Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 2
PRAYER
{At Dwaraka}
May the wicked turn good;
May the good attain peace;
May the peaceful be freed from all bondage, and
May the liberated redeem others.
May everybody be happy.
May everybody be free from disease;
May everybody have good luck;
May none fall on evil days.
May everybody surmount difficulties?
May everybody have good fortune?
May everybody realize his ambitions?
May everybody rejoice every where.
- Sri Saipadananda Radhaknshna Swamiji
SAIPADANANDA
A Thought
Good and bad are according to our mental attitude. Nothing is by itself good or bad.
Everything happens for the best.
- SRI RADHAKRISHNA SWAMUI
CONTENTS
1. Never Let the Mind Idle
2. Obstacles and Objections
3. Think of Sai Baba Always
4. WORSHIP OF GOD IN SAHASRANAMA
5. Power of Guru
6. LIFE I owe you a Debt
7. Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
8. Ambrosia for Sai Devotees
9. He stretches his protective Hand
10. The Poor boy who became a Maharaja
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 3
11. Spiritual Value of Food
12. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji's Karma Aradhana
13. Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood GetTogether
14. Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang
15. Anil Rasal A Unique personality
Editorial
Never Let the Mind Idle
Capital punishment arouses much passionate debate, both for and against its use. But
did you know that King Parikshit, grandson of the valiant Arjuna, was probably
among the first to occupy 'death row' and be executed! His crime? His impatience led
him to throw a snake around the neck of Shamik Rishi, who at the time was seated
engrossed in meditation. In retribution for such an insult, the rishi's son cursed King
Parikshit and sentenced him to die by means of snakebite! The interval between
passing of the sentence and execution was a mere one-week. Time enough to gain a
last minute reprieve - only there were no international humanitarian organizations, no
political contacts, and no Supreme courts that he could turn to. He was doomed to
death.
But with only one week left to live, what was he to do? Well, he did not panic. He
accepted his fate with immense maturity and planned to meet death with dignity. He
did not rush off in a mad dash to enjoy materialistic pleasures. Instead, he turned to
Shukdev and appealed to him to narrate the divine exploits of the Lord. Listening to
them totally put his mind at ease. He felt inner peace, satisfaction and happiness, for
he had realized the glory of God, and had found the source of eternal bliss. And when
the time came, Parikshit met his fate with a smile and entered the abode of God.
In a sense, we are all on death row. From the moment we are born, we are certain at
some point to die. The only uncertain parameter is the time interval between birth and
death.
Statisticians speak of declining death rates in many countries. But the very fact that
one day we will die means that the mortality rate of mankind has always been and
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 4
well always be 100% -since eventually everybody will die. It is a certainty, which fills
people with uncontrollable fear.
So how can we become free of fear and prepare for our certain demise? The technique
is given to us by Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji.
Just before Sai Baba breathed his last, 'Rama Vijaya' was read during 9th, 10th and
11th day of Dasara within Baba's hearing. He also sent word to another Muslim saint
in these terms: "The light that Allah lit, he is taking away".
Sri Narasimha Swamiji attained 'Mahasamadhi' on October 19, 1956. Even though he
was not well for a week prior to this, he directed from his bed Samaj work, dictated an
editorial to Sai Sudha, attended to visitors and meditated continuously. Just before
merging in the Eternity on January 14, 1980, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji had joined
devotees in chanting Vishnu Sahasra Namam and 'Om Namo Narayanaya' till the final
moments.
Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji used to advise us to chant Vishnu Sahasra Namam always
and if it was not possible at least to say ‘Narayana Narayana’. One should recall the
leelas of God - when one incident is finished, recall another, then another, and so on.
But never let the mind become idle. In this way our understanding of God's glory is
enhanced, our life becomes full of peace and happiness, and our fear of death
disappears.
A saint knows the progress of a spiritual aspirant who comes to him. But he does not
tell him about it, even if he is asked, for two reasons. If he discloses what he knows
and tells the aspirant that he has not advanced, the remark will tend only to discourage
the aspirant and slacken his efforts. On the other hand, if he tells the aspirant that he
has advanced, he would be proud of it and pride will cause his fall. He only says: "Go
ahead; God is at your back."
Do you not see how the colour of a red object placed near glass apparently colors the
glass? In reality, no colour taints the glass. Similarly, the samsara experienced by the
senses and intellect is attributed by the ignorant to the Atman. The individual soul, by
the force of this attachment to the mind and senses, inevitably gets caught in the net of
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 5
the gunas of maya, and so undergoes the pain and pleasure of samsara. It imagines the
gunas and creates the objects of the senses and the three kinds of actions good, bad,
and mixed. This is an eternal law. The individual soul whirls in this self-created
suffering of samsara, indefinitely till he gains the knowledge of the Self.
- Adhyatma Ramayana, 4.3.22, 23-25
Obstacles and Objections By Sri Narasimha Swamiji
SEEK NAUGHT ELSE BUT GOD
"When you are right everything goes well."
Seek your centre - the Divine
Who is the pivot of the worlds?
Know, all revolve round it
At His bidding and call,
Then you have freedom and joy,
True harmony and peace
All other quests are vain
"The objection to Sai worship did not come always from orthodox sections. It came
mostly from the inertia of human nature. People do not wish to move out of ruts or
sloughs into which they have fallen. Sai bhakti is now a fact of very great religious
importance to millions of souls in this country and the SAI light is being carried
across the waters to illuminate distant corners of the earth. Sai bhakti is a live force.
Some times persons ask these questions: -Do you ask us to give up our Rama worship
and Shiva worships? And if we have those worships, why should we worship Sai?
Why should you go on propagating Sai and not Shiva or Rama?
In the first place, one has to give up all hope of satisfying such curious objections
because the objections arise not from reasoning but from the underlying mentality or
emotional factors.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 6
The first question reminds us of the opt-quoted illustration of a leading question -
Have you left off beating your mother? Answer Yes or no - there is a vicious
assumption, which is patent in the question about the mother. Nobody would object to
people worshipping Shiva or Rama. Sai Baba sent Appa Kulkarni to worship
Mohiniraj i.e., Shiva at Nivas before appearing to answer in a court case. He sent
Shama to worship Goddess Vani on a hill and Megha to worship Khandoba. He
blamed Chandorkar for bypassing a Datta temple.
The second question is again a baseless assumption. Nobody asked people to give up
Shiva or Rama worship and take Sai as a substitute. The question may be however
referring to the fact that several hereditary worshippers of Shiva or Rama or other
Gods have taken ardently to Sai worship which at the final stage drowns all other
worship in rt. Sai becomes finally the one God and so the same as the other forms of
God eg., Shiva, Rama etc., The worshippers find enormous, unmistakable and clear
benefit accruing to them from the heartfelt Sai worship that they are going for, and
above all they felt the presence of Sai as an ever present guardian with them,
undertaking to safeguard and advance all their temporal and spiritual interests and
carrying out the undertaking by most miraculous or remarkable means unavailable to
such worshippers and undreamt of by them till they came to Sai Baba.
Coming to the objection to any propaganda being done for Sai, the short answers are
this. The honey and flavor in the flower do propaganda for the flower to attract bees
and carry on the work of more reproduction of the plant so that the earth may be
replenished and more fruits may be had. This is nature. Similarly the bhakta after
achieving so much of welfare desires in his heart of hearts to share it with others, and
therefore communicates his experience to others so that the others may also have the
same benefit following the well-known principle – “When you get nice things to eat,
do not monopolize it, but share it with others.”
Ramanuja's Guru gave him a sacred 'mantra' for 'Moksha' consisting in the utterance
of the holy name of God and advised him not to reveal it to others, but keep it a
profound secret. What did Ramanuja do? He got up on the temple tower and shouted
the 'mantra', and later said, "If I have committed a sin, let me go to hell. But if the
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 7
'mantra', being heard by others, will save them, let all these innumerable people who
hear it get saved hereby. I am willing to be damned to save all.
This is exactly the feeling of propagandists of Baba. Sai propaganda is downright
truth without the least tinge or taint of falsehood in rt. The present Sai propaganda is
unselfish and absolutely true.
• It was Thirukkoshti Nambi, who initiated Sri Ramanuja into the
ASHTAKSHARI - 'Om Namo Narayanaya' - the Moksha Sadhana.
Think of Sai Baba Always
By Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
A PRAYER
It is my joy in life to find
At every turning of the road
The strong arm of a comrade kind to help me onward with my load.
