Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Swami's Earlier Discourses)

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Sai Ram To All

 

" Wishing A Very Happy Sri Krishna Jayanthi To All By the Grace & Blessings of

SAI "

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

Bow to Shri Sai-Peace be to all

 

Sr Krishna Janmashtami Discourses

 

THE LORD ACCEPTS ONLY A PURE HEART

 

Oh Krishna! You don't eat what I give You,

You don't eat our home-food,

You go to the houses of the cowherds,

And eat butter stealthily,

You spoil Your good name, my dear!

 

Thus, mother Yasoda expressed her anguish one day, having been vexed

by the complaints of the neighbours. She chided Him saying, " Oh

Krishna! I have to face a lot of trouble on account of Your

mischievous pranks. You don't have taste for the food prepared in our

house. You always like the items prepared in the neighbouring houses.

How shall I manage with You? " True, people develop a taste for food

in the neighbouring houses. A sweetmeat shop owner sitting in his own

shop, all the while enjoying the sweet smell of the laddus, develops

a taste for puffed rice from another shop.

 

Kashyapa, a great devotee of the Lord had completely surrendered

himself at the Lotus Feet and was totally lost in divine bliss. One

day, his wife, Aditi, approached him and advised him, " My dear! We do

not have children. You have surrendered everything of yours to the

Lord. Why don't you pray to Him to bless us with a child? "

 

Emperor Bali, in Krita Yuga, performed many Yajnas. After completion

of one hundred and seven Yajnas, he made arrangements for performing

the one hundred and eighth Yajna known as Viswajit. As he was

performing this Yajna, Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Vamana in

the guise of a dwarfish Brahmin. Vamana asked for three paces of land

in charity from Bali, which he was about to give. In the meanwhile,

Emperor Bali's preceptor Sukracharya came there and tried to dissuade

Bali from giving this gift of charity. He advised Bali, " Please do

not give anything in charity to this short Brahmin, much less the

three paces of land. Do not underestimate Him. He is not an ordinary

Brahmin. He is an Avatar of Vishnu. He is born to Sage Kashyapa, in

fulfillment of the boon granted by Lord Vishnu to him. " But Emperor

Bali did not pay heed to the advice of his preceptor. He asked Lord

Vamana, " Sir, What can I do for you? " Vamana replied, " Oh King! I do

not need anything. Just give Me three paces of land. " Sukracharya

again pleaded with Bali, " Oh King! You consider this person as an

ordinary Brahmin. No. No. He is capable of filling the entire

universe. It is not wise on your part to grant his request. " But,

Emperor Bali turned down his advice saying that he could not go back

on his promise, as it was a great sin not to stand by one's word.

 

In those days, people considered death preferable to going back on

one's word. But today in Kali Yuga, people make promises and break

them at will. Emperor Bali was of pure heart. Once a promise was

made, he fulfilled it, come what may!

 

He said, " I gave a word to this Brahmin boy. I am prepared to face

any eventuality in fulfilling my promise. I will offer the fruits of

all the Yajnas I have performed, including the one I am now

performing to this Brahmin boy. So saying, he put the garland of the

fruits of 108 Yajnas performed by him round the neck of Vamana and

prostrated before Him. (As He said this, Swami created a necklace of

108 gold coins.)

 

Vamana covered the entire land given in charity by Bali under one

foot. He grew in size and filled the entire universe with His second

foot. There was no further space to put His third foot. Then

Sukracharya said, " Oh emperor! You did not pay heed to my advice. You

underestimated this Brahmin boy and got yourself tricked by His

innocent looks. "

 

Vamana received the offering of Emperor Bali and praised his large-

heartedness and blessed him. Vamana was short in stature, but he

could fill the entire universe. Being an Avatar, He was Aprameya

(beyond all limitations, indescribable and immeasurable). Human

beings have limitations, but not an Avatar.

 

The sunrise and sunset happen according to a predetermined Divine

command. It happens regularly, uninterrupted. The sun, the moon and

the stars follow a definite pattern of schedule. All the five

elements in the universe discharge their duties regularly as ordained

by the Lord. Even God Himself observes the rules that He lays down

for all. Everything in God's creation goes on according to a

predetermined order and Divine command. Nothing in the universe,

including the five elements, has an independent existence. But,

unfortunately, man is unable to recognise this divine force that

regulates the functioning of the universe. Scientists are making

unstinted efforts to discover this divine force. The stars shining

brightly in the sky at night are, however, not visible during

daytime.

