- Chairman Region 2 - Latin America

Communiqué to be distributed to all of the Sai organization in Argentina:
Dear brothers and sisters in Sai:
SAI RAM!

I would like to clear up a certain issue due to the different versions and interpretations that took place after the meeting that we had with out brother Jagadeesan with Sr. (señor) Ricardo also known as Ananda Baba.
I would like to begin by reiterating Bhagavan's answer to the consultation done by the president of the Sai International Organization on my behalf.
Bhagavan said to Indulal Shah "There are many our there" and later Sri Indulal Shah told me that it would be a test for the real Sai devotees, a sieve, and only the true devotees would be left.
Like I said publicly during the talk of our brother Jegadeesan in the Uriarte Sai Center, Jegadeesan as well as myself went to meet with Sr. Ricardo, from Catamarca, also known as Ananda Baba. We accepted the invitation attending as members of the Sai organization. I in my position as Chairman of zone 2 and brother Jegaseesan as member of the Central Council of the International Sai Organization.
Brother Jegadeesan, as stated in the attached e-mail*, has written 10 books and one of them is called "The 4th Dimension." Where he analyzes psychic phenomena. For this he interviewed important people the world over from witch doctors in Africa to people with psychic gifts in Asia, etc. And this was of special interest to him. To me, it is obvious that I should consider it important to clear up directly with Sr. Ricardo certain versions that were spread as if he were the manifestation of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Argentina.

* I don't have this e-mail but I assume it's like a bio of Jegadeesan Faced with my question regarding this issue, Sr. Ricardo asserted that he was not the manifestation of Bhagavan in Argentina. I was also able to ask some direct questions to clear up the confusing situation that arose within the Sai organization because of his presence in Argentina. I personally cannot evaluate his level of evolution, or whether he is or isn't a realized being. I cannot come up with a comment on the fact that he has decided to
dress like Bhagavan.
Following and practicing Bhagavan's teachings, we as individuals or collectively as members of the Sai organization will not formulate critics against Ricardo and whenever possible against anybody. We will only see the good and the good ntentions of everyone.
In regard to the rumors that reached my ears, following my visit to Mr.Ricardo, that I was promoting or inviting Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai devotees to visit Sr. Ricardo, I should make it clear that it isn't so, much to the contrary. I always communicated Bhagavan's message about the importance of digging in one well until water is found and how it is not convenient to visit each teacher that comes up. That kind of attitude could only bring as a consequence a diminishing Faith in such people and an increasing confusion as to which path to follow I recommend the devotees of Bhagavan to drink from the Infinite Spring of Wisdom that the Avatar brings to us. I can assure that His Divine teachings will quench the thirst of the thirstiest aspirant. Each one must dive into his own heart and find the answers there regarding the path he or she should follow, that is the absolute personal decision of each aspirant. It is a decision between the devotee's heart and his Spiritual Teacher.
I was also informed on the telephone that Sr. Ricardo or his followers said that now it was no longer necessary to go to India since Ricardo was here and, of course, I cannot share that kind of deduction, if they were true, since when the Poorna Avatar incarnates, the possibility of being in his presence is something that one cannot be discarded if the devotee has the possibility of traveling to India. Even though the true contact with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba must be done on the heart of each devotee. Such heart to heart relation is beyond time and space and establishes an unbreakable and lasting link. It is the eternal relationship between the Guru and the disciple.
Bhagavan has asserted in several occasions the need for the people to accept a position as Officers of the Sai organization to have total Faith in His Divinity, it is an unavoidable prerequisite in order to fulfill the role of messengers of the Avatar, and channels of His Message of love.
That is why we ask the members with an official charge to reflect upon their relationship with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and of what significance Bhagavan is to them. If any officer has any doubt, or has decided to promote Sr. Ricardo's activities, or his visit to the same places where Sai centers are functioning, it would show that his or her Faith in Bhagavan is not unyielding and that they still need other sources to quench their spiritual thirst.
The fact that they hold a managing role in the Sai organization, means that they have accepted a responsibility of leadership and this cannot be effectively accomplished if they still have "one foot on one boat and the other on another boat". This would only cause confusion among the members of the Sai organization and those officers would not be fulfilling their responsibility as leaders to its upmost.
It is because of all of this that, as Chairman of Latin America and in accordance with the Central Council of Argentina, I ask the officers of the Sai organization who consider Sr. Ricardo as their teacher and work for him or that feel the need to promote Ricardo, to reflect upon this delicate situation and choose what they would rather do: to serve in the Sai organization or in Sr. Ricardo's movement.
In case they decide to work in the promotion of activities of Ricardo, then we would ask them to resign from all responsibilities en the Sai organization and to allow other devotees to fulfill these functions.
I would like to make it absolutely clear that all devotes are free to follow whomever they wish, but if they accept a responsibility within the Sai organization, then their obligation with Bhagavan must be complete, this is a prerequisite set forth by Bhagavan himself.
It is also made clear that the Sai Centres must not allow that any activities related to Sr. Ricardo or any other Teacher or spiritual leader be promoted within the centers.
I have no trace of a doubt, because of my personal experiences during the last 20 years, and because of the dictates of my heart, that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the Poorna Avatar of this Era, and furthermore my Teacher and Guide. Mi devotion is totally centered upon Him and I surrender completely at His Divine Lotus Feet.
It is my thinking and my knowledge that the Poorna Avatar manifests himself in one body at a time and not in different bodies to carry on His Divine Mission. It is also certain that we are all Avatars regarding the fact that we are all manifestations of the same Divine Principle and we all have a role to play in the Divine Plan.
Let us fulfill our role in the Sai organization and this way we will be fulfilling the highest of destines for our lives. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that service within the Sai organization was the highest service that a human being could accomplish . He also added that we should not miss the opportunity to serve within the Sai organization nor should we separate from it, that those who did were very unfortunate.
We have worked very hard to gain this Divine opportunity, let us not allow it to slip through our fingers.
I ask the members of the Sai organization not to carry on any criticism of Sr. Ricardo, much to the contrary you must look at him through the eyes of love. Only this way would we be practicing the teachings of Bhagavan.
This situation that generated in Argentina must be considered as a test and an opportunity that Sai gives us to see how we react and if we have taken in
His message in our lives, in words, thoughts and actions. Let us be impeccable as our Teacher and Guide Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is impeccable.
The Divine mission of restoring spirituality on the Earth of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba will be fulfilled inexorably, may we all be better instruments in the Divine mission each day and better channels of God's Love.

