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SRI SATHYA SAI BHAGAVATAM

PART - 1

Compiled by

Tumuluru Prabha, Krishna Murty

SRI SATHYA SAI BHAGAVATAMPART - 1

Compiled by

Tumuluru Prabha, Krishna Murty


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PRAYER

OM

Shukla-Ambara Dharam Vishnum,

Shashi Varnam Chtur Bhjam,

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayeth

Sarva Vighnopa Shanta Ye.

Om, Sri Sai Rama Subha Nama Manobhi Rama

Sampurna Kama Kamaneeya Vacohobhi Rama Sarvajna

Sargunaganya Muneedravandya

Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavan Mama Devadeva.

OM. SAAYEESHWARAAYA VIDMAHE SATHYA-

DEVAAYA DHEEMAHI

TANNAH- SARVAH PRACHODHAYAATH

I meditate on You - Sai Easwara, Lord Sai

Bestow Bliss, Grace and Happiness.

Oh, Shiva Shakti, My Salutations to you, Bless me, Oh,

Mother Sai,

As I commence this Sai Bhagavatam; May you be ever

with me.

Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu.


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SRI SATHYA SAI BHAGAVATAMPART - 1

Compiled by

Tumuluru Prabha

Tumuluru Krishna Murty


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Anasuya

C-66 Durgabai Deshmukh Colony

Ahobil Mutt Road

Hyderabad 500007

Ph: +91 (40) 2742 7083/ 8904


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Figure 1: Original Photo of Swami Writing The Letter He

Wrote To His Brother On 25th May 1947 At The Age Of20 About His Mission...


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The wordBhagavatamuhas five syllables:BHA stands forBhakti (Devotion)

GA Gnannam (Wisdom)

VA Vairagyam (Detachment)

TA Tatwam (Nature)

MUMukti (Liberation) (SSB 1995, p. 37)

Bhagavatam chadivithe bagavatam in Telugu

means, If we study Bhagavatam, we shall

become good. That is to say, Bhagavatam

confers goodness on all. It contains the

essence of all Vedas. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p.

206)


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Table of Contents

Dedication .................................................................................................................. 13

Prologue.................................................................................................................... 15

Acknowledgements................................................................................................. 17

Introduction on Bhagavatham............................................................................. 19

Origin of Bhagavatam ............................................................................................ 19

The Bhagavathamcontains the fruits of all spiritual practices. ............................. 25Tyaja Durjana Samsargam ................................................................................. 26

Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam ............................................................................... 27

Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram ................................................................................. 27

Smara Nityam Anityataam................................................................................. 27

Section 1: The Glory and Majesty of God .................................................................. 28

God, the Supreme ....................................................................................................... 29Few saying on who is God?................................................................................ 30

The Concept of the Avatar .......................................................................................... 38

Avatar ..................................................................................................................... 39

The purpose of Avatar ........................................................................................... 48

The Lord manifests in differentAvatars............................................................ 51

Section 2: The Triple Incarnation ............................................................................... 55

The Triple Incarnation - Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai .................................... 56

Triple Avatars ......................................................................................................... 57

Advent of Sathya Sai after Shirdi Sai ................................................................. 58

Shirdi Sai Baba ............................................................................................................ 60

Shirdi Sai Advent: The Mystery .............................................................................. 60

Story of Shirdi Sai Baba .......................................................................................... 63

Advent of Pathri, birth place of Sai Baba ........................................................... 63Shirdi Baba and Venkuusa ................................................................................. 63

Plan to kill Baba ....................................................................................................... 64


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Early years of the child ...................................................................................... 65

Arrival of Baba at Shirdi .................................................................................... 66

Building at Shirdi ............................................................................................... 67A judge for a judge ............................................................................................ 68

Sai---the Guru.................................................................................................... 69

Sathe leaves Shirdi ............................................................................................ 70

Baba's concern for Devotees ............................................................................ 73

Baba's way of disciplining devotees ...................................................................... 74

The difference between devotees and disciples .............................................. 74

Baba and Shyam, the only disciple ................................................................... 75

Prophecies Regarding Sathya Sai Babas Advent ...................................................... 77

References to Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba in Ancient Treatises ............................... 77

Christ's announcement of the Advent of Baba ................................................. 78

Nadi Treatises ................................................................................................... 78

The Unique, Enchanting and Engrossing Story of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar .................... 82

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 82

Advent of the Avatar ............................................................................................. 84The Raju Family ................................................................................................. 86

Satyanarayana Raju - His Childhood ................................................................. 92

The Sorceror ..................................................................................................... 99

Transformation: Emergence of Raju as Sathya Sai ......................................... 100

For advertisement of Ayurvedic medicine: ............................................................ 102

Song on the stage during a function: ...................................................................... 103On observing odd fashions:.................................................................................... 103

Deriding vain practices: ......................................................................................... 104For correcting the bad ways of Karanam Narayana Rao, husband of Subbamma : 104Inspiring people about freedom fighters and fate of the country:........................... 105

Baba's attainment of freedom from Maya .............................................................. 105

Strange white man who was fond of Swami: ................................................. 106

Interesting Anecdotes ..................................................................................... 107

Ramesh and Suresh ................................................................................................ 107Scout Camp ............................................................................................................ 108

The Final Declaration ...................................................................................... 112Sai revealing His miraculous and divine powers ................................................... 116

Raju as Virupaksha .......................................................................................... 118


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Section 3: Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Man of Leelas and Mahimas ................................... 126

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, His Life, His Leelas and Mahima ..............................................127

Gang of seventeen thieves ..................................................................................128

Tapovanam ..........................................................................................................129

Letter of 25th

May 1947 .......................................................................................130

Prasanthi Nilayam ................................................................................................134

Man of Miracles and Leelas .................................................................................143

Methodology Revealed ...................................................................................147

Do not exaggerate the significance of miracles...............................................148

Baba about Himself ..............................................................................................156This Unique AvatarIs the Embodiment Of Truth And Righteousness .............157

The Same Atmic Principle is Present in All ......................................................159

OneAtmanarayana Immanent In All ..................................................................... 160

Section 4: Divine Mission and Teachings of Bhagawan ............................................ 178

Divine Mission and Projects......................................................................................179

Introduction to Sathya Sai Babas Divine Mission................................................179Educare ................................................................................................................182

Educare Confers Immortality.........................................................................189

Education, Educare and Their Benefits............................................................191

Education and Educare Must Go Hand In Hand ..............................................193

Human Values..................................................................................................193

Music College in Prasanthi Nilayam .....................................................................194

God Is a Lover Of Music ...................................................................................196

Medicare ..............................................................................................................196

History .............................................................................................................196

What the Super-Speciality hospital signifies ...................................................197

Mission statement ...........................................................................................199

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram ...............201

Super Speciality Hospital-Whitefield ...............................................................208

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield ......................213

Ambiance ............................................................................................................... 215For The Progress of Rural Urban India .................................................................216

Narayana Seva .................................................................................................217


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Refuge for the Forlorn .................................................................................... 219

Some of Sais Revelations, Assurances and Advices................................................ 220

I - idi na dehamu .......................................................................................... 220

The Need For Ceiling On Desires .......................................................................... 221

Who Are You? ....................................................................................................... 222

Who is God? .................................................................................................... 223

Creation is My task. ............................................................................................... 223

I am the core of every being. .................................................................................. 224I am Hari and Hara too. .......................................................................................... 224

I am the Paramatma ............................................................................................... 225I am like the Kalpavriksha ..................................................................................... 226

Revelations...................................................................................................... 226

Sais Assurance:................................................................................................... 233

Mission, Task: ...................................................................................................... 237

Sais Advice to man............................................................................................. 239

Duty to Society ................................................................................................ 242

Be prepared to sacrifice yourselves for your Motherland ...................................... 246

Bhagawans Message of Love:........................................................................ 246

Section 5: The Experiences of Devotees ...................................................................252

Experiences of Devotees An Introduction ............................................................. 253

Prabhas Experiences with her Prabhu.................................................................... 255

Sathya Sai BabaThe Love Incarnate ............................................................ 256

The experiences of a young Sai devotee .................................................................. 259

Poem from Varun..................................................................................................... 265

The Intimate Relationship between God and Godly ................................................ 267

Episode One: You Belong to the Whole World ............................................... 267

Episode Two: I Visited the Home for the Aged ............................................... 268

Episode Three: You Cannot Escape from My Notice ...................................... 270

Episode Four: Change Your Qualities .............................................................. 271

Episode Five: A Few Students Are Privileged .................................................. 272

Episode Six: I Watch the Thoughts in Your Head ............................................ 274


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Seventh Episode: Cured of Heart Disease .......................................................275

Eighth Episode: Examinations Are Advanced ..................................................277

Reversing the Train ................................................................................................ 278

Ninth Episode: I Want Your Love .....................................................................280

Tenth Episode: Two Muslim Boys ....................................................................281

Section 6 ................................................................................................................. 283

Epilogue ....................................................................................................................284

Index .........................................................................................................................286

Bibliography .............................................................................................................289

List of Pictures

Figure 1: Original Photo of Swami Writing The Letter He Wrote To His Brother On

25th May 1947 At The Age Of 20 About His Mission... .................................................. 5

Figure 2: Sai Baba of Shirdi ........................................................................................... 71

Figure 3: Parents of Swami .......................................................................................... 165

Figure 4: The All-Knowning Baba ............................................................................... 166

Figure 5: Ganapriyaand Ganalola ................................................................................ 167

Figure 6: Young Baba................................................................................................... 168Figure 7: Baba on his various visits .............................................................................. 169

Figure 8: Punya Dampatulu - His Earthly Parents ........................................................ 169

Figure 9: Seeing an album ............................................................................................ 170

Figure 10: Baba with Sai Gita ...................................................................................... 171

Figure 11: Yogic posture .............................................................................................. 173

Figure 12: Baba with the Fortunate Baby ..................................................................... 174

Figure 13: Lover of Music ............................................................................................ 174

Figure 14: Planetarium ................................................................................................. 175Figure 15: Music College ............................................................................................. 175

Figure 16: Sri Sathya Sai International Centre For Sports............................................ 176
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Figure 17: Administrative Buiding .............................................................................. 177

Figure 18: College........................................................................................................ 177

Figure 19: Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram ......... 209Figure 20: Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield (suburb of Bangalore),

Karnataka, India ........................................................................................................... 211

Figure 21: Sai Service .................................................................................................. 212

Figure 22: Narayana Seva at the Stadium .................................................................... 212
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Dedication

Vyasa composed both the Mahabharata and the Bhagavatham. For his

greatness he is called sloka datagiver of divine verses. God is LokaDataGiver of the world itself. (SSB 1995)

He has also established the truth that bliss can come only in the thought

of God and not by any other process. He established that bliss and

happiness are simply embodiments of God and that they cannot be found

elsewhere. Bliss and happiness can be given only by God, and he who

thus secures them is called a devotee. The close relationship that exists

between a devotee and God has been described in Bhagavatha. (SSB

1978, pp. 4-5)

Bhakta Pothana, the great devotee and poet who wrote the Telugu

Bhagavatam said at the outset - Palikedidi Bhagavathamata- Palikinchedi

vadu Ramabhadrudata which means I am speaking Bhagavatham andthe one who is making me speak is Lord Rama Himself, saying that

Rama was the real writer and he (Pothana) was a mere instrument in

Ramashands. (ICS , p. 159)

There is a great spiritual significance to Pothanas verse of dedication,

which is a restatement of the famous mahavakya, viz. Thath-thwam-asi

(that-thou-art). In the present instance, Thath or That is represented by

the divine Lord Rama, Thwam or Thou by the poet-devotee Pothana, and


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Sri Sathya Sai BhagavatamPart 1

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Asi or Art by the bookBhagavatham. In other words,Bhagavan,Bhakta,

andBhagavathaGod, the devotee, and the scriptureare three in one.

Moreover the five letters, Bha-ga-va-ta-mu have their own spiritual

significance. These five letters may be considered as the five elements,

five senses, five sheaths orPancha Kosas and five life-breaths orpancha

pranas. The letter bha stands for bhakti or devotion, ga for gyan or

jnaana or wisdom, va for vairagya or renunciation, ta for thathwam or

realisation, and mu for Mukti or liberation. Thus, these five letters

represent the progressive steps for mans liberation from bondage orignorance. ( (SSB 1990)

Likewise, I am attempting to compile the Sacred Sri Sathya Sai

Bhagavatham and the Real Composer is none else than the Lord Sai

Rama.

We humbly dedicate this work at His Lotus Feet with pure love.

Tumuluru Prabha



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Prologue

I beg this is not the translation or adaptation of the already made versions

of Vyasas Bhagavatham or Pothanas but I have chosen the Living

Loving Avatar in human form, before our very eyes. For authenticity I

have consulted Prof N. Kasturis and Sri B.N. Narasimha MurthysSathyam Sivam Sundaram Volumes, Tapovanam of Jandhyala

Venkateswara Sastry - Shanti Sri, His Story as told by Himself published

by Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, Splendours of the

Supreme by Tumuluru Prabha Krishna Murty and Amalgamated Digests

compiled by Tumuluru Krishna Murty and last but not the least

Bhagavan Baba has written Bhagavatha Vahini which became the most

accessible and useful and helpful. I offer Prayerful Pranams to our

Prabhu of Parthi and my grateful thanks to all others who had been of

immense help to me. In this context I offer my special thanks to Shanti

Sri as I got the inspiration to undertake this sweet and memorable

journey after reading the Preface in Tapovanam where it was mentioned

In the very first interview Lord Sathya Sai Bhagavan asked me to give

lectures daily on the Sri Maha Bhagavatha for an hour in the Mandir inPrasanthi Nilayam. I was taken aback, felt a little nervous and was

hesitant to say Yes. Why fear when I am here, Swami said most

affectionately looking at me. Yes. He has been there with me all the time.

Otherwise, how could I give lectures on the Maha Bhagavatha, which I

never did earlier, except teaching school children? I could deliver

lectures for two and a half years continuously, that too inside the Mandir

of the holy temple of the Lord, Prasanthi Nilayam and that too to the

great-learned devotees. I noted that I was speaking, the Maha


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Bhagavatha, but I also realised that it was He who was speaking through

me. He was the source of my lectures and He was also the subject of my

lectures.(Tapovanam, p. 13)

Like I make my humble submission, Bhagavan had not asked me directly

but, I got inspiration and fillip with Babas taking away the DTP copy of

Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham and after listening to Bhagavans Birth

Day Discourse. I fervently pray for His Divine approval, guidance and

grace.

And, finally, a word in all humility why and how I chose the present Sri

Sathya Sai Bhagavatham. We were in Prasanthi Nilayam before and

after Bhagawans2008 Birth Day Celebrations deliberated on the need of

establishing a university campus for Muddenhalli students for whom He

planned to provide Spiritual Studies in Ramayana, Bhagavatha and

Bhagavad Gita besides academic studies when students would spreadtheir knowledge to the masses. Before that as my husband was sitting in

the verandah with a D T P copy of Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham,

Bhagavan very graciously took it, inspiring and guiding us to go forward

to share our deep love to the Lord. All these gave me the fillip to embark

on this great and steady journey, of course with my family members with

and for the Lord.

