19 November, Ladies Day - Excerpts from Divine Discourses

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19 November, Ladies Day - Excerpts from Divine Discourses

 

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Excerpts from various Ladies Day Divine Discourses by Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba.

 

Today women, because they are educated, compete with men to take up

jobs. There is nothing wrong in going for a job. However, they must

take care of their home needs before taking up a job. When wife and

husband go to offices, who will look after their children at home?

As the mother is not at home to guide them properly, the children go

astray. If both the parents go out for jobs, they may be able to

satisfy their desire for money, but there is every possibility of

their children getting spoiled as there will be nobody at home to

discipline them. Whatever moral values you have learnt, you have to

teach your children. Whatever you have studied will have value only

when you care for your children's progress. Education is meant to

bring out the innate potential of an individual.

 

This day (19th November) is being observed as Ladies Day. What does

it mean? You think that this day is meant to do some sacred acts,

listen to Swami's discourse, etc. It is not merely that. You should

spend time in a sacred manner. What you learn today should be an

ideal for your lifetime. Develop self-confidence. Under any

circumstances uphold your self-respect. What is the use of living a

life bereft of these two? You may not have money or strength and you

may be put to disrepute, but always maintain your self-respect.

Abraham Lincoln lived a life of self-respect under all

circumstances. His mother taught him, "People may mock at you and

ridicule you but never be perturbed. Always keep up your self-

respect." Lincoln followed her teachings implicitly. He studied

under streetlights as there was no light at home. Ultimately, he

became the President of America. It was only because of his self-

confidence and self-respect that he could occupy such an exalted

position. The teachings of mother play a vital role in shaping the

future of her children. She should make every effort to drive away

bad qualities from her children and infuse human values like Sathya,

Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa in them.

 

This day (November 19th) is very sacred. Griham Ammayi, the mother

of this body, used to speak to all with love. She could never

withstand the suffering of others. She would come upstairs and plead

with Me, saying, "Swami, they are in a sorrowful state. Please call

them and talk to them." Her heart was filled with compassion. That

is why her fame has spread so much. In order to attain a good name,

you have to utter sacred words and help others. Whenever mother

Easwaramma would come to Me with such a plea, I used to pretend to

be angry and chide her, saying, "Why are you coming here with

recommendations? I don't want to listen to them". But she would

persist. She would continue to plead, "Swami, please take pity on

them. They are in dire need of Your help. Please talk to them once."

I used to be happy thinking, "How compassionate and kind-hearted she

is!" Hri + Daya = Hridaya. That which is filled with compassion is

Hridaya (heart). But, today man does not possess such a

compassionate heart. He utters harsh words and thereby is put to

disrepute. One should talk softly and sweetly. Never hurt others'

feelings with harsh talk.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 2002

__________

 

>From time immemorial, women of India, by their adherence to ideals

have bestowed joy on this land and so occupy an exalted position,

which is higher than that of men. Women embody the aspect of Mother

Nature and the ancient sages found solutions to problems in life by

recognising this truth

 

Eversince ancient times, women have maintained their hearts pure.

Savitri was one such great woman of India. She brought her husband

back to life by winning over the Lord of Death. There are many such

cases of women who have revived their husbands from death; but

history does not speak of a single man reviving his wife from death!

Women of such exalted character have set great ideals of womanhood

in Bharat. Today's society is polluted because there is no

encouragement for women to cultivate such high ideals. In modern

times the ways of life are so perverted that only evil thoughts,

evil feelings and evil behaviour rule the roost. In this situation

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations are encouraging women through

opportunities in the wings like Mahila Vibhag, to develop good

ideals of character and propagate them to the world at large. Only

if the women come up in society, the whole world will turn sacred.

The Organisation of women has achieved many great things, but men do

not recognise their good work. Women are capable of ruling the

nations and even the whole world if they make up their minds. Men

should not consider women as mere slaves. Today our country is on

the downslide because we take our women very lightly.

 

There is nothing in this world that women cannot achieve.

Recognising the nature of such women we must encourage them and give

them equal opportunities in society. No such encouragement is being

given today. Men do not tolerate women joining together for a good

cause in an Organisation. Mother plays a very important role in

shaping the character of the child. The contemporary education is

largely responsible for the gradual deterioration of children's

behaviour. In olden days mothers initiated their children into

studies by chanting sacred words like Om Namah Sivaya or Om Namo

Narayanaya. Thus at a very early age, these sacred words got

imprinted in the hearts of the children. But today's parents

initiate their children into education, not by chanting holy or

sacred names of God, but by rhymes like 'Baa? Baa.. Black Sheep ?'

 

In order to teach these ideals, I have proclaimed the 19th of

November as the Ladies' Day, which is very auspicious. The

importance of this day lies in propagating and realising the

sanctity of motherhood, which is founded on the principle of

selfless love. Children should be fostered on the principle of piety

and virtue. This day will be celebrated by posterity for aeons.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 2001

__________

 

This day of 19th November is celebrated as Ladies Day in order to

delve into the sacred qualities of women and disseminate them. Women

are the repositories of Truth and Culture. Though earth is one, the

plants vary depending on the seeds sown. The womb of mother

symbolizes mother earth. As is the seed of thought sown in it, so is

the fruit it yields. You cannot expect mangoes by sowing a neem

seed. So, the mother's womb should be filled with good thoughts,

good words and good deeds. Only then can she beget virtuous

children. Today we find many children with bad character and bad

behavior. The reason for this can be attributed to the bad thoughts

of their mothers. Aryamba was a woman of virtues of noble character.

She spent all her time in the contemplation of God and undertaking

noble deeds. As a result, Jagadguru Sankaracharya was born in her

sacred womb. Noble souls like Vivekananda and Ramakrishna

Paramahamsa could attain exalted positions in their lives only due

to the sacred feelings of their mother.

 

This land of Bharat has given birth to may noble women like Savitri,

who brought her dead husband back to life, Chandramati, who

extinguished wild fire with the power of truth, Sita, who proved her

chastity by coming out of blazing fire unscathed and Damayanti, who

reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her

chastity. It is because of such women of character that Bharat has

attained the reputation of being the land of plenty, prosperity and

opulence. It is the teacher of all nations.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 2000

__________

 

Today, the 19th November is celebrated as Ladies Day only to remind

you of the importance of mother. You should conduct yourself

according to the wishes of your mother. Do not disobey her.

Chaitanya the great devotee of Lord Krishna, married Lakshmi on the

insistence of his mother, though he was not in favor of marriage.

But as fate would have it, Lakshmi passed away soon after the

marriage. His mother Sachidevi felt very sad for having got him

married against his wishes. Chaitanya told her, "This is what

happens when one goes against the dictates of one's conscience." So,

if you feel what you are doing is correct, then try to convince your

mother, but never hurt her feelings.

 

There is nothing greater than mother's love. Mother's words are

always sweet. At times she may use harsh words, but they are meant

only to correct you, not to hurt you. There may be a wicked son, but

there can never be a wicked mother in this world. Today is declared

as mother's day only to make you understand the value of mother's

love and her concern for you. Among mother, father, teacher and God,

mother is given the topmost priority. The modern youth do not care

for the mother. They think they are highly educated and that the

mother does not know anything. It is a great mistake to think so.

Never look down upon the mother. Even the mother should not compel

her children to accede to her wishes. Through love and sincerity she

should put the children on the proper path. She should aspire that

her children be good, they need not be great.

 

One refers to one's own country as motherland, but not fatherland.

The culture of Bharat has given utmost importance to the mother.

Lord Rama declared: "Janani Janma BhoomishchchaSwargadapi Gareeyasi"

mother and the mother-land are greater than even heaven. Country is

the mother and the culture, the father. Never forget your country

and its culture. Since ancient times, the culture of Bharat has been

propagating the message of peace and love with the motto, Loka

Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (may all the world be happy!) You have to

uphold this sacred culture

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 1999

__________

 

This Bharat is the land of sanctity and chastity which has given

birth to such great women of exceptional character, who lent glory

to Bharat as a nation of heroic women.

