Posted on: May 06, 2014
Invaluable Advice to
Bal Vikas Gurus & Students
The world over, devotees of Bhagawan celebrate 6 May as the Easwaramma Day, in honour of beloved Mother Easwaramma. In the year 1977, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, with the blessings of Bhagawan also decided to dedicate this day to the Sai children around the globe. In Bhagawan's presence this special day would always bring with it a sea of exuberant Bal Vikas children who would infect the gathering with their pure love for Bhagawan. We would look forward to the bhajans these children offer to Bhagawan in their innocent and mellifluous voices.
We bring for you on this occasion that is dedicated to the Bal Vikas movement, excerpts from Bhagawan's discourses on various occasions, which remind us of what He envisioned for this movement and what He expected from Bal Vikas children and gurus. We hope all Bal Vikas gurus go through these excerpts and also share them with their students.
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(Padhyam - Telugu Poem)
From education arises humility, when one acquires humility, one obtains deservedness, when one gets the deservedness, out of that he will acquire wealth in this country. Once he acquires wealth, it follows he acquires righteousness or Dharma; out of righteousness thus acquired will flow his material pleasures and his spiritual requirements. Man therefore, obtains his material pleasures and his spiritual requirements through this sequence which starts with education, humility, deservedness, wealth and Dharma.
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The Goal of the Bal Vikas movement is societal transformation. But where should this process begin?
According to our Indian culture it is said, mother is God, father is God. One’s parents are the manifestations of Divinity in a visible form. Our parents have given us this body; have cared for us by giving us food and also given us the ideals with which we have to lead our lives. Hence we must consider showing our gratitude to them as our first and foremost duty. Our body, our blood and everything in this human body, all the aspects and all the capacities are given to us as a gift by our parents.
If you are unable to give satisfaction to your parents who have given you this sacred body, how will you be able to do good to the country? How will you be able to transform the society? How will you be able to look after the security of your country? You can think for yourself. When we are not in a position to make our parents who live in the same house happy, how can we spread happiness across the country and the world?
The boys and girls of Bal Vikas should begin at their homes by showing respect for their parents, brothers and sisters. This should be the first step. The second step is to respect, those in the neighbourhood. We should also respect those that come as guests to our homes. Gradually in this manner, we should be able to spread our care to the rest of the village, going on to the whole district, and eventually to the country as a whole.
(Divine Discourse - 2 Mar 1974)
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Bhagawan reminds the Bal Vikas children why it is essential to build a strong character in a tender age and what one must do to build such a character:
You young children will soon grow up, and some of you will become mothers and some of you fathers; it is only when you learn to respect your parents when young, your children in turn will respect you and show regard to you when you become mothers and fathers.
Whatever seed is planted, that
corresponding tree will sprout out of it. So also the kind of food that you take
in will determine the nature of the belch. This concept of reaction is well
understood and accepted by citizens of Bharath. Your life is like a seed. You
must nurture this seed of life into a tree, and make efforts to relish the
fruits of bliss and happiness that the tree bears. If the plant in its tender
age were to become crooked and get a curved shape, then the whole tree too will
be crooked.
So ensure that this period of life is spent in a fruitful and sacred manner. You can do this by acquiring sacred education through the study of the holy texts of Bharath like Bhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Ithihasas and Vedas. Not only our spiritual texts, you should also acquaint yourself with holy texts like the Bible and the Quran.
Our country has been known as the treasure house of spiritual knowledge. In such a country, today, unfortunately injustice, hatred and jealousy are showing their ugly head. I am hoping that you boys and girls of the Balvikas, will grow into such citizens who will reestablish Santhi, Prema and Dharma in this country.
(Bal Vikas Conference Divine discourse - 22 Nov 1975)
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What should be the role of a Bal Vikas Guru in the life of their wards?
The close connection that should exist between the Bal Vikas students and Gurus should be for the goal of controlling one's own senses. The teachers should be good guides, and the students should be ideal recipients of such good ideas. Teachers should play the role of an alarm time pieces. The students, who are lost in the sleep of ignorance, should be woken up by these Gurus through the teaching of Prajnana (spiritual wisdom); they should be exhorted to, 'awaken, arise and strive towards the goal.' Ignorance always strengths ones ego. Ego is like a great sin. It has been said, “Death is sweeter than blindness of ignorance”.
