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Prof. Anil Kumar speaks to Southern
California Young Adults
April 23, 2000
April 23, 2000
Ebell Theater
Santa Ana, California
Youth are youth – whether they are American or Indian. And Indian
youth are not, in any way, different from American youth. The
Indian youth want to be Western. The Indian youth are very anxious
to step out of the country and go abroad and find green visas or
something like that. The brown fellows are after green cards!
(laughter) So Indian youth are no different. They are very crazy
too. American youth are, in no way, superior or inferior. Youth
are youth after all!
So what does Swami expect from us?
- One should always talk less
and work more. First use discipline. Is it possible to talk less
and work more? Why not talk more and work less? You have been
doing that. What is the harm? You cannot afford to work less in
America. [If you do so] they’ll remove you from service. So
you’ll have to work. Yes, that I can understand. But Bhagavan
Baba wants us to talk less. Why? So that we don’t waste our
energy; so that we don’t lose our memory. Our memory power will
increase by talking less; we will save energy. We would not
indulge in gossip or vain and useless talk; spread scandals or
rumors; carry tales, exaggerate, underestimate or speak lies.
These are the sins that are likely to be committed by excessive
talk, by too much talk. Am I clear? He tells the college boys
repeatedly, and on the other hand, He is very serious also
[imitating Swami], “Oh you’re talking too much; go and sit back!
Go!” It is very important that youth should talk less and work
more.
- Bhagavan wants us to love our
country – whichever country we belong to. Patriotism,
nationalism … very important.
- Respect your parents. Respect
elders.
- Have some scriptural
background. If you are Christian, go through the Holy Bible. If
you are Hindu, go through the Bhagavad Gita. Have some
scriptural principles in life.
- Spend some time with God.
Never miss your appointment with God. If you have an appointment
with your superiors or bosses or your doctor, you never miss
your appointment. Similarly, never miss your appointment with
God. Hold on, because God will be waiting, “This fellow is going
to think of me” – “What happened here?” So never miss your
appointment with God. That is what Baba says.
- Cultivate the habit of service
– right from the beginning.
- Next, concentrate on work, not
on salary. If you go by your salary [and] pay packet emoluments,
you’ll land nowhere. Cultivate the work culture. [The]
commitment [should be] to work, not salary. Love the work more.
Develop skills [and] techniques. [These are] more important than
salary. Bhagavan cautioned students of the MBA class who change
from one company to another, just because the other company
gives ten rupees more. Swami says it is very bad. Never change
your loyalties. Never change companies like that. Hold on. Cling
on. Loyalty is more important. Loyalty is the real royalty in
life. You feel very royal when you are loyal to the royal
within. Be loyal to the royal within! Don’t go on shifting jobs
like that. That is what Swami says.
- Then, Bhagavan wants us to be
extra careful in our relationships with the opposite sex. He
believes in absolute segregation of men and women. No mixing at
any stage, whatever it may be. He wants us to conduct ourselves
in a disciplined way, particularly in our relationships. Swami
wants us to treat all ladies as our sisters and they should
treat us as their brothers. That’s all. Relationship between
brothers and sisters is the only thing that should prevail.
In case of any organizational
matters, we should go to the elders and get their instructions.
We should seek their guidance and follow. There [should be] no
rebellion, no questioning, no independent movement. There is
nothing like other states being separated as in Soviet Russia. ‘United’
States of America! You should stand united. No movement, no
organization, no unit can declare independence. We all function
under one Sathya Sai banner. That’s all. So we have to be guided
by the seniors and then carry on life.
Work culture, respect for parents, service, motivation, loyalty
to the company, never missing an appointment with God, the
spirit of patriotism, discipline – these are the principles that
Bhagavan wants us to cultivate right from this stage of youth.
Am I clear, Sir? Am I clear to you all? Your faces don’t seem to
approve of what I said. [If I had said] “Question your parents!
Fight the elders! Do it your own way!” then you would’ve
clapped, I think. You would’ve cheered me! (laughter) But that’s
not it. Truth may be bitter, but Swami wants us to learn in a
tough way. It may not be palatable; yet in the long run, you
will be benefited. If you have any questions, please feel free
to ask me.
