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This land of
Bharat has given birth to many noble women like Savitri who
brought her dead husband back to life; Chandramati who
extinguished wild fire with the power of truth; Sita who proved
her chastity by coming out of the blazing fire unscathed and
Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the
power of her chastity. This land of piety and nobility attained
plenty and prosperity and became the teacher of all nations of the
world because of such women of chastity
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(Telugu Poem)
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Human life is
meant to demonstrate an ideal to the world. Man is endowed with infinite
powers. But, he leads a life of ignorance, being unaware of his innate
powers. Though everyone is endowed with divine powers, only a few are able
to manifest them. In others, these powers remain hidden. Everyone should
make efforts to realise their inherent divinity. Man appears and behaves
as if he is an ordinary human in spite of being one with infinite divine
powers. Janakiramaiah (Swami's younger brother) is one such divine power.
He was younger to this body by 2 ½ years. However, he was an expert in
the field of politics. He would mince no words in expressing his opinion.
At times, I used to caution him, "Ramaiah, you do not know the
abilities of others. Do not use harsh words. Talk with restraint." He
might have used harsh words when the situation demanded, but he was always
tender-hearted.
When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, Rama lamented thus, "If I
were to search in the world, I may get another wife like Sita, a mother
like Kausalya, but not a brother like Lakshmana." In this manner,
Rama was deeply touched by the fraternal love of Lakshmana and extolled
his qualities. There are many such families in the world where the
parents, brothers and sisters have demonstrated great ideals. You don't
need to doubt whether such ideal brothers exist even today. They do exist.
There may be temporary differences of opinion, but they always have love
for each other.
Every man must necessarily make efforts to realise the principle of
Atma, which is present in all. The sweetness of Atmic experience is
unparalleled. In the spiritual field, what one has to attain is the
experience of Atmic bliss. He, who realises the inherent divinity in
humanity is a true human being. The Atma has no specific form. It is full
of love and bliss. This has to be realised and experienced by every
individual. One may know the nature of an individual, but it is not
possible to understand and estimate the nature of the Atma. In order to
understand the principle of Atma, you have to emulate the ideals
demonstrated by Rama and His brothers.
One day as the brothers were playing a game, Bharata came running, sat on
the lap of Mother Kausalya and complained, "Mother, whenever I am
about to lose the game, Rama manages to lose and makes me the
winner." Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna would tell their mothers
that it was their great good fortune that they had Rama as their elder
brother. They would praise Rama saying, He was full of love and nowhere
they could find a brother like Him. They always wanted to be in the
company of Rama and serve Him. There was such unity and love among them.
They enjoyed intimate and inseparable relationship. Even today, there are
many such brothers in the world. But, the situation of the world is such
that people are not encouraged to practise brotherhood of man. Our
institutions should demonstrate the ideal of brotherhood and show the way
to the rest of the world. You call each other brothers and sisters. Mere
verbal expression will not suffice; it should be reflected in your
conduct. While in exile, Rama would not bear separation from Lakshmana
even for a moment. He would anxiously ask Sita about Lakshman's
whereabouts whenever he was not found by His side. In this manner, Rama
taught the ideal of brotherhood by His example.
Today, students are acquiring education with the sole purpose of occupying
high positions in society. They are not prepared to share their love with
their fellowmen and demonstrate the ideal of brotherhood. The need of the
hour is to practise the ideal of brotherhood. Brothers should lead their
lives in an ideal manner. Bodies may be different, but their life
principle must be one and the same. There is no dearth of such ideal
brothers in this land of Bharat. But, there are some who are not able to
translate their sacred feelings into action and set an ideal to others. It
is only when we share our love with fellowmen, can we experience Divinity.
What is the hallmark of a true student? Manasyekam Vachasyekam
Karmanyekam Mahatmanam (those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in
perfect harmony are noble ones.) It is said: The proper study of
mankind is man. But, today we do not find true qualities of mankind.
People may show respect towards each other outwardly, but they do not
experience true love, unity and happiness inwardly. They say they that
belong to mankind, but in reality they have monkey mind.
What is true humanness? You should treat your fellowmen as your own
brothers. You deserve to be called a human being only when you cultivate
the spirit of unity. Where there is no unity, there you find enmity and
hatred. Consequently, the principle of love is lost altogether. Man's
foremost duty is to share his love with others. Only then can he realise
the dictum: Brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God. But,
unfortunately, such idealism is not found today. You may not believe in
the fatherhood of God, but you must have faith in the brotherhood of man;
practise it and experience bliss therefrom. Our country, Bharat will
regain its pristine glory only when we achieve such unity. There should be
unity and love not only among brothers but also between the husband and
wife.
Today, you have heard that a doctor from Singapore (Dr. Pillai) wants to
establish an institution in memory of his late wife. Pillai has been a
devotee of Swami for the last 20 years. His wife was also a highly
virtuous lady. She always had a smiling countenance and would always speak
softly and sweetly. There are many such noble women in this country. It is
because of such women that the country is full of auspiciousness, plenty
and prosperity. There are many such devotees who express their love in an
unostentatious manner.
The country of Bharat is highly sacred. But people are flocking to foreign
countries with the false hope that they would find happiness there. The
happiness that you do not find here cannot be found anywhere in the world.
