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The term birthday has greater connotations of profundity when it is used with reference to a sublime spiritual persona. And when this spiritual persona in reference is incidentally Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we need to take a refreshed look at the term birthday. For Him who has made the characteristic and profound declarations about His coming on to planet earth, it is obvious that the most apt term to be used to commemorate His coming is ‘Divine Advent’.
 

The Birthday of Bhagawan is always a very special occasion in any calendar year in Prasanthi Nilayam. But with each passing year, the Birthday festival is growing in grandeur, splendour, magnificence and majesty. People from all parts of the globe swarm like bees to this spiritual capital to witness the grand birthday festivity. This year, the festivities had begun as early as 10th November with Bhagavata Saptaham and Sahasra Poorna Chandra Shanti Mahotsavam. Devotees who were present in Prasanthi Nilayam during these days would have experienced the Divinity of Bhagawan in full measure. One can say that the

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rain god was at Bhagawan’s beck and call. On the 16th of November (2nd day of Sahasra Poorna Chandra Shanti Mahotsavam Yajna), there was heavy rain, but on the 17th there was not even a drop of rain. Similarly, on the 22nd, there was heavy downpour, the roads were flooded, and there was slush everywhere. On the 23rd, there was not even a trace of rain. On the contrary, the sun had come out shining brightly. It was as if the Sun god was offering his obeisance to Bhagawan. Yes, the Birthday of Bhagawan is a moment to cherish for the gods of the highest heavens. After the Birthday function, when this report is being made, there is a possibility of rain lurking in the sky.

But, albeit all these anticlimaxes, Prasanthi Nilayam was basking in glory for her rare privilege of housing the Avatar of the age and as the Day approached, the day that was etched in the history of time in bold and gold, it was joy of anticipation every where.

Ushering into the day all have been waiting for, Prasanthi had the hustle and bustle in the wee hours when every single devotee wished to occupy a slot in the Sai Kulwant Hall, the venue of the Birthday celebrations. Much before the eastern sunny rays splashed over the spiritual township, the throng of devotees were up from bed with just one thing in mind and thousands of hearts blossomed into ecstatic joy of anticipation of beholding the sight of the Avatar yet again coming out granting the rarest of the boons, a birthday Darshan!

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A beautiful arch with the lettering 83rd Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was seen richly decorated with flowers and other paraphernalia of decorations. The dais too was a treat to the eye with magnificent flower decorations. Video cameras were stationed at important points to catch all the live action. Pressmen had cramped every available space in the exclusive gallery allotted to them with their scribble pads. Lens men too had taken their positions in their allotted places.

Welcoming the Lord in white was a pageantry comprising the University Brass Brand, both Men and Women in their gleaming uniforms, the Bagpipers from the Primary, both by Boys and Girls, and the Vedam Group with Poornakumbham. This glittering cavalcade forming the pageantry welcoming Bhagawan stole the show when the Lord in white came out of His Divine Abode just after 9:35 a.m. Bhagawan who came in His special chair moved through the throng of devotees for a complete round while Sri Rudra Prasna was heard reaching its crescendo in the background.

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As Bhagawan came to the dais, the brass band, both the boys’ and girls’ played Happy Birthday song with the audience keeping beat to the song. After this sonorous tunes were played by the brass band of boys and girls followed by the primary school bands. Then Bhagawan went to the portico of the Mandir to cut cakes lovingly brought by students of various educational institutions, staff of hospitals and the institutions in the Mandir. After a while, Bhagawan again came to the dais and signalled to the students to start Bhajans. Even songs like “Sri Raghavam Dasarathmaja Aprameyam ...”, “Namo Sathya Sai Baba ...”, “Manishini Madhavuni Chese Mahine Swargamuga Marche Sathya Sai Bhagawan Ki Enta Premayo, Enta Premayo …” This song has a profound meaning, which is worth mentioning in this context: “The love of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for humanity is incomparable and indescribable that He is transforming humans into divine and earth into heaven …” After these songs and Bhajans, Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 10.55 a.m.
 

