Press Statement
Released by
The Trustees and the Council of Management of
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
ISSUED ON APRIL 28, 2011
1. The Trustees and the Council of Management of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust thank the representatives of the print and electronic media who are attending this press conference. Though the media wanted reactions from the Trust in the recent few weeks, the situation, particularly the declining health of Bhagawan Baba, did not make it possible for the Trustees to address any issue other than the treatment being given to Bhagawan Baba. Therefore, the delay in calling this press meet.
2. Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded by Bhagawan Baba in 1972. It is a public Charitable Trust and has been engaged in service activities mainly in the field of Education and Health. Two associate trusts also founded by Bhagawan Baba deal with Medical Relief and Higher Education: they are the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust which has been carrying out the medical relief activities has been taken over by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust from Dec 1, 2010.
3. Bhagawan Baba has been the moving spirit for all these service activities. The Medical relief activity is carried out through two Super Specialty hospitals, one at Puttaparthi and the other at Whitefield, Bengaluru, and two general hospitals one each at Puttaparthi and Whitefield, Bengaluru. Medical relief has been provided to a large number of poor and needy patients without any distinction of caste, religion and language. The details of the Medical relief provided and the infrastructure which has been set up for this are available in websites of Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust (www.sssmt.org.in) and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (www.srisathyasai.org.in).
4. In the field of education, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs two schools, one at Puttaparthi and another at Rajahmundry. Higher education is imparted by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at its campuses at Whitefield, Bengaluru, Anantapur and Puttaparthi. A new campus which is ready at Muddenahalli near Chickaballapur in Karnataka state is on the anvil of commencing its operations. The primary focus in all these institutions is value based education and character building.
5. All these activities are carried on in a spirit of service with the belief that love and compassion form the bedrock of spiritual evolution. Medical relief and Education is completely free. The resources are provided by the Trusts. The Trusts have a moderate corpus which fetches a reasonable return, which is augmented by voluntary contributions made to the Trusts by donors from India and abroad.
6. The activities of the Trusts are spread over the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Trusts own and possess land and buildings which are required for education and medical relief activities. The Super Specialty Hospital at Puttaparthi is situated in a campus of about 105 acres of land.
Similarly the Super Specialty hospital at Whitefield, Bengaluru is situated in a campus of 52 acres of land. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has met the cost of construction of the projects for setting up the hospitals which was about Rs 65 crores for the Puttaparthi Hospital in 1991 and Rs 130 crores for the Whitefield Hospital in 2001.
7. The General Hospital at Puttaparthi is located on 7 acres of land. The Trust is also running a General Hospital at Whitefield.
8. Similarly in the case of Educational activities, the Anantapur campus for Women is located on a site measuring about 115 acres. The campus at Whitefield, Bengaluru comprises about 38 acres. The campus, known as Vidyagiri, situated at Prasanthi Nilayam comprising school, University, stadium, administrative buildings, planetarium, etc. is located in about 60 acres of land.
9. As regards the schools, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs a school at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh situated in a campus of about 25 acres.
10. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has also constructed an airport for the benefit of the devotees and patients in the year 1991. The airport is spread over150 acres of land.
11. The Prasanthi Nilayam campus is spread over 70 acres of land. The Trust also owns land and buildings in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu. The extent of land is around 3 acres. The Trust also runs a community center known as Sri Sathya Sai Nigamagamam at Hyderabad which is spread over about 3.5 Acres. Another community hall known as Sri Sathya Sai Samskrutha Sadanam situated in Bangalore belongs to the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
12. In the recent news reports the value of the Trusts have been hugely exaggerated and it may be seen from the above that the lands are being used as an integral part of the educational campuses and hospitals. They are not meant for commercial use especially in the context of alienated lands which were given for specific purposes.
13. In addition to the above medical relief and education activities, the Central Trust has undertaken drinking water supply projects in Anantapur, Medak, Mahboobnagar, East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The Trust maintained these projects for a year before handing them over to the Government. They have since been running smoothly. Besides these, a project for modernisation of the Kandaleru – Poondy canal for providing drinking water to Chennai city has been undertaken. Such water supply projects undertaken between 1995 and 2010 involved an outlay of Rs. 500 crores.
14. The Trusts of Bhagawan Baba have never made an appeal for donations. The income of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust has ranged from Rs 100 – 130 crores per year during the last 4 years. The expenditure for the same period has ranged between Rs 75 – 100 crores per year. It is therefore evident that the size of the Trust is modest.
15. For the medical relief activity, about 1000 persons are employed which includes doctors, nurses, paramedical and other staff. The educational activities involve a total number of around 250 employees. In addition, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, which is a voluntary organisation of the devotees of Bhagawan Baba, provides volunteers to support these service activities.
16. Besides these, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has set up Sri Sathya Sai International Center at Lodhi Road, New Delhi. At the said Center, a school, a training center for Educare and International Center for dissemination of human values, a library and an auditorium have been provided.
17. Inspired by Bhagawan Baba, many schools are set up and charitable activities are organised by devotees in many cities in India and abroad. These do not come under the fold of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and they are owned and administered by separate bodies governed by their respective charters.
18. In light of the baseless, irresponsible and false accusations of defalcation of gold, valuable artefacts and even money, it is emphatically stated that these accusations are wholly untrue and it is believed that these have been engineered by certain vested interests with a view to defame the fair name of the Trust, its functionaries and the Trustees. There is no truth whatsoever in these allegations.
19. All transactions of the Trusts are duly accounted in their books of account. An experienced and qualified chartered accountant oversees the accounting and financial management. The accounts are duly audited by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants based at Delhi. Periodical returns, accounts and audit reports as prescribed by law are duly filed with the concerned authorities under the Income Tax Act, FCRA and other applicable statutes. There is no proceeding initiated against any of the Trusts by any authority under any statute alleging any impropriety or violation of law.
20. The Trustees, functionaries and the members of the Council of Management have all been personally selected and placed in their respective positions by the revered Founder Trustee Bhagawan Baba. They are persons of impeccable credentials having served in various capacities in their respective careers. All of them serve the Trust in honorary capacity out of their devotion to the Founder Trustee, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, being motivated by His universal message to serve humanity – "Manava Seva is Madhava Seva. "
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Bhagavan Baba's Maha Samadhi
Wed, April 27, 2011:
Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance.
It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world.
Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Swami".
Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil , Karnataka Chief Minister B S. Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.
The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.
Even as the first set of rituals were completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...
As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, and announcement came that darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance.
It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world.
Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Swami".
Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil , Karnataka Chief Minister B S. Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.
The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.
Even as the first set of rituals were completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...
As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, and announcement came that darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
SWAMI'S SAMADHI ARRANGEMENTS
Sai Kulwanth Hall, the venue for all the "historic" events in Parthi, will also be His Samadhi temple (tomb) in future.. Swami's divine body will be brought to the ashram around 4pm from the Super Speciality Hospital..there are already arrangements being made in the Sai Kulwanth hall. Swami's Samadhi would be on the dais from where He used to watch us all while we sing His glory. At present there are white curtains around the stage and the recently erected elevated wooden dais, is now completely removed. Any moment, they will start digging the dais. Meanwhile, the final darshan of Swami's BODY would start from 6pm, 24th april and the darshan will continue on monday, tuesday as well. in the morning of wednesday, the burial will be performed.
Police are making all the arrangements for the final darshan. I think Swami's body will be placed in the middle of Sai Kulwanth hall and ladies and gents would be allowed separately into the hall for the final darshan.
It is still unbelievable to know that we wont be able to see our beloved Lord in Puttaparthi. We devotees should not forget the great services rendered by the doctors in Super Speciality Hospital. Even though they tried their best, perfectly following Swami's message of KARMA YOGA, they(doctors) and We knew from the day one that it will be Swami's FINAL DECISION that will matter.We should also have to appreciate the patience and hardwork of Sri Sathya Central Trust and its members who tried their best to give ultramodern medical facilities to Swami in no time, all praises to Minister Geetha Reddy for all that she has done being a bridge of love between governemnt and devotees.
All the ministers, governors are reaching Puttaparthi. The Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sri.Ashok Chavan have already come to Parthi. Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, L.K.Advani, Ms.Jayalalitha and many other top leaders have expressed their deep condolences on Swami's Divine Departure. The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared 4 days of mourning.
It would be a very sad day for Sachin Tendulkar as his birthday unfortunately coincided with Swami's Physical Exit. He is also coming to Parthi tomorrow for the final darshan.
Since his hospitalisation, Swami was in headlines. while reporting they also spoke all the good work Swami had did and also His miracles. many people who were not in Sai Fold who were watching this did get an urge to have darshan of this great Avatar and hoped for one physical darshan but little did they knew that it was too late..
Looks like the final darshan will also be shown live in various TV channels as the arrangements are already being made
Police are making all the arrangements for the final darshan. I think Swami's body will be placed in the middle of Sai Kulwanth hall and ladies and gents would be allowed separately into the hall for the final darshan.
It is still unbelievable to know that we wont be able to see our beloved Lord in Puttaparthi. We devotees should not forget the great services rendered by the doctors in Super Speciality Hospital. Even though they tried their best, perfectly following Swami's message of KARMA YOGA, they(doctors) and We knew from the day one that it will be Swami's FINAL DECISION that will matter.We should also have to appreciate the patience and hardwork of Sri Sathya Central Trust and its members who tried their best to give ultramodern medical facilities to Swami in no time, all praises to Minister Geetha Reddy for all that she has done being a bridge of love between governemnt and devotees.
All the ministers, governors are reaching Puttaparthi. The Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sri.Ashok Chavan have already come to Parthi. Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, L.K.Advani, Ms.Jayalalitha and many other top leaders have expressed their deep condolences on Swami's Divine Departure. The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared 4 days of mourning.
It would be a very sad day for Sachin Tendulkar as his birthday unfortunately coincided with Swami's Physical Exit. He is also coming to Parthi tomorrow for the final darshan.
Since his hospitalisation, Swami was in headlines. while reporting they also spoke all the good work Swami had did and also His miracles. many people who were not in Sai Fold who were watching this did get an urge to have darshan of this great Avatar and hoped for one physical darshan but little did they knew that it was too late..
Looks like the final darshan will also be shown live in various TV channels as the arrangements are already being made
Swami wanted every thing to be given for "free" when people don't even smile for "free"
Swami was the only "person" in the world who wanted every thing to be give for "free". In the times when people don't even smile for "free", Swami has given world class medical services completely free to every one. There came one suggestion from some one requesting Swami to charge "little bit" to the rich who can afford to pay, and Swami our kind Lord said, there is no difference between "poor man's heart" and "rich man's heart' who could ever tell this.
Some years ago, in Kodai kanal, some officials were briefing Him about the arrangements for Eswaramma day and when one officer said, "Swami tomorrow we will have poor feeding", Swami corrected him saying, Sai's feeding can never be "poor feeding" you rather say "feeding the poor". Such is the kindness of Swami.
Swami who has given every thing to the devotees, has also given nutririous food to all at affordable price. Apparently couple of years ago, some one from the South Indian Canteen went to Swami and said, Swami our canteen has incurred great loss. So we have decided to raise the price from Rs.6 to Rs.10 for a full meal. Swami looking at him bit seriously said, if you irritate me like this, I am going to give the food for free. when it is Swami's canteen, why are you worried about the loss. It is my "business". Can any one do such Divine Business? No business man can make such a statement.
Some years ago, in Kodai kanal, some officials were briefing Him about the arrangements for Eswaramma day and when one officer said, "Swami tomorrow we will have poor feeding", Swami corrected him saying, Sai's feeding can never be "poor feeding" you rather say "feeding the poor". Such is the kindness of Swami.
Swami who has given every thing to the devotees, has also given nutririous food to all at affordable price. Apparently couple of years ago, some one from the South Indian Canteen went to Swami and said, Swami our canteen has incurred great loss. So we have decided to raise the price from Rs.6 to Rs.10 for a full meal. Swami looking at him bit seriously said, if you irritate me like this, I am going to give the food for free. when it is Swami's canteen, why are you worried about the loss. It is my "business". Can any one do such Divine Business? No business man can make such a statement.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has left His divine body
April, 24, 2011: Prasanthi updates: Sai Baba Health News - Sri Sathya Sai Baba Health News: Puttaparthi: Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has left His divine body at the Sathya Sai super speciality hospital at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district today
Puttaparthi: A brief statement issued by Dr. A. N. Safaya, Director of the Institute, said "Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure. Bhagwan 's body will lie in State at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall. We appeal to all to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner" -
Puttaparthi: A brief statement issued by Dr. A. N. Safaya, Director of the Institute, said "Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure. Bhagwan 's body will lie in State at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall. We appeal to all to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner" -
Stand by For an Important announcement at 11 A.M IST on 24th April
Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba Health News:
April 24 2011: An IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT to be made at 11.00 A.M IST
April 24 2011: An IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT to be made at 11.00 A.M IST
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Bhagavan Baba
Sathya Sai Baba : A divine legend
I admire Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba for his selfless work and contributions to the welfare of the people by providing drinking water for the rural population, free healthcare facilities for the rural poor and free higher education. The major factors in human resource development are value based educati on and quality healthcare. In addition, the infrastructural requirement like availability of potable water is an essential need of the human resource. While the government is actively engaged in providing these resources to the citizens, Baba has been sensitive to these essential needs of the Indian population, particularly of the people living in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, for over four decades.
Keeping this in mind, he has created vast infrastructure for providing value-based quality education to children from primary to university level, established super specialty hospitals in rural areas - as early as 1991 when there were no corporate hospitals in such interior regions - and worked on a project to provide potable safe drinking water for people of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. I would like to discuss the unique characteristics of these institutions.
Value-based education
The best part of a young person is his or her childhood in school and the best time spent is 8am to 4 pm each day in the school. This is applicable for all children in the age group of five to 20 living in both urban and rural areas.
Baba has realized the problems of the rural poor and has made it a point that education is absolutely free in all the schools and colleges established by the Sathya Sai Trust.
Interestingly, the Sathya Sai Educational Institutions cater equally to the development of the mind, heart and the body. This is achieved through integrated education, which lays equal emphasis on keeping the body healthy, the mind active and sharp and the heart pure. Baba, being the Chancellor of the institute, spends substantial amount of time with the students to groom them into ideal citizens.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, "Students are the foundation of the nation, the only wealth that I cherish. Students are my all; my entire property consists of students. I have offered myself to them." He also says, "The end of education is character and the end of knowledge is love." This is the reason why Sri Sathya Sai Institute of higher learning emphasises character building as an important component of education apart from acquiring academic excellence.
Nobility in character comes out of humility, generosity, compassion, helpfulness and respect for moral values. The single thread that runs through all the activities of the institute, curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular is that education is for life and not for mere living. Experience has shown that leading organizations and companies in the country absorb Sai students. It is claimed that the students so recruited bring about a quiet change in work ethics and inject team spirit as well as a value-based approach to all aspects of organizational activity.
Water mission
In 1994, Baba made a moving reference to the difficulties experienced by the people of Rayalaseema region in getting safe drinking water and suggested that the century-old problem needed urgent attention. In 1995, he added a new dimension to his societal mission by the trust, undertaking work to provide good and safe drinking water to as many people of Anantapur district as possible in the shortest possible time, irrespective of the difficulties experienced and the cost.
Tapping ground water was considered as an option, but was ruled out because of the fluoride problem. It was decided to use rainwater by drawing water during the monsoon and storing in special reservoirs or tapped from the riverbeds.
Most of the water sources were in the northern part of Anantapur district and the terrain to the south sloped upwards. Hence, bringing water to the southern region needed creation of large number of pumping stations to pump water against gravity. This called for extensive civil and engineering work. In spite of all the difficulties, the water was made available to Anantapur district in 18 months. After a year of regular operation, the entire water works was handed over to the people of the state as a gift. The scheme covers 750 villages and provides water to over one million people.
India needs a thousand such organizations to provide cost effective potable drinking water to the billion people spread in different parts of the country.
Healthcare
During the 1980s, a substantial number of super specialty corporate hospitals came into being in our urban areas. However, due to commercialization, they could cater only to the needs of urban rich people. There was wide gap in the availability of medicare for the rich and poor and between rural and urban population. Keeping this in mind, Baba declared on November 23, 1990, there would be a world-class hospital in Puttaparthi area within a year and it would offer free treatment to everyone who come there, especially the poor.
This hospital was inaugurated on November 22, 1991. After its inauguration, the super specialty hospital has conducted many major heart surgeries and catheterization procedures. Specialist surgeons from reputed hospitals, both from India and abroad, voluntarily take leave from their regular work and come to Puttaparthi and perform operations free of cost. Same is the case with nursing services.
I understand the convalescing patients provide voluntary help to the new patients who come to the hospitals for operation. Also the hospital premises are maintained in a clean, calm, serene and divine atmosphere. We can see the power of service consciousness flowing in the entire hospital environment.
Project management
Whether it be a super specialty hospital at Puttaparthi or provision of safe drinking water for Anantapur or provision of drinking water to Chennai by solving the problems associated with Kandaleru reservoir, all projects have been completed to meet the specified objective within the prescribed time and cost. How this has been possible? I was thinking about it.
The major reason appears to be that the projects have been entrusted to socially committed project managers, contractors and sub-contractors. They have executed the project with a spirit of co-operation, the spirit of sacrifice and dedication.
The programme chiefs have followed the five core human values - truth, right conduct, non-violence, love and peace -while executing the projects. Can there be a better role model than this for promoting a nationwide selfless, societal transformation mission?
I admire Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba for his selfless work and contributions to the welfare of the people by providing drinking water for the rural population, free healthcare facilities for the rural poor and free higher education. The major factors in human resource development are value based educati on and quality healthcare. In addition, the infrastructural requirement like availability of potable water is an essential need of the human resource. While the government is actively engaged in providing these resources to the citizens, Baba has been sensitive to these essential needs of the Indian population, particularly of the people living in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, for over four decades.
Keeping this in mind, he has created vast infrastructure for providing value-based quality education to children from primary to university level, established super specialty hospitals in rural areas - as early as 1991 when there were no corporate hospitals in such interior regions - and worked on a project to provide potable safe drinking water for people of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. I would like to discuss the unique characteristics of these institutions.
