LOVE OF HUMANITY IS LOVE OF GOD Part 02

[Guest guest]

LOVE OF HUMANITY IS LOVE OF GOD

 

The words I, Me and mine take precedence over other issues in the

modern world. With the evolution of nuclear families there has been a

massive increase in selfish attitude and indifference towards others

in this world. Self-reliance and independence is good, but that

should not pave the way to greed, self-centred behaviour among human

beings and unmindful of basic human values of love, kindness,

compassion and empathy.

 

Let us stop and think why there is so much restlessness in this

world? Why is there competition among siblings? Why is healthy

competition replaced by obnoxious harmful behaviour in our society?

What is the reason for increase in crime in our society?

 

It is ironical that the values that any corporate organisation

considers as essential for recruitment are being trustworthy, loyal,

responsible and accountable. We demonstrate these with words and

convince officials to get selected for a job, but do we really have

these qualities in our lives when we interact with the people around

us?

 

Instead of making life easier, the technological revolution seems to

have created an insecure world where we fear our parents, children,

relatives and neighbours. When we do not trust our own family,

parents or siblings whom we have seen and with whom we have shared

good times and bad times, how can we place trust in something that is

not visible to the eye, i.e., God.

 

God has bestowed us with intelligence to be used to attain God vision

and appreciate the marvellous creation. Instead we use our intellect

to discriminate and differentiate between people. We assign

ownership, name gender, and place to every object we see. We

differentiate between human beings based on nationality, religion,

region, caste, language and even colour!

 

When we see so many differences is it possible for us to identify

with other humans? When one is at a party you find people divided

into small groups scattered in corners. Group are based either on a

common native place, or language or they belong to one caste.

Amazingly enough we, who call ourselves spiritual and take pride in

calling ourselves children of Baba, are equally guilty of the act.

Rarely do you find a group with a mix of religion, dialect, region

and colour.

 

Let us break the barriers of limiting our understanding to bonding

only with our family, friends, relatives and neighbours. Firstly we

have to realise that there are only two classes of humans that exist

worldwide - vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This broad concept will

lessen the gap between the human paradigms. And now to lessen the gap

further, the difference between vegetarians and non- vegetarians, is

based on the choice of an individual and their likes and taste.

 

Since some people eat meat and drink alcohol despite being born in a

caste or religion, which forbids them to do so, these choices are not

dependent only on family or caste or religion. These are acquired

tastes in life based on life style, personal likes and dislikes. When

we acknowledge that there is basically no difference between humans

then the gap is bridged. As humans we develop respect towards each

other and none of the heartbreak or trauma occurs when there are

inter-caste, inter-religious, inter-regional marriages.

 

If we acknowledge that all individuals irrespective of their

demographic differences are just like us and have emotions, feelings

and are subjected to pain when hurt, this will help us to empathize

with others and feel their pain and pleasure. When we are involved in

an act we should analyze the impact of our action, words or behavior

on others and outcomes of such an act.

 

The spiritual concept that the whole universe is one and there is no

distinction between individuals makes sense when we identify

ourselves with others. This process helps us to understand the

spiritual concept better. The same is explained by Baba in Chapter 39

from the Shri Sai Satcharita. Baba says the root cause for the

ignorance that gives rise to human misconception, resulting in

inflicting pain on self and others by humans is due to the following:

 

1 - I am a Jiva (creature)

2 - Body is the soul (I am the body).

3 - God, world and Jiva are different.

4 - I am not God.

5 - Not knowing, that body is not the soul.

6 - Not knowing that God, world and Jiva are one.

 

The above-mentioned are some of the ideas that result in our seeing

duality in all elements. Spiritual aspirants will need to destroy

this sense of duality and understand that the whole universe is

threaded by the common energy of God. When this truth is acknowledged

and assimilated and the mind is constantly trained to recognise the

divinity in oneself then this knowledge will reduce pain, anger, and

chaos in world.

 

Man will then develop more endearing relationships towards others and

the world will become a better place. This understanding does not

happen overnight. Man has to be constantly reminded of this concept.

For this, a learned guru is needed who can help us to understand

these principles and be reminded when faced with troubles and hurdles

in this mundane world. Often we get disappointed and overwhelmed with

the problems and lose sight of the reality. In such circumstances,

the company of a guru or Satsang or group of people with common

spiritual goals is essential.

 

Let us not wait for somebody else to do this for us. It might be too

late. Once having chosen to tread on the spiritual path we should

know that it is not an easy path to tread, neither has Baba promised

that it will be a path of roses. To quote Lily Tomlin I always

wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that.

 

Then I realised I was somebody. Let us make the difference. As humans

we are ambitious, so let us show our eagerness to progress in

spiritual context by embracing the concept of non duality by showing

love towards humanity, love and serve one another and help each other

in times of need, which would be loving and serving God. When we

believe in ourselves, our uniqueness and in our innate qualities,

which are divinely ordained, then we are filled with love for

mankind, the quality shown by God. The easiest path to reach God is

by loving our fellow beings. Let us not delay further and embark on

making a new beginning and seek Baba's blessing in setting out in

this path.

 

Sai Ram

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan