Bhagawan arrived at the Sai Kulwant Hall at 7:30 a.m. to the blowing of conches and the playing of the Naadaswaram. He went around granting Darshan to all before occupying His special seat on the dais.

Watching Athi Rudra Maha Yajna in the Divine Presence of Rudra Himself is undoubtedly the most auspicious blessing that greater heaven bestow on us, the mortals. It has the absolute, magical calming effect. The chanting that goes on fills the atmosphere with Divine vibrations; the holy fragrances waft the air. Truly this must be heaven. Even the most vacillating mind is numbed into a silence and even thoughts of thoughtlessness do not arise! As Bhagawan sits silently, a tranquil descends in our hearts. It is said that only in the depths of silence the voice of God is heard. In the presence of Bhagawan, though there is chanting going on, we feel the depths of silence! As Bhagawan glances at this side, a thousand pairs of eyes light up- a million hopes come alive. Then He looks at the other side. Hands go up in salutation. Oh! The soothing feeling that is felt in His presence has to be experienced- no amount of description will do it justice.

Earlier in the day, the rites and rituals began at 5:15 a.m. continuing with the various chantings and offerings and Maha Mangalarathi was offered at 9:45 a.m. before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.

The evening session was indeed a great feast to the eyes, ears, mind and the heart, in more than one way. With the crowds swelling up and the news spreading among devotees, they made to make a beeline towards Puttaparthi for the Athi Rudra Maha Yajna, every inch of Sai Kulwant hall was occupied and packed to capacity, much before His arrival.

Bhagawan arrived at 3:00 p.m. and watched the end part of Yajna Proceedings for the day. The guest speaker for the day was Dr. Easwaran, a doctorate in Organic Chemistry, Dr. Easwaran has been involved in Chemical Education and popularizing Science. He has been involved in conducting interactive sessions with students travelling wide across the country and thus inculcating human values in them. He is the head of Dept. of Chemistry at St. Stephens College , New Delhi . Dr. Easwaran spoke on the subject The Glory of Sai Shiva. Starting with the relevance and significance of Panchaakshari Mantra he made an emphatic statement that we have right in our midst the loving and smiling God and what more do we require to cross the ocean of life! Dr. Easwaran had further sighted various instances from the past where Bhagawan Himself had revealed several times that He is indeed Lord Siva. He illustrated beautifully by sighting various mythological stories of Kannappa Naayanar, Maarkandeya and Sage Bharadwaja. Ending his inspiring talk, Dr. Easwaran prayed to Bhagawan to bless all, by adding that laws of higher consciousness are being re-enunciated here and we are all witness to a Divine Phenomen and thus we are all indeed lucky.

On this evening Bhagawan blessed the devotees with yet another divine discourse. Bhagawan started with the relevance and significance of Karma or action emphasised that action is absolutely essential to realize the ultimate goal of human life, to realize the divine spark that is latent in every being.

Citing anecdotes from the epic Mahabharat, Bhagawan said: none can escape the consequences of actions. Everyone is bound to the actions, defects and mistakes. Pandavas were embodiments of justice, love and Dharma. But even then they could not escape the consequences of their actions. Talking about five human values Bhagawan re-iterated that Sathya, Dharma Shanthi, Prema and Non-violence are the very life breaths of human existence. Never speak untruth; never make fun of anyone. Criticism is the worst of all sins. Love is God and God is Love. (Bhagawan asked the students to sing the song, “LOVE IS MY FORM, TRUTH IS MY NAME…) There is no reason or season for love. Develop that unsullied and unconditional love. Whether one is in a city, village, forest, sky, deep sea, only love is the refuge.

After the Divine Discourse there was a scintillating music session, sitar recital by the Khan Brothers from Gwalior Gharana, who were accompanied by Ankush Naik on Tabla. After the programme Bhagawan posed for photographs and gave away presentations to all of them. This was followed by a dance programme by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Two students gave a wonderful commentary in their deep base voices, both in English and Telugu. The first dance was for “O Rama nee naamam entu ruchi ra” (Oh Lord! how sweet is your Divine Name). It was followed by “Chandana Charchita” displaying Krishna with the gopalas. There was also variety in the form of a Yakshagana piece and the shiva tandava for the song “Bho shambho”. Bhagawan was extremely pleased with ‘Shivathandavam’ dance. He posed for a photo session with the participants before proceeding to Yajur Mandiram.

Prasanthi Bulletin - August 15, 2006


Swami came out at 7:30 am to the blowing of conches and the playing of the Naadaswaram. He went around granting Darshan to all and came out directly and sat on the sofa. Then began our Yajnam - of absorbing His presence into our beings.

