Sai Youth Should Tread The Ideal Path
We can see a smile dancing on each and every flower.
We can experience love in the smile of the flower.
How then can we cut the flowers
and make a garland out of them
by piercing them with a needle?
(Telugu poem)
Embodiments of Love, Young Men and Women!
Youth does not signify tender age or physical strength. It refers to those who have filled their heart with the six virtues of utshahum (enthusiasm), sahasaum (courage), dhairyum (fortitude), bhakti (devotion), shakti (strength), parakramum (valour). A true youth is one who is endowed with these six virtues. These are the hallmarks of Sai Youth. It is unfortunate that modern youth have instead filled their heart with the six evil qualities of kamah (lust), krodhah (anger) lobhah (greed), mohah (infatuation), madah (ego) and matsaryah (jealousy).
Youth Are The Torchbearers Of Truth And Righteousness
You should enquire what you have learnt after coming here. You see people with good as well as bad qualities. But youth should adhere to good thoughts and good actions only. They should live like brothers and sisters. They should get rid of all evil thoughts and bad qualities and fill their heart with noble feelings. They should acquire the education which can inculcate in them truthfulness, devotion, discipline, and duty. These sacred qualities should manifest in the conduct of a student. Every human being is essentially Divine. Humanity does not lack divinity. But due to the effect of Kali Age, man today is acquiring evil qualities instead of cultivating good thoughts and good behaviour. The youth should join a good company, develop good conduct and do good deeds. But, such ideal young men and women are rare in society today.
It is the youth who have to set ideals in the country. They are the torchbearers of truth and righteousness. It is their responsibility to set ideals for their brothers and sisters and give joy to one and all. Youth is the most important stage of life. Let it not be wasted. Help your fellowmen and foster sacred qualities in them. Encourage and exhort them to perform sacred deeds.
Wherever we look today, we find unrest and unrighteousness. As for the conduct of young men and women, the less said the better. Such being the state of affairs, it is the responsibility of Sai youth to show the ideal path to others. Only then can the country make progress. Since ancient times, the land of Bharat has been propagating the principle of spirituality and thereby setting ideals for the entire world. Men and women of ancient India attained great name and fame by practicing and propagating sacred Divine principles. Unfortunately, in recent times, we do not find such idealism among men and women. It is only when the students develop devotion, steadfastness, and humility can the country progress.
The need of the hour is Daiva priti, Papa bhiti and Sangha niti (fear of sin, love for God and morality in society).
Due to the absence of
fear of sin and love for God,
humanness has declined in human beings.
This is detrimental to universal peace.
(Telugu poem)
Today Papa bhiti (fear of sin) is on the decline. Instead, people have developed papa priti (love for sin). Nobody understands what devotion actually means. Devotion signifies unselfish love for God. We have to foster Sangha niti (morality in society). True humanness lies in fostering morality and integrity. But such morality and integrity are not seen in society today. Morality and discipline are the two main limbs of a human being.
Today science has advanced, but humanness has declined. The advancement of science has led to the creation of bombs and other weapons of warfare. What is the use of science if it is used only to create bombs which can cause untold destruction? Science should be utilized for the advancement of society. The universe is like a gigantic tree. The scientist is interested only in its branches. The saint, on the other hand, tries to find its roots. We have to find the roots; we should not be carried away by the external appearance. We have to focus our mind on God, who is the fundamental basis of the universe. Where is God? Once sage Narada approached Lord Vishnu with a request, “Swami! As You know, I go round the three worlds singing Your glory. I want to give You a report of all that I come across. Could You please give me Your permanent address?” Lord Vishnu replied, “Narada, I am present wherever My devotees sing My glory. Pilgrimage centers like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Amarnath, and Tirupati are only My ‘branch office’ addresses. My permanent address is the heart of My devotees.”
Embodiments of Love!
Wherever you go, wherever you study, whomsoever you meet, sow the seeds of sacred qualities in everyone. This is the purpose of holding this youth camp here. You should inculcate virtues, develop love and shine as ideal youth. People do not understand what true love is. Love is the life-breath of man. Love is the other name of God. Love is God; live in Love. There is love in you, but you are diverting it to your friends and relatives. Love that exists between brothers, sisters, friends, and relatives is worldly. It is temporary like a passing cloud. It cannot be termed as true love. Only love for God is true and eternal. Once it enters your heart, it will remain with you forever.
Your love should be based on the principle of oneness. True love is heart to heart. Develop this sacred love and share it with others in society. You can be called a true human being only when you develop this sacred love. The principle of love is Divine and eternal. It can neither be understood nor can it be acquired by reading books. It comes from one’s heart. It connects one heart with the other. When you develop such love, you carve out a Divine path for the whole world.
Embodiments of Love!
Injustice, untruth, and unrighteousness that prevail in the world today are beyond all description. Wherever you see, you find unrest and agitation. Talk to anyone; you will find him immersed in sorrow. What is the reason? Evil qualities and unrighteous conduct of man are responsible for this sorry state of affairs. You have to develop virtues and follow the righteous path if you want to enjoy peace and happiness. Develop faith in the Atmic principle. But, unfortunately, man today lacks faith.
Whether others respect you or not, you should respect others, for God is present in all. This is the first lesson you have to learn. I have often cited the example of Abraham Lincoln who became the President of America. He was born into a poor family. He could not afford even a proper dress for going to school. Due to this, his classmates once humiliated him. When he expressed his agony to his mother, she advised him that he should not show disrespect towards anybody even if others humiliate him. These words made a lasting impression on the tender heart of Lincoln. He acquired self-confidence and self-respect with the encouragement of his mother. Ultimately, he rose to the position of the President of America.
Serve your Parents with Dedication
Give respect and take respect. Mothers in those days taught such principles of self-respect to their children. There were many such noble mothers who brought up their children in an ideal manner in the face of all difficulties. Your parents undergo a lot of hardship to bring you up. You should always be grateful to them. An ungrateful person is worse than a beast.
During the 2nd world war, with the fall of Rangoon, many people died due to the bombing. A mother and her son somehow managed to reach Chennai, having lost their near and dear ones. They had neither protection over their head nor any food to eat. They took shelter under a tree. The mother would go begging for alms from house to house, give most of it to her son and partake of whatever little was left. When she would not get enough, she would give the entire food to her son and would herself go without food. Consequently, she became weak day by day.
One day the son, unable to see her suffering, told her, “Mother, from today, you take rest, and I will fetch food for both of us.” From that day, he would go begging for alms from house to house, give most of it to his mother and partake of whatever little was left. Sometimes, he would lie to his mother that he had already taken his food. Consequently, he too became very weak. The son had no strength to look after his mother nor did the mother have any strength to protect her son.
One day, he stood in front of the house of an officer and begged for alms. The officer was relaxing in an easy chair in the verandah and was reading the newspaper. He took pity on the boy, went inside, and brought food on a leaf. He told him to sit and partake of it. But the boy said that he would take it home. The officer said, “I don’t think you are really hungry, otherwise why should you take it home?” When the officer was uttering these harsh words, the boy felt giddy and fell down. The officer heard him utter the words, “First to my mother, to my mother…” in a faint voice. Saying so, he breathed his last. When this sad news reached the mother, she was immersed in grief. Unable to bear the grief of the tragic death of her dear son, the mother also breathed her last. Both the mother and her son sacrificed their lives, each for the sake of the other. It is only because of such sacred beings that the world is able to sustain itself. If there are no good persons on the face of the earth, how can the world keep going? The mother of this body Easwaramma was the embodiment of self-sacrifice. She had to put up with a lot of hardship to bring Me up.
Similarly, the mother of Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar adhered to high ideals in spite of her poverty. Vidyasagar worked hard and passed his examinations with distinction. When he secured a good job, he fell at the feet of his mother and said, “Mother, it is only because of your blessings that I have attained this position today. Without you, I have no existence. I have earned some money and wish to utilize it to serve you. Please tell me if you have any desires.”
Vidyasagar’s mother was as much concerned with the welfare of others as Mother Easwaramma. She told her son, “My dear, the people of our village are facing hardship due to lack of drinking water. I feel pained to see them trekking long distances to fetch water. I will be happy if you can get a well dug in our village.” Vidyasagar immediately got a well dug and fulfilled his mother’s desire. On some other day, Vidyasagar asked his mother if she had any more desires. She said, “Son, the children of our village are going to the neighboring village to attend school. I am pained to see children walking such a long distance every day. So, please construct a small school in our village.” Accordingly, Vidyasagar established a school in the village.
After some time, she told him, “Son, you have provided water to the village and also established a school for children. But it is the lack of medical facilities in our village that is troubling my mind. Please build a small hospital here.” As per her wish, he constructed a small hospital. His mother was overjoyed at this. She hugged him and said, “You have fulfilled all my desires. I am extremely happy that I have given birth to a noble son like you. There cannot be greater happiness for a mother than this. Our entire lineage is redeemed because of you. Even if I die now, it does not matter. I am very happy. What is the use of having a hundred sons like the Kauravas? One good son like you is enough.”
Gradually, his name and fame spread far and wide. As he was reputed for his oratorical skills, people would gather in large numbers to listen to his speeches. Once he was invited to deliver a speech in another town. An I.C.S. officer was also traveling by the same train in which he was traveling. Both of them got down at the same station. The officer started looking for a coolie to carry his suitcase. Seeing this, Vidyasagar volunteered to carry it. The officer handed over his suitcase to him. Vidyasagar was happy that he got an opportunity to serve. He asked him, “Sir, where should we go?” The officer replied, “Take me to the place where Vidyasagar is going to address a meeting today. I have come all the way to listen to him.” Hearing this, Vidyasagar smiled and took him to the meeting place. The officer offered him some money, but Vidyasagar politely refused, saying, “Sir, I have carried your suitcase only to help you, not for money.”
The meeting was about to commence. Everybody was eagerly waiting for Vidyasagar. As soon as Vidyasagar arrived, he was garlanded and given a grand welcome. The I.C.S. officer instantly recognized Vidyasagar as the one who had carried his suitcase. He repented and thought to himself, “Though he is highly educated, how simple and humble he is!” He approached Vidyasagar and begged his pardon. Vidyasagar replied, “Why should you seek a pardon when you have not committed any mistake? I took the suitcase from you myself and carried it. Having been born in the sacred land of Bharat, we should consider serving others a great pleasure and privilege.” Saying this, Vidyasagar himself thanked the officer for giving him an opportunity to serve.
Education Should Make The Students Humble And Obedient
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who served as the President of India, was an eminent educationist. For some time, he worked as a professor in the State of Mysore. He was very kind-hearted. He helped many a poor student during his stay there and attained a good reputation. When he was transferred to Kolkata, his students wanted to express their gratitude to him. They went to his house, packed his belongings, put them in a horse carriage, and requested him to be seated in it. Radhakrishnan was reluctant to do so but ultimately had to accede to their request. The students themselves pulled the Jatka (carriage) up to the railway station. The passersby were wonderstruck, watching this scene. They were talking among themselves, “He commands such respect from the students. Who is this great man?” One of the students told them, “We are poor students, and he is our most respected teacher. He has spent his earnings on our education. We are expressing our gratitude in this manner.” They kept his luggage in the train, saluted the teacher, and prayed, “Sir, you should come back to Mysore within a short period.” Radhakrishnan was moved by their humility and obedience.
