MOHARAM IS THE DAY OF PRAYER, SACRIFICE, AND SURRENDER

Today is ‘Moharam’. According to Islam, today happens to be a very important day of special significance for all Muslim brothers and sisters. Today is an occasion of prayer, an event of sacrifice and surrender. As I was reading the event’s details, I was very much surprised about the similarities that exist between different religions. I have also realised how silly it is to forget the underlying unity and, instead, fight over the superficial differences.  

For Christians, this is also the season called ‘Lent’, which is followed by Jesus’ crucifixion.  Jesus himself allowed them to put him on the cross due to his Love for mankind and in order to uplift mankind. He is the symbol of sacrifice and Love – service above the self (ego). In modern times, it is rather very difficult to even imagine. Yet, the crucifixion of Jesus is fairly similar to the event that had happened fourteen hundred years ago in Moharam.

Moharam was an occasion of revolt and rebellion against those who had disobeyed and trespassed the scriptures. There are many who have no faith in the scriptures, violate scriptural dicta and act against the scriptural sanction. Moharam was a fight against such people. It was an event where a committed, dedicated and spiritual person revolted against those who defied the scripture and the scriptural dictations. Therefore, it is very clear that one has to follow all that is said in the scriptures, as it is written, with no selfish interest.

Indeed, the prophets, seers, sages, saints, visionaries, and people of religious certitude handed over the scriptures to us out of their deep Love for humanity, and with intention to emancipate mankind. They decided to show man a path along which he can tread to attain salvation, liberation, paradise or nirvana.  Therefore, to dismiss and/or to disobey the scriptures is not only an act of dullness, indifference and foolishness, but I would also say that it is an act of total ruin.

After a long period of penance and prolonged years of meditation, each of these holy people had a revelation, a vision, or heard the inner voice (God’s voice), and so they were able to pass on the gospel from generation-to-generation. Hence, we cannot underestimate the scriptures, overrule, or simply dismiss them. 

LOVE IS BEYOND LOGIC – RELIGION IS BEYOND SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

The scriptures show us safe and secure paths. We should have faith in the scriptures, as we can have no faith in our own selves! We are in a total state of confusion. We always want to analyse and think deeply, or we rationalise and apply the principles of cause and effect. My friends, so far as the world and the material or secular knowledge is concerned, this holds good and is a valid approach.

Indeed, the material and secular knowledge needs investigation, experimentation, thorough analysis, total understanding, deep insight and concentrated attention. These are all required to be successful in the material world. This is all logic. This is all the thought process and the stretch of intellectual gimmicks.

So science originates from logic and rationality, while religion originates out of Love. You can logically explain anything relating to the world, but you cannot logically explain what Love is.  Why do you Love? What is the logic behind it? How do you explain Love? Can you? No one can.

Therefore, that which is beyond logic, that which is beyond scientific investigation, is religion. And the scriptures are an account of the experiences, the visions, and the fortitude of the saints, seers, and the prophets of the past. As such, if we are interested in our own betterment and future, we have no authority to deny or question them.

PRIORITIES

My friends, Moharam is an occasion of introspection that helps us to set the priorities of our life. Priorities -- What place you give to God? What place you give to yourself? Veda is the scripture we call Divine; but Bible is equally Divine, and Koran is also Divine. It is not the exclusive right of any religion to solely claim its own Divinity, disregarding the others. That is only a partial view of the subject. All the scriptures are equally Divine and great.

Moharam is an event where man is confronted with a problem and faced with a dilemma: Shall I keep the scripture first, or shall I put myself first and the scripture next? It is a question of priorities. Are you going to keep God and His word in first place, or are you going to keep yourself in first place? This is the constant conflict of mankind. This was the situation that had happened relating to this event of Moharam. What is that we can sacrifice in this world?

SUPREME SACRIFICE – READY TO DIE

What is the supreme sacrifice in life? It is quite easy to give money, position, and possessions - but the supreme sacrifice is to be prepared to die, willing to sacrifice one’s own life, as Jesus did on the cross. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who is revered and worshiped globally generations after generation. Indeed, his supreme love for mankind made him sacrifice his own life.

