Swami's discourse on women's day - 2002

[Guest guest]

Divinity shines resplendently in the entire universe and the universe is

encompassed by divinity. There is an intimate and inseparable relationship

between God and the universe. Listen to this truth, Oh valorous sons of

Bharat!      (Telugu Poem)

>From time immemorial, Bharat demonstrated the pristine values of friendship and

harmony. Bharat is the very birthplace of spirituality, virtues, charity and

righteousness. It is the land of peace and prosperity. Since ancient times,

Bharatiyas made intense efforts to establish these values upon the earth. There

is no country equal to the land of Bharat in proclaiming and propagating the

truth. There are many in Bharat who have made great progress in the field of

spirituality. This is the sacred land, which was ruled by Lord Rama. This is

the very land where Lord Krishna taught the Bhagavad-Gita. This is also the

land where Sage Vyasa taught the Vedas and scriptures. It is the land where

Sage Valmiki composed the Ramayana and taught the principles of truth and

righteousness to mankind. There is absolutely no equal to this country in

spiritual values. Having been born in this sacred land of Bharat, and having

been called Bharatiyas, the people of Bharat are now not coming forward to

propagate the ideals that this country stands for. Bharatiyas should respect

and revere their culture. They should follow their culture and set an ideal to

others

The wind that blows in Bharat is suffused with truth. The very dust that rises

from our feet is full of Dharma. The life of Bharatiyas is one of forbearance.

The river Ganga that flows in this land is permeated with love. Why has Bharat,

which is the fountainhead of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence,

come down to such a deplorable state? Inspite of the fact that from ancient

times, Bharatiyas have demonstrated great ideals.

Forbearance is the real beauty in this sacred land of Bharat. Of all the

rituals, adherence to truth is the greatest penance. The nectarous feeling in

this country is like the feeling of love towards one's mother."

Fortitude is the greatest virtue in this land, peace is the protective shield.

What a pity it is that we who have been born in this land of Bharat, are unable

to uphold our own heritage of cultural values? Young boys and girls should study

not to eke out a livelihood but with the sole purpose of demonstrating and

propagating the ideals the country has stood for since ancient times. Modern

boys and girls study for the sake of short-term benefits and not with an

objective of experiencing and enjoying the tradition and culture of Bharat.

If women go out for jobs who will take care of the homes? When husband and wife

go out to offices who will do the household work?If women go out to teach

others' children who will look after their own children?Just like men if women

also go to work who will cook food in the kitchen?Earning money may solve some

financial problems but how will it resolve domestic problems? It seems

unalloyed happiness is not the lot of womanhood. (Telugu Poem)

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.

Women should recognise their responsibilities and conduct themselves

accordingly. There are many ideals set by women in this regard. Rajeshwari

Patel said, many women in the past developed virtues in them and led ideal

lives. Savitri was exemplary in her conduct. Women of those days would not only

discharge their household duties diligently but also would bring up their

children in the most ideal manner. They would teach their children not merely

by precept but by practice. However, we do not find many such ideal mothers

today. They are interested in earning money rather than molding their children

into ideal citizens. They would have helped the nation to a great extent if

only they could bring up their children in an ideal way. What is the point in

women taking up jobs and earning money when their children are going astray

with none to restrain them? So, first of all, women should look after their

home and children properly. They should devote sufficient time to perform their

household duties. The educated women of today employ a cook and a servant-maid

to perform the household chores. They spend much of their earnings in paying

salaries to them.

Chandramathi was a woman of sterling character. She always followed her husband,

Harishchandra. When they were passing through difficulties, she infused courage

in him saying, "Oh king, you are highly intelligent and educated. You should

never give scope to weakness and waver from your chosen path. We are swimming

in the ocean of truth. We should not give up our resolve till we reach the

shores." In this manner, women of those days would encourage their husbands to

follow the path of truth. Women of Bharat always upheld our sacred culture.

Sita would not shed tears even in extremely trying circumstances. Though she

was surrounded by demons, she was never afraid of them. She spent her time in

the contemplation of her husband, Lord Rama and thus she set an ideal. The same

can be said of Damayanti also. She was one of virtues. With her strong

determination, she helped her husband to regain his kingdom. In this manner,

women of those days earned a name for themselves with their sterling character

and ideal motherhood. Women of today should make them role models.

