NEW YEAR DIVINE DISCOURSE ON 01-01-2004 BY BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA.

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NEW YEAR DIVINE DISCOURSE ON 01-01-2004 BY BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

People can say that this is Brahman,None can say, however, that this is not

Brahman,God only exists always,The world is illusory, look!

(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Today, everybody is enthusiastic about New Year's Day. Significantly, this New

Year's Day has started on a Thursday. It is one's foolishness to single out a

particular day in a year and celebrate that day with great joy. For a true

devotee, everyday is a festival day. Therefore, it is essential that we have to

consider every minute, every day as new and celebrate it with joy. In fact,

every day is a New Year's Day.

Everything in this objective world is impermanent and unreal. Hence, we have to

contemplate upon the eternal truth and reality. We should not waste our time

brooding over the past or anticipating the future. It is great foolishness to

worry about the future or the past, forgetting the present. The present is only

real. Past is past, you cannot get it back, however, much you may pray for it.

The future is hidden in the womb of time. It is not possible to visualise it.

Therefore, only the present is important. Unable to realise this truth, people

are worried about the past and future.

The foremost activity man should engage in, is service to the fellow human

beings. Instead, people are wasting their precious time worrying about either

the past or the future. Therefore, embodiments of love! You should always

engage yourself in service to the fellow human beings. There is no greater

sadhana than such service. Considering the nine paths of devotion, namely

Sravanam (listening), Kirtanam (singing), Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on

Vishnu), Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), Vandanam (salutation), Archanam

(worship), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (friendship), Atmanivedanam

(self-surrender) as the only important means for salvation, people are

engrossed in these activities. They totally forget the importance of service.

Only the fruits of service will be eternal. We must constantly engage

ourselves in service to others. God has given us this body for that purpose

only. This body is not meant to be engaged in mere eating and drinking and thus

wasting our valuable time. We must realise the truth that God has given us this

body for serving others and thus help others. There is nothing greater than

service to humanity. Service to man is service to God. All great men have

sanctified their life only by serving humanity. Therefore, you start serving

humanity at least from now onwards. Service is more important than Bhajan and

all other Sadhanas.

Embodiments of Love!

What, according to you is service? You consider helping people in difficulties

is service. No. It is not as simple as that. Your body should be constantly

engaged in serving others. The human body consists of several limbs. All these

limbs are meant to be engaged in serving the fellowmen and not for other

activities. Unfortunately, we are forgetting this basic fact. Every limb in the

human body has been granted by God for Karmopasana (worshipping God through

service). Karmopasana is the only means by which the human life can be

sanctified. We are building several temples. We are undertaking various

sadhanas. But, all these sadhanas can give us only temporary satisfaction, not

eternal joy. Our ancient Rishis have been able to achieve eternal joy through a

conscious effort. Therefore, you must develop firm faith

in the truth that nothing can provide eternal joy, except service to humanity.

Undertake service to the suffering humanity. Service is not merely confined to

health services. Service encompasses every possible help to the fellow human

beings.

The ancient culture of Bharat is still preserved in the villages and not in

towns and cities. In fact, our culture is defiled in all possible ways in the

cities. Therefore, go to the villages, find out their necessities and undertake

such types of services that will alleviate their sufferings. Today, several

people shift to the towns and cities in pursuit of comfort and luxuries. In the

process, they end up in sorrows and difficulties. This is their own making. Na

Sukhat Labhyathe Sukham (happiness cannot be obtained out of happiness). It is

only through suffering, happiness can be achieved.

You should undertake service. In fact, the hands are given to you to serve

humanity. The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray. Therefore,

undertake selfless service and attain glory. When you undertake good work, you

enjoy peace in your life. Today, the boys who sang Bhajans are former students

of the Institute. They have undertaken several services to please Swami. God is

not interested in worship and other sadhanas. He is interested only in service.

