Bhagawan's Discourse on Guru Purnima Celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam 13-07-03

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Bhagawan's Discourse on Guru Purnima Celebrations at SAI KULWANTH

HALL Prasanthi Nilayam on 13th July 2003

 

CAST OFF BODY ATTACHMENT TO DEVELOP ATMIC CONSCIOUSNESS

 

(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba on 13th July 2003 at Sai Kulwanth Hall )

 

Embodiments of Love!

The entire universe has been created out of the Will of God. God

creates the universe and sustains it. The universe ultimately merges

in God, the source of its origin. The universe which has originated

from Divine Will is known as Viswam. The correct meaning of Viswam

is that which is self-expansive and full of bliss. God has created

the universe with a purpose, but man is acting contrary to it.

Viswam is not merely a manifestation of physical matter. It is a

direct manifestation of God. It is the very embodiment of the Cosmic

Personality with all His limbs. The Viswa symbolises the expansive

nature of God which can be understood only through Viveka

(discrimination). God is beyond time and cause. The physical world

functions by so-called reason but the Divine Will is not bound by

reason. God is the primal cause behind the universe. The universe is

the reflection of God. Viswam and Vishnu are not different from each

other. The letter 'V' in the name Vishnu stands for Viveka and

Vistara (expansiveness). Hence, Viswam is the very form of Vishnu.

The entire creation constitutes various limbs of God.

 

Every object in the creation has five aspects, namely, Sath, Chit,

Ananda, Rupa and Nama (existence, consciousness, bliss, form and

name). The first three are eternal principles, whereas name and form

are ephemeral. Sath, Chit, Ananda are the basis for name and form.

All human activities are based on name and form. It is God who

decides who has to do what. Some people are Rajasic in nature and

some others are Thamasic. Evil qualities like hatred and jealousy

are predominant in such people.

 

 

 

People attribute various names and forms to God on the basis of

their own feelings. They forget the three main principles of Sath,

Chit and Ananda and assume name and form to be the sole reality. In

reality, name and form are not permanent. But people are overwhelmed

by name and form and ignore the eternal principles of Sath, Chit and

Ananda. Consequently, they are deluded and tend to forget the mighty

power of God behind the name and form. He is called Padmanabha (One

who has a lotus emerging from His navel). Here the lotus represents

the Divine Sankalpa (Will). He is also called Hiranyagarbha as He

has a golden womb. He is known as Vaastha as He is present in the

form of 'I' in all beings. The principle of 'I' is all-pervasive.

God has no specific name. All names are attributed by man to God.

Each name like Padmanabha, Hiranyagarbha, Hiranmaya, etc., has a

profound inner meaning. Spirituality is meant to explain the

principle of Divinity and the inner meaning of the names attributed

to Him. One who follows the spiritual path should make efforts to

understand and experience the principle of Divinity and propagate

the same. But, man today has not really understood what spirituality

means. He is under the mistaken notion that spirituality means

merely offering worship and prayers to God and performing rituals.

People should be taught the inner significance of spirituality and

various names and forms attributed to Divinity.

 

 

 

In 1968, the First World Conference of Sathya Sai Seva Organisations

was held in Bombay (now Mumbai). It was the time when the foundation

stone of Dharmakshetra was laid. Indulal Shah was mainly responsible

for the construction of Dharmakshetra. He has been working

tirelessly for the propagation of Swami's message. His wife Sarla

Shah has been a source of strength to him. She played an active role

in the development of Bal Vikas and Mahila Vibhag. In this manner,

both husband and wife have contributed to a great extent for the

furtherance of Sai movement in the entire world. Even at this

advanced age, they are exerting a lot in the service of Sai

Organisation.

 

 

 

It is not possible for all to understand the nature of Divinity.

This world looks like a picture painted on a wall that has no

support. One has to make efforts to understand the principles of

Adhara (basis) and Adheya (object). Do not waste your time in merely

performing rituals. True spirituality lies in realising the truth

that man is but a spark of Divinity. This is what is declared in the

Bhagavad Gita: Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhuta Sanathana (all beings

are a part of My eternal Being). Vaasudeva-sarvamidam (the whole

world is permeated by God, Vaasudeva). You have to experience this

truth and propagate to the world.

 

Many Sai centres are established all over the world. Each centre has

a history of its own. Dharmakshetra is no exception to this. Only

Swami knows the innumerable difficulties that Indulal Shah faced

during the construction of

Dharmakshetra. In those days, there were no approach roads to the

place where Dharmakshetra stands now. He had to walk through thorny

bushes to select a suitable site for the construction of

Dharmakshetra. He showed Me the place for approval. It is situated

on the Mahakali Caves road. He worked hard for its construction.

Many people helped him in the fulfilment of this task. It is not

possible to undertake a work of this magnitude without the help of

others. When you undertake a good work there are bound to be certain

obstacles in the beginning. But you should not lose heart. When the

ocean of milk was churned by Devas and Danavas, it was a deadly

poison that emerged first. But that did not deter them. They

continued their efforts with unflinching determination and

ultimately obtained the divine ambrosia. Our heart can be compared

to the ocean of milk and the Sadhana to the process of churning.

Initially, there are bound to be obstacles when you undertake

Sadhana. We should not be deflected by these obstacles, but continue

our efforts with full faith. Only then can we attain an exalted and

blissful state. Many individuals in the past had to put up with a

lot of difficulties while constructing pilgrimage centres.

Bhadrachalam is one such pilgrimage centre. Adi Sankara, unmindful

of the physical strain, walked all the way from the deep south to

the north to establish pilgrimage centres at Badrinath, Amarnath and

Kedarnath.

 

No matter who one is, one has necessarily to enlist the cooperation

of others to accomplish stupendous tasks. Where there is unity,

there is bliss. In this age of Kali, people have that spirit of

unity no longer. There is neither unity nor purity. Hence, enmity

has found a place in the human heart giving rise to troubles and

turmoil. In fact, unity is the need of the hour. The true strength

of humanity lies in unity. As is the thought, so is the action. As

is the action, so is the result. Today, man is unable to reach the

goal of his life because he does not entertain sacred thoughts. In

the first instance, he should develop sacred thoughts.

 

 

 

There are many who have deluded themselves that they love God. But

they are full of body consciousness and crave for money and material

things. Such love cannot be true love at all. It is artificial love.

Many people write to Me, "Swami we love You. Please keep us near and

dear to You." In this context, let Me emphatically tell you that Sai

cannot be attained so easily. You may say that you love Me. But how

can I believe you? Is there a spirit of sacrifice in your love?

There is no consistency in your words and deeds. You make a promise

one day and go back on it the very next day. How can one believe the

love of such impostors? True and eternal love originates from the

heart. Real love is a heart to heart relationship. It is associated

with the Atmic principle which is present in everyone. Atma is the

source of consciousness. Atma and Brahma are one and the same. The

love that originates from the heart confers on you the eternal,

immortal and non-dual bliss. But where is such love nowadays? You

are heroes in speech but zeros in practice. Today, the world is

being duped by such people. Those who have true love in their heart

will not indulge in tall talk. They demonstrate their love in

action. Today people speak a lot without translating their speech

into action. Such people are verily thieves. How can you attain the

goal of life if you believe in such unscrupulous people and rely on

them? Your heart should melt and flow towards God. Only then can you

attain His grace. People may talk as they please; do not be carried

away by them. Unmindful of hardships and difficulties, hold on to

the principle of divinity and reach the goal of life. Today, people

lack the will and determination to reach the goal of life. How can

those who do not understand the goal of life, attain it? True love

cannot be fragmented. One cannot have love for God as well as for

ephemeral objects and relationships. The love which is fragmented is

artificial only. You have only one heart. You cannot break it into

pieces and distribute to various people. It is not like a laddoo or

sugarcane which can be broken into pieces and distributed. It is the

eternal truth. It is nectarous and full of bliss. Ignoring the

immortal bliss within, people tread the worldly path thinking that

bliss lies therein. It is only a figment of their imagination. He is

a true devotee who makes efforts to attain God with full faith and

determination without caring for trials and tribulations.

 

Having resolved what ought to be resolved, hold on to it till you

have succeeded. Having desired what ought to be desired, hold on to

it till your desire is fulfilled. Having asked what ought to be

asked, do not leave the hold till you get it. Having thought what

ought to be thought, hold on to it till you have succeeded. With

heart mellowed, the Lord must yield to your wishes. With no thought

of yourself, you should ask Him with all your heart. Persevere, be

tenacious, and never give up, for it is the quality of a devotee

never to retreat, abandoning his resolve.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

 

Devotees of modern times are trying to hoodwink even God with sweet

talk and artificial love. Such people can never attain God. You

should have unwavering faith. Even in times of dangers and

difficulties, your faith should remain steady. God can be

experienced only in times of difficulties. Kashte Phali (hard work

yields rich rewards). It is also said, Na Sukhat Labhyate Sukham

(one cannot derive happiness out of happiness). Consider

difficulties as God's gifts and accept them in the right spirit.

