Krishna Janmashtami Discourses - 1 and 2 [2004]

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Krishna Janmashtami Discourses - 1

THE LORD ACCEPTS ONLY A PURE HEART

Oh Krishna! You don’t eat what I give You,You don’t eat our home-food,You go to

the houses of the cowherds,And eat butter stealthily,You spoil Your good name,

my dear!

(Telugu poem)

Thus, mother Yasoda expressed her anguish one day, having been vexed by the

complaints of the neighbours. She chided Him saying, “Oh Krishna! I have to

face a lot of trouble on account of Your mischievous pranks. You don’t have

taste for the food prepared in our house. You always like the items prepared in

the neighbouring houses. How shall I manage with You?” True, people develop a

taste for food in the neighbouring houses. A sweetmeat shop owner sitting in

his own shop, all the while enjoying the sweet smell of the laddus, develops a

taste for puffed rice from another shop.

Kashyapa, a great devotee of the Lord had completely surrendered himself at the

Lotus Feet and was totally lost in divine bliss. One day, his wife, Aditi,

approached him and advised him, “My dear! We do not have children. You have

surrendered everything of yours to the Lord. Why don’t you pray to Him to bless

us with a child?”

Emperor Bali, in Krita Yuga, performed many Yajnas. After completion of one

hundred and seven Yajnas, he made arrangements for performing the one hundred

and eighth Yajna known as Viswajit. As he was performing this Yajna, Lord

Vishnu appeared before him as Vamana in the guise of a dwarfish Brahmin. Vamana

asked for three paces of land in charity from Bali, which he was about to give.

In the meanwhile, Emperor Bali’s preceptor Sukracharya came there and tried to

dissuade Bali from giving this gift of charity. He advised

FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Bali, “Please do not give anything in charity to this short

Brahmin, much less the three paces of land. Do not underestimate Him. He is not

an ordinary Brahmin. He is an Avatar of Vishnu. He is born to Sage Kashyapa, in

fulfillment of the boon granted by Lord Vishnu to him.” But Emperor Bali did

not pay heed to the advice of his preceptor. He asked Lord Vamana, “Sir, What

can I do for you?” Vamana replied, “Oh King! I do not need anything. Just give

Me three paces of land.” Sukracharya again pleaded with Bali, “Oh King! You

consider this person as an ordinary Brahmin. No. No. He is capable of filling

the entire universe. It is not wise on your part to grant his request.” But,

Emperor Bali turned down his advice saying that he could not go back on his

promise, as it was a great sin not to stand by one’s word.

In those days, people considered death preferable to going back on one’s word.

But today in Kali Yuga, people make promises and break them at will. Emperor

Bali was of pure heart. Once a promise was made, he fulfilled it, come what

may!

He said, “I gave a word to this Brahmin boy. I am prepared to face any

eventuality in fulfilling my promise. I will offer the fruits of all the Yajnas

I have performed, including the one I am now performing to this Brahmin boy. So

saying, he put the garland of the fruits of 108 Yajnas performed by him round

the neck of Vamana and prostrated before Him. (As He said this, Swami created a

necklace of 108 gold coins.)

Vamana covered the entire land given in charity by Bali under one foot. He grew

in size and filled the entire universe with His second foot. There was no

further space to put His third foot. Then Sukracharya said, “Oh emperor! You

did not pay heed to my advice. You underestimated this Brahmin boy and got

yourself tricked by His innocent looks.”

Vamana received the offering of Emperor Bali and praised his large-heartedness

and blessed him. Vamana was short in stature, but he could fill the entire

universe. Being an Avatar, He was Aprameya (beyond all limitations,

indescribable and immeasurable). Human beings have limitations, but not an

Avatar.

The sunrise and sunset happen according to a predetermined Divine command. It

happens regularly, uninterrupted. The sun, the moon and the stars follow a

definite pattern of schedule. All the five elements in the universe discharge

their duties regularly as ordained by the Lord. Even God Himself observes the

rules that He lays down for all. Everything in God’s creation goes on according

to a predetermined order and Divine command. Nothing in the universe, including

the five elements, has an independent existence. But, unfortunately, man is

unable to recognise this divine force that regulates the functioning of the

universe. Scientists are making unstinted efforts to discover this divine

force. The stars shining brightly in the sky at night are, however, not visible

during daytime.