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What entailed on this auspicious morning was very clear. It was His Divine Darshan that was foremost in the agenda of every devotee the benevolent Lord was magnanimous to bestow the boon, as He chose to sit on the dais for a long time, in resplendent white. The Karnataka Governor His Excellency Rameshwar Thakur was present on the dais paying obeisance to Bhagawan while Sunil Gavaskar was seen presenting a cricket memorabilia, a bat signed by the members of the 1983 World Cup Winning Team. ...and a miniscule of the world was present to behold the sight of the Lord walking on earth on His chosen date with destiny..

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Click here to read: Evening: Birthday celebrations 23 Nov. 2008
 

Evening: Birthday celebrations 23 Nov. 2008

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Bhagawan arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.40 p.m. to the chants of Sri Rudra Prasna and wafting music played over the public address system. After Bhagawan came to the dais, Prof. Anil Kumar introduced the speakers for the evening session. He began his short speech hailing victory, victory to Sai, who has seen one thousand moons. Today we think it is the Birthday of Bhagawan, how can we celebrate the birthday of the One who has no birth. Your Birthday is the day when the Vedas originated, said Prof. Anil Kumar. He then introduced the two distinguished speakers for the evening session, Sri V. Srinivasan, past President of Confederation of Indian Industries, Chairman of W.S. Industries, Member of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the All India President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and Sri Ajit Popat, financial consultant and Trustee of Heart Valve Bank.

 

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Sri V. Srinivasan began his speech by offering his humble Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan. He also offered his greetings on the auspicious occasion of the 83rd Birthday of Bhagawan. Sri Srinivasan said that today is the defining moment in the chronicles of time because today the universe, the galaxies, planets, sun, moon, asteroids, all are fortunate to have 1,008 Darshan of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar. Blessed are we, how fortunate we are, Koti, Koti Pranams for His benevolent Darshan. Since the beginning of the month activities were galore at Prasanthi Nilayam – Grama Seva, Akhanda Bhajan, Bhagavata Saptaham, Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshan Shanti Mahotsavam. We were enthralled to have the Darshan of Bhagawan in the golden chariot. This morning Bhagawan gave Darshan in His pristine white robe. The sight was esoteric, enlightening … words cannot describe such a sight.

Referring to Bhagawan’s Discourse on the occasion of 27th Convocation of the University, the learned speaker said that Bhagawan has declared that in 28 years time, India would be the vanguard of all the countries of the world. All would be one. There would be absolute unity. Bhagawan has brought hope to the loveless world. What is the message that Bhagawan wants to convey when He sends His students for Grama Seva. He brings hope to those people whom society has forgotten. There is one Person who loves and cares for them.
 

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The erudite speaker said that today after the morning function, Bhagawan told him and others to construct permanent houses in Orissa to those who are rendered homeless by the recent floods. Bhagawan is love personified. The message of yesterday’s drama is love. Bhagawan reaches out to the people of the villages. The speaker as All India President had many such experiences when he visited different parts of the country. Bhagawan would be ahead of him touching their hearts with His love. Sri Srinivasan said that he had been experiencing Bhagawan’s love for the last 40 years. Bhagawan’s love is spontaneous. Bhagawan said that He hates none. He loves all. It is our duty is see goodness in all people. Sri Srinivasan ended his speech by saying that let us resolve to have unshakeable faith in Bhagawan. We should have direct relationship with Bhagawan.

