OCTOBER 2009 S a n a t h a n a S a r a t h i Devoted to the Moral and Spiritual Uplift of Humanity through SATHYA DHARMA SANTHI PREMA AHIMSA Vol.: 52 Issue No. 10 Date of Publication: 1st October “Worship of Vinayaka should not OCTOBER 2009 be limited to Vinayaka Chaturthi © Sri Sathya Sai day only. You should worship him Sadhana Trust, Publications Division Prasanthi Nilayam at all places and at all times, whether Printed by K.S. RAJAN it is Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami Published by K.S. RAJAN On behalf of the owner, Sri Sathya Sai (fourth, eighth, ninth day of new moon) Sadhana Trust, Publications Division, Prasanthi Nilayam 515134, Anantapur or any other day. Sarvada Sarva District (A.P.) And Printed at M/s Rajhans Enterprises, Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari Chintanam 136, 4th Main Road, Industrial Town, Rajaji (everywhere, at all times, under all Nagar, Bangalore 560044, Karnataka And Published at Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana circumstances contemplate on God).” Trust, Publications Division, Prasanthi Nilayam 515134, Anantapur Dist., Andhra Pradesh. Editor G.L. 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All Official Websites of Prasanthi Nilayam subscriptions and other correspondence should be addressed to The Convener, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust: www.srisathyasai.org.in Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications Division: www.sssbpt.org Division, Prasanthi Nilayam – 515 134. Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Radio Sai Global Harmony: www.radiosai.org Bal Vikas Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, India: http://sssbalvikas.org/ Cover Page Photograph: Mahabharata scene as portrayed in Bhajan Mandir, Prasanthi Nilayam. B H A G A V A N’ S G A N E S H C H A T U R T H I D I S C O U R S E VINAYAKA PRINCIPLE IS ALL-PERVASIVE Bharat is the motherland of many noble souls who earned great name and fame in all the continents of the world. This is the land of valorous people who vanquished foreign rulers and attained independence. This is the land which excelled in music, literature and other fi ne arts. (Telugu Poem) V I N A Y A K A P E R M E A T E S T H E L I F E P R I N C I P L E O F M A N HE FESTIVAL OF GANESH Vinayaka is omnipresent. He teaches T Chaturthi was celebrated the other through silence and conducts himself in day. Our students also had a celebration which was full of beauty, splendour and bliss. I was very happy to see the enthusiasm All Can Experience Vinayaka Principle of our students yesterday when they Embodiments of Love – Students! brought decorated idols of Vinayaka First of all, you should know who Vinayaka here. It was heartening to see that our is. Vinayaka is the leader of the universe; there students understood the real signifi cance is no leader above him. He is the leader of all of Vinayaka Chaturthi and celebrated and master of all. It will be your misfortune if it in its true spirit. It is not possible to you forget such a leader and master. He eats experience the divine principle without only simple food, which is cooked without oil. understanding the spirit behind these The food he eats is called Kudumulu which celebrations. Therefore, try to know is prepared by grinding various types of food the inner signifi cance of celebrating grains, making the mixture soft by mixing it festivals. When you understand that with water and cooking it in steam. He eats Vinayaka is the omnipresent divine only such simple food. This preparation is also principle, then you will be celebrating called Undrallu. Those who eat such food will this festival in its true spirit. In fact, not suffer from even a minor illness at any point all festivals should be celebrated with of time. Vinayaka has two consorts, Buddhi the proper understanding of their and Siddhi. Being in the constant company signifi cance. of Vinayaka, they have acquired all types of knowledge from him. They also eat simple food like Vinayaka. 290 October 2009 the Vinayaka principle. This Vinayaka principle is present in everyone in the form of breath. It will be sheer foolishness if you limit your worship of Vinayaka to idols made of clay and metals. In fact, Vinayaka is your master, who is in you, with you and around you. By constant contemplation on Vinayaka, all your sins will be destroyed. Yesterday, our students brought the idols of Vinayaka in decorated chariots and took them out for immersion in a procession. What is the signifi cance of immersion of idols in water? When the idol of Vinayaka is immersed in water, it loses its form. Then Vinayaka principle becomes all-pervasive. The primordial sound ‘Om’ has no form. It has no If you put sugar in water, it will beginning, no end. How can there be an end of mix with water, permeating its something which has no beginning? Inhalation every molecule. Likewise, the and exhalation are the two related processes. merger of the idol of Vinayaka Similar are happiness and sorrow, merit and sin. with water signifi es his all- God is beyond all these. One who is born will pervasiveness. Vinayaka is the divine parent of all and loves all also die. But God has neither birth nor death. You his children. He considers them should never forget this divine principle which as his only property. Emulating signifi es the unity of the entire creation. If you his example, all parents should ask who is God, the answer to this question is consider their children as their that God is the principle of oneness in the entire property. Similarly, the children diversity of the creation. should also have utmost regard for their parents. Never forget your mother, never forget your an exemplary manner. Some people think father. Vinayaka is the bestower that Vinayaka is worshipped only in Bharat. of Buddhi and Siddhi (intellect and spiritual But the Vinayaka principle is all-pervasive attainments). If your Buddhi is good, everything and is worshipped by all. People may follow will become good for you. Therefore, when you different paths, but all can experience commence your studies or start any new October 2009 291 work, you fi rst offer worship to Vinayaka only. Ganapati (one with big belly). But he does Even before eating your food, you should pray not eat all that is offered to him. He sanctifi es to Vinayaka. All Bharatiyas pray to Vinayaka those offerings and confers his blessings. He before undertaking any new venture. When is ever on the move to bless his devotees. God they construct temples, they usually install the is like that only. Vinayaka is the leader of all idol of Vinayaka in the front. It is a tradition beings. He is the controller and sustainer of the of the Bharatiyas that whenever they have to entire creation. If Vinayaka does not sustain start some work, they do it only after offering and control the creation, there will be total destruction. It is only Vinayaka who protects worship to Vinayaka. When a singer wants the creation from Vinasha (destruction). He is to present a concert, he fi rst offers prayer to present everywhere. Whether you are aware of Vinayaka. Our students also dedicate their it or not, he is always with you, in you, around fi rst Bhajan to Vinayaka when they start their you, above you and below you. Bhajan programme. Vinayaka is the master of Man cannot live without air. It is his life your life. There is no leader other than him. principle. Vinayaka permeates the life principle Vinayaka is the Master of the Universe of man. People celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi Worship of Vinayaka should not be limited with great joy and prepare a number of to Vinayaka Chaturthi day only. You should delicious dishes. But Ganesh is not interested worship him at all places and at all times, in eating all the delicious items offered to him.