Chapter Xxxii of Arachin Bhakta Leelamrita of Shri Das Ganu Maharaj
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SAI SUDHA (NOVEMBER 1943) EDITORIAL SPIRTUAL MATERIA MEDICA BRAHMACHARYA IS A PRECIOUS JEWEL PRAYER CHAPTER XXXII OF ARACHIN BHAKTA LEELAMRITA OF SHRI DAS GANU MAHARAJ EXPERIENCES DEATH AND BABAS LIGHT ON IT NEWS AND NOTES
EDITORIAL SAINTS AND SAINTLINESS Saints and Great Masters, teach their, disciples only what is good for them. The object of many of their miracles or " leelas '' .is to convey this teaching in the ' language 'that is best under' stood by the disciples. The same " leela " might have different imports to different disciples. Each disciple draws his own conclusion and learns a lesson for himself from one common context or word of the " Sadguru." Thus it will be seen that the "leela" of Sri Sai Baba insisting on his 'disciples giving him Dakshina' had a lesson in it. Curiously enough the word' "Dakshina" begins with, the syllable 'Da,' with which Prajapathi prescribed three different disciplines to his three ' disciple-sons.' Three classes of Prajapati's sons, the_ gods, men and Asuras lived with their father Prajapathi, (viraj) as students, and led a , life of studentdom. After the completion of their term, they ' sought his instruction by asking for a guiding Mantra for their future. Prajapati smiled and uttered the syllable 'Da' when .each one approached him separately. The gods, men and Asuras;' .found themselves instructed each differently by the one. syllable, according to the consciousness of their failings. The , gods .took ''DA” to mean " continence," the men "Dan" "give" and the Asuras, "Daya" "compassion." Men are endowed with the qualities of the three. The one endowed with the noblest powers and .qualities, like unto gods, are always in danger of falling from , spiritual standards by their one defect, lust or want of self-con-, human failing is greed and acquisition ,of Wealth and the Asura nature has'-the soul-killing quality of cruelty and anger. These three natures, have to be overcome only, by practicing: the "virtues of Danta, (Selfcontrol); Dan (charity) and Daya (compassion). Sri Krishna in the Bhagavat. Gita also teaches Nara (Arjuna, man) this lesson, by asking him to renounce these three at least. There are three fatal doors leading "to hell viz. (i) lust, (ii) anger and (in') avarice. So those who ate desirous of eternal well-being must shun them" (at least). The path of this renunciation of evil is through practice of virtues and good acts done by us bring us in tune with the Divinity. Saints have got over the effects of the various gunas Rajas and Tamas by Shrada and Saburi, faith and patience, which have led them to all actions being performed without desire for the fruits there off, for it is indeed not possible for the embodied being -to give up action completely, but there is no reaping the fruits— by going through the cycle of births, for the one who has renounced the fruits of all his actions and gone beyond the concepts of the knowledge, action and the agent and has realised the highest teaching, in the following Sri Krishna's words. Know that knowledge to be Sattvika by which one unified eternal Principle is realised in all divergent beings” He who is desirous of eternal well-being must aspire after, and practice such saintly characteristics and lead a pure and devotional life' in obedience to the practice and preachings of saints and shun» idiosyncrasies of his mind. Sri Krishna says " Saints are Myself, and the characteristics of a Saint are the. following : Fearlessness, purity of heart, firm faith in self-knowledge, charity, sense- control, sacrifice, austerity, vedic study, simplicity, inoffensiveness, truth, absense of anger, non-attachment to mundane relations, tranquility, magnanimity, kindness to animals, absence of avarice, mildness, bashfulness, steadfastness, vigour, forgiveness, forbearance, purity, compassion and humility" and adds " O Arjuna, A man born in an auspicious moment is endowed with these , godly qualities" Bagavat Gita XVI—1 to 3. And Sri Sai Baba with all the above godly characteristics is verily God Himself! Plus more, of a Chintamani, 'Kamadenu and Kalpavriksha, to give wholesome, good and permanent objects to the Bhakthas, unthought of and unasked by Him. SPIRITUAL MATERIA MEDICA