In ancient times, students showed utmost respect and reverence towards their parents and teachers. Unfortunately, we do not find such a student-teacher relationship today. Respect your teachers. Love and serve your parents. Make proper use of time, for time is God. That is why God is extolled as Kalaya Namah, Kala Kalaya Namah, Kaladarpa damanaya Namah, Kalateetaya Namah, Kalasvarupaya Namah, Kalaniyamitaya Namah (salutations to time, to the one who is beyond time, to the one who has conquered time, to the one who transcends time, to the one who is the embodiment of time, and to the one who ordains time).
Even if you get a few minutes’ spare time, serve your fellowmen. Only then will your life be redeemed. You are not born merely to eat and sleep. You should participate in service activities. Share your food with the poor. If you do not perform acts of charity and follow the righteous path, your life is useless. Do not feel proud of your education. Remember, many in this world are more educated than you.
In spite of his education and intelligence,
a foolish man will not know his true Self
and a mean-minded person
will not give up his evil qualities.
Modern education leads
only to argumentation, not to total wisdom.
What is the use of acquiring worldly education
if it cannot lead you to immortality?
Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal.
(Telugu poem)
Having acquired education, you should lead a respectful life without any trace of ego. Develop humility. When you come across your teachers, do not shout “Good Morning, Sir”, etc. Bow your head with humility and offer your namaskaram. It is your duty to express your gratitude to your teachers. Spend your earnings not merely for your selfish ends but also the welfare of the poor. Be grateful to those who give you an opportunity to serve. Remember, there is no sadhana higher than service. You should become role models for the educated. In many villages, people are living in miserable conditions. Go to them and find out their needs. Try to meet their requirements. Conduct yourself in a manner that people will remember you forever for your nobility and service. Look after your parents well. Help the people of your village in whatever way you can.
Swami Keeps His Promise
I want to tell you something about My student days. I had to face a lot of hardship during My childhood. I need no education, for I know the essence of education. Yet I went to school to demonstrate an ideal to others. Every day I would walk from Puttaparthi to Bukkapatnam to attend school. In our school, some boys were hailing from rich families. They used to bring tiffin carriers filled with cooked rice and various types of curries. I did not have a tiffin carrier. I would bundle ragi sankoti in a small piece of cloth and take it with Me for lunch. Seeing this, Grahm Ammai (Mother Easwaramma) would shed tears saying, “Son, I feel miserable for not being able to provide proper food for You.” I would console her saying, “Mother, how does it matter whether one eats rice or gruel to satisfy one’s hunger? We have to be content with whatever we have. Do not worry about My food.” She looked after Me with great love and concern.
In Puttaparthi village, there was a thatched hut in place of the Old Mandir where I used to stay. One night some rowdies set it on fire while I was inside. Seeing the hut engulfed in flames, Subbamma and Easwaramma came running anxiously and started calling ‘Swami, Swami.’ I told them, “Do not panic. I am absolutely fine.” Within a minute, there was a heavy downpour. It rained only on the hut and nowhere else. When I came out, they asked Me, “Swami, how could You remain inside the hut perfectly calm and composed when the hut was burning?” I told them, “That is where exactly I am supposed to be present. I, being the embodiment of happiness, should be present where there are difficulties. Pleasure and pain coexist. They cannot be separated. In this world, good people are bound to face troubles. But they should remain unruffled.”
