HismessageHisvoice

14
Oct
2021

Dasarā

Significance of Dasarā

The whole world is the embodiment of the three guṇas (attributes). In a worldly sense, Dēvi means Strī liṅgamu (feminine). However, in this word Strī (woman), there are three letters: sa, ta and ra. Sa means sa-kara, ta is ta-kara and ra is ra-kara. The first and foremost in Strī is Sāttvic. This Sāttvic nature is the very first to emerge in man. It is in the proximity of the mother – the womb, that love begins to develop. She transmutes her blood into love and offers it to her children. Therefore, it is not possible to define a mother’s love. 

The second is ta. Ta does not mean tatva or Tamas quality as in sleeping, eating and other such activities that are said to be characteristics of Tamas. The ta syllable in Strī means bashfulness, shyness and pride. They have a lot of shyness and remain modest for the sake of their honour and respect. Because of such pure qualities, ta-karam develops. But unfortunately, assuming ta-karam to mean eating, sleeping and repeating this cycle, women earn the title of Kumbakarna’s¹ sisters! 

The third and final is Rajas. In truth, the qualities of sacrifice, generosity, etc. are represented by the letter ra in Strī. When the time comes, they sacrifice their very own life and will try to protect and uphold honour, without thinking of pain, losses and sadness. They are ever prepared to eliminate those Tamas tendencies which invade the Sāttvic. 

Dēvi, the embodiment of Shakti (Primal Energy), uproots bad qualities by adorning the Rajo guṇa and nourishing the Sāttvic. In this world, the bad qualities of  injustice, illegality, immorality and untruth have monstrously developed and wreaked havoc. When society was drowned in selfishness and self-interest, and humans were behaving mercilessly, devoid of love, the Ātmic principle embodied itself in the form of Shakti. When the Dēvi was continuously exterminating these bad qualities, she adorned a very fierce form. For the sake of pacifying this form, all women, who are considered to be her progeny, worship her with the red kuṅkum (vermilion). The Mother, on seeing this blood-like kuṅkum, is pacified thinking that all the bad-doers have been extinguished. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of worshipping the Dēvi with this kuṅkum is to pacify her fierceness. In these 10 days, the demon-like bad qualities which have further developed in this world are eradicated. Demons are not the ones with any particular form. Our bad qualities and feelings themselves are demons; the ego itself is a demon.  

Resources

Footnotes: 

¹Kumbakarna is the brother of the demon-king, Ravāṇā. Legend goes that Kumbakarna ate for six months and slept for six months.

²Sometimes translated as purity (Sathwa), activity (Rajas) and inertia (Tamas) but contextually, these terms assume different meanings.

³Sa as in Sun / Ta as in Thursday / Ra as in Run

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28
Mar
2021

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Divine lessons based on the life and teachings of this great Saint from Bengal

Introduction

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1534 CE) is one of the most celebrated Saints of India, who hailed from the eastern state of Bengal. His life and teachings are a great inspiration for seekers of Truth, specially through the path of devotion. There are traditions in India that consider Sri Chaitanya as a reincarnation of Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself, who had come to experience and share the sweetness of devotion and Divine Love.  In this article, we are fortunate to explore some known as well as rare insights from the life of this great Saint through the Divine words of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Note: This work presents the direct words of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Telugu in the form of audio-visual along with english sub-titles. The sub-title text can be accessed through the tab next to the video. A translation of the discourse clip is provided below the clip that retains all the non-translatable Sanskrit/Telugu words with an approximate contextual english translation in brackets. There is an ‘English only’ translation provided for those who are not comfortable with words in Indian Languages. Translations have been made by the volunteers and members of  SSSCHV, Prasanthi Nilayam.

Divine Love

Loving God

“Impact of mother’s thoughts on children”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 33, November 19 2000, Prasanthi Nilayam

Translation

Once, Sachidevi took Chaitanya to a holy temple to have the Darśan of Chaitanya Mūrti (consecrated idol). During Darśan, Chaitanya glorified the Lord as the ruler of the universe and the world, the master of life and all beings, as the one who has the capacity to nurture all. Chaitanya neither had the desire for the body nor did he have desire for the knowledge that confers mōkṣa sought by spiritual aspirants. Instead, Chaitanya prayed for nothing else but the strength to love Chaitanya (supreme consciousness) because consciousness is love. That love is verily our life, and everything is within love. Having been born in love and growing up in love, to be conferred with the grace of love is the greatness of love. 

Hearing her son’s prayers, Sachidevi asked Chaitanya why he prayed thus and not for necessities like food and shelter. Chaitanya explained the divine principle that everything is within God’s love; love is the form of Brahman (manifest creation), and that Brahman is love itself. All, including the universe, are God’s love alone. Therefore, if we have that one love, everything else we need will be fulfilled. We should not waste our lives desiring petty things. Because that same love is in everyone, all are able to live in this world as part of this universal family. Having prayed thus, Chaitanya went street-to-street singing the praises of Lord Krishna. Some wicked people would come and grab his wooden clappers, but Chaitanya was not affected.

Good and bad, purity and impurity, light and shadow, all coexist. Good people will face difficulties, and those difficulties will further develop the good in us.

With this faith and strong will, Chaitanya continued doing bhajan (devotional singing). Over time, a few children would join him as well, bringing cymbals and wooden clappers. Despite their parents’ scolding, these children did not leave the path of Chaitanya. Chaitanya would make them sit and impart to them the teachings of the coexistence of good and bad. In this world, without good, bad cannot happen. Similarly, without bad, good cannot happen. Both exist together, and none can achieve to separate them. Pleasure cannot be seen exclusively without bearing difficulties. So, all our sukhamu (pleasures) lie within kaṣṭamu (difficulties). Chaitanya went on preaching thus.

Due to the influence and satsaṅkalpa (Divine will) of the mother, the son transformed into a satpuruṣuḍu (Divine Being). Therefore, in today’s world, mothers should develop exalted ideals. They should have satsaṅkalpa and noble conduct. Only then will they beget exemplary sons.

True education one must acquire (Ādhyātmika Vidya is the only Vidya)

“Unity in diversity – the fundamental Truth”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 35, November 4 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam

Translation

Once, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sought mother Sachidevi’s permission to pursue education.

Mother Sachidevi told Chaitanya that although there are various fields of study, all of them are limited and come to an end at some point. They are not subject to their further development. All these vidyalu (studies) have limited standards. Ādhyātmika Vidya (Spiritual education) is the only vidya (education) that is deathless, limitless, and exists everywhere in all periods of time. Sachidevi advised Chaitanya to pursue such Ādhyātmika Vidya.

Therefore, Chaitanya incessantly chanted Krishna’s name, 

He traversed  from village to village, street to street contemplating and chanting Krishna’s name;

Whether, 

in the forest, in the sky,

in a village, in a city,

on the hill, in deep rivers,

he always chanted the name of Lord Krishna.

Ultimately, he gave beautiful teaching to the common man, using laukika (transactional), bhautika (material), and prākr̥ta (natural) words. 

His message to mankind was simple, yet profound.

Charity of food- Is there a greater charity?

Parents- Is there a greater God?

Living in the world as penance – Is there a greater Character?

Compassion- Is there a greater dharma?

Company of the good- Is there a greater gain?

Enmity- Is there a greater danger?

Therefore, the most fundamental of all is to distance enmity and develop friendship.

This vidya is of the highest priority. Chaitanya went to his Lord Narayana for Darśan and praised that He resides in all the worlds, that he is not only Lōkanātha (master of the world) but also Jīvanātha (master of all beings) and Prāṇanātha (master of Life). Chaitanya was not at all interested in either Kailāsa (abode of Lord Shiva), Vaikuṇṭha (abode of Lord Vishnu) or even Mōkṣa (liberation). He wanted only one thing – Love, the kind of love by which he can love the Lord himself. When Chaitanya desired thus, an ethereal voice said tathāstu (let it be so).

Chaitanya continued praying to Lord Krishna that how many ever types of vidya (knowledge), strengths, and great achievements one has, all are bound to slip away in the middle. Only love has life; it is changeless. In this world, everything is temporary – anityaṁ sarvaṁ, but Chaitanya desired that truthful and eternal love principle from Krishna. He continued that the Lord’s Mōkṣa (liberation), Svarga (heaven), Kailāsa (abode of Lord Shiva), and Vaikuṇṭha (abode of Lord Vishnu) are all the Lord’s branch addresses. Chaitanya did not want all these. He knew very well that the Lord’s permanent address was his heart where He resides in an unwavering – acan̄cala, imperceivable – apramāṇa, and steady – sthiraṁ – manner. That was the only thing Chaitanya desired.

Sādhana

Transform everything into Love through Sādhana

“Chant the divine name always”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 32, July 28, 1999

Translation

Like Prahalada, you should incessantly do Nāmasmaraṇa (meditative remembrance of God’s name). Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who practiced spiritual disciplines and were content, always desired for God’s love. Like Sakkubai and Meerabai, unable to bear the separation from the Lord, you must wail and cry. Because of that agony of separation, God manifested and conferred His grace on them.  

But, due to the effect of this Kali age, people want God’s grace to simply fall into their laps without doing any sādhana (spiritual practice), stepping foot outside the threshold, or spending a penny. Today, because the expression of love in man is diminishing, wherever you look, the evil ways, violence, and griefs are wreaking havoc. Even if anger or jealousy arise in you, transform that into love. Be convinced that whatever happens in the jagat (world) is love.

Incessant sādhana manifests God

“Investment in devotion”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 29, November 23, 1996

Translation

If you want God, then incessantly do smaraṇa (meditative remembrance) like Prahlada who always chanted “Ōṁ Namō Nārāyaṇa!”; constantly sing like Radha and Meera; continuously pray to God like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and Tukaram; ceaselessly wail and cry for the Lord’s Darśan like Ramakrishna. Then, God will manifest in that very instant.

In union with the Self while still in society

“Detachment is possible for one and all”, Summer Showers in Brindavan, May 30 1973

Translation

Yōgaratōva bhōgaratōva

saṅgaratōva saṅgavihīnaḥ

yasya brāhmaṇi ramatē cittaṁ

nandati nandati nandatyēva

Translation of shloka: Whether one is given to yogic way of life or one is given to a luxurious way of life, whether one has renounced the world or is still in it, one whose Citta (awareness) revels in the Brahman (supreme consciousness) will only be in bliss at all times.

Shankara’s disciple, Nithyananda, wrote this Ślōka (verse). 

Few people do sadhana by staying in society – saṅgaratōva – and few others by leaving the society – saṅgavihīnaḥ.

Even while staying in society, great and sacred individuals like Thyagaraja, Pothana, Vemana, Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Kabir, and Ramdas immersed themselves in Ātma tatva (identification with the Ātma ) through nāmasmaraṇa  (meditative remembrance of God’s name) and gave Ānanda (pure bliss) to all.

Nāmasmaraṇā

Everything is God’s Līlā

“Chanting divine names gives eternal bliss”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 29, July 19, 1996

Translation

Many saints like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and others have expressed their devotion to the Lord in myriad ways, through līlāgānaṁ (singing the glories of the divine play; Līlā– divine play ; gānaṁ-singing). Though they derived great satisfaction through this form of devotion, even that was just their bhrama (delusion). They ultimately realized the truth and transcended this delusion. Mira, Sakkubai and the likes, in the same manner, were doing līlagānaṁ. Mira finally realized that this līlāgānaṁ is of no use to her. When the jagat (world) itself is His Līlā and the entire sr̥ṣṭi (creation) is also His Līlā, can there be any differentiation of one experience being God’s Līlā and the other not? She recognized thus and thereafter continued the smaraṇa (meditative remembrance of the true nature of divinity).

Nāmasmaraṇa : The pathway to realize God

“Purify the world by sankeerthana”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 25, March 3 1992

Translation

Chaitanya was foremost in doing nāma sankirtana (devotional singing of God’s name).

All names are Yours. A jagat (world) without your nāma (name) or your form, cannot be seen in this Viśvamu (universe), Chaitanya prayed thus. 

“Sarvarūpa Dharam Śāntaṁ (the one who embodies all forms is peace) Sarvanāma-dharam Śivam (the one who bears all names is auspiciousness) Saccidānanda Rūpaṁ Advaitaṁ (the one who is in the form of existence-awareness-bliss is non-duality) Satyaṁ Śivam Sundaraṁ (truth, auspiciousness, beauty).”

Chaitanya praised that all the beauty of this jagat (world) is only the Lord’s name and form. Convinced that each material, each atom, and each cell is God’s very form and nature, Chaitanya attained realization through the means of nāma (name).

The sweetness of nāmasmaraṇa

“Experience oneness with God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V29, September 5 1996

Translation

The Dēha tatva (physical element), indriyamulu (senses), or Bud’dhi tatva (element of intellect) present in the human system cannot comprehend this Ātma tatva (identification with the Ātma). Therefore, Bud’dhigrāhyamatīndriyaṁ; only when the realm of senses and intellect is transcended, then this Ātma tatva can be understood.

For example, assume there is fruit juice in the tumbler. Swami is not accustomed to fruit juice but let us assume it to be fruit juice. The tumbler is full of juice, but the tumbler does not know the taste of the juice. If you put a straw in this and sip the juice inside with your mouth, the juice will flow fully through the straw. But even the straw does not know its taste. Once it reaches the tongue, only there can you determine if the juice is sour or sweet.

Likewise, our body is the tumbler. Divinity or God is the nectarine juice present in this body; God is in the form of the essence of the juice, but the body does not know. We use our senses, which are like straws, to experience divinity, but even the straw – or senses – does not know. The Bud’dhi (intellect) is like the jihva (tongue).

It was the devotee Chaitanya who proclaimed this.

Jihvē Rasajñe Madhura Priyētvaṁ

Satyaṁ Hitaṁ Tvāṁ Āvarṇayethā Madhurākṣarāṇi

[Translation for the shloka: My tongue! You are fond of sweet things and can discriminate taste; I tell you the highest truth, which is also the most beneficial. Please just recite these sweet syllables.]

What are those sweet letters? The tongue, the knower of taste and experiencer of sweetness, is taking in the rasa (taste) that is external. This rasa will not give satisfaction; it only shows the taste, but there is one rasa that is sweetest of all – Gōvindā Dāmōdara Mādhavēti. Think about this nāma (name). This name is not the one that wears out, melts, moves, nor is intimidated. In the heart, the name will stay determined, serene, selfless, and constantly share the sweetness of God. 

Chaitanya transforms a thief

Text from Discourse (Sathya Sai Speaks Volume 20 discourse 12; no audio available)

Krishna Chaitanya was once moving about, dancing and singing ecstatically, oblivious to everything, being immersed in the contemplation of the Lord. He entered Navadhveep, where the leaders of the town joined him in his Bhajan with equal ecstasy. A thief also joined this group. He had been a thief all his life and an arrant liar. He joined in their dance and thought that as there were many rich men in the group, who were wholly lost in their singing and dancing, he could easily pick their pockets. While this was his intention, what happened was entirely different. The moment he joined the devout group, he forgot himself and began to sing and dance with the same fervour as others. After the others had left, he sat apart for a while, watching Chaitanya. A small group of children were listening to Chaitanya’s discourse.

The thief ran towards Chaitanya and said: “Swami! You are giving advice to so many persons. Please impart some holy name to me.” Chaitanya replied, “Tell me first of all who you are and what is your life story? I shall then give you a message.” The man confessed: “Swami! I am a thief. I have been leading the life of a thief and a liar. My name is Rama. People call me as Rama the Thief.” Chaitanya said: “What a pity! I shall, however, give you a message. What will you give me as Guru dakṣiṇa (offering to the teacher)?” The thief replied: “I shall give you a share in the booty I get from stealing.” Chaitanya said: “I have no need for any such thing. Give me as an offering a promise that you will not commit theft in future.” He replied: “Swami! I am prepared to offer you anything, but I cannot agree to give up stealing.” Chaitanya then said: “If that is so, I shall impart the sacred name to you on one condition. Whichever place you may choose for thieving you must recite the sacred name 108 times before you break into the place.”

Chaitanya then drew the thief near to him. The thief’s heart had considerably softened after listening to Chaitanya’s words. Sambhāṣaṇaṁ (conversation with a holy person) saṅkaṭa nāśanaṁ (removes distress). The thief was getting rid of the fear. He neared Chaitanya. Sparśanaṁ (the touch of a holy person) Karma Vimōcanaṁ (redeems one from the effects of past deeds). Chaitanya held the thief’s head and whispered in his ear three times the mantra: “Ōṁ namō bhagavatē vāsudēvāya“. The Darśan of Chaitanya destroyed the sins committed by the thief. His words dispelled the worry felt by the thief. The touch of the saint freed him from the bonds of past deeds. The thief went back with a purified heart. As he was leaving, he saw large numbers of people going to Chaitanya. Many rich persons were amongst them. The thief thought that this was a good opportunity for him to break into their houses. The richest man in the building had taken his wife and children to meet Chaitanya, leaving his house unguarded. The thief broke into the house and entered the safe-room in which all the valuables were kept. He saw gems of all kinds. He was resolved not to touch any of the valuables till he had completed recitation of the mantra given to him by Chaitanya. But before he completed the mantra japa (recitation of holy formula), the master of the house and others arrived there.

The lady of the house, who had gone with all her jewels, wanted to replace them in the safe. She saw a stranger in the room engaged in deep meditation. She thought it must be some great sage who had come into the house in their absence and was meditating on God. She called her husband. The stranger continued to be immersed in meditation. He did not appear like a thief. They thought he must be some saintly person who had honoured their home by his visit. All of them began to offer worship to him and prostrate before him. They thought that in the wake of the saint Chaitanya other saintly persons were also visiting their village. Meanwhile, on the completion of the recitation of the mantra, the thief opened his eyes and to his astonishment found a large group of people standing reverently before him. The master of the house asked him: “Oh sir! Who are you? Where from have you come? We have been sanctified by your visit. Please take your food in our home and redeem our lives by doing us this honour.” A great change came over the thief. He thought: “If the mere recitation of the Lord’s name can bring me so much honour and respect, although I had come here only to steal, how many greater things may be in store for me if I genuinely recite the Lord’s name for its own sake? I may hope for the highest position by the grace of the Lord.” That very moment he decided to give up stealing. He prostrated before the master of the house and his wife and said: “Mother! Let me tell you the truth. I am a thief. Let me go to a forest. I shall spend the rest of my days contemplating on God and leading my life of a true ascetic.” Listening to his words of truth, the elders present were deeply moved and they arranged to carry him in a palanquin in procession round the village and to leave him in a forest as desired by him. Later, the man went to Chaitanya and reverently requested him to bless him so that he may become a real sage worthy of respect from the people.

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06
Aug
2020
Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami

 

 


Bhagawan says that one among the three beliefs that Bharathiyaas hold fast is the concept of Avatars. The other two being the law of Karma and the doctrine of rebirth. Humanity recognises only the momentary results of the advent of Avatar but as Bhagawan says, the only and very purpose of Avatar is to teach mankind the truth about Love. One such Avatar who displayed the principle of Love in every act of His is Lord Krishna.


Fortunate are we to be the contemporaries of the Poorna Avatar Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are blessed to listen about other Avatars directly from Bhagawan Baba, which is like an auto-biography. In this posting, Bhagawan speaks about the birth of Krishna and the message of Krishna Avatar.


This posting is a collection of excerpts from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan in the years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003.


In the 1st audio clip, Bhagawan explains the reason and the essential factors why God incarnates. He goes on to explain in clip 1B, the beauty of Krishna Thatwa/Krishna principle. He then goes on to explain in clip 2A, the master plan of the Lord regarding taking up an Avatar as Krishna. In clip 2B, Bhagawan reveals the birthday of Krishna according to the English calendar. In clip 2C, He talks of the misunderstanding that prevails among people about timing of Krishna’s birth. He then goes on to explain in clip 2D, the true birthplace and the true birthday of Krishna. Bhagawan elaborates in clip 3A, the events immediately after Krishna’s birth. In clip 3B, Bhagawan talks about the naming ceremony of little Krishna. He explains in clip 4, different meanings and inner significance of the name ‘Krishna’. He talks of the supreme message of Krishna’s life in clip 5. In clips 6A, 6B, and 6C Bhagawan explains the three vows that Krishna took. Finally, in the 7th clip, Bhagawan explains the purpose of Avatars, and lessons that devotees must take home.


1A. Why Avatars Come-1995 May 21


Whenever cruelty, falsehood and unrighteousness reach intolerable proportions, God incarnates on Earth to destroy the wrongdoers. God Himself steps into the world. Why should God Himself come down? Could He not send His powers or deputies to complete this task? If there is a small case (disturbance), a police constable will come to the scene first. If it intensifies further it will be handled by a S.P (Superintendent of Police). If the case is even more demanding, the D.I.G (Deputy Inspector General of Police) will take it up. Beyond a limit, the I.G.P (Inspector General of Police) himself will look into the case. Therefore, based on the duties and task at hand, a suitable action needs to be undertaken. Today’s world is boiling with lots of agitation. Similarly, Kamsa’s reign was full of agitation. There was a sense of insecurity among all the citizens of the kingdom. They weren’t sure which Yadava would be ordered to be executed and beheaded. Nobody’s life was secure. They lived a life filled with fear and anxiety.


Under those circumstances, God decided to incarnate and destroy such wicked people. The advent of every Avatar has two reasons: one, the prayers of the devotees; and two, the atrocities of the wicked people. The unity of these two factors too is very essential.



1B. Krishna Thatwa-1996 Sept 4

The Krishna Avatar was intended to teach a perennial message to the world. He sought nothing for Himself. He kept nothing for Himself. He gave away everything to the people. He slayed His maternal uncle Kamsa and installed Ugrasena, Kamsa’s father, on the throne. He did not covet the Kingdom. He befriended the Pandavas, defeated the Kauravas and crowned Dharmaja as the emperor. He did not make Himself the king. He was a king without a crown. He was the king of kings. He had no kingdom of His own. Infact, every human heart is His kingdom. This is the profound truth proclaimed by the Krishna Thatwa (Krishna principle).

2A. Lord’s Master Plan-1995 May 21


Divinity summoned Maya Shakthi. Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. All the events were unfolding as per His master plan. Vasudeva had two wives. They were housed at Nanda’s place to be guarded against the atrocities of Kamsa. The Lord summoned Yoga Maya Shakti and instructed, “Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. Don’t keep this child in her womb any further. This child is an incarnation of Adishesha Himself. Now, transfer this child to the womb of Rohini”. Hence, Balarama (the child born to Rohini) is also called by the name Sankarshanudu. Sankarshana means “transferring from one place to another”. Thus, Maya Shakti transferred the seventh child from Devaki Devi’s womb to Rohini’s womb and assisted in the Divine master plan to annihilate the demons. The Lord further instructed Maya Shakti to enter into the womb of Yashoda (wife of Nanda). “I will Myself enter Devaki Devi’s womb as her eighth child.”


2B. Krishna’s Birthday as per English Calender-2001 Aug 11

When was Krishna actually born? He was born 3228 years before Christ era in the month of Suguna on the 20th of July at 3 a.m. This is 2001 A.D. Before Christ it was 3228 years ago. As of today, He will be 5229 years old. He was born on the auspicious day of Sravana-Bahula-Ashtami. He was born in the Rohini Nakshatra (star). Since Krishna was born on the Ashtami day in the Rohini star, the world witnessed numerous miraculous events.

2C. Significance of Birth Timing-1990 Aug 14

Krishna was born in the Krishnapaksha. What is Krishnapaksha? Krishnapaksha means darkness (the dark fortnight of the month). At night there will be no moonlight. It is full of darkness. In peacelessness (Ashanti) there is radiance (Prakaanti). In that radiance there is Supreme Light (Paramjyothi). This Supreme Light is verily the Divine (Paramatma). Light has its value in darkness alone, but not in brightness. Similarly, when the entire world was filled with restlessness (Ashanti), which is unrighteous, Krishna took birth as the Embodiment of supreme peace.


He was born on Ashtami day. People associate Ashtami with troubles and losses. But when do troubles and losses arise in the world? Only when Righteousness (Dharma) is forgotten. Thus, to remove the troubles and losses of mankind; to dispel the darkness; to drive away ignorance; and to teach mankind Divine knowledge, Lord Krishna incarnated through Sravanam.


(Note – Lord Krishna was born in the month of Sravana. Bhagawan also brings out the significance of the word Sravanam (devout listening). In the discourse, Bhagawan goes on to talk about teaching the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna through the path of Sravanam.)


2D. True Birthday and Birthplace of Krishna-2003 Aug 19

Only when every man’s heart becomes cool, pure, peaceful, that is the true birthday of Krishna. There is no need to worry about the Thithis of Ashtami or Navami. Every man’s Hridaya (heart) is the birthplace of Krishna. The Hridaya must be peaceful, pure like the Himachala (the Himalayan mountains). It must be pure and cool. God manifests and installs Himself only in those hearts.


3A. Birth Story of Krishna-1995 May 21


God Himself incarnated as the child. The Divine effulgence of the child illuminated the surroundings. Devaki and Vasudeva bowed to the child. What is the reason? They were aware that God would be born as their child. The Lord had appeared to them in a dream the previous night and, “I will take birth from your womb at dawn”. Indeed the Divine child incarnated. “But, what is the use ? How do we protect this child?”, thought the parents. They were worried about His safety. This was the impact of Maya, delusion! They knew He was Divine. How can they protect the Divine?


The Lord had already instructed Vasudeva to take the Divine child out soon after birth. Vasudeva placed the baby in a small basket and was wondering how he would go out. In a trice, the chains that tied his hands came loose. The doors flung open. It was three o’clock in the thick of the night. The gatekeepers were fast asleep. No one else was around. Vasudeva quietly walked out of the dungeon. As he proceeded, there was a tremendous downpour of rain. This was a sign of the intense joy; and purity of the occasion. Even the clouds were ecstatic at the Divine Advent. Placing the basket on his head, Vasudeva walked towards Gokulam. But, river Yamuna flowed across his path. When God Himself was going, who could obstruct Him? Adisesha covered the basket carrying the Divine child. The river parted and made way as they proceeded. At that very moment, Yashoda gave birth to Maya Shakti. Everyone was fast asleep at Gokulam also. Vasudeva switched the babies and returned. It was all done according to the Divine Command. But nobody believes this today. This was a Divine Plan.


