Bhagavan's Divine Discourse, 28 Oct 2003 - Love Is God - Live In Love

11-02-2003, 09:13 PM

Bhagavan's Divine Discourse

Love Is God - Live In Love

Vice Chancellors Conference Discourse

Prashanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi
28 Oct 2003

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LOVE IS GOD - LIVE IN LOVE

One may master all forms of knowledge, One may vanquish one's
adversaries in debate, One may fight with valor and courage in the
battlefield, One may be an emperor reigning over vast kingdoms, One
may offer cows and gold as an act of charity, One may count the
countless stars in the sky, One may tell the names of different
living creatures on the earth, One may be an expert in eight-limbed
(Ashtanga) Yoga, One may reach even the moon, But it is near
impossible to control the body, mind and senses, Turn the vision
inward And achieve the supreme state of equanimity of the mind.
(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Today, a number of discussions and deliberations are being held in
the field of education. First and foremost, we must try to recognize
the true meaning of education. One may read all the available books
and elucidate the meaning contained in these books. But, that does
not entitle one to be called an educated person. There are several
highly educated people today in the world. But, what transformation
and discriminatory power have they achieved on account of their
education? What benefit has accrued to the world on account of these
so called educated people? None tries to understand and evaluate
this aspect. It is only when an educated person looks inward that he
will be able to realize the true meaning and philosophy underlying
education. In contrast to this situation, people are applying their
intelligence in worldly matters.

There are, however, some who enquire into the nature of Atma Tattwa.
Realizing the importance of an enquiry into the nature of Atma
Tattwa, we have introduced this concept in the M.B.A. course in Sri
Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The letters M.B.A. stand
for understanding the nature of the mind (M), the physical body (B),
and the Atma (A). It is easier to understand the nature of the mind
and body. But, to understand the nature of the Atma is not that
easy. No one can understand what Atma is. It has no form. It is pure
consciousness. Even the educated people are unable to understand
that the Atma Tattwa is consciousness. Most of them are able to go
up to the stage of conscious. Some others are able to reach the next
stage of conscience. The sum and substance of all this is that man
today is unable to understand the Atma Tattwa, The pure
consciousness. It is only when one is able to understand the
conscious, he can understand what conscience is. Again, it is only
when, one is able to understand conscience, he can really understand
the principle of consciousness. Thus all the three categories of
conscious, conscience and consciousness are interlinked.

Dear Students!

You may feel that spirituality is too abstract and not easily
understandable. The Atma Tattwa cannot be understood and realized by
merely developing material knowledge. In fact, Atma Tattwa is beyond
the scope of material knowledge. It is transcendental. It is
fundamental knowledge. It is at the base of all physical, material
and secular knowledge.

Dear Students!

You may be under the mistaken impression that spirituality is that
which cannot be understood. But, this is not correct. Spirituality
is consciousness which has an inner meaning. What is awareness? Our
normal understanding of this term is awareness about a particular
object or aspect. Take for instance (showing a handkerchief), this
object. When a question is put as to what it is, the answer comes
that it is a handkerchief. This knowledge about the object is
considered to be awareness. Again, when I question you (showing a
flower) what it is, you reply that it is a flower. This is also
considered to be an awareness. All these are the outer forms of
different material objects. This is a cloth (showing the
handkerchief). What is the basis for this cloth? The thread. Again,
what is the basis for this thread? The cotton. Thus this cloth
cannot be made without the thread and cotton. The cotton is the
fundamental object at forms the basis for the thread and the cloth.
Unfortunately, today we are only recognizing the cloth, but not the
fundamental object of cotton, the basis for the cloth. Therefore,
what is of paramount importance today is to recognize the Atma
Tattwa that is at the root of all knowledge. If one is able to
realize this Atma Tattwa, he can easily realize every other aspect.

What is Atma Tattwa? For example, we have the physical body. This
body has several limbs which function continuously. But, what is it
that makes the limbs in the body function? We hold a particular
object, say, a flower with one hand. What is it that gives power to
the hand to hold the flower? We smell the flower. From where did we
get this power of smelling? We do not make any effort to understand
and recognize the inner source of all these powers; i.e., the Atma
Tattwa. We say this is my hand, my leg, my finger, my head, etc.
But, who are you? This "you" has to be understood first, so that you
can say my hand, my leg, my finger, my head, etc. Whose head is
this? Whose leg is this? Unless you understand this aspect how can
you say "I" and "Mine"? Vedantha is that knowledge which is
concerned about " who are you?" and "who am I?" But, none makes any
effort to enquire into himself "who am I?" The fundamental question
for the basis for everything in this universe is: "Who am l?" If one
has understood this "I", he would have understood everything else.
Spirituality is not something un-understandable or a futile
exercise. There is a fundamental principle in this universe which is
the prime mover. We must make efforts to understand that fundamental
principle.

