8th World Conference

November 2005

Divine Message

November 2005

Bhagawan’s Message

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said, "Start the day with Love, Spend the day with

Love, Fill the day with Love, End the day with Love, this is the way to God."

If we begin our spiritual journey guided by His Words, Adhering to His Words in all

aspects of our human lives, Selflessly Loving and Selflessly Serving as taught by Him,

then surely we will fulfill the Divine Destiny that belongs to each and everyone of us.

the Divine Messages of our Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba that He so

World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organizations.

November 19, 2005

1. Unity in Diversity

We distinguish and differentiate between ladies and gents on the basis of upadhi

(vesture) or physical form. However, the principle of Brahman present in ladies and

gents is one and the same. Sarvam khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is Brahman). God

transcends names, forms and attributes. He is infinite and not limited to a particular

form.

2. Avatar

In response to the prayers of sages and seers, God comes down in human form. He

strives for the welfare of humanity and bestows joy on one and all. One has to

develop inward vision in order to experience Him.

3. GOD as Director and Actor

Easwarah sarva bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings). In this cosmic drama,

God alone is the director and also the actor. He is donning all the roles such as

mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, son, etc.

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4. GOD is ALL

Whatever you see around is also the manifestation of God. Even the small birds that

you see here are endowed with the principle of Divinity. There is no place which is

not pervaded with Divinity. There is no form which is not divine.

5. Accept God’s Will

Whatever may happen, accept it wholeheartedly as the Will of God. Have firm faith

that it is God and God alone who is the doer. Do not consider your fellow human

beings as mere individuals. When you talk to someone, think that you are talking to

God. When you do not see God in others and treat them as your own, you will be

giving room to evil qualities like anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. Develop the spirit of

oneness. Only then will your life be redeemed.

6. Selfless Desire

Whenever anyone expresses a truly selfless desire, Swami will surely fulfill it. Mother

Eshwarama is an example of this. She prayed to have a primary school in Puttapurthi

which was fulfilled as a complex of educational institutions ranging from a primary

school to a prestigious university. She wanted a small clinic for the patients and now

there are full-fledged Super-specialty hospitals. She asked for a drinking water well for

the village; now there is a mammoth project providing free drinking water to

thousands of villages. (One attains merit by helping others and commits sin by

hurting them). Help ever, Hurt never. Hence, always strive to help everybody.

Selfishness is an evil. Fish is better than "selfish."

7. Totally Depend on God and see God Everywhere

If you depend on God, He will turn the minds of people in your favor. God is

everything. Victory is secured only when you totally depend on God's grace. Here

again your prayers to God should not be for selfish reasons. Wherever you look, God

is present. From stars to hillocks, from insects to elephants, everything is pervaded by

Brahman. Fill your heart with divine feelings.

8. Live in Love

Love is God. Live in love. Love should not be tainted with narrow feelings of I and

mine. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. Consider

love as your very life-breath. Grow in love. Be broadminded and share your love with

everybody. This is what I call ‘expansion love’ as contrasted with ‘contraction love’.

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November 22, 2005

Educare

1. Purpose of Education

There is a purpose and goal for education; that is truth. In fact, spiritual education is

the only true education, which will recognize the existence of God everywhere. "The

end of education is character." Devoid of character, all other possessions are useless.

Unfortunately, today character-building has been relegated to the background.

Modern education may help one to gain control over men and matters, but it utterly

fails in uplifting one's own self. The harmony between thought, word and deed is of

utmost importance. Education should enable one to cultivate good qualities,

character and devotion. When there is unity between thought, word and deed, one

can acquire purity and realize divinity. Modern education is totally self-centered.

Wherever you see, selfishness is rampant. Contrary to it, true education teaches

selflessness. Truth and righteousness form the foundation for character. As the saying

goes, Sathyaannaasti paro Dharmah (There is no Dharma greater than adherence to

truth). The mansion of righteousness rests on the foundation of truth.

2. How to get Peace

When truth and righteousness go together, love manifests itself. There can be no

peace without truth, righteousness and love. If only one has peace of mind, one can

be happy in the world and will have no troubles at all. Peace is something which

cannot be purchased in a market. It depends upon one's attitude to life and living.

Hence one has to cultivate Ekatma Bhava (feeling of oneness). If this Ekatma Bhava is

developed, one can move about freely in the world with no attachment to any

particular individual or object.

3. People, Places and Things

Man's behavior is influenced by Sthanabala (power of the place) and association with

people as well as the company of books. One's association with a particular place also

has its effect on one’s behavior. That is what is called Sthanabala (power of the place).

Youngsters often move in bad company and cultivate bad qualities. This is not

correct. They should always make friendship with good people and emulate their

qualities. One has to read good books that will bring about a transformation of heart

and uplift the soul. You often find youngsters going to the library and engaged in

deep study. What sort of books do they study? They read bad books camouflaged in

a good cover.

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4. Real Guru

Love all. In fact, love is the most important aspect of education. One who teaches the

method by which man can cultivate selfless and universal love is the real Guru.

November 23, 2005

1. Equanimity

Human birth is meant to attain peace and not for occupying positions of authority.

One may have all types of wealth and comforts but bereft of peace life itself has no

meaning. Everyone has to experience ups and downs in life, but they are like passing

clouds. Difficulties are a part of life. None can escape them. Hence, one has to treat

happiness and sorrow with equanimity. There is pleasure in pain and vice-versa. One

should not be elated by pleasure nor depressed by pain. We have to develop the spirit

of equanimity in order to progress in life.

2. "Who Am I"

How can one attain peace of mind? It is possible only when one realizes his innate

divinity. Why are we not able to experience peace? Where does the mistake lie? We

go on enquiring others, "Who are you?" But, we do not make an effort to enquire

into ourselves, "Who am I?" There lies the mistake. Once we realize who we really

are, we will be free from sorrows and difficulties forever. Hence, first and foremost,

we should make efforts to realize our true identity. What is the use of knowing

everything without being aware of the Self?

3. Live in Atmic Awareness

Lord Vishnu told Narada, "I have to assume the form of a human in order to move

among men and protect the world. I am present in everyone in the form of Atma.

When man constantly contemplates on the principle of Atma, I manifest Myself to

him." The same divine principle of Atma is present in all. One who realizes this truth

experiences the all-pervasive divinity. You are God and your fellow human being is

also God. Develop such principle of oneness and equality. Who are you? You think

you are the body. But, you are neither the body nor the mind. The human body is

like a water bubble and mind is like a mad monkey. Mind is nothing but a bundle of

desires. One day or the other you have to give up all desires. Hence, do not identify

yourself with the mind. Give up body consciousness and live in the constant

awareness that you are God. There is no point in merely worshipping idols if you do

not realize your innate divinity. Everyone must respect and revere the principle of the

Atma within.

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4. Give up Desires

You are deluded because of your materialistic outlook. You have to change your

vision. Do not expect God to change the creation. He has given you everything in its

pristine form. But, you are polluting it because of your selfish desires. Your heart is

naturally pure and sacred but you are deluded by the clouds of desires. Just as the sun

and the moon are not visible to us when they are covered by the clouds, we are

unable to visualize our reality because of our desires. Man is ruining his life because

of his bad habits. He should lead a life of righteousness. Do not give undue

importance to food and drink. Consider character as your very life-breath. If you lack

character, you will have to face innumerable difficulties in life. You should

contemplate on one name and one form till your last breath without changing like a

weather cock. You should remain unperturbed by difficulties and lead a spiritual life.

5. Pray only for Divine Love

Everything is in My hand. I can give you whatever you ask for. However, do not crave

for materialistic things from Me. They are transient like passing clouds. Ask for that

which is eternal. The entire world is sustained by the twin principles of truth and

love. They are present in everyone. I am the truth that is present in all. I am the love

that is present in all. Truth and love are all-pervasive. You may forget anything in life

but not truth and love. Bereft of truth and love one does not deserve to be called a

human being at all! Having come here and listened to My message, you should

practice truth and love in your daily life. Only that will make Me very happy.

Consider whatever work you do as God's work. See God everywhere. I will be happy

when you develop such divine feelings.

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Proceedings

November 2005

8TH WORLD CONFERENCE

PROCEEDINGS

OPENING SESSION

08:00 AM on November 20, 2005 in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba.

Sri Indulal Shah

The first speaker was the former International Chairman and current Advisor to

Prasanthi Council, Sri Indulal Shah, who offered salutations on behalf of the 15, 000

delegates assembled from some 180 countries. Recalling that the first world

conference was held in Bombay in May 1968, he noted that "the Organization has

now spread to every district in India with thousands of Centers in India and

thousands of Centers abroad. Whereas earlier emphasis of the organization was on

encouraging devotees to practice the five tools of sadhana, viz., Devotional Singing,

Meditation, Study Circle, Prayer, and Service Activities, the Avatar is now calling for

the personal transformation of every devotee to the point of experiencing God

within."

past achievements and plan for the future. Describing the students of Sri Sathya

schools and colleges as "our most valuable assets," he urged that this strength be

consolidated; and he publicly requested the Sathya Sai University teachers to help in

this endeavor. He also called for action "to involve the Bal Vikas and Sathya Sai

school students in activities of responsibility, which will enable the carrying over of

Bhagawan’s message for all mankind."

