Essence of Swami's teachings - The Moving Temple

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Essence of Swami's teachings - The Moving Temple

Tue, 13 Aug 2002 01:18:58 +0530

Om Sri Sai Ram

The Moving Temple

NOTE: The essence of some of Swami’s talk/messages are presented in the

form of question and answers here. These will not only be useful for all of us,

but also will be useful to Balvikas Gurus for Balvikas classes and training. We

hope that the Conveners or Balvikas Gurus in our group may like to use this in

suitable way and for spreading/distribution to Samithi members.

Sai brothers

‘’

****

1. Where is God?

God is in our very body. God is not in some far-off place. Like precious jewels

kept in a valueless iron safe, the Divine Atma resides in our body. Realize

this the path of Truth.

2. Where is sin?

Sin is not in some distant country. It is there in the very actions that we perform.

3. Why should the body be carefully looked after?

The body should be carefully looked after because it enshrines the Divine Atma.

This is man's primary duty. The body is verily the foundation of human life.

Without a strong and healthy body, man will fall as easy victim to numerous

ailments.

4. What are the advantages of having a strong and healthy body?

Pure, noble and sublime ideas can emanate only from a strong and healthy body.

The body is a world in itself. It is a collective assemblage of many organs and

limbs. Each organ has its‚ own‚ beauty, which has to be fostered

weak and unhealthy body cannot perform any resolute action. As the body

provides residence for the Divine Atma, we must take special care to maintain

it properly. The Divine spirit illumines the body although it is composed of

flesh, blood, and other impure things. The Atma is ever pure, precious and

immutable and is not subject to growth and decay. Man’s primary duty is

not to neglect the body but to take the utmost care for its proper maintenance.

The body has to be used for the discharge of one's duties and obligations in

life.

5. Can we progress on the spiritual path by subjecting the body to various ordeals?

We cannot progress on the spiritual path by subjecting the body to various

ordeals. We should not subject the body to various ordeals in the name of

worship, fasting and penance. If we do this we are missing the goal of

recognising the eternal Atmic principle. By subjecting the body to various

ordeals we cannot realise the Atma. By giving up food and drink we cannot

attain liberation. We can attain Self-realisation only by knowing our real

nature.

6. What is the first step in the quest for Self-knowledge?

The first step in the quest for Self-knowledge is to understand the nature

of‚ man. He alone can be called a man who has harmonised his thoughts,

words and deeds. The discovery of the Divinity in man calls for the appropriate

enquiry leading to the perception of the Real. Through prolonged contemplation

on  the Self, one perceives his real Self. The man then becomes a seer

(Drashta). The aim of Bhakti is to become a Seer (Drashta) and to perceive

the world with this spiritual background. Man remains a human being in form

only when  he has not achieved the realisation of his true Self.

7. The body is a water bubble. Explain how we should treat this bubble.

The body is a water bubble, which emerges from water, stays on the water for a

while and then merges back in the water. So also the bubble called Nara (man)

has emerged from the water called Narayana (God), and merges back in Him. We

must recognize the Divine origin of the human being, and use the human body in

an appropriate manner.

We cannot use the body, as we like. We have to regulate the body according to

prescribed standards and limits. We cannot achieve any success or progress

unless we observe such discipline. We should develop purity in our thoughts,

feelings, looks and actions. If we use our senses and limbs in impure ways, our

nature will degenerate from the human to the demonic.

In all our living habits, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the words we

speak and hear, moderation should be observed as the keynote. Exceeding the

limits will entail danger to the body.

8. Discuss the five categories into which man's knowledge can be divided.

Man's knowledge can be divided into five categories:

(1) Book-Knowledge: Acquisition of knowledge from books is superficial. We will

be wasting our lives if we confine our lives to acquiring only book-knowledge.

(2) General Knowledge: General knowledge cannot be gained from books. It can

only be gained from various experiences in day to day living, especially by

service to society.

(3) Common Sense: like general knowledge, common sense can only be gained by

service to society and from various experiences in our day-to-day living.

Today, both General Knowledge and Common Sense have become conspicuous by

their absence.

(4) Discriminative Knowledge: Young people should have the right discrimination.

They should not use their discrimination for their selfish ends. Discriminative

knowledge should be used for the good of the society at large and not to achieve

selfish ends. The collective good of the society should always be kept in view.

Young people should exercise what may be called "fundamental

discrimination” which is applicable to all people irrespective of the

country to which they belong.

According to spiritual arithmetic 3 - 1 = 1.

God, Maya and Universe represent the three entities. God is the object, Maya is

the mirror and the Universe is God's reflection in the mirror.

If we take away the mirror, then there will be no Maya and no Universe. Only God

remains. Hence 3-1= 1. To understand this we need the fifth kind of knowledge -

practical knowledge.

(5) Practical knowledge: Every individual thinks that it is enough to take care

of himself only. He should realise that he is a part of society, and he should

therefore be equally concerned with the welfare of society as a whole. This is

practical knowledge, and it is highly essential for man.