Sri Ajit Popat began his speech by offering his salutations to Bhagawan – Namaste Prema Rupaya Namaste Paramatmane, Namaste Shirdi Nathaya, Namaste Sathya Sayine. Sri Popat began his forceful speech by saying that Bhagawan is beyond one’s comprehension. Yatho Vacho Nivarthanthe Aprapya Manasa Saha (whence the words along with the mind rebound in futility without comprehending Divinity). He punctuated his speech with many slokas (verses). Brahmanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim, Dwandwateetam, Gagana Sadrisham, Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam, Ekam, Nityam, Vimalam, Achalam, Sarvadhee Sakshibhutam (He is the embodiment of divine bliss, wisdom absolute, beyond the pair of opposites, expansive and pervasive like the sky, the goal indicated by the Mahavakya Tattwamasi, one without a second, eternal, pure, unchanging, witness of all functions of the intellect). It is only Swami speaking through me, I am only a puppet. Swami has told Naham Pashu, Aham Brahmasmi. Do we need to be told that we have to behave like humans? Sri Popat in his inimitable style said that the ABC of life is Always be compassionate, charitable. Man at the time of birth cries Koham, people now instead of saying Soham say ‘phonum’. Everybody talks on mobile continuously. The speaker said that one should get up from bed at Brahamamurtam and do Sadhana. He said that one should be energetic, efficient and enterprising. If we want to be with the master, we should be efficient. He quoted Bhagawan’s saying Follow the master, face the devil, fight till the end and finish the game. He said that one should be aware, pure and persistent. Never give up. The speaker said that we have to make conscious effort to reduce the feeling of ‘I’. He said that Bhagawan does not want us to have intellectual devotion.
 

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Bhagawan once told him to speak in Sai Sruti, Kodaikanal. After his long speech for one hour, Bhagawan asked him as to how much he practises. Then he told Bhagawan that he has his best intentions to translate them into action. Then Bhagawan asked him to what extent. When he replied 100%, Bhagawan was happy. Sri Popat said that there is no compromise in spirituality. There are two types of devotion: Intellectual devotion and Constant Integrated Awareness. He said with due respect to Vibhishana, let us not aspire to become Vibhishana, but Hanuman.

When Sri Popat told Bhagawan that he needs Bhagawan’s presence 24 hours a day, Bhagawan corrected him saying not 24 hours, but every breath, every second. Once Bhagawan told Sri Popat that the Rishis in the Himalayas do penance for years together for having one Darshan of the Lord, but you are fortunate see Him frequently. Every Darshan of the Lord is precious and important. That understanding is the dawn of golden age in us. The intensity of our devotion should be like a weary traveller in the midst of a desert at 12 noon. Our devotion should be as intense as his thirst for water. Sri Popat prayed on behalf of millions of devotees in U.K. and Europe to visit Sai Kutir in U.K. He concluded his speech by saying let us love all for the sake of the master, Bhagawan and serve all in His name.
 

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After Sri Popat’s speech, Bhagawan gave His Birthday message to the delight of thousands gathered in the Hall.

Bhagawan began His speech with a Sanskrit verse: All the names and forms are but the manifestations of the Supreme Being who is Existence‑Knowledge‑Bliss Absolute and non‑dual. He is the embodiment of Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram (Truth, Goodness, Beauty). He is Sathya Sai Maheswaram.
 

LEAD A HAPPY LIFE WITH A FEELING OF CAMARADERIE AND FRATERNITY

All the names and forms are but the manifestations of the Supreme Being who is Existence‑Knowledge‑Bliss Absolute and non‑dual. He is the embodiment of Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram (Truth, Goodness, Beauty). (Sanskrit verse)

