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2013/06

追随大师

我谦卑的顶礼于我们的主的莲花足下。

亲爱的兄弟姐妹，

我正在思索今天早上要讲的话题，而突然间，一个想法有如一道闪电劈中了我。薄伽梵在一个场合中说了四句话。祂说，“追随大师，面对邪恶，战斗到底而终结比赛。”薄伽梵的每一句话都含有深邃的意义。第一句是：‘追随大师’。人人都说，‘追随大师’；但薄伽梵以质问‘谁是大师’这问题来作其独具一格的解释。不追随他，我们会有什么后果？我们为何要追随他？就让我们试图去探讨吧！让我们试图找出‘追随大师’的真正意义。谁是大师？我们任何人能自称是个大师（Master）吗？不能！薄伽梵给大师下个定义。

有一次，薄伽梵召见斯里沙迪亚赛高等学院理科硕士班（M.Sc Physics）及工艺学硕士班（M.Tech）的学生入会谈室。祂在会谈时问他们，“什么是M.Sc ？”其中一位男同学说，“斯瓦米，掌握科学知识。”薄伽梵说，“好，工艺学硕士（M.Tech）又是什么？”另一个同学说，“工艺的掌握（Master of Technology）。”薄伽梵回答，“噢！工艺的掌握；好一个工艺的掌握。”好像祂一无所知。在此，我们必须知道薄伽梵的一个重要的说法。“一个无所不知而看似一无所知者是神。一个一无所知而表现得无所不知者是人。”此乃莫大的愚昧。薄伽梵又问，“那么谁是大师？”这个问题转给一位教授，某系的系主任。他回答，“掌握他学习的科目者谓之大师。”薄伽梵说，“错，有其他人要回答吗？谁是大师？”另一个人说，“斯瓦米，大师是一个在其学习科目的专家。”薄伽梵说，“你错了。还有人要回答吗？”另一人说，“斯瓦米，大师是某种科目的权威。”薄伽梵回答，“错了。大师是一个已控制其感官的人。但你们不是大师（master），你们是先生（mister），某某先生。”

那么，我们都是先生而不是大师了。为什么？一个先生屈服于其感官之下，而大师则支配或控制其感官。我们没有人对感官有完全的控制。一个人在写其名字之后加上其学历，如理科硕士或文科硕士等头衔。我们都在名字旁边注明学位。薄伽梵说，“你错了，因为学位不是颁发给你的。如果你说你是个研究生，一个硕士班学生（M.Sc.），你就应该控制你的感官。是故，学位不是颁发给你的。学位是颁发给你的记忆，勤于出席的表现，以及你在实验室里所做了的实验。所以，各类的学位，如理科硕士，学士等等，是为奖励你的记忆和强记的能力而颁发的。如果你考获学位，你应该把你所阅读的付诸实行。凡你所阅读的必须用之于社会福利上，因为你是社会的一分子。你上学院或大学，此乃社会赐给你的一个礼物。你生于社会，求存于社会，并成名于社会。因此，只有在你为社会福祉而实践，服务和善加利用你的知识时，你才成为一个大师。”那么，这么说来，由于我们不依照薄伽梵要我们遵循的的方式去利用我们的学位，我们就应该烧毁我们的学位了。

再者，薄伽梵问一个学生，“什么是工艺学硕士（M.Tech.）？”该学生是个金牌奖得主。他说，“斯瓦米，工艺学是应用科学。”薄伽梵说，“错了。”另一个学生说，“斯瓦米，工艺学是利用科学的一种技术。”另一个学生说，“工艺学是应用科学的一个实践的领域。”薄伽梵说，“坐下。”另一个学生说，“工艺学是应用科学。”如果是应用科学，为何用别的字眼。为什么？所以我们都感到无助，因为只有薄伽梵能给与正确的答案。薄伽梵说，“Technology （工艺学）是‘Take Knowledge’（吸收知识）。我有一种知识；吸收这知识以得到进步，进展和幸福。那就是工艺学（Technology）。”所以，薄伽梵说，今天的工艺学（Technology）是‘trick knowledge’（欺诈知识）以赚取金钱而不是工艺学。那就是薄伽梵的金玉良言。

