6th
March 2008
A
True and Real Life is One that is Suffused with Love by
Bhagavan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Right from the time from getting up till going to bed, people struggle
to acquire wealth.
They spend all their mental and physical energy on amassing wealth.
They undergo many difficulties in the process.
Their mind is confused, and Divinity is forgotten.
It is an endless struggle.
What kind of peace, pleasure, and comfort can one enjoy in this struggle for
wealth?
(Telugu poem)
Embodiments of Love!
Today, the entire world revolves around money. Right from a student to
a vegetable vendor, everyone runs after money. Not withstanding their education
and social strata, people consider pursuit of money as their be-all and end-all
in life. Strangely, even a small proportion of struggle that people willingly
undergo in acquiring wealth is not to be found in the pursuit of Divinity.
God is the protector and saviour of all in this world. One may be a
millionaire or a billionaire, yet one cannot live without God. There are very
few individuals who recognize God as the source and sustenance for all beings.
Also, there are very few who contemplate on God. That is why the sadhana (spiritual practice) of community singing
(bhajan) has been initiated. There may be a
few among the group whose mind is distracted during the bhajan and who do not chant the divine name with proper bhava (feeling), raga
(tune), and thala (rhythm). Still, by and
large, people concentrate and contemplate on the divine name during the bhajan session.
Waves are many but water is the same. Similarly, Divinity permeates all
human beings irrespective of their thoughts and feelings. Beings may be many,
yet the same Divinity permeates all living beings. Ekatma sarvabhuthantharathma (one Atma dwells in all beings). Ekam sath viprah bahudha vadanti (truth is one,
but the wise refer to it by various names).
Those who struggle to uphold Truth are the real devotees. The essence
of all Vedas lies in establishing this
truth. Unfortunately, today, people who recognise such an eternal truth are not
to be found anywhere. One should not forsake Truth. When sathya (truth) and dharma
(righteousness) come together, there will be santhi
(peace) and prema (love). In fact, sathya is the basis for all other human values,
namely, dharma, santhi,
prema, and ahimsa
(nonviolence).
Embodiments of Love!
Prema (love) does not descend from
somewhere. It emerges from the hearts of people. A human being cannot live
without love. Love assumes different forms in keeping with the relationship
between two individuals — husband and wife, mother and child, between two
friends, etc. But, basically, prema remains
as the same undercurrent in all human beings. If a question is raised as to
where God is, it can be said that God permeates all beings in the form of love.
A true and real life is one that is suffused with love. Life devoid of love is
not worth living. Love is the source of all virtues and all virtues merge in
love.
Brahman is only one and is all-pervasive. Whenever someone enquires about
your name, you have to reply, "Aham Brahmasi
(I am Brahman). I have no other name." All worldly names are given to you
for the purpose of identification. It is said, "Brahma
Sathyam, jaganmithya" (Brahman alone is Truth, and the entire world
is illusory). To realise the nature of Brahman, one must become Brahman. All
names like Rama,
The nature of Divinity is described thus:
Nityanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam
Jnanamurtim, Dwandwateetam, Gagana Sadrisham, Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam, Ekam, Nityam,
Vimalam, Achalam, Sarvadhee Sakshibhutam (God is the embodiment of
eternal bliss, He is wisdom absolute, beyond the pair of opposites, expansive
and pervasive like the sky, the goal indicated by the aphorism Tattwamasi (I am That), One without a second,
eternal, pure, unchanging, witness of all functions of the intellect).
While coming into this hall, I saw Eswaramma and Pedda Venkama Raju
(Swami's parents). Even at this moment, they are very much here. Pedda Venkama
Raju wore a yellow coloured dhoti, while
Eswaramma wore a yellow coloured sari. The reason for this colour is that they
now reside in Vaikunta, the Abode of Lord Vishnu. Everyone in Vaikunta wears a
yellow colour dress. Not only Myself, even Satyajit,
who sleeps in My room, has seen Easwaramma wearing a yellow coloured sari.
Women who wear yellow saris are forever sumangalis (ever auspicious).