Where there is the teacher ignorance disappears, but if one has ignorance, one cannot find a teacher. So long as one has ego, it is not possible to find a real Guru. Unfortunately, today in the world, there are plenty of greedy teachers and lazy students. Today, there is a great need for students with sharp intellect and teachers who can sacrifice. It’s not great to give away objects, but it is indeed great to give away one’s own self. It is only when there is a close relationship and connection between the teacher and the student, that whatever is taught will take the shape of spiritual knowledge.
(Bal Vikas Conference Divine discourse - 22 Nov 1975)
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A few important tips to Balvikas Gurus and coordinators:
There is one important advice I wish to communicate to the teachers. Anything about a religion or aspects of a religion, should not be taught to the children in a manner which will create contradictions in their minds. We should not have hatred for any religion, all religions only teach how we can go closer to God. One should not take the attitude that one religion is better and another is smaller; one should not make such comparisons. It is the equality of all the religions and the acceptance of the main principles of all religions is the essence of Sai’s ideas. This is something which you should recognize.
There is only one religion, the religion of Love;
There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity;
There is only one language, the language of the Heart;
There is only one God, He is Omnipresent.
Keeping this in mind, with love you must welcome people of all religions. Whether Christians come to us, Parsi’s come, Jains come or Muslims come, we should equally welcome all, regarding this beautiful country as a garden in which all these different religions are flowering, adding beauty. Our country Bharath is like a “Nandanavana”. In this “Nandanavana” various religions which are flourishing should be regarded as different flowers that gives us Ananda or Bliss.
(Divine Discourse - 2 Mar 1974)
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Bhagawan reminds us as to how important it is for a Bal Vikas Guru to strive for individual purity:
Today in the context of there being about 5000 Bal Vikas Gurus, if each teacher can set right a hundred students, the whole country can be improved in a large measure. Today there being 5000 gurus of Bal Vikas classes, what is the progress we have made during the past four years is a question we should ask ourselves? We should carefully examine everything that each one of us does. The Gurus who have Sathvik feelings can inspire such noble feelings in the students who learn under them. If we therefore want sacred ideas to be promoted in the students, first thing to do is to develop sacred thoughts in the minds of the teacher.
The first step is that the teacher’s minds should be made free of jealousy, differences and all other bad qualities. Most importantly, teachers must keep away from all kinds of politics, that are like injurious insects. Teachers should not form small parties and groups. When a few teachers get a good name and fame, some others become jealous of them. All the gurus should regard themselves as brothers and sisters and promote the divine aspect of Atma and regard themselves as the proponents of that one idea. Being humans, it is possible that unpleasant ideas may occur in the mind. But you have undertaken to be a Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Guru. If such bad qualities occur in other teachers there is not so much danger, as would be in the case of a Bal Vikas teachers.
(Divine Discourse to Bal Vikas Gurus at Poorna Chandra Auditorium - 20 Nov 1979)
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Bhagwan instructs on the importance of self-introspection, as individuals and as a group:
We should have the faith and understanding that teachers are like the guiding light for the country. If one student takes to the wrong path, he or she alone would have taken the wrong path. But if the teacher takes to the wrong path, hundreds and thousands of young people will to take the wrong path. The teachers should stand as a guidepost. He should have an unwavering mind in setting an example of an ideal to the young students. If the guide post is not stationary and is constantly rotating, then it will show the wrong direction. Just as a guidepost stands firm and shows the direction clearly, so also, the teachers should stand firm, should be selfless and should show the path to the students to follow. The teacher should also promote one’s own devotion and faith.
