Book Reviews
The Givers of Light
Fascinating revelations by Visionaries, Mystics and Healers
from many parts of the world
Roy Christie, a veteran art critic and journalist from South Africa,
has interviewed many gifted individuals during his travels in South Africa and
India, over a period of years. Here are stories from healers, psychics, therapists,
and a catholic chaplain, who have had one or another experience of the Divine
(often Sai Baba) and have taken up their task in the world and shared their gifts
for the betterment of humanity at large.
I found myself in agreement with many things said by the different interviewees. It seems that these gifted individuals, each one possessing a spirit of selfless service, offer their time and talents for good. Although each interviewee comes from different spiritual and psychic spaces and places, and have had vastly different experiences of the Divine or the Spirit world, they are all more or less on the same bus, on the same journey, as it were.
These striking personalities are instruments of the Divine, or the Spirit, who often serve with selflessness, dedication and great personal cost, those in need with their gifts differing. Many come from families where there is a strong background of psychic or spiritual involvement. This is an inspiring and uplifting read and truly reveals the presence of the spiritual as something alive and active and moving out to heal and empower sinners and seekers through the life and sacrifices of each and every interviewee.
The strengths of the book are evident;
- there is a spiritual dimension;
- that spiritual dimension is active, as per the life stories of the interviewees;
- the spiritual dimension expresses itself in a variety of ways through the different instruments;
- those instruments are prepared for this task, often over many incarnations
- the Divine intervenes in the life of men and women through the 'instruments' interviewed to create a better reality for those who are seeking healing, understanding, refuge or relief, in whatever form.
- In the main, the instruments pass on messages, provide teachings, healings or experiences to other seekers and the needy about being responsible for the reality you create, the life you create, and the different choices that are available to us all; there is no need to repeat the mistakes of the past.
The general overall coherence and tone is striking, and one of immense spiritual strength.
This book can be obtained by ordering online at www.thegiversoflight.com and is available in selected
bookshops in India.
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Sai Smaran
(Recollections of Sai)
Dr D.J. Gadhia
(Sai Charan Dasanu Das)
Dr Gadhia, well known to many devotees in the UK, called himself "the servant of all devotees, at the Lotus Feet of the Lord Sai". Thus was his humility, and his mission as devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Dr Gadhia was related to Kakasaheb, H.S. Dixit, who wrote Sri Sai Satcharita, the devotional narrative of Shirdi Sai Baba. That narrative is often read as a saptaha, that is, within seven days, and an offering made afterwards for seeking a boon or blessing from Shirdi Sai. Dr Gadhia suggests readers do the same with this book also. Weighing in at a hefty 375 pages, cram packed with stories from the life Dr Gadhia and his directions and guidance from Sri Sathya Sai Baba, to serve other devotees, readers will definitely have to plan their reading time
to complete this tome within seven days.
Humility and service form a fragrant offering on every page of this book. Gadhia refers to himself as 'this das' (this servant of the devotees of the Lord Sai) and Swami is referred to as 'Beloved Swami' and 'Beloved Baba', such is the nature of pure devotion that Gadhia had for his Lord and Guide. Through his promotion and programs on Sathya Sai Baba, Dr Gadhia brought many people from many countries world-wide to Sathya Sai Baba.
Sathya Sai Baba took care of every aspect of his life, and saved him many times. A devotee of forty years standing, he has many wonderful stories to share about Bhagavan Baba and many more stories about the miraculous care Baba has for his devotees. Most chapters include one or another citation from a divine discourse on the topic of the chapter.
We do not often recommend books to be in a devotee's reading list, or in their library, but if you want to read one book that will utterly tell the narrative of love and service for Swami and the recipient love and care Swami has for his devotees, this is that book. TOP
Nama Mahima
The Glory of the Divine Name
compilation
Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust
In many discourses, Sathya Sai Baba has dwelt at length on the rememberance of the Name of the Lord (Namasmrana) and Community Singing (bhajan and street singing, known as sankirtan).
This book is a compilation of extracts from various discourses right from the early years of Sai Baba's Avatarhood.
The contents include, Glory of the Divine Name, Power of the Lord's Name, Namasmrana, its meaning and practice, Namasmrana, the proper way, the salutary effects of namasmrana, examples set by saints and sages of yesteryear, and guidelines given by Baba for the proper conduct of Bhajans.
