simplicity · the scripture defines the divine thus: the atma is immanent everywhere, just as ghee...

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SAI – The Path of Transformation

Simplicity

Research Topic: SAI – The Path of Transformation: Simplicity

Sai Centre / Group Name: Satya Sai Centre of Buffalo


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Table of Contents

Theme and Topic ................................................................................................................... 3

Where to Research ................................................................................................................ 5

Qs to Ponder ......................................................................................................................... 6

Literature .............................................................................................................................. 7

Chinna Katha ........................................................................................................................ 11


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Theme & Topics


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Where to Research

Literature

Sathya Sai Speaks - http://www.sssbpt.info/english/sss.html

Summer Showers http://www.sssbpt.info/english/showers.html

Vahinis http://www.sssbpt.info/english/vahinis.html

Chinna Kathas (Short Stories by Sathya Sai Baba)

Videos –

The Quest of the SELF (Part 1) - Talk by Dr. Sunder Iyer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiBlgJ39WqI

The Quest of the SELF (Part 2) - Talk by Dr. Sunder Iyer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AssUZgvLagU

The Quest of the SELF (Part 3) - Talk by Dr. Sunder Iyer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSDx8c02i3o

Sanathana Sarathi – Monthly Magazine from Prashanti Nilayam

Web Sites

http://www.sathyasai.org/default.htm

http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/

http://www.sssbpt.info/english/search.html

http://media.radiosai.org/www/

http://www.saicast.org/

http://saiuniverse.sathyasai.org

http://sathyasaiwithstudents.blogspot.in/

http://www.sssbpt.info/english/sss.html

http://www.sssbpt.info/english/showers.html

http://www.sssbpt.info/english/vahinis.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiBlgJ39WqI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AssUZgvLagU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSDx8c02i3o


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Questions To Ponder

• What does Simplicity mean? • How do Humility, Vanity-less-ness, Sincerity, Gratitude relate to Simplicity? • What is significance of “Simplicity” in spirituality? • Let us Inquire into our Ego & Attachments – see things as they are without judgement. • “Cheppinattu Chestara”? Will you practice what you say – or learnt? • How would practice of “Simplicity” look in real life? • What could be 2-3 specific goals or actions which we can focus on and work on to inculcate “Simplicity”

in our daily life? • How can we implement a self-audit or self-reflection to assess progress?

Please feel free to add more Qs to this list that may be beneficial to the Center members.


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Literature

Fourfold Vedic paths to divinity

Upasana means the acquisition of the presence of the divine, the achievement of the bliss of adoration. Vedic tradition sanctions four paths as legitimate and fruitful to win this achievement. They are called truth-based, manifestation-based, symbolized-divinity, and step-by-step methods (sathya-vathi, anga-vathi, anya-vathi, and nidaana-vathi). We shall consider these in some detail.

Truth-based (sathya-vathi). The scripture defines the Divine thus: The Atma is immanent everywhere, just as ghee interpenetrates every drop of milk (Sarva vyaapinam Atmaanam, ksheere sarpiriva arpitham). When the seeker pursues the truth with this conviction urging their endeavour, the spiritual practice is called truth-based. The Lord declares, “In My latent form, I am in the entire creation, operating the mystery. See in Me all this, see all this as Me (Maaya thitham idam sarvam, jagadavyaktha murthinaa)”. When one succeeds in this effort, the truth-based path will lead to success. The Lord assures, “I shall be visible to you as all this and in all this.” The Lord promises this vision of immanence and transcendence to whomever persists with sincerity on this truth based path.

Manifestation-based (anga-vathi). The universal being is the fire, the wind, the sun, the moon, and all else. He is the breath that sustains life in all beings. He is the fire that illumines all. He is the rain that feeds the plants that provide sustenance. So He can be adored either as fire (agni), wind (vayu), or rain (varuna), as having graciously assumed all these beneficent forms. This approach through benign manifestations (angas) is the manifestation based path (anga-vathi). Anga means “limb”, “fact”, “feature”.

Symbolized divinity (anya-vathi). Picturing the many-faceted divine and symbolizing, in perceivable ways, the attributes that are evidenced in each facet, the seeker endeavors to acquire the presence of the Divine.

