Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

SINCE ancient times, this land has been the birthplace of sages, seers and saints who propagated the sacred culture of Bharat to the rest of the world and earned name and fame; but such noble souls are forgotten today. You should recognize the basic truth that Bharat relies on its spiritual wealth and nothing else. Just think for yourself the plight of present day Bharat, which once upon a time spread the light of divinity to the rest of the world. In this sacred land, many men of nobility and virtue had to face hardships and criticism, yet they remained firm in their resolve to set an ideal to humanity.

Today you have to remind yourselves of the ideals Jesus stood for. From time to time, many noble souls, endowed with immense spiritual power, have taken birth to propagate sacred teachings to the world. They struggled hard to make the world a good place to live in. But without understanding their noble intentions, foolish people tried to ridicule and persecute them. Right from his birth, Jesus had to face many trials and tribulations. When the name and fame of noble souls spread far and wide, many people become jealous.

The history of Bharat is replete with many examples that bear testimony to this truth. Asuya (jealousy) has three sons, namely., kama, krodha and dwesha (desire, anger and hatred). The divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara are the sons of Anasuya. The evil forces of desire, anger and hatred put the people to a lot of trouble. Jesus was also put to suffering in every possible way, though he strove tirelessly for the peace and welfare of society. He was the epitome of compassion and the refuge of the poor, needy and forlorn. But many people tried to create troubles for Jesus as they did not like his sacred teachings and activities. Their hatred for Jesus in-creased day by day. Even the priests turned against Jesus as they became jealous of his growing popularity. But the fishermen held Jesus in high esteem. They started following his teachings and became his followers. As he became more and more popular, many people, out of jealousy, raised obstacles in his path and even tried to kill him. Jesus had twelve disciples. Judas was one of them. But he betrayed Jesus. At that time, there was only one Judas, but today there are many such ‘Judases.’ Today the world is engulfed in unrest because of the rise in the number of treacherous people like Judas. They are mean-minded and are easily tempted by money. Judas betrayed just for a few pieces of silver.

Even two thousand years ago, money was the primary temptation of man. Because of their greed for money, people resorted to evil and unjust ways, destroyed truth and indulged in false propaganda. This was the case then, and it is the same even today. No one needs to be afraid of such false allegations. Why should one be afraid of the mistake that one has not committed? In the past, many evil-minded people were jealous of the divine personalities who attained worldwide fame through the teachings of truth and righteousness. Even today there is no dearth of such wicked people.

Today many people are jealous of Sai as His name and fame are spreading far and wide. Neither they undertake any good activity themselves nor do they tolerate someone else doing good. The Rayalaseema region suffered from scarcity of drinking water right from the time of British rule. There were many leaders and wealthy people, but none of them took up the task of providing drinking water to lakhs of people of Rayalaseema.

Today the cost of heart surgery runs into lakhs of rupees. Again, it is Sai Baba who has established Super Speciality hospitals, where most expensive heart surgeries are done totally free of cost. The field of education is corrupted by money to such an extent that one has to pay Rs.20,000 as donation to admit a child to a primary school. But Sai Baba is providing free education right from kindergarten to post graduation. No other individual or government for that matter has been able to provide free education or free medical care to the people.

Some people are so mean-minded that they do not want to understand and appreciate the sanctity associated with the activities. Have any of them been able to accomplish even one-thousandth part of what Sai baba is doing? No, no, no! It is only Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has undertaken such noble tasks without a trace of selfishness. Sai’s heart is pure, His feelings are sacred, and He is totally selfless. Sri Sathya Sai Baba stands for three P’s namely, Purity, Patience and Perseverance. There is no trace of selfishness in Sai Baba from top to toe. He is rendering totally selfless service. Why are those with a modicum of intelligence unable to recognize this truth? Why are they indulging in false propaganda? They are doing so due to their greed for money. Not merely that. Money is the basis of conversion of people from one religion to another.