 

The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening with utmost

regularity everyday. The stars glitter beautifully in the sky at

night and hide themselves during the day. The wind blows incessantly

and sustains the living beings without taking rest even for a moment.

The rivers make gurgling sounds as they flow perennially.

 

What could be the reason for this phenomenon? Scientists probed into

this aspect and concluded that the stars were not visible during

daytime because the sun was shining brilliantly in the sky during

that period. Similarly, they tried to explain the divine force in

ever so many ways.

 

The moment the umbilical cord is cut and the child is separated from

the mother, it cries. Why? Nobody could explain and explore this

secret. The moment a drop of milk or honey is put on the tongue of

the newborn child, it sleeps happily. This means ever since a human

being comes out of his mother's womb, he struggles to satiate his

hunger.

 

Oh man! You struggle hard to acquire various types of knowledge in

order to fill your stomach. In spite of all your hard work and

acquisition of knowledge, you are unable to experience everlasting

happiness. Instead, why don't you contemplate on the Lord and seek

refuge in Him? He will certainly show you a way to overcome your

misery.

 

Every human being thinks that he is born merely for filling his

belly. He constantly struggles to acquire food.

 

There is another interesting phenomenon in nature. The branches of a

tree rub against each other due to the wind and fire is born out of

that friction between two pieces of wood. How does it happen? Though

there is fire in the wood of a tree, it is not burnt away. Why? No

scientist could ever discover this secret so far. There are several

such inexplicable phenomena in nature. With a view to recognise and

understand such phenomena, man is constantly engaged in the quest for

Divinity. However, one need not search for God, who is omnipresent.

 

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your

belly. You acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields.

Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness you have

achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in acquiring

worldly knowledge and earning wealth, while forgetting God.

 

Everything in this universe moves strictly according to the Divine

Will and force. Man, of his own accord cannot achieve anything. The

Divine force manifests itself in several ways in this universe, in

the form of various types of energy. People think they are created by

somebody. Strictly speaking, nobody has created them. They are

natural phenomena that manifest out of Divine will. For example, when

two pieces of stone are struck against each other, fire is born. It

means, there is fire latent in the stone, but does not manifest

outside. Thus, all the powers are latent in nature.

 

A few minutes ago, one boy spoke about Nanda and Yasoda, the foster

parents of Lord Krishna. In those days, there was no electricity.

People in the village used to go to the house of Nanda (since he was

the chief of the village) and lighted their oil lamps from the lamp

lit up in Nanda's house. People were of the belief that they would

attain plenty and prosperity if they lighted their oil lamps from the

lamps lit in the houses of well-to-do-people. A newly married

daughter-in-law by name Suguna arrived in that village. Her mother-in-

law told her to go to the house of Nanda and get her lamp lighted

from theirs. When Suguna went to the house of Nanda and lighted the

lamp, she could visualize Krishna in that flame. On having this

Divine vision, she lost her body consciousness. She fixed her gaze on

that beautiful form of Lord Krishna and was lost in bliss. She could

not even realise that her fingers were being burnt, having come into

contact with the flame. She was in total bliss. In the meanwhile,

other ladies from the neighbouring houses also came there to light

their own lamps. They were wonderstruck on witnessing this scene.

They could notice that Suguna was not moving away from the flame even

though her fingers were being burnt. They then realised that she had

the vision of Krishna in that flame. They sang a song describing this

incident.

 

It seems Suguna had a vision Of Gopala in the house of Nanda She saw

Krishna in the flame!

 

On hearing this song, Yasoda came there literally running. She saw

Suguna's fingers getting burnt in the flame. While all the Gopis were

dancing in ecstasy, Yasoda went near Suguna and pulled her hand away

from the flame. She chided her saying " Oh! Suguna! Did you not notice

your fingers being burnt on coming into contact with the flame? Do

you wish to bring a bad name to us that if anyone goes to Nanda's

house, their fingers will be burnt? " Suguna's mother-in-law was by

nature a short-tempered woman. On hearing about this incident, she

came running to the house of Yasoda and made a big issue of this

incident. She ordered her daughter-in-law not to go to the house of

Nanda again in future, for getting the lamp lighted.