Sitting for the Yajnam in Swami's presence has such a magical calming effect. The chanting that goes on acts as a hypnotic and the eyes are filled with His beautiful form. The tongue keeps rolling about His name and holy fragrances waft the air. Truly this must be Satsangathi (spiritual company). Even the most vacillating mind is numbed into a silence and even thoughts of thoughtlessness do not arise! It is indeed fantastic what Swami does to us by His mere Presence. As Swami sits silently, a tranquil descends in our hearts. It is said that only in the depths of silence the voice of God is heard. In the presence of Swami, though there is chanting going on, we hear the depths of silence! As Swami glances this way, a thousand pairs of eyes light up - a million hopes come alive. Then He looks the other way. Hands go up in prostration. Oh! The soothing feeling that is felt in His presence has to be experienced - no amount of writing will do it justice.

Swami called out for the "birthday boys" and blessed them. He showered Akshatha grains on a few of them and also, to our delight, threw chocolates to the boys! At about 8:25, Swami went into the interview room to give us a little break. But He had no respite. As we stretched our legs, He granted interviews. The Saieeshwara homam began and the chant of Sai Gayathri filled the hall. It was in this vibrant atmosphere that Swami came out again at 9:00 am. As soon as He came, He called the student who is the lead dancer and enquired about the readiness of the dance programme scheduled this evening. Satisfied that all was well, He sat on the sofa. The rites and rituals began at 5:15 am itself today with the hope that everything could be completed by 9:30 am and Swami would be there to receive the Maha Mangala Aarthi. Swami sweetly and patiently sat till 9:45 am. Then the rites concluded and Aarthi was taken. Swami then retired to the Yajur Mandiram.

The sixth day's evening of the "Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam" was a feast to the eyes, ears, mind and the heart, in more ways than one. With the crowds swelling up and the news spreading among devotees to make a beeline towards Puttaparthi for the Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam, every inch of Sai Kulwant Hall was taken and packed to capacity, much before Swami's arrival.

It was 5 minutes to 3'o clock and just then there was a rise in the crescendo of chanting of the Mantras and was accompanied by the 'Nadaswarsam' recital. This signaled the arrival of our most beloved Lord. He took centre stage on the sofa at 3:15 P.M. After the last session of the rituals of the Yagnam was completed, Swami called Vinay Kumar and asked him for the programme for the evening. Sri.Vinay Kumar introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Easwaran, a professor at St. Stephen's College, Delhi. He spoke on the topic, "Sai is Siva", citing various instances from the past where Swami Himself had revealed that He is indeed Lord Siva. He illustrated his talk beautifully by narrating various mythological stories of Kannappa Naayanar, Maarkandeya and Sage Bhardwaja.

After he concluded his speech, there was an electric feeling in the air and everybody was anticipating a signal from Bhagwan calling for His translator, Prof. K. Anil Kumar. Out of His infinite love for devotees, Swami did not disappoint us. For the 6th day on the trot, Bhagawan rose to deliver His Divine message.

Karma is action that we do. Human life is a result of action. Man grows by action. Birth and death are due to action. The whole of humanity is non-existent without action. Yagnas, sacrifices rituals etc. are also due to action. The whole world solely rests on action. So everyone must undertake action. Realize the latent innate Divinity. As is action, so is the result. Everything is action. Eating, sleeping, walking etc. everything is action. Even breathing is action. So before performing any action, think whether the action befits you.

Embodiments of Love!
Action verily is God. God is present subtly everywhere. He is "Anoraneeyam Mahato Maheeyam". Every action must be offered God. Then you will not be affected by your actions. God is present in all. Do not spoil your mind with unnecessary thoughts. Do not get into those fields where you have no knowledge. Men and women should go to action which favours them. Whatever is good for them. In Balyam (childhood) - it is games. In youth - it is the attraction to the opposite sex. In middle age- it is earning and making money. In old age - it is repentance. Time is spoilt and wasted today. Human is divinity in a form. Today you may be a Purohit, tomorrow student and next you become a householder. But in old age we feel bad. What is the use? Investigate in the beginning itself.

