Ugadi Divine Discourse 2005

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Ugadi Divine Discourse 2005

LOVE AND UNITY – YOUR TRUE AND ETERNAL PROPERTY

The creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,Is there a place in the

cosmos where truth does not exist?Ponder this pure and unsullied truth with

wonder and joy.

(Telugu poem)

The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or later but

the indweller has neither birth nor death. The indweller has no attachment

whatsoever and is the eternal witness. The indweller in the form of the Atma is

verily God Himself. (Telugu poem) The

melodious songs and Bhajans of the devotees from Hyderabad this morning was a

joy for the ears and feast for the heart. Divine love is the most precious

thing in this world. No amount of extolling its virtues will exhaust its

greatness as no living thing of this world can be devoid of the influence of

love. Saint Thyagaraja sang:From an ant to the Brahman, in Siva or in Kesava,

You do indwell in pure unsullied form of love, oh Rama, please be my protector

too.

(Telugu Poem)What is the form of an ant and what is the form of Brahman?

Brahman is infinite. On the other hand, ant is a tiny creature. From the

physical point of view, there can be no comparison between the form of an ant

and the form of Brahman. But from the spiritual point of view, Divinity is

immanent in both.A hungry bear once went to an anthill and pleaded with an ant

saying, “I am unable to bear the pangs of hunger. Please give me some food.”

The ant could not control its laughter. It said, “How can a tiny creature like

me alone provide food for you? I don’t have sufficient food to satisfy your

hunger, wait, let me see what can be done.” It is natural for ants to store

food for six months in their anthills. It went inside and with the help of its

fellows brought out some of the food that had been stored. The bear wondered,

“How could a tiny creature like an ant store so much food?” If one has the

desire and puts in the necessary effort, one can amass anything; it does not

matter whether one is big or small. It is said, Jantunam Nara Janma Durlabham

(out of all living beings, human birth is the rarest). Ants, though tiny in

form, are able to acquire food, share it with friends and also store for

future. But, modern man, in spite of being endowed with intelligence, is

frequently unable to earn his food even for a single day. Is it not a matter of

shame? In this world, there is no being superior to the human intelligence. But

they are unable to make proper use of their intelligence. They conduct

themselves in an unworthy manner because of their selfishness and

self-interest. Humans do not lack for anything in their life. There is

everything at their disposal. They lack the discrimination to make proper use

of the resources available. They are not able to give up their petty qualities

and rise to a higher level. There is a lesson to be learnt even from ants. When

an ant bites ones leg, one feels the irritation and immediately tries to kill

it. But they are not making efforts to kill the evil qualities within

themselves which are making their lives miserable.Embodiments of Love!In this

vast world, no matter where you look, you cannot find any motive power more

powerful and more valuable than love. Deep-rooted selfishness and self-interest

are making man’s intelligence perverted and leading him astray. When you give up

selfishness, humanness will blossom in you and your latent powers will manifest.

Your power of intelligence will become manifold.Embodiments of Love!Nowadays

students are reading a wide variety of books. But there is little use in

studying a Pustaka (book), if the Mastaka (head) is filled with rubbish.

Students are filling their heads with useless information and in the process

are misusing their energy. There is no point in going through a number of

textbooks over and over again. They cannot save you from the cycle of birth and

death. You should acquire such knowledge, which will make you immortal. Present

day students have become proficient in bookish knowledge. They have the

intelligence to answer any question from the textbook. But they are not making

efforts to translate their bookish knowledge into practical knowledge.One may

acquire a high academic qualification such as M.A. and B.A. and attain exalted

position,One may amass wealth, perform acts of charity and attain name and

fame,One may have physical strength and enjoy a long and healthy life,One may

be a great scholar studying and preaching the Vedas,But none can equal a true

devotee of the Lord.

(Telugu Poem)The knowledge one acquires should be utilised for the benefit

of society. We should utilise our wealth and knowledge not for selfish

purposes, but for the welfare of others. God has given you the human body not

merely to eat, sleep and enjoy worldly pleasures. Paropakarartham Idam Sariram

(human body is meant to do good to others). The body is given to you so that

you make proper use of your intelligence and power of discrimination and

manifest your innate human values. Of what use is your education and

intelligence if society is not benefited by them? Presently man is making new

discoveries and inventions but till this day he has not really understood the

purpose of human birth. What is the meaning of the word Manava (human being)?

'Ma' means Ajnana (ignorance), 'Na' means without, 'Va' means Varthinchuta

(vrittih yasya sah) (to conduct oneself). Hence, Manava is one who conducts

himself without ignorance. But, these days we hardly find anyone leading a life

of wisdom in consonance with the name Manava. In spite of being endowed with

high degree of intelligence, man is frittering away his life in vain pursuits.

