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

[Guest guest]

Bhagavan's Divine Discourse

 

Love Is God - Live In Love

 

Vice Chancellors Conference Discourse

 

Prashanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi

28 Oct 2003

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

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.)

 

http://www.kingdomofsai.org/DISCOURSES/DISC20031028.html