Vinay asked, "What should youth do?" Youth should remain young. The day energy is spoilt, you age, you become old. See My form, can you tell My age? This body is 81 years old. But it does not look so. I am fine, but I fell as a boy came in the way once. This body had incurred the fracture. Inside I move about freely, but outside doctors are there. Therefore to satisfy them, I take the support of the boys while walking. Actually, I keep telling these boys not to hold Me. NONE CAN UNDERSTAND MY NATURE! I never had any head ache, fever, cough cold etc. I am healthy and wealthy always. All the while I observe and hear. (Swami pointing towards the boy and rithwiks) These boys here and see that boy (purohit) keep conversing to each other. They think it is going unnoticed. But I know everything! It may be wrong. In fact, the truth is that there is nothing called right or wrong. I keep seeing everything. What appears to be good a one time becomes bad some other day. Good and bad is just a matter of time.

Krishna ensured victory for the Pandavas. Abhimanyu was forced into battle. He was just a lad in a tender age of sixteen. He was forced to battle in the Padmavyuha. Abhimanyu went to Dharmaja and asked, "May I go into it?" Dharmaja replied, "It is not ordinary! Dronacharya has decided it himself." Abhimanyu approached his mother Subadra and sought her permission. Subadra replied, "This is not right! You need an auspicious time to get in. Your wife is Garbhavati, (in the family way) Krishna and Arjuna are also not here. So do not go."

Abhimanyu got angry that the son of Arjuna is being obstructed. He spoke with conviction, "I will never disobey father." But Subadra said, "Do not go." Abhimanyu replied, "Drona has devised this. He maybe an expert but you must bless me that I get in like a tiger. As a mother, is it right on your part that you do not permit me?" So Subadra blessed him,(just like Kousalya blessed Rama) applied turmeric to his feet and sent him. But as Abhimanyu entered the Vyuha, he realized that he did not know how to get out. Since when he was in the womb of Subadra he had heard the story of how to enter the Vyuha but the story was left unfinished so he did not know how to get out. So Abhimanyu lost his life inside the Padmavyuha. Therefore never neglect the word of elders. Always listen to the words of parents. Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava (Mother is God, Father is God) Hence at any time follow their advice.

When Arjuna returned he felt very sad. He cried out, "Where is Abhimanyu? He would rush and hug me as soon as he sees me. Something seems to be wrong Krishna." Krishna told Arjuna not to be weak. Krishna said that the Kauravas cheated and got him killed. Arjuna got very angry. He cried out, "Krishna why did you not tell me before?"

Later, due to a twist of fate, Abhimanyu's wife Uttara delivered a dead baby. All the Pandavas sat and cried. All of Draupadi's sons and Abhimanyu were gone. So there was no one to continue the clan of the Pandavas. When Krishna entered the scene he was criticized as Vamshanashi (Destroyer of the clan.) Krishna was smiling, "Don't be in a hurry. It leads to worry." He asked Draupadi to get the child in a plate. Then Krishna exclaimed, "Ah! He looks just like Abhimanyu. See the nose, the eye, the mouth... All the features are like Abhimanyu." The Pandavas in all agony said, "Not worried about the lives of people, Krishna, you are talking of the dead. Even the baby is dead!" Krishna tapped the baby's thigh, the stomach and the back. The baby sprang back to life and started wailing. Since the baby was tested by God Himself, he was named Parikshit.

It is true that without testing there can be no promotion. But the test must be taken as your taste. It was later Parikshith who became King, the one who was protected by Lord Krishna. It was later a testing period for Pandavas when Krishna left his mortal coir. All the Pandavas broke down and Dharmaja decalared that it was time for them also to leave for the final journey. So all the Pandavas accompanied by Draupadi embarked upon their final journey. At that time even the Pandavas had to spend some time in hell. The great Yudhistira also had to suffer the consequences of his actions. He uttered the words, "Ashwattama Hataha Kunjaraha" but made the Kunjaraha soft. (The truth was that Bheema had killed an elephant named Ashwattama, but to demoralize Drona such a method was used. Drona was aghast and lost his life after refusing to fight since he had lost interest in living as he believed that his son, Ashwattama, was dead.) This was the reason they had to spend some time in Hell.

Hence none can escape the consequences of actions. Everyone is bound to the actions, defects and mistakes. Pandavas were embodiments of justice, love and Dharma. But even then they could not escape the consequences of their actions.