YA : Some of the Young Adults are now finishing
college, and they’re looking at careers and jobs and employment.
How would they know that they are going to the right company so
that they don’t shift, like you were saying?
We can only pray to Swami. Certainly you will get an intuitive
feeling or hear an inner voice. Suppose there are two jobs – one
that pays you more and another that pays you less. But Baba
might tell you to take the job where you are going to be paid
less. Why? Because in the long run, you will be benefited. That
which is not necessarily based on your choice, that which is not
necessarily based on your preference – that is the inner voice
which tells you in clear, unambiguous terms about how we should
act. [On the other hand] the mind will prompt you on both sides;
it will be dual – “Take it; why not this, why not that, why not
next.” That is the mind prompting but the inner voice tells you
clearly, "Do this, not that.” Am I clear ?
YA : How do we feel close to Swami? How can we
maintain that closeness? What can we do that will make Swami
very happy?
Very good. Very good question! My friends, I am not given to
flattery. I am telling you very honestly. At all the centers
that I visited — Houston, San Antonio, LA — I have seen many
devotees listening to Swami’s bhajans as they drive their cars.
Bhajan is the point of contact between devotee and Swami. That
is the cell phone — "Hi Swami!" (laughter)
(Prof. Anil Kumar begins to sing the bhajan “Eka Baar Kshamaa
Karo Sai Merey Baba Shri Sathya Sai”)
Bhajan is the cell phone contact you have that will make you
feel the nearness to Swami. Am I clear? Bhajan is very
important. You may be in Prashanthi Nilayam but if you don’t
sing bhajans, then I don’t think you have that phone contact —
only physical contact during darshan. But if you sing, He is
always by your side. He said so long ago…
Madh Bhaktaa Yathra Gaayanthi Tathra Thishthaami Naarada
Naarada, the great singer, asked the Lord, “Lord what is your
address? I have heard it is Kailash, I have heard it is
Paradise, I have heard it is Heaven.”
The Lord said, “No, no. They are my branch addresses, my branch
offices.”
[Naarada] “O Lord, then what is your real address?”
[Lord] “My real address is this… Madh Bhaktaa (where my
devotee) Yathra Gaayanthi (sings my glory) Tathra
Thisthaami Naarada (there I install myself). I install
myself wherever my glory is sung.”
Bhajan is the best contact. It is most essential. I don’t know
whether I sing well or not. If anyone says, “Anil Kumar, your
voice is not good”, then I would tell them, “I’m sorry, it is
not meant for you. It is for my happiness. If you are disturbed,
please step out. You have no business [to complain]. I sing for
my happiness. I am not an artist nor am I a professional, and I
am not singing for your compliments. No!” (laughter)
It is the spirit that is more important than the tune, the beat
and the tone [which is mere] vanity. However, in group singing,
in a community, it has got to be perfect. When you are a lead
singer, you have got to be an expert. But left to you, [you can]
sing anywhere. God can listen to any kind of tune. When the baby
cries, in what tune does the baby cry? The mother is not mindful
of that. The mother will not expect [the baby] to cry in a
particular beat, in a particular tune. The mother responds
immediately. You asked, "How to please Swami?” By following His
teachings. "I am the Truth, I am the Life, I am the Way" – that
is what Jesus said. So too, by following Swami’s teachings, we
can please Him.
YA : The mind is often troubled by guilt and sadness
at not having lived upto Swami’s expectations. How does one
treat such feelings?
Very good. Let me repeat again for the benefit of those who
might not have heard what he just said. When we fail to follow
Swami’s teachings, there is a sense of guilt in our minds. We
feel very sad and grief stricken. At these moments, what should
we do? Is that right? I have not passed the TOEFL [Test of
English as a Foreign Language] test! (laughter) I think I can
follow though. Now the answer is so simple. If I really repent
from the bottom of my heart for all my trespasses, for all my
failures – then I will not repeat the mistake again. Once I feel
very bad about what I have done, when I feel very sorry and pray
for forgiveness, then the Lord is there – “Kshamaa Moorthi Sai
Baba” [Sai, the Embodiment of Forgiveness].