大师只有一位，他是神。无人有权自称大师。一个大专教授不是一个大师。他只知道如何一字不漏地重复其授课。一个学校老师不是一个大师，因为他只知道如何完成课程大纲。我们都不是大师，只是老师；只有神才是大师。你应该追随这样的一个大师，他本身就是神的大师。我们为何说薄伽梵峇峇是我们的大师？接受了薄伽梵为大师，我们就不能叫任何人为大师了。无人能与他等比。神只有一个，他无所不在。薄伽梵峇峇是我们的大师。让我们看看作为我们大师的他有什么资格。

薄伽梵的第一个素质是‘无私’。薄伽梵是百分之百的无私。容我讲述南印度一个著名歌手的经验。她名叫苏巴勒斯米（Subbalakshmi），曾获联合国机构的表扬。多年前当她第一次来见薄伽梵时，她说，“我到过很多地方。很多人邀请我为学校，寺庙或大专筹备基金而献唱。我参加筹款运动。我就这样地度过我的一生。我第一次遇到一个什么都不要的人（薄伽梵）。你只施而不受。他之所以成为我们应该追随的大师就是这个原因。”

在另一个场合，祂说，“你们知道我为什么分发衣服给男士们和女士们吗？原因是，让你们从中学习施与并培育起分享与牺牲的习性。”因此，大师始终是一个施而不受的人。

在世界各地我们可以看到不同类型的大师。他们在报章上刊登广告，‘三十天的瑜伽，只收五百卢比’，由某某大师亲授。昔之圣贤费时几百年于苦行和瑜伽修习始有成果而这些所谓的大师仅费时三十天即告成功。那不是瑜伽。在营业的名义下，它不能被称为瑜伽。传授瑜伽，大师是不收费的。有一次，薄伽梵说，“凡在此的人，我要你们都成为Biggers（雄心大志者），但你们却要作beggars（乞丐）。”薄伽梵要我们越长越大。为什么？因为我们有资格。我们是最富有的。我们是天地万物的主人（Master 或大师）。我们最伟大因为我们是圣灵的化身，是自性原则（或阿特玛原则）。圣经说，“神创造人于祂自己的形象”。如果你认为自己卑贱，那么神就更卑贱了。所以我们不是卑贱或低下。

薄伽梵如何在各方面都立下好榜样？祂示范给每一个学生如何待人处世和感恩图报的好榜样。在达萨拉（Dasara，战胜阻碍人类步向光明之势力的节日，在Navarathri，九夜庆的第十天）节庆这一天，有一种由几个学生带着两个木做的乐器呈现的舞蹈表演。一个特别的导师被指派来训练这些学生。在练习的最后一天，薄伽梵要我陪祂视察。薄伽梵请老师前来并叫学生们赠送给老师一盘丝织布料、一件缠腰布（dhothi）和一件衬衫。同时也有一件裤子和一件成衣。他也接受一万卢比的现款和一些水果。然后薄伽梵告诉学生们要感激老师。之后转向我并说，“学生应该感恩他们的老师。我这么做就是要使他们学会这样的感激之情。”所以，大师就是一个在各个方面都立下好榜样的人。

在其中的一个夏季课程中，他们正等待特邀演讲者的莅临而这时薄伽梵已经进来了。祂开始与学生们交谈。突然间，特邀演讲者，哥卡克博士（Dr. Gokak）这时到来。大家起立，薄伽梵也起立。哥卡克博士说，“大家请就座”，而薄伽梵也就座。稍后，薄伽梵说，“孩子们应该知道如何尊重他们的老师。他们应该起立，然后，等老师坐下后才坐下，不得先老师而坐下。”薄伽梵无论在哪一方面都树立好榜样，让学生们知道如何待人处世，感恩图报和恪守纪律。薄伽梵立下作为一个老师的好榜样；祂以如此明晰的方式去解释事物的来龙去脉以至于没有一个老师能望其项背。

有一次，薄伽梵在学生群中步行，并问道，“你们昨晚吃什么？”一个孩子说，“斯瓦米，我们大家都有冰淇淋吃。”薄伽梵问，“什么冰淇淋？”孩子说，“喜乐牌冰淇淋。”薄伽梵问，“好吃吗？是什么颜色的？”他们说，“白色的。”薄伽梵问， “味道怎么样？”他们回答，“甜美，薄伽梵。”然后薄伽梵说，“白色代表纯洁。你们说话时，语气要温和，甜美。那就是冰淇淋的信息，带来喜乐。”

