Photos & Eye witness account of
Ugadi celeberations at Sai Kulwant hall
March 18, 2007
Om Sairam to most beloved children
of our Lord,
Best wishes and loving Sairams on the holy occasion of Telugu New Year,
Ugadi,Swami is blessing all of us with His immense compassion, love
through His beautiful darshans, sparshans and sambhasans. Before I start
the proceedings of Ugadi festival, I would like to appreciate the BURRA
KATHA (an ancient folk presentation famous in the state of Andhra Pradesh,
where there is one lead singer with tambura (Veena like musical
instrumet), singing according to the tone on a theme supported by two
other people), performed by final year students of Sri Sathya Sai
University, on 18th March, the theme being mother Eswaramma. The katha was
so fantastically done, that it brought tears in the eyes of Swami and also
to the audience. The writer, Mr.Krishna Bhaskar, has scripted the whole
story so imaginatively, yet very much lovely and the performance of the
students was just fantastic.
Scroll down to see evening photos
The whole katha was for one hour and Swami, just before it was finished,
left for the interview room blessing the perfomers.
UGADI CELEBRATIONS
This year’s Ugadi(telugu new year) would be called SARVAJIT. (telugu
calender has 60 months). Sarvajit meaning Victory in all fields. This year
according to Swami would be a victorious one, and Iam sure, it would be a
landmark in the Avatar of Sai. Recently, Indian cricket player Laxman,
along with his wife, came with their new born son for Swami’s blessings
and Swami named the child as Sarvajit, probably the first one getting that
name from the Lord of the Lords himself….signifying the new year.
Ugadi Morning Photos
Click to
enlarge
Ugadi Evening Photos
This morning,we all were assembled in Kulwanth Hall to have our Lord’s
darshan on new year’s day. The hall was 90% full and probably a play by
the students was scheduled. It was 7:30am and all eyes were towards the
gate from where Swami enters the hall.. It was 8am and no trace of His
arrival, another half hour passed, yet no Swami. We all were wondering
will He come?? He came bit late on Jan 1st this year..It was 8:45 and
suddenly there was some activity infront of Swami’s residence and here
came Swami, amidst cheers and vedic chants. Swami took a full round and
like it happens on every festival, the crowd were on their feet and some
raising their hands to the maximum height, thus obstructing the view of
devotees sitting behind them…. The car slowly came to the verandah and
Swami’s chair slowly came out. Swami was seen with His most beautiful
smile and as the chair landed, He signaled the boys, that He is going to
walk to another chair placed on the dias. Swami slowly raised from His
wheel chair and walked slowly, holding His long robe, with His left hand,
pausing after 3 or 4 steps and smiling… speaking to the boys… He slowly
sat on the thorne….
All of us were eagerly waiting what next??… its already 9am… looks like
there is going to be a play.. will there be the conventional Ugadi divine
discourse?? Or just just the play… Swami summons for Prof. Anil Kumar.
Prof. Kumar who lost his physical mother recently is back in town after
almost 2 weeks, with a shaven head, the customary, for any son to shave
his head, while offering prayers on the 12 th day, to the departed soul.
Swami says something to him, He comes back to the mike ….
He rendered some poems written by Devura palli Krishna Sastri, known for
his imaginative and creative writing.. Swami you are in mother, you are in
father, how should I call you? You are in all Gods, in all temples, Swami
how should I call you/ You are guru of gurus, You are the indweller of
devotees’ hearts, how should I call you my Lord?
He then shared his experience in 1989, Ugadi, which was presided by late
Sankar dayal Sharma, Presedent of India, who had 2 significant points
Bhagwan every one longs for your darshan on Ugadi, what ever we do on this
day will be repeated through out the year. We will be having your darshans
through out the year. I have come here, to serve the lotus feet. He
started putting the petals of rose on Swami’s feet.
