On Saturday, 25th January 2025, during the sacred celebration of the 115th Varsi Mahotsav of Shahanshah Satguru Swami Satramdas Saheb, Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb beautifully conveyed how we can find inspiration in the profound teachings of Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb’s life to make our own lives purposeful.
Saijan explained that when we truly embrace the profound teachings of Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb, we come to realize that we, as humans, are inherently blessed and genuinely happy in our lives. A simple shift in our perspective can bring about a profound transformation.
If we contemplate the life of Shahanshah Satguru Sant Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb, we will find that he never attached significance to either happiness or sorrow.
One day, someone told Shahanshah Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb that sorrow is an inevitable part of life. Saijan acknowledged this, saying, “Yes, it is.” Another person then remarked that there should be no place for sadness in life. To this, Saijan again agreed, saying, “Yes, there should not be.” He then explained that both sorrow and happiness are reflections of our own mindset. If you believe in sorrow, it will take hold; but if you choose to see happiness, your life will be filled with joy.
During a train journey, Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb’s travels paused at Madeji. There, a man suffering from typhoid approached him—not seeking a cure, but humbly requesting that Saijan take on his fever. Moved by compassion, Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb graciously accepted his plea and, as a result, bore the effects of typhoid for many years.
While immersed in bhakti at Rohri, Saijan momentarily appeared unwell. Noticing this, an attendant remarked that revered saints like Shahanshah Satguru, who bless and heal others, should always remain healthy and joyful. In that very moment, Saijan resumed his bhakti with unwavering devotion for hours and never experienced illness again in his life. This profound example teaches us that our thoughts, when aligned with purposeful actions, shape our reality. It reminds us that life is inherently free of sorrow, and with self-awareness and a slight shift in mindset, we have the power to transform our lives.
One day, while Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb was seated with his Sangat, a wealthy man shared his thoughts with Saijan. He expressed that he always felt content in life because he managed his earnings wisely—setting aside a portion for charity and using the rest for his own and his family’s well-being. He explained that by following Sai’s teachings and striving to uplift and support others, he was able to live a joyful and peaceful life.
Another wealthy man present appeared frail and unwell. He told Saijan that, unlike the first man, he chose not to spend his money. Instead, he saved it, believing that life is unpredictable and that his savings would serve as a safeguard during difficult times.
Hearing this, Shahanshah Satguru smiled and said, “What we think, we attract. If we constantly worry about facing difficulties in the future, those difficulties will surely come into our lives. And when they do, we will end up using all our savings to overcome them—because that was our original intention while saving.”
Saijan then explained, “In truth, our life is divided into four parts.”
Saijan explained, “These four stages of life are: 1. Brahmacharya Ashram, 2. Grihastha Ashram, 3. Vanaprastha Ashram, and 4. Sannyasa Ashram.”
He clarified that each of these Ashrams has its own set of principles and rules. In Brahmacharya Ashram, it is often misunderstood as merely controlling sexual desires. However, it is actually the stage where one learns to live with caution, consciousness, and care. During this phase, the individual strives to understand and explore the world, gaining knowledge and insight into the purity and sanctity of temples, great masters, sacred scriptures, and the values of Sanskars and Sanskriti.
There are two important things one should understand about this world: the school and the temple. If we visit the temple first and then go to school, we will become truly great. However, if we go to school first and then to the temple, anything—good or bad—can happen.
The temple is an institution that embodies Sanskars, good character, positive qualities, proper behavior, discipline, valuable teachings, and respect. When we visit the temple, we receive the sacred Darshan of Devis, Devtas, Sants, and Mahatmas, learning about their lives—how they lived with greatness, the courageous deeds they performed, their qualities, Sanskars, reverence, and devotion. Through their teachings, we learn how to lead a pious, honest, and respectful life.
The temple also teaches us how to engage in selfless service and humility, making it a center for human values. It is in the temple that we learn the true values of humanity in this world.
