79th Birthday Divine Discourse: Dedicate Your Life to Serve Society

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Dedicate Your Life to Serve Society

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba delivering His Divine Discourse on 23th November

2004 at Prashanti Nilayam

Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 23th

November 2004 (79th Birthday Celebrations), at Prashanti Nilayam, Sai Kulwanth

Hall

All your education, all your positions of authority, all your acts of charity

and service have little value without the four virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Prema

and Santhi (truth, righteousness, love and peace). (Telugu poem) Embodiments of

Love!You are all forgetting the purpose for which you have come into this

world. Wherever you are, you must remember three things, namely, Where did we

come from? Where are we at present? and what is the purpose of your coming

here? Supposing you are dropping an envelope or letter in a post box, it should

have the "From" address and "To" address written thereon. If these two addresses

are not written, where will the envelope or letter go? It will go to the "dead

letter office". Similarly, you are in the world now without these two

addresses. You can very well imagine what will happen to such an individual.

You must therefore find out yourself an answer at least for one of the three

questions.

Otherwise, your life itself will become a waste.Here is a small story. The

business people in the delta areas of East and West Godavari districts in

Andhra Pradesh cross the river on boats. Once, a businessman was travelling in

a boat. There was no one else in the boat except himself and the boatman.

Usually, people would like to engage themselves in conversation with somebody

during travel in order to forget the tedium of the journey. Therefore, he

started a conversation with the boatman to while away the time. He asked the

boatman, "Do you have a newspaper?" The boatman replied, "Sir! I don't have a

newspaper. I cannot read and write." To this, the businessman commented, "Alas!

If you cannot read and write, one quarter of your life is consigned to the

waters of Ganga." The boatman felt sorry for his pitiable condition and kept

quiet. After a few minutes, the businessman enquired again, "My dear! Do you

know the present prices of gold and silver in the Bombay market?" The

boatman replied, "Sir! I do not have any experience in gold business. Hence, I

do not know the prices of gold and silver in the Bombay market." Then the

businessman commented, "If you do not know about gold business, half of your

life is consigned to the waters of Ganga*." The conversation continued.

Observing the wrist watch worn by the boatman, the businessman again enquired,

"My dear! What is the time now?" Though the poor boatman had a watch on his

wrist, he did not know how to read a watch. The businessman again asked, "Why

then did you wear a wrist watch?" The boatman replied, "Though one does not

know how to read a watch, it is a fashion nowadays to wear a wrist watch. That

is why I am wearing one." Then, the businessman commented, "If you do not know

even to tell the time from a wrist watch, then three-fourths of your life is

consigned to the Ganga." Meanwhile, a gale started with great force raising

high waves in the river. The boat started tossing up and down and became

unsteady. The boatman then asked the businessman, "Sir! By the way do you know

swimming?" The businessman replied, "Alas! I do not know swimming." Now it was

the turn of the boatman to comment, "Then, your entire life is about to be

consigned to the waters of Ganga." Today, we are all in the same situation and

are tossed in the river of this world. But, unfortunately we are not making any

effort to know why we are here, what have we to learn in this world, where do we

have to go and by knowing what we could reach there, etc. Thus, by being

ignorant of these aspects, our entire life is being consigned to the Ganga.

Therefore, we have to first try to find out answers to the queries of: Why have

we come here? What are we supposed to know? and Where do we go from here? If we

are not able to know the answer to at least one of these queries, our life's

journey will be without a purpose. It is only when we are aware of the "From"

address, "To" address and the "present resident"

address, our life will be meaningful and sanctified.Dr. Michael Goldstein

(Chairman, Prasanthi Council and a devotee of Swami) and his wife visit

Puttaparthi often. When I was going to the college one day, he approached Me

and requested, "Swami, if You kindly permit me, I will accompany You to the

college." I told him to come. While we were travelling in the car, I asked Mr.

Goldstein, "What is your programme?" He replied, "Swami, I have to start my

journey back home today." Then I advised him not to leave on that day. He again

told Me, "Swami, I shall go today, but I shall take the next day's flight from

Bombay. "Thereupon I told him firmly, "You do not talk to Me about all those

things. If I say don't go, it is final." Goldstein could not realise that his

life itself would be in great danger if he decided to start on the same day. At

last I told him, "Okay, you can go, if you so wish." Then he returned to his

room, packed up his luggage for the Bombay flight. Thereafter,

he boarded the plane for USA. Soon after the plane took off, it was realised

that there were some hijackers in the plane. The entire atmosphere in the

aircraft was extremely tense. Two hijackers stood guard at the entrance.

