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Shri Sathya Sai has Come ‘’ Like good food that comes to one who has been fasting for the past ten days, like a heavy downpour of rain that comes to fill the dried and empty tanks, like a child coming into a family which has for long been yearning for children, like a shower of wealth on a very poor man, has come Shri Sathya Sai in Puttaparthi, when there is a total decline of Dharma among the people” (S.S.B. 1977 p. 248)

AVATARS

BHAGAVAN SPEAKS

AVATARS

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Niraakaara descends as Naraakaara «Yada yada hi dharmasya glaanir bhavati, Bhaarata, Abhyuthtaanam adharmasya tad aatmaanam srjaamyaham». «Parithraanaaya sadhoonaam, vinaasaayacha dushkrtaam, Dharma samsthaapanaarthaaya sambhavaami yuge yuge» Whenever dharma declines, I restore it and put down the forces which cause the decline, by assuming a form» and, «I am born again and again in every crisis in order to protect the good, punish the wicked and restore dharma”. (S.S.S. Vol. IV - p. 119) “When decline descends on the Dharma which has been laid down, I Incarnate as Naraakaara from the state of Niraakaara, in order to revive it and protect the good from fear”. (G. V. p. 56) Incarnation Incarnation means God appears on earth filled with affection and love for the mankind, AVATARS

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everywhere- Divine Consciousness in human form. (S.S.S. Vol. p.272) «The Universal Absolute Birthless Formless, Unmanifest and Infinite, takes on the limitations of name and form on its own initiative and concretises itself on many occasions as incarnations, Avatars, manifesting countless instances of Divine intercession and grace» (N.G.M. p. 22) “I incarnate from age to age, time to time, to save dharma from anti-dharma. Whenever strife, discord and disharmony overwhelm the world, God incarnates in human form to show to mankind the way to love, harmony and peace.’(S & M. p.216) “Avatars never come to re-establish Dharma - Dharma was never destroyed-but the practice of Dharma went on decline The basis for Dharma is Truth, and Truth is something which is permanent, and so Dharma also is something which is unchangeable.” (M. L. p.256) 2

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“The incarnation comes to warn, to guide, to awaken, to lay down the path, shed the light of love on it. But man has to listen, and obey with hope and faith.” (S.S.S. Vol. VIII p.143) “To elevate man to the level of His Consciousness He (God) has to incarnate as a man. He has to speak to them in their own styles and languages. He has to teach them the methods they can adopt and practice. Birds and beasts need no Divine incarnation to guide them, for they have no inclination to stray away from their Dharma. Man alone forgets or ignores the goal of life “. (M. L. p.253) Avatars appear in India Only in India Avatars born mostly, because only in India are Sastras (scriptures) understood. And only in India do Sages constantly experiment and practise. It is like a gold mine. When gold is found, there AVATARS

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gather geologists, engineers and experienced miners. The gold is mined there and then it is taken all over the world. (N.N.S.G.(5)p.5/6) Avatar is not born “It was declared that Rama was born of payasam which was brought by the Deity from out the sacrificial fire. No Avatar is born flesh and blood, including this Avatar ( Sri Sathya Sai Baba). The body of the Avatar is chit substance; it is not jada like other materials. The embryo of ordinary mortals is ‘jalodakasayi’ enveloped in watery stuff; the embryo of the Avatar is encased in ‘Kshirodakasayi’, the pure white milk of holiness. That is why in the make-up of the Avatar, there is no blemish, there is no trace of Guna.” (S.S.S. Vol IV p.15) «An avatar is born through “Pravesa” (by entry or immaculate conception) unlike man who is born through “Prasava” (the process of reproduction). Further, an Avatar chooses 4

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his parents, while man’s parents are chosen by destiny.» (U. p. 10) Every one is an Avatar (Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has declared on His Birthday Festival in 1971)” Everyone of you is an Avatar.You are Divine encased like Me in human flesh and bone.’Only you are unaware of it’. You have come into this prison of incarnation through the errors of many lives. You are bound to the body with rope of three Gunas. I am free, untouched by them, for the gunas are but My playthings. I am not bound by them, I use them to bind you. You are moved this way and that by desire. I have no desire except the one to make desireless.” (S.S.Sm. Part III p. 309) De sc e nt The word “Avatar” means descent. It is not coming down from the peak of a mountain or the top storey of a building. It is a descent AVATARS

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from the state of Atma to the state of the body. The descent of the Avatar means the Divine coming down to the level of the human. No blemish attaches to the Divine as a result of the descent. There is no diminution in His puissance. Here is an example of a child playing on the ground. If the mother feels it is beneath of her dignity to bend and call upon the child to leap into her arms, the child cannot do so. But out of love for her child, the mother stoops and picks up the baby. By bending down to take the child, does the mother bow to the child? Likewise, the Avatar descends to the level of the human to bless and rescue those who cannot rise to the level of the Divine. The ignorant assumes that because the Divine has descended with human form, God has lowered Himself to the human level. This is a case of bending and not kneeling down. It is an act of benediction and not submission. (M.L. p.253) 6

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Avatar in human form Why God should assume form? “Because that is the only way to incarnate the God within man. The Avatar takes human form and behaves in a human way so that humanity can feel kinship with Divinity. At the same time he rises to godly heights so that mankind also can aspire to reach god. The realisation of indwelling God as the motivator of life for which avatars come in human form”. (S & M. p. 236) People cannot stand the Lord in superhuman form. It is only when the Lord comes in human body that people are able to approach Him and learn to love Him even a little bit. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that the Lord forgoes His powers on assuming human form. For instance, the aeroplane flying high in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not think that the plane is the ground machine because one sees it on the ground. Once it AVATARS

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has taken on its load of passengers, it again zooms up high into the sky. In like fashion, although the Lord has made a landing here on the earth, so to speak, He is not limited by His human form. (AV-P61) The Lord is love itself. He comes in human form so that you can talk to Him, move with Him, serve Him, adore Him, and achieve Him, so that you can recognise your kinship with Him. S.S. S. Vol. IV P. 148) «The formless Lord takes the form a human being and comes in the midst of human beings so that he mixes with them and sets examples and ideals of human beings and conveys to them all aspects which they should learn. Many people ask very innocently and ignorantly why an Avatar who possesses all powers should subject itself to all troubles and why it should tolerate hunger and suffering all around. An Avatar who has all powers should remove all such 8

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sufferings in one moment. If there is any meaning in such a question, why should an Avatar come in human form at all? The Avatar can remain as a formless divinity and do all these things from that position itself. In the end certain conditions and environments, wherever has to be done must be done and such acts at a human level have to be performed. Certain things are essential for remedial action and without doing those things, to expect an Avatar to simply remove all suffering is a foolish thing. First of all, you should make an attempt to make good use of the mental and physical strengths that have been given to you. God comes in human form to demonstrate how the material and physical strengths and other organs may be used. The essential quality of an Avatar is to teach you how to make a proper and good use of your thought, word and deed. Depending upon the conditions in the country, the avatar comes to teach you AVATARS

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and show you the right use of your organs « « The avatar behaves in a human way so that mankind can feel kinship, but, rises to superhuman heights so that mankind can aspire to those heights». (S.R.B.M. p. 51/52) (Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says) “ If I had come only as a man, like any other man, who would listen to Me? So I had come in this human form but with more than the human power and wisdom “ (S.S.Sm. Part III p. 392) “This is a human form of Sai in which every Divine Entity, every Divine Principle, that is to say, all Names and Forms ascribed by man to God are manifest. Do not allow doubt to distract you. If only you install in the altar of your heart, steady faith in My Divinity (as SARVA DAIVATHA SWAROOPAM -the form denoting all Gods), you can soon have a vision of My Reality. (S. S. 60. p. 123) 10

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Instead if you swing back and forth, like the pendulum of a clock you an never succeed in comprehending the truth and winning that Bliss”. “Let Me draw your attention to another fact. On previous occasions, when God incarnated on Earth, the Bliss of recognising Him as incarnation was vouchsafed only after the Physical Embodiment had left the World, in spite of evidences of His Grace. The loyalty and devotion they commanded for men arose from fear and awe at their superhuman powers and skills, or at their imperial and penal authority. But, ponder a moment on this Sathya Sai Manifestation! In this age of rampant materialism, aggressive disbelief and irreverence, what is it that brings to it the adoration of millions from all over the world? The reason is, it is Supraworld Divinity in Human Form”. (F.G. p.81/82) AVATARS

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“Because the Lord takes human form, we find that He exhibits human consciousness. Ordinary people cannot grasp the Divine aspects of an Avatar. God appears to be an ordinary human being to the limited intelligence of lay people because of the coexistence of the Divine and human aspects of consciousness exhibited by Him. Man’s perception is limited to the level of human consciousness. Therefore, human comprehension is restricted by the limits of human consciousness. But the sages who were Divine human beings were able to comprehend Divinity. (M.L. p.254) The Lord has announced that He would come down for the restoration of Dharma and that He would assume human form so that all might gather round Him and feel the thrill of His companionship and conversation and the Lord has come as announced. “People cannot stand the Lord in superhuman form. It is only when the Lord 12