The principle of Brahman is represented by the colour yellow. That is
why Lord Vishnu is described as Pithambara dhari,
or the Lord who wears a yellow robe. Today, I wanted to bring out a yellow
lingam from My body. But all the students, staff, and
devotees prayed ,"Swami, You need not bring out a
lingam from Your body. We cannot bear to witness the physical suffering You undergo while You bring out the lingam. Please accept
our prayer and make us happy."
Whatever I will, it will happen. Whereas human nature constantly
undergoes change, My divine nature is changeless and
eternal. No one can decipher such divine nature.
The cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva in
Lord Shiva is lost in ecstasy
Parameswara, Sambashiva is lost in ecstasy,
Dancing and dancing the thandava dance
With the divine sage Narada accompanying on thampura
and
The Lord's matted locks shining brilliantly.
Wielding the Trident, Shiva is dancing
Thadhim, Thadhim, Thadhim Thadhimthaka
||Lord Shiva||
With Goddess Saraswathi playing veena and Indra the flute,
Lord Vishnu on Mridanga,
Dhimi Dhimi Dhimi Dhimithaka ||Lord Shiva||
With
And crystal beads round the neck shining brilliantly
Lord Shiva is lost in ecstasy
Dancing and dancing the cosmic dance. ||Lord Shiva||
Once, when Shiva and Parvati were moving about in the sky, they saw a
person cutting the branch of a tree on which he was sitting. As he was on the
verge of falling, Parvati prayed to Shiva to save him, "Oh Lord, Please
save him when he falls on the ground."
But Shiva said to Parvati, "It is you who saw him first. It is you
again who realised that he would die when he falls down. So it is your
responsibility to save him."
Parvati replied, "Dear Lord, when someone falls on the ground, he
will utter either amma (mother) or appa (father). If this man utters amma, then I will save him, but if he utters amma, you should save him." Easwara agreed to
this proposal.
As the branch broke, both Shiva and Parvati came forward to save him.
But while falling, this man did not utter either amma
or amma; he said, ayyo! (alas!). Though
both Shiva and Parvati were waiting to save him, he did not call them.
The moral of the story is that we should always remember our parents.
One who does not remember the parents even in times of difficulty is really a
fool. Lord Easwara and Mother Parvati are the universal parents. If one
constantly remembers them, one will not encounter any difficulty or suffering.
Unfortunately, today, people do not remember their parents. That is why they
are denied protection.
Rama's Divinity blossomed under Kausalya's loving care;
Because of the tender feelings and austerity of Sita,
Lava and Kusha achieved name and fame;
Fostered with the love of his mother, Putlibai, Gandhi became a Mahatma;
The loving care of Jijabai made Shivaji a great warrior.
(Telugu poem)
First and foremost, one has to remember one's mother always. Easwaramma
represents the divine motherhood. She is the mother of Easwara. Similarly,
Venkama means the Lord of the seven hills. Thus, Pedda Venkamaraju and
Easwaramma together represent the Ddivine parents. Today, both of them reside
in Vaikunta.
There are three Sai Avatars. The
first was Shirdi Sai, the second is Sathya Sai, and the third to come is Prema
Sai. Prema Sai will be the most important Avatar,
because He will unite the entire humanity. You all know that it is prema (principle of love) that unites all!
Unfortunately, today you do not find ekathwa
(unity) anywhere. Wherever you see, there is only bhinnathwa
(differences and diversity). Where there is love, there will be unity. Then all
people will be united, regardless of caste, culture, and country.
Suppose someone asks where you come from; you will reply that you come
from such and such state. But the truth is that all people belong to one
country and one world. You should feel proud to proclaim that you belong to the
country of Bharath. Bharath is the home of all people in the world. In fact,
Prasanthi Nilayam has become the home of all people in the world.
