THE SAI MISSION CONTINUES SHIRDI TO MUDDENAHALLI 1838 - 2023 International Edition VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM ONE WORLD ONE FAMILY ONE FUTURE Education For All Health For All Food For All Subash Calpu
BHARAT MATAA KI JAI
Copyright © Subash Calpu All rights reserved. No part this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other means electronic, photo-copying, digital, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission or authorisation from the author. First published in 2024 by Subash Calpu San Fernando Trinidad West Indies Contact Telephone - (868 499-0940) Email - [email protected]
A NEW BHARAT BEGINS
This book is dedicated in honour of the two persons chosen by Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba in their tireless and relentless work in leading the Mission of the re-establishment of Bharat as the Viswa Guru and its core values and principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam throughout the world in the 21st century and beyond. Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India and Sadguru Dr. Sri Madhusudan Sai Spiritual leader of the Muddenahalli Ashram in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka.
“In My Palm Is The Destiny Of India. What I am going to do in the future for India and the rest of the world will be shown on this medallion which has a silver map of India with 18 jewels embedded in it.” “There are verses on this medallion which describe the glorious events and social works that I will carry out and the names of the students who will head the 18 centres all over India.” Baba Discourse in Ooty, Tamil Nadu,1976. Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality
RAM MANDIR AYODHYA PRAN PRATISHTA - MON 22ND. JAN. 2024 The Ram Janambhumi Temple stands as an emblem of cultural and religious significance in Ayodhya, India. This sacred site, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims every year. Beyond its historical and spiritual importance, the temple’s essence is deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic practice of Pran Pratishtha, a ritual that infuses life into the deities. In a historic event set to unfold in Ayodhya, the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla’s throne is scheduled for January 22, 2024. The Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, the infant Lord Ram, will commence on January 16, one week before the main event. This auspicious event, timed with precision by Vedic acharyas from Kashi, will occur during an 84-second window under the Abhijeet Muhurat in Mrigashira Nakshatra, between 12.29.08 pm and 12.30.32 pm. Largest Temple in India - As per its design structure, Ayodhya Ram Mandir is going to be the largest temple in India. According to the Sompura Family who designed the temple's structure, the height of the temple would be approximately 161 feet along with 28,000 square feet of area. It was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom, Ayodhya, a holy city in Uttar Pradesh, which holds immense religious and historical importance as the birthplace of the Lord Rama.
RAM LALLA MURTI JAI SHRI RAM The Ram Lalla idol reflects Lord Ram's child form, adorned with a bow and arrow as part of the decoration. The seventh incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu, Lord Rama is revered as an ideal human being who embodied the highest spiritual virtues, such as compassion, truthfulness, and selflessness. One who worships Lord Ram has enhanced self-esteem and is self-assured. They have extremely strong willpower, their mental stability is strong enough to surpass any difficult situation. Chanting the word RAMA is enough to bring positive energy and awaken the soul. His power is immeasurable. Shri Ram's power is not just in his prowess as a warrior, it is in his generosity. He forgives everyone if someone truly repents for what they have done. Rama reaches out to help and protect many who lived a dharmic life, irrespective of their birth, status, etc. He is thus hailed as the “Saranyan,” the ultimate refuge. The celestial beings led by Brahma seek the Lord to get relief from the atrocities of Ravana. Rama undergoes many hardships but stands firm in righteousness at all times. He is worshipped as Maryada Purushottam, an epitome of perfect human life.
TRIPLE SAI AVATAR SHIRDI SATYA PREMA 1838 – 2023 …
VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBHKAM ONE WORLD… ONE FAMILY… ONE FUTURE…
CONTENTS Chapter Pg FOREWORD… 1 INTRODUCTION… 3 1. SETTING “NEW STANDARDS”… 7 2. BHARAT AS VISWA GURU … 13 3. TYPES OF AVATARS… 24 4. THE SAI MISSION CONTINUES… 50 5. “SADGURU” SRI MADHUSUDAN SAI… 64 6. A “NEW INDIA” BEGINS… 95 7. NARENDRA MODI THE SAI DEVOTEE… 146 8. VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM… 210 9. PREMA SAI ENTERS THE MISSION… 226 10. THE GOLDEN DOORS” OPEN … 250 11. THE ASCENSION… 256 12. THE FUTURE OF MANKIND … 259 13. CONCLUSION 273 14. ADDENDUM – VANDE MATARAM 275
1 FOREWORD Firstly, I would like to personally acknowledge and thank Baba for his grace and blessings in allowing me to write this third book and place it directly at His lotus feet. Without His Divine guidance and support this book would not have been possible and all praise to go Him for granting me the opportunity of serving and being an instrument in His Divine Mission. Secondly, I would like to thank the Sai Premamrutha Prakashana Team led by Mr. Isaac Tigrett for allowing me to be a part of the Global Editorial Team from 2017-2022. Great insights and knowledge of Baba’s continuing Mission were gained through the editing of Baba’s discourses which assisted greatly in my further understanding and participation in Baba’s Global Mission. It is these discourses over a period of six years and others later on by Sri Madhusudan Sai which provided the information and clarification to many unanswered questions pertaining to the continuation of the Mission and which formed the basis of this book. It is therefore incumbent on me to clarify that some of the details provided in the chapters have
2 come directly from Baba and Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai discourses which are all available online for public scrutiny and review. With respect to the chapters relating to the Prime Minister and the Government, the information provided and documented has come directly from Mr. Modi’s public speeches and other relevant Government official releases and documents which can also be accessed and viewed publically online. If there are any discrepancies in the official data provided it may have been in the information being further updated during the course of time between publication and the present time which is constantly changing on a daily basis. Finally, I hope that this book clears up and clarifies many of the questions and misinformation which may have occurred in the minds of devotees ever since the “physical demise” of Baba and gives everyone a much greater understanding and clarity of Baba’s Global Mission as it continues to unfold all the time. Sincerely, Subash Calpu.