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comes in human body that people are to able approach Him and learn to love Him even a little bit. One should not make the mistake of thinking that the Lord foregoes His Powers on assuming because one sees on the ground. Once it has taken on the load of the passengers, it again zooms up into the sky. In like fashion, although the lord has made a landing here on the earth so to speak. He is not limited by His human form “. For instance, the aeroplane flying in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not mistake the plane for the ground. (A. V. p.161) “By mere human form one cannot be called human being. It is only when the human form got the Divine qualities that derive from the fact that they created by the god that he will be entitled to called a human being”. (E. p.88) If God is present in one human form, He is called Divinity or an Avatar and if He is AVATARS

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present in the totality, He is referred to as Creation. The individual is born because of God’s wanting to be so born. “The nameless and the formless aspect of God is referred as Purushottama. If the formless aspect of Purushottama takes a human form, we call him Purusha. Having taken the form of a human being, the Purushottama sets an example to other living things and establishes the oneness of all creation. We should recognise the truth that the aspect of the atma can be realised only if you have a clean mind”. (S.S.B. 1979 p. 110/111) “We should not be deluded by the human form and deceive ourselves thereby. God has to take the human form and change the lives of human by His own example. The emancipation of humanity is possible only by taking human form. It is only the man who descended to the depths of degradation by utter disregard of his Dharma and Divinity. It 14

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is man alone who has disregarded his human Dharma, whereas birds and beasts firmly adhere to their own respective Dharma. There is no need for the avatar to arise amongst birds and beasts since Dharma has not declined in them “. (S.S.B. 96 p.18) “When Narayana takes the form of man and wants to help humanity,he acts like a man”. The reason why Krishna came in human form, created a bodily relationship with Arjuna and others and pretended as if He was the brother- in-law of Arjuna and vice versa. Krishna wanted a deal with Arjuna in a manner in which a human being will deal with another human being. If we regard Krishna as God, we will never be able to understand the inner significance of the Mahabharata. It is only when we pay attention to human aspect of Krishna, and look at the whole story from the angle of AVATARS

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Krishna in the human form, that we will be able to understand His greatness “. (M.L. p. 258/259) “Are all who live in the body and move about with body attached to it and to the senses etc., that go along with it. For, god too, comes with a body, as Avatar, and when He moves out, He seems to be only human as far as one can see. But, there is a fundamental inner difference. The incarnate God, the avatar, is unconcerned. He has Upekesha. The ordinary man has Apesksha, yearning for the result. Mamathwa (Ego Principle) is Divine. Brahmathwa (Brahma Principle) is Divine. You cannot discern the distinction when you look or even listen to. You can understand only by experience. The avatar has no wants; He has no egoism. It is ever alone in the Brahmathwam. The Avatar appears as any other human being, equipped with the body, senses, mind etc., But consider between vast difference in 16

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thoughts, feelings and emotions etc., The avatar is the total, and All-Comprehensive, the Poorna. The human is naught, narrow, negative. But, in human, the Divine exists as the Core and can manifest as Bliss. (S.S.S. Vol. XI, p.267) Man is bound by Karma I have often declared that God does not come down as avatar to relieve individuals of their troubles and sorrows and to confer joy and happiness on them. Difficulties, troubles and worries come in the natural course as a consequence of past actions. The Gita says: “Karmaanubandhini manushya loke” (Human beings are bound by Karma in the world). As human birth is the result of karma, there can be no escape from the consequences of karma. As is your action, so is the reaction to it. When you stand before a mirror and offer salutation before the mirror, the salutation is reflected by the image. If you address harsh words to the mirror, the AVATARS

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harshness is reflected by the image in the same manner. It will be evident from this example that the fruits of our actions are determined by the nature of those actions. (S.S. Oct.1988 p.254) I am always aware of the future, the past, as well as the present of every one of you. So I am not so moved by mercy. Since I know the past, the background - the reaction is different. It is your consequence of evil deliberately done in the previous birth and so I allow your suffering to continue, often modified by some little compensation. I do not cause either joy or grief. You are the designer of both these chains that bind you. I am Ananda swarupa, come take Ananda from me, dwell on that Ananda and be full of Shanthi. (SBA -p. 19) Reason for the advent of Avatar “The Avatara Purushas have no merit or demerit accumulated in former births which like ordinary mortals they have to pay off in 18

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this birth. Theirs is a Leela, a birth taken on.” The goodness of the good and the wickedness of the bad provide the reasons for the Avatara of the Lord. For example take the Avatara of Narasimha. The merit of Prahlada and the wickedness of Hiranyakasipu combined to cause it. As a result of the coming of the Lord, the good will be happy and the bad will suffer. The Avatara, however, has no joy or grief even if it is enveloped in the body it has assumed. The Avatara is not constituted of five elements; it is Chinmaya not Mrinmaya, spiritual not material; it never be distrubed by egoism or the sense of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’; it is untouched by the delusion born of ignorance. Though man may mistake an Avatar as just human, that does not affect the nature of the embodiment; it has come for a task and it is bound to accomplish it”. (G.V. p. 59) The Objectives The reason why God assumes the Avatar form and decides to award mankind the AVATARS

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power is to discriminate between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood. The Avatar does this through precept and example“. (S.S.S. Vol. p. 267/268) «God is not a separate entity. Man is the image of God. “Daivam manusha rupena” declare scriptures. It means that God appears in human form. It is to show to the humanity how human life can be divinised that avatars come from time to time”. When the Divine comes down as Avatar - whether it be as Rama or Krishna, Mastya (Fish), Varaaha (Boar) or Vamana - it is only for one purpose. You recognise only the momentary results of the advent. But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach mankind the truth about love. “Oh man, it is because you lack love and are filled with selfishness that the world is plunged in so much conflict and chaos. It is only when you develop love and the spirit of 20

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sacrifice that you will realise the divinity that is in the human”. The man who has no spirit of sacrifice (thyaga) will be prey to all ills. A man without love is a living corpse. It is love and sacrifice, which make man Divine. (S.S. October 1998- p 254) Avatars make their advent only to confer Divine bliss on mankind. (S.S. Sept. 1990. p.230) Kinds of Avatars “Avatars are of two kinds: 1.Amsaavatar. 2.Purnavatar. All human beings are ‘Amsaavatar’(partial incarnation of the Divine). ‘Mamaivanso jeevaloke jivabhutah sanaatanah’ (A part of My eternal Self has become the Jiva- individual soul- in the world of living beings’ says Krishna in the Gita). These partial incarnations, caught up in Maya, develop egoism and possessiveness and lead wordly lives. The Purnaavatar may behave, AVATARS

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according to the circumstances, as if He were subject to Maya, but in fact He is free from Maya at all times.” In the Rama Avatar, for instance, Rama conducted himself as if he was subject to Maya, but upheld Dharma for promoting the welfare of the world. The Krishna Avatar was different. Keeping Maya under control, He manifested His leelas (miraculous deeds). This was why Vyasa in his Bhagavatha has described in detail the Leelas of Krishna and proclaimed His glory to the world. In the Krishna Avatar, Krishna not only performed many marvellous deeds, but also taught the Supreme Wisdom to world. He was one who had transcended the gunas, but, for the sake of regeneration of the world, behaved as if He was influenced by the gunas, and delighted the world by His deeds. Krishna did everything, whatever He spoke or whatever action He did, for the 22

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good and well-being of the world. But some people, not understanding this truth owing to their own limitations, attributed wrong motives for some of’ Krishna’s. In this they reflected their own feelings. (S.S.Sept 1990 -p. 225/226) “Buddha, Christ, Mohammed and others were not Avatars. They had some Divine power. Only in India are Avatars are born, because only in India are the Sastras understood. And only in India do the sages constantly experiment and practice. It is like a gold mine. Where gold is found, there gather geologists, engineers and experienced miners. The gold is mined there,and then it is taken all over the world”. (C.W.B.S.S.B. p.153) “You should know that Swami is Sriman Narayana” come down to earth in human form. He is Purna-Avatar, as in the cases of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The other great AVATARS

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spiritual Masters, who walked on the earth from time to time, were manifestations of the Divine Power - not Divinity in its entirety.” “The Rishis, in ancient times, had to work hard over unconscionably long periods and then be satisfied with a brief glimpse of the Lord (‘Dharshan’). In the Thretha Yuga, the Vanara Sena enjoyed the privilege of conversation with Lord Sri Rama (‘Sambhashan’). In the Dwapara Yuga, the Gopikas received Grace by a touch of Lord Sri Krishna (‘Sparshan’). Currently, Sri Sathya Sai grants to all His devotees, at all times, all the three forms of bliss - Vision, dialogue and touch”. (U - p. X) “Sai is not conditioned by time, place or circumstance. What I will must take place; and what I plan must succeed. I am Truth; and Truth has no need to hesitate, fear or bend”. (U - p. XI) Avatars -Their Powers - Natural Expressions 24

