GOD NEVER FORSAKES HIS DEVOTEES - Swami’s Discourse on 25-12-2001 AND 25-12-2002

[Guest guest]

A recollection of Swami’s earlier Christmas day messages-12 [concluding part]

Om Sri Sai Ram

GOD NEVER FORSAKES HIS DEVOTEES

Swami’s Discourse on 25th December 2001 at Prashanthi Nilayam

“It is only when people banish hatred and violence, Develop love and ealize that

all are one Can the earth be transformed into heaven.” (Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Sathyam Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath, Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam (speak the truth,

speak pleasantly and do not speak unpalatable truth). These three correspond to

moral, righteous and spiritual values, respectively. Man is the combination of

these three values. Without waves, there can be no ocean. Without rays, there

can be no sun. Likewise, the one without love cannot be called a human being.

Just as waves are for ocean, rays are for sun, so also love is for man. Hence,

man should fill his life with love. He should neither hate anyone nor indulge

in violence. He should fill his heart with compassion. One with Daya

(compassion) is Hridaya (heart). Ego and unlimited desires are responsible for

wicked qualities in man. One with ego cannot have compassion in his heart.

One should not lead a life of selfishness and self-interest. One should keep in

mind the prevailing situation in the country and act accordingly. Man cannot

lead a totally independent life. He has to depend on society. Prakriti (nature)

is a combination of Vyashti (individual), Samashti (society), Srushti (creation)

and Parameshti (God). Vyashti should serve Samashti and try to ealize Parameshti

in Srushti. Jesus said that the life of an individual was useless if he did not

ealize his duties towards society. Where there is unity there is purity, where

there is purity there is divinity, where there is divinity there is bliss.

People should recognise the intimate and inseparable relationship that exists

between unity, purity and divinity.

When Jesus was born, three Arabian kings visited him to pay their respects. One

of them felt that the child would be a lover of God. The second one said that

he would be the beloved of God and the third one felt that he was verily God.

Opinions vary from person to person as each is different from the other. Our

ancients ealized unity in diversity, whereas the modern man, due to the impact

of Kali Age, fragments unity into diversity.

According to Vedanta, man is a combination of Bhutakasa, Chitthakasaand

Chidakasa. Bhutakasa corresponds to the body and all that is seen by the naked

eye. All that is seen is bound to disappear, which means Bhutakasa is transient

and ephemeral. The sun, the stars and the milky way which are crores of miles

away from earth also come under Bhutakasa. The rivers, seas, forests and

mountains, all form part of Bhutakasa. It constitutes all Bhutas (elements) and

living

beings. Such a vast Bhutakasa is engulfed by Chitthakasa. You can very well

imagine the vastness of Chitthakasa. Bhutakasa consisting of sun, stars,

rivers, oceans, etc., forms a tiny part of Chitthakasa. You may wonder how it

is possible. Whatever you see, for example, the sun, the stars, the oceans, the

mountains, etc., get imprinted in your Chittha. Likewise, the apparent world is

contained in you as a small entity. Bhutakasa and Chitthakasa relate to the

body and mind, respectively. There is a fundamental basis for these two which

is referred to as Chidakasa by the Vedanta. This corresponds to

the Atma. Human being is a combination of these three – Bhutakasa (body),

Chitthakasa (mind) and Chidakasa (Atma). The first refers to the one you think

you are, the second, the one others think you are and the third, the one you

really are.

Man’s nature is infinite and immortal. Such a human life is looked down upon as

low and mean. People deny the existence of the Atma as it cannot be perceived.

Chidakasa symbolises the Atma. It has no form. It is changeless and transcends

time and space. The Vedanta describes this as Nirgunam, Niranjanam, Sanathana

Niketanam, Nitya, Suddha, Buddha, Mukta, Nirmala Swarupinam (attributeless,

pure, final abode, eternal, unsullied, enlightened, free and embodiment of

sacredness). Bhutakasa corresponds to Jagrat (waking state), Chitthakasa to

Swapna (dream state) and

Chidakasa to Sushupti (deep sleep). In Chidakasa, one experiences only bliss.

This can be understood by the fact that you experience peace when you have a

good sleep at night.

When you say, it is my body and my mind, it means that you are different from

them. In fact, you are the master (Atma). Master the mind and be a mastermind.

How can man, being the master of everything, consider himself low and weak?

Chidakasa is the true form of man. Bhutakasa, Chittha-kasa and Chidakasa

correspond to Pratyaksham (direct), Paroksham (indirect) and Pavitram (sacred).

 

italic">Chidakasa transcends name and form. It is described as Sabda Brahmamayi,

Chara-charamayi, Jyothirmayi, Vangmayi, Nityanandamayi, Paratparamayi, Mayamayi

and Sreemayi (God is the embodiment of sound, mobility and immobility, light,

speech, eternal bliss, supreme majesty, delusion and wealth).

The Atma transcends the limitations of form. Buddha and Jesus made concerted

efforts to have the vision of the Atma. Buddha realized that names, forms and

physical relationships are transient. He said one should not get deluded by

them. Yad Drishyam Thannasyam (all that is seen is bound to perish). He studied

various sacred texts and had an audience with many scholars but he was not

satisfied. Ultimately, he came to the conclusion that one could attain Nirvana

only through proper use of the five senses. No spiritual practice can yield the

desired result if the senses are misused. Have sacred vision. Speak good words.

Hear only what is good. Entertain noble

thoughts. There is no greater spiritual practice than this. This was the

teaching of Buddha. The same was taught by Jesus too.

The fishermen wanted Jesus to fulfill their worldly desires. Peter wanted more

fish. But ultimately, he realized the futility of worldly desires. He wanted to

go beyond the level of body and the mind as per the teaching of Jesus. Jesus

told them to give up hatred and to love all and serve all. He exhorted them to

develop faith in the principle of unity. Many disciples of Jesus interpreted

the teachings of Jesus in their own way.

When he was being crucified, he heard an ethereal voice, “All are one my dear

son, be alike to everyone “. When the mother Mary was shedding tears, Jesus

told her, “Death is the dress of life.” Death is like changing of dress. Do you

find anybody wearing the same dress every day? Just as you change your dress

every day, you change the body from birth to birth. It is the body that dies,

not the life principle. The Spirit is immortal and non-dual. To realize the

non-dualistic nature of the Spirit was true wisdom, said Jesus. Advaita

Darshanam Jnanam (perception of the One without a second is true wisdom). Ekam

Eva Adviteeyam Brahma (God is one without a second). Man attributes names and

forms to God because

of his worldly feelings and external tendencies (Pravritti).

Truly speaking, there is only one God. We sing in our Bhajans, Ek Prabhu Ke Anek

Nam (one God has many names). Give up body attachment. Only then can you develop

attachment towards the Atma. As you are endowed with a physical body, you have

to discharge your duties diligently. However, do not be deluded with the

feeling that this is permanent. All the

physical relationships are like passing clouds and are subject to change. Truth

alone is that which does not undergo change. That is Chidakasa, the principle

of Atma.

A mother has four sons. The first son asks her for red colour juice, the second

for green colour juice, the third for black colour juice and the fourth for

white colour juice. Then what does the mother do? Being an intelligent mother,

she pours the same juice in red, green, black and white colour glasses to

satisfy her sons. Our bodies are like those glasses. We should not go by

differences in bodies. We should realize the oneness of the spirit within. The

cups and colors may be different but the sweet juice (Atma) is the same in all.

Body is bound to perish one day or the other. You will have to face misery if

you are attached to the body. In order to attain immortality and experience

bliss, you have to transcend name and form. So long as you have a body, you

have to take care of it. But you should not

be unduly attached to it or worried about it. Ignorance is the root cause of

worry. Whatever has to happen will happen. So, never give scope to worry.

Develop faith in the principle of Atma. This was the main teaching of Jesus.

Mathew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was an income tax collector

by profession and used to meet the fishermen to collect taxes. Jesus used to

impart sacred teachings to the fishermen everyday. Mathew noted down all his

teachings and wrote the holy Bible. Later on, many others wrote the Bible based

on their own feelings. Nowhere has Jesus ever stated that he was God or the

Master. He always addressed God as his Father. He has shown the path to

experience unity. He never gave scope for multiplicity. He always said that all

were divine.

Hundreds of years ago, in North India, there lived a person who used to

constantly repeat, “I am God”. People used to wonder at this declaration and

considered him to be a mad person. But, some scholars developed hatred towards

him. They felt that even after studying various texts and acquiring knowledge,

they did not dare make such a claim. They approached the king and lodged a

complaint against him. Who is a true scholar? Pandita Samadarshanaha (one with

equal-mindedness alone is a true scholar). But those scholars lacked

equal-mindedness and

threatened the king that they would leave the country if that person was not

punished. The king asked the scholars as to what could be done.

