Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Sri Sathya Sai Organization (SSSO) - Part-II – Emphasis on “No Connection between SSSO and Money”

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation was founded in the 1960s by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to enable its members to undertake service activities as a means to spiritual advancement. The Sathya Sai Organisation derives inspiration, guidance and strength from Bhagawan Baba’s mission and message of propagating the truth of man’s inherent divinity, which is proclaimed and preached by all religions of the world. In consonance with this truth, the Organisation has as its main objective selfless love and service without any distinction of religion, nationality, race, socio-economic status, either for those who work in the Organisation or for those who are served by them. Thus, it transcends all barriers, leading humanity towards the ideal of ‘Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man’. In fact, this spiritual basis enables everyone in the Organisation to pursue his own religion better by putting its teachings into practice by way of love and service to the God who dwells in all hearts (Source)

Bhagawan’s Divine Sankalpa (Will) to create this edifice of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization for the emancipation of humanity, is like a potent seed sown in the 1960s which has now spread out with innumerable branches across the globe. To comprehend the power and determination behind this Divine Sankalpa is mind boggling. However, it is very important for us to understand and recognize how Bhagawan Baba, notwithstanding all the Divine Powers at His command, in a very human way, through a very natural process, built this edifice brick by brick, laying out its blueprint in all its enormity, phase by phase. He communicated its vision, mission, and modus operandi in every possible detail to all the stakeholders. Studying the “construction” of this Divine Organization and appreciating its “architecture”, in the backdrop of its Divine Creator, is a matter of great thrill and joy, a source of profound wisdom and message and a matter of immense fulfilment and satisfaction. This will be the focus of this posting. Needless to say, what will be covered is just a drop in the ocean, for there is so much that Bhagawan Baba has said and done, and only part of which is documented and even less is available as audio files in His Voice. Therefore, what is included here is just a part of what is available to us, audible in His own Voice.

This posting on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Sri Sathya Sai Organization (SSSO) will be covered in the following seven parts:

Part	Theme
Part-I	Genesis and Management Model
Part-II	Emphasis on “No connection between SSSO and Money”
Part-III	Discipline – The undercurrent of all activities in SSSO
Part-IV	Love-Service-Sacrifice – The Three Pillars of the SSSO
Part-V	Expected Profile of SSSO Members
Part-VI	Ten Directives for SSSO Members
Part-VII	Concept of Ceiling on Desires

Part-II emphasizes the total delink between money and the SSSO that Bhagawan always stressed upon. Selfless and noble work will draw the required finances towards itself automatically – is Bhagawan’s dictum. He never wants any office bearer or any member of the SSSO to beg for money. Bhagawan came down heavily on several occasions and reprimanded those who had stretched out their hands for money. Bhagawan’s wish is that the SSSO is a spiritual organization, meant for bringing people closer to God through love, service and sacrifice, and should always remain as such. He cautions against any move that would give the SSSO the stamp of a commercial organization. The nine audio extracts in this posting are taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan in the years 1975, 1980, 1985, and 1999. 

In Clip-1, Bhagawan refers to the members of the SSSO as the spinal column of the Organization. Clip-2 talks about service being the prime motto of the SSSO. Bhagawan points out that any connection with money will spoil the very image of the SSSO. In Clip-3, Bhagawan states that what He wishes is the wealth of virtues and not this miserable wealth. He proclaims that even if there are 10 associations that relate to the Sai ideals, they are enough. In Clip-4 Bhagawan explains that not even a single paisa from the Trust is ever used for any celebration. Thousands of Seva Dals and thousands of volunteers offer their services absolutely free, out of love for Bhagawan. Clip-5 further elaborates on this point and Bhagawan advises everybody to learn how to celebrate programmes by taking Swami as an example. In Clip-6 Bhagawan dissuades the members of the SSSO from collecting any money. If anyone wishes to contribute, Bhagawan advises her/him to directly deposit into the bank account but never to give money to any individual in person. In Clip-7 Bhagawan declares, “...never stretch your hand before anyone. If you have any necessity, come to Me, I will give you”. He also lists the six qualities of a true devotee. Clip-8 is about one of those instances where Bhagawan comes down heavily on those who have collected money for the Trust. He gives them back the money asking them to use it for the welfare of the people in their respective districts. Finally, in Clip-9, Bhagawan says that the only connection that the members of the SSSO must have is heart to heart and love to love. The SSSO must nevre become a commercial organization.

