40 The most recent example of this ascent to the divine consciousness or the status of “Yoga Avatar” is Sri Madhusudan Rao Naidu. Born in a middle-class family to noble and devoted parents, Mrs. Padmavati and Mr. Maheswar in Bilaspur, a small town in the state of Chattisgarh in Central India on July 26, 1979, he eventually rose to become “Sadguru Madhusudan Sai.” Who exactly is Madhusudan Naidu and what role does he have in the continuing saga of the ever unfolding story of “The Sai Mission”? This question will be dealt with later on in the ensuing chapters. According to Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba own words when he was in the physical form: “My Mission Has Already Been Accomplished. I Am Just Allowing It to Unfold for The Sake of Mankind.” It’s just like when a director makes a movie and has set a date for the release of the first screening. It’s just a matter of time before the entire drama can be seen in its entirety after screening. The script has already been written, the cast has already been chosen, the scenes have already been taped and the entire movie has already been compiled, edited and set for release. Similarly, the Universal script has already been written by the director, who is none other than Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba.
41 The “Sai Mission” movie has already been completed and is being now released in three parts. Part one has already been released with the advent and demise of “Shirdi Sai Baba” which lasted for all of eighty years. Unlike a man-made movie which sometimes last around two to three hours, this entire “Divine movie” is scheduled to last around two to three hundred years, not hours. The Shirdi Sai mission lasted for eighty years from 1838-1918. In this “movie” Shirdi played the role of a saint, guru and fatherly figure who served both Hindus and Muslims together as one big family. Wearing the garb of a fakir, he demonstrated throughout his entire life the principle of unity and tolerance, where he would sing both bhajans and qasidas in the temples and mosques in an effort to unite everyone in the village. Many miracles and miraculous events occurred during his entire tenure in the village of Shirdi, where the majority of his mission was established. Part two saw the advent of Sathya Sai Baba, which was predicted when Shirdi Baba indicated before be passed on, that he would again take birth eight years later in the village of Puttaparti, Andra Pradesh. So, when Satyanarayana Raju was born on 23rd November 1926 it was no surprise that mysterious events surrounding his birth took place.
42 From musical instruments playing on their own to a cobra snake coiled on the bed, many signs of a new chapter in the “Sai Mission” began to unfold. Therefore, it was no surprise that on 20th October 1940 at the age of fourteen years, the young student Satya, walked away from his school into the garden and publically announced that “His devotees are calling him” and that henceforth he will no longer be attending school, but will now be looking after his devotees. After a period of mass confusion with teachers, elders and family members trying to convince the young Satya to change his mind about leaving school, he was adamant and stood firm and resolute about his decision to leave. When pressed further about his identity, he finally revealed that he was the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and that he had come to continue the second part of the “Sai Mission.” He further indicated that he would no longer carry the name of Satyanarayana Raju, but will now be known as Satya Sai Baba. This would eventually become the “Avatar Declaration Day” and is now celebrated annually by devotees throughout the world. How long would the role of Satya Sai Baba in the human form in Puttaparthi last, was eventually revealed at a date much later on in one of his
43 discourses, when he indicated publicly that he would stay in this body for ninety-six years. At yet another public discourse he would first mention the name of Prema Sai Baba, who he said would carry on the Mission after he leaves his present body. This was the first time that devotees were hearing of the name Prema Sai. Much later on, he would actually manifest a photograph showing the form of Prema Sai for devotees to see. Thousands of manifestations, miracles, miraculous events, discourses, darshans, satsangs and interviews covering a span of several decades took place in this tiny village of Puttaparthi, which became a literal “global village” with millions of devotees, Prime Ministers, Presidents, kings, queens, professionals at all levels and simple devotees from all over the world, attending “darshan” and praying for the much revered private interviews. His promise to his earthly mother Easwaramma to stay in Puttaparthi whilst carrying on His Mission, was the only thing keeping him back from moving out of his native village. He could have gone anywhere and anytime with anyone, as thousands invited and requested him to visit their homes and countries, something which he did, not in his physical body, but in numerous
44 other ways, in the form of dreams, visions, manifestations, miracles and interventions etc. Everyone had the opportunity to see, hear, touch, experience and read about him over nearly eight decades of his life and those who accomplished this, had the experience not only of a lifetime but of numerous lifetimes, as they would sometimes find out during personal interviews or otherwise. No one who ever saw or experienced this highest form of divinity, could ever forget the impact it had on the rest of their lives spiritually, mentally and physically. As he said publically on numerous occasions He was the full embodiment of “Shiva-Shakti” manifest in all its divine glory for everyone to enjoy and experience. He was the divine incarnation of the highest level, that of the “Poorna Avatar”, come with the full attribute of sixteen attributes or kalas of the divine, which was only the second time in the history of recorded Avatars that this had occurred, the first being Lord Krishna in the Dvapara Age. No other Avatar was higher than this, with Baba stating quite emphatically that he had come to repair the ancient highway to divinity, which had been destroyed in the past and that no one could stop “His Mission” from succeeding.