 

Several miracles happened in the house of Yasoda. After Krishna left

for Mathura, the Gopis could not bear His separation and were pining

for His Darshan. In such a moment of yearning, Krishna appeared in

Gokulam. However, neither Nanda nor Yasoda could see Him. All the

Gopis gathered at the house of Nanda and prayed that they may be

allowed to have Krishna's Darshan. They started complaining, " Nanda

and Yasoda! you have kept Krishna away from us. Please tell us where

he is. " But, Krishna did not make his appearance in public. He

appeared to some Gopis individually in answer to their prayers.

 

A few minutes ago, a student of our University narrated an incident

wherein Swami had appeared before him in answer to his prayers. No

one else could see Swami. Then, the boy prayed again, " Swami! What is

the use of giving Darshan to me alone? Please give Darshan to all the

students; otherwise, they will not believe my words and make fun of

me. " I replied, " Does not matter. Let people think whatever they wish

to. This is your prapti (deservedness), only you deserve to see Me " .

So saying, I disappeared.

 

Once, Yasoda reprimanded child Krishna saying, " Oh! My dear Krishna!

You don't eat the food I prepared for you. You go to the houses of

the milkmaids and stealthily eat the butter stored in their houses.

You are creating problems for me. Is it that the butter suffused with

mother's love does not taste good for you? " So saying, she tied

Krishna to a mortar with a rope. It is everybody's experience in the

world that we do not like the food cooked in our own house. The items

cooked in others' houses will appear to be tasty. This is quite

natural. However, Krishna did not steal the butter from others'

houses for its taste. There is an underlying message in this Leela.

Here, butter symbolises a pure heart. Wherever such a pure heart is

available, Krishna takes it. Such a pure heart will be soft and

sweet. The hearts of Gopis were ripened with devotion. They were

pure, soft and sweet. Hence, Krishna had gone to their houses to

steal their hearts.

 

Krishna is referred to as " chora " (thief). What does He steal? He

steals the butter-like hearts of the Gopis, hearts which are pure,

soft and sweet. If you address someone as chora (thief), he will be

annoyed. But if you call Krishna as " chiththa chora " (stealer of the

heart), He will enjoy this appellation. That is why, devotees sing in

praise of the Lord most endearingly " Chiththa chora Yasoda Ke Bal!

Navaneetha chora Gopal! Gopal, Gopal, Gopal! Govardhanadhara Gopal! "

( " Oh! Yashoda's little Krishna! Oh! Gopala! Stealer of butter! Oh!

Gopala! Lifter of the Govardhana Mountain! " ). The song thus sung

melodiously with bhava, raga and thala will be liked by everyone.

Great Singer-saints like Thyagaraja made sweet offerings to God in

the form of Kirtanas suffused with Bhava (feeling), Raga (tune) and

Thala (beat) and won His grace. There is so much sweetness in such

devotional songs. God's grace can surely be obtained by such

devotional singing. You cannot win the grace of God by empty

rhetoric. It is only through devotional singing suffused with Bhava,

Raga and Thala, that Divinity can be attained. God will be moved by

such Sankirtan. Even the Vedas have extolled the efficacy of

devotional singing. Even by chanting the Vedas, God cannot be

attained. There are several hymns in praise of God in the Rig Veda,

Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. But, not even a single

individual chanting those hymns could obtain Divine Darshan. However,

when these hymns are set to tune and sung with devotion, they could

experience Divine Love. That is why God is extolled as `ganalola'

and `ganapriya'. Therefore, you pray to God with devotional singing.

You can easily win the grace of God. Some people may have a

doubt, " We cannot sing well; we have not learnt the art of singing.

How can we please God? " Do not worry. You may not have knowledge of

music or a mellifluous voice. It does not matter. Sing the glory of

God with intense love, in some tune which you know. That is enough

to move the heart of God. What is music? It is not necessary to make

a special effort to learn music. A simple song with intense love and

yearning will move God. For example, you recite a poem, " Rama! Nannu

Kaapadu " (Oh! Rama! Please protect me). There will be no sweetness in

the poem. It is simply a literary rendering of your feelings.

