Christmas - Sai Baba Of India

Christmas with God Sathya Sai Baba

Christmas 2004 photos & resource

"The term Christmas has been derived from the Roman language. Truly speaking, Christmas falls in the month of March, not in December. Since it is very cold in December and people are confined to their homes, they utilize this time to celebrate Christmas. Actually, Jesus was born in the month of March. With the passage of time, this fact has been distorted and misrepresented in the Bible. Opinions vary from person to person (Munde Munde Matir Bhinnah). Each one interpreted the Bible in his own way. Some wrote that it was the brother of Jesus who was crucified, not Jesus and that he was in Japan all that time. This is all imagination. Jesus is truth." Sai Baba, SS. 1/99. pp. 5 & 6.

Purpose Of Christmas Celebration

"This day is a holy day, the day on which Jesus was born. He announced Himself as the Messenger of God. In fact, all humans are bom as Messengers of God. The sole purpose of this human career is to propagate the omnipresence of God, His might and glory. No one has incarnated for merely consuming quantities of food and catering to one's senses. Human life is much more precious than that. That is why the capacity to appreciate beauty, truth and goodness has been endowed only on man." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-76, p. 84

"Religions arise from the minds of good men, who crave to make all men good. They strive to eliminate the evils and cure the bad. It is therefore appropriate that the birthday of Jesus, who felt the need to save mankind and who strove to achieve it, be celebrated. But the celebration must take the form of adherence to the teachings, loyalty to the principles, practising the discipline and experiencing the awareness of the Divine that He sought to arouse. These days, the world is deriving satisfaction in mere words, and in witnessing clever ruses designed to cover up one's faults. The birthdays of the Great are honoured by such hypocrisy and external pomp. There is no examination in the light of the message they gave, nor, any effort to practise it and derive the bliss it promises". Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII, discourse on 25-12-72. p. 129

Christmas Belongs To All

"The birthday of Jesus must be celebrated by all mankind, for such 'Karana-Janmas' (Masters born with a purpose) belong to the whole human race. They should not be confined to a single country or community." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78, p. 232

Jesus' Original Name

"Jesus was honoured by the populace as Christ, for they found in his thoughts, words and deeds, no trace of ego. He had no envy or hatred, and was full of love and charity, humility and sympathy. Jesus' original name was 'Isa' which, when repeated, is Sai. 'Isa' and 'Sai', both mean Ishvara, God, the Eternal Absolute, the Sat-Chit-Ananda. In the Tibetan manuscript at the monastery, where Isa spent some years. His name is written as 'ISSA', which means the Lord of all beings." Sai Baba, Vol. X. discourse on 25-12-78. p. 231

Meaning Of Jesus

"In Christianity, the term 'Esu' (Jesus) is used to describe Christ. This term also signifies the oneness of Divinity. The inner significance of the term 'Esu' is the recognition of the One Divine in all beings." Sai Baba, SS,~ 1/92'. p.2 "Jesus is truth." Sai Baba, SS. 1/99, p. 6

Birth Date Of Jesus Christ

"There are various theories about the birth date of Jesus based on the "bright star" that appeared at his birth. It is visible once in 800 years, it is said. Some say that He was bom on the fifteenth day of September. But He was born at 3:15 a.m. (early morning) on December 28. It was Sunday. The star that appeared that day appears only once in 800 years. Its appearance had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. There is no rule that, when Divine Energy or Divine Incarnation descends on earth, a star has to appear. That is the opinion of devotees only. But, Jesus was himself a "Star" of infinite value, spreading brilliance of infinite dimension. Why posit another less brilliant glow?" Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. XI. p. 13

Birth Place Of Jesus Christ

'Two thousand years ago, in Palestine, a province of the Roman Empire, there were Jews professing Judaism. The Jews believed in one God called' Yehovah'. They believed that God would send a messiah for the people of Israel. Jerusalem was the sacred city of the Jews and continued to be so even under the Romans. This was the time when Jesus was bom." Sai Baba. SS, 1/92, p. 3

"Jesus' birth took place in a manger in Bethlehem." Sai Baba. SS. 1/89. p. 2

Visit Of Three Kings To See Christ At His Birth

"It is said that when Jesus was born in a manger, three kings were led by a star to Jesus' place of birth. In fact, they were not kings but three shepherds. One of them, seeing the infant Jesus observed: 'This child will be lover of God'. A second one said: 'No. God will love him.' The third one said: 'Verily he is God Himself. The true significance of these three statements is: To love God is to be His messenger. To be loved by God is to be a son of God. The final state is to be one with God. As Jesus said: 'I and my Father are one'. Thus, all persons are messengers of God. This means that they should divinise themselves. When can men call themselves 'sons of God'? Recognise what pure actions are done by God, selflessly for the sake of all. There is no trace of self-interest in Him. Everything men do, speak, or think is born out of selfishness. Men can describe themselves as 'Sons of God' only when they are completely free from selfishness and become Godly. To call yourself the 'son of God', you have to manifest the qualities of the Father." Sai Baba, SS. 1/95. p. 4

Enlightenment Of Jesus

"Like most seekers, Jesus first searched for the Divine in the objective world. But He soon realised that the world is a kaleidoscopic picture created by one's own imagination, and sought to find God within himself. His stay in the Himalayan monasteries in Kashmir and in other centres of eastern asceticism and philosophical inquiry, gave him greater awareness. From the attitude of being a 'Messenger of God', he could now call himself the 'Son of God'. The bond of relationship increased. The 'I' was no more distant light or entity. The light became a part of the 'I'. With body-consciousness predominant. He was a messenger. With the heart-consciousness in the ascendant. He felt greater nearness and deamess. So, the son-father bond seems natural at this stage. Later as the Atman-Consciousness was established, Jesus could declare: 'I and My Father are One'. The three stages may be described as: 'I was in the Light', 'the Light was in me', and 'I am the Light', and may compared to the Dwaita (dualism), Vishishta-adwaita and Adwaita (non-dualism) stages as described in Hindu philosophy. The final stage is the one when all duality has been shed. This is the essence of all religious disciplines and teachings". Sai Baba, SSS, X, discourse on 25-12-78. p. 231

"Christ spent all His life in the service of mankind. He spent twelve years alone, promoting the inner vision and realising God. While engaged in the service to the diseased and the downtrodden, He announced Himself as the 'Messenger of God'. Later on, for some years Christ reflected the divine nature present in Him and came to the conclusion that he was the 'son of God'. Thus He moved closer to God. Christ lived for five years in the Himalayan region of Bharat (India). He settled in Kashmir and met many exponents and practitioners of the Adwaita system of thought, which declares there is only one God. He realised the One-ness beneath diversity, then He spread the truth that 'I and My Father are one.' Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X. p. 142

"When Jesus proclaimed that He was the 'Messenger of God', He wanted to emphasize that everyone is messenger of God and has to speak, act and think like one. This is the true Karma (action) Kanda of the Vedas: Sadhana, Japa, Seva and Dhyana. When progress is furthered, Jesus asserted, each one can recognise all as 'sons of God', children of God, brothers and sisters of oneself, and so. The Upaasana (adoration of God) Kanda is the scripture in Sanatana Dharma (eternal code of conduct) for this stage. Finally, knowledge ripens into wisdom and the goal ofJnana (wisdom) Kanda is reached, when each one realises, 'I and my Father are one'. Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78. pp. 232-233

Early Life Of Jesus

"Jesus exemplified the spirit of social service. The inspiration for this came from his mother Mary. From His childhood Mary taught Him such good qualities as truth, kindness, compassion and justice. In his twelfth year, Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem for a festival. In the crowd, the parents lost the trace of Jesus and searched for Him everywhere. Not finding Him anywhere, Mary sat under a tree and prayed to God to come to her help. At that moment, a thought flashed in her mind that Jesus was perhaps in a nearby temple. Jesus was there sitting in a comer of the temple and listening to the words of the priest. Mary affectionately rushed towards Him and embraced him. 'Child, what agony I went through on your account', she said. Jesus told her: 'Mother! Why should you have any fear? Those who believe in the world will have fears. But why should anyone believing in God fear at all? I am in the company of my Father. Why do you fear? You taught Me that God is everything for us. How, then, can you worry like this?' Jesus had learnt His lessons from his mother and developed His spiritual faith. After they returned from Jerusalem, Jesus felt that service to His parents was His foremost duty, because He owed everything to them. In this spirit, He used to assist His father in his carpentry work. When Joseph, His father, passed away, He sought His mother permission to devote Himself to the service of the needy and the forlorn." Sai Baba. SS, 1/95. p. 3

Jesus's Ministry

After leaving home, Jesus had Himself baptized by John. Then for forty days, Jesus observed severe austerities without food and drink. At first he considered Himself as a 'Messenger of God'. After the penance, He realised He was the 'son of God'. He began His ministry with a group of fishermen as His first disciples. He taught them that they should first seek the 'Kingdom of Heaven.' To enter that Kingdom, they had to cultivate loving hearts. Then, their hearts would become the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus further declared to them: T and my Father are one'. Sai Baba. SS, 1/95. p. 3

"As Jesus went on with His preaching and drew multitudes towards him, some of the priests and those in authority grew envious of His popularity. This happens in all countries. They started persecuting Him and charging Him with treason. Jesus, however, continued His mission of love and righteousness, first, as the Messenger of God, and later as the son of God." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 3

"How did Jesus get the courage to speak in this fashion? It was because He was proclaiming the truth. Truth is bom out of love, which comes from faith in God

Where there is confidence, there is love.

Where there is love, there is peace.

Where there is peace, there is truth.

Where there is truth, there is bliss.

Where there is bliss, there is God.

