UNDERSTAND THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE Swami's discourses on 11th and 13th April,2005

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Swami's discourse on April 11, 2005Of Karma born, in Karma grown, in Karma does

man die. So rules Karma, all stages of human life as though it is the very

deity of human existence. Of joy and sorrow, the master is Karma. (Telugu

Poem)

Of the denizens of creation, human beings are the highest. It is said Jantunam

Nara Janma Durlabham (of all living beings, birth as human is the rarest). It

is the human creation that has caused major changes in the world. Joy does not

exist alone and is entwined with sorrow and vice versa and the human being is

the root cause for both happiness and sorrow.

Embodiments of Love!

Nowadays man is unable to realize his true nature because he is giving

importance to only the physical form. He has lost his reasoning faculty. As he

calls himself a human being, it is his duty to realize the uniqueness of

humanness. A person cannot name himself a human being merely on the basis of

his birth and educational qualifications. Actually, real humanness cannot be

found in academic degrees. Even birds and beasts can be taught certain skills

to perform wonderful feats imitating human beings. It is no credit to a human

being deriving satisfaction simply by empty rhetoric, quoting scriptures and

relating to others.

Real humane-ness consists in practising ideals in one’s life and setting an

example to others. Man has no authority to teach ideals to others without

putting them into practice first. There is immense divine power in human

beings. He is not simply a dehadhari (one who has assumed a human body). He is

endowed with Vijnana (higher wisdom), Prajnana (constant integrated awareness)

and Sujnana (discriminatory knowledge). He is, therefore, expected to canalize

these higher forms of knowledge in the right path.

First and foremost, one has to understand the true meaning of Jnana. Some people

think that knowledge acquired by reading numerous books is Jnana. No, this is

not correct. Real Jnana is the knowledge that emerges from one’s own self and

which is experienced and taught to others. Finally, this would enable the

person concerned to be greatly benefited and enlightened.

One has to realize the importance of the term, “human quality” first. Human

quality emerges from one’s own self. Reading textbooks or listening to others

cannot acquire it.

Embodiments of Love!

You have come all the way from Kerala and assembled here to acquire Jnana and to

know the real meaning of the terms Prajnana, Vijnana, Sujnana. Mere textual

knowledge without practical knowledge becomes ‘allergy’. On the other hand,

when bookish knowledge is transformed into practical knowledge, it becomes

“energy”. If you wish to know what is real knowledge. That which has been

acquired by practice is the real knowledge. That alone would entitle you to the

epithet manavatwa (humane-ness).

Embodiments of Love!

All that we teach to others must be supported by practice. Everything is

reaction, reflection and resound of one’s own inner being. Every word we utter

is the resound of the inner being. Reflection is that which is contemplated

upon, experienced and put into practice. The third aspect, reaction is however,

very important. Reaction comes out of action. Hence our actions must always be

pure and sacred. The three aspects “reaction”, “reflection” and “resound”

occupy a place of prominence in the life of a human being. Whatever man learns

today comes under the category of resound, meaning, they are taught by the

teacher from textbooks. This is bookish knowledge. Resound comes out of

reaction and reaction transforms itself into reflection. The unity of all these

three aspects constitutes humane-ness. Hence, a human being should not waste his

time by empty

rhetoric. Every word he utters must be backed by deep contemplation and

knowledge of its inner meaning. It is only after that he should try to teach

others. Unfortunately, these days mere bookish knowledge is considered as true

knowledge and a lot of time is spent in acquiring it. Real knowledge should

emerge from the mastaka (head and heart). One should, therefore, cleanse one’s

head and heart and remove the impurities therein. Then only, is it possible to

understand things in the right perspective and acquire wisdom.

Exult not on your erudition oh man, without humble prayer and devotion to your

indwelling god, all your learning is just a load in your head.(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

It may be necessary for you to adapt yourself to new techniques and practices

from time to time. At present the world is undergoing phenomenal changes. All

those changes may not be relevant to you. Nevertheless, you are required to

acquire several branches of knowledge in the modern times to cope with the

rapid changes in science and technology taking place all over the world.

However, they do not constitute real Vidya (knowledge). Real education is that

by which one is able to realize one’s own nature. Avidya breeds ignorance.

Hence, one cannot become great by pursuing secular education. One has to make

efforts to distinguish between Vidya and Avidya. Vidya is that by which one can

develop the power of reasoning and discrimination and realize the truth. On the

other hand, Avidya constitutes indiscriminate usage of words and vain

argumentation.

One has to acquire practical knowledge as well, by which one can gain

experience. This experience can be shared with others. Such practical knowledge

and experience confer strength on a person. However, this strength is not to be

construed as mere physical strength. It is like the electrical energy latent in

a wire. Just as there is electrical energy in a live wire, similarly, there is

latent energy in the human body, which manifests in different ways. It can be

harnessed for different purposes like reading, writing, walking, talking, etc.

It has, however, no form. Nevertheless, it travels throughout the body of a

human being from head to toe. By tapping this energy, an ajnani (ignorant

person) can become jnani (one of wisdom).

Embodiments of Love!