Leonardo Gutter
Chairman Zone 2 - Latin America
July 17, 2001
Original letter from Jagadeesan
From the desk of J Jagadeesan

An Open Letter to All Malaysia Leaders of Sai Centers and Youth Coordinators
(National, Regional and Center Levels)

Date : 7th October 2000

Re: The Sai Movement - The Future - The External Threat
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Recently, I sent an open letter to all Malaysian Sai leaders and youth coordinators on the subject of "The Internal Threat", today I would like to address the issue of "The External Threat" to the Sai movement. The "INTERNET" has become both a curse and a blessing! A blessings for those who seek to advance the boundaries of knowledge and to communicate good and noble thoughts to all at the click of a button, and a curse to all who use this incredible technology to indulge in filth and negativity! I am specifically referring to the spread of negativity about Bhagawan Baba by forces that have their own agenda of Action!

Unfortunately, since youth are the ones who most extensively use the Internet, they are often both the perpetrators and victims of this insidious campaign to malign the name of one of the noblest beings, who has walked the earth - nay - a Being of Divine Majesty who walks this earth.

Let me put this to you in the crudest terms possible, for I have no better way to demonstrate to you the grossness of the actions some are taking! If you see faeces on the ground, would you take it and hand it over to your friend?

If you heard someone hurling vile accusations about your father and mother would you pass this on to your friend?

Yet this is what some adults and youth are doing! Some do it in mistaken innocence of a gossip monger, who even though he / she does not believe in the gossip, feels a sense of "self glorification" by being the one to pass on the gossip..with a conniving whisper "have you heard of this?"

There are yet others, whose faith is weak, who have been involved with Sai, at a superficial level even for a long time! Others having possibly been denied of a miracle or favour from Sai, or ignored by Him after considerable personal attention, eagerly take up this filth and pass it on to others - hoping that others will also equally deny the Divine force and majesty of Sai! This is the pathetic story of the fox that got its tail cut and is now trying to persuade others that a "cut tail" is the fashionable thing to have! In the story of the "fox that cut its tail" the other foxes saw through the insidious plan of the fox and chased him away! Unfortunately, in the case of Sai Centers and Sai devotees, many "Sai foxes" have unwittingly allowed their tails to be cut and they are thus depriving themselves of the greatest chance of a lifetime!

I say all this with certainty, for I acclaim the Divine Force that Sai represents, from the point view of one who was at one time a strong anti-Sai! It is thus not a blind "herd mentality" that I follow - but a firm conviction from not only my own experience, but that of many other devotees and even beings of the 4th dimension! I have written enough about these in my books "Journey to God" - Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 to warrant further elaboration.

