Divinity Protects and Safeguards Man

If you cannot achieve what you want, 
do not waver or get depressed.
He is a realized one who is cheerful 
in the face of all adversities.

(Telugu poem)

Embodiments of love! 

Students—Boys and Girls!

Ekamshena Sthitam Jagat (the whole universe is based on one aspect of divinity). Just as the sun’s rays do not exist in the absence of the sun, so also the world cannot exist without divinity, the primordial basis. Here on this table, you find a flower, a cup, a mike, and a handkerchief. The word ‘is’ is used to connote the existence of all these items. Here the emphasis is on the word ‘is’. There is a picture, there is a pot, and there is a person. The word ‘is’ proves their existence. This ‘is’ explains the principle of divinity in full. The shakti (power), leelas (Divine play), and the effulgence of God are limitless.

Power Of The Elements

The five elements are responsible for the protection and sustenance of the world. The first element, the earth, is the basis for mountains and hills, rivers and oceans, villages and cities, and forests. You can very well imagine the immense power of the earth, which supports all these.

The earth is endowed with infinite power. Scientists have discovered that the earth rotates. True. Logically speaking, the rivers, oceans, mountains, villages, and the cities should also rotate when the earth, the basis, rotates. It is not so in reality. It is only the earth that rotates. The railway track is the basis for the train to move. If the track also starts moving, what would be the plight of the passengers? From this, it can be inferred that the track is the aadhara (basis) and the train, the aadheya (the object based on it). The table is the aadhara (basis) for the mike—_aadheya_—to rest upon it. Make an effort to understand the relationship between the aadhara (support) and the aadheya (supported object). The earth, which is the repository of all powers (electrical, magnetic, etc.), forms the basis, sustains, and protects all the objects on it. There is no power that is not present in the earth. The earth can support all the beings on it because of its infinite power.

Seen or unseen, water, the second element, is present all over the earth. It is water that sustains the life-principle of humanity. It supports life on earth and is responsible for the evolution of life.

The third element, agni (fire), is also all-pervasive. It is present in the form of jatharagni in the human body. It is this jatharagni which maintains the temperature of the human body at 98.4° F. There is fire even in the ocean. That is termed as badabagni. There is fire even in trees. When two branches rub against each other, fire is generated. Fire is immanent even in stone. Fire emerges when two stones are struck against each other. Investigations on these lines will reveal that there is no place without fire.

Similarly, the fourth and fifth elements vayu (wind) and the akasha (ether) are also all-pervasive. The akasha is the basis for all. It is the origin of sound. All the other elements originated from akasha.

Therefore, we can conclude that the Divine power which is omnipresent and omnipotent is present in all the five elements. When the five elements themselves are so powerful, how much greater the power of God should be! Though the five elements, which are essentially Divine, are present in man, he is in the quest of Divine power which he feels is present elsewhere. These powers are insignificant for God, who is aware of the past, present, and future. So, attempt to understand the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent nature of God.

Swami Has No Body Attachment

The whole world is also a conglomeration of the five elements. The world cannot exist in the absence of even one of the elements. Whether you see them or not, the five elements are present everywhere. Here is a small example. Though the air is invisible and intangible, it is everywhere.

Similarly, divinity is invisible and intangible, yet is omnipresent. Without realizing the divinity within him, man becomes egoistic and feels that all his accomplishments are due to his education, intelligence, and physical prowess. But in reality, it is the divinity that protects and safeguards man at every step from the womb to the tomb. No one has the power to protect one’s own self. It is only the Divine power and Divine will that enable man to protect himself. Only divinity has free will, none else.

Whatever God says or does is for the welfare of humanity. God is selfless. There is no trace of selfishness in God. What is the benefit accruing to the sun by rising and setting? None at all. Sunrise and sunset are for the benefit of humanity. It enables man to discharge his duties during the day and rest during the night. Similarly, every act of God is for the benefit of humankind, not for His own.

Kasturi once urged Me not to neglect this body in the process of saving a devotee. I replied, “This body has come for the sake of devotees and shall be utilized for doing anything and everything for their welfare.” Body attachment is human, and total detachment is Divine. Attachment to the body is responsible for all sufferings and miseries. Since God does not have body attachment, He does not attach any importance to the suffering of His body. Once He assumes a body, many things are bound to happen to the body. Whatever happens is for the welfare of the whole world.

