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Salutations to Mother
Eswaraamba
Eswaraamba Day - 6th
May, 2003
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Eswaraamba Day
"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
"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
('Mathru 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 declared: 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"The
Vedas declare, "Mathru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya 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 Telugu 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, "Mathru 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
"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.
"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
Shivaya' 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
"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
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. Dhruva, 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
"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
"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
"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
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
"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
"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 of Omkaara
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 of lshwara 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 practice humility." Sai Baba, SS,
6/96, p. 160
"Today
we are celebrating Easwaramma Day. Who is Easwaramma? She is the mother of
Easwara (God). This was not the name given to her by her parents."
Sai Baba, SS,
6/2000, p. 166
"Easwaramma,
the mother of this physical body (Sathya Sai Baba), was first christened
as Namagiriamma at the time of birth. But after her marriage, Kondama
Raju, the grandfather of this physical body, being a Jnani (wise man) and
blessed with a vision of future, started calling her Easwaramma (mother of
Easwara=God)." Sai Baba, SS,
6/96, p. 144
"Kondama
Raju, being the one with wisdom always craved for Me. One day, he called
Pedda Venkama Raju by his side and told him to change his wife name to
'Easwaramma' He told this because he felt the divine vibrations
originating from within. His intention was to convey that she was the
mother of Easwara, God Himself. But, Pedda Venkama Raju was not aware 01
me inner meaning of this name. He implicitly obeyed the command of his
father and changed the name of his wife to Easwaramma." Sai Baba, SS,
6/96, pp. 144 & 145
"Easwaramma
was born in such a poor family that she did not even have proper food to
eat. All that she had to eat was Ragi Sankati (gruel prepared from a
coarse grain). Even I too eat Ragi Sankati only. Many people in Karnataka
eat Ragi Sankati. I like it very much. I do not relish rice, Kurma
(curry), etc. Ragi with groundnut chutney is My favorite food. Both Ragi
and groundnut are available in our village. When I come here from
Puttaparthi, I bring Ragi flour with Me. Even when I go to Kodaikanal, I
tell the boys to bring Ragi flour for Me. Easwaramma was illiterate. When
I see the egoistic attitude, perverted mentality and ostentatious
behaviour of the present-day educated people, I feel it was better that
Easwaramma did not have any schooling."Sai Baba, SS, 6/2000, p.
166
"When I
was seven and half years old, I used to teach Pandhari Bhajans to small
children in our village. Easwaramma and Subbamma used to feel ecstatic
watching me sing Pandhari Bhajans and dance to their rhythm. Sometimes,
her husband Pedda Venkama Raju would give Easwaramma some money for
household expenditure. Once two annas (nickles) were remaining with her
out of this money. One could buy two bags of puffed rice for two annas in
those days. So, Easwaramma bought two bags of puffed rice with the two
annas and distributed to the children. She always used to give away
whatever she had with her. She was the embodiment of sacrifice. She used
to talk lovingly to all those who came to her. When devotees would feel
sad that Swami was ignoring them, she would console them saying. 'Whatever
Swami does is for your own good.'
When I
was being taken to Uravakonda for further education, all those children
whom I used to teach many good things in the evening felt very dejected.
At the time of leaving, ten of those children came to Me and offered one
Bottu (three paise) each as Guru Dakshina (an offering of gratitude to the
teacher). When I gave this money to Easwaramma, she was moved to tears.
She held My hand and exclaimed, 'What a spirit of sacrifice at such a
tender age.' Till she breathed her last, she kept those coins with her."
Sai Baba, SS,
6/2000, pp. 166 & 167
"After
the construction of Prashanthi Nilayam, one day I went to see Kondama
Raju. He asked Easwaramma to get a glass of water. He told her, 'God has
come to take me away. He made a promise that He would pour water into my
mouth with His hands, before I leave this body. He has come to fulfill His
promise.' Puzzled by Kondama Raju's request, Easwaramma said, 'You are not
suffering from any disease, you don't have fever or cold. What makes you
think that your end has approached? Then Kondama Raju said, 'Death occurs
as per the Will of God. Just as birth has no reason, death too has no
reason. This is the Truth of truths.' Easwaramma did not want to argue
with him. According to his wish, she brought a glass full of water and
gave him. He sat down on the floor and made Me sit on the cot. he kept his
head on My knees and said, 'Swami! Please listen to my prayer.' Easwaramma
was watching all this. She wondered, how is that he had so much love and
regard for his young grandson. Kondama Raju said, 'As you know, I was
doing a small business to make both ends meet. Perhaps I may still have to
pay a paisa or Anna to certain people. Please bless me so that I am not
indebted to anyone in my death. I said, 'So shall it be.' And started
pouring water into his mouth. He breathed his last, as he was drinking
water. His desire was fulfilled. Before leaving his mortal coil, he told
Easwaramma not to get deluded by body attachment. He said, 'Bodily
relationship is temporary, whereas Atmic relationship is permanent. So,
give up body attachment and develop attachment to the Atma." Sai Baba. SS,
6/99. p. 146 & 147
"Noble
mothers give birth to noble sons. Mothers should also feel lucky to have
noble sons. Kondama Raju (Sai Baba's grand father) used to tell his
daughter-in-law, ' Easwaramma! You have no idea of your great good
fortune. You are not an ordinary woman. The Lord Himself is with you. What
a lucky woman you are!' Easwaramma was the daughter-in-law of Kondamma
Raju. Has there been any instance of a father-in-law adoring his
daughter-in-law? He used to say, 'Easwaramma! Your name has been
vindicated.' Easwara's mother is Easwaramma. This was the way he praised
Easwaramma. Kondama Raju was one of those rare persons who could perceive
the truth. Those who cannot recognise will never be able to understand it.
