"When you use your head, there will be only arguments and counter arguments. When you use your heart, come with love, in a trice, in a moment, you can recognise Swami’s presence. If you want to recognise and experience Swami, the only way is to give up the impurities of ‘I’ and ‘mine’, develop selfless love. Once you do that you will be able to easily enjoy and experience Swami."
-Baba
With the Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we are delighted to present our Sixty Second issue of Ananda Vahini. The weekly newsletter includes interesting musings and short excerpts from the week's events.
In this issue, we bring you Bhagawan's visit to Hyderabad, and the second part of the highlights of Bhagawan's visit between January 30, 2017 - February 4, 2017 to Singapore and Malaysia.
Also a video titled "The Mystery of Sookshma Sathya Sai" has been presented which unravels the mindblowing mystery and story of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in His Subtle body or Sookshma Roopa, who continues His mission today.
In this week's INNER VIEW, Brother Madhusudan Naidu shares yet another interesting moment between the Lord and His devotees.
- Sathya Sai Grama Communications Team
INNER VIEW
-By Sri Madhusudan Naidu
Two scientists walked in to the interview room to discuss a project that they were working on. As soon as they entered Swami commented, "Oh Jnanis (men of wisdom) are walking in."
"What kind of Jnanis are you, Vijnani or Prajnani?" He playfully enquired. "What is the difference between Vijnana and Prajnana?" Swami continued.
They were smart scientists and simply submitted, "Swami, You only tell us." Then Swami said, "Vi + Jnana = Vijnana, is Vishaya Jnana or knowledge of subjects in the outer worlds. Whereas Prajnana is not merely knowledge, but wisdom through experience of the inner world. In the world of science we explore the outer world through experiments, where as in spirituality we explore the inner world through experience."
The curious scientist asked, "We hear of mind and consciousness, what is the difference?" Swami said, "Consciousness is the substratum or basis for the mind with its four components of Mind, Intellect, Conscience and Ego. Consciousness is like the steady screen in a movie theatre, on which different scenes are projected. It's like the electrical current which makes various equipments producing, light, sound or heat, work. It is the common basis of all. Awareness of this consciousness, though not merely knowing but being, is Prajnana."
The young scientists quoted examples of the scientists of yore who talked about a unified force governing the universe, but did not elaborate or talk about it much later. They said, many even negated such a possibility as consciousness in seemingly dead matter and the living creature being common.
Swami said, "Science cannot say something is impossible, as its very basis is to find out the truth though exploration. Hundred years ago, if someone said that it was possible to communicate with another person without physically meeting, the thought might have been rejected as impossible, but today it's possible. Likewise, we cannot argue that something is impossible because Science has not proven it yet. Who knows in the future someone may come closer to proving the existence of this universal consciousness. Nevertheless it exists, and just as we do not see the screen behind, when the scenes from the film get projected, likewise though it is the basis and is always there, we don't see it. But, that does not mean that it does not exist!"
Here was the Creator, the Embodiment of the ultimate changeless principle of truth, doling out great revelations and lessons to the seekers of Truth!
The Mystery of Sookshma Sathya Sai
DIVINE VISIT - HYDERABAD
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2017
Swami's entourage comprising of Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Brother Madhusudan Naidu and a few staff members travelled to Hyderabad from Bangalore, on the morning flight. They were received by the enthusiastic youth of Hyderabad who lead Swami from the Airport. The Lord manifested in the car on the way to the house of late Prof Rama Raju who was a Telugu scholar and the author of many books and poems on Swami. After several years of waiting, finally Swami revisited his home only to bless one of his daughters, who remained a spinster at Swami's command, and wasn't keeping too well lately. Swami blessed the family with a private interaction, encouraging them to have courage to deal with ill-health. He then walked around the home and went in to the small Puja room, where He had sat several years ago. Looking around the old house, Swami commented that nothing much had changed since the last visit, except the colours of the windows and doors! How true!
Thereafter, Swami proceeded through the busy roads of Hyderabad to Secunderabad where in Taranaka, He visited the home of Sri Sharma and his family. Around 60 youth had gathered to seek guidance and grace of Swami. These youth have been very active volunteers who undertake several service activities like free blood donation camps, breakfast and NarayanaSeva, computer teaching to school pass outs, women empowerment, village service though sanitation, clean water and medical camps etc. There was a brief talk by Brother Venugopal, who was a junior to Brother Madhusudan at the Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparti. He narrated as to how he found it difficult to believe the Subtle form of Swami first when Brother Madhusudan had called him in August 2011 to convey Swami's wish to speak to him. But in a dream a day later, Swami told Brother Venu that the youths of Hyderabad have fallen silent without....