In keeping with God’s command, Vasudeva placed the Lord next to Yashoda and returned to Mathura with the girl child. God’s ways are so mysterious! Only after Vasudeva returned and placed the baby girl next to Devaki Devi, did the guards wake up. The prison doors were found open and the guards were gripped with fear. The baby girl cried out loudly.



3B. Garga Names the Baby as Krishna-2001 Aug 11


Sage Garga went to the house of Yashoda and Nanda for the naming ceremony of the babies. He exclaimed, “What I am seeing here today is strange. I have never heard of this in my life!” Incarnations generally occur in three colours of Shukla (white), Aruna (orange) and Pita (yellow). But here was a baby who was black. Hence, Garga considered the name Krishna (black) as most appropriate.


4. Meaning of the Name Krishna-1990 Aug 14


4A. Krishyathi Iti Krishnah

We must understand properly the meaning of the term Krishna. The word has three meanings.

 

One is “Krishyathi iti Krishnah” (The one who cultivates is Krishna). What is it that has to be cultivated? The Hridayakshetra (field of the heart). Krishna cultivates the field of our hearts. He removes the weeds of bad thoughts, softens the heart by watering it with love, ploughs it through sadhana, and sows the seeds of Lord’s name. Thus, Krishna is one who cultivates our hearts.



4B. Karshathi Iti Krishnah

The second meaning of the word is: “Karshathi iti Krishnah.” (The one who attracts is Krishna). Karsha refers to attraction. Krishna attracts you by His eyes, His speech, His sports, His flute. Everything related to Krishna is attractive. By His words, He softens and calms the hearts of even those filled with anger and makes them rejoice.

 

Krishna displayed these qualities even as a small child. Once He had entered the house of a gopika at night, climbed a pillar to get to the curds that were kept in a pot suspended from the ceiling. The gopika came with a lot of anger, caught Him in the act and held and blocked the pillar, saying that she would now expose Him before His mother Yashoda. She asked Him what He was doing at the top of the pillar. Krishna, in the most innocent manner, answered that He was searching for the calf that was missing from His house. The gopika could not contain her laughter at the answer. She laughed loudly and let go of the pillar to cover her mouth. This gave Him the chance to slide down the pillar and make a good escape. This way, every aspect of Krishna is full of attraction. He is attraction itself.


4C. Kushyathi Iti Krishnah

A third meaning of the word Krishna is “Kushyathi iti Krishnah” (one who is always joyful). Kush means joy. Krishna was always in a state of joy.


5. Prema Thatwa – Message of Life of Krishna-1989 Aug 24


The supreme message of the life of Krishna is Prema Thatwa (Love Principle) alone. Devoid of love, one cannot understand Krishna Thatwa. This Prema Thatwa will confer everything to the world. Krishna is the embodiment of Love. This love can be understood only through love. Divine love is strong, precious, splendorous and unbreakable like a diamond. If you want to secure such Divine love, your love (for God) must be equally strong. You can cut a diamond only with another diamond. If there is any defect in your love, it should be removed only through love. Love begets love. It is impossible to attain love through hatred. Hatred only breeds even more hatred. Jealousy begets jealousy. Anger breeds further anger. Through love alone can love be developed. Therefore, if you want to foster love, you have to get rid of hatred, jealousy and anger. Is there a need to use a torchlight, or a lantern, or a petromax light to see the naturally illuminating moon? No. There is no need for any of these accessories. The Moon can be seen by its own light. Similarly, to attain Krishna, the very embodiment of love, love is the only way.


6. The Three Vows that Krishna Took


6A. Paritranaya Sadhunam-28 April 1999
Paritranaaya Sadhunaam
Vinaashaayacha Dushkrutaam
Dharma-Samsthaapanaarthaaya
Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge

What is the meaning of Sambhavam? One who expresses and manifests Himself according to His Will, unrestricted by rules, wherever and whenever necessary, is called as Sambhavaha. 

 

The Bhagavad Gita says – Whenever righteousness declines, O Arjuna, and unrighteousness rises, I incarnate. To protect the pious and destroy the wicked, to establish dharma, I incarnate in every age.

 

The word Sambhavaami means: He incarnates whenever necessary, wherever necessary, not bound by any rules. Thus, man recognised the various qualities of God and attributed names describing each aspect.


6B. Yogakshemam Vahaamyham-1998 April 19

Ananyaschinthayantho Maam
Ye Janah Paryupaasathe
Theshaam Nithyaabhiyukthaanaam
Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham


Whoever it may be (Ye Janaah Pari Upaasate), if he thinks of Me (worships Me) all the time (Ananyaas Chintayanto Maam), I will take care of his/her day to day welfare (Teshaam Nityaabhi Yuktaanaam, Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham).


It must be Ananya Bhakti. If the devotion is limited to just oneself and one’s family, it becomes ordinary devotion. If one prays with the feeling that one should be fine and the society should also be fine, then it is somewhat better – medium level.

 

The one who understands the principle that all are one, all beings are one, he is the one with true infinite devotion (Ananya Bhakti). Ananya Bhakti does not mean Sarvada Sarvakaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam – that is praying to the Lord non-stop all the time. Ananya means not perceiving any differences; it means considering and seeing everybody as one. There is Divinity in everyone, everybody is essentially Divine.


6C. Sarva Dharmaan Parithyajya-1991 July 26

Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya
Maam Ekam Saranam Vraja
Aham Tvaam Sarva-Paapebhyo
Mokshayishyaami Maa Shucha


In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna called upon Arjuna to renounce all Dharmas and seek refuge in Him alone – “Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya Maam Ekam Saranam Vraja.” What is meant by Dharma? In the present context, Dharma refers to the specific quality of each object. Heat, for instance, is the Dharma of fire in a burning charcoal. Without heat, it is mere charcoal. Sweetness is the Dharma (natural quality) of sugar. Without sweetness, it ceases to be sugar. It becomes sand. Likewise, there is a Dharma (natural tendency) for man. What is it? Desire for things. It is natural for man to multiply his desires. “Sarva Dharmaan Parithyajya” means giving up all desires. This is also called Vairagya (detachment).

 

Note: Following passage is extracted from a discourse given by Bhagawan on 6-9-1977


“Mokshayishyaami Maa Shucha” (I shall save all those who surrender whole-heartedly to Me, and I shall liberate them from the cycle of birth and death). Thus Krishna assured man that He would save him from penury and grief and from sin and its terrible consequences, provided he adheres to Him and adores Him.


7. Lesson for Devotees-1997 Aug 25

There are many things in this world. There is intelligence and education, but can one become an expert instantly? There is a need for a teacher. Likewise, God descends in human form to guide mankind on the path of God realisation. We need to know this truth. Why do Avatars come? Avatar does not come without a purpose. Avatars come to uplift the creation (Prakriti).

Having been born as a human, man must not forget the importance of human birth. Human birth is rare and it must be utilised for the right purpose. God instructs the right path to redeem human birth. Festivals like Raama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami are designed to remind people about the purpose of human life. Observe how the cows behave. When they notice a green pasture, they hurriedly eat as much as they can. Once they return to their resting place, they leisurely chew the cud and digest it. Similarly, absorb the sacred teachings as much as you can during your stay here. Recollect and ruminate over them when you go back home. You are listening to what is being told here. Do not forget them. Once you return home, ruminate over what has been told here and put it into practice. Practise is important. Mere hearing is not enough. Every human is Divine, whatever is done that is God’s work. Always contemplate on God and sanctify the time



Quiz

1. What are the two essential factors for the incarnation of God?

2. What does Krishna Thatwa (Krishna principle) proclaim?

3. When is Krishna’s birthday as per English calendar and Indian calendar?

4. Generally, people associate Ashtami with troubles and losses. But what is the actual reason given by Bhagawan, for the troubles and losses in life?

5. Krishna was born in the Krishnapaksha, the dark fortnight of the month. In this context, what does Krishna’s advent signify?

6. Which is the true birthplace of Krishna and When does the true birth of Krishna happen?

7. What are the three colours in which the incarnations generally occur? Was Krishna’s colour one among them? What was the colour of Krishna?

8. The name Krishna signifies three different aspects of the Lord. What are they?

9. What is the supreme message of Krishna’s life? What is the only way to attain Krishna?

10. Recollect the three vows that Krishna took.

11. What lessons must devotees take home, regarding the teachings, from the behaviour of cows?
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10
May
2015
MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-8

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-8

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This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every week for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as our driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!

The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.  

24 August to 30 August 2015
What is the reason behind the blindness of Surdas?
What is the reason behind the blindness of Surdas -5.10-1998 April 22
 
Surdas (a 15th-century blind saint, poet and musician, known for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna) was blind, he had no vision. This was an act he had inflicted upon himself. When looking at a woman he started running after her, the husband of the lady asked Surdas, “Why has God given you these eyes? Did He give you these eyes to look at the women who are married to others?” He admonished Surdas “Chhee (an expression of disgust), get away from here”. Surdas could not bear the pain of being admonished. He found a lemon tree in the very same garden. He plucked a thorn from the lemon tree and pierced it into his eyes.
Do you know why eyes have been given to you? Is it to run around from lane to lane? Surdas said to himself, “I do not want such eyes. O God, have you given me these eyes to be accused by others like this?” Since then, Surdas kept chanting the name of Krishna and later he reached Dwaraka. At one time, when without vision he was walking towards Dwakara (where the temple of Lord Krishna is located), he was about to fall into a well. As he was constantly contemplating on the name of Krishna, Lord Krishna followed him in the guise of a cowherd. Krishna caught hold of his hand and asked, “Where do you wish to go Dasu Gaaru (sire)?” Surdas replied, “I wish to go to Dwaraka”. Krishna replied, “I will show you the way, come with me”. Surdas was very happy and expressed the same to the cowherd.
Night approached. The cowherd asked Surdas to stay in a nearby choultry. He told him that he would come the next morning and take him along. Surdas exclaimed, “Oh! If you go away now, you may or may not come again”. Surdas prayed, “Please do not go, please do not go”. Consenting to the prayers of Surdas, the cowherd stayed back with him. Surdas asked the cowherd to sleep next to him. He said, “I do not know when you may get up and go away. Therefore, place your hand over mine and I will place another hand of mine over yours. If you move away I will come to know. So, you will not be able to go away without my knowledge”.
The cowherd placed his hand over that of Surdas and went to sleep. The impact of the touch of the cowherd brought spiritual enlightenment in Surdas. Sambhaashanam Sankata Naashanam – conversing with the Divine removes all obstacles. Sparshanam Karma Vimochanam – the touch of the Divine washes away one’s karmas. The cowherd got up the next morning and said, “Surdas, I am Krishna. I enacted this whole drama to show you the path, to dispel your ignorance. Shall I restore your vision?” Saying so, Krishna just touched the eyes of Surdas. The moment Krishna touched his eyes, Surdas got back his vision. He saw Krishna and said, “Krishna, I do not need this vision any more. The eyes that have seen you now do not wish to see anything else further”. Krishna responded, “No, go back with your vision. Move around in the world”. Surdas exclaimed, “Why these eyes? So many people have eyes and vision. But are they seeing your Divine form? No. I have seen your form. That is enough for me. Many people have ears but they have not been fortunate to hear to the melodious music of the Lord. Therefore, I do not want these ears and eyes. Give me the eyes of wisdom”.
Hearing the prayer of Surdas, Krishna placed His hand over the head of Surdas. The life of Surdas merged in Krishna. Therefore at what time, where, under what circumstances, in what situations, along which path, God will show His Grace on you, cannot be foretold by anyone. Keep chanting the name of the Lord and be ever ready to receive His Grace!         
        22 April 1998


17 August to 23 August 2015

What was the reason for delay in Lord Krishna coming to the rescue of Draupadi?
What was the reason for delay in Lord Krishna coming to the rescue of Draupadi-5.12-1998 April 22
 
To reach God, we need to do Naamasmarana, i.e. chant the name of the Lord. Under any circumstances, be it chanting loudly outside or silently within, we need to keep God in our heart and install Him therein. The human heart is the true altar of the Divine.
When Draupadi was being humiliated, she prayed to Lord Krishna in a number of ways. Aapadhbaandhava(the rescuer of the one in distress), Anaatharakshaka(the refuge of the forlorn), Brindavana Vihaari (the resident of Brindavan), Gokula Sanchaari (the one who moves around in Gokul)…she called Him using several such names. However, Lord Krishna did not come to her rescue. Finally, Draupadi was exhausted. She was tired because of the misdeeds of Duryodhana. She was about to collapse and she cried out, “O Hrudaya Vaasi (O the indweller of my heart)”. Lord Krishna instantly manifested there and protected her.
At an appropriate time, days later, Draupadi asked Lord Krishna, “O Krishna, when I prayed to You several times, You did not come. But when I called out to You as I was about to collapse, You came instantly. What is the reason behind this?”
Lord Krishna gave a reply that is relevant for all devotees. Lord Krishna said, “Draupadi, you called out to Me as Brindavana Vihaari. I, who reside in your heart, had to go to Brindavan and return again. Otherwise, there would have been no truth in your words. You cried out to Me as Mathuraapura Sanchaari. Residing so close to you, I had to go to Mathura and return. To return fast, do I have any helicopter or plane? I do not have any aeroplane to return from there quickly. I am Hrudayavaasi – resident of the heart. You may call out to Me at any moment, I am ever ready. Therefore, think of Me within you. Think of Me with your mind and with all your heart. This is the correct reply to your prayerful question”.
Therefore, today human beings adopt so many pathways to attain God. But it is not easy to attain God through all these pathways. Which is the easy pathway to attain God? Establish God in your heart and have faith in the fact that God is Hrudayavaasi, Hrudayavaasi, Hrudayavaasi. Then God will protect you. God does not reside in any geographical region. He does not reside in any foreign land. He resides right within our own body. He does not reside in any temple or any mosque. He does not stay in any church or in any other mansion. What is God’s chariot? The devotee’s heart is God’s chariot. Therefore, there will no obstacles for the devotee who establishes God in his / her own heart. But human beings today:
Pashyannapicha Na Pashyati Moodho Moodho Moodho
Even while seeing, the fool does not see
Though man sees God everywhere, he says he has not seen God. How foolish he is. Human beings call for God outside them, externally. The God outside is your own reflection, reaction, resound. Reality is within you. Everything is a reflection of the inner being. Therefore, have total faith in the God who resides in your heart. Be firm in the feeling that the same God is present everywhere.     
 22 April 1998



10 August to 16 August 2015

What are the two pathways to overcome Maya (Delusion) and reach God?
What are the two pathways to overcome Maya (Delusion) and reach God-1.57-1998 April 22
 
Without thinking of God, how can we expect God to come to us? There are two types of Sadhana (spiritual pursuits).
The owner / master stays on the top floor of the mansion. There is a huge Alsatian dog near the entrance gate. To enter into the mansion, either we need to befriend the Alsatian dog and bring it under our control or we need to call out loudly to the master of the mansion. Unless we do one of these it will not be possible for us to meet the master. What is this Alsatian dog? It represents maya(delusion). We need to either control this maya(delusion) or we need to call out loudly to the Master (God) by chanting his name loudly.
If we chant the name of God loudly, He will “come down” from where He is currently residing. Along with the Master (God), we can easily enter the mansion. Even the Alsatian dog (maya / delusion) will not affect us in any way. Therefore, to reach God we must do Naamasmarana(chanting of the name of the Lord). Under any circumstances, be it chanting loudly outside or silently within, we need to keep God in our heart and install Him there. The human heart is the true altar of the Divine.      
 22 April 1998

 


03 August to 09 August 2015

What is the significance of Vibhuti?
What is the significance of Vibhuti-1.24-1987 July 11
 
Swami gives Bhasma (Ash/Vibhuti) to devotees. Many devotees use Vibhuti(place it on their forehead). What is the inner significance of this Vibhuti? When you burn an object that has a name and a form it gets transformed into ash. The ash is devoid of any name or form. Such nameless and formless ash represents Advaita (non-dualism). Therefore, ash or Vibhuti is given to you with the message that you must become an Advaitin. Vibhuti is given to you with a message that you must destroy your ego related to your name and form. 
Where does the ash come from? It is the final stage of an object that has a form and name. When we destroy the name and the form the object gets transformed into ash. That means the ego associated with the form and the attachment associated with the name needs to be destroyed. 

11 July 1987



27 July to 02 August 2015

What are the unique characteristics of the Treta-Dwapara-Kali Yugas?
What are the unique characteristics of the Treta-Dwapara-Kali Yugas-4.38-1987 July 11
 
Today I will give you the inner meaning of the Yugas (eras): Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. In Treta Yuga the deities were all on one side and the demons were all on the other side. In the times of Sri Rama, the deities (pious people) lived in Ayodhya and Kishkinda. The demons lived in (the forest of) Dandakaaranya. In every region they were located in separate places. Lord Rama voluntarily engaged in war, entered Dandakaaranya and destroyed all the demons, thus protecting the deities (pious people).      
In Dwapara Yuga, the deities and the demons both started staying in the same kingdom. Pandavas and the Kauravas ruled over the same kingdom. When both deities and demons lived together in this manner, what did Lord Krishna do? He gave His entire army to the Kauravas, whereas He helped and supported the Pandavas, but did not engage Himself in war nor did He lift any weapon.   
In Kali Yuga, the deities and the demons are staying in the same human body. In Treta Yuga, the kingdom of the deities was different from the kingdom of the demons; in Dwapara Yuga, the deities and the demons lived in the same kingdom; and in Kali Yuga the deities and the demons occupy the same human body. In Treta Yuga, Lord Rama willingly engaged in war. In Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna did not engage in war but remained as a witness. That is, He did enter into the battle field but did not engage Himself in war. In Kali Yuga, since the deities and demons are in the same human body, God remains unaffected and neutral.
(In Kali Yuga) Human beings should themselves recognize the discrimination power in them. God has given this responsibility to human beings themselves. Human beings have to distance the demonic qualities in them using their own discrimination power. They need to nurture the Divinity within themselves using their power of enquiry. Thus (in Kali Yuga), God gave freedom to human beings. Human beings who have been granted such freedom are lost in the thought of what they should do and what they should not do. In this process they are nurturing the demonic qualities in them and forgetting their Divine traits. This is the impact of Kali Yuga. Under the influence of this Kali Yuga, we need to destroy the demonic qualities in us by ourselves. When we destroy the demonic qualities in us, the Divine qualities will manifest and shine on their own. Therefore all our attempts to remove the dirt in our minds should be considered as our true Sadhana (spiritual exercise).      
11 July 1987

 


20 July to 26 July 2015

What are the three garments covering the Divinity in humans?
What are the three garments covering the Divinity in humans-2.01-1987 July 11


I have told you this number of times. If you wish to have a vision of your heart (figuratively, the chest literally), what should you do? If I look at myself I will only be able to see my clothes, but not my heart. Only when the garments covering the chest are removed, we can see our heart. However, today unable to bear the chill of the world, man is covering himself with three thick clothes. On the top is a thick coat. Inside the coat is a shirt and inside the shirt is a thin vest. Being covered by these three pieces of garments, we are unable to see our heart.

The thick coat is equivalent to Tamo guna. The shirt represents the Rajo guna. The thin vest symbolizes Satva guna. Only when these three (Gunas) are removed we would be able to see our (spiritual) heart. Only when we transcend the three Gunas we will assume the form of Sat Chit Ananda. Keeping these Gunas in ourselves if we aspire for Sat Chit Ananda, how can we get it? Even if we die, we will not be able to get this Sat Chit Ananda. We need to destroy these three Gunas. We need to remove all our defects. Only then can we get a vision of our true form.    
 
11 July 1987


13 July to 19 July 2015

How do we understand the unique relationship between the individual and the Divine?
How do we understand the unique relationship between the individual and the Divine-5.39-1987 July 11


Embodiments of Love, if we wish to see God and converse with Him, we need not undertake any special Sadhana (spiritual practice). All activities we undertake that help us to cleanse the dirt in us (and purify our mind) may themselves be considered as Sadhana. But such Sadhana only cleanses the dirt (malinya) in our minds but does not create God (Madhava) or manifest Him. God is not someone or something that can be created by you. It is self-resplendent, self-illuminating, and always remains in its true Form. All that we need to do is remove the obstacles (that prevent us from seeing God).

A sculptor shapes and chisels a rock in several ways to create an idol. But truly speaking, the sculptor has not created an idol from the rock. The idol already exists in the rock. All that the sculptor does is to remove the unnecessary pieces (pack) around and then the idol emerges. He has not created the idol. The idol was very much there in the rock. When all the pack (akin to packaging material) is removed, the rock assumes the form of the idol. But the excess pack is also part of it.
A small example to explain this; there is a rock on the top of a mountain. A sculptor shapes and chisels the rock into an idol and then throws away all the pieces of stones over there in the mountain. Earlier, all these (idol and the pieces of stones) were part of the very same rock. Now the rock is broken into several pieces. Among them, a big piece is chiselled into an idol of Lord Krishna that is consecrated and installed in a temple. The idol in the temple is worshipped with Shodashopachara (16 forms of worship). But, there is no one in the mountains to talk to the other pieces of the rock. Though there is no one to talk to them, the pieces of rock call out, “Tat Tvam Asi, the idol of the Lord installed in the temple is verily us only”. That is, all of them had earlier assumed the same single form of rock. Later, one piece may be installed in the temple, another piece may be lying elsewhere, yet another piece may be used as a tool. Though these different pieces may be used in different ways, making a different impact, the rock is one and the same; is it not?


Therefore, we need to recognize the fundamental principle. It is the same stone that we tread upon (tokkedi), it is the same stone that we worship (mokkedi), it is the same stone that is used for building (kattedi) and the same stone that is used for hitting (kottedi). The fundamental rock or stone remains the same. In the same manner, every object or material is the form of Sat (Being) Chit (Awareness) Ananda (Bliss), i.e. Asti Bhaati Priyam. Sat Chit and Ananda are verily the form of God. To this we add an imaginary name and form. These transform into the quintuple Prapancha (creation) consisting of Sat, Chit, Ananda, Name and Form. When you remove the name and form it becomes Divinity (creator). With name and form it becomes Prapancha(creation). Thus we need to change our Drushti(vision) and not the Srushti(creation). We need to change our vision with respect to the name and form.                            

11 July 1987
Also see:


06 July to 12 July 2015

What is the best relationship one needs to have with God?
What is the best relationship one needs to have with God-2.33-1987 July 11


Only when we are able to cleanse the dirt in our mind, we will be able to develop the right vision. That is why in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna does not ask Arjuna to surrender to Him (Lord Krishna). He asks Arjuna to surrender to himself. Now, who is this “himself”? Who are you? We need to find out this Truth. We chant the sloka: Tvameva Maatacha Pita Tvameva…You are my Mother, You are my Father, You are my Guru, You are my friend.   

When we say: You are my Mother, You are my Father, You are my Guru, You are my friend; finally the word “you” is left unanswered. We say, “You are my Mother”. Fine, the other person may be your mother, but who are you? Similarly when we say, “You are my Father”. Fine, the other person may be your father, but who are you? Therefore, instead of saying, You are my Mother, You are my Father, You are my God; if we instead say You are I, that is enough. We need to reach this state of “You are I”. This is the essence of the all-pervading principle, the basis of all scriptures, the goal of all the Vedas, and the essence of all the religions.
Therefore, you are I. You and I are not separate. Why develop unnecessary relationships like mother, father, Guru and God? You do not see your very own mother. Now you call Me father and then you will not see Me too. We need to gradually reduce all these bondages. 
11 July 1987


29 June to 05 July 2015

What are the 16 aspects that need to be shed to shine in all our fullness?
What are the 16 aspects that need to be shed to shine in all our fullness-2.13-1987 July 11


Today is Gurupurnima. Purnima (full moon day) stands for the fullness of the moon with respect to its 16 aspects. Mind is the reflection of the moon and the moon is the reflection of the mind. If we also aspire to achieve our full glory, we need to sacrifice and give up 16 aspects. What are these 16 aspects? These 16 aspects comprise the following:

Eight types of pride: kula madam (pride of clan of birth), bala madam (pride of physical strength), yauvana madam (pride of youth), sundara madam (pride of beauty), vidya madam (pride of scholarship), dhana madam (pride of wealth), tapa madam (pride of penance), and rajya madam (pride of authority and power);
Six kinds of enemies (arishad vargas), namely: kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (infatuation), mada (arrogance) and matsarya (envy);
The above constitute 14 aspects and the last two are:
Rajo Guna (passionate traits) and Tamo Guna (slothful traits)   
When we shed away these 16 aspects from our being we will become complete and attain fullness in our life. Because these 16 aspects reside in human beings, they are becoming devoid of good qualities and traits. These 16 aspects come in the way of recognizing the Brahma Tatva (Divine principle) that is resplendent with 16 Divine characteristics.   
11 July 1987


22 June to 28 June 2015

What are the three types of Maya that prompt humans to act in this world?
What are the three types of Maya that prompt humans to act in this world-1.45-1987 July 11


There are three types of Maya (delusion). They are Swechcha, Parechcha and Ayichcha. Swechcha is to be prepared to act in accordance with one’s own will and then be ready to bear the consequences of joy or sorrow thereafter. Parechcha is when one enters into action based on the inspiration and enthusiasm provided by others and is then prepared to silently bear the consequences of joy or sorrow thereafter. Ayichcha means to transform one’s will so as to align to Divine Will. If something joyful happens, that is God’s Will. If sorrow befalls on you that is also God’s Will. If difficulties come your way that is also God’s Will. If you get profit, then that is also God’s Will. The true Ichha(wish or desire) is to consider both happiness and sorrow as God’s wish (Will).

We say Swechcha, Swechcha, Swechcha…What is the meaning of Swechcha? Can doing whatever you want, just like a dog, be called Swechcha? Can living like a mere ordinary human being, be called Swechcha? Can living a demonic life by moving away from Divinity, be called Swechcha?   
  
