Thursday, April 28, 2011
Another wonderful beautiful day in Heaven
Sai Ram,
The proprietor was physically unavailable but he welcomed everyone that came. Continue with your plans to be in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The pit or grave that the physical form of Baba is residing in is lined on four sides with marble stone. Besides the orange cushion that was placed in the grave, there were 9 food grains, 9 precious stones and water from 9 sacred rivers. Vedic chants from 4 texts were recited. The pit area is decorated with beautiful flowers.
Baba’s head faces South. Sandalwood powder, mud from holy shrines in India and vihbuthi was smeared on the body.
Most people who came for the funeral have left the ashram and the village. However, a fair number of people are going past the grave at a more leisurely pace.
The village is returning to normal. Shops are open and traffic is busy. There is a sense of unity that as a group we survived a massive disaster.
Attached are a special series of photos about Baba last blessings, thanks to SSSBPT. I remember seeing them and knew that it was unusual. The energy was different. He did special gestures. He was saying goodbye as it had been an unusual evening.
Aparna Choundhuri who is a mudra expert says that the gestures meant “I bow down to the divinity in you in divine perfection and total happiness.”
Other attachments are a letter by sent by Jagadeesha and a press release from the Central Trust.
For a video of the funeral service:
http://www.saicast.org/2011/20110427LastRites.html
Thought for the Day
28th April 2011
All that you see is the reflection of what is inside you. If you call a person bad, it is the bad in you being reflected in him. It has got nothing to do with him. Good and bad are but reflections of your inner being. Never consider them as separate from you. Good thoughts are the source of good vibrations. If your inner being is full of love, the same principle of love will find manifestation in your speech and actions. When you have sacred thoughts, you will become a divine person.
Baba
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
The proprietor was physically unavailable but he welcomed everyone that came. Continue with your plans to be in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The pit or grave that the physical form of Baba is residing in is lined on four sides with marble stone. Besides the orange cushion that was placed in the grave, there were 9 food grains, 9 precious stones and water from 9 sacred rivers. Vedic chants from 4 texts were recited. The pit area is decorated with beautiful flowers.
Baba’s head faces South. Sandalwood powder, mud from holy shrines in India and vihbuthi was smeared on the body.
Most people who came for the funeral have left the ashram and the village. However, a fair number of people are going past the grave at a more leisurely pace.
The village is returning to normal. Shops are open and traffic is busy. There is a sense of unity that as a group we survived a massive disaster.
Attached are a special series of photos about Baba last blessings, thanks to SSSBPT. I remember seeing them and knew that it was unusual. The energy was different. He did special gestures. He was saying goodbye as it had been an unusual evening.
Aparna Choundhuri who is a mudra expert says that the gestures meant “I bow down to the divinity in you in divine perfection and total happiness.”
Other attachments are a letter by sent by Jagadeesha and a press release from the Central Trust.
For a video of the funeral service:
http://www.saicast.org/2011/20110427LastRites.html
Thought for the Day
28th April 2011
All that you see is the reflection of what is inside you. If you call a person bad, it is the bad in you being reflected in him. It has got nothing to do with him. Good and bad are but reflections of your inner being. Never consider them as separate from you. Good thoughts are the source of good vibrations. If your inner being is full of love, the same principle of love will find manifestation in your speech and actions. When you have sacred thoughts, you will become a divine person.
Baba
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
HIS MASTERPLAN
The 27th of April 2011 saw poignant scenes - the likes of which have never ever been witnessed on the face of this earth. As the Mahasamadhi of an Avatar was witnessed the world over by a number unmatched in human history, tears flowed unbounded. Being in the world at this point in time was such a cleansing experience, for the whole atmosphere was washed with tears - pure, selfless, love-filled and grateful. They were sufficient to wipe out all sins committed by all humanity it seemed! A lot has been written about the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and a lot more will be written for this is ‘His’tory! But here is a little thought I thought I would share.
The amount of prayers that have gone on in the world has been tremendous. The name of Sai filled every conceivable space for it had been enshrined in a billion hearts. Bhajans, service activities and spiritual sadhana of unprecedented proportions pulsated on Mother Earth. At the physical level, the best man and the best machines worked tirelessly day and night at the temple of Healing that He Himself had built. His most dear students constantly were by His side and aware of every breath He was taking. The sheer magnitude of the combined effort of every devotee was enough to bring life into an inert stone! And yet, the Lord took Mahasamadhi.
This thought had plagued me when I realized that prayer is not an act of asking God or telling God. It is silent communion with Him. When we either ask of tell God, we make the preposterous and utterly foolish assumption that we know better than Him. Swami often tells us the story of two farmers - one who prayed for rain for his crops, the other who prayed for a dry day so that his daughter’s wedding could go on uninterrupted. Whose prayers should God listen to?
Should He listen to the one who cries more? Or to the one who pines more? Should He give precedence to age or should He give precedence to status and influence?
Of course! He will listen to the one who loves Him truly. And who is that? Naturally, the one who has surrendered to His will. When one has surrendered to His will, is not prayer redundant? Our definition of prayer changes as we realize that the one who is always in sync with the Lord has his prayers answered, for he always prays for what the Lord has already willed! This is indeed a very different way of thinking. If my prayer is answered, it is because I was in sync with God; I was in communion with Him. If my prayer has not been answered, I was not in sync with Him; I have to make efforts to be in communion with Him.
It is everyone’s experience that we feel some intuitive urges. And then, these urges just manifest themselves. Let us know that these are instances when we have been in communion with Him. And when these intuitive urges have manifested for me, I have felt the thrill of experiencing Him. I see Him, hear Him and feel Him and He speaks to me! I feel the thrill because I ‘know’ His plan. And I know His plan because I have been able to be in sync with Him for those precious moments.
That is why, when I found some instances in my life where Swami indicated His Mahasamadhi, I felt so relieved. It felt wonderful to ‘know’ that its all part of His Masterplan. In the pages of my diary I discovered a dream where months before, He indicated that He would be leaving soon. Just like someone with white hair dyes it, or a person who loses teeth puts dentures, I too covered up my knowledge of the dream and went about my life. And then, Swami gave the most poignant indication!