Sri Shah said that Bhagawan has clarified that the 21st century is going to be "the age

of transformation technology, not information technology." Continuing, he said that

this transformation technology will have each one of us who are devotees of Baba

everywhere in the world as an integral part of it. This will be the world’s most

beautiful World Wide Web. That is, (W)ork, (W)orship, and (W)isdom.

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Sri V. Srinivasan

The second speaker was Sri V. Srinivasan, President of the All-India Sathya Sai

Organization, who pointed out that we are gathered at a unique time in history. This

We are gathered here today at a unique time in history, when the world

Avatar who is great and glorious, and yet unlike any other. One who has

come not for the direct destruction of evil but to transform mankind

through the medium of Love, and thereby eliminate evil for all time.

We are fortunate that we are witnesses to this spiritual revolution, and

experiencing the thrill, the joy, and the wonder of Bhagawan’s Divine

mission as we move ever forward. The Sai Organization and its members

are particularly blessed as Bhagawan is permitting us to play a part in

this glorious transformation of mankind. From the members of the Sai

organization, Bhagawan expects neither wealth nor status or intellectual

capacity. All He wants is Love for our fellow man. That is enough for

Him. And then He takes us under his fold, like a loving mother, and

cares for us, nourishes us, and leads us on to our Divine destiny.

Sri Indulal Shah has set a precedent, several decades ago, and we have

seen the growth of the Sai organization all over the world, as brother

Goldstein will speak about in his talk. And even in the far off, remote

corners in India, Sai workers are working through the medium of service

and spirituality. Yet it is clear that Bhagawan is doing everything. We

are the visible instruments. We do not have to say that Bhagawan is

omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. We experience this everyday.

It is a continuous lesson for us in our sadhana. We can only express

gratitude to Bhagawan for His patience and for deep Love for us, and for

giving us real happiness. While the Organization is growing rapidly, we

have to always remember that Bhagawan places importance on quality,

and not quantity. This should always be our guidepost in whatever we

do.

The theme of the conference is appropriately ‘Unity, Purity and

Divinity.’ Bhagawan repeatedly teaches us that unless we have unity in

thought, word and deed, we cannot achieve purity, which alone can

enable us to realize our latent divinity. At this conference, the Sai

Organization in India proposes to examine these three mahavakyas in

relation to the individual, the family, the Organization itself, and society

and the nation. Bhagawan has revealed to us the importance of every

individual, who is the basic building block for the family, the society and

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the nation. Through His Grama Seva Program, He has taught us to

reach every single individual, in every single hut, in every single village.

Bhagawan, we assure you that we will always start from the individual to

reach out to the world. By the grace of Bhagawan we are fortunate to

have eminent speakers to address the sessions of the conference on these

subjects. We have much to learn from them to mould our work on the

right lines to meet the challenges of these modern times.

In closing, I only express gratitude to Bhagawan on behalf of all the

delegates assembled here for permitting us to hold this conference in the

Divine presence and for all the arrangements that HE has made for our

comfort, our care, our food, our accommodations. Bhagawan has done

all this. Even a thousand mothers would not care as much as our Lord

for His devotees. Jai Sai Ram.

Dr. Michael Goldstein

The third speaker, Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman of Prasanthi Council, added his

welcome to the delegates, noting that "every five years over the last 35 years our

beloved Bhagawan Baba has graciously permitted us to assemble in His Divine

presence to reflect upon what we have done." He further said:

Drawing upon His Divine inspiration, we strive to perfect our ways, and

to become worthy of bearing His name on this spiritual organization.

What has been, is, and will be in this saga of God on earth will comprise

the sacred volumes of holy scriptures for the societies and civilizations

of humankind that live in the centuries and millennia of the future. This

is indeed a momentous time.

The plan for this conference has changed. At first we who have

responsibility for the planning of this great event intended to draw out

the program for many days. We planned to ponder the mysteries of

man’s spiritual sojourn and the dilemma of this spiritual organization.

Our beloved Bhagawan Baba, in His infinite Love and wisdom, knowing

always what is best for us, has curtailed our zeal and put a ceiling on our

desires. Instead of wasting time, Bhagawan Baba has aptly given us

sufficient time to do the needful.

What is this dilemma of this spiritual organization, the organization

that bears the Divine Name of the Kali Yuga Avatar, Bhagawan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba? What is our dilemma?

Our dilemma is to realize Unity, Purity and ultimately Divinity as an

organization. A group of spiritual aspirants, we as individuals are

striving for that end, following the inner light. Sometimes we go astray.

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But our beloved Swami curtails our wanderings. We return to the only

true path for man, the spiritual path, the path of selfless Love. The path

to the realization of our Divine heritage. Now, we as a group aspire to

act collectively in the world in a manner that is spiritually authentic. We

aspire to create an environment that is conducive to the self realization

of all peoples by raising Divine consciousness. Our dilemma is that we,

who are imperfect, join together to act collectively to manifest perfection

in the world.

Only by the grace of our beloved Lord, Bhagawan Baba, can such a feat

be accomplished. Only He can melt away our impurities and smelt the

pure ore of our noble intentions. What must be done in this unique

conference, this meeting of spiritual aspirants, this gathering of Love?

Swami says, "always be careful." We must proceed with loving care.

While order and understanding are prerequisites to accomplishment,

bureaucracy is antithetical to spiritual progress. Therefore, let’s beware,

lest we institutionalize mediocrity. And let us take care, lest we trivialize

divinity. When we give up our ‘control,’ when we forego the

machinations, manipulations, and politically contrived controlling and

selfish actions, then we become the chief beneficiaries. We become

capable of genuine spiritual experience and accomplishment. Clearly, we

need faith; we need heart, we need Love. We need Bhagawan Baba’s

grace to achieve our goals.

…What is the Sri Sathya Sai Organization? It is composed of people

who have been called by Him through their conscience to follow His

teachings and uplift the world. First, the beckoning of the Divine

indweller, the individual; then, the coming together of like minds. Then

groups organized to have collective spiritual meetings and activities.

Then the geographical division into groups of various sizes, ranging from

small Sai groups to large centers with hundreds and even thousands of

members -- nations and groups of multiple countries in a hierarchy of

organizational management.

The current status of the Organization, as stated by Sri Indulal Shah,

includes thousands of centers and groups in hundreds of countries. They

are engaging in spiritual activities, falling under the three wings of the

Organization, devotion, education and service, representing the trimarga

of Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma Yoga.

Ultimately, we seek to develop the perspective of Unity, the experience

of Purity and the bliss of Divinity. That is the goal of this conference

and the aspiration of each and every one of us. Beloved Bhagawan Baba

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has taught us that Unity, Purity and Divinity are not three distinct

things, but rather three stages of spiritual progress in our spiritual

sojourn as human beings. The human life wasted consists of wandering

from one pleasure and worldly pursuit to another, none conferring

lasting peace or joy, none resulting in a life well lived, none resulting in

the fulfillment of our profound purpose.

The human life worth living is a spiritual progression through Unity,

Purity and Divinity. Being one, knowing who you truly are, is spiritual

Unity. Removing the distractions that result from our animal nature, the

desire for power and pleasure, that is spiritual purity. These are intrinsic

to our nature, that we should accomplish these goals. That is, this is the

reason that we have taken these human births to pass through these

stages until we become what and who we really are. We go through

Unity to Purity; and then we achieve all-enduring, all-encompassing

Love, which is Divinity realized.

Swami’s teachings inspire us to cast off the shroud of delusion and

enable us to live without a shadow of doubt. Unity of thought, word and

deed put us in command of our worldly selves. We subdue the worldly

pretenders, so that We, the real We, prevail. We achieve Purity by

removing the cardinal enemies, the contaminants—lust, anger, greed,

pride, attachment and jealousy.

How do we gain this quintessential command? We put aside the

distractions of our meddlesome minds and the interference of our

incessant desires. Our thoughts, words and deeds, actually our bodies

and our minds, are surrendered to the dictates of our conscience. Thus,

spiritual Unity and Purity are achieved. As a result, we cease meandering

through the maze of illusion, being blinded by the haze of desire and

attachment. Upon cessation of these distractions, we achieve realization

of who and what we have always truly been. Divinity is realized. Thus

the Embodiment of Divinity, our Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba, teaches us.

In this 8th World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organizations, we will

consider the profound spiritual significance and the practical worldly

application of Unity (being one), Purity (removing contamination and

distraction), Divinity (being a personification of selfless Love).

The All-India and International Sai Organizations will exchange

whatever is spiritually constructive, amongst one another. United we

will always stand. We will act and practice in the name of divinity, our

beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We will work together as true

brothers and sisters. Can it be any other way? Can the Light of perfect

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Love, Divine consciousness, be contained, defined or constrained by

religion, race, caste or nationality?

Swami said "all are one, be alike to everyone." Therefore, we, the

Organization, must strive to erase ignorant bias and see the God in all.

If not the first commandment of this organization, it is certainly near

the top.

In conclusion, from time to time, some of us are drawn into the world

and we lose sight of the spiritual path. We become forlorn, and then we

become skeptical. We ask ourselves: will we ever achieve this or that?

When we ask if we will ever do this or that, we acknowledge the

possibility of never. Asking "if ever" gives power to "never."

Swami has said that we should have no doubts. His mission will be

accomplished. Therefore, for us there is no "never." We will become

genuine devotees of our beloved Bhagawan Baba. We will act

collectively as a genuine spiritual organization and manifest the light of

His Love all over the world. For us there is no "ever" or "never." For us,

there is only the inevitable—inevitable self realization, inevitable

fulfillment of the Divine proclamation of our beloved Kali Yuga Avatar,

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Jai Sai Ram.

Mr. Leonardo Gutter

It appeared that the session might be ending, but at this point, Prasanthi Council

member, Leonardo Gutter, got an indication to approach the dais. He approached

Bhagawan, received His blessings and permission and went to the microphone. Mr.

Gutter began his spontaneous, extemporaneous remarks by saying "dear brothers and

sisters, I would like to share with you the Love of God."

Since the first time I met Bhagawan I felt His Divine Love, His

incredible Love. I think all of you here have felt that same Love. You

have felt in your hearts that cosmic reality that is with us all the time.

He is here in this beautiful form in Prasanthi Nilayam. Though He is

here, He is also with us always in our homes, at our work, everywhere.

Bhagawan used to say when He was Shirdi Sai, "you look to Me, I look

to you." The only thing that we have to do is to think about Him all the

time.

When I first came here, I began to have many experiences with Him,

some of which I will share with you now. On that first trip, I was with a

small group of Argentineans, and I was waiting to have the Divine

opportunity of an interview with Swami. At that time I was part of

another spiritual organization. But one night, overwhelmed by the

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reality of His divinity, I felt that I had to surrender to him completely.

So, that night in my room, I wrote a letter of resignation from the

position I had in that other organization and placed it on my altar. The

next morning during Darshan,

Swami instead of doing His usual rounds, came directly to where I was

sitting and said, "yes, I will see you, I will give you an interview." I

thought I was supposed to go in the afternoon and sit in front of His

room and wait for the interview. But the volunteer told me "no, it is not

like that; He will have to call you again." Well, I thought that that Seva

Dal just didn’t like my face, and had spoiled the opportunity I was

looking for. So that afternoon, I was feeling very sad, because I thought

that Swami would not remember me. And even if He remembered, He

would not be able to find me in the large crowd. However, when He

came out He did not leave the verandah, but just looked straight to

where I was sitting, pointed and said, "you." I stood up, and He said

"go!"

In the interview room He spoke about all that was on my mind, my

doubts, and then He approached me and whispered something in my

ears that I feel was not just meant for me, but for all of us. He said,

"Swami will never disappoint His devotees." I will always remember

that. I pray that we all always remember that.

My life since that time has been a life filled with Divine experiences. I

would like to share some with you. For over 20 years I have had the

opportunity to travel to many, many Latin American countries, where I

have seen how Bhagawan has touched the lives and hearts and minds of

so many hundreds of thousands of people to change their lives forever.

Many of them have come here. One day, Swami came and stood in

front of a young boy and said to him, "one day you will be the leader of

your country." That boy became the President of El Salvador. Today we

have here the Secretary of the Department of Education for Venezuela.

Tomorrow the Speaker of the Parliament of Venezuela is coming. The

former president of one of the centers in Guatemala was the former

President of Guatemala.

Swami, we have devotees in every country in Latin America. We have

over 300 centers in Latin America. In every country there are Sai

devotees; even in Cuba, there are thousands of Sai devotees. We have

over 108 Sai Groups in Cuba.

One day, when I was traveling to several Latin American countries to

attend some of the public meetings we were holding there, I landed at

the Miami International Airport around five o’clock in the morning. My

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connection flight was not until late in the afternoon. This is a very large

airport, with planes taking off every thirty seconds. I was there for a

while, and suddenly I noticed that the purse in which I kept my ticket

and passports and all my other valuables was gone. I looked around

frantically for it for many minutes, looking everywhere. I even went to

the Lost and Found desk, but no one had turned it in there. I was very

distressed. If you lose your ticket, you may get another, but to lose your

ticket, your money, credit cards, and your passport, you are in very bad

situation.

I continued to look everywhere, but no luck. Then I remembered that

Swami says you must ask God with all your heart. So, remembering this,

I went to the bathroom, because I thought that was the most private

place I could go and be alone and pray to Him. I prayed very hard for

nearly one half hour, "Swami please, please Swami, Swami," like that.

And finally I reached a point where I could not ask anymore. So I gave

up and I surrendered to His Will, and I left the bathroom.

Just as I came back into the lobby area, a cleaning woman came up to

me, just a foot away, with the purse in her hand, and said "sir, is this

yours?" Everything was still there, money, passport, ticket and all,

untouched.

Mr. Gutter went on to share a number of other very touching and inspiring

experiences that greatly moved the assembled delegates and made everyone very

happy.

The Session ended with the singing of Arati.

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SECOND SESSION 1:45 PM – 3 PM NOVEMBER 20, 2005

The afternoon session was opened with some brief remarks, by the conference

moderator, Dr. David Gries. He announced some changes in the timings and the fact

that the Sai International Symphony would be performing in Sai Kulwant Hall at 4

pm. The three speakers for this session would be Dr. Narendra Reddy on Devotion;

Professor Anil Kumar on From Education to Educare; and Air Chief Marshall N. C.

Suri on Service.

Dr. Narendra Reddy

Dr. Reddy is a member of the Prasanthi Council and Chairman of the International

Medical Committee. He began his talk by asserting that everything about Swami can

be summarized in one word – Love!

Swami’s life, message, His ideals, His humanitarian works all can be

enshrined in one word: LOVE. But His Love cannot be expressed in

words, nor can it be comprehended by the mind. We can only

experience His Love, enjoy His Love, expand His Love by sharing that

Love with others. It has no bounds, no limits. It is infinite. We are really

fortunate and blessed to be in the presence of that embodiment of Love.

Swami has come not to destroy the evil doers, but to inculcate in us this

Love, to teach us this path of Love, this message of Love, this obligation

to Love, this duty to Love. He has also said He wants us to realize that

Love is our essential nature, that we are Love personified.

But what is this "Love" of which Swami speaks? He says that true Love

is often confused with attachment and affections, etc. But real Love, He

says, is pure, selfless, unconditional, eternal, never-changing. At Guru

Poornima He said that we should pray to Him only for pure Love.

Contemplating on that, I was reminded of what Jesus said, "seek ye the

kingdom of God and everything will be added unto you." So if we have

pure Love, everything will be added to us.

Swami says our Love should be one-pointed. Similarly, Jesus said you

cannot serve two masters, nor ride two horses at the same time. We can

remember JOY, J-O-Y. Jesus first; others second, yourself last. We can

also apply this to SAI: S - Swami first, then A – All others next and then

I – I myself last. Jesus said the greatest commandment is that we should

Love thy God with all thy heart, mind and soul. This Divine Love must

be the highest goal for all of us. But Swami says that our Love must also

be intense, not just one-pointed. I remember once when I was with

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Swami, I asked, "How do I know I have devotion?" He said it is

devotion when you have "intense longing for God."

Sri Ramakrishna said of devotion that it should be like the combined

Love of the mother for the child, a miser for money, and a chaste

woman for her husband. One should have an intense longing for God.

This Love should be one-pointed and then everything else will be added.

We should Love God with all our heart and soul.

Another important thing is that true Love is expressed through quality,

not quantity. Quality is what is important. Once I mentioned to Swami

that the number of devotees attending the center meetings in our home

had grown from ten up to 100. Swami admonished me, and said, "Is

that all you’ve learned after all these years? Quality, not quantity."

How to develop that Love? Swami has given nine modes of expressing

devotion in His discourses. Because of time, I shall not go into detail,

but you can find it in many of His discourses. They include listening to

the glories of the Lord, reading His discourses, singing to the Lord,

remembrance of the Lord, salutations to the Lord, worship of the Lord,

friendship with God, service, and ultimately surrender to God. They can

be found in Prema Vahini. Follow any one of these paths, and you will

reach the goal.

Another thing Swami tells us is that in order to experience pure Love,

we should rid ourselves of impurities. Instead of fighting with the six

cardinal enemies, Swami says we can channel all desires toward God.

Even negative emotions can be made beneficial by directing them

toward God. For example, if you feel greed, convert the greed to wanting

more and more of God. If you have pride, change it to be proud you are

a Sai devotee. We can have anger at our failings and shortcomings. In

past ages, the sages prayed that God would come into their midst. But

today we have the good fortune to be contemporaries of the Avatar.

Enjoy Swami’s Love. That is the way to get rid of impurities and enjoy

pure Love.

Of course, Swami always tells us that the root cause of impurities is our

body attachment. Yesterday, on the Ladies’ Day, Swami addressed this

issue of body attachment. Usually, on that day we would have a woman

devotee translate His message. But He surprised everyone by calling on

Anil Kumar, who was not expecting it, to translate. Every action of

Swami, every gesture He does has a profound meaning. Then, Swami

started the discourse. Usually, He begins by commenting on the

importance of the role of the woman in society. But this time He said,

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"woman, man, there is no difference. These are all vestures. There is

only one and that is Atma."

This shows that we are only one. We need to find out who we really are.

Avoid body consciousness. This is the way to develop pure Love for

God. Swami also talks about spiritual evolution. First, bouthika bhakthi,

we start at the physical level, making prayers, meditation, japa, etc., to

God. The second stage is ekantha bhakthi, going inward. The third stage,

ananya bhakthi, is when we see God inside and outside and everywhere.