In school, one learns about the material aspects of the world. It teaches how to become a successful businessman, how to navigate society, how to become a scholar, and how to acquire various skills for earning a livelihood.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram emphasized that once we learn human values, live a pure and honest life, respect others, and uplift them, then, when we go to school, we will learn how to navigate the world.
So, when we first visit the temple and then go to school, we will progress with strong human values and knowledge about the world, leading to immense growth in our lives.
Brahmacharya means learning with honesty. When one understands the difference between good and bad, lives by valuable teachings, and applies them practically in life—while balancing both spiritual and material knowledge—progressing to the stage of Grihastha Ashram becomes highly beneficial.
Grihastha refers to our family, our business, and our society and culture. In Brahmacharya, one learns about the world but does not live in the temple. In Grihastha Ashram, one learns to grow, get married, have children, engage in business or any other work for income, and manage life by balancing material desires and needs with spiritual ones. However, in this stage as well, one does not live in the temple for the rest of their life.
An Ashram is not the same as a temple. An Ashram is a place where we live, embodying both spiritual values and the skills necessary for a fulfilling life in society, living as good human beings.
In the Brahmacharya stage, we live under the guidance of our elders, while in the Grihastha Ashram, we live according to our own terms.
In this stage, we make our own decisions, grow, progress, and prosper through our own efforts.
There is something very interesting about the Grihastha Ashram, and that is the word “Dhanya,” meaning blessed. This term is used exclusively for the Grihastha Ashram because it is the stage in which we live self-sufficiently and independently, using our knowledge, wisdom, efforts, experiences, and hard work. In this stage, we also have the ability to help others. We have the means to assist those in need, and if we are unable to offer help, we acknowledge our limitations by saying “sorry” or seeking forgiveness. It is our duty, as we progress and earn in this stage, to support the needy, and if we cannot, we should humbly apologize or ask for forgiveness.
We must help others in times of sickness or any other difficulty, reaching out to those in need and being aware of our social responsibilities in the Grihastha Ashram. During this stage, we also contribute to the construction of holy places and temples, either through donations or selfless seva.
Temples are the source of blessings and eternal peace, and we visit them to seek the blessings of great Sants, Mahatmas, Devis, and Devtas. These revered and divine beings hold a much higher status than us. We learn from their teachings, seek their blessings, and constantly seek their refuge because they are spiritually and morally elevated. They possess the divine power to bless us with true peace and contentment.
When we die, our bodies decay and are disposed of, but when great masters leave this world, their samadhis are created, and statues are erected in their honor. The statues of these great Sants and Mahatmas are deeply revered. Pranpratishtha is performed, and divine energies are invoked in these statues through pujas, yagyas, and chanting of mantras. Through the worship and devotion of the devotees, these statues are made powerful, highly revered, and godly.
These divine statues are then placed in temples, where everyone seeks blessings from them, as they are considered sacred and auspicious.
Saijan said that even today, whenever there is any excavation, we often discover statues and murtis of Devis, Devtas, and great masters that are thousands or even hundreds of years old. We also uncover ancient holy places, towns, and cities. Recently, archaeologists have been discovering more hidden temples, cities, statues, and idols of Gods and goddesses. However, we do not find statues of our grandparents, parents, or their ancestors. What we find are the statues of great masters, Devis, and Devtas.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb shared with the devotees that he had visited a grand Hindu temple in Vietnam, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Saijan explained that this temple, the oldest of its kind, remained unknown to the world for centuries due to the various destructions it had endured. It was only through the efforts of French archaeologists, who uncovered it through excavation, that the temple was rediscovered. Known as “Mỹ Sơn,” this temple was brought to the world’s attention.
It is an enormous temple, attracting thousands of visitors every day.
Saijan said that throughout the ages, destructions continue to happen, but new lives also emerge. Change is constant in this world—the world is destroyed and recreated.
This cycle of destruction and reconstruction keeps repeating itself.
Everything in life fluctuates; sometimes we are happy, sometimes sad. Things are destroyed and then rebuilt, nature withers and blooms again. This cycle goes on endlessly, but stone and baked bricks do not perish.
