Humble tribute to the life of Easwaramma

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HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF EASWARAMMA

6 May 1993 Occasion: Eswaramma Day - Place: Brindavan

WHAT GREAT MOTHERS MEAN TO THE NATION

The father, to teach the child the truth,May chide, reprove or beat.The mother

may pinch the cheekTo make the child drink the milk.Forget not at any timeThese

marks of paternal Love.Doing good deeds, one will never reap bad

results;Wickedness will never yield good fruits;Will the neem seed produce

mango fruitsOr the mango seed yield neem fruits?

Embodiments of Love!

The earth is one. But, if you sow neem seeds, you will get only bitter fruits.

If you plant sweet mango seeds, you will get sweet mangoes. The earth makes no

difference between them. Only the differences in the seeds account for the

differences among the fruits. Likewise, the womb of a mother is like the womb

of Mother Earth. The thought which prevails at the time of conception results

in the kind of child that is born. If the parents desire to have virtuous,

exemplary and noble children, they have to observe righteous practices and lead

virtuous lives.

Mothers should possess good qualities

It was because Aryamba was a devoted and pious woman and observed sacred

practices that the great world-teacher, Aadhi Shankaraachaarya was born to her.

For Vivekaanandha to achieve world-wide renown, his mother's sacred life was

responsible. Raamakrishna Paramahamsa was able to preach the sacred doctrine of

love to the world and achieve greatness because of his mother's good qualities.

Gaandhi earned the appellation of "Mahaathma" because of the sacred "Kokila

Vratha" observed by his mother. Gaandhi's mother used to observe everyday a vow

ritual known as "Kokila Vratha". As soon as she completed the ritual, she would

wait for the call of the KokiIa (the Indian cuckoo) to have her breakfast.

However, on one day she waited for a long time, without taking food, for the

call of the cuckoo. Noticing this, the young Gaandhi went out of the house,

imitated the cooing of the cuckoo and then told his mother, "Now that the

cuckoo has made its call, please, mother, take your food." Unable to contain

her grief, the mother slapped on the cheeks of Gaandhi and wailed: "What sin

have I committed that such a liar should be born to me! What a great sinner am

I to have begotten such a wicked liar as son, Oh Lord!" She was shedding tears

as she spoke. Deeply moved by his mothers words, Gaandhi made a promise to her

"In my life, henceforth, I will not utter

falsehood."

In those days, the mothers used to watch the behavior of their children and

strove to keep them on the right path. Gaandhi became a 'Mahaathma' because of

the severe punishment meted out to him by his mother.

Gaandhi's mother Putlibai, had a maid called Rambha. One day Gaandhi came

running to her saying: "I am afraid, I am afraid!" Rambha was a worthy maid of

Putlibai. She told the young fear-stricken lad: "Don't have any fear. Whenever

you feel afraid, repeat the name, 'Raam, Raam,' and your fear will leave you."

That teaching was remembered by Gaandhi all his life and he died with the name

of Raama on his lips.

As is the seed, so is the plant

Mothers of those days led a pure and pious life, cherishing sacred thoughts,

fostering virtues and setting an example to the world. Parents today get up

from their beds quarrelling with each other. When the parents wake up hurling

abuses at each other, the children wake up leveling blows at each other. As is

the seed, so is the plant. Parents today should ponder over the sacred ideas

cherished by parents in the olden days. For all the bad ways followed by youth

today, for all their wayward behavior and bad conduct, the parents are to

blame. If the mothers are good, there will be no room for bad behavior by the

children. Although parents may appear innocuous like fig fruits, they are

responsible for the misbehavior of their children, like the worms inside the

fruits.

Will of the Divine in shaping the children

However, in some cases, through the grace and intervention of the Divine, some

children are rescued from going astray and are guided on the right path despite

the desires of their parents. For instance, King Shuddhodhana adopted many

methods to prevent his son Siddhaartha (who became The Buddha) taking to the

path of Vairaagya (renunciation). But he could not prevent it. This is due to

the Will of the Divine. It is only when human effort and Divine Will are in

unison that the great consummation takes place.

Ranthideva declared, "Jeevanam Sarva-bhuutheshu." He proclaimed the truth that

he who regards food as the primary thing in life is ignorant, while the wise

one is he who regards the Spirit as primary. How many of those who have plenty

of food taken to wrong ways? Even with abundance of food, lacking the spiritual

urge, these men have become destitute. Food may sustain the body, but it will

not nourish the soul.

