Dasara Divine Discourse, Have Faith in God, the only True Friend - 17th October 2004

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Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 17th

October 2004 (Dasara) at Prashanti Nilayam, Sai Kulwanth Hall

How is it that the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening with utmost

regularity everyday? How is it that the stars glitter beautifully in the sky at

night and hide themselves during the day? How is it that the wind blows

incessantly and sustains the living beings without taking rest even for a

moment? How is it that the rivers make gurgling sounds as they flow

perennially? (Telugu Poem) The whole world, nay, even every individual is

permeated by the Pancha Bhutas (five elements of earth, water, fire air and

ether). What is Prapancha (world)? 'Pra' means vast and 'Panchamu' means

permeated by the five elements. Therefore, Prapancha means the vast space,

permeated by the five elements. Wherever you see, you will find the effulgence

of the five elements enveloping the vast world. Embodiments of Love!God is the

source and sustenance for all creation. No one can question why

God acts in a particular fashion. He is the Supreme Lord of the Universe and He

can act according to His Divine Will. The creation, sustenance and dissolution

of the Universe are all His Will. But whatever He does is only for the good of

the world. For example, one cannot find a place or time without air; though air

is not visible, one can experience it. Every act in this world, the tiniest one,

is happening as per the Divine Will. For instance, a particular act of God may

bring you some inconvenience or sorrow. That is at your individual level. But,

in God's creation, there is nothing like sorrow. Whatever God does is for the

welfare of humanity. Some people feel depressed and wail as to why God gave

them troubles and sorrows. But, sorrows and difficulties are our own making.

God does not differentiate or cause trouble to anyone. Sorrows and difficulties

are only your feelings. Everything in God's creation is meant to provide

happiness and convenience to the living beings. That is

what I have been repeatedly emphasising. Whether you are in sorrow or enjoying

happiness, always think that everything is for your own good. One has to

develop a firm conviction that whatever God does is for one's own good and not

for putting one to trouble. Unable to realise this truth, man experiences all

sorts of difficulties and sorrows. This is not the correct attitude. One has to

strive to recognise the truth underlying God's creation. There are countless

people in this world with various feelings. Also, there are several people

striving to sharpen their intellect. But, there are very few who strive to

cultivate noble qualities. Without cultivating noble qualities, what is the use

of intelligence alone? All ancient Rishis had exhorted people to cultivate noble

qualities. It is a great mistake to consider oneself as very intelligent and

well educated, merely by acquiring high degrees. Mere intelligence and

acquisition of high degrees in education are of no use. One has

to cultivate noble qualities along with education and intelligence. Intelligence

without noble qualities is undesirable.Today is the first day of the Navaratri

celebrations which are held for nine days (Nava Rathrulu). All festivals are

meant to remind mankind that they should cultivate noble qualities by engaging

themselves in activities beneficial to one's own self and society. Whatever

activity we undertake, we must analyse for ourselves whether our intention, and

resolve to do the same are good, and whether we would be able to develop noble

qualities by performing such an act. Due to the effect of Kali Yuga, man has

been able to develop his intelligence in several areas by conscientious effort,

but he is not making any effort to cultivate noble qualities. Man has lost

confidence in himself. Though he is able to occupy high positions in worldly

life with his intelligence, it is of no use without noble qualities. Therefore,

the need of the hour is for man to

deepen his Nammakam (faith). Faith is like the two eyes to a man. Devoid of

faith, man is blind. It is only when he has faith in himself, can he have faith

in God.Some people declare "I have no faith in God". This is a meaningless

statement. If they have no faith in God, on whom else do they have faith? It is

only when one develops faith in God that he can have faith in everything else.