3 INTRODUCTION With the ‘Pran Pratishta’ of Lord Rama’s idol set for January 22, 2024 in Ayodhya, the stage is set for the start of a ‘New Era’ in the civilizational revival of Bharat as the Viswa Guru of the world. After waiting for over 500 years the followers of Sanatana Dharma have finally won the right to have their ‘Ram-lalla’ consecrated once more. Physical wars, battles, court cases, political and religious fanaticism have marred the long awaited return of the ‘Maryada Purushotam’ or “perfect man” to his once cherished and much loved home. Many ‘Ram-bhakts’ have lost their lives in the period starting with the destruction of the original birth place of Rama over five centuries ago right up to the re-construction of the new temple in 2024. Numerous sacrifices and penances have been made by countless thousands of devotees to finally enable the coming of a ‘Second Divali’ for Rama in his hometown village very much like the first time thousands of years ago when he returned with Mother Sita from Lanka after defeating the mighty Ravana in battle. This time the battle took all of 500 years and more as compared to the 14 years of exile he had to endure while looking for Sita Mataa.
4 No one can deny the fact that this is a civilizational shift of gigantic and enormous proportions the likes of which has not been seen for centuries in the history of Bharat. Rama has been the focus and centre of attention for millions of devotees of both the Valmiki and Tulsidasa Rama-Charitmana holy texts. It is to the credit of bhaktas that they have kept their faith in Rama for thousands of years despite countless obstacles from non-believers. Monday 22nd January 2024 will be a watershed moment and a defining point in the future for generations of Hindus and Sanatanists not only in India but throughout the entire world. A new dawn will emerge from under the shadows of a cloudy past as the light of a ‘New Golden Age’ bursts forth to encompass all of humanity. Like the Mahabharata of Lord Krishna’s time in Dwapara Yuga the Ramayana of Lord Rama’s era in the Treta Yuga has been the source of strength, courage, faith and conviction in the lives of hundreds of millions and even billions of devotees over millennia. For those who have kept the faith and belief for all these times this is their moment as Prime Minister so deftly said when he stated publicly at a recent event that “This is the moment India has been waiting for”.
5 The return to ‘Rama-raj’ in the lives of devotees will spark a spiritual revival throughout India which has not been seen for centuries. The stage is therefore set for the return of Bharat as the civilizational head of the world as devotees worldwide finally get the impetus they have longed for ages. Countless tears will flow on ‘Rama-lalla’ day in Ayodhya but this time it would not be tears of sorrow but one of joy, happiness, bliss and relief as finally they have got their Shri Rama back home after over 500 years of exile. A new Bharat is ready to once more assume its responsibilities and duties as the ‘Dharmic’ ruler of the world with its most significant value of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as the driving force and mantra for the regeneration of Mankind to transform into a ‘New Age of Consciousness’. For this to occur however, much preparation and work will have to be done with meticulous planning, development and futuristic thinking by the Government and many other stakeholders across all sectors of society working together in harmony and love. It is in this regard that this book has been written to highlight the work that has already begun and is presently going on under two very distinguished and chosen personalities in the political and
6 spiritual fields in the form of Shri Narendra Modi and Sadguru Dr. Shri Madhusudan Sai. It is with this intention that I invite you to be a part of this ‘Global Mission’ of the re-establishment of ‘Dharma’ throughout the world and to join hands together with anyone and everyone associated with this endeavour in whatever country or place you may reside in. This transformation is one of unity, love and service to all fellow human beings and hence everyone is welcome to join in this Mission of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” regardless of religion, caste, creed, race, nationality, social status or financial position. Ram-raj is returning again and it is the duty of every “Dharmic” individual to ensure that this becomes a reality for the next 1000 years. This is for the future of all generations of humanity to come and will occur without doubt as Baba has said that “No force on this earth can stop the Mission for which I have come, which is the restoration of Dharma throughout the world.” JAI SHRI RAM
7 1. SETTING “NEW STANDARDS” Devotees of the Lord have always faced the most stringent tests and obstacles along their spiritual journey. Sometimes there are periods of doubts and uncertainty as to what direction to follow at certain junction points along the way but the Avatar always leads His devotees out of the “darkness” into the “light”. We should be reminded of the prayer “Asato Maa Sad Gamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya”- Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality and bliss. Baba have continuously stated that “Spiritual Tests” must be welcomed because it is the only way to progress on the path of divinity. Without “tests” and challenges one would remain stuck on the same level birth after birth. Hence it is absolutely necessary and essential to accept “tests” and pass them for your own spiritual evolution. Baba has also said that His “physical passing” was another step in His Divine Mission and that everyone must accept it and move on to their next
8 phase in the goal of becoming like Him. He has also said on numerous occasions that “I am God but You are also God” and that to realise this is your ultimate aim and purpose in life. In order to graduate spiritually to the highest level, it is necessary for the ‘sadhakas’ to remove all the ignorance, negativity and darkness from their lives by “Loving All and Serving All” which is the epitome of Baba’s Mission. Baba has set “New Standards” for His Mission and devotees to follow in their lives. The full details of how and why He wants these new standards to be set is given in His discourse in 1968 on His 42nd birthday. In the discourse He has given specific guidelines and information on how to achieve these goals and standards by first setting an example in your own personal life and then being a role model for the rest of the society to follow afterwards. He also talks about the past, present and future of the world in which He has prepared His devotees to be the “light” which removes the darkness of the world through their pure love and service to mankind. This is Baba’s clarion call for all devotees to step up and increase their devotion and “Seva” by rising to unprecedented heights throughout the course of
9 their lifetimes and set the pace for the rest of the world to follow. By contemplating and implementing this ‘Divine Message’ in your daily life, you will be setting “New Standards” of thinking and living for all to emulate and follow, thereby not only elevating yourself, but also those around you and the rest of the world to attain the highest levels of Divinity in the future. “YOUR MISSION HAS BEGUN” Sathya Sai Baba Birthday Discourse 1968 “These are my words to you, My devotees. Each of you has a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. Only those whom I have called can serve Me. My Mission has now reached that point of time when each of you now has work to do. This planet has a purpose in which it is held. That purpose is now unfolding before your eyes. I call upon you to radiate the Bhakti (devotion) within you so that its unseen power will envelop all who come into your orbit. To successfully perform your part, always remain centred on Me. Allow yourself to impart that purity of heart within you towards all human beings and all living things
10 and do not reach for the fruits of your work. This part of My Mission is performed in absolute silence. You are My instruments from whom My love will pour. Be always aware that the moment you let your ego descend upon you, My work ceases. When you have overcome your negative un-mindfulness, you will again become My Source. The multiplication of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have prepared you for this work over many incarnations. I have drawn you to Me. I have made great steps in My Mission over these past incarnations. My work is ceaseless and so your work too, is without end. Know that I am within and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of the petty matters forevermore. You are now in Me and I am now in Thee. There is no difference. My Darshan (spiritual blessings) will pour forth from Me to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure of heart and soul and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. Others too, will join Me in this Mission when I draw them to Me. The time is approaching when all of humanity will live in harmony. That time will be here sooner than one expects. Before it arrives, be prepared for whatever is needed
11 to reveal to every living thing the true purpose of existence. It is not what anyone alive can imagine. It is beyond all comprehension. I can say that its beauty is magnificent beyond all dreams and as each of you perform your silent work, I embrace you to My Heart and henceforth your souls shall be lifted up and your eyes will reveal My Presence within. This I say to all My Devotees from the Lord's Mountain Top where all the Universes become one. Be about My work, My beloved bhaktas. Your breath will carry the scent of the blossoms of Heaven. Your example will be that of Angels. Your joy will be My Joy.” These words of Baba are relevant today as they were decades ago in the previous century. The call to action was the same then as it is now more so when Baba is no longer here in the physical form. Much more effort and work needs to be done to carry out Baba’s instructions by everyone throughout the world. All hands must be on deck as we move forward in preparation for the advent of Prema Sai. All differences must be cast aside as there must be a concerted united effort by everyone to combat the forces of Adharma globally.
12 The Avatar always needs the cooperation of ‘humans’ working together with Him to accomplish His Mission of the restoration of Dharma. Therefore, as we look ahead to the next incarnation of the Avatar the message remains the same of love and service to all. Wherever you may be, take up the challenge of the Avatar and make your life an ‘instrument’ in the hands of the ‘Divine.’ “You Will Have To Lift Your Level Of Consciousness To The Next Level Or You Will Be Left Behind”
13 2 BHARAT AS VISWA GURU Past And Present This book comes at a time when India is beginning to emerge as the Viswa Guru of a new changing multi-polar world. Many factors have contributed to this epic phenomenon which has seen the rise of a new India under the dynamic and inspirational leadership of Narendra Modi ever since he took over as Prime Minister in 2014. As we trace the history of this momentous shift in the new world order, many explanations, reasons, developments, information and facts will be presented for your benefit and understanding of what is being referred to as the New Bharat of the Ancient Indic Civilisation of thousands of years ago. It is hoped that after reading this book you will have a much greater understanding and clarity as to why India is now being regarded by many world leaders as the new Viswa Guru or “Teacher of The World”. For Millennia, India or Bharat as it was known then, was known by all as the Viswa Guru of the world. It has been said that if “Bharat lives then the world lives,” but if Bharat dies then the world dies.”