Why has this slim volume been provided? One would have to look to what Sathya Sai Baba has told himself about devotees and their connection:
To reach the Goal quickly, without passing through the ordeals of the long journey and stopping at one caravanserai after another, passing from birth to birth, learn Sadhana... especially, the easiest and the quickest, Namasmarana, (rememberance of the name of the Lord). This mike can work and bring My voice even to those people sitting far in the distance only when the connection is correctly made. So attach yourself to Me and the current will flow through you and get things done for your good. The light you get from the current that flows always along the copper wire depends on the power of the bulb you fix; increase the candle power and you get stronger light. It rests with you how you make use of MeAvailable in the Ashram Bookshop TOP
Sai Awareness Programme, Vol. 1
Sai Organisation - Genuine Spiritual Organisation
by Dr Pal Dhall
21x28.5cm, Soft Cover, 194pp, large text,(illustrated, B&W)
Dr Pal Dhall is Director of the Sathya Sai Institute of Edcuation, in Canberra, Australia. A prolific writer, Pal Dhall has been involved in Sathya Sai Education, and community education programs for many years. He is currently the Chairman of Sathya Sai Organisation Zone 3, which comprises Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and PNG, among other responsibilities.
The Sathya Sai Organisation of Australia took up the Sai Awareness Program in 1993, and followed this with a Sai Vision Program, to provide materials for Sai Devotees in Australia and worldwide with study materials for group and personal study of devotees, and thus raise the awareness and learnings of devotees worldwide, of the myriad aspects and facets of the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
This volume, the Sai Awareness Program, first published in 1994, consists of a series of lesson plans on the Sai Organisation itself, and how a devotee joins, and the progress from member to devotee through participation in the various programs the organisation offers. Each lesson plan opens with questions, quotes from discourses, illustrations, a list of new sanskrit words, and points to ponder until the next session. This is an excellent adult learning framework, and provides all the necessary resources to move from member to devotee immersed within the Sathya Sai Organisation itself.
This raises a critical point. The Sai Baba Organisation is not another spiritual organisation or church, mosque, nor temple away from home. It is created for our spiritual development by Swami. We join voluntarily to experience all the 'human' interactions that occur, and to learn how to live and deal with these with Love and equanimity - a challenge we all aspire to, and sometimes meet and sometimes fail. The point is to reflect on our experiences and learn from them, and thus spiritually learn more about the divinity (Sai Baba) within us. The organisation was created for our benefit, not for Sai Baba.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
Sai Vision Programme, Vol. 1
Shivarathri Discourses 1983-1993
by Dr Pal Dhall
21x28.5cm, Soft Cover, 213pp, large text,(illustrated, B&W)
This Sai Vision Programme, Volume 1, is divided into two parts, Part 1 sets out the Divine Discourses of Sathya Sai Baba given on the occaion of Maha Shivarathri, between 1983 - 1993. Part 2 comprises study notes, points to ponder, points for contemplation to increase understanding of the teachings given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
In his introduction, Pal Dhall writes that spirituality is not the same as stuffing our heads with a lot of
information — it is not the same as scholarship and learning. It is a practical process of inner changes
and tranformation that enables us to handle our life with skill and competence: it is a process of becoming
clear sighted and sane so that we do not continue to cause confusion and unhappiness to ourselves and others.
Each of the discourses is given in full in the first part; in the second part, there is brief commentary and selection of learning points from the discourses with illustration and accompanying questions to ponder. An excellent resource for a group travelling to Puttaparthi to prepare by way of group study, or personal study.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
Sai Vision Programme, Vol. 2
Guru Pournima Discourses 1983-1993
by Dr Pal Dhall
12.5x21cm, Soft Cover, 250pp, (illustrated, B&W)
This volume of the Sai Vision Program contains the Guru Pournima discourses from 1983-1993. The study section illustrates where Swami clarifies various points such as the purpose of human birth. Thereafter, each extract is expanded with simple points and illustrations. Points to ponder conclude each discourse study notes.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
Sai Vision Programme, Vol. 3
Christmas Discourses 1972-1994
by Dr Pal Dhall
14x21cm, Soft Cover, 286pp, (illustrated, B&W)
If you wanted to read almost all what Swami has told about Jesus in one volume, then this is the book to get. Commencing with the Christmas 1972 discourse, every discourse contained herein has new revelations about the life, works and teachings of Jesus. His Mother Mary also features in a small number of discourses. Swami makes a wonderful illustration of JOY. JOY means, Jesus first, Others next, Yourself last!
