(Prof Anil Kumar delivered this speech on November 21, 2005 to the India
organizational representatives, during the 8th worldwide Sathya Sai Seva
Organizations conference at Sai Kulwant Hall.)
The Necessity of Unity in Sri Sathya Sai Organizations
Prof Anil Kumar
When I reflect on the thirty-odd years of association I have had with the Sri
Sathya Sai organizations, I can see clearly their uniqueness and distinctive
marks. These are:
There is no admission or membership fee
The members come voluntarily to establish their connection with the
organization
There is no special training given to participate in the service activities of
the organization
There are no full-time “seva-dals”
The diversity of membership that comprises medical doctors, businessmen,
company employees etc and includes all types and strata of society
The organization is only a pathway, not the end-goal, for those undertaking
the necessary disciplines to achieve the knowledge of the self and to
experience the sweetness of God first-hand
The members apply themselves whole-heartedly with the perspective of offering
their activities and themselves to God
The gigantic projects that Bhagavan Himself is managing along with the
projects being executed by the organizations awaken the Governments which ask
that Bhagavan Himself should undertake further similar projects for the
welfare of the society
The organizations have earned a reputation that whatever service activities
assigned to them will be executed competently, without selfish interest and
Governments now recognize the dependability and credibility of the
organizations for carrying out these tasks and accord respect to them
During the natural calamities such as the recent tsunami, the Sri Sathya Sai
organizations served the afflicted and affected people with selfless love and
dedication. This transformed the whole world into the sphere of love.
Governments and the people at large even described the organizations
activities as “spiritual tsunami”
The form and nature of Sri Sathya Sai organizations are not limited to a mere
point in place or space. It is expansive. It is present all through the
universe. The members of the Sri Sathya Sai organiazations, wherever they
travel in the world, do not require any introduction or recognition. The name
of the organization itself is an adequate and satisfying introduction. This is
the uniqueness of these organizations.
Before addressing the subject of unity in Sri Sathya Sai organizations that
have earned such unique recognition and respect, we must understand the
principles, aspirations, goals and the rewards of the organizations that were
identified when our organizations were set up. In addition, our Bhagavan Baba
who Himself planted the seeds for these organizations, has given instructions
, teachings and discourses to “water the plant, as if it were” on many
occasions. If we listen to these and reflect on these, we will understand His
Teachings even better.
Principles of the organizations
- Man to recognize his natural and inherent quality of divinity, place full
faith in the Divinity that he really is
- To recognize the one underlying principle , the unity, of all religions; to
recognize the unity of the people who believe in this one uniting principle
that underlies all religions; to expand this sacred feeling of unity – this is
the main principle of the Sri sathya Sai organizations
(Seva Dal – April 1983)
Goals of the organizations
Every man must expand his love in daily life through dedicated service
attitude and activity, must practice first-hand non-violence in daily life,
must recognize the truth that the divinity present in all the different beings
is one and the same and achieve unity in diversity.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 10 – page 45, Divine Discourse November 24, 1998)
One must improve oneself and grow as an example for others in society; one
must encourage and instill enthusiasm and eagerness among the organizational
members
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 7 – page 178)
For the differences in practice and approach among the various religions,
castes, races and groups in society, one must bring to fore the love that
transcends these apparent differences
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 11 – page 37)
Administration of the organizations
For the Sri Sathya Sai organizations, the “samithi” (“center”) is as the
heart. All other parts of the samithi are as the limbs of the body
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 8 - page 73)
The main limbs of the organization are like the five fingers man has: Bhajana
mandali (devotional activities) is the little finger; Bala Vikas is the “ring”
finger; deva dal is the middle finger; mahila vibhag is the forefinger and
seva samithi (service activity) is the thumb
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 10 – page 47)
All the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations in India must follow the same rules
and regulations throughout the country. All the members must respect and
follow the disciplines and regulations without fail
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 8 – page 47)
It is very important that we must practice these aspects that Swami has told
us with deep faith, discipline and full love in the Avatar. Not only that. All
members must serve in a united fashion. We must conduct ourselves with purity
of unity, with thrikarana suddhi “manas ekam, vachas ekam and karmanyekam” .
we must conduct and administer ourselves in line with the status of Bhagavan.
Be it in organizational administration or in our own service activities, we
must reflect the divinity and love of Bhagavan Baba.