Another two were roaming about in the aircraft with fully loaded guns pointed

at the passengers. It is then that Goldstein realised why Swami wanted him not

to board the aircraft on that particular day. He could not do anything in the

situation and was praying to Swami as his sole refuge. His wife is a great

devotee of Swami. She started chanting Swami's Name, "Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai

Ram". When the aircraft gained some altitude, the hijackers started shooting

the passengers. The passengers were struck with terror not knowing what to do.

As the hijackers opened fire, the aircraft was strewn with dead bodies. He and

his wife were seated on the front portion of the aircraft. The hijackers

started shooting the passengers around them. They thought it would be their

turn next. Goldstein then told his wife, "Swami advised me not to start on this

day, but I did not follow Swami's instruction completely and that is why we are

in this situation." Meanwhile, one hijacker set his eyes on the couple.

Goldstein's wife, however, had been chanting the Name of Swami incessantly

forgetting everything. The chanting of Swami's Name worked wonders and

Goldstein's wife was spared. Goldstein then got up and stood at the entrance of

the aircraft. The hijackers, however, could not notice him even though he was

such a hefty person. Thus, the life of Goldstein was saved by Swami's grace.

They remained on the plane as hostages for a long time without food, water and

sleep. They were very much depressed. Goldstein's wife has intense devotion for

Swami. Normally women are more devoted than men. It is not that men do not have

devotion, but they do not show it outwardly. Goldstein's wife advised him, "You

do not worry, contemplate on Swami." At this point the hijackers

began to shoot men, women and children mercilessly. Goldstein and his wife,

however, continued to pray to Swami, "Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai Ram". They silently

prayed to Swami closing their eyes. In the meantime, all the ammunition in the

guns of the hijackers was exhausted. The police caught the hijackers. Goldstein

and his wife were released and put on board on another aircraft bound for

America. However, the ordeal that they underwent continued to haunt them. After

a few days, the police came to enquire about the incident. Goldstein was offered

some compensation, but he did not accept it. After two or three months,

Goldstein again came to Puttaparthi and had Swami's Darshan. Now he realised

through his own experience that he need not fear anything under any

circumstances if he did Namasmarana (chanting of God's Name). After he had

Swami's Darshan, calmness was restored in him. From then on, when Swami would

enquire about his return journey he would leave it to the Lord's Will. He

realised that it would be better to leave the matter in Swami's hands. From then

on Goldstein developed unshakeable faith in the words of Swami and stood firmly

by them.People today are unable to realise from where they came and where they

would go. It is only after people have undergone such experiences that they

realise the strength of faith. They have come into this world and somehow spend

their time. When someone questions them how they spend their time, they reply

that they have come into this world for enjoying food and comfortable sleep.

However, it should be understood that man has taken birth in this world not

merely for enjoying food and drink. The same truth has been explained by Adi

Sankara in his famous Bhaja Govindam song thus:Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja

GovindamGovindam Bhaja Moodha MatheSamprapthe Sannihithe KaleNahi Nahi Rakshati

Dukrun Karane(Oh foolish man, chant the name of Govinda; the rules of grammar

will not come to your

rescue when the end approaches.)When people are questioned why the human birth

was given to them, most of them would reply that it was for Khana (food), Peena

(drink), Sona (sleep) and Marna (death). This assumption is totally incorrect.

There are several things in life that one has to achieve. The purpose of a

human birth is not for enjoying food and comforts. It is not even for pursuing

education. The purpose of human birth is totally different and the people have

forgotten it. You have to fulfil your life and sanctify your birth. The body

comes, grows and dies, and finally undergoes decay. Before the body dies, one

has to fulfil the purpose for which he has come into this world.Embodiments of

Love!There will be several trials and tribulations in the journey of life. One

has to acquire the power by which he can courageously encounter them. That is

the power of spirituality. One should not become diffident and withdraw from

his effort in the middle. In

this Bhavasagara (ocean of life), there will of course be, turbulent waves which

will toss your boat up and down. Punarapi Jananam Punarapi MaranamPunarapi

Janani Jathare SayanamIha Samsare Bahu DustareKripayapare 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.)The purpose of human birth is not to be born again and again from

the womb of the mother, spend the life aimlessly and finally depart from this

world. There is a specific purpose why one is born in this world. Therefore,

one has to realise the purpose and sanctify his life. Our education, our work

and the money we earn, all these must be spent in a purposeful way. The

students of the present-day are pursuing education to make a living. They are

acquiring degrees with the

sole purpose of earning money. What is so great about struggling for filling

one's own belly? Even dogs and foxes fill their bellies. You might have

observed in the circus that even the monkeys learn several types of feats and

display them. You, who are born as human beings should not behave like dogs,

foxes and monkeys. If you do so, of what use is your education? The education

you acquire must be put to proper use. Only then will it become meaningful and

will give strength to your personality. The purpose of your life is not merely

pursuing education and acquiring degrees. Of course, you may study, but it is

not enough if you simply study for acquiring degrees.Can you call all those who

know how to read and write educated?Can one be called educated merely by

acquiring degrees?Can you call it education which does not confer

virtues?(Telugu poem) It is only when you keep education for both life and for

living as your goal, your education will be

meaningful. Therefore, every human being must keep the purpose of life in view.

Of what use is it, if you exult in your success thinking, "I have passed MBA; I

have acquired several degrees." Those degrees must be put to proper use. Only a

human being has the power to realise the purpose of his life. If one is

satisfied thinking, "I am born, I am educated, I earned money, I have

sufficient bank balance, I have got my children educated and sent them for

higher education to foreign countries", that is not the sole purpose of life.

You should never forget the purpose why you were born in this world.

Unfortunately, today, you have forgotten the purpose of your life and are

indulging in futile activities. As long as you live you must experience peace

until your last breath. You should attain true and eternal bliss.Mahatma Gandhi

went to London and was conferred with the degree of Bar-at-Law. He wished to

fulfil his life by utilising his education in the service of society.

Therefore, after his return to his motherland, he joined the Indian National

Congress. He sacrificed his entire life for achieving Independence for the

country. He started wearing a simple dhoti and a piece of cloth to cover the

upper portion of his body. He underwent several difficulties in the north

Indian States during the freedom struggle. He was beaten by the police with

lathis (baton) in Lucknow. However, in spite of undergoing several difficulties

and physical torture at the hands of the police, he did not give up his resolve

to attain Independence for the country. He started practising Law. Even then,

his life did not go smoothly. He joined the Independence movement on behalf of

the Indian National Congress and underwent great torture at the hands of the

British. Nevertheless, he did not lose heart. His wife Kasturba was a noble

lady. She always served her husband with great devotion, even when Gandhi was

in jail. Simultaneously, she was also engaged in service to the

country. It is only her spirit of service that protected her throughout. During

the days of their involvement in the Independence movement, there were

occasions when the husband and wife got separated. But Kasturba was reconciled

to the situation that whatever happened was for her good only. Thus, people who

serve others with a noble heart will always see good only. At last, the country

attained Independence and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister.

Subhash Chandra Bose was another great leader of the freedom movement who was

good at heart and was a great patriot. It is only because of the efforts of

such men of sacrifice, the country could attain Independence. However, it is

not merely Swatantrya (Independence) that we have to wish for. We must attain

Swarajya. That is great. Swatantrya is a temporary phenomenon of freedom from

foreign rule while Swarajya is concerned with and attained by the heart.Dear

Students!You

must be prepared to sacrifice even your life for the country. You are not the

body. The body is only an instrument and a means for achieving something higher

and noble. The body has to be put to use for achieving these higher and noble

aims. The body is like the dress we wear. One day or the other the dress is

bound to decay. Till then the body has to be maintained properly. It is only by

sacrifice one can attain Yoga. That is what the Veda has proclaimed, Na Karmana

Na Prajaya DhanenaThyagenaike Amrutatthwamanasu (immortality is not attained

through action, progeny or wealth; it is attained only by sacrifice). Having

been born as human beings we must dedicate our lives in the service of God and

in the constant contemplation of God. If you do so, none of the physical

ailments will trouble you.A small example which I would like to narrate to you.

When I was in Bangalore sometime back, this body fell in the bathroom. There

were two students by name Satyajit and Achintya

who used to attend to My needs. They did great service to Me. I told them "I

have no body attachment. You may conduct an operation on this body, but I have

nothing to do with this body. I am not this body. As long as the body is there,

I have to do My work." The doctors wanted to put Me in bandage, but I did not

agree. They advised Me to undergo an operation so that the fracture would be

healed quickly. I placed this body in the hands of the doctors and let them do

whatever they wished to do with it. I continued to walk which I am still doing.

I have no pains or suffering. Several devotees are anxious that Swami is walking

with great difficulty and perhaps is undergoing great pain. I would like to

reiterate that I do not undergo any pain or suffering. Till today, I did not

undergo any body pain whatsoever. If you thus sacrifice your Dehabhimana, you

can achieve anything in life. Whatever I do, I tell the same thing. One has to

do what he says and say what he does. That is what is

meant by ManasyekamVachasyekam Karmanyekam MahatmanamManasyanyathVachasyanyath

Karmanyanyath Duratmanam(Those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect

harmony are noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked.) That is

the real Manavatva (human nature). I can stand for any length of time though

the doctors advised Me against it. Even now I have been standing for a long

time. I have no suffering at all. I don't take even a single tablet. I don't

put on any bandage. Mine is Atmabhava and Atmabhava alone. I set an example by

My own actions.Dear Students!The body may undergo any amount of suffering. It

is like a water bubble. The mind is like a mad monkey. Therefore, we should not

follow either the body or the mind. We must follow our Antharatma (conscience).