BY SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA RISHIKESH Anger.—Generates poison in the blood and heat in the; blood, brain, liver and whole body; produces 'fever, depression etc. Hatred.-- Causes nervous weakness, uneasiness, restlessness, cough; fever, loss of blood, indigestion etc. ' Fear,—Causes low blood pressure, weakness, destroys red blood, cells, makes the face pale, affects the heart liver and stomach produces indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation and impotency - Renunciation.—Removes a host of ailments, such as dyspepsia, rheumatism, diabetes, disease of liver, intestines, blood-pressure, strengthens the heart, brain and nerves. Pure 'Love—Produces joy, peace of mind, harmonious functions of the bodily organs, increases the blood qualitatively, and quantitatively and turns the mind towards God. It is the best antidote for hatred. Truth.—Strengthens the heart and mind, brings peace of, mind, happiness, inner calmness and spiritual -strength and fearlessness. It is the best antidote for fear. It removes all diseases caused by fear.’ Meditation— Wonderful tonic, tones all the systems and organs, renovates the cells, enriches the cells of the blood, removes all diseases, checks the development of diseases, generates miraculous health-giving, energy-producing, soul-elevating, kundalini-awakening two principles-'Divinin ' and ' Puritin ' of marvellous potency, transforms man into divinity. ' Puritin' helps the meditator to enter into Savikalpa Samadhi. ' Divinin' aids him to attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi. BRAHMACHARYA IS A PRECIOUS JEWEL
BY SRI SWAMI SlVANAUDA, KlSHIKESH From food are manufactured fluid, blood, flesh, fat, bones, marrow and semen, one after another. Semen is again absorbed by the head, heart and the rest of the "body. It supports them. So, if any of these parts remains, without any work, the semen un-absorbed shall flow out. A person doing intellectual work only-cannot but suffer the loss of the other two unabsorbed portions of semen. Similar will be the case with the man who is doing mere mental worker physical exertion only.; Thus the one means of preserving semen is using all these component parts— establishing right adjustment of head heart and hands.. This is the theory of the Ayurvedic Science. What is wanted is restraint but not suppression of sexual desire. In restraint no sexual thought will arise in the mind. There "is perfect sublimation of the sex-energy in restraint. In .suppression, the aspirant is not .safe. There are sexual thoughts. When favourable opportunities occur, when there is external stimulus, 'the repressed desire manifests with redoubled force and vengeance, and there is a danger of downfall. One should be very careful. When one has taken the vow of celibacy, he must utilise the sex.-energy in higher channels viz., in vigorous selfless service, 'study of spiritual books, and divine contemplation. Then only there will be sublimation. Night pollution is of two kinds, viz,. physiological pollution and pathological pollution. In physiological pollution the subject will be refreshed. You should not be afraid of this act. You need not worry yourself. This is not a morbid condition. .There is slight flushing of the apparatus or periodical cleansing through slight overflow from the reservoir in which semen is stored. This act will not be attended with evil thoughts. . Whereas in pathological solution the act is accompanied by sexual thoughts/ Depression follows. There are irritability, langour, laziness inability to work and concentrate. This preservation of semen -is the 'secret of health and longevity and of all success in physical, mental, intellectual or 'spiritual plane. After Dhan vantri had taught all the details about Ayurveda to his disciples, they inquired the key- note of this science. The Master replied, " I tell you that Brahmacharya is truly a precious jewel; it is the one most effective medicine,, nectar indeed,' which destroys disease, decay and death. For attaining peace, brightness, memory, knowledge, health and self-realisation, one should observe Brahmacharya which is the highest, Dharma. Brahmacharya is the highest knowledge. Brahmacharya is the greatest strength. Of the nature of Brahmacharya is verily this Atma, and in Brahmacharya it resides. Saluting Brahmacharya" first, the cases beyond cure I do cure.- Aye, Brahmacharya can undo all the inauspicious signs." What is wanted for you is deep inner life. Silence the bubbling thoughts. Keep your mind cool and calm. Open yourself to higher spiritual consciousness. Feel the Divine Presence and Divine "guidance. Be conscious of the Divine help. Fix your mind-at the lotus feet of the Lord. Open yourself to His " powers. Become like a child. Speak to Him freely. Open your heart very freely.; "Become absolutely candid. Do not hide your 'thought''. You cannot do so, because He is the Antaryamin "(Inner' 'Ruler).-He watches all your thoughts. Pray for His ; mercy" light, 'purity; strength, peace, and knowledge. You get them surely:. -You will be established in Brahmachatya.
Prayer My hands too limp to thee salute, My voice is choked, I cannot sing, Oh I leaks, there are, in my poor flute, My breath is wasted, doth not ring. ' My head is heavy full of care, So weighty, Oh! I cannot bow, So much my body pain, doth tear, To prostrate, Oh! doth not allow. ' Oh ! Sai show mercy, give me strength, ' . My hands to lift in praise of thee, ' And fill my voice with vibrant length, My songs to reach in praise of thee. Oh! free, my head of load of care, That I may humbly bow to thee, And give me peace my pain to bear, That I may fall at the feet o'thee.