 

Sarla Amma and Indulal Shah had to face innumerable difficulties

those days. They overcame all those with courage and fortitude. They

reside in Bombay (now Mumbai) which is not an ordinary place. It is

like a 'bomb'. Whatever you do, be it good or bad, you have to face

difficulties. Being in such a place, they did good work. In fact,

Indulal Shah was troubled by many. But he continued his work with

unwavering devotion and achieved success. You need to have God's

grace to accomplish anything. You cannot but seek the help and

cooperation of others to fulfil a mighty task. Those who are engaged

in God's work must be prepared to face any obstacle. Indulal Shah's

life bears ample testimony to this. He has been serving Sai for the

last forty years with strong faith and determination. He went round

the world propagating the message of Sai. Whenever people approached

him with doubts, he would give most appropriate answers and clear

their doubts. One should be prepared to take up any challenge, be it

worldly or spiritual. They have spent a great amount of their

physical energy working tirelessly for the Organisation.

 

I want to share a small incident with you. Last month, Sri Shah had

come to Brindavan to see Me. He saw Me resting on the bed and felt

very sad. He did not tell it outwardly, but he was praying within

that Swami should get well soon. He did not have proper food and

sleep during the last one month as he was constantly worried about

Swami's well-being. Consequently, his body became weak. Otherwise,

he always maintains good health. He has a number of plans for the

future of the Organisation. He is praying that Swami should give the

necessary strength to implement those plans. Both Sarla Amma and

Indulal Shah were very anxious about Swami's health and were all the

time thinking of Swami. They do not go by what others say. They

depend on their own conviction.

 

Nobody needs to be worried or anxious about Swami's well-being. No

danger can ever befall Swami. Swami comes out of all difficulties

and troubles unscathed. He will achieve all success. There may be

some changes at the physical level. They are only temporary and not

permanent. Hence, Swami wants all of you to be courageous. Now I

have recovered and am standing before you. What is the medicine I

have used? The intense prayers of the devotees are My medicine.

During the last one month, be it in Madras (now Chennai), Hyderabad,

Bangalore or Mumbai, devotees have intensified their prayers and

spiritual activities. Each and every house conducted Bhajans and

Namasmarana. Some devotees undertook penance and performed Yajnas.

In this manner, a number of spiritual activities were undertaken

praying for the well-being of Swami. It is as a result of such

fervent prayers that I am able to stand before you and address you.

Neither did I want this suffering nor did I desire for its cure. You

wanted this body to be cured of the pain, and you achieved it

through your prayers. This body is not Mine. It is yours. Hence, it

is your responsibility to look after this body. I am not the Deha

(body); I am the Dehi (Indweller).

 

The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner

or later but the Indweller has neither birth nor death. The

Indweller has no attachment whatsoever and is the eternal witness.

Truly speaking, the Indweller who is in the form of the Atma, is

verily God Himself.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

 

The Atma has neither birth nor death. It has no pain or suffering.

You may not believe it, but the doctors have seen the extent of

injury to My hip. For anybody else, it would have taken at least two

to three years to walk normally. The ball in the hip joint broke

into pieces. There were no muscles for support. My bones are as

strong as diamonds. It was not possible to join them together.

Hence, they put a rod and performed the surgery. After undergoing

such a complicated surgery, it takes a number of years to walk

normally. Without caring for all this, I started walking. Doctors

made every effort to protect this body. They did their duty. But I

did not think of this body at all. I demonstrate the ideal that one

should not have body attachment. Not only now, for the last two

years, I have been repeatedly exhorting you to give up body

attachment. Gradually reduce your Dehabhimana (body consciousness)

and develop Atmabhimana (Atmic consciousness). You are not the body;

you are the embodiments of the Atma. The physical body comes and

goes. The body only has suffering, not the Atma.

 

When I fractured My hip, it was not possible to even move My leg.

