Bhagavan Baba – Spiritual directions/advice on Operation of Sai Centers
Questions & Answers
Published by Sri Sathya Sai Central Council of Malaysia in conjunction with the MINI CONFERENCE of FAR EASTERN Sai Centers Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 1984
ORGANISATIONS AND
FUNCTIONS OF CENTRES
Q: Please explain
Organization Structure of a Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi?
A: ...the Sathya Sai Seva
Samithi will hereafter be the key unit of the Organization. Units like the
Sathya Sai Satsang, the Sathya Sai Bala Vikas, the Sathya Sai Study Circle, the
Sathya Sai Bhajana Mandali, and the Sathya Sai Seva Dal will be
subordinate to the Samithi and supervised by it. Samithi is the
heart, and the units the limbs. The limbs cannot act independently, as if they
are a law unto themselves.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 8, Page 73)
Q: What are to be the
various units in the Sathya Sai Organizations?
A: We have five
principal units in the organization, and in every village or town where we have
these, there should be exemplary unity and cooperation between them. They are
like the five fingers of a hand. The little finger is the Bhajan Mandali,
the group devoted to singing the Glory of God. But they should not be proud
that they are pioneers and primary workers. The ring finger is the Bala Vikas.
On the precious gold plate of juvenile hearts, the guru affixes the gems of
goodness and Godliness. That is the ring which this finger wears. But that
should neither make the Bala Vikas proud, nor make the guru feel that the work
done by it is the most important and so it has to be honored most. The sense of
unity and co-operation must prevail. The middle finger is the Seva Dal,
helping the two units on one side and the two on the other. But it should not
hold its head high and claim to be superior to all the rest. The index finger
is the Mahila Vibhag (Women’s Wing), the unit, which is composed of
women, who point to the good, the great, the useful, the Right, etc. They too
should not be filled with overweening conceit. The thumb naturally is the Seva
Samithi, the over-all executive, the guide and guardian, the promoter and
provider. The thumb has to join the other four fingers so that they may hold,
grasp, or manipulate anything. Without the thumb the other fingers are
helpless. So, each finger must feel that strength lies in working with the rest,
and that all are but parts of one hand which they cannot ignore.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. X, Page 47)
Q: Can a unit of
Sathya Sai Organization make its own rules?
A: There shall be a
system and an order in the Organization - every unit has to follow the
All-India Pattern. No state can arrange things in its own way. Mysore, Kerala,
Gujerat, all States have to keep before them the same pattern and not venture
on separate individual types of units. Every unit must respect and follow the
rules and regulations laid down at the All-India Conference, from year to year.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 8, Page 25)
Q: Since the Sathya
Sai Organization is a spiritual body, are rules and regulations necessary?
A: A spiritual
organization is really above all rules and regulations, the realm of the Atma
is beyond the limits of regulations. In this sense rules are either meaningless
or superfluous in Sathya Sai Organizations. But at least, to satisfy the law of
the land dealing with associations of this kind, some rules have to be adopted.
For example, who can be members of these organizations, and what are their
qualifications? Of course, they must be eager aspirants for spiritual progress.
They must have full faith in the name that the organization bears, and in
spreading that name, in the manner suited to its message and majesty. Besides,
the members must have won recognition as good persons. That is all the
qualifications needed, nothing else counts.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. Vt Page 29)
Q: Why are there so
many restrictions in our Organization, Swami?
A: The restrictions,
rules and self-controls are the royal roads leading to that goal of self-realization. They are not just to bind you, to limit or control you. Everyone
has an Atma. But the mind wanders and gets agitated. These rules must be
adhered to, to control such wanderings of the mind. A tiny sapling must be
protected from animals by a fence from destruction. But when it becomes a tree,
the very animals which tried to destroy or eat it will come for refuge and
shelter under the tree. Rules are protective fences for our mind.
(Seva
Dal, 2/81, Page 8)
Q: The World Council
Constitution for overseas centre says that "No Active Member can become an
office Bearer if he is already an office bearer in any other spiritual
organization"! What do we understand by this?