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“Every Avatar has six types of powers: all encompassing Prosperity, Righteousness, Fame, Wealth, and Wisdom and Renunciation (or non-attachment). God is the possessor of those six attributes. Sri Rama had all six attributes. Every Avatar of God in every age and every place has these six attributes”. (S.S. May 1989 p.122) “An Avatar might manifest only such part of the Divine Glory as is essential for the task which brought the form, or might exceed the limited purpose it came for,and shine in full grandeur”. (U. p.xxvi) “God is above and beyond the limits of Time and Space. He is beyond all characteristics and qualities; no list of such can describe him fully. For Him, all beings are equal. God appears in different forms on different occasions. Sometimes He comes with a part of His Glory, sometimes with a AVATARS

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fuller equipment of splendour; sometimes for a particular task, sometimes to transform an entire era of time,an entire continent of space”. (B.V. p. 2) “God is described as ‘Aprameya’. It means that God cannot be measured like limited phenomenon. Only the Vedas can give a satisfying glimpse of His Glory”. (S.S.S. Vol. p. 299) Even if all mankind endeavour for thousands of years to unravel My Mystery, they cannot succeed. (L.G. p. 359) If you dare seek My truth, come, surrender unto Me.(S.S.S. Vol. P. 82) “God is all-powerful; God is everywhere; God is all knowing and a formidable limitless Principle”. (S.S.S. Vol. VIII. P. 439) “I am beyond the reach of the most intense inquiry and most meticulous measurement. (M.B.I. p.131) 26

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Only those who have recognised My Love and experienced that Love can assert that they have glimpsed My Reality, for the path of love is the royal road that leads mankind to Me«. (S.S. Sm. Part IV p. 149) “Cultivate a nearness with Me in the heart and it will be rewarded. Then you too will acquire a fraction of that Supreme Love. Be confident that you will be liberated”. (V. p. 15) “Sathya is what I teach; Dharma is the way I live; Santhi is mark of my personality; Prema is my very nature“. You can understand me only if you understand yourself, your own basic truth. You must see, hear, study, observe, experience, reflect; then you can understand Me. You will learn that I am Prema itself; that I give only one thing, Ananda, through that Prema. (S.S.S. Vol. II p.152)

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Love is My distinctive mark, not the creation of material objects or of health and happiness, by sheer exercise of Will. You might consider what you call miracles as the most direct sign of divinity, but the love that welcomes you all, that blesses all, that makes Me run to the presence of the seekers, the suffering and the distressed in distant lands or wherever they are, that is the real sign. It is that which declares that I am SAI BABA. (B.S.S. Part II p.148) Love alone is the fruit of love. Love is its own witness. There is no trace of selfinterest in it. Because love exists for its own sake. It has no fear. It is to teach humanity the way of love that Avatars come in the world. The world displays the diversity that has emanated from the One (Ekatvam). The Divine demonstrates the unity that subsumes the diversity. Recognition of this “Unity in Diversity” can be learnt only from the Divine. (S.S. October 1988 -p. 254) 28

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“Love needs no reason for its flow; it comes from selfish urge. (R.K.R.V. p. 361) When the Prema or love is tainted by selfishness, it cannot illumine at all. Self is love-less- ness, Love is self-less-ness. Self gets and forgets; love gives and forgives. Love can never entertain the idea of revenge. For it sees all others as oneself. When the tongue is hurt by the teeth do you seek vengeance against the wrong doer? No, for they both belong to you and are integral parts of your being. So. Too, when some other person insults you or inflicts pain, allow wisdom to have mastery over you. Discover the truth and do not rush to conclusions, always keeping love as your guide”. (S.S.S. Vol. IX p. 113) «Love knows no fear, no untruth, no anxiety, no grief. I am Love I shower love; I share love; I am pleased with love. Love is God. Live in Love. Love alone can alleviate anxiety and all fear.(S.S.S. Vol. IX p. 113) AVATARS

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Love unfolds first on the lap of the mother. The eyes of love fasten themselves on the caressing face of the mother. (S.S.S. Vol. VII p. 309) Love should not be rationed on the basis of caste or creed or economic status or intellectual attainment of the recipient. It should flow full and free, regardless of consequence, for, it is one’s nature to love, seek out dry dreary wastes which love can water make fertile. Love saturates all activities with joy and peace. Love ennobles the least and the lowest. Love yourself for the god that it embodies; Love others, for the God that is enshrined in them, that speaks and acts through them. (S.S.S. Vol. VII p. 437) The love of God and the love for the god are both eternally sweet and pure, whatever the method of your accepting or attaining them. Such love is holy and inspiring. Sugar 30

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is sweet when eaten during day or during night. For it is night or day for the person who eats, not for the sugar. Sugar behaves uniformly always». (B.V. p. 7) “Love is joy, love is power, love is light, love is God. S.S.Sm. Part III p. 214) Love, respect, tolerance, mutual-cooperation, forbearance- these must flow from the hearts of all towards all, you are all limbs of one body- the Sai body. (S.S. Sm. Part III p. 25) “Love is the keynote of harmony; work, worship and wisdom are the three stages on the godward path.(S.S. Sm. Part III p.284) Love your religion, so that you may practise it with greater faith; and when each one practises his religion with faith, there can be no hatred in the world, for all religions are built on universal love. Love your country, so that it may become strong, happy and AVATARS

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prosperous, an arena for exercise of the higher faculties of man.(S.S.S. Vol. V p. 78) Love helps you to see God in everyone, everyone as Divine, Rama said to Hanuman “ I shower my love most on those who serve me and who deem that service as the highest means of liberation.(R.K.R.V. p. 349) “Selfless love is the source of happiness, truth, peace, sacrifice, endurance, and all other higher values of life. There is no security and safety without ‘Prema’ the absolute, unalloyed form of love. O brave sons of Bharat, remember that love is more fundamental than all other moral values”.(S.S.B. 1979 p.53) “The Grace of God cannot be won, through the gymnastics or reason, the contortions of yoga or the denials of asceticism. Love alone can win it. Love that needs no requital, love that knows no bargaining, love that is paid gladly, as a tribute to all loving, love that is 32

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unwavering, love alone can overcome obstacles, however many and mighty. There is no strength more effective than purity, no bliss more satisfying than love, no joy more restoring than bhakthi, no triumph more praise worthy than surrender”. (S.S.S. Vol. VII p. 437) “Brahman is form of Love. Love is all compassing Love. Love knows no differences. Love and ego cannot co exit even for a moment. Love is the royal path which will take one the noblest heights. Love must be experienced, enjoyed, and shared with his fellow men by every individual in the world”.(L.A. p.52) Love is an amalgam of sweetness, effulgence and wisdom. Compassion is the reflection of love”. (S.S.S. Vol. XXVI p.407) To give love and receive love, this is my business. (M.B.I. p.131) AVATARS

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«Love will awaken the compassion of man towards all god’s children, human and animal; it will fill him with wonder and amazement at the handiwork of God, and he will see the Divinity everywhere and in everything«.(E. p.93) Spontaneous expression of the Avatar “Miracles are the spontaneous and natural expressions of Avatarhood. Rama means ‘ He who confers joy’, Krishna means ‘ He who attracts’. Every act of mine, for conferring joy or attracting the heart, becomes a ‘miracle’ in your phraseology. The avatar has come to reform and re-construct and so the ‘miracle’ has invariably the result. The chamathkara has its aim, the samaskara of mankind. How is achieved in this Avatar? Everyone so drawn is persuaded through Love, to love all since all are the same atman encased in distinct bodies, and to transform that love into service (paropakara). As a result, their minds sanctified, their 34

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intellects get clarified and their hearts get purified. So they attain the realisation that their core is the Atman, which but a wave in the ocean, the Universal, Eternal absolute, the Paramatman, this is goal of human life (Sakshatkara). (S.S.Sm. Part IV. P. 84) “The divine is now denoted by various words that are common currency in limited human vocabularies. These words describe and propose a meaning to the divine ‘miracle’, ‘magic’, ‘wonders’ etc. Of course, men cannot contain in their minds more than they can hold. They cannot express in words the inexpressible. Only those who dived deep and contacted the underlying principle of love can picture divinity with some clarity. The Divinity that is ME has not been acquired or earned, nor has it been added after lapse of some years, in the middle of this career. The divine has to reveal itself through the manifestations, largely shaped and modified AVATARS

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by the nature of times, the region, the cultural environment. The signs and the wonders that I manifest are given names that do not connote the purpose of effect. They can be classified as chamatkar, leading to samskar, which urges one on to paropakar resulting in sakshathkar. Chamathkar is only act which, attracts on account of its inexplicability. This aspect of attraction is inherent in the Avatar. The very name Rama means ‘he who pleases or causes delight’. ‘ Krishna’ means he who attracts or draws towards himself’ (Karshathithi- Krishna). The attribute of attraction is a characteristic of divinity. Why does divinity attract? Is to deceive or mislead? No. It is to transform, reconstruct, reform- a process called samskar. What is purpose of reconstruction? It is to make a person useful and serviceable to the society, to efface his ego, and to affirm in him the unity all beings in God. The one who has undergone samskar becomes a humble 36

