My Life Is My Message

29 May 2000, Summer Course 2000, Brindavan

Published English.

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Today, is going to speak about the childhood of this body.

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Childhood is childhood, but the significance of the childhood of this particular body cannot be easily understood by students. That is why is going to speak on the subject this morning.

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[’s grandfather] had four sons. The eldest was named . The second son was named . The third son was named while the fourth bore the name . Since was his preceptor, liked the name ‘’ very much; that is why all his sons had admixed in their names.

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In due course all these sons got married but being poor, all the four families had to share the same small hut. The hut did not have a tiled roof but only one of thatched grass. As time passed, children were born in all the four families. had twelve children; had eight children; had nine while had eleven. There were enough children to fill a small primary school! [Loud laughter.] In those days, people knew how to live united, adjust to each other, get along with each other, and help each other. For the sons, was father but for their wives, he was not a blood relative. Thus, on account of the daughters-in-law, differences of opinion slowly began to crop up. Noticing this, realised that it was no longer possible to continue the joint family, that it would have to be split, and that each son would have to shoulder his responsibility separately. The family had just two acres of land – it was that poor. divided this land equally amongst the four sons so that they got only half an acre each. He also divided the ancestral house into four portions, ten feet by eight feet each, and gave one portion to every son for living with his family. This may seem small but by the standards prevailing then in the villages, this was ample space.

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After this division, had no place of his own in the original house. So he moved to a small plot eight feet by eight feet and built there a small hut for himself.

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The four sons told him, "Father, why do you have to live alone? You are old. Please be with each one of us by turn for a while, and spend your remaining days in this manner." He replied, "I do not wish to live with my sons and daughters-in-law. I wish to live independently, supporting myself by opening a small shop." It was a small provision shop that supplied common needs like pulses, puffed rice, some edibles, coconuts, etc. The shop was very small, not bigger than this table [at this point, indicated the table in front of Him]. For the village, however, this was a big enough shop. When declared that he would run a small shop and take care of himself, said, "But who would cook for you, look after you, attend to your needs, etc.? We feel it would be good if you were to have someone by your side." thought over the matter for sometime.

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Whom should he take with him? At that time, this body was about seven years of age. Kondama said, " (this is the way he addressed his eldest son), don’t think otherwise; I would like to have live with me. He alone is my property." Everyone said, "But is so young! How can He cook for you? We will hire a cook." Kondama replied most emphatically, "I do not want anybody except . If is by my side, no one else is required."

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At that time, had just one pair of shorts and one shirt. He had to manage with those for one whole year. The shorts and shirt would be worn while going to school; at home, would wear a small . Life was very simple then. After advancing to the fourth standard, it became necessary to go to the school in since the school in did not offer studies beyond the third. One had to go to by walk. There were other boys in the village who studied there, and used to go along with them.

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Early in the morning, would make a millet preparation – two balls of it, one for the grandfather and one for Himself; also, some groundnut chutney to go along with it. After this, would run to school. Once a week, He would prepare some [a soup-like preparation made out of pulses], laced with spinach. There were no vessels made of metal; only earthen pots.

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After hurried cooking, would run all the way to school.

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At noon, there would be a break; as soon as the bell rang, would run back home. The distance to be covered was three miles [about four and a half kilometres]. All the boys used to do this, and did the same. On reaching home, would serve food to His grandfather. He would wash the clothes, keep food for the night, and then have His meal. After this, a long run back to the school; this was how life went on for some years.

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was quite upset by all this. He thought, "There is no one to help ." One Sunday he asked, ", am I giving You a lot of trouble?" replied, "Grandfather, if I do not work hard now, when else then? Start early, drive slowly, and reach safely! This is work that I have to do with pleasure! So long as I am strong in body and mind, I am ready to do any amount of work." The grandfather was immensely pleased with this reply. This is the loving manner in which we spent time together. Sometimes in the evenings, would prepare . The wonderful aroma of the preparation would spread all over, attracting the attention of people who lived in the neighbourhood. They were mostly tribals, called or . These people would wonder, "Where from is this nice aroma coming? What is the item being cooked? is too young to make such items and is too old to do the cooking. Who else could it be?"

