Self-confidence, Self-realisation, education.

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     Sai Ram

     Humans' worldly life activity and actions is bound by various kinds of

social obligations. For such activity knowledge and education is necessary. 

But it is far not enough of it. There is needed an internal motivation that

gives direction and purpose of any human's worldly activity. By Swami and Vedic

wisdom this internal motivation is the confidence of the Self as Atmic

unity.     If whatsoever humans actions and deeds  (in social, spiritual,

scientific or cultural spheres) proceed from confidence of the Self that they

are in harmony with Atmic unity,  God and therefore they are productive. If all

people of the world will understand and experience it  that there would be no

wars, enmity, cruelty, etc. There would be no danger of ecological destruction

of biosphere as in consequence of consumer society's scientific and

technological activity deprived their roots. Development of humanity and

prevention global social and ecological  accidents can be carried out at

comprehension of confident of the Atmic Self what unite carrier humanity is.

    This basic Truth is one of the root topics of  Swami's Teaching. His

explanations concern to self-confidence, self sacrifice, self-realisation are

in His many Works in various contexts appointed for students and devotees and

seekers on various paths and distances of spiritual development. Swami's

Messages are for all layers of population: be confident of the Atmic nature of

the Self,  know that the initial point (active Divine force) for whatsoever

worldly activity, actions  proceed from this primary point - Self-confident. By

Swami self-realisation (as realisation of the Self in worldly life) is the

outcome from confident of the Self.       All kinds of human activity have they

of a spiritual or a scientific direction proceed from one harmonious vibration

of God  reflected by human consciousness as Self-confidence, alias confidence

of the Self.       (It is a need to note that in some spiritual works of Indian

gurus and philosophers Self-confidence (Atma vishvasa), as opposed to methods of

developing ego-self confidence and there are explanations what is the role of  

'awakened ego-self confidence' used for unselfish deeds and services.  By Vedic

wisdom ('Tat Sat' by K R Paramahamsa) ego, called the Ahamkara, is that quality

which gives a sense of identity to a person. Ego makes possible to know (to be

aware) about one's experiences or thoughts.     For persons being not

philosophers, such explanations are difficult, may be not correctly understand

among international devotees and may be cause discussions about the same things

from different angles, what is on the whole not important, as all are right from

their angles of view).      Therefore the best way to follow the explanation of

Self-confidence and related to it qualities by Swami's Teaching. It is more

clear and proper; an opportunity of error in various expressions there is

absent. 

     Swami does not contradict worldly activity in area of science or education

to spirituality, to the confident of the Self, but explained that this activity

meaningful for service of humanity, when it is based on the root knowledge as

prime base - confidence of the Self what leads through experiences to

self-realization in whatsoever fields of humans actions, thoughts and

deeds.      Below is a collection of Swami's quotations as a some kind

compilation about Self-confidence, self-realization and connected with them

education is presented. The quotations from His works (what have written during

many years) have directed to various audience. Quotations have various spelling

of terms (sometimes Atma is replaced with Aathma, what is the same. Confidence

of the Self has mostly written as self-confidence, etc.). As the collection 

based on quotations, the spelling is not changed.      How clearly one tries to

explain his/her experiences concern to Swami's Teaching, alive speech Swami

through His Works remains more evident simple and quick-witted for all. 

Experiences concerning His Teaching are as subjective reflections of devotees.

Spreading Swami's Teaching and personal experiences connected with His Teaching

is more bright when there is present direct Swami's quotations as carriers of

Divine energy hidden for eyes but possible to feel through heart.       Namaste

- Reet

 

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     "Like food to a starving man, like showers on a parched field, the Vedic

science of spiritual self-discovery is the life-saver for humanity sliding down

to destruction because it has lost its hold on truth, morality, peace and love."

(Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. 7, Chapter 17).              "Man is

an amalgam of body, mind and spirit. The senses of perception and action, which

form components of the body, are busy contacting the objective world. he mind -

consciousness of the various levels, the faculty of reason and the ego -

examines, experiences and judges. It decides after discriminations, which word

or deed will be beneficial, favourable, fruitful and felicitous. It attempts to

separate the good from the bad, ...the true from the false, the permanent from

the momentary. The Spirit or the Self or the Aathma is unaffected, stable and

foundational. Its quality is Sath (is-ness) but it is ever aware, ever chith

(consciousness)."  (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. 17, Chapter

31).       "The first thing you have to do is to develop self-confidence. It is

such people who have no confidence in their own self who begin to wander about

and to waver, and take to various different paths. When you take your body to

different places, and when you go about moving aimlessly, the mind also goes to

different places." (Sathya Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. 13, Chapter 6).       "The

ultimate step of self-realisation depends upon the base of self-confidence.

