Ganesh Chaturthi – 22nd August 2020

Posted on August 22, 2020 by admin

 Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi, i.e., the fourth day of Indian lunar month of Bhadrapada.

It usually falls in the month of September in the English calendar. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God is usually worshipped before commencing any activity in order to remove obstacles and ensure success of the endeavour. He is also the bestower of worldly intelligence and spiritual wisdom.

Ganesh Chaturthi – 22nd August 2020

Another name for Vinayaka is ‘Vighneswara’. Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth: riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of all these forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who worship Him. Vinayaka is described as ‘Prathama Vandana’ (the first deity who should be worshipped). As everyone in the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the first place for worship to Vigneswara. It is only when the inner meanings of various aspects relating to the Divine are understood that worship can be offered to the Divine meaningfully. Unfortunately, as only the superficial and worldly meanings of the scriptural texts are expounded these days, people’s devotion is growing weaker continually. It is essential for everyone to understand the inner meaning of the Vedantic texts.

– Divine Discourse, Sep 12, 1991

shuklaambaradharaM vishhNum

shashivaraNaM chaturbhujam

prasannavadanaM dhyaayet

sarva vighnopashaantaye

Let us recall the benign countenance of the omni-present Lord,

with a moon-like complexion, having four arms

and clad in a white garment.

May He remove all impediments in our path.

The festival is usually celebrated for a period for three days in Prasanthi Nilayam. On the first day, the students sing devotional songs and Stotrams (hymns) and present cultural programmes in the Divine Presence and Bhagawan grants His discourse.During the next two days, students and staff of Bhagawans Institutions worship idols of Lord Ganesha in their respective premises. On the third day of the festival, the idols are brought to the Sai Kulwant Hall in a grand procession of colourful and exquisitely designed chariots amidst chanting of hymns and singing of Bhajans. After offering final worship and Arati, it is customary to immerse in the idol in a nearby lake or pond as it is the belief that Lord Ganesha takes with him the troubles and the bad tendencies that act as obstacles on the spiritual path.

Ganesha Chaturthi Pooja & Aarti performed in Puttaparthi

Om Gam Ganapataye Namo Namah

“Vinayaka (Ganesha) is one who drives away all sorrows, difficulties and miseries. He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacles to come in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness and peace (on his devotees). He is the master of all these powers (Buddhi and Siddhi). What is Siddhi (fullfillment)? When there is purity of mind you achieve peace (which is Siddhi). Vinayaka is thus Lord of Buddhi (the intellect and Self-Realization). Hence every human being should aquire control over the mind…

Vinayaka is the Lord of learning (Vidya). Does learning mean bookish scholarship? No. Everything pertaining to the cosmos is included in the term learning (Vidya). Walking, talking, laughing, sitting, eating, strolling, thinking – every kind of activity is related to learning. Vinayaka is the master of every kind of learning…

“Whenever people want to commence any undertaking, they first offer worship to Vinayaka (Ganesha or Ganapathi)…Ganapathi is one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with Supreme Intelligence…” – Sathya Sai Baba

He is one who instills purity in body, and fearlessness in the mind.” – Sathya Sai Baba

ganesha-created-by-sathya-sai-babaA Ganesha idol materialized by Swami for a student in 2004

“What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity? The elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant’s foot is larger than that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest jungle. In this way, it signifies the quality of a leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is also known for its faithfulness and gratitude. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be grateful to those who have helped him”.

– Sathya Sai Baba

– Divine Discourse: 7 September 1997

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Sri Krishna Janmashtami – 11 & 12 August 2020

Posted on August 12, 2020 by admin

lord-sri-krishnaBhagawan had declared that Lord Krishna’s advent took place at 3 a.m. on 20th July, 3228 B.C, the Ashtami Day (eighth day after full moon) under the star ‘Rohini’ in the dark fortnight.(Krishna Paksha) of Shravana Masa in the year named ‘Srimukha’.

Today we are celebrating the Birthday of Krishna. You are attaching importance to His body, but not to His teachings. You will be celebrating Krishna’s Birthday in the true spirit of the term only when you put His teachings into practice…Baba

SWAMI KRISHNAKrishna Bhajans sung by Sathya Sai Baba

The Mystical Sport of Sai Krishna

 Even the smallest acts of Krishna were saturated with supreme sweetness. Krishna was everyone’s dearest kinsman and fastest comrade. The Leelas (Divine Sport) of Krishna are sweet and meaningful. All activities of Krishna were for the well being of the World. His advent was for the uplift of the world from wickedness and unrighteousness. It was also for fulfilling the needs of those who are devoted to Him, for the establishment of righteousness and the revival of the Vedas. Though people caught in the coils of ignorance see the Leelas as self-centered and even motivated by delusion, genuine devotees cherish each one of these as significant and sustaining examples of Grace. The Lord showers Grace on each and every one in such a way that suits the time, the person and their aspirations.

