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2014/05

‘为什么而为什么不’

我谦卑的顶礼于我们薄伽梵的莲花足下。

亲爱的兄弟姐妹，

我们大多数人到此来并得睹薄伽梵叫一些人进入会谈室面谈的情况。为什么祂叫一些人而不叫我？所以今天的主题是“为什么而为什么不？”我想这主题会引起每一个人的某种兴趣，就如我第一次到这里时一样，也感到讶异，为什么叫他人而为什么不叫我？薄伽梵跟某些人说话。为什么？他不跟我说话。为什么不？祂变现圣粉给某些人。为什么？祂不变现圣粉给我。为什么不？某些人可以住在此。为什么？有些人就不能住在此。为什么不？所以，“为什么而为什么不”是我们必将试图去考虑和讨论的两个问题，就我们这些在百善地尼乐园生活的人而言。

薄伽梵赐予面谈给一些人而不给另一些人也是我当初到此的问题。我一直没有被叫入面谈室整整有七年之久，甚至连祂的一瞥也得不到。祂从不到我坐的行列这边来。我常告诉我的朋友，“我们可以在食堂里坐在一起，但不是在‘达瞻’（darshan）的行列，因为你可以肯定祂不会到我所坐的行列这边来。”那就是我七年来所处的情况。我也感到奇怪，“祂叫那些人。为什么？祂不叫我。为什么不？”经过了这长时间的审问和探讨，我找到了这问题的答案。

第一点是，为什么一些人被叫入面谈室？为什么另一些人就没有？答案有多个。第一个答案是：薄伽梵知道是什么人，什么时候和什么原因该被叫。那是我们必须下结论的第一个理解。所有这一切甚至在达瞻前已决定了。第二点是：薄伽梵叫人面谈是基于许多因素的。我常想那些被叫去面谈的可能是信徒而我不是信徒。那些被叫去面谈的人是真诚的而我不真诚。那是我以前的感觉。经年累月，我的结论已有所改变了。原因有好多个。其中一个是：有紧急的需要。假设一个人必须进行开刀手术或者一个人的父母或亲戚患重病，或躺在床上，奄奄一息，那么这样的人必须获得面谈。所以，情况紧急是一个因素，使到薄伽梵叫一些人进入面谈室。我们也有第二个原因。确实，有一些人是认真的求道者（sadhakas）。他们执行一些瑜伽修炼或坐禅，急需薄伽梵的一个新的指示，不然，那可能危害到他们的生命。

第三点是，那些还怀疑祂的神性者，还是必须体验祂的神性，或者那些飘忽不定，信心不坚者，也需要面谈。薄伽梵会把他们个人的实情透露给他们。有一次，一对夫妇获得了面谈。薄伽梵告诉他们，“当你们在此时，你们的儿子把车子开了出去而在市区里胡乱驾驶。你们必须付出两万卢比的赔偿费用，因为他将发生车祸而损坏车子”。他们祈求说，“噢！薄伽梵，该怎么办呢？他会没事吧？”薄伽梵说，“别担心，我会照顾他，但你们必须准备赔偿所造成的损坏。”因此，在会谈室内，薄伽梵会揭晓将要发生的事情。这使到他们相信祂的神性，也使到他们坚信薄伽梵洞悉过去，现在和未来。这就是薄伽梵叫人面谈的第三种情况。

第四点是，有一些人非常积极地参与社会服务活动。在美国就有一位开办孤儿院的女士。她从来没听说过薄伽梵，她手上戴上许多戒指而对一只蓝色的玻璃戒指情有独钟。这枚戒指是孤儿院的孤儿们送的。她经常看着她手上的戒指，陶醉于其中。一天，她接到一个电话。来电的人说，“你是一个博士。你一定要到布达峇地去见沙迪亚赛峇峇。”她还来不及回应，电话便挂断了。

另一天，她去出席一个会议而在那儿，她丢了她的戒指。那是她最喜爱的一枚戒指而这令她深感痛心。当她回家后打开皮包一看，竟然发现皮包内有另一枚金制的戒指。过了不久，她受到由某大学寄来的一则电报。电报说，大学欣赏和认同她的服务工作并将颁发博士学位给她，作为奖励。接下来，她又收到著名的瑜伽老师，因陀罗蒂薇（Indra Devi）的电话，邀请她加入她主办的赴印度之团。这女士身上没有足够的钱，所以她是不可能到布达峇地去的。突然，她收到一张志银五千元的支票，于是她决定去布达峇地。现在只有一个问题存在。没人照顾孤儿院，如何走得开。忽然，她的女儿与女婿前来并表明愿意代劳，照顾孤儿院。于是，她就踏上印度航空飞机，飞往布达峇地。