当孩子们有个别与薄伽梵合照的相片时，摄影师会先把那些相片交给薄伽梵。一天，薄伽梵忽然察觉而说，“为什么所有的相片都在此，唯独你的不在？”我说，“薄伽梵，或许摄影师发觉我的脸很丑。或许我的脸不上镜。”薄伽梵说，“你是一个直率的老师。我知道你去过摄影馆领取相片。”然后我加以解释说，“离开了家和亲友来跟您住在一起，我唯一的资产就是这些相片了，而我不知道什么时候摄影师会把相片交给您。我也不知道您什么时候会分发相片给大家。我又不想冒任何心灵的大不韪。所以，我就直接从摄影馆那儿领取这些相片了。”当时祂笑了又笑。

有一天，我穿了一套新的西装。薄伽梵问，“为什么穿新的西装？今天是什么特别的日子？”我说，“没什么特别，只是想穿而已。谁知道我们或许会跟您合照。所以，有备无患。”然后祂走出去，走进祂美丽的花园并站立在灿烂的玫瑰花丛前。然后祂叫每一个孩子前来，摆好姿势，与祂合照。我也和祂摆好姿势合照，祂转向我并问，“你在看什么？”我说，“斯瓦米，这些都是年轻的孩子，但您的脸比所有孩子的脸加起来还要明亮。”薄伽梵说，“哦，是吗？那是神性。真善美是神的三大素质。瞧！孩子来来去去。这世界和万物来来去去。个人和瞬间的欢乐来来去去，但造物主一直充斥寰宇，无所不在。”多美妙的例子啊！所以，那会改形变质的就是世界，它如过眼云烟，而造物主则是永恒的见证者。薄伽梵立下一个理想老师的典范，一个理想学生的典范以及一个理想一家之主的典范。

薄伽梵有着一个最大的家庭，因为所有的人都是祂的子女。我能理解祂的难处，因为大多数的子女都不听从祂的话。有一天，谈及有关‘父母’的问题时，祂说，“一个父亲应该能纠正他孩子，假如孩子犯错的话。”祂举《摩诃婆罗多》（Mahabharata）里的故事作为例子。持国（Dhritarashthra译注：天生瞎眼，与般度同父异母，年长于般度）继续支持他邪恶的儿子们，即便他们犯了错。最终，导致整个族群被歼灭。如果你不纠正你孩子的过错，你将丧失你在社会上的尊严。今天，大多数的父母皆属于这一类。

有一次，他有一段时日不与学生们说话。是的，有时这种‘冷水’疗法在所必需。祂到歌戴卡纳尔（Kodaikanal）去，大家都感到痛苦，很多人写信给祂。我也写了以下的话：“当您离开此处时，您很生气。薄伽梵，您为孩子们感到那么的烦恼和困扰。对此，我能说些什么？我只能提醒自己，要记得您在讲道中所说的话。您说，毗湿摩（Bhishma）向正要杀死他的基士拿祈祷。毗湿摩祈祷，‘噢，主基士拿！您正准备杀我，而也只有您才能保护我。’我祈祷您会原谅他们。”薄伽梵接到此信后说，“你们的校长写了一封信。我从来就没有生过气。我只是表现得生气的样子。这就像是马上就要熔化的冰雹。这就像是熔化的冰块。我是那么的柔和。我之所以这么做都是为了改正你们。”一个模范的父亲应该表现得很严肃，认真但内心却是柔和的。

在平达弯（Brindavan）有一位长者，罗摩梵（Ramabrahman）。他住在平达弯已有三十几年，司打理薄伽梵住所之职。他提供我某些有关与神相处的实用心得。如果说我今天还算有所作为的话，这得归功于罗摩梵的指示和简介了。他说，“如果薄伽梵叫你出去，你尽管静静地闭上眼睛坐着而不跟任何人说话。”这样的事情发生在他身上有好几次了。薄伽梵会透过窗口来注意他。他从不站起来，连一口水也不去喝。他只吃些薄荷。到了傍晚，薄伽梵就叫他进入，然后问道，“嘿，罗摩梵，吃过中饭了吗？我也还没吃。来，一起吃。”

第二点，罗摩梵先生说，当薄伽梵叫你傻瓜或其他什么的，你只要静静地坐着并看着祂就得了。第三点，他说，“若祂批评你或责备你，要知道祂是爱你的。”祂举个例子。假设有一个客人到访，而他的孩子失手把你的瓷杯掉在地上，打破了。你能说什么？不能。然而，另一方面，如果是你自己的孩子打破了，你处罚他。为什么？你不要你的孩子在客人面前出丑。你要他完美，你才处罚他。要了解，薄伽梵爱你，这只是要求。然后我说，“先生，你是如何培育起这些虔诚原则的？”他说，“你不知道薄伽梵是谁。”