And since I have no gold to give,
And love alone must make amends,
My only prayer is, while I live -God make me worthy of my friends.
- Frank Dempster Sherman
Sai Baba is nearer to those who practice in their everyday life, what he wants to be
done, than to those who merely say 'Baba' 'Baba' without practicing. What does Baba
expect his devotees to do? Shraddha, Bhakti, constant remembrance, an attitude of
humble and total surrender and propagating his message to all as His instrument. Lord
Krishna says in the Gita that none is dear to Him than he, who propagates his
immortal teachings to others.
Man is a mixture of animal, human and divine qualities. Namasmaran is a tapasya
which is a process of eliminating the grosser qualities from the mind till it becomes
pure and divine. Human life itself is a tapasya or life of tapasya from beginning to
end. A person who has not entered this region of tapasya is no better than a corpse.
Sankaracharya says, the undisciplined mind is like a naturally restless monkey made
worse by taking intoxicating liquor.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 8
Life is short and uncertain. None can say when the call will come. So it will be
unwise to put off sadhana. God gives us various opportunities for fulfilling His will. If
we conduct ourselves in such a way that when the time comes for us to shuffle off this
mortal coil and stand before Baba he can take us in his lap and pat us on the back and
say: ‘well done children.’
Sai Baba is beckoning to each and every one of us, to enter on the most absorbing and
fascinating journey and finding Him -the Supreme Lord of all, within our own Self.
He is the most compassionate and loving Lord, who is eagerly waiting, to take several
steps towards those who take a single step towards Him. He is like the most loving
father and mother who are eagerly waiting with delicious dishes for the return of their
children from their play.
Those who have turned their back on the illusory world of 'Maya' and all their values
it has to offer set their face resolutely on the goal of finding Him; to see Him but with
their eyes, to hear Him just not with their ears; and to understand Him - but not with
their mind. Those who have found him have dissolved in His glory and none of them
survives to tell the tale, like the salt dolls trying to find the depth of the ocean, getting
dissolved in the process.
The easiest and direct way to reach Him quickly is to surrender totally and
unreservedly to His will and allow Him to take us by the hand and lead us towards
himself. If a child catches his father's hand in a crowd there is likelihood of its being
lost. But not, if the father holds the hand of the child.
Real wisdom does not consist in making Baba do what we desire or want but in
praying to Him for strength, faith and light to put ourselves in harmony with His will
and according to what he wants. We do not know what will secure us the real peace
and lasting bliss. I can only pray 'Baba - curb all my desires - do what is best for me'.
The water rises up from the seas as clouds, then falls as rain and runs back to the sea
in streams. Nothing can stop them from returning to their source. Likewise all jeevas
rising from Sai Baba cannot be kept from rejoining Sai Baba although they may be
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 9
caught up in many eddies on the way. So let us always remember Sai Baba and that is
the nearest way to Moksha.
The Touch of a Mother
When I was a little boy and confessed a good man, my mother used to bid me kneel
beside her, and then she would place her hand upon my head as she prayed. Before I
was old enough to “know her worth”, she died, and I was left much to my own
guidance. "Like others. I was inclined to evil passions, but often felt myself checked,
and as it were, drawn back by a soft hand upon my head. When as young man, I
traveled to foreign lands, and was exposed to many temptations. But when I would
have yielded, met the same hand was upon my head, and I was saved. I seemed to feel
its pressure, as in the days of my infancy; and sometimes there came with it a solemn
voice, saying, "Do not this great wickedness, my son, nor sin against your God!"
WORSHIP OF GOD IN SAHASRANAMA
By Dr. H. Janardhana Acharya
The Guru's Grace is bread and milk to the pupil and the Guru is treated as the ONLY
SADHANA by him. These are not merely the words of Baba, but are also found in the
Guru Gita written centuries ago in Skanda Purana, Baba (though never taught
reading) was an All-Realizer and did not require any study of any purana for his
purpose, being thoroughly absorbed in his Guru, who gave him all knowledge,
wisdom and realization, which is the goal of all discipleship. Baba never having
touched a single book, so far as we know in his life and thoughts, and had all
achievements, Intellectual, moral, mental, etc., and could interpret any part of any
scriptures. How did he get that knowledge? By Guru Seva. That was his answer. So
seva, though looked down upon as something menial and disgusting, and is a thing to
be avoided by fashionable people, is the potent means by which Baba achieved the
highest goal of life. Perfect faith in the Guru treating him as God enables a man,
taking the water used for washing His feet as being more valuable than all the Thirtas
in the world, either in his mouth or on his head, to derive the fullest benefit of all the
Thirtas in the world, i.e., to get rid of all bad vasanas, i.e., evil tendencies, and by
purity of heart to be fitted for the perfect satva and illumination.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 10
The worship of God as usually understood and practiced consists of waving of
incense and light with suitable hymns and songs before an image of God or something
in representation of God like Saligramam etc. This is the worship of one form of God
that has the weight of tradition behind it and its own significance. But we must be
able to worship God in all His forms as depicted in the Sahasra Nama. This can be
accomplished if we could just have some attention to the significance of each name or
form.
Feeding the needy animal or human will amount to the worship of ‘Annah’ and
‘Annadah’. Callous waste of food indulged in feasts and dinners and gluttony should
be deemed as desecration of ‘Annah’ and ‘Annadah’. Good table manners are the rites
of the worship. The cook, being in reality the 'Karanan'{578) or 'Annam' and
'Annadah', he deserved all worship in the form of respect and consideration. The
kitchen man should not be neglected as the least person in the household as is being
done in modern social order. The kitchen is entitled to all the care and cleanliness of a
Pooja room.
‘Mahaswanah or Sughoshah’ (458) is worshipped by always using soft, kindly and
loving words in our conversation. Idle talk and gossip will be nothing but polluting
the ever watchful ‘Sudarshanah Kalah’ (418).
The subtle essence of the entire Sahasra Nama is that God will be pleased with
'Suvrutah' - with one in righteous conduct. The opinion of God, the opinion of Sahasra
Nama is that one's goal (parayan) should be sathya and dharma - truth and
righteousness.
The long and short of worship of the Viswathma', the first and the running word of the
Sahasra Nama comprises noble thoughts, loving words and virtuous deeds.
Don't pester me
"Please, God." the man prayed, "You know me. I'm always praying to you, and yet, I
have had nothing but bad luck, misery and despair. Look at the butcher next door.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 11
He's never prayed in his life and he has nothing but prosperity, health and happiness.
How come a believer like me is always in trouble and he is always doing so well?" A
voice boomed from beyond, "Because the butcher doesn't pester me, that's why!"
H. H. SRI NARASIMHASWAMIJI SAYS: In Bhagavad Gita, in verse (4) 11, Sri
Krishna says, “In what -ever form you surrender to Me, in that form I respond.”
The honey and flavor in the flower do propaganda for the flower to attract bees and
carry on the work of reproduction of the plant so that the earth may be replenished
and more fruits may be had. This is Nature. Similarly many a propagandist, who is
perfectly sincere, is unconsciously a propagandist. His devout Bhakti achieving
various rewards and the supreme reward of getting Baba for one's powerful guardian,
the all - round guardian to look after every interest, is so grand, alluring and
contagious, The Bhakta after achieving so much of welfare desires in his heart of
hearts to share it with others and, therefore, communicates his experience to others so
that others may also have the same benefit, following the well-known principle or
aphorism When you get nice things to eat, do not monopolize it but share it with
others." In the case of the (Founder-President of AISS and) author of Life of Sri Sai
Baba Book, that rule has been his life principle for numerous decades. Sai propaganda
is unselfish and absolutely true.
Real Love
Real love is when you are constantly watching the progress of the soul. As soon as
you cater to someone's physical desires and bad habits you do not love that soul any
more. You are just pleasing that person to avoid ill will. No matter how unpleasant it
is to tell a friend that he is wrong, if you say it with love in your heart and stand firm
on it, sometime that person will respect you if you are right. If you are wrong, even
then he will know that you did it with sincerity, out of love. Never agree with anyone
who is wrong, not even those who are nearest and dearest to you. To agree with
wrong doing is to bribe your soul in order to be looked upon favorably by the
wrongdoer, and that will come out later on in some disastrous results. Do not fight;
that is not the way to convince them. The way to influence others is by our love. Say
what you have to say once or twice and then disband it from your mind. Be humble
and free from anger. Just say, "Let us wait and see. Time will tell." Time brings out
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 12
everything; and if there is a sympathetic understanding between friends, there will be
no "I was right and you were wrong" attitude.