Prof.Kumar expressing gratitude to Swami, shared the last moments of his
mother, “Swami I thank you for extending the life of my mother for 30years
as she had the first stroke 30years ago. My mother, on the last day in the
body, wanted Bhagwan’s picture to be kept before her and Sathya sai
nathaya namah,played 24 hours, watching Bhagwan and listening to His glory
she left her body while in sleep, most comfotablly, in sathya sai
intercontitental airlines, to His lotus feet. While leaving for Hyderabad
Bhagwan said, your mother will never trouble you and thus she didn’t
trouble any one of us even in her last days..I thank you for all the
blessings You showered on on our family…
Later Swami called upon Mr.Venkatraman, to share his views,
Prof.Venkatraman, shared his views on the water projects in East & West
Godavari districts and in Chennai. He then reminded that its exactly one
year that Swami has started the mobile hospital van, (which is usually
placed in Kulwanth hall in the pathway opposite to the dias) and said how
useful the van was for the poor and needy..
It was 9:45am by then.. All were thinking there would be a play as all
arrangements were made.. Swami suddenly raised from His chair holding the
brass railings… The discourse table was brought and as all arrangements
were being made just behind Him.... Swami had a different plan.. He
preferred to stand holding the railings and render His divine discourse..
The boys on the stage had to run here and there to get another mike for
Prof.Anil Kumar… Later the mike was brought infront of Him and Swami
started His SARVAJIT year Divine Discourse..
Excerpts from the Discourse.. (based on memory.. Its just an effort to
share the first hand experience, Swami might not have said few words.. and
some times mistakenly interpreted as English being my second language….
Swami please forgive me if any mistakes have rolled in…)
Embodiments of Love,
THIS YEAR IS VERY SIGNIFICANT
Swami first mentioned the names of years in telugu. Few more years are
there for Akshaya year. There are 60 years between Prabhava(first year in
the telugu calender) and akshaya(the last year in telugu calender). This
body has witnessed two akshayas. God incarnates in human form in the year
Akshaya. This body was born in the year Akshaya This body is 83 years old
now. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT YEAR. Sarvajit represents the successive
fulfillment of all our aspirations. This year will see development in
ethical, spiritual, political, moral and technological fields. But one
needs to be of truthful thoughts. When one’s thoughts are true no one can
stop them. They are bound to be successful. This year will be a successful
one for all of you. This year is most sacred. Jit means Victory. Sarvajit
means.. victory in all fields. Therefore, consider this year as very
important. You will not come across any body who is failure in this new
year Sarvajit. Celebrate this new year with all devotion and sacredness.
The main reason behind this year is Parvathi.she had undertaken penance to
please Lord Shiva. It’s the day of celebration when mother Parvathi won
Shiva’s heart.
Swami then narrated His visit to East Godavari and Madras some years ago.
There was so much scarcity for water. There were three other devotees
travelling with Swami. For every thing there is a specific time. I
resolved that I should supply clean water and only then I should step in
Madras. I made sure that there is pure water and surplus water to the
people of Madras. I went to Madras recently. There is no scarcity of water
any where (loud applauds). Its also used for cultivation. They had
everything except drinking water. Britishers stayed in Madras for more
than 200 years. They had to go on horseback to distant places for water.
Only rich could afford water in those days. I was very much concernend
about the poor. They didn’t have money to get water from tankers.300
crores were spent for Chennai water project. All people are extremely
happy now. They are drinking pure , sweet drinking water. Human beings are
not understanding the divinity with in them. Correct such fools. They have
enough money . But they don’t give even a coin to a beggar. I told them
don’t wait for any body’s help. The creator will take care of you. What
ever you want ask Me.
Always chant the prayer Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu. Pray for every
body’s peace. Even when you come across your enemy, say Hello brother how
are you? Do your duty and leave the result to Me. Andhra pradesh chief
engineer Kondal Rao, went to East Godavari. They all were wondering how
the water could reach such a height. It cannot be expressed .. one has to
see it to belive it. People said, Swami we are close to River Godavari but
never tasted a drop of water. Such people, today are having acess to pure
water. In remote villages … The other day, they came here, saw everything
here, and said, how lucky you areto see Swami everysday! We are also lucky
that Swami has blessed us with pure drinking water… Swami please come to
our place once.
Yesterday Rama Krishna and Kondal Rao came and said Swami people are very
happy and they are expecting You. I promised that I will be coming. The
people are saying We will provide all the arrangements for you to reach
the spot. they are extremely happy.
NEW PROGRAMME FOR RURAL UPLIFTMENT
Today is a highly sacred day. From today on wards, we will be undertaking
a new project of rural project. Every village will get what they need.
