Exemplary Maniben Patel… The word exemplary means “serving as a commendable pattern to be imitated.” A question in this context, what about your life as a devotee of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai would others say is exemplary? As you are left to ponder on, we have a beautiful story from Bhagawan Himself, illustrating the exemplary, principled life of Maniben Patel, daughter of “Iron Man Of India” Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Today much effort is wasted on ostentatious living. Students should learn the value of leading a simple and unostentatious life. You may be aware of Sardar Patel, who was Deputy Prime Minister in the Government formed after Independence. One day, a colleague of his, Mahavir Thyagi, went to Patel’s residence. While talking to Patel, Thyagi noticed Patel’s daughter, Maniben, doing the household chores. She was wearing an old sari, patched up in some places. Thyagi asked her: “Maniben! You are getting a bad name for your father. What high position is he holding in the government; he is the Deputy Prime Minister of the country. Being his daughter, if you are like this, you will be taken for a beggar. The dress you are wearing is not befitting at all.” Maniben was indignant and told Sri Thyagi: “Thyagiji! It is only those who have earned money by foul and unjust means that should feel sorry for the clothes they wear. I am not ashamed to wear the clothes made out of my own labours while I am carrying on my legitimate duties. Those who spend lavishly on their comforts the money earned by their parents have to feel ashamed about themselves. I have nothing to be ashamed about. In looking after my aged father, I do my work, wearing the clothes I choose. I do not hanker after anyone’s wealth. I know how to maintain my dignity and self-respect. No one need teach me how to conduct myself.” Maniben left after saying these words. Dr Sushila Nayyar, who was seated on the same sofa as Sri Thyagi, told him in unmistakable language: “Thyagiji! You do not know Maniben well enough. From the time she wakes up in the morning right up to going to bed in the night she is ceaselessly working without any rest. Although her father is the Deputy Prime Minister, she attends to all the household work herself. She cleans the vessels and washes her father’s clothes herself. She spins on the charkha whenever she has some spare time. She stitches the clothes for her father. She makes saris for herself out of the discarded dhotis of her father. It is difficult to find anyone to equal her in the ideal life she is leading.” Such was the dedicated life led by Maniben in those days. It is hard to find today any young woman or man who can live like that. Most young people lead ostentatious lives, wasting the hard earned money of their parents. Students! Realise what you owe to your parents and act in a manner which will not grieve them. Avoid waste of money, of food, of time and energy. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II Exemplary Maniben Patel – A Sacred Inspiration Of Simplicity, Service, And Duty Exemplary Maniben Patel is a meaningful reminder of a life lived with discipline, sacrifice, humility, and national devotion. She is remembered not only as the daughter of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but also as a sincere worker, freedom fighter, and public servant who chose duty over comfort and simplicity over display. In the history of India’s freedom struggle, many great women worked quietly behind the scenes. They did not always seek fame, praise, or public attention, but their contribution strengthened the movement from within. Maniben Patel belonged to this noble tradition. Her life showed that true greatness is often silent, steady, and deeply responsible. Exemplary Maniben Patel teaches that service begins with personal discipline. A person who wishes to serve society must first learn self-control, honesty, patience, and simplicity. Without these qualities, public work can easily become a path of ego. With these qualities, even ordinary duty becomes noble and sacred. From a young age, she came close to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement. The spirit of khadi, self-reliance, truth, sacrifice, and national service shaped her life. She did not treat patriotism as a slogan. For her, love for the nation meant work, sacrifice, responsibility, and a willingness to live with less for a higher cause. Exemplary Maniben Patel becomes especially inspiring when we reflect on her relationship with Sardar Patel. She served him with dedication, supported his work, and remained close to many important moments of national history. Yet, she did not use that closeness for selfish gain. Her life reminds us that nearness to greatness should create humility, not pride. She also played a role in public life and the freedom struggle, including movements where courage and patience were required. In those difficult days, standing for truth was not easy. It could bring imprisonment, hardship, criticism, and personal loss. But the call of the motherland was stronger than fear. Exemplary Maniben Patel also reminds us of the strength of women in nation-building. Women were not merely observers in India’s freedom movement. They motivated people, joined satyagrahas, accepted suffering, organized support, and gave moral strength to society. Their courage helped awaken the spirit of the nation. Her simplicity is one of the most beautiful lessons from her life. In a world where people often chase luxury, status, and recognition, her example teaches the dignity of a plain and purposeful life. Simplicity does not mean weakness or lack of ability. It means freedom from unnecessary wants and strength to live according to values. Exemplary Maniben Patel finally teaches that duty must be performed without complaint. Whether serving family, supporting a national leader, joining public work, or living with personal discipline, she showed steadiness. Such steadiness is rare because many people begin noble work with enthusiasm but stop when difficulty comes. A life

Real Sacrifice… You must give up your selfishness and strive to please The Lord in Whom you have faith by dedicating your lives to the service of The Divine. The whole universe is permeated by The Divine. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and all knowing. Be conscious that He is not confined to any place. He is everywhere and in everything including your body…exhorts Bhagawan to students illustrating what is real sacrifice through a story from the time of Lord Buddha. Buddha was once asked: “Who is the richest man in the world?” Buddha replied: “He who has much satisfaction (with what he has) is the richest man.” To the question, “Who is the poorest man?” Buddha replied: “He who has many desires.” A Maharaja, who was listening to Buddha’s sermons on contentment and renunciation, wished to earn the approbation of Buddha. Buddha used to keep with him always a rattle-drum. His disciples once asked him: “Master! Why are you always keeping this rattle-drum by your side?” Buddha replied: “I shall play on this drum the day a person who has made the greatest sacrifice approaches me.” Everyone was eager to know who this person would be. Such persons are often the forgotten men of history. Wishing to attain this distinction, the Maharaja loaded his elephants with considerable treasure and went to Buddha. He hoped to offer the treasure to Buddha and earn his praise. On the way, an old woman greeted the Maharaja and pleaded: “I am hungry. Will you give me some food?” The Maharaja took out a pomegranate fruit from his palanquin and gave it to her. The old woman came to Buddha with the fruit. By then, the Maharaja had also come to Buddha and was eagerly waiting to see when Buddha would sound the rattle-drum. For a long time Buddha did not use it. The Maharaja stayed on. The old woman approached Buddha, staggering on her legs, and offered to him the pomegranate fruit. Buddha took it and immediately sounded the little-drum. The Maharaja asked Buddha: “I offered so much wealth to you. You did not sound the drum. But you rattled it after receiving a small fruit. Is this a great sacrifice?” Buddha replied: “Maharaja! In sacrifice, it is not quantity that counts. It is the quality of sacrifice that matters. It is natural for a Maharaja to offer gold. But what great sacrifice is made when a hungry old woman offers the pomegranate fruit to the Guru despite her hunger. She did not care even for her life and gave the fruit. What greater sacrifice can there be? It is not sacrifice to offer what is superfluous for you. True sacrifice means giving up that which is most dear to you, that which you value most.” Students! You must give up your selfishness and strive to please the Lord in Whom you have faith by dedicating your lives to the service of The Divine. The whole universe is permeated by The Divine. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and all knowing. Be conscious that He is not confined to any place. He is everywhere and in everything including your body. He cannot be seen by dissecting the body. But when the mind is directed towards God He can be experienced. The men who landed on the moon declared they did not find God there. God cannot be found through machines (Yantras). He can be experienced through Mantras. Real Sacrifice – A Sacred Path Of Love, Duty, And Selflessness Real Sacrifice is not merely giving up something outwardly; it is the offering of ego, selfishness, pride, and attachment at the feet of God. Many people think sacrifice means losing comfort, money, time, or possessions. But in the deeper spiritual sense, sacrifice means giving with love, serving without expectation, and choosing what is right over what is easy. Human life becomes noble when it moves beyond selfish desires. If a person lives only for personal pleasure, praise, and profit, the heart becomes narrow. But when life is used to bring comfort, hope, and peace to others, it becomes sacred. Sacrifice expands the heart and makes it more sensitive to the needs of the world. Real Sacrifice teaches that the value of an offering depends on purity of intention. A person may give a large donation but secretly desire fame and recognition. Another person may quietly share a little food, time, or kindness with deep love. In the eyes of God, the second offering may carry greater spiritual fragrance because it is free from ego. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized selfless service as an expression of divine love. Service becomes pure when there is no pride, no demand, and no feeling of superiority. The giver should not think, “I am helping others.” Instead, the devotee should feel, “God has given me a chance to serve Him through His creation.” Real Sacrifice becomes meaningful when we are willing to give up our lower tendencies. Giving money may be easier than giving up anger. Offering flowers may be easier than offering pride. Visiting holy places may be easier than forgiving someone. The greatest sacrifice is often the quiet surrender of inner weaknesses. A mother caring for her child, a teacher shaping students with patience, a worker doing duty honestly, a soldier protecting the nation, and a devotee serving the poor all show different forms of sacrifice. Their actions become sacred when guided by love, duty, and sincerity rather than selfish gain. Real Sacrifice also reminds us that sacrifice should not be done with sadness or complaint. If we give but constantly remind others of what we have given, the purity reduces. True sacrifice is joyful because it comes from love. A flower gives fragrance without complaint, and a tree gives shade without demanding praise. Sometimes sacrifice means controlling speech. Instead of speaking harshly, we sacrifice anger. Instead of spreading gossip, we sacrifice negative pleasure. Instead of proving ourselves right in every argument, we sacrifice ego for peace. These

Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune… Jolted at the sudden mishap she screamed, calling out, ‘Babaaaa…” and the rest was ‘His-story’. Recounting a fatal road accident involving an 8-year old ‘kite-boy’, Mrs Anasuya Rao from Pune narrates a ‘sour turned soulful’ May story dates back to 1975, illustrating yet another Rescue-Act of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai… We were posted in Pune several years ago and were driving to the ‘Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Bhajans’ at the house of Col Soman, in Somwarpet. My husband, Gen BDP Rao, who never used his official car for private purposes, was driving. We were only about a mile away from the venue, driving through a shopping centre, when a little boy of about 8 years old, ran across the road with a kite in hand and was hit by our car. He fell down unconscious. We were shocked and I cried out ‘Baba!’ There were two clinics nearby – I ran into the first clinic, but the doctor refused to come. In the second, a lady doctor, walked into the car with me. By the time, I returned to the car, the car had been turned around and was pointing in the opposite direction. The boy had been shifted into the rear seat of the car by a small built man and there was another man in the driver’s seat. My husband told me that when they first appeared he had told them that it was not his fault since he was going slowly and the boy had dashed across the street and hit the car. And the driver replied: “I know it’s not your fault.” My husband, who never lets anyone drive his car, was quietly sitting in the front seat. The man driving the car said, ‘These doctors do not know anything, but there is a Nursing Home further down the road. Come along – we are taking him there.’ So, the five of us went to the Nursing Home. Coincidentally, the boy’s uncle was coming out of the Nursing Home, with some medicines. He recognized his nephew and went to call the child’s parents. I ran to find a doctor, but he said he was off duty. By the time I got back, with a doctor, the boy was standing on the table on which he had been placed. He had his arms around the driver and was asking him not to leave him. My husband has told me that the driver had sprinkled a few drops of water on the child’s face and the boy sat up immediately, by the time his parents came. While I was talking to the mother of the boy, the two men who brought us to the clinic were leaving. My husband asked them if he could drop them, but they said they had their motorbike near the accident site and did not need a lift. By the time he followed them out, they had disappeared. In spite of the events, though terribly shaken, we proceeded to the bhajan and attended the last 15 minutes and Aarathi. The photo of Baba in the bhajan hall and the driver’s face seemed uncannily similar. Who else but Baba could decide whose fault it was and Who else but Baba could rouse an unconscious boy with a few drops of water and then disappear from an isolated Nursing Home with no trace. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had come to our rescue that day. Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune – A Sacred Reminder Of Divine Presence And Loving Grace Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune is a beautiful spiritual theme that shows how the Divine can reveal His presence through a simple sign, an ordinary object, or an unexpected moment. A visiting card usually gives identity in the worldly sense, but when connected with Sai, it becomes a symbol of divine nearness, loving assurance, and personal grace. In the life of a devotee, God’s messages do not always come through grand miracles. Sometimes they come quietly through a word, a dream, a photograph, a letter, a fragrance, a sudden peace, or a small sign that touches the heart deeply. What may look ordinary to others can become unforgettable for the one who receives it with faith. Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune teaches that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s love is never limited by distance. A devotee may be in Puttaparthi, Pune, a small village, or a faraway country, yet sincere remembrance can bring the Divine close. God does not need physical nearness to guide and comfort the heart. The deeper meaning of such an experience is not only wonder, but transformation. Divine signs are not given merely to excite curiosity. They are given to strengthen faith, remove doubt, and remind the devotee to live with purity, humility, love, and service. Grace should always make the heart softer and more responsible. Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune becomes meaningful when we understand that the Lord knows the exact need of each devotee. Sometimes the heart needs courage. Sometimes it needs assurance. Sometimes it needs correction. Sometimes it needs a gentle reminder that Sai is watching, guiding, and protecting every sincere step. A visiting card introduces a person, but Sai’s true introduction is His message. Love All, Serve All; Help Ever, Hurt Never is the real identity of Sai. If a devotee carries this message in thought, word, and deed, then the presence of Sai becomes visible through that devotee’s own life. Sai’s Visiting Card in Pune also reminds us that God can use simple things for sacred purpose. A piece of paper, a meeting, a glance, a sentence, or a small incident can become divine when touched by grace. The object itself may be small, but the love behind it is limitless. The devotee should not become proud because of a divine sign. One should never think, “I am special, so this happened to me.” The better feeling is, “Sai has shown compassion, so I must become more worthy of His

