EASWARAMMA

06.05.2004

Ashram Booklet Version

MOTHER IS YOUR FIRST GOD

When man emerges out of his mother's womb
He has no garland of any kind around his neck:
Neither of pearls nor of gold, nor a necklace of topaz
Or of rubies or other precious gems.
There is however, one garland carrying the unbroken link
of the consequences of the good and bad deeds of the past lives strung together.
Brahma, the creator, strings together the consequences of his past deeds
Into a heavy garland and puts it around his neck at the time of his birth.

(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love,

Every individual has four Gurus in this world. The Vedas proclaim 'mathrudevo bhava, pithrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava, athithidevo bhava', which means the mother, father, teacher and the guest are to be considered as God. Among the four, the mother is the first and the foremost guru.

There are several inner meanings to the teachings of the mother. A true disciple is one who meticulously follows the mother's instructions. The mother may appear to be an ordinary individual like any other, but when you delve deep into her teachings, you will realise that she is a great guru (teacher). But, those who are not on the spiritual path, may take all this lightly.

Once, mother Easwaramma was returning from Chitravathi river with a vessel full of water. An old woman was walking along with her with great difficulty, unable to bear the burden of the vessel filled with water. Easwaramma enquired, "Mother! Are you feeling difficulty in carrying the vessel full of water?" The old woman who was perspiring and unable to keep pace with her replied, "Yes, mother! I am unable to carry this vessel for such a long distance. But, I have no children to help me in this task. I myself have to carry this vessel full of water everyday." These words of agony were imprinted on the mind of Easwaramma.

After walking for some distance, she saw a small boy holding a slate and pencil in one hand and carrying a heavy load of books in a bag hanging round his neck. He was unable to walk, but he had to continue his journey to the Bukkapatnam School. Easwaramma enquired of the boy, "My dear son! What for are these slate and pencil? Why are you carrying such a heavy load of books?" The small boy replied, "Mother, I am carrying these books so that I can note down all the teachers teach me."

Easwaramma kept all these incidents in her mind.

After walking for some more distance, she came across a frail lady carrying her infant child on her shoulders proceeding towards Bukkapatnam. Easwaramma again enquired of this lady, "You appear to be frail and weak, unable to carry the child. Why should you walk such a long distance up to Bukkapatnam?" The lady replied, "Mother! What else can I do? There is no doctor in this remote village who can give some medicine for my child. He is suffering from cold and fever. I have to take him to the Bukkapatnam hospital." This incident also made an imprint on the mind of Easwaramma.

There used to be a mother and small child in a remote village near Kolkata. As soon as the child was born, the father died. The mother somehow brought up the child with the meagre income she earned by doing some odd jobs. There was not even a lamp in the house for the boy to study during the night. He used to sit under the street lights and study. Thus, he continued his studies with great difficulty and earned a high degree. That little boy blossomed into the legendary Easwarcandra Vidyasagar.

Once a fair was being held in Kolkata. Easwarcandra's mother also started out to visit the fair, wearing a worn-out sari. He saw her pitiable condition. While everybody else was going to the fair wearing expensive clothes, Vidyasagar could not bear the sight of his mother going to the fair wearing a worn-out sari. He asked, "Mother! Why are you going to the fair wearing such a worn-out sari?" The mother replied, "My dear son! I am happy with whatever I have. Please do not worry. You continue with your studies and come up in life."

A few years after this incident, Vidysagar completed his studies. He was able to secure a good job with a decent salary. He bought some good saris for his mother with his first month's salary. Then his mother told him, "I will not be really happy with these costly saris. If you help the poor people in our village and alleviate their suffering at least to some extent that is enough for me."

She further expressed that she had three desires. Immediately, Vidyasagar fell at her feed and prayed, "Mother! It is my duty to fulfil your desires. It is the responsibility of a son to fulfil the desires of his mother and make her happy. Please let me know what your desires are." The mother replied, "My dear son! There are several poor, uneducated and sick people in our village. Who will alleviate their suffering? I will be really happy, only when you can remove their difficulties. The children in this village have to walk long distances and go to the neighbouring village for studies. I am really moved at their pitiable condition. Should they have to undergo so many difficulties for the sake of education? I want you to build a small school in this village itself so that these children con comfortably study here." Vidyasar built a small school in his village as per the wishes of his mother and she was happy.

On another day, Vidyasagar found his mother sitting in a pensive mood and enquired what the reason was. She told him, "My dear son! The people of our village are suffering a lot for want of drinking water. They have to fetch the water from long distances, walking all the way. The well in our village has completely dried up. How can old ladies like me fetch water from such a long distance= If you can arrange for the digging of a well in our village, it will be a great boon for them. This is my second desire." Vidyasagar assured her, "Mother! I will certainly fulfil your desire. I will try to solve the drinking water problem in our village." Initially, he got two or three more wells sunk in the village, but they were not of much use. The bore wells were able to supply water only during the rainy season. During summer, they used to dry up, yielding not even a drop of water. Therefore, the mother advised him to find a permanent solution for the problem. Then, Vidyasagar arranged for digging a big well and solved the problem of water scarcity permanently. His mother was happy.

After some time, Vidyasagar got a promotion in his job. His salary also increased. Then, he approached his mother end enquired, "Mother! What is your third desire?" She replied, "My dear son! You have built a school. You have provided drinking water to the villagers. But, the mothers in our village are compelled to take their children whenever they fall sick, to the neighbouring village for treatment. I am unable to see their plight. Hence, I will be happy if you can arrange to build a small hospital in our village." In accordance with his mother's wish, Vidyasagar got a hospital built in his village. Thus, he fulfilled all the desires of his mother in due course.

Gradually he reached a high position in his career due to his good behaviour. His salary was also increased commensurate with the high position. In spite of that, he continued to be humble and obedient and thereby earned a good name for himself. One day, his mother called him and advised him, "My dear son! I am happy that you have attained a very high position in life. But, do not become arrogant."

For some people, excessive wealth gives rise to ego which in turn paves the way for many wicked qualities. When wealth leaves you, ego also vanishes and as a result the evil qualities disappear.

(Telugu Poem)

However, this was not the case with Vidyasagar. He cultivated the quality of humility along with education. He earned a good name for himself as a great orator. Educated people in large numbers used to flock round him to hear his speeches.

Once a meeting was arranged in a neighbouring town and Vidyasagar was to address the gathering. Vidyasagar started for that town. An ICS officer was travelling in the same compartment in which Vidysagar was travelling. The officer was going to that town to hear Vidyasagar's speech. However, he had only heard his name, but had never seen him before. As soon as the officer alighted from the train, he started shouting, "Coolie! Coolie!"

On seeing this, Vidyasagar approached him and enquired what luggage the officer had. The officer replied that he had only a small suitcase. Then Vidyasagar asked him, "Is it necessary for you to engage a coolie to carry this small suitcase? I will carry it for you. But, where are you going?" The officer replied, "I understand that a great scholar and orator by name Easwarcandra Vidyasagar is going to deliver a speech. I am going to attend his speech."

Vidyasagar then took the suitcase in his hands and stated walking along with the officer. Both of them reached the venue of Vidyasagar's lecture. There, Vidyasagar handed over the suitcase to the officer. The officer then took out his purse and enquired how much money he had to pay Vidyasagar as porterage charges. Vidyasagar politely refused his offer saying, "Sir! You have given me an opportunity to serve you. I don't need anything more." He silently walked away from that place. Considering Vidyasagar to be a madcap, the officer proceeded to the venue and sat among the audience. The organisers of the function were waiting to garland Easwarcandra Vidyasagar on his arrival. In a few minutes Vidyassagar arrived there, dressed in very simple clothes. He was accorded a warm welcome and profusely garlanded by the organisers of the function. The officer who was observing this welcome-ceremony realised to his utter astonishment that the person who had carried his suitcase from the railway station was none other than Easwarcandra Vidyasagar himself. He felt ashamed. He reverentially offered his pranams to this great, yet humble individual, in his heart of hearts. Then Vidyasagar began his speech. He explained that humility is the foremost quality of an educated person. He said, pride and arrogance are the result of excessive wealth and consequently such a person loses the fundamental quality of human nature.

