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Divine Words - Excerpts from
Divine Interviews
Sairam brothers,
Its nice to share with all our brothers excerpts from the many
interviews that our group has had with Swami over the past many
years. These interactions have been collected from our senior
brothers who were extremely fortunate to have had opportunities
with the Lord. Most of them are in Telugu since I believe that
the originality conveys the exact message more accurately.
Kindly forgive any commissions and omissions.
1. Swami once asked the group,
“What is the difference between God and Man?” All of us answered
many different things. Finally Swami said, “Bhagavantudi ki anni
telisina emi teliyanattu vuntaadu kaani manavudiki emi
teliyakapoyina anni telisinattu pose kodtadu. Ade ra God ki man ki
unna bhedamu.” In this manner Swami enlightened us as to how
ignorant we were that we thought that we know something although
what we think we know is not even the tip of the iceberg.
2. During one of the group interviews, Swami suddenly became serious
and said “ Ee chetilo enta power undo telusa. Nenu ee chetini ila
tippite bhoomini aakasamu ga maarchagalanu. Chetini ala tippite
aakasanni bhoomiga maarchagalanu. Sarva shaktulu naalone vunnayi
ra.” It was such a revelation for all those present.
3. Once, one of the brothers present in a group interview asked
Swami, “ Swami, memu ikkada Prashanti Nilayam lo vunnapudu baagane
untaamu. Kaani malli Hyderabad pote malli paata friends, alavatlu
malli vacchestaayi. Emi cheyyalo cheppandi Swami. Swami replied, “
meeranta matti kundala laanti vaaru ra, aa kundalalo nenu prema ane
neeru nimputunna. Meeru malli Hyderabad poyaka aa kundalanu bad
company ane yendalo pedite andulo unna neeru anta evaporate
ayipotaayi. Aa kundanu teesuku velli meeru satsangamu ane neella
tank lo pedite avi eppatiki ninde vuntaayi. Kaabatti meeru ikkada
Swami cheppina vishayalani vini akkadiki poyi malli deenini gurtu
chesukuntu satsangamulo melagali bangaru.” This was how we
understood the value of sharing each other’s experiences and meeting
often to talk about Swami and the activity.
4. One of our brothers once asked
Swami, “ Swami meeru maakandariki inni gifts, nagalu istaaru kaani
meeru mee vontimeeda etuvanti nagalu, aabharanaalu vesukorenduku
Swami.” Swami replied, “ Bangaru, ee rendu gold buttons
vunnaye(pointing to His robe), ave ekkuvara naaku. Sai Baba
ivvatanike vacchadu, alankaaralu chesukodaaniki kaadu.” Wow.
5. During one of the group interviews, Swami had called along an
elderly devotee who was reading poems to Swami. He said , “ Swami,
mimmalane Ramudantini.” Sw: antivi, Devotee:mimmalane
Krishnudantini. Sw: antivi Dev: mimmalane Shivudanti Sw: antivi Dev:
mimmalane Daivambanti Sw: antivi. Innantivi kaani okka saaraina
vintiva?” That day we understood how much more important it is to
practice His teachings than simply sing praises.
6. Swami once said to the group, “naaku darshanlo etuvanti mukhaalu
choodatamu ishtamo telusa. Naaku navvutu aanandamu ga vunde mohaalu
ishtam. Andaru castor oil face to vastaaru. Bhagavantude mee vaddaku
vacchi mee madhyalo nadustunte antakanna aanandamu inkemi vundi.
Kabatti navvutu aanandamuga vundaali.”
7.Once Swami had called 60 of us
for an interview. The group had done a 6 day grama seva camp and
come to Prashanti Nilayam. The interview room was jam packed with
some of our brothers having to stand against the walls so that all
could fit in. After the interview was over, there was some water on
the floor, probably because of sweat. Our brothers immediately
started taking out their kerchiefs to wipe. Swami saw this and said,
“Vaddu bangaru, danini tudchavaddu. Pavitramaina gangajalamu ra adi.
Seva chesi vacchina vaariki anta viluva.” That day we understood how
God values even the sweat of someone who has rendered service.
8. Swami usually ends an interview by distributing vibhuti packets
to all those present. At the end of one such group interview, Swami
got up and took the basket of vibhuti packets. One of the brothers
remarked, “Swami, nenu pattukuntanu Swami vibhuti basket.”
Immediately Swami said, “Mee andari bhaaraanni mostunnanu kadaa,
daanikante idi telika ye. Nene pattukuntaanu le bangaru.” What a
profound statement.
9. Swami once asked us during a group interview, “What is the
difference between and a bad man. Manchi vaadiki chedda vaadiki unna
vetyaasamu emito telusa.” Many tried to give different answers but
Swami was not happy. Finally He said, “Emi ledu ra, chaala simple.
Manchi vaadu yedati vaadi baadha choosi baadha padutaadu. Yedati
vaadi aanandamu choosi aananda padutaadu. Chedda vaadu yedati vaani
baadha choosi aananda padutaadu. Yedati vaani aanandaanni choosi
baadha padutaadu. Ante difference.” What a simple way of putting it.
10. During one of our group
interviews, Swami said, "Meeku andariki oka chedda alavaatu vundi
bangaru. Meeru speedbreakerla deggara Swami car aaginappudu jailu
kodtaaru. Adi chaala tappu bangaaru. Atla jai lu kottakudadu." One
of the brothers present said enthusiastically, " Kaani adi maaku
aanandamu Swami." Swami said, " Mee aanandamu inkokariki disturbance
kaadoodadu bangaru. College lo pillalu chaduvukuntu vuntaaru. Appudu
meeru gattiga jai kodite, emo ayindi ani vaaru anta disturb avutaaru
kadaa. Ayina jailu yavariki kodtaaro telusa, politicians ki
kodataaru. Atla meeru Swami ki jai kodite manchidi kaadu. Nenemaina
politician na. Atla cheyyakoodadu bangaru. Ekkada badite akkada
jailu kotta raadu." So, before you shout Jai out of exuberance think
twice about the surroundings and people around you.
11. Our group had initially started as a group of boys who would
make a trip to Parthi on cycles. So, during one of those cycle group
interviews, Swami said, "Meeranta Hyderabad nundi cycles tokkukuntu
vacchara?" The boys replied in the affirmative. Swami said, "Emi
ledu, Jadcharla varaku meeru tokkaru. Akkada ninchi nene tokkukuntu
vacchanu." Let us remember that we are not the doers.
12. Once one of our brothers asked Swami, "Swami, mind control yela
chesukovaali cheppandi Swami." Swami replied, "Mind control
chesukovadam mee taram kaadu bangaru. Nenu yeppudu mind control
chesukomani cheppaledu. Mind ni divert chesukomani cheppanu. Danni
manchi aalochanaloki, manchi panulaloki divert chesukondi bangaru.
Ade chaalu."
13. Swami once called one of our
brothers for a personal interview. There was also a group of Italian
ladies present. Our brother was observing Swami's interaction with
them. After Swami finished talking to them, He called this brother
for a personal audience. Swami asked him, "Emi choostunnavu ra
indaka." The brother replied, "Swamiloni purity ni choostunnanu
Swami." Swami immediately held his robe and said, "Purest form in
the universe-Sathya Sai. Ee avataaramulo vunna purity to ye
avataramulonu raaledu ra." Wow.
14. During one of the group interviews Swami asked, "Meeku
Bilvamangaludi kadha telusa?" We replied, "Teliyadu Swami." Swami
said, "Poorvam Bilvamangaludu ani oka cowboy vunde vaadu. Cowboy
ante meeru anukunedi kaadu, aavulanu mepe cowherd boy. Atanu baaga
paade vaadu. Oka naadu Yamuna nadi vadduna paatalu paadukuntunnadu.
Akkada oka andamaina ammayini choosadu. Ammayini choosadu kadaa, mee
madire vayasulo vunna kurradu, ventane modulayyindi hysteria. Aa
ammayi venakane povadam modalettadu. Sootiga aame inti varaku
vellipoyadu. Akkada aame bharta bayita koorchuni dhaaramu
teestunnadu. Itanini choosi karra to kottadam prarambhinchaadu. Idi
vinni aa ammayi bayitaku vacchi emi jarigindo kannukundi. Appudu
Bilvamangaludiki buddhi cheppindi. Kanulanu icchinadi enduko telusa,
deenini danini choochutaka. Kaadu kaadu, Bhagavantuni
darshinchutaku. Notini icchinadi yenduko telusa, ishtamocchinatlu
maatladutaka. Kaadu kaadu Bhagavat namamu palukutake. Itla
cheppesariki Bilvamangaludiki buddhi vacchindi. Ventane atanu chaala
baadha paddadu. Akkada vaka tumma chettu nundi mullu virichi ventane
kallaloki podicheskunnadu, guddi vaadu ayipoyadu. Atade Soordas.
Taruvata, Krishnudi meeda yenno paatalu raasadu. Krishna darshanamu
kooda pondadu. Choosara, Soordas oka saari chedda choopu
choosinanduke kallu podicheskunnadu. Meeru yenni choostunnaru ra."
We had to hang our heads in shame.
15. After the 75th Birthday
celebrations, Swami had instructed our group to sit for padnamaskar.
Later in the evening Swami sent a message that He wanted our team to
sit again the next day. The next morning, Swami came and distributed
watches to all of us. Then, He started speaking to the team elders.
He said, "Mee group anta sevalu baagane chestaaru kaani sarigga
chaduvukovadam ledu bangaru. Swami ki ala ishtam vundadu. Chaala
mandi ujyogamulu maani vaccharu. Adi manchidi kaadu bangaru. Maa
pillalu choodu andaru baaga chaduvutaru. Itanu telusa(pointing to
the security boy next to Swami). Ee abbayi moodu PG lu chesaadu.
Choosara. Andaru baaga chaduvukovaali, alaage sevalu kooda cheyyali.
Bahut khushi bahut khushi."
16. Once our team had the unique opportunity of serving in Parthi
for the grama seva. The group was involved in cooking. At the time
of leaving, Swami blessed the group with photographs and after some
time He came out again just to give prasadam to each of us. He then
spoke to the boys for some time. One of the brothers said, "Swami,
mee blessings kaavali Swami maaku." Immediately Swami responded
saying, "Seva chestune vunte blessings automatic ga vastu ne
vuntaayi bangaru." Now, isnt that an important statement.
17. Nothing can be hidden from Swami. On one occasion, Swami had
called the entire team of around 60 into the interview room. The
room was jam-packed. Swami picked one boy and started asking him,
"Emi chestunnavu nuvvu?" The boy replied, "Swami B.Com ayyipoyindi."
Swami asked, "Ayyipoyinda, inka emaina vunda". The boy then said
hesitantly, "Swami, rendu subjects migilipoyayi." Then Swami said,
"Mundu poyi avi poorti chesuko bangaru. Chaduvu ayyaka appudu sevalu
cheyyochu." One of the other brothers tried to introduce this boy to
Swami. Swami said to him, "Orey, Vaadi maarkulu cheptunnanu, vaadi
peremito naaku teliyada. Naaku vadito ee janma kaadu ra enno janma
janmala bandham." Each of us has been bound to the lord over many
lives. Only He knows it and we don't.
Sairam brothers,
It is heartening to share the many interactions our group has
had with Swami in the past with all our new brothers. Our senior
brothers were extremely fortunate to have had many interactions
with Bhagawan. This is an attempt to try and document all such
interactions which provide insights into daily life. It has been
collected from various elders in the team who had the good
fortune. Let us try and implement these directives and make
Swami happy.
