Virtues that Bind a Family - Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba

The moon is the source of light at night while the sun illumines the day. For the three worlds, righteousness is the source of illumination, and a good son brings light and brightness to the entire clan.

(Sanskrit Verse)

Part II

After the New Mandir was opened on November 23, 1950, Kondama Raju used to come every morning and evening to see Me. I told him, "Why do you strain yourself by walking all the way? You can stay at home. I will come and see you!" He replied that this was an exercise for him at that age. He paid Me back in the same coin! He was 112 years old at that time. Even at that age, he could walk steadily. At that time, I had the habit of eating Paan from dawn to dusk. One day, I offered Kondama Raju betel nut and betel nut powder. He refused to take the powder saying that his teeth were strong and took the betel nut itself and chewed it up in no time. He never used spectacles. He could walk any distance.

Shun Artificial Speech

Old people of those days got strength through control of senses. They did not have body attachment. They lived in order to discharge their duties. Such great people were there in every family. Once Thyagaraja was invited to the court of the king of Travancore, and a great assembly was arranged. Thyagaraja sang his first composition thus: "Endaro Mahanubhavulu. Andariki Vandanamulu!" (there are many great souls. My salutations to all of them). In earlier days, they used to begin any program by offering salutations to the entire assembly. But some of our students begin by addressing the audience as ‘brothers and sisters’. How can old people become your ‘brothers and sisters’? This is an artificial way of speaking. In one such gathering, some one got up and asked the speaker, "You addressed me as your brother. I am poor; so give me a share in your property!" Will the speaker share his property? He just calls them brothers and sisters without that intention. Then, why should you use the words ‘brothers and sisters’? This has become an artificial usage. I do not like these artificial words. I always address you as `embodiments of love’! Bhagavan is the embodiment of love. You too are endowed with love. So, I call you embodiments of love. I am not at all a master. I am a servant, a servant of devotees. I am always with devotees fulfilling their wishes. You do not come to Me to take Namaskar. I come to you to give Namaskar. (cheers) What does it mean? I am yours. You need not get up to come to Me; I will come to you. I will take over all your problems. In this way, I practice and demonstrate whatever I say. You too should do the same thing. That is called Truth. The proper study of mankind is man. There should be unity of thought, word and deed. Especially, the students should recognize this. It is not enough to praise Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati in poems and songs. When you cultivate good qualities, you yourself will become Lakshmi. Once you control your senses and the mind, you will become Durga. When you speak words of truth, you will become Saraswati. The other name of Saraswati is Bharati. Some people say that our country Bharat is named after king Bharata or the brother of Rama. But who gave them this name? There should be a basis for all these names. That basis is the name of Saraswati, i.e., Bharati. Brahma is the creator but the one who sustains the creation is Saraswati. Bharati is her name. This country is named after her. But this is not very widely known. Indian culture has many such secrets. But few endeavor to know these secrets inherent in the Vedas, Shastras and Itihasas.

© "Sanathana Sarathi" (February, 2001) published by Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, 515 134. Website: srisathyasai.org.in. Part I of this artcile appared in Splendour, March 2006 issue. Reprinted with permission.

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