So once we pray for His forgiveness, the Lord is there because
He is giving and forgiving. So, naturally He will forgive us.
Because if He won’t forgive, then He would be a dictator. But
God is not a dictator. Does your mother not forgive you? Then
why wouldn’t the Divine Mother, Mother Sai? But the sense of
guilt is a negative attitude. Give up this sense of guilt. Even
if you have committed a mistake…Finish! There ends the matter.
The sense of guilt will affect your competence, the sense of
guilt will affect your efficiency. The sense of guilt will make
you meek and weak in life. Give that up! Be free! Above all, be
cheerful! Keep smiling. That is very important. Never shape your
face like that. (Prof. Anil Kumar makes a very serious face)
That is most ungodly and irreligious, I tell you! Those people
whose faces are serious, it is better we keep away from them.
Consider them as untouchables because God smiles. Those who are
cut off miles and miles from smiles, woe unto them. Let us
smile. In the latest discourse, Bhagavan said, "Under all
circumstances, at all points of time, no matter what it is, keep
on smiling. Keep smiling." You know, in this land of America,
everyone smiles. I need not especially speak about this. I have
not met any Americans with long faces; they smile and they make
others smile too.
YA : How important is the involvement of everyone in
the Young Adult group, and also what does Swami say should be
the focus of the Young Adult group?
Community service. There are so many service programs. You just
sang bhajans. That is service. Those who are strong should serve
the community. Those who can sing should sing bhajans. Service
is the one thing that brings everyone together. Service to the
old people at the home for the aged; we can visit hospitals.
Help people. Not only that – a word of solace, a word of
compassion, a word of forgiveness, a kind word, a good gesture,
a word of appreciation – "Ah my boy, do well. It doesn’t matter,
you're smart enough!” That is service. Service is not
necessarily distributing food to thousands of people, though
they are not hungry! (laughter) Service does not mean
distributing sweets to diabetic patients! (more laughter) A kind
word, a compassionate look, an attitude of forgiving, an
attitude of giving. Yes, that is service. These are the things
that we should cultivate.
At the individual level, suppose we find a person who is
depressed. Depression and frustration are common among youth
everywhere – there in India and also here in America.
Depression, frustration, disappointment. Well, if we go and tell
them, “Don’t be depressed. Don’t be frustrated. Baba cares for
you. Baba will look after you because He has declared, 'Why fear
when I am here.' Yes, have more faith in Him. He is God, the
Lord Himself. He will never allow this boat of life to sink. No!
You will sail and you’ll never sink. You will flourish! You’ll
never perish." That is service. If a person is in depression,
speak some encouraging words to him. In times of failure, stand
by him.
But, above all, in the name of friendship, never get into bad
company. If you don’t find good company, then live by yourself.
You may be good, but if you are in bad company, sooner or later
you also will become bad. Here is a simple example: When sand is
in the company of air, it goes up. But when it is in the company
of water, it goes down. Similarly, when you are in the company
of good, you are noble. In the company of bad people, you turn
wicked and cruel. So avoid bad company. Bhaja Saadhu Samaagamam
– Always be in good company. Tyaja Durjana Samsargam – Run away
from bad company. Smara Nithyam Ahoraathram – Think of the
Divine, day in and day out. That is what Baba tells us. Kuru
Punyam Ahoraathram – Do good service, day in and day out.
Nithyaanithya Vasthu Viveka – discriminate between what is
permanent and what is not. Who is your real friend? Not David,
not Daniel, not Nelson nor Mandela! (laughter) Who is your real
friend? God is your real friend. Why? He will not disown you, He
will not disappoint you, and He will not give you up at any
point of time. He cares. He consoles. He cajoles. He has every
concern. Who is your friend? The correct answer is, “God is my
friend, not so and so.” Am I clear?
YA : Could you share an example where Swami was your
best friend?
When I am totally frustrated, totally depressed – I sing His
bhajan. Suddenly I feel very happy. I am no longer disappointed,
no longer depressed as before. Even in a discourse meant for
boys, meant for youth, I have a lesson to learn. Baba
communicates in His own style. God finds his own ways of
fulfillment. God’s ways are mysterious, un-understandable,
inexplicable, beyond our comprehension. When you go through His
speech, discourses, Sathya Sai Speaks, you’ll find a message for
you. Then when you listen to some bhajans, He speaks to you.