11 July 1987



15 June to 21 June 2015

What are the four Pratibandhakas (obstacles) to be overcome to understand the Divine Principle?
What are the four Pratibandhakas(obstacles) to be overcome to understand the Divine Principle-5.32-1987 July 11


Matter + Being = God. We must make an effort to understand this Divine principle. However, there are many obstacles that come in the way of our understanding this supreme principle. There are primarily four obstacles that come in the way. One is Avidya Pratibandhakam. Second is Prajna Pratibandhakam. Third is Kutharka Pratibandhakam. Fourth is ViparyayaDuraagraha Pratibandhakam.

What is Avidya Pratibandhakam? It is the feeling of weakness that I am after all a Jeeva Tatva, i.e. an individual being who is not free, who is under bondage. Man cannot understand his true nature until this weakness exists in him. Prajna Pratibandhakam is when one is not willing to listen to sacred thoughts either from great people or saints. He has no mind to listen to others. This is also referred to as Prajna Maandhyam. Third is Kutharka Pratibandhakam. In this case man takes a wrong or contradictory meaning of anything that is told by elders. He takes an extreme view about everything. Viparyaya Duraagraha is when man feels that he knows everything, none needs to tell him anything, and there is no one who has the authority to advise him. Such a person loses his humanity and makes no effort to understand Divinity.
What is the reason for this? The entire creation is the effect of Maya (delusion). Maya means considering what does not exist as existing and what is existing as not existing. It is like a reflection seen in the mirror where left is seen as right and right is seen as left. This is an indication of the impact of Maya(delusion). Such people (under the influence of Maya) see the Jagath(world) as merely Jagath (world). But individuals who have recognized the inner principle consider the Jagath (world) as Jagadeeswara (Divine). Therefore, the world is verily a manifestation of God.          
11 July 1987
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratibandhaka


08 June to 14 June 2015

What are the five Kleshaas (afflictions) that torment human beings?
What are the five Kleshaas (afflictions) that tormet human beings-5.38-1987 July 11

 

Because of increase in bad feelings (defects) in humanity, human being is not able to shine in full glory as his / her very true Self! There are five kleshaas(afflictions) in this path (to realization of one’s true Self). Kleshaas mean obstacles. The first obstacle is Avidya Klesha. The second obstacle is Abhinava (Abhinivesha) Klesha. The third obstacle is Asthitha (Asmitha) Klesha. The fourth obstacle is Raaga Klesha and the fifth obstacle is Dwesha Klesha. 
Avidya Klesha is the feeling that I am a Jeeva (limited individual being), I am not God, I am not free, I am bound and I am weak. Such feelings make a human being weaker over a period of time. Abhinava Klesha means the weakness that does not allow us to give up or sacrifice the mind that is the basis for this entire creation. Mind is the sole cause for all our bondages. We are so weak that we are unable to give up the bondage associated with the mind. Thus we fall prey to a number of worries and sorrows. Asthitha Klesha is the wrong desire that propels us to enjoy all the sensory objects and pleasures. If we become unsuccessful in fulfilling these desires, we become greedy. And if we become successful in fulfilling these desires, we become egoistic. Human beings deteriorate and perish on account of these sorrows and joys, and their sacredness does not increase. Raaga Klesha is the desire to acquire wealth, property, vehicles, and other conveniences. This klesha comes in the way of the progress of human beings. The fifth obstacle is Dwesha Klesha. To eke out a livelihood, we approach other people and if we do not get what we want, we keep criticizing and abusing them. This takes humans to a still lower (meaner) state. This is Dwesha Klesha. It makes human beings slide down from his / her glorious state to a mean state.    
The scriptures declare that among birds, the crow is the meanest. Everybody looks down upon it. One of the reasons is that the crow never desires for good ripe fruits. It has a taste only for rotten food. Among animals, the donkey is considered as the meanest. It is always loaded with (made to carry) unclean and dirty stuff (like unwashed clothes). Among human beings, the one who indulges in slander (criticizing and abusing others) is most despicable.      
11 July 1987
Also see:
Message for the Week – 19 May to 25 May 2014: What are the five afflictions that prevent us from experiencing Atmic Bliss-2000 March 04
Also see:


01 June to 07 June 2015

How do we overcome Maya to experience our Divinity?
How do we overcome Maya to experience our Divinity-5.36-1987 July 11
 
There is an increase today of ignorant people who acquire a wrong understanding about Divinity. Ignorance is not a separate entity that can be removed. To attain Divinity, one need not perform any specific Sadhana (spiritual exercise). All the Sadhana (spiritual exercises) that we perform are not for the sake of God; they are performed for our own sake. There is no necessity to perform any action for the sake of God. God cannot be perceived as a separate entity. Being God himself, when man eliminates the dirt of Raaga(attachment) and Dwesha (hatred), he will verily shine as His true Self. Therefore, all actions are actually exercises in removing the dirt from the mind. 
In every human being there is a combination of Maayatvam (Deluding principle) and Brahmatvam (Divine principle). If there is no Maayatvam, it is impossible to recognize Brahmatvam. If there is no Brahmatvam, the Maayatvam cannot function independently. In the infinite ocean the waves start forming. The waves need some reason to originate; they cannot originate without any cause. Since the wind mixes with the water, the waves start taking form. On account of the pressure from the wind, the water gets transformed into a wave. If there is no wind, the water will not get transformed into waves. Thus, this wind is equivalent to Maya (delusion). The water presents the infinite form of Sat Chit Ananda. The waves that commence and end in the ocean may be compared to the Jeeva Tatva, i.e. the life principle (living beings). Therefore, for the existence of the Jeeva Tatva (wave), it is the Maya(wind) that is the cause.
 
The waves are mere reflections and are not the real objects. How long will we have these reflections? We will have the reflection so long as there is a mirror. Once we remove the mirror, the image or reflection also disappears. But the object remains always. Our human body is like the mirror. So long as we have this physical body, the image of the Jeeva Tatva (life principle) is perceptible to us. Even when the body along with the image of the Jeeva Tatva disappears, the object of Divinity continues to remain always. 
Therefore, the entire creation is a form of Maya (delusion). This creation is a Kreeda (game) and not Peeda (pain / suffering). We may perform actions in this creation but we must not get entangled in it. We may love the creation and the world but we must not get attached to it. We may have friendship with relatives and friends, but we must not develop attachment to them. What is required is not renunciation of action, but renunciation in action.     
11 July 1987


25 May to 31 May 2015

How can the individual experience the universal aspect of Sat-Chit-Ananda?
How can the individual experience the universal aspect of Sat-Chit-Ananda-4.26-1987 July 11
Two powerful analogies to illustrate our reality

 

What is the Sadhana (spiritual exercise) that a human being needs to undertake to achieve the infinite form of Sat Chit Ananda (Being, Awareness and Bliss). What type of relationship and connectedness can exist between the infinite and infinitesimal? We may doubt whether this is possible at all. But we must not be weak minded to give room to such doubts. In the vast ocean we find three characteristics of coolness, whiteness and wetness. These three characteristics are present in an equal proportion even in the waves that arise in the vast ocean. In the same manner, even in the Jeeva Tatvas (living beings) that have manifested from the infinite form of Sat Chit Ananda, the eternal truth of Sat, Chit and Anandashine forth brilliantly. We must not become victims of a mind-set that promotes differences between the infinite and the infinitesimal, between the macrocosm and the microcosm. The omnipresent Divinity is verily the form of Sat Chit Ananda.   

By inherent nature a human being is the form of Sat Chit Ananda (Being, Awareness and Bliss). “Sat” is a steady state of eternal oneness that is not affected by the three dimensions of time (past, present and future). “Chit” is the supreme intellect that enables one to be aware of everything that exists inside and outside the human being. “Ananda” is the form of eternal, unconditional joy. But as Sat Chit and Ananda appear to be separate aspects with different consequences, how can we experience the unity among them? To demonstrate the unity among these apparently differentiated aspects, here is a small example. A flame of light has three characteristics: heat, illumination and red (golden brown) colour. Though these may be three different characteristics, it is only the unity of these that manifests as a flame.       
11 July 1987

 


18 May to 24 May 2015

What is the true meaning of Upavaasa or Fasting?
What is the true meaning of Upavaasa or Fasting-1.05-1996 March 31


Many parents (of our students) are also devotees. They too perform Upavaasaor fasting. They do Bhajans. But, what type of Upavaasa or fasting do you need to do? Upavaasa means your mind should always be close to God.   

“Upa” means “close” or “in proximity” and “Vaasa” means “to stay or reside”. Therefore, “Upavaasa” means “to stay close to God”. This is the true meaning. Not eating anything for one full day and then eating stomach full (even overeating) the next day is not Upavaasa (fasting).
It is said in Kannada language (language of the people of Karnataka state in India)
Hinde Madida Ekaadasi, Bandu Tinde Nalvattu Dose
One performs Ekaadsai (eleventh lunar day of every bright or dark fortnight of every lunar month, a day of fasting and prayers for all Hindus)fasting the previous day and the next day consumes forty Dosas (Dosa a fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils is a staple dish in South Indian states)
We say Ekaadasi, Ekaadasi fasting and prepare dough for forty Dosas for the next day. Is this fasting? No. Upavaasa means we must go close to God. You must learn that Upavaasa. This brings true fulfilment to our lives. This is the goal of our life. Lead your life in this manner Bangaroo(children who are like gold).  
31 March 1996


11 May to 17 May 2015

How do we see unity in the three schools of philosophy?
How do we see unity in the three schools of philosophy-6.09-1996 June 18
 
In this world there are three schools of philosophy: Dwaita (dualism), Vishishtaadwaita (qualified non-dualism) and Adwaita (non-dualism). In Dwaitathere is no relationship between the two. There is not much difference between Vishishtaadwaita and Adwaita. Be it any clan, family, country, religion or tradition, the Truth is seen as only one. Ekam Eva Adwiteeyam Brahma (Brahma is only one, not two). Take sugarcane for example. The cane has so many bends on it. The cane may have multiple bends on it but the juice within (and its taste) has no such bends. Adwaita may be compared to drawing the juice from the sugarcane. Thus, sugarcane juice symbolizes Adwaita. You may draw the juice from anywhere; the sweetness will be the same. There are no different tastes.
Later Ramanujacharya enquired deeply. He thought, “How long can we keep this sugarcane juice with us? It will not last for very long”. Therefore, he converted the sugarcane juice into sugar. Once converted to sugar, it can be used any time, at any place and can be added to anything. Thus, sugarcane juice symbolizes Adwaitaand sugar symbolizes Vishishtaadwaita. It is a special non-dualism. It will remain forever. It can be mixed with anything.
Next, Madhwacharya propagated Dualism. Shankaracharya propagated Adwaita, Ramanujacharya propagated Vishistaadwaita and Madhwacharya propagated Dwaita. What did Madhwacharya say? He said, “O God, I do not want to come here as sugar. I do not want sugarcane juice either. But I want to be born as an ant that can eat and enjoy both: the sugar and the sugarcane juice. Sugar can never know its own taste. Only the one who eats sugar can know its taste. Therefore, O Lord, you are the very embodiment of Love. Hence, I must not become Love but I must be the one who can experience this Love. You are God and I am an individual. We must be separate. Only when the individual is separate, he / she can experience the Divinity of God. Thus, I want to be the one who eats the sugar; I do not want to become sugar”. This is Dwaitam, means two: God and the individual. The individual will eat the sugar, digest it well and once he / she recognizes the principle of sugar, he / she will become sugar itself. Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati– The knower of the Brahman becomes Brahman itself.
Bharatiyas keep debating about the differences between Dwaita, Vishistaadwaita and Adwaitaand merely waste their time. Eventually, all these three (schools of philosophy) are one and the same. Sugarcane juice symbolizes Adwaita, sugar symbolizes Vishistaadwaita and the one who eats the sugar symbolizes Dwaita. Thus Dwaita, Vishistaadwaita and Adwaita are one and the same. Mysorepak, Gulabjamoon, Barfi, Paalkova, Mithai, Kheer (Indian sweets), biscuit: all these have the same sugar in them. The names and forms of the sweets are different. In the same manner, in this world, all the nations, all the names, all the forms appear different. But the Divinity in all is one and the same. Ekaatma Sarvabhoota Antaraatma – The one soul is the indweller in all the beings.
We see so many bulbs here. But the current flowing in them is only one. That is the Divine power. The same Divine power resides in you, in me and in all. Then where does the difference lie? One bulb is red in colour, one is blue, while one is white. Also, one bulb is dim, another is bright and yet another is still brighter. The reason for this is not the current; the reason is the difference in the bulb. God resides as the One in all. But for one person the capacity of the heart is less, it is dim. For another it is bright, for yet another it is light. The difference is in the voltage of the bulb. Sarvada Sarvakaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam– When you think of the Lord always, at all times, and at all places, the voltage can be raised to any extent. Change the bulb, change the voltage, but do not change the current. To make the dim heart into a bright one, develop Love. Develop your Love. When we expand our love it will become light and bright.    
18 June 1996

 


04 May to 10 May 2015

How do we understand fact-truth and absolute reality?
How do we understand fact-truth and absolute reality-4.40-1996 June 18 and 2001 November 20


Bhagawan mentioned three words: Nijam (fact), Sathyam(truth) and Ritam (absolute reality). What is Nijam (fact)? Fact is to state what one sees at a given point of time; for instance, stating what dress has been worn by an individual at a given point of time is a fact. Let us say you have come here wearing a white dress. I have seen you wearing a white dress. This is a fact. But let us say that as soon as you return home you change your dress and put on a blue bush coat. Then what Bhagawan has said earlier would not be a fact now. Speaking what you are seeing at a given point of time is Nijam (fact). When it changes later, it is no more a fact. Therefore, narrating whatever you see or experience at a given point of time is a fact at that instant.

What then is truth? You have been changing a number of shirts and banians (vests / undershirts) over a period of time. But you have never been able to change your physical body. That which does not change is truth. Trikaala Bhaadhyam Sathyam: that which does not change in the three dimensions of time (past, present and future) is truth.
But in this world, in an ordinary sense we consider Nijam (fact) and Sathyam (truth) to be one and the same. However, they are different. They do not mean the same. What is seen by the eye is a fact. Now you may be wearing a shawl. Tomorrow you may not wear a shawl. So to state that you are wearing a shawl is a fact only for the time being. It is not a fact for the next day. Hence, if there is something that remains the same the next day, the day after, for all the days to come, in all the three dimensions of time, i.e. the past, present and the future; that is the truth. Truth is that which does not change or move or waver but remains permanent across the three dimensions of time. That which changes, wavers or gets manipulated from time to time is not truth, it is only a fact. That which is seen at a given point of time is a fact. That which is seen forever is truth (In some Discourse, not sure which one, Bhagawan gives the example of birth, death, hunger etc. to be the truth, as these do not change over time…they are permanent phenomena).
Bhagawan tells us often: You are not one person, but three. What are these three? They are: i) the one you think you are, symbolized by the dress worn by you. This is the physical form ii) the one others think you are, i.e. the mind. The mind cannot be seen by anybody. Based on your actions they decide whether your thoughts are good or bad iii) However, there is one which is beyond these two. That is Ritam(absolute reality)! The one you really are. This is related to the Atma (Self).
You are the embodiment of the body, the mind and the Atma. The body changes from time to time. But the heart never changes. The (spiritual) heart is ever permanent. That permanent heart symbolizes Ritam. It is the Vedas which labelled reality this as Ritam. It is that which is changeless and attributeless.     
 
18 June 1996 & 20 November 2001

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MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-7

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-7

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This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every week for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as our driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!
The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.  

27 April to 03 May 2015
How can we destroy our bad qualities?
How can we destroy our bad qualities-2.29-1996 June 18


We must first of all destroy our bad qualities. There is no use undertaking meditation or other such practices for this. Many undertake meditation, but do you know what type of meditation it is? It is decorative and ostentatious. They meditate for taking pictures. All actions done by the (physical) body are unreal and not real. Whatever you do with the mind and with love becomes real. Therefore,

Shreyo Hi Jnaanam Abhyaasaat
Jnaanaad Dhyaanam Vishishyate
Dhyaanaat Karma-Phala-Tyaaga
Tyaaga Shantir Anantaram
(If you cannot take to practice, then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action; for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind)
Bhagavad Gita 12.12
Shreyo Hi Jnaanam Abhyaasaat…you need to learn everything by practice. Everything comes by practice alone. Walking, talking, reading, writing, eating: everything comes by practice. We need to undertake this practice in our daily life. But we must practice truthfully in the right way. We must not practice bad things. To do bad things we do not need any practice. A boulder on the top of the hill, if kicked by the leg, will come rolling down. But to take a boulder from the bottom of the hill and place it on the top is very difficult. You do not need to practice for nurturing bad qualities. You all know that even a bus or a lorry with full load makes so much noise while climbing up the mountain. To move upward takes lot of pain. But to slide downward is very easy. We must not make an effort for doing easy things. Even if it is difficult, look up. Low aim is crime. Do not commit a crime. Look up. We must develop a high aim or lofty vision. That is true Sadhana (spiritual exercise).   

18 June 1996


20 April to 26 April 2015
How do we illumine our spiritual heart?
How do we illumine our spiritual heart-4.30-1996 June 18

Here is some wood. What will happen if this wood is put into the fire? The wood will disappear. It will get transformed into coal. The wood is gone and we now have coal. When we touch the wood it does not make us dirty but when we touch the coal it makes us dirty. How can we make this coal look white again? Ignorant ones will wash the coal with soap to make it white. If the soap is used to wash the coal, the soap too will become black but the coal will never become white. Even if take the coal and wash it with milk, the milk will turn black but the coal will never turn white in colour.
What do we need to learn from this? First of all how did this coal get formed? Why did it get formed into coal? It got transformed into coal because of the contact with fire. So put the coal into the fire again. It will continue to burn in the fire until it eventually gets transformed into white colour. When the wood is half burned it becomes coal. When it is fully burned it becomes light. Therefore, in a similar manner part time devotion will make you like coal. Full time devotion will make you light. Put it into the fire of love. It will continue to burn and will become ash that will fly away when blown. 
See, here is the wood. When dropped, it falls down. But after burning for long it becomes ash; the ash will just fly upwards when blown. The lighter it is, the more the height it will reach. The more the weight, the lower it will descend. Therefore, if you wish to reach great heights then you need to reduce the weight: less luggage more comfort. As the weight is reduced further and further, it will become lighter. Hence, we need to progressively cut down our desires. It is not enough to just reduce our desires. We need to reduce the bad qualities of Raaga(attachment), Dwesha (hatred) and Asuya (jealousy). Why? Because there are three powerful enemies: Kaama(desire), Krodha (anger) and Lobha (greed). Desire destroys devotion. Anger destroys wisdom. Greed destroys our actions. Thus, these three destroy the triad of action (Karma), devotion (Bhakti) and wisdom (Jnaana). When we get angry we lose all our wisdom. We lose our discrimination power. It will bring about enmity and we would lose the discretion power to decide what to talk: when and where. Therefore, we should not get angry. We should never become greedy.
The disease of cancer may be cured but these three enemies (desire, anger and greed) can never be cured. How do we then get rid of them? When they are put into the fire of Divine Love they will turn into ash. Even very hard metal when put into fire burns and turns into liquid metal. When iron itself gets transformed into liquid will not these bad qualities get destroyed? Thus we must first destroy our bad qualities.       
18 June 1996



13 April to 19 April 2015

What are the four types of lights that illuminate our lives?
What are the four types of lights that illuminate our lives-4.24-1996 June 18


Pradoshe Deepakaschandraha
Prabhaate Deepako Ravihi
Trailokye Deepako Dharmaha
Suputra Kuladeepaka
The moon gives us light at night. The sun gives us light and bright sunshine during the day. Dharma illumines and gives light to all the three worlds (gross, subtle and causal). A good son (daughter) gives light to the entire family.
The bulb at home sheds its light only within the confines of the room. The moon at night sheds light everywhere but it is dim light. However, the sun which shines during the day sheds its bright light all over. The light at home symbolizes “Svaartham” (selfishness). The moon which sheds its light everywhere symbolizes “Paraartham” (selflessness). And the sun symbolizes “Yadaartham” (Truth). Truth is God. Therefore, the sun that sheds its bright light everywhere is the True God. That is why since ancient times the Bharatiyas worshipped the Sun. The performed Surya Namaskaaraas (obeisance to the Sun deity). They verily regarded the sun as their God. Life is sustained on this earth because of the sun.
Therefore, what we need today is the light of the moon during the night, light of the sun during the day, light of Dharma in the three worlds and light of a good son (daughter) in the family. One cannot become a good son (daughter) merely by getting educated or by acquiring titles. One needs to have good behaviour, good manners, good discipline and good devotion. This is most important. If there is devotion all good things will come to you.
  18 June 1996



06 April to 12 April 2015

Who is an ideal son or daughter?
Who is an ideal son or daughter-5.46-1996 June 18


Pradoshe Deepakaschandraha
Prabhaate Deepako Ravihi
Trailokye Deepako Dharmaha
Suputra Kuladeepaka
The moon gives us light at night. The sun gives us light and bright sunshine during the day. Dharma illumines and gives light to all the three worlds (gross, subtle and causal). A good son (daughter) gives light to the entire family.
Who is a good son (daughter)? Good son (daughter) means God son (daughter). Good is spelt as G O O D. This entire world is illusory and is equal to a zero, whereas Brahma is the Truth. Remove the ‘zero’ representing the illusory world from GOOD (i.e. remove one letter ‘O’) and we are left with GOD. When one zero (letter ‘O’) is removed from GOOD, it becomes GOD. Therefore God son (daughter) is Good son (daughter). That is, a good son (daughter) must always have Godly (Divine) feelings, must engage in Divine actions, must nurture Divine thoughts and exhibit Divine behavior. ‘Su’ means ‘good’. A good son (daughter) must fulfill the commands of the parents, receive the love of the parents, make them happy in return, express gratitude to them for having nurtured and brought them up all these years and satisfy them. Not only that, he / she must also get a good name in the society.
When does one become a good son (daughter)?    
Telugu verse:
Just like a single Jasmine creeper in a thick forest spreads its fragrance all over the forest;
Similarly, even if there is one good son (daughter) in the family, the whole family / clan will earn repute and the son (daughter) will also get a good name.
These days as soon as a child is born we distribute sweets and celebrate. When asked why one is distributing sweets, he / she answers, “O! I have begotten a child”. But only time will show what type of child it is. Just by begetting a son (daughter) we must not declare that we have got a son (daughter). The day when that son (daughter) gets a good name in the society, that day you can celebrate the birth of your child.
A father will not experience true happiness when a son (daughter) is born to him, but when the son (daughter) receives praise from the society, he will then experience true delight! When ten people praise the son (daughter) exclaiming, “O! (s)he is so good, (s)he is so good, (s)he is so good”, it is then that the father will be happy. God also will be happy then. You should get a good name from everybody. Such a good son (daughter) illumines the whole family with his / her light.

18 June 1996


30 March to 05 April 2015
What does Bhagawan expect from His Students?
What does Bhagawan expect from His Students-9.48-1996 March 31


At Sathya Sai Institute, not even one naya paisa is being collected from you. Teaching is free, Library is free, Laboratory is free, Education is free, Games is free, Medicines are free. Everything is free. For having made you experience such an environment, for having taught you so many lessons, for having preached you so much wisdom, and for having done so much; what gratitude do you have in you? You do not need to give Swami anything. If you exhibit (manifest) the good qualities that you have learnt here, that is enough.

If you cannot express gratitude, it is better to shut up and be quiet. But, never become ungrateful. Becoming ungrateful is a great sin. Students should correctly recognize such principles. It is not a great thing to merely study and pass. Swami has no happiness in that. You must pass, you must get a first class, you must get an “O” grade; but above all you must put all these into practice. That is what I desire. I do not desire anything else from you. When anybody sees you all, they must observe that these are the ideal students who have studied from that particular Institute. 
Once you go out, if you still roam around like a dog, people will remark, “O, he has studied from Sathya Sai Institute. But it looks like he has not given up his past tendencies. He has not left his past habits.” You must not earn such a bad name. Just wearing a white shirt when you go out is of no use. You must carry along with you a white (pure) heart. This is what you have to achieve.
You must give happiness to the parents who have given birth to you. You must also pass on happiness to your relatives and friends. You must bring a good name to the Institute. Day and night, I am giving three fourth of My time to you, which I am not giving even to My devotees. Having got such an opportunity, you must not turn out to be ungrateful. Ingratitude to God is a very big act of ungratefulness.
You live outside. You earn a salary. You acquire great wealth. What is the use? It is like decorating a dead body. Is wealth of prime importance? No, it is quality or virtue that is important. Students going out from Sathya Sai University are earning lot of money. This is a matter of great happiness. Make your parents happy. But do not get a bad name.
If you satisfy God’s mind, your whole life will be satisfied…Telugu verse…If Swami says you are a good person, all the people gathered here will say you are a good person. If Swami says, Chhee(an expression indicating disgust), he is not a good person, everybody will also say Chhee, he is not good. Eventually, even your parents will say Chhee…
Therefore, first of all control your tongue. So long as you are here you speak all good things. But once you go out, you live a contradictory life. Even a dog will not have such a bad mind. When somebody gives food to a dog, the next day when it sees the master, it will wag its tail and approach him with a sense of friendship. If after living so many days here, studying so many days here and having had so many experiences here; this friendship is not there among you all and there is no faith, then how can you be called human beings? You are then human beings only by form and not by practice. My aim and My desire is that you must become human beings by practice.
My desire is that you must become ideal students. You should not speak just as you like. Many a time in life, we get into problems because of our (inappropriate) words. Today the times are very dangerous. Every word has to be thought over and then spoken. Every word should be spoken in an ideal manner. We should not feel jealous about anybody. We should not criticize anybody. You may correct your own faults if you wish to. Do not look at the faults of others. Take good from outside and throw out the bad from within you. These two are My wishes. You need to become ideal students.    
          
In the coming vacations, some among you are completing your education and going away, whilst others will return again. But whenever you go from the college to your homes, you must give lot of happiness to others and you must also experience lot of happiness. Never get into bad company. One of the boys who spoke said, “Satsangatve Nissangatvam, Nissangatve Nirmohatvam”. Join good company. Even if you have to pay money, do so, and get away from bad company. Even if you have to give up your life, do so and get into good company. Associate yourself with good company. Do not associate yourself with bad company. What will happen if you associate yourself with bad company? Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are. You will also become bad, in the company of bad people. Therefore, run away from bad company and serve your parents.