Soil may be destroyed, but baked bricks made from soil remain intact.
This is why, during excavations, we often find vessels, water pots, and statues made of stone and baked clay that are thousands of years old. Once soil is baked, the objects created from it do not get destroyed.
The sanskars and human civilizations may be destroyed, but the stone murtis of great masters, Devis, and Devtas will never perish. After many years of destruction, when these sacred murtis are uncovered during excavations, they deliver a timeless message to humanity—a message of culture, civilization, and a life filled with the blessings of great masters, Sants, Mahatmas, Devis, and Devtas.
That is why our elders taught us that, whether we are present or not, these Devis, Devtas, Sants, and Mahatmas will always endure in the form of their statues and symbols, continuing to bless humanity. Through their sacred presence, there will always be humanity, worship, powerful prayers, good conduct, virtuous deeds, and the preservation of moral and cultural values.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb enlightened us that in our Grahast Ashram, we must ensure that the importance of temples exceeds that of our homes. The maintenance of temples is more crucial than the upkeep of our houses because, if these temples endure, humanity with moral values will also endure.
The great Yogis, Rishis, Munis, Sants, and Mahatmas practiced penance for hundreds and thousands of years with unwavering dedication and perseverance. They conducted extensive research for the betterment of everything in nature, including all living beings. It is the duty of those in the Grahast Ashram to support them by offering a portion of their earned wealth, which is meant for the prosperity and progress of all, ensuring the betterment of everyone’s lives.
Those who are directly or indirectly the reasons for our earning have a rightful claim to our wealth, and we should always be generous in the Grahast Ashram, offering wholehearted support. This quality of generosity, the willingness to help others, is what makes the Grahast Ashram a blessed stage, or Dhanya Grahast Ashram.
Those who earn wealth through hard and honest work, help others, progress spiritually, and engage in selfless seva of temples, Sadhus, Mahatmas, Sants, Rishis, and Munis, transform their homes into sacred spaces, akin to temples.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb shared that Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb had said that we receive immense blessings from the great Rishis, Mahatmas, and Sants who dedicated themselves to penance, selfless service, intense worship, and prayers for the betterment of humanity. In fact, the blessings we receive from them far exceed what we offer through our seva.
By helping the poor, hungry, and needy, supporting the destitute, providing care to the sick, constructing temples, maintaining our dignity, and offering food and necessities to Sadhus, Sants, and Mahatmas through selfless seva, we earn all the comforts, happiness, and countless blessings in return. These blessings come from their vast wealth of divine grace, which is far greater than anything we possess.
By embodying the qualities of selfless service, helping others, and supporting great masters, Sadhus, Tapasvis, Sants, and Mahatmas, we transform our homes into sacred spaces, much like temples.
All of this is taught to us in our youth, during the Brahmacharya stage. Through various experiences and the wisdom shared by our elders, we cultivate and practice these values in the Grahast Ashram.
Saijan emphasized that as we grow and progress in life, we should strive to spread goodness in the world.
That is why, in Grahast Ashram, it is important to dedicate a portion of our earnings to the construction of temples, selfless seva, and uplifting others. In life, we are all interconnected and interdependent, and it is our responsibility to help one another.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb explained that the third stage of life is Vanaprastha Ashram. “Van” means forest. In ancient times, this stage began after the age of 50. At this age, one should gradually start to relax. Even the way numbers are counted hints at this change. If we observe, in Hindi, numbers are counted as ikatees, batees, taetees, or chalis, iketalees, byalees, but after 50 (pachas), they are counted as ikavan, bavan, rather than ikvachas, bavachas.
The change in the counting after 50 (pachaas) in Hindi, where it shifts to ikavan and bavan, serves as a reminder that after the age of 50, we must let go of our ego and adopt a calmer approach. “Van,” meaning jungle, symbolizes retreat and tranquility. By the time we reach this stage, we have already become self-sufficient, having earned the necessary wealth and strength. Now, it is time to take things easy and avoid becoming egoistic.