Embodiments of Love!

What is Love? What is its nature From where does this originate? Can
a human being live without love? Impossible. That is why, it is
said, "Love is God; Live in Love". One has to understand this
principle of Love, which is the basis for everything in this
universe. Without Love, there cannot be life in this world. There is
an underlying power that permeates the entire universe. That is
Truth. What is Truth? Truth is said to be "Trikalabadhyam Sathyam" -
It is present in all the periods of time: past, present and future.
However, we cannot come to a conclusion only on account of that
dictum. "Sathyam" (Truth) is that which transcends time. There is no
tangible form for the concept of Truth. But, there is meaning. We
say, "Truth is God, Love is God". We go on repeating the word "God".
We make use of this word "God" in different circumstances. Even an
atheist says "Oh! My God!", whenever he commits a mistake. People
use this word "God" even without knowing its meaning. However, none
can define the term properly. Similarly, none can define the
term "Truth". The most appropriate method would be by one's own
experience. How can one correctly describe that experience? For
example, one can go on repeating 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 2 =4 and 2 - 1 = 1
etc., ad infinitum. He can only repeat plus and minus, no one can
define the basis for the calculations. We are able to give names of
different objects in this world. But, we are not making any effort
to understand the true nature of these objects. The whole world is
full of material objects This is a material world. That is, "Buddhi
grahyamatheendriyam" That which is unintelligible and beyond the
grasp of the intellect). That is transcendental. We can count the
objects in this world and say that there are so many crores of
objects. What is there beyond that number? Thus, when you go on
enquiring, you will end up nowhere. The fact is there is a
fundamental principle that is present in every human being. When you
say "Love is God", that "Love" is everywhere, omnipresent. This
fundamental principle of Love is present in every human being, nay,
in every living being. When you say "Truth is in me" and "I am
Truth" what does it mean? What is that "I" and "Me"? If you analyze
carefully, this "I" in you is also the "I" in others. This is the
only Truth. This Truth can be understood only by spiritual enquiry.
And that too by a steady and sincere enquiry into one's own nature.
Few undertake such an enquiry today. We are making use of several
terms in a casual manner, without understanding their real meaning .

Embodiments of Love!

You need not have to waste your time, however, in trying to
understand some abstract concepts which you are unable to
comprehend. You just develop firm faith in the existence of God. You
firmly believe that there is God and you are God. We cannot
understand anything without developing faith. Hence, first and
foremost, develop firm faith in the concept of "I". Only then can
you understand the second concept "you". A small example. When "I"
and "you" join together, it becomes "we". However, we" + "He"
becomes only "He", who exists forever The "I" and "you" change "I am
a boy". When you are a youth, you say "I am a man". Similarly, when
you are old, you say, "I am an old man". Thus, you are undergoing
constant changes in different stages of life. Hence, there is no use
in sticking on to this changing principle. Attach yourself to the
changeless principle, i.e., "He". That "He" is God. That "He" is
present in you, him and in every person. "He is everywhere - within
you, above you, below you and around you". Therefore this "He"
principle represents the omnipresent Divinity. People should develop
firm faith in such a Divine Principle. Supposing you say "I love
Him" and none else. How can this be true? It means that you do not
love yourself. When you say "this is my body", can you believe this
body? You cannot, since it undergoes constant changes and is
perishable. However, the non-dual principle of Atma Tattwa immanent
in the body is eternal and transcendental. It has no other name,
except "Atma". Then, the question arises as to who has given that
name. In fact, this name did not come from somebody. The Atma is
omnipresent. "He" is everywhere. How can one give a name to such an
all-pervading Atma Tattwa? It is only a futile exercise. Do not
waste your time in this futile exercise. Develop firm faith in this
omnipresent Atma Tattwa and propagate it. That faith is awareness.
Without that awareness you cannot exist. This is a rose flower
(showing a rose flower). You have recognized it as such. But, who
gave that name to this flower? You do not know. You simply repeat a
name that is given to a flower in the English language. Thus, we go
on repeating the words without understanding the underlying Truth.
Hence, first and foremost, one has to turn his vision inwards and
meditate upon the Atma Tattwa present in him. This Atma Tattwa can
be realized only by constant sadhana. It is only after realizing
this Atma Tattwa, can one enter into any discussion. Also understand
the nature of the physical body. The physical body consists of
various limbs. In all these limbs, you will find the principle
of "I", immanent. That is why, you say that this is my body, my
hand, my finger, etc. When you go on enquiring into the nature of
the body, you will realize that the same principle of "I" is present
in all the limbs. It is very difficult to understand the spiritual
concepts. But, you should not give up your sadhana on that score. On
the other hand it has to be pursued vigorously. It is futile to run
after the worldly objects. If you are able to understand the Atma
Tattwa, it amounts to understanding everything else. If you go on
enquiring "who am I", you will ultimately realize the Truth that
the "I" principle is nothing but the Atma Tattwa. Develop firm faith
in that Atma Tattwa. Several people give different names to the
principle of Atma Tattwa. But, it has no name and form at all. It is
beyond all names and forms. It is transcendental. The power of
consciousness immanent in man is not to be found anywhere else. One
has to understand and realize this consciousness. This is possible
only by constant sadhana and enquiry.