Once again, Pal Dhall has provided study notes on these discourses. For example, in the Christmas discourse of 1978, there is an expansion of the term 'karana janmas' and an illustration of all the different names of God. There is a tabular layout of the various stages in the life of Jesus, from "I am the Messenger of God, to I am the Son of God, and concluding with The Father and I are One". The table traces the movement from duality, to limited non-duality, ot non-duality in the sayings of Jesus.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
Dynamic Dharma for Integrated Living
For Youth and the Youthful
by Dr Pal Dhall
19x28cm, Soft Cover, 193pp, large text, (illustrated, B&W)
This book is a collection of texts on Dharma as given by Sathya Sai Baba, principally taken from the discourses given
between June and July of 1996. The citations are stitched together with commentary and observations with regard to various stages of life, particularly youth and householder stages. Pal Dhall assembled these discourses and gave talks on Dharma to various workshops, particularly the Sai Young Adults of Australia and Fiji. Concerned that there was no full collection of notes in book form on the dharma of the youth, and the householder stage, Pal Dhall assembled this book from various sources.
On page 16 of this book, Pal Dhall writes:
We are currently living in a world in which the practice of Dharma has declined — we have become mesmerized by the material progress and have steadily neglected the call of Spirit, of Atma. Weare witnessing unprecedented level of individual unhappiness. The family life is crumbling, divorce rates are climbing, promiscuity, youth homelessness, drug related problems, crime and violence and all other indices of social malaise are on the increase. Our business and commercial ethics and our commitment to work is on the decline. The earth is being polluted at an unparalleled and unsustainable rate. We badly need to understand and revive our Righteousness if these trends are to be reversed.
This book is a collection (with some small linking commentary and exposition) of the Guru Pournima Discourses given by Sathya Sai Baba June-July 1996. Other sources included here are taken from Conversations with Sathya Sai Baba, Dharma Vahini, Gems of Wisdom, Indian Culture and
Spirituality, Sanathana Sarathi, Sathya Sai Speaks, Voice of the Avatar and Vision of Sai.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
My Work is My Blessing
Proceedings of the First Convention of Overseas Chairpersons,
Sri Sathya Sai Centres
Compiling Editor: Dr Pal Dhall
18x25cm, Soft Cover, 208pp plus appendix.
During 20-24 November 1998, a world conference of overseas chairpersons was held in Prashanti Nilayam. Bhagavan Baba delivered Opening and Valedictory discourses. The valedictory discourse was somewhat unususal as Swami addressed questions put to him by delegates of the conference.
Sri Indulal Shah addressed the conference, as did Michael Goldstein, the current Chair of the Prashanti Council. The sessions included overview of the world structure of the Sai Organisation, Operations of Sai Centers, the role of finance in a spiritual organisation ,and the duties and responsibilittes of offices, which were given by Alida Parkes of Italy, and Leonardo Gutter of Argentina. There was a rather unusual boon given at this conference; those who had
served in the Prashanti Nilayam complex in positions for many years gave talks, Subba Rao, Justice Bhagwati, V.Srinivasan, and D. Hemadji. These sevaks gave many remininces of the teachings and examples given by Swami during their many years of service in Prashanti Nilayam. If you are an office bearer in any position in the Sathya Sai Organisation, then this tome makes an excellent workbook and reference to have by your side during your term of service as officer.
Available in the Ashram Bookshop, or direct from the author, D.P.Dhall, PO Box 697, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia. TOP
Unleashing the Power
of the Human Mind.
Are You the Master of Your Mind?
by J. Jagadeesan
Compiled from a series of articles written for a newspaper, this small book comprises 14 rather humorous and well illustrated chapters. Jagadeesan of Malaysia has written with humour and simplicity on the ins and outs of the human mind and how we might best manage that mind. Absorption, Contemplation and Meditation are covered, along with useful tips for exam preparation. Interestingly, Jagadeesan covers diaphragm breathing before explaining meditation. This unfolds into steps for mind management. Step by step, simple, effective mind management is laid out before the reader. The book concludes with research findings on the benefits of meditation, and the Meditation on Light. Published by the Sathya Sai Center of Bangsar. TOP
Tomorrow's God
by Neale Donald Walsch
Neale Donald Walsch, author of the Conversations With God series, returns with this new tome, which in large part, recollects the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. The 'conversation' is not speaking about a new deity, rather, about a new experience of an "old" God. Early on in the narrative, the following is noted: "There is no limit on the ways in which God may show up. Many humans have attempted to place limits on God but have, as a result, only placed limits on themselves and on their ability to see and to experience God". The journey home is encapsulated like so:
"Life is a process of awakening. It is the process of Becoming. It is the process of knowing that one has become what one always was. It is the process of rejoining the inseperable - and that is not a process of actual rejoining but of simply knowing again gain that separation never occurred."