So, now, let us listen to the Lords Life, Message of Love, Mission and

the like and make our life more meaningful, purposeful, blissful and

peaceful.

Love

Tumulurus


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Acknowledgements

In compiling this Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam all our family members

have spared much of their time in the loving service of typing themanuscript, giving good advice, enthusiasm and encouragement, thus

bringing it to the present shape. We would like specially mention Dr.

Gowri and Sai Varun who laid foundation for the work. We are indebted

to them for their help.

We are thankful to many authors of the books we have consulted. We are

ever grateful to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for the inspiration He has

given us and guiding us at every step.

In conclusion while offering this sweet flower from the garden of our

heart and with soulful prayer for the acceptance, we offer our grateful

pranams at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

The play is yours; the role is Your gift; the lines are written by You;

pray, Baba, bless us to play higher and higher roles in Your Divine

Mission; that will be the true meaning and purpose of our lives.

Sri N. Kasturi, the fortunate Biographer of the Lord Sri Sathya Sai lived

with him and met many of His devotees. He penned four Volumes

wherein he narrated many rare and interesting anecdotes of the Living,

Loving Lords life quoting that Baba always speaks of personal


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experiences, not books, as the best way of knowing Him. I am fortunate

to be a contemporary of the Lord and to be drawn to His fold and have

the Divine Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan many a time. Sri Kasturi

who took a great liking for me offered many opportunities to see and hear

Baba from close quarters, note down His Divine Discourses and

contribute to Sanathana Sarathi Telugu Edition regularly. Thus I was

able to attend many Inaugural functions and Public meetings in Bombay,

now Mumbai, Madras-Chennai, New Delhi and the like. Recollecting all

those sweet, unforgettable memories, we are making exhaustive use ofSathyam- Sivam- Sundaram for Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatam.

Tumulurus


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Introduction on

Bhagavatham

The name Bhagavatham indicates the account of those who have

contacted God and the godly. God assumes many forms and enacts many

activities. It describes the experiences of those who have realised Him in

those forms and those who have been blessed by His Grace and chosen as

His instruments. (Bhag Vahini, p. 1)

Bhagavan in His Divine Discourse has said:

Students! To understand the nature of God requires eligibility.Bhaagavatah Idam Bhagavatam- Bhagavatam speaks of God and His

Divine sports. It is also said Bhaagavataanaam Idam Bhagavatam-

Bhagavatam describes the lives of devotees. Scholars have interpreted this

scripture based on their individual outlooks. Truly, Bhagavatam

illustrates the intimate relation between God and His devotees. It is a

bridge between the Lord and His devotees.

Origin of BhagavatamStudents! Youth is a period characterized by unsteadiness. Youth can

become prey to various kind of confusion. But it is also the golden period

of life. You must achieve steadiness right now. Develop unwavering faith

in god and remove the restlessness of your mind. Then life will have been

well spent. There is nothing permanent in this world. This world is calledJagat. Why? Ja (going) + Gat (coming) is the nature of the world- birth

and rebirth, creation and destruction, joy and sorrow. But divinity neither


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comes nor goes. This divine principle was given a written form by Vyasa

in this scripture, Bhagavatam.

Vyaasa composed both Mahabharata and Bhagavatam. For his greatness

he is calledsloka daatagiver of divine verses. God isLoka daata: Giver

of the world itself. In spite of writing so many slokas, Vyaasas soka

(sorrow) did not come to an end. Why? When he wrote the Mahabharata,

he described the fight between good and bad forces. As you think, so you

become. In visualizing Duryodhana and Dussashana, Vyaasa himselfbecame tainted. Whatever actor you contemplate on, his actions enter

your mind. That is why Narada advised Vyaasa, Till now you wrotethe

Mahabharata. You composed this epic but sullied your heart in this

process. You thought about both good and bad characters. Now write only

good.

The Vedas say- Tat Tvam Asi- You are That. Yat bhavam tat bhavati- Youbecome whatever you think. When you constantly think of others faults

that bad enters you. How? When you have a camera in your hand,

whichever direction you turn and click, that is the picture you will

capture. Your body is like camera. Your vision is the lens, your heart is

the film and your thoughts form the scene. Your intellect is the shutter.

With your intellect, absorb only those impressions into your heart, which

are spiritual. If you think bad, it imprints on your heart. So do not

encourage bad thoughts.

Narada continued, So long you talked of the Kauravas bad deeds, how

they troubled and cheated the Pandavas. Let go off the Kauravas sin. Let

go off the Pandavas virtue as well. Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati-

Think of the Lord and you will become Him. When you wroteMahabharata you thought of Prakriti (Nature, Creation) and not Purusha


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Introduction to Bhagavatam

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(God). So the restlessness of the Gods creation entered you. From

tomorrow describe only the Lord, His sports and His qualities. You will

achieve tranquillity without doubt. Thus, Bhagavatam came to be

written. (SSB 1995, pp. 45-46)

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Avatar of the Kali Age has explained,

elaborated and elucidated what Bhagavatham means. A few of His divine

quotes are given hereunder. Let us delve deep into them and enjoy the

bliss.

The Lord, Sri Narayana is the seed from which the tree of Bhagavatha

has sprouted. The sprout is Brahmam. The trunk of the tree is Narada.

Vyasa constitutes the branches. Its sweet fruit is the nectarine story of

Krishna. Those earnest souls that yearn for that nectar, and pine

plaintively, regardless of bodily comfort or the passage of the years, until

they secure the fruit and imbibe its essence, such are real saints andyogis. (Bhag Vahini, p. 148)

The illiterate pronounces the word Bhagavatham as Baagavuthamu.

Bhagavatham means, let us become good. Yes! That must be the spirit

in which you must take up the Bhagavatham for study. Enter into the

spirit of the narration and imbibe the courage that restores the

equilibrium of the mind. Then you can easily pace the path of Madhava,

instead of the path of Manava (Man). Ma-dhava means, the Master over

Maya (Delusion due to ignorance). (Ma-Maya; Dhava, Master. Follow

God and nothing can delude you, putting on the apparel of the real. (SSS

Vol.7, p. 431)


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Bhagavatham is the story of the beginning-less, the endless Atma. The

Ramayana and the Mahabharata are Ithihasas, historical epics. They

endeavour to some extent to uplift the secular man, the ordinary man by

moral teaching and example. But those who seek to know the nature of

the atma and of the Paramatma should study Bhagavatham, that is of

most use to Sadhakas as it instructs in the path of Bhakti. Every verse in

this scripture is a pearl, a diamond. It was written for the purpose of

teaching the secrets of attaining God. It alone explains the nature of God

in entirety. (SSB 1995, p. 102)

The Bhagavatam says that the stories and deeds of God are beyond

comprehension. No one can understand His sports, but listening to them

generates bliss in the heart and grants immortality. Such is the nature of

the divinity. (SSB 1995, p. 23)

There are many stories, some strange in Bhagavatam. You might findthem long or cumbersome. No, no. They are all histories. History

means His story- stories of God. Unfortunately we are unable to

appreciate the Bhagavatam. Hence we violate its teachings. Truly every

verse of this scripture is a pearl, a diamond. Bhagavatam was written for

the very purpose of teaching the secrets of attaining God. Otherwise, why

would Vyaasa sit dispiritedly on the banks of river Saraswati after

composing the 18 Puranas, and why would Narada go there and advise

Him to compose Bhagavatam? Because there is no text greater than

Bhagavatam. Why? The Bhagavatam alone explains the nature of God in

entirety. (SSB 1995, p. 102)

Bhagavatam is full of devotion. But there is no one today with even

thousandth part of Dhruvas devotion and virtue. The sanctity ofBhagavatam is unsurpassed because it contains the lives of such exalted


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souls. But people neglect this scripture and even cast wrong accusations

on it. Bhagavatam is nothing but Gods lovefrom start to finish. But all

cannot understand divine love. (SSB 1995, p. 70)

Bhagavan further explains, It denotesthree sections of Knowledge

The Glory and Majesty of the SupremeGod.