The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening with utmost regularity

everyday. The stars glitter beautifully in the sky at night and hide themselves

during the day. The wind blows incessantly and sustains the living beings

without taking rest even for a moment. The rivers make gurgling sounds as they

flow perennially. (Telugu poem)

What could be the reason for this phenomenon? Scientists probed into this aspect

and concluded that the stars were not visible during daytime because the sun was

shining brilliantly in the sky during that period. Similarly, they tried to

explain the divine force in ever so many ways.

The moment the umbilical cord is cut and the child is separated from the mother,

it cries. Why? Nobody could explain and explore this secret. The moment a drop

of milk or honey is put on the tongue of the newborn child, it sleeps happily.

This means ever since a human being comes out of his mother’s womb, he

struggles to satiate his hunger.

Oh man! You struggle hard to acquire various types of knowledge in order to fill

your stomach. In spite of all your hard work and acquisition of knowledge, you

are unable to experience everlasting happiness. Instead, why don’t you

contemplate on the Lord and seek refuge in Him? He will certainly show you a

way to overcome your misery. (Telugu poem)

Every human being thinks that he is born merely for filling his belly. He

constantly struggles to acquire food.

There is another interesting phenomenon in nature. The branches of a tree rub

against each other due to the wind and fire is born out of that friction

between two pieces of wood. How does it happen? Though there is fire in the

wood of a tree, it is not burnt away. Why? No scientist could ever discover

this secret so far. There are several such inexplicable phenomena in nature.

With a view to recognise and understand such phenomena, man is constantly

engaged in the quest for Divinity. However, one need not search for God, who is

omnipresent.

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your belly. You

acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields. Examine and enquire for

yourself what great happiness you have achieved by spending all the time from

dawn to dusk in acquiring worldly knowledge and earning wealth, while

forgetting God. (Telugu poem)

Everything in this universe moves strictly according to the Divine Will and

force. Man, of his own accord cannot achieve anything. The Divine force

manifests itself in several ways in this universe, in the form of various types

of energy. People think they are created by somebody. Strictly speaking, nobody

has created them. They are natural phenomena that manifest out of Divine will.

For example, when two pieces of stone are struck against each other, fire is

born. It means, there is fire latent in the stone, but does not manifest

outside. Thus, all the powers are latent in nature.

A few minutes ago, one boy spoke about Nanda and Yasoda, the foster parents of

Lord Krishna. In those days, there was no electricity. People in the village

used to go to the house of Nanda (since he was the chief of the village) and

lighted their oil lamps from the lamp lit up in Nanda’s house. People were of

the belief that they would attain plenty and prosperity if they lighted their

oil lamps from the lamps lit in the houses of well-to-do-people. A newly

married daughter-in-law by name Suguna arrived in that village. Her

mother-in-law told her to go to the house of Nanda and get her lamp lighted

from theirs. When Suguna went to the house of Nanda and lighted the lamp, she

could visualize

10pt">Krishna in that flame. On having this Divine vision, she lost her body

consciousness. She fixed her gaze on that beautiful form of Lord Krishna and

was lost in bliss. She could not even realise that her fingers were being

burnt, having come into contact with the flame. She was in total bliss. In the

meanwhile, other ladies from the neighbouring houses also came there to light

their own lamps. They were wonderstruck on witnessing this scene. They could

notice that Suguna was not moving away from the flame even though her fingers

were being burnt. They then realised that she had the vision of Krishna in that

flame. They sang a song describing this incident. (Swami

sang a Telugu song; the meaning of the first few lines is as follows ...)

It seems Suguna had a vision Of Gopala in the house of Nanda She saw Krishna in the flame!

On hearing this song, Yasoda came there literally running. She saw Suguna’s

fingers getting burnt in the flame. While all the Gopis were dancing in

ecstasy, Yasoda went near Suguna and pulled her hand away from the flame. She

chided her saying “Oh! Suguna! Did you not notice your fingers being burnt on

coming into contact with the flame? Do you wish to bring a bad name to us that

if anyone goes to Nanda’s house, their fingers will be burnt?” Suguna’s

mother-in-law was by nature a short-tempered woman. On hearing about this

incident, she came running to the house of Yasoda and made a big issue of this

incident. She ordered her daughter-in-law not to go to the house of Nanda again

in future, for getting the lamp lighted.