The happiness that one derives from virtues is far superior to the happiness

that we get from the possession of wealth. Unfortunately, the educated youth

are striving for wealth, physical strength and friendship. But all these have

little value without the wealth of character. For men or women, character is

the foundation. If one lacks character, one becomes feeble in all other

respects. People of those days strove for noble character. They were prepared

to give up their very lives for a righteous cause. Women strived to uphold the

honour of their husbands. The strength of an individual lies in his character,

not in the wealth he earns. One should be prepared to face any hardship to lead

a virtuous life. The country is in dire straits due to the absence of men and

women of character. Materialistic wealth is not what we need today. We need to

earn the wealth of virtues. Wealth cannot confer true happiness on you.

Women should develop the wealth of virtues and also safeguard the honour of

their husbands. Both men and women should have good character. Without good

character, all your learning will prove futile.

"In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not know his

true Self and a evil-minded person will not give up his wicked qualities.

Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to true wisdom. What is the

use of acquiring worldly education if it cannot lead you to immortality?

Acquire that knowledge which will make you immortal." (Telugu Poem)

Modern education can help you only to eke out a livelihood. It is meant for a

living and not for life. In fact, it is responsible for the present decline of

morality in society. In olden days, people gave topmost priority to truth and

righteousness. They considered divine love as their very life. The women of

Bharat sacrificed their lives for the sake of truth.

This land of Bharat has given birth to many 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. This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and

prosperity and became the teacher of all the nations of the world because of

such women of chastity.             (Telugu Poem)

>From time immemorial, the sacred land of Bharat has occupied the exalted

position of a teacher to the rest of the world. It has been extolled as Karma

Bhumi, Thyaga Bhumi and Yoga Bhumi (the land of action, sacrifice and

spirituality). You have to discharge your duty. You cannot progress in life if

you do not follow the path of Karma.

Embodiments of Love!

You are wasting a lot of time in meaningless pursuits. Time wasted is life

wasted. Our ancients never wasted even a minute. They considered God as the

embodiment of time and extolled Him thus: Kalaya Namah, Kala Kalaya Namah,

Kaladarpa Damanaya Namah, Kalateetaya Namah, Kalaswarupaya Namah,

Kalaniyamitaya Namah (salutations to the embodiment of time, to the one who has

conquered time, to the one who transcends time and to the one who ordains time).

 

Why have you forgotten the truth that time is verily God? You eagerly await a

Sunday thinking that you can relax and enjoy. In fact, you should feel sad that

you are wasting time without doing any work on a Sunday. You have to utilize

your time in a proper way. If you do not have any work, undertake social

service. Help your fellowmen. Be prepared to make any sacrifice for the sake of

your motherland. The Bhagavad-Gita says, Karmanyevadhikarasthe Ma Phaleshu

Kadachana (you have a right over action but not on the result). You have to

sanctify your Karmas (actions). People talk of Punya Karma (meritorious deeds)

and Papa Karma (sinful action). When the feelings are pure, the Karma becomes

sanctified and the work will be transformed into worship. Life becomes

meaningful only when you make proper use of time. Kaaya (body) has been given

to perform Karma (action). Every Karma is associated with a Karana (cause) and

Kala (time). It is the primary duty of man to understand the principles of

Kaala, Karma, Karna, Karthavya (duty) and act accordingly. This is the main

teaching of Bharathiya culture. It is its pristine culture, which has been

safeguarding Bharat since ancient times. What is culture? You think it is a way

of life. But it is not so. Indian culture is something that transforms your life

into an ideal one. Today we do not find many who are interested in teaching

about the greatness of Indian culture. Even if people are ready to teach, few

are interested in listening to them. Even if they listen, they are not prepared

to put it into practice. Some people want to practice but they lack proper

support and encouragement. Embodiments of Love!

Perform all your actions with purity of heart. Actions performed without a pure

heart are futile. Even if a little work is done with a pure heart, it becomes

fruitful.

Embodiments of Love!

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, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa in them. There are many

who give speeches at length about the importance of these values in our daily

life, but how many are translating them into action? Very few. They do not

utter truth nor do they perform righteous deeds. Our ancients never deviated

from the path of truth and righteousness under any circumstances. Sathyannasti

Paro Dharma (there is no Dharma greater than adherence to truth). The Vedas

teach, Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practice righteousness). Your

thoughts, words and deeds should be in harmony with each other. It is said, The

proper study of mankind is man. Today nobody knows what man has in his mind as

his thoughts, words and deeds are in total variance. He is wasting his life

with such unethical behavior. The tongue is given to speak truth.

"O tongue, the knower of taste! You are very sacred. Speak the truth in the most

pleasing manner. Chant the Divine Names of Govinda, Madhava and Damodara

incessantly. This is your foremost duty."                        