What to talk about the Peethadhipathis (heads of big religious establishments), even some of the socalled Sadhus are indulging in this wicked activity. We should not criticize anybody. But I am forced to tell you all this, as it has now become the demand of the situation. Do not be afraid of any false publicity.

Another Super Speciality Hospital has been built in Bangalore at a cost of Rs.300 crores. In this vast land of Bharat, do you find any politician in power associating himself with such noble causes? On the other hand, rather shamelessly, they go on talking ill of others. People who try to obstruct sacred activities are not human beings to all. They are verily demons. Even if the whole world were to be filled with such demons, Sai’s resolve will never change. Some people out of their mean-mindedness are trying to tarnish the image of Sai Baba. I am not after name and fame. So, I do not lose anything by their false allegations. My glory will go on increasing day by day. It will never diminish even a bit if they were to publicise their false allegations in the whole world in bold letters. Some devotees seem to be perturbed over these false statements. They are not true devotees at all. Having known the mighty power of Sai, why should they be afraid of the ‘cawing of crows’? One should not get carried away by all that is written on walls, said in political meetings or the vulgar tales carried by the print media.

Let us firmly resolve to propagate the principles of truth, righteousness and love. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has no trace of selfishness in Him. I am spending crores of rupees to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and the downtrodden. My resolve is to feed the hungry and impart education to poor children. There are many millionaires in this world who are so mean and narrowminded that they set their dogs on the beggars who come to beg alms at their doorstep. It is shameful to consider them as human beings.

These persons are unable to do even one thousandth part of what Sri Sathya Sai Baba is doing for society, but shamelessly indulge in false allegations. Instead it would be better for them to follow Sri Sathya Sai Baba and set an ideal to the rest of the world. I have no desires or ambitions. There is no trace of jealousy in Me. I am love personified. Love is My very life. Wisdom is the fruit that I grant. These two form the basis of My life.

People who indulge in false allegations are bound to come to woe. Those who investigate such false publicity too will meet their doom. Money should be utilized to undertake righteous actions, not for evil purposes. Serve your fellowmen with all love and compassion. Put them on the right path and make them happy. I am not afraid of any false propaganda that people may do. Why should I be afraid when I follow the path of truth, righteousness and love? Let people say what they want; I am not perturbed.

Today I am explaining to you in detail the principle of love that I stand for. During the time of every avatar, wicked people did play their tricks. During the time of Krishna, there were evil-minded people like Kamsa, Sisupala and Dantavakra, who tried their best to harm him. When Rama incarnated for the establishment of dharma, he too had to face stiff opposition from evil forces. He was exiled to forest for 14 years where he had to undergo a lot of suffering. Even his consort was separated from him. Ultimately, what happened to all those who tried to create trouble for the divine personalities? Those who accuse them and put them to suffering commit the worst sin. If one cannot undertake meritorious deeds, it would be better one keeps quiet instead of indulging in such sinful deeds.

There are some people who claim to be devotees and take to evil ways. They feel that their physical appearance will earn them respect. Not at all. It is one’s sacredness that makes one a good person. So, one should lead a life of truth and righteousness. The principle of love is the same in one and all. All should stand united by the bond of love. Then the entire world will become one family. We can never attain happiness if we contract and fragment love and develop hatred.

I lead a life suffused with love from dawn to dusk. I am providing high quality free education to thousands of students. Not merely free education; I am showing them by My example the way to lead an ideal life. When these students go out, some people try to pollute their minds with wicked feelings. Whatever others may say, our students are like gold. The very dust of the feet of our students will prevent wickedness in others. The alumni, both boys and girls of our institutions are leading sacred and exemplary lives.

The Messengers of Sathya Sai, Association of alumni of Anantapur College, are undertaking various service activities in many countries. They are encouraging their husbands also to take to the path of service. Our old students are working in various countries like Switzerland, America, Japan, China, Russia, etc. Some foreigners are trying to bribe them, asking them to fabricate stories against Sri Sathya Sai Baba. In Switzerland, when one of our girl students was approached by someone asking her to concoct stories against Sai Baba, she got so enraged that she immediately took out her shoe to teach a lesson to that person. She asked him, “Is this what your religion teaches? Is this the ideal that your religion propagates? Fie on you! Get out!” But there are some traitors like Judas, who are being bribed to level false charges against Sai Baba.