A similar event had happened on this day of Moharam. Nearly about fourteen centuries ago, the Muslims recorded a mistake, a fault, a trespass, and a disobedience committed by a khalifa (the Prophet’s successor). There used to be a khalifa by the name of Moavia. He declared his son, Yazeed, as his heir and successor. But Islamic faith does not approve of this kind of passing on of the authority from one generation to another. In another words, contrary to monarchy where kingship automatically passes on from father to son, a khalifa cannot his name heir and successor like that. In Islam, the people shall have the freedom to elect and choose their khalifa. The son cannot be the heir for the simple reason that he is the son of a khalifa. No! There is nothing like that. The people will have to choose him as one. Therefore, there was a total revolt and an outburst against Moavia’s decision.

Some people started questioning, “How could Moavia name his son as his successor? The scripture does not accept this.” With the revolt, there was anarchy and bloodshed. The whole revolt, a kind of mutiny, a single war, was declared under the leadership of Hussain (the Prophet’s grandson).

Hussain championed the cause for Muslims. He was the people’s voice that questioned Moavia. “Oh Moavia! You have no authority to name your successor. It should be left to the people to choose whomsoever they love and want as governor.”

As history tells us, no good cause will ever receive wide public support. A treachery, robbery and genocide receive ample support from all quarters of the globe!  But, as it is usual in every religion and in every country for that matter, a good and a noble cause, based on the scripture, did not receive full public support. Therefore, Hussain was supported by only a few who followed him to Koofa, the city where Moavia and his son, Yazeed, were residing.

KOOFA CITY

Some people in Koofa supported Hussain. They said, “Oh Hussain, what you say is right.  If you come, we will support you.”  But when Hussain, accompanied with seventy-two supporters and followers (7+2=9 the Divine number) marched towards Koofa, Yazeed, Moavia’s successor, fearful of loosing his future throne, sent a large battalion of the army in order to prevent them from entering the city.

Umar Binsaad, captain and army chief, attacked this group on their way to Koofa, killing Hussain and all his followers. They mercilessly beheaded the men, humiliated and imprisoned their women and children, and robbed their jewels and their precious belongings. What a treacherous deed it was! It was a matter of shame to the entire humanity that these people were killed, humiliated, insulted, and robbed. 

Further, as Umar Binsaad wanted to show his loyalty to the khalifa, he ordered his soldiers to take the heads of these seventy-two men to Yazeed. Ibne-Zyaab, the Koofa governor, shamelessly kept all the seventy-two heads in a line.  He put them all in an exhibition so that all may come to know the triumph over Hussain and his cause.

The same day that Hussain’s effort to save the scripture was put down by bloodshed is the day when all people were put to shame.  This merciless killing happened fourteen hundred years ago, on the 10th day of this month. After the massacre, people prayed and cried intensely for the departed.  Even today, on Moharam, as you watch T.V., you can see Muslim men, half-naked, torturing and ripping themselves, piercing needles into their own bodies, inflicting self-hurt and self-torture in order to memorise the shameful event that happened then.

HUSSAIN’S PRIORITY TO SCRIPTURE – HIS LIFE NEXT

In other words, Moharam is the day of sacrifice, prayer, and sharing of Hussain’s extreme pain and agony.  Moharam is the day of expressing gratitude to this great man, who gave priority to the scripture rather than to his own life; as Jesus did on the cross, as Socrates gave up his life, and as Galileo did in order to hold on to the Truth. That is the mystery of life. 

My friends, our mind cannot reach those heights. We cannot even imagine those things, as any slight inconvenience is enough for most of us to loose faith. Any of the slightest inconvenience! That is where we are. 

My friends, I spoke with some of my Islamic friends to gather these facts, so as to share them with you and show you the commonality between Christianity, Hinduism and Islamic faith. Islam speaks of Hussain, who sacrificed his life; Christianity speaks of Jesus Christ, who also sacrificed his life on the cross. 

So this is the period of Moharam, a period of penance, meditation, reflection, and pondering over the scripture. Indeed, it is a period to get reaffirmation, confirmation and reassurance in the principles enshrined in the scripture.

SANATHANA DHARMA

Let us think of Sanathana Dharma; let me not say Hinduism. Hinduism is not the correct word. You do not hear Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba using this word ‘Hinduism’. When you say ‘Hinduism’, it can be branded as a religion. Yet, Hinduism is not a religion, my friends; it is a way of life. When you take Hinduism as a way of life, you cannot call it Hinduism any longer. It happens to be the most ancient time in history on record, going back several thousands of years. Every other religion came later, in a corrected, reformed, improved, or whatever form you may like. But the most ancient faith is called Sanathana Dharma.