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan's Message from these extracts.  

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

01-SSSO Members are like the Spinal Column of the Organization-Have no connection with Money-Only Love-1.09-1985 November 21 Evening

Members of SSSO are like its Spinal Column

Members of the Sathya Sai Organization are like the spinal column of the body. If the office bearers do not conduct themselves along the right path, the very spinal column of the organization will get broken. Therefore do not lead the organization along the wrong path. Get a good name by leading the Sathya Sai Organization, which is an ideal for all other organizations; along the Divine, holy, and ultimate path. There can be no connection between money and the Sathya Sai Organization. Any organization having link with money cannot be Sathya Sai Organization at all. Love for love and heart for heart alone can bring about proximity and bonding. 

02-Sai Expectations from SSSO-There should never be any connection between SSSO and Money-1.36-1985 November 21 Evening

No connection between SSSO and Money

You all must live in unity, manifest your Divinity, promote the same, and determine to uphold the culture of ancient traditions of Bharath. You must develop the broad mindedness that service to man is service to God. Discard the narrow feelings of me and mine. The problems of the world today can be solved only through Love. Because of lack of love, humans are behaving worse than the cruel animals in the forest. Therefore, promoting the feeling of love and getting rid of the narrow minded feelings, you must engage in service to society with a Divine broad (generous) heart.

It is not only today but at any time there must be no connection between Sathya Sai Organization and money. This is My wish. Such a connection is a very dangerous one. Not only that, the very name (image) of the organization will be spoilt by this.     

03-Sai wishes the Wealth of Gunas (Virtues) and not Money-2.20-1975 November 21

Sai wants your Virtues, not Money

What Sai wishes is the wealth of virtues and not this miserable wealth. Even the Sathya Sai Organization will have no necessity of wealth. They are doing Bhajans, Nagar Sankeertan, Social service, Seva in Hospitals. Why do you need money for any of these (activities)? If virtues and according to that, strength is there; if Icchha Shakti (will power or strong wish) and Kriya Shakti (strength or power of action) is there; then there need not be any relationship between these noble activities and money. It is not that there are no associations (among SSSO), which proclaim that money is required for carrying out such noble activities. Such associations are actually bringing disrepute to the Sathya Sai Organization. Even if there are 10 associations that relate to the Sai ideals, they are enough. Why these 100 and 1000s of associations? We do not need them. One teaspoon full of cow’s milk is enough, why barrels and barrels of donkey’s milk?

04-Maya is very powerful and it deludes even devotees-Corpus Fund for Health and Education Trust-No link between Sathya Sai and Money-4.55-1975 November 21

Maya is very powerful.
It can delude anybody

Embodiments of Divine Atma, even as we get onto the path of spirituality in different ways, perform various sacred activities and undertake service to society; Maya (delusion) which is very powerful, engulfs man and makes him take onto many wrong paths. Death is sweeter than the blindness of ignorance. The engulfing Maya is so powerful that it can delude any type of person within a few seconds.

There are very few who have understood the principle of Sathya Sai. If one has truly understood the principle and truth of Sathya Sai, then there would be no room for any doubt. One small example to illustrate this: In the last three months the Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust has created a corpus fund. Several doubts have been raised regarding this, different meanings have been attributed based on different perceptions, and these have led to many different interpretations and misinterpretations by several people.