In the Ramayana story, King
Dasaratha performed the Puthrakameshti Yajna
with a desire to have sons. The God of fire, rising from the homakunda (sacrificial pit), handed over to King
Dasaratha a vessel filled with sacred pudding, and Dasaratha distributed it
equally amongst his three wives. Kausalya and Kaikeyi took their share of
pudding to their respective puja rooms. Each
of them was happy, thinking that her son would be the future king of Ayodhya.
But Sumitra had no such expectations. She carried her bowl of pudding
to the terrace and placed it on the parapet wall, while drying her hair in the
sun. Suddenly, an eagle swooped down and carried away the bowl of sacred
pudding. She immediately ran down and informed Kausalya and Kaikeyi about what
had happened.
Kausalya and Kaikeyi came to Sumitra's rescue and shared their portion
of pudding with her. Kaikeyi gave half of her share to Sumithra, and Kausalya
did the same. In due course, Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharatha
and Sumitra to Lakshmana and Satrughna.
Sumitra was a paragon of virtues. Her name itself signifies that she
was a good friend to one and all! One day, Sumitra was thinking to herself,
"Rama deserves to be crowned King of Ayodhya, since He is the eldest among
the sons. Or else, Bharatha should be crowned King as per the promise made by
King Dasaratha to Kaikeyi. My two sons, Lakshmana and Sathrughna, should serve
their elder brothers — Lakshmana to serve Rama and Sathrugna to serve
Bharatha." Thus, all three wives of King Dasaratha, namely, Kausalya,
Sumitra, and Kaikeyi, and also their sons lived in unity and love.
In keeping with the noble traditions and ideals set out in the Ramayana, we should always maintain unity and
brotherhood. If only we are able to cultivate these two, we can be good friends
to one and all. In the Ramayana and Mahabharatha, unity and spirituality were
projected as the ideal qualities to be emulated by all.
A few years ago when I visited East Africa, I told them that I came
from
Very soon, the entire country of Bharath will be united and all
differences will subside. It is of utmost importance that all the people be
united and live like brothers and sisters. This principle of unity shall be
propagated in every nook and corner of the country. The languages people speak,
the individual vocation, and the education they pursue may be different. But
all should practise the principle of one country, one caste, and one culture.
It is only because these aspects are treated as different now that differences
arise among people. The important message of this festival is that the country
of Bharath shall be united. It should be the endeavour of people to treat it
so.
Embodiments of Love!
Wherever you go, proudly proclaim that you belong to the country of Bharath,
you speak the language of Bharath ,and you follow the
culture of Bharath. Believe in the principle of unity. Develop faith in the
principle of unity, and live accordingly. The country, caste, and culture — all
the three must merge into one. Then only will the country
progress. Bharath, the name of our
country, signifies the message of Bha
(meaning God) and rathi (meaning love).
Therefore, Bharath is the country where people develop love for God. This Truth
has always to be borne in mind.
(Bhagawan sang the bhajan "Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi".)
Whoever wishes to have santhi
(peace), must participate in bhajan. Bhajan is the only sadhana
(spiritual exercise) that confers peace on an individual
7th March 2008
Cultivate
Good Thoughts and Noble Feelings in your Heart
by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Karma is responsible for birth,
existence, and death.
It holds sway over all stages of life as the very deity of human existence.
It is responsible for joy and sorrow.
(Telugu Poem)
Karma (action) is the very life
breath of a human. Every human being has to undertake karma keeping in mind the
possible result of the karmas. This is the most important duty of a human
being. As the karma, so will be the result.
One has to keep good health, not merely physical health but mental
health too. Thoughts and resolutions should also be healthy. Good thoughts
result in good karmas. When one undertakes karmas with evil thoughts, the result will also be
bad.
Who made the bats to hang from the branches of a tree with their heads
downward? Has anyone tied them upside down out of hatred? No, it is their fate.
Likewise, nobody can escape from the consequences of karma.
A human being does bad karmas, entertains
bad thoughts, and ultimately encounters bad results. On the other hand, one who
entertains good thoughts and undertakes good karmas
enjoys good results. It is not possible to get good results by doing bad deeds.