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One day, one of the tribals who had discovered the secret came to the hut, wrapped up in a blanket. He was shivering and suffering from fever. He said, "I am getting the smell of something good being prepared here. Please give me some of it." was a most compassionate person. He called to his side and whispered into His ears; he did not want everyone to know and that is why was summoned to his side. said, "Poor fellow, he is eager to have the that you have prepared. Give him some." gave that person some . Next day, his fever was gone. The news quickly spread and from then on, everyone in the neighbourhood started coming for , bringing aluminium tumblers; and for their sake, had to make extra! He would make in a big pot.

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Meanwhile, the tumblers would have been lined up, and would pour into them one by one. Thanks to the , sickness disappeared from the village and everyone was happy.

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In due course, this news reached the other street where and resided; soon, people from there also started coming for the ! What you have to note here is that even at the age of seven, not only had to manage the house but also serve others outside. Drawing water, cleaning, cooking, procuring the provisions – everything had to be done by .

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Meanwhile, was made a teacher! Students living on the street – students does not mean just young boys; some of them were in their twenties (!) – they all came to and said, ", please teach us alphabets and how to read." readily agreed. was not happy about this and said, " works so hard during the day; He has little rest, and now you are adding to His burden." intervened and told , "My mission is to make everyone happy. Teaching these people is no problem at all. I will do this teaching without problem or inconvenience to you."

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There was a person named , who lived near the Temple. There were only two persons in the village, namely, and , who had proper houses. This , made available a small thatched hut in his compound and that became our ‘school’. Classes were in the evening, after all the household work was over. used to serve food to , eat, wash the vessels and put them away, and then leave for teaching.

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must make a special mention about the type of students He taught. These students were really adults; some even had moustaches! would come wearing shorts; yet, all these grown-up people would stand up as a mark of respect. In the beginning, they used to address as ‘’ but soon they began to say ‘Sir!’. There was no chair for the teacher; so, a big, nice stone was brought, covered with cloth, and this became the chair. The students had no slates to write on. therefore asked them to bring sand from the River and spread it in the ‘classroom’ before the places where the students sat. The sand thus became the slate! used to write the alphabets, starting in the traditional manner with ‘’.

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This is how the instruction was commenced. Within a week, the students had learnt the basics of the alphabets. The students now needed books and slates. In those days, the slate cost one [the decimal system of currency did not exist then; the was divided into sixteen , and each into twelve ; three made one ], and for one pie, one could get three slatepencils.

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asked the students to procure these but they did not have any money, not even one – that is how poor they were.

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Students! You have to note how much cared about the welfare of those whom He taught. There was a small shopkeeper named who lived in in those days. told him, "Listen, I want you to give slates to each of the eleven persons studying with Me." The shopkeeper said, "But they will not pay me any money!" replied, "I shall see to it that they do; My students will not default." Having total faith in , the shopkeeper supplied slates and slatepencils to all the eleven students. then told His students, "Be careful with the slates and the slate-pencils. Use the slatepencils till they become really small. You have obtained all these by paying money and so you have to be careful with what you have acquired." This is how taught even in those days that money never ought to be wasted. The students learnt everything with great enthusiasm.

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taught them how to augment their income. He asked them to go where there were tamarind trees, collect the tamarind fruits that fell down, remove the seeds, and then sell the processed tamarind. said to them, "This belongs to no one; it is God’s property. No one can object to your collecting and selling tamarind this way." These people followed ’s instructions with implicit faith and total obedience. With money earned this way, every week they used to pay back the shopkeeper one [a quarter-]. In a little over a month’s time the slate and the pencil were paid for completely, by each and every student. The students were now happy and declared, "At last, the slate and the pencil really belong to us." cautioned, "Yes, it is now yours, but never waste anything!" This is how constantly reminded His students about the importance of never wasting anything.

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In due course, the spinach business began to thrive. Where there is sacrifice, there is quality; and where there is quality, there Goddess [the Goddess of Wealth] appears. now advised these people to grow papaya fruits along with spinach.

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This way, in due course, they could now earn about half to one per month, which they kept aside.

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Two years passed. had completed studies up to the sixth standard, which was the highest available in . In those days, one prepared for ESLC [Elementary School Leaving Certificate] examination; for this one had to study up to the eighth standard which meant going elsewhere. But then some one would have to look after . At this juncture, [’s elder brother] came to and told , "By keeping Him here, you are denying Him education; this would spoil Him. Therefore, send Him with me." was a very wise and philosophical man. He replied, "Well what have I studied? Nothing. You are supposed to have studied; what good has it done to you? What is the harm that has come to me by my being uneducated? It is all the same, whether one receives this education or not. I do not care for this type of education. You do not possess even one thousandth of the good qualities that has! In what way has your education benefited you?" Seeing the angry response of , remained silent; in those days, youngsters kept quiet when elders became angry; they did not argue back.

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Later, called aside and said, "Look , education is very important. What can you do without education?

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Even to count, for example, for counting the number of clothes given to a washerman, one has to study and learn. Education is therefore indispensable." then went to His grandfather and said, "Grandfather, I am going." He asked most anxiously, "What happens to me?" then arranged for one of the sons of to take His place. In this manner, prepared to leave for , along with His elder brother . When word got round about the impending departure, the eleven students being trained by began to cry, "Our teacher is going away; we are losing our teacher. What happens to us now? What will be our fate?" That was their affection for .

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On the following morning, these eleven students planned to walk all the way to the Bus Stand along with and His elder brother to see them off. From , we were to go to , and from there to .

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These students wanted to give a parting gift and so they collected some money; each contributed half-an-. It came to almost six . They offered the money to but refused saying, " I do not want all this. You keep it for yourself." In those days things were so cheap that one could buy a short-pant for half-an- and a shirt for just one . took just what was needed for one shirt and one short-pant, plus two for stitching charges. But the tailor was so nice and so full of love for , he said, ", for You there are no charges!" What you must notice here is that everyone had love for . What was the reason? Soft and sweet words, always spoken by .

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This is what endeared everyone to . These students got the dress stitched and sent it over.

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Meanwhile, got married. Following his marriage, he had to go to for some further studies and training.

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His wife was left behind in , and had to do all the household work. In those days, a train used to pass by early in the morning. Hearing the whistle of the engine, all the town-people would take their pots and head for a pond five miles away, to fetch drinking water. would go at four in the morning to bring water. It was the time of the Second World War.

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It so happened that one day, a special military train passed by at eleven o’clock at night. Hearing the whistle of the engine, all the people went as usual to the pond, without realising what time it was. also went with all the others. It was very chilly then but one had to carry on nevertheless. After daybreak, there was more work to do; water had to be drawn from the well for people in the house to bathe. After this, there was a lot of household work to be done, followed by the cleaning of the entire house.

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It was only after finishing all this work that could go to school.

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In the school there was a Muslim teacher by name , who liked very much. One day, with much kindness and consideration he said, ", You work so hard all the time. I live just opposite Your house and, through my window, can see what You are doing. You are fetching so much water and also doing so much household work." replied, "Sir, the body has to do work. In fact, the body has been given for doing work. If there is no work, laziness would set in and the body would become sick.

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Work is not all that difficult." In due course, ’s love for increased. He used to teach English; the lessons were simple and would quickly absorb them.

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It was only the sixth standard, but there were many big boys in the class. Some of them were as old as eighteen or twenty! If all the boys in the class stood up, would not be seen because He was so much shorter. Even if He stood on the bench while others stood on the ground, He could not be seen easily – that is how short He was. Even now, is rather short; just imagine how short He must have been then! [Laughter.] eagerly looked forward to taking classes for us.

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One day, the Telugu class was in progress. It was being handled by one . The bell rang, signalling the end of that class; it was ’s turn next. However, continued with the class and asked, "Did everyone take notes in my class?

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Those who have not done so, stand up on the bench." said, "Sir, I did not take notes." had no money to buy notebooks! ought to have stopped there but continued:

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"Even without taking notes, I know all the answers. You can ask questions and test Me if you want." became angry and said, "You have the audacity to talk back? Stand up on the bench! [In those days, this was one form of punishment given to students.] The students in the class protested by shouting ‘No!

