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The duality of birth and death is experienced in Prakriti (Nature), which
is the presiding deity of life principle. World attracts man and deludes
him. Padartha (matter) is the basis for Prapancha (world). World is a
combination of matter. The sum and substance is, it is the matter which
attracts man. Matter is not permanent, it does not symbolise truth. How
can the ephemeral objects confer on you the eternal peace? Yad Drishyam
Thannasyam (all that is seen is bound to perish). Whatever is seen by
the eye will undergo change with the passage of time. Such transient
objects cannot give you everlasting happiness.
'Aham Yetat Na'
(I am not this). It is the fundamental principle of wisdom. The principle
of Parabrahma has no specific form. In Vedic parlance, Aham means Atma. 'Aham
Yetat Na' means, I am not the body which is momentary and ephemeral.
The letter 'I' (Aham) symbolises the eternal Atmic principle. the Atmic
principle. We see various objects in this world and are deluded that they
are permanent. It is a grave mistake. Whatever is seen by the eyes is
impermanent. Even our body is seen by the eyes; hence, it is also not
permanent. It is a sign of ignorance to identify oneself with the body.
Since ages, man has been under the delusion that physical and ephemeral
objects will give him happiness. True happiness results when man
recognises the underlying eternal principle of Atma in this ephemeral
world.
Lord Krishna
declared in the Bhagavadgita, Mamaivamsho Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta
Sanathana (all beings are a part of My Being). Hence, every man is a
spark of Divinity. Such being the case, how can man be called a mere
mortal? Our ancients used to contemplate on God and worship Him with the
total faith that He was all-pervasive. According to our ancient
scriptures, gods are 3 crores in number. Who are they? Can there be so
many gods? The truth is that the population of the world was 3 crores when
those scriptures were written. This declaration was made considering each
individual a divine being. The declaration: Sahasra Seersha Purusha
(God has thousands of heads) was made prior to this when the population of
the world was in thousands. Today the world population is 580 crores.
Every one of them is a manifestation of divinity. Every human being is a
divine incarnation. Why man is wasting such a sacred and precious human
birth? You should not think that God exists separately with a specific
form. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti (God is one, but the wise
refer to Him by various names). Aham, the principle of Atma that is
present in all of us, is God. So, every individual is God Himself.
If you question, where God is, some people say, He is present in their
heart. It is not a proper answer. When you say the kerchief is in your
hand, you are bigger than the kerchief. Likewise, when you say God is in
you, it means you are superior to God! Hence, it is not proper to say that
God is in you. The truth is, you are God. Everything is in you.
Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvatah Sruthimalloke
Sarvamavruthya Tishthati (with hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and
ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe). In fact, the
entire world is present in your heart. Hence, it is said, Daivam
Manusha Rupena (God appears in the form of a human being). You would
have seen many pictures of Divine personalities like Rama and Krishna.
They are depicted in the form of human beings only. But man today has
forgotten the innate divinity in humanity. He is in search of God thinking
that He is at a higher level. That is why he is unable to realise the
truth. Ekam Sath (Truth is one). The Vedas describe this as Ritam.
It is the principle of oneness (Ekatma Swarupa). It is changeless and
transcends time, space and circumstances. It is present in one and all.
Man attributes various names and forms to such divinity and worships it in
various ways. Divinity has no specific form. It is changeless and beyond
all attributes. In fact, all forms are the forms of divinity. Such
principle of unity in multiplicity is forgotten today. All the Upanishads
emphasise on the principle of unity. But because of worldly feelings, man
views multiplicity in unity. He is not making any effort to visualise
unity in diversity. Man should undertake such spiritual practice which
will enable him to visualise unity.
The fundamental basis for the apparent multiplicity is only one. You see a
number of bulbs here. All are illumined by the same current. If you put
off the main switch, none of the bulbs will glow. Likewise, the Atma is
the undercurrent in all names and forms. Atma means the power of
consciousness. It is the power of Nityananda, Brahmananda, Yogananda and
Advaitananda (eternal, supreme, spiritual and non-dual bliss). Man is not
making any effort to know the principle of non-dualism. He is carried away
by multiplicity and thus is leading a life of ignorance.
Embodiments
of Love!
Realise that the same Atma dwells in one and all. Do not entertain evil
qualities like anger and hatred. Develop love and experience bliss. Share
it with others. In fact, love is your Swabhava (innate nature), bliss is
your Swabhava. But today people are deluded by worldly Prabhava and
thereby are forgetting their Swabhava. This is the year of Swabhanu. 'Swa'
means Atma. Hence, Swabhava means Atmic feeling. You should develop such
feeling. Swabhava also symbolises Chaitanya Shakti (the power of
consciousness). It is present everywhere, in you, with you, around you,
above you and below you. When Atma is present all over, how can it be
divided? Never fragment the principle of oneness. In fact, it is very easy
to visualise oneness in diversity. Do not think that God is in you. You
are in God and so too is everyone.
