Earth Day and Update on Global Sadhana for Aradhana Mahotsavam
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Om Sri Sai Ram.
In my letter of 2nd March 2017, everyone was urged to intensify their sadhana for 40 days, from 22nd March to 30th April 2017, in grateful observance of Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam. This sadhana is intended to help us realize our innate divinity through the path of service (karma yoga), the path of devotion (bhakti yoga), and the path of knowledge (jnana yoga). SAI is the consummation of all three yogas, as S stands for Service (karma yoga), A stands for Adoration (bhakti yoga), and I stands for Illumination (jnana yoga). Hence, all Sri Sathya Sai devotees are urged to practise naamasmarana, or repetition of His name, perform loving service, and contemplate and practise His teachings from the 40 quotes of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
As part of this sadhana, two major celebrations are included. We will celebrate World Human Values Day on 24th April 2017. Swami said human values are divine and the best way to realize divinity is to practice the five universal and eternal human values.
We will also celebrate 22nd April 2017 as Earth Day, to show respect and gratitude to mother earth. Bhagawan has told us to treat mother earth with reverence, gratitude and care, and see God in nature. Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on 22nd April by the United Nations. Sri Sathya Sai devotees are requested to join this effort by conducting various projects to appreciate, protect and serve mother earth. We commend the Sri Sathya Sai Young Adults for their on-going efforts in environmental protection and encourage everyone to join hands in these projects. We will send additional resources soon on celebrating Earth Day on 22nd April 2017.
Today the world is losing its ecological balance as man, out of utter selfishness, is robbing mother Earth of her resources like coal, petroleum, iron, etc. As a result, we find earthquakes, floods and such other devastating natural calamities. Human life will find fulfillment only when ecological balance is maintained. Balance in human life and balance in Nature, both are equally important.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 25th September 2000
Let us march forward with joy and enthusiasm towards the supreme goal of realizing our innate divinity. Thank you.
Jai Sai Ram.
Narendranath Reddy, M.D.
Chairman, Prasanthi Council.