It happened on the evening of 20th of March. Swami had not been ‘keeping well’ if I may use that term. His darshans were few and spaced between. And yet on this day, He took two darshan rounds. He called all the students who were seated for blessings and poured grains on their head. (about 40 students were blessed that day). He distributed a few sweets and smiled at all present. He even called the tiny tots from Primary school and blessed them. In the words of a very senior singer, “Today Swami seems so hyper active!!” There was rejoicing. And when He received Aarthi, everyone were thrilled with His tapping His hands rhythmically. And then it happened...
As the Samastha Loka chant filled the air, Swami raised His hands. But it was not the familiar Abhayahastha. He had FOLDED HIS PALMS IN SALUTATION! He seemed to send a beautiful message, “Salute all for God is in all”. The Vedic chant “Sahasra sheersha Purusha” resounded in my heart. ( That hymn says that God has thousand limbs, heads and sense organs symbolic of the fact that God is in all.) In the Bharatiya custom, this is how one takes leave after a visit!
My hairs stand at their end and I have goosebumps when I realize how Swami had indicated the Mahasamadhi. But I did not see! Swami says, “Pashyan Api Na Pashyati Moodho” (You fool! You see and yet do not see!) That was the condition. But I took pictures that day.
And today, just seeing the pictures is so relieving and enthralling for it told me that Swami knows His plans. Even when He was fine and was a week away from being ‘admitted’ to the hospital, Swami had shown us His decision. And in showing us this decision, He also showed us His expectations. He wants our lives to be His message and one of His final acts of benediction teaches us that we should see Him in all just as He saw Himself in all. We should bow to Him in all just as He bowed to Him(self) in all. We should love all and serve all just as He did.
And in order to share the experience, insight and blessings from Swami that day, I post the following five images. Let us pledge to Him that we will live in our lives imbibe His message of pure Love for all. And as a teardrop makes its way down my cheek, a firm resolve flows in my blood - a resolve to Love Him and see Him in all!
--
May all the beings of all the worlds be happy.
A devotee recalls...
My editor at The Deccan Herald, Bangalore, India office, requested this article from me on April 24, 2011 the day Sai Baba died. It appeared early the next morning.
You are also a God, Baba told his disciples
By Terry Reis Kennedy
It was about 10:30 am, an overcast but hot day when I heard the news that my beloved guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba had died. For me, it marked the beginning of the Golden Age. He had always said that he would usher in the golden age. So, for me, he had done just that.
I was standing in his Andhra Pradesh ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam, when it was announced that Swami had left his body and entered maha samadhi. Like millions of his devotees, I accepted the will of the God I believe him to be. I watched as some people shed quiet tears and many expressed disbelief. My heart swelled with gratitude that I had been graced to live in his physical presence for 21 years. He had not only saved my life; he had given me a life. He is locked deep in my heart, alive and well.
The fact that it was Easter Sunday made me smile. Swami always had a sense of the comic, no matter how serious the occasion. And now, as the world was celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Swami was making his exit.
Sai Baba’s teachings are simple and esoteric all at once. He taught that we are all one, in fact, that we are all God. He insisted that there was only one caste, the caste of humanity, and that there was only one religion, the religion of Love. He began every discourse with the words, “embodiments of the divine.”
His mission, in his own words, was: To restore righteousness to the world and to bring mankind into the golden age. He came, he said, in response to the prayers and yearnings of saints and sages from all faiths.
According to reports, he performed many miracles—from the unimaginable to the seemingly trivial — such as healing the sick and manifesting trinkets to make his devotees happy, he said. He predicted that “No one will fully understand my powers.” However, not only his devotees but skeptics and scientists have tried.
Many people have attempted to convince others that he is, in fact, evil. All this talk about him, negative and positive, did not seem to interest him. He simply carried on his mission.
Even his detractors often recognized his humanitarian contributions. He built free general as well as super specialty hospitals, free schools, colleges, and universities. He created free drinking water projects. In fact, many said he did what the government of India could not or would not do—bring water and human values to the poor and bereft.
Thousands of books have been written about his many miracles by people from every religion and walk of life. Of his miracles he said, “I give you what you want, so that you will want what I have to give—mainly liberation itself.”
According to some of his devotees, the best way to experience Sai Baba is to privately ask him, from your heart, to reveal to you who he is. Then you can come to your own conclusions.
But it is declared by his followers that Sai Baba walked among us to teach us that we too can become a Jesus, a Buddha, or a Mohammed. We are, he consistently pointed out, God too—only we have not yet become aware of this fact.
So what will happen now that our beloved Baba is no longer with us in human form? I believe his mission will continue; his devotees will carry on as he instructed. For instance, the worldwide Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization will undertake service activities that will benefit their communities. Individual devotees will carry on their own service projects.
I, for one, will continue the work Baba wanted me to do: Communicating his love to those who are unloved, bringing hope to those who are hopeless, and leading the afflicted out of their pain.
--
Terry Reis Kennedy
You are also a God, Baba told his disciples
By Terry Reis Kennedy
It was about 10:30 am, an overcast but hot day when I heard the news that my beloved guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba had died. For me, it marked the beginning of the Golden Age. He had always said that he would usher in the golden age. So, for me, he had done just that.
I was standing in his Andhra Pradesh ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam, when it was announced that Swami had left his body and entered maha samadhi. Like millions of his devotees, I accepted the will of the God I believe him to be. I watched as some people shed quiet tears and many expressed disbelief. My heart swelled with gratitude that I had been graced to live in his physical presence for 21 years. He had not only saved my life; he had given me a life. He is locked deep in my heart, alive and well.
The fact that it was Easter Sunday made me smile. Swami always had a sense of the comic, no matter how serious the occasion. And now, as the world was celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Swami was making his exit.
Sai Baba’s teachings are simple and esoteric all at once. He taught that we are all one, in fact, that we are all God. He insisted that there was only one caste, the caste of humanity, and that there was only one religion, the religion of Love. He began every discourse with the words, “embodiments of the divine.”
His mission, in his own words, was: To restore righteousness to the world and to bring mankind into the golden age. He came, he said, in response to the prayers and yearnings of saints and sages from all faiths.
