Guru Purnima Divine Discourse

[Guest guest]

CAST OFF BODY ATTACHMENT TO DEVELOP ATMIC CONSCIOUSNESS  

(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 13th

July 2003 at Sai Kulwanth Hall )

 

Embodiments of Love!The entire universe has been created out of the Will of God.

God creates the universe and sustains it. The universe ultimately merges in God,

the source of its origin. The universe which has originated from Divine Will is

known as Viswam. The correct meaning of Viswam is that which is self-expansive

and full of bliss. God has created the universe with a purpose, but man is

acting contrary to it. Viswam is not merely a manifestation of physical matter.

It is a direct manifestation of God. It is the very embodiment of the Cosmic

Personality with all His limbs. The Viswa symbolises the expansive nature of

God which can be understood only through Viveka (discrimination). God is beyond

time and cause. The physical world functions by so-called reason but the Divine

Will is not bound by reason. God is the primal cause behind the universe. The

universe is the reflection of God. Viswam and Vishnu are not

different from each other. The letter 'V' in the name Vishnu stands for Viveka

and Vistara (expansiveness). Hence, Viswam is the very form of Vishnu. The

entire creation constitutes various limbs of God.Every object in the creation

has five aspects, namely, Sath, Chit, Ananda, Rupa and Nama (existence,

consciousness, bliss, form and name). The first three are eternal principles,

whereas name and form are ephemeral. Sath, Chit, Ananda are the basis for name

and form. All human activities are based on name and form. It is God who

decides who has to do what. Some people are Rajasic in nature and some others

are Thamasic. Evil qualities like hatred and jealousy are predominant in such

people.

People attribute various names and forms to God on the basis of their own

feelings. They forget the three main principles of Sath, Chit and Ananda and

assume name and form to be the sole reality. In reality, name and form are not

permanent. But people are overwhelmed by name and form and ignore the eternal

principles of Sath, Chit and Ananda. Consequently, they are deluded and tend to

forget the mighty power of God behind the name and form. He is called Padmanabha

(One who has a lotus emerging from His navel). Here the lotus represents the

Divine Sankalpa (Will). He is also called Hiranyagarbha as He has a golden

womb. He is known as Vaastha as He is present in the form of 'I' in all beings.

The principle of 'I' is all-pervasive. God has no specific name. All names are

attributed by man to God. Each name like Padmanabha, Hiranyagarbha, Hiranmaya,

etc., has a profound inner meaning. Spirituality is meant to explain the

principle of

Divinity and the inner meaning of the names attributed to Him. One who follows

the spiritual path should make efforts to understand and experience the

principle of Divinity and propagate the same. But, man today has not really

understood what spirituality means. He is under the mistaken notion that

spirituality means merely offering worship and prayers to God and performing

rituals. People should be taught the inner significance of spirituality and

various names and forms attributed to Divinity.

In 1968, the First World Conference of Sathya Sai Seva Organisations was held in

Bombay (now Mumbai). It was the time when the foundation stone of Dharmakshetra

was laid. Indulal Shah was mainly responsible for the construction of

Dharmakshetra. He has been working tirelessly for the propagation of Swami's

message. His wife Sarla Shah has been a source of strength to him. She played

an active role in the development of Bal Vikas and Mahila Vibhag. In this

manner, both husband and wife have contributed to a great extent for the

furtherance of Sai movement in the entire world. Even at this advanced age,

they are exerting a lot in the service of Sai Organisation.

It is not possible for all to understand the nature of Divinity. This world

looks like a picture painted on a wall that has no support. One has to make

efforts to understand the principles of Adhara (basis) and Adheya (object). Do

not waste your time in merely performing rituals. True spirituality lies in

realising the truth that man is but a spark of Divinity. This is what is

declared in the Bhagavad Gita: Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhuta Sanathana (all

beings are a part of My eternal Being). Vaasudeva-sarvamidam (the whole world

is permeated by God, Vaasudeva). You have to experience this truth and

propagate to the world.Many Sai centres are established all over the world.

Each centre has a history of its own. Dharmakshetra is no exception to this.

Only Swami knows the innumerable difficulties that Indulal Shah faced during

the construction of Dharmakshetra. In those days, there were no approach roads

to the

place where Dharmakshetra stands now. He had to walk through thorny bushes to

select a suitable site for the construction of Dharmakshetra. He showed Me the

place for approval. It is situated on the Mahakali Caves road. He worked hard

for its construction. Many people helped him in the fulfilment of this task. It

is not possible to undertake a work of this magnitude without the help of

others. When you undertake a good work there are bound to be certain obstacles

in the beginning. But you should not lose heart. When the ocean of milk was

churned by Devas and Danavas, it was a deadly poison that emerged first. But

that did not deter them. They continued their efforts with unflinching

determination and ultimately obtained the divine ambrosia. Our heart can be

compared to the ocean of milk and the Sadhana to the process of churning.

Initially, there are bound to be obstacles when you undertake Sadhana. We

should not be deflected by these obstacles, but continue our efforts with full

faith. Only then can we attain an exalted and blissful state. Many individuals

in the past had to put up with a lot of difficulties while constructing

pilgrimage centres. Bhadrachalam is one such pilgrimage centre. Adi Sankara,

unmindful of the physical strain, walked all the way from the deep south to the

north to establish pilgrimage centres at Badrinath, Amarnath and Kedarnath.No

matter who one is, one has necessarily to enlist the cooperation of others to

accomplish stupendous tasks. Where there is unity, there is bliss. In this age

of Kali, people have that spirit of unity no longer. There is neither unity nor

purity. Hence, enmity has found a place in the human heart giving rise to

troubles and turmoil. In fact, unity is the need of the hour. The true strength

of humanity lies in unity. As is the thought, so is the action. As is the

action, so is the result. Today, man is unable to reach the goal of his life

because he does not entertain sacred thoughts. In the first

instance, he should develop sacred thoughts.

There are many who have deluded themselves that they love God. But they are full

of body consciousness and crave for money and material things. Such love cannot

be true love at all. It is artificial love. Many people write to Me, "Swami we

love You. Please keep us near and dear to You." In this context, let Me

emphatically tell you that Sai cannot be attained so easily. You may say that

you love Me. But how can I believe you? Is there a spirit of sacrifice in your

love? There is no consistency in your words and deeds. You make a promise one

day and go back on it the very next day. How can one believe the love of such

impostors? True and eternal love originates from the heart. Real love is a

heart to heart relationship. It is associated with the Atmic principle which is

present in everyone. Atma is the source of consciousness. Atma and Brahma are

one and the same. The love that originates from the heart confers on you the

eternal, immortal

and non-dual bliss. But where is such love nowadays? You are heroes in speech

but zeros in practice. Today, the world is being duped by such people. Those

who have true love in their heart will not indulge in tall talk. They

demonstrate their love in action. Today people speak a lot without translating

their speech into action. Such people are verily thieves. How can you attain

the goal of life if you believe in such unscrupulous people and rely on them?

Your heart should melt and flow towards God. Only then can you attain His

grace. People may talk as they please; do not be carried away by them.

Unmindful of hardships and difficulties, hold on to the principle of divinity

and reach the goal of life. Today, people lack the will and determination to

reach the goal of life. How can those who do not understand the goal of life,

attain it? True love cannot be fragmented. One cannot have love for God as well

as for ephemeral objects and relationships. The love which is fragmented is

artificial only. You have only one heart. You cannot break it into pieces and

distribute to various people. It is not like a laddoo or sugarcane which can be

broken into pieces and distributed. It is the eternal truth. It is nectarous and

full of bliss. Ignoring the immortal bliss within, people tread the worldly path

thinking that bliss lies therein. It is only a figment of their imagination. He

is a true devotee who makes efforts to attain God with full faith and

determination without caring for trials and tribulations.

Having resolved what ought to be resolved, hold on to it till you have

succeeded. Having desired what ought to be desired, hold on to it till your

desire is fulfilled. Having asked what ought to be asked, do not leave the hold

till you get it. Having thought what ought to be thought, hold on to it till you

have succeeded. With heart mellowed, the Lord must yield to your wishes. With no

thought of yourself, you should ask Him with all your heart. Persevere, be

tenacious, and never give up, for it is the quality of a devotee never to

retreat, abandoning his resolve.

(Telugu Poem)

Devotees of modern times are trying to hoodwink even God with sweet talk and

artificial love. Such people can never attain God. You should have unwavering

faith. Even in times of dangers and difficulties, your faith should remain

steady. God can be experienced only in times of difficulties. Kashte Phali

(hard work yields rich rewards). It is also said, Na Sukhat Labhyate Sukham

(one cannot derive happiness out of happiness). Consider difficulties as God's

gifts and accept them in the right spirit.Sarla Amma and Indulal Shah had to

face innumerable difficulties those days. They overcame all those with courage

and fortitude. They reside in Bombay (now Mumbai) which is not an ordinary

place. It is like a 'bomb'. Whatever you do, be it good or bad, you have to

face difficulties. Being in such a place, they did good work. In fact, Indulal

Shah was troubled by many. But he

continued his work with unwavering devotion and achieved success. You need to

have God's grace to accomplish anything. You cannot but seek the help and

cooperation of others to fulfil a mighty task. Those who are engaged in God's

work must be prepared to face any obstacle. Indulal Shah's life bears ample

testimony to this. He has been serving Sai for the last forty years with strong

faith and determination. He went round the world propagating the message of Sai.

Whenever people approached him with doubts, he would give most appropriate

answers and clear their doubts. One should be prepared to take up any

challenge, be it worldly or spiritual. They have spent a great amount of their

physical energy working tirelessly for the Organisation.I want to share a small

incident with you. Last month, Sri Shah had come to Brindavan to see Me. He saw

Me resting on the bed and felt very sad. He did not tell it outwardly, but he

was praying

within that Swami should get well soon. He did not have proper food and sleep

during the last one month as he was constantly worried about Swami's

well-being. Consequently, his body became weak. Otherwise, he always maintains

good health. He has a number of plans for the future of the Organisation. He is

praying that Swami should give the necessary strength to implement those plans.

Both Sarla Amma and Indulal Shah were very anxious about Swami's health and

were all the time thinking of Swami. They do not go by what others say. They

depend on their own conviction.Nobody needs to be worried or anxious about

Swami's well-being. No danger can ever befall Swami. Swami comes out of all

difficulties and troubles unscathed. He will achieve all success. There may be

some changes at the physical level. They are only temporary and not permanent.

Hence, Swami wants all of you to be courageous. Now I have recovered and am

standing before you. What is the medicine I have used? The

intense prayers of the devotees are My medicine. During the last one month, be

it in Madras (now Chennai), Hyderabad, Bangalore or Mumbai, devotees have

intensified their prayers and spiritual activities. Each and every house

conducted Bhajans and Namasmarana. Some devotees undertook penance and

performed Yajnas. In this manner, a number of spiritual activities were

undertaken praying for the well-being of Swami. It is as a result of such

fervent prayers that I am able to stand before you and address you. Neither did

I want this suffering nor did I desire for its cure. You wanted this body to be

cured of the pain, and you achieved it through your prayers. This body is not

Mine. It is yours. Hence, it is your responsibility to look after this body. I

am not the Deha (body); I am the Dehi (Indweller). 

The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or later but

the Indweller has neither birth nor death. The Indweller has no attachment

whatsoever and is the eternal witness. Truly speaking, the Indweller who is in

the form of the Atma, is verily God Himself.

(Telugu Poem)

The Atma has neither birth nor death. It has no pain or suffering. You may not

believe it, but the doctors have seen the extent of injury to My hip. For

anybody else, it would have taken at least two to three years to walk normally.

The ball in the hip joint broke into pieces. There were no muscles for support.

My bones are as strong as diamonds. It was not possible to join them together.

Hence, they put a rod and performed the surgery. After undergoing such a

complicated surgery, it takes a number of years to walk normally. Without

caring for all this, I started walking. Doctors made every effort to protect

this body. They did their duty. But I did not think of this body at all. I

demonstrate the ideal that one should not have body attachment. Not only now,

for the last two years, I have been repeatedly exhorting you to give up body

attachment. Gradually reduce your Dehabhimana (body consciousness) and develop

Atmabhimana (Atmic

consciousness). You are not the body; you are the embodiments of the Atma. The

physical body comes and goes. The body only has suffering, not the Atma.When I

fractured My hip, it was not possible to even move My leg. The slightest

movement caused excruciating pain like that of an electric shock. I told the

doctors, "This is not My body. This is yours. You may do whatever you deem

fit." One who has given up body consciousness will have no suffering at all.