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humane servant of those who needs help. This is the stage of paropakar. Service of this kind done with reverence and selflessness, prepares man to realise the One that pervades many. The last stage is sakshatkar. The Vedas proclaim that immortality, (the stage when one is merged in the birthless deathless, universal entity) is feasible through renunciation and detachment only, and not through rituals, progeny or wealth. When one renounces selfish desire, his love expands into farthest regions of the universe, until he becomes aware of the cosmic love that feeds all the four processes mentioned above. It is important that you know this underlying urge in all I do. Let us consider the chamatkar acts that attract and cause wonder. You see a flower. You long to hold it in your hands only when its colour or fragrance is attractive. You enter AVATARS

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the market and see heaps of fruits. If the fruits are not attractive, you have no urge to possess them and benefit by them. Attraction is the very nature of the divine. When the person is drawn near, the process of samskar starts. Without this, man remains hallow and feeble. He has no dignity or personality. Two annas work of stainless steel is transformed by skilful manipulation and reconstruction into nuts, screws and springs, into a watch that is worth two or three hundred rupees. This is the result of samskar, which turned into a useful tool for indicating time. So too, man can be transformed into a noble, efficient, happy and disciplined member of the society by implanting of good thoughts, good feelings, goods deeds and good emotions. Man can be transformed into Mahatma (great soul). Such transformed persons will spontaneously engage themselves in the task of promoting human welfare. They will be the promoters of 38

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the ideals of the brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God”. (S & M. p.232/234) “I manifest My mahimas to express the Love I bear to mankind and to demonstrate My grace and to make you realise who I am”. (S.S. March 99 p.80) “Like all Avatars Krishna announced His advent to the world, bit by bit, step by step, testing every time how far the Reality will be accepted by the masses. The signs and miracles were indeed, then as now, to proclaim the Avatar”. (M. L. p. 254) “Every Avatar is an amazing phenomenon, but it is also amazing not to recognise Him”. (A.C.P. p. 2) “An avatar is capable of all things at all times; yet, the Avatar will not undertake to demonstrate His powers at all times, An Avatar will undertake to demonstrate such powers when exceptional circumstances AVATARS

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demand it and will shed the Grace on a deserving person only”. (M.L. p. 254) Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu, impelled by their hatred, embarked on many enquiries in search of Narayana.They felt after their probe that Narayana was not in any of the five elements. But the tide of time and circumstances led to situations in which they faced the Lord in His most dreadful form and met with their end “. “When the Lord (Narayana) incarnates in human He cannot avoid abiding by the regulations set by him. You should not forget that even if the Lord is the Director of the cosmic drama, in his human form he is playing a specific role. If he does not act according to the role assumed by Him either overdoes or underplays the role, departing from what is appropriate, He will be failing in His purpose. When the Divine assumes human form, He has to serve as an example by ideal actions”. (U. p. 42) 40

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“In the Rama Avatar, for instance, Rama conducted himself as if he was subject to Maya, but upheld Dharma for promoting the welfare of the world. The Krishna Avatar was different. Keeping Maya under control, He manifested His Leelas (miraculous deeds). This is why Vyasa in his Bhagavatha has described in detail the Leelas of Krishna and proclaimed his glory to the world. In the Krishna Avatar, Krishna not only performed marvellous deeds, but also taught the Supreme Wisdom to the world. He was one who had transcended the gunas, but , for the sake of regeneration of the world , behaved as if He was influenced by the gunas, and delighted the world by His deeds. Krishna did everything, whatever He spoke or whatever actions He did , for the good and well-being of the world. But some people, not understanding the truth owing to their own limitations, attributed wrong motives for some of Krishna’s actions. In this way they reflected their own feelings’. (S.S. Sept. 1990. p. 225/226) AVATARS

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“Let Me tell you that emphatic declarations of Truth by Avatars were made so clearly and so unmistakably only by Krishna. Inspite of the declarations, you will notice in the career of the same Krishna that He underwent defeat in His efforts and endeavours, on a few occasions; you must also note that these defeats too were part of the drama which He had planned and which He Himself has directed. For example, when kings pleaded with Him to avert the war with Kauravas, He confessed that His Mission to the Kaurava court for ensuring peace had failed! But, He had not willed that it should succeed! He had decided the war would be waged! His mission was intended to punish the greed and iniquity of the Kauravas and to condemn them before the whole world. Now, I must tell you, that during Sai Avatar, there is no place for even such ‘drama’ with scenes of failures and defeats! What I will must take place, what I plan must succeed. 42

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I am Truth; and truth has no need to hesitate, fear or bend “. (U. p. 4/5) “An Avatar is always aware of His Divinity, being consciously Divine and unconsciously human, so to say. In contrast, man is consciously human and unconsciously Divine. An Avatar is aware not only of His previous and future lives, but also about the past, present and future of all the creatures. But man does not know even his own past or future lives, not even his future in the present life itself “. (U. p. 10) Attributes “The Lord has the following attributes or characteristics: Aiswarya (Divine sovereignty), Dharma (the source of all righteousness), Yasas (fame), Sampada (wealth), Jnana (wisdom), and Vairagya (non-attachment). He has another name called ‘Vishatkaraa’ (One who has six forms of wealth). He is also known as ‘Vibhuh’ (One with matchless AVATARS

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splendour). He is the master the past, present and the future. For this reason He is called ‘Bhaavah’. He is the one who abides the three aspects of Time. Another meaning for the word ‘Bhaavah’ is that of the creator of the universe and hence is called BHAAVAH. He the prime cause of the process of creation, growth and dissolution”. (D3 p. 50) The Avatar is Gunateetha. All the five human senses, sabda, sparsa, rupa, rasa, and gandha are the material attributes and the Avatar is above these and unaffected by any of them. The Avatar is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, omniself, omnifelicity and omniall. Kalas Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said that an Avatar can be distinguished from human beings by sixteen Kalas. They are1. Human beings and animals have five 44

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qualities in common, namely 1) sight 2) hearing 3) smell 4) taste and 5) touch 2. The next 4 kalas, which the Avatar shares with human beings are- 6) mind 7) heart 8) intelligence 9) intuition 3. The remaining seven phases exclusively belong to the Avatar only. They are: 10) Grace or reward for effort 11) Anugraha or special grace (whether the recepient merits or not) 12) Power to create a new order of life in society 13) New states of consciousness in individuals or new objects 14) The power to support and sustain that which is inherently good (but may be defenceless) 15) The power to destroy evil and 16) To have a form and a name which, whenever remembered rightly result in the immediate spiritual presence (sometimes even physical) of the Avatar or a solution for problems.

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Two distinguishable forms “Yaathe Rudrasivaath-anoraghora Paapakaasinee”, it is said that is to say, god is described as having two distinguishable forms- serene and the terrible. The Narasimha form of God that emerged from the pillar was mild and serene, beautiful and beneficent for Prahlada, the staunch devotee, and at the same time, the form was terrible for Hiranyakasipu, the father, who hated God to the utmost. Well, even Nature, the concretisation of the will power of God has these two aspects the gentle and the fearsome, water is an essential ingredient for sustaining life in beings. It is vital and health-giving as well as fatal and death dealing”. (L.K.V. p.26) Divinity and Avatar “The difference between Divinity (as universal consciousness) and the Avatar (the Divine in human form) should be understood. 46

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The Omniself is not subject to change. The Avatar has name and form and is liable to change by its own will. The omniself has no name and form. The difference between the two can be illustrated by the example of the sun and the sun’s rays. They are one. Whatever the situation in which the Avatar appears, there is no limitation on the Avatar’s omnipotence. Name and form do not circumscribe the total fullness of the divinity the Avatar manifests. Name and form are self-chosen attributes of the infinite, eternal, ever pure, universal consciousness. Water taken from ocean, in however small a vessel, has the same quality as the ocean. Likewise, the Avatar, regardless of Its name and form, has the plentitude of the Divine. In every respect, except that of the name and form, It is identical with Divinity”. (V. p. 65/66) Grasp “The Avatar comes as Man in order to demonstrate that man is Divine, in order to be within reach of Man. The human mind AVATARS 47

cannot grasp the Absolute, Attributeless Principle; it is Abstract and beyond the reach of speech, Mind and Intellect. Love is His Instrument; non-violence is His Message. He achieves the correction on the evil-minded through education and example”. (S.S.S. Vol. P.107) «Among the Avatars, the incarnations of Rama and Krishna, are meaningful to mankind, since man can grasp their example, follow their solutions to problems, and derive Ananda the contemplation of their excellences and teachings «. (B.V. p.176) Love is the Instrument “I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added lustre. … (S.S.S. Vol. VI p.185) I have come to tell you of the Universal, Unitary faith, this path of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love.” (S.S.60 Back cover page) 48

