EXPERIENCE INNATE DIVINITY TO ATTAIN PEACE AND HAPPINESS

(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 16th March 2003 in Sai Ramesh Hall, Brindavan-Bangalore)

Embodiments of Love!

Everyone aspires to get rid of sorrow and enjoy happiness. In order to rise to the level of Divine from the level of human, Satsanga is very essential. Life becomes meaningless if one does not join Satsanga. What is the meaning of Satsanga? Many are under the mistaken notion that Satsanga means joining the company of devotees. 'Sat' symbolises the principle of Truth, which is changeless in all the three periods of time. Man should constantly contemplate on such eternal principle. What is the purpose of human birth? It is not merely to eat, drink and make merry. Paropakarartham Idam Sariram (human body is meant to serve others). Man should dedicate himself to the service of society. God has endowed man with all powers. Human body is bound by senses which are responsible for both good and evil. Hence, it is the foremost duty of man to make proper use of the senses. Lord Krishna taught the same to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. One who lacks sense control is worse than an animal. Even animals exercise some control over their senses. But man, in spite of being endowed with Vijnana, Sujnana and Prajnana, is not making any effort to control his senses. Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsarya (desire, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy) are bestial tendencies. Today man is cultivating such animal tendencies and becoming an animal himself. Man is neither a Mruga (animal) nor a Mrunmaya Swarupa (made of inert matter). He is in fact Chinmaya and Chidananda Swarupa (embodiment of consciousness and bliss). It is a matter of shame that such a human being is cultivating animal qualities. Man should control his senses in the first instance. They are, spiritual practices prescribed to control one's senses.

Sravanam (listening), Kirtanam (singing), Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on Vishnu), Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), Vandanam (salutation), Archanam (worship), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (friendship) and Atmanivedanam (Self-surrender).

These are the royal paths to Divinity. Giving up such royal paths, man is conducting himself like an animal in a forest. Firstly, he should get rid of his animal qualities. Only then, can he rise to the level of the divine. You see, hear and experience many things in this world. They are nothing but the reflection, reaction and resound of your inner being. All that you see in the outside world is actually a part of you. Consider this example. There is someone who hates you. Actually it is the hatred in you that has taken the form of hatred in him. In the same manner, adulation or denigration, good or evil are reflections of your own self. Whatever you see in the outside world, whatever you experience, be it pleasure or pain has in fact come from within you. What is meant by Prapancha (world)? It is the combination of Padartha (matter). Every object in this world is transitory. How can such ephemeral objects give us everlasting bliss? Truly speaking, man has no misery at all. You blame others for your suffering and criticise them. It is your own bad thoughts that make you suffer. This world is like an ocean consisting of the waves of Samyoga and Viyoga (union and separation). Everything has emerged from you. There is nothing superior to man in this world. Hence, it is said, Janthunam narajanma durlabham (out of all the living beings, human birth is the rarest). Man is the most sacred and highly reputed one among all beings in the world. But being immersed in delusion, he is unable to realise his true nature. There is neither good nor evil in this world. There are many things that we see hear and experience. We think that it is the eyes that see, ears that hear and mind that experiences. In fact, it is not so. Everything is reflection, reaction and resound.

Embodiments of Love!

You are engaged in service, singing Bhajans and undertaking various spiritual practices. What benefit have you derived from these activities? When good feelings emerge from you, you get rich rewards. After sowing a neem seed, you cannot expect a mango fruit. As is the seed, so is the tree. Likewise, as is the feeling, so is the result. Good and evil are based on your feelings. Hence, develop noble thoughts and spread the message of love to the entire world. Cultivate the feeling that all are brothers and sisters. Whom you consider as others are not others in the strict sense of the term. They are your own. All are the children of God. God is one. Society is the direct manifestation of God. What is the difference between Jeevatwa (individual) and Daivatwa (God)? Individual is Vyashti Swarupa and God is Samashti Swarupa. There can be no branch without tree. There can be no child without mother. Fish cannot survive without water. Similarly, individual cannot exist without God. Both have an intimate and inseparable relationship. On this basis, Lord Krishna declared in the Bhagavad Gita, Mamaivamsho jeevaloke jeevabhuta sanathana (the eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being).

Embodiments of Love!