Ultimately, what happened to Judas? He felt miserable for having betrayed Jesus for monetary gains. He shed tears of repentance. He hit himself, saying, “Fie on me! I am a traitor. I betrayed my own Master and God.” Betrayal of God is the worst of all sins. Such betrayal can never be atoned for in any number of births. So, never try to betray God. Love all.

Salute even those who criticize you because divinity is present in all. Do not spoil your mind by harbouring the feelings of anger, etc. Pray to God with love. All noble souls and incarnations in the past had also to put up with criticism. You may ask why at all such criticism should arise? Criticism, in fact, adds to their glory. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. Shadow follows light. One should not be afraid of shadow. There is light even in shadow. Light and shadow cannot exist separately. There is a principle of unity between them. So, do not react to any criticism levelled against Swami or any other elder for that matter. Just brush it aside, saying, you have nothing to do with it. If someone points out mistakes in you, you can certainly rectify them. But if someone levels false charges against you, you don’t need to be worried over it. Be happy. If the criticism is made in a loud voice, it goes into the thin air. If it is made within one self, it goes to oneself only such being the case, why should you be perturbed? Let anyone say anything; remain calm. Consider whatever happens as good for you. With such equal-mindedness, carry on your good work.

In future, you are going to witness many more glorious events. There is nothing that Sri Sathya Sai Baba cannot accomplish. In fact, people would be struck with awe and wonder by His deeds. But His only aim is to make everybody happy. Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu (may the entire world be happy!). Those who aspire for the well-being of others will never be put to difficulties. No obstacles can ever shake them. A small example. Once Buddha encountered the demon of jealousy, which said, “Buddha, I am going to devour you.” Buddha smiled and said sweetly, “O demon of jealousy, I love you too.” On listening to the loving words of Buddha, the demon immediately turned into a dove that symbolized love and peace and flew away.

One becomes a devotee in the true sense only when one cultivates patience and conquers the evils of anger, hatred and jealousy with love. “Don’t be elated by praise or depressed by blame. It is not proper on your part to love only those who praise you and hate those who criticize you. Criticism will only help you to progress. So, do not harbour hatred towards those who criticize you. Accept everything good that comes your way. Ignore all that is bad. People may praise or criticize, but none can shake Sai. Sai lives in truth. None has been able to shake truth at any point of time. Lead your lives with such strong conviction. Increase your faith in God day by day. As faith increases, all the wickedness will perish. Do not give up the spiritual practices that you have been doing all along. Since Jesus bore all the difficulties with fortitude, he is being adored and worshipped to this day.

Once a young discipline asked Jesus, “O Master, when I am faced with some problems, how am I to solve them? Jesus replied, “O simpleton, do not seek solutions to your problems. Love God, who is installed in your heart. Love even those that hate you because God is present in them also. How can you ever have suffering when you love all? Your heart will be filled with bliss when you love everybody.” Similar was the answer which Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna when he asked him, “Swami, is there anybody who is very dear to you?” Krishna replied, “O simpleton, I have neither friend nor foe. I am present in every heart. I reside even in the hearts of those who criticise Me. One who sees God in all and loves them is very dear to Me. One is intimately related to Me not by birth, but by one’s intense love for Me. Having been with Me for so long, it is rather surprising that you have not understood this basic truth. O Arjuna, you have made Me sit in your chariot, but not in the chariot of your heart.” A Wavering Mind Becomes Unsacred One should install God in one’s heart. In fact, you don’t need to install Him; He is already there. It is enough if you know the truth that God is present in your heart. Once you recognise this truth, you will become God yourself.