14 Suffice to say, the entire world has been going through massive upheavals in numerous ways, be it through war, famine, natural disasters, massive earthquakes, financial meltdowns, pandemics, nuclear armament, political crises, radical terrorism, climate change, raging floods and religious fanatical fundamentalists etc. It’s as though every possible negative phenomenon has been hitting different parts of the earth with increasing frequency over the past few decades of the twentieth and now the early part of the twentyfirst century. This has resulted in millions of people being killed and thousands of acres of agricultural fertile lands and crops being destroyed at an alarming rate. Millions of persons go hungry every single day while many thousands succumb to the pangs of hunger on a daily basis. When it is said that God created enough food in nature as forests, plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, tubers, seeds, grass etc. for all animals, fish, birds, insects and humans to co-exist, why then is starvation still a real disaster facing mankind? The answer may come from the statement that “God created an abundance of natural resources in creation for everyone’s need, but not enough for one mans greed.”
15 This imbalance in the world has been caused by the unequal distribution of the natural resources of the world by those who have controlled it for the past few centuries. It has been estimated that approximately ten percent of humanity controls the vast majority of the wealth of the world, both in terms of natural and financial resources. What happens then to the remaining ninety per cent? What becomes of them? “Survival of the fittest” then becomes the mantra of the human race which is equivalent to the animal kingdom. It is precisely to address this seemingly never ending struggle for survival, that many turn to negative tendencies like drugs, alcohol, smoking, stealing, looting, violence and even suicide to try and cope with this overwhelming task of daily survival. Some barely remain alive while many succumb to the daily pressures of staying alive. Failing to make sense out of their desperate situations, some turn eventually to a life of crime and other illegal sources of income in order to survive. It is precisely at this juncture that many who prefer not to follow the criminal or lawless path, turn to religion, scriptures, saints and spiritual leaders for direction, solace, comfort and peace of mind.
16 This is why spirituality plays an extremely important role in the lives of such persons to help maintain focus, direction, faith and belief in the hope that eventually their dire situations in life will change at some point in the future. The challenges for large segments of the world’s population appear to be surmountable only with the courage, strength, determination, will-power and prayers offered towards the divine Lord of their faith, in the hope that divine intervention will occur in their lives at some point in time, to ease their ceaseless burdens of daily survival. For millions and millions, prayer and faith in a supreme being, far greater than any ordinary human, is their only hope for a better life for themselves and their families in the future in this life-time and also for those who believe and have faith in a happier existence in the after-life. One may be tempted to ask, “How is this all related to the Sai Mission?” Well this is precisely what will be discussed in this book, as much greater details, facts and experiences will be presented and explained for your perusal and benefit. So, here’s wishing you all God’s blessings and grace as we dive into this much anticipated topic of the ‘The Sai Mission Continues...”
17 Three Times Having written two books previously on Sri Satya Sai Baba, the question always arose as to when the privilege of writing a third one will be bestowed upon me. The first, “Island of Divinity” in 1995, was inspired by the numerous miracles of Baba experienced by citizens of my “Janma- bhoomi” or birthplace of Trinidad. This book traced the many miraculous events occurring in the lives of Sai devotees either at their homes, work place or during satsangs over numerous years. It was these so-called “incidents” or “callings” which eventually led to the drastic transformations in the lives of not only the devotees concerned, but also of extended family members, friends, relatives, neighbours, co-workers, devotees and even total strangers, who were completely mesmerised by these miraculous happenings all over the country in plain view for everyone to see and experience. It was way back in January, 1987, when I also had the blessings to experience these same miracles at the home of a Sai devotee close to where I was living. This was the “calling” that I received from Baba some thirty-six years ago and one which would eventually lead me onto the path of being a Sai devotee.
18 Many decades after entering into the Sai-world I can truly say that the journey thus far has been one of exhilarant bliss, constant joy, divine revelations and extreme happiness along with Baba’s continuous grace and never-ending blessings. The journey has been full of surprises along the way, with unforgettable memories and experiences at all levels of my life, much too numerous to mention here. From satsangs to private homes, from friends to strangers, from home to work, from bal-vikas children and students to fellow-workers and adults, my life has been just one long satsang, every day, every night, every minute and every second to treasure and behold for eternity. This is exactly what led to the second book entitled “The Sai Mission Continues in Maanasarovar and Trinidad & Tobago” in 2003. During this period after the emergence of an incident involving the vision of Lord Hanuman by a photographer in a cave in the Himalayan mountains, the world was seemingly being prepared for a shift in divine consciousness. Why am I saying this? It was in 1995 that the world was also witness to the Lord Ganesh “drinking milk” phenomenon where thousands of devotees reported that murtis, statues, photos and images made from clay, stone,
19 marble ceramic etc. were all reportedly “drinking” milk offered to it. Not only Ganesh but later on all other deities reportedly started doing the same, whether it was Shiva, Hanuman, Rama, Krishna, Vishnu, Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Naaga, Lingam etc. There was definitely something happening in the world which would have been interpreted in a variety of ways by many. Some claimed it was a sign of things to come, others said it was divine intervention, while still others interpreted it as a warning to mankind to change its ways to a more spiritual one. In whatever way it was interpreted, one thing was certain, that this was not an ordinary phenomenon, but an experience which was beyond the range of the normal everyday human endeavour. Why did this happen? Even after almost 30 years later, it still remains in the realm of speculation as to the real reason for this occurrence. Fast forward to the year 2000, in which you had the reported sighting of Hanuman sitting in a cave in the Himalayas by a reporter taking photographs again created quite a stir in the consciousness of persons all over the world. Again the question was asked by many, “What is the reason for these divine occurrences happening at this time”.
