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Namagiriamma was the actual name of
Easwaramma, given by her parents. Since Kondama
Raju recognised My Divinity, he told his son, Pedda Venkama Raju, to
change her name to
Easwaramma because he was very well aware that she was the mother of
Easwara Himself. The power of motherhood is indescribable. It is the
righteous observances and strict adherence
to moral values of the mothers that manifest in their children. They
(mothers) may be
unlettered. Their greatness does not depend on literacy or book
learning. It is the unlettered
Easwaramma's virtues that have brought about this greatness of the
name and fame of
Puttaparthi. It is a matter of regret that Easwaramma is forgotten,
while her son is extolled.
Without Easwaramma, how could there be such a phenomenal Power? Never
neglect your
parents.
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Auspicious marriage of Pedda Venkapa
to Easwaramma
Once Pedda Venkapa Raju was taken by his parents to a village named
Kolimigundla, in the
Kurnool District, where they had some lands which had been given on
long lease. While
enroute, and as they were entering the Parlepalli Forest, some good
men warned them to
take a strong protective escort, because two days prior a family of
six had been murdered in
the forest by robbers and assassins.
The visit was primarily intended to acquaint Pedda Venkapa with the
area and the tenants, but
his father had a second aim in mind. He desired to bring his distant
relatives, Subba Raju and
family, nearer to Puttaparthi where they would be safe from the danger
they faced daily as
they went to earn their living near the forest. In order to persuade
Subba Raju to move to a
village on the bank of the river Chitravathi, opposite Puttaparthi, it
was necessary for Kondama
Raju to offer him a substantial "bribe!" This was nothing less than
the "acceptance" of Subba
Raju's daughter, Easwaramma, as bride for Kondama Raju's elder son,
Pedda Venkapa. Thus
came about the auspicious marriage of Pedda Venkapa to Easwaramma.
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In olden days, it was a common practice
among the women of Bharat (India) to perform the
sacred ritual of Sathyanarayana Vratam, on every full moon day.
Likewise, mother
Easwaramma used to perform Sathyanarayana Vratam every full moon day
in the company of
Karanam Subbamma, who was her neighbour. Karanam Subbamma would often
tell
Easwaramma, "You are performing Sathyanarayana Vratam. With His
blessings, you will bear a
son. I want you to name him Sathyanarayana." On a particular full moon
day, Easwaramma
 did not have food untill very late in the afternoon, since she was
participating in the
Sathyanarayana Vratam being performed in Subbamma's house. The family
members,
including her husband Pedda Venkama Raju, were very much upset to see
her remain without
food for such a long time. Pedda Venkama Raju argued that there was no
need to observe
such severe austerities. But Easwaramma was determined. She told them
not to wait for her
saying, "I am not at all hungry. Sathyanarayana Vratam is more
important for me than food."
After the ritual was completed, Subbamma brought prasadam (blessed
food) for
Easwaramma. Only after partaking of the prasadam did Easwaramma have
her food that day.
Women in those days used to perform such rituals with all sincerity
and devotion. Only after
partaking of prasadam could Easwaramma conceive. Yad Bhavam Tad
Bhavati (as is the
feeling, so is the result). Some people have faith in scriptural
injunctions and adhere to them
with earnestness, whereas some others ignore them. Easwaramma was the
one who followed
the injunctions strictly. Only after performing the vratam and
partaking of the prasadam would
she commence her household chores. She was unlettered. But she had
unflinching faith in God.
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During the seventh month of her
pregnancy, one day Subbamma told her, "Easwaramma, the
child in your womb is safe due only to the grace of Lord
Sathyanarayana." She extracted a
promise from her that the child would be named Sathyanarayana. The
mother of Pedda
Venkama Raju was also a great devotee of the Lord. She too was of the
opinion that the child
should be named after Lord Sathyanarayana.
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A pundit once asked our beloved
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba whether His was an
Immaculate Conception or a normal birth like any other human birth.
Swami then turned to his
mother, who was also present, and asked her to comment. Easwaramma
explained that she
had been told by her mother-in-law not to be frightened if something
happened to her through
the will of God. Swami’s mother was then quoted as saying, “That
morning I was at the well
drawing water, a big ball of blue light came rolling towards me and I
fainted and fell. I felt it
glided into me.”
Swami turned to Rama Sarma, the pundit, with a smile and said: “There
you have the answer!
I was not begotten. It was Pravesa, spiritual birth entrance, not
Prasava, biological
conception.”
Prior to the birth of the child, a very significant incident took
place. Puttaparthi was then a tiny
hamlet. In the centre was a well from which people would draw water.
One day Easwaramma
was fetching water from the well. All of a sudden, she saw a white
luminous light, emerging like
lightning from the sky, entering her womb. There was a sudden gust of
wind. Subbamma, who
came out of her house at that time, saw the light entering the womb of
Easwaramma. Till this
day, I have not revealed this to anyone. I am disclosing this today so
that you may
understand the significance associated with the advent of the Avatar.
A day prior to this, as
Pedda Venkama Raju was passing in front of Subbamma's house, she
called him inside and
told him, "Venkama Raju, tomorrow when the child is born, name him as
Sathyanarayana."
But he brushed her advice aside saying, it was her foolish
imagination.
At 3
o'clock in the morning, at an auspicious moment, the child was born.
It is natural for any
child to cry when it is born. But this child did not cry at all. The
midwife and the people in the
household were anxious that the child might be stillborn. Easwaramma
was also very much
worried. Without anybody noticing her, she pinched the child to make
it cry. On the contrary,
to her utter surprise, the baby started smiling. Everyone was
mystified to see the newborn
babe smiling.
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Easwaramma, His mother , speaks of another
thrilling experience when Baba
said, "Listen,
Shirdi's Presence is here." She and everyone in the room could hear
steps advancing as if
made by feet in heavy wooden sandals. The steps ceased when they
reached where Baba was
sitting! When first the sound was heard, the mother asked with a
little anger, "Who comes in
with sandals on?" - so real was the sensation, so true was the Vision!
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"0 Maya has come!"