At the behest of the Pundits, the king ordered that his legs be cut off. Even

when his legs were being amputated, he did not feel the pain. He was saying, “I

am God, I am God.” Even the blood oozing from his tortured limb was proclaiming,

“I am God. I am God”. Then the king felt repentant for having paid heed to the

words of foolish scholars.

>From the beginning, Jesus never said that he was God. He only said that God was

his father. He taught people that there was only one God and all were his

children. His critics complained to the head priest against Jesus. The priest

knew that Jesus was speaking the truth. But they did not support Jesus in order

to safeguard their own position. It was decided that Jesus should be crucified.

The Governor issued the orders, but later he repented. When Jesus rose from the

cross, he went on propagating the glory of Jesus.

The Romans addressed Jesus as ‘persona’ meaning one of sacredness. The English

word person has been derived from this. It means that there is divinity in

everyone. That is why I address you as embodiments of divinity. I and you are

one. There is divine spirit in everybody. The very Self is called ‘persona’.

There is no life principle without divinity. Sarvatah Panipadam Tat

Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvata Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thishthati (With

hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the

entire universe). Divinity pervades all forms. The Bible and the Quoran contain

many sacred teachings. But foolish people who do not understand their teachings

are taking to wrong ways.

He who is known as Allah by Muslims, As Jehovah by Christian aspirants, As the

Lotus-eyed Lord by the worshippers of Vishnu, As Sambhu, by those who revere

Siva, Howsoever He is worshipped, He gladly responds, Grants the grace of fame

and fortune, And showers happiness and joy. He is the One, The Supreme Self.

Know Him as Paramatma. (Telugu Poem)

You are attributing various names and forms to God for your own satisfaction,

but God is essentially one. Be He Rama, Krishna, Allah or Jesus, all their

teachings are meant for the emancipation of man. No religion preaches violence

or to harm anybody. Some evil-minded people are misinterpreting the sacred

teachings and are indulging in wicked deeds. All the noble souls have taught

sacred things. They said, “Love all”. They did not preach hatred. God never

tells anybody to kill others. No one has any right to kill the other because

the same Atma is present in all. In the name of God, people are

committing heinous crimes. It is not good for anybody.

Love all, Serve all. You cannot always oblige but you can speak always

obligingly. There is no God greater than love. Love is God, God is love. Live

in love. Destroy wicked qualities.

The mean-minded people try to attribute their meanness to God. It is a sign of

ignorance. Do not pay heed to such people. Have faith in your own Self.

Otherwise, you cannot have love for God. Due to defects in modern education

system, love is diminishing in man day by day. Hatred is on the rise. Man is

forgetting Yathartha (truth) and thereby subjecting himself to Anartha

(danger). He has forgotten Manavatva (humanness) by developing Pashutva (animal

tendency). True spirituality lies in destroying Pashutva and transforming

Manavatva into Daivatva (Divinity). It is not possible to attain Divinity

without getting

rid of animality. Today man is behaving like an animal because of his selfish

love. Such a person can never enjoy happiness. He will always be immersed in

misery. The more you love others, the greater will be the joy you experience.

The more you develop hatred, the more miserable your life will be.

Embodiments of Love!

Understand that God is the embodiment of love and so also is man. Daivam Manusha

Rupena (God takes the form of man). So, you are God. There is Divinity even in

animals. One hears cows and buffaloes mooing, Amba (Divine Mother). It only

proves the existence of Divinity in them.

When Jesus was a small boy, his parents took him to Jerusalem. After some time,

mother Mary not finding her son Jesus by her side thought that he had lost his

way in the crowd and searched for him frantically. Ultimately, she found him

listening with rapt attention to the sermon of a priest in a synagogue. She

hugged him and shed tears of joy. Then Jesus said, “Mother, why should you be

worried when I am in the company of God, my Father.”

In those days, people used to sacrifice pigeons in the temple of Jerusalem

thinking that God would be pleased. Jesus sought to put an end to these cruel

practices. Like Buddha, he preached non-violence. He went to the place where

pigeons were sold and let them all free. The affected persons turned against

him. But Jesus carried on regardless of their

hostility. He did not attach any importance to praise or blame as they pertained

to the body, not the Self.