Without having and developing confidence in your own self, if all the time you

are talking of some power being with someone else... when are you going to

acquire any power and confidence in your own self?" (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. 13, Chapter 6).       "...Each one views the world from one's

particular circumstance, background and experience. The Aathmik Principle is

explained or described in different ways. There is no connection between its

reality and the way it is experienced.     Develop that confidence on the Self.

The Self is not visible even as the foundations of a big mansion are not

visible. But without the foundation the edifice cannot stand. Likewise

self-confidence is the base for  self-satification. The roof of Mansion is

self-sacrifice. Then you have self-realisation." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. 30, Chapter 28).       "All worldly knowledge is concerned with

sustaining life. When knowledge of the Spirit which is the basis of all other

knowledge of the sciences and the arts is acquired, it is easy to get any kind

of knowledge.     Self-confidence today is manifest only in matters relating to

worldly achievements and self-centered pursuits." (Excerpts from: Sathya Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. 19, Chapter 20).     "Through Self-confidence, one can obtain

at first Self-sacrifice and then Self-satisfaction. All this activity together

expresses the state of Self-realization what depends on the base of

Self-confidence - the awareness of the Atmic Self within everywhere whatever

the same and can never be destroyed."      (Compilation from: Discourse of

Sathya Sai Baba during the Summer Course in Spirituality and Indian Culture

"Self-Confidence leads to Self-Realization." May, 1973, Brindavan. 

http://beaskund.helloyou.ws/askbaba/discourses/d1973/d19730500-28.html ).     

"Your journey starts with self-confidence and ends with the realization of the

Self. That Self is you; it is God. This is who you really are.  Self-confidence

is unwavering love for the divinity within.  What will help you to develop this

confidence?  Be equal-minded.  Be satisfied with what you have. Don't hanker

for anything outside. That is a great truth.  Always have complete faith in

God, Who takes care of everything. True greatness can only come from faith."

(Excerpts from Swami's answers to devotees;

http://www.ramalacentre.com/sai_baba_print01b.htm).       "Self-confidence

cannot be purchased or obtained through learning. It is based on deservedness.

To attain deservedness, develop divine thoughts. If you have faith in God, He

will protect you in the face of all adversities. He is always with you, in you,

above you, beside you, around you." (Excerpts of the Divine Discourse: Sathya

Sai Baba "Cultivate Divine Love." 25 Dec 2001, Prasanthi Nilayam).      "First

of all, one should have faith in one's own Self. Develop self-confidence, which

will lead to self-satisfaction. When you have self-satisfaction, you will be

prepared for self-sacrifice. Only through self-sacrifice, can one attain

self-realisation. Self-realisation means to realise that you are everything.

Self-confidence is the foundation, self-satisfaction is the wall,

self-sacrifice is the roof and self-realisation is life. No one can live in a

building without roof. Roof cannot be laid without walls and walls cannot be

raised without foundation. So, self-confidence, self-satisfaction,

self-sacrifice are very essential for self-realisation. Today man has lost

self-confidence. If one loses self-confidence, one loses everything. Only

through self-confidence can one have the vision of the latent divine

effulgence. " (Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "The Life Principles of Man."

9 Oct  2001, Prasanthi Nilayam).

     "The absence of self-confidence marks the beginning of one's decline.

Today, the world is facing ruin and disaster because people have lost

confidence in themselves. Self-confidence alone is capable of granting peace

and prosperity to each person. He receives good everywhere; he is honoured in

all places. Whatever he touches becomes gold. When a person has no faith in

himself, how can he place faith in others? Even when he has such faith, it

cannot be sincere and firm. It is at best artificial and superficial. Such a

person will not have faith in his mother, father, wife and children. He

pretends to believe, that is all. So he behaves treacherously and might even

injure the parents.     So, self-confidence is a must for every student.

Students must study books about persons who stuck to justice and led straight

lives."(Sathya Sai Baba: Vidia Vahini, XVII, p. 62).

 

     "For, loss of confidence in the Atma or Self involves loss of faith in God

Himself. That Omnipresence, that Inner Motivator of all, who is the warp and

woof of our body and mind, our emotions and intellect - strengthening faith in

Him is the only means of realising the highest goal of man. This is the lesson

that Bharathiya spiritual history longs to teach.

     Children of Bharath! Teach your children this life-preserving, glorious and

heart-expanding Truth from the early days of life." (Sathya Sai Baba: Vidia

Vahini. Religion is Experience, p. 28).          "Finally the elephant got

tired and lost all his physical as well as mental strength. He had placed all

his confidence in his physical and mental prowess, but having exhausted all

that, he began praying to the Lord. As long as his vision had been directed to

his body he did not look towards God. As long as he had confidence in his own

bodily and mental strength, the thought of God did not arise and the Lord's

grace did not descend. When the elephant lost his physical and mental power and

turned towards God, immediately Lord Vishnu hurled his sacred discus, and freed

Gajendra from the catastrophe that had overtaken him." (Sai Baba Gita. Turn

Towards God and God will Turn Towards You. XXIX , p. 290).

 

     "It is only when you have developed self-confidence, confidence in the

indwelling atma, that you will be able to develop a strong confidence in the

Lord. If you do not believe in your self, you cannot truly believe in God. For

the body-mind this master is the indweller. He will never leave you. Therefore,

by means of inner inquiry, you should try to discover and recognize this

unchanging indwelling divinity which is your true reality.     Every spiritual

aspirant should take up inner inquiry. In all your spiritual practices that you

engage in, you should spend three fourths of your time on self-inquiry. The most

important reason for all these sorrows you are prone to, is the weakness you

develop because your senses are not under your control. Put your mind on the

right path and develop a firm resolve. You will gain great strength

thereby.     The Gita declared that you should control the senses, not that you

should destroy them. The Gita does not say that you should renounce action, but

that you should renounce the fruit of your action. Therefore, you have to do

your work. Although there is no need for the Lord to perform any particular

work, you will find that he is working all the time.      Perform your work and

use all your senses correctly. Use them within the proper limits for the

purposes for which they were intended. This is the message of the Gita."

(Excerpts from Sai Baba Gita. Worldly Knowledge is Useless without

Self-knowledge. XX, p. 205).      "Far more valuable than the scholarship

gathered from a million books is the grain of wisdom gained through a session

of meditation. That flash (Jnana), however slight, is a precious acquisition.

It is the product of personal Sadhana and indisputable authentic experience. As

one cultivates and develops this grain of wisdom, controversy and criticism will

cease. All arguments will be with one's lower self only until the Truth stands

revealed. Self-confidence is essential for a person to enter on this path of

spiritual practice." (Sathya Sai Baba:  Leela Kaivalya Vahini." Stream of

Cosmic Sport Divine. p.1).

 

     "The main purpose is to help you to cultivate self-knowledge and

self-confidence, so that each one of you can learn self-sacrifice and earn

self-realisation. The teaching of the university curricula and the preparation

for presenting you for the university examinations and the award of university

degrees - these are only the means employed for the end, namely, spiritual

uplift, self-discovery and social service through love and detachment. Our hope

is that by your lives you will be shining examples of spiritual awareness and

its beneficial consequences of the individual and society." (Sathya Sai Baba:

Divine discourse "The Higher Role." 1974, Ananthapur; 

http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1974/d19740800-1.html).

 

     "Virtue can grow only in an atmosphere of theism; you must have faith in

the omnipresence of God, that God is the witness, the guide, and the guardian.

Self-confidence, confidence that you are the pure unlimited self, is the great

reinforcement that religion can endow you with. When you establish this in your

hearts, you can be entrusted with any type of responsibility, and any type of

work." (Sathya Sai Baba: Divine Discourse "Instruments of the Divine Will."

1974, Brindavan;  http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1974/d19740620-1.html).

 

     "It is in this context that it is said that one should essentially have

faith in one's own Atma or have self-confidence. Only when one promotes

self-confidence or confidence in himself will he develop the peace of mind and

will he experience the satisfaction or Ananda of the Atma and then he will

sacrifice everything else. Experiencing Ananda and removal of sorrow are

simultaneous events." (Sathya Sai Baba: Divine Discourse "The Lord is the

Embodyment of Prema and Can be Contacted Only Through Prema." 1974, Brindavan;

http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1974/d19740600-31.html).

