LOVE IS GOD - LIVE IN LOVE - Swami's discourse on 28-10-2003

[Guest guest]

Om Sri Sai Ram

LOVE IS GOD - LIVE IN LOVE

Vice Chancellors Conference Discourse - 28 October 2003

One may master all forms of knowledge, One may vanquish one's adversaries in

debate, One may fight with valor and courage in the battlefield, One may be an

emperor reigning over vast kingdoms, One may offer cows and gold as an act of

charity, One may count the countless stars in the sky, One may tell the names

of different living creatures on the earth, One may be an expert in

eight-limbed (Ashtanga) Yoga, One may reach even the moon, But it is near

impossible to control the body, mind and senses, Turn the vision inward And

achieve the supreme state of equanimity of the mind.(Telugu Poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Today, a number of discussions and deliberations are being held in the field of

education. First and foremost, we must try to recognize the true meaning of

education. One may read all the available books and elucidate the meaning

contained in these books. But, that does not entitle one to be called an

educated person. There are several highly educated people today in the world.

But, what transformation and discriminatory power have they achieved on account

of their education? What benefit has accrued to the world on account of these so

called educated people? None tries to understand and evaluate this aspect. It is

only when an educated person looks inward that he will be able to realize the

true

meaning and philosophy underlying education. In contrast to this situation,

people are applying their intelligence in worldly matters.

There are, however, some who enquire into the nature of Atma Tattwam. Realizing

the importance of an enquiry into the nature of Atma Tattwam, we have

introduced this concept in the M.B.A. course in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of

Higher Learning. The letters M.B.A. stand for understanding the nature of the

mind (M), the physical body (B), and the Atma (A). It is easier to understand

the nature of the mind and body. But, to understand the nature of the Atma is

not that easy. No one can understand what Atma is. It has no form. It is pure

consciousness. Even the educated people are unable to understand that the Atma

Tattwam is consciousness. Most of them are able to go up to the stage of

conscious. Some

others are able to reach the next stage of conscience. The sum and substance of

all this is that man today is unable to understand the Atma Tattwam, The pure

consciousness. It is only when one is able to understand the conscious, he can

understand what conscience is. Again, it is only when, one is able to

understand conscience, he can really understand the principle of consciousness.

Thus all the three categories of conscious, conscience and consciousness are

interlinked.

Dear Students!

You may feel that spirituality is too abstract and not easily understandable.

The Atma Tattwam cannot be understood and realized by merely developing

material knowledge. In fact, Atma Tattwam is beyond the scope of material

knowledge. It is transcendental. It is fundamental knowledge. It is at the base

of all physical, material and secular knowledge.

Dear Students!

You may be under the mistaken impression that spirituality is, that which cannot

be understood. But, this is not correct. Spirituality is consciousness, which

has an inner meaning. What is awareness? Our normal understanding of this term

is awareness about a particular object or aspect. Take for instance (showing a

handkerchief), this object. When a question is put as to what it is, the answer

comes that it is a handkerchief. This knowledge about the object is considered

to be awareness. Again, when I question you (showing a flower) what it is, you

reply that it is a flower. This is also considered to be an awareness. All

these are the outer forms of different material objects. This is a cloth

(showing the handkerchief). What is the basis for this cloth? The thread. Again,

what is the basis for this thread? The cotton. Thus this cloth cannot be made

without the thread and cotton. The cotton is the fundamental object at forms

the basis for the thread and the cloth. Unfortunately, today we are only

recognizing the cloth, but not the fundamental object of cotton, the basis for

the cloth. Therefore, what is of paramount importance today is to recognize the

Atma Tattwam that is at the root of all knowledge. If one is able to realize

this Atma Tattwam, he can easily realize every other aspect.

What is Atma Tattwam? For example, we have the physical body. This body has

several limbs which function continuously. But, what is it that makes the limbs

in the body function? We hold a particular object, say, a flower with one hand.

What is it that gives power to the hand to hold the flower? We smell the

flower. From where did we get this power of smelling? We do not make any effort

to understand and recognize the inner source of all these powers; i.e., the Atma

Tattwam. We say this is my hand, my leg, my finger, my head, etc. But, who are

you? This "you" has to be understood first, so that you can say my hand, my

leg, my finger, my head, etc. Whose head is this? Whose leg is this? Unless you

understand this aspect how can you say "I" and "Mine"? Vedanta is that knowledge

which is concerned about " who are you?" and "who am I?" But, none makes any

effort to enquire into himself "who am I?" The fundamental question for the

basis for everything in this universe is: "Who am l?" If one has understood

this "I", he would have understood everything else. Spirituality is not

something un-understandable or a futile exercise. There is a fundamental

principle in this universe, which is the prime mover. We must make efforts to

understand that fundamental principle.