In this world, we see and hear about the dualities of good and evil, merit and sin. What is the origin of all these? They originate from man's Sankalpas and Vikalpas (resolutions and negations). Good and evil are present in his mind, not in the world. When man cultivates sacred thoughts, he will find sacredness all around.

Embodiments of Love!

The entire nature is suffused with power of attraction. The world attracts one and all. This power of attraction originates from the changeless and eternal principle of Truth, which is the basis of creation. This is known as Transcendental Truth. It is present in Trikalas, Trilokas and Trigunas (three periods of time, three worlds and three attributes). It is only one and not two. Ekam sath viprah bahudha vadanti (truth is one, but the wise refer to it by various names). All that we see in this world is only this principle of truth. Pashyannapicha na pashyati moodho (he is a fool who sees, yet does not recognise the reality). What man sees in front of him is not the world, but verily God. But, out of his ignorance, he fails to understand this truth and tries to search for God in the external world. All that you find before you are verily the forms of God. Though you see God right before your eyes, you think you are yet to find Him. How foolish it is! When you develop the firm faith that all are the embodiments of God, you will certainly find Him in everyone.

Sarvata panipadam tat sarvathokshi siromukham, Sarvata sruthimalloke sarvamavruthya tishthati (with hands, feet, eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe). There is nothing in this world which is not the manifestation of God. What is the form of God? Daivam manusha rupena (God manifests in human form). But man is getting deluded by his physical form and considers himself to be a mere mortal. All that we see is the form of God. He is the embodiment of bliss. Nityanandam paramasukhadam kevalam jnana murtim (God is the embodiment of eternal bliss. He is wisdom absolute, the One without a second). The entire world is pervaded with bliss. There is no trace of sorrow anywhere. But you may not agree with Me. You say, "Swami, you do not see sorrow, but we see it everywhere." Whether you see or I see, there is only bliss everywhere. As you think of only sorrow forgetting the bliss, you find only sorrow. But I don't find sorrow anywhere. I see only bliss, bliss and bliss alone. When we are the embodiments of Divinity, how can we ever be afflicted with sorrow? You are afflicted with sorrow because you don't realise the temporary nature of the world. Whatever you see and experience is only the reflection of God. Do not criticise anyone, for criticising others amounts to criticising God whom you worship. Easwara sarva bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings). Isavasyam idam jagat (the entire universe is permeated with God).

Embodiments of Love!

You may be speculating about the events that are going to take place in the forthcoming New Year (Ugadi). You think that the New Year would bring you happiness or sorrow. The year may be new, but how does it matter if you do not give up your old and mean habits? You aspire for good results, but are you performing good deeds? You expect others to be good towards you, but are you good towards them? If you act against the dictates of your conscience, how can you expect to be happy? Your deeds should be in accordance with your aspirations. Good deeds will certainly yield good results. Today people are immersed in Adambara (pomposity). How can such people attain Ananda?

Embodiments of Love!
Do not lead a pompous life. Adambara is the root cause of Asanthi (restlessness). Give up Adambara and strive to attain Ananda. True bliss cannot be acquired from outside; it lies in your own heart. In fact, bliss pervades the entire world. Your mental perversions are responsible for seeing evil in it. Manah eva manushyanam karanam bandhamokshayo (mind alone is responsible for both bondage and liberation of man). Hence, purify your mind. Only then can you become a true human being. You cannot call yourself a human being if your mind is polluted. Perform meritorious deeds. Speak good words. Lead a sacred life. In this manner, you can find fulfilment in life. There is nothing evil in this world. Whatever evil you find is but a reflection of your own feelings. Everything around you is your own reflection. If you point at something and say, it is evil, it means that the evil in you is reflected outside. Never entertain evil thoughts. Fill your mind with nectarous thoughts. Then your life will be sweet.

Embodiments of Love!

You do Bhajans and think that you are doing it in order to please God. But God does not need anything. You do Bhajans for your own happiness. Share your happiness with others. God is the embodiment of bliss. Hence, He does not require anything from you. When He is the embodiment of eternal happiness, what else is required for Him? He is not interested in worldly and ephemeral happiness. When you do Bhajans, your heart becomes purified. The worship and the Bhajans that you sing are meant for your own happiness and not for the happiness of God.

Embodiments of Divine Atma!

