Swami's discourse on 15-4-2003 - Vishu 2003-Keralites New Year Day

[Guest guest]

 Om Sri Sai Ram

Vishu Celebrations 2003

PRACTISE AND PROPAGATE OUR SACRED CULTURE

(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 15th

April 2003 in Sai Ramesh Hall, Brindavan-Bangalore)

 The sun appears serene and peaceful. The fields are ripe with golden crops.

Marigold flowers are blossoming like garlands of pearls on the banks of rivers.

The farmers are rejoicing and singing. The chillies have ripened and are looking

red. The sweet festival of Sri Vishu has come, filling our homes with the newly

harvested grain.

(Telugu Poem)

Today is the day of great happiness for the people of Kerala. The farmers reap

the harvest, bring the grains to the home and rejoice. Food is very essential

for the nation. It is the farmers who feed to the nation and bring peace and

prosperity to it. It is their good fortune to be able to render such joyful

service to the nation. Only when the farmers who give us food are happy and

contented, can the nation be peaceful and prosperous. Right from dawn to dusk,

they toil in the fields and render great service to the nation.

Embodiments of Love!

This land of Bharat is very sacred and meritorious. Since time immemorial,

Bharat has been imparting spiritual education to all nations of the world and

thus bestowing peace and happiness on all. This is the eternal glory of Bharat.

The motto of the Bharatiyas has been Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the

people of the world be happy!) Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is

Brahman). As Brahma pervades the entire world, Dharma should permeate all

actions of man. Karma will be sanctified only when it is based on Dharma and

Brahma. It is said, Karmanubandheeni Manushya Loke (human society is bound by

action). Nobody should waste time. Right from the time he wakes up in the

morning, man should utilise his time and energy for the welfare of society.

This is his main duty. He should realise that his welfare lies in the welfare

of society. I have seen that the people of Kerala are always engaged in some

activity or the other. They work very hard. They are not interested in comforts

and pleasures. They derive happiness in working hard and serving society. They

strive for peace and security of one and all. That is their most sacred virtue.

 

Embodiments of Love!

Kerala is the seat of education. It is the land, which stands as testimony to

the profound truths enunciated in the Vedas, Sastras, Puranas and Itihasas. In

such a land of peace and sacredness, today people are unable to experience

unsullied happiness, which their ancestors were able to enjoy in the past.

However, there is no cause for worry. A time will come, when Kerala will regain

its past glory. Time plays an important role. We have to discharge the duties

ordained on us by God and thus sanctify our time. Whatever actions we perform

are the reflections of our inner feelings only. You should undertake such

actions, which will provide internal as well as external happiness. Nobody can

remain without performing action.

Man is born from action, is sustained by action and ultimately merges in action.

Action is the cause for pleasure and pain. Truly speaking, action is God for

man.

(Telugu Poem)

Man's life is bound by Kala, Karma, Karana, Kartavya (time, action, cause,

duty). Due to the effect of Kali Age, man does not work hard. Both the educated

and the uneducated have become lethargic. You have to sanctify your life by

doing righteous actions. Action is the cause for everything. Action is life. It

is very unfortunate that man has not understood the importance of action. He

wants to lead an easy life. Even the students want to pass the examinations

without putting much effort. They want to secure jobs without working hard.

After securing jobs, they want salaries without discharging their duties. This

type of conduct is not good. It is said, Kashte Phali (hard work yields rich

rewards). The rewards that one gets will be in commensurate with the efforts he

puts in. One should recognise this truth and work hard accordingly.

Unfortunately, such a spirit of work is not seen these days. There are people

who go to office only to give attendance. Each one has to question himself

whether he is discharging his duty properly or not. It is most essential that

man becomes duty conscious.

Embodiments of Love!

You have to bend your body and work. Discharge your duty with the sweat of your

brow. Only then can you get the right reward. Today people are suffering for

want of food and drinking water. What is the reason? Man is not undertaking

righteous actions. When man does his duty sincerely, there will be no shortage

of food and drinking water. Without working hard, one cannot lead a happy life.

Na Sukhat Labhyate Sukham (one cannot derive happiness out of happiness). We can

get happiness only when we work hard. For every action of ours, there is bound

to be reaction. For every sound that we make there will be resound. When we

undertake righteous action and utter sacred words, the same will come back to

us in the form of reaction, reflection and resound.

Embodiments of Love!

Our actions should be such that they bring happiness to ourselves as well as

others. First of all, we have to enquire what is true happiness and what is

sorrow. People think that happiness lies in eating to the fill and having a

sound sleep. That is no happiness at all. Happiness lies in working hard and

serving society. We can experience peace and happiness only when we help the

poor and needy. After our daily prayer, we utter the word peace thrice - Santhi

Santhi Santhihi. Where is peace? It is inside, not outside. Outside there are

only pieces! You are the embodiment of peace, you are the embodiment of truth,

you are the embodiment of love, you are the embodiment of God. How foolish it

is to look for peace outside when it is present within! You have to put in

proper effort to experience the peace within. You have to turn your vision

inward. When two branches rub against each other repeatedly, fire is produced.