The same is stated in the Mahabharata also. When Krishna was given the

Agratambulam (chief offering) by the Pandavas, the wicked Sishupala started

showering abuses on Krishna. He said to

10pt">Krishna,

“Do you think that you deserve this honour because you stole the Saris of the

Gopikas when they were having a bath? Do not indulge in self-aggrandisement,

shut up!” (Telugu Poem)

Hearing Sishupala abusing Krishna in this manner, Dharmaraja shed tears. Krishna

hurled the very plate in which the offering was made to Him at Sishupala which

turned into a discus and beheaded him. At that moment the blood of Sishupala

splashed at the feet of

10pt">Krishna. Seeing this, Dharmaraja became perplexed. He said, “Krishna,

Sishupala abused You to no end. How is it that his blood fell at Your feet?”

Smilingly Krishna replied, “Dharmaraja, praise or blame relates to the body and

not to the Atma. Moreover, Sishupala was thinking of Me and repeating My Name

all along. He might have done it with hatred but I am not concerned about it.”

In the Kali Age, Chanting of the Lord’s Name Is the only way to liberation. (Sanskrit Verse)

Any mighty task can be achieved by chanting the Divine Name. For spiritual

practices like meditation and penance, a specific time and place are required.

But for chanting the Divine Name, no such restriction needs to be followed.

Wherever you are, whatever you may be doing, you can chant the Divine Name.

Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari Chintanam [everywhere, at all times, under

all circumstances contemplate on Hari (God)].

One of the previous speakers, a member of the Messengers of Sathya Sai, prayed

that Swami should never forget them. To think that God forgets anybody is only

your imagination, the reflection, reaction and resound of your inner feelings.

God never forgets anybody. It is only the devotees who remember or forget God.

God loves all equally. So, develop love. Eschew all evil tendencies.

The modern education system is giving rise to bad qualities in students. One

with bad qualities cannot be called a student at all. As Srinivasan said, Sai

students are not like that. Some people pose to be Sai students and indulge in

wicked activities. But our students are highly sacred and virtuous. None can

point an accusing finger at them. Today many people are misusing the name of

Sai for their own selfish gains. I am happy even with such people because any

way they are chanting the Divine Name. Only repetition of God’s name will

liberate you. Do not give scope to any evil qualities. Never give a chance for

accusation. Lead your lives suffused with love. Consider love as God. There is

nothing greater than love.

[bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, Prema Mudita Manase Kaho]

*****

LOVE AND MORALITY - THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Swami’s Discourse on 25th December 2002 at Prashanthi Nilayam

Abandon pride and all endear, Shed anger and shed all care, Restraint on

hankering is the way to wealth, Shunning greed is the royal road to joy.

(Sanskrit Verse)

Embodiments of Love!

In this world every object has got five aspects, namely, Sath, Chith, Ananda,

Rupa and Nama (being, awareness, bliss, form and name). Being, awareness and

bliss are the three permanent attributes of every Jiva (individual). Name and

form are transitory. Man has forgotten his true Self and is leading his life

believing the name and form to be real and the ephemeral world to be eternal.

God is beyond all attributes and feelings. It is rather strange that man

attributes qualities and feelings to Him. It is most essential for every

individual to know the infinite love, truth and compassion of God. Though man

is essentially divine, he is conducting himself like a

demon as he has forgotten his innate divinity. Every man is endowed with the

qualities of Deeksha (determination) and Dakshata (dexterity). One who makes

use of these virtues for noble causes alone is a true human being.

The cosmic power lies in the navel of God. Hence, He is known as Hiranyagarbha.

As He is full of divine effulgence and radiance, He is said to be the very

personification of beauty and splendor (Soundaryavanthudu and Tejomayudu). The

life of a human being is the noblest because he is endowed with the principle

of Hiranyagarbha. God is also known as Prajapathi as He is the creator of the

entire universe. In order to understand the principle of divinity, you have to

understand the inner meaning and significance associated with each name of God.

God has various names and each of them has a profound inner meaning. That is why

our ancients used to name their

children by one or other of the names of God.

Today man is in search of God and is enquiring into the nature of divinity. When

God is within, where is the need to search for Him? God is the embodiment of

love. Truth is His very svarupa and svabhava (form and innate nature).

Sathyannasti Paro Dharma (there is no dharma greater than adherence to truth).