Before undertaking any task, he should enquire whether it would befit the title

of a human being. He should accept everything as the Will of God. God has

blessed man with intelligence, knowledge and wealth so that he will work for

the welfare of others. But, man is acting contrary to God’s wish and thereby

ruining himself. Animals like bulls and buffaloes render service to man in a

number of ways. But, man lacks the spirit of service that even animals possess.

Without understanding the purpose of human birth, man is developing demonic

qualities and leading a miserable life. Vyashti (individual) signifies

humanness and Samashti (society) symbolises divinity. Hence, one can attain

divinity only by serving society.Embodiments of Love!You may be highly educated

and intelligent, yet there is so much you can learn from ants, birds and

animals. These lessons of life cannot be taught in the classroom. Even teachers

are not making efforts to understand the principle of divinity within. Education

is not meant to merely eke out a livelihood. You have to share your knowledge

with others, give joy to one and all and thereby rise to the level of the

Divine. Samatwa (equal-mindedness) is the hallmark of a true human being.

Manavatwa without Samatwa cannot attain Divyatwa (divinity). Hence, develop

Samatwa in the first instance. Divine power is latent in every human being. But

man is becoming weak as he is unable to realise his latent divine power. In

order to manifest the divine power, one should cultivate sacred feelings.

Manavatwa has not come into existence in the recent past, it has been there

since ages. Human being is born from the womb of the mother, but humanness has

originated from divinity and is present at all times. There is divinity in

every human being. As he is unable to recognise his innate divinity, man is

forgetting his very human nature itself. What is the use of being human only in

form but not in practice? Human birth will find fulfilment only when we practise

human qualities. All the sacred texts such as Upanishads and Sastras are meant

to show mankind the path of redemption. Man should manifest his latent divinity

by following their teachings. The sacred texts will bring out the hidden

treasures of divinity from within. That is why Bhagawan has introduced Educare

programme in the educational institutions. Education is related to worldly

knowledge. It can be acquired by going through books, whereas educare is meant

to externalise the latent divinity in man. Education has temporary benefits,

whereas educare bestows everlasting happiness. One cannot become great by mere

acquisition of education. One should practise educare and manifest the latent

values.Embodiments of Love!Educare is the need of the hour. Only through

educare can you realise divinity which is present in every atom and every cell

of your body. In fact, you are seeing divinity every moment but are unable to

recognise this truth. You can call yourself educated only when you recognise

divinity which is all-pervasive. Secular knowledge is related to education

which can be acquired from outside. It is mere bookish knowledge, whereas

educare cannot be acquired from books. No benefit accrues by gathering

information from books. What is required is transformation and it is possible

only through educare. Acquisition of information which cannot lead to

transformation is a mere waste of time. But man has developed a taste for such

information which is but a waste. Man’s intelligence, knowledge and power are

all the gifts of God. They have to be nourished and made proper use of, through

educare. Truly, God has endowed man with immense potential. That is love. It is

beyond all description and measure. There is no greater power than this. But

man is giving up such power without realising its value. He is under the

mistaken notion that love means physical and worldly relationship. True love

lies in unification of two hearts. People utter this word repeatedly without

actually knowing its meaning. Love does not hurt anybody. It always helps.

Hence, consider love as your true wealth. There is no property greater than

love in this world. You are misusing the God-given gift of love by diverting it

on worldly matters and sensual pleasures. Your foremost duty is to make proper

use of love by following the dictum, Help ever, Hurt never. There is no greater

Dharma than this.Embodiments of Love!Love is your only true and eternal

property. But, you are diverting it on mean and worldly pursuits. It should be

treasured in your heart and utilised for sacred purposes. You may share it with

any number of people, it will never diminish. You are unable to understand and

experience love in its true spirit. Love is the life-breath of every being. In

order to understand love, you have to dive deep into the ocean of love. Love

cannot be understood from a superficial level, you have to immerse yourself

completely in love. Worldly love is such that you can just taste it and give it

up, but once you taste divine love, you will never give it up. Love is God, God

is love. Hence, you cannot separate love from God. Live in love. That is the

only way you can understand love and experience God.

Embodiments of Love!It may be easy to give lectures on love, but it is difficult

to understand it. Make every effort to experience love. If you understand the

nature of your love, you will understand the love of others. Love is in you,

with you and around you. Once you understand love, you will become the very

embodiment of love.Students!The more you understand the principle of love, the

nobler you will become. Once you understand the principle of love and put it

into practice, others will also try to emulate you.In the epic Ramayana, not

only the four brothers, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughna, but also their

wives played important roles. They demonstrated great ideals to the world.