One form of the Divine, the Omnipresent (Vishnu), is pictured as having the conch, wheel, and mace (symbols of the primeval word or sound, of time, and of might and majesty). The facet to which is ascribed the power and willingness to overcome obstacles (Vigneswara) has the symbol of the single tusk, which symbolizes sharpness and concentration. It is associated with Siva (Iswara), the facet of disintegration and dissolution, who bears the trident (trisula), which symbolizes in its three prongs the past, the present, and the future.

Rama, the form of dharma, is always pictured with the bow, which can send the arrow (will) straight to the target. Krishna, the manifestation of universal love, has on His crown a peacock feather, which symbolizes the thousand-eyed glance of grace. He bears a flute on which He plays enthralling tunes; the flute is the symbol of the egoless desire less seeker. The facet of wisdom pictured as the Goddess Saraswathi has a veena (a stringed musical instrument) in Her hand, symbolic of heart strings responding with harmony and melody to the gentle touch of the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Seekers meditate on these pleasing personifications and the significance of the symbols of their attributes. They adore the divine in the delight that wells up in their hearts. This is named the path through symbolized divin- Sathya Sai Vahini Chapter XXIII. Modes of Worship 109 ity (anya-vathi) —anya meaning the other, the adjunctory, the appurtenance. Step by step (nidaana-vathi). This path is slow, but progress is always achieved when each step is successfully negotiated. Below are the eleven stages through which the seeker has to pass to win the final consummation in bliss. Therefore, the name for this path is “slow and sure (nidaana)”.

1. Listening to the glory of God (sravanam)

2. Singing His unique graciousness joyously (kirtanam)

3. Always keeping in memory and recapitulating the majesty and mercy of the Lord (Vishnuhsmaranam)

4. Aspiring to fall at the feet of the Lord (pada-sevanam)

5. Offering prayers to the image or idol of the Lord (archanam)

6. Offering gratitude for blessings received (vandanam)

7. Surrendering to the will of the Lord (dasyam)

8. Confiding completely in Him (sakhyam)

9. Dedicating thought, word, and deed to Him (Atma niVedanam)


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10. Longing to merge in Him (thanmaya-aasakthi)

11. Agony at the slightest separation from Him (Parama-viraha-aasakthi)

Each of these four paths (truth-based, manifestation-based, symbolized-divinity, and step-by-step) is more commendable than the previous ones, as far as simplicity and practicability are concerned. In the end, they award oneness with the Universal Will.

Of the various other forms of worship or spiritual practices (upasanas or sadhanas) mentioned in the sacred texts and practiced by seekers, idol adoration or image adoration is included under manifestation-based.

Chapter XXIII. Modes of Worship – SSS23

Elders must lead exemplary lives of simplicity

Bhaaratheeya Culture emphasizing humility, sincerity and unity is the best cure for such emotional errors. More than the pursuit of luxurious life or competitive comfort, the acquisition of wealth or power, which are all liable to quick decline, the ideal of simple living and high thinking laid down by the sages of India will lead to happy lives and greater social peace.

You must have experienced the thrill of witnessing the plays enacted now by the children of the Sathya Sai Baala Vikaas children. The plays were inspiring and instructive; the acting was appealing and attractive; the meaning, has gone deep into the hearts of the children, as well as the elders who witnessed the plays. But, let me tell you, this is not enough. Along with the Baala Vikaas, the elders too must experience Vikaas (flowering or development), and lead exemplary lives Of simplicity and sincerity, of spiritual discipline and steady discipline. Children are wayward and vile, today, since they have no other examples to follow. Learn the lessons of duty, devotion and discipline from the lips of these children; let each child be a ray of sunshine in the home, shedding light and love. Let the child's desire to serve other children and the defectives around be an inspiration to you. Children do not say one thing and do the opposite. They are very straight forward and innocent. Imbibe this nature now from them, for elders have strayed far from that ideal.

The signs are favorable. The fame of this country will not diminish; it will only grow, with the coming days; very soon, India will be free from fear, and will soon regain her old position as the preceptor for mankind.

New Delhi, 31-3-1975

Instead of saying a hundred things, it is better to do one thing properly. Sanctify your life by doing selfless work. For the person who talks a lot, there is no time for work. For the person who is engaged in work, there is no time for talk. Instead of wasting time in your words, use your time in service to mankind which is service to God, all the while repeating the name of the Lord.