At times, your mother will go to the market. You too go with her. Carry the items purchased by your mother. How happy your mother will be! She will feel, “Oh, how much my son is serving me”. This is the happiness you must give to your mother who has nurtured you for nine months in her womb. Even while seeing your mother carrying all the items, if you sit on a chair and ask, “Oh, mother, when did you come?” she will think, “Oh, what a worse child has been born from my womb”. Therefore never give pain to your mother. Help your mother. Serve your mother.

If your father is doing some work at home, ask him, “Father, do you want me to help you? I will surely do?” This should be the way and not simply sitting on a chair and whiling away all the time eating and sitting, eating and sitting.
Enter the society and undertake service. Many of you, who know Bhajans, go and sing Bhajans. Or else, go and partake in social work. Go to the hospitals and help the patients. If you cannot do any other help, look out for poor patients and buy the medicines prescribed for them. If they are feeling cold, get them some clothes. But never give them money. If you give them money, India will become a nation full of beggars. Give them food, give them clothes, give them necessary medicines, and help them. This is the type of service you must participate in. If you undertake service in this manner, you will receive great repute. You will be fulfilling the human birth that you have taken. 
We have desires to become great. We have all sorts of desires. We wish to become another Birla, Kirloskar or Tata (great and reputed businessmen). You can become Tata (also means grandfather in most South Indian languages) by growing a beard (in lighter vein). Is that what you want? Reputation that comes from acquiring wealth is ephemeral (momentary). Do not sell yourself for money. You may earn wealth but use it in a noble manner, a good manner in a meaningful way. Sinful wealth will never stay with us. Either thieves will steal it or income tax officers will come and confiscate it. Therefore, rather than misusing your wealth, use it in a right manner.    
There are four custodians of wealth. One is fire, second is thief, third is friend and the fourth is the Government. They will take away your money. Before the money is lost, put it to good use. Our students should not desire or run after money in any matter, be it job or marriage. Work, work, work, work; aspire to work.     
As soon as you go home (from college after your studies), your parents will tell you, “Son, get married. We will get 10 lakhs of rupees”. Chhee (a remark indicating disgust)…can parents sell their son for the sake of money? The son has no shame nor do the parents have shame. Can the son be sold to a girl for the sake of 10 lakhs? Not just 10 lakhs, even if you get 10 crores of rupees, never ever allow yourself to be sold. You must stand on your own legs with your own strength. You must be self-reliant. But, without being so, if you follow whatever people tell you, then you are a slave.
We must never be a slave. We must become the Master. When you become your own Master, then you can become a Master for all, setting an ideal for them.  

31 March 1996



23 March to 29 March 2015

What is the consequence of being ungrateful to those who have helped us?
What is the consequence of being ungrateful to those who have helped us-3.08-1996 March 31
There is no atonement for the sin of ingratitude
If you cannot express gratitude, it is better to shut up and be quiet. But, never become ungrateful. Becoming ungrateful is a great sin. Students, you are all good. But, it is very essential to recognize this matter.
Many people perform Surya Namaskaar* (salutation to the Sun God). While prostrating they chant “Himaghnaghnaaya Namah” (these expressions appear in the devotional hymn titled Adityahridayam, details of which are given at the end of this Discourse extract). The meaning of this phrase is that as soon as the sun rises the snow melts away. Therefore, we prostrate stating, “O Sun, as soon as you rise, you make the snow melt and flow as water; salutations to you.” Next, they say “Tamaghnaghnaaya Namah”. “Tamas” means “darkness”. “O Sun, as you rise, you put an end to the darkness; salutations to you.” As soon as the sun enters, the darkness disappears. These two are good expressions. They are fundamental Truths.
But, there is a third expression, an extremely important one. “Krutaghnaghnaaya Namah”. What does this chant mean? “Krutaghnudu” means the ungrateful one. “O Sun, you move away from the ones who forget the help done to them; salutations to you.” If the sun moves away from such people, what is the loss to them? How does the sun reflect in an individual?
Chandrama Manaso Jaataha Chaksho Suryo Ajaayata
The moon was born out of the mind and the sun out of the eyes of the Supreme Being
Purusha Suktam, Mantra 14
The light (radiance) in our eyes is indeed the sun. Therefore, if we become ungrateful, we will lose the vision of our eyes. The sun (light) will move away from our eyes. We will become blind. That is the meaning of “Krutaghnaghnaaya Namah”.
Students you know that even in the Vedas it is said, “Chandrama Manaso Jaataha”. The moon is equivalent to the mind of a human being. “Chaksho Suryo Ajaayata”. The sun is equivalent to the eyes of a human being. The radiance of the sun is there in our eyes. If this radiance leaves us, we will become blind. Therefore, the one who becomes ungrateful will lose his / her eyesight.
For our life, our eyes are indeed the Saastras (scriptures). Drushti is Srushti, Vision is creation. We are losing this creation. We are losing the scriptures. We are losing our very human life. For every act there is some fruit and some atonement. But there is no atonement for being ungrateful. Whatever Sadhana (spiritual exercise) one may do, it is of no use (to atone for ingratitude). Even if you lose your life, it would be of no use (to atone for ingratitude). Therefore, never become ungrateful. Students need to recognize these principles correctly.
         
31 March 1996
* Surya Namaskara also known in English as Sun Salutation is a common sequence of asanas. Its origins lie in India where its large Hindu population worships Surya, the Hindu solar deity. This sequence of movements and asanas can be practiced on varying levels of awareness, ranging from that of physical exercise in various styles, to a complete sadhanawhich incorporates asana, pranayama, mantra and chakra meditation.
Adityahridayam is a devotional hymn associated with Aditya or the Sun God (Surya) and was recited by the sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before fighting the demon king Ravana. This historic hymn starts at the beginning of the duel between Rama and Ravana. Agastya teaches Rama, who is fatigued after the long battle with various warriors of Lanka, the procedure of worshiping the Sun God for strength to defeat the enemy. These verses belong to Yuddha Kanda (Book 6) Canto 107, in the Ramayana as composed by Agastya and compiled by Valmiki.
Tamoghnaya Himaghnaya Shatrughnayamitatmane |
Kritaghnaghnaya Devaya Jyotisham Pataye Namaha || 20
Salutations to the dispeller of darkness, the destroyer of cold, fog and snow, the exterminator of foes; the one whose extent is immeasurable. Salutations also to the annihilator of the ungrateful and to the Lord of all the stellar bodies, who is the first amongst all the lights of the Universe.



16 March to 22 March 2015

Do we need to give up this world to earn the Grace of God?
Do we need to give up this world to earn the Grace of God-1.21-1996 March 31


The king enjoys the pleasures in the privacy of the inner rooms of his palace. The dog enjoys the same pleasure in the market. Is this true happiness? Saint Tyagaraja put forth a very fundamental question to his mind, “O mind, tell me truly, what gives real happiness; this wealth or the proximity to the Lord?” Happiness does not lie in merely getting academic degrees. Earning lot of wealth does not give happiness. Getting into positions of authority does not give us happiness. We need to earn the Grace of Iswara, the Lord. That gives true happiness.  

However, until we reach that state, we need to live in this world with integrity and morality. The aim should be that (earning God’s Grace), but action should be performed in the world. Experience Nature through the vision of spirituality: this is the profound message of Sai. You do not need to give up Nature (world). You do not need to resign from your job. You need not struggle to get a new or a different job. You do not need to beg for a job going from office to office like a dog. Do the job that you have in your hands. Look after your family well. Lead an ideal life. But always keep the right aim (to earn the Grace of the Lord). Students need to clearly recognize and practice this truth. This is real bliss or joy!     
31 March 1996



09 March to 15 March 2015
What are three important things that we should never forget in our life?
What are three important things that we should never forget in our life-0.35-1996 March 31


Never forget God. Do not trust the world. Do not fear death. You need to understand these three things.

Do not forget God.
Do not trust the world.
Why? …because it changes from moment to moment. How can you trust it then?  
Do not fear death.
You must have such courage.
If you learn these three things, the whole world will be in your hands (within your control). Swami too will be in your hands (in your control).
31 March 1996


02 March to 08 March 2015

How do we understand symbolism in the worship of God?
How do we understand symbolism in the worship of God-6.56-1995 May 20


The atomic power is present everywhere. Scientists refer to this entity as the atom, as a minute particle. However, the atom too can be split further into smaller particles that have a form. There is nothing in this world, which does not have a form. Everything assumes some form. Now take for example the state of Karnataka. What form does this state of Karnataka have? If you look at the map, you will find a form or a shape for the state of Karnataka too. Similarly, what form does Andhra have? Andhra too has a form on the map. What is it that does not have a form? If we cross the border of a state, one is considered to have transgressed the boundaries of the state. How exactly can we define the boundary of a state? If we think in this manner, we will realize that every material in this world has got a form.     

This is why the ancients considered Goddess Earth to be the true deity and started worshipping her. However, few scientists made fun of them. They thought, “What is this? They consider Mother Earth as God! After all what is there in this earth? There is just mud and stones”. They asked, “What is the inner significance in worshipping this mud and these stones?” They replied, “Sir, it is this very earth that gives us food to eat. It is this wind which gives us life. It is the sun that helps us to cultivate crops. Therefore, none can say that worship of Nature is erroneous. Worshipping the one who has helped us and the one who has put an end to our suffering is correct. It is the Truth and the right path”.
The five elements are helping us so much. If there are no Pancha Bhootas(five elements), then there is no Prapancha(creation). What is the loss in worshipping these five elements? Leave alone the five elements; there are some who worship mere stones. How can a stone be treated as God? O fool, everything is the form of God. Why should one not worship it? One may say, “The stone has no attributes and it has no life. Why worship something which is just fallen as a lump with no awareness?” You need to clearly recognize one aspect here. On the 15th of August (Independence Day in India), we hoist the National Flag. We all salute the flag and respect it. Why do we respect the flag? It is after all a small piece of cloth woven with threads. It has no attributes nor has it any awareness. If there is breeze, it flies, else it remains still. How do you respect such a flag, which has no awareness? What qualities are present in the flag? (Truly speaking) You give a stamp to the flag as a symbol of the freedom that has been acquired through great struggle.
That is Divinity! It is all about symbolism, belief and faith. In every nation, people respect the National Flag. China and Russia too respect their National Flag. When we worship the flag that has no awareness, what is wrong in worshipping entities like a stone that has no awareness? Divine awareness is present everywhere. However, there are certain signs and symbols. When we enquire like this, the argument of the atheists does not hold good. Today, in this world, in our daily life, there is something that we experience everywhere.
Dhanamoolam Idam Jagath
Wealth has become the basis of the world today
We worship this wealth, Lakshmi Aradhana (worship of the Goddess of wealth). We worship Goddess Lakshmi by applying kumkum (vermilion), turmeric and lighting incense sticks. If we see a Rs.100 note, we touch it to our eyes and keep it in our pocket. What is this rupee note after all? It is made from bamboo and grass pulp. What attributes are there in this rupee note? What awareness does it have? Then why do you worship this note? The rupee note is worshipped by theists as well as atheists. Do atheists say that they do not want the Rs.100 note? They too want it. They all attach value to it because of the stamp on the note.
You have a father and a grandfather. After his demise, you would worship his photo and light incense sticks. What is there in this photo? Is your grandfather there in that photo? No, it is just a picture on a paper. True, it is just a paper, but it has the picture of your grandfather on it. Similarly, it may be a mere stone, but the deity meant for worship is present in it. The form based on one’s feelings is embedded in it. If we think in this manner, everything will appear as God’s Form to us. No one has the authority to criticize (this form of worship). If you do not like, you may abstain from it. But it is very wrong to harm the faith of others. You experience your faith. Leave the faith of others to them. Each one will have their own faith. Each one has to breathe for himself. If you were to ask someone else to breathe for you, would it be possible? This is impossible.

20 May 1995



23 February to 01 March 2015

When and how can we have the Vision of God?
When and how can we have the Vision of God-3.17-1995 May 20


Some people in this Kali Yuga, approached Ramakrishna Pramahamsa. They asked him, “Swami, have you seen God?” He replied, “Yes, I have seen”. They asked, “In what way have you seen God? In what form have you seen God?” Ramakrishna replied, “I have seen God just the way I see you and you see me”. They queried, “How is this possible?” He replied, “Yes, it is possible. The kind of worship and yearning that one needs to see God is not there in you. O People, you crave for property, wealth, conveniences and comforts. You work so hard for your wife and children (family). You shed tears for the smallest to the biggest issues. You cry day and night for earning money. But, have you ever cried like this for God?

Yaa Chinta Bhuvi Putra Mitra Bharanam Vyaapaar Sambhaashane
Yaa Chinta Dhana Dhaanya Bhoga Yashashas Laabhe Sadaa Jaayate
Saa Chinta Bhuvi Nanda Nandana Pada Dvandvaaravinde Kshane
Saa Chinta Yama Raja Bhima Sada Dwaara Prayaane Prabho

(Correctness of the wordings of this sloka to be verified)
The time that you spend in worrying out of attachment for your children, friends and business; the time that you spend in thinking of wealth, comforts and reputation; of that, do you spend even one second concentrating on the feet of the Lord? Once you experience that contemplation, even the fearful doors of the Lord of death Yama, will be open for you. You struggle with worrying for the world, but you aspire for the vision of the Lord. This is impossible my son. Pine for that which you desire; only then the Lord will be available to you. You say one thing and you act in a different way. Under these situations you will never be able to recognize God.      
20 May 1995



16 February to 22 February 2015

Can God be perceived through mere empirical investigations?
Can God be perceived through mere empirical investigations-8.07-1995 May 20


Today with respect to God, the atheists, the Cārvākas (one of the heterodox schools of Hinduism, that rejects supernaturalism, emphasizes materialism and philosophical scepticism; holding empiricism, perception and conditional inference as the proper source of knowledge) and the scientists, based on their deliberations, came up with the idea of direct proof or empirical evidence. It must be possible to see with the eyes, touch with the hands and taste with the tongue. Only then one could believe in the existence of something. How can one believe in a power that cannot be seen, cannot be grasped by the hand and cannot be tasted? Scientists consider people who still hold such beliefs as foolish people. Truly speaking, in this matter, if the scientist claims that direct proof or empirical evidence is the only way to believe in the existence of something, then there is no greater fool than him. How can we say this?

Let us say an individual is seen by the eyes. His height is 5’ 6” as measured by him. His weight as observed in the weighing machine is 63 kgs. The weight in kgs is direct proof as it is seen in the weighing machine. His height too was measured using a tape and found to be 5’ 6”. He is seen with the eyes. He has a moderate complexion and a bald head. All these are direct proof or empirical evidence. Is this all true? Yes, it is true. But in what context is it true? It is true for all the external characteristics such as height, weight and colour. But there are so many qualities in the individual that cannot be seen by the eyes, cannot be grasped by the hand and cannot be measured. There is compassion in him. There is determination in him. There is sacrifice and forbearance in him. But all these qualities are not visible to the eyes. They cannot be measured by a tape or cannot be weighed by a weighing machine. Even if the individual were to be cut into pieces, these qualities would not be visible to the eyes. But can we say these qualities are not there in him? It is only with these qualities that the individual becomes functional and useful. Because of the non-apparent aspects only the apparent aspects become functional. That is why the non-apparent can be visualized through that which is apparent.
O fool; that which is not seen is considered as a dream and that which is seen is considered real. But that which is not seen is the one which is responsible for humans to experience all their Karma (destiny – consequences of actions). Therefore, it is foolishness to refuse to believe and deny that which cannot be seen or that which cannot be grasped by the hand. It is also foolishness to consider that what can be seen alone as real. A tree is full of branches and is visible to the eye. We say it is true (real). Scientists focus on the multiple branches, flowers and fruits on the tree. But a spiritual person focuses on the roots that cannot be seen by the eyes. If there are no roots, where can there be any branches? The one who sees the branches does not see the root and the one who sees the root does not see the branches. Which among these is more important, the branches or the roots? If the branches are cut and the roots remain, the tree can grow again. But if there are no roots, we cannot have any branches. Therefore, because of the roots that are not visible to the eyes, we are able to see the multiple branches of the tree.


Similarly, for this creation that can be seen, there is an invisible Divine energy that is the basis. Basing on that Truth (energy) only, we are able to perceive the world. A few more examples: We have fragrance. We have love. Love has no form. Fragrance too has no form. But we do experience them. Can we say they do not exist? These cannot be seen by the eyes, cannot be grasped by the hand and cannot be tasted by the tongue. How then do we have belief in them? This means, for that which is not seen, there is something which is seen and forms the basis. Love has no form but the mother who loves has a form. Fragrance has no form but the flower that gives the fragrance has a form. In the same way bliss has no form but God who bestows bliss has a form. What is that form? This form is incomprehensible, hidden and can take any shape.


Here is one more example: What is the form (shape) of air? What is the form (shape) of water? We see the water and also the air. We experience them. But they do not have any form. When will air get a form? When it is filled in a football or a balloon it assumes the form (shape) of a football or a balloon. Water too assumes the form (shape) of the vessel in which it is filled. In the same way, God who cannot be seen assumes a form based upon the feelings of the devotee. The feelings of the devotee give a form to God. This is called Bhavaroopa(form based on feelings). Dhyana(meditation) is required to understand this form based on feelings. Whatever feelings the devotee entertains, God assumes a form accordingly. If we entertain bad feelings the form will be bad and if we entertain good feelings the form will be good. Therefore, all forms of God are based upon the feelings. It is impossible to state that God is like this or like that. That is why it is said:

Sarvatah Paanipaadam
Tatsarvatoakshi Siromukham
Sarvatah Srutimalloke
Sarvamaavritya Tishthati
With hands, feet, eyes, ears, head and mouth pervading everything, He (Divine Being) permeates the entire universe !
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter-13, Verse-14
Whatever feelings the devotee entertains, God assumes a form accordingly. He is everywhere.      

20 May 1995


09 February to 15 February 2015
What are the parallels we can draw between a football game and human life?
What are the parallels we can draw between a football game and human life-2.29-1998 April 18
Life is a game, play it…

Many children play football. How long does the football get kicked around? Members from both the teams keep kicking the ball. The ball cannot escape the kicks of the players. How long can it not escape? So long as there is air in the ball, it will receive kicks from players of both the teams. Once the air is lost (ball is deflated), the ball is taken into the hands. 

In the same way, this human life is like a football game. There are six players in each of the two teams: six wicked players on one side and six good players on another side. There is a constant conflict between the evil and the good. The war and the fighting continues always. Who are these six players? Kaama(Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Attachment), Mada(Pride) and Matsarya (Jealousy) are the six wicked players. Sathya(Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love), Ahimsa(Non-violence) and Prakruti Dharma (Law of Nature) are the six good players. Six on one side and another six on the other side keep kicking the ball. But there is a goal post for the game. The goal post is set between two poles. Only when the ball goes between these two poles it becomes a “goal”. If it does not go between the poles it becomes an “out”.       
This is akin to Ihamanu Sukhimpa Hemataaraka Vidya, Paramunu Sukhimpa Brahma Vidya– i.e. secular education is necessary to keep us happy here in this world and spiritual education is necessary to keep us happy in the world thereafter (beyond death of the body). These two are the limits for our life and we need to move between them. When we hit the “goal” of our life between these two poles, we will be able to attain Divine victory. When our life is not led between the secular education and spiritual education it becomes an “out”. What happens then? It leads to Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam, i.e., birth again and again, death again and again. But if life is led between the goal posts, then Punar Janma Na Vidyate, i.e. there will be no rebirth. No birth, no birth. Only when there is birth, there will be death. When there is no birth, where will death come from? This is called Moksha. It will never become a seed again. We should recognize this Truth.  

18 April 1998


02 February to 08 February 2015
What is the true meaning of Paropakaar?
What is the true meaning of Paropakaar-1.37-1995 May 21
Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram
Perform meritorious deeds day and night


We must continuously engage ourselves in sacred actions. In the world many consider meritorious acts as providing conveniences to others or helping others or engaging in charity and righteous acts. But Sage Vyasa did not consider these as meritorious acts. He stated, “Paropakaaraaya Punyaaya”, and people assumed the meaning to be “service to others is merit”.

But this is not the true meaning.
“Para” + “Upa” + “Kaara” is “Paropakaara”.
“Para” means “Divinity”. “Upa” means “close to” or “in the proximity”. “Karaa” means “to go”. This means that going closer to Divinity is true Punya (merit). True merit consists in the devotee going closer to God. Kuru Punyam Ahoraatram – Such meritorious acts must be performed throughout the day and night.      
21 May 1995



26 January to 01 February 2015

What are the specific roles played by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna as Avatars?
What are the specific roles played by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna as Avatars-6.19-1990 August 14
Each Avatar played the role appropriate to that time 

Among the principle of the Avatars, the easiest path, the sweetest path, the most wonderful experiences are found mainly in the Krishna Avatar alone. But that does not mean that the other Avatars were any less. Every Avatar’s life is appropriate to that time. Here is a small example: Some two people started a fight in the bazaar (market). Seeing the brawl, a policeman arrived at the scene. But the fight became serious. So, the Superintendent of Police (SP) arrived there. However, the fight became all the more serious and it came to a point where each one was trying to kill the other. To handle the situation, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) came over there. To start with the policeman comes there, subsequently the SP comes there and thereafter the IGP comes to the scene; why all this? As the lack of peace increases in its proportion a person with a higher designation needs to come over there.

Since in the times of the Rishis, the practice of Dharma diminished; to enhance the practice of the same and to protect and promote the welfare of the Dharani(Mother earth), Dharmapatni (consort or the wife) and Dharma(righteousness), the Rama Avatar took place. But when the Krishna Avatar took place, the demonism had increased all the more. Therefore, it was considered to focus all the attention only on Dharma and it was not critical to focus on Dharani (Mother earth) and Dharmapatni (consort or the wife). Once Dharma is protected and established, the welfare of the Dharani (Mother earth) and Dharmapatni(consort or the wife) is also ensured. That is why Rama is regarded as Maya Manusha Vigraha (embodiment of Maya or delusion) and Krishna is regarded as Leela Manusha Vigraha (embodiment of Leela or Divine sport). In the story of Lord Rama, Rama has been depicted as an individual bound by Maya, as one who wept for His consort, and as one who cried for the sake of a lady. But the Krishna Avatar is not like that. In the story of Krishna, all women cried for the sake of Krishna. It is just the reverse story! In the Rama Avatar, Rama went forward to wage a war only when provoked. When Ravana and the other wicked people took to the wrong path, Rama entered into a war with them out of compulsion. But the Krishna Avatar is not like that. Krishna would Himself provoke the demons and then engage in a fight with them. In Rama Avatar, it was first action followed by a smile. In Krishna Avatar, it was first a smile and then action. Looking at it this way, one can recognize the difference between a Maya Avatar and a Leela Avatar. 
Krishna was always in bliss. Be it a burial ground, a safe place or a battlefield, He was in bliss everywhere. The war was about to commence. On one side there were 11 lakh warriors and on the other side there were 40 lakh warriors. Krishna was standing between the two armies and He was singing the Gita! “Gita” means a song. Can anyone sing a song under these circumstances? Normally, we sing a song only when we are happy. If we are happy, we sing a song even in the bathroom. Bliss or joy is the basis for singing a song. Since Krishna was the embodiment of bliss, He sang a song even in the battlefield. Therefore, happiness is union with God. Divinity lies in bliss. 

14 August 1990



19 January to 25 January 2015

Do we need to go to the forest to seek peace?
Do we need to go to the forest to seek peace-2.29-1990 August 14
True peace is within…


To think that one can attain God through Dhyaanam (meditation), Japam (chanting the Divine name) or Tapam (penance) is merely an illusion. All these may give only temporary peace for that moment. To get eternal peace or eternal joy, we need to develop Divine feelings within us. But for this you need an appropriate environment too. Only in a Divine environment and sacred surroundings you can get such feelings. Elsewhere, you cannot get such opportunities. That is why in ancient times, sages went to the forest, sat in an isolated silent place and developed a Divine environment around them. This is because they thought that in the village (or town or city) their vision and their hearing would become unsacred. It is this weakness that led them to go to the forest.   

But we need not go to any forest. We must recognize the Divine principle resident in our own heart. Today, you may go and sit in the forest but your intellect (or mind) may roam around in the city. That is “forest”, while this (your heart) is “for rest”! Your peace lies within you and not outside you. In such a sacred proximity and environment (of the heart), you can further develop your peace.

14 August 1990



12 January to 18 January 2015

What is the difference between Science and Spirituality?
What is the difference between Science and Spirituality-6.54-2002 November 20


Science, science, science – this is modern education. The study of science is essential, but how should it be? Today, science is taking us in the wrong direction. It starts from a point and stops at a point (Swami draws the outline of a “C” in the air). This “C” stands for science. Like the letter “C”, science starts at one point but ends at another point. It is not a full circle. But spiritual education is like a full circle. It ends at the point where it starts.

Om Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornaat Poornamudachyate
Poornasya Poornamaadaaya Poornamevaavashishyate
Om, That is Full, This also is Full, From Fullness comes that Fullness,
Even Taking Fullness away from Fullness, Fullness Indeed Remains
Isha Vasya Upanishad
That is whole. That is complete. That is sacred. But science is not complete in that sense. Like the letter “C”, it starts at one point and ends at some other point. There is a wide gap in between, like an abyss. You will fall into that.
What is science? It desires to find out, “What is this? What is this? What is this?” But spirituality, which represents totality seeks to find out, “What is that? What is that? What is that?”
“What is this” signifies closeness. “What is that” signifies distance. We desire to seek only “this”. “This” means it is very close. “That” means it is very far. That which is far away from the senses is spirituality and what is near to the senses is this world. The world is so near to the senses, but it is not dear. That which is far (spirituality) is dear.
Here is a small example where you can see (the truth) for yourself. You all came here to see Sai Baba, from distant lands like Zambia and East Africa. As you live so far, your love has developed so much that you yearn to come here. To go to a village just next to your place, you would not have such a yearning. We tend to neglect what is very near to us. We cultivate interest in that which is far away from us.
Therefore, seek “What is that?” That means beyond the senses. The true science is beyond the senses. What is below senses is just dirt. So, we must not go below the senses. We must go beyond the senses. Then we will be able to lead a sacred life. Students of today live below the senses. They live close to the senses and become slaves of their senses. They succumb to their senses. This is not true education. In fact, we must control our senses. We must be the master of our senses. That is true culture.
Today, we do not need to go beyond the senses. To not think of the senses itself is a great science. Today, right from the time we wake up to the moment we sleep, we are lost in senses, senses and senses. This is a very dirty life. We must not succumb to our senses. Senses are our servants. We must not be slaves to our own servants. We should be the masters and the senses must be our slaves.


Many of you know this story. In the Ramayana, Kaikeyi was a great queen. She was the daughter of the King of Kashmir. She had great titles and was an expert in all forms of knowledge. She was indeed the queen. A maid servant came to assist her. Her name was Mandhara. She was a servant. But Kaikeyi made Mandhara her master. Finally, the queen became the servant of Mandhara. What happened at the end? Because Kaikeyi became a servant to her own servant, her life was ruined. She lost her position. She became the victim of the anger of her son. She sent the sacred Rama to the forest. She made the noble Sita cry. This was her pathetic plight at the end. She too got ruined along with the others. Therefore, a servant should be kept only as a servant and a master should be kept only as a master.

The Gunas(qualities) are not our masters, they are our servants. We are its masters. Master the mind and be a mastermind.    
20 November 2002



05 January to 11 January 2015

What is the real Watch?
What is the real Watch-1.40-2002 November 20


I keep telling many of My students, the spelling of watch is W A T C H. First of all students must be taught about this W A T C H.  

The first letter is “W”. It stands for “Watch your word”. We need to keep a watch: Am I making use of sacred words? Or am I making use of bad words?
The second letter is “A”. It stands for “Watch your action”.
The third letter is “T”. It stands for “Watch your thought”.
The fourth letter is “C”. It stands for “Watch your character”.
The fifth letter is “H”. It stands for “Watch your heart”.
This is the real WATCH. We consider the wrist watch as a watch. That is not the real watch. The wrist watch is likely to spoil at some time. But this acronym of WATCH will never get spoiled. It will always confer sacredness. What a sacred word it is. Therefore, we must assimilate (the essence of) such ideal good words.

20 November 2002


29 December 2014 to 04 January 2015
How can we win the Grace of the Lord?
How can we win the Grace of the Lord-4.20-1995 July 12
Grace of the Lord is the greatest wealth…
So long as we live in society, we need to follow social discipline. Living in society is like a business. A businessman started a business in a village. Ten members got together for the business. Each one of them invested an equal share in the business. They went on with their business. The profit they earned from the business was shared equally among them and so was the loss. Similarly, in this society we are all members. When all of us develop and nurture sacred feelings and thoughts we will earn very good profit. Each one of us will earn an equal share of the profit. We are all shareholders. In the business of (earning) God’s Grace, each one of us is a shareholder with equal rights.
We must prepare ourselves as shareholders. Where? In the bank of God’s Grace! There is lot of money in the bank. But none can even touch it. You are only a guardian. The guardian has no rights. You can only help. When you go to a bank, you find a cashier. All the money in the bank goes through the hands of the cashier. But thinking that the money is in his hands, the cashier cannot assume the right to touch even one naya paisa (lowest denomination of currency – one hundredth of a rupee). He can disburse cash only to the one who presents a cheque.                
In the same manner, in the bank of God’s Grace, God has nothing to do with the cash (of Grace). God has nothing to do with all this money and business. But when you present the cheque of the fruits of your Sadhana (spiritual pursuit), God disburses the cash of His Grace! There are three methods of withdrawing money from a bank. If you need money from the bank, you should have deposited some money earlier in the form of a fixed deposit. Only then, you will have the right to receive your money back. If you have not deposited any money earned by you in the bank, you may ask for a loan. In this case, you can mortgage your permanent assets and take some money (as a loan). If this is also not feasible, and you still need money, you can take along with you a wealthy individual as a guarantor and seek loan on that basis.
These are the three pathways in spirituality too. When you deposit the merit you have earned in your previous births in the bank of God’s Grace, you can withdraw God’s Grace whenever you want. Not just merit of the past, even merit of the present (can be deposited in the bank). The second method is to mortgage your permanent assets and take a loan. What is the permanent asset you possess? It is the fruit of all the good that you have done in the past. In the third method, you need a guarantor. If you take some common man as a guarantor, the bank will not give you a loan. You have to take along with you a great person (a wealthy person). It is the Guru (preceptor) who stands as a guarantee. On the basis of the Guru as the guarantor, you will be given the wealth of God’s Grace! Who is that Guru? Guru is the Divine who is bereft of ignorance. It is in this context that it is said:
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwarah
Guru Saakshaat Para Brahma Tasmai Sri Guruve Namah
Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Lord Maheswara,
Guru is verily the Para Brahman, My salutations to such a Guru.
12 July 1995


22 December to 28 December 2014
Can we escape the consequences of our actions?
Can we escape the consequences of our actions-6.43-1995 July 12
Man’s existence is bound by actions…

Human beings are born in action. They grow and finally die in action. Action is verily Divine. Actions are responsible for pleasure and pain. Action expresses itself in three different ways. The thinking process is one form of action. Expressing one’s thoughts in words is another form of action. Translating the expression of words into action is the third form of action. Thoughts represent the mind, words the mouth and action the hand. Therefore, human life is a combination of the principle of the body (action), the mouth (word) and the mind (thought). These three are responsible for all the joys and sorrows of human beings. Humans have no existence without these three (thought, word and deed).

Whatever actions we perform or feelings we entertain, we have to face the consequences of it. What we need to recognize today is that each one has to face the consequences of his / her actions. As is the tree so is the flower, as is the food so is the belch. You cannot escape the consequences (of your actions). However, with God’s Grace you can achieve anything. Human beings have to struggle to earn Divine Grace.
Some time or the other, we would have to face the consequences of our actions. Here is a small example: There are few actions whose consequences are to be faced immediately. There are other actions whose consequences have to be faced after a few minutes. There are also actions whose consequences have to be faced after a few days and there are those whose consequences appear after a few years. And there are some actions whose consequences have to be faced even after ages. When we run and our leg slips, we face the consequences of the action immediately in the form of a fracture. Slipping and sustaining the fracture happen in immediate sequence. When we do some (cutting) work, the knife may cut our hand. The moment the knife strikes, the blood flows. The flowing of the blood is the immediate consequence for the action. In the second type of actions, the consequences appear after a few hours. The food that we eat in the morning gets digested after about two hours. This action (of digestion) takes a few hours. Suppose we sow a seed in the earth, it takes a few days for it to sprout. For the sapling to become a tree, it takes a few years. For the tree to yield fruits, it takes even a few more years.
In this way, the consequences of actions may manifest in a few minutes, hours, days, months or even years. However, there are a few foolish people who claim that they have done many wrong things, but have not faced any wrong consequences thereafter. But the consequences are there. They will come in the future. One can never escape the consequences of their actions.
Among actions, there are three types of actions. Sukarma, Vikarma and Akarma. Sukarma means the consequences of good actions. It is performing good actions, whose results will always be good. Vikarma means performing bad actions, whose results will always be bad. Akarma means even without performing any actions, one faces certain consequences. These can be understood as consequences of the actions performed in the previous births. (For example) Mother Sita did not perform any bad actions. But what caused her to stay in the forest and suffer in the separation of her husband at Ashoka Vana? King Satya Harischandra did not perform any sinful actions. But why had he to sell his wife, lose his son and serve as the watchman in the burial ground? What is the reason for King Nala and Damyanti to be separated from one another and live in sorrow? This is neither Sukarma or Vikarma. This is Akarma. Even if one does not perform any actions currently, one would have to face the consequences of actions performed in the previous births. We must make an effort to recognize this uniqueness in humanity.
Whatever we may experience, however small or insignificant it may be, it is the result of our own actions. We can never escape this. Since we cannot escape the consequences of our actions, we need to make an attempt to overcome them by praying for and deserving the Grace of the Lord. We should make every effort in this direction.      
12 July 1995



15 December to 21 December 2014

What are the criteria for classification of people into Varnas?
What are the criteria for classification of people into Varnas-4.40-1988 January 08
Castes are meant only for operational convenience

Every being born in this world has a mix of Tamo (sloth, dull, inactive), Rajo (action, restlessness, passion) and Satva (pious, pure, balance) Gunas (attributes). All their actions are based on their Gunas. It is on this basis that the Gunakarma Vibhagais done (original sloka from the Bhagavad Gita given at the end of the discourse excerpt), i.e. beings are categorized based on the Gunas and activities. When man is born, he is ignorant. When he dies, he dies (or rather should die) as a Jnaani (a wise one). Similarly, when a man is born, he is always born as a Shudra, meaning he is ignorant. But being born as a Shudra, he must die as a Brahmin. It is on this basis that the four Varnas came into existence. Based on these three qualities, three categories of people have been identified. The first category of people consists of those who are foolish. The second category of people consists of those who get angry and agitated. The third category of people consists of those who are totally selfless, having given up everything and full of purity.

Therefore Shudra is a one with Tamo Guna. He is foolish and dull headed. Kshatriyasare the ones with courage, valour and heroism. Brahmins are the ones with qualities of devotion and attachment to God, sacredness and total purity. It is on the basis of these Gunas that the castes were formed. But not recognizing this sacred Truth and Dharma, man has started following the wrong path.
Today on account of differences in castes and community, individuals, like dogs, are attempting to shatter humanity into pieces. One can never say that some are high and some others are low. One can never identify one as a lower caste and the other as a higher caste. Here is a good and appropriate analogy. The entire Vedas that were one whole, were classified into four Vedas by the great sage Vyasa. Can one ever say that one of these Vedas is great and the other is not? No. All the four Vedas are equal. All the four Vedas are sacred. All the four Vedas teach people to practice selfless actions. Similarly, as the division of castes have been made on the basis of the Gunas, no one has the right to identity one caste as high, another as low or yet another as medium. It is only because of narrow mindedness and because of the lack of capability to understand this concept that man is experiencing this caste system in a distorted manner.   
08 January 1988
catur-varnyam maya sristam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam
According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And, although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable. 

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 13  
      

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07
Sep
2014
MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-6

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-6

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This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every week for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as our driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!
The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.  

08 December to 14 December 2014
What are the characteristics of the three Gunas?
What are the characteristics of the three Gunas-4.40-1988 January 08
Transcend the Three Gunas
The entire world is the form of the three Gunas (attributes). It is a manifestation and a play of the three Gunas. The world is verily the embodiment of the three Gunas. Of the three Gunas, the Tamo Guna needs to be destroyed first. Tamo Guna means foolishness, stupidity and dull headed. Such a person questions each and every thing. We must first put a check on such a foolish mind and foolish arguments. We must enquire clearly into the things around us. We must then digest / assimilate the things that we have enquired into and understood. Only when we digest, we can acquire its strength. We must not get into an argument for every matter. These arguments only lead to increase in enmity but do not bring any peace. They can never show us the Truth. Thus, a Tamasicperson can never recognize the Truth, nor can He attain Divinity or enjoy sacredness. Their life is always a saga of birth and death – Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam – to be born again and to die again. 
The one with Rajo Guna will be very satisfied if his desires are fulfilled. If not, he becomes egoistic. If his desires are not fulfilled, he gets angry. Whether his desires are fulfilled or not fulfilled, it leads to only bad qualities. It does not yield the right type of fruits. Such people become dull and weak because of burning with anger and excitement. Rajo Guna develops qualities that will make a person’s blood “boil” (i.e. it leads to anger and restlessness).    
The third quality is Satva. This quality also binds. One would get fulfilment only when one offers the sacred fruits of such Satvic actions to God.
Tamo Guna is identified with a particular colour. It is identified with black colour as it stands for darkness and ignorance. The black colour is a symbol of darkness. Rajo Gunaon account of rage and restlessness, heats the blood in the body and progressively speeds up its circulation, resulting in a red coloured face. The eyes too become red in colour. Thus, red is the natural colour of Rajo Guna. Next the Satvic quality. This is totally and absolutely pure. The white colour represents this purity.    
08 January 1988


01 December to 07 December 2014
Why is Rajasic Sadhana not desirable as a means to attain God?
Why is Rajasic Sadhana not desirable as a means to attain God-7.46-1991 September 02
Rajasic Sadhana is not desirable…
Only when we practice what we believe in, we would be able to develop our faith. It is because we do not practice what we believe in that our faith deteriorates. Our mind hovers only on the external mantra (sacred utterance), yantra (mystical diagrams or amulets) and the (physical) form. Here is a small example:
Once upon a time, King Vikramaditya donned the disguise of an ordinary man and toured around his kingdom. An old Brahmin was performing a Yajna(sacrificial offering) in a particular region. It was not clear as to how long the Brahmin was performing the Yajna, but the sacred ash coming from the sacrificial fire had piled up like a big hillock. The sacred ash of the Yajnaappeared like big mountains. King Vikramaditya saw this. He asked, “Swami, what is this task you are performing?” The Brahmin replied, “Son, I am performing Yajna since the last 60 years. All this ash is the dust rising from the Yajna. For the last 60 years I have been performing this difficult Yajna without taking rest even for a second. But I have not been able to win the grace of the Yagna Purusha (Cosmic being who presides over the Yajna). I have not been able to see His form. I am far removed from His Grace”. Saying so, the Brahmin lamented.
King Vikramaditya’s heart melted, watching the difficulties undertaken by this Pundit (priest). King Vikramaditya sat in meditation. He performed a very difficult penance. Inspite of performing the penance for a very long time, the Yajna Purusha did not manifest Himself. The king then asked himself, “What is the benefit of all the Sadhana (spiritual practices) that I have carried out? Why continue this life of mine that has not been able to earn the Grace of the Lord?” He drew out the sword carried by him in his robes. “What is the use of my life? Is life only about eating, living and growing one’s body every day? No, this is not the purpose of life. The supreme goal of my life is to see God.” Thinking so, he said, “O Yagna Purusha, as you did not give me your Darshan (holy vision), here I am offering my life to you”. Saying so, he drew out his sword whole heartedly.
The Yagna Purusha manifested instantly. He took away the sword from the hands of Vikramaditya. The Yagna Purusha said, “Vikramaditya, this is only Sahasa (courage or adventure) but not Sadhana (spiritual practice). Where am I?
Aham Vaishvaanaro Bhutvaa, Praaninaam Dehamaashritaha
Praanaapaana Samaayuktaha, Pachaamyannam Chaturvidham
(I am in the form of Vaishvaanara in your stomach and am digesting the four types of food eaten by you). 
I am existent right within you (as Vaishvaanara  – the digestive fire). On one hand you are attempting to kill Me (by killing yourself) and on the other hand you are attempting to realize Me (the one residing within you); is this the characteristic of Sadhana (spiritual pursuit)? I am right within you. This approach is only Rajasic (extremely active, excitable, or passionate)courage but not Sadhana. Devotees should never venture into such adventurous acts (in the name of Sadhana). The path to realize Me is the path of Love and not the path of adventure.
Whatever you do and whatever you see, feel the Divinity in it. Then work will be transformed into worship. The Brahmin mentioned above performed sacrifices from 60 long years. But the Brahmin had no idea about the meaning of the mantras being uttered by him. He was mechanically uttering those mantras as just words, thus generating mere noise. He was not invoking the Yajna Purusha with true genuine feelings. If the mind is focused on the mantras but the desire is focused on Me, how can he attain Me? I will manifest only before the one who worships Me by focusing his / her thoughts, words and deeds on Me. This is Trikarna Shuddhi (purity of the three). It is the unity of the mind, tongue and the body that is the primary goal. If one does not have the strength to carry out this, then let Him at least just follow My command. If I say, “Do this”, then just do that. Do not give scope to doubts such as “how can I do this?”
   02 September 1991


24 November to 30 November 2014
Who is the true friend with whom we must make friend?
Who is the true friend with whom we must make friendship-1.04-1996 December 25


The one who has love, the one who aspires for Divine Love, he / she is My real friend. But today’s friends act in a contradictory manner. When there is money in the pocket and when father is in a good position, hundreds of friends come to you saying “Hello, Hello, Hello”. But when there is no money in the pocket and when father has lost his position, they would not even tell you goodbye! Is this friendship?

God is not like that. God is always with you, in you and around you. We should acquire such a good friend. Therefore, the real friend is God! We must try to associate ourselves with such a permanent friend.   

25 December 1996



Birthday Special

23-11-2014
Birthday Message-When can one be truly happy?
Birthday Message-When can one be truly happy-2.54-1989 November 23


This morning when I came downstairs, all My boys told Me, “Happy Birthday!” I told them, “I am always happy. You people who are not happy, must experience happiness”. Therefore when every human believes in his Divine principle, acts according to it and experiences it, he will always remain happy. Divinity does not reside in some separate region or land. Divinity is not any specific form. We must recognize the fact that that we are verily the Divinity that is omnipresent, resident in all beings, the Atma in all beings, all powerful and omnipotent.

The subtlest among the subtle and the grossest among the gross, the principle of the Atma is verily Brahma and Brahma is verily the Atma. We must recognize this Truth. He is the one who has no birth or death; He has no beginning, end or middle; He is neither born nor does He perish nor can He be killed; He is the Truth that always exists and He is God.
Everything that changes is associated with this physical body. Taking the body that changes as the basis, we must experience the changeless Divinity. All this Diversity is based upon Unity. This is what the scholars refer to as, “Ekam Sath Viprah Bahuda Vadanti” (Truth is One, scholars describe it in different ways. Though there is only One, several scholars describe it in several different ways.       
23 November 1989


Birthday Special
21-11-2014
What Birthday Gift does Bhagawan expect from us?
What Birthday Gift does Bhagawan expect from us-3.39-1990 November 23

Embodiments of Divine Atma! I do not desire anything from you nor am I asking anything from you. Just develop the principle of Love. Consider the entire humanity as your brothers and sisters. Consider everyone as the child of God. Do not develop hatred or jealousy towards anyone. Do not cause pain to anybody’s mind. Such kind of broad mindedness alone will give vast happiness to our life.
If we are all celebrating Swami’s Birthday today, then all you need to give Me is this one thing. All of you be united. Develop the ancient culture of Bharath once again.
When I was coming here, so many people wished Me “Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday”. I am always happy, I do not need any happiness. Convey your Happy Birthday wishes to those who do not have happiness. I have infinite happiness.
There is no day or a second, when I have been worried even for a moment. Why? Because everything is ephemeral; they are passing clouds. What is the use of worrying about such things? We should not worry, whatsoever, about birth or death. Neither should we get elated nor should we get depressed.
When we are born, we do not bring even a tiny piece of cloth with us. When we leave this world, we do not give our address to our kith and kin. Then how can others belong to us? All these are consequences of being in this creation.        
So long as we are living, we should all mix with each other and spend our lives happily. We can put an end to all our problems only by thinking about (contemplating on) God. Forgetting God, believing in this world, what are you able to achieve? Have faith in God. Never develop differences on account of caste and religion and never develop hatred at any cost.
All names and forms belong to God.
Sahasra Sheerusha Purushaha Sahasraaksh Sahasrapaat
The (Cosmic) Being with Thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, thousands of limbs…
Purusha Suktam
All these are the Cosmic Form. Therefore, have faith in such Divine feelings. Remember the Divine name and sanctify your lives.  

23 November 1990


Birthday Special
20-11-2014
How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday?
How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday-0.56-1994 November 23


How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday-0.56-1994 November 23
Embodiments of Love! You all are considering this day as the 69th Birthday of Swami. I do not have any such desires. As I was coming here, so many people wished Me, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday! I am always happy. Why do you need to wish Me happy birthday? 

You be happy. Your happiness is My happiness. If you wish to be happy, then considering this as a gift to Swami today, offer three habits – consumption of non-vegetarian food, consumption of liquor and smoking; as offerings to Swami. By sacrificing these three, you will be fine, society will be fine and the country will also be fine.  
23 November 1994


Birthday Special
19-11-2014
Why does Swami celebrate His Birthday?
Why does Swami celebrate His Birthday-2.02-1997 November 23


When you ask a student, “What Degree have you passed?” He may reply, “I have passed an M.B.A.”. Who has passed the M.B.A. programme? The degree is related only to the physical body. God has neither an M.B.A. degree nor a B.A. degree. God has no degree at all for that matter. There is only One and that is Nirgunam(attributeless), Nirmalam (pure) and Advaitam (non-dual). That is why God remains in bliss always.
When I was coming here (to the Mandir), many people wished Me, “Happy Birthday!” You may please wish those who are not happy. I am always happy. I do not need your wishes of happiness. God is in eternal bliss.  
Swami does not like these birthday celebrations. But since you all have come here, this celebration is being organized for your satisfaction. I do not have any wish. You may believe it or not, but I do not have any desires. From head to toe, I am absolutely desireless. Whatever I do, it is only for you. Whatever I speak, it is only for you. You must recognize this Truth.
I have no enemies. No one is My enemy. No one hates Me. All are Mine. I belong to everyone. That is why, “Lokaa Samastaa Sukhino Bhavantu” (May the entire world be happy). That is My wish. Everybody should tread along the noble path. Everybody should get a good name. We must consider everybody as the embodiments of the Atma. We too must experience the principle of the Atma.  

23 November 1997  


Birthday Special
18-11-2014
When is the Real Birthday of Bhagawan?
When is the Real Birthday of Bhagawan-1.14-1998 November 23

Birthday is for this physical body. I have no birthday at all. Because you all have come here and because you all have this desire, I am regarding this as a birthday celebration. This birthday is not important for Me. That day when you all remain happy, is My real Birthday. I wish such happiness for all of you. It is this principle of Love that I wish for. It is this principle of sacrifice that I wish for. I need nothing else.
My true happiness lies in seeing all of you becoming embodiments of sacrifice, bliss, spiritual aspirations and thus experience Divinity. You all must set an ideal with your life, full of peace and security. You must develop noble feelings in your heart, on this sacred and Divine day.   

23 November 1998



17 November to 23 November 2014
How should we sing the song
Love is My Form-Truth is My Breath?
How should we sing the song-Love is My Form-Truth is My Breath-2.46-1996 December 25
Love is God. Live in Love.
Love has no limits. Love has no birth. Love has no death.
Love is My Form, Truth is My Breath, Bliss is My Food
My Life is My Message, Expansion is My Life
No reason for Love, No season for Love
No Birth, No Death
You sing “My Form”. It is not just My Form (Swami’s Form). Whoever is singing, it pertains to his/her form. You must say to yourself, “Love is my form”. My form is Love, Truth is my breath. You must feel like this about yourself (not just about Swami). Only then, you will unite with the principle of Swami.
“Love is My Form” – to regard this as God’s Form alone is of no use. “My life is my message, expansion is my life”. “My life is my message”; therefore, you are the messenger. If you consider yourself as the messenger, you must transform your life into the message. “No birth, no death”. There is no birth for Love, no death for Love.   
Therefore, only when you relate what Swami says to your own self, you will be able to reach the final state of “I and you are One”. In Vedanta, this is referred to as Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art) and Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman).

25 December 1996


Global Akhanada Bhajan Special
9th November 2014
What is the easiest way to worship God in Kali Yuga?
What is the easiest way to worship God in Kali Yuga-7.56-1996 July 12
It is easiest to reach God in Kali Yuga
In those olden days there were no anxiety pills. Today, if there is any anxiety, you are given a pill (tablet) and that makes you totally dull. We must not take all these pills (tablets). What are the pills (tablets) that we need to take? We need to take the name of God.  
Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam
(Complete verse with reference given at the end)
There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way other than chanting of the name of the Lord
This is most important in Kali Yuga. If we do Naama Smarana (chanting of the name of God), there is no medicine greater than this. Therefore, we must chant the name of God. It is only by singing the name of the Lord, we get peace, good fortune and joy. What is the mighty power in this age of Kali Yuga?
Naasti Naasti Mahaabhaaga Kali Kaala Samam Yugam
(Complete verse with reference given at the end)
Why is it that the kali Age is the mightiest and greatest among all ages?
Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam
It is the chanting of the name of the Lord, which is the appropriate medicine. In Kruta Yuga, it was Dhyanam (meditation); in Treta Yuga, it was Yajnam (sacrificial rituals); in Dwapara Yuga, it was Archanam (worship) and in Kali Yuga it is Naama Smaranam (singing and chanting the name of God). What an easy path this is. Compared to Kruta, Tretaand Dwapara ages, the Kali age has advocated a very easy path. However, we are not able to practice and follow even this easy path. We are unable to sit steadily even for two minutes. Then, how can we perform any Tapas (meditation)? This is not possible. That is why we must chant and sing the name of the Lord.
A boy (speaker) said now, “There is nothing greater than remembrance of God’s name”. Great scholars described and glorified texts of various subjects, scriptures, theories, etc. All these just got transformed into sound energy. But the truth was recognized by Shankara. He went to the scholars of mathematics and said,
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam (2)       
Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam       
Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate
Sampraapte Sannihite Kaale (2)
Nahin Nahin Nahin Rakshati Dunkrun Karane
Nahin Nahin Rakshati Dunkrun Karane
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam       
(Bhaja Govindam, Adi Shankaracharya)
O foolish man, sing the name of Govinda
When the end (of your life) approaches, no rules of grammar will come to your rescue
Yogaratova Bhogaratova
Sangaratova Sangaviheenah
(Complete verse with reference given at the end)
One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, one may have attachment or detachment. 
All these are so trivial. What is this Yoga (spiritual practices), what is this Bhoga (pleasure)? All these are Roga (disease). Our Raaga (desire) is our greatest Roga(disease). We must not cross the limits of our Raaga. (Incidentally, Raagaalso means melody or musical notes in music). There must be no wrong note in the music. Only then the music will be melodious and will fill the listeners’ hearts with feelings. Otherwise the same music will become stinking, full of foul smell. Therefore, we must first achieve beauty and order. We can acquire this only by thinking of God.
We must chant the name of God, gradually pacifying all the bad qualities existing within us. There is so much joy in this singing. That is why God is referred to as Gaana Lola and Gaana Priya(lover of music). Narada and Tumbura always keep singing the name of God, staying near Lord Narayana. That is their job for full 24 hours. God in turn becomes intoxicated with their music. There is so much of joy in that singing. It attracts the mind. It makes us forget ourselves and delights our heart. It intoxicates everything with bliss. This is the great value that music has got.
Even if we do not know the Shruti (pitch), Raaga (melody) or Tala (rhythm/beat), the song of yearning must emerge from an overflowing heart. There are three paths for remembering the name of God. We may pray to Him through words.
O Rama Nannu Kaapaadu Ra (O Rama save me)
We can say so in words or as prose.
We could also present the same as poetry:
O Rama Nannu Kaapaadu
However, both these would not be that pleasing and melodious. If the same is sung as:
Rama, Nannu Kaapaadu
It just attracts our heart. There is so much of sweetness and bliss in songs. That is why, as Narada has no work, no family, no house; he always keeps singing Narayan, Narayan, Narayan. He keeps on chanting this name.
Govinda Damodara Narayana (2)
Govinda  – Damodara
12 July 1996
Complete verses with reference

Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam

Kalau Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Gatir Anyatha

(Brhan-naradiya Purana 38.126)
       
In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.
Naasti Naasti Mahaabhaaga Kali Kaala Samam Yugam
Smaranath Keerthanaat Vishno Prapyate Paramam Padam
(Pandava Gita ??)
O great fortunate one! There is no age, there is no age equal to the
Kali Yuga, during which the Ultimate Supreme Goal is attained simply
by the loving remembrance and devotional chanting of the Holy Name
of Vishnu. 