Several miracles happened in the house of Yasoda. After Krishna left for

Mathura, the Gopis could not bear His separation and were pining for His

Darshan. In such a moment of yearning, Krishna

FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> appeared in Gokulam. However, neither Nanda nor Yasoda could

see Him. All the Gopis gathered at the house of Nanda and prayed that they may

be allowed to have Krishna’s Darshan. They started complaining, “Nanda and

Yasoda! you have kept Krishna away from us. Please tell us where he is.” But,

Krishna did not make his appearance in public. He

appeared to some Gopis individually in answer to their prayers.

A few minutes ago, a student of our University narrated an incident wherein

Swami had appeared before him in answer to his prayers. No one else could see

Swami. Then, the boy prayed again, “Swami! What is the use of giving Darshan to

me alone? Please give Darshan to all the students; otherwise, they will not

believe my words and make fun of me.” I replied, “Does not matter. Let people

think whatever they wish to. This is your prapti (deservedness), only you

deserve to see Me”. So saying, I disappeared.

Once, Yasoda reprimanded child Krishna saying, “Oh! My dear Krishna! You don’t

eat the food I prepared for you. You go to the houses of the milkmaids and

stealthily eat the butter stored in their houses. You are creating problems for

me. Is it that the butter suffused with mother’s love does not taste good for

you?” So saying, she tied Krishna to a mortar with a rope. It is everybody’s

experience in the world that we do not like the food cooked in our own house.

The items cooked in others’ houses will appear to be tasty. This is quite

natural. However, Krishna did not steal the butter from others’ houses for its

taste. There is an underlying message in this Leela. Here, butter symbolises a

pure heart. Wherever such a pure heart is available, Krishna takes it.

Such a pure heart will be soft and sweet. The hearts of Gopis were ripened with

devotion. They were pure, soft and sweet. Hence, Krishna had gone to their

houses to steal their hearts.

Krishna is referred to as “chora” (thief). What does He steal? He steals the

butter-like hearts of the Gopis, hearts which are pure, soft and sweet. If you

address someone as chora (thief), he will be annoyed. But if you call Krishna

as “chiththa chora” (stealer of the heart), He will enjoy this appellation.

That is why, devotees sing in praise of the Lord most endearingly “Chiththa

chora Yasoda Ke Bal! Navaneetha chora Gopal! Gopal, Gopal, Gopal!

Govardhanadhara Gopal!” (“Oh! Yashoda’s little

Krishna! Oh! Gopala! Stealer of butter! Oh! Gopala! Lifter of the Govardhana

Mountain!”). The song thus sung melodiously with bhava, raga and thala will be

liked by everyone. Great Singer-saints like Thyagaraja made sweet offerings to

God in the form of Kirtanas suffused with Bhava (feeling), Raga (tune) and

Thala (beat)

and won His grace. There is so much sweetness in such devotional songs. God’s

grace can surely be obtained by such devotional singing. You cannot win the

grace of God by empty rhetoric. It is only through devotional singing suffused

with Bhava, Raga and Thala, that Divinity can be attained. God will be moved by

such Sankirtan. Even the Vedas have extolled the efficacy of devotional singing.

Even by chanting the Vedas, God cannot be attained. There are several hymns in

praise of God in the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. But,

not even a single individual chanting those hymns could obtain Divine Darshan.

However, when these hymns are set to tune and sung with devotion, they could

experience Divine Love. That is why God is extolled as ‘ganalola’ and

‘ganapriya’. Therefore, you pray to God with devotional singing. You can easily

win the grace of God. Some people may have a doubt, “We cannot sing well; we

have not learnt the art of singing. How can we please God?” Do

not worry. You may not have knowledge of music or a mellifluous voice. It does

not matter. Sing the glory of God with intense love, in some tune which you

know. That is enough to move the heart of God. What is music? It is not

necessary to make a special effort to learn music. A simple song with intense

love and yearning will move God. For example, you recite a poem, “Rama! Nannu

Kaapadu” (Oh! Rama! Please protect me). There will be no sweetness in the poem.

It is simply a literary rendering of your feelings. Similarly, if you make an

appeal to God saying “Rama! Nannu Kaapadu”, it becomes an empty repetition of

words. The same feeling, if it is expressed in a song set to a beautiful tune,

“Rama …! Nannu Kaapadu…” it will be so sweet and endearing to Divinity. There

is so much sweetness in music. Therefore, if you want to attain God, you have

to do it only with devotional singing.