Sri Sathya Sai – SSS Vol 13

Reverence offered at the feet of parents reaches Me

Students, when they find distress or despair anywhere, do not now set about to reduce it. They pour oil on the flames and relish the damage they cause! My aim in starting and running this College is to train here the Ideal mother, the Ideal sister and the ideal wife, the Ideal woman, in fact. The curriculum which is followed in order to prepare you for the University Examination is just a bait to draw you into this higher curriculum of character formation and development of Universal Love. The acquisition of a few bits of information without the transformation that is necessary is, for you, a matter of pride, though there is very little Justification for the same.

The earth is but a speck in the vast Cosmos; India is a minute portion of that dot; Ananthapur is microscopic particle therein and you are one of the many lakhs of human beings living here. What reason have you to thrust your pride on the attention of others and feel superior? Women students and teachers have to be ever vigilant that they do not attract the eyes and tongues of young men by their dress, movements, laughter or behavior. Be a little behind the times, it does not matter; it is better than adopting fashions that outrage the traditions and conventions of this country and Its culture.

Do not bring dishonor to your parents or disappoint them by acting contrary to their dearest plans. The reverence that you offer at the feet of your parents is, let Me assure you, reverence that reaches Me. There are some special lessons and items


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laid down in this College to instil into you faith and spiritual discipline. Teachers and students much show special interest in them, for they are the unique features of this College, designed for your good and the good of the country. Teachers too must be examples of sincerity, simplicity and mutual co-operation and love; they too must evince interest in prayers, and other Items of spiritual importance.

Ananthapur, Sathya Sai College for Women, 25-7-1975

Attachment, affection, interest---these will create prejudice, partiality, illusion, they hide the Truth; they dull the intelligence. Raaga is roga (attachment is a disease), so far as the enquirer is concerned. One does not become a Yogi to have Raaga (affection); he must be free from favorites, fancies and fondness. Once you attach yourself to some person or habit or mannerism, it will be difficult for you to shake them off.


Pollution of character is spreading in cities

A single homestead cannot make a village; many have to cluster together and live as one family in order to constitute a village. And, for such seva as you are doing, each homestead and every member thereof has to lend a helping hand and achieve success in the common venture. The physical strength, the monetary resources, the intelligence of all have to be pooled in order to make the project succeed. This garland has not happened out of a single flower; many flowers of different hues and fragrances have strung themselves around the string in order to achieve the common aim of decorating the picture of person. No one in the village can stand apart and say, "This work is not mine; it is the responsibility of that man or this group."

For, today, the Cities have taken a turn towards confusion and conflict; they have no peace, no security, no calmness. It is all agitation, anxiety, fear, faction and suspicion. It is only in villages like yours that a modicum of quietness, fellow-feeling, tolerance, and truth can be found. The pollution of character that is spreading in cities is fast invading the villages also. The villages should not yield to the temptation of imitation and invite catastrophe 6n themselves. They must appreciate the ancient Indian ideals of simplicity and sincerity, service and spirituality-oriented living. You must curb greed and anger, envy and pride, and live in amity and the spirit of brotherhood. Then India will be happy and prosperous. Each one must carry out the duties of his role in a worshipful attitude


Do not give room in your hearts to envy

The human heart when young is very soft; it responds to grief and pain in fellow-men. It is the example of elders, the lessons they receive from parents, the company they get into, and the training they get in school and society that harden these hearts into stone. Keep those hearts soft; learn to share with others their grief and their joy; do not get jealous when others are happier or when others win prizes or credits in examinations. Emulate their industry, pray for a higher share of intelligence or a sharper memory, but do not give room in your hearts to envy and malice. Envy is a deadly poison; it will contaminate character, ruin health and rob you of peace. Be Anasuyas (un-affected by envy), and you can subdue the Gods of Creation, Protection and Destruction. Like a pest that destroys growing crops, envy enters slyly and spreads quickly. So even in small matters, be vigilant to ensure you’re not falling a prey to envy.

Parents must not find fault with others in the hearing of children, or show their hatred or envy of others before these tender minds. The Goddess at Shri Shailam is called Bhramaraamba-- the Bee that hovers ever at the Feet of Shiva, drawn by the fragrance of His Glory---for He is called Mallika-Arjuna, the White Jasmine. The hearts of children are pure, they are drawn easily and naturally to the Feet of the Lord for they have no vishaya-vaasana (attachment to sense objects) preventing them from inhaling aright the Fragrance of the Divine Glory. The bliss that radiates from the faces of these children is evidence of their innate simplicity and sweetness.



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There are many who come forward when there is a call for social service, but most of them crave publicity seeking the camera whenever they help others and very disappointed when they are not mentioned in newspapers. Such persons push themselves forward and climb into positions of authority, just to parade their importance before the public. They forget that service is worship, that each act of service is a flower placed at the feet of the Lord and that, if the act is tainted with ego, it is as if the flower is infested with slimy insect pests. Who will contaminate the Feet with such foul offering? Have no egoism while you serve the people of your district. Be guides in their spiritual struggle. Nourish faith in God. Upon that faith you can build any type of spiritual organization. Trees that grow by the side of canals will flourish thick with foliage and fruits. So too, bhajan mandalis (devotional wings) and other units of this Organization will flourish when faith in the Divine feeds the roots. Emphasize simplicity and sincerity more than pomp and show. Make the mind the shrine.

SSS 11.16: March 8, 1971

Embodiments of Love!

I will be very happy, if all of you can become children once again. A child will never have the bad qualities of anger, passion, jealousy, conceit and ego. Jesus Christ was always appreciative of the quality of innocence in children. Once, he lifted a small child from the lap of her mother in the crowd and said “I like this small child very much; she has all the qualities of divinity. She is pure, selfess and is in perfect bliss”. Children in general are divine in nature. As they grow up they develop bad qualities like excessive desires, attachments, anger, jealousy, etc. Along with advancing age, sorrows and difficulties will also increase. Therefore, one should strive for attaining control overone’s desires. That is ceiling on desires. If you can develop this control, you will come under the influence of divine power. Otherwise, you will be deluded by the power of desires and get into that vortex from which you can never come out. A child like simplicity, purity and innocence, is the road to divinity.

Embodiments of Love!

I wish you should become children at least for one minute a day. You should emulate those noble qualities, which are characteristic of children. Supposing you are troubled with desires, chase them away as unbecoming of your noble personality. Only then can you hold your head high. A few minutes ago, My nose was bleeding profusely. If I were to submit Myself helplessly to this bodily ailment, it would have aggravated further. Therefore, I decided to defy this bodily discomfort and stand erect with firmness, unmindful of what is going to happen to the b o dy. I washed My face and came back immediately. After all, this body and the blood circulating therein are nourished and nurtured only by the food we partake of. If we cannot control our own body, what is the purpose of our living? Wherever we are, we must keep the body in our control. Only then we become real human beings and can move closer to divinity. The more you control your body and mind, the nearer you move to God.

Sathya Sai Speaks Volume - 37

Swami to the students

This College will pay attention to providing a complete education, namely, Karma maarga, Dharma maarga and Brahma maarga (path of dedicated action, of righteousness and of spirituality), all three. You may continue in this College or join some other College later on or go home after finishing your studies, but, wherever you are, you must shine forth as recipients of this special attention. You are sure to inspire others by your example of integrity, sincerity and spiritual yearning. Dr. Gokak mentioned externals of modem living like foppish shirts and sidebums. Yes; I like simplicity, I like dress that will not discourage people from approaching you for a kind word, a bit of service, a helping hand. It must be clean and decent; not outlandish and queer. It should not be worn to attract attention.

Sathya Sai Speaks Volume – 10


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Cultivate quietness, simplicity and humility Now this country is pursuing priya instead of hitha and that is the reason for all this distress and discontent. Indian Culture has always emphasised the hard way, the beneficial way; but, people are now after cultures that cater to the senses---the outer, the external, the frill and the fancies, the mirages and the momentaries. Indian culture advises the control of the senses, not catering to them. The car is driven by means of a wheel which is inside it; when that wheel is turned, the outer wheels move. So also, the inner wheel has to be turned in man, so that he may progress. Trying to move the outer wheels is a sign of ignorance; it is waste of precious energy. Inner concentration is to be developed in preference to outer distraction. Cultivate quietness, simplicity, humility, instead of noise, complexity, conceit. Of the twenty-four hours which comprise a day, use six for earning and spending, six for contemplation of God, six for sleep and six for service to others.