What I Want 1. Sai Baba Lord I try how I might Am peace denied, am much perturbed To pray to Thee, in thick of fight, For help, alas I am deterred. 2. So great the weight of weary care, So noisy din of daily fight, So keen the pang of sad despair So dark my path, without a light 3 .I want not wealth, to waste or hoard want not honour, pride of place I bow to Thee, to lift my load Of care, and grant me, peace, apace. 4. To serve Thee, Love, with all my heart By serving, loving, creatures all To reach Thee soon, to play my part Grant Thou, me strength, I may not fall. III. True Worship
1. Oh Sai! in truth, I worship Thee', In waters pure of fervent love Of .beings all, if I bathe Thee , Annoint Thee, with cream of-love. 2. The flowers, full bloomed from virtue'seeds If I on Thy feet gently place And blossoms pure of my good deeds . To garland Thee, I inter-lace. 3. If Thee, I .offer, frankincense Of passions burnt in holy-fire Of sacrifice with love's essence, To worship, so, Thou me, inspire
E. CHENGAD. RAO. Chapter. XXXII of Arvachin Bhaktha Leelamrita of Shri Das Ganoo Maharaj (continued from previous issue) Chandorkar heard these words of the Master and hesitatingly said, “Of these O, Master I am convinced ; but tell me why one should become subject to feeling of pleasure or pain. A person feels gratified and happy when . anything satisfactorily turns out, while pain and sorrow are his experiences, if it is otherwise. Verily this ' prapancha ' is a mine of joys and sorrows. We ;meet with pains and pleasures at every turn in this ' sansara '. Is it not good therefore to give up this 'sansara' so that we may escape from these, maladies? " These ideas of "pleasures" and "pains" said the Master are themselves delusions. They are the scales that cloud the correct vision. Whatever is considered pleasure in this phenomenal world is illusory and not .'real, but the living beings .in this world consider it real and are affected by it. Look at the working of-this ' Deha-prarabdha ' and see how one gets panchitmrita (Nectarine food) served to him while another has only course rice bran and husk. The former considers himself lucky to get what has been his lot while the latter feels sorry at quality of his stuff, Whether it be the sweet viands of the former or the course virtuals of the latter, the purpose of both is quenching of human hunger. Likewise, whether- it is the gold embroidered shawl of Kashmir that adorns the body of the rich or the covering made of the rough bark of trees that the rustic wears, the function of both is the same, i.e., to cover the nakedness of human frame and protect it against the effects of wind and weather. This feeling of pleasure or pain, condition of elation or depressions,, is purely mental. 'These conditions of the mind are the result of ignorance and darkness, that are so harmful to men. Do not therefore get ; deceived by these ebbs and tides of pain and pleasure. Verily you may ask what-is its behind all this that causes these billows of joys and sorrows in the brain ? Surely you may say, there can be no waves, without water or no light without a lamp. Here is the answer to such an enquiry. The six enemies cause all these brain .waves', which are so deceptive that .they make one see things (as if in reality) where there is nothing to be seen. The poor see the' wealthy bedecked with costly jewels which they themselves cannot possess. Their " want " produces in their minds ripples of desire and greed and these in their turn create further ripples arid waves of envy and jealousy and hate and so pn ad infinitum and an endless , chain of false activities are started on the otherwise calm and tranquil surface of their mind. Hence it behoves one and all to get control over these six enemies and to prevent their mischievous activities. Passions are like capricious and unruly steeds.. Master them by appointing Right knowledge to hold the deigns and to keep them in check. Let this knowledge be guided by Reason and Discretion. Once this is done, there is no fear of being disturbed by thoughts of 'pleasure and pain. Understand that " Liberation " is the only Real Pleasure 'and that this cycle of births and deaths is verily the " PAIN." All other feelings of joy or sorrow in this Sansara are-unreal." , Baba then drew Chandorkars' attention to the right conduct of man In this Sansara. " The wise" he said " should be cheerful and contented with their lot in life, which is but the result of Deha-Prarabdha without harbouring ° 'grievances, nor get agitated. In wealth, cultivate humility, even as the trees .bend low-with the