The conclusion of these three can be described as SAI, S-A-I. Sai And I

are one. Also, we can say: See Sai, that is, to see Sai Always Inside.

What are the signs of devotion? Swami says proof of rain is wetness of

the ground. Similarly proof of devotion is to have peace and equal

mindedness. If we are disturbed and agitated, then we do not have true

devotion. Swami has said, "Be equal minded. Nothing should disturb

your equanimity." Then, show your devotion in action through service,

which is done with Love, humility and with no desires for self. Don’t

worry about loss and gain, etc. Always be cheerful and happy and

radiate that joy that is Swami in you. Swami says "Be Happy." The goal

of all spiritual practices is to Be Happy, and happiness is union with

God. Be joyful, cheerful and happy, and radiate that joy to others. Pray

only for Swami’s unconditional, changeless, boundless and pure Love.

We must realize we are embodiments of Love.

Prof. Anil Kumar

Professor Anil Kumar of the SSS Institute of Higher Learning spoke on the subject:

"From Education to Educare." He used a PowerPoint presentation, making comments

about each slide. "Spirituality," he said, "is an opportunity to know the Reality."

Spirituality, or Religion, is not seriousness. Seriousness is a sign of

sickness. Religion is laughter, spirituality is ecstasy. Life is dance. Life is

celebration.

That’s the reason why we ask if anyone is serious, "why are you like

that?" But if one is smiling, we don’t say, "why do you smile?"

In order to understand the beauty of life, Educare is absolutely

necessary.

We hear of so many "cares" nowadays: Agri-care, Aqua-care, Spirituocare,

Medicare, till finally "Don’t Care."

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But this "Educare" is something different. Through Education we

receive knowledge, but the knowledge is just bookish information. The

knowledge will make you a scholar. And knowledge will also make you

knowledgeable. Knowledge-ability, scholarship, ability to gather

information are the criteria of a man of Education. But Educare is

something different. Educare is for wisdom; and it is a product of the

heart, nothing to do with the head. While Education is full of Fund of

Information, Educare brings about Transformation!

And it is Educare that gives us a sense of awareness of our true selves.

And in Education, we are used to questions. More so the teacher.

Students are eager to ask questions, if they care to listen, unless they go

to sleep in the classroom – which in spiritual parlance they would call

the state of Samadhi. They ask so many questions, and seek answers.

Whereas Educare has nothing to do with questions and answers.

Educare is a Quest! Educare is an eternal quest. The road ends there.

Education is based on communication skills - email, slides, power point,

etc. When it comes to Educare, it has nothing to do with

communication. Educare is communion. Communion and

communication are different. Communication is external, communion is

the one within.

We may say of someone, "he’s a great intellectual." But intellectuality is

a product of Education. We say he’s a great intellectual, meaning that

intellect is an extension of the mind. An intellectual can earn

respectability, prestige, and status in society. Whereas Educare will

never make you an intellectual, but will make you intelligent. So

intelligence is different from intellect. We are born with intelligence,

because even an insect knows which flower to go to. Therefore, this

intelligence is the birthright of every living creature.

Education is full of logic. You say something, and someone will say "I

disagree." Education is full of arguments, disagreements. If you say you

disagree, you are educated, and we feel like interpreting. There are

people who interpret Swami’s words also. Some people will interpret

your experiences for you. They will interpret your dreams for you. But

that’s nonsense! Let not anybody interpret anyone else’s experiences.

And, then, Education helps you to develop Personality, while Educare

will build up Individuality. Personality and Individuality are two

opposite poles. Personality is ego-centric, ego-centered, whereas,

Individuality gives you emotional satisfaction. And this Personality is

self-centered conditioning. You condition yourself, and therefore you

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stipulate so many narrow limitations. But Educare gives you self

application, you applied yourself to the Self.

Education is full of hallucinations, imaginations. One goes on imagining.

One goes on dreaming of the future, and imagining. But Educare is

meant for mental rehabilitation, that is Individuality. Education will

make you hesitate and be indefinite.

Whereas Education will tend to lead toward escapism, Educare leads to

self improvement. It gives you power and vitality. Education is for

materialistic benefits and gains, where Educare teaches us the art of life,

the discovery of man.

Education deals with the objective world, composed of the five elements

and is external. Whereas Educare is subjective, dealing with the inner

reality. Education lays an emphasis on Conscience, the physical glory.

Whereas Educare is spiritual, taking us from Conscience to

Consciousness. Conscience is divinity at the level of the individual.

Consciousness is all-pervasive, universal, cosmic divinity. The same

divinity limited at the individual level is Conscience. The divinity which

is cosmic is Consciousness.

And then Education always takes us to that sense of doer-ship. But

Educare focuses on the fact that things just ‘happen.’ That is, "I did not

do this, rather, it simply happened." ‘Doing’ is egoistic, while

‘happening’ is Divine, and spiritual.

Life is a challenge. An educated man should be prepared to meet the

challenge of life, and life is a game. There is a difference between game

and play. "Life is a Game. Play it," Baba says. Why? Game has rules.

Game is serious, while in Play is playful. In a game, someone wins or

loses, while in a Play, there is nothing like winning and losing. Game is

within the limitations of rules and restrictions, while Play is a matter of

fun and frolic. It’s God’s play. Therefore, Education will make you an

expert in games, which are rigid, while Educare will make you playful,

full of laughter, and flexible.

And then there is passion. An educated man is passionate. A passionate

person always thinks in terms of competition and comparison. The

educated man is passionate, rigid and competitive. Where there is

competition, and comparison, there is no spirituality, no God. Because

the spiritual texts say that there is only one God -- One Without A

Second. When there is One Without A Second, with whom are you

going to compete? With whom are you going to compare?

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Educare will make you full of compassion and not competition. Educare

confers gratitude. You remain ever grateful to God for all the

opportunities given to you.

Education will make you have higher standard of living, while Educare

brings higher standard of life in general.

Education teaches you the art of Becoming; while Educare gives you the

art of Being.

And then, Education helps you toward Proficiency, while Educare leads

to Efficiency.

Finally, there are two words I would like to speak about: dreams and

visions. Dreams are the qualities of educated people. Dreams, actually

speaking, are unfulfilled desires. I can’t beat you here, so I beat you in

my dream.

People are always telling about their dreams. Dream is nothing but a

mind phenomenon. But dreams relating to Bhagawan are not mere

dreams, but Visions. After the dream, you get tired, exhausted. But

Visions give energy, because you are in contact with Existence. You

dream in sleep in an unconscious state. Dreams take you farther from

reality whereas visions take you closer to yourself. Dreams are black and

white but visions are Technicolor. Dreams relating to Bhagawan are

visions and leave you full of energy and in contact with God. Visions

can happen while awake. Dreams are mind phenomena that can take us

away from Reality.

My friends, Education as taught in the typical classroom is quite

different from Educare. An uneducated man may through Educare

acquire depth and profundity.

I could go on and on like this, but I do not wish to exceed my time. So

before they ask me to take my seat, I would rather go back respectfully,

appreciating and thanking all of you for having heard my thoughts. Sai

Ram.

Air Chief Marshall N.C. Suri

The final speaker of the session was Retired Air Chief Marshall Suri, whose topic was

Selfless Service in the context of Unity, Purity and Divinity. He observed that, "for

70 years, I was in total darkness; whatever little I have learned I learnt in the last few

years. So do not expect from me any great words of wisdom to flow through my

mind. What you will hear from me is what I have begun to believe. And that is what I

prayed to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Baba just now. I said that if there is one word that I

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utter this afternoon that is not my conviction or that I do not believe in, strike me

dead at this moment."

So the first thing that I need to mention here is that I Love each one of

you, intensely. I say this not because of your face, not because I am able

to read your hearts, but because each of you is a reflection of Sathya Sai

Baba.

And the moment you accept my Love, I know that God will enter my

heart and I will have no room for hatred, envy, jealousy or animosity. So

I beg you, please accept my Love.

I shall start with some of the comments made by Dr. Michael Goldstein

with great brilliance in the letter which he circulated to all of you. And

that is that Unity is oneness. But also we have to look at that in the

greater dimension. Unity is the consciousness of one Atma, which means

that you and I are not different. When I told you that I Love you, it

means I Love myself. When say I serve you, I am serving myself.

Unity also means that every time you look at someone, feel that you are

looking at yourself, and behave accordingly.

As far as Purity is concerned, it is the removing of the contamination

from your mind, the distractions that your mind creates, and thoughts.

Because these really lead you nowhere.

And the third is Divinity, which, really is the personification of Love.

Dr. Goldstein put it nicely in the letter when he said that Unity, Purity

and Divinity are not attributes but the three stages of spiritual progress.

Educare. I might mention that I have written an article on this subject.

To me, Educare means that every dunce, under correct care, can have

enlightenment. That is the secret of Educare, because if you follow this

program, you are bound to be enlightened, no matter what you may do.

As far as service is concerned, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said

that service should be your life breath. He also uses, more often than

not, the expressions: "Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never." We

repeat these words, but very rarely do we tell people how to prepare

themselves for this mission. What is the inner meaning? The reason why

I say this is because, paradoxically, Knowledge and Ignorance are the

two sides of the same coin. By that I mean that if you gain Knowledge,

you do not necessarily erase Ignorance. Ignorance has to be addressed

separately.