45 When therefore, Baba became ill just after the Maha Shivarathri celebrations in 2011, very few devotees took it as being serious, thinking that Baba will cure himself in a couple of days, even though He was admitted to the Super-Specialty hospital, not far from the Prashanti Nilayam ashram where He resided. It was after a few days when news began to spread that Baba’s condition was apparently not improving that devotees began to take notice. How was it that Baba was not recovering as he had always done in the past, even when one side of His body was completely paralysed. Back then, He had just sprinkled a few drops of water after a few days and He was back to normal. Why was He not curing Himself this time? Something seemed different or “wrong”. Devotees began getting worried especially when further news revealed that He was actually depreciating in the hospital. Many became very concerned and worried about His deteriorating condition and as the hours and days passed, an abnormal state of uneasiness began to spread throughout the ashram and now even to other parts of the country and the world. What was happening? No one had a definite answer. As the situation unfolded, very many nervous
46 devotees continued to pray that Baba would still cure Himself at the last minute. Tension gripped the entire Sai fraternity throughout the world as more and more negative news continued filtering from the Super Specialty hospital. Things had now become very serious and critical, as with every passing hour and minute, devotees everywhere continued their fast and vigil with bated breath. Finally, when the news broke on Sunday 24th April, 2011 that Baba had “left” the physical body, everyone was in a state of shock. From villagers to family members, devotees to strangers, nationals to foreigners, heads of state to ministers, teachers to students, doctors to businessmen, everywhere there was a total denial and utter dis-belief as to what had just transpired. The Sai world was “shattered” for the reason that Baba had always said that He would leave the physical body at ninety-six years, but it was only the eighty-fifth year at present. How could this be happening? How can this be true? Something seemed to very wrong in the minds of all devotees. Confusion reigned. Chaos ensued and a state of bewilderment and shock pervaded the entire village of Puttaparthi.
47 Was their beloved Lord and saviour really “gone”? Where had He gone? Baba was omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, so where could He go. He must be somewhere around. Many began to think that He would resurrect Himself just like Jesus did over two thousand years ago. Of course, He had brought back many others to life, so why not Himself? What was really going on? All these questions began flooding the minds of everyone everywhere. He still had eleven years again to stay in the body. What would happen to those eleven years? What about His promise to stay in the body till ninety-six? Baba always kept His promises, you can depend on that, as thousands of devotees all over the world can vouch for. Why? Why? Why was this happening? Was another chapter in the “Sai Mission” about to unfold, much in the same manner as had occurred from Shirdi Sai to Satyanarayana Raju and from Satyanarayana Raju to Satya Sai? Was another shift about to take place that devotees were not aware of? If so, in what way, manner and form would this take place? Where would this take place? Who would be the new “actors” to be cast in this “new drama”?
48 For many, these questions were never really satisfactorily answered. For others, some may have been answered via dreams, visions and personal experiences. For the vast majority however, life had become meaningless and purposeless in those early days after Baba’s physical demise. Many consoled themselves by remembering that Baba was always in charge and knew the past, present and future of everyone and everything and so, whatever He chose to do, would be in the best interest of everyone in the world, devotees and strangers alike. Baba had always stated that He never did anything for Himself, but only for the benefit of everyone else. Likewise, this physical demise must also be for the benefit of all mankind and even the entire universe. This sense of thinking, mentality and philosophy would serve to keep many devotees on the spiritual path of transformation and enlightenment, even though they did not fully understand the mysteries of the Lord’s leela and drama. Blind faith and belief would now be the new watchwords for many, as now there was no physical form to focus on now. The days of darshan, sparshan and sambashan were well and truly over and a new dispensation
49 was about to take place, one which would leave the world stupefied for generations to come. Rest assured however that the Sai Mission was not over, but was now entering another phase of its development, where devotees and the world had to go through another level of growth in order to progress on the path of divinity and become one with the divine. These were the lessons that mankind had to learn as everyone needed to graduate from one class to the other and one school to the other, eventually entering the university level where he would have to undergo the most strenuous tests before being allowed to graduate spiritually with full honours. “If You Miss The Chance Of Meeting The Avatar In This Life You Don’t Know In What Lifetime You Will Get Another Chance”
50 4 THE SAI MISSION CONTINUES Muddenahalli For many, the word Muddenahalli stirs up mixed emotions. Where is it? How is it connected to Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba? Who runs it? Why does it exist? What is its role in the Sai Mission? When did it all began? Is it authentic? These are some of the numerous questions that flood the minds of Sai devotees worldwide whenever the word Muddenahalli crops up in a conversation. The very mention of the name evokes strange feelings to the millions of devotees who have become so accustomed to the name Prashanti Nilayam when any one talks about Satya Sai Baba. Why is it strange? Well, first of all, everyone identifies Prashanti Nilayam as the birth place of the Sai Mission throughout the world. So when someone mentions the name of Muddenahalli as the place where the Sai Mission is continuing, it naturally invokes a sense of trepidation and uneasiness. After all, isn’t Puttaparthi the birth place of Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba?
51 How then is the name of Muddenahalli even being mentioned as remotely connected to Sai Baba and more so as the place where the Sai Mission is continuing? That would be blasphemy, wouldn’t it? That would be a sacrilege in the Sai world. To even think that Baba’s Mission can ever take place in another location other than Prashanti Nilayam would at best be desecration of the name of Satya Sai Baba, wouldn’t it? Why would anyone think that Baba’s Mission could ever leave Prashanti. That would be beyond the imagination and be totally inconceivable and unacceptable, wouldn’t it? After all, this is the home of the Sai Mission, the place where millions flocked to in order to gain spiritual enlightenment and redemption over decades and decades. Why would the mission suddenly shift to Muddenahalli after the physical demise of Baba is unthinkable and intolerable by almost every single Sai devotee who have ever visited Prashanti or is connected to Baba in any way possible. Wasn’t Baba born in Puttaparthi? Did he not go to school there? Did he not play with his friends and grow up there? Did he not sing the bhajan “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam” here when he first announced his mission to the world in 1940?