The attributes of the members of the organizations
Members must be prone to spiritual-thoughts and must be disciplined in
spiritual progress. With full faith in Bhagavan Baba, they must be enthused in
the appropriate manner to spread the glory and the teachings of the Avatar.
Members must be recognized for their goodness, good habits and good character
in the society.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 6 – page 29)
In this background of Bhagavan Baba Himself establishing the organizations and
explaining their goals, principles, disciplines and regulations, let us now
examine the importance of unity among these organizations. Let us examine the
happenings that challenge unity and the aspects that give rise to these
challenges, and at the same time look at resolving these problems and at
adopting precautionary steps based on the divine teachings of Bhagavan
Himself. Let us seek solutions based on Bhagavan’s teaching to us, the mantra
“Always Be Careful – ABC”
ABC – 1 Ego, Pride, Jealousy :
Among the different varieties of pride, spiritual pride is the most
troublesome. You must be always careful that this sort of pride never enters
you.
(Sathya Sai Speaks , Vol 7 – page 8)
Medicine for this illness:
You must serve understanding the truth that you are a mere instrument. You
must endeavor ever to improve and expand your skills
(Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 7 – page 181)
What we should note here is that instruments neither do anything by themselves
nor are able to do so. They cannot have an opportunity to have the doership
feeling, can they? Like that, we must conduct ourselves with the awareness of
an instrument.
ABC – 2 Misunderstanding, Lack of Understanding, Difference of Opinions,
Difference due to Class Distinctions – problems that arise due to these
Medicine for this illness
Must not allow for differences to arise on the basis of caste, religion,
wealth and societal status. When a misunderstanding occurs among members about
a subject, you must by yourself discuss, examine and eliminate the
misunderstanding on the basis of love and forgiveness.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 8 – page 318)
All are one, the Divine that resides in all is one – this feeling of oneness
must be the goal of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 6 – page 248)
In the Sri Sathya Sai organizations, queries must not be made about members’
caste, religion, societal status etc. By showing interest in peoples’
religion, caste, societal status etc , a real danger for the organizations to
break-up happens building on preferential differences and detrimental
likes/dislikes. Therefore, in the Sai organizations, an environment must be
created that facilitates the benevolent growth of members through promoting
broad-mindedness, human consideration and kindness and sacred spiritual
teachings. The members of Sri Sathya Sai organizations must not have pride
they are “superior” and must not deride others. It is ridiculous to think that
you will get My Grace only if you are an organizational president or
secretary. Focus on the duties and responsibilities that you must discharge as
members of the organization. Bow down with humility and accept the
responsibility on your shoulders given to you by the organization. Understand
that it is humility that gives you the necessary energy and qualification and
discharge your duties with this understanding.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 7 – page 154)
Our goal and identity are nothing more than “we are all the children of the
same mother; our God is one and the same”. Forming small groups and cliques,
competitive mind-set, tendency to comparatively evaluate – these are counter
to divinity and love. These have no place whatsoever in Sri Sathya Sai
organizations. What is necessary for us in these organizations is unity and
not the feeling of community. We must correct our conduct based on this
understanding. In our organizations, the office-bearers and the members – all
are servants of God. Bhagavan is the only Master (Boss). It is not surprising
then that a senior official of the police academy mentioned, during a
conference for police officials at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning, that “Not only for this institution, but for the whole world,
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the one and only SUPER BOSS”.
Some members in the organizations form competitive groups, join preferentially
with select people and put others down. This will create untold loss to the
organization. Let us look at what Bhagavan Baba says about this.
Among Sai devotees, there is no room for groupism/competitive politics. People
with administrative/leadership responsibilities must nip these in the bud.
Under no circumstance, must they tolerate competitive jostles or divisive
tendencies. Under no circumstance, must they fail to take prompt steps remove
these. You must develop and grow the feeling of unity and friendliness. You
must understand that it is only those who see the sameness in everyone will
earn the Lord’s Grace. Without worrying over the temporary small and
short-lived problems, you must keep your focus on the laudable goals and
principles of the organization.
(Sri Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 9 – page 161 and 1981 Sevadal Patrika Page 13)
ABC 3
Desiring to grab the power from others. Even when there is a qualified person
ready to take on the responsibility of an administrative position, refusing to
give him the opportunity.