Draupadi was the greatest Pativrata(one devoted to husband). When there was a contest between Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati, Krishna said that Draupadi was the greatest Pativrata. Imagine managing five husbands' commands. She was dedicated to all and had time for all. She was satisfied with whatever they got for her. Nowadays women want sarees which cost greater than that of the husbands' salaries. Padavas are immortal because they upheld their honour. Men should be like them. Men should show love, foster compassion, speak the truth and follow Dharma. Without these, they are lifeless. These Sathya Dharma Shanthi Prema and Ahimsa are the very breaths of human existence. Never speak the untruth. Never make fun of anyone. Criticism is the worst sin. Love is God and God is Love. (Swami asked the students to sing the song, "LOVE IS MY FORM, TRUTH IS MY BREATH...) There is no reason or season for love. Develop that unsullied and unconditional love. Whether one is in city, village, forest, space or deep sea, only love is the refuge. Never hate anyone. If you come across even your enemy, you must not hate him. Then alone man can become Divine. Foster this LOVE. Vinay Kumar you are the President of the Youth in Karnataka. You should make it your responsibility to spread this message to all the other states. Man should first take care of himself, his family and then go out to society. Tomorrow I will tell you most important things.

Swami sat down and asked for the music programme to begin. The four Khan brothers, sons of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, grandsons of legendary Ustad Rehmat Khan, were scheduled for a sitar programme accompanied by Sri Ankush Naik on the tabla. Swami was all smiles the moment He saw them. After prostrating to Him, they took their positions and the programme began. Swami had His sofa turned towards them and began to keep beat with the songs being played. As they started "Payoji Maine", a smile blossomed on His face. Today being the 60th anniversary of Indian independence, the third piece was "Saare Jahan se Achcha". After the 4th piece on Lord Shiva, Swami asked them to play a Meera Bhajan. Caught unawares, they seemed to be lost but the tablist with great presence of mind, took the mike and began to lead a Meera bhajan and the Sitarists provided the accompaniment. After the concert, Swami got up enthusiastically and walked to the centre stage. There He called the youngest of the Sitarists and said, "Come for photos." Swami then presented all of them with clothes and returned to His sofa.

The next programme was a dance programme by the students. Two students gave a wonderful commentary, both in English and Telugu. The first dance was for "O Rama nee naamam yenta ruchi ra". It was followed by "Chandana Charchita" displaying Krishna with the gopalas. There was also variety in the form of a Yakshagana piece and the Shiva Tandavam for the song "Bho Shambho". Swami was extremely pleased with Shiva Tandavam. After an extremely joyous 25 minutes, the dances concluded. Swami posed with them for group photos, blessed them, received Aarthi and then retired to Yajur Mandiram.
Source: RadioSai.org

Athi Rudra Maha Yajna: Day 7

Bhagawan arrived at the Sai Kulwant Hall at 7:30 a.m. to the blowing of conches and the playing of the Naadaswaram. He went around granting Darshan to all before occupying His special seat on the dais.

Watching Athi Rudra Maha Yajna in the Divine Presence of Rudra Himself is undoubtedly the most auspicious blessing that greater heaven bestow on us, the mortals. It has the absolute, magical calming effect. The chanting that goes on fills the atmosphere with Divine vibrations; the holy fragrances waft the air. Truly this must be heaven. Even the most vacillating mind is numbed into a silence and even thoughts of thoughtlessness do not arise! As Bhagawan sits silently, a tranquil descends in our hearts. It is said that only in the depths of silence the voice of God is heard. In the presence of Bhagawan, though there is chanting going on, we feel the depths of silence! As Bhagawan glances at this side, a thousand pairs of eyes light up- a million hopes come alive. Then He looks at the other side. Hands go up in salutation. Oh! The soothing feeling that is felt in His presence has to be experienced- no amount of description will do it justice.

Earlier in the day, the rites and rituals began at 5:15 a.m. continuing with the various chantings and offerings and Maha Mangalarathi was offered at 9:45 a.m. before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.

The evening session was indeed a great feast to the eyes, ears, mind and the heart, in more than one way. With the crowds swelling up and the news spreading among devotees, they made to make a beeline towards Puttaparthi for the Athi Rudra Maha Yajna, every inch of Sai Kulwant hall was occupied and packed to capacity, much before His arrival.

Bhagawan arrived at 3:00 p.m. and watched the end part of Yajna Proceedings for the day. The guest speaker for the day was Dr. Easwaran, a doctorate in Organic Chemistry, Dr. Easwaran has been involved in Chemical Education and popularizing Science. He has been involved in conducting interactive sessions with students travelling wide across the country and thus inculcating human values in them. He is the head of Dept. of Chemistry at St. Stephens College , New Delhi . Dr. Easwaran spoke on the subject The Glory of Sai Shiva. Starting with the relevance and significance of Panchaakshari Mantra he made an emphatic statement that we have right in our midst the loving and smiling God and what more do we require to cross the ocean of life! Dr. Easwaran had further sighted various instances from the past where Bhagawan Himself had revealed several times that He is indeed Lord Siva. He illustrated beautifully by sighting various mythological stories of Kannappa Naayanar, Maarkandeya and Sage Bharadwaja. Ending his inspiring talk, Dr. Easwaran prayed to Bhagawan to bless all, by adding that laws of higher consciousness are being re-enunciated here and we are all witness to a Divine Phenomen and thus we are all indeed lucky.