– Bhagavatha Vahini, “Krishna Avatara” Chap 34.

OM SRI SATHYA SAI KRISHNAYA NAMAH

All the actions that you undertake must be sacred. There should be harmony in your thought, word and deed. The proper study of mankind is man. “Work is Worship”, “Duty is God”. This was the teaching of our ancient seers. Consider all activities as an offering to God and all work as God’s work. Just as two wings are essential for a bird to soar high in the sky, two wheels for a cycle to move, Prema (Love) and Seva (service) are essential for man to reach his destination. No benefit accrues from rendering service devoid of love. Do not expect any returns for your acts of service. The satisfaction which you derive from rendering service is itself a reward.

KRISHNA - Sai Kulwant Hall (March 2013)

People merely say, “Krishna, Krishna,” as they go round or pass-by a temple. Of what value is such part-time devotion? They are mere name’s sake Bhaktas. You must strive to earn the great wealth of God’s love. God is omnipresent in all His attributes. One experiences this unity. Ramadasa also had this experience. Thaneesha put him in jail, but he never gave up the name of Rama. “O Rama! When all is your form, how can I be apart from you,”, he prayed.

There are those who sit in Dhyana or meditative postures. But their minds are in the market or in hair dressing shop. Is this Dhyana or Japa? The mind should be immersed in Krishna. Instead it is filled with desires (Trishna). What is needed is Krishna not Trishna. Krishna will fulfil all your Trishnas.

Divine Discourse: September 3, 1999

BALA KRISHNA JaiBala Krishna (Picture materialized by Swami)

Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 12

Bhakti Yoga – The Path of devotion

In chapter twelve Lord Krishna extols the glory of devotion to God.

Along with this he explains the different forms of spiritual disciplines and discusses

the qualities of the devotees who by performing their activities in this way become very dear to Him.

Thus this chapter is entitled: The Path of Devotion.

More than the adherent of the path of karma, jñâna or yoga, the follower of the path of bhakti is declared fortunate and superior. He is better than the yogî, the sannyâsî, the jñânî and the sadhaka who takes up the discipline of karma. – Prasanthi Vahini, p. 76

Listen

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“The word (Krishna) has three meanings:

(1) “Krushathi-ithi Krishna” that is, “The One who ploughs is called Krishna.” The field here symbolizes the heart. The heart should be cleared of weeds (evil qualities). It should be filled with love. The seeds of the Lord’s name should be sown in it. Krishna is the one who inspires the devotee to do all this.

(2) “Karshathi-ithi Krishna” that is, “The One who attracts is called Krishna.” Krishna has the supreme power of attraction. By His words, His sport, His music and all His actions, He attracts all people. This power of Divine attraction is present in everyone. Hence, everyone is potentially Krishna.

(3) “Kushyathi-ithi Krishna” that is, “The One who imparts bliss is called Krishna.” Everyone seeks happiness. The Divine, who is the embodiment of happiness, is in you. God wants you to be happy, but you do not realize it. Try to recognize the source of bliss within you. It is not the true nature of man to be unhappy. When anyone is sad, people around him are concerned about him. You should always be happy, because you are the embodiment of the Atma. Never give way to worry.

– Divine Discourse: 25th August 1997

SRI VENUGOPALA SWAMY TEMPLE Puja
Puttaparthi, India

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Swami…There is none like You

Posted on July 26, 2020 by admin

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My dears…

Posted on July 19, 2020 by admin

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Guru Poornima – 5th July 2020

Posted on July 5, 2020 by admin

5th July 2020

Guru Poornima is the full moon day in the month of ‘Ashada’, the fourth month in the Indian lunar calendar, corresponding to end of June or early July. It is also called ‘Vyasa Poornima’, as this full moon day marks the birthday of the great sage Veda Vyasa, who categorized the vast body of Vedic knowledge in to the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Even the writing of the eighteen Puranas (ancient Hindu legends) was completed by him on this day.

“The term ‘Guru’ means one who dispels the darkness of ignorance. ‘Gu’ means one who is beyond attributes (or gunas), ‘ru’ implies one who is beyond forms (rupa). This refers only to God. That is why the Guru is hailed as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (the holy trinity of Hindu belief). Only God is the true Guru. All others are merely teachers, like the teachers of different subjects in a college. ‘Guru’ is the one who reveals the guri (target) to the disciple. ‘Guri’ here refers to the Atmic Principle (the principle of the self)”

– Sathya Sai Baba

Guru Poornima is sacred for many reasons: the seeker who suffers from the delusion that the objective world is as real as themselves are guided into Truth. This day, those who never felt the urge to explore the Reality are inspired to seek the spring of bliss inside them. This day, pilgrims to the Lotus Feet of God, study the guide books of life. This day, disciples offer gratitude at the feet of the preceptor for the gift of light. When the Sun rises, the world is blessed with heat and light. When the Guru blesses, the pupil gets peace and joy! Remember, Guru Poornima is not a date marked in the calendar that is finished when the day is over! Know that whenever your mind, with the presiding deity of Moon, is full (Poorna), it receives Guru’s cool refreshing rays of grace! Train your mind to derive illumination from the intellect, and not from the deluding forces of the senses.

