Divine Life Incidents
Sri Sathya Sai Ashtottara – 28 to 54 Namavali
Introduction
Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, “Have the ‘Namam’ (Name of God) on your tongue, the ‘Rupam’ (Form of God) in your eye and the Glory of God in your heart. Then, thunderbolts will pass you gently by.” Sri Sathya Sai Ashtottara contains the Name and Glory of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Why is recitation recommended 108 or 1008 times? Not because the Lord is pleased when praised loud and long, but because there is just a chance that we will utter at least one out of 108 or 1008 names with sincere feeling and the Lord who is ever alert to respond to sincerity will hear that one and bless us.Significance of the number 108 and 1008 – The digits of 108 and 1008 are 1 and 8. The total of 1 + 8 = 9. The number 9 is called the divine number or Para Brahma Sankhya because this number is immutable. When it is multiplied by any number, the digits in the answer always total to 9. For example, 9 x 3 = 27. The total of 2 + 7 = 9.
Significance of Om or Aum
Om, also written as Aum, is the Primeval sound through which the Lord created the entire Universe. It is the root of all sounds in the Universe. It pervades all Creation. The five elements vibrate with this sound. It is also called Pranava, because it is the inner sound in all beings.
All Names attributed to God are subsumed and treasured in the sound Om. Hence it is a very powerful sound. Just as a long train of coaches moves forward when it is linked to a railway engine, all incantations become potent and fruitful when they are preceded by the sound Om.
28. Om Sri Sai Ratnakara Vamshodbhavaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is born in the family of Ratnakara.
Vamsha – family, Udbhava – born.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in the family of Ratnakara Raju. Baba says that whenever God incarnates, He selects the appropriate family and place. Baba chose the Ratnakara dynasty for this incarnation. A pious person named Venkavadhoot had prophesized to Baba’s grandfather Sri Kondamma Raju, “God Himself is going to incarnate in your family. You will have the good fortune to see this.”
29. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Abheda Shaktya Avataaraaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai whose glory is not different from that of Shirdi Avataar.
Abheda – not different, Shakti – glory, Avataar – incarnation.
Once when Sri Sathya Sai Baba was touring Kerala, Swami pointed out to Dr. Bhagawantam, an old lady standing in a corner of a huge gathering. He mentioned that He had known her ever since her childhood.
Dr, Bhagawantam wondered, “Baba is much younger. That woman is clearly much older. How could it be that her childhood is known to Swami?” Baba promptly clarified that He had known her in His previous incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Other indications of the impending arrival of the Divine Child were that musical instruments in the house played by themselves during the night.
A little later Dr. Bhagawantam approached the old woman and enquired, “Did you ever visit Shirdi?”
She replied, “When I was a little child, my uncle took me to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan. Baba gave me a pendant that I still wear round my neck.” She showed it to Dr. Bhagawantam whose doubts were cleared.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “O Arjuna, you and I have passed through numerous births. I possess the awareness of all those births; but you do not.”
30. Om Sri Sai Shankaraaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who confers happiness and prosperity.
Sham – happiness, Karaa – one who bestows.
Shankar is another name for Lord Shiva. Shiva means ‘auspiciousness’.
Baba brings auspiciousness into the lives of his devotees. He confers happiness and prosperity. He lights the lamp of knowledge and dispels the darkness of ignorance. Baba has given visions of Himself as Lord Shiva in the Virupaksha temple in Hampi as well as in the Shiva temple in Kothanghatta, where His form is visible in the lingam, along with His Shirdi Sai form.
31. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Moortaye Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the incarnation of Lord Shirdi Sai.
Sharada Devi, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, was an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba. Just before Baba passed away he told her, “I will be reborn in Andhra region with the same name of Sai Baba. You will then come to Me, and enjoy My close company.”
Many years later, she met young Sathya who was then 16 years old. He told her that she owed Him Rs. 16. She was amazed as she was meeting Him for the first time. He reminded her that many years earlier, she had collected Rs.40 for sending to Shirdi, but had sent only Rs.24. Baba told her, “I am telling you this merely to prove to you that I am Shirdi Sai Baba.”
She then stayed and served at Prasanthi Nilayam for many years and was lovingly called ‘Pedabottu’ after the big bindi which she used to wear on her forehead.
32. Om Sri Sai Dwaarakaa Maayi Vaasine Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the resident of Dwaarakaa Mayi.
Vaas – residence.
