Integral and Hol(y)istic approach to human ailments: Vitamin G, Food and Yoga for Physical and...

AN INTEGRAL AND

HOL(Y)STIC APPROACH

TO HUMAN AILMENTS

Vitamin G, Food and Yoga for Physical and Spiritual Health

Compiled by

Tumuluru Krishna Murty

Edited by

Dr. Satyaprabha Tumuluru

AN INTEGRAL AND

HOL(Y)STIC APPROACH

TO HUMAN AILMENTS:

VITAMIN G, FOOD AND YOGA FOR

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL

HEALTH

Compiled by


Edited by

Dr. Satyaprabha Tumuluru

© Tumuluru Krishna Murty

“Ansuya”

C-66 Durgabai Deshmukh Colony

Hyderabad - 500 007

Mobile: +91 9391087255

E-mail:[email protected]

You know that first you have to plough the land, feed

it with water; then, sow the seed, pluck out the weeds,

guard the crop by a fence, from cattle and goats, and

wait patiently for harvest time.

So also, the heart has to be ploughed by means of

virtues fed with the water of Divine love, before the

seeds of Divine Name are sown,' later, the field has to

be watched and weeds have to be destroyed; it is best

to prevent the cattle of unsteadiness and doubt, by

putting up the fence of Discipline; then, the Name of

the Lord will flower into Meditation and the rich

harvest of Knowledge can be reaped.

- Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD ......................................................................................... 13

EDITORIAL .......................................................................................... 15

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 19

HEALTH AND HUMAN VALVES ..................................................... 29

Health is Wealth .................................................................................. 31

Cultivate Healthy Habits ................................................................. 33

Well or ill ......................................................................................... 35

Human Raft ..................................................................................... 36

Realise the human values first ......................................................... 37

DISEASES AND DIVINITY ................................................................ 39

Value of Health .................................................................................... 40

Excessive activity in any field is harmful to health ......................... 42

Close nexus between the mind and Parana ......................................... 43

Mind is the root of bodily afflictions ............................................... 44

Mind’s role in health and disease .................................................... 45

How to bring about mental transformation? .................................... 46

Diseases of the senses .......................................................................... 48

Give no room for envy ..................................................................... 49

Delusions lead to dangerous situations ............................................ 50

8

Cardiac ailments .................................................................................. 51

The three root causes of cardiac ailments ........................................ 51

The efficacy of cardiac surgery ....................................................... 52

Prevention is better than cure .......................................................... 53

Way to maintain heart in a good condition ...................................... 54

Fluorosis .............................................................................................. 55

The ill-effects of polluted drinking water ........................................ 56

Ways and means to combat fluorosis .............................................. 57

Bhavaroga ............................................................................................ 58

Drug and regimen are both supplementary ...................................... 59

Health, diet and Divinity: Methods of avoiding illness ....................... 60

Welcome inspiration from any quarter ............................................ 62

Fix responsibility for your health on Him ....................................... 65

Man is ill, but he is resorting to remedies that cannot cure. ............ 65

Vitamin G ........................................................................................ 66

FOOD, THE HEART AND THE MIND ............................................. 67

Forms of food ...................................................................................... 68

The three types of 'food' eaten by man ............................................ 69

Food and health ................................................................................... 74

Light meal is the surest guarantee of health .................................... 74

Food for a Healthy Body and Mind ................................................. 75

Importance of food in maintaining health ....................................... 77

Avoid Rajasic and Tamasic food ..................................................... 79

9

Moderation in food is always to be welcomed ................................ 79

Food and Disease ............................................................................. 81

Food and character .............................................................................. 82

Food prevents or promotes emotions and passions ......................... 83

Sadhakas have to be careful about food consumed ......................... 84

Food, head and God are inter-related .............................................. 84

Role of food in maintaining thoughts .............................................. 86

Offer the food to God first and take it as Prasad ................................. 93

Fasting ............................................................................................. 99

CLEANLINESS: THE BEST TONIC ............................................... 101

Be clothed in divine qualities to approach God ............................. 101

Purity of mind and body bestows Balam ....................................... 102

Sanctify the body ........................................................................... 104

View the body as a Temple ........................................................... 105

Kshetra and Kshetrajna .................................................................. 105

Five types of bath prescribed in the scriptures .............................. 106

Uncleanliness has become a popular cult ...................................... 108

The body will shine if the character is fine .................................... 109

Five gates for the temple of body .................................................. 110

Eschew all bad company ............................................................... 111

Ensure proper use of the body ....................................................... 112

Realise that the body is not permanent .......................................... 113

Purity of the mind : Role of the senses .......................................... 114

10

Nagarasankeerthan is the greatest disinfectant ............................. 116

MEDITATION, YOGA AND EXERCISE: PRESCRIPTION FOR

PEACE AND CONTENTMENT ....................................................... 119

Meditation .......................................................................................... 119

Stick to the Name and Form you like the most.............................. 119

The best sadhana for the beginners ................................................ 120

Use the body as an instrument for spiritual practice ...................... 121

Engage yourself in good thoughts and deeds................................. 122

You will know the truth when you experience .............................. 123

Yoga marga ....................................................................................... 127

Yoga is mergence of the individual into the Universal .................. 128

The various chakras in the body .................................................... 129

Essential qualifications for the aspirant of Yoga ........................... 131

HEALTH SERVICES: DOCTORS, HOSPITALS, PATIENTS AND

SOCIETY ............................................................................................. 133

ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE ............................................................... 133

Ancient Practices ........................................................................... 134

Ayurveda vs. Allopathy ................................................................. 136

Doctors have to practise with devotion ......................................... 140

Service to Man Is Service To God ..................................................... 141

This Body Is For Serving Others ................................................... 141

Service Alone Brings Eternal Joy .................................................. 142

Offer service and receive the love of God ..................................... 145

11

The Art of Living ........................................................................... 146

Everyone has some illness or other ............................................... 147

Vyasa is the greatest of spiritual doctors ....................................... 148

The prayers to be offered daily ...................................................... 148

Do everything with a spirit of dedication ...................................... 150

You are all certain to win .............................................................. 150

The Doctor's profession ..................................................................... 151

God works through a doctor full of love ....................................... 152

Have the goal of putting into practice what you read .................... 156

Treat patients with love ................................................................. 157

Recognise the relationship between time and action ..................... 158

Duty of doctors today .................................................................... 160

Good thoughts are more efficacious than drugs ............................ 161

You can work wonders with purity of heart .................................. 161

Doctors sweet words are more effective than drugs ...................... 163

With smiling faces and talk to the patients sweetly: ...................... 163

Doctors should inspire confidence in patients ............................... 164

Triple qualities that a doctor should reflect ................................... 164

Doctors should be grateful to the society ...................................... 165

Aim at a disease-free human society ............................................. 167

Hospitals ............................................................................................ 167

Why Hospital? ............................................................................... 167

Most hospitals indulge in profiteering ........................................... 170

Cleanliness ..................................................................................... 171

12

Free medical aid ............................................................................. 171

"Old is Gold" ................................................................................. 172

Medical Education and Training: ...................................................... 173

Medical education should lay stress on quality ............................. 173

Educate Laymen-Remove the cause of fear: ................................. 175

Educate the villagers on the value of nutrient foods ...................... 175

Educate enceinte women about pre-natal care of children in the

womb: ............................................................................................ 176

Training Of Nurses of Sai Maha Vaidhyalaya............................... 177

Need for nurses with pure hearts ............................................... 178

SRI SATHYA SAI SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL .................. 181

What the Super-Speciality hospital signifies ................................. 181

Mission statement .......................................................................... 183

History ........................................................................................... 184

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram

....................................................................................................... 190

SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL-WHITEFIELD ......................... 198

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield .. 198

Ambiance ....................................................................................... 201

INDEX .................................................................................................. 203

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................ 205

13

FOREWORD

“Health is Wealth”, said Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I have

been listening to this phrase as I grew up. Below is my

understanding of “Health is Wealth”.

A state of good health can be only achieved when the body and

mind are in good condition. Any imbalance can cause ill health.

Many components cause the body to be in good condition like good

food eaten in sufficient quantity and in a timely manner; clean

water to keep the body turgid and hydrated; and regular exercise to

keep fit and in good shape.

On the other hand, a mind with clean, pure thoughts and devotion

to God is a healthy mind.

Any person who has a healthy body and a healthy mind is truly

wealthy.

In a health system, there are mainly 2 facets: one that is the patient

and the other facet is the health system, which is the doctors. This

An integral and hol(y)stic approach to human ailments

14

principle of any person who has a health body and a healthy mind

is applicable to both sides of the same coin.

This can be applicable to the common man, who needs to cultivate

good habits and discipline to keep physically healthy as well as

have a clear conscience and a pure mind to be in good mental

condition.

This is also applicable to doctors who need to incessantly pray to

be instruments of the Divine; so they think of what would benefit

their patients and how they could make their patients feel better

soon. This would not only mean giving them medicines but also

tender, loving care which most times works better than the

medicines. Doctors also need to practice what they preach and

strive to eat healthy food and exercise regularly.

The phrase “Health is Wealth” as Bhagawan has so aptly

announced, is so simple but yet is a profound philosophy. The

compilation of sayings of Bhagawan “Integral and Hol(y)stic

approach to common ailments” pertains to Health and Health

systems and is a rendition to remind devotees of this profound

philosophy. Each teaching has a simple truthful message that He

imparts to us. I hope that each one of us finds the message desired

by Him for us.

With Pranams at His Lotus Feet,

- Dr. Satyaprabha Tumuluru

15

EDITORIAL

Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living

being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind and

body, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain (as in

"good health" or "healthy"). The World Health Organization

(WHO) defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as "a state of

complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely

the absence of disease or infirmity." 1

Health means the extent of continuing physical, emotional, mental,

and social ability to cope with one's environment. Good health is

harder to define than bad health (which can be equated with

presence of disease) because it must convey a more positive

concept than mere absence of disease, and there is a variable area

between health and disease. A person may be in good physical

condition but have a cold or be mentally ill. Someone may appear

healthy but have a serious condition (e.g., cancer) that is detectable

only by physical examination or diagnostic tests or not even by

these2.

Health is a relative state in which one is able to function well

physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually in order to express the

1 Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2 Concise Encyclopedia


16

full range of one's unique potentialities within the environment in

which one is living. In the words of René Dubos, “health is

primarily a measure of each person's ability to do and become what

he wants to become.”

Current views of health and illness recognize health as more than

the absence of disease. Realizing that humans are dynamic beings

whose state of health can change from day to day or even from

hour to hour, leaders in the health field suggest that it is better to

think of each person as being located on a graduated scale or

continuous spectrum (continuum) ranging from obvious dire illness

through the absence of discernible disease to a state of optimal

functioning in every aspect of one's life. High-level wellness is

described as a dynamic process in which the individual is actively

engaged in moving toward fulfilment of his or her potential3.

Holistic health: a concept that concern for health requires a

perception of the individual as an integrated system rather than one

or more separate parts including physical, mental, spiritual, and

emotional. Also spelled wholistic health4.

In this age of specialization, if we have a pain in the chest we go to

a chest and lung specialist, for a stomach pain we visit the

gastroenterologist. This is starting to change, with the increasing

popularity of alternative and holistic approaches to overall health

and well-being.

3 Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and

Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 4 Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.

Editorial

17

Holistic health is based on the idea that you should take care of

your whole body and mind, rather than just treating a part of the

body that is ill. It means having total wellness in your mind, body

and spirit.

Your mind, body and spirit work together to bring you “health.”

When one part of the system is healed, the other parts are positively

affected as well.

When one is not well, be it in any part of the body, the whole being

is affected. Our feeling of ill-heath affects our emotions and moods

and these lead to stress and our energy levels and efficiency levels

drop. Holistic health implies that the cause of an illness or pain

may not be just physical. Even if one has a physical symptom, the

root cause may be an emotional imbalance.

Health is the essential pre-requisite for success in all aspects of life.

There should be a harmonious blend of religion, philosophy and art

for man to live healthily in the world.

Holistic healing aims to restore any imbalances in the physical,

mental, emotional and spiritual systems. Since spirituality plays an

important role we have played with the word holistic and used the

term Hol(y)stic – implying the it is derived from, or associated with

a divine power; its sacred5, its Holy.

Hol(y)stic Approach to health can be achieved when one develops

human values. One can be free from diseases and even enjoy good

health with God's Grace. Thought of Divine is essential to combat

5 The Free Dictionary by Farlex


18

disease. Bhagawan says, “Illness is caused more by malnutrition of

the mind than of the body. Doctors speak of vitamin deficiency; I

will call it the deficiency of Vitamin G, and I will recommend the

repetition of the Name of God, with accompanying contemplation

of the glory and grace of God. That is the Vitamin G. That is the

medicine; regulated life and habits are two-thirds of the treatment,

while the medicine is just one-third only”.

This book is an attempt to cull together the sayings of Bhagawan

on how we can achieve all-round wellbeing.

So let us all be aware of Him, all through life and offer all our

activity-breathing, talking, waking, earning and spending to Him,

for, it was by Him and through Him that we will able to do all these

things. Let the Lord be in every part of us, surrounding us,

enveloping us in his love and grace and blessing us with Hol(y)stic

health and well-being.

Pranams at His Lotus Feet

Sai Ram

- Desaraju Sri Sai Lakshmi

19

INTRODUCTION

Shareeram Aadhyam Khalu Dharma Saadhanam”

(The body is the primary requisite for the achievement of

Dharma).

The body has to discharge a variety of functions for the sake of the

family, the society and the nation. (SSS Vol.28, p. 99)

In understanding and appreciating the integral and hol(y)stic

approach to human ailments we need to consider:

Body

Body is the gift of God. Body grows in four stages Balyam,

(childhood) Kaumaryam, (Youth) Yavvanam (Middle age) and

Vardhakhyam (Old age) When a body is born it is pure and

unblemished; it is not a victim of any of the six enemies of man,

desire, anger, greed infatuation, pride and jealousy. This grows

with food one takes. The body is given to us in order that we may

realise who we truly are, in order that we may recognize its in-

dweller. Without a body we would not be able to know. Him; we

would not be able to perform any activity and follow any Karma.

The body is the chariot (ratha) of the individual (jeevi), who is the

Master. Human birth is the glorious and precious opportunity

amongst all living beings. The human body is the castle from which


20

one can fight successfully against the foes of attachment and

egoism. It is the boat by which one can cross the sea of change and

chance. The realization of the reality within oneself, through

relentless spiritual discipline is an arduous challenge – as fraught

with dangers and calamity, like playing with fire or duelling with

wild animals. Scriptures (Upanishads) have compared the spiritual

aspirant’s path to that of a razor’s edge. One has to be alert, vigilant

and fully trained to meet all emergencies. The precious opportunity

of this human birth must be used to leverage one’s intelligence,

discrimination and detachment that one is gifted with, to rise above

all, and realize the Ultimate Reality.

God has gifted each of us with the organs of our body for a specific

and particular purpose. It is only when we use the organs for the

right purpose, for the purpose for which they have been created, we

will be fulfilling the divine purpose and can merit His Grace. For

example, God has gifted us with a mouth and the tongue, in order

to take in sustaining and Sathwic i.e. pure food. But if we use the

mouth for swallowing unholy food and intoxicating drinks, the

sanctity and the purpose of the mouth are lost. Keeping this in

view, we should discriminate and reason out as to what purpose

and in which manner we have to use our different organs, and

should use them only in the right manner. We must understand that

Body is intended for the service of others, (Paropakarardham Idam

Sasheeram). Through the selfless service we realise Him.

Therefore, it is essential we keep the body in fit condition.

Healthy Body is essential for pursuit of Goals of Human Life:

Aarogyam Mahabhagyam (Health is Wealth). “In this world,

everyone aspires for long life, prosperity and health. A healthy

Introduction

21

body is essential if one has to achieve the four goal of human life,

namely, Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire)

and Moksha (liberation).” (SSS Vol.26, p. 37)

A healthy body is the best container for a healthy mind; illness

makes the mind agitated and anxious. The material and the

spiritual are the two pans in the balance. (SSS Vol.6, p. 109).

Krishna told Arjuna "Child, the body has been given in order to

understand the Dehi, the In-dweller. Use it for the sacred purpose.

Animals and birds have not been given this discriminating power".

(DBG, p. 147)

The body is the temple of God; in everybody, God is installed,

whether the owner of the body recognizes it or not. It is God that

inspires you to good acts, that warns you against the bad. Listen to

that Voice. Obey that Voice and you will not come to any harm.

(SSS Vol.6, p. 28)

The body has to be treated as a wound that has to be washed,

bandaged, and treated with medicated ointment, three to four times

a day. That is the real purpose of food and drink and raiment. Thirst

is the disease; drink is the drug. Hunger the disease; food is the

medicine. Craving for pleasure is the disease for which detachment

is the medicine. (SSS Vol.6, p. 44)

Food

Keeping this in view, man has to has to take medicine for thirst and

hunger and preserve the body healthy to realise the four goals of

human life. Bhagavan has also prescribed the type of food one has

to take and discord other types of Food. Sathwic food is capable of


22

strengthening the mind as well as the body. Food which is too salty,

too hot, too bitter, too sweet, or too sour.and it should not be taken

while steaming hot. Food, which fans the flames of thirst, should be

avoided.Rajasic and Thamasic food is not condusive for the proper

development of mind for the pirpose of Spiritual Sadhana.

Practise moderation

You must practise moderation in food, drink, sleep and exercise.

Good food taken in moderate quantities at regular intervals, that is

the prescription. Sathwic food promotes self-control and

intelligence more than Rajasic and Thamasic. So, for spiritual

aspirants, Sathwic food is very necessary. One has to be very

careful about food, especially when one is proceeding Godward

through the steep path of Yoga. (SSS Vol.2, p. 76)

‘Ati Sarvatra Varjayet' – avoid extremes in all cases. If we take

anything in excess, it will ruin our health. But again, if we restrict it

to too little, that will also cause harm, and will affect the health

adversely. You should therefore adopt "moderation" always.

(TTFFW, pp. 18-19)

Food Habits

It is best to preserve one’s health by good thoughts and good deeds.

It is best to be vigilant about food habits. (LA, p. 169)

By offering food to `BRAHMAN' it becomes the `PRASAD'.

Whatever has been offered to `Brahman' will become the `Prasad’,

which comes to us as a gift of Brahman. The meaning of the verse

is that God Himself, who is in a human form in you, is taking the

food. Therefore, this changes our food into food for God.

Introduction

23

Wherever you may go, when you take your food, you should

remember the following three verses, utter them while offering the

food to God and then take the food. Recite them and become

worthy citizens of Bharat.

Recite 24th

Sloka in Chapter 4, 14th

verse of the 15th

Chapter of

Bhagavad Gita and

Asatoma Sadgamaya tamasoma jyotirgamaya

Mrityorma amritamgamaya

Om Shanti, Shanti, Santih.

Even if you are very hungry do not run to take food without first

offering to God. Remember if you sincerely and with faith in God

offer to the Lord the food becomes ‘prasad’ Recite the above

Slokas.

Bhagawan gives the example of Meera:

The Rana developed hatred against Meera. He was angry that

Meera was freely moving about, ignoring the differences between a

male and a female and thus bringing down the reputation of the

royal family. Therefore, he arranged to mix poison in the milk and

asked her to drink.

“Sarva Karma Bhagavat Preethyatham”-

Krishnarpanam’ Wholehearted offering to God Becomes

Prasadam- Impurities are removed-

Meera had a habit of offering everything to Lord Krishna before

she partook of the same. She used to carry out her daily routine in

the spirit of “Sarva Karma Bhagavat Preethyatham” (performing

all acts with a view to please God). Hence, she placed the vessel

containing milk at the altar of Krishna and prayed wholeheartedly

‘Krishnarpanam’! (I offer this to Lord Krishna). That was a


24

genuine offering from the depth of her heart. The very next

moment, Lord Krishna partook a portion of the milk and changed

the rest into divine nectar. Mira partook of the left over milk

happily as Lord Krishna’s prasadam (sanctified food). Her

brother–in-law was waiting eagerly and anxiously to hear the news

of her death. Man proposes, God disposes! In a few minutes, he

came to know that the poisoned milk did not have any effect on her

and felt deeply disappointed. Meera did not die as expected. She

was her normal self. The reason being, the milk along with the

poison became an offering to Lord Krishna! As a result, the idol of

Krishna made of pure white marble turned into blue! The Rana

arranged to get the small quantity of milk that was in the vessel

tested. It was proved it had no poison in it. Then, what had

happened to the poison that he himself had mixed in the milk - this

was the question that troubled the King. Lord Krishna partook of

the poison, since it was offered so lovingly by His devotee, Meera

in a spirit of ‘Bhagavath Preethyartham’ (to please God). Hence,

the poisoned milk could not do any harm to Meera, the dear

devotee of Lord Krishna. Whatever one offers to God in a spirit of

‘Bhagavat Preethyartham’, He removes the impurity in it and

sanctifies that offering. (BDW Part 2, p. 120)

Cleanliness is Godliness

All activities of man must result in cleansing his Chita, the levels

of awareness. When these are done as offerings to God, they

advance their cleaning process a great deal. The way he works

shapes the destiny of man. Work is sublimated into worship which

fructifies into wisdom. The flower is Work (Karma), the emerging

fruit is Worship (Bhakthi) and the ripe sweet fruit is Wisdom

(Jnana). It is one continuous and spontaneous process, this spiritual

fulfilment of Sadhaka, the sevaka. They are like Childhood, Youth

Introduction

25

and old age, each imperceptibly growing into succeeding stage.

(SSS Vol.11, p. 196)

Ill Heath or Ailments

The human body is subject to afflictions from three sources:

Vaatha (the wind element in the body), Pitha (bile) and Sleshma

(phlegm). 102 types of ailments arise from Vaatha. Forty two kinds

of diseases are caused by bile disorders. Phlegm disorders account

for as many as 242 different kinds of ailments. Altogether the body

is a sink for hundreds of ailments, says Bhagawan (D3 Vol.3, p. 95)

Illnesses are caused more by malnutrition of the mind than of the

body says Bhagawan. (SSS Vol.5, p. 55) Illness is due to the

neglect of some simple rules of healthy eating and drinking and due

to the damage caused to the system by evil habits and stupid

cravings. (SSS Vol.2, p. 74)

Man is ill, but he is resorting to remedies that cannot cure.

Diagnose yourself; discover the root cause; apply the proper

remedy that is the way of the wise. Do not run after quacks or

pseudo-panaceas. (SSS Vol.6, p. 189)

Treatment and Doctors

Today the concept of ‘Family Doctor’ has disappeared. And there

is specialisation for every organ of the body. If one suffers some

illness then so many specialists treat. Each doctor treats for each

ailment and holistic treatment has disappeared. Unfortunately,

every house has become a mini hospital. For every ailment one

need to rush to a Corporate Hospital, most of them working for

profit. The treatment becomes extremely costly beyond the means


26

the capacity of a person and the illness makes any person

financially sick. Free treatment is not there even in Government

Hospitals. . Even if it is there it is merely a lip sympathy.

Government should take care of its subjects. Hefty taxes are being

collected. And the Government has not been able to address this

aspect of free treatment of the illness of its subjects. Charitable

hospitals do help but their capacities are limited. However, more

charitable hospitals should come and Corporates as part of their

Corporate Social Responsibility should help establish Hospitals

with Free or subsidized Treatment. So also rich people should start

hospitals for treatment of the poor.

There are Four types of temples - Devalayams, (temple for God),

Vaidyalayam (temple of Medicine), Vidyalayam (temple of

Learning) Bhojanalayam (temple for free Food). Unfortunately, all

these temples are now become commercial and money spinning

vehicles.

Be it as it may, Doctors should be kind enough to the patients and

with a smile and soft and sweet words re-assure the patient that he

would be cured. As an instrument of the Almighty, the Doctor must

treat the patient. Half the patients’ illness is cured by this. The

patient becomes comfortable that he will soon be cured as he

develops confidence in the doctor and the medicine.

The hospitals should be clean, spick and span. Most of the

Charitable Hospitals have in the Entrance Hall, the idol of Lord

Ganesh or Lord Dhanvantari or Vishnu. This creates confidence in

the patient that Lord would take care of him.

Introduction

27

Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialities Hospitals at Prasanthi Gram

Puttaparthi and Whitefield

The hospitals are architectural marvel, beauty and miracle and are

magnificent. Akella Chendrasekhar, a medical director of Wyckoff

Medical Centre in New York, said, "It actually makes me feel I am

entering a temple and not a hospital." The Hospitals are absolutely

clean. The doctors here are devout, dedicated and treat the patients

with the feeling that they are instruments in the hand of God and

have the faith that it is He who is treating the patients.

Bhagawan said that illness attacks not only rich but also poor. Rich

may afford a treatment but not poor. However all are treated in

these hospitals FREE of cost.

Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialities Hospitals are exemplars in Free

Service. These should be emulated.

The Governments, the Rich and the Corporates should start

hospitals on the lines of how Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has

started these Super Specialities Hospitals and emulate the Free

Treatment given to all.

We pray to Bhagawan to shower His Grace that the holistic

treatment is given to all in all hospitals free of cost.

Samastha Loka Sukhimobhanthu


28

The physical body, made of five elements, is weak and no

one knows when it would perish.

Though one hundred years of life span is prescribed, you

cannot take it for granted.

You may have to leave your body at any point of time -

either in childhood or in youth or in old age, either in town

or in forest or in deep sea.

Understand that death is certain.

Therefore, use your intellect to know your true nature

while you are alive.

(Telugu Poem)


29

HEALTH AND HUMAN

VALVES

One whose heart is filled with compassion,

Whose words spell truth,

And who works for the welfare of others

Will never suffer from difficulties

Or diseases even in the Kali age. (SSS Vol.26, p. 37)

An empty iron box gets value when it contains jewels and

valuables; then it is carefully guarded.

The body too is honoured when it contains the jewel of

an awakened consciousness and the valuables called

virtues. (Thought for the day - as written at Prasanthi

Nilayam 2/11/2003)

Health is the essential pre-requisite for success in all aspects of life,

for realising the four ideals that should guide humans---namely,

moral living, prosperity, fulfilling beneficial desires and liberation

from grief. Everywhere man seeks to live happily and peacefully

but happiness and peace are not won from worldly activities. The

body that yearns to be happy and secure, is subject to disease,


30

decay and death. The Dweller, the self, within the body, is however

not born, nor does it die. It is the Atma, God. The body is the

temple of God. Hence it is the duty of man to keep the temple in

good condition.

Health is necessary for gaining this world and the next, for earning

worldly and other worldly progress, to realise the very purpose for

which the Self has embodied itself in this human form, namely, to

become aware of its source, the Paramatma. In order to attain this

goal, the ideals of righteousness, prosperity, moral desire and

release from grief have to be practised with the help of a sound

mind in a sound body. (SSS Vol.11, p. 148)

There should be a harmonious blend of religion, philosophy and art

for man to live healthily in the world. In this context religion means

the religion of love. This is the only religion in the world. There is

only one caste, the caste of humanity. One should cultivate human

values for healthy living. This calls for harmony in thought, word

and deed. When you cultivate this harmony you will be free from

desires and fear (SSS Vol.26, p. 43)

Man suffers from two types of ills, physical and mental; the one

caused by the dis-equilibrium of the three tempers of Vaatha, Pitta

and Sleshma (wind, bile and phlegm) and the other caused by the

dis-equilibrium of the three Gunas: sathwa6, rajas

7 and thamas

8

6 Sathwa (satthva): Purity, calmness, serenity, joy, strength, goodness.

Associated with colour white.

Sathwa-guna (satthva-guna): Quality of purity, calmness, serenity, joy,

goodness, strength. Associated with colour white. (Glossary for the

Vahinis)

Health and Human Values

31

(qualities of serenity, passion and inertia). One peculiar fact about

these two types of illnesses is that the cultivation of virtue cures

both. Physical health is a pre-requisite for mental health and mental

health ensures physical health! An attitude of generosity, of

fortitude in the presence of sorrow and loss, a spirit of enthusiasm

to do good, to be of service to the best of one's capacity—these

build up the mind as well as the body. The very joy derived from

service reacts on the body and makes you free from disease. The

body and the mind are closely interrelated. (SSS Vol.1, p. 135)

What are the main causes of ill-health? Millions of living beings

grouped as species dwell on the earth; they sustain themselves by

means of food secured from Nature, as provided by Nature. It is

only man that is an exception. In order to cater to his palate and

other senses, he changes the composition and characteristics of the

things provided by nature and prepares, through the process of

boiling, frying and mixing, concoctions which have no vitality in

them. Birds and beasts do not adopt such destructive methods.

They eat things raw and consume the strength giving vital essence.

So, they do not fall victim to the many ills that man brings on

himself. (SSS Vol.11, pp. 148-149)

Health is Wealth

Do realize that man has no contentment

Despite acquiring plenty of riches and luxuries

7 Rajas: Passion, activity, restlessness, aggressiveness. Associated with

colour red. (ibid) 8 Thamas: Dullness, ignorance, delusion, inactivity, passivity, inertia, sloth.

Associated with colour black. (ibid)


32

Peace and contentment will accrue to man

Only when he attains consciousness (Atma tatwa)

For man health is the greatest wealth. From time immemorial,

many countries have been delving into the ways to preserve good

health and disseminating the knowledge among all. In the absence

of sound health, human aspirations become futile. Unable to realize

this truth, man is losing his wealth by wrong habits. Right from

ancient times, Indians and Romans have been espousing the cause

of good health and endeavouring to achieve it. Of course, several

other nations have also been conscious of the importance of health.

Realising that health was indeed the greatest wealth, they went on

to treat each limb of the body like the head, the mouth, the nose,

the eyes, etc., as a separate unit in itself. Thus, focusing on each

part, they adopted specific modes of nurture for each. Such well-

nurtured state of health among mankind has gradually deteriorated

now. In France, for one, discipline in respect of food was practised

meticulously. Not because they thought that body was all-important

to man, but because they had visualized that soul resided within the

body. And when the house is safe, the resident will be peaceful and

comfortable.

So, you may be thinking that this body would anyway perish, today

or tomorrow. It may indeed be a water bubble. But many are the

legendary persons who used this water bubble to lead an ideal life,

accomplishing monumental deeds and studying profound theories.

Here deha, the body, became essential means for Desha, the nation,

to reveal sacred ideals. Principles of perfect life were propagated to

other countries through the virtuous lives and meritorious deeds of

the individuals in the nation.


33

Cultivate Healthy Habits

Today’s youth do not understand this secret of life. Dawn to dusk

they adopt unhealthy ways of living and face miserable

consequences. Scholars, noble men and many such intelligent

people carried out a variety of experiments and discovered ways to

free this body from disease and illness. When body is ridden with

diseases, health wanes and one is afflicted by all kinds of miseries.

In the modern times in particular, Romans evolved a perfect model

for health, aiming to mould each limb of the body into a strong and

well-nurtured part. Besides, the youth strove to develop the three

important qualities of character, courtesy and gentleness.

Consequently, they continued to have long lasting strong bodies

and remained self-reliant. Even at the age of ninety years, they

were independent and looked after themselves without anybody’s

help. They also gave importance to beauty along with health. The

body possessed charm and good looks only when it was healthy.

So, to retain beauty we should pay great attention to health.

Nowadays, why does a teenager of 16 years look like a decrepit of

60 years? The unhealthy practices that they are used to in their

daily lives are the actual reason for this. As soon as we wake up in

the morning, we should cleanse our mouth. The inner and outer

sides of teeth should be brushed well. Surface of the tongue should

be cleaned thoroughly. For, mouth is the front entrance, the

gateway for all diseases. While talking to each other we should be

cautious of unpleasant odour. Health should thus be protected

through hygiene. Not only this, each working part of the body

should be fit and robust. We should always be aware of the truth

that divinity is inherent in each limb and organ of the body. That is

why Vedas extol God as “Angeerasa”, the essential fluid in the


34

limbs. Each part of the body has its intrinsic characteristic

goodness.

You should learn from Mahabharata, how strong were the Indians

who protected their health in this manner. At the time of the great

war, Bhishma’s age was 115 years and he was Commander-in-

Chief. Similarly, Krishna was eighty-six and Arjuna was eighty-

four. Such were the mighty warriors of those days who lived with

health and happiness. Thus by preserving health, the men and

women of those times were able to be exemplars for many ideals to

the nation. They ate and slept in time. Ate lightly; never partook of

anything out of schedule. The other day I told you a poem:

From the time you wake up till you go to bed

You spend your life, irresponsibly,

for eking out livelihood

Having forgotten God, and mis-utilising your

learning

What heights of happiness have you reached? Do

think honestly, O man! (Telugu Poem)

(Swami then sang a Telugu rhyme on good habits for

students)

As the cock crows, get out of bed;

Brush your teeth and relieve yourself,

Bathe, dress up and breakfast.

It’s good to eat light and chew well

As you relish your favourite dish.

Off to school for serious studies;

And the good remarks of being a humble child.


35

Don’t get wet and don’t play in dirty puddles.

When it’s play time sprint, jump or dribble the ball.

If you follow the above directions

You will enjoy the wealth of health.

(SSB 2002, pp. 179-183)

Well or ill

The Aarogya-nilayam (hospital) is superfluous if the Ananda-

nilayam (the abode of bliss) is efficiently utilised by you, for when

the mind is immersed in Ananda, the body will not suffer from

illness. The body is the vehicle which you have to use for attaining

the state of bliss and so, it has to be kept safe and strong for that

high purpose. It is an instrument for spiritual effort, which has been

earned by the merit of previous births. Every moment, it is

proceeding towards dissolution and so time should not be wasted in

vain pursuits. It is even better to think of the body as mean and low,

rather than raise it to the level of the be-all and end-all of life. Treat

it as a wound, which has to be covered by bandage (clothes),

treated with drugs (food) and washed (drink); you can get rid of

this inordinate attachment, only by that method.

You can get real urge and inspiration to serve others only when you

get rid of the identification with the body. When a man suffers

from acute stomach pain, his eyes water. Why? Because, the

various organs---eye, stomach, etc.---are all of the same body. So

too, when one man suffers, your eyes must shed tears and you must

be urged to alleviate it. This will happen if you know that you and

he are limbs of the self-same Divine Body. The idea of difference

(bheda bhaava), arises on account of the ignorance of the Truth.

When people get angry, they gnash their teeth, but, they take care

not to bite the tongue, for the tongue is theirs; if by chance, the


36

tongue is bit, they do not knock the teeth out, for the teeth is theirs.

So too, the sick man, the poor man, the suffering man, the illiterate

man, the wicked man, are all limbs of the same body, of which we

too are parts. The same current activates all. To realise this and to

merge in that Unity is the purpose of this life in the human body.

(SSS Vol.5, pp. 44-45)

Human Raft

Man is the victim of many a pain; to those who identify themselves

with body, life is a series of trouble and misery. But to those who

know that the body is but a vehicle, these cannot cause anxiety.

Bodily health is important, for ill-health affects mental poise and

concentration. When the body is fit, mental functions too run

smooth; when the body suffers, the mind too gets unsettled. So, this

raft called body which is the only means of getting across the sea of

samsara (worldly life), has to be kept in good trim.

Untruth, injustice, anxiety---all cause leaks and loosen the knots of

the raft. With such a poor raft, it is foolish to attempt the crossing.

The raft has to be cast aside when the crossing has been affected;

there is no more use for it. The human raft is the most efficient, for

it is built out of viveka, vichakshana and vairaagya (discrimination,

ability and non-attachment), hard timber that can stand the beat of

wave and the sway of current. If one does not make the best use of

this chance, it may not come again for a long, long time.

Devotion and morality are as important for physical health as they

are for mental health. They free the mind from agitation, they feed

it with joy and contentment; they quieten the nerves and help even

bodily processes. The flowers of this garland were buds yesterday;

they bloomed this morning; they have started to fade now and


37

tomorrow they will rot and dry. But, the string that holds them

together interpenetrating them is not subject to such change; it was

string yesterday, it is string now and it will be string tomorrow. The

unchanging Atma and the changing body---analyse them thus and

be convinced of the eternal universal core of your being. As

thinking, discriminating human being, it is your responsibility to

discharge this duty to yourself. And also to your country! For, India

deserved the honour of the "World Teacher" because her people

always insisted on this great responsibility and tried to discharge it.

But, when Indians neglected this and attached value to physical

comfort and social status, the land fell into the morass of

competitive struggle. (SSS Vol.4, p. 144)

Realise the human values first

Today man is forgetting his essential humanness. The first requisite

is for man to realise human values: Truth, Righteousness, Peace

and Love. For a bulb to burn, you need a connecting wire, a switch

and electric current. For man, that current is Truth or God. It is

energy. This divine energy has to flow through the wire of Dharma

(Righteousness) reach the bulb of Shanti (Peace) and produce the

light of' Prema (Love). Love is God. Live in Love. Love is

everything. Without love, life is a living death' for man.

Love expresses itself in many forms in relation to different persons,

but is essentially one. Today love is tainted by selfishness, whether

in relation to the mother, the spouse or the children or others. Man's

selfishness is polluting the entire society. Attachment to others is

natural. But there should be a limit to it. When this limit is

exceeded, it becomes a disease. This is true in every case. Because

of man's excessive desires, he is prone to diseases of every kind.


38

The most common source of illness among people today is tension.

What is the cause of tension? It is indulgence in excesses of various

kinds. Men must learn to moderate the hectic pace of living. Hurry

causes worry and worry causes disease. "Hurry, worry and curry

(fatty food)" are the causes of heart diseases. Therefore the first

requirement is control of food and head (the mind). When you

control these two, there will be no room for illness. (SSS Vol.28,

pp. 184-185)

39

DISEASES AND DIVINITY

You can purchase drugs, but you cannot purchase

health.

You can purchase a bed but you cannot purchase sleep.

You might employ even the most expert doctors, but you

cannot ward off health.

So, realise the goal of life, without delay.

All the diseases that afflict mankind are caused by four factors:

heredity, infection, actions and reactions, and evil forces. (L.S. - p.

96)

Disease is the absence of ease, Dis-ease. (SS Mar '98, p. 82)

Disease does not distinguish between the poor and the rich. (SSSm

Vol.7, pp. 311-312)

The human body is subject to afflictions from three sources:

Vaatha (the wind element in the body), Pitta (bile) and Sleshma

(phlegm). Hundred and two types of ailments arise from Vaatha.

Forty two kinds of diseases are caused by bile disorders. Phlegm

disorders account for as many as 242 different kinds of ailments.

Altogether the body is a sink for hundreds of ailments. In his

attachment to the body and the fleeting pleasures derived from the


40

senses, man is forgetting the lasting bliss that can be got from the

Atma within him.

Just as the body is subject to ills arising from vaatha, pitta and

Sleshma, the mind also is liable to ailments from three sources:

mala, vikshepa and aavarana. It is because of these ailments that

man is unable to develop his spiritual nature and acquire

knowledge of the Atma. On account of ignorance of his spiritual

nature, he regards his mundane existence as the only reality. (SSS

Vol.22, pp. 217-218)

Value of Health

Health is an essential requisite of man. The man afflicted with ill-

health is powerless to execute even the least burdensome

assignment. The scriptures proclaim that health is the very root of

all endeavour in the four fields of human achievement---Dharma,

Artha, Kama and Moksha (righteousness, wealth, desire and

liberation). Without health man cannot brave temptations, earn a

decent living, fulfil his basic needs or succeed in spiritual sadhana.

Man can engage himself in obligatory and optional functions only

if he is healthy.

Food and recreational habits are the two main causes for ill-health.

Great care has to be bestowed to ensure that injurious tendencies do

not affect these two. At present, though drugs have multiplied and

hospitals have been established in every nook and corner, ill-health

is also widespread. This situation is attributable to the spread of

deleterious food habits and pastimes. (SSS Vol.10, p. 55)

Disease and Divinity

41

The secret of perfect health lies in keeping the mind always

cheerful! Never worried, never hurried, and never borne down by

any fear, thought or anxiety. (MBI, p. 246)

Anger is another enemy of good health. It injects poison into the

blood stream and brings about profound transformation that

damage. (SSS Vol.11, p. 150)

Punar viththam punar mithram

Punar bharya punar mahi,

Ethath sarvam punar labhyam

Na sareeram punah punah.

Wealth once lost can be regained by one way or the other. If a

friend is lost, one can make many more through good feelings. If a

wife is lost, one can marry again. If land is lost, it can be reacquired

through some means. But once the body is lost. it can never be

regained.

“Sareeramadyam khalu dharma sadhanam (the body is gifted to

man to undertake righteous actions.)” So, it has to be sanctified by

performing sacred deeds. Health is very essential in order to do so.

In fact, health is the very foundation on which human life rests. If

health is lost, you have to suffer in many ways. There is no greater

wealth than health.

The body is a combination of different limbs. So, only when all

limbs are utilised for sacred purposes can one have pushti and

santushti (good health and happiness). For a healthy mind, one

should have a healthy body. The Atma sustains human life on the


42

basis of health of the body and the mind. A healthy human body is

the very foundation for all virtuous and good actions.

Excessive activity in any field is harmful to health

We have to investigate why we lose our health. Excessive thinking,

worrying, and studying is the main cause for man’s illness. Some

students are absorbed in studies all the time, because of which they

lose their health. There a limit to everything.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle conducted extensive research on

the digestive system of man, and as a result of too much of

thinking, his health deteriorated, and ultimately he died of digestive

problems. Constant investigations into cardiac ailments made the

heart specialist, Dr. Herin a heart patient and ultimately led to his

death. Excessive activity in any field is harmful to health. Bear in

mind the limitations of the body and act accordingly.

The main cause for your illness is psychological. This is nothing

but illusion and delusion. We start imagining that a disease that is

present in another person may also be present in us. 80% of the

diseases are psychological. If you check your pulse rate under

anxiety, you will find it abnormal. Do not bestow undue attention

on your health. Discharge your duties peacefully and happily, and

then everything will be all right.

We are propagating principles of human values among the students.

You should be aware of the capabilities of each student. Weak

students should be equipped adequately both physically and

mentally before they are taught higher values. The truth that health

is wealth should be imprinted in their hearts. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 416-

418)


43

It is true that health is wealth. Dharmarthakamamokshanam

arogyam moolamutthamam. Health is the fundamental requirement

to achieve the four goals of human life, namely, dharma

(righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire) and moksha

(liberation). However, once you attain the state of bliss, you can

always enjoy good health. Man is deluded with the feeling that he

can lead a blissful life by acquiring wealth and position of

authority. Neither wealth nor position of authority can confer bliss

on you. Bliss can be experienced only when you visualise unity in

diversity. If you do not understand the principle of unity and attain

bliss, all the service activities like construction of hospitals will be

of little consequence. (SSS Vol.35, p. 22)

Close nexus between the mind and Parana

What are the causes of diseases? All diseases are a reflection of

Pravritti9, the disposition of the mind: Hence, in worldly matters,

man should follow the right path. In this context, two elements

among the five basic elements are important. "Bhikshaannam

Dheharakshaartham, Vasthram Seetha nivaraaranam" (Food is

essential for protecting the body; raiment is necessary for

protection against cold). Associated with food is water. These two

occupy pride of place in human life. Life is the subtle form of the

water consumed by man. The mind is the subtle form of the food

taken by man. Hence a close nexus should' be established between

the mind and Parana (life force). As is the food, so is the head.

Man's thoughts, desires and aspirations are related to the kind of

food he consumes. For instance, you may discern from practical

9 Pravritti (pravritthi). Worldly activity, attachment. (Glossary for the

Vahinis)


44

experience how food affects the mind. The cyclic process which

starts with the formation of clouds and ends in the harvest of grain,

determines the kind of food one can have.

Heat (or fire) is the basis of this process. This fire is present within

man as Jataragni, the digestive fire, which accounts for the

conversion of the food consumed by man into various forms of

energy. This fire has to be in proper balance. When the balance is

upset, you have illness. The state of man's body depends on the

maintenance of this balance. Man's entire life depends on

preserving this balance. When is the balance upset? When there is

no mental steadiness. Men today develop all kinds of intellectual

abilities, but they have not learnt how to keep the mind steady.

When serenity of mind is achieved, there will be no disease. Illness

will not approach you at all. (SSS Vol.26, pp. 51-52)

Mind is the root of bodily afflictions

The human body is a prey to many ailments. Man regards all of

them as bodily ailments. But not all of them are entirely related to

the body. Purely bodily ailments can be treated by medicines. But

most ailments in the world today have their origin in the mind. The

aberrations of the mind set up reactions in the body and cause

various diseases. The main cause of many human ailments is rooted

in the mind.

The mind and the body are interrelated. The influence of the mind

on the body is of a negative character. This negativity is

antagonistic to the experience of bliss. Bad thoughts and bad

feelings arise in the mind. At the same time, there are also good

thoughts and good feelings. It is only when bad thoughts and

feelings are weeded out that man can have good health. Many


45

diseases have their origin in the thoughts that fill the mind. Bad

thoughts cause indigestion, affect the heart, bring about variations

in the blood pressure; worries are the cause of many mental

diseases. Diabetes and pulmonary diseases are traceable to mental

causes. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 39-40)

Mind’s role in health and disease

What are the causes of the maladies afflicting people today?

Impure air, polluted water, adulterated foodstuffs, etc. Nor is that

all. Even the minds are polluted. These mental ailments are the

cause of man's degradation. Most of the diseases are caused by

aberrations of the mind. Ninety per cent of the diseases are

psychological. Constant thinking about one’s health is also the

cause of many diseases. A heart specialist, who was constantly

examining heart patients, was worried about this own heart.

Ultimately he died of heart attack. Another doctor, who specialized

in treating digestion disorders, ultimately died of gastric troubles by

worrying about his own digestion!

The mind has thus a vital role in one’s health or illness. That was

why the sages declared, “The mind is the cause of men’s bondage

or liberation.” When the mind is directed toward sacred things,

everything in a one’s life becomes sacred. In such a state, all that

you think, see or hear becomes pure and sacred.

The heart is like a lock with the mind as the key. Turn the key

toward God, you develop detachment. Turn the mind toward the

world, you get attachment. Our minds should not be immersed in

mundane concerns. Deem everything in the world as divine. (SSS

Vol.31, pp. 225-226)


46

What are the main causes of ill health? Millions of living beings

grouped as species dwell on the earth; they sustain themselves by

means of food secured from Nature, as provided by Nature. It is

only man that is an exception. In order to cater to his palate and

other senses, he changes the composition and characteristics of the

things provided by nature and prepares, through the process of

boiling, frying and mixing, concoctions which have no vitality in

them. Birds and beasts do not adopt such destructive methods.

They eat things raw and consume the strength-giving vital essence.

So, they do not fall victim to the many ills that man brings on

himself. Plant a boiled pulse in the soil; it won't sprout. How, then,

can it contribute life to the living? The vitamins and proteins that

are valuable ingredients are destroyed while it is cooked to please

the palate! The billions of cells in the body are so interdependent

that when one is weakened or damaged, all of them suffer. There is

a limit and a balance which every limb and organ has to maintain.

Insufficient or improper food will endeavour this balance. An

occasional cough helps to strengthen the lungs and to clear them of

extraneous matter, but fits of coughing are signs of positive illness.

Evil thoughts cause ill health. Anxiety, fear and tension also

contribute their share. All these result from greed, greed to have

more things, of power and of fame. Greed results in sorrow and

despair. Contentment can come only from spiritual outlook. The

desire for worldly goods has to be given up. (SSS Vol.11, pp. 148-

149)

How to bring about mental transformation?

The progress of the universe is bound up with the progress of man.

Any amount of development in the areas of scientific, economic

and social spheres will not be of much use without mental

transformation. How can we bring about this transformation? It is


47

by restraining passions and emotions. Since mental tension is most

detrimental to man's health, man should learn the art of controlling

his passions and emotions, which cause stresses and strains. It is

also essential to keep our mind serene and peaceful while eating

food. We should not indulge in discussion of topics which will

cause agitation and excitement and disturb our mental peace while

we are taking food. Mental tension is responsible for ill health. We

should also avoid viewing TV, video, etc., while eating food, as

they may cause mental disturbances.

Today there is pollution in everything such as the air we breathe,

the water we drink, the sounds that are jarring to the cars and the

food we consume. Because of this all round pollution, man's health

is affected. Apart from this, man's mind is also polluted making

him susceptible to diseases. Man should make an earnest endeavour

to lead a serene and pure life. He should realise the truth that

troubles and turmoil are temporary, like passing clouds. There is no

scope for agitation to arise if one realises this truth. One who

realises this truth will not allow his mind to be swayed by the

passions of anger, cruelty, etc. Passions yield only temporary

satisfaction, but cause serious emotional disturbances. Hence, it is

imperative on the part of man not to yield to any unbecoming

passions while taking food. The observance of the three P's,

namely, purity, patience, and perseverance, vouchsafes permanent

happiness and good health free from diseases. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 27-

28)


48

Diseases of the senses

What are the types of illness to which the senses are liable? The

senses never function in their fullness to perceive totally things as

they are. They tend to behave according to the circumstances.

This may be illustrated by a story. In a village there were two

farmers, one the village headman, the big landlord of the village,

and the other a small farmer. One day, the bulls of the two farmers

were involved in a fight as a result of which the head man's bull

died. The small farmer was deeply worried about the incident and

was at a loss how to explain the matter to the village chief. In his

nervousness and fear, while relating the incident to the big

landlord, he stated by mistake that his bull had been killed by the

headman's bull in a fight. Immediately the landlord started

consoling him, saying, "Even intelligent human beings kill each

other. When unintelligent animals do so, you should not make

much about their conduct."

Meanwhile the small farmer realised the mistake he had committed.

He hastened to inform the big landlord that it was the latter's bull

that had died in the encounter between the two animals.

Immediately the landlord got enraged and asked: "What nonsense

is this? It is a serious matter if your bull has killed my bull. You

must be very arrogant indeed to let your bull commit such an

outrage. You have to pay a penalty of ₨.500." The big landlord

considered it a natural occurrence if his bull had killed another's

bull. But he considered it a crime for another's bull to kill his

animal. It is because the senses are prone to such varying responses

according to circumstances that they tend to view right as wrong

and wrong as right.


49

The senses lose their natural capacities when they are ailing. For

instance, when a man suffers from malaria, the tongue loses its

natural capacity and finds everything bitter including sweets. When

one suffers from jaundice the eye fails to distinguish colours in

their true hue and sees everything as yellowish. Karanaaapaatana

refers to the ailment the mind suffers from on account of afflictions

affecting the senses. (SSS Vol.23) 25-5-1990.

Give no room for envy

Vipralipsa refers to jealousy. It is a very bad quality in a man. He

cannot endure the happiness or prosperity of another. There is no

cure for this disease.

Feel happy when you see someone who is happy. Do not give room

for envy. Develop fraternal feelings towards your fellow-students.

Rejoice in their achievement, without any feeling of envy. All that

you have to do to achieve purity in thought, word and deed is to

follow these five injunctions:

See no evil; see what is good.

Think no evil; think what is good.

Hear no evil; hear what is good.

Talk no evil; talk what is good.

Do no evil; do what is good.

When you adhere to these five prescriptions as the very breath of

your life, you will achieve purity of mind and experience ineffable

bliss. From this moment, you have to cultivate control of the body,

the mind and the senses, when you have the vigour and strength of

youth. Acquire God's grace in abundance now, when the time is

opportune. Your future will then be bright and secure.


50

Remember, God never forgets devotees; it is the devotees who

forget God. God never gives up the devotee; only the devotee

leaves God. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 111-112)

Delusions lead to dangerous situations

Bhranthi is the deluded state of mind in which one mistakes a rope

for a snake and a snake for a rope, regards the unreal as real and the

real as unreal, the temporary as permanent and the permanent as

temporary.

These delusions lead to Pramaadam (dangerous situations). If you

hold on to a snake, thinking it is a rope, you are bound to have

trouble. Man today regards the body as real. This is not correct.

The body is like a water bubble. It will perish some time or other,

somewhere, somehow. It is a bag of bones. Treating the body as

real, people are forgetting the power that can use the body on right

lines. If it is the sense organs that enable one to see, hear, and so

on, how does it happen that even when all the organs are there a

dead man is unable to see, or hear? This is because the power

which enables the organs to function is not there.

The body may be compared to a torch-light. The eyes are like the

bulbs. The intelligence is the switch. If with all these, there is no

light, what may be the reason? There are no battery cells inside.

The blood cells in our body are like those battery cells. They carry

a divine energy in them. There may be cells, but if the divine power

has left them, we cannot make the senses function. It is only as

long as that divine power remains in the body that it can do many

wonders.


51

But to regard the body as real by itself is fraught with danger. You

attach value to various relationships. All these are temporary and

passing. No doubt you have a duty to do by your parents. But this

applies to every relationship, which carries its own specific

obligations. All relationships arise in course of time and end in due

course. They have nothing permanent about them. Hence they are

not Sathya (unchanging truth), but Mithya (momentary).

The third defect is Karana-aapaatana. Karana means instrument.

Aapaatana means weakness. The weakness of the organs is the

third defect. The senses are prone to certain kinds of afflictions.

These afflictions affect the mind and cause mental illnesses. (SSS

Vol.23, pp. 109-110)

Cardiac ailments

The three root causes of cardiac ailments

It is not only unbridled passion which damages the health of man.

Living on ill-gotten money also causes ill-health to some extent.

Living on earnings got by unjust means causes many unknown

diseases to take root in us.

Man today is a victim of worry. What is the cause of this worry?

Lack of contentment is the cause. The rich man is not contented is

spire of the accumulation of wealth. Worry causes hurry and both

together bring about ill-health. So, Worry, Hurry and Curry (fatty

foods) are the root causes of cardiac ailments.

The consumption of large quantities of fat is the cause of

cardiovascular diseases. Doctors advise against the consumption of


52

fatty food stuffs which cause increase in weight resulting in

susceptibility to cardiac diseases The presence of toxins also

inflicts equal damage. So one should eat in moderate quantity the

right type of food and avoid intoxicating drinks to safeguard his

health. The intake of food should be gradually reduced after

crossing 50 years.

Some people consume food indiscriminately unmindful of the

caloric content of the food taken. For example, people eat pappads

(thin circular flour preparations) fried in oil which have high

calorie content. People also consume ghee which is also a high

calorie food. A single pappad has 100-150 calories of energy. A

single spoon of ghee has 100 calories of energy. Even when the

quantity of food intake is reduced, reductions in the calorie content

is not ensured.

There are some doctors who advise their patients against smoking

and addiction to alcohol, but they themselves smoke and drink!

This gap between precept and practice raises doubts in the minds of

patients about the value of the medical advice given by them. Such

doctors, who do not observe harmony in speech and practice,

mislead the patients. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 28-29)

The efficacy of cardiac surgery

Questions are raised about the efficacy of Cardiac Surgery and its

related effects. There are discussion about the preventive aspects of

diseases as well as the treatment and cure of heart diseases.

The heart is a special organ in the human system. It is pulsating

ceaselessly unlike the other organs. Heart surgery is a highly

complex operation, as the surgery has to be performed without


53

arresting the heartbeat. At the same rime the functioning of the

lungs has also to be kept up.

Medical men of genius invented the heart-lung machine in 1956 to

carry on the activities of the heart as well as the lung during cardiac

operations. The machine rakes upon itself the function of the heart

and the lung ensuring purification of the blood and keeping up

circulation of the blood.

The details of the functioning of this heart-lung machine are well

known to the doctors. The tube which is fitted connecting the heart

and the machine should be airtight and should be fixed with great

care, for any lapse in the fitting of the tube may cause air bubbles

which will endanger the patient's life. Unfailing power supply is

most crucial for the success of the operation as any interruption in

power supply will stall the operation. Therefore we have to depend

on generators for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the

course of the operation. (SSS Vol.27, p. 25)

Prevention is better than cure

Questions are posed whether heart surgery ensures a permanent

cure. Cardiac surgery is helpful in so far as it enables the patient to

carry on his daily activities and lead a normal life. But, it is wrong

to conclude that surgery is the only way of curing heart diseases.

Some of the diseases can be cured even by medicine. In my

opinion, it is the primary responsibility of every individual to

prevent becoming a victim of heart disease by regulating his food

and other habits. Prevention is better than cure. There will be little

room for cardiac ailments if one's food habits are properly

controlled and regulated.


54

Research has revealed that non-vegetarian and alcoholic addicts are

more prone to heart ailments than vegetarians. If the vegetarian

food that is consumed should be a balanced and wholesome, it

should contain liberal doses of vitamin C and vitamin E, which are

available in vegetables like carrots. The presence of these vitamins

prevents heart ailments in a large measure. Every effort should be

made to keep the human body healthy. Health is wealth. Wealth

cannot be enjoyed by a person with poor health. Health is more

important because it gives physical and mental strength to a person.

Birds and beasts do not suffer from cardiac and digestive ailments

to which man is prone. The cause can be traced to the natural food

which the animals consume, unlike human beings who consume all

sorts of fried and cooked items of food being slaves to the palate.

Modern man consumes many artificial foodstuffs and a variety of

alcoholic drinks, which are injurious to health. Birds and beasts

lead natural lives, while the artificial life styles of man today takes

a heavy toll of his health. When man observes moderation in diet

he can be saved from most diseases. In the entire range of God's

creation man alone is endowed with the faculty of discrimination. It

is this faculty which sets him apart from animals. Man should

exercise his discretion and discrimination in regard to food habits.

(SSS Vol.27, pp. 26-27)

Way to maintain heart in a good condition

Health is essential for the body. A healthy mind can exist only in a

healthy body. Only a man with a healthy mind will take part in

joyous activities.

Many consider the heart as the most important organ. There is a

way to maintain the heart in good condition. Most of the organs in


55

the body are in an immobile state. But the heart is continually

active. It is difficult to perform an operation on an organ which is

ceaselessly at work. If the heart has to be stopped beating for

performing an operation, this cannot be done for more than two or

three minutes. No operation can be done in such a short time.

Hence heart specialists investigated the methods by which the heart

could be kept inactive for a few hours so that cardiac operations

could be performed. The heart-lung machine was designed to

enable heart operation to be done.

The heart is the primary organ for keeping the body well. Only

when the heart is sound there can be proper blood supply to the

whole body. Who invented the heart-lung machine? It is a product

of human, intelligence. This shows that intelligence is even

superior to the heart. It is this intelligence that has been responsible

for the discovery of numerous devices. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 364-365)

Fluorosis

Man's own welfare is bound with that of society

When the village is in the grip of an epidemic like cholera or

plague, the person comes forward to do his best to combat the

spread of the disease, because this may affect his own family too as

they are part and parcel of the village. Thus man is born in society

and grows in society. It is the bounden duty of every one to feel

that his own welfare is bound up with the welfare of all others in

society.

Today we are faced with the menace of fluorosis. If you enquire

into this, we come to know that the problem of fluorosis is not only


56

prevalent in India but in many other countries of the world such as

Indonesia, Germany, China, USA, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Libya.

Because of their affluence, people in countries like U.S.A, are able

to take steps to overcome the evil effects of this disease to a great

extent. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 41-42)

The ill-effects of polluted drinking water

Many diseases are caused by drinking water that is polluted. If

there is only one milligram of fluoride in a litre of water, it is safe.

The presence of more than one mg in a litre may cause sickness. If

there is 4 or 5 mg of fluoride in a litre, it affects the teeth and is

positively injurious to health. In several States in India such as

Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

this disease is widely prevalent. In Andhra Pradesh, it is rampant in

Srikakulm, Guntur, Medak, Nalgonda and Mahboobnagar districts.

Recently it has been found to be prevalent in Kadapa, Kurnool,

Ananthapur and other places. It is found on investigation that the

fluoride content in water varies from 15 mg to 10.5 mg in these

areas.

The fluoride that is contained in underground water sources varies

from 1 mg to 300 mg per litre. In many areas they have established

Aluminium factories. Fluoride is made use of to a large extent in

these factories. This mixes with air and the polluted air affects the

people. It enters the stronger portions of the body such as bones

and teeth. A portion of this fluoride is excreted through urine. The

ignorant are not aware of the serious damage caused by this

fluoride to their health. Fluorosis causes pain in the joints and

affects the bones at the back, etc. The affected persons stiffer from

severe pain in joints. Some germs such as bacteria also enter the

system and cause a lot of damage to the human body. Viruses also


57

cause diseases. Polluted food also accounts for the spread of these

disease carrying germs. Meat, fish, black and red salt, black coffee

and tea also cause spread of fluorosis and aggravate it further. To

the extent possible you should change your food habits. Chewing

betel leaves also causes tooth decay. Certain drugs sold in the

market also aggravate this disease. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 42-43)

Ways and means to combat fluorosis

There are some types of antidotes that can be consumed with food

to prevent fluorosis. You should take sour things like lime, orange

and tamarind in greater quantity. You can also take more of

tomatoes, potatoes and vegetables with Vitamin C. You should also

take more of carrots to build the bones. Intake of such food items in

a liberal measure will help to combat the incidence of fluorosis.

Besides these, consuming of green leaves which contain a lot of

calcium will also help in keeping off fluorosis. Food is the main

factor in maintaining good health or causing diseases.

In these days, though there is plenty of milk, curd and other dairy

products available with the villagers in their houses, they are in the

habit of selling these products and buying some useless and

harmful things that affect their health adversely. Consuming of

curd will help one to a great extent to combat the onset of this

disease. Modern youth take black tea and coffee (without milk

though milk is available) thereby inviting the disease. Some take

black and brownish salt which contains more fluoride. They should

avoid this and take only white purified salt. It is only by

propagating such practical preventive steps that Government can

play its role in checking the spread of this disease. (SSS Vol.27, pp.

42-43)


58

Bhavaroga

For some aliments, medicines are prescribed for external

application while for others; they are given for internal use. But, for

this universal ailment of Bhavaroga, the cycle of birth and death,

Sravana and Kirtana and other medicines are prescribed, for

external and internal use. One has to utter as well as hear the Lord's

name. An aspirant might win God's grace and the Guru's grace and

the grace of the devotees of the Lord. 'But all this grace would be

of no avail if he does not secure also another grace, the grace of his

own inner consciousness. (Prema Vahini, p. 19)

Once you cultivate devotion, you develop the capacity to sacrifice

yourself. You expand in love. Then everything that is necessary

will be added on to you. Love is the very life breath of a human

being. Without love you cannot live. Truly, you love only for the

sake of the Atma, your very self, not for the sake of others. But this

sacred love for the self has been diverted towards the body.

Everywhere in the world we find this disease of Bhavaroga, the

disease of identification with the body. (DBG, p. 28)

Students are afflicted by Bhavaroga today, i.e. they are exceedingly

attached to this physical world. There are three categories of

diseased people. They are:

A. People who take the medicine for the disease but do not observe

the necessary diet prescribed for it.

B. People who follow the diet control but avoid taking medicine.

C. People who take medicine and also follow diet control.

Once you cultivate devotion, you develop the capacity to sacrifice

yourself. You expand in Love. Then everything that is necessary


59

will be added on to you. Love is the very life breath of a human

being. Without love you cannot live. Truly, you love only for the

sake of the Atma your very self-not for the sake of others. But this

sacred love for the self has been diverted towards the body.

Everywhere in the world we find this disease of Bhavaroga, the

disease of identification with the body. I am the medicine, and My

command is the diet control. (M-P, pp. 266-267)

Drug and regimen are both supplementary

In a hospital, the doctors care for the disease, not for the size of the

bank deposits the patients have. Disease is the important thing. So

too, in the case of every one suffering from Bhavaroga (the disease

of birth and death) and, the dual buffets of good and bad, has a

right for the care and consideration of the Doctor. The doctor

prescribes the drug and the regimen; both are supplementary. When

you get a relapse of doubt and distress, take the drug a greater

number of times and in larger doses. Join Satsang (the company of

the godly); just as the tame elephants surround the wild tusker and

rope him and bind him hand and foot and immobilise him

preliminary to taming him, the spiritually minded will bring the

doubter round.

The current flows always along the wire. You have only to take a

connection and switch on. If the connection is loose, then the flow

of Grace will be disturbed and might even stop. It is you that

connects and disconnects. You switch on and off and. you get day

and night. Study the Geetha; you know Geetha draws a line which

you should not cross. I do not ask for your vows; why should I

force you to make them and cause you to break them? If you do so,

your life becomes a tom cloth, stitched loose; it may tear again at

the slightest pull. Let me tell you one thing in the end: However


60

you are, you are Mine. I will not give you up. Wherever you are,

you are near Me; you cannot go beyond My reach. (SSS Vol.2, p.

198)

The world is full of people who suffer from insanity, but who are

still outside the asylums! When hatred envelopes a country, even

ordinary sane people go mad and behave like savages. But in the

Mental Hospital, you will find sometimes one type of "mad man."