On this evening Bhagawan blessed the devotees with yet another divine discourse. Bhagawan started with the relevance and significance of Karma or action emphasised that action is absolutely essential to realize the ultimate goal of human life, to realize the divine spark that is latent in every being.

Citing anecdotes from the epic Mahabharat, Bhagawan said: none can escape the consequences of actions. Everyone is bound to the actions, defects and mistakes. Pandavas were embodiments of justice, love and Dharma. But even then they could not escape the consequences of their actions. Talking about five human values Bhagawan re-iterated that Sathya, Dharma Shanthi, Prema and Non-violence are the very life breaths of human existence. Never speak untruth; never make fun of anyone. Criticism is the worst of all sins. Love is God and God is Love. (Bhagawan asked the students to sing the song, “LOVE IS MY FORM, TRUTH IS MY NAME…) There is no reason or season for love. Develop that unsullied and unconditional love. Whether one is in a city, village, forest, sky, deep sea, only love is the refuge.

After the Divine Discourse there was a scintillating music session, sitar recital by the Khan Brothers from Gwalior Gharana, who were accompanied by Ankush Naik on Tabla. After the programme Bhagawan posed for photographs and gave away presentations to all of them. This was followed by a dance programme by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Two students gave a wonderful commentary in their deep base voices, both in English and Telugu. The first dance was for “O Rama nee naamam entu ruchi ra” (Oh Lord! how sweet is your Divine Name). It was followed by “Chandana Charchita” displaying Krishna with the gopalas. There was also variety in the form of a Yakshagana piece and the shiva tandava for the song “Bho shambho”. Bhagawan was extremely pleased with ‘Shivathandavam’ dance. He posed for a photo session with the participants before proceeding to Yajur Mandiram.

NONE CAN ESCAPE FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S ACTIONS
15th August 2006


Karma is responsible for the birth, existence and death of man. It holds sway over all stages of his life as the very deity of human existence. It is responsible for the joy and sorrow of man.

(Telugu poem)

What is Karma? It is the action that we perform. Karma is the cause of man’s birth, his life on earth and his ultimate death. The very existence of man depends upon Karma. There can be no human life without Karma. Spiritual practices like Yajnas and Yagas are also forms of Karma. Welfare and well-being of the world depends upon these spiritual practices. The very basis of the world is Karma. Therefore, everyone must necessarily perform Karma. You should strive to attain God realisation by doing your duty. As is the action, so is the result. No one can escape from the consequences of his actions. Karma does not mean merely the actions that we perform with the limbs of our body; even the process of breathing constitutes Karma. Eating, drinking, walking, sitting, all are various types of action that man performs. So, it is not possible to know the consequences of our actions. We should enquire about the nature of Karma before performing. Being a human being, we should enquire whether the actions that we perform are befitting a human being or not. If you perform action without proper enquiry, you will not have the desired results.


Embodiments of Love!
Karma is verily God. God is not separate from you. God is present in subtle form in every action. God exists in the form of Karma in everything right from microcosm to macrocosm. Anoraneeyan Mahato Maheeyan (Brahman is subtler than the subtlest and vaster than the vastest). Man must necessarily perform action and should offer all his actions to God. Sarva karma Bhagavad preetyartham (do all actions to please God). If you do like this, you will not be bound by the consequences of your actions.


Easwara sarva bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings). He is present in all beings, be it a human being, a snake or a scorpion. He performs actions appropriate to the vesture He takes upon Himself. Develop clear thinking and do not spoil your mind by unnecessarily thinking about something which you do not know. Man today ventures into fields about which he has very little knowledge. That is the reason why he faces so many troubles. Therefore, men and women should undertake actions appropriate for them.


In childhood, one develops absorbing interest in play and enjoys the company of one’s playmates. In youth and middle age, one is engrossed in cultivating worldly relations and earning money. In old age, one repents for not having this and that. In this way, man wastes his precious human birth.

(Telugu poem)


Right from birth to death, man should lead his life befitting his human birth. Divinity is immanent in every human being. Man passes through the various stages of childhood, youth and householder and ultimately grows old. With the advancement of age, man does not think of God and repents about what he has not got in life. What is the use of worrying at this stage? We should have proper thinking from the very beginning. The youth leader Vinay Kumar prayed to Me to tell him what the youth should do. So, I told him that youth should always remain young and energetic. When youth misuse the power of senses, they lose their energy and start growing old. They should always remain young and never grow old with the advancement of age. We should preserve our energy. Look at My body. I am 81 years old. Can anybody say that I am 81 years old? My body is free from all diseases. Sometime back, My leg was fractured when one boy fell on Me accidentally. That is why I am walking like this. I walk very freely inside My residence. But the doctor advised that I should take the support of one or two boys when I moved among the devotees. On the advice of doctors, I am taking the support of one boy while walking. Since it is My nature to satisfy everybody, I follow this advice for the satisfaction of doctors. All the same, I keep on telling the boys, “Don’t hold Me, don’t hold Me.” But you may not know, there is a subtle meaning behind whatever I do. Nobody can know the reality of My nature. I have never suffered any ailment whatsoever in My life, be it fever, cold or headache. I have always been healthy. I am not only healthy, but wealthy also (loud applause). Nothing escapes My attention. I noticed a couple of young Ritwiks (priests) talking to each other during the performance of the Yajna. I am hearing all that you speak. But, for Me, both good and bad are the same. I do not find anything bad in this world; everything is good. Similar is the case with right and wrong. Something may appear to be right at the present moment, but, on enquiry, it may turn out to be wrong. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. We may eat very good and delicious items today, but how long that will remain good? The very next day, it may turn into a different matter. Difference of time determines what is good and what is bad. Therefore, we should understand everything clearly and act carefully in life.


In the Mahabharata war, Duryodhana and Dussasana and other Kaurava brothers fought with the Pandavas due to hatred for them, but they could not defeat the Pandavas as Krishna was on their side. Since the Kauravas were unable to meet the challenge of the Pandavas, they found Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna all alone one day and devised the Padmavyuha (an army formation in the shape of a lotus). Then they challenged Abhimanyu to enter it. Abhimanyu was a young boy then. His father Arjuna was not there; only Dharmaraja was present at that time. He sought the permission of Dharmaraja to enter the Padmavyuha. Dharmaraja told him that it was not an easy task for him. Then he went to his mother Subhadra and sought her permission and blessings. She tried to dissuade him saying, “Dear son, it is a difficult formation devised by Dronacharya himself. Moreover, your wife is pregnant now. We do not know whether the time is favourable to us or not. Your father Arjuna and uncle Krishna are also not here to give you necessary guidance and support. Hence, give up the idea of going to the battlefield.” Abhimanyu was upset on hearing the words of his mother and said to her, “Being the son of Arjuna, I have to accept the challenge of the enemy. Otherwise, my father’s name would be in disrepute. Even if I lose my life, I will fight in the battlefield.” He was very firm in his resolve and quite confident of coming out of the Padmavyuha successful. Then he told his mother, “I am going to attack the Kauravas like a tiger ready to pounce upon the horde of elephants. You should bless me to come out victorious in this fight by shooting the divine arrows on the enemy. Instead of blessing me, is it proper on your part to prevent me from going to the battle?” Listening to the words of her brave son, at last she gave her consent.


May the same kind of protection cover you as that which Mother Gowri conferred on her son Kumara when he went out for battle against Tarakasura, the blessing conferred by Kausalya on Rama when he was going to the forest to safeguard the Yajna of Viswamitra! May such great and auspicious blessing and, the greatest of all, Sri Rama Raksha (the protection of Sri Rama) be with you and protect you!

(Telugu poem)


With these blessings, she sent him to the battlefield. He offered his salutations to his mother and entered the battlefield. He penetrated into the Padmavyuha. While his father Arjuna was narrating all about Padmavyuha to Subhadra, Abhimanyu heard the same being in his mother’s womb. When Arjuna was half way through the narration, Krishna appeared on the scene and cautioned him that it was his son in the mother’s womb who was listening to all this. Krishna advised him to stop the narration forthwith. In this way, Abhimanyu could know only how to enter the Padmavyuha, but did not know how to come out of it. As a result, he was trapped in the Padmavyuha by the Kauravas and killed. The lesson to be learnt from this episode is that one should never ignore the advice of one’s parents and elders. One should listen to the advice of the parents carefully, contemplate on it, assimilate it and put it into practice. That is why the Vedas declare, Matru devo bhava, pitru devo bhava (revere your mother and father as God). Whatever be the circumstances, wherever you may be, you should always obey the command of the parents.