This book, in simple manner, recalls the timeless teachings of Vedanta, and introduces them to the wider audience of spiritual seekers. There are many points of connection as it were, as Walsch touches upon eternal truths. What is most exciting is the prediction that religious adherents will seek dialogue, discussion and inter-religious encounter beyond the boundaries of their religious and cultural story. Religions will be in danger of being left behind and will open up their boundaries to dialogue and affirm the One True God as known in the revealed truths in every religion of humanity. Exciting times are ahead for us all!
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50 Spiritual Classics
by Tim Butler Bowdon
To live in the modern world with all its media trappings is to know and acknowledge the multiplicity of religions and the slow disappearance of Western Christendom as founded as a world order by the Emperor Constantine. The European Union does not make a reference to God in its constitution, an omission which distressed the late Pope John Paul II.
In an era of terrorism and the enemy without a face, all now know of Islam and the Jihadi's who conduct holy war in the name of Allah. We are sick and tired, and perhaps desensitised through the media, of the daily news diet of suicide bombers, deaths in Baghdad and Afghanistan, and the never-ending violence between Palestinian and Israeli; such is many times worse than the Vietnam War coming on our news, daily.
Today, it is common in bookshops to find new books on Islam, reports of dialogue between religions, and introductions to the religions of the world. Here, Tim Butler-Bowdon has dipped into the writers of spiritual classics from many religious traditions, and some who do not describe themselves as religious adherents. Mapping the landmarks on the spiritual path, Butler-Bowdon refers to common signposts - an unseen order, divining a life purpose, the loss of the little self, living in the present and perceiving beyond duality.
While this book cannot provide any depth, the introductions given to each writer (accompanied with ONE exerpt of their work) are thought provoking, inviting and even tantalising. The Road to Mecca tells of an enchanting writer, the coverage of Augustine using Blaiklock's translation reveals Augustine as a modern man; the account of Black Elk was inspiring and curiosity raising. It is a hard to put down book which beckons every serious spiritual seeker. Unfortunately there is no academic depth to the book; but the introduction, situation in life and the work of the writer and his or her times, makes for fascinating reading.
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The Supreme Sound: Gan Diva
by Raj Kumari
Narrative Poetry
Raj Kumari, poet, is a resident of Prashanti Nilayam Ashram, and has published a limited edition of three narrative poems. The Gandiva is the Bow of Arjuna; Gan Diva, as the author interprets, is the supreme sound in the Guha, the cave of the heart within everyone.
This handcrafted book (cover cloth, stiching, binding and printing all done by hand by the Book Nook of Kolkata) contains three books of poetic narrative; the first narrative is on the Kurukshethra War and features many characters therein. The second book comprises extended narrative poems on the Crucifixion of Jesus and subsequent history thereafter. The third book, Dhanno Bhungey, is a poetic interpretation of Buddhist legends surrounding the Prince who became the Buddha and is not a philosophical collection.
This tome prompts some small reflection on poetry, divine narrative and the craft of telling tales. Raj Kumari, in days gone by would most likely have been a balladist, carrying ballads and tales from town to town. Perhaps like the songs of Mirabai, the Rajput Princess who danced for Krishna and sought her blue Shyam endlessly, these too are narrative tellings of of divine events with poetic licence.
You will not read like thus:
If the red slayer thinks he slays, or if the slain thinks he is slain, they know not well the subtle ways, I keep and pass, and turn again.
Such poetry contains metre, rhyme and verse. The poetry of Rajkumari is more poetic narrative imaginative retelling of the divine event as known in that place of mystery within the human person where the divine self communication both makes itself known and emerges with abhangs for man to contemplate. There is much to contemplate within these poems. Each poem is footnoted where the author takes licence. Limited print edition; I obtained my copy from the Ashram Bookshop, Rs 250. TOP