One evening while chanting, Baba suddenly said, "0 Maya has come!"
("The illusion is
presenting itself.") He pointed out Easwaramma, the mother, who had
just arrived in hot haste
from Puttaparthi. When the parents pleaded with Him to come home, He
retorted, "Who
belongs to whom?" The mother wept and prayed but she could not shake
the resolve of the
boy. He was constantly repeating the statement, "It is all
illusion-untrue."
At last He asked the mother to serve Him food. When she served some
dishes, He mixed
them all up and made the whole lot into a few balls. She handed Him
three of these.
Swallowing them, He said, "Yes, now False Appearance has failed. There
is no need to worry,"
and He re-entered the garden.
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On 6th May when the summer course was
progressing ahead full steam, mother
Easwaramma cast off her mortal coil at about 8.00 a.m. at Brindavan,
in the very presence of
her son, the Divine Avatar. She was happy and in good spirits till the
last. When I paid my
respects to her the previous night, I had found her surrounded by
children. She was then
narrating stories about Puranic heroes, and the children kept
insisting for one more story
before they unwillingly crept into bed.
From discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB)
"The passing away of the Mother did not cause even a flicker in Baba's
demeanour. The left half
of the mausoleum at Puttaparthi wherein lay the body of the Father,
had been demarcated to
serve as the tomb for the Mother. So Baba had the sacred body sent
with a few volunteers to
Puttaparthi, where it was buried that same evening. The sudden death
plunged the village in
gloom, as residents of Prasanthi Nilayam bewailed the loss of their
Prema Matha (loving
mother). The women devotees had been orphaned by the death. They led
the long line of
mourners who were invoking the Lord through Bhajans, to grant them
strength to bear the
loss. Meanwhile, at Brindavan, every item in the schedule of the camp
remained undisturbed.
"Duty-Devotion-Discipline," Baba always emphasises. The few who knew
what had happened,
dared not spread the news without the specific permission of Baba, for
whom death was but a
curtain drop, a wink in the wakefulness of the eternal, a footstep to
be followed by another in
the soul's march to its source. Even when the Father passed away at
Puttaparthi, the event
did not disturb the normal routine at Prasanthi Nilayam. Baba's
emphasis on duty and discipline
as the two banks of the stream of devotion, was seen in action that
day, the sixth of May.
On 20th July Baba inaugurated, at Puttaparthi village, the Easwaramma
High School, a fitting
memorial to the universal affection with which Easwaramma had evoked
the goodness
dormant in thousands of rural and urban women and children. Baba
declared, "This village will
certainly be uplifted when more of its children receive higher
education. The new teachers who
will reside in the village will spread both knowledge and the
enthusiasm to earn "
SSS1
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Mother
Easwaramma too had such noble desires. As
Sai's glory began to spread far and wide, she came to Me one day and
said, "Swami, I am pained to see small children of our village walking
all the way to Bukkapatnam to attend school. Please construct a small
school." Conforming to her wish, I established a small school. After
some time, she wanted a small hospital also to be established here.
She said she could not bear to see the mothers taking the trouble of
carrying their children to Bukkapatnam for medical treatment.
Accordingly I got a small hospital built. The small school that I
established has become a big university today. The small hospital that
I constructed has become a super specialty hospital. These mighty
tasks could be accomplished as a result of the Sathya Sankalpa (noble
wish) of Mother Easwaramma and Nitya Sankalpa (Divine Will) of Sai.
Her last wish was to provide drinking water to the village. She
pointed out that the women had to take great pains to draw water from
deep wells, which had almost dried up. I immediately provided drinking
water to the village. Now under Sri Sathya Sai Water Supply Project, I
have provided drinking water to the entire district of Anantapur.
Eshwaramma Day Discourse
06 May 2001
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"That
night, mother Easwaramma came to Me with
tears in her eyes and said, "Swami, people want to take You here
and there for their selfish purposes. If you leave Puttaparthi, I will
give up My life. Please promise me that You will remain in Puttaparthi
for ever." I gave her My word that I would never leave Puttaparthi. It
is for this reason that I have constructed many buildings in the
ashram for the comfort and convenience of devotees. "- Sai Baba
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visitations from his departed mother,
Easwaramma!
In a discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB) He
tells at length how
they all have visitations from his long dead mother, Easwaramma! Here
is the official published
text from Sanathana Sarathi, June 1998, p. 142-3:-
"Mother Easwaramma's Loving Care
"Now it is 30 years since the mother of this body passed away. But she
is still continuing to move about in her physical form around Swami.
Three boys sleep in Swami's room. They have also witnessed her
presence. I am telling this today because the life of ideal mothers
has permanent significance.
In Prasanthi Nilayam, Swami takes breakfast after Bhajan and proceeds
to His place in Poornachandra Auditorium. Early in the morning one
day, mother Easwaramma was standing at the door in the usual form. I
asked her: Why did you come? She said:
Swami i I have come here with a prayer to you. You are omnipresent and
omniscient, but you have to control one thing. What is that? Swami
asked. She said: 'Devotees and students offer handkerchief to you.
But, heeding my prayer, please do not receive handkerchiefs from
anybody. The times are not good. The handkerchief may be tainted with
poisonous stuff. In the usual course, you use the handkerchief to wipe
your nose and mouth only from those on whom you have confidence and
trust as good devotees. Do not accept from all and sundry.'
Mother's love lives on for all times, long after her passing away.
Twice she appeared in the night. The boys sleeping in my room noticed
her presence. Those boys had not seen her at anytime. They wondered
who the old lady could be. The key of the lift was in their hands and
there was no staircase leading to the apartment. How did she manage to
come here? When the boys asked this question, Swami woke up. I went
near her and asked her why she had come again. She replied, 'I cannot
live without seeing you often. The moment I see you I feel happy.'
