RAMANAM
In the Name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit, Amen.

If all your ambitions do not materialize, do not waver or get depressed.
He is the realized one who is cheerful in the face of all adversities.
Telugu poem

Embodiments of Love! Men and women Students!

Ekaamsena Sthitham Jagat, the whole universe is based on one fragment of the Divine. Just as the sun’s rays do not exist in the absence of the Sun, so also the world cannot exist without divinity, the primordial basis. Here on this table, you find a flower, a cup, a mike and a handkerchief. The word ‘IS’ is used to connote the existence of all these items. Here the emphasis is on the word ‘IS’. There is a picture, there is a pot and there is a person. The word ‘IS’ proves their existence.This explains the principle of divinity in full. The Shakti (power), Leelas (divine play) and the effulgence of God are limitless.

The five elements are responsible for the protection and sustenance of the world. Earth, the first element, is the basis for mountains and hills, rivers and oceans, villages and cities, jungles and forests. You can very well imagine the immense power of the earth, which supports all these. The earth is endowed with infinite power. Scientists have discovered that the earth rotates. True. Logically speaking, the rivers, oceans, mountains, villages and the cities should also rotate when the earth, the basis, rotates. It is not so in reality. It is only the earth that rotates. The railway track is the basis for the train to move. If the tracks also start moving, what would be the plight of the passengers? From this it can be inferred that the track is the aadhaara (basis) and the train, the aadheya (based on). The table is the basis (aadhara) for the mike (aadheya) to rest upon. Make an effort to understand the relationship between the support (aadhaara) and the supported (aadheya).The earth, which is the repository of all Powers (electrical, magnetic, etc.) forms the basis, sustains and protects all objects on earth. There is no power which is not present on the earth. The earth is able to support all the beings because of its infinite powers.

Seen or unseen, water, the second element is present all over the earth. It is the water that sustains the life principle of humanity. It supports life on earth and is responsible for the evolution of life.

The third element, Agni (fire), is also all pervasive. It is present in the form of Jataraagni in the human body. It is this Jataaragni, which maintains the temperature of the human body at 98.4 F. There is fire even in the ocean. This is termed as Badabaagni. There is fire even in trees. When two branches rub against each other, fire is generated. Fire is immanent even in a stone. Fire emerges when two stones are struck against each other. Investigations on these lines will reveal that there is no place without fire. Similarly, the fourth and the fifth elements vayu and akasha also are all pervasive. The akasha is the basis for all. It is the origin of sound. In fact all the other elements originated from akasha. Therefore we can conclude that the divine power which is omnipotent is present in all the five elements. When the five elements themselves are so powerful, how much greater the power of God should be! (Cheers). Though the five elements which are essentially divine are present in man. He is in quest of divine power which he feels is present elsewhere. These powers are insignificant for God who is aware of the past, present and the future. So make an attempt to understand the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent nature of God.

The whole world is also a conglomeration of the five elements. The world cannot exist in the absence of one of these elements. Whether you see them or not, the five elements are present everywhere. Here is a small example. Though the air is invisible and intangible, it is all pervasive . Similarly, divinity is invisible and intangible, yet, is omnipresent. Without realizing the divinity within him, man feels that all his accomplishments are due to his education, intelligence and physical prowess. But in reality it is the divinity that protects and safeguards man at every step from womb to tomb. No one has the power to protect one’s own self. It is only the divine power and will that enables man to protect himself. Only divinity has freewill, none else.

What ever God says or does is for the welfare of the humanity. God is self-less. There is no trace of selfishness in God. What is the benefit accruing to the sun by rising and setting. None at all. Sunrise and sunset are for the benefit of mankind. It enables man to discharge his duties during the day and rest during the night. Similarly, every act of God is for the benefit of mankind , not for his own.

As Narasimhamurthy pointed out, Kasturi once urged Me not to neglect this body in the process of saving a devotee. I replied that this body has come for the sake of devotees and shall be utilized for doing anything and everything for their welfare (cheers). Body attachment is human and detachment is divine. Attachment to the body is responsible for all suffering and misery. Since God does not have any body, He does not attach any importance to the suffering of His body. Once He assumes a body, many things are bound to happen to the body. What ever happens is the welfare of the whole world.

