14th April 2006 - Vishu - Keralites New Year Day

[Guest guest]

Om Sri Sai Ram

 

Vishu Celebrations

 

PRACTISE AND PROPAGATE OUR SACRED CULTURE

 

The sun appears serene and peaceful. The fields are ripe with golden

crops. Marigold flowers are blossoming like garlands of pearls on

the

banks of rivers. The farmers are rejoicing and singing. The chillies

have ripened and are looking red. The sweet festival of Sri Vishu

has

come, filling our homes with the newly harvested grain.

 

Today is the day of great happiness for the people of Kerala. The

farmers reap the harvest, bring the grains to the home and rejoice.

Food is very essential for the nation. It is the farmers who feed to

the nation and bring peace and prosperity to it. It is their good

fortune to be able to render such joyful service to the nation. Only

when the farmers who give us food are happy and contented, can the

nation be peaceful and prosperous. Right from dawn to dusk, they

toil

in the fields and render great service to the nation.

 

Embodiments of Love!

 

This land of Bharat is very sacred and meritorious. Since time

immemorial, Bharat has been imparting spiritual education to all

nations of the world and thus bestowing peace and happiness on all.

This is the eternal glory of Bharat. The motto of the Bharatiyas has

been Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the people of the world

be happy!) Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is Brahman). As

Brahma pervades the entire world, Dharma should permeate all actions

of man. Karma will be sanctified only when it is based on Dharma and

Brahma. It is said, Karmanubandheeni Manushya Loke (human society is

bound by action). Nobody should waste time. Right from the time he

wakes up in the morning, man should utilise his time and energy for

the welfare of society. This is his main duty. He should realise

that

his welfare lies in the welfare of society. I have seen that the

people of Kerala are always engaged in some activity or the other.

They work very hard. They are not interested in comforts and

pleasures. They derive happiness in working hard and serving

society.

They strive for peace and security of one and all. That is their

most

sacred virtue.

 

Embodiments of Love!

 

Kerala is the seat of education. It is the land, which stands as

testimony to the profound truths enunciated in the Vedas, Sastras,

Puranas and Itihasas. In such a land of peace and sacredness, today

people are unable to experience unsullied happiness, which their

ancestors were able to enjoy in the past. However, there is no cause

for worry. A time will come, when Kerala will regain its past glory.

Time plays an important role. We have to discharge the duties

ordained on us by God and thus sanctify our time. Whatever actions

we

perform are the reflections of our inner feelings only. You should

undertake such actions, which will provide internal as well as

external happiness. Nobody can remain without performing action.

 

Man is born from action, is sustained by action and ultimately

merges

in action. Action is the cause for pleasure and pain. Truly

speaking,

action is God for man.

 

Man's life is bound by Kala, Karma, Karana, Kartavya (time, action,

cause, duty). Due to the effect of Kali Age, man does not work hard.

Both the educated and the uneducated have become lethargic. You have

to sanctify your life by doing righteous actions. Action is the

cause

for everything. Action is life. It is very unfortunate that man has

not understood the importance of action. He wants to lead an easy

life. Even the students want to pass the examinations without

putting

much effort. They want to secure jobs without working hard. After

securing jobs, they want salaries without discharging their duties.

This type of conduct is not good. It is said, Kashte Phali (hard

work

yields rich rewards). The rewards that one gets will be in

commensurate with the efforts he puts in. One should recognise this

truth and work hard accordingly. Unfortunately, such a spirit of

work

is not seen these days. There are people who go to office only to

give attendance. Each one has to question himself whether he is

discharging his duty properly or not. It is most essential that man

becomes duty conscious.

 

Embodiments of Love!

 

You have to bend your body and work. Discharge your duty with the

sweat of your brow. Only then can you get the right reward. Today

people are suffering for want of food and drinking water. What is

the

reason? Man is not undertaking righteous actions. When man does his

duty sincerely, there will be no shortage of food and drinking

water.

Without working hard, one cannot lead a happy life. Na Sukhat

Labhyate Sukham (one cannot derive happiness out of happiness). We

can get happiness only when we work hard. For every action of ours,

there is bound to be reaction. For every sound that we make there

will be resound. When we undertake righteous action and utter sacred

words, the same will come back to us in the form of reaction,

reflection and resound.

 

Embodiments of Love!

 

Our actions should be such that they bring happiness to ourselves as

well as others. First of all, we have to enquire what is true

happiness and what is sorrow. People think that happiness lies in

eating to the fill and having a sound sleep. That is no happiness at

all. Happiness lies in working hard and serving society. We can

experience peace and happiness only when we help the poor and needy.

After our daily prayer, we utter the word peace thrice - Santhi

Santhi Santhihi. Where is peace? It is inside, not outside. Outside

there are only pieces! You are the embodiment of peace, you are the

embodiment of truth, you are the embodiment of love, you are the

embodiment of God. How foolish it is to look for peace outside when

it is present within! You have to put in proper effort to experience

the peace within. You have to turn your vision inward. When two

branches rub against each other repeatedly, fire is produced.

Similarly, continuous hard work will produce Jnanagni (fire of

wisdom).

 

Embodiments of Love!

 

Today, nobody wants difficulties. Everybody aspires for happiness.

Where is happiness? It is everywhere. We should earn the

deservedness

to experience it. Our Judge (who spoke earlier) mentioned in his

speech that he was disappointed when Swami did not speak to him in

spite of having worked hard. He did a lot of self-introspection. As

a

result, he got a good chance today. Without working hard, you cannot

get any reward. But today man is not prepared to work hard.

 

During Upanishadic times, people would offer their salutations to

the

Karma before undertaking it - Thasmai Namah Karmane (salutations to

action). We have to offer our salutations to the Karma in the first

instance so that it gives us good result. In Bharat, some people

follow this sacred tradition even today. A cricket player pays his

respects to the ball before starting to bowl. A dancer salutes the

anklets before tying them to her feet. Even an uneducated driver

offers his obeisance to the steering wheel before driving the

vehicle. But most of the educated people have forgotten such an

ancient tradition and culture. That is why accidents are on the

rise.

There is a sense of fear and insecurity among people. First of all,

we have to offer our respects and express our gratitude to Karma

before undertaking it. Every one has to understand his duty and

perform it to the best of his ability. Before the commencement of

any

music programme, musicians pray to Vinayaka, the remover of

obstacles. One who has no Nayaka (master) above him is Vinayaka. He

is the master of all. Hence, we have to offer our prayers to him

before the commencement of any activity. Since ancient times,

Bharatiyas adhered to such sacred traditions implicitly. People

decorate their houses with buntings of green leaves on festival

days.

Big pandals of mango leaves and plantain leaves are erected at the

time of marriages. Green leaves are given place of prominence in

such

decorations. What is so special about them? Can't we have a shamiana

instead? No, that is not in accordance with our ancient tradition.

What is the logic behind this tradition? As you are aware, we inhale

oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which pollutes the atmosphere. At

the time of marriages, many people gather at one place. As a result,

more and more carbon dioxide is released into the air and the

atmosphere gets polluted. The green leaves of the pandal inhale the

carbon dioxide and release oxygen and thus purify the atmosphere. In

this manner, they bestow health and happiness on us. Thus, every

tradition of Bharat has a profound inner meaning. Such sacred

traditions are ignored today. Wherever a marriage is performed or a

big meeting is held, people prefer decorative shamianas to pandals,

plastic festoons to green leaf festoons. Can you get oxygen from

plastic festoons? Can they absorb carbon dioxide? The shamianas and

the plastic festoons may be aesthetically pleasing but they serve no

purpose in keeping the atmosphere pure. We should never forget our

ancient traditions. In Kerala, even today ancient traditions are

followed. On festival days, they place a lamp on rice, with

beautiful

decorations around. It is very auspicious for the house. Onam and

Vishu are the sacred festivals, which the Keralites celebrate. You

must understand the tradition and significance associated with the

celebration of Vishu. It is not merely meant to wish each

other 'hello' and shake hands. Vishu is that day when your house has

grains in plenty and the State attains prosperity. This is how the

festival was celebrated in ancient times. Today Vishu celebration is

confined to wishing each other. This is not the way to celebrate

Vishu. You have to aspire and work for the happiness of others. True

celebration of Vishu lies in each sharing the happiness of the

other.

Give and take. It is not 'one way traffic'. You have to give

happiness to others. Only then will you have the right to receive it

from others.

 

Kerala has plantain trees and coconut groves in abundance. You find

greenery all around. Keralites prepare various types of puddings

with

plantains. There is a special type of plantain called 'Nendra

Pazham'

which they distribute to others.

 

The Gayatri Mantra begins with the

Syllables 'Om', 'Bhur', 'Bhuvah' 'Suvaha'. 'Om' is the primordial

sound, Pranava. 'Bhur' represents Bhuloka, the world of materials

(materialisation). 'Bhuvah' is related to the mind

(vibration). 'Suvaha' represents Prajnana (radiation). When you

understand these three principles, your life will be sanctified. But

today man is not interested in such divine principles. He craves for

worldly gains. How long can he enjoy physical pleasures? They are

momentary. They do not give true happiness. This is what Adi Sankara

said in his famous "Bhaja Govindam" song thus:

 

Ma Kuru Dhana Jana Yauvana Garvam,

 

Harathi Nimeshath Kalah Sarvam

 

(Do not be proud of your wealth, progeny and youth; the tide of time

may destroy them in a moment.)

 

Hence, you should not crave for worldly happiness. You should strive

for eternal peace and everlasting happiness. You should not be

caught

up in the endless cycle of birth and death. You should transcend

birth and death and attain immortality.

 

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam

 

Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam

 

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.)

 

Once a person was sitting under a tree on the bank of river Ganga

and

trying to master the nuances of Panini grammar. He was

repeating 'Dukrun Karane', 'Dukrun Karane'. Sankara was going to the

river with his disciples for a sacred bath. He took pity on the

person, went up to him and said, "My dear one, by learning the rules

of grammar, you may become a great scholar. But it is not going to

save you from death. Hence, chant the name of Govinda, who alone is

your saviour." It was then that Adi Sankara sang the famous 'Bhaja

Govindam' song.

 

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam

Govindam Bhaja Moodha Mathe

Samprapthe Sannihithe Kale

Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrun Karane.

 

(Oh foolish man, chant the name of Govinda; the rules of grammar

will

not come to your rescue when the end approaches.)

 

The disciples of Sankara composed some of the other verses of this

song. It is said, Yatha Raja, Thatha Praja (as is the king, so are

the subjects). The same can be said of Guru-sishya relationship.

Yatha Guru Thatha Sishya (as is the preceptor, so are the

disciples).

The preceptors of those days were highly noble. They set great

ideals, which their disciples emulated. We don't find such masters

and disciples today.

 

One should not crave for scholarship or name and fame. They come and

go. When there is plenty of water in the pond, frogs make their way

into it. When the water dries to a trickle, you do not find a single

frog there. In the same manner, when your pocket is full, many

people

swarm around you. But when your pocket is empty, no one will look at

your face. This is the way of the world. Do not get deluded by the

Loka (world). Contemplate on Lokesha (Lord of the world)

incessantly.

Sankara made a great contribution to the spiritual wealth of this

country. We should express our gratitude to him by following his

teachings. We should never forget our cultural heritage. Each State

has its own traditions. They have to be followed in letter and

spirit. Today, fashions have displaced traditions. Do not be carried

away by fashions. Let the ancient traditions be imprinted on your

heart.

 

In villages, people sprinkle cow dung mixed with water in front of

their homes. It is considered to be auspicious. What is the reason?

Cow dung destroys disease-causing germs and thus helps maintain good

health. It can cure many diseases. Today people of other countries

have recognised this truth and are taking full advantage of it. But

the Bharatiyas are not making efforts in this direction. In earlier

days, cow dung was used as a remedy for wounds. People used to

bandage the wound with cow dung. In modern times, people have a

wrong

notion that the wound becomes septic if cow dung is bandaged over

it.

It may become gangrenous also, they argue. It is a baseless

argument.

If cow dung is applied, the wound will be healed in three days. The

cow dung has such sacred power. Even the cow urine has medicinal

properties. It is mixed in water and sprinkled on people infected

with the pox. But, the modern trend is against such natural

remedies,

which are in fact, beneficial to one and all. The Bharatiyas have to

revive such ancient traditions. Let people say what they want, we

have to follow our sacred traditions. On the day of Vishu, people

have a sacred bath and put on new clothes. Mere external cleanliness

is not enough, you have to cleanse your mind and develop inner

purity. Antarbahischa Tatsarvam Vyapya Narayana Sthita (That all-

pervasive God is present within and without). We have to offer

obeisance to our elders and seek their blessings. We have to develop

good relationship with all. Therein lies the true celebration of

Vishu. Today, even among the Keralites, many do not know the true

significance of Vishu. It is a symbol of our great cultural

heritage.

Today people are not aware of the greatness of Bharat. It is said,

Yenna Bharate Thanna Bharata (what is not found in Bharat is not

found anywhere else). Bharatiyas are those who sing the glory of God

with Bhava, Raga and Thala (feeling, tune and rhythm). Music will be

pleasing to the ears only when these three are in harmony.

 

Right from young age, the children should be taught the greatness of

our ancient culture. They should be moulded into ideal citizens.

They

should be made to practise our traditional values. For anything,

practice is very important. The responsibility lies with the parents

and teachers to make the children adhere to our ancient tradition.

Then society will certainly progress and enjoy peace and prosperity.

If you practice our ancient values, society will attain Kshemam

(welfare), otherwise, it will be afflicted with Kshamam (famine). Do

not think about the welfare of you and your family alone. Strive for

the welfare of everyone. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the

people of the world be happy!)

 

Students!

 

Make efforts to understand the greatness of our ancient culture and

traditions. Respect everyone. Do not be rude to the elders and

guests

who visit your house. Whether your parents are at home or not, offer

them a seat and give them a glass of cold water or buttermilk. Speak

to them with love. However, such noble practices are not to be found

among students of the present times. If somebody rings up asking for

father, even if he is at home, the son keeps down the phone saying

he

is not there. Even over phone, you should talk in a respectful

manner. You can earn the respect of others only when you respect

them. Respect does not mean merely saying, 'hello'. You should offer

your Namaskara with humility and reverence. Na-maskara means

offering

your respects without a trace of Ahamkara and Mamakara (ego and

attachment).

 

Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo

Bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor and guest as God).

Since

our ancients adhered to such sacred principles, our nation earned

the

respect of the entire world. We should develop humility, love and

reverence towards elders like the ancient Bharatiyas. We should

practice and propagate our sacred culture. That is the true sign of

education.

 

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajans, "Prema Mudita

Manase Kaho …", "Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai …" and "Om

Sivaya Om Sivaya …"