Chaithanya, the son of Satheedhevi, once went to Puri and had dharshan of Lord

Jagannaath. He worshipped Jagannaath with these words: "Oh Lord! You are not

merely the Lord of the earth. You are the Lord of the Universe! You are the

Lord of Life! You are the Lord of Love! Svaami! I do not need wealth or

vehicles. Even less do I seek devotion, wisdom or renunciation. I do not aspire

for worldly pleasures or possessions. It is enough if I am endowed with the love

to love you. If I have that love, all other things will come of their own

accord. The only thing I seek is love towards you. Grant me this boon."

Young people do not realize that there is this Divine spirit in human beings.

They consider human existence as nothing more than living like birds and

beasts. This they consider as the primary purpose of life. This is wrong. They

should realize that beyond the Annamaya, Praanamaya, Manomaya and Vijnaanamaya

koshas (the physical, the vital, the mental and the supramental sheaths

associated with the body), there is the Aanandhamaya Kosha (the Sheath of

Supreme Bliss). When do you attain this Bliss?

The real meaning of Mahaaraaja

He is not a great ruler who possesses all kinds of wealth. The real Mahaaraaja

(great ruler) is one who has surrendered everything to the Divine. He is a

thyaagi (renunciant), he is a yogi (one who is in communion with the Divine).

It is for this reason that in Uttar Pradesh, whatever sacred shrine you visit,

you will find pilgrims greeting the saadhus and ascetics as Maharaaj. They are

hailed as Maharaaj because they have renounced everything, taken refuge in the

Lord, sought to merge in the Lord and practiced spiritual disciplines for this

purpose.

Chaithanya declared: "My property is not 'Shri' but Hari. I value not Lakshmi

(the Goddess of Wealth), but the Lord of Lakshmi (Vishnu)." If you aspire for

the Lord, you will not suffer from any want. There is no greater wealth than

love of the Lord.

What gift is greater than the gift of food?Is there a greater deity than one's

parents?What virtue is greater than compassion?What is more valuable than good

company?Is there a worse enemy than anger?Is any disease worse than debt?Can

any death be worse than infamy?What can be grater than a good name?What wealth

is greater than God's love?

It is to acquire this supreme wealth that man has taken birth on earth.

There have been many mothers in the world who have sought, by their strenuous

endeavors, noble thoughts and sacred practices, to bring up their children in

the path of righteousness. In the city of Calcutta, there lived a mother and

his son. For the education of the son, the mother made many a sacrifice. She,

however, impressed on the son one lesson: "Dear son, do not be concerned about

worldly education. The foolish ones acquire all kinds of scholarship, but have

no understanding of what they are. By study alone, a man does not get rid of

his lowly ways. Through scholarship, one learns only to engage himself in

controversy but does not acquire complete wisdom. Why pursue studies which end

up only in death? One should study that which frees him from death. Only

spiritual knowledge can lead to immortality. It is enduring. Worldly knowledge

is temporary. For earning one's livelihood, worldly education is necessary. But

this education should be acquired only to lead

an independent life, with limited desires. Therefore, dear son, while pursuing

studies, embark also on the spiritual quest."

Human life should be used for service

Prahlaadha told his father that he had learnt the essence of all education,

namely, to adore the name of Naaraayana. For the realization of the four

Purushaarthas, there is no need for any education. Maithreyee told King Janaka

that there was no purpose in having a human birth, only to lead a sensuous life

like that of birds and beasts. Human life should be utilized for service and

sacrifice. The mother taught her son in this manner the true aim of education.

The boy completed his education and took up a small job. One day, in that

village, there was a folk festival (Jaathra). The womenfolk of the village

donned their best clothes and jewelry to attend the festival. The mother also

went with tattered clothes. The son could not bear to see that sight. He said,

"Mother, you have no good clothes or any jewelry. I am distressed to see you

like this. Please let me know what ornaments you wish to have, mother!" The

mother replied: "This is not the right time. I shall let you know at the proper

time."

The three ornaments sought by the mother

Thanks to the good behavior and diligence of the lad, he rose to higher

positions in service. Once again, he returned to his mother and asked what

ornament she desired. "I shall get them as far as I can," he said. The mother

told him that she wished three ornaments, but she would disclose what they were

later on.

The son in the course of years reached a very high position. Once again he

entreated: "Mother, I have now some money. Please let me know what jewels you

would like. I shall get them for you." The mother said "Dear son! I am now not

in a state when I can wear jewels. However, there are some ornaments in which I

am interested and I shall tell you what they are."