Hence, undertake service and more and more service. The best way to love God is

to Love all and Serve all. God is interested only in love and service. If you

can recognise the importance of these two sadhanas and conduct yourself

accordingly, there can be no greater sadhana. You need not have to spend a lot

of money in service. Sanctify your life by

undertaking loving service. Today, the old students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute

of Higher Learning have brought a cheque for Rs. 48 lakhs for presenting to

Swami as a token of their love and service. They have saved this amount from

their salaries, by undergoing lot of difficulties. But, to whom should the

amount belong really? This amount is meant to be utilised for service in the

villages. It is for serving the poorest of the poor. Therefore, I told them,

"My dear ones! You deposit the money in the bank and undertake the service

activities with the interest accrued on the amount." Money is of no help in

developing good qualities. Sacrifice alone can develop noble qualities. It is

only in sacrifice, there is real yoga. That is why it is said Thyagenaike

Amrutatthwamanasu (it is only by sacrifice that man can attain immortality).

Today, however, people want bhoga (enjoy material comforts). By such bhoga,

only roga (disease) will be contracted. They cannot attain yoga. Hence, you try

to attain yoga by thyaga. Only then can you attain eternal joy.

Embodiments of Love!

There is no use contemplating on God without making sacrifice. By contemplating

on God, you may perhaps derive some mental satisfaction. But, that is of no

use. Therefore, you develop firm faith in the truth that God permeates every

living being and act accordingly. God lives in every living being and

experiences bliss. The Upanishads declare, Easwarah Sarva Bhutanam (God is the

indweller of all beings) and Isavasyam Idam Sarvam (the entire universe is

permeated by God). You should not be under the impression that God is confined

to some temple or a structure somewhere. It is said Deho Devalaya Proktho Jivo

Devah Sanathanah (the body is a temple and the Indweller is God). The real

temple for God is the body itself. God is installed in the temple of our Heart.

That is why it is given the name of Hridaya. Hrid +

Daya = Hridaya. It is only when you cultivate compassion in your heart, it can

be called Hridaya. Therefore, cultivate the quality of compassion. Whatever

service you undertake with a compassionate heart, it becomes sanctified.

Consider every human being as a living divinity. God is present everywhere.

Forgetting such an omnipresent divinity, we are hankering after petty and

trivial bodily pleasures. The fact, however, is that we can never attain real

happiness with the body. This body has several limitations. With such a body,

you can never attain limitless Ananda. (bliss).

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. Truly speaking, the Indweller who is in

the form of the Atma is verily God Himself.

(Telugu Poem)

You must be able to recognise such a divine Atma. Today, we are worshipping

idols and pictures, thinking that God is somewhere in the outside world. But,

God is very much present in the human being. That is why our ancient Rishis

have proclaimed, Daivam Manusha Rupena (God incarnates in the form of a human

being). Of what use is it to worship unseen God, while at the same time causing

suffering to the living beings around us? Every human being you come across is

an embodiment of divinity. No purpose will be served by worshipping the idols

and pictures, forgetting the living gods in front of us. Therefore, give less

importance to such indirect methods of worshipping God. Consider the human

being standing in front of you as an embodiment of divinity. Even if you come

across your worst enemy, say, 'hello' to him

lovingly. Address him as brother. Then, he will also respond by saying, 'hello

brother'. On the other hand, if you hate him and start scolding him, he will

reciprocate the same thing to you. Respect every individual and you will be

respected. Man, today expects others to respect him; but he will not respect

others. If you do not respect others, how can you expect others to respect you?

Manava (human being) means an individual deserving respect. Since you are born

as a human being, give respect and take respect. This is the quality you have

to cultivate today. When you respect others, others will also respect you. When

you offer your Pranams to somebody, to whom does it go actually? You are not

merely offering Pranams to the physical body consisting of the five elements.

It reaches in fact, the Indweller in that human body who is none other than

God. Now, what is the nature of this body?