Embodiments of Love!

You students cannot understand spiritual concepts so easily.
However, if you develop firm faith, you will be able to understand
these things easily. But today people have become blind having lost
the eyes of faith. What is Prema (Love)? You do not know . What is
darkness? Is there anybody today who has seen darkness? Just close
your eyes. What do you see? You reply that you are seeing darkness.
It means that you are able to see and recognize darkness. Otherwise,
how can you say that it is darkness? Therefore, it is established
that there is a basis for everything in this world. In order to
realize the Truth, one has to develop faith. You carry on your
life's journey with firm faith as your guide. You are going
somewhere, unless you know where you are going, how can you reach
your destination? Hence, make a firm resolve that you are going to
the Mandir. Only then can you reach the Mandir. Similarly, first and
foremost, make Atma Tattwa as your goal in life's journey.

Embodiments of Love!

You are not able to understand what real Prema (love) is. You love
the physical body and its beauty. You love wealth. You love the
external form. You love one's outward behavior. Where from do all
these things come? What is the basis for all these aspects? How long
will these external forms remain? All of them undergo changes
continuously. What is the use of clinging to these changing external
forms? You must direct your love to the changeless principle of Atma
Tattwa. The Atma Tattwa does not undergo any change, whatsoever.
Nothing can be added to it nor deleted from it. Therefore, you must
develop firm faith in such a changeless principle. You often say
that you love so and so very much. But, what do you know of him? Do
you love his physical form? Did you develop liking for his behavior?
Do you love his sweet disposition? What is it that has drawn you to
him? In fact, all these factors are only transitory. There is,
however, one quality in you that is responsible for all this. That
is love. That love of God. Love is His form. Hence, you cultivate
love for love's sake. There cannot be life without love. A small
example to illustrate the point. A mother has a son. He is 20 years
old. After sometime, the son died. Then, the mother was wailing over
the body of the son "Oh! Son! I was able to live as long as. you
were alive. How can I live now?" Such type of grief is the result of
attachment of the mother developed towards the physical form of the
son. It is not true love. What is important is love; but not love
for the physical form. It is only those who are able to love for
love's sake, can attain real love. Those who love the physical body
do so as long as the body is present. Thereafter the love ebbs away.
Therefore, love for love's sake. Such love is life. That life is
God. That is Atma Tattwa, verily. Atma Tattwa is the only reality.

Embodiments of Love!

You have to seek love through love only. The Gopikas prayed thus:

Oh Krishna, play your sweet flute and sow the seeds of love in the
desert of loveless hearts.
Let the rain of love fall on earth and make the rivers of love flow.
(Telugu Song)

The rivers of love must flow continuously. It is enough, if you can
understand the one principle of love. This love is everything. Treat
this love as the be-all and end-all of your life. Do not direct your
love towards material objects. If you continue to love for love's
sake, then such a love will be eternal. It is not the body that is
to be loved, but the principle of love. All the names and forms are
evanescent and impermanent. We should not love such things. Love
directed towards such things is physical, whereas love for love's
sake is eternal. Consider Truth as Truth. You should not associate
Truth with material objects. Similarly, love should not be
associated with material objects. Love is simply love. As such, love
is God. You must attain Divinity with such love.

Dear students!