Bhagawan lighting the ceremonial lamp at Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Kendra
Tiny tots of the school welcoming Bhagawan
Bhagawan entering the school
Bhagawan interacting withe the students at the Science and Arts exhibition
Bhagawan visiting the computer lab at school
Bharatanatyam Dance recital by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Kendra
Cultural presentation of Strotrams and songs on Lord Shiva
DIVINE VISIT – KUCHING (MALAYSIA) – FEBRUARY 01, 2017
Another early morning flight, and the Lord’s entourage touched down at Kuching, in the state of Sarawak. Swami was welcomed to ‘Sai Love’, His residence in Kuching by Brother Anthony Bong, his wife Mrs Magdelene, Brother Julius Tan, his wife Mrs Uma Tan and many others, in a ceremonial manner with Poorna Kumbham. Sri Sathashivom, a well reputed priest from Chennai had arrived in Kuching a few days earlier to be part of the welcoming team. Close to 50 devotees had gathered at ‘Sai Love’, an Ashram which only exudes pure love, just like the name.
Once again, Swami showed His room to His entourage who were with Him, and explained how Brother Anthony Bong and his wife Mrs Magdelene, have lovingly bought the residence for Swami. Since they wanted Swami to stay next to their residence, the devout couple bought the house which was right next to theirs, and Swami lovingly named it ‘Sai Love’, as it will serve as a place where people will come to experience only pure love.
Brother Anthony’s story of how he and his wife came to Swami in the subtle is simply amazing! During Mahashivarati of 2011, Brother Anthony shifted back from Melbourne to Kuching, and was very unwell. Somehow he felt that it was not a medical sickness, and instinctively knew it had something to do on a soul or spiritual level. He then sought the help of a psychic whom he had known for almost ten years. Through this psychic he was able to channel a Taoist mystic through whom he got to know that the cause of his mental distress was connected with Swami’s impending demise. He was told that Bhagawan wanted to see him, because He was going to leave His physical body very soon! Of course this added to his mental distress, because he was told by everyone that Swami would live to the age of 96. The psychic told Brother....
The ‘Vishwa Roopa’ painting by the artist Mr Chee Seng Hong
The other magnificient paintings by Mr Chee Seng Hong
Inauguration of medical centre by Bhagawan in Kuching
Mobile vehicle bus‘Sri Sathya Sai Health on Wheels’
‘Heart of Love’ prayer hall
Bhagawan entering ‘Heart of Love’ prayer hall
Inauguration of ‘‘Nithya Ganapathy’ Shrine
The renowned priest Sri Sathashivom addressing the audience
Departure from ‘Sai Love’ to Kuching Airport
DIVINE VISIT – SINGAPORE – FEBRUARY 2, 2017
After an early breakfast Bhagawan’s entourage proceeded to the Kuching Airport to catch their flight back to Singapore. It was indeed a tearful farewell to the Lord, as Mangala Arati was offered.
Yet again, everyone was lovingly welcomed at Changi Airport, and after lunch and brief rest, Swami proceeded to the residence of Dr Hiramalini Seshadri, author of various book of Bhagawan, including Sookshma Sathya Sai. Dr Hiramalini’s daughter Dr Divya, had moved to Singapore just a few months ago on the Divine command. Close to 30 devotees had gathered at her residence to welcome Bhagawan.
As Dr Hiramalini welcomed her dear Lord, she narrated how the events that unfolded during the move to Singapore from Chennai. During the last interview with Bhagawan before Dr Hiramalini boarded her flight to Singapore from India, the Lord had told her about the apartment they were going to live in. In fact, Swami had even told her not to go to a hotel, and from the Airport they will proceed straight home. With no clue of how it was going to happen, Dr Hiramalini, her daughter along with the three-year-old grandson, reached Singapore, and as revealed by Swami, were driven straight to an apartment, which they have made it their home.
There Swami commanded Sri B N Narasimha Murthy to speak, who started by saying BNN, “When Swami visits a home, it is not just a visit, he will fulfill all prayers of the family members. Dr Hiramalini....
Satsang at the residence of Dr Hiramalini Seshadri
Satsang at the residence of Sri SivaRamakrishna and Smt Aparna
Mangala Arati to Bhagawan by Sri Sivaramakrishna and Smt Aparna
DIVINE BOOKLETS
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been travelling all over the world in the Subtle to keep His promise of visiting the countries. Below is the link to the Google Drive library of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s divine visits overseas.
If you would like to subscribe to receive the new Booklets of Bhagawan’s overseas travels in 2016, as soon as they are available, kindly email bhagawanspeaksglobal@gmail.com.
And as Swami continues travelling in 2016 and beyond, and new Booklets are created, they will be added to the Google Drive Library.