You need not be disappointed if you have not learnt music. Why disappointment?

If there is an appointment, there will be disappointment. Therefore, do not

make an appointment, in the beginning itself. You sing the glory of God in your

own way. That is the easiest way to attain God. The Divine bliss enjoyed by the

Gopis in Krishnavatar in Dwapara Yuga is unparalleled. Therefore, remember that

Divine bliss and try to please God with your love and devotion.

In no Avatar devotees have merged in the Divine Love to such a great extent as

in Krishna Avatar. Thousands of devotees have merged in Sri Krishna during His

Avatar. Hence, if you want to merge in divinity, devotional singing is the only

means. God is said to be ganapriya (pleased by devotional singing). Krishnavatar

is the best example for this statement. One simple name ‘Krishna’ sung by a

devotee is enough

to move Him. The Leelas, Mahimas and the miraculous deeds performed by Lord

Krishna during His Avatar are unparalleled.

Dear students! You are singing several Bhajans. All of you are participating in

the Bhajans. But, each one is singing in his own way. This is not proper. If

all of you sing in one voice and one tune with divine feeling, God will surely

install Himself in your loving heart. Krishnavatar is the only Avatar that had

granted Darshan to different people in different ways clarified their doubts

about His divinity and merged them in His own Self. Krishnavatar is the only

Avatar that made everyone happy and blissful by His sweet and loving words.

Embodiments of Love!

There is nothing superior to devotional singing. What a great joy and happiness

you derive by singing the song “Nanduni Yinta Gopaludanta Deepaana

Kanipinchenanta” (It seems Gopala has appeared in the flame in the house of

Nanda). Therefore, sing such soulful songs with bhava, raga and thala to please

God and obtain His grace. You may sing any number of Bhajans and songs, but it

is only when they are suffused with intense love, devotion and sweet and soft

feeling (bhava) you will derive immense happiness and joy.

*****

Krishna Janmashtami Discourses - 2

GOD PROTECTS THOSE WHO PROTECT SATHYA AND DHARMA

No visit to any pilgrim centre, no penance, no Yogic practice, no study of

sacred texts nor charitable acts will help you in crossing over the ocean of

Samsara, but the service rendered to the noble. (Sanskrit

Sloka)

Embodiments of Love!

You would have read in sacred texts that Ravana was a master of four Vedas and

six Sasthras. Having learnt these sacred texts, was there any transformation in

him? No. Instead of developing Daivatva (divine qualities), he developed

Danavatva (demonic qualities). The ten heads of Ravana symbolised four Vedas

and six Sasthras. In the decisive battle, Rama severed Ravana’s heads since he

did not put into practice the knowledge he had acquired. Mere learning of

sacred texts and chanting of Vedas will not bring about any transformation. In

order to drive home this message, Rama cut off with his arrows Ravana’s ten

heads. It is only right at the end. Just before his spirit left his body did

Ravana recognise his faults and repented for them and became sacred thereby.

All that God preaches is for the benefit and welfare of

humanity. Therefore, it is enough if one puts into practice at least one of the

teachings of the Vedas. It should be a natural trait for everyone to put into

practice the divine teachings.

In Prashanthi Nilayam, you find that even the Primary school children join the

senior students in chanting Vedas. They know all Vedas, but they do not have

the required knowledge to put them into practice. Mere recitation of the Vedas

is of little use.

Only God exists everywhere and at all times. The world is but an illusion. The

sacred teaching that God exists everywhere should be propagated to everyone.

You find many Sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) chanting and teaching the Vedas.