52 None of these things cannot change because they all happened here. These are historical facts which cannot be challenged anywhere. This is the place that devotees considered as their “spiritual home” away from home. How can one now say that this is no longer ‘my home’ or that ‘my home’ has now shifted to another place. That’s not possible. How can you change your original home? Impossible, isn’t it? Of course it is. Then why is there all the apparent controversy, outrage and misgivings about Muddenahalli? One might wonder what would Baba have to say about this if he were still “alive”? What would be his response and reaction? We know what everyone thinks, what every Sai devotee says and how devotees across the world have reacted to Muddenahalli. But, do we know how Baba thinks or has reacted to this? Wouldn’t it be nice to hear his views and wouldn’t it be great for Baba to clear up this situation once and for all if he were “here”? Well, the fact is that He is no longer here physically or even gives discourses or interviews in Prashanti Nilayam. So, how are we going to know or find out the truth now? Obviously, another method of communication other than the normal discourse and interviews would
53 have to be created for us to know the truth. One that was out of the ordinary or what we would term extraordinary. What would be this novel way of communication? When Jesus appeared in the subtle form to his disciples after being crucified on the cross there were some who doubted the authenticity of these claims. How can a dead man re-appear and talk to people? Unthinkable, is it not? Well isn’t that the very reason that Jesus is held in such high esteem throughout the world? The fact that he was able to communicate to his disciples after the crucifixion, even instructing them about how to carry out his mission throughout the world, was rejected by many and even considered blasphemous, as no one had ever heard of the dead rising and speaking to others in blood and flesh. But isn’t this the exact reason why Jesus is revered by millions worldwide. The fact that he resurrected is the single most important factor in the faith and belief of his followers, that there is life after death and that physical death could be conquered. This is why Jesus is considered to be extraordinary since he proved that death was not the end. The hope, trust, expectation, confidence and faith in a life after death is what gives millions of persons the courage, determination and resolve to continue
54 forging ahead in the face of all obstacles and difficulties in their daily lives. Without this belief in a happy and joyful life after death, many millions would have succumbed to the seemingly insurmountable pressures, problems, difficulties and challenges of every-day life. This has become the single most important factor in the lives of all those who follow Jesus, to keep their faith in living a “good life” despite all the travesties, trials and tribulations faced all their lives. The hope that life would be joyful in the hereafter is uppermost in the lives of such individuals. Now, having known this, would anyone want to take away the faith and trust they have in Jesus, his resurrection and the promise of a happy life after death. Certainly not. Whether you believe in this or not, whether you agree with it or not, whether you follow Jesus or not, no one has the right to take away anyone’s hope, confidence and optimism of a life of happiness in the afterlife. Why would someone want to do that in the first place? In one of Baba’s many Christmas discourses, He had emphatically stated that He was the Father of Jesus and that He was the one who had sent him down to earth to prepare the way for the “Father” to come again.
55 In fact, it was Baba who corrected the statement that Jesus had made over two thousand years ago. According to Baba “Jesus never said he would come again.” What he said was that “My Father, who sent me, will come again”. It was a much misunderstood statement, which was finally corrected and cleared up by Baba. Many such clarifications were made by Baba on many issues and topics during His tenure on earth. Baba even provided many new insights from the past like the height of Rama being about eleven feet tall, that He was the same Lord Krishna who had come again and that He was the embodiment of the Shiva-Shakti principle. Also, that Shirdi Sai was the incarnation of Shiva, that He was the second Poorna Avatar that had incarnated other than Krishna and that the coming Prema Sai would be the incarnation of Shakti. When all of these and countless more contentious issues can be clarified and explained by Baba, then, would He not be the only one to clarify and clear up the circumstances which led to the “early” departure of Himself in his physical form. Would He not have to find a way to tell His devotees and the entire world what were the reasons for His early physical exit. Would He not be the one to clear up the chaos and confusion surrounding
56 His “departure” from Prashanti Nilayam and Puttaparthi. In fact, there were many who claimed that they were told many things by Baba about His “exit” and His role in the future before He “passed on” or afterwards, either through dreams, visions or even manifestations The internet was bombarded with many such claims and the print-media had a field day in reporting about many such issues with the electronic and visual media also being swamped with many so-called “stories”. One thing which was certainly happening throughout this entire debacle, was that Baba’s dramatic and mysterious Universal divine drama was well and truly on, leaving many to imagine, fantasize and even proselytize about the future. Baba was having a great time enjoying His leela. It seemed like Krishna was having fun all over again with His innocent and easily susceptible devotees. Imagine how Yashoda must have felt when she tied Him up with a rope on a tree and He somehow “miraculously” escaped. Think about her plight when she scolded Him for stealing butter from the gopikas and eating it with His cowherd friends, which was easily visible all over His mouth and hands for all to see.
57 Imagine the state of her mind, when He calmly replied with a totally innocent face saying, “main nahi makhan chor”. In fact, Krishna vociferously defended His actions saying that the gopikas had offered the butter to the Lord and that being the incarnation of the Lord as the Poorna Avatar, it rightfully belonged to Him, so how can He steal something which was gifted to Him in the first place. Now, no court of law can defy that logic and therefore He stood innocent on all counts. The only problem was that Yashoda did not realise Krishna’s divinity at that time. Remember he was a mere child and she thought He was a normal little boy like all His other friends. What enjoyment Krishna was having at the expense of His own mother. What great fun Baba was probably having at the expense of all His devotees, family and everyone else around the world, when He “left” the physical form. “I will see what they would do now.” “I will play hide and seek with them” was probably what He was saying to Himself. Who can understand the “sporting leelas” of the Lord but the Lord Himself?” The truth is that no one can truly understand the “leelas” of the Lord. That’s why it is called a mystery. It is His sport and His divine game and that’s why
58 only He knows how to play it and how it would turn out in the end. Everyone else is supposed to enjoy the ride and the game by playing their part in the unfolding drama of the “Sai leela.” There was “Ram-leela”, then “Krishna-leela” and now it is the “Sai-leela.” So, all devotees should have fun and enjoy the game with the Lord of all creation, because that is what makes Him happy, not complaining, sulking, crying, accusing, abusing, ill-treating or shunning anyone. Just play along even if you don’t understand all that’s going on, because no one will ever understand the entire game anyway. Only the Lord will understand everything. According to Baba, “I am the original “joker.” I am the director, the script writer, the actor, the villain and the hero.” “You are the spectator. So, just sit back and enjoy the movie that I have created for your enjoyment and My pleasure.” Now, how does Muddenahalli finally fit into this giant puzzle of the universal divine drama? Madiala Narayana Bhat Baba had made a promise to His mother that He would never leave Puttaparthi after announcing His Mission in the garden outside His school at the age