He sits in a corner, resting without a break, watching the pranks

and the wildness of the other inmates. The doctors will be thankful

to him, for he needs no care; he causes no trouble. His madness

may be melancholia or he may be a jnaani (realised soul). The

God-bound man is like that. He is the only sane man in this mad

world. Whatever happens to you, take it as a lesson to harden your

character and toughen your nerves and heighten your vairaagya

(non-attachment). That will give Peace and Joy. (SSS Vol.2, p.

208)

Health, diet and Divinity: Methods of avoiding illness

Not by penance, nor by baths in sacred waters,

Nor by studying of Scriptures, nor by Japa

Can the Ocean of worldly existence.

The cycle of birth and death--be crossed.

It can be done only by service to good people.

(Sanskrit Shloka)

Man seeks to cross the ocean of Samsara by penance, pilgrimages

to sacred shrines, scriptural studies and exercises in meditation. But

all these are of no avail without service to good people. All these

spiritual exercise are comprehended by seva (service).


61

For the achievement of the four Purusharthas (main goals of life)--

Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha (Righteousness, wealth, desire

and Liberation), health is essential. Without good health a man

cannot accomplish even the most trivial thing. Hence, health is

wealth. However, because of the influence of the present Kali

(evil). Age, man is a prey to all kinds of ailments and has no peace

of mind despite the possession of every conceivable kind of wealth

and comforts. There is no dearth of doctors. In spite of the

availability of so many amenities, why is man afflicted with

disease? Indeed, more than physical ailments, mental diseases are

growing limitlessly. Mental sickness caused by tension and worry

gives us so many bodily ailments. Man today is afflicted with

discontent. As one set of desires are satisfied, other desires go on

cropping up. If desires are reduced, contentment will grow.

Moreover, because of the perversions of the Kali Age, the five

basic elements--ether, air, fire, water and earth--are polluted. The

water we drink is impure. The air we breathe is polluted. The food

we consume is polluted. As a consequence the mind gets polluted.

(SSS Vol.28, pp. 181-182)

Thought of Divine essential to combat disease

Apart from the exercise of such care in the food consumed there

should be also Dhaiva chinthana (contemplation of the Divine).

Because people don't think of God they are subjected to a lot of

misery. Without divine thought, man is harbouring two bad

qualities. One is he hides many defects and evil qualities within

himself. The other is he magnifies even minor faults in others.

Because of such evil qualities among human beings diseases are

also on the increase. Apart from these, man's mind is also polluted.

To purify the mind, one should nurture noble and sacred thoughts


62

of service to others. One who does not hurt anybody and has

feelings of love and compassion to fellow beings is the greatest of

men. That is why sage Vyasa gave the essence of the Eighteen

Puranas he composed in the aphorism; "Help ever, hurt never."

You should make every effort to avoid harming others in any

circumstance. You are only hurting yourself when you hurt others.

You should not use harsh words. When you develop human values,

you can be free from diseases and even enjoy good health with

God's Grace. (SSS Vol.27, p. 44)

God is the In-dweller in this physical frame. Be aware of Him, all

through life and offer all your activity-breathing, talking, waking,

earning and spending to Him, for, it was by Him and through Him

that you were able to do all these things. To fall ill, and to call in a

doctor - this is something unnatural, debasing. Once you have

offered yourself to God, it must be well with you. There can be

nothing ill. (SSS Vol.6, p. 22)

Welcome inspiration from any quarter

Give the body the attention it deserves, but not more. Some people

advise that you should cultivate disgust towards it; but, that is not

beneficial. Tend it as an instrument; use it as a boat, as a raft.

Disgust is not a desirable attitude towards anything in creation.

Everything is God's handiwork, an example of His Glory, His

Majesty. Consider the crow, for example. You dislike its cawing

but, what does its cry "Kaav, Kaav!" mean? Kaav in Telugu, means

"Save, protect". It is reminding you to pray to God. It is praying so,

itself, all the while. What a great lesson it teaches!


63

You know the Ramayana story, of the crow that teased Sita, that

drew upon itself the ire of Rama that flew in terror all round the

world to escape His arrow, that finally fell before both Ramaa and

Sita in total surrender (Kaav, Kaav); it was saved thereby. The

story says that its eye was damaged by the anger of Rama but it

was granted enough compensation. They both, Rama and Sita,

fondled it and blessed it, pardoning it for its impudence. The cow

too when it voices forth "Ambaa! Ambaa!" is calling on the

Mother, the Jagadamba---the Mother of the Universe as well as its

own Mother. Welcome inspiration from any quarter, for your own

improvement.

When you cultivate the attitude that you are the body, the body will

demand from you more food, more variety in food, more attention

to appearance and physical comfort. A large portion of the food

now consumed is superfluous; man can live healthily on much less.

A good deal of effort and expenditure now spent to cater to taste

and to social pomp can be given up, and health too will improve

thereby. "Mitha thindi, athi haayi"---"Moderate food gives

excellent health". Gourmets only reveal their Tamo guna (quality

of inertia and indolence). Eat to live; do not believe that you live in

order to eat. (SSS Vol.5, pp. 48-49)

Another method of avoiding illness is to diminish mental worry.

The radio, the newspaper and other means of communication or

information cause so much fear and discontent, that worry and

anxiety are increased and the mind of man gets weakened. Parents

talk about their anxiety before their children and so, they start

worrying. There was a six-year old boy who came to Me the other

day, weeping, because his father was involved in debt and was


64

being pestered by his creditors. His father must have lamented

before the boy, "Poor fellow! How am I to feed you and clothe you

and pay your fees and buy books for you? I am sunk in debt". The

boy said that even in the class room, he was worried about the

father and his debts. You must not allow the boys to know about all

this; their tender minds will be harmed by fear and anxiety. Their

health also will be affected.

Fear is the biggest cause for illness. When you have slight

temperature, you start imagining that it is the beginning of some

serious fever. You say to yourself someone whom you knew had

also a slight increase of temperature, which later became serious

and led to complications and so, you become more prone to illness

than formerly. Think rather of the instances where fever was

prevented or overcome; think of the Grace of the Lord that restores

and saves.

Resolve that relying on His Grace, you shall be free from illness

from this moment. Transfer the faith that you have in drugs to God;

put your trust, not in medicine, but in Madhava. I am astounded at

the number of people resorting to tablets and tonics. Resort to

prayer, to sadhana, japam and dhyanam. They are the vitamins you

need; they will restore you. No tablet is as efficacious as

Ramanaam. I shall give you Vibhuthi (sacred ash) and that will

cure you. Now, you are in two minds, like the man who had to

leave his shoes outside the temple. He stood before the shrine with

folded hands, muttering a sthothra, but his mind was filled with

anxiety about the safety of the shoes he had to place outside. The

hospital is for those who have faith in drugs and doctors. But, what

can drugs and doctors do without the Grace of God? The day will


65

surely come when the hospital will be superfluous, since all will be

healthy and free from illness, accepting the Sadhana way, the

Ananda way, to peace and happiness. (SSS Vol.5, pp. 49-51)

Fix responsibility for your health on Him

A few minutes of quiet thought will convince you of this. But you

are too busy with trivialities to pay attention to the vital needs.

Plant the seed of the name of the Lord, any one of His thousand

names that appeals to you, in the well-prepared soil of your heart

and let it sprout in the silence there; water it with love and service

to fellowmen; guard it against pests and cattle, the outward

dragging emotions and passions, by putting up the fence of japa

and dhyana, then you will get the harvest of Ananda. If you have

sincere devotion you will fix the responsibility for your health on

Him and He will also accept that responsibility. Your mind will be

so full of happiness that your body will be fit instrument for

Sadhana. (SSS Vol.4, pp. 76-77)

Man is ill, but he is resorting to remedies that cannot cure.

Diagnose yourself; discover the root cause; apply the proper

remedy that is the way of the wise. Do not run after quacks or

pseudo-panaceas. Sow the seeds of prema, after preparing the soil

of your heart, removing the weeds. Let them grow, watered by

faith; and yield the blossoms of sahana (fortitude); later, you are

assured of the fruit; shanti. This is the task; this has to be the vow.

(SSS Vol.7, p. 189)

Illnesses are caused not so much by the food people eat or the

conditions in which they live, but by mental weakness and mental

attitudes, prejudices and predilections. Desires, disappointments,

despair-- -these also cause diseases. For many illnesses, filling the


66

mind with the thought of God is the curative drug. For the rest,

regimented diet, sleep, pastimes and activities are effective cures.

The Shastras (scriptures) taught this regimen and the proper mental

attitudes and their teachings are invaluable at the present time.

(SSS Vol.5, p. 48)

Vitamin G

Man is now mistaking his illness and running after wrong drugs. Or

rather, he is mistaking the very nature of his health. He is quite well

but he is deluded into the belief that he is unwell and that he must

quickly acquire the panacea recommended by the most readily

available quack, who flatters you by giving you just the drug that

you desire most. Discovering that there is nothing the matter with

one, is the illumination one gets, with the dawn of Jnana (spiritual

knowledge.)

When the mind of man is unattached to the ups and downs of life,

but is able to maintain equanimity under all circumstances, then

even physical health can be assured. The mental firmament must be

like the sky, which bears no mark of the passage through it of birds

or planes or clouds. Illness is caused more by malnutrition of the

mind than of the body. Doctors speak of vitamin deficiency; I will

call it the deficiency of Vitamin G, and I will recommend the

repetition of the Name of God, with accompanying contemplation

of the glory and grace of God. That is the Vitamin G. That is the

medicine; regulated life and habits are two-thirds of the treatment,

while the medicine is just one-third only. (SSS Vol.5, pp. 52-55)

67

FOOD, THE HEART AND

THE MIND

“Anam Parabrahma Swaroopam”

All living beings exist because of food. According to the scriptures

(Shastras), food is of three kinds—Satwic (promoting peace and

harmony), Rajasic (promoting passions and emotions, activities

and adventures) and Tamasic (promoting sloth and dullness). One

has to choose one’s food with discrimination and control and limit

its intake. Then, food will be health-giving medicine. If, on the

other hand, food is consumed indiscriminately and beyond limit, it

produces illness and causes grief and pain. It assumes a fearful role.

This fact is made clear in the Vedas by the probe into the word

“Anna.”

The word Anna has as its root, Ad, which means “eating.” That

which is eaten by living beings and at the same time, it eats the

person who eats; food is both beneficent and maleficent. (LKV, pp.

26-27)


68

Forms of food

THE mind of man is not an organ that can be identified

physiologically; it cannot be touched or operated on by doctors or

surgeons. It is an intangible bundle of resolutions and hesitations;

of wishes and wants; to pros and cons. It has as warp and woof of

the wishes that man entertains with reference to outward objects

and sensations. It easily rushes out after external pleasures and

assumes the shapes of the things it seeks. It can also be turned back

into searching for inner contentment and inner joy. That is why the

mind is said to be the instrument for both bondage and liberation.

Allow the senses to lead it outward; it binds. Allow the intelligence

to prevail upon it to look inward for bliss; it liberates. (SSS Vol.7,

p. 414)

The scriptures classify food as Sathwic, Rajasic and Tamasic and

relate these types to the three mental modes (gunas) of the same

names. (SSS Vol.14, p. 195)

The mind is the puppet of the food that is consumed by man. It is

prompted one way or the other by the subtle pull of the food it is

fed on. The quality of the food determines the direction of the

desire that diverts the mental flow. That is why in the Geetha as

well as in all scriptural texts, Sathwic (pure) food is recommended

for the upward seeking individual. Mind means desire, sankalpa

(resolve), something sought for. When the Formless desired Form,

the Universe arose; so, mind is the creative principle, the maya

(illusion) that desired the very first desire, to be many. When it is

now fed on rajas---passion and emotion, activity and adventure---it

gallops into the world with the plunge of desire! It brings man

deeper into the morass. When it is fed on tamasic (impure) food,

Food, the Heart and the Mind

69

which dulls inebriates, blunts reason, and induces sloth, the mind is

callous, inert and useless for uplifting man. (SSS Vol.7, p. 414)

The three types of 'food' eaten by man

What exactly is Sathwic food? Food that confers Ananda to the

body, mind and heart is Sathwic, that which sustains holy living;

that which keeps one light, even at the end of the meal. (SSS

Vol.16, p. 107)

The prevalent view is that fruits and milk constitute Sathwic food.

This is not all. What is consumed by the mouth is not the only thing

that goes into the body. The other sense organs like the eyes, the

ears, the nose and the hands also "consume" objects from the

outside world. Through the eyes you have to see only what is pure.

To see all kinds of things indiscriminately is fraught with dangers.

The power of sight should be used only for sacred purposes.

Unfortunately the vision of youth today is getting increasingly

perverted (Keechaka Drishti). The result is they meet with the same

fate as Keechaka (in the Mahabharata) who was destroyed by

Bhima. Students should be particularly careful in this regard. It is

only when they use the eyes in a pure and godly way will they be

receiving Sathwic impressions through the eyes.

The ears also need pure food. This means that you should listen

only to sacred speech and hear only matters about the Divine.

Always hear good and pleasant things about others. In this way you

must safeguard the ears from pollution. Only then will you be

"consuming" Sathwic food through the ears.

Only fragrant and sweet smelling scents should be absorbed

through the nose. When foul smell is inhaled disease sets in. If you


70

inhale foul air, you are likely to breathe in disease-producing

germs. You must inhale pure air in a clean open space. Even the

hands must "consume" pure food. This means that you must

perform good acts with your hands. That is the way to treat the

body as a temple. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 71-72)

Sathwic food, according to some, consists in milk and fruits. But, it

is much more; it; may not even be these. For, the calories that one

takes in through the mouth are but a small part of the intake of

man. The intake by the senses are part of the food that builds the

individual. The sounds heard, the sights seen, the tactile

impressions sought or suffered, the air breathed, the environment

that presses for attention, appreciation and adoption---all these are

'food.' They have considerable impact on the character and career

of the individual.

The quality of the food is determined by the vibrations that it is

charged with, through the thought processes of the persons who

handle it, prepare it and serve it. The 17th chapter of the Geetha

clearly defines the nature and tastes of the three types of 'food'

eaten by man: the food that promotes love, virtue, strength,

happiness, and cordiality is Sathwic; that which inflames, arouses,

intoxicates and heightens hunger and thirst is Rajasic; the food that

depresses, disrupts, and causes disease is Tamasic. (SSS Vol.7, p.

415)

Krishna told Arjuna: “There are three types of Gunas: Sathwic,

Rajasic and Tamasic. They are based on the Antah Karana10

, the

10

The constitution of Antahkarana

The mind, the intelligence, the Chitta (memory or will) and the Ahamkara

(ego) together constitute the Antahkarana (the Inner Activator). What is the


71

Inner Consciousness. That too is dependent on the intake of food.

You are what you feed on: your activities shape your nature. So at

least in this birth, by regulating food and activity (aahara and

vihara), man can overcome the Aasuric tendencies that tend to

prevail upon him. He can promote Sathwic tendencies through

planned self-effort.”

This advice was tendered lovingly by the Lord to the eager

inquirer, Arjuna. Arjuna was thrilled with joy when he heard that

man has the means of saving himself. He longed to inform himself

further. Krishna showered Grace through His enchanting smile and

condescended to reply. “Arjuna! food is the chief formative force.

The soiled mind dulls the brilliance of moral excellence. How can a

muddy lake reflect clearly? The Divine cannot be reflected in the

wicked or vicious mind. Food makes man strong in body. The body

Antahkarana? Karana means an instrument. Antahkarana means the inner

instrument. There is no need to get bogged over the meaning of

Antahkarana. For instance, the eyes see the external objects. The ears hear

sounds from outside.

The mouth speaks to those outside. The nose recognises smell coming from

outside. The hands are engaged in external actions. All these organs have a

form. But the mind, the Buddhi (intelligence), the Chitta and Ahamkara

(ego) have no form. The Antahkarana is the formless combination of these

four.

The Antahkarana is subject to four kinds of defects. One is Bhraanthi

(delusion). The second is Pramaadam. The third is Karanaapaatana. The

fourth is Vipralipsa. These four defects sully the Antahkarana. (SSS

Vol.23, pp. 108-109)


72

is intimately connected with the mind. Strength of mind depends

upon strength of body, too. Moral conduct, good habits, spiritual

effort—all depend upon the quality of the food. Disease, mental

weakness, spiritual slackness—all are produced by faulty food.”

“Krishna!” asked Arjuna, “Pray tell me the constituents of Sathwic,

Rajasic and Tamasic food.”

“Arjuna! food to be Sathwic should be capable of strengthening the

mind as well as the body. It should not be too salty, too hot, too

bitter, too sweet or too sour. It should not be taken while steaming

hot. Food which fans the flames of thirst should be avoided. The

general principle is that there should be a limit, a restraint. food

cooked in water should not be used the next day. It becomes

harmful. Even fried articles should be consumed before they

develop unpleasant odours. “Rajasic food is the opposite of the

Sathwic. It is too salty, too sweet, too hot, too sour, too odorous.

Such food excites and intoxicates.” (GV, pp. 249-250)

The company in which food is consumed, the place, the vessels in

which it is cooked, the emotions that agitate the mind of the person

who cooks it and serves it---all these have subtle influences on the

nature and emotions of the persons who takes the final product in!11

11

Krishna told Arjuna: Listen, there are three ‘purities’ to be observed: purity

of the provisions, purity of the vessels in which food is prepared and purity

of the persons who serve the prepared food.”

cc No unfair, unjust, untrue earnings should be used for one’s maintenance.

These are fouled at the very source. The source as well as the course and

the goal must all be equally pure. The vessel must be clean, free from

tarnish. The person who serves must not only be clean in dress, but clean in

habits, character and conduct. He should be free from hate, anger, worry


73

It is because the sages of India realised this that they laid down

many do's and don'ts for the process of eating, as-for the different

stages of spiritual progress. Our thoughts trail off in directions

determined by the sounds that fall upon the ear. When the sounds

convey rebuke or praise, flattery or challenge, the thoughts too

react correspondingly. When the sounds instil ideas of truth, beauty

or goodness, the mind too seeks the silence of truth, the sweetness

of beauty and harmony, the strength of goodness. (SSS Vol.7, p.

415)

and indifference while serving the dishes. He should be cheerful and fresh.

And he must be humble and full of love. While attending on those who are

dining, he should not allow his mind to dwell on wicked or vicious ideas.

Mere physical cleanliness or charm is no compensation for evil thoughts

and habits. The Sadhaka who has to secure concentration has to be careful

about these restrictions. Otherwise, during Dhyanam, the subtle influences

of the wicked thoughts of the cook and the servers will haunt the Sadhaka.

Care should be taken to have only virtuous individuals around. Outer

charm, professional excellence, reduced wages—these should not be

allowed to prejudice you in favour of dangerous cooks and attendants.

Examine carefully their habits and their character. The food you eat is such

an important constituent of the physical and mental stuff with which you

have to struggle in the spiritual field. The purity of the mind can be and has

to be supplemented by the purity of the body as well as purity in its

important function, speech. That is the real Thapas; physical, mental and

vocal. “The mind should be free from anxiety and worry, hate and fear,

greed and pride. It should be saturated with love for all beings. It has to

dwell in God. It has to be restrained from pursuing objective pleasures. No

lower thought should be allowed to creep in. All thoughts must be directed

towards the elevation of the individual to higher planes. This is the proper

Thapas of the mind or manas. (GV, pp. 251-252)


74

Food and health

Every activity of man is dependent on the energy he derives from

the intake of food. The spiritual sadhana he ventures upon depend

for their success on the quantity and quality of the food taken by

the sadhaka (spiritual aspirant), even during the preliminary

preparations recommended by Pathanjali. The most external of the

five sheaths that enclose the Atmic core, namely the Annamaya

kosha (physical sheath), has impact on all the remaining four---the

Praanamaya, the Manomaya, the Vijnaanamaya and the Ananda

maya (the vital, mental, wisdom and bliss sheaths or coverings).

The Annamaya Kosha is the sheath, consisting of the material, flesh

and bone, built by the food that is consumed by the individual.

Food is generally looked down upon by ascetically minded

sadhakas and seekers and treated as something which does not

deserve attention. But, since the body and the mind are mightily

interdependent, no one can afford to neglect it. As the food, so the

mind; as the mind so the thought; as the thought, so the act. Food is

an important factor which determines the alertness and sloth, the

worry and calm, the brightness and dullness. (SSS Vol.14, pp. 194-

195)

Light meal is the surest guarantee of health

It is essential to observe the principle of moderation in food habits,

work and sleep. Buddha preached the same principle of moderation

to his disciples. "Be always moderate, never indulge in excess,"

proclaimed the Buddha. In fact, moderation is the royal road to

happiness.


75

The modern man, who flouts the principle of moderation in every

aspect of life, endangers his health and well-being. The food

consumed by man should be proper, pure and wholesome. But

nowadays people eat whatever they get and wherever they get it,

and thereby spoil their health.

Food plays a major role in the preservation of health. Care should

be taken to see that the food consumed does not have much fat

content, for the fats consumed in large quantity are detrimental not

only to one's physical health but also to one's mental health. Meat

and alcoholic drinks take a heavy toll on man's health, causing

many a disease in him (SSS Vol.27, pp. 24-25)

Food for a Healthy Body and Mind

Right food most essentially contains ‘Sathwic food’. It means that

the food must not contain mutton, fish, onions and the like.

However, the onion also has its advantages. It improves your

digestion power and also acts as a preservative. Therefore, the

popular saying in Telugu, “The good done by the onion (ulli) is not

done by your own mother (thalli)!”

Excess of spice, chilli and salt also should not be used. Many

people think that ‘Sathwic’ means fruits and milk. These can also

be tamasic! For example, eating two bananas is correct. If you eat

four bananas, it becomes tamasic. Do not take a cup of thick milk.

Comparatively, it is hence said, “One cup of wine is better than a

cup of milk.” Thick milk contains plenty of fat and calcium. It is

also liberally laced with glucose. When the blood is saturated with

too much of glucose, it turns the residual glucose into acid. The

result is that you develop boils. This acid and the blood combine to

form stones in the gall bladder. Ensure that you take at least seven


76

to eight cups of water daily. Water cleanses your internals. This

also ensures that stones do not form inside your kidneys because

water goes to the kidneys and constantly keeps it flushed.

Eat rice and vegetables well. Green leafy vegetables are the best of

the lot. This is because under the skin lies a very light secondary

layer. It is this layer that protects the skin. Green leaves strengthen

this layer. Apart from this, it is very good for heart patients too

because green leaves are totally free of oils. Vegetables contribute

to the cholesterol to some extent.

What must you do when you have excess cholesterol? Cholesterol

is essential to some extent. The limit prescribed is about 10%. But

if it crosses to 20% or 30%, your nerves and veins harden like

rusted pipes. This consequently thickens the blood making the heart

pump lesser and lesser blood. The heart pumps the blood and sends

it to the lungs, which purify the blood and distribute it to the entire

body. When the heart pumps fewer times, more and more

cholesterol accumulates there, which is dangerous for the heart.

Hence, it is advisable to take a white onion daily. Garlic pills can

also be taken. A daily intake of one pill after lunch will rid of the

cholesterol problem. Green leafy vegetables and drumsticks are

very healthy for the body. Drumsticks are good for the brain. Do

not take too many of potatoes. Potatoes contain 80% starch that

will only make you slightly fat, but give you very little in terms of

health.

Tomatoes are also good. The seeds of the tomatoes may be

removed and a curry made of the tomato. This is because the seeds

of tomato do not get digested easily. They remain in the digestive


77

canal and gradually become stones by combining with glucose.

These stones go down to the stomach and remain as a mass, giving

frequent trouble. We must also ensure that eating must always be in

a limited quantity. You must be able to get up from your plate with

the same ease and lightness with which you sat down to eat. This is

the correct limit. You come quite easily to eat. But, when you get

up, you require a support! Many people develop a pouch like that.

Proportion is very important because it confers health to the body.

Never take meat, cigarettes and other intoxicants and drugs.

Habitual cigarette smokers develop cancer. You can perform this

test on the smokers. Take a white cloth and put it across the mouth

after the person has smoked. You will see bright red dots on the

cloth. When the external clothe itself has been so noticeably spoilt,

you could well imagine how much destruction it would be causing

to the veins and the lungs. The two fingers that hold the cigarette

together will develop a yellow colouration. White spots develop on

the lips. The skin around the lips turn dark. You must also avoid

taking curds. It is better to take two cups of buttermilk. Curds have

too much of protein. (M-P, pp. 212-213)

The food that we eat contains many metals like gold, copper, iron,

etc. Iron content is more in leafy vegetables. Tamarind and lemon

reparations develop amla, which is the basic constituent in the

formation of cells. In this manner, food strengthens our body. (DD

on 13-10-2002 , p. 5)

Importance of food in maintaining health

There should be some regulations with regard to food. Many

doctors emphasize the value of proteins and recommend meat,

eggs, etc. But proteins got in this form serve only to build the body,


78

but do considerable harm to the mind. Doctors are primarily

concerned with the gross physical body. They pay little attention to

the subtle form of the mental makeup. Most of the diseases that are

prevalent in the world today are related to the mind. Mental illness

seems to outnumber physical ailments. The Vedanta has declared

that the mind is the cause of man's bondage or liberation. This

means that the mind has to be used properly and turned godwards.

Equally the mind is responsible for health or sickness. In this

context, food is all important. Proteins are present in milk, curds

and vegetables as much as in meat. If in the matter of diet, the

doctors give the right prescription, diseases can be averted. (SSS

Vol.26, pp. 52-53)

Non-vegetarian food is the cause of several diseases like cancer.

You might have read in journals and newspapers that many people

in Singapore and Bharat get infested by harmful bacteria because

they eat fish. It is because of unhealthy food that people suffer from

several diseases. Many are under mistaken notion that non–

vegetarian food gives them strength, but in reality it ruins their

health. Once you lose your health by partaking of non–vegetarian

food, you will never be able to regain it even if you spend the rest

of your life in forests eating fruits and tubers. (SS July '05, p. 202)

Uncooked food, nuts and fruits, germinating pulses are the best.

Use these at least at one meal, say, for the dinner at night; this will

ensure long life. And, long life is to be striven for in order that the

years may be utilised for serving one's fellow-beings. (SSS Vol.15,

pp. 115-116)


79

It is best to preserve one’s health by good thoughts and good deeds.

It is best to be vigilant about food habits. Coconut kernel, coconut

water, sprouting pulses, uncooked or half-cooked vegetables, and

greens are good for health. (LA, p. 169)

Avoid Rajasic and Tamasic food

Man is the only living being which dislikes raw food found in the

natural state. All other animals eat things as they are---grain, grass,

leaves, shoots, fruits. Man boils, fries, melts, mixes and adopts

various methods of cooking in order to satisfy the cravings of the

tongue, the eye and the nose. As a consequence, the food value of

these articles are either reduced or destroyed. When the seeds are

fried, they do not sprout; that is clear proof that the 'life-force' is

eliminated. Therefore, uncooked raw pulses just sprouting are to be

preferred. Also nuts and fruits. The coconut, offered to the Gods, is

a good Sathwic (pure) food, having good percentage of protein

besides fat, starch and minerals. Food having too much salt or

pepper is Rajasic (passion rousing) and should be avoided; so also

too much fat and starch, which is Tamasic (disposed to inactivity)

in their effects on the body, should be avoided. (SSS Vol.14, p.

195)

Moderation in food is always to be welcomed

'Eat in moderation and live long.' This is the advice handed down

through the ages by the seers of the past. This advice is seldom

heeded. People fill themselves with such large quantities of food

that they find it hard to rise from the eating plate. Ruining their

digestive system by consuming heavy, rich foods, the affluent are

proud when they host costly banquets. Those who know that

physical health is the greatest treasure take great care to eat only

Sathwic food. (SSS Vol.15, p. 115)


80

An intake of too much food is also harmful. Simply because tasty

food is available and is being offered, one is tempted to overeat.

We have air all around us but we do not breathe in more than we

need. The lake is full but we drink only as much as the thirst craves

for. But overeating has become a social evil, fashionable habit. The

stomach cries out, 'Enough,' but the tongue insists on more, and

man becomes the helpless target of disease. He suffers from

corpulence, high blood pressure and diabetes. Moderate food is the

best medicine to avoid bodily life. Do not rush to the hospital for

every little upset. Too much drugging is also bad. Allow nature full

scope to fight the disease and set you right. Adopt more and more

the principles of naturopathy, and give up running around for

doctors.

The type of food that you consume decides the degree of

concentration you can command; its quality and quantity decide

how much your self-control is lessened or heightened. Polluted air

and water are full of maleficent viruses and germs and have to be

avoided at all costs. There are four pollutions against which man

has to be vigilant---of the body (removable by water); of the mind

(removable by truthfulness), of reason (removable by correct

knowledge) and of the self (removable by yearning for God). (SSS

Vol.14, pp. 195-196)

By regulating your diet and avoiding certain bad habits, you can

preserve health. Moderate food, and food of the Sathwic type, will

promote mental poise and also physical happiness. Mitha-ahaara

(moderation in food) is always to be welcomed. Many people

consume more than the necessary quantity of rich food and such


81

have to practise moderation. So too, if you do not smoke, you

escape a number of illnesses that follow that Rajasic (passionate)

practice. Any intoxicant or stimulant, because it disturbs nature's

even trend, is harmful. Moderation in food, moderation in talk, and

in desires and pursuits; contentment with what little can be got by

honest labour, eagerness to serve others and to impart joy to all---

these are the most powerful of all the tonics and health-preserves

known to the science of health, the Sanathana Ayur-Veda, the Veda

of the full life. (SSS Vol.1, pp. 168-169)

Food and Disease

Doctors agree that illness is caused through faulty food habits and

foolish ways of spending leisure. But, they do not seem to know

that food is a Word that connotes a wider variety of 'intakes.' Every

experience that is drawn through any of the senses in 'food' has an

effect on one's health We say “food for thought”; whatever we see

or hear or smell or touch has an effect on the body; good or bad.

The sight of blood makes some people faint; or, it may be some bad

news, that administers a shock. Allergy is produced by unpleasant

smells, or when something intrinsically unwelcome is contacted or

tasted. A sound mind ensures a sound body; a sound body ensures a

sound mind. The two are interdependent. Health is essential for

happiness; happiness or a capacity to be happy; whatever may

happen is essential for physical health, too.

The food we consume should be tasty, sustaining and pleasant. It

should not be too 'hot' or too saltish; there must be a balance and

equilibrium maintained. It should not arouse or deaden. Rajasic

food enrages the emotions; tamasic food induces sloth and sleep.

Sathwic food satisfies but does not inflame the passions or sharpen

the emotions. (SSS Vol.12, pp. 280-281)


82

Food and character

All men everywhere are of one species. Yet, man hates man; one

religion is opposed to another; one race feels superior to another;

one country avoids contact with another. How does this conflict

arise? When one delves deep into this question, the answer

becomes clear.

Everything in creation has five properties. The first three are Sath-

Chith-Ananda (Being, Awareness, Bliss) and the last two are Rupa

and Naama (Form and Name), which are lent to the thing only

temporarily. They are subject to modification but the first three

Being, Awareness, Bliss are inherent, unchanging characteristics.

In the language of Vedaantha, the three are named Asthi, Bhaathi,

and Priya (existence, shining or expressing and loving). They are

the innate qualities of every manifestation of the Divine. The last of

the three is Ananda (Divine Bliss). Every human being is an

embodiment, repository and vehicle of Ananda .

The awareness of this Ananda (Bliss) is the goal of man, the

consummation of human life. But, man seeks pleasure and

happiness from objects through the senses and attains the low

material Ananda, not the supreme Ananda he ought to win. It must

be said that the Ananda attained through the objective world or

through subjective means is only a fractional expression of the

Ananda which mergence in Brahman (Supreme Reality) grants. We

speak of hot water, though heat is not a quality of water, fire has

given it the heat. So, too, objective Ananda or subjective Ananda

are rendered so, through the grace of Brahma-Ananda (Supreme

Divine Bliss). (SSS Vol.16, pp. 104-105)


83

Food prevents or promotes emotions and passions

Man prides himself that he has earned Ananda himself by his

effort. It is sugar that makes the bland globules of flour into sweet

Laddu. The grace of the Ground of all Being can alone confer

sweetness or Ananda. The stars are proud that they shed light on a

darkened world but the bright moonlight renders starlight too faint

to be noticed. The moon's pride, too, is humbled when the sun

illumines the sky. Brahma-Ananda is the Sun. This does not mean

that one should ignore starlight and moonlight or Vishaya Ananda

and Vidhya Ananda ---Ananda derived from Nature and from

spiritual experiential knowledge. They are steps, stages, samples.

While valuing them as such, the goal of Brahma-Ananda has to be

relentlessly pursued. How, then, can man earn that Awareness, that

Ananda? What Sadhana (spiritual discipline) has he to adopt?

Though men are all equally subject to birth, life and death, though

all are of one kind, why do they allow the Ananda which is the

right of each to slip away through hatred and conflict? Why is the

demon prevailing over the Divine in man? The answer has been

deluding man for ages.

Well! Aham (ego) is the cause. The narrow limited self, the ego, is

at the root of the evil. Probing the problem a little deeper, I would

say that the nature of the food relished is primarily responsible.

Food is of three qualities Sathwic, Rajasic, and Tamasic (leading to

purity, passion and inertia). Some consume Sathwic-Rajasic or

Tamasc-Rajasic food, or they change from one type to another, for

better or worse. Since food alleviates or arouses, prevents or

promotes emotions and passions, it moulds the behaviour, conduct

and attitudes of men. (SSS Vol.16, pp. 105-106)


84

Sadhakas have to be careful about food consumed

Ravana and Vibhishana, two brothers born of the same parents, had

diametrically opposite natures because of the food they grew upon.

Ravana relished Rajasic food while Vibhishana stuck to Sathwic.

Fellow-feeling is difficult when the same quality of food is not

preferred.

When both live on Rajasic food, though they may have the same

nature, friendship cannot last. Envy and hatred will soon break the

bond. The Sathwic nature will free man from these evils and purify

his mind, preparing him for the journey to God. For, God is Sathwa

(pure).

Many slide from the Sathwic nature into the Rajasic where the ego

predominates. They slide away from God too, for where the ego

swells in pomp and pride, God cannot reside. They may .parade

other reasons for their losing hold of God but the' fault lies in their

own self.

The Sathwic are satisfied with one meal a day. Rajasic nature

demands continuous feeding on hot stuff tasting sour, salty or

pungent. Tamasic appreciates cold, stale, acrid tastes. The grosser

parts of the food consumed are eliminated. The less gross parts

build up muscles and bones. The subtle parts make up the nerves

and the mind. Therefore, Sadhakas have to be extra careful about

the quality of food they consume. (SSS Vol.16, pp. 106-107)

Food, head and God are inter-related

It is only man that is endowed with the capacity to discover his

Divinity (SSS Vol.23, pp. 80-81). In this context food habits play


85

an important role. Out of 84,00,000 species of living beings on

earth, 83,99,999 species of creatures like insects, birds, animals and

beasts etc. live on what is provided by God in Nature and hence

they do not generally suffer from any disease. Man is the sole

exception in this regard. By becoming a slave to his palate, he

relishes only cooked and spicy food of various kinds, without

realising to what extent such foods are curtailing his own longevity.

It is significant that those who live on vegetarian food are less

prone to diseases while meat-eaters are subject to various diseases.

Man should consume what is in accord with the needs of the human

body. Doctors speak about proteins. Are there not proteins in

vegetables, milk and curds and pulses? Non-vegetarian food not

only affects the body but also the mind. Food, Head, God--these

three are inter-related. By consuming animal food, animal

tendencies are aroused. As is your food, so are your thoughts.

Men today are behaving in a manner worse than that of wild

animals in the forest. They have become cruel, pitiless and hard-

hearted. There is no sympathy or understanding between man and

man. The main reason for this condition is the kind of food that is

consumed. Be careful about the food you eat. See that it is

conducive to your health and happiness.

Young people should be satisfied with 2000 calories of food per

day. This is enough to sustain them. Anything in excess will cause

indigestion and sleeplessness. Loss of sleep gives rise to many

ailments. Don't worry about sleep. If you go to bed without any

worry, you will get sound sleep. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 81-82)


86

The dreams that you experience are actually reactions of your food

and habits. There is an intricate and inseparable relationship

between food, head and God. Food plays a vital role in the spiritual

path. When we consume right kind of food, it helps us in our effort

to understand Divinity.

As is the food, so is the mind. Only one with pure mind can

understand Divinity. In order to cultivate purity of mind, you

should partake of pure and Sathwic food. You should consider food

as God. It is said, Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as you think so you

become). If you consider food as mere Padartha (matter), it will

remain so. Depending on the feeling, it undergoes change. Take for

instance, the magnetic power in the body. It gets transformed into

electric power. It gives rise to sound energy and develops Tejas

(effulgence). Jewellery shines with added brilliance when it is

polished. Tejas, which is known as Chaitanya Shakti (power of

consciousness).

Today man is wasting his energy by entertaining bad thoughts and

feelings. To keep bad thoughts in check, one has to develop divine

thoughts. What are divine thoughts? You should consider

everything a divine. Every drop of blood in your body is suffused

with Divinity. Food generates blood and energy in the body. This

divine energy has to properly utilised by entertaining divine

thoughts. (DD on 13-10-2002 , p. 5)

Role of food in maintaining thoughts

Those who wish to use the body properly and see that they have

good thoughts and perform good acts, have to take note of two

factors--regulation of diet and regulation of their environments.


87

You must seek to know what kind of food you should eat. You

should not consume any kind of food merely to appease hunger.

You must take only Satwic food. Our thoughts are determined by

the kind of food we consume. The body is cleansed by water. The

mind is purified by Truth. It is only when what is conducive to

truth is taken that you can pursue the path of Truth.

As the body is a sacred shrine you should not take in any

intoxicating substances. Articles of food which promote Rajasic

qualities (like anger) should be eschewed. (SSS Vol.23, p. 71)

Mental purity is related to purity of food

Man commits many offences, knowingly or unknowingly, not only

in this life, but also in previous lives. The imprint of these actions

is carried by the Chitta (the associative memory) over many lives.

When the mirror of the mind is soiled by these relics, the mind

cannot perceive anything in its true state. This is the reason why

man is unable to recognise his own true nature.

Hence, it is necessary to cleanse the mirror of impurities on it. How

is this to be done? By regulating one's food and recreational habits.

It is important to ensure that the food that is eaten is obtained by

righteous means. Many of the ills which men suffer today are due

to the fact that the things they consume have been got by

unrighteous means.

Hence, to purify the mind the first prerequisite is pure food. But it

is not always possible to ensure such purity in every respect at all

times. To get over this difficulty, the way out is to make an offering

of the food to the Divine and regard it as a gift from God. To the

question, "Who is God?" the answer is given in the Geetha sloka


88

which declares that the Lord dwells in everyone as Vaisvanara and

digests the food that is consumed. When before eating, the food is

offered to God, it becomes Prasad (a gift from God). All the

impurities in the food are thereby removed.

This helps the process of cleansing the mind. This practice has to

be kept up continuously. Vikshepa is a defect in the mind caused by

wavering and lack of steadiness. Arjuna confesses that he is unable

to control the mind, which is restless and ever-changing like the

wind. Various practices like meditation, concentration and prayer

have been recommended for steadying the mind. Students are not

trying to cleanse their minds by the proper methods. Instead they

are polluting their minds in all possible ways. It is only when you

have the body, the senses and the mind under your control, that you

will be master of yourself. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 106-107)

You have to partake of Sathwic food. By partaking of Sathwic

food, you will be able to cultivate Sathwic thoughts. And, by

cultivating Sathwic thoughts, you will be able to undertake Sathwic

karmas. It is absolutely necessary that one should have Sathwic

friends in youth and constantly move about in their company. It is

said,

“Good company leads to detachment;

Detachment makes one free from delusion;

Freedom from delusion leads to steadiness of mind;

Steadiness of mind confers liberation.” (Sanskrit Shloka)

Hence, you have to partake of Sathwic food keeping your goal of

liberation in the mind. You may at times have a doubt that you may


89

not get such Sathwic food. I do not at all agree with this view.

Don’t you get vegetables and edible green leaves in plenty? In fact,

the moment you are born out of your mother’s womb, you are

surviving and thriving on your mother’s milk or cow’s milk. Is this

not Sathwic food? Can you not live upon vegetarian diet consisting

of vegetables, green leaves and cow’s milk? Why should you cater

to dictates of your palate adding chillies, salt, tamarind and spices?

It is only when you gradually reduce these ingredients for taste you

will be able to cultivate sathwa guna. Parents have a great

responsibility in teaching the children about the efficacy of Sathwic

food and getting them accustomed to it from their childhood. On

the other hand, if the parents themselves prepare and serve rajasic

and tamasic food consisting of meat, fish, etc., in their homes, how

can they expect the children to develop sathwa guna? I am of the

view that the children at least should abstain from such rajasic and

tamasic food and demand from their parents only the Sathwic food.

One has to consciously cultivate the habit of partaking of only

Sathwic food. Only then will one will be able to develop sathwa

guna.

All our senses conditioned by tri-gunas and the gunas, in turn, are

conditioned by the food we consume. Hence if we start eating

Sathwic food, undertake Sathwic karmas and move about in the

company of Sathwic friends, I am sure that we can transform

ourselves into Sathwic individuals. It is the bad company that is

responsible for evil qualities. If you want to cultivate good

qualities, you have to eat Sathwic food. In fact, it is the food that

we consume is responsible for all the evil qualities.


90

If you develop bad qualities like anger, passion, envy, jealousy,

etc., right from this early age, your entire life will be spoiled. You

are poisoning your young minds with these evil qualities. My

advice to the youngsters and students is eat Sathwic food.; cultivate

Sathwic behaviour and keep the company of Sathwic people right

from the early age. I often observe that youngsters today join bad

company the moment they enter the school or college and continue

to move about in the company of bad people. With the result, they

cultivate bad qualities, resulting in bad behaviour. Frequently they

are not even aware of the subtle changes taking place in their

behaviour towards elders, parents, teachers and society. They think

that they are on the right track, since they are pursuing education in

a good educational institution. Several bad thoughts emanate in

their mind even at a young age.

People often think that it is a natural phenomenon due to young

age. It is not a natural phenomenon at all! It is most unnatural.

Since, you are partaking bad food, you are having bad thoughts.

Hence, first and foremost, give up bad food. People, who are

devoted to Swami, must join satang. But, you are joining bad

company and, as a result, are developing bad thoughts. Once bad

thoughts enter your mind, none can drive these away. Hence, you

have to cultivate good thoughts, even before bad thoughts enter

your mind.

There are several parents who are not concerned about the future of

their children. Either they are too busy pursuing their vocations or

they are helpless in supervising your behaviour. But, if you tread

the right path they will be most happy. On the other hand, if you

are moving in bad company cultivating bad habits, resulting in bad


91

behaviour, they will be very sad and will be unable to share their

distress or anguish with anybody. Hence, it is your foremost duty to

keep your parents happy. If you want to keep your parents happy,

you must tread the right path and keep your parents happy. Only

then will you be able to cultivate good behaviour. There are three

aspects in human life, which are interlinked – the thoughts,

behaviour and the end result. As are the thoughts, so will be

behaviour, so will be the result. Teachers expect good behaviour

from their pupils. How is it possible, when the students move about

in bad company, eat wrong kind of food and entertain bad

thoughts? The end result is always bad in such a situation. While

taking bitter food, how can you experience sweetness? In short, the

rajasic and tamasic food that you consume is the root cause for the

bad thoughts that are entering your mind.

All of you must tread the right path. Even if your parents for any

reason offer you rajasic and tamasic food prepared in the home,

you must explain and convince them of the ill-effects of such food,

saying, and “Mother! If you serve rajasic and tamasic food to me

thus, I will only get bad thoughts. This is not conducive to good

behaviour on my part.” You must also convince them of the need to

prepare and serve Sathwic food to all members of the family. Not

only you should eat Sathwic food, you should also read good

books. Your entire life is dependent upon good food, good thoughts

and good company.

You should not read all sorts of trash like cheap novels, stories, etc.

Such trash will generate bad thoughts in you and pollute your mind.

When you go to a library, you should read the biographies of great

and noble people which will help to cultivate good qualities and

good thoughts in you. One reason for the pollution of young minds


92

and proliferation of bad thoughts in them is reading all sorts of

cheap literature. In fact, it is only the mind that is responsible for

good or bad thoughts. That is why it is said, “Manaeva

manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoh” (Mind alone is the

root cause for either bondage or liberation). Unfortunately, in these

days it is only cheap books that have become popular and acquired

great attraction. Good books have become a rare commodity. A

question may arise as to where one would get such good books.

You go to good libraries of institutions committed to the moral and

spiritual uplift of humanity. Frequently we come across people

travelling in trains and buses purchasing worthless books available

in the railway platforms and bus stands and reading them with

absorbing interest. They may say that they are reading them for

whiling away the time. They do not realise how harmful those

books are in generating bad thoughts and polluting their minds.

Hence, you must always select books that contribute to your

intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

If you wish to cultivate good thoughts and good behaviour, you

must read good books. Several students today consider it a fashion

to read cheap literature that is available for a low price. With the

result cheap thoughts and cheap behaviour are generated in them.

They look for cheap books and trash distributed free of cost. They

woefully lack a sense of discrimination to judge whether such

writing is conducive to their moral, spiritual and character

development. They will, however, realise the consequences of their

action after their minds are totally polluted. Then it will be too late

for them to retrace their steps. It is only through good books that

good thoughts and good behaviour can be cultivated. (DD on 22-

10-2005, pp. 4-8)


93

Offer the food to God first and take it as Prasad

Many eminent modern scientists are not aware of the magnetic

power and the electric power that are present in the human body,

which is verily a small generator. The jataragni (digestive fire) is

the source of heat energy in the body. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 56)

Human body may be compared to a tender plantain leaf. The five

senses of man are like the delicious items served on the leaf. One

should offer the food to God before partaking of it. But man in his

foolishness is offering the ‘delicious items’ to the demons of desire,

anger, greed, pride and jealousy. After the demons consume the

‘delicious items’ and spoil the leaf, the leftover is offered to God!

First and foremost, these ‘delicious items’ should be offered to God

who is present within in the form of Vaishvanara. (SSS Vol.33, pp.

313-314)

Whenever you take food, do namasmarana before partaking of the

food. By doing so, the food will be sanctified and will become

prasadam (gift) of God. Your heart also will be purified. That is

why, our ancestors prayed thus before partaking of food (SSS

Vol.37, p. 182):

Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir

Brahmagnou Brahmana Hutham

Brahmaiva Thena Ganthavyam

Brahmakarma Samadhina.

Sanskrit

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविब्रपह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणाहुतम ्। ब्रह्मिै तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्म कमप समाधिना ।।


94

Telugu

బ్రహ్మార్పణం బ్రహ్ా హ్విః బ్రహ్మాగ్నౌ బ్రహ్ాణాహ్ుతమ్ |

బ్రహ్మావ తేన గంతవయం బ్రహ్ా కర్ా సమాధినిః ||

You say that the food is an offering to Brahman. Then where is

Brahman? He is within. So, immediately God replies from within:

Aham Vaishvanaro Bhoothva

Praninam Dehamasritha

Pranapana Samayukta

Pachamyannam Chathurvidham.

Sanskrit

अहं िैश्वानरो भूत्िा प्राणणनां देहमाधितः । प्राणार्ान समायुक्तः र्चाम्यन्नं चतुविपि ं।।

Telugu

అహ్ం వ ైశ్వానరో భూతాా ప్వర ణినాం దేహ్-మాశ్రతిిః |

ప్వర ణాప్వన సమాయుకతిః పచామయనౌం చతురవాధమ్ ||

God says "My dear one, I am in you in the form of Vaishvanara. I

receive and digest the four types of food that you partake of. You

don't need to send any special invitation to Me nor extol Me. I am

yours and you are Mine. I am with you, in you, above you, below

you, around you." God has given you such a great assurance. He

has promised that He will be always with you. But you are not able

to understand this. (SSS Vol.36, p. 71)


95

Harir Daatha Harir Bhoktha

Harir Annam Prajaapatih

Harir Vipra Shareerastu

Bhoonkte Bhojayathe Harih.

God, who is present in you in the form of Vaishvanara, digests the

four types of food that you eat. Jataragni, like a generator, is

responsible for the electric power in the body. Human body is a

conglomeration of different powers —heat, light, sound, electricity,

etc. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, pp. 56-57)

Before partaking of food, chant the sacred mantra. Then no

unsacredness would enter your heart. Annam Brahma; Raso

Vishnuhu; Bhokta devo Maheswarah (food is Brahma; the essence

is Vishnu; the one who partakes it is Maheswara). These three

correspond to body, mind and action, respectively. Purity of

thought, word and deed is true wisdom. You don’t need to

undertake any other spiritual practice. People undertake various

sadhana. But they confer only temporary satisfaction. On the other

hand, when you have purity of thought, word and deed, you

experience eternal happiness. (SSS Vol.35, p. 348)

In the old days, one of the kings was performing a yagna and he

assembled a number of pundits during that yagna. Amongst pundits

assembled by the king, there were two people who were

accustomed to observing certain traditions. In the ancient days, the

traditions were such that while travelling they would not agree to

take their food in some house or other.


96

In the early hours of the morning, they used to collect some food

and used to carry the same in a bundle, and they would eat this

food during the journey. When it became midday during their

journey, they reached a river and found out a tree with a good

shade. They sat under the tree for their afternoon meal. It was their

habit that every day they would think of God and they would offer

the food to God and then, only, partake of the food. On that day,

too, they started reading the twenty-fifth verse in the Fourth

Chapter of the Gita which commences by saying,

“Brahmarpanam,” (I offer this food to Brahma). When this verse

was repeated by them, they heard some noise from the Banyan tree

under which they were sitting. They thought that on account of the

breeze, one branch may have rubbed against another branch and

noise may thus have been produced. They were not disturbed by

the noise. They were continuing their prayer. They started

repeating the 14th verse in the 15th Chapter of the Gita. While

repeating that verse, they were totally lost and completely absorbed

in the thought of God and they were thus repeating their prayer.

When this verse was repeated in that manner, they found that a

Mahapurusha, (a great saint) came and stood in their presence.

They got up and paid homage to that great saintly personality and

asked him who he was. He revealed his identity and said that he

was a Gandharva and that he was subjected to a curse by a rishi

several years ago and he was living on that Banyan tree.

He was now liberated from that curse by the prayers uttered under

the tree. This Gandharva then paid homage to these two pundits

and said, “I know where you are going and I am fully aware of

your mission. You are going to participate in a meeting which the

king is convening. I have to repay my debt to you for having


97

relieved me of my curse. I will enter into the mind of the king and I

will see that you are benefited in many ways.”

The scholars entered the congregation arranged by the king, but

they found that the place was packed with many people, and they

could not reach the king. So they were sitting in some corner and

were looking at the king. The words uttered by great saints can

never become untrue. Because of the promise made by the

Gandharva, the king, of his own accord, looked at these two

scholars. The king came to them and made obeisance to them and

requested them to come to the front row and be seated. He also

asked them to exhibit their scholarship. The congregation came to a

close on that day and the king was immensely pleased with the

scholarship exhibited by them and gifted them with several villages

and saw to it that they lived happily for the rest of their lives. Here

we notice that this great saint taught these two persons how to get

over many worldly troubles and obstacles which they came across

and also showed them how to acquire spiritual blessings. Thus, if

one wants to take the path of spirituality, one will find that many

worldly troubles and obstacles come in the way. It is only when we

can overcome these worldly obstacles that are in our way, can we

take the opportunity to benefit from the spiritual path.

Because the pundits could get over the troubles and take to the

spiritual path, they returned to their own village and were

experiencing happiness through the gifts they received.

The purpose of our thinking of this particular verse in the 15th

Chapter of the Gita is to get success in worldly matters and to get

over the obstacles in the matter of pursuing a spiritual path. Here,


98

the food we eat determines in many ways what we are going to get

in future for ourselves. The food we eat will determine the type of

ideas that sprout in us.

While taking our food, if we use exciting words, such ideas which

are related to these exciting words will sprout in us also. The lesson

that we should learn is that when we take our bath, when we sit for

dhyana or when we take our food, we should not think of other

activities and other ideas. Too much talk, while we take our food,

will also cause harm to us. We should not give room to any kind of

talk when we take our food. With a happy heart and with a sacred

word, we must undertake to utter this particular verse and then take

our food. In this way, whatever has been offered to Brahman will

become the prasad which comes to us as a gift of Brahman.

The meaning of the verse is that God Himself, who is in a human

form in you, is taking the food. Therefore, changes our food into

food for God. While taking food, we should not be excited, and we

should not get into passion, but we should eat very peacefully.

Even if we cannot perform japa, thapa or yagas, at least if we take

care to see that we eat in this manner, we will develop good ideas.

The nature of the fire will determine the type of smoke that comes

out. The kind of smoke that comes out will determine the type of

cloud that it forms. The type of cloud that is formed will determine

the type of rain which the cloud yields. The type of rain determines

the harvest. The kind of harvest determines the food that we get out

of it. The kind of food we eat will determine our ideas. For all our

ideas, it is our food that is responsible. If we eat Sathwic food,

sitting in a clean place, we will have clean ideas by eating that


99

food. There will thus be a good possibility of our getting spiritual

ideas. (SSB 1977, pp. 170-173)

Fasting

Fasting promotes health for the physical body, in the mental realm,

it gives joy and bliss. Unlimited and unregulated food is very

harmful for devotee. Indulging in a variety of tasty food is likely to

lead the devotee into the torpidity and inertia of Tamo-guna. To

think that you can go on enjoying all the tasty dishes to please God

and enjoy the nearness of God, are not compatible. Therefore, right

from the beginning, you must make a determined effort to keep the

tongue under control. Once you gain mastery over the tongue, the

other sense organs will also come under control, automatically.

(DBG, p. 39)

It is wise to prevent disease than run after remedies after it has

happened or grown beyond control. Man does not attend to

precautionary measures; he allows things to worsen and then the

disease is aggravated by fear, uncertainty and anxiety. There is an

axiom believed in by men of old, which says: 'One meal a day

makes a Yogi, two meals a day make a Bhogi and three meals a day

makes a Rogi. Yogi is the contented God-centred man. Bhogi is the

man revelling in sensual pleasure. Rogi is the man ridden by

illness. Yes. The quantity of food intake by the well-to-do is now

much beyond essential requirements. Over-eating has become a

fashion. (SSS Vol.7, p. 101) Today people go on consuming food

at all times, not to mention drinks and snacks in between. With the

result that indigestion sets in. (SSS Vol.23, p. 81)

Man needs food, which supplies him energy equivalent to about

one calorie for minute. Young people should be satisfied with 2000

calories of food per day; for healthy life, man needs only 1500


100

calories per day. But now-a- days the food intake has increased

upto 5000 calories. As a result, people suffer from indigestion and

sleeplessness. Loss of sleep gives rise to many ailments. Don't

worry about sleep. If you go to bed without worry, you will get

sound sleep automatically. We suffer from ill-health due to

psychological reasons also. (ICS , pp. 34-35)

The breakfast does not serve to break any fast, for; there has been

no fasting at all! It is as good as a full meal. Lunch is pressed in

and consists of many dishes, chosen for the palate rather than to

assuage hunger. Tea is tea only in name; it includes rather heavy

fare, out of all proportion to the needs of the body. Dinner at night

is the heaviest meal and includes the largest variety and so one goes

to bed, weighted with unwanted stuff, to roll from side to side, in a

vain effort to get a few minutes of sleep. The shortage of food

grains is mainly due to bad and wasteful eating habits; it can be set

right, and people can live longer and more healthily, if only they

eat the minimum, rather than fill themselves with maximum. (SSS

Vol.7, pp. 101-102)

Periodical fasting is prescribed in order to help the system overhaul

itself and to give much needed rest to the processes. (SSS Vol.6, p.

10)

101

CLEANLINESS: THE BEST

TONIC

A healthy body is the best container for a healthy mind; a healthy

heart is the temple of God. (FDD, 1990, pp. A-4)

Be clothed in divine qualities to approach God

Pungency in food heightens feelings of pugnacity, aggression and

vindictiveness in men, against those who oppose, disagree with or

disappoint them. Such men are worse than scorpions and snakes,

sharp swords or serrated saws. It is tragic that factional conflicts

arise even among persons claiming to be devotees of God. Often,

such men behave as if they are desecrating God by deserting Him.

When their desires do not fructify as and when they arise, when

their faults and failings are laid down before them in order to warn

them, or when they are directed to give up the wrongs they are

fascinated by, they turn away from God in a fit of fury! There are

two types of men--the Amaraas (the godly) and the Asuras (the

demonic). The Rajasic persons are Asuras. The Geetha directs us to

adopt, as the very first Sadhana, the rule: Adhweshtaa Sarva

bhoothaanaam ("Do not hate any single being"). To approach God,


102

one must be clothed in divine qualities. When it is sinful to hate a

fellow-being, what shall we say about' hating God?

Live in the love of God--Sthithi-Mathi-Bhakthi (stability,

awareness-communion). Devotion arises in the constant mind, not

in the agitated, kaleidoscopic mind. Allah showers Grace only on

those who surrender wholly. The purification of the senses of

perception and the senses of action, the mind and the intellect and

the sublimation of the ego-consciousness will happen

spontaneously, once the attitude of total surrender is strengthened.

That which we consume through the mouth is food. We consume

also through the eye, the ear, the nose and the skin. That food too

has to be Sathwic, purifying and not pungent or stale and corrupt.

(SSS Vol.16, pp. 107-108)

Purity of mind and body bestows Balam

Our ancients wished to live long for the sake of a Godly life and for

that purpose preserved their health in body and mind. Today people

look aged by the time they are 60 or 70. You may have read in the

Mahabharata that Krishna was 86 years old and Arjuna was 84 at

the time of the Kurukshethra war. They were in the vigour of youth

and fought great battles. Bhishma, who was the Commander-in-

chief of the Kaurava armies, was 116 years of age. Today very few

survive up to that age and many are decrepit long before they reach

that age. Bhishma was engaged in fierce battle for nine days. What

was the source of his strength? Strength of mind, strength derived

from food and, above all, Atma Balam (strength of Spirit).

Today spiritual strength is totally lacking among the people. Self-

confidence is constantly going up and down. There is no steadiness

of mind. When the will is weak from moment to moment, how can

Cleanliness: The Best Tonic

103

there be any firmness in life? Everyone must endeavour to develop

the courage to face the vicissitudes of life, joys or sorrows, gains or

losses, with equanimity.

There are many today in the country who claims to be believers in

God. Because these believers do not conduct themselves properly,

many are turning atheists. They talk about bhakti (devotion), but in

their actions they are Bhukti (epicures). Devotion is what the sage

Narada expounded after churning the Upanishads and gathering the

nectarine cream out of them. It is only when devotion is constant

and unchanging that its fruits can be realised.

The body, the sense organs, the mind, the Buddhi (intellect) and the

Atma are the five vital elements constituting man. Students should

learn the secrets about each of them. Once they have understood

the truth about them, they need no other spiritual discipline. This

Summer Course has been organised to give you an insight into the

mysteries of these five entities.

Once an old woman came to me and said that her mind was causing

her endless trouble by its restless wandering. I asked her, "Where is

your mind? Show it to me, I shall destroy it". She said: "I don't

know where it is." I told her "If you do not know where the mind

is, how do you say it is troubling you? Is it the mind that is

troubling you or are you troubling yourself? When you do not

know the cause of your trouble, to blame the mind is meaningless."

You have to understand how the mind and the senses function. All

are valuable, as the Divine never creates anything that is valueless.

(SSS Vol.23, pp. 82-83)


104

Sanctify the body

The body, the senses, the mind and the intellect are vestures worn

by man. Only when you understand the significance and purpose of

these activities can you make proper use of them. You wear

trousers, coat, banian, shirt etc. Only when you know how to use

each of these items can you use them in the right way and get the

benefit thereof. Otherwise you may make bizarre use of them, like

putting on the banian over the shirt. Hence, you see to it that the

clothes are worn properly. Likewise, your body is a garment. It is

only when you know how it should be worn and how it should be

used that you can make good use of it and get the best out of it.

"Dahyati iti dehah" (The body is that which is burnt). This is the

derived meaning of the word deha (the body). It is well known that

the body is burnt after death. But the body experiences burning

even when it is alive. This is because of worries. "The body is inert.

It is contaminated and riddled with disease. It is a bundle of bones.

It will not save you from the ocean of birth and death. Therefore,

cling to the lotus feet of Hari, Oh mind!" This was the prayer of the

sages. The body is made up of the five elements and is

impermanent. Only the Indwelling Spirit is eternal and unchanging.

You may accept the body that you have assumed and even enjoy it.

But you should know how to guard it and enjoy it.

Another name for the body is Sarira. The word is derived from the

term, "Siryathi iti sariraha" (That which is liable to decay). At

birth the body is a lump of flesh and blood. As it grows it acquires

beauty of form in youth. Then it is overtaken by the ravages of old

age. The body is thus subject to many changes. (SSS Vol.23, pp.

68-69)


105

View the body as a Temple

A third name for the body is Mandir (temple or shrine). It is

described as a temple enshrining the eternal divine Atma

(individual soul). Viewed as a temple, it has to be regarded as the

sacred and pure abode of the Divine. As such it should not be

misused. This implies that the body is intended to be used for

having good thoughts and good deeds.

Because the body is given for performing right actions, it has to be

maintained in a fit condition. It is the instrument for all activity and

therefore should be maintained well. Every time before you do

anything, you have to put to yourself this question: "I am the

indwelling divine Atma in this body. As such, is it proper for me to

do this action or not?" You have also to determine whether the

particular action is proper or improper. Only then you will be using

the body in the right way. You dare not use the body according to

your whims just because you have got it. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 69-70)

Kshetra and Kshetrajna

The body has also been called Kshetra. The Geetha enjoins that one

should know what kshetra is, and who is the Kshetrajna? You are

the Knower of the field dwelling within the kshetra (body). You

have to remain as a witness and see that the body is properly used.

We describe Kasi (Varanasi), Badrinath, Tirupathi as Kshetras,

because they are associated with the Divine and enjoy a holy

atmosphere. Sacred actions like worship are performed in these

places. Similarly, in the kshetra of the body, good thoughts and

good actions should prevail. This is the inner meaning of the

appellation kshetra (holy place).


106

The other meaning of the term kshetra is field. In this field of the

body, the fruits we reap are dependent on the seeds we sow. If you

sow good thoughts, you reap the fruit of good actions.

Evil thoughts will yield only bad results. The body is thus a field in

which the seeds of merit and sin are sown. In cultivating a field for

growing crops, we wait for the right season and the appropriate

conditions to sow particular seeds. The suitability of a land for

growing a particular crop has to be decided. Sowing cannot be done

indiscriminately. However, for this body, considered as a field,

there are no such constraints. It can be cultivated in all conditions

and at all times. It can be utilised night and day. When you sow

seeds on cultivable land, you may get a good crop or a poor crop.

You may not realise your expectations.

But in the case of the human body, you are bound to reap the fruits

of the good or the bad thoughts you sow as seeds. You will have

cent percent return. As you sow, so will you reap. The crop

depends on your thoughts and the harvest will be determined by

your actions. You must therefore ensure that only seeds in the form

of good thoughts are sown. You should not misuse the body as you

like. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 70-71)

Five types of bath prescribed in the scriptures

Nature has many mysteries in its make-up. Man is able to unravel

only those that are cognisable through his five senses; he does not

realise that there is a vast unknown beyond the purview of the five

faulty instruments of perception that he has. For example, from

every being and thing, constantly, without intermission, millions of

minute particles and millions of vibrations are issuing forth. Certain

substances like camphor emanate so much of these that a lump


107

disappears in a few days. The bodies of others affect us by these

emanations and we too affect them in the same way. For good or

bad, we are interacting in this manner, inescapably. Naturally, the

growth of the body is affected, as well as its health and strength, by

the contact or company we develop.

These emanations are intensified when dirt accumulates, or sewage

collects, or drains are choked. Sanitation rules are framed to reduce

the possibility of disease spreading from such areas.

Five types of bath are prescribed in the Hindu scriptures, in order to

maintain physical immunity from the emanations of others.

First, we have the 'mud bath,' wherein fine mud is applied over

the body and kept on for some time before being washed away.

Second, the 'Sun bath' is recommended, because the rays of the

Sun are powerful disinfectants; they feed as well as freshen.