(Divine Discourse to Bal Vikas Gurus at Poorna Chandra Auditorium - 2o Nov 1979)
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Download the Telugu Transcript of the Discourse clips
- Team
sourced:
http://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_12/01MAY14/Invaluable-advice-to-Bal-Vikas-Gurus-Students.htm
Posted on: May 06, 2014
A Living Scripture on Ideal Womanhood
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Two distinguished devotees from yesteryears, Mrs. Ratanlal and Mr. Ramana Rao, reminisce the sacred memories of The Mother as they saw her. As we celebrate Easwaramma Day on May 6, let us ponder on the ideas and ideals that the Lord communicates to us through the blessed life of His Chosen Mother.
“What is the most fascinating
aspect of the relationship between Swami and His mother that you had the chance
to personally witness?”
We asked Mrs. Ratanlal who is now 93; she was drawn to the divine fold in 1960s and since then was blessed to serve the Lord at close quarters, especially looking after His kitchen, all through her life.
The
Jolly Relationship
“I saw The Mother for the first
time in 1965,” she started. Her speech was slow but very measured, and her every
word clear.
“As I come from North India,” she
continued, “Then I did not understand even a word of Telugu and The Mother did
not speak Hindi, so I could not interact much with her initially. Nevertheless I
would always pay my respects to her with folded hands but she never allowed me,
or anybody for that matter, to go near her and touch her feet. She in fact
repelled at such adoration.
“With time as Swami gave me the
privilege to take food for Him, I had the chance to go upstairs and into His
dining room, and it is there that I saw the lovely interaction between The
Mother and her Divine Son.”
Mrs. Ratanlal now paused, and a bright smile blossomed; maybe she was reminded of a beautiful scene.
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To Bhagawan's right is Mother Easwaramma |
“You know...,” she resumed, a
childlike joy so evident on her affable face, “Swami used to be 'naughty' with
her; He loved playing with her. So He would tease her and make some curious
remarks, and she too, sensing her Son's mood, would smartly retort. And as this
went on, at some point she would be no match for Swami's quick-witted comments,
and so seemingly disappointed she would return to her room in the Mandir.
As we climbed down the staircase she would be
repeatedly saying, 'He is now a Pedda Devudu (Big God), still He is my
son too!'”
Like every mother, she was
possessive of her Son, and even though her Son had now risen to such heights
that she was always left baffled and bewildered, she could never let go of Him.
Same with Swami too, He also always loved her dearly and regaled in her company.
“Once when we were traveling, Mr.
Raja Reddy was driving and Swami was sitting next to him in the front,” Mrs.
Ratanlal recalled a specific instance, “Mother Easwaramma and three other ladies
were sitting behind. The Mother was seated right behind Swami and her hands were
stretched, holding on to Swami's seat. On this occasion, after a while the
charming Swami started playing with His mother's bangles and exclaimed,
'Oh! Golden bangles! Who gave them to you?!'
“The mother too riposted, 'Your father, who else?' And Swami had a hearty laugh, sending everyone else in the car too into ripples of smiles because everyone knew that by no means her husband could have given her golden bangles as the family during Swami's childhood struggled to make both ends meet. Still, the Mother intentionally did not want to give the credit to Swami just like Bhagawan too never praised her qualities but always liked to 'tickle' her. This always had a better and beautiful effect!” Mrs. Ratanlal reminisced with glee.
A
Character as Clear as Crystal
“Oh! Swami was very fond of her,” she went on, “He respected her a lot, probably because she was a repository of virtues. Sterling qualities studded her personality. She never asked anybody for anything. Often devotees would bring something for her but she always refused to accept, no matter whoever he or she is. Even when Swami said to the devotee 'Give it to her' she would not take it. She would say 'You give it to Swami'. She would accept it only when Swami gave it to her.
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“Not only this, she would be
extremely careful about her dealings with public. Even though she was brought up
in a rustic village with little education, she was very sensible and highly
observant. She would keenly watch Swami's interactions with different devotees
and accordingly maintain her distance.
“Besides she would never do anything without consulting Swami. Let alone
going out, she would not visit the houses of her relatives or children in the
village itself without telling Swami. Even though she had all access to Swami
and could say anything to Him at anytime, she would always wait patiently for a
moment when Bhagawan is relatively free, to speak to Him.