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Presently, a lot of people in the spiritual field believe that pedantic

knowledge should be our focus. They quote scriptures for all occasions.

But in so doing, they often forget that Ignorance is not erased.

Now, I am going to be using certain acronyms that have been coined by

me, which are perhaps not quite intelligent, but do convey the meaning

of my orientation. For example:

E-G-O, to mean ‘Every General’s Orientation.’

L-O-V-E, ‘Life Of Visual Enlightenment.’

S-E-R-V-I-C-E. ‘Service Encompasses the Real Vision of Community

Enlightenment.’

P-O-L-I-C-E, ‘People of Love Involved in Community Enlightenment.’

Mark the words "Community Enlightenment" at every stage. You and I

are really Bhagawan’s police. The only difference is that we have Love as

against the Stick, or the Handcuffs, or whatever.

Please remember that service is a function of life. Service is not to

merely give out a few packages of food. It is throughout your waking

hours, and possibly even in dreams. You should dream of giving service

to others.

In doing service it is important to realize that nothing that you have

really belongs to you. It is all Bhagawan’s; and He has given it to you so

that you may use it judiciously.

If you wish to serve, let us not think just in terms of food packets. Let us

not think of what would be a seasonal activity. Let us think in terms of

‘what would be service to God?’ I think the best service to God would be

for us to understand that no matter to whom you pray, what form you

worship, you are praying to the one God.

Air Chief Marshall Suri concluded his remarks with an appeal that we all strive to

come together and be loving to one another and be respectful of each others religious

orientation. He said it is not important to know when Sai Baba was born, or when

Jesus was born, or when Rama was born, or when Mohammed was born and died.

What is important, he said, is that Rama, or Christ, or Sai, or Mohammed be born in

your heart, and live in your mind. He wishes us all to remember that "Service is living

in enlightenment."

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THIRD SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE

The third session of the conference commenced on November 21, 2005 at 10:30 in

the morning. Moderator Dr. David Gries stated that there would be only one speaker,

with the rest of the time devoted to an interactive question and answer session.

Shitu Chudasama

Shitu Chudasama, who is Youth Coordinator for the UK, spoke on the subject of

"Ideal Sai Youth."

Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara – Speak truthfully, act righteously. This

is the principle of the Avatar and the motto of the Sri Sathya Sai

Institute of Higher Learning. As youth, it is our vision and mission to

become exemplary Sai youth. How do we accomplish this? The Divine

Indweller must become the Ruler of our being. Sai youth must

contribute their enthusiasm, creativity and courage to the Organization.

The youth must recognize that among the members and elders of the

Sai organization, they will find examples of selfless Love, profound

wisdom and extensive spiritual knowledge.

All of us must remember that Swami pays little attention to chronology.

The main qualities of youth are: purity, sacredness and courage. If a

devotee has these then he or she is worthy to be called a Sai youth,

regardless of chronological age. Elders must see themselves as they were

at a younger age and youth must see the beauty and goodness that has

resulted from many years of devotion to the spiritual life. This is the

first step in transforming oneself into Ideal Sai Youth. Leaders of

tomorrow must be participants of today.

Youth involvement in the Sai Organization should mean the deepening

of our devotion to our Divine Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It

should mean always striving to be aware of our own divinity. It should

mean that we are consciously involved in selfless action and Love in the

world. And it should mean that we have adopted a spiritual way of life

enhanced by our organizational programs and activities, perpetuated by

our faith, determination and self confidence. These goals are the

purpose of human life.

Before Purity and Divinity can manifest in our hearts we must strive for

Unity. Swami says that we are One, regardless of our national origins;

and although the world is haunted by suffering, unrest, disorder and

agitations, any country filled with noble beings is bound to be peaceful

and happy. He says the absence of young men and women of noble

character is the reason for the sad plight of our countries. Swami has

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also said that character is the basis for all our behavior, qualities and

actions.

The golden rule for every youth in our Sai organization is to uphold the

sacred teachings and mission of our Lord. His likes and dislikes should

become our sacred mantra. Before doing anything, we should ask

ourselves, "Will Swami be happy?" Youth should note that the thing

that most displeases Swami is boys mixing with girls in the activities of

the Organization. The purpose of the Organization is to help us grow

spiritually. It is not an outlet to socialize and meet new friends. We

should bear in mind that wherever we go, people will be judging Swami

from our actions and conduct.

When we respect and revere our parents, Bhagawan will manifest before

us and shower us with his Grace. Youth should emulate Pundarika’s

ideal and serve their parents. If we want to realize God, then first and

foremost we should Love and show devotion toward our parents.

Throughout my life I made Swami my best friend. He looks after my

every need, wants and desires. People will let you down but Bhagawan

will never let you down. Therefore, everyone should look to God as a

faithful friend, one’s only true friend in life. Swami says, "only those

who are immersed in the Divine are dear to Me and are My dear friends.

If you want to be dear friends of Swami, conduct yourself in the Divine

manner. In such a case you do not need to come here. I will come to

you, wherever you are. I’ll come there wherever you stay. I am with you,

in you, around you and behind you. I am not separate from you. You

and I are one."

Youth should have strong and unwavering faith without even a trace of

doubt. Their thoughts, words and deeds must be in harmony with each

other.

Swami says that youth are generally very good but change their

behaviour due to environment. As Sai youth, we must make efforts to

understand our true nature. The difference between God and man is

very subtle. As long as we do not understand this, we will remain human

beings. However, once we recognize this truth, we rise to the heights of

Divinity.

As Sai youth, we are capable of eradicating the restlessness in society.

From today we must keep a check on our desires. We must always make

sure that we respect our parents and serve them well. We should always

keep in mind the welfare of society and of the nation at large. Swami

wants us to earn a good name in society.

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As I said earlier, Sai youth must always follow Swami’s dictum of:

Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara – Speak truthfully, act righteously. This

is the essence of Unity, Purity and Divinity.

Interactive Panel

At the conclusion of Mr. Chudasama’s talk, Dr. Gries announced that the questions

that the delegates had written on the 3 x 5 index cards that were passed out at the

conclusion of the previous session had been categorized and sorted and given to the

panel members. He introduced the panel as consisting of Dr. Michael Goldstein, Dr.

Narendra Reddy, Air Chief Marshall N. C. Suri, and Dr. William Harvey, member of

Prasanthi Council.

Question 1. "Why are previous Conference recommendations and resolutions not

implemented?"

Answer 1. (Dr. Goldstein): Many recommendations and resolutions have been made.

Suggested changes to the Charter are being considered by members of the Prasanthi

Council. Some resolutions may have been changed by Swami, some by the

Organization, some were not suitable for adoption, some were impossible to

implement, and it was resolved not to implement them. Some in responsible

positions may not have been responsible. We all do our best but we are all imperfect.

Still, we should always come together in the spirit of Love and unity.

Q2. There were a number of questions about the importance of vegetarian food.

Swami advises us to abstain from non-vegetarian food. There are some officers that are not

vegetarians, what is your opinion on this? Is being vegetarian necessary to achieve unity, purity,

divinity?

A2. (Dr. Reddy): It is important to be a vegetarian for a spiritual seeker. Swami gives

many discourses on food. Food is not only what we eat, but also what we see, what

we hear, etc. It is all sensory experience. Swami has given us the pathway of

vegetarianism. Satwic food is very important in order to put us in tune with the

Divine. Swami says that the essence of food becomes our mind. Our thoughts are

influenced by our food.

Swami’s four basic requirements of a seeker are: vegetarianism, no smoking, no

gambling, no alcohol. Whatever food we take should be offered to God. We shouldn’t

be too obsessed with food. We are devotees of Swami. He has told us what is good

for us. Satwic food is good for us. It is very important in order to tune into the

Divine. Even satwic food in excess becomes thamasic. We should follow His

command. Offering the food to God is the first step to unity, purity and divinity.

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(Dr. Harvey): A point about enforcing rules on others. We should try to set good

examples, by focusing on trying our best to follow Swami’s teachings in our own lives.

We have to be careful not to judge others. Swami once said it is more important what

comes out of the mouth than what goes into it. Let us first be sure we study and

discuss Swami’s teachings on this, and other subjects. And one of His main teachings

is for us to avoid criticizing or finding faults in others. Work on ourselves, set good

examples, try not to become judgmental.

Q3. In Europe we talk about our own culture. Why can’t we spread Baba’s culture of unity

when we go back?

A3. (Dr. Goldstein): We are one spirit. We are consciousness. It pleases God that

there is diversity in the world, with unity as the basis. Don’t talk of Sai culture.

Think of unity in diversity. It transcends all cultures.

Q4. Is it necessary to have Hindu rituals and Indian culture in Sai Centers in Australia?

A4. (Dr. Goldstein): Swami says that all Sai Centers should reflect human values.

Swami emphasizes the human values. The primary thing is Love. Do not emphasize

the rituals. Emphasize the unity of faith and reflect the five human values.

Q5. Should Sai Centers in the West be outposts of Hindu spirituality and culture?

A5. (Dr. Goldstein): No.

(Dr. Harvey) The most important thing is that we try to make the people that visit

our centers feel comfortable. The emphasis should be on the universality of Swami’s

message. People do not have to change their religion or adopt a new one because they

are drawn to Sathya Sai Baba and His teachings. Therefore, we should not give the

impression that one has to worship Him within the context of any particular religious

orientation.

