way of life. In a world filled with despicable diatribe, their hearts are full of Beloved Sri Sathya Sai.

Watch Pure Love

Watch Pure Love...

Watch a Video - Easter Special

Watch a Video - Easter Special

.

Updated Friday, Apr 22, 2011 1705 Hrs. IST

This Evening Medical Bulletin released by SSSIHMS, PG reads as follows:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues in the same clinical condition as He was in the morning. There is no sign of change in His health condition. He continues to be in the same critical state of health.

He is still supported by ventilator and is on CRRT system of dialysis.

His blood pressure and heart rate have been stable for the last 12 hours and are supported by necessary drugs.

The panel of doctors treating Him is keeping a close watch on His health.

Updated Friday, Apr 22, 2011 0840 Hrs. IST

Morning Medical Bulletin released by SSSIHMS, PG reads as follows:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba still continues to be in a very critical state of health.

His respiration is supported by ventilator. He is put on CRRT system of dialysis to assist kidney functioning.

The response shown to the treatment continues to be minimal by all the vital organs.

His heart rate and blood pressure continue to be low and continue to be supported by drugs.

There is no significant change in His overall condition since yesterday. The doctors, however, are continuing vigorous, round the clock treatment of Bhagawan Baba.

Latest Press Release by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust 21 Apr

Published Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 2250 hrs.

SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST

PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Date: 21-04-2011

BABA'S MEDICAL CONDITION:

The series of daily medical bulletins issued by the Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, has been giving the health status of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba from time to time. In spite of the best treatment given to Him, in consultation with leading doctors in India and abroad and also the teams of doctors deputed by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated. The bulletins issued by the Director have been mentioning the names of prominent specialist doctors who had been called in for consulation from time to time and also the response of Baba's vital organs to the treatment. The information in the Director's bulletins is in accordance with medical ethics.

While the response of the vital organs have been varying - good on certain days, sluggish on other days - the improvement has been generally slow. During the last 24 hours, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated further, causing concern.

CERTAIN REPORTS IN THE MEDIA:

It is unfortunate that at a time when we are facing a grave crisis, there has been a series of calumnious reports by a couple of newspapers. Some news channels of electronic media are also indulging in sensational and totally false reporting. The reports contain absolutely false, unsubstantiated allegations imputing financial irregularities, defalcation of funds, commission of illegalities, violation of laws, denial of proper food and nutrition to Bhagawan Baba and wrongfully holding Him in confinement, etc. Sensational and mischievous headlines like "Baba Bandi", "Puttaparthi Lo Dongalu Padaru", "Jabbu Lo Baba, Dabbu Lo Shishya Pramukhulu", "Bangarum Paaya", "Devanahalli daggara pattukonna customs adhikarulu" etc., are being employed.

The above allegations are totally false, motivated and are made with sole objective of creating confusion in the minds of public and the devotees in particular, as well as defaming the trustees and the Secretary of the Trust, who are distinguished themselves in public life, and have been handpicked and appointed by Bhagawan Baba Himself. All these allegations are attempts to defame Bhagawan Baba and His institutions, which have been rendering yeomen service to humanity in an exemplary manner for several decades.

Suitable legal action will be initiated against the offenders of law at the appropriate time. All of us are preoccupied and deeply concerned that Bhagawan Baba's health should get back to normalcy. No other concern, no other thought is at present in the minds of the trustees and all the devotees at this point of time.

We strongly appeal to the general public not to be misled by such outrageous efforts but be firm in their resolve and faith in Bhagawan Baba and pray for His speedy recovery.

RESPONSE OF ADMIRERS AND DEVOTEES OF BHAGAWAN:

There has been a ground swell of prayers, bhajans, yagnas all over the world praying for Bhagawan's health. Mass processions comprising people of different faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and all others - are being conducted in various parts of India and abroad. There has been a 48 hour continuous bhajan in Sri Damdama Saheb Gurudwara, New Delhi with participants from all faiths. Email messages are pouring in from all over the world praying for Bhagawan's speedy recovery.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The trustees and the members of the council of management, including the Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust deeply appreciate and are gratified by the strong and vigorous support extended to, and the confidence expressed in them, by one and all.

Jai SaiRam

Signed by the trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

(signed)

Released by Sri. R.J. Rathnakar (Trustee, SSSCT)

Updated Thursday, Apr 21, 2011 1730 Hrs. IST

Evening Medical Bulletin released by Director, SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram at 1700 hrs. by reads:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical state of health.

There is very poor response from the vital organs of the body to the treatment. The intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are persisting indicating that the heart is quite weak.

The parameters of the functioning of the various organs of the body are also erratic. Every attempt is being made to keep them in the normal limits by the administration of appropriate drugs.

The breathing is still asstisted by the ventilator. One successful cycle of low haemodialysis was conducted during the past 12 hours to assist the kidney functioning.

Doctors are continuing vigorous efforts to make the vital organs recommence their function.

REGARDING BABA JI HEALTH

SAI BABA JI...PLSSSSSSSSSSS GET WELL SOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN .PLS...........we cnt live WITHOUT YOU....PLS GET WELL SOON

A Special Video Documentary on TV Channels

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

A Special Video Documentary on TV Channels

 

 

For the Attention of Viewers in India   Two TV Channels in India will air a special documentary on the Life and Mission of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Entitled "The Miracle of Pure Love", this video will offer a glimpse of the glorious life of Bhagawan Baba, which is a saga of Sacrifice and Pure Love.   TV Channel Date/Day Time Sanskar TV April 24, 2011, Sunday 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Aastha TV April 27, 2011, Wednesday 9.30 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.     Please bring this to the attention of your family and friends, and anyone who is inquisitive or interested in the Life and Mission of Bhagawan Baba.   Thank You,

 

Updated Thursday, Apr 21, 2011 0842 Hrs. IST

Morning Bulletin released at 0800 hrs. by SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram reads:

The health situation of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is very critical. All the organs are showing very poor response to the treatment.