A: It is also laid
down strictly that those who are in our Organization should not have any
connection with other Organizations of Spiritual or Religious character. Of
course, so far as Service is concerned, members should help and serve all,
without distinction. Everyone in distress deserves help. But no member of the Samithi
should have any connection with other such Institutions or Societies.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 327)
There are a number of
other institutions also started and run by Swamis of various types. If we have
any who associate with these, I ask the District and State President to remove
them immediately. Though people can revere, worship whom-soever they like, we
should not have in the Organization men with dual loyalties. Only those with
faith and devotion in this Name and Form can carry out its objectives with zest
and enthusiasm.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 328)
Q: Can centers
collect funds Swami?
A: I do not like
collecting funds. But since some expenses have to be incurred, I have to allow
them to under very stringent conditions. Each organization has as members about
10 or 15 persons. Whatever expenses they decide to incur for the work of the
organization, they have to collect among themselves, without seeking help from
those outside the circle. They have of course to contribute according to their
capacity and limit the work to the resources they can pool among themselves. Do
not plan beyond your capacity and move about with lists from person to person
to get funds. By this the institution gets a bad name, and you too will not be
spared.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, Page 31)
Q: Some devotees/members find the rules and regulations of Sathya Sai Seva Organizations
difficult to follow and tend to criticize those who try to enforce the rules.
What should the Organizers do about this?
A: The objectives,
rules and regulations that the Sathya Sai Seva Organizations has laid down have
to be scrupulously observed by all, whatever be the difficulties, whatever be
the reactions of others. Bear calumny, criticism and neglect with courage; do
not allow these to affect your equanimity.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol.-IX, Page 13)
Q: What is the sole
objective of Sai Organizations?
A: The sole objective
of all the Sathya Sai Organizations is to enable man to discover his innate
divinity, regain his self-confidence, confidence and faith in God. The power
and strength derived from the faith in self from Faith in God, will be enduring
and ever sustaining. The objective of Sai Organizations is to make people again
become aware of this truth and to live in that awareness.
Truth (God) is one.
The same Paramatman is called by different names like Rama, Krishna, Christ,
Allah, etc. This is the cardinal principle of which Sathya Sai Organizations
work. The unity of all faiths is the main plank of Sai Organizations. All our
eighteen Puranas dwell on one single theme, that we have no right to and we are
not to find fault with others. Never entertain malice (hatred) towards anyone,
the same God is inherent in all beings.
(Seva
Dal, 4/ 83. Page 4)
Make the best use of
the sacred atmosphere prevailing in the Samathi and engage yourself in
spiritual Sadhana and service to the people around you.
(Sai
Samathi, July 1980)
Q: Swami, what
should be the underlying spirit of the Sathya Sai Seva Samithis?
A: The sole object of
Sathya Sai Seva Samithis, the very breath on which they thrive, is the
consciousness of unity of all as one. But the politics of proliferation attacks
the Sarni this too and ten men develop into eleven institutions. As in
politics, here too, factions, competition, clamor for power and authority,
greed for office, raise their heads; people are not able to resist the
infection of the atmosphere of elections and parties. Such tactics and
tendencies will not fit in with associations of aspirants towards the goal of
spiritual unity. Sathya Sai Seva Samithis are built on love. They thrive
on love, they spread love, no other emotion or attitude has any place therein.
Divinity is the magnet; humanity is the iron; love is the force that brings
them together. Nara is the iron; Narayana is the magnet. Bakti or love
is the force· that draws the two together. The Ashanti (peaceless-ness) from
which man suffers should disappear; man should attain PRA-shanti (inner deep-rooted
peace); that is the aim of the institution initiated by Me. Serve Me, serve
yourself by being true, loving and active and so be examples of truth, love and
service to others.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, Page 248)
Q: What is the
purpose of the Sathya Sai Seva Organization Swami?
A: This organization
is intended to broaden your love, to channelize your activities through devoted
service. It has not been devised to parade devotion, or collect devotees to
canvass support for some newfangled breed. It is dedicated to the great task
of progressively aiding people to realize their Reality and merge in it.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 111, Page 44)
Q: What is the aim of
a Sai Centre?
A: You must have the
firm belief that the aim of this Organization is to remove the obstacles that
keep man away from God, that separate manavathwa from madhavathwa.
There can be no human; it is all Divine. This Organization must elevate the
human into the Divine.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 324)
Q: Is one of the
objectives of the Sathya Sai Organization to promote and spread the name of
Sai?