Similarly, continuous hard work will produce Jnanagni (fire of wisdom).

Embodiments of Love!

Today, nobody wants difficulties. Everybody aspires for happiness. Where is

happiness? It is everywhere. We should earn the deservedness to experience it.

Our Judge (who spoke earlier) mentioned in his speech that he was disappointed

when Swami did not speak to him in spite of having worked hard. He did a lot of

self-introspection. As a result, he got a good chance today. Without working

hard, you cannot get any reward. But today man is not prepared to work hard.

During Upanishadic times, people would offer their salutations to the Karma

before undertaking it - Thasmai Namah Karmane (salutations to action). We have

to offer our salutations to the Karma in the first instance so that it gives us

good result. In Bharat, some people follow this sacred tradition even today. A

cricket player pays his respects to the ball before starting to bowl. A dancer

salutes the anklets before tying them to her feet. Even an uneducated driver

offers his obeisance to the steering wheel before driving the vehicle. But most

of the educated people have forgotten such an ancient tradition and culture.

That is why accidents are on the rise. There is a sense of fear and insecurity

among people. First of all, we have to offer our respects and express our

gratitude to Karma before undertaking it. Every one has to understand his duty

and perform it to the best of his ability. Before the commencement of any music

programme, musicians pray to Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles. One who has no

Nayaka (master) above him is Vinayaka. He is the master of all. Hence, we have

to offer our prayers to him before the commencement of any activity. Since

ancient times, Bharatiyas adhered to such sacred traditions implicitly. People

decorate their houses with buntings of green leaves on festival days. Big

pandals of mango leaves and plantain leaves are erected at the time of

marriages. Green leaves are given place of prominence in such decorations. What

is so special about them? Can't we have a shamiana instead? No, that is not in

accordance with our ancient tradition. What is the logic behind this tradition?

As you are aware, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which pollutes the

atmosphere. At the time of marriages, many people gather at one place. As a

result, more and more carbon dioxide is released into the air and the

atmosphere gets polluted. The green leaves of the pandal inhale the carbon

dioxide and release oxygen and thus purify the atmosphere. In this manner, they

bestow health and happiness on us. Thus, every tradition of Bharat has a

profound inner meaning. Such sacred traditions are ignored today. Wherever a

marriage is performed or a big meeting is held, people prefer decorative

shamianas to pandals, plastic festoons to green leaf festoons. Can you get

oxygen from plastic festoons? Can they absorb carbon dioxide? The shamianas and

the plastic festoons may be aesthetically pleasing but they serve no purpose in

keeping the atmosphere pure. We should never forget our ancient traditions. In

Kerala, even today ancient traditions are followed. On festival days, they

place a lamp on rice, with beautiful decorations around. It is very auspicious

for the house. Onam and Vishu are the sacred festivals, which the Keralites

celebrate. You must understand the tradition and significance associated with

the celebration of Vishu. It is not merely meant to wish each other 'hello' and

shake hands. Vishu is that day when your house has grains in plenty and the

State attains prosperity. This is how the festival was celebrated in ancient

times. Today Vishu celebration is confined to wishing each other. This is not

the way to celebrate Vishu. You have to aspire and work for the happiness of

others. True celebration of Vishu lies in each sharing the happiness of the

other. Give and take. It is not 'one way traffic'. You have to give happiness

to others. Only then will you have the right to receive it from others.

Kerala has plantain trees and coconut groves in abundance. You find greenery all

around. Keralites prepare various types of puddings with plantains. There is a

special type of plantain called 'Nendra Pazham' which they distribute to

others.

The Gayatri Mantra begins with the syllables 'Om', 'Bhur', 'Bhuvah' 'Suvaha'.

'Om' is the primordial sound, Pranava. 'Bhur' represents Bhuloka, the world of

materials (materialisation). 'Bhuvah' is related to the mind (vibration).

'Suvaha' represents Prajnana (radiation). When you understand these three

principles, your life will be sanctified. But today man is not interested in

such divine principles. He craves for worldly gains. How long can he enjoy

physical pleasures? They are momentary. They do not give true happiness. This

is what Adi Sankara said in his famous "Bhaja Govindam" song thus:

Ma Kuru Dhana Jana Yauvana Garvam,

Harathi Nimeshath Kalah Sarvam

(Do not be proud of your wealth, progeny and youth; the tide of time may destroy them in a moment.)

Hence, you should not crave for worldly happiness. You should strive for eternal

peace and everlasting happiness. You should not be caught up in the endless

cycle of birth and death. You should transcend birth and death and attain

immortality.

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam

Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam

Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare

Kripayapare Pahi Murare.

(Oh Lord! I am caught up in this cycle of birth and death; time and again, I am

experiencing the agony of staying in the mother's womb. It is very difficult to

cross this ocean of worldly life. Please take me across this ocean and grant me

liberation.)

Once a person was sitting under a tree on the bank of river Ganga and trying to

master the nuances of Panini grammar. He was repeating 'Dukrun Karane', 'Dukrun

Karane'. Sankara was going to the river with his disciples for a sacred bath. He

took pity on the person, went up to him and said, "My dear one, by learning the

rules of grammar, you may become a great scholar. But it is not going to save

you from death. Hence, chant the name of Govinda, who alone is your saviour."