Sri Sathya Sai, in His previous incarnation, lived in a dilapidated mosque called Dwaarakaamaayi in Shirdi. Dwaarakaa means ‘a place whose doors are always open to all.’ Mayi means ‘mother’. Swami’s present abode Prasanthi Nilayam also welcomes all, irrespective of their caste, creed or nationality.
Baba regularly materializes Vibhuti or Sacred Ash by a wave of the hand and gives it to devotees as a token of His blessings. It is preserved carefully and is an armour against all dangers, illnesses and negative influences.
you do not.”
33. Om Sri Sai Chitraavati Tata Puttaparthi Vihaarine Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who sports (His Leelaas) in Puttaparthi on the banks of the river Chitravati.
Saadhu – good and virtuous, Jana – persons, Poshana – to foster, guard.
Baba looks after the welfare of the good. One morning in Bangkok, during the Second World War, Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai’s mother heard a knock on the door. When she opened it, she saw a person dressed in an orange robe. He gave her a packet of ‘fine powder which looked like white sand’ and instructed her to sprinkle it all over the house. He spoke to her in her own language and assured her that it would protect the house from getting bombed. The lady did as she was told.
Soon after, there was heavy bombardment of the area. All the buildings around the house were destroyed, but this house remained untouched.
Many years later, Swami revealed to Dr. Jumsai that it was He who had given to his mother a packet of Vibhuti for their protection.
34. Om Sri Sai Shakti Pradaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who bestows strength.
Shakti – strength, Pradaaya – giver of, bestower.
Swami bestows strength and vitality on His devotees.
One of the students had a knee operation. Two weeks later, Swami saw him limping along with the help of crutches. Swami called him and asked him how he was feeling. The boy confided that he was too afraid to put his foot on the floor without support. Swami asked the boy to get up and He asked him to slowly place his foot on the floor. Swami held his hand and made him walk a couple of steps. Then He made him walk forward unaided. “See, you can do it Bangaroo!” He said tenderly.
He materialized a ring for him and said that he would walk normally from then on. Later that year, the boy successfully participated in the 1500 metres race. His face glowed as he said, “This I dedicate to my beloved Sai Maa.”
35. Om Sri Sai Sharanaagata Traanaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who saves the one who seeks refuge in Him.
Sharanaagata – one who seeks refuge, Traana – saves.
God always protects those who surrender to Him with a sincere heart.
The American millionaire, Mr. John Sinclair, says that he was flying his own helicopter to a place where he had a business meeting. He had an A class Pilot’s licence. On the way, the engine of the helicopter failed.
He says, “I lost control of the craft. I knew my death was certain. I pulled out Swami’s photo from my pocket and looked at it. The next moment, I found Swami right there in the helicopter. He piloted it skillfully and landed it safely on the flank of a hill. He opened the side door, pulled me out carefully, pushed the helicopter away and disappeared!”
Baba has said, “I shall bear all your burdens. When you have boarded the train, why carry the box on your head? Leave everything to Me.”
36. Om Sri Sai Aanandaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is always Blissful.
Aananda – bliss.
Baba is always calm and serene. He is untouched by anxiety and grief as He is All knowing and All powerful.
He says, “Sai is ever full of joy. Anxiety, grief and unrest cannot approach Sai. I am Anandaswaroopa, My nature is Ananda, Ananda is My sign and My signature.”
Even as a child, little Sathya was always calm, When His parents bought different types of cloth for all the children of the family, and asked them to select the material of their choice to give for tailoring their clothes, Sathya would never ask for anything. He was content with whatever was left over after all the others had taken their pickup.
37. Om Sri Sai Aananda daaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who confers bliss.
Ananda – Bliss, joy, daaya – giver
We get immense joy when we see Him, hear Him and witness His Leelas (wondrous miracles). Even hearing about them or reading about them confers unalloyed joy. A single glance from Baba is enough to fill our hearts with bliss.
In Prasanthi Nilayam, when one is waiting for Swami to come, one can see the faces all around, some unhappy, some careworn, some shining with devotion. The moment Baba appears, a miracle happens. As they gaze on Him in silent adoration, all traces of worry and sorrow vanish and only Pure Love and Joy shine on their faces.
He invites all to pour their grief, pain, and distress at His feet and take from Him the Ananda that He so happily grants.
38. Om Sri Aarta Traana Paraayanaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who saves those who call on Him to alleviate their distress.
Aarta – distress, Traana – rescues, saves, Paraayana – engaged in.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba responds immediately to those who call out to Him in distress.
Al Drucker was an aerospace engineer in the missile centre of the U.S. Department of Defence. Some years ago, Al Drucker and a friend boarded a small plane and went on a plane ride. Suddenly they were caught in a powerful storm. Al Drucker struggled to keep the plane steady against the violent storm, His friend lost consciousness. In desperation he began to shout for help into his radio transmitter. There was no response. The tiny aircraft was about to run out of fuel.
Finding himself in a desperate situation, he reached out to God. “Oh God”, he cried, “Save me. I am in your hands. Do with me as you please!”
At that crucial moment, suddenly the wireless sprang to life. A calm voice said, “Don’t panic, I will bring you down safely. Follow the instructions that I give.”
Al Drucker followed the instructions being given by his unknown benefactor. Finally the voice said, “If you proceed straight in the same direction, you will see Reno aerodrome. Begin your descent. I will now take leave of you. Goodbye! Good Luck!”
Exactly twelve minutes later, he cleared the clouds and sighted the aerodrome and reached to safety. His friend recovered as they landed.
The Reno air traffic controller was amazed to see them. “How did you arrive at this late hour? Until a few minutes ago, the airport was in utter chaos. How did you reach here alive? It is unbelievable that you could land safely”.
He told them that a severe snowstorm was gathering strength. So they should refuel their plane and head towards the Mexico border. They followed these instructions. After landing in Mexico they looked around for shelter. They found they were in Indira Devi’s ashram where some people were doing Baba’s Aarati. In a flash, Al Drucker felt there was some connection between this holy man and the voice which had guided him to safety.
Soon after, he travelled to Prasanthi Nilayam. When he saw Baba, he realized that it was Sri Sathya Sai Baba who had saved him through that terrible storm.
39. Om Sri Sai Anaatha Naathaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the guardian of the destitute.
Anaatha – orphan, destitute, Naatha – Guardian.
Sai Baba is the Protector of the helpless.
A lady who was seriously ill brought her two sons to Swami and said, “Sai Mata, I am entrusting my sons to You.” She then breathed her last. The boys were then brought up by Swami. One of the boys in a public speech addressed Swami as “My Mother Sai”, and said, “I lost a single mother but I have gained the love of a thousand mothers.”
Baba is the Naatha (guardian) of those in distress. He says that no one should be referred to as Anaatha (destitute) because all beings are His children and He is the Guardian of all.
40. Om Sri Sai Asahaaya Sahaayaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the helper of the helpless.
Asahaaya – helpless , Sahaaya – helper.
One is never alone. Baba is ever present with all. He says He is above us, below us, in front of us and behind us.
In war torn Bosnia, a Sai devotee had gone to distribute bread and biscuit packets to the refugees. She also gave them a photo of Swami and a packet of vibhuti each. While eating, the refugees were looking at Swami’s photograph and telling each other, “This man (in the picture) has been giving us bread and biscuits every day. But today apparently He gave them to her and asked her to distribute them.”
The Omnipresent Swami had already been taking care of these refugees. He is always there to provide relief to those who need it, no matter how far away they may be.
41. Om Sri Sai Loka Baandhavaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the kith and kin of the whole world.
Loka – world, Baandhava – relative and friend.
Once a devotee who had been called for an interview told Swami, “Swami I have been waiting for you for the last three weeks.” Swami replied affectionately, “My dear one, do you know for how many years I have been waiting for you?” The man was stunned at the thought that Swami had actually been waiting for him. He was overwhelmed and started weeping.
Swami says, “Whenever you come to Me, my dear children, you will find me awaiting your arrival. It does not matter when you will be able to come. Take your time. I will always be waiting for you.” The Loving Mother Sai awaits us all.
42. Om Sri Sai Loka Rakshaa Paraayanaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is always engaged in protecting the whole world.
Loka – world, Rakshaa – protection, Paraayana – engaged in.
Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai of Bangkok describes how thieves broke into his Bangkok factory one night and Swami entered the guard room which had been bolted from inside and woke up the guard. He spoke to him in the Thai language, and alerted him to do his duty. The guard could not understand how this person had entered the room which had been bolted from inside. The same thing happened on the next day as well.
On the third day, Dr. Art Ong arrived and while telling him the story, the guard noticed Swami’s photograph in his room and told him it was this person who had entered the guard room and alerted him. Thus Swami saved His devotee’s factory.
There are innumerable examples where Swami has saved the lives and property of the people who sincerely call upon God.
Kumar stayed in Coorg, in a dilapidated building. One stormy night, heavy rains lashed the town. Kumar lit an agarbati in front of Swami’s picture, sang a few bhajans and then fell asleep. Suddenly he heard a voice telling him, “Kumar, run!” He immediately opened the door and ran out in the dark. As he reached the road, he heard a loud noise. He turned around to see that his building had collapsed. Next morning, he found amidst the ruins, only one undamaged item: the picture of Baba framed in glass!