According to reports, he performed many miracles—from the unimaginable to the seemingly trivial — such as healing the sick and manifesting trinkets to make his devotees happy, he said. He predicted that “No one will fully understand my powers.” However, not only his devotees but skeptics and scientists have tried.
Many people have attempted to convince others that he is, in fact, evil. All this talk about him, negative and positive, did not seem to interest him. He simply carried on his mission.
Even his detractors often recognized his humanitarian contributions. He built free general as well as super specialty hospitals, free schools, colleges, and universities. He created free drinking water projects. In fact, many said he did what the government of India could not or would not do—bring water and human values to the poor and bereft.
Thousands of books have been written about his many miracles by people from every religion and walk of life. Of his miracles he said, “I give you what you want, so that you will want what I have to give—mainly liberation itself.”
According to some of his devotees, the best way to experience Sai Baba is to privately ask him, from your heart, to reveal to you who he is. Then you can come to your own conclusions.
But it is declared by his followers that Sai Baba walked among us to teach us that we too can become a Jesus, a Buddha, or a Mohammed. We are, he consistently pointed out, God too—only we have not yet become aware of this fact.
So what will happen now that our beloved Baba is no longer with us in human form? I believe his mission will continue; his devotees will carry on as he instructed. For instance, the worldwide Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization will undertake service activities that will benefit their communities. Individual devotees will carry on their own service projects.
I, for one, will continue the work Baba wanted me to do: Communicating his love to those who are unloved, bringing hope to those who are hopeless, and leading the afflicted out of their pain.
--
Terry Reis Kennedy
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Update From Parthi
Sai Ram,
I am tired and exhausted. It has been a hectic day. I had a feeling to be back to the ashram at 3:00. As I was walking, many female villagers were running toward Main
Street which was lined with people on both sides.
Earlier I was told that the body would be coming at 6:00. I realized it was coming then. As I stood in front of the Ganesh security entrance, a caravan of about 6 or 7 police cars preceded the ambulance with the body. The crowd was orderly.
I immediately got into the ashram to see the ambulance come up the center driveway to the residence where Baba was taken to rest.
After some confusion, I was able to get inside and get a bench seat. Up to this point there were at least 3 times that Baba helped me this afternoon.
About 6:25 there was a procession with Vedic chanting and other rituals. It was hard to see the casket as there were so many men around it. The casket top is clear plastic or glass as well were all the sides. Under that there was metal body.
When I finally got view Baba, he looked like a tiny dark doll. He was very thin as expected. When I looked at his face, I was surfaced at how very dark he was. As I watched television where I ate, the Bhakti Channel was broadcasting live coverage. As I looked closely at his face in playbacks of Baba’s life, I realized he was much lighter. It was the intense divinity that glowed from within so strongly that Baba appeared to be much lighter than he really was.
At 8:30, Main Street was jammed. Women were lined up on the narrow sidewalk against the ashram wall from the Ganesh Gate heading to the Main Gate and then the center driveway. The Men were lines up with a line that headed toward Hanuman’s temple.
What was being done was that the women and men went up their respective side of the center driveway to view Baba who was lying in state on the white tile with men, I think students, surrounding him. After viewing you were shown a quick way to exit the Hall with no chance of return.
The viewing will go on around the clock until Wednesday evening which is when, unknown to staff and others, Baba will wake up.
I have never seen so many police personnel. They were no nonsense about their control of the situation. They did a good job.
The bus company is running as many buses as necessary.
I was surprised how many people there were tonight but I guess every villager and some form other villages nearby came. I also saw people coming with luggage.
Tomorrow there will definitely be a hugh increase of people.
MUST READ: IMPORTAN ANNOUNCEMENT; The warden of the Brindivan Campus was meditating on Saturday. Baba said “ I am leaving this body and going to many places in many forms to save my devotees life. This is the reason I have taken up this severe health problem on my own physical body.
There is no need to worry and this body will come back in 3 days time to its normal position with my devotees prayers.
Andhra Pradesh has declared a 4 d-ay holiday. The last rites on Sai Baba will be performed with state honours. Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall on Wednesday morning.
Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief over the demise of Sai Baba and recalled the "unparalleled services rendered by him to the humanity in myriad ways which are beyond description."
"Sri Sai Baba is a symbol of love, affection and passion. Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to service of humanity in the form of various services not only to our State, our country but also to the entire world," he said in his condolence message.
Attached is a statement from the Prime Minister of India
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
I am tired and exhausted. It has been a hectic day. I had a feeling to be back to the ashram at 3:00. As I was walking, many female villagers were running toward Main
Street which was lined with people on both sides.
Earlier I was told that the body would be coming at 6:00. I realized it was coming then. As I stood in front of the Ganesh security entrance, a caravan of about 6 or 7 police cars preceded the ambulance with the body. The crowd was orderly.
I immediately got into the ashram to see the ambulance come up the center driveway to the residence where Baba was taken to rest.
After some confusion, I was able to get inside and get a bench seat. Up to this point there were at least 3 times that Baba helped me this afternoon.
About 6:25 there was a procession with Vedic chanting and other rituals. It was hard to see the casket as there were so many men around it. The casket top is clear plastic or glass as well were all the sides. Under that there was metal body.
When I finally got view Baba, he looked like a tiny dark doll. He was very thin as expected. When I looked at his face, I was surfaced at how very dark he was. As I watched television where I ate, the Bhakti Channel was broadcasting live coverage. As I looked closely at his face in playbacks of Baba’s life, I realized he was much lighter. It was the intense divinity that glowed from within so strongly that Baba appeared to be much lighter than he really was.
At 8:30, Main Street was jammed. Women were lined up on the narrow sidewalk against the ashram wall from the Ganesh Gate heading to the Main Gate and then the center driveway. The Men were lines up with a line that headed toward Hanuman’s temple.
What was being done was that the women and men went up their respective side of the center driveway to view Baba who was lying in state on the white tile with men, I think students, surrounding him. After viewing you were shown a quick way to exit the Hall with no chance of return.
The viewing will go on around the clock until Wednesday evening which is when, unknown to staff and others, Baba will wake up.
I have never seen so many police personnel. They were no nonsense about their control of the situation. They did a good job.
The bus company is running as many buses as necessary.
