RE: Divine Discourse: 22nd November 2005 - 24th Annua l Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam

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Aum sai ram.

Can any body please give me the proceedings and topics with detail discussed in the world conference

sairam

Sridharan

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[groupmail (AT) (DOT) com]Sunday, November 27, 2005 4:07 AMTo:

sboi-group[sBOI-post] Divine Discourse: 22nd November 2005 - 24th

Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi

Nilayam

|Daily Sai news|

22 November 2005

24th Convocation

Prasanthi Nilayam

 

Related link:m Images From Convocation

Recent Discourses

TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR TRUE EDUCATIONby Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai BabaNote: Discourses of Sri Sathya Sai Babaon this "SBOI"

website/group are unedited, authentic & only sourced from the official Sai baba

sites.

Embodiments of Love!Dear Students!I do not wish to speak much about the present

day education. In fact, there is a purpose and goal for education; that is

truth. Whatever is learnt other than truth, cannot be construed as true

education. That is only secular education. There are many 'educated' people in

the world today. But, what is it that they are engaged in? I do not find

educated people engaged in service to society today. Nevertheless, the

educational institutions in the world are turning out more and more such

'educated' people. The education that these people acquire is only secular

education and not spiritual education. In fact, spiritual education is the only

true education, which will establish the existence of God. Secular education

enables one to secure employment and eke out a living thereby. It is for the

physical sustenance of the person concerned and his or her family. As the

saying goes, "The end of education is character". Devoid of character, all

other possessions are useless. Unfortunately, today character building has been

relegated to the background. It is the last priority. Of what use it is to

pursue such education which does not confer character on a person? Modern

education may help one to gain control over men and matter, but utterly fails

in uplifting one's own self. There must be unity between one's inner feelings

and outward actions. The harmony between thought, word and deed is of utmost

importance. Education should enable one to cultivate good qualities, character

and devotion. When there is unity between thought, word and deed, one can

acquire purity and realise divinity. Modern education is fully self-centred.

Wherever you see, selfishness is rampant. Contrary to it, true education

teaches selflessness. People pursuing such type of education, give up their

selfish interests and work for the larger interest of society. It is said,

Paropakaraya punyaya, Papaya parapeedanam (one attains merit by serving others

and commits sin by hurting them). Wherever you see, people today analyse

whether a particular activity they wish to undertake will be beneficial to them

or not. Everywhere you will find only selfish interest coming to the fore.

People tend to forget that the real self is one's own Self (Atma), which is the

same Self (Atma) present in every individual. And, that Self is Chaitanya Shakti

(the power of universal consciousness). This Chaitanya Shakti is present in

every human being, nay every living being. That is why it is said, Easwara

Sarva Bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings). Hence, one has to give up

one's self-interest and strive to realise the Atma Tattwa that is present in

every living being. Modern education is steeped in utter selfishness. It is

only when one transcends his self-interest that one can acquire true education

and purity of heart. One has to rise above self-interest and help others with a

spirit of sacrifice. It is only then that one can become a true human being and

can be called as such; not by mere education. Birds, beasts and animals cannot

realise this sacred Atma Tattwa and manifest selflessness. Only a human being

can do so by Sadhana. A human being can acquire value only by developing good

character. Hence one has to strive to acquire and protect one's character by

pursuing true education. Education is not for earning a fat pay-packet. After

all, what can money do? In what way it can help us? It may perhaps help us to

acquire name and fame and build palatial buildings with modern comforts. But,

devoid of character, of what use all these comforts? Unfortunately, today the

world respects such people only. In my view, a person without character is

unfit to be called a human being. He is only an animal. Even an animal is

better than such a human being, for, it has a season and a reason. But, a human

being has no season and reason at all! Wherever you see, you will find only

selfishness today. Only such people pass off as gentlemen in society in present

times. Coming to the point once again, character is the most important aspect of

a human being. Truth and righteousness are the foundation for character. As the

saying goes, Sathyannasti paro Dharma (There is no Dharma greater than

adherence to truth). The mansion of righteousness rests on the foundation of

truth. If the very foundation of truth collapses, there can be no

righteousness. Hence, truth and righteousness are the two most important limbs

of a human being. When truth and righteousness go together, love

manifests.Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peacethe value of all your

education is zero;Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and peacethe sanctity of

all your acts of charity is zero;Bereft of truth, righteousness, love and

peacethe utility of the positions of power occupied is zero;Bereft of truth,

righteousness, love and peacethe result of all your good deeds is zero;These

four qualities are the four foundation wallsthat support the mansion of

Sanathana Dharma.What more can I explainOh! Men of noble qualities! (Telugu

poem) There can be no peace without truth, righteousness and love. You often

come across people complaining, "I have everything in life, but I have no peace

of mind". A person without peace of mind is confronted with troubles from all

sides. If only one has peace of mind, one can be happy in the world. He will

have no troubles at all! Such a person is a great soul. Let us now analyse the

true meaning of the word "Manava" (human being). It means one without

attachment to the world. Only such a person can be called a real human being.