At this stage of life, one typically becomes a grandfather or grandmother, and it is also the time when one’s younger children are old enough to care for themselves. During these years, a person begins to dedicate more time to the spiritual side of life—visiting temples, engaging in charity, attending the discourses of great Masters, while still taking care of household responsibilities. This stage, known as Vanaprastha, signifies that after having achieved all the comforts, wealth, and dignity, it is no longer a time to engage in frivolous activities or bad company. Instead, it is time to move towards a more spiritual path, symbolized by the forest. This means surrounding oneself with sadhus, sants, and mahatmas, attending satsangs, and focusing on selfless seva. The goal is to live a life that sets an example for the next generation, teaching them good qualities and guiding them to become good human beings. The key quality of Vanaprastha is the balance between one’s worldly responsibilities and spiritual pursuits. “Vanaprastha” means to move towards the forest.
In this stage, one does not go and live in a temple, but instead maintains a balance between home life and spiritual duties (Dharma).
The fourth stage is Sannyasa Ashram, where a person who has fulfilled all worldly duties is expected to renounce personal material desires. At this stage, grown-up children should be able to manage their own lives independently, and the individual becomes detached from worldly attachments, dedicating themselves entirely to Seva, Naam, Dhyan, and Simran. However, even in this stage, if the children seek guidance, the individual continues to share wisdom from their own experiences.
One’s life now shifts to living for others—helping those in need, staying in good dharmic company, and embracing a simple and humble lifestyle.
When we wisely spend our time in Brahmacharya, live with dignity in Grahastha Ashram by earning wealth through our own efforts, help those in need, serve Sadhus, Saints, Mahatmas, Rishis, and Munis, contribute to the construction of temples and sacred places, and lead a meaningful life, we then continue to live an honest and purposeful life in Vanaprastha Ashram. In this stage, we guide our children, focus on good deeds, and progress spiritually. Finally, in Sannyasa Ashram, we devote ourselves to Naam, Dhyan, and Simran. When we follow this path, no sorrow can bring misery into our lives, and we will experience happiness and contentment. As Shahanshah Satguru said, there is no suffering in life unless we invite it.
For example, when a pleasant and esteemed guest visits our home, we open not just the door, but our hearts, welcoming the guest with warmth and love. We offer food, and even if the guest refuses, we kindly insist they drink a glass of water, ensuring they leave with something from our home.
However, if a wrong person tries to enter, we stop them. If they try to force their way in, we resist with all our might, protecting our home. Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb emphasized that just as we use all our strength to prevent the wrong person from entering, we must apply the same force to keep negative thoughts and habits out of our lives. We must guard our lives with positive thoughts, actions, and conduct, preventing badness and negativity from entering.
Saijan said that when we save money for the betterment of our children, to help those in need, to contribute towards building a temple, or for any other noble cause, we experience growth, happiness, and prosperity in our lives. The money we save multiplies and flourishes.
However, Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sai Satramdas Saheb explained that if we save money with the intention of using it during difficult times, we unknowingly invite difficulties into our lives, as we are preparing for them in advance. In this way, we are essentially inviting misery into our lives.
Thus, what we focus on and think about shapes our experiences and outcomes in life.
Truthful Sai advised that we should save money for positive and meaningful purposes, rather than focusing on negative outcomes. When we think positively, help those in need, support the sick, contribute to the building of temples and gurukuls, and guide our children to learn good values, prosperity will follow. Money should not be saved for wrongful purposes, but should be wisely spent and saved for noble causes.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb observed that in today’s times, people have abundant resources and earnings. They enjoy a comfortable life with good food, travel, and luxuries—far more than what their elders had. Yet, the institutions, schools, hospitals, and seva kendras established by those elders, despite their limited means, continue to thrive and serve society through selfless efforts.
However, instead of carrying forward this legacy of service, many wealthy individuals today, despite having everything they need, are engaged in disputes to acquire their elders’ properties, driven by insatiable greed.
Sai Sadhram Saheb emphasized that rather than fighting over inherited properties, those who are financially well-off should unite and wisely invest a portion of their wealth in expanding and creating more such institutions for the welfare of society. The more we use our resources for noble causes, the more we will prosper—both materially and personally.
Saijan said that those who earned and saved with good and noble intentions lived a fulfilling and happy life. They generously contributed to charity and even ensured that after their passing, their assets would continue to serve noble causes by making a will for the same.
When people donate and distribute their wealth during their lifetime, it is willingly accepted by those who receive it. However, if a person passes away without making a will, their properties, jewelry, and other savings should ideally be used for noble purposes in their name. Unfortunately, greed often takes over—people readily donate a deceased person’s clothes, bed, shoes, and other belongings, considering them impure because they belonged to the departed. Yet, when it comes to their valuable assets like properties and jewelry, they do not view them as impure but instead keep them for personal use.
This hypocrisy exposes a person’s true character and reveals their selfish intentions.
In olden times, it was a tradition for elderly people to distribute their belongings to whomever they wished before passing away. After their death, all their remaining possessions were meant to be donated or used for charitable purposes, and it was strictly forbidden to use a deceased person’s belongings for personal gain.
Elders were encouraged to give away their wealth and assets during their lifetime, as this act of generosity was believed to bring them great rewards in their next birth. However, using a deceased person’s possessions after their passing was considered both a sin and a disgrace.
Unfortunately, over time, greed has eroded this tradition. Instead of being used for noble causes, the properties and valuables of the deceased are now often claimed and utilized by their relatives for personal benefit.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb beautifully shared that, due to the good karmas of our elders and the blessings of Devis, Devtas, Rishis, Munis, Sants, and Mahatmas, times are changing for the better, and the virtues of the past are making a return.
Even in the present era, there are many individuals who think positively and lead lives of dignity and respect. Through their noble conduct and way of living, they will bring even greater prosperity, progress, and goodness for future generations.
Saijan shared that, in the present times, he meets many people and their children who are kind-hearted, honest, reliable, and devoted to selfless service. He mentioned that such individuals actively participate with him in various projects and seva, offering donations and charity wholeheartedly.
These individuals also perform seva on behalf of their fathers. If their father is alive, they encourage him to contribute from his own wealth while they do the same from theirs. If their father has passed away, they continue seva in his name, either using the wealth he left behind or from their own earnings.
They do not use their father’s wealth for personal gain because they believe that the rewards of good deeds performed with that wealth rightfully belong to their father, not to them.
Saijan said that there are individuals who engage in selfless service, and when they receive praise for their seva, they humbly respond that they are doing it in their father’s name and using his wealth. They add that once all of their father’s wealth has been dedicated to seva, they will then continue their service using their own earned wealth.
Saijan also mentioned that there are parents whose children are now independent and do not seek any financial support from them. These parents wish to use their savings for seva and come to Saijan for his guidance. Saijan said that the good old times are returning, bringing positive change for future generations.
Saijan shared that he personally assigns seva for various projects to those who seek and are interested, based on their capability and capacity. He encourages them to contribute not only their resources but also to take full responsibility for overseeing the project with complete transparency.Saijan reaffirmed that the good days of doing good deeds has come back.
Instead of fighting over the properties of our elders, we should utilize their assets for a noble and meaningful cause, benefiting the departed souls.
Saijan said that if we accumulate things by focusing on difficult times, those challenges will come into our lives. However, if we save our wealth with the intention of using it for good deeds, we will always invite goodness into our lives.
Saijan said that Shahanshah Satguru Swami Satramdas Saheb always advised people to lead a life filled with good deeds so that we may remain happy in both this life and the next. Saijan also mentioned that we celebrate the Varsi Maha Utsav of Shahanshah Satguru Swami Satramdas Saheb to honor his life and to practically incorporate his teachings into our own lives.