有一次，薄伽梵把祂的圣袍给罗摩梵先生并叫他穿上。罗摩梵的个子比薄伽梵高大得多但祂还是要他穿上。那怎么可能？他穿上了，完全合身。一次，罗摩梵丧子，悲痛不已而薄伽梵说，“他在我之内。”但这并不能安慰他。薄伽梵说，“到会谈室去。”他从命，进入会谈室。在那儿，他看到他几个月前过世的儿子，站立着，说了一些话后便离开了。我们可以在薄伽梵身上看到模范的父亲，一家之主，老师，学生，还有最重要的，母亲。

Sai Ram（赛罗姆）。

取自《薄伽梵斯里沙迪亚赛峇峇普及和实用的教导》第4章

FOLLOW THE MASTER

My humble salutations at the lotus feet of our Lord.

Dear brothers and sisters,

I was thinking what I should talk to you this morning, and suddenly like a flash of lightning an idea struck me. Bhagavan made four statements on one occasion. He said, “Follow the Master, Face the Devil, Fight to the End and Finish the Game.” Every statement of Bhagavan has profound meaning. The first statement is: ‘Follow the Master’. Everyone says, ‘Follow the Master’; but Bhagavan explained in His inimitable way, by asking a question, “Who is a Master?”. What will happen if we do not follow Him? Why should we follow Him? Let us try to investigate. Let us try to know what exactly is meant by ‘Follow the Master’. Who is a Master? Can anyone of us call himself a Master? No! Bhagavan gives the definition of Master.

Once Bhagavan granted an interview to the M.Sc. Physics and M.Tech. students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He asked them in the interview room, “What do you mean by M.Sc.?” One boy said, “Master of Science, Swami”. Bhagavan said, “Good, what do you mean by M.Tech?” “Master of Technology”, said another boy. Bhagavan replied, “O! Master of Technology; good, good”, as though He did not know. Here, we must know an important statement of Bhagavan. “The one who knows everything but pretends as though he knows nothing is God. The one who knows nothing but behaves as though he knows everything is man.” This is Himalayan foolishness. Bhagavan put the question, “Then who is a Master?” This question was put to a professor, who is the Head of certain department. He said, “A Master is one who has mastered the subject.” Bhagavan said, “You are wrong. Anyone else? Who is a Master?” Another person said, “Swami, a Master is one who is an expert in his subject.” Bhagavan replied, “You are wrong. Anyone else?” Another said, “Swami, a Master is one who is an authority in the subject.” Bhagavan replied, “You are wrong. A Master is one who has control over his senses. But you are not masters. You are only ‘Misters’. Mister so and so.”

So we are all misters and not masters. Why? A mister submits himself to the senses. A master has mastery or full control over his senses. None of us exercise full control over the senses. A person writes his name and then next to that a degree like M.Sc. or M.A. We all write degrees besides our names. Bhagavan says, “You are wrong because the degree is not given to you. If you say that you are a Postgraduate, an M.Sc., you should master your senses. So, the degree is not given to you. The degree is given to your memory, performance, for the attendance you put in, and the experiments that you have done in the laboratory. So, the various degrees, M.Sc., B.A., etc. are only given for your memory and retentive capacity. If you are to have a degree, you should practice whatever you read. All that you read must be used for the welfare of society, because you are a member of the society. You attend a College or a University. This is a gift of society. You are born in society, earn in society, and make a name in society. Therefore, you are a master only when you practice, serve and use your knowledge for the benefit of your fellowmen and not otherwise.” So, in that case, we should burn our degrees as they are not used in the manner that Bhagavan wants us to.

Further, Bhagavan asked one student, “What is M.Tech?” The boy is a gold medallist. He said, “Swami, technology is applied science.” Bhagavan said, “You are wrong.” Another boy said, “Swami, technology is a technique of making use of science.” Another boy said, “Technology is a practical field where science is applied.” Bhagavan said, “Sit down.” Another boy said, “Technology is applied science.” Why there should be a separate word if it is applied science. Why? So, all of us were utterly helpless because Bhagavan alone could give the answer. Bhagavan said, “Technology is ‘Take Knowledge’. I have a knowledge; take this knowledge, for your progress, advancement and welfare. That is technology.” So, Bhagavan said that the technology of today is ‘trick knowledge’ to make money and not technology. That is the precious gem of Bhagavan Baba.

