Sri Sathya Sai Baba Avatar    The Golden Age of Sai - Page 4 Compiled by Nirmal Vancouver: Nirmal, 1997 (Copyright declined. You are welcome to copy freely) 1st edition: 1996 2nd edition: 1997   1980 1980 - Baba on the Coming Golden Age SAI: In all countries there is a rapid deterioration of the human quality. JOHN HISLOP: When will it change for the better? SAI: Soon there will be a change. JH: When is soon, Swami? Twenty years? Ten years? SAI: No. Now. Already there is some slight improvement in India. One cause of the general deterioration in the world is rapid communication. This allows advertising and publicity to have a strong influence on people. Your American election is an illustration of how the leaders are television actors. JH: Swami, there is no evidence of a change for the better. SAI: If there is a change, it will be a universal change. Not local. It will occur every place. JH: This rapid world-wide communication also results in common knowledge of how to build an atom bomb. Is there not a great danger of some small nation using the bomb? SAI: The danger is not of someone using the bomb. People are no longer afraid of death from the bomb. So long as they can pursue their objective of getting money, they are willing to risk death and to die. It is not the bomb that is the danger, it is the mind that is the danger. The bomb exists only as an instrument of the mind. The need is for a change of mind. JH: But Swami, people do not care to learn about that. They have no interest in Swami or in listening to him. SAI: Minds can and do change. For example, the life style of people can be so bad that they become ashamed and change. The hippies' life style is so low and so dishonest and immoral that groups of hippies, observing their own life reflected in another group, become ashamed and of themselves they change. JH: Well, at least Swami's devotees know about changing the mind and can do so. SAI: Were it not for the mind change of Sai devotees the world would already have fallen into complete chaos. The deterioration of mind and man has been very rapid and abrupt, even precipitous during the last fifteen years. That the world is not in total destruction is due to the change in mind of Sai devotees and to Sai's Grace. You are not aware of it, just as you are not aware of your eyes until they are lost. In the same way, the world is not aware of Sai's Grace. (Baba on November 7, 1980 in MBI, 189-9 0.) 1981 1981 - Baba on the Golden Age Many people are scared because they believe that the Kali Age in which we live will witness the ultimate Deluge. Others call it the Kalaha Age, the Age of Conflict, for it is now well-nigh omnipresent. No, no. This age is the Golden Age for the seekers of God, for earning and learning Viveka. (SSS, XI, 186; from talk given June 11, 1981.) 1982 Earth Changes There will be physical repercussions because of growing selfishness, minor adjustments to the planet, and a certain clear-out. (SSBEL, 1982, 21.) 1982 - Baba's Mission To meet the needs of different ages, God sends sages and Divine Incarnations to sustain human life on Earth. These living examples of Divine Law lead ideal lives and guide humanity in the disciplines needed to live according to the Divine Plan for each Age. (EVJC, 1982, 66.) I have come to revive the ancient wisdom contained in the scriptures of every religion. (EVJC, 1982, 10.) JOHN HISLOP: When Swami says He will confer liberation at death, what does that mean? SAI: It means that birth is finished with, there is no more birth again. JH: But Swami, there is this temporary liberation that was mentioned. Maybe it is that kind? SAI: No, it is not like that. Sai gives total, final liberation. (MBI, c1985, 203; talk with Baba on Dec. 2, 1982.) 1982 - Golden Age must Recur The Will of God cannot be stopped. The events God ordains must take place. The joyful Golden Age will recur. (EVJC, 1982, 12.) 1982 - Knowledge of Baba will Spread Slowly and Naturally JOHN HISLOP: Swami has said that the entire world will know of his presence. At this time only a relatively few people know of Sai. As of now only local individuals represent him, and they do not draw the attention of people of substance and importance throughout the world. SAI: Sai does not look at status and worldly importance. He looks at the heart. JH: Yes, Swami, but it is the leaders in society who tend to arouse the attention and interest of the general population. SAI: Sai does not force such things. He will be in [the] body for many more years. What you refer to will develop naturally. Devotees of world stature, able to speak of Sai, will be present when the time is correct for them. (MBI, c1985, 205; from talk with Baba, Dec. 2, 1982.) 1982 - Time of Change in Avatar's Career After age 60, Sai will directly give added strength to the minds of those persons who are actively working with Him. Now is starting a time of change [in the career of the Avatar]. It is just as when a strong wind comes up and blows away the husks, leaving only the sound kernels. In these times, many devotees will fall away from Sai, leaving only those devotees whose faith is sound and solid. (MBI, c1985, 204; talk with Baba on Dec. 2, 1982.) 1982- Baba's Desire I want each and every one of you to reach the highest spiritual state. I wish each of you to know the joy of full Unity with God. (EVJC, 1982, 80.) 1982 - Hold Satsang It is wise to form a spiritual study circle with others who are honestly seeking the spiritual life. Exchange truths, discuss virtues, and listen to the glories of the Lord. (EVJC, 1982, 26.) 1982 - Connect with Others Look at the "other person". Try to discover a point of contact, not a point of conflict. Use your knowledge to make yourself kinder. Don't worry about failure; life will become worth living. (EVJC, 1982, 47.) 1982 - See God in Everyone You must see that all persons are simply different faces covering the Divine Face of God. Attempting to hate God is the height of ignorance. There is no room in your lives for hatred of anyone. (EVJC, 1982, 86.) To see all things as One you must expand your outlook. You must develop a broad loving heart. Selfishness must disappear. You must find the greater meaning of life - Godliness. ... Striving to lead godly lives is the only truly sacred behaviour. (EVJC, 198 2, 87.) 1982 - Serve If you wish to blossom forth as your true Self, your Higher Divine Nature, you must spend the life given you serving humanity with great humility and no concern for selfish gain. (EVJC, 1982, 76.) 1982 - Sai Organizations The Sai Organization may be limited in size now, but as time goes on, it will attract so many people that the general public will not be able to be accommodated in the Sai gatherings. All available spaces will be assigned to the people within the Sai Organization. Thus, the Sai Organization membership affords a chance. (MBI, c1985, 209; from talk with Baba, Dec. 2, 1982.) 1983 1983 - Sai Avatara The Sai Avathar is the only such where his Divinity is known to all peoples of all religions. Never has there been that before. With Krishna, only the gopis were aware of him as God. (MBI, c1985, 212; talk with Baba, Jan. 10, 1983.) Swami ... builds slowly, but it is firm and sound and it continues. (MBI, c1985, 213; talk with Baba, Jan. 10, 1983.) 1984 1984 - On Life in the Universe The question about life in the universe arises because you project your own particular circumstances. You feel that other ways of life would be intolerable because such ways of life would be intolerable for you. In the hot, blazing Sun, for instance, beings are living. This life exists in circumstances considered to be intolerable by you. Elsewhere in the universe, life feels it is Divinity, is one with Divinity, and is quiet happy, and feeling all is right. ... This small planet Earth is very special. It is unique in the universe. One who can understand the mystery of the Earth is great indeed. He is infinite. (MBI, c1985, 226; Oct. 23, 1984.) 1985 1985 - Baba and America [Phyllis Krystal:] At about the same time as the announcement of the Rome Conference [c. 1982-3], Baba had given instructions for the American Sai centers to start organizing open public meetings to introduce him and his teachings to a larger audience. It was clear that he was getting ready to bring his message to the rest of the world. He has said that on his sixtieth birthday he will announce his special mission to bring balance into the world chaos fast accelerating everywhere. (SBUE, 1985, 272.) 1985 - Servants of Sai Men who are my dasas (servants) are full of love. They stand by dharma or righteousness. They speak the truth. Their hearts melt with mercy. They are devoid of wrong conduct. They avoid sin; they will renounce everything gladly. They act in moderation. They are engaged in doing good to others. They are not selfish. They are not worried by doubts. They do not lend their ears to flattery. They are eager to listen to the praise of others. (GOS, 1985, 84.) 1985 - Opportunity Baba Presents Today, this day, [the] precious elixir of knowledge is ours if we are sufficiently awake to reach out and take it. This precious knowledge is available to us in the teachings of that extraordinary being, the divine Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Full release from the turning of the wheel of birth, death, and rebirth may be ours now, in this brief lifetime, now that we know of Baba; and if we have the good sense to pay careful attention to his teachings and the will to take appropriate action. However, if we, by our carelessness and inattention, gloss over this extraordinary and unique opportunity, who can say to what distant shore we will be carried by the hurricane of karmic consequences readying itself to manifest as another of our continuing existences? (MBI, c1985 , 83.) Here to me is one of the most wonderful miracles of Sathya Sai Baba. The fettered heart, turning to Baba, can be free from all its bondage. Seeing him, being sure that he will not betray, is a most wonderful feeling. With joy the heart responds to this trust. With each day, love for Baba grows stronger. He is divine Mother and Father to his devotee. One may love him without reserve, without guard, without fear, however guarded one may still be with fellow human beings. (Hislop in MBI, c1985, 64.) 1985 - Baba is a Towering Personality Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a towering personage in the world today. His stature in the eyes of men will grow to a supreme height before death removes him into the realm of history. A thousand years from now, five thousand years from now Baba's correspondence will be a treasure for historians as well as for people of that age whose hearts are pulled to him as they read of his glorious life. (MBI, c1985, 231.) 1986 1986 - He is Parabrahman [Devaraha Baba:] He is Parabrahma incarnate. ... The Lord incarnate has strictly forbidden the siddhas to mention this fact to anyone. As such we cannot even discuss the matter among ourselves. This mystery about the incarnation of Bhagavan Sainath can be discussed briefly only in the company of the highly realized sadhakas, who are really inquisitive. ... The time is not far off when seers, sages and saints from all over the country will assemble in Puttaparthi to receive the blessings of the Lord incarnate. (SBNNGA, 1990, 35-6.) 1986 - Difficulty of Realizing God with Form It is very difficult for people who stay around me to understand that I am Bhagavan. Only a sadhaka who is ever alert may succeed. (SSBNNGA, 48.) 1986 - Baba's Promise Mankind can and will be saved. ("Christmas Message, 1986," SMFYM, II, 1988, 37.) 1986 - Use This Opportunity My children, awaken now while the divine Avatar is here to guide you. The way ahead is clear, sign-posted through the teachings of the Lord, and you have this unique opportunity to escape from the darkness into light simply by putting those teachings into practice in your daily lives. Open your hearts and let the love flow, knowing that love can overcome all barriers. See God in everyone and everything and become part of the universal whole which is My reality. ("Birthday Message, 1986," SMFYM, II, 1988, 28.) My children, the time of awakening has come and that time is NOW. But for many of you it will pass without any positive action or participation on your part until, one day, you experience something traumatic which finally awakens you from your placid sleep. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1986, 31-2.) 1987 1987 - Liberation is the Goal of Life Liberation is the goal of mankind: release from the constant cycle of birth and death. It is desire and the craving for material pleasures that bind man to the earth plane, and he will only find liberation through purification and enlightenment. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 56.) The integration of all mankind will come in the course of time and it will result from better understanding of the truth. I am the truth and I have come to teach the truth so that man can escape from darkness, ignorance and illusion. It is these which have led man to experience antagonism, hatred and even war. My children, God is love, you are God, and you should awaken to that truth. See the light, live in light, and let love blossom in your hearts so that it lights up the world and cleanses it of the evil and the ignorance of the present age. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 43.) Your future is assured once you find your own self, the divinity within, the real you, the child of the living God who lives deep in your heart. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 45.) 1987 - Man's Stagnation Man tends to stagnate on the earth plane, even though the awakening may have begun. The same habits and desires have ruled his life for so long that he finds it difficult to change. But change is essential if you want to move forward. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c19 87, 64.) 1987 - Golden Age is Man's Creation The Golden Age is the creation of man, not of God. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 71.) 1987 - Transition has Begun The transition from that unhappy state to the state of bliss cannot be achieved overnight, but the changes have begun and the seeds are sown. Man is living at the dawn of a Golden Age and he himself will determine the timing of the transition by his own acts and thoughts. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 71.) The time has indeed come for a great awakening, when the days of ignorance and illusion are replaced by a new Golden Age. That Golden Age is here now, just waiting for man to move into it and find the peace that has eluded him all this time. (SMFYM, II, 19 88; c1987, 73-4. 1987 - Day of Awakening is Here The day of awakening is here and the day of reckoning, or weeding out, is not far away. The cleansing of the world will take place and only those awakened souls will be left to experience life in the divine state. Others will fall by the wayside, left behind and lost in a world of illusion and darkness. When the Lord incarnates in human form it is a time of great opportunity for those who are ready. All of you here today have that opportunity, but that alone is no guarantee of liberation. Much effort is required, also an irreversible commitment to the spiritual path, leaving behind for ever the life of illusion with all its worldly desires, attachments and false values. So long as desire remains, you cannot firmly establish your feet on the spiritual path. Surrender to the Lord and love Him as He loves you, then extend that love to all mankind, for the Lord is in all. Only in this way can you find true peace, happiness and ultimate bliss. ("Christmas (II) [1987]," SMFYM, II, 1988, 63.) Although the Golden Age lies in the future, man can prepare himself by turning to God and living his life in complete harmony with the Infinite. That is possible now, if you surrender your will to God and dedicate your life to Him. You will become His instrument and, in that capacity, you will find fulfilment through service to humanity. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 70.) 1987 - Human Family is One The unity of mankind is the goal. Unity will come only through love, the motivating force which flows throughout the universe. That love, that motivating force, is God, and all of you are part of it. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 73.) The unity of mankind will come when man becomes awakened and when he allows love to flow from his heart all the time. Then he will recognise the same love in others and see them as they really are, part of himself, part of God, divine. Divinity cannot be divided into separate parts, so how can man himself be separated? An understanding of this basic truth is the key to the future of mankind. The time has indeed come for a great awakening, when the days of ignorance and illusion are replaced by a new Golden Age. That Golden Age is here now, just waiting for man to move into it and find the peace that has eluded him all this time. Everyone has the opportunity to enter the new Golden Age. But each one has a choice, the free will, to decide his own future, whether he wishes to continue living in the wilderness, a life of illusion, or move forward along the spiritual path and enter the new Golden Age. Perfect peace awaits him at the end of the path which leads to ultimate liberation. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 74.) 1987 - What the Golden Age will be Like When the Golden Age dawns there will be harmony throughout the world and love will flow everywhere. All thoughts of hatred will disappear. Today you cannot visualize such a state because there is chaos everywhere, fighting, scheming, hatred, evil; all the negative emotions are in the ascendent. But eventually the change will come. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 70.) The arrival of the Golden Age shall be heralded by a new coming as well as some upheavals, sufficient to uproot the evil that is so prevalent today. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 70.) 1987 - Use This Opportunity Fully My children, the time has come for a great awakening of mankind. You are the leaders and I have given you this great opportunity to join in the work of the Lord. Do not lose the opportunity to help lead mankind out of the wilderness, back to the divine state. That state exists now, if only you can light the lamp of love which is in the heart of every living soul. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 65.) Man is sick, engrossed in physical and material pursuits which will lead him nowhere. Yet he continues blindly, imagining that his present way of life will eventually bring him success and some form of satisfaction. But he is mistaken and his vision is clouded by illusion. What is he really doing? He is doing nothing of any consequence, merely wasting his precious time and ignoring the divine opportunity which he has been given by the Lord in this lifetime. All of you have the same opportunity, a chance to see the light in this lifetime, otherwise you would not be here. ("Christmas [1987]," SMFYM, II, 1988, 62.) 1987 - Only the Spiritual Path is Fruitful Arise, My children, awaken to the truth, listen to the word of God and know that only the spiritual path can lead you out of the wilderness. Love is the key, love is the way. Open your heart and let the love flow. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 64.) 1987 - Spiritually Advanced Souls are Alive to Help Many spiritually advanced souls are here today, full of understanding, and they all have a part to play in helping humanity. Often, much effort and sacrifice are required because the task of spreading the truth is never easy. Too many prejudices exist from the past. However, the world is crying out in agony, and there are more and more people everywhere searching for the truth and seeking a light to draw them out of their darkness. You have the chance to radiate that light and you should join in this great work. So, in your lives, by your examples, live and practise My message, knowing that some will understand and others will not. Have no concern with the outcome of your efforts, for some people are ready and others are not. Each one is free to go his own way in his own time. Many will choose to remain in darkness with all the attachments that hold them back from the true path. But, eventually, their time will come and, one day, all will be re-united in the Kingdom of God. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 58.) 1987 - Start Now It is the only path, the divine path, and it is there in front of you now. Start the new journey hand in hand with God at this very moment and never turn back. The path ahead is glorious and will bring peace of mind, something which has eluded you for so long. And the Lord will always be there to guide and protect you. (SMFYM, II, 1988; 1987, 45.) The Lord is omnipresent and appears in human form from age to age. Many of you have seen the Lord, but others should know that the Lord is always present everywhere, dwelling in your heart. He remains awake, even while you sleep, a sleep which continues for decades before you become awakened. Now is the time for that awakening, the awakening of man to the truth. The days of illusion and wrong living should be put behind you for they lead nowhere. ... Once you experience this awakening, you leave behind you for ever the attachment to materialism and the illusion that goes with it. Instead, you live on the divine level and place yourself in the hands of the Lord who looks after all your needs. Christmas is truly a time of celebration and the Lord waits patiently, watching for signs of an awakening of those souls who have been struggling in the darkness for so long. The Lord has shown the way and many have heard the call. Everyone here today should listen again to that call and leave behind them their lives of illusion and attachment to materialism, a type of life that conceals the truth and the way ahead. Turn, instead, to the spiritual path and realise your own divinity. That indeed would be something to celebrate! I will always be with you to help and sustain you. ("Christmas [1987]," SMFYM, II, 1988, 53-4.) 1987 - The Avatar will Lead You Today, the divine Avatar is here to lead man back from the brink, back towards the ultimate goal which is liberation and the merging, once again, with God. The process has begun and many are now following the spiritual path, the road to ultimate liberation. (SMFYM, II, 1988; c1987, 56.) 1990 1990 - Reason the Lord Comes in Human Form People could not stand the Lord in super-human form. ... If the Lord came in all His majesty people would be afraid and would have nom opportunity to know and love him. It is only when the Lord comes in a human body that people are able to approach him and learn to love him and know him even a little bit. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that is all there is. ... For instance, the airplane flying high in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that the plane is a ground machine because they see it on the ground. In like fashion, although the Lord has made a landing here on earth, so to speak, He is not limited to His human form. (SV, 1990, 66.) 1990 - Sai is the Totality of Divine Energy The totality of Divine Energy has come unto humanity as Sathya Sai. ... This is a human form in which every Divine Entity, every Divine Principle, that is to say, all the names and forms ascribed by man to God are manifest. (GDOE, 1990, 31.) 1990 - Attempts to Win Baba's Grace Once in Prasanthi Nilayam, ... a lady got up from the last row and spoke loudly, "Swami! I need your Grace." The lady repeated these words a number of times. ... Suddenly, the Lord stopped, turned towards her and said, "Grace, grace. Do you really know the meaning of Grace?" The lady replied, "Swami, it means your compassion, your blessings." Baba said, "No, it means much more than that. If you really want My Grace you should prepare yourself to face every type of calamity. You will lose all your wealth and happiness and still instead of crying and repenting you will have to completely merge yourself in meditating upon me and utter my name in your heart. Your near and dear ones will turn against you. People will implicate you in conspiracies with which you have nothing to do. They will find faults with you where you are totally innocent. Under all such circumstances, you will have simply to think of Me and Me alone and suffer everything silently. Come on, are you prepared to face all these things?" The lady was stunned. She could not utter a word and sat down quietly. (SBNNGA, II, 1990, 31.) Baba [refers] to two ways of getting His favour by the devotees. He calls one of them ... entry through the front door and the other ... entry through the back door. Some scholars, sadhakas, and artists among His devotees expect an interview or a miracle in their favour on the basis of their scholarship or sadhana or love and execution of performing arts. But these people do not succeed as they want their entry through the back door. They have an inflated ego and carry the impression that because they are some one in particular they are bound to get the favour of the Lord. There are others who are simple minded, and egoless devotees. They have nothing to fall back upon except their true love and devotion to the Lord and want entry through the front door. ( SBNNGA, II, 1990, 68-9.) 1990 - Universal Acceptance of Sai Avatar Predicted My name and form will ... be found getting established everywhere. They will occupy every inch of the world. (GDOE, 1990, 37.) 1990 - Success of Mission Guaranteed The success of the task for which I have come will very soon reverberate throughout the world. (GDOE, 1990, 58.) Remember, God has incarnated Himself as SAI. I am Truth and My Sankalpa [wishes, will, determination] is inevitable. (SBNNGA, II, 74.) 1990 - Golden Age Unfolding A silent revolution is going to pass through every structure of human society. Those who are present in this hall and all those who have total faith in Sai, though they may not be here, have a golden opportunity of earning My grace and thus [achieving] their goal; i.e., Liberation. If you miss it, you miss it for ever. (SBNNGA, II, 1990, 74.) [Justice V.B. Eradi:] Bhagawan has declared that His objective is to bring about a global integration of the entire mankind where the whole human race will be united as one world-family, knit together by strong bonds of mutual love and respect believing in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. The recent most unexpected developments in the international sphere, such as the sudden termination of the cold war, the removal of walls and barriers separating Eastern and Western Europe and the most welcome signs of establishment of friendly relations between the "Big Super Powers", which were hitherto ranged on opposite sides and were piling up nuclear and conventional weapons for use against each other, are clear signs that the divine Sankalpa is fast taking concrete shape. Bhagawan has His own time schedule for completion of His programmes. ... The day ... when the whole humanity gets unified as one big family observing strictly the principles of Truth, Righteousness, Love, Peace and Nonviolence ... will mark the establishment of the Sai Rashtra and blessed indeed are those who will be able to experience that Heaven on earth. (SV, 1990, 25.) 1990 - Our Mission Your mission has begun. ... Each of you has a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. Only those whom I have called can serve me. My Mission has now reached that point in time when each one of you now has work to do. This planet has a purpose in the great galaxy in which it is held. That purpose is now unfolding before your eyes. I call upon you to radiate the Devotion within you so that its unseen power will envelop all who come into your orbit. To successfully perform your part always remain centred upon me. Allow yourself to impart that purity of heart within you towards all human beings and all living creatures and do not reach for the fruits of your work. This part of My Mission is performed in absolute silence. You are My instruments from whom My love will pour. Be always aware that the moment you let your ego descend upon you, My work ceases. When you have overcome your negative unmindfulness you will again become My source. The multiplication of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have drawn you to Me. I have made great steps in My Mission over these past Incarnations. My work is ceaseless and so your work, too, is without end. Know that I am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of petty matters for ever more. You are now ME and I am now THEE. There is no difference. My Darshan will pour forth from ME to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure in heart and soul, and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. (SV, 1990, 126.) 1991 1991 - The Kali Yuga Today the world is sick, poisoned by man. (SSSBFM, 1991, 224.) The world situation today is dreadful and frightening. Wherever you turn, fear confronts you. Whether you remain at home or go out into the street, whether you travel by train or walk on the road, fear haunts you. The world is enveloped in fear. If you want to banish this fear, you have to develop firm faith in God as the sole refuge. Then you are freed from fear. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 10.) Men today are lost in the pursuit of fleeting sensuous pleasures and material possessions. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 151.) [A] rise in income has been followed by a decline in morality. With the collapse in morals, the nation has become a prey to violence and disorder. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 251.) In the competition for over-reaching each other, men are immersed in selfishness and are pursuing wrong courses. Politics and economics are bedevilled by crises. Men are riven by caste and religious conflicts. The appetite for power and position has become insatiable. These are causing the disintegration of the sacred land of Bharat. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 151.) With the collapse in morals, the nation has become a prey to violence and disorder. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 251.) If there is no love of God, fear of sin, and practice of social ethics, how can there be peace in the world? (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 151.) [Today] there is no trace of humility and discipline [in] education. In the place of character and good conduct, which should be prevalent among students, we notice today the spread of materialism, ostentation and arrogance amongst them. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 249.) Developing insatiable desires, the modern student is vitiating his mind. He lacks the capacity for introspection. But his external vision is turned in all directions. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 249.) With no prospect of getting jobs, educated young men are getting frustrated and mentally upset and are turning into ... terrorists. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 251.) What is the reason for the lack of peace in the world today? It is because there is no harmony of thought, word and deed in the lives of the people. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 4.) Today ... because there is no unity of thought, word and deed among men, Dharma (righteousness) has declined. As a result science (Vijnaana) has lost its true form. The nation's prosperity and well-being have been destroyed. Security has become scarce. Morality and integrity have disappeared. Mammon-worship reigns supreme. In the insane pursuit of wealth, men are losing their morality and integrity. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 302.) All people in the world suffer from delusions of different kinds. Consequently they suffer from various fears and hallucinations and have no peace of mind. The only way to get rid of these delusions and fears is to practise love and realise the divinity that is present in all beings. Once this spiritual unity of all beings is recognised, the relevance of this truth for every sphere of life - the physical, the social, the political, the economic, the ethical and the spiritual - will become clear. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 7.) 1991 - Failure of Science and Technology With the rapid advance of science and technology in the world, there is a corresponding decline in peace and security. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 249.) Science and technology are undoubtedly necessary. But they should be utilised properly. Scientists are trying to discover everything about the external world. But they make no attempt to understand the truth about themselves. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 199 1, 152.) Mankind's problems today cannot be solved by science and technology alone. Only a transformation in the character of man can serve to solve the present crisis. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 151.) 1991 - Spirituality in Eclipse In our daily life, we are all the time involved in the pursuit of endless desires and are immersed in sorrow. It must be realised that in such a life spirituality is like a beacon that beckons man to a higher life. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 1991, 175.) There can be no refinement (of conduct) without spirituality. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 1991, 175.) Unfortunately, today spirituality is in eclipse. Many refer to spirituality derisively. But it is only those witless persons who are lost in the trivialities of the mundane world who indulge in such derision. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 1991, 175.) 1991 - Sai Baba and Nuclear War Today only the grace of the Divine can save the country from the chaos and disorder in which it is plunged. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 303.) Only the power of the Divine can save the world and not any tank or bomb or Government. Therefore engage yourselves in prayer to God for the welfare of the world. Always chant the name of the Lord. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 302.) If atomic war [were to take] place, then the whole of mankind shall be destroyed. To prevent this, this Avatar will raise the conscience of man in such a manner that he can be free from the feelings of hate, envy, anger, revenge and violence. (SSSBFM, 1991 , 224.) Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting as one family all of mankind, through the bond of brotherhood; of affirming and illumining the atmic reality of each being in order to reveal the divine, which is the basis on which the entire cosmos rests; and of instructing all to recognise the common divine heritage that binds man to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal, and rise into divinity, which is his goal. (SSSBFM, 1991, 119.) At this time, whatever competitive spirit to destroy others is prevalent, it will be removed and in its place co-operation shall be enthroned and thereby the world war will be prevented. (SSSBFM, 1991, 224-5.) 1991 - No Cataclysms Ahead [Kasturi:] In categorical terms, Bhagavan Baba repudiated, on February 13, [1991] at Prasanthi Nilayam, certain reports circulated in various countries attributing to Him predictions of various disasters facing the world in the coming years. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) Some persons in overseas countries as well as some people within India have been [saying] that Swami has stated that in a short while the world will be deluged by a great flood. [According to them] large areas will get submerged and ... other disasters will overtake the world and many countries will suffer very much. Such thoughts have never occurred to Swami and will never occur. These are the fancies of ... idle minds. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) In no circumstance should devotees believe in such stories. Nor should they give them currency by passing them on by word of mouth. ... It is a sign of weakness to listen to such stories or discuss them. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) Over the vast globe, there may be some mishaps here and there, from time to time. The Iran-Iraq conflict lasted ten years. You should not consider it a major war. Even in India, terrorist activities have been going on in the Punjab. Is it a major struggle? Some disgruntled individuals have been resorting to these methods. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) No disaster is imminent for the world. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) 1991 - The Golden Age will Come Fear not, My children, all will be well. Love and light will replace the darkness and a new era will be upon you very soon. (SSSBFM, 1991, 110.) After the storm there will be a completely different beginning and the atmosphere will be completely different. It will be ... the age of love, harmony and cooperation replacing the age of war, ... hated, ... and greed. (SSSBFM, 1991, 223.) Love and peace will ... cleanse the horrors and excesses of the dark ages which today pollute the very atmosphere. (SSSBFM, 1991, 10.) Life will change, it will improve and you will experience a richness in the quality of life which has eluded you in the past. (SSSBFM, 1991, 221.) [Kasturi:] Let us wait joyfully for the new world order, the Perfect Sai Order, not in a far off future, but very soon, sooner than any human mind can comprehend, looking at the present state of affairs in all walks of life. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 8, Aug. 199 1, 224.) 1991 - Day of Awakening, Day of Reckoning, Hour of God The day of awakening is not far away and when it comes there will be a revelation of the true power of God [Gokak's 'Hour of God'?], a manifestation of the omnipresence of the Lord. This will be the signal of a great move forward and the weeding out of those who are [not] ready to accept the challenge of the moment. (SSSBFM, 1991, 223.) 1991 - Prema Sai Prema Sai ... will work ceaselessly for the good of the world and will establish love, goodwill, and peace. His Name and Fame will reach every corner of the earth. He will be the Universal Guru, the World Teacher, a Leader of leaders. ... His Voice will be heard all over the world. He will receive universal recognition and devotion and will directly lead the world towards truth, love and peace. (SSAV, n.d., 34.) 1991 - Role of India India will be the leader of the world in all respects - spiritually, culturally, socially, politically and economically. (SSAV, n.d., 34.) [She will] play the role of World Teacher. (SSSBFM, 1991, 224.) All her past glory, culture and traditions will be revived and she will shine forth as the leading nation of the world. This is how it was yugas [ages] ago and this is how it will be once more. (SSAV, n.d., 34.) 1991 - Responsibility of Humanity Now is the time for change, change of vibration, change of ideals of consciousness. It is achieved through closer links and better communication with God. Now is the time to start. (SSSBFM, 1991, 222-3.) Transformation must begin with the individual. When the individual changes, the world will change. This transformation has to take to take place in the minds of men. Right thoughts will lead to right actions. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 4.) To keep your minds pure in such [an] environment [as today's world], fill your hearts with love and keep your daily actions pure and unsullied. ... Avoid wasting of food, time, money and energy. When you move in the outside world, your life should be exemplary. Look upon God as your only true Friend. Follow the dictates of your conscience. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 9, Sept. 1991, 252.) Shedding all fear, carry on your work with courage and determination, without any worry about the future, and plunge into service activities. If you act with this faith, you will be able to serve the nation well. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 10.) When there is understanding and harmony in the family, peace will spread to the community, and from there to the nation and the world. Unity confers joy and peace. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 4.) 1991 - Forego Hankering for Wealth and a High Standard of Living What men have to aim at is not wealth (sampada) but right conduct (samskaara). Life is governed by restraint at every stage. The eye cannot tolerate the glare of blazing lights. The body cannot bear a rise in temperature. Anything in excess is a cause of trouble. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 152.) There is a need to acquire wealth for living. But excessive wealth is harmful. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 152.) Money earned by unworthy means is nothing but dust. That wealth will be of no use to you. Hoarding wealth is of no avail. Ill-gotten wealth is not truly yours. There are four covetous elements waiting to get at it. The first entity is the Government. In the name of some tax or law, the Government will make a raid on the hoarded wealth. The second entity is fire: somehow or other fire reaches the ill-gotten wealth and destroys it. The third entity is a thief. The thief is after secreted wealth. Somehow he tries to steal it. The fourth entity is disease. To deprive a person of his ill-gotten wealth, disease seizes hold of him and makes him spend money on treatment. Misers, who will not part with a paisa to a beggar, will spend any amount on doctors and medicines. These are the ways in which money earned by dishonest means is taken away. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 302.) Therefore, you ... who are the nation's hope for the future should rigorously eschew unfair means to earn money, adhere to morality and integrity in your professional life, uphold Dharma through love and truth and serve the nation. Only then will the nation [of India] recover its ancient greatness and glory. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 302.) 1991 - Live up to High Ideals It is not your intellectual ability that will serve to protect the country. If you adhere to Truth and Righteousness, they will protect both you and the country. Live up to the truth of your being. Act righteously. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 10.) All things in the world are perishable. Mortality is the inescapable destiny of every man. But the ideals for which men live and for which they are prepared to give up their lives last for ever. Hence [everyone] should have great ideals and try to live up to them. That is the secret of immortality. By [our] exemplary lives, [we] should transform the world. This was the role of Bharat in ancient times. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 6, June 1991, 151.) Whether it is Bharat or any other country, its security lies in the promoting of right attitudes. Who are our friends and who are our enemies? Our own good thoughts are our friends. Our evil thoughts accompany us like shadows. When our thoughts are purified, our lives will be transformed into ideal ones. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 3, Mar. 1991, 63.) 1991 - Engage in Service Always remembering that you are a fragment of the Divine, you have to engage yourselves in service. No Government or other service organisation has this attitude. Only Sathya Sai Organisations can render service successfully in this spirit. Very soon you will experience the bliss and peace to be got from such service. Whatever the difficulties or obstacles, you are bound to overcome them. These are incidental to any undertaking. Do not bother about what has happened in the past. Get immersed in the tasks of the present. Render service with a pure and selfless heart. The delight of the individual gladdens the Divine. Equally the Divine esteems you. Do everything with the Lord's name on your lips. Develop all that is good in you and share that goodness with one and all. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 11.) How is the mind to be purified? Through service to society with dedication and identification with everyone. You have to cultivate this feeling of oneness with all.... By engaging yourselves in service, you develop this sense of oneness. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 6.) Try to be helpful to others in all your activities. There is no greater sadhana or puja than this. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 11, Nov. 1991, 302.) The spiritually realised person will recognize the permanent that subsumes the changing entity. Such a realisation can only come when a person is pure in thought, word and deed. Purity must express itself in loving service. Help to the needy has been described as the highest virtue (punya). Harming others has been condemned as a sin. Sai devotees must engage themselves in acts of service, which will sanctify their lives. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 7.) It is only when man is filled with the spirit of service that his divine nature is revealed. He then experiences the peace that passeth understanding. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 4.) Sai Service organisations must grow in numbers and cover the entire country. Only then [will] the country ... enter on an era of prosperity. (SS, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 1991, 10.) 1991 - Don't Delay Everyone should prepare NOW for this change, for I promise you that it will come, and only those who are ready will survive. (SSSBFM, 1991, 223.) Do not delay action to put right your own life style and change it to the way of God. There is no other way. (SSSBFM, 1991, 110.) 1991 - Men will be My Partners Men will be partners in My Sankalpa Shakti (Determination). (SSSBFM, 1991, 225.) All of you should play a part in bringing forward the transformation [leading to the Golden Age] and the instrument you should use is Love. (SSSBFM, 1991, 224.) I shall be grateful to each child of mine who helps me in my task. (SSSBFM, 1991, 125.) [And] I will help you all, for each one of you is helping My mission in one way or another. Never doubt or have any fear. (SSSBFM, 1991, 114.) 1991 - It Will Happen as I Say I have given the warning. I have given My message a thousand times and no one who hears My words can proclaim ignorance. (SSSBFM, 1991, 110.) What I will, must take place; what I plan must succeed. (SSSBFM, 1991, 117.) It will be just so. Mark my words. But few will listen, very few. (SSSBFM, 1991, 223.) 1993 Humanness has reached its nadir Today every step of man is marked by unrighteousness. Every word is tainted by untruth. His thoughts are not free from evil. All his desires are rooted in selfishness. ... In short, humanness has reached its nadir. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 12, Dec. 1993, 318.) Nature is reflecting the human condition In various parts of the world Nature is causing various disasters such as earthquakes, famines, floods and volcanic eruptions. What is the reason? The spiritual lapses of man account for these calamities. Disturbances in the heart (human heart) are reflected in earthquakes. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 11, Nov. 1993, 292.) All the evil tendencies that are manifest today are indications of the impending disasters. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 12, Dec. 1993, 332.) Why do untoward events happen? Only to promote what is good. They have a cleansing effect. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 12, Dec. 1993, 332.) Very soon the Glory of Sai will Spread Very soon the glory of Sai will spread to every part of the world. It will increase a thousandfold. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 12, Dec. 1993, 333.) The winnowing After the harvest when the sheaves of grains are winnowed, the wind blows away all the chaff, leaving only the grains behind. Through this process, the true devotees will remain steadfast. The wavering puppets will drift away. This is the process of winnowing. (SS, Vol. 36, No. 12, Dec. 1993, 333.) 1997 My airplane about to take off When an airplane is about to take off, it must first approach the runway. When it reaches the runway, it must make a full turn in order to face the direction of takeoff. This turn is navigated slowly by the aircraft. After the turn has been completed, the airplane receives a signal from the tower and begins to accelerate rapidly for takeoff. When the craft has reached sufficient velocity, it leaves the ground. Swami's mission has made this turn to face the runway. The 70th birthday was the signal from the tower to accelerate. In the 75th birthday, the airplane will leave the ground. (Sri Sathya Sai Newsletter, USA, 31, Winter 1996-1997, 29.) OM SAI RAM Today the seeds are still in the ground, slowly germinating, as the teachings of the Lord begin to spread throughout the world and infiltrate the mind of man. Soon those seeds will begin to grow, and what emerges will brighten the world as the beauty of the absolute truth begins to reach so many people. It is a process which takes time and the new Golden Age will evolve gradually. So you should live in hope.... Let the divinity within shine forth and become one of the great beacons to light up the world and hasten the arrival of the new Golden Age. It is there now for some, those enlightened souls who have already reached the state of God realisation. It is that awakened state that will lead to the new age. (SMFYM, II, 1988, 71.) Sources BSSS Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, New Delhi. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai in Amritsar - Simla - Delhi. March 30-April 11, 1975. New Delhi: Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, n. d BSSSB Gokak, V.K. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba (An Interpretation). New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 1975. CSSB Hislop, Dr. John, Conversations with Sathya Sai Baba. San Diego: Birth Day Publishing Co., 1978. DMSSB Baskin, Diana, Divine Memories of Sathya Sai Baba. San Diego: Birth Day, 1990. EVJC Hewlett, Lee and K. Nataraj, trans. An Eastern View of Jesus Christ. Divine Discourses of Sathya Sai Baba. London: Sai Publications, 1982. GDOE Kant, Sanjay, God Descends on Earth. Goa: Sangeetha Sriram, 1990. GOS Loewenberg, Bert. The Grace of Sai. Bombay: India Book House, 1985. HMAP Sandweiss, Samuel, Sai Baba. The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, San Diego: Birth Day Publishing Co, 1975. LBSSSB Kasturi, N., The Life of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Bombay: Sri Sathya Sai Education Foundation, 1971. LD Balu, Shakuntala. Living Divinity. Bangalore: S.B. Publications, 1983. MBI Hislop, Dr. John S. My Baba and I. Prasanthi Nilayam: Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, n.d. [Probably 1985.] SBA Murphet, Howard. Sai Baba Avatar. A New Journey into Power and Glory. San Diego: Birth Day Publishing Company, 1977. SBIG Murphet, Howard. Sai Baba. Invitation to Glory. New Delhi: MacMillan, 1982. SBNNGA Maheshwaranand, Swami. Sai Baba and the Nara Narayan Gufa Ashram. ed. B.P. Mishra. Bombay: Prasanthi Printers, 1990. ["The age of various personalities mentioned in this book were as in 1986 and may be computed accordingly." B.P. Mishra, iii.) SBNNGA, II ..... Sai Baba and Nara Narayan Gufa Ashram, Part II. ed. B.P. Misra [sic]. Bombay: Prasanthi Printers, 1990. SBUE Krystal, Phyllis. Sai Baba -- The Ultimate Experience. Prasanthi Nilayam: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, 1985. SM Sandweiss, Samuel, Spirit and the Mind. San Diego: Birth Day Publishing Co., 1985. SMFYM Ralli, Lucas. Sai Messages for You and Me. Vol. II. London: Vridnavanum Books, 1988. (The book's "Introduction" was written "21 August, 1987.") SS Sanathana Sarathi. [Baba's monthly journal.] Prasanthi Nilayam: Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust. SSAV Aditya, Sudha, Sathya Sai's Amrita Varshini (Nectarine Showers). Madras: Prasanthi Printers, n.d. SSS, 1 Kasturi, N. comp., Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 1. Bangalore: Sri Sathya Sai Publication and Education Foundation, 1970. SSS, VI Kasturi, N., comp. Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. VI. Prasanthi Nilayam: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, n.d. SSS, VII Kasturi, N., comp. Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. VII. Prasanthi Nilayam: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, n.d. SSS, XI Kasturi, N., comp. Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. XI. Prasanthi Nilayam: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust, n.d. SSSBFM Ruhela, Satya Pal, Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Future of Mankind. New Delhi: Sai Kripa, 1991. SSSY Kulkarni, S.D. Sri Sathya Sai: The Yugavatara. Bombay: Bhishma, 1990. SV Saraf, S., ed. Sai Vandana. Bangalore: Mangala Printers, 1990. 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