A New Note

I'm warning you now that this may not be such a good blog. Woke up
with bad sinuses due to a change in the weather and couldn't even
remember the usual bhajans I sing each morning. A little brain dead
but hopefully the imagination will make up for it. I was thinking
about music groups and music programs for Sai Graduates and wondering
why we hadn't thought of it earlier.
First let me remind everyone of our beginnings... I was told to leave
India by that FRO in Parthi...(I can think of another abbreviation
more apt) which happened to many of us, and Swami's question to the
4 or 5 thousand Sai Devotees two years ago...”Where are the Americans”
Maybe it wasn't that many anyway I found myself here in Florida
wondering if by 'Americans' He meant those of us with similar
non-Asian roots who grew up with pop music and a liking for church.
I'm deliberately leaving out religious theology. I thought that
perhaps we 'Americans' might be able to share feelings and interests
not found in the present Sai Centers. When I returned after 30 years
in India, I was dismayed and disparately sad but also somewhat felt
safe and comfortable to be here in familiar surroundings. Oh and let
me explain the derivation of, Sai Graduate. I believe that our
precious Swami is perfect and His teachings are perfect so what ever
we received from Him is the perfect amount for our total
transformation because we are one with Him. We are 'graduates'
whether we are willing to admit it or not.
Ok, two things. For years and years in India we had a group called
the 'Overseas Brindavan Bhajan Singers and we sang in Brindavan for a
long time 'Under the tree' and also in Sai Ramesh Hall. It was the
best thing we did because we were included in the Indian singing group
there...separate but equal. We practiced in my room in the Brindavan
College Guest House and we were pretty good too, I think. When He
was in Kodai and Ooti sometimes we stayed behind and did a morning
bhajan and an evening program very much like a Sai Center. When He
was in Whitefield we carried on with a bhajan in the evenings. Many
people first started singing bhajans there as we were open to
everyone. Anyway it was a time full of miracles as was all of our
time there with the Kali Yuga Avatar.
So this morning dead brain or no, I as thinking how wonderful our
group was and if we could reinvent the group over here. Dana
Gillespie is flying around the country inspiring devotees wit her
singing, just maybe we could do the same. Of course her performance,
'Love the Love' is absolutely out of this world but...we could give it
a go, maybe. The ex-members of the 'Overseas Brindavan Bhajan
Singers' could morph into the American Sai Graduate Music Group.
Most of us live sort of in the Eastern half of the US from Main to
Florida but I was thinking that a couple times a year we could have
week long retreats (at my sister's huge old family home) and then
give concerts in various places like L.A., New Jersey, Atlanta, Miami
and elsewhere. I won't mention what the programs might be for fear of
alienating some of the singers because we are all rather opinionated!
Anyway, it might be fun and...inspirational. I would vote for English
...maybe with the Sanskrit and maybe a speech or a reading of Swami's
words.