But today man is unable to understand the meaning of truth. He considers

untruth to be truth in order to satisfy his desires. Firstly, man should

endeavor to understand

his true nature which is Sathyam, Jnanam and Anantham (truth, knowledge and

infinitude). God has gifted man with the Vedas, Sasthras, Puranas and Itihasas

to open his eyes to the truth that he is essentially divine. In this world

every man is endowed with truth, righteousness and love. He is the embodiment

of Sath, Chith and Ananda. These attributes are verily divine. Sath is that

which is changeless and eternal. Chith is Chaitanya (awareness). Atma is

another term for God. Brahma is its synonym. It is present in every man in the

form of Chaitanya.

One who understands this principle of Chaitanya alone is a true human being.

Sath Chith Ananda and Sathyam Jnanam Anantham are different words, but they

have the same meaning.

In this world, we find various schools of thought, like atheism, dualism,

non-dualism, qualified non-dualism, etc. The divine name of Kesava is the most

important of all. The essence of all philosophies is contained in this. It

consists of three syllables, namely, Ka + esa + va, which represent the Divine

Trinity of Brahma, Easvara and Vishnu, respectively. Hence, Kesava symbolises

the principles of creation (Brahma), sustenance (Vishnu) and dissolution

(Easvara). Man can understand his true Self if he contemplates on the divine

name of Kesava and understand its significance.

Our ancient sages undertook deep investigations and enquiry in order to

understand Divinity. Ultimately, they declared to the world, Vedahametham

Purusham Mahantham Adityavarnam Thamasah Parasthath (I have visualised the

supreme Being who shines with the effulgence of billion suns and who is beyond

Thamas - the darkness of ignorance). They exhorted man to make efforts to have

the vision of Divinity. From then on, man started believing in God. But, with

the passage of time, his faith started diminishing. He is subjected to grief

because of his disbelief in God.

He who is known as Allah by Muslims, As Jehovah by Christian aspirants, As the

Lotus-eyed Lord by the worshippers of Vishnu, As Sambhu, by those who revere

Siva, In whatever way He is worshipped, He gladly responds, Grants the grace of

fame and fortune, And showers happiness and joy. He is the One, The Supreme

Self. Know Him as Paramatma. (Telugu Poem)

God is one, He has many names. Different religions have come into existence, but

all of them lead to the same divinity.

Religions are many, but goal is one. Clothes are many, but yarn is one. Jewels

are many, but gold is one. Cows are many, but milk is one. Beings are many, but

breath is one. Castes are many, but humanity is one. (Telugu Poem)

Therefore, if everyone enquires into his true nature, he can experience truth.

Jesus was a noble soul. He declared that he was the son of God, but he never

said that he was God. When Jesus was born, three royal wise men from the east

were guided by a star to a cowshed in Bethlehem where the baby Jesus lay in a

manger. He was radiating divine effulgence. The first of them said, "This child

will love God." The second said, "He will be loved by God." The third said, "He

will love one and all. He is not different from God." The one who loves God is

the messenger of God; the one whom God loves is the son of God; the one who

understands the principle of unity

becomes one with God. This is the inner meaning of the statements given in the

Bible. The one you think you are; the one others think you are and the one you

really are. You should understand the import of these statements.

The child was brought up by mother Mary and his father was working as a

carpenter. It was the time of a festival in Jerusalem and the child Jesus was

taken there along with his parents. They lost the child in the crowd and could

not find him anywhere. Mother Mary naturally was very much worried. Finally,

they went to the temple to pray. To their astonishment, they found young Jesus

coming out of the temple. All the while the child had been in the temple,

listening to the holy discourse of the Rabbi (Jewish Priest) of the temple. The

anxious mother took hold of her child and

started asking him several questions as to what he was doing all the while. The

child replied, "Mother, why were you afraid? All the while I was in the hands

of God. I have been listening to the words of God expounded by the Rabbi in the

temple." Thus, the child was God-minded from a very young age.

After some time, father Joseph passed away. Mary told her son, "Now that your

father passed away; you should continue your father's profession, so that we

may earn our livelihood." But the boy was not inclined to continue in his

father's profession. The mother was also not interested to oppose the natural

inclinations of young Jesus. One day, young Jesus went to a lonely hilltop. The

mother was very much worried, nay, depressed due to the absence of her son.

Jesus was sitting and meditating on God all the while. After some time, he

returned. As he was returning, he ran into a group of worried men on the coast

of the sea of Galilee. When young Jesus enquired from them the cause of their

worry, they said that they were fishermen and that for quite some time past,

they were not able to catch any fish in

their nets. Jesus said, "Follow me; are there any waters that do not have fish?"

