One California Scientist's Sai Introduction
and
The Sathya Sai Baba's 78th Birthday Discourse
The Lord Jesus Christ
[Photograph, click for explanation]
MOTHER'S ROLE IN HUMAN VALUES
One California scientist's introductory remarks here precede the transcribed text of The (second, ie, Sathya) Sai Baba's "78th Birthday Anniversary" Speech on the "Year 2003" annual
occasion of the graduation/commencement of his school students, given at his
main ashram (called Prashanti Nilayam, "Abode of Perfect Peace"), in
Puttaparthi, Andrah Pradesh province, southern India, Sunday, November 23, 2003.
The first Sai Baba is called Shirdi Sai Baba after the village of Shirdi
where he lived, taught Muslims and Hindus and others alike, predicted his
"spirit" coming again as the "re-incarnated" second Sai Baba, and died in the number of years as
predicted before the birth of Sathyanarayana Raju, who, as the below described narrative
explains, became aware and recognized as the Second Sai Baba, called Sathya
Sai Baba (Sathya = Truth) and sometimes referred to as Parthi Sai Baba after
the name of his village Puttaparthi.
Sathya Sai Baba has said he will live into his 95th year before his physical
body's demise and that "He" will "come once more" as the Third Sai Baba in a predicted number
of years later and place told, as Prema Sai Baba, (Prema = Love) the Third
Sai Baba in this spiritual lineage of the "Triple Sai Avatara," all come as have
previous genuine Avatars from India (Bharat), The Rama Avatar, The Krishna
Avatar, The Shiva Avatar, (et al) and, from the Hindu view, others such as
The
Jesus Christ Avatar, all "come to Earth" to offer their "One Path Teachings" by living as
disciplined and disciplinary examples/disciples of The Oneness
of God, The Oneness of Truth, the Oneness of Love, and The Oneness of Peace,
all innate to the Human Mind as The Oneness Spiritual Unity Understanding of
The One God and of The One Law, The God of Love and The Law of Love.
In reading The Sai Baba's messages and speeches, noticing carefully the "third person" references to the "physical human embodiment" one must for accurate understanding keep in mind "who"
it is that is being referred to (this "re-incarnated Sai") as the "I" in the
"first person" parts of these talks
and messages, ie, "The Sai" ("Psyche 'psi' of The Oneness"), the "character
well portrayed"
by "Its" human being embodiment form called the Bhagawan Swami Sri Sathya Sai Baba who
"does what he does" by use of Language and Mind and very deep understanding
of The Oneness.
-----end introductory commentary by One Sai Brother
"Sai is you and you are Sai'' -- Sri Sathya Sai Baba, November 23,
2003
From: Augustus changfam@singnet.com.sg
To: saidevotees_worldnet@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [saidevotees_worldnet] Birthday Discourse - 23 NOV 2003
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 7:31 PM
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/DISCOURSES/DISC20031123.html
Prashanthi Nilayam - Birthday Discourse - 23 NOV 2003
[transcript provided does not indicate which parts were delivered in English
and which parts where translated from Baba's Telegu language or from other
languages (eg, Sanskrit, Hindi) which he sometimes uses for various
citations]
MOTHER'S ROLE IN HUMAN VALUES
[The Baba's speech:] (starts wih Telugu Language Poem:)
Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peace, the value of all your
education is zero,
Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peace, the result of all your
good deeds is zero,
Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peace, the utility of holding
positions of authority is zero,
Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peace, the sanctity of all your
acts of charity is zero,
These four qualities are the four pillars that support the mansion of
Sanathana Dharma.
(end Telugu Language Poem start of speech)
Embodiments of Love!
[^ "Deelee Atmaa Solo Claaraa" local Language, how Sai addresses Humans, speech:]
The mansion of human life rests on the four pillars of truth, righteousness,
love and peace. The safety and security of life depend on these four values.
Since ancient times, the culture of Bharat has been able to sustain itself
as it is built on the bedrock of these values. Our ancestors led their lives
strictly adhering to these eternal values. Bereft of these values, the
mansion of life will collapse in a moment. Humanity continues to exist till
this day only due to the fact that he/she is practicing these four values at
least to a certain extent.
The individual child's life is greatly influenced by the qualities of the
parents. The loving care of Jijabai made Shivaji a great warrior. Rama's
divinity blossomed because of the noble qualities of His mother Kausalya.
The twins Lava and Kusha could become powerful and famous due to their noble
and virtuous mother Sita. The same can be said of our ancient sages and
seers. They could sanctify their lives because of the noble influence of
their parents. Today, people neglect their parents as they fail to recognize
the impact and influence they bear on their lives. They forget the fact that
they could attain exalted position in life only because of their parents.
Gandhi became a Mahatma because of his pious mother Putlibai. She used to
observe a strict vow wherein she would wait for the cooing of the cuckoo
before partaking of her food. However, on one day, she had to wait for a
long time for the call of the cuckoo without taking food. The young Gandhi
could not bear to see his mother fasting for such a long time. Hence, he
went out of the house and imitated the cooing of the cuckoo. Then he came
inside and told, "Mother, now that the cuckoo has made its call, please take
your food." She at once recognized that her son was telling a lie. Unable to
contain her grief, she slapped Gandhi on his cheeks and said, "What sin have
I committed that such a liar should be born to me!" She was shedding tears
as she spoke. Gandhi repented and prayed for her forgiveness. He took a
pledge that he would never utter a lie thenceforth. In this manner, our
ancients developed virtues and attained exalted position only because of
their mothers. Today, the country is facing hardship as people have no
regard for truth and are indulging in falsehood in their thoughts, words and
deeds. The welfare of a nation depends on the teaching that the mother
imparts to her children. When parents tread the path of truth, the children
would naturally emulate them.
In olden days, it was a common practice among the women of Bharat to perform
the sacred ritual of Sathyanarayana Vratam, on every full moon day.
Likewise, mother Easwaramma used to perform Sathyanarayana Vratam every full
moon day in the company of Karanam Subbamma, who was her neighbour. Karanam
Subbamma would often tell Easwaramma, "You are performing Sathyanarayana
Vratam. With His blessings, you will bear a son. I want you to name him
Sathyanarayana." On a particular full moon day, Easwaramma did not have food
till very late in the afternoon as she was participating in the
Sathyanarayana Vratam being performed in Subbamma's house. The family
members including her husband Pedda Venkama Raju were very much upset to see
her remain without food for such a long time. Pedda Venkama Raju argued that
there was no need to observe such severe austerities. But Easwaramma was
determined. She told them not to wait for her saying, "I am not at all
hungry. Sathyanarayana Vratam is more important for me than food." After the
ritual was completed Subbamma brought Prasadam (blessed food) for
Easwaramma. Only after partaking of the Prasadam did Easwaramma have her
food that day. Women in those days used to perform such rituals with all
sincerity and devotion. It was only after partaking of Prasadam could
Easwaramma conceive. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the
result). Some people have faith in scriptural injunctions and adhere to them
with earnestness whereas some others ignore them. Easwaramma was the one who
followed the injunctions strictly. Only after performing the Vratam and
partaking of the Prasadam would she commence her household chores. She was
unlettered. But she had unflinching faith in God. During the seventh month
of her pregnancy one day Subbamma told her "Easwaramma the child in your
womb is safe only due to the grace of Lord Sathyanarayana." She extracted a
promise from her that the child would be named Sathyanarayana. The mother of
Pedda Venkama Raju was also a great devotee of the Lord. She too was of the
opinion that the child should be named after Lord Sathyanarayana.
Prior to the birth of the child a very significant incident took place.
Puttaparthi was then a tiny hamlet. In the centre there was a well from
which people would draw water. One day Easwaramma was fetching water from
the well. All of a sudden she saw a white luminous light emerging like
lightning from the sky entering her womb. There was a sudden gust of wind.
Subbamma who came out of her house at that time saw the light entering the
womb of Easwaramma. Till this day I have not revealed this to anyone, I am
disclosing this today so that you may understand the significance associated
with the advent of the Avatar. A day prior to this as Pedda Venkama Raju was
passing in front of Subbamma's house she called him inside and told him,
"Venkama Raju tomorrow when the child is born name him as Sathyanarayana."
But he brushed her advice aside saying it was her foolish
imagination.
At 3 o'clock in the morning at an auspicious moment the child was born. It
is natural for any child to cry when it is born. But this child did not cry
at all. The midwife and the people in the household were anxious that the
child might be stillborn. Easwaramma too was very much worried. Without
anybody noticing her she pinched the child to make it cry. On the contrary
to her utter surprise the baby started smiling. Everyone was mystified to
see the newborn babe smiling. Just then Subbamnra entered the house and said
"Easwaramma1 heard that you have given birth to a male child at an
auspicious moment. Can I have a glimpse of the child?" Easwaramma wrapped
the child in a cloth and placed him in front of Subbamma.
