<p>The Avatar Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, recently fell ill. This caused a tsunami of gossip, innuendo, speculation, and allegations to sweep around the globe-from Prasanthi Nilayam, AP to Philadelphia, PA and back.<br /><br />But, what is the reality of the situation?<br /><br />In October 2003, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, Sai Baba spoke about his health. For me, the same words apply now.<br /><br />He said, “Many of you are anxious thinking that Swami is not keeping good health over the last few days. In fact, My health is very good. Real health is not related to the body. <br /><br />As you equate Swami with this physical frame, it appears as though Swami is not well. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the result). Do not identify Me with this physical body. I am not Dehaswarupa (body), I am Dehi (the indweller). There is no difference between you and Me. I have all powers in Me. But you are deluded seeing My physical form.”<br /><br />At that time Swami looked weak. If I focused on the physical form, I would see an old, thin man. But he himself had taught me that God is formless.<br /><br />Beloved Sai Baba continued, “Whatever I am doing is only to satisfy the doctors and other devotees. As a matter of fact, there is no trace of ill-health in Me. I am always healthy. Not only today, till 96 years I will be like this. I can do whatever I want. But those who go by the physical form think that Swami is ageing. Youth and old age are related to the body and not to Me. I am always the same. I can do anything.”<br /><br />The message has been consistent since Sai Baba started his mission. He insists that he will live up to the age of 96 - that’s still 11 years away. So, will he stay?<br /><br />In October 2003, he explained. “However, this body is yours. This has come for your sake. You can change it the way you like. If you think that Swami is strong and healthy, yes, so He is. There is no weakness in Me. My angas (limbs) may appear to be weak. But I am not Angaswarupa, I am Atmaswarupa. Wherever you may go, worship God as Atmaswarupa. Do not identify Him with an Akara (form).”<br /><br />The most important information Sai communicated that Vijayadashami day is, perhaps, “Give up body consciousness and develop Atmic awareness. Only when you lead a spiritual life, will you be able to visualise the Atmaswarupa. If you identify Me with the body, I cannot walk even two steps. Do not think about the Akara. Have faith that I am the Atmaswarupa. Then I will always remain healthy.”</p>
<p>The Avatar Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, recently fell ill. This caused a tsunami of gossip, innuendo, speculation, and allegations to sweep around the globe-from Prasanthi Nilayam, AP to Philadelphia, PA and back.<br /><br />But, what is the reality of the situation?<br /><br />In October 2003, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, Sai Baba spoke about his health. For me, the same words apply now.<br /><br />He said, “Many of you are anxious thinking that Swami is not keeping good health over the last few days. In fact, My health is very good. Real health is not related to the body. <br /><br />As you equate Swami with this physical frame, it appears as though Swami is not well. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the result). Do not identify Me with this physical body. I am not Dehaswarupa (body), I am Dehi (the indweller). There is no difference between you and Me. I have all powers in Me. But you are deluded seeing My physical form.”<br /><br />At that time Swami looked weak. If I focused on the physical form, I would see an old, thin man. But he himself had taught me that God is formless.<br /><br />Beloved Sai Baba continued, “Whatever I am doing is only to satisfy the doctors and other devotees. As a matter of fact, there is no trace of ill-health in Me. I am always healthy. Not only today, till 96 years I will be like this. I can do whatever I want. But those who go by the physical form think that Swami is ageing. Youth and old age are related to the body and not to Me. I am always the same. I can do anything.”<br /><br />The message has been consistent since Sai Baba started his mission. He insists that he will live up to the age of 96 - that’s still 11 years away. So, will he stay?<br /><br />In October 2003, he explained. “However, this body is yours. This has come for your sake. You can change it the way you like. If you think that Swami is strong and healthy, yes, so He is. There is no weakness in Me. My angas (limbs) may appear to be weak. But I am not Angaswarupa, I am Atmaswarupa. Wherever you may go, worship God as Atmaswarupa. Do not identify Him with an Akara (form).”<br /><br />The most important information Sai communicated that Vijayadashami day is, perhaps, “Give up body consciousness and develop Atmic awareness. Only when you lead a spiritual life, will you be able to visualise the Atmaswarupa. If you identify Me with the body, I cannot walk even two steps. Do not think about the Akara. Have faith that I am the Atmaswarupa. Then I will always remain healthy.”</p>