The slightest movement caused excruciating pain like that of an

electric shock. I told the doctors, "This is not My body. This is

yours. You may do whatever you deem fit." One who has given up body

consciousness will have no suffering at all. Satyajit was with Swami

all the time. He has a strong determination and has taken a vow that

he will be with Swami always. When I was being taken to the hospital

in a van, he sat right near My head. When I was taken into the

operation theatre, he followed. Usually, when a surgery is done,

nobody is allowed into the operation theatre. But Satyajit did not

want to leave Swami. He wanted to see what the doctors would do to

Swami's body. Hence, he wore the surgeon's dress and entered the

operation theatre. I told Satyajit, "You will not be able to bear

the sight of blood. Hence, you remain outside." But he lovingly

insisted that he might be allowed to stay inside. He was with Me at

the time of operation. He saw the doctor making a hole in the bone

with a hammer. After the operation was over, he asked, "Swami, how

could you bear such pain and suffering?" I told, "The love of

devotees like you is My strength." The power of love is the

ultimate. You can overcome any pain or danger with the power of love.

 

You should have strong and unwavering faith without even a trace of

doubt. Your thoughts, words and deeds must be in harmony with each

other. Many devotees who have such strong and steady faith became

recipients of Swami's grace. During the last one month, Bhajans were

held in every village. Their only prayer was that Swami should

recover quickly and grant them Darshan. Swami's well-being was

uppermost in everybody's mind. I received lakhs of telegrams from

devotees wishing for My speedy recovery. Many devotees were very

anxious and were praying within. Their anxiety turned into penance.

The power of their penance bestowed good health on Swami. It is

because of their love and devotion that Swami is hale and healthy

now. I have never used My Divine power to cure Myself. If I were to

use it, I would have been cured of the suffering in a trice. I don't

have the selfish feeling that I should get cured. There is not even

a trace of selfishness in Me. Everyone should be happy. This is My

only desire.

 

Everybody should experience happiness. This is the essence of the

culture of Bharat. This is the Age of Kali. In this age, people will

have several doubts, particularly the younger generation who are

highly educated - post-graduates and double graduates. It is but

natural that under the influence of the Kali Age and with their

modern educational background, the younger generation will not be

able to develop firm faith in Divinity. During midnight, at the odd

hour of 1 o' clock or 2 o'clock when I get up from the bed and look

around, I find these two boys Satyajit and Dilip sitting one near My

head and the other at My feet, safely guarding this body. One of the

boys, Dilip is working in the Super Speciality Hospital here. He had

a fracture recently in his leg and it was still in a plaster cast.

In spite of that, he came over to Bangalore, the morning he heard of

Swami's indisposition, to serve Swami. Both these boys were

attending to the needs of Swami with great devotion. I can

emphatically say that none can equal them in their love and devotion

to Swami. People may pay lip service uttering the

word 'love', 'love' mechanically; but no one can do such a great

service as these two boys have done. Even at an odd hour, if I just

utter the word 'Satya' in a feeble voice, the boy would immediately

get up and attend to My needs. He was so alert and attentive. They

used to attend to all My needs, including feeding Me. In fact, they

completely forgot their own personal needs while serving Swami. All

this is due to the great merit accumulated by their parents. It is

only because of their parents' devotion to God and the merit

accumulated by them, these boys are able to cultivate such noble

feelings of devotion and service. Therefore, the parents should

first become devotees of God. I used to tell these boys often that I

was feeling better and that they could go and take food. But, they

would not leave Me. Whenever they received any phone call from

devotees making anxious enquiries about Swami's condition, they

simply used to reply that Swami was fine. Never did they give any

details. They used to answer the queries of devotees with great love

and tact. How did they acquire such great love and tact? Not because

of higher education or age. It is only because of their intense

devotion and faith in Swami. That is the real quality. Basing on

such a noble quality, they did great service to Swami. There are

several people ready to undertake Swami's service, provided they got

an opportunity. But, none could get such an opportunity. They got

this unique opportunity and they made the best use of it. What

greater Sadhana could there be, than serving Swami? What greater

fulfilment could there be, than Swami acknowledging their love? You

will not find people doing such great service for a full month

continuously day and night, at such a young age. Several people may

talk of love and service, but you will not find such loving and

devoted boys. I have seen great faith, devotion and steadfastness in

these boys. That is why they are able to win the heart of Swami.

With faith and devotion, one can achieve great tasks, even lifting a

mountain. Take the example of Hanuman. When Lakshmana fainted in the

battlefield, Rama was in great distress. Then Hanuman was sent to

bring the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana. Hanuman did not know

where exactly the herb was. Therefore, he lifted the whole mountain

on which the herb existed and placed it before Rama. Similarly, a

devotee of God must be prepared to undertake any service, however

mighty the task may be. Generally, people will have a tendency to

run away from difficulties and rush forward to enjoy happiness. That

should not be. One must be prepared for anything. The human body is

susceptible to several diseases and difficulties. You should not get

depressed by them. You must develop firm faith in Divinity.

