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07
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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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MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-4

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-4

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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.  

21 April to 27 April 2014
What is the role of sports, games and cultural activities in human life?
What is the role of sports, games and cultural activities in human life-3.26-1989 January 14


There is a need for undertaking physical effort or exercises. That is why it is said that the one who puts in krushi(efforts) becomes a rishi (saint). It is necessary to follow a daily routine that includes studies, games, sports, prayers, etc. to keep the body fit. Health is wealth. Health is very essential for happiness. For health, games are very important. While playing games, we must follow the right path and protect the rules. We must not waste time. God being the very embodiment of time, we must experience happiness through action (utilization of time with proper action).

Therefore sports and cultural activities have come into practice for the purpose of yielding health and happiness and not for the purpose of business. Today, games and cultural programmes have become a business. Our Institute students should participate in sports and cultural activities in order to develop good memory, good strength, good health and joy. However, with the passage of time, students tend to move away from sports and cultural activities. In our Institute, every student should compulsorily participate in sports and games. We must give up all selfishness and self-centeredness. We must develop equal mindedness. We must develop divine equality considering all as our brothers and sisters. Without hating each other, without criticizing each other, regarding love as the most significant principle of humanity, keep love as your important goal and strive to achieve it.   

14 January 1989



14 April to 20 April 2014
What is the early morning discipline that we are expected to follow?
What is the early morning discipline that we are expected to follow-2.51-1989 January 14


Many of you would have studied the epic Bhagavatham. In it, there is a story about a person named Dundhubhi. Students should get up between 4 am and 5 am and complete their morning ablutions, have their bath and engage themselves in their studies. Bhagavatham refer to those who get up, have their bath and go about their morning activities between 4 am and 5 am as those who have had Rishi Snaanam (saintly bath). Those who take their bath and perform morning prayers between 5 am and 6 am are referred to as those who have had Maanava Snaanam(human bath). Bath taken after 7 am is referred to as the Raakshasa Snaanam (demonic bath). Dundhubhi used to take his bath after 7 am. That is, he used to waste away and misuse the sacred Brahma Muhurtam time.


There is another title for Dundhubhi; the one who wastes and misuses time is also referred to as Dundhubhi. When Suprabhatam(early morning prayers) and meditation goes on between 4 am and 5 am, it is not correct for us to desecrate our time and continue sleeping, covering ourselves with rugs. By desecrating time like this, our radiance also diminishes. The one gets up late from sleep will turn out to be a lazy person. When one gets up early, the good and quick blood circulation that takes place in the body, enhances memory power.

14 January 1989


07 April to 13 April 2014
Does the mind trouble us or do we trouble ourselves and blame the mind?
Does the mind trouble us or do we trouble ourselves and blame the mind-2.38-1990 May 21


We keep saying, “meditation, meditation”. What meditation are we doing? We close our eyes and sit comfortably. However, the mind keeps wandering around to some washerman’s house or bazaar. Instead of performing mediation in this manner, it is better to engage in action, in service and undertake social work. Without knowing the secret of meditation, merely closing your eyes and sitting for any period of time will only bring you sleep but will never bring you Samadhi (true meditative state). Therefore, first of all, we need to understand what the mind is. Only then, we can control the mind.


An old woman came to Me and cried out prayerfully, “Swami this wicked mind is subjecting me to so many types of troubles, it is making me wander to so many places, it is subjecting me to such terrible situations”. When I asked her, “Who is troubling you?”; she replied, “Swami, my mind”. I told her, “Show me where your mind is, I will catch it and kill it”. She replied, “Swami, I do not know where it is”. When you do not know where your mind is, how do you know that the mind is troubling you? Is the mind troubling you or are you troubling yourself? When you know that a particular person is troubling you, you can get rid of that person; but when you do not know what is troubling you, merely blaming the mind and sitting down is sheer laziness.

Thus, we must make an attempt to understand the principle underlying the mind. We must also make an effort to understand the principle underlying the senses. Everything in God’s creation is embedded with great significance. God will never create anything that has no meaning. Everything has some meaning, is full of joy and most valuable. However, we are not making an effort to realize this truth.