Just as there is no difference between the Sun and its rays, or between the Sea

and its waves, there is no difference whatsoever between God and Love, because

God is the source of Love. The body and the Atma are interdependent and

intimately associated with each other.

9. Why is bodily health essential for man?

Bodily health is essential for man till the Atma is realized. Although the body

is transient, it should be properly cared for because the body enshrines the

Divine Atma. The relationships between the body and the Atma are

interdependent. They are intimately associated with each other. Hence there is

need to maintain the health of the body at all times.

Man is today subject to more maladies caused by mental worries than by consuming

bad food. Mental worry is only a mentally created fear. There should be a limit

to speculation, anxiety and worries. Students should avoid excessive indulgence

in any activities, as they will have an adverse effect on their bodies.

10. Explain Swami's programme of "Ceiling on Desires".

Swami's programme of "Ceiling on Desires" has four important components.

(1) Don't waste food. Why? Because food is God. Food is indispensable to human

life for the body cannot survive without food.

(2) Don't waste money. The misuse of money is an evil. Misuse of money will

result in the loss of peace of mind and to the ruining of life itself. The

indiscriminate spending of money for selfish purposes should be avoided in the

interest of society at large. The spirit of co-operation has to be promoted.

(3) Don't waste energy. Everything in life depends on maintaining a proper

balance. Today this balance has been lost because of excessive knowledge and

its misuse. Knowledge should be transformed into skill. Young people are

killing knowledge. Young people are wasting knowledge and energy in seeing,

hearing, talking, thinking and acting in a wrong and excessive measure.

For example, due to continuous talking day and night, much energy is being

wasted. Every action involves the use of energy. If the energy in the body is

properly utilized, the balance will be maintained in the body and it will be in

good shape.

(4) Don’t waste time. Mans life is wasted in brooding over the past and

worrying over the future. What is the root cause of mans sorrow and sickness?

Not being content with what he has and hankering after what he does not have,

man forfeits his peace of mind. Of what use is it to think of the past, which

is irrevocable, and the future, which is uncertain? It is a total waste of

time.

What is most important is the present. It is omnipresent. The result of the past

and the result of the future are both present in the present. We are reaping in

the present what we have sown in the past. What we are sowing in the present we

will reap in the future.

Thus both the past and the future are contained in the present only. So we must

make the best use of the present. We must therefore resolve to give up worry,

not to waste our time, and lead ideal lives leading to immortality and the

fulfillment of the purpose of human life.

11. Why should we take good care of the body?

We should take good care of the body because it is the moving temple of God.

Everything in this world is impermanent, bit that does not mean that we should

neglect to perform our duties.

12. Explain the importance of developing Self-confidence.

Self-confidence may be compared to the foundation of the edifice of life. We

should have Self-confidence that is confidence in ourselves, instead of

confidence in the world. Self-satisfaction may be compared to the walls,

Self-sacrifice to the roof and Self-realisation to the happiness we derive from

living in the mansion of the human body. With Self-confidence we will be able to

face and surmount the difficulties of life. With Self-confidence we can

accomplish anything and secure joy.

13. Explain the meaning of the single-lettered word I.

The single lettered I refers to the Atom which is present in all of us. This

single lettered I exists equally in all persons, irrespective of whether one is

a‚ Bogie (a pleasure seeker), a Rogi (a diseased person), a Yogi (a

realised person), a Viragi (a monk) or a Byragi (a mendicant). Although our

names and forms are different, the I in all of us is one and the same. That is

why the Vedas declare Truth (Existence) is one. The sages call it by different

names. Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti.

14. Swami says Try to experience the Unity underlying the diversity in the

Universe. Explain.

The Atma exists equally in all persons, and in all names and forms. We should

therefore ignore the diversity that we see in all persons, and see the

underlying unity of the Atma that is present in each one of us. It is because

we see the diversity and ignore the Unity that there is so much restlessness

and lack of peace in the world. Nations are many, but the earth is one. Beings

are many, but the breath is one. The stars are many but the sky is one. If we

remember the Unity in the diversity there will be no room for differences,

quarrels or wars in the world. Students should never give room for any

differences and discrimination in their thoughts, words, or deeds.

15. Why is it important that we should take care of the body?

We should take care of the body for the sake of the precious Atma that resides

in it. We can judge for ourselves whether we are strong and healthy or weak and

unhealthy by the nature of the ideas that arise within us. That is why it is

said, As you think, so you become. Yat bahvan tat bhavati. Unhealthy ideas

arise only in an unhealthy body. Having got this invaluable human birth, we

should seek the Atma instead of‚ running after food (Annam). We should

not go in search of food. If we have the Self-confidence, the required food

will come walking to us, as it were. We should eat to live, not live to eat.

16. What are the four Fs we should practice?

The four Fs we should practice are:

(1) Follow the Master (your conscience)

(2) Face the devil (of evil tendencies)

(3) Fight till the end.

(4) Finish the game (of life with success).

17. What is the inner meaning of the first three letters of the alphabet?

The first three letters of the alphabet - A, B, C mean: - Always Be Careful.

