RISE
ABOVE BODY CONSCIOUSNESS
(Text of the
Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 2nd April 2003
in Sai Ramesh Hall, Brindavan-Bangalore)
Fear
of sin has declined; wicked deeds have become the order of the day.
Devotion to the Lord has become extinct. Evil actions which cannot be
described in words are on the rise. Oh man! Understand that chanting
the Divine Name alone can confer peace and happiness on you.
|
(Telugu
Poem) |
Embodiments of Love!
The duality of birth and death is experienced in Prakriti (Nature),
which is the presiding deity of life principle. World attracts man and
deludes him. Padartha (matter) is the basis for Prapancha (world). World is
a combination of matter. The sum and substance is, it is the matter which
attracts man. Matter is not permanent, it does not symbolise truth. How can
the ephemeral objects confer on you the eternal peace? Yad Drishyam
Thannasyam (all that is seen is bound to perish). Whatever is seen by
the eye will undergo change with the passage of time. Such transient objects
cannot give you everlasting happiness.
'Aham Yetat Na'
(I am not this). It is the fundamental principle of wisdom. The principle of
Parabrahma has no specific form. In Vedic parlance, Aham means Atma. 'Aham
Yetat Na' means, I am not the body which is momentary and ephemeral. The
letter 'I' (Aham) symbolises the eternal Atmic principle. the Atmic
principle. We see various objects in this world and are deluded that they
are permanent. It is a grave mistake. Whatever is seen by the eyes is
impermanent. Even our body is seen by the eyes; hence, it is also not
permanent. It is a sign of ignorance to identify oneself with the body.
Since ages, man has been under the delusion that physical and ephemeral
objects will give him happiness. True happiness results when man recognises
the underlying eternal principle of Atma in this ephemeral world.
Lord Krishna
declared in the Bhagavadgita, Mamaivamsho Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta Sanathana
(all beings are a part of My Being). Hence, every man is a spark of
Divinity. Such being the case, how can man be called a mere mortal? Our
ancients used to contemplate on God and worship Him with the total faith
that He was all-pervasive. According to our ancient scriptures, gods are 3
crores in number. Who are they? Can there be so many gods? The truth is that
the population of the world was 3 crores when those scriptures were written.
This declaration was made considering each individual a divine being. The
declaration: Sahasra Seersha Purusha (God has thousands of heads) was
made prior to this when the population of the world was in thousands. Today
the world population is 580 crores. Every one of them is a manifestation of
divinity. Every human being is a divine incarnation. Why man is wasting such
a sacred and precious human birth? You should not think that God exists
separately with a specific form. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti
(God is one, but the wise refer to Him by various names). Aham, the
principle of Atma that is present in all of us, is God. So, every individual
is God Himself.
If you question, where God is, some people say, He is present in their
heart. It is not a proper answer. When you say the kerchief is in your hand,
you are bigger than the kerchief. Likewise, when you say God is in you, it
means you are superior to God! Hence, it is not proper to say that God is in
you. The truth is, you are God. Everything is in you.
Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvatah Sruthimalloke
Sarvamavruthya Tishthati (with hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and ears
pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe). In fact, the entire
world is present in your heart. Hence, it is said, Daivam Manusha Rupena
(God appears in the form of a human being). You would have seen many
pictures of Divine personalities like Rama and Krishna. They are depicted in
the form of human beings only. But man today has forgotten the innate
divinity in humanity. He is in search of God thinking that He is at a higher
level. That is why he is unable to realise the truth. Ekam Sath
(Truth is one). The Vedas describe this as Ritam. It is the principle of
oneness (Ekatma Swarupa). It is changeless and transcends time, space and
circumstances. It is present in one and all. Man attributes various names
and forms to such divinity and worships it in various ways. Divinity has no
specific form. It is changeless and beyond all attributes. In fact, all
forms are the forms of divinity. Such principle of unity in multiplicity is
forgotten today. All the Upanishads emphasise on the principle of unity. But
because of worldly feelings, man views multiplicity in unity. He is not
making any effort to visualise unity in diversity. Man should undertake such
spiritual practice which will enable him to visualise unity.
