Thursday, May 5, 2011
A special announcement on tomorrow's Easwaramma Day programme was made this evening at the end of bhajan session.
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On the auspicious occasion of Easwaramma Day, 'Maha Narayana Seva' will be conducted in Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium tomorrow morning. Gates of the stadium will be kept opened from 0700 hrs. till 0930 hrs. during which food and clothes will be distributed as part of the programme. Inmates and visitors of Ashram can partake their food from 1030 hrs. at the South Indian Canteen.
In the evening, a special congregation will be held honouring the occasion wherein elders will share their experiences that will be followed by a Carnatic concert by Malladi Brothers.
Namagiriamma was the actual name of Easwaramma, given by her parents. Since Kondama Raju recognised My Divinity, he told his son, Pedda Venkama Raju, to change her name to Easwaramma because he was very well aware that she was the mother of Easwara Himself. The power of motherhood is indescribable. It is the righteous observances and strict adherence to moral values of the mothers that manifest in their children. They (mothers) may be unlettered. Their greatness does not depend on literacy or book learning. It is the unlettered Easwaramma's virtues that have brought about this greatness of the name and fame of Puttaparthi. It is a matter of regret that Easwaramma is forgotten, while her son is extolled. Without Easwaramma, how could there be such a phenomenal Power? Never neglect your parents. Top  Auspicious marriage of Pedda Venkapa to Easwaramma Once Pedda Venkapa Raju was taken by his parents to a village named Kolimigundla, in the Kurnool District, where they had some lands which had been given on long lease. While enroute, and as they were entering the Parlepalli Forest, some good men warned them to take a strong protective escort, because two days prior a family of six had been murdered in the forest by robbers and assassins. The visit was primarily intended to acquaint Pedda Venkapa with the area and the tenants, but his father had a second aim in mind. He desired to bring his distant relatives, Subba Raju and family, nearer to Puttaparthi where they would be safe from the danger they faced daily as they went to earn their living near the forest. In order to persuade Subba Raju to move to a village on the bank of the river Chitravathi, opposite Puttaparthi, it was necessary for Kondama Raju to offer him a substantial "bribe!" This was nothing less than the "acceptance" of Subba Raju's daughter, Easwaramma, as bride for Kondama Raju's elder son, Pedda Venkapa. Thus came about the auspicious marriage of Pedda Venkapa to Easwaramma. Top In olden days, it was a common practice among the women of Bharat (India) to perform the sacred ritual of Sathyanarayana Vratam, on every full moon day. Likewise, mother Easwaramma used to perform Sathyanarayana Vratam every full moon day in the company of Karanam Subbamma, who was her neighbour. Karanam Subbamma would often tell Easwaramma, "You are performing Sathyanarayana Vratam. With His blessings, you will bear a son. I want you to name him Sathyanarayana." On a particular full moon day, Easwaramma  did not have food untill very late in the afternoon, since she was participating in the Sathyanarayana Vratam being performed in Subbamma's house. The family members, including her husband Pedda Venkama Raju, were very much upset to see her remain without food for such a long time. Pedda Venkama Raju argued that there was no need to observe such severe austerities. But Easwaramma was determined. She told them not to wait for her saying, "I am not at all hungry. Sathyanarayana Vratam is more important for me than food." After the ritual was completed, Subbamma brought prasadam (blessed food) for Easwaramma. Only after partaking of the prasadam did Easwaramma have her food that day. Women in those days used to perform such rituals with all sincerity and devotion. Only after partaking of prasadam could Easwaramma conceive. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the result). Some people have faith in scriptural injunctions and adhere to them with earnestness, whereas some others ignore them. Easwaramma was the one who followed the injunctions strictly. Only after performing the vratam and partaking of the prasadam would she commence her household chores. She was unlettered. But she had unflinching faith in God. Top During the seventh month of her pregnancy, one day Subbamma told her, "Easwaramma, the child in your womb is safe due only to the grace of Lord Sathyanarayana." She extracted a promise from her that the child would be named Sathyanarayana. The mother of Pedda Venkama Raju was also a great devotee of the Lord. She too was of the opinion that the child should be named after Lord Sathyanarayana. Top A pundit once asked our beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba whether His was an Immaculate Conception or a normal birth like any other human birth. Swami then turned to his mother, who was also present, and asked her to comment. Easwaramma explained that she had been told by her mother-in-law not to be frightened if something happened to her through the will of God. Swami’s mother was then quoted as saying, “That morning I was at the well drawing water, a big ball of blue light came rolling towards me and I fainted and fell. I felt it glided into me.” Swami turned to Rama Sarma, the pundit, with a smile and said: “There you have the answer! I was not begotten. It was Pravesa, spiritual birth entrance, not Prasava, biological conception.”  Prior to the birth of the child, a very significant incident took place. Puttaparthi was then a tiny hamlet. In the centre was a well from which people would draw water. One day Easwaramma was fetching water from the well. All of a sudden, she saw a white luminous light, emerging like lightning from the sky, entering her womb. There was a sudden gust of wind. Subbamma, who came out of her house at that time, saw the light entering the womb of Easwaramma. Till this day, I have not revealed this to anyone. I am disclosing this today so that you may understand the significance associated with the advent of the Avatar. A day prior to this, as Pedda Venkama Raju was passing in front of Subbamma's house, she called him inside and told him, "Venkama Raju, tomorrow when the child is born, name him as Sathyanarayana." But he brushed her advice aside saying, it was her foolish imagination. At 3 o'clock in the morning, at an auspicious moment, the child was born. It is natural for any child to cry when it is born. But this child did not cry at all. The midwife and the people in the household were anxious that the child might be stillborn. Easwaramma was also very much worried. Without anybody noticing her, she pinched the child to make it cry. On the contrary, to her utter surprise, the baby started smiling. Everyone was mystified to see the newborn babe smiling. Top Easwaramma, His mother , speaks of another thrilling experience when Baba said, "Listen, Shirdi's Presence is here." She and everyone in the room could hear steps advancing as if made by feet in heavy wooden sandals. The steps ceased when they reached where Baba was sitting! When first the sound was heard, the mother asked with a little anger, "Who comes in with sandals on?" - so real was the sensation, so true was the Vision! Top "0 Maya has come!" One evening while chanting, Baba suddenly said, "0 Maya has come!" ("The illusion is presenting itself.") He pointed out Easwaramma, the mother, who had just arrived in hot haste from Puttaparthi. When the parents pleaded with Him to come home, He retorted, "Who belongs to whom?" The mother wept and prayed but she could not shake the resolve of the boy. He was constantly repeating the statement, "It is all illusion-untrue." At last He asked the mother to serve Him food. When she served some dishes, He mixed them all up and made the whole lot into a few balls. She handed Him three of these. Swallowing them, He said, "Yes, now False Appearance has failed. There is no need to worry," and He re-entered the garden. Top On 6th May when the summer course was progressing ahead full steam, mother Easwaramma cast off her mortal coil at about 8.00 a.m. at Brindavan, in the very presence of her son, the Divine Avatar. She was happy and in good spirits till the last. When I paid my respects to her the previous night, I had found her surrounded by children. She was then narrating stories about Puranic heroes, and the children kept insisting for one more story before they unwillingly crept into bed. From discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB) "The passing away of the Mother did not cause even a flicker in Baba's demeanour. The left half of the mausoleum at Puttaparthi wherein lay the body of the Father, had been demarcated to serve as the tomb for the Mother. So Baba had the sacred body sent with a few volunteers to Puttaparthi, where it was buried that same evening. The sudden death plunged the village in gloom, as residents of Prasanthi Nilayam bewailed the loss of their Prema Matha (loving mother). The women devotees had been orphaned by the death. They led the long line of mourners who were invoking the Lord through Bhajans, to grant them strength to bear the loss. Meanwhile, at Brindavan, every item in the schedule of the camp remained undisturbed. "Duty-Devotion-Discipline," Baba always emphasises. The few who knew what had happened, dared not spread the news without the specific permission of Baba, for whom death was but a curtain drop, a wink in the wakefulness of the eternal, a footstep to be followed by another in the soul's march to its source. Even when the Father passed away at Puttaparthi, the event did not disturb the normal routine at Prasanthi Nilayam. Baba's emphasis on duty and discipline as the two banks of the stream of devotion, was seen in action that day, the sixth of May. On 20th July Baba inaugurated, at Puttaparthi village, the Easwaramma High School, a fitting memorial to the universal affection with which Easwaramma had evoked the goodness dormant in thousands of rural and urban women and children. Baba declared, "This village will certainly be uplifted when more of its children receive higher education. The new teachers who will reside in the village will spread both knowledge and the enthusiasm to earn " SSS1 Top Mother Easwaramma too had such noble desires. As Sai's glory began to spread far and wide, she came to Me one day and said, "Swami, I am pained to see small children of our village walking all the way to Bukkapatnam to attend school. Please construct a small school." Conforming to her wish, I established a small school. After some time, she wanted a small hospital also to be established here. She said she could not bear to see the mothers taking the trouble of carrying their children to Bukkapatnam for medical treatment. Accordingly I got a small hospital built. The small school that I established has become a big university today. The small hospital that I constructed has become a super specialty hospital. These mighty tasks could be accomplished as a result of the Sathya Sankalpa (noble wish) of Mother Easwaramma and Nitya Sankalpa (Divine Will) of Sai. Her last wish was to provide drinking water to the village. She pointed out that the women had to take great pains to draw water from deep wells, which had almost dried up. I immediately provided drinking water to the village. Now under Sri Sathya Sai Water Supply Project, I have provided drinking water to the entire district of Anantapur. Eshwaramma Day Discourse 06 May 2001 Top "That night, mother Easwaramma came to Me with tears in her eyes and said, "Swami, people want to take You here and there for their selfish purposes. If you leave Puttaparthi, I will give up My life. Please promise me that You will remain in Puttaparthi for ever." I gave her My word that I would never leave Puttaparthi. It is for this reason that I have constructed many buildings in the ashram for the comfort and convenience of devotees. "- Sai Baba Top visitations from his departed mother, Easwaramma! In a discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB) He tells at length how they all have visitations from his long dead mother, Easwaramma! Here is the official published text from Sanathana Sarathi, June 1998, p. 142-3:- "Mother Easwaramma's Loving Care "Now it is 30 years since the mother of this body passed away. But she is still continuing to move about in her physical form around Swami. Three boys sleep in Swami's room. They have also witnessed her presence. I am telling this today because the life of ideal mothers has permanent significance. In Prasanthi Nilayam, Swami takes breakfast after Bhajan and proceeds to His place in Poornachandra Auditorium. Early in the morning one day, mother Easwaramma was standing at the door in the usual form. I asked her: Why did you come? She said: Swami i I have come here with a prayer to you. You are omnipresent and omniscient, but you have to control one thing. What is that? Swami asked. She said: 'Devotees and students offer handkerchief to you. But, heeding my prayer, please do not receive handkerchiefs from anybody. The times are not good. The handkerchief may be tainted with poisonous stuff. In the usual course, you use the handkerchief to wipe your nose and mouth only from those on whom you have confidence and trust as good devotees. Do not accept from all and sundry.' Mother's love lives on for all times, long after her passing away. Twice she appeared in the night. The boys sleeping in my room noticed her presence. Those boys had not seen her at anytime. They wondered who the old lady could be. The key of the lift was in their hands and there was no staircase leading to the apartment. How did she manage to come here? When the boys asked this question, Swami woke up. I went near her and asked her why she had come again. She replied, 'I cannot live without seeing you often. The moment I see you I feel happy.' After saying so, she gave me some piece of advice, 'Swami, all persons describe themselves as devotees. But no one can tell who are real devotees and who are fake. Totally dedicated devotees will be ready to carry out anything you ask them to do, but there are others who come for their own self-interest. By coming to you they get their desires fulfilled and forget thereafter. In this matter, you