18. On one occasion, Swami had
called us for a group interview. During the course of the interview,
Swami asked, “Who is a man?” None of us had an answer. Swami
immediately said, “One with good manners is a man.” Then the trivia
continued and Swami asked, “Who is a boy?” He continued, “One with
proper behavior is a boy.”
19. Once Swami had called our group for padnamaskar, one of the
brothers said to Swami, “Swami maa oorulo mee kosam mandiram
kattistunnamu Swami.” Immediately Swami pointed to the heart of this
boy and said, “Naa mandiramu ikkada vundi raa. Meeru kattinchedi
kaadu.” That was a big lesson. Swami resides in our hearts and not
just in temples.
20. Swami once said to our group, “ Bahya saagaraanni daatadaaniki
eeta, Bhava saagaranni daatadaaniki Geeta rendu meeku raavaali
bangaru.”
21. During one of the group interviews, Swami once said to us, "75
years ki nene inni sevalu chestunnanu bangaru. Meeranta vayasu lo
vunna vaalu. Meeru inkaa yenta cheyyali.” We had to hang our heads
in shame. We are not able to do even a fraction of what He is doing.
Sairam brothers,
THis one is really good. Pls dont miss reading this time.
22. Once Swami had called the group
for an interview. During the session, one of the brothers said to
Swami, “Swami, meru ee vayasulo kooda inta shrama padi sevalu
chestunnaru Swami. Memu kooda chivari shwasa daaka alaa sevalu chese
shaktini prasaadinchandi Swami.” Swami responded saying, “Nuvvu
annadi antaa baagane vundi kaani indaaka ‘Shrama’ ane padamu
vaadaavu choodu, adi okkati baagaledu bangaru. Naaku ee sevalanni
cheyadamu shrama kaadu ra, adi naaku aanandam. Nenu shrama anukunte
cheyyane cheyyanu. Meeru kooda shrama anukunte cheyyaddu bangaru.
Sevalu mana aanandamu nimmitame cheyyali.” What a fantastic
lesson! Serve only if it gives you joy.
23. On one occasion, Swami had called us for an interview. Swami
asked one of the boys, “Neeku emi kaavaali bangaru?” The boy was
working and responded saying, “ Swami naaku promotion kaavali
Swami.” Swami gave a wry smile and said, “Kalpavrukshamu deggaraku
vacchi coffee podi adugutunnavu ra.” Now, isn’t that true? We tend
to ask for the most insignificant things during the most significant
moments of our life.
24. Swami had once called our team for an interview in Brindavan,
Bangalore. This was sometime in 1995 or so. This incident is quite
well known and Sri Sanjay Sahni, principal of Brindavan campus of
the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning often repeats this
incident in his talks. Swami spoke to the team for about one and
half hours. After the interview was over, all the boys were leaving.
The interviews there happen in Swami’s bungalow which is surrounded
by lush green lawns. Our team had already come out into the lawns.
Suddenly they heard Swami’s voice and turned back. Swami was calling
all the boys back in. Overjoyed, the team rushed back in. Swami
stood and spoke. He said, “Bangaru, nenu meekandariki rendu
mukhyamaina vishayaalu cheppadam marchipoyaanu. Okati, meeku
eppudaina manchi pani cheyyali anipiste adi ventane karya roopamulo
pettandi. Vaayada veyyaddu. Rendodi, meeku eppudaina cheddar pani
cheyyalanipiste, adi vaayada vestu pondi. Idi cheppadaanike
pilichaanu.” Quite amazing, He called the team back in just to say
this. But, do we know how important these words are? Imagine, the
Lord came out running just to convey this message. That should give
us some idea about its importance.
Sairam brothers,
Its nice to share with all our brothers excerpts from the many
interviews that our group has had with Swami over the past many
years. These interactions have been collected from our senior
brothers who were extremely fortunate to have had opportunities
with the Lord. Most of them are in Telugu since I believe that
the originality conveys the exact message more accurately.
Kindly forgive any commissions and omissions.
25. Once, we were called for an
interview by Swami. We requested Swami to permit us to sing a group
song we had practiced. This song was written by one of our brothers.
Swami permitted us to sing. We sang together and Swami stood in the
middle of the interview room. Even after the song was over, Swami
stood there motionless, with His eyes closed for a few minutes. We
did not know what to do and sat silently in anticipation. Finally,
He opened His eyes and said, “Chaala baaga paadaru bangaru. Chaala
manchi paata. Ee paata lo Naa Jeevitam, Naa Sandesham, Naa Aashayam
anni imidi vunnayi ra. Meeru ekkadaku poyina ee paata paadandi. Ee
paata deshanne aikyam chestundi.” Swami came out and asked the
students if they heard the song. Then, He called us out and made us
sit in the portico and made us sing it again. Later, Swami even sent
some of His students to us so that they could learn the song. And do
you know what the song was? It was the now popular song sung
regularly in Prashanti Nilayam - “Sai Maata Biddalam Andaram…”.
26. During one of our group visits to Prashanti Nilayam, Swami was
interacting with our team in
Darshan. As one of our brothers was talking to Swami about a
project, Swami’s gaze was fixed on another brother sitting next to
him. Suddenly, Swami asked this boy, “Nee bike yella vundi raa?” The
boy was naturally perplexed. He replied saying, “Baagane vundi
Swami.” Swami smiled and walked back towards the interview room.
Later that day, this boy called up to his brother who was back in
Hyderabad and told him what had transpired between him and Swami.
His brother then told him that the bike was badly damaged in an
accident which took place that very morning. Sometimes Swami shows
His omniscience very subtly.