59 of fourteen. His mother had insisted that if He had to fulfil His Mission, then she would not stop Him from doing so, but instead must stay and use Puttaparthi as His base for carrying out His Mission. After repeatedly requesting Him, Baba eventually agreed to her demands and promised that as long as He was present in the physical body He would stay in Puttaparthi. Now this is where the tricky part started. See, when Baba “left” the physical body, He was no longer bounded by that promise to His mother, since He had now “left” the body. Baba always keeps His promises and so He did keep His promise to His mother. But there are different levels of human existence as many would find out later on. Another promise which Baba made to His devotees, was that He would live till He was ninety-six years. This promise also had to be kept. Add to that the promise made to Madiala Narayana Bhat on 6th, January, 1976 before he passed away, that He would fully manage his institutions after his passing. Who is Narayana Bhat? He was someone who was extremely impressed with Baba’s Mission of free education, healthcare and nutrition to the needy and poor. So pleased he was, that he decided to set
60 up two educational institutions at Alike in 1963 and Muddenahalli in 1973, together with the assistance of some of his friends. Narayana Bhat was having some difficulties in maintaining and running these institutions and asked Baba to take control of them, along with the Loka Seva Vrinda. Baba was happy with the progress of these institutions and decided to then formally take over both of the institutions, placing them under an umbrella organisation that He named as the Sri Satya Sai Loka Seva Trust, which was then legally registered, with Baba being the Sole Trustee. Baba then personally began to look after these institutions, which began to show remarkable progress thereafter. Shortly afterwards in 1977 Narayana Bhat who also lovingly called “Anna” tragically passed away in a car accident at a fairly young age of 49 years. Baba then started monitoring, supporting and visiting Muddenahalli on a regular basis after his death, mostly for a few hours after leaving the Brindavan Campus on his return trip to Prashanti Nilayam. So it was that the relationship between Baba and Muddenahalli first began its “formal journey” together. Baba would spend some time with everyone in Muddenahalli and then depart for Puttaparthi.
61 At other times He would pass in on His way from Prashanti where He would spend a short time and then depart for Brindavan. On the 14th August 1978, on His thirteenth visit to Muddenahalli, Baba was asked by the devotees residing there to spend a few days and nights in the ashram, instead of the few hours that He was accustomed to doing. Baba’s epic reply was that “I will come here on a Guru Purnima day and stay permanently.” No one quite understood what Baba meant or the enormity of the statement, until decades afterwards. As have happened to so many Sai devotees over the years, who have had similar experiences, when Baba tells you something especially about a personal matter, you sometimes get confused, misinterpret or just totally forget what He has said to you. The opposite is always the case with Baba, as He never forgets what He has said to you, never breaks His promises and always knows the exact meaning of what He is saying to you, although you may not know or understand it correctly. So it was, when Baba made the revelation in 1978 that He would come to Muddenahalli on a Guru Purnima day and stay permanently, no one in Muddenahalli knew what He was talking about, be
62 it the warden, teachers, students or other members of the institution. Fast forward to thirty-three years later on Friday 15th, July 2011, the day of Guru Purnima, Baba finally decided to keep His promise by appearing in His subtle form in Muddenahalli in Sai Ananda, Satya Sai Grama, in a building built on top of a hill, built by “Himself” for Himself. What occurred afterwards was a total mystery of stupendous proportion, one that shook the very foundation of the entire Sai fraternity around the world, matched only in enormity, by the actual physical departure of Baba on the 24thApril 2011. These would turn out to be two of the most significant events talked about, discussed and debated in the post Satya Sai Avatar era after Baba’s physical departure from the world. How would Sai devotees proceed from here onwards. Who would understand what was going on? What was the significance of these events? How would it serve humanity? What would be the role of devotees from Prashanti Nilayam? What would be the situation of foreign devotees around the world? What would become of the ashram in Puttaparthi? There were so many questions that were left unanswered. How would the Sai fraternity react to
63 the “sudden departure” of their Guru and Lord? Would everyone lose faith, direction and hope in the future? What would become of the Sai Organisation? These and many other questions, doubts and apprehensions could only be answered by Baba Himself, since no one else had the capacity, foresight, knowledge, experience or divinity to provide any conclusive answers. So, what was needed was a way for Baba to communicate His messages or answers to these and other questions, via someone, something or some other means of communication like personal dreams, visions or manifestations of Himself. What method would Baba choose would be decided only by Him and no one else, be it devotee, family member, doctor, teacher, student or any other person. “My Name Is Sathya Truth Is My Name I Always Keep My Promises What I Will Must Happen.”
64 5 “SADGURU” SRI MADHUSUDAN SAI The Student Madhusudan Rao Naidu apart from being a highly successful double-gold medal winner as a student in SSSIHL, the Sri Satya Sai University in Puttaparthi, was a virtual unknown in terms of Baba’s overall mission in Prashanti and the world at large. This was to change drastically as he himself had indicated that he was devastated upon hearing the news of Baba’s passing, just as many thousands felt throughout the world. His world like many others came crashing down on that fateful day on 24th April, 2011. From the Prime Minister and President to devotees and villagers, every single one felt the crushing blow of that eventful day on Easter Sunday. Just like Jesus “arose” from the cross after three days everyone thought that Baba would resurrect Himself just as had done for some of His devotees in the past. But it would not come to pass, as day upon day continued to pass without any sign of life emerging
65 from Baba’s body, the stark cold reality gradually began to sink into the minds of all. As the day for the Samadhi was finally announced, many devotees still clung on desperately for a last minute sign or hope that Baba would come back alive. However, it was not to be, as thousands upon thousands lined up to view Baba’s for the last time. The tears flowed silently like a torrential river as Baba had operated through the medium of silence in dreams, visions, manifestations and miracles without a single word being said. So too it was, when everyone cried incessantly from the bottom of their hearts and the depths of their beings as though their very souls were being ripped out from inside of them, such was the extreme emotions felt by one and all. It was certain, there was not a dry eye that day and for many days, weeks, months and even years for some afterwards. It seemed as though their eternally beloved Lord was leaving them forever. The scene was very surreal as live streaming images beamed around the world capturing the raw emotions felt by many. One amongst them was the then Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time, Sri Narendra Damodardas Modi, a name that would become synonymous with Baba and India in the years to come, but more about that later on.