What you have to propagate to the world is love alone. Nothing exists other than love in this world. Love is God. Love is life and love is everything. So, cultivate love more and more. Let your mind not waver under any circumstances. A wavering mind becomes unsacred. That is why once Thyagaraja sang, “O mind, do not waver and do not get deluded.” Consider love as your very life. Love alone makes one’s life sacred. One is a true human being only if one has love in him. Love is man; man is love. Man is God and God is love. It is love that unifies all. So, develop love. Tread the path of truth and righteousness and lead a peaceful life. There are no greater powers, no greater ideals and no greater supports than these human values of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi and Prema. These four values are the lifesupporting principles. Adhere to these four values and sanctify your life.

Embodiments of Love! Be fearless. Do not be afraid even if a thunderbolt were to land on your head. Death comes only once and not twice. It is bound to come one day or the other. So do not be afraid of death. Be ready for anything. Do not be afraid to follow truth. Fill your life with love. Only then will your life be sanctified. No spiritual practice like japa and dhyana can redeem your life if you do not adhere to truth and love. Let anything happen; hold on to these values. These values alone can give happiness and prosperity to the entire world. Develop love more and more. Do not pay heed to the criticism of others; because you are not committing any mistake. What mistake can there be if one loves God? Having unflinching love for God till your last breath. Do not entertain conflicts or doubts.

Everyone has to face the consequences of his actions. None can predict when and how, but you are bound to face them. However, when you constantly think of God, you will never be put to suffering. He will always be with you, in you, around you, safeguarding you. You may worship God by any name - Jesus, Rama, Krishna, etc. But remember that God is one, goal is one, truth is one and love is one. Love is God. Enshrine this unity principle in your heart and have firm faith in it. Then God will certainly take care of you wherever you are-in a forest, in the sky, in a city, in a village, on a mountain top or in the middle of deep sea. No one has the right to deny your God. Due to the impact of Kali Age, people are taking to evil ways in pursuit of money. They even go to the extent of killing others for the sake of money. For them money is everything. One should not struggle to earn money. Rather, one should strive to earn the wealth of love. When you have the wealth of love in your possession, you will never suffer.

I hope I am not causing you badha (trouble) by speaking for a long time. In fact, I am giving you a great bodha (illumination) and not Badha. People who are feeling discouraged should be given the tonic of courage, so that they do not entertain any weakness whatsoever.

The Messengers of Sathya Sai are rendering yeoman’s service to society. Sometimes, they even forego their food while participating in service activities. But that is not a good practice as it can spoil their health. They wanted to make their contribution for the Super Speciality Hospital that has been constructed at Bangalore. Being ladies, they felt sad that it was not possible for them to take up any manual service activity at the construction site like carrying bricks, etc. They collected 75 lakh rupees from their own small savings and sent the amount to Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust without informing Me. Moreover, there are many old boys of our college. Though they are working outside, they belong to Swami. Some of them wait here for months together without even taking food properly. They have also saved some money to contribute for the hospital. They have sent 45 lakh rupees to the Central Trust for this purpose.

We don’t want your money. We want your love. We want your welfare, progress and happiness. Wherever you are, lead ideal lives. Some people are under the impression that some big people are contributing crores and crores of rupees for this hospital. We are not asking them. They are not giving us either. I am happy with even a small contribution offered with love. Many people offered Jesus precious gifts; he did not accept any of them. But when an old lady offered him a small coin, he accepted happily and kept it with him till his last breath as the offering was made with love. Similarly, what I want is love, not money. Like this, many more hospitals will be coming up in future. I do not ask anybody for any help. It is Sathya Sankalpa (Will of Truth); what I am doing is good. If one undertakes any good work, it is bound to fructify. It is My goodness that attracts all the help.

Take back the money that you have given. Not only now, I never wanted money at any time in My life. Your love, progress and well-being is what I want. I will be pleased if you lead ideal lives with good conduct. Earn a good name that Sathya Sai students are wellbehaved. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. Develop your morality and character. Be courageous. Share your love with others. Outsiders are not aware of the love and devotion that the students and devotees have for Me. They do not even care for their health when it comes to serving Me. But I don’t want such service. You should eat well. Do not put yourself to trouble. Do not put the body to any harm as God is its indweller (jeeva is deva). Make yourself happy and then serve the community. You have been going to various villages and serving the poor. There is no greater service. This wealth of service is much greater than crores of rupees. Go to each and every village, serve the poor and feed the hungry.

