LOVE AND UNITY – YOUR TRUE AND ETERNAL PROPERTY - Swai's Ugadhi Discourse on 9-4-2005

[Guest guest]

Om Sri Sai Ram

LOVE AND UNITY – YOUR TRUE AND ETERNAL PROPERTY

SWAMI’S UGADHI DISCOURSE – 9-4-2005

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 they do not benefit

society? 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 fulfillment

only when we practice human qualities. All the sacred texts such as Upanishads

and Sasthras 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 practice

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 Pooja 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 …”)

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ‘’

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