A small example: when you write correct answers for the questions in an
examination, you will get good marks, and vice versa. Undertaking bad deeds
denotes animalistic tendency. One has to analyze at every stage whether one is
behaving like a human being or an animal. When you indulge in bad deeds, even
your neighbours will restrain you, saying, "Being born as a human, why do
you behave like an animal?" Thus, one is ridiculed and punished even by a
fellow human being. When you resort to evil deeds, you need not have to wait
for long till God decides to punish you. The result of your evil deeds accrues
to you from yourself.
By doing a bad deed, a good result cannot be achieved;
By doing a good deed, bad results will not accrue;
Having planted a lime sapling, can you obtain a mango fruit?
By planting a mango sapling, can you get a lime fruit?
(Telugu poem)
Human beings have to realise that they is born to undertake good deeds
only. The word manava (human being) has
profound meaning. It consists of three letters: ma
(means ignorance), na
(means without), va (means to conduct).
Thus, one who conducts oneself without ignorance is a manava
(human being). Having been born as a human being, one has to conduct oneself
accordingly.
When the crows caw, we chase them away by throwing a stone at them. On
the other hand, when a parrot speaks small words sweetly, we hear them with
joy. We are never tired of hearing a cuckoo bird singing. What does all this
signify? By our sweet words and good behaviour, we make ourselves endearing to
all.
Human beings have to help their fellow human beings. "Help ever;
hurt never." Even though we are aware of this maxim, we do harm to others
knowingly. That is the greatest mistake. Humans have been endowed with a
reasoning faculty. The mind can be employed in both good and bad ways. That is
why it is said, Manah eva manushyanam karanam
bandhamokshayo (mind is the cause for bondage and liberation of man).
The mind is a gift of God to a human being. It is not the real nature of a
human being to abuse, make fun of, or hurt others. Even animals are helping
human beings in ever so many ways. Thus, what greatness lies in a human being
helping a fellow human being? Having been born as human beings, we must conduct
ourselves accordingly and love all as our brothers and sisters.
We must undertake such activities to please to God. Then only will our
human birth be sanctified. God resides in all. Daivam manusha rupena (God
incarnates in the form of a human being). When God incarnates in human form, we
should obey His divine command. It is said, Jantunam
Some people appear to be good cast evil looks on others. That is not
good.
Manasyekamvachasyekam,
karmanyekam mahatmanam,
Manasyanyath vachasyanyath,
karmanyanyath duratmanam.
Those whose thoughts, words and deeds
are in perfect harmony are noble ones;
Those who lack harmony of these are wicked.
There must be harmony between one's thoughts, words, and deeds. When
there is unity between these three, there will be purity. Where there is
purity, there is Divinity. Whatever others do to you, consider it as good for
you. See that you do not lose your humanness under any circumstances. In fact,
humanness is your most valuable property.
"Love all and serve all." Then only you can lead a healthy
and happy life. Do not eat junk food or food that is prohibited. You have to partake good, sathwic
(pure) food that is offered first to God. You don't offer all sorts of food to
God, do you? Sathwic food that is prepared
in a clean vessel with pure feelings is offered to God. The food so offered to
God has to be partaken as prasadam
(sanctified food). Good food brings good health, and from good health arises good thoughts. Unfortunately, today there is
dichotomy between our thoughts, words, and deeds. We say something and do
something else.
Once, a person pretending to be an ascetic came to a house and begged
for food. The housewife told him, "Please go to the river, finish your
bath, and come back. In the meantime, I will prepare food for you."
The "ascetic" was by nature a lazy fellow. He told her,
"Mother! For wandering mendicants like us, Govindethi
sada snanam (chanting of the divine name of Govinda is equivalent to
having a bath)."
The housewife was clever enough to teach him a lesson. She told him,
"Dear son! Govindethi sada bhojanam
(The divine name of Govinda is verily food for you). You can go."