Embodiments of Love!
The country of Bharat is most sacred. In this sacred land of Bharat, tolerance is the noble quality that we should cultivate. Just as an elephant is unable to realise its innate strength, so are the Bharatiyas today. The elephant meekly submits itself to the commands of a mahout who is ignorant and illiterate. In spite of its great strength, it cannot demonstrate its strength. Similarly, the Bharatiyas today are unable to demonstrate their strength in spite of possessing rich culture, righteousness and justice on their side. The Vedas declare, Na karmana na prajaya dhanena thyagenaike amrutatthwamanasuh (immortality is not attained through action, progeny or wealth, it is attained only by sacrifice). The greatest drawback in this country is lack of unity among people. We have everything in this country. We have noble qualities. We are righteous. But, there is no unity among people. With the result, all other positive factors become ineffectual. Hence, we have to cultivate unity among people. We all belong to one species, that is of human beings. Being humans, we are, unfortunately, exhibiting inhuman and animal qualities. Hence, first and foremost we have to recognise our innate human nature today. We have to treat others’ suffering as our own. We have to treat others’ difficulties as our own. We have to be amicable with one and all. We must develop faith in the maxim Ekatmaswarupas (embodiments of one Divine self). We must develop a sense of discrimination between good and bad and take good only, leaving the bad in all human beings. The same principle has to be followed in society also. We have to do good even to those who harm us:
There is nothing great in helping those who have helped you. He is a noble one who helps even those who have harmed him.
(Telugu poem)

We must always entertain good thoughts about people. “See good, do good and be good – that is the way to God”. “Yad bhavam tad bhavathi” (as is the feeling, so is the result). If our thoughts are good, we will always engage ourselves in Satkarmas (good deeds). If you eat a mango, can you get the belch of a cucumber? No. Similarly, if you entertain good thoughts always, you will see good only everywhere. When you indulge in bad thoughts, you will see bad only everywhere.

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There is a Sathya Sai college in Muddenahalli near Bangalore. Several boys coming from poor families in the villages around are studying in this college. A number of philanthropists extended help to the college in different ways. Some built classrooms, others a Bhajan hall, etc. However, this institution is not affiliated to any University. Once the boys finish their education here, they have to go to places like Bangalore to pursue a degree course. When I thought of their plight, I got a good idea. Here in Puttaparthi, our college and University are housed in spacious and beautiful buildings. Supposing we establish a campus in Muddenahalli, the boys there will also be happy. Is it not? Hence, I have decided to establish a college campus of Sri Sathya Sai University in Muddenahalli too. Mine is Divine Will that is irrevocable and immutable. Now that I have decided, I will initiate the process from tomorrow. Since the boys studying in Muddenahalli college come from rural background and are very poor, they are unable to go for higher education in cities and towns. They therefore discontinue their studies and take to farming activity. Of course, that is also necessary. Secular education helps to make a comfortable living. Hence, education is of top priority. Once they finish their education, they can get into any occupation including agriculture. I have therefore decided to provide University education to the boys in Muddenahalli. I am of the view that side by side with the academic subjects, there must be provision for teaching epics and sacred texts like the Ramayana, the Bhagavata and the Bhagavad Gita. The boys must be given good training and allowed to spread the message of these epics in the villages around. All secular education is useless without a spiritual base.

There are millions of educated people in the world. But, what is their contribution to society? Nothing. They don’t even care for society. They are crazy about the luxurious life in towns and cities. They indulge in bad practices like gambling and club life. The children too are taking to bad ways, observing their parents. Hence, it is My view that the children should be taught to tread the right path. The elders will follow them later on observing them. Keeping this in My mind, I have decided to establish a University campus in Muddenahalli. Perhaps it will cost about two to three crores of rupees. I do not mind this expenditure. It is My resolve that this is needed.

The boys in Prasanthi Nilayam are excellent. They are pure gold. It is possible that one or two may stray from the right path, but, very soon they adjust themselves to the academic environment and follow the mainstream. Yesterday, the boys staged a play. It conveys a great message. The theme of the play was two brothers quarrelling for their share of property in a small village. They are counselled saying, “Dear brothers, if you quarrel with each other like this, how can our village prosper? You must be united and must lead an amicable life”, and, finally, they are corrected. The boys should therefore be encouraged to take up such village development programmes. Students, no doubt, are good today. But, the elders spoil them by their bad behaviour. It is the elders who divert them to bad ways. However, the students quickly realise their mistakes and retrace their steps. I know of boys who advise their parents addicted to alcohol to desist from such bad ways saying, “Dear father, you should not indulge in these bad habits. By doing so, you will only be encouraging us also to take to drinking. This is not good.” If elders take to drinking, smoking and gambling, the children follow suit. They get spoiled. Hence, if the children must lead a virtuous life, the elders must lead an ideal life first. I have therefore decided to establish a University campus in Muddenahalli to teach boys to lead an ideal life with clean habits. The boys there cannot afford to go to a city for University education. Nor can their parents afford the expenditure. Hence, I have decided to establish a University campus with all the equipment and facilities like classrooms for all the courses and a good hostel. It will be ready for opening within a year. It is My Divine will.