Now, let us see what Sanathana Dharma has got to say regarding Moharam. It may look rather funny and it may sound silly to see if anything is said by Sanathana Dharma with reference to Moharam.  But, let us go deeply into the subject. Christ died on the cross as a person and as the only begotten Son of God. Hussain sacrificed his life on Moharam as a person and as an individual fighting for the scripture.

Sanathana Dharma says it is neither the duty nor an obligation for anyone to die for you. Please understand. It is neither the responsibility nor is there any justification for anyone to die for you.  Therefore, Sanathana Dharma says, “That which is to be sacrificed is not the whole and the sole responsibility of any individual. Sacrifice is expected of every spiritual seeker. Sacrifice is a must for every spiritual aspirant.”

Nakarmana,Naprajaya

Dhanena,Tyagenaika

Amruthathwamamsam.

IMMORTALITY IS ONLY POSSIBLE BY SACRIFICE

Amruthathwa (Immortality) is only possible by Thyaga (Sacrifice). This is the price that one has to pay if striving for the state of Immortality or deathlessness. Immortality is the deathless state, the state that has neither birth nor death. Immortality is the state when one is finished with the chain of birth and death, life after life. Therefore, Sanathana Dharma wants everyone to sacrifice.

What is it that we should sacrifice?  Let me tell you, my friends! Out of a bit of emotion and temper, one may be prepared to die, commit suicide or be hung; but after all, you cannot call it sacrifice by any true sense of the term.

This happened about 25 years ago, or even more. Somebody said to Swami, “Swami, You stopped talking to one boy, a postgraduate student in the hostel, and now he is not taking any food and is planning to commit suicide.” He wanted to threaten Swami. He wanted to given an ultimatum to Bhagavan. Is that possible?

You know what Baba said? “Let him die nicely. I will give him a good body next time.” (Laughter)  “Let this body go; next life I will give him a good body.” Therefore, giving up and leaving the body is not the ultimate sacrifice.  Death is not the supreme sacrifice.

SACRIFICE THE EGO

In fact, one has to sacrifice the ego. That is the supreme sacrifice. Unless ego is sacrificed, no other thing is worthy to be sacrificed. If I give money, after all, I can get it back. I can get income from tax exemption also. As I have enough space to live, I can also share accommodation. But to sacrifice this ego or ‘I’-ness is not an ordinary thing.  Sanathana Dharma clearly says, “Those who are born again and again take birth-after-birth because of this ego.” When once this ego is sacrificed, when once this ‘I’-ness and ‘mine-ness’ has been given up, one shall not have to pass through the cycle of births and deaths. That is what we call ‘Immortality’.

But how is it possible to give up the ego? Why should I give up the ego? And, why is it so difficult to give up the ego? It is very difficult because I am attached to it and I identify myself as the ego. But this is not just now. The ego has developed over hundreds and thousands lives, and it is all the carried-over baggage and the luggage from the past several lives.

Just let us imagine when we have to vacate a house where we have resided for over ten years. It seems very painful because we part with all those in the neighbourhood. Also, all the belongings that we have collected over those ten years of our stay require at least two trucks to transport. (Laughter) 

So how about this luggage called ‘ego’? It has been nicely and safely secure with all the identification that we have been carrying with us over our past several lives. It is difficult and painful to get rid of ego, as I do not know what will happen if I lose my ego. With my ego, I am respected, identified, and labelled. With my ego, I enjoy position and prestige. I am so-and-so. Without ego, where am I to go? Nobody will recognise me, respect me and greet me. I am nobody to anybody, and to everybody, I am nobody! 

So the big question is: “What is going to happen if I give up the ego?” A million-dollar question!  As I have not prepared myself to give up my identity, I cannot be simply X, Y or Z -- any Tom, Dick or Harry. I want to be known as so-and-so. I want to be famous and prestigious. At least I want to be a V.I.P. on the veranda. (Laughter) As long as this ‘V.I.P. on the veranda’ psychology remains, there is no doubt that we will know the existence of ego for thousand of lives to come!

TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE PROGRESSING SPIRITUALLY

In fact, it was Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who said, “When you are not ruffled, disturbed, or agitated, and can simply remain calm and poised, understand that you are progressing spiritually.” Aha! What a nice statement it is!

How am I to know that I am progressing spiritually? I am progressing spiritually if I am happy from within, if I do not compare and compete with others, or am not bothered whether I get the first or last row. I am progressing spiritually when I am not bothered about  how many chances you got, and don’t count my own chances, which, when we do count and compare, makes them an act of division, publicity, pomp and show. It is also said, “You should know that you are progressing spiritually when there are neither positive nor negative thoughts in the mind, or rather, when there is thoughtlessness.” 

We should have some norms and/or parameters to know that we are advancing spiritually. For instance, in the educational field, one knows that in about ten years’ time, one could get a postgraduate degree. “Oh! In two years, I will get my Ph.D.” Okay!  So, from the material point of view, you can say how far you are away from your targets and expectations. “Well, next year, I expect a promotion.”

But in spirituality, there is nowhere to reach. Please be clear -- nowhere and no goal to reach, because you are a goal unto yourself. When God is inside, how can you say, “God is my goal”? It is nothing but Himalayan ignorance! When God is inside, it is foolish if you consider your goal in life to be the ‘search’ for God. I would be a lunatic and a fool if I say that it will take four years for me to reach God.

My friends, there is more than one path to reach God, as all paths will take us to Him. All ways always and in all ways will take you to God. So, unless I am a dogmatic fanatic, a fundamentalist, how can I say, “This is the only way to God”? If ‘All roads lead to Rome’, why then can’t we say that all ways lead to God? Therefore my friends, all ways lead to God.

If all ways lead to Him and He is within, why do I not know that? The reason is the ego. The ego is the only barrier; that is all. Yet, as we do not understand that, we even improve our ego unconsciously day-by-day. When we talk to some people, they go on blowing their own trumpet: “You know how long I have been visiting this place?” Why would I be interested? Yet, he goes on telling that he has been visiting this place for the last three decades. Now, if you pick up some courage, put this question: “Has there been any change in you?” You will become his enemy instantly! (Laughter) 

On the other hand, he expects you to compliment him. “Oh! Thirty years. Great!” But it is a matter of shame for that man because, in spite of three decades of stay, he has not improved an inch. What a hardcore personality he has! How difficult it is to change him! Perhaps white-washing the wall is easier than transforming such a person! In fact, we want to show off. If anyone tells some experience about his own life, we cut him in the middle and start telling him our own experience as we don’t want him to think that he is senior to us. (Laughter)

“I HAD A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE”

When I hear people using these words ‘beautiful experience’, I tell them to their face, “Array, boy! It is not proper on your part to say that you had a beautiful experience, because there cannot be any ugly experiences with God.” All experiences with God are beautiful. I would rather switch it in this way and say that, at that moment, it is fair enough to see the beauty in the experience. So, that is why you say it is a beautiful experience.

Some people say that Baba is very serious this morning and some say, “No, No! He is smiling.” Oh, I see!  Some say that He looks tired. Some say, “No, No!  He is highly energetic.” Some say that He is very fair, and what a complexion He has! Some say that He is very dark in complexion. Is that right? How is it possible? If He is dark, He should look dark to everybody and if He is fair, He should look fair to everybody. Why one says that He is fair and the other one says that He is dark? If he is tired, He should naturally look tired to everybody. Then why some say that He is energetic?

BABA IS A REFLECTION OF OUR OWN BEING

My friends, this is enough proof to know that Baba is a reflection of our own being. When I am tired, so is Baba looking equally tired to me. If I am not as fair as I want to be, I say that Baba is not fair but dark. When I am weak because I have been busy all day, I say that Baba also looks weak. 

The energetic man will never say that Baba is weak. He sees the force of energy in Swami. He will see that Baba is energetic because he himself is energetic. If he is strong, he will say that Swami is also strong. Let us be very clear about it. As there cannot be two opinions in any matter relating to the strength or complexion, people still speak in different ways.