You are all students and you continue to be so throughout your life. It is a

mistake to think that you have finished your education and are now engaged in

service activities. You are not servants working under somebody. In fact, you

are leaders. It is a mistake to confer doer-ship on yourselves for any service

activity undertaken by you. This should never happen. In fact, whatever service

activities you are undertaking are for your own upliftment. These service

activities must be undertaken with self-confidence, self-satisfaction,

self-sacrifice, and ultimately for the purpose of self-realization.

Thus, the spirit of service develops from the self. Service is not any way

construed to be helping others. You may think that you are helping others by

joining the Sathya Sai Seva Organisation and undertaking service activities.

This is not correct. Also, you need not seek the help of others in these

service activities. You can depend upon your own innate strength and energy.

The power of your own self will help you in all your endeavours. In fact, you

are the beneficiary of all your service activities and not others. Your own

self will protect you in your endeavours.

Members of the Seva Dal!

You may think that you have come here for undertaking service. This service is

not for others. You are coming here for serving your own self, just as you eat

food for filling your own stomach. Man undertakes every activity for his

self-fulfillment.

There are several things, which you have to learn in these two days. We will

discuss these matters later. Since this is the first day, I spoke to you in

detail so that you may understand the spirit of service. There are several

other things, which you have to learn. What is Seva Dal? Each member of the

Seva Dal is like a Dal (petal) in a beautiful flower. There are several skills

to be learnt by the members of the Seva Dal. If you plant a sapling, it will

grow into a plant in due course and yield beautiful flowers. However, the

sapling by itself is not attractive. When the plant grows and yields flowers,

the beauty of the flowers and fragrance therein will provide joy to one and

all. There are several petals in a flower. The flower appears beautiful as long

as there are petals in it. Once the petals fade and fall down, the flower ceases

to exist. Hence, you

should be like the petals of a beautiful flower. Let everyone experience the

beauty and enjoy the fragrance of the flower in which you are like the petals.

There are several things still to be told to you, which Mukundan will tell you.

Later on, I will provide any clarifications you may require.

LOVE IS GOD, GOD IS LOVE, LIVE IN LOVE

Swami's discourse onApril 13, 2005

God is love and love is God. When you hold on to this principle of love and

develop love-to-love relationship, you will attain the state of non-dualism.

(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments Love!

You have come here with a lot of expectation to take part in the conference.

Though your stay at Prasanthi Nilayam is short, your experiences are profound

and you have described them at length in your speeches. However, you deserve

much more.

The day on which all the devotees gather and sing the glory of God melodiously;

the day on which the sufferings of the poor are lovingly removed and all people

live like brothers and sisters; the day on which groups of Dasas (servants of

God) who constantly contemplate on God are served a sumptuous feast; the day on

which noble souls visit us and narrate the stories of God lovingly; enjoy that

day as the real day. All other days are mere death anniversaries. Do I need to

say more, oh noble souls! (Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

In this conference, you have dealt at length on various aspects such as the

duties and responsibilities of youth and how they should mould their character.

Let all your activities be suffused with love. Modern youth fail to understand

the true meaning of love. Love cannot exist if there is a feeling of duality.

Ekatma-prema (non-dual love) is true love. Give and take relationship does not

reflect the true spirit of love. One should keep giving and giving, without

expecting anything in return. That is true love. To retreat in times of

difficulty is the sign of selfish love.

Yathartha-prema (true love) will reign supreme only when you give up swartha

(selfishness) and strive for parartha (welfare of others). You should know the

difference between padartha (matter) and yathartha (reality). Reality

transcends matter. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is the Brahman).

Consider everything as divine and treat the dualities of life such as pain and

pleasure, loss and gain with equanimity. Sukhadukhe Samekruthwa Labhalabhau

Jayajayau (one should remain unaffected by happiness and sorrow, gain and loss,

victory and defeat). Never be carried away by the vagaries of the mind. When you

follow the mind, you see only matter, but not the reality. Mind is related to

matter. You should not have anything to do with matter. When you associate

yourself with the mind, you can never visualise unity. You cannot develop true

love and devotion

unless you give up duality.

Embodiments of Love!

Understand that the same principle of love exists in you and others. A true

devotee is one who understands the principle of unity and acts accordingly.

Non-dualism is true devotion. Share your love with others without any

expectation. Love everybody only for the sake of love. When you extend your

love to others’, you can attain the state of non-dualism. The love that you

experience at physical and worldly plane day in and day out is not true love at

all! True love is that which is focused on one form, one path and one goal. It

is a great mistake to divide love and divert it in different directions.

Love is God. God is love. Live in love. Only then can you realise the principle

of oneness and attain fulfilment in life. Prema Muditha Manase Kaho Rama Rama

Ram… (Sing the sweet name of Rama with your heart filled with love). You may

choose any name you like, but you should call Him with all love. Love is most

sacred, sweet and non-dual. It is a great mistake to divide such love and

associate it with multiplicity. Your love should remain steady in pleasure and

pain. Love and devotion do not give any scope for differences. All differences

are the making of your mind. Develop the feeling of oneness that you and I are

one. Never think that you and I are different. That is the sign of true

devotion.