Third: bath in water. If the water is a flowing river, considered

holy, and if the bath is taken after propitiatory hymns etc., the

bath will cleanse the body and, at the same time, elevate the

spirit.

The fourth type is the 'air-bath,' when the body is, exposed to

the cool breeze, and its salutary effect.

The fifth and last type is the 'ash bath,' where the body is given

a coating of fine ash or Vibhuthi (sacred ash), revered as the

mark of Shiva. The ash guards the body from evil contacts and

the deleterious effects of the vibrations proceeding from others;

it also sanctifies and purifies the vibrations of the individual

wearing the ash, for, it reminds him always of the inevitable

end of all that one feels as one's own, except the Lord who is

the very person himself. (SSS Vol.12, pp. 281-282)


108

Uncleanliness has become a popular cult

Untouchability as a social practice must have had its origin in the

realisation of this truth. But, practices like avoiding contact with

demeaning or defiling men or things later became a ritual, a hollow

round of negations. Those who are ridiculed for observing such

restrictions and taboos are finding it difficult to explain the inner

significance of their behaviour. These observances originated from

the anxiety to earn length of life and strength of body, so that the

seeker might gain the goal. The Geetha speaks of yukthaahaara

vihaarasya---"habits of feeding and recreation which are controlled

and regulated." The gross part of food is discarded as faeces, the

subtle part is transformed into muscle, blood, etc. and the more

subtle of the subtle aspects are transmuted into the mind and its

activities. That is why the sages have prescribed certain limits and

levels of food, in order to promote the spiritual urges and prevent

contrary tendencies.

But, nowadays, as a result of the downgraded time-spirit, food that

damages the spiritual urge is being increasingly favoured! The

elementary rules of personal cleanliness are neglected in the name

of 'novelty and neo-spiritualism.' Bath is given the go-by. Oral

hygiene is not cared for. Damaging habits are cultivated and

tolerated. The mouth is the gateway of the physical mansion; if the

gateway is foul, what can we say of the residence and the inmates!

Uncleanliness has become a popular cult; it is necessary to keep

away from its votaries, for, cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Unkempt, dishevelled, dirty heads and bodies denote unkempt,

dishevelled intellects and minds. (SSS Vol.12, pp. 282-283)


109

The body will shine if the character is fine

Of course, it is true that many sages and saints paid little attention

to personal cleanliness, since they were always on the higher plane

of nearness to Reality. Imitating them without the inner conviction

that one is not the body but that one is the Universal Indweller .can

only be hypocrisy and exhibitionism. Eeshwara swallowed the

poison that emerged from the Ocean; but, mortals cannot do the

same, even to remove the minor poisons of the world. Develop

equanimity, install in the mind the faith in the Divine and then you

get the authority to neglect the claims of the body, with impunity.

You cannot challenge the wisdom of the sages and ask, what harm

is there if I too behave likewise! Great harm will certainly ensue,

when you venture into these realms of the spirit with the ego

bloated big.

The body has to be carefully and tenderly fostered; it is a precious

gift, a very complicated but well-co-ordinated machine, given for

achieving a laudable task. Its exterior too must be clean and full of

the charm of goodness. The skin of the fruit of Ananda (divine

bliss) is the physical body; the succulent flesh is the muscle, bone

and nerve; the hard uneatable seed is the evil that gets mixed up in

life; the juice which the fruit offers, for which the tree was planted

and nourished is the Bliss it shares with all. The body will shine if

the character is fine; service of man and worship of God will

preserve its charm. The Lord will be watching with a thousand eyes

the least activity of man to discover any slight trace of selfless

Love sweetening it. In the past, illnesses were cured by the simple

remedies that nature herself provided,--roots, tubers, fruits, leaves

etc., rest, change of residence, regulation of diet, sadhana (spiritual

discipline) etc. But, now man lives in an age of tablets and


110

injections. Do not believe that health is retained or maintained

through doctors; nor can drugs alone guarantee it. Were that So, the

dead should all be alive now. Well, examine whether the doctors

themselves follow the advice they offer to others. They are victims

of the very habits which they advise against! They condemn

smoking and drinking intoxicants as dangerous to health, but, they

indulge in both, and thereby, encourage the very evils they

condemn!

This is the type of health-advisers that we have! In every field---

spiritual, moral, .economic, political, and literary---absence of

proper leaders is the root cause of all the distress, anxiety and fear

that torment the world. You are embodiments of the Divine Atma.

Do not crave for recognition and respect from others; crave rather

for winning Grace from the Lord. In the pursuit of that aim, do not

be misled by the emergence of obstacles and obstructions. (SSS

Vol.12, pp. 283-284)

Five gates for the temple of body

When you get rid of the evils associated with pollution of speech,

hearing, sight, thought and action (arising from the misuse of the

five sense organs), you will be able to become the Paramatma

(Divinise yourself). If the senses are fed with polluted stuff, you

cannot become pure merely by taking milk and fruit. You must take

in pure Sathwic food through all the five sense organs.

There are many doors to a temple. They are intended to let in

devotees who seek to worship God. Gateways in temples are

intended only for devotees to enter. Similarly there are for this

temple of the body five gates. What is the purpose of these

doorways? If we build a house and erect doors in it, they are for the


111

use of our kith and kin and not for all stray animals to walk in. If

such animals enter, the doors are shut against them. Likewise, the

doors in this sacred body should be kept open only for sacred and

Divine entrants. Only then it deserves the name Kshetra (shrine). It

ceases to be a temple if unholy objects are allowed to enter it. (SSS

Vol.23, pp. 72-73)

Eschew all bad company

Next comes Vihara (moving in different places). You will have to

consider seriously what sort of places you should visit, what kind

of environment in which you should live and what type of persons

with whom you should associate yourselves. You should eschew all

bad company, because your thoughts are related to the company

you keep. Young people today are cultivating bad company. They

take easily to bad ways. This is an affront to the human body. The

sages of yore chose to live in solitude for directing their thoughts

towards God. But even this is a sign of weakness. For instance, if

you want to subdue anger, can you do it by any amount of penance

in a forest? As your anger arises in the midst of people, it has to be

conquered only in the same milieu and not in an unpeopled forest.

You may remain tranquil as long as you are in the forest but when

you come back to a crowd, you will be the same old irate person. If

you want to control your senses, it is a delusion to imagine that this

can be done by some kind of rigorous penance. It can be achieved

easily if you understand the subtle workings of the body. ou can

utilise your new car well, for instance, only if you know all about

its working and how it should be run. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 73-74)


112

Ensure proper use of the body

All the troubles of man are due to the fact that he does not know

how to make proper use of his body. Hence, he is a prey to sorrow

and disease. One thing should be remembered: No one can go

against the Divine Will. No one can alter the Lord's law. It should

be realised that the body functions because of the chaitanya

(consciousness) within it. Just as the lights, the horn and the engine

in a car, though inert in themselves, begin to function when the

power is supplied to them from the battery, likewise the organs in

the vehicle that is the human body (the eyes, the ears, etc.,) can

function well only if the Atmic consciousness animates and

activates them. Just as a magnet attracts iron filings by its magnetic

power, the Atma is responsible for the operation of all the organs

which are inert by themselves.

Man is prone to three kinds of mistaken ideas. One is to consider

what does not belong to him as his own. Another is to regard

persons who do not belong to him as his own. The third is to regard

the evanescent as the eternal. Man considers the body as his real

self. If that is the case, why should he say, "This is my body." The

statement dearly implies that he is different from the body. (The

owner is different from what he owns). When a man says, "This is

my kerchief," he is apart from the kerchief, which he can cast away

Hence, how can one say that he is the body? This is the first

mistake.

Secondly, in worldly affairs man is misled by the belief that he is

the owner of properties of various kinds--houses, vehicles, etc. You

build a house and call it yours. You sell it and it is no longer yours.

Likewise, you buy a car and call it "Mine." When you sell it, it


113

ceases to be yours. So, it is yours as long as you use it. Forgetting

that all these possessions are temporary, you develop attachments

for them. Nothing is yours. How can those which belong to the

body be yours? All these are caused by Maya (delusion), the sense

of possessiveness and the aberrations of the mind. All of them are

passing clouds. Before marriage, no one can say who is the

husband and who is the wife. Before birth, no one can say who is

the mother and who is the child. Only after birth, you declare, "He

is my son." Only after marriage, you say, "This is my wife." All

these relationships are associated with the body. The same person

is called in different ways according to various relationships. (SSS

Vol.23, pp. 73-74)

Realise that the body is not permanent

You have to do your duty to your kith and kin. But while

discharging your duties, you have to keep the Supreme always in

mind. The worldly life has to be led, with spiritual relation as the

goal. As long as you live in the world, you have to conform to the

ways of the world. But the ideal must be based on the recognition

that nothing belongs to you--neither mother, nor father, kinsmen or

wealth. All these are related to the changing body, which is the

basis for all mental aberrations. It is wrong to regard the body as

permanent. But it is essential to keep the body in good health as

long as there is life, just as you must ensure that your boat does not

spring a leak till you cross the river. The body has to be kept clean

and for this purpose you have to practise chanting the Lord's name

and doing japa. The Divine cleanses the heart, when you offer it to

God.

Besides the body, you have to reckon with the sense organs, the

mind and the Buddhi. It is only when their nature is properly


114

understood will one be able to lead a full human life. In the absence

of such understandings, man becomes a prey to many difficulties.

There is constant talk about Sadhana but no special sadhana is

needed if one gets at the Truth. All sadhana is aimed at perceiving

the Truth.

During the ensuing fortnight, if you are able to grasp the nature of

the body, the senses, the mind, the Buddhi, and the Atma, which is

the Supreme Witness presiding over all of them, you will be able to

master the mystery of the cosmos (which is made up of the five

basic elements, the Pancha Bhutas). As God is the basis of

everything, you have to develop faith in God. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 75-

76)

Purity of the mind : Role of the senses

What man has to achieve are not the four Purusharthas--Dharma,

Artha, Kama and Moksha (Righteousness, Wealth, Fulfilment of

desires and Liberation). The primary goal of man should be the

purification of the Antahkarana (The Inner Activator) and subduing

it. The world is based on the mind. All that happens in the world--

joy or sorrow, sin or virtue, truth or untruth--has its origin in the

mind.

The mind is like a mirror; it has no inherent power of its own. It is

dependent on the indhriyas (sense organs). It sees through the eyes.

It cannot see by itself. It hears through the ears and has no inherent

hearing capacity. Likewise it functions with the aid of the sense

organs.


115

Consequently, the offences committed by the senses are reflected in

the mind. The senses are associated with the mind's various

processes. If anything goes wrong, who is to blame—the senses or

the mind? No blame attaches to the mind by itself. It is the

association with the senses which pollutes the mind.

The scriptures have declared that there are three defects relating to

the mind' Mala, Vikshepa and Aavarna. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 105-106)

Four types of purity

Among the qualities a man has to develop if he is to realise his

divinity, the foremost is Kshama---forbearance or forgiveness. It is

essential for every human being. It is supreme among virtues.

Kshama is Truth, Righteousness, Sympathy, Non-violence and all

else. Kshama comprehends every quality.

How is Kshama to be acquired? It is acquired by practising four

kinds of purity:

1. Dravya Soucham (purity of materials); 2. Maanasika Soucham

(purity of mind); 3. Vaak Soucham (purity in speech); 4. Kriya

Soucham (purity in action or purity of body).

Dravya Soucham (Purity of materials): This covers all things used

by a person--from clothes, food and cooking utensils to houses--

and all the varied things used by a person. Everything that is in

daily use should be completely pure.

Maanasika Soucham (Purity of the mind): This calls for total

elimination of attachments and aversions from the mind.


116

Vaak Soucham (Purity of speech): This means that one must speak

the truth. He must be sweet and pleasant in speech and avoid using

harsh words. Excessive talking should be avoided. Purity in speech

implies avoidance of falsehood, garrulousness, abusive language,

slanderous gossip and speech which causes pain to others. Today

there is very little purity of speech. Bad thoughts and bad words are

the order of the day. A vile tongue fouls the mind and dehumanises

man.

Sareera Soucham (Purity of the body): The body has to be purified

by performing Aachamana with water (this ritual involves uttering

the names of the Lord thrice and drinking three spoonfuls of water

from the palm).

When these four kinds of purity are practised, the quality of

Kshama develops to some extent. (SSS Vol.21)

Nagarasankeerthan is the greatest disinfectant

Start the day with Nagarasankeerthan (street singing of spiritual

hymns), for, it is the greatest disinfectant of the atmosphere of the

individual, as well as the community. The puja (ritualistic worship)

in the domestic shrine, the recitation of hymns, the bhajan (group

singing of devotional songs) that you do, all send forth vibrations

that purify and cleanse the atmosphere, and so, disinfect the 'food'

that you consume.

Pareekshit listened to stories of Divine Glory and so, he was

hastened on the path of liberation, during the seven fateful days. So

too the sight of temples, churches, mosques and houses surcharged


117

with Divinity, of idols and sculptures depicting the mystery and

majesty of God in His various Forms, of scenes that instil in your

mind the littleness of man before the vastness of God's handiwork--

these have a salutary effect on the formation of character, and the

direction of habits and attitudes.

The senses have to be controlled, primarily because they pursue

deleterious influences that harass man and lead him into ruin. Inner

peace is lost when the senses feed man on inflaming wants and

infructuous desires. For the sadhaka (spiritual aspirant)---and, who

can escape being a sadhaka?---the intake must always be pure and

blameless, Sathwic. The sounds, the sights, the impressions, the

ideas, the lessons, the contacts, the impacts---all must promote

reverence, humility, balance, equanimity and simplicity. If the

impressions are rajasic, the mind will get agitated, vengeful,

fanatic and fearsome. If they are tamasic, the mind will not even be

aroused into the awareness of its own innate handicaps. It is only

the Sathwic 'food' that will keep the mind on an even keel, fully

concentrated on the Atma on which one must contemplate in order

to attain peace. (SSS Vol.7, p. 416)

Rise from bed, in the Bhrahma-muhurtham (the auspicious

period, dedicated to Brahman meditation, (from 4.30 to 5.15

a.m.), recite the Pranava (Aum), even if you have no group

around you, repeat the Suprabhatham (awakening hymn), sit

for some time immersed in dhyana (meditation), go through

the yoga exercises, the Suryanamskars (obeisance to Sun

God); sing bhajans (devotional songs) when the hour reminds

you that bhajan has started at Prasanthi Nilayam. Then, you

will be carrying the sacred atmosphere of the Prasanthi

Nilayam with you; your parents will be elated; the elders will

learn from you the discipline which confers concord and

courage.

Do not complain against food; whatever the parents give, eat

with pleasure. Do not protest against any errand that they may

assign you. Run gladly, to fulfil it. When they want you to

nurse them, nurse happily, intelligently, glad that you got the

chance. So live here and everywhere, now and always, that I

who see you and know all thoughts, words and deeds, can

pour My Grace on you, more and more.


119

MEDITATION, YOGA AND

EXERCISE: PRESCRIPTION

FOR PEACE AND

CONTENTMENT

Most illnesses can be cured by simple living, simple exercises and

by intelligent control of the tongue. (SSS Vol.11, p. 151)

Meditation

Stick to the Name and Form you like the most

The secret is: you should 'be', but not be as in sleep, when you are

aware deep down within you, that you are. Only, sleep is enveloped

in Maya (Delusion). Awake from that delusion, but immerse

yourself in this sleep that is real Samadhi (Super-conscious state of

Bliss). Japam and Dhyanam are means by which you can compel

even the concretisation of the Divine Grace, in the Form and with

the Name you yearn for. The Lord has to assume the Form you

choose, the Name you fancy; in fact, you shape Him so. Therefore,


120

do not change these two, but stick to the ones that please you most,

whatever the delay or the difficulty.

Do not get discouraged that you are not able to concentrate for long

from the very beginning. When you learn to ride a bicycle, you do

not get the skill of keeping the balance immediately. You push the

cycle along to an open maidan and hop and skip, leaning now to

one side and now to the other and even fall with the cycle upon you

on many an attempt before you are able to ride with skill and never

again to worry about the balance. Automatically, you are able to

make the necessary adjustments to correct the balance, is it not?

After getting this skill, you can ride through the narrow streets and

lanes and you do not need an open maidan; you can negotiate your

vehicle through the most crowded thoroughfares. So too practice

will equip you with a concentration that will sustain you in the

densest of surroundings and the most difficult situations. (SSS

Vol.1, pp. 33-34)

The best sadhana for the beginners

Do not be under the impression that I will be angry with you if you

do not accept Me as the Dhyana rupam (Form for meditation)! I am

not concerned at all; you have perfect freedom to select the Name

and Form that give you necessary encouragement.

When you meditate, the mind often runs after something else, it

takes another road. You have then to plug that outlet by means of

the Name and the Form and see that the even flow of your thoughts

towards the Lord is not interrupted; if it happens again, use the

Name and the Form again, quickly. Do not allow the mind to go

beyond the twin bunds, this side Naama and that side Rupam! Then

it will not stray into a third place.

Meditation, Yoga And Exercise: Prescription For Peace And Contentment

121

First, when you sit for meditation, recite a few shlokas on the glory

of God, so that the thoughts that are scattered could be collected.

Then gradually, while doing japam, draw before the mind's eye the

Form which that Name represents. When your mind wanders away

from the recital of the Name, take it on to the picture of the Form.

When it wanders away from the picture, lead it on to the Name. Let

it dwell either on that sweetness or this. Treated thus it can be

easily tamed. The imaginary picture you have drawn will get

transmuted into the Bhaava chithram (emotional picture), dear to

the heart and fixed in the memory; gradually it will become the

Saakshaathkaara chitram---when the Lord assumes that Form in

order to fulfil your desire. (SSS Vol.1, p. 35)

Use the body as an instrument for spiritual practice

This sadhana (spiritual practice) is called japa sahitha dhyana

(meditation on the Lord's Name and Form) and I advise you all to

take it up, for it is the best for beginners. Within a few days, you

will fall in line and you will taste the joy of concentration.

After about ten or fifteen minutes in the initial stages and longer

after some time of this Dhyana, have some manana (inward

contemplation) on the shanti and the sowkhya (peace and

contentment) you had during the dhyana; that is to say, bring back

into your memory the joy you experienced. This will help your

faith and earnestness. Then, do not get up suddenly and start

moving about, resuming your avocations. Loosen the limbs slowly,

deliberately and gradually, and then enter upon your usual duties.

Taste the fruits of dhyana and learn to relish them; that is what I

mean by this process of manana (repeated reflection).


122

Be careful about your physical health also. Satisfy the demands of

nature; the car must be given the petrol which it needs. Otherwise,

your head might reel and your eyes might get blurred through sheer

exhaustion; how can thoughts of the Lord be stabilised in a weak

frame? Only, do not forget the purpose of this body when you are

tending it. A road-roller is fed with oil and coal and other types of

fuel. But why is it kept in good trim? In order to mend the road, is

it not? Similarly, remember that you have come embodied, so that

you might realise the end of this cycle of birth and death. For that

sake, use the body as an instrument.

Flying hither and thither, higher and higher, the bird has at last to

perch on a tree for rest. So too, even the richest and the most

powerful man seeks rest, shanti. Peace can be got only in one shop,

in inner reality. The senses will drag you along into a mire, which

submerges you deeper and deeper in alternate joy and grief, that is

to say, prolonged discontent. Only the contemplation of unity can

remove fear, rivalry, envy, greed, desire---all the feelings that

prompt discontent. Every other avenue can give only pseudo-

contentment; a day will come when you will throw away all these

play-things and toys and cry, "Lord! Grant Me unruffled peace."

The dacoit Valmiki prayed so; the confirmed atheist too has one

day to pray for peace and rest. (SSS Vol.1, pp. 35-36)

Engage yourself in good thoughts and deeds

People hug brass pots and take them to be gold, but they have to

polish them so that they may appear bright. One day, they will get

disgusted with this constant polishing and scrubbing; they will

pray, "Release me from this scrubbing, this birth, this suffering and

this agony." Life is short; time is fleeting: your sadhana is creeping

at tortoise speed. When will you decide to proceed a little faster?


123

Your sadhana is like the answers you write at the examination. If

you get only 5 or 6 marks, then the examiner will strike out even

that, saying, "What is the use of these few marks: it will take him

neither here nor there." If you get somewhere near the passing

marks, then Grace will give you just a little more so that you may

pass, provided you have been a diligent well behaved student.

Engage yourselves in good deeds, good company and good

thoughts. Fix your attention on the goal. You have not realised yet

the secret of this Advent. You are indeed lucky, more fortunate

than many others. It is · only when Yasodha found every length of

rope a little short to go round His belly that she discovered He was

the Lord. So to, you will realise every description of My Mahima

(Divine Glory) a little too short of the actuality; and then you will

get convinced. Meanwhile if you study the Sastras and know the

characteristics of the Avatar of the Lord, you might get a glimpse

of the Truth regarding Me. (SSS Vol.1, pp. 36-37)

You will know the truth when you experience

There is no use arguing and quarrelling among yourselves;

examine, experience; then you will know the truth. Do not proclaim

before you are convinced; be silent while you are still undecided or

engaged in evaluating. Of course, you must discard all evil in you

before you can attempt to evaluate the mystery. And, when faith

dawns, fence it around with discipline and self-control, so that the

tender shoot might be guarded against the goats and cattle, the

motley crowd of cynics and unbelievers. When your faith grows

into a big tree, those very cattle can lie down in the shade that it

will spread. (SSS Vol.1, pp. 37-38)


124

For meditation, Krishna lays down two important injunctions; a

moderate diet and a regulated conduct of life. “Yuktahara

viharasya”, said Krishna. Here, yuktahara does not denote

complete abstinence from food, as this would lead to physical

emaciation and mental fatigue. The Buddha’s experience illustrates

this very well. While doing penance, the Buddha had, in the

beginning, given up food for several days. This resulted in a

dissipation of his physical and mental energies. Realising that a

healthy body and a sound mind are necessary prerequisites for

effective penance, he went to a nearby village and partook of curds

and appeased his hunger. From that day, he continued taking food

in small quantities every day. He was thereby able to meditate with

great ease and realise the Truth.

Thus, food in the right quantities and of the proper type is

necessary if an individual is to meditate effectively. Excessive

eating that leads to drowsiness, should, however, be avoided. The

correct thing would be to divide the stomach into four equal parts

and fill two parts with solid food and one part with liquid food

leaving the fourth part empty. Filling the stomach with solid food

completely promotes Tamo guna, which is positively an

impediment to meditation. Sleeplessness is also detrimental to

meditation.

Lack of sleep promotes rajo guna and fills one with unhealthy

thoughts and emotions. The food man partakes of these days is

essentially rajasic and tamasic. This is the reason why there is

cruelty and unrest in the minds of men. Their physical health, too,

is poor. Today, a boy of sixteen would have passed through all the

physical experiences that a man of sixty would have gone through.


125

Such is the deplorable condition of our youth. How then can they

experience the bliss of dhyana (meditation)?

It is imperative, therefore, for everyone to introspect and find out

how much of his time is being spent in the mad race for fleeting

material pleasures and how much is devoted to the thought of God.

The hedonistic man of the present day can spare no time for the

contemplation of Divinity. The gates of Heaven shall be open for

him only if he can think of God now and then. However, everyone

seems to be totally preoccupied with the thoughts of one’s children,

friends, relations, money and material possessions. Man is thus

denying himself the bliss of spiritual experience, engaged as he is

in the pursuit of the transient pleasures of the world. Man must,

therefore, divert his vision from the world of temporal joys to the

Bliss of the Atma within.

In the eight fold path of yoga suggested by Patanjali in his Yoga

Sutras, the last three stages are dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

Dharana thus precedes dhyana. It denotes the fixation of the mind

on the goal of dhyana and involves the preliminary preparations

necessary for dhyana.

One should adopt a comfortable posture for dhyana. The common

practice is to sit, with the hands in chinmudra and with the legs

crossed, on a wooden plank covered with a soft skin or cloth. These

are all, however, part of dharana. Dhyana begins with the process

of gradual identification with the Lord and leads to Samadhi.

Samadhi is the state in which dhyana attains fulfilment. In this

state, the individual rises beyond the objective world of relative


126

reality, the subjective identity of himself and even the very activity

that he is engaged in (dhyana). Samadhi is not a state of

unconsciousness; neither does it mean frisking about in emotional

excitement. The word samadhi itself is indicative of its

significance. Sama is equipoise; dhi is intelligence. Samadhi is that

state of intellectual equipoise where the individual transcends the

world of duality and experiences the bliss of divine communion.

Raman Maharishi also conditioned his mind by objective

experience. Every night he used to look at a particular star with

one-pointed attention for several long hours. This strengthened his

dharana and equipped him to undertake dhyana.

Just as mental purity is a necessary precondition for meditation,

mental tranquillity is also equally essential. A restless mind

impedes the processes of both dharana and dhyana. The mind

needs to be given through sleep. Sankaracharya compared sleep to

samadhi, though samadhi confers much greater joy and inner

harmony. Sufficient sleep is needed by an individual to keep his

mind alert and poised for meditation.

There are three direct roads to Godhead. The first consists in the

performance of all actions in a spirit of dedication to God for His

pleasure. The second, in the renunciation of the desire for the fruits

of action. The third, in the identification of oneself with God

through the process of dhyana. Dedication of all actions to God

confers wisdom on the doer. Renunciation of the desire for the

fruits of action bestows mental tranquillity. Dhyana too ensures

inner peace. Dhyana can be practised by all—the old, the young,

the ignorant, the wise, the healthy and the weak. For those who do


127

not possess the necessary physical and mental abilities to do

dhyana, the cultivation of universal love would be as efficacious as

dhyana. All these three paths, however, lead to the same goal. (SSB

1979, pp. 86-90)

Yoga marga

Can thirst be quenched by water droplets or hunger appeased by

grains of rice? The realisation of the Truth of Creation and the

Creator involves hard discipline and steady faith in the paths

prescribed by the sages. These paths lead man to the goal through

inquiry, devotion, dedicated work, meditation, worship and other

such disciplines.

There is also the process of Yoga (divine communion) which is

widely advocated now-a-days as a means for self-realisation

available to practitioners. It is being taught and propagated as a

sure and simple means of Liberation. Novices and common folk are

misled by the high promises, and they have to be warned in time of

the limits and possibilities of Yoga as now taught and propounded.

The very first axiom of Yoga as a spiritual discipline is to 'conquer

the agitations of the mind.' However, this is more easily said than

done, for the mind has to be dead, not dormant. Of course there are

persons who have achieved this victory, but none of them will be

available to you for guidance in mind-control or mind-conquest.

They would be so sunk in aanandha (divine bliss) that the demands

of the body, the time, the causal chain, etc. can never reach them.

(SSS Vol.13, pp. 218-219)


128

Yoga is mergence of the individual into the Universal

What can be expected from a teacher of Yoga is only a diluted,

limited, pseudo type of Yogadharshan (Yogic Vision or realisation),

for only those who have stopped half-way in the path ofYoga will

come forward as instructors and guides. When one has gone the

entire length of the road, one has perforce to leave the world and its

needs behind.

Yoga means union or yoking, and the jeevAtma (The Individual

Soul) has to be yoked with the ParamAtman (Supreme Soul); one

has to find its fulfilment in the Whole, of which it is a part. As the

rivers carry the waters of the sea back into the sea itself happy to

lose the limitations of their names, their size etc In that

consummation, so the individual merges Into the Universal.

That is Yoga. It is Yoga that happens to the salt doll that is dropped

into the depths of the sea to calculate the depth of the water. The

salt too comes from the sea and becomes one with the sea. Man has

five koshas (sheaths) covering his individuality---the annamaya

(material), praanamaya (vital), manomaya (mental), vijnaanamaya

(intellectual) and the aanandhamaya (blissful). When man turns

from the objective world to the subjective world within him, he can

unsheath his Individuality and reach his Bliss Nature. But most

men revel in the very first sheath---the material sheath---and

remain engrossed and entangled In material pursuits and pleasures.

Man does not realise that he sees only what he wants to see; he

cannot see beyond his need. Therefore unless his desires are

purified and clarified, he cannot penetrate it into the inner realms of

delight. (SSS Vol.13, pp. 219-220)


129

The various chakras in the body

If you ask any one where the words he utters come from, he will

reply that they do so from the vocal chords. No. The vocal chords

can produce sound, but not words. The spinal column, from the

muulaadhaara chakra to the ajnaa chakra (the energy centre at

lowest point of the column to the energy centre at mid-brow spot)

is like the veena, the strings of which when drawn and played

upon, produce resonance. The vital and the mental sheaths are

Involved in these regions.

When the playing fingers halt and press on frets fixed on the veena

at irregular intervals, different notes are created and delight ensues.

When the mind decides upon an idea that is to be communicated,

the praana (life force) plays upon the strings and words emanate.

The muulaadhaara, the lowest of the chakras (energy centres) at

the lower end of the spinal passage, is the embodiment of the

Prakrithi (Nature) principle. Therefore it is related to the annamaya

kosha, the material facet of man. It is the prithvi thathwa (the earth-

principle.) The swaadhistaana chakra at the point of the navel, is

the guardian of the praanamaya kosha, the vital facet of the person.

It is the agni principle, the spring and source of warmth in the

body, that maintains the processes of digestion and protection from

environmental change.

The manlpuuraka chakra is the next highest on the spinal scale. It

is the jala thathwa (waterprinciple), that helps the circulation of

blood both Into the heart and out of it, from all parts of the body.


130

The anahatha chakra is in the region of the heart. It embodies the

vaayu (wind) principle which is in charge of the breathing process,

inhalation and exhalation, so vital for life and activity. It also

vitalises the spinal force, and passes over the frets of the inner

veena.

The visuddha chakra is in the pit of the throat, near the pituitary

gland. It represents the aakaasha (space or ether)principle and

promotes sabdha (sound).

The aajnaa chakra on the mid-brow spot is the embodiment of

vijnaana---the Splendour of Aware-ness---for when this chakra is

reached, man glimpses the Truth, gets transformed and becomes

translucent. It is only a step away from the final realisation, when

the Sahasraara chakara (the thousand petalled energy centre) on

the crown of the head is attained. That is the consummation of all

saadhana (spiritual effort), of all search.

The stage of desire operates in the first two chakras, the stage of

endeavour (kriyaa Shakti) In the next two and the stage of

awareness (Jnaana Shakti), is most evident in the last two. The

awareness is there, latent in every one, ready to surface when the

veils of ignorance are removed.

The individual life-force or jeevathathwam, resides like a lightning

flash in the womb of a blue cloud between the ninth and the twelfth

rings of the spinal column. It will be alert and awake only when

saadhana of any type is done after the cleansing of character and

habits (SSS Vol.13, pp. 219-222)


131

Essential qualifications for the aspirant of Yoga

If, however, the Yoga path is undertaken when the senses are still

potent and overbearing, the effects on one's emotions and passions

will be disastrous. One will become insane and talk and write

absurd and ribald things about oneself and others. I have known

many cases of such sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) who have gone

astray. That is why shama (control of the outer senses), dhama

(control of the inner passions and emotions), uparaathi (withdrawal

of the mind from external pursuits), thithiksha (acquisition of the

power to bear heat and cold, grief and joy, profit and loss etc., with

equanimity), shradhdha (faith in the scriptures and in the

experience of sages) and samaadhana (equal-mindedness and

fortitude), have been emphasised as qualifications for the aspirant.

Yoga as taught and learned at present is, at best, only a system of

physical exercises, a means to acquire health and a sense of

physical well-being. It cannot be spiritual discipline leading to self-

realisation.

The body which is composed of the five elements can be affected

by these Yoga practices. The mind has no illumining power of its

own and, like the Moon, it can only reflect the light of the Sun or

the Atman (Divinity) within. The Atman can be known only

through Love; all claims to the contrary are spurious and missing

the mark. Through the kundalini Shakti (Serpent Power) and its

ascent through the chakras, it is well-nigh impossible to realise the

Universal Atman. Even when realised, the experience is not

communicable through lessons.


132

The vision attained must be of the One without a second; only then

can it be genuine. The core of every being must be recognised as

One.

There was once a Guru (preceptor) who initiated his pupil in the

Naaraayana manthra: Om namo Naaraayana. When the pupil left

his presence, he called him back and gave an additional direction

saying, "Have the form of Narayan (Lord Vishnu) before your

mental eye when you repeat the mantra (sacred formula)." The

pupil left, but the Guru called him back again and told him, "But be

careful that you do not think of a monkey when you are reciting the

Name and contemplating the Form." The pupil agreed, but

whenever he Sat down to meditate, the monkey could not be

pushed aside. He kept telling himself that he should not think of the

monkey but the monkey insisted on peeping into his consciousness.