21 May 1990


31 March to 06 April 2014
Why should we entertain good thoughts and seek good company?
Why should we entertain good thoughts and seek good company-4.26-1990 May 24


If we wish that good thoughts express themselves in us, we need to enter into the spiritual path. Without doing so, we can never develop good and noble thoughts. We must associate ourselves with good company. Only when we join good company, we experience the contagious “disease” that these thoughts are affected with. Right from inception, thoughts have this “disease” of contagious nature. If we join the company of people with bad feelings, the bad feelings will get into us also. If we associate with someone who has anger, then the anger will surface in us also.


Here is an example. Suppose you get angry with someone. Thereafter, that person will also get angry with you. But what is the cause of anger in that person? It is your anger, which has provoked or triggered anger in that person. This is the disease of contagiousness. That is why we must never join bad company. This is what Einstein said, “Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are”. If we want to tell something about ourselves, we must first examine our company.  

Thus, we must join good company.

Satsangatve Nissangatvam
Nissangatve Nirmohatvam
Nirmohatve Nischalatatvam
Nischalatatve Jeevanmukti
The company of the good (Satsangatvam) weans one away from false attachments (Nissangatvam); from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion (Nirmohatvam), when the delusion ends, the mind becomes unwavering and steady (Nischalatatvam) and from an unwavering and steady mind comes Jeevan Mukti (liberation even in this life).
Verse from Bhaja Govindam by Sri Adi Shankaracharya
Good company leads to good thoughts. Students, develop good thoughts and fulfill your lives with good feelings. Set an ideal for others. Do not entertain bad thoughts, bad feelings and bad actions for temporary and short lived happiness and joy. Bad thoughts yield fruits just for that moment, but later we will be subject to ten times and hundred times greater danger.

Therefore, keep the future in mind. Have belief in the truth that everything has reaction, resound and reflection. Whatever you do, the fruits will be bestowed on you. Whatever seeds you sow, you will reap similar fruits thereof. When you are born from your mother’s womb, no garland is seen around your neck. You would not find any garland of pearls or any gold chain or chain of diamonds and emeralds. But there will certainly be a garland around your neck. Based on the actions performed by you in your past birth, be it good deeds or bad deeds, Lord Brahma sends you into this world with a heavy garland, a necklace that is made with all your karmas (karmic consequences). So, let us do good and wear a good garland. We need not perform bad actions and wear a bad garland.

24 May 1990


24 March to 30 March 2014
What should be our relationship with God?
What should be our relationship with God-2.30-1986 October 11


I recently told the students three important points. Do not make an attempt to walk in front of Me. Don’t walk in front of Me. I may not follow you. Don’t walk behind Me. I may not lead you. Still, walk beside Me and be My friend. If you make an attempt to walk in front of Me, you may possibly direct Me also on the wrong path, as you do not know the right path. In case you try to walk behind Me and follow Me, you may escape from Me and go away. Walk beside Me; then there will be no scope to escape from Me or go along the wrong path, because I am with you.

The inner significance of this is that you and I are One. Divinity is all pervasive. He resides as the inner being in every body. He exists as the indweller in every being. In such a case, you cannot walk behind Me or in front of Me. Therefore, you will have to take Divinity with you, along with you. This is the characteristic of a real Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant).      
11 October 1986


17 March to 23 March 2014
What is the right answer to the question-Where is God?
What is the right answer to the question-Where is God-2.27-1989 February 17


I ask a number of people, “Where is God, where is God, where is God?” Many people give the reply, “He is in me, He is in me, God is in me”. Some others say, “God is everywhere, He is omnipresent”. All these responses are mere spoken words. But how do we know that this is the real answer? This must come from experience.