Non-functioning of the liver and persistent episodes of low blood pressure are causing great worry to the doctors.

However, most of the parameters have still been kept at nearly normal levels by the use of appropriate medicines.

The breathing is still ventilator dependent. And the process of slow haemodialysis has been started in the morning to assist the kidneys.

The doctors are putting their best efforts to improve His clinical condition.

...And as Puttaparthi continued with her prayerful mode, pleading and praying to her Beloved Bhagawan...Read a report on the previous evening...

As the evening gradually got enveloped by velvet dusk, devotees flocked to the various temples to propitiate the deities. There was a synchronized pealing of bells from all the temples. Sathyamma looked ever radiant accepting offerings of flowers, fruits and colourful glass bangles. Dressed in dark green silk with a pink border, Her hair was adorned with fresh blossoms and dazzling ornaments, while many an appeal was being whispered in Her ears.  

Along with the daily worship, which was ever fresh and fragrant and never a ritual or routine, Parthi was diving into the memories of days following the spectacular divine dawn that heralded the advent of the Avatar. A reminiscing that not only refreshed many a wondrous saga that had been witnessed, but rejuvenated faith and hope, as limitless were the miracles that every heart and household had experienced.

The innumerable acts of care, concern and compassion of ‘tiny’ Sathya; the knowledge, wisdom, insight and understanding of their ‘little’ Raju; the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent acts of their Beloved Swami resounding through the globe, beyond space and time made them realize they were face to face with God – and Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was He.

This was the dwelling that the Lord chose for His advent. He chose to be the cherished ‘Son’ of Parthi. No, not a palace as in Treta, or as the ‘Prince’ among the cowherds in Dwapara, not even the royal household chosen during the time of  Buddha…for the much awaited sunrise for this dark age of Kali, He chose a humble hamlet, obscure and hitherto unknown…soon to be considered most sacrosanct.

There is no other place of worship on Earth, where there is such a vast congregation of people and a confluence of all religions at any given time, transcending any and every barrier. It’s all about love and spirituality, selfless service and sacrifice. For as Beloved says – “There is only one religion, the religion of Love; there is only one caste the caste of Humanity; there is only one language the language of the Heart; and there is only one God, He is Omnipresent.”

Updated Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 1714 Hrs. IST

Evening Medical Bulletin released at 1700 hrs. states as follows:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a critical state of health. His vital parameters and indices are maintained at a nearly normal level by giving adequate treatment, with medicines.

The condition of liver and intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are still causing anxiety to the treating doctors.

The panel of treating doctors has been reinforced with the joining of Government of Andhra Pradesh team under the guidance of the Director of Medical Education, Dr. Ravi Raj, who is an eminent nephrologist.

Dr. Yegyaraman from the United States who is an eminent electrophysiology specialist has also joined the team of doctors.

Bhagawan Baba continues to be on assisted ventilation. He may be dialysed again early in the morning tomorrow.

The panel of doctors are woking hard on His treatment, which is going round the clock.

Updated Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 0900 Hrs. IST

Morning Bulletin that was released this morning at 0800 hrs. reads as follows:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a critical state of health. Although His vital parameters and indices are nearly normal, yet the condition of the liver and intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are still a cause of worry.

He continues to be on assisted ventilation to help His lungs and on CRRT to assist His kidney functioning.

The panel of doctors are watching Him round the clock and giving all the necessary treatment to keep Him in a stable state of health.

And in the township, the previous evening it was clearly a play of rain and reign…the natural elements were openly lending their support to the persistent pledge of prayers, by not only the residents of Parthi, but devotees all over the world, in whose hearts Beloved Bhagawan reigned supreme. The roar of thunder fuelled the storm of devotion in every heart, the gusty winds carrying their devoted fervor echoing into the ether, only to mingle with fresh wisps of adoration throughout the planet.

The rain did not dampen the will of Parthi but delivered their spirits into the realm where the benevolent, limitless One reigned absolute.

Prayers, a myriad chants, devotional hymns, continued in respective homes and temple complexes. Some took rounds, circumambulating the shrine while others did surround the deity with adulation. From offering garlands made up of betel leaves to Hunumanji, seemingly asking him to carry their message to Sai Rama, to festoons of fragrant flowers, devotees continued their efforts to woo their dear Lord.

Keeping in mind the whimsical, fathomless and mysterious ways of the One, Who sat under the Neem tree in Shirdi, it appeared to them, that the same mystifying, inexplicably mystical phenomenon had been carried forward into Parthi. Erring humanity had to be taught lessons that would wake them up from their slumber.

They had made a firm choice – Ours is not to question why… ours is but to follow Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai.

And so it was, that the towering inferno of their trust, faith, love and hope was not to be overcome or disturbed by the tiresome tirade of tattered tongues.

UPDATED ON APRIL 19, 2011 AT 0500 P.M.

Posted on April 19, 2011 at 5:20 p.m. (IST)

 

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a critical state of health. The vital parameters of His health are quite stable and satisfactory although the vital organs are showing slow response to the treatment, yet the doctors are hopeful of the eventual success of the treatment being given to Him.

He continues to be on assisted ventilation. His kidneys are supported by CRRT system.

The panel of doctors treating Him is watching the status of His health continuously.

 

Signed by
Dr. A. N. Safaya
Director, SSSIHMS-PG.