That 'Viswasa' (faith) must be your 'Swasa' (breath). Today, I am

able to stand before you and give a discourse, only because of the

great service rendered by these two boys.

 

I must tell you one more thing. Millions of people all over the

world during the period of Swami's indisposition have ceaselessly

prayed for Swami's speedy recovery. Several people have undertaken

several Vratas (religious vows). Countless telegrams and telephonic

enquiries have been received about Swami's health. Particularly,

Geetha Reddy, chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Congress (Mahila

Vibhag) stayed for one full month in Brindavan praying for Swami's

welfare and hoping to have His Darshan somehow. Since, nobody was

allowed at that time into Swami's residence, she could not get an

opportunity to have His Darshan. Nevertheless she stayed back with a

firm determination, even though she had pressing engagements in

Hyderabad. She was almost shuttling between Bangalore and Hyderabad

daily by aeroplane during that period. She did not even care for the

huge expenditure involved and the difficulties at home. What she

wanted and craved for was Swami's speedy recovery. She considered

Swami as her very life. That is real love and devotion, which can

please Swami. Devotion and surrender to God can cure any amount of

suffering.

 

Another small incident I wish to reveal to you. There was a patient

in U.S.A. She was extremely afraid of the disease diagnosed by the

doctors. The diagnosis revealed that she had cancerous growth in the

heart region. She and her husband came to Bangalore praying for

Swami's grace. I assured them that I would cancel the cancer and

that they should not have any fear in the matter. She took treatment

for one week and the cancer disappeared! A little malignant portion

was left and I instructed the doctors to remove it by surgery. The

doctors performed the surgery as instructed by Me. On the very next

day she started walking! She is now quite normal and healthy. There

are several such cases. The chanting of the Divine Name can cure

even the most incurable disease. That is exactly what she has done.

The lady is in the habit of chanting the Divine

Name "Sairam", "Sairam" continuously. There are several such people

who chant the Divine Name. I have cured several people of the most

dreaded and incurable diseases. There are also a number of people

whom I have helped in ever-so-many ways. All of them have now prayed

for My recovery. It is only their prayers that helped My speedy

recovery.

 

Not only this, I lost vision in my left eye some 9 years ago. All

these years I was seeing with one eye only. Now the doctors in our

hospital as also Narasimha Murthy (Warden of Sri Sathya Sai College

Hostel, Brindavan), prayed that I should undergo an operation for

the left eye, along with the operation for the hip bone. I told them

that since I was able to manage with one eye, there was no necessity

for operation to the second eye. But, they prayed and prevailed upon

Me to undergo the eye operation.

 

When I wanted to come down to the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi

Nilayam at 7.00 a.m., to give Darshan to the devotees, Satyajit

prayed that I must slightly postpone My Darshan to 7.30 a.m.,

keeping in view the physical strain I would have to undergo in early

morning Darshan. Thus, he is anxious about My welfare every moment.

Not only he; there are several such devotees with noble thoughts.

That is why, Saint Thyagaraja sang his immortal Kirtan, "Endaro

Mahanubhaavulu…" (Many are the great souls …) In fact, it is only

because of such noble souls the country of Bharat has been able to

exist peacefully. Bharatadesa is not just a mass of earth. Bharat is

verily the heart of the entire world. If Bharat is safe and secure,

the entire world will be safe. Unfortunately, the people of Bharat

are not realising this truth. Wherever you see, selfishness is

rampant. Therefore, cast away your selfish motive and engage

yourself in activities that help others. Pray for the welfare of

elders. Pray for the welfare of all. That is the real meaning of the

prayer, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. Pray for the welfare of the

entire world, wholeheartedly. You will definitely prosper. I think I

have taken a lot of time and caused inconvenience to you. Taking the

example of these two, Sarla Amma and Indulal Shah, I wish you should

inculcate a spirit of service in everybody. I also wish that the Bal

Vikas and Mahila Vibhag should progress well. I wish both of them a

long, healthy and happy life.

 

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina

Sukha Santhi Nahin …"

__________

 

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Officla Site from Puttaparthi:

http://www.srisathyasai.org.in