When you go to sleep, He’ll appear in your dream. Those are the
moments. Or somebody may come and tell you, “Why don’t you try
this? Why don’t you think this way?” He is a messenger of Sai.
God will prove every moment when you need Him that He is your
best friend.
YA : (In regards to maintaining good company and
avoiding bad company)
In bad company, all the latent qualities crop up. In good
company, bad qualities within will never unfold, will never
manifest. Simple example – these are the examples given by
Swami, please don’t mistake me. Anil Kumar is not a student of
philosophy. (laughter) Anil Kumar is not student of Sanskrit.
No, I am a student of botany. Whatever I speak is only from
Sathya Sai discourses. So the credit goes to Swami. If I am not
able to convince you, then you can discredit me. That's all. Now
if you remove the plant, totally uproot it, then what happens?
It will never grow. If [you] remove the green blades – only the
leaves – it will grow because the roots are still there. In good
company, all the bad qualities are totally uprooted. But in bad
company, they are nurtured, they are watered, they are manured
and they grow into a gigantic tree – spoiling the whole company
and the person himself. Am I clear?
YA : What does Swami say about dating?
DATING ! (laughter) Nobody has dared to put this question to
Swami until now. The concept of dating is quite new to Indians,
particularly to me. Coming from a joint family, I never saw my
wife until the day of the wedding. My parents at least allowed
me to look at her on that day! (laughter). In arranged
marriages, dating is out of the question. When you have a
chance, it is better you put that question [to Swami] because
dating is out of context in Indian conditions. But even in the
American situation, it is better to be extremely careful. It is
better not to do it because when once we get into trouble, it is
so difficult to get out of it. “Haste makes waste, waste makes
worry, so do not be in a hurry,” says Bhagavan. So don’t be in a
hurry. Haste makes waste. Take time whenever such a thought
comes, “Why should I not date? Why not? It’s time. It’s time.
It’s long overdue!”(laughter) When such a thought comes, don’t
act upon it immediately. Take some time so that your intellect,
your Buddhi, can decide – is it good or bad? Is it right or
wrong? Will Baba approve of it or not? Will my parents be happy
about this or not? Will I feel proud of it or not? Should I
withdraw or proceed? Take some time. The moment the thought
comes, do not act upon it immediately. That’s what Baba tells
us. This, I think, you can apply to the problem that you
mentioned.
YA : Often times the problem isn’t not knowing what is
right or what is wrong; in most cases we know what is right and
wrong…
Is it true? He said, "Most times we do not know what is right or
what is wrong." Is it true? Please tell me. Speaking lies –
right or wrong? Spoiling the other fellow – right or wrong?
Beating the other fellow – right or wrong? Don’t you know that ?
We all know that! It’s very clear because the conscience will
tell you, “Arrre Bluffmaster! You’re convincing the whole world
you are a saint, but you’re rogue number one!” The conscience
will get you. The conscience will not spare you. (laughter) By
your excellence and talents, you may be able to convince the
whole world, but the conscience will tell you that you are rogue
number one. Take care! You know what is good and bad. To say “I
do not know what is right and wrong…” is escapism.
YA : I was saying the same thing. I was saying that we
know what is right and wrong. The problem in my mind is having
the will power to follow what is right. How does one develop
will power?
How does one develop will power? This question has been haunting
me right from Dallas! (laughter) People having been asking this
question about will power. Do we have will power? Actually
speaking, do we have power? We don’t have power. [You might say]
“Why Sir, I am very powerful!” If you have power, control your
mind…powerless! Control your senses…powerless! So when you are
powerless, how can you have will power? Do you have free will?
Many people ask me this question. When you are not free, how can
you have free will? Why am I not free? The mind thinks things
that it is not supposed to. The senses do things of which we are
not proud. So I know that I am not free. I am a slave to my
senses. I have a monkey mind…what to do? With all these
weaknesses, when I am a slave to my body and senses, when I am
not free, if I say I have free will – it is ridiculous. Only God
has free will because He is the Master, He is the Controller.