burden and wealth of their fruits. While humility as an attitude of the mind is good, it is. not desirable to be practiced always. It is essential that one should realize that there are the good and the undesirables in the world. Firmness and severity are needed in dealing with the wicked. But towards saints sages and the good, be humble, bend low before them even as stalks of reeds do and respect them. "Do not forget that wealth and riches' are transitory. Let, not the obsession of wealth make you arrogant. Spend money on Dana and Dharma, m proportion to your income, but not extravagantly. Though this phenomenal world is unreal and perishable, it should be deemed real .to run the course of . Prarabdha for which wealth is- necessary, even as bile is .necessary (in some , proportion) for our health, while wealth and riches are thus necessary, do not be completely influenced try them or entangled in their meshes. Be liberal and munificients but not lavish or extravagant." (To be continued), And Lust, Anger, .Covetousness, Loss «f sense, Pride (arrogance) jealousy are the six enemies that infest the anthlkarana, • EXPERIENCES. ' Sri S.,P. B. Naidu, President, Sri Sai Bhakta Samaj, Matunga Bombay, 22nd September 1943 writes as narrated by Sri K S. Venkataramier, an Officer of the Kurla Municipality,' Bombay (Husband of Sri Lalitha Venkataraman of Veena and Radio Fame). From the 1st week of Sep. 1943, my two sons were suffering from a severe attack of Typhoid and their .condition .was day by day causing me grave concern and anxiety, so much so, that I was not even able to stir out" of my residence to take Darshan of our Rev. Swamiji or attend any of the numerous lectures and discourses arranged for him in Bombay city and the Suburbs. On Sunday the I9th Sep. '43, the condition of the children became very critical and their lives were almost given up for lost. Sri Swamiji, all of a sudden at 8 o'clock that night visited my house and began applying Sri Baba's Udhi all over the bodies of both the prostrate children, simultaneously sending forth his PRAYERS to Baba to protect the children from any harm befalling them. - Miraculously enough, the Prayers were immediately heard arid from that moment onwards there was a perceptible change for the better. -We are now daily applying the Udhi given by Sri Swamiji to the boys and I am glad to say that they are progressing satisfactorily—through what else it is but by Sri Baba's Benign GRACE.” Sri Swamiji has laid me in a deep debt of gratitude to him and' needless for me to state that it was Sri Sai Baba, the All-powerful, Who rushed to my rescue through our Swamiji. Long Live Sri Swamiji for carrying on the Holy Mission to which he has wedded himself to. Sri S.Subba Rao, Pleader Gooty write - I was in a .fix as to settlement of family matters for about a couple of months. I fervently approached Baba for calm and peaceful settlement. Baba-appeared in my dream and voiced thus:— " I shall do everything to the satisfaction of moral principles ", and ordered me to make Manalapan of his sacred name 4004 times. I instantly obeyed the injunction. The whole matter was settled peacefully on 30—9—43 I, cannot express the unbounded joy, I felt at this timely intervention and successful termination of family matters. Dear Bhakthas Please note that unconditional surrender " of the ' devotee to Baba will guarantee the surest success in everything. Baba is my .- main-stay, guide, friend and supporter, I owe my .life, existence, to Him in my " old age and peace and happiness to His Grace. In commemoration of this, I fed about 200 poor people on Baba Punyathithi day i.e., 9—10—43. .DEATH AND BABA'S LIGHT ON IT'
BY B. V. NARASIMHA SWAMI
Seers ancient and modern tell the" same tale. The observations of the ancient veers are enshrined in the Sruti and smritis. It is highly satisfactory' to note that modern rishis (which term really is Drishya i.e., seers) observe and narrate the same facts, as their predecessors. So. far we have quoted from. Upanisads and Sanatsujatiya extracts about Death; and we find the same in Puranaa also. The teachings of these ancients may thus be summed up, 'Death is only operative in the field of Phenomena or Maya, where the play of differences is noticed and cannot exist in the state of Brahman', ,the; state of undifferenced Bliss. Even in the field of phenomena, Death is a terror and an evil only when its real nature is not known, Any one who has full knowledge of the past, present and future, of the near and the remote alike in Time and space can see what; happens to creatures during each life,, at the moment of its cessation, which is called the death of that life and the -.birth of the next, and all that follows. 