There is only one Master, He is God. No one has the authority to call himself a Master. A college teacher is not a Master. He knows how to repeat in verbatim. A school teacher is not a Master, because he knows to complete a syllabus. We are not Masters, but teachers; the Master is only God. You should follow such a Master who is God himself. Why do we say Bhagavan Baba is our Master? Having accepted Bhagavan Baba as the Master, we cannot call anyone else our Master. Nobody can equal Him. There is only one God who is omnipresent. Bhagavan Baba is our Master. Let us see what are his qualifications to be our Master.

The first quality of Bhagavan is ‘Selflessness’. Bhagavan is 100% selfless. Let me relate an experience of a famous singer of South India. Her name is Smt. M.S. Subbalakshmi, who was honoured by the United Nations Organisation. When she came to Bhagavan some years ago, for the first time, she said, “I visited many places. Many people asked me to sing and to raise funds for institutions, temples or colleges. I was to campaign or raise funds. I spent all my life like that. For the first time I am meeting one (Bhagavan) who is not ready to take anything. You only give, but never receive. This is the reason why He is a Master, whom we should follow.”

On another occasion He said, “Do you know why I distribute clothes to ladies and the gents? The reason is that you may learn to give and cultivate the habit of sharing and sacrifice.” Thus, the Master is one who always gives but never takes.

All over the world we have Masters of different types. They advertise in newspapers, ‘Yoga in 30 days for five hundred rupees’ by master so and so. The saints of yore had spent hundreds of years in penance and Yoga Sadhana, whereas, these so-called Masters can give it all in thirty days. That is not Yoga. In the name of business it cannot be called Yoga. No master will collect money for teaching yoga. Once Bhagavan stated, “All who are here, I want that you be Biggers, but you want to be beggars.” Bhagavan wants us to grow bigger and bigger. Why? Since we have a title. We are the richest of all. We are the Masters of an entire creation. We are the greatest of all, because we are the embodiment of divine, we are the Atmic Principle. “God made man in His own image”, says the Holy Bible. If you think you are mean, then God must have been much worse. So we are not mean or low.

How does Bhagavan set an example in every way? He sets an example how every student should behave and how to be grateful. During the Dasara there was a dance where some students had to dance with two wooden musical instruments. A special teacher was sent to train the students. On the final day of practice, Bhagavan asked me to accompany Him. Then Bhagavan called the teacher and asked the boys to present him with a tray of silk cloth and a dhothi and a shirt. There was also a pant piece and a shirt piece. He was given Rs.10,000/- in cash and some fruits too. Bhagavan then told the boys to offer gratitude to him. Then he turned to me and said, “Students should learn to be grateful to their teachers. I am doing all this to enable them to learn such gratitude.” So, the Master is one who sets an example in every way.

In one of the Summer Courses, they were waiting for the Guest speaker, and Bhagavan had already come in. He began to talk to the boys in the meantime and suddenly Dr. Gokak, the guest speaker arrived. All stood up and Bhagavan too stood up. Gokak said, “All be seated”, and Bhagavan too sat down. Later, Bhagavan said, “The boys should know how to respect a teacher. They should stand up and then take their seats only after the teacher takes his seat and not before that.” Bhagavan is an ideal to follow in every respect, how a student should behave, express gratitude and be disciplined. Bhagavan sets an example as a teacher; He explains things in such a clear manner that no teacher can match Him.

Once Bhagavan was walking amongst the children and asked, “What did you eat last night?” One boy said, “Swami, all of us had ice-cream.” Bhagavan asked, “What ice-cream?” The boy said, “Joy ice-cream.” Bhagavan asked, “Was it good, what was the colour?” They said, “White.” “How was the taste?” Bhagavan asked. They replied, “Sweet, Bhagavan.” Then Bhagavan said, “White stands for purity. You should speak soft and sweetly. That is the message of ice-cream, so as to be joyful.”

When the boys have personal photographs taken with Bhagavan, copies of those photographs are given to Bhagavan first by the cameraman. One day, Bhagavan casually remarked, “How is that all the photographs are here, but yours are not here?” I said, “Bhagavan, perhaps the photographer finds my face very ugly. May be my face is not photogenic.” Bhagavan said, “You are a bluff master, I know you go to the studio and collect the photos there itself.” Then I gave an explanation, “Having left home and my people there, I have come to stay with You and my only property are these photographs, and I do not know, when the cameraman may pass on the photographs. I do not know when You are going to distribute them. I do not want to take any spiritual risks. So, I collect them directly from the studio.” Then He laughed and laughed.