This-is way to develop faith in God

Sai Baba, SS. 1/88, p. 4

Jesus's Mission

"Jesus was a Karana-janma, a Master bom with a purpose, the mission of restoring love, charity and compassion. He had no attachment to the self, nor paid any heed to joy or sorrow, loss or gain. He had a heart that responded to the call of anguish. He went about the land preaching the lesson of love. His life was a libation for the upliftment of humanity". Sai Baba, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78, p. 230

"Love must be manifested as service. Seva (human service) must take the form of food for the hungry, solace for the forlorn, consolation for the sick and the suffering. Jesus wore Himself out in such Seva." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol XI, discourse on 25-12-81. p. 225

The Inner Meaning Of Jesus's Teaching Given On His Last Supper

"Jesus said that the bread taken in the 'last supper' was his flesh, and the wine his blood. He meant that all beings alive with flesh and blood are to be treated as He Himself and that no distinction should be made between friend or foe, we or they. Everybody, sustained by the bread, every drop flowing in the veins of every living being is His (God), animated by the activity that the wine imparted to it. That is to say, every man is Divine and has to be revered as such." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X. Discourse on 25-12-78. pp. 232 & 233

Jesus's Spiritual Work

"Jesus announced Himself as a 'Messenger of God'. He spent many years in austerities so that He could shower compassion and love on all humanity. Later, He asked Himself: 'Am I just a messenger, or am I more closely related to God, a part of God with the Divine as my essence?' Jesus spent twelve years wandering alone in deserts engaged in this inquiry. At the end of this period. He returned to the society of men and announced, 'I am the son of God'. At this time, the priests of the holy temples of Jerusalem had become corrupt and commercialized. They had deteriorated into proud and selfish men. Jesus condemned them and tried to root out the evil practices. For, all forms, in th^ eyes of Jesus, were Divine Forms. He could not tolerate any action, which belied this status. So, when asked by people who He was. He could reply: 'I and my Father are One'. Jesus tried to teach the Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of man. Tradition-minded and egoistic men considered Jesus a false prophet and they tried by every means to thwart His mission. Jesus, however, did not waver. Faced with opposition. He continued to be an example of living truth, and tried to purify the society." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. XI, pp. 11 & 12.

"Jesus found that scholars and ritualistic had befogged the true religion. He engaged Himself in teaching both spirituality and morality, for education is the very light of life. Jesus found that people are running after glass-beads, imagining them to be diamonds and attaching great value to them. He went round the holy shrines and discovered that they had become bazaars where (God's) grace was being bartered and commercialized. He condemned the priesthood, which tolerated and encouraged these practices. So, He drew upon Himself the anger of the heads of temples and monasteries". Sai Baba, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78, p. 232

"Jesus was compassion (Karuna) came in human form. He spread the spirit of compassion and conferred solace on the distressed and the suffering. Noticing the torture of birds and beasts at the temple in Jerusalem, He reprimanded the vendors and drove them out of the precincts." Sai Baba, SSS, XI, discourse on 25-12-81, p. 224

Disciples Of Jesus

"Many disciples followed Jesus. But throughout history, it has been the experience of Rama, Krishna, Jesus and Muhammad that disciples, however close, are seldom fully dedicated. Most are only part-time devotees. Jesus had 12 disciples. Most of them had faith in Him and lived up to His teachings. But, Judas yielded to greed. He betrayed his Master for a mere 30 silver coins. He could not find joy in life after this treachery. His mind gave him no peace. He had to take refuge in suicide. Betrayal by people who pretend to adore (their Masters) is happening since ages. Corrupt, greedy and selfish people spread falsehoods about their own Masters. We hear of Judas. 2000 years ago. But in the Kali age, people are obsessed with money

and Judases have multiplied. They seek to amass paltry riches, whereas good character, good conduct and knowledge of God are the three real treasures to be gathered."

Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-79, p. 12

John

"Vedanta says, 'Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati.', the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman himself. John resembled Jesus in all respects, as he constantly contemplated on Him. As you think, so you become. If you think of God incessantly, you will assume His form." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 4

Paul

"Initially, Paul hated Jesus. One day, Jesus appeared in his dream and asked him lovingly, 'Paul! What harm have I done to you, why do you criticize me? All your travails are the consequences of your own actions. I am not responsible for your sufferings.' Then Paul was transformed and attained sainthood. Thus, Jesus transformed many sinners into-saints. Sai Baba, SS, 1/99, p. 5

"Speak softly and sweetly with a smiling face. That will silence the critic. Smile is the best answer to criticism. When Paul went on accusing Jesus, He lovingly went to him and gave a pleasing smile. The sweetness in the nectarine smile of Jesus transformed the poisonous heart of Paul." Sai Baba. SS, 1/99, p. 7

Matthew And Thomas

"Matthew was a tax collector. He would meet fishermen regularly and enquire as to how they acquired faith in Jesus. Thomas used to doubt the divinity of Jesus. Such doubting Thomases are on the rise. Never be in the company of such people." Sai Baba, SS, 1/99, p. 5