‘BEAUTIFUL DARSHAN’

More strangely, some people say, “What a beautiful darshan I had this morning!” Do you mean to say that yesterday’s darshan was not beautiful? “How beautiful was darshan this morning!”  What do you mean by that? Do you mean that yesterday’s darshan was not beautiful enough?  No! It means that if you are fresh, neat, calm, balanced, happy and jovial, you say that Swami is energetic and happy. Therefore, my friends, pointing out something in Swami is, in fact, pointing out something within our own selves. Let us understand this clearly. 

CLOSENESS WITH SWAMI IS FOR FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE

Some say that Baba likes some people more than others. What a foolish statement this is! It is greater foolishness when someone thinks that they are very close to Swami. I say that you ‘think’ you are close to Swami because all are close to Swami. This closeness is not the exclusive right of a few. Physical closeness is only for a functional purpose. It is only to run the ashram, to delegate powers, and only to make a few people accountable, who are responsible for recruiting people into the organisation. 

You cannot think that you are the ‘No.1 devotee’ and that you will have your statue there by the side of the Hanuman statue on the hill above just because Swami talks with you face-to-face. No, No. No! He talks to you with a purpose -- so that you will understand later. It may be that He wants you to work here; it may be that He wants to reform you; it may be that He wants to transform you; it may be that He wants to correct you; it may be that He wants you to be more spiritual; it may be that He wants to help you. Having verbal communication does not mean that you are the only worthy and deserving man in this world. Therefore my friends, all that we see in God is nothing but our own reflections. 

I very well remember that many times Swami said to the boys, “Boys, know that Swami is a pure mirror.” You can see your face as it is. Of course, if the face is not nice, the mirror cannot show a nice reflection. (Laughter) A pure mirror reflects as the object is, as I am, and as we are. But if the mirror is dusty, full of dust, you will have distracted vision. Similarly with Divinity, Bhagavan says that He is a pure mirror.

SWAMI AS FIRE

Referring to Himself, Bhagavan also said another point: “Know that Swami is fire.” It is very difficult to believe and accept that, and to see Swami as fire. Because, when we are close, we want to be closer; and when we are closer, we want to be the closest. Bhagavan’s talking to a person is so attractive and beautiful that He makes you forget what and who you are. As He talks to you in the interview room, you are given the impression that the whole Incarnation depends upon you, and the Sai mission has to be fulfilled by you and through you. Therefore, the fellow will have wings thereafter, or be something like an inflated football. He does not care to see anybody and his eyes have gone up, to look and see only what Baba does.

BABA FOLLOWS HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT

You may have heard of homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy’s method is through aggravation.  For instance, if there is some fever, it stimulates more fever; if there is some swelling, it shall be more swollen, and then, it will subside later. So, homeopathy aggravates and then it cures. I think Baba follows this homeopathy, in all sympathy. (Laughter) He is the pathi, the head, the God of the vast humanity. 

He does not believe in allopathy (western medicine) because it gives one a sudden cure. “Come on! Give him a Paracitomol tablet” and the fever comes down after one hour. No, No! He follows homeopathy. He lets the fever go to 103 or 104 degrees, and only then, He will bring it down. So a fellow with ego, if given an interview, thinks that he knows everything, when in fact, he knows nothing. He becomes totally blind, assuming he is superior to everybody. He believes that, unless there was something special about him, Swami wouldn’t have called him for an interview. Right! Very special! That very ego is seen as he walks. That ego is seen as he talks after the interview. 

After the interview, our mischievous God will add more fuel to the fire. This balloon of ego goes on increasing. The man starts being the king himself! Because Swami gives him interviews everyday, he feels so special that he does not talk to anybody. Oh! But it does not mean you are a museum piece or a tiger put in a cage. It is only our mind, my friends.

Once Swami starts talking to you, starts picking you up, making you feel special and unique, getting you cut off from your friends and well wishers, this is the aggravation. It goes on getting more aggravated. The balloon is blown up to maximum size; but then, pop…pop…pop! (Laughter) Once it reaches its maximum size, the Divine homeopath will put a small puncture somewhere (Laughter) in that big balloon…tup! Gone! Like that, he will never be egoistic next time. It is a permanent cure!

Therefore my friends, ego is the most dangerous impediment for our spiritual growth, and the greatest thing to sacrifice. Ego is the only thing that keeps us in illusion, in false identification, and in delusion, leading us by some superiority or inferiority complex. All complexes and all differences are because of ego.