As I mentioned to you recently, I came across a news item in a small piece of paper, which I happened to find one day. There was a poor mother who did not have the wherewithal to feed her son. Her Husband was no more. Everyday she used to beg for alms in order to feed her son. Some time back, there were heavy rains continuously for many days. Consequently, she could not go out for begging. One morning her son started crying, “Mother, I am hungry. Give me something to eat.” In such a situation, what could she give him? She felt helpless and shed tears. She thought within herself, “Son, God has not given me the strength to feed you.” In that moment of helplessness, she somehow managed to get poison, mixed it in water, gave it to her son and drank it herself. Both of them died. I felt sad that in this land of Bharat, which is known as Annapoorna (goddess of food), some people are unable to feed their own children.

From that day onwards, I have taken up a firm resolve. Children should be fed properly and given proper education. So, I have made a scheme of fixed deposits of one lakh rupees for each family of such helpless mothers and their children. They will get an interest of more than one thousand rupees per month to fulfil their needs. But there may be some cheats who will try to exploit their innocence. They may mislead to invest those one lakh rupees in a business for their own selfish ends. That is why the bank mana-ger would be given strict instructions in this regard to give only the interest to the parent concerned every month.

It is not possible to provide education to the children if they are living in a different village. We wanted to keep them nearby and asked the government to allot a suitable piece of land. But they have not given this to us and I have stopped asking them. We have got our own orchard. I have decided to use that piece of land to construct houses for these poor families. I thought that instead of utilizing the land for growing fruit trees, it would be better to utilise it for the sake of poor children. We are going to construct houses with two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom for every mother and her children. They can live lifelong in these houses and look after their needs with the interest they get from the bank. I will take the responsibility of providing education to these children. We have many students, both boys and girls, who can teach them and train them.

Our boys and girls are ready to render any service. I do not want to praise My own students, but you cannot find students like them anywhere else. They are highly virtuous. I want My students to render service to the poor and needy and alleviate their suffering. Students, you do not need to pay heed to what others say. Take a firm resolve to serve society and sanctify your life.

Shortly, I am going to Puttaparthi. Very soon the students’ Sports Meet is going to be held. The students need to be encouraged. The construction of houses for the poor has also to be started. Then, by 19th I will be back here at Brindavan for the inauguration of the Super Speciality Hospital, which is going to benefit the entire State of Karnataka. All the heart patients in the State of Karnataka should be cured of their ailment. Everyday 30 to 40 operations will take place. For this purpose, 30 surgeons will be employed by paying them high salaries. There will be 8 to 10 operation theaters. At least 25 to 30 heart surgeries should take place everyday. No patient should suffer from heart failure. That is My strong determination. I don’t want to make any distinction between States. All States are Mine. All belong to Me and I belong to you all. Do not entertain any doubt or weakness. I am ready to give whatever you require. Be courageous. Why fear when I am here?

Boys and Girls! Follow the commands of your parents and make them happy. Get married if they want you to, and lead a life of an ideal householder. I bless you all and bring My Discourse to a close.

After a short while from now, the Messengers of Sathya Sai are going to present a drama. It is an ideal drama unlike the dramas that you see on television. Today TV has become very common. Young minds are being spoiled by watching the TV. There is no harm if good programmes are shown, but the government is encouraging programmes which are not good for children. We do not want such a government. We want a government, which will make the people tread the path of truth and righteousness. God-ment is the real government. There are people who are working for their selfish ends. Do not follow them. Selfishness has become their way of life. Let it not become your way of life. Do not join politics. Take to the path of service. Go to each and every village. Serve everybody. The best way to love God is to love all and serve all. Learn this art of service. Chala Santosham (Very happy).