Also, it is just a matter of common courtesy that we should seek to make visitors to

our centers feel comfortable. Welcome them warmly and lovingly, because whether

they realize it or not they were drawn there so that they might experience some of the

Love that we have received from Swami. Let’s not put obstacles in their way. Try to

explain things in a loving way. The setting should reflect universality of faiths.

Swami’s Love should be allowed to flow through us.

(Air Chief Marshall Suri): It is important to have a focus on equality. For a long

time, I was a ‘rabid Hindu,’ which really only meant I knew nothing about Hinduism.

Baba has now given me the inspiration to look into other religions. I have learned

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prayers from other religions. They are all to the same God. The focus in the Sai

center should be multi-faith.

Q6. Will Swami answer these questions?

A6. (Dr. Goldstein): Swami likely will not address everything in His Discourse. His

answers come in many ways. The answer may come from friends and others, it could

be an insight. That is Swami’s way. He is Divinity. We must look into our own heart.

And reflect on our actions. Swami will uplift and inspire us and help us address these

questions.

Q7. How can we always be connected to Swami?

A7. (Dr. Reddy): Hear no evil, hear what is good. See no evil, see what is good. Speak

no evil, speak what is good. Then we will be in touch with the Lord. This is what

Swami has said, "When you have a problem, go to a corner, sit quietly, think about

Me and the answer you get is My voice." It is in the depths of silence that the voice

of God can be heard. Practice the essence of the values – help ever, hurt never, and

Love all, serve all.

(Dr. Harvey): We are always connected to Swami, we just have to switch on our

receiving unit. The experiences we are given are specific messages to each of us,

especially when we are here in the Ashram. Swami says that none of us comes here of

our own volition. He has brought us here, and He is constantly looking at each of

us—in the context of our past, present and our future. The most important thing is

for us to keep in mind this fact. We’ll never understand Him fully through the mind.

So don’t try. "Relinquish the imperative to understand," He has said. He is giving us

precisely the experiences we need.

We are fortunate to be here and must take this Love back home and share it. Practice

seeing God everywhere: practice, practice, practice.

(Air Chief Marshall Suri): In order to be near Swami, you have to surrender to Him.

If you do, you will be near to Him. This morning I was sitting on the veranda wanting

padnamaskar. An inner voice said, "Move to the other side," which I did, and I got

padnamaskar. If you want to hear Swami, surrender. If you want to serve Swami,

surrender.

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Q8 How can I Love people who constantly irritate me and those who try to rule others’ lives?

Explain how can I see God in them?

A8. (Dr. Harvey): Everything is God; everyone is God. He has taken all these various

forms. The person who is irritating us is playing a role. The role has a purpose that is

divinely inspired.

But we should not be focusing so much on what others are doing, but on how we are

responding. That is the key. Our buttons are being pushed for a good reason, to

stimulate us to reflect upon our own behavior, or reactions and emotional responses.

Go inwards. We should look at ourselves, continually go inward. We have to ask,

‘Why does this irritate me so? Why am I upset?’

(Dr. Reddy): Whenever you are criticized, God is speaking through the person who

criticizes you. Our enemies are our real friends because they point out our flaws so we

can improve. We don’t like people pointing out our flaws, but it is helpful if we can

take this and learn from it. What can I learn? How can I improve? Try, try, try to

accept everything that happens to us, and reflect on our reactions.

(Dr. Harvey): Pain and suffering have a positive value for our spiritual development.

If we never get out of our comfort zone, we stagnate. Swami frequently asks, "What

change is there in you from coming to Prasanthi Nilayam for many years?"

We must strive to welcome every experience that comes, even the painful ones, that

comes to us. Everything is for our good. Just witness everything and don’t label it

good or bad. Remember, Swami says that whatever happens is through His Will, and

for our good.

Q9. What is the role of the Sai Organization in responding to disasters such as the tsunami?

A9. (Dr. Goldstein): We are a spiritual organization. We render service when we can.

But we are not an organization like the Red Cross.

Adversity in the world and suffering of fellow beings is an opportunity for us to

respond lovingly, to alleviate that suffering. Collectively as an Organization, it allows

us to use our resources for this purpose. We are not primarily a service organization

but service is for our sadhana.

We are being exemplars of people who recognize the divinity within all. We are not

here to formalize an army of disaster managers. Our service is to uplift others.

Hungry people can’t think about God. Serving food to hungry people empowers them

to see the divinity in themselves. Obviously, when human suffering occurs, then they

can’t think about God. They are mainly concerned about sustaining their bodies. The

same is true for other handicaps such as mental disturbance, homelessness,

alcoholism, etc.

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We must think in terms of the higher spiritual significance of service. We are not

here to create a bureaucracy of managers who will go out in the world, responding to

every tragedy.

As leaders, we always pray to Swami for guidance, and try to act appropriately in

terms of whatever guidance we get. Often, leaders pray and obtain guidance. We are

always looking to serve, but we should not become preoccupied with making the

organization a place to train people to go out and manage disasters. Seek Swami

within. Adversity and enemies are opportunities to go inwards and to Love.

Q10. Doesn’t the Organization need to set a vision? The Organisation is not addressing its

sustainability. The speakers are not addressing the theme of the conference.

A10. (Dr. Goldstein): First of all, there is no question of addressing sustainability.

This organization is imbued with divinity, founded in the name of Bhagawan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba. Imbued with Love, wisdom and power insofar as we are able to

come together as devotees and tap that Love, the organization is invulnerable and

eternal as is Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Swami has said so.

The vision is not a five- or a ten-year plan of building edifices, etc. The vision is that

all will look for Love in our hearts, find that Love and practice that Love and then

take that Love into the world as embodiments of Love. That is the vision of the

Organization. This was said by Sri Indulal Shah and by Sri V. Srinivasan.

There is effectiveness and efficiency. With effectiveness, we know what is right by

looking into our own hearts and the Charter. With regard to efficiency, we do what

we do with the least amount of energy. Sometimes, when we are acting with the

highest Love in mind, it is not the most efficient. Sometimes, efficiency is mindless or

insensitive. We’re not efficient in the economic sense. It is not the Organization’s

nature. At times like this, we must think who we are. We come together to pursue the

purpose of this organization, but we have to do within an orderly structure.

Q11. Can there be social mixing of sexes in the Sai Organization? It is strange in my society to

separate the sexes. There are no arranged marriages in the west, how are they to meet?

A11. (Dr. Harvey): Try to look at what Swami says, and strive to move towards that.

Our minds will foster doubts, always. We worry what happens if my child does not

meet the right person. It comes back to the fact that we have to keep working on

ourselves and to pray for stronger faith. Our mind convinces us that we are the doers,

but that just is not so. All is God’s Play. He is the Director. It is all in divine order.

We have to relax, to "let go, and let God." Have confidence that things will work out.

We don’t have to be worried that we are the ones who do everything.

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(Air Chief Marshall Suri): Men and women can relate. Our understanding of Love

now is based on animal instincts, but Love should be pure. Swami gives us options,

take time to think about what will be correct action. Do relations have to be physical?

It is the manner in which we relate to one another that becomes important. Love is

different from relationships. We have the task of letting people know the difference.

The problem you mention is not foreign to Indians.

Q12. All the members of the Prasanthi Council are men. Why? This panel is all men. Why?

A12. (Dr. Goldstein): Swami appointed the members of the Prasanthi Council. With

regard to the panel, I thought these people would be the best to serve you.

Q13. What should we do about money? Money is a problem in organizing events. Could our

Sai center turn to other centers when we don’t have money for the event? Should Sai Schools levy

fees?

A13. (Dr. Goldstein): We should not levy fees in Sai schools. Don’t embark on

anything that exceeds your resources. Let Swami guide you from within.

There was a similar question about whether a Sai center may accept support from

government agencies. The answer is no! Of course, unusual circumstances may arise.

In that event go through the Sai Organization hierarchy and obtain approval from a

higher authority in the Sai Organization. Normally, we don’t involve ourselves with

other agencies about money. What is the single most important thing the Centers

should observe? Swami told Dr. Hislop that the Organization should have as little to

do with money as possible. Use common sense, but in general, we should avoid those

situations that cause us to become embroiled with money. We’re not fundraisers,

finding money to train people to do this, that and the other. This is not the nature of

the Organization. We are spiritual aspirants. We are a group of loving people.

(Dr. Harvey): Frequently, we reflect on the nature of our organization and draw

parallels with other organizations, but we are unique. We view service as a spiritual

practice. Our service activities do not have to be big, large scale projects. It is service

to smile at someone, or to ring up a shut-in with a few words of cheer. We don’t have

to have big projects. Look for the unity beneath the diversity. Navigate the world

with awareness that all are One. We don’t have to think of ourselves as "doing" so

much. Swami assures us we will reach the goal.

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Q14. Is it right to try to correct the faults of others?

A14. (Dr. Reddy): We are not here to correct others. Never try to find fault with

others. We are all here to know who we are. We are here to transform ourselves and

mind our own business. Jesus said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Forgiveness should

be our very nature. On her deathbed, when Sarada Devi was asked to give her final

message, she said, "If you want peace of mind, don’t find fault with others. But find

your own faults." You can find answers to this in Prema Vahini.

Q15. Heads of the Sai organization are becoming status conscious. How could this be remedied?