抵达布达峇地时，薄伽梵对她说，“你不相信那一通电话？你是一个博士吗？我给了你那个博士学位。孤儿院还好吧？别担心，我会叫你面谈。”一周后，祂叫那一团人进入会谈室，并甚至谈及在她皮包内的金戒指的事情。祂也告诉她，祂会再叫她面谈并讨论有关孤儿院之事。之后，在几个场合中，祂访问了她并讨论如何扩展孤儿院等事宜。因此，薄伽梵会召唤服务社会人群的人。另一位从事许多服务工作的眼科医生，摩迪医生，也被多次叫入会谈室。所以，吸引薄伽梵注意的是服务。薄伽梵之所以召唤一位高官或一位部长，原因就在于当一位高官或部长改过自新后，革新的领域会扩大到一个较大的范围，而导致整个组织得到改进。这也可以是薄伽梵赐予面谈的原因之一。

薄伽梵给予面谈的目的就在于帮助他们。这是一个完美的时间选择。既然我被薄伽梵忽视过，就以我的例子来加以说明吧！如果当初我被召唤，我的信心或许就不会像现在这么根深蒂固了。祂越是忽视我，我越是在内心渴望一个面谈。我甚至回避那些获得面谈者，因为我会感到伤心、遗憾，基于自己得不到面谈。回到家后，我甚至尽量不跟人说话，因为我知道，他们要问我的第一件事就是，“薄伽梵赐予你面谈吗？”所以，当时机成熟和适宜时，薄伽梵才叫人面谈。

现在，我们或会想，“他被叫面谈。为什么不是我？”我们大家都有某些选择和喜爱。例如：一对夫妇被叫面谈。他们告诉薄伽梵，下个月他们的女儿要出嫁。他们已选择了一个男士。薄伽梵说，“既然选定了，为什么还来问我？选了就好。”因此，一旦做了选择或决定，那么我们就是‘为之者’而我们尚未降服于祂。那些已经决定了一切者，或不会被叫去面谈。另一个原因是：他也可能因此而变得自私和自大。所以薄伽梵不会给予面谈。有些人非常肯定甚至想当然耳，薄伽梵会叫他面谈。不可能！薄伽梵不会喜欢任何人视祂为理所当然。几天前，志愿工作者排成一行行准备五体投地的顶礼（Padanamaskar）。其实没有人邀请他们坐在那儿。于是，薄伽梵回避他们。

另一点是：那些时时感到薄伽梵在他们的内心，不论在梦中或在家中，而以身口意表现于灵性上者，也得不到面谈。原因是他在灵性上已有所觉悟。那些获得面谈者只是一时的觉知，而将来才会有所觉悟，而那些在灵性上绝对开悟者是不会被叫入会谈室去面谈的。

另一个问题是：“为什么一些人与薄伽梵亲近而我就不亲近？难道他吉星高照而我就运辰低落。”这就是很多人思考的问题。好，就让我给你一个答案，是出自薄伽梵祂自己的一个讲道之中的。薄伽梵说，你可以到银行去提款，只要你的户头内还有钱。同样，有些人在许多前世已存入许多功德于其户头。因此，他与薄伽梵亲近，即便他是一个普通或甚至劣根性难改的人。然而假设你需要钱，而你的银行户头又无存款，你该怎么做？你可以抵押你的房子或首饰。这就是现世功德引起的一个结果。因此，服务，慈善和善行建立一个可以存入银行的永久财富以便提出‘恩典’的款额。

第三点是：假设我没有永久资产或银行存款。我能做什么？如果有一个富翁签一张担保书，我就可以领到钱。同样，薄伽梵祂自己就是一个保证人，恩赐你圣恩的担保人。当我们在前世或今世都没有行善的情形下，我们只得靠薄伽梵的保证，才能获得圣恩。因此，有些人幸运，只靠这三样东西即可遂愿。其他人则不然，因为他们没有‘银行户头’，‘资产’或圣恩。如何求得第三个？纯粹通过爱。所以，欲赢得圣恩，爱是主要的因素。你应该完全置身于爱，完全的降服；只信赖神，以神为依归，为了祈求神的回应。因此，‘为什么而为什么不’是要仔细思考的第二个领域。