To marry someone, beget children and develop a family - these are all

considered to be attachments. Man loses peace on account of developing

attachments. A paradoxical situation has developed today where man has

everything - good food, comfortable life, etc. but, he has no peace of mind.

Why? Because, he has developed an attachment to the objects of enjoyment. Peace

is something which cannot be purchased in a market. It depends upon one's

attitude to life and living. Hence one has to develop Ekatma Bhava (feeling of

oneness). If this Ekatma Bhava is developed, one can move about freely in the

world with no attachment to any particular individual or object. When man loses

his freedom he will become bound by the objective world. He will develop

desires, lust etc. Where there is lust, love cannot exist. The rose flower

which is a symbol of love teaches many good things. It is a thing of beauty

that speaks silently in the language of fragrance. It is surrounded by thorns.

In this example, the rose flower is comparable to love and the thorns to lust.

Man must be able to pluck the flower of love without being pricked by the

thorns of lust. It is only when man develops pure love untainted by desire and

lust that he can be called a true human being. Adi Sankara, the greatest

exponent of the Advaita philosophy, once went on a tour to North India on a

mission of winning over scholars by argumentation. During the course of his

tour, he came across a great scholar by name Mandana Mishra. He had a wife by

name Ubhaya Bharati who was equally well-versed in scriptures. Besides, she was

a realised soul. She was selected to be the arbitrator and judge to decide the

winner in the argumentative sessions between Sankaracharya and Mandana Mishra.

She was a truthful lady and was aptly suited to be a judge. The judges of

modern times are not comparable to Ubhaya Bharati in the qualities of truth and

objectivity. She always believed in the aphorism "Truth is God" and therefore

was eminently suited for the assignment. The arguments between Sankaracharya

and Mandana Mishra commenced in the presence of Ubhaya Bharati. She was

following the arguments and counter arguments with rapt attention. Finally,

Sankaracharya defeated Mandana Mishra in the arguments and he was declared as

winner by Ubhaya Bharati. As per the conditions governing the sessions, Mandana

Mishra had to take to sanyas and he did accordingly. As a dutiful wife, Ubhaya

Bharati followed suit and she also took to sanyas. A question may arise here as

to what is sanyas, in the real sense. It is giving up of all desires. As long as

one entertains desires, he will only be a samsari (householder). He will develop

worldly relationships. He will desire to have a son in the first instance.

Thereafter, the whole retinue of daughter-in-law, grandsons, granddaughters,

etc., will follow. Ubhaya Bharati did not wish to entangle herself in the web

of such worldly relationships. Hence, she took to sanyas (renunciation). One

day, she was going along with her disciples to the river Ganga for taking a

holy dip in the river. On the way, she observed a sanyasi relaxing on the

wayside, keeping a dried bottle gourd under his head. This, he was using for

storing drinking water and hence he was preserving it safely. Ubhaya Bharati

saw this sanyasi's attachment to the bottle gourd and commented to her

disciples, "Look! This man calls himself a sanyasi, but he is attached to a

bottle gourd which he is keeping safely under his head as a pillow." The

sanyasi heard this comment, but did not utter anything then. While Ubhaya

Bharati and her disciples were returning from the river, he threw away the

bottle gourd in front of them in order to demonstrate that he was not attached

to the article. Observing his action, Ubhaya Bharati aptly remarked, "I thought

there was only one defect in him - Abhimana (attachment). Now I realise that he

has another defect also - Ahamkara (ego). How can one with Abhimana and

Ahankara become a jnani and sanyasi?" Her comment was an eye-opener for the

sanyasi. Immediately, he fell at the feet of Ubhaya Bharati and prayed to her

to teach him true knowledge. People today put up a show as though they had

renounced everything. In fact, it is they who crave for worldly possessions.

Dear students! You are all engaged in pursuing education. Hence, you must have

only one desire now. That is Brahmacharya (celibacy). When you come here to

join the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning as students, you pray,

"Swami! We don't want anything. We have no desires like marriage, setting up a

family and building of houses, etc. Please lead us on the path of liberation."