Satyajit was with Swami all the time. He has a strong determination and has

taken a vow that he will be with Swami always. When I was being taken to the

hospital in a van, he sat right near My head. When I was taken into the

operation theatre, he followed. Usually, when a surgery is done, nobody is

allowed into the operation theatre. But Satyajit did not want to leave Swami.

He wanted to see what the doctors would do to Swami's body. Hence, he wore the

surgeon's dress and entered the operation theatre. I told Satyajit, "You

will not be able to bear the sight of blood. Hence, you remain outside." But he

lovingly insisted that he might be allowed to stay inside. He was with Me at

the time of operation. He saw the doctor making a hole in the bone with a

hammer. After the operation was over, he asked, "Swami, how could you bear such

pain and suffering?" I told, "The love of devotees like you is My strength." The

power of love is the ultimate. You can overcome any pain or danger with the

power of love.You should have strong and unwavering faith without even a trace

of doubt. Your thoughts, words and deeds must be in harmony with each other.

Many devotees who have such strong and steady faith became recipients of

Swami's grace. During the last one month, Bhajans were held in every village.

Their only prayer was that Swami should recover quickly and grant them Darshan.

Swami's well-being was uppermost in everybody's mind. I received lakhs of

telegrams from devotees wishing for My speedy recovery. Many

devotees were very anxious and were praying within. Their anxiety turned into

penance. The power of their penance bestowed good health on Swami. It is

because of their love and devotion that Swami is hale and healthy now. I have

never used My Divine power to cure Myself. If I were to use it, I would have

been cured of the suffering in a trice. I don't have the selfish feeling that I

should get cured. There is not even a trace of selfishness in Me. Everyone

should be happy. This is My only desire.Everybody should experience happiness.

This is the essence of the culture of Bharat. This is the Age of Kali. In this

age, people will have several doubts, particularly the younger generation who

are highly educated - post-graduates and double graduates. It is but natural

that under the influence of the Kali Age and with their modern educational

background, the younger generation will not be able to develop firm faith in

Divinity. During midnight, at the odd hour of 1 o' clock or 2

o'clock when I get up from the bed and look around, I find these two boys

Satyajit and Dilip sitting one near My head and the other at My feet, safely

guarding this body. One of the boys, Dilip is working in the Super Speciality

Hospital here. He had a fracture recently in his leg and it was still in a

plaster cast. In spite of that, he came over to Bangalore, the morning he heard

of Swami's indisposition, to serve Swami. Both these boys were attending to the

needs of Swami with great devotion. I can emphatically say that none can equal

them in their love and devotion to Swami. People may pay lip service uttering

the word 'love', 'love' mechanically; but no one can do such a great service as

these two boys have done. Even at an odd hour, if I just utter the word 'Satya'

in a feeble voice, the boy would immediately get up and attend to My needs. He

was so alert and attentive. They used to attend to all My needs, including

feeding Me. In fact, they completely forgot their own personal

needs while serving Swami. All this is due to the great merit accumulated by

their parents. It is only because of their parents' devotion to God and the

merit accumulated by them, these boys are able to cultivate such noble feelings

of devotion and service. Therefore, the parents should first become devotees of

God. I used to tell these boys often that I was feeling better and that they

could go and take food. But, they would not leave Me. Whenever they received

any phone call from devotees making anxious enquiries about Swami's condition,

they simply used to reply that Swami was fine. Never did they give any details.

They used to answer the queries of devotees with great love and tact. How did

they acquire such great love and tact? Not because of higher education or age.

It is only because of their intense devotion and faith in Swami. That is the

real quality. Basing on such a noble quality, they did great service to Swami.

There are several people ready to undertake Swami's

service, provided they got an opportunity. But, none could get such an

opportunity. They got this unique opportunity and they made the best use of it.

What greater Sadhana could there be, than serving Swami? What greater fulfilment

could there be, than Swami acknowledging their love? You will not find people

doing such great service for a full month continuously day and night, at such a

young age. Several people may talk of love and service, but you will not find

such loving and devoted boys. I have seen great faith, devotion and

steadfastness in these boys. That is why they are able to win the heart of

Swami. With faith and devotion, one can achieve great tasks, even lifting a

mountain. Take the example of Hanuman. When Lakshmana fainted in the

battlefield, Rama was in great distress. Then Hanuman was sent to bring the

Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana. Hanuman did not know where exactly the

herb was. Therefore, he lifted the whole mountain on which the herb existed and

placed it

before Rama. Similarly, a devotee of God must be prepared to undertake any

service, however mighty the task may be. Generally, people will have a tendency

to run away from difficulties and rush forward to enjoy happiness. That should

not be. One must be prepared for anything. The human body is susceptible to

several diseases and difficulties. You should not get depressed by them. You

must develop firm faith in Divinity. That 'Viswasa' (faith) must be your

'Swasa' (breath). Today, I am able to stand before you and give a discourse,

only because of the great service rendered by these two boys.I must tell you

one more thing. Millions of people all over the world during the period of

Swami's indisposition have ceaselessly prayed for Swami's speedy recovery.