It was then that Adi Sankara sang the famous 'Bhaja Govindam' song.

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja GovindamGovindam Bhaja Moodha MatheSamprapthe Sannihithe

KaleNahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrun Karane.

(Oh foolish man, chant the name of Govinda; the rules of grammar will not come

to your rescue when the end approaches.)

The disciples of Sankara composed some of the other verses of this song. It is

said, Yatha Raja, Thatha Praja (as is the king, so are the subjects). The same

can be said of Guru-sishya relationship. Yatha Guru Thatha Sishya (as is the

preceptor, so are the disciples). The preceptors of those days were highly

noble. They set great ideals, which their disciples emulated. We don't find

such masters and disciples today.

One should not crave for scholarship or name and fame. They come and go. When

there is plenty of water in the pond, frogs make their way into it. When the

water dries to a trickle, you do not find a single frog there. In the same

manner, when your pocket is full, many people swarm around you. But when your

pocket is empty, no one will look at your face. This is the way of the world.

Do not get deluded by the Loka (world). Contemplate on Lokesha (Lord of the

world) incessantly. Sankara made a great contribution to the spiritual wealth

of this country. We should express our gratitude to him by following his

teachings. We should never forget our cultural heritage. Each State has its own

traditions. They have to be followed in letter and spirit. Today, fashions have

displaced traditions. Do not be carried away by fashions. Let the ancient

traditions be imprinted on your heart.

In villages, people sprinkle cow dung mixed with water in front of their homes.

It is considered to be auspicious. What is the reason? Cow dung destroys

disease-causing germs and thus helps maintain good health. It can cure many

diseases. Today people of other countries have recognised this truth and are

taking full advantage of it. But the Bharatiyas are not making efforts in this

direction. In earlier days, cow dung was used as a remedy for wounds. People

used to bandage the wound with cow dung. In modern times, people have a wrong

notion that the wound becomes septic if cow dung is bandaged over it. It may

become gangrenous also, they argue. It is a baseless argument. If cow dung is

applied, the wound will be healed in three days. The cow dung has such sacred

power. Even the cow urine has medicinal properties. It is mixed in water and

sprinkled on people infected with the pox. But, the modern trend is against

such natural remedies, which are in fact, beneficial to one and all. The

Bharatiyas have to revive such ancient traditions. Let people say what they

want, we have to follow our sacred traditions. On the day of Vishu, people have

a sacred bath and put on new clothes. Mere external cleanliness is not enough,

you have to cleanse your mind and develop inner purity. Antarbahischa Tatsarvam

Vyapya Narayana Sthita (That all-pervasive God is present within and without).

We have to offer obeisance to our elders and seek their blessings. We have to

develop good relationship with all. Therein lies the true celebration of Vishu.

Today, even among the Keralites, many do not know the true significance of

Vishu. It is a symbol of our great cultural heritage. Today people are not

aware of the greatness of Bharat. It is said, Yenna Bharate Thanna Bharata

(what is not found in Bharat is not found anywhere else). Bharatiyas are those

who sing the glory of God with Bhava, Raga and Thala (feeling, tune and

rhythm). Music will be pleasing to the ears only when these three are in

harmony.

Right from young age, the children should be taught the greatness of our ancient

culture. They should be moulded into ideal citizens. They should be made to

practise our traditional values. For anything, practice is very important. The

responsibility lies with the parents and teachers to make the children adhere

to our ancient tradition. Then society will certainly progress and enjoy peace

and prosperity. If you practice our ancient values, society will attain Kshemam

(welfare), otherwise, it will be afflicted with Kshamam (famine). Do not think

about the welfare of you and your family alone. Strive for the welfare of

everyone. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the people of the world be

happy!)

Students!

Make efforts to understand the greatness of our ancient culture and traditions.

Respect everyone. Do not be rude to the elders and guests who visit your house.

Whether your parents are at home or not, offer them a seat and give them a glass

of cold water or buttermilk. Speak to them with love. However, such noble

practices are not to be found among students of the present times. If somebody

rings up asking for father, even if he is at home, the son keeps down the phone

saying he is not there. Even over phone, you should talk in a respectful manner.

You can earn the respect of others only when you respect them. Respect does not

mean merely saying, 'hello'. You should offer your Namaskara with humility and

reverence. Na-maskara means offering your respects without a trace of Ahamkara

and Mamakara (ego and attachment).

Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava

(revere your mother, father, preceptor and guest as God). Since our ancients

adhered to such sacred principles, our nation earned the respect of the entire

world. We should develop humility, love and reverence towards elders like the

ancient Bharatiyas. We should practice and propagate our sacred culture. That

is the true sign of education.

 Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajans, "Prema Mudita Manase Kaho

…", "Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai …" and "Om Sivaya Om Sivaya …"

*****

The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.

Attachment: (image/pjpeg) Swami amidst Nature27.jpg [not stored]