You do not know how wonderful that kind of love is. It is sublime. At times you
glimpse it when you are very happy and feel that oneness with God in others - when
you love each other because God is your Father, irrespective of any human relation.
- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
Power of Guru
(From the glorious life of Narasinh Mehta)
By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumar
THE WISE MAY NOT BE HANDSOME
Joshua Ben Hananiah who lived in the second century AD is said to have been one of
the wisest men of human history. He was positively not handsome. A Roman princess
who met him for the first time said disappointedly, ‘Oh! That such glorious wisdom
should come from such a homely vessel!’ And Hananiah replied, 'Princess, wine is
not kept in vessels of gold.'
Narasinh Mehta is a well-known ‘Bhakta Poet’; His devotional bhajans are sung to
this day mostly in Gujarat and Saurashtra since he wrote them in Gujarati. He was
born in a Nagar Brahmin family, in Talaja, a village near Junagadh in 1414. He was
born dumb. His grandmother, Jayakunvar, raised him.
Narasinh often used to accompany his grandmother to the Hatkeshwar Mahadev
Mandir for darshan and listen to the bhajans. Once when he was eight years old,
Jayakunvar approached an ascetic at the Mandir. The ascetic glanced at little Narasinh
and prophesied that he would become a great bhakta. But, Jayakunvar informed him
that the boy is dumb. The ascetic then gave him a herb and asked him to chant 'Radhe
Krishna'. Miraculously Narasinh started chanting 'Radhe Krishna'. His early life was
full of misery, as his sister-in-law gave him a lot of tribulation. He married and had
two children and his family life too was full of misery.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 13
After his wife's death, he took his children and left home. Once Lord Shiva gave him
darshan and asked him for a wish. Narasinh asked for the darshan of 'Krishna's 'Rasa
Lila', which Mahadev granted. He then returned to Junagadh singing jubilantly.
Once to perform 'Shraddha' he invited several Brahmins to dine at his house. But one
devious Brahmin went around town inviting the whole town clan to Narasinh Mehta's
house. Narasinh had gone to buy some ghee. On the way he met a devotee and started
singing bhajans. Back home, a great crowd had begun pouring in. But a miracle
occurred. His daughter could not understand where the cooks and the raw materials
were coming from. They had begun to cook sumptuous sweets and other items. When
Narasinh Mehta returned home, he saw the guests leaving having satisfied
themselves.'
Once a group of pilgrims on their way to Dwaraka asked to be directed to a person
who would write a note of credit - 'hundi'. They were, out of spite, directed to
Narasinh Mehta. The gullible Narasinh wrote a 'hundi' for three hundred rupees on a
merchant named Shamal Shah Sheth and composed a prayer: 'O Lord -please accept
my note of credit'. When the pilgrims sought for Shama Shah at Dwaraka no one had
heard that name. But the Lord himself assumed that form and accepted the hundi.
Lives of bhaktas are generally filled with tests of faith in the form of calumny or
physical harm by the ignorant and evil elements of society. Narasinh Mehta's was no
different. People complained to the King that Narasinh is behaving contrary to
scriptural law. The King decided to test Narasinh's purity. He summoned Narasinh to
the palace and informed him of his plan - "I will place a garland around Damodar's
neck in the mandir and lock the door from outside. If by next morning that garland is
found around your neck, I will consider you innocent."
Narasinh started singing Lord's leela devotedly. Then a miracle occurred. The mandir
doors flew open. The garland drifted through the air and gracefully fell around
Narasinh Mehta's neck. The king became his ardent devotee. He died at the age of
sixty - six but through his bhajans, he has attained an eternal place in the hearts of
devotees.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 14
LIFE I owe you a Debt
By R. K. Dalai
The great Hindi poet Suradasa, who, though blind, had an enlightened heart and a
Divine vision, has well said - "who has named you Govinda, you always believe in
give and take but unfortunately, this could not be done by me. You made Sudama a
rich man because he offered you rice. You protected Draupadi because she offered
cloth to you. You liberated the elephant (from the clutches of the crocodile) because
he offered flower to you. But when it happened to be the turn of 'Suradasa' You have
become hard hearted and have turned deaf ears towards him. O my Lord, who has
given you the name Govinda.
- Swami Rama Tirtha
I owe life an irreparable debt of gratitude. God has endowed me gifts with both hands.
When I think of it, I say with tears in my eyes: 'How much He gives! How little I
deserve!'
The heart that melts at the sorrow of another and feels affinity to the humblest of
God's creation is a neither treasure that money cannot buy nor avarice envy. Often it
bows in humility or in adoration to the Stupendous Power that rules and regulates this
world.
I crave no riches, proud name clever ingenious brain, a muscular body or forbidding
countenance.
I crave simplicity, asceticism, detached state of desirelessness. I really wish to do well
and throw it on the way. 1 doesn’t want to see the effect and assess its excellence and
value. ‘Live and let live’ is my motto, ‘love and forgive’ is my ideal. In all things I
want to cultivate reverence for life. I shall not kill an insect if I can help it.
If life is so much joy to you and you cling to it as a miser clings to his bag of gold,
what right have you to destroy life and the joy of another? Let them drink at the
Fountain of Life as you do. What God has created in His wisdom, let no man destroy.
Often and always, I want to live for:
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 15
A little more kindness, a little less creed;
A little more giving, a little less greed;
A little more smile, a little less frown;
A little less kicking a man, when he's down;
A little more 'We', a little less'!';
A little more laugh, a little less cry;
A little more flowers on the pathway of Life,
A fewer on graves at the end of the strife."
When I sleep, O Lord! Close my eyes with Your blessed hands, and let me dream of
Thy Vision - Thy Vision alone. When I live, let me walk in Thy Image. When I die,
let my last words be: "O Lord! How grateful I am for your gifts."
Let me close this with a poem:
"When the great Eternal Auditor,
My Book of Life receives.
And He checks the daily entries
That is written on the leaves;
May He find the accounts in order?
And no need for fear or shame,
But a credit carried forward
To the glory of His Name."
Life, I owe you an irreparable debt of gratitude!
(Courtesy: Bhavan's Journal)
CREAM
Be rid of T and 'mine'
Be mentally united with the Lord
Be of firm resolve and steadfast of mind
Be balanced in pairs of opposites, like joy and sorrow, heat and cold, etc.
Be the same in favorable and Unfavorable circumstances
Be regular in Yoga and meditation
Be upright in body, speech and mind
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 16
Be devout in the service of the preceptor
Be non-violent in thought, word and deed
Be contented with whatever is available
Be pure internally and externally
Be full of devotion to the Lord
Be friendly and compassionate
Be forgiving and impartial
Be free from envy, perturbation and tear
Be free torn the sense of doer ship
Be free from attachment
Be free from self-esteem and egotism
Be free from malice towards all beings
Be free from anger even on provocation OF G1TA
Abstain from gossip
Accept both praises and reproach alike
Cultivate humility
Cultivate perfect purity of mind
Chant God's Name and sing His glories
Do charities in its Sattwic Form?
Do not hate or slander
Do not grieve
Develop dispassion towards the
Objects of enjoyment of the world
Develop forbearance, fearlessness,
Sublimity, fortitude and mildness
Keep control over body, mind and senses
Ponder constantly over the hollowness
Of birth, death old age and desire
Surrender mind and resign to the Lord
See the divine in all and love all alike
Study the teachings of the Vedas and other sacred books
Treat alike both friend and foe
Take to contemplation
Worship God as well as elders,
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 17
UNIVERSAL RELIGION
Caste, creed and race questions arise out of mutual jealousy and antagonism, among
persons whose ideas of self centre almost entirely on their body. The soul has no race
or caste or creed. Any jeeva rising above the "body is the self" idea is free from the
attachment of repulsions involved in these. Sai Baba was a self - realized soul
worshipped as God by thousands of all castes and races. How can he have any ideas
of his belonging to any particular race, caste or creed? Once when a commissioner
asked him what his race, caste or creeds were, his answer was that he was God and his
religion was Kabir (Which may mean God's or the Saint Kabirs). Yet to meet
everyone on his own level, Baba has said at times that he was a Brahmin, born of
Brahmin parents living at Pathri, in the Nizam's Dominions. He, however, lived
amidst Muslims as a Muslim. This, he accounted for by his declaration that when very
young his parents handed him over to a Muslim fakir who there upon, brought him up
for four or five years. After the fakir's death, his widow took the boy and left him with
care of a great Brahmin saint at Selu known as Sri Venkatesa Guru. After ten years
service with that Guru, Baba received his full grace and became Brahmajani and
mighty Saint. Baba thus became Brahman -not merely Brahmin "Brahmaiva Bhavati"
i.e. the knower of Brahman is Brahmin.
