BABA'S ELEVEN SAYINGS1. Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi Soil, his sufferings would cor to an end.

2. The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy anc happiness as soon as they

climb the steps of my mosque.

3. I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.

4. My tomb shall bless and look to the needs of my devotees.

5. I shall be active and vigorous even from the tomb.

6. My mortal remains would speak from the tomb.

7. I am ever living, to help and guide all, who come to me, who surrender to me and who

seek refuge in me.

8. If you look to me, I look to you.

9. If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it.

10. If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at on

11. There shall be no want in the house of my devotees.

Saipadananda"Love His name, love Him as Gospel Truth. Day in and day out, commune with Him in the

inner silence and pray for light, earnestly. Do Japa and be in constant remembrance of Him.

Be charitable in thought, word and deed. Live for the light of Truth."

- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Contents1. Editorial

2. Benediction

3. Love Thyself

4. Children: Love Ye One Another

5. A Jeevan Mukta Leaves His Body

6. Ramana's Biographer - B. V. Narasimha Swamy

7. Sri Sai Koti Mahatharaka Nama Yagna

8. Clues To A Sai Life

9. Power Of Guru

10. Law Of Love

11. Sai Satsang At Hosur

12. The Circle Of Love

13. Thy Holy Feet

14. Sai-Saying & Happenings

15. The Deathless Swamiji

16. Swamiji's Motto

17. An Angel Of Love

18. A Prophet Of Love

19. A Touch Of Love

20. Riches We Often Miss

21. Sai's New Year Gift

22. A Happy & Prosperous 1990

23. Mahasamadhi Celebrations

24. Sai Maharaj On Simhasana

Sadguru Sainath looks compassionately at the devotees from the newly made 'Simhasana'

with a beautiful 'Prabhavali' behind, at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore.

EditorialThe Path of Love

The Sadhana of love is a very high sadhana. Love is also called bhakti, or devotion. Love is a

dynamic and inspiring throbbing of the heart. Love is the very nature of Sai Baba, whom our

Parama Guru Narasimha Swamiji called 'Supreme Bliss' and Satchidananda. It exists in its

fullness within man. Even if he does not experience it, it is nonetheless there. A blind man

who has never seen the light may say when he hears others talk about it, "There is no light I

have never seen it. I don't know anything about it." Yet the light exists; it is only that he has no

eyes. Similarly, there is love, whether or not it is experienced. If you have not followed the

path of love, if you have not tried to find it, how can it be attained? Love is nectar. Love is

immortal. Through love alone the gopis of Gokul found God. Through love alone, Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji found Sai Baba. Love is a glimpse of the secret inner cave. Love that

dwells within flows out through different sense organs. When it flows to the eyes, it makes

forms beautiful; when it flows to the ears, it makes sounds melodious; when it rises to the

tongue, it makes tastes sweet and pleasing. Love is the blissful 'Atman' whose outward

expression makes sensuous objects enjoyable. If this outpouring throb of love were to stop,

the senses would become lifeless, joyless, useless, just as zeros without a digit in front are

meaningless and nothing but zeros.

Love is just love. Sai Baba is that love. Sadguru Radhakrishna Swamiji is that love. Don't ask

them even for liberation. There is enough love in the human heart for not just one man but for

thousands, but because of desire and useless thinking, an unfortunate person cannot see it.

Once he becomes free of these.

He discovers pure, immortal and complete love. And that is Sai-love. The body is the servant

of the indwelling 'Atman'. It is always at your service and ready to go wherever you take it. If

you want to take it to hell, it will go there as soon as you ask it. If you want to take it to

Heaven, it will go there. If you seat it on an elephant or a horse, it is happy. If you feed it khir,

puris and halva, it is happy; if you feed it with chillies, chutney and dry chapatti, it is happy

too. It is happy with everything. It is happy if you adorn it with jewels, but it is just as pleased

with torn old clothes or a loin cloth. The body is such a servant, such a slave, such a friend

that there is no one else in the world like it.

Think of the five primal elements that make up your body. Think of earth, which is so

beautiful, which is the womb of many different kinds of food and the mother of so many

different beings. Think of pure water, which brings life to grains, flowers, fruits, trees, and

plants, which is so full of love that it washes everything of its dirt and is the friend of everyone.

How full of love it is! Think of fire, which lives in all beings according to their needs and is

equally the friend of all. In man it becomes the gastric fire and digests food. It lives in wood, in

stone, and in every object in keeping with the nature of each. It is a wonderful example of all-

pervading, desire less love. Think of air, which is the life of man, his 'prana'. It pervades in the

world, animate and inanimate, in equal measure. It sustains the movement of the universe

and everything in it. Once prana leaves the body, it becomes a useless corpse. Think finally

of either, which reminds us of the detachment of the inner 'Atman' and which encompasses all

activities in its vast spaces. These are the five elements of which the body is composed and

the conscious of 'Atman' pervades every cell. First contemplate on fully this beautiful body

and then love it as SAI BABA.

AradhanaThe tenth 'Aradhana' of our Gurudev Radhakrishna Swamiji is round the corner and his very

life and mission is the path of love. Let us rededicate ourselves to love everyone boundlessly,

desirelessly and uniquely. If you have never loved anyone, how can you find peace? Dear

Gurubandhus you must become pure, unattached, and without that ill will that makes you see

differences. There is nothing in Sai Baba's creation that is against you, that wishes you Ml.

You should learn to make Sai Baba's creation friendly to you. If your mind could go deep

within yourself even once, it would stay there. Do not consider your mind as an enemy. It has

great power; utilize it with constant recitation of 'Vishnu Sahasranamam' to have magnificent

and creative power.

Spirituality is not withdrawn. Spirituality is harmony. To let nothing disturb your inner harmony

is to be truly spiritual.

Spirituality is not aloofness but arpanam— action, word and thought offered as a sacri fice to

the Lord of Love.

- T. L. Vaswani

BenedictionMy beloved children,

Only love will take you to Sai Baba. First fully know your body, once you know your inner

being, you will realise that the body is not illusory but a beautiful temple filled with knowledge;

by loving it you will make your own spring of love flow.

Understand that the ever new joy that reveals itself as you recite 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam'

dwells in the heart as a free inspiring force. Develop this love, and let it flow from you to

others.

Love increases through giving, not through taking. The feeling of 'mine and yours' is a great

obstacle in love. Your love should be equal and unparalleled. Respect your body as the

temple of Sai Baba. Become a priest offering it the right food and the right relaxation. Let

there be one desire in the body - the desire for love; one wish - to attain the vision of

inner light that comes through recitation of 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam'; one hopes for a

body that is moderate and disciplined and radiates inner love. Everything is

possible through love. The lover can see Sai Baba through love, and through love he can

easily attain the supremely unattainable. No sadhana is as easy as love. This is because

you know what love is. It is something you have to get from outside through sadhana. The

stream of love is already there inside. You have to spread this love and it this way it will fill

you. The more you give, the more it will grow. He who spreads his love is welcomed with love

everywhere.