43. Om Sri Sai Loka Naathaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the Lord of the whole world.
Loka – world, Naatha – Lord of.
Once Swami showed some devotees His palm and asked them what was in it. Some one replied that there was nothing there. Then Swami said calmly, “This empty hand holds everything.”
He closed His hand and opened it a moment later. There was now a locust there and also a leaf which the locust was eating. He again closed His fist and when He opened it there was nothing.
Through this incident, Swami revealed that Creation, Sustenance and Dissolution are all in His control.
44. Om Sri Sai Dheena Jana Poshanaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who nourishes and sustains the poor and the destitute.
Dheena – poor, miserable, Jana – people, Poshana – nourish, sustain.
Even as a child, Sathya’s heart would melt at human suffering. Whenever a beggar appeared at the door, Sathya would stop His play and rush in, to cajole His mother and sisters to give the beggar some food. He would even give him His own portion of the food and then stay away from His meal Himself. He said, “I only gave the beggar My share. When his hunger was appeased, Mine was satisfied too.”
He used to give away His own clothes also to the poor and needy, although His own family was not very well off.
Today, under His guidance, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation reaches out to the poor and needy. Narayana Seva is done regularly at Puttaparthi and all over the world. Free medical help and education is also given.
45. Om Sri Sai Moorti Traya Swaroopaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the incarnation of the Holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Moorti – image, Traaya – three, Swaroopa – form
The three forms which represent Baba’s reality are Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer).
Once a student took a photograph of Baba with his Polaroid camera. When it was developed, he was astounded to see that it was not Swami in the picture, but the form of Lord Dattatraya with three heads of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Swami revealed that He is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer of the Universe.
46. Om Sri Sai Mukti Pradaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai, who confers liberation.
Mukti – Freedom, liberation, Pradaaya – giver.
Mukti in the spiritual context refers to liberation from rebirth – the final goal of human life.
Swami says, “You ask Me for trash and tinsel, for little cures and gains. Very few desire to get from Me the thing I have come to give: liberation itself.”
Karanam Subamma was a blessed lady who succeeded in achieving the goal. She looked after Swami when He was a child. She cooked meals and served the devotees who came to see Swami. When she grew old, she asked Swami to fulfill her one desire – in her last moments, she wanted Swami to give her darshan and to put the holy water of the River Ganga into her mouth. Swami promised her He would do so. Sometime later she fell ill and passed away. Swami was in Tirupati at that time. Everyone thought Swami had forgotten His promise to her.
He arrived several hours later and called out to her, “Subamma, Subamma.” To the amazement of everyone around, Subamma opened her eyes. Swami gently touched her lips with His finger and the cool waters of the Holy Ganga flowed out of His fingers into her mouth. She drank the water. Her face shone with joy and she closed her eyes for the last time. She had joined the ranks of the released.
47. Om Sri Sai Kalusha Vidooraaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who removes our faults and blemishes.
Kalusha – weakness, fault, Vidoor – far from.
Swami removes the blemishes and faults of spiritual aspirants.
There are many changes in the life pattern of devotees who have come under the divine and benign influence of Bhagawan. They try and follow Baba’s teachings and become calmer, compassionate and understanding. This transformation is the continuing miracle which Bhagawan performs every moment.
48. Om Sri Sai Karunaa Karaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is compassionate.
Karunaa – Kindness, Mercy, Kara – one who does.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was once travelling by car from Bangalore to Puttaparthi. One of His students was driving the car. The ground was stony and rough, the terrain was hilly. The student driver saw a cobra crossing the path, but did not brake as he thought it would disturb Swami, who appeared to be sleeping. He continued to move forward and in so doing he ran over the cobra.
After arriving at Prasanthi Nilayam, the student alighted from the driver’s seat and ran and opened the rear door for Swami. Swami got down and proceeded towards the verandah of His residence. The student was intrigued to find a wide smear of mud, like a broad strip, on the back of Swami’s robe. He said, “Swami your garments are soiled at the back.” Swami replied, “A little while ago, I had to go below the car’s tyre in order to save the poor cobra!”
Swami’s love and compassion encompasses not only human beings, but all living creatures.
49. Om Sri Sai Sarva Aadhaaraaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai, who is the support of all.
Sarva – All, Aadhaara – Support
He is the provider and protector of all.