Value-based education
The best part of a young person is his or her childhood in school and the best time spent is 8am to 4 pm each day in the school. This is applicable for all children in the age group of five to 20 living in both urban and rural areas.
Baba has realized the problems of the rural poor and has made it a point that education is absolutely free in all the schools and colleges established by the Sathya Sai Trust.
Interestingly, the Sathya Sai Educational Institutions cater equally to the development of the mind, heart and the body. This is achieved through integrated education, which lays equal emphasis on keeping the body healthy, the mind active and sharp and the heart pure. Baba, being the Chancellor of the institute, spends substantial amount of time with the students to groom them into ideal citizens.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, "Students are the foundation of the nation, the only wealth that I cherish. Students are my all; my entire property consists of students. I have offered myself to them." He also says, "The end of education is character and the end of knowledge is love." This is the reason why Sri Sathya Sai Institute of higher learning emphasises character building as an important component of education apart from acquiring academic excellence.
Nobility in character comes out of humility, generosity, compassion, helpfulness and respect for moral values. The single thread that runs through all the activities of the institute, curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular is that education is for life and not for mere living. Experience has shown that leading organizations and companies in the country absorb Sai students. It is claimed that the students so recruited bring about a quiet change in work ethics and inject team spirit as well as a value-based approach to all aspects of organizational activity.
Water mission
In 1994, Baba made a moving reference to the difficulties experienced by the people of Rayalaseema region in getting safe drinking water and suggested that the century-old problem needed urgent attention. In 1995, he added a new dimension to his societal mission by the trust, undertaking work to provide good and safe drinking water to as many people of Anantapur district as possible in the shortest possible time, irrespective of the difficulties experienced and the cost.
Tapping ground water was considered as an option, but was ruled out because of the fluoride problem. It was decided to use rainwater by drawing water during the monsoon and storing in special reservoirs or tapped from the riverbeds.
Most of the water sources were in the northern part of Anantapur district and the terrain to the south sloped upwards. Hence, bringing water to the southern region needed creation of large number of pumping stations to pump water against gravity. This called for extensive civil and engineering work. In spite of all the difficulties, the water was made available to Anantapur district in 18 months. After a year of regular operation, the entire water works was handed over to the people of the state as a gift. The scheme covers 750 villages and provides water to over one million people.
India needs a thousand such organizations to provide cost effective potable drinking water to the billion people spread in different parts of the country.
Healthcare
During the 1980s, a substantial number of super specialty corporate hospitals came into being in our urban areas. However, due to commercialization, they could cater only to the needs of urban rich people. There was wide gap in the availability of medicare for the rich and poor and between rural and urban population. Keeping this in mind, Baba declared on November 23, 1990, there would be a world-class hospital in Puttaparthi area within a year and it would offer free treatment to everyone who come there, especially the poor.
This hospital was inaugurated on November 22, 1991. After its inauguration, the super specialty hospital has conducted many major heart surgeries and catheterization procedures. Specialist surgeons from reputed hospitals, both from India and abroad, voluntarily take leave from their regular work and come to Puttaparthi and perform operations free of cost. Same is the case with nursing services.
I understand the convalescing patients provide voluntary help to the new patients who come to the hospitals for operation. Also the hospital premises are maintained in a clean, calm, serene and divine atmosphere. We can see the power of service consciousness flowing in the entire hospital environment.
Project management
Whether it be a super specialty hospital at Puttaparthi or provision of safe drinking water for Anantapur or provision of drinking water to Chennai by solving the problems associated with Kandaleru reservoir, all projects have been completed to meet the specified objective within the prescribed time and cost. How this has been possible? I was thinking about it.
The major reason appears to be that the projects have been entrusted to socially committed project managers, contractors and sub-contractors. They have executed the project with a spirit of co-operation, the spirit of sacrifice and dedication.
The programme chiefs have followed the five core human values - truth, right conduct, non-violence, love and peace -while executing the projects. Can there be a better role model than this for promoting a nationwide selfless, societal transformation mission?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - Chant it
OM. Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan
Mrityor mukshiya mamritat
OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd if freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality.
The great mantra dedicated to Shiva as Mrityunjaya is found in the Rig Veda. It is called the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the Great Death-Conquering mantra. It is a mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva's three eyes; and its is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukra after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda. Along with the Gayatri mantra it holds the highest place among the many mantras used for contemplation and meditation.
Q: ‘Baba, why did Jesus allow Himself to be crucified?
Answer:‘Because the Great Ones never use spiritual power for themselves”
In the December of 1970, Bhagawan travelled to Panaji, the capital city of Goa stopping en route in the town of Dharwar in Karnataka. In Panaji, a strange and mysterious turn of events took place, which afforded His devotees another glimpse into His Divine nature. In fact, just prior to this incident, Prof. N. Kasturi, Bhagawan’s biographer, was to start for Sri Lanka, as Swami had blessed him earlier to address the Sai Centres there. But, all of a sudden, Bhagawan commanded him to cancel his visit and accompany Him to Goa instead. For what happened next is narrated in the most wonderful manner by Prof. Kasturi in the third volume of Sathyam Sivam Sundaram:
At noon the next day, I accompanied Baba on a circuitous journey to Goa. The three cars moved towards Jog Falls. As usual, while leaving Brindavan, devotees lined up on both sides of the road, anxious to get a glimpse of Baba and to see the Hand waving to them.
It was a Fiat 1500 in which Baba, Mr. N.D.M. Appah, Chairman, Mysore State Electricity Board, and myself were travelling. The road was stony and rough, so the drive was full of jerks and bumps – this caused Baba to reprimand the driver for not being circumspect enough. “You do not know how much pain I get in the abdomen when it bumps,” He said. We wondered why Baba who withstood worse roads better, was insisting on slow driving that day…
When the cars reached Goa, it was night. The stars came forth; they came with us, every yard of the road, keeping pace. When the border of Goa was reached, the Lt. Governor of Goa, Sri Nakul Sen, received Baba and let us into a rest house, where china gleamed in the shelves by the wall and geraniums glistened on the window sills. We had coffee; from then on Baba sat in the State car, with the head of the state.
Hurrying around the rambling roads, towards Panaji (the capital of Goa), the cars finally arrived at Raj Nivas, the Palace of the Governors-General of the “Portuguese Possessions in India and the Far East” for many centuries, but now, the official residence of the Lt. Governor. The time was 9.15 p.m. We had motored 385 miles, since morning, over good and bad roads, but Baba as fresh as a lily when He hastened up the red-carpeted flight of steps to the flower-decked apartments, set aside for His stay. Very soon, Baba presided over the dining table to which we were led by the Lt. Governor. He watched with amusement the contingent of waiters, and the beautiful chinaware, which the Portuguese had brought from Macao.
Though Mrs. Sen made bold to remind Him of His duty to Himself, He did not eat anything. He appeared to be anxious to send everyone to bed. “Go, go! You are all very much exhausted,” He insisted. I protested that travelling with Him can never exhaust anyone, but He repeated that I was really in immediate need of rest. When we rose Mrs. Sen was informed by Baba that coffee be made ready for Him only at 8 a.m. the next day! She knew that at Prasanthi Nilayam, He had His coffee at around 6 a.m., but despite appeals for revising the order, Baba gave instructions that it was to be brought only at 8 o’ clock.
Baba was alone in the suite reserved for Him. Nakul Sen pleaded for permission to be within call, but Baba sent Him away to his own room. We from Bangalore were in rooms on the ground floor.
About what occurred that night, Baba wrote later to Dr. S. Bhagavantam, in a letter I carried to him on the 12th December, “On the night of the 7th, strange events happened. I could not lie in bed, I could not sit upon it, nor turn, from one side to another. Nor could I speak or call. I did not like to cause anxiety or trouble to anyone. So I kept silent, pretending that all was well with Me”!
Next morning when the Sens grew aware of the truth it became clear, why He had abstained from dinner, and postponed the coffee hour, wanting only to hurry away to bed! I too began to understand why He had come away from Dharwar, and why He had taken the driver to task. Obviously, He had been ‘ill’ when He started out from Dharwar!
Mrs. Sen felt that Raj Nivas was an ‘unlucky’ place since He had fallen ‘ill’ there, but Baba immediately corrected her. “No, it is a house of good luck! I brought the ‘illness’ with Me to Cabo, so that I could get rid of it here”.
By daybreak on the 8th, Baba appeared to be in great pain and Nakul Sen called in doctors from the Medical College at Goa, and some leading physicians of the City. Soon an imposing medical team surrounded the sick bed; their report read as follows, “history of pain in right lower quadrant of the abdomen since 3 p.m. on the 7th December. To begin with, the pain was all over the abdomen, progressive in intensity; towards the night, it localised in the umbilical region, and the right lower quadrant. Had difficulty in extending the right lower limb. Pain is exaggerated by movement. 8th December morning, had nausea and fever”. No one could be definite about the illness; there were too many experts and Baba was amused at the clash of their conclusions. The Sens were aghast at the turn of events for, among other reasons, the local Sathya Sai Seva Samithi had announced, that He would deliver a discourse at the large Maidan in the heart of the city, at 5 p.m. that evening.