Actions With Love Please Swami

Students, both boys and girls, are very good. Students participate in various activities, be it academic or sports, only with a desire to please and satisfy Swami. I am very well aware of this fact. No doubt, students strive to please Swami and make Him happy. But they do not enquire what actually pleases, satisfies Him and makes Him happy. Will Swami be pleased if you display your valor by jumping through a ring of fire or for that matter from a lorry moving at high speed? Will it satisfy Swami if you display your courage by doing dare-devil stunts on motorbikes like jumping over 10-20 people lying on the ground? I am pleased when you are safe and sound, and the audience is pleased and happy with your performance. He is the blessed one who conducts himself in a manner in which neither he is hurt nor others. You should be safe and secure and at the same time desist from activities, which cause apprehensions in others. This is what I want. I am pleased with nidarshana (feelings) and not with pradarshana (exhibitionism). Even a small action done with a heart full of love pleases Me.

While returning from Bangalore (Bengaluru) (in December), I instructed the Warden not to bring the boys for the Sports Meet. They attributed various reasons to this word of Mine. There may be many karana (reasons), but what I am interested in is the karya (action). After coming over here, I told the Vice-chancellor that I do not object to boys participating in various sports and games such as badminton, tennis, volleyball, etc. At the same time, I cautioned him to ensure that no harm is caused either to the participants or to the audience during the program scheduled for 11th January.

Swami Appreciates Sports Performances, Protects The Students

Students are tenderhearted, full of noble feelings, and love for Swami. They planned various programs to please Me. I was very well aware of the impending danger. But students were not receptive to My words. I felt there was no point in advising them in such a situation. Only when they face the consequences of disobeying My command will they realize the value of My words. Till this moment nobody is aware of what exactly happened on the 11th morning. They said that the Sports Meet was a grand success. I am also happy when you are successful. Students performed extremely well. Each contributed to the success of this event based on his capacities and capabilities.

That morning as I entered the stadium, I spotted two lorries. Immediately, I could visualize the danger lurking in the corner. I saw the lorries with huge scaffoldings placed over them. The boys planned to perform a few acrobatic feats on them. I knew that one of the rods was not fitted properly and was about to give in. If that were to happen, the boys would suffer a major head and spinal injury. I willed that the boys should be saved and decided to take it upon Myself.

Before this, one boy had suffered a spinal injury and had been admitted to the Manipal Hospital in Bangalore (Bengaluru). Without any delay, I arranged for an ambulance to shift the boy to the hospital in Bangalore (Bengaluru) and gave 10,000 rupees to defray the immediate expenditure. I also ensured that our doctor accompanied him. Parents shed tears of gratitude when they came to know of the love showered by Swami on their son. The doctor said that the boy would not be able to sit or lie down as his spinal column was badly damaged. I told him, “Don’t entertain any misgivings. Do as I say.” Miraculously, by the time the boy reached the hospital, he could sit. He could sit on the bed in the hospital. He regained sensation in all his limbs which were numb till then. No danger whatsoever. He was protected because of My infinite mercy and boundless grace. I willed that such an untoward incident should not recur. Once the spinal column is fractured, it is impossible to set it right. All students should be safe and secure. I have repeatedly declared that students are My property. I consider students’ welfare as My welfare, and their happiness as My happiness. I never think of My happiness and My comfort. My only concern is that the students should not be disappointed or put to any inconvenience.

A day before the Sports Meet, I had instructed four boys to surround the chariot and keep a vigil. They are also full of love and devotion for Swami. But I noticed that none of them was present at that spot. Nobody is to be blamed. No one does this deliberately. Swami is the very life-breath of the students. I asked for the chariot to be stopped. A senior devotee was driving the chariot with all sincerity, love, and devotion. He stopped the vehicle following My command. Just when I was about to speak to the Vice-chancellor, he accidentally lifted his foot from the clutch. That resulted in a jerk, and I fell down in the chariot. As a result, I suffered injuries on my head, hand, and spinal column. What the boys had to face, I took it upon Myself.