A number of people like Anil Kumar, Ajit Popat, etc., have spoken a lot extolling Me. I am not happy about such praises. I have no desire that people should extol Me. I am neither elated nor depressed by such acts. I am beyond praise or ridicule, respect or disrespect, anger or happiness. I have only one attribute throughout – My love. I love even those who hate Me. I love even those who indulge in bad propaganda against Me. I do not consider anyone as enemy. All are Mine. I am looking after you all, like a mother. Mine is not one mother’s love. It is the love of a thousand mothers. Sai’s love is a thousand mothers’ love. It is only due to that love, I ignore all your faults and move forward. Whenever someone commits a mistake, I call him and correct him in a raised voice. But, I don’t show anger against him. I have no anger against anybody. In fact, I have no anger at all. People who are unable to understand My true nature think otherwise. Whatever people may think and say, I have only one attribute, that is love. Mine is a right royal road, not shortcuts. People do not understand Me properly. Once they recognise My true nature, they themselves will repent. That repentance is expiation for their misunderstanding. However, there is no change in my attitude towards them. What I wish is “Samastalokah Sukhino Bhavantu” (May all the beings of all the worlds be happy!). All should be hale and healthy and lead happy and prosperous lives with mutual love and understanding. You must acquire wealth, but you should not misuse wealth. Then only I will be happy. I will extend any help to such people. I have not stretched My hand before anyone till date for any kind of help. If there is anyone in this vast concourse of devotees in this hall whom I had approached for money, he or she may rise and point out to Me. There is none, surely. Whatever I need in My Avataric Mission comes from within only. “Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows”. It is My endeavour that morality should be developed. All villages must be developed. For this purpose, education in rural areas is an important tool. Simultaneously, faith in God must also be developed. People with self-confidence can achieve anything. Bhakta Ramadas wanted to build a magnificent temple for Rama in Bhadrachalam. He, therefore utilised all the tax money collected from people for the purpose. As a result, he was imprisoned by Emperor Tanisha on charges of misuse of state money and was put to great torture. Unable to bear the physical torture, he prayed to his dear Lord Rama and even used harsh words thus:
That crest jewel which adorns You cost me ten thousand gold coins. Unmindful of my travails, You are flaunting the jewellery as if it is Your ancestral property!
(Telugu song)
 

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The very next moment he realised his folly and repented and begged Rama for pardon. Similarly, several people may think and talk in several ways about Swami. But, very soon they will realise and repent for their indiscreet acts. “Loko bhinna ruchihi” (Different people have different opinions). People indulge in loose talk out of their delusion. But, I have no illusions. Whatever people may say, I talk to them and greet them with love. I don’t punish them for their indiscreet talk or behaviour. They themselves must realise their fault and repent for it. If they denigrate Me now, they will themselves face trouble later. Hence, people must think twice before indulging in any loose talk. Unfortunately, none has been able to realise My true nature. They pretend to have understood My mind, but none could comprehend it in the least. They look to the outward manifestations only. They talk of My programmes and activities in the outside world only. They are unable to realise My divine love at all, which flows from the depths of My heart. However, I am confident that people will realise it one day. I always wish and work for the welfare of the entire world. All should live in peace. Even if we don’t have any other property, we can lead a happy life if only the property of love is with us. And, that love should be supported by self-confidence.
God is the only source and sustenance for the entire universe. Everything else is an illusion. Sorrows and difficulties, loss and gain, diseases and sickness – treat them all as the Divine will. Then everything will turn out to be good for you. You say, “This is my body”. But, who are you? You say “my body”, but you are not “I am the body”. Similarly, you say “my mind”, but you are not “I am the mind”. Thus, “you” are different from your body, mind, etc. When someone enquires your name, do not say “I am Rama” or “I am Krishna”, say “I am I”. Whatever name you say, it is only the name given to you by your parents. It is not your real name. In fact, nothing belongs to you in this world. “I” is your only property. That is the reason why we say “I”, “I”, “I” for everything.