After saying so, she gave me some piece of advice, 'Swami, all persons
describe themselves as devotees. But no one can tell who are real
devotees and who are fake. Totally dedicated devotees will be ready to
carry out anything you ask them to do, but there are others who come
for their own self-interest. By coming to you they get their desires
fulfilled and forget thereafter. In this matter, you should be very
careful.' Swami replied, I shall take due care. There is no need for
you to tell me. After hearing this, she laughed and left the room. I
am conveying to you this episode as a direct testimony to the
greatness of mother's love. She might have given up her physical body,
but she is always with Swami. She said, "I have performed many
sacrifices for your sake and have done many kinds of Poojas. I
realised the proof thereof. For 40 years I was with you. My life has
its fulfillment."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/98, pp. 142 143
After
saying so she gave me some piece of advice, "Swami, all persons
describe
themselves as devotees and who are fake. Totally dedicated devotees
will be ready to carry
out anything You ask them to do, but there are others who come for
their own self-interest.
By coming to You they get their desires fulfilled and forget You
thereafter. In this manner, you
should be very careful."
Swami replied, "I shall take due care. There is no need for you to
tell me". After hearing this,
she laughed and left the room. I am conveying to you this episode as
direct testimony to the
greatness of mother's love."
On 6th May when the summer course was progressing ahead full steam,
mother
Easwaramma cast off her mortal coil at about 8.00 a.m. at Brindavan,
in the very presence of
her son, the Divine Avatar. She was happy and in good spirits till the
last. When I paid my
respects to her the previous night, I had found her surrounded by
children. She was then
narrating stories about Puranic heroes, and the children kept
insisting for one more story
before they unwillingly crept into bed.
discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB)
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"Easwaramma had never put Me to trouble any
time. Whenever she asked Me for something, she would come back and
inquire if she had given any trouble. To all devotees -who came, she
used to entreat not to cause any inconvenience to Swami. She used to
be very much worried whenever any minister came to have My Darshan.
The situation in those days was such that even a policeman with a red
cap was enough to frighten the villagers. Easwaramma used to be much
afraid of the ministers thinking they might cause some problem to Me.
This was only the result of her sacred love for Me. That is the
greatness of mother's love. That is why she could lead a life of
fulfillment and peace. In order to propagate this sacred ideal, this
day is being celebrated as Easwaramma Day. This is to emphasize that
each one of you should make your mother happy. When mother is happy,
Swami is happy."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, p. 150
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"The
term 'Stree' should not be treated lightly. The Bhagavad Gita
lists seven attributes to the feminine principle: fame, wealth,
speech, wisdom, intelligence, fortitude and determination. The Mother
Principle, which embodies these seven potencies, is highly sacred.
Wherever you turn, you will see manifestation of the feminine
principle. When any person goes abroad, the first question that is put
is: 'What is your mother-tongue?' No one asks, 'What is
father-tongue?' This shows how much importance is attached to the role
of mother. The mother fosters the child in the womb and goes through
all travails to protect the child. There is no greater love in the
world than maternal love. Hence, the ancients accorded the highest
honour to the mother and declared, 'Esteem the mother as Divine
('Maatri Devo Bhava') and esteem the father as Divine ('Pitru Devo
Bhava'). For every person, the first preceptor is the mother. It is
from the mother that a child learns its first word of speech, the
first step in movement and many other primary lessons in behaviour.
Hence, the mother stands out as the reflected image of nature
(Prakriti).
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96. pp. 157 158
"From ancient times, it has been the practice in Bharat (India) to
revere the mother as God. From the outset, Vedas have declafed: Revere
the mother as God, father as God and preceptor as God. For the human
body, the mother, father and preceptor are to be deemed as Divine.
But, for the pursuit of life, the Divine is the only God." Sai Baba,
SS. 6/98, p. 141
"Not only in day-to-day life, but also in the field of spirituality
mothers and women are given the highest regard. For example, when we
mention the names of Divine couples, such as Sita Rama, Radha Krishna,
Lakshmi Narayana, etc., names of goddesses come first. What is the
inner significance of this? Mother represents nature, which is the
manifest aspect of Divinity."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 141
"It is the mother who teaches you the sacred principles like love,
compassion, forbearance, tolerance and sacrifice. Mother shows the
father, father takes you to the preceptor and preceptor directs you to
God. That is why among mother, father, preceptor and God, mother comes
first."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, pp. 142 143
"Man has to recognise the significance of love and truth, which are
fundamental to human existence. The mother represents these two basic
qualities."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141
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"Motherhood is the most
precious gift of God. Mothers are the makers of a nation's future
or misfortune. They should teach two lessons, fear of sin and fondness
for virtues. Both of these are based on faith in God, being the inner
motivator of all. If you want to know how advanced a nation is, study
the mothers. Are they free from fear and anxiety? Are they full of
love towards all? Are they trained in fortitude and virtue? If you
like to imbibe the glory of a culture, watch the mothers rocking the
cradles, feeding, fostering, teaching and fondling the babies. Mothers
must assume this responsibility and not throw it on Aayaas (governess
or maid). A child that is brought by the Aayaa loses essential
fertilizer for growth and love. The child is denied the best
health-giving vitamin, love."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VII, p. 22
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"In this world there are many types of
relationships, but none equals the relationship that exists
between the mother and the child. It is because of this intimate
relationship with the mother that one's own country is called
motherland. Similarly, one's own language is called mother tongue, not
father tongue. Among the parents, first place is given to the mother,
next comes father."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 141
"Mother protects her children in many ways. Even after death, she
comes back and helps you in various ways."
Sai Baba. SS. 6/99, p. 150
"There may be a wicked son, but not a wicked mother. It is because of
the noble feelings of the mothers that son becomes virtuous,
intelligent and attains exalted positions and earns name and fame."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, p. 142
"Mother will always pray for the welfare of the son wherever he may
be. At times, she may be angry or have a difference of opinion, but
such differences are only passing clouds."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144
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"The earth is one. But if you sow Neem
(a bitter plant) seeds, you will get bitter fruits. If you plant sweet
mango seeds, you will get sweet mangoes. The earth makes no difference
between them. Only the differences in the seeds account for the
differences among the fruits. Likewise, the womb of a mother is like
the womb of Mother Earth. The thought, which prevails at the time of
conception results in the kind of child that is born. If parents
desire to have virtuous, exemplary and noble children, they have to
observe righteous practices and lead virtuous lives."
Sai Baba, SS. 6/93, p. 141
Understanding Of Mother's Love Will Lead You To The Understanding Of
Divine Love
"In order to experience Divinity, understand this example. The very
nature of mother is love. Mother has a form, but love has no form. You
can experience love through your mother as she is the very form of
love. Our Vice-Chancellor described Swami's love as that of a thousand
mothers. But, one who cannot understand the love of one mother, how
can he understand the love of a thousand mothers? So, first and
foremost try to understand and experience the love of your physical
mother. Go on adding to the physical mother's love a million times.
The principle of divinity lies in this love, which is your life
principle. Experience this love and understand the significance of
mother worship in Navaratri."
Sai Baba, SS, 7/99, p. 186
"Children can understand the meanings of the word fox or dog only when
they see their pictures. Similarly, it is only after seeing the
parents that one can understand the existence of God. When you love
and respect your parents, only then you can understand in the love of
the Divine Parents. This is what I tell you often - if you understand
the 'I' principle, you will understand the 'I' in everybody. Vyashti
(individual) has emerged from Samashti (society), Samashti from
Srishti (creation), Srishti from Parameshti (Creator). Only when you
understand the principle of creation, can you then understand the
Creator."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 142
"Nourish your aged parents; revere them. If you honour your mother,
the Mother of the Universe will guard you against harm. If you honour
your father, the Father of all beings will guard you. This is as true
as the fact that if you honour your parents, your children will honour
you."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98
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"The Vedas declare, "Matru Devo Bhava,
Pitru Devo Bhava, Aachaarya Devo Bhava." (Worship the mother as God,
the father as God, the preceptor as God and the guest as God.) It is
the mother who fosters you and nourishes you. It is she who knows your
choices and preferences, and fulfils your needs. So, you should be
grateful to your mother always. Though you cannot see Rama, Krishna,
Shiva and Vishnu, you are worshipping them because you believe in
scriptures and what the elders say. But, how is that you are
forgetting your parents who are responsible for your progress in life?
First and foremost, you should show gratitude to your parents, love
them and respect them. Your blood, your food, your head, your money
are all the gifts of your parents. You do not receive these gifts
directly from God. All that is related to God is only indirect
experience. It is only the parents whom you can see directly and
experience their love. So, consider your parents as God. God will be
pleased and will manifest before you only when you love and respect
your parents." "It is the mother who teaches you the sacred principles
like love, compassion, forbearance, tolerance and sacrifice."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 142
"It is in her role as mother that there is highest _expression of a
woman's strength. Every child that is born owes its existence to the
mother. Hence, everyone should be extremely grateful to one's mother."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 158
"Students! First pay back the debt of love to them (parents). Do not
behave in such a way that they repent the day when they put you to
school. All other debts come later, even the debt to the motherland
and mother-tongue." "Keep them (parents) free from worry. Show them
gratitude they deserve. Return them the love they pour freely into
your hearts."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 265
"Parents should strive their utmost to bring up their children on
right lines. Children also should revere their parents, who account
for their physical existence. But they should realise what they owe to
God, who is the basis of all life. Recognising this double obligation
— to the mothers and to the Divine - they should redeem their lives by
purposeful living."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 144
"To be a true a human being, one has to respect one's parents and kith
and kin in childhood. Revere the teacher in boyhood. Please elders in
his manhood. Worship sages in old ages."
Sai Baba, SS. 6/94, p. 150
"A mother may go wrong in other respects, but she will always strive
for the well being of her children. Hence every son has to love the
mother as the primary duty. Then he should love the father and revere
the preceptor. The mother confers the body. The father protects it.
The preceptor imparts knowledge and wisdom. For every human being, all
these three are essential for getting on in the world."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141
"You must be prepared to make even the supreme sacrifice for showing
your gratitude to the mothers. Even the Avatars, Rama, Krishna and
others, owed their advent to their mothers. Everyone should pray for
sacred mothers who will bring forth good children. There may be bad
sons in the world, but bad mothers are rare. Most mothers lament over
the bad behaviour of their children. No son who has caused distress to
his mother can come to anything good. The Telegu saying is, 'There can
be no prosperity in a home where the mother sheds tears. Today we need
sons who will please their mothers."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159
"Respect your mother; obey her commands. Never disrespect your mother
or disappoint her. Do not hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all
respects. Only then the seed of devotion will sprout in you. Everyone
should follow the dictum, "Maatru Devo Bhava" (Worship your mother as
God.) in letter and spirit."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150
"One should not disregard one's parents yielding to the vagaries of
the mind."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144
"Nourish your aged parents, revere them."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98
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"Everybody should love and respect his parents.
But, if any
relation becomes an obstacle in your path to God, there is no harm
in leaving him (or her)." "From worldly point of the view, you should
respect your father, mother, preceptor and husband. But when it comes
to God, everything else is secondary. God alone is important. Bharata
left his mother Kaikeyi for the sake of Lord Rama. Prahlada gave up
his father Hiranyakashipu for the sake of Lord Narayana. Emperor Bali
forsook his preceptor, Shukracharya for the sake of God."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150
Top
"The mother is the symbol of
the Universal Mother, and father of the Divine Lord. There is a
popular prayer describing the Lord as everything: 'Oh Lord of Lords!
You are my mother and father, my kinsman and friend, my wealth and
knowledge, my everything.' (A Sanskrit verse). The mother is the first
teacher of speech. The first words taught to the child are 'Amma',
'Appa'. Then teaching of the alphabet starts. The first lessons are:
'Om Nama Shivaaya' or 'Om Namo Naaraayanaaya. The teaching of the
language begins with the teaching of the names of the Divine - Shiva
and Narayana. In ancient times, the mother occupied the place of the
first preceptor for the child. Unfortunately, in the world ' today,
what are the parents teaching to the child? They are teaching them 'A,
B, C, D' nor is that all. They go on teaching the child some
meaningless stuff like 'Baa Baa black sheep'. The mothers imagine that
they are teaching something wonderful to the children. This is wrong.
Teaching of the alphabet should begin with learning the names of the
Lord."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, pp. 158 159
"The mothers, for their part, should teach the children always to
speak the truth. When a mother asks the son, 'Where have you been?' he
should not prevaricate. He must tell the truth and confess his
mistakes if he has done anything wrong. Very few children tell the
truth to their parents today. Of what use is education for such
children? Today's boys and girls are the future redeemers of the
nation. Hence, the parents should bring them on right lines so that
they may be ideal citizens."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 160
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"Ishwara Chandra Vidyasagar spent all his earnings to
fulfill the desires of his
mother. Easwaramma also had similar desires. Once she told Me,
'Swami! Our Puttaparthi is a small village. As there is no school in
this village, the children are forced to walk long distances to attend
schools in the neighbouring villages. I know that You are the ocean of
compassion. Please construct a small school in the village.' I r.sked,
where she wanted the school to be built. She said she had a piece of
land behind her house. She wanted the school to be constructed there.
As desired by her, I got the school constructed. Though it was a small
school, the inaugural function was a grand affair, attended by many
devotees.
The next day, Eeswaramma expressed her happiness over the inaugural
function and said that she had one more desire. She wanted a hospital
also to be built in the village. She said, 'Swami! I don't want to put
You to trouble. If You are troubled, the whole world will be in
trouble and if You are happy, the whole world will be happy. So, if it
gives You happiness, please construct a small hospital.' As per her
wish, I got the hospital constructed. Bejawada Gopal Reddy, a highly
reputed person in those days, was invited to inaugurate the hospital.
The inaugural function was a grand one, attended by thousands of
people from neighboring villages.
Easwaramma did not imagine that this would be such a grand affair.
Next day, she came up to Me and said, 'Swami! It does not matter even
if I die now.
I have no more worries, You have fulfilled my desires and
mitigated the sufferings of the villagers to a great extent.' I said,
if you have any more desires, ask Me now. She replied hesitantly that
she had another small desire: 'You know the river Chitravati is in
spate during the rainy reason. But, in summer it dries to a trickle
and people do not have drinking water. So please see that some wells
are dug in this village.' I told her that I would not stop with small
wells and that I would provide drinking water to the entire
Rayalaseema region. Easwaramma said,'! don't know what Rayalaseema is.
I am satisfied if our village is provided with drinking water."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/96, p. 149
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"In ancient times. Queen Madalasa was
teaching the children from their infancy the greatness of detachment
(' Vairagya'). She used to sing a lullaby while putting the children
to sleep: 'Placing you in the cradle ofOmkaara on the bed of the great
saying 'Tatvam Asi' (That thou art), swinging to the music of
Awareness, dear child, may the gods lull you to sleep.'
This was the way the mothers in ancient Bharat (India) taught their
children. The ancient teachings exhorted the people to 'Speak truth,
adhere to righteousness' (Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara). No mother
taught the child to speak untruth. No mother would think asking the
child to follow unrighteousness.
Because the mothers in ancient times filled the child with devotion
and detachment, Bharat stood out as a land of sacrifice, wisdom, Yoga
and contentment. Because today mothers do not bring up the child in
this spirit, this sacred land is ceasing to be one of sacrifice and is
becoming a pleasure-loving nation."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159
Example Of Vidyasagar
"In the past, mothers used to play a big part in moulding their
children. For instance, there is the example oflshwara Chandra
Vidyasagar. He was a native of Calcutta. He justified his name by
being a great scholar ('Vidyasagar' means ocean of knowledge). He
belonged to a very poor family. His mother brought up her son at the
expense other own food. Pursuing his studies under most adverse
circumstances, he completed his education and found a job on a salary
of Rs.50 per month. In due course, he rose to an eminent position by
dint of hard work. One day he approached his mother and said, 'Mother!
I have reached an eminent position; thanks for your blessings and
guidance. I am now able to fulfill any of your wishes.' The mother
said, 'Not, yet my son. I have three desires but I shall tell them in
due course.' Reaching a still higher position after sometime, Ishwara
Chandra renewed his appeal to his mother. The mother said, 'Our
village is poor and the village has no school. Please set up a school
here so that the children will not have to go outside for their
education.
That school will be the first ornament for me.' The son carried out
her wish. Later, the mother revealed her second wish. She wanted
Ishwara Chandra to set up a small hospital in the village to serve the
villagers; She said that this would be the second ornament she wanted
from him. He set up a hospital as desired by his mother. In the
following years, Vidyasagar rose to a greater eminence, but remained
humble and free from conceit as ever. He asked his mother what her
third desire was. She said that he should build a small rest house for
traveler passing through the village to stay. Vidyasagar built a small
community hall in the village. Today's educated persons get puffed up
over their petty educational attainments. It was his mother's
teachings which made Vidyasagar practise humility."
Sai Bab a, SS, 6/96, p. 160
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Goodness Vs. Greatness
"There are mothers who are worried when their children take to
spiritual path. They hardly realise that it is the fruit of many past
lives, which accounts for children taking to spiritual path. Mothers
should rejoice over such a development rather than worry about it.
Many parents desire that after the education of their children is
over, they should get married, get a good job and achieve a high
position in life. Out of their love they want their children to
achieve greatness. Swami's love is not like that. Swami wants them to
achieve goodness. What is the difference between greatness and
goodness? A good man sees divinity even in a human being. A great man
sees the human even in God. Ravana was a great man who had performed
great penance. He was very powerful. But seeing Rama in human form, he
considered him as a mere human being. On the other hand, Rama was
different, He saw the Divine in human beings. That is the mark of
goodness. It is better to earn reputation for goodness than to be
known as a great man."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/98, pp. 145 146
Mother's Blessings
It was part of the ancient tradition that when the son wished to set
out for the battlefield to secure victory or go to forest to perform
penance, he would first go to his mother and seek her blessings.
Dhurva, a six-year-old child, took his mother's blessings, set out to
the forest to perform penance and realised the vision of the Divine.
Arjuna prostrated before his mother to get her blessings prior to his
leaving for the battlefield. The mother told him, 'May victory be
yours.' Duryodhana also went to his mother and sought her blessings
for victory in the war. The mother told him,' Where there is Dharma,
there will be the victory.' This was Duryodhana's mother's blessing
for her son. Duryodhana then went to his preceptor and sought his
blessings. The preceptor said:
'Where there is Krishna, there is Dharma. Where there is Dharma, there
will be the victory.' Their victory can be secured only where Dharma
and the Divine are present, according to the mother and preceptor. In
those days, whatever the mother declared proved prophetic. Whenever a
mother conferred her blessings on her son, the Divine was present
there to declare, 'May it happen so.' Besides mother's blessings.
Divine grace is also necessary. Hence, every son should make every
effort to please his mother. Without keeping his mother pleased, the
son cannot achieve anything in the world. The son should have those
qualities, which enable him to please his mother. At the same time,
the son should also strive to win Lord's grace. Without earning God's
grace, the mother's blessings alone will be of no avail."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/98, pp. 141-142
"When Lava and Kusha were engaged in a battle with Rama, Lava aimed an
arrow at Rama with the prayer that if his mother Janaki was a
'Sadhivi' (a supremely noble woman) the arrow should render Rama
unconscious. Rama became unconscious when the arrow hit him. See what
happened. The mere thought of his mother lent so much power to his
arrow. This shows that when you cherish the mother and seek God's
grace, the blessings of the mother becomes more powerful."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/97, p. 144
"Many great men have embarked on noble deeds after securing the
blessings of their mothers. For instance, before going to fight
against the demon, Tarakasura, Sanat Kumar got the blessings of his
mother, Gowri. Similarly, Parashurama received his mother's blessings
before he went to fight his foes. Likewise, Vinatha blessed her son by
saying: 'May Shri Rama protect you always.' It is because of the
blessings of noble mothers, the wives of great sages, that many men
were able to perform heroic deeds. Shankaracharya taught that sons who
did not get the blessings of the mothers suffered from various
vicissitudes in life. Those who had the blessings of their mothers
often secured freedom from rebirth. Many high-souled men have extolled
the greatness and power of mothers. It is the foremost duty of
children to secure the blessings of their mothers for worldly
well-being."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/97. p. 141
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Today's
Mother's Expectations From Their Children
"Not compassion, good character, integrity and such virtues. They want
their children to get educated, secure a big job, marry a wealthy girl
and lead a comfortable life."
Sai Baba. SS. 6/93, p. 146
What Should Be The Expectations Of A Mother?
"Earn a good name; become an ideal son; use your wealth in righteous
ways; develop compassion; lead a just moral life. This is what mothers
should impress on their children. Such high-minded mothers have become
rare these days."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/93, p. 146
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Parents Should Set A
Good Example
"When the parents and teachers themselves have not realised the
importance of spirituality, how can we blame the students? First, the
parents must teach their wards to pray to God everyday. But the modem
parents themselves do not pray to God. As soon as they return from
office, they go to clubs and spend their time in drinking and playing
cards. Naturally, children follow their footsteps.
In some houses, parents quarrel in front of their children, which is
an unhealthy practice. If there is any difference of opinion between
parents, they should resolve it in the absence of their children.
Children cannot concentrate on their studies, if they are disturbed by
the family problems. So, parents should never discuss them in front of
their children. They should instead teach them all good .things and
show them good ways of life. There are a few parents who set bad
example to their children by speaking untruth. For example, if some
unwanted person makes a phone call, they instruct their children to
tell him that they are not available. Thus, they teach their children
how to tell lies."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 162
"Parents Are Responsible For The Misbehaviour Of Their Children."
"For all the bad ways followed by youth today, for all their wayward
behaviour and bad conduct, the parents are to be blamed. If mothers
are good, there will be no room for bad behaviour by the children.
Although parents may appear innocuous like fig fruits, they are
responsible for the misbehaviour of their children, like the worms
inside the fruits."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/93, p. 142
Parents Should Advise Their Children
"Parents ought to advise the children: Be convinced that there's God,
guiding and guarding us. Remember Him with gratitude. Pray to Him to
render you pure. Love all, serve all."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, p. 4
"Parents must encourage children when they evince any interest in
spiritual advance and study. They must also set them good examples."
Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. IV, p. 98
Maternal Inspiration
"Rama attained godhood because he was the son ofKaushalya. Lava and
Kusha became heroic children because of their great mother, Sita Devi.
It is the noble thoughts of the mother which make the children great."
Sai Baba. SS, 6/97. p. 141
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Duty Toward Mother
"A mother may go wrong in other respects, but she will always strive
for the well being of her children. Hence every son has to love the
mother as the primary duty. Then he should love the father and revere
the preceptor. The mother confers the body. The father protects it.
The preceptor imparts knowledge and wisdom. For every human being, all
these three are essential for getting on in the world."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141
"You must be prepared to make even the supreme sacrifice for showing
your gratitude to the mothers. Even the Avatars, Rama, Krishna and
others, owed their advent to their mothers. Everyone should pray for
sacred mothers who will bring forth good children. There may be bad
sons in the world, but bad mothers are rare. Most mothers lament over
the bad behaviour of their children. No son who has caused distress to
his mother can come to anything good. The Telegu saying is, 'There can
be no prosperity in a home where the mother sheds tears. Today we need
sons who will please their mothers."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159
"Respect your mother; obey her commands. Never disrespect your mother
or disappoint her. Do not hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all
respects. Only then the seed of devotion will sprout in you. Everyone
should follow the dictum, "Maatru Devo Bhava" (Worship your mother as
God.) in letter and spirit."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150
"One should not disregard one's parents yielding to the vagaries of
the mind."
Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144
"Nourish your aged parents, revere them."
Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98
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"Easwaramma, the mother
of Easwara"
Easwaramma Day falls on 6th of May and
this Day is celebrated by Sri Sathya Sewa Organizations all over the
world in the memory of Divine Mother Easwaramma who led exemplary life
and set great ideals to the world. Many programmes for the welfare of
the poor and needy are organized on this Day.