- By Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
By Prof. R N .Iyengar
Swamiji has started for Madurai early in the morning by 5AM. Krishnamurthy,
Bhaskara Rao and Doraiswamy are also accompanying us. After a short distance of
some 25 kilometers, the car started troubling. We had to return to Bangalore to get the
car properly fixed up. Swamiji started Vishnu Sahasranama soon after returning to
Ashram by 7 A.M. It is not certain when we start for Madurai.
Since the repair of the car took a long time, it is proposed that we start for Madurai
tomorrow. In the evening a lady devotee, along with her son spent considerable time
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 18
with Swamiji. She has returned from Badrinath. She explained in great detail her
experiences in the Himalyas. Swamiji is talking to us after the lady left the place.
"You see love and affection are beyond caste and creed. But this need not be taken in
a worldly sense. As a ripe fruit separates from the tree of its own accord, one should
also wait for self ripening. Improving the lot of the downtrodden and service to the
weaker sections of the society is important. Yes, we can give good education, we can
teach them Narayana Mantra as Ramanuja did. But by just eating a meal with them or
by cleaning their house once a while what can be achieved? These become gimmicks
for publicity. Do you understand my views?
We should not have political intentions while doing social service. This is how I am
interacting with this world. Nothing can be expected of me beyond the above. I have
not had the necessity to eat in all places. But for partaking of Prasad, I am one among
other devotees. In accepting Lord's Prasad, we should not make discrimination of
caste or creed. But for taking food, one may have ones own choice. These may also
change according to the circumstances. Suppose you are forced to go to a hotel for
eating and you are in the company of strange persons, then you should recite
Brahmarpanam Brahmatavih Brahma Gnan Brahmana hutam Brahmaiva tena
gantavyam Brahma Karma Samadhina. You should suggest to yourself that you are
not going to get affected by the company and surroundings. Of course, this would be
possible, in its fullest sense only for a Jnani, because for such a person Brahmarpanam
is realized as being an offering1-, to the Vaishwanara fire...
"You see, at every step it is the mind which matters. You know the story of that
Muslim girl, don't you? She is Bibi Nachiyar, in Tamil. She was in love with Vishnu
so much; there is a temple also for her. If the Lord's image had to go behind her what
could have been the reason? She had surrendered her whole self to Him! Do you
follow this; the important component here is the mind, not the outward figure. For
example, shaven head, saffron cloth etc., are not all important. You see, that lady who
had come is not a Brahmin lady. But then what is the difference, nothing! She is so
much devoted to me. Here we should not be looking at one's caste. We can show
affection, and respect to any deserving person at any place. But there need not be a
compulsion to eat in their house. It is possible our taste may be different. Also by
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 19
eating under compulsion our mind may get affected. But at the same time under
emergent conditions anywhere. This is permitted by the Shastras also.
"Swamiji, that our mind may get influenced by the type of food we take is too subtle a
point to be understood."
"Yes, you are right. This is indeed a very subtle point. People look at all the Swamis
and saints, if they are wearing saffron, people remain at a distance. At some places,
people are not allowed to touch the feet of the Swamis. But you see here, when the
devotees look at me, they perhaps feel that I am one among them, they touch my feet.
What is there in this action? Do you know about my feelings? If a few persons get a
little bit of happiness this way all right; why should I deny them happiness?"
"Swamiji, some feel that they may become impure by the touch of others. Even here
not all touch your feet; many bow on the ground at a distance only."
"Yes, yes, some people say like this, I know. But you see, I do not feel like this at all.
How can I become impure by some one touching my body? Who is pure? You tell
me. If you take this body, this is always a dirty place. On the other hand, if you take
the mind as the location, so long we recite the name of the Lord, we are pure. The day
we do not think of Him, we are impure, I have watched our people in our villages.
The innocent rural folk go round the temple muttering "Shiva, Shiva". Oh! How pure
is their mind? This bathing, dressing are all for external show only. Whenever some
one bows to me I say 'Narayana, Narayana.' I am only a tool or a medium. There
obeisance goes to the Lord only. So it cannot have any effect on me. But, if I think -
oh, this fellow did not bow to me, only that person respect me than I am gone;
because, this would mean I have become an egoist. Feelings of egoism should not
arise. Depending on the will of the Lord, some bow to me, and some others do not;
that is all what I feel. You understand this point. In a sense all the holy idols are only
pieces of stone. But through them as symbols, one can reach God. The same analogy
holds good for Swamijis and sanyasees also".
"Swamiji: Are Gayatri japa and Sandhya necessary?
"Yes, yes. These discipline the mind. Gayatri japa is very essential. You see several
types of women come to the place. Our mind has to be calm and free from all types of
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 20
perturbations. For a dispassionate but alert mind in perfect equilibrium, Gayatri,
Sandhyavandana are necessary. But after a state is reached, when you are always in
Him, then you may not need these props. This is like a ripe fruit. It falls off on its
own. But when the mind is not ripe, one should not imagine as though one is mature.
One should get Jnana (Knowledge) from experience. That is only the right type of
knowledge. Whoever he may be, a celibate, a householder or a monk, self-experience
is very essential. The way for this is repetition of His names. Let us always remember
Him, let us not get upset by any happening or agency. You see what happened today.
The car broke down. But I am not upset by this. Lord's wish has been like this, that we
should get the prasad of Badrinath! With what love and affection that lady brought the
prasad all the way from Badrinath. If I were not here, she would have been
disappointed. She should not return disheartened and we should also be blessed, such
has been the will of the Lord!”
Prayer
Almighty God, the doer of everything, the giver of good things and the inspirer of all
noble ideas and ideals, without whose grace all our endeavors are useless, all our
attempts fruitless, bless our deeds so that we may find enough zeal to serve the needy,
help the poor, lift the downtrodden, feed the hungry and console the grief-stricken and
also to earn our daily bread by the sweat of our brow.
Teach me to be completely unselfish so that I may live and work together with my
fellow-men at peace. Forsaking all, let me place my whole being in Thy hands and
commit my cause to Thee for divine disposal in due season for my good. Guide me in
the minutest details and give me the strength for testing times. Enable me to empty
my heart of all useless cares, to resist all temptations, to restrain all longings and to
relinquish lust so that I may find real rest within the closet of my heart. Let not the
world be too much with me lest I should be drawn away with sundry desire and
moved with every wind of words. Help me to keep silence in an evil time to say that
Thy Will will be done. Let my intentions be pure so that I may never find myself in
the valley of despair, but pass safely through any storm. Knowing that God's grace
always seeks a humble heart, I bow before Thee in the quiet of this hour and lie low in
Thy power so that I may learn that Truth alone makes rich and great.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 21
- By Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
Ambrosia for Sai Devotees
By D. V. Murthy
God stands for unity, harmony and oneness. When we make God our very own, we
realize unity in diversity and so we will have harmony within and harmony without.
We will then create a tranquil atmosphere around us, and then there will be no strife,
conflict or war that is why we must turn to that Spirit within us which stands for unity
and harmony.
Poojya Sri Narasimha Swamiji, who familiarized our Samartha Sadguru Sri Shirdi Sai
Baba to millions of devotees all over the country, was an apostle worthy of great
esteem and veneration. After his first visit to Shirdi and to the very end he breathed
and talked SAI and dedicated himself to Sai Prachar work traveling all over the
country.
All of us of this generation, who were fortunate enough to come in contact with him
during his lifetime, should consider ourselves lucky and blessed. Apart from his
innumerable writings like "Wondrous Saint Sri Sai Baba", "Sri Sai Baba Charters",
"Devotees Experiences" etc., one of the most significant contributions of Swamiji was
the composition of "SRI SAI BABA ASHTOTTARA NAMAVALI", recanting the
innumerable, auspicious attributes of Baba for daily Parayana which are chanted by
devotees in Sri Sai worship daily.
Unlike other Ashtottaras, which are usually composed in alphabetical order, Swamiji's
Ashtottara Namavali starts with the basic personality of Baba that he could be Sri
Rama or Sri Krishna to some, Sri Dattatreya to someone else, or Maruthi to others etc.