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It was time for to leave the class. He got up but the chair stuck to him and also rose! [Laughter.] He thought that some nail had got stuck in his and that was the reason why the chair came up when he got up. Or might be there was some gum dropped on the chair. He called the sweeper to check for gum on the chair. The sweeper said that there was no gum.

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Meanwhile, rushed into the class; it was ’s class, and he was very keen to be there as quickly as possible.

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He saw standing up on the bench. Tears rolled down his eyes; wiping them, he asked , "Why did you make stand up on the bench? This is wrong. This is my class and you have no business to make Him stand." Turning to Me, Khan said, "Sit down!" then said, "Sir, both of you are My teachers.

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He asked Me to remain standing on the bench for three class periods. How can I disobey him? I cannot sit down unless he permits Me to do so." This is the way one should conduct oneself with teachers. then told , " is a very good boy; ask Him to sit down." knew this but said, "He answered back and I did not like that." replied, "You are not aware. There is the mighty power of truth in this boy. His name itself is ! He always abides by truth, and that is why He commands so much power." Reluctantly, said, "Sit down!" The moment came down, got unstuck!

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News about this incident spread rapidly, and getting stuck to the chair became the talk of the school. Some teachers called and said, ", did You really make get stuck to the chair?" replied, "Sir, I did not do any such thing; as is the action, so is the consequence." As a result of this incident, became well known.

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then moved on to the seventh standard. Holidays came, and took to [an ancient town of historical importance in the neighbourhood]. On reaching the place, told , "You keep a watch over the luggage while my wife and I go and have [of in the form of ]." said, "Please do; I shall mind the luggage." It is ’s nature to always help. then said, "After we come back, You can go and have ."

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sat down there with the luggage while the brother and his wife entered the temple to have the of .

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Inside, they did not see the idol but ! Then said, "Look, is here! Who is taking care of the luggage?" He came out running and saw there! He ran back inside and saw there also. and his wife then began to converse with each other. They said, "There is some strange power within . His effulgence itself is so unusual. We are not treating Him as He ought to be." Meanwhile, the Municipal Chairman came there, in order to have the of . He too saw only instead of the idol. He was surprised and asked the temple priest, "Who is this boy? Where did He come from?" All of them came outside and there they saw near the luggage. They then exclaimed, "This was the boy we saw there inside the temple where the idol is installed! Clearly, this is no ordinary boy; there is some extraordinary power within Him." The Chairman asked as to who I was; he replied, "My brother." The Chairman then invited all of us to his house for tea the following day.

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We went to his house. was offered coffee but said ‘no thanks’. The host then offered milk, coconut water, etc., but refused them all – does not partake of such beverages and drinks. From the day this body came into existence, it has never touched tea, coffee and such drinks. Other things offered were also refused. They then realised that was different and said, "There is some extraordinary power in this boy." They were very keen to present something to , like a dress. But they were not sure if would get angry if such a gift was given; or the boy might refuse, thinking that his brother would become angry. Finally, the Chairman brought a collar pin made of gold, and, holding ’s hand, slipped the pin into ’s palm. While giving the pin the Chairman said, "Please accept this. I am the Chairman and a respected person in this locality. You must pay heed to my word. I am giving this out of love, as if you are my son. You must not refuse this offering." ’s wife spoke in the same tone: "He is an elder and You must not refuse what he is giving out of love." reluctantly accepted the collar pin but was not happy. He does not like to receive material objects as gifts from others.

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The visit over, we all came back to by bus.

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Next day, had to go to school. left the house and went about ten feet when the collar pin fell down. Many searched for it but the pin could not be found. then said:

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Understand that I am ! Have no more worldly bonds with Me. I have bonds with none. It is beyond the power of anyone to restrain Me!

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The collar pin symbolised worldly attachment, and when it was lost, it was also symbolic of the end of the ‘ phase’ and attachments implied by it. Declaring that He had no worldly relationship with anyone, ran to the house of one . He was the Prohibition Commissioner in those days.

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In front of his house there was a small rock. went and sat on that stone.

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Meanwhile, , his wife, the children – all came running to where was. They said, "Come back home."

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replied, "I have no home." then said in a stern voice, "Stop this philosophy and come back; I don’t wish to hear all this idle talk." replied, "This is not idle philosophy but the Truth! I am not going anywhere." tried to drag away but he could not move even an inch!

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In the meantime, appeared on the scene and told , "Why are you trying to force Him?" replied, "I am not forcing Him; just that He has come away without having food." then said, "That is no problem; He can have food in my house today."

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was taken inside by and served many items of food on a plate. It was always ’s practice to mix all the items before eating. This used to be the practice in the also; there, would serve many items and would mix them all before eating. In this too, is following a similar practice.

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now started having food in ’s house, and spend time sitting on the rock. ’s children would say, ", why are You doing like this? Your study is getting disturbed. Time is getting wasted. Don’t give up study," and so on. But did not pay any attention to such talk.

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replied, "My name is ." In those days, no one knew the name . They mistook to mean ‘’, which meant a Muslim. At that time, the Commissioner’s son ran inside, brought a camera and clicked a photo. In the picture, could be seen in front of . Thereafter, Prohibition Commissioner gave the name , and in due course the name remained.

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Earlier while in school, used to lead the school prayer.

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The Headmaster was an ardent devotee. He used to say of , " is not a (an ordinary boy) as you imagine; He is a (thunderbolt!)." it was who had asked to lead the school prayer. asked, "What prayer should I recite?" He replied, "You compose Your own prayer." On the spot, composed a prayer that reflected the sentiments of many religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, etc.

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[At this point, sang melodiously, the prayer song He had composed sixty years ago as young .]

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One evening, asked , "Where from are You producing such songs? Are they Your own compositions or have You copied from somewhere else?" Seshama was himself a Telugu poet and poets are known to be crazy at times! That is why he asked such a question!!

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Later, Seshama asked to write a small play and also act in it. So, wrote the play ? You all know about this play. acted in the drama and also won a big prize for His acting.

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The Headmaster wanted to raise some funds for the school building. So he announced that there would be a dance performance by the well-known dancer . The prize was to be distributed by the Head of the [Council of Village Elders], one . This was reputed as a dancer of great skill and talent. She could balance a jug of water on her head and dance without allowing the jug to fall or the water to spill. However, this dancer was not going to appear in our school. was expected to play the role!

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So, to uphold the announcement of the Headmaster, had to appear on the stage dressed like dancer and perform her type of dance! For the dance, placed a bottle of water on the head, a plate on top of the bottle, and two lamps on the plate! This is not all! While dancing, a sewing needle had to be picked up with the eyelids, and this had to be done without allowing the objects on the head to fall down! could do all this, and was expected to emulate her feat!!

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Everyone was stunned by the performance. No one knew that it was who had danced and not . also witnessed the show; he too could not believe his eyes; so spectacular was the show.

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It was time for the prize distribution. came on the stage and showered praise on for her scintillating performance. She then announced, "By way of showing my appreciation, I am now going to present a medal to ." All eyes were now on the stage, eagerly looking for the arrival of . Instead, wearing shorts, came there running! said, "Boy, this medal is not for you but for ." The Headmaster then came there and told , "That was not who danced; it was this boy, dressed like her!" was stunned; she dropped the medal, lifted , and hugged Him! That was how the experience was.

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In course of time, entered the eighth standard. There was one , who was the drill master. He was well-built and had a good personality. At that time, a cattle fair was due to take place in the neighbouring town of . The drill master wanted all the scouts in the school to go and do service in the fair.

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But was firm; he said that alone was fit to be the leader. told the drill master, "Sir, how can I be the leader?

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I am not big enough for the job." replied, "I know that You can be the leader. You can do it!" then softly said, "Sir, a leader must have uniform, whistle, stick, shoes, etc. I cannot afford these. Therefore, I cannot assume the responsibility of leadership." One must always be realistic and state truthfully what one can do and what one cannot. Meanwhile, all the students unanimously declared that they wanted as their leader for the scout camp in . explained why this was not possible – the leader had to have the proper dress, whistle, shoes, stick etc, and could not get these.