66 One other personality, living very far away at the time and who had heard the bitter news, was also experiencing the same depth of emotions. He was a past student by the name of Madhusudan Naidu from the state of Chattisghar. Together, both of these persons would play the leading roles in the unfolding of Baba’s mission both at the national and international level in the years following Baba’a demise. According to Madhusudan, Baba used to speak to him during his stay in university from 1996-2003 about many things while doing his pre and post graduate degree programs in Chemistry and Business Management. So, he had gotten fairly used to the voice, style and manner in which Baba would speak. This would play a very huge role in Madhusudan’s mission later on, because this is exactly how he would be able to identify and verify that it was Baba who was appearing and communicating with him. After working in the corporate sector for six years, Baba finally allowed him to quit in 2009 after repeated requests by Madhusudan to return and live in Prashanti, which was his life-long goal. Baba didn’t grant him permission to live in Prashanti, but instead started appearing in his home just before His physical departure from the world.
67 At first, Madhusuadan thought that he was hallucinating, but after a couple of incidents in which Baba proved in His own style that it was indeed Him, Madhusudan finally accepted that it was Baba who was manifesting and speaking to him. When the news broke that Baba had left the body on 24th April, Madhusudan couldn’t believe it was true because Baba was still appearing and talking to him in his home. It was only when he was sent by Baba to Prashanti to attend His own Samadhi that he finally accepted that Baba had left the body. Up to His ‘tricks” Baba again, appeared to him in a yellow gown, this time while the Samadhi program was in progress in the Sai Kulwant hall. Confused more than ever now, he asked “How can this be possible Baba, you are in the casket and standing here at the same time,” to which Baba replied and assured him that He had not gone anywhere but was still ‘here” as usual, saying to him, “Where can I go?” I haven’t gone anywhere. That’s all “Tamaashaa”, that’s just a show. Don’t worry about it. I am always here. Madhusudan had prepared an altar for Baba at his home with all the necessary paraphernalia just like
68 any other normal Sai devotee usually does for their prayer sessions. It was on the chair that Baba had first started appearing and speaking to Madhusudan before He left the physical body. Now after leaving the body, Baba would continue appearing to him every morning and not only speak to him, but then started carrying him on these “heavenly trips” to various “lokas” or other worlds, where he would see all types of divine beings and have different experiences with them. It was an extremely exciting period of life for Madhusudan to have all these divine visions with Baba and he used to look forward to these inner journeys every morning, until eventually Baba started asking him to go and visit someone or call them and say Baba wanted to talk to them at such a place and time. Some devotees were thrilled to know that Baba remembered them and readily agreed to meet Him, while others were a bit hesitant saying that they were not quite sure what was going on. Others flatly refused and were quite abusive saying that this is absolutely crazy and not true. Throughout all of these scenarios Madhusudan kept on doing what Baba asked him to do and kept on following His instructions despite whatever
69 negative situations or circumstances he found himself in. He was most definitely being prepared for Baba’s continuing Mission, although he had no idea what was going on or what he was being prepared for. All he knew was that he had to keep on following Baba’s instructions to the minutest detail, whether he understood it or not, agreed to it or not or believed it or not. All he had to keep on saying was “Yes Baba”, over and over again. He was like the proverbial “caddy boy” and literally became the “messenger” for Baba. If that was how Baba wanted it, then he had no problem with it whatsoever. He would continue to say “yes, yes, yes” and never say “no”. This is what eventually resulted in Madhusudan being called the “Communicator” which has a similar meaning to being a messenger. But for that to happen a lot of preparation and training had to be undergone before Baba would allow Madhusudan to be presented to the public and the world at large. First of all, to begin with, Madhusudan did know Telugu which was the medium in which Baba spoke in, so he had to learn the language from the beginning, something which would take him three years to accomplish with a sufficient degree of perfection.
70 Next, for Madhusudan to be able to translate Baba’s discourses verbatim on the spot and in real time would be a real challenge for him. But like anything else Baba asked him to do, he always said “yes”. “No” was never an option for him, because he knew Baba could make the “impossible” possible, such was his faith in Him. Sanskrit also had to be learned as well by Madhusudan, since Baba also quoted Sanskrit verses, which had to be repeated and translated by him on the spot. Nonetheless, being a double gold medal winner, the intellectual ability and mental capacity to learn these two languages within three years was extremely capable for him to accomplish. Up till then, he had only known Hindi very well, since he was from the North where Hindi is the predominant language spoken by almost everyone. So, when in July 2011, just after Baba’s physical passing, Baba first interacted with him in the subtle form, Madhusudan had formally begun his role as the “Communicator,” when he was asked to convey a message to Isaac Tigrett, one of Baba’s most trusted and experienced devotees. Along with Narasimha Murthy and Dr. Srinivasa, these four devotees would be the ones chosen to fast forward Baba’s mission over the next decade.
71 Sri Indulal Shah and his wife Sarlabahen who were two of Baba’s earliest and most trusted devotees had also joined the mission at Muddenahalli subsequently. So it was that Madhusudan, Narasimha Murthi, Dr. Srinivasa and Tigrett would be the hub around which the whole mission in Muddenahalli would be based. Others would play supporting roles later on, but this main cast was chosen by Baba for the immediate next phase of the Sai Mission. Types of Bodies Everyone in the world has four types of bodies. The first is the “Sthoola Shareera”, which represents the physical body. The Sthoola Shareera is what everyone can physically see in the world with their two human eyes and interact with it through the other physical senses like smelling, tasting, hearing, and touching. The second type is the “Sookshma Shareera” or the subtle body. With the Sookshma Shareera, you go beyond the physical realm in which you can move to any part of the world instantly without taking any time, since it is not bounded by the three dimensional world of space and time. So here things happen instantaneously as opposed to the normal physical world.