Meanwhile, pain, nausea and fever kept Baba in bed all day. Information came that 20,000 people crowded the Maidan, awaiting Baba; and half the number had come from far off villages. Baba endeavoured to rise and don fresh clothes to keep the appointment, and not disappoint thousands of people. But Cabo Raj Nivas had no lift; for reaching the Maidan, Baba would have had to get down 28 steps and walk up some distance in order to give Darshan to the people. And then, climb the 28th steps back to His room!
Baba directed me to tell the assembly to disperse quietly, and to assure them that He will be addressing them in a few days at the same place. I was to tell them that He had taken over the illness of a devotee, for I had witnessed such instances of healing and saving in the past years.
At 8 o’clock that night, the doctors reported, “Lying supine in bed, with legs drawn up. On examination, the right side of the abdomen not moving with respiration; abdomen tender on the right side, and the lower flank…, point of maximum tenderness in lower flank…, no rebound tenderness.. . guarding present over right lower quadrant, with rigidity of flank. Temperature 100 F; pulse 100 /m; respiration 16/m. Total blood count 22,000; neutrophils 88%. A diagnosis of acute paracolic appendicitis was made. Unwillingness for surgical intervention”.
Pressmen approached the doctors, anxious to report the reason for the postponement of the announced public meeting, alarmed at the news of the illness of the world-renowned personality. The doctors told them that Baba was suffering from an acute attack of appendicitis. This news was flashed all over India and spread through the early morning editions and the papers issued from Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Madurai.
Telegrams and telephone calls poured in from all over the country, praying and pleading and denying – disbelieving, hoping, weeping and wailing. There were many offers to accept the ‘illness’ from Baba; some devotees said they would fast until Baba was free from the illness. Devotees having firm faith in His Divinity were convinced that just as the illness had been taken on miraculously, it would be thrown off miraculously, too.
The doctors told us Baba must be suffering excruciating pain, but He said, “I have taken it on upon Myself with Love and Love knows no pain”!
Ms. June Schuyler, a school teacher who was accompanying the party writes: “I had once asked Baba a question, and I now remembered His answer. ‘Baba, why did Jesus allow Himself to be crucified?’ ‘Because the Great Ones never use spiritual power for themselves”. Ah! Baba had not set the car right on Saturday night because it was not imperative for the good of someone other than Baba. “Baba! Baba!,” I exclaimed, “I adore you; I utterly love you. Imperfect as I am, I give my heart to you completely”!
Precisely at this very moment I became aware that Mr. Nakul Sen was motioning to Mrs. Rajagopalan, Indra Devi and myself to step inside the doorway of Baba’s room. I could not believe it was true. We crossed the threshold half expectant, fixing our eyes on the bedstead where the Master was suffering for His dear devotee. He was not there! He was standing before us, feeble and frail, with eyes full of love and mercy – charming in spite of it all.
He drew back the orange robe, and permitted us to touch those precious feet. The lovely feet were warm because of the fever. The beloved face was pale and etched with pain. The cheeks had been hollowed for want of sleep and refreshment. But He stood there for our sake. ‘Do not worry’, He said tenderly, in a soft, soothing voice, ‘It is a little upset, that is all’, indicating the right side of the body.
‘Swami! accept what the doctors prescribe’, we prayed. ‘What do the doctors know? What can they prescribe? I only want your Love’, He said, quietly, almost wistfully. He stepped out of the room into the adjacent drawing room where several others anxiously waited. He stood for a few minutes, looking languidly, lovingly, at them all, reassuring the timid and charging them with courage. Then He returned to the bed. None of us knew that the appendix was very near bursting point, and the doctors had said that He must not rise from his bed at any cost.
Later in Bombay, on Christmas Day, Baba referred to the “illness He had taken on at Goa” and the suffering it caused to many…
“The other day, a serious illness came upon this body in Goa. Many who are devoted to Me were plunged into anxiety and despair when they learnt of it. Illness can never afflict this Body. It cannot even approach it! If it should come sometime – believe this – it belongs to someone; not Myself. And it goes just as it came, of My free Will. I have no contact with it; I am not affected by it.”
On 9th December, the doctors decided to put tubes down the nose to relieve the hiccough, which was complicating matters, for taking the gas out of the stomach. They talked also of the urgent need that had arisen to puncture the lump and syringe off the pus from the abscess. It must indeed have given a terrible gash of pain for Baba, every time the hiccough pulled the muscle tight and affected the lump round the inflamed appendix! But eventually the doctors left the Raj Nivas with their tubes and bottles, as Baba refused to accept their proposals.
On the 10th, a Bhajan meeting had been announced at Government House, and word had gone round indicating that Baba would attend the meeting! Baba too said “Yes! Arrange it”. The doctors could not believe their ears. They did not foresee any possibility of a public appearance that day. There was doubt, wonder and amazement in the minds of various people, but a few of them were convinced that whatever He says will come to pass.
At tea time Mrs. Sen looked rather serious, as time was running out and already people were streaming towards the meeting place. Goa, which had been previously shocked by the news of the agonising illness, was now jolted by the impact of such good news.
Baba’s condition may be described in His own words: “The doctors were unanimous that an immediate operation was necessary, or they would not be held responsible for what might happen. They said the inflamed appendix had burst, and the pus had entered the blood – a situation that is fatal for all mortals”!
Baba had to move across His own room, across the drawing room, walk along the veranda, ascend a low step, get across to the doorstep of the hall which He had selected for Bhajan, traverse its length, reach the dais, climb two low steps – and finally sit upon the chair placed there. A total distance of 200 feet! A floral carpet stretched all this length.
Sri Nakul Sen spoke later during the Bhajan sessions. “The doctors became panicky, and I could feel that they were absolutely against what Bhagawan had said to me. My sixth sense somehow assured me that Bhagawan was showing one of His Leelas in Goa and that through His Sankalpa (Will) He would get rid of this trouble as quickly as He had assumed it.”
Dr. Varma, the chief of team of doctors came at about 4 p.m. and finding a floral carpet covering a distance of 200 feet, protested that it was too long a walk. He suggested some short cuts through other doors and passages making the journey a distance of only 40 feet. He said, “The dais itself will have to go; let the chair be on the floor, for He cannot get up the steps however low they may be – and please, have the dais on the near side, not at the farthermost end of the hall”.
At 5 p.m. Baba was led into the bathroom, and twenty minutes later He came out of it, clean shaven, wearing a new robe! Fresh as a new blossomed rose.
When the doctors examined Him again, they could not locate any abscess, nor could they find any trace of big lump of flesh near it. The whole area of the appendix was as soft and as normal as it could be.
“Lo and behold!,” said Nakul Sen, in the speech he delivered as soon as Baba sat on the dais at 6 p.m., “Bhagawan walked from His bedroom to the dais, a distance of about 200 feet without any aid. He sat down erect on an office chair”.
Ms. June writes about that historic moment of ecstasy: “Bhajan began, and my heart was pounding a joyous tune of expectancy. Love for Baba filled the hall. Ah! There He was, moving majestically down the hall, although He had required the assistance of two men all day. He now moved as if nothing had ever happened. His steps were as sure and graceful as ever. The cheeks which had been hollow when I last saw them were completely filled out. His Love flooded the hall. It was overpowering. He swung into the room, and when He saw someone leaning against the wall with a sick child beside him, the Hand began the familiar circular motion to create the cure.
Baba’s eyes which plumb the depths, His eyes which pour out love and compassion, His eyes which flash when he speaks of cruelty, falsehood, hypocrisy and injustice, eyes which can be full of quips, were as eloquent as ever. He took His place on the divan in front of the gathering and began keeping rhythm with the Bhajan being sung, with His head and hand. Mrs. Rajagopal whispered in my ear, “Look! Those eyes are more beautiful than ever. There is an ethereal expression, not of this world in them; a look of radiant joy and adoration”.
Baba’s eyes caressed the gathering, which was watching Him without even a wink, apprehensive that the cure He had effected on Himself, might be only partial or temporary.
Sri Nakul Sen was full of gratitude and wonder! While welcoming Baba, and introducing the gathering to Him as convention demanded, he said, “Bhagawan lives in the inner recesses of the hearts of His devotees; there is nothing He would not do for them. He has simultaneously appeared in this Form at different places, to help His devotees in distress, or to save them from impending calamities, of which He alone has the precognition! Through His Sankalpa or Will, He has assumed the illness of His devotees and suffered it from them, because they would have succumbed to it, if left alone.
We have witnessed this now, a Leela which has greatly perplexed the medical experts of Goa. It leaves no doubt in our minds that there is nothing on this earth which is beyond Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His Leela is Adbhut – unprecedented; it is Romancha Kari – exhilarating; it is Madhumaya – sweet in memory; Mangalamayi – promoting the happiness and welfare of mankind; Manoharini – overpowering the mind and turning it to truth, beauty and goodness. It gives Ananda – bliss!…”
Nakul Sen concluded his descriptions of the ancient glories of Goa and its sacred contacts with Siva, Rama, Krishna, and Parasurama, the Divine Avatars, with these words: “No wonder the Lord decided to visit this ancient and sacred land again, in the form which He has assumed now, with the name of Sathya Sai Baba; He has loved Goa in His previous incarnations and Goa continues to be dear to Him even now”.