Art With Heart… Living in Prasanthi Nilayam for many years, listening to countless discourses and reading a number of books do not ensure necessary transformation, says Bhagawan praising high of devotees from overseas nations for their little ‘knowledge’ but greater transformation… From Bhagawan’s Divine discourse on 11 July 1995. The overseas devotees who have come here are affluent people. ‘Why have they come here? They are like patients who go to a hospital for their ailments. All of them suffer from some kind of illness or other, mental or physical. All are victims of some kind of mental illness. They have all come for the medicine of peace, joy, and happiness. Wherefrom is this peace to be got? It cannot be got from outside. It is within oneself. The disease has arisen within because of bad qualities. Every person’s physical, mental and spiritual health is ruined by bad qualities; bad thoughts and bad feelings. Hence, cultivate good thoughts, good feelings and good attitudes. Expel every bad thought as it arises in the mind. You cannot relish food that is not tasty. Should you not try to impart sweet taste to your life which spans several decades? How to impart that taste? By constant contemplation on God. Life is made tasty by good thoughts and good actions. All those who wish to pursue the spiritual path must begin with getting rid of bad thoughts and bad practices and start transforming their lives. People ask: how are we to cultivate a broad attitude? The answer is: get rid of the artificial barriers you have raised between yourself and others. These barriers create narrow and limited loyalties and prevent you from enjoying an all-embracing bliss. Enlarge your horizon. Expand your vision. This is the true spiritual exercise for you. During the past three days, devotees from many countries have presented a blissful programme of the kind which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. They would not have come on the invitation of any government. Even if they had come you would not have experienced the kind of bliss you have enjoyed here. This is an example of the relationship between an object and its image. It is because of the bliss within the artists, they could generate that bliss in the audience. They have come from their respective countries filled with devotion and in their singing and dance they completely forgot themselves. This kind of performance would not be possible by artists who expect rewards. The devotees did not come merely with art, but they came with their hearts. (Cheers) Their “art” is filled with “heart”. Some of them were oblivious to their bodies in their performances. They were forgetful of their native countries—whether Russia, or America, or Germany, or Africa. This is real “Samadhi” (the state of spiritual ecstasy). Samadhi is not falling into a trance or some state of unconsciousness. These may be caused by hysteria or antic of the imagination. “Samadhi” means equal mindedness; forgetting the body consciousness and being immersed in bliss (Ananda). These devotees demonstrated this “Samadhi” and shared their bliss with thousands of others. Not only did they experience this bliss themselves, but they shared it with all. Can there be a greater penance (Tapas) than this? What greater Sadhana do you need? “Uddharet Atmana Atmanam”, says the Upanishads. Raise yourself and share that experience with others. Those artists have been strictly adhering to the artistic traditions of their respective countries. In the Japanese dance yesterday, the priest (an old man) appeared to be shivering. He has all the strength, but when approaching the shrine and nearing the Emperor he displays extreme humility and reverence. They practise such supreme humility. Economically and technologically Japan is a highly advanced country. But see what humility and discipline they display! Look at the Russians. Among Russians, there is a tendency to “rush”. But what complete self forgetfulness was displayed by the lady while she sang and danced? (Cheers). What ecstasy in her heart made her experience such joy? She was completely lost in her song and dance. No one can tell what kind of experience one can have in a certain place at a certain time and in a certain situation. Altogether, what transformation has taken place in all those who came for the Global Festival! They came for the first time. But the transformation that has taken place in’ them cannot be seen in many who have been coming here for years and years. Many of you have listened to countless discourses and have read a lot of books. But, what is the change in you? None at all. You have remained where you are. If we examine further, many seem to have gone back rather than going forward. Hence, devotees should strive to put into practice at least a fraction of what they have seen and heard. The lives of these overseas devotees appear exemplary. Though they have learnt little, the joy they derive from it is great. This is what is great about them. There are many here who know a great deal, but who practise very little of it. Art With Heart – A Sacred Expression Of Love, Beauty, And Divine Feeling Art With Heart is not merely the creation of something beautiful for the eyes; it is the expression of feeling, purity, compassion, and inner truth. When art comes only from skill, it may impress people for a moment. But when art comes from the heart, it touches the soul and leaves a lasting fragrance. Human beings have always used art to express what ordinary words cannot fully say. A painting, song, poem, dance, sculpture, or simple handmade offering can carry devotion, joy, sorrow, gratitude, and hope. Art becomes powerful when it reveals the inner life of the artist and connects others with something deeper. Art With Heart teaches that creativity should not be separated from values. Talent is a gift from God, and every gift should be used wisely. If art

