RADIO SPEECH
BY
B.V.N.SWAMI.
At State Broadcasting Station at
Hyderabad (Deccan) on 18-11-44.
Perfection, we are constantly told, is unattainable by man.
We have some conception of it; it is true, as an ideal. But actual humanity is
imperfect. What is the ideal of humanity? What is this “one increasing purpose
that runs through ages?” It is perfection in respect of the entire individual,
- body, mind and soul. Man is the compounded result of all these. So the
perfection of all three is the ideal. The achievement of this grand object has
been the aim not merely of man, but also of his creator. The theory of
Evolution, so well developed by moderns was anticipated by the mystics of
ancient days. In the ancient scriptures, we read the statement that God created
out himself, forms, trying in form after another, developing form after form.
Not satisfied with each form, he made something better and better still, till
at last, the human form was selected as that which suited him and pleased him best. The greatest difference between
animals and men lies however, in the development of mind the intellect, the
aesthetic faculties, the moral, and finally spiritual faculties.
Man can and does proceed to observe the heaven and calculate
the distances and inter relations of distant astrominal bodies. He can draw the
listening soul into the bliss of absorption in the mystic mazes of music. He
can strengthen the spirit to face, or dive into itself and the self of God. He
faces the Supreme Self, sits in rapt adoration, and loses himself there, first
at intervals and finally forever. As great as the difference between the brute
and the man, is the difference between the ordinary man living the usual hum
drum life of his in any country now, and the rapt soul that is in communion
with the Spirit Divine, obtaining there from powers and nature far superior to
the human.
Man has gone on advancing in his observation and scientific
study and study of arts based thereon. From the boomerang to the rocket bomb,
from the country cart to the aeroplane is undoubtedly a great step. The marvels
of modern civilization are many, so many indeed that people are apt to fancy
that they are nearing perfection. That however is not exhausted the
possibilities of scientific discovery and the development of man even on the
materialistic side.
But after all is said and done, does scientific discovery
ensure perfection or any near approach to it? The scientist must live, and
that, as a member of his society; and that society must live move on with other
societies. Men must be assured of continuous and safe existence and that can be done only, if humanity as a
whole can be assured of its continuous safe existence. Are we anywhere near the
discovery of the means for such assurance?
Social science and political science have not kept pace with
the advance of material science. Man has not understood himself. He has no
clear notion what it is he wants, and how he is to secure the highest good he
is capable of.
It looks fairly cleat that individuals can achieve this good
only if we discover how society can live in peace and advance progressively on
to its highest good. Have each of us understood what we really are and what is
our real good? It will be a great day in the march of civilization when the
generally have clear ideas on this subject.
Is the possession of goods and power to obtain goods
sufficient for us? Is that to be the be all and end all of our existence? If
that is not the case, should we run to the other existence and run away from
all external contacts and plunge within to seek and find ourselves and the
perfect bliss of God there?
Scientists are doing the work of God, in helping mankind to
attain more and more knowledge of and power over physical nature. But where are
the scientists of the mind and the soul who must keep him on pace with these
other scientists, by exploring into the nature of man, to lead him in
individually and as a group to the highest bliss he is capable of? At Present
there are no such scientists of the mind. However this work has not been
neglected altogether. Providence in its guidance of mankind has set over it
certain authorities working invisibly and without recognition. The mass of
mankind have been groping their way and progressing slowly, very very slowly,
proceeding on the principle of trial and error. They commit mistakes. Sometimes
the consequences of the mistakes destroy the persons committing the mistakes.
Providential supervision of human affairs has sofar, enabled man to survive,-
though numerous groups have perished as a result of such mistakes. Will the
same providence save mankind still, to avoid mistakes which may imperil human
society as a whole? Has providence sent any persons to guide us in this very
subtle and difficult task, when large masses of mankind may rush into mistakes
threatening the existence of themselves and the rest?