Students, both boys and girls are very good. Students participate in various activities, be it academic or sports, only with a desire to please and satisfy Swami. I am very well aware of this fact. No doubt students strive to please Swami and make Him happy. Will Swami be pleased if you display your courage by doing dare-devil stunts on motor bikes like jumping over 10 – 20 people lying on the ground ? I am pleased when you are safe and sound and the audience is pleased and happy with your performance. He is the blessed one who conducts himself in a manner, which hurts neither himself nor the others. You should be safe and secure and at the same time desist from activities, which cause apprehensions in others. This is what I want. I am pleased with Nidarsana and not with Pradarsana (exhibitionism). Even a small action done with a heart full of love pleases Me.

I am very well aware of the fact that the year Pramaadi is fast approaching. January in the first month of the New Year. If you experience happiness in the beginning you will be happy throughout. Start early, drive slowly, and reach safely.

While returning from Bangalore (in the month of December), I instructed the Warden not to bring the boys for sports meet. They attributed various reasons to this word of Mine. There may be many reasons (kaarana), but what I am interested in is the action (kaarya). After coming over here, I told the Vice-Chancellor that I do not object to boys participating in various sports and games such as badminton, tennis, volley ball etc, At the same time I cautioned him to ensure that no harm is caused either to the participants or to the audience during the course of the program scheduled for the 11th. January. Students are tender hearted, full of noble feelings and love for Swami. They planned various programs with a view to please Me. I was very well aware of impending danger. But, students were not receptive to My words. I felt there was no point in advising them in such a situation. Only when they face the consequences of disobeying My command do they realize the value of My words. Till this moment nobody is aware of what exactly happened on the 11th morning. They said that the sports meet was a grand success. I am also happy when you are successful. Students performed extremely well. Each contributed to the success of this event based on his capacities and capabilities. That morning as I entered the stadium, I spotted two lorries. Immediately I could visualise the danger lurking in the corner. I saw the lorries with huge scaffolding placed over them. The boys had planned to perform a few acrobatic feats on them. I knew that one of the rods had not been fit properly and was about to give in. If that were to happen the boy would suffer a major head injury and spinal fracture. I willed that the boy should be saved and decided to take it upon Myself.

Prior to this one boy suffered a spinal fracture and had been admitted to the Manipal Hospital in Bangalore. I willed that such an untoward incident should not recur. Once the spinal column breaks it is impossible to set it right. Immediately I arranged for an ambulance to shift the boy to the hospital in Bangalore and gave 10,000 rupees to defray the immediate expenditure. I also ensured that our doctor accompanied him. Parents shed tears of gratitude when they came to know of the love showered by Swami on their son. The doctor said that the boy would not be able to sit or lie down as his spinal column was badly damaged. I told him, “Don’t entertain any misgivings. Do as I say”. Miraculously, by the time the boy reached the hospital, he could sit (cheers). He entered the hospital and sat on the bed. He regained sensation in all his limbs which were numb till then. No danger whatsoever (cheers). He was protected because of My infinite mercy and boundless grace. All students should be safe and secure. I have repeatedly declared that students are My property (cheers). I consider students’ welfare as My welfare and their happiness, My happiness. I never think of My happiness and My comfort. My only concern is that the students should not be disappointed or be put to any inconvenience. A day prior to that I had instructed four boys to surround the chariot and keep a vigil. They are also full of love and devotion for Swami. But I noticed that none of them were present at that spot. Nobody is to be blamed. No one does this deliberately. Swami is the very life-breath of the students.I asked for the chariot to be stopped. A senior devotee was driving the chariot with all sincerity, love and devotion. He stopped the vehicle in accordance with My command. Just when I was about to speak to the Vice-Chancellor, the driver accidentally put his foot on the clutch instead of applying the brake. That resulted in a jerk and I fell down on the chariot. As a result I suffered injuries on my head, hand and My spinal column was badly damaged. What the boys had to face, I took it upon Myself (cheers). Many men and women were seated in the gallery, but I took care that none noticed My injuries. I pretended as though nothing had happened. The Vice Chancellor was worried thinking that Swami was unable to get up. I know that any further delay would cause anxiety in the minds of devotees. So, I immediately got up forgetting the pain and started blessing the devotees waving My hands. The pain was so intense and the cut on My hand so deep as though it was pierced with a knife. But the sleeve of the robe covering My hand was intact. This incident gives you a glimpse of the infinite power of Divinity.

I found Myself in an awkward situation. I had to walk up to the dais without My injuries being noticed. So I willed that no one should notice My injuries, lest they become anxious. I walked up to the dais and took My seat. But in the meanwhile, the dhoti below the robe was drenched in blood. Concerned that the devotees may get to know of this I walked into the bathroom discreetly. The available towels were insufficient to wipe the oozing blood. I did not want to leave the bloodstained towels in the bathroom, lest someone notices them. Though there was excruciating pain, I washed the towels Myself with soap, squeezed them and put them up for drying. Under no circumstances do I reveal My suffering, pain and fatigue. Some boys were curious to know why I went to the bathroom repeatedly. I replied, ” Why are you concerned? It is My job?” Usually I go to the bathroom only twice a day, morning and evening. Since it was bleeding profusely, I had to go to the bathroom 5-6 times in that short duration. In the meantime two students came and prayed that the flag may be hoisted. When I got down from the chair the sensation was such that it seemed as though I was subjected to an electric shock. Reflecting on the incident I feel like laughing to Myself. I could not stand firmly on the ground. I thought I should not be deluded by the attachment to the body and walked forward smilingly to hoist the flag. Then I lighted the lamp. I found Myself in an embarrassing situation. I could not sit in any posture comfortably. When I exhort all devotees to give up body attachment, I should set an example Myself in this regard. Saying to Myself in this manner I conducted myself accordingly.

The Primary School children performed extremely well and desired to have a photograph with Me. Acceding to their prayers I walked up to them and took photograph, as I did not want to disappoint them. Subsequently I had to walk up to the play field five more times to take photographs with remaining students. In this manner I detached Myself from the body. My body was numb. There was no sensation whatsoever. My head was reeling. I resolved to make them happy no matter what happened to the body. I decided to keep this to Myself. Concerned that the blood stains may be visible while returning to the dais from the playground, I ascended the steps leading directly to My seat. Is it possible for a human being to conceal such a major injury from the public gaze for a long time being amidst such a huge gathering? No, I was seated on the chair for five long hours. I am relating all this so that students and devotees may comprehend the nature of divinity. Anyone in My predicament would not have been in a position to sit in the chair even for a second. It would have been impossible even to put a step forward. It was as though the electric shock was piercing My body. It is the electric current, which gives shock, but when I am the current Myself, where is the question of Myself being subjected to shock. With that feeling I sat through the whole proceedings and returned to the Mandir. The Central Trust members followed Me, but they were not aware of what had happened to Me. The senior devotee apologized for what had happened. Then I told him, “Why do you worry about the past? Past is past. I am happy. Do not worry about Me.” All of them had their lunch. After the lunch it started bleeding again. All the students were waiting outside for photographs. Again I went into the bathroom to wipe the blood. Noting this Indulal Shah cried out, “Swami, what is this?”. I told him lovingly, “Indulal Shah, whatever had to happen to the body has happened”, saying so I showed him My injury. All of them cried out in agony. They noticed blood all over. I told them that I would not reveal anything in future if they expressed their sorrow like this. No one knew about it until I reached the Mandir. Likewise, I take upon Myself the untold suffering of students and devotees at various points of time in order to protect them. No one is responsible for this mishap. You may find fault with one individual or other, but no one is responsible for this. Whatever had to happen, happened. That’s all.

You are bound to experience the pain and pleasure that you are destined to have even if you hide yourself in a dense forest.
When the time comes, your body is bound to perish, in spite of utmost precautions.