In Kodai one day the boys were seated in the Hall waiting for Swami to join them for breakfast. Swami suddenly came out of the kitchen. He was holding a glass and spoon. He said, “One boy is sick. I have prepared this porridge and I am going to serve him in his room. I will join you later.”
He looks after our every need, big and small.
50. Om Sri Sai Sarva Hridaya Vaasine Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai, who resides in the heart of everyone.
Hridaya – heart, Vaasi – dweller.
Baba says, “I am the Inner Reality of all. Therefore when you love another, you love Me and when you hurt another, you hurt Me.”
Baba had installed an image of Shirdi Sai Baba in the new temple in Repalle village in Guntur district. He told the people there, “Having installed Sai in your village, install Him in your hearts, on the altar of Prema, for Sai is Premaswarupa. Sai is not a temple dweller. He dwells only in hearts.”
Swami says, “The entire kingdom, every square inch, belongs to the monarch who rules over it. But when he is inclined to recline, he does not sit on the first spot that he sees, does he? He selects a spot which is clean and free from thorns, which is level and soft. So too, although all hearts are His, (sarva hridaya vaasine), He manifests Himself only in those hearts which are pure.”
51. Om Sri Sai Punya Phala Pradaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai, who is the bestower of fruits of merit.
Punya – meritorious acts, Phala – fruits, Pradaaya – bestows.
Every action has its consequences. Our bad actions have painful consequences, but our good actions are rewarded by the Lord.
Swami Amritananda, disciple of the celebrated Saint Sri Ramana Maharshi, travelled from Arunachalam to Puttaparthi for Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai’s darshan. Swami granted him an interview. During conversation with the 85 year old Amritananda, Swami told him, “In your seventh year you perform Ganapathi Homam continuously for forty-five days, reciting the sacred Ganapati Mantra, thousand times every day. The scriptures say that the fruit of this Sadhana is the darshan of Lord Maha Ganapati. It is only because of this that you have come in My Presence. You shall now receive the benefit of that Homam.”
Swami Amritananda was asked to look towards Swami and as he did so, he saw in the place of Bhagawan, Maha Ganapati’s glorious golden coloured form.
52. Om Sri Sai Sarva Paapa Kshaya Karaaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who is the destroyer of all sins.
Sarva – all, Paapa – sins, Kshaya – destroy.
Swami has said that God’s compassion can alleviate the effect of our karmas.
He says, “Repentance and the resolution to desist from it in the future, with prayers to the Lord to endow the needed strength of mind, will help the process of cleansing.”
In the early days in Puttaparthi, a woman who wanted to harm Baba offered Him poisoned vadas (fried snack). Baba ate them with apparent relish, even though He knew they were poisoned. Later the woman followed Him to see the effects of the poison. She saw Him vomit out the whole vadas as they had been served to Him. On seeing this, the woman realized His Divinity. She fell at His feet and begged for forgiveness. The compassionate Swami forgave her.
53. Om Sri Sai Sarva Roga Nivaarine Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who removes all the diseases.
Sarva – all, Roga – diseases, illnesses, Nivaar– removes.
An advocate whose throat was afflicted with cancer was advised by doctors to undergo surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy. He came to Prasanthi to obtain Swami’s permission before commencement of the treatment.
When he arrived, Bhagawan invited him into the interview room. After the interview, Baba materialized and poured a large quantity of Vibhuti into his hands and affectionately told him to finish it. After the interview, he went into the canteen for a cup of coffee. He saw some pakoras (fried savoury) and ordered a plateful. To his surprise, he managed to eat it without experiencing any problem. He felt inside his mouth at the cancer affected spot and felt no pain. He realized that he had been cured by Swami’s grace.
Later he became the translator of the magazine Sanathana Sarathi into the Sindhi language.
There is no disease that Baba cannot cure.
54. Om Sri Sai Sarva Baadha Haraaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Sai who takes away all the suffering.
Baadha – suffering, hara – to remove.
Ruth had health problems and sometimes had bouts of extreme pain. She used to attend Sai bhajans in the U.S.A. One evening she suffered a terrible bout of pain. In her agony, she shouted, “Is there someone to help me? Why am I suffering like this? What shall I do? Please help!” Suddenly she felt a gentle touch on her arm. She turned and saw Baba beside her bed. “Don’t shout so,” He said. “I am always here.” Then He disappeared as suddenly as He had appeared. The pain had disappeared too.
Swami says, “There is only one God and He is Omnipresent. Call – He answers, He manifests, He blesses.”
[Source: Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Part II – Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, Maharashtra]