Divine Discourse on Makara Sankranthi 2005 at Prasanthi Nilayam

[Guest guest]

Your True Nature is Bliss – Realise It

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba delivering His Divine Discourse on 14th January

2005 at Prashanti Nilayam

Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 14th

January 2005 (Makara Sankranthi), at Prashanti Nilayam, Sai Kulwanth Hall

The sun appears serene and peaceful. The days have become shorter. The sweet

festival of Sankranti has come filling our homes with the newly harvested

grain.(Telugu poem)

Sankranti is the most important of all festivals. Practically, every day is a

festival day for humanity. But, people out of their ignorance have earmarked a

few days as festival days and the rest as ordinary days. Many celebrate this

festival without actually knowing its significance. On this day in this part of

the world, people pay their respects to cows and bulls. Bulls are decorated

daintily with a variety of ornaments and clothes and taken round the streets.

They are called Gangireddhulu (sacred bulls). Not merely this, a symbolic

marriage is performed between the cows and the bulls. The person who takes

round the decorated bull is called Gangireddudasu. He wears a special dress on

this occasion. The very sight of Gangireddudasu fascinates children. The elder

brother lovingly calls the younger brother to go along with him to see the

sacred bull and its master.

"Oh my dear brother, here comes the Gangireddudasu. Come, let us go and see him.

He wears a silver medallion and a waist belt. He carries a decorated staff and

wears special marks on his forehead. He brings with him the richly caparisoned

sacred cow and bull and performs their marriage. Let us see the marriage

ceremony and offer our gifts." (Telugu poem)

He brings with him a cow and a bull and calls them Sita and Rama respectively.

They are trained in such a way that they respond to his questions according to

the movement of the stick in his hand. He asks the cow, "Oh Sita! Do you like

Rama?" As per the training given, the cow shakes its head in disapproval. Then

he asks the bull, "Oh Rama! Do you like Sita?" The bull also answers in the

negative. In this manner, both of them disapprove initially and later on agree

for the marriage. Then the Gangireddudasu performs the symbolic marriage of

Sita and Rama.The festival of Sankranti bestows immense joy on even animals and

birds. It is a very important festival for farmers. This is the day he brings

home the newly harvested crop and enjoys the fruits of his hard labour. Thus,

right from a farmer to the king, everyone celebrates this festival joyfully.

Names may vary, but this festival is celebrated by one and all irrespective of

religion

and nationality. It marks the beginning of the sacred time of Uttarayana (sun's

movement towards North). It confers bliss on one and all.Everyone aspires to

attain bliss. In fact, that is the very purpose of human life. Life has no

meaning if one cannot experience bliss. Bliss is your goal.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 accordance with

the tradition, the newly married sons-in-law visit their in-laws' house to

celebrate

this festival.

As Sankranti is the festival of festivals, Oh newly married bridegroom, visit

your in-laws' house,Come, spend your time in fun and frolic with your

brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,The entire household and the neighbourhood

will welcome you with love and affection.(Telugu song)

Even those who have not visited their in-laws' house for a number of years will

be eager to go for Sankranti festival. The in-laws extend all hospitality to

the son-in-law and make efforts to please him. They even go to the extent of

borrowing money in order to give him new clothes and serve him delicious food.

The entire household spends their time blissfully. But, today that spirit of

Sankranti celebrations is not noticed anywhere. The son-in-law instead of

giving joy to his in-laws, quarrels over petty matters with them.Sankranti

confers joy on human beings, birds and animals alike. Not only Bharatiyas, even

the people of other countries celebrate this festival, but with different names.

This is the season when cool winds blow and the farmer brings home the harvested

crop. He spends his time in a relaxed manner free from all worries and

anxieties. There is a saying in Telugu: "One who is free from 'Chintha' (worry)

will be able to sleep peacefully even in a 'Santha' (market place).Everyone

should make efforts to overcome worries and enjoy everlasting happiness. This

is the message of Sankranti. People may interpret it in their own way, but few

understand its true significance. Amongst the variety of festivals, the

womenfolk accord a special place to this festival. The happiness that one

enjoys during this season is unique.Man makes varied efforts to experience

happiness. You can find few in this world who do not want to be happy. But one

must understand that happiness cannot be acquired from outside. It originates

from the heart. Heart is the source of bliss. The happiness we enjoy in the

external world is only a reaction, reflection and resound of the happiness

within. Very few are to understand this truth. The apparent joy that one

experiences today is artificial and temporary. Only the happiness that springs

from the heart is permanent.