I was surprised how many people there were tonight but I guess every villager and some form other villages nearby came. I also saw people coming with luggage.
Tomorrow there will definitely be a hugh increase of people.
MUST READ: IMPORTAN ANNOUNCEMENT; The warden of the Brindivan Campus was meditating on Saturday. Baba said “ I am leaving this body and going to many places in many forms to save my devotees life. This is the reason I have taken up this severe health problem on my own physical body.
There is no need to worry and this body will come back in 3 days time to its normal position with my devotees prayers.
Andhra Pradesh has declared a 4 d-ay holiday. The last rites on Sai Baba will be performed with state honours. Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall on Wednesday morning.
Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief over the demise of Sai Baba and recalled the "unparalleled services rendered by him to the humanity in myriad ways which are beyond description."
"Sri Sai Baba is a symbol of love, affection and passion. Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to service of humanity in the form of various services not only to our State, our country but also to the entire world," he said in his condolence message.
Attached is a statement from the Prime Minister of India
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
Friday, April 8, 2011
Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,
(First of all, I want to apologise you all, as some devotees did not like some of the words that were used in some of my updates about Swami.. I whole heartedly apologise and they are not intentional. In future I will be doubly careful and I really don't have any intention of sensationalising this particular episode of Swami's hospitalisation)
The Village Deity Sathyamma's statue, which was thrown in the river because of a small damage a year ago, was brought back to Parthi in a huge procession.One lady from Puttaparthi, was possessed by Goddess Sathyamma and she said, all will be fine if the statue was brought back to Parthi. Hearing this every one rushed to the river but couldn't find the statue which was immersed in Bukkapatnam river less than a year ago. Immediately that lady who was possessed by Goddess Sathyamma was taken to the river and she showed the exact place where was the statue was deep under water.
Here is a small video attatched which shows the happiness of the villagers of Parthi, while the Goddess was brought back to Parthi.
This might sound bit weird to many, but FAITH IS GOD. When it is comes with Swami and His (physical) well being, we are ready to do anything... All the positive Vibes will definitely yield positive results.
While I am typing this email, watching the latest news in various telugu news channels, just now Minister Mrs.Geetha Reddy who is camping in Parthi for a week now, speaking to media persons said this good news about Swami. to roughly translate, she said, Swami's all the vital organs are functioning properly. He is still on ventilation and the CRRT dialysis is being continued. She said, if Swami's kidneys get back to normal, He will be perfectly normal without any more complications. Swami's BP and liver is fine. His temperature is also normal. Only thing is Kidneys have to become normal. If He wills it will definitely happen even without the help of the doctors. He is opening His eyes and His holy Feet and hands are moving. His respiratory system is fine. She continued: I JUST GOT INSIDE INFORMATION, TODAY MORNING, BHAJANS WERE SUNG FOR SWAMI (PROBABLY IT HAPPENED IN THE HOSPITAL BHAJAN HALL AND IT WAS AUDIBLE TO SWAMI WITH THE HELP OF SPEAKERS IN ICU) and after some time when some one approached Swami asking if arathi is to be given, Swami signaled for Arathi!!!! This news is a VERY VERY GOOD NEWS for every one us... It is just a great relief and definitely a welcome news. Because of tubes in His mouth, He is not talking but He is nodding His head.
Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sri.Ashok Chavan came to Parthi. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who was expected to come to Parthi didnt come. (the above information is not an official one, but as seen on TV while the minister was speaking to the media) For the video of Goddess Sathyamma's procession please click the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/user/satishfromparthi#p/a/u/0/HfQxGOj6ibk
According to sources, there are good chances of one more medical bulletin by Dr.Safaya and this time it will be a Video Medical Bulletin which will cover the whole medical procedures done on Swami since His hospitalisation.
Mean while Please read a discourse given by Swami which suits good for His present situation and is also a good one for all (some) of us who are bit concerned about Swami.
Date: 05 Oct 2003, Occasion: Vijayadashami, Place: Prasanthi Nilayam
(Sathya Sai Speaks - Vol 36. Chapter 14. Give Up Dehabhimana, Develop
Atmabhiman)
Date: 05 Oct 2003, Occasion: Vijayadashami, Place: Prasanthi Nilayam
(Sathya Sai Speaks - Vol 36. Chapter 14. Give Up Dehabhimana, Develop
Atmabhiman)
Many of you are anxious thinking that Swami is not keeping good health over the last few days. In fact, My health is very good. Real health is not related to the body. As you equate Swami with this physical frame, it appears as though Swami is not well. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the
feeling, so is the result). Do not identify Me with this physical body. I am not Dehaswarupa (body), I am Dehi (the indweller). There is no difference between you and Me. I have all powers in Me. But you are deluded seeing My physical form. Whatever I am doing is only to satisfy the doctors and other devotees. As a matter of fact, there is no trace of ill-health in Me. I
am always healthy. Not only today, till 96 years I will be like this. I can do whatever I want. But those who go by the physical form think that Swami is ageing. Youth and old age are related to the body and not to Me. I am always the same. I can do anything. However, this body is yours. This has come for your sake. You can change it the way you like. Ifyou think that Swami is strong and healthy, yes so He is. There is no weakness in Me. My angas (limbs) may appear to be weak. But I am not Angaswarupa, I am Atmaswarupa. Wherever you may go, worship God as
Many of you are anxious thinking that Swami is not keeping good health over the last few days. In fact, My health is very good. Real health is not related to the body. As you equate Swami with this physical frame, it appears as though Swami is not well. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the
feeling, so is the result). Do not identify Me with this physical body. I am not Dehaswarupa (body), I am Dehi (the indweller). There is no difference between you and Me. I have all powers in Me. But you are deluded seeing My physical form. Whatever I am doing is only to satisfy the doctors and other devotees. As a matter of fact, there is no trace of ill-health in Me. I
am always healthy. Not only today, till 96 years I will be like this. I can do whatever I want. But those who go by the physical form think that Swami is ageing. Youth and old age are related to the body and not to Me. I am always the same. I can do anything. However, this body is
yours. This has come for your sake. You can change it the way you like. If you think that Swami is strong and healthy, yes so He is. There is no weakness in Me. My angas (limbs) may appear to be weak. But I am not Angaswarupa, I am Atmaswarupa. Wherever you may go, worship God as
Atmaswarupa. Do not identify Him with an Akara (form). Give up body consciousness and develop Atmic awareness. Only when you lead a spiritual life, will you be able to visualize the Atmaswarupa. If you identify Me with the body, I cannot walk even two steps. Do not think about the Akara. Have faith that I am the Atmaswarupa. Then I will always remain
healthy.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ego Bingo
It seems to me that there is a possibility that the Ego Schmego I spoke of a few days ago is truly the Real Self. This is going to sound very strange to most but I have spent very little time in my life thinking about myself. I've been trying to figure out why and I think it may be a family trait.