27. Once one of our brothers asked Swami, “Swami, group lo chaala
mandi pelli chesukovadam ledu Swami. Daya chesi pelli chesukomani
cheppandi.” Swami responded saying, “Nenu yavarini pelli
chesukovaddani cheppaledu bangaru. Ishtamunte pelli chesukuntaaru.
Chesukokunda tappu margamulu pattadam kante pelli chesukovadame
manchidi. Adi raja maargamu. Andaru pelli chesukondi bangaru.’’ One
of the other brothers said, “Swami, pelli chesukunte attachment
tecchukunnatle kadaa.” Swami said, “ Attachment vuntenemi.
Attachment vundavacchu kaani miti meeri pokudadu. Andarini
preminchinatle bhaaryani kooda preminchaali. Ante kaani ‘wife is
life’ anukuni too much attachment vundaraadu. Pelli chesukunte right
to paatu responsibility kooda vastundi. Adi meeru gurtinchaali.”
Now, isn’t that an important message?
28. Once Swami said to our
brothers, “Maya nartaki laaga naaluka paina naatyam aadutu vuntundi
raa. Danini vashamu chesukovaalante, aa nartakini reverse cheyyandi,
keertana cheyyandi.” (In telugu and most Indian languages, reverse
of Na rta ki is Ki rta na.) Beautiful isn’t it?
29. Once Swami had called a group of Engineers from the Hyderabad
youth group for an interview. During the course of the interview,
Swami said, “ Meedi Engineering course ki enni samvatsaraalu
chadavaali?” We answered, “Swami 4 years.” Swami asked, “meeru yenni
pareekshalu raayaali?” We replied, “Swami, almost 50 subjects varaku
vuntaayi Swami.” Swami then said, “ Rendu aksharaala BE degree ke
meeru inta kashta padutunnaru kadaa, aidu aksharaala GRACE ane
degree ki meeru inkaa yenta kashta padaali bangaaru?” That day we
realized that we need to earn His grace and work hard for it.
30. Once Swami was saying to us, “Meerantaa manchi pillalu. Idi
meeku golden age. 16-35 years anedi Golden age. Ee vayasulo meeku
shaaririkamuga, maanasikamuga, aadhyaatmikamuga, anni vidhaalaga
shakti sampoornamu ga vuntundi. Ee vayasulone meeru mee indriyalanu,
mee shaktulanu manchi maargamuloki pravesa pettali. Ee vayasu
daatitiva, taruvaata baadha padi prayojanam ledu. Ippude meeru
daivaarpita bhaavamuto sevalu cheyyandi. Vayasu meerina taruvaata
cheyyalanukunna dehamu todu padadu. Emi prayojanam. Meeru chaala
adrushtavantulu. Anduke Swami vaddaku raagaligaru. Vacchina vaalalo
Seva chesukune avakasamu, bhaagyamu meeku labhinchindi. Danini
sadviniyogamu chesukondi.” Well, isn’t that an important message.
Lets offer ourselves when we are at the peak of our powers.
31. Once Swami had called us for an
interview. Our group had taken along some of the inmates of Leprosy
colony for this trip after having conducted a service activity
there. One of the boys present who was from the leprosy colony took
up courage and asked Swami, “Swami, meeru Hyderabad vaste maa laanti
beeda vaarintiki eppudu raarenduku Swami. Meeru vaste ye minister
intiko, governor intiko veltaaru kaani maa intiki raaru enduku
Swami.” Swami immediately replied, “Nijaaniki naaku meerantene prema
ekkuva bangaru. Mee jeevitaalu baaguparchaalane vuddeshamu tone nenu
allanti VIPs deggaraku veltu vuntaanu. Endukante, atuvanti vaadu
okkadu maarina vaadikinda vunde vyavastha antaa maaripotundi. Anduke
vaariki ekkuva time istaanu. Ante kaani mee meeda prema leka kaadu
bangaru. Ee saari Hyderabad vaste nenu tappakunda mee colony ki
vastaanu bangaru.” One of the brothers then told Swami that they
were from the leprosy colony and prayed that Swami should do
something. Swami immediately created a Shivalingam. It was a black
lingam with white spots on it. Swami said, “Ee Shivalingamuni meeru
mee water pipe lo petti, deeni meedanunchi vacche neetini taagandi.
Krama kramena ee tella macchalu maayam ayipotaayi. That will be the
end of leprosy in your colony.” This was done on returning to
Hyderabad and today, there is no leprosy in the colony. Amazing
isn’t it?
32. Once Swami had called one of our senior brothers for a personal
interview. As is the norm, Swami had called a few others also. Swami
usually calls each person or family as the case may be separately
inside and takes them to an inner interview room which is called the
personal interview room. As Swami was moving towards that room with
some others, our brother was sitting near the door and moved back a
little so that there will be enough place for Swami to go.
Immediately Swami held his hair, pulled him close and said, “Swami
nundi dooramuga jaragaalani aalochana kooda raakudadu ra. Swame
daari chesukuni veltaadu le.” Wow. Such a significant message from
such a small incident!
33. During one interview, Swami asked, “Where is God?” Many replied.
One of the brothers said, “Swami God is in me.” Swami said, “ Oh. Is
it? Then why do you come to Puttaparthi? Why do you come to see
Swami?” The boy had no answer. Swami said, “You must have unity of
thought, word and deed. You must really feel and believe that Swami
is in you. Otherwise you must speak only what you feel. Otherwise it
is only hypocrisy.”
34. During one of our group
interviews, one of the boys said to Swami, “Swami memu telisi kooda
tappulu chestunnamu Swami.” Swami replied saying, “Telisi yavaru
tappulu cheyyaru bangaaru. Meeru teliyakane chestunnaru.” The boy
felt even more repentant and said, “ Ledu Swami. Tappu ani telisi
kooda chestunnanu.” Swami said, “Nuvvu road paina potunnavu. Evening
time lo light sarigga leka nuvvu road meeda oka taadu choostaavu.
Adi taade kadaa ani pattukuntaavu. Kaani adi paamu ayite
pattukuntaava. Adi paamu ani teliste daani deggara kooda povu. Meeru
ajnaanamu ane andhakaaramulo teliyaka chestunnave ra ee tappulanni.
Adi tappemo ani meeku anipistundi kaani sampoornamuga tappu ani
teliyadu. Anduke tappulu chestunnaru. Kaani tappu ani telisaaka
cheyyakudadu. Telisi tappu chesevaadu manishe kaadu. Vaadu pasuvu
kante heenamaina vaadu. Atti vaadu Rakshasude kaani Maanavudu kaadu.
Oka saari tappu cheste kshamistaanu kaani adi tappu ani telisi malli
malli chese vaadini kshamincharaadu. Ade Prithviraj Chauhan chesina
porapaatu. Porapaatu paripatu ga maarakudadu. Mohammad Gori malli
malli daadi chesi tana chetilo vodipoyina kshamistu vacchadu
Prithviraj. Kattakadabadiki, Gori ye maatramu krutajnata lekunda
Prithviraj ni odagottinappudu atani kanulu teeyinchesaadu. Atti
vaadini kshaminchadame tappu. Choosara, anduke tappu telisi kooda
paripaatu ga chese vaadini kshamincharaadu.” Quite an important
message.
35. Once when Swami had called us for a group interview, one of the
boys asked, “Swami, oko saari memu tappu chesi baadha padtaamu
Swami….”. Immediately Swami said, “Adi paschaataapamu- vundi
prayojanam emi.” Swami explained, “Meeru paschaataapamu kaadu
bangaaru. Poorvaataapamu penchukovaali. Mahabharata yuddha
samayamlo, Krishnudu Arjunudike yenduku Bhagavad Geetanu
bodhinchaado telusuna? Akkada yento mandi mahaneeyulu vunnaru.
Bheeshmudu, Dronacharyudu, Kripaachaaryudu, Dharmajudu- veerandaru
kooda Arjunudi kante chaala qualification gala vaaru. Kaani, anni
telisina vaariki tappu chesi paschaataapa padatamu alavaatu. Joodam
aadi baadha paddadu Dharmarajudu. Emi prayojanam? Kaani Arjunudu
alaa kaadu. Yuddhamu munde yochinchaadu. Ade poorvaatapamu. Anduke
atadu anni vidhaala ga Bhagavad Geetanu andukodaaniki yogyudayyadu.
Dharmaraju yuddham ayyaka baadha paddadu. Arjunudu yuddhamu kaaka
munde parinaamunu yochinchaadu. Anduke Arjunudiki Saakshat Krishnude
bodhinchaadu, Dharmajudini Bheeshmudi deggaraku teesuku velladu.
Choosara, Bhagavantudi snehamunu kore vaaru poorvaataapamu
vunchukovaali.” What a significant message that is!
36. Once one of our brothers asked, “Swami, Sai Gayatri lo
antaraarthamu emiti Swami?” Swami replied, “Emo Bangaru, naaku
teliyadu. Nenu raayaledu.” This taunt taught us that Swami answers
only if the question is sincere and not just lip service.
37. Once, Swami had called the
group for an interview. During the course of the interview, one of
the brothers asked Swami, "Swami parents to yella cheppalo ardham
kaavadam ledu Swami. Sevaku veltaanu ante 'monnane ga vellavu malli
emiti' antaaru. Puttaparthi ki Sevaku vaddam ante, 'last festival
vellavu kadaa, ippudu enduku' antaaru. Meere cheppandi Swami.
Maakemo Seva chesukovaalani vuntundi, vaallemo vaddu antaaru. Intlo
vaala mundu TV choostu koorchunna paravaledu kaani Sevalaku povaddu
antaaru Swami." Swami replied, "Nuvvu ee roju bhujinchedi repatiki
saripotundaa? Repu malli bhujistaavu kadaa. Ade vidhamuga, yeppatiki
appudu Seva chestune vundaali bangaru. Monnati Seva monnatide. Ee
roju Seva ee rojude. Ye rojuki aa roju Seva chestune vundaali. Swami
illa cheppadu ani cheppu mee naanna to." What a reply!
38. During one of our group interviews, one of the brothers asked,
"Swami, meeru maa paina inta prema yenduku choopistunnaru Swami."
Swami replied, "Mee Naanna ninnu premistunnada?" The boy was
perplexed. Swami said, "Cheppu." The boy said, "Premistunnadu
Swami." Swami then said, and please pay attention, "Mee naanna ninnu
yenduku premistunnado telusa? Nuvvu tana amshamu nundi
puttinavaadivi ani anukuntunnadu kaabatti premistunnadu. Mee naanna
ala ANUKUNTUNAADU. Kaani Naaku meerantaa Naa Amsamu nundi puttaru
ani TELUSU. Kaabatti Nenu inkaa yenta preminchaali bangaru.
'Mamaivaamso Jeevaloke Jeeva bhutah Sanaatanah'. Meeranta Naa amsamu
nundi puttina vaare ra. Anduke premistunnanu. Adi naaku sahajam."
WHAT A FANTASTIC STATEMENT! We only think but He knows.
39. Once, Swami had called the group for an interview. During the
course of the interview, we were inviting Swami to come to
Hyderabad. Swami said, "Mimmalani choodaalante naaku yenta sepu ra.
