Swami teaches... Nature, God, heritage of Vedas and Sanathana Dharma

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram Light and Love

Swami teaches... 19 - 20 January, 2006

Nature, God, Heritage of Vedas and Sanathana Dharma

A bird swaying on the branch of a tree has no fear because it relies for its

safety not on the branch but on its wings. Human, on the contrary, has no

confidence in own inner Self. He is dependent on others. He is ready to abuse

him/herself for the sake of position or office. It is the attachment to

property or position born out of sense of possessiveness that is the cause of

human's sorrow and unhappiness.

The mariner uses compass to guide aright amidst the dark storm clouds and

raging waves. That compass is a society that is dedicated to the propagation of

spiritual discipline. However, the consumer-society is propagating mainly the

consumption and diffrent meaningless silly pleasures.

Human being, especially today, is not making efforts to understand the

relationship between Prakrithi (Nature, phenomenal world), others human being,

society and Paramatma (Supreme Spirit). Humans utilise the natural resources

without any limit and create imbalance. From time immemorial human has been

plagued by negative ideas. There is a legendary tale in which one greedy man

killed the goose that laid, golden eggs thinking that he can extract all the

eggs from it in one lump. Such acts of folly are committed freely by scientists

today by exploiting Nature's gifts beyond all limits, creating disastrous

imbalance resulting in natural calamities such as earthquakes, spelling danger

to humanity. We cannot blame science for this. Those who apply the scientific

discoveries without discrimination are to be blamed for this. Thus the

relationship of human, Nature and God is very intimate which scientists may not

be able to realise.

Nothing good can be achieved without certain restraints. Because of the

advancement of technology and provision of excessive comforts, life has become

mechanical and spirituality has declined. Science fragmentseverything to pieces

while spirituality builds up unity in diversity. To quote an example you have

the ozone layer in the atmosphere which protects the people from the evil

effects of solar radiation. Because of the advance of technology, several

factories have sprung up causing emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere as

a result of which the ozone layer has become thinner and if this goes on

unchecked it may have disatrous consequences. The scientists are trying to stop

the break up of the ozone layer but they are unable to find a remedy. The

actual cause for this situation is that more carbon-dioxide is let into the

atmosphere, which normally is absorbed by the plants and trees which can

assimilate the gas and supply oxygen by the natural process of photosynthesis.

But, because there is de-forestation to an alarming extent, the extent of

carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere has considerably increased. The one of

possible remedy for this situation is intensive afforestation, growing more

trees everywhere and protecting' the existing trees without destroying them for

other purposes. However, the real situation today is exactly opposite.

Human has to consider as a limb of the society and help in the welfare of

society, just as the organs of one's body are used for one's well-being. Again

society is a limb of Prakrithi and Prakrithi is a limb of Paramatma. Thus there

is close relationship between human and God. Instead of to protect Nature, human

has to exploit it within limits. In order to protect Nature, human has to

practise ceiling on desires and spiritual wisdom declared in Vedas and Swami's

Teaching.

Spiritual knowledge is like bathing in the ocean, which is equivalent to

bathing in all the different sacred rivers. Faith in self and Faith in God is

the secret of greatness. (One who has no faith in own Self cannot develop faith

in God). The goal of spiritual discipline is liberation, immortality merger

with the Divine, getting immersed in the inner and outer glory. When human

knows the mind, its composition and behaviour, he/she can know all about the

Universe too, for the Universe is only a creation of the mind.

Some people have their minds and senses like cotton balls and a spark of

jnana (spiritual knowledge, wisdom) will set them ablaze and they achieve

victory. Some others have them like dried faggots; they take longer time, but,

victory is certain. Most have minds and senses like green fuel and even the

raging fire of jnana may be put out by the onslaught of the moisture contained

in them.

Spirituality is not mere worship, japa (mantra, God's name meditation) or

dhyana (meditation, equanimity) . These may be good activities but they don't

constitute spirituality. The driving away of animal qualities and proceeding

from the human to the Divine is real spirituality.

The mind is like a key to the lock of the heart. If you turn it towards God

you get liberation; if you turn it towards the world you get into bondage.

Prema is the binding factor to unite all humanity together. Therefore,

cultivate Prema or Universal Love.

 

Love all; respect all; serve all. But do not believe all have equal fights,

obligations and duties. You cannot say that all cows are equal and purchase

them, by the dozen. Some may be dry, some may require more feed, some may give

less milk, some may be young, some decrepit - so, you have to distinguish and

decide. Not all cars are equal. Nor are all people.

We can distinguish four types among people. The highest type are those who

are so good themselves that they are utterly disinclined to note the faults of

others, those who, therefore, see everybody as only righteous and virtuous. The

middling type are those who see the good as good, and the bad as bad. The lower

type are those who accept only the bad and ignore the good. Finally, the

lowest, the worst are those who judge the bad alone as good and enforce its

acceptance. Strive to rise up to the highest type.