Such was her love for Swami that she would never
do anything which could upset Swami.
“On His part, Bhagawan would do
everything that would make her happy. For example, whenever Swami went to
Bengaluru He would always take her along. While there, knowing her weakness for
her grandchildren, Swami would often send her along with them to the city giving
her sufficient money so that she could buy things and feed her dear ones to her
heart's content. But more than this, what gave her maximum satisfaction is when
heeding to her request Swami alleviated the suffering of a devotee.”
This facet of The Mother is what every devotee of that era vouches for. Like Mrs. Ratanlal, Mr. B. V. Ramana Rao too came to the lotus feet in the sixties and had the opportunity to serve Bhagawan in His close proximity in various capacities all through his life. He is now 89 but exudes the energy of someone who is 49!
A
Heart of Gold
When we asked him about his
recollections of The Mother, he said, “She was
more or less the mouthpiece of so many troubled hearts. Those devotees
who could not get Swami's attention for some reason and were desperate to find a
solution to their maladies would go to her. She would somehow present their
pitiable conditions to Swami, and even though Bhagawan would appear disinclined
to take recommendations from her, He would always give her His ear.
“In these situations Swami had to do tight-rope-walking because He never wanted the world to feel that the easiest way to get across to Him is through The Mother (else she becomes His secretary!). At the same time, He did not ever want to displease her. So more often than not He would bless everyone The Mother brought but pretend as if He was doing it reluctantly. I have been a personal witness to many such incidents when The Mother pleaded on a devotee's behalf, and Swami in response said, 'Alright, ask them to sit here.'
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“In fact, that is perhaps the reason why she was so much loved by everyone in Puttaparthi and in the surrounding villages. I had no clue how much she meant to the local population of this area until the day she left her mortal coil.
The Revealing and Riveting Final Journey
“I was indeed there in Brindavan (Bengaluru)
when she passed away on May 6, 1972. The Summer Course in Indian Culture and
Spirituality was going on in the ashram; youth from all over the country had
come to participate in this one-month programme. At about 6 that morning Smt.
Parvathamma (one of Swami's sisters) cried out 'Swami! Swami! Mother has fallen
down!' That is when Mr. Rama Brahmam, the caretaker of the Brindavan ashram,
rushed to the scene and he asked me to call Dr. Hegde (a close devotee of
Bhagawan).
“Meanwhile Mr. Rama Brahmam went
upstairs but Swami, apparently, did not open the door of His room. Restless, he
went up again after a short while, but now he was surprised to see Swami Himself
coming down with a silk saree in His hand. Bhagawan went straight to The
Mother's room and told Smt. Venkamma (His other sister),
'She achieved what she had sought for – a
painless passover. She is extremely fortunate.' And then Swami covered
her body with the silk saree He had brought with Him. All along Sri Kamavadhani,
the renowned Vedic scholar who was around, was chanting Vedic hymns, and during
this time, Swami perhaps also poured holy tulsi water into her mouth.
“What we do not know about this
episode is the exact moment when The Mother called out 'Swami!... Swami!' about
which Prof. Kasturi writes in the book 'Easwaramma – The Chosen Mother'. 'I am
coming... I am coming...' is how Swami responds. I think that was the call of
the soul which only Swami heard and immediately answered. No one needed to
inform Him about this event. When He came down with the silk saree He was calm,
composed and absolutely in control of everything, like always.
“In fact, within a minute of
draping her body with the new cloth, He called me and said, 'Start immediately
for the city market in our van. Purchase flowers from there as there will be no
flowers in Puttaparthi at this time. All the rural folk would like to place
flowers on her body. From the market proceed directly to Puttaparthi.' Saying
this He thrust five 100-rupee notes onto my hand.
“I felt embarrassed to accept money
from Swami but there was no time or space to tell Him anything; He asked me to
rush. So I went to the city market but my mind was a muddle as I had no clue
what sort of flowers should I be buying, should it be loose ones or garlands,
how much should I purchase, what is the quantity I can get for Rs. 500, and so
on.