Among all these answers, the response, “God is everywhere” is right. But this is not practical knowledge. This is mere bookish knowledge or it is the knowledge gained from hearing to the elders.
However, the answer, “God is in me” is a wrong answer. Where is this kerchief (pointing to a kerchief that Swami is holding in His hands)? This kerchief is in my hands. Therefore, my hand is bigger and the kerchief is smaller. Similarly, if you say, “God is in me”, it means you are bigger and God is smaller.
Thus, “I am in God” is the right answer. You are in God. God is not in you. When God is everywhere, how can you exist separately and how can He exist in you separately? In fact, you are in God.
We must develop such Vishaala Bhaavam (broad mindedness). Therefore, wherever we go, we must consider that we are travelling in God. Whenever we eat food, we must consider that we are eating food with God. Whenever we talk with someone, we must consider that we are talking with God only. If we develop and nurture this kind of feeling, there can no greater devotion than this.  

17 February 1989


10 March to 16 March 2014
What is true freedom?
What is true freedom-1.55-1989 February 17


Many people, especially in the West, desire for freedom, the freedom to act as they wish. What is freedom? Does freedom mean behaving as you please, wandering around as you please? No, no. Controlling one’s senses is true freedom. One may wish to get married. But does getting married lead to freedom? No, it leads to bondage, not freedom. How can this be called freedom? One may desire to drink a bottle of wine. But, when he consumes the drink from the bottle, he gets intoxicated. Then where is freedom? He loses control over his mind. How can this be described as freedom? Merely living and moving around as you please is not true freedom.

Atma Nigraham (Self-control) is true freedom. Atmaanandam (bliss of the Self) is true freedom. Atma Jnaanam (knowledge of the Self) is true freedom. That is why it is said, “the end of wisdom is freedom”. Wisdom is freedom. Once we understand this principle, we realize that the whole universe is Divine; everything is the Divine principle.
17 February 1989


03 March to 09 March 2014
How does human love assume different forms at different points of time?
How does huamn love assume different forms at different points of time-2.52-1989 February 17


Love is the very nature of man. But we do not experience this love in an enduring manner. Soon after we are born, we love our mother. Once we grow and commence our education, we love our friends. Gradually as we grow in years and enter our youth, we love our wife (spouse). After a few more years, our love towards our wife (spouse) diminishes and we start loving our children. Once the children grow big and we need to assume greater responsibilities to nourish them, we start loving wealth. Thus, we keep changing the form of our love continuously. First the mother, then friends, then wife (spouse), subsequently children, following that wealth; this is how our love keeps on changing. But we must develop that love which does not change. The love of God does not change. We must make an effort to love God who is truth and eternal. Thus, in humanity, so many changes keep taking place. But In God, there is love that never changes. Such love for God, which is real and eternal, is called devotion. 

17 February 1989



27 February 2014

Shivaratri Special
What is the uniqueness of Shivaratri-The night of Shiva?
What is the uniqueness of Shivaratri-The night of Shiva-7.07-1978 March 07


According to numerology, the word Shivaratri has four syllables in it – “Shi”, “Vaa”, “Raa” and “Tri”. As per the science of numbers, the number associated with the syllable “Shi” is 5. The number 4 is associated with “Vaa” and the number 2 is associated with “Raa”. These numbers 5, 4 and 2 add up to 11. This is referred to as Ekaadasa Rudra (11 Rudraas). Numbers are associated only with the three syllables “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” However, these three syllables join together and give rise to “Tri”. That is, “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” join together to form Tridalam, Trigunaakaaram, Trinetrancha Triyaayudham, Trijanma Paapa Samhaaram, Eka Bilvam Shivaarpanam. The triad gives rise to the fourth syllable “Tri”. Just like “A”, “U” and “M” join together to give rise to “Aum”, similarly, “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” give rise to “Tri”. It is this triad that takes the form of the Ekaadasa Rudra.