Subbamma was an
orthodox Brahmin lady. In those days orthodox
Brahmins would maintain distance from others. If they happened to touch them
inadvertently they would at once have a bath. That was the reason why
Easwaramma kept the baby at a distance from Subbamma. Watching this the
mother-in-law said, "Easwaramma she has come here with a lot of love and
concern to see the child. Why don't you let Subbamma hold the child in her
arms? Why do you keep him at a distance?" Easwaramma said "Oh mother!
Subbamma is a very pious and orthodox brahmin lady. She may not like to
touch the newborn baby. Hence we should maintain distance from her." In fact
Subbamma herself had no such discriminatory feelings.
Mother Easwaramma looked after her child with love and care. Days rolled by
and the child grew into a boy. He was mithabhashi and mithaahari (one who
spoke less and ate less). Easwaramma was mystified by the strange behavior
of her son. Usually children are fond of eating. Especially some people
would prefer non-vegetarian items like fish or meat. But her son was totally
averse to non-vegetarian food. He would not even visit the houses where
non-vegetarian food was cooked. Seeing his noble qualities, Easwaramma
realized that the child was not an ordinary one, but one of divine nature.
Her eldest daughter Venkamma also recognized . the divine nature of the
child. Together, they brought up the child with love and care. They would
sing devotional songs as lullabies. The child was brought up in such a noble
environment.
As there was no proper school in Puttaparthi, Seshama Raju, the elder
brother of this body, took Me to Uravakonda and admitted Me in a school. The
then Municipal Chairman of Bellary, Rama Raju was a friend of Seshama Raju.
He took us to the Virupaksha temple in Hampi during holidays. I was
reluctant to enter the temple. Hence, Seshama Raju instructed Me to keep a
watch over their belongings as they went inside to have Darshan of the
deity. I readily agreed and remained outside. The priest was giving arati to
the deity. To their utter astonishment, they found Me standing inside the
sanctum sanctorum in place off Lord Virupaksha. Seshama Raju could not
believe his eyes. In fact, he was very angry thinking that I was
transgressing My limits. He thought it was improper on My part to have
entered the sanctum sanctorum. He at once came out of the temple only to
find Me there! He again went inside and found Me there also! Still he was
having doubts. He told his wife, "You go outside and keep a watch over
Sathya. Do not allow Him to go anywhere. Meanwhile, I will go inside and see
whether He is still there." She did accordingly. He again saw a smiling
Sathya standing in the sanctum sanctorum. He wondered whether it was a
dream, hallucination or reality. At that time, his friend Rama Raju noticed
a brilliant aura around My face. He revealed this only to his wife and not
to anybody else including Seshama Raju. In fact, Seshama Raju was full of
doubts.
The vacation was over and we were returning to Uravakonda. Rama Raju brought
a pair of knickers and a shirt for Me as parting gift. But I refused to
accept them. In those days, wearing a collar pin was considered a fashion.
Hence, Rama Raju presented a gold collar pin to Me with the prayer that I
should remember him always.
I remained there for some time. Many people came to Me and put all sorts of
questions like "Are You a ghost or a demon? Who are You?" I told them, I am
neither a ghost nor a demon. "Know that I am Sai Baba in reality." They
asked Me, "How are we to believe that you are Sai Baba? Can you prove Your
claim?" In fact in those days nobody in Anantapur District had even heard
the name of Sai Baba. I took some flowers in My hand and threw them on the
floor. As people were watching wonderstruck the flowers arranged themselves
as the letters Sai Baba in Telugu. Somebody brought a camera and took a
photograph of Me sitting on the rock. There was a small stone in front of Me
which appeared like Shirdi Sai Baba in the photograph. Many copies were made
of the photograph and distributed to all.
The same rock on which I sat that day remains there even today. At the same
place the Andhra State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organizations Anjanaiah
has built a beautiful Mandir with a spacious hall.
Gradually My fame spread far and wide. People from various villages and
cities started to flock around Me. People possessed by evil spirits were
brought to Me in bullock-carts. They believed that I could drive away the
evil spirits. People who were mentally retarded were also brought to Me.
True to their faith the evil spirits were driven away and the patients were
cured of their mental ailments. Then they started believing in My
Divinity.
As people were coming in large numbers it was not possible for Seshama Raju
to keep Me with him. Hence he wrote a letter to Pedda Venkama Raju to come
and take Me away to Puttaparthi. In those days Puttaparthi was such a remote
village that it would take several days for letters to reach. However Pedda
Venkama Raju received the letter in Bukkapatnam where he had gone to make
purchases in the market. The letter said "Father it is not possible for us
to keep Sathya with us any longer. Please come and take him home at once."
