YOUR EXAMPLE WILL BE THAT OF ANGELS

Dear Alumni,
Sairam !!!

All of you will agree when I say “The greatest thing that has happened to you is that of Bhagawan entering into your lives”. His entering into our lives is due to the merit earned in thousands of our past lives. Having earned this greatest chance in life, let us mould ourselves to be worthy of this greatest good fortune. Since Bhagawan has chosen to enter into our lives, He will surely help us at every step in our lives if we anchor ourselves on Him. “Life with Bhagawan is an endless hope; life without Him is a hopeless end”. It is a statement of profound truth and hope. Here life does not mean living with the physical form; it means living with the eternal and inspiring Presence of Bhagawan. How true is the statement of Bhagawan “I am above you, below you and around you”! But Bhagawan tests us as He has declared “Test is my taste”. He tests us so that the best may come out of us and we may be promoted to a higher class. But He does not set a test which is beyond our capacity and reach. He is the question setter and He is the evaluator. Bhagawan is a just and compassionate examiner who knows the capacity of the candidates in and out, through and through.

I used to be a tough evaluator when I first joined Sri Sathya Sai Junior College in the year 1979 in Prashanthi Nilayam. Somehow, the information about my tough evaluation reached Bhagawan. Bhagawan then sent me a message through the Principal. “Tell him that he should not be over strict. Students get discouraged if they do not get what is their due. A good examination should encourage and enthuse the students to give their best.” This was the message. This helped me and my students too!

Bhagawan in His infinite compassion has given valuable clues for the preparation for and successful performance in the examination of life. In His infinite compassion, Bhagawan even awards grace marks for passing the test which He sets. He has said “My grace is in proportion to your exertion”. Bhagawan’s grace belongs to those who face the stress and the strain, and give their best despite the worst ordeal. When I joined the hostel for boys at Prashanthi Nilayam in the year 1984, I used to fall sick frequently and would apply for leave. One day I vowed that I would not apply for a single day’s leave come what may! The challenge came to me one day when I lay prostrate on the bed down with extreme illness. Despite the extreme weakness, I resolved to participate in all activities and discharge all my duties in the hostel as well as the school. I did not miss a single class nor did I refrain from discharging other duties. I sustained myself by taking liberal doses of glucose, every so often. One day, I lay exhausted in my bed after the last school period. At about 3:15 pm, an 8th class student tapped on my door, and said, “Sir, I am feeling extremely weak today, I don’t want to go for Darshan. Please permit me to take rest”. Then I explained to him about my weak condition and impressed on him how glucose sustained me all through. Then both of us decided to go for Darshan after helping ourselves with a tumbler of glucose water each. After Darshan that day, the student came looking for me and said with much excitement “Sir, I gave a small letter to Bhagawan thanking Him for enabling me to come for Darshan. Bhagawan read the letter and said to me ‘Thank your glucose teacher’!” I realized the truth of Bhagawan’s declaration “My grace is in proportion to your exertion”.

I wish to conclude my note by remembering Bhagawan’s special message for us all: “Your mission has begun. Each of you has a unique and valuable part to play in this lifetime. My mission has reached that point in time when each one of you has work to do. This planet has a purpose in the great galaxy in which it is held. The purpose is now unfolding before your eyes. To successfully perform your part, be always centred upon Me. You are my instruments from whom My Love will pour. Be always aware that the moment you let your ego descend upon you, My work ceases. When you have overcome your negative mindfulness, you will again become My Source. The multiplication of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have prepared you for this work over many incarnations. I have drawn you to Me. As each one of you perform your silent work, I will embrace you to my heart and henceforth your souls, shall be lifted up and your eyes will reveal My presence within.

YOUR EXAMPLE WILL BE THAT OF ANGELS. YOUR JOY IS MY JOY.”

Jai Sai Ram

M Rama Mohan Rao