Baba spoke for over forty minutes with His usual emphasis and élan. The gathering listened spellbound, for it was a message of triumph, benevolence, and benediction.
The illness that had vanished an hour ago was still uppermost in the minds of all, and so, Baba spoke of the significance of its ‘entrance and exit’ and its place in the scheme of the Avatar’s activities.
“There are many who doubt the existence of God or deny Him, or dismiss the idea of God as a silly outworn superstition. To make them discard their conceit, the Divine, out of Its Innate Grace, reveals its superhuman glory. The doubters receive the reply without asking, the door is opened without even a knock; for those who deny will not knock at all. The ‘superstition’ will be illumined into divine status by a concrete experience, an indisputable fact.
The human body generates diseases as a result of faulty food or frivolous habits, or foolish rashness or fanatic emotions. The illness that was witnessed by you during the last two days was quite different. That was an illness taken over by Me, voluntarily put on, in order to save a victim who could not have survived it! His continued existence, in good health is desirable for the task dear to Me. Pouring Grace on the devout is one of the functions of the Avatar. The appendix was inflamed, it turned into an abscess which the doctors could cure only by removal… He could not have survived it, I know. I have come with this Body in order to save ‘other bodies’ from pain. This Body is ever free from pain. Disease can never affect it.
I had to go to the rescue of a person who had surrendered to Me – even his judgment. I took over his illness and went through it. It shall not recur again in him. You refer to this incident as a miracle, but remember – every breath is a proof of the Providence of God. Every event is the consequence of Divine Omnipotence.
Wherever you find truth, beauty, goodness, justice, wisdom, compassion – God is present, and active. An atheist denies God, with the very breath that God has given him! He closes the eyes that God has opened in Him, and declares that there he could see no God. Therefore, such amazing events have to be accomplished and made known to man everywhere, so that mankind can be saved from over-fond involvement with the world, and lovingly drawn towards the Master of the World.”
Reference: “Sathyam Sivam Sundaram” Vol – III by Prof. N Kasturi. Published by Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications Division, Prasanthi Nilayam.
In the December of 1970, Bhagawan travelled to Panaji, the capital city of Goa stopping en route in the town of Dharwar in Karnataka. In Panaji, a strange and mysterious turn of events took place, which afforded His devotees another glimpse into His Divine nature. In fact, just prior to this incident, Prof. N. Kasturi, Bhagawan’s biographer, was to start for Sri Lanka, as Swami had blessed him earlier to address the Sai Centres there. But, all of a sudden, Bhagawan commanded him to cancel his visit and accompany Him to Goa instead. For what happened next is narrated in the most wonderful manner by Prof. Kasturi in the third volume of Sathyam Sivam Sundaram:
At noon the next day, I accompanied Baba on a circuitous journey to Goa. The three cars moved towards Jog Falls. As usual, while leaving Brindavan, devotees lined up on both sides of the road, anxious to get a glimpse of Baba and to see the Hand waving to them.
It was a Fiat 1500 in which Baba, Mr. N.D.M. Appah, Chairman, Mysore State Electricity Board, and myself were travelling. The road was stony and rough, so the drive was full of jerks and bumps – this caused Baba to reprimand the driver for not being circumspect enough. “You do not know how much pain I get in the abdomen when it bumps,” He said. We wondered why Baba who withstood worse roads better, was insisting on slow driving that day…
When the cars reached Goa, it was night. The stars came forth; they came with us, every yard of the road, keeping pace. When the border of Goa was reached, the Lt. Governor of Goa, Sri Nakul Sen, received Baba and let us into a rest house, where china gleamed in the shelves by the wall and geraniums glistened on the window sills. We had coffee; from then on Baba sat in the State car, with the head of the state.
Hurrying around the rambling roads, towards Panaji (the capital of Goa), the cars finally arrived at Raj Nivas, the Palace of the Governors-General of the “Portuguese Possessions in India and the Far East” for many centuries, but now, the official residence of the Lt. Governor. The time was 9.15 p.m. We had motored 385 miles, since morning, over good and bad roads, but Baba as fresh as a lily when He hastened up the red-carpeted flight of steps to the flower-decked apartments, set aside for His stay. Very soon, Baba presided over the dining table to which we were led by the Lt. Governor. He watched with amusement the contingent of waiters, and the beautiful chinaware, which the Portuguese had brought from Macao.
Though Mrs. Sen made bold to remind Him of His duty to Himself, He did not eat anything. He appeared to be anxious to send everyone to bed. “Go, go! You are all very much exhausted,” He insisted. I protested that travelling with Him can never exhaust anyone, but He repeated that I was really in immediate need of rest. When we rose Mrs. Sen was informed by Baba that coffee be made ready for Him only at 8 a.m. the next day! She knew that at Prasanthi Nilayam, He had His coffee at around 6 a.m., but despite appeals for revising the order, Baba gave instructions that it was to be brought only at 8 o’ clock.
Baba was alone in the suite reserved for Him. Nakul Sen pleaded for permission to be within call, but Baba sent Him away to his own room. We from Bangalore were in rooms on the ground floor.
About what occurred that night, Baba wrote later to Dr. S. Bhagavantam, in a letter I carried to him on the 12th December, “On the night of the 7th, strange events happened. I could not lie in bed, I could not sit upon it, nor turn, from one side to another. Nor could I speak or call. I did not like to cause anxiety or trouble to anyone. So I kept silent, pretending that all was well with Me”!
Next morning when the Sens grew aware of the truth it became clear, why He had abstained from dinner, and postponed the coffee hour, wanting only to hurry away to bed! I too began to understand why He had come away from Dharwar, and why He had taken the driver to task. Obviously, He had been ‘ill’ when He started out from Dharwar!
Mrs. Sen felt that Raj Nivas was an ‘unlucky’ place since He had fallen ‘ill’ there, but Baba immediately corrected her. “No, it is a house of good luck! I brought the ‘illness’ with Me to Cabo, so that I could get rid of it here”.
By daybreak on the 8th, Baba appeared to be in great pain and Nakul Sen called in doctors from the Medical College at Goa, and some leading physicians of the City. Soon an imposing medical team surrounded the sick bed; their report read as follows, “history of pain in right lower quadrant of the abdomen since 3 p.m. on the 7th December. To begin with, the pain was all over the abdomen, progressive in intensity; towards the night, it localised in the umbilical region, and the right lower quadrant. Had difficulty in extending the right lower limb. Pain is exaggerated by movement. 8th December morning, had nausea and fever”. No one could be definite about the illness; there were too many experts and Baba was amused at the clash of their conclusions. The Sens were aghast at the turn of events for, among other reasons, the local Sathya Sai Seva Samithi had announced, that He would deliver a discourse at the large Maidan in the heart of the city, at 5 p.m. that evening.
Meanwhile, pain, nausea and fever kept Baba in bed all day. Information came that 20,000 people crowded the Maidan, awaiting Baba; and half the number had come from far off villages. Baba endeavoured to rise and don fresh clothes to keep the appointment, and not disappoint thousands of people. But Cabo Raj Nivas had no lift; for reaching the Maidan, Baba would have had to get down 28 steps and walk up some distance in order to give Darshan to the people. And then, climb the 28th steps back to His room!
Baba directed me to tell the assembly to disperse quietly, and to assure them that He will be addressing them in a few days at the same place. I was to tell them that He had taken over the illness of a devotee, for I had witnessed such instances of healing and saving in the past years.
At 8 o’clock that night, the doctors reported, “Lying supine in bed, with legs drawn up. On examination, the right side of the abdomen not moving with respiration; abdomen tender on the right side, and the lower flank…, point of maximum tenderness in lower flank…, no rebound tenderness.. . guarding present over right lower quadrant, with rigidity of flank. Temperature 100 F; pulse 100 /m; respiration 16/m. Total blood count 22,000; neutrophils 88%. A diagnosis of acute paracolic appendicitis was made. Unwillingness for surgical intervention”.
Pressmen approached the doctors, anxious to report the reason for the postponement of the announced public meeting, alarmed at the news of the illness of the world-renowned personality. The doctors told them that Baba was suffering from an acute attack of appendicitis. This news was flashed all over India and spread through the early morning editions and the papers issued from Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Madurai.
Telegrams and telephone calls poured in from all over the country, praying and pleading and denying – disbelieving, hoping, weeping and wailing. There were many offers to accept the ‘illness’ from Baba; some devotees said they would fast until Baba was free from the illness. Devotees having firm faith in His Divinity were convinced that just as the illness had been taken on miraculously, it would be thrown off miraculously, too.
The doctors told us Baba must be suffering excruciating pain, but He said, “I have taken it on upon Myself with Love and Love knows no pain”!
Ms. June Schuyler, a school teacher who was accompanying the party writes: “I had once asked Baba a question, and I now remembered His answer. ‘Baba, why did Jesus allow Himself to be crucified?’ ‘Because the Great Ones never use spiritual power for themselves”. Ah! Baba had not set the car right on Saturday night because it was not imperative for the good of someone other than Baba. “Baba! Baba!,” I exclaimed, “I adore you; I utterly love you. Imperfect as I am, I give my heart to you completely”!