Even the children will be taken care. In two months all villages will have
all the facilities…. There is lot of pollution in towns. This is a very
expensive project. But I never worry about money. Money comes and goes.
Morality comes and grows. No one should raise funds on my name. I will
provide all the funds for any sacred act. What ever you want come to Me.
Never doubt my divinity. Never be afraid of any thing. I will TAKE CARE OF
YOUR WELL BEING. Be ready, and all of you join and work together.
UNITY IS STRENGTH
In the public meeting in Madras (Chennai) which was attended by chief
ministers, governors and other people, I told very clearly there shouldn’t
be any differentiation of states. Don’t say I belong to this state and
that state.. You belong to a nation..India.. All Indians should be United…
All should be united. The whole world should be united. All the classes in
the society will come together during this year of Sarvajit. All will be
united. There wont be any trace of differentiation. This is going to
happen very soon.
Yesterdy people from Mumbai came here. All were rich people. They wanted
to build a big Dwaja stamba (pillar like thing) in the middle of the sea.
The light would be seen even from other countries. It is a very costly
project. The whole of Maharashtra is clean but Mumbai is highly polluted.
You should think to solve the pollution problem.
I bless you all to be peaceful, healthy. Let the whole world be happy. If
you are happy, I am happy. Iam not separate from you. Always have God in
your hearts.
It was already 30 minutes since Swami was standing and now He slowly sits
down…
I have come in this human form to correct the humanity. Sathya Dharma
Santhi Prema and Ahimsa are the five breaths.
Later Swami narrated the incidents in His childhood and how He brought
back Subbamma to life
Refferring to the Burra Katha performed by the students..
Yester day there was a fantastic performance on Eswaramma. All the
characters of the play were excellently portrayed. No one has composed
like this before…. Swami is very happy with the students. Who is the
Teacher?…..the writer of the katha ..Mr.Krishna Bhaskar was called
upon.... Swami then gave him clothes and spoke to him patting his
shoulder.. The three boys who performed the burrakatha so beautifully were
also honoured by Swami. later Swami asked the boys to sing some numbers
from the Katha..
Entha goppa satvi amma Eswaramma…. Kalla kapatamu erugani karunamayi
talli…. ( so sweetly written that Swami closed His eyes and was seen
immersed.. why not.. after all.. it’s the body’s mother.. Swami’s chosen
mother Eswaramma….
Later sweet chapathi ( oliga as its called in this part of state) was
distributed as prasad…and it was beyond 11am before the morning programme
came to an end…..
EVENING SESSION.
The evening session started at 4:40 PM. There were few thousands from
Anantapur district, for Swami’s darshan. Prof.Anil Kumar took over the
proceedings.. The Sai Organisation of Anantapur district, had hand picked
the poorest of the poor from various villages of the district and provided
them sewing machines, grinders, bicycles, push trollies and even machines
to weave silk sarees. While Prof.Anil Kumar read out the names of the
recipients, all of them came to the stage offered prayers to Swami and
took the gifts..
After the distribution, the children of the district rendered
scintillating songs on Swami which were just fantastic.. Swami was seen
immersed and tapping His feet to the rhythm, He even clapped once…
It was around 5:45 and just as we thought the show is finished, Swami
signaled to bring the mike. As Prof.Kumar was ready .. it was confirmed
that its going to be yet another discourse…. Swamy preferred to sit on His
chair and deliver the divine discourse…
As expected.. He started praising the Sai Organisation and the kids for
their excellent work..
Swami said, you all made Me very happy. I can’t express my happiness. Iam
glad to see that you have come forward with this service activity. It
makes Swami very happy. This is what you should be doing till your last
breath.. Be united.. There might be some differences.. sort them out as
soon as possible.. Be like a HINDU.. what is HINDU?.. H for Humanity, I
for Individuality, N for Nationality, D for Divinity and U for Unity.(loud
applauds).. when there is Divinity, there is Unity..