A: The organizations
named after Me are not to be used for publicizing My name, or creating a new
cult around My worship. They must try to spread interest in japa, dhyana,
and other sadhanas, which lead man God ward; they must demonstrate the joy
derivable from bhajan and namasmarana, the shanti that one can
draw from satsang. They must render seva to the helpless, the sick, the
distressed the illiterate and the needy. Their seva should not be
exhibitionistic; it must seek no reward, not even gratitude or thanks from the
recipients. Seva is sadhana, not a pastime of the rich and well
placed.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. Vl, Page 128)
Q: Should Centers try
and duplicate activities that are done at other Centers?
A: Doing something
because it's being done elsewhere is a sign of blind ignorance. The programs
must satisfy a local need, solve a local difficulty.
(Sanathana
Sarathi, January 1976, Page 256)
Q: What must the
Centers be constantly guarded against? A: The great evil that undermines the
units of this Organization is pride and the jealousy that it endangers. When
one person exudes the pride that he alone can sing Bhajans well among the
group, naturally others develop anger, jealousy, hate, malice and such other
deleterious traits.... Spiritual pride is the most poisonous of all varieties
of pride; it blinds and leads the person suffering from it into ruin. Beware of
pride, be always aware that you are but instruments, in My Divine Mission of Dharmastapana:
Revival of Righteousness. Try to be more and more efficient as such
instruments. The Hand that wields the Instrument knows how and when it has to
be applied.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 181)
Do not infect these
Associations of Aspirants for My Grace with the virus of rivalry and factions.
Do not inquire into the caste affiliations of any one and develop partiality or
prejudice thereon. Strive to win the gift of My Grace, not the glitter of
Presidentship or Secretaryship. Pay attention to your duties and
responsibilities. This is no ordinary burden that you have been privileged to
carry. I can see you through and through. Do not carry your head high, and
taunt people. Stoop, so that you can pick your burden up and place it on the
shoulders.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 154)
Q: What should we do
to Sai Centers that are inactive?
A: In some places,
there are Units which do not carry on any activity. Or, if they do, the
activities are quite contrary to the principles and practice of the Prasanthi
Nilayam or to the Rules laid down for the Organization. Wherever there are such
Units, the State President or the District President must take steps
immediately, to remove them from the Organization.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 326)
Q: How does Baba want
the various centers to behave?
A: The conviction
that I am everywhere, watching everything and aware of everything must keep you
on the straight path of Sadhana, through Seva and Study. I want that every
Samithi (and every Unit complementary to it) be bubbling with Joy at the work
already achieved and with enthusiasm for the work ahead. Love, respect, tolerance,
mutual co-operation, forbearance – these must flow from the hearts of each to
all. There should be no eagerness to capture office from the other's grasp or
to hold it back when another is ready for it. The Units too should co-operate
with each other and not compete in a spirit of envy or faction. You are all
limbs of one Body, namely the Sai Body. The Samithis should be guided
and if necessary corrected by the District President; the District Presidents
should be guided and, if necessary, corrected by the State President and the
State Presidents should have constant contact, advice and guidance from the Centre.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 350)
Q: What are Baba's
views on "Cliques" in centers?
A: This kind of group
politics has no place among Sai devotees and cannot be tolerated in Sai Bhajan
groups. I find this evil trait spreading in most Bhajan Mandalis members
divided into rival groups competing for chances to sing, trying to attract
attention and appreciation of the people.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 9 Page 161)
Q: How do we resolve
"clique" systems and petty problems in the center?
A: There are two
attitudes of mind, the Community Attitude and the Unity Attitude. In the grip
of the Community, you cling to some as friends and keep away from others. This
attitude cannot win the Grace of the One. He who sees Unity wins the Grace of
the One. Do not worry about temporary trifles and tribulations. Do not
exaggerate the inconveniences they cause. Bear them with courage and a smile.
Aim at the highest goal.
(Seva
Dal Mag. 1981, Page 13)
Q: Can Bhagawan
comment on the attitude of competition that prevails among some Sai
Centres/Devotees?
A: Be sincere in Sadhana;
do not attempt to imitate others; let it arise out of our own genuine yearning.
You should not also be urged by competitiveness or the desire to show off.