Drawing the son nearer to her, she said, "In our small village, I am grieved to

find that the children have to go to distant places for education. My first

ornament I desire is that you should set up a primary school in the village.

Secondly, our people have no facilities for medical relief even for small

ailments. I spend sleepless nights thinking about their plight. If you set up a

small hospital for the village folk, that will be your second ornament for me.

The third ornament is something which you have to do by yourself. In the days

to come, your reputation may grow. If anybody asks "who is your mother?," you

may mention my name. Your conduct must be such that you will uphold your

mother's name. You must share with others the benefits of the education you

have received. Do not go after wealth. The worshipper of Mammon will not yearn

for God. The seeker of God will not seek for wealth. Observance of this is the

third ornament I desire from

you."

The young man who heard these words from his mother and later became famous and

earned the people's esteem was none other than Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyaasaagar.

He earned a great name in Calcutta.

The hall-mark of education is humility

Once he was proceeding to a neighboring village to deliver an address. People

used to gather tin large numbers to listen to his lecture. A young officer, who

wanted to listen to Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyasaagar's lecture, got down from a

train with a suitcase to go to the lecture-hall. Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyaasaagar

also get down from the same train. The young officer was calling for a porter to

carry his suitcase. Eeshvar Chandhra went to him and said, "Why do you need a

cooly to carry this small suitcase? Can't you carry it yourself and save the

money?" He replied. "It is not in keeping with my dignity to carry my suitcase.

I am an educated person." Eeshvar Chandhra told him: "The hall-mark of education

is humility, not pride. If you cannot carry your own bag, how are you carrying

your body? If, however, you cannot carry your bag, I shall do so." And Eeshvar

Chandhra carried the officer's bag. He acted on the motto: "Plain living and

high thinking." Eeshvar

Chandhra left the bag where the officer got off. The young man wanted to offer

money to his "Porter". Eeshvar Chandhra told him. "To serve you is my reward."

The young officer left and was later proceeding to the venue of the meeting.

There people were offering garlands to Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyaasaagar to

welcome him to the meeting. The young officer realized that the man who had

offered to carry his bag at the station was none other than the respected

lecturer of that evening, Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyaasaagar He felt ashamed that

he had made such a great man carry his bag. He reflected: "What is his

education and what is mine? I have behaved like a little monkey. I am like a

glow-worm before the Sun."

The joy of the mother

Eeshvar Chandra's mother shed tears of joy when she realized the great fame her

son had achieved. "Having begotten such a son, my life has been redeemed. It

does not matter what happens to me hereafter," she said to herself. That is

why, the saying goes: "The father does not rejoice merely at the moment of a

son's birth." These days, the petty-minded people celebrate the birth of a son

with the distribution of sweets, etc. This is not a sign of wisdom. It is said:

"The father rejoices when people praise his son for his great qualities." The

father may feel that a son has been really born to him when he hears the

praises of his son for his character and good qualities.

The Kali age has become the Kalaha age

In this manner, from ancient times the relations between mother and children

have been hallowed as a result of the purity, the virtue and the integrity of

the children. The relationship was full of love, mutual esteem, intense

devotion and nectarine sweetness. The children had deep love for the mother.

Today the children have no respect for the mother. Mothers have also little

concern for the children. With the result, the Kali age has become Kalaha

age--the age of discord.

Who are responsible for this situation? The mothers are the root cause. It is

because of the pampering of the children in all sorts of ways by the mothers

that the children tend to go astray.

After the Burma war (in the Forties), a mother and her son came to Madras as

refugees. This son used to go out begging for food and bring it home for both

of them to eat. Seeing the pathetic condition of the young one, the mother said

that from the next day she herself would go out for getting food, leaving the

boy in the shed. Moreover no mother would like to see her son going out as a

beggar. For this reason also she decided to go out herself. For some days she

went out begging, but could manage to get only a small amount of food. She gave

the food to the child and starved herself, but told him that she had already

eaten. After some time the woman was too weak to go out begging. The son

started going out to beg for food and kept feeding his mother. Her condition

deteriorated from day to-day). She could not bear the pangs of hunger. The son

went out and begged for food at an officer's residence. The officer, who was

glancing through the day's newspaper, heard the

boy's cry for food to appease his hunger. The Officer brought some food and gave

it to the boy and asked him to eat it in his presence.

The boy said he would not eat there, but take the food home. The Officer

questioned him why he would not eat there when he was hungry. "You are not

really hungry. You are lying," shouted the officer The boy was too weak to

stand and dropped down at the feet of the officer with the food in his hands.

The officer noticed that the boy was muttering some words to himself. He went

close to the boy's mouth and heard him say: "First for mother, first for

mother." Saying those words, the boy passed away.

Children should abide by mother's injunctions

What an example is this of the love of a mother and the devotion of a son. Even

though he was hungry, he wanted to give the food first to his mother. Does this

kind of feeling exist even a little among students today? Of what use is

education or office, wealth or authority? Children who have no love for their

mothers have no reason to live at all.

We must have children who revere the mother as God. Abiding by the mother's

injunctions, you may do anything.

Bhaarath has become a prey to numerous troubles because of the lack of exemplary

mothers. What is it the mothers ask for today? Not compassion, good character,

integrity and such virtues. They want their children to get educated, secure a

big job, marry a wealthy girl and lead a comfortable life. Is it this kind of

animal existence that one should seek? "Earn a good name. Become an ideal son.

Use your wealth in righteous ways. Develop compassion. Lead a just and moral

life." This is what mothers should impress on their children. Such high-minded

mothers have become rare these days. Integrity and morality are going down day

be day in the country.

Nation needs mothers who lead an exemplary life

The nation needs noble mothers who lead an exemplary life. They should manifest

in their life the great culture of Bhaarath. Then, the culture will be

transmitted to their progeny. Many great men in the past brought up such worthy

children and enhanced the name and glory of Bhaarath. Today the children are

being spoilt only by the parents. If the children are brought up on right lines

from childhood, they will grow up properly. The fathers today are behaving like

Dhritharaashtra (the father of the wicked Kauravas). The mothers today are

behaving like Kalakanthi (the woman who had Chandhramathi's son bitten by a

serpent). The fathers, instead of chastising children who take to wrong ways,

pamper them and encourage them. Children who misbehave should be severely dealt

with. Youth today are forgetting God, reveling in sensual pleasures and ruining

their lives. They have no reverence for the mother or the Motherland.

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After the war in Lanka, when Raama was entreated by Vibheeshana and others to

crown himself as ruler of Lanka, Raama told them that the mother and the

Motherland were greater than Heaven itself and nothing on earth would tempt him

to give up his love for Ayodhya. How many today are observing the great

teachings of Raama regarding love of the Motherland? There are today many sorts

who will deprive their mothers of their earnings and spend the money for their

own pleasure Are such sons human beings? They are not human at all. Their

education is a waste. Of what use are they to the nation?

Develop healthy patriotism

Students today should develop a healthy patriotism. They must honor their

mothers. Only then will they be ideal men. Today corruption and dishonesty are

more rampant in cities with universities, high courts and all other

paraphernalia than in forest areas where illiterate tribal people live. There

is greater co-operative spirit among the hill tribes than among the denizens of

metropolises.

The spirit of sacrifice should grow among students. They should develop a broad outlook.

Once Raama told Seetha, while they were staying on the Chithrakootha mountain,

that as few could comprehend the subtle principle of Divinity people should

adore their parents as the visible embodiments of God.

Only when there are good mothers and good sons will the nation be free from

troubles. Otherwise, the nation will break into pieces. This is the lesson of

the Mahaabhaaratha where the wicked Kauravas brought ruin upon their entire

clan by their evil ways.

What the nation needs today is not material prosperity or high education. It

needs men and women of character.

The people should develop faith in God, have concern for the good name of

society, cherish fear of sin and dedicate themselves to Godly activities. Then

the nation will enjoy peace and security.

Every mother should be regarded as an embodiment of the divine. Then every son

will enjoy peace and prosperity.

6 May 1987 Occasion : Eswaramma Day Place: Brindavan

FROM THE MOTHER TO MOKSHA

We hear in common parlance the terms mother, father, preceptor and God being

used in that order. This has a significance of its own. It is the mother that a

child sees as soon as it is born. The mother shows the child to the father. The

father leads him to the preceptor and the preceptor leads him to God. Everyone

should understand the inner significance of the four terms.We hear from

spiritual aspirants the four terms: Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (wisdom), Vairagya

(renunciation), and Tatwam (reality) in the same order. There is a significance

in the order in which these terms are mentioned. Devotion awakens wisdom,

wisdom promotes renunciation and renunciation confers the knowledge of Reality.