What Does Sai Say?

Let me quote to all of you an extract of a letter from Sri Indulal Shah, the International Chairman! I quote. "Some time ago I had circulated a quotation from Bhagawan Baba's divine discourse. I reproduce the same below:-

"Many of you are pained by what some papers are indulging in, regarding me!
Many are urging that something should be done about it. But, I am holding everyone back, for that is the best way to deal with both praise and blame.
The ocean knows no overflowing or drying up. It is ever full, ever majestic and ever unconcerned."

In my 35 years of association with Bhagawan, on several occasions He explains such incidents as "fly on an ear of an Elephant" which is not necessary to be disturbed or Baba reminds us that people will throw stones towards trees only if there are fruits.

Let us collectively ponder what is our duty? It is our test on the path of experiencing Divinity. What vigil and fences have to be built around our organization?

Let us remember nothing happens or moves without His wish. Everything that happens is for good, provided we are conscious of our Duty and personal efforts that should follow."

If one asks me (i.e. Jega), who will be the one who will bend and break at the first adverse winds of allegations and filth: - it will be those who have remained in the periphery of the organization and those who have lived on the periphery of the Sai message. Also those who expect something from Sai, those who want His constant personal physical attention, those who live constantly on the margin of Sai's physical miracles, those who have not lived the message of Sai through Service for mankind and selfless love for all - these are the potential drop-outs!!

Just examine silently those who have "dropped out" or turned against Sai, and you will discover this truth! Do not condemn them! Do not vilify them - only pray that they find Peace and Love in their lives!

"Close Devotees"

Some of you have been stunned by the fact that so called "close devotees" of
Sai have dropped out because of this filth that is being spread through their ears and eyes and into their minds!

Devotees who have had so many "interviews", those who have received Baba's divine manifestations (rings, pendants, etc) have dropped out and so our jaws drop in amazement!

But, is this so unusual? Who betrayed Christ? Was it His enemies or those closest to Him? Who dared wage a war against Krishna - those who were His enemies or those who went to Him seeking His help?

Was not Ravana, the Asura who turned against Rama, close to Divinity, for was it not from the Divine that he received his powers? Was not Hiranyakasipu (the father of Prahlada), the Asura who turned against the Devas and even Narayana Himself, close to Divinity - for was it not Divinity who conferred on him the awesome powers he used, to deny Divinity!

The Puranas and the history of all great souls are replete with stories of those who, once close, than turned against the Divinity they worshipped! How many of you are aware of the vile accusations hurled against the Buddha and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, during their respective lifetimes.

If Jesus who had 11 disciples, had in his last moments, one who denied Him and another who betrayed Him, can one imagine what one can expect of the Sai phenomena, who has millions who revere Him!

Only a little intelligence is required to ascertain the TRUTH.


Has any living being on earth, in his own lifetime motivated so much good and godly work for the needy and manifested so much transformation in millions - to go beyond self and to serve the poor, sick and the needy?
Would anyone need to set-up such a huge worldwide edifice of selfless service and human values, to indulge in the type of filth that is being passed around?

Use your own judgement! Has your life not changed? Perhaps not, if you are still at the level of the Sai form, Sai miracles and Sai bhajans! But, if you are one who has plunged into making the Sai message a part of your life, your own experience, your own awe regarding what good work has been done and can be achieved to benefit all, will be the only witness you need to testify to the Divine grandeur of the Avarthar of the Kali Yuga!

In the Greek legend, Ulysses had to plug his ears and that of his fellow shipmates, so that the false and tempting voices of the "sirens" would not lead them to disaster, as they searched for the golden fleece!

Now in our voyage for the "golden age", the voices of modern sirens are tempting devotees away from Faith, Belief, Goodness and Love, to hate and negativity!
We do not have an ancient Ulysses to plug our ears! The modern Ulysseses are the selfless service and selfless love that Sai has motivated among those who follow His Teachings! These will be the earplugs that must help us to overcome these treacherous times!

I pray to all! Do not transmit the filth to others! Do not allow the filth to contaminate your mind! If you feel you do not want to follow the Sai path, by all means step aside, but do not incur the sin of coming between God and His devotees, the message of every vahana (vehicle) in a Hindu temple.

For those who love Sai, let us do more! Let us manifest His miracles, His "Vibuthi" (Divine Glory) in society, by we ourselves becoming His Divine miracles, by transforming society to Love and Unity, through our selfless Love and our selfless Service!

Please reflect on this, circulate to whomever you want to and act accordingly.

Sai Ram and God bless!

Yours in service,
J. Jagadeesan