Embodiments of Love!

What is Love? What is its nature from where does this originate? Can a human

being live without love? Impossible. That is why, it is said, "Love is God;

Live in Love". One has to understand this principle of Love, which is the basis

for everything in this universe. Without Love, there cannot be life in this

world. There is an underlying power that permeates the entire universe. That is

Truth. What is Truth? Truth is said to be "Trikalabadhyam Sathyam" - It is

present in all the periods of time: past, present and future. However, we

cannot come to a conclusion only on account of that dictum. "Sathyam" (Truth)

is that which transcends time. There is no tangible form for the concept of

Truth. But,

there is meaning. We say, "Truth is God, Love is God". We go on repeating the

word "God". We make use of this word "God" in different circumstances. Even an

atheist says "Oh! My God!", whenever he commits a mistake. People use this word

"God" even without knowing its meaning. However, none can define the term

properly. Similarly, none can define the term "Truth". The most appropriate

method would be by one's own experience. How can one correctly describe that

experience? For example, one can go on repeating 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 2 =4 and 2 - 1

= 1 etc., ad infinitum. He can only repeat plus and minus, no one can define

the basis for the calculations. We are able to give names of different objects

in this world. But, we are not making any effort to understand the true nature

of these objects. The whole world is full of material objects This is a

material world. That is, "Buddhi grahyamatheendriyam" That which is

unintelligible and beyond the grasp of the intellect). That is transcendental.

We can count the objects in this world and say that there are so many crores of

objects. What is there beyond that number? Thus, when you go on enquiring, you

will end up nowhere. The fact is there is a fundamental principle that is

present in every human being. When you say "Love is God", that "Love" is

everywhere, omnipresent. This fundamental principle of Love is present in every

human being, nay, in every living being. When you say "Truth is in me" and "I am

Truth" what does it mean? What is that "I" and "Me"? If you analyze carefully,

this "I" in you is also the "I" in others. This is the only Truth. This Truth

can be understood only by spiritual enquiry. And that too by a steady and

sincere enquiry into one's own nature. Few undertake such an enquiry today. We

are making use of several terms in a casual manner, without understanding their

real meaning.

Embodiments of Love!

You need not have to waste your time, however, in trying to understand some

abstract concepts, which you are unable to comprehend. You just develop firm

faith in the existence of God. You firmly believe that there is God and you are

God. We cannot understand anything without developing faith. Hence, first and

foremost, develop firm faith in the concept of "I". Only then can you

understand the second concept "you". A small example. When "I" and "you" join

together, it becomes "we". However, we" + "He" becomes only "He", who exists

forever The "I" and "you" change "I am a boy". When you are a youth, you say "I

am a man". Similarly, when you are old, you say, "I am an old man". Thus, you

are

undergoing constant changes in different stages of life. Hence, there is no use

in sticking on to this changing principle. Attach yourself to the changeless

principle, i.e., "He". That "He" is God. That "He" is present in you, him and

in every person. "He is everywhere - within you, above you, below you and

around you". Therefore this "He" principle represents the omnipresent Divinity.

People should develop firm faith in such a Divine Principle. Supposing you say,

"I love Him" and none else. How can this be true? It means that you do not love

yourself. When you say, "this is my body", can you believe this body? You

cannot, since it undergoes constant changes and is perishable. However, the

non-dual principle of Atma Tattwam immanent in the body is eternal and

transcendental. It has no other name, except "Atma". Then, the question arises

as to who has given that name. In fact, this name did not come from somebody.

The Atma is omnipresent. "He" is everywhere. How can one give a name

to such an all-pervading Atma Tattwam? It is only a futile exercise. Do not

waste your time in this futile exercise. Develop firm faith in this omnipresent

Atma Tattwam and propagate it. That faith is awareness. Without that awareness

you cannot exist. This is a rose flower (showing a rose flower). You have

recognized it as such. But, who gave that name to this flower? You do not know.

You simply repeat a name that is given to a flower in the English language.

Thus, we go on repeating the words without understanding the underlying Truth.