The Agony Of The Avatar… Students are the very foundation of the nation. To make the foundation strong, the people, the government, the parents, the teachers, and the students all have to co-ordinate their plans and efforts. These five elements, these five vital forces have to work together towards the end…says Bhagawan. It is no secret that Bhagawan often cherishes and takes great personal pride in declaring His students as His ‘Real Property’. The Divine in His persona has set a higher benchmark for this most privileged lot. What does He expect from ‘His Properties’ whom He often refers to as future leaders? Read on an extract from Sanathana Sarathi published in July 1983, originally taken from the book “The Greatest Adventure” by Late Dr. M.V.N.Murthy, to find His greater expectations on His ‘White Army’. The other day, Bhagawan spoke to a student of His College who had just finished his examinations and was leaving for Madras (now Chennai) to spend the holidays with his parents. “Beautiful lotus flowers bloom in the pond. The frogs in the pond do not enjoy the fragrance and the nectar; they hop, leap and croak. Bees know the fragrance and the sweetness of the nectar; they come in swarms from afar. The frog uses the lotus as a perch! You do not realise what a blessing it is to be near to Swami. Look at all these persons who come to Swami from far off places!…” said Bhagawan. The boy was standing next to me; so, I could see the expression on Bhagawan’s face and also sensed the ‘anguish’ underneath those words. Surely they were not meant for him alone. There were other boys within hearing and many elders. It was meant for all. He came near the boy and said, “Come back early. Have you applied for admission to the post graduate class? Come in time for the admission test. Bring your brother’s son too for joining the primary school.” Here was the Lord, the Avatar of the Age, the Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, speaking so intimately, so affectionately to His students, asking them not to miss the chance of continuing to be under His loving care. What amazed me was the `agony’ of the Avatar, the ‘anguish’ born out of extraordinary love. I had heard Him declare repeatedly, “If you ask Me, I would say, students are My property. I have no other property.” His efforts to establish educational institutions, to equip them with the best; the Love and care He bestows on teachers and the students are evidences of His concern for the future of this great country; and of a world on the brink of a disaster. Baba’s unspoken message was, “O! Dear children! I Am doing so much for your sake. I need no gain or dread any loss. You are all potentially Divine, Amritasya Putrah, Children of Immortality. You have the capability to become Madhava, Master of Maya. Why do you love to be just puny little men?” He told the boy from Madras, “Be near Swami. Everything will be added to you.” The feeling of ‘agony’ is adopted by the Personality of the Avatar to awaken our faith. If Bhagawan sometimes pretends anger, that too is born out of His Love; He expresses ‘sorrow’ and ‘disappointment’ that all His boys do not realise what they are missing. He has nothing but their highest good in His Mind. The Agony Of The Avatar – A Sacred Reflection On Divine Compassion And Human Suffering The Agony Of The Avatar is a deep spiritual theme that helps us understand the pain the Divine accepts for the sake of humanity. An Avatar does not descend for personal need, comfort, or glory. The Lord comes out of boundless compassion, taking a human form so that people may feel His love, hear His message, and rise from ignorance to divine awareness. Human beings often think of the Avatar only through miracles, blessings, darshan, and joy. These are beautiful aspects of divine presence, but behind them there is also great sacrifice. The Avatar carries the sorrow of devotees, the burden of human weakness, and the pain caused by ignorance, selfishness, and lack of love in the world. The Agony Of The Avatar teaches that divine suffering is not ordinary suffering. It is accepted willingly for the welfare of others. A mother may lose sleep to care for her child, yet her sacrifice comes from love. In a far greater way, the Avatar bears the pain of humanity because His heart is filled with infinite compassion. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came to awaken love, truth, righteousness, peace, and non-violence in human life. He guided, corrected, comforted, healed, and uplifted countless hearts. Yet, seeing people ignore His message, hurt one another, and remain trapped in ego must have been a silent pain to the Divine heart. The Agony Of The Avatar becomes meaningful when we realize that the Lord’s greatest sorrow is not physical discomfort, but the spiritual decline of man. When human beings forget their divine nature and live with hatred, greed, jealousy, and violence, they move away from peace. The Avatar comes to bring them back to the path of love. Many devotees approach God only with personal requests. They ask for health, success, money, protection, and relief from problems. These prayers are natural, but devotion must mature. The devotee should also ask, “How can I reduce the burden of the Lord? How can I live His message? How can I become an instrument of love?” The Agony Of The Avatar also reminds us that divine love is often misunderstood. When the Avatar corrects, people may feel hurt. When He delays, people may doubt. When He remains silent, people may think He is distant. But every action of the Divine comes from wisdom and compassion, not indifference. A true devotee should not add to divine sorrow by living carelessly. If we praise the Lord but speak harshly, our

“It’s Done…You Can Go…” He wills and it happens. He has proved time and again that His Will reigns supreme. Many a time many of us have encountered such situations wherein His unseen abounding grace bailed us out of difficult situations in the form of small miracles. Mr B.S.K.Vittal Rao of Bangalore narrates how His Divine Resolve helped him to earn a petty favour from a mundane point, indeed a much more valued one when it comes to establish in faith…one from a billion untold miralces. I joined Baba on 6th December 1965, at Whitefield and accompanied Him during His tour to Madras etc. Dr. B. R. joined at Madras, at the last part. We all accompanied Him to Whitefield in the last week of December. We had an exhilarating elevating and glorious time throughout the Tour with Him. On the New Year Day at Whitefield, He received Pranams from about a dozen persons collected in the hall there. He suddenly approached me and said, “Happy New Year, Happy New Year”, striking me at the same time twice on my back. I was thrilled and felt supremely happy. I was moved at His Prema. I knelt at His Feet. We accompanied Him on the 6th January to Prasanthi Nilayam. Throughout the journey, we were treated to gladdening and elevating talks and melody, which quite often touched the inner chord. His Grace it was that I was to stay till my birthday on the 8th January. I was blessed indeed to receive on that day His ashirwadam, with “Nayanome premadhar, Vachanome Amruthadhar”. He brought out by a wave of His palm, as usual, a curved thin small shell with Vishnu, Shirdi Baba, our Baba and Shivalinga on it in bright colours and bestowed it on me. I had to go to Tinnevelly to perform a ceremony on the 21st January and so, I approached Baba to let me go. “How do you go?” he asked; “By bus to Penukonda and from there, by train” was my answer. “No; you are aged; you should avoid bus journey.You stay till Sankramana, January 14th and I shall send you by some Bangalore car” He said. The Kumara Raja of Sendur arrived on the 14th and Baba told me that l could go in his car, when he returned. We could leave with His Prasadam only on the 17th. I told Baba that unless ten to twelve days notice was given to the railways, a first class berth could not ordinarily be secured and implored that He alone should help me, by guaranteeing a berth. He raised the palm and said, “It is done; you can go.” As soon as I reached Bangalore, I rushed up to the Railway Station. I was shown the Register of Reservations. “There ware already seven persons on the Waiting List. The official said to me that there was no chance, unless another bogie came along, attached from Jolarpet. Else, I would have to go by the second class. I dreaded to go by second class on that long journey, which involved also travel by night. …However, I bought a first class ticket. No additional bogie came along, the next day, attached from Jolarpet. I was advised to get into a second, and if by chance, some one of the two or three that were to board from the Cantonment Railway Station did not turn up, I could get in to the first class. A certain Mr Das who wanted four first class berths had got only two and he was also pleading that he could not split up his party, one half to go in first and the outer half in second. I had half-a-mind to stay away and do the ceremony in Bangalore itself. But, Baba, had told me to go! With mixed thoughts I changed my first Class ticket into a second class one and got into a compartment near by. There were only three in that compartment; I consoled myself that the journey may not to be so uncomfortable. I was thinking of Baba’s guarantee. There were only three minutes for the departure of the train. To my surprise, Mr Das came running to my compartment, and said, he had surrendered his first class tickets and his whole party was travelling by second class. He told me, I could change. The Railway official also came and told me, I could change. My joy was unbounded I made a dash with my luggage and plumped into the berth. The train whistled off, almost at once. Wonder of wonders! How Baba’s Sankalpa worked, without prejudice to the other five or six persons on the waiting list whose names were above mine, and who had already left the platform some minutes before! What Graciousness! Nothing but Divine!!!

A Guru Purnima Experience… He has an uncanny style of teaching and many a time it comes in the most realistic way, inducing us to stir our thought process. A devotee from Australia had such a wonderful experience during a Gurupurnima Festival at Prasanthi Nilayam in the mid seventies that the devotee learned the greatest lesson that God was (Is)  One and the entire creation was blessed to be within His Aura! The Hall, second largest In India, was estimated to have held fifteen to twenty thousand on that evening. My friend and I were sitting fairly centrally, about one third of the way back despite the invitation to sit near the front and towards the side: the position was fortunate as otherwise, I doubt if the following wonderful experience could have been possible. In His Divine discourse, with Dr Bhagavantham translating, Swami spoke about prophets and teachers of the great faiths, showing that the Sai faith embraced them all. Later on, Swami discoursed on the role of the Guru, but I heard little or nothing of this, because apparently inexplicable, my mind seemed to wander and I wondered casually if I could see Dr Bhagavantham’s aura. The dark background curtain absorbed the aura; so I switched attention to Swami to see if His aura could be discerned despite the curtain and concentrated hard to see at least His aura. Suddenly, unbelievably, Swami’s hair seemed to have disappeared! His hair had become a sort of clear transparent aura. Amazed, my concentrated gaze then discerned within this frame a quite different head of hair, shoulder length, black, with a slight wave, and Swami’s face became the face of Christ, a Jewish Christ, not the blonde Christ of the Medieval Italian artists. I gazed at this phenomenon with great interest and no religious emotion. As I gazed, the face became that of someone I could not place—possibly