Similarly, if you make an appeal to God saying " Rama! Nannu Kaapadu " ,

it becomes an empty repetition of words. The same feeling, if it is

expressed in a song set to a beautiful tune, " Rama …! Nannu Kaapadu… "

it will be so sweet and endearing to Divinity. There is so much

sweetness in music. Therefore, if you want to attain God, you have to

do it only with devotional singing.

 

You need not be disappointed if you have not learnt music. Why

disappointment? If there is an appointment, there will be

disappointment. Therefore, do not make an appointment, in the

beginning itself. You sing the glory of God in your own way. That is

the easiest way to attain God. The Divine bliss enjoyed by the Gopis

in Krishnavatar in Dwapara Yuga is unparalleled. Therefore, remember

that Divine bliss and try to please God with your love and devotion.

 

In no Avatar devotees have merged in the Divine Love to such a great

extent as in Krishna Avatar. Thousands of devotees have merged in Sri

Krishna during His Avatar. Hence, if you want to merge in divinity,

devotional singing is the only means. God is said to be ganapriya

(pleased by devotional singing). Krishnavatar is the best example for

this statement. One simple name `Krishna' sung by a devotee is enough

to move Him. The Leelas, Mahimas and the miraculous deeds performed

by Lord Krishna during His Avatar are unparalleled.

 

Dear students! You are singing several Bhajans. All of you are

participating in the Bhajans. But, each one is singing in his own

way. This is not proper. If all of you sing in one voice and one tune

with divine feeling, God will surely install Himself in your loving

heart. Krishnavatar is the only Avatar that had granted Darshan to

different people in different ways clarified their doubts about His

divinity and merged them in His own Self. Krishnavatar is the only

Avatar that made everyone happy and blissful by His sweet and loving

words.

 

There is nothing superior to devotional singing. What a great joy and

happiness you derive by singing the song " Nanduni Yinta Gopaludanta

Deepaana Kanipinchenanta " (It seems Gopala has appeared in the flame

in the house of Nanda). Therefore, sing such soulful songs with

bhava, raga and thala to please God and obtain His grace. You may

sing any number of Bhajans and songs, but it is only when they are

suffused with intense love, devotion and sweet and soft feeling

(bhava) you will derive immense happiness and joy.

 

GOD PROTECTS THOSE WHO PROTECT SATHYA AND DHARMA

 

No visit to any pilgrim centre, no penance, no Yogic practice, no

study of sacred texts nor charitable acts will help you in crossing

over the ocean of Samsara, but the service rendered to the noble.

 

You would have read in sacred texts that Ravana was a master of four

Vedas and six Sasthras. Having learnt these sacred texts, was there

any transformation in him? No. Instead of developing Daivatva (divine

qualities), he developed Danavatva (demonic qualities). The ten heads

of Ravana symbolised four Vedas and six Sasthras. In the decisive

battle, Rama severed Ravana's heads since he did not put into

practice the knowledge he had acquired. Mere learning of sacred texts

and chanting of Vedas will not bring about any transformation. In

order to drive home this message, Rama cut off with his arrows

Ravana's ten heads. It is only right at the end. Just before his

spirit left his body did Ravana recognise his faults and repented for

them and became sacred thereby. All that God preaches is for the

benefit and welfare of humanity. Therefore, it is enough if one puts

into practice at least one of the teachings of the Vedas. It should

be a natural trait for everyone to put into practice the divine

teachings.

 

In Prashanthi Nilayam, you find that even the Primary school children

join the senior students in chanting Vedas. They know all Vedas, but

they do not have the required knowledge to put them into practice.

Mere recitation of the Vedas is of little use.

 

Only God exists everywhere and at all times. The world is but an

illusion. The sacred teaching that God exists everywhere should be

propagated to everyone. You find many Sadhaks (spiritual aspirants)