20 For a second time, there was no answer forthcoming from the public or even religious or spiritual leaders that was able to quench the curiosity or the thirst of the agnostic, neutral-minded or hard core spiritualists. Needless to say, this would remain as an inquisitive topic for many years following these two “divine” worldly experiences of both Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman. Was a message being sent to mankind? Was a coded answer being given by the divine, which could not be de-coded by humans. Whatever the reason was, no one could accurately or factually reveal the true purpose of these two occurrences. What could be said however, was that in both circumstances 1995 and 2003, the two books were written at around the same time. Coincidence or not? That question may best be left unanswered for the moment. Twenty years later in 2023, after being a ‘Global Editor” editing the discourses of Baba and Sri Madhusudan Sai for six years from 2017-2022 with the Sri Sathys Sai Premamrutha Prakashana Team in Muddenahalli headed by Isaac Tigrett, a third book is being written. This time with no visible divine phenomenon occurring, but instead, probably the most rapid transformation of a country the world has ever seen
21 in a mere decade, in terms of its economy, finance, trade, infra-structure, education, culture etc. What country are we talking about? Of course, it’s India or Bharat, as it should rightly be called, being the original name of its ancestral lands and peoples. Why would this be classified as a phenomenon, probably on the same level as the other two? Because it involves the massive transformation of 1.4 billion people on a scale and speed never before witnessed in the history of humanity. It may have happened to other smaller nations, like Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, etc. but not on the massive scale as this has. Again, the question may be asked. Why is it happening at this time to India? Well, this is the reason for writing this third book. To look at the phenomenon not of Ganesh, Hanuman or any other Hindu deity, but of two brand new phenomenon called Madhusudan Sai and Narendra Damodardas Modi. Why these two persons, one a youth and the other an adult? Well, one is primarily responsible for the massive changes that have transformed India into one of the most influential and future super powers of the world, while the other has continued the legacy of Sai Baba as the greatest spiritual transformation of all mankind.
22 Both of them have had the direct grace and blessings of Baba in order to fulfil the roles for which they have been assigned. We will attempt to look at the many reasons, factors, ideas, experiences, spirituality and vision of the man, fondly referred to as “Namo”, which has resulted in the drastic transformation in the lives of hundreds of millions of citizens into a mass political, economic, cultural, religious and spiritual movement, resulting in the rise of a “New” Ancient Indic Civilizational Culture called Bharat. On the other hand, we will also examine and look at the transformation of a youth known as Madhusudan Naidu into a “Sadguru” in just a matter of a few years, who will then go on to continue the mission of Baba of leading the greatest spiritual movement of the world to transform mankind unto the dharmic and spiritual path. This then, is the purpose of this book. To look at the unknown factors to many, in the light of spirituality, which has resulted in the elevation of this once normal “tea-seller” little boy or “chai-wala” called Narendra Modi to one of the most influential and powerful persons on the planet and “Sadguru” Sri Madhusudan Sai, who from being a little known Sai student rose to became one of the most powerful “Sadgurus” of our time at such a young age.
23 Were they chosen by the divine? Why were they chosen? What are their individual missions? Are the two missions connected? Will they both succeed? These are the questions which will be explored in detail during the course of this book. I encourage you to look at the facts presented, the experiences incurred by them and the Divine Mission granted to these two towering personalities, who are both destined to change the course and history of Bharat and the world, both at an individual and a collective level. “If India Dies The World Dies If India Lives The World Lives”
24 3 TYPES OF AVATARS Descent of Avatars No one who has ever seen, heard, read, dreamt, experienced or met Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba personally, can ever forget the indelible impression that He has left on our minds and psyche. The experience of such an absolutely divine incarnation on the lives of millions of persons across the world can never be forgotten or brushed aside as fantasy. Indeed, as some would have found out years later after their first encounter with the Satya Sai Avatar, that their understanding of him, his mission and his life, still remains a mystery to them. If his birth with musical instruments playing mysteriously on their own and a cobra present underneath the bed sheet was shrouded in mystery, then his “death” or “departure” from the physical body in 2011, would have been even a greater enigma for all to comprehend. For many, his apparent “early” departure in Puttaparthi was an extremely painful and soul wrenching exercise, as their spiritual world came crashing down and turned “inside out” on that
25 fateful day on Easter Sunday, 14th April 2011. With no meaningful explanation forthcoming from anyone, millions of devotees belonging to the “Sai Family” and fraternity across the entire globe, was thrown into an absolute conundrum as no one could believe their ears on hearing the news of the passing of their beloved Swami. Much chaos and trepidation ensued as everyone tried to make sense out of the apparent “early” demise of their divine “mother and father”. Why was this confusion existing in the minds of all devotees across the globe? It was during the avatar of the Maharashtra Saint in the form of Shirdi Sai Baba that the name of Sai Baba was first mentioned or heard by many in Shirdi. During his tenure the name and fame of Sai Baba of Shirdi extended far and wide as the news of his numerous miracles began to spread all over the state of Maharashtra and later on to the rest of India. His famous renditions of singing bhajans in the mosque and qasidas in the temple created quite a stir in the very quiet and serene village of the yet little known as Shirdi. Why was he enacting such dramas in the minds and lives of the villagers was perplexing to many?