Providence has not been negligent in this matter. But the
guides that exist are not easily recognized. There are in the world, persons
who are taken to be idlers, cranks, or crazy men, apparently incapable of
contributing anything to remove danger of distribution of the social fabric. On
closer examination these are found to be saints and philosophers, the real
scientists of the mind and the soul. They are secretly engaged in putting up
the copingstone to the edifice that is being constructed by the scientific
architects. Without the work of the former, the work of the latter will not
endure and cannot produce the greatest good of all.
Human progress in societies till now has been largely based
on the principles of egotism as expressed in individualism and nationalism.
Self-assertion in the individual and the nation is undoubtedly essential for
progress. But we have learned to restrict individual freedom by the enforcement
of the principle of Altruism to the extent necessary for the proper working of
a group or society known as a nation. Nationalism however is, at present,
practically the last word in our political civilization. This has been leading
us to terrible errors involving loss of life and property. It is obvious that
the principle of Altruism, or in other words, love must be introduced or
developed so as to check and counteract nationalism to the extent necessary to
secure the welfare of mankind. Is there any person or means by which this
principle of Altruism or love can be enrolled on national units today? Most
will immediately reply there is none and that the prospect for humanity is
consequently very dark. But some of the more hopeful members of society are
able to see through this darkness of the present hour, a glimmer of hope. There
appear to be some persons and some forces which will emphasise the principle of
love and make it the leaven to leave all society.
These men are great supermen, the God-mad men, the modern
Rishis. The age of Rishis, some say, is gone, as also the age of miracles. But,
believe me, when I tell you, the age of miracles is coming; and the stream of
Rishis is not over, but swelling. These appear bold assertions; but within the
short time allowed to me, I will mention one clear and startling instance of a
modern Rishi as powerful as Vasistha or Rishya-sringa, a Saint as powerful and
deep in his love for mankind as Jesus. I am refereeing to Sri Sai Baba of
Shirdi of whom I shall immediately proceed to give you a short account.
A Fakir passed away in 1918 at Shirdi in the Ahmednagar
District who was spending his days and nights in attending to the needs and
promoting the welfare of the hundreds and thousands that flocked to his feet,
by means most marvelous and superhuman. Hindu and Moslem, Parsee and Christian,
rich and poor, male and female, children and adults, all had their share of
attention at his hands; and they all declared with one voice, that he was a
superman He exhibited powers not easily discovered in men. He commanded the
elements, discarnate spirits, brute creation, - nay controlled the minds of
thousands of men, near or remote. The thought of man could never be bidden from
him; and he exercised his remarkable power only for the benefit of humanity. No
wonder that the Hindus worshipped him and rebuilt the Mosque in which he was
living at their own expense. The other communities did not worship him but
prayed to him (mostly mentally) and innumerable persons had their prayers
granted. And thereupon they the Non-Hindus called him (not God but), a God man
or the friend of God. He scarified everything for the benefit of all his
devotees and called them, his children. In his immediate presence, they were
filled with fraternal feelings towards each other and pulled together as his
children. “Love ye one another even as I love ye all” was his mandate, and
Hindus built at their own expense one more Mosque for Moslems and Moslems
carved and made images for the temples of the Hindus. In Baba’s own Mosque, he
was the central figure worshipped by the Hindus to the to the accompaniment of
loud music. The persons that beat the drum in the mosque and at his tomb were
and are Moslems, and when his picture was and is taken round in procession with
music, Hindus and Moslems, Christians and Parsees reverently followed and
follow the procession. That mosque was called a Brahmin’s mosque and Dwarka
Mayee by Baba himself. It contained not only the western niche necessary for
all Mosques but also a central Dhuni or fire for Hindu Parsis to worship at, as also the sacred basil
(Tulasi) for Hindu ladies to go round. During the day it was a temple. Puran,
and Shastras and Vedas were read by order of Sai Baba and guru puja was
celebrated there with all pomp noise of a Hindu temple or a Hindu mutt. At
night the building was devoted to the solemn reading of Quran by the favourable
servant of Baba, Abdulbhai; while sometimes, Shariff was loudly chanted by
Fakirs occasionally visiting the place. Sai Baba explained the Gita,
Upanishads, Vedas and Ithihasas and coins, pictures, padukas and images to
worship. To Moslems, Christians and Parsis he did not present any objects for
worship. To Moslems he gave texts of Quran for constant repetition and looked
after their spiritual welfare according to their own methods. He bade each
community and each individual to stick to the customary modes of worship and
other religious practice. Everyone felt that here was the Samathvam referred to
in the Gita “ Nirdosham-hisamam- Brahma” and the God who in the words of
Alexander Pope is one:
“ Who sees with equal eye as Lord of all
A hero perish of a sparrow fall.”