chanting and teaching the Vedas. Consider this example: a cassette

tape or a disc merely plays, but does not experience the melody. It

would be fruitless if one does not practice what he preaches. So, one

should recognise, understand and practice the sacred teachings. Lord

Krishna put into practice what He propagated and also insisted that

everyone should follow suit. You find many elders in the Mahabharata

who were great scholars themselves, but, failed to put into practice

the knowledge they acquired. The same is the position today. God has

no preferences or no dislike whatsoever. All are equal for Him. But,

He watches to see how much a person puts into practice what he has

learnt. Many people study sacred texts, go on pilgrimage, perform

penance, repeat God's Name, but what is the use? Many ask Me for a

Japa Mala (rosary). Is it to adorn your neck for publicity or is it

for spiritual experience? One hand is enough for one who wants to

practice this Sadhana. (At this point, Swami demonstrated with His

hand as to how one should do Namasmarana.) The five fingers of the

hand contain nine Aksharas (letters) which are further divided into

twelve Brahmas and this makes up to hundred and eight beads of the

rosary. Chanting the name of Rama nine times twelve will make up to

one hundred and eight. This Sadhana requires neither a Japa Mala nor

a fixed place. It can be done while walking or even while lying down

till you go to sleep. When there are such easy and sacred paths, why

should one go for strenuous Sadhanas foregoing sleep?

 

Draupadi is known for her chastity. She has protected her husbands in

many ways. After the gruesome massacre of the young Pandava children,

Arjuna tracked down Aswatthama, the perpetrator of the atrocity, and

dragged him before Draupadi. Instead of cursing the evildoer and

pronouncing punishment for him, she fell at the feet of Aswatthama,

the son of her husbands' most revered Guru, and said:

 

It is at the feet of your father, Dronacharya that my husbands have

learnt all that they know. Being the son of Dronacharya, was it

proper to kill my children. How could you have the heart to kill them

who were unharmed, young, quietly asleep, were not having any grudge

against you, and were not contemplating any harm to you? (Telugu poem)

 

When Draupadi was praying like this, Bhima could not bear to see

this. Exploding in anger, Bhima roared:

 

This Draupadi is a stupid woman, for she pleads for this wretch's

freedom. She feels no anger against this murderer of her sons.

 

When Arjuna was about to kill Aswatthama, Draupadi fell at his feet

and reasoned with him thus: " Arjuna! Will my sons be revived by

killing Aswatthama? His mother too would experience the same kind of

sorrow that I am undergoing at the loss of my sons. Having studied

the Vedas and Sasthras, how is it that you are not able to maintain

your tranquility? "

 

The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or

later, but the Indweller has neither birth nor death. The Indweller

has no attachment whatsoever and is the Eternal Witness. Truly

speaking, the Indweller who is in the form of the Atma is verily God

Himself.

 

Thus, Draupadi pleaded with Arjuna to forgive Aswatthama for his

heinous act. Arjuna replied, " You are preventing me from keeping up

my vow. " To this Draupadi said, " Tonsuring his head and removing the

crown jewel from his head is equivalent to killing him. " Arjuna paid

heed to Droupadi's advice and as a token punishment shaved

Aswatthama's head took his crown jewel and sent him away.

 

What is Papa (sin)? Hurting, abusing and killing others is sin. What

is Punya (merit)? Helping others is merit. Therefore, one should not

retaliate to an evil act with an evil act. Instead, one should be

magnanimous in forgiving the offender. There are many such sacred

teachings in the Mahabharata.

 

There are many such noble women like Draupadi. She stands as an ideal

for all women. Why are we forgetting the teachings of such great

women? Today, women are treated as mere puppets. But they are full of

courage, valor, sacrifice, determination and righteousness. Have you

ever cared to recognise the power latent in women? Men do not possess

such valor and courage of women. It is because of such great women

that our Bharathiya culture is held in high esteem. Otherwise, it

would have declined long ago. Did you ever recognise the fact that

women are endowed with such great powers as courage, valor,

determination and righteousness? These qualities are not to be easily

found in men. Why? Most of them are afflicted with the disease of

anger, which is ruining them.

 

One with anger will not be successful in any of his endeavors. He

will commit sins and will be derided by one and all.

 

It is possible that women may also succumb to anger and indulge in

sinful deeds, now and then. Such people should be pardoned and

encouraged to make amends, not denounced and condemned. The quality

of patience and perseverance in women is great. In fact, it is the

quality of equanimity in times of difficulty that was characteristic

of the Draupadi, which saved the Pandavas. There are several such

women even in present times also. The bad qualities of anger,

passion, jealousy, envy and pride are more prominent in men. Women

are able to control such evil qualities from overtaking them. Under

the circumstances is it not our duty to encourage and honour such

women who preserve and promote peace and harmony? On the contrary,

women are belittled and slighted. No, no, this should not happen.

