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Sairam,
Prashaanthi Nilayam, 1963
A True Guru
Once Alexander was anxious to see a celebrated sage in Punjab during his campaigns. He went to the cave of the sage and expected that he would be received most thankfully and with demonstrations of welcome. But the sage was not interested in this world-shaker and asked him move aside and go. Alexander was very angry and drew his sword and threatened to kill. But the sage said calmly with a laugh "I do not die; I cannot die". That put some sense in Alexander and he put his sword back into the scabbard. You cannot use your discrimination and distinguish the real from the unreal so long as you are entangled in the sensual world. One has to sublimate the activities of thought, word and deed to remove the attachment to the senses and to curb the mind from running after fleeting pleasures.
A Guru will teach you the art of discrimination so that you can distinguish the real from the unreal. Gurus are the instruments through whom you can gather the key to the understanding of the mystery of God. They give you the gist of the shaasthras in easy, simple style and interpret them in the light of whatever experience they have earned. One should listen to them with shraddha and bhakthi (faith and devotion) in a mood of humility.
Everyone should have these qualities of Arjuna when they listen to their gurus. Arjuna had the shradha (faith) to concentrate on Geetha teaching even in the midst of the battlefield on the eve of the fight that was to decide the fate of his family. He had enough bhakthi to compel Krishna to show him the Vishwaruupa, the Viraatswaruupa (Universal Cosmic) itself! He had the humility to fall at the feet of Krishna when he could no longer see how he should proceed. Krishna removed the Thaamasik qualities (sloth and ignorance) of Arjuna by arousing the raajasik (passionate) qualities again in Arjuna by prodding him and laughing at him for his cowardice and un-kshathriya (warrior) attitude of renunciation. Later transformed him into a saathwik (noble and pious) hero fit for the dharma yuddha i.e., the war of righteousness.
Man is Shivam (auspicious) but not shavam (corpse); The mind has to be educated and its quicksilver quality has to be curbed to reveal its sahaja swaruupam (natural form) i.e., Chaithanya-swaruupam (embodiment of Consciousness). The mind will become steady only when it is merged in Chaitanya i.e., divine which has no joy or sorrow. When the mind is steady, it is called as Samaadhi--intelligence which is sama (steady) i.e., unaffected and unchanging wisdom.
Lord is in everyone and in every being. So do not hate anyone or cavil at any one. Spread prema always and everywhere. Do not measure or evaluate the avathaars as they are beyond your understanding. Pray or worship for your own satisfaction and contentment.
My nature is Vishwaprema (all-pervading Love). I declare "Sarvathaah paani paadham" which means you can hear my footsteps because I walk with you, behind you and beside you. If you do not become stonyhearted, you can hear my heart when you cry out in agony. My eye will be there to watch over you and guard you. I will smell the dhoopam (incense) and scent-sticks you offered for the puuja. I answer and respond to whatever request you make with a pure heart and a sanctified motive.
--SATHY SAI
Omsai Srisai Jaijaisai