有的人维持信徒的身份为期甚久，有的人只维持一个短暂的时间，这该怎么解释。为什么而为什么不。薄伽梵给了一个例子：“这里有两块木材。一块点过火，正在燃烧。当另一块置于它附近时，另一块也会烧起来。现在两块都在燃烧，但为了得到火焰，我们非得扇它以风不可。同理，薄伽梵就像是一块燃烧着的木材而我们应该接近以便烧起圣灵之火。我们应该有灵修之风扇以便烧起圣灵之火。两块木材放在一起是‘接近’。扇风的灵修等于‘亲近’。因此，一些人会长时间继续成为信徒，是由于他们既‘接近’又‘亲近’。有些人现在或许接近但不久就疏远。接近与亲近应该一道而来。

例如：如果我的妻子去美国并住在那儿，有什么效应？眼不见，心不想。不！她是亲近的但住在远方，所以不接近。接近仍嫌不足，应该彼此谅解。应该有平和的关系，而不像南北韩战争一样令邻居感到莫名其妙。是故，仅仅接近或仅仅亲近并无助益。接近与亲近应该一起来。一些信徒之所以长时间持续成为信徒而另一些则不能，就是这个原因。

另一点：有些人长时间地维持他们的灵性而有些人则突然转向世俗。为什么而为什么不？薄伽梵作以下的解释：“世界的吸引力太大，把人的注意力吸引过去。举一只老鼠作为例子。为了抓住牠，一些诱饵置于陷阱之内。一旦牠进来，闸门便把牠关在内而出不来了。我们也一样，受到世俗欲望和感官享乐之诱饵的吸引而囹圄其间。因此，当我们走入俗世越深，我们离开薄伽梵就越远。这有点像摆锤。若摆锤摆向右边，它离开左边就远。反之亦然。所以，一边是神，另一边是世界。摆锤在两者之间摆动。如果它摆向世界，自然你就远离神。因此，你得小心谨慎。我们有三个训谕，即：第一，决不相信世界；第二，决不忘掉神；第三，决不害怕死亡。

决不相信世界，因为社会一方面或会褒扬你而另一方面则会完全贬低你。今天你被赞美，因为你有钱，而将来你会被谴责，因为你已破产。当你身居高位时，人们会来讨好你，有事求你，但一旦你退了下来，你就门前冷落了。这就是炎凉的世态。第二点，决不忘掉神。你的生父母也许会有一个时候离开你，但神决不会离开你。祂在你之内，在你周围，在你上下，在你左右。

第三点，决不害怕死亡。爱钱的人怕死，因为他们相信钱能使鬼推磨，能助他们逃避死亡。他们忘了金钱是进入死亡大厦的第一个门的事实。其实，今天，儿子因为等不及继承父亲的金钱和资产而杀死父亲。所以，嗜钱如命，嗜地位和声望如命都是害怕死亡的标志。不管你的地位多高，你总得面临死亡。没有人能长生不老。心脏或肾脏或可移植，但生命决不能移植。生命决不能延长。那么，就安然地面对死亡吧！一个婴儿以哭泣而诞生，他长大，他衰老，而当他要离开世界时，他应该笑着离开。要笑着离开这个世界。要祈祷，“哦！神啊，您已给了我这千载难逢的机会活在这世界。我利用了每一个机会来服务您；好，现在该是道别的时候了。后会有期。”是的，为什么不！薄伽梵会化身为伯里玛赛（Prema Sai）再降临世间。那么，就让我们准备就绪迎接祂的到来，然后更加接近祂。所以，我们不应该延循世俗之道前进。该怎么做呢？薄伽梵说，“我们应该右手抓住神，左手握着世界。然后，放掉左手，让世界从左手掉落，因为我们迟早都要离开这个世界。用右手紧握着神，因为祂是唯一的救世主。

接下来的一点是：为什么一些人被多次叫入会谈室而一些人一次都没有。一些人有机会到布达峇地而有些人就没有。薄伽梵给一个例子：“病人有两种。一种是不住院的，另一种是住院的。不住院的病人，经诊治后，医生开了一些药方便回家。另一种病人或许病情比较严重；所以他必须留院治疗。那些获得多次面谈的就像是那些病情严重，必须住院的病人。他们需要多加观察，多服药或甚至动手术。如果我们健康，我们无需治疗。充其量，我们或许只要服食一些多种维他命就得了。”