Pedda Venkama Raju came to Uravakonda from Bukkapatnam straightaway. He did
not have sufficient money in his pocket. He took the bus fare from Seshama
Raju and brought Me to Bukkapatnam by bus. From there we had to walk all the
way to Puttaparthi as there was no transport facility. In fact, the name of
Puttaparthi was hardly known beyond the closest localities.
When we reached Puttaparthi, Kondama Raju (grandfather of this body) was at
home. He was very austere and God-minded. He told Venkama Raju, "Venkappa
let Him do whatever He wants, do not raise any objection. He is immersed in
divine consciousness. Let him stay with me for some time." He kept Me with
him and looked after Me with great love and care.
The four brothers - Pedda Venkama Raju, Chinna Venkama Raju Venkatarama Raju
and Venkata Subba Raju decided to live separately. Kondama Raju divided the
property equally among them. Pedda Venkama Raju then asked, "Father, whom
are you going to stay with? "Kondama Raju replied, "I will not stay with
anyone. I do not want any property for myself. Give me Sathya. That is
enough. He will look after me." In those days, nobody used to call Me by the
full name Sathyanarayana,, Everyone used to address Me as 'Sathya'. From
then onwards, I stayed with Kondama Raju and served him. Everyday morning
and evening, Venkamma used to come to Me. Sometimes she would ask, "Sathya,
do You get dreams? Does anyone appear before You and talk to You?" However,
I would not say anything to her. She had immense faith in Sai Baba. One day,
she prayed, "Sathya please give me a photograph of Sai Baba." I at once
materialized a photograph of Sai Baba and gave her. She kept the photograph
with her till her last breath.
One day Kondama Raju called Venkamma and told her, "Our people are living in
ignorance, they are unable to recognize the Divine nature of Sathya. He is
verily God Himself. He is never hungry, never thirsty. He has transcended
hunger and sleep."
Namagiriamma was the actual name of Easwaramma, given by her parents. As
Kondama Raju recognized My Divinity, he told his son, Pedda Venkama Raju to
change her name to Easwaramma as he was very well aware that she was the
mother of Easwara Himself.
In the middle of the night, Kondama Raju would quietly place his hand near
My nostrils just to see whether I was breathing or not. Sometimes, he would
not notice any breathing process taking place. He would only hear the sound
Soham coming from Me. People started pouring into Kondama Raju's house to
see Me. If anyone questioned them, they would reply "The grandson of Kondama
Raju is one of divine powers. He appears in our dreams and solves our
problems."
Once Seshama Raju came to Puttaparthi during holidays. He did not like so
many people visiting the house of Kondama Raju. At that time he was
thoroughly skeptical. He argued with Kondama Raju and told him not to allow
anybody to come to his house. In those days the educated were highly
respected in the villages. Seshama Raju had just completed teachers'
training. Hence people in the village considered him to be highly educated.
He told Kondama Raju "Grandfather do not allow anybody to come near this
boy. He does not have any divine power. He is suffering from hysteria." In
this manner he spoke derisively about Me.
There used to be an exorcist in Kadiri who was considered to be an expert in
driving away from people the evil spirits that had taken possession of them.
I was put in a cart for transporting Me to Kadiri and Venkamma accompanied
Me. At no time would she be parted from Me. This so-called exorcist of
Kadiri was a thorough drunkard. He asserted that I was possessed by some
powerful spirit and boasted that he would rid Me of the evil and belabored
Me with canes sticks whips and the like. He even went to the extent of
pouring some highly corrosive liquids into My eyes expecting to drive away
the spirit in this manner. I submitted Myself to all this torture without
demur. In the evening when I got free I approached Venkamma and asked her to
put a little fluid of cow dung dissolved in water. With this treatment
overnight her house started overflowing with the throng of visitors. So,
once Venkappa approached Subbamma and said, "Why should you undergo this
kind of ordeals on account of my son? Let us put Him in a separate house."
Then Subbamma gave some land between the Sathyabhama and Venugopala Swami
temples. A small room was constructed there. They used to lock Me up in the
room, but, in spite of the locked closed room, I used to get out and sit on
the top of the hill. These kinds of wonders were of daily
occurrence.