Telugu proverb

Even mighty emperors and kings who had taken all precautionary measures had to give up their body at the appointed hour. Whatever is bound to happen will happen. One should not resist this unduly. The year Pramaadi is fast approaching. There will be dangers in all fields – politics, education etc. This is an indication of the forthcoming dangers. No one needs to worry about My welfare. I can do anything and everything. Here is a small example. During the Mahabharata war Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna. Krishna diverted all the arrows aimed at Arjuna towards Himself protecting Arjuna in the process. As a result every arrow wounded Krishna and He was bleeding profusely. As Krishna was the charioteer, He had to receive instructions from Arjuna regarding the direction in which were no indicators like left and right as we have today. Therefore, Arjuna had to press the region beside the right eye of Krishna with his iron boot to indicate that the chariot should move to the right. Similarly, he had to press the region beside the left eye to indicate to Krishna to turn the chariot to the left. As a result Krishna’s face was also bleeding. The whole body of Krishna was drenched in blood. No one observed this, as it was war time and all were busy discharging their duties and also due to the fact that Krishna was seated at a height much lower than that of Arjuna. Therefore, only Arjuna could be seen and not Krishna. Krishna protected Arjuna as promised by Him earlier. When Arjuna and Duryodhana approached Krishna for help before the war, Duryodhana opted for Krishna’s seven lakh strong army, whereas Arjuna preferred Krishna to the army. Then Krishna assured him “Arjuna, you don’t need to fear. The army is comparable to the compartment of a train whereas I am the engine.” (cheers). Compartments can move only when the engine pulls them. So, do not worry, the engine is with you, Arjuna. Arjuna also responded saying “Krishna, it is enough if you are with me”. Therefore, all the dangers that were to befall Arjuna were taken upon himself by Krishna. Many such incidents of God protecting His devotees have taken place in all the ages.

So, whatever happened on that day, was entirely due to My will. Neither the students nor the driver are responsible for this (cheers). Everyday the students used to enquire as to why I was walking so slowly. I told them, “I don’t have enough place to run, if only it is there I am ready even to run.” I was conversing with them with a smile on My face. I am narrating this episode only to affirm the fact that I go to any extent to protect My devotees who obey My commands (cheers). When I returned to the Mandir I called those four boys . They noticed My injuries and were crestfallen. I chided them for not obeying My command. I asked them, “Why were you not present there at that time as commanded by Me? If only you had obeyed My command, this incident would not have occurred.” I told them not to feel sorry about it.

So all those dangers that are to happen during the course of this year have happened (cheers). So, follow the divine command, be safe and secure and earn a good name for the institution and make your parents happy.

Tomorrow marks the commencement of holy Uttarayana. It is for this auspicious moment that Bhishma waited for 56 long days lying on a bed of arrows to give up his mortal coil. Tomorrow the sun begins its northward journey, which is most auspicious. In olden days people used to sing songs describing the arrival of Sankranti:

The sun appeared cool and serene;
The day started getting shorter;
The chill wind blew fiercely;
The fields were filled with golden harvest.
The farmers rejoiced in singing at night
With the moon shining bright
The buds of flowers blossomed
Like garlands of pearls
On the banks of rivers;
Farmers were bringing home
The newly harvest grain,
Hailing the advent of
The Joyous festival of Sankranti.

Telugu poem

Whatever I will has to happen and none can come in My way. I would like to mention one more point. Last year, on the 19th of November all the ladies gathered to celebrate Ladies Day. They said, “Swami, we are wearing the saris gifted by You and experiencing the bliss of Your divine presence. What can we do in return to express our gratitude to You? Please give us a chance to serve You.” I replied, “You don’t need to do anything. Always be happy. That is enough.” But some of them pleaded they they be given a chance to provide food the Sevadals, who are coming in large numbers from various parts of the country to render services in Prasanthi Nilayam. I assured them, that I had already willed it and that it will materialize in a short time. I have willed that the Sevadals should be provided good food, entirely free of cost, for 365 days a year. I have already made arrangements for this. I have got the sheds put up. All the necessary items like gas cylinders, utensils, plates, spoons,rice, dhals etc., have been already procured. None is aware of this.

SATHYA SAI IS A SILENT WORKER (cheers). From tomorrow onwards food will be served for Sevadals free of cost for ever. Then I summoned the members of the Central Trust and asked them as to what work they were doing. “What is the use of occupying high positions if you do not discharge your duties sincerely?” People from all walks of life and from different strata of society, are coming to serve as Sevadals every year. I may give them food free of cost, but who will bear their travel expenses. The railway fare is increasing day by day. In olden days even 20 rupees was enough to reach Madras from here, but these days even 200 rupees is insufficient. I commanded them to approach the railway authorities for concession travels for the Sevadals. I talk sweetly, at the same time I am stern when it comes to a question of discharging one’s duty. I told them either you do this work or resign. The Central Trust members have negotiated with the railway authorities and got the travel concessions sanctioned for Sevadals (cheers). Man plunges into action only when told strictly. The railway authorities were very happy. They thanked Me saying, “Swami, it is our good fortune that we got an opportunity to serve Your devotees.” Not only this, in order to ensure that the Sevadals and devotees reach Prasanthi Nilayam, without any inconvenience, The central Government has sanctioned 50 crore rupees for the construction of a railway station near the petrol Bunk (cheers). We will have trains connecting Penukonda, Dharmavaram and Prasanthi Nilayam. The other day the officials of the railway department had a meeting in Delhi and arrived at this decision. Everybody should be able to reach Prasanthi Nilayam comfortably for Swami’s 75th birthday. One may board a train either in Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Hyderabad etc. to reach Prasanthi Nilayam.

Once upon a time this Puttaparthi was a small hamlet with a population of barely 100 people. In such a small village as this who would expect a University, an Aerodrome, a Super Speciality Hospital and a Railway Station to come up in such a short period of time? All these things are happening during the lifetime of the Avatar, which is unprecedented in the history of mankind. During the time of no other Avatar were such stupendous tasks achieved in such a short period of time. Many more wonderful things are going to happen. Today you are able to see Me from close quarters. But after some time you may have to see Me from a distance of a few miles.

So make best use of the divine proximity of Sai.
Once you lose this precious chance to serve the Lotus Feet, you will never regain it.
Sai confers devotion, power and ultimately liberation on you.
Never get misguided by the words of others.
Keep this in mind and redeem yourself.

Telugu poem

I have taken upon Myself this suffering only for your sake and in response to your prayers I have decided to cure Myself now, for your sake. “Don’t give room for any anxiety. Now Swami is 100% perfect, perfect, perfect (cheers).

Follow Swami’s command, earn a good name, secure good marks and set an ideal to the rest of the world. That is what I want. In addition for the volunteers, we are making efforts to provide adequate accommodation to the devotees by constructing 100 sheds more. To provide accommodation to the foreigners a suitable piece of land of 150 acres has been acquired on the hillock. For the 75th brithday who knows where one would be placed? But, if you have Swami’s grace, you belong to Swami, wherever you may be. Swami is always with you. Never entertain the feeling that Swami will be away from you. Have firm faith in Swami.

In future, you can conduct your programmes without hindrance. In the coming year you can organise the sports meet in ways more grand than this. I will not put any brake on your activities. But in certain aspect, you must follow My commands. It is for your good and not Mine. Be safe and secure and lead an ideal spiritual life. Today we find restlessness, anxiety and worry prevalent all over. Spirituality is the only solution to all these ills of society. Due to lack of spirituality man is subject to depression and disease. Diseases are the products of the mind, not the body. Lack of peace of mind results in depression, which in turn leads to disease. Develop physical strength, have faith in God, experience bliss and share it with your fellow beings. Whatever may happen never give up spirituality. It is only devotion to God that protects Bharath, nothing else. Distance yourself from animal qualities and develop human qualities and be one with the divine. How can you understand divinity when you are not able to understand the importance of human values? First practice human values then divinity manifests itself. Take to the path of spirituality, and go around the four corners of the country propagating spiritual ideals and strive for the welfare of the world at large.

Bhagawan concluded his Divine Discourse with the Bhajan “Govinda Krishna Jai, Gopala Krishna Jai…”

Update 1: Paul A. Rahe: Political theater and coordinated disinformation are the order of the day.

AMDG