薄伽梵又给另一个例子：四个孩子来看医生。第一个孩子肚子疼痛。医生给了他一些药水便叫他回去。轮到第二个孩子，检查后，给了些药丸便离开。第三个，病情较为严重，几乎不能走路了。医生给他打了两支针便叫他回家。第四个病情非常严重，他说剧痛几乎要他的命。医生检查之后，发现他得了盲肠炎。这孩子需要住院开刀。虽然大家都有肚子疼痛的症状，但是每个人却得到不同的治疗。所以，第一个孩子不能说，“医生，你为那个孩子动了手术。为什么不为我动手术？”不！那是不必要的。医生知道得最清楚。就让我们怀持这种信心吧！同样，薄伽梵知道得最清楚。他或许完全不理你。我本身就连续有一段很长的时间不受到祂的理会。祂只跟我旁边的那些人或周遭的人说话，但不是我。我常感到不是滋味，直到我读了赛文献，我才感到释然。当你遇见一些朋友，你或许只说声‘哈罗’。有一些人，你就约他们喝茶。而若是你的亲戚朋友，你会邀他们吃晚饭。当你住在远方的女儿，离开三个月后回家，她又成为你家的成员，而毫无拘束地，随心所欲地在家中走动。她甚至走入厨房。因此对待每一个人都有所不同。同理，凡认为自己很亲近薄伽梵的人是不需要特别的接待的。他就像是一家的成员。对一些人，薄伽梵会说，“哦，你什么时候来的？”而对另一些人，祂会给与个人特别的关注而跟他们说话。所以，得不到面谈不是失望的一个理由。肯定不是！

薄伽梵也说，“有的人表面上只说，‘赛罗姆！赛罗姆！’，内心却不虔诚。我也与这些人保持距离。但那些把我放在心上的人，我也把他们放在心上。”例如，一个家庭主妇接待客人。她会跟他们聊聊，招待他们而没有时间陪伴丈夫。但她心里无时无刻不想着丈夫。同样，薄伽梵只是跟一些人说话而却把一些人放在祂心上，即使不说话。那么，就让我们宁可在薄伽梵的内心找到一席之地而不要在赛的唇边挂着我们的名字。在赛的心中占有一席之地才是更重要的。

今天早上，薄伽梵就有关学生们怎么样和什么时候会忆念祂而跟他们开了个玩笑。祂对一个学生说。祂给我指示那个学生，并想起他的母亲和祖母已经是五十年的赛信徒了。所以，薄伽梵还记得孩子的母亲，祖母以及他们五十年前所居之地。这仅意味着他们在赛的心中占有一席之地。我们可以通过虔诚和不断的修习去找到赛内心的一席之地。唯一的连接就是爱。愿薄伽梵在我们追求达至祂而与祂融合为一的途中协助我们。我真的感到欣慰，你们老远来到这里。你们只希望听到薄伽梵，因为你们拜访祂的住所就是要跟祂在一起，忆念着祂，赞唱祂的荣耀和聆听祂的讲道和游戏。基于你的爱好和动机，你今天早上前来聆听我的谈话。我祈求薄伽梵把最好的祝福洒向你们大家。

Sai Ram。

取自《薄伽梵斯里沙迪亚赛峇峇普及和实用的教导》第15章

WHY & WHY NOT

My humble pranams at the Lotus feet of our Bhagavan.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Most of us come here and see that Bhagavan calls some people for interviews. Why does He call some and why not me? So today’s topic is “Why and Why not?” I think that this topic will be of some interest to everybody, as I too wondered when I first came, why He called some and why not me? Bhagavan talks to some. Why? He does not talk to me? Why not? He materializes vibhuthi for some. Why? He does not materialize vibhuthi for me. Why not? Some are able to stay here. Why? Some are not able to stay. Why not? So, “Why and Why not” are the two questions which we shall try to deliberate on and discuss so far as our life in Prasanthi Nilayam is concerned.

Bhagavan’s granting interviews to some and not to others was also my question when I first came here. For seven years I had no interview, did not even get a glance from Him. He would never come in the line that I sat in. I used to tell my friends, “We can sit together in the canteen, but not in darshan line, because you can be sure that He will not come in the line that I sit in.” That was my condition for seven long years. I also wondered, “He called those people. Why? He does not call me. Why not?” After going through this long process of grilling and questioning I found an answer to this question.