Swami then sang a telugu verse…
Parama Pavana Maina Bharatha vani yandu, sahana mannade manaku chakka
danamu
(in this holyland of Bharat, Patience is our strength)
Vratamulanniti yandu, vane kanchina yatti, Ghana sathya seelame kathina
tapamu
(of all the penance, adherence to truth is the highest form of penance)
Pranambu kantenu manambe Ghana manu mana desa neetini manta galipi
(the country which consideres character more important than ones own life)
Neti ki ichiri paradesa neetula rasi
(due to rapid westernization, have forgotten this value)
Enugu etula tana balamu erugalekunnado, atula ayyinaru mana bharateeyulu
nedu
(just as the mighty elephant doesn’t understand its strength, the Indians
are not understanding their great culture..
Embodiments of Love,
Understand the true human values.. Ignite the God with in you. Don’t go
after money…. Many millionaires come to Me and say Swami we have every
thing.. but no peace of mind.. where is this peace.. Its within you. ..
outside its pieces..pieces…
In this mordern times, both parents are going to work and leaving the
children alone at homes.. That’s why the children are being spoilt. Why do
you run after money.. Of what use is money when you can’t take care of
your own children..
Udyogamulu cheya vanita landuru pova, griha kritya mulu teerchu grihini
evaru
(if women step out of the house to do jobs who will take care of the
house..)
Para baluranu nerpa pathasalakega tama baluraku nerpu tallu levaru
(if you go to teach somebody’s children, who will teach your child)
Don’t run after money.. Ask Me I will provide every thing.. If any one
doesn’t have money to send their kids to school, just ask Me and I will
provide everything(loud applauds)… the people of Anantapur are very
hardworking. Its been a while since I had been to Anantapur… I WILL BE
COMING TO ANANTAPUR VERY SOON.. Be ready.. start doing Bhajans and service
activities…
Swami then sang Hari Bhajana Bina Bhajan as we all joined in ecstasy
Swami continued His divine discourse….All the beneficiaries of this
evening.. remain happy.. work hard and leave the result to God….If you
need any thing.. I will provide you what ever you want… Your happiness is
my happiness.
I have no desires what so ever… I have no hatred towards any body.. If
anyone hates Me then they are hating themselves.. Iam always happy an
blissfull..
Be united.. and give up bad habits.. Lead a happylife and spiritual life…
So saying Swami ended His 45 minute discourse (second one in a day) .. as
the arathi was going on.. Soan cake was distributed as prasad. Thus ended
the first day of Sarvajit year… a successful one and a year of hopes and
aspirations..
Let this year of Victory be a victorious one.. let there be peace and
tranquility in the world. Let the poorest of poor get His right of His
share of bread.. coincidentally its Human rights day(march 21) in places
like South Africa…
Swami bless us all to be successful…
LET OUR LOVE FOR YOU DEFEAT ANGER,
LET OUR LOVE FOR YOU DEFEAT HATRED
LET OUR LOVE FOR YOU DEFEAT LUST
LET OUR LOVE FOR YOU DEFEAT GREED….
AND LET OUR LOVE FOR YOU WIN YOUR HEART…..
With humble prayers to Swami to bless us all with happiness, peace,
prosperity, spiritual upliftment and JIT (SUCCESS) to every one
Come back for Ugadi Pictures and Swami's discourse from today
later ...
TFTD: 20th.
MARCH .07 - "You have heard about the four aeons called Krita Yuga, Treta
Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. These are not distinct from each other.
Be it Krita Yuga or Kali Yuga, it has no separate form. The Yuga is named
according to the conduct of the people at the time. Even during Krita Yuga
there were people filled with attachments and aversions. There are even in
Kali Yuga people wedded to truth and leading virtuous and peaceful lives.
For all Yugas, God is the origin. Hence, God is called Yugadi (One from
whom the Yuga originates). The Yugadi festival is celebrated for this
reason. Everything is a manifestation of the Divine. Not realizing this,
man becomes elated at his gains and depressed at his losses. One should
develop the state of equanimity that is unaffected by the dualities of
gain and loss."
- BABA
The ‘coming’ of a New Year… a signpost for man to introspect the past...
Brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of God, the oneliner
promoting universal oneness with One God concept that was heard many a
time in Prasanthi Nilayam has had a greater impact in the coming into
being of a specialised fraternity, a Universal Family practising Unity in
Diversity. This fraternity’s added conviction to this universal theory of
Oneness draws the focus of attention to the Divine Being Sathya Sai Baba,
who with greater conviction advocates and thus promotes this intangible
theory with tangible results. But for this advocacy and frontline
guidance, suffused with spiritual vision of par excellence, the concept of
Universal Brotherhood has always been waning in practice and popularity in
a world that is infected by concepts driven by express egotism.