Disciples At The Time Of Jesus Crucification

"One has to worship God both in times of pain and pleasure. Unfortunately, due to the effect of Kali Age, people worship Him when everything goes well, but criticize Him in times of difficulties. When it was ordered that all the devotees of Jesus should be crucified along with Him, even His closest devotees, Peter, Matthew, and Paul refused to identify themselves. Can these be called true devotees? One should be prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of God." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 4

Crusification Of Jesus

"They (heads of temples and monasteries) tempted one His (12) disciples with 30 silver pieces, to betray Him into their hands. The Roman rulers were told that Jesus attempted to assert himself as King and so could be punished for treason. Their insistence made the Governor order his crucifixion. When the nails were being driven into him to fix him on the cross, Jesus heard the Voice of the Father saying, "All life is one. My dear son. Be alike to everyone," and He pleaded that those who were crucifying Him be pardoned, for they knew not what they did. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sake of mankind". Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. discourse on 25-12-78, p. 232

"When Jesus was on the cross and overcome with agony, an unseen Voice said from Heaven: "Death is the dress of life." The body is the dress, which the Divine Spirit puts on. Therefore, we should not weep when the body is worn out or falls or is injured. Death is an event, that is the very nature of the body. Men seek the cause for death, but no one seeks the Divine source of life." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-79. p. 14

The Inner Meaning Of Making A Christan Cross Sign By Hands

You should not be afraid of difficulties. They are passing 'clouds. Do not waver. Follow the heart, which is steady and unwavering. Unity of head, heart and hand is essential for man. This is the true significance behind the Christians making cross sign by hands (Swami made a sign of holy cross to show how it covers heart, hands and head). Install God in your heart. Contemplate on Him and undertake good deeds. Consider every activity as God's work and act accordingly." Sai Baba. SS. 1/99. p. 3

Sacrifice Of Jesus Christ

"People talk of Christ's sacrifice as evidenced by his crucifixion. But, he was surrounded and bound, and crowned by the crowd who captured him with the crown of thorns, and later, nailed to the cross by his captors. A person bound and beaten by the police cannot say that he has sacrificed everything, for he is not a free man. Let us pay attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made while free, out of his own volition. He sacrificed his happiness, prosperity, comfort, safety and position. He braved the enmity of the powerful. He refused to yield or compromise. He renounced the ego, which is the toughest thing to get rid of. Honour Him for these. He willingly sacrificed the desires with which the body torments man. This sacrifice is greater than the sacrifice of the body under duress. The celebration of His birthday has to be marked by sacrificing your at least one desire or two, and conquering at least the more disastrous urges of ego." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIIJ, 25-12-72

Important Christian Days

"Jesus was crucified on a Friday and He rose from the tomb on a Sunday. That is why Sunday is taken as the day of worship and service in churches. Catholics give importance to Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, while Protestants give importance to the birth of Christ. Catholics celebrate Christmas by worshipping Mary on the evening of 24th (of December) and Protestants celebrate the birth of Christ on the 25th (of December)". Sai Baba, SS, 1/93, p. 4 '

"Today is New Year's Day associated with the birth and life of Jesus. It is a good occasion to give up the old and welcome the new- in thought, word and deed." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X, p. 141

The Christmas Tree

"There is a custom of putting up a Christmas tree on this day. The genesis of this custom can be traced to Germany. A preacher by name Jensen from England once visited Germany. When he was travelling in Germany on his mission, he noticed some Germans attempting to offer a child's life as sacrifice to propitiate God who, they believed, lived in an oak tree.The priest was warned and questioned-them as to why they were offering an innocent child as sacrifice to a tree. As they asserted that God lived in the tree, he took an axe and cut the tree. To his surprise, he was shaken by the inexplicable vibration from head to foot. He noticed the form of a child between the two portions of the tree that was cut by him. This incident teaches the truth that God lives not only in human beings but also in plants and trees. From that time onwards people started putting up a Christmas tree." Sai Baba, SS, 1/93, p. 4

True Christians

"Today is the birthday of Jesus, celebrated amidst December snow-falls, with lights and Christmas trees, and prayers. But it is useless to pray just one day and forget God, during the rest of year. That is empty show. It does not emanate from the heart. We are true Christians only when we live according to the teachings of Christ and practise them in daily life. Even if we follow two teachings of His, that would be enough." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-79, pp. 13 & 14.

Sai's Teachings For Christians And Others

"There are many who are deeply devoted to Jesus. Their duty is to glorify the great message of Jesus. The most important of message of Jesus is the establishment of 'Peace on earth and goodwill among men.' At present there is a growing tendency among propagators of the Christian faith to cast aspersions on other religions. Money is being spent lavishly to spread Christianity. None of you should play any part in such activities. This type of propaganda does great harm to the personality of Jesus. Jesus was supremely pure and sacred person. To forget Jesus' teachings and to profess love for Him is no love at all. You must remember: 'God is one. Love is God. Live in love.' Only by this means can humanity, despite the many divisions that exist at present, be united. Absorb the teachings of the great seers and prophets. Do not despise anyone. Everyone is entitled to accept what is good from any source. Differences of creed and caste are irrelevant. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is one language, the language of the heart. There is only one God; He is omnipresent" Sai Baba, SS, 1/86, p. 4

"You have to get rid of the ideas of 'mine' and 'thine'. Regard yourselves as the children of one God, who is the universal protector. Bear in mind three things: love of God, fear of sin, observance of social morality." Sai Baba. SS. 1/88, p. 5

How To Celebrate Christmas?