'Such wise persons see that .death and another facts and aspects of Life are governed by the same lawa of the: Wise and Benevolent Creator, and that any sincere devotee of the creator (or any of His amsas. or manifestations) is hot hindered or harmed by any of these facts or events. Sri Sai Baba who showed in himself the knowledge, goodness, and power ,of Rishyasringa, Vasishta, Viswanwtra etc., has given the same account of Death. It is only one incident, he says in the evolution of the, ;jiva. ' -Ha gave instances where death of one life was exactly the same as the. commencement of another for the jiva. He-gave his devotees the assurance that he stands guard over them at that moment, as at other moments of their, life and that it is his right and duty to receive them and take them on ' to further stages of their progress. He informed several of what he had done for them in this matter. Regarding Sri Rao Saheb Galwankar, who is now leading a pure and devoted life of service, Baba declared that even in a , 'former life G was marked by these tracts that therefore Baba placed him in his present mother's womb, and that he is maintaining his progress in such virtues even in these life also. 'Even if a devotee is 2000 miles away from Shirdi, Baba declared, his spirit would go to Baba the moment it is disengaged from its former body. Baba added that when he takes charge of a soul he has to follow it, life after life, by taking birth himself as often as may be .necessary, till he . takes the soul to its final goal—the Feet of God. Even the terrors of the punishments that Yama and his myrmidons inflict on people for their past sins need not frighten his devotees. Says Sainatha Manana (which is the manual or quintessance-of Baba's Pooja, Dhyana, teachings etc.). 24 Yamah Kruro duradharsho | Bhrusam tudati manavan | Sayeesa dhrida bhakteshu | Yama peeda na vidyate ! 25 Bhayam Sayeesa bhaktanam | Yamaat kindit na vidyate | Sayeesah Kalakalo vai ! Niryane rakshati svakan || 26 Sakrin manaa Sayi padaravindayph Nivesitam tat guna ragi Yairiha Nate Yaoam pasa bhritah cha tadbhatan | Swapnepi-pasyanti hi cheerna-nishkritahll 24. Yama is cruel, and undaunted he tortures people. But His punishments are unknown to the staunch devotees of Lord Sai. 25 Sais devotees have nothing to fear from Yama, the God of Death. Lord Sai is the Death of Death, He protects his own at the time they leave their bodies. 26. If people attracted by the Excellence of Sai rest their minds even occasionally at his feet,: Yama and his myrmidons armed with their cords will never appear before them—not even in their dreams, as their sins have been expiated (by such contemplation of Lord Sai). These verses would'; remind , one of similar passages in Srimad Bhagavata. ' Ajamila a great sinner uttered-the holy name Narayana at the moment of Death, as he wished to call for his son named Narayana.; That utterance brought angels to save him from the clutches of Yama's myrmiions. SaiBhakti .Sri R; B Purandhare and another saw Yamadhutas at their.bedside and were terrified. But Sai Baba was at hand and the cruel agents of .death vanished. Remembering Sai undoubtedly purifies the heart and is the explanation 41 Sarvesham apyaghayatam. | Idameva aunishkrithi | Sayinateti hamoktih—Yatas tadvishayamatih ! i.e-, Sai's name expiates all sins—for by uttering that name the mind turn to' Him. 46 Srunvatam Svakataas Sayi | Punyasravana Keertanah | Hridantastho hyabhadrani | Vidhunoti Suhrut sataam I Sai the friend of the good,-is in the 'hearts of those who bear accounts of Him and drives away thence all evils. Purifying and protecting his devotees all along, ;Sai appears before their vision at the moment of Death, -and takes them on to happy realms of the blessed Such was the experience of Sow. Kuttiyamrnal who communicated the fact of her having received such help and blessing to her husband recently. Many others also have received similar help and blessings. If readers of this article desire to obtain Sai's help at the Death crisis, the advice given by him as by Sri Krishna is' Tamed Serves Kales | Mamanusmara, Yudhya cha | Mayyarpita Manobuddhih | Mameveshayasi asamsayahll i.e. Therefore think of. me always,—and. carry on your struggle.; When mind and intelligence are centered on me, you will undoubtedly come tome.' "This is.the great goal of Life—to reach God. Ahmednagar The Silver Jubilee Punya Tithi of Sri Sai Baba was celebrated in Shirdi from 8th to 10th with great pomp and