Therefore, one has to develop faith in God, in the first instance. With faith

in God, one can achieve success in all his endeavours. One who has faith in God

will be able to develop faith in every individual. Such a person will develop a

firm conviction that God is immanent in every living being. The Upanishads

declare Isavasyam Idam Sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by God) and

Easwara Sarva Bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings). God is immanent in

every being as "Nammakammu" (faith). Therefore, one has to cultivate faith in

God, as his first and

foremost duty. All the Vedas, Upanishads and scriptures emphasise this as duty

of a man.Today, man has faith in everything in the objective world. For

example, when a news item appears in the newspaper that so and so died in

Russia under such and such circumstances, we believe that news without an iota

of doubt. How did we believe that news? Who gave this news to us? It is only

through the newspaper. We are able to believe the newspapers, but, we are

unable to believe an experience born out of eternal truth and its practice in

daily life. In order to develop firm faith in the eternal truth, we have to

cultivate noble qualities. This is our foremost duty. By doing so, our faith in

God also increases. Unfortunately, today we are setting aside our faith in God

and believing in what others say. We thereby are entering the wrong path. We

have to develop self-confidence first. Only then can we develop faith in every

aspect of God's creation.Dear Students! Devotees!

What is of utmost importance today is to develop faith in God. Man develops ego,

believing that he knows everything in this world. This ego is, in fact, a sign

of ignorance. Without having faith in God if one says that he believes

everything in this world, then such kind of faith is not based on solid

foundation. Man today believes everything in this world, even that which he has

not seen. But, he is not prepared to believe that which is right in front of his

eyes, the manifestation of Divinity in ever so many ways. There is fire latent

in the branches of a tree, which becomes patent when one branch rubs against

the other and friction is generated. Can anyone deny the existence of fire in

the branches of a tree? But, why is man unable to recognise this truth

(Divinity)? It is because of his ego. Just as the fire born out of the branches

of a tree destroys the tree itself, so also the ego born out of a human being

destroys the very human being. Hence, man has to develop firm

faith in the existence of God. Without this faith, man degenerates himself into

a demon.Students! Teachers! Patrons of education! You should understand the

true meaning of education. Education does not mean mere acquisition of bookish

knowledge.Can you call all those who know how to read and write educated?Can

one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees?How can you attain the

eternal knowledge if you do not know your true Self? (Telugu Poem)You should

make efforts to know your true identity. All your education will prove futile

if you do not know who you really are. When you are seated here, you listen to

the discourses in rapt attention. But, once you leave this place, you forget

everything. You will lose faith in what you have heard here. This is not

expected of a human being. You should have total faith in the spiritual

teachings, put them into practice and experience bliss.Faith is the first and

foremost

quality that man inherits by birth. He develops faith in his mother in the first

instance. His mother may scold or beat him, yet his faith in his mother remains

firm. That is the greatness of the love of a mother. Man should develop as much

faith in God as he has for his mother. But unfortunately, he lacks such firm

faith in God. Everyone wants to have the direct vision of God. Who is God?

Where is He? It can be said that the sun is the direct manifestation of God as

he gives us light and sustains our life. The sun-god bestows his love on all in

the form of light. If you do not have faith in the light of love, your life will

be filled with darkness.Once a disciple asked his Guru, "Where is God?" The Guru

replied that He was everywhere and was present in all beings. The disciple

expressed his doubt as to how it was possible for God to be present in all

beings. The Guru asked him to bring ten vessels and fill them with water. The

reflection of the sun could be seen in all of

them. Likewise, God is present in all beings. Vessels may vary, but the sun's

reflection is one and the same in all. Hence, the sun is the Pratyaksha

Paramatma (direct manifestation of Divinity). However, there can be no

reflection without water. Our physical body can be compared to a vessel and the

Vasanas (inborn tendencies) to water. If your thoughts and feelings are good,

you can see the reflection of Divinity clearly. When your thoughts are impure

and bad, you will not be able to see the reflection of Divinity. Mistake lies

in your thoughts and not in the reflection. Likewise, you alone are responsible

for your happiness or sorrow. Hence, cultivate noble and sacred feelings in the

first instance. I often tell you that the physical body is like a water bubble

and the mind is like a mad monkey. Therefore, do not repose your faith in the

body or in the mind. You should have firm faith in your Self. It is from the

Self that the body and the mind have

originated.Students!When you have faith in your Self, you will not experience

difficulties and sorrows. Therefore, you should at least have faith in the

teachings of elders and follow them implicitly. The sun-god is only one, but he

appears separately in different parts of the world. When the sun rises in

America, it is time of sunset in India. The Indians will say that the sun is

setting and at the same time the Americans will say that the sun is rising.