To understand the truth in this matter, it is very essential for Me to speak in this public gathering and therefore I am making this point. There is no connection between money and Sathya Sai. Not only today, but even in the past, there has been no relation between money and Sathya Sai. Sathya Sai will never desire for this mean money. There has been a lot of negative propaganda that a lot of money has been collected for the celebration of the 50^th Birthday of Sathya Sai. What is the connection between Sathya Sai’s 50^th Birthday and money? There is no connection between money and the Central Trust or between money and Sathya Sai. Thousands of Seva Dals and thousands of volunteers have come and are carrying out their respective tasks, are keeping their respective places clean, and are participating in the multifarious activities of the Ashram, offering their services and noble qualities and thus maintaining this beautiful and sacred Mandir (temple). It is not possible to use even one naya paisa (from the fund collection) for the birthday celebration of Sathya Sai.         

05-Never ask-beg-collect money for any activities of SSSO-No money collected for Swami's Birthday-3.38-1980 November 21

Never beg or ask for money

One more point. Even for small trivial matters and for small trivial programmes, money is being collected. There are many rich people, many able bodied people. Even if 1 or 2 of them get together, so much work can be accomplished. Our Organization should never get into the act of going unnecessarily from house to house and begging for money. Here is a small example.

A magnanimous gathering is happening in Puttaparthi. The World Conference is taking place in Prasanthi Nilayam. Looking at such a large congregation, those who do not know, may feel that so much money may have been collected, so many committees may have been constituted, so many (bill) books may have been printed, so many receipts may have been given. (However) Even one naya paisa has not been collected through donation. For this Conference that is full of love, there is no need for any money. There is the Purnachandra Hall that is a permanent one. My students are there to arrange the mikes and make other arrangements. My teachers and other devotees have assembled here to organize other programmes. This has nothing to do with money.

Because they happen without the need for any money, all our conferences go on victoriously. If any relationship or connection with money comes in, then one will be in East and the other in West. Several divisions will appear. Thus, My Life is My Message. The manner in which Swami celebrates programmes in Prasanthi Nilayam, you must follow the same methodology. You eat your food and you stay in your homes. You face so many challenges, difficulties and losses and yet with tolerance you are experiencing this happiness. All this has nothing to do with money. Therefore, we must understand these things.  

In some states, the wrong path of collecting money even for small trivial programmes is being adopted. Embodiments of love, even if the office bearers go astray on the wrong path, the others should never accept to go along this path of begging. 

06-SSSO Members must never collect money-If you wish deposit your money directly into the Bank Account-2.25-1975 November 21

Never give cash to anyone,
Deposit directly into the account of the Trust, if you wish to

I am wishing that none of you (members of SSSO) take the Sathya Sai Organization on the path of collecting money. Rather, you should perform the Sadhana of taking the Organization along the path of developing virtues and present the model of an ideal life to the world. Those who are interested and enthusiastic and have the ability to give may contribute anything to the Health and Education Trust. Sai has no objection to that. Here also, there is a simple solution. Do not give any money into anyone’s hands. Those of you who are enthusiastic may directly go to a known bank and deposit the money in the account according to your ability and take the receipt. But do not give money directly into the hands of any individual. If you do so, you will be responsible in making the sacred name of Sathya Sai unsacred.

In our life, we amass money through many improper means. It is necessary to bring fulfilment to such money by using it in sacred activities. That is why our ancient Bharathiyas have advocated Dharma and Charity.    

07-SSSO should progress further with the Spirit of Sacrifice-Never beg from anybody-If you need anything come to Me-1.58-1999 March 18.wav

If you need anything, come to Me
I will give!

Swami has no desire for anything. The Sathya Sai Organization must progress further through the quality of sacrifice. Then alone will the nation of Bharath be restored to its glorious ancient culture. This is not that far. Very soon there will be a resurgence of our ancient culture. Therefore, all members of the Sathya Sai Organization must develop sacred feelings, nurture sacred thoughts and perform all actions with noble thoughts. Then there is bound to be victory. Therefore what we need to do is this: never stretch your hand before anyone. If you have any necessity, come to Me, I will give you. Why do you stretch your hand like this?  In fact members of the organization that stretches its hand like this are not devotees at all. They all will become “beggars”. But we must become “biggers’. We must set an example by living an ideal life. We must engage in activities that are selfless.  We should help the poor, we must respect the forlorn. Only when we undertake service activities like this, we can be called devotees.