Wherever Baba’s worship is prevalent there is a happy
tolerance and mutual co-operation between persons of all communities and races,
castes and creeds. This continues to day. Baba’s work was the same as
Din-Iliahi of Akbar. But Akbar ‘s Din-Iliahi died with him and Baba’s Din-Ilahi
of full force though he left his body 26 years ago; and it is increasing its
scope and strength from day to day. Why is this so? Akbar died. Baba is not
dead. Baba told his devotees that even without the body, he would look after
the welfare of all his children, i.e. all those that put their faith in him and
cling to him for protection and guidance.
To day there are in the Madras
Presidency he is continuing to give miraculous relief to vast numbers who turn
to him in numerous places, the number of his followers is rapidly advancing
from day to day not only in the southern presidency but in various other parts
of India also.
No one who belongs to Baba can ever hate persons of other
communities. It is with joy that I note several other saints who are Moslems by
birth working on Sai Baba’s lines having a large and considerable Hindu
following and benefiting them alike in temporal and spiritual matters. I have
found also at Ramanashram Aravind Asram&c. Several Hindu God-men working on
lines of love and tolerance who have Moslem followers. It is therefore, with
some foundation that I state that I see the gleams of hope in these God-men. It
is these salts of the earth that will leaven the bread of Humanity at least in
India and fill the mass with sufficient toleration, brotherhood and love to
ensure the satisfactory onward march of mankind towards higher and higher
perfection.
It is no exaggeration to say that Lord Sai is God Incarnate.
He has performed miracles in His lifetime and after leaving this earthly life.
His devotees have had miraculous experiences in their careers and one of the
many instances is the following fact actually experienced by one of his
devotees.
Sow. Rajalakshmi, the nine-year-old daughter of Sri.
T.R.S.Mani Iyer, Sri Rajalakshmi vilas, Kumbakonam, well known as an ardent
devotee of Lord Sai, was dumb by birth, Much dejected by this, he worshipped
the Lord Sai most fervently and found solace in Him. One day Lord Sai ordered
Sri Iyer to come to his Samadhi at Shirdi. Much exalted. Sri Iyer with his
daughter went to Shirdi on 28-3-42. They worshipped the Lord before His
Samadhi; and “Lo the girl began to cry “ Sai Baba, Sai Baba.” Is it not a
miracle? Does this not go to prove that He is the incarnation of God?
The girl is now studying in the school and there is now a
veritable improvement in her speech. Greatly rejoicing at the mercy of Lord
Sai, Iyer is daily offering pujas to Him in his house at Kumbakonam and of late
he performed three Laksharchanas to Sri Sai Baba.
In May 1944, he again went to Shirdi to attend the Sri
Ramanavami celebration and paid homage to Lord Sai by presented Benares Silk
shawl worth about Rs.500 and also a silver lamp (Kuthivikkulu) to the height of
his daughter costing nearly Rs.400. His extreme faith in Him and ardent
devotion to Him manifested as above, have attracted many more devotees to His
doors at Shirdi. Puja as done at Shirdi, is being performed at his residence at
Kumbakonam daily. The above picture is the photo of the girl sow. Rajalakshmi
who had the blessing of Sri Sai Baba.