Swami’s Divinity

Many men and women were seated in the gallery, but I took care that none noticed My injuries. I pretended as though nothing had happened. The Vice-chancellor was worried thinking that Swami was unable to get up. I knew that any further delay would cause anxiety in the minds of devotees. So, I immediately got up forgetting the pain and started blessing the devotees waving My hands. The pain was very severe, and the cut on My hand was so deep as though it was pierced with a knife. Actually, the sleeve of the robe covering My hand should have been torn before I got the injury. But the cloth was not torn at all. This incident gives you a glimpse of the infinite power of divinity.

I found Myself in an awkward situation. I had to walk up to the dais without My injuries being noticed. So I willed that no one should become anxious. I walked up to the dais and took My seat. But in the meantime, the dhoti below the robe was drenched in blood. Concerned that the devotees may get to know of this, I walked into the bathroom discreetly. The available towels were insufficient to wipe the oozing blood. I did not want to leave the blood-stained towels in the bathroom, lest someone should notice them. Though there was excruciating pain, I washed the towels Myself with soap, squeezed them, and put them up for drying. Under no circumstances do I reveal My suffering, pain, and fatigue. Some boys were curious to know why I went to the bathroom repeatedly. I replied, “Why are you concerned? It is My job.” Usually, I go to the bathroom only twice a day, morning and evening. Since it was bleeding profusely, I had to go to the bathroom 5-6 times in that short duration.

In the meantime, two students came and prayed that the flag may be hoisted. When I got down from the chair, the sensation was such that it seemed as though I was subjected to an electric shock. I smiled at My own Divine leela. I could not stand firmly on the ground. I thought I should not be deluded by attachment to the body and walked forward smilingly to hoist the flag. Then I lighted the lamp. I found Myself in an embarrassing situation. I could not sit in any posture comfortably. When I exhort all devotees to give up body attachment, I should set an example for Myself in this regard. Saying this to Myself, I conducted Myself accordingly.

The Primary School children performed extremely well and desired to have a photograph with Me. Acceding to their prayers, I walked up to them to be photographed, as I did not want to disappoint them. Subsequently, I had to walk up to the playground five more times to be photographed with the remaining students. In this manner, I detached Myself from the body. My body was numb. There was no sensation whatsoever. My head was reeling. I resolved to make them happy no matter what happened to the body. I decided to keep this to Myself. Concerned that the bloodstains may be visible while returning to the dais from the playground, I ascended the steps leading directly to My seat. Is it possible for a human being to conceal such a major injury from the public gaze for a long time while being amidst such a huge gathering? No. I was seated on the chair for five long hours.

I am relating all this so that students and devotees may comprehend the nature of divinity. Anyone in My predicament would not have been in a position to sit in the chair even for a second. It would have been impossible even to put a step forward. It was as though the electric shock was piercing My body. It is the electric current which gives a shock, but when I am the current Myself, where is the question of Myself being subjected to shock? With that feeling, I sat through the whole proceedings and returned to the Mandir. The Central Trust members followed Me, but they were not aware of what had happened to Me. I asked them to have their food. The senior devotee who drove the chariot apologized for what had happened. I told him, “Why do you worry about the past? The past is past. I am happy. Do not worry about Me.”

All of them had their lunch. It started bleeding again. Students and band boys were waiting outside for photographs. Again I went into the bathroom to wipe the blood. Noting this, Indulal Shah cried out, “Swami, what is this?” I told him lovingly, “Indulal Shah, whatever had to happen to the body has happened,” saying so, I showed him My injury. All of them cried out in agony. They noticed blood all over the body. I told them that I would not reveal anything in the future if they expressed their sorrow like this. No one knew about it until I reached the Mandir.

Whatever is Bound To Happen Will Happen

Likewise, I take upon Myself the untold suffering of students and devotees at various points to protect them. No one is responsible for this mishap. You may find fault with one individual or another, but no one is to be blamed for this. Whatever had to happen, happened. That’s all. 

You are bound to experience the pain and pleasure that you are destined to even if you hide yourself in a dense forest. When the time comes, your body is bound to perish, in spite of utmost precautions.

(Telugu poem)

Even mighty emperors and kings who had taken all precautionary measures had to give up their body at the appointed hour. Whatever is bound to happen will happen. One should not resist this unduly.