Thereafter, it deals first with the material benefits conferred like food, shelter,
clothing, riches, good health summed up aptly as "Yoga Kshema".
Very interestingly Baba never permitted his devotees to observe fast. He used to say
that with pangs of hunger it would be difficult for any to fully concentrate on the
spiritual side. The help rendered during distress of the devotees is described as
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 22
"Aapathbandhava". Baba is also the guide during one's life journey and problems
faced being "Maargabandhu." He is also the Supporter - "Jeevadhara" who has taken
the vow to protect his devotees 'Bhaktavana Pratignya." Thereafter comes the very apt
description "Bhukti-Mukti Swarga Marga - Daya - the bestower of worldly pleasures.
One of the descriptions given of Baba is the helper of the helpless - and protector of
unprotected "Asahaya-Sahayaya" and "Anaathanatha Deena Bandhu" but the best to
my mind is "Sarva Bhavabruta" sums up my real Baba all these seventy and odd years
who takes the entire burden of the devotees on himself. "Look unto me" and I look to
you" has been the key word as to why millions flock to him for succor and strength.
Many of us believe in the laws of "Karma". It is also said that all our present misery
and troubles in this world are due to our past Karmas {Prarabdha Karma) and one has
to undergo the results of the same. It is also said that in case of Sadgurus, they have
the power to mitigate the Karmik effects. Sri Sai was and is one who has this power as
experienced by his many devotees and is aptly put as "Karma - Dhvamsine" and
"Ashakya Rahitaya" as one for whom nothing is impossible.
Our entire life provides instances of special blessings in times of dire need and
distress when we recite "Om Sri Sai Aapthabandhavya Namah", we automatically
recollect the myriad instances where He came to our succour and tears swell in our
eyes. The same is the case with many other Naamas in the Namavali.
The piece de resistance of the Naamavali is perhaps the apt description -
"Bhaktanugraha Kataraya" the one tremulously eager to shower His blessings on His
devotees. What an apt description of Baba; But do we deserve him?
In a way the recitation of Ashtottara Shata Naamavali is a very handy Sadhana to all
householder Sai devotees to directly commune with Him with our limited vocabulary
and coupled with Bhaava will surely lead to our goal.
Sri Sai Ashtottara can be recited individually or in groups. It has been our experience
that Group chanting with "Bhava" (feeling) has been found to confer immense
benefits to one and all.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 23
God is all love and kindness and He means no ill. He is also the sole doer. If we have
this faith and surrender, we can remain happy and cheerful in all conditions.
Bhakti Yoga
A miser who is attached to wealth thinks always of wealth. So also when the devotee's
heart is awakened and he has intense longing for God, he remembers God constantly.
Many people say that when they repeat God's name they cannot concentrate upon
God. This is because they have no longing for Him. This longing for God and holding
God as our dearest object of love is Bhakti.
Bhakti, as described in the Narada Bhakti Sutra, is Parama Prem - greatest love for
God. When you have the greatest love for God, automatically your mind will be
remembering Him; otherwise, your mind will run here and there, because you have
greater love for worldly things. You must have PARAMA PREM for God. When this
Prem or Bhakti is created in the heart by the contact of a saint, and then you cannot
but pine for Him and hunger for Him day and night and therefore remember Him
constantly and become mad of Him. It is divine madness that seizes you in this state.
All allurements of the world leave you and all the pleasures of the senses appear as
dust or ashes to you. Your one longing is to realize God; to feel Him and to see Him.
This is the kind of devotion, the concentrated, one pointed and entire longing for God
that brings you near Him and ultimately makes you feel one with Him.
- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
He Stretches his Protective Hand
By R. Seshadri
Truth or Reality can be attained only through the grace of God. 'God, Guru and Self
are one,' says Ramana Maharshi. Sai Baba has accorded an exalted place for the
Guru, who dispels the ignorance of the devotee and imparts knowledge of the Sat and
facilitates his Liberation, the Guru also fulfils the legitimate needs of his devotee,
ensuring his wellbeing here and thereafter.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 24
Way back in 1962, I was invited by the U.S. State and Defence Departments for a tour
of nine States, newspapers and Defence establishments. It was a group comprising
senior journalists from India. Though I was not very keen on going out of the country,
Sadguru Radhakrishna Swamiji told me that I should as a journalist, undertake the
tour with an open mind. He had also given a few instructions as regards my food and
performance of some daily duties.
The group having been provided with a plane for the jampacked tour, I enjoyed
meeting various people. Government officials and private citizens and Media people,
besides attending a press conference addressed by President J.F. Kennedy.
After about 19 days, while on our way to Warranton (Virginia), for a seminar, I had a
frightening dream in which our plane collided with a huge heavenly object and a
passenger was injured. I woke up with a start, feeling my breast pocket for the 'Udhi'
and started chanting the Lord's name. When the plane landed at the Warranton
Airport, it started raining. We were received and taken by a large Defence Department
vehicle to the venue of the seminar, about 20 miles away. Before we reached our
destination, there was an accident.
Out vehicle, in which I had occupied a window seat, overturned causing some
confusion and fear as the exit doors had got jammed. I was concentrating on my Guru
without losing my cool. Luckily a farmer was coming from the opposite direction in
his tractor. He managed to put our vehicle on the road with the help of some local
people and we reached our venue late.
I had managed to send a message to Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji at Bangalore, who also
wrote back to me before I returned; stating that he knew that there would be a mishap
and I that I would not come to harm. He had also asked me to find out from my wife
after my return where he (Swamiji} was, when the accident occurred, calculating the
difference in the time.
Soon after safely reaching Bangalore, I asked my wife whether there was any special
event on the day (of the mishap). She informed me that Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji,
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 25
who had come along with Sri Subbaramaiah, a close devotee of his, and Swamiji were
in deep meditation in our Pooja Room.
This shows how a Guru, anticipating some problem for his devotee, visited his home
and offered prayers to ensure his safety. Sri Swamiji alone Knew why he should have
come all the way to my residence. Could he not have performed the rescue act from
his place?
Universal Love
The one great truth that the future will be impressing on all righteous souls is that
Truth is one, that it is viewed and appreciated by numerous people in divergent - nay,
conflicting - ways; that the supreme duty of all is the recognition of fraternity of all
sincere and earnest seekers of Truth and that intolerance should be completely
banished. Sri Sai is the forerunner of this coming race and showed such latitude,
tolerance, and fraternity as part of his nature - universal love. Sai's teachings and
example are diffusing this latitude and love among all castes and creeds, though,
unfortunately, exceptions to this rule abound and that too for very natural reasons.
Intolerance, tearing each other and delighting in extinguishing one's opponents are
part of our brute nature and conceal themselves under the guise and cloak of
orthodoxy in religion.
Sai Baba is the universal teacher, guide, and leader while leading the Adwaitin to the
dizzy heights of non difference; he took care to see that the orthodox Dwaitins among
Christians, Moslems, and Hindus, were not upset by his latitudinarianism and
idealism. With Dwaitins, he was a Dwaitin, and with Adwaitins, he was an Adwaitin.
To really ardent bhaktas dealing with him as their Man-God, he showed that they
were right in their own attitude.
- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 26
The Poor boy who became a Maharaja
By S. Maneey
It is shameful to be afflicted with sorrow, even in human life- Only those persons
should suffer from sorrow and affliction whose parents are no more. Why lament?
Fortunately, your father, Lord Rama, is ever alive. Just see the miracle. Give up all
your worries and expectations. Do not entertain any selfish desire. Only be firm in
your divinity you will see that all the gods will be prepared to help you at all cost.
- Swami Rama Tirtha
Every one in Mysore seems to know Sri Narayana Raju’s Sai Mandir, a spiritual
seeker's offering to his Guru. A steady stream of devotees visits the temple, which
becomes a flood on Thursdays and unmanageable during Guru Poornima and
Mahasamadhi celebrations.
The inscription at the entrance reads :
Sri Prasanna Sai Mandir
Thiagaraja Road, K.R. Mohalla.
Foundation stone laid by His Highness
Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar in 1954
As one climbs the steps, his soles get washed by the water sprinkler. The Sai mandir
has a very spacious, high roofed prayer hall, which can accommodate about a
thousand people at a time. Worship is made to Sri Sai Baba idol, which is made of
black stone. The idol is of sitting Dwarakamai posture. Facing the idol of Sai Baba is
a balcony which was constructed for the Royal family of Mysore, which used to
observe in privacy, the Sai Pooja by Sri Raju, The prayer hall contains colorful
chandeliers, and colored portraits of saints. Facing the entrance is Ramana Maharshi's
portrait.