But, the moment you leave the portals of the Institute, umpteen number of

desires swarm you like honey bees.Man's behaviour is influenced by Sthanabala

(power of the place), Bhujabala (power of the physical body) and Dhanabala

(power of wealth). For instance, in the Ramayana, when Rama and Lakshmana were

going in search of Sita, Lakshmana suddenly felt tired and told Rama that he

was exhausted and was fed up with the search for Sita and would like to go back

to Ayodhya as quickly as possible to have a more comfortable living. Rama smiled

at him and said, "Let us proceed further, I shall explain everything later." How

did Lakshmana who previously had declared that Rama was everything to him and

that he would not live without Rama even for a moment, suddenly develop this

attitude? How did this concern for bodily comfort arise in him suddenly? After

they walked some distance, they sat under a tree. That moment Lakshmana felt

the pangs of repentance for his impertinent behaviour. He realised his mistake,

caught hold of Rama's feet and enquired, "Rama! Forgive me for what I had said.

I cannot understand how these devilish qualities and bad thoughts entered me.

What could be the reason? Rama thought over the matter for some time and

explained, "Lakshmana! The region through which we passed just now was the

haunt of Surpanakha. She used to rest under that tree. Hence, the place is

surcharged with all her devilish qualities. The vibrations of those evil

qualities aroused bad thoughts in you. The moment you came out of the place,

you are your normal self again. Your inherent good nature asserted itself."

Thus, one's association with a particular place also has its effect on one's

behaviour. That is what is called Sthanabala (power of the place).People often

wish and pray for a son. But, what type of son they should pray for? One who

will emulate the noble qualities of the parents. Unfortunately, today you do

not find noble qualities anywhere. Youngsters often move in bad company and

cultivate bad qualities. This is not correct. They should always make

friendship with good people and emulate their qualities. The great epic

Ramayana is replete with several examples of how association with good people

results in developing noble qualities. Adi Sankara in his famous Bhaja Govindam

song very graphically described how Satsanga would ultimately lead one to

liberation: Satsangatwe nissangatwam, Nissangatwe nirmohatwam, Nirmohatwe

nischalatattwam, Nischalatattwe jivanmukti. (Sanskrit sloka) Today, people move

about in bad company and ultimately spoil themselves. This is the effect of Kali

Yuga, which is often referred to as the Kalaha Yuga (the Age of Conflict). Man,

by nature is divine; but turns bad on account of dussanga (bad company). That

is the reason why sages and seers in ancient times constantly strove to

cultivate noble qualities by satsanga. Today, trash literature is found

everywhere. Wherever you see, you will find people, especially youngsters

reading bad books that pollute their minds. You might have observed youngsters

visiting the library invariably on Sundays and holidays. They search for bad

books and read them with absorbing interest. Those bad books are very exciting

to the young minds. Thus, youngsters spoil themselves on account of bad

company. No force on earth can change such boys. Not even God. Unless one makes

introspection into one's behaviour and strives for transformation, one continues

to move about in bad company. One's character and conduct are of paramount

importance. If they are taken care of, one is sure of treading the right path.

There is no use acquiring high academic degrees with a view to earn high salary

and position. How long they will last? On the other hand, it is possible that

they may land one in trouble sometimes. In keeping with the saying, Yad bhavam

tad bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the result), one has to cultivate noble

thoughts and feelings. One has to read good books that will bring about a

transformation of heart and uplift the soul. You often find youngsters going to

the library and engaged in deep study. What sort of books they study? They read

bad books camouflaged in a good cover. Once you remove the cover and look into

the book, everything is trash with bad photos. You will have to be very tough

with such students. No one can be taken for granted. They speak sweet words

outwardly as though they are very innocent. But, they stealthily engage

themselves in bad activities. Unlike the students in the Gurukula system of the

ancient times, the present day students indulge in bad behaviour. In spite of

great efforts on the part of teachers to bring about a transformation in them,

they continue to exhibit their bad qualities. It is not surprising to see

students assaulting teachers in the educational institutions today. There are

students who find fault with those who actually provide for their living. There

are also students who do not hesitate to pull down the very hand that feeds

them. Such are the qualities of the present day students. They do not

appreciate the role played by the teachers in their uplift. What are the

qualities expected of a student?Students should pursue such education which

confers on them the sacred qualities like good character, adherence to truth,

devotion, discipline and duty. (Telugu poem)Only those students who cultivate

such qualities are eligible to be called students in the real sense. Those who

act against those principles are not students, but stupids. You should not make

friendship with such people. Neither you should call them stupids and earn their

wrath. Be neutral in your relationship with them. You should keep up your own

good qualities, which the world will appreciate. Love all. In fact, love is the

most important aspect of education. One who teaches the method by which man can

cultivate selfless love is the real Guru. There are, of course, several such

teachers. I have established the Sathya Sai Educational Institutions only with

a view to inculcate love and teach good qualities to the students. It is not an

exaggeration to say that there is not a single bad book in our library. Our

students are very good students. They do not at all move in bad company. Even

when they go home for vacation, they do not like to stay there for long.