We're southern ladies and southerners are pretty modest and humble except when it comes to their children. They can brag about their children sort of like Indians do.
Indian women spend most of their time boasting about their kids, mostly sons but they would never sing their own praises. True of southern ladies too. Southern ladies don't sing their own praises nor do they talk much about themselves period. But what I didn't know was that they PROBABLY THINK about themselves as much as anyone else does.
At least as much. But see, I never had babies to brag about nor a husband because it IS polite to brag about your husband, if you happen to have one you can brag about. All I ever had was Swami and if I had bragged about Him, it would have been like proselytizing in a way which is really in bad taste. So I didn't brag and believe it or not, I never bragged inside about myself either. I never told myself I was any good.
I was a social worker but always put myself done for that. I sang but always had sort of a 'tremble' in my voice which wasn't so good. I went to India to live a life of strict disciple but never considered that worthwhile ,where as it really was in some ways. I never gave myself credit for anything. The books I wrote weren't copy-rited so I couldn't really consider them worthwhile. When I want to cheer myself up I have to actually say aloud....”You gave 15,000 of your books to Swami's book store so that is at least something, Susie.” I pretty much always call myself, 'Susie'
So recently I inadvertently stumbled over this 'ego schmego ' deep within my Psyche who seemed too boisterous to me. So I immediately put it down and started calling 'it' names. Then a little later I felt more kindly towards 'it' before I realized it's perhaps importance.
It may, in fact be my real self. So I've started looking at it more closely. It doesn't seem harmful actually and I'm perfectly willing to let everyone else have a 'since of self' too. This, however, is mine, my own since of self.
I may not have been the best social worker in the world but I tried my best and I did love my clients a lot. My books weren't copy-rited because I didn't need to, they were only done for Swami. I didn't have any babies because I wasn't interested. Maybe some part of me was waiting for Swami....that same part that loved the clients and never bragged very much.
This may sound like it's very elemental to youall. We go through all this at about the age of 6 but I may have a little 'arrested development' Now for the first time in my life I'm completely alone week after week thinking all about myself. So I'm sort of catching up. I think I found an ego and maybe a feeling of 'real self' and the two way be the same.
I asked Swami if these new feelings may just be the upper part of my 'bi-polar issue' and will it just slide away as I slide down the pole. He intimated that I should just wait and see. It's been about three days and my 'ups' don't usually last this long. Seems like a mundane way to reach liberation though!!!
We're southern ladies and southerners are pretty modest and humble except when it comes to their children. They can brag about their children sort of like Indians do.
Indian women spend most of their time boasting about their kids, mostly sons but they would never sing their own praises. True of southern ladies too. Southern ladies don't sing their own praises nor do they talk much about themselves period. But what I didn't know was that they PROBABLY THINK about themselves as much as anyone else does.
At least as much. But see, I never had babies to brag about nor a husband because it IS polite to brag about your husband, if you happen to have one you can brag about. All I ever had was Swami and if I had bragged about Him, it would have been like proselytizing in a way which is really in bad taste. So I didn't brag and believe it or not, I never bragged inside about myself either. I never told myself I was any good.
I was a social worker but always put myself done for that. I sang but always had sort of a 'tremble' in my voice which wasn't so good. I went to India to live a life of strict disciple but never considered that worthwhile ,where as it really was in some ways. I never gave myself credit for anything. The books I wrote weren't copy-rited so I couldn't really consider them worthwhile. When I want to cheer myself up I have to actually say aloud....”You gave 15,000 of your books to Swami's book store so that is at least something, Susie.” I pretty much always call myself, 'Susie'
So recently I inadvertently stumbled over this 'ego schmego ' deep within my Psyche who seemed too boisterous to me. So I immediately put it down and started calling 'it' names. Then a little later I felt more kindly towards 'it' before I realized it's perhaps importance.
It may, in fact be my real self. So I've started looking at it more closely. It doesn't seem harmful actually and I'm perfectly willing to let everyone else have a 'since of self' too. This, however, is mine, my own since of self.
I may not have been the best social worker in the world but I tried my best and I did love my clients a lot. My books weren't copy-rited because I didn't need to, they were only done for Swami. I didn't have any babies because I wasn't interested. Maybe some part of me was waiting for Swami....that same part that loved the clients and never bragged very much.
This may sound like it's very elemental to youall. We go through all this at about the age of 6 but I may have a little 'arrested development' Now for the first time in my life I'm completely alone week after week thinking all about myself. So I'm sort of catching up. I think I found an ego and maybe a feeling of 'real self' and the two way be the same.
I asked Swami if these new feelings may just be the upper part of my 'bi-polar issue' and will it just slide away as I slide down the pole. He intimated that I should just wait and see. It's been about three days and my 'ups' don't usually last this long. Seems like a mundane way to reach liberation though!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,
Our beloved Lord's LEELA is still happening and every one all over the world is completely immersed in prayers for Swami's speedy recovery.. After the evening official bulletin where in it said, Swami's condition is critical, thousands thronged to this place.
All the OB vans of Telugu News Channels landed in Puttaparthi and all were infront of Swami's hospital. Every channel had live telecasts of devotees views on the whole issue and the local devotees expressed their helplessness and expressed grief and sorrow on Swami's hospitalisation.
Due to this hospitalisation, there were so many people who started to know more about Swami and the reason behind His hospitalisation, inspite of Him being a poorna avatar. There were poor, illeterate villagers who were speaking live, saying very proudly that our REAL SWAMI is HERE (pointing to heart) and the Swami we are all are concerned about is just the body, which is not permanent. This did shut the mouths of people who were criticising Swami and His devotees.