DIVINE VISIT – SINGAPORE – FEBRUARY 3, 2017
The role of Sai Youth in Bhagawan’s mission is crucial. Swami has often reminded everyone that the energy and enthusiasm of the youth coupled with the experience of the elders is what is required. The Singapore Sai youth were indeed blessed, as the Lord was to spend a precious morning with all of them. Soon after breakfast close to 50 active youth had gathered at Sai Anandam Ashram for the Youth Meet. It was an informal setting, and the session began with Ryan Tan welcoming everyone and offering his gratitude to Bhagawan for having blessed them with the session that morning. On Swami’s command two youth spoke.
Ian Tan was the first speaker, who said, “Swami being the Creator of this entire game is giving us all the cheat codes for how to hack the game! And if you’ve played games before, you should realise that if you execute the cheat codes, you will become invincible; you can’t lose. There is nothing that can harm you. And if you can’t go down, then the only way is — not up, but out. Because it is a game where winning or losing, or up or down, does not matter, because there is no more game. The game of Maya/illusion is rigged. Why would you want to stay in a game which is going to eat you up anyway?” He reiterated that everyone was fortunate to have God Himself guiding and teaching how to get out of this game. Ian spoke from the heart, in a language which would appeal to today’s youth and Swami called him a ‘philosopher’ after his talk.
Thereafter, another youth, Chubby Singh spoke about the importance of good company. He said, “Swami has said that friends who don’t bring you to God are burdensome. It was silly because we were all trying to impress each other for the wrong things in the wrong way in order to be in this glam society. And once you reach it, you realise it is all a total waste. It took....
Grand entrance for Bhagawan at ‘Sai Anandam’, Singapore
Brother Sumeet Tappoo addressing the gathering in the evening during the Public Satsang
Sanathana Vani is a platform to invite, associate, speak, listen, contemplate, seek, practise and realise the truth, taught by all the great beings that ever walked the face of our planet.
A new show 'My Lord and I’has been launched, which is a series of stimulating conversations, cutting across boundaries and barriers. Sweet stories of the Lord and His devotees from different walks of life, which are refreshing, inspiring and scintillating will be On Air every week. These will be a beautiful amalgamation of an individual’s journey from 'I' to 'We' to 'He'.
Come, let’s listen, contemplate and bask in the divine bliss of the Voice Eternal, every Thursday at 1500 hrs IST and repeat at 2200 hrs IST. This week our guests on show is Sri Kunal Ganjawala, a popular play back singer in Bollywood (Part II), sharing his experiences with his Lord.
A repeat broadcast of the interview with Sri Kunal Ganjawala, a popular play back singer in Bollywood (Part I), will be aired on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 0900 hrs IST and 1900 hrs IST.
DIVINE DISCOURSE SUMMARY
FEBRUARY 5, 2017
What is Devotion?
After having performed all kinds of Sadhanas or spiritual practices, if at the end, there is no sense of stability in the person; and after chanting the names any number of times, if there is no peace in the heart; it is like trying to cultivate a barren land which will not yield any crop. The world is full of people who call themselves as devotees of God. They dress up like devotees, they speak like devotees, they act like devotees but without true devotion in one’s heart, can one be a devotee? In spite of performing all kinds of rituals, engaging in all kinds of outer activities, if inside there is no peace, there is no equanimity, there is no stability, then one cannot be a devotee.
Bhakthi or devotion is the source of all the Shakthi or strength. Such strength alone, which is inner spiritual strength can help the devotee develop equanimity even in situations that are not favourable. Devotion is not just about worshipping God. It is truly loving God and having faith. It is a combination of faith and love for God. Love and faith together consist of devotion. We love God because He is the only one who loves us for our sake and without any expectations. And we have the faith that because He loves us so much He will look after us through ups and downs, through highs and lows, through favourable and unfavourable situations – that is true faith. One who has this kind of love without any expectations or attachments and has the complete belief that whatever happens in their lives, they are all under God’s care and He will look after them, such persons alone can be called as devotees.
Some years ago when Swami explained that we need to start these educational campuses all across the state of Karnataka and even beyond, those who were there as a witness to the unfolding of this saga of Swami’s educational service did not doubt how it will happen. They believed that yes, it is not possible for us human beings to execute all this but we have the Divine....
Qualification: Young graduate with fluency in spoken and written English. Basic knowledge of computer operations.
Experience: 1-2 years of selling books, preferably in a book publishing house.
Responsibilities: The candidate is expected to travel, identify potential points of sales for spiritual books, follow up sales targets, establish liaison with book retailers. He has to report once a week to the headquarters at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli. Having own vehicle for travel will be an advantage.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and will be linked to the total sales output in a month.
Interested candidates can respond by e-mail to: info@saiprakashana.org
Or, by written application addressed to: HR, B103, Sai Sannidhi, Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka - 562101.
Please enclose copies of all documents – qualification, experience, age, address and identity proofs. Mention your expected salary.
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