Issue 241 - August 15, 2021 |
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Sairam Dear Brothers and Sisters,
By now, we all understand that human birth is the rarest. The purpose of life is to realise one’s Divinity, and for this to be achieved a human birth is essential. Sri Sathya Sai has always reminded us by saying, “Billions are born as human beings, but only a few thousands develop the true desire for Self-realisation. But of all those, only a few get the blessing and the company of a realised soul. Since you have got all the three boons, you are triply blessed.” Squandering away this boon of a human birth, while being guided by a realised soul, is indeed unfortunate to say the least.
But look at our good fortune; we are constantly being reminded about our true Divine Selves by a guru. It is said that without the grace of the guru, all human efforts are wasted. It is up to each one of us to grab this opportunity and make efforts in the direction, for it is now a responsibility placed on our shoulders to unravel the hidden truth which is present right within us.
Sairam
Bhuvana Santhanam
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ātmano mokshārtam
(Emancipation of one’s self)
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Excerpt From the Book - Inner View |
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WATER IS ONE
While explaining the highest advaitic truths of the upaniṣads, Swami gave an analogy to make it clear to all who were present.
Looking at the silver tumbler next to Him, He said, “It’s the water that quenches the thirst and not the shape or size of the tumbler. Whether the tumbler is made of silver, gold, steel or even earth, the thirst is satisfied by the water inside. Likewise, all the bodies are but vessels that contain that one Divinity. Like water takes the shape of the vessel, Divinity fills the shapes of the bodies. But the truth is that, Divinity is only one though forms and names differ.”
A simple explanation for a deep truth, made it easier for all to sip from the fountain head of all wisdom, and quench their thirst.
“Likewise, avatars are many, be it Shirdi Sai or Sathya Sai or any other Sai, but their divinity is only one”. Pointing to himself, “This tumbler may look different from the earlier one, but only when you drink from the Divinity you will know the truth”.
An excerpt from the book ‘Inner View’ authored by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai
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THE POWER OF MIND
By Rishi Patel
Professional Trainer, United Kingdom
For the past few years, I had been living my life in an inefficient manner, without vigour, and had been living as the least authentic version of myself. This became evident, when I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago. I knew that something was seriously wrong with me, when I found myself sleeping for sixteen hours a day, just because I had no energy to wake up and work.
This was approximately a year after the demise of my father. Swami had assured and reassured me saying, “Your father is with Me.” But somehow, I had not taken the words of Swami seriously. I felt trapped, lost, angry and deeply unhappy. I was in a horrible relationship—the relationship with myself—and so all of my other relationships whether, personal or professional were adversely affected.
As we often do, I initially sought to deny that a change was required. I told myself that I was fine, simply because I was into spirituality and I meditated on a daily basis. Upon reflection, I found out that it was my mind that avoided the underlying issues. I had mistakenly felt that I just need to make more money and hit my financial goals to get out of the situation and to experience happiness—I kept telling myself this statement, while ignoring the symptoms that my body was constantly showing me. I decided to move on, regardless of the symptoms, because that was what I had always done. I let that familiar, but outdated narrative repeat itself to me: ‘It is the right thing to do. I have no choice. I want to be successful. I want to prove something to my family, friends and the world, so that I can be worthy of being loved’, etc. Despite Swami telling me to be patient, I still wanted to achieve my goals overnight, and every single time I did not achieve my goals as planned, I beat myself up emotionally.
My sleeping and eating pattern had changed drastically. Work became stressful than ever before. I continued to tell myself that it was all fine, as if my belief in Swami could somehow compensate for my lack of personal accountability. I was about to be shocked out of my delusion.
Shortly before the onset of the lockdowns last year, I went through a major turning point in my life. I had a fungal infection for about three weeks. The doctor was not able to diagnose the cause, so he ordered multiple blood tests to investigate further. The doctor later called me and asked me to come to his clinic, as he did not want to discuss the results via call. When I visited the doctor, he informed me that I had been diagnosed with diabetes and that this was a severe case as my blood sugar level was four times higher than it should be.
That day, I felt that the world actually stopped for me. My father had suffered from diabetes and I had seen first-hand the complications and difficulties that it can lead to, if not taken care of. I was in a crisis mode. I questioned why Swami would let this happen to me even after all that I had seemingly done for Him—what arrogance on my part! This fleeting, reactive emotion was an indicator that I was off-centre and out of balance.
Few loving brothers of mine helped me stay strong and sane during my tough times. One of the Sai devotees helped me to fight the diabetes, by suggesting me few methods. I immediately implemented all the suggestions. Finally, I realised that all these problems aroused because I was in the doldrums for several months and my mental state was supremely dull.