“Once I reached there I went to the
owner of one shop and presented my demand. He asked me the reason for my
purchase and when I mentioned to him 'Mother Easwaramma passed away this
morning' he instantly broke down and started crying inconsolably. I was shocked.
I never thought he would know The Mother, and even have this much love for her!
“Soon many other flower shop owners gathered there and then a barrage of questions followed 'How did this happen? When did this happen? How was she yesterday? What did Swami say?' and so on. Then, within ten minutes they filled the entire van with all kinds of flowers and garlands. And all of them refused money. But I insisted that they accept at least Rs. 500 which Swami has given, else I might get reprimanded by Swami. So they took it as prasadam.
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“While this was an eye-opener for
me, a greater revelation awaited me when I reached Puttaparthi. It was simply
unbelievable. In those days 200-300 people assembling for an event is a good
number but on this day thousands had gathered. Mr. Rama Brahmam, along with
Swami's sisters Parvathamma and Venkamma accompanied the sacred remains of
Mother Easwaramma and reached the house of Bhagawan's brother, Sri
Janakiramaiyya at Puttaparthi by 10.30 am itself.
“It was 12 noon by the time I arrived. In those couple of hours, the news
had spread like wildfire and many had flocked in large numbers from all
surrounding villages. The hamlet was packed with people. And hundreds of them
were literally crying and wailing loudly 'Now, who will take care of us!', 'Now,
to whom shall we tell our problems!' 'Why have you left us so suddenly Amma?!'
and so on.
“I
could not believe what I saw. I never had imagined that she was virtually the
mother of so many! That she was their strength, their support and their solace!
I had thought it would be a simple burial with a few known devotees and Swami's
family members. But this was a stunning surprise.
“I figured this is because she
always was concerned about others' welfare. Even when Swami gave her money,
especially on some festival days like Dasara or His birthday, she would give it
to the poor and needy. She knew this is what will make Swami proud and happy.
“No wonder on so many occasions
Swami has mentioned that it was The Mother's prayer which prompted Him to launch
the mammoth missions in the field of education, healthcare and sociocare. Having
seen the Mother, I can fully relate to this. Of course ultimately it is the
Divine Will to uplift the lives of thousands through these mega projects but the
chosen instrument for all these was The Divine Mother.
“I had the fortune to be one of the pall bearers of the sacred body as it was being taken in a procession from Sri Janakiramaiyya's house to the place of the Samadhi, and also had the chance to lower the body into the pit. The sacred spot was overflowing with flowers and garlands. More than that, it was drenched with the tears of teeming thousands; she was accorded all due honours that would befit a queen. She indeed was a queen of hearts.”
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When we asked Mrs. Ratanlal, what
is the one virtue of Mother Easwaramma that she would want every woman in this
world to cultivate, she said, “You are asking me about one virtue...
whatever is written in our shastras
(holy scriptures) about the right conduct and character of the woman of the
house, she had it in her. She was a living scripture on ideal womanhood!”
That pretty well sums up what
Mother Easwaramma is, why the Lord chose her and loves her, and also why the
very mention of her name in His physical presence always made the eyes of the
Lord moist with emotion.
Even for the Lord, The Mother's place is at the highest pedestal and her principles most precious. If we call ourselves devotees of such a Lord, it is worthwhile for us to reflect on where our relationship with our mothers stand. That would be a fruitful contemplation as we celebrate Easwaramma Day.
- Radio Sai Team
Tuesday, May 6th, 2014
Celebrating the third anniversary of Bhagawan’s revolutionary educational package for the world of blossoming children, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, students belonging to the twin Vidya Vahini affiliated schools from Patiala, Punjab Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Niketan, Baghpur, Sai Saraswati Vidya Mandir along with Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan presented a cultural offering yesterday, on the eve of Easwaramma Day, here in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The programme commenced at 1720 hrs. with a brief introduction on the glory of Punjab followed by a brief spell of Veda chanting by the tiny tots.