Here Rudra consists of the 5 sensory perceptions and the 5 sense organs, which join together to make 10. The mind joins with them and become 11. These 11 Rudraasinfluence the Buddhi (intellect), turn it towards the sensory objects of the world and enslaves it. As the mind takes charge of the 10 senses, they lose control and the 11 Rudraas make the Buddhi (intellect) go onto the wrong path. Therefore, the 11 Rudraas, in this sacred life of ours, make us lose control of the intellect and the mind over the ten senses, thus allowing them to move around freely and become the victims of desperate situations and circumstances among the sensory objects of the world. Thus the mind, along with these senses, takes the form of the 11 Rudraas.
But during Shivaratri, the Atma, which is the master of the mind, also comes into the scene and takes the form of the Dwaadashaaditya(the 12th aspect of the sun). Thus as the Atma assumes the position of the sun, it takes charge of the mind and the senses and they remain in its control without any freedom of their own. Thus the sacred Shivaratri conveys the truth that the principle of Dwaadashaaditya(Atma)  will help us to exercise control (over our mind and senses). On this night, there is an opportunity to transform any small sacred act, any sacred thought, or any chanting of the sacred name into one of great significance. This is because, the rays of the Atman fall directly on the Buddhi (intellect), the rays of the intellect fall on the mind, the mind makes its impact on the senses and the senses become inert. Therefore, on this day, we have the great opportunity of letting the rays of the Atma fall directly on our heart, on our intellect and on our mind.

07 March 1978


24 February to 02 March 2014
What is the source of Divine Bliss?
What is the source of Divine Bliss-4.04-1989 February 17


Embodiments of love. Man is filled with bliss, he is the very embodiment of bliss. Being the very form of bliss, he attempts to derive bliss from the external world, in so many ways. When your very form is bliss, if you search for bliss in the external world, how can you get it? As it is said, “Sarvatra Paani Paadam” – His Hands and Feet are everywhere. In the same way, God is in the form of bliss everywhere.

We have butter in every particle of milk. But when we see the milk, the butter is not visible to us. When the milk is curdled and the curd is then churned, the butter becomes visible to us. If however, we blame the milk for not revealing to us the butter in it, how can we get the butter? In the same way, bliss permeates the entire mind of man. If the mind is churned, then we will discover bliss in it. But without churning the mind, without enquiring into the mind, if we merely seek for bliss, we will never get it.
Air is present all around us. But our eyes cannot see it. We cannot catch hold of it. But without air, we cannot live. We cannot deny the existence of air just because we cannot see it and we cannot grasp it. Divinity and bliss are present everywhere. To seek bliss in the external world is a sign of ignorance. Our bliss is right within us.
17 February 1989


17 February to 23 February 2014
What are the four practices of Ceiling on Desires?
What are the four practices of Ceiling on Desires-8.48-1989 February 17-1990 May 21


We have instituted four important practices in Ceiling on Desires. The first one is “Don’t waste money”, because misuse of money is evil. We should not misuse money. The second one is “Don’t waste food”; food is God. We should not waste food. The third one is “Don’t waste time”. This is very, very important. Time is everything. Time waste is life waste. You are all wasting lot of time (outside the Ashram). You may sit together, read some sacred texts, sing Bhajans, or learn some devotional songs. But instead of this, if you roam around the roads outside, it is such a waste. Is it not, you tell me. Thus, you are wasting lot of time. Next, “Don’t waste energy”. You waste energy through seeing and through talking all the time. Therefore, you need to reduce unnecessary talk, unnecessary seeing and unnecessary roaming.