26 As usual, whenever an avatar takes “human birth”, no one can easily fathom their role and intention even to the best of their ability. It was no different for the Avatars of both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna during their sojourn on earth. Who could have understood why Lord Rama had to be “banished” into the forest for fourteen years by his step mother Kaikhehi, something for which Rama did not blame her for as he explained and clarified later on to her, that it was her destiny to play this role in the divine drama of the “Ram-leela” for the ultimate benefit of mankind. The citizens of Ayodhya were thrown into absolute chaos and confusion when the news broke out that Rama was banished into the forest by his own step mother. Can you possibly imagine the plight of the villagers at the thought of their ensuing king living in the forest for fourteen years? It is said that the entire village went into “darkness” at the sight of Rama leaving the palace of his father King Dasharath, together with his “dharam patni” Sita and his brother Lakshman. Who could have possibly understood the torture and pain of Rama’s parents, Dasharath and Kaushalya, his brothers, their wives and extended family members in the palace, at the sight of Rama,
27 Sita and Laksman leaving the palace in the garb of a hermit’s saffron robes. There would certainly not have been a dry eye in the entire village and kingdom at that moment. The emotions and catastrophic effect it had on the lives of everyone could best be understood in the reaction of Bharat when he returned to Ayodhya and learnt of the exile of Rama. Bharat scolded his mother Khakheyi, immediately disowned her and downright refused to accept the king’s robe and kingdom. He opted instead to leave Ayodhya for the exact period of fourteen years to live in the forest as a recluse just like his brother Rama, Sita and Lahshman and instead, installed the sandals of Rama on the throne of Ayodhya for the duration of Rama’s exile. It was absolutely certain that no one could have understood the phenomena of the drama that was unfolding in front of their eyes. Neither the villagers, Rama’s parents or extended family members could make any sense of this situation which had sent everyone into a tail spin. Sounds familiar? Fast forward thousands of years to 2011, when Satya Sai Baba left his physical body at the age of eighty-five, after promising that he would remain in the physical form until the age of
28 ninety-six in earlier discourses. What a tail spin that would have been for the Sai fraternity. Like Rama, no one could have ever predicted this turn of events in the life of Satya Sai Baba. No family member, villager, devotee or close associate could have fully comprehended the resolution of “Sai” to consciously choose to leave the physical body at that time. One must remember that Avatars are neither born nor do they die. They embody a human form at their own will and also leave at their own choosing. It was Mother Easwaramma who stated quite categorically, that it was while washing clothes at the nearby well in Parthi, that she saw a big ball of “blue light” come rolling down the hill in front of her and eventually entering physically into her womb, thus pronouncing the “arrival” of the Lord as Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba in the human form. This was later confirmed by Baba when he said that his “birth” was through pravesa or “entrance” not prasava or a normal nine-month pregnancy formed from the physical union of a husband and wife, much like the entrance of Lord Krishna into the womb of Devaki whilst in the prison of Kamsa along with her husband Vasudeva. The “entrance” of Baba into the human form was at his own free will unknowing to anyone, including his earthly mother and father.
29 Likewise, his exit from the human form was also at his own free will and no one was aware of this “sankalpa.” Therefore, the response to Baba’s leaving the physical body by everyone, was from a human point of view and perspective and not from a divine or spiritual understanding of the “Sai-leela”, similar to the case of the misunderstanding in the “Ram-leela” with Kaikheyi and Rama by the citizens of Ayodhya. Only the highly spiritual or divine personalities would have been able to comprehend what was happening in Puttaparthi with Baba’s physical demise, just like when it was only the saints and sages like Sage Vishwamitra and Vasishta, who could have understood the reason for Rama leaving the palace and going into the forest, due to their deep spiritual insights. Rama had pre-determined his mission of destroying Ravana as the personification of evil and for that reason, he had to encounter him in his own kingdom of Lanka. His apparent exile by Khakheyi was also pre-determined as he told her after his return from Lanka after defeating Ravana. You were just an instrument used for sending me into the forest to kill Ravana. In fact, Rama took Khakheyi’s blessings and thanked her for playing her role perfectly in the destruction of Adharma in the form of Ravana.