Several people have undertaken several Vratas (religious vows). Countless

telegrams and telephonic enquiries have been received about Swami's health.

Particularly, Geetha Reddy, chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Congress

(Mahila Vibhag) stayed for one full month in Brindavan praying for Swami's

welfare and hoping to have His Darshan somehow. Since, nobody was allowed at

that time into Swami's residence, she could not get an opportunity to have His

Darshan. Nevertheless she stayed back with a firm determination, even though

she had pressing engagements in Hyderabad. She was almost shuttling between

Bangalore and Hyderabad daily by aeroplane during that period. She did not even

care for the huge expenditure involved and the difficulties at home. What she

wanted and craved for was Swami's speedy recovery. She considered Swami as her

very life. That is real love and devotion, which can please Swami. Devotion and

surrender to God can cure any amount of suffering.Another small incident I wish

to reveal to you. There was a patient in U.S.A. She was extremely afraid of the

disease diagnosed by the doctors. The diagnosis revealed that she had cancerous

growth in the heart region. She and her husband

came to Bangalore praying for Swami's grace. I assured them that I would cancel

the cancer and that they should not have any fear in the matter. She took

treatment for one week and the cancer disappeared! A little malignant portion

was left and I instructed the doctors to remove it by surgery. The doctors

performed the surgery as instructed by Me. On the very next day she started

walking! She is now quite normal and healthy. There are several such cases. The

chanting of the Divine Name can cure even the most incurable disease. That is

exactly what she has done. The lady is in the habit of chanting the Divine Name

"Sairam", "Sairam" continuously. There are several such people who chant the

Divine Name. I have cured several people of the most dreaded and incurable

diseases. There are also a number of people whom I have helped in ever-so-many

ways. All of them have now prayed for My recovery. It is only their prayers

that helped My speedy recovery.Not only this, I lost vision

in my left eye some 9 years ago. All these years I was seeing with one eye only.

Now the doctors in our hospital as also Narasimha Murthy (Warden of Sri Sathya

Sai College Hostel, Brindavan), prayed that I should undergo an operation for

the left eye, along with the operation for the hip bone. I told them that since

I was able to manage with one eye, there was no necessity for operation to the

second eye. But, they prayed and prevailed upon Me to undergo the eye

operation.When I wanted to come down to the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi

Nilayam at 7.00 a.m., to give Darshan to the devotees, Satyajit prayed that I

must slightly postpone My Darshan to 7.30 a.m., keeping in view the physical

strain I would have to undergo in early morning Darshan. Thus, he is anxious

about My welfare every moment. Not only he; there are several such devotees

with noble thoughts. That is why, Saint Thyagaraja sang his immortal Kirtan,

"Endaro Mahanubhaavulu…" (Many are the great souls …) In

fact, it is only because of such noble souls the country of Bharat has been able

to exist peacefully. Bharatadesa is not just a mass of earth. Bharat is verily

the heart of the entire world. If Bharat is safe and secure, the entire world

will be safe. Unfortunately, the people of Bharat are not realising this truth.

Wherever you see, selfishness is rampant. Therefore, cast away your selfish

motive and engage yourself in activities that help others. Pray for the welfare

of elders. Pray for the welfare of all. That is the real meaning of the prayer,

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. Pray for the welfare of the entire world,

wholeheartedly. You will definitely prosper. I think I have taken a lot of time

and caused inconvenience to you. Taking the example of these two, Sarla Amma and

Indulal Shah, I wish you should inculcate a spirit of service in everybody. I

also wish that the Bal Vikas and Mahila Vibhag should progress well. I wish

both of them a long, healthy and happy

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

 

Regards and sairam

Deepak Bharwani

http://www.sairam.ar.cx

 

http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam

 

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