Tracking the Ego

Ego is a tricky little so and so, isn't it. Have youall found that it
sneaks in behind your back and suddenly there it is in all it's glory?
I'm talking about my recent experience with 'it', which was only
yesterday.
I can really fool myself, or shall I continue to call it 'it'. I
thought I had discovered an 'aha' thing. Swami talks through me,
Swami walks through me, Swami creates through me, there is no 'me'
only Swami so I don't have anything to worry about. Swami is perfect
so...So I had this idea that a few of my musical friends could work
together and put together a Cd of Kararoki songs for Sai
devotees...all over this country...to use in nursing homes...with a
small booklet of the words. I had assigned a few people to this
project and told them how to start. Can you believe it? Ok well, I
knew that my highest position on my bi=poler had kicked in but I
hadn't connected the dots. The dots leading me to the real
culprit...EGO. So on one side of my brain I was reveling in the
discovery of my 'surrender to Swami'. I was nothing, I thought. The
me, the little insignificant wooden puppet...could be thrown in the
trash. Everything that the puppet was, really was only Swami. So,
feeling all warm and satisfied with my puppet self but with a heavy
hand I created, Swing with Sai. I felt so good about the project that
I was not aware of the elephant ego in the room expanding for all it
was worth.
When I told this new 'aha' to my friend Fran, she said. “OH yes,
Susan and the wonderful thing about this puppet is that EVERY ONE IS
HIS PUPPET AND HE IS WORKING, TALKING, SINGING AND CREATING THROUGHT
EVERYONE in the WORLD. I paused and the warm feeling of being
'special' dimmed just a bit. Yes, of course I murmured before going
back to the idea that He was using me as such a great instrument.
It wasn't until this morning that the ugly picture came into my
mind's eye in meditation.. By then the ugly elephant in the room ego
Was plainly visible. OMG, Swami, it's tricked me again, I thought and
ran to the computer to blog it, thinking it might have relevance for
many of us poor souls who live alone and have no one to bounce things
off of. That's one reason for this blog. Also I use it as my
psychiatrist my friend, my companion, sounding board and...Swami.
Fortunately Akash and the others, are old friends and have been
through many a huge imaginary project, with me before. They don't
even bother to answer my frantic e-mails as they know that I do get
over these things. Sorry guys, thanks for 'hanging in'. Oh and let me
apologize to precious Divya who actually listens to me and even
follows my suggestions sometimes. Yesterday I asked her to take some
material from my website, Sai Wonderland.net and make a UTUBE...which
is always my ultimate ego trip. Fortunately the idea was pretty good
as Swami's Village Integrated Project is one of His very best projects
and besides it has nothing at all to do with me, and is worthy of any
kind of publicity.

Ugadi - Report From Parthi

Sai Ram,

The crowd has left. There is plenty of space in Kulwant Hall. The weather, which warmed up a few degrees for several days, is back to normal of 33-34C (Low 90’s).
Lovely days with a nice breeze at night.

What is strange about this time of year is that the weather is hot and breezy as if it is summer while leaves fall from the trees as though it was autumn.

A quick moving thunderstorm went through the area about 3 a.m. on the 31st. A modest amount of rain and slightly cooler temperatures.

People are gearing up for the many holidays in April including Rama Navami, Tamil New Year, Vishnu and especially the one year Anniversary where a large crowd is expected.

Wednesday – March 21 to Thursday – March 22. Rudram, bhajans, arathi and Darshan.

Friday – March 23. Ugadi. Happy New Year. It was Telegu New Year but also celebrated in other parts of India under different names. In the morning a Vedic scholar spoke about the significance of the new year (Nandanam) according to the religious almanac (Panchanga Shravanam).

Afterwards, university students sang a few Telegu songs leading to an Ugadi discourse by Sai Baba.

In the evening, V. Sriramachandra Murthy gave a speech about the significance of Ugadi from a Sai viewpoint. After which Nithya Santoshini gave a wonderful concert that lasted an hour. She sang in Telegu and Hindi with solos in Tamil and Gujarathi. It was moving and soothed us to peace.

Saturday – March 24. Rudram, bhajans, arathi and Darshan.

Sunday – March 25. Another Gratitude Program. This time is was by boys leaving Brindivan Campus. Again songs and words of appreciation as they poured out their heartful thanks to Baba for everything.

Monday – March 26. It was Rudram, bhajans, arathi and Darshan. What was amazing was as we were waiting for the curtain around the Samadhi to open, I saw Sai Baba’s face. It was very large, located in front of the mandir 1st and 2nd levels, even higher. He was smiling as he blessed the few of us that were there.

A little later, after the curtain opened a tremendous Shiva Lingam of the type used on Shivaratri white in color and as big as the whole Samadhi was seen for the entire bhajan session. As time went on, liquid flowed from the lingam down the front of the Samadhi where it became energy that penetrated the hall.

A smell of Jasmine filled the area in front of me as arathi finished.