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Two boys used to share the desk used by in school – and . One was the son of the local while the other was the son of the . used to sit in the middle and these two boys used to sit on either side. All of us were of the same height. was the only child of his parents. He went to his father and said, "Father, I want two scout dresses; I like them very much." He got them. He then neatly packed one set and then wrote a letter: ", You must accept this dress. If You don’t, I will give up my life!" kept the dress packet and the letter in ’s place in the desk. read that letter, tore it, and prepared a reply: "Friendship cannot and must not be based on giving and taking. If such transactions exist, then it can no longer be called friendship. Thus, your giving Me a gift is not good. You love Me very much, and I too love you a lot. If I were to accept your gift, then our mutual love would get spoiled. For this reason, I cannot accept what you are giving.

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If you do not want our friendship to be ruined, then you will take back what you have given." insisted, "Does not matter if our friendship gets ruined; but You must accept what I am giving.

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I have not even told my father what I am doing. This is my dress, and I want to share it with You!" However, gently but firmly, made take back his gift.

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In due course, the news that was an excellent composer of poems and songs reached one . This person made his living by selling medicines. He had a big shop full of medicines. One day he sent word that should go to his house.

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sent a reply: "Why should I? I have no work there; I do not go about aimlessly from house to house like a rat or a cat!"

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realised that would not come to his place; so, he came to . Once you are after Truth and remain firm in your determination, then even people of great stature would have to come to you. Subbanna placed a small bag containing some eatables in ’s hand and said, "Listen, I have a new wonder drug called ," and then went on describing its wonderful properties. He added, "I want a small help from You." replied, "Help I always give. That is My ideal. What is it that you want?" He said that he wanted a poem extolling the efficacy of the new medicine, and added, "If You can have the poem ready by the evening, it would be very nice!"

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wrote the song. came to the school to collect the poem because he was not supposed to come to the house. He was waiting near the school gate. There gave him the composition. Subbanna then said, "I have the poem alright but what about the tune for the song, and who will sing it?

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I don’t understand." said, "There are people who would be ready to do all this, if you pay them money. You can also prepare placards, and have little boys carry them while singing the song." Subbanna then said, "I shall do all this but You must indicate how the song must be sung." By evening he managed to round up a few boys and taught them the song. The song was a hit, the advertising was a tremendous success, and did brisk business!

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[At this point sang, in His own beautiful way, the song He had composed over sixty years ago that advertised the qualities of the wonder drug .] The story of the Cattle fair that mentioned earlier, did not quite end there. The scouts in the school were preparing to leave for duty. They very much wanted to go along with them.

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If He did not go, the boys would feel very unhappy and sad. But had His own constraints; He could not go without the proper dress etc. So, decided to act as if He had acute stomach ache. If one has fever, it can be detected with a thermometer or even by touching the body; but stomach ache cannot be verified so easily! Meanwhile, the boys who were going in a procession came to our house. They saw groaning and moaning and said, ", if You are not going, we too will not." Drill master added, "Why did such a thing happen to You? It is our supreme misfortune." replied, "Sir all of you please go ahead. I shall join later if the pain subsides." A minimum of five was needed for expenses during the ten days of the camp; but did not have even five ! After everyone left, sat up on the bed and thought of a plan.

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At that time, had just completed studies in the sixth standard. The textbooks used in the sixth standard were available with . In those days, the same books were used in the class year after year. Thus, the books with could be passed on to someone just entering the sixth standard. decided to give these used books to a boy in the town. He went to the boy’s house, called the boy out and told him, "Take a look at all these books that I used last year. They cover all the subjects like civics, history, and so on." The boy examined the books.

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Books must always be maintained in a good condition – this is what Napolean also advocated. The boy, after examining the books that had brought, said, ", these books are worth twenty but I would be able to give You only fifteen."

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said, "I do not want fifteen ; five would do."

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In those days, currency notes were not yet in vogue; so received the cash in small change. Two were needed as bus fair and three for food. separated the coins amounting to three , placed the change in a piece of old cloth and tied it into a bundle. When came home, the bundle gave way and the coins scattered all over the place making a lot of sound. The lady of the house [’s mother-in-law] came out and angrily said, "Where did you get all this money from? You must surely have stolen it!" explained, "I did not steal this money; I got it in return for my old textbooks." The lady retorted, "I do not believe a word of what You say." then brought the boy who had purchased the books, to bear witness. Falling at the feet of the lady that boy said, "Mother, is incapable of stealing. It was I who gave the money, all these coins that are spread over here." The lady shouted, "You two are made for each other! You are just dancing to His tune. Both of you get out from here!" So saying, the lady collected all the scattered coins.