A15. (Dr. Goldstein): The remedy for officers who are so status conscious is to treat

them with Love. If they remain status conscious and this a problem, then there is

recourse to higher levels of the organization. But first reflect and check that this is

not something within yourself that you are projecting onto others. Make sure there is

no dirt in your own eye. If status consciousness is detrimental to the function of the

Sai Center then appeal to a higher level in the organization.

(Dr. Harvey): The faults we see in others are reflections of unresolved issues within

ourselves. It means we have work to do on ourselves. When we find ourselves finding

faults, we should take some time out to reflect on the irritating events. And then ask

do I have some tendencies in the same direction? For example, we might conclude we

have 10% of the bad behavior, and the office bearer has 90%. Work to reduce your

10%. If you reduce yours to 5%, you will find what you now perceive in the other is

reduced by 50%.

We need to give others the benefit of the doubt. There is always another side to the

problem. When a child comes up to the teacher on the school yard complaining

about another child, the teacher always knows there are two sides to the story.

However, as adults we tend to take sides when we hear a complaint. Swami tells us

not to take sides, not to enlarge the conflict. Show patience, Love and understanding,

and solve the problem quietly as you do with small children. Bring people together in

a loving way.

(Dr. Reddy): Swami tells the story of Dharmaraja, who is an embodiment of goodness

and righteousness and Duryodana, who is a man of evil nature. Sri Krishna sent both

of them to the town to look for a good person. Dharmaraja came back and said all the

people in the town were good while Duryodana could not find anybody good other

than himself. Swami says the world is thus our own reflection. We have to wear the

eye glasses of Prema and then we see everything as Prema.

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Q16. Office bearers in the Sai organization should not hold an office in another spiritual

organization. Please discuss.

A16. (Dr. Goldstein): Office bearers should be single-minded on this Name and

Form. If an office bearer wants to be in another organization, then he or she should

resign as an office bearer from our organization and just be a devotee.

Q17. Should overseas Sai Centers in their meetings copy what happens at Prasanthi, or should

they reflect the local culture?

A17. (Dr. Goldstein): The center should reflect Prasanthi to the extent that it is

steeped in Love only. All centers should reflect that Love. Regarding the actual

content of the programs, we talk about unity in diversity and that God is in all names

and forms. Therefore, centers should adapt to all cultures. Do you go back and make

wholesale changes? No. We should evolve toward our own culture. We need to be

conscious of culture. It’s a part of creation. Don’t become preoccupied with this. As

we become enlightened, Love will shine through Swami’s Divine message in all lands

and cultures.

INTERACTIVE SESSION 2 – PANEL DISCUSSION

At 1:30 pm Dr. Gries welcomed the group back to the fourth and final session of the

conference. Dr. Goldstein made a few opening remarks:

There are many questions about education. I will make a brief

statement. Professor Anil Kumar will make some further comments later

this afternoon. The Prasanthi Council has convened a subcommittee to

review the status of SSE, SSEHV and their relationship to the concept

of Educare. Eminent Sai educators are involved, including Dr. Pal Dhall,

Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai, Ronne Marantz, Bea Flaig, Victor Kanu, Thorbjorn

Meyer, Tom Scovill, Mr. Gomez and others. They have compiled a

document which is still under deliberations. The Prasanthi Council will

act on the recommendations in a way that best serves the Sai

organization.

We will now continue with the questions.

Q18. When can we expect the answers to the questions?

A18. (Dr. Goldstein): It will take a while to put all the answers in some order. They

will be sent out by the Organization. The notes from the Conference will be

distributed at some point, but not in the next few days.

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A question from this morning was about how to handle difficulty with officers. First

talk to the officer, then go to the Regional Officer, then to the Central Council

President and finally to the Central Coordinator.

Sri Anil Kumar and Sri Narasimha Murthy

Dr. Goldstein announced that Sri Anil Kumar and Sri Narasimha Murthy, warden of

Brindavan Campus, would join in the panel discussion of those questions relating to

education/educare and spirituality. He said that Sai Spiritual Education and Sathya

Sathya Education in Human Values are ways of eliciting the human values that are

intrinsic within us. Educare is drawing out that which is within, the same as bringing

forth who we really are. The teacher should be an exemplar of these values. The

teaching techniques used are silent sitting, group activities, group singing, quotes and

stories as components of the pedagogic formula. The only difference is that SSEHV is

used in public schools and based on the Unity of Faiths, whereas SSE focuses on the

teachings of the Kali Yuga Avatar, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

(Sri Narasimha Murthy): Educare is all about spirituality. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri

Krishna has said, "Among all types of education, I am spiritual education." The

tragedy is that now God and spirituality have no place in education in schools and

colleges. Spiritual education is cultivating faith and devotion in all hearts, which is

what Swami has been doing. It is our duty that we do this. In fact, I found a young

boy in school wearing a T-shirt. On the front, it said, "I was born good but spoiled by

education." On the back, "I was born smart, but made dull by education." This is

what has been going on in education. In contrast, as in Swami’s schools, it is

important to implement values education in all schools from primary to college level.

(Sri Anil Kumar): Yesterday, I gave a talk, ‘Education to Educare’, and did not speak

on all the points. Educare deals with the center of our life. It cannot be taught. It is

the truth of our being. Education deals with the periphery of your life. Educare is the

very being of life, it is the center. Education and Educare are not contradictory. Both

are necessary. Root [Educare] and fruit [education] go together. Awareness, alertness,

awake-ness, responsiveness, acceptance and conviction are features of Educare, not to

be acquired. To be in the presence of Swami is the best form of Educare. Educare is

beyond religion. It is spiritual.

Q19. Is Love really necessary when the demonic personalities can also attain liberation?

A19. (Sri Narasimha Murthy): Demons are symbols for gluttony, anger, jealousy,

sleepiness, etc. The demon Kumbakarna exemplifies that. But his Love for God

finally overcame these to take him to the Lotus feet. Kumbakarna and Ravana were

two brothers, who were doorkeepers to Vishnu in their previous births, cursed by

Sage Brighu who was frustrated by them in his access to Vishnu. They had the choice

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to take either nine births as friends of the Lord and then return to the Lotus feet or

three births as enemies of the Lord. They chose three births. They were born as

Hiranyaksha and Hirayakashyapu, Ravana and Kumbkarana and Dantavakra and

Shishupala, in three births. After these three lives, they went back to Vishnu.

Where there is true Love, all negativities fly away. If we develop Love, we will

overcome all weaknesses.

(Dr. Reddy): Their Love for God was so intense that they selected to come to earth

for the shortest time.

Q20. Discipline of sevadals on the ladies’ side is severe. Can anything be done?

A20. (Dr. Goldstein): Sevadals are volunteers and are not highly trained or

experienced. They are doing their best. Forgive them and be patient and gracious.

Clearly, if their transgressions are serious we will take up these issues if you bring

them to our attention.

(Sri Anil Kumar): Sevadals are not paid or trained. They are there to enhance

Sadhana. It also helps our Sadhana by bending to the discipline. Once, a devotee was

trying to offer Swami a letter in darshan. The devotee was roughly restrained by the

sevadal. Then Swami reached over and took the letter. The sevadal was looking

distressed and feared she was being corrected. But Swami consoled her by saying,

"you did your duty, and I did mine."

Q21. You said that Swami was not happy because we had not changed in 20 years. Are there

any signs of change now?

A21. (Dr. Goldstein): This is not quite what Swami said. He did say, we are not

taking seriously His teachings: your lives have not changed. You have the same habits

and are not applying the teachings. Time is the body of God. You have access to the

Divine teachings, but do not take them seriously. Swami is never unhappy. He is

encouraging us to become blissful.

Q22. Kindly elaborate on conscious, conscience and consciousness.

A22. (Sri Narasimha Murthy): According to Swami, Conscious refers to the body and

senses. Conscience refers to the subtle body and mind, and the Divine spark that

makes the body work. Consciousness is the one source from which everything

emerges. In Ramayana, Rama asked Hanuman, "Who are you?" He replied, "When I

have body consciousness, I am your servant. When I feel the Divine spark within, I

am part of You. When I realize the ultimate truth, You and I are one."

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(Sri Anil Kumar): What is limited to the body and senses is conscious. God in me is

Conscience. God is everywhere, that is Consciousness.

Q23. What are the aspects and milestones by which we may measure our spiritual progress?

A23. (Sri Narasimha Murthy): People have misconceptions about how to assess

spiritual progress. There are four yardsticks that I call, a,b,c and d. These are based on

Swami’s teachings and the Bhagavad Gita. (a) awareness of inner joy and Love; (b)

balance of mind, equanimity, (c) control of desires and senses (to what extent have

you mastered the senses?); and (d) dedication of Selfless Service for the welfare of

others. This contains all the essence of the scriptures. Remember that we can be

egocentric even in doing Swami’s work.

Q24. Is it necessary to teach mantras, slokas and 108 names in Western countries?

A24. (Sri Anil Kumar): Please do not do this. Following Baba’s teachings is not a

religion. Baba said all names are Mine. Teachings such slokas is conversion. Sathya

Sai Organization is not a sect. We will invite animosity by doing this. Sathya Sai

represents Unity of Religions. God does not speak only Sanskrit, God speaks English

also. Use your mother tongue for prayers.

