An Afternoon with Dr V. Mohan
“I will always carry you in your times of weakness, whether you like it or not”
On a memorable Sunday afternoon at Merton Sai Centre, Dr V Mohan, Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, addressed devotees in the United Kingdom, with a central theme that was simple, yet profound: unless Swami decides, nothing can happen.
Dr Mohan began by reminding devotees of the very purpose of a satsang (spiritual gathering): to keep faith intact and unshaken. He recalled Swami’s own assurance: “I will always be there… I will always carry you in your times of weakness whether you like it or not.” He reminded us that if we do His work, He will take care of every aspect of our life.
He spoke movingly of Swami’s unique place in spiritual history. Swami’s divine will alone is sufficient to accomplish anything; He has no real need for an organisation or a trust. And yet, remarkably, He chose to create an organisation bearing His own name, entrusting devotees with the privilege of performing service under His name: something, Dr Mohan noted, that has never before happened in human history. To have the opportunity to serve within His organisation is a rare fortune indeed.
Turning to personal spiritual practice, Dr Mohan offered a heartfelt prayer for all devotees to adopt: “Never reduce my faith in You. Please increase my faith in You — every day, by even one percent.” Satsangs, he said, play a vital role in this growth, drawing devotees together and strengthening faith as they share one another’s experiences.
Reflecting on the relationship between science and spirituality, Dr Mohan observed that where science reaches its limits, spirituality begins. Our task is to do our duty and give our best; beyond that, God stands behind us. The highest form of prayer, he said, is surrender, leaving the outcomes to Him.
He gently reminded the gathering that, as Sai devotees, all our actions should be dedicated to Swami. Differences of opinion will inevitably arise, whether in personal life or within the Organisation, but devotees must never lose sight of the bigger picture. Unity begins within ourselves, dissolving ego, and when our love for Swami exceeds our ego, disagreements naturally fall away.
Explaining why devotees are drawn to Prasanthi Nilayam, Dr Mohan likened it to a fan that concentrates the breeze already present in the air. Prasanthi Nilayam similarly concentrates divine energy — through Vedam, bhajans and constant prayer — as the very place where Swami resided, gave discourses, and founded His mission. It remains the holiest of holy places, ideal for personal transformation.
Dr Mohan closed with a call to service and continuity. He urged devotees to pass the baton to the next generation, bringing more youth into the fold, for Swami’s mission continues so long as there are hands to carry it forward: and it is only through self-transformation that world peace can truly be achieved.