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“I came to awaken the heart of man and help him to reach the Divinity within. It is there with you now, if only you could know it. Love in that Divine State now and give up forever all attachments to earthly desires. That will truly make Me happy “. Love is my Form Truth is my breath Peace is my food My life is my message Expansion is my Life ‘. (S.S. Jan 90 p. 4) I am Love; I shower Love; I share love; I am pleased with love; I bless that you have more and more love To more and more beings (V. p. 117) “I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added lustre. I have not come to speak on a particular dharma, like the Hindu AVATARS

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Dharma, I have not come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause “. (S.S.S. Vol. p. 185) «Love is joy, love is power, love is light, love is God. If at all you want to label Me, then call Me Premaswarupa. (S.S. Sm. Part III p.214) Love, respect, tolerance, mutual cooperation, forbearance - these must flow from the hearts of all towards all, you are all limbs of the same body - the Sai body. (S.S. Sm. Part III p.25) I have come to restore Love among mankind, to cleanse it of meanness and restrictive attitudes”. (S.S. Sm. Part IV p. 20) Love the keynote of harmony, work, worship and wisdom are the three stages on the Godward path. Love helps you to see God in everyone, everyone as Divine”. (S.S. Sm. Part II p.284) 50

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“I have no methodology of machinery or strategy in the accepted organisational sense. My methodology is a simple one, based on conversion by Love and the machinery is one of co-operation by love and brotherhood. Love is My instrument and My merchandise”. (S.S. Sm. Part IV p.84) Declares thus: I am not Sathya Sai Baba. That is only a name by which you designate Me” now’. All names are Mine. I am the ONE GOD who answers the prayers that rise in human hearts, in all languages, from all lands, addressed to all forms of the Deity. (B.S.S. Part II p.91) When the Dharma of the yuga is laid aside; To establish it anew through loving means, When the world is polluted by conflict and confusion To restore the path of virtue and Peace. When sacred texts are not grasped aright, AVATARS

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To proclaim the message they teach mankind To relieve the earth of the burden of vice; To fulfil the promise made in Treta Yuga, Achyutha has incarnated on this earth. Vasudeva, Sri Hari, has come into the world. (S S G - p - VI) He alone is a real man Whose thoughts, words and deeds Are in perfect harmony. How can he be a genuine man When his mind is divorced from speech and deed And all three are not in harmony? If birth, old age and death don’t happen, If desires don’t fail and gain isn’t lost, If the world isn’t the fleeting flow it is, How could man have affection, compassion, love? The attributes and qualities, which were assumed 52

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When, to save Prahlada, the Supreme Person came, The attributes and qualities, which were assumed When, to save the elephant, the Lotus-eyed came, The attributes and qualities, which were assumed When, to save the poor Cochlea, the Lord of Veda came, The attributes and qualities, which were assumed When, to save the boy, Dhruva, He came from Heaven, Now, with all the attributes, all the qualities has come, He whom the gods adore, the Refuge of the rejected. The Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Infinite Glory, As all Existence, as all Knowledge and All Bliss in one Form embodied AVATARS

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As Puttaparthi Sathya Sai, the Over-lord of all that Is. (S.S.S Vol XVIII - p. 154/155) With the crescent moon dancing, the matted locks waving, the cool waters of the Ganga flowing between, with the eye in the middle of the forehead shining, the purple neck gleaming like the sheen of a black berry, wearing serpent bracelets, and a snake skin belt, the entire body smeared with Vibhuti, with the forehead adorned with kumkum dot, lips ruddied by the juice of the betel, Gold embellished diamond ear rings dangling, with whole swarthy body glowing, the Lord of Kailasa (Shaila Rajeswara) appeared in person. (D D 13-03-2002 p2) The Lord of Puttaparthi will always protect you. He is the ocean of compassion. Holding your hand, He will take care of you. He will never forsake you. Recognise this truth. (S.S. March 2000 p.74) 54

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I declare that I am in every one, in every being .So do not hate any one, or cavil at any one. Spread Prema always, everywhere. That is the best way of revering Me. Do not seek to measure Me or evaluate Me. I am beyond your understanding. Pray or worship for your own satisfaction and contentment. But, to say think I will respond only if I am called or that I will save only if I am thought of is wrong. Have you not heard the declaration. “Sarvathah panni paadam”? You can hear My Foot-steps, for; I walk with you, behind you, beside you. When you cry out in agony, “Don’t you hear my heart’s plaint? Have you become so stony-hearted?” My ear will be there to listen. Ask that I should protect you like the apple of the eye; My eye will be there to watch over you and guard you. Have Dhoopam and scent-sticks for the Puja, and I smell them. I answer to whatever Name you use; I respond to whatever request you make, with a pure AVATARS

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heart and a sanctified motive. (S S S Vol - III - p - 55) Oh you devotees, secure lasting happiness by worshipping Sai Baba, He grants wisdom by dispelling the darkness of illusion. He reveals the truth to us, It is Saiesa manifested as Sathyanarayana in our house, He has descended in this form for our sake. (B-P49) “There is one point that I cannot but bring to your special notice today. At the time when Jesus was merging in the supreme principle of divinity, he communicated some news to his followers which has been interpreted in a variety of ways by commentators and those who relish the piling of writings on writings and meanings upon meanings, until it all swells up into a huge mess. The statement itself has been manipulated and tangled in a conundrum. The statement is simple: “He who sent me 56

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among you will come again” and he pointed to a lamb. The lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It stands for the voice ‘Ba-Ba’; the announcement was of the advent of Baba. ‘His name will be Truth’, Christ declared. ‘Sathya means Truth’. ‘He wears a robe of red, a blood-red robe.’ (Here Baba pointed to the robe He was wearing). ‘He will be short, with a crown (of hair)’. The lamb is the sign and symbol of love. Christ did not declare that he would come again; he said, ‘He who sent me will come again’. ‘That Ba-Ba is this Baba’. “(pointing to Himself). (U - p. 24/25) On 6th July 1963 (Guru Purnima Day), Baba declared: “I have been keeping back from you all these years one secret about Me; the time has come when I can reveal it to you. It is a sacred day. I am Siva-Shakti, born in the gotra of Bharadwaja, according to a boon won by that sage from Siva. And Siva himself was born in the gotra of that AVATARS

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great sage as Sai Baba of Shirdi; Siva and Shakti have incarnated as My-self in his gotra now; Shakti alone will incarnate as third Sai in the same gotra in Mysore State (now Karnataka State).” (U - p. 25/26) “If I had come amongst you as Narayana with four arms holding the Conch, the Wheel, the Mace and Lotus, you would have kept me in a museum and charged a fee for those who seek Darshan. If I had come as a mere man you would not have respected my teaching and followed it for your own good. So I have to be in the human form with Super-human wisdom and powers”. (S.S. Sm Part II p.12) “The totality of the Divine energy has come as Sathya Sai- to go to each and everyone, to wake up the slumbering Divinity of every human being. Even if in your sleepness or in your wackiness from sleep, 58

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you growl, grumble or groan, kick, criticise, quarrel or cry. I will not forsake you, I will not allow your divinity to go to sleep. A mother never forsakes the child she carries or lets the child work out its resentment anger on her. I have come to help, to accompany and to carry you. I can never forsake you. I will never fail in my duty to my children - and I shall be grateful to each child of mine who helps in my task. (S & M p.312/313) “Come with empty hands, throw away all things that you hold in the grasp of your hands. Cast away the toys with which you have been playing the game of gaining and losing, so that I can fill your empty hands with lasting sweetness; empty hearts with lasting joy; empty lives with salutory substance, the empty reeds with melodious breath”. (S.S. Sm. Part III p.242)

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I will hold by the hand those who stray away from straight path and serve them. (L.G. p.356) I shall not give you up, even if you forsake Me; for it is not Me to forsake those who deny Me. I have come for all. Those who stray away will come again to Me, do not doubt this. I shall beckon them back to Me. I bless you that you may earn the vision in this life itself, with this body itself. (S.S.S. Vol. II p.129) However you are, you are Mine, I will not give you up. Whatever you are, Your are near Me, you cannot go beyond My reach. (S.S.S. Vol. II p. 198) «Wake up, my children, wake up to the dawn of knowledge, wake up to you divine duties, wake up to your divine rights and wake up to your divine reality». (S & M. p.312) 60

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“I have come to give you the key to the treasure of bliss, to tell you how to tap that spring, for you have forgotten the way of the blessedness. Very few of you desire to get from Me - the things, I have come to give you, namely Liberation itself. I am the embodiment of bliss. Come take this from Me dwell in that bliss and be peaceful”. (M. B. I. P.153) I am “Sathyasya Sathyam”, the truth of truths. Why has truth come on earth in human form? To plant in the heart of man the yearning for truth, to place man on the road to truth, to help man to reach truth, by loving instruction and by the final gift of illumination. (F.D.D -p. I - 5) I am the truth of truth, I guide towards truth, I manifest truth and when men realise truth, they realise Me. (F.D.D -p. I - 6) My hand stretches out for receiving, only when a pure heart full of Prema is offered; on all occasions, it gives and never takes. AVATARS