It is enough if man leads the life of a true Manava (human being); because there is Madhava (God) in him. Unfortunately, man today is leading the life of a Danava (demon). He is filled with demonic tendencies from top to toe. Such being the case, how can he attain happiness? You should purify your heart, experience bliss therein and share your happiness with those who come to you. Sometimes evil qualities like anger, greed, jealousy, etc., may try to overpower you. They are like passing clouds. Do not get carried away by them. Hold on to the true and eternal feelings that originate in your heart. People chant Lalitha Sahasranama, Vishnu Sahasranama, etc. No benefit accrues from chanting any number of Sahasranamas if one lacks purity of heart. You should fill your heart with the essence of all these Sahasranamas. Truly speaking, heart is the centre of all virtues. But man is not able to realise its sacredness. To be born as a human being is a great blessing. One cannot describe in words the sacredness and the sweetness of human life. Bear this truth in your mind and sanctify your life. Satsangatwe Nissangatwam (good company leads to detachment). You should join Satsanga. It does not mean joining the company of those who perform noble deeds. 'Sat' is the changeless and eternal divinity. It is the embodiment of Chidananda (everlasting bliss). To be in the company of 'Sat' is true Satsanga, which will confer on you everlasting bliss.

Embodiments of Love!

You will certainly experience everlasting bliss when you develop love. Love is Ananda and Ananda is Love. Your life will be redeemed only when you develop love and experience bliss. You can experience all types of happiness through love. It cannot be acquired from outside nor can it be bought in the market. It originates from within. When you buy a particular object in the market, you will develop love towards it. But such love is temporary, imaginary and artificial. It is not the love that originates in your heart. Love is changeless. Love is God and God is Love. You may celebrate any number of festivals but they cannot confer bliss on you unless you develop love. The bliss that you derive from love is beyond all description. It is infinite.

What is the difference between worldly love and divine love? The love you have towards your friends and relatives is termed as Anuraga (attachment). This cannot be called love at all. Divine love is related to the heart.

Embodiments of Love!

No doubt, there is love in you. But you are not putting it to proper use. You have to experience the true and eternal love, which develops heart-to-heart relationship. Such divine love is all-powerful. It has no limitations whatsoever. It attracts one and all. Today I want to tell you something very significant. This body of Mine is filled with attraction power from top to toe. It is the divine magnetic power. From Sivarathri onwards it has been increasing day by day though it was present in Me always. Worldly magnets attract only iron filings whereas this divine magnet attracts the entire world. You are under the mistaken notion that Swami is having pain in His legs and therefore He is unable to walk comfortably. I have absolutely no pain whatsoever. If I put one foot forward it is being pulled by the other as there is immense attraction power in My feet. As you are aware, even the earth is endowed with attraction power. It only attracts and does not cause any pain. Swami has no pain at all. This attraction power in Me is increasing day by day. Whatever I touch with My hand, gets stuck to it. Such magnetic power is present in every man. God is present in the form of Hiranyagarbha in everyone. Hence, He is extolled as Hiranyagarbhaya Namah (salutations to the one with golden womb). Pure gold does not undergo any change. It attracts everyone. You should not be under the mistaken notion that only Swami has this attraction power and none else. In fact it is present in you too. If you put it to proper use, it develops more and more.

I never had any pain at all. I am walking around as usual. But, sometimes it becomes difficult to lift the foot due to the earth's attraction power. Therefore, I am walking slowly. Unable to understand this truth, you are imagining that Swami has pain in His legs. Let Me reiterate that I have no pain whatsoever. I have no suffering, no worries and no anxieties. I am always blissful. There is nobody in this world who can come in the way of My bliss. But because of your worldly feelings, you think otherwise. If there is pain, one should think of a remedy. But when there is no pain, where is the question of remedy? No pain and no remedy.

In this world, every thing has to be under a certain limit. In the present situation, this body cannot travel much. The power is growing day by day. I try to lift My foot, but it is very difficult. Even if I use great force, it does not get separated from the earth. It can be separated only through My Sankalpa. It is very difficult to understand the principle of Divinity. No one can understand the Divine Sankalpa. None can estimate the divine power. People try to understand divinity on the basis of their own feelings and in the process end up with wrong estimation. People throw stones at trees, which are full of fruits. Similarly, the noble and the pious are subjected to a lot of hardship in this world. Divinity cannot be understood.