Then the question is “Sir, if everything is free will, then what
is it that I can do?” What you can do is only human effort. Free
will is divine. Human effort is in your hands, under certain
limited conditions. Am I clear?
And then strong will… instead of saying strong will, let me say
determination. Strong determination. Swami says, “Dedication,
devotion, duty, determination”. This determination should be
strong. Simple example: If you get a job where the salary is
three times more than this one, you are determined to work more.
Aren’t you? You have determination with respect to money. If any
fellow says you are bad, you are determined to finish him off!
(laughter) So you have determination in these aspects. When you
want to have pizza, you go to the hotel! Why not? When you want
to have a weekend in Hollywood, why not? Universal City, why
not? (laughter) So for everything else, we have determination;
but when for God, we lose determination – meaning we are not
particular. That is the tragedy. You’re determined to pass the
exams. You’re determined to do your task. You are determined to
complete the project. But I don’t determine to follow God –
meaning I don’t have that attachment towards God. That is it. Is
that all?
YA : Can you give an example of how Swami interacts
with the students and teaches them?
Swami interacts with students and teachers in various degrees.
He tells some boys, “You are not behaving properly.” He tells
some boys, “You’re talking too much”. He tells some boys, “I’ll
kick you out.” I have a good example that I’ll tell you about.
Not these bad examples – [these are] only to let you know that
He knows us through and through. [This example] came recently,
just hot, hot! (laughter)
Swami came walking in the veranda and suddenly looked at one
student. He called that boy.
Swami: “Ayyo paapam [poor fellow], what a pity it is. You
have no parents.”
Boy: “Yes, Swami.”
Swami: “Your brother is irresponsible.”
Boy: “Yes, Swami.”
Immediately, Swami looked at me and said, “I know everything,
but I’m asking this boy these things only as an excuse to talk
to him and to let all of you know that I know everything”.
Therefore, He finds some excuse or the other to talk to people.
Another example: In Kodaikanal, the boys were seated like that
(Prof. Anil Kumar demonstrates how the college boys were
seated). By a wave of His hand, He materialized a chain for one
fellow by name Rakesh [who hails] from Kerala. We were feeling
very bad. (laughter) The next day, He materialized a ring for
him. Same fellow…A RING! Chain yesterday…ring today! [I thought
to myself] “O Swami! What is this? What has happened to You? You
can give me one chain after all.” On the third day, He
materialized earrings for that boy. Earrings! A boy wearing
earrings! (laughter) “Swami, are You confused? Is he going to
wear earrings now?” Rakesh just kept it. On the fourth day,
another pair of earrings to the same boy! “Is he going to open a
jewelry shop?” (laughter)
I felt very bad, very jealous – “O Swami, you have no sense of
proportion. You should give one gift to each one of us. That is
perfect socialism!” (laughter)
Then He asked me to get up and translate. He said, “When I am
giving these gifts, some of you are jealous…. I know what to
give, when to give, and why to give. Some people are doubting
why I gave earrings to that boy. I know their monkey mind. Do
you know why I gave two pairs of earrings to that boy? He lost
his mother long ago. His father is an irresponsible fellow. He
is a drunkard. This boy used to sit there in the corner with a
long face – crying, shedding tears. He lost his mother. I called
him and wanted him to call his father. I gave them an interview
and I made his father promise Me that he will not drink; that he
will take care of the family. That fellow has two sisters. His
mother’s last wish was to make earrings for the two daughters.
His mother is no more. I am his Mother. Therefore, I gave these
earrings. You don’t know this and you question Me!”
That’s what He said. “Swami, I shall not question
You!”(laughter)
HARI OM TAT SAT! HARI OM TAT SAT!
(clapping)
We’ll close with this song,
“Eka Baar Kshama Karo Sai Merey Baba Shri Sathya Sai…”.
[It’s a] lovely song.
(Prof. Anil Kumar and all the Young Adults sang the bhajan. At
the close of the bhajan, Prof. Anil Kumar was visibly moved.)
God bless you all. Thank you.
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