72 The third is the “Athi Sookshma Shareera which is the higher subtle body. Here, in the Athi Sookshma Shareera body you can enter into the dreams and meditations of people to guide or correct them. This can happen unconsciously when you are dreaming while asleep in bed or consciously when you are in a deep meditative state, but not asleep or unconscious. The fourth is the “Para Sookshma Shareera” which is the Omnipresent Super Subtle body. In the Para Sookshma Shareera, you are present in every atom of everything in the universe or what we call omnipresent. You are there in every living being and every animate and inanimate object. This Para Sookshma form is present at all times everywhere or what we refer to as omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. This is the “Advaitic” or formless aspect of the Divine which pervades the entire universe and creation simultaneously. It is also known as the “Nirguna” or formless aspect of God as opposed to the “Sarguna” or form aspect of creation. It is in the second aspect or “Sookshma Shareera” form that Baba finally gave His first public discourse in the Sri Sathya Sai Anandam auditorium, Muddenahalli on 11th May, 2014, after three years of training and preparing Madhusudan to be able to “communicate” with all
73 the devotees present at the time. It was the first public interaction for Madhusudan and one which would set the stage for the next decade of interactions both in India and abroad in foreign countries, for Baba to interact with His devotees in a formal setting, something which was sorely missed by everyone since His “passing” in 2011. Although it was to a small group of students and teachers who Baba “spoke” to in May 2014 and who He was planning to take to Kodaikanal the next day, it nevertheless marked the start of the first phase of the new mission, one which would be known as Sankarshana. What is Sankarshana? Baba explained that these are the people who He has attracted from all over the world whom He has specially chosen to carry out this part of the Mission. Baba further explained that, “I went from house to house, village to village and country to country to choose My people! These are the people who are ready to give up everything for the sake of My Mission and who are ready to sacrifice and ready to work!” These would be the “foot soldiers” in this phase of Baba’s Mission, where He would use Madhusudan as a vehicle to call those devotees from all over the world, including India, whom He wanted to be a part
74 of this Mission. This is what is meant by Sankarshana. This period would last about three years and eight months.” Why a certain period of time for this phase? As Baba continued to explain further that His life in the subtle body would last for eleven years, so He had divided it into roughly three parts of about three years and eight months. This first part would have lasted till about 2014, where Madhusudan would be used as the Communicator or “Messenger of God”. This would also be known as the phase where Madhusudan was “Living for God” in order to carry out Baba’s Mission. The second phase began when Baba started to give public discourses and would mark the beginning of the past satsangs just like in the days of old, where devotees would get to “see and hear” Him publicly. This phase would be known as Sandarshana. This would go on for another three and a half years or so, where Baba would speak to devotees both in India and abroad in foreign countries during His world trips. In this phase Baba would now carry out His messages using Madhusudan’s body as a vehicle, not only as a “Communicator” now, but also as transition point of entering and leaving the body at various times.
75 During this phase, Madhusudan had to “empty himself of Himself”, in order to become like a hollow bamboo flute or basuri, so that the Lord would be able to play whatever “song” He wanted to play through him. During this time which would be the second phase, Madhusudan would now be “Living with God” during which, Baba would be able to interact directly with His devotees whenever and wherever He so desired. The third phase would then follow in July 2019 where Baba and Madhusudan would no longer be different in terms of spirit. This is where Madhusudan would now be “Living in God”. In this phase both personalities would become “One”, as Baba transitioned Himself in the human body. The Avatar who always “Descends” from God to Human, now had to train and oversee the reverse transition or elevation from Human to the Divine or God. This is known as the “Ascent” of Man to Divinity or God and epitomizes the ultimate goal of all spiritual aspirants. In November 2020, Baba handed over complete responsibility and totally merged with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai. Just as Shirdi Baba merged in the young Sathyanarayana Raju several decades
76 ago, Sri Madhusudan Sai now came to be known as Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai. The “Ascension” is a popular word in many religions and this is precisely what the avatar facilitates, when He “Descends” to earth. The Avatar’s “Descent” therefore, is meant for the ultimate purpose of transitioning the “Ascent” of Man to God. Madhusudan has now become the “living” example for Baba, as to what can be achieved at the highest spiritual level of divinity for man to accomplish. For Sai devotees he is the prime example and role model for what they can all achieve with Baba’s grace and blessings. Baba have always said, “I give you what you want until you want what I have come to give you, namely liberation or moksha itself.” In the Sai world and for all other spiritual aspirants as well, this “jivan mukti” or gaining moksha is the ultimate goal for everyone. It can be achieved whilst still in the human body and not after death alone. Madhusudan is now being used by Baba as the “Gold standard” for all spiritual aspirants to emulate. Many have “transitioned” or “ascended” in the past in different places and times, but now we have a living example for all Sai devotees and the rest of the world as well to emulate in the form of Madhusudan.
77 So, the trilogy of Man’s ascent can be categorised in three phases, firstly as, “Living with God as the Messenger” or outside the house where he carries out the message of God to the world. Secondly, as “Living for God as His Own Son” inside the house where he has access to everything that God has. Thirdly “Living in God as the Owner of the house Himself” where he now controls everything in the house as God Himself. This is what Baba refers to as the journey of “himself to Himself” or “i to I” in the spiritual world. Madhusudan has successfully done it and so can anyone and everyone else. This is the ultimate spiritual journey of all mankind. All else is a “side show”. Why Baba “Chose” Madhusudan So, what was one of the main reasons that made Baba chose Madhusudan for this work in His Mission? First of all, Baba has said that you must be able to make yourself “available” at all times to carry out His Mission, not just part of the time or sometimes during the day, but rather on a full time basis at all times of the day or night or what is commonly referred to as 24/7 in the world of work.