                                                (Sanskrit Verse)

The tongue which is meant to utter sacred words, is being used to criticise

others. One cannot describe in words the fate of such a person. Our ancients

had so much love for their motherland that they wanted to be born again and

again in this sacred land of Bharat. But today people have neither Deshabhimana

(love for the country) nor Dharmabhimana (love for righteousness). Instead they

are developing Dehabhimana (love for the body). Body is like a water bubble.

How long can you protect it? It will burst sooner or later. Hence, develop

Atmabhimana (love for the Atma), which alone can protect the entire world.

Develop faith that the same Atma exists in you and all others. When you have

such strong faith, the whole nation would prosper. One with Atmabhimana is a

true human being. If one does not have Atmabhimana, one's life is

wasted.Embodiments of Love!

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.

Embodiments of Love!

Primarily, women should keep their tongue under check. As men are involved with

multifarious activities, it may be difficult for them to control their tongue.

Hence, it is the duty of women to look after the home diligently and conduct

themselves in a pleasing manner. Treat the guests in a cordial manner and to

the extent possible, extend your help to those who are in need of it. Today

people do only lip service, they do not translate their words into action. You

should empathise with those who are in difficulties and try to give them

solace. You should comfort and console them with soothing words. Those who talk

harsh words are verily demons. If you hurt others' feelings, you will be hurt

twice as much. You cannot escape from the consequences of your actions. You

have to bear this truth in mind. Your life will be sanctified when you conduct

yourselves in such a manner as not to hurt others. People aspire to attain

liberation. What is liberation? Help ever, hurt never. That is true liberation.

To get rid of Moha (attachment) is true Moksha (liberation). Do not try to find

faults with others. If you point an accusing finger at someone, remember that

three fingers are pointing at you. Sathyam Kantasya Bhushanam (Truth is the

true ornament to the neck), Hasthasya Bhushanam Dhanam (charity is the true

ornament to the hand). Your hands are useless if they do not perform acts of

charity. You have to sanctify each limb of your body in sacred activities. Your

eyes should look at only sacred things. Do you know what an enormous power is

latent in your eyes? There are crores of light rays in them. In olden days,

people used to invoke the grace of sun god to have a better vision. When you

perform Surya Namaskar (worship of sun god) and invoke his grace, the light

rays in your eyes will become more effulgent. On the other hand, if you look

for mistakes in others, the sun god will withdraw his rays from your eyes

making you blind. Hence, make proper use of the limbs given by God.

Embodiments of Love!

These teachings are simple to practice in your daily life. Just because they are

simple, do not take them lightly. Though they appear to be simple, they lead you

to liberation. It is your good fortune (Adrishtam) that you are blessed with

eyes to see. What is Adrishtam? A-drishtam (that cannot be seen). You may not

be able to see the results of your meritorious deeds. But they confer on you

all the happiness and comforts in due course of time. That is Adrishtam. There

are many things that follow you which cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Embodiments of Love!

This land of Bharat is highly illustrious one. It has given you the wealth of

Vijnana, Sujnana and Prajnana. But the unfortunate ones are unable to receive

them. The Upanishads extol Manava (man) in several ways. Manava meant one who

is sacred, one who is endowed with infinite power and one who imparts wisdom.

But man is unable to understand the meaning of his own name and is taking to

wrong path. Your fortune or misfortune depends on your actions. Without

realising this truth, you are indulging in evil deeds. You feel sorry when the

consequences of your sins haunt you. What is the use? You have to be careful

right from beginning not to commit sin. You have to make every effort to earn

divine grace. Whatever action you may perform, do it as an offering to God.

Only then will your life be sanctified. What you have to acquire is not worldly

wealth and comforts. You have to earn the wealth of Sujnana, Vijnana and

Prajnana which will follow you eternally. When you acquire such true and

eternal wealth, you would have acquired God's grace.

Embodiments of Love!

Many women have been eagerly awaiting November 19th to celebrate Ladies Day. It

is really your good fortune to have such a noble thought. Give up all negative

thoughts and develop sacred feelings. Lead an exemplary life. The Upanishads

have accorded a great value to human life. You should live up to it. The

Upanishads are the storehouse of knowledge. The Vedas contain Mantras like

Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, etc. One may have mastered the Vedas, but if one

does not study the Upanishads, all his learning will prove futile. That is why

people start the study of the Upanishads after they complete the study of

Vedas. The Upanishads take you closer to God. I wish that you follow the

teachings of the Upanishads and manifest your latent divine power. I bless you

all and bring My Discourse to a close.

Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin…"

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