There is no question of argument here. Time may vary, but both are correct from

their own points of view.As part of Navaratri celebrations, people worship

different forms of divinity. You should develop sacred feelings and experience

divinity. What is the inner meaning of Navaratri celebrations? These nine

nights represent nine planets. Each planet has its own significance. However,

these planets are not outside, they are within. If your feelings are impure and

unsacred, the result also will

be the same. You are responsible for the good and bad you think and experience.

They are not the products of outside world. They are the reaction, reflection

and resound of your inner being. Man faces the vicissitudes of life as he is

bound by these three. But he forgets these three and tries to search for

solutions to his problems. He thinks he is highly intelligent. In fact, that is

not true intelligence. He lacks faith in Divinity. That is the real cause of his

suffering. God is one. Likewise human beings are one though Akara (forms) and

Acharana (behaviour) may vary. But due to his narrow-mindedness, man is unable

to understand this unity.When you eat a mango, you cannot get the belch of a

cucumber. Likewise, whatever you experience is the result of your own thoughts

and feelings. No outside force is responsible for it. Do not be carried away by

the external influences. Follow the sacred feelings that originate from your

heart. Navaratri celebrations

are symbolic of the nine forms of energy. What we have to cultivate during this

Navaratri is the feeling of oneness. Though there are nine forms of energy, the

underlying truth in all of them is one and the same. That is the principle of

Atma. It is all-pervasive. It is present not only in human beings, but in all

living beings.If you are walking towards the West when the sun is rising in the

East, your shadow will be moving ahead of you, much bigger than your size. As

the sun rises gradually, your shadow becomes smaller. At noon when the sun is

right above your head, the shadow will be right under your feet. Likewise, when

you develop equanimity, your ego will be subdued just like the shadow under your

feet. First and foremost, you have to give up ego to understand the oneness of

the Atma. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti (God is one but the wise refer to

Him by various names). Ekam Eva Adviteeyam Brahma (God is one without a

second). There is only

unity everywhere; multiplicity is your own imagination. Mistake lies in your

vision, not in the creation. We should make efforts to understand the

underlying principle of oneness. Firstly, develop faith in yourself. See only

goodness in others. If you see bad in others, it is the reflection of your own

feelings. Develop Atmabhimana (love for the Self) and Atma Shakti (will power).

Exercise self control. Only through self control, can you achieve self

satisfaction. Visualise unity in multiplicity.Embodiments of Love!You are the

Ekatma Swarupas (embodiments of one principle of Atma). You have only one

heart, not two. If you have two hearts, you have to be admitted in the

hospital. Likewise, there is only one Atma. That is the ultimate truth. Hence,

develop the feeling of oneness. If you follow the path of truth, you will find

the manifestation of truth everywhere. There is only one principle of love in

you. But, you are dispersing it in diverse

ways. You think that there are various forms of love. It is only your

imagination.Make efforts to understand the principle of spirituality. Have firm

conviction that you are the embodiment of Atma and there is no second entity in

this world. All worldly relationships such as mother, wife, children, etc., are

of your own making. It is only a temporary relationship but not the reality. You

should not get deluded by such worldly relationship. Develop firm faith in your

'real nation' i.e., the Atma. Do not believe in the world. Believe in yourself.

Have firm conviction that God is everywhere. Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi

Siromukham, Sarvatah Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Tishthati (with hands, feet,

eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire

universe). But, you see duality because of your mistaken identity and

delusion.Embodiments of Love!Love is in you. It need not be acquired from

outside. Worldly love is

based on worldly relationship. Whomever you love, you love your own reflection.

It is a mistake to think that you love someone else. You point to somebody and

say, "He is my friend." But in fact, God alone is your true friend. He will

never betray you. Sometimes, you may doubt your true friend, but He will never

doubt you or forsake you. Your feelings may change according to time and

situation, but God is changeless. He always has the feeling of oneness. Once

you consider God as your true friend, everyone will be friendly towards you.

Truly speaking, you have no enemies. There is none other than you in this

world. When there is no second person, how can there be an enemy? All are like

passing clouds. But you think they are permanent and repose your faith in them.