Consider this example: a cassette tape or a disc merely plays, but does not

experience the melody. It would be fruitless if one does not practice what he

preaches. So, one should recognise, understand and practice the sacred

teachings. Lord Krishna put into practice what He propagated and also insisted

that everyone should follow suit. You find many elders in the Mahabharata who

were great scholars themselves, but, failed to put into practice the knowledge

they acquired. The same is the position today. God has no preferences or no

dislike whatsoever. All are equal for Him. But, He watches to

see how much a person puts into practice what he has learnt. Many people study

sacred texts, go on pilgrimage, perform penance, repeat God’s Name, but what is

the use? Many ask Me for a Japa Mala (rosary). Is it to adorn your neck for

publicity or is it for spiritual experience? One hand is enough for one who

wants to practice this Sadhana. (At this point, Swami demonstrated with His

hand as to how one should do Namasmarana.) The five fingers of the hand contain

nine Aksharas (letters) which are further divided into twelve Brahmas and this

makes up to hundred and eight beads of the rosary. Chanting the name of Rama

nine times twelve will make up to one hundred and eight. This Sadhana requires

neither a Japa Mala nor a fixed place. It can be done while walking or even

while lying down till you go to sleep. When there are such easy and sacred

paths, why should one go for strenuous Sadhanas foregoing sleep?

Draupadi is known for her chastity. She has protected her husbands in many ways.

After the gruesome massacre of the young Pandava children, Arjuna tracked down

Aswatthama, the perpetrator of the atrocity, and dragged him before Draupadi.

Instead of cursing the evildoer and pronouncing punishment for him, she fell at

the feet of Aswatthama, the son of her husbands’ most revered Guru, and said:

It is at the feet of your father, Dronacharya that my husbands have learnt all

that they know. Being the son of Dronacharya, was it proper to kill my

children. How could you have the heart to kill them who were unharmed, young,

quietly asleep, were not having any grudge against you, and were not

contemplating any harm to you? (Telugu poem)

When Draupadi was praying like this, Bhima could not bear to see this. Exploding

in anger, Bhima roared:

This Draupadi is a stupid woman, for she pleads for this wretch’s freedom. She

feels no anger against this murderer of her sons. (Telugu poem)

When Arjuna was about to kill Aswatthama, Draupadi fell at his feet and reasoned

with him thus: “Arjuna! Will my sons be revived by killing Aswatthama? His

mother too would experience the same kind of sorrow that I am undergoing at the

loss of my sons. Having studied the Vedas and Sasthras, how is it that you are

not able to maintain your tranquility?”

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)

Thus, Draupadi pleaded with Arjuna to forgive Aswatthama for his heinous act.

Arjuna replied, “You are preventing me from keeping up my vow.” To this

Draupadi said, “Tonsuring his head and removing the crown jewel from his head

is equivalent to killing him.” Arjuna paid heed to Droupadi’s advice and as a

token punishment shaved Aswatthama’s head took his crown jewel and sent him

away.

What is Papa (sin)? Hurting, abusing and killing others is sin. What is Punya

(merit)? Helping others is merit. Therefore, one should not retaliate to an

evil act with an evil act. Instead, one should be magnanimous in forgiving the

offender. There are many such sacred teachings in the Mahabharata.

There are many such noble women like Draupadi. She stands as an ideal for all

women. Why are we forgetting the teachings of such great women? Today, women

are treated as mere puppets. But they are full of courage, valor, sacrifice,

determination and righteousness. Have you ever cared to recognise the power

latent in women? Men do not possess such valor and courage of women. It is

because of such great women that our Bharathiya culture is held in high esteem.

Otherwise, it would have declined long ago. Did you ever recognise the fact that

women are endowed with such great powers as courage, valor, determination and

righteousness? These qualities are not to be easily found in men. Why? Most of

them are afflicted with the disease of anger, which is ruining them.

One with anger will not be successful in any of his endeavors. He will commit

sins and will be derided by one and all. (Telugu poem)

It is possible that women may also succumb to anger and indulge in sinful deeds,

now and then. Such people should be pardoned and encouraged to make amends, not

denounced and condemned. The quality of patience and perseverance in women is

great. In fact, it is the quality of equanimity in times of difficulty that was

characteristic of the Draupadi, which saved the Pandavas. There are several such

women even in present times also. The bad qualities of anger, passion, jealousy,

envy and pride are more prominent in men. Women are able to control such evil

qualities from overtaking them. Under the circumstances is it not our duty to

encourage and honour such women who preserve and promote peace and harmony? On

the contrary, women are belittled and slighted. No, no, this should not happen.

Such women with noble qualities

deserve to be encouraged and upheld.

A few days ago, you had witnessed a function in this Hall, where the glory of

womanhood was highlighted. A playlet was put up in this Hall by Chethana, in

which the greatness of mother Sita, as the ideal woman, was presented. Sita and

Draupadi were great Pathivrathas (women of chastity). Such efforts to highlight

the greatness of women need to be encouraged.