The names of those who are fully devoted to God and

The intimate relationship between God and godly.

Thus the narration inspires and promotes deep devotion to the Lord. It

binds Bhakta and Bhagavan, that is to say, the story fills one with God

and transmutes him into Divinity. It contains the stories of the

Incarnation and His Teachings to show devotees what is right and what

to follow and more importantly what to practise.

Suka said, O King! The Bhagavatha is not merely the narrative of theLords story, in the background of Mathura, Brindavan, Gokuls, the

Banks of the Yamuna, Nanda-Yashoda, Vasudeva Devaki, and others.

Bhagavatha includes the stories of all the incarnations of Bhagavan, of

the Lord. All incarnations were the manifestations of the self-same

Gopala, Krishna from Go-loka or Vaikunta. The story of each is but the

story of Vasudeva, emerging from Him and merging in Him. That Divine

Power is the sustaining factor for all incarnations as well as all living

Beings. (Bhag Vahini, p. 185)

We must experience at least a fraction of Vyasas pure feelings.

Purification of the mind should come first. A pure mind results in Gods

vision easily. Bhagavatam is an account of devotees experiences, their

bliss and the close relations they had with Lord all of which we mustabsorb. (SSB 1995, pp. 45-46)


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Vyasa has established the truth that bliss can come only in the thought of

God and not by any other process. He established that bliss and happiness

are simply embodiments of God and that they cannot be found elsewhere.

Bliss and happiness can be given only by God and he who thus secures

them is called a devotee. The close relationship that exists between a

devotee and God has been described in Bhagavatam. Devotees of God

have also been called Bhagavathas. (SSB 1978, pp. 4-5)

It is the Bhagavatham that is of most use to the Sadhakas. It aloneexplains the real secret of the Lord. His real Glory and His real Path! The

Ramayana and the Mahabharata endeavour to some extent to uplift the

common man, the ordinary man, by moral teaching and example. They

show how man can deserve the Lords grace. But those who seek to

know the nature of the Atma and of Paramatma should study, more than

anything else, the Bhagavatham. (San Vah, p. 115)

Never forget God whether we are in sorrow or pleasure, pain or joy,

poverty or affluence. By the time Dwapara Yuga came, God in human

form as Krishna set an ideal example of love for the people: This aspect

of Krishna attracted all people. These were such that people lost

themselves in the happiness and bliss generated by theAvatar of Krishna.

Krishna was looking after, with tender affection, the needs of the people

at that time. The great truth that is contained in theAvatar of Krishna has

been communicated to us in the Bhagavatha. This Avatar of Krishna

showed that we should never forget God whether we are in sorrow or

pleasure, pain or joy, poverty or affluence. Draupadi, who lost

all her sons and who was in great difficulties, showed great forbearance

and affection when speaking with Ashwatthama. The Bhagavatha

teaches us that it is not right for a devotee to think of God only at times


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of difficulties and completely forget him at times of happiness. (SSB

1978, pp. 10-11)

The Bhagavathamcontains the fruits of all spiritual

practices.The wordBhagavatamuhas five syllables:

BHA stands forBhakti (Devotion)

GA Gnannam (Wisdom)

VA Vairagyam (Detachment)

TA Tatwam (Nature)

MUMukti (Liberation) (SSB 1995, p. 37)

Bhagavatam chadivithe bagavatam in Telugu means, If we study

Bhagavatam, we shall become good. That is to say,Bhagavatam confers

goodness on all. It contains the essence of all Vedas. (SSS Vol.32 Part II,p. 206)

Therefore, the Bhagavatham is the gist of all scriptures and texts, the

goal of all paths, the essence of all fruits but to eat it. You are future

citizens of this country. Your virtue alone will guarantee progress in the

nation.

Tyaja Durjana SamsargamBhaja Sadhu Samaagamam

Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram

Smara Nityam Anityataam

Renounce the company of the wicked.

Seek the company of the pious.

Perform good actions day and night.

Discriminate between the temporary and the permanent.


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To understand the nature of God requires eligibility. Bhaagavatah Idam

BhagavathamBhagavatham speaks of God and His Divine sports. It is

also said, Bhaagavataanaam Idam Bhagavatham Bhagavatham

describes the lives of devotees. Scholars have interpreted this scripture

based on their individual outlooks. Truly, theBhagavatham illustrates the

intimate relation between God and His devotees. It is the bridge between

the Lord and devotees.

Four requisites are absolutely essential to understand and practice the

message of theBhagavatham.

Tyaja Durjana Samsargam

First, give up bad company. Bad company is not just bad people. Bad

thoughts must also be abandoned. Feelings acquire form as actions.

There should be no hesitation in renouncing bad company. Why? Bad

company can cause even a devotee to become an atheist and a renunciant

to become attached. Tell me your company and I shall tell you what you

are. The Bhagavatham states that a poisonous snake is much more

desirable than bad company! Why? A snake bites once and leaves; but a

wicked person bites repeatedly, day and night. The joy of malicious

people lies in violence, in making others cry. They cannot even sleep

peacefully without criticizing or harming someone! The human mind is

impressionable and assumes the attitudes of ones associates. In the

Mahabharata, the characters Duryodhana, Dussashana, Sakuni, and

Karna are called dushta chatushtayamfour wicked ones. Karna was

inherently noble but was corrupted by the other three. Hence, the sooner

we distance ourselves from negative people, the sooner we will perceive

Divinity within our hearts.


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Bhaja Sadhu Samaagamam

It is not enough to merely leave bad company. The company of the wise

and pious is necessary. We must cultivate friendship with people of

compassion and integrity and follow their example to realize the value of

human life. But even these two are not enough.

Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram

Third, perform sacred deeds day and night, ceaselessly. Vyasa said,

Paropakaarah Punyaaya Paapaaya Parapeedanam helping others ismerit, harming others is sin. What is paropakaaram? People take it to

mean para (others) + upakaaram (favor) = helping others. But this

limited, worldly meaning is not what Vyasa had in mind.Para (principle

beyond the world) + upa (near) + kara (to go) =Paropakaara. Therefore,

true merit is to be in proximity to the Atma. To develop nearness to the

Bhagavatham, to devotees, and to the Lord is the highest merit. This

must be followed day and night.

Smara Nityam Anityataam

Discriminate between the ephemeral and the eternal. Discrimination is

essential in every action. Is it good or bad, right or wrong? Such

inquiry must be exercised to the limit of our intellectual capacity. First

discriminate, then follow what is good. What is meant by good? Goodmeans eternal. Give up the transient. It is only when we cultivate these

four attributes that we can understand the significance and secrets of the

Bhagavatham. (SSB 1995, pp. 37-39)

As the Title suggests, this Book depicts the life story of Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba, the Incarnation of the Kali Yuga and incidentally a brief

account of Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sais earlier Avatarhas been given.