Taking its turn first, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Niketan, Baghpur offered a couple of Quawwalis, beginning the session, singing paeans to the Sai Avatars. This was followed by a brief ‘dance-skit’ depicting on the unbounded love between Bhagawan Sri Krishna and Sudhama. Even as Sudhama sets out to meet his former classmate, at the entrance, the simpleton was not well entertained by the gatekeepers… Sudhama, with a heart longing to meet his Lord, burst into singing, pleading The Lord to reveal Himself, allowing him in…
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http://www.sssbpt.org/images/vidyavahini3rdanniversarymay2014.swf
The second half of the Punjab programme, presented by Sai Saraswati Vidya Mandir comprised of an all-Punjabi special, presenting Mool Mantra – the first composition in the Sikh holy text The Guru Granth Sahib, a stirring infectious Bangra dance, Sufi renderings…etc…
The final session for the evening was marked with a sterling Tera Tali dance by Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School children from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Tera Tali is a ritualistic dance of Rajasthan, performed by female dancers with song accompaniment provided by male singers. With faces thinly veiled, the women squat on the floor with tiny cymbals tied to their outstretched legs… and they go on striking the cymbals rhythmically with the cymbals held in their hands.
A song in love and gratitude by Team Vidya Vahini followed, “Oh Maa…Sai Maa…’ before students burst in to bhajans. The session ended with Mangala Arathi at 1900 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
sourced:
http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/2014/05/vidya-vahini-anniversary/
sourced:
http://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_12/01MAY14/A-Living-Scripture-on-Ideal-Womanhood.htm
It is a saga of eternal love for mankind and a
true example of selfless sacrifice. The bond between Swami and Easwaramma was
eternal and not comparab...le
with any other relationship. No doubt the crown of motherhood was acquired by
Easwaramma as a reward for her accumulated goodness but in this life too she
rose to those heights which made a laudable example of a great devotee of the
Lord. Her love for him was unparalleled and as well as being an ideal wife,
sister, mother, and grandmother, she was a constant source of support,
inspiration and love for the village folk and the ever-expanding Sai family.
The Lord chose her as his Mother not only as a reward for her past deeds but
also, as Prof. Kasturi noted, “in appreciation of what she was capable of in
this life.” And with the Supreme Teacher to guide her, she learned every
lesson Swami gave her with his glance, a word, a question, or a smile, and
became a living saint radiating love and purity. Ultimately, the great soul we
know as Easwaramma reached a state where she took every event and emotion,
every thought and activity as a gem set doorway through which she could
recognize the One.
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Today’s Sai Inspires from Prasanthi Nilayam,
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Abraham Lincoln learnt to speak truth and conduct himself with sel...f-respect
and dignity, unafraid of his financial position, from the lap of his mother.
When little Abraham shared with his mother that he was disrespected and felt
ashamed in the midst of his friends for wearing old and shabby clothes, she
told him that he need not feel so. She counselled him that poverty, though
viewed in poor light by others, will eventually help him gain respect. Lincoln
later in his life declared, “You may disrespect me, but truth cannot be
disrespected. It will emerge triumphant!” He proceeded on the path of truth
and self-confidence taught by his mother and became the President of the
United States of America. In fact, anyone who has the blessing of their mother
will emerge very successful.
-My Dear Students, Vol 2, Ch 9, Feb 24, 2005.
You must give your mother the same love and share her spirit of sacrifice with
which she raised you. – BABA.
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Download the special poster of Summer Showers 1990 Illustrated - Discourse 1
and read the full discourse here:
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Download the special poster of Summer
Showers 1990 Illustrated - Discourse 1 and read the full discourse here:
http://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_12/01MAR14/SUMMER-SHOWERS-ILLUSTRATED-1990-DISCOURSE-01.htm
Radiosai facebook team
If there is one soul whom the Lord Himself
hailed as a beacon for entire mankind, the very mention of whose name brought
tears t...o
the divine eyes....it is MOTHER EASWARAMMA.
This flip book takes you through the eternal beacon of inspiration, A
personification of simplicity, Mother Easwaramma.
Read this full flip book here:
http://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_10/01MAY12/Easwaramma_day_flip_book/easwaramma.html
Radiosai facebook team
When my arms cannot reach people who are close to my heart, I always hug them with my prayers