This has the same meaning as the declaration in the Upanishads: - Arise, awake

and stop not till the goal is reached.

18. What should be our attitude towards life in our day-to-day affairs?

We should go on discharging our duties and obligations in the proper manner with

enthusiasm and joy. That itself will confer bliss on us. We should not worry

about the future or brood over the past. All are passing clouds only. At some

time or other, we have to know the Truth about ourselves. We should start

knowing it from now itself. We should be on the alert all the time, because we

do not know when the Lords Grace, His Love and Benediction will be showered on

us, at what time in what place and in what circumstances. We cannot understand

what the Divine plans are. Knowing that in this world there is nothing

permanent, we should not worry at all. We should give no scope at all for any

kind of worry. Only then can we be entitled to become Divine.

19. Explain the importance of food habit in our spiritual life.

Of the 8,400,000 species of living beings on earth, 8,399,999 species like

insects, bird and animals live on what is provided by God in Nature. Hence they

do not generally suffer from any disease. Man is the sole exception. Having

become a slave to his palate, man relishes‚ only cooked and spicy food

without realising how such food reduces his longevity. It is significant to

note that those who live on vegetarian food are less prone to diseases, whereas

non-vegetarians are more subject to diseases. The reason is that animal food is

incompatible with the needs of the human body. There are better quality

proteins in vegetables, pulses, milk and curd than in animal food.

Non-vegetarian food not only affects man’s body but also has a‚

deleterious effect on his mind.

20. What are the effects of consuming animal food?

By consuming animal food, animal tendencies are aroused. As is your food so are

your thoughts. Food, head, God - these three are interrelated. Men today are

behaving in a manner worse than even the wild animals in the‚ forest.

They have become cruel, pitiless and  hard-hearted. There is no sympathy or

understanding even between man and man. The main reason for‚ this

condition is the kind of food that man consumes. Students should be careful of

the kind of food they eat. The food should be conducive to their health and

happiness.

21. How much food should we take each day?

Our ancestors used to take food only twice a day. Our ancient sages used to eat

only once a day. It has been declared that a man who eats once a day is a Yogi;

a man who eats twice a day is a Bhogi (enjoyer), while a man who eats three

times a day is a Rogi (sick man). Man needs food, which supplies him with

energy equivalent to about one calorie per minute. For a healthy life, man

needs only about 1,500 calories of‚ food per day. Young people should be

satisfied with 2,000 calories per day. Because our food intake has increased

beyond these limits, people suffer from all kinds of diseases. Do not worry

about sleep. If you go to bed without any worry, sound sleep will come to you

automatically.

22. What are the requirements for leading an ideal life?

The requirements for leading an ideal life are:

Observe moderation in your intake of food

Keep your body in good shape

Perform your duties properly

Do not develop undue attachment to the body.

Eliminate the feelings of I and mine in all your thoughts, words and deeds. The

two feelings of I and mine are solely responsible for all the problems and

evils prevailing in society.

Minimize, if not eliminate altogether, the feelings of doer-ship (I am the doer)

and enjoyer-ship (I am the enjoyer).

23. Why do we suffer from ill health?

We suffer from ill health due to psychological reasons. We should always‚

have a positive outlook and self-confidence that our health is all right.

In olden days people were considered to be young at the age of 80, 90 or even

100. At he time of the Kurukshetra war, Krishna and Arjuna were 86 and 84 years

old respectively. But they were in youthful condition. Bhishma was 116 years old

and was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava army. He fought fiercely for nine

days. They were young because of their mental condition, nourishing food, and

above all in their confidence in the Atma - the real Self. We should therefore

have Self-confidence and spiritual strength.

24. How can we gain steadiness and stability in life?

We can gain steadiness and stability in life if we develop the courage to face

the vicissitudes of life, joys or sorrows, gain or losses with equanimity.

We‚ may worship a picture as God, not God as a picture. The mind should

not waver from moment to moment.

25. What are the characteristics of a devotee?

A devotee is a person with genuine devotion. He should be ready to accept

gladly anything that comes to him as Gods gift. It is only when a man

undergoes trials and tribulations, hardships and sorrows that his real

strength and worth will shine forth. There are many who call themselves

devotees but they do not conduct themselves properly. Real devotion is that

which is buttressed by firm faith and is steadfast and unchanging under all

circumstances. Only the will the devotee deserve to get the fruits of real

Bhakti (devotion).

26. What are the five vital constituents of your personality?

The five vital constituents of our personality are:

The body

The senses

The mind

The intellect

The Atma

Once we have understood the mysteries and subtleties of each one of them, we

need no other spiritual discipline.Truth is everything. Without realising this,

there is no use troubling us with all sorts of Sadhanas (spiritual practices).

Our lives should be guided by Atmic awareness, not by body-consciousness. To

control the mind we should be able to understand the nature of the mind. We

should also have a thorough understanding of the senses. Once we understand

thoroughly the nature and role of the body, the senses, the mind, the intellect

and the Atma, we can blossom forth as persons endowed with purity and

equanimity.

Jai Sai Ram

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