Hence, first and foremost, one has to turn his vision inwards and meditate upon

the Atma Tattwam present in him. This Atma Tattwam can be realized only by

constant sadhana. It is only after realizing this Atma Tattwam, can one enter

into any discussion. Also understand the nature of the physical body. The

physical body consists of various limbs. In all these limbs, you will find the

principle of "I", immanent. That is why, you say that this is my

body, my hand, my finger, etc. When you go on enquiring into the nature of the

body, you will realize that the same principle of "I" is present in all the

limbs. It is very difficult to understand the spiritual concepts. But, you

should not give up your sadhana on that score. On the other hand it has to be

pursued vigorously. It is futile to run after the worldly objects. If you are

able to understand the Atma Tattwam, it amounts to understanding everything

else. If you go on enquiring, "who am I", you will ultimately realize the Truth

that the "I" principle is nothing but the Atma Tattwam. Develop firm faith in

that Atma Tattwam. Several people give different names to the principle of Atma

Tattwam. But, it has no name and form at all. It is beyond all names and forms.

It is transcendental. The power of consciousness immanent in man is not to be

found anywhere else. One has to understand and realize this consciousness. This

is possible only by constant sadhana and

enquiry.

Embodiments of Love!

You students cannot understand spiritual concepts so easily. However, if you

develop firm faith, you will be able to understand these things easily. But

today people have become blind having lost the eyes of faith. What is Prema

(Love)? You do not know. What is darkness? Is there anybody today who has seen

darkness? Just close your eyes. What do you see? You reply that you are seeing

darkness. It means that you are able to see and recognize darkness. Otherwise,

how can you say that it is darkness? Therefore, it is established that there is

a basis for everything in this world. In order to realize the Truth, one has to

develop faith. You carry on your life's journey with firm faith as your guide.

You are going somewhere, unless you know where you are going, how can you reach

your destination? Hence, make a firm resolve that you are going to the Mandir.

Only then can you reach the Mandir. Similarly, first and foremost, make Atma

Tattwam as your goal in life's journey.

Embodiments of Love!

You are not able to understand what real Prema (love) is. You love the physical

body and its beauty. You love wealth. You love the external form. You love

one's outward behavior. Where from do all these things come? What is the basis

for all these aspects? How long will these external forms remain? All of them

undergo changes continuously. What is the use of clinging to these changing

external forms? You must direct your love to the changeless principle of Atma

Tattwam. The Atma Tattwam does not undergo any change, whatsoever. Nothing can

be added to it nor deleted from it. Therefore, you must develop firm faith in

such a changeless principle. You often say that you love so and so very much.

But, what do you know of him? Do

you love his physical form? Did you develop liking for his behavior? Do you love

his sweet disposition? What is it that has drawn you to him? In fact, all these

factors are only transitory. There is, however, one quality in you that is

responsible for all this. That is love. That love of God. Love is His form.

Hence, you cultivate love for love's sake. There cannot be life without love. A

small example to illustrate the point. A mother has a son. He is 20 years old.

After sometime, the son died. Then, the mother was wailing over the body of the

son "Oh! Son! I was able to live as long as. you were alive. How can I live

now?" Such type of grief is the result of attachment of the mother developed

towards the physical form of the son. It is not true love. What is important is

love; but not love for the physical form. It is only those who are able to love

for love's sake, can attain real love. Those who love the physical body do so

as long as the body is present. Thereafter the love

ebbs away. Therefore, love for love's sake. Such love is life. That life is God.

That is Atma Tattwam, verily. Atma Tattwam is the only reality.

Embodiments of Love!

You have to seek love through love only. The Gopikas prayed thus:

Oh Krishna, play your sweet flute and sow the seeds of love in the desert of loveless hearts.

Let the rain of love fall on earth and make the rivers of love flow. (Telugu Song)

The rivers of love must flow continuously. It is enough, if you can understand

the one principle of love. This love is everything. Treat this love as the

be-all and end-all of your life. Do not direct your love towards material

objects. If you continue to love for love's sake, then such a love will be

eternal. It is not the body that is to be loved, but the principle of love. All

the names and forms are evanescent and impermanent. We should not love such

things. Love directed towards such things is physical, whereas love for love's

sake is eternal. Consider Truth as Truth. You should not associate Truth with

material objects. Similarly, love should not be associated with material

objects. Love is

simply love. As such, love is God. You must attain Divinity with such love.

Dear students!

You encounter several appointments (expectations) and disappointments in life.