After the conclusion of the program, the ICS officer met Vidyasagar and offered his sincere apologies for his mistake. He pleaded with Vidyasagar, "Sir, your speech was a great eye opener for me. I behaved arrogantly due to the pride that I am a highly educated person. Please, excuse me."

In course of time, Vidyasagar's reputation as a scholar and orator spread by leaps and bounds. He continued to do great service to the people. He got several poor students educated. He provided drinking water to several villages, where there was no such facilities. His mother felt very happy that her son was doing great service to the poor and needy. She prayed to God that every mother should be blessed with such noble children

Similarly, Sathya Sai has undertaken several community welfare activities in Puttaparthi like constructing residential houses for the poor, educating their children, providing drinking water to the villagers etc., as per the wishes of His mother. What the mother expresses in those days were small desires. But, in course of time, they assumed the form of gigantic projects and created history. Mother Easwaramma was very happy at the great service rendered by Swami to the villagers. She expressed with satisfaction, "My dear son! You built houses for the poor, You solved the drinking water problem for the villagers, you provided electricity to the village which was reeling under darkness. Not only that, You have also built a school and a hospital. You have fulfilled all my desires." She felt extremely happy that her son had undertaken and completed such great tasks. She used to tell the ladies gathering round her, "I requested Swami to build a small school in Puttaparthi village. But Swami established a great educational institution in its place."

Thus, the humble wishes of the mother transformed themselves ultimately into great projects providing immense benefit to the humanity at large.

What the country needs today is children who follow the teachings of their mothers. The teachings of the mothers may appear to be very simple and insignificant, but, in course of time, they provide great happiness. Easwaramma's desires were simple. She wanted drinking water to be made available to the small village of Puttaparthi. But, Swami provided drinking water to the entire district of Anantapur. She wanted Me to build a small school. But, Sathya Sai built huge buildings and established great educational institutions. In those days, villagers used to suffer due to lack of basic medical facilities. Therefore, Mother Easwaramma requested Me to build a small hospital. But Swami built great temples of healing, the Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospitals, one in Puttparthi and another in Bangalore Thus, the small wishes of the mother resulted in the establishment of world class institutions.

Embodiments of Love!

You need not follow anybody. It is enough, if you engage yourself in activities that would satisfy your mother. If your mother is happy and contented, that will confer great blessing on you. Whatever your mother says, obey her command willingly and sincerely. That is what is required today! Obey your mother and become recipients of her love. Then the whole world will progress. You need not undertake any other acts of merit. Sacrifice your entire life to satisfy your mother. It is only because Sathya Sai fulfilled the wishes of His mother and provided satisfaction to her, His glory has spread far and wide.

Sathya Sai has built great Hospitals and provides expensive medical treatment absolutely free to everyone, right from the poorest of the poor to the richest. In the filed of medical services, there are no institutions anywhere in the world which can be compared to Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. In this hospital, medicines, operations, food, everything is provided free of cost. Nobody is able to comprehend how we are able to provide all these things free of cost in the present day scenario of sky-rocketing costs. Unfortunately, people are not able to realise the great value of the services being rendered by our hospitals. Today many hospitals advertise their facilities through electronic media, attract people and loot them of their hard earned money and even go to the extent of causing death to patients by negligence. This is not right. The poor people should be given free food, free education, free water and free medicine. There can be no greater service than providing all these services free of cost. I wish that all students, past and present, should undertake such services. We are not collecting even a paisa from our students, as fees, The Sathya Sai Educational Institutions provide education totally fee of cost. People have to spend huge amounts for acquiring higher education in other institutions. But, our students need not spend any money for their education here. I am providing totally free education from KG to PG to all the students who come here with love and great expectation. In fact, all our services are provided with loving care and free of cost.