Such women with noble qualities deserve to be encouraged and upheld.

 

A few days ago, you had witnessed a function in this Hall, where the

glory of womanhood was highlighted. A playlet was put up in this Hall

by Chethana, in which the greatness of mother Sita, as the ideal

woman, was presented. Sita and Draupadi were great Pathivrathas

(women of chastity). Such efforts to highlight the greatness of women

need to be encouraged.

 

Sathya and Dharma (truth and righteousness) are the greatest

characteristics of Indian culture. If these two are protected, the

country can be saved from degeneration. If you want to protect your

country, you need not join the army and fight a battle. If truth and

righteousness that are inherent in you are protected, they themselves

will protect the country. It is not great to kill the enemies in a

war. First and foremost, protect truth and righteousness in you. The

country will automatically be protected. Indian culture exhorts

Sathyam Vada (speak truth) and Dharmam Chara (practice

righteousness). When you do this with perseverance, you will become a

great hero. When you protect Sathya and Dharma, God will, in turn,

protect you. Instead of trying to worship God and obtain His grace,

if you protect truth and righteousness, God will protect not only

your country, but the whole world. Truth is your very life-breath.

Righteousness is your Armour. Therefore, protect truth; foster

righteousness. That is enough. Truth and righteousness are

inseparable. One cannot exist without the other.

 

They are the very life-breath for the universe. Draupadi was

assiduously observing and propagating these two.

 

Sathya Dharmamu Santhi Premalatho

Nee nithya jeevana yathra saginchu.

 

(Oh man! Carry on your life's journey with the help of Truth,

Righteousness, Peace, and Love). You must hold on to these

principles, come what may. God will always protect such people.

History is replete with several examples wherein people held

steadfastly to the principles of Sathya and Dharma, and were

constantly protected by God. One such example is that of Pandavas and

their chaste wife, Draupadi. You may argue, " Where is Sathya and

Dharma in the present-day world? Whom are they protecting? " This is a

totally wrong argument. If you protect Sathya and Dharma, they will,

in turn, stand before you and protect you. They are the very

embodiments of Divinity. Unfortunately, today, instead of Sathyam

Vada (speak truth) and Dharmam Chara (practice righteousness), people

are following the distorted version Sathyam Vadha (kill truth) and

Dharmam Chara (imprison righteousness). This is utter perversion. You

should lead your lives based on Sathya and Dharma and consider them

as more important than your lives.

 

When Draupadi was pleading with Aswatthama who killed her sons, Bhima

was furious with uncontrollable anger. He clenched his fist and

proceeded towards Aswatthama to kill him. In that uncontrollable

rage, he argued with Draupadi, " Are you mad? Why are you trying to

save this man who mercilessly slit the throat of your five sons? I

will break the head of this child-killer into pieces with my fist. Do

not come in my way. " At that moment Draupadi fell at the feet of

Bhima and pleaded with him to spare the life of Aswatthama. She

prayed for regaining his composure. People around, who were

witnessing this scene, were wonderstruck. They were wondering whether

Draupadi was really mad! In fact, the world will be better if

everyone is afflicted with such madness. Thus, when Draupadi pleaded

with her husbands for saving the life of Aswatthama, he prayed for

forgiveness. Draupadi was happy at the change of heart in Aswatthama

and advised him, " Brother! You need not beg for my forgiveness.

Instead, you pay your respect and do service to your mother. Do not

drown her in sorrow. Never cause her anguish; take good care of her. "

Even the loss of five sons did not make Draupadi shed tears of sorrow.

 

Several women come to me with a heavy heart and tell me " Swami! My

husband's death has caused me deep sorrow and anguish. How do I bear

this calamity? " Then I would respond saying, " Oh! Your husband died?

Very happy. " They feel very unhappy with My attitude and question

Me, " What is this Swami? Are You so happy on hearing the news of my

husband's death? " What am I to say? I am always happy. I do not know

what sorrow is. I always discharge My duty.

 

God is the only person who protects everybody. Therefore, pray to God

always. Forgetting God and depending on the mercy of human beings!

What madness! You must depend on God, for everything in your life.

That is real Thapas (penance).