should be very careful.' Swami replied, I shall take due care. There is no need for you to tell me. After hearing this, she laughed and left the room. I am conveying to you this episode as a direct testimony to the greatness of mother's love. She might have given up her physical body, but she is always with Swami. She said, "I have performed many sacrifices for your sake and have done many kinds of Poojas. I realised the proof thereof. For 40 years I was with you. My life has its fulfillment." Sai Baba, SS, 6/98, pp. 142 143 After saying so she gave me some piece of advice, "Swami, all persons describe themselves as devotees and who are fake. Totally dedicated devotees will be ready to carry out anything You ask them to do, but there are others who come for their own self-interest. By coming to You they get their desires fulfilled and forget You thereafter. In this manner, you should be very careful." Swami replied, "I shall take due care. There is no need for you to tell me". After hearing this, she laughed and left the room. I am conveying to you this episode as direct testimony to the greatness of mother's love." On 6th May when the summer course was progressing ahead full steam, mother Easwaramma cast off her mortal coil at about 8.00 a.m. at Brindavan, in the very presence of her son, the Divine Avatar. She was happy and in good spirits till the last. When I paid my respects to her the previous night, I had found her surrounded by children. She was then narrating stories about Puranic heroes, and the children kept insisting for one more story before they unwillingly crept into bed. discourse on May 6, 1998, at Brindavan, Sathya Sai Baba (SSB) Top "Easwaramma had never put Me to trouble any time. Whenever she asked Me for something, she would come back and inquire if she had given any trouble. To all devotees -who came, she used to entreat not to cause any inconvenience to Swami. She used to be very much worried whenever any minister came to have My Darshan. The situation in those days was such that even a policeman with a red cap was enough to frighten the villagers. Easwaramma used to be much afraid of the ministers thinking they might cause some problem to Me. This was only the result of her sacred love for Me. That is the greatness of mother's love. That is why she could lead a life of fulfillment and peace. In order to propagate this sacred ideal, this day is being celebrated as Easwaramma Day. This is to emphasize that each one of you should make your mother happy. When mother is happy, Swami is happy." Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, p. 150 Top "The term 'Stree' should not be treated lightly. The Bhagavad Gita lists seven attributes to the feminine principle: fame, wealth, speech, wisdom, intelligence, fortitude and determination. The Mother Principle, which embodies these seven potencies, is highly sacred. Wherever you turn, you will see manifestation of the feminine principle. When any person goes abroad, the first question that is put is: 'What is your mother-tongue?' No one asks, 'What is father-tongue?' This shows how much importance is attached to the role of mother. The mother fosters the child in the womb and goes through all travails to protect the child. There is no greater love in the world than maternal love. Hence, the ancients accorded the highest honour to the mother and declared, 'Esteem the mother as Divine ('Maatri Devo Bhava') and esteem the father as Divine ('Pitru Devo Bhava'). For every person, the first preceptor is the mother. It is from the mother that a child learns its first word of speech, the first step in movement and many other primary lessons in behaviour. Hence, the mother stands out as the reflected image of nature (Prakriti). Sai Baba, SS, 6/96. pp. 157 158 "From ancient times, it has been the practice in Bharat (India) to revere the mother as God. From the outset, Vedas have declafed: Revere the mother as God, father as God and preceptor as God. For the human body, the mother, father and preceptor are to be deemed as Divine. But, for the pursuit of life, the Divine is the only God." Sai Baba, SS. 6/98, p. 141 "Not only in day-to-day life, but also in the field of spirituality mothers and women are given the highest regard. For example, when we mention the names of Divine couples, such as Sita Rama, Radha Krishna, Lakshmi Narayana, etc., names of goddesses come first. What is the inner significance of this? Mother represents nature, which is the manifest aspect of Divinity." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 141 "It is the mother who teaches you the sacred principles like love, compassion, forbearance, tolerance and sacrifice. Mother shows the father, father takes you to the preceptor and preceptor directs you to God. That is why among mother, father, preceptor and God, mother comes first." Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, pp. 142 143 "Man has to recognise the significance of love and truth, which are fundamental to human existence. The mother represents these two basic qualities." Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141 Top "Motherhood is the most precious gift of God. Mothers are the makers of a nation's future or misfortune. They should teach two lessons, fear of sin and fondness for virtues. Both of these are based on faith in God, being the inner motivator of all. If you want to know how advanced a nation is, study the mothers. Are they free from fear and anxiety? Are they full of love towards all? Are they trained in fortitude and virtue? If you like to imbibe the glory of a culture, watch the mothers rocking the cradles, feeding, fostering, teaching and fondling the babies. Mothers must assume this responsibility and not throw it on Aayaas (governess or maid). A child that is brought by the Aayaa loses essential fertilizer for growth and love. The child is denied the best health-giving vitamin, love." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VII, p. 22 Top "In this world there are many types of relationships, but none equals the relationship that exists between the mother and the child. It is because of this intimate relationship with the mother that one's own country is called motherland. Similarly, one's own language is called mother tongue, not father tongue. Among the parents, first place is given to the mother, next comes father." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 141 "Mother protects her children in many ways. Even after death, she comes back and helps you in various ways." Sai Baba. SS. 6/99, p. 150 "There may be a wicked son, but not a wicked mother. It is because of the noble feelings of the mothers that son becomes virtuous, intelligent and attains exalted positions and earns name and fame." Sai Baba. SS, 6/99, p. 142 "Mother will always pray for the welfare of the son wherever he may be. At times, she may be angry or have a difference of opinion, but such differences are only passing clouds." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144 Top "The earth is one. But if you sow Neem (a bitter plant) seeds, you will get bitter fruits. If you plant sweet mango seeds, you will get sweet mangoes. The earth makes no difference between them. Only the differences in the seeds account for the differences among the fruits. Likewise, the womb of a mother is like the womb of Mother Earth. The thought, which prevails at the time of conception results in the kind of child that is born. If parents desire to have virtuous, exemplary and noble children, they have to observe righteous practices and lead virtuous lives." Sai Baba, SS. 6/93, p. 141 Understanding Of Mother's Love Will Lead You To The Understanding Of Divine Love "In order to experience Divinity, understand this example. The very nature of mother is love. Mother has a form, but love has no form. You can experience love through your mother as she is the very form of love. Our Vice-Chancellor described Swami's love as that of a thousand mothers. But, one who cannot understand the love of one mother, how can he understand the love of a thousand mothers? So, first and foremost try to understand and experience the love of your physical mother. Go on adding to the physical mother's love a million times. The principle of divinity lies in this love, which is your life principle. Experience this love and understand the significance of mother worship in Navaratri." Sai Baba, SS, 7/99, p. 186 "Children can understand the meanings of the word fox or dog only when they see their pictures. Similarly, it is only after seeing the parents that one can understand the existence of God. When you love and respect your parents, only then you can understand in the love of the Divine Parents. This is what I tell you often - if you understand the 'I' principle, you will understand the 'I' in everybody. Vyashti (individual) has emerged from Samashti (society), Samashti from Srishti (creation), Srishti from Parameshti (Creator). Only when you understand the principle of creation, can you then understand the Creator." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 142 "Nourish your aged parents; revere them. If you honour your mother, the Mother of the Universe will guard you against harm. If you honour your father, the Father of all beings will guard you. This is as true as the fact that if you honour your parents, your children will honour you." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98 Top "The Vedas declare, "Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Aachaarya Devo Bhava." (Worship the mother as God, the father as God, the preceptor as God and the guest as God.) It is the mother who fosters you and nourishes you. It is she who knows your choices and preferences, and fulfils your needs. So, you should be grateful to your mother always. Though you cannot see Rama, Krishna, Shiva and Vishnu, you are worshipping them because you believe in scriptures and what the elders say. But, how is that you are forgetting your parents who are responsible for your progress in life? First and foremost, you should show gratitude to your parents, love them and respect them. Your blood, your food, your head, your money are all the gifts of your parents. You do not receive these gifts directly from God. All that is related to God is only indirect experience. It is only the parents whom you can see directly and experience their love. So, consider your parents as God. God will be pleased and will manifest before you only when you love and respect your parents." "It is the mother who teaches you the sacred principles like love, compassion, forbearance, tolerance and sacrifice." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 142 "It is in her role as mother that there is highest _expression of a woman's strength. Every child that is born owes its existence to the mother. Hence, everyone should be extremely grateful to one's mother." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 158 "Students! First pay back the debt of love to them (parents). Do not behave in such a way that they repent the day when they put you to school. All other debts come later, even the debt to the motherland and mother-tongue." "Keep them (parents) free from worry. Show them gratitude they deserve. Return them the love they pour freely into your hearts." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 265 "Parents should strive their utmost to bring up their children on right lines. Children also should revere their parents, who account for their physical existence. But they should realise what they owe to God, who is the basis of all life. Recognising this double obligation — to the mothers and to the Divine - they should redeem their lives by purposeful living." Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 144 "To be a true a human being, one has to respect one's parents and kith and kin in childhood. Revere the teacher in boyhood. Please elders in his manhood. Worship sages in old ages." Sai Baba, SS. 6/94, p. 150 "A mother may go wrong in other respects, but she will always strive for the well being of her children. Hence every son has to love the mother as the primary duty. Then he should love the father and revere the preceptor. The mother confers the body. The father protects it. The preceptor imparts knowledge and wisdom. For every human being, all these three are essential for getting on in the world." Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141 "You must be prepared to make even the supreme sacrifice for showing your gratitude to the mothers. Even the Avatars, Rama, Krishna and others, owed their advent to their mothers. Everyone should pray for sacred mothers who will bring forth good children. There may be bad sons in the world, but bad mothers are rare. Most mothers lament over the bad behaviour of their children. No son who has caused distress to his mother can come to anything good. The Telegu saying is, 'There can be no prosperity in a home where the mother sheds tears. Today we need sons who will please their mothers." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159 "Respect your mother; obey her commands. Never disrespect your mother or disappoint her. Do not hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all respects. Only then the seed of devotion will sprout in you. Everyone should follow the dictum, "Maatru Devo Bhava" (Worship your mother as God.) in letter and spirit." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150 "One should not disregard one's parents yielding to the vagaries of the mind." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144 "Nourish your aged parents, revere them." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98 Top "Everybody should love and respect his parents. But, if any relation becomes an obstacle in your path to God, there is no harm in leaving him (or her)." "From worldly point of the view, you should respect your father, mother, preceptor and husband. But when it comes to God, everything else is secondary. God alone is important. Bharata left his mother Kaikeyi for the sake of Lord Rama. Prahlada gave up his father Hiranyakashipu for the sake of Lord Narayana. Emperor Bali forsook his preceptor, Shukracharya for the sake of God." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150 Top "The mother is the symbol of the Universal Mother, and father of the Divine Lord. There is a popular prayer describing the Lord as everything: 'Oh Lord of Lords! You are my mother and father, my kinsman and friend, my wealth and knowledge, my everything.' (A Sanskrit verse). The mother is the first teacher of speech. The first words taught to the child are 'Amma', 'Appa'. Then teaching of the alphabet starts. The first lessons are: 'Om Nama Shivaaya' or 'Om Namo Naaraayanaaya. The teaching of the language begins with the teaching of the names of the Divine - Shiva and Narayana. In ancient times, the mother occupied the place of the first preceptor for the child. Unfortunately, in the world ' today, what are the parents teaching to the child? They are teaching them 'A, B, C, D' nor is that all. They go on teaching the child some meaningless stuff like 'Baa Baa black sheep'. The mothers imagine that they are teaching something wonderful to the children. This is wrong. Teaching of the alphabet should begin with learning the names of the Lord." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, pp. 158 159 "The mothers, for their part, should teach the children always to speak the truth. When a mother asks the son, 'Where have you been?' he should not prevaricate. He must tell the truth and confess his mistakes if he has done anything wrong. Very few children tell the truth to their parents today. Of what use is education for such children? Today's boys and girls are the future redeemers of the nation. Hence, the parents should bring them on right lines so that they may be ideal citizens." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 160 Top "Ishwara Chandra Vidyasagar spent all his earnings to fulfill the desires of his mother. Easwaramma also had similar desires. Once she told Me, 'Swami! Our Puttaparthi is a small village. As there is no school in this village, the children are forced to walk long distances to attend schools in the neighbouring villages. I know that You are the ocean of compassion. Please construct a small school in the village.' I r.sked, where she wanted the school to be built. She said she had a piece of land behind her house. She wanted the school to be constructed there. As desired by her, I got the school constructed. Though it was a small school, the inaugural function was a grand affair, attended by many devotees. The next day, Eeswaramma expressed her happiness over the inaugural function and said that she had one more desire. She wanted a hospital also to be built in the village. She said, 'Swami! I don't want to put You to trouble. If You are troubled, the whole world will be in trouble and if You are happy, the whole world will be happy. So, if it gives You happiness, please construct a small hospital.' As per her wish, I got the hospital constructed. Bejawada Gopal Reddy, a highly reputed person in those days, was invited to inaugurate the hospital. The inaugural function was a grand one, attended by thousands of people from neighboring villages. Easwaramma did not imagine that this would be such a grand affair. Next day, she came up to Me and said, 'Swami! It does not matter even if I die now. I have no more worries, You have fulfilled my desires and mitigated the sufferings of the villagers to a great extent.' I said, if you have any more desires, ask Me now. She replied hesitantly that she had another small desire: 'You know the river Chitravati is in spate during the rainy reason. But, in summer it dries to a trickle and people do not have drinking water. So please see that some wells are dug in this village.' I told her that I would not stop with small wells and that I would provide drinking water to the entire Rayalaseema region. Easwaramma said,'! don't know what Rayalaseema is. I am satisfied if our village is provided with drinking water." Sai Baba. SS, 6/96, p. 149 Top "In ancient times. Queen Madalasa was teaching the children from their infancy the greatness of detachment (' Vairagya'). She used to sing a lullaby while putting the children to sleep: 'Placing you in the cradle ofOmkaara on the bed of the great saying 'Tatvam Asi' (That thou art), swinging to the music of Awareness, dear child, may the gods lull you to sleep.' This was the way the mothers in ancient Bharat (India) taught their children. The ancient teachings exhorted the people to 'Speak truth, adhere to righteousness' (Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara). No mother taught the child to speak untruth. No mother would think asking the child to follow unrighteousness. Because the mothers in ancient times filled the child with devotion and detachment, Bharat stood out as a land of sacrifice, wisdom, Yoga and contentment. Because today mothers do not bring up the child in this spirit, this sacred land is ceasing to be one of sacrifice and is becoming a pleasure-loving nation." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159 Example Of Vidyasagar "In the past, mothers used to play a big part in moulding their children. For instance, there is the example oflshwara Chandra Vidyasagar. He was a native of Calcutta. He justified his name by being a great scholar ('Vidyasagar' means ocean of knowledge). He belonged to a very poor family. His mother brought up her son at the expense other own food. Pursuing his studies under most adverse circumstances, he completed his education and found a job on a salary of Rs.50 per month. In due course, he rose to an eminent position by dint of hard work. One day he approached his mother and said, 'Mother! I have reached an eminent position; thanks for your blessings and guidance. I am now able to fulfill any of your wishes.' The mother said, 'Not, yet my son. I have three desires but I shall tell them in due course.' Reaching a still higher position after sometime, Ishwara Chandra renewed his appeal to his mother. The mother said, 'Our village is poor and the village has no school. Please set up a school here so that the children will not have to go outside for their education. That school will be the first ornament for me.' The son carried out her wish. Later, the mother revealed her second wish. She wanted Ishwara Chandra to set up a small hospital in the village to serve the villagers; She said that this would be the second ornament she wanted from him. He set up a hospital as desired by his mother. In the following years, Vidyasagar rose to a greater eminence, but remained humble and free from conceit as ever. He asked his mother what her third desire was. She said that he should build a small rest house for traveler passing through the village to stay. Vidyasagar built a small community hall in the village. Today's educated persons get puffed up over their petty educational attainments. It was his mother's teachings which made Vidyasagar practise humility." Sai Bab a, SS, 6/96, p. 160 Top Goodness Vs. Greatness "There are mothers who are worried when their children take to spiritual path. They hardly realise that it is the fruit of many past lives, which accounts for children taking to spiritual path. Mothers should rejoice over such a development rather than worry about it. Many parents desire that after the education of their children is over, they should get married, get a good job and achieve a high position in life. Out of their love they want their children to achieve greatness. Swami's love is not like that. Swami wants them to achieve goodness. What is the difference between