The fundamental basis for the apparent multiplicity is only one. You see a
number of bulbs here. All are illumined by the same current. If you put off
the main switch, none of the bulbs will glow. Likewise, the Atma is the
undercurrent in all names and forms. Atma means the power of consciousness.
It is the power of Nityananda, Brahmananda, Yogananda and Advaitananda
(eternal, supreme, spiritual and non-dual bliss). Man is not making any
effort to know the principle of non-dualism. He is carried away by
multiplicity and thus is leading a life of ignorance.
Embodiments of Love!
Realise that the same Atma dwells in one and all. Do not entertain evil
qualities like anger and hatred. Develop love and experience bliss. Share it
with others. In fact, love is your Swabhava (innate nature), bliss is your
Swabhava. But today people are deluded by worldly Prabhava and thereby are
forgetting their Swabhava. This is the year of Swabhanu. 'Swa' means Atma.
Hence, Swabhava means Atmic feeling. You should develop such feeling.
Swabhava also symbolises Chaitanya Shakti (the power of consciousness). It
is present everywhere, in you, with you, around you, above you and below
you. When Atma is present all over, how can it be divided? Never fragment
the principle of oneness. In fact, it is very easy to visualise oneness in
diversity. Do not think that God is in you. You are in God and so too is
everyone.
Today fear of sin has declined in man. That is why he is taking to evil ways
without being bothered about the consequences. Due to the absence of fear
of sin and love for God, humanness has declined in human beings. This is
detrimental to universal peace. (Telugu Poem) As man does not have fear
of sin, he is unable to manifest his innate divinity. The same divinity is
present in one and all. Truth is one and Truth is God. The whole world rests
on Truth.
The
creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,
Is there a place where truth does not exist?
Visualise such pure and unsullied truth.
|
(Telugu
Poem) |
You don't need to search for the
principle of Truth, It is all-pervasive. Wherever you see, there is truth.
But you are not making efforts to visualise truth. If only you make a
sincere attempt, you can visualise truth everywhere. Sathyam Bruyath,
Priyam Bruyath, Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam (speak truth, speak pleasantly
and do not speak unpalatable truth). Truth should be uttered in a pleasing
manner. It should not hurt the feelings of others. People say God is
all-pervasive. No doubt, He is present everywhere. But He manifests Himself
wherever truth is spoken in a sweet and pleasant manner. Truth that is
spoken in a harsh manner cannot be called truth at all.
Every man and every creature is an embodiment of love. All the birds,
animals and insects aspire to attain happiness just as man does. They also
enjoy happiness. But there is a difference between the happiness they enjoy
and the happiness man enjoys. Birds, animals and insects are neither elated
by happiness nor depressed by sorrow. They accept happiness and sorrow with
equanimity. But man lacks such sense of equanimity. He feels elated when his
desires are fulfilled and frustrated otherwise. Desire and anger are like
pests that destroy the tree of human life. Today desire and anger have
become rampant in man. One who is filled with anger will find differences
and starts developing hatred. In the daily newspaper, you find many news
items which speak volumes about the anger, hatred and jealousy in man. These
evil tendencies are the bitter enemies of man. People are worried about the
harmful effects of certain planets. In fact, desire and anger are the two
planets which cause the greatest harm to mankind. Yes, desires are essential
for man. But excessive desires wreak danger. Na Sreyo Niyamam Vina
(without discipline, there can be no well being). Desires should be under
limit. Man sometimes has love in him and at other times goes into a fit of
anger. Such a tendency is the result of improper food and habits. Never
translate your thought into action in haste. Take time and enquire whether
what you want to do is right or wrong.
Today the New Year has commenced. People celebrate the arrival of New
Year with all festivity and gaiety. But their enthusiasm and happiness is
only short lived. It is not the way to celebrate the arrival of New Year.
Your happiness should remain forever. True happiness is not something which
comes and goes like a passing cloud. At the time of birth, your heart is
pure and you are full of bliss. You should retain such purity of heart for
the rest of your life and enjoy everlasting happiness.
When
man emerges from the womb of his mother, one does not find any garland
round his neck. There are no jewels made of pearls nor are there
glittering golden ornaments. There are no chains studded with precious
stones like emerald and diamond. But there IS a chain round your neck.
Brahma strings together the consequences of your past deeds, makes it
into a garland and puts it round your neck at the time of your birth. |
(Telugu
Poem) |
There is
bound to be a result for every action of yours, however small and
insignificant it may be. Suppose that you are mending your clothes with the
help of a small needle and thread. The needle may be small, but if it pricks
your finger, the result is instantaneous in the form of bleeding. In this
case action and result take place almost simultaneously. The food you
consume takes at least two hours to get digested. Here there is a gap of two
hours between the action and result. The seed that you sow takes a minimum
of one week to grow into a sapling. In the same manner, some actions yield
result in a few months or a few years or a few births. Whoever he may be,
one has to face the consequences of one's actions. However, you don't need
to be depressed and dejected thinking that you cannot escape from the
results of your past evil deeds. You can certainly escape from them if you
win the grace of God by developing love in your heart. All the results are
based on your thoughts and actions. You have to undertake sacred activities
in order to sanctify your body. There is no point in undertaking good deeds
with evil intentions. The seed that you sow within will germinate into a
'tree' and yield 'fruits'. Some people have evil motives within but put on a
veil of goodness. Such pretentious attitudes will never yield positive
results. Firstly, you should sow the seeds of sacred thoughts within.
You may be speculating as to what this New Year has in store for you.
You have to undertake sacred actions if you want to enjoy peace and
happiness. You should join Satsanga. Satsanga means to join the company of 'Sath',
which is changeless in all the three periods of time. Satsanga does not
merely mean doing Bhajans and listening to spiritual discourses. Bhadram
Pashyantu, Bhadram Srunvantu and Bhadram Kurvantu (see good, hear good and
do good). These are the three important Mantras that emperor Manu has given
to mankind. The teachings of Manu form the basis for Dharmasasthra. Man
should strictly adhere to these three Mantras in his daily life. Nothing
else is required to redeem oneself. The Vedas say, Srunvantu Viswe
Amrutasya Puthraah (Oh listen! The son of immortality). You are not mere
mortals; you are the children of immortality. You should conduct yourself in
such a manner that would befit your stature as the children of immortality.
Man's wicked thoughts are responsible for the agitation and unrest you find
in the world today. In order to get rid of evil thoughts, you should run
away from bad company in the first instance. You should join good company.
Then you will see only goodness in everyone around you. If you come across a
person who hates you, do not reciprocate the evil feeling. Tension will
mount when you show anger and hatred towards each other. Instead you greet
him with love. Then he too will reciprocate the feeling of love and become
your friend. Speech plays a vital role in strengthening the bond of
friendship. Hence, speak softly and sweetly. You can pacify hatred and anger
that is prevailing in this world by your pleasant talk. Love begets love.
Where there is confidence, there is love,
Where there is love, there is peace,
Where there is peace, there is truth,
Where there is truth, there is God,
Where there is God, there is bliss.
In order to enjoy peace, you should give up hatred and develop
self-confidence. You should consider that Viswasa (faith) is your true Swasa
(life-breath).
You are enjoying the divine grace day in and day out. In what way are
you showing gratitude to God for all that He has been doing for you? God
does not expect anything from you. But you have to do your duty by
expressing your gratitude. An ungrateful person is worse than a cruel
animal. It is because of your parents that you have come up in life.
Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava (revere your mother and father God).