Evil feelings may sometimes arise in our heart. They have to be
corrected by participating in sathsanga
(good company). It is said, "Tell me your company, I shall tell you what
you are." If you are in good company, you will be a good person. On the
other hand, if you move about in bad company, you will also become bad. Hence,
always move in good company. If you partake of meat, indulge in smoking and
drinking, and say that you are a good person, no one will agree with that
statement. If you wish to be a good person, undertake good and noble
activities.
As are your karmas, so shall be the
results. Human birth is very sacred. It is the result of sathkarmas (good actions) performed over several
past lives.
A few thousand devotees are gathered in this hall. For
what purpose? To sanctify their time in the divine
presence of God, to hear the divine message, and contemplate on the same.
The entire hall is permeated by divine vibrations. That is why saints and sages
proclaim the importance of sathsanga.
Satsangatwe nissangatwam,
Nissangatwe nirmohatwam,
Nirmohatwe nischalatattwam,
Nischalatattwe jivanmukti
(Sanskrit Verse)
Good company leads to detachment,
Detachment makes one free from delusion;
Freedom from delusion leads to steadiness of mind;
Steadiness of mind confers liberation.
We should move about in good company and cultivate good thoughts and
feelings. Jealousy, anger, ego, and such other ill feelings must be shed.
Gratitude is another good quality to be cultivated. A person with gratitude,
wherever they are, will prosper. Some people return evil for good. They are
verily demons. We must show gratitude to all those who help us, irrespective of
whether the help is small or great.
We must serve all. We must greet with love even those who hate us. Then
they will also respond with a loving greeting. If you address others with
respect, saying, "Sir!", they will also
treat you with respect. On the other hand, if you insult them, you will get the
same in return. Our entire life is filled with reaction, resound, and
reflection. See good, do good, and be good. Then your birth as a human being
will be sanctified. Your own good nature will protect you. That is your real
support.
Lawyers, while arguing their cases in the courts, always rely upon
witnesses. But we don't require someone else to testify to our good conduct.
Our own mind is the witness to our good nature. If you want to earn money, do
it —but by fair means and good conduct. First and foremost, your actions should
be in accordance with your conscience. Self satisfaction should be the most
important goal in whatever activity you undertake. Only when you achieve self
satisfaction will you be able to go to the next step of self-sacrifice.
Dear students! You must cultivate good and noble feelings right from
this early age. That is true education. There is no use studying voluminous
texts. I find several students always reading and reading books We are not sure what kind of books they are reading. Read
good books that will help develop your character. Do not read books that go
against the basic tenets of humanness.
You are all now students. Pursuit of education is your goal. What kind
of education? Education that would confer Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Self). Some
boys read big books, and their parents feel happy thinking that their children
are reading the Ramayana or the Mahabharatha. But nobody knows for sure what
exactly they are reading. Some may be reading trash novels, keeping them in
between the pages of those voluminous books. Do not resort to such dubious
actions, for if you do such things, your entire life will be spoiled. Society will
not respect you.
First and foremost, students must control their anger, cultivate
patience, and lead a peaceful life. Only by developing a calm and serene mind
can you understand your lessons well. This is the age when your hearts are
pure. It may not be possible for you to make everyone happy. But conduct
yourself in such a manner that your actions please to God.
Every one in this world wishes to be happy. But where does the real
happiness lie? Hari bhajana bina
sukha santhi nahi." True peace and happiness lie in singing bhajans. That is why Guru Nanak had initiated the sadhana (spiritual exercises) of community bhajan singing. If a group of people come together
and sing the glory of God, at least one person's heart will be tuned to
Divinity.
We find people dozing during Sivarathri
akhanda bhajan. Some others mechanically participate in the bhajan, while their mind is roaming elsewhere. In
spite of these undesirable things, community singing is still a better sadhana. At least one in this group will have
their mind fixed in God while singing the bhajan.
Community singing is pleasing to God.
Sivarathri means an auspicious
night. Every day, there is a rathri (night).
But all nights cannot equal Sivarathri. Real Sivarathri is only that where the
divine name is contemplated upon and sung with devotion. That is the only
auspicious night. Hence, cultivate noble feelings in your heart at least on
this auspicious night.