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Section 1: The Glory and

Majesty of God


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God, the Supreme

Hindu Mythology quotes the Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara,

Brahma is identified as the Lord of Creation, generation; Vishnu for

Organising or Sustaining the Creation; and Easwara as the One

concerned with Dissolution or Destruction.

God, The Supreme, Absolute Birthless, Formless, Unmanifest and

Infinite Concretises Itself as Incarnation - Avatar for some specific

purpose or mission.(Spledours)

God is referred to by different names like the Lord, Supreme, Divine,

Bhagavan and the like and is believed that He is all- powerful, the great

power behind Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. Hindus worship

many Gods and Goddesses (female God or Deity) Bhagavan Baba the

Avatar of Kali Yuga gives elaborate explanations of who and what God

is, the purpose and mission of Avatar and the difference between an

Avatar and man.

God is the very embodiment of Atma and he is the Self that is present in

every one and to say that such a God is not present in Ones mind is to

say that he does not exist himself and is the same as proclaiming that one

does not believe in himself. God exists in every one and therefore to say

that God does not exist is ridiculous as saying that he has been born to a

barren woman. (SSB 1974 Part I, p. 7)


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God is the embodiment of truth, purity and dharma. If you develop this

aspect of truth and purity, you become one with God. (SSB 1974 Part II,

1974, p. 28)

Few saying on who is God?God is Truth, Goodness and Beauty. (SSS Vol.8, p. 6)

God is All. He is all forms. He is all names. There is no place where he is

not; no moment when He is not. God is here, there, everywhere, insideand out, above, below around. Accommodate all Forms of God in your

heart; do not exclude some and welcome others. (SSS Vol.8, p. 43)

God is Love; so you must become Love in order to merge in Him. He is

Beauty; so be Beauty with no ugliness in you. Then, you can be one with

Him. He is compassion, be compassionate. He is sweetness. His words

are sweet, His sight is sweet, He sounds sweet, He is sweeter than

sweetness itself. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 44-45)

God is the spring of fresh water and sweet water in the heart. (CWBSSB,

p. 123)

God is all Names and all Forms, the integration of all these inharmonious charm! Gods designated in different faiths, adored by

different human communities, are all limbs of the One God that really is.

Just as the body is the harmonious blending of the senses and the limbs,

God is the harmony of all the Forms and Names that man gives Him!

Only those who are ignorant of the Glory of God will insist on One

Name and One Form for His adoration and what is worse, condemn the

use by others, of other Names and Forms!


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God is acceptable by all and to all Religions. Thus, God is Truth. God is

Righteousness; God is Peace; God is Love. (Reddy, pp. 110-11)

God is not a strong-hearted despot. He is Compassion. He is Grace

personified. Once you have cleansed yourselves by tears, He draws you

near and grants you consolation and courage. Without a cleansed heart,

realisation is impossible. (SSS Vol.8, p. 110)

God is not somewhere away from you, someone distant from you. He isin you, before you, behind you, beckoning, guiding, guarding, warning

prompting, the Inner voice speaking ever with you. You need not seek

Him, He is there ready to respond to the call from the heart: Call on Me

and I am always by your side. (SSS Vol.8, p. 195)

God is omnipresent; He is in the past, the present and the future.

And, God is and can be only One, not more. There is only one God and

He is Omnipresent. There is only one Religion, the Religion of Love.

There is only one caste, the Caste of Humanity. There is only one

Language, the Language of the Heart.

This God has to be visualised by means of constant spiritual discipline.

Do not involve yourselves in doubts and hesitations. If only you observe

the disciplines and purify the Consciousness, you can see the God,

installed in your heart. (SSS Vol.7, p. 366)

God is all-powerful; God is everywhere; God is all knowing. To adore

such a formidable limitless Principle, man spends a few minutes out of

the 24 hours and uses a minute idol or image or picture! It is indeedridiculous. It is practically futile.


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Adore Him so long as you have breath, so long as you are conscious.

Have no other thought than God, no other aim than knowing His

command, no other activity than translating that command into action.

That is what is meant by surrender. Render yourself unto Him. (SSS

Vol.8, p. 439)

God is the embodiment of Compassion. He watches for a grain of

humility so that he can reward it with tons of Grace.

God is the aggregate of all individual Jivas; and Virata Swarupa (cosmic

form) that of all individual bodies; and Hiranyagarbha (cosmic mind) that

of all individual minds. Thus God and man are essentially identical.

Individuals who have recognised such great truths and the Divinity of

man find statements declaring that God does not exist is ridiculous. Only

foolish people who do not recognise the significance of these profound

verities disbelieve in God. (SSB 1979, p. 42)

God is described as Aprameya. It means that God cannot be measured

like any limited phenomenon. Only the Vedas can give a satisfying

glimpse of His glory.

He is described as having two distinguishable forms - serene and the

terrible. The Narasimha form of God that emerged from the pillar was

mild and serene, beautiful and beneficent for Prahlada, the staunch

devotee, and at the same time, the form was terrible for Hiranyakasipu,

the father, who hated God to the utmost. Well, even Nature, the

concretisation of the will power of God has these two aspects the mild

and the fearful; Water is an essential ingredient for sustaining life in

beings. It is vital and health giving as well as fatal and death dealing.(LKV, p. 26)


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God is shaped by human imagination, inclination and intellect into

various forms, grand or grotesque, frightening or charming. The

Scriptures say, Asthe will so the happening.(NGM, p. 12)

God is the Prompter, the Promoter, the Sacrificer, the Sacrifice, the

Product achieved and the Recipient of that Product. Many people

perform yagnas without cleansing themselves. Only those yagna that

have, like this one, the peace arid prosperity of the world (Loka-kalyan)

with the avowed purpose, can reach God. For he is Yagna bhuk (theconsumer of the offering); He is Yagna bhrth (guardian of the Yagna)

and Yagna- krth (performer of the Yagna). He is all; it is only when he is

all that the act becomes genuinely Yagna. If this attitude can soak into

every activity, it will sanctify every moment of your life and make it a

Yagna. (SSS Vol.11, pp. 154-155)

God is the echo of the hills, the flutter of the leaves, the whisper of men,the babble of children, the OM that is wafted everywhere. There is

nothing except God. Nature is His manifestation. Man must recognise

God in all human beings and in all else that exists. God is in everyone

and in everything. (San Vah)

God is in all. But all men are not in God. That is the reason why they

suffer. (FDD, p. 10)

God is the doctor, seek Him, rely on Him, you will be free from diseases.

(FDD, p. 15)

God is the light; God is the most distant star as well as the blade of grass

under your feet. (FDD, p. 16)


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Out of concern for and seeing the predicament of man, Krishna has given

in the Bhagavad-Gita a very apt description of God. Anoraneeyam

Mahato Maheeyam, that is to say, God exists everywhere and manifests

Himself as both the Infinitesimal and the Infinite. (SSB 1979, p. 85)

God can be known only by EXPERIENCE, not by EXPERIMENTS. (SS

Mar '98, p. 82)

If one has some worry and anxiety that one has for the family andchildren to God also for God also, one can see Him. One can see God

with proper enquiry; yearning and pining, one cannot see God with

negative feelings and thoughts. (DTB, p 8-9)

If one wants to see God, you should firmly believe that he is not the

body. He should understand the Reality that he is not the body but the

Atma. Then he realises that all are one- you and I are one. It is ones ownthinking that creates the feelings of separation. One should understand

ones true identity- that he is the embodiment of love. The principle of

love is one and the same in all and it should be shared with all as the

same Atma is present in all. Once this truth is recognised all differences

and conflicts disappear and the principle of unity is understood. (SS April

04, p. 109-110)

Thus converse with God who is in you. Derive courage and inspiration

from Him. He is the Guru most interested in your progress. Each will

come in his own good time, at his own pace, through his own inner urge,

along the path God will reveal to him as his own. (EL, p. 218)


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God is bound to man by closest bonds of Love. Prema is His akara (form)

is Prema (Love); His swabhava (essential nature) is Ananda (Bliss); His

raktha (life-blood) is Sathyam (Truth). (SSS Vol.7, p. 128)

Man should develop nearness, proximity, kinship with God. Win Him by

obedience, loyalty, humility and purity. God is not involved in either

rewards or punishments. He only reflects, resounds and reacts. He is the

Eternal Unaffected Witness. Man decides his own fate.