The Veda is the basis of dharma, which is like the Mother in its loving care for humanity. India (Bharatha bhumi) is the land of spiritual union, spiritual activity, renunciation, and spiritual enjoyment, not sense enjoyment. The Kauravas failed because they stuck to empire and greed for power and fixed their minds on enjoyment. The Pandavas secured divine guidance and won because they stuck to spiritual joy, ascetic self-control, simplicity, and sincerity. To follow the same path is the sign of wisdom. That is the path of virtue (dharma), from which mankind has strayed away. Grief is the greatest friend of humanity, for it opens the eyes and shocks you into the search for the secret of peace and happiness.


Shun ostentation; cultivate humility

Protecting one’s motherland is a noble duty. It is the primary duty of each student. Students can’t claim to have learned much unless they are able to discover and discharge their duty and their immediate role, when circumstances call for such decisions. The educated person and the student undergoing education must both cultivate simplicity; they must discard ostentation. If they are addicted to ostentation, they lose their genuine nature or individuality. Students must note this point well. People without humility and discipline in dealings with others are certain to be counted out as scholar or pundits, no matter what sciences they have mastered or how famous they are as intellectuals. Such people will not be honoured by society. They may win respect for some time, but that attitude will decline pretty soon. Such respect does not bring credit to the recipient. Only artlessness and simplicity earn honour —and they render the honour enjoyable. Insane parade of scholarship brings in only spurts of reputation and ridicule. When one gives up ostentation, one can get permanent respect from people. Real education imparts a spirit of renunciation, a dislike for ostentation, and the yearning to serve others. Some people develop swollen heads as soon as they acquire a little knowledge. They pretend to be experts in every field and boast the whole day about their attain-ments. They strut about as if they know everything. “The leaf-plate on which a full lunch has been served will lie low on the floor. The leaf-plate on which nothing is placed will hop high with every gust of wind.” Thus says the proverb. So too, the person who has much scholarship and many skills will lead an unassuming life. But one who has not derived genuine education and the strength it can confer lives in pomp and pride. That person struggles to hide defects from being known to others. And, in the end, the struggles don’t succeed. One meets with double ruin —one doesn’t experience spiritual bliss (ananda) and one doesn’t impart it to others. In the end, one becomes the target of ridicule. Therefore, don’t allow the desire for ostentation to enter the mind; don’t allow egotism to approach you. Be humble and be loyal to high ideals. Only then can you serve the cause of world peace and prosperity. Only when the individual succeeds in being good can the world also become good (vyakthi sreyas becomes viswa srayas). One who is eager to be a real student must place before himself the ideal of world peace and prosperity. One has to be unpretentious. One must vow to be of service to others. This is the essence of true education (vidya).

Vidya Vahini Vol 15


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Chinna Katha

Dear Children,

At the time of India's independence in 1947, large sections of this country were so poor that they could not afford to

buy enough clothes to even cover themselves fully. When Gandhiji saw this he too took to wearing only a loin cloth;

he did not waste a single thing because so many in this country did not have adequate food to eat or money to buy

basic needs. This lofty example of Gandhiji was followed by so many in India at that time. Just like a child likes to do

what his/her father does, hundreds and thousands in this country too lead such a life of absolute simplicity, always

feeling for the pain and suffering of their fellow brethren. And here is one such example of someone who followed

Gandhiji's footsteps steadfastly.

Did you see how Maniben lead a life that exemplified Swami's dictum, 'Simple Living and High Thinking'? No

wonder Swami quoted her life to give us this lesson. We often are led to believe that we need a 'lot' of things to be


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happy. We always see advertisements that show us new toys, clothes and gadgets, and how the children who

possess them are so happy. But that happiness does not last long and is not real.

Also we must remember that even as we seek a new dress, there are poor children who don't have enough clothing

to protect them from cold; while we desire for more toys, there are children who don't have enough food to eat. If we

remember these unfortunate people, we will be grateful for what we have and also desist from making too many

demands to our parents and ask for only what is necessary. And needless to say, we will make Swami happy in the

process. Now, isn't that what all of us wish to do? May we all be able to please Swami through our efforts. Sai Ram.

RADIO SAI PICTURE STORY- 03

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