In those days, Grahm Ammai was concerned to see many eminent persons coming to Swami. She feared that they might take Swami away to their place. She was also worried about the politics in the village. She said, “Swami, the situation is not good. People are quarrelling in the name of political parties and many other issues.” I assured her that I had nothing to do with politics and it could not come in My way. One day the Maharani of Mysore, Devraj Urs, and a few others came to Puttaparthi by car. They stopped the car at Karnatanagepalli and came to Me. Easwaramma said, “Swami, these rich people may request you to go with them. They have come in a car. Please do not go with them.” I told her, “They may have a car. We have two legs to walk. They may live in big mansions. We have a shelter over our heads. It is enough. We are happy with what we have. I will not go with them. Do not worry about it.” But she wanted a promise from Me. She said, “Swami, You should give me one promise.” I asked, “What promise?” “First give me the word, then I will tell You,” said Easwaramma. She was very determined to extract a promise from Me. She had great love and concern for Me. I said, “All right, what do you want? Tell Me.” She said, “You are God. I know it very well. You are going to attain a great name and fame. But you should not leave Puttaparthi under any circumstances. You should remain here so long as You are in this body.” I told her, “I can’t say that I will always be at Puttaparthi. But I can promise one thing. I will not go over to reside at any place except Puttaparthi.” As I made this promise, She became very happy. She immediately brought some buttermilk - rice and put it into My mouth. “Swami, today I am very happy that You won’t leave Puttaparthi. You may go to all the places. You may go round the world. But You should come back to Puttaparthi always.”
Once she prayed that My name should be on her lips at the time of her death. When she passed away here in May 1972, Summer Classes were in progress. She was hale and hearty. All of a sudden she called out, “Swami, Swami, Swami…” I replied, “I am coming, I am coming …” When I came down the stairs, she breathed her last. She had no pain whatsoever; nor had she suffered from any disease. She had a peaceful end.
The father of this body was very hard working. He had no big business. Whenever he had some money with him, he would purchase coconuts for devotees. Everyday he would go to Bukkapatnam for buying provisions. I am narrating all this only to give you an example of how parents work hard for the sake of their children. It is the primary duty of children to help their parents.
One day many devotees were sitting in the verandah. They were about to be called inside for the interview. Pedda Venkama Raju (father of this body) came and requested, “Swami … Swami … Please give me two minutes.” “First let Me talk to these devotees, then I will talk to you,” I said. But he wanted to talk to Me urgently. I knew what was going to happen. So, I called him in. He said, “Swami, I have undergone many hardships in life. I worked hard, sold coconuts, vegetables and saved a few rupees. Here is the money. After I die, please feed the poor on the 12th day. I have also kept aside three bags of rice and one bag of jaggery for this purpose.” “Don’t worry about it. I will do it. I don’t require your money. Keep it with you,” I said. Father replied, “You will do it, I know that very well. But I have to spend the money that I have earned. I should not leave behind any debt. Change this money into coins and throw them over my body when it is taken for cremation.” I told him, “You are quite healthy. Why do you think of death now?” He had no pain, nor had any disease. He went home, drank some water, and passed away peacefully.
The grandfather of this body, Kondama Raju, was a great devotee. He lived for 112 years. Every morning, he would walk from the village to the New Mandir to have My darshan. One day he asked Me, “Swami, please tell Me when I would die.” I said, “Why do you talk of death now? You are quite healthy. When the time comes, I will see.” He said, “Swami, our lineage is sanctified by Your Advent. Your glory has spread all over the world. My only desire is that You should pour water into my mouth when I breathe my last. King Dasharatha was not fortunate to drink water from Lord Rama’s Divine hands at the time of his death. Today, the same Lord Rama has incarnated as Sai Rama. Hence, I pray to You to grant me my last wish.” I said, “All right, we will see.” One day, early in the morning he came to the Mandir and had My darshan. He returned home and laid down. After a while, he asked Easwaramma to go and see near Sathyabhama Temple whether Swami was coming. She told him, “Yes, Swami is coming in His car.” Swami had a small car then. Swami would drive that car not only in the village but even up to Chennai. People would be wonderstruck to see the speed with which Swami drove the car.