When Arjuna returned, he was full of anxiety not to find Abhimanyu who always ran to the door to receive him whenever he returned home. When Arjuna came to know that Abhimanyu died in the battlefield, he became very sad. Then Krishna asked him not to lose heart, saying, “Whatever was destined to happen has happened.” He also told Arjuna that the Kauravas who conspired against the Pandavas even in the past had again resorted to foul-play and killed Abhimanyu. In this moment of great anguish, Arjuna spoke to Krishna in very strong terms that He had not told him about the death of his son earlier and thus had betrayed him. As was His nature, Krishna heard all this, smiling all the time.


At the time of the death of Abhimanyu, his wife Uttara was in the family way. When the child was still in the womb of Uttara, Aswatthama attacked the child with Brahmastra. As a result, Uttara gave birth to a still-born child, and the Pandavas were grief-stricken. They blamed Krishna for all their misery because Abhimanyu was killed in the battlefield, the sons of Droupadi were slain by Aswatthama and the son born to Uttara was a still-born child. Thus, there was none to continue the lineage. Krishna tried to pacify them and advised them to be calm and composed. He asked Droupadi to bring the still-born child before Him. She brought the child in a plate. Krishna saw the child and said, “Look at his eyes, look at his nose, look at his face, he exactly resembles his father Abhimanyu.” When Krishna was describing the child like this, the Pandavas grew very angry. They felt that He was describing the dead child without bothering about their pitiable condition. Krishna then held the child in His hand and patted on its back and stomach. Immediately, the child started crying, to the sheer joy of the Pandavas. Krishna named the child Parikshit because He brought the child to life after putting the Pandavas to a Pariksha (test). Without test, nobody can pass the examination and go to a higher class. That is why God subjects His devotees to test. We should never consider it as a test; rather we should have a taste for such tests. All the tests given by God will be of good taste.


When Parikshit became the king of the Pandava empire, Krishna protected him in several ways. What I am narrating now has never happened anywhere else, in any country, at any time.


After Krishna left for His divine abode, a grief-stricken Arjuna returned from Dwaraka. Mother Kunti, being unaware of the happenings in Dwaraka, enquired of Arjuna about the well-being of Krishna. Arjuna wept inconsolably saying, “Mother, Krishna is no more.” The moment Arjuna told that Krishna had shed His mortal coil, Kunti collapsed and breathed her last. Pandavas were immersed in sorrow. They thought, “Krishna was our very life-breath. He had been our source of strength and courage. What is the use of our life without Krishna?” They decided to coronate Parikshit and go to the Himalayas. Dharmaraja instructed Arjuna to make arrangements for the cremation of the body of their mother. At the same time, he gave necessary instructions for the arrangements for the coronation of young Parikshit. Thereafter, he told Nakula and Sahadeva to make preparations for their Mahaprasthana (final journey) to the Himalayas.


After the cremation of their mother and coronation of young Parikshit, the Pandavas began their march to the Himalayas, proceeding one behind the other. Dharmaraja, led the march. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva followed him in that order. And Droupadi walked behind all.


Everyone has to face the consequences of his actions, whoever he may be.
No one can know what lies ahead for him in future.
But this much is sure that everybody has to reap the consequences of his actions.

(Telugu song)


During their Mahaprasthana, Droupadi, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva shed their mortal coils one after the other. Dharmaraja continued his march all alone.


Dharmaraja had never uttered a lie in his life. However, during the Mahabharatha war, he did say something to that effect which caused the death of Dronacharya. When an elephant by name ‘Aswatthama’ was killed in the battlefield, Dharmaraja declared, ‘Aswatthama Hathah Kunjarah’. He deliberately lowered his tone while uttering the word ‘Kunjarah’ (elephant). As Dronacharya could not hear the word ‘Kunjarah’, he thought his son Aswatthama was killed. He became utterly dejected and consequently gave up his life. Dharmaraja had to spend some time in the hell as a result of uttering this ‘lie’. People may wonder, how is it that even Dharmaraja, the very embodiment of Dharma, had to pay a visit to the hell. The fact remains that however great and noble one may be, one cannot escape from the consequences of one’s actions. When Dharmaraja entered the hell, Droupadi and the other four brothers were already present there. The five Pandavas were like five life-breaths. They were the embodiments of Dharma. That is why their mere presence in the hell alleviated the suffering of all those who were undergoing punishment for their sins. They fell at the feet of Dharmaraja and pleaded with him to stay there for some more time. Dharmaraja replied, “My dear ones! I am not allowed to stay here any longer. I am being sent away by the Lord of hell from here.” Thereafter, the five Pandava brothers and Droupadi left for their heavenly abode.