78 What does it mean for a normal every day working class person and can such a person carry out Baba’s mission? Of course he or she can. All you have to do is dedicate your entire day to Baba, whether it’s in performing your work, doing your chores or seeing about the family. Everything you do, just dedicate it to Baba and His Mission, so that He will be able to use you like a “basuri” to play His music through you. This is the best way to be a part of His Mission while in the midst of everyday life. Madhusudan not only made himself available, but was also able and capable of carrying out Baba’s instructions without fail, despite whatever obstacles came in his way. These early years of transitioning from the form to the formless was challenging for everyone including Tigrett, Narsimhamurthy and Dr. Srinivasa, but they persevered throughout their trials and tribulations and eventually succeeded in doing whatever Baba asked them to do. Narsimhamurthy once admitted publically that he had lost a lot of friends and close associates during this transition period, but that he still persisted and carried on doing Baba’s work despite all the negativities and fallout from many of his past “lifelong” friendships.
79 Such is the tenacity, courage and fearlessness one must possess to be a disciple of God in order to carry out His Mission against all insurmountable odds. Relationships at all levels like family, friends, associates, co-workers and fellow devotees sometimes had to be sacrificed for the greater good, which was the establishment of Baba’s work and Mission in the fields of health-care, education and nutrition for centuries to come in the future. Great sacrifices had to be made by each one of them to carry out Baba’s mission, something which would at times be very difficult for them to do. Even Madhusudan had to go to great lengths to explain to his own family members and close friends the role and Mission that Baba wanted him to carry out, sometimes even losing some of the “battles” in the process. Madhusudan also complained initially to Baba about his apprehensions and trepidations about translating and communicating His messages to the public and even resisted the wearing of the gown as commanded by Baba, but eventually he had to agree when Baba insisted that he had to wear the gown. Baba always had a handful of dedicated, courageous and fully committed individuals who would be willing to sacrifice “everything” to fulfil the
80 work required for the Mission and the three devotees in Tigrett, Narsimamurthy and Dr. Srinivasa together with the guidance of Madhusudan who was being directed by Baba Himself, never faltered in their roles and missions assigned to them. So, the three of them became like the Trinity of Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva, who Baba had explained once in a Question/Answer session to devotees, in response to a question that was asked by a devotee as to “Who He Was”? Baba replied that Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva were the three managers whom He had employed and given the task of running the universe and who had to abide by the rules and universal laws, whereas He was the supreme original Nirakara ParaBramhan” who had incarnated as the PoornaAvatar on earth and who therefore, had no laws to abide by. He could make and change any universal law at will and did not have to follow Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva under any circumstances whatsoever. He just had to “Will” it and it would immediately manifest or take place. In effect what Baba was saying was that He is the original Nirguna or formless Para-Bramhan” from the which the entire creation emerged and that He was the Sarguna or form of that original “Nirakara.
81 “The Continuing Mission” Baba’s continuing Mission would entail the most arduous task of the construction of numerous buildings to accommodate schools, universities, hospitals, dormitories, hostels and other related structures throughout India and many countries throughout the world, in preparation for the further continuation and establishment of the Mission for centuries to come. The idea was to create the infrastructure necessary to raise the level of spirituality and consciousness throughout the world, by first ensuring that everyone was well-educated, well-nourished and healthy. To do this an enormous amount of work was necessary at the ground level, in order to start producing enlightened persons at all levels of the society, starting from the youngest child in the womb of the expectant mother, right up to the postgraduate student at the university level. Baba’s Mission therefore was not only to construct buildings and take care of the sick and needy, but on a much grandeur scale of raising the level of consciousness to the highest possible level, which was the level of the unbounded, infinite, formless, “Nirguna Brahman Consciousness.” That is why when Madhusudan was asked to describe himself, he replied that he had the Physical
82 body of Madhususan, the Mind of Madiala Naranyana Bhat, the Heart of Baba and the Consciousness of Brahman. But why did Madhusudan specifically state that he possessed the “Mind” of Madiala Narayana Bhat? The reason is that Baba had said that he was the “reincarnation” of Madiala Nrayana Bhat. Narayana Bhat had wanted to assist Baba in his Mission of transformation of the world by building schools throughout the whole of India in order to reestablish Dharma and righteousness. But this was cut short due to his “early death” and remained as an unfulfilled desire. Hence, that’s why he was the only one “qualified”, who could finish the job that he had first started in his previous life and this was the reason for his reincarnation and for Baba choosing him, so that he can fulfil his desire from the last life. Producing “Gods” The attainment of “Brahman Consciousness” is the ultimate goal of everyone and epitomizes the pinnacle of Baba’s Mission. To do this however, much preparation is needed at all levels and hence the reason for the construction of all these physical buildings, so that a structured orderly “scientifically repeatable” program can be
83 carried out to ensure that this reality can take place. Hence, the reason for children’s hospitals to ensure that lives are saved in the first place, then the mothers nutritious programs to ensure that prenatal and post-natal check-ups are done, to produce healthy babies. Then comes the period of building educational institutions which are set up to ensure that the children get both secular and spiritual education, along a values based curriculum, incorporating all of the physical, mental, cultural and spiritual development, so that the child can become a wellrounded individual, ready to play their part in order to benefit the society, nation and world. Baba has said that the end goal of the University of Human Excellence is to produce “Gods”, meaning students who have the level of the “Brahman Consciousness,” who will be ready to serve the world in any capacity. Just like engineering colleges produces engineers and medical colleges produces doctors, so too the University of Human Excellence will not only produce graduates and post-graduates in many fields, but also produce Gods”, who will then be able to facilitate the elevation of man’s consciousness to the highest possible levels in the future.