Today fear of sin has declined in man. That is why he is taking to evil
ways without being bothered about the consequences. Due to the absence
of fear of sin and love for God, humanness has declined in human beings.
This is detrimental to universal peace. (Telugu Poem) As man does not
have fear of sin, he is unable to manifest his innate divinity. The same
divinity is present in one and all. Truth is one and Truth is God. The
whole world rests on Truth.
The
creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,
Is there a place where truth does not exist?
Visualise such pure and unsullied truth. |
| (Telugu
Poem) |
You don't need to
search for the principle of Truth, It is all-pervasive. Wherever you see,
there is truth. But you are not making efforts to visualise truth. If only
you make a sincere attempt, you can visualise truth everywhere. Sathyam
Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath, Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam (speak truth, speak
pleasantly and do not speak unpalatable truth). Truth should be uttered in
a pleasing manner. It should not hurt the feelings of others. People say
God is all-pervasive. No doubt, He is present everywhere. But He manifests
Himself wherever truth is spoken in a sweet and pleasant manner. Truth
that is spoken in a harsh manner cannot be called truth at all.
Every man and every creature is an embodiment of love. All the birds,
animals and insects aspire to attain happiness just as man does. They also
enjoy happiness. But there is a difference between the happiness they
enjoy and the happiness man enjoys. Birds, animals and insects are neither
elated by happiness nor depressed by sorrow. They accept happiness and
sorrow with equanimity. But man lacks such sense of equanimity. He feels
elated when his desires are fulfilled and frustrated otherwise. Desire and
anger are like pests that destroy the tree of human life. Today desire and
anger have become rampant in man. One who is filled with anger will find
differences and starts developing hatred. In the daily newspaper, you find
many news items which speak volumes about the anger, hatred and jealousy
in man. These evil tendencies are the bitter enemies of man. People are
worried about the harmful effects of certain planets. In fact, desire and
anger are the two planets which cause the greatest harm to mankind. Yes,
desires are essential for man. But excessive desires wreak danger. Na
Sreyo Niyamam Vina (without discipline, there can be no well being).
Desires should be under limit. Man sometimes has love in him and at other
times goes into a fit of anger. Such a tendency is the result of improper
food and habits. Never translate your thought into action in haste. Take
time and enquire whether what you want to do is right or wrong.
Today the New Year has commenced. People celebrate the arrival of New
Year with all festivity and gaiety. But their enthusiasm and happiness is
only short lived. It is not the way to celebrate the arrival of New Year.
Your happiness should remain forever. True happiness is not something
which comes and goes like a passing cloud. At the time of birth, your
heart is pure and you are full of bliss. You should retain such purity of
heart for the rest of your life and enjoy everlasting happiness.
| When
man emerges from the womb of his mother, one does not find any
garland round his neck. There are no jewels made of pearls nor are
there glittering golden ornaments. There are no chains studded
with precious stones like emerald and diamond. But there IS a
chain round your neck. Brahma strings together the consequences of
your past deeds, makes it into a garland and puts it round your
neck at the time of your birth. |
| (Telugu
Poem) |
There is bound to
be a result for every action of yours, however small and insignificant it
may be. Suppose that you are mending your clothes with the help of a small
needle and thread. The needle may be small, but if it pricks your finger,
the result is instantaneous in the form of bleeding. In this case action
and result take place almost simultaneously. The food you consume takes at
least two hours to get digested. Here there is a gap of two hours between
the action and result. The seed that you sow takes a minimum of one week
to grow into a sapling. In the same manner, some actions yield result in a
few months or a few years or a few births. Whoever he may be, one has to
face the consequences of one's actions. However, you don't need to be
depressed and dejected thinking that you cannot escape from the results of
your past evil deeds. You can certainly escape from them if you win the
grace of God by developing love in your heart. All the results are based
on your thoughts and actions. You have to undertake sacred activities in
order to sanctify your body. There is no point in undertaking good deeds
with evil intentions. The seed that you sow within will germinate into a
'tree' and yield 'fruits'. Some people have evil motives within but put on
a veil of goodness. Such pretentious attitudes will never yield positive
results. Firstly, you should sow the seeds of sacred thoughts within.
You may be speculating as to what this New Year has in store for you.
You have to undertake sacred actions if you want to enjoy peace and
happiness. You should join Satsanga. Satsanga means to join the company of
'Sath', which is changeless in all the three periods of time. Satsanga
does not merely mean doing Bhajans and listening to spiritual discourses.