Zoroaster or Buddha or perhaps some teacher unfamiliar to me—and throughout the subsequent events these two animated faces recurred, to assure me that I was not inducing these visions. Having thus gained and held my attention, Swami then gave a great blessing and an emotional jolt, for there was my revered Ramana Maharishi, white haired and slender faced, utterly unlike the former visions. I was a devotee of the Maharishi, whose writings have given glimpses of reality, and had been feeling disloyal because of the new found devotion to Baba. Baba settled this disquiet by showing that there was no difference between Gurus. This indeed was the main purpose of this blessed experience. The following visions were brief and were mostly of the Hindu deities or personalities which had become meaningful to me. Rama, a brief but distinct and repeated glimpse of Ganesha, Shirdi Sai Baba and Lord Shiva. Recently I had seen a photograph of Sathya Sai Baba in which He had been depicted as Durga on Her lion, and I wondered if I might be able see Baba in this Goddess form ever. Instead, I had a breathtaking vision of Tripura Sundari—Lalita—Goddess of the Three Worlds, exquisitely beautiful and very alive. I was wondering why Krishna did not appear. So did Krishna! Periodically I yearned to see Baba Himself, with interesting consequences: I saw Him at His various ages, His face always an oval of Light; at times He dissolved into pure Light with no form at all. Now and again, in response to mental request, I saw Baba superimposed over other visions of Him talking animatedly. His face—how could I adequately describe it? —clearly visible but not of solid matter, more, like a series of points, the nucleus of matter. What was Baba’s purpose in allowing these visions? So many lessons were learnt that evening, apart from the precious knowledge that Ramana was one with Baba, that all were One and we were one with The One. Maya, illusion—the unreality of constantly mobile matter and its reality as pure Light. The Formless God who could assume any form He liked and the response of those forms to our own mental creativity. I had recently been thinking deeply about Maya, and in Ooty I had mentally, half seriously asked Baba to show me His real form. A Guru Purnima Experience – A Sacred Reflection On Grace, Gratitude, And Divine Guidance A Guru Purnima Experience is not merely a memory of a festival or a holy day; it is a sacred moment when the heart remembers the importance of the Guru in life. Guru Purnima is a day of reverence, gratitude, surrender, and inner awakening. It reminds the devotee that without divine guidance, the journey from ignorance to wisdom becomes difficult and uncertain. The Guru is not only a teacher who gives information. The true Guru removes darkness, purifies the mind, corrects the heart, and leads the seeker toward God-realization. Ordinary teachers may teach subjects, but the spiritual Guru teaches life itself. He shows how to live with truth, love, discipline, humility, and service. A Guru Purnima Experience teaches that gratitude is the first offering at the feet of the Guru. A devotee may bring flowers, fruits, prayers, or songs, but the purest offering is a transformed heart. If the Guru has given love, protection, guidance, and correction, then the disciple must respond by living the message sincerely. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often reminded devotees that the real Guru is within as conscience, truth, and divine awareness. The outer Guru awakens the inner Guru. When the devotee listens to conscience, avoids wrong actions, speaks truth, and serves with love, he is following the guidance of the Divine Master. A Guru Purnima Experience becomes meaningful when it does not remain only an emotional celebration. Many people attend bhajans, offer prayers, and feel devotion on that day, but the feeling should continue into daily conduct. Guru Purnima should inspire us to reduce ego, control anger, forgive others, and become more useful to society. The presence of the Guru gives strength during difficulty. When the

Love That Conquers… If He is Pure Love, if Bhagawan, our Supreme Lord, is nothing but Pure Love and His reservoir is ever a perennial one, why can’t we, so called human beings, channelise His Love, our true possession for a better purpose, removing discordant notes within as well as around us… It is when we channelise His Love spreading IT around, aiming at a better world that, we truly live His message…. a beautiful incident from Mr Paulette, Hatfield, the United Kingdom who experimented himself becoming His Channel Of Love!!! Tuesday, 21st August 1984 was a very hot sultry day as I toiled up the hill by Nuffield College, Oxford, on my way to the West Gate Library. When I was near the top I could see that quite a crowd had gathered on the edge of Born Square with more people joining it all the time. As I drew level I saw that in the centre of the crowd there were two lads fighting each other hard. These two were really slugging it out so my first thought was “I am sure Sathya Sai Baba would not approve of this.” Then I remembered the line of the prayer He has directed us to do ‘O Lord take my everything and let me be as an instrument to work for Thee’, so I said to Swami telepathically “What ever can I do?” Immediately I received the reply, just one word “LOVE.” I was puzzled for a moment as I did not see how I could give love to the two young men, when I realised that I would not have enough anyway. This triggered the idea that only Sathya Sai Baba would have enough love – then, I knew what to do. I would ask Him to use me as a channel to pour His love over them. As I had continued walking I was just beyond the fight and had turned right onto the broad pavement, so they were behind me. I took a deep breath to try to raise my vibrations, so making me a better channel, and asked Baba to pour His love