A Brief Summary

Satsang with Professor and Mrs. Anil Kumar Kamaraju; Rochester, New York, April 4^th, 2009.

Om Sri Sai Ram

The Sri Sathya Sai Center of Rochester, New York and devotees were immensely blessed with the lovely presence of special guests Professor Anil Kumar and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi on Saturday, April 4th, 2009. Despite adverse weather conditions, devotees from far off places took efforts to attend this wonderful Sai Satsang.  It was a very rainy and blistering cold day; however, the atmosphere and mood inside was very bright and exhilarating with the presence of Prof. and Mrs. Anil Kumar.  The program was well attended by as many as 320 devotees from North East regional centers, Toronto (Canada), and Ohio.

From the time of inception of this program, diligent efforts were made to make sure that this event was well organized and for it to be a memorable event for the special guests and devotees. We all experienced a festive and joyous mood preparing for this occasion.

The glorious day began at 10:30am with Prof Anil Kumar and Smt. Vijayalakshmi entering the Hindu Temple of Rochester and being received by the devotees and the priest who performed the 'Poorna Kumbham'. This is a traditional 'welcome' ceremony performed before any auspicious occasion or when receiving a holy person with a kalash (brass pot)  wrapped in white thread and filled with water or rice followed by mantras. Upon completion of the welcome puja, the distinguished guests were then welcomed by a procession of SSE children into the hall where they lit the lamp and commenced the program. The program began with bhajans led by the young adults followed by welcome speeches by the host Dr. Krishna Rao, regional president, Murthy Cheruvu and the zonal chair, Prof David Gries. Prof. David Gries introduced and described Prof Anil Kumar’s journey to Swami in the 1970’s.

Honorable, Smt Vijayalakshmi was the first speaker of the day. She began her inspiring talk by thanking the Rochester Sai center and recited a poem. She described how an ‘Avatarana’ was the descent of the lord on earth to help mankind out of affection and compassion towards his children to help transform and guide them on the right path. She talked about a ‘Master’ as being one who has sense control and Guru being one who has union with his self. Gu – darkness and Ru – light – Therefore the Guru is one who takes a person from darkness to light and helps mankind in their journey thus directing them on the right path. Smt Vijayalakshmi provided instances to how Swami’s omnipresence and omniscience. She described how Swami plans out who will serve him in the ashram 10 years in advance – the 10 year plan. She explained how Swami cleanses hearts and transforms devotees and making them more service-minded by merely one interview. Swami protects us like a father protects his children even when we do not realize we are making a mistake. She also explained how Swami’s will is essential for anything to happen.

Swami inspires his students to talk, sing and dance and provides encouragement for those who are less talented than the others. She described how we may not understand why Swami says what he says but we may realize the reason many years later. So we must pay attention to everything he says to us since he is molding us to be useful in society. We need to inculcate at least 1 or 2 values that Swami preaches. People who live in Puttaparthi get drenched in Maya and can lose track of their Sadhana. Swami will continue to test us until we get rid of Maya. Swami has motived Smt Vijalakshmi to do many service projects to benefit the community such as 108 shashtiabthapoorthi (60^th bday celebs) and 108 weddings in villages. The joy that we see in Swami’s eyes when we do service in the society is worth everything we may do in our entire lifetime. She recited stories which teach dedication to the Guru and the kinds of tests disciples had to undergo before being accepted by the Guru in olden times. She explained how we must always be aware of Swami’s presence and how blessed we are when we serve God. She also described how Swami always gives answers to our questions and if we pray will all sincerity, he will give us an answer. She ended her beautiful talk by encouraging everyone to serve the society within their limits. The satisfaction we get from serving is our own but we get back so much from broadening our minds and being Swami’s instruments in the society.