Tuesday - March 27. It was Rudram, bhajans, arathi and darshan. However at 6:15 with bhajans being sung, Baba blessed me with a strong smell of Jasmine.
Tonight, one year ago, an ambulance pulled up to the residence and waited. It was dark. About 5 minutes later a late model car came closer to the front door. The person got out, went to the trunk, opened and closed it before driving away. Shortly, the ambulance drove away.

We learned the next day that those around Baba were concerned about his health so they wanted him to go to the hospital. Baba said “NO”.

Wednesday – March 28. Today was the day that Baba was taken to the Super Speciality Hospital. Of course, everyone expected that it would be temporary that he would return soon.

This morning during bhajans Surya blessed me.

Wednesday – March 28 to Saturday – March 31. Rudram, bhajans, arathi and Darshan.

Saturday – March 31. Sri Sathya Sai Primary and Higher Secondary School as well as Easwaramma English Medium School closed for a 2 month vacation. However, the university campus will continue until April 15th.

Exciting News. At least as far as I am concern. For a year people have wondered how the Central Trust would function and wondered if there would be adequate money to keep everything functioning as it was.

Word was released tonight that the Central Trust was willing to extend the Anantapur Water Project to include an additional 118 areas. It will cost between Rs 75-80 Crore which will be funded by the Trust. The original project was done in 1994. Trustees and other official met with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for approval so they can begin. There have been several other water projects over the years fund completely by the Trust. All of them were turned over to respective state governments for operation and maintenance.

Last Year - It was at this time one year ago, that the intense prayer and concern for Baba started. Word was that Baba physical body was in poor condition. If it had been an ordinary person, there would have been no doubt that the body was a goner. But this was the avatar. He could do anything at anytime. The body had been near death before and even dead and came back to life when all hope was given up.

Most people expected another miracle. Baba was teaching us. All life as we knew it changed and would remain in suspension until recovery. At this point, we waited and we prayed.

Baba Statue: The word is that a decision on the statue has not been made. Many people on the Central Trust and elsewhere are opposed to a Statue as it was not in keeping with Baba’s teaching to go beyond the form. However, it was understood that some people want a physical image to look at here and at their center.

At any rate, at this point there will be no unveiling of a statue at Anniversary or Guru Poornima.

Baba Miracle:

Prasanth Sai, an alumnus from Bhagawan’s University is currently serving Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in its Vidya Vahini mission. What he wrote was condensed.
In 2007 a group of 6 students were learning the KP system of astrological predictions. We gave one of our charts for KP to explain specific areas such as profession, longevity, and education without mentioning the person.
One such day, Mr. KP asked, “Is he alive? We: “Yes”
Mr.KP: “Is he really there? Where is he? Here? Do you know him?”
We told him that it was my chart.
Mr.KP: “is there any specific incident that happened recently in your life? Maybe near Swam.” I said, “Yes”.
Mr. KP: “Do not see this chart anymore. Your life is in His hands. In this chart there is no longevity. Do not see this anymore”
The author of the article explained that he had a low blood sugar problem during early morning hours for several months and was unable to compensate. In a group interview, Baba held his hand which corrected the problem.

However, the real miracle was that he has no lifeline. He is in effect immortal as
Sai Baba made him his own.

The Western Canteen changed its Breakfast time to 7:30 to 9:00 & 9:30 to 10:30.

“Sai Grace” has been translated into Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Marathi. However the middle section will contain some fresh articles. Telegu edition will be released on MahaSamadhi Day. The other issues will follow later.

Attached are remembrance of Baba’s last physical darshan, a quote from Sai and a picture of the mandir when there was sand in front (Year?).

An incredible 9 minute video of Baba giving darshan in Kulwant Hall: http://vimeo.com/39385142.

Passport-Visa issues. A column that appeared in the Deccan Chronicle newspaper on Friday March 31st called “Visa bloopers” by Shashi Tharoor. My thought was if people such as Tharoor were so aware of the unfairness of the current system and the inconveniences it causes for Indians and foreigners why hasn’t anyone done anything?