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Sat-Chit-Ananda On 23 November 1983, Bhagavan said that if your yearnings to Brahmananda, the Sath-Chit-Ananda, is sincere and pure from this day keep in memory what I am about to tell you: 1. ‘I am God, I am not different from God ‘. Be conscious of this always. Keep it ever in mind. ‘I am God, I am not different from God’. Be reminding yourself of this. Pray that you may not fail in this spiritual exercise. 2. ‘I am the Indivisible Supreme Absolute‘. This is the second truth to be established in the consciousness by unremitting repetition and prayer. 3. ‘I am Sat-Chit-Ananda’ (i.e. Being, Awareness and Bliss) 4. ‘Grief and anxiety can never affect me ‘. develop this faith and convince yourselves of this truth by repeated assurance and prayer. 62

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5. ‘I am ever content, fear can never enter me ‘.Develop this faith and conviction grows stronger and stronger. As the physical is maintained healthy and strong by the five vital airs (pranas), these five prayers will endow you with ‘ Awareness of Brahmam ‘ which is the same as the ‘Status of Brahmam itself’. (M. B. I. P. 176) Sathyam Sivam Sundaram Sarva roopa dharam, Santham Sarva naama dharam, Sivam Sat-chit-Amanda roopam, Adwitham Sathyam Sivam Sundaram. “I am all forms ascribed to the Almighty; I am the Embodiment of perfect Peace. I am known by all the names through which the Almighty is addressed and adored by man. I am the embodiment of Goodness; I am Being- Awareness Bliss, Atma, the one without a second, truth, Goodness, Beauty “. (Golden Age p. 137) AVATARS

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‘Willing’ is superfluous for Me, for My grace is ever available to devotees who have steady love and faith. Since I move among them talking and singing, even intellectuals are unable to grasp My Truth, My Power, My Glory or My real task as AVATAR. I can solve any problem, however knotty. (Golden Age p.135) MANIFESTATION AND PURPOSE “Avatars manifested in the Kritha Yuga for the preservation of Vedic tradition, in the Thretha Yuga for the protection of Dharma and in the Dwapara Yuga for the protection of Dharma for the promulgation of right of property. In the Kritha Yuga, the Avatar saved the Vedas from neglect; in the Thretha Yuga, He saved women from dishonour, and in the Dwapara Yuga, He saved property from injustice. Now in this fourth Age, the Kali Yuga all these three are in dire peril. The Vedas are ridiculed. Women are tempted into unwomanly lives, and property itself is 64

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condemned as theft. So, the present Avatar has a three-fold task. Man has no purity in the heart, no sanctity in his emotions, no love in his deeds, no God in his prayers.” (U - p. 4/5) My energy goes from Me as I pass you. If you talk to others immediately, the precious energy is dissipated and returns to Me unused. Whatever my eyes see becomes vitalised and transmuted. You are being charged day by day. Never underestimate what is being accomplished by the act of Darsan. My walking among you is a gift yearned for by the gods in heaven and here you are receiving this daily Grace. Be grateful. The blessings so that you receive will express themselves in their perfect time. But also remember that to whom much is given, much will be demanded. (Y. p - 26) You must see; hear, study, observe, experience and reflect; only then, can you AVATARS

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understand me. You will learn then that I am Love (Prema); that I give only one thing, Bliss (Aanandha) through Love. My task is to grant solace, courage, and Peace (Shaanthi). That is to say, my characteristics are the ancient, authentic ones; only the manifested form is new. (S.S.S. Vol XXV -P87) His Task “I have a ‘task’: To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of Ananda. I have a ‘vow’: To lead all who stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and save them. I am attached to a ‘work’ that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack. I have a ‘reason to be proud’, for, I rescue all who worship and adore Me, aright. I have My definition of ‘devotion’ I expect’: Those devoted to Me have to treat joy and grief, gain and loss, with equal fortitude. This means that I will never give up those attach themselves to Me”. 66

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“My task is to open the eyes to the glory of the Vedas and to convince you that vedic injunctions, when put in practice will yield the promised results. ‘My prema towards the Vedas is matched only by My Prema towards humanity’. My mission is just four: Vedaposhana, Vidwath-poshana, Bhaktharakshana and Dharmarakshana”. (S. S. Sm. Part II p.43) “My task (Deeksha) is to give all persons to guide in the right path and guard them from evil. My vow (Vratham) is to save all who stray away from straight path leading them to the path of virtue (Sanmarga) My love (Prema) is to end the misery of the poor and give them all they need. My Crown is to help, nourish and protect all who worship Me. Devotion to Me is nothing but this is to have a steady mind, unaffected by ups and downs, joy or grief”. (S.S.S.B p.6/7) “This Sai has come in order to achieve the Supreme task of uniting the entire AVATARS

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mankind as one family - through the bond of brotherhood of affirming and limiting the inner reality of each being in order to reveal the divine which, is the basis on which the entire cosmos rests, and of instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds man, so that man can rid himself of the animal and rise the Divine which is his goal!” (P.E. p.82) “My task is not merely cure, to console or to remove the misery and pain of the individuals. That is incidental. My main task is the establishment of Vedanta and vedantic way of life in India and the world”, (S.G.M. p.203) “No Avatar has ever done the things Sai is doing, taking interest in everything concerning your families , celebrating family functions and giving individual counsel “. (D. G. p. 149) 68

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It is not what anyone alive can imagine. It is not something that one can try to aspire to. It is beyond all comprehension. I can say that its beauty is magnificent beyond all dreams. And as each of you perform your silent work I embrace you to MY heart and henceforth your souls shall be lifted up and eyes will reveal MY presence within. This 1 say to all MY devotees from the Lord’s Mountain Top where all the universe becomes one. Be about MY work, MY beloved BHAKTHAS (devotees). Your breath will carry the scent of the Blossoms of Heaven. Your example will be that of Angels. Your Joy will be MY Joy, 1. No matter wherever you go, always do your duty as you see fit and know that I will be there inside you, guiding you every step of the way. In the years to come, you will experience me in many different manifestations of my form. 2. You are my own, dearer than dear to me. AVATARS

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3. I will protect you as the eyelids protect the eyes. 4. You already have me, and I have you. 5. I will never leave you and you will never leave me. From this point on, do not hanker after anything. 6. Do your duty with unwavering love, seeing all as God. Be patient. 7. In time everything will be given to you. Be happy. 8. There is no need to worry about anything. 9. Whatever is experienced, whatever happens, know that this Avatar willed it so. 10. There is no force on earth, which can delay for an instant the mission for which this Avatar has come. 11. You are all sacred souls, and have parts to play in the unfolding drama of the new Golden Age, which is coming. (S.S.S. Vol.XXIII p.264/265) 70

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“My mission is to raise the consciousness of man to a level at which he neither rejoices nor mourns over anything. In that supreme state one is going through rebirth and redeath each moment, for these acts are one and the same, emerging from formless into form, merging from form into formless. Then there is no success or adversity, no joy or pain. When the devotee attains this oneness, his journey towards Me ceases for he will be ever with Me endlessly”. (S.S. 60 p. 24)

“Avatars manifested in the Kritha Yuga for the preservation of Vedic tradition, in the Threta Yuga for the protection of Dharma and in Dwapara Yuga for the protection of Dharma for the promulgation of the right of property. In the Kritha Yuga, the Avatar saved the Vedas from the neglect; in the Threta Yuga, He saved women from dishonour, and in the AVATARS

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Dwapara Yuga He saved property from injustice. Now in the fourth Age, the Kali Yuga all these four are in dire peril. The Vedas are ridiculed. Women are tempted into unwomanly lives, and property itself is condemned as theft. So, the Present Avatar has a three- fold task. Man has no purity in heart. No sanctity in his emotions, no love in his deeds, no God in his prayers “. (U. p. 45) “Previous Avatars like Rama and Krishna had to destroy a few individuals who could be identified as enemies of the godly way of life and thus restore the dharmic life. Today, however, wickedness has tainted so many that humanity itself stands under threat of destruction. Therefore in my present Avatar, I have come armed with full power of formless God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to divinity”. 72

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“The evil must be removed before such a catastrophe (destructive war) takes place. There will be minor war and skirmishes, of course; these cannot be helped in the existing state of affairs. The Mahabharata is different issue altogether. Lord Krishna decreed it and. In fact led Arjuna to the battlefield in order to rid the world of evil men and ungodly forces. Today as I told, the evil is so widespread that humanity itself would be destroyed in a nuclear holocaust in the event of a world war. It is to prevent such a catastrophe that this Avatar has come to raise human consciousness above the existing syndrome of anger, hate, violence and war and save the world from disaster. This can be achieved only by the reestablishment of the brotherhood of mankind through the Vedas, Shastras and all religions with their evangel of dharma to liberate the human race from the chains of karma (the cycle of birth and death) “. (S & M. p.239) AVATARS