In this manner, even the Pandavas who were the very embodiments of righteousness and morality and who had acquired great merit, could not escape from the consequences of their Karma. Droupadi was a great Pathivrata (woman of chastity). Even she had to face the consequences of her Karma. Once there was a debate as to who was the greatest Pathivrata. People expressed various opinions. It was Lord Krishna who gave the final verdict saying,


She dutifully obeyed the command of her husbands. She would never say to any one of them that she had no time to serve him. She was satisfied with whatever she got in life. She was the supreme example of chastity and none could match her in this respect.(Telugu poem)


In this Kali age, women find it hard to obey the commands of their husbands. Imagine the case of Droupadi. She had to obey the command of not one, but five husbands. She was never complaining. She always had time to serve each of them. These days we find women whose demands are much more than what the husbands can really afford. When the husband is drawing a salary of one hundred rupees per month, his wife demands a sari worth two hundred rupees! But Droupadi was not like that. She was always satisfied with whatever she had. That is why she earned a reputation as the greatest Pathivrata. The Pandava brothers were fully aware of her nobility and chastity. They always took her views into consideration and acted accordingly. That is why their name and fame remained firmly etched in the annals of history.


A person is respected even for small acts of nobility. However, while performing any action, there is always a possibility of mistakes creeping in. Whatever may be the mistake committed, one cannot escape from its consequences. Hence, one should always speak truth, follow righteousness and lead a life suffused with love. This is the foremost duty of man. One should consider the five human values of truth, righteousness, peace, compassion and love as his Pancha Pranas (five life-breaths). One bereft of these five values is verily a living corpse. We should never speak untruth even in a lighter vein. Never make fun of others. It is the worst of sins to criticise others. Hence, however wicked a person may be, we should never criticise him. Love all. Love is God. God is love. Love is your very life.


(As per Bhagawan’s instructions, the students sang the song “Love is My form, truth is My breath, bliss is My food….” Then Bhagawan continued His discourse)


Develop love. Wherever you may be, be it in the forest, or in the sky, be it in the city or in the village, be it on the mountain top or in the middle of deep sea, love is your sole refuge. Love even your enemy. If you happen to see him, do not turn your face away from him. Instead, greet him with love saying, “Hello brother! How are you?” Suffuse your life with love. Develop courage and conviction. Only then can Manavatwa (humanness) gets transformed into Divyatwa (divinity). You should propagate this principle of love to one and all. This is My principal message for you today.





Blog from Mark Day 7

Day 7 15/08/06 Afternoon
Sai Ram All

As the days progress, the vibration just gets stronger and stronger. This afternoon’s proceedings were no exception. The program started a bit early, around 1.30pm, with the pundits starting the Sri Rudram with abhishekams. Swami arrived about 2.30 and went straight to His chair. They have installed TV screens throughout the Kulwant Hall, as its almost nigh impossible to see properly (Yagnam). I was seated a fair way back ,so it was nice to see everything close-up on the TV screen. Swami looked very Shiva today, as He was watching the proceedings. They (pundits) finished about 3.00pm. A speaker named Dr.Eashawara, a eminent scientist, talked on the subject of Sai Linga. It was hard to hear him, but he basically talked on what is a linga and its significance. Best to go to the official site for a better interpretation. Swami once again got up for, and I should say, an expected discourse. He talked on many subjects, but near the end, He started talking about how the Pandavas had to go through many hardships for the love of Krishna. Swami became very emotional again, as He was talking, as if Krishna himself. How He and Arjuna communicated with each other, on a one to one basis. Also what the Pandavas went through when Krishna left His mortal coil. We all had tears in our eyes seeing Swami like this. At the end, He expounded these words, ‘that He has some very important things to say to us tomorrow’. What, only He knows. After Swami finished, we had two musical programmes. Six sitar players played together in unison to perfection, thats all I can say. Mesmerising to say the least. They all received shawls by Swami and group photos, at the end. Then a dance about Lord Shiva’s tandava dance by the Sai Youth. Group photo’s and padnamaskar for all. The proceedings start tomorrow at 5.00am. Just behind the fire pits above the inner gate, are the words, OM SRI SATHYA SAI NATHAYA NAMAHA. I suggest chant that tomorrow for Krishna Janmashtami. Tomorrows proceedings have not been announced, concerning Krishna’s birthday. Will have to wait and see.

May Sai Krishna shower His love and blessings on you all.

Mark

Om Sri Sathya Sai Krishnaya Namaha

Source: Blog by Mark [Copyright © 2006 Innersky at Prashanti]