Yogarato Vaabhogaratovaa

Sangarato Vaa Sangaviihinah .

Yasya Brahmani Ramate Chittam

Nandati Nandati Nandatyeva

(Bhaja Govindam, Verse-19)
One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, one may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman, enjoys bliss, no one else.

            

10 November to 16 November 2014
Who is most dear to the Lord?
Who is most dear to the Lord-1.02-1996 December 25


Today, we need to develop compassion. That is the principle of Love gifted to mankind by Jesus. Love, Love, Love… Love is God. Live in Love. Therefore,

Start the day with Love
Fill the day with Love
Spend the day with Love
End the day with Love
This is the way to God
We must always live in and with Love. Only such a person is very dear to the Lord. Yo Mad Bhaktaha – He is My true devotee (as stated in the Bhagavad Gita). The one who lives with Love and who aspires for Divine Love, he is My true friend.

25 December 1996


03 November to 09 November 2014
What is the permanent Visa that we must seek from God?
What is the permanent Visa that we must seek from God-1.27-1996 December 25
Give Love…Take Love

(Swami in an address to devotees assembled from all parts of the world in Sai Kulwant Hall on Christmas day) So many of you have assembled here. Where have you all come from? Germany, Japan, Italy, France…you have come from so many countries. But, however happy you may be – staying here, once the money you have with you gets exhausted, you will have to return (to your nation). If your Visa expires, you will have to return to your country. You will not be able to stay close to Me.

But staying with God should not be temporary like that. You must earn a permanent Visa. That permanent Visa is Grace! That permanent Visa is Love! Love! Love! Once you earn that Love, it will become permanent.
Therefore, embodiments of Love, there is Love inside each one of you. You must develop that love. You must share that love with 10 other people. You must experience that love with 10 other people. Love is not one way traffic. Give and take, give and take, Give and take. Once we live like this, we do not need to go to any other Ashram.       
25 December 1996



27 October to 02 November 2014

What should be our approach towards Death?
What should be our approach towards Death-2.12-1993 May 20
We must have attachment only for God and not for the physical body

When we make an attempt to understand the true meaning of words that have emerged in this world, we find that the word “Manava” actually relates to the Atma. Embodiments of the Divine Atma, you must have complete faith in the Atma (Self). Do not put your faith in the physical body donned by you. The body, mind, intellect, awareness, senses, inner senses; all these are mere instruments. They are like the dress worn by us. The dress also gets worn out at some time.

Jesus also said, “Death is the dress of life”. We think it is death; but it is actually akin to removing your dress and wearing another dress. When we remove our dress and give it to the washer man for washing, do we cry? No. But then why do we cry (when someone dies)? We cry because we develop attachment with the physical body for a long time and experience bonding and relationship with it. Once we understand that these bonds and relationships are all temporary, we will never experience any sorrow (on account of death).
Attachment is the root cause for all joy and sorrow. What should we have attachment for? We must have attachment for God. Relationship with God will never undergo any change. That is eternal and true. Hence, we must believe that we are forms of the Divine.
Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman), Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art), Prajnaanam Brahma (Awareness is Brahman), Ayam Atma Brahma (I, the Atma is verily Brahman) (these are the four Mahaavaakyas – aphorisms found in the Vedas). I am Atma, I am Brahma. We must develop such feelings.    
20 May 1993



20 October to 26 October 2014

What is true-Waking state or Dream state?
What is true-Waking state or Dream state-3.58-1993 May 21
The Self present in all states of existence is the ultimate Truth

Everything is Maya (illusion). In this waking state we listen to everything, see everything and experience everything. After we go to sleep, we get drowned in a dream. Where is this waking state in that dream state? The waking state is completely forgotten. We consider and believe the dream state to be true. But for how long does the dream state last? Once the waking state dawns, we neglect the dream state. Is that true or is this true? This is a day dream and that is a night dream. Therefore, both are verily dreams.

Once upon a time, King Janaka, the one of great wisdom, a Karma Yogi, a Videha (the one without body attachment); had his dinner at night and was discussing some matters with his ministers. He suddenly felt very sleepy. In order to avoid any inconvenience to him, a cot was laid there and he was made to sleep.
(“Janaka had a vivid dream in which neighbouring kings had invaded his kingdom and driven him into the forest. He was wandering as a destitute in the forest. He was overwhelmed with dejection and hunger. He began shouting, “I am hungry! I am hungry!” Some tribals were nearby, eating rice. He ran to them. The tribals gave him a leaf as a plate and shared their rice with him. All of a sudden an eagle swooped down upon the leaf and scattered the rice on the ground. Janaka screamed in anguish. At this point Janaka really started screaming in his sleep…”. This is an extract from the Divine Discourse delivered on 21-05-1995 and is included here to make the narration complete. The audio for this extract is not available).
After a while, he got up. He started repeating, “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” Whatever anyone asked, he gave no reply. He just kept saying, “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” Watching the emperor in this state, the ministers were summoned. But whatever anyone asked, he gave no reply. All he said was “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” The Queen was also summoned assuming that if she came, he would possibly say something. She asked, several questions, “King, what is this strange behaviour? Why are you speaking like this? What did you see?” Be it the Queen or a farmer, there was no reply at all. It was just, “Is that true or is this true?”     
Finally, they summoned Sage Vashishta. He saw the Truth through his Yogic powers. He told the king, “O King, neither is that true, nor is this true. It is only you who are true. You experienced certain things in the dream. You also experienced certain things in the waking state. In the waking state, there is no dream and in the dream state, there is no wakefulness. But you are there in the waking state and you are there even in the dream state. Therefore, you are Truth. Thus in wakefulness, there is no dream and in dream there is no wakefulness. You are the one who has had experience in both the waking state and the dream state. So, you are omnipresent. Therefore, human life is omnipresent; it is Divine life. 

21 May 1993


13 October to 19 October 2014
What are the three primary truths expounded in the Upanishads?
What are the three primary truths expounded in the Upanishads-3.32-1993 May 20


Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman), Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art),Prajnaanam Brahma (Awareness is Brahman), Ayam Atma Brahma (I, the Atma is verily Brahman) (these are the four Mahaavaakyas– aphorisms found in the Vedas).


I am Atma, I am Brahma. We must develop such feelings. I am so and so, I am a man, I am Ramaiah, I am Krishnaiah – we must not go by such cheap bodily feelings (illusion). Who gave birth to (gifted) this body? It is our parents. Who gave a name to this body? It is our parents. The name is only given and not born (with you).

But there is one, which is neither born nor does it die. That is the Atman (Self). Based on this, the Upanishads have preached three paths (to the Truth).
  1. That which, once it comes, it never goes
  2. That which, once it goes, it never comes
  3. That which never goes and never comes
The Upanishads advised mankind to correctly recognize these three.
That which, once it comes, it never goes. What is this? This is Jnana (wisdom). Once it comes (dawns), it never goes. That is true Jnana. That which comes and goes away can never be Jnana (wisdom).
That which, once it goes, it never comes. What is this? This is Ajnana(ignorance / maya). Once ignorance is gone, it will never come (envelope us) again. If it keeps coming and going, coming and going, then it is only birth and death, birth and death. There is no second option here. Once it (ignorance) goes, it will never return.
Then, there is the third one, which is most important. That which never goes and never comes: that is the principle of the Atma (Self). I also gave a small example for this in Kodaikanal. There is a physical body. Some people question: after the physical body dies, where does the Atma go? Where to and how does it travel? Many have such doubts. After the death of the physical body, where does the Atma go? How long does it hover around? When will it return and enter a physical body again? These all appear to be ridiculous / humorous questions.        
You have the current wire. Once you connect a bulb, you get the light. If you disconnect the bulb, the light is gone. The bulb was brought and taken away. Even before the bulb was brought and connected, the current was there; even when the bulb was connected the current was right there and even when the bulb was disconnected and taken away, the current remained there only. The current has neither come from anywhere nor will it go anywhere. The current always remains there only. In the same manner, the body has come and it will go. The Atmahas neither gone anywhere nor has it come from anywhere. It is right there. It can go only if there is some other place (where it is not), is it not? If I have to go somewhere outside, there should be a geographical space called “outside” (with reference to my space), is it not? But, there is no “outside” at all.
20 May 1993


06 October to 12 October 2014
Which is the true Head Office of God?
Which is the true Head Office of God-4.15-1993 May 20
The permanent address of God is our Heat!!

Kailasa…Vaikunta…That which never withers away is Vaikunta. Kailasa is the place where there is happiness always. There is no specific city called Kailasa, nor is there any special city called Vaikunta. When Narada asked God, “O Lord, where indeed is your head office?”, He said:

Mad Bhaktaha Yatra Gaayante Tatra Thisthaami Narada
(Where My devotees sing My glory, I install Myself there)
Where My devotes sing from their heart, I install Myself at that very place. Kailasa, Vaikunta, Heaven, all these are just branch office addresses. The permanent office is only one and that is the seat of the (human) heart. Therefore, if we ask “where is God?”, the answer is, “He is in our heart”.
Draupadi prayed to God in so many ways (when she was being humiliated by the Kauravas in the court), “Hey Dwaraka Vaasa”, “Hey Brindavana Sanchaari”, “Hey Mathurapura Vihaari”. But in whatever way she prayed and glorified God, Krishna did not appear there. Finally, she got exhausted. Her voice too faded away. She cried out “Hey Hrudaya Vaasi” and dropped down. Immediately, Lord Krishna manifested there.     
Sometime later, when she could meet Krishna alone, she asked Him, “Brother, the other day when I was humiliated so badly, though I called out to You so many times, why did You not come?” Krishna replied, “Yes, I did not come. Do you want to know the reason? You called Me, “Hey Dwaraka Vaasi”. Though I am so close to you, to make your words come true, I had to go all the way to Dwaraka and come from there. In those days, were there any helicopters or aeroplanes? No. Therefore, you did pray in many different ways. When you called out “Brindavana Vihaari”, I had to go to Brindavan and come back. Else, your words would not be true. To make your words come true, I had to go there and come and hence the delay. Finally, when you called Me “Hrudaya Vaasi”, I came instantly. I was right there and so I appeared immediately.
Therefore, God has to make many modifications just to make the words of the devotee come true. When you called Me, “Brindavana Vihaari”, if I were to not go there and come, there would be no truth in your words. Sathyam Kantasya Bhushanam (Truth is the ornament for the neck). Truth is the jewel for the neck. To make you the embodiment of truth, I had to do go through all this.          
Therefore, God dwells in our heart. Where else is He? We can never get Him anywhere as close as this. God is closer to us than our very mother. The mother may also be far away for some time, but it is impossible for God to be away from us. There is nothing like “distant” for Him. In other words, you are verily God.   

20 May 1993


29 September to 05 October 2014
What is Jnana (wisdom) and how can it be achieved?
What is Jnana(wisdom) and how can it be achieved-10.09-1989 October 04
Perception of Unity in Diversity is Wisdom

What is Jnana (wisdom)? There are many types of Jnana. Loka Jnana(worldly knowledge), Bhautika Jnana(physical knowledge or knowledge of the physical world), Samanya Jnana (general knowledge). But what we are referring to here is not knowledge of the physical world. It is Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Atman). It is not mere pursuit of knowledge or enquiry of the physical body, senses, objects or nature. When we enquire into mere physical objects of the world, we acquire only worldly knowledge of the physical world. It is only when we go deep and enquire into spiritual matters that we can acquire knowledge of the Atman to some extent.    

Atma Jnana cannot be taught by a Guru nor can it be acquired by reading scriptures. It is not an object that can be taken or given by anybody. It has to emerge from within. However, the Guru or the scriptures can teach to some extent. But for the one who wishes to practice it, to seek the experience, he/she has to enquire within. Enquiry or self-introspection has to be carried out. A critical investigation has to be done.
A mother has a child. To teach the art of speaking to the child, the mother utters the words “Amma” (mother), “Appa” (father) with her mouth. The child looks at the mouth of the mother and learns to speak the words “Amma’ and “Appa”. This is the way the child has to learn. The mother cannot put her mouth into the child’s mouth and make it speak “Amma”. In the same way, the Guru, through the scriptures, the Vedas and the Upanishads; can speak about the matters they have heard or known. But eventually, Jnana has to be sought and manifested from within.
What is this Atma Jnana? Advaita Darshanam Jnanam (vision of non-duality is wisdom). It is the perception of Unity in Diversity. Thousands of people are sitting here in this assembly. The names and forms of all these people are different. But we must recognize the Truth that the principle of the Atman is one and the same in all. We must very clearly recognize the Truth that the Omnipresent Divinity in the form of Awareness is only One. It is not about merely uttering in words. It must be brought into our experience. Only such a Jnani (wise one), will be blissful forever, all the time. Only the one who has acquired such bliss can be called a Jnani.     
To acquire the high level of a Jnani, first of all we need to cross the levels of Karmopaasana, i.e. Karma (action) and Upaasana (worship). It is impossible to become a Jnani without following the path of Karmopaasana and achieving success in it. How is this possible? We call a student as a B.A. graduate. What is the inherent meaning of calling one as a B.A. graduate? It clearly implies that this person has cleared his school and intermediate studies. One cannot come to B.A. level without passing in school and intermediate finals. In a similar manner, we call an individual as a youth. When we call one as a youth, it is very clear that he has crossed childhood, boyhood and then come to be a youth. One can never be a youth without crossing the levels of childhood and boyhood. When we take a fruit and identify it as a ripe fruit, it means that it has first been a bud and a raw fruit and only then come to be a ripe fruit. Without first being a bud and then a raw fruit, it can never become a ripe fruit.
In the same way, one may call himself a Jnani. This is only a Vedanti (wise one) by words not in reality. A Jnani is always in bliss. Are there any such indications? Has such a person crossed the stages of Karma (action) and Upaasana (worship)? Without crossing these two, how can one become a Jnani? This is impossible. That is why the Vedas propagated the Karma Kanda (path of action), Upaasana Kanda (path of worship) and the Jnana Kanda (path of wisdom) in sequence, one after the other. The three paths were propagated to realize the oneness of God.
It has rained. What is the indication that it has rained? The ground must be wet. Without the ground becoming wet, if one says it has rained, this cannot be true. One may say he has developed fever. If so, the body must be hot; there must be some sign of fever. At least the thermometer must show a rise in temperature. However, without all this, if one says, he has developed fever, then this is only a stunt. On these lines, today many claim and declare themselves to be Jnanis. Such Vedantinsare on the rise today. Among such Vedantins, it is not possible to recognize even one genuine Vedantin among crores of them.
Thus, in order to acquire such Vedanta (wisdom), first of all we must enter the path of action. Along this path of action, we must perform sacred actions. We must consider all our actions as an offering to the Lord. However, if one performs only those actions of one’s choice, and assumes that to please the Lord, it is of no use. We must keep aside our likes and dislikes. We must perform actions as prescribed by the scriptures. We need to discriminate as to what is good. We need to enquire as to what actions are advocated by the Vedas. Even if we do not understand all this, if we perform our actions willing and thinking that we are performing sacred actions, with our heart as our witness, then these very actions will become sacred.

04 October 1989


22 September to 28 September 2014
What is the scientific meaning of the Ardhanarishwaraprinciple?
What is the scientific meaning of the Ardhanarishwara principle-2.59-1991 September 02
The entire universe is Shiva Shakti Swaroopa

Students in this modern age should understand the scientific meaning of the Ardhanrishwara(see note below) principle. No scientist is explaining this concept elaborately and clearly. One must enquire into the similarities that exist between the Ardhanrishwara principle as talked about by the ancients and the terminologies and key words used by modern scientists. There are many more such similarities.

Every object is made up of atoms. In every atom, there are two types of energy particles – protons and electrons. The electron is referred to as Vama bhaagam, i.e. the left side and the proton is referred to as Dhana bhaagam, i,e. the right side. Electron is the feminine principle, while proton is the masculine principle. The union of these two constitutes the form of every object. The union of these two represents the Ardhanarishwara principle. It consists of the feminine principle and the masculine principle. Ardhanarishwara means half man and half woman. Therefore, electron is the feminine principle and the proton is the masculine principle. When the two unite, it takes the form of the atom. Every object in this world is the very form of the atom. Thus the ancients of the yore concluded that this entire world is the very form of Ardhanarishwara.              
Note: Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purushaand Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation.
02 September 1991


15 September to 21 September 2014
What are the 3 Yogas – Tarakam, Sankhyam and Amanaskam?
What are the 3 Yogas – Tarakam, Sankhyam and Amanaskam-6.42-1996 July 31
Tarakam, Sankhyam and Amanaskam – The way to Divinity

It is very difficult to know the different levels prescribed by Vedanta. The entire Vedanta may be summed up into three Yogas. More than anything else, we need to understand these three most importantly. Students must listen with great attention. These three (Yogas) are the most significant things that we need to know (in Vedanta). The first one is Tarakam, the second one is Sankhyam and the third one is Amanaskam. These three are the goals, the end and the essence of Vedanta. 

What is the meaning of Tarakam? Khechari, Bhoochari, Madhyama…(these are five mudras or hand gestures called Khechari, Bhoochari, Madhyama, Shanmukha and Sambhavi – please see note at the end for details). Many people interpret this in their own ways. Tarakam consists of five Mudras (hand gestures or pose) – Panchamudras. One should clearly recognize the principle of these five Mudras (hand gestures or pose), investigate into them, examine them, experience them and then put them aside with the understanding that they are not truly necessary. Thereafter, to have the Darshan (vision) of Naada (principle of sound) and Bindu (point of energy), to experience the Hamsatatava (Hamsa principle – So-Ham: I am He) of Divinity and to experience the supreme principle of Sat, Chit and Ananda in this world, is called Tarakam. Merging the human mind in the supreme principle embodied as Sat Chit Ananda and total wisdom is called Tarakam. It is to concentrate the mind on it (Sat Chit Ananda).       
The second Yoga is Sankhya. Sankhya means the Panchendriyas (five senses – eyes, ears, tongue, nose and skin), Panchapraanas(five life breaths – Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana and Samana), Panchabhootas (five elements – ether, air, fire, water and earth), Panchakoshas(five life sheaths – Annamayakosha, Manomayakosha, Praanamayakosha, Vijnaanamayakosha and Anandamayakosha – food, mind, life, wisdom and bliss), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chita(awareness), Antahkarana (inner instruments) / Ahamkaara (ego) and Jeeva (life). When all these join together we have 25 principles. Examining each one of them, and realizing that I am not any of these, and discovering the fact Neti, Neti, Neti…I am not this, I am not this, I am not this and thus giving up these, being convinced that one cannot understand the Atma Tatva with the help of these, and further, understanding the transcendental principle of Sat, Chit Ananda, and recognizing that this is none other than the Atma and finally realizing that the Atma is verily me is Sankhya. This is called Sankhya Yoga. It means a thorough enquiry of the external and the internal senses.       
The third one is Amanaska. What is Amanska? It is to consider that this entire world of five elements that is seen by us is verily Brahma and none else. There is no second. This is called, “Ekam Eva Adviteeyam Brahma”. Brahma is only one, not two. The entire creation is Brahma. There is no second object at all. In that state, there is no mind also, to think. Only when there are thoughts and counter thoughts, we find an infinite world. When that infinity becomes unity or one, there is no mind at all. Whatever is seen is Brahman. Whatever is heard is Brahman. Whatever is thought is Brahman. Whatever is spoken is Brahman. Whatever is done is Brahman. Wherever you walk, it is Brahman. Therefore, when everything is full of Brahman, there is nothing called the mind. Only if there is a second entity, thoughts and counter thoughts arise. The state is called Amanaskaas there is no scope for thoughts to arise. That is, it is a state of no mind (withdrawal of the mind). At this stage, love alone exists. That love is verily Truth. Truth and Love both are one. The entire world becomes null and void when Truth and Love unite.   
Note:      
  1. Khechari: – Khechari means focusing on the ‘Bhroomadhya’ (place in between the eyebrows) either by closing the eyes or keeping them open
  2. Bhoochari: – Bhoochari means to focus the sight at the tip of the nose without shaking the eyes
  3. Madhyama: – Madhyama lakshyam means to focus the sight in the middle of the nose portion and to concentrate inwards of one’s self
  4. Shanmukha: – Shanmukha means to focus the sight at the Bhroomadhya after closing the two eyes, two ears and two nostrils (using fingers)
  5. Sambhavi: – Sambhavi mudra means to fix the mind constant, removing all distractions by focusing inwards within oneself
31 July 1996



08 September to 14 September 2014
Why is information of our past life hidden from us?
Why is information of our past life hidden from us-6.32-1996 September 16
Past is past…forget the past…

We should never worry about the past. Nor should we worry about the future. The future is not known to us. It is hidden in the womb of time. The past will never return again. Therefore, we must recognize the present situation.

King Janaka started performing a unique and great Yajnam (fire sacrifice). Many Pundits (scholars) came to participate in this Yajnam. The great scholar Yajnavalkya also came to participate in the Yajnam. Yajnavalkya propagated his message based on the Shastras (scriptures) and the Puranas(mythology). There was an extended conversation between Yajnavalkya and Gargi (a renowned woman scholar). In these arguments / debate, each one was trying to excel the other. Yajnavalkya demonstrated that the Divine Atmic principle that exists in all the three times – past, present and future, is present in every being.    
Based on this conversation, Janaka put forth a question. He asked, “Punditji (O scholar), who was I in my last birth?” Yajnavalkya thought for a while and then said, “King, it is not appropriate for you to ask this question. This is not good for you. Past is past. Forget the past. What is the use of worrying about the past?” However, King Janaka replied, “No, No, I have an intense desire to know my past”. Yajnavalkya made all attempts to suppress this question and make the king forget this question. Finally, Yajnavalkya said, “King, this (knowledge) will bring great danger to you in the future. It is not to be told (revealed)”. King Janaka was stubborn. He said, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains. Happiness lies between two difficulties. I am ready to face any difficulty, but my doubt / query has to be clarified”.
Everything happens for our good. Whatever God Wills, we must understand that “everything is good for me”. In this world, no work that arises of God’s Will is bad. You consider something as good or bad based on the impact of the situation and circumstances. But in God’s vision there is nothing bad at all. Therefore, God’s Will is most noble. It is sacred. Though in the present it may be painful, in the future it will lead to stable happiness.
Finally, Yagnavalkya could not escape from giving the reply. He said, “King Janaka, I am ready to reveal who you were (in your last birth). But this, to some extent, will lead to problems in the future. In the past life, Sunetra, who is now your wife, was your mother. You were her son. You were born from her womb. In this life, she is your wife. Sunetra who is your wife now was verily your mother in your last birth”.
King Janaka prostrated to Yajnavalkya. He said, “My will is same as God’s Will (my thought is prompted by God). Your reply is also God’s Will (prompted by God). Everything is God’s Will. Mind is a bundle of thoughts and counter thoughts. Everything is for our good”. Saying so, he left his wife Sunetra immediately. Regarding her as his mother, he prostrated before her. He said, “Because I discovered this truth, I was able to undergo this transformation”. From then on, King Janaka became a Jnaana Yogi, a Raja Yogi. Raja Yogi means the one who is the king of all the Yogas. There is none above him.
Therefore, in some situations there are few who consider everything as good and feel happy. There are others who consider everything as bad and feel sorrowful. Happiness and sorrow are mere effects or states of the mind.
Sukha Dukhe Same Kritva
Labha Labhou Jaya Jayou
(Verse 38, Chapter-2 – Bhagavad Gita)
We must develop the spirit of equanimity that can recognize both pain and pleasure as equal. 
16 September 1996




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08
Aug
2014
Glories of Lord Krishna

Glories of Lord Krishna

Krishna destroys Arjuna’s ego through the chariot expereince-6.30-1984 September 06
Krishna kept all arrows of Bheeshma pressed under His toe,
thus protecting Arjuna from any harm
In order to develop good virtues, we need to destroy the bad qualities in us. The quality of jealousy gets even into matters related to Divinity. Arjuna was seated in the chariot. Krishna was driving the chariot. Though Arjuna had not understood Krishna’s aspect of Divinity completely, he had the faith that Krishna was a great person. Arjuna did listen to every matter explained by Krishna, but he did not “eat” it, in the sense, he did not make attempts to put them into practice. Here is a small example to illustrate this.
War was going on. Deadly weapons were being used against Arjuna. That day, the war was being fought against Bheeshma. (Eventually) Bheeshma fell down. Many dangerous weapons entered into the chariot that day. Though Arjuna had faith in God, he entertained the feeling of pride and ego that it was he who had accomplished victory in the war. The sun set and they returned home along with their chariots. The feeling of pride that Krishna after all merely drove the chariot and it was he (Arjuna) who had actually acquired victory in the war, entered into Arjuna.       
As soon as the chariot reached their tent, Krishna said, “Arjuna, you get down and go inside”. The egoistic Arjuna felt, “I am the owner, Krishna is after all the driver. Therefore, the driver should get down first and only when he opens the door for me, I should get down. This is the right protocol”. Thinking so, Arjuna said, “Brother-in-law, you please get down first”. But Krishna replied, “No, no Arjuna, you get down first”. In this manner, the argument continued.
In a sense, Arjuna was also partly jealous of Krishna. He thought, “I am in this situation, because I always regarded Him as someone great. But is He greater than me?” Well, the war had to still go on. If Arjuna were to develop enmity with Krishna now, he wondered what would happen the next day. Thus, sensing some fear, Arjuna got down. He stood near the chariot. Krishna again insisted, “You go inside (the house)”. Left with no choice, Arjuna went inside. Then, Krishna sprang and jumped out from the chariot. Instantly, the chariot got burned into ashes. Surprised at seeing this, Dharmaja and Arjuna enquired Krishna about the reason for this explosion.