So he complained to the Guru and asked for his advice.

The Guru said that Narayan is Omnipresent and immanent in every

being and so he can meditate on Narayan as the reality of every

being that appears in his vision. How can you separate some things

as not God and others as God? They are all labs, organs and cells of

His body. If you separate all such limbs, organs and cells, what Is

left of the body?

Therefore do not be led into the yoga marga. It is fraught with

danger since there can be no efficient teachers. But yogaasanas can

always be practised for better health under proper guidance. (SSS

Vol.13, pp. 222-223)

133

HEALTH SERVICES:

DOCTORS, HOSPITALS,

PATIENTS AND SOCIETY

ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE

It is meaningless to compare the knowledge of the ancient sages

with that of modern scientists. How many sages performed arduous

penances to acquire divine potencies? Today’s doctors perform

surgical operations. They acquire this skill after long training here

and abroad and after many successes and failures. They use

sophisticated instruments. But in ancient times, there was a highly

skilled master of medicine and surgery, the sage Bharadwaja. He

taught surgery to the world. He was the author of the science of

Ayurveda-the Science of Life. People consider that Ayurvedic

medicines do not yield quick results. People today have a craze for

quick results. Quickness may operate both ways. Today antibiotics

are used. A few drops of the medicine bring down the fever, but

later fever goes up, there are also adverse reactions. In the

treatment employed by the ancient sages as a result of their

penances, there were no such reactions. Because of their penance,


134

their vision transcended the barriers of distance. They could

directly converse with the power of Nature. Today crores are spent

on telecommunications, radio and television. In those days there

was no expense at all of this kind. When the mind was purified and

divinized, they could acquire super human powers. (SSS Vol.14,

pp. 83-84)

Ancient Practices

One needs self-confidence which is the foundation and this leads to

self-satisfaction, which are the walls. It should be protected by the

roof called self-sacrifice. Previously there were no tents or such

shelters. There were only houses, which had small doors. There is a

reason to build small doors. Whoever comes to our house should be

humble and respectful: while entering the house, everyone has to

bend and come, which signifies humility. For all the relatives who

come for marriage, small houses were built and decorated with

green leaves. Even Rich used to cover and decorate the house with

green leaves. But now they use plastic leaves. There is a reason

why they used green leaves in the olden days. Because of the huge

crowds during the marriage, a lot of carbon dioxide is exhaled

which is absorbed by the green leaves. In addition to this, they used

to sprinkle cow dung water in front of the house, and decorate the

floor with rice flour with different designs. Modern people criticize

such practices as uncultured, but this is not true. The rice flour

patterns and designs on the floor in front of the house besides being

decorative also serves, as food for ants and such other insects and

the cow dung water mix spray will keep away poisonous insects

from the premises of the house.

All the ancient practices contain such implicit meaning and uses.

At this juncture one important aspect has to be mentioned. When a

Health Services: Doctors, Hospitals, Patients And Society

135

woman was pregnant, she used to be brought back to her mother’s

house. They used to send her to her husband, 5-9 months after the

delivery. At the mother-in-law’s house, she will be burdened with

household chores that are not good for her. Whereas in her

mother’s house, she will not be required to work and will be

provided with whatever she likes. In the ninth month, they do

‘Seemantham’. Why do they do all these things? The intention is

that she should not have any confusion or depression. The mother’s

confusion and depression may result in the child’s confusion or

depression because of internal physiological relations. If the mother

is happy, the child will also be happy. After 5 or 9 months, the

child will get used to the new environment. But now, it is not

happening so. The woman will be in her husband’s house and she

will become pregnant again even before the first child is two or

three months old.

Nowadays ladies go to see movies when they are pregnant. On

seeing movies, they get loving thoughts and subsequently the child

also thinks so. So cinematic children are generated. Previously it

was not so. The pregnant women used to listen to Ramayana,

Markandeya Charitra or Prahlada Charitra. By listening to such

good things, the child also becomes good. This theory was rejected

by scientists. Voltman did research in this area. In the

Mahabharata, Subhadra’s child (in the womb) listened to Padma

vyuha as told by Arjuna who was unaware that the child was

listening. Voltman took a pregnant woman and started giving her

apple juice injections daily. After the baby was born, the baby

drank only apple juice. He took another pregnant woman who was

poor and started telling her all bad things like polyandry and all.

Finally she gave birth to a girl child.


136

This girl started flirting with boys all the time. Hence our Indian

culture is very sacred and its traditions are proven with

experiments. For instance children are born due to the flirting

nature of women in England. After the child is born, the mother

sells it to a medical college for dissection. Is it a mother’s heart?

Society is becoming valueless. Only in Indian culture is a mother’s

heart existing.

Now boys and girls are educated. What is the meaning of education

and what is the essence of it, and what is its aim? What you are

studying is not true education. Since all of you are going to get

married next year I will tell you something. As soon as you know

that your wife is pregnant, send her to her mother’s house. Don’t

hold her back. Otherwise both mother and child will become sick

and unhealthy. So be careful and everything will be fine. There are

secrets of nature. Students should incline towards spirituality even

if they do not get proper education. Divinity is present everywhere.

It is there in small things as well as in big things. (M-P, pp. 171-

172)

Ayurveda vs. Allopathy

Ayurveda affirms that purity of mind is more essential for one’s

health while Allopathic doctors do not consider the mind as so

important. They give importance to the eradication of disease-

causing germs and consider this as the only means to cure diseases.

This does not take into account the role of the mind and the Spirit

in the eradication of disease. Allopathy is based on external

knowledge and experimentation, while Ayurveda is based on inner

knowledge and experience. There is gulf of difference between

experiment and experience. Because of the difference between the

subjective and objective approaches, in course of time, Allopathy


137

resorted to the use of antibiotics to deal with various diseases. The

antibiotics act powerfully and yield quick results in curing a

disease. But, in the process of curing a disease they give rise to

adverse side effects.

Allopathic doctors experiment only with matter. They do not take

the inner consciousness (Self) into account. In spite of the

prodigious technological developments in the world, man is not

able to enjoy peace. Peace cannot be achieved by knowledge of the

physical. Peace should come from inner feeling or the Spirit within.

It is only when the body, the mind and the Spirit are in harmony

that peace will prevail. Medical Science should recognise the role

of the mind in causing sickness. Good health confers mental peace.

Mental worry impairs physical health. Ayurveda, therefore, lays

emphasis on mental peace and aims at the elimination of the root

cause of disease.

There are three basic factors, which are responsible for health or

disease in the human body according to Ayurveda. They are Vaatha

(vital air), pitta (bile) and Sleshma (phlegm). Vaatha accounts for

36 diseases.

These three factors are essential for the human body but they

should be in proper balance without exceeding their respective

limits. When they are in balance, there will be no disease.

Moderation is the golden rule for good health.

For the treatment of disease arising out of Vaatha, pitta and

Sleshma, gingely oil, ghee and honey respectively are prescribed as

remedies. These should be taken in moderation. The body is a gift


138

of God and cannot be made by doctors. The human heartbeats

1,03,000 times a day. The blood circulation in the body is

computed to cover 1,68,000 miles per day. Man breathes 21,600

times and consumes 438 cubic feet of air every day. These are

based on Divine Will and are regarded as a Law of Nature.

God is the preceptor of Prakrithi (Nature). The body is unclean in

many ways and is subject to various diseases. But in such an

inherently unattractive abode dwells the most valuable divinity.

Man should always act in harmony with Nature, which is reflection

of Divinity.

What is the cause of heart ailments? Many doctors say that they are

due to smoking, consumption of fatty foods, overeating and other

habits. The relationship between food and habits should be properly

understood. We should see that proper balance is maintained

between the physical body and inner feelings (Spirit). Modern man

is continuously in a hurry. Hurry causes worry, which affects the

physical health. The main cause of heart troubles may be said to be

hurry, worry and curry. Curry means fatty foods. Many doctors

have made investigations in this field but the results have not been

made known widely. Heart diseases are found to be more rampant

among non-vegetarians while vegetarians are not prone to heart

ailments to the same extent. This is because of higher percentage of

fats in non-vegetarian food, which increases the cholesterol in the

blood. Worry causes high blood pressure and hurry causes diabetes.

Both of them are like twins, one acting on the heart inside and the

other externally on the blood.


139

Everyone should know how to control these causes. Some people

do not do any physical exercises and lead a sedentary life. My

advice to office-goers and students is that it is good for them to

commute by cycle at least 5 or 6 kilometres a day. This cycling

exercise is very useful not only for maintaining health but also for

reducing the expenditure incurred on accidents. Moreover, it serves

to reduce atmospheric pollution caused by the release of harmful

fumes from automobiles. The carbon-dioxide smoke from motor

vehicles and factories is already polluting the air in cities and is

affecting the ozone layer above the earth.

The primary task is to purify the environment, which is affected by

pollution of air, water and food. All the five elements are affected

by pollution. People should, therefore, try to reduce the use of

automobiles and control the emission of harmful industrial

effluents.

In the ancient times, sages and scientists commended the

Ayurvedic system of treatment as it was considered a natural

system for curing disease. Trees play a vital role in helping

mankind to receive oxygen from the atmosphere while they absorb

the carbon dioxide exhaled by human beings. Hence, the ancients

favoured the growing of trees to control atmospheric pollution. But

nowadays trees are cut down indiscriminately and pollution is on

the increase. The relationship between man and trees is indicated

by the term “Vanaspati” (herbs) employed in Ayurveda. (SSS

Vol.16, pp. 38-41)

When the doctor treats the patient with a pure mind, sweet words

and loving care and concern, possibility of the disease getting cured


140

quickly is great. Therefore, if you want the patient to be cured of

his disease quickly, employ the principle 50% medicine and 50%

love. This is why; the ancient system of medicine in India was

termed as “AYURVEDA” which means the Veda that confers

AYUSH (long life). In this context, the term “Veda” refers to the

performance of one’s duty in accordance with the Vedic

injunctions. Falling sick and going to a doctor for cure is natural for

human condition. However, it is better not to fall sick than to try to

get cured afterwards. (M&M, p. 16)

Doctors have to practise with devotion

Note that the science of medicine, practised by doctors in India is

known by the sacred name of Ayurveda---the science of healthy

longevity Its source too is as divine as the source of the Vedas! It

has to be studied with as much awe and veneration as the Vedas are

learnt, at the feet of the guru. It has to be practised with as much

devotion and dedication as Vedic ceremonies and recitations are

fulfilled. The Veda or knowledge that confers Aayu (longevity) is

Aayur-veda. It can prolong life, preserve and protect life from

hazards.

The Ayurveda deals not only with the curing of illness but it also

deals with the prevention of disease. Absence of mental ease and

equanimity leads to what we correctly call disease. One sacred duty

of the doctor is to advise persons on how to preserve health and

prevent disease. He has to be vigilant in society to discover and

suppress every tendency in Aahaar and Vihaar (food habits and

recreational activities) by which diseases are developed. The dress

worn by humans, the houses where they live and the areas where

they are situated, have to be tidy and clean. The food that is taken

has to supply all elements needed to keep the body strong enough


141

to resist illness. Even if it falls short a little in this respect, health

can be maintained if it is unpolluted, pure and holy. The

atmosphere breathed in, the water taken in, the ground lived on, the

animals and plants that surround---all have maleficent microbes

that may cause illness, if the mind and body are not equipped with

powerful resistance armour. Exercise, bathing, washing, cleaning,

etc., are prescribed for this purpose. The body is the boat on which

we voyage across the ocean of samsara (worldly life) and it has to

be kept trim and sea-worthy. The voyager too has to be strong,

confident and courageous.

The current belief is that medicine is to be valued for its validity

during illness. Its use ends with the cure. But this point of view has

to change. Medicine is used to see that one does not fall ill, not so

much as to raise him up when he falls, just as the purpose of truth is

to so live that one is not subjected to birth again. (SSS Vol.14, pp.

336-337)

Service to Man Is Service To God

None can escape the consequences of their actions. It is not

possible to sow a particular type of seed and reap a different fruit.

You reap what you sow. At the time of birth you are born with an

invisible garland, made up of the consequences of your actions, be

it good or bad.

This Body Is For Serving Others

Everything in this objective world is impermanent and unreal.

Hence, we have to contemplate on the eternal truth and reality. We

should not waste our time brooding over the past or anticipating the

future. It is great foolishness to worry about the future or the past,


142

forgetting the present. The present is only real. Past is past, you

cannot get it back however much you may pray for it. The future is

hidden in the womb of time. It is not possible to visualise it.

Therefore, only the present is important. Unable to realise this

truth, people are worried about the past and future. The foremost

activity man should engage in is service to fellow human beings.

Instead, people are wasting their precious time worrying about

either the past or the future. You should always engage yourselves

in service to fellow human beings. There is no greater sadhana than

such service. Considering the nine paths of devotion, namely,

sravanam (listening), kirtanam (singing), Vishnusmaranam

(contemplating on Vishnu), padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet),

vandanam (salutation), archanam (worship), dasyam (servitude),

sneham (friendship), atmanivedanam (self-surrender) as the only

important means for salvation, people are engrossed in these

activities. They totally forget the importance of service. Only the

fruits of service will be eternal. We must constantly engage

ourselves in service to others. God has given us this body for that

purpose only. This body is not meant to be engaged in mere eating

and drinking and thus wasting our valuable time. We must realise

the truth that God has given us this body for serving others and thus

help others. There is nothing greater than service to humanity. (SSS

Vol.37, pp. 2-3)

Service Alone Brings Eternal Joy

What, according to you is service? You consider helping people in

difficulties is service. No. It is not as simple as that. Your body

should be constantly engaged in serving others. The human body

consists of several limbs. All these limbs are meant to be engaged

in serving your fellowmen and not for other activities.


143

Unfortunately, we are forgetting this basic fact. Every limb in the

human body has been granted by God for karmopasana

(worshipping God through service).

Karmopasana is the only means by which the human life can be

sanctified. We are building several temples. We are undertaking

various sadhanas. But, all these sadhana can give us only

temporary satisfaction, not eternal joy.

Our ancient Rishis have been able to achieve eternal joy through a

conscious effort. Therefore, you must develop firm faith in the truth

that nothing can provide eternal joy, except service to humanity.

Undertake service to the suffering humanity. Service is not merely

confined to health services. Service encompasses every possible

help to fellow human beings. The ancient culture of Bharat is still

preserved in the villages and not in towns and cities. In fact, our

culture is defiled in all possible ways in the cities.

Therefore, go to the villages, find out their necessities and

undertake such types of services that will alleviate their sufferings.

Today, several people shift to the towns and cities in pursuit of

comfort and luxuries. In the process, they end up in sorrows and

difficulties.

This is their own making. Na sukhat labhyathe sukham (happiness

cannot be obtained out of happiness). It is only through suffering,

that happiness is achieved. You should undertake service. In fact,

the hands are given to you to serve humanity. The hands that serve

are holier than the lips that pray. Therefore, undertake selfless

service and attain glory. When you undertake good work, you


144

enjoy peace in your life. Today, the boys who sang bhajans are

former students of the Institute.

They have undertaken several service activities to please Swami.

God is not interested in worship and other sadhanas. He is

interested only in service. Hence, undertake service and more and

more service. The best way to love God is to Love all and Serve all.

God is interested only in love and service. If you can recognise the

importance of these two and conduct yourself accordingly, there

can be no greater sadhana. You need not spend a lot of money in

service. Sanctify your life by undertaking loving service. Today,

the old students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

brought a cheque for Rs.48 lakhs for presenting to Swami as a

token of their love and service. This amount has been saved by

them from their salaries, by undergoing lot of difficulties. But, to

whom should the amount belong really? This amount is meant to

be utilised for service in the villages. It is for serving the poorest of

the poor.

Therefore, I told them, “My dear ones! You deposit the money in

the bank and undertake service activities with the interest accrued

on the amount.” Money is of no help in developing good qualities.

Sacrifice alone can develop noble qualities. It is only in sacrifice,

there is real yoga. That is why it is said Thyagenaike

amrutatthwamanasu (it is only by sacrifice that man can attain

immortality).

Today, however, people want bhoga (enjoy material comforts). By

such bhoga, only roga (disease) will be contracted. They cannot


145

attain yoga. Hence, you try to attain yoga by thyaga. Only then can

you attain eternal joy. (SSS Vol.37, pp. 3-5)

It is the duty of each and every individual to participate in social

service activities, be it in the village or city. The epic Ramayana

has stressed the need for service at the individual, family, and

society levels. Do not be satisfied by merely serving your parents.

Your life will be sanctified only when you serve society also. When

you obey the divine command and serve Him, not only your life

but also those of your parents and relations will be redeemed.

Before your birth, where is the child-parent relationship; before

marriage, where is the question of wife and husband relationship?

All the worldly relations are like passing clouds, only God is with

you always.

You will be wasting your life, if you do not dedicate yourselves to

the service of mankind. Body is gifted to serve the creator and the

creation. Service to man is service to God. Render service to

society with the feeling that God is present in one and all.

Your education will be in vain if it is not utilized for the service of

the society. O man, why do you feel proud of your education,

which is but a mere waste if you do not worship God and serve

society? Worldly education cannot confer divine grace unless it is

dedicated for the welfare of society. The education you have

received from society must be dedicated to the service of society.

Offer service and receive the love of God

True service has twin benefits: it makes you blissful and gives

happiness to others. What is the use of education if it does not

confer joy on others and bliss on you? Service is the life breath.


146

Remember the truth that you are born to serve society. Make no

distinction whatsoever in rendering service. Serve your parents,

brothers, friends, and even beggars alike. Divine grace will flow in

abundance only when you serve with the spirit of humility and

equality.

Service is the easiest path to attain divine grace. Offer service and

receive the love of God. Love and service are like two wings by

which man can soar to higher levels of consciousness. If you have

the spirit of love and service, divine grace will follow you like a

shadow wherever you may be, be it in the forest or in the sky,

village or city, river or mountain cliff.

God has created man in His own image so that his conduct should

be in consonance with His command. You should not cause harm

to anyone, for God exists in all. Always speak with a smile on your

lips. You cannot always oblige, but you can always speak

obligingly. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, pp. 94-95)

The Art of Living

Many a person skilled in other fields is a failure in so far as this art

is concerned. He lives miserably, without a trace of joy or

contentment or peace. He knows only pain and he gives others only

pain.

If the sense of beauty and the sense of harmony are not translated

into the daily life of men and women and children, then that life is

a waste, a burden, a hoax.

Man has to lift himself from the animal level through his own

sadhana. There are three types of men: the Paashavi or the Animal


147

type, the Sahaja or the Human type and the Divya or the Divine

type. Man has evolved from the stone through plant and tree, worm

and insect, bird and mammal; but some are still grovelling in the

early stages though they have achieved the human form. (SSS

Vol.2, pp. 68-69)

Everyone has some illness or other

What does a sculptor do when he sees a good boulder? He pictures

in his mind the lovely idol of God that is sleeping inside it. He

becomes possessed with idea of liberating the idol from the hard

clasp of the stone. He takes up his chisel and removes the extra

stone that lies around the beautiful figure; at last, he liberates the

image. The boulder has to suffer all that hard chiselling in order to

become the Image of God; so too, you should cast off all the

impediments, all the encumbrances that drag you down and make

you a boulder instead of a Bhaktha (devotee) and a Paramahamsa

(ascetic of the highest order), or even ParamAtma (the Supreme

Being).

The world is a huge hospital and humanity is bedridden. Some are

writhing in the pain of envy, some are bloated with pride, some are

losing sleep through hate, some have become blind through

miserliness, some are struck down by selfishness; everyone has

some illness or other.

You have to render gratitude to the doctors who diagnose your

diseases and prescribe remedies, and the nurses who tend you back

to health. You should also resolve today to follow the treatment

recommended and the regimen ordered; it is not enough if you

learn the prescription by heart or read the label on the bottle three

times a day; or visit the hospital every day. Praising the doctor or


148

worshipping him might induce him to take pity on you, but your

illness can be cured only by your taking the drug and obeying the

restrictions on food and drink and on your habit. (SSS Vol.2, pp.

69-70)

Vyasa is the greatest of spiritual doctors

Guru Poornima is a day when mankind pays homage to the greatest

of spiritual doctors, Sage Vyasa. Vyasa is the greatest of such

doctor; for he put together the Vedas and composed the Puranas

and the Mahabharata and gave humanity the Bhagavatham. He is

the primal Guru for all who walk in the Path of God. He planted

the seed of theism and nurtured it, through Sruthi, Smrthi, Sastra

and the Mahabharata. He gave the world the Geetha and the

Brahma Sutras, the idea of the immanent Atma, the story of the

Divine Leela, the secret of this changeful Creation. He belonged to

about 3800 B.C.; he was the great-grandson of the sage Vasishta,

the son of Paraasara and the father of that celebrated gem among

rishis, Suka. His life-story is a series of miracles, a Divine saga. He

came from Vaasudeva, announced the Leela of Vaasudeva to all

and finally, got merged in Vaasudeva. He established the era of

Naamapaaraayana (repeating and discoursing, on Lord's Name)

and made all aware of the sweetness of the Name of the Lord,

which evokes His Form and His Grace. (SSS Vol.2, pp. 70-71)

The prayers to be offered daily

Vyasa first revealed to man the secret of making the mind as clear

and as full of cool rays as the moon on a full moon night; that is

why this Poornima is associated with him and with all Gurus.

Today every Aasthika (who believer in God) must refuse to be

content with a feast and a lecture. He should try to plant today the

Naamabija (seed of Lord's Name) in his well-prepared heart,


149

devoid of the thorns of egoism; and water it with prema (love),

fence the sprout with shraddha (faith), feed it with the fertiliser,

smarana (remembering the Name); and from the grown-up tree of

the mantra (holy letters), pluck the fruit of ananda (bliss) and relish

the sweetness. A person may boast of the vast treasures in the

vaults of his bank, but he will get credit only for that which he has

actually earned and deposited therein. Do not fritter away the time

allotted to you; offer it to Keshava, who is Kaalaswaruupa (Time

personified).

Know that waking from sleep is but birth and going into sleep is

death. On waking, pray every morning of your life, "Oh Lord, I am

born now from the womb of sleep. I am determined to carry out all

tasks this day as offerings to Thee, with Thee ever present before

my mind's eye. Make my words, thoughts and deeds sacred and

pure; let me not inflict pain on any one; let no one inflict pain on

me; direct me, guide me, this day."

And when you enter the portals of sleep at night, pray, "Oh Lord!

the tasks of this day, whose burden I placed on you this morning,

are over. It was You who made me walk and talk and think and act;

I therefore place at Thy Feet all my words, thoughts and deeds. My

task is done. Receive me, I am coming back to you." Adopt these

as your daily prayers. The best thing is to have your own Self as the

source of Light, as the Guru. The Inner Intelligence, the Inner Guru

will reveal the Truth. This prayerful attitude will so educate your

impulses that the Inner intelligence will be fully revealed. (SSS

Vol.2, pp. 71-72)


150

Do everything with a spirit of dedication

Above all, do every act as an offering to the Lord, without being

elated by success or dejected by defeat; this gives the poise and

equanimity needed for sailing through the waters of the ocean of

life.

It is the mind that builds up the body, strong and shiny or wastes it

to skin and bone. For manushya (human) to be strong the manas

(mind) has to be strong. Live always as the servant of the Lord

within you, then you will not be tempted into sin or fall into evil.

Get into the habit of living in the light of God. It is the habit that

rehabilitates the fallen. Have the attitude of Sharanaagathi (seeking

refuge at the feet of the Lord), or else your destiny will be Shara-

gathi (movement of an arrow). That is why Krishna said,

"Manmanaabhaava!"---"Let your mind be absorbed in Me."

You may ride in a smart car of your own; but you are entrusting

daily, without a second thought, the car and yourself and your

family to the skill and presence of mind' of your chauffeur.

However, when advised to entrust your affairs to the Lord,

MaayaaShakti (power of world illusion) hesitates and declines! It

refuses to surrender to MahaaShakti (Divine Power). What are we

to say about such absurd conceit! If you have sharanaagathi, you

will be ever content and ever so happy and healthy. (SSS Vol.2, p.

77)

You are all certain to win

All that you eat, all that you see, all that you hear, all that you take

in through the senses, make a dent on your health. There are three


151

types of reactions you usually have from the outer world and three

types of men in whom one or the other predominates: the cotton,

which gets soaked in whatever it gets immersed; the stone, which

escapes from getting affected; and the butter, which is changed by

whatever it comes across, even a little warmth. The "butter" men

are moved by instant sympathy, either at another's joy or at his

grief. Do not, like some mental patients, be always worrying about

some little ailment or another. Have courage that is the best tonic;

do not give up, before you have to. It is not long life that counts; if

you live on and on, a time may come when you have to pray to the

Lord to take you away, to release you from travail. You may even

start blaming Him for ignoring you and blessing other luckier

people with death! By all means, worry about success or failure in

achieving the real purpose of life. And then you will get as many

years as are needed to fulfil that desire. Yearn, yearn, yearn hard;

and success is yours. Remember, you are all certain to win; that is

why you have been called and you have responded to the call to

Me. (SSS Vol.2, p. 78)

The Doctor's profession

Health and happiness go together. Happiness is a vain dream if

health is absent. The Sruthis (holy scriptures) declare that health is

very basic quality for man, since without it he cannot realise any of

the four goals of life, right doing, right desiring, right earning and

final release. A sound mind needs a sound body; the one reacts on

the other. The world is supposed to be only the projection of the

mind, when the mind is inoperative during deep sleep, the world

too is inoperative and non-existent. The mind too has to be healthy.

It should not be clogged by greed, envy, hate or pride. It should not

be polluted and poisoned by antisocial inhuman plans and projects.


152

It should be calm and dear, so that thought can see into its depths

and get rid of the evil feelings and tendencies it evokes.

Virtue is the panacea for both body and mind. The virtuous person

can be both healthy and happy. How is virtue to be cultivated?

How can it express itself in daily practice? Through service to

living beings, through seva (voluntary selfless service). Virtue must

flow through the triple channel of love, mercy and detachment, in

order to feed the roots of seva. In order to urge humans into the

path of mutual sympathy, continuous compassion and concrete

service, they have been endowed with the instinct of

gregariousness. Man is a social animal. Humans find solitary

living, unnatural and miserable. The Ashrams (monasteries) of

ancient times were academics where mutual cooperation and loving

service were encouraged. The pupils worked as a group, tended

cattle, served the household of the Guru and helped one another in

all respects. (SSS Vol.14, p. 335)

God works through a doctor full of love

Doctors are, really speaking, the most important class of sevaks,

under present conditions. Theirs is indeed a noble calling. When

seva is rendered with love, intelligence and earnestness, it leads

persons nearer and nearer to Divinity, for it draws unto itself the

Grace of God. This is the reason why the scriptures elevate the

vaidhya (doctor) to the status of God. "Vaidhyo Naaraayano

Harih"---"The doctor is Naaraayana (God), He is Hari." He is

Hari, the remover or destroyer, since he destroys hurdle on the path

of man to saadhana (spiritual discipline). If the doctor is full of

love and compassion, God works through him. The doctor is no

longer he but it is Naaraayana who manipulates his fingers and

dispenses through him.


153

Doctors, therefore, have to endeavour to become the receptacles of

Divine Power during their healing process. How can they heal,

when they are themselves ill, either in body or mind? When their

minds are innocent and contented, a smile will spontaneously shine

in their faces and their words will be soft, sweet and tender---softer

than any pharmaceutical balm. The manner and mien of the

physician are more effective in drawing out the latent sources of

strength in the patient, than the most powerful drug. A prayerful

atmosphere of humility and veneration will go a long way to help

the cure. We may. say that the behaviour, the voice, the mien of the

doctor count for fifty per cent of the cure, the drugs and their

efficacy manage the other half. (SSS Vol.14, pp. 335-336)

Perform acts of sympathy without fanfare

The doctors among you can serve the poor by treating them without

insisting on payment; give the poor all the attention and care that

you lavish on the rich, paying patients. Do it for the sake of God;

feel that it is the Puja you are offering Him. The lawyers among

you can help those, who for want of a skilled advocate, have to go

un-fended or have to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous men. Do

not publish these acts of sympathy; do them spontaneously without

fanfare. That is more precious than demonstrating your service with

the help of headlines and photographs. These reduce the worth of

deeds of compassion. You must be uncomfortable, when those

around you are unhappy; when you ease their discomfort, you are

making them happy and making yourself happy, isn't it? Similarly,

you must be happy, when those around you are happy. This is more

difficult than the previous one; but it is the sign of the truly good.

(SSS Vol.6, p. 107)


154

Service done to the disabled is a sadhana

It is your duty to recognise all men as your kin and to share your

skill with others, so that the maximum benefits accrue therefrom.

The skill is a trust, which must rescue all. Service done in homes

for the disabled, the defectives, the feeble minded, the delinquents,

the orphans, the refugees---is indeed very beneficial and a good

Sadhana. So too, in jails and hospitals. Visit these places often,

give solace and strength; light lamp of devotion in the inmates. Do

Bhajan; help them to write to their homes, give them books for

reading or read books for them, be the kith and kin of those who

have none whom they can call their own. Your smile will be a

lighted candle in their darkness.

Women devotees, if they have the enthusiasm and support, can start

Mahila Sathsangs not only for Bhajans and study of sacred texts

and books, but for service of women. Go among the poor in the

slums and spread light and joy therein. Gather the helpless girls and

try to provide them with some means of honourable livelihood.

Sweeten their lives with bhajan and the Sadhana of japa and

dhyana. Women too have a right to know that they are the Atma,

encased in human form, and they too can tap the strength, the joy

and the peace that the Atma holds. Inculcate in them the prayer

habit; that will cleanse the mind of all impurities, and make God

shine in His full splendour. (SSS Vol.6, pp. 107-108)

Doctors among you who have been allotted the duty of going round

and discovering persons likely to need your attention, must be extra

cordial and considerate. Don't bark questions at the patients; have

patience while listening to their stories; half the cure is effected by

kindness, softness and sympathy. Vaidhyo Naaraayano Hari, the


155

Sastras say--"The doctor is God in human form." It is in that spirit

and with that awe and reverence that people come to you, and

receive the drugs you give. Live up to that estimate of your service!

Nowadays, doctors have lost the art of soft, sweet speech; learn to

speak with compassion; have in your bag the medicines necessary

for the treatment of all types of illness; do not delay or drift, for

want of the drug.

Volunteers must take sick persons to the doctors or bring the doctor

to them, if they cannot be taken. The crow sits on the back of the

buffalo and thrusts its beak into the raw wound! It has no

conception of the pain the beak causes! Doctors are not aware of

the distress they cause, by neglect or by short temper; volunteers

are not aware of the pain they cause by angry words, or even by a

gesture of contempt or resentment! Imagine what such a gesture

can do for you, if you were in that position---and so avoid it.

Always try to put yourselves in the position of the other and, judge

your action against that background. Then you will not be wrong.

(SSS Vol.7, p. 96)

Many worthy persons perform devoted service. It is indeed a

fortunate chance for them, for there can be no good work, higher

than this.

They say, "Money makes many things" but it is more correct to say

"Money makes many wrongs." Not all, are ruined by affluence.

They can help organisations to do more and better service. They

can supply medicines to those who render health service to the

poor. They can visit slums and offer help in various ways to the

dwellers. These are all laudable. But, collecting money and paying


156

others to do the service is not enough; we must assess what services

we ourselves are offering directly. And, we must not be content--

the doctors, lawyers, the rich, the educated---with spurts of service,

off and on. It must be a continuous process; according to a settled

time table undertaken every week Doctors must proceed to slums

and villages and help the dwellers. There is urgent need for this

type of seva. Lawyers must take up the cases in which wrongs are

committed on the poor through their ignorance and plead on their

behalf for justice.

They could devote time for at least two or three such cases per

week. Their pleadings on behalf of the poor should not be cursory

and casual. They must be as earnest and as effective as the rest.

(SSS Vol.16, pp. 23-24)

Have the goal of putting into practice what you read

Every one of you is a pilgrim on that road proceeding at your own

pace, according to your qualification and the stage reached by its

means. The advice that appeals to one of you or applies to one of

you might not be appropriate to another, who has travelled less

distance or reached a more advanced state. When I tell one person

to follow one line of sadhana (spiritual discipline), it is specifically

for his benefit; do not take it as prescription for your benefit also,

saying, "Swami told him thus; let me also adopt it." Each has a

different make-up---mental, physical and spiritual. The doctor

directs one patient to drink curds and prohibits another from

drinking it. When a man is obese, he advises certain types of food;,

when he is lean, he advises other types. When doctors who treat

diseases of the body have to prescribe different remedies, how

much more specific and personal must be the remedies for the


157

complex and varied conditions of mental situations and spiritual

yearnings and aspirations? (SSS Vol.9, p. 53)

Doctors know that the body consists of cells, billions of them, alive

and alert, busy and active. Each cell is motivated by the Atma; it is

immanent, all over. The Atma is in each of them, as well as in

every spot of space. When we realise it as such, it is experienced as

effulgent, total splendrous light; endless, incomparable, unique

light. (SSS Vol.14, p. 208)

Treat patients with love

The first message conveyed by Bharatiya culture to the whole of

mankind is this "Let all people live happily, in good health and

cheer." It desired that no one should experience suffering or misery

in this world. Health is the English term for Aarogyam in Sanskrit.

The word health is derived from the Latin word "Healy."

Aarogyam has several meanings. One is sacredness. Another is

Paripuurnam (Wholeness). The term thus indicates that all the

organs of the body should be perfect and holy.

If any organ is afflicted, the body cannot be said to be Whole.

Hence men should aim at achieving perfect health and help others

to do so. "Karmaath Jayathe Narah Karmanyeva Prabodhathi."

(Every man takes birth as result of past actions. Karma is the cause

of death). Thus Karma is the cause of birth and death.

Every action has an effect. In any action done by man, its

consequence is present in a subtle form. Action thus is related to its

fruits. Moreover, time is also related to action. Action and time are

inextricably inter-related. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 362-363)


158

Recognise the relationship between time and action

Every action has its own Maarga (course). One object is separated

by space from another. Likewise, time is the measure of the

duration between one action and another. Here is a tumbler.

Beneath it is a plate. The space between the glass tumbler and the

plate is termed Dharma. There can be no separateness between one

object and another without this Dharma. Dharma defines the inter-

relationships between two objects.

Now regarding time, a doctor fixes 8 A.M as the time for

performing an operation. By 11 A.M, the operation is completed

with the stitching of sutures. The three-hour interval between the

commencement of the operation and its completion indicates the

time taken for the surgery. In reckoning time, action is also

involved. Action is the interval between two points of time. Thus

time and action go together. Hence everyone should recognise the

intimate relationship between action and time.

Every action, whether good or bad, has its consequence. There is

no action in the world which is devoid of consequences. This is law

of nature. For instance, a finger is cut by a knife. Immediately the

finger starts bleeding. The result of the cut is instantaneous. When

man slips on a step while walking, he sustains a fall and a limb is

fractured. Here again, the result of the fall is instantaneous. Take

another example. You had your breakfast this morning. It takes two

hours to digest the food you have consumed. In the two earlier

examples the results of the actions were instantaneous. But in the

case of digestion of food you have consumed, it has taken two

hours.


159

Another example: You sow a seed. It becomes a sapling after some

days. To bear fruit it takes some years. Thus every action has a

consequence, but the time interval between action and result varies

from case to case. Bharatiya culture recognized the truth about

action and consequence. Others have also got to realise this truth.

One who is aware of this truth is unlikely to commit any wrong

action; because he knows that good actions produce good results

and bad deeds have bad consequences. Recognition of the law of

Karma will make men lead proper lives. Man today takes to wrong

paths because they have not realised this truth. (SSS Vol.28, pp.

363-364)

It is by the use of intelligence for a practical purpose that doctors

have found the technique of carrying out heart operations. The

intelligence is as important as the heart. It is the combination of the

intelligence and the heart that helps to keep a person healthy. A

doctor may be extremely intelligent in performing operations. But

if during an operation his mind wanders, the operation will not be

successful. The combination of qualities required for success

should be properly understood.

The relationship between time and action should be recognized.

Modern man tends to ignore the consequences of his actions.

Purely for the sake of worldly pleasures, he considers wealth as the

most important thing. The Chinese were accustomed to a certain

traditional practice. Every morning on waking up they used to

remember the saying: "Difficulties are our friends; let us welcome

them." Today people regard difficulties as enemies. Without

difficulties you cannot obtain a comfort.


160

People consider wealth as, essential for physical comforts and

thereby become slaves, of wealth. As long as they remain slaves of

wealth, they will have no respite from troubles.

"Serve Bhavanthu Sukhinah. Sarve Santhu Niraamayaah"

(All should be happy. All should be free from sufferings).

If you are to pray in this manner, you must have these feelings in

you. You are not lacking in strength. God has endowed you with

strength, but you are not using it on right lines. Every human being

is endowed with a divine energy, which has to be used for proper

purposes. It has to be used righteously according to the dictates of

one's conscience. When the conscience is satisfied the energy gets

sanctified. Man today misuses the Divine energy for selfish

purposes. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 365-366)

Duty of doctors today

Men should realise the sacredness of action and time. The presiding

deity of Karma is all powerful. Hence a prayer is addressed to the

deity requesting him to see that one's actions are good.

The human race is called Mankind, because sacred feelings,

thoughts and intentions are there in man. It means "humanness" is

synonymous with kindness. The sage Vyasa wrote eighteen

Puranas (sacred epics). Who has the time to read so many

Puranas? Therefore, ruminating on this point, sage Vyasa declared

the quintessence of these Puranas just in these words: "Help ever;

Hurt never." This is the duty of doctors today. They have acquired

valuable knowledge. This should be used for public good. The

more it is used this way, the more it will grow. Always be prepared

to serve a patient when he comes to you. It is a sign of weakness to


161

turn away a patient on a plea of inability. You have the God-given

power. Be conscious of your power.

Doctors should recognise the importance of the five human values:

Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence. Love is the

basis for all the other values. Doctors can infuse courage in patients

by the love they show towards the patients. If doctors carry out

their duties with love they will be crowned with success. (SSS

Vol.28, pp. 366-367)

Good thoughts are more efficacious than drugs

It is better to remedy the original heart of a patient than to try to

replace it with another heart of a person whose antecedents may not

be good. The heart is the most vital organ in the body. To keep it in

a healthy condition, one's thoughts should be healthy. Good

thoughts are more efficacious than drugs.

Make love the capsule you offer to your patients. When a weak

patient comes to you do not be content with offering him glucose or

some other thing. Give him the injection of love. That will give him

instant strength. Speak to him with love, offer medicines with love

and keep him in good humour. That is the way to make him happy.

Happiness is union with God. Anything you do with love will be

rewarding (SSS Vol.28, p. 368)

You can work wonders with purity of heart

Any work which is started with purity of heart is bound to succeed.

The foremost quality of a doctor is the spirit of sacrifice. Serve the

poor and needy. (SSS Vol.27, p. 32)


162

Fill your hearts with compassion and serve the poor and the needy.

Don’t be stone-hearted and money-minded. It is your good fortune

that you have become doctors. Sacrifice is the hallmark of a true

doctor. Serve the poor with love. That alone can redeem you.

Service to the poor is service to God. Sacrifice your life for the

cause of the poor. Service should be your motto. Of what use is the

human life if it is not spent in the service of the poor?” (SSS Vol.7,

pp. 305-306)

Money flows if your work is suffused with love and sacrifice.

People will provide munificent funds to support any noble

endeavour. The land of Bharat has been a Punya Bhoomi (Land of

sanctity), Thyaga Bhoomi (Land of Sacrifice), Yoga Bhoomi (Land

of spiritual austerities), and Karma Bhoomi (Land of righteous

action). In fact, there is no dearth of money in India. Doctors

should first and foremost have faith in spirituality. Faith in

spirituality alone can bring about transformation of humanity.

Spirituality is not the celebration of festivals, not even performance

of rituals. True spirituality calls for earnest endeavour to eradicate

all animal qualities. Today humanity has descended to such a

degrading level that men see evil in good, without trying to see

good in evil. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 32-33)

Doctors who are eminent experts in their fields have come to

participate in the symposium here. Sincere efforts should be made

to put your great talents and skill to good use. The climes and

countries from which you have come may be different. But all of

you have one thing in common noble feelings. These noble feelings

are God's gift to man and come by Divine grace.


163

Treat the patients as your own kith and kin. The help which you

extend in good faith to your patients will be rewarded in course of

time. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 32-33)

The essential mark of a hospital is its cleanliness. Clean toilets are

an index of the cleanliness of a hospital. A single flower cannot

make a garland. All the people--the patients, doctors, workers---

work in a spirit of harmony and unity. It is this sense of unity

which contributes to purity and this purity of heart secures divinity.

Unity is most essential in all fields of activity-moral, scientific and

spiritual. Purity vanishes in the absence of unity. Divinity will be

absent when there is no purity and unity. Humanity will be

healthier if doctors resolve to offer two days of free treatment every

week. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 31-32)

Doctors sweet words are more effective than drugs

The serving doctors more than the drugs they prescribe, the sweet,

soft words they speak and the love and sympathy they evince can

cure better and quicker the illness of their patients. Look upon them

as your own kith and kin, as your special guests and as your closest

friends; and attend to them lovingly and with unflinching care.

(SSS Vol.13, p. 137)

With smiling faces and talk to the patients sweetly:

I wish to give a word of advice to the doctors. While you are

examining the patients you should have smiling faces and talk to

the patients sweetly. If you check the pulse with a grim face the

patients may collapse fearing that there is something radically

wrong. Some patients even dread the very sight of a doctor when

he approaches to examine. This is not good. Doctors should infuse

courage in the patients and speak soothingly radiating compassion


164

and love. The kind approach of the doctor will have greater healing

effect on the patients than the medicine itself. Doctors must instil

courage in the patients. Swami wants more hospitals to render free

treatment to the poor. Doctors should cooperate and work with

unity. (SSS Vol.26, pp. 46-47)

Doctors should inspire confidence in patients

Doctors are obsessed with salaries. They should be more concerned

about patients. When they concentrate on their patients, they will

develop into excellent doctors. Inspire confidence in the patients.

Then any medicine you give will work wonders. The doctor is

Divinity itself. Doctors should render service in this spirit. Service

is God. Doctors should look after the patients with the same care

they would show to their kith and kin. Then all would experience

equal happiness. (SSS Vol.28, p. 189)

Triple qualities that a doctor should reflect

You have high degrees such as MD, FRCS, MRCP, etc., as a result

of your sincere striving. But it is a mistake to think that these

degrees are yours. In fact these degrees have been conferred on you

for your study, skill, memory power and knowledge. These degrees

will truly belong to you on the day you apply this knowledge in

practice. Unfortunately, in this modern age all activities and

professions are tainted by a commercial outlook and greed for

earning money Even the sacred profession of a doctor has

degenerated into a business. A doctor should reflect the triple

qualities of sacrifice, love and compassion in treating his patients.

But some doctors do not have these virtues at all! They misuse their

divine and sacred knowledge for the sake of money. Money is

important, but we must exercise discretion in this regard. You can

charge the correct fees from the wealthy, but be kind and


165

considerate while dealing with the poor. Try to give free treatment

to the poor. You should not treat a millionaire and a pauper alike! It

is said, "Vaidhyo Naarayano Harihi" (The doctor is equal to God).

As the Lord has love and compassion, doctors too should have

these divine virtues of the Lord. A doctor devoid of these virtues is

not a doctor at all!

Doctors should win the hearts of the patients by talking to them

with compassion and concern. Diseases are half cured when the

doctors talk to the patients with love and consideration. The sick

and the diseased respond favourably to your treatment once you

start talking to them with love and with a smiling face. But, if you

wear a grim expression, the patient loses heart. Doctors should

administer the injection of courage and encouragement as calcium

administered to the weak. It is essential that doctors should have

the sterling virtues of love and compassion. Compassion is more

important than money. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 29-30)

Doctors should be grateful to the society

Doctors should realise what they owe to society, which has

preserved and imparted to them their knowledge of the medical

sciences. Medical knowledge has been enriched by the

contributions of dedicated investigators over centuries. Doctors

should be grateful to society for all the knowledge and skills they

have acquired from the dedicated labours of others. They should

realize their deep indebtedness to society for all they have received

from it. Only then, they will use their knowledge and skills in the

right way.

People today think in terms of only their personal interests. They

should develop a social consciousness, realising what all they' owe


166

to society. Men today have become so utterly selfish that they

behave in inhuman ways. They do not make proper use of their

talents and resources in the service of their fellowmen.

Doctors are embodiments of the Divine. As such, it is their duty to

see that people do not shed tears of grief. They may doubt how far

this is possible. Do as much as lies within your power. What

happens thereafter need not bother you. Treat Duty as God and

Work as Worship. If you carry on your work in this spirit, the

world will be a happier place for all.

I have to give a word of advice to the doctors present here. There is

a tendency to specialize in the treatment of heart diseases which

has gone to absurd lengths. I would advise the doctors to treat the

heart as a whole and not fragment every part of it for specialised

treatment.

Specialisation has grown to alarming proportions in the world

today. Doctors should be "generalists," who know how to treat

different ailments of a patient. The heart teaches an important

lesson to man. It appears to beat tirelessly without stopping. But, in

fact, it is able to rest in brief intervals between one beat and

another. The heart teaches you how to take rest even while at work.

I often tell the students that "change of work is rest." This is-the

way the heart functions when it pumps the blood from one chamber

to the other. (SSS Vol.26, pp. 54-55)

The doctors for the purpose of specialization divide even the body

into a number of sections. In order to make a lot of money one

doctor may be a specialist in orthopaedics, another in ENT, and yet


167

another in cardiology. If one comes and takes the heart, another the

ear, and so on what will be left? A doctor should have a holistic

view of the entire human body. (M-P, p. 24)

Aim at a disease-free human society

It is only by sense control and steadfastness that one can lead a

happy and healthy life. Along with control of the mind, one should

control the temper and avoid tension. Prevention of disease should

be the goal. We should aim at a human society free from diseases.

It will be a happy day when a hospital gets no patients at all. (SSS

Vol.26, p. 47)

Hospitals

Why Hospital?

Some of you may ask why there should be a Hospital at all, here!

Why should not Baba cure diseases by an exercise of His Will, that

is the question?

The Hospital serves to increase faith, to demonstrate Divinity and

to remove doubt. That is also necessary. Besides, you have to mark

time, in consonance with the song that is sung. There are many who

are hungry for medical treatment and they are satisfied only if

drugs are given and injections administered. Their faith in Grace is

not yet strong. So, a Hospital is required for such. (SSS Vol.3, p.

75)

“I establish hospitals for such persons who get mental satisfaction

and peace only when they are treated in the hospitals, unaware that


168

faith in the ever-healthy ATMA is the best tonic and drug. When

they visit these hospitals, they will realise that divine grace is more

potent than all drugs; they will turn God ward and tread the path of

Self- realisation.” When asked about secret of miraculous cures, He

answered, “it is My experience that I am one with every sentient

being and inanimate object. My love flows out to everyone. I see

everyone as Myself. If a person reciprocates My love from the

depth of his heart, My love and his, meet in unison and he is cured

of his affliction. Where there is no reciprocity, there is no cure.” Of

course there are cures which are effected by His mere will. When

Dr. Hislop asked Baba, “Does Swami cure a person only when the

Karma is appropriate?” He replied, “No. If Swami is pleased with

the person, He heals that person at once. Karma cannot come in the

way. If the person has a pure heart, and is living Swami’s

teachings, Swami’s grace comes to him automatically.” (SSS

Vol.5, p. 235)

The will becomes strong when you know that you are a child of

Immortality or a person who has earned the Grace of the Lord.

Medicine and hospitalisation are for those who doubt and hesitate

and argue about this doctor being more efficient than the other and

this drug being more powerful than the rest. For these who rely on

the Supreme Doctor, His Name is the drug that cures. (SV, p. 249)

Everyone working in a hospital, be they doctors, nurses,

paramedical staff or technicians, should have the spirit of unity.

This hospital demonstrates the ideal of unity. All the staff in this

hospital works with a feeling that they belong to one family. Our

hospital stands for unity in diversity. It does not crave for money

and fame. In olden days, education, health care, food and water


169

were provided free of cost. I have determined to provide them all

free.

Our hospital is not a business centre. Most hospitals have become

business centres. It is the worst of sins to run a hospital with the

sole purpose of earning money. You should understand that you

might fall ill some day. Hence, you should treat the patients with

love, without expecting anything in return. You should not aspire

for money from them. After I have started this hospital, many

doctors have become jealous of Me and have started putting

obstacles. Come what may, I will never give up this sacred task.

Their jealousy will only motivate Me further to carry on with

sacred activities. Their jealousy will ruin them ultimately. There

will be peace and security in the world only when people give up

hatred and violence, inculcate the feelings of love and realise the

unity of mankind. (Telugu Poem).

One should never be jealous of others’ prosperity. Jealousy is the

worst quality. Once I take up a sacred task, I will never go back on

it. There are many poor and downtrodden people who are suffering

for want of proper medical care. Nobody cares for them in big

hospitals, as they cannot afford costly treatments. In some

hospitals, they are not even permitted to enter the main gate. Can

there be a greater sin than this? My intention is to provide free

medical care to all such people and forlorn people.

For a happy and healthy life, apart from proper medical attention,

pure drinking water is also essential. My plan of action for the

welfare of humanity is stupendous. It is bound to succeed. If one

takes up a sacred task, one need not be concerned about the


170

resources. There is no dearth of resources in our country. But there

are very few who have the noble intention of doing good to society.

When you undertake a sacred task, even Nature will extend all its

help. The sacred epic Ramayana stands ample testimony to this.

When Rama, the embodiment of Dharma, was proceeding to Lanka

to rescue His consort Sita, Nature extended all its cooperation. He

was helped by monkeys and even by a small squirrel. (DD on 19-

01-2002, pp. 3-5)

Most hospitals indulge in profiteering

People of this village and villages that are in the surrounding area,

will resort to this hospital for medical relief and advice.

Unfortunately hospitals that treat patients with love and care, with

dedication and devotion, are a rarity. There are hospitals with

costly equipments and expert doctors, huge buildings and spick-

and-span interiors, but they indulge more in profiteering than

affording relief. Their services are for those who can pay large

sums of money. Villagers are not welcome there, who in turn do

not feel at ease to approach them. Therefore this hospital is being

started amidst the villages so that expert advice and treatment can

be rendered, to them in a loving atmosphere of reverence and

devotion. No charge will be levied here for any service. The

villages and others can come here, regain their health, and return

hale and hearty in order to carry out their tasks and fulfil their

responsibilities.

The doctors and volunteers who help in this hospitals must feel it a

part of their duty to advise the villagers about environmental

hygiene and preventive measures. The members of the Sathya Sai

Seva Dal have a special duty for this type of service. They have to


171

visit the villages, and after winning the confidence and love of the

people, advise them on good food habits and other means of

maintaining health. They must also exhort them to resort to this

hospital as soon as the first symptoms of ill-health are evident.

Early treatment will save the villagers from spending many days in

bed away from the fields. (SSS Vol.13, pp. 135-136)

Cleanliness

The essential mark of a hospital is its cleanliness. Clean toilets are

an index of the cleanliness of a hospital. Our hospital is as clean as

a mirror, as it is kept always clean by the team of dedicated seva

dal volunteers who relentlessly work hard with a spirit of service

and sacrifice. It is not the service of one, but the service of many,

which has contributed to the rapid development of our hospital! A

single flower cannot make a garland. All the people, the patients,

doctors, workers-work in a spirit of harmony and unity. It is this

sense of unity, which contributes to purity and this purity of heart,

secures divinity. This hospital is a direct proof of the presence of

purity, unity and divinity. It is our fond hope that such purity, unity

and divinity should prevail in other hospitals as well! Unity is most

essential in all fields of activity-moral, scientific and spiritual.

Purity vanishes in the absence of unity. Divinity will be absent

when there is no purity and unity. Humanity will be healthier if

doctors resolve to offer two days of free treatment every week.

(SSS Vol.27, pp. 31-32)

Free medical aid

The Whitefield hospital which began in a single room, has now

grown into a big complex. The doctors have to meet the growing

demands on their services, The numbers of patients coming to the


172

hospital are growing all the time. All services are totally free. Not a

paisa is collected from the patients. Such free medical treatment is

not given anywhere in the world. This applies to the Super

Speciality Hospital in Prashaanthigram. Elsewhere hospitals have

become big business. In fact, in every sphere commercialization is

rampant. Education is a business, music is a business, health is a

business. The whole world has become a market place. Welfare

services should be free for all. There are numerous people who

cannot afford the costs of medical treatment. Doctors should render

free service to such persons. My words should not be

misunderstood.

Even in the earning of incomes there should be a limit. Many

doctors lack determination. They join a hospital on a good salary.

But after a month or so, when another hospital offers a higher

salary they go over to the new hospital. How long are you likely to

stay in the other hospital?

When you go like this, you forfeit the confidence of hospital

managements. Even workers behave in this way. They shift from

place to place. The right thing is to stick to a job for three or four

years. Then your work will secure automatic recognition. (SSS

Vol.28, pp. 188-189)

"Old is Gold"

The older technique, though they may not produce quick results,

are slow and sure. The latest techniques appear successful

momentarily but their long term results are not always good. While

the latest technique should be employed where necessary, the

earlier techniques should not be rejected out of hand. "Old is Gold"

The old techniques have the merit of proven value.


173

A caveat should be said about heart transplant. The operation may

be easy, but how easy is it to get a heart for transplanting? A

transplanted heart may serve for a time, but cannot serve as long

and as well as the God-given heart. A word of caution has to be

uttered with regard to heart transplant or transplanting the cornea

for the eye. The character of the person from whom the

transplanted heart or cornea has been got should also be taken into

account. The practitioners of medicine in ancient times considered

these factors in treating patients.

The antecedents of families were fully examined in the past, before

marital alliances were concluded. But today these factors are

ignored. People are indifferent to family backgrounds, while they

are concerned about the pedigrees of dogs in dog show! This

indifference to lineage accounts for the breakup of many marriages

after a short time. This should not happen. Marriage should be a

life-long partnership. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 367-368)

Medical Education and Training:

Medical education should lay stress on quality

The plight of doctors (in India) deserves sympathy. Many of them

have to spend large sums to get seats in medical colleges and to

complete their education. The doctor is worried how to recover the

money that has been spent on his education. Something must be

done to solve this problem. For instance, no one should be admitted

in a medical college merely because he is able to pay a large

capitation fee (of lakhs). Only those who have the talents and

aptitude for medical studies should be admitted. Such students will


174

immensely benefit from medical education and will be of use to

society. Today you must have either plenty of money or influential

backing to get into a medical college. Students who get admitted

this way take even twelve years to complete the five year medical

course. Of what use are such men? The stress should be on quality

and not quantity in the sphere of medical studies.

In earlier years, medical students used to work hard spending even

18 hours a day. Without such hard work, no one would get his

degree. Alas! today things are otherwise. Students pass without

much study. Such ill-educated doctors are a calamity to the nation.

Not all doctors are of this kind. There are quite a few competent

doctors.

It is the duty of the medical profession to rectify this situation.

They should contact the authorities to bring about reforms. Only

then will the nation progress.

We do not need many hospitals. Patients can be treated easily. In

my view, there is no need for you to worry about money and

resources. Treat your patients with love, Duty is God. This love

should be mutual give and take. You may charge fees for your

services, but do it with love. This is the right course for you. When

you render service in this spirit, you will be successful in all cases.

When you treat the patient with love, you will win the patient's

love. Hence, your motto should be: "Start the day with love, fill

the. day with love and end the day with love." This is the way to

God.


175

Our American doctor, who addressed the valedictory session, said

that doctors should speak sweetly to patients. Whatever you do

should be filled with love. A patient feels reassured when he sees

the smiling face of a doctor (SSS Vol.26, pp. 57-58)

Educate Laymen-Remove the cause of fear:

Doctors should educate laymen about the various reasons for heart

ailments. Wherever people think of heart disease, the prospect of an

operation looms large before them as a bugbear. As far as possible

you should avoid surgery and try to cure the patients by drugs.

Doctors should treat operation as a last resort. As the word

operation creates fear in all types of people, whether rich or poor,

high or low, you should help them to develop self-confidence and

remove the cause of fear (SSS Vol.26, pp. 43-44)

Educate the villagers on the value of nutrient foods

The villager now lives on food that is deficient in. vitamins and

proteins, though he is growing vegetables and food that provide

these ingredients in plenty and selling them to city-dwellers. He has

to be told of the value of fruits and vegetables as a source of

nutrients that will promote and preserve his health, for healthy

parents mean healthy children, and sick parents pass on their ill-

health to the coming generations. Members of the units of the

Sathya Sai Seva Organisation can also join the Seva Dhal in this

campaign of educating the villagers. This activity is as meritorious

as worship itself. Today is the Vighneshwara festival, the day on

which the entire country is worshipping the elephant-headed God

who helps man overcome all obstacles. Worshipping Vinayaka or

Vighneshwara or Ganapathi, as he is also called, endows man with

the courage and confidence needed to enter upon and carry

through-any undertaking in the world. The elephant is the largest


176

animal of the forest. It is very Intelligent and has a powerful

memory. When it marches through the thick jungle, it clears a path

for all other animals to pass. The elephant-headed God confers

intelligence and memory and the power to subdue evil and vice.

Thus he Is also a path- maker.

So it is only appropriate that every rite, ceremony or project should

be started with the worship of this God. Today we are Inaugurating

this hospital so that it will provide good and lasting service to the

people of this region. (SSS Vol.13, pp. 136-137)

Educate enceinte women about pre-natal care of children

in the womb:

In my view, instead of treating people after the onset of illness, it is

better to ensure that they do not fall ill at all. Both doctors and the

authorities should educate enceinte women about pre-natal care of

children in the womb. It is distressing to find that new born babes

suffer from congenital heart diseases. Dr. Iyer showed the picture

of a smiling child that had grown up after a heart operation shortly

after birth. While one rejoices at such a sight, it is frightening to

think of the operation that had to be done on a ten-day-old infant.

In the case of congenital heart diseases, neither the parents nor the

child can be happy. Nor can society be happy with such situation.

Something must be done to prevent heart troubles developing

during pregnancy. There are medicines for preventing congenital

heart ailments. For instance, if the mother is given various

vitamins, the child’s heart can be strengthened. The mother should

be taught all about pre-natal care and given the necessary

medicines. Pregnant women should be periodically checked in the

hospital. It is better to take all preventive measures before the birth


177

of a child than to carry the burden of bringing up a weak and

crippled child all his life.

Doctors alone cannot impart this message to all women. They can

only advise those who come to them. But doctors can bring home

to the authorities their responsibility in the area of preventive

measures. What is the use of spending crores on curative measures

without promoting health? It is a waste of money. There are many

hazards in the use of antibiotics in the treatment of certain diseases

like tuberculosis and the use of pesticides in agriculture.

Training Of Nurses of Sai Maha Vaidhyalaya

Bharat is not lacking in experienced doctors and specialists in every

field. Many of them have gone abroad, acquired the latest

knowledge in medicine and surgery and established a reputation for

themselves. Indeed, very few people possess the amount of

fortitude and determination which Bharatiyas are capable of. Our

doctors take a good deal of trouble for the care of the patients. Even

in foreign countries, a very large number of Indians are rendering

medical service. There is a very well-known saying in Andhra

Pradesh--"The jewels are ours; the display is yours." Much of the

medical service abroad is rendered by Indian doctors.

But, others get much of the credit. Likewise, in India also, there are

any numbers of highly capable doctors. But people do not value

what is very near to them. They are attracted by what is distant.

Those who are near to Swami all the twenty-four hours do not

recognise His value so much. The value is realised only when one

is away from Swami. For instance, there is a lighthouse. The light

is visible afar but not to those under it. (SSS Vol.25, p. 256/247)


178

Need for nurses with pure hearts

It is easy for doctors to perform operations. The real difficulty is in

taking care of the patients after the operations. It is easy to slice

vegetables. But, to prepare a tasty dish out of that is very difficult.

This task of "cooking" is done by the nurses. If there is no good

nursing, even the operation may be a failure. (SSS Vol.25, p. 258)

Therefore in order to train a good hard band of nursing personnel,

training facilities are being provided. All those who are pure-

hearted and filled with a spirit of service, may approach Dr. Safaya

for undergoing training to serve in the hospital. They need not incur

any expense. The entire training is free. Elsewhere, if people want

to undergo such training, they have to pay all kinds of fees. Here

nothing will be charged. Everything will be provided free. Only,

we want persons with pure hearts to join the course.

Today we have quite a large number of people working in our

hospital. But, there is more work to be done because of the ever-

growing number of patients seeking relief. Hence, we need many

more nursing personnel. We are asking for nurses not for Swami's

sake but for the sake of the nation. There is a Sanskrit saying:

"Jananee janmabhoomischa swargaadapi gareeyasi" (The mother

and the Motherland are greater than Heaven itself). Hence, such

sacred activities must be spread all over the country. It is not easy

to make available such facilities for people in remote and isolated

villages. Because in this village this magnificent hospital has been

established, it has been possible to provide relief to a very large

number of poor villagers.


179

Many are not aware of the genesis of this Institution. What counts

is only action and not advertisement. When a heart operation is

performed, the patient has generally to stay in the hospital for at

least a month. It is no exaggeration to state, with reference to our

hospital, that within a day after the operation, the patient starts

eating on his bed the very next morning. On the third day, he starts

moving about. On the fifth day, the sutures are removed. On the

seventh day, the patients are discharged fully recovered. (SSS

Vol.25, pp. 258-259)

180

VINAYAKA PRINCIPLE

There are some inner secrets that should be noted in the

worship of Ganesh. Bharatiyas make some special offerings to

Ganesh as food offerings. These preparations are made entirely

by using steam instead of heat from a burning stove.

Combining rice flour with jaggery and till seeds, balls are

prepared which are cooked in steam. In Ayurveda this edible

is accorded a high place for its curative properties. The jaggery

in the edible is a remedy for various ailments. The till seeds

serve to purify the arteries. It also helps to improve the vision.

The inner meaning of all this is that the food offerings to

Ganesh have health giving properties. It should be noted that

edibles cooked in steam are easy to digest. In the Super

Specialty Hospital, steam-cooked idlies are offered to heart

patients the very next day after surgery. Oily preparations are

not given. Idlies are given because they are easily digested.

The Vinayaka Principle, in short, symbolises health, bliss,

peace, wisdom, prosperity and many other things.

Unfortunately this truth is not recognised by most people and

they are content to offer some kind of mechanical worship to

any odd figure made of clay and add to the pollution around

them.


181

SRI SATHYA SAI SUPER

SPECIALITY HOSPITAL

What the Super-Speciality hospital signifies

Divine members of the medical fraternity! It is not my intention to

extol the excellence of our Hospital here. I wish to highlight the

fact that the people in these areas used to be mortally afraid of heart

disease because there was no facility for high-grade medical or

surgical treatment and they had to take the patients to far off places

entailing enormous expense. But, from 22nd

November 1991, when

the Super-Speciality Hospital started functioning, even kids entered

the hospital smilingly without any sense of fear. Their courage and

faith ensure successful treatment.

This is the only hospital where you can see patients, doctors,

nurses, technicians and paramedical staff with smiling faces. Even

the relatives accompanying the patients are all smiles. Wherever

you move in the hospital, you can see smiling and cheerful workers

doing their duty with devotion and dedication.

How has this happiness come to the people who go to the hospital

for treatment of dreaded diseases? Happiness arises out of union


182

with God. Because there is lack of faith in God elsewhere, there is

grief. But in our hospital there is full faith in Divinity. Most people

who have all physical comforts do not have inner peace. We get

peace only from within us. If one acts in consonance with one's

conscience one gets peace. A spirit of sacrifice is essential for

securing peace.

This hospital is not Swami's. It belongs to all of you. This hospital

was established with the noble aim of serving suffering humanity.

Besides excellent equipment of the highest quality, we have here

the most modern facilities for medical and surgical treatment and,

above all, a team of dedicated doctors and other staff who render

selfless service with a smile. The construction of the hospital was

completed in an incredibly short period of five months. The

construction of a hospital of this magnitude might have taken even

ten years if the Government had taken up the work. When I

announced on 23rd November 1990, that this hospital will function

from 22nd

November 1991, many eyebrows were raised, doubting

the possibility of the date being kept up.

