UNITY, PURITY, DIVINITY - Divine discourse

[Guest guest]

During his childhood man develops absorbing interest in play in the company of

other children. In youth and middle age, he is entangled in worldly matters and

deeply engrossed in money earning. Finally in old age, he craves for this and

that without contemplating on God even at that ripe age. Thus, he wastes his

precious human birth. (Telugu poem)

In this world, there are millions of educated people. Right from a child to a

learned old man, everyone is interested in reading books and acquiring

knowledge. But in what way are they benefited by the acquisition of bookish

knowledge? Such education can only help you to eke out a livelihood. Right from

a pauper to a millionaire, everybody wants his children to be well educated.

Parents are prepared to spend any amount of money and they even borrow money

(even beyond their means) to provide quality education to their children. In

spite of the fact that the parents face a lot of hardship in educating their

children, the children do not have any gratitude towards their benefactors.

They do not introspect, “Who is responsible for all my development? Who has

made me what I am today?” Under these circumstances, we should enquire into the

true purpose of education. One may study a number of books and master various

branches of knowledge, but does he enjoy peace and

tranquillity? All the knowledge that we acquire from books can only take care of

our physical needs. The fact is, true knowledge is latent in everyone. Women do

not lag behind men in academic excellence. People think that education confers

on them respect and esteem. But, people lack true wisdom in spite of their high

academic achievements.

In the present parents want their children to pursue solely job-oriented

education. But, what is the use of such education which does not bring about

transformation among children? Neither are the children benefited nor are they

able to render any help to their parents. Modern man develops ego on account of

his educational achievements. Humility is the hallmark of true education. If a

man lacks viveka (discrimination) and vinaya (humility), all his education is

of no value. You should understand that your education is meant for the welfare

and progress of society. But, in what way is society benefited by educated

people? Actually, you are learning many things from society and derive benefit

from it. But power of discrimination which is found even in uneducated people

is not to be found in the so-called educated people today. When this is the

true state of affairs why should the educated get inflated with ego? There is

scarcely any humility among

students today. They show no respect towards elders. They do not realise their

responsibilities towards society. What is the use of merely acquiring bookish

knowledge if one does not respect elders and serve society? One who leads such

a life is not true to his nature. His walking, talking, reading, writing,

everything becomes an affectation. If this is the result of academic education,

why should one go to college at all? Every student must enquire into himself,

“What am I doing in the college? What am I supposed to do?” Only when he

conducts such self-enquiry, can he understand the true meaning of education.

Mere bookish knowledge is not true education. It is merely transfer of what is

contained in pustaka (book) to mastaka (head) and vice-versa. In this manner,

people are entangled between pustaka and mastaka without really understanding

the true meaning of education. They are wasting their time in the pursuit of

bookish

knowledge instead of acquiring practical knowledge. No doubt there is a lot of

information in pustaka, but what purpose does it serve if the mastaka is filled

with filth? You can never achieve the desired results from such an education.

The same was explained by the chief guest in his address. “Though all people

learn and study, what is the ultimate result out of this?” he questioned.

People spend thousands of rupees for acquiring academic education. What is the

role the educated people play in society today? Do they contribute for peace in

society? Do they try to bring about transformation in individuals? No. In fact,

they are unable to inculcate discipline to their own children. Most children

may pretend to be well behaved and humble in the presence of their parents, but

they behave like rowdies once they step out of their houses.

Students should strive to earn a good name in society. Today’s education is

making the students materialistic. It does not prepare the students to turn

inward to listen to their inner voice. One should acquire Atma Prabodha (Atmic

knowledge). That is true education. Without awareness of the Self, all other

knowledge is useless. Why should one pursue such education?

People are interested in exercising their influence and power; they are not

making efforts to cleanse their mind and heart. This is the result of modern

education. People have learnt to talk sweetly, but they do not translate their

words into action.

Embodiments of Love!

Mere learning by rote the contents of books is not important. You should imbibe

the gandha (essence) of all Granthas (texts). That is true education. People

read a number of books, but what is the use? They merely quote what others have

said. Is this what you are supposed to learn? You should listen to the prompting

/ utterance of your inner voice and share it with others. But, scarcely anybody

thinks on these lines today.

Embodiments of Love!

You must put into practice at least one or two principles of what you have

learnt and set an example to others. There are many learned scholars, but do

they practise what they have learnt? They appear to be people of eminence

(‘chief’), but they are cheap in their behaviour. The end of education is

character. We should consider character as our very life-breath. Education

without character is useless like half-cooked rice. We should practise at least

one or two principles and only then venture to preach to others.

There are three important principles in every human being – Manas (Mind), Buddhi

(Intellect) and Atma (Self). What is the nature of Self? It is all-pervasive.

True education is that which originates from the heart. The reference in this

context is to the spiritual heart and not the physical heart. There are many

noble souls who are setting ideals to society by translating their knowledge

into action. If you do not act in a principled manner, all your education

becomes useless. It is what you practise that matters, not what you speak.

Wherever you may go, your behaviour should be exemplary. That is what pleases

Me.

Happiness is union with God. You are not ordinary mortals. All are essentially

divine. In order to realise your true nature, practise what you preach. Only

then can you experience bliss. Verily, bliss is the true nature of man. Why

should you give up that which is natural to you and lead an artificial life?

Wherever you see, in colleges and schools, students lack practical knowledge.

They give importance, only to bookish knowledge and become ‘books’ themselves.

True education is that which originates from the heart. Heart is very important

for human existence. When a child is born, the first thing that people observe

is the heart beat. You should rely more on your spiritual heart than on the

physical heart. Conscience is another name for spiritual heart. Keep your heart

pure. That should be your main endeavour. Whatever is done with love and purity

of heart will confer bliss on you. In fact, bliss is latent in everyone. But

man is unaware of this truth. One should

make every effort to manifest one’s innate bliss in him. What is the nature of

this bliss? Nityanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim, Dwandwateetam

(God is the embodiment of eternal bliss, He is wisdom absolute, beyond the pair

of opposites). It transcends duality. So long one is immersed in duality one

cannot experience bliss. First of all one should understand the principle of

unity. Unity leads to purity and purity leads to divinity. A true human being

is one who strives for unity, purity and divinity. Otherwise, he is no better

than birds and animals. First, purify your senses and develop unity. Consider

all as your brothers and sisters and live in harmony. In public meetings, we

hear the speakers addressing people as brothers and sisters. But do they really

mean what they say? Do you find unity among brothers and sisters today? No. True

happiness lies in unity. Human life can be compared to a tree. Our relations are

like branches and sub-branches. Contemplation of God

is like a flower from which you will get the fruit of bliss.

Students!

You can certainly acquire secular knowledge. But you should not rest contented

with that. You should turn inward and acquire spiritual knowledge as well. Only

then can you attain peace.

Embodiments of Love!

Love is the essence of education. Bereft of love, education is artificial.

Therefore, develop love in the first instance. Understand that the indweller is

the same though bodies are different. Hold on to this fundamental principle and

experience Ananda (bliss). So many of you have assembled here. Everyone’s

attention is focused on Swami. In the same manner, let your mind be focused on

divinity always. Contemplate on God. Serve your fellowmen. If a person who has

been starving for ten days is served a sumptuous feast, you can well imagine

the joy he experiences. When all the tanks and lakes are dried to a trickle,

you can imagine the joy that a continuous downpour brings with it. Similarly,

serve those who are in desperate need of your help. Give them happiness. You

can attain divinity only through service. Human life is most precious. But, man

is behaving like an animal and thus wasting his life.

Students!

Being Vidyarthis, you should endeavour to aquire true Vidya (education). There

is no point in merely going through books without understanding the true

meaning of Vidya. Always contemplate on the fundamental principle of life.

Beings are many, but the Divine principle is one and the same. Hence, recognise

the principle of divinity that is present in all in the form of Atma. Atma is

Adhara (support) and body is Adheya (the supported). Consider Atma as the basis

of your life and everything else will be taken care of. Everyone can have the

vision of the Atma. All are endowed with such power. Enquire into yourself what

have you achieved by going through a number of voluminous books? You have become

hard-hearted. If this is the result of your education why should you study at

all? First of all, develop love. When you have love in you, everyone will

become your friend. If your heart is not suffused with love, your life will

become artificial. Life is meaningless without

love. If everyone shares his love with his neighbour, there will be no room for

hatred at all. Share your love with everyone and live like brothers and

sisters. Today we find conflicts and differences even among brothers and

sisters, because they lack proper understanding.

People do not understand the true meaning of love. Their love is tainted with

physical and worldly feelings. When you understand the principle of love and

develop love to love relationship, all will become one. The Veda says, “Sahasra

Seersha Purushah ...” It means that all heads, all eyes, all feet are His. Once

you understand the principle of oneness that is present in all, you can live in

tune with the true spirit of brotherhood.