We must develop Atmabhimana. If Atmabhimana is developed, no pain can trouble

us. It is only for teaching you about this

Atmabhimana, I am undergoing all this trouble. I don't feel any pain at all. I

am telling you the truth. I am not suppressing the facts. In fact, I don't know

or feel what pain is. We must face the difficulties courageously. It is only to

teach you this steadfastness and courage, I have taken upon Myself this pain.

You must follow My ideal. Do not ever give importance to the suffering of the

body. Give up Dehabhimana. However, engage the body in proper activities.

Engage the body in the service of God. Our body is a gift of God. For what

purpose has God given us this body? It is only for dedicating it in the service

of the Lord. Embodiments of Love!The body has been given to you for performing

sacred Karmas (actions). Several people wonder why Swami does not feel tired in

spite of undergoing so much physical suffering. Especially, the ladies can

observe the signs of weakness quickly. I want to assure you that I am

maintaining a constant body weight

and good health throughout. Neither I have put up weight nor become weak. I can

walk swiftly, but I am desisting from doing so only to satisfy the doctors. The

doctors are particularly pressurising Me not to walk swiftly. They advised Me,

"Swami, please do not walk fast. You always keep two students with You to help

You." It is only to please them and satisfy them that I am keeping these two

students with Me. I am not causing any inconvenience to these boys. Both these

boys, Arun and Prusty go to their offices and work there besides attending to

My needs. The moment I call Prusty, he immediately rushes in. I ask him to get

Me a glass of water and I drink the water given by him. Similarly, both these

boys constantly attend to My needs. They are serving Me with great devotion and

love. I do not cause any inconvenience to anybody.Embodiments of Love!Today you

are celebrating Swami's birthday. In fact, it is the body that has a date of

birth. This body has already

passed 78 years and has entered the 79th year. But do I look like a 79 year old

man? No. No. Not only now, even after 80 or 90 years of age, I will be like

this only. I will never depend on anybody. My eyes and teeth are in perfect

condition. Normally, by the time a person attains 79 years of age, all his

teeth will be lost. His eyesight will be affected by cataract. His skin will

have wrinkles, but I have no wrinkles at all. I will not have old age. In fact,

I have no old age. Similarly, you also develop such courage and confidence. You

will certainly feel good. Not only Myself, all of you should be in sound

health. But you are spoiling your own health. You are misusing your physical

strength in so many ways. If you put your body to proper use, you can come up

well by Swami's grace. You can serve any number of people with a healthy body

and a sound mind. Therefore, you have to maintain your body in healthy

condition in order to serve others, not to show off your beauty. Even for

Me, this body is required for serving others. In the service to humanity, I am

prepared for anything, even to sacrifice My life. Similarly, you must also be

ever ready to serve others. Do not ever consider that the body is very

important. Neither, you fritter away the physical strength. You must make

proper use of the physical body. You must also gain enough mental strength. You

must come up well in your educational career and make your life sanctified in

the service to humanity. You must always be ready to face any situation in life

boldly. That is the real nature of humanity. Whenever your services are

required, you must respond immediately, saying, "I am ready, I am ready, I am

ready." Develop such a courage and confidence and set an ideal to the world.

This body is a den of dirt and prone to diseases; it is subject to change from

time to time; it cannot cross the ocean of Samsara. It is nothing but a

structure of bones. Oh mind! Do not be under the delusion that body

is permanent. Instead take refuge at the Divine Lotus Feet. (Telugu poem)You

seek refuge in the lotus feet of the Lord. Do not mind any amount of suffering

of the physical body. You serve the country to the extent you can. Utilise

every small opportunity to serve the country and society. Even a small help

done to an old woman that you come across on the way is service. Do not ever

think, "What do I gain by helping this woman?" There is great merit even in

such a small service. Therefore, continue to serve. There is no greater Sadhana

than service to the fellow human beings. Seva Bina Nirvan Nahi (there is no

redemption without service). You should not mind any inconvenience that you may

undergo while serving others.I have no intention of celebrating My birthday on a

grand scale. My only intention is that the body should be maintained in a proper

condition and through the body service should be rendered to others. You must

always be prepared to

dedicate your life to serve society. That is the real service. (Bhagawan

concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi

Nahin…")

Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/79th_Birthday_Discourse.htm

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