Kondama Raju said, “Easwaramma, get a tumbler of water and put a Tulasi leaf in it.” She did accordingly. He held the tumbler in his hand and was waiting for Me. He knew that his end was near and that I had come there to keep My promise. Nobody else knew this. Holding the tumbler, he said, “Swami, I am ready.” “I am also ready,” I replied. As I poured water into his mouth, he gave up his life peacefully. Before passing away, he said, “What a great fortune it is to drink water from Your Divine Hands before departing from this world! Even King Dasharatha, who performed great penance and sacrifice, did not have such a fortune. My life is redeemed.” Saying this, he closed his eyes.
Spend Every Moment Of Your Life In Contemplation Of God
The elders of the family had such a peaceful death. They had filled their hearts with sacred feelings. Sacred feelings will earn sacred rewards. When you are good, the results are bound to be good. Hence, always contemplate on the Divine. Sarvada sarva kaleshu sarvatra Hari chintanam (Think of God at all times and all places). Never forget God. At the appropriate time, He will shower His grace on you.
I want to tell you about Karanam Subbamma before I conclude My discourse. She was a woman of great merit. After I came back from Uravakonda, many people from nearby villages were coming to see Me. Subbamma would say, “Swami, I have no children. I consider service to devotees as service to God. Hence, please permit me to feed all those who come here to see You. You too should stay in my house.” I granted her prayer. She would cook food and feed all devotees. One day she said, “Swami, I am extremely grateful to You for giving me an opportunity to serve You and the devotees all these years. My life is redeemed because I had the good fortune of cooking food for You. My only desire is that You put water into my mouth at the time of my death.” I promised that I would.
Once I had to go to Chennai for some urgent work. In the meantime, Subbamma passed away. As I was returning from Chennai, I noticed many people at the cremation ground. I asked one of them, what the matter was. “Swami, Subbamma has passed away. We are making arrangements for her cremation,” came the reply. I at once turned the car and went to the house at Bukkapatnam where her body was kept. Her mother and sisters started crying loudly on seeing Me. They complained, “Swami, all these years she served You. She had only one desire. She waited with great hope that You would give water to her before her death.
But she died without her wish being fulfilled. Did she not deserve at least this much for all the service she rendered to You over the years?” They were praising Me and at the same time complaining that I had not kept My promise. I told them to keep quiet, saying Subbamma was still alive. But, in reality, she was no more. Ants were crawling into the eyes and nose as there was no life in the body. I said, “I always keep My promise. Having given My word, I will not deviate from it.” I went near Subbamma’s body and called her name, “Subbamma … Subbamma …” She immediately opened her eyes. People around could not believe their eyes. “Subbamma has come back to life,” they shouted. But, actually, she did not come alive. She returned to her body for My sake. I had made a promise, so she came back. Seeing this, her sisters were very happy. I wiped her face to remove the ants with My handkerchief and poured water into her mouth. She looked up at Swami’s face, shed tears of joy, and gave up her life. She attained sadgati (salvation). Once I give My word, I will never forget it. I always keep My promise. Many people do not believe this. They think, “Swami is saying all this only to please us.” But My word will never be false. Whatever I say, I will certainly do it.
Embodiments of Love!
If you want to attain fulfillment in life, spend your time in the contemplation of God till your last breath. Swami will certainly give you darshan wherever you are. The lives of Karanam Subbamma and the parents of this body bear ample testimony to this. Every year on Easwaramma Day, I used to visit the Samadhi of My parents. But nowadays as the crowd has increased, it is not possible to go there. Hence, I send clothes to be placed on their Samadhi. I have kept My promise all along.
I am Sathya Sai, and I shall always adhere to Satya (truth). Understand this truth. You will get what you deserve. The people of Kerala are very fortunate. This is the first time that a group of such good students and youth has come here.
Students - Boys and Girls!
You should become ideal citizens and earn a good reputation. I do not want anything from you. You should express your gratitude to your parents and make them happy. That is what I expect from you. I am happy when your parents are happy. I bless you all and wish that all of you should grow up as ideal men and women. Thus, I conclude My Discourse.
[Kerala Youth Camp, 13-4-2003, Brindavan, Bengaluru]