One day I wore a new suit. Bhagavan asked, “Why this new suit? What is special today?” I said, “Nothing special, I only wanted to wear it. Who knows we may have photographs with You. So, we should be ready.” Then Bhagavan stepped out into His beautiful garden, and stood in front of a beautiful rose bush. Then He called each boy to come and pose and take a photograph with Him. I also posed with Him. Then He turned to me and asked, “What are you watching?” I said, “Swami, these are all young boys, but Your face is more brilliant than all the boys put together.” Bhagavan said, “O, is that so? That is Divinity. Truth, Goodness and Beauty are the three qualities of the Divine. Look, each time a boy comes and then goes. It is the world and creation that comes and goes. The individual and fleeting pleasures come and go, but, I, the creator remain throughout.” What a beautiful example! So, that which changes and metamorphoses is the world like a passing cloud, while the creator is the eternal witness. Bhagavan sets an example as an ideal teacher, an ideal student and an ideal householder.

Bhagavan has the biggest family as all are His children. I can understand His problem as most of His children do not wish to listen to Him. One day, while talking about the ‘parents’, He said, “A father should be able to correct his son whenever he is wrong.” He gave examples from the Mahabharata where Dhritarashtra continuously supported his wicked children, even though they were wrong. As a result, the entire clan was wiped out. You will lose your dignity in society if you do not correct your children. Today, most parents are of that type.

Once, He stopped talking to students for some time. Yes, sometimes this ‘cold water’ treatment is necessary. He went to Kodaikanal, and all were feeling hurt. Many wrote to Him. I too wrote to Bhagavan the following words: “When you left this place you were very angry. Bhagavan, you were so disturbed with our boys. What can I say in this matter? I can only remind myself of what You mentioned in Your discourses. You said Bhishma prayed to Krishna who was about to kill him. Bhishma prayed, ‘O, Lord Krishna! You are ready to slay me, You alone can protect.’ I pray that you will excuse them.” Bhagavan, on receiving this letter commented, “Your principal wrote a letter. I am never angry. I just act as though I am angry. It is something like hailstones that melt immediately. It is something like ice that melts. I am so soft. I act in order to correct you.” An ideal father should behave as though he is very serious, but should be soft within.

In Brindavan, there was a certain old man, Mr. Ramabrahmam who stayed for thirty long years at Brindavan to serve Bhagavan as the caretaker of His abode there. He gave me certain practical hints about how to live with God. If I am anything today, it is due to all the coaching and briefing I received from Mr. Ramabrahmam. He said, “If Bhagavan asks you to get out, just sit down quietly with your eyes closed and do not talk to anyone.” This had happened to him many times. Bhagavan would watch him through the window. He would never get up even for a sip of water. He would eat only some peppermints. By evening Bhagavan would call him inside. He then would ask, “Hey, Ramabrahmam, did you have lunch? I too did not have. Come, let us eat together.”

Secondly, Mr. Ramabrahmam said, when Bhagavan calls you a fool or something like that, just sit quietly and look at Him. Thirdly, he said, “If He criticizes you and reprimands you, please know that He loves you.” He gave an example. Supposing a guest comes and the child of the guest drops your China cup, what can you say? Nothing. But, on the other hand, if your own son drops the cup, you punish him. Why? You do not want your son to be careless in front of a guest. Since you desire your son’s perfection you will have to punish him. Understand that Bhagavan loves you, it is only pretension. Then I said, “Sir, how did you develop these principles of devotion?” He said, “You do not know who Bhagavan is.”

Once Bhagavan gave Mr. Ramabrahmam His Divine robe and asked him to wear it. Mr. Ramabrahmam was much larger than Bhagavan, but He insisted that he wear it. How could that be possible? Anyhow he wore and it fitted perfectly. Once Ramabrahmam lost his son. He cried profusely and Bhagavan said, “He is in Me.” But this could not console him. Bhagavan said, “Go into that interview room.” He did, and there he saw his son, who died months back, standing. He could speak to him and returned. In Bhagavan we find an ideal father, householder, teacher, student and above all, mother.

Sai Ram.

Universal & Practical Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Chapter 4