This Mandir also has a separate place for Dhuni and for Dwarakamai. The
Dwarakamai portrait of Sai Baba here appears to attract anyone by the sheer power of
the gaze. This portrait was made by Sri Jayakar's son. (Sri Jayakar, it may be
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 27
remembered, made the oil painting of Sai Baba which is in Dwarakamai, Shirdi) Sri
Narayana Raju has, by his tireless efforts, made the Mandir into a self-contained and
self-sustaining unit, with its own chariots and a choultry.
Guru Poornima and Mahasamadhi days are special functions. Guru Poornima is
celebrated for five days, with mass feeding on all the five days. The rich and poor
mingle together to partake the prasad. At the end of the function, Baba's portrait is
taken in procession in a chariot in the streets of Mysore, with ail pomp and pageantry.
Sri Narayana Raju, the Founder (1901-1985), was born poor and poverty stalked him
throughout his early years. His parents could not give him even one meal per day, on
many days. But the boy had developed a spiritual bent of mind and would be seen
meditating quite often. Someone had given him a small photo of Ramana Maharshi,
which he kept always in his shirt pocket.
Strange are the turning points in a person's life. One such happened in this way. One
day Raju was more dejected than usual, not having succeeded in alleviating the
miserable existence and in spite of prayers to Ramana Maharshi. On his way to the
school thinking that no purpose would be served by his existence, was about to end
his life. Ramana Maharshi appeared before the boy and physically prevented him
from doing the foolish act. Walking with him till Hardinge Circle, Mysore, he
assuaged the feelings of the boy by encouraging and comforting advice. Before
parting he told the boy "you are earmarked to do the work of a Mahapurusha. He will
come into your life and will look after you" This incident, possibly happened before
the Mahasamadhi of Sai Baba, because the boy Raju was then of school going age.
Several years passed in the life of Raju and no Mahapurusha was to be seen. But
unknown to the boy, the Mahapurusha foretold by Ramana Maharshi had in fact
entered his life. A well wisher of the family had given a photo of Sai Baba stating
that the photo is of a great saint and by his worship the family's hardship would be
alleviated. This photo which the family worshipped is still with the descendents of Sri
Narayana Raju. It took quite a time of Ramana Maharshi's prophesy to unfold. In fact,
it was in 1934, that Sri Narayana Raju realized Sri Sai Baba. After this Sri Sai Baba
began to guide Sri Narayana Raju at step Sri Narayana Raju was seized with the idea
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 28
that he would do something to propagate the name of Sai Baba. He brought Sai Baba
to public notice, as he began to worship him in small place in K.T Street, which is
near Prabha-Theatre, Mysore. The Sai movement here had a small beginning.
Sri Narayana Raju had become endowed with some powers which he began to utilize
for public welfare. More and more people, the influential and the wealthy, began to
flock to the temple But he remained a simple spiritual man.
We shall narrate here two incidents about him: His Highness Sri Jayachamarajendra
Wodeyar's sister was a frequent visitor to the Mandir. On one such visit, Sri Narayana
Raju told her "Your brother has planned to go to Germany. Please tell him not to go."
But the Maharaja could not be dissuaded. He went ahead. He was to catch the plane
from Bombay. For some reason he was delayed in reaching the airport, and he saw the
plane taking off. While taking off, the plane burst and crashed. The chastened
Maharaja returned to Mysore.
The marriage hall/choultry was being constructed. Sri Narayana Raju was choosy in
accepting money; with the result the progress was slow and tardy. Many times it
would cease altogether. Even an advanced soul like Sri Narayana Raju felt stranded
and helpless. One night Baba appearing in his dream asked him to meet Him in the
Dhyana Mandir. (Dhyana Mandir is an underground cell below the prayer hall where
Sri Narayana Raju used to meditate). Sri Narayana Raju getting up sat in meditation.
He saw Baba telling him "Narayana, I know your plight. Take all these and use them
for the construction". He saw Baba pouring before him bags of gold and money. Sri
Narayana Raju answered. "Baba, you know that I have not cared for wealth or money.
I shall not bother myself about the construction. Why should I worry when you are
there?" At this Baba disappeared. The next day Sri Narayana Raju received a cheque
for Rs. One lakh from a Sai devotee to be used towards the building construction!
After arathi to Sai Baba, arathi is also performed to Sri Narayana Raju's idol,
followed by a full - throated Sri Narayana Maharaj ki Jai, from the devotees. From a
poor boy to a Maharaja - yes, Baba transformed him to a SPIRITUAL MAHARAJA.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 29
Spiritual Value of Food
By K. Navin Chander
Light and Love the night has a thousand eyes,
And the day but One; yet the light of the bright world dies
With the dying sun. The mind has a thousand eyes,
And the heart but one;
Yet the fight of a whole life dies
When love is done.
The old saint looked kindly at the old businessman but declined to attend the dinner
proposed by him. All persuasions yielded no result. Finally the businessman slowly
moved out of the ashram. After a distance, a disciple of the saint came from behind
and said that he should not feel disappointed and that he would come and attend the
dinner on behalf of the saint and bless him. The businessman agreed and next day the
dinner was held.
On that night after dinner the disciple could not meditate at all and could hear a low
moaning of a girl. This went on for three days. Ultimately, the disciple approached his
Guru and complained. The Guru asked him to mention all that he had done in the last
few days. The disciple made a clean breast of the only unusual event of the dinner he
had in the businessman's house.
The all-knowing Guru told him that the businessman was merciless money-lender. A
poor agriculturist could not repay the debt and the interest on it. He threatened the
helpless man and finally married his teen-aged daughter in lieu of his debt as he had
no male issue till then. This girl was most unhappy at the turn of events and wept
silently in her lone moments. In that frame of mind, she prepared the dinner which
the disciple ate.
The Guru explained that while cooking, the personality of the cook would enter the
food through subtle vibrations. These unseen vibrations will later enter into the
personality of the eater and influence his mind. That is the reason why his meditations
were disturbed.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 30
The Guru explained that what goes into the mouth would greatly influence what
comes out of it and shape our lives. The food prepared in a spiritual frame of mind,
thinking only of God or Sadguru, will always give peace of mind, with powers to
divinely discriminate between good and evil. Food especially taken in hotels prepared
and served with ungodly tendencies, unruly behaviour and foul in mouth do great
harm to the spiritual make-up of a person.
Once in October 1916, Bhikubhai came to Shirdi with barfi, watermelon and a
garland to offer to Sai Baba. She was a childhood friend of Mother Radhakrishna Ayi
and as she crossed Godavari River in Kopergaon she saw the cremation site of
Radhakrishna Ayi, Overcome with emotion, she collapsed at the site and wept
bitterly. She felt Sai Baba was ungrateful to Radhakrishna Ayi after all services to
Baba. She vehemently accused Baba. In such a frame of mind, she came to Shirdi and
offered barfi and watermelon to Sai Baba. The all-knowing Baba refused to accept
them. When she wanted to garland Baba even against remount’s rations, mysteriously
the garland snapped itself into three parts.
Bhikubai had to return disappointed, Kaka Sahib asked Baba as to why he refused the
gifts of Bhikubai. Baba explained to him that he cannot accept the eatables nor wear
the garland brought with such a troubled heart and mental uneasiness.
Sai Baba exhorted his devotees to think of Him before they partook their food which
would then become sanctified from any spiritual impurities. Every action of Baba had
a meaning behind it. If we go deeper into the matter we will thus begin to understand
why he acted so even while looking harsh externally.
The Tree of Life
By Lama Anagarika Govinda
The heavens of the gods are in the life-tree's crown,
But in the course of time even their pleasures cease.
And one by one they fall
From their bright realm
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 31
And drop like falling stars
Into the earth's dark womb,
The life-tree's roots
Grow from the night of death,
Embracing the dark realms
With golden nets.
The life-juice of the stars
Is rising in its trunk.
Transforming steadily
The powers of the dark.
Innumerable suns
Bloom in the life-tree's twigs,
Surrounded by their planets
As by swarming bees.
To be reborn as men
and learn through pain and strife,
That from the night of death
Is born the greater life.
Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji’s Krama Aradhana
By S. Syama Rao
The 18th Krama Aradhana of H.H. Sri Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji was
celebrated at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore, on January 25, 1998. A four - day
program was arranged from January 23 to January 25,1998, starling with a slide-show
cum lecture by Dr. R. Narayana Iyengar, a close devotee of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
and presently Director of Central Buildings Research Institute, Roorke. The slides
covered a variety of functions like Guru Poornima, Pada Pooja, Vishnu Sahasranama
Homa in which Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji participated and his visits to many places
of interest. Dr. Narayana Iyengar explained in detail the occasion of each photograph
and spoke about the unique character of Swamiji, his love and compassion for the
devotees.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 32
A 'Satsangha' was organized on the evening of January 24, which was attended by a
large number of devotees. The devotees spoke on their experiences of Swamiji and
Baba. Sri R. Seshadri, President, Sri Sai Spiritual Centre and Sri. R. Parthasarathy,
former Asst. New Editor of The Hindu, were on the Dias.
A large number of devotees participated in the Samoohika Abhisheka to Sadguru Sri
Sainath Maharaj, H.H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and H.H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji on
January 25 morning immediately after Kakad Arathi.
After Abhisheka, Krama Aradhana of Swamiji was performed by Sri D. V. Krishna
Murthy, a close devotee of Swamiji, in accordance with Vedic rites. The rituals were
conducted by Veda Brahmashri Sri Srinivas. After Thirlhanarayana Pooja and Arathi,
Prasad was distributed to all the devotees present. More than one thousand devotees
participated in the Krama Aradhana and received the Prasad.
The same evening, the First Anniversary of Saipadananda Brotherhood meeting was
held in the Meditation Hall. (A detailed report of this meeting appears elsewhere in
this issue).
A public meeting was held in the evening, presided over by Sri R. Seshadri, President
of the Centre. Air Commodore T. M. M. Raghavan, Vice President, (explained the
aims, objects and activities of Sri SaiPadananda Brotherhood) introduced the speakers
on the Dias viz., Sri R. Parthasarthy, Sri C. V. Bhaskara Rao and Prof. P. S. Narayana
Rao.
Sri Seshadri spoke on H.H. Swamiji with special reference to less known Anecdotes
of Swamiji. The audience was thrilled to know such experiences. Sri Parthasarathy
spoke with emotion on the 'Apostle of Love' and his love towards his devotees. He
narrated the deep devotion of a lady devotee, Mrs. Jyothi Contractor.
Sri Bhaskara Rao spoke on 'Baba', the Great Master and how Baba worked for the
uplift of His devotees from the worldly samsara. Dr. Narayana Rao, spoke both on the
life of Baba and Swamiji. Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary of the Centre, proposed a vote
of thanks.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 33
Sri Mothilal Gupta, Mrs. Gupta and Sri S.C. Gupta from Delhi, Sri Hari Shankar
Bakul and Sri Pradeep Bakul from Bombay, Sri R. Parthasarathy, Mrs. Parthasarathy,
Sri Jyothi Raghavan, Mrs. Jyothi Raghavan and Sri Jagadeeshan from Madras
specially had come down to Bangalore, to participate in the Aradhana.
The outstation dignitaries were honored with Sesha Vastras by the Centre. The next
day, Dr. Narayana Rao, assisted by Kum. Sunanda presented a cultural program by
the children of Saipadananda Bala Vihara members. The children gave a number of
cultural events, like dance, music and episodes from the lives of Sai Baba Sri
Ramakrishna Parama Hamsa and Sri Vivekananda. Sri Seshadri distributed prizes to
the children in Dance, Drama and various other competitions held earlier.
Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood Get - Together
By Sri T.M.M. Raghavan
The Second Bi-Annual Get-Together of Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood members took
place at the Sri Sai Spiritual Centre on Swamiji's Aradhana Day on Sunday 25th
January, 1998. Nearly 70 members attended. After invocation by Sri B.V.L.N.
Murthy, Sri R. Seshadri, President, SSC, welcomed the gathering and spoke on the
uniqueness of Swamiji among modern saints. He said that such get-togethers should
take place twice a year during Swamiji's Jayanthi and Aradhana days. Air-Cmde
T.M.M. Raghavan presented a report of the proceedings of the first Get-Together held
on 27th April, 1997,
and reminded the members of the objectives of the Brotherhood and the Pledge taken
by all of us to truly and faithfully follow the teachings of Swamiji in our lives and
endeavor our best to spread the message of our Swamiji amongst our family members,
neighbors and friends".
Several members participated in the discussion that followed and offered various
suggestions. Sri C. V. Bhaskara Rao emphasized the importance of chanting regularly
Vishnu Sahasranama, which was dear to the Swamiji. Dr, P.S. Narayana Rao
suggested that a small pocket size booklet thus spoke Radhakrishna Swamiji, should
be brought out. Sri Puttanna informed that he was already bringing out hand written
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 34
copies of "Saipadananda Vachanamrita" in Kannada. He suggested regular activities
like 3 hrs, chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, Chanting of Bhagvadgeetha, Study Circle
reading and discussion of "Apostle of Love" etc., Sri. D.V. Krishna Murthy suggested
that Dr. PS. Narayana Rao's Kannada translation of the book should also be included
in the readings.
Dr. B.K. Raghu Prasad suggested that one or two pages in "Saipadananda" Magazine
should be devoted exclusively to Brotherhood news. Capt. Ramamurthy felt that
devotees of Swamiji were spread all over the City and therefore, some activities of the
Brotherhood could be arranged at other centers also. Sri M.R. Sanjeevi suggested that
addresses of all Swamiji's devotees spread all over India should be compiled. He also
suggested that the sayings of Swamiji should be displayed on the notice board daily.
Sri R. Parthasarathy, Retd. Asst. Editor of The Hindu said that it was a happy
occasion.
Brotherhood promotes thinking and practicing Swamiji's precepts and is a sure way to
salvation. He suggested compilation and publication of the innumerable experiences
of Swamiji's devotees. It would serve as a record and also inspire the younger
devotees who had not seen Swamiji when he was in his physical frame. Our children
and neighbors and their families should all know about Swamiji and his teachings. He
said that there was no need for a formal organization since it was the spirit of
Brotherhood which should be the guiding factor. A few patrons might be selected to
provide guidance to the Brotherhood.
After further discussion, Sri Parthasarathy's suggestions were accepted regarding the
organization and patrons. The following were unanimously selected as Chief Patron
and Patrons
.
Sri. R. Parthasarathy ... Chief Patron.
Patrons:
Sri C. V. Bhaskara Rao
Sri R. Seshadri
Sri Radhakrishnan, Hubli
Sri G. R. Inamdar, Mumbai
Sri M. Rangachar, Hyderabad
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 35
Air - Cmde. Raghavan summed up the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks. He
assured the members that all suggestions would be considered by the Centre and a
suitable action plan would be formulated.
Earlier before the meeting, Sri. A. V. Raja Raman declared open an exhibition of rare
photographs of Swamiji in various moods, events, functions participated by Swamiji
and also the paintings and sketches by Swamiji on invitation cards received by him.
In the evening, there was a public meeting where speakers spoke on aspects of
Swamiji's uniqueness as a saint. Detailed report appears elsewhere in this issue.
SHIRDI SAI BABA SATSANG
Sri B.H. Chamaraj, Covener, Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang at Sri Radhakrishna Temple,
Kamaraj Road, Bangalore, informs us that they have celebrated Sri Radhakrishna
Swamiji's 'Aradhana' on a grand scale. Recently they had a gift of a colour portrait of
Swamiji. Devotees performed 'Ashtottara' archanas to Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha
Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji from January 22 to January 24, 1998,
culminating in the Aradhana on January 25.
Since the morning of January 25, the 'Satsang' hall of Radhakrishna Temple was
echoing with Sai and Swamiji's namasmaran vibrating in the devotional atmosphere.
The function began at 3 PM with archanas to Sai and Swamijis and chanting of
Vishnu Sahasra Namam. Devotees from Madras, Guntakal, Hubli and video troupe
led by Sri Ravichandran participated in the function, apart from Sri Motilal Gupta, his
wife from Faridabad. Devotees offered their obeisance to the articles blessed and
sanctified by our Swamiji. Two rupee coins placed on small pictures of Baba were
given to the devotees, thus imparting our Swamiji's silent Upadesh that “Nishta” and
“Saburi” are essential to Sai-bhakti Sadhana.