greatness and goodness? A good man sees divinity even in a human being. A great man sees the human even in God. Ravana was a great man who had performed great penance. He was very powerful. But seeing Rama in human form, he considered him as a mere human being. On the other hand, Rama was different, He saw the Divine in human beings. That is the mark of goodness. It is better to earn reputation for goodness than to be known as a great man." Sai Baba. SS, 6/98, pp. 145 146 Mother's Blessings It was part of the ancient tradition that when the son wished to set out for the battlefield to secure victory or go to forest to perform penance, he would first go to his mother and seek her blessings. Dhurva, a six-year-old child, took his mother's blessings, set out to the forest to perform penance and realised the vision of the Divine. Arjuna prostrated before his mother to get her blessings prior to his leaving for the battlefield. The mother told him, 'May victory be yours.' Duryodhana also went to his mother and sought her blessings for victory in the war. The mother told him,' Where there is Dharma, there will be the victory.' This was Duryodhana's mother's blessing for her son. Duryodhana then went to his preceptor and sought his blessings. The preceptor said: 'Where there is Krishna, there is Dharma. Where there is Dharma, there will be the victory.' Their victory can be secured only where Dharma and the Divine are present, according to the mother and preceptor. In those days, whatever the mother declared proved prophetic. Whenever a mother conferred her blessings on her son, the Divine was present there to declare, 'May it happen so.' Besides mother's blessings. Divine grace is also necessary. Hence, every son should make every effort to please his mother. Without keeping his mother pleased, the son cannot achieve anything in the world. The son should have those qualities, which enable him to please his mother. At the same time, the son should also strive to win Lord's grace. Without earning God's grace, the mother's blessings alone will be of no avail." Sai Baba, SS, 6/98, pp. 141-142 "When Lava and Kusha were engaged in a battle with Rama, Lava aimed an arrow at Rama with the prayer that if his mother Janaki was a 'Sadhivi' (a supremely noble woman) the arrow should render Rama unconscious. Rama became unconscious when the arrow hit him. See what happened. The mere thought of his mother lent so much power to his arrow. This shows that when you cherish the mother and seek God's grace, the blessings of the mother becomes more powerful." Sai Baba. SS, 6/97, p. 144 "Many great men have embarked on noble deeds after securing the blessings of their mothers. For instance, before going to fight against the demon, Tarakasura, Sanat Kumar got the blessings of his mother, Gowri. Similarly, Parashurama received his mother's blessings before he went to fight his foes. Likewise, Vinatha blessed her son by saying: 'May Shri Rama protect you always.' It is because of the blessings of noble mothers, the wives of great sages, that many men were able to perform heroic deeds. Shankaracharya taught that sons who did not get the blessings of the mothers suffered from various vicissitudes in life. Those who had the blessings of their mothers often secured freedom from rebirth. Many high-souled men have extolled the greatness and power of mothers. It is the foremost duty of children to secure the blessings of their mothers for worldly well-being." Sai Baba, SS, 6/97. p. 141 Top Today's Mother's Expectations From Their Children "Not compassion, good character, integrity and such virtues. They want their children to get educated, secure a big job, marry a wealthy girl and lead a comfortable life." Sai Baba. SS. 6/93, p. 146 What Should Be The Expectations Of A Mother? "Earn a good name; become an ideal son; use your wealth in righteous ways; develop compassion; lead a just moral life. This is what mothers should impress on their children. Such high-minded mothers have become rare these days." Sai Baba, SS, 6/93, p. 146 Top Parents Should Set A Good Example "When the parents and teachers themselves have not realised the importance of spirituality, how can we blame the students? First, the parents must teach their wards to pray to God everyday. But the modem parents themselves do not pray to God. As soon as they return from office, they go to clubs and spend their time in drinking and playing cards. Naturally, children follow their footsteps. In some houses, parents quarrel in front of their children, which is an unhealthy practice. If there is any difference of opinion between parents, they should resolve it in the absence of their children. Children cannot concentrate on their studies, if they are disturbed by the family problems. So, parents should never discuss them in front of their children. They should instead teach them all good .things and show them good ways of life. There are a few parents who set bad example to their children by speaking untruth. For example, if some unwanted person makes a phone call, they instruct their children to tell him that they are not available. Thus, they teach their children how to tell lies." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 162 "Parents Are Responsible For The Misbehaviour Of Their Children." "For all the bad ways followed by youth today, for all their wayward behaviour and bad conduct, the parents are to be blamed. If mothers are good, there will be no room for bad behaviour by the children. Although parents may appear innocuous like fig fruits, they are responsible for the misbehaviour of their children, like the worms inside the fruits." Sai Baba, SS, 6/93, p. 142 Parents Should Advise Their Children "Parents ought to advise the children: Be convinced that there's God, guiding and guarding us. Remember Him with gratitude. Pray to Him to render you pure. Love all, serve all." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, p. 4 "Parents must encourage children when they evince any interest in spiritual advance and study. They must also set them good examples." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. IV, p. 98 Maternal Inspiration "Rama attained godhood because he was the son ofKaushalya. Lava and Kusha became heroic children because of their great mother, Sita Devi. It is the noble thoughts of the mother which make the children great." Sai Baba. SS, 6/97. p. 141 Top Duty Toward Mother "A mother may go wrong in other respects, but she will always strive for the well being of her children. Hence every son has to love the mother as the primary duty. Then he should love the father and revere the preceptor. The mother confers the body. The father protects it. The preceptor imparts knowledge and wisdom. For every human being, all these three are essential for getting on in the world." Sai Baba, SS, 6/97, p. 141 "You must be prepared to make even the supreme sacrifice for showing your gratitude to the mothers. Even the Avatars, Rama, Krishna and others, owed their advent to their mothers. Everyone should pray for sacred mothers who will bring forth good children. There may be bad sons in the world, but bad mothers are rare. Most mothers lament over the bad behaviour of their children. No son who has caused distress to his mother can come to anything good. The Telegu saying is, 'There can be no prosperity in a home where the mother sheds tears. Today we need sons who will please their mothers." Sai Baba, SS, 6/96, p. 159 "Respect your mother; obey her commands. Never disrespect your mother or disappoint her. Do not hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all respects. Only then the seed of devotion will sprout in you. Everyone should follow the dictum, "Maatru Devo Bhava" (Worship your mother as God.) in letter and spirit." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 150 "One should not disregard one's parents yielding to the vagaries of the mind." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144 "Nourish your aged parents, revere them." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. IV, p. 98 Top "Easwaramma, the mother of Easwara" Easwaramma Day falls on 6th of May and this Day is celebrated by Sri Sathya Sewa Organizations all over the world in the memory of Divine Mother Easwaramma who led exemplary life and set great ideals to the world. Many programmes for the welfare of the poor and needy are organized on this Day. Shri Kondamma Raju, the grand-father of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's physical body headed the Ratnakar family of Bhardwaja Gotra that lived in a tiny village of Puttaparthi (formerly known as Golpalli, village of cows, cow-herds, sweet water) situated on the Banks of River Chittravathi in Andhra Pradesh. He led saintly life of pretty long sojourn of 116 years and had two sons, Shri Pedda Venkamma Raju and Shri Chinna Venkamma Raju. Shri Pedda Venkamma Raju was married to a simple and serene girl Namagiriamma of a very poor family who had no schooling. After her marriage, Shri Kondamma Raju re-named his daughter-in-law as Easwaramma for she was to be the mother of Easwara as prophecied by this revered Guru Venkavadhoota. Easwarama, a pious soul, who had installed Eternal Lord Narayana in her heart, was always engrossed in spiritual pursuits. After the devout couple had already a son and two daughters, Mother Easwaramma deeply aspired for one more son. To realize her wish, she undertook vow and practiced severe austerities. Imbued in spiritual splendour, she often experience the presence of gods and goddesses around her and glimpsed unique auras of unseen beings. Narayana too had opted to incarnate in Puttaparthi and chosen the parenting of Shri Pedda Venkamma Raju and Smt. Easwaramma whose merits of past several births had borne fruit. Smt. Lakshamma, Easwaramma's mother-in-law, was equally an ardent devotee of Sathyanarayana. She also yearned for one more grand-son. Smt. Easwaramma revealed to her family members that her mother-in-law had narrated her. "She had dreamt of sathyanarayana dev and she cautioned me that I should not be frightened if something happens to me through the will of God. That morning when I was at the well drawing water, a big ball of blue light came rolling towards me and I fainted and fell. I felt it glided into me." Therefore, Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was not begotten. His incarnation was Pravesa (An entrance) and not a Prasava (encience). It was on Monday/Tuesday night of 23rd November, 1926, that Smt. Lakshamma, mother-in-law of Smt. Easwaramma, was performing Satyanarayana Puja at the village priest's house from 4 A.M. onwards. Inspite of calling her back to rush home as the delivery of her daughter-in-law neared, she returned on conclusion of Puja. She gave 'prasad' to Easwaramma who relished it. And the Divine Child was born at 5:06 A.M. in Ardara Nakshtra (the regoining star). The Child was named Sathyanarayana. Mother Easwaramma was embodiment of nobility, benevolence and sacrifice. She loved children very much and guided them on the virtuous path. She always endeavoured to ameliorate the sufferings of down-trodden. She never asked Swami for anything for herself. She played significant role in the task of ushering in a new Era for humanity. Her main objective in life was welfare of the society. One day, holding his both hands, the great Mother Easwaramma pleaded to Swami to construct a small hospital as she could not withstand the sufferings of sick particularly the children. It was built. Puttaparthi has now Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital besides a General Hospital. A Super-Speciality Hospital has also been built by Swami at White-field Bangalore. Millions of patients have been receiving best medical treatment and medicines free of any charge. After some time, Mother approached Swami to build a school in the village. It was built and she was delighted to visit it and shower her love and blessings on the children. Puttaparthi is a Deemed University now and provides quality education upto Post-Graduate level including professional courses like MBA, MFM and M Tech. free of any charge. Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Puttaparthi has Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur and Brindaban (White-field) Bangalore Campuses. Her next wish to provide drinking water to the village which was also fulfilled. Swami provided hundreds of crores of rupees for the massive drinking water projects and thus alleviated the sufferings of millions of drought-hit population of human beings and animals. Mother Easwaramma had sudden and sacred end at Bangalore at 7 P.M. on 6th May, 1972, while sitting in Verandah. She loudly called "Swami, Swami Swami" thrice. Swami responded saying "Coming, Coming" and she breathed her last. Source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/04may06/edit.htm#3 - By Purshotam Bargotra Top EASWARAMMA-THE CHOSEN MOTHER - book is a befitting tribute to the life of Easwaramma whom Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba the God incarnated chose to be His Mother. It provides rare glimpses into her psyche; her curiosity, compassion and wonder. She was tenderhearted and pious and like an earnest sadhak, had to trudge along the inner path that leads from Maya to the Master. This short narrative of the earthly life of Easwaramma ('God's Mother') pictures lucidly her expanding awareness, and delineates hesitations, hazards and hopes that she had to encounter. Naturally simple, meek and modest, she always stepped back from publicity, admiration and adoration. As Mother of the global family of Sai, her love had to be all-enveloping and unconditional. When we review the life of the Mother of the Avatar, we find ourselves progressing through curiosity, expectations, compassion and wonder and landing in appreciation, admiration and adoration. Easwaramma was allotted the well-nigh-impossible task of expanding her awareness beyond the ring of hills, beyond the barricade of tradition and taboo and the wall of custom and caste. Burdened with the prestigious and pardonable pride of the most precious motherhood a woman could aspire to, she could not inspite of consistent effort jettison the homage she attracted from all the continents. Even while in this predicament, she, like any other earnest sadhak anxious to win His Grace, had to trudge along the inner path that leads from multiplicity to unity, from dispersion to concentration and meditation, from egoism to detachment, from passion to serenity, from unconcern to the love that cares and shares, from Maya to the Master. Top And, all this journey while busy as mother and grandmother in the Raju family as well as in the fast multiplying multi-lingual, multi-racial, multi-cradle, global family of Sai. As Mother, her love had to be all enveloping, all protective and unconditional. It was mainly through the teachings and Grace of Baba that she succeeded in this assignment of expanding and deepening her love. Baba, in His elucidation of Dharma, has revealed that woman represents the concretization of God's beneficence. She has a natural aptitude for spiritual endeavor, being endowed with fortitude, meekness and modesty. She is intelligent and vigilant. She has an innate sense of honor and loyalty to virtue. Easwaramma, as the closet devotee of Sai, was aided by Him to uplift herself to the heights marked out for the ideal woman. Swami has often declared that this Sai Avatar descended because the saints and sadhu of all lands prayed for His arrival. "I chose the mother who was to experience my closeness during gestation. The Avatar alone has this freedom of choice. In other cases, karma determines the time and place, the group and the grade," He had said. The mother is the first recipient of the Avatar's Grace. The father, who protects and nourishes the mother, is rewarded with the fame bestowed on his name. When Pedda Venkappa Raju threw off his mortal coil in 1963, Swami wrote a note for the sake of those who lamented the loss of the 'father'. It was published in the "Sanathana Sarathi". "Well, you say that he was a blessed soul since he passed away in the fullness of years without falling ill and incomplete possession of his memory and consciousness. It was not thus alone that he was blessed. These are mere signs and pointers. On the day that he could be known as the 'father' of the Manifestation, on the say that this Manifestation allowed it to be known that he was his 'son', that very day, he was blessed and his life was rendered holy and sanctified. This good fortune can be won by only one individual, in one entire age (Yuga). It is beyond the reach of others." Top EASWARAMMA- the love with which she treated the women blossomed wider as she watched Swami healing the stricken. He showered Compassion on them and applied vibhuti profusely on their brows. Easwaramma decided that she would not condemn or ridicule any women on the basis of her apparent faults or failings for they were only, she knew, the symptoms of maladjustment or neglect or persecution and poverty. The Mother thus became more than their own mother to an ever-increasing number of women in distress. She was a friend with a burnished mind. Contemplating the Mother among those who were rescued by Swami, the publisher likes to repeat Rabindranath's exclamatory poem on Women: 'Women! You are blest!The devotees discovered in her a never falling source of strength and wisdom. They sought her out more and more often and honored her as the Mother, assigning her distinct roles during festivals and holy days. Easwaramma did not yield as soon as the women surrounded her and pleaded that she should guide them or bless them. But how long could she keep them at bay? On holy days dedicated to the worship of Varalakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth ready to grant boons) or Gowri (the Fair Consort of Siva, mother of Ganesh), she had to accept the first offering of homage from every women who needed her. During the nine days of Navarathri, the Festival of the Mother, she was honored for the first three days as Durga (the smoothener of the path, the provider of safety and security of Her children), in the next three days as Lakshmi (the provider of food, clothing and shelter, status, power and renown) and on the last three as Saraswathi (the Teacher who implants the yearning for learning and for liberation, for material skill and moral strength). "We women must learn more about the world," she sighed. Swami had left Africa after addressing a Guru Poornima meeting there in the morning and had arrived in Bombay in time of the Guru Poornima celebration at Dharmakshetra in the evening, and so it happened! The Guru heard the cry of the Mother on behalf of her daughters. Within a week of His landing on the soil of India, he inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College for Women at Anantapur, the Headquarters of the District to which Puttaparthi belonged. "Swami, you have done the right thing! Women must be as well educated as men. When one animal is bold and alert and the other is cowardly and blind, how can the cart to which they are yoked move forward?" She commented. Lakshmidevamma, the Headmistress of the Girls' High School, Anantapur, told her that Swami had promised this College a year ago when He had presided over the High School Day. "I find that the girls who complete their high school have now to go to distant colleges at Tirupati and Kurnool," He had said, "I shall therefore establish a college right here very soon." And so, the girls of Anantapur got a college, a college dedicated to the realization of the universal and constructive ideals of Sathya Sai Baba. Top The Mother, it must be conceded, was the foremost pupil of the 'son'. She was an exemplary housewife and an unquestioning conformist in the observance of vows, vigils and fasts declared as obligatory in the Hindu calendar. She delighted in visiting holy places, bathing in holy rivers and offering worship at shrines. And like the high cast women of Puttaparthi and other villages, she was loyal to the lawmakers who laid down the dos and don'ts, which should govern daily living and social relationships. Woman has been extolled in ancient scriptures as well as classical poetry as grihalakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity in the Home. She is the Dharmapathni, the Companion of the Husband in the fulfillment of the Duties and Rights of wedded life as a householder. The Puranas and Sastras stress the role of women as mother and extol the mothers, who instilled high ideals in the minds of the children of the land. The Vedas speak of Maitreyi and Gargi, as great scholars and spiritual heroines. Gargi was revered in the assembly of Vedic pundits for her mastery of the abstruse problems of the spiritual voyage into the heights of self-realization. In historical times, we have the mother of Sivaji who fed him on the epics and Puranas, and brought him up, as a brave representative of the best in Hindu culture. What a great inspiration is this Bharathi for all of you! Our Puranas and Sastras, the Upanishads, the Vedas, the lives of the saints and seers of this land contain hundreds of such incidents which serve as beacons to light your path, Lean about them and derive benefit from them. This has always been our Divine Lord Baba's message to the women. With this homage to the MOTHER EASWARAMMA I offer this work at the Divine Lotus Feet of the UNIVERSAL MOTHER SAI on this auspicious day 19th November 2002 on the occasion of Women's Day. Seek His Blessings to accept this compilation of His Mission to be hosted on www.s.a.i.info. Top |
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