Mimmalni choodalante nenu vimaanamekki ventane vastaanu. Naaku
akkada nilabadataaniki sthalamunte chaalu. Kaani akkadikoste
Bhaktulaku kashtamu avutundi. Endukante akkada Sivam lo vunde
sthalam saripodu. Appati rojula lo appati janaaniki saripoyedi kaani
ippudu saripodu. Poorvam vacchinappude nenu pittagoda meeda nadichi
darshanamu icchanu- meeku gurtu vundi kadu. Kaabatti naaku emi
paravaaledu bangaru, kaani bhaktulaku kashtam kaligite Swamiki
kashtam." How concerned Swami is about His devotees. Do we even
think of the person next to us?
40. Once Swami asked us in an
interview, “How much is 3-1?” Many of us answered, “2 Swami.” Swami
said, “Adi worldly mathematics. Kaani Aadhyatmikam lo atla kaadu.
Ikkada 3-1=1 avutundi. Ippudu, meeru oka mirror mundu ninchunte
meeru, mirror, inka reflection-ee moodu vuntaayi. Andulonchi mirror
teesiveste only meeru maatrame vuntaaru. Choosara 3-1=1 ayyindi.
Andulo object ye Bhagavantudu, manase mirror. Srushti antaa kooda
reflection. Ee manasu ane mirror ni teesiveste, prapanchamantaa
kooda maayam ayipotundi- appudu Bhagavantudu okkade vuntaadu. Ade
deeni antaraardham.”
41. Once Swami had called us for a group interview. During the
course of the interview, Swami said, “Meeru ikkadiki raavadamlo
goppatanam emi ledu raa. Nanne mee deggaraku vacchetattu cheyyali-
appude great.” Now, isn’t that interesting. We must make Him come to
us.
42. During one of the group interviews, one of the boys said to
Swami, “Swami, pelli chesukokundaa Sanyasi gaa vundaalani vundi
Swami. Kaani intlo vaalu pelli chesukomani cheptunnaru.” Swami
replied saying, “Pelli chesukokundaa vundadam Sanyaasam kaadu
bangaaru. Pelli chesukonanta maatraanna Sanyasam vacchinatlu kaadu.
Sanyasi ayina maatraana pelli chesukoledu ani kooda kaadu. Ivvani,
ee kaalamlo alaa padaalu ishtam vachhinatlu vaadutaaru ante. Nijamga
Sanyasamu ante Sama Nyasamu kalugu vaadu ani ardham. Anaga, anni
velalaa Samaanamu ga vuntaadu. Kaashaaya vastramu vesina maatraana
karatalaa vashamu kaadu bhakti. Kaashaaya vastramu veyyali ante
daaniki rendu qualifications vundaali. Adi veyyali ante- Suffering
and Sacrifice- ee rendinti ni aanandamuga sweekarincha galagaali.
Atti vaade Ee Kaashaayam vesukovadaaniki aruhudu. Ee kaalamulo,
Swami ki tappa inkevvariki idi vesukune adhikaaramu ledu ra. Anduke
Swami eppudu yavariki Sanyaasamu iyyadu.” OOF, That was something!!
Suffering and Sacrifice-two things we run away from are the two
things that Swami likes to accept most.
43. Once Swami had called one of
our brothers for an interview. Swami told him to prepare for
engineering entrance exam. This brother decided that since Swami has
told him, he need not prepare for the entrance. Naturally, he did
not do well. The next time when he was called by Swami, Swami told
him, "Swami signal vanti vaadu raa. neeku ye direction lo vellalo
chooputaadu. Kaani akkadiki velladam mee paniye." Thus Swami taught
us that we should not run away from our responsibilities. He is
there to guide us but it is our job to follow.
44. During one of our interviews, one of the brothers said to Swami,
"Swami, Meeru Saakshaat Bhagavantudu ani telisina maaku Meelo 100%
faith ledu Swami." Swami said, "Meeku faith vundaali ani Nenu eppudu
adagaledu bangaaru. Meeku nammakam vundi, ade chaalu. Ayina faith lo
percentages vundavu bangaaru. Faith vunte vunnattu lekapotey
lenattu. Ante kaani 50% faith, 90% faith- alaantivemi vundavu." The
boy then asked, "Swami, kaani faith lekapotey memu surrender etla
avutaamu Swami." Swami said, "Surrender ante, okadu icche
vaadu,okkadu pucchukune vaadu vundaali kadaa. Akkade tappu. Faith
ante nuvve Swami. Meeku naaku bhedame ledu ane bhaavamu. Alaaga
vundaali bangaru." Good one, isnt it?
45. During one of the group interviews, one brother said to Swami,
"Swami, meeeru anumatiste ikkada State youth convention chestaamu
Swami. Konni vela mandi yuvakulantaa Swami kosam pani cheyyali ani
siddhamugaa vunnaru." Swami replied saying, "Naaku Quantity kaadu ra
Quality mukhyam. Jilla ki manchi tyaaga bhaavamu, seva bhaavmu
kaligina pillalu aiduguru vunna chaalu." Quality youth is what Swami
is looking for.
46. Once Swami had called the team
for an interview. During the course of the interview, one of the
boys said, "Swami, maaku meditation yelaa cheyyalo cheppandi Swami."
Swami replied saying, "Meditationaa, adi meeku time waste bangaru.
Meeru Sevalu cheyyandi. Ade chaalu. Meditation, meditation antu
chaala mandi kallu moosukuni koorchuntaaru. Mind maatram market ku
potundi. Adi meditation elaa avutundi. Uttha time waste maatrame.
Shareeramadhyam khalu dharma saadhakam. Deham icchinadi yenduku.
Nadumu vonchi pani cheyyali. Aa pani lo leenamaipote ade
meditation."
47. During one of our group interviews, we were telling Swami about
the work being done in one of the villages by the team. Swami said,
"Chaala santosham. Meeru akkade, aa graamaala lone Swamini
choosukondi bangaru. Ikkada akkada ekkada choosina okkadae Sai
makkuvai vunnadu."