Students!Behave so as not to cause hindrance to anyone. Festivals are meant to

experience happiness and share it with others. Happiness cannot be purchased in

a market nor can it be acquired by worldly means. It should manifest from

within. It is not the nature of Bharatiyas to hurt the feelings of others for

their own pleasure. One should respect others' feelings and act appropriately.

One should share his happiness with his fellowmen. You should welcome the

arrival of the bounteous month of Pushya and celebrate Sankranti in the true

spirit by manifesting your inner joy and sharing it with others. The word

'Kranti' means change. It signifies a change from misery to happiness, from

restlessness to peace and from pain to pleasure. Sankranti bestows joy on

everyone equally. That is why everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of Sankranti

with enthusiasm. Even birds and animals are happy with the arrival of

Sankranti. When the

farmer brings home the harvested grain, birds partake of them and express their

joy by chirping merrily. The neighbours congratulate the farmer for the rich

harvest he reaped as a result of his hard labour.Students!It is most essential

that you understand the significance of every festival and celebrate them in

the true spirit. As we do not go deep into their significance, we are unable to

enjoy true happiness. One should be prepared to sacrifice his body to have the

experience of eternal bliss. Body is a combination of five elements and the

mind is merely a bundle of thoughts. One should neither be attached to the body

nor follow the vagaries of the mind. Drive away the evil qualities of Kama,

Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsarya (desire, anger, greed, infatuation,

pride and jealousy) and manifest your inner peace and bliss. Instead of

developing peace and bliss, man is destroying them. He is giving scope to

unrest even in trivial matters. Neither

Asanthi (unrest) nor Prasanthi (supreme peace) are acquired from outside. People

say, "I want peace." Where is peace? Is it present outside? If peace were to be

found outside, people would have bought it by spending any amount of money. But

outside, we find only pieces! The real peace is within.Whether you boil it hard

or dilute it with water, milk remains white. White symbolises purity. In the

constant manner of milk, your heart should always remain pure, bright and

peaceful in spite of trials and tribulations. We should subdue sorrow, keep the

evil qualities of anger, hatred and jealousy under check and manifest our innate

bliss. When your desires are not fulfilled, you become angry. Hence, desires are

the root cause of anger and they should be controlled in the first

instance.Embodiments of Love!Everlasting bliss is the goal of everyone. You

should derive happiness even from what seem to be troubles. One need not search

for happiness

elsewhere. It is always with you and in you. You are unable to experience it as

you have not understood the true meaning of happiness. You are under the

illusion that happiness lies in money, wealth and material comforts. Once you

have the taste of true happiness, you will not crave for worldly possessions.

True happiness springs forth from the depths of one's heart. When milk is

boiled in a vessel, its level starts rising gradually. The milk level subsides

when you sprinkle a few drops of water over it. It is because of its

association with water that milk loses its value. Likewise, man loses his value

when he associates himself with bad company. One will always be blissful if one

is in good company. Before making friendship with an individual, one should

enquire into his character.You may or may not be aware; I am always in a state

of bliss. I have no worries or difficulties whatsoever. Some people ask,

"Swami, do you have any worries?" I do not know what worry is. I have

never experienced it. I am always blissful. You should always think of bliss.

Then you will see bliss everywhere. The experience of bliss is sweeter than

sugar, tastier than curd, sweeter indeed than honey. People feel sad when they

are faced with difficulties and at the bereavement of their near and dear ones.

But at no point of time do I feel sorry about such happenings. They come and go

like passing clouds. Happiness and sorrow follow one another. When you

contemplate on bliss, there will be no scope for sorrow.Embodiments of

Love!There is love in each one of you, but you are directing it on worldly

relationships. You have not tasted true love. Love God wholeheartedly. That is

true love. People may come and people may go, but God neither comes nor goes.