He took them along with him in their boats to the middle of the sea and asked

them to cast their nets at a particular spot. To their utter astonishment and

great joy, the fishermen found that their nets were full with fish. This event

created a lot of faith in the minds of the fishermen. Therefore, faith is

indispensable for humanity.

Where there is faith, there is love; Where there is love, there is truth; Where

there is truth, there is peace; Where there is peace, there is bliss; Where

there is bliss, there is God.

Jesus could instill such great faith in those people. One of those fisherman was

named by Jesus as Peter. He developed intense love and faith towards Jesus. From

then on, the fisherman regularly used to take Jesus out on their fishing

expeditions and after their return in the evening, Jesus used to expound

spiritual matters to them. When Peter's father passed away, his mother was

filled with sorrow, but Jesus consoled her by telling, "Death is but a dress of

life. Wherefore do you shed tears? Death is like changing one's dress.

Therefore, stop grieving. These physical bodies come and go. Therefore, do not

waste your thought on these ephemeral things. The indweller who lives inside

this body is the true divinity."

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

But the indweller has neither birth nor death. He has no attachment whatsoever.

Truly speaking, the indweller is verily God Himself who is in the form of the

Atma." (Telugu Poem)

In this manner, Jesus preached and instilled confidence in the people around

him. Thus, the fishermen community was spending its time happily in the company

of Jesus. At that time, one Mathew, who was a tax collector for the Romans, used

to visit them on official work and, during his visits, he also used to listen to

Jesus and take notes of his teachings. Finally, he became a disciple of Jesus.

After a while, Jesus started facing obstacles and opposition to his preachings.

Anyone donning a physical body cannot escape such vicissitudes of life. Without

hardships man cannot exist. Death follows birth and with the same certainty

misery follows happiness.

Sukhadukhe Samekruthva Labhalabhau Jayajayau (one should remain equal-minded in

happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat). Pleasure is an

interval between two pains. Human life is for the purpose of investigating the

supreme reality and not merely for eating, drinking and procreation.

Every human being must make an effort to know his inner nature and understand

his true identity. Jesus was preaching such sacred truth and therefore, he

became very popular among his contemporaries. Becoming popular in the world

automatically begets jealousy and envy. Jealousy, pomposity and egoism are evil

traits which will ultimately lead to ruin. None will pardon people with such

traits.

You should not rebuke or ridicule others. Humanness will blossom in man only

when he develops equal-mindedness. Today man is subjected to untold suffering

because he lacks human values. That which has the innate capability to burn is

called fire. In the same manner, only the one with human values is a human

being. One bereft of human values is not a human being at all. You may be

highly educated and occupying an exalted position, but if you lack human

values, you will be considered inhuman. Hence, drive away evil qualities in the

first instance.

Today the Messengers of Sathya Sai (old students' association of Anantapur

Campus for girls) are celebrating their anniversary. They should not give scope

to evil tendencies like asuya (jealousy), krodha (anger) and dvesha (hatred).

Their members who are working in overseas countries are leading exemplary

lives. Today you have heard the speeches made by our former students from Japan

and

America. Their thoughts and feelings are noble. Their speech is full of

sweetness. The girl from Japan who spoke earlier is the holder of a Ph.D.

degree. They are highly qualified, yet they conduct themselves with humility

and obedience. Their devotion and surrender is worthy of emulation. What is the

use of high academic qualifications and doctorate degrees if one does not give

up wicked traits like jealousy and carrying tales against others? I really

detest such behaviour.

With love, enthusiasm and sacred feelings, you have established an Organisation

in the name of Sathya Sai for doing service to humanity. No doubt, a lot of

good work is being done; but take care that the noble feelings do not

degenerate into ill-feelings. I do not attach much importance to the work. What

is important to Me is your qualities. Wherever you may be - whether in the

forest or in the sky, whether in the towns or in the villages, you must develop

noble qualities. Jealousy is a very bad quality. For people with jealousy, life

will not go smoothly. Jealousy in fact is a living death. Added to this, if you

have another bad quality of carrying tales, you are bound to suffer. Why do you

criticise others? Instead criticise your own bad qualities. Remove your own

ill-feelings and bad thoughts. You

should not attribute bad qualities to others and spread such slander.

In spite of My repeated advice, there is no transformation in many people. I am

disgusted with their behavior over the last five-six years. What is the use of

establishing Organizations? You have Sathya Sai Seva Samithis and Bhajan

Mandalis. You are undertaking social service, conducting study circles. But no

purpose is served if such service is not backed by love in the heart. Love is

God. Live in love. Instead people are developing hatred against one another.