Sathya and Dharma (truth and righteousness) are the greatest characteristics of

Indian culture. If these two are protected, the country can be saved from

degeneration. If you want to protect your country, you need not join the army

and fight a battle. If truth and righteousness that are inherent in you are

protected, they themselves will protect the country. It is not great to kill

the enemies in a war. First and foremost, protect truth and righteousness in

you. The country will automatically be protected. Indian culture exhorts

Sathyam Vada (speak truth) and Dharmam Chara (practice righteousness). When you

do this with perseverance, you will become a great hero. When you protect Sathya

and Dharma, God will, in turn, protect you. Instead of trying to worship God and

obtain His grace, if you protect truth and righteousness,

God will protect not only your country, but the whole world. Truth is your very

life-breath. Righteousness is your Armour. Therefore, protect truth; foster

righteousness. That is enough. Truth and righteousness are inseparable. One

cannot exist without the other.

They are the very life-breath for the universe. Draupadi was assiduously

observing and propagating these two.

Sathya Dharmamu Santhi PremalathoNee nithya jeevana yathra saginchu.

(Oh man! Carry on your life’s journey with the help of Truth, Righteousness,

Peace, and Love). You must hold on to these principles, come what may. God will

always protect such people. History is replete with several examples wherein

people held steadfastly to the principles of Sathya and Dharma, and were

constantly protected by God. One such example is that of Pandavas and their

chaste wife, Draupadi. You may argue, “Where is Sathya and Dharma in the

present-day world? Whom are they protecting?” This is a totally wrong argument.

If you protect Sathya and Dharma, they will, in turn, stand before you and

protect you. They are the very embodiments of Divinity. Unfortunately, today,

instead of Sathyam Vada (speak truth) and Dharmam Chara (practice

righteousness), people are

following the distorted version Sathyam Vadha (kill truth) and Dharmam Chara

(imprison righteousness). This is utter perversion. You should lead your lives

based on Sathya and Dharma and consider them as more important than your lives.

When Draupadi was pleading with Aswatthama who killed her sons, Bhima was

furious with uncontrollable anger. He clenched his fist and proceeded towards

Aswatthama to kill him. In that uncontrollable rage, he argued with Draupadi,

“Are you mad? Why are you trying to save this man who mercilessly slit the

throat of your five sons? I will break the head of this child-killer into

pieces with my fist. Do not come in my way.” At that moment Draupadi fell at

the feet of Bhima and pleaded with him to spare the life of Aswatthama. She

prayed for regaining his composure. People around, who were witnessing this

scene, were wonderstruck. They were wondering whether Draupadi was really mad!

In fact, the world will be better if everyone is afflicted with such madness.

Thus, when Draupadi pleaded with her husbands for saving the life of

Aswatthama, he prayed for forgiveness. Draupadi was happy at the change of heart

in Aswatthama and advised him, “Brother! You need not beg for my forgiveness.

Instead, you pay your respect and do service to your mother. Do not drown her

in sorrow. Never cause her anguish; take good care of her.” Even the loss of

five sons did not make Draupadi shed tears of sorrow.

Several women come to me with a heavy heart and tell me “Swami! My husband’s

death has caused me deep sorrow and anguish. How do I bear this calamity?” Then

I would respond saying, “Oh! Your husband died? Very happy.” They feel very

unhappy with My attitude and question Me, “What is this Swami? Are You so happy

on hearing the news of my husband’s death?” What am I to say? I am always happy.

I do not know what sorrow is. I always discharge My duty.

God is the only person who protects everybody. Therefore, pray to God always.

Forgetting God and depending on the mercy of human beings! What madness! You

must depend on God, for everything in your life. That is real Thapas (penance).

Since ancient times, women have been the very life-breath and foundation for

Bharat. They are the very embodiment of truth and righteousness. How much

respect and reverence we must show towards such noble women? On the contrary,

there are several people today, who put them to untold suffering. Due to bad

habits and bad company, people lose their sense of discrimination and torture

the women. No woman should be put to mental and physical torture, whatever be

their nature. They must be revered and respected and protected in all ways.

Women in Bharat have always been held in high esteem. There are several chaste

and noble women in Bharat and still Bharathiyas are undergoing difficulties.

What is the reason? Whose fault is