The letter ‘I’ stands for oneness. ‘You’ (individual identity) will not exist

when you develop purity and experience oneness with divinity. Hence, give up

dualistic feeling. The principle of oneness has to be experienced through love.

It cannot be explained in words. But you have not understood the true meaning of

love. You are interpreting it in the physical and worldly sense. Consequently,

your love is never steady. It keeps changing every now and then. Love should

not be tainted with body attachment. Body is made up of matter. All that is

related to matter will never give you peace and happiness. Hence, transcend the

matter and see the reality. Develop Ekatma Bhava (feeling of oneness). All are

one, be alike to everyone. It is a big mistake to attribute worldly feelings to

love. There is no scope for dualism in love.

Embodiments of Love!

Your names and forms are different but the principle of love is the same in all

of you. That is why I address you as the “embodiments of love”. Love is always

one; it should not be divided. Consider God as one and love Him wholeheartedly.

Such one-pointed love towards God can be termed as true devotion. Devotees like

Jayadeva, Gauranga and Eknath developed such divine love and sanctified their

lives. Likewise, Mira and Sakhubai had unwavering love and devotion towards

God. They did not worship various names and forms. They followed one path. They

installed one name and one form in their heart and contemplated on their chosen

deity incessantly. Those who are dual-minded and change their path every now

and then are bound to ruin their lives. Hence, never be dual-minded. Experience

divinity with ekatma-bhava. You may choose any name you like Rama, Krishna,

Easwara, etc., and contemplate on the form. You will certainly reach the goal of

life. Lead your life with your mind always focused on the goal.

Once Radha could not find Krishna anywhere. As she was deeply attached to

Krishna’s physical form, she went in search of Him everywhere. She always

yearned and pined for His physical proximity. The name and the form are one and

the same. However, people are unable to enquire deeply and experience such

oneness.

The power of love is unparalleled. It is beyond the ken of human understanding.

Love can be understood only through love. Mira’s husband Rana had built a

mandir for Krishna. Being a great devotee of the Lord, Mira was always found in

the mandir singing His glory ecstatically. Consequently, she earned the wrath of

Rana. He commanded her to leave the mandir. This came as a great shock to Mira.

She thought to herself, “When Krishna is all-pervasive and not confined to this

mandir alone, how can Rana take me away from Him?” She left her home and hearth

and set out to Mathura.

Where is Mathura? It is not some geographical location. The heart suffused with

nectarine love is Mathura. She sang, Chalo Re Man Ganga Yamuna Teer (Oh mind!

Go to the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna). Here Ganga and Yamuna symbolically

mean Ida and Pingala (left and right nostrils). The central part of the

eyebrows where Ida and Pingala meet stands for Mathura. This is the esoteric

meaning of the song. She proceeded towards Mathura chanting the Name of Krishna

incessantly crossing rivers, hills, dales and forests. When she ultimately

reached Brindavan, she found the temple doors closed. In spite of her repeated

prayers, the doors did not open. Then she said, ‘Oh Krishna, my heart is Your

temple. I have installed You in the altar of my heart.’ She banged her head

against the temple door, calling out to Krishna. She had the vision of Krishna

and merged in Him.

King Rana repented for having driven away Mira from the temple. He prayed to

Krishna for forgiveness.

People these days do not enquire into the inner meaning of certain words they

use. They are carried away by the worldly meanings and interpretations. You

should take into consideration the feelings that emerge from your heart, which

is true and eternal. This is how Mira experienced oneness with Krishna. If one

wishes to tread the path of devotion, one should hold on to the principle of

love firmly. Ordinary mortals do not have such firm determination, but a true

devotee will never deviate from the path of love under any circumstances. No

other path except love can take us to God. Develop love more and more. Wherever

you are, love is your sole refuge.

Embodiments of Love!

Fill your hearts with love and let love be the guiding principle in all your

activities when you return home. When you have love in your heart, you do not

need to worry about anything. God will always be with you, in you, around you

and will look after you in all respects. When you say, ‘Krishna, I will follow

You,’ it means that Krishna is separate from you. It is possible that you will

lose your way. Hence, you should pray, ‘Krishna, please be with me always.’ In

fact, He is always in you. When you enquire deeply, you will experience this

truth. It is impossible to be away from Him. Many devotees proclaim, ‘Oh God, I

am in you, I am with you and I am for you.’ They repeat these words like

parrots, but do not say from the depths of their heart. Actually, God is never

separate from you. Pray to Him wholeheartedly with the conviction that He is

always in you,

with you, above you, below you and around you. When you offer such a prayer to

God, He will certainly redeem your life.

We have one more day left. I will explain all these in detail so that you will

understand them better. Do not feel satisfied with what you have experienced so

far. There is much more to be experienced which will fill your heart with bliss.

How can you say that eating a little satisfies your hunger? There is a lot of

scope for you to experience divinity in full measure in the days to come.

With Sai love from Sai brothers - '' Source:

http://www.vedamu.org/forum/DiscourseOnApril11&13.asp;

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