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“This is precisely what I am doing by incarnating the indwelling God in man to overcome such calamities like earth quakes, floods, droughts, famine, and epidemics. There are two ways in which an Avatar can help people: An instant solution, as against a long term one. Any instant solution would go against the fundamental quality of nature itself as well as the Karmic law of cause and effect. Most people live in the material world of their desires and egos which is governed by this law. They reap the fruits of their actions. This brings about their evolution or devolution, If the Avatar intervenes to instantly solve their problems, it would stop all action, development, and even evolution. This solution can be ruled out because it totally negates the natural laws. The other and more effective alternative presents a long term solution whereby the Avatar leads people themselves to a higher 74

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level of consciousness to enable them to understand the truth of spiritual laws so that they turn towards righteousness and steadfastly work for better conditions. This will relate back to Nature and Karmic law of causation. They would then transcend the cycle of cause and effect, in which to-day they are involved as victims, and thereby command and control the natural forces to be able to avert the calamities. They would become shareholders of my Sankalpa Shakthi (divine power, universal energy). I have to work through them, rouse the indwelling God in them, and evolve them into a higher reality in order to enable them to master the natural laws and forces. If I cure everything instantly leaving people at their present level of consciousness, they would soon mess up things and be at one another’s throats again, with the result that the same chaotic situation would develop in the world. AVATARS

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Suffering and misery are inescapable acts of Cosmic drama. God does not decree these calamities, but man invites by way of retribution for his own evil ends. This is corrective punishment which induces mankind to give up wrong path and return to the right path so that he may experience Godlike condition of Sat- Chit-Ananda- that is, an existence of wisdom and Bliss. All this is part of the grand synthesis in which the negatives serve to glorify the positives. Thus death glorifies the immortality, ignorance glorifies wisdom, misery glorifies bliss and night glorifies dawn. So, finally if the Avatar brings the calamities to an immediate end, which I can do, when there is a great need, the whole drama of creation with its Karmic (universal inescapable duty) law will collapse. Remember these calamities occur not because of what God has made of man but really because of what man has made of man. Therefore, man 76

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has to be UNMADE and REMADE with his ego destroyed and replaced by a transcendent consciousness, so that he may rise above the Karmic to command”. (M. B. I. P. 95/96) TRINITY “I have come not to disturb any or destroy any Faith, but to confirm in his own Faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian, the Muslim a better Muslim, and a Hindu a better Hindu. I have come reconstruct the ancient highway to God; to instruct all in the essence of Vedas, to shower all this precious gift; to protect Sanathana Dharma, the ancient wisdom and to preserve it. My Mission is to serve happiness and so I am always happy to come among you, not once but twice, thrice as often as you want me. To set right those who have taken a wrong path and to protect the good people, Sai will be born again and again”. (S.B.A. p. 17) “It only meant that He (SHIRDI SAI) who came as Sai Baba again as Sathya Sai Baba! AVATARS

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Moreover, the Sais come in a series. After this there will be another, PREMA SAI, who will take birth in Mysore region. (Now Karnataka State)”. “In My previous Avatar, SHIRDI BABA, laid the base for a secular integration and gave mankind the message of ‘Duty is God’. The mission of the present Avatar is to make everybody realise that the same God or Divinity resides in everyone. People should respect, love, and help each other irrespective of colour or creed. Thus all work can become a way of worship. Finally, Prema Sai, the third Avatar, will promote the evangelic newness that not only does God reside in everybody, but also everybody is god. This will be final wisdom, which enables every man and woman to reach God. Thus the three Avatars carry the triple message of work, worship and wisdom”. (U. p. 26) Now, the Rakshasa nature is universal and hence this Avathar has to bring a 78

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revolution in human character, attitude and behaviour and people have to be taught certain disciplines. (S.G.M -p. 375) Birds, beasts and trees have not deviated from their Nature; they are still holding it valid. Man alone has disfigured it, in his crude attempt to improve upon it. So, the Avathar has to come as man among men, and move as friend, well wisher, Kinsman, guide, teacher, healer and participant among men. He has come to restore Righteousness and, so when man follows Righteousness, He is pleased and content. Act, so that your career as a man is not degraded, desecrated. With hands on chest, assert, “I am man; I am human; I am saturated with shining humanity, humanness:’ God does not draw you near or keep you far; You near Him or keep away from Him. God has no likes or dislikes. You live according to the highest demands of your nature and you are near Him. (S -p. 28) AVATARS

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“In this Avatar, the wicked will not be destroyed, they will be corrected and reformed and educated and led back to the path from which they have strayed. The white ant infected tree will not be cut, it will be saved. Again this avatar will not select some other place for the centre of Leelas Mahimas and Upadesa. This tree will not be transplanted - it will grow where it rose from the earth. Another speciality is this: the Avatar has no affinity or attachment in its career with members of the family wherein it appeared. Unlike the appearances as Rama, Krishna etc., when the Life was played out mostly among and for the family members, this Avatar is for the Bhakthas, the aspirants, the Sadhus and Sadhakas only. It has no japa, dhyana or yoga; it knows no worship; it will not pray to anything, for it is the Highest. It only teaches you to worship and pray”. (S.S.S. Vol. I p.22) 80

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“The life of Sai, the message of Sai, the ideals Sai holds forth, the lesson that Sai teaches the world, are enshrined in one word- LOVE”. “I want people come, see, hear, study, observe, experience and realise Baba. Then only will they understand Me and appreciate the Avatar “. “I have come to inscribe a golden chapter in the history of humanity, wherein falsehood will fail, truth will triumph, and virtue will reign. Character will confer power then, not knowledge, or inventive skill, or wealth. Wisdom will be enshrined in the Councils of Nations”. (P. E. p. 76) “Make use of Me; that is all ask of you. I invite all to come and derive benefit from Me. Dive and know the depth; watch and discriminate; eat and know the taste. I long for people who do that”. (U. p. xxv) AVATARS

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“Come I am the repairer of broken hearts, of damaged Anthah-karanas. I am like the smith who welds, mends and sets right”. (S.S.S. Vol. II. P.285) “See in Me, Yourself, for I see Myself in you all. You are My life, My breath, My soul. You are My Forms all, when I love you, I love Myself; when you love yourselves, you love Me! I have separated Myself from Myself, so that I may love Myself. My Beloved ones, you are MY OWN SELF”. (S.S. Sm. Part II p.143) I give you what you want, until you want what I have come to give. (V. p.3) Never advises directly Avatars seldom give advice directly. Whatever they wish to communicate, they convey more often by way of indirect method of instruction. The reason for this is there is divinity inherent in every being, which he can manifest spontaneously if favourable conditions are provided, just as a viable 82

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seed will germinate and grow into a tree because of its inherent nature, if only suitable facilities are provided for the manifestation of its potentiality. Man should be enabled to correct himself by his own efforts, by merely giving timely suggestions, rather than by stultifying his freedom and dignity through directives imposed from without. In short, the best maxim for helping people either in wordily matter or in spiritual field is: “ Help them to help themselves” or “Self-help is the best help”. (I.C.S. p. 95/96) HIS Clarion Call “Awake, my children, and see the Light. Seize the opportunity that you now have and break away from the groove of the past. Follow the Master and experience the bliss that comes from Union with god - a life span in harmony with the infinite. I am the Truth, Open your hearts. Let your life be filled with Love. You will then experience the unity of all mankind”. AVATARS

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“My children, surrender to the Lord. Offer everything that you have to Him. He will take of you, Experience the Bliss that comes from unconditional surrender and leave behind, forever, the miseries and disappointments of the past. The choice is yours; and the timing is yours. I will be there waiting for you”. (U. p. xxv) “I am the bonded slave of My devotee. I will be waiting outside the pug room to carry out what My devotee wishes for”. (S.S.S.B. p.44) “I am infinite; I am immeasurable; I am UNIQUE, I am incomparable; Equal to Myself alone, I am My own Measure, Witness, Authority”. “I am worried that people are not benefiting from Me as much as I would like to confer”. “I don’t want your devotion; I want your transformation”. (U - p. 323) “Darshansam Paapanaasanam, Sight of the Lord destroys all sins. Sambhaashanam 84

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Sankatanasanam, Conversing with the Lord destroys all grief, Sparsanam Karmavimochanam, The touch of the Divine liberates from all kinds of bonds”. (U. p.302) “Play your role, remain centred on Me. Impart purity in your hearts to all fellow beings. Don’t reach for the fruits of your work. You are My instruments from whom My Love will radiate. The moment you let your ego descend on you, My work with you will cease. When you overcome this negative attitude you will again be My source. As each one of you performs the work silently, I will embrace you to My heart. You will feel Me and I am Thee. Beloved devotees, be about My work. Your breath will then carry the scent of the Blossoms of Heaven. Your form will be that of the Angels. Your Joy will then be My Joy”. (u. p. xxv) “Your mission has begun. These are My words to you, My devotees. Each of you has AVATARS