A single state with varied culture, showcasing a fine
blend of diversity into quintessential Oneness with the magic formula of
Love brings Prasanthi Nilayam to the exalted status to be the epicenter of
the world of spirituality. The miniscule of world population that throng
to this privileged township do share their cultural heritage barring any
variance with one another, exemplifying a universal home of greater
harmony. …And this unique feature earns a festive galore status to
Prasanthi Nilayam…bringing celebrations aplenty, and in this cultural and
heritage galore comes the celebration of New Years…styling
differently…tailored to diverse mythical concepts and beliefs.
20th March marks the coming of the New Year based on
the southern Indian lunar calendar for three Indian states. It is Ugadi,
the Telugu and Kannada New Year for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka…and in
Maharashtra it comes as Gudipadava. Ugadi, an age old festival that
revels, in essence, by purifying the heart is a periodical reminder to the
man to revert to the age old Godly path with righteous living
understanding his true essence. Bhagawan says: True celebration of
Ugadi lies in giving up evil qualities and purifying one’s heart. Human
heart in its pristine state is highly sacred and human birth is difficult
to attain. External cleanliness, an obvervance that man does as a
part of this festivity by getting up early in the morning, having sacred
bath, putting on new clothes, does indeed signify in essence the much
needed inner purification that man should aim to achieve.
How do we welcome the New Year?
The New Year comes with fresh hopes and man often makes attempts to raise
his set standards with New Year resolutions. While leaving these
resolutions that often go down with dud progress, man should make serious
attempts to reflect upon his own self, by introspecting his actions and
contributions in the year that is passing by, and should be grateful for
all that has been bestowed upon him during the year. During the Ugadi
celebrations in the year 1985, Prof. Kasturi in his short speech in the
Divine Presence significantly mentioned that the New Year day was an
occasion for devotees to draw up a balance sheet oftheir record
during the past year and submit it to the Lord. All of us, he said, are
pilgrims to His Lotus feet. Man should cease to be blind any more and
look up to the bestower with gratitude and in essence he should come to
term with the reality that he is being constantly guided…and guarded by
the Supreme Selfless One… “You cannot indulge in sinful deeds and hope to
realise the fruits of meritorious actions. Hence embark on good deeds and
sanctify your life. Do not get needlessly agitated over the name of the
year. Shed all fear and, placing your faith in God, transform even a
dreadful year into a divine one”. Bhagawan urged the gathering in the 1985
version of Ugadi in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Puttaparthi’s boon
Puttaparthi, the most privileged remote village of yester years, that has
turned into a world renowned spiritual centre known as Prasanthi Nilayam,
that played host to the Divine Advent has been a silent witness to the
‘blossoming of the bud’, the bud that by itself is the sole light and the
soul of all lights. It had the greatest fortune to wintess the
self-evolution of the earthly sojourn of this Avatar of Age. God’s angelic
voice of Wisdom conquering hearts and minds taking souls to the exalted
state of Divine Union…a Mission that Bhagawan does silently, yet with
great profundity, with great patience and perseverance does echoe from the
heart of this holy abode ceaselessly as a perennial flow of ocean of
Wisdom. During Ugadi, time and again Bhagawan had exhorted invalubale life
sustaining principles to the devotees flocked to Prasanthi Nilayam. Here
are some extracts of these words of wisdom…
in 1985…
Talking on the mounting differences between man and man, village and
village, between states and countries, Bhagawan stressed the importance of
being vigilant over one’s own actions. He said: The year is filled with
so much of hatred and anger that its heat will burn even green grass.
Referring to the impending scarcity and trouble, Bhagawan said: In the
cycle of Nature, bad is likely to be followed by good and vice versa.
Hence, we must cultivate the strength and equanimity to face difficulties
and troubles. Only the grace of God can give this strength and courage.