He is always present. When you are engulfed in sorrow, think of happiness. You

will certainly experience happiness.Bliss is very much immanent in the human

being. Wherever we are, whatever be the

position we occupy, our essential nature is bliss. People ask Me sometimes

"Swami! did You ever experience sorrow?" I am amused at this question. In fact,

why should I experience sorrow? Should I feel sorry about the body? Not

necessary. This body is always healthy and active. The nature of the human mind

is fickle. The body is like a water bubble; mind is like a mad monkey. Don't

follow the mind; don't rely on the body since it is like a water bubble. After

all, why should one feel sorry about the body and mind which are transient? In

fact, bliss is our essential nature which is permanent.Embodiments of Love!

Cutivate love that will help you to experience bliss. "Start the day with Love;

fill the day with Love; end the day with Love – that is the way to God." If you

can achieve this, you will not be disturbed by sorrows and difficulties. The

heart is the seat of bliss. True bliss flows from a pure and loving heart. Try

to experience such bliss. All other forms of

happiness are momentary.Embodiments of Love! Children are always happy and

cheerful. They do not have any inhibitions. When somebody smiles at them, they

will also smile innocently. They experience bliss that is the inherent nature

of all human beings. There is a difference between happiness and bliss. In

common parlance, "happiness" is momentary. It comes and goes. Bliss is

something that wells up from within. It emerges from the heart, as a result of

one's union with God. If one feels separate from God, one cannot experience

bliss.Embodiments of Love! You have to experience such bliss in abundance in

the days to come. Let me remind you once again that neither age nor position

nor for that matter anything in this physical environment can bring about such

bliss. It is only a pure and loving heart that is the source of bliss. The holy

festival of Sankranti signifies change or transformation of the heart. It is

experiencing bliss arising

out of the realisation of the changeless, Eternal Principle. Divinity is the

only principle that is changeless. God is ever blissful. In fact, He is the

Embodiment of bliss. For example, this is a white cloth. It is only when this

cloth is dipped in or painted with colour, it acquires some colour. Similarly,

your essential nature is bliss. If you are experiencing sorrow, it is because

you have immersed yourself in sorrow. Wherever you are, you must always be

happy and blissful. For example, people wish me "Swami! Happy Birthday!" I

would like to ask one question in this context. Is there real happiness in

celebrating a birthday? I am always happy. Then, where is the question of

celebrating a particular day in a year as "Happy Birthday". This is only an

expression in borrowed words. In fact, bliss is our true nature. We camouflage

our true nature with artificial expressions and feel satisfied as though it is

real bliss. This is not the correct approach.Embodiments of Love!

You are full of Love. In fact, your hearts are overflowing with Love. But, you

are preventing your love from flowing and expressing it outwardly. Otherwise,

love has no barriers and hurdles at all! Constantly contemplate on God. Then

you will always be happy – physically, mentally and spiritually. Unfortunately,

nowadays you are losing such a divine quality of bliss due to various desires.