Do good, be good, you get good in return. Do bad deeds, and reap bad

results. Do not thank or blame God. Thank yourself, blame yourself. He

does not even will. The innate law of the Maya ridden Universe -

creation, protection and destruction shall take place. (SSS Vol.7, p. 213)

The word God is the indication that there is the Padartha, that there is

God. If there was no God, the word would not have originated and gainedcurrency. You may see God or you may not, but, the word is proof that

there is God. (SSS Vol.7, p. 366)

Apart from the logical conclusion, if one realises God has four qualities -

Prema, Beauty (Soundarya), Sweetness (Madhurya) and Shobha

(Splendour).and cultivates those qualities, God really exists for him and

for all, though invisible. We experience the Splendours of the Supreme

all around us, in Nature that He lovingly created for us. Who else but He

rotates the Sun and Moon to drive out the darkness from the universe. He

pops up millions of stars high up in the sky, preventing them from

tumbling down. He whirls the world round and round, without an axle to

the wheel. He spreads the invisible winds and controls the ocean from

engulfing the lands. He holds aloft the canopy of the skies overhead


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without its crashing down. He works unseen behind the scenes making

the world dance on the screen. (GG, p. 20)

God is not an alien living in far-off lands

God is close to each, in the heart He shines;

Sin is not an act or fact in far-off lands

Sin is in your mind, polluting word and deed.

God and the devil, good and bad, are denizens of one's own heart. WhereGod is, there the devil cannot be. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 300/313) Vedas

indicate this, designating God as Vedavid (God is known through the

Vedas).

God is here, there and everywhere;

Though no eye has seen, He is everywhere;

To save the world from blinding night,He waves two lamps in spacethe Sun and the Moon;

He stays the millions of twinkling stars on the firmament,

Lest they clash and crash;

He holds aloft the vast blue dome up above,

With neither a prop nor a pillar;

He rotates the axleless globe silently and smoothly

With never a jolt or a jar;

He lovingly fans soft, soothing breeze,

With never a demand for wages;

He has chained the feet of the reckless raging seas,

Lest they rush on land in ruinous haste;

Though no eye has seen, He is everywhere;

And what else does He do?From behind the curtain,


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The Divine operator pulls the stings;

Lo! The puppets dance to the tune He wills.

(NNSG Vol.7, pp. 87-88)

To such a compassionate Supreme Lord who is always eager to pardon

and protect; who is ever ready to cure and correct errors how can we frail

humans show Him our gratitude, express our love and redeem our lives?

I quote Lord Ramas advice to SabariMother! Devotion is the thing Ineed. The rest are subsidiary. Other things like scholarship, intelligence,

status, social prestige, caste, I do not pay any attention to them. They are

of no value in my eyes. More than all the powers gained by spiritual

disciplines and austerities, I relish the sweetness of devotion saturated

with love. I seek only that. A man who has no love in him is as barren as

a cloud with no moisture, a tree with no fruits, or a cow yielding no milk;

he is ever far from God and can never earn Grace. (RKRV Part II, p. 75)

Devotion is complete surrender. What God wants is the flower of your

heart that is filled with humility and devotion. Eight types of flowers can

be offered to God, viz, (1) Ahimsa (Non-violence), (2) Indriya Nigraha

(Control of senses), (3) Sarvabhootha Daya (Compassion towards all

beings), (4) Sathyam (Truth), (5) Dhyanam (Meditation), (6) Santhi

(Peace), (7) Vinaya (Humility), (8)Bhakti (Devotion) (SSS Vol.16)

Seek God in the depths of the heart. Digest all Decrees of the Scriptures-

put them into practice Stick on to the ideals firmly and Success in every

field is achieved.


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The Concept of the Avatar

The concept of Avatar is very much in Hindu Mythology. Bhagavan

recalled the Assurance given to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and declared,

The Lord had announced that He would come down for the restorationof Dharma (righteousness) and that He would assume human Form so

that all might gather round Him and feel the thrill of His companionship

and conversation. And the Lord has come, as announced. (SSS Vol.1)

Prof N. Kasturi, Editor of Sanathana Sarathi says, Sai (Isa, God), whose

Thought is the Universe, whose Will is Its History, is the Author,

Director, Actor, Witness and Appraiser of the Drama that is ever

unfolding in Time and Space. He has now deigned to tell us Himself the

story of this one epic Act in that Drama, wherein He took on the Rama

role. As Rama, Sai instructed, inspired and invigorated, corrected,

consoled and comforted His contemporaries in the Tretha Age. As Sai

Rama, He is now engaged in the same task in the Kali Age.(RKRV Part

I)

Sage Narada extols Lord and His stories:

The stories of the Lord are amazing;

It purifies the lives of the people in all the three worlds.

It is like the sickle that cuts the creepers of worldly bondage;

It is like a good friend who helps you in times of need,

It is like a shelter for the sages and seers doing penance in the

forest. (Telugu poem) (SSS Vol.39)


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The Concept of Avatar

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Thus, In this modern age when men move about despising the nations

culture, tradition and customs, bidding good bye to her values, the good

are always the target of malice and envy, slander and abuse from the

wicked.(SSS Vol.12)

The Avatar comes as man in order to demonstrate that He is within reach

of man as the human mind cannot grasp the Absolute, Attribute less,

abstract Principle.

Likewise the Unique Sai Avatar manifestation has come on November

23, 1926, In Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, South India with, Love as

His instrument and nonviolence as His Message to correct the evil

minded through education and example.

Bhagavan Baba in His Divine Discourses dealt very elaborately on who

an Avatar is? What His characteristics and His Missions are? I am givingbelow a few of Bhagawansquotes:

AvatarThe word Avatar means descent. It is not coming down from peak of

mountain or the top storey of a building. It is descent from state of the

Atma to the state of the body. It means the Divine coming down to thelevel of the human. No blemish attaches to the Divine as a result of the

descent. There is no diminution in His Pursuance. (M-P, p. 253)

Every Avatar is an amazing phenomenon, but it is also amazing not to

recognize Him. In each Yuga the Divine has incarnated itself as an avatar

for some particular task. The incarnation is different in that it has to deal

with the crisis which is worldwide and world shaking. In the Krita Yuga

Avatars manifested for the preservation of the Vedic tradition, in the


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Tretha Yuga for the protection of Dharma and in the Dwapara Yuga for

the promulgation of right of property. In the Krita Yuga the Vedas were

neglected; in the Tretha Yuga women were dishonoured while in the

Dwapara Yuga there was injustice for property. In the Kali Yuga all the

three are in dire perilVedas are even ridiculed; women are tempted into

unwomanly lives and property itself is condemned as theft. Man has no

purity in the heart, no sanctity in his emotions and no love in his deeds

and no God in his prayers. So the Avatar of the Kali Yuga has a three

fold task and Bhagavan Baba has taken upon Himself the triple task.

The Avatar will not be affected in the least by these trivial tactics. It is

Love itself; so, it is always Bliss, always happy in song and dance. (SSS

Vol.9, p. 113)

What is the difference between man and Avatar? Man experiences the 15

factors, but he is not their master. They go their own ways. As controlstarts to be gained, man comes closer to the l6th, the all-knowing

Paramatma. The five working organs have to do with talking, taking,

walking, rejecting (excretion) and eating. The five sense organs are the

hearing, touch, sight, taste, smell. The five elements are earth, water, fire,

air, space and the l6th factor is the all-knowing Paramatma.

Buddha, Christ, Mohammed and others were not Avatars. They had some

divine power. Only in India are Avatars born, because only in India are

the Sastras understood. And only in India do the sages constantly

experiment and practise. It is like in a gold mine. Where gold is found,

there gather geologists, engineers and experienced miners. The gold is

mined there, and then it is taken all over the world. (CWBSSB, p. 153)


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The Avatar, or Form Incarnate, is only the concretisation of the yearning

of the seekers. It is the solidified sweetness of the devotion of godly

aspirants. The formless assumes the Form for the sake of these aspirants

and seekers. (Bhag Vahini, p. 2)

Among these, the incarnations, Rama and Krishna are most meaningful

to mankind, since man can grasp their example, follow their solutions to

problems, and derive Ananda through the contemplation of their

excellences and teachings. (Bhag Vahini, p. 267)

It was declared that Rama was born of the payasam which was brought

by the deity from out of the sacrificial fire. No Avatar is born flesh and

blood, including this Avatar. The body of the Avatar is chit

(awarenessful) substance; it is not jada (inert) like other materials. The

embryo of ordinary mortals is jalodhakashaayi (enveloped in watery

stuff ; the embryo of the Avatar is encased in Ksheerodakashaayi (thepure white milk of holiness). That is why in the make-up of the Avatar,

there is no blemish, there is no trace of Guna.(SSS Vol.3)

Baba also explained the mystery ofAvatarhood in a simple way when he

said on His Birthday Festival, 1971: "Every one of you is an Avatar. You

are the Divine, encased like Me in human flesh and bone! Only you are

unaware of it! You have come into this prison of incarnation through the

errors of many lives. But I have put on this mortal body out of My own

free Will. You are bound to the body with the ropes of the three Gunas, I

am free, untouched by them, for the Gunas are but My playthings. I am

not bound by them, I use them to bind you. You are moved this way and

that by desire. I have no desire except the one to make you desireless."

(SSSm Vol.3, p. 309)


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The avatar behaves in a human way so that mankind can feel kinship,

but, rises to superhuman heights so that mankind can aspire to those

heights. The nara thathwa (real nature of man) can be transformed into

the Naaraayana thathwa (real nature of God), for both are basically the

same. Only, you have to switch on to the particular wave-length. Know

it, adjust correctly and the all-pervading will be grasped clearly with no

distortion. (SSS Vol.3)

An Avatar is capable of all things at all times, yet the Avatar will notundertake to demonstrate his powers at all times. An Avatar will

undertake to demonstrate such powers when exceptional circumstances

demand it, and will shed the grace on a deserving person only.

Although such Avatars were present in our country for thousands of

years, and although our people were exposed to such Avatars, they have

not fully understood all the aspects of such anAvatar.

We should examine the reason why the formless Lord takes the form of a

human being and comes into the midst of humans. This formless being

comes in the form of a human being so that he may mix with the human

beings and set up examples and ideals for human beings and convey to

them all aspects which they should learn. Many people ask very

innocently and ignorantly why an Avatar, who possesses all powers,

should subject itself to all troubles; and why it should tolerate hunger and

suffering all around. AnAvatar who has all the powers should be able to

remove all such suffering in one moment. If there is any meaning in such

a question, why should anAvatar come in human form at all? TheAvatar

can remain as a formless divinity and do all these things from that

position itself. In time, and under certain conditions and environment,


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whatever has to be done must be done and such acts, at a human level,

have to be performed.

Certain things are essential for remedial action and without doing those

things, to expect an Avatar to simply remove all suffering is a very

foolish thing. First of all, you should make an attempt to make good use

of the mental and physical strengths that have been given to you. When

you are so lazy as not to use the mental and physical strengths that have

been given to you, what are you going to do with divine strengths?Suppose that you have been given food and drink by the divine grace and

strength of the Lord. Because God has given you enough food on your

plate, for you to think that God has also to help you in transferring this

food to your stomach is a very lazy idea. For taking the food to your

stomach, God has given you hands, a palate, and a mouth. You should

make good use of them. If you are not able to use the organs that have

been given to you, and if you are not able to use the mind and mentalstrength that have been given to you, it is better to die than to live in that

condition. That we may learn to make good use of our mental and

physical strengths and other organs, God comes in human form to

demonstrate how these may be used.

The essential quality of anAvatar is to teach you how to make good and

proper use of your thought, word, and deed. Depending on the conditions

in the country and the environment in the country, the Avatar comes to

teach you and show you the right use of all your organs. (SSB 1976, pp.

113-115)

The Universal Absolute Birthless, Formless, Unmanifest and Infinite,

takes on the limitations of name and form on its own initiative and


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concretises itself on many occasions as Incarnations, Avatars,

manifesting countless instances of Divine intercession and grace...

God incarnates, not merely for the destruction of the wicked. That is just

an excuse, one of the obvious reasons. Really speaking, God incarnates

for the sake ofBhaktas (faithful devotees). The cow has milk primarily as

sustenance for its calf. But it is used by man for maintaining his health

and efficiency. So too, God incarnates, primarily for the sustenance of

the faithful, the devoted, the virtuous and the good. God has no bondageto time and space. For Him, all beings are the same. He is the master of

the living and the non-living. At the conclusion of every aeon the process

of involution is completed in the Deluge. Then, evolution starts again and

as Brahma, He creates beings again. He enlightens everyone with a spark

of his own Glory and fosters on the path of fulfilment every one of them,

as Vishnu. He is He again, who as Siva, concludes the process by the

destruction of all. Thus, you can see that there is no limit to His might, noend to His potency. There can be no boundaries of His achievements. He

incarnates in countless ways. He comes as an Incarnation of a Kala

(fragment) of His, or an Amsa (part) of His. He comes as an Inner

inspirer for some definite Purpose. He comes to close an epoch and

inaugurate another (Yugavatar). (Bhag Vahini, pp. 220-221)

The Avatar appears as any other human being, equipped with body,

senses, mind, etc. But, consider the vast difference in thoughts, feelings,

emotions, etc. TheAvatar is the total, the all-comprehensive, thePoorna

(Full). The human is partial, narrow, negative. But, in the human, the

Divine exists as the core and can manifest as Bliss. This is the reason

why God assumes the Avatar form and decides to award mankind the

power to discriminate between right and wrong, between truth andfalsehood. TheAvatar does it through precept and example. (SSS Vol.15)


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Previous Avatars like Rama and Krishna had to destroy a few individuals

who could be identified as enemies of the godly way of life and thus

restore the dharmic path. Today, however, wickedness has tainted so

many that humanity itself stands under threat of destruction. Therefore,

in my present avatar, I have came armed with the fullness of power of

formless, God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put

people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to

divinity. (S&M, p. 236)

The evil must and shall be removed before such a catastrophe

(destructive war) takes place. There will be minor wars and skirmishes,

of course; these cannot be helped in the existing state of affairs. The

Mahabharata war was a different issue altogether. Lord Krishna decreed

it and, in fact, led Arjuna to the battlefield in order to rid the world of evil

men and ungodly forces.

Today, as I told you, the evil is so widespread that humanity itself would

be destroyed in a nuclear holocaust in the event of a world war. It is to

prevent such a catastrophe that this Avatar has come to raise human

consciousness above the existing syndrome of anger, hate, violence and

war and save the world from disaster. This can be achieved only by the

reestablishment of the brotherhood of mankind through the Vedas,

Shastras and all religions with their evangel of dharma to liberate the

human race from the chains of karma (the cycle of birth and death).

(S&M, p. 239)

Every Avatar has six types of powers: all-encompassing Prosperity,

Righteousness, Fame, Wealth, Wisdom and Renunciation (or non-

attachment). God is the possessor of those six attributes. Sri Rama had all


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these six attributes in equal measure. Every Avatar of God in every age

and every place has these six attributes. (SS May 89 -p. 122)

Avatars seldom give advice directly. Whatever they wish to

communicate, they convey more often by way of indirect suggestions and

only rarely by direct method of instruction. The reason for this is there is

divinity inherent in every human being, which he can manifest

spontaneously if favourable conditions are provided, just as a viable seed

will germinate and grow into a tree because of its inherent nature, if onlysuitable facilities are provided for the manifestation of its potentiality.

Man should be enabled to correct himself by his own efforts, by merely

giving timely suggestions, rather than by stultifying his freedom and

dignity through directives imposed from without. In short, the best

maxim for helping people either in worldly matter or in the spiritual field

is: Help them to help themselves or Self-help is the best help.(ICS ,

pp. 95-96)

God is not a separate entity. Man is the image of God. "Daivam

maanusha rupena," (God appears in human form) declare the scriptures.

God has no separate form.. It is to show to humanity how human lives

can be divinised thatAvatars come from time to time.

I have often declared that God does not come down as Avatar to relieve

individuals of their troubles and sorrow and to confer joy and happiness

on them. Difficulties, troubles and worries come in the natural course as

a consequence of past actions. The Gita says: "Karmaanubandheeni

manushya loke" (Human beings are bound by Karma in the world). As

human birth is the result of Karma, there can be no escape from the

consequences ofKarma. As is your action, so is the reaction to it. Whenyou stand before a mirror and offer salutation before the mirror, the


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salutation is reflected by the image. If you address harsh words to the

mirror, the harshness is reflected by the image in the same manner. It will

be evident from this example that the fruits of our actions are determined

by the nature of those actions.

Bharatiyas have held fast to three beliefs: The law ofKarma, the concept

of Avatars, and the doctrine of rebirth. The law of Karma means that

there is no escape from the consequences of your actions. The Karma

doctrine lays down that one has to experience the results of his actions.

The concept of Avatar implies faith in God and in the divinity inherent in

man. Man does not merely mean the human form. Man is distinguished

from other animals and creatures by his capacity to judge what is

permanent and what is transient, and his ability to recognise the past, the

present and the future. Man alone has the capacity to comprehend this

threefold nature of time. Man can ruminate over the past and speculateabout the future. He can experience the present. However, man should

not worry about what is past. The present is the product of the past. What

has happened is beyond recall. It is futile to worry about the future

because it is uncertain. Concern yourself only with the present. By

"present" we may be thinking only of this moment. But this is not the

present as Divinity sees it. For the Divine, "present" is what is

"omnipresent." (SSS Vol.21)

Why fear when I am here? Come unto me all ye who suffer. Baba

assures us if we take one step towards Him, He takes ten towards us.

(SSSm Vol.3, p. 309)


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The purpose of AvatarWhen the Divine comes down as Avatar--whether it be as Rama or as

Krishna,Matsya(fish), Varaha(boar) or Vamana(dwarf)--it is only for

one purpose. You recognise only the momentary results of the advent.

But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach

mankind the truth about love. "Oh man, it is because you lack love and

are filled with selfishness that the world is plunging in so much conflict

and chaos. It is only when you develop love and the spirit of sacrifice that

you will realise the divinity that is in the human." The man who has nospirit of thyaga (sacrifice) will be a prey to all ills. A man without love is

a living corpse. It is love and sacrifice which make man divine.

Love alone is the fruit of love. Love is its own witness. There is no trace

of self-interest in it. Because love exists, for its own sake, it has no fear.

It is to teach humanity the way of love that Avatars come in the world.

The world displays the diversity that has emanated from the One. The

Divine demonstrates the unity that subsumes the diversity. Recognition

of this "Unity in Diversity" can be learnt only from the Divine. The

Divine comes asAvatar to proclaim the pure, unsullied and disinterested

love of devotees towards God. People may consider that the Avatar's

activities include punishment of the wicked, protection of the good,

weeding out of unrighteousness and restoration of righteousness. This ishow they may look at the Avatar's doings. But that is not the way the

Lord sees things. There is nothing bad in God's view. Hence there should

be no hatred or ill-will towards any being. It is only when you love all,

that you can be said to love God. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 200-201)

Now, the Rakshasa nature is universal and hence this Avatar has to bring

a revolution in human character, attitude and behaviour and people have

to be taught certain disciplines. (SGM, p. 395)


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Birds, beasts and trees have not deviated from their Nature; they are still

holding it valid. Man alone has disfigured it, in his crude attempt to

improve upon it. So, the Avatar has to come as man among men, and

move as friend, well-wisher, kinsman, guide, teacher, healer and

participant among men. He has come to restore Dharma, and so when

man followsDharma, He is pleased and content. Act so that your career

as a man is not degraded, desecrated. With hands on chest, assert, "I am

man; I am human; I am saturated with shining humanity, humanness."

God does not draw you near or keep you far, you near Him or keep awayfrom Him. God has no likes or dislikes. You live according to the highest

demands of your nature and you are near Him. (SSS Vol. 10)

Every Avatar is searching for a true devotee. Rama was not

regarded as God. Would they have sent Him to forest, as God? He was

looked upon a king. He acted so. Only a very few sages knew His

Divinity. Krishna also was a king. As God, would He have been put towork as the driver of a chariot? But still there was the body view of

comrade, friend, and relative. Only after Krishna left the body did Arjuna

realize that Krishna was God. Even in their status as kings, only the

residents of their respective cities gave Rama and Krishna homage and

worship. The Sai Avatar is the only such where his Divinity is known to

all peoples of all religions. Never has there been that before. With

Krishna, only the Gopis were aware of him as God but they were Rishis.

(Hislop J. S., p. 212)

This is precisely what I am doing by incarnating the indwelling God in

man to overcome such calamities like earth quakes, floods, draughts,

famine, and epidemics. There are two ways in which an Avatar can help

people: an instant solution as against a long term one.


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Any instant solution would go against the fundamental quality of nature

itself as well as the Karmic law of cause and effect. Most people live in

the material world of their desires and egos, which is governed by this

law. They reap the fruits of their actions. This brings about their

evolution or devolution. If the Avatar intervenes to instantly solve their

problems, it would stop all action, development, even evolution. This

solution can be ruled out because it totally negates the natural laws.

The other and more effective alternative presents a long- term solutionwhereby the Avatar leads the people themselves to a higher level of

consciousness to enable them to understand the truth of spiritual laws so

that they may turn towards righteousness and steadfastly work for better

conditions. This will relate them back to Nature and the Karmic law of

causation. They would then transcend the cycle of cause and effect, in

which to day they are involved as victims, and thereby command and

control the natural forces to be able to avert the calamities.

They would become shareholders of my Sankalpa Shakti (divine power,

universal energy). I have to work through them, rouse the indwelling God

in them, and evolve them to a higher Reality in order to enable them to

master the natural laws and forces. If I cure everything instantly leaving

the pe

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