– Divine Discourse, Jul 18, 1970

GURU BRAHMA GURU VISHNU GURU DEVO MAHESWARA

GURU SAKSHAT PARA BRAHMA THASMAI SRI GURAVE NAMAHA

“Guru is Brahman. He is the Creator; He Himself is the creation and He is the One that exists in the creation. The universe is filled with Brahman. It becomes clear that the One who Himself has become the universe is the Guru.

Guru is Vishnu. Who is Vishnu? Vishnu is one who has the quality of pervasiveness. He is the Doer and also what is done. The universe is the action, God is the Doer. God is the consciousness behind the cause and effect. The whole universe is the form of Vishnu. This Vishnu is the Guru.

Guru is Maheshvara. Who is Maheshvara? He is the one who rules all beings in the Universe. He commands and ordains everything in the universe in the right manner. Sun-rise and Sun-set go on according to His command. Seasons, rain, the day and night are His commands. Eeshvara is one that makes everything–follow its discipline without any lapse. Guru is not one who merely teaches. A Guru is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, He is God himself.

LOTUS FEET 3
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SAI RUDRAM

Posted on July 4, 2020 by admin

Sri Sai Namakam & Sri Sai Chamakam

Learn

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The Holy Word

Posted on June 29, 2020 by admin

heavens-gate-prasanthi-nilayam-92-for-web

BORDER OF HEAVEN
GATEWAY TO THE GODS, SOLEMNLY SITS THE GOLDEN EAGLE
WATCHING ALL WHO APPROACH THE HOLY WORD.
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With Blessings …Baba

Posted on June 29, 2020 by admin

release-495-gi-attachment-12

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Oh Lord…

Posted on June 28, 2020 by admin

When waking pray every morning of your life

“Oh Lord, I am born from the womb of sleep.

I am determined to carry out all tasks this day as offerings to you

with you ever present before my mind’s eye.

Make my words, thoughts and deeds sacred and pure;

let me not inflict pain on anyone; let no one inflict pain on me;

direct me, guide me this day”

And when you enter the portals of sleep at night, pray

“Oh Lord, the tasks of this day, whose burden I placed on you this morning are over.

It was you who made me walk, talk, think and act.

I, therefore place at your feet all my thoughts, words and deeds.

My task is done. Receive me. I am coming back to you”

(Prayers given by Bhagavan Baba)

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AHAM

Posted on June 19, 2020 by admin

The laws of heaven were born
Of consciousness set on fire,
From this came the stillness of the night,
And from this also the ocean with its waves.
Rig Veda

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Vibhuthi

Posted on June 1, 2020 by admin

Paramam Pavithram Baba Vibhuthim
Paramam Vichithram Leela Vibhuthim
Paramaartha Ishtaartha Moksha Pradhaanam
Baba Vibhuthim Idham Asrayami

Sacred, Holy and Supreme is Baba’s Vibhuthi
Pouring forth in endless stream His play of Vibhuthi
So auspicious is it’s might it grants Liberation
Baba’s Vibhuthi it’s power protects me

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GAYATRI

Posted on May 28, 2020 by admin

SAI GAYATRISai Gayatri

Om Saayeeshvaraaya Vidhmahe

Sathya Dhevaaya Dheemahi

Thannassarvah Prachodayaath

I know through Gurus and Shastras (and by direct experience) that Sai is God Himself:

He is Bhagavan and Iswara.

I meditate on this form in my heart with all my mental faculties. He is the embodiment of truth, divinity, universal consciousness and one who pervades all the worlds.

I pray to such a Sai Parameswar to direct our intellects to engage in auspicious and righteous activities.

I meditate on this great form.

GAYATRI

SAI GAYATRI MATA PRASANTHI NILAYAMGayatri Mata at Prasanthi Nilayam

OM BHUR BHUVA SUVAHA

TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM

BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI

DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT

“O Mother ! Who subsists in all the three kaalas (Time: Past, Present and Future),

in all the three lokas (Lokas: Heaven, Earth and Lower Regions)

and in all the three gunas (Gunas- Attributes: Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas),

I pray to Thee, to illumine my intellect and dispel my ignorance just as

the splendrous sunlight dispels all darkness.

I pray to Thee to make my intellect serene and bright and enlightened”.

“Remember. Gayatri is a treasure you must guard throughout your life.

Never give up the Gayatri; you may give up or ignore any other mantra, but,

you should recite it at least a few times a day.