Our hand has five fingers and each of them has a specific duty assigned to it.

All the fingers work in unison and harmony while performing a task. Once an

argument ensued among the five fingers of the hand as to which finger among

them is the great. The thumb claimed, “It is not possible to undertake any work

without me. Hence, I am the great.” Then the index finger smiled and said, “Look

here, Oh thumb! How can you perform any task without my support? Moreover, I am

used as pointer to identify individuals. Hence, I am greater than you.” The

middle finger intervened and said, “There is no point in what you say. I am the

tallest among all the fingers. Two of you on one side and two on the other are

serving me as ADCs. Hence, I am the greatest.” Then the ring-finger said, “I

feel like laughing at your ignorance. Don’t you know that people adorn me with

gold rings studded with precious stones like diamond, emerald, topaz, etc.?

Hence, I am your king.” In the end, the

little finger said, “I always lead from the front when it comes to teaching a

lesson to someone and punishing the guilty. Hence, I am your leader and you

have to follow me.” As the fingers were arguing among themselves in this

manner, the heart intervened and said, “Oh ignorant ones! Each one of you is as

important as the other. One cannot perform any task if there is no unity and

harmony among you. In fact, you represent the five human values which are like

five life-breaths of a human being.” Hearing these words of wisdom, the five

fingers realised their mistake and bent their head in shame. A deep enquiry

reveals that the heart is the greatest of all. Body, mind and intellect are

mere instruments. Hence, one should follow the advice of the heart in all his

endeavours. Understand that all are one and each one is equally important. Do

not become egoistic thinking that you alone are very important. Do not waste

your precious time in vain argumentation. Be friendly with all and face

the challenges of life with unity and harmony.

Students!

You have to lead your lives in an ideal manner. In fact, all ideals are latent

in you. They cannot be learnt from books. The principle of ‘I’ is common in

all. If someone asks, “Who is Sai Baba?” I respond saying, ‘I’. If someone asks

who is the Vice Chancellor? He will say, ‘I’. The single letter ‘I’ represents

the principle of Atma. The Veda declares, Ekameva Adviteeyam Brahma (God is one

without a second). True spirituality lies in knowing your true Self. But you are

unable to know your true Self as you identify yourself with the body.

Identification with the body gives rise to ego. One with ego cannot know the

reality. Your welfare and also of others will be ensured when you have a firm

conviction that all are one. Develop such a spirit of unity. You cannot expect

divinity to manifest in you unless you cultivate such unity. The Veda has

exhorted:

Let us all move together, let us all grow together, Let us all stay united and

share our knowledge,Let us live together with friendship and harmony. (Telugu

poem)

Some students do not share even their textbooks with others. How can they attain

happiness if they are so self-centred and narrow-minded? You should all stand

united. Where there is unity, there is bliss.

Embodiments of Love!

There is only one thing that you have to learn. Develop love. The same principle

of love is present in you, in Me and in everyone. I see only love in others.

Hence, all are one for Me. You too should develop such feelings of love and

equality. All are one, be alike to everyone. This is what you have to learn

today.

Embodiments of Love!

Along with the acquisition of secular knowledge, you should also make efforts to

understand the principle of oneness. Only then can you achieve unity and

harmony. Take for instance this rose flower. It consists of a number of petals.

Likewise, our heart can be compared to a flower and the virtues are like petals.

The petals of a rose flower may fade and fall by the next day, but the flower of

heart remains ever fresh. It symbolises the principle of oneness. People worship

the Navagrahas (nine planets) to invoke their blessings. You might have observed

that there is perfect unity and harmony among the nine planets. (Bhagawan with a

wave of his hand materialised a gold ring studded with nine types of gems.) Here

you see a Navaratna ring. Whoever wears this ring will be protected by the

Navagrahas wherever he goes.

Develop unity. Be courageous and develop the necessary strength to face the

vicissitudes of life. I don’t want to take much of your time. Whatever you have

learnt here, let it be imprinted in your heart. Only then can you attain peace

and your education will become meaningful.

Embodiments of Love!

I shower My love and blessings on one and all. Be always united and spend your

time in a bliss. Make your parents happy. Your body is given to you by your

parents. Hence, first of all, express your gratitude to them for this gift.

Only then can you find fulfilment in life.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, “Prema Muditha Manase Kaho …”

Courtesy: http://www.sssbpt.org/

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

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