Your mother bore you in her womb for nine months, gave you birth and brought
you up facing several hardships. How grateful you must be towards your
mother for all that she has done for you! In the same manner, father
sacrificed his own comforts and looked after you with love and care. In what
way are you expressing your gratitude to your father? Your children will
treat you in the same manner as you treat your parents.
Some people have wicked feelings within but talk in a pleasing manner in
front of others. Such people are verily demons. Demons are known to become
powerful at nights. Here night symbolises wickedness and darkness of
ignorance. Daylight symbolises Sujnana and night stands for Ajnana. When you
are immersed in the darkness of ignorance, you will find only wickedness
everywhere. Such a person cannot be called a human being, he is verily a
demon. Jantunam Nara Janma Durlabham (out of all living beings, human
birth is the rarest). Having attained such a sacred human birth, it is
rather unfortunate that man is behaving like a demon. Even animals express
their love and gratitude towards their master, but man has sense of
gratitude in him. Having been born as a human being, he should conduct
himself as is expected of him and sanctify his life.
Embodiments of Love!
Love all. Let there not be even a trace of hatred in you. Join hands with
your fellowmen in a spirit of tolerance and love. The Vedas have taught,
Saha Navavatu. Saha Nau Bhunaktu. Saha Veeryam Karavavahai.
Tejaswi-Navadhitamastu. Ma Vidvishavahai (May we be protected and
nourished together! May we perform heroic deeds! May we be filled with
divine energy! May we never hate one another!). Such sacred teachings of the
Vedas have been forgotten. On the other hand, man is developing evil
tendencies. Such a behaviour is not befitting the stature of a man.
Bliss is man's true nature. Hence, he should always have a cheerful
countenance. May all of you lead a blissful life in this New Year! May you
fill your life with love! May you develop unity and friendship! True bliss
lies in unity. God is the embodiment of bliss.
Nityanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim, Dwandwateetam, Gagana
Sadrisham, Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam, Ekam, Nityam, Vimalam, Achalam, Sarvadhee
Sakshibhutam, Bhavateetam, Trigunarahitam (God is the embodiment of
eternal bliss, He is wisdom absolute, the One without a second, beyond the
pair of opposites, expansive and pervasive like the sky, the goal indicated
by the Mahavakya Tattwamasi, the eternal, pure, unchanging, the witness of
all functions of the intellect, beyond all mental conditions and the three
Gunas of Sattwa, Rajas and Thamas).
In spite of being endowed with such sacred bliss, why should man give room
to wickedness and misery. This is contrary to human nature. Consider
everyone as the embodiment of divinity. Whomsoever you salute or ridicule,
they will reach God. Offer your respects to everybody. Share your love with
one and all. Never hate anybody. The hatred in you will come back to you as
reflection and put you to suffering.
Hence, embodiments of love, develop love in you. Experience love and share
it with others. This is the most important message of this New Year,
Swabhanu. You are not merely mortals. You are the sparks of divine. You
should lead your life in such a manner. It is only when you understand your
divine origin, will your thoughts, words and deeds become sacred.
Oh
man! Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness have you
achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in making efforts
to fill your belly while forgetting God. |
(Telugu
Poem) |
Get up from
your bed with a peaceful mind. Think of God. There are some people who get
up from bed with a disturbed and agitated mind. If the parents criticise
each other as soon as they get up from bed, the children will go a step
further and will start beating up each other when they wake up in the
morning. The children will naturally try to emulate their parents. Hence,
parents should set an example to their children. They should teach them by
practice, not merely by precept.
Under any circumstances, do not give
room for anger or hatred. You may have to face some difficulties and
sorrows, but never mind. Be calm and composed. What did I tell you in the
beginning? 'Aham Yetat Na'. Realise that you are not the body. You
are the embodiment of eternal Atma. When you understand this truth, you will
not be affected by the physical suffering. As you are aware, I am showing
you this by example. I know that I am not the body. Hence, I do not care for
any suffering that afflict this body. The physical body of man is bound to
be afflicted by disease and suffering at some point of time in his life. One
should not be unduly worried about it. In fact, the body is born and brought
up through various difficulties. It cannot escape difficulties. But you
should not care for them. Difficulties and suffering are but natural to the
human body. Bliss is natural to the Atma. Follow the nature of the Atma and
not of the body. Give up body attachment.
This
body is a den of dirt, and prone to diseases; it undergoes change from
time to time. It cannot cross the ocean of Samsara. Oh mind! Do not be
under the delusion that body is permanent. Instead take refuge at the
Divine Lotus Feet. |
(Telugu
Poem) |
Why do you worry about such an
ephemeral body? Instead, think of God. The physical suffering comes and goes
like a passing cloud. That is the nature of human body (Pravritti). The
nature of Atma (Nivritti) is to treat dualities of life with equanimity.
Troubles of the body come and go. In spite of the pain, I am going around as
usual. There is no change in My daily routine. I do not care for this pain.
You will be put to suffering only when you identify yourself with the body.
I am not the body. When you say this is my kerchief, you are different from
it. Whatever may happen to the kerchief, you will not be affected. In the
same manner, you should not be affected by the physical suffering.
The
body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or
later but the indweller has neither birth nor death. He has no
attachment whatsoever. Truly speaking, the indweller is verily God
Himself who is in the form of the Atma |
(Telugu
Poem) |
The indweller is Atma which is
your true identity. Hence, do not be worried about your body. If someone
were to criticise you, do not be agitated. If he criticises you loudly, it
will vanish into thin air. If he criticises within himself, it will affect
himself. In fact, neither praise nor censure will come to you. You should
not be affected by both. In this manner, you should transcend the dualities
of life. You will become a true human being only when your mind is fixed on
the true and eternal Atma.
Today marks
the beginning of a very sacred year. Accordingly, you should develop sacred
thoughts. Not only in this year, but throughout your life, you should
cultivate sacred thoughts. The body is made of five elements, hence it is
bound to suffer. You should not be affected by it. This is your true Sadhana.
All other Sadhanas will prove futile if you do not give up body attachment.
Some people keep telling the beads in a mechanical way and say that they are
doing Sadhana. The rosary will be revolving in their hand and the mind will
be roaming in the market. Can this be called Japa (chanting)? While doing
meditation your body may be steady, but the mind will be wavering. What is
the use of such a Sadhana? A true spiritual aspirant is one who has a steady
mind and an unwavering vision. Unsteady mind is the nature of a monkey. But
today man is developing monkey-mind. He should fill his heart with kindness
for he belongs to mankind.
Bhagawan sang the Bhajan, "Prema Mudita Manse Kaho …" and then continued the
discourse.
Embodiments of Love!
When you sing Bhajans, maintain the proper rhythm by clapping your hands.
The clapping should be done according to the Bhajan. Bhajan should be sung
with proper tune and wholeheartedly. The three syllables in the name
Bha-ra-ta stand for Bhava (feeling), Raga (tune) and Tala (beat). It means
Bharatiyas are those who sing the glory of God with Bhava, Raga and Tala.
Today there are many singers who, while singing Thyagaraja Kritis play Tala
on their lap. They should join both hands and clap. The five fingers of one
hand symbolise Karmendriyas (senses of action) and that of other hand stand
for Jnanendriyas (senses of perception). When you sing the glory of God,
there should be harmony between these two. If they are not harmonised, even
your feelings will not be steady. It was Guru Nanak who introduced the
concept of community singing in Punjab. All should sing the divine glory in
unison. This was the ideal propagated by our ancients. But today people have
brushed aside such ideal and are acting as per their whims and fancies. All
our actions should be pleasing unto God. You may call Him Rama, Krishna,
Govinda, but God is one. Develop the feeling of oneness and attain the
vision of the Divine Atma.
|