Even in our daily life, we will have to conduct ourselves with great care
during this year. Every word we utter must be spoken with due
deliberation. We have to restrain our pride and anger to the greatest
extent. We must eschew anger and hatred towards anyone. Even If there is
some provocation for such feelings, it should be kept in check. If one
succumbs to such provocations, grave consequences may follow. Referring
to the name of the year, Krodhana, Bhagawan said: The name of the
year does not matter. What is really important is how we think and feel.
If we do not fill our hearts with pure and sacred thoughts, any year will
be unfavourable to us.
in 1986…
Bhagavan observed that the dualistic attitude of man was born out of a
sense of separateness, which was not correct. Man should realise his
inherent divinity and get rid of identification of his real Self with the
body. The body is only an instrument for realising the Self. No great
scholarship is needed for achieving this realisation. The attitude of
surrender to the Divine and dedicating all thoughts, words and actions as
an offering to the Divine will lead to Self-realisation. The bliss one
will experience in that state is beyond description in words.
in 1987…
Dwelling on the subject how is God to be experienced? Bhagawan said: The
first requisite is purity of heart. All religions have affirmed the basic
importance of purity. The aim of all sadhanas is to achieve peace.
Compassion towards all beings is devotion to God.God
cannot be experienced through the ostentatious observance of rituals and
worship. Where there is pomp and show there can be no divinity. The bliss
of the Divine cannot be found there. As a seed will not sprout on rocky
ground, the bliss of the Divine cannot be realised by worship devoid of
humility and sincerity.
in 1988...
"Man should develop self‑confidence and not allow evil tendencies to take
hold of him or fall a victim to undesirable habits." Man should remember
that every moment is a "Yugadi" and his constant efforts should be to
conduct himself in thought, word and deed as a human being.
in 1989…
We hail the New Year as Samvatsara because it signifies the omnipresence
of the Divine. It is not the New Year Day alone that should be regarded as
holy. Every moment is the beginning of a new year. Every moment should be
made holy by sacred thoughts and actions,” observed Bhagawan, in the
course of His inspiring discourse.
in 1990…
Firm faith in God's name will ward off many of the evil portents indicated
by the planetary conjunctions in the New Year Pramoduta, observed
Bhagawan, in the course of His discourse.Bhagawan said there were
indications of various kinds of conflicts and dangers from fire disasters
during the year, but many joyous events were also likely. He advised the
large concourse of devotees to carry on their duties in a spirit of
dedication, with firm faith in God.
in 1991…
In the eyes of the ancient Bharatiyas, there was nothing in the world that
was not Divine. Ignoramuses, who were not aware of this truth, looked down
upon Bharatiyas as worshippers of trees, stones, snakes, etc.
Unfortunately, the awareness of this basic truth (about the immanence of
the Divine in the Cosmos) is declining even among Bharatiyas today. Such
recognition (of the divinity of everything in the universe) is not to be
found in any other religion or country elsewhere.
in 1993…
God is the embodiment of Time. Time is eternal. It has no end. It is
boundless. As against this eternal Time, the life‑span of man is very
limited. Because of his limited time-span, man is bound by the passage of
time in terms of hours, days, months and years. All the latter are by
their intrinsic nature transient. The Lord declares: "I am the Eternal
Time" ("Akshya Kaalah"). It is indeed a pity that this eternal time should
be considered as a fleeting moment. Man's actions are governed by the
change in time and circumstances. In the procession of years, the present
New Year is known as "Srimukha". The past year was known as Angirasa. To
bid farewell to Angirasa and to welcome Srimukha are considered a natural
action among common people. Not realising the infinite and sacred nature
of Time, men set bounds to Time and bid farewell to one year and extend
welcome to a new year. In this context, all actions of men appear to be
artificial. On this day, when one person meets another, he greets the
other with the words: "Happy New Year!" The other man replies: "The same
to you!" These words have no meaning at all. If, for one moment on one day
one wishes someone happiness, will he secure happiness? People's entire
lives are consumed by artificial behaviour.
in 1994…
Nature is the best teacher for mankind to learn the noble and sacred
lesson of selfless sacrifice. Look at the trees which yield fruits for
the enjoyment of others, without any trace of selfishness. "Ugadi" or New
Year day is a festival that teaches lessons in selfless service. It is not
intended for feasting. It is a sacred day when wholesome wisdom should
dawn and enlightenment should blossom in the hearts of people.
in 1995…
The world is confronted today with many problems. On the one side there is
fear of war. On another side, there is fear of famine. On a third front
there is the lust for power. On the fourth side, selfishness is rampant.