Shri Kondamma Raju, the grand-father of
Sri Sathya Sai Baba's physical body headed the Ratnakar family of
Bhardwaja Gotra that lived in a tiny village of Puttaparthi (formerly
known as Golpalli, village of cows, cow-herds, sweet water) situated
on the Banks of River Chittravathi in Andhra Pradesh. He led saintly
life of pretty long sojourn of 116 years and had two sons, Shri Pedda
Venkamma Raju and Shri Chinna Venkamma Raju. Shri Pedda Venkamma Raju
was married to a simple and serene girl Namagiriamma of a very poor
family who had no schooling. After her marriage, Shri Kondamma Raju
re-named his daughter-in-law as Easwaramma for she was to be the
mother of Easwara as prophecied by this revered Guru Venkavadhoota.
Easwarama, a pious soul, who had
installed Eternal Lord Narayana in her heart, was always engrossed in
spiritual pursuits. After the devout couple had already a son and two
daughters, Mother Easwaramma deeply aspired for one more son. To
realize her wish, she undertook vow and practiced severe austerities.
Imbued in spiritual splendour, she often experience the presence of
gods and goddesses around her and glimpsed unique auras of unseen
beings.
Narayana too had opted to incarnate in
Puttaparthi and chosen the parenting of Shri Pedda Venkamma Raju and
Smt. Easwaramma whose merits of past several births had borne fruit.
Smt. Lakshamma, Easwaramma's
mother-in-law, was equally an ardent devotee of Sathyanarayana. She
also yearned for one more grand-son. Smt. Easwaramma revealed to her
family members that her mother-in-law had narrated her.
"She had dreamt of sathyanarayana
dev and she cautioned me that I should not be frightened if something
happens to me through the will of God. That morning when I was at the
well drawing water, a big ball of blue light came rolling towards me
and I fainted and fell. I felt it glided into me."
Therefore, Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
was not begotten. His incarnation was Pravesa (An entrance) and not a
Prasava (encience).
It was on Monday/Tuesday night of 23rd
November, 1926, that Smt. Lakshamma, mother-in-law of Smt. Easwaramma,
was performing Satyanarayana Puja at the village priest's house from 4
A.M. onwards. Inspite of calling her back to rush home as the delivery
of her daughter-in-law neared, she returned on conclusion of Puja. She
gave 'prasad' to Easwaramma who relished it. And the Divine Child was
born at 5:06 A.M. in Ardara Nakshtra (the regoining star). The Child
was named Sathyanarayana.
Mother Easwaramma was embodiment of
nobility, benevolence and sacrifice. She loved children very much and
guided them on the virtuous path. She always endeavoured to ameliorate
the sufferings of down-trodden. She never asked Swami for anything for
herself. She played significant role in the task of ushering in a new
Era for humanity. Her main objective in life was welfare of the
society.
One day, holding his both hands, the
great Mother Easwaramma pleaded to Swami to construct a small hospital
as she could not withstand the sufferings of sick particularly the
children. It was built. Puttaparthi has now Sri Sathya Sai Super
Speciality Hospital besides a General Hospital. A Super-Speciality
Hospital has also been built by Swami at White-field Bangalore.
Millions of patients have been receiving best medical treatment and
medicines free of any charge.
After some time, Mother approached
Swami to build a school in the village. It was built and she was
delighted to visit it and shower her love and blessings on the
children. Puttaparthi is a Deemed University now and provides quality
education upto Post-Graduate level including professional courses like
MBA, MFM and M Tech. free of any charge. Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Learning at Puttaparthi has Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur and
Brindaban (White-field) Bangalore Campuses.
Her next wish to provide drinking water
to the village which was also fulfilled. Swami provided hundreds of
crores of rupees for the massive drinking water projects and thus
alleviated the sufferings of millions of drought-hit population of
human beings and animals.
Mother Easwaramma had sudden and sacred
end at Bangalore at 7 P.M. on 6th May, 1972, while sitting in
Verandah. She loudly called "Swami, Swami Swami" thrice. Swami
responded saying "Coming, Coming" and she breathed her last.
Source:
http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/04may06/edit.htm#3 - By
Purshotam Bargotra
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This work is homage to Mother Easwaramma the source of Love, Strength
and Pillar for the women-folk of our country.
EASWARAMMA-THE CHOSEN MOTHER - book is a befitting tribute to the
life of Easwaramma whom Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba the God incarnated
chose to be His Mother. It provides rare glimpses into her psyche; her
curiosity, compassion and wonder. She was tenderhearted and pious and
like an earnest sadhak, had to trudge along the inner path that leads
from Maya to the Master.
This short narrative of the earthly life of Easwaramma ('God's
Mother') pictures lucidly her expanding awareness, and delineates
hesitations, hazards and hopes that she had to encounter.
Naturally simple, meek and modest, she always stepped back from
publicity, admiration and adoration. As Mother of the global family of
Sai, her love had to be all-enveloping and unconditional.
When we review the life of the Mother of the Avatar, we find
ourselves progressing through curiosity, expectations, compassion and
wonder and landing in appreciation, admiration and adoration.
Easwaramma was allotted the well-nigh-impossible task of expanding her
awareness beyond the ring of hills, beyond the barricade of tradition
and taboo and the wall of custom and caste. Burdened with the
prestigious and pardonable pride of the most precious motherhood a
woman could aspire to, she could not inspite of consistent effort
jettison the homage she attracted from all the continents. Even while
in this predicament, she, like any other earnest sadhak anxious to win
His Grace, had to trudge along the inner path that leads from
multiplicity to unity, from dispersion to concentration and
meditation, from egoism to detachment, from passion to serenity, from
unconcern to the love that cares and shares, from Maya to the Master.
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And, all this journey while busy as mother and grandmother in the
Raju family as well as in the fast multiplying multi-lingual,
multi-racial, multi-cradle, global family of Sai. As Mother, her love
had to be all enveloping, all protective and unconditional. It was
mainly through the teachings and Grace of Baba that she succeeded in
this assignment of expanding and deepening her love. Baba, in His
elucidation of Dharma, has revealed that woman represents the
concretization of God's beneficence. She has a natural aptitude for
spiritual endeavor, being endowed with fortitude, meekness and
modesty. She is intelligent and vigilant. She has an innate sense of
honor and loyalty to virtue. Easwaramma, as the closet devotee of Sai,
was aided by Him to uplift herself to the heights marked out for the
ideal woman.
Swami has often declared that this Sai Avatar descended because the
saints and sadhu of all lands prayed for His arrival. "I chose the
mother who was to experience my closeness during gestation. The Avatar
alone has this freedom of choice. In other cases, karma determines the
time and place, the group and the grade," He had said. The mother is
the first recipient of the Avatar's Grace. The father, who protects
and nourishes the mother, is rewarded with the fame bestowed on his
name. When Pedda Venkappa Raju threw off his mortal coil in 1963,
Swami wrote a note for the sake of those who lamented the loss of the
'father'. It was published in the "Sanathana Sarathi". "Well, you say
that he was a blessed soul since he passed away in the fullness of
years without falling ill and incomplete possession of his memory and
consciousness. It was not thus alone that he was blessed. These are
mere signs and pointers. On the day that he could be known as the
'father' of the Manifestation, on the say that this Manifestation
allowed it to be known that he was his 'son', that very day, he was
blessed and his life was rendered holy and sanctified. This good
fortune can be won by only one individual, in one entire age (Yuga).
It is beyond the reach of others."
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EASWARAMMA- the love with which she treated the women blossomed
wider as she watched Swami healing the stricken. He showered
Compassion on them and applied vibhuti profusely on their brows.
Easwaramma decided that she would not condemn or ridicule any women on
the basis of her apparent faults or failings for they were only, she
knew, the symptoms of maladjustment or neglect or persecution and
poverty.
The Mother thus became more than their own mother to an
ever-increasing number of women in distress. She was a friend with a
burnished mind. Contemplating the Mother among those who were rescued
by Swami, the publisher likes to repeat Rabindranath's exclamatory
poem on Women:
'Women! You are blest!
You have your home, your household work-
In the midst of it you keep a little gap
Through which you hear the cry of the weak.
You bring your offering of service,
And pour out your love,
Your patience is endless-
Their helplessness calls out your mercy.
The devotees discovered in her a never falling source of strength
and wisdom. They sought her out more and more often and honored her as
the Mother, assigning her distinct roles during festivals and holy
days. Easwaramma did not yield as soon as the women surrounded her and
pleaded that she should guide them or bless them. But how long could
she keep them at bay? On holy days dedicated to the worship of
Varalakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth ready to grant boons) or Gowri (the
Fair Consort of Siva, mother of Ganesh), she had to accept the first
offering of homage from every women who needed her. During the nine
days of Navarathri, the Festival of the Mother, she was honored for
the first three days as Durga (the smoothener of the path, the
provider of safety and security of Her children), in the next three
days as Lakshmi (the provider of food, clothing and shelter, status,
power and renown) and on the last three as Saraswathi (the Teacher who
implants the yearning for learning and for liberation, for material
skill and moral strength).
"We women must learn more about the world," she sighed. Swami had
left Africa after addressing a Guru Poornima meeting there in the
morning and had arrived in Bombay in time of the Guru Poornima
celebration at Dharmakshetra in the evening, and so it happened!
The Guru heard the cry of the Mother on behalf of her daughters.
Within a week of His landing on the soil of India, he inaugurated the
Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College for Women at Anantapur, the
Headquarters of the District to which Puttaparthi belonged. "Swami,
you have done the right thing! Women must be as well educated as men.
When one animal is bold and alert and the other is cowardly and blind,
how can the cart to which they are yoked move forward?" She commented.
Lakshmidevamma, the Headmistress of the Girls' High School, Anantapur,
told her that Swami had promised this College a year ago when He had
presided over the High School Day. "I find that the girls who complete
their high school have now to go to distant colleges at Tirupati and
Kurnool," He had said, "I shall therefore establish a college right
here very soon." And so, the girls of Anantapur got a college, a
college dedicated to the realization of the universal and constructive
ideals of Sathya Sai Baba.
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The Mother, it must be conceded, was the foremost pupil of the
'son'. She was an exemplary housewife and an unquestioning conformist
in the observance of vows, vigils and fasts declared as obligatory in
the Hindu calendar. She delighted in visiting holy places, bathing in
holy rivers and offering worship at shrines. And like the high cast
women of Puttaparthi and other villages, she was loyal to the
lawmakers who laid down the dos and don'ts, which should govern daily
living and social relationships.
Woman has been extolled in ancient scriptures as well as classical
poetry as grihalakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity in the Home. She is
the Dharmapathni, the Companion of the Husband in the fulfillment of
the Duties and Rights of wedded life as a householder.
The Puranas and Sastras stress the role of women as mother and
extol the mothers, who instilled high ideals in the minds of the
children of the land. The Vedas speak of Maitreyi and Gargi, as great
scholars and spiritual heroines. Gargi was revered in the assembly of
Vedic pundits for her mastery of the abstruse problems of the
spiritual voyage into the heights of self-realization. In historical
times, we have the mother of Sivaji who fed him on the epics and
Puranas, and brought him up, as a brave representative of the best in
Hindu culture.
What a great inspiration is this Bharathi for all of you! Our
Puranas and Sastras, the Upanishads, the Vedas, the lives of the
saints and seers of this land contain hundreds of such incidents which
serve as beacons to light your path, Lean about them and derive
benefit from them. This has always been our Divine Lord Baba's message
to the women.
With this homage to the MOTHER EASWARAMMA I offer this work at the
Divine Lotus Feet of the UNIVERSAL MOTHER SAI on this auspicious day
19th November 2002 on the occasion of Women's Day. Seek His Blessings
to accept this compilation of His Mission to be hosted on
www.s.a.i.info.
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