Q25. How to achieve unity in thought, word and deed.

A25. (Dr. Reddy): Swami said that great souls have harmony of thought, word and

deed. Swami corrects us when we deviate from this. Swami says that practice of unity

in thought, word and deed is the penance for this age.

Q26. What is the difference between emotion and devotion?

A26 (Sri Narasimha Murthy): It is the Bhava that leads to Avesha, thrill in devotion,

and that leads to Bhava-Samadhi, ecstasy of union with God. Ramakrishna said that

the power of emotion leads to experience of devotion which leads to Samadhi.

Ramakrishna used to dance like a madman. His devotees started to imitate him, to

show their devotion. Vivekananda said, "Do not be sentimental fools." However

devotion is Love for God and is an emotion. But this emotion is free of attachments.

We can become mad with joy. Devotion is not sentimental. It is feelings from the

heart that lead to the experience of devotion, and it further leads to union with God.

Once Swami materialized a matchbox and took out a match and struck it to light it.

Then he took out another match, dipped it in water, and struck it. This match did

not light. He said, in devotion, if there are attachments, it will be like the wet

matchstick.

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(Sri Anil Kumar): Distilled, crystallized, solid emotion is devotion.

Q27. Can a person be involved in business, i.e., in material life, and also lead a spiritual life?

A27. (Sri Anil Kumar): Why not? We are all examples of this. Spiritual life is not

giving up our daily routines and running away from the world and neglecting our

respective duties and responsibilities. It is an attitude, it is awareness and

understanding, it is what we do and how we act. If I do my job as service to God, and

offer my work to God, that is a spiritual life. There is only one work – God’s work. All

is spiritual, whatever we do. There is no secular or sacred. All is Swami’s. Begin every

job with a prayer and end the day offering the fruits to the Lord. That is spiritual life.

As long as there is separation of secular and spiritual, we miss the point.

The Interactive portion of the session was concluded; and Dr. Goldstein announced

that Sri Narasimha Murthy, Warden, Brindavan Campus, would conclude the

conference with a talk on the topic: An Ideal Sai Devotee.

Sri Narasimha Murthy

Sri Narasimha Murthy expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate

in the program of the conference. He said:

Speaking of Jesus, Khalil Gibran, the great mystic poet said in his

beautiful book, ‘Son of Man’: we shall pass with the flowing of the rivers, and

we shall be nameless. But those who crossed Him in mid-stream shall be

remembered for crossing Him in mid-stream.

We have not only crossed the greatest of Divine masters in our lives, we

have consecrated our life to Him. We have submitted ourselves to Him.

And He has taken upon Himself, the burden of our emancipation.

Some years back, in Prasanthi Nilayam, it happened that we were sitting

with a few students at the feet of Bhagawan. Swami asked, "What is the

news?" of each of them. All of the students replied. Finally, He turned

to me and said, "What is the news?" I had nothing in particular to say.

So I replied, "By your Mercy and Grace, and the blessing of our parents,

we have got this good fortune of sitting at your Lotus Feet. Please bless

us so that we find fulfillment in this very life." Swami said, "Why do

you want to wait until the end of your life? I am ready to give you what

you are asking for this very moment." "I am ready," He said.

Then I said, "Swami, give us, I’m ready."

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He looked at me and said, "You are saying that you are ready, but you

don’t deserve it."

Seeing the despair on my face, He said, "Some other time I will tell you

why you don’t deserve it."

After a few months, Swami came to Brindavan, and one day He was

sitting on the swing, the Joola, in Trayee Brindavan Hall, and I was

alone with Him. I thought this might be the right time to know from

Swami why I did not deserve it. Even before I asked Him the question,

Swami began to speak about my mother, who had passed away some

five years back. Swami said: "Your mother was a great devotee. Do you

know what was your mother’s last prayer to Me? It was about you only.

Do you know what she told me about you? She said that Narasimha

Murthy is a great fool. His mind is very fickle. By your mercy, he has

the great opportunity to serve You. But because of his foolishness,

because of his fickleness, he may commit any number of blunders and

mistakes. Please don’t kick him out. Swami, You are the ocean of mercy

and he is a fool; don’t kick him out."

I fell at His feet and said to Swami, "What my mother said about me is

correct. Also, what she said about Yourself – that You are the ocean of

mercy – is correct. So, please don’t kick me out."

I remembered this episode when I was asked to speak on this topic, ‘an

Ideal Sai Devotee.’ I don’t know why I was asked to speak on this topic,

because if I had any insight, Swami has already destroyed it.

I have come across many great devotees. There was one whom I

considered was my mentor. His name was Narayana Bhatt. He passed

away. Swami sent a telegram on that occasion saying, "Don’t worry; he

has merged with me. Be bold." I have aspiration of idealism even though

I may not be an ideal devotee.

Swami says that most devotees come to Swami to receive things; but

that there are four classes of devotees.

1. Those who are distressed by adversity and sickness and come

to be relieved;

2. Those seeking money, power, wealth and position;

3. Spiritual seekers who want to realize God; and

4. The Jnani who lives in the constant awareness that, "He is

with Me at all times."

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And Swami says that although most of the devotees who come to Him

are at the first stage, "times will change." I have myself seen this. More

and more devotees are not asking for material things, but only that He

bless them so that they can spend their time serving Him.

So initially the devotee comes to Swami hoping to receive something

from Him. Then he goes to the stage of wanting to serve Swami.

Regarding qualities of an ideal devotee, the a, b, c, d points that I

mentioned earlier apply here also, though slightly differently. An ideal

devotee will have found Swami within himself, in the form of unsullied

joy and selfless Love. Once a devotee was complaining that by not being

physically present at Prasanthi Nilayam, she would not be able to talk to

Him if the need arose. Swami said, "My phone number is 1, I am right

in your heart. I am always available to you on the hotline. I am always

in your heart."

That means any of us can contact Him at any time, by simply turning

inward. Therefore, finding Swami within is the first quality of an ideal

devotee. In the Darshan sometimes He talks to us, sometimes He

doesn’t talk to us; and it leads to doubts and upsets in our mind. But we

can always instantly establish contact with Him in our hearts. If we

develop longing, and yearning, or what is called the power of ‘seeking,’

we will find we are able to establish contact with Bhagawan at any time.

Jesus spoke of that power when He said, "Seek and Ye shall find." The

power of seeking in the human heart is capable of getting a divine

response in the form of a spontaneous rush of Love and joy. That power

of seeking only arises in a pure heart that is cleansed of worldly

attachment. That is what Jesus meant when He said you cannot worship

God and mammon at the same time. An ideal devotee is aware of this;

he is Aware of his true relationship with Swami and realizes that it is

not physical.

This Awareness leads to Balance of Mind, which comes naturally when

we enjoy that kind of spontaneous bliss at least for sometimes during

the day. We are able to have that communion with God at these times,

either during meditation or concentration or prayer. If we can

experience this presence of Swami sometimes during the day, that makes

us balanced, and we are not overcome by doubts and worries. We are

not irritated. We can see Swami in everyone. But first we have to be

able to see Him within ourselves. Then we face life with a smile and see

God everywhere.

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Once we are able to establish that Joy and Bliss, then comes

spontaneously Control over the mind and senses. This is the most

difficult, but very important.

Finally, we have ‘D’, Dedication, Dedication to Sai Vision. This comes

out of devotion. I dedicate my life for the erudition of the Sai Vision.

And secondly, our actions, we have to change the motivation for all our

actions. Generally we are egocentric. But we have to continually remind

ourselves that we are doing Swami’s work, because many times we forget

Swami even while we are doing His work.

I remember a small story, which illustrates this point of forgetting our

motivation. There was a small farmhouse in England with a lake. A

turtle used to live in the lake. The young boy who lived in the

farmhouse used to go and see the turtle everyday. He became friends

with the turtle. One morning, he found it lying on its back, apparently

lifeless. He was very upset and was inconsolable in his grief. His father

tried to console him by saying they would have a funeral for it. Together

they would make a coffin, and give him a ceremonial burial and make a

nice grave, and build a tomb and install a tombstone, engraved Mr.

Turtle. Together they prepared for the turtle’s burial. When they went

back to get the turtle, it was not dead, but was alive in the lake. Now

the boy was so enthusiastic about the burial, he said to his father,

"Father, father, let’s kill it so we can bury it!"

Likewise, we can become so enamored of our project that we forget the

original motivation for that project. It is important to not allow this to

happen. Whatever we say, we should do; and we should consider that

we are doing it as a dedication to Swami, to please Him. That kind of

motivation will definitely purify your thoughts and will take us nearer

and nearer to the goal of the Ideal Sai Devotee. Thank you very much

for your patience and attention. Jai Sai Ram.

Dr. Goldstein

Dr. Goldstein thanked all the speakers and the delegates for their participation. In

closing, he noted that:

Clearly you have come to this conference with serious intentions and concerns. I have

heard pressing questions and enquiries regarding administrative and management

issues. It is our duty to respect and respond to all genuine concerns and we certainly

will. But, the preeminent concern is love. I ask all of you to look around the room

and recognize that we are in the Divine presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

All of us who are gathered here and, in fact, all men and women everywhere, are truly

embodiments of His Divine Love.

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The conference was officially closed with the assembly chanting the prayer, Loka

Samastha, Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the worlds be happy!).

-oo0oo-

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