Seema Messages are “The Moment of Prayer”. The Breath of Love” and “The Power of Your Will”.

Thought for the Day
26 March 2012

People are bereft of gratitude, which is not right. One should be grateful for the help they have received from others as long as one is alive. There are two things you must forget: the help you have rendered to others and the harm others have done to you. If you remember the help you have rendered, you will always expect something in return. Remembrance of the harm done to you by others generates in you a sense of revenge. You should remember only the help you received from others. The one with these sacred qualities is an ideal human being. Love is God, love is Nature, love is life and love is the true human value. Bereft of love, one is equivalent to a corpse. Love even the worst of your enemies. Lead a life filled with love. Then you will experience joy, peace and security in your heart.

Baba

Thought for the Day
22 March 2012

Today, people's behaviour is not good because their thoughts are polluted. And because their thoughts and actions have become perverted, the country is passing through troubles and turmoil. People have filled their mind with thoughts of mundane, ephemeral, and transient things. These thoughts are negative in nature; only those based on Truth are positive. If the feelings and intentions behind your actions are good, the results will also be good. Sacred thoughts, good words, and noble deeds are the true human values. Thoughts are your permanent assets. As is the thought, so is the mind. If thoughts are good, humanity will blossom into Divinity.

Baba

Thought for the Day
28 March 2012

Your enemies are not outside. Your bad thoughts are your worst enemies and thoughts based on Truth are your best friends. But today, people do not befriend the thoughts based on Truth, which are essentially divine. Practise to make friendship with Sath, the eternal Truth. Sath means Being, the ever-present God. Worldly friends and enemies change with the passage of time, but sath is the true and eternal friend. This friend, God, is always with you, in you, around you, above you, below you and protecting you just as the eyelid protects the eye. Truth is God. Love is God. Dharma (righteousness) is God. When you worship God by following these principles, He will manifest Himself immediately. Love God wholeheartedly. Make friends with Him. You can achieve anything if you have God as your friend.

Baba

Rama Navami - Report From Parthi Dham

Sai Ram,

This was just supposed to be a special report so you can get a lot of Sai Photos. But it was decided to bring you up to date.

Sunday – April 1st. It was a great day to be a fool for God especially Rama as it was Rama Navami. Rama was born about 20,000 year ago, give or take a few thousand.
Because of his purity, he is still remembered.

In the morning, after 20 minutes of Vedic chanting there was a 40 minute musical program by university students of songs dedicated to Rama and Sai Baba with commentary.

Baba gave a discourse about the ideal life led by Rama and his brothers as well as
emphasizing the grandeur of the Ramayana.

In the evening music college students displayed their range of talents with Carnatic and Hindustani music and instrumental tunes.

Outside of the ashram, there was free food, Rama and Sita marriage was preformed and there was a procession in the evening.

Meanwhile Saturday – March 31 and Sunday – April 1 was the occasion of the first national retreat for all national and state office bearers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation in India. It was held at Brindavan.

150 delegates convened to listen to suggestions and proposals from youth around India as to how to move forward.

This conference will lead to the strengthening of the Sai organization and the spreading of Baba’s messages.

Monday – April 2 and Tuesday – April 3. Rudram, bhajans, arathi and Darshan.

Part of the South Indian Canteen is being renovated. It remains open. We will have to wait to see what the improvement will be. There are rumors circulating about the canteen. They are just rumors.

Water – There is a severe water shortage in many parts of India and even where there is water some people are not getting enough. The Governments has asked businesses and organizations to help people receive water. In Puttaparthi, merchants have placed water containers outside with cups so that people can help themselves. I saw one merchant fill a Baba bottle with water.

Seema message: “The Smile of Faith”.