We were fortunate to have Prof. And Mrs. Anil Kumar grace us on this auspicious occasion of Sri Ramanavami. Prof Anil Kumar began his inspiring talk with a lively bhajan and explained how the stars aligned enabling his trip to the US and Rochester. He went on to talk about Sri Ramanavami, the birthday and wedding day of Sri Rama. He drew numerous parallels between Lord Rama and Bhagawan Baba during his talk. He described the celebrations in Puttaparthi and how Swami finds happiness when we are happy. Association with God is not happiness, but it is Bliss (Ananda). Bliss, the primordial principle is constant, changeless and lasts forever - past, present and future and it is something we are born with. Innocence is divine, a quality possessed by children and by God. However, Ignorance must be condemned and educated. Because God is innocent, he continues to forgive us no matter how many errors we commit. He described the difference between excitement, a feeling that is short-lived, and ecstasy which is a transcendental experience and everlasting. ‘Ramayathi Ramaha’ describes a state of awareness, consciousness and bliss which we are born with and therefore we must always be blissful and makes others blissful like Bhagawan Baba. Baba is Bliss, Bliss is Baba. Lord Rama maintained the same smile whether he was being coronated or sent on exile to the forest; this was a sign of his equanimity and spirituality. Similarly, Baba blesses those that criticize him and those that extol him equally. Swami describes himself as the station-master in a train station that is always constant in the midst of the trains of birth and death which come and go. Prof Anil Kumar mentioned how pain and pleasure are intertwined, the pendulum between the tear and happiness. Rama was a ‘Gunavan’ and therefore virtuous, meritorious in character and similarly Bhagawan Baba is an epitome of human values. Lord Vishnu lies on a serpent bed (Adisesha) in the ocean of troubles and turmoil (Shantakaram Bhujaga Shayanam). Similarly, Bhagawan Baba is unruffled by the VIPs and ministers that visit the ashram as he believes devotees are more important than mere positions. Wealth, education and physical strength will never confer liberation on us without the presence of devotion.

Lord Rama was very powerful – Veeryavaan, Kodhandapani. Similarly, Swami was very firm in his ideals and transformed people even when he was very young. Bhagawan has no place for anger – Jitakrodhaha and pardons anyone who asks for forgiveness. Prof Anil Kumar described stories showing Swami’s compassion towards all creatures (Sarva Bhootha Hite Rathaha) – trees, animals and birds. Lord Rama always upheld his Dharma. What is impossible at the human level is possible at the Divine level. Swami always keeps his word (Sathya Vakya Paripala) and never rests until people are happy (Prajaa Ranjakaha). Our bodies must always resonate in the name of the Lord. Prof Anil Kumar jovially described stories depicting Swami’s caring nature toward his devotees.  During a trip to Bombay in a 6 seater helicopter, Prof Anil Kumar who was accompanying Swami did not have a seat. Swami let him sit by his feet during the entire trip. Upon their return, when mentioned how the wonderful trip vanished so quickly, Bhagawan replied, “Why do you say it has vanished? You will be here with me translating my discourses forever and ever”.  Swami is an embodiment of Unconditional Love with no reason or season for Love.  Prof Anil Kumar recited and shared rare experiences with Swami when he materialized the rings given by King Janaka and Dasharatha to Lord Rama as well as Mother Sita’s jewels. Bhagawan described the significance of the three people in the forest - forest - Rama in the front, Sita in the middle, Lakshmana at the back. To see Rama, Lakshmana has to see past Sita. In order for the individual to see God, he has to see via the world. Creation must see the Creator through the world. He described how Sita was very humble and speechless in the presence of the Lord. In the depth of experience, we become speechless and this silence is Samadhi. He ended the talk with a beautiful explanation of Sita Kalyanam as the union of Rajasic and Satwik qualities.

After a humorous and highly moving discourse, a brief Q&A session took place along with few soul stirring bhajans. His enthusiasm, exuberance of knowledge, and lively singing with utmost devotion left us all with an indelible impression.

The program ended with a Vote of thanks, Aarthi and sumptious lunch. After lunch ended, Professor and Mrs. Anil Kumar further graced the devotees with a photo opportunity and informal extended Q/A session. He is indeed the chosen messenger of our Beloved Swami and exemplifies the qualities that Swami often quotes.

This was a very memorable day in the lives of everyone that was fortunate to attend the talk in Rochester. In fact, many have said that this experience was like seeing Swami and life changing for them.  Prof Anil Kumar spent time with young adults, all devotees, and blessed many of the children that attended the event. We thank our Dear Swami for this wonderful opportunity.

Jai Sai Ram