Karma

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 15^th 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

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?

16 February to 22 February 2015

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?

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: