LOVE IS GOD - LIVE IN LOVE - Divine Discourse

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80 years of Love in action series:

Divine Discourse by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

28 October, 2003: Occasion: Vice Chancellors Conference at Prashanthi Nilayam

LOVE IS GOD - LIVE IN LOVE

One may master all forms of knowledge, One may vanquish one's adversaries in

debate, One may fight with valor and courage in the battlefield, One may be an

emperor reigning over vast kingdoms, One may offer cows and gold as an act of

charity, One may count the countless stars in the sky, One may tell the names

of different living creatures on the earth, One may be an expert in

eight-limbed (Ashtanga) Yoga, One may reach even the moon, But it is near

impossible to control the body, mind and senses. Turn the vision inward And

achieve the supreme state of equanimity of the mind.(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Today, a number of discussions and deliberations are being held in the field of

education. First and foremost, we must try to recognize the true meaning of

education. One may read all the available books and elucidate the meaning

contained in these books. But, that does not entitle one to be called an

educated person. There are several highly educated people today in the world.

But, what transformation and discriminatory power have they achieved on account

of their education? What benefit has accrued to the world on account of these so

called educated people? None tries to understand and evaluate this aspect. It is

only when an educated person looks inward that he will be able to realize the

true meaning and philosophy underlying education. In contrast to this

situation, people are applying their intelligence in

worldly matters.

There are, however, some who enquire into the nature of Atma Tattva. Realizing

the importance of an enquiry into the nature of Atma Tattva, we have introduced

this concept in the M.B.A. course in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning. The letters M.B.A. stand for understanding the nature of the mind

(M), the physical body (B), and the Atma (A). It is easier to understand the

nature of the mind and body. But, to understand the nature of the Atma is not

that easy. No one can understand what Atma is. It has no form. It is pure

consciousness. Even the educated people are unable to understand that the Atma

Tattva is consciousness. Most of them are able to go up to the stage of

conscious. Some others are able to reach the next stage of conscience. The sum

and substance of all this is

that man today is unable to understand the Atma Tattva, The pure consciousness.

It is only when one is able to understand the conscious, he can understand what

conscience is. Again, it is only when, one is able to understand conscience, he

can really understand the principle of consciousness. Thus all the three

categories of conscious, conscience and consciousness are interlinked.

Dear Students!

You may feel that spirituality is too abstract and not easily understandable.

The Atma Tattva cannot be understood and realized by merely developing material

knowledge. In fact, Atma Tattva is beyond the scope of material knowledge. It is

transcendental. It is fundamental knowledge. It is at the base of all physical,

material and secular knowledge.

Dear Students!

You may be under the mistaken impression that spirituality is, that which cannot

be understood. But, this is not correct. Spirituality is consciousness, which

has an inner meaning. What is awareness? Our normal understanding of this term

is awareness about a particular object or aspect. Take for instance (showing a

handkerchief), this object. When a question is put as to what it is, the answer

comes that it is a handkerchief. This knowledge about the object is considered

to be awareness. Again, when I question you (showing a flower) what it is, you

reply that it is a flower. This is also considered to be an awareness. All

these are the outer forms of different material objects. This is a cloth

(showing the handkerchief). What is the basis for this cloth? The thread.

Again, what is the basis for this thread? The

cotton. Thus this cloth cannot be made without the thread and cotton. The cotton

is the fundamental object at forms the basis for the thread and the cloth.

Unfortunately, today we are only recognizing the cloth, but not the fundamental

object of cotton, the basis for the cloth. Therefore, what is of paramount

importance today is to recognize the Atma Tattva that is at the root of all

knowledge. If one is able to realize this Atma Tattva, he can easily realize

every other aspect.

What is Atma Tattva? For example, we have the physical body. This body has

several limbs which function continuously. But, what is it that makes the limbs

in the body function? We hold a particular object, say, a flower with one hand.

What is it that gives power to the hand to hold the flower? We smell the

flower. From where did we get this power of smelling? We do not make any effort

to understand and recognize the inner source of all these powers; i.e., the Atma

Tattva. We say this is my hand, my leg, my finger, my head, etc. But, who are

you? This "you" has to be understood first, so that you can say my hand, my

leg, my finger, my head, etc. Whose head is this? Whose leg is this? Unless you

understand this aspect how can you say "I" and "Mine"? Vedanta is that knowledge

which is concerned about " Who

are you?" and "Who am I?" But, none makes any effort to enquire into himself

"Who am I?" The fundamental question for the basis for everything in this

universe is: "Who am l?" If one has understood this "I", he would have

understood everything else. Spirituality is not something un-understandable or

a futile exercise. There is a fundamental principle in this universe, which is

the prime mover. We must make efforts to understand that fundamental principle.

 

Embodiments of Love!

What is Love? What is its nature From where does this originate? Can a human

being live without love? Impossible. That is why, it is said, "Love is God;

Live in Love". One has to understand this principle of Love, which is the basis

for everything in this universe. Without Love, there cannot be life in this

world. There is an underlying power that permeates the entire universe. That is

Truth. What is Truth? Truth is said to be "Trikalabadhyam Sathyam" - It is

present in all the periods of time: past, present and future. However, we

cannot come to a conclusion only on account of that dictum. "Sathyam" (Truth)

is that which transcends time. There is no tangible form for the concept of

Truth. But, there is meaning. We say, "Truth is God, Love is God". We go on

repeating the word "God". We make use of this

word "God" in different circumstances. Even an atheist says "Oh! My God!",

whenever he commits a mistake. People use this word "God" even without knowing

its meaning. However, none can define the term properly. Similarly, none can

define the term "Truth". The most appropriate method would be by one's own

experience.

How can one correctly describe that experience? For example, one can go on

repeating 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 2 =4 and 2 - 1 = 1 etc., ad infinitum. He can only

repeat plus and minus, no one can define the basis for the calculations. We are

able to give names of different objects in this world. But, we are not making

any effort to understand the true nature of these objects. The whole world is

full of material objects This is a material world. That is, "Buddhi

grahyamatheendriyam” (That which is unintelligible and beyond the grasp of the

intellect). That is transcendental. We can count the objects in this world and

say that there are so many crores of objects. What is there beyond that number?

Thus, when you go on enquiring, you will end up nowhere. The fact is there is a

fundamental principle that is present in every

human being. When you say "Love is God", that "Love" is everywhere, omnipresent.

This fundamental principle of Love is present in every human being, nay, in

every living being. When you say "Truth is in me" and "I am Truth" what does it

mean? What is that "I" and "Me"? If you analyze carefully, this "I" in you is

also the "I" in others. This is the only Truth. This Truth can be understood

only by spiritual enquiry. And that too by a steady and sincere enquiry into

one's own nature. Few undertake such an enquiry today. We are making use of

several terms in a casual manner, without understanding their real meaning.

Embodiments of Love!

You need not have to waste your time, however, in trying to understand some

abstract concepts, which you are unable to comprehend. You just develop firm

faith in the existence of God. You firmly believe that there is God and you are

God. We cannot understand anything without developing faith. Hence, first and

foremost, develop firm faith in the concept of "I". Only then can you

understand the second concept "you". A small example. When "I" and "you" join

together, it becomes "we". However, we" + "He" becomes only "He", who exists

forever The "I" and "you" change "I am a boy". When you are a youth, you say "I

am a man". Similarly, when you are old, you say, "I am an old man". Thus, you

are undergoing constant changes in different stages of life. Hence, there is no

use in sticking on to this changing principle. Attach

yourself to the changeless principle, i.e., "He". That "He" is God. That "He" is

present in you, him and in every person. "He is everywhere - within you, above

you, below you and around you". Therefore this "He" principle represents the

omnipresent Divinity.

People should develop firm faith in such a Divine Principle. Supposing you say

"I love Him" and none else. How can this be true? It means that you do not love

yourself. When you say "this is my body", can you believe this body? You cannot,

since it undergoes constant changes and is perishable. However, the non-dual

principle of Atma Tattva immanent in the body is eternal and transcendental. It

has no other name, except "Atma". Then, the question arises as to who has given

that name. In fact, this name did not come from somebody. The Atma is

omnipresent. "He" is everywhere. How can one give a name to such an

all-pervading Atma Tattva? It is only a futile exercise. Do not waste your time

in this futile exercise. Develop firm faith in this omnipresent Atma Tattva and

propagate it. That

faith is awareness. Without that awareness you cannot exist.

This is a rose flower (showing a rose flower). You have recognized it as such.

But, who gave that name to this flower? You do not know. You simply repeat a

name that is given to a flower in the English language. Thus, we go on

repeating the words without understanding the underlying Truth. Hence, first

and foremost, one has to turn his vision inwards and meditate upon the Atma

Tattva present in him. This Atma Tattva can be realized only by constant

Sadhana. It is only after realizing this Atma Tattva, can one enter into any

discussion. Also understand the nature of the physical body. The physical body

consists of various limbs. In all these limbs, you will find the principle of

"I", immanent. That is why, you say that this is my body, my hand, my finger,

etc. When you go on enquiring into

the nature of the body, you will realize that the same principle of "I" is

present in all the limbs.

It is very difficult to understand the spiritual concepts. But, you should not

give up your Sadhana on that score. On the other hand it has to be pursued

vigorously. It is futile to run after the worldly objects. If you are able to

understand the Atma Tattva, it amounts to understanding everything else. If you

go on enquiring, "who am I", you will ultimately realize the Truth that the "I"

principle is nothing but the Atma Tattva. Develop firm faith in that Atma

Tattva. Several people give different names to the principle of Atma Tattva.

But, it has no name and form at all. It is beyond all names and forms. It is

transcendental. The power of consciousness immanent in man is not to be found

anywhere else. One has to understand and realize this consciousness. This is

possible only by

constant Sadhana and enquiry.

Embodiments of Love!

You students cannot understand spiritual concepts so easily. However, if you

develop firm faith, you will be able to understand these things easily. But

today people have become blind having lost the eyes of faith. What is Prema

(Love)? You do not know. What is darkness? Is there anybody today who has seen

darkness? Just close your eyes. What do you see? You reply that you are seeing

darkness. It means that you are able to see and recognize darkness. Otherwise,

how can you say that it is darkness? Therefore, it is established that there is

a basis for everything in this world. In order to realize the Truth, one has to

develop faith. You carry on your life's journey with firm faith as your guide.

You are going somewhere, unless you know where you are going, how can you reach

your destination? Hence, make a firm

resolve that you are going to the Mandir. Only then can you reach the Mandir.

Similarly, first and foremost, make Atma Tattva as your goal in life's journey.

Embodiments of Love!

You are not able to understand what real Prema (love) is. You love the physical

body and its beauty. You love wealth. You love the external form. You love

one's outward behavior. Where from do all these things come? What is the basis

for all these aspects? How long will these external forms remain? All of them

undergo changes continuously. What is the use of clinging to these changing

external forms? You must direct your love to the changeless principle of Atma

Tattva. The Atma Tattva does not undergo any change, whatsoever. Nothing can be

added to it nor deleted from it. Therefore, you must develop firm faith in such

a changeless principle. You often say that you love so and so very much. But,

what do you know of him? Do you love his physical form? Did you develop liking

for his behavior? Do you

love his sweet disposition? What is it that has drawn you to him? In fact, all

these factors are only transitory. There is, however, one quality in you that

is responsible for all this. That is love. That love of God. Love is His form.

Hence, you cultivate love for love's sake. There cannot be life without love. A

small example to illustrate the point. A mother has a son. He is 20 years old.

After sometime, the son died. Then, the mother was wailing over the body of the

son "Oh! Son! I was able to live as long as. you were alive. How can I live

now?" Such type of grief is the result of attachment of the mother developed

towards the physical form of the son. It is not true love. What is important is

love; but not love for the physical form. It is only those who are able to love

for love's sake, can attain real love. Those who love the physical body do so

as long as the body is present. Thereafter the love ebbs away. Therefore, love

for love's sake. Such love is life. That life is

God. That is Atma Tattva, verily. Atma Tattva is the only reality.

Embodiments of Love!

You have to seek love through love only. The Gopikas prayed thus:

Oh Krishna, play your sweet flute and sow the seeds of love in the desert of

loveless hearts.Let the rain of love fall on earth and make the rivers of love

flow.

(Telugu Song)

The rivers of love must flow continuously. It is enough, if you can understand

the one principle of love. This love is everything. Treat this love as the

be-all and end-all of your life. Do not direct your love towards material

objects. If you continue to love for love's sake, then such a love will be

eternal. It is not the body that is to be loved, but the principle of love. All

the names and forms are evanescent and impermanent. We should not love such

things. Love directed towards such things is physical, whereas love for love's

sake is eternal. Consider Truth as Truth. You should not associate Truth with

material objects. Similarly, love should not be associated with material

objects. Love is simply love. As such, love is God. You must attain Divinity

with such love.

Dear students!

You encounter several appointments (expectations) and disappointments in life.

When you have an appointment, you will have a disappointment also when it is

not fulfilled. Therefore, do not have appointments (desires) at all. Then,

there is no scope for disappointment. Do not give importance to the form. In

fact, your Atma Tattva represents your true form. Do not confine Divinity to a

particular name and form. The names like Rama, Krishna, Govindha are only names

attributed by man to God. They are not innate. Not much of importance can be

attached to them. However, one has to take a particular name in the initial

stages of his spiritual quest. For instance, it is necessary to acquire

different types of education. It is also necessary to realize the essence of

all the education. That is, of course, the Truth. But

how long? Until you experience that essence. Once you experience the essence of

knowledge, even that vanishes. Hence, do not depend upon the name and form.

Truth is Truth. That is the only Truth. It has no form. Love is God. Love has

no form. Cultivate such Divine Love. God exists. There can be no doubt about

it. If God does not exist, there is no scope for nature to exist. From an

experience of Prakruthi (Nature) emerges apprehension of Paramatma (the supreme

self). From Paramatma, the realization of Paratattva (Supreme Reality) springs.

That Paratattva is Atma Tattva. Therefore, always love that Paratattva. Do not

confine your love to the particular, which is always susceptible to change.

Time permitting, I will delineate on this Prema Tattva (Principle of Love) in

greater detail. When students are able to understand the nature of this divine

love, there can be no scope for disappointment. They are always engrossed in

appointment and disappointment. Love has only a name, but no form. You can

direct that love towards any form.

Embodiments of Love!

(The Programme ended with singing of the National Anthem.)

God can be attained only through one route. That is Love. That is Truth. Do not

confine the principle "I" to a particular form. A small example. Janakiramaiah

(younger brother of Swami's physical body) died recently. There are several

people who loved him. They have been making obituary references everyday in the

newspapers, saying "Janakiramaiah! You have left your mortal coil, leaving us

alone. You please take birth again, so that we can love you again". Is it

necessary for Janakiramaiah to take birth once again in order that these people

may love him? Is that what these people wish for? Should we confine our entire

life to birth and death only? In fact, both birth and death are unreal. Where

there is birth, there is death surely. The twin stages of life, i.e., birth and

death are only for the body, not for the

Atma. We have to direct our love towards the Eternal Atma Tattwa, not the body

which is subject to birth and death I often address you as "Bangaru!" What is

the underlying meaning in addressing you in that manner? Gold as a metal does

not perish. Its shape changes when it is melted and made into different types

of ornaments. You, as gold may take different forms, but your Atma Tattwa does

not undergo any change. You have to strive to attain the changeless principle

of Atma Tattwa, but not the changing forms. I address you as "Bangaru!",

reminding you of your real nature, i.e., the changeless Atma Tattwa. Gold is

always gold. It is Truth. It is eternal. You have to always crave for attaining

such an eternal reality. Keeping this aspect in view only, Adi Shankara in his

famous "Bhaja Govindam" sang thus:

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam

Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayana

Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare Kripayapare Pahi Murare.

(Oh Lord! I am caught up in this cycle of birth and death; time and again, I am

experiencing the agony of staying in the mother's womb. It is very difficult to

cross this ocean of worldly life. Please take me across this ocean and grant me

liberation.)

We have to crave for that principle which has no birth and death. Why should we

wish to be born again?

Embodiments of Love!

There is Divine Love in you, which has neither birth nor death. You direct your

love towards that Divine Love. That love is always with you. If you cultivate

such love, you will always remain as embodiments of love. Have firm faith in

this Divine Love. Do not believe the worldly love, lest you should be deceived.

The worldly love is like passing clouds. Such clouds come and go. They are not

permanent. Love the eternal love. That is the Atma Tattwa. Love that Atma

Tattwa. People, who wish to enter the spiritual field and to know the path that

leads to Divinity, please come to Me. I will explain. Do not be deceived by

worldly love that causes only disappointment. Cultivate such type of love that

will not cause disappointment. Pursue any type of education; but, understand

the inner meaning of education. Then put it into

practice, experience and enjoy that essence of that education. Do not be

disappointed by directing your love towards all and sundry. Several students

are being disappointed in that manner. In the end, they are unable to love

anybody. That is not the right way. Love the principle of Love itself, which is

Divine and Eternal. The more you love that Divine Love, the more it grows.

Embodiments of Love!

I always address you as "Embodiments of Love!" Cultivate such type of love only.

When you cultivate such love, it will, in turn, protect you. That is what the

saying, means "with you, in you and around you".

(Bhagawan concluded the Divine Discourse with the Bhajan "Prema Muditha Manase Kaho...")

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

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