We can reach the mansion of Mukti (liberation) if we walk on the stepping stones

of, devotion, wisdom, renunciation and the knowledge of Reality.The Bhagavatam

in its

very title testifies to this truth. The term Bhagavatamu in Telugu is made up of

five letters: Bha, ga, va, ta, mu. Here Bha signifies Bhakti (devotion): ga

signifies Jnana (wisdom): va signifies Vairagya (renunciation): ta signifies

Tatva (the knowledge of Reality): and mu signifies Mukti (Liberation). The

Bhagavatha bestows on us liberation by leading us through Devotion to Wisdom,

Renunciation and the knowledge of Reality. Prahlada has given us a

dhvaadashaakshara mantra, a twelve lettered holy formula: "Throva vedhuku

konuta dodda buddhi." This consists of twelve letters in Telugu. It means that

the highest intelligence consists in finding the way. What is the way to be

sought? It is the way to Divinity. How is it to be found? It is by knowing the

source from which you have come from the Divine and you have to go back to the

Divine.From God to GodThe tenth stanza in the fourteenth chapter of the Bhagvad

Gita reveals that we have come

from God. The Lord's utterance is: "Mamaivaamso Jeeva Loke Jeeva Bhuthah

Sanatanah." This means: "You are an aspect of Me. You are not an aspect of

Nature and its five elements. Since you are an aspect of Mine, there is no

peace and joy for you till you reach and merge in Me." Just as a child cannot

be without the mother, as a river must seek the ocean from which it has come,

as the branch of a tree cannot survive separation from the tree, and as a fish

cannot live outside its sustaining element water, so also man, who has come

from God, cannot have real happiness until he returns to God.One devotee sang

in Kannada language thus: "Having forgotten You, I have come to this world.

Leaving the Eternal that You are, I have plunged into this transient, temporary

world. What joy can I reap in this clod of earth, as all joys are in You alone?"

We are born in this world because we have forgotten God. We have to find our way

back to God, our destination, retracing the steps by which

we have come. "All living beings have to go back to the source from which they

came into existence", says the Bhagavata. It is our misfortune that we have

forgotten this vital message today. To remember the source from which we came

is the essential spiritual endeavor that every man should make.Man should not

be content to live like animalsMan who came to this earth in quest of the Atma

(Divine Self) is wasting away his time in the frivolous pursuit of anna

(material things). Animals are always busy seeking food. Man, who is endowed

with intelligence should not be content to remain like animals. He should

strive to reach Reality. Food, sleep, fear and mating are common to both birds

and beasts. Man's life today is largely confined to these four things. Birth,

as a human being should be used to realizing the Divinity within and not in

frittering it away in sensual pursuits. Chaitanya declared: "We have installed

today on the throne of our

heart vicious thoughts and feelings, instead of making it the seat of the

Lord."Samsara and SamskaraIt is obvious that most of us have to lead a normal

family life, but it is not the life in which you should be wholly immersed. It

is not Samsara (family) that follows us all through. It is the Samskara, the

purity that you have achieved, that stands by you in afterlife. Some elders

come to Swami and pray to Him to show them the way of God. What is the way? The

way is journeying back to the place from which we have come. Suppose you go to a

town and stay there in a hotel for a few days, you have to come back after

finishing your work in town. You cannot live in the hotel forever, mistaking it

to be your home.The phenomenal world is like a hotel to which we have come to

experience the consequences of our actions in the past. The body is a room in

the hotel in which we have to undergo the Karmic consequences. Our time and

body should be

used for carrying out the mission on which we have come. We are engaged in

accumulating wealth, gold and other material possessions. It is true that we

need money to lead our life in this world. But there should be a limit to the

acquisition of these worldly objects. True welfare and happiness cannot be

achieved without observing limits in life. An uncontrolled life reduces man to

the level of the animal.Forgetting the primary goal of life men are wasting

their time. Time is precious. Death is dangling its sword over every head. Our

life span is fast diminishing like water leaking through a broken pot, or a

melting block of ice. Death overtakes many even before they realize their

mission in life.The body is made up of five elements!It has to fall one day.The

Dweller in the body is eternal.Free yourself from the delusion of birth and

death.The Dweller is indeed Divinity.This is the truth that all have to

realize. Fulfillment in life cannot be

found by indulging in eating and drinking.The main message of the Bhagavatha is

devotion. The mother is the symbol for Bhakti (devotion). Father is the symbol

for Jnana (wisdom). The preceptor is the symbol for Vairagya (renunciation).