There are some people who say, “I cannot associate with everybody.” Please bond with some animals, if you cannot connect with everybody! (Laughter) There are some people who say, “I cannot associate with everyone, only with like-minded people.” Others are fortunate enough: “We have not had bad company.” They should be congratulated.

In truth, a spiritual man is dear to everybody and everybody is dear to him. A religious man is near to everybody and everybody is near to him. A spiritual man is ego-less. A spiritual man is full of Love and care for everyone. He is able to talk to the watchman and the topmost man in any position. He does not make any distinctions.

Let us observe Baba Himself, how He talks to the driver or to a primary school student. He even talks to the President of India, Abdul Kalam, in very much the same way that He talks to a primary school student. He does not show him any extra courtesy or hospitality, more Love or nicer words or a welcome address. He shows him the same as He would show to a primary school student. 

For Him, both are one and the same. As the position demands, some protocol is observed; but that is all. Protocol is observed because the position demands safety and security, reasons that honour the rules of the government. But, Swami’s Love is one and the same. Please believe me when I say this. I think that all of you must have also experienced this.

When Swami is able to love a primary school child as much as the President of India, when He is able to equally love everybody, how is that I am not able to do the same? What an unhealthy thing it is! Can I call myself a ‘devotee’? It is a matter of shame; especially if I say that I have been a devotee for the last thirty years. Enough is enough!

MASS WEDDING CEREMONY

You may have watched or known about the mass wedding ceremony, conducted by Bhagavan for 300 couples on the 10th of this month. For your information, there are between eighty to hundred couples from the neighbouring villages, who do not have even one square meal to eat, or enough clothing and shelter. They are very poor people from the lowest strata of society. Even based on the usual standards, Rayalseema in Anantapur District, in particular, is known for its poverty and drought. Bhagavan has taken care of seven selected villages, and even has performed marriages for the couples. 

A rich man with position can have a celebration in a five-star, seven-star, or super-star hotel.  But God Himself cares for the poor man in rags, with torn-out clothes, who has no one else to depend on. “Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall be in the kingdom of Heaven.” So for Baba, there is no difference in the quality of the golden chains, the silk sarees, or anything else given to them. All are the same. So they are given the same as the rest of the people. 

When Bhagavan can treat everybody equally, why not you and me? Why should we separate ourselves from the rest of the people? How unfortunate it is if we think that we are special and unique. To think that I am special is a sign of weakness, and to think that I am unique is extreme foolishness. Sacrificing the ego means to know that I am ordinary, just one among the many belonging to God, as a drop is in the vast ocean. Therefore, Sanathana Dharma wants us to sacrifice our ego in order to bring us more spiritual power. In the society, ego will bring you power. But in spirituality, if you are egoless, you will be more powerful!

Allow me to elaborate my point with a simple example. A drop on my palm is just a drop that can get evaporated at any moment of time. After all, it is only a drop. Yet, once I throw this drop in a mighty, vast, and infinite ocean, it will become as powerful, as great, as majestic, and as beautiful as the ocean itself. This drop is the ego; yet when this drop of ego is dropped, you become an ocean yourself. That is the oceanic level – oceanic! We should become oceanic by dropping the drop of the ego, and becoming as vast as the ocean. 

Therefore, in terms of the Sanathana Dharma, the interpretation of Moharam is that, what is expected of every seeker is that he has to give up the ego, so that he may become as powerful as the Divine. How is it possible? Can I give up my ego? Is it so easy, just as easy as I change my dress? I have so many kinds of dresses: why not the morning dress, the afternoon dress, or the tracksuit? Why not? Is it as easy as changing dress? No.

EGO CAN BE GIVEN UP BY THE GRACE OF THE MASTER

Great people say that you can only give up the ego by the grace of your Master. Here comes the role of a Master. For instance, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! Many prayers are offered in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! What does it mean? Christ is a Divine Master, in whose name we pray so that his grace will be showered upon us, helping us to shed the incurred ego. All prayers are offered in the name of deities. You do not say your name as you pray, do you? If you do, there might be something wrong with you! Prayers are offered in the name of God. Why? So that you can gain courage and strength to get rid of this ego, and find your identity with Divinity; that has been the purpose. 