They are like a blind man who cannot see the sun even during the day."
Sai Baba, SS,
6/98, p. 148
"From
that day onwards, Easwaramma never stayed at home. She started staying in
Prashanthi Nilayam. Everyday, both in the morning and evening, she used to
come upstairs and talk to Swami. She also understood My Divinity very
well. When I appeared in the form of Lord Shiva to her, she would ask,
'What Swami? Why are you adorning the snakes around your neck?' I would
act innocent, 'Well, I don't have any snakes on Me.' She would move away
saying, 'There are some snakes inside.' But later on, not finding any
snake inside, she would ask for forgiveness. Like this on many occasions,
she had the experience of My Divinity. Similar was the case with Kausalya
and Yashoda. Though they knew that their sons were Divine, they used to
get carried away by their motherly affection towards them. Mothers are
highly noble and virtuous. Their nobility cannot be described in words."
Sai Baba, SS,
6/96, p. 147
"Once on
a Shivaratri day, after I had completed My discourse, the Lingas were
ready to emerge from My mouth. I sat on the chair and was in severe pain.
Seeing Me suffering, Easwaramma got up from the gathering, came up to Me
and said, 'Swami! Why do you suffer like this? Come inside, come inside.'
I said I would not come inside. She cried and tried to persuade Me, but I
did not budge an inch. Unable to see My suffering, she went inside. As
soon as she left, Hiranyagarbha Linga emerged. All the devotees burst into
thunderous applause. Listening to this, she came back, but by then the
Linga had already emerged and I was showing it to the devotees. All the
people got up to have a glimpse of the Linga. As a result, Easwaramma
could not see it. Next day she pleaded with Me to show the Linga to her. I
said I had given it to somebody. But she said, 'I have not seen. I want to
see.' I told her that she would see in the future anyway. She said, 'I do
not want to put to inconvenience,' and went away. She had never put Me to
trouble anytime. 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." Sai Baba, SS,
6/99, p. 150 '
"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
neighboring villages. I know that You are the ocean of compassion. Please
construct a small school in the village.' I asked, 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, Easwaramma
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 Chitravathi 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
"Mothers
are responsible for the well-being of their children. They also show
spiritual path to their children. So, never forget your mother. To set an
ideal in this regard, I visit the Samadhi of My parents on My birthday. To
inculcate this good feeling in the hearts of people, even Sai Baba has
undertaken this sacred activity. Every individual should adore, respect,
worship and love his/he: mother." Sai Baba, SS,
12/98, p. 324
"Pedda
Venkama Raju was the father of this physical body (Sathya Sai Baba)" Sai
Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 144
"I would
prepare sweet Puris (fried bread) and serve not only the grandfather, but
also the washerman, the barber and others. On Such occasions, Pedda
Venkama Raju (Swami's father) came to see us at lunchtime. Kondama Raju
invited him for lunch, as it was a festival day. Pedda Venkama Raju had
his lunch with us and felt food items were very delicious. He went home
and chided Easwaramma and Venkamma for not being able to make the items
tasteful. He said, 'Look at Sathya, what a fine cook he is! Why can't you
prepare the food items the way Sathya does?' From the next day onwards, he
started sending them to Me asking them to bring whatever food items I
prepared. They would come and complain that it was because of My cooking
that they were being blamed at home." Sai Baba. SS,
6/99. p. 146
"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
Prashanthi 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
"On the
morning of 6th May 2000, Sai Ramesh Hall was aesthetically decorated with
banners, buntings and festoons. Beautiful flower designs decorated the
dais, where a picture of Divine Mother Easwaramma was placed to enable the
devotees to pay their tributes to her. Bhagavan came to the Hall at 7.30
a.m. and showered the bliss of His Darshan on the huge concourse of
devotees assembled there to celebrate this function. Bhajans on this
morning were sung exclusively by Bal Vikas children who paid their homage
to the Divine Mother Easwaramma through this excellent Programme of vocal
music, which continued up to 8.00 a.m. After the Bhajans, the next
Programme started with Veda chanting by Institute students. Before the
Divine Discourse of Bhagawan Baba, Sri Shriram Parshuram, a student of
Prashanthi Nilayam campus, made a brief speech narrating how Bhagawan
showered love of a thousand mothers on him and cured his mother of a
serious illness. After this brief speech, Bhagawan Baba gave His nectarine
discourse. The morning Programme came to a close with Aarti to Bhagawan
and distribution of Prasadam.
There
were two programmes in the afternoon. The Bal Vikas Gurus, both ladies and
gents, who enthralled the audience for about 15 minutes with melodious
Bhajans in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan, presented the first Programme.
Another wonderful Programme of the afternoon was the musical presentation
made by three students, Sri P. Sujith Kumar, Sri Tara Shankar and Sri N.
Karthik wno sent me audience into raptures by their Telugu, Hindi and
Tamil songs. At the end of this Programme, Bhagawan blessed the students
by creating Vibuthi and blowing it on them and those who gave them
instrumental support as a gesture of His Grace. With this, the grand
function of Easwaramma Day came to a close at Brindavan. Aarti was offered
to Bhagawan at the conclusion of the Programme." Editor, SS.
6/2000. p. 177
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