joy by thousands of His devotees who had . come from- all parts of India including -Madras". V Sri S. B. Kesaviah, of Penukonda 'had 'Specially come to Shirdi; to invoke :Sri Sai Baba -to give relief to famine-stricken areas'- by rain. "* He observed complete fast of seven days from 4th, to 10th instant, and was giving help to every-body who sought it. On the 9th instant, ;in the Samadhi Mandir, he 'delivered a very instructive lecture, narrating his personal experiences and exhorting the assembled Bhaktas to repose complete faith in Sri Sai Baba which, he said, was indispensable for- Spiritual Salvation. ''.After."breaking his fast on the llth morning Mr. Kesaviah went to' Ahmednagar on the special request of Mr. B. ;V. Manjeshwar Sab-judge, Ahmadnagar. .With 'Mr. V. B. Raju, I.C.S., District and Sessions Judge, Ahmednagar,' in chair, Mr. Kesaviah narrated his personal experiences and gave a fine discourse on " How to attain Spiritual Salvation ".He .emphasized that '- righteous life, truth, charitable disposition, faith, and patience, must be cultivated by every seeker of God- .Rao .Bahadur N. E. Navele, B.A.LL'.B. Public Prosecutor and Government-pleader, thanked Mr. Kesaviah. A Sai Library has been "opened at: Pollachi on 3—10—'43 under the Presidentship of Sri palaji Rao.. The AISS. has, presented a full set of its literature on the occasion. All enthusiasm is due to Dr.C.S.Kalyana Krishna Iyer the Secretary. NEWS AND NOTES Navarathri and Mahasamadhi Celebrations, 1943 • All India Sai Samaj Mylapore, Madras Sri,B. V. Narasimhaswami pleading his inability to come wrote thus : Four letter to hand. Glad to note the phenomenal success of your work for Punyathithi;-May Baba give you all his fullest help and blessings. A lakh and a half of Archanas were done during the 10 days, by Vaidiks and devotees and Nathaswaram Music was played both morning and evening. On 29-9-43 there was Bhajana by Dwatraka Mayee Goshti, on 30-9-43 by Messers. Babu Pillai; On 1st Oct. Music by Sri C. V. Sampurnamma, and Harikatha, " Ramadoss " by Sri P. G. Subbiah Bhagavatar on 3rd, Harikatha, on' Drowpathi .Mrnasamrakshana, by Sri Banni Bai on 4th, Music by Sri K Aravamudam,; on . 5th Harikatha, Vibhishana Saranagathi', by Sri T. Natesa Bhagavatar, on 6th Harikatha Ramadoss, by Sri C. Banni Bai, On 7th flute by Sri KR. Ganapathi, and Harikatha, " Nandanar ", by Sri T. Natesha Bhagavatar, On
8th Music by Sri K. Ramanarayana lyer. Proper Mariayadas i were done and a gold medal was presented to Sri Bani Bai, by a Bhaktha. On 7th and 8th October. more, than 2,000 people were fed at the K. A, Charities chowltries and Hindustan Scout Association rendered valuable help. On Mahasamadhi day (8-10-43), Aradhana was performed by Mr. R. A. lyer and on that occasion Orthodox people were fed and. Dhoties presented. 300 ladies and children were fed sumptuously by Sri R. Kalpakam."Mr. P. Ramanathan bore the expense of the decoration of Mandapam and rose flowers for Archana that 'day: All ladies were presented with a bag containing one Baba Silver Locket, Song book, Baba-Picture, Astottaram, cocoanut, fruits, betel, Sweets, 'Manja and Kunkumam and- copper lockets to children. Since the Bhaktas, felt the need of a big hall during those celebrations, a building fund was "opened 'and more thanRs. 6,000 was subscribed on the spot, with a request to all. Sai Bhakthas to, contribute liberally for the same. On 10th ;Baba picture, grandly decorated and kept on a flowered Naga';Vahan (cost of which was borne by; Mr. Ramanathan) was taken in, procession. round' the , four; Mada Streets of Mylapore, with Nathaswaram by Messrs. Maya Varam Thiruvizishimizhazai Bros and accompanied with. Padi-phattam Edupadi etc., lent by the Sri Yallesvyaram Devasthan. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the function. The procession starting at 6-30 P.M., returned at 10.30 P.M. The Nathaswaram Vidwans as well as Mr. K. Nagaratnam who decorated the Vahanam were presented with gold lockets of Baba. The success of the function was largely due to the convener Sri M. S. Rajagopalan, Joint Secretaries Sri O.