I have told a number of times. What are the qualities of a true devotee? Only the one’s who have the qualities of Sadgunambulu (good qualities or virtues), Sadbuddhi (good mind), Satyanirati (adherence to truth), Bhakti (devotion), Kramashiksha (discipline), and Kartavyapalana (performance of one’s duty); are true devotees. We must participate in service activities.

08-Take back all your Money-Sai wants only your Pure Love-That too for Global Welfare-2.55-1985 November 21 Evening.wav

Take back all your money
I only want your pure Love!

Since today the office bearers (of SSSO) of all the States of India are here, whatever money has been extracted from different states, whatever wealth has been got by begging from different districts; I am returning all that money of 60 lakhs got from begging, back to you. You only make use of this. From whatever district you have collected this money, use it in the same district to help the poor and forlorn people by doing service in the right way. The only thing I seek from you, for which My Hand turns for receiving (palm upwards), is your pure, serene and selfless Love. For no other thing will My Hand ever turn to receive. For everything else, My Hand will always turn to give (palm downwards). Therefore, recognize the truth that in the name of Sathya Sai (Organization) if any money is collected, it can never be connected to Sathya Sai. You must also act accordingly. I do not desire for this, I have never desired for this and I will never desire for this (wealth or money). What I seek is sacred feelings alone. Even these sacred feelings are not for My sake. They are for the welfare of the world. For the welfare of the world, the members of the Sathya Sai Organization must develop a sacred heart, enter into this world, clean the dirt that has accumulated and promote a Divine environment. Our work is Seva, Seva, Seva. This must be our primary aim.

09-SSSO should never become like a Commercial Organization-Our Business must be Love to Love-Heart to Heart-1.32-1985 November 17.wav

Our business is Love to Love, Heart to Heart

Today even spiritual organizations are becoming commercial establishments. But Sathya Sai Organization must not become a commercial establishment. What sort of business must be there? Heart to Heart and Love to Love. We must get into the business of giving and receiving. Herein, there cannot be a relationship with any object or with money or with anything else. An Organization that develops a relationship with (material) objects and with money can never make any progress. Therefore we must aspire for union of heart with the heart that is truly close to the Divine. We must connect Love with Love. We must join our hands and do service. In this manner we can experience the Viswa Viraata Swarupa (Cosmic Form).

A Short Quiz

01-What according to Bhagawan is the duty of the members of the SSSO, whom He refers to as the spinal column of the Organization?

02-What according to Bhagawan, would happen if there were a connection between the SSSO and money?

03-What are the activities of the SSSO with reference to which Bhagawan says that the Organization would not require any money?

04-What are the salient features of the programmes organized by Bhagawan in Parasanthi Nilayam, which He says must be emulated by all?

05-What is the ideal way suggested by Bhagawan, in which enthusiastic donors can contribute to the Trust, if they so desire?

06-What does Bhagawan mean when He says that we must aspire to be “Biggers” and not “Beggars”?

07- What are the six qualities of a true devotee according to Bhagawan?

08-What else does Bhagawan seek, when He says that He does not seek money?

09-What is the type of “special business” that Bhagawan advises us to conduct in the SSSO, instead of money or wealth related business?