According to the news channels, for the first time Swami's immediate family members were allowed to go to ICU to have Swami's darshan. The good news, which claimed to be coming from the family members, is that when they called out SAIRAM, standing by Swami, He opened His eyes and looked at them and the family members also saw slight movement in Swami's feet. This news, which was flashed in all the news channels was of great relief to all the Sai devotees.
There is still bit of unrest in Parthi but Swami's recovery will make things better.
About 3000 police have been deployed near Hospital and in Puttaparthi to avoid the unruly crowd. A team of specialist doctors from the Government of Andhra Pradesh are also assisting the doctors in Swami's hospital. Tomorrow the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh is rushing to Puttaparthi to personally oversee the conditions here.
Mean while thousands of phone calls were made to Parthi enquiring Swami's health. Ministers and Chiefministers were also concerned to hear Swami's news. Many of them are rushing to Parthi to personally see the happenings.
A latest medical bulletin was released around 11.45 PM by Dr.Safaya and the summary of the same as flashed on the TV reads thus: We are doing everything to get Swami back to good health. Swami's body is responding positively to the treatment, Fearing infection, no one is allowed into the ICU, Devotees are asked to be patient and keep praying for Swami's speedy recovery.
Only Swami knows what is going to happen..... I am sure He is watching each and every one us, as how we are HANDLING this pressure situation.
Swami's Health
We have all been going through torment and anxiety ai the recent hospitalization of our precious Lord
We have to know that He cab change every cell in His body back to perfection any time He wishes
Personaly I am not upset because I died a year ago almost to the day when I flew away from my India.
Then three months ago I developed double pnumonia, heart pain TB and blood in my kidneys
I was in the hospital for two weeks and they did many painful proceedures to this already dead body
I came back to my lonely rooms and was in quarantine because of TB.
Finally I am better only to hear that our Swami has all this and more...except no TB
Below is something written by an ashram resident. It expresses my feelings too. The time is 6am here in St. Petersburg
The phone rang once at 5 this morning waking me up so I rushed to the computer and found good news. Swami is improving
Baba has blessed all of Seema Dewan's books and has said that she is Him when she receives messages.
Seema Dewan, author of "Sai Darshan" (and many more) received by Seema M. Dewan April 4th 11:05 am U.S. time 8:35 pm India time.
For Your Sake Only
From My own self this Universe is born. I create a movement while remaining stationed in My truth and this movement projects Myself as the many. In all this “many” I alone exist, I alone do, I alone create, I alone destroy… I create both sides of the picture only for both sides to return to Me. To Me no one is the other… no one is close and afar… no one is mine nor not mine… all are the same whatever their form… whatever their function… I am fully immersed in them. From the most intelligent to the stone can all exhibit My presence if I will it to be. I am beyond the intellect… beyond emotion… beyond thought and beyond love any one’s body, mind, heart, and intellect can ever experience. Whatever you experience is a minute glimpse of My expansiveness.
Don’t cry… don’t ever fear, have faith- ALWAYS… in what I have said to you. I am indestructible… I have come for your sake and I will NEVER leave you. I am always at work for you alone. You are My breath; You are the reason why I have taken upon Myself a mortal body… you are the reason of My joy… You are My children and I am always your mother. I will never let any harm come upon you… and I will never take away Myself from you. I have come to spend every moment to love you and show you the reality of your own self.
Everywhere today there is suffering due to immorality. The mind of man is slowly destroying his own peace. Even the innocent have suffered due to some that have ignored the call of the atma (soul) within. But I am still the Mother of all. Both are My children, one I need to protect, and the other I need to correct.
The name of the Divine when chanted frees the negative energy that continuously hovers over the world today. I am always in bliss even when my body undergoes turmoil. I do not feel pain… I only remember you… your safety… and I remain in bliss. You remember Me most in times of trouble. But how can I give you trouble? I am your Mother. I always look for your welfare. To see one tear of yours makes me rush to be by your side. I am always by your side. You are not able to see Me for your eyes look for this world.
You are nothing but Me. To drive away the negative energy you must remember the name of God. That is why I have taken upon Myself this sickness. You remember Me… pray and remain in a clean pure frame of mind by that. Just by that positive energy emanates from you and all the troubles and catastrophes that you or your loved ones are about to face are washed out.
As for Me the ailment of the body is nothing. You endure pain when you see Me like this and from it you derive strength in order to pray, love, unite, and do the right thing. That is all that I want for your sake. Your peace lies in goodness alone.
Don’t worry about Me. Remember I am always with you. You are My breath. Only for my children will I continue to live in this body. Even the siblings who fight come together when the Mother’s body is ailing. I want to see you united with love for each other with complete unity and have faith that you are under the umbrella of My protection.
I bless you… now and forever!
An inspirational message given to Seema M. Dewan April 4th 2011 11:05 am U.S. time, 8:35 pm India time.
Please feel free to share
We have to know that He cab change every cell in His body back to perfection any time He wishes
Personaly I am not upset because I died a year ago almost to the day when I flew away from my India.
Then three months ago I developed double pnumonia, heart pain TB and blood in my kidneys
I was in the hospital for two weeks and they did many painful proceedures to this already dead body
I came back to my lonely rooms and was in quarantine because of TB.
Finally I am better only to hear that our Swami has all this and more...except no TB
Below is something written by an ashram resident. It expresses my feelings too. The time is 6am here in St. Petersburg
The phone rang once at 5 this morning waking me up so I rushed to the computer and found good news. Swami is improving
Baba has blessed all of Seema Dewan's books and has said that she is Him when she receives messages.
Seema Dewan, author of "Sai Darshan" (and many more) received by Seema M. Dewan April 4th 11:05 am U.S. time 8:35 pm India time.
For Your Sake Only
From My own self this Universe is born. I create a movement while remaining stationed in My truth and this movement projects Myself as the many. In all this “many” I alone exist, I alone do, I alone create, I alone destroy… I create both sides of the picture only for both sides to return to Me. To Me no one is the other… no one is close and afar… no one is mine nor not mine… all are the same whatever their form… whatever their function… I am fully immersed in them. From the most intelligent to the stone can all exhibit My presence if I will it to be. I am beyond the intellect… beyond emotion… beyond thought and beyond love any one’s body, mind, heart, and intellect can ever experience. Whatever you experience is a minute glimpse of My expansiveness.