The Sikh student, who spoke earlier, tried his best for a long time to acquire higher education. But, he could not pursue his higher studies due to paucity of funds. Hence, he took up employment on a meagre salary. Later on, he joined our college and earned his MBA degree. Now, he is contribution his services to the hostel as a grateful offering to Swami. There are several students like him, who are undertaking service activities in Swami's Institutions.

The boy who spoke after him hails from Delhi. He also had great expectations to pursue higher education, but had no funds. He joined our Institution and qualified himself with an MBA degree in first class. All this is free of cost. Since then, he remained her in the service of Swami. He has decided to dedicate his life to the Institution which produces such boys. Thus, all the students of the Sathya-- Sai institutions have been cultivating broad-mindedness and the spirit of service.

All our students are broad-minded. You do not find any narrow-minded students here. They are filled with love and behave among themselves like brothers. It is My endeavour to train such ideal boys and girls. It is My wish that all our students should willingly undertake free service activities to the society with a spirit of love and sacrifice.

Many of our students are working in highly paid jobs in big cities like Delhi and Agra. In fact, top companies in India are seeking the services of our students, offering them high-salaried jobs. Our students working in these places are also undertaking service activities like providing free tuitions to poor students. Wherever they are, our students are undertaking various service activities with a spirit of sacrifice and broad-mindedness. Education is not mere bookish knowledge. Developing broad-mindedness, spirit of sacrifice, sharing one's resources willingly with the fellow members of the society and making them happy – these are the true qualities of an educated person. There are several such students in Prasanthi Nilayam who are happy and contented by undertaking service to society. My main task is to prepare such boys and girls. I am providing everything that is required for them. I am even sending them abroad for higher education, if necessary.

Dr. Padmanabhan who is sitting here may be known to all of you. He qualified as a doctor at a very young are and wanted to set up a small clinic here in Bangalore. I called him and told him, "Doctor! You must acquire higher degrees in medicine. You should not stop your education the present degree. Your family circumstances may not be conducive to pursue higher education. But, I am with you. I will provide for your higher education."

One day I called him for dinner and later sent him to Vienna for higher education in medicine. Accordingly, he went abroad and obtained higher degrees in medicine. After his return, he is now doing wonderful service in Brindavan. He is not money-minded. The great name he has acquired in Swami's service is all that matters to him. Can there be greater wealth than a good name? He serves the poor. Even though he has undergone a heart surgery, he continues to serve the poor and sick patients. Thus, Swami has moulded him as a loving, soft-hearted and selfless individual with a sacred heart and prompted him to serve people.

Our students, in spite of being highly qualified, are very unassuming and without ego. They subsequently take up teaching jobs in our educational institutions. It is My firm resolve to foster such noble souls.

There may be some minor ailments now and then to this body. However, they do not bother Me. They are natural to the human body. Last year, one boy was decorating colour buntings to the door, standing an iron stool. Meanwhile, I opened the door and came out from My room. As soon as he saw Me, he became nervous and fell down from the stool. As he was falling, the iron stool got tilted and fell on Me. That was the time when My hip bone was fractured. That is how it happened. It is not due to any past karma. I did not, however, mind My injury.

Yesterday, as I was entering My room, I casually took the support of a brick projection from the wall. The brick, however, got loosened and fell down on the floor. Consequently I also fell down, landing heavily on the wrist. It was an accident. But, I have to perform My duty, come what may. Of course, accidents do happen due to past karma, but this incident is not of that kind. Such disruptions may happen now en then, but, no disease can ever afflict Me. I carry on My work unmindful of such incidents.