Part-II of this posting would have made you aware of the total detachment from wealth and materialistic pursuits that Bhagawan demonstrates in His life. His Mission is very focused and as presented above, He reiterates again and again the fundamental objectives of setting up the SSSO, which is purely spiritual in nature. In Part-III of this posting, Bhagawan Baba focuses on the aspect of discipline that must be the undercurrent of any spiritual organization. He clearly lays down the details of the code of behaviour and conduct that He expects from the members and office bearers of the SSSO. Please click on this link to read Part-III....
http://hismessagehisvoice.blogspot.in/2012/09/bhagawan-sri-sathya-sai-baba-and-sri_6.html

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Sri Sathya Sai Organization (SSSO) - Part-III – Discipline – The undercurrent of all activities in SSSO

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation was founded in the 1960s by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to enable its members to undertake service activities as a means to spiritual advancement. The Sathya Sai Organisation derives inspiration, guidance and strength from Bhagawan Baba’s mission and message of propagating the truth of man’s inherent divinity, which is proclaimed and preached by all religions of the world. In consonance with this truth, the Organisation has as its main objective selfless love and service without any distinction of religion, nationality, race, socio-economic status, either for those who work in the Organisation or for those who are served by them. Thus, it transcends all barriers, leading humanity towards the ideal of ‘Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man’. In fact, this spiritual basis enables everyone in the Organisation to pursue his own religion better by putting its teachings into practice by way of love and service to the God who dwells in all hearts (Source)

Bhagawan’s Divine Sankalpa (Will) to create this edifice of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization for the emancipation of humanity, is like a potent seed sown in the 1960s which has now spread out with innumerable branches across the globe. To comprehend the power and determination behind this Divine Sankalpa is mind boggling. However, it is very important for us to understand and recognize how Bhagawan Baba, notwithstanding all the Divine Powers at His command, in a very human way, through a very natural process, built this edifice brick by brick, laying out its blueprint in all its enormity, phase by phase. He communicated its vision, mission, and modus operandi in every possible detail to all the stakeholders. Studying the “construction” of this Divine Organization and appreciating its “architecture”, in the backdrop of its Divine Creator, is a matter of great thrill and joy, a source of profound wisdom and message and a matter of immense fulfilment and satisfaction. This will be the focus of this posting. Needless to say, what will be covered is just a drop in the ocean, for there is so much that Bhagawan Baba has said and done, and only part of which is documented and even less is available as audio files in His Voice. Therefore, what is included here is just a part of what is available to us, audible in His own Voice.

This posting on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Sri Sathya Sai Organization (SSSO) will be covered in the following seven parts:

Part	Theme
Part-I	Genesis and Management Model
Part-II	Emphasis on “No connection between SSSO and Money”
Part-III	Discipline – The undercurrent of all activities in SSSO
Part-IV	Love-Service-Sacrifice – The Three Pillars of the SSSO
Part-V	Expected Profile of SSSO Members
Part-VI	Ten Directives for SSSO Members
Part-VII	Concept of Ceiling on Desires

Part-III focuses on the need for discipline in all activities of the SSSO. Bhagawan gives the example of the sapling and the fence to illustrate the need for discipline on the spiritual path. He emphasizes the need for a uniform code of conduct for all members of the SSSO. Bhagawan touches upon few aspects where He has observed the violation of such discipline and cautions the concerned members to rectify the same. The four audio extracts in this posting are taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan in the years 1975 and 1980. 

In Clip-1, Bhagawan explains the significance of following discipline on the spiritual path. He says that until one becomes a Sarva Sangha Parityagi, one needs to follow discipline, just as a small sapling needs a fencing for protection, until it becomes a big tree. Clip-2 stresses on the need for a uniform code of discipline for members of the SSSO across all nations. Clip-3 and Clip-4 specifically focus on one aspect of discipline, which is about ladies and gents being seated separately during Bhajans, meetings and conferences. Bhagawan comes down heavily on this issue and makes His stance very clear - Either follow the discipline or do not be part of the Organization.

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan's Message from these extracts.  

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

01-Need for regulations in the SSSO-Example of the Sapling and the Fence-1.50-1980 November 21

To protect a sapling, we need a fence

Today, we have decided to accept certain regulations and discipline for the Sathya Sai Organization. Why do we need all such controls and regulations? Many enquire whether such regulations are necessary even on the spiritual path. A small example to illustrate this point: A plant would not grow just by watering it. It is necessary to protect it by building a fence around it, thus preventing any damage to it by animals. Once the plant becomes a tree, we would not need any fence. In the same way, we have planted the sapling of our spirituality in us. There are so many forces in this world which try to attack it. In order to protect (this sapling), we will have to have some regulations in the form of a fence. When it grows fully and bears fruits, we would not need any of these regulations. By that time you would be a total Sarva Sangha Parityagi (total renunciant). But before becoming a Sarva Sangha Parityagi, if you do not practice this discipline, you will make no progress.