I genuinely believe that, Swami was putting me through this tough situation for my personal and spiritual growth. I know that when Swami does so, He also gives us the strength and resources to get through it. Correcting the state of my mind by constant efforts brought extraordinary positive results in my life. And when I visited the doctor, he couldn’t believe that I was back to normal.
I stand today, free of medication for the last nine months and in the best physical condition that I have ever been in. I feel replete with energy, inner drive and clarity. I am ready to be a worthy instrument of Swami and fulfil the higher purpose of my life. I attribute this progress solely to Swami who is my Master, Guru and best friend—to Him, who has led and guided me throughout this testing period of my life.
I have realised the truth which our scripture amṛtabindu – verse two proclaims:
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ॥
mana eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandhamokṣayoḥ ।
bandhāya viṣayāsaktaṃ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ smṛtam ॥
Meaning: For man, mind is the cause of his bondage and mind is the cause of his liberation too.
Now, I have the key to untangle all my so-called problems!
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To help reach Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s human values-based education to the world, and to resuscitate the humanness of humanity, the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence launched a unique, first-of-its-kind Institute of Human Values, to offer tailor-made courses totally free of any charges, curated by experts from around the world. The Vision of the Institute is to make better humans in their personal and professional spheres, by making them more sensitive towards society’s needs and exploring ways of their contribution to society in a meaningful and selfless manner, thereby creating a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.
The courses will help an individual balance the inside and outside, while progressively being a better human being, that will ultimately help him or her unravel the true meaning and purpose in life.
Learning from the heart is spiritual awakening, Baba would say. The Institute of Human Values is the first step to help lead the world into the beautiful awareness of its heart – a heart that operates from the universal human values of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa.
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The story of creation has always captured the wonder and imagination of everyone. There are countless versions of this story, be it the scientific theory of evolution or those depicted in various religious texts.
According to aitareya upaniṣad, the entire creation came out of that super-Consciousness—Brahman. It was a long process of evolution wherein it all started from gases to matter. Finally, the crest jewel of the creation—human was created and Brahman started residing in it. It is only in human that the Brahman manifests itself in all its glory. It manifests in rest of the creation too, but it expresses in a miniscule way. As a result, the lower creation—insects, animals, etc. focuses on fulfill the four basic instincts of the creation— āhāra (food), nidrā (sleep), bhaya (fear), maithuna (procreation). Only in human beings, there exists buddhi (intelligence) and viveka (discrimination) which makes it so special than the rest of the creation.
These faculties of buddhi and viveka are bestowed to human in order to understand and experience the Divinity within. If this goal is not pursued, then humans lose their special boon and fall into the same category of animals.
In episode 31, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai takes us step by step through the evolution of creation and explains the purpose of human life. Under the guidance of our Divine Master, let us learn these profound teachings of vedanta and follow Him in the path of Self-Realisation.
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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE FOR THE WEEK |
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“Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you.”
– Paramahamsa Yogananda
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jagat hitāya
(Welfare of the World)
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In the month of July, the Sai Youth prepared 100 boxes of ration which included rice, pasta, lentils, beans, milk, chickpeas, tomato sauce, croissants, cereals, biscuits, etc., equivalent to approximately 2,400 meals in total. The ration boxes along with the hygiene kits were supplied to St. Panteleimon Church in Alimos and to St. Theodori Church in Anavyssos, for them to distribute it to poor families.
The poor families in the town of Anavyssos were provided with ration and hygiene products. 80 boxes of ration, each consisting of olive oil, lentils, rice, pasta, sugar, flour, milk, tomato sauce, coffee, biscuits, and salt were distributed, accounting to approximately 3,280 meals.
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The youth also participated in the sevā for the elderly, by arranging the delivery of 1,200 portions of yogurt, 720 litres of milk and 40 kilograms of feta cheese to the Elderly Home of Athens and the Elderly Home of Palea Fokea.
EGNYA Association which supports children with disabilities was served 35 pizzas in the month of July.
In addition to the above activities, the youth extended their helping hands to a poor family in the town of Elefsina, by providing the family with food items equivalent to 115 meals, along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Youth joined their hands to impart the ‘Gift of Education’ to a young student and also cleared the electricity bills for two families that were in crisis.
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Once a week, the Sai youth distributed meals enroute to the Mosque in Almaty city. In the month of July, close to 130 meals, which included sandwiches, sweets, cookies and tea, were distributed to the needy.
The youth support single parent families, primarily single mothers and widowed mothers, who raise their children. Basic necessities such as food and hygiene products were distributed to them. In the month of July, close to 345 meals were distributed.
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