"Carols and candles, readings from the Bible and acting out the incidents that surrounded his birth, are not enough to celebrate the birth of Jesus." Sai Baba. SSS. X, discourse on 25-12-78, 232

"Jesus sacrificed His life and poured out his blood to instill love and compassion in the heart of man, so that he (man) may be happy when others are happy and sad when others are sad. It is not by festivity and fun that you should celebrate Christmas. Celebrate it, rather, by resolving and putting into practice at least one of the ideas He (Christ) enunciated, or endeavour to reach at least one of the goals that He placed before man".-Sai Baba, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-76, pp. 86 & 87.

Sai Baba's Christmas Message

"You work as a messenger or servant. Later, you worship, as a son does his father. Finally you achieve the wisdom that 'You' and 'He' are 'One'. That is the spiritual journey that Jesus has shown the way in clear terms. He announced very early in life that He had come to illumine the spiritual path. Even as a bud. He emitted fragrance. He had the light in Him, or else how can the tiny glow-worm light a lamp. To elevate, to raise the level of his consciousness. He (God) has to incarnate as man. He has to speak to them in their own style and language. He has to teach them the methods that they can adopt and practise. Birds and beasts need no Divine Incarnation to guide them, for they have no inclination to stray away from their Dharma (right conduct). Man alone forgets or ignores the goal of life." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, discourse on 25-12-78. p. 233

"Jesus was the embodiment of compassion and love. His heart melted in sympathy when He saw anyone suffering. His entire life was dedicated to service. In the interest of truth. He laid down His own life. Such persons are revered in this world, however times may change. Jesus was engaged in Sathya Narayana worship throughout His life; that is to say. He was adhering to truth." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 141

Sathya Sai Baba & Jesus Christ

''There is one point that I cannot but bring to your special notice today. At the moment, when Jesus was emerging in the Supreme Principle of Divinity, He communicated some news to his followers, which has been interpreted in a variety of ways by commentators and those who relish the piling of writings on writings, and meanings upon meanings, until it all swells up into a huge mess. The statement itself has been manipulated and tangled into a conundrum. The statement of Christ is simple. He who has sent me among you will come again.', and he pointed to a lamb. The lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It stands for the voice - Ba-Ba. The announcement was of the advent of Baba. 'His' Name will be 'Truth', Christ declared. 'Sathya' means 'truth'. 'He' will wear a robe of red, a blood-red robe. (Here Sri Sathya Sai Baba pointed to the robe He was wearing!). He will be short, with a crown (of hair). The lamb is the sign and symbol of love. Christ did not declare that He would come again. He said: 'He who made me will come again.' That Ba-Ba is this Baba, and Sai, the short, curly hair-crowned red-robed Baba, has come. He is in everyone of you, as dweller in. the heart. He is there.. short, with a robe. of the colour of the blood that fills it." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VIII. discourse on 25-12-72. p. 134

"Jesus was love. Sathya Sai too is love. That explains the gathering of Christians of all sects, which we see here (at Prasanthi Nilayam). In Rome today, Catholics gather to celebrate the Advent of Jesus. The Protestants celebrate it by themselves in their churches. The Jews are not welcome anywhere. But in the presence of Sathya Sai, all are equally welcome." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. XI, discourse on 25-12-81. p. 225

Sathya Sai Baba Disclosed His Nature On Christmas Day

"Twenty years ago when Christmas was celebrated for the first time in Prasanthi Nilayam, I sang a song (as follows):

"Love in my form,

Truth is my breath,

Peace is my food

My life is my message

Expansion is my life.

No reason for Love, no season for Love

No birth, no death"

Sai Baba, SS. 1/99. p. 8

"Sai Baba sang the same above famous Bhajan on 25 December 1989, a Christmas day, at Poomachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam, announcing His divine nature." SS, 1/90. p. 4

Christmas Celebration At Prasanthi Nilayam

"We have been celebrating Christmas every year here. True Christmas is celebrated only in Prasanthi Nilayam, where people of all religions join together to celebrate it. Generally, the Hindus celebrate Hindu festivals, the Muslims celebrate their festivals, and the Christians celebrate their festivals, so on and so forth. It is only in Prasanthi that people of all religions - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, etc. come together to celebrate Christmas. Prasanthi Nilayam symbolizes the unity of all religions. Elsewhere, people drink, eat non-vegetarian food and make merry in the name of Christmas. But Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam is celebrated in a holy atmosphere, not a 'holiday'. Sai Baba. SS, 1/99, p. 8

"The Christmas festival is celebrated in many countries with a lot of fanfare, merriment and riotous festivities. You should note one thing. No where in the world is Christmas celebrated in the same manner as it is done in Prasanthi Nilayam. People belonging to different countries, different faiths and different cultures, coming together to adore God and celebrate this festival in such a holy atmosphere, which cannot be found anywhere else. Christmas is celebrated in America, Germany, Italy and other countries. But in what manner? By sumptuous eating, drinking and dancing and wasting time. Here also you indulge in drink. But what is it you drinking? You are drinking Pure Divine Love. It is this love that you must offer to the world." 'SaiBaba, SS. l/91~7p. 22

Unity Of All Religions On Christmas At Prasanthi Nilayam

"Complete unity of all religions can be seen only in Prasanthi Nilayam (on Christmas. 25 December 1999). Imagine what a phenomenon it is that the Christians from 64 countries of the world have assembled here to celebrate Christmas. This principle of unity is the sign of true devotion." Sai Baba. SS. 1/2000. p. 1

Christmas Message

"Great teachers belong to the entire mankind. It is wrong to believe that Jesus belongs only to the Christians and that Christmas is a holy festival for the West only. Christ, Rama and Krishna - they are for all men everywhere. Various limbs and organs together form the body; various states and communities form the World. The sustenance of love, endowed by the Divine Grace, has to circulate in every state and community to make the world live in peace and happiness. If this truth is realised, there will never arise any idea of difference." Sai Baba, SS. 1/2000, last back cover page; SSS, Vol. VIII, Discourse on 25.12.1972

Sathya Sai's Benediction On Christmas

The following benediction was sung in English by Sai Baba on Christmas, 25 December 1989, at Prasanthi Nilayam, Pooma Chandra Auditorium:

You all are in the Kingdom of Sai!

You all are in Sai's Home!

You all are in Sai's Light!

You all are in Sai's Heart

I will bless you, I will bless you in this Holy Night.

This is your right.

Sai Baba, SS. 1/90. p. 3

He whom Christ announced

Discourse of Sathya Sai Baba, Bangalore, 24 Dec 1972

Religions arise from the minds of good men, who crave to make all men good; they strive to eliminate evil and cure the bad. They are many, since they have to be adjusted to the individuals, their activities, their professions and roles, their character and characteristics. The individual has to start observing the limits and laws laid down, and derive joy and strength thereby. And, then, his cleansed mind will lead the way, to higher and higher stages. He and the society of which he is a unit will benefit thereby.

It is therefore appropriate that the birthday of Jesus, who felt the need to save mankind and who strove to achieve it, is celebrated; but, the celebration must take the form of adherence to the teachings, loyalty to the principles, practising the disciplines and experiencing the awareness of the divine that he sought to arouse.

These days, the world is deriving satisfaction in mere words, and in witnessing clever rules designed to cover up one's faults. The birthdays of the great are honoured by such hypocrisy and external pomp. There is no examination in the light of the message they gave, nor, any effort to practise it and derive the bliss it promises.

The great teachers belong to mankind. It is wrong to believe that Jesus belongs only to the Christians and the Christmas is a holy festival for the West only. To accept one of them as one's own and discard the rest as belonging to others, is a sign of pettiness. Christ, Raama, Krishna - they are for all men everywhere.

Man's Life is conditioned by Feelings and Deeds

The various limbs and organs together form a body; various nations and communities together form the world. The sustenance given by divine grace circulates in every part of the body, helping it to function in unison. The stream of love, endowed by divine grace, has to circulate in every state and community to make the world live in peace and joy. If this truth is realised, there will arise no idea of difference.

If the members of a family are at loggerheads, the lands and other possessions of the family will be uncared for, and be either wasted or lost. The separation of one member will also be a big loss, for, the grace that sustains the family will diminish and get lost. When a hand is amputated, the limb loses its function, and a great deal of blood too is lost during the removal. So too, the divine grace of love is lost when a country sets itself apart; it also becomes a weak and functionless limb of the world community.

Division, difference and distinction cuts one off from the life-giving grace, that feeds every cell of the body and every individual in the world. The world is sustained by the selfsame grace. A tree requires for its growth, soil, sunlight and atmosphere. But, more than these three, it requires the seed. Man's life is conditioned by feelings and deeds, and the consequences of these feelings and deeds. But, his existence, his very Is-ness, depends on the will of God.

Growing trees may differ, according to the nature of the soil, the quantity of sunlight and the quality of the soil. So too, men may differ according to the consequences of the types of feelings and deeds that emanate from them. But, just as it is true to say hat the seeds are he same, is one, without any difference, the variety of forms, the variety of emotions and attitudes, the variety of communities and loyalties are the result of man's ignoring his fundamental unity in the one divine will, and his acting contrary to that unity.

Meaning of three Statements made by Christ

The moving water of a river has the moon in its depths; the still water of a lake has also the moon underneath; the sky has the moon up above. The moon in the flowing river is broken and fragmentary, it flows fast, apparently, with the floods. The moon in the lake is calm, unmoved, undistracted. These two are but reflections of the real moon in the sky. The moon reflected in the flood is the individual soul, engaged in activity, embroiled in Maaya, cause and effect. The moon reflected in the placid face of the lake is the Yogi, the saint, who has attained balance, equipoise, peace, dwelling in the one. The real moon in the sky is the eternal witness, the absolute, the primal principle.

Christ spoke of these three, when He made, one after the other, three statements. Referring to the active individual soul, the flickering moon, he said, "I am the messenger of God;" referring to himself as the Yogi, who has risen beyond dualities, and attained balance, he said, "I am the son of God". Realising that these two are but reflections, and that the real moon is the witness in the sky, that he too is the formless, nameless absolute, he declared, towards the end of his life, "I and my father are one".

All beings are images of the universal Aathma, in the names and forms they have apparently assumed. This is the truth, enclosed, elaborated and demonstrated in the spiritual texts of India, which form the basis of Bharatheeya culture. The essence of all religions and faiths then, is this: the merging in this unity. The goal of all spiritual endeavour is this: the merging in this unity. The object of all enquiry is this: to cognise this unity. But, this patent fact is ignored, and persons create strife, anxiety and unrest for themselves and perpetrate horrors to hold forth the support, the disunity so dear to their fractioned minds.

People today relish the very Things Religion condemned

The passage of time has clouded the splendour of the message, the fascination exercised by the material and the worldly has drawn them away from the path, and the expansion of science and technology has made them conceited and wrong-headed. So, people now relish the very things prohibited and promote the very things condemned by religion. All religions teach that one should revere the parents and evince gratitude to them; but, ridiculing them and neglecting them have become fashionable now. All religions lay down that the aged are to be honoured, since they are the repositories of experience and their guidance is indispensable; but, now elders and the aged are treated as nuisances and handicapped. All religions insist on truth; but now, the man who sticks to truth is laughed at as if he were a fool. Cruelty and violence, condemned by all religions, have raised themselves to the status of weapons of progress and means for desirable ends. However, the basic truths of religion are not affected or tarnished by the evil that men practise or the competitive propaganda they indulge in.

On Christ's Birthday, sacrifice at least a Desire or two

Only those who are not keen on practising the message will waste their energies in condemning other religions and glorifying their own. And, once you enter sincerely into the path of spiritual practice, the urge to find faults in others or publish one's own excellencies will disappear. Such people will celebrate the birthday of the founders in a spirit of dedication only, deepening the faith in their hearts and revering its doctrines by more intense practice rather than by more emphatic argumentation. If one has the yearning to reach the goal, one has to follow the path that leads to it. When you learn to reach God, you have to observe the guidelines He has marked out.

You need not dwell on His name, or His lineaments all the time! That may not take you far. But, walk along the path; every step will bring you near. When you need to reach a village, you have to rise and move towards it; it will not rise and move towards you! When you need to reach God, rise and move, as He has directed you to. By this means alone you can make life worthwhile.

Jesus taught simple practical lessons in spiritual advancement for the good of mankind; he manifested divine powers to instil faith in the validity of his teachings; he marked out the path that can confer on men the sweet nectar of Aanandha. He exhorted people by precept and example to cultivate the virtues of charity, compassion, forbearance, love and faith. These are not separate and distinct qualities, they are only the many facets of the divine in man, which he has to recognise and develop.

Significance of the Story related to Christ's Birth

People talk of the sacrifice of Christ as evidence by his crucifixion. But, he was surrounded and bound, and crowned by the crowd who captured him with a crown of thorns, and later, nailed to he cross by his captors. A person bound and beaten by the police cannot say that he has sacrificed anything, for, he is not a free man. Let us pay attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made while free, out of his own volition. He sacrificed his happiness, prosperity, comfort, safety and position; he braved the enmity of the powerful. He refused to yield or compromise. He renounced the 'ego', which is the toughest thing to get rid of. Honour him for these. He willingly sacrificed the desires with which the body torments man; this is sacrifice greater than the sacrifice of the body under duress. The celebration of his birthday has to be marked by your sacrificing at least a desire or two, and conquering at least the mere disastrous urges of the ego.

The followers of Jesus have got broken into schisms on various counts; but, the life of Christ is a lesson of unity. When Christ was on the cross, ill-feelings towards the men who tortured Him troubled Him. Suddenly he heard a voice alerting him, "All life is one, my dear son! Be alike to every one!" This was followed by another admonition, "Death is the dress of life". As one casts off the worn clothes and dons another set, so, the soul dons and doffs bodies. Therefore, Jesus was warned against hate and ill-feelings, as well as the lamentation to which man is heir.

Manifestations seen when Christ was born

The lives of such personalities are lived out, in order to establish the welfare of humanity, the prosperity and peace of the world, and individual liberation from bondage to sensual desires and passions. This is illustrated by the strange phenomenons that occur at the time of their advent. It is believed that when Christ was born there were such manifestations. The ruler of the realm had ordered a census, and each had to be counted in his own village. So Mary and her husband moved along the road that led to his native village. Mary was with child; the pains started midway; they knew no one in the hamlet through which they were passing; so they took refuge in a cowshed. Joseph made ready the space between the cows, and went out into the road at midnight, to seek some woman who could help. But, soon, he heard the baby's cry.

And, the story says, there was a star in the sky, which fell with a new light, and this led a few Tibetans and others to the place where the saviour was born. This story is read and taken on trust by many, though stars do not fall or even slide down so suddenly. What the story signifies is this: There was a huge halo of splendour illuminating the sky over the village when Christ was born. This meant that he, who was to overcome the darkness of evil and ignorance, had taken birth, that he will spread the light of love in the heart of man and councils of humanity.

Use and Misuse of Wealth and Wisdom

Appearances of splendour, and other signs to herald the era that has dawned are natural when incarnations happen on earth. Jesus was to shatter the darkness that had enveloped the world and the aura of light was a sign that announced the event. The masters arrive in answer to man's prayer. "Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya" (Lead us from darkness unto light!).

If each one does his duty, in the spirit of dedication, the light can illumine all, but, if the doors of the heart are shut against the light, how can darkness disappear? You cannot sit back, and expect the incarnation to bring peace and joy into you. The incarnation comes to warn, to guide, to awaken, to day down the path, and shed the light of love on it. But, man has to listen, learn and obey with hope and faith.

There is a tale told of old that wisdom and wealth once quarrelled loud and long, about their relative importance. Wealth argued that without it, the body will be weak, the brain hazy and wisdom a will-o'-the-wisp. Wisdom retorted that, without it, man cannot even distinguish wealth from non-wealth or know how to earn it or use it. The soul intervened and told them that they were both equally important, but, only when properly used. Wealth without wisdom becomes an instrument of exploitation and tyranny; wisdom without wealth becomes mere fantasy and a bundle of blueprint. Use makes them worthwhile; misuse makes them disastrous.

It is like the knife in the hands of a maniac, which becomes an instrument for murder; in the hands of a surgeon, it becomes an instrument, which saves a life! Are you doing good with wealth? Are you benefiting others by means of wisdom? - that is the test. This day, Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Christ, resolve to lead the lives of loving service to the weak, the helpless, the distressed, and the disconsolate. Cultivate tolerance and forbearance, charity and magnanimity. Hold dear the ideals he laid down and practise them, in your daily lives.

The best Way of celebrating the Birth of Christ

The ways in which Christmas is being celebrated now, show, how far men have moved away from those ideals, how much ignominy they are heaping on his name! The midnight hour is revered; illumination is arranged; the Christmas tree is set up; and then, the night is spent in drinking and dance. It is a day of holy Aanandha, but, the Aanandha is reduced to the level of the poisoning excitement of intoxication!

Drink is so pernicious an evil habit, that when man puts the bottle in, he himself gets into the bottle and cannot escape! First man drinks wine, then the wine drinks more wine; and finally, the wine drinks man himself! He is sunk and drowned in drink. Liquor destroys the humanity in man! How then can it develop the divinity in him? One must dance in divine bliss; instead, sensual dance is indulged in as a deleterious substitute! Make your hearts pure, your activities holy, and your feelings beneficial to all. That is the best way of celebrating the birth of Christ.

There is one point that I cannot but bring to your special notice today. At the moment when Jesus was merging in the supreme principle of divinity, he communicated some news to his followers, which has been interpreted in a variety of ways by commentators and those who relish the piling of writings on writings and meanings upon meanings, until it all swells up into a huge mess.

Christ's Announcement of the Advent of Baba

The statement itself has been manipulated and tangled into a conundrum. The statement of Christ is simple: "He who sent me among you will come again!" and he pointed to a lamb. The lamb is merely a symbol, a sign. It stands for the voice - "Ba-Ba"; the announcement was the Advent of Baba. "His name will be truth," Christ declared; Sathya means truth. "He will wear a robe of red, a blood-red robe". (Here Baba pointed to the robe He was wearing). "He will be short, with a crown (of hair). The lamb is the sign and symbol of love."

Christ did not declare that he will come again. He said, "He who made me will come again". That 'Ba-Ba' is this Baba and Sai, the short, curly-hair-crowned red-robed Baba, is come. He is not only in this form, but, he is in every one of you, as the dweller in the heart. He is there, short, with a robe of the colour of the blood that fills it.

The great axioms of Bhaaratheeya culture found in the Vedhas - "Ishwarassarvabhuuthaanaam, Isaavaayamidham sarvam, Vasudhevassarvamidham" - "God is the inner motivator of all beings. All this is enveloped in God. All this is Vaasudheva, the divine" - are to be in every one. This is the inner mystery of incarnation, God incarnating in all! All are one; the one is all.

There is only one God; He is omnipresent;
There is only one Religion, the Religion of Love;
There is only one Caste, the Caste of Humanity;
There is only one Language, the Language of the Heart.