There is discord between man and man, between one caste and another,
between one nation and another. What is the reason for this? Society is
riddled today with conflicts because morality has been banished and
humanness has been forgotten. Becoming a prey to peacelessness, man seeks
the Divine by various means. But why is he unable to realise his desire?
What is the cause of his sorrow? Is it due to unfulfilled desire or the
failure of his efforts? Is he miserable because he has not got various
possessions, or failed to win a lottery? Lamenting over such trifles, man
today is forgetting his divinity.
in 1996…
What is the significance of the advent of the New Year? It is not
necessary to wait for twelve months for the New Year to appear for one to
do what he wants to do. The year is made up of seconds, minutes, hours,
days and months. Every second is a new moment in one's life. Why then wait
for a year? Every one should strive to render help to the people every
second of his life and lead a noble and ideal existence. It is necessary
for man to understand the truth underlying this dictum. The eye sees
different persons in different relationship to a person: the mother, the
daughter, the daughter-in-law and so on. Although the eye that sees is the
same, the persons seen are different and one's behaviour is to be in
accord with the varying relationships.
in 1997…
If we wish to discover the presence of the all-pervading Divine in the
universe, we have to recognise the Divine in our daily life. Like the
power of sight in the eye and the power of hearing in the ears, God
manifests as consciousness in the human body. There is no place in the
world where God does not exist. God pervades everything.
in 1998…
Only those who recognise this truth can redeem their lives; they alone can
achieve the goal of human existence. The powers of the Divine are
limitless. Every living being in the world is governed by some
limitations. Birds, beasts and insects are all taken care of by the Divine
in respect of their essential needs like food and drink. Among all living
beings, however, the life of human being is supreme as it is governed by
morality and good conduct. The Divine has placed some limitations on the
physical powers of man but has set no limits to his mental powers. Man can
achieve whatever he resolves to achieve. He can even realise God. This
divine power is given only to human beings.
in 1999…
Thoughts are the permanent asset of man. Thoughts are based on feelings
and feelings on the mind. …As the thoughts, so the mind. If thoughts are
good, humanity will blossom into Divinity. Today man's behaviour is not
good because his thoughts are polluted. As the thoughts and actions of man
have become perverted, the country is passing through troubles and
turmoil. Man has filled his mind with thoughts about mundane, ephemeral
and transient things. This is totally negative in nature. Only thoughts
based on Truth are positive.
in 2000…
When the New Year begins, people start speculating as to what the New Year
has in store for them and also for the world at large. The future of the
world depends on the actions of man, not on the New Year. Actions depend
on the mind, the mind on thoughts. As are the thoughts, so is the action.
Hence, for the world to be peaceful and prosperous, man should foster
truthful thoughts. The world will enjoy safety, security and peace only
through men of truthful thoughts.
in 2001…
Right from the beginning, the Vedas have taught the principle of
equanimity to mankind. It says that you are neither sin nor merit, neither
happiness nor misery. You are neither Yajna nor charity. You are neither
the ritual offering nor the process of worship. You are neither man nor
animal. Then who are you? You are the principle of Siva (supreme
consciousness).
in 2002…
We have been experiencing the bliss of celebrating Ugadi for the past many
ages and generations. The Bharatiyas have been spreading peace and
security to all the nations of the world with their strength of
spirituality. Since time immemorial to this day, the prayer of the
Bharatiyas has been: Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the
people of the world be happy!) But the present-day condition is just the
opposite. Man has progressed in worldly sense but morally he has
regressed. He is not able to give up his narrow mindedness and criticism
of others.
in 2003…
Today is the New Year day. People celebrate it as a festival with all
festivity and gaiety. But their enthusiasm and happiness are short-lived.
They do not last even for one day. It is not the true celebration of the
New Year. Your happiness should be forever. It should be permanent. True
happiness is not something which comes and goes like a passing cloud. You
are born with bliss; you should retain it all your life.
in 2004…
People are making efforts to realise truth but their efforts are not
yielding the desired result. Divinity is the very embodiment of eternal
bliss and is present in all of us. How can you visualise it? Firstly, you
should understand that there is nothing superior to truth in this world.