If you can keep these desires away from you, you will always be blissful. For

example, this is a white cloth. Whiteness is its nature. But it acquires dirt

because of constant usage. Similarly, your heart is always pure, bright and

blissful. But it gets polluted because of desires. Therefore, cultivate Love

and keep your heart always pure. Then you will be blissful every moment of your

life. But, you have forgotten your innate nature of bliss and are always

immersed in sorrow and unhappiness. When someone enquires, "How are you?" you

reply "so, so". This is not the correct way. We must

reply, "I am happy". It is possible that we may encounter some ups and downs in

life. But, they should not affect our essential nature, which is bliss. Did you

observe Me carefully? How blissful I am! Not only now, I am always blissful and

overflowing with bliss. In fact, you can also experience such bliss in My

presence. However, if you approach Me with an evil mind, evil thoughts and

desires, you cannot experience this bliss. These are human weaknesses. You

must, therefore, try to correct them.Dear Students! You should never feel

dejected. Supposing you fail in an examination sometime, you should not feel

dejected. Reconcile yourself that perhaps you did not write the examination

well and therefore you have failed. But never get depressed and dejected that

you have failed in the examination. Similarly, you enquire into yourself the

reason for your sorrow. You will yourself realise that your own thoughts are

responsible for the present situation. Hence, correct

them. You will be happy once again. Sorrows and difficulties are like passing

clouds. You should never attach importance to them. You must always be happy

and cheerful. Peace and happiness are your qualities. In fact, your true nature

is bliss.Embodiments of Love! Today is the holy festival of Sankranti. In fact,

this year is particularly important than the previous year. Last month several

people suffered untold misery and suffering on account of a Tsunami. It is only

man's evil deeds that are responsible for such a calamity. I, therefore, advise

you not to indulge in wrong actions and evil deeds. It is possible that more

troubles may occur during this year, compared to last year. However, we must

move forward unmindful of those troubles. These are all passing clouds and you

need not be perturbed by these occurrences. Be bold and courageous to face

them. The calamity of Tsunami that occurred last month was in fact, man-made.

It was not Divine Will at all!

But, man feels that all such calamities are thrust upon man by God. Never! God

always provides happiness to man. He has no anger or hatred. His nature is

love. The question arises why these sorrows and difficulties in the world?

Strictly speaking, happiness will not have any value without sorrow. Man cannot

experience happiness without undergoing some difficulty or the other. Both

happiness and sorrow are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other.

Pleasure and pain, good and bad co-exist, none can separate them. You cannot

find pleasure or pain, good or bad to the exclusion of the other. Pleasure

results when difficulties fructify.(Telugu poem)

God does not cause pain to any living being in His creation. All sorrows and

difficulties are man-made only. God is the protector of all living beings. He

provides peace and happiness to one and all. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

(May all the people of the world be happy). This is the Will of God. How then

can God cause sorrow to a human being? Unable to understand His Divine Will,

you accuse God of causing sorrow. If you can fathom the Divine Will, you will

realise that everything is for your good only. We are all Embodiments of Bliss.

Day-in and day-out you experience that bliss and share it with others. Then only

it will increase.Embodiments of Love! This Sankranti is Prema Sankranti and

Ananda Sankranti. Hence, welcome this Sankranti festival. Welcome God who is

the embodiment of Bliss. God is not satisfied with the appellations like

"Karunanidhi" (the treasure house of Compassion) and

"Premaswarupa" (Embodiment of Love). God is always blissful. You should not pray

to God to fulfil your umpteen number of desires. Just pray "Oh! God! Share Your

bliss with me. Make me blissful!" Never deride God as "Nirdaya" (one without

compassion). Whatever God does is for our own good. Even the sorrows and

difficulties we experience are for our own good. They are preludes to happiness

and bliss. If you cultivate such positive outlook, you will always be blissful.

Share your happiness with all. Contrary to this, man today is keeping happiness

to himself and distributing sorrow to others. This is not what we should do.

"Suppress your sorrow and manifest inner joy" – this is the spiritual sadhana

one has to undertake. When you encounter any difficulty or sorrow or

restlessness – do not mind them at all. Ignore them. You are always Embodiments

of Bliss. If you constantly contemplate on this reality, nothing will bother

you.Embodiments of Love! May

this festival of Sankranti, which is a symbol of change, bring about a

transformation in your heart and provide bliss to one and all, so that you may

always lead a happy, prosperous and cheerful life. In fact, the very name of a

human being is Anandamaya (full of bliss). Manavatva (humanness) is meant for

rising to the level of Daivatva (Divinity).Students! All your dramas and

playlets that you have enacted here are good. If you analyse properly, where

does the bad lie? It lies in your mind. Do not think bad and share your bad

thoughts with others. Bliss is the real food for a human being. One should

always be hungry to partake of that food of bliss. Let your faith in God be

firm and unshakable. It is only God's Love that is eternal. If you can secure

that Love, all other forms of happiness will automatically come to

you.(Bhagawan concluded His divine discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajana

Bina Sukha Santhi

Nahin…")

Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Sankranti_Discourse.htm

 

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