God is the very embodiment of Atmic knowledge. We can reach the Moksha (mansion

of Liberation) only by ascending the four steps to Divinity.Mother comes

firstLove for mother has to be fostered by everyone. Today this love is

prompted by more greed--desire for wealth and greed-- than by spontaneous

affection for mother. Barely one in a million realizes that he owes food, blood

and life itself to the mother. Wherever she may be, a mother is verily divine.

It is said: Matru Devobhava; Pitru Devobhava; Acharya Devobhava; Athithi

Devobhava. (Regard the mother as God, the father as God, the preceptor as God

and the guest as God). The mother stands foremost among these four. She is

indeed the first teacher

for everyone. It is only the mother who strives most for securing the well being

of the child by showering on him boundless affection and love and showing him

the father. Children today do not care to heed their mother's commands, but

they hanker after their mother's wealth. What is the use of having children of

this kind? They are a curse on the womb that bore them."Of what use is a son

who does not lift both his hands in prayer to the Lord, who does not proclaim

the Lord's name with his mouth till it aches and who does not cherish the Lord

in his heart? He is a disgrace to the woman that bore him." So says the

Bhagavatha. This single verse says all that is essential regarding devotion,

action, spiritual wisdom and renunciation. What are the duties of the hand and

the tongue for a true devotee? God has given each man a single stomach but two

hands to work with. If he works hard enough with both hands, he need not

starve. There is no dearth of food. One who does not use his

hands properly, has no right to subsist on others. The Vedas have enjoined the

supremacy of Karma (sacred action).Make the tongue holyThe tongue should be

employed for doing sacred functions. One should speak sweet and sacred things

and should not cause pain and hurt to others by his speech. It is a sin to

abuse others. The Lord resides in everyone. The person who abuses others is in

fact abusing the Lord Himself.In an exhortation to the tongue, Jayadeva said:

"Jihve, rasajne, madhura-priyatvam, satyam-hitam tvam, paramam vada

madhura-akshharaani, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava." ("O sacred tongue, you know

what is sweet, truthful and beneficent. Utter, then, the supremely sweet words:

Govinda, Damodara, Madhava"). The tongue experiences sorrow or suffering in its

own home without straying into the homes of others. It discretely decides

beforehand whether an edible should be eaten or not. If it is sweet, it shows

its consent by sending

it down for digestion. But if it is bitter it spits it out. If the tongue is

properly used, it can be the means by which we can attain Godhood itself.Let

the name of the Lord dance on our tongue, since remembrance of the Name is the

easiest path to liberation in the Kali Age. We should use the tongue for

uttering sweet and truthful words. This sacred instrument is often misused. The

sins that the tongue commits are four: lying, backbiting, invecting and

loquacity. Tile tongue becomes sanctified if it refrains from indulging in

these four sins.Example of Pundarika in serving the parentsEveryone should

treasure in his heart love for his mother, who has borne him, reared him with

love and fostered him with care. The person who forfeits his mother's love will

not earn any one's love.Pundarika was the one who was devoted to the service of

his aged parents. In doing so he was adhering to a self-imposed rule. He would

not take any

food until the parents had gone to sleep. Once he was massaging the feet of the

parents. To test Pundarika's love for his parents, Lord Panduranga came to his

residence in a disguise and stood behind him.Pundarika went on with his service

to his parents who had not gone to sleep. The newcomer asked Pundarika to look

at him. Pundarika said, that he was seeing the visitor. The latter asked him:

"In what form are you seeing me?" Pundarika said:" I am seeing you as my

mother." Meanwhile Pundarika's Guru came there and told Pundarika that the

visitor was none other than the Lord Himself. Pundarika said that the parents

whom he was serving were also God. The Guru earnestly urged "Don't you realize

that the one who has come is verily God?" Pundarika replied: "My parents also

are God." Panduranga admiring his resolve, said: "Pundarika, won't you like to

experience a vision of Me even once?" Pundarika replied: "Until my mother goes

to sleep I will not seek your vision. If you are

keen that I should see You, please wait for a while. I shall come to You after

my mother has gone to sleep." It was such devotion to his parents that made the

Lord reveal Himself to Pundarika and render service to him.From "Ko-ham" to

"So-ham"From the moment of birth, man is concerned about his future. The

child's first cry is, "Kwa,Kwa.Wherefrom have I come?" If you examine what

is happening to you everyday, you will understand why a child cries at the time

of birth. Seeing the endless troubles in store, the child cries: "Where am I?"