 

>From ancient times, the presiding deity of Gayathri Mantra, Gayathri

Devi, has been worshipped as the Mother of the Vedas, which are held

as the most ancient and authoritative scriptures of wisdom. Gayathri

Mantra originated in this holy land. The glory of this Mantra has

spread all over the world. The people of Bharat have worshipped

Gayathri in several ways and have redeemed their lives. Gayathri has

been worshipped in four forms: (1) Sathyavathi (2) Angavathi (3)

Anyavathi (4) Nidhanavathi. All the four are equally sacred, and

elicit limitless grace of the Divine. The world is symbolized by

these four forms of Gayathri. That is why it is described as Nature

(Prakriti), a female form (Sthri). We refer to our native country as

motherland.

 

The woman at home has been held in high esteem as 'Grihalakshmi",

the goddess of prosperity of the home. When her husband faces

difficulties, the wife readily shares the burden and is prepared to

do anything, undergo any suffering or even sacrifice her life for

the welfare of her husband and the family. It is the woman of the

home who is behind the good reputation of the home. The woman is the

embodiment of sacrifice. Though the male counterpart may also do

sacrifice, it will be with selfish tinge while woman's sacrifice is

absolutely selfless. Therefore, we should be proud of our women.

 

Women devotees in Sai Movement are participating in large numbers

enthusiastically in service activities such as helping the women of

weaker sections to learn some useful trades like tailoring etc. so

that they can earn some money for the family and also spend their

time usefully. If such activities are taken up all over the country,

the country will prosper. This sacred work is typical of the culture

of our ancient country. Women are the heirs of our ancient culture.

Culture means refinement. Women are the torch-bearers of refinement

and they are toiling for the emancipation of the nation.

 

In order to teach the subtleties of the scriptural texts, and

encourage women to play their role in society, 19th is fixed as

Mahila Day. Dharma can be made to occupy its position in society and

restored to its pristine glory only by women.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 April 1998

__________

 

A married lady has many great titles like `Dharma Patni' (Righteous

wife), 'Griha-Lakshmi' (Goddess of the house), (Lady of the house)

and 'Ardhaangi' (equal partner of the husband). These titles have

more value than socially recognized titles like 'Padma Bhushan'

and 'Padma Vibhushan' (given by the Government). A lady must look

after the home first and then work outside, if necessary. A house

without a mother is like an empty choultry. A lady should be an

ideal to her children, look after her husband and then do outside

work. She can study, get degrees, enter politics or do any other

work but she should not neglect the home, which is the very

foundation of her life. Husband and wife are both equally

responsible for establishing harmony in the home. But times have

changed. Womanly ideals are not being practiced and there are no

ideal men and women today. That is why the world is in such a sorry

state.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 1997

__________

 

It is not my view that women should not get educated. They should

have education. You may also take up jobs. But you should live up to

the obligations and glory of womanhood. The first title given to a

woman is Grihalakshmi (the goddess of Home). A woman is expected to

confer all prosperity, honor and good name on the home and the

family. She is characterized as Grihalakshmi and not Office-

Lakshmi. Another title for a woman is Ardhaangi (The better half).

This means she is the better half of the husband and not a partner

in his job. The third title is Illalu (the Mistress of the Home).

She is the mistress in the house and not in the office. Dharmapathni

is the fourth title conferred on a married woman. This implies that

the home is the dwelling for all righteousness. The home is the

birth place of all the Dharmas (rules of right conduct) hollowed by

usage from ancient times.

 

What we have to safeguard and protect today are Truth and

Righteousness and not the nation. When Truth and Righteousness are

protected, they will protect the nation.

 

Hence, righteousness should be fostered in the home. A home is no

trivial place. The home is the abode of Dharma. which protects and

safeguards the country. The home is the beacon which illumines the

world and sustains it. Women should realize that, irrespective of

their education or position, their foremost obligation is to protect

the home.