K. Varada Rao and A...S. Subrahmaniam, the supervision, and tact of cool and collected Sri Panini Rao, and the large open purse of. Sri C. V. Rajan and Sri P. Ramanathan and the cooperation of all Sai Bhakthas with their mite and the owner of the building Rao Sahib Dr.' N. G. Ramachandra Rao, for permitting to use the whole building. With the blessings of.Sri B.V.Narasimhaswami and the Bhakthas the A.I.S. S. presented a silver picture of Sri Sai Baba to each of the secretaries and the convener. Received by the, celebration committee. ;-V;- 1. 25 copies of-Sahasranamavali from Sai Samaj. Srirangam, 2. '3 (Kerchiefs) Vastram from Mr. Muthuswami lyer, 3. Rice from Messrs V. Rajan, G.K.Sundar. Rao, Panini Rao, ,Purushothama Rao Dasaratha Rao, - Subramania lyer , and . :.-V.C:Vasudevan and one lady;-(about 3 bags), 4. Messrs. Solar Works for printing free, leaflets and covers small and big. -Mr, K. H. Venkatasubba lyer for lending his vessels for 30 days. -Mr. P. 0. Rao, Artist, for giving: 200 Baba, pictures for free distribution. Mahasamadhi Celebrations
2. Sri Sai Baba Bhaktha Samaj, Calcutta. Celebrated the Mahasamadhi anniversary of Sri Baba from the 3rd to the: 8th October. “Laksharchana was offered at the Samaj at 63/2A:Lansdowne Road and at 12C/B Rash Behari Avenue. Bhajana was conducted daily at the.Samaj. On the opening day, the 7th and the 8th"-October Daridjanarayanas numbering 1,200, 700 and 7,000' respectively were fed at 120/B Rash- Behari Avenue, 63/23 Lansdowne Road and Sri jaya Stores, 83, Rash Behari Avenue. On the: 4th October-Swami Sri Subrahmania Maharaj of the Ramkrishna Mission, Belur, delivered a lecture on yogis and their uses and on the 5th the Honorary Secretary delivered a short discourse on the-significance of the Mahasamadhi and the incarnation of Sri Baba, at the Samaj. The function was concluded on the 8th October, by a meeting of Sai devotees at he residence of Rao Bahadur Meenakshi Sundaram lyer at 3 Lansdowne Terrace with music. Messages from his Holiness Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Sri S. P. R. Naidu and the annual report of the activities pf the, Samaj were read. Pandit Shamlal Goswami delivered, a lantern lecture on Baba. Presents were distributed to the employees of the Samaj and Sai prasad, distributed among the audience. 3. Sri Sai Bhaktha Samaj, Matunga, Bombay: The Sai Baba Mahotsayam was celebrated in a Pandal, Telang Road, Matunga from 30tb Sept-to 10th Oct.'43. Besides Abhishekam pooja, and ,Laksharchana both morning and evening there was on 30th Harikatha' Kalakshapam by Sri Krishna Bhagavather of Conjeevaram, on 1st Oct. discourse on " Chitta Suddi " by Sri S. Ranganatha lyengar, on 2nd " Guru Bhakthi" by Pandit Narayan Sastrigal and Music by (Sri
Subbu Lakshmi Subramanyam ;with accompaniments. On 3rd -feeding poor and Flute by Sri Anantharama lyer, and Discourse on “Individual” and 'coswos by
Sri Vidyabhashana Poraiswamy Sastri, M.A., On 4th on place of Saints in Sanatana Dharma by Swami Sambuddhanand of Sri. Ramkrishna Mat. On 5th Music by Sri Bhavani ,Pandurangam with accompaniments. Oh 6th Music by Sri Alamelu Mangammal with accompaniments. On 7th Harikatha by Sri Raghunatha
Patrachaf, On 8th at 8 A.M. Unchavrithi, 3 P.M. Haldi 'Kumkum for ladies and at 9
P.M. Music by Sri L.akshmi Satyamurthy and on 9th Upanishad Parayanam, Pooja Deeparathana at noon and_Procession with Bhajan and Vedaparayana and Anjaneya Utsavam in the evening., 4. Madura SaiSamaj: From 29-9-43 to 8-10-43 Sahasranama Archanai Pooja and Bhajana by Sri C, S. Visvanatha lyer (Advocate) Madura with suitable accompaniments and with loud speaker, on 4th and 7th Sri Vaikundarama lyer, Violinist, Vythiyanatha lyer, Mridangam and others gave their service free. On 8-10-43 about 5000 poor were fed. Sri Sankaruammal performed Arangethupady Katai Kalakhapam, on Sita Kalyanam- With Sri P. M. Srinivasa lyengar, Dt. and Sessions Judge, Ramnad there was a public meeting when the President and other Bhakthas spoke of the greatness of Sri Sai Baba and importance of the occasion and the President -thanked all the persons, chairman of the meeting and the donors. 5. Tenali: 7th Oct. Installation of Sri Sai Photo at Sri Dhara V. S R. Krishniah's House, after taking same in a specially decorated and lighted Seshasayanatn' and pooja, Bhajana and distribution of Prasadams. On 8th Sai Harikatha by Sri Totha:Venkatachalam and again a grand procession in a platform car, with which a huge brass Naga at Background went round all the principal thorough fares and all along araties were given by citizens. 6. The Gooty Sai Bhaktha Samaj Performed Baba's worship from 30-9-43 to 11—10—43 in.the premises of Basayeswara Temple opposite to the new Sai Mandir nearing completion of construction.'- Every night there was music, bhajana, pooja, Abhishekam,, and distribution of Thirtham and prasadam. Sri S. Subba Rao, Pleader, Gooty performed pooja and Abhishekam every day etc, and delivered lecture on Baba. Oneday Sainatha Mananam and on another day
Baba's Sahasranamavali. were, also recited, till 12 P.M., more, than 300 attended.