 

     "There was once a Guru living in a place and he was communicating wisdom to

people who used to come for his Darshan. Those people who were coming to have

his Darshan used to bring some flowers and fruits in accordance with Indian

traditions. One day, as the offerings were plenty in the form of fruit, he

called a disciple and asked him to cut the fruit and arrange for its

distribution as Prasad. The disciple cut the fruit and reported to the Guru

that all was ready for distribution and asked him as to who should be given the

first fruit. The Guru asked him to start with the person in whom he had the

greatest faith and the highest confidence. All the people assembled there

thought that the disciple would first give the fruit to the teacher and then

distribute to the others. But the disciple did not do so. He took the first

fruit himself. When the surprised onlookers asked for an explanation, he said

that since he had the greatest confidence and affection for himself, he took

the first fruit. This demonstrates that he had indeed, confidence in himself

and that he truly loved himself.     When we look at this story in its external

aspects, it may look as if the disciple had no faith in the Guru but we should

realise that he acted in this manner because of supreme confidence in himself.

Therefore, if one does not touch the feet of God, does not go to a temple or

does not go on a pilgrimage, we should not conclude that he has no faith in

himself. Confidence in one's self is something which can only be experienced

and cannot be exhibited." (Excerpts from Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "The

Ladder that Enables an Ignorant Person to Become a Liberated Soul." 1973,

Brindavan; http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1973/d19730500-3.html).

 

    "There are two things which are important for man's life. One is confidence

in one's own self and the other is cleansing one's own mind. Man cannot live by

himself in isolation. The entire world depends upon the social structure and on

the manner in which individuals are knit together into a society." (Excerpts

from Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "The Company of Good People." 1973,

Brindavan;  http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1973/d19730500-5.html).     

"Sanctify all the limbs of the body in selfless activities. But it is not that

easy to practice. There is always some self-interest in whatever man does.

Self-interest is also necessary, but it should be within certain limits." 

(Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "The Life Principles of Man." 9 Oct  2001,

Prasanthi Nilayam).

 

      "Life is not a one way traffic. You should conduct yourself in such a way

that you give happiness to others and then ask others to give happiness to

you.  Man cannot live in isolation like a drop of oil put on the surface of a

sheet of water. The happiness of the individual is intimately connected with

the happiness of the society. The prosperity of the society itself is

intimately connected with the happiness of the world. Our educational methods

should include spiritual, religious, ethical and moral aspects.  Every youth

must make an effort to generate confidence in himself and he can then enjoy

happiness and bliss." (Excerpts from Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "Opening

Address to the Students."1973, Brindavan; 

http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1973/d19730500-1.html).       "Every thinking

individual concerned with education is today faced with a large number of

problems; problems that have been agitating the minds of students and of

teachers. It is the duty of everyone to see that these problems are solved and

the right solutions are put into the hearts of young people, and thereby infuse

a sense of the Divine in their minds. Because good qualities like sacrifice,

forbearance, truth and love have been somewhat pushed to the background, the

society is suffering from various ills. It is the sacred duty of good education

not only to rectify such ills and give proper shape and form to society, but

also to rid the minds and hearts of people as well of all evils. In our

educational methods of today, we are attaching great importance to giving

voluminous books and the information contained in these voluminous books to the

students. We are not making an effort to improve the ideas and ideologies of the

students.      The first thing to have is self-confidence, after which alone you

will get self-satisfaction. Once you have got self-satisfaction, then you must

acquire the virtue of self-sacrifice and after self-sacrifice alone, you come

to self-realisation. Thus to achieve self-realisation, self-confidence is the

most important thing. In all these four attributes, namely, self-confidence,

self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice and self-realisation, the one common word is

self." (Excerpts from Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "Exhortation to

Students." 1972, Brindavan;

http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1972/d19720500-2.html).         "When you

recognise Me as the dweller in your heart… you will walk on the path of

self-knowledge, self-confidence, self-satisfaction and self-realisation."

(Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "Thirst and Quest." 1971, Dharmakshethra;  

http://askbaba.net/discourses/d1971/d19710107-2.html).

 

    "No doubt, worldly education is also essential... but it cannot impart true

wisdom. Only Atma Vidya (knowledge of the Self) can grant you everlasting

happiness. However, secular education is also essential to take care of your

physical needs. You should not give it up altogether. Worldly education is

Negative and spiritual education is Positive. Both are essential for happiness

here and hereafter." (Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "Concentration the mind

on the Divine is real Sadhana." 19 Feb 2004, Prasanthi Nilayam).      

"Education is not an exercise. Neither is it meant to make a living. It is for

the purpose of achieving the goal of life. It is said, "Secular education is

for happiness in the mundane world and spiritual education is for happiness in

the other world." In order to acquire spiritual education, one must spend some

time in enquiry. Spiritual knowledge cannot be acquired with secular

education."     Today, scientific knowledge is considered to be great. How did

science acquire this greatness? Science deals with the physical aspect of the

universe. It strives to explore the secrets of the universe, and not beyond.