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a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. Only those whom I called can serve Me. The multiplication of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have prepared you for this work over many incarnations. I have drawn you to Me. I have made great steps in My mission over these past incarnations. My work is ceaseless and so your work too, is without end. Know that I am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourself of petty matters forever more. YOU are Me and I am Thee. There is no difference. My Darshan will pour forth Me to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure of heart and soul and mankind, in your lifetime, will benefit from you unique quality. Others too, will join Me in this mission when I draw them to Me. The time is approaching when all humanity will live in harmony. That time will be here sooner than expects. Before it arises, be 86

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prepared for whatever is needed to reveal to every living thing, anyone can imagine. It is something that one can try to aspire for. It is beyond all comprehension. I can say that its beauty is magnificent beyond all dreams. As each one of you performs your silent work, I will embrace you to My heart and henceforth your souls shall be lifted up and your eyes will reveal My presence within. This I say to all My devotees from the mountaintop where all the universe becomes one. Be about My work, My beloved devotees! (M. p.27) Sai’s Assurance Bring me the depths of your minds, no matter how grotesque, no matter how ravaged by doubts or disappointments. I will not reject you. I am your Mother. (LIC P59) Be patient. In time every thing will be given to you. Be happy. There is no need to worry about anything. Whatever is experienced, whatever happens, know that this Avatar willed it so. There is no force on AVATARS

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earth, which can delay for an instant the mission for which this Avatar has come. (LIC P 64) Do Not Lose Sai When God assumes a human form, He does not become limited or lower in any sense. Do not be deluded by such doubts. Think about the golden opportunity at hand and make all possible efforts to earn His grace and Blessings. This chance will never come again. Chikkina Sai Ni Vakkaleyaka Chakka Chesukondi, Poyina Chikkadu ee Partheesuni Paada Seva Yandi, Bhaktini Icchi Sakti Lo Munchi Mukti Jerchunandi, Eka Manasu To Nammi Sai Ni Enchi Koluvabondi, Itarula Maatalanimpuga Nammi Kompa Teeyakandi. 88

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You have found Sai. Now bring Him near, do no neglect Him. Once lost, the chance to serve the Feet of the Lord of Parthi will never come again. He bestows devotion, immerses you in strength and takes you to liberation. With a one pointed mind, have faith in Sai and worship Him. Do not ruin your destiny by giving ear to others’ words. You obtained this rare opportunity – Now use it well. Follow the path prescribed by God, engage in actions that are dear to God. God seeks unwavering, pure and unselfish Love alone. In return, He will grant anything and go to any extent to please you. (S.S.B. p.127) Have Faith, Have No fear “I shall be ever be with you guiding you, guarding and protecting as the eyelids protect the eyes. Have no fear. March on…” (S.S.S. Vol. IX p.221) AVATARS

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BIBLIOGRAPHY D3 -

Discourses by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba S.S.S. – Sathya Sai Speaks G.V. – Gita Vahini N.G.M – Nature. God and Man S & M – Spirit and Mind M.L – Message of the Lord N.N.S.G. – Necklace of Nine Sai Gems U – Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings S.S.Sm.– Sathyam Sivam Sundaram B.S.S. – Baba Sathya Sai A.V. – Aura of the Divine S.R.B.M.– Summer Showers in Blue Mountains S.S. – Sanathana Sarathi F. G. – Finding God F.D.D. – Facets of the Divine Diamond E. – Unity is Divinity Purity is Enlightenment S.B.A. – Sai Baba- Avatar C.W.B.S.S.B – Conversations with Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba

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B. V. – L. G. – M.B.I. – V. – R.K.R.V, L.A. – A.C.P.L.K.V. – S.S.G. – D.D. B. – Y.S.S.S.B. – S.G.M. – D.G. – S. – I.C.S. – M. – L.I.C.=

Bhagavata Vahini Loving God My Baba and I Sai Vandana Rama Katha Rasa Vahini Life is Awareness A Catholic Priest Meets Sai Baba Leela Kaivalya Vahini Sai Supreme Personality of Godhead Divine Discourses Bhaktodharaka Sri Sathya Sai You are God Sri Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Baba a Story of God as Man Divine Glory Senses for Selfless Service Indian Culture and Spirituality Man Management Life is a Challenge Meet it ***

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Thy name is Truth Thou art Truth, Existence and Bliss Thou art love incarnate Thou art my mother , father, friend philosopher and guide Thou art my solace, sustenance and solace Guide me my father, guard me my mother and lead me my Lord Thou art my refuge, everything and all Thy name is Truth. *** Oh’ the nameless and formless ONE You answer any name All names are yours Jesus, Allah, Jehovah, Zoroastra To mention a few You are everywhere and in everything In the Universe You shower grace equally on all as Sun is ever ready to flood his shine on everyone I am Yours Grant me Oh Lord the strength to Hold fast Your Lotus Feet Merge me in Thee, Oh My Lord I am Yours. (Tumuluru Krishna Murty)

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RAMA

and

KRISHNA

Vilmiki has given the meaning of Rama by splitting the name into three parts. Ra, Aa and Ma. Ra is the basic letter for Agni or fire, Aa is for Sun and Ma for Moon. These three letters respectively signify Agni, Sun and Moon. The fire burns away all the sins, the sun sheds light and removes the ignorance and the moon cools the agitation in one's mind. Thus the utterance of the mane of Rama removes your sins, your ignorance and your agitations, and eliminates the possibility of your being reborn. In this context, he has also been identifying the sound AUM with the name Rama, and both bring the same result. As AUM is the very basis of all the Vedas, so also is Rama the basis of all creation. The three important aspects of Agni, Moon and Sun contained in the name Rame are synonymous with Ida, Saraswathi and Bharathi and are the basis for the whole world. (S.S.B. 1974 - p. 243) Krishna has three separate meanings - the word, that is: (i) Karsh is one root from which the name is derived. It means, that which attracts; Krishna attracts hearts to Himself, by His sportive past-times, miraculous victories over the forces of evil, His charming conversation, His wisdom, His personal beauty. (ii) The word is also related to the root, Krish, to cultivate as a field, for growing crops. The word means, He who removes the weeds from the heart of man, and sows seeds of faith, courage and joy. (iii) It is related to the root, Krish, meaning something above and beyond the three attributes and the three eras, and na, means Sath-chith-ananda. (S.S.S. Vol. 8 - p. 51) AVATARS

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SAI

Having installed Sai in your village, you must grow in Prema, for Sai is Premaswarupam. Sa means, Sarvasakthi: Sarvasakshi is the Witness in All; Aayi means, Mother; Baba means, Father. The Prema of Sai is the Prema characteristic of the Father and the Mother; not the earthly father and mother but the Father and Mother who are the Witness of every Thought, Word and Deed in every being. (S.S.S. Vol. II - p. 133) Sai baba means "the Divine Mother and Father" (S.S.Sm. Part IV - p. 77) The word 'Sayi', i.e. Sahi, means Prabhu, the Master. The word 'Baba' means Father. (Sanathana Sarathi (Kannada) Sept. 1972 - p. 24) What exactly is the meaning of Sai Baba? Sa means Sahasrapadma, Saakshaatkaara, etc... Aayi means Mother and Baba means Father; it means, He who is both Father and Mother, and the Goal of all Yogic endeavour... the ever-merciful Mother, the All-wise Father and the Goal of Sadhana. (S.S.S. Vol. II - p. 22) The words Sai Baba and Sambasiva mean the same thing. Sa Amba Siva means Divine Father and Mother, and so does the word Sai Baba. Because there is the aspect of mother and father, and because both are present, this form is rightly to be described as Siva Sakthi atma swaroopa. Like a mother, I will be tender and soft and give you happiness, and like father, I punish you, criticise you when needed, and through these methods, I take you to a high level. (S.S.B. 1974 - p. 288)

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3rd Cover Rescuing is My Dharma “Rescuing a true Bhaktha is My Dharma. My very Nature. Someone asked Me whether it was right on My part to plunge thousands into grief, in order to resue one. Such numerical calculations cannot apply to acts of Grace. I act My Dharma,regardless of how it affects you or him. Rama obeyed his father’s desire. He did not desist though all Ayodhya was bathed in tears. The father who has acceded to his mother’s wicked desire to exile Him and the very brother who was to benefit by the exile urged Him to stay on . But, He did not turn back. The illness that I took on had to execute its Dharma according to its nature. I allowed it behave so; it is only then that you can observe and imbibe the Glory of the Victory. Krishna could have waved off the rains that Indra threatened to pour on the region of Brindavan, but, He permitted the God of Rains to carry on His Dharma. And, He utilised the occasion, to let the Gopis and Gopas have a glimpse of HIS GLORY. He lifted the Govardhan Mount on His little finger to save them from the devastating downpour. He observed His Dharma of Bhaktharakshana (Granting succour of Devotees). Now too, as in that Age, the Purpose is Proclamation of Divinity. (S.S.Sm. Part IIp.90/91)” AVATARS