Bhadram Pashyantu, Bhadram Srunvantu and Bhadram Kurvantu (see good, hear
good and do good). These are the three important Mantras that emperor Manu
has given to mankind. The teachings of Manu form the basis for
Dharmasasthra. Man should strictly adhere to these three Mantras in his
daily life. Nothing else is required to redeem oneself. The Vedas say, Srunvantu
Viswe Amrutasya Puthraah (Oh listen! The son of immortality). You are
not mere mortals; you are the children of immortality. You should conduct
yourself in such a manner that would befit your stature as the children of
immortality.
Man's wicked thoughts are responsible for the agitation and unrest you
find in the world today. In order to get rid of evil thoughts, you should
run away from bad company in the first instance. You should join good
company. Then you will see only goodness in everyone around you. If you
come across a person who hates you, do not reciprocate the evil feeling.
Tension will mount when you show anger and hatred towards each other.
Instead you greet him with love. Then he too will reciprocate the feeling
of love and become your friend. Speech plays a vital role in strengthening
the bond of friendship. Hence, speak softly and sweetly. You can pacify
hatred and anger that is prevailing in this world by your pleasant talk.
Love begets love.
Where there is confidence, there is love,
Where there is love, there is peace,
Where there is peace, there is truth,
Where there is truth, there is God,
Where there is God, there is bliss.
In order to enjoy peace, you should give up hatred and develop
self-confidence. You should consider that Viswasa (faith) is your true
Swasa (life-breath).
You are enjoying the divine grace day in and day out. In what way are
you showing gratitude to God for all that He has been doing for you? God
does not expect anything from you. But you have to do your duty by
expressing your gratitude. An ungrateful person is worse than a cruel
animal. It is because of your parents that you have come up in life. Matru
Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava (revere your mother and father God). Your
mother bore you in her womb for nine months, gave you birth and brought
you up facing several hardships. How grateful you must be towards your
mother for all that she has done for you! In the same manner, father
sacrificed his own comforts and looked after you with love and care. In
what way are you expressing your gratitude to your father? Your children
will treat you in the same manner as you treat your parents.
Some people have wicked feelings within but talk in a pleasing manner in
front of others. Such people are verily demons. Demons are known to become
powerful at nights. Here night symbolises wickedness and darkness of
ignorance. Daylight symbolises Sujnana and night stands for Ajnana. When
you are immersed in the darkness of ignorance, you will find only
wickedness everywhere. Such a person cannot be called a human being, he is
verily a demon. Jantunam Nara Janma Durlabham (out of all living
beings, human birth is the rarest). Having attained such a sacred human
birth, it is rather unfortunate that man is behaving like a demon. Even
animals express their love and gratitude towards their master, but man has
sense of gratitude in him. Having been born as a human being, he should
conduct himself as is expected of him and sanctify his life.
Embodiments
of Love!
Love all. Let there not be even a trace of hatred in you. Join hands with
your fellowmen in a spirit of tolerance and love. The Vedas have taught, Saha
Navavatu. Saha Nau Bhunaktu. Saha Veeryam Karavavahai.
Tejaswi-Navadhitamastu. Ma Vidvishavahai (May we be protected and
nourished together! May we perform heroic deeds! May we be filled with
divine energy! May we never hate one another!). Such sacred teachings of
the Vedas have been forgotten. On the other hand, man is developing evil
tendencies. Such a behaviour is not befitting the stature of a man.
Bliss is man's true nature. Hence, he should always have a cheerful
countenance. May all of you lead a blissful life in this New Year! May you
fill your life with love! May you develop unity and friendship! True bliss
lies in unity. God is the embodiment of bliss.
Nityanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim, Dwandwateetam,
Gagana Sadrisham, Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam, Ekam, Nityam, Vimalam, Achalam,
Sarvadhee Sakshibhutam, Bhavateetam, Trigunarahitam (God is the
embodiment of eternal bliss, He is wisdom absolute, the One without a
second, beyond the pair of opposites, expansive and pervasive like the
sky, the goal indicated by the Mahavakya Tattwamasi, the eternal, pure,
unchanging, the witness of all functions of the intellect, beyond all
mental conditions and the three Gunas of Sattwa, Rajas and Thamas).
In spite of being endowed with such sacred bliss, why should man give room
to wickedness and misery. This is contrary to human nature. Consider
everyone as the embodiment of divinity. Whomsoever you salute or ridicule,
they will reach God. Offer your respects to everybody. Share your love
with one and all. Never hate anybody. The hatred in you will come back to
you as reflection and put you to suffering.