The activity inside you always goes on. It never stops. Your nerves, muscles, and blood cells

are constantly performing their functions. You should also do your work with love,

enthusiasm, and determination, whether you are at home, office or elsewhere. May my Guru

Narasimha Swamiji and Sai Baba fill your lives with bliss. This is my blessing. Revered

Narasimha Swamiji's own, Beloved Sai Baba's own SAIPADANANDA

Love Thyself

By H. H. Narasimha SwamijiLove is the mighty energy that transforms man. So do not let your heart become dry. Do not

let every fool you meet convince you that love does not exist within you. Man is unfair to

himself because he is ignorant, and when he starts believing he is a sinner and ordinary, he

makes other people feel the same.

I once went to bathe at the confluence of Bhima and Amaraja at Ganigapur. As I was sitting

there, a priest came up and asked me to make a vow. I did not want to, but he would not

listen and kept insisting. He brought flowers and water, saying "Swamiji, repeat PAPOHAM - 'I

am a sinner.' "

"You are the sinner, not me, "I retorted, "Even at this holy place you have not stopped making

fools of the pilgrims. I shall say: PUN-YO-HAM, PUNYA-KARMA-HAM, and SANKALPA-

ROHITOHAM - I am virtuous, I am a doer of good deeds, I am without desire."

When he heard this, he went away. Through such bad company, men are led to believe that

they are without joy, that they are unreal, unhappy, poor and subject to decay, and because

they think like this, they cannot let the inner love bloom.

Love turns man into an ocean of happiness, an image of peace, a temple of wisdom. Love is

man's very 'Atman', his true beauty and the glory of his human existence. So, first love

yourself, then your neighbors, and then the whole world. This is Bhakti; this is the way to the

joy of Jnana and this is the fulfillment of your life. All other sadhanas are contained in the

sadhana of love. Sai Baba is that love. He is the supreme bliss that is the reward of all

sadhanas. He is adored through love.

"What is prayer?" they asked me.

And I said:—"True prayer is the hungering and thirsting of the heart I"

- Keshub Chandar Sen

Every virtue has its place in life; but the greatest of virtues is forgiveness.

- Rajarishi Yuddhishtra

Children: Love ye one anotherBy H. H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

(H. H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was the chief guest at the gathering of Contributors to SAI

LEELA magazine held on the 28th and 29th January 1979, held at Shirdi. Dr. S. D. Parchure,

an ardent devotee of Swamiji was then the Executive Editor of Sai Leela magazine and has

recorded Swamiji's speech for posterity. We are presenting this inspiring speech to our

readers on the eve of Swamiji's Tenth Aradhana - EDITOR)

I thank the Shirdi Samsthan for having given me an opportunity to partake in this illustrious

gathering of the contributors to SAI LEELA magazine. It is indeed a great day for me to meet

all sincere devotees on this holy soil of Shirdi.

Lord Krishna gave an assurance in the 'Bhagavad-Gita' that He will be taking 'avatar'

whenever there is some danger to religion. We find that Lord Krishna is fulfilling his promise

by appearing on this earth in the form of saints. Sai Baba is such an 'avatar' which has tried

for the uplift of all who came into his contact. The life of Sai Baba is like the fragrant

'agarbathi' which burns away all the time and which ultimately disappears, but when it is

burning it continues to give over fragrance all the time. Sai Baba's greatness as a 'Guru' is

beyond our expression.

Sai Baba fulfilled the desires of everyone. We call him as our father, mother, friend and we

offer all our learning and wealth to him. Sometimes a doubt arises in our mind as to how Sai

Baba can act as a mother. I will give you an example.

One lady got a child and she wanted that her child should be fed on her milk, but to her

dismay her breasts were dry. She tried all remedies but they were not of any avail. The lady

conceived again and when she was in her 8th month of pregnancy she came to me along with

her husband, and requested me to pray to Sai Baba to give milk to her second child. I

assured her that this time she will get milk in the breasts after her delivery, by the grace of Sai

Baba. I gave her Udhi and asked her to pray to Sai Baba with full devotion. The lady went

away and in course of time gave birth to a child. Her husband came to me saying that her

breasts were dry totally and that he was afraid that his second child also may not get mother's

milk. I asked the husband to go and pray to Sai Baba after giving him Udhi and directing him

to apply it to the lady's breasts. After the gentleman had gone I prayed to Sai Baba to fulfill the

wishes of the lady and lo, on the third day, this mother could feed her baby as the breasts

were full of milk. This is one example wherein Sai Baba acted as a mother, because this is

one thing which only a mother can really understand.

Missing Boy ReturnsOnce, a gentleman came to me and informed that his son had run away and his whereabouts

were not known for 2-3 days. I told him to pray to Sai Baba and by His grace, his son would

return. On the fifth day he got a telegram from Calcutta that his son was safe and he would

reach Madras in a day or two. After the boy returned to Madras, he was brought to me by his

father. When I enquired with the boy about the reason for his running away, he told me that

his parents were angry with him and therefore he ran away from the house. The boy said that

when he was at Calcutta, Sai Baba appeared in his dream and told him to go to the station.

There he met a person who enquired about him and gave a telegram to Madras and arranged

to send the boy back to Madras. On further enquiries with the boy, he said that Sai Baba was

seen by him with the tin-pot in his hand as he was proceeding to beg for alms.

Here again, we find the motherly behavior of Sai Baba. His ways are unique and inimitable.

When we come to Shirdi, we forget all our differences and become one. If our entire nation

brings into practice the teachings of Sai Baba, national unity is not a far off possibility.

The desires of various people are fulfilled in various ways by Sai Baba. Somebody needing

money for his daughter's marriage is given money while those needing service get the service

by the grace of Sai Baba.

In order to meet Sai Baba, you have to enter Dwarakamayi after crossing three steps. What

are these three steps you have to cross in order to be successful in life? Out of the six

enemies of man, lust, anger and greed are the foremost, which you have to conquer before

you are blessed by Sai Baba. The three 'Gunas' - Satva, Rajas, and Tamas are also indicated

by these three steps and the 'prakriti' and 'purush' are attached to each other by the Gunas.

I see the image of Sai Baba on the face of everyone sitting here. Sai Baba has assured us

that as soon as we call Him, He would rush to our help. So keep faith in Him and invoke His

favor. He never fails His devotees.

I wish happiness to everybody. Any sort of sorrow let nobody suffer from.