Meanwhile, those who were opposed to Subbamma on caste grounds decided to
get rid of Swami by poison. I was very fond of vadas (Indian delicacy) in
those days. So, these people made some vadas and mixed some virulent poison
in some of them. Subbamma was warning Me all the time against visiting those
houses. But, I used to go to all places despite her objection. On this
occasion, I visited this house and picked up the specific vadas that had
been poisoned and ate them. The sequel" to this attempt is already known.
Another attempt of this kind was when some of them set fire to My improvised
house. The house had a thatched roof. Some miscreants set fire to the house.
As the fire was raging, people were worried as to what would have happened
to Me inside. Suddenly, there was a cloudburst which poured down just above
the house and put out the fire. There was however, not a drop of rain
anywhere else, Venkamma, Subbamma and Easwaramma came there weeping. The
roof was fully burnt and only the walls were standing. They peeped over the
wall and found Me sleeping peacefully. I was totally unharmed. Then Subbamma
had the lock broken open and took Me away to her house. After several such
trials and tests, people developed greater faith in Sai Baba.
In Penukonda, another person started claiming miraculous powers, saying that
he was a devotee of Sai Baba. Several others started imitating My dress and
manners, started going about trying to collect a following at different
places. Merely assuming My name and manners, one cannot have a following
indefinitely. People realized the truth very soon.
After this, My sojourn to Bangalore began. Easwaramma and Venkamma entreated
that I should not forsake Puttaparthi. I promised them that I would never
abandon Puttaparthi. Various royalties including the Maharani of Mysore used
to visit Puttaparthi. Those days Chitravathi was flowing most of the time.
They used to cross the river by putting planks and driving the cars over
such improvised causeways. As, such following by the high and low of the
land increased, all opportunities for creating obstacles by the local
opponents vanished.
All great men have been molded by their mothers. It is the high moral
character and behavior of the mothers that would result in the greatness of
their progeny. It is the virtues of Kausalya that resulted in the greatness
of Rama. Similarly, Sita brought up Lava and Kusa to be great. In this
manner, virtuous mothers were responsible for ideal children. After I had
promised Easwaramma, I never abandoned Puttaparthi. The whole world may
flock here but I shall not leave Puttaparthi. Generally, the Avatars adhere
to their place of birth. If you uproot a plant from here and plant it
elsewhere, how long will it survive? A tree should grow where the seed
sprouted. In this manner only, Sathya Sai Baba has retained his roots in
Puttaparthi and has made Puttaparthi a place of pilgrimage. When the High
School at Bukkapatnam was established, they requested Me for a prayer song
and I composed a suitable verse emphasizing the unity in diversity of the
people of Bharat.
The power of motherhood is indescribable. It is the righteous observances
and strict adherence to moral values of the mothers that manifest in their
children. They (mothers) may be unlettered. Their greatness does not depend
on literacy or book learning. It is the unlettered Easwaramma's virtues that
have brought about this greatness of the name and fame of Puttaparthi. It is
a matter of regret that Easwaramma is forgotten, while her son is extolled.
Without Easwaramma, how could there be such a phenomenal Power? Never
neglect your parents.
What is the origin of the name of this village Puttaparthi? There is a
strange story associated with it. Near the temple of Venugopala Swami there
used to be an anthill in which there was a snake. Everyday the cowherds
would take their cows for grazing to the outskirts of the village. One of
the cows would go to the anthill and the snake would drink milk from its
udder. Everyday the cow would return home with its udder empty. The cowherds
found out the reason behind this and planned to kill the snake. One day as
the snake was drinking milk from the cow they hit it with a boulder. The
snake got enraged and pronounced a curse on them saying the cowherds and
their cows would no longer be able to live in the village. That is why the
cowherds left Puttaparthi village and built their houses near Gokulam. Even
today you can see it for yourselves. The boulder with which the cowherds
tried to kill the snake is now being worshipped as Venugopala Swami
idol.
Today I narrated at length all this in order to make you aware of the
significance of the names Sai Baba and Puttaparthi. Puttaparthi has a great
history behind it. Many eminent people visited this place. Many people of
affluence lived here and brought great name. and fame to this village. In
those days the Mysore Maharaja and his mother used to come here quite
frequently. Many such eminent personalities recognized the greatness of
Puttaparthi and revered it.
The Lord of Puttaparthi will protect you always,
He is the embodiment of compassion,
He will hold your hand and take you across the ocean of life,
He will never forsake you under any circumstances. (Telugu Poem)
Embodiment of Love!
You are really fortunate having done great merit for you are able to enjoy
the Divine proximity of Sai. It is your great good fortune that you are able
to sing with Swami and play with Him. You are with Sai and Sai is with you.