'; On .8—10—43, the portrait of Baba was taken out in grand procession through : the whole town to, the accompaniment of music and bhajana. On two nights Sri Narayana Maharaj, (a Great Rama Bhaktha) was invited and he delivered instructive lecture on Baba. On 11-10-43 about 600 poor people were fed. The local- merchants of the place liberally helped to .make the function a success. Success of the above program was mainly: due to the activity of a handful of young devotees who spared, no pains to collect monies,: .There' was' grand pooja in the premises of the Pleader Sri' S.Subba Rao's house on 30-9-43 and on 7-10-43 and he fed about 200 poor people at his own expense near his house on 9—10—43. 7.Coimbatore Sri Naga Sat Bhaktha Mandali: 8th, and 10th Parayana,. Pooja, Bhajana, Namajapam etc., and on Feeding of.'Poor. 8.Pondicherry Sai Samaj Special Laksharchana and Bhajana from 29th Sept. to.8th Oct. 43. 9.Wandiwash Sai Samaj'. Daily Pooja, Aradhana, Bhajana by several musicians and Sai Bhakthas. 10. Ootacahund: ;8th, 9th, and 10th Oct; 43, Archana, Ppoja and Bhajana and procession of ;Sri Sai Photo on the 10th at 5 P.M,. 11.Jaladurgam Bangariapalle From 6th'to 9th Daily Popja. Bhajana etc. (For verse composed on the occasion..see, Telugu. Section) 12.;Spiritual Healing Centre Coimbatore On 8th and 10th Oct. 43, Pooja, .Vishnusahasranama Archana, music and'l poor feeding 13. Chandrasekharafruram.Nellore Dt. 6th 7th and 8th Oct. 43. Pooja, Bhajana etc;, on 8th Procession of gaily decorated;; picture;,of Baba seated on Mayur Vahanam with Bhajana and Nagaswaram round:the Village. 14. Sri Sai. Samaj, Otnalur: From. 29-9-43 to 8-10-'43. Daily. Pooja, Archana and Bhajanas on 8-10-43, Special Poojas, several Sahasranamams and procession with Bhajana and Nadaswaram 15 Allahabad Sai Samaj 8th October Popja, Bhajana and Poor feeding and lecture by Dr. R. S. Padaki with the Co-operation of Messrs D. Appa Row of Imperial Bank of India, Muthiah and Ramanatha Chettiar. Acknowledgments. Message from Swami Sivananda to Sai Bhakthas of Calcutta Sai Samaj containing instructions on concentration and the required discipline as Righteousness, frankness, amiable disposition, kindness, benevolence, service and ; mercy also "appreciating and extolling the Poor feeding. Copies to -.be bad by sending 3/4 As. Stamp to Secretary, 63/2 A, Lansdowne Road, Calcutta-
A correspondent .writes: ' Admitting that Sai Sudha' is a propaganda. Journal, I fear that it is only one sided propaganda and that Baba has not been painted in his five colours. You have been showing that Babas Mission is only work miracles so much so that if the miracles fail to happen and if misfortunes overtake then the Bhakthas curse themselves and drop off. Hence facts like the death of the 12 year old; daughter Mr. Dixit, Baba's greatest Bhaktha: should be made knwn to the readers. Secondly, as. Sri .Sai Stotra,.-Says;,'Baba has taken the-';trouble of appearing on earth' to uplift his deep Bhakthas from the cycle of births', and death's .and 'that as to be, more explicitly focused on the minds. of the readers. '.Thirdly Baba's mission is to as he often said, while alive; is only to make .the Devotee stick to his own religion, sect, to his Ishta Devata and Guru family. - He ' is, mere a giver of strength, push, cementing shradha and Bhakthi' in their own Gurus, Acharas and Sanatana Dharma. Hence the modern tendency of leaving off one's own Dharma and Karma and obligations and responsibilities and satisfy oneself that Baba will be satisfied and propitiated by elaborate feeding of poor and Archana should be discouraged. As he often said that though he was a Muhammadan, Brahmins were his best friends and were allowed to be with him on his leaving of the mortal coil and his Shradha and immersion of bones were done by Brahmins, Brahmin Bhakthas should adhere and cultivate the Brahminical characteristics—both in inside and outside actions should not lower.themselves to come to find the-lows water level but must uplift others either Bhakthas or those who are outside the fold. Hence we would like to see that your journal devotes more space and attention to religious .matters, as Bhakthi, Shradha, Nishta, Sadachar, Sanatana; Dharma instead of wasting its pages on the so called miraculous cures by Vibhuthi or by Devotees, most of which can be shown either not .fully ;,cured or true to ' facts.' "In fact such miracles are being performed even at tiny Amman Koils according to the Sradha of the Bhakthas. Thus Baba's mission is to uplift the Brahmins as well as others so that by their daily prayers. Sandhya a the Hindus, Indians, nay, the whole world with all the creatures will prosper as once before. .