As long as the book-learned man does not give up his mistaken identification with the
body, organs, etc., which are unreal, there is no talk of emancipation for him, even if
he be ever so erudite in the Vedanta Philosophy.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 36
Just as thou does not identify thyself with the shadow body, the image-body, the
dream body, or the body thou hast In the imagination of thy heart, cease thou to do
likewise the living body also.
Shankaracharya
People are frightened when they are told that they are the Universal Being,
everywhere present. Through everything you work, through every foot you move,
through every lip talk, through every heart you feel.
People are frightened when they are told this. They will again and again ask you if
they are not going to keep their Individuality. What is individuality? I should like to
see it. A baby has no moustache; when he grows to be a man, perhaps he has a
moustache and beard. His individuality would be lost, if it were in the body...... Says a
Sanskrit philosopher: It is only the Spirit that is the individual, because it is infinite;
no infinity can be divided; infinity cannot be broken into pieces. It is the same one,
undivided unit for ever; and this is the Individual man, the Real Man.
- Jnana Yoga, Swami Vivekananda, Almora Edn. (1955),
SEETHA-RAMA AND PADMAVATI - SRINIVASA KALYANA
The Bhagavatha Shiromani Srinivasa Raghavacharya Bhajana Sabha recently
conducted Sri Seetha-Rama and Sri Padmavathi-Srinivasa Kalyana at Sri Sai Spiritual
Centre on February 7 and 8. Sri and Smt. Sambasiva Bhagavathar of Chennai and Sri
S. Jayarama Bhagavathar of Coimbatore and party conducted the Kalyana
Mahothsava, assisted by Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, Sri Vittal Srinivasa
Bhagavathar and others from Bangalore.
A large gathering of devotees were present on both the days. Ashtapadi Bhajans and
Divyanama Sankeerthanam attracted the attention of all music lovers and the devotees
were thrilled by the divine atmosphere.
Before the conclusion, Sri R. Seshadri, President of our Centre, honored Sri Jayarama
Bhagavathar with Sesha Vasthra of Baba. Smt. Mahalakshmi Mohan, daughter of
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 37
Bhagavatha Shiromani Sri Srinivasa Raghavacharya, sponsored the above program,
with the assistance of Sri Aswathanarayana Swamiji.
- Syama Rao
BOOK REVIEW
SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM: Its Message for The Modern Man - by Swami
Shantananda Puri - Publishers: Karnataka Arya Vysya Mahasabha Charitable Trust,
Bangalore - Sponsored by Sakala Narasimhalu Chetty & Sons - Pp. 98, Price: Not
mentioned. Srimad Bhagavatam, one of the Maha Puranas, authored by Veda Vyasa,
extols the exploits and leelas' of Lord Krishna. Just by listening to these with total
devotion and faith for seven days. King Parikshrt attained “Mukti”.
Swami Shantananda Puri of Vasishta Guha, Tehri Garhwal, U.P., Himalayas, has not
recounted in this beautiful, handy book, the tales or the Philosophy of Srimad
Bhagavatam, but directly and instantly addresses the modern man, assailed by doubts
and fear and enticed by fleeting and transient pleasures, in a violent world of today. It
is never late even for such a confused man to correct himself in his day to day
activities and get Redemption, through 'Sadhana'.
The revered Swamiji, with his vast experience, erudition and yogic sadhana for long,
has dished out a spiritual treat to even ordinary mortals, in lucid, simple English. The
types are clean with beautiful printing, compelling reader's attention. The cover page
design in colour with the enchanting Balakrishna makes immediate appeal.
SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMA : FROM PADMAPURNA AND MAHADEVA
PROKTA PP. 96 PRICE RS.20
These “Divyanamas” are different from the widely known and popular Sri Vishnu
Sahasranama from Mahabharata. These names, in Telugu script, describe Sri Maha
Vishnu's “gunas” and “leelas” in his different 'Avathars'. In the Phalasruti, it is stated
that it is Pavanakara and Nirvanadayaka.
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 38
To facilitate Parayana, the slokas have been given at the end of the book. The
meanings were published by the Gita Press, which have been rendered into Telugu by
Sri K. Subba Reddy.
SRI ANIL KESAVA RAO RASAL - A UNIQUE PERSONALITY
- By G. R. Inamdar
Sri Anil Kesava Rao Rasal, one of the intimate devotees of Sai Baba and Sri
Radhakrishna Swamiji, was absorbed at the lotus feet the Master on December 29,
1997. He passed away at 11a.m. in Mumbai, with a 'Japa Mala' in his hand and in full
'Namasmaran' of Baba. He was with Bombay Port Trust and aged 53 years.
Religiously inclined even from his early years, Anil Rasal
became a Sai devotee in the early sixties. Once in his meditation
in 1977 at Dwarakamai in Shirdi, he visualized a white-bearded
venerable person. He could not understand the significance nor
was he aware of that. When he prayed to Sai Baba, the answer
came in the person of a Sai brother holding in his hands a copy of
'Apostle of Love' on the outer cover of which was a colour picture of Sri
Radhakrishna Swamiji. Anil Rasal recognized him as the one whom he had visualized
in his meditation. He got full details of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji from that Sai
brother. The Guru had located his 'Shishya even before the latter sought him: Anil
Rasal was so impressed by the vision of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji in his meditation
that he developed an intense desire to have his 'darshan'. The opportunity came in
January 1978, when Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji visited Shirdi to preside over the
annual gathering of contributors to Sat Leela magazine. At the first sight itself,
Swamiji blessed him and convinced Anil Rasal that he was his Guru. In fact, Anil
Rasal translated Swamiji's speech from English to Marati in that Annual Gathering of
Sai Leela writers and poets.
Rasal stayed in Wadala, Mumbai, and his wife and two daughters are also keen
devotees of Sai Baba and Swamiji. They had Swamiji's darshan a couple of times
more before he cast off his mortal coil in 1980. However, Anil Rasal used to recollect
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 39
several instances in which Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was especially kind and
gracious to him. He also received several invaluable spiritual instructions from
Swamiji.
When Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji attained 'Mahasamadhi' at Bangalore on January 14
1980, he appeared in his subtle form in the meditation of Anil Rasal at Mumbai and
bade him good-bye.
By virtue of his devotion to Sai Baba and Swamiji, personal and spiritual
accomplishments and ability to interpret the teachings of saints, Anil Rasal became a
spiritual guide and from 1989 onwards, he established a 'Satsang' in R.K, Vaidya
Road, Dadar, Mumbai, where he provided solace and support to a good number of
seekers and followers. He was popularly called 'Dada Rasal' by his followers.
He has published a number of articles in several Sai magazines and was a familiar
figure in any Sai devotee's convention or gathering in the last two decades. A simple
and unassuming man, he breathed Sai, talked Sai and was in every moment in
constant communion with Sai Baba.
Fragrant be Anil Rasal's memory: SRI K. G. SRINIVASAN, we record with profound
regret the passing away of Sri. K.G. Srinivasan (77 years), former President of Sri Sai
Samaj, Someswarapura, Bangalore, on January 17. Sri Srinivasan who leaves his
wife, two sons and two daughters, was serving the institution with devotion right from
the forties, when it was inaugurated by H.H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji. He had trained
up numerous children in Sai Bhajans and Thiruppavai', for several years. He had
retired from the HAL.
Particulars regarding the ownership of SAIPADANANDA, the quarterly, as per Rule
8 of the Registration on Newspapers (Central) Rules, 1956.
1. Title of the Newspaper : SAIPADANANDA
2. Registration Number
3. Language/Languages in which it is published
4. Periodicity of Publication
Sai Padananda – April 1998
www.saileelas.org 40
5. Retail selling price
6. Name of the Printer
7. Publisher's Name
8. Nationality Address
9. Editor's Name Nationality Address
English & Kannada
Quarterly Rs. 3. Per copy
P. Sridhar
R. Seshadri
(For Sri Sai Spiritual Centre)
Indian 497, 8th Cross, 7th Block Jayanagar West, Bangalore - 560 082
R. Seshadri Indian
497, 8th Cross, 7th Block Jayanagar West,
Bangalore - 560 082 10-Permise where printing is
Conducted: Elegant Priming Works
No. 74, South End Road Basavanagudi, Bangalore - 560 004.
I hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge
and belief.
R. SESHADRI
Publisher Date; 1.3.1998 (for Sri Sai Spiritual Centre)