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)

What can you achieve by relying on such a body? It is only sin that you

accumulate. You should sustain the body for the purpose of serving others. You

have taken upon this human body only for the purpose of serving your fellow

human beings. Develop firm conviction in that truth. What happiness do you

derive with the body? In fact, nothing. Whatever pleasures you enjoy with the

help of this human body, you will have to leave all those pleasures as well as

the body itself in a trice one day or the other. Should you have to undergo so

many trials and tribulations for the sake of these momentary pleasures? You

have to respect the Jiva in the human body. That is the real Daiva Seva

(service to God). You have to dedicate your body to such service. If you do

that, every minute of your life is fresh and new. Every day

is a festival day. On the other hand, if you undertake service once in a year,

that is not real service. Your deha (body) is Mrinmaya (made up of five

elements). The divinity residing as Indweller therein is Chinmaya

(consciousness). Therefore, rely upon such a divinity and earn salvation.

You all know about Abraham Lincoln. He used to go to school in the company of

wealthy boys, in his childhood. Those boys were wearing costly clothes and

ornaments. Lincoln, however, had to go to school with worn out clothes that

were mended by his mother. One day, his friends made fun of his poor dress. He

could not control himself. He went straight to his mother crying and told her,

"Mother! I will not attend school hereafter. My classmates are making fun of

me. They are looking down upon me as a poor boy unable to wear decent dress."

Then, the mother took him into her arms lovingly and consoled him saying, "My

dear son! You need not have to feel sorry for such a trivial issue. All this is

going to help you in your future life. You keep our family condition in view. Do

not give credence to what others say. Lead

a life of self-confidence and self-respect. Respect every individual and be

respected by every individual." From that day onwards, Lincoln put his mother's

advice into practice and started respecting everybody. He used to be courteous

with even a cobbler saying "Sir! How sacred is your life! You are doing great

service by stitching sandals for us so that our feet are protected from

thorns". Gradually, Abraham Lincoln could command respect from all people by

his good behaviour. He earned a very good name for himself. After sometime,

elections were held in America. His friends and well - wishers to contest the

elections, persuaded him. He expressed his inability saying, "I am a poor man.

Who will vote for me? I do not want these positions and power". Today, Indians

are spending crores of rupees to contest elections, but refuse to part with

even a rupee as alms to a beggar.

The good words taught by Lincoln's mother made a lasting impression on his mind.

He started respecting every individual. He used to speak courteously with

everybody. As a result he earned a very good name for himself. At last, he

bowed to the wishes of his friends and well wishers and contested the

elections. He scored a spectacular victory and was elected the President of the

United States of America. Then, he went to his mother and said "Mother! I am

able to rise to this exalted position and command the respect of the people of

America, because of your noble teachings those days".

It is the mother that is responsible for the children earning reputation and

fame. If children wish to earn good name, they should obey the command of their

mother. That is why, the Veda has conferred the supreme position on the mother

and father and declared Matru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava ( Mother is God,

Father is God) . The mother is like the body and the father, the Atma. Hence,

we have to respect our father and mother. Then, we can earn any amount of

respect. Abraham Lincoln could earn great name and fame and became the

president of America, only on account of his respect for his mother. What do

the children earn today? Nothing. They simply waste the money earned by their

parents. They bring bad name to their parents. This is not what the children

are expected to do. They should properly utilise the

money given by their parents. In fact, every drop of your blood is the

contribution of your parents. You owe your existence in this world to the love

of your parents. Hence, whenever there is a need for blood donation, you should

come forward to donate your blood. Thereby fulfil your obligation to your

parents and society. Do not ever work for your selfish interests. In fact,

selfishness and self-interest are the main causes degrading the human being.

You might have heard about Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of

England. He once declared "man has conquered all, but not conquered himself".

Children should cultivate good habits and good qualities and reach good position

in life. Thus, they should bring good name to their parents. You can earn good

name not by money, but by sterling character. No matter how wealthy a person

is, his reputation will be tarnished if his character is not good. A wealthy

person may be living in great mansions and enjoying the luxuries of life; but,

he will not have peace of mind and happiness. People crave to earn more and

more money. But, of what use is the money they earn? They waste all their money

in worthless things. One has to utilise the money earned by him for undertaking

good and beneficial activities for the society. He should conduct himself with

good behaviour and good habits. Only then, will he have real peace in life.

Embodiments of Love!

Today, everyone is literally crying for Peace. But, what is this Peace? It is in

you itself. You are most sacred souls. Love is within you. Peace is within you.

Unfortunately, today you are losing the peace and happiness that is within you

and craving to earn something in the outside world. You want to earn great

wealth and build big mansions. Devoid of good qualities, all the wealth that

you earn becomes mere waste. Therefore, cultivate good qualities. There can be

no greater wealth in the world than good qualities. The more you spend the good

qualities, the more you accumulate. They will never exhaust.

Embodiments of Divine Atma!

Prepare yourself for sacrifices. You will find eternal bliss only in sacrifice.

One who does not make sacrifice will not find peace anywhere. People of every

country in this world pray for peace chanting 'Santhi, Santhi, Santhi' But do

they get peace? No. They are engulfed in disappointment and despair. Therefore

one should develop faith in the truth that the eternal Lord is always with us.

How can you obtain peace by ignoring the Divinity immanent in you and

worshipping some unseen God?

Embodiments of Love!

Share your education and wealth with your fellow human beings. In fact, God is

the real owner of the wealth acquired by you. The money you earn belongs to

God's Trust. God Himself is the President of the Trust. Keep your trust on God

and make proper utilisation of your money. Do not hanker after money and other

forms of wealth. Constantly contemplate on God. You need not have to go to the

forest or caves in the hills in search of God. He is always with you. Develop

that faith and win over demonic qualities. Today, wherever you see, demonic

qualities and violence are rampant. People do not hesitate to acquire wealth by

sinful ways. What ultimately comes along with you at the time of leaving the

body is the sin or merit you have accumulated and not the wealth you have

acquired. Share at least a morsel of food you

eat, with others. Help yourself and help others. This is the greatest sadhana.

In fact, it is so easy to practise. Leaving aside this simple sadhana and

forgetting the noble quality of love, you are going in search of peace in the

wide world. Is it not foolishness on your part?

Embodiments of Love!

Develop the quality of love. Do not hate anybody. Develop the faith that

whatever happens is for your own good. Whenever you encounter any difficulty or

suffering, you alone are responsible for it. Respect others. That alone will

protect you. On the other hand, if you insult somebody that alone will punish

you. Pleasure or pain, they are the products of your own making. The merit or

sin committed by you will follow you like a shadow. Man today is giving sermons

to others. But he himself is not following his precepts. What values such

teachings will have? All this is mere deception. Whatever teachings you may

read or listen to, can never help you if you do not put them into practice.

Help your fellow human beings at least in a small measure. That alone will help

you. Do not blame others for the difficulties you

face. Do not ever abuse others. Love all. Treat all people as your brothers and

sisters. Cultivate the feeling of brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God.

Embodiments of Love!

The Bharatiyas are really fortunate. They have all facilities. But the quality

of love is missing in them. If only they cultivate love, none can excel them.

Therefore, enhance your honour and prestige by cultivating the quality of love.

Follow the twin principles of Sathya and Dharma with love. Love alone can

protect you.

Embodiments of Love!

What for are you given the hands? Is it for feeding the mouth? No, no. You have

to sing the glory of God with your tongue. The hands are given to you for the

purpose of keeping the beat in accordance with the tune. Bharatiyas are those

who worship God with Bhava (feeling) Raga (the tune) and Thala (the beat). The

syllable 'Bha' also stands for bhakti (devotion) 'Ra' for Raga (tune) and 'Tha'

for Thyaga (sacrifice). You have to sing the glory of the Lord combining these

three aspects. They alone are the real Bharathiyas. Every individual born in

the country of Bharat is sanctified. We do not need heaven. Let's participate

in seva chanting the divine name. There can be no greater wealth than this. Why

should we suffer when we have such a great wealth with us? Consider all your

education and the service you

undertake as God's work. The Gitacharya has given a clarion call, Sarvadharman

Parithyajya Mamekam Saranam Vraja (surrender unto Me all your activities and

seek refuge in Me alone). Hence, dedicate all your activities to God. Only then

will you attain peace in every possible way.

Bhagawan concluded the Discourse with the bhajan, "Prema Muditha Manase Kaho …" 

 

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