There are seven boys here. All of them did their post graduation. They want to stay with Swami permanently, doing service here. I am looking after them. I told them, "My dear children" You must progress in your education. You need not depend on your parents for this. I will take care of all your requirements. You study well and come out with flying colours. Set an example to others." Thus, I am making arrangements for their higher studies. I always help others and do not cause inconvenience to anybody. As for Myself, I will never be afflicted with any disease whatever. Some minor incidents may happen. But, I will carry on My work, unmindful of such incidents. Yesterday, When I fell down, there was a loud noise and people present there were very much afraid that some major accident had taken place. They thought to themselves, "What has happened to Swami! Till recently, He was not able to walk properly due to the hip fracture. Now He has sustained an injury to His hand. What a misfortune has befallen us!" But, I consoled them saying that nothing serious had happened and they need not worry. The devotees had arranged a meeting here, in which I had to participate. I do not like to desist from performing My duty, whatever may happen to this body. Therefore, I agreed to come here. I put on My dress. The students arranged a shawl to cover My gown, so that I may not be inconvenienced with the bandaged arm. The doctors however advised Me not to move. They were right in their advice. But, I volunteered to come down against the doctor's advice, with the help of two boys. Since, I love My boys so much, they also love Me with the same intensity. They are constantly in attendance on Me and look after Me

(As per Swami's instructions, some boys stood up. Showing them to the audience, Swami said)

These boys have come from far off places like Delhi and other cities and studied here in Brindavan and Prashanti Nilayam. They are all staying with Me and doing great service to Me. This problem is not something that can be cured with medicines. Their love itself is working as a great medicine for Me. Their love alone is protecting Me in different ways.

(Again pointing towards a student…)

This boy did his PhD. All these boys are highly educated. Still they would like to stay back and serve Swami. There are some more boys inside Swami's residence. For example, Sathyajit and some other boys are constantly in attendance on Me as a shadow and are looking after Me. Such boys are My only property. Several people ask Me, "Swami! How much is the value of your property! Where is it located?" I tell them,, "My dear! I cannot say that the value of My property is this much. My students are My property. It cannot be evaluated in terms of money. Any amount of description of the love of My boys will be insufficient." I cannot remain for a single day without this property. They also cannot live without the loving care of Swami. These boys are setting a great example to the world by their service. Seva alone confers great value on the educated. I cannot describe the amount of service they render so lovingly. No one can adequately estimate and express in words the loving nature of our students. No one can understand their broad-mindedness. Outwardly they appear like any other students. But, each one of them is highly educated, with double post-graduate degrees. Such boys can render great service to the world. They are serving Me in various ways.

Sravanam – listening, Kirtanam – singing, Vishnusmaranam - contemplation of Vishnu, padasevanam – serving His Lotus Feet, Vandanam – salutation, Arcanam – worship, dâsyam – servitude, sneham – friendship, âtmanivedanam – self-surrender.

They are expressing their total and unconditional love toward Me in the nine paths of devotion described above.

The doctors advised Me bed rest. In spite of that, I decided to fulfil My commit6ment to My devotees. Having known My firm resolve, the boys stitched a shawl to cover My robe and brought Me downstairs. This service may appear to be a small and insignificant one. But, if you enquire into the matter deeply, you will understand that it is very difficult to get this opportunity to serve Swami in this way. It is only because of their loving care, I am able to come down without much inconvenience, to speak to you. Is it really possible in My present condition? In fact, it is their pure love that brought Me down here. These boys have good character along with good education. The service rendered by the boys here or in the Primary School or Higher Secondary School or other institutions in Puttaparthi, is beyond description. Even little boys in these Institutions behave well. I am standing before you today to describe the good qualities of My students; otherwise, I had no intention to give a discourse. The students are doing great service to the society, as per My advice. I exhort the new entrants who join the Institution this year, to cultivate noble qualities, be healthy and happy and humble like these boys and render good service to the society. I conclude My discourse with blessings to one and all.

EASWARAMMA (Sathya Sai Discourse)

06.05.2004

(full translation from Telugu)

When born you can't see any garlands around your neck.
No flower or diamond or gems or pearl necklaces
That shine around your neck.
But there is only one, the only one garland around one's neck,
The one that Lord Brahma gives you, sends you with,
Which has Karmas good and bad
(made of consequences of previous lives) bound together.

Embodiments of Love!

On this earth there are 4 Gurus for all of you: Mother, father, teacher and visitor to give house. Mother is the first guru. Do not go against her teachings. Then only you will be a true disciple of her.

One single word has the power of several meanings. To understand the exact meanings of those powerful words is beyond ordinary human comprehension.

True sons obey the command of the mother. Mother may be different when you look at her through her external Ideals. But inwardly she is a great teacher. But to persons who are not spiritually oriented, all this sounds meaningless.

Easwaramma went to the river Chitravathi and was carrying water. Beside her she saw an old and weak lady who was also carrying water. She enquired her, "Can't you carry that pot?" The lady said, "No, I don't have anyone, I am all alone. I have to help myself." Easwaramma kept this in her mind.

Then she saw a boy carrying a bag, slate, chalk and asked, "Dear boy, why the load?" He replied, "I have to practice my lessons on this." She said, "You can teach them writing in the sand. Do you have to walk so far to go to school?" The boy went away. She kept this in her mind.

After a while, she found a mother carrying a weak child, she asked, "Why are you journeying with such a sick child?" The lady answered, "What to do, this is a very small village, one doesn't get medicines for cough/cold." She kept this in her mind. All these she hid in her heart.

In Calcutta there lived a poor family consisting of mother and a son. Father had died. She was managing their livelihood somehow or the other. They didn't have a lamp even to read. He studied under the street lights. He was Eashwara Chandra Vidyasagar.

After a few days, he worked hard and attained many degrees.

Once in Calcutta there was a fair. She wore an old Sari and went there. He told her, "Mama, why have you worn such a shabby dress while others are dressed in costly clothes?" She said, "Dear son, my situation is like this. But I feel content with what I have. You don't feel sad! You study well!

After this, after a few days he got a good job. With his first salary he got her a sari. Then she said, "I don't need all this. You become highly educated and help these poor villagers."

And she added, "I have three desires."

He said, "However, the difficulties or uncomfortable may be the situation, it is the duty of a good son to fulfil a mother's aspirations." And he said, "What is your liking?" to which she said, "Who is there for this weak poor village to solve their problems? They are illiterates; they go to Bukkapatnam (the next village) walking for long distances. I feel pity for them. The children face hardships for education. Can you find out any method, where they can be educated without slate and chalk?"

After the next salary, he built a small hut for the school. The mother was very happy. Next day he saw his mother restless, who again said, "When I go to the Chitravathi, all poor Ladies come there to get water and undergo hardships. As the river is far and deep, old people like me face difficulties to get water."

After his next salary he dug wells for water. But the water (wells) dried up during summer. She then told him that his help was not being fruitful as the wells were drying up. Later he made a hospital so the children could be taken for remedy. But after some time even that hospital got closed because they couldn't pay to the government. Hence hospital was in this state and water supplying was in that state.

His mother then said, "My desires are very great and you can't fulfil them." But he prayed, "Mother, however difficult, I will try. Please tell me." Then the time rolled on. He got a better job. He said, "Mother, I got a better job."

(Swami sang)

If money increases, ego increases,
Then bad qualities also increase.
When wealth leaves you, ego comes down,
pride is lost, evil qualities lost.

As there were no proper houses, they made thatched huts. But the mother knew that these houses were not strong and would give way at any time. He gave a promise to fulfil this when he got promotion, as he earned more. Basically he was a man of character.

He built a school for education. He arranged for water. That's how he fulfilled her aspirations. But his mother was not contented. She said, "You are doing in accordance with your capacity, but you can't afford to match my aspirations.

Eshwaracandra got name and fame. He became highly respectable. Many would attend to his discourses in large groups fro nearby villages.

One IAS officer came and he had a bag and a book. He called for a coolie. As nobody came to carry his luggage, Eshwarachandra Vidyasagar carried the baggage and enquired where the officer was going. To which he replied that he was to attend the discourse of a great scholar called Easwarachandra.

He (Vidyasagar) took the bag and reached the place. When the officer offered him money for carrying his baggage, Vidyasagar said that the fact that he could help him with his luggage was enough and he didn't need a reward. The people over there were waiting to garland and welcome Vidyasagar. This IAS-officer noticed that this simple man who had carried his luggage was approved by them and he realised that he was the same great man for whose speech he had come and also the same person who had carried his luggage. Vidyasagar gave a great lecture explaining the principle and value of life beautifully. The officer was very enlightened after this experience with E.C.Vidyasagar who though he was simple was a man with great ideals.

The officer went home with him and told, "Sir, your lecture directly taught me a lesson. I developed arrogance due to my education." And he went home after asking him for pardon.

Mother watched them. She enquired about the officer. To which he replied that the officer was very educated but developed pride and that his speech taught him a great lesson. Mother was happy that he had transformed someone.

Day by day he became popular. He saw that poor children were educated; villagers were supplied with drinking water. His mother was happy and she prayed that if a noble person like his son should be born, this world would benefit.

In the same way like him in Puttaparthi, Sathya Sai built houses for poor, gave education by building schools and brought water to the village.

On that day the sentences spoken by their mothers were small but they created a history. Swami's mother was happy and said that he had done everything she asked, that he made her feel proud. Though her desires were small, they turned out as life supporting ways for the villagers. Those dams were built on Chitravathi and brought down water scarcity.

Big mansions were built for education. She would tell all the ladies around happily about Swami's greatness. She said that electricity was also made available, that institutions were not small, they were great universities. That whole district had water. Her small desires brought great joy to the villagers and mother. Great hospitals were built in Puttaparty. Small samkâlpas became great.

Today sons should recognise their mother's words. This is very necessary. Though their words sound simple, they bring great mansions of joy later on. Do not take refuge anywhere. Just take part in the activities that satisfy your mother's heart. To please your mother's hear is what is needed today. What ever mother tells, say, 'yes, yes, yes." Bow to her command. Do not go against her words. See that you don't go away from mother's love.

If you follow such little things as above, you will be honoured as noble men by the world. There is no need to do any religious rituals, but instead spend life in fulfilling your mother's wishes.

Sathya Sai has achieved same name and fame as Vidyasagar.
Sathya Sai Baba has built Super Speciality Hospitals which are matchless. Poor persons benefit by getting free food, free medical care. Nobody can comprehend the possibility of giving free medicines. Whereas in today's world you come across hospitals/doctors who exploit and even kill patients and their numbers are increasing.

In Swamis plans everything is free, free education, medical care, and free food. If one helps the needy in the above way there is no higher deed than this. Swami aspires his students should try and undertake such activities as stated above.

In Swami's institutions he doesn't demand one paisa for education; it is totally free. At other places one has to spend a lot to secure a degree. To acquire Ph.d. one has to spend large amount of money (in thousands). They have come with love and I teach them with love.

Here is a Sikh boy, a Punjabi. He wanted to join here. But he couldn't go for higher education. He used to cook food as a job. Now he took his MBA degree from Swamis Institution. He cooked in the hostel for the students. Such are the students who do noble acts.

Here is another boy who aspired for higher education but couldn't afford. He also joined here and did his MBA. He is from Delhi. He secured 1^st class and doesn't want to go out. He decided to dedicate his life in such institution, where such students are trained to become noble.

My children have great hearts, they do not have narrow-mindedness. They have developed love; they also love other children of other Colleges. They give great value to love. My intentions are to bring out such children who have great hearts. They should extend help to others with free service in education, food, etc. and carry out their seva with total love, peace and happiness.

Children from Puttaparthi have good jobs in Delhi and Agra and other cities. They have offered free education and sacrificed their lives for others. With their good broad heart they are serving poor people everywhere.

Education is not that which gives book knowledge, but it should broaden ones mind, teach sacrifice and teach to be happy to share with others. And there are many number of such happy children in Puttaparthi.

My primary purpose is to produce such children, for such children I will do everything. I will send them abroad for higher education. Nobody can do such a help of this kind.

You all know Doctor Padmanabhan. He passed in Dentistry and wanted to open a clinic. But I told him to go for higher education. Though where may be difficulties in family? I said, I will look after them. Then I called him to Puttaparthi and after dinner I sent him to Vienna. He studied well and returned. Now he does good seva in the Super Speciality Hospital. He doesn't have desire to earn more, but wants to earn a noble name and fame. He helps people with ailments that he comes across. Though he himself is a heart patient he looks after heart patients. In this way through his activities he demonstrates purity and tenderness and teaches nobleness to others.