Sometimes, their mothers may say, "My dear! You stayed for one full year in

Brindavan or Puttaparthi. You never had an opportunity to eat tasty and spicy

food. I shall now prepare such food that you will relish." Our boys will then

reply, "Mother! You should also not eat such rajasic food. It is not good for

health." As is the food, so is the head (thoughts). Thus, when the food and

head go together, people forget God. Hence, do not change your food habits.

Continue to stick to a sattwic diet. Take plenty of green leafy vegetables. It

is only when you maintain spartan habits with regard to food and head, will you

become a good-natured individual. You are aware that people outside have high

expectations of the students studying in Sri Sathya Sai Educational

Institutions. Students, as long as they remain in our hostels, exhibit good

behaviour and devotion. Once they go out of the portals of the institution,

they turn bad. This should not happen. Wherever you are, whether in the hostel

here or when you go out, you must continue to exhibit good behaviour. Of

course, I have no doubt at all about the behaviour of our students. They are

good boys. I sincerely wish and hope that our students continue to be good and

become good citizens worthy of emulation by others. I conclude My Discourse

with blessings to all. (Divine Benedictory Address on the occasion of 24th

Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi

Nilayam on 22nd November 2005)

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[Guest guest]

defenceless unless armed artificially.Human being had a long period of nursing

and upbringing .Long period of Childhood.Still he craves for domination over

other creatures instead of worshipping the creator.Mind is a big bundle of

thoughts.Control it.Channelise it.Destiny is your own creation.End of Education

is Character.End of Culture is Perfection.End of Knowledge is Love.End of Wisdom

is Freedom.End of Education if Transformation.End of Joy and Grief is YOGA.That

is the path from Education to Educare.In Internet language W W W means World

Wide Web.In Baba's teachings W W W means Work,Wisdom and Worship.Education is

defined as:-E-Enlightenment,D-Duty and Devotion, U-Understanding, C-Charecter,

A-Action,T-Thinking, I-Integrity, O-Oneness, N-Nationality. The Bal Vikas is

run on five Techniques-1)Silent sitting.2)Prayer 3)Story-Telling4)Group Singing

5)Group Activities. Divinity of Individual:-Experience divinity.See him in every

creation of God.The

formula is Man-Society-Nature-God.We must practice Dharma.If we want to control

external pollution, We have to control internal pollution.The Inner purity and

Cleanliness comes through chanting of Gayathri MahaManthra.Start

Today.Namasmarana is very important is Kaliyuga.Mahatma Gandhi is the best

example.Chant any name but with Love.With Inner purity only,We can See God

everywhere.When we say Ram-Ram,Rama in this body greets Rama in that body.That

gives you inner cleanliness. Unity;_We should be Messengers of God.Once you are

a meber of Sathya Sai Organisation,you are not LOCAL, you are GLOBAL. We should

not be jealous of fellow persons.We should be instruments in the hands of

Bhagawan.We should not have Spiritual Pride.We Indians are experts in

misunderstanding ourselves and others.try to understand things correctly.No

distinction on the basis of caste,creed,Nation and Religion.No competion and

No Comparision.Baba is like a Mirror.God

alone is simple.Everything else is complicated.The Divine address is in our

Heart.The Spark within us is Divinity.Always see the hidden hand of Divinity

behind every action. In 21 st century many persons are suffering from either

Inferiority complex or Superiority complex.The medicine is very simple and easy

consume.The name of Medicine is B - COMPLEX. B A B A complex.The first objective

in our life should be B A B A. t The second objective in life should be S

A I B A B A. The third objective in life should be S A T H Y A S A I B A B

A. Just as Muslims say Allah Ho Akbar,which means you are our only

refuge,Hindus must say "I want only God". This is the sum and substance of my

visit to Puttaparthi and I have penned to the best of my ability and mental

capability as bestowed by Bhagawan Baba. Sairam.This is Challa Sreeram

Krishnaiah.30/11/05 sridharan (AT) finolex (DOT) com

wrote: Aum sai ram. Can any body please give me the proceedings and topics

with detail discussed in the world conference sairam Sridharan -----Original

Message-----Group Post [groupmail (AT) (DOT) com]Sunday,

November 27, 2005 4:07 AMsboi-group