48. Once, Swami had called some of us for an interview. During the
interview, one of the boys
asked, "Swami, concentration elaa develop chesukovaali? " Swami
replied, "Yenduku ledu concentration. " The boy said, "Emo Swami,
emi chadivina gurtu vundadu." Swami then said, "Yenduku gurtu
vundadu?" The boy was silent. Swami then said, "Shraddhaavaan
labhate jnanam. Shraddha lenide jnanam raadu. Nuvvu shraddha petti
chadavadam ledu. Interest ledu. Anduke gurtu vundatam ledu. Ade
cinema gurinchi adigaanante kshanam lo cheptaavu. Mundu interest
vundaali. Appude concentration vastundi. Baaga chadavaali bangaru.
Appude Swamiki ishtam." The key is that interest will lead to
concentration.
49. During one interview, Swami was
telling us, "Meeru Swami XYZ (some popular guru) gurinchi vinnara.
Aayana chaala baaga Bhagavad Geeta meeda lectures istaadu. Oka roju,
aayana Prakruti gurinchi maatlaadutu, akkada koorchunna voka yuvati
ni varninchadam modalu pettadu. Akkada aa ammayi brother koodaa
vunnadu. Ataniki mandipoyindi. Ventane aa Swamiji ni dooshinchadam
modalu pettadu. Choosaara. Aa Swamiji ki emi durbhavamu leka poyinaa
prajalu alaantivi apaardham chestaaru. Anduke Swami(showing Himself)
eppudu alaantivi maatlaadadu. Meeru gamaninchaaro ledo kaani Swami
eppudu discourse icchinaa Samaya sandharbaanusaaram gaane vuntundi.
Meeru koodaa alaantidi alavarchukondi. Eppudu emi maatlaadaalo
teliyaali." The lesson was that we should know when to speak what.
50. Swami was once telling our team about speaking ill of others. He
said, "Yavarini dooshinchakudadu bangaru. Meeku yavarinaina
dooshinchaalani vunte 'Shuklambaradharam vishnum' ane shlokam
cheppandi. Ademito telusaa?" Obviously none of us knew. Swami
explained, "Shuklaambaradharam -anaga Tella vastraalu moyunadi.
Vishnum-anagaa yekkada padithe akkada tirugunadi. Shashivarnam-
anagaa boodida rangu galadi. Chaturbhujam- anaga naalugu kaallu
vunnadi Prasanna vadanam-anaga yeppudu navvutu vundedi Sarva
vighnopa shantaye-anaga emi jariginaa shaantamuga vundedi. Ivvani
deniki vunde lakshanaalo telusuna- gaadida ku vunde lakshanaalu.
Kaabatti. meeku kopam vaste ee shlokam cheppandi. Gaadida ani
tittinattu vuntundi, shlokam chadivina punyamu dakkutundi.
Tittinchukunnavaadu koodaa anukuntaadu veediki enta bhakti. Naameeda
kopam vunna shlokam cheptunnadu ani." Isnt that an amazing message.
Even in times of anger, we shouldnt scold using bad words-thats the
message.
51. During the 75th birthday celebrations, Swami was blessing the
team with padnamaskaar. At that time, one of the boys said, "Swami
maaku manchi buddhi ni prasaadinchandi Swami." Immediately, Swami
said, "Nenu icchinadi antaa manchi buddi ye. Meeru malinamu
chesukunte nenu emi chesedi bangaaru." Quite an amazing statement.
Its more to do with how we use what has been given. Dont u think so?
52. During one interview, Swami
looked at one of the brothers and asked, “Neeku good man kaavalani
vunda, great man kaavaalani vunda.” The brother replied, “Naaku good
man kaavaalani vundi Swami.” Swami said, “Ade correct. Good man
kaavaalani korukovaali. Greatness appudu automatic ga vastundi.
Raavanudu chaala great man. Ramudu 32 Vidyalu maatrame
nerchukunnadu. Ravanudu 64 Vidyalu nerchaadu. Kaani emi prayojanam.
Raamudu nerchinavanni aacharinchaadu. Ravanudu edi aacharinchaledu.
Anduke, Ravanudu great man ayina waste ayipoyindi. Choosara. Chaduvu
kaligina vaadu ‘Saa ksha ra’ anipinchukuntaadu. Kaani chaduvuni
aacharana loki pettani vaadu, daaniki reverse anaga ‘Raa ksha sa’
ayipotaadu. Anduke Raavanudu raakshasudu ayyadu.” Now, isn’t that an
important message. Practice what you learn.
53. Once a group of doctors had accompanied the team to Prashanti
Nilayam. Swami blessed them with an audience in the Bhajan Hall. At
the end of the session, Swami was going around distributing prasadam
and giving Padnamaskaar to all. One of them was a student who had
stood 5th in the AIIMS entrance. When one of our brothers tried to
introduce him to Swami, He quickly replied, " Okati, Rendu, Moodu
rankulu gaani takkinavanni rankulenaa." Swami always sets high
targets for all of us.
54. During one of the team interviews, Swami was enquiring about the
activity when one of the brothers said, "Swami, memu Borivilli ane
graamamlo Fluoride ni filter chese water filters iddamu
anukuntunnamu Swami." Swami said immediately, "Icchaakaa cheppandi.
Naa deggara chaala mandi idi chestaamu adi chestaamu ani cheptaaru
kaani okkati cheyyaru. Yedaina chesi cheppandi. Oorike chestaamu
chestaamu ani kaadu." That day we learnt an important lesson that
our deeds should speak louder than our words. Do good first, then
speak about it.
55. Once when Swami had called the
team for an interview, one of the brothers asked, "Swami, mammalni
Meeru ilaage pilustu vundi maatlaadutu vundaalante memu emi
cheyyali, ela vundaali cheppandi Swami." Swami said, "Meeru
anukuntunnanta emi ledu ra. Swami pilavaali antey rende
vishayaalu-okati Naaku time vundaali. Rendodi meeku tapana vundaali.