You encounter several appointments (expectations) and
disappointments in life. When you have an appointment, you will have
a disappointment also when it is not fulfilled. Therefore, do not
have appointments (desires) at all. Then, there is no scope for
disappointment. Do not give importance to the form. In fact, your
Atma Tattwa represents your true form. Do not confine Divinity to a
particular name and form. The names like Rama, Krishna, Govinda are
only names attributed by man to God. They are not innate. Not much
of importance can be attached to them. However, one has to take a
particular name in the initial stages of his spiritual quest. For
instance, it is necessary to acquire different types of education.
It is also necessary to realize the essence of all the education.
That is, of course, the Truth. But how long? Until you experience
that essence. Once you experience the essence of knowledge, even
that vanishes. Hence, do not depend upon the name and form. Truth is
Truth. That is the only Truth. It has no form. Love is God. Love has
no form. Cultivate such Divine Love. God exists. There can be no
doubt about it. If God does not exist, there is no scope for nature
to exist. From an experience of Prakruthi (Nature) emerges
apprehension of Paramatma (the supreme self). From Paramatma, the
realization of Paratattwa (Supreme Reality) springs. That Paratattwa
is Atma Tattwa. Therefore, always love that Paratattwa. Do not
confine your love to the particular, which is always susceptible to
change. Time permitting, I will delineate on this Prema Tattwa
(Principle of Love) in greater detail. When students are able to
understand the nature of this divine love, there can be no scope for
disappointment. They are always engrossed in appointment and
disappointment. Love has only a name, but no form. You can direct
that love towards any form.

Embodiments of Love!

God can be attained only through one route. That is Love. That is
Truth. Do not confine the principle "I" to a particular form. A
small example. Janakiramaiah (younger brother of Swami's physical
body) died recently. There are several people who loved him. They
have been making obituary references everyday in the newspapers,
saying "Janakiramaiah! You have left your mortal coil, leaving us
alone. You please take birth again, so that we can love you again".
Is it necessary for Janakiramaiah to take birth once again in order
that these people may love him? Is that what these people wish for?
Should we confine our entire life to birth and death only? In fact,
both birth and death are unreal. Where there is birth, there is
death surely. The twin stages of life, i.e., birth and death are
only for the body, not for the Atma. We have to direct our love
towards the Eternal Atma Tattwa, not the body which is subject to
birth and death I often address you as "Bangaru!" What is the
underlying meaning in addressing you in that manner? Gold as a metal
does not perish. Its shape changes when it is melted and made into
different types of ornaments. You, as gold may take different forms,
but your Atma Tattwa does not undergo any change. You have to strive
to attain the changeless principle of Atma Tattwa, but not the
changing forms. I address you as "Bangaru!", reminding you of your
real nature, i.e., the changeless Atma Tattwa. Gold is always gold.
It is Truth. It is eternal. You have to always crave for attaining
such an eternal reality. Keeping this aspect in view only, Adi
Shankara in his famous "Bhaja Govindam" sang thus:

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam
Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare
Kripayapare Pahi Murare.

(Oh Lord! I am caught up in this cycle of birth and death; time and
again, I am experiencing the agony of staying in the mother's womb.
It is very difficult to cross this ocean of worldly life. Please
take me across this ocean and grant me liberation.)

We have to crave for that principle which has no birth and death.
Why should we wish to be born again.?

Embodiments of Love!

There is Divine Love in you which has neither birth nor death. You
direct your love towards that Divine Love. That love is always with
you. If you cultivate such love, you will always remain as
embodiments of love. Have firm faith in this Divine Love. Do not
believe the worldly love, lest you should be deceived. The worldly
love is like passing clouds. Such clouds come and go. They are not
permanent. Love the eternal love. That is the Atma Tattwa. Love that
Atma Tattwa. People, who wish to enter the spiritual field and to
know the path that leads to Divinity, please come to Me. I will
explain. Do not be deceived by worldly love that causes only
disappointment. Cultivate such type of love that will not cause
disappointment. Pursue any type of education; but, understand the
inner meaning of education. Then put it into practice, experience
and enjoy that essence of that education. Do not be disappointed by
directing your love towards all and sundry. Several students are
being disappointed in that manner. In the end, they are unable to
love anybody. That is not the right way. Love the principle of Love
itself, which is Divine and Eternal. The more you love that Divine
Love, the more it grows.

Embodiments of Love!

I always address you as "Embodiments of Love!" Cultivate such type
of love only. When you cultivate such love, it will, in turn,
protect you. That is what is meant by the saying, "with you, in you
and around you".

(Bhagawan concluded the Divine Discourse with the Bhajan "Prema
Muditha Manase Kaho...')
(The Programme ended with singing of the National Anthem.)

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