Krishna said, “Arjuna, no one has understood the principle of Divinity and the Divine play or sport. God has no selfishness. His only vow is to protect His devotees. His only duty is to nurture His devotees. Today, all the arrows shot by Bheeshma were pressed under the toe of my feet. That is why none of the weapons could harm you. If at all I had got down first, all these weapons would have exploded and turned the chariot into ashes. Under these circumstances, you too would have burned to ashes. Without recognizing this truth, you were insistent that I should get down first. Once Arjuna heard these words, he vanquished his ego. Finding faults in God is also a quality of jealousy.        
      


Krishna demonstrates through the Tulaabhaaram episode that God submits Himself only to Pure Love and Devotion-9.47-1973 May 30
God submits only to pure love and devotion
You may have heard this short story from the Mahabharata. To gain ownership over Krishna (to make Him exclusively belong to her alone), the selfish Satyabhama went to Narada and prayed to him for some mantra (sacred formula as a combination of words), yantra (sacred diagrams or amulets) or tantra (sacred rituals) or any other appropriate advice. Narada decided to teach her a suitable lesson as he knew that such selfishness will never work with the Lord. He thought of teaching her a good lesson to make her realize her folly. He said, “Mother, you need to perform a vow called the Pativrata (a vow for the husband, also called Tulabharam. See note at the end). According to that vow, you need to first donate your husband to someone and then buy him back by giving equivalent wealth (equivalent in weight to the weight of your husband) to that person. If you purchase your husband back in this manner, he will be with you always, at all places, at all times, forever”.
Satyabhama who had not understood the Divine principle, who had not recognized the Divine powers and capabilities; being subsumed by selfishness, felt that this is a very easy path and therefore accepted the proposal. Having agreed to it, she performed the vow. As part of the vow, she donated Krishna (her husband) to Narada himself. Having sold Krishna to Narada, to buy Him back from Narada, she started making efforts to weigh Krishna. On one pan (of the weighing balance) Krishna was made to sit down and on the other pan, she brought all her wealth and placed them there. But the pan carrying Krishna did not move a bit. Recognizing this situation, Narada saw an excellent opportunity. He exclaimed, “Mother Satyabhama, since you are not able to offer to me wealth equal to the weight of your husband, from tomorrow your husband will belong to me. So, I am taking Him now”.   
Worried about the situation, Satyabahama started wondering as to who would come to her rescue at this point. She thought about Rukmini and felt that maybe she would be able to help her. So, she went to Rukmini. At that time, Rukmini was standing there doing Tulasi Puja (worship to the plant Tulasi – holy basil). Looking at her state, Rukmini said, “Sister, you need not worry. I will come there immediately”. Saying so, she kept the Tulasileaf in her hand, touched it to her eyes in respect and followed Satyabhama to Krishna. 
However, the situation there, between Krishna and Narada, could be understood by Rukmini as she had Chitta Shuddhi (pure mind). Recognizing the situation, she too smiled and said, “Oh! Satyabhama has made an attempt to buy God through wealth. Since this is a very wrong approach, she has become a victim of this plot”. She went forward and said, “Narada, only the name of Krishna can match the form of Krishna in weight”. Saying so, she called out “Krishna”. But Narada did not agree to this. He said, “I will not accept if you offer a formless name in return for the physical form of Krishna”. He stubbornly demanded a physical offering in return for the physical form.
Satyabhama then prayed to Krishna:
Patramo, Pushpamo, Phalamo, Toyamo
Bhaktigaligina Vaariki Vashudavaguta Satyamemi
Neevu Ee Tulasi Dalamunaku Tuguduvugaaka
A leaf or a flower or a fruit or water; Krishna, if it is true that You submit Yourself to the one who has true devotion, then I believe you will weigh to this Tulasi leaf. Saying so, she bowed down to Krishna and uttering His name Krishna (with all devotion), she placed the Tulasi leaf in the pan. The name of Krishna exactly equalled in weight to His Form. The Tulasi leaf alone became extra and weighed in excess, in the balance.
Therefore God will be accessible only to the mind that worships Him with Love. He will never be accessible to those who pretend to have understood Him through some knack or strategies and make an effort to get Him caught into their fold. To whatever extent you perform your tricks and knacks, God is determined to perform the same tricks and knacks a 1000 times more and turn you into a dog. Therefore, be pure minded and try to win God with Love. However, if you merely act superficially, overstep the command of the Lord and take to the wrong path, rest ensured that you will never be able to seek or get God.  

Note: Tulabharam is a ritual, symbolic of offering oneself to the Lord. Since one has to live in this world performing one’s mundane worldly affairs, till life lasts, one offers a representative item equal to his / her body weight; usually items like bananas, coconuts, jaggery, fruits, grains or if one can afford, even gold. The ritual consists of literally placing the individual who makes the offering in one pan of the scale and the item to be offered in the other pan, until the two pans of the scale balance equally). 
        


Krishna teaches Durvasa the tactic of voice modulation to protect Pandavas-7.48-2000 May 18 – 2004 September 18
God is always loving and has no quality of anger
Anger if at all, is shown only to correct the devotee.
God alone is transcendental and He transcends all qualities (attributes). Though it may appear to us that He is angry, it is not truly anger. God pretends to be angry in order to bring back the devotee onto the right path. The devotees will not pay heed if harsh words are not used. That is why He puts up the drama of being angry, to bring the devotees onto the right path. It is all only a drama and not reality. God has no anger. He does not give any scope for anger at all.
When we commit mistakes, we think that God will get angry. But God pretends to be angry only to remind you of your mistakes. At certain times, when Bhagawan does not talk to you, you feel, “Oh, Swami must be angry with me, why is He not talking to me?” Swami has no anger at all. In all aspects, there is only the principle of Love. But even this Love, when expressed with harsh words appears as anger. In our day to day life, we find that we commit so many mistakes. “Son, come here”, if called that way (in a very soft and loving tone), it will appear as Love. “Son, come here” (said very sternly), will appear as anger. This is only a modulation of voice (change in tone) and nothing else. This is what Durvasa came to be known for. Durvasa had no anger as such. But people in the world think that Durvasa was a person full of anger.
Aswathamma took an oath (to kill the Pandavas). Pandavas were not to be seen anywhere. Now Krishna had to rescue them. He had to put up so many acts. The actions of God are all mysterious. For every situation He has to act. The scene has to be changed each time. The drama has to be enacted each time. Krishna ran to sage Durvasa. Durvasa bowed to Krishna and received Him with great respect. He asked, “Swami what brought You here to my Ashram?” Krishna said, “I have a simple task. I have come here to get it executed through you”. Durvasa said, “I am duty bound by your command. I am ready to do anything”. “In that case”, Krishna said, “You have to save the Pandavas tonight”. Durvasa replied, “It is only You who can protect. How can I protect anyone?” Krishna replied, “My doing is different. Getting the work done through you is different. My protection can be in various forms. You have to carry out one task”. “What is it that I have to do?” asked Durvasa.
Krishna said, “Dig a pit. Make the Pandavas sit inside that pit. Then cover the pit with a plank. Place your seat over the plank and sit on it. In the meantime, Duryodhana or Dushashana or some others will come by. Possibly, the son of Dronacharya (Aswathamma) may come. They will come and ask you – O Swami you are omniscient. Please tell us where the Pandavas are.” Durvasa immediately responded, “Swami, I cannot tell a lie”. Krishna replied, “O foolish ascetic, did I ask you to tell a lie? I will never ask you to tell a lie. Satyanaasti Paro Dharma (There is no Dharma greater than Truth). Truth is My Dharma. Tell the truth. But change your tone (modulate your voice)”.
Aswathamma came and very humbly asked (Durvasa), “Swami, where are the Pandavas?” Durvasa shouted with fury, “Pandavas are below me!” He just changed his tone. The moment he heard this voice (of Durvasa), Aswathamma ran away from there. Thus, the life of the Pandavas was saved. Similarly, it becomes necessary for Me also at times to change My voice. By modulating the voice, certain tasks are accomplished. In all Avataars, this practice (of voice modulation) has been going on in a natural manner.  

Sages, saints and aspirants; just by changing the tone of their voice have been bringing about protection or punishment. Sage Durvasa also brought about protection and punishment by modulating his voice. Many ignorant people criticize Durvasa, stating that how can such a great saint have anger in him. But only those who understand the inner significance of anger will enquire into this truth. God has no anger of any kind. The one who gets angry can never be God. But, He changes His voice to protect people. No sage or saint can have any anger in them.



Krishna multiplies Himself into many cowherds and calves to vanquish ego of Brahma-10.22-1994 August 28
Krishna multiplies Himself to become each of the missing cowherds and calves
One day there was a great calamity. Krishna was being glorified in many ways, even in the Devaloka, i.e. land of the Gods. (The demon) Aghasura was dead, Putana was also dead, Shakatasura was also dead, and in this manner many demons were killed (by Krishna). The Gods too rejoiced and observed, “Wow! This embodiment of Narayana is performing such good work on the planet earth. He is killing all these demons”. This news reached the ears of Brahma. He thought, “What? Such a small child and he is accomplishing such mighty tasks”. Thinking so, he attempted to test Krishna.
That night, Krishna gave some sound advice to all the boys (cowherds). “Today, let us not take the cows (for grazing). Instead, let us take the calves. Along with the calves, bring with you whatever musical instruments you know to play and come to the forest. Today we will spend our time in the forest with music, by playing these musical instruments”. Most of the Gopalas (cowherds) knew how to play the flute. They held the stick (to guide the calves) in one hand and the flute in the other hand. Only two boys brought pots with them. What is the music that can be played using these pots? They keep the pots against the stomach and beat on it to the rhythm. Today, in music, this instrument is called the Ghattam. This began in the Dwapara Yuga itself. They went to the forest with the calves and sat near the banks of the river Yamuna. Boys were playing the flute, some were playing the Ghattam and Krishna was dancing. Once Krishna stopped, others would start dancing. In this way they continued playing.
At a distance, they observed a huge palm tree. The tree was filled with palm fruits. Two friends of Krishna were very close to Him and were very important for Him. One was Damudu and the other was Subala. These two were always on the right and left of Krishna. Slowly, Damudu went near Krishna and softly pinched His thigh. He said, “Krishna, I am hungry. See, on that palm tree; there are as many fruits as we need. We want those fruits. Balarama (Krishna’s brother) who was just by the side said, “Wait, I will go and fetch them”. Balarama went running and moved each of the trees. All the fruits fell down. Because of the mighty strength of Balarama, all the trees became fruitless.
Who is the one, who named Balarama? It was Garga. What did Garga say? He said, “This child is very strong. His glow is very attractive. Since he is attractive and strong, you may keep his name as Balarama”. Balarama thus shook the trees. At that time, a big donkey (a demon) appeared there. Balarama held its two legs and beat it to the ground. The heart stopped and the donkey died. All the boys held Balarama, jumped and played, and experienced happiness.            
Observing this moment, Brahma created a big cave there. As these boys were drowned in music and enjoying, Brahma led all the calves to enter into the cave. The boys then went in search of the calves, crying out, “Krishna, Krishna, where are the calves?” Krishna knew the truth. However, He said, “Please go and search for them there. Go near that cave and search for them; they are in there”. The cowherds looked all around and entered the cave. Once they went into the cave, the cave got closed. The boys and the calves were both locked inside the cave. Not for just one day or two days or for three days; they were locked inside the cave for one full year.   
What did Krishna do then? He thought, He should teach a lesson to Brahma. He transformed Himself into each of the calves. That is, He Himself took the form of each of the calves. As many the number of calves, that many forms were assumed by Krishna. As many cowherds were there, that many forms were assumed by Him. As the evening approached, Krishna and Balarama took the calves and went home.
When the parents saw the calves, they thought these were their calves only and their sons only; and they felt very happy. In this way, they spent one entire year. Brahma was surprised. He thought, “What, have they freed themselves from the cave and come here?” But, when he went to the cave to see them, he found them there as well. When he saw here, the same boys and the same calves were here too. Then, he thought, “Can we ever know You Krishna? You are subtler than the subtle atom. You are biggest among the big. You are always there in all the 84 lakhs of species. Can we ever know You? Among the thieves, you are the greatest thief (of hearts). Can we ever know You?” (Telugu poem sung by Swami)
Brahma prayed to Krishna and asked for forgiveness. Krishna sent all the calves and cowherds in the cave, back to their home and He assumed His true form. Thus, God can assume many forms. He can assume the forms of all the existing beings. That is why, it is said, “Isavaasyam Idam Jagath”. The entire world is verily the form of God. All forms are verily the Form of God. How is this possible? How can God assume so many forms?
Mano Moolam Idam Jagath, the mind is the basis for all creation. When God Wills in the mind, any change can happen. (Consider this…)Last night, you have gone to sleep. Your body is on the bed and you are experiencing a dream. In your dream, you are seeing so many people, so many things, so many houses, so many individuals. You are seeing yourself also. Who created all this? All the forms in the dream are imaginations / reflections of the mind itself. The body is lying on the bed. Ekoham Bahusyaam. Being One, He assumed many Forms.

It is impossible for everyone to understand this Divine Principle. Considering the human form (assumed by God) as an ordinary human being, all are drowned in Maya or illusion. They think, “That body is also like my body only. That body also eats like me, that body also moves around like me. Therefore, there is no difference between the two bodies. I am not different from Him”. Thus they see oneness here. But they do not see oneness of the Atman (Self). They are seeing only the physical form. Thus it is very difficult to recognize the Divinity when it assumes a human form.        
        


Krishna satiates the hunger of thousands to save Pandavas from humiliation by Sage Durvasa-5.10-1996 July 09
One leaf from the vessel satiated Krishna’s stomach
and the stomachs of thousands of disciples of Sage Durvasa
During the exile of the Pandavas, sage Durvasa once entered the forest with many of his disciples. He came with the intention of humiliating the Pandavas. However great a sage he may be, none can cause any harm to the embodiments of Dharma (righteousness). Dharmaja came to Draupadi and said, “Draupadi, sage Durvasa has come with thousands of his disciples. We have to offer food to them. What should we do? Being the one who fed lakhs of people, today I am in a position where I cannot give alms to even a few people”. Dharmaja was very worried.
Draupadi replied, “Lord. We do need to have any worry. We have with us, the Aapadbhandava (saviour), the Anaatharakshaka(protector of the forlorn). We have God with us who will protect us at the right time. Then why should we worry?” She prayed to Krishna, “Krishna, at this time, we have none other than You. You alone have to protect us. To add further, Durvasa is very short tempered. My husbands should not become a victim to his anger. It is OK if I become a victim”. Just see, Draupadi sacrificed her self-interest. “Even if I become a victim, it is OK, but nothing should happen to my husbands”, she thus prayed to Krishna to protect her husbands.
Krishna appeared then and there on the spot. He started speaking to Draupadi as though he had started on his journey long back. He said, “Since the time you all have come to the forest, I have been desirous of seeing you”. He started talking like an ordinary human being. Can He not be just happy to see them? No, He started playing a drama there too! He said, “Draupadi, I am feeling very hungry”. Draupadi lamented, “We are unable to offer food to Durvasa himself. How can we offer food to You? To You, in whose stomach, the entire cosmos is present, can we ever offer any food? You too have come here like a great man asking for food. Where can I get food from? We are in the forest. We are spending our time eating roots and tubers. Krishna, You only tell me. If there is anything, anywhere, I will surely give You. I am ready to give You my very life”. 
Krishna said, “Draupadi, if you have the vessel in which you cooked the morning food, please get it here. Is there any leftover cooked food in it?” Whatever work Draupadi did, she did it perfectly. If she washed clothes, she would wash it perfectly clean. If she washed the vessels, she would wash them too perfectly clean. Even the house would always be clean like a mirror. Everything would be clean. She said, “Krishna, do You not know? I have washed the vessel fully clean. I did not leave any food particles in it”. Krishna said, “You just get it”. Therefore, Draupadi obeyed Krishna’s command. Her nature was to always act according to what was told. Krishna saw the vessel from all sides. There was some small particle of food sticking at the rear end, near the neck of the vessel. She had cooked green leaves that day. There was a small leaf sticking to the bottom. Krishna said, “Serve Me that”. Draupadi removed that particle and offered it to Krishna praying, “Krishna…”. Krishna declared, “Akshayam (let it be infinite)”. With that, Krishna’s stomach was full.

When God is satisfied, the whole world becomes satisfied. When God denies you, nobody will accept you. When God says “Yes”, everybody will say “Yes”. Krishna was satisfied. With this, the stomachs of all the disciples of Durvasa were also filled. Having gone for a bath, they went away from there itself and never came to visit the Pandavas. Thus, Draupadi had this quality of great devotion. Having faced all trials and tribulations successfully, God Himself was impressed with her name and fame.   
       


Krishna demonstrates wavering nature of human mind through Abhimanyu’s death and Parikshit’s life-5.54-2000 May 23
Draupadi had full faith that Krishna could grant life to Parikshit
Arjuna heard about the death of his son Abhimanyu. He collapsed the moment he heard the news about his death.
Earlier, Arjuna was feeling sad since everyday as he returned (from the war), his son would come and receive him, but today he was not there to welcome him. What had happened to him? Krishna was just beside him. Krishna knew very well about Abhimanyu’s death. But it would not be appropriate to convey the news then. It is necessary to wait for the right time and circumstances and then convey the news (about the death). Krishna said, he (your son) will come, he will come… and thus brought Arjuna home. When Arjuna later learned that Abhimanyu was dead and it was Krishna who had allowed him to go to the battlefield, he shouted at Krishna, “You are a Vamshanaashi(destroyer of our clan)”. Arjuna accused Krishna, “Krishna, you have destroyed our clan, our lineage. The Pandavas have now aged. Draupadi too is old. Subhadra is also old. None are eligible to bear children anymore. Therefore, our lineage is gone”. Listening to all this Krishna smiled. He said, “(Arjuna) you are grief stricken and therefore you are speaking as you like”.
Time passed. Later, Abhimanyu begot a son. But, it was still born (born dead). Draupadi brought that baby to show it to Krishna. She lamented, “Even this new born baby has been born dead”. She sent Sahadeva to call Krishna. Sahadeva brought Krishna to her. Draupadi took the still born baby in a plate. She cried out, “Brother, is this what You are gifting us, a dead baby?” Krishna smiled as He always does. Be it sorrow or difficulties or joy, He always smiles. He said, “See sister, his (the baby’s) eyes are just like those of Abhimanyu. His face too is just like that of Abhimanyu”. Arjuna got up and cried out, “Yes, his breath is also like that of Abhimanyu”. The meaning being, there was no breath at all. Krishna responded, “Arjuna, you are foolish. You are still not making an attempt to understand My (Divine) Principle. OK, fine, go ahead”. Saying so, Krishna and Draupadi sat down and started conversing.
Draupadi had the faith that Krishna can do anything. Women always have greater devotion and sincerity. It is typically the wives who drag and bring their husbands (to Swami /to God). God has given devotion (Bhakti) specifically to women. Men have been bestowed with wisdom (Jnaana). That is why women can enter even the inner rooms (Antahpuram) of a king’s palace, but men cannot enter into these inner rooms. Men can go only until the Durbar hall (this was the practice in earlier years, in the palaces of the kings). Similarly, women devotees are free to go anywhere (in God’s kingdom), but men cannot. There are boundaries for men. Why? Because, devotion is less in men and more in women!     
Draupadi had full faith in Krishna. She was convinced that Krishna can surely grant life to the dead baby. Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and Dharmaja all sat with their heads bent down (in sorrow). However, Krishna kept on conversing with Draupadi. The others could not understand anything that Krishna was speaking. Arjuna was getting more furious. But, he could not say anything. Then Krishna said, “Sister, bring the baby to Me”. He placed the baby in the plate and tapped it hardly. The baby cried out! The moment the baby cried out, all the others lifted their head. They saw the baby. Krishna said that since this baby was examined (pariksha) by Him, he should be named Parikshit. 
Arjuna went and held the feet of Krishna. He cried out, “Krishna, you are Vamshodharakka (the emancipator / promoter of our clan)”. Krishna replied, “Arjuna, few days back, you called Me Vamshanaashi (destroyer of the clan). Now you are calling Me Vamshodharakka (the emancipator / promoter of the clan). Both are related to your mouth and word.
For those who say Yes, Sai says Yes,
For those who say No, Sai says No,
No and Yes is related to your mouth,
But for Sai, it is always Yes, Yes, Yes.

You say that and you say this also. You say Vamshanaashi and now you say Vamshodharakka. All this does not affect Me!  



Krishna demonstrates the true love of Gopikas by feigning headache-11.32-1992 August 21
Gopikas alone are My true devotees!!

Today, in the name of love, you are playing the game of musical chair. You are not allowing the chair to belong to one person. At one time, one person is given the seat, at another time, some other person is given the seat. How can you say the chair is yours then? The Gopikas alone demonstrated that type of authority as an ideal. They lived with all Divine feelings. They experienced every sensory organ with the feeling of making it an offering to God. Their talk was all about God, their thoughts were all about God, their hearing was all about God, their hands were always engaged in the work of God; thus they used all their sense organs with the feeling of offering the experience to God. One could not see anything that they considered as their own. Who are they after all? It is Krishna who is theirs!

Here is a small example. Krishna set their (Gopikas’) devotion as a witness and as an ideal for all. I have told you this many times. One day, all of a sudden, Krishna pretended as though He had heaviness and pain in the head. He desired to have some medicine for the headache. The omniscient Krishna always demonstrated His Leela (Glory) in the right situation when all were present. Satyabhama, Rukmini, Narada, Jambavati, all were present close by. Krishna was not accepting even a morsel of food. He played a big drama. He said, “I cannot tolerate this pain”. Narada who witnessed this scene, exclaimed, “Swami, where can we get the medicine for this? Please tell us and we will certainly get it”. Krishna replied, “If you go to Repalle, get the dust from the feet of the Gopikas and place the same on My forehead, then this headache will reduce. The Gopikas are great devotees. The dust from the feet of those great devotees alone will reduce My headache”.              
Listening to this, the pride hidden inside Narada surfaced. He said, “Swami, Satatam Yoginah, I am continuously in Yoga (union) with Krishna. Sarvada, Sarvakaaleshu Sarvatraa Krishna Chintanam – I think about Krishna incessantly, at all times and at all places. Wherever I go, I contemplate on Krishna. Can there be a greater devotee than me in this world?” But Krishna did not agree to this. He said, “Narada, you may be a devotee, but it is only the dust of the feet of the Gopikas that will reduce My headache”. Narada was a wise one. He started showing his intelligence in his words. The ones who are excessively clever, usually talk excessively too. These clever, intelligent people are full of doubts always. The more one thinks that he possesses the strength of intelligence, the more negative strengths too he will have.
Narada said, “Krishna, fine, my devotion may not be that great. But what about Satyabhama? She has offered her entire life to you. Can you not don the dust from her feet?” Satyabhama spoke out, “Narada, I am Sati, the consort of Krishna. It is such a sin to place the dust of the feet of the wife on the head of the husband. I will not agree to this. If I do this, it would be like jumping into the well of sins”. Here too, there was complete selfishness. The selfish feeling arose in her that by placing the dust of her feet on the head of her husband, she would drown in the lake of sins. Therefore, Satyabahama did not agree to give the dust of her feet. Rukmini also entertained similar feelings. None of them came forward to give the dust of their feet.
Second by second, Krishna’s headache was increasing. Having no other way out, Narada arrived at Repalle. The moment Narada arrived there, all the Gopikas surrounded him. They cried out, “Narada, how is our Krishna? When is our Krishna coming to Repalle? Please let us know”. Narada replied, “Mother, I do not know anything about Krishna coming here. But, right now, He is experiencing very severe headache. I have come here for the purpose of getting medicine that would relieve his headache”. The Gopikas exclaimed, “Narada, is the medicine that will relieve the headache of our Krishna available in Repalle? If you tell us where the medicine is available, we will surely fetch it without fail”. Narada replied, “Mother, the dust of your feet is the medicine that will be able to relieve Krishna of His headache”.
One of the Gopikas went in. She returned with a sheet. All of them dusted their feet onto it and tied it into a bundle. Narada took it and journeyed back to Krishna. This is an example of their selflessness. They never entertained thoughts like, “We are devotees, His servants. How can we give the dust of our feet to Him?” They felt, “If Krishna is happy, that alone is enough for us. We are not deserving or eligible for any arguments. Our life itself is an offering to Him. His joy is our joy.” When they gave the dust of their feet with such Ekaatma Bhaava (feeling of oneness), the headache of Krishna got cured. By the time Narada reached there with the dust of the feet of the Gopikas, Krishna was smiling and speaking to all.                    
Krishna said, “Narada, you all are very egoistic, thinking that you are great devotees. You are leading your life with such ostentation. Out of selfishness, you think you are offering your life to Me. Egolessness, selflessness, absence of ostentation, are to be found only in the Gopikas and not in any one of you”.

Today in the world, everybody claims that they are Swami’s devotees and that they are close to Swami. They feel so, but truly none of them are. In every devotee, there is some amount of selfishness. So long as there is selfishness and pride, God’s vision will never fall on them. How does this happen? The sun is always shining. When dark and dense clouds obstruct the sun, none can see the sun. But is there no light? It is there. But since the clouds obstruct the sun, that light is not able to fall on you. In the same way, God is always the form of Love. But since ego, selfishness and ostentation come as an obstruction in the form of dark and dense clouds; He is not able to spread the principle of Love on you. 