 

Human is using the body as a toy and plays with it in a mechanical way. The

body is functioning through the power of Prajna Shakthi (Integral Awareness)

which is directing the functions through the Spandana Shakthi or Prana Shakthi

(Pulsatory life force). Human is functioning by the combination of three

forces: Radiation, Vibration and Materiality. The body is just matter only. It

is called Prakrithi. Prana Shakthi makes it vibrant. This vibration is directed

by the Prajna Shakthi which is consciousness (awareness). Thus human's life is a

combination of consciousness, vital force and matter. Without realising this

fact, human is always keen on looking after the body alone, with the wrong

conception that the body is all powerful.

In Bharath, from ancient times, through the sacred Gayatri mantra, this

spiritual awareness has been developed. The manthra "Om Bhur Bhuvas Suvah"

represents the three basic principles of the godliness in every one. 'Bhu'

means matter. 'Bhuvah' is the Praana Shakthi (the vibrant principle). 'Suvah'

is the Prajna Shakthi (awareness). These three constituent forces radiation,

vibration and material energy activate the human being.

The Rishis (sages) enjoyed fullness of human life. They experienced this

bliss of Universal Love within them and conveyed it to all mankind. They

propounded the doctrine of Love which is the means to know one's Inner Reality.

The Vedas, which are limitless and which were revealed as illuminations of the

Eternal Truth to the Rishis, were codified and presented in three collections

of hymns by the sage Vyasa for the benefit of humanity. They are: Rig, Yajur

and Sama Veda. The Vedas together with the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the

Upanishads - provide the guidelines for the proper conduct of the four Ashramas

(stages) in life -Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa.

All Bharatiya culture and tradition is based on the authority and message of

the Vedas. It flows in eight streams: Sabdabrahmamayee (manifesting as

all-pervading Cosmic sound); Charaacharamayee (pervading all moving and

unmoving objects); Jyotrimayee (all-pervading effulgence); Vaangmayee (sacred

speech); Nityanandamayee (eternal-bliss); Paraatparamayee (embodiment of the

Omniwill); Mayamayee (manifestation of Maga) and Srimayee (the embodiment of

all prosperity).

In all these different ways, the Vedas, have served to promote the

well-being of mankind. Vedic ritualism was regarded as helpful for dealing with

worldly concerns, but not of much use with regard to the understanding of the

transcendental. The Vedas were useful for achieving mundane and heavenly

pleasures and overcoming pain and giving encouragement and support in the

pursuit of such objectives. Vedas serve also as essential guides in the pursuit

of the four basic goals of human life - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha

(Righteousness, Material well-being, Desire of realisation and

Liberation).Their main concern was with the first three Purusharthas - Dharma,

Artha and Kama.

Moksha could be attained only through jnana (as distinct from rituals and

yajnas performed with Vedic mantras). The spiritual goal transcends worldly

objects. It is beyond reason and the bounds set by the sacred texts. It is the

concept of Moksha what is related to the concept of Parama Prema (Love for the

Supreme). In the process of realising this state of Supreme Love, several

opponents have to be overcome. Foremost among these are the six "enemies" -

Kama (passion), Krodha (hatred), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion), Mada (pride),

Maatsaryam (envy). (By the way, whether one is good or bad should be judged by

one's qualities and not by one's family affinities or form). Swami

underlines that the higher wisdom can be won, not through rituals, wealth or

progeny, but through sacrifice or renunciation. The Vedas contain four

Mahavaakyaas: Prajnanam Brahma (knowledge is Brahman), Ayamatma Brahma (This

Atma is Brahman), Tath Thwam Asi (That Thou Art) and Aham Brahmasmi (I am

Brahman). The attributeless principle transcends these four declarations. (It

is extremely difficult to understand the Divine principle what can confer the

eternal bliss. Faith is very essential to experience this).

The Love principle integrates all three guidelines laid down by the Vedas.

(The entire humanity should be considered as one brotherhood on the basis of

Universal Love). The ancient sages and seers used to pray, “Salutations to the

One who is the embodiment of supreme happiness.” It is inward (nivritti)

happiness.

It is extremely difficult to understand the Divine principle what can confer

the eternal bliss. Faith is very essential to experience this. However, only the

Divine principle, which is attributeless, ancient, eternal, ever new, pure, and

unsullied, can explain the inner meanings of the Vedic principles.

Of the three Vedas Rig, Yajur and Sama the Rig Veda contains the essence of

all the three. Its principal teaching is Vinaya and Vidheyata (humility and

duty). The Yajur Veda enjoins the quality of Dharana (steadfastness). The

essential teaching of the Sama Veda is Vignatha (Propriety). This tells you how

to conduct yourself with any person, how to behave towards elders and superiors,

how to treat guests, how to approach God and what is the right behaviour in any

situation. These three Vedas (Trayee) provide the basic rules for right living:

Vidheyata (Devotion to duty); Dharana (steadfastness) and Vignata (Propriety).

The sages compendiously described the Vedas as Trayee. Trayee means three.

Three is a significant number with sacred associations. The human qualities are

three in number: Satwa, Rajas and Thamas. (The three gunas have to be harmonised

like the blades of the fan). Three has a sacred significance in worship. In

offering bilva leaves to Lord Siva the devotees describe Siva as having three

qualities, three weapons and three eyes. Time also has three aspects - past,

present and future.

The chaos in the world today is due to people ignoring the present and

either brooding over the past which is beyond recall, or speculating about the

future, which is unpredictable. What people should be concerned about are their

obligations in the present. The present is the product of the past and the

future is the result of the present. (Have a time-table for all your daily

activities. Set apart half an hour or an hour in the evening for thinking over

your problems. You will be able to find solutions for them. If you worry about

them all the time you will be wasting your time and not solving them).

 

The Sanathana Dharma (Eternal Religion) propounded in Hindhuism is, as the

Himaalayas, supreme, sovereign, rich, comforting, calm and protective; why then

should people crave for volcanoes spitting fire and smoke, raking up the evil

passions in human? It is as cleansing as the waters of the Ganga in which no

poisonous bacteria can live. Alien cultures cannot suit the people of this

land, for they have grown in this atmosphere for centuries; tiffs culture is

the best, for people of all climes and stages of life. It is universal; it is

for all time. Regional differences of climate, crops, terrain and history

may emphasise some virtues more than others; they may lead to the prescription

of some restrictions more than others. But, the common aim of the sages and

saints of all lands is to lead human towards God and prevent him from sliding

down into the level of the beast. That will makeperson's heart reflect the Lord

within. When the road laid down for human's uplift is overgrown with thorny bush

and becomes unrecognisable, the Lord Himself takes human form and marks it out

again.

Dharma-sthapana, as the restoration of righteousness is called, consists of

two operations: the removal of wrong and the establishment of right. At the

present time, the one means by which both these can be attained is Namasmarana

(recital of God's Name). Dharma is capable of conferring all that human wishes

for, here and hereafter. It is the Kaamadhenu (the celestial cow) that grants

all boons. With the nama (name of God) as a rope, you can tie her to the post -

the tongue; then, you can get from that Kaamadhenu all the good that you crave

for. She will rest in your heart-stall. In the beginning, this Namasmarana is

best done in company. For, when you do it alone, distracting thoughts will

overpower the earnestness. A single fibre of grass has littlestrength; but

twist a large number into a rope, you can bind with it a rogue elephant to a

tree. The wild mind can be bound by faith that is confirmed in godly company.

The Dharma (Code of Conduct) for each has to be different for it is decided by

changing factors like age, profession, status, authority, scholarship and also

by considering whether a person is a male or female, teacher or pupil, master

or servant, child or youth, father or son, dependent or free. But the basic

principles of Dharma are Sathya, Prema, Sahana and Ahimsa - Truth, Love,

Fortitude and Non-violence. The various codes, written or unwritten, are only

elaborations of these basic principles.

In addition to this it is significant to remember that you would be

accurate always and when you are eager to gain an end, you must be prepared for

all the travail, all the obstacles or else, you should not entertain the wish.

Below is an instructive story as parable.

There was a Sultan once, who heard of the Mahabharata, which the Hindhus

revere as the fifth Veda; he commissioned a Hindu poet of his kingdom to write

a Mahabharata, with him as the hero who wins the empire back. He threatened the

poet with dire punishment if he did not complete it within a stipulated time.

The poet had to agree; but he pretended he was at it, and told the Sultan that

he himself is being portrayed as the eldest of the Pandava brothers and the

other 'four brothers' were his viziers. He said, that in the Mahabharata he was

writing, the enemies of the Sultan were the Kauravas. This made the Sultan very

happy and he becamerestless, to read the epic as soon as it was finished. The

poet, however, delayed long. One day when asked the reason, the poet told the

Sultan, "Your Majesty! I am awaiting clarification of one simple matter from

you; it is giving me a lot of trouble, this problem. The queen is, in my epic,

the counterpart of the queen of the eldest of the Pandavas; this is as it

should be, since you are eldest of the five heroic brothers. But, in the

original Mahabharata, she is the wife of all the brothers. In my poem, your

viziers are those brothers; they are allottedthose roles in this new version.

Now, shall I depict the queen as the wife of the viziers also, or..." The

Sultan did not wait to hear the rest; he threw the entire project

overboard...and sent the poet way.

The real meaning of brothers and their wife was else. Five brothers are five

Pranas (vital airs) in the human body and all of them constitute one entity, and

Dhroupadhi, born of Fire, is the energy that activates the body. When this is

ignored and the epic is taken as a story of kings and queens and dynastic wars,

the meaning is missed. (Reet's compilation from, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 8. "A

modernised Mahaabhaaratha," Chapter 20 and "Sing the sweet name," Chapter 21;

Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 19. "Message of the Vedas, Chapter 10; Sathya Sai

Speaks. Vol. 26. "The predicament of man today," Chapter 3; Vol. 32, part 2.

"Let life be fruitful and meaningful," Chapter 10).

Namaste - Reet