Shri Sai Satcharita Panchasheel Examinations

Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu
Sun Aug 19 2012
Shri Sai Satcharita Panchasheel Examinations

ll Hari Om ll
 
In yesterday’s Daily Pratyaksha are published the question papers relating to the Panchasheel Examinations on the Shri Sai Satcharita conducted by Shree Sai Samartha Vidnyan Prabodhini. In this examination which is held twice a year, Shraddhavaans appear in thousands, many of them, appearing all over again, after having completed their previous round of examinations from Prathama(First) to Panchama (Fifth). Bapu (Aniruddhasinh), the ever benevolent, has provided this unique facility and opportunity to Shraddhavaans. Therefore, just as the Shri Sai Satcharita provides a new perspective every time one does a repeat reading, so also the answers of the Shraddhavaans are ever evolving. The Sai Satcharita is a veritable inexhaustible treasure which Sainath has kept open to one and all for ‘looting’ it. How much we ‘loot’ is for us, individually, to decide. Shri Sainath says, 
“The treasury is overflowing, yet no one is prepared to bring in the carts and no one is willing to dig the treasure; nobody is willing to put in the efforts.” ll 162 ll ...Chapter 32
 
The Panchasheel Examination is the vehicle that Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) has provided us to load the treasure. It is upto us now to put in the efforts, because it is the Sadguru’s wish that everyone should perform the 'push ups’ and that is why Sainath goes on to say, 
“I exhort you to dig for that wealth and carry it by the cart loads. He who is indeed a true son of his mother will amass the treasure.” ll 163 ll ...Chapter 32
 
Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) in his discourse on 2nd August, 2012, had explained to us as to why we should appear for the Panchasheel examinations. Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) had said “why should we give the Sai Satcharita Panchasheel examinations?.... Because when we study we understand the stories narrated therein more clearly. Today Shri Sai Satcharita is available in almost every language. This examination is for improving our bhakti.In the good old days, attending kirtans and bhajans in the temple in the evenings was an integral part of the daily routine of an individual. Today, it is nowhere to be seen. In those days, on the occasion of Ramnavamior Aashaad Ekadashi, etc; kirtans used to be organized, keeping in the mind the significance of the holy occasion. Those who heard these kirtans every year with the same intensity of a first time listener, their entire lives were transformed. Shri Sai Satcharita is an ode sung in praise of Shri Sainath. Similarly, the Forum, Sai - The Guiding Spirit is yet another opportunity for singing the praises (Gunasankirtan) of Shri Sainath. In the said pravachan of 2nd August, Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) had said that kirtans and pravachans were an integral part of the day to day lives of inidividuals. If the gunasankirtanthrough this Forum were to become an integral part of our lives, then our lives are sure to change for the better.
 
One thing that I have gathered and understood from the responses received by me in relation to this forum is we will be able to derive greater enjoyment and contentment from Shri Sai Satcharita.
“Sai is a mine of blissful happiness; his devotee is blessed with good fortune and will never be short on this Supreme bliss, for Sai is like the ocean - complete and full in himself.” ll 66 ll...Chapter 1
 
Today I feel nostalgic about the time when Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) started the Panchasheel examinations. Then, Bapu (Aniruddhasinh) used to teach the Shri Saisatcharita and would also visit the examination centre to meet all those who used to appear for these exams. There is no change whatsoever in Bapu’s (Aniruddhasinh) firm faith in the Shri Saisatcharita and his longing that all his children should appear for the Panchasheel examinations….. this, you must have experienced as well. I am attaching a small video clip of the discourse he gave on the Panchasheel examination on 2nd August, 2012 at the top of this post.
 
In relation to the Panchasheel examinations, we should always keep in mind the following words of Baba, 
“Listening to my stories, narrating them by way of kirtan and contemplation will foster love and devotion for me and destroy ignorance in an instant.” ll 82 ll ...Chapter 2
 
“Wherever there is faith and devotion together, I remain enslaved forever; harbour no doubts about it; otherwise I am unattainable.” ll 83 ll ...Chapter 2
 
“When stories about me are heard with piety and virtuousness, it will generate devotion in the listeners’ minds; self-experience and joy will then follow naturally and a state of perpetual joy will be attained.” ll 84 ll Chapter 2
 
ll Hari Om ll