Medicine for this illness
Love, respect, patience, mutual cooperation, forbearance – all these must flow
from the heart of everyone and spread to others; they must flow as the flood.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 8 – page 350)
(If there is a service and sacrifice that those bothered by physical and
mental afflictions can do for the organizations, it is to give up their
positions)
ABC 4 The DON’Ts for those in oragnaizational leadership positions
Behave like bosses; bossing over others
Not discharging their duties well and allowing the “headache” issues to crop
up in the organizations
Medicine for this illness
When a position, responsibility and an opportunity to serve are given to a
person in the organization, it simply means that in that situation, a need has
arisen to perform that service – that’s all. In that moment, understand that
it is Bhagavan’s determination. Always, consider and feel that you are a
servant of God. You will then get all energy, power and happiness. Feel that
you are a supreme instrument in the hands of Bhagavan. Serve God in such a way
that He will work through you to execute His Plan.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 6 – page 262)
ABC 5 Competition - Disharmony
Do not attempt to imitate others. Do not succumb to the thought for show and
ostentatiousness. Even the good deeds that organizations do get affected by
evil tendencies such as jealousy and competition. Give up derision,
complaints, ill-talk and performance commentaries and immerse yourself in
service.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 7 – page 338)
You may have differences of opinion with other members regarding
organizational administration practices. But you must take care they remain as
such, mere differences of opinions and must not become an incurable hurt in
you or others. People in positions must not order others around and must not
mete out punishment to others. They must explain in a way others understand
and must do so sweetly and offer counsel with love.If you cannot help those
with you, as a minimum speak respectfully and gently. Truthy and sweetness
must pervade your mind and speech. You must avoid harshness or sarcasm in your
speech. These hurt others very deeply. Understand that jealousy and hatred are
great sins. If you do not give up these, understand that you have betrayed
Swami. Give up finding faults with others. Discover your own faults and
undertake the discipline necessary to remove those.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 10 – pages 222-224)
Here we must learn from Swami’s personal example. When Swami speaks with
someone, how gently He speaks, with what attention He listens to what others
say – we must observe these. For example, when Swami calls and discusses with
an engineer, He will ask questions like “Is that right? Is that so? What else
is there? Your science sys all these? What else does it say?” After listening
to all that the engineer has to say, He will say “ Oh! Is that so? But, what
do you think if we do this way?” and will convey what He wanted to convey.
Swami knows that that is the correct way. He also knows that that is the way
it is going to happen. But, it is a supreme quality to give the opportunity
and respect for others to share their suggestions, opinions and experiences.
Among the infinite lessons to learn from swami, this is also one. This gives
so much uplift to organization. If we turn deaf ear to what others say or
discard and ignore them, then the true facts may not come to fore, isn’t it?
Errors of hurry and haste cause embarrassment and humiliation to people.
Another important point to note is the forgiving mind-set. To forgive however
big the fault in others is. If the organizational unity has to be promoted,
then we must nourish and develop this forgiving mind-set. Seriously, if
Bhagavan Baba must mete out punishments to all our mistakes and faults, how
many of us can stand in His Presence? When the Lord Himself protects us with
such forgiveness, why should we give troubles to others?
ABC 6 Imitation
Since others have done this activity in their place, let us also do the dame
thing here in the same way. To think like this and to imitate is blind
ignorance.
The service activities we undertake must fulfill the needs of the local people
and must solve their problems
(Sanathana Sarathy 1976 January page 256)
ABC 7 Disturbing Directives
Sweet words add beauty to life. You must learn the habit of conveying your
opinion gently, respectfully and in as few words as possible when discussing
problems with others. You should neither ignore directives nor change it to
suit your convenience. When the fairness in the directives from organizational
office-bearers is not in line with your thoughts, when you have doubts about
them , discuss and debate them with the organizational leaders privately , in
an environment of friendliness.
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 10 – page 37)
ABC 8 Administration of Finances
I don’t like fund-collection in any form or shape either for the organization
or for the service activities undertaken by the organizations. I will not
accept this at any time. The members can , with clarity and without causing
burden to anyone, agree to share the expenses incurred for the service
activities undertaken by organizations. We must not seek funds from outside
the organization under any circumstance. In order to put into practice the
above directive, all the service and other activities undertaken by the
organization must be within the means of your ability. Do not do activities
that exceed your ability
(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 6 – page 31)
These nectarine teachings given to us by Bhagavan Baba are the rules and
regulations that we must follow, now and always, to protect and grow our
organizational unity.
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