You are God verily, if only you get rid of “I” the ego and “Mine”, the attachment. Then, you are really yourself (your real SELF)! When you say “my house, my people” etc., attachment grows. This body attachment breeds ego. Hence, once you rise above “I” and ‘mine’ and lead a contented life, you will derive great happiness. May you all lead a happy, loving and long life! May you all be united!
Let us all move together, let us all grow together,
Let us all stay united and grow in intelligence together,
Let us live together with friendship and harmony. (Telugu poem)

We cannot do any work with one finger. When all the five fingers of the hand join together, we can do any work. Similarly, if people are divided, no work can be executed. A small story: Once the five fingers of a hand argued among themselves as to which finger was great. The middle finger argued with ego, “I am taller than all of you. There are two ‘body guards’ on either side of me. Hence, I am great.” The index finger said, “You can do any work if only I show you to do that work. Otherwise, you cannot. Hence, I only am great.” The small finger intervened and said, “Though I am small in size, I stand in the front as the commander-in-chief to punish any individual or teach him a lesson. Therefore, I am great.” Thereupon, the ring finger laughed and said, “People wear diamond and gem-studded rings on the ring finger only. Hence, I am the monarch of all.” Finally, after hearing all these arguments, the thumb laughed aloud and wound up the discussion with that suggestion, “None of you can undertake any work without me. Therefore, let us all get together to work.”

Let all the astikas, nastikas, astika – nastikas and nastika – astikas come together. That is what we need today. What Bharat needs today is unity. We have everything - love, truth, righteousness and justice, but not unity. It is only due to lack of unity that we are leading a life of diversity and divergent ideas. All should be united and should lead a happy life with a feeling of camaraderie and fraternity. Unfortunately, today there is a feeling of difference even between a father and a son in the house. The wife and husband, the brothers and sisters, all quarrel among themselves. How can there be peace and happiness in the family? There may be differences of opinion, but they should not last for long. They just come and go like the passing clouds. Why then should people fight among themselves? You should not mind these differences.

I have not approached anyone for anything though I am undertaking huge social service projects. I had undertaken a project for supplying drinking water to a crore of people living in Chennai. Every house has been provided with drinking water. Not only that, water has been arranged for irrigation purposes also. The people living in the upland areas of East and West Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh were suffering for want of safe drinking water. I therefore arranged for execution of a drinking water supply project for the benefit of all those people. Along with the supply of drinking water, arrangements were also made to provide water purifying systems en route. Thus, I always wish to do some good to every individual. Now, I propose to establish a University campus in Muddenahalli for the benefit of students studying in Sri Sathya Sai College there. I had watched with My own eyes the difficulties the students were undergoing there due to lack of facilities for higher education and I was moved. I therefore assured them that I would provide the necessary facilities. Is there anyone here from Muddenahalli? (Swami invited Sri Narayana Rao to the stage and introduced him to the audience). “This man is the Principal of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Muddenahalli. He is highly educated and is running the school well. Whenever I visit Muddenahalli he would pray, “Swami when will You shower Your grace on us?” (with the kind permission of Swami, Sri Narayana Rao spoke for a few minutes offering his grateful thanks to Swami.) Thereafter, Swami concluded His divine discourse saying, “The joy that I gave you today, share it with all! Be happy!.
Bhagawan concluded His discourse with the song, “Rama Rama Rama Sita …”
 

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