We have thus advised you about the four practices of Ceiling on Desires.
Don’t waste food
The first one is “Don’t waste food”. Why should we not waste food? Food is God. This physical form, which we don, has emanated from food only. This entire life is based on food, exists on food. That is why, wasting food amounts to wasting life itself.
Don’t waste money
The second one is “Don’t waste money”. Misuse of money is evil. Today, youth are spending and wasting money in unnecessary ways. This leads to bad habits and leads them on the wrong path, subjecting them to various forms of misery. To the extent possible, we must reduce the misuse of money. This is not at all good.
Don’t waste energy
Here is a small example. Let’s take a radio. You have tuned in to some station. Now, you may either keep the volume very high or quite soft. Once you switch on the radio, whatever may be the volume, whether you listen to it or not, several units of electricity are consumed anyway. In the same manner, our human body is like a radio. We are constantly thinking, talking, talking loudly, talking to ourselves within, talking in our sleep and before we sleep. We are constantly engaged in talking within ourselves (in the form of thoughts) right from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep. Through this, we lose so much of energy. On account of wasting energy, our lives get transformed into an allergy. Therefore, we must make an effort to use the energy in this human body in the right manner, for a good cause. Then alone, there will be a right balance in life. Students, only when the body is healthy and fit, we can enjoy the right balance in life.  
Don’t waste time
Do not worry about the past. Forget the past. We have anyway seen the road that we have treaded on, then why look back again? Even if we were to spend lakhs or crores of rupees, we cannot get back even one second, nor can we tread back even one inch in our life. Why should we then worry about that which can never come back? The future is not known to us, it is unfathomable. We say tomorrow, tomorrow. But what is the guarantee that we will live until tomorrow? What is the guarantee about the next day? Why do we then think about that which is not guaranteed? Future is not sure. Why insure on that which is not sure? Our life gets wasted on account of worries related to these two (past and future). What is the reason for today’s people, specifically the youth, being subject to sorrow, worry and ill health? They are not contended with they have and are aspiring for what they do not have. That is why they are victims of lack of peace. Students, past is past, future is future. We need not worry about these two. The present is very important. Present, present, present…this is not ordinary present; it is omnipresent. This means that the fruits of the future are contained in the present. Whatever seeds we have sown in the past, the sprouts of the same have come now. Whatever seeds we sow now, we will bear the fruits of those in future. Thus, both the future and the past are actually contained in the present. Therefore, use the present in a proper way. Do not give scope for any type of worry. When we spend our life in a proper manner, only then we will be able to lead an ideal life, an immortal life. This will bestow on us immortality and will sanctify our lives.        
17 February 1989 and 21 May 1990


10 February to 16 February 2014
How can our human body be compared to a limited company?
How can our human body be compared to a limited company-2.14-1990 May 21


Our entire life may be compared to a field of business (a limited company). If the temperature of our body (ideal temperature being 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) rises beyond 99 degrees Fahrenheit then it results in diseases (like fever). Our blood pressure is supposed to be 120 / 80 mmHg  (millimetres of mercury over normal atmospheric pressure). If this (diastolic pressure) goes beyond 90 mmHg, then it results in high blood pressure. Even our eye balls can see only limited amount of brightness of light. If it goes beyond a point, the retina will get burnt. Our ear drums too cannot withstand sounds of any decibels. If it hears sound beyond certain decibels, the ear drum will get damaged or will burst. Thus, our human body is like a limited company. To protect such a body we need to exercise certain limits. There must be moderation in the food that we eat, water that we drink, words that we speak and sounds that we hear. Our entire life needs to operate within certain limits. When we exceed the limits, we are subject to danger.       

Ati Tindi Mati Haani
Mita Tindi Ati Haayi
(Too much food harms the mind; limited food gives great comfort and welfare)
Ati Bhaasha Mati Haani
Mita Bhaasha Ati Haayi
(Too much talk harms the mind; limited talk gives great comfort and welfare)
Therefore, human beings must practice and follow the path or the way of living that gives happiness.
21 May 1990


03 February to 09 February 2014
Who is the real doer-Who is responsible for failure or success in life?
Who is the real doer-Who is responsible for failure or success in life-3.45-1990 May 29


Because the human beings get associated with dehaatmabhaavam(the feeling that I am the body), the aham(ego) makes it go round and round in so many ways (takes it for a real good ride). Distorted feelings such as “I am doing this”, “I am experiencing this”, “I have gained this victory” are on the rise day by day in humans.    

Students, success or failure are not because of your actions, your pursuits or your efforts. You are getting drowned in delusion, and assuming that you have accomplished something because of your efforts; you are enhancing your ego all the more. Have we not seen any number of initiatives in this world, where in spite of all the efforts, there has been no success? Also, have we not seen large number of initiatives, where without much efforts, there has been success? Instead of putting in all your efforts, finally meeting with failure and subjecting yourself to so much worry; if you have faith in God, consider all that you do as God’s work and attempt to understand your true (Divine) principle, then you will gain victory in all spheres of life.  
We must correctly recognize that there is nothing which we can accomplish, merely with our efforts. The evidence for this is manifest right within our own human body. What effort are you putting in to beat the heart in your body? What effort are you putting in for the inhalation and exhalation (of breath) that you are undergoing every second? What effort are you putting in to digest the food that you have eaten? Can all these be accomplished with your efforts? No, not at all. Just by hoping that you will continue to live, can you keep on living? Similarly, just by wishing that you should die, can you die at your will? Are you responsible for your birth? No. no, no. Therefore, if you enquire deeply into this, it is only your kartritva (doership) and bhoktritva (enjoyership) that are enhancing your ahamkaaram (ego) and mamakaaram (attachment) all the more.    
29 May 1990