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had promised the scouts that He would join them at night.

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At five o’clock in the evening, had food and started walking towards . reached the destination in the early hours of the morning, at about 2.30 a.m. was feeling very thirsty but there was no drinking water around. However, there was a tub nearby with water meant for bathing cattle. was forced to drink some of that water. It was very quiet and there was no one around. When looked around, He noticed that there was a bundle of and a one- coin on a stone near the tub. intensely dislikes . So He crushed them and buried the bits in the sand. Having done that, He took the one coin and started walking. Soon it was daybreak.

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All that had was one . Is it possible to survive for nine days on just one ? While so wondering, noticed that in the fair, a game of petty gambling was in progress. decided to play! Every time He did, He won; soon, the one He had started with had become twelve . At that point stopped, feeling that this amount was sufficient to see Him through for the entire stay. Since He was on a winning streak, many urged not to quit but continue playing. told them that there ought to be a ceiling on desires and walked away.

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has played many games but this was the only time He had indulged in gambling. One should never gamble, but at that point of time did so because He had no money. However, on reflection, felt that He ought not to have gambled; so He went back to return all His winnings to the man who ran the gambling game. But that man refused to take back the money won from him. He then told others, "Strange boy. I don’t know where he comes from. But this much is certain: He is a very good boy!"

98

After the cattle fair was over and the scout service had concluded, returned to . He carried with Him some fruits and flowers to be presented to His sister-in-law [’s wife]. ’s long absence had infuriated the people at home, especially as all the work normally done by had to be done by them. Thus, when returned, He got a very cold reception. The fruits and flowers that He lovingly offered were flung away; and, was severely punished. As a result, the hand was badly swollen. What could be done? had to bear it all with patience and forbearance.

99

There was an old lady in the adjoining house. She used to watch all this and cry silently, because she could not bear to see hurt. On the following day, ’s son died and a telegram was sent to . In those days, the telegram was received in and then hand-carried to . It so happened that had gone to for the weekly fair. There someone handed him the telegram sent by . Immediately, boarded a bus for . When he came home, he saw that ’s hand was badly swollen. He asked what had happened and what caused the swelling. said it was due to a boil. He did not say anything then. But meanwhile, the old lady in the neighbouring house told Venkama all that had been happening – about the heavy work-load, the ill-treatment, etc.

100

In the evening, took out. It was dark and so carried a lamp. We went beyond the limits of the village. There, stopped. The lamp was placed on the ground. took ’s hands into his, cried, and then said, "Son, did I send You here because I could not feed You? I will do anything, I will even become a petty peddler of salt to support You. Why do You have to suffer so much here? Though Your father, I have never raised my hand against You and struck You! You are being put to too much suffering here. Come back with me at once." gently said, "They need a lot of help here right now. It would not be proper to leave and go away abruptly. You please go now. I shall come back later when the time is appropriate." never said anything against His brother or the other members of his family.

101

Father went back most reluctantly but after he returned, he kept on writing postcards, "Come back immediately." And then, in order to get back real quick, the message was sent, "Your mother is in a serious condition." knew that this was not true. He stayed in his brother’s place till the examinations were over.

102

is telling all this in order to impress upon students, how young people ought to behave and conduct themselves in relation to elders and teachers. You know a lot about the world.

103

104

Always, help ever, and hurt never. This is the maxim followed by , and that is how He grew up.

105

These days, young boys have so many clothes – ten pairs of trousers, ten shirts, ten bush shirts...! did not enjoy such luxury; He had to be content with just one shirt and one shorts per year. One must learn to manage with minimum possessions and be simple. As often says, less luggage means more comfort. You must decrease your acquisitions and possessions. You must also decrease your desires. Do you think you will lose anything by doing so? No; on the contrary, by strictly adhering to Truth, you can achieve anything you want. Therefore, you must always follow the path of Truth. Thus, the two maxims, , Always speak the truth, and always adhere to righteousness, form the fountainhead of culture. Hence, follow the path of truth and foster love for God. Once you have intense love for God, you can achieve anything in this world. There is nothing greater than love in this world. You young people should never forget love. With love, you can accomplish anything. You can even acquire big and valuable objects.