                  


Krishna tests the faith of Arjuna before bestowing the Gita on him-4.52-1996 July 31
Total faith in Krishna and His words, made Arjuna eligible
to receive the Bhagavad Gita
Lord Krishna told Arjuna, “Arjuna, you must be wondering how you can contemplate on Me during the war. Think of Me and you will gain victory in the war for sure. Maam anusmara yuddhyacha..
(This phrase is from the following verse of the Bhagavad Gita…
Tasmat Sarvesu Kalesu
Maam Anusmara Yudhya Cha
Mayy Arpita-Mano-Buddhir
Maam Evaisyasy Asamsayah
Arjuna, you should always think of Me and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.
Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 8, Verse 7)
Even in the war, think of Me. I will take care of everything. However, it is essential to have faith in these words. Here is a small example to illustrate the same. I have told My students several times.
The Mahabharata war commenced on the New moon day (Amavasya). The previous day (Chaturdasi), when it was time to make all arrangements for the war, Arjuna stood still, feeling very dejected. Earlier the same Arjuna had compelled Krishna in all ways. He had said, “Krishna, do not go as the ambassador to negotiate with the Kauravas. Let us get determined to wage the war”. Such a person, when the war was to commence the next day, stood there totally dejected. In order to remove his worries and infuse in him courage and inspiration, he had to be taught the Gita, the teaching of wisdom. But in order to teach him the Gita, he needed to have total faith on Krishna. Therefore, first Arjuna had to be tested.   
Krishna was taking Arjuna through the forest. It was getting dark. They turned around to return home. In order to divert the mind of Arjuna (from the war related anxiety) Krishna started a conversation, “Arjuna, see that peacock over there. It is so beautiful!” Arjuna replied, “Yes Swami, this peacock is very beautiful”. Krishna said, “Oh madcap, that is not a peacock, it is a big eagle”. Arjuna promptly responded, “Yes, Swami, it is an eagle”. Krishna patted him on the back and said, “Oh foolish one, you are not making any enquiry to know whether it is a peacock or an eagle. See, it is neither a peacock nor an eagle. It is a pigeon!” Arjuna again responded, “Yes, Swami, it is a pigeon”. Krishna admonished Arjuna, “Don’t you have any intellect? Do you have no discrimination power? Your thoughts are lost somewhere. You are not enquiring at all whether it is a peacock or an eagle or a pigeon”.
Then Arjuna replied, “Krishna, if I say it is not a peacock, You can change the bird into a peacock. If I say it is not an eagle, You can transform it into an eagle. If I say it is not a pigeon, You can change it into a pigeon. You can change anything to any other thing. Therefore, it is Your word that is important to me. How does it matter whether this is truly a pigeon or a peacock or an eagle?”
Krishna was overjoyed that Arjuna had such faith in His words. Krishna embraced him tightly and said, “Now, you are My devotee. Come, let’s go”. After ensuring that Arjuna had such faith in Him and His words; Krishna started teaching him the Gita. What would be the use of teaching the Gita to one who has no faith?

Therefore, first and foremost, we must have total faith in the Vedanta (wisdom of the Vedas). Only when there is strong faith, one can conduct accordingly. Whoever it may be, if they follow Swamis command with total faith and with incessant thoughts on Him, they will get Sakshaatkaara(realization of Swami) within one second; just one second, one second, one second!!  
     



Krishna prostrates to the Pandavas to prevent Roma Rishi from cursing them-9.32-2000 May 19
God is Bhaktaparadeena – He submits Himself to His devotees
For the sake of devotees, Lord Krishna will undertake any task, however menial it may be. Yesterday I told you that in the 11th year (of the exile of the Pandavas), in the Roma Rishi forest (where sage Roma Rishi – the sage with very long hairs, was practising penance), Draupadi and Dharmaja (Yudhistira) were walking by. Draupadi saw a ripe fruit on a tree. She said, “Lord, this fruit can serve as food for all of us today.” As she said so, Arjuna appeared there searching for them. Arjuna struck the fruit with his arrow. The fruit fell down. Once it fell down, Arjuna tried to pick up the fruit. But he could not. Next Dharmaja also tried to pick up the fruit, but in vain. Later, Draupadi and the two of them together tried to pick up the fruit, but failed to even move it.
Dharmaja exclaimed, “O Lord Krishna, even a blade of grass cannot move without your Will.” As they were caught up in this situation, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva also came over there. They were very happy to see Bheema come over there. Bheema is the one with Bhuja balamu (physical power), Buddhi balamu (intellectual power) and Gadha balamu (power of the maze). He attempted to lift the fruit with his left hand but could not even move it. He then used both his hands, but it was not enough. Even the five Pandavas and Daupadi – the six of them put together, were not able to lift the fruit.
As they were exercising their power (to lift the fruit), the hairs of Roma Rishi started rising. He was practising penance for the purpose of this very fruit. The name of this fruit is Amrita Phalam(nectarine/immortal fruit). The intention of Roma Rishi was that once he partakes this fruit, he would be free of hunger. God is the very form of nectar/immortality. If one experiences this fruit, it would amount to experiencing God. Roma Rishi was a very noble person. Gradually his hairs started rising. The hairs were ready to tie and arrest the Pandavas. Draupadi got frightened. Drauapdi prayed, “Krishna, you may have saved us many times so far, but that is not important. You must save us today. You saved us in so many different ways. You protected us in all types of situations. Now we have none other than You.” She cried out, “Krishna, Aapadbhandava!! (Krishna, the saviour).”
Krishna came there smiling. He asked, “Sister, why are you shouting so loudly? You were the one who craved for the fruit. Now experience and enjoy it.” Draupadi replied, “Krishna, I desired for it without knowing anything about it. Being humans, how can we get that total wisdom? But now this very moment, you must protect us.” Krishna then taught them a strategy. When God reveals a strategy or speaks even a small word or does any act, it is all for the sake of devotees and never for Himself. Krishna said, “It is not possible for Me to do this (counter Roma Rishi). I am the one who resides in the minds of the Rishis (Rishi Manasa Sanchari). I am the One who resides in their hearts. Therefore, Dharmaja, the five of you, along with Draupadi go to the Rishi’s Ashram. He is coming here, determined to curse you. But you go. Once I come there, do not reply to any question asked. Observe silence. Be careful, be careful.”
The Pandavas went (to the sage’s Ashram). Roma Rishi was full of anger. He was coming forward to curse the Pandavas. At that very moment, the Pandavas entered the door of the Ashram. Roma Rishi questioned angrily, “Who are you all? Where have you come from?” As this conversation was going on, Krishna appeared there on the scene, at the dot of the moment. Looking at Krishna, knowing that He was the resident of the minds of the Rishis, Roma Rishi exclaimed, “Swami, why have you come here to the Ashram? I am so fortunate. Today, what is this good luck, what is this great blessing?” Roma Rishi glorified Krishna thus. As Roma Rishi was glorifying Krishna, Krishna went and prostrated at the feet of each of the Pandavas, one by one. He prostrated to Dharmaja, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva and finally even to Draupadi! When He prostrated to Draupadi, Roma Rishi was very surprised. He thought, “Krishna is verily Lord Narayana Himself, but when He is prostrating to these people, they must be greater than Lord Narayana.” Thinking so, Roma Rishi also prostrated to the Pandavas. Once he fell at the feet of the Pandavas, it was like submitting himself to them. His anger got pacified. Lord Krishna said, “Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.”

Why do we chant Shanti three times? Adibhautika, Adidaivikaand Adhyatmika – we need to acquire peace at all three levels – body (physical level), mind (mental level) and Atma/soul (spiritual level). Lord Krishna told Roma Rishi, “May you attain peace.” Later Roma Rishi enquired, “Krishna, what are your strange, mysterious ways? There are none greater than You. Is it not? Then, what is the inner meaning in You prostrating to these Pandavas?” Krishna replied, “Roma Rishi, I am Bhakta Manasa Sancharini, dweller of the minds of the devotees. I am Bhaktaparadeena– I submit Myself to My devotees. These are My great devotees. They are the ones who never forget Me under any circumstances. I have become a slave to such devotees. I am Paradeena, Paradeena, Paradeena I am under the control of My devotees.” Then Roma Rishi recognized the strength and capabilities of the Pandavas. He offered the fruit to them asking them to eat it and live a long life. He blessed them with long life, healthy life, happy life, peaceful life!! That is why till the end, Pandavas led a happy life, healthy life and peaceful life. Till when? Until they entered the heavens, they remained healthy. That is the significance of this Amrita Phalam (immortal fruit). They (Pandavas) became the recipients of Krishna’s Grace and also the grace of the Rishi. Therefore, if just devotion to God remains steady in us, we can achieve anything. God Himself will come to us as our servant.   
               


Krishna carries the sandals of Draupadi to save the Pandavas-5.37-2000 May 19
Krishna please save my husbands
The (Mahabharata) battle was going on. On the 9th day, Bheeshma took a vow, “Before tomorrow evening, I will kill all the Pandavas”. Hearing this, Draupadi felt very sad. She prayed, “O Krishna, how will you save my husbands now? Please bless me to be a Deerga Sumangali (a long life as a married woman).” Krishna replied, “Let me see”. Once Krishna says He will see, He will definitely take care. That evening, all of them were exhausted in the battle. Bheeshma fell on the ground. By then, it was night and therefore all retired to rest.
Krishna told Draupadi, “Draupadi, this is a very good time. Because of lack of sleep, Bheeshma is moving to and fro in his tent. He is repenting, “Oh, why did I curse the Pandavas, who are embodiments of Dharma (righteousness), in this manner? I took a vow to kill them. How can I kill these embodiments of Dharma?” Repenting thus, he was walking to and fro. It was 10.00 pm at night. In those days, by 10.00 pm all would be fast asleep. But Bheeshma had no sleep.
Krishna told Draupadi, “Draupadi, now you go to Bheeshma and fall immediately at his feet”. The queens of those days used to wear sandals that made noise like “Kirr..kirr.kirr”. Draupadi being a queen; she too had sandals that made kirr.kirr.. noise. She was wearing those sandals and walking. Krishna stopped her midway. “If Bheeshma hears this sound, he will come to know that a lady (Draupadi) is coming. He should not know that. Remove these sandals.” The moment she removed her sandals, Krishna collected them in his Angavastram(upper garment) and tied it into a bundle. Keeping it under his shoulder, He told Draupadi, “you go first”.
Draupadi went first. Bheeshama, lost in thought, was moving hither and thither. Draupadi went and instantly fell at his feet. As she fell at his feet, her bangles rubbed against each other and made some jingling sound. Thinking that some woman had come, lost in his thought, he blessed her thus “Deerga Sumangali Bhava” (may you live long as a married woman). Draupadi got up telling herself, “This blessing is enough for me”. As she got up, Bheeshma looked at her. “What Draupadi? Is it you? Why have you come at this hour? Who brought you here? Who taught you this knackful act?” Draupadi replied, “Grandfather, who else will teach me knackful acts? You are my grandfather (and you know). There is only one who teaches me knackful acts. He is none other than Krishna. It is Krishna who brought me here.” Thus, Draupadi narrated all that happened.
As Draupadi was narrating all that happened, to Bheeshma, Krishna entered the scene. On one hand, Bheeshma was rejoicing, “It is good that the Pandavas are now protected. After all, they are embodiments of Dharma. They are ideal sons of the land, great devotees. What more do I need than protecting such devotees?” Bheeshma, the great wise one, thought so. 
Tired of walking continuously, Bheeshma sat down. He said, “Krishna, have you brought some snacks for me? You seem to be having something under your shoulder. Please give me.” Krishna replied smilingly, “At this time of war, is it my duty to bring you food? In order to protect her (Draupadi), I carried her sandals with me.” When Krishna unfolded his upper garment, the two sandals fell down. Bheeshma shed tears. “Swami, you are such a Bhaktaparadeena, i.e you submit yourself so easily to your devotee. To protect her and her husbands, you even went to the extent of carrying her sandals.”
To protect devotees, God will engage in any task, however menial it may be. God has no differences such as low or high. He can do anything that needs to be done at any time. Protecting the devotee is His main aim.      
             

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01
May
2014
MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-5

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-5

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This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every Sunday for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as your driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!
The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.  

01 September to 07 September 2014
What is the true meaning of MBA?
What is the true meaning of MBA-5.29-2001 August 22


We have started the MBA programme in our College. When asked what MBA stands for, students say, “Master of Business Administration”. No, no, no… M B A – M stands for Mind, B stands for Body, and A stands for Atma. Therefore, MBA is the collective form of the Mind, Body and Atma.

Mind is given to us for thinking. Body is given to us for translating these thoughts into action. Atma is meant to watch over these two; to ensure that they are performing their duties. Atma is eternal and permanent. Mind is always wavering. The mind has to be made steady and experienced in the proper manner. We need to enquire, “I am a human being. Do I have the mind of a human being or of a beast?” We need to develop the mind of a human being. That is “M”.
“B” is the body. How should the body be used? The thoughts determined by the mind have to be executed by the body. Here, the Buddhi or the intellect has discriminating power. It discriminates, “These thoughts that have been determined by the mind: are they right or wrong, are they true or not, are they wrong or not?” If the thoughts are good, the Buddhi (intellect) passes these on to the Atma. If the thoughts are not good, they will not be allowed to reach the Atma.
Therefore, every human being must recognize the principle of the mind, intellect, body and Atma. First of all, the mind must be purified. Until the mind is purified, the intellect will not accept it.
Buddhi Grahyam Atindriyam
(Intellect that transcends the senses)
Bhagavad Gita – 6.21
The intellect controls the mind and is beyond the senses. However, we go behind the senses and follow the mind. Mind is the master of the senses. But what is the use? The mind does not control the senses. We say we have a very sensitive mind. What is this sensitive mind? It is only animal sensitivity. Thus, master the mind and be a master mind. The mind that controls the senses is the true master.
Vinaayaka has a primary position with respect to the principle of the mind. Vinaayaka always remains as the witness. He never gives any reply through words. He only demonstrates through actions. Therefore, Vinaayaka sets an ideal for all fields of human endeavour. The principle of the Atma is a witness. It sees everything. It enquires into everything. But it will not get involved in it. Why? Because, these are all duties related to the body and the mind. The Atma refuses to enter their departments.
Today in the government, the leadership gets into the affairs of each and every department. But since ancient times, the master / leader of the body and the mind, which is the Atma, never gets into their affairs. Does the mind discharge the duties pertaining to it? Does the body discharge the duties pertaining to it? The Atma oversees this with its two “eyes”. The Atma also forgives any mistakes committed by them. But when does it forgive? Until the mind and the intellect tread along the right path, acknowledge and recognize the mistake committed by them and repent sincerely and wholeheartedly (for the mistakes committed), the Atma remains a mere witness.   
                         22 August 2001


25 August to 31 August 2014
Ganesha Chaturthi Special
What is the significance of Lord Ganesha having only one tusk?
What is the significance of Lord Ganesha having only one tusk-2.29-1994 September 09
Ganesha broke away his tusk to write the Mahabharata!!

Embodiments of the Divine Atma! This is the most significant teaching of Vighneshwara. His very life is an ideal life, a life full of sacrifice. When we enquire correctly into the scriptures, we may at times neglect the same as mere mythology (myth). It is fine even if we neglect the Puranas (mythology), but we must not neglect the ideals placed before us in these Puranas.   

Sage Vysasa sat down to write the Mahabharata. Vinaayaka approached him, offering to help him. Vyasa observed, “O Vinaayaka, you are such a compassionate one! You are doing me a great favour. But whatever I tell you, you must write it down correctly”. That is the condition laid down by Vyasa. But Vinaayaka was no less. He too laid down a condition for Vyasa. He said, “Vyasa, when my pen is writing down, it should never stop. You must keep narrating continuously in such a way that there must be no need for me to stop writing at any time”.
At one point, when Ganesha was writing, the stylus of the pen broke. At that very moment, he broke one of his tusks and started writing down with the tusk. You may consider this as a mere myth. But this is how he came to be known as Ekadantaa – a single tusked one. The inner meaning of this is that Ganesha was ready to make any sacrifice in performing his work, in his determination to work. That is the ideal set by him. What a sacrifice it is to break one’s own tusk and write with that.
Recognizing this, the Vedas declare:
Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Tyaage Naike Amrutatva Manashuh
Neither by actions, nor by (acquiring) progeny and wealth, but by renunciation alone is immortality attained. 
Kaivalya Upanishad, Verse-3
Also in Sanyasa Suktam, Mahanarayanopanishad, 4.12
Where is the immortality other than in sacrifice? Therefore, today for humanity, if there is Prema (love) and Tyaaga (sacrifice), it is enough; their whole life can be spent in happiness.
                        09 September 1994


25 August to 31 August 2014
Who is Iswara, Parvati and Vinaayaka?
Who is Iswara, Parvati and Vinaayaka-1.40-1995 August 29


Today, in our human world, we refer to Ganapati as the son of Parvati. Parvati means Prakruti or Nature. The Divine principle, Divine power of Prakruti and Paramatma (Nature and Supreme Godhead) is humanity. Therefore, every human being is Vinaayaka. He is a spark / a drop of the Shiva Shakti Swaroopa (embodiment of Nature and Supreme Godhead) that represents the Divine principle.

Therefore, Prakriti (Nature) is Parvati (feminine principle). Purusha (masculine principle) is Iswara. Human individuality is the relationship between Prakriti (Nature or the feminine principle) and Purusha (masculine principle). We assume that Vinaayaka is the son of Parvati, there is Iswara residing somewhere and there is a power called Parvati. All this is very wrong. Everything arises or takes birth from Prakriti (Nature). All elements are aspects of Prakriti(Nature). In order to help recognize this sacred Divinity, festivals are celebrated with lot of spiritual significance.         
               29 August 1995


18 August to 24 August 2014
How do we understand Brahmaananda-Bliss of Brahman?
How do we understand Brahmaananda-Bliss of Brahman-8.00-2000 May 23
Maanavaananda  x 1020 = Brahmaananda

In the Aananda Valli, the concept of Brahmaanandahas been described in a very unique manner. Brahmaananda is that which cannot be described by humans. It is the one that confers limitless bliss. This bliss cannot be described in words or comprehended by the mind. Unless one leads a calm, stable, peaceful, unsullied and detached day-to-day life, one can never understand this Brahmaananda. In this creation of nature with worldly life and worldly feelings, Brahmaananda has no relevance.

The happiness that human beings experience in their day-to-day life, that enables them to lead a strong, healthy and satisfied life, is named as Maanavaananda. A thousand times more than Maanavaananda is Gandharvaananda (happiness experienced by the celestial beings). A thousand times more than Gandharvaananda too, is Devaananda (happiness experienced by the Devaas or demi-gods). A thousand times more than Devaananda (or Devagandharvaananda) is Brihaspatiaananda (bliss experienced by Brihaspati, the preceptor of the devas). A thousand times more than Brihaspatiaananda too, is Prajaapatiaananda (bliss experienced by Prajaapati who according to the scriptures, is the one associated with the practical aspects of Creation). And finally, thousands of times more than Prajaapatiaananda  is Brahmaananda (bliss experienced by Brahman). One can imagine the immense gulf that exists between Maanavaananda  and Brahmaananda.          
However, without having any idea about the meaning of Brahmaananda, human beings in many situations, often use the expression, “Oh…I am experiencing Brahmaananda, I am in Brahmaananda”. Having gone to a hotel and having had a good meal, he exclaims, “Oh, it is like Brahmaananda (meaning the experience of eating the good food is like Brahmaananda)”.
What is the difference between Brahmaananda and Maanavaananda that are described in the Aananda Valli? The latter is Anoraneeyaan(the micro aspect of happiness) and the former is Mahatomaheeyaan (the macro aspect of happiness). The latter is like an atom of happiness. Maanavaananda is within the domain of human words and mental comprehension. However, Divine bliss has no limits, it has no reason. At all times, always, in all situations, bliss remains as bliss only.  
Brahmaanandam…Brahma or the Atman are not separate entities. Brahma is verily Atmanand Atman is verily Brahma. Therefore, Brahmaananda and Atmaanandaare not different from each other. The principle of the Atman is always in bliss. In fact, the meaning of the word Brahma is bliss. The bliss that is all pervasive is called Brahma. Compared to Brahmaananda, Maanavaananda is merely like an atom.   
In this world, that which is all pervasive is air. None can decide a fixed shape or form for this air. However, this air, which is all pervasive, when blown into a small balloon, assumes the form of the small balloon. The balloon cannot contain more air than what its limited form can hold. The balloon is limited. When blown beyond an extent, it bursts with a loud sound. What is the difference between the air that is in the balloon and the air that is all pervasive? No one can measure or demonstrate any difference. Thus, Brahmaananda is vaster than Brihaspatiaananda and Prajaapatiaananda.
Note: In the Ananda Valli from the Taittiriya Upanishad, one measure of human joy or Maanavaananda  is taken as the joy experienced by a noble youth, in the prime of age, most swift and alert, perfectly whole and resolute, most vigorous and of good learning, and to whom belongs the entire earth laden with all riches. Subsequently,
Maanavaananda x 100 = Manushya Gandharvaananda
Manushya Gandharvaananda x 100 = Deva Gandharvaananda
Deva Gandharvaananda x 100 = Pitrinam Chiralokaananda
Pitrinam Chiralokaananda x 100 = Aajanajaanaam Devaananda
Aajanajaanaam Devaananda x 100 = Karmadevaanaam Devaananda
Karmadevaanaam Devaananda x 100 = Devaananda
Devaananda x 100 = Indrasyaananda
Indrasyaananda x 100 = Brihaspateraananda
Brihaspateraananda x 100 = Prajaapateraananda
Prajaapateraananda x 100 = Brahmaananda
Therefore Maanavaananda  x 1020 = Brahmaananda
Manushya Gandharvas – Human musicians
Deva Gandharvas – Heavenly musicians
Pitrus – Manes (souls) inhabiting the long enduring world
Ajanadevas – Souls born during and under the rule of Manu
Karmadevas – Souls elevated to the heavenly abode through their deeds
Devaas – Demigods
Indra – Leader of the demigods
Brihaspati – Spiritual master of the demigods (including Indra)
Prajapati – Presiding deity over procreation and protection of life
Brahma – Creator of the universe
Source:
Instructions on Happiness (Ananda Valli)



11 August to 17 August 2014

How do we befriend God by overcoming Maya?
How do we befriend God by overcoming Maya-3.19-1996 July 31


Who is the owner (of the building of creation)? Paramatma (Cosmic Self/God) Himself! When you become one related to Paramatma (God), then you will be able to understand all these valuable principles. Therefore, you need to develop friendship with the owner. How do we develop this friendship? This has been explained in Vedanta clearly, but to make the children understand, I am bringing it down to their level and explaining it in simple terms.

The owner is present on the terrace of the building. You go over there to see the Paramatma(God) or the owner. But there is a huge Alsatian dog near the gate. That is Maya (illusion). This Maya does not allow you to enter inside. Then what should you do?
If you are able to overpower the Maya, then you can enter inside. Or else, you have to call out to the owner from below, Sir, Sir, Sir. Once you do that, the owner who is on the top, will come out and see. He will then say, “Oh, Hello, you have come” and He will come down. Having come down, He will come and escort you in. At that time, the dog will not do anything. If you accompany the owner, the dog will not trouble you. If you try to go alone, it will not allow you inside.
This is referred to as Urdhva Mulam Adhah Sakham (The roots are upwards and the branches are downwards, Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 15, Verse-1). God, who is the witness to everything, is always on the top. He has ordained Maya (illusion) to be located at the entrance. Controlling or overcoming Maya(illusion) is Jnana (wisdom). How can you control Maya? Whose creation is Maya? Maya has been created by the owner. The dog has been appointed by the owner. Once you start speaking about the principle of the Divine owner, the Maya will allow you to go inside. You need to talk about the principle of oneness between you and the owner. This is referred to as Advaita Darshanam Jnanam (Vision of non-dualism is true wisdom). If not this approach, you need to shout from below, “Rama, Krishna, Govinda, Narayana, and the owner will come out and see. He Himself will come down and escort you inside. At that time, the Maya will not do anything to you.
Therefore, in order to get God, either on one side we need to have Bhakti or on the other side we need to have Jnana. Then, certainly, we would be able to see the owner.        
31 July 1996


04 August to 10 August 2014
How should we handle criticism and abuses from others?
How should we handle criticism and abuses from others-2.43-1992 May 24


When either anger, jealousy, hatred or any other wicked quality arises in you, suppress it immediately. Tell yourself, “Chhee (an expression of disgust)…this beastial instinct must not exist in me”.

Here is a very good example. Let us say somebody has criticized you. You get angry. When you get angry, do not react immediately. Think to yourself, “Do I have in me, the defects that have been pointed out by them? If in case, those defects are there in me, then is it not my mistake to get angry with them? However, if the blemishes pointed out by them are not present in me, then why should I get angry with them?” If you thus give an opportunity for such an enquiry and spend time in introspection, your anger will subside.     
Students, the correct ideal for Me is Me Myself. My life is My Message. So many people criticize Me. Many others glorify Me. But I do not bloat with praise nor get depressed with censure. Because, if things that are there in Me are spoken in front of Me, I do not need to worry. If things that are not there in Me are told at any place, yet I do not need to worry. When they keep talking about blemishes that are not there in Me, what is the necessity for Me to worry?
Here is an example to illustrate this point. When people call Me ButtatalaSai Baba (Sai Baba with a basket like head), I need to get offended. But, I do have a basket like head. Therefore, I must accept this is true. But if they call Me Pattatala Sai Baba (Sai Baba with a bald head), then this is not true; so why I should I accept it? Therefore, if blemishes that are not there in Me are mentioned right in front of Me, even then I will not accept it. That is the right kind of determination. You must have self-confidence in yourself. Without self-confidence, even at the slightest provocation, you will get either elated or depressed and this will become like bumps in an aeroplane. Therefore, students, first of all you need to develop self-confidence.
24 May 1992


28 July to 03 August 2014