Such people deserve exemplary punishment, for, others are also getting spoiled

on account of such wicked people. I am prepared to give you anything, even My

life, provided you get rid of your evil qualities. When you take the name of

Sathya Sai, how nobly should the Organisation function! How

much respect should you command in society! Whoever establishes an Organisation

in the name of Sathya Sai must adhere to the principle of Truth. Functioning

under the banner of Sathya Sai, if you deviate from the path of Truth, what

purpose does it serve? It is only when you cultivate love and tread along the

path of truth and morality, will the Organisation develop and prosper.

Therefore, at least from today develop the qualities of truth, love and

morality. This is your first and foremost duty. It is not proper to undertake

demonic activities in the name of divine Organisation.

God is worshipped by several names, such as, Sathya Dharma Parayanaya Namah,

Sathya Svarupaya Namah, Prema Svarupaya Namah, etc. There is a lot of meaning

in these names. He is the embodiment of love. In fact, human beings themselves

are embodiments of divine love. Love is their chief quality. Life has no

meaning if you do not cultivate love.

Carrying tales against somebody and backbiting are qualities to be condemned. In

the past women were free from evil traits. But now even women are no exception

to these diseases. What a shame! In My opinion, this is a distortion which is

the result of modern education.

"In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not know his

true Self and a mean-minded person will not give up his wicked qualities.

Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to total wisdom. What is the

use of acquiring worldly education if it cannot lead you to immortality?

Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal." (Telugu Poem)

No purpose is served with an education coupled with evil qualities. What is

important is not education, but good qualities, character and conduct.

If you associate yourselves with people with evil propensities, you too will

become evil. Tyaja Durjana Samsargam; Bhaja Sadhu Samagamam; Kuru Punyam

Ahorathram (give up bad company; join good company and perform meritorious

deeds day and night). These three principles are most important for a human

being.

Karna was a great warrior in the Mahabharata. In fact, he even excelled Arjuna

in this field. In spite of all this, why did he earn a bad name? It was because

of his association with evil-minded people like Duryodhana and Dussasana. At

last, he met with a miserable death in the battlefield. None of the great

Asthras he mastered could come to his rescue. Therefore, all your education

will be of little use if your mind is not channelled in the right direction.

Hence, Students - Boys and Girls! Cultivate noble qualities. There is no use

acquiring wealth without virtues.

"Excessive wealth gives rise to ego which in turn paves way to many wicked

qualities. When wealth leaves you, ego also evaporates and as a result the evil

qualities disappear." (Telugu Poem)

Greatness does not lie in acquiring wealth. Cultivation of noble qualities is of

paramount importance. Talk less. For, the more you indulge in loose talk, the

more you are prone to bad qualities. There is no point in joining a service

Organisation if you do not cultivate virtues and transform your behaviour into

a good one. Some people talk sweetly, but in their heart of heart, they are

vicious. Such dichotomy will lead you nowhere. You must first develop softness

and sweetness in your heart. It is said, Hrid + Daya = Hridaya. Your Hridaya

(heart) must be full of

italic">Dhaya (compassion). You deserve to be called a Manava only when your

heart is filled with love and compassion.

Jesus Christ developed such noble qualities. He gave protection to several poor

and destitute people with a loving heart. In fact, several such people sought

refuge in him. In the process, he had to face the wrath of several enemies. You

should help people even if you have to undergo some difficulties. Never indulge

in reviling others, for the same Atma is permeating every living being. If you

abuse others, it amounts to abusing your own self. If you do not like them,

keep yourself away from them, but never abuse them. Any amount of good work

done by you will be of no use, if you do not give up bad qualities. If you

cannot do good to others, at least speak good words. You cannot always oblige,

but you can speak always obligingly. If you find someone

suffering, try to help him. Today it is his turn, but tomorrow it could be

yours. Always keep this in mind. Nobody can escape from pain and suffering.

Always pray for the welfare of all. It is only in this context, the universal

prayer of Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the people of the world be

happy!) is addressed.

Your heart should be transformed into Hiranyagarbha. It is only when you

cultivate good feelings, can you become a good person. You need not be a great

man, but you should aspire to become a good man. You must earn the love of one

and all. One of the prayers addressed to God is Hiranyagarbhaya Namah. God is

loved by everybody. He is always happy and blissful. He has no hatred towards

anybody. Whatever He does is for your own good. Everyone must cultivate such

divine love towards others. Always tread the path of truth and morality. A

nation without morality is bound to degenerate and disintegrate. It is not

enough if you have patriotism; along with it you should have morality too.