106

[At this point, materialised a big diamond. The creation of the diamond was greeted with loud applause. Holding up the diamond, asked the audience, "Can you see it?" He then showed the diamond to Prof. (who was translating) and asked, "How is it?" Amazed, Prof. replied, ", it is brilliant!"]

107

Such things will be in your hands. Once you have truth, everything comes to you. King was able to accomplish everything; how? On account of adherence to truth. He lost his wife. His son died. He also lost his kingdom. He then ended up as a caretaker in a cremation ground. However, in spite of all his difficulties, he never compromised on truth. His wife then told him, "I too shall strictly adhere to truth. Together we shall sail through all other problems. Otherwise, together we shall sink. But we shall never give up truth."

108

[ interrupted His discourse and, pointing to the diamond He had created earlier, asked Prof. , "Is it glowing?" He replied, ", it is shining brilliantly!"]

109

If you adhere to truth, you can do anything. Once in – many must have seen it. [ asked someone in the audience what He had materialised in . He then continued.] had materialised the in .

110

This extraordinary jewel belonged to . showed the jewel to all present there; later, it was sent back to where it came from!

111

Whatever you want is in these Hands. Do not underestimate just because He is moving about and talking to you all like an ordinary person. Everything is in this Hand! You may not know about it, but just wait; in the days to come, the whole world would be in this Hand like this diamond [so saying, pointed to the diamond in His Hand, and there was a big applause].

112

113

Adore and revere your parents and also your teachers. Are you aware to what extent gave respect to His teachers? I don’t think you know. The other day, spoke about .

114

There is a lot of difference between mere patience and ; people often mistake one for the other. is the golden virtue that enables you to face with equanimity all difficulties, troubles, obstacles, losses, suffering, calumny, etc. The world is not aware but it is because of that generously forgives and forgets all the misdeeds done against Him [applause].

115

Without , it would not be possible to put up with even for a moment, what is going on around! Yet, is so forgiving that He tolerates every mistake including very big ones – which is possible only when there is . It is ’s that will bring the whole world to Him. Adhere firmly to and , and you would have no reason to worry about anything. Only then would you be able to achieve anything you want.

116

Students must therefore be humble always; humility and go together. [ paused and then gently indicated that perhaps He had been speaking for ‘too long’. In unison, all the students roared, ‘No !’. Laughing, joked, ‘Already you have started telling lies!’ then continued.]

117

wishes to mention one more thing. One day as was returning from , He passed by an elderly lady who was removing lice from the hair of a child. This lady had the habit of chewing betel leaves and spitting frequently. It so happened that when was going past her, she spat and the red spittle splattered all over ’s dress. It all happened quite accidentally of course – nothing deliberate. The lady saw what had happened and became quite upset. She lamented, ", look what I have done!" She then tried to remove the stain left by the betel juice. told her not to worry, went home and immediately washed the shirt clean. Had the shirt have been given to a washerman, he would have charged about half an or so. But no; would never spend money like that; money was not only scarce but also very valuable. would wash and then iron the dress using an improvised iron – a vessel with burning charcoal in it.

118

That is how frugal was. He never added to the financial burden of His parents. never borrowed, never caused any dissatisfaction to parents, always upheld the family honour – that is how spent His student days. You too should be like that, and bring credit to your parents. They struggle hard to bring you up and you owe them a deep debt of gratitude. Just because you can receive money from home, it does not mean you should spend it any way you like. It is not good to waste money; misuse of money is evil.

119

Good conduct and behaviour would not only get a good name for you, but also bring credit to the Institute of Higher Learning. will, without fail, help you to any extent, if you endeavour to earn a good name. will ensure all success.

120

It is not enough if you merely listen; you should actively put into practice, the teachings of . If you do so, it will do you a lot of good in the future. Purity will not only bring you peace but a good reputation as well.

121

[ then asked the students to sing . They sang two : ... and .... greatly enjoyed both the songs. then asked, "Who wants this diamond? Tell Me, and I shall give. Who wants it?" then threw the diamond into the audience and it vanished! The miracle was greeted with loud applause.]