 

Since ancient times, women have been the very life-breath and

foundation for Bharat. They are the very embodiment of truth and

righteousness. How much respect and reverence we must show towards

such noble women? On the contrary, there are several people today,

who put them to untold suffering. Due to bad habits and bad company,

people lose their sense of discrimination and torture the women. No

woman should be put to mental and physical torture, whatever be their

nature. They must be revered and respected and protected in all ways.

Women in Bharat have always been held in high esteem. There are

several chaste and noble women in Bharat and still Bharathiyas are

undergoing difficulties. What is the reason? Whose fault is this? It

is only because the Bharathiyas are not giving proper respect and

place to women in society. The fault lies squarely on the men.

 

Forbearance is the real beauty in this sacred land of Bharat. Of all

the rituals, adherence to truth is the greatest penance.

 

The truthful character of the women is really their Tapas (penance).

Therefore, such noble women must be encouraged and honoured. If you

can put this one great principle into practice, your life will be

sanctified. Those who ill-treat their wives can never be happy and

prosperous. If men cannot protect their women who are prepared to

sacrifice even their lives for the sake of their husbands, what for

is their existence? Women are really the presiding deities of their

homes. Our primary duty is to protect them. Never let your women shed

tears. If women shed tears, such homes will be ruined in no time.

Women are ideals to the society. Never cause them distress.

 

Men should lead a life of truth and righteousness. Only then can they

protect the country and become worthy of being called real men.

Otherwise, how can they become heroic men? Several people go to

temples. When they visit a temple, they must make a vow that they

would respect and protect the women. Only then will they be

protected. It is only when the women are safe, the whole world will

be happy. Therefore, if you wish to protect Dharma in the world, you

must first protect your Dharma towards women.

 

Imagine a situation wherein you are in the role of women and some men

torture you. How miserable and helpless you would feel! Women are

prepared to sacrifice even their lives for the sake of their

husbands. But, men do not have such spirit of sacrifice. Men should

also cultivate such a spirit of sacrifice, like women. Only then will

you be fit to be called men. Otherwise, you will be men only in form,

but lacking in masculinity. You consider women as Abala (weak). But,

the truth is they are Shakti Swarupas (embodiments of strength and

power). Only, I know the plight of women who lost their husbands. It

is our duty to protect such women. If you can discharge this duty

properly, you will be happy throughout your life.

 

You must follow truth even in small matters. There are three

letters " Sa " , " Tha " and " Ya " in the word " Sathya " . If you reverse the

order, it will become " Ya " " Tha " and " Sa " . This means when you do

Thapas with austerities like Yama (control of the inner senses) and

Niyama (control of the outer senses), you will have the divine vision

of Sathya Swarupa (Embodiment of Truth). You have to thus, recognise

the inner meaning of every word and follow them meticulously.

 

King Janaka, a great renunciant king, used to propagate truth and

righteousness to his subjects among his own example. His daughter,

Sita, also led a pious life based on truth and righteousness. You are

not studying the life history of such ideal women. Instead, you are

reading trash. No. No. This is unbecoming of you. You should study

the ancient history of Bharat, which is so sacred. The character and

morality of women in Bharat are very sacred. You will become worthy

of being called men only when you undertake to protect such great

women. By mere sporting a moustache or growing a beard, will you

become men? Moustache and beard are not the real signs of

masculinity. You must protect ladies and uphold the dignity of the

family. Only then can you become great heroes and men of character.

 

Consider women as embodiments of truth. Even if some minor faults are

noticed in them, do not give credence to them. Respect and revere

them. Do not use even a single word that would offend them. If they

really wish, they can achieve any great task. You should be even

prepared to lay down your lives for the sake of protecting and

fostering women. At least from today, all of you should come forward

to protect the honour and dignity of women in the world. Women also

should undertake a vow to contribute their mite in this great task of

protection of Sthri Dharma. As regards men, there is nothing great or

new in trying to protect women. That is your duty. Her duty is to

foster and maintain the entire family as a unit. If women are

protected, they in turn will protect the entire world. Never belittle

women and treat them as mere playthings. I hope all of you men will,

at least in future, undertake to protect the dignity and honour of

women and thereby protect your own dignity and honour.

I conclude My discourse blessing you all.

 

Divine Discourses-Janmashtami Day 2004