27 January to 02 February 2014
How can we learn the lesson of love and human values from our own human body?
67-How can we learn the lesson of love and human values from our own human body-2.44-1986 March 09


We experience the mutual interrelationship and interdependency of our limbs in our day to day life. Suppose we are walking on a street. The eyes are up and the legs are down. The eyes see a thorn on the street. We may not understand their interrelationship from outside. But they have an inner connection. We do not know how and when it has communicated? What type of phone or telegram it has used? But the moment the eyes see the thorn, the legs cross over the thorn and walk by. Legs do not have eyes. Then, how have they crossed over the thorn? The eyes have seen, but the legs have crossed over it. This is the close relationship that exists between the eyes and the legs.

If the legs do not listen to the command of the eyes and place themselves over the thorn, they will start bleeding. Now, the legs have got the injury but the eyes start crying. Try to understand; when the thorn pricks the legs, the eyes feel so bad. The eyes can remain unperturbed, thinking that after all the thorn has pricked the legs and not me (but they do not do so).
We must try to understand the love and attachment between the eyes and legs (and for that matter between all our limbs). This is humanity. Only when we consider the pain being experienced by others as our own pain, true humaneness manifests itself. Our own sense organs are our true gurus (preceptors) and they teach us the lessons of human values. There are so many lessons we can learn from the machine called the human body.     
09 March 1986


20 January to 26 January 2014
How can we learn the lesson of cooperation and harmony from our own human body?
How can we learn the lesson of cooperation and harmony from our own human body-5.23-1986 March 09


Every human body is a workshop. The physical body is like a machine. The physical body works effectively like a machine because it recognizes the role played by every limb of the body and the interrelationship that exists between them; and acts accordingly. In this machine of the body, every organ has a specific role to play in mutual relationship with other organs. It is not just a passive mutual relationship between the limbs; they actually share their joys and sorrows with each other. In this workshop of the human body there are many desires and attachments. There is unity among all the limbs. This principle of unity, i.e. the principle of living together, sharing and caring for each other, is taught by the human body. Once we introspect and investigate into this workshop of the human body, we would not need to look into any other workshop.

Let us assume that the mind desires for a particular object. Immediately, the legs make an effort to acquire that object. For example, let us say the mind desires for a fruit on a particular tree. The mind cannot experience the fruit as soon as it wishes for it. The legs go walking to that tree. It becomes the duty of the legs to fulfil the wish of the mind. The legs perform their duty and go and stand near the tree. Once they stand there, the waist takes over its duty and it bends down. The waist has duly completed its duty. But still the fruit has not been acquired. Next, the hand picks up a stone. Just by picking up a stone, it cannot get the fruit. However, it has done its duty and it keeps silent. Next, the shoulder starts its task. It throws the stone towards the tree (at the fruit). Once the fruit drops down, the fingers pick it up and do their duty of offering it to the mouth. The mouth also performs its limited duty. It tastes the fruit to check whether it is sour or sweet. If it is sweet, it says “I do not need it. O stomach, you are the master of everything”, and it sends the fruit inside. In case it is sour, then it says, “O, this is not good for the body, it will become a cause for disease” and it offers it to mother earth. It spats it on the ground (Thuuu). Thus, the stomach receives the fruit that has been sent inside with the effort of all the limbs; but it does not consume the fruit all alone with pride. The digestive fire in the stomach digests the fruit well and distributes the essence of it (in the form of energy) to all the limbs of the body, acknowledging the fact that it is all these limbs that have worked together to send this fruit to the stomach. Thus, there is an opportunity to demonstrate such mutual interrelationship and mutual interdependency in our human body.

09 March 1986


13 January to 19 January 2014
What is the real crop that we need to harvest in this human life?
What is the real crop that we need to harvest in this human life-4.57-1986 March 09


You may think that we have started this Education in Human Values some 5 or 6 years before. I started this more than 50 years back. When I was in the house of Karnam Subbamma, I used to sing a particular song as part of the Bhajans.

Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu
Jeeva……
Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu
Oh human being, you need to carry out your life with the values of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace) and Prema (Love).
Karmayogame Janma Dharmambu
Deeniki….. Karmayogame Janma Dharmambu
Smaraname Maanava Marma Rahasyamu
Saadhane Bhaktula Saaralakshnamu
Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu
Karma Yoga is the Dharma (duty) of your very human birth,
Remembering the Lord is the great secret,
And Sadhana (spiritual pursuit) is the devotee’s hallmark,
Proceed, oh man, on your life’s pilgrimage
With Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love.
Regard the heart as a vast field. Use the mind as a plough. Treat the gunas (qualities/attributes of Satva, Rajas and Tamas) as bullocks. Use the viveka (intellect/power of discrimination) as a whip. With these aids, cultivate the field of your heart. What is the crop that is to be grown in it? Sathya(Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace) and Prema (Love) are the seeds to be sown, Bhakti (devotion) is the rain, Bhaava(feelings) is the manure, and Brahmananda(Divine bliss) is the crop.
So what is our duty today? Keeping the plough of the mind in our control, tying it to the bullocks of the gunas, taking the reins of viveka (intellect) in our hands, we must grow the crop of love, truth, righteousness and peace in our heart.
This crop has to be raised in our heart and should be shared with others. Our life is like a block of ice which is melting away every moment. Before it spends itself, devote it to the service of others. Education in Human Values is commenced to prepare everyone for this life of dedicated service.

09 March 1986



06 January to 12 January 2014

Is it mandatory to know the meaning of Vedas to benefit from its chanting?
Is it mandatory to know the meaning of Vedas to benefit from its chanting-1.40-1993 October 18
Mere listening to Vedic chants gives joy!!

Today we are neglecting the Vedas, making fun of it. We have no faith in it and consider it as merely some sort of chanting with no specific significance or use. Embodiments of love, it is ok even if you do not know the script of the Vedas, it is enough if you merely listen to the chanting. There is great happiness is mere listening.

The mother places the baby in the cradle and sings a lullaby to it. But can the baby understand the meaning of the lullaby that its mother sings? No, the baby cannot, but the mere tune of the lullaby puts the baby to sound sleep. In the same way, even if you do not know the meaning of the Vedas, when others chant the same in the correct manner, you can listen to it joyfully. You will experience happiness by merely listening to the chanting. You must contemplate on that very listening and that very contemplation will get assimilated within you.
Therefore, there is so much joy in mere listening too. It is sound and there is great power in this sound.        
18 October 1993



30 December 2013 to 05 January 2014

What should be our approach to the celebration of the New Year?
What should be our approach to the celebration of the New Year-1.12-1998 March 29


Happiness, prosperity and pleasure are not conferred on us by the New Year. This day too shall pass away like any other day; the same sunrise and the same sunset. Many people look forward eagerly expecting that the New Year will confer on them some good results. This is 100% negative thought. The New Year does not bring anything for us. Just based on the calendar, we consider this as a New Year.

We must discover a new path. We must discover a new life. We must experience a new happiness. But we do not think about this. We merely remain expectant that the New Year will bring something. We have to work ourselves to get something; the New Year will not confer on us anything. Think to yourself – introspect, surrender yourself to God, and immerse yourself in the awareness of God. Then you will be able to achieve anything.    

29 March 1998


23 December to 29 December 2013
What is the threefold message of Jesus to humanity?
What is the threefold message of Jesus to humanity-4.43-1982 December 25


Jesus was one with a pure heart. To begin with, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the messenger of God”. Taking the physical body as the messenger, he engaged in tasks and activities related to the body. Regarding the body as a messenger sent by God, he offered his body to relieve the pain and suffering of the sorrowful and the downtrodden. He started spreading the message to the people though the actions of his body.

Gradually, he moved to the domain of the mind from the domain of the body. He expressed the principle of the mind and his feelings through the proclamation, “I am the son of God”. Using the principle of the mind, he started investigating into what is real and what is unreal; what is truth and what is untruth? The entire universe is merely a projection of one’s perception (vision). All actions are the reflection of the feelings of the mind. He recognized this truth.
Having completed the enquiry into the mind, he then entered the domain of the intellect. At this stage, he declared, “I and my father are one!” That means, the father and the son are close and related.
This is where every Sadhaka (spiritual seeker/aspirant) must recognize this aspect. Every being is the child of God. The child inherits the qualities of the father. A goat cannot be born in the womb of a tiger nor can a tiger be born in the womb of a goat. Just as a tiger alone is born in the womb of a tiger, the human child born from the Divine father must have the qualities of the father only. Thus, when he realized that there was no difference between him and his father, he referred to the “Holy Ghost”.         
Therefore, at the level of the physical body, we must engage in action; at the level of the mind, we must enquire into the real and the unreal; and at the level of the intellect we must develop proximity and a bond (with Divinity). Then alone, “Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati”; we will get the strength to recognize the unity of the two.   
25 December 1982


16 December to 22 December 2013
What is the inner significance of waking early in the morning and offering prayers?
What is the inner significance of waking early in the morning and offering prayers-1989 June 29


Even in the domain of time, we have Satva, Rajasand Tamas. From night 8 pm to morning 4 am, it is Tamasic time. Even birds and animals sleep during this time period. This is defined as the time for the demons. This time period is very powerful for the demons (demonic qualities in man). This time slot is very conducive for carrying out Tamasic activities. Therefore, the 8 hours period from night 8 pm to early morning 4 am is Tamasictime.

The time period from morning 8 am to evening 4 pm is associated with Rajo Guna. Everybody start performing their tasks during this period. All the authorities work and offices remain open from 8 am to 4 pm. This is the time for doing all work. This 8 hours period is Rajasic.
From morning 4 am to 8 am we have 4 hours. Again in the evening from 4 pm to 8 pm we have another 4 hours. When we add the two 4 hours, it becomes 8 hours. This is the Satvic period.
Thus, 8 hours Tamasic, 8 hours Rajasic and 8 hours Satvic; 8 x 3 = 24 hours. It adds up correctly (to the number of hours in a day). 
Therefore, the Satvic period starts from early morning 4 am. We should be awake by then. We must commence our Sadhana or even studies in this Satvic period; this is the most sacred time. Getting up, having a bath, awakening all our senses, ourselves falling into all dirt; we need not do all this. We need not even have a bath. The sense organs are very calm and peaceful at this time. It would be taking rest. During this peaceful period whatever you think, it (thoughts or prayers) will smoothly go and reach God. Even things that we have forgotten come to our memory at this time. Therefore, to the extent possible, we must commence our prayers during this Satvic period.
Some say, “O! it is not possible to get up so early at 4 am”, and they wake up at 8 am. There are others who wake up at 9 am and go to school with an unwashed sleepy face. These are all the brothers of Kumbhakarana!
We must get up at 4 am. First complete your ablutions and wash your face; then sit with joy. Why should you wash your face? It is only to avoid feeling sleepy. If we understand and recognize all these subtle aspects, we will be able to practice Dhyaana very easily.
In the evening too, you return from the college. You have time from 4 pm to 8 pm. You can go and play and participate in games. But then after 6 pm, wash your hands and legs and at least sit for 5 minutes (in meditation). Dhyaanam is only for 2 minutes and 24 seconds. You do not need to sit for hours. If you practice like this, it will be so sacred. Truly you try this and see; your joy, your brightness /  luster and your sacredness will get so enhanced.
Today, you are engaging continuously only in crazy thoughts and crazy feelings and therefore if one sees your face, it appears so odd. It looks like the face of a sick person. There is no brightness / luster on the face. Purity is the root cause for Tejas (brightness / luster). If there is purity within, there will be so much brightness / luster on your face.         
29 June 1989

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