through me. After three short paces curiosity overcame me, so I turned round and was amazed at what I saw- the young men’s hands had dropped to their sides. My astonishment had stopped me acting as a good channel, so I redoubled my efforts to clear my mind of all thoughts, except that of love. Both young men shuffled in a self-conscious way, then turned from each other, one going off along Queen’s Street, and the other down the hill I had come up. The crowd looked disappointed, then quickly dispersed. I thanked Sathya Sai Baba before going into the Library feeling rather stunned. Now you could say this was a coincidence, but I doubt it! Just think what would have happened if all the others in the crowd had been channelling love too – the fight would never have started. This August (1986) I have read Phyllis Krystal’s book with the account of how she channelled Sathya Sai Baba’s love to stop the hijackers, which confirms my feelings that it was no coincidence. Remember – however dangerous or frightening the situation you find yourself in, you have the strongest weapon of all, LOVE; it is a much underused commodity in our present world. Start using it now. Love That Conquers – A Sacred Power Of Compassion, Faith, And Divine Victory Love That Conquers is not ordinary affection or temporary emotion; it is the divine force that can overcome hatred, fear, anger, pride, and separation. The world often believes that strength means control, argument, power, or victory over others. But spiritual wisdom teaches that the highest strength is love, because love does not destroy; it transforms. Human life brings many moments of conflict. People may hurt us through careless words, selfish actions, jealousy, misunderstanding, or criticism. The mind quickly wants to react and return pain with pain. But the heart guided by God learns a higher way. It understands that hatred can never truly heal hatred. Only love can melt hardness and bring peace. Love That Conquers teaches that divine love is patient, courageous, and pure. It is not weakness, and it is not blind attachment. It has the strength to forgive, the wisdom to correct, and the humility to serve. A loving person may speak firmly when needed, but never with hatred in the heart. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often declared that love is God and God is love. This simple teaching contains the essence of spiritual life. Prayer, bhajan, meditation, service, and knowledge become meaningful only when they are filled with love. Without love, even great actions can become dry and egoistic. Love That Conquers becomes meaningful when we practice it in daily situations. It is easy to speak about universal love, but real growth begins when love is tested at home, at work, in society, and in moments of disagreement. When we choose patience instead of anger and understanding instead of judgment, love begins to win. This love does not ask us to support wrong behavior. It asks us to respond with wisdom rather than revenge. A parent may correct a child, a teacher may guide a student, and society may stop harmful actions, but the inner feeling should remain free from cruelty. Correction guided by love uplifts; correction guided by hatred wounds. Love That Conquers also reminds us that forgiveness is a great spiritual victory. When we forgive sincerely, we free our own heart from the weight of bitterness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting every lesson or allowing injustice to continue. It means refusing to let hatred become the ruler of the soul. Divine love conquers fear because it gives faith. A devotee who feels God’s presence does not feel completely alone in difficulty. Problems may come, delays may test patience, and people may misunderstand, but faith whispers that the Lord is near. This trust gives courage

See Me in a dog also… D O G – dog will lead you to God – G-O-D Some years ago, at the end of a Guru Purnima Divine discourse, Bhagawan urged the devotees to develop compassion. Bhagawan said then, See Me in a dog also… D O G – dog will lead you to God – G-O-D. What a beautiful statement hidden with Supreme Truth of coexistence! True, one needs to rise to a level of higher consciousness to understand and imbibe this Supreme Truth. With Bhagawan HimSelf showing all-out compassion for all of His creation, are we not, His ‘devotees’ bound to practise His precepts? Let’s learn a lesson from the Life of Bhagawan at Shirdi as to how He Taught To See GOD in a DOG, an insightful reminder from the Sai Satcharita… Once, Mrs Tarkhad was staying in a certain house in Shirdi. At noon, meals were ready and dishes were being served, when a hungry dog turned up there and began to cry. Mrs. Tarkhad got up at once and threw a piece of bread, which the dog gulped with great relish. In the afternoon, when she went to the Masjid and sat at some distance, Sai Baba said to her, “Mother, you have fed Me sumptuously up to My throat, My afflicted pranas (life-forces) have been satisfied. Always act like this, and this will stand you in good stead. Sitting in this Masjid I shall never, never speak untruth. Take pity on Me like this. First give bread to the hungry, and then eat yourself. Note this well.” She could not at first understand the meaning of what Baba said. So she replied, “Baba, how could I feed You? I am myself dependent on others and take my food from them on payment.” Then Baba replied: “Eating that lovely bread I Am heartily contended and I Am still belching. The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread is one with Me, so also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are one with Me. I Am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved. So abandon the sense of duality and distinction and serve Me, as you did today.” Drinking these nectar-like words, she was moved, her eyes were filled with tears, her throat was choked and her joy knew no bounds.