Forgetting the place from which they came, men lose themselves in worldly

desires. There are a few like Prahlada who from the moment of birth realize

their inherent divinity. They utter "So-ham So-ham" from the time of birth. But

ordinary mortals ask "Ko-ham? Ko-ham." ("Who am I?") They do not get the answer

till the end of their lives. They do not realize the answer is: "I am God." A

few earnest seekers

start with "Ko-ham" ("Who am I?") and end with the discovery: "So-ham" ("I am

He").Every man is prone to commit mistakes either wittingly or unwittingly. But

one mistake he should not commit in any circumstance is, to forget what he owes

to his mother. Love of a mother can redeem a man's life, whatever his other

lapses may be. The greatest gift of the parents is the body, with all its

powers. Although the Lord rules over all lives, it is the parents who have

endowed the body to the child. Clay and water are the gifts of Nature. But it

is the potter who makes the pots out of them. Hence gratitude to the parents is

a primary obligation.Youth, wealth and strength are transientStudents these days

ask: "why should we be grateful to our parents?" They should remember that if

they cause distress to their parents now by their behavior, they should not be

surprised if in the later years their own children cause similar distress. This

is the

law of action and reaction that is always at work. Do not get conceited because

of your youth, your wealth or strength. All these are transient. Adi

Sankaracharya warned in strident language: "Do not get proud because of

companions, wealth or youth. Time will take away these in a moment. Placing

their trust in these transitory possessions men are forgetting the eternal

verities and the source of real bliss. Whatever things you may possess,

whatever amenities you may enjoy, only faith in God will confer real peace of

mind. An air conditioner may cool your body, but only grace of God can cool the

heated brain and the troubled heart. That grace will come to those who are

grateful to their parents and render loving service to them. Starting with

mother, gratitude should extend to the father and preceptor. If you show

gratitude to these three, you will realize the presence of the Triune Lord in

them and you will reap the fruit of worshipping the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and

Shiva).Parents' fault in not correcting the childrenIt is an unfortunate fact

that today ninety percent of the children are spoilt by the parents themselves.

The parents do not exercise timely control over the children. If the wrong

actions of the children are corrected then and there, they will grow in the

proper way. The parents should show no indulgence towards children who go

astray. It is misplaced affection to let erring children go uncorrected.What

use is there in having children who do not behave properly? What did

Dhritarashtra gain from his hundred wicked sons? He would not restrain them

despite the warning of Krishna and Vidura. Ultimately the entire family was

wiped out. There is no meaning in rejoicing when a child is born. The time for

rejoicing will come when the child grows up, earns name and fame and brings

credit to the parents.Every son should see that he makes his mother happy. He

should seek from the

mother nothing but her love and blessings. Mothers should strive to keep their

children on the straight path. Only such mothers and children are worthy of the

name. When mothers and children act properly, the nation will develop along the

right lines. Righteousness will spread from the family to the whole world.There

are parents who question their children when they go to Swami: "What madness has

seized you? Why are you going to the Sai?". What form of madness do these

parents desire for their progeny? Do they want them to become rowdies and

goondas? Do they want them to be crazy about money? What will money give them,

which can equal the grace of God? What everyone should seek is the grace of the

Divine, which is a treasure greater than all the wealth in the world.God above

all is the destiny of human lifeNothing should come in the way of your seeking

God. You must be prepared for any sacrifice or face any opposition for the sake

of God. Prahlada faced the wrath and hatred of his father Hiranyakasipu in

adhering to his faith in Narayana. Vibhishana renounced his brother Ravana when

the latter stood in the way of his devotion to Rama. If a mother stands in the

way of your devotion to God, you must be prepared to give her up, as Bharata

did when Kaikeyi sought to separate him from Rama. Meera was prepared to

renounce her husband rather than give up her devotion to Krishna. Emperor Bali

rejected the advice of his Guru, Sukracharya, when the latter advised him to

retract his gift to Vamana (Vishnu). These are the examples of the devotees who

did not flinch in vindicating their devotion to God.The realization of God is

the goal and destiny of human life. From the moment of birth, suffering pursues

man in one form or another throughout life. If in all these ordeals, one has to

maintain equanimity and peace, he has to lead a righteous life, with firm faith

in God. There is no need to give up the normal

duties of a student or a householder. But everything that is done should be done

as an offering to God. Thereby every ordinary act becomes sanctified. Love of

God should express itself in the form of consecration of every action. This is

my message to you on this sacred day.6 May 1983 Occasion : Eswaramma Day

- Prashanti Nilayam

REVERE THE MOTHER

The mother is man's first Guru (preceptor). She gives the physical body to him.