That is why I often say " and you are one." The power and glory of God is
beyond the ken of human understanding. Develop unwavering faith in
him.
Students!
Having come to Puttaparthi and studied here you should make every effort to
uphold the prestige of Puttaparthi. I want to bring to your notice one
important thing. Usually students like to spend their vacations at their
respective homes. But here the students do not like to go home even after
the vacation starts. Only very few of them go home. Most of them like to
stay back even after completing their post graduation. What is the reason
for this? Here is the greatest Divine magnet. God attracts one and all. His
power is beyond all estimation. In the years to come you will experience the
power of this magnet more and more.
(Bhagavan sang the Bhajan "Hari Bhajan Bina ..." and continued the
Discourse.)
(Pointing to Dr. Anjanaiah, Swami said:) He has constructed a Mandir in
Uravakonda. The Mandir enshrines the rock on which I sat when I gave the
first teaching to mankind. He completed his M.Sc. Ph.D. and was doing a job.
Later on he resigned and dedicated himself to the service of Swami. At
present he is the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations
Andhra Pradesh. (Pointing to an elderly devotee) He is the father-in-law of
Dr. Anjanaiah. He also stays in Uravakonda. He has kept aside 100 acres of
land for Swami. He is growing various types of fruits there and sending them
to Puttaparthi. At present he has completed 100 years of his life. I want to
tell you another important thing. Here in Prasanthi Nilayam all the devotees
who dedicate their lives to Swami live for full 100 years. Kasturi came here
and lived a full life. Similar was the case with Pujari Kistappa. All of you
might have heard of Kamavadhani. He was a great Vedic scholar. He came and
stayed here for 30 years. Never did he leave Puttaparthi. One day after
performing Rama Kalyanam here in the Mandir he told Me "Swami1 am going to
My room. I will have a sacred bath and come back." I told him "You don't
need to come back. After bath have your food and sleep peacefully." He went
home and had a bath. As instructed by Swami he had his food and rested. He
died peacefully in his sleep. The name of Sai was always in his mind. He
never had any illness. There was another devotee by name Soorayya. He was a
bachelor. He had no desires. Prior to coming here, he was working for
Venkatagiri Raja. One day he expressed his desire to the Raja that he wanted
to go to Puttaparthi. The Raja was very happy and made all the arrangements
for his coming here. He stayed here for more than 30 years and served Swami.
He too lived for 100 years and died peacefully in his sleep.
(Swami called Sri Gopal Rao to the dais) Many of you might have heard of
Gopal Rao. He is also completing 100 years. Even at an advanced age he used
to go to canteen regularly and serve water to the devotees. When he was the
Chairman of Andhra Bank there was a major strike. Many big people were
arrested. Indira Gandhi sent him a telegram. That day I happened to go to
his house for lunch. I told him "Gopal Rao do not yield to political
pressure. What you have chosen is the path of truth. Do not budge from it."
He obeyed My command. Nobody could touch him. At present he is living in
Prasanthi Nilayam happily doing Namasmarana. Dr. Padmanabhan's father
Seshagiri Rao came here at the age of 63 after his retirement. He also lived
for 100 years and had a peaceful death. All these devotees led a happy and
healthy life. At no point of time did they seek the service of others. I
told Gopal Rao that he would die peacefully without depending on others for
service. I told him to be courageous. In this manner many devotees led a
long and peaceful life in Divine proximity. Physical body is bound to perish
one day or the other. But one should leave the body peacefully without being
wholly dependent on others. (At the end Swami permitted Sri Gopal Rao to
speak a few words.)
Above Discourse transcript [bracketed words added only here] from:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/DISCOURSES/DISC20031123.html
The Sai Baba's 78th Birthday Global Peace Sunday 2003
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"Sai is you and you are Sai''
"I feel no
need for food and water" -- Sri Mataji Prahlad Jani
(who has survived
several decades without food or water)
10 days observation reported BBC News 25 November, 2003
The
President and The Baba
Use Global Peace Sundays Campaign for Local Peace Sundays Genre Events
23Nov03 The First Global Peace Sunday
Science
Studies Prayer Power Healing
The Science Solution, Getting Science onto The Red Road
The Scientific Spiritual Revolution of Conscience
Internet "Science Education" Program
22Nov03
Open letter to Sen. Kennedy, Gov. Schwarzenegger on New Energy Sci-Tech
The Red Road
to Peace
24Nov03 Conscience Solution Global Peace Plan
[updated 30Nov03 11:20pmPST}