Ee rendu kalisinappudu Swami tappaka pilichi maatlaadutaadu." Wow!
Isnt that pretty clear. His time is not in our decision frame but
look at the second factor-our yearning certainly is! But do we yearn
enough?
56. During one of the group interviews, one of the boys asked Swami,
"Swami, mind stable gaa vundadam ledu Swami." Swami replied, "Stable
gaa vunte daanini mind anaru bangaaru." The boy persisted, "Swami,
mind control cheyyadaaniki meditation cheyyali ani cheptu vuntaaru
kadaa. Daaniki ardham emiti Swami." Swami said, " Meditation antey
edo kanulu moosukuni kadalakundaa koorchovadam anukuntaaru chaalaa
mandi. Ademi kaadu. First concentration, then contemplation,
taruvaata vacchede meditation." Here, Swami took a letter which was
kept on the mini table next to His chair, " Idi letter. Darshan
appudu oka Bhaktudu icchaadu. Darshan ku raaka mundu, hall lo
koorchoni atanu aalochinchaadu emi raayaali ani - ade concentration.
Darshan ki music start ayyindi, Swami nadustu vastunte, atanu letter
chetilo pattukuni, Swami teesukovaali, Swami teesukovaali. .. ani
prarthistunnadu. Appudu ataniki oke aalochana vundi-ade
contemplation. Taruvaata, Swami letter teesukuntunnapudu, atanu o
chivara, Nenu o chivaraa pattukunna aa kshanamulo ataniki etuvanti
aalochanaa ledu, Swami teesukunnaru ane aanandamu tappa- ade
meditation. Choosaara, chaala simple." Amazing isnt it? Only Swami
can make things look so simple by giving such beautiful and unique
examples.
57. During one interview, Swami was telling us, "Mee youth ki antaa
warm blood. Aavesham ekkuva. Andulo meeru city lo bikes naduputaaru-
speed gaa potu vuntaaru. Eppudu Start early, Drive Slowly, Reach
Safely. Late gaa poyina paravaaledu. College ku poyakaa lecturer
adigite cheppandi, Sir nenu slow gaa vacchaanu anduke late
ayyindi.... Ayinaa meeru alaa vellaru, vaalu alaa chepparu. Careful
gaa drive cheyyali. Speed gaa potuvunte accident avaka inkem
avutundi. Meeru aa roju time save cheyyadaaniki try chesi emaina
accident cheste taruvaata enno rojulu mancham patti inkaa enta time
waste avutundi. Kaabatti jaagrata gaa drive cheyyali." He looked at
one of the boys, who interestingly had met with an accident while
riding his bike just the previous week in Hyderabad, and said, "Hmm,
neeku bandi nadapadam vacchaa?" The boy replied, "Vacchu Swami."
Swami said, "Emi vaccho emo. Dunnapotu kudaa neekante baaga
naduputundi. " All laughed. Luckily, no injuries were sustained by
the boy. Swami was indirectly indicating that He had protected.
Swami is so concerned about each of us. Let us follow these simple
things and make Him proud of us.
Sairam brothers,
It has been quite sometime since we started sharing these
wonderful interactions we have had with Swami. It is our hope
that we can pass on this legacy gifted to us by Swami to the
newer members of the team so that all feel like they were
present in the interview room with Swami. We hope we have been
able to share the sheer joy of being in the Divine Presence and
listening to the Lord directly to some extent through this
medium. However, it is more important for us to practice than to
simply read and do nothing about it. Here is the next set of
interactions:
58. Once Swami had called us for an
interview. One of the brothers said to Swami, "Swami spirituality ni
oka line lo cheppandi Swami" Swami replied, "True spirituality is to
love all and serve all" We were not so happy with the answer as it
seemed to be a routine one. Then Swami said suddenly, "Kaani,
andarini preminchaalante mundu ninnu nuvvu preminchukovaali. Ninnu
nuvvu preminchaali ante neeku neepai etuvanti durgunamu,
duraalochana levu ane gatti nammakam undaali. Alaa vundaali ante
meeru kudaa perfect kaavaali. Ade Sadhana. Sadhana ante edo
namasmarana, pujalu, ivi kaavu. Ninnu nuvvu sampoornamgaa
preminchagaligite, andarini preminchinavaadivav utaavu. Ide
Saadhana." What an answer! Do we really love ourselves fully? Are we
sure that there is no quality in us which we detest? Think about it!
59. During one interview, Swami was speaking to all the boys.
Suddenly His gaze fell on one boy and He said, "Enduku alaa vuntaavu
eppudu?" The boy was looking grim and sad. Swami said, "Navvutu
undaali bangaru. Happiness is Union with God. Bhagavantudi tho
vunnappudainaa navvutu vundaali. Navvu...navvu. " Finally the boy
smiled. But, Swami made His point. Always be happy. Because that is
what He wants.
60. Once Swami had called the group for an interview. During the
interview, one of the brothers asked, "Swami meeru ee madhya
mammalni pilavadam ledu Swami." Immediately Swami said, "Ippudu
pilichaanu kadaa." The boy said, "Swami group andarini pilavandi
Swami." (only few had visited) Swami said, "Meeru pilichedaakaa
ekkada aagutaaru bangaru. Vastaaru, canteen lo pani chesukuni malli
potaaru. Ayinaa festival time lo VIPs antaa vastu untaaru kadaa.
Meeru rush leni samayam chusi vaste, tappaka avakaasam istaanu.
Venna karagaalante vedi choopaali kadaa. Meeru prarthinchi Swami
cheppinavi paatiste tappaka pilustaanu bangaru."
Lets all Pray for Grace and perfection.
Courtesy:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hyderabadcityyouth/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabanews
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