Embodiments of Love!

Follow the path of truth. That is the ultimate goal of your life. Human birth is very sacred. It is not meant merely to eat, drink and enjoy worldly pleasures. You may discharge your worldly responsibilities. You may help others. You may look after your family. But, this is not your goal of life. Love God. That is your ultimate goal. There is no property greater than love. Only love can redeem your life. So, develop love Bangaru!

I address you as Bangaru (gold) because you are the embodiments of Hiranyagarbha. There are a number of metals in your body, without which the body cannot exist. You may seek clarification from a doctor or a scientist in this regard. The magnetic power that is present in the entire world is present in your body itself.

Some people do not understand the power of divine magnet. They argue, "If there is attraction power in the 'magnet', why is it not able to attract us?" How can a magnet attract an iron piece, which is full of rust and dust? When the rust and dust are removed, the magnet will attract the iron piece at once. Likewise, you should clean you mind of impurities in order to be attracted by Divinity. You don't need to undergo any physical strain for this. No spiritual practices are required. It is enough if you cultivate love in your heart. Only through love can you attain the principle of Transcendental Truth. You might have read various books on Transcendental Truth. But nobody has really understood what it means. It is the changeless and all-pervasive Atmic principle. Such sacred love is available only with God.

Embodiments of Love!

You are going to witness the divine glory of Swami unfolding in the days to come. He will attract the whole world. There won't be place for people to stand even. You can see it for yourself, what a great change has occurred during the last one month! All are getting attracted to Swami. Love is very powerful.

This is not a disease. This does not cause any suffering or unrest in Me. It cannot be cured with medicines. Love is the only remedy for this. There are many people who are closely associated with Swami for a number of years. Even they are unable to understand the truth. What is the use of leading such a life? First of all, you should try to understand Swami. Once you understand that this plate is made of silver, you can estimate its value. But, nobody can estimate the value of Divinity. No medicines can have any effect on Divinity. Love is the only remedy. It should be associated with the eternal principle of truth. Such love will spread to one and all. You are born only for the sake of love. You cannot say that you don't need love. You have to attain Divinity through love. This is the purpose of human birth. If you do not realise this goal, what is the use of being born as a human being? Who is the Creator? Could you have taken birth of your own accord? No. It is the Will of God. He has given you the body. It should be sanctified in His service and adoration. You should set an ideal to the world. Work for the peace and happiness of all. Do unto others what you expect others to do unto you. If you do not want suffering, try to alleviate the suffering of others. Share your comforts and happiness with others. Pray for the happiness of all.

Embodiments of Love!

In a matter of a few days you will come to know. The divine glory will increase day-by-day conferring on you joy and bliss. All the unrest will soon be eradicated from the face of earth. Today we find acts of violence everywhere. But whatever is happening, in a way, is for your own good. Everyone will develop sacred feelings. All will enjoy the divine bliss. The entire nation will enjoy peace and happiness soon. There will not be any difficulties or suffering. You are fear-stricken thinking that there is going to be suffering. In fact there is nothing like sorrow or suffering. How can they ever afflict you? Always be happy and blissful. Conduct yourselves as the embodiments of the divine Atma and enjoy divine bliss. This is what I expect from you. Every individual should be happy. Every child should be happy. Let no one shed tears of sorrow. Difficulties may come, but they will ultimately lead to happiness. Very soon, everyone in this world will lead ideal lives. Love cannot be acquired by force, it should naturally originate from the Source. Force leads to fear. It will make love diminish. Let divine feelings spring forth from you naturally. Share your joy with others. Even to hold a small tumbler, there should be unity among the five fingers. A single finger cannot do anything. In the same manner, you can attain Divinity only through unity. God is Samashti Swarupa. Individual cannot achieve anything by himself. He has originated from God. So, he should become God.

Embodiments of Divine Atma!

Today I decided to address you all of a sudden. May you develop love and lead a happy life! May you attain divinity through love! There is divinity in every one of you. Make every effort to manifest and experience the same. Once you realise your innate divinity, you can see God everywhere. May you all attain peace and happiness, work for the welfare and progress of the country. With these words, I bring My Discourse to a close.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Sathyam Jnanam Anantham Brahma…"

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