Precisely at this very moment I became aware that Mr. Nakul Sen was motioning to Mrs. Rajagopalan, Indra Devi and myself to step inside the doorway of Baba’s room. I could not believe it was true. We crossed the threshold half expectant, fixing our eyes on the bedstead where the Master was suffering for His dear devotee. He was not there! He was standing before us, feeble and frail, with eyes full of love and mercy – charming in spite of it all.
He drew back the orange robe, and permitted us to touch those precious feet. The lovely feet were warm because of the fever. The beloved face was pale and etched with pain. The cheeks had been hollowed for want of sleep and refreshment. But He stood there for our sake. ‘Do not worry’, He said tenderly, in a soft, soothing voice, ‘It is a little upset, that is all’, indicating the right side of the body.
‘Swami! accept what the doctors prescribe’, we prayed. ‘What do the doctors know? What can they prescribe? I only want your Love’, He said, quietly, almost wistfully. He stepped out of the room into the adjacent drawing room where several others anxiously waited. He stood for a few minutes, looking languidly, lovingly, at them all, reassuring the timid and charging them with courage. Then He returned to the bed. None of us knew that the appendix was very near bursting point, and the doctors had said that He must not rise from his bed at any cost.
Later in Bombay, on Christmas Day, Baba referred to the “illness He had taken on at Goa” and the suffering it caused to many…
“The other day, a serious illness came upon this body in Goa. Many who are devoted to Me were plunged into anxiety and despair when they learnt of it. Illness can never afflict this Body. It cannot even approach it! If it should come sometime – believe this – it belongs to someone; not Myself. And it goes just as it came, of My free Will. I have no contact with it; I am not affected by it.”
On 9th December, the doctors decided to put tubes down the nose to relieve the hiccough, which was complicating matters, for taking the gas out of the stomach. They talked also of the urgent need that had arisen to puncture the lump and syringe off the pus from the abscess. It must indeed have given a terrible gash of pain for Baba, every time the hiccough pulled the muscle tight and affected the lump round the inflamed appendix! But eventually the doctors left the Raj Nivas with their tubes and bottles, as Baba refused to accept their proposals.
On the 10th, a Bhajan meeting had been announced at Government House, and word had gone round indicating that Baba would attend the meeting! Baba too said “Yes! Arrange it”. The doctors could not believe their ears. They did not foresee any possibility of a public appearance that day. There was doubt, wonder and amazement in the minds of various people, but a few of them were convinced that whatever He says will come to pass.
At tea time Mrs. Sen looked rather serious, as time was running out and already people were streaming towards the meeting place. Goa, which had been previously shocked by the news of the agonising illness, was now jolted by the impact of such good news.
Baba’s condition may be described in His own words: “The doctors were unanimous that an immediate operation was necessary, or they would not be held responsible for what might happen. They said the inflamed appendix had burst, and the pus had entered the blood – a situation that is fatal for all mortals”!
Baba had to move across His own room, across the drawing room, walk along the veranda, ascend a low step, get across to the doorstep of the hall which He had selected for Bhajan, traverse its length, reach the dais, climb two low steps – and finally sit upon the chair placed there. A total distance of 200 feet! A floral carpet stretched all this length.
Sri Nakul Sen spoke later during the Bhajan sessions. “The doctors became panicky, and I could feel that they were absolutely against what Bhagawan had said to me. My sixth sense somehow assured me that Bhagawan was showing one of His Leelas in Goa and that through His Sankalpa (Will) He would get rid of this trouble as quickly as He had assumed it.”
Dr. Varma, the chief of team of doctors came at about 4 p.m. and finding a floral carpet covering a distance of 200 feet, protested that it was too long a walk. He suggested some short cuts through other doors and passages making the journey a distance of only 40 feet. He said, “The dais itself will have to go; let the chair be on the floor, for He cannot get up the steps however low they may be – and please, have the dais on the near side, not at the farthermost end of the hall”.
At 5 p.m. Baba was led into the bathroom, and twenty minutes later He came out of it, clean shaven, wearing a new robe! Fresh as a new blossomed rose.
When the doctors examined Him again, they could not locate any abscess, nor could they find any trace of big lump of flesh near it. The whole area of the appendix was as soft and as normal as it could be.
“Lo and behold!,” said Nakul Sen, in the speech he delivered as soon as Baba sat on the dais at 6 p.m., “Bhagawan walked from His bedroom to the dais, a distance of about 200 feet without any aid. He sat down erect on an office chair”.
Ms. June writes about that historic moment of ecstasy: “Bhajan began, and my heart was pounding a joyous tune of expectancy. Love for Baba filled the hall. Ah! There He was, moving majestically down the hall, although He had required the assistance of two men all day. He now moved as if nothing had ever happened. His steps were as sure and graceful as ever. The cheeks which had been hollow when I last saw them were completely filled out. His Love flooded the hall. It was overpowering. He swung into the room, and when He saw someone leaning against the wall with a sick child beside him, the Hand began the familiar circular motion to create the cure.
Baba’s eyes which plumb the depths, His eyes which pour out love and compassion, His eyes which flash when he speaks of cruelty, falsehood, hypocrisy and injustice, eyes which can be full of quips, were as eloquent as ever. He took His place on the divan in front of the gathering and began keeping rhythm with the Bhajan being sung, with His head and hand. Mrs. Rajagopal whispered in my ear, “Look! Those eyes are more beautiful than ever. There is an ethereal expression, not of this world in them; a look of radiant joy and adoration”.
Baba’s eyes caressed the gathering, which was watching Him without even a wink, apprehensive that the cure He had effected on Himself, might be only partial or temporary.
Sri Nakul Sen was full of gratitude and wonder! While welcoming Baba, and introducing the gathering to Him as convention demanded, he said, “Bhagawan lives in the inner recesses of the hearts of His devotees; there is nothing He would not do for them. He has simultaneously appeared in this Form at different places, to help His devotees in distress, or to save them from impending calamities, of which He alone has the precognition! Through His Sankalpa or Will, He has assumed the illness of His devotees and suffered it from them, because they would have succumbed to it, if left alone.
We have witnessed this now, a Leela which has greatly perplexed the medical experts of Goa. It leaves no doubt in our minds that there is nothing on this earth which is beyond Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His Leela is Adbhut – unprecedented; it is Romancha Kari – exhilarating; it is Madhumaya – sweet in memory; Mangalamayi – promoting the happiness and welfare of mankind; Manoharini – overpowering the mind and turning it to truth, beauty and goodness. It gives Ananda – bliss!…”
Nakul Sen concluded his descriptions of the ancient glories of Goa and its sacred contacts with Siva, Rama, Krishna, and Parasurama, the Divine Avatars, with these words: “No wonder the Lord decided to visit this ancient and sacred land again, in the form which He has assumed now, with the name of Sathya Sai Baba; He has loved Goa in His previous incarnations and Goa continues to be dear to Him even now”.
Baba spoke for over forty minutes with His usual emphasis and élan. The gathering listened spellbound, for it was a message of triumph, benevolence, and benediction.
The illness that had vanished an hour ago was still uppermost in the minds of all, and so, Baba spoke of the significance of its ‘entrance and exit’ and its place in the scheme of the Avatar’s activities.
“There are many who doubt the existence of God or deny Him, or dismiss the idea of God as a silly outworn superstition. To make them discard their conceit, the Divine, out of Its Innate Grace, reveals its superhuman glory. The doubters receive the reply without asking, the door is opened without even a knock; for those who deny will not knock at all. The ‘superstition’ will be illumined into divine status by a concrete experience, an indisputable fact.
The human body generates diseases as a result of faulty food or frivolous habits, or foolish rashness or fanatic emotions. The illness that was witnessed by you during the last two days was quite different. That was an illness taken over by Me, voluntarily put on, in order to save a victim who could not have survived it! His continued existence, in good health is desirable for the task dear to Me. Pouring Grace on the devout is one of the functions of the Avatar. The appendix was inflamed, it turned into an abscess which the doctors could cure only by removal… He could not have survived it, I know. I have come with this Body in order to save ‘other bodies’ from pain. This Body is ever free from pain. Disease can never affect it.
I had to go to the rescue of a person who had surrendered to Me – even his judgment. I took over his illness and went through it. It shall not recur again in him. You refer to this incident as a miracle, but remember – every breath is a proof of the Providence of God. Every event is the consequence of Divine Omnipotence.
Wherever you find truth, beauty, goodness, justice, wisdom, compassion – God is present, and active. An atheist denies God, with the very breath that God has given him! He closes the eyes that God has opened in Him, and declares that there he could see no God. Therefore, such amazing events have to be accomplished and made known to man everywhere, so that mankind can be saved from over-fond involvement with the world, and lovingly drawn towards the Master of the World.”
Reference: “Sathyam Sivam Sundaram” Vol – III by Prof. N Kasturi. Published by Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications Division, Prasanthi Nilayam.
Bhagavan Baba's Many devotees belive Swami will live for 96 Years
A group of eminent devotees, including former judges, police officers and physicians, believe that the 85-year-old Sathya Sai Baba's present condition is because he has taken on himself the sufferings of one of his devotees.
As the guru battles for life at the Sathya Sai super speciality hospital at Puttaparthi town in Anantapur district, a group of devotees on Thursday held a press conference here to say he would recover and appeal to the media to respect their sentiments.
"Sai Baba is incarnation of god. He will recover and will live for 96 years as he himself had once said," said R Prabhakar Rao, former police chief of Andhra Pradesh.
Some devotees said Sathya Sai Baba himself was god and hence not like other human beings. They believe he is passing through the current phase of illness as he has taken human form. The group also said that faith had no logic.
The eminent devotees dismissed reports in a section of the media that Sathya Sai Baba died 20 days ago and that his death was not being announced to get funds from his devotees in India and abroad.
Former chief justice of Andhra Pradesh high court J Eswara Prasad claimed that Sathya Sai Baba had cured his childhood paralysis when doctors had termed it incurable. "He always protected me and I did not even avail the official security during some key assignments," said the former judge.
Eminent agricultural scientist and former vice chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University M.V. Rao said he, too, believed that Sathya Sai Baba would come out of the present illness and go on to live for 96 years.
"Though as a scientist I see everything scientifically, the powers of Baba and his extraordinary social work impressed me," he said.
Former police commissioner of Hyderabad Appa Rao said the Sathya Sai Baba possessed supernatural powers and he had seen him materialise objects like wristwatches and rings out of thin air.
Facing a volley of questions, the devotees did not respond to a query if they would stop believing Sathya Sai Baba was an incarnation of god if he did not live for 96 years.
Physician and vice president of Narayana Hrudayalaya-Malla Reddy Hospital Anil Kumar said only four organs of the guru had either failed or not functioning well and claimed that there were hundreds of instances where such patients lived on ventilator for 25 years.
Anil Kumar quoted doctors attending on Sathya Sai Baba as saying that he was not in coma. He said though millions of devotees had come forward to donate their organs, it was not possible to transplant the vital organs.
Though the condition of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba is worsening, many of his devotees are confident he will recover and live for 96 years as he had once predicted.
IANS
As the guru battles for life at the Sathya Sai super speciality hospital at Puttaparthi town in Anantapur district, a group of devotees on Thursday held a press conference here to say he would recover and appeal to the media to respect their sentiments.
"Sai Baba is incarnation of god. He will recover and will live for 96 years as he himself had once said," said R Prabhakar Rao, former police chief of Andhra Pradesh.
Some devotees said Sathya Sai Baba himself was god and hence not like other human beings. They believe he is passing through the current phase of illness as he has taken human form. The group also said that faith had no logic.
The eminent devotees dismissed reports in a section of the media that Sathya Sai Baba died 20 days ago and that his death was not being announced to get funds from his devotees in India and abroad.
Former chief justice of Andhra Pradesh high court J Eswara Prasad claimed that Sathya Sai Baba had cured his childhood paralysis when doctors had termed it incurable. "He always protected me and I did not even avail the official security during some key assignments," said the former judge.
Eminent agricultural scientist and former vice chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University M.V. Rao said he, too, believed that Sathya Sai Baba would come out of the present illness and go on to live for 96 years.
"Though as a scientist I see everything scientifically, the powers of Baba and his extraordinary social work impressed me," he said.
Former police commissioner of Hyderabad Appa Rao said the Sathya Sai Baba possessed supernatural powers and he had seen him materialise objects like wristwatches and rings out of thin air.
Facing a volley of questions, the devotees did not respond to a query if they would stop believing Sathya Sai Baba was an incarnation of god if he did not live for 96 years.
Physician and vice president of Narayana Hrudayalaya-Malla Reddy Hospital Anil Kumar said only four organs of the guru had either failed or not functioning well and claimed that there were hundreds of instances where such patients lived on ventilator for 25 years.
Anil Kumar quoted doctors attending on Sathya Sai Baba as saying that he was not in coma. He said though millions of devotees had come forward to donate their organs, it was not possible to transplant the vital organs.
Though the condition of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba is worsening, many of his devotees are confident he will recover and live for 96 years as he had once predicted.
IANS
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is very critical 21st Morning Report
The health situation of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is very critical. All the organs are showing very poor response to the treatment.
Non-functioning of the liver and persistent episodes of low blood pressure are causing great worry to the doctors.
However, most of the parameters have still been kept at nearly normal levels by the use of appropriate medicines.
The breathing is still ventilator dependent. And the process of slow haemodialysis has been started in the morning to assist the kidneys.
The doctors are putting their best efforts to improve His clinical condition.
The World over and Puttaparthi continued with prayerful mode, pleading and praying to their Beloved Bhagawan
Non-functioning of the liver and persistent episodes of low blood pressure are causing great worry to the doctors.
However, most of the parameters have still been kept at nearly normal levels by the use of appropriate medicines.
The breathing is still ventilator dependent. And the process of slow haemodialysis has been started in the morning to assist the kidneys.
The doctors are putting their best efforts to improve His clinical condition.
The World over and Puttaparthi continued with prayerful mode, pleading and praying to their Beloved Bhagawan
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bhagavan Baba Miracle News in Puttaparthi on 19th April 2011
'Miracle' in Puttaparthi, Baba statue oozes scented oil
PUTTAPARTHI: News of a 'miracle' swept through Puttaparthi on Tuesday 19th April
Around 9.30 am, devotees rushed to the house of a retired deputy tehsildar at Ganesh Circle on the outskirts of Puttaparthi, where a 4-ft idol of Sai Baba was reportedly oozing perfumed oils from its feet. TV cameramen rushed to grab the visuals and devotees thronged the house. They claimed it was a sign of Sai Baba recovering.
Devotees refused to consider that the wax idol could be melting in the sweltering heat and the oil was a resultant residue. Raheem, a sculptor, said Sai Baba had appeared in his dream last November. "He told me to make his idol and worship the same. I followed his direction," said Raheem. He had made the idol five years ago, but had kept it hidden till now.
The idol is a replica of Sai Baba complete with his thick bushy hair and saffron robes.
In the morning, Raheem's wife informed her neighbours as soon as the oil began oozing out. Soon, crowd gathered at the house. Policemen arrived to manage the swelling crowd. B Narayana Swamy, owner of the house, said he rushed when Raheem told him about it, said, "It's a miracle. It's one of Swami's marvels. After I touched the feet of the idol and smelt the perfumed oil, I began to believe Sai Baba has come back."
PUTTAPARTHI: News of a 'miracle' swept through Puttaparthi on Tuesday 19th April
Around 9.30 am, devotees rushed to the house of a retired deputy tehsildar at Ganesh Circle on the outskirts of Puttaparthi, where a 4-ft idol of Sai Baba was reportedly oozing perfumed oils from its feet. TV cameramen rushed to grab the visuals and devotees thronged the house. They claimed it was a sign of Sai Baba recovering.
Devotees refused to consider that the wax idol could be melting in the sweltering heat and the oil was a resultant residue. Raheem, a sculptor, said Sai Baba had appeared in his dream last November. "He told me to make his idol and worship the same. I followed his direction," said Raheem. He had made the idol five years ago, but had kept it hidden till now.
The idol is a replica of Sai Baba complete with his thick bushy hair and saffron robes.
In the morning, Raheem's wife informed her neighbours as soon as the oil began oozing out. Soon, crowd gathered at the house. Policemen arrived to manage the swelling crowd. B Narayana Swamy, owner of the house, said he rushed when Raheem told him about it, said, "It's a miracle. It's one of Swami's marvels. After I touched the feet of the idol and smelt the perfumed oil, I began to believe Sai Baba has come back."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
“My body may be suffering but my atma is unharmed. My devotees’ prayers are my medicine.” Baba
It is Pain full to see People talking about Swami's Wealth instead of His Health.
Please remember "This is not the time to talk about the trust or its finances.Swami's wealth is his innumerable ardent devoties from the world over who is praying for his recovery and waiting to have a Darsan of their beloved Bhagavan.
You will witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. No one can stop this development or delay it. I will not give you up, nor can anyone of you give Me up. Even if you loose faith, you will repent and come to this refuge very soon, clamoring for admission. I shall be in this body for 58 more years: I have assured of this already Swami told in 1961 (50 years back).
Yes see what is there in Puttaparthi once a remote village called Gollapalli.
The Sathya Sai Central Trust manages medical and degree colleges, schools, a books and publications Trust, a Women’s Welfare Trust, Super speciality hospitals (in Puttaparthi and Whitefield in Bangalore), General hospitals and drinking water schemes in Anantapur, Medak, Mahbubnagar, East and West Godavari and Chennai. Its presence extends to 186 nations and it has 1,200 organisations worldwide. In Puttaparthi itself, there is a huge Sathya Sai University complex, a Chaitanya Jyoti museum, a planetarium, indoor and outdoor stadiums, a hospital, a music college and an airport, apart from the superspeciality hospital and the main Prashanti Nilayam complex.
The Trust is offering free services to all the needy in these institutions irrespective of the cast creed or nationality.
Every project is managed by the central trust which is exempted from taxes as it is registered as a charity. While Sathya Sai Baba is the chairman, retired IAS officer K. Chakravarthi is the secretary. He grew close to Sathya Sai Baba when he was Anantapur collector and has been associated with the swami since the 1980s.
Any close on lookers can find that no government can run the trust with the kind of discipline with which it is now run.
The following Trust members are Hand picked by Bhagavan Baba
•Sri Sathya Sai Baba - President
•K. Chakravarthi: Secretary, former IAS officer
•V. Srinivasan (Madras Srinivasan): Member, an industrialist
•S.V. Giri: Former CVC
•Indulal Shah: Trust member and chartered accountant from Mumbai
•Justice P.N. Bhagwati: Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
•Nagananda: Trust member. A reputed lawyer from Karnataka.
•G. Venkataraman: Renowned scientist. Vice-chairman of overseas wing of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation.
•G. Srinivasan: (Popularly known as ‘Bangalore Srinivasan’).
•Michael Goldstein: Chairman of the International Sathya Sai Organisation
•John Hislop: Writer and one-time head of the Sathya Sai Organisation in the United States
•Isaac Tigrett Burton: A big donor to the Sathya Sai Trust
•R.J. Ratnakar: Son of Sathya Sai Baba's younger brother R. Janakiramaiah, and the only family member on the board (Inducted only in 2010 )
Donations pour in from various quarters.Even last year, there were two huge donations: an NRI donated Rs 300 crore for the hospital and a foreigner Rs 200 crore.
In fact you can not see any Hundi anywhwere in these institutions or any sign boards seeking any donations.Where as any devotee or visitor deserious of making any donations to the central trust for the good services offered to the public can deposit their donations through State Bank of India account by Deposits or any other designated Bank for the purpose.
It is more or less evident that all the receipts are accounted on a day to day basis
since all transactions are made through banks only.
The trust’s activities are an ocean and there may be some negligible flaws.
But remember who on earth will provide so many services for free?
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
Please remember "This is not the time to talk about the trust or its finances.Swami's wealth is his innumerable ardent devoties from the world over who is praying for his recovery and waiting to have a Darsan of their beloved Bhagavan.
You will witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. No one can stop this development or delay it. I will not give you up, nor can anyone of you give Me up. Even if you loose faith, you will repent and come to this refuge very soon, clamoring for admission. I shall be in this body for 58 more years: I have assured of this already Swami told in 1961 (50 years back).
Yes see what is there in Puttaparthi once a remote village called Gollapalli.
The Sathya Sai Central Trust manages medical and degree colleges, schools, a books and publications Trust, a Women’s Welfare Trust, Super speciality hospitals (in Puttaparthi and Whitefield in Bangalore), General hospitals and drinking water schemes in Anantapur, Medak, Mahbubnagar, East and West Godavari and Chennai. Its presence extends to 186 nations and it has 1,200 organisations worldwide. In Puttaparthi itself, there is a huge Sathya Sai University complex, a Chaitanya Jyoti museum, a planetarium, indoor and outdoor stadiums, a hospital, a music college and an airport, apart from the superspeciality hospital and the main Prashanti Nilayam complex.
The Trust is offering free services to all the needy in these institutions irrespective of the cast creed or nationality.
Every project is managed by the central trust which is exempted from taxes as it is registered as a charity. While Sathya Sai Baba is the chairman, retired IAS officer K. Chakravarthi is the secretary. He grew close to Sathya Sai Baba when he was Anantapur collector and has been associated with the swami since the 1980s.
Any close on lookers can find that no government can run the trust with the kind of discipline with which it is now run.
The following Trust members are Hand picked by Bhagavan Baba
•Sri Sathya Sai Baba - President
•K. Chakravarthi: Secretary, former IAS officer
•V. Srinivasan (Madras Srinivasan): Member, an industrialist
•S.V. Giri: Former CVC
•Indulal Shah: Trust member and chartered accountant from Mumbai
•Justice P.N. Bhagwati: Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
•Nagananda: Trust member. A reputed lawyer from Karnataka.
•G. Venkataraman: Renowned scientist. Vice-chairman of overseas wing of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation.
•G. Srinivasan: (Popularly known as ‘Bangalore Srinivasan’).
•Michael Goldstein: Chairman of the International Sathya Sai Organisation
•John Hislop: Writer and one-time head of the Sathya Sai Organisation in the United States
•Isaac Tigrett Burton: A big donor to the Sathya Sai Trust
•R.J. Ratnakar: Son of Sathya Sai Baba's younger brother R. Janakiramaiah, and the only family member on the board (Inducted only in 2010 )
Donations pour in from various quarters.Even last year, there were two huge donations: an NRI donated Rs 300 crore for the hospital and a foreigner Rs 200 crore.
In fact you can not see any Hundi anywhwere in these institutions or any sign boards seeking any donations.Where as any devotee or visitor deserious of making any donations to the central trust for the good services offered to the public can deposit their donations through State Bank of India account by Deposits or any other designated Bank for the purpose.
It is more or less evident that all the receipts are accounted on a day to day basis
since all transactions are made through banks only.
The trust’s activities are an ocean and there may be some negligible flaws.
But remember who on earth will provide so many services for free?
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bhagavan Baba's Last Darsan at Kulvanth Hall on 25th March
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 Bhagawan emerged at 1915 hrs. coming for two full rounds of darshan.
After completing the first round Bhagawan moved into the ladies' side and continued with a bonus round of darshan. Primary School children had a wonderful time with Bhagawan, as Bhagawan preferred to stop at the block for a while during the end of His first round. The little children literally swarmed around His car with greetings in their hands. One after one, each one of them sought blessings from Bhagawan before His car moved into the ladies' side, granting the bonus round of darshan. A group from Alike, Muddenahalli institutions also received Bhagawan's special attention during the round of darshan.
Coming on stage at 1930 hrs. Bhagawan sat for the next half-an-hour and bhajans turned intense. With Bhagawan joining, giving finger beats in between, the session turned out to be a delectable bhajan treat for the august assembly in the twilight.
Just two minutes short of 2000 hrs. Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Even as Arathi was coming to an end, Bhagawan turned into a blessing mood, blessing the audience with double hand abhayahastha, continuously. Post Arathi, before leaving the dais, once again His blessing right palm went up, blessing the audience with abhayahastha.
Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 2005 hrs.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
I was lucky to be there at Puttaparthi on that day and cherish the memmories of the beautiful and pleasant Darsan of Bhagavan.I am waiting to see Bhagavan back to Yagur Mandiram and giving the unmatched bliss and Darsan very soon.Sai ram
After completing the first round Bhagawan moved into the ladies' side and continued with a bonus round of darshan. Primary School children had a wonderful time with Bhagawan, as Bhagawan preferred to stop at the block for a while during the end of His first round. The little children literally swarmed around His car with greetings in their hands. One after one, each one of them sought blessings from Bhagawan before His car moved into the ladies' side, granting the bonus round of darshan. A group from Alike, Muddenahalli institutions also received Bhagawan's special attention during the round of darshan.
Coming on stage at 1930 hrs. Bhagawan sat for the next half-an-hour and bhajans turned intense. With Bhagawan joining, giving finger beats in between, the session turned out to be a delectable bhajan treat for the august assembly in the twilight.
Just two minutes short of 2000 hrs. Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Even as Arathi was coming to an end, Bhagawan turned into a blessing mood, blessing the audience with double hand abhayahastha, continuously. Post Arathi, before leaving the dais, once again His blessing right palm went up, blessing the audience with abhayahastha.
Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 2005 hrs.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
I was lucky to be there at Puttaparthi on that day and cherish the memmories of the beautiful and pleasant Darsan of Bhagavan.I am waiting to see Bhagavan back to Yagur Mandiram and giving the unmatched bliss and Darsan very soon.Sai ram
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I shall be in this body for 58 more years" Bhagavan Baba"
(From Bhagavan Baba's Discourse at Prashanthi Nilayam,on 04/07/1961).
“Rama, Krishna and Sai Baba appear different because of the dress each has donned. But it is the Self-same Entity, believe Me. Do not be misled into error and loss. The time will soon come when this huge building or even vaster ones will be too small for the gathering of those who are called to this place. The sky itself will have to be the roof of the auditorium of the future: I will have to forego the car and even the airplane when I move from place to place, for the crowds pressing around them will be too huge: I will have to move across the sky: yes, that too will happen, believe Me.
You will witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. No one can stop this development or delay it. I will not give you up, nor can anyone of you give Me up. Even if you loose faith, you will repent and come to this refuge very soon, clamoring for admission. I shall be in this body for 58 more years: I have assured of this already. Your lives are intertwined with My Earthly Career. Act always in accordance with that great privilege”.
“Rama, Krishna and Sai Baba appear different because of the dress each has donned. But it is the Self-same Entity, believe Me. Do not be misled into error and loss. The time will soon come when this huge building or even vaster ones will be too small for the gathering of those who are called to this place. The sky itself will have to be the roof of the auditorium of the future: I will have to forego the car and even the airplane when I move from place to place, for the crowds pressing around them will be too huge: I will have to move across the sky: yes, that too will happen, believe Me.
You will witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. No one can stop this development or delay it. I will not give you up, nor can anyone of you give Me up. Even if you loose faith, you will repent and come to this refuge very soon, clamoring for admission. I shall be in this body for 58 more years: I have assured of this already. Your lives are intertwined with My Earthly Career. Act always in accordance with that great privilege”.
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