BAGHAVAN IS COSMIC UNIVERSAL ENERGY

I was going through a book yesterday. There the great man, a saintly man, goes on record this way: “Oh God! What power You have in Your looks! What a fountain of Love You carry with You! What immeasurable Love You have, God! I cannot say, ‘Your Look carries enough of Love; Your gentle glance or look carries enough power. Where have You hidden it, my God?” Those are the words of a great saint.

Similarly, Bhagavan’s look and His gentle touch are enough to transform a materialistic man into a totally spiritual person. What a power is hidden within Him! We do not know. All this may seem to be matter, composed of atoms and molecules, which in turn contain protons, electrons and neutrons. And, if an atom breaks, it dissipates energy that is enough to supply electricity for the whole city of New York. What a fund of power is there in an atom!

Equally, what a fund of energy Bhagavan carries within Him! It is not possible for us to gaze or estimate the microcosmic and macrocosmic aspects of the Divine personality. It is not necessary for us to estimate His capacity. It is enough to say that Bhagavan is so powerful, that He is energy, electro-magnetic energy, cosmic universal energy. So His look, touch, and darshan are enough to make you strong.

A SEVADAL FROM MADHYA PRADESH

The seva dals from Madhya Pradesh are on duty now as the ashram security service. I met one of them, a man by the name of Mr. Rama Rao. He told me of an incident that occurred only two days ago. A tractor full of rice bags was proceeding from here to some place. But somewhere along the road, as ill luck would have it, they ran over a four-year-old child. The child was immediately admitted in the hospital. The doctors took an x-ray and said that nothing had happened to him. After one hour, the child started playing! If you want, I can take you to the child. Our eyebrows will go up in surprise!

Oh, good God! How much cosmic energy You have! When You are giving the afternoon darshan around 3:00, I am thinking and telling everybody that You are there in the Poornachandra Auditorium. But the Madhya Pradesh seva dal brother tells me that You are there on the road, saving this child’s life. What a mystery You have!  What an energy You have!

PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT FROM THEIR NAMES

I can also give an example of another brother, an elderly brother, a teacher with a doctorate, sitting in the front row, who chants the Vedas. On the 10th of the past month, the same day that we witnessed the mass weddings, Swami called him. While he was returning through the back behind the golden lion to talk to Swami, he fell down on the dais. He is a very tall man. He also is a very good man and a great scholar in Veda. His name is Veda Narayana. He is appropriately and nicely named.

As for most cases, people are different from the names they have! (Laughter) One may say his name is Buddha, but in fact he is ‘baddha’ (a bad fellow). (Laughter) Or, someone says his name is Sundar Rao (meaning, beauty), but he is very ugly to look at. (Laughter) The names are mostly like that. We call someone Rama Rao. Rama stands for Truth. But this fellow always speaks untruth or falsehood. (Laughter)  In any case, it is very good luck for our friend Veda Narayana to have his name reflecting and certainly befitting his life-style.

When he fell down, x-rays were taken. The doctors said that the bone had fractured in four places. The doctors advised to operate on him immediately. But when the matter was relayed to Swami, Swami said, “No! Let him be taken to Bangalore.” There, in Bangalore, after check-up, the doctors said that no operation was needed! They only arrested the movement of his hands with some bandages. Now, he is fine, safe, hale, and healthy, reciting same Veda, both in the morning and evening.

Any fracture is usually very painful, and the patient generally struggles hard in baring the excruciating pain.  But when a close friend of his asked him whether he was feeling pain or not, he said, “Sir, I do not have pain. Swami asked me to go to Bangalore. After all the tests were done there, the doctors told me that nothing was wrong with me.”

Just as railway officials go on giving the time of the arrivals and departures of the Sai Railway lines, how foolish and mistaken we are when we imagine and say that Swami is in Poornachandra Auditorium and will be giving us darshan at 7:30 in the morning or 3:00 clock in the afternoon. It seems that we are not really aware of Sai power. Do we have the consciousness, the Sai consciousness, that is beyond time and space?

So my friends, I once again greet you on this day of Moharam. Moharam is a day of sacrifice by Hussain, who kept God first and himself next, as did Jesus Christ, who died on the cross due to his love for humanity. This is called sacrificing one’s own ego, so that the finite would become infinite, the mortal would become immortal, and the ephemeral would become eternal.