02-In SSSO all are brothers-Need for Standardization of Code of Conduct across countries-1.12-1980 November 21

All are Brothers and Sisters

Here, we consider all as brothers and sisters. In the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, we are practising with faith, specifically, the discipline of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God. Therefore, be it America or Germany or Japan or Russia, he remains your brother only. But in the name of brother, brother (brotherhood), we cannot have a separate rule for America, a separate rule for Japan and a separate rule for Russia. All Sai brothers (members of the Sai Organization) must follow the same path.

03-Code of Conduct for SSSO-Ladies and Gents to be seated separately-3.31-1975 November 21

Ladies and Gents
must be seated separately

A small example to illustrate the point: In Bharath, in sacred Prasanthi Nilayam, men and women are seated separately; and in such conferences, each one goes about doing her/his own work and discharging her/his own duty. This is the tradition in the Sai organizations. In the same way, so many of you have come from America, South Africa, Germany, Italy, etc. This same discipline has to be observed even in your own respective countries.

However, this is not happening in many countries. Men and women are mixing with each other; they are behaving in an indecent manner, getting up (and moving out) in the midst (of meetings), entering in the midst (of meetings) and so on. Such practices can have nothing to do with Sai Organizations. Those using the name of Sathya Sai Organization must primarily follow the ideals of Sathya Sai. Those who feel that in their nations, they cannot move around without men and women mixing, they need not follow the ideals of Sai Organizations and we too do not need such Centres.

Rather than sitting with purity and peace and thinking about God for some time - at least for some 10 minutes, without any connection to the sense organs; those who wish to engage in actions that excite their senses have no place in the Sai Organizations. I wish that the Westerners and even the office bearers who have come here (for the Conference), must sincerely put in an effort to practice this discipline from tomorrow itself. 

04-No mixing of men and women in SSSO-Control of mind is necessary-1.24-1980 November 21

Control of Mind is necessary

Some Westerners argue “We men and women sit together (in a mixed manner and not separately) and sing Bhajans; it is not possible for us, men and women to sit separately; this is our tradition; this has been our culture right from the beginning”. But this culture has to be changed. Only when it is changed, you will become devotees. If you keep saying, it is our culture, our culture, then you will never become devotees any day. Be it Westerners or the Bharatiyas, we have to sacrifice some of our past practices and unnecessary traditions. This is the spiritual path. Chanchalam Hi Manah Krishna Pramaathi Balavad Dridham (Gita 6:34 - O Krishna, this mind is restless, stubborn and strong). The courageous and heroic Arjuna himself says that he cannot control his mind. Therefore, the mind is like a mad monkey. To control this mind we have to practice very rigorously some type of discipline. 

A Short Quiz

01-What according to Bhagawan is the need for discipline in the form of rules and regulations, in a spiritual Organization?

02-What according to Bhagawan, is the reason for ladies and gents to be seated separately in Bhajans and other congregations of the SSSO?

03-What is the meaning of the verse “Chanchalam Hi Manah Krishna Pramaathi Balavad Dridham” from the Gita? In what context does Bhagawan quote this verse?

Part-III of this posting would have given you an understanding of the need for discipline with specific reference to a spiritual Organization like the SSSO. Control of the mind is essentially the prime objective on the spiritual path and discipline is the prerequisite to even start walking along this path. In Part-IV of this posting, Bhagawan Baba focuses on the three pillars of the SSSO – Love, Service and Sacrifice. Kindly click on this link to read Part-IV....
http://hismessagehisvoice.blogspot.in/2012/09/bhagawan-sri-sathya-sai-baba-and-sri_7.html