Merely giving lectures on morality will not suffice; it must permeate every

activity undertaken by you.

Embodiments of Love!

God is not moved simply by sweet words. You must translate those sweet words

into action. You may be a great hero in giving lectures on a platform, but if

you are a zero in putting them into action, it will be of no use. You must

become heroes in practical life. That is what gives Me happiness. Jesus Christ

and Mohammad were highly noble. How could they acquire such greatness and

goodness? It was only by their good deeds. Therefore, you must acquire goodness

along with greatness. In fact, goodness is greater than greatness. Several great

souls took birth in this land of

Bharat. Saint Thyagaraja in one of his famous Kirtans sang, "Endaro

Mahanubhavulu, Andariki Vandanamulu …" (there are several great souls, I

prostrate before all of them). A great saint Thyagaraja himself, exhibited such

humility. He was a great composer too. In one of his Kirtans, he described the

greatness of God thus:

"You are beyond all description and human comprehension. Is it possible to

estimate Your glory and splendour? I have been waiting for Your grace. Oh Lord!

Listen to my prayer and redeem me. You are the one who brought back to life the

dead son of Your preceptor. You are the one who suppressed the serpent Kaliya,

freed Vasudeva and Devaki and saved Droupadi from humiliation. You fulfilled

Kuchela's desires, You made ugly-looking Kubja beautiful. You protected the

Pandavas and saved the 16,000 Gopikas. You are beyond all description and human

comprehension. Krishna, it is not possible for even Brahma to describe Your

glory. I have been praying for Your grace." (Telugu Song)

When sublime feelings spring forth from the depths of one's own heart, they

express themselves as great devotional poetry.

Embodiments of Love!

Today, you do not find peace anywhere in the world. You see only pieces! In

fact, people are breaking their heart into pieces. How then can peace be

acquired? There is only one solution to this problem. Love God. Have faith in

God. Surrender unto Him. Dedicate your whole life to God and carry on every

activity of yours as an offering to Him. Let all your activities be helpful to

others. Help ever, hurt never. You cannot say that you are leading a

problem-free life. Who knows what is in store for you the next moment! If you

wish to be always happy, pray for the welfare of others. This is the real

Sadhana. Spirituality does not mean simply doing Bhajans and performing some

acts of worship. Cultivate noble

qualities. Always be helpful to others and earn a good name. Jesus earned such a

good name by sacrificing his body on the cross. You also must be prepared for

such a great sacrifice. If you give up Thyaga (sacrifice) and indulge in Bhoga

(sensual pleasures), you will end up with Roga (disease). In fact, Thyaga is

true Yoga and Bhoga is Roga. Do not become a victim of Roga. Develop Thyaga and

achieve Yoga.

Dear Students!

Whoever has acquired the quality of love will never be hated by others. Even the

wild animals will not harm you when you have love. The great rishis of yore

spent their lives peacefully in dense forests amidst wild animals. The wild

animals fought among themselves, but they did not cause any harm to these

rishis. What is the reason? The rishis possessed one single weapon of love

which protected them from these wild animals. In fact, these wild animals also

used to love these great rishis. What man has to acquire is this great weapon

of love. Love alone can protect us, not atom bomb or hydrogen bomb. Consider My

own example. I have one and only weapon, that is love. Because of this, millions

of people from every nook and corner of the globe gather around Me. Did I ever

send any invitation to you? No. It

is only My pure and unsullied love that draws you here. In fact, My heart itself

is a very powerful magnet. Because of the power of love in that magnet, all

these 'iron filings' are attracted to this place. In order to be attracted by

the magnet, the iron should be free from rust and dust. Some people think,

"Swami calls Himself a powerful magnet, but He is unable to attract us." The

fault lies in them only. Their hearts are rusted. They will be attracted by the

magnet of Swami's love only when they cleanse their hearts. How can you remove

the 'rust and dust' accumulated in the heart? Only by rubbing and polishing it

with love. Be they Indians or foreigners, everybody has to purify his heart

with love and that love must be totally selfless. When you cultivate such

selfless love, you can attract the whole world. Self is

lovelessness and love is selflessness. Therefore, lead a life full of love.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Prema Mudita Manse Kaho …"

Sent with Sai love,

Sai brothers – ‘’

CONCLUDED 

 

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