Firstly, why some are called for an interview? Why others are not? There are many answers. The first answer is: Bhagavan knows who, when and why to call. That is the first understanding we have to conclude. All this is decided even before the darshan. The second point is: Bhagavan’s calling people for interview depends on many factors. I used to feel that those who are called for interviews may be devotees and I am not a devotee. Those who are called for interviews are sincere and I am not sincere. That was my feeling in the past. Over the years however my conclusion has changed. There are many reasons. One reason is: the urgent need of the hour. Supposing a person has to undergo an operation, or a person’s parent or relative is seriously ill, or on death bed, then that person has to have an interview. So urgency of the situation is one factor that makes Bhagavan call people for an interview. There is a second reason too. There are certain serious sadhakas or spiritual aspirants. They practice some yogic practices or meditation, which need a new direction from Bhagavan or else, it may even endanger their lives.

Thirdly, those who still doubt His Divinity, are yet to experience His Divinity or those who are wavering also need an interview. Bhagavan would reveal to them very personal facts. Once a couple had an interview. Bhagavan told them, “While you are here your son has taken out the car and is driving about carelessly in the city. You will have to spend about Rs. 20,000/-, because he will damage the car and meet with an accident.” They pleaded, “O Bhagavan, what is to be done? Will he be all right?”, “Don’t worry, I will take care of him, but be prepared to pay for damages.” said Bhagavan. Therefore, what was about to take place, was revealed by Bhagavan in the interview room. It convinced them of His divinity. It made them firmly believe that Bhagavan is fully aware of the past, present and the future. This is the third aspect for Bhagavan to call some people for an interview.

Fourthly, there are some who are actively involved in public service activities. There was a certain lady in the United States who was managing an orphanage centre. She never heard of Bhagavan, she wore many rings and was particularly fond of a blue glass ring, which was presented by the inmates of the orphanage. Often, she would look at her rings and admire them. One day, she received a phone call. The caller said, “You are a doctor. You must come to Puttaparthi to see Sathya Sai Baba.” Before she could even answer, the phone was put down.

Another day she went to a conference and there she lost her ring. It was her favourite ring and this made her very sad. She went home and when she opened her bag, she found another ring made of gold instead. After some time she received a telegram from a certain university. The telegram stated that the university will grant her a doctorate degree in recognition of her services. She received a telephone call next from Indra Devi, the famous yoga teacher, inviting her to join her group to Puttaparthi. This lady did not have enough money, so it was not possible for her to go to Puttaparthi. All of a sudden, she received a cheque for five thousand dollars and so she decided to go to Puttaparthi. Now only one problem remained. How to leave the orphanage as there was no one to take care of the centre. All of a sudden, her daughter and son-in-law came and offered to take care of the orphanage. Then she boarded the Air India flight and came to Puttaparthi.

When she reached Puttaparthi, Bhagavan said, “You did not believe the telephone call? Are you a doctor? I gave you the doctorate degree. How is the orphanage? Do not worry, I will call you for an interview.” After a week He called the group for an interview and talked even about the gold ring that was put in her bag. He also told her that He would call her again and talk to her about the orphanage. Thereafter, He called her on numerous occasions and discussed about the orphanage and gave her advice on how to expand it, etc. Therefore, Bhagavan calls people who engage in public service activities. Another eye doctor, Dr. Modi who did a lot of services was also called by Bhagavan for interviews. So service is what catches the attention of Bhagavan. The reason why Bhagavan calls a top official or a minister is due to the fact that when a minister or an official is reformed, the area of reformation would spread to a wider circle, so that the whole organisation would improve. This can also be the reason for Bhagavan to grant interviews.

Bhagavan calls people for an interview so that it will help them. It has a perfect timing. I shall give my own example when I was ignored by Bhagavan. Had I been called then, the faith would not have been deep-rooted as now. The more He ignored me, the more I cried within for an interview. I even avoided those who got interviews, because I would feel so sad that I was not receiving one. When I went back home, I even avoided talking to people, because I knew that the first thing they would ask would be, “Did Bhagavan grant you an interview?” So, Bhagavan calls people when the time is right.

Now, we may think, “He is called for an interview. Why not me?” We all have certain choices and preferences. For example: A certain couple were called for an interview. They told Bhagavan that their daughter was to be married next month. They had already chosen a certain man. Bhagavan said, “Then why do you ask Me? You have already chosen someone. Very good.” Thus, once we have already made the choice or decision, then we are the doer and we have not surrendered. Those who have already decided everything may not be called for an interview. Another reason is: one may also turn egoistic and arrogant. So, Bhagavan may not call for an interview. Some are very sure even taking it for granted that Bhagavan is going to call him for an interview. Impossible! Bhagavan will not like anyone to take Him for granted. A few days back the Seva dal members lined up for Padanamaskar. In fact, they were not asked to sit there. So, Bhagavan avoided them.

Another point is: Those that feel Bhagavan is with them all the time, either in dreams or at home, spiritually by thought, word and deed, will also not get an interview. The reason is that he is spiritually aware. Those that do get an interview have awareness only for the time being and will have its effect in the time to come, whereas, those who are absolutely spiritually aware will not be called.

The next question is: “Why some are close to Bhagavan, whereas, I am not close? He is fortunate, whereas, I am not fortunate.” This is another question that many ponder over. Well, let me give you an answer which came from Bhagavan Himself in one of His discourses. Bhagavan said that you can go to your bank and withdraw money only if there is money in your account. Similarly, some people have deposited meritorious deeds in their previous births. Therefore, he is close to Bhagavan, even though he may be ordinary or even incorrigible. But supposing you want money, but there is nothing in your bank account, what can you do? You can mortgage your house or gold jewellery. This is a sequel to the good acts of the present life. Therefore, service, charity and good acts constitute a permanent asset which can be deposited in bank to draw the money of grace.

The third point is: Suppose I have no permanent asset or bank balance. What can be done? If a rich man can sign a surety, then I can get money. Similarly, Bhagavan Himself is a guarantor, a surety to grant you grace. When we have not done good acts in the past or present, it is only through Bhagavan’s surety that we can obtain grace. Thus, some are fortunate only through these three things. Others are not, because they have no ‘bank accounts’, ‘assets’ or grace. How to invoke the third one? It is purely through love. So, to earn God’s grace, love is the primary factor. One should submit himself in total submission; resort to God alone as the only refuge in order to invoke the response of God. Therefore, “Why and why not’ is the second area, to ponder over.

How is it that some are devotees for long, whereas some are devotees for a short time. Why and why not. Bhagavan gave an example: “Here are two pieces of wood. One piece of wood is already lit and burning. When another piece is placed near, it too catches fire. Both are now burning, but in order to have a flame, we should fan it. Similarly, Bhagavan is like the one piece of wood burning and we should be closer in order to catch the fire of divinity. We should have the fan of Sadhana or spiritual practice in order to catch the fire of divinity. Two pieces of wood close together is ‘near’. The Sadhana of fanning amounts to being ‘dear’. Therefore, some continue to be devotees for long, because they are ‘near’ and ‘dear’. Some may be near now but not later. Near and dear should be together.

For example: if my wife goes to America and stays there, what is the use? Out of sight, out of mind. No! She is dear but stays there, and so is not near. It is also not enough to be near, there should be an understanding. There should be peaceful relationship and not like the Korean war, that makes the neighbours wonder. Therefore, mere nearness or mere dearness does not help. Near and dear should go together. This is the reason why some continue to be devotees for a long time, while others do not.

Another point: How is it that some people are spiritual for a prolonged period of time, whereas some become worldly all of a sudden. Why and why not? Bhagavan explained as follows: “The attraction of the world is so very strong that man directs his attention towards the world. Take the example of a rat. In order to catch it some foodstuffs are kept in a trap. Once it goes into this chamber, it is trapped inside. So too, we are attracted by the foodstuff of worldly desires and sensual pleasures. Thus, when we go more and more towards the world; we go away from Bhagavan. It is something like a pendulum. If a pendulum is towards the right, it is far from the left side. If it is on the left side, it is far from the right. So on one side is God and on the other side rests the world. This pendulum oscillates between the two. If it swings towards the world, then naturally you are away from God. Thus one has to be very cautious. There are three injunctions, viz., First, never believe the world; Secondly, never forget God; Thirdly, never fear death.

Never believe the world, because society may praise you on one side and completely blame you on the other. You are praised today because of your money and would be blamed in future due to your bankruptcy. When you are in high position, people will come to you for favours, but once you are out of position, no one will come to you. This is the way of the world. Secondly, never forget God. The physical parents may be away from you for some time, but God will never leave you. He is in you, around you, below you, beside you and above you.

Thirdly, never fear death. People who love money fear death because they think that money will help them to escape death. They forget the fact that money is the first door to the mansion of death. In fact, today son may kill the parent, because he anxiously awaits to inherit father’s money and property. So, love of money, love of position and popularity are signs of fear of death. No matter how high one’s position is, all have to face death. No one can prolong life. There may be a heart or kidney transplantation, but there can never be life transplantation. Life can never be prolonged. So, be ever ready to face death. A child is born with a cry, he grows, becomes old, and when he leaves the world he should smile. Leave this world with a smile. Pray, “O! God, you have given me this great opportunity to live in this world. I made use of every opportunity to serve you; well, now goodbye. I shall meet you next time.” Yes! Why not! Bhagavan will come again as Prema Sai. So, let us get the ground ready for His coming and then be nearer. So, we should not go along the worldly way. Then how? Bhagavan said, “We should catch hold of God with the right and the world with the left. Leave the left hand, let the world drop, because one day or the other you will certainly leave this world. With the right hand, hold firmly on to God, because He is the only Saviour.”

The next point is: Why some get many interviews and some none. Some make many trips to Prasanthi Nilayam, whereas, some are not able to. Bhagavan gave an example: “There are two types of patients. One, the out-patient and the other the in-patient. In the out-patient section, the patient may be examined, given a few tablets and sent home. Another may be serious; so, he has to be admitted inside, as in-patient. Thus those who have a number of interviews are those who have long ailments and are in-patients. They need prolonged medical treatment or even surgery. When we are healthy, we do not need any treatment. We may survive on some multi-vitamins.”

Bhagavan gave another example: Four boys came to a doctor. The first had a stomach-ache. The doctor gave him some mixture and sent him home. The second was examined, given some tablets and sent home. The third was serious, he could hardly walk. The doctor gave him two injections and sent him home. The fourth was very serious and the boy said that he may even die from the excruciating pain. The doctor examined him and found he had an appendicitis. This boy had to be admitted in the hospital for an operation. Although all had stomach-ache, each had to be given different treatment. So, the first boy cannot say, “Doctor you have operated on that boy. Why not on me?” No! It is not required. The doctor knows the best. Let us have such confidence. Likewise, Bhagavan knows the best. He may ignore you completely. I was ignored continuously for a long time. He will only talk to those besides me or all around me, but not to me. I used to feel so bad until I read Sai literature. When you meet some friends, you may just say ‘hello’. Some, you may invite for tea. Whereas, your relatives or close friends, you will invite for dinner. When your daughter who lives far away comes home after three months, she is again a member of the family and she will go about the house as she pleases. She will even go into the kitchen. Thus each one is treated differently. Similarly, the one who considers himself close to Bhagavan needs no special reception. He is like a family member. To some, Bhagavan will say, “O, when did you come?” Whereas to others, He would bestow his personal attention and talk to them. So, not getting an interview is not a cause for disappointment. Certainly not!

Bhagavan also said, “Some people who just say, ‘Sai Ram! Sai Ram!’ outwardly, have no devotion inside. I too treat them at a distance. But those who keep Me in their heart, I will also keep them in My heart.” For example, a housewife receives guests. She will talk and attend to them and will have no time to spend with her husband. But she will always think of her husband in her mind and heart. Similarly, Bhagavan just speaks to some and has some in His heart. So, let us find a place in the heart of Bhagavan rather than have our names on the lips of Sai. It is far more important to have a place in the heart of Sai.

This morning Bhagavan joked with the boys about how and when they would think of Him. He spoke to one boy. He pointed out him to me and recalled how his mother and grandmother had been devotees for fifty years. So, Bhagavan remembered the boy’s mother, grandparents and where they lived fifty years ago. This only means that they found a place in the heart of Sai. We can find a place in the heart of Sai through devotion and continuous Sadhana. The only link is love. May Bhagavan help us in our pursuit to reach Him and merge in Him. I really appreciate your coming all the way here. You only wish to hear of Bhagavan, because the purpose of your visit to His abode is to be with Him, think of Him, sing His glory and listen to His message and Leelas (glories). That being your avocation and incentive, you came to listen to my talk this morning. I pray that Bhagavan’s choicest blessings be showered upon you all.

Sai Ram.

Universal & Practical Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Chapter 15