Thought for the Day
3 April 2012

As the heart is to the body, so is the place of worship (Temple, Mosque, Church, etc.) to the community. Worship of God through various festivals, construction of places of worship, etc. are all good deeds (Sath Karma). They provide training in service and create opportunities for sacrifice and detachment. However be aware that when there is the anguished cry for food and shelter, money should not be spent on construction of new places of worship; this is not to be encouraged. The same Lord is worshipped everywhere, and you need not build a temple for every new Name or Form. Tell people to see in all Forms and under all Names the same God. That is the training they need.

Baba

Thought for the Day
1 April 2012

Thousands of years have passed since the Treta Yuga (second quarter of time, the age in which Lord Rama was born), yet even now everyone, right from children to elderly people, remember the name of Rama. The glory of Rama's name has not diminished even a bit with the passage of time. This truth should be recognised by all. Rama is the name given to a form, but is not limited to a form. Rama is the never changing Divine Principle (Atma). Therefore, wherever and whenever you remember the name of Rama, He is there with you, in you, around you. Rama is the personification of righteousness (Ramo vigrahavan Dharmaha). You should also follow Dharma (righteousness); not the principle of Dharma that comes from the mind but one that originates from your heart.

Baba

Play Director

He directed the final performance yesterday in a phenomenal way. First
He had me write these peculiar plays about a bunch of old people
living in a retirement building who wanted to be young again. It was
really just about us and the drama group decided to do it, in fact
they decided to do both of the plays I wrote. I played myself, Susie.
There was a little stuffed dog named, little 'white feather', who had
powers and made us all young again for just enough time to realize we
were much happier being who we really were. We played with toys and
carried on, then became teen agers which was even worse. At the end
when we realized how wonderful it was too be who we reallywere living
in the present, Susie said 'we were lucky to have Saint Peter as our
patron'. A lot of what we said was impromptu as none of us could
remember lines or anything and carried the scripts in our hands. I
had a bunch of cards which I got all mixed up and said, 'and we have
our patron, Saint Peter to help us,' before it was time...Someone
said, 'it's too early for Saint Peter, a lot has to happen first' so
when it was time to say the line, I said … 'now can I thank Saint
Peter for taking care of us?' The audience loved it, every word got
lots of applause and lots of laughs out loud. So it turned out to be
pretty spiritual and made a lot of elderly people happy. Who knew?
How He pulled it out of the bag I'll never know. I frankly thought it
was a pretty stupid idea to begin with.
And the play was only one theme in the greater play. They took my
urine sample at the clinic downstairs and found a couple of strains of
staph...or was it strept, anyway something bad so they put me on a
really strong antibiotic, one full something or other every day.
Well, I'm old and frail and just got rid of TB which I brought back
from India. My body hated it and reacted badly with constant
diarrhea, stomach cramps and weakness. I took the shots for three
days...all by myself up here in this little cave of an apartment with
stuff shooting out both ends...sorry for that but I couldn't think of
a less graphic way to write that. They told me the injections
wouldn't be bad and I could still be in the play and sing the opening
song, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. The play was on Monday and
I was still really sick on Saturday so I refused the injection on
Sunday because Swami gave me a 'yes' you should try to do the play
and sing.
Even as late as Monday morning I was still telling the director I
couldn't be in it. It wouldn't have been a problem as the director
could have read my lines and someone else could have sung but Swami
had implied I should do it and my sister had asked her 'magic ring'
which agreed with Swami. So I staggered across the street to the
final rehearsal and it was OK. I murmured something about, 'bad dress
rehearsal, good performance' and someone said, 'once the adrenalin
turns on, it will be fine'. Guess who was the adrenalin. Talk about
just being an instrument, this was a perfect example. I was so sick I
could hardly stand up and...never mind about the bodily functions.
But then for the first time we were all ad libbing and enjoying the
whole thing and so did the audience! They broke up when John got down
on the floor playing with his grandson's toy truck. Someone said 'the
miracle was not only that John could get down on the floor but that he
could get up again. The whole thing was Swami's miracle.