January is the first month of the New Year. If you experience happiness in the beginning, you will be happy throughout. Start early, drive slowly, and reach safely. The year pramadi (Telugu New Year), is fast approaching. There will be dangers in all fields. This is an indication of the forthcoming dangers. No one needs to worry about My welfare. I can do anything and everything. Here is a small example.

How Krishna Protected Arjuna In The War

During the Mahabharata war, Krishna was the Charioteer of Arjuna. Bhishma was shooting arrows at Arjuna. Krishna diverted these and all other arrows aimed at Arjuna towards Himself, protecting Arjuna in the process. As a result, every arrow wounded Krishna, and He was bleeding profusely. As Krishna was a charioteer, He had to receive instructions from Arjuna regarding the direction in which the chariot should move. In those days, there were no indicators like left and right as we have today. Therefore, Arjuna had to press the region beside the right eye of Krishna with his iron shoe to indicate that the chariot should move to the right. Similarly, he had to press the region beside the left eye to indicate to Krishna to turn the chariot to the left. Consequently, Krishna’s face was also bleeding. The whole body of Krishna was drenched in blood. No one observed this, as it was wartime and all were busy in discharging their duties and also due to the fact that Krishna was seated at a place much lower than that of Arjuna. Therefore, only Arjuna could be seen and not Krishna.

Krishna protected Arjuna as promised by Him earlier. When Arjuna and Duryodhana approached Krishna for help before the war, Duryodhana opted for Krishna’s seven lakh strong army, whereas Arjuna preferred Krishna to the army. Then Krishna assured him, “Arjuna, you don’t need to fear. The army is comparable to the compartment of a train, whereas I am the engine.” Compartments can move only when the engine pulls them. So, do not worry, the engine is with you, Arjuna.” Arjuna also responded by saying, “Krishna, it is enough if you are with me.” Therefore, all the dangers that were to befall Arjuna were taken by Krishna upon Himself. Many such incidents of God protecting His devotees have taken place in the past.

Follow The Divine Command, Be Safe And Secure

So, whatever happened on that day was entirely due to My Will. Neither the students nor anyone else is responsible for this. Every day the students used to enquire as to why I was walking so slowly. I told them, “I don’t have enough place to run if only it was there I am ready even to run.” I was conversing with them with a smile on My face. I am narrating this episode only to affirm the fact that I go to any extent to protect My devotees who obey My commands.

When I returned to the Mandir, I called those four boys. They noticed My injuries and were crestfallen. I chided them for not obeying My command. I asked them, “Why were you not present there at that time as commanded by Me? If only you had obeyed My command, this incident would not have occurred.” I told them not to feel sorry about it. All those things that were destined to happen during this year have already happened. So, follow the Divine command, be safe and secure and earn a good name for the institution and make your parents happy.

Free Food For Sevadal

Tomorrow marks the commencement of holy Uttarayanam. It is for this auspicious moment that Bhishma waited for 56 long days lying on a bed of arrows to give up his mortal coil. Tomorrow the sun begins its northward journey, which is most auspicious. In olden days, people used to sing songs describing the arrival of Sankranti:

The sun appeared cool and serene, 
The day started getting shorter, 
The cold wind blew fiercely, 
The fields were filled with golden harvest. 
The farmers rejoiced in singing at night 
With the moon shining bright. 
The buds of flowers blossomed 
Like garlands of pearls 
On the banks of rivers; 
Chillies were looking red, 
Farmers were bringing home 
The newly harvested grain, 
Hailing the advent of 
The joyous festival of Sankranti.

(Telugu poem)

Whatever I Will has to happen and none can come in My way. I would like to mention one more point. Last year, on the 19th of November, all the ladies gathered to celebrate Ladies Day. They said, “Swami, we are wearing the saris gifted by You and experiencing the bliss of Your Divine presence. What can we do in return to express our gratitude to You? Please give us a chance to serve You.” I replied, “You don’t need to do anything, be always happy. That is enough.” But some of them pleaded that they be given a chance to provide food to the Sevadal, who are coming in large numbers from various parts of the country to render service in Prasanthi Nilayam. I assured them that I had already willed it and that it would materialize in a short time.

I have willed that the Sevadal should be provided good food entirely free of cost for all the 365 days of the year. Every day we have about 3000 Sevadal here. They will have very good food. I have already made arrangements for this. I have got the sheds put up. All the necessary items like gas cylinders, utensils, plates, spoons, rice, dals, etc., have already been procured. None is aware of this. Sathya Sai is a silent worker. From tomorrow onwards food will be served to Sevadal free of cost forever.

Travel Concessions For Sevadal

Then I summoned the members of the Central Trust and asked them as to what work they were doing. What is the use of occupying high positions if you do not discharge your duties sincerely? People from all walks of life and different strata of society are coming to serve as Sevadal every year. I may give them food free of cost, but who will bear their travel expenses? The railway fare is increasing day by day. In olden days, just 20 rupees were enough to reach Madras from here, but these days even 200 rupees are insufficient. I commanded them to approach the railway authorities for travel concession for the Sevadal. I talk sweetly, but at the same time, I am stern when it comes to the question of discharging one’s duty. I told them either you do this work or resign. The Central Trust members have negotiated with the railway authorities and got the travel concessions sanctioned for Sevadal. Due to the effect of Kali age, people have become selfish. This selfishness makes them lazy. So, they plunge into action only when told strictly. The railway authorities were very happy. They thanked Me, saying, “Swami, it is our good fortune that we got an opportunity to serve Your devotees.”

Not only this, in order to ensure that the Sevadal and devotees reach Prasanthi Nilayam without any inconvenience, the Central Government has sanctioned 50 crore rupees for the construction of a railway station near the petrol pump. We shall have trains connecting Penukonda, Dharmavaram, and Puttaparthi. The other day, the officials of the railway department had a meeting in Delhi and arrived at this decision. Everybody should be able to reach Prasanthi Nilayam comfortably for Swami’s 75th birthday. One may board a train in Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc., to reach Prasanthi Nilayam.

Unprecedented Marvels!

Once upon a time, this Puttaparthi was a small hamlet with a population of barely 100 people. In such a small village as this, who would expect a University, an Airport, a Super Speciality Hospital, and a Railway Station to come up in such a short period? All these things are happenings during the lifetime of the Avatar, which is unprecedented in the history of humanity. During the time of no other Avatar were such stupendous tasks achieved in such a short time. Many more wonderful things are going to happen. Today you can see Me from close quarters. But after some time, you may have to see Me from a distance of a few miles.

So, make the best use of the Divine proximity of Sai. Once you lose this precious chance to serve the Lotus Feet, you will never regain it. Sai confers devotion, power, and ultimately liberation on you. Never get misguided by the words of others. Keep this in mind and redeem yourself. I had taken upon Myself this suffering only for your sake, and in response to your prayers, I have decided to cure Myself now for your sake. Do not give room for any anxiety. Now Swami is 100% perfect, perfect, perfect.

Follow Swami’s command, earn a good name, secure good marks, and set an ideal for the rest of the world. That is what I want. In addition to more facilities for the volunteers, we are making efforts to provide adequate accommodation to the devotees by constructing 100 more sheds. To provide accommodation to the foreigners, a suitable piece of land of 150 acres has been acquired on the hillock. On the 75th birthday, who knows where one would be placed? But, if you have Swami’s grace, you belong to Swami, wherever you may be, Swami is always with you. Never entertain the feeling that Swami will be away from you. Have firm faith in Swami.

Spirituality is The Sole Remedy

Student’s!

In the future, you can conduct your programs without hindrance. In the coming year, you can organize the Sports Meet in ways grander than this. I will not put any brake on your activities. But in certain aspects, you must follow My commands. It is for your good and not Mine. Be safe and secure and lead an ideal spiritual life. Today we find restlessness, anxiety, and worry prevalent everywhere. Spirituality is the only solution to all these ills of society. Due to lack of spirituality, man is a victim of depression and disease. Diseases are the products of the mind, not the body.

Lack of peace of mind results in depression, which in turn leads to disease. Develop physical strength, have faith in God, experience bliss, and share it with your fellow beings. Whatever may happen, never give up spirituality. It is only devotion to God that protects Bharat, nothing else. Distance yourself from animal qualities and develop human qualities and be one with the Divine. How can you understand divinity when you are not able to understand the importance of human values? First, practice human values, then divinity manifests itself. Take to the path of spirituality, and go to the four corners of the country propagating spiritual ideals and strive for the welfare of the world at large.

Be always happy.

Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam on 14-01-1999.