When you have an appointment, you will have a disappointment also when it is

not fulfilled. Therefore, do not have appointments (desires) at all. Then,

there is no scope for disappointment. Do not give importance to the form. In

fact, your Atma Tattwam represents your true form. Do not confine Divinity to a

particular name and form. The names like Rama, Krishna, Govinda are only names

attributed by man to God. They are not innate. Not much of importance can be

attached to them. However, one has to take a particular name in the initial

stages of his spiritual quest. For instance, it is necessary to acquire

different

types of education. It is also necessary to realize the essence of all the

education. That is, of course, the Truth. But how long? Until you experience

that essence. Once you experience the essence of knowledge, even that vanishes.

Hence, do not depend upon the name and form. Truth is Truth. That is the only

Truth. It has no form. Love is God. Love has no form. Cultivate such Divine

Love. God exists. There can be no doubt about it. If God does not exist, there

is no scope for nature to exist. From an experience of Prakriti (Nature)

emerges apprehension of Paramatma (the supreme self). From Paramatma, the

realization of Paratattwa (Supreme Reality) springs. That Paratattwa is Atma

Tattwam. Therefore, always love that Paratattwa. Do not confine your love to

the particular, which is always susceptible to change. Time permitting, I will

delineate on this Prema Tattwam (Principle of Love) in greater detail. When

students are able to understand the nature of this divine love, there can be

no scope for disappointment. They are always engrossed in appointment and

disappointment. Love has only a name, but no form. You can direct that love

towards any form.

Embodiments of Love!

God can be attained only through one route. That is Love. That is Truth. Do not

confine the principle "I" to a particular form. A small example. Janakiramaiah

(younger brother of Swami's physical body) died recently. There are several

people who loved him. They have been making obituary references everyday in the

newspapers, saying Janakiramaiah! You have left your mortal coil, leaving us

alone. You please take birth again, so that we can love you again". Is it

necessary for Janakiramaiah to take birth once again in order that these people

may love him? Is that what these people wish for? Should we confine our entire

life to birth and death only? In fact, both birth and death are unreal. Where

there is birth, there is death surely. The twin stages of life, i.e., birth and

death are only for the body, not for the Atma. We have to direct our love

towards the Eternal Atma Tattwam, not the body which is subject to birth and

death I often address you as "Bangaru!" What is the underlying meaning in

addressing you in that manner? Gold as a metal does not perish. Its shape

changes when it is melted and made into different types of ornaments. You, as

gold may take different forms, but your Atma Tattwam does not undergo any

change. You have to strive to attain the changeless principle of Atma Tattwam,

but not the changing forms. I address you as "Bangaru!", reminding you of your

real nature, i.e., the changeless Atma Tattwam. Gold is always gold. It is

Truth. It is eternal. You have to always crave for attaining such an eternal

reality. Keeping this aspect in view only, Adi Shankara in his famous "Baja

Govindam" sang thus:

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam Iha Samsare

Bahu DustareKripayapare 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.)

We have to crave for that principle which has no birth and death. Why should we

wish to be born again?

Embodiments of Love!

There is Divine Love in you, which has neither birth nor death. You direct your

love towards that Divine Love. That love is always with you. If you cultivate

such love, you will always remain as embodiments of love. Have firm faith in

this Divine Love. Do not believe the worldly love, lest you should be deceived.

The worldly love is like passing clouds. Such clouds come and go. They are not

permanent. Love the eternal love. That is the Atma Tattwam. Love that Atma

Tattwam. People, who wish to enter the spiritual field and to know the path

that leads to Divinity, please come to Me. I will explain. Do not be deceived

by worldly love that causes only disappointment. Cultivate such type of love

that

will not cause disappointment. Pursue any type of education; but understand the

inner meaning of education. Then put it into practice, experience and enjoy

that essence of that education. Do not be disappointed by directing your love

towards all and sundry. Several students are being disappointed in that manner.

In the end, they are unable to love anybody. That is not the right way. Love the

principle of Love itself, which is Divine and Eternal. The more you love that

Divine Love, the more it grows.

Embodiments of Love!

I always address you as "Embodiments of Love!" Cultivate such type of love only.

When you cultivate such love, it will, in turn, protect you. That is what the

saying, means "with you, in you and around you".

(Bhagawan concluded the Divine Discourse with the Bhajan "Prema Muditha Manase

Kaho...')(The Programme ended with singing of the National Anthem.)

Roman'">

Sent with Sai love

Sai brothers – ‘’

 

 

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