Your foremost duty is to recognise the principle of truth that is present
in you. But you are forgetting your innate divinity. You are undertaking a
number of Sadhanas (spiritual practices) to experience divinity. In fact,
you do not need to perform any special Sadhana to have the vision of God
who is always with you, in you, above you, around you.
in 2005…
Truly, God has endowed man with immense potential. That is love. It is
beyond all description and measure. There is no greater power than this.
But man is frittering away this power without realising its value. He is
under the mistaken notion that love means physical and worldly
relationship. No, no. This is not true love. True love is that which
unites you with one and all. People utter this word repeatedly without
actually knowing its meaning. Love does not hurt anybody. It always helps.
Hence, consider love as your true property. There is no property more
valuable than love in this world. You are misusing the God-given gift of
love by diverting it to worldly matters and sensual pleasures. Your
foremost duty is to make proper use of love by following the dictum, Help
ever, Hurt never. There is no greater Dharma than this.
in 2006…
Good and bad coexist. It is not possible for anyone to separate them. When
you cultivate more of goodness, the bad in you will become absolutely
insignificant. There is no need to use any force to drive away all that is
bad. When you forget bad, goodness will develop in you in full measure.
This is the message I would like to give on this day. Do not think that
the New Year will give you some new fruits. The fruits that you earn will
be based on your qualities and actions. All that you think will be
reflected back to you. Everything is the result of your thoughts.
On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn
and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their
houses with fresh mango leaves. The green mango leaves tied to the doorway
signify a good crop and general well being. It is noteworthy that one uses
mango leaves and coconuts (as in a 'Kalasam', to initiate any puja) only
on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods.
People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground
in front of their house and draw colourful floral designs. This is a
common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to
God invoking Divine blessings before they start off with the New Year.
They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business
too. Ugadi supposedly the most auspicious time to start new ventures.
Listening to the yearly calendar normally read at the
temples or at a common place in the town popularly known as
“Panchangasravanam” is a traditionally followed custom of the festivity.
Another important aspect of this festival is its special delicacies.
"Ugadi Pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with this
festival. Kavi Sammelanam or poetry recitation is a typical Telugu Ugadi
feature. It is the time when people look forward to a literary feast in
the form of Kavi Sammelanam.
Bhagawan adds, “It is a practice among rural folk to
eat what is called Ugadi Pachchadi (Ugadi Chutney). This is made from Neem
flowers, mango juice, honey, sugar (jaggery) and other ingredients with
different tastes. The inner significance of this preparation is to
indicate that life is a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow, and all
of them have to be treated with equanimity. Everyone should make
resolution that he would face calmily whatever happens, accepting with
good grace. Welcome everything. Do not bemoan over anything. Consider
everything as for your own good. This is the primary purpose of the Ugadi
festival.
In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "Pulihora",
"Bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion.
In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "Puliogure" and
"Holige". The Maharashtrians make "Puran Poli" or sweet 'Rotis'.
Bhagawan had given a beautiful analogy on the festivity
in one of His Divine Discourses saying “The Kali Yuga (the present era)
started in the year Pramadi, the month named Sravana, the fortnight named
Bahula, and the day called Ashtami. According to the English Calendar,
this would be described as 20th February 3102 years before the advent of
Christ. In order to bring out this aspect of the commencement of the new
Yuga on 20th February 3102 B.C., our ancestors have been calling that day
‘the day of the beginning of a new era (Ugadi)” Since this was the
commencing day of a new Yuga, it was called Ugadi. When looked at from
this angle, we should also learn a different aspect, although it is not
very pleasant. This particular day, Ugadi, is also the day on which
Krishna gave up his mortal body in a sacred place of pilgrimage called
Prabahatsa near Dwaraka.
God’s greater benevolence has yielded man the luxury of
festivals aplenty coming with subtle metaphorical significance. It is for
the man to adapt and later adopt these subtle values in life to transmute
his sojourn into a real pilgrimage wherein, in the end, he is sure to lose
himself dazzled by the resplended glory of Greater Heaven. The ‘coming’
of the New Year should serve man with the insight to look within in search
of this dazzling and most complete one, Resplendent Divine!