30 Similarly, the apparent “abduction” of Sita by Ravana was also a deliberate plan that was hatched previously, to enable Rama to enter Lanka and destroy Ravana. Why all this drama? Who could really abduct the “Mother of the Universe?” Actually, it was also the plan of Sita to destroy Ravana, since he was the one who had insulted her in her previous incarnation as “Vedawatee”. She had vowed then to destroy Ravana in her next birth as Sita. So, multiple factors led to the exile of Rama and the “abduction” of Sita which she readily and knowingly allowed as the “Maya-Sita” which were totally unknown to everyone else in the kingdom. Finally, it was Lord Vishnu himself who had promised his gate-keepers Jaya and Vijaya to look after them, when they were both cursed to take birth as demons in three lifetimes by a sage, after refusing to allow the sage to enter the gates of Lord Vishnu to see him. It was the same Vishnu who incarnated as Rama, Krishna and Narsimha to “destroy” the three demonic incarnations of his gate-keeper as Ravana, Kamsa and Hiranyakasipu, the demon-king father of Prahalada, who had threatened to kill him for praying to Lord Vishnu instead of him.
31 It was Vishnu who had promised his gatekeepers that He would incarnate and “look” after them in their three demonic incarnations after the sage indicated that he could not reverse the “curse” placed on them when Vishnu had asked him to retract it. So, these are the some of the numerous divine sports or “leelas” of the Lord which continues in every Yuga, from Satyuga to Treta to Dwapara to the present day Kali-yuga. It is therefore virtually impossible for a normal mundane human mind to comprehend the vast divine dramas that occur on such a massive cosmic scale spanning thousands of years. In our limited capacity, it is difficult to understand these “leelas” and this is why the Avatars do not explain their actions to each and every one. Their actions go far beyond the realm of intellectual and academic understanding, beyond the mind, beyond the realm of physical perception and beyond the depth of human realms. Hence, this is the apparent chaos and confusion that occurs in the minds of devotees who try to understand the actions of the divine incarnations. Even today, after thousands of years and two yugas later, devotees and commentators still discuss the divine “leelas” of Rama in the Ramayana and Krishna in the Mahabharata.
32 Why would Lord Krishna seemingly allow the Mahabharat war to take place, thus causing casualties of the entire families of both the Pandavas and Kauravas to be destroyed. Again, it was Krishna who had to explain in detail to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurushetra the merits and demerits of fighting as a “dharmic” soldier. It took Krishna all of eighteen chapters of continuous explanation on the duties of a “dharmic” warrior to finally convince him of his duty to protect dharma at all costs, even against his own so-called “family members.” Imagine the plight of the ordinary soldier in understanding why he has to be fighting and killing another soldier in a battle between two sets of cousins on opposite sides of the battlefield. Only whom the Lord chooses can understand the reasons for his divine “leelas”. As he told Arjuna before the war began, “I have already killed the Kauravas, you are just an instrument to carry out the Mission which has already been accomplished by Me.” Arjuna finally understood his role and then proceeded to fight the war as per his “dharmic duty.” One might be tempted to ask about the role and significance of previous avatars as compared to the more recent ones like Sai Baba. To begin with, there are basically four types of Avatars.
33 1. Vibhuti Avatar The first is the “Vibhuti Avatar” who by definition incarnates for a very short period of time like Narsimha. These come for a very specific purpose as an urgent matter of attention. Narsimha, for example, came in response to the prayers of his bhakta Prahalada, who was facing death at the hands of his father, the demon king Hirayanakasipu. It was an emergency distress call and Lord Vishnu immediately descended to earth as a half lion-half human to counter the boon that was given to Hirayanakasipu by Bramha, whereby he could not be killed by any weapon, man, animal, during the day or night, neither inside nor outside, nor in the air or ground. Therefore, Vishnu had to counteract all these conditions in order to kill Hirayanakasipu, which he eventually did by taking the form of Narsimha and killing him on his lap in the doorway at exactly six o’clock in the evening, which is the twilight time of neither day or night. All the conditions having being met, Narsimha killed him with his claws and returned soon afterwards for his divine abode, thus fulfilling the mission of destroying the evil demon king Hirayanakasipu.
34 This incarnation was therefore for a very short period of time probably just a few minutes but the purpose of the Lords mission was accomplished and the form of that avatar disappeared instantly afterwards. This type of incarnation is therefore known as the Vibhuti Avatar, which literally means for a short period of time. 2. Amsha Avatar The second type is known as the Amsha Avatar, of which the Rama Avatar is one of the most popular and cherished by devotees around the world. It refers to a partial avatar where the Lord incarnates with a part of his full attribute in one physical form. In this case, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Rama with twelve attributes or kalas, in addition to one kala each from his three brothers, Laksmana, Bharat and Satrughana and finally one in the form of Parasurama. All of these added up to a total of sixteen kalas, which represented the full complement of attributes of the Lord. So the full power of Lord Vishnu was split up into five different bodies, each with their own purpose and mission to accomplish in the destruction of Adharma at that time in the Treta Yuga. The entire narration of the story of Lord Rama and
35 his battle with the demon king Ravana is well documented in many versions of the Ramayana, the most popular ones being the Valmiki Sanskrit version and later on the latest one known as the Tulsidasa “Ramcharitra Manas” Hindi version in Northern India. The Tulsidasa Ramayana is chanted all over the world especially by the many indentured labourers, who left India during the colonial era in search of a better life for themselves and their families in foreign countries. 3. Poorna Avatar The third type of Avatar is known as the Poorna Avatar which means full attributes of the Lord. In this case the Lord incarnates with his full power and majesty in one physical human form. This had only occurred once before in the Avatar of Lord Krishna during the Dvapara age, when He came to destroy the evil demon king Kamsa. In this form of the ever loving and child-like Krishna, Lord Vishnu descended with his full complement of sixteen kalas to restore dharma on the face of the earth. The mission of the Krishna avatar was two-fold, in which he not only had to destroy adharma in the form of Kamsa, but also to initiate what is now popularly referred to as the bhakti movement.
36 This was the intimate rasa-leela dance in which Krishna danced with the gopikas that sparked off the bhakti revolution. This is where the Lord showed his most innocent, loving, intimate and playful nature to his cowherd village friends. It was the first time that this Lord-bhakta relationship was being demonstrated openly by an Avatar amongst his “family members” and fellowvillagers as an ideal and model for all devotees to emulate and follow in their ultimate quest for becoming one with the divine consciousness of the Lord. These pastimes as recorded in the Srimad Bhagavantam, has been a constant source of joy for thousands of devotees throughout the years and is lovingly referred to as the “Krishna-leela.” Never before was this playful, child-like innocence attribute so affectionately and lovingly displayed for all to experience and cherish for eternity and the gopikas and gopis would forever serve to remind everyone of the Lord-bhakta relationship. This “rasa-dance” leela wherein Krishna danced with every single gopi simultaneously would eventually become the forerunner to the bhakti movement over thousands of years since then, eventually culminating in the present day bhakti movement throughout the world.
37 Thus, began a new chapter in the minds and attitudes of bhaktas, regarding their relationship with the ever loving Lord of the universe, something which was not present in the lives of previous avatars. This was a totally new concept of devotion to the Lord, one which was based not of fear, but of total love and surrender to the feet of the Lord, as was aptly demonstrated by Arjuna, when he finally fell at the feet of Krishna on the battlefield just before the Mahabharat war began. Having now understood the ever loving and compassionate nature of the Lord after Krishna had explained the characteristics of a true devotee, Arjuna now had no choice but to accept that his childhood friend, cousin and mentor was none other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead in a human form. It was this principle which had an enormous effect on the minds of devotees throughout the world, whereby they now realised and understood that the Lord could be just like them, playful, friendly, innocent, loving, kind, compassionate and above all their close associate, friend and companion in order to lead them onto this state of moksha and liberation from this samsara, this cycle of birth and death, which is the ultimate goal of every Hindu. This was truly a remarkable incarnation, one which
38 totally transformed the mentality and lives of everyone. Could this type of incarnation ever occur in the history of humanity again? Well, believe it or not, it actually did happen again in a very tiny remote village called Puttaparthi in the state of Andhra Pradesh in the year 1926, much to the surprise and delight of millions around the world, but we will leave that for a little later on, as we continue with the last type of avatar. 4. Yoga Avatar The fourth type of Avatar is known as the Yoga Avatar. In this avatar there is no descent from the Divine to Man as Rama or Krishna, but rather it is the opposite where an “ascent” occurs from Man to the Divine. This can take place via several routes, from bhakti, jnana, sannyasin, meditation or any one of the nine forms of devotion as elucidated by Rama to Sabari, whereby the devotee is able to rise spiritually and attain the ultimate state of Brahman consciousness or being permanently established as one with the divine. A few persons have attained this state of selfrealisation having taken a human birth and then becoming one with the supreme consciousness. Ramana Maharishi, Swami Vivekanand, Gautama
39 Siddarth, Adi Shankacharya, Parmahansa Yogananda and others known and unknown have become jivan-muktas while still entrenched in the human body. Attaining moksha is the goal of every Sanatanist Hindu and represents the ultimate achievement in any persons quest for spiritual enlightenment. Becoming one with the divine consciousness has always been the supreme goal of all ‘sadhakas’ and this can take many hundreds or thousands of lifetimes to finally attain this state. It is only through the human birth that one can become selfrealised. That’s why of all the 8.4 million species of life, the human birth is the rarest and most important in terms of spiritual evolution. Anyone who has been born as a human being and does not come to the conclusion that becoming one with the divine consciousness in eternal bliss is the ultimate goal of life, has definitely missed out on the opportunity of becoming a ‘jivan-mukta’. This is the primary reason for taking countless births in this samsara or cycle of births and deaths and until and unless one attains the Nirakara or the formless aspect of the divine, then one will have to continue taking human birth several times to achieve this.