Besides, she gives man, the father. She alone can point the father to the child

and draw his love and care towards it. The mother bears, fosters and moulds the

child into human-ness and, therefore, gratitude is due to her first and

foremost. Next, the father. He clothes and feeds, helps you to grow and then,

points out the Guru, the Preceptor, for you. So be grateful to the father.The

teacher sharpens your intellect, broadens your vision, endows you with

discrimination, and helps you to attain higher levels of consciousness and

wider horizons of love. Therefore, one has to offer gratitude to the Guru also.

The mother leads you to the father, the father leads you to the Guru and the

Guru leads you to God. Today, we have mothers who place the children under the

care of the father and many fathers

who place children under the care of Gurus, but few Gurus lead the pupils to

God. The parents promote the health and strength of the body; the Guru reveals

the Resident, the Inner Reality in the body.My life is my Message. So, I am

setting an example of reverence to the Mother. Nature is the mother in whose

lap mankind grows. And Nature fondles the child and says, "Baabu, That is your

Father, See." Though Mother Nature draws attention to God, the children seldom

pay heed. How can they, who do not love the mother that fosters them with

affection and zeal, adore the Master of Nature?The proof of the good is the way

they die"Children! You have come here and gone through the course of studies

successfully. Besides developing scholarship, you must live according to the

wishes of your parents. You must earn great fame for them. You must maintain

the honor they receive from people. By your actions you must please them and

increase their

happiness."This day is Eashwaraamba Day. The significance of the day is that it

is celebrated as Children's Day, a day when little children are to be reminded

of the ideal, a day when she presented an ideal. No one can escape death, but

the aim of everyone should be to remind oneself at the time of death of the

Divine or have some holy or sacred thoughts. The importance of this day is

known to many. Kasthuri also spoke about it now. There is a saying in Telugu:

"The proof of the good is the way they die." Genuine devotion is evidenced

during the last moments. I shall point out a small incident concerning the

goodness of Eashwaraamba.The Summer Classes were on at Bangalore. In the

morning at 7, breakfast had to be served to the students. They went round with

Nagara Sankeerthan (street singing of spirituals) and returned at 6. I gave

them Darshan (audience) at its close. Then, I went for my bath. Meanwhile,

Eashwaramba had finished her bath; she drank her coffee as

usual quite happily, and took her seat on the inner verandah. All of a sudden

proceeding to the bathroom, she cried out. "Swaami, Swaami, Swaami," thrice. At

this, I responded: "Coming, Coming." Within that period she breathed her last.

What greater sign of goodness is needed? She had no need to be served and

nursed. Swaami will come to the memory at that time only for a very few. The

mind will usually seek and stay on some object or the other, some jewelry or

valuables.From the ground floor, she called: "Swaami! Swaami!' I replied,

"Coming, Coming," and she was gone. It was like the elephant's calling and the

Lord proceeding to bless it - the two wires achieving connection, the release

happening instantaneously.The sign of an ideal adorable lifeThis is the

authentic consummation that life must strive for. Beside her at the time she

had her daughter Venkamma, her granddaughter Shailaja, but she called out only

for Swaami. Getting

this yearning at the final moment is the fruit of holy purity. It is the sign of

an ideal adorable life. Such attitude must emerge of its own accord and not by

means of some external force. Here is an example to learn from. Once, there was

a man whose devotion was great. He had four sons. In order that their names may

help him to remember the Lord, he had named them Govinda, Naaraayana, Krishna

and Raama. He thought that he could, on some pretext or other, have the Lord's

name on his tongue. To facilitate his plan, he started a factory and kept all

of them busily employed there, so that they could respond to his calling them

by name.Yearn for the Lord at the time of deathThe day when he had to yield to

death arrived, he called Govinda; the son came near saying, "Father! I am

here." He called Naaraayana; "I am here father;" he too stood by his bed. He

called Raama; Raama came to him and asked him what he desired to confide in

him. Finally he

called Krishna. He too bent low and wished to know what message the father had

for him. He said, "Don't hesitate, tell me what you want to say." Seeing around

him all the four sons, the dying man's mind was seized with anxiety. He blurted

out "All of you are here! Who is in the factory?" Those were his last words.

That was his last thought.When one is involved in the world only worldly

thoughts will emerge at the end. To those who yearn with full heart for the

Lord at that time, the Lord will present Himself. So, one has to attach oneself

to kith and kin and respect them so long as one is concerned with the world. One

must need to humor them. But, one must offer unstinted love and loyalty all

through life to the Lord alone.

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

Source and courtesy:

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