"That Bhajan Mandali is conducting Nagarasankeertan twice a
week, let us also do twice a week or let us do thrice a week" - this kind
of rivalry or exhibitionism has to be given up. There are others who desire to
bring down units that are doing good work, because they cannot tolerate or
suffer the fame those units earn! So, out of sheer malice, they try to harm or
injure the units so that their good work may suffer.
But there is another
way of bringing those units down and making your unit more liked. The teacher
draws a line on the blackboard and asks any one of his pupils to come up to the
board and, without touching the line drawn, make it shorter! The pupils are
puzzled but the teacher shows them the way; draw a longer line a little
distance above it; the line is now the shorter of the two! Let your unit do
more acts of service more efficiently to more people. That is the proper way to
carry on the activities -not calumny or criticism, but work.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VIl, Page 338)
Q: Who can be member
of a Sai Centre?
A: If you take in as
members only those whom you like and keep away anyone who has faith and
devotion, you are committing sacrilege against God. This Organization does not
attach value to the likes and dislikes of any office bearer. It is based on
devotion and faith only. Whoever has these and loves the Organization as his
own life, all such have a place in it, have a right to be in it.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. Vll, Page 325)
Q: What are the
qualifications of a member?
A: (1) Of course,
they must be eager aspirants for spiritual progress.
(2) They must have full faith in the name that
the organization bears and spreading the name, in the manner suited to its
message and majesty.
(3) Besides, the member must have won
recognition as a good person. That is all the qualifications needed; nothing
else counts. There is no need to have money or land, or scholarships, influence
or authority or official position. If you have the three qualifications
mentioned, I assure you, even if you have no place in any organization bearing
My name, you will have a place here (Baba indicated His heart as the place
where they will be accepted). The organization must be such that members find
them congenial places to deepen their sadhana, to cultivate their virtues and
to overcome their ego, by contact with workers who are free from the least
trace of that deadly poison. If this is achieved, their success is certain.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, Page 29)
Q: What should be the
behavior of members of a Sai center? A: The members of the units of this
Organization must be ever engaged in the twin process of purifying the mind and
clarifying the intellect. They have to free themselves from all prejudices and misunderstandings.
They have to speak softly and
sweetly and give everyone the respect and attention due to them sincerely.
Humility and tolerance must characterize the behavior of a Sai devotee.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. X, Page 44)
Q: What should be the
"spiritual" aim of members of Sai Organization.
A: Truth about
oneself is to be learnt first. When man does not know his own Truth, how can he
judge others or deal with others? When man knows that he is the Indestructible,
Eternal Atman, he is free from fear. Truth can shine forth only from a purified
mind and a clarified intellect. The units of the Sathya Sai Seva Organizations
must be ever active in following and observing the disciplines laid down for
these two processes. Man has to overcome the animal in him. The pasu
(beast) has to be laid low-and the Pasupathi (Master of living beings, GOD)
installed in the heart. This aim has to be constantly borne in mind by the
Organization and its members; the journey towards it has to be steady and
fervent.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. X, Page 44)
Q: How do I evaluate
myself within the Organization, Swami?
A: Have you improved
in any way? Has there been any refinement in you? Are you participating in
these activities wholeheartedly, with a sense of conviction and love from the
depths of your heart or are you continuing merely out of some compulsion from
others, just for participation sake? You have to put to yourself these
questions and seek answers from within yourself. Your participation should not
be of a superficial nature, something artificial, it should be spontaneous,
something welling out from within your heart. The main objective of our
organization is to promote self-confidence in all of you, to instill in you an
affirmative conviction in the true values of life, and to propagate these in
the world, among others, through your personal example.
In our organizations,
in its several wings, e.g. Seva Samithis, Mahila Vihbags, Bal Vikas,
Seva Dal, etc. your participation in these should not be merely for the
sake of participation, just for the purpose of doing something. It should bring
out a transformation in your heart. The work should be done with love in your
heart. The service you do should radiate the fragrance of love.
(Seva
Dal 4/83, Page 6)
Q: What is the need
for my participation in the Sai work?
A: Work in the Sai
Organizations is for your own good and benefit, to purify your own minds and
hearts.
(Seva
Dal 4/83, Page 4)
Q: What can Sai
Organizations achieve as a Group Swami?
A: What a single
individual cannot accomplish, a well knit group or society can achieve. We find
social living contributing to increased happiness and more efficient effort
even among birds and beasts. Even ants have learnt the immense benefits
derivable from group activity and social organization. Monkeys also live in
groups for greater security and happier lives. Through the sense of unity, the
willingness to sacrifice and the softness of compassion, all objects can be
gained. So the Sathya Sai Organization must move forward with heartfelt
enthusiasm in the field of service.
(Sanathana
Sarathi, Dec. 1981)
Q: What should be the
attitude of the devotees/ members of a Sai Centre towards each other especially
when problems /Misunderstandings arise?
A: Every worker in
this Organization must rid himself of the idea of separateness or distinction,
between one person and another, on the basis of Caste or Creed, poverty or
richness. He must always be eager to share the sorrows - and what is more
difficult - the joys of others. My desire is that whenever any slight
misunderstanding arises among you, you must set it right among yourselves,
exercising love and tolerance. You should not plunge into a passion over it and
let things blaze into a quarrel or a factional split. Recognize that you are
engaged in the exercise of widening your hearts; of reaching the Feet of the
Lord through the expression of love. Unless you cultivate Love, Tolerance,
Humility, Faith and Reverence, how is it possible for you to realize God?
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. Vlll, Page 318)
Q: Having been an
active member of a Sai Organization for a number of years, should devotees
introspect? Should they attempt to see in what way they have conformed to the
ideals of the Organization?
A: The answer to
these questions would depend on our own attitude and approach to Sai work. You
have therefore to ask yourselves; Have we been participating in these
organizations from the depth of our hearts or is that participation due only to
some pressure or compulsion of circumstances or other persons from outside?
Have we participated in this work as merely exhibitionists, only to show off to
others or is that participation for the cause for which the Organization
stands? Every Sai worker has to honestly enquire within himself on these lines.
Sai work is not like an artificial nose which is attached to your face. It must
be taken as something born with you a part and parcel of your being. Nor should
you regard this work as a means of some worldly remuneration or gain. It has to
be done in the spirit of a karma yogi, without being attached to the
fruits thereof. It is a duty undertaken by you for your own satisfaction. Why
are these guidelines being given to you? Only because any work done to show off
to others will yield only superficial results and will do little good to you or
unto others. If, on the other hand, work is done with love for your own
satisfaction, it will bring you Ananda or Bliss of your own Atma. Work done in
this way alone will lead you to the realization of the Atma or Divine Self in
others. Then alone you will be working with confidence and in conformity with
the objectives of Sai Organizations and thereby you will be able to demonstrate
to others that we believe in and act up to our great ideals. Then alone will we
succeed in promoting and propagating our ideals of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti and
Prema in the world.
(Commandments
to Sathya Sai Workers, Page 15)
Q: How should we
execute our position as office bearers?
A: Use the office you
hold in the Units to the best advantage, namely, to overcome your ego, to inspire
others in the Godward path and to relieve distress. Don't go through the
routine of bhajan, dhyana and Nagarasankeerthan,
because you have to; or because someone else will usurp your Office, if you do
not stick on. Share it with others, act from the depths of your heart. Do not
indulge in mere talking. Practice what you direct others to do, asserting that
it is beneficial.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 8 Page 27)
Q: How should those
be holding positions in Centre exercise their authority?
A: Do not seek to
exercise authority over others; seek rather to discover chances to be useful to
them. When one neglects his duty, the positions of authority start causing
headaches. Be a servant; a servant of God - then all strength and joy will be
added unto you. Try to be a master; - then, you will arouse envy, hatred,
anger; and greed in everyone around you. Feel that you are an instrument in His
hands; let Him shape you and use as He knows best.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol 6, Page 262)
Q: As Centre gets
more active what pitfalls/damages can be expected?
A: I find that, after
these units have started working, the cordiality that prevailed previously has
disappeared. Differences of opinion are being exaggerated, tempers are getting
frayed and misunderstanding and fractions are raising their heads. Men who were
together are drifting apart. "Tat" and "Twam" that
and this, are the same; but you are forgetting it and becoming distant from
this. When you approach the senses, the spirit is far; when you approach the
spirit, the sense will be far away. Attach yourselves to the sensory and the
worldly - that is to say, develop upeksha and you bind yourselves with the
chain of likes and dislikes. Detach yourselves from the craving for fame and
comfort -that is to say, develop upeksha and you are free.
(Sathaya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, Page 262)
Q: In a Sai Centre,
is it not better to let an important person or a rich person be the office
bearer and others gather around to do the work?
A: The Chaos and
misery of the World today are the creation of persons who have climbed to
positions of authority, but do not discharge the responsibilities of those
positions. No one is entitled to such position who is unable or unwilling to
shoulder the responsibility inherent in it and who does not discharge them
sincerely. Whatever their status, however deep their scholarship, however rich
they are, they do not deserve the position they crave for, or hold.
In the Units of this
Organization too, the same rule applies. No one has a place who does not
possess the skill, the capacity and the willingness to carry out the
responsibility. Before you enter the Organization or seek any office therein,
consider well whether you have the yearning and the capacity; else, if you join,
or complain against some person or some program, you are only revealing your
own smallness or weakness. Make do inquiry, give full consideration, before you
join the Organization. Having joined, co-operate with others vigorously and
carry out all your duties conscientiously.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Page 314)
Q: Some members
become "Attached" to their positions... they resent others attempting
to perform similar functions. What would be the best way to resolve this?
A: The Vedas
declare that Her Grace, that is to say, Immortality can be achieved by
detachment, Thyaga, rather than by hectic activity, or affluence or progeny.
Give up; do not grasp in clenched fists. Release; do not bind and get bound.
The Units of the Sathya Sai Seva Organization must emphasize through example
and personal practice that no joy is equal to the joy of sharing, giving,
renouncing.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 8 Page 133)
Q: Bickering’s among
the members in a Centre and between Centers are not uncommon. Baba, please
advise us on this.
A: Even if you cannot
oblige, you can at least speak obligingly. This means that you have to cleanse
your speech of cynicism and satire, and be sincere and sweet. You may differ
from co-workers on methods and programmes, but this should not leave a scar on
your heart or on theirs. Office bearers are guides who walk the path they wish
others to take; they shall not command or punish, they can only persuade and
advise. The name of Sathya Sai is attached to each wing of this organization.
It is Sathya Sai that inspires each activity of each wing. This fact has not
been taken to heart by many of you. Sai is the inner inspiration and light for
each worker. The sections should not feel free to act according to the whims
and fancies of the members or office bearers. Each is dependent on the other.
When a thorn pricks the foot, the eye sheds tears.
If there arises in
the Samithi or Seva Dal or Mahila Vibhag (Women’s Wing),
any feeling of hatred between members or envy against some other member, treat
it as a serious sin. It is a sacrilege, an act of treason, against the
Organization itself. Let the past be past. The past we cannot recover; the
future is not ours; the present is fast fleeting into the past. Let us not
brood over what has already happened. From this moment, give up envy, pride and
hatred from your hearts and instead plant therein Prema and mutual help. Give
up the pernicious habit of seeking faults in others, seeking faults in
yourself. Faultless people can never find faults in others.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 10 Pages 222-224)
Q: How should a
"delinquent" member be handled?
A: Do not enforce
rules, without mercy or thoughtful consideration. If a person does not attend
60% of the meetings, the rules say that he is to be removed from
Office. Give him chances to reform, to be with the group, so that
he may reform. If even this does not mend, remove the name, without
compunction. Do not, have any one in, who would much rather be outside the
group of Sai Bhakthas, either on account of his habits or indifference
towards religious matters, especially towards the directions given by Me. For,
My honor is your honor, your honor is My honor. This is not your Unit or your
Organization, it is Mine. In My institution, minds must mutually harmonize. The
hearts of all have to be ploughed by discipline, and sowed with the seeds of
Love, so that they grow into the Trees of Dedication, and yield the Fruits of Jnana.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VlI Page 159)
Q: What should I do
if I consider an instruction issued by a coordinator inappropriate or
unfeasible?
A: Do not wag or
argue just for the sake of argument. Let your words be few, fair and
felicitous. Soft speech adds sweetness to living. Even when you are engaged in
discussion amongst yourselves, be short of speech and polite in behavior... If
you feel any doubt regarding the propriety or advisability of those
instructions, talk them over with the leaders alone, in a spirit of
friendliness.
Do not disregard or
modify those instructions at any cost. The leader has to pay attention to the
overall situation, which may not be so clear to you.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. X, Page 37)
Q: I cannot help
myself finding fault with others and sometimes even quarrelling with them ....
Bhagawan please advise?
A: Bhajans where you
quarrel and compete, and revel in putting down others and raising yourselves,
might give you satisfaction but, let me announce here, they do not please ME at
all. I am pleased only when Love is the keynote, when the feeling of Unity
prevails, when the melody comes from the cleansed God-loving heart. The
office-bearers in the Units of our Organization should be ever vigilant, that
this poison does not creep into the working of the Units, either in Bhajans, or
in the activities of the Mahila Vibhag (Women’s Wing) or Seva Dal.
Remember all are the
sons and daughters of Sai Matha. How can I tolerate it when the sons and
daughters quarrel among themselves and divide themselves into rival groups?
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 9, Page 162)
Q: How should our
speech/talk to the others in the center be?
A: Speak the truth
but speak pleasantly. Simply because a statement will be welcome to the hearer,
don't speak it out to win his approval; if speaking truth will cause grief or
pain, keep silent. That is the vow of truth in ordinary daily life. Don't have
hypocrisy or crookedness in your speech. Both unpleasant truth and pleasant
untruth have to be avoided.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, Page 104)
Q: What should be my
motive for joining a Sai Centre? A: You join the Samithi, you share in
its activities, for your own sake; not for the sake of Sathya Sai or the
Samithi started in that name. If you feel that you can earn fame or name, or
social status, or some other type of gain by entering this Organization, there
is no place for you in it. This is a place for Sadhana, constant, vigilant
Sadhana.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. 8, Page 67)
Q: How has Sai
Organization benefitted mankind?
A: The task before
mankind is: to plant the seeds of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love in
Hearts, made ready for their reception; to foster the saplings and watch over
them with love and care until they grow into trees, yielding rich harvest of
sweet fruits; and to enable all to share in that sustaining repast. Sages who
had succeeded in this beneficial culture have laid down the means and methods,
the steps and slips, the helps and hindrances, that men have to consider, while
engaged in this task, and millions have benefitted by their counsel. But, never
before has this become an organized movement in which entire humanity was
involved. Unless it becomes so, there can be no liberation from fear, anxiety
and injustice.
(Sanathana
Sarathi, June 1976, Page 91)
Q: Does Swami want us
to try to get more devotees and to open up more Centers?
A: I am not
interested or elated when this or that District claims to have a larger number
of Units of this Organization than the other one. I am interested in the work,
in the loving heart, in selfless service. There are Units that exist only in
name! There are others that function in ways quite contrary to our purposes and
ideals! Instead of allowing these to continue, it is best they are wound up,
immediately. It is better to have two or three that function well than hundreds
that function badly or not at all. Two ounces of cow's milk are preferable to a
potful of ass's milk.
(Sathya
Sai Speaks, Vol. VII Page 319)
Q: What is the
consequence of Sai work?
A: Every action has a
reaction and Sai work is no exception, to this law. The consequences of the
work done by a Sai worker come to him alone and to none else. The teaching of
the Sruthis that all the namaskaras or obeisance you do go to
Eshwara alone further points to the truth that whatever seva or service you
render to any Jeeva ultimately goes to Keshava or Eshwara, who dwells in the
hearts of all. Since Eshwara is desireless, everything that we offer unto Him,
comes back to us alone in that very form.
(Commandments
to Sai Workers, Page 16)
Q: What is the
religion of Sathya Sai Organization, Swami?
A: It does not seek
donations and patrons. It works under a Master who is present everywhere at all
times, and so the organization is only a name for a group of people who carry
on work that would win His Grace, in a spirit of worship. There is no scope
here for malingering or personal rivalry or the virus of vanity or envy. Stoop,
so that you can lift the burden on to your shoulders; serve, _ so that you may
be an example and an inspiration. Follow, so that you can lead seekers into the
heart of God. Be humble, be cordial with all. Devotion should not be
publicized. It is a secret gain.
(Sathya Sai Speaks,
Part III, Page 156)