A Jeevan Mukta Leaves his BodyBy R. PARTHASARATHY

I have to report with profound regret to readers of Saipadananda the passing away of Poojya

Sri V. Rajagopala Aiyer, eldest brother of H. H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, in his purva

ashrama, in Madras, on October 22, 1989, at the ripe age of 93. He was a Jeevan Mukta and

over a long period of intimate association with him I found in him many of the qualities and

characteristics which marked our own Swamiji. Dominant among these qualities were his

compassion and love which overflowed like the waves of the ocean and brought solace and

confidence to all those who went to him. He was strong, healthy and mentally alert till the last

few days of the illness and he never wasted a moment of his life. He was either writing

spiritual truths or thoughts and messages on important days and functions organized by the

Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore, or busily engaged in his lovely garden nurturing flowers and

fruits. He was doing all his writing in his own hand till the last few days before his passing

away.

I came to know him many years ago when I was entrusted with the task of writing the book.

"Apostle of Love" and I was in search of some one who could give me information about

Swamiji's purva ashrama and early life. I was told that Sri Rajagopala Aiyer was the person

who could help me. I learnt that he worked in a business concern in George Town, Madras,

and got his telephone number. I rang him up one day and told him I would like to meet him in

connection with the book I was writing about Swamiji. His response was not entirely favorable

and I could feel his hesitancy and disinclination to talk to me. He asked me to ring him again

after a month and until then he would not meet me nor talk to me on the phone. This was a

blow for me, but I determined to preserve.

I telephoned to him after a month and, miracle of all miracles, he immediately said: "Come to

my house and I will help you, all I can." I was overjoyed and fixed an appointment with him

and got his address. On the appointed day, I went to Pallavaram, where he lived in a small

house with a spacious garden all round and a gosala. He welcomed me cordially and in a few

minutes we were talking about his saintly brother, whom he affectionately called Radha. I

must have spent an hour and a half with him, and he gave me the complete story and early

life of Swamiji in such detail that I was overwhelmed with gratitude. He even gave me

Swamiji's horoscope which seemed different from the generally accepted one.

Sri Rajagopala Aiyer had been a Government servant and after seeing service in the North

came down to Ootacamund where he retired. Swamiji spent the best part of his younger days

in Ootacamund with his brother, mostly as an unemployed youth. They were very close to

each other and went on many spiritual expeditions on the hills together. Sri Rajagopala Aiyer

told me of one incident when on hearing reports that some holy men were doing penance in

the inaccessible forests on the hills the two brothers determined to find out and set out on the

adventure. They walked long distances in the forests and eventually lost their way. With great

difficulty they managed to reach the residence of a forest guard who guided them out of the

forest. It was during such trips that Sri Rajagopala Aiyer taught his brother astronomy which

became a passion with Swamiji later on. He also taught him many other things which put him

on the spiritual path. In fact, Sri Rajagopala Aiyer could be said to be Swamiji's first guru. And

who could have thought that Sri Rajagopala Aiyer would become the disciple of Swamiji after

the latter renounced worldly life and embraced Sai Baba as his guru?

Sri Rajagopala Aiyer's devotion and love for Swamiji could not be described in words. He ceased to think of him as his younger brother and worshipped him as an Avathara. He

told me of an encounter with Swamiji after the latter had left his mortal coil. Sri Rajagopala

Aiyer was traveling to George Town, Madras, in an electric train one day. At an intermediate

station, someone got into his compartment and sat by his side. He turned to look at him and it

was Swamiji. The brothers were in deep conversation (Sri Rajagopala Aiyer did not tell me

what they talked about) and at the next station, Swamiji got down and disappeared. Sri

Rajagopala Aiyer also got down and tried to search for him, but could not trace him. He had

several meetings with Swamiji like this, Sri Rajagopala Aiyer said, but he did not make much

of it. He treated it as a routine affair. Sri Rajagopala Aiyer was a man of purity, with noble

thoughts and a man who, like his illustrious brother, showered love and affection on all those

who talked to him in such abundance that one was moved to cry in exuberance of joy: "This

man is divine. Where do we find another like him?"

Ramana's Biographer - B. V. Narasimha SwamiBy A.R.N

After his arrival in Arunachala in 1896, Ramana observed silence till 1907 when compassion

for the tapasvi Ganapati Muni made him break it. Till then Ramana was revered as the

Brahmana Swami but except during the festival seasons he was alone with his 'Man Friday',

Palaniswami. The Muni proclaimed that the sage should be known as 'Bhagavan' and

'Maharshi' and did his best to broadcast Ramana's natural state of bliss and steady wisdom.

Even though the aura of Ramana's unique state evoked universal admiration, there were only

a limited number of persons with him in the 'Virupaksha' and 'Skandashram' days. Later when

he, compelled by an inner urge, moved to Sri Ramanasramam, regulars and visitors were

only a small circle of 'fortunate' ones. Was the 'Voice of Truth' to be heard only by a few?

Could the human embodiment of the 'Hill of Light, be born to waste its fragrance? Surely his

advent was for universal welfare. Why then was the divine so tardy, so slow in spreading his

life, his message? Would an authentic biography help to spread his name and teachings?

These must have been the thoughts of those who were basking in the sunshine of Ramana's

grace. When B. V. Narasimha Swami arrived at Sri Ramanasramam in 1928, it was as if the

time for fulfilling the crying need had come.

Who was he? What was his background? What was his title to this sacred assignment? Born

to a pious Brahmin couple in 1874, he was named Narasimhan, because he was born in

response to the ardent prayers of his mother to God 'Narasimha' at Sholingir. His father was a

lawyer in Salem.

After a brilliant academic career, Narasimhan joined his father at the Salem bar and soon

developed a lucrative practice and came to be known as Narasimha lyer. He exhibited

qualities of a born leader in his multi-faceted activities connected with Salem Co-operative

Bank, Salem Municipal Council, Literary Society, Madras Legislative Council and the Home

Rule Movement for India's freedom. The like of him however, are not meant for life's

humdrum, but marked for special purposes by the divine. The call came most unexpectedly

when death, cruel death, took a hand. Two of his children, son and a daughter were drowned,

that too in a well in his own house. When life itself was so transient, what was the point in

attaching any importance to anything other than finding its purpose? Benumbed by the

sudden thunderbolt, Narasimha lyer took it as a signal, as a warning to him not to be taken in

by the immediate, not to be taken in by ceaseless activity even if it be for the welfare of the

society and the country Without the slightest regret he bid good-bye to everything which he

had held dear till that moment. He withdrew from all worldly activity, returned his lawyer's

'sanad' a relinquished his vast property. Overnight, Narasimha lyer was transformed into

Narasimha Swami. Thereafter he was detached, concerned only with liberation, with search

for God. He was filled with a longing to find out, from a Sadguru, what life was all about.