But it became an accomplished fact as willed by Swami. (SSS

Vol.25, pp. 44-45)

The Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital is a tertiary health

care hospital created to provide patient care facilities to all, free of

cost. There are currently two super speciality hospitals, one in

Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh and another in Whitefield, (outside of

Bangalore), Karnataka, India:

Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital

183

SRI SATHYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER MEDICAL

SCIENCES (SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL, PUTTAPARTHI

(Inaugurated on 22/11/1991 by Prime Minister Sri P V Narasimha

Rao)

SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL, WHITEFIELD- (Inaugarated

by Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajapayee on19th January 2001)

Mission statement

"Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust provides free medical care to the sick

and ailing with the dedication, commitment, love and the best of

skills, so that they will be cured in body, mind and spirit. Our

Mission is to provide high quality medical care free of charge to all

irrespective of caste, creed, religion, and financial status in an

atmosphere of love and care."

The super speciality hospitals (run by the Trust) follow the guiding

principles laid down by Sathya Sai Baba

• Universal Healthcare: Healthcare should be available to all,

irrespective of caste, religion, nationality, or financial status

• De-commercialized Healthcare: Healthcare should be

delivered free of charge

• Human Values in Healthcare: Healthcare should be

administered with Love

• Spiritualisation of Healthcare: The aim should be to heal the

patient in body, mind and spirit, not merely to cure disease.

Elaborating on the objectives of the hospital, Sathya Sai Baba said

in a discourse on November 23, 1991, "Many persons appealed to

me to set up the hospital in an urban centre. There are many


184

medical institutions run as a business in several cities. When any

educational or medical institution is established, the sole aim is to

make a business of it. There are few who are ready to set up such

institutions to provide free facilities for the poor. Therefore, from

the start we decided to set up a hundred-crore hospital near

Prasanthi Nilayam itself. Even as higher education is free here,

"Higher medicine" also will be free. People spend some lakhs to

get heart surgery done in the U.S. What is the plight of the poor?

Who looks after them? Recognising this fact, we have launched

this big hospital project. Whether it is heart bypass operation, or a

kidney transplant, or a lung operation or brain surgery, everything

will be done free."

History

Sathya Sai Baba's mother, Easwaramma, "had expressed her desire

that there should be a hospital for all the poor people of Puttaparthi.

Sai Baba had promised her that it would be done at the proper

time." "The foundation of the Prasanthi Nilayam hospital was laid

on 23 November 1954, and the hospital was inaugurated on 4

October 1956. Many devotees toiled to help build the hospital by

carrying stones, bricks, cement, and other articles on top of the

small hill on which it was constructed. The hospital initially had

twelve beds, six of them for confinements, according to the needs

of the time. The hospital catered mainly to the villagers and

devotees. The doctors and the paramedical staff were appointed by

Sathya Sai Baba. They worked voluntarily without any

remuneration. Treatment both for inpatients and outpatients is free.

Medicines, injections, operations, and deliveries are also free. As

the demands on the hospital built in 1954 increased ... the need was

felt for the construction of a new hospital building, equipped with

all medical facilities.

Figure 1: Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Super_Speciality_Hospital_Mian_1.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Super_Specialty_Hospital.jpg

The Super Speciality Hospital (Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Medical Sciences) was setup at Prasanthi Gram (about 9 kms.

from Prasanthi Nilayam) under the auspices of the Sri Sathya Sai

Medical Trust in the year 1991 to demonstrate that medical care of

the highest quality even in highly specialised fields like

Cardiology, Urology, Nephrology, Ophthalmology etc can be

provided totally free of cost. The aim of the Trust is to ensure that

ailing persons receive the best treatment, irrespective of their

caste, creed, or social status.

The Super-Speciality hospital acts as a nucleus for the extension of

primary health care at village levels in the surrounding areas. Sri

Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam and Sri Sathya

Sai Hospital at Whitefield, Bangalore extend the secondary health

care and finally the Super-Speciality Hospital acts as the tertiary

link in the chain of total health care.

Some of the interesting surgeries performed in this department:

Mobile left atrial clot with Rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Left ventricle to aorta tunnel.

Anomalous left coronary artery arising from pulmonary

artery.

Arterial switch.

Aortopulmonary window.

Coronary artery bypasses grafting with Radical Rt. Hemi-

colectomy, Ascending aorta and arch replacement for chronic

dissecting aneurysm.

Repair of a huge ascending aorta aneurysm that had eroded

the chest wall.

Figure 2: Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield (suburb of

Bangalore), Karnataka, India

Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital

189

The foundation of the new hospital building was laid on 23

November 1982, and the hospital was inaugurated on Sivarathri

Day, 29 February 1984. The hospital has arrangements for one

hundred beds with an air-conditioned, fully equipped, operation

theater; blood bank; laboratory; intensive care unit; X-Ray unit; eye

unit; and dental unit. Well-qualified medical and paramedical staff

have been recruited to staff the various branches of the hospital”

Sathya Sai Baba also was checked into the hospital after some

health failures, and on 24 April, died there.

On November 22, 1990, Sathya Sai "Baba announced that a Super

Specialty Hospital offering sophisticated treatment completely free

of charge to all, would be inaugurated the next year, in the very

hamlet of Puttaparthi."

Col Joga Rao was worried about the super specialty hospital, as

there was not much time left and there were no sufficient funds also

to complete the project. Even after completion, where do funds

come to run a free hospital of such magnitude on a sustained basis?

That was the worry and he had no sleep that night and the next

morning Swami asked the reason for his sleeplessness and when he

said Bhagawan knew the reason, Bhagawan declared)

“It was I who promised that super specialty hospital will be opened

in November. Why do you worry about it? Our country Bharat is a

Punya Bhoomi, Yoga Bhoomi and Thyaga Bhoomi. In this sacred

land, if anyone takes up any activity with a pure and selfless

motive, all that is required for the fruition of that activity will come

spontaneously. There will not be any dearth of funds for our super

specialty hospital. Rest assured! (SSSm Vol.6, p. 359)


190

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

Prasanthigram

“We have here today the President of India, the Chief Minister, the

Governor of the State and other eminent persons. In the sphere of

education, if we establish a system of free education for all without

distinctions of rich or poor, or classifications like ‘backward’ and

‘forward,’the nation will take a great leap forward on the path of

progress. We are wasting crores of rupees on many unrewarding

ventures. If we ensure the right kind of future for our children, the

nation will benefit immensely. Free education and medical relief

should be provided to one and all.

With this object in view, we decided yesterday to establish a big

hospital here. Many people appealed to Me to set up the hospital

here in our urban centre. There are many medical institutions run

purely on business lines in several cities. There are few facilities

for the poor. Therefore, we have decided to establish a hundred-

crore hospital near Prasanthi Nilayam itself. Just as higher

education is free here, ‘higher medicine’ also will be free. People

spend lakhs of rupees to get a heart surgery done in U.S.A.. But

what is the plight of the poor? Who looks after them? If they go to

cities, they will not even get ‘coloured water’(medicinal mixtures)!.

Recognising this fact, we have launched this, hospital project.

Whether it is heart surgery or kidney transplant or brain surgery,

everything will be done free. The hospital will be opened on

November 22,1991. This is ‘Sai Sankalpa”; no one can fathom it.

In the case of Sai, thought and action are simultaneous like the light

and sound that emanate when a gun is fired. Hence it is not easy for

everyone to understand Sai’s resolve.


191

Embodiments of divine love, there is not a trace of self-interest in

Me. Whatever I do is only for the sake of others. In fact, I do not

consider you as ‘others’. All of you are My own people, Such an

all-encompassing feeling cannot be found anywhere in the world.

Have you seen anywhere else an organization, which has grown so

stupendously in fifty years? In the case of the earlier Avatars, their

fame spread only long after their passing. In this case of the present

Avatar, in His own lifetime, a university, a big hospital, an

aerodrome and many other institutions are being established for the

benefit of one and all, especially the villagers. Many more will

follow in the years to come. Many people wonder as to how all

these are being accomplished. The advent of this Avatar took place

sixty-four years ago. All these years, I have never stretched My

hand at any time to seek anything from anyone. I have not asked

anyone, I will never ask anyone, and there will never be an

occasion for it. How are then these things happening? For any good

and self less work, there is no impediment in this country of

Bharath. When you want to do any good work, money will flow

in torrents. The narrow-minded who undertake any work will

never be free from want. Such people cannot understand the actions

of those who are large-hearted and broad-minded.

I do not expect anything from you. Only, I want you to develop

love in your hearts. Treat all mankind as your brothers and sisters.

Recognise that all are children of God. Bear no ill will or hatred

towards anyone. Only such a large- hearted attitude will confer on

you limitless bliss. This is the birth-day gift that I desire from you.

Have unity among yourselves. Strive to revive and promote the

glory of Bharat.


192

As I was coming here, some people greeted Me with the words,

‘Happy birthday! Happy birthday to You’ I am always happy. I do

not need such greetings! Only those who are not happy need them.

I am filled with infinite joy at all times. I have never had any worry

at any time. What is the reason? I am aware that all things are

transient like passing clouds. Then, why worry about them? We

should not be elated or depressed by births or deaths. We came

naked into the world. When we leave, we cannot leave our address

with our kith and kin. How can they be our kinfolk, all these are

worldly phenomena. As long as we live we should spend our lives

in harmony and love. All our difficulties can be overcome by

contemplation on God. What do you achieve forgetting God and

immersing yourselves in worldly concerns? Have firm faith in God.

Don’t give any scope for differences on the basis of caste, creed or

nationality. All names and forms belong to the Divine. All that you

see is the Cosmic Form of the Lord. With firm faith in the Divine,

chanting the Lord’s name, redeem your lives.” (Excerpts of Divine

Discourse on 23rd November, 1990) (SSSm Vol.6, pp. 346-347)

In a discourse that day, Sathya Sai Baba said, "Today an auspicious

announcement has to be made. Within fifteen minutes of the

inauguration of the Hospital by our Prime Minister, the first

operation was begun in the Hospital. Within three hours four

operations were performed. One was a very complicated case.

There was a hole in the heart of the patient. All the operations were

performed successfully and all the patients are doing well.”

"The second phase was inaugurated a year later by the then

President of India. Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, when the uro

nephrology department started functioning.” The super specialty


193

hospital continued to expand: opening the kidney transplant

programme in 1993, Department of Ophtalmology in 1994, and in

1995, the CT Scanner and Vitreo Retinal Services were

inaugurated. In 1999 the Lithotripsy Centre was opened. Kidney

transplantation facility is no longer offered. (From Wikipedia)

“The government is seeking to provide various amenities in the

villages. But it is one thing to proclaim one’s intentions and quite

another to fulfil them. Speaking is easy; acting is difficult.

Neither the authorities nor the leaders appear to be concerned about

the plight of the villagers. The villagers are also apathetic. Bharat is

not lacking in resources. It is well endowed in every respect. Had it

been so, it would not have attracted to many invaders from outside.

Today, Bharatiyas themselves are considering their country as

poor and belittling its status. This by itself is not a great

danger. The greater danger is the development of a mood of

cynicism – ‘Avishasam’. It is only when the pessimism among the

people is transformed to robust optimism, will the country march

forward. The retrograde movement has reversed. Material

prosperity, which is transient, is not important. Real and lasting

wealth lies in good qualities and morality. It is this form of wealth

that should be acquired.

With a view to setting an example to the authorities, to the

community and to every individual, Swami is undertaking

activities, small and big, in various spheres. This hamlet of

Puttaparthi had a population of barely eight hundred. To conceive

of a University for such a village was a fantastic dream. Another

amazing phenomenon is the construction of an aerodrome near

such village, when there are no aerodromes even at the district

headquarters. Puttaparthi has become the cynosure of all highly


194

sophisticated and most modern hospital, which should be located in

a well-developed metropolis, has been set up in this rural area. The

wealthy can anywhere and get medical relief with their abundant

resources. But the rural poor cannot go far from their villages for

medical treatment. It is for the sake of such poor folk this hospital

has been established. I have told our doctors to examine the heart

ailments of the villagers around here. Today, an auspicious

announcement has to be made. Within fifteen minutes of the

inauguration of the hospital by our Prime Minister, (22/11/1992)

the first surgery was begun in the hospital. Within three hours four

operations were performed. One was a very complicated case. All

surgeries were carried out successfully and all the patients are

doing well.

You should know how the hospital came up. The Larsen and

Toubro Company is known for its massive constructions in India

and abroad. But nowhere else was such enthusiasm and zeal

displayed by the workers in the construction on this hospital. Even

the smallest worker did the work of ten persons with cheer and joy;

they did it with great devotion. Work on the hospital began in the

month of May after My return from Kodaikanal. Within six months

from May to November, a work, which would have normally taken

five years, has been completed. This is a gigantic project. It is

intended to benefit people for a thousand years.

This hospital has been set up to provide relief to villagers suffering

from various diseases. No distinction will be made, however,

between villages and cities. Diseases do not afflict only villagers;

they make no territorial distinctions. Likewise, there will be

differentiation in providing relief.


195

For achieving anything in the world, a sound body is essential. The

body is the primary requisite for the pursuit of dharma and it has to

be in good health. Even for this realisation of the four goals of life-

Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha – sound health is essential.

Having regard to this importance of health for all purposes, Swami

has launched such medical institutions.” (A few excerpts from the

Discourse of Bhagawan On 23/11/1991) (SSSm Vol.6, pp. 372-

374)

Currently the hospital offers the following facilities:

• Cardiology

• Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery

• Urology

• Plastic Surgery

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopaedics

• Gastroenterology (Endoscopy)

The hospital is equipped with 300 beds, 11 surgical theatres, five

intensive care units, two cardiac catheterisation laboratories,

medical and surgical wards, and a 24-hour emergency unit.

"Leading doctors specialising in the fields of Cardiology, Cardio

Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology etc. come

from different parts of the World on their own and render their

services free of cost” One of the DNB students of the hospital was

awarded the gold medal by the National Board of Examinations.

Dr. Michael Nobel, great grand-nephew of Alfred Nobel, chairman,

Appeal of Nobel Peace Laureates Foundation states, "The world's

hospitals are filled with expensive and advanced medical

technology. It is also easy to find free hospitals. But the


196

combination of the two, of a super speciality, highly advanced,

state-of-the-art hospital which is free for the poor—that is a unique,

completely unique concept. And if we add to that Sai Baba's

presence, and the spirituality which his presence lends to the

hospital, it becomes a very unique creation. I know hospitals very

well, but I have never seen anything like this on earth." Anna

Tibaijuka, who was appointed by the World Health Organization as

a member of the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of

Health, visited the Super Speciality Hospital in Puttaparthi.

Dr. Mitch Krucoff, an eminent cardiologist from Duke University,

North Carolina, United States, talks about his experience with

super speciality hospital. "There is an atmosphere of joy amongst

the staff of this Hospital, as they do their work. When we first went

over to India, we thought were going to this poor third world nation

and share with them our technologies, teaching them how to use it

properly. Honestly stated, this was a very arrogant start. Later, it

turned out that we learnt more than we taught."

"The hospital was set up on 150 acres of land near the Sri Sathya

Sai Airport" and "was designed by Professor Keith Critchlow from

the Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture in London."

The architecture is a mix of ancient Hindu and Islamic styles.

However, some components of Indo-Gothic style could be noticed

in the building. The hospital has a total built-in area of 153,000

square feet.

"Isaac Tigrett ... (who started the Hard Rock Cafes) sought Prof.

Critchlow's aid to design a hospital in an Ashram in Puttuparthi,


197

India. Critchlow had never heard of Sai Baba." "The hospital has a

large central building with a magnificent dome which is connected

to four buildings on either side each with a dome. Critchlow was

given three months to complete the design and the hospital was

built in nine months. This according to Prof. Critchlow is a feat

only Sai Baba could perform. The central building represents

Swami (Sathya Sai Baba)'s heart and the others with the connecting

curved corridors represent Baba's two arms embracing humanity."

"The impressive building ... stands as a magnificent temple of

healing, its inspiring architecture imparts an aura of divinity and

peace to all who enter the hospital for investigation or treatment

and to those who work there. Spread over an area of 15,000 sq.

meters, the hospital hosts 300 beds. The hospital, with its beautiful

architecture and serene rural setting, serves not only as a temple of

healing for the body but also for the mind and the spirit."

Sathya Sai Baba says of the building process, "The firm of Larsen

& Toubro are known for their big constructions in India and

abroad. But nowhere else was such enthusiasm and zeal displayed

by the workers engaged in the construction as in this Hospital.

Even the smallest worker did the work of ten persons with zeal and

joy. All workers performed their jobs with enthusiasm and

devotion."

There have been recent improvements since 2002 of rail

transportation to Puttaparthi, one of the reasons being the Super

Speciality Hospital. (From Wikipedia)


198

SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL-WHITEFIELD

Last month when I was in Bangalore, one day, the Chief Minister

of Karnataka, Patel came to Me and said, “Swami, You have

constructed a Super Speciality Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam,

which is of immense benefit to the poor. But diseases are common

for both the rich and the poor urban or rural. It will be of great help

to the people of Bangalore city, if You would be kind enough to

establish another Super Speciality Hospital here.” I just smiled and

did not say anything. The very next week, the Chief Minister, the

Finance Minister, the Revenue Minister and many other dignitaries

came here with the documents concerning the registration of 70

acres of land. This plot is situated adjacent to the Information and

Technology Park. They are supplying water and electricity. If you

are prepared to undertake noble tasks, the whole world will support

you. An American devotee by name Sinclair has come forward to

donate a few crores of rupees for this hospital. Previously he had

given a few crores of rupees for the Super Speciality Hospital in

Prasanthi Nilayam also. I have not told about this project to anyone

else, otherwise there would have been a shower of gold. (DD on

28-07-1999, p. 8)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

Whitefield

"The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

Bangalore, was inaugurated on January 19, 2001. After its success,

the Karnataka government offered Sathya Sai Baba 53 acres of land

to establish another super-speciality hospital." "The cost estimate

was Rs.2000 million." (From Wikipedia)


199

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, said, “This hospital will surely

attain an exalted position. You may not understand now, but you

will surely realise it in future. People belonging to different parts of

the world will come here for treatment. This hospital has such a

divine potential in it. Do not entertain any wrong notions about the

hospital. Earlier when the Super Speciality Hospital was

established at Puttaparthi, people had their misgivings about the

functioning. Now, in the surrounding villages, you don’t find

anybody suffering from heart diseases.

Here the treatment will be rendered free of cost to the rich and poor

alike. Even the food will be provided free. Our objective is to cure

the patients of their ailments and send them home happy and

healthy. This hospital will serve the poor for ever/. Some may have

a mistaken notion that it will be a temporary one. All the

institutions established by Sai are eternal!

Addressing the doctors, He said, “Fill your hearts with compassion

and serve the poor and the needy. Don’t be stone-hearted and

money-minded. It is your good fortune that you have become

doctors. Sacrifice is the hallmark of a true doctor. Serve the poor

with love. That alone can redeem you. Service to the poor is service

to God. Sacrifice your life for the cause of the poor. Service should

be your motto. I have no other desires. I am prepared to sacrifice

even My life to serve the poor. Do at least a thousandth part of

what Swami is doing. Of what use is the human life if it is not spent

in the service of the poor?” (SSSm Vol.7, pp. 305-306)


200

The Whitefield Super Speciality hospital offers free care for

Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Neurology and

Neurosurgery. The hospital also has in-patient services such as

Radiology, Laboratory (Pathology, Microbiology, Biochemistry

labs, and an in-house Blood Bank), Physiotherapy, Dietary and

Counseling.

Alangar S Hegde, neurosurgeon in private practice and part-time

director of the 330-bed hospital, said in a Zee news interview,

"Treatments, tests, medicines, food and hospital stay are all free ...

and if some tests cannot be done here, we get them done outside at

our cost. On an average day, surgeons here perform seven neuro

and seven heart surgeries. Together with laboratory tests, X-ray

scans and outpatient procedures these are worth over Rs 5 million

(USD 100,000) in commercial terms but done free." "Built with

trust funds, the Rs 200 million that the hospital spends annually on

salaries, medicine, equipment and maintenance come entirely from

unsolicited donations from [Sathya Sai Baba] devotees." "The state

government gave us land and the power supply for hospital is free,"

Hegde said. "Companies give us medical equipments at discount

and one computer firm installed Rs 10 million (USD 20,000)-worth

hospital software at no cost."

"The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

(Whitefield) Bangalore, is the second in the world and the first in

India to have acquired the Stealth Neuro Navigation System (for

image guided surgeries), the latest technology in precision neuro

surgery. "We have acquired this surgical navigation technology in

keeping with the philosophy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba that the best

medicare should be made available to all irrespective of caste,


201

creed or religion and at free of cost," said Dr. A. N. Safaya, the ex-

director of the hospital.

Ambiance

The Whitefield Super Speciality "hospital is actually known as a

"temple of healing" as it provides medicare in a spiritual ambiance

devoid of commercialism, its employees say. It is not just the state-

of-the-art technology or high quality service but the spiritual

ambiance pervading through the campus," says hospital manager.

Satyaranjandas Hegde says, "Those who man the gates, serve at the

reception and counsel patients are all volunteers inspired by Sathya

Sai Baba's philosophy that "seva," or selfless service, is service to

god. People wanting to offer 'seva' are so many that there is a

waiting list for volunteers. We keep rotating them to give everyone

a chance." "It actually makes me feel I am entering a temple and

not a hospital," said Akella Chendrasekhar, medical director of

Wyckoff Medical Centre in New York.

During a visit to the hospital in 2006, former president of India APJ

Abdul Kalam said, "I can see god's mission being carried out here.

The doctors and staff looked to me as angels."

Dr Michael Nobel has said, "I have never seen anything like this on

earth. It is a wonderful feeling, far removed from the national

healthcare in the West, which does not seem to work very well. The

impressive thing about the hospital created by Bhagawan Sai Baba

is the combination of the three aspects: state-of-the-art technology,

free medical treatment and the healing powers of his presence

instilling in the patient the firm belief that he or she will get well."

The hospital is managed by MBA graduates from Swami's


202

management institute at Puttaparthi, who oversee all day-to-day

activities of the hospital like admission wait list, priorities, medical

and surgical costs, and report to higher authorities.

Speciality OPD Procedures

Cardiology 972,286 34,377

CTVS - 22,368

Ophthalmology 545,197 50,365

Plastic Surgery 15,751 6,749

Urology 546,653 45,640

Orthopaedics 165,230 8,688

GI Endoscopy - 6,539

Total 2,245,117 174,726

(From Wikipedia)

INDEX

Aham, 83, 94 ailments, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 51,

53, 54, 61, 78, 86, 99, 138, 166, 175, 176

Allopathy, 136 Ananda, 35, 65, 69, 74, 82, 83 Anna, 67 Antahkarana, 71, 114 Atma, 30, 32, 37, 40, 41, 58, 59,

102, 103, 105, 110, 112, 114, 117, 148, 154, 157

Ayurveda, 133, 136, 137, 139, 140

Balam, 102 bath, 97, 106, 107 Bhavaroga, 58, 59 Bhogi, 99 bile. See Sleshma Brahmarpanam, 93, 95 Buddha, 74, 124 Buddhi, 71, 103, 113, 114 Cardiac surgery, 53 chakras, 129, 130, 131 cholesterol, 76, 138 cigarettes, 77 cleanliness, 73, 101, 108, 109,

163, 171

delusions, 50 dharana, 125, 126 dhyana. See Dhayanam Dhyanam, 73, 119 disease, 15, 29 Doctors, 18, 51, 66, 78, 81, 85,

140, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 172, 175, 177

Drumsticks, 76 education, 90, 136, 145, 168,

173, 184 Fasting, 98 fluoride, 56, 57 fluorosis, 55, 57 food, 31, 32, 35, 38, 40, 43, 44,

46, 47, 52, 53, 54, 57, 61, 63, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 108, 110, 116, 117, 134, 138, 139, 140, 148, 156, 158, 168,171, 175, 200

Garlic pills, 76 Green leafy vegetables, 76 Gunas, 30


204

happiness, 29 hate, 73, 101, 147, 151 Health, 15, 17, 29, 30 Health Services, 133 heart, 29, 38, 42, 45, 52, 53, 54,

55, 65, 69, 76, 93, 95, 97, 101, 113, 121, 129, 130, 136, 138, 147, 148, 159, 161, 163, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171, 173, 175, 176, 179, 181, 184, 197, 200

Hospital, 60, 167, 172, 181, 182, 187, 189, 192, 196, 197

ill-health, 31 Illnesses, 65 Jataragni, 44, 94 koshas, 128 Kshetra, 105, 111 Kshetrajna, 105 Maya, 113, 119 Meditation, 119 mental health, 31 mental transformation, 46 Nagarasankeerthan, 116 Non-vegetarian, 78, 85 nurses, 147, 168, 178, 181 onion, 75, 76 Paramatma., 30

peace, 29 phlegm. See Sleshma, See

Sleshma Physical health, 31 pitta, 40, 137 Pitta, 30 potatoes, 57, 76 prasadam, 93 Prashaanthigram, 172 Rajas, 30, See also Gunas Rajasic, 67, 70, 71, 72 recreational habits, 40, 87 Rogi, 99 Sadhana, 65, 83, 114, 154 samadhi, 125, 126 Sathwic, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72 Satwa, 30, See also Gunas Sleshma, 30, 39, 40, 137 Tamasic, 67, 70, 71, 72 Tea, 99 Tomatoes, 77 Vaatha, 30, 39, 137 Vibhuthi, 64 vitamin, 18, 54, 66 Vitamin G, 18, 66 Vyasa, 62, 148, 160 Yoga, 127, 128, 131, 162 Yogi, 99

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beacons of Divine Wisdom [Book] = BDW Part 2. - Vol. II.

Directives and Commands of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar for Spiritual

Transformation [Book] = DTB Vol.7. - Prasanthi Nilayam,

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust ,

1995. - Vol. 7.

Directives and Commands of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar for Spiritual

Transformation [Book] = DTB Vol.4 / auth. S.M.Rao. - Prasanthi

Nilayam, Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications

Trust, 1995. - Vol. 4 : 8.

Discourses By Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba [Book] = D3 Vol.3. - 1991. -

Vol. 3.

Discourses on Bhagavad Gita [Book] = DBG. - 1988.

Divine Discourses [Book] = DD on 13-10-2002 . - 13-10-2002.

Divine Discourses [Book] = DD on 22-10-2005. - 22-10-2205.



Facets of the Divine Diamond [Book] = FDD. - 1990.


206

Geetha Vahini (The Divine Gospel) [Book] = GV. - Prasanthi Nilayam,

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust ,

June 2002. - 81-7208-302-5.

Glossary for the Vahinis [Book] = Glossary for the Vahinis.

Indian Culture & Spirituality [Book] = ICS . - 1st Edition.

Leela Kaivalya Vahini: Stream Of Cosmic Sport Divine [Book] = LKV / ed.

Edition First Enlarged. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District :

Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust , July 2002. - 81-7208-

307-6.

Life is Awareness [Book] = LA. - Delhi : D.K. Fine Art Press (P) Ltd.

Man Management. For private Circulation Only [Book] = M-P. - 1995-

1999.

My Baba and I [Book] = MBI. - 1985.

My Life is My Message [Book] = M&M. - 1999.

Prema Vahini: The Stream of Divine Love [Book] = Prema Vahini. -

Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust,

1975. - 4.

Sai Vandana [Book] = SV. - 23rd November 1995.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS Oct '08. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur

District : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust Publications Division. -

Vol. October 2008.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS May '99. - [s.l.] : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana

Trust, Publications Division , 1999. - Vol. May 1999 .

Bibliography

207

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS May 2002. - [s.l.] : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana

Trust, Publications Division, 2002. - Vol. May 2002.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS June '98. - [s.l.] : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana

Trust Publications Division. - Vol. June 98.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS Dec '91. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur

District : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust Publications Division,

1991. - Vol. Dec 91.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS July '05. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur

District : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust Publications Division, July

2005.

Sanathana Sarathi [Book] = SS Mar '98. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur

District : Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust Publications Division ,

March 1998.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Discourses Of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

[Book] = SSS Vol.39. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District : Sri

Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust . - Vol. 39.





[Book] = SSS Vol.32 Part I. - Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai

Books & Publications Trust. - Vol. 32 Part I.


[Book] = SSS Vol.28. - Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books &

Publications Trust. - Vol. 28.


208



Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust. - Vol. 26.


[Book] = SSS Vol.23. - Prasanthi Nilayam Anantapur District : Sri









[Book] = SSS Vol.20. - Prasanthi Nilayam Anantapur District, : Sri











Bibliography

209























[Book] = SSS Vol.6. - Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books and

Publications Trust.. - 2nd : Vol. 6.


210

























Bibliography

211


[Book] = SSS Vol.27. - Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books

and Publications Trust, 1994. - Vol. 27 : 42.









Publications Trust.. - Vol. 9.


[Book] = SSS Vol.7. - Prasanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books &

Publications Trust. - Vol. 7.



Publications Trust.. - Vol. 2 : 42.


Delivered during 1998 [Book] = SSS Vol.31. - Prasanthi Nilayam

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust. -

First Edition : Vol. 31. - 81 - 7208 - 337 – 8.


Delivered during 2000 [Book] = SSS Vol.33. - Prasanthi Nilayam,

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust . -

First Edition : Vol. 33. - 81 - 7208 - 337 – 8.


212

Sathya Sai Speaks: Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Delivered during 2001 [Book] = SSS Vol.34. - Prasanthi Nilayam, :

Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, 2001. - First Edition :

Vol. 34.


Delivered During 2001 [Book] = SSS Vol.35. - Prasanthi Nilayam :

Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, 2003. - First Edition. -

81-7208-346-7.


Delivered During 2005 [Book] = SSS Vol.38. - Prasanthi Nilayam,

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust. -

Vol. 38. - 81 - 7208 - 454 - 4.


Delivered During 2009 [Book] = SSS Vol.42. - Prasanthi Nilayam,

Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust,

July 2010. - First Edition : Vol. 42.


Delivered from July 1999 to December 1999 [Book] = SSS Vol.32

Part II. - Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District : Sri Sathya Sai

Books & Publications Trust, August 2001. - First Edition : Vol. 32

part 2. - 81 - 7208 - 287 – 8.

SATHYA SAI VAHINI: Spiritual Message of Sri Sathya Sai [Book] =

SSVahini. - Prasanthi Nilayam, : Sri Sathya Sai Books &

Publications Trust. - First Enlarged Edition : June 2002. - 81-

7208-295-9.

Sathyam Sivan Sundaram [Book] = SSSm Vol.6. - Vol. 6.

Sathyam Sivan Sundaram [Book] = SSSm Vol.7. - Vol. 7.

Bibliography

213

Summer Showers In Brindavan [Book] = SSB 2000. - Prasanthi Nilayam :

SRI SATHYA SAI BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS TRUST, 2000. - First

Edition : p. 316. - 81-7208-285-1.


Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, 2002. - August 2002 :

p. 209. - 81-7208-113-8.

Summer Showers In Brindavan [Book] = SSB 1972. - Prashanthi

Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, 1972. -

Revised edition, Copyright © 1998 : p. 216. - ISBN 1-57836-050-

1.

Summer Showers In Brindavan [Book] = SSB 1974 Part II. - Prasanthi

Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, 1974. - First

Enlarged Edition : Vols. Part - II : p. 272. - 81 - 7208-356-4.

Summer Showers In Brindavan [Book] = SSB 1978. - Prasanthi Nilayam, :

Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, 1978. - Revised

edition, 1998. - 1-57836-055-2.


Prasanthi Nilayam,, 1979. - First Enlarged Edition : September,

2004 : p. 245. - 81-7208-361-0.

Summer Showers In Brindavan [Book] = SSB 1993. - Prashanthi

Nilayam, : Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, 1993. - 1-

57836-058-7.

Summer Showers In Brindavan 1977: Delivered during the summer

course held for college students at Whitefield, Bangalore, India

[Book] = SSB 1977. - Prashanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books

and Publications Trust, 1978. - Revised edition. - ISBN 1-57836-

054-4.


214

Summer Showers In Brindavan: Discourses By Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba On The Srimad Bhagavatham [Book] = SSB 1995. -

Prashanthi Nilayam : Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust,

1995.

The True Flowers for Worship [Book] = TTFFW. - 12.5.1981.

Integral and Hol(y)istic approach to human ailments: Vitamin G, Food and Yoga for Physical and...

Documents

Transcript of Integral and Hol(y)istic approach to human ailments: Vitamin G, Food and Yoga for Physical and...