But, there is a knowledge beyond this which forms the basis for its creation,

existence and dissolution. That is spirituality. Without that spiritual basis,

science has no effect.      I have often quoted the example of Abhraham

Lincoln, the late President of America. In his childhood days, Lincoln did not

have enough money to prosecute his studies. He was so poor that he used to sit

under the streetlight in the bazaar and read. He used to borrow books from his

classmates and read them during night times and return them the next morning.

One day, his friends made fun of him saying how could this beggar pursue his

education. Lincoln felt very sad and humiliated. He came home, crying. His

mother tried to comfort him with soothing words. She enquired: "My dear son!

Why are you crying? What is the reason?" He replied: "Mother! I don't have any

money even to drink a cup of tea. I realise the situation in our house. I am

aware that you and father cannot afford spending money on my education." Thus,

Lincoln struggled hard in his childhood days and studied well, with

self-confidence and self-respect, with the moral support extended by his

mother. He did not hesitate to supplement the family income by doing some

painting work and boot polishing. Nevertheless, throughout his educational

career, he sustained his self-respect. By doing so, he earned a good name in

society. In the meanwhile, he could secure a small job. With the meagre income

from that job, he used to support his father and mother. The good name he

earned in the society commanded their respect and love for him. In due course,

elections came. His well-wishers and supporters advised him to contest in the

elections. They assured him of their support and votes. On their advice, he

contested in the elections and got himself elected to the position of the

President of America. How could a poor carpenter's son with no money even to

pursue primary education, become the President of the United States of America?

It is only because of the self-respect and self-confidence, he assiduously

cultivated right from his childhood. Therefore, Dear Students! Do not ever give

up self-respect, wherever you are and whichever circumstances you are placed

in.    Humility is the hallmark of education. Give up ego and serve society

with Self-confidence." (Excerpts from the Divine Discourse by Sathya Sai Baba

on Convocation. 22 Nov 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam).      "Today, the education

being pursued by you is only secular (i.e., value neutral). Mere secular

education is not enough. It must be supplemented by spiritual education.

Secular education is for making a living, whereas spiritual education is for

reaching the goal of life. Therefore, it is the duty of students as well as

educators to harmonise the secular education with spiritual education. Today,

the world has recognised the importance of harmonious relationship between

secular and spiritual education.     Modern studies in institutions is referred

to as education. But, spiritual education that has its effect on one's heart, is

'educare'. 'Educare' means bringing out the latent divinity in a human being and

establish it as an ideal to the whole world. Modern education ends with mere

bookish knowledge. This is confined to what is contained in the books. Educare,

however, is not related to the books. It is related to teaching about the source

of all knowledge, that is latent in the heart of a human being. Therefore,

underlying such type of education is the prime necessity, today.      A

harmonious blend of secular and spiritual education is ideally suited to the

present-day world. One is an inner awakening and the other is an external

teaching. Secular teachings are related to the physical world. They are the

negative aspect; whereas teachings related to the inner awakening are positive.

     Education without knowledge is useless and knowledge without education is

foolishness.     There is a vast difference between modern education and

ancient wisdom. The time in which you are pursuing your education may be

modern, but your behaviour should always be in accordance with the ancient

wisdom. Only then will your education command respect.      Modern science is,

of course, great. But, your senses are at a low level. Along with science, the

senses must also be raised to a higher level. Today, we are leading a high

level life, keeping our senses at low level. This should not be what is meant

by 'educare'. Educare is bringing out the latent divinity in a human being.

Whatever words you speak, you must watch whether they are the result of your

education or educare.      Science starts with an enquiry. "What is this? What

is this? On the other hand, spirituality begins its quest with the enquiry

"What is that? What is that?" The enquiry "What is this?" indicates nearness,

nearness to the senses. This is science. In contrast to this, the enquiry "What

is that?" indicates distance, i.e., distance from senses. That is spirituality."

 (Excerpts from the Divine Discourse: Sathya Sai Baba "Character - True End of

Education." 20 Nov 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam).

 

       "Self-confidence is helpful to secure advancement of the individual, but

it is not enough to promote the welfare of the society or the world. Everyone

should realise that he is born to discharge various obligations and not to

enjoy rewards for unrendered services.     Education is not solely for a

living. Essentially it is a process of Self-realisation. Without understanding

his own Self, how can  one understand the world or achieve anything worthwhile?

What is the value of scientific knowledge without wisdom?" (Excerpts from:

Sathya Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. 30, Chapter 1).   

     "Where there is confidence, 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."      (Sanathana

Sarathi. June 2003. P. 171).