 

Consider, for instance, this fact. There are any number of women who

have tried to bring back their dead husbands or to venerate their

memory. How many men have done likewise for their wives? Many hasten

to acquire a second wife.

 

Wherever women are honored. there is prosperity and happiness. Women

should never be slighted or treated with disrespect. A home in which

the housewife sheds tears will be bereft of all prosperity. This is

the ancient conception of the role of women in the home.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 1996

_________

 

Man is the chosen one in this whole world teeming with millions and

millions of creation. Woman is very superior in the whole creation

including man. There are many examples to prove that woman is really

superior. Is it not because of the boons granted to Kausalya in the

form of giving birth to Divine, Rama became famous and worshipped as

God? Is it not by Sita's fostering and rearing that the twins Kusa

and Lava became so great? Again, Shivaji became great and valorous

because of the upbringing of his mother Jijabai. Gandhi gained

reputation and fame because of the encouragement from his mother

Puthlibai. Several great Rishis, warriors, various heroes and wicked

people as well were born from the womb of the mother. That mother is

the very embodiment of prakriti - nature.

 

Gayatri is the very source of all Vedas. Gayatri is stree -

embodiment of woman. Veda is the mother. When we see all these

things, we feel that the woman has got a very high place, her birth

is something very great and virtuous. The woman has been praised by

the Vedas throughout the past and the present. The woman has an

exalted place in the various rituals of the ancient times like

Vaidika pooja, Vaidika upasana and Vaidika aradhana.

 

The house becomes a forest when the woman is not there. Men have to

think today that they should not make the women shed tears. They

should respect and revere them. Then only there will be prosperity

and happiness. Wherever the women shed tears, that house will go to

ruin. Men have to carry on their lives by respecting and revering

women to the extent possible. The woman with nine different powers

is the very embodiment of Adhi Sakthi. Sabda Brahmamayi,

Charaacharamayi, Jyotirmayi, Vaangmayi, Nithyanandamayi,

Paraatparamayi, Maayaamayi, Sreemayi are the names given to women.

This principle is nectarine. So the woman has got the worthy name

stree.

 

Women have the strength of mind and the courage to fight for the

country and bring about harmony and peace. So Valmiki who described

women in many ways said that women are the very embodiment of

sweetness. What is the main reason for this sweetness? It is the

quality of sacrifice in her that makes it sweet. The mother is

prepared to go to any length and sacrifice for the sake of the

children. She will sacrifice even her life to protect her children.

This sense of sacrifice is there only in the women. The father will

say it is alright when the children are suffering from some disease.

The mother tries hard to protect them. The quality of sacrifice

makes her to be known as the embodiment of sacrifice.

 

Mother is the very foundation of everything. A ma - Amma is the very

first word. Therefore, she is called matrudevi. The four important

sayings in the culture of Bharat are Matru Devo Bhava - Revere the

mother as God, Pitru Devo Bhava - Revere the father as God, Acharya

Devo Bhava - Revere the Guru as God, and Athiti Devo Bhava - Revere

the guest as God. The mother gives birth to the children. She shows

the father. Nobody has the authority to show the father. Only the

mother has the authority to show the father. Then the father shows

the Guru. The Guru leads the child to God. This is the ancient

tradition and culture of Bharat.

 

We say that this world is full of discord. From where has this

discord come? It has come from within. So every time we celebrate

the stree dina on November 19, we should propagate this type of

thoughts. Not only good thoughts should be propagated but they

should start right at the home. You should train the children with

good thoughts. You have to remain peaceful even if the husband is

wicked.

 

This is an auspicious day dedicated for women. If women change, men

will definitely change. Women should take to the right path. Then

men will also take to the right path. Because the women can be a

leader, she shares half the body of the man. She can change the men

either today or tomorrow if she has good thoughts. So women should

inculcate compassion, love and sacrifice. There is no quality

greater than Sacrifice.

 

Divine Discourse: 19 November 1995

 

Source: http://www.saidarshan.org/baba/docs/woman.html