Don’t cry… don’t ever fear, have faith- ALWAYS… in what I have said to you. I am indestructible… I have come for your sake and I will NEVER leave you. I am always at work for you alone. You are My breath; You are the reason why I have taken upon Myself a mortal body… you are the reason of My joy… You are My children and I am always your mother. I will never let any harm come upon you… and I will never take away Myself from you. I have come to spend every moment to love you and show you the reality of your own self.
Everywhere today there is suffering due to immorality. The mind of man is slowly destroying his own peace. Even the innocent have suffered due to some that have ignored the call of the atma (soul) within. But I am still the Mother of all. Both are My children, one I need to protect, and the other I need to correct.
The name of the Divine when chanted frees the negative energy that continuously hovers over the world today. I am always in bliss even when my body undergoes turmoil. I do not feel pain… I only remember you… your safety… and I remain in bliss. You remember Me most in times of trouble. But how can I give you trouble? I am your Mother. I always look for your welfare. To see one tear of yours makes me rush to be by your side. I am always by your side. You are not able to see Me for your eyes look for this world.
You are nothing but Me. To drive away the negative energy you must remember the name of God. That is why I have taken upon Myself this sickness. You remember Me… pray and remain in a clean pure frame of mind by that. Just by that positive energy emanates from you and all the troubles and catastrophes that you or your loved ones are about to face are washed out.
As for Me the ailment of the body is nothing. You endure pain when you see Me like this and from it you derive strength in order to pray, love, unite, and do the right thing. That is all that I want for your sake. Your peace lies in goodness alone.
Don’t worry about Me. Remember I am always with you. You are My breath. Only for my children will I continue to live in this body. Even the siblings who fight come together when the Mother’s body is ailing. I want to see you united with love for each other with complete unity and have faith that you are under the umbrella of My protection.
I bless you… now and forever!
An inspirational message given to Seema M. Dewan April 4th 2011 11:05 am U.S. time, 8:35 pm India time.
Please feel free to share
Monday, April 4, 2011
The latest medical bulletin released at 1730 hrs
By SSSIHMS, Prasanthigrams reads as follows:
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has been admitted in the hospital for the last 5 days is responding to the treatment given to Him quite effectively. He is still on assisted ventilation to help His respiratory system and is breathing more easily now. He had a hemodialysis in the morning. The panel of specialists are monitoring all His vital functions including kidneys and are satisfied with His response to the treatment.
Today, a team of specialists deputed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh also went through the process of treatment rendered to Him and had a detailed and fruitful discussion with the panel of specialists treating Bhagawan Baba.
Sunday – April 3. There was Rudram and bhajans with a crowd that was the biggest of the week. It could be that many people are off because tomorrow is Ugadi - Telegu New Year.
Baba checked in on us a couple of times. His vibration was there.
Tomorrow – Monday – April 4: There will be bhajans from 9 to 6. This is great as many people have been conducting prayers and bhajans in small groups.
Also, it is a great way to celebrate Ugadi by helping Sai Baba.
There is no more information to the rumor that Baba would be returning to his residence on Monday. However, No one knows for sure when it will be. It could be anytime. I feel positive that Baba will be giving darshan in Kulwant Hall this week.
Warning: Again I must reiterate to not believe the news media. There are many ways to get information about Baba. You can rely on official sites.
It seems that yesterday one of the television networks in Andhra Pradesh reported that Sai Baba had died. The other networks picked it up. From there it spread around the world. All of it false. Nobody bothered to verify the information with the hospital or with anyone who would know.
The newspapers have been better but they have also made factual mistakes.
To anyone who is coming here: Come. Do not change your plans.
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has been admitted in the hospital for the last 5 days is responding to the treatment given to Him quite effectively. He is still on assisted ventilation to help His respiratory system and is breathing more easily now. He had a hemodialysis in the morning. The panel of specialists are monitoring all His vital functions including kidneys and are satisfied with His response to the treatment.
Today, a team of specialists deputed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh also went through the process of treatment rendered to Him and had a detailed and fruitful discussion with the panel of specialists treating Bhagawan Baba.
Sunday – April 3. There was Rudram and bhajans with a crowd that was the biggest of the week. It could be that many people are off because tomorrow is Ugadi - Telegu New Year.
Baba checked in on us a couple of times. His vibration was there.
Tomorrow – Monday – April 4: There will be bhajans from 9 to 6. This is great as many people have been conducting prayers and bhajans in small groups.
Also, it is a great way to celebrate Ugadi by helping Sai Baba.
There is no more information to the rumor that Baba would be returning to his residence on Monday. However, No one knows for sure when it will be. It could be anytime. I feel positive that Baba will be giving darshan in Kulwant Hall this week.
Warning: Again I must reiterate to not believe the news media. There are many ways to get information about Baba. You can rely on official sites.
It seems that yesterday one of the television networks in Andhra Pradesh reported that Sai Baba had died. The other networks picked it up. From there it spread around the world. All of it false. Nobody bothered to verify the information with the hospital or with anyone who would know.
The newspapers have been better but they have also made factual mistakes.
To anyone who is coming here: Come. Do not change your plans.
Take Care. Be Well and Happy.
Gerald
Sai Seniors
It's 3 am and I've been awake since 2, wide awake.
In the first place I had a great talk with Tara my friend who just returned from Prasanthi. She's just returned with that feeling of frustration we all seem to carry around with us these days. Now she didn't say that and I'm going to get into trouble for 'assigning a feeling' to her but it's such a familiar feeling. I think it is the feeling that we should be DOING something with all the grace we've been given....but what?
So back to the drawing board. We were thinking about a Sai Graduate newsletter before our latest 'health issue' got us sidetracked. My knees object strongly to the fact that I'm ignoring them and they stay 'out stretched' for hours and hours (I won't say how long) while I watch TV. They give me pain and I can't use them even if I wanted to. So I took 'two Aleves' last night before going to bed....which may have woken me up at 2 o'clock.
My mind did turn on and the thoughts were 'rational' for a change.
We should try to do the newsletter. Also got an email from Lad who is sort of our western music person. He gave me a link to some of songs like 'standing on holy ground' which I've always loved.
We (who ever that is.)...we should call ourselves,'Sai Seniors' rather than 'Sai Graduates' because all of us are seniors but maybe not 'graduates'. I know that there have been many times since coming back to the west, when I certainly didn't feel like 'a graduate' of anything
Help ever Hurt never is a good motto no matter who we are or where. Love all Serve all maybe a tad ambitious when one can't bend one's knees. I suppose there isn't much difference. We 'must not hurt anyone not even ourselves' seems like a good way to live. And we must help always to the extinct possible. Goldstein's latest letter makes me feel inadequate to say the least. I don't think I put the letter on the blog but I will today. It keeps using the word, 'clarify' and each time I feel more confused. But He was addressing 'the Org' not this Sai Senior living here in subsidized housing in St. Petersburg.
We must 'help ourselves' in every way possible. When one is a recluse and hardly sees anyone except the TV, one is acutely aware of this duty to oneself. I must restart the 'veggie program' . People with diabetics MUST eat vegetables, that's all there is to it. And I must make an attempt to LOVE others as I go down to get my mail every day. Little does the lady behind the desk realize that she represents my 'person to love' when I ask her sincerely 'how she is'. I have promised myself to walk down to the elevator in order to get my mail every single day for the sake of my knees. Actually it's for my very own sake I'm doing this exercise. This is a 'spiritual truth', youall so mark it well. I am the same as Swami and so I must take care of His poor knees by taking care of my own poor knees. I'm helping and not hurting when I go down to get my mail. I wanted to clarify that.
In the first place I had a great talk with Tara my friend who just returned from Prasanthi. She's just returned with that feeling of frustration we all seem to carry around with us these days. Now she didn't say that and I'm going to get into trouble for 'assigning a feeling' to her but it's such a familiar feeling. I think it is the feeling that we should be DOING something with all the grace we've been given....but what?
So back to the drawing board. We were thinking about a Sai Graduate newsletter before our latest 'health issue' got us sidetracked. My knees object strongly to the fact that I'm ignoring them and they stay 'out stretched' for hours and hours (I won't say how long) while I watch TV. They give me pain and I can't use them even if I wanted to. So I took 'two Aleves' last night before going to bed....which may have woken me up at 2 o'clock.
My mind did turn on and the thoughts were 'rational' for a change.
We should try to do the newsletter. Also got an email from Lad who is sort of our western music person. He gave me a link to some of songs like 'standing on holy ground' which I've always loved.
We (who ever that is.)...we should call ourselves,'Sai Seniors' rather than 'Sai Graduates' because all of us are seniors but maybe not 'graduates'. I know that there have been many times since coming back to the west, when I certainly didn't feel like 'a graduate' of anything
Help ever Hurt never is a good motto no matter who we are or where. Love all Serve all maybe a tad ambitious when one can't bend one's knees. I suppose there isn't much difference. We 'must not hurt anyone not even ourselves' seems like a good way to live. And we must help always to the extinct possible. Goldstein's latest letter makes me feel inadequate to say the least. I don't think I put the letter on the blog but I will today. It keeps using the word, 'clarify' and each time I feel more confused. But He was addressing 'the Org' not this Sai Senior living here in subsidized housing in St. Petersburg.
We must 'help ourselves' in every way possible. When one is a recluse and hardly sees anyone except the TV, one is acutely aware of this duty to oneself. I must restart the 'veggie program' . People with diabetics MUST eat vegetables, that's all there is to it. And I must make an attempt to LOVE others as I go down to get my mail every day. Little does the lady behind the desk realize that she represents my 'person to love' when I ask her sincerely 'how she is'. I have promised myself to walk down to the elevator in order to get my mail every single day for the sake of my knees. Actually it's for my very own sake I'm doing this exercise. This is a 'spiritual truth', youall so mark it well. I am the same as Swami and so I must take care of His poor knees by taking care of my own poor knees. I'm helping and not hurting when I go down to get my mail. I wanted to clarify that.
EGO. SHMEGO
I woke up the other morning thinking about my ego. I have always felt that I had much of an ego and absolutely no self confidence but there it seemed to be, an ego, staring at me.
“No ego, huh?,” my mouth said. Don't you feel superior to everyone else around because you've been with the Avatar for so many years. When you lived at the ashram didn't you feel superior to the people living outside? Tell the truth now.”
“No I honestly didn't, Mr. Ego. I always felt more fortunate, I had more grace and and a lot of graditude because I lived inside.”
“Did you think you deserved the extra grace?”
“Sometimes I felt deserving but usually I felt I needed to live inside and that He was being kind by giving me a place because I couldn't have managed living outside.”
“Ego! There were lots of people living outside who would have been better off living inside. Did they have less grace?”
“No, Mr. Ego, we all have the grace to live in the perfect place our Swami has assigned to each of us.”
“Well now you live many countries away from the form of the Avatar. Do you think you've lost all His grace.”
“Maybe I have.”
“And maybe He has given you another kind of grace. The grace to know He still loves you even though He's distanced you from His form.”
“Yes, maybe so, Mr. Ego. You rotten son of a gun.”
“You never liked me, did you?”
“No, I never did and I refuse to recognize you now, too”
“You can refuse all you want but here I am anyway letting you know you're not so damned perfect.”
“I swear I never thought that. I thought I lived inside because I needed to, because I was blemished in many ways.”
“Everyone has blemishes why should you be any different?”
“How should I know why.”
“Ok so now here you are living with the 'common herd' without a Sai devotee in sight.” Is that why you never leave your room, because you're so much better than all the other residents?”
“I never thought that.”
“But you are much better, aren't you because you're on the 'spiritual path'”
“I'm not better, just hear a different drummer that's all.”
“And " More of your non-existent ego. You don't even know the names of your neighbors after living here for six months. Tell me, Miss Miss devotee, how are you going to love all and serve all when you can't tell one from another and never leave your room?”
“Shut up, you don't exist, you're just my imagination....just like everyone else around this place.”
“Don't you wish. I think I've been too quiet for too long. How are you going to learn anything if you don't see your own blemishes.”
“Bite me!”
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