Consequently, you are unable to have faith in God who is pure and selfless. You

are forgetting the Divine love and getting intoxicated with the 'deep wine' of

worldly love.Embodiments of Love!If you want

to know God, imbibe the principle of oneness. When you have the feeling of

oneness, you can see the direct manifestation of God. The sages of Vedic times

adored the sun as the direct manifestation of God as described in the Gayatri

Mantra. Consider God as your mother, father, friend and everything.Twameva

Mathascha Pitha Twameva, Twameva Bandhuscha Sakha Twameva,Twameva Vidya

Dravinam Twameva Twameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva(He alone is the father and

mother, friend and relation, wisdom and wealth to every individual). But people

have forgotten God and are craving for fleeting pleasures. Nothing is permanent

in this world. All your worldly relations are temporary. Your life itself is

temporary. Such being the case, how can you consider someone as your permanent

friend? There is only one permanent friend; He is God. If you want to

experience true love, have full faith in God. God's love is steady. It never

diminishes. You may undergo any amount of

suffering, yet you belong to God. You are His and He is yours. No third person

can come between you and God. It is only because of illusion that you think

there is a third person. You say, "He is my classmate; he is my sportsmate."

But none of them can come to your rescue. You have to look after yourself. You

should have faith in yourself. Only then can you realise the truth.Embodiments

of Love!Never forget love. Love is the form of God. Love is God. Live in love.

Only then can you understand the reality. Do not go by what others say. Follow

your conscience. Never lose faith in God under any circumstances. Sometimes

even your parents may try to dissuade you from taking to God-ward path. You

should tell them that God means everything for you. He is your true friend. You

love your mother because it is she who has given you birth and fostered you. You

consider someone as your teacher because you learn your lessons from him. You

treat so and so as your

mother, father, teacher, etc., based on your relationship and experience. Truly

speaking, all these relationships come and go just like moving pictures on a

cinema screen. Do not be deluded by the pictures that appear on the screen.

Have the picture of God imprinted on your heart. Develop strong conviction and

consider Him as your sole refuge. Only then can you have the vision of God.This

morning a Russian lady came to Me. During the course of conversation, she said,

"Swami, I have a friend." When I asked as to who he was, she took out her

wallet and showed a small photograph. Then I told her, "Mother, he is your

husband, not your friend. Do not consider your husband as your friend or your

friend as your husband." She said, "Swami, this is what I have been doing all

these years. Is it a mistake?" I said, "Yes, it is a mistake, it certainly IS a

mistake." Then I asked her as to when she had met him first. She said that she

knew him for the last three years. I told her, "This

type of relationship is temporary. God alone is your true friend. You may forget

Him, but He will never forget you. He will be with you even after your death.

Hence, treat God as your true friend. Ultimately, you will become one with

Him."Embodiments of Love!There are many in this world who do not understand

what is true spirituality and thereby forget the reality. God alone is your

true friend. That is the reality. He is your mother, father, Guru, etc. Develop

such firm conviction. Then God will always take care of you. When you cultivate

Ekatma Bhava, all divine qualities will manifest in you. You will be an ideal

to the world. You will be free from suffering. You will have neither death nor

any punishment. You will realise your true identity. If someone puts a

question, "Who are you?", say with firm conviction, "I am I." Never identify

yourself with the body. He who realises this truth is a blessed one. I will

elaborate on this subject in the days to

come.Worldly Gurus undergo change with the passage of time. God alone is

changeless and He alone is your true Guru. Have total faith in God. Develop

faith day by day. Only then can you be called a true Manava (human being).

Daivam Manusha Rupena (God incarnates in the form of a human being). Hence,

consider yourself as divine. Declare with total conviction, "I am I." When you

lead your life with such a sacred feeling, divinity will certainly manifest in

you. Never be under the mistaken notion that God is elsewhere. He is always in

you. Your reflection is God's reflection. Your reaction is His reaction.

Everything is basically divine in nature. It is God who makes you play your

role in this cosmic drama. It is He who makes you sing, dance, etc. He is the

cosmic play director. You may call Him by any name. But He is only

one.Embodiments of Love!If you want to attain God, develop Ekatma Bhava. You

will certainly be able to see and experience Him,

everywhere.(Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Prema Mudita Manase Kaho…")

Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Dasara_17th_Discourse.htm

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