Though our students have high education, they are very noble, pure, humble, and selfless.

What happens to me are not obstacles for me. They happen according to natural law. Yesterday (He means last year) one boy was tying festoons to the door. He was standing on a metal stool As he saw me coming out he got nervous and tripped and he fell down along with the stool. He broke his rib. I pacified the boy and happily I made him slowly alright (Swami refers to his hip accident last year). Hence in this way I got the injury, but not due to Karma.

Yesterday I was walking well. As I came to my room, I held a brick in the wall. It slipped and fell. Then this right hand fell down. It was a dangerous accident. But whatever may happen, I have to try whatever possible. When it fell it made a big noise (thud). Everybody was scared and thought that till yesterday, the hip leg was not alright and now his arm is also injured. It is not because of Karma or as a consequence of any action but it happened due to mistake done by me. Hence all these ailments that happened to me are of the same reason as above. And that no diseases will follow me. I will not care for anything. I set ideals for others, encourage others, always help others but don't create problems for anyone.

These 7 boys did double Ph.D. and stayed back with me. I told them to study further even. If your parents don't send money, it is o.k. I will take care of you. Study well. Pass your exams and set ideals to others. I have kept all of them with me, help them and encourage them, but I never caused problems for others at all. All the ailments I have got are not at all mine, they are only accidents. But I don't pay attention to them.

I consoled those who were frightened by my fall and asked them to keep quiet and pray for a meeting for today. I too don't want to miss such occasion as this. So I agreed.

I dressed up. A shawl was wrapped. Children stitched this dress beautifully. This is what they did, the whole of yesterday. They fixed zips at the sleeves. This they did for Swami's comfort. This morning they brought me. Doctors asked e not to move. My leg and arm should not be moved at all. They are doctors they say what they should. With the help of the boys I climbed down the stairs.

Because with great love I look after them, and everyone they follow me like their shadow. They are not from Bangalore or Puttaparthi. They are from Delhi. They are doing so much service to me. My illness will not be cured with medicines, but their love/adoration will make me alright. Their love is a great medicine and will cure me.

(Swami asked the children to get up. He pointed to one student and said):

They all have done double degrees. Their love protects me all along. They are many inside like Satyajit who are with me and look after me as a shadow. Getting such children is my property. When people ask Swami, "Where is your property? How much property do you have?" I will only say, "My property can't be described; it is infinite, can't be measured. My students are my property. Their aspect of Love can't be described enough."

If I loose this property how can I stay; how can they stay loosing me who give so much love? So much love is there between us, they can't and I can't leave one another. They leaving me, or I leaving them will not be possible ever. With their seva they are setting ideals to others.

A real value of education should give rise to seva. You all should recognise their nobleness. Their hearts are broad though they look tiny. Each of them has two or more degrees. They can do any kind of seva to the world.

They are doing all kinds/every kind of seva. Seva is of nine types: listening, chanting the name of God, thinking of God, Serving the feet of the Lord, salutations, worship, servitude, friendship, self-surrender. They started from the first type and have reached the last one "self-surrender". They are filled with 9 types of seva.

Yesterday, I wanted to know what they were doing. I just called the.

They asked me not to move. They had bought a cloth, designed it especially, stitched it so that I could wear it and come today. This is a small seva, but when you think about it, it is a seva of highest quality (very valuable). All won't get to do it.

They gave up food and sleep to do the seva. They do seva for Swami with great love and with utmost care. It is because of the great seva they have done I could come down effortlessly this morning. Or else would you think it would be possible for me to come down so easily? Their love made me come down. Their noble services – may it be in Puttaparthi, Bangalore, Primary School, Secondary School – is very remarkable. Even the smaller children (students) move with utmost care. Hence I came down today to describe the glory, nobleness and good fortune of my students, but not to give just another speech.

So take good care of them as they are rendering remarkable Service to the world. Let other children who come into contact with them also learn noble values, noble character from them. May they have good health. May they be without ego and should do seva to all. Hoping this and with blessings I am concluding my speech.