A Brief Summary

Satsang with Professor and Mrs. Anil Kumar Kamaraju; Orlando, Florida, March 21^st, 2009.

Om Sri Sairam

To be blessed by our beloved Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba with such a divine delicacy; none of us could believe our good fortune.

The day presented itself with an exciting busyness of preparation; making every effort to ensure all aspects of the program was organized in order to welcome our esteemed guests of the day.

The program started around 2:15 p.m. where the first item was an address by Professor Anil Kumar to the young adults.

As all eyes were glued to Professor Anil Kumar and all ears eagerly awaited his words, his magical character of bliss meeting presence captivated us all.

The program started with a talk to the young adults whom professor Anil Kumar felt were few representing many. Beginning with energetic enthusiasm as he sang the bhajan “Jaya Ho Jaya Ho Gopalana”, professor Anil Kumar captured our hearts and attention before his discourse began.

He focused his thoughts on the six qualities that Bhagwan Baba expects youths to possess. These included the cultivation of noble qualities, a good intellect for discrimination, adherence to truth, duty, discipline, and devotion. In addition, the youths were reminded that they must all possess the kind of behavior that will contribute towards Universal Peace.  The youths were then told that such behavior should be based on the displacement of narrow feelings, broadmindedness, equanimity, and that they must be able to see peace in themselves and peace around them. The youths were further reminded that since happiness is the aim, goal, and purpose of life, Swami wants them to make the best of their life, and that time wasted is life wasted.   In addition, the youths were told that Swami wants them to have an integrated total personality, as well as to have miles of smiles since no one likes a “Castor oil” face. He then ended the talk to the young adults by answering their questions on the priorities of life, decision making, the conscience as a guide, and the goodness of God’s creation.

Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Kamaraju, the honorable wife of Professor Anil Kumar then addressed the audience. Opening with a Telegu poem, she recounted many of her experiences with Swami and spoke of the 4 L’s- Loving, Listening, Lifting and Learning.

Loving- She said that Swami is the personification of Love, and that we should love Swami as a miser loves his money. She then beseeched us to pray from the bottom of our hearts, since her experiences have led her to conclude that Swami responds when we pray from the bottom of our hearts.

Listening- She also spoke of the importance of listening to the inner voice and how her devotion to Swami has brought her on the journey from being a simple housewife to now addressing various audiences. She quickly reminded us that if we listen to Swami, we would experience Swami.

Lifting- Mrs. Kamaraju reminded us that good thoughts come to us only through Swami’s Grace, and that if one has the desire to do good, Swami will fulfill it.  This is how Swami lifts our spirits.

Living- Mrs. Kamaraju started this topic by asking us “how should we live?”  She stated that we should live with values and by doing seva. She then reminded us that life must be lived in the proper way, and that Swami says that God is first, society is next and that we are last.

After a short break of highly energetic, and soul uplifting bhajans, Professor Anil Kumar addressed the gathering. In his usual jovial manner, he conveyed several important messages to the audience. Such topics included the purpose of human life; remembering the creator behind all of creation and to realize the Divine Director. He recounted many instances of personal experience with the divine Avatar all of which were delivered with an extraordinary taste of humor. In one such story, Professor Anil Kumar recalled getting ready for the morning darshan and was in his bath towel in his room. To his surprise, Swami came into his room and saw him in his towel and told him that while so many people are here for Swami’s darshan, today Anil Kumar has given Swami his darshan.

A Telegu poem reminding humanity of the Grace that comes from the cosmic puppeteer was also done by Professor Anil Kumar. In this poem and in his talk, it was reinforced that many of the ordinary things in nature such as the oxygen we breathe and stars in the sky that the divine has created are oftentimes taken for granted. These seemingly ordinary things he said are in fact extraordinary. In a very poetic tone, he said that to be ordinary is extraordinary and to be extraordinary is ordinary.

Professor Anil Kumar then expanded on the true meaning of spirituality.  He recounted that Swami says spirituality means professionalism, excellence at work, competence, and efficiency.  He then stated that spirituality is a combination of efficiency and knowledge.  He continued by reminding us that we should be spiritual and not ritual.  He defined spirituality by stating that it is an endless path, is spontaneous and instantaneous, and that it is a journey from the womb to the tomb. He further explained that we can do rituals on the basis of spirituality, and that practicing human values is spirituality.  Professor Anil Kumar then described the characteristics of a spiritual man.  He stated that such a man is in a state of equanimity and is never ruffled by any circumstance, is always happy, treats everyone alike, is tolerant, shows forbearance, never displays animalistic qualities like vengeance and revenge, is ready to give and forgive, is always established in his divinity, is never ostentatious, is a well wisher of every one, and is very simple and down to earth. Many pearls of wisdom were interspersed throughout his talk to the adults.  For example, he said that a pure heart is what matters to Swami, and that our happiness is Bhagavan’s food and breath. He lovingly and humorously reminded us that Swami says that He is like a stationmaster.  If people did not die and take birth, Swami will be out of a job. Professor ended this portion of the program by saying with deep conviction and love,” if we have to love anybody, let us love Swami”.

After delivering his very eloquent and humorous discourse, a question and answer session followed. Many questions were answered on topics such as the truth behind dreams of Swami, the difference between the mind and the consciousness, the difference between spirituality and religion, as well as, whether the Golden Age is here. He further emphasized that a dream of Swami is really a vision, and that a vision is intuitional, unambiguous, choice less, inspirational, creative and existential.  Professor Anil Kumar further stated that Swami does not communicate, but that we have to establish a state of communion with God.  He then stated that this is like divine whispers with God.  He finally reminded us that we do not see God in every one because of the bad qualities in us, and that the Golden age means spiritual awareness, selflessness, and rising above the normal mundane things.

Shen ended with the Vote of thanks, Aarthi and dinner. After dinner ended, Professor Anil Kumar further graced us with a photo opportunity where many were able to capture memories of an evening well spent with one from whom much can be learnt. He is a profound example of the many qualities Swami often talks about; humility, happiness and respect for all.

As all good things must come to an end, we bided farewell to Professor and Mrs. Anil Kumar and our delightful evening came to a blissful end.

Jai Sairam