N.B (Translated from
Swadesamitran dated 15-9-44)
NEWS AND NOTES
All India Sai Samaj, Madras
Brahmasri Krishna Bagavatar of Bangalore gave a Harikatha
performance on Sri Sai Baba on Saturday the 18th November before a
large and distinguished audience. Prominent among those present were The
Hon’ble Justice Dewan Bahadur C.N. Kuppuswami Iyer and the Hon’ble
JusticeK.P.Lakshmana Rao. The performance was very much appreciated.
By B.V.N.SWAMI
4-11-44. Nellore. Swami presided and lectured
at Bhrata Natyam by Sri Saroja in aid of Sai Mandir B.Fund.
Nellore: 5-11-44 (1) pooja at Sri C. Cunnaih Chettiar’s mill and house. (2)
Meeting at Sai Mandir, Mr.M.V.Subba Rao, presiding Resolutions passed to form
at Nellore Sai Bhakta Sangha. A strong committee was appointed to collect more
funds for Sai Mandir, to frame rules for the Samaj, etc.
Kavali: 7-11-44. Lecture by Swami. Mr.S.Venkasubba Rao, B.A. B.L. presiding.
Ongole: 7-11-44 Lecure 8-11-44 Bapatla. Lecture at Bhava Narayan Temple.
9-11-44 Tenali. Lecture at Maruti temple, then Teertham distribution by Swami
at Sai Mandir, 10-11-44 Two lectures (a) Ladies meeting at Ladies Club, (b) to
Public at Taluk High School, (c) Tirtham distribution at Sai Mandir.
Guntur: 11-11-44. (a) Pooja at Sriman Narayan’s (b) and at Sri Viswanathan’s
(c) Lecture at Hindu College. Sri P.Ramakrishna, District Judge, presiding.
Bezwada. 12-11-44. Lecture at Kanika Parameswari Hall, Sri Chalapalli
Suryanarana presiding, 13-11-44 Lectures at Ram Mohan Library, Sri Lakkiraj
(Retired Collector) presiding.
Secunderabad. 14-11-44, (a) Talks, Swami answers questions at Hindu Home.
15-11-44 Lectures at Jamshed Hall (with Loud Speaker) at a crowded Hall. Sri
M.S.Koteeswaran presiding. 16-11-44 Lecture again at same Hall (with loud
speaker) in Tamil and Telugu. Sri M.S.K. presiding. Then special pooja at Hindu
Home with Swami’s distribution of Teertham, etc.
16-11-44 Lecture at Jamshed Hall to a crowded audience (loud
speaker used) (with Sri M.S.Koteswaram presiding) in Tamil and Telugu.
Hyderabad. 17-11-44 (i) Lectures on Indian Mysticism at the
Theosophical Society with Rani in the chair. (ii) Hyderabad, Y.M.C.A.
Lecture on “Divinity in Man,” with Sri G.A.Chandhavarkar,
M.A. M.R.A.S in the chair.
18-11-44. Three Lectures by Swami (i) to students of Mahbub
College, Sri M.S.Koteeswaran presiding (ii) to the public at Hyderabad (Reddy’s
Hostel), (iii) A speech by Swami on perfection in Man broadcast by Radio at the
State Broadcasting Station.
Secunderabad 19-11-44. 2 Lectures and one special pooja by Swami. (i)
Lecture at T.S.Hall (Bansilal Colony) on Indian Mysticism and answers to
questions (ii) Lectures at Albert Reading Room in Tamil (iii) Pooja in the same
place with distribution of Udhi, Tirtham and Naivedya.
On all these 6 days numerous devotees had interviews with
Swami at Hindu Home.
It is with deep regret we note the death by accidental
drowning of the 17-year-old son of our Vice President Sri K.N.Chaudary. May Sri
Sai Baba give peace and sadgati to the departed soul.