It will protect you from harm, wherever you are,

in a bus or car, or a railway station or plane, in a bazaar or on the road.

Brahma-prakasa, the effulgence of Brahma, will descend on you

and illumine your Intellect and light your Path when this mantra is chanted.

Gayatri is Annapurna, the Mother, the Sakthi that animates life.

So do not neglect it”. – Sathya Sai Baba

A rare video of Swami teaching a young boy on how to chant the Gayatri.
Recorded in Kodaikanal 1989 with English subtitles added.
Source: Unknown

Listen to Swami chanting the Gayatri (108x)

Discover the Glory of the Gayatri Mantra

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Light Meditation

Posted on May 19, 2020 by admin
Guided Jyoti (Light) Meditation (Audio Source Unknown)

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Prasanthi Mandir – The Temple of God

Posted on May 16, 2020 by admin
mandirSanctum Sanctorum
INAUGURATIONInauguration Day – 23rd November 1950 on Swami’s 25th Birthday

One day, Baba told Lakshmaiah, pointing to the hillocks south of the village,

The Sai Pravesh (the advent of Sai) will transform that region into Prasanthi Pradesh (a region of highest peace). There will rise a bhavan (mansion)! Lakhs of people from all over India, why only India, from all over the world, will come and wait there for Sai darshan (sight of Sai)!

before Mandir

Before

Mandir oldAfter

Lakshmaiah expressed his doubt. Baba asserted,

You will have to believe it when you have to stand where we are now, trying to catch a glimpse of me, standing on the porch of that bhavan.

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Buddha Poornima – 7th May 2020

Posted on May 7, 2020 by admin

Buddham Saranam Gacchami.
Dharmam Saranam Gacchami.
Sangham Saranam Gacchami.
I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
I take refuge in the Sangha.

buddha-poornima-at-puttaparthi-sathya-sai-baba 2The day of Vaisakh Purnima, which usually falls in the month of May, is considered most sacred by Buddhists all over the world. This day is significant for three reasons. It was on this day that Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born as Prince Siddhartha at Lumbini in Nepal in 560 B.C. It is also the day when He attained enlightenment at Gaya in India, after years of search and enquiry into the causes and remedy for sorrow in the world. Thereafter, Siddhartha came to be known as Buddha, or the Enlightened one. He preached that desires are at the root of all sorrow and hence advocated the path of right conduct and the right use of senses as the way to enlightenment. He attained Nirvana (Unity with the Absolute) in 480 B.C., again on the day of Vaisakh Purnima.

This auspicious day is observed as Buddha Purnima

“Today is Buddha Poornima. Poornima means full moon. The underlying message of Buddha Poornima is that the mind should shine with total purity like full moon; it should unite with its source i.e., the Atma which is pure and effulgent. There is no darkness on the full moon night. On this auspicious day of Buddha Poornima, we should attain full purity of the mind.”- Baba

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Easwaramma Day – 6th May

Posted on May 6, 2020 by admin

Easwarama and Swami 3A Living Scripture on Ideal Womanhood

(A Radio Sai Presentation)

May 6th every year, is celebrated as Easwaramma Day, commemorating the anniversary of the passing away of the saintly lady who was blessed to be mother to the Avatar of the Kali age. Bhagawan exhorts His devotees, especially children, to revere the mother as God. Hence, this day is a celebration of the sacred ideal of Motherhood. Easwaramma was very fond of children and was one of the pioneers of the Bal Vikas movement. Hence, this day is also celebrated as Bal Vikas Day when hundreds of Bal Vikas gather in Bhagawan’s presence to present before Him their cultural programmes and imbibe the highest spiritual lessons from their Divine Mother. Narayana Seva (feeding of the poor) is also undertaken on this day.

Easwarama and Swami

“Easwaramma breathed her last in this very Mandir. Summer classes were going on in May 1972. She used to come and sit in these classes. Swami used to be amused at her presence and asked her what she followed in these classes. She used to say, “I am not interested in these studies. I come here to see how the students of Swami conduct themselves, how they obey His commands and how they react to Swami’s advice and teachings.” The parents take great pains in bringing up their children with expectation that they may lead a respectable life. Are the children behaving in accordance with the expectations of their parents? They wear new clothes provided to them by their parents, but do they spare any thought for the hardships their parents undergo to procure these clothes?

All of you who have gathered here have to take a pledge today. Live a good life. Be ready to help others. Love children, respect elders, respect all according to their status in society. Living up to these ideals is the best way to lead one’s life. Imprint these principles firmly on your heart. Act in a manner so as to please your parents. Only then will your life find fulfillment. You are conducting Bhajans at various places and at different times. But mere singing of Bhajans is not enough, behaviour and conduct are also important”.

– Divine Discourse at Brindavan: May 6th, 2002

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