Hence, embodiments of love, develop love in you. Experience love and share
it with others. This is the most important message of this New Year,
Swabhanu. You are not merely mortals. You are the sparks of divine. You
should lead your life in such a manner. It is only when you understand
your divine origin, will your thoughts, words and deeds become sacred
| Oh
man! Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness have
you achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in making
efforts to fill your belly while forgetting God. |
| (Telugu
Poem) |
Get up from your
bed with a peaceful mind. Think of God. There are some people who get up
from bed with a disturbed and agitated mind. If the parents criticise each
other as soon as they get up from bed, the children will go a step further
and will start beating up each other when they wake up in the morning. The
children will naturally try to emulate their parents. Hence, parents
should set an example to their children. They should teach them by
practice, not merely by precept.
Under any circumstances, do not give room for anger or
hatred. You may have to face some difficulties and sorrows, but never
mind. Be calm and composed. What did I tell you in the beginning? 'Aham
Yetat Na'. Realise that you are not the body. You are the embodiment
of eternal Atma. When you understand this truth, you will not be affected
by the physical suffering. As you are aware, I am showing you this by
example. I know that I am not the body. Hence, I do not care for any
suffering that afflict this body. The physical body of man is bound to be
afflicted by disease and suffering at some point of time in his life. One
should not be unduly worried about it. In fact, the body is born and
brought up through various difficulties. It cannot escape difficulties.
But you should not care for them. Difficulties and suffering are but
natural to the human body. Bliss is natural to the Atma. Follow the nature
of the Atma and not of the body. Give up body attachment.
| This
body is a den of dirt, and prone to diseases; it undergoes change
from time to time. It cannot cross the ocean of Samsara. Oh mind!
Do not be under the delusion that body is permanent. Instead take
refuge at the Divine Lotus Feet. |
| (Telugu
Poem) |
Why do you worry
about such an ephemeral body? Instead, think of God. The physical
suffering comes and goes like a passing cloud. That is the nature of human
body (Pravritti). The nature of Atma (Nivritti) is to treat dualities of
life with equanimity. Troubles of the body come and go. In spite of the
pain, I am going around as usual. There is no change in My daily routine.
I do not care for this pain. You will be put to suffering only when you
identify yourself with the body. I am not the body. When you say this is
my kerchief, you are different from it. Whatever may happen to the
kerchief, you will not be affected. In the same manner, you should not be
affected by the physical suffering.
| The
body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or
later but the indweller has neither birth nor death. He has no
attachment whatsoever. Truly speaking, the indweller is verily God
Himself who is in the form of the Atma |
| (Telugu
Poem) |
The indweller is
Atma which is your true identity. Hence, do not be worried about your
body. If someone were to criticise you, do not be agitated. If he
criticises you loudly, it will vanish into thin air. If he criticises
within himself, it will affect himself. In fact, neither praise nor
censure will come to you. You should not be affected by both. In this
manner, you should transcend the dualities of life. You will become a true
human being only when your mind is fixed on the true and eternal Atma.
Today marks the
beginning of a very sacred year. Accordingly, you should develop sacred
thoughts. Not only in this year, but throughout your life, you should
cultivate sacred thoughts. The body is made of five elements, hence it is
bound to suffer. You should not be affected by it. This is your true
Sadhana. All other Sadhanas will prove futile if you do not give up body
attachment. Some people keep telling the beads in a mechanical way and say
that they are doing Sadhana. The rosary will be revolving in their hand
and the mind will be roaming in the market. Can this be called Japa
(chanting)? While doing meditation your body may be steady, but the mind
will be wavering. What is the use of such a Sadhana? A true spiritual
aspirant is one who has a steady mind and an unwavering vision. Unsteady
mind is the nature of a monkey. But today man is developing monkey-mind.
He should fill his heart with kindness for he belongs to mankind.
Bhagawan sang the Bhajan, "Prema Mudita Manse Kaho …" and then
continued the discourse.
Embodiments
of Love!
When you sing Bhajans, maintain the proper rhythm by clapping your hands.
The clapping should be done according to the Bhajan. Bhajan should be sung
with proper tune and wholeheartedly. The three syllables in the name
Bha-ra-ta stand for Bhava (feeling), Raga (tune) and Tala (beat). It means
Bharatiyas are those who sing the glory of God with Bhava, Raga and Tala.
Today there are many singers who, while singing Thyagaraja Kritis play
Tala on their lap. They should join both hands and clap. The five fingers
of one hand symbolise Karmendriyas (senses of action) and that of other
hand stand for Jnanendriyas (senses of perception). When you sing the
glory of God, there should be harmony between these two. If they are not
harmonised, even your feelings will not be steady. It was Guru Nanak who
introduced the concept of community singing in Punjab. All should sing the
divine glory in unison. This was the ideal propagated by our ancients. But
today people have brushed aside such ideal and are acting as per their
whims and fancies. All our actions should be pleasing unto God. You may
call Him Rama, Krishna, Govinda, but God is one. Develop the feeling of
oneness and attain the vision of the Divine Atma.
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