People extol only Rama and ignore the model conduct of the others. In fact,

each of them was as great as Rama Himself. You might have heard of Sumitra, the

mother of Lakshmana and Satrughna. People do not attach much importance to her

role in the Ramayana. In fact, her name does not figure prominently in the

epic. She was a paragon of virtues. Her name Su-mitra itself signifies that she

was a good friend to one and all. She shared her happiness with everyone.

Kausalya and Kaikeyi had one son each, whereas Sumitra had two sons. When we

enquire into the reason, we can understand the mystery behind it. When

Dasaratha performed the Putrakameshti Yaga, the Yajna Purusha appeared and

handed over the vessel of sacred pudding to Vasishtha. Vasishtha gave the

sacred pudding to Dasaratha who in turn distributed it equally between his

three wives. Kausalya and Kaikeyi took their share of the pudding to their

respective Puja rooms. Each of them was happy thinking that her son would be

the heir apparent to Ayodhya throne. But Sumitra had no such thoughts. She

carried her bowl of pudding to the terrace and placed it on the parapet wall

while drying her hair in the sun. Suddenly, an eagle swooped down and carried

away the bowl of sacred pudding. She immediately ran down and informed Kausalya

and Kaikeyi about what had happened. Kausalya and Kaikeyi came to the rescue of

Sumitra and shared their sacred pudding with her. Kaikeyi gave half of her

share to Sumitra. Kausalya did the same. In due course, Kausalya gave birth to

Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharata, and Sumitra to Lakshmana and Satrughna. The sons of

Kausalya and Kaikeyi were happily playing in their cradles whereas Sumitra’s

sons were crying all the time, day and night, without even taking food. Sumitra

went to sage Vasishtha and told him about her predicament. Sage Vasishtha closed

his eyes. His Yogic vision enabled him to know the truth. He said to Sumitra,“As

you partook of the sacred pudding given by Kausalya, you gave birth to Lakshmana

who is an Amsa (part) of Rama. Similarly, Satrughna is born out of the share of

pudding given to you by Kaikeyi. So, he is a part of Bharata. Put Lakshmana by

the side of Rama and Satrughna by the side of Bharata. Then they will rest

peacefully.” Sumitra did as instructed by Vasishtha. The children became

peaceful and stopped crying. Sumitra felt very happy at this and said to

Kausalya and Kaikeyi, “Lakshmana and Satrughna are your gifts. My children will

serve your children. Lakshmana will serve Rama and Satrughna will serve Bharata.

It is my good fortune that my sons will serve their brothers.” This was the

basis of the intimate relationship between Rama and Lakshmana, Bharata and

Satrughna.Sumitra used to experience ineffable bliss, since her two sons

Lakshmana and Satrughna were always in the company of Rama and Bharata. She was

never depressed by the separation of her children. No one knows why certain

things happen and for what purpose. As the four sons of King Dasaratha were

growing, Lakshmana always used to accompany Rama and Satrughna would accompany

Bharata. Both Lakshmana and Satrughna were mighty warriors. Without them, there

can be no Ramayana at all! Lakshmana was born to serve Rama and Satrughna was

born to serve Bharata. Lakshmana was the Embodiment of Love. Similarly,

Satrughna used to serve Bharata with all the power at his command. Thus, the

four brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna were inseparable. Hence,

it is not correct to say that Rama was born to Kausalya, Bharata to Kaikeyi and

Lakshmana and Satrughna to Sumitra. Though their mothers were different, they

always used to move about in the company of one another. The four brothers

Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna are parts of the same substance and