84 They will therefore act as facilitators in this process of the divine “Ascension” of all of humanity to inaugurate and usher in the “Golden Age of Mankind,” something which the entire world is eagerly looking forward to given the present negativities and Adharmic forces prevalent in many places and countries. It is in this regard that Madhusudan is acting as the overall “facilitator” to ensure that all of these physical structures are in place to allow this rise of human consciousness to take place within the shortest possible time. The “Revelation” On the 16th July, 2019, at exactly 9:30 a.m. a huge cosmic event occurred in Muddenahalli, which would trigger a huge shift in the spiritual consciousness of the world. It was on this glorious Guru Purnima day that something took place which had not happened for thousands of years. According to Baba, who had told Tigrett to make the announcement and revelation that the doors to “Higher-Consciousness” had been closed for millennia and no one was able to attain that level of spirituality, except for a very few exceptional spiritual aspirants in the past, who were able to breach that barrier.
85 As Tigrett continued to speak on behalf of Baba, “For all who were present on that morning, it was an extremely blessed and holy moment, just like when Baba had announced in 1964 at the age of 38 that ‘He was God”. “On that particular occasion and time in 1964, it signified a gigantic shift for the entire world and only a few blessed devotees were able to witness and experience this unique phenomenon.” Baba had said for years before that he was an “Avatar” but not many understood or even believed fully what He was saying. Baba’s entire body was paralysed for three days, when on that Guru Purnima morning, He asked Kasturi to take Him downstairs because He wanted to personally make an “announcement.” Baba reminded Tigrett to say that “He then told Kasturi to place a few drops of water on His right hand after which His hand started to move. He then took some water in His right hand and sprinkled it on His left hand and that hand also started to move. He finally took some more water and sprinkled it over His entire body and suddenly His whole body started to move. The paralysis was gone instantly.” Baba had said that this was part of a monumental transition in fulfilling the “Mission of the Avatar,” after which He then publicly announced to the few present that “I am God”.
86 He further explained that the previous avatar of Shirdi Sai Baba had been the incarnation of the “Shiva-energy”, while Satya Sai Baba was the incarnation of the “Shiva-Shakti energy” and that a third avatar called Prema Sai Baba, would be the incarnation of the “Shakti-energy”. “It was the first time that anyone had heard the name of Prema Sai Baba and no one even knew what He would look like until much later on, Baba would materialise a picture of Prema SaI for one of His devotees. It would be the first time that anyone had seen what Prema Sai would look like.” Tigrett continued, “After Baba made the incredible announcement that “He was God”, many became confused, shocked and some even became angry that Baba could say something like that publicly.” “For years previously since His advent in 1926, many were of the impression that Baba was just another saint or “holy man”, many of whom had been produced in India over thousands of years.” “However, shortly thereafter many left the Sai fold upon hearing of this statement by Baba. They had become very perplexed at the statement, because they were not able to completely understand what Baba had said.” “Many others though found it to be very attractive and magnetic, being drawn even closer to Baba and His Mission.”
87 As Tigrett continued to remind everyone present that “Over the following years Baba continued making many pronouncements about Himself and His Mission of transforming the world.” “Throughout those years and decades, thousands and millions were drawn magnetically into the Sai fold, drawn from many countries all over the world.” Satsangs, darshans, miracles, manifestations, dreams, visions, interviews, resurrections from the dead, direct interventions, multiple visits to Prashanti Nilayam, experiences and personal transformations became the order of the day for millions all over the Sai world. It was an era of immense and gigantic proportions, the likes of which was never experienced before in the life of an Avatar, more so the “Poorna Avatar”, which was only the second time such a “Full Avatar” had incarnated on the earth. Lord Krishna some five thousand years ago was the first to do so and now Baba had done the same thing again. Many lives were transformed spiritually during this phase of the Mission, many of whom had never even heard the term Avatar being used before. The western world especially was in complete awe of Baba and the magnificent phenomena he represented throughout both the spiritual and secular world.
88 Millions descended upon Puttaparthi like bees to honey and many left with lives fully or partially transformed. Tears of bliss flowed like rivers during “darshan” for decades upon decades, while others were too dumbfounded at times to speak during “personal interviews”. It was a glorious period and a magical time in the history of the world, as no other “Avatar” had previously gone among the masses, advising, consoling, helping, guiding, listening, soothing, encouraging, reassuring, motivating, healing and counselling as a mother, father, friend and beloved would do. It was like living in “heaven” for the thousands who stayed or lived in Prashanti and surrounding areas. Students were overwhelmed at the close proximity of the “Avatar” and their personal and private interactions with Him over years and years, thereby having a permanent transformative effect on their lives forever. No one who ever came into “contact” with Baba could ever be the same again as many would attest to through the years. But as with all good things, this would also come crashing down to an end on 24th April, 2011, when Baba left His physical body in Puttaparthi, leaving millions “gasping for air” all over the world. Many became distraught, others felt their lives became totally empty, while other felt pangs of pain
89 and emotions they had never experienced before. It was as though the rug had been pulled out from under their feet. How would we “survive” without Baba was the feeling of countless thousands as the tears flowed for days, weeks, months and even years. For many, they had lost a friend, companion, mother, father, son, guru, well-wisher, class-mate, fellow-villager, adviser, healer or doctor, but for many, they had lost their hope for moksha and liberation in this lifetime. This last one was the most devastating one as many had put their faith and trust in Baba that He would grant them moksha in His life-time and now that hope had suddenly vanished into thin air and burst like balloon. What would happen to their dreams of attaining moksha now and who would they turn to now that Baba had “gone”. What had happened and what was happening to Baba’s Mission?” Well it was only Baba who would be able to clarify and explain what had happened. On that monumental day on Guru Purnima day on July 16, 2019, in Muddenahalli, Baba finally explained that His exit or leaving the physical form and assuming the “subtle form” was the “Next Phase” in His Mission, where He had decided to “stay” in Muddenahalli for the remaining eleven