After completing the renovation of the Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple, which was midway

when the tragedy happened, he immediately proceeded to Sri Ramanasramam, to Ramana.

He had heard glowing accounts about him from his colleague and classmate Sundaram

Chetty (who was to write the foreword to the Swami's biography later). He had no idea about

the divine purpose which drew him there. Was he not to be the first biographer of Ramana?

In those days one could literally have Ramana to oneself in the leisurely and serene

atmosphere prevalent at Sri Ramanasramam. True, Ramana was accessible to all even in the

later years but the rush of the forties peaking in the last two years before Ramana's Maha

Samadhi made intimate contact difficult unlike when Narasimha Swami arrived. He made the

best possible use of the opportunity by soaking himself in the atmosphere. Wishing to be near

the Maharshi round the clock, he moved into a cave in the adjacent garden Talakkottu'; He

also encouraged and helped other seekers to do likewise. Except when drawn to some

bhajans. Whose pull he could never resist, he would always be in Ramana's physical

presence to clarify his doubts and record important conversations, be it with A.S.K. Subba

Reddy or some other devotees.

It would appear that in the beginning the Swami was not fully aware of why he was constantly

at the work of gathering a lot of material. It was only later that it dawned on him that he had been 'chosen' to be Ramana's biographer. He also collected a lot of information about Sri

Seshadri Swami, perhaps because of the close relationship between Seshadri Swami and

Ramana. Narasimha Swami would, with mother-like patience, record statements from

practically every one who had some link with Ramana since the beginning of this century. The

format was like a deposition in a court of law. Each statement would be duly signed and dated

by the person concerned. The Swami wanted to ensure the authenticity of the basic source

material to which one could return in the decades and centuries to come. Was he not writing

the biography of the timeless one? Hence the care about the validity of every shred of

evidence gathered by him.

The Swami was particular about equipping himself for the task. He requested Ramana to

teach him Kaivalya Nava-neetha, a core book on Vedanta. Ramana explained to him its

contents in just one week and remarked that this was possible because of the Swami's

ripeness. Otherwise, a lot of preparatory reading of a number of Vedanta texts would be

needed before lessons in Vedanta could be usefully imparted. With this background, the

Swami made a thorough study of Ramana's teachings and could even write a commentary on

Upadesa Undiyar which has later been a guide to several generations of seekers.

One has only to go through the Swamiji's papers in the 'archives to be reinforced in the

conviction that from the word 'go'. Ramana had clothed him with the strength needed for this

task. This was made easier by the Swamiji's intellectual stature, his research orientation and

above all his total surrender to Ramana. Having perfected his data base, the Swami had to

use all his editorial skills to sift and sort out the material to limit the size of the biography. Yet

one cannot help longing for a fuller biography of Ramana using the invaluable material

collected with such accuracy and loving care by the Swami.

DeathHe regarded his role of Boswell to Ramana as a sacred, trust. His interview with Ramana

about the famous 'Death Experience' is itself a rare experience. There are two lengthy noting

about this. We find that the Swami would cut out a word, insert a word, or make the

necessary change wherever he had the slightest doubt about the accuracy of his recording of

Ramana's statement. When one reads this graphic first hand account, one becomes

possessed at least momentarily, by that avesham which devoured Ramana on that

memorable occasion. Such is the transmuting grip of the Swami.

The biography was published in 1931. With this his special assignment too was over. His

earlier strong inclination towards bhakti took him to Shirdi for another divine assignment, to be

the apostle and biographer of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. As long as he was in Sri

Ramanasramam, the Swami 'lived, moved and had his being in Ramana.' Thanks to this, one

cannot open his biography, 'Self Realisation', without delight, or close it without delight or

close it without the regret that it is over so soon. By being the first biographer of Ramana, and

the perennial inspirer of the future ones, the Swami's name too became immortal.

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAISri Sai Koti Mahatharaka Nama Yagna

By the will of Samartha Sadguru Sainath Maharaj, a number of Sai devotees have taken up

writing 'Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai' Mahatharaka Mantra with great devotion and fervor. As

of now, nearly 180 devotees have offered 42 lakh mantras at the Holy Feet of Lord Sainath. It

is hoped that by the first week of January 1990, the total number will rise to more than half a

crore.

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

- Puttanna

Clues to a Sai Life

By Dr. G. R. VijayakumarIt was sometime in October 1978 or so, one fine afternoon, I went to Sai Spiritual Centre at

Bangalore to pay my respects to Sai Maharaj and Radhakrishna Swamiji. Swamiji was all

alone chanting Vishnu Sahasra Namam in the main hall. I went and sat at his lotus feet.

Suddenly he quoted what Sai Baba told Master Tarkhad. "During how many births have I

been with you; we shall meet again and again. I have to take care of my devotees night and

day and give an account of every pie to God".

"A life that is dynamic and harmonious is in balance", Radhakrishna Swamiji added, "There is

intake and outflow activity without strain".

"Activity without strain" I repeated, "I would like that. Tell me, Swamiji, how it is done"

"It has to do with the art of giving yourself away. There is an art to it, you know."

I thought of the days when I had done things I need not have done, and others where I

neglected those I ought to have done. There was far too much strain in my activity, too little

balance, too little joy in the doing."

"What is this art of giving yourself away?" I questioned Swamiji.

"My Guru Narasimha Swamiji has mastered it on studying Sai Baba's life. If you contemplate

on Narasimha Swamiji's life and mission, you would certainly learn this."

Radhakrishna Swamiji's regard for his Guru, Narasimha Swamiji is beyond expression. He

told me as to how, between 1940 and 1950, His Holiness Narasimha Swamiji covered nearly

all the principal towns and cities how distributed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh

and Kerala. Swamiji was reminiscent of Narasimha Swamiji's lectures on Sai Baba in 1943 at

Bombay and Bhusval. He carried the message of Sai Baba to Delhi, Allahabad, and Calcutta.

He went to Kharagpur and in Assam he covered Masimpur, Karimganj and Silchar. In Bihar,

he covered Patna and Jamshedpur. In short, Narasimha Swamiji had carried Sai Baba all

over India.

"How did Narasimha Swamiji give himself away"?

Funnel ApproachRadhakrishna Swamiji looked thoughtful. "I don't think any of us has the complete answer.

But one thing that helps me is the 'Funnel Idea' ".

I must have looked puzzled for he laughed and then went on to explain what he called

"Narasimha Swamiji's funnel approach to life."

"A missionary" Swamiji said "wants to make the right move or intonation at exactly the right

time; to do that I believe he must leave his life open, like a funnel, not become so wholly

involved with himself that he is unaware of the things and people around him."

H. H. Narasimha Swamiji is Sai Baba's greatest missionary. It is amazing to learn how alone

or sometimes accompanied by another worker, Narasimha Swamiji traveled from one end of

the country to another, lecturing, organizing, founding new Sai Samajams, inaugurating Sai-

worship in individual houses, steadying wandering minds to concentrate on Sai Baba, to

chant the mantram 'Sai Ram' and integrating several into one large and common brotherhood

bound by their single-hearted devotion and loyalty to Sai Baba. He traveled by third class in

railways, by bullock carts, jatkas, motorcars, accepting any place to rest, living on plain fare or

choice dishes, whatever came to him.

He carried Udhi, Sai's pictures in card size and 'Sai Ashtotharam' for free distribution. He

never worried whether his audiences were large or small. He addressed students, men and

women pursuing various avocations, teachers, traders, artists, artisans and craftsmen. He

spoke in houses, clubs, schools, in parks and public places. His clear and ringing voice

reached them all bringing a message of hope and good cheer and opening a new chapter, a

bright page in their lives.

Sri Narasimha Swamiji drew all this experience into the big end of the funnel, letting it become

a part of his total awareness, an enlarging of the reservoir that is SAI. When it is time for a

particular action, out of this funneled in experience will come the right move or the right

intonation. "But" concluded Radhakrishna Swamiji, "a devotee cannot give until first he

receives. And what He gives is not his own."

I nodded. "This makes good sense — for saints like Narasimha Swamiji. My problem is that I

need it every day of my life."

"All right", Radhakrishna Swamiji said, ''you can apply the funnel illustration to any person's

way of living. It simply requires that you accept life as it is and do not become so involved with

self that you fail to recognize other people and their needs. When you let the passing scene

come into your life, you are immediately in communication with your fellow men and with the

world."

This statement helped explain a number of Sri Narasimha Swamiji's quiet acts: more than

once he was stricken by accidents, there was division among his followers. Accidents failed

to deter him and he put heterogeneous elements together and evolved as his Master Lord

Sainath had done in Shirdi -'harmony out of chaos'.

There is one thing I still do not follow", I said "Through our open funnel approach we

recognize the needs of others. But what else do you believe comes in that helps, strengthens

or guides us?"

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji did not hesitate an instant. "When I speak of leaving yourself open

to communication, I am referring not only to an awareness of others but to communication

with Sai Baba. By having 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam' on my lips, there is not an hour of the day

or night that I am not in a state of communication or prayer. To me acceptance is an important

part of prayer. However 'Thy will be done' is not a passive statement. It is an offer of co-

operation in whatever Sai Baba can do through us. Our part is the right hand of action,

beginning with our home life and our work, because until these are in order, we are not ready

to function beyond our own front yard."

"And when they are in order", I said: "You would suggest we consider the whole world an area

of need?"

"Exactly" said Radhakrishna Swamiji, "I believe we are in trouble today because we have not

been concerned enough about each other."

"All of us, of course, complain how little time we have."

"That is avoiding responsibility", said Radhakrishna Swamiji, "To be sure, there are relentless

demands on all of us. I have discovered that there is almost always a way to do the things

that confront us if we have the will to do them."

I replied : "Some persons use the excuse: 'What can I - just one person - do in such a big

world ?........................... as if any contribution large or small was insignificant........................

In a reflective mood so familiar to thousands of Radhakrishna Swamiji's devotees, he paused,

then leaned forward to his chair and continued: "Let us pretend for a moment that the

universe is an ocean and Sai Baba is a huge bright stone. We drop the stone into the

middle of this ocean. As long as the world lasts there will be a ripple. Now let us

consider then man, made in the image of Sai Baba, is a pebble. No matter how small the

pebble, if we drop it in this same ocean, there will be a ripple. In the same sense, then,

man's life will have an effect on the universe."

"It is an awesome thought to consider that what we are doing this minute, one way or another,

is going to have some effect on the world." Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji’s philosophy has helped

me find a new sense of perspective about my own place in the world. Giving is not something

you do just when it is convenient. It is, in itself, the key to good Sai-life.

Power of Guru(Readers are aware that we are too mortal to express the power of Guru. This is the third in

the series on this feature and we have taken it out from the life of Guru Naanak Dev - Editor)

Guru Naanaka visited Hasan Abdul in Attock District in the North Western Frontier Province in

1520 A.D. He sat under a peepul tree at the foot of a hillock. On the top of the hill there lived a

Mohammedan saint named Vali Qandhari. There was then a spring of water on the top of the

hill. Mardaanaa used to get water from the spring. The Mohammedan saint became very

jealous of Guru Naanaka's fame and forbade Mardaanaa to take water from his spring.

When Mardaana informed Guru Naanakka of the conduct of the Mohammedan saint,

Naanaka said -"O! Mardaana, Do not be afraid. God will send water down to us soon." The

spring that was at the top of the hill dried up immediately and began to flow at the foot of the

hill where Guru Naanaka halted. The enraged saint thereupon hurled a big rock from the top

of the hill down to where Naanaka was seated Guru Naanaka stopped the rock with his open

hand. The impression of his hand on the rock exists even now. Then the saint came to the

Guru, prostrated at his feet and asked for pardon. Guru Naanaka smiled and pardoned the

arrogant saint. There now stands a beautiful shrine by the side of the spring which is called

"Punja Sahib” *

Law of LoveBy J. P. Vaswani

Are you eager to enter love's hermitage, then cut your ego and trample it under foot there is

no other way. Love does not grow in a garden, love is not sold in the market place, and love is

purchased with one's life-blood; unless ego dies, you cannot love. The law of love is the law

of the cross the law of sacrifice.

Sai Satsang at HosurBy S. Shyama Rao

About 30 devotees led by the President of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Shri C. V. Bhaskara Rao,

had the joyous opportunity of participating in a 'Satsang' at the apartment of Dr. G. R. Vijaya

Kumar in the border town of Hosur on Sunday, November 26, 1989. As members of "Hosur

Bhakta Samaj" recited Bhagavad Gita verses and devotional songs, our group inspired the

gathering with Vishnu Sahasranamam and enchanting bhajans to open their hearts to receive

the priceless pearls of wisdom and divine love of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji and Sai Baba.

Shri Bhaskara Rao gifted the pictures of Sai Baba and a booklet to Bhakta Samaj devotees.

Shri R. Seshadri briefed the gathering about our Swamiji. After 'arathi' to Lord Krishna, Sai

Baba and Swamiji, Maha-prasadam was served and it was an inspiring sight to see Mrs.

Seetha Vijayakumar serving us with deepest love and joy one could see the great reverence

and divine joy amongst the members at the Satsang. We look forward to more of such

'Satsangs'.

The Circle of LoveBy Mrs. Usha Ranganathan

''When Sai Baba measures man, He puts the tape around his heart - not his head".

- Radhakrishna Swamiji

As a devotee of Sai Baba and beloved Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, I have often wondered that

Swamiji is an Ideal without a body, an Image enshrined in the heart of mine, a song whose

music and melody have thrown innumerable souls into the raptures of ecstasy. Little did I

know that on a fine morning that I could be part of the circle of 'Love', when I was in the USA

on a short assignment in 1984.

My colleague, Miss Albery, was perhaps the most unusual of my colleagues. She seldom

spoke herself. We knew that her early life had been privileged, but that when she joined our

company, she was old and alone and impoverished, living in a shabby room with a few

cherished keepsakes.

She met adversity bravely, but with a stern and haughty demeanor. I myself tried hard, but I

could not break through her reserve. I used to pray to Sai Baba and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

that I would find some way to reach her, but she was too proud to let emotion show.

One lunch hour in December 1984, I was browsing in an antique shop, a favorite pastime. I

seldom purchased anything, but this day was different. I spotted an enamel pencil in a silver

case. It had a large 'A' in its elaborate monogram and I felt an urge - almost a physical nudge

- to buy it for my friend Albery.

"What is this?" she asked brusquely when I handed her the tiny package.

"Just a little Christmas something", I said apprehensively. When Albery opened the package

and saw the silver case, her body tensed, and her eyes filled with tears. "Usha'', she said, -

never before had she used my first name - "Usha, how did you know?''

"Know what?" I asked.

"This one belonged to me," she said, "I had to sell it years ago, when I was hungry and

desperate. It was given to me by someone I loved. And now your kindness has brought it

back’

A Circle of Love

‘Circle of love' thought, 'I have been part of a as I thanked Sai Baba and Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji from my heart, I could see happiness beaming across Albery's face.

Thy Holy FeetBy Sai Premi

Cling to Sai's feet for ever

From its hold for we never to sever

And free yourself without delay

Its bliss, bliss, bliss without end

Surrender, nothing but surrender and complete surrender, at his holy feet is the only salvation

to every Sai devotee. His Holy feet are a source of celestial Ganga as proved by our Sadguru

himself to his devotee Das Ganu Maharaj. They are the Shiva Sakthi, nay, the Shivaloka itself

to His devotees. If one ponders a little more, the holy feet are the path of guidance and when

doubts get cleared they are the only refuge to a mortal.

Saints have sung that Thiruvadi (holy feet) diksha is the supreme form of upadesh a guru can

impart to a sishya.

Once, Das Ganu, a policeman turned Sai Kirtankar, wished to visit Prayag for a holy bath in

the Ganga and Yamuna, and sought Baba's permission. Baba replied to him "It is not

necessary to go so far. Our Ganga is here, believe me." When Das Ganu placed his head on

Baba's feet, out came streams of Ganga and Yamuna waters from both the toes of Sadguru

Baba. Das Ganu was overwhelmed and full of tears.

Explaining the meaning of a verse in Bhagavad-Gita (BG IV-34) to Nana Sahib Chandorkar,

Sai Baba stresses that people must make absolute surrender (Sarvaswa Sharanagati) to the

Sadguru. Gita emphasizes that total surrender of the sishya to the guru is the only way to

salvation.

'In Shri Sainath Mahima stotra, Sri Upasani Maharaj says: "I have come to you surrendering

with folded hands and devotion. Apart from the lotus feet of Shri Sainath — the God of Gods-

| have no other refuge.

Sai-Saying & Happenings"I say here, they happen there."

- Shirdi Sai BabaAnd how? Only a Saint knows another Saint and his ways. Avatar MEHER BABA had given

us the 'clue' behind the secret of Shirdi SAI BABA's sayings at Shirdi and their happenings

elsewhere. Here is the quote from Avatar Meher Baba.

The "Jivatman" in the gross sphere uses the mind through gross means; in the subtle sphere.

He uses the mind through subtle means; but in the mental sphere, he uses the mind directly

without the help of gross and subtle means.

''Suppose a pilgrim in Egypt reaches the mental sphere and conceives the idea of seeing

America, the pilgrim has not even to think about America, but simultaneously with a wish on

his part to be there, he will find himself actually there sooner than the time it takes to think

about America in the ordinary way. And why does the pilgrim travel faster than the thought

itself? Because, he does not, strictly speaking, travel; as the mind is everywhere, the pilgrim

in the mental sphere (whom we call a "VALl" or a "Maha YOGI") can be anywhere he likes

without using his gross and subtle organs".

"In the gross and subtle spheres, the Soul works with full consciousness through the media of

the mind plus the gross and the subtle organs, while in the mental sphere the Soul works with

full consciousness through the mind itself without necessarily using the gross and subtle

organs."

The Deathless SwamijiHomage to the Guru

By K. S. Ramaswamy"Life is given you to be scattered in the service of love. Radiate the light of love wherever you

go."

- Radhakrishna SwamijiBy temperament Radhakrishna Swamiji was a lover of silence and solitude. And if he had the

option, he would have spent his days and nights in communion with Sai Baba. But he saw the

sad state of the world and realised that Sai Baba wanted for His army soldiers of faith.

Radhakrishna Swamiji enlisted himself as a soldier and remained faithful to the last. He

realised that in recitation of 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam' is one unfailing and inexhaustible

fountain of wisdom which is within the reach of everyone, and urged upon all to drink of its

waters and be healed. Profound truths of the inner life he passed on to us in simple recitation

of 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam".

He worked as a servant of Sai and man. In his eyes was the light of holy humility. Sai Baba

gave him to wear the crown of a spiritual teacher — he became one of the greatest spiritual

teachers of our day, influencing the lives of thousands all over the country. Through him the

light and the wisdom of Sai Baba flowed to many in far off places. Yet was he so simple and

humble, so gentle and unassuming. He gave himself no supernatural airs. He spoke of

himself as 'most obedient servant'. And he was always human. His outlook on life was

practical.

When Swamiji attained 'Samadhi' on 14th January 1980 a beautiful smile played upon his

lips. He was not afraid of death. Indeed there was no 'death' for him.

"Swamiji lives in the life everlasting. He is not by death subdued Birth less, deathless, ageless

is he Having died before death overtakes him He dies not again But in life and in death He

beholds Sai (via ha raj."

The ego-self that dies and is re-born and dies again that 'self was in Radhakrishna Swamiji

already dead. Ant 'death' to him meant a release — a 'flight' from his exile her to the

Homeland of Soul.

Swamiji cast off his mortal coil on 14-1-80 on to awaken in the spiritual realm so congenial to

his daily aspirations and life.

Swamiji's MottoBy Mrs. Seetha Vijayakumar

"I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist,

but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heaven and say there is no God."

The faith of H. H. Narasimha Swamiji brought new life to India. Blessed be his name. His life

and message have inspired millions and will continue to do so as long as the sun shines and

the rivers run. An influence flowed out of the great Guru; and many who saw him felt

irresistibly drawn to him. He was not a man of many words; but in them was the power of the

spirit. And those who heard Narasimha Swamiji exclaimed "Never did man speak as the great

Guru does."

Sri Narasimha Swamiji had this motto on his desk as a student at Presidency College,

Madras in the beginning of this century. 'I AM THIRD'. It was enclosed in a beautiful frame.

"What does the motto mean?" asked his friends.

"It is a philosophy I try to follow" young Narasimhan explained. "When I left Salem to join this

college, my mother gave me this advice: 'My son'- always remember that God is first; others

are second and you are third' ".

We know well that Sri Narasimha Swamiji as a great 'apostle of Sai Baba 'believed in this

throughout his life. And putting off his garb of flesh and bone, he has passed on the lotus feet

of Sai Baba. There he shines now as he, also, shines in the hearts of many Sai-devotees who

loved him and when he loved. Radiant is his memory.

When will such a one walk on this earth again?

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him.- Radhakrishna Swamiji

An Angel of LoveBy D. Devanathan

"Beloved Radhakrishna Swamiji, True it is. He who hath Thee lacks nothing! Thou alone

sufficed!

I am a resident of Hyderabad and have always felt the living presence of Radhakrishna

Swamiji in my life. I see him as the face of a man who smiles in triumph over life, a man who

has conquered the frailties which we, feebler mortals, harbor willingly or unwillingly. Divinity is

writ large on his face, disclosing to his vision that he was a man of great spiritual attainment.

His expression was modest and mild, the large semi-blue eyes being extra-ordinary tranquil

and beautiful. His nose was long, straight and classically regular. He wore an austere white

beard on his chin that flew down his neck. Clad in white dhoti and a white wrapper around his

shoulders, and a snow-white tress, neatly kept, flowing behind his head, he was truly

symbolic of a saint.

With problems afflicting them, and trouble worn devotees came to see him with the hope that

they would vanish within a few minutes of sitting in his presence and reciting 'Vishnu Sahasra

Namam' and they went back with a sincere smile that the relief they had sought for, had been

easily obtained.

It is my experience that when one approached Swamiji to seek protection from one's self-

earned fate his benignant smile and silence brought forth the answer:

"By prayer, by keeping a child-like nature and by remembering Him not on one's lips, but in

one's heart, especially before one begins any action, one turns towards the Almighty.

In happy days try to enjoy them as a blessing of God, and in troubles try to think that it is very

much like a medicine to heal your inner disease. Fear Him not, as He is ail merciful."

As I rise my palms and close them together in the customary salutation and the nutter a brief

word of awe and reverence he is smiling at me and looking at me fixedly, though he has not

said a word.

A Prophet of LoveBy Dr. P. S. Parchure

"Arise and cling firmly to the lotus feet of Sai Baba"- Narasimha Swamiji

Greater by far than my weak words may tell was His Holiness Radhakrishna Swamiji. It was

my privilege to serve him. My eyes have feasted at his darshan and my ears did hear the

music of his voice — Vishnu Sahasra Namam — which has thrilled thousands of his devotees

and filled their souls with the thirst which only Sai Baba's grace could quench. Though

Swamiji is no more with us physically, there is a love which breaks the barriers of time and

knits hearts together in an undying bond. And of Radhakrishna Swamiji I have often whis-

pered to my self the words which Parvathi spoke of Shiva: "I love him with a love which is

deathless,"

In 1978 and 1979, Radhakrishna Swamiji attended the gathering of contributors to SAI LEELA

magazine at Shirdi as the chief guest and guided the devotees and blessed them. His'

speeches were convincing and full of devotion to Sai Baba. His presence in those gatherings

created a very serene atmosphere and invoked devotion in the minds of all, who attended the

gathering, In spite of his advanced age; he never showed signs of fatigue and attended all the

sessions very actively.

Swamiji had great love of the crowd. He always Iike to remain surrounded by his devotees.

He was very hospitable. At the time of SAI LEELA meet in 1978, he extended an open

invitation to all Sai-devotees to participate in the installation ceremony of the marble statue of

Sai Baba at Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore which was due in May 1978.

I was one of the four privileged to be present at this unique function. Swamiji was overjoyed to

receive us. Throughout he was asking about our comforts and was constantly giving

directions to volunteers to make our stay comfortable.

He is no more physically. Is not death 'going yonder'? Yes, death is but passing from one

room to another. For in Sai Baba’s house are many mansions and Swamiji is blessing us from

there.

A Touch of LoveBy Vidyut Maneklal

"Because of Radhakrishna Swamiji's boundless love, He became what we are in order that he

might make us what he is."

Radhakrishna Swamiji: There is a fragrance in his car and music in his memory - the

fragrance of a life which burr as incense to the eternal and the music which is the healing

broken hearts.

Many years ago, I moved out as a pilgrim to different places in India - the India of noisy cities

but the India of heroes and holy men, of prophets and saints who lived each day, a fife of

surrender to the will Divine and became the healers of a broken, bleeding civilization.

One day in 1979, I arrived at Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore. The place is vibrant with the

living presence of Sai Baba who has given humanity its undying light. In the precincts of the

Mandir, I met Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji in white robes. His face was calm and radiant.

"Nice you have come," he said in a tender and touching voice. It looked as if he was

expecting me. He blessed me, as I touched his feet. His complexion looked pasty in the

afternoon light and his silvery hair was wispy against the white background.

I shoved my hands into the bag. I felt helpless and awkward, not knowing what to do or say.

Several days later I went to the Doctor for a routine treatment. My nephew stood wide

mouthed with fear and concern as we waited.

"Don't worry," I reassured him, "I am all right". Then he took my hand and held it quietly in his

two small ones. My heart flooded with warmth and thankfulness. And suddenly, with my little

boy still holding my hand, I knew what I would do the very next time I visited Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji.

But my first 'darshan' of Swamiji was also the last as Swamiji cast off his mortal coils on

14.1.80, but he is ever with me, blessing me.

Riches we often missBy Mrs. H. V. Krishnaven

"Sai Baba - teach us to take advantage of the opportunities offered to us - not the people

offering them."

- Anonymous

During the 'Akhanda Sai Nama Saptaham' held at Sai Spiritual Centre at Bangalore, I used to

see my father derive more from the 'Nama Japam' than anyone else in the group. What in the

world does he get out of this? - I used to ask myself, for he is deep in his 80's and totally deaf.

Then, one day, as tactfully as I could, I scribbled a note and asked him.

"My dear" he chided me gently, "it is true that I do not hear the Nama Japam you do, but I

'hear' four or five others."

I must have looked pretty mystified. He explained: "While the rest of you are busily singing

'Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai' I am concentrating on the holy Padukas of Sai Baba. There is

plenty there to ponder over surrendering to His lotus feet. You see, this is my 'Nama Japam'.

My father further explained the glory of love and friendship. It is not the outstretched hand nor

the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one

from the life of His Holiness Radhakrishna Swamiji when he discovers that someone else

believes in him and is willing to trust Sai Baba with his acts of Sai-love.

"I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I had placed in

Sai Baba's hands that I still possess"."

- Narasimha Swamiji

Sai's New Year GiftH.H. Sri Vidyanarayana Thirtha, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Samasthanam, Dwaraka-

Badrikashram, blesses Sai devotees with the following New Year Message:

Blessed devotees of Sai Maharaj, Greetings: A Happy New Year. Saints, the true

messengers of God, of all religions of the world have spoken of love as the end, the aim or

goal of life. Love is the supreme virtue, the source of all other virtues. Service to God is justice

and love of God is the basis and it is the work of divine grace acting within man's soul. Pure

love with deep devotion to God can purify our hearts and liberate us from grief, pain, fear and

impure thoughts so that one could lead a peaceful and perfect life. Sainath is full of Divine

Love like sunlight, ever radiating all over in abundance. Through the instrument of His

stupendous love, Sai helps us at any moment of time, guiding both our material and spiritual

life. But how to win over Sainath's Divine Love? The easy path is to surrender oneself to

Sainath who induces pure cosmic love and makes us all recognize God in all beings

transcending distinctions of religion, caste, creed, faith and sex.

Here are a few instructions: Remember Sai in every act daily. Help each other, share and

enjoy with your fellow - beings. Develop good and pure thoughts along with love. Carefully

observe, digest and follow Sai's life teachings.

May Sai bless all with prem, shanthi, robust health and prosperity.

Jai Sai Ram, Jai Gurudatta, Om Tat Sat.

Happy & Prosperous year 1990

We Wish Our Headers a Happy & Prosperous 1990

We believe that we enter a glorious new year, to be filled with 'Vishnu Sahasra Namam' and

‘Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai’ with devotion to Sai and Swamiji and service to mankind with

inspired creative activity we believe that Sai and Swamiji are always with us wherever we

shall go this year and years to come by train, bus, car or boat slowly paced on foot or high in

air we believe that love of Sai and Swamiji shimmering in our bodies, their wisdom guiding our

minds, their peace filling us with poise, their strength ever at our call oh, we believe that is Sai

Baba's and Swamiji's new year.

President and office bearers of the Managing Committee SAI SPIRITUAL CENTRE, Bangalore

Mahasamadhi CelebrationsThe 7lst Mahasamadhi Celebrations of Sai Baba were conducted with great pomp and

ceremony from October 6, 1989 to October 17, 1989 at Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore. The

program was inaugurated by H.H. Vidyanarayana Thirtha, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of

Dwaraka-Badrikashram (Swamiji could not be present because of a bodily ailment and his

benedictory address was read out). This was followed by a Bhajan by Sri Vittal Srinivas and

patty.

Aruna Mythreyi Sangha gave us a thrilling bhajan session on the evening of October 7. We

had 'Lalitha Sahasra Nama' Homam on October 8. This in fact is the culmination of 108

archana of Lalitha Sahasranam being performed by 'Sumangalis' everyday under the able

guidance of Sri Puttanna. Over thousand people were fed after the Homam. In the evening

we had a music recital.

After 'Rudrabhishek' to Guru Padukas on October 9, Smt. Leela RamaGopal, Smt. Usha

Kesari and others gave us a 'Geetha Roopaka' of Thirupaani'.

Shatha Rudrabhisheka was performed on Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi day October 10, followed

by bhajan and rstarayana Seva. In the evening, there was 'Vishnu Sahasra Nama' parayana

followed by Akhanda Sankirtan of 'Om Sai, Sri Sai, Jaya Jaya Sai'.

It was a pleasant evening on October 11 watching young children giving devotional

programmes under the leadership of foster-grandpa, Dr. P. S. Narayana Rao. This was fol-

lowed by an equally interesting program of 'Devotees' Experiences, — a session wherein Sai

devotees expressed the day to day living presence of Sai Baba experienced by them. A

veteran Sai devotee, 83-year old Shri M. Rama Rao presided.

There was 'Goshti Gana' by Smt. Sarojamma Anantha Ramaiah on 'Baleendra Bhagyodaya'

and 'Adhyatma Geethavali' on October 12.

Even the angels danced when devotees performed 'Vishnu Sahasra Nama Laksharchana' on

the morning of the 13th October 1989. There was an inspiring bhajan by Sri V. Hariharary and

party in the evening.

The 33rd 'Aradhana' of Poojya Narasimha Swamiji was celebrated on the October 14. Dr. G.

R. Vijayakumar addressed the gathering on the 'Life and Mission of Narasimha Swamiji' and

fervently invoked the blessings of Sai Maharaj to get a marble statute of Narasimha Swamiji

installed in the Sai Spiritual Centre. In the evening there was 'Sathyanarayana Pooja'.

A Vishnu Sahasra Nama Homam was conducted on October 15. Over a thousand people

participated in the 'Narayana Seva' after the Homam. In the evening, a colorful procession of

the portraits of Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was taken out

in a flower-bedecked and decorated chariot through the streets of Thyagarajanagar.

The Mahasamadhi Celebrations concluded with a video film on the life of Sai Baba on the

October 16, 1989 and another video program on 'Datta Khetras' the next day.

Sai Maharaj on SimhasanaBy V. S. Kuber

November 5, 1989, was a red letter day of Sai devotees of Bangalore. The 99-year old

woman Saint of Bangalore, H.H. Shivamma Mathaji, who had the privilege of meeting Sai

Baba in 1918, dedicated a silver throne to Sai Maharaj at Sai Spiritual Centre. In this

beautifully decorated throne, Sai Baba is blessing us in all splendor and majesty.

Earlier in the day, after 'Abhisheka, to Sai Baba and Radhakrishna Swamiji, Homam of 'Sri

Sukta' and 'Purusha Sukta' was performed followed by enchanting bhajans. At least 1500

people partook 'Maha Prasadam' in the afternoon. As we now stand before Sai Baba sitting

on this throne to re-charge our body, mind and soul and re-dedicate ourselves with renewed

zeal and total surrender, we feel Sai Baba smiling at us and telling: ‘In My grace you have

everything.’ In the evening there was a 'Harikatha' on Sai Baba's life by Sri Bhadragiri

Achyutadas which inspired the gathering to open their hearts to receive the priceless pearls of

wisdom and divine love of Sainath.