facets of the same Divinity. Similarly, their mothers Kausalya, Sumitra and

Kaikeyi used to move always in the company of one another. There was no discord

between them. The unity between the four brothers was in fact the sum and

substance of the story of Ramayana. None can describe in full the glory of

Ramayana. Each one attempted to describe the glory of Ramayana in his own

unique style. With the result, a number of literary works on Ramayana have

become available today. The human nature is not limited to the mere form. It

consists of the body, mind, intellect, senses and above all, the heart the seat

of love. The Ramayana is a great story of intense interaction between these five

aspects of human nature. It is not possible for anyone to fully describe the

interplay of these factors in Ramayana, however much one may strive.Once,

Kausalya was engaged in some work. Meanwhile, Bharata came running and sat on

the lap of Kausalya and started crying. Kausalya was a bit surprised about the

reason for Bharata’s agony. She tried to console him and enquired as to what

made him cry. Bharata replied that they were playing a ball game and each time

Rama was purposely getting defeated in order to ensure the victory of other

brothers. Thus, the unity, love and affection between the brothers were such

that they always tried to please others. They used to experience supreme bliss

in the company of one another. It was only Lakshmana who could understand fully

the nature of Rama and it is only Satrughna who could understand fully the

nature of Bharata.The women in Ramayana were also exemplary in nature. When

Rama was going to the forest to fulfil the wishes and command of his father,

King Dasaratha, Sumitra asked Lakshmana to accompany Rama. Immediately,

Lakshmana followed him. He experienced great joy in accompanying his elder

brother Rama to the forest. Similarly, Satrughna also experienced great joy in

the company of Bharata and accompanied him wherever he went. What does the name

of ‘Satrughna imply? It means the one who destroys the enemies. Rama, Lakshmana,

Bharata and Satrughna were ideal brothers. It is not enough to merely extol

their ideals, but we must also try to experience that great bond of love in our

day-to-day lives and share it with others. The great epic Ramayana is not a mere

story. It also explains and expounds the Atma Tattwa. One has to experience that

Atma Tattwa with reaction, reflection and resound. The Ramayana Tattwa has to be

understood properly and translated into our day-to-day lives.Embodiments of

Love!The Ramayana cannot be compared with other Puranic texts. It is not merely

a great poetic work, but a great treatise on human relationships between parents

and children, between brothers, husband and wife and the king and his subjects.

it is only when we are able to understand the significance of Ramayana in this

larger context, that the country will prosper with love and affection between

the citizens. In a few years time, nay, very shortly, the whole world will

realise the greatness of Ramayana and try to emulate the ideals set in

Ramayana. Today, we find a wide variety of nations, religions and castes in the

world. No. No. The situation will certainly change. Within a short span of time,

the world will realise the truth:There is only one religion, the Religion of

Love.There is only one caste, the Caste of Humanity.There is only one God, He

is Omnipresent.The greatest truth propounded by Ramayana is the oneness among

humanity. When there is such unity, there will be mutual love between people.

When that mutual love between different people develops, the whole world can

experience great joy and happiness. Thus, it is only Ramayana that can provide

great joy to the entire humanity. Hence, let every individual chant the Divine

Name “Rama! Rama! Rama!”Urmila, the wife of Lakshmana was a good painter. She

was painting a picture to be presented to Sri Rama on the occasion of His

coronation. Exactly at that moment, Lakshmana entered her room. She wanted to

get up and look who was the visitor. In the confusion, the paint got spilled

over the unfinished painting. She felt very bad. “How come this painting got

spoiled when actually I wanted to portray the beauty and majesty of Sri Rama on

the occasion of His coronation and show it to the world”, she thought.Urmila had

a very compassionate heart. She always entertained noble thoughts. She did not

feel sad even for a moment when her husband Lakshmana accompanied Rama to the

forest. She was always contemplating on Sri Rama during His exile to the

forest. Not only she, the wives of Bharata and Satrughna, Mandavi and

Srutakeerthi were also engaged in constant contemplation of Sri Rama and

praying for His return to Ayodhya. Thus, when they were in constant

contemplation of Rama, their strength increased day by day. If you analyse the

underlying meaning of every incident in the Ramayana, all of them point to only

one principle – the principle of unity; unity between the brothers, unity

between their wives, etc. Even in times of calamity like when Lakshmana fell

unconscious during the war with the Rakshasas (demons) in Lanka, Rama did not

lose heart, neither Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana. She was always confident

that no danger would ever befall Lakshmana, since he was in the service of Lord

Rama. Thus, during the entire period of 14 years of Rama’s exile to the forest,

all the brothers and their wives were always thinking and wishing the

well-being of Rama only; so, were their mothers. Such was the nobility of their

hearts.Embodiments of Love! Any amount of narration of the greatness and

nobility of the characters in the Ramayana will not suffice and do justice to

the cause. The story of Ramayana cannot be fully described since it is “His

Story”.The stories of Lord Vishnu are amazing,They purify the lives of the

people in all the three worlds,They are like the sickles that cut the creepers

of worldly bondage,They are like good friends who help you in times of

need,They are like shelters for the sages and seers doing penance in the

forest.It is therefore, very essential for every human being to emulate the

ideals set by Lord Sri Rama in their day-to-day lives.(Bhagawan concluded His

Discourse with the Bhajan, “Rama Rama Rama Sita …”)

sourced: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Ugadi_05_Discourse.htm

With love and Light

Deepak

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