It is said, Yanna Bharate Thanna Bharata (that which is not found
in Bharat is not present anywhere else). That is why, Bharat has been able
to live in peace and amity with the rest of the world for the past
thousands of years. The Bharatiyas share their love with others and
maintain brotherly relationship. In fact, they have lived up to the ideal
of Brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of God. In spite of many
foreign invasions, the love and unity of Bharatiyas has not diminished a
bit. At times, you may find infighting, but this is only a passing cloud.
There is, however, the sweet fragrance of love in everybody's heart.
There is no point
in talking sweetly if there is no sweetness in your heart. Sweetness in
speech and bitterness in heart is not the quality of a human being. There
should be sweetness in your thought, word and deed. This is the true sign
of a human being. You should fill your life with love. There is nothing
superior to love in this world. Man is considered to be most sacred
because he has the unique quality of love in him. But you are not able to
realise the value of human birth. God incarnates in human form in order to
spread the message of love. Once you have love in your heart, you can
conquer the whole world. There is love in you, but you are not able to
express it in the proper way.
Students!
You read a number of books. You also study history. But, do you go through
the history of Rama? Have you understood the strong bond of love that
existed between Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna? First and
foremost, you should develop the spirit of brotherhood. Even when you come
across your bitter rival, address him as brother and talk to him with
love. When you address him as brother, his heart will melt and hatred will
disappear at once. You can conquer the whole world with the weapon of
love. There is nothing that you cannot achieve with the power of love.
Love is the supreme power. True human value lies in sharing and
experiencing the supreme love. But, today man wastes this noble quality of
love in worldly pursuits. This has become his taste. He does not realise
that love is Divine. The Gopikas had realised this truth. That is why they
prayed to Lord Krishna thus:
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Oh
Krishna, play your sweet flute and sow the seeds of love in the
desert of our loveless hearts.
Let the rain of love fall on earth and make the rivers of love
flow.
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| (Telugu
Song) |
The power of love
is unmatched. When you fill your heart with love, all people will become
your brothers and sisters. You will not have enemies at all!
Embodiments of Love!
Truly speaking, you are the very embodiments of love. Let the stream of
love flow from one heart to another. Consider love as your life. This is
your foremost duty. You may search anywhere in the world, you cannot find
anything greater than love. Here is an example. So many of you have
gathered here today! What is the reason? It is Swami's love that has
attracted all of you. Love is the divine magnetic power present in man. In
all the sacred epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata,
you find love as the undercurrent. Once you cultivate love, you do not
need to acquire any other property. You can attain God only through love.
He cannot be attained by any other means. Love is the magnetic power that
can transform even your bitter enemy into a dearest friend.
Students!
Develop love. This is more important than your worldly education. Love is
life. Not merely that. Love is light. It illumines your path and helps you
reach the goal. Your journey of life will be safe and secure when you
carry the light of love with you. You will never find darkness. Fill your
heart with love. Love is God. Live in love. This is what you have
to learn today. Today, people merely utter the words "love is
God", but they do not actually live in love. This should not be the
case. Your life should be suffused with love.
Embodiments of Love!
You have heard the talks given by C. Sreenivas, the present and the former
Vice-Chancellors. They spoke with love in their hearts and emphasised on
the need to cultivate love. They are, in fact, ringing the bells of love
in your heart, but you don't seem to pay attention to them. Once you hear
the bells of love, you cannot waste even a moment. You will dedicate your
whole life to the cause of love and ultimately merge in love.
Students!
You may acquire various types of knowledge and travel across the globe.
But, in spite of all your worldly achievements, you may not able to
understand the principle of love. Once you have the taste of love, you
will see the world in its real form. Therefore, become truly embodiments
of love. Let love flow incessantly from your heart. Immerse yourself in
the flow of love. Out of love, emerge truth and righteousness. Sathyam
Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practise righteousness). Truth and
righteousness are the two pillars on which the mansion of human life
rests. It is love that gives rise to these two principles. There is no
knowledge greater than the knowledge of love. You may read a number of
Pustakas (books), but love cannot be acquired from such books. What is the
use of reading Pustakas when your Mastaka (head) is filled with 'dirt'? It
is because of such 'dirt', you become an animal losing the sense of
discrimination.
Adore love. Live in love. There is no greater education than this.
Traverse the path of love. Partake of the food of love. It is not enough
if you merely partake of love, you should also assimilate and digest it.
Only then the essence of love will spread to every cell of your body
giving you immense strength and wisdom.
Students!
Today's education is leading to agitation. True education lies in
assimilating and digesting the principle of love. You are the embodiments
of love. You are filled with love. You may not know this, but I can see
love in you from top to toe. In future, the principles of Ramayana will be
manifested in a glorious manner. The Ramayana will fill your lives with
love and make you forget yourselves. Let your love be directed towards
Rama. Rama + Ayana is Ramayana.
Students!
I hope I am not causing any inconvenience to you by speaking at length. In
fact, it should not be a trouble at all for you. You cannot find the love
that Swami showers on you, anywhere else. Day after day, I will fill your
hearts with more and more love. I have no other work. My only job is to
fill your hearts with love.
(The
programme ended with Bhajans by students) |