Saijan narrated an incident about a man who wanted to do seva, but before proceeding, he sought permission from his elder son. After some time, the son came to Saijan with his father and expressed his guilt. The son shared that he felt deeply troubled that his father had to ask him for permission, as he believed his father had every right to use his wealth as he wished. He further explained that he would never have objected to his father using his wealth for seva, but the fact that his father felt the need to ask him made him feel guilty.
Saijan said that this incident was a sign of good times returning.
Saijan also emphasized that we are all inherently good, with no major shortcomings, but we must work on improving our mindset and thinking positively. To enhance our lives and bring about positive change, we take refuge in our Satguru.
Saijan enlightened that the concept of Brahmacharya has been misunderstood. Many people believe that Brahmacharya simply refers to abstaining from sexual desires, but the true meaning is deeper. “Brahma” refers to Ishwar (God), and “Charya” means to travel or journey. Therefore, Brahmacharya is the practice of dedicating one’s time to understanding God, living a godly life, gaining knowledge, gathering wisdom, and striving to become like Ishwar.
Then comes Grahast Ashram and that is the stage of life where we should focus on doing good deeds, helping and uplifting others, building temples, and balancing both family life and spiritual life. In this ashram, we progress and prosper with the blessings of those we help. It is a blessed ashram where we create our own lives, live independently and with dignity, and make conscious efforts to assist others. Life in Grahast Ashram should be treated like a sacred temple.
By leading such a pious life, we will be so blessed that we will attain oneness with Parmatma.
Saijan said that this is the best and most revered ashram, as it allows us to live our lives fully, respecting and balancing all aspects.
Then comes The Vanaprastha Ashram, the stage where we focus on balancing family life with spending time in the company of saints, Mahatmas, and listening to divine teachings. It is a time to use the majority of our savings for the betterment of everyone.
We save not for hardship, but for prosperity and the well-being of all. The more we save for the benefit of others, the more we flourish.
In the final stage, we enter the Sannyas Ashram. At this point in life, we dedicate most of our time to Naam, meditation, and spiritual practices. Through our experiences, we guide others, helping them improve their lives.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb enlightened that we celebrate the Varsi Mahautsav of Shahanshah Satguru Sant Swami Sai Satram Das Saheb to honor his sacred life and to learn from his teachings.
He lived a dignified life. In his initial life, he He studied all the scriptures, engaged in bhakti, and performed seva. In the Grahast Ashram, he uplifted all living beings with his spiritual wealth, blessing and teaching everyone with his sacred wisdom. In the Vanaprastha stage, he traveled to many places to uplift people, cared for all living beings, and dedicated himself to abundant selfless service. Finally, in the Sannyas stage, he left this worldly existence to merge with Parmatma.
On his final day in this world, he called everyone together, and food was served to all. He answered all their questions, blessed each person present, and ensured no one went hungry after his departure. He guided his devotees on how to live their lives after he was gone, making them aware of their duties. He transformed the lives of even those who had gone astray, leading them onto the path of righteousness. No one left empty-handed after having his darshan. Wherever he went, he spread happiness. With a single gesture, he brought rain to areas suffering from drought, and with another, he could stop floods. He healed illness, disease, and impurity. He was such a great Sant that with just a gesture, fire, water, and air obeyed his will. He announced his own departure from this world and left in Divine meditation.
His respected, dignified, and highly revered life stands as a perfect example of the greatness of human life and humanity. His life was so pure that when his samadhi was being established, the sacred Ganges flowed there on its own. Shahanshah Satguru Swami Sant Sai Satramdas Saheb’s extraordinary life was truly blessed, divine, and pious.
Celebrating His Varsi Maha Utsav means to practically embody his teachings and the moral values derived from his divine and highly revered life.
Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb said that life is about living with moral values in practice, not just listening to teachings, but applying what the great masters have taught us through their life experiences.
As we grow and cultivate good qualities from the teachings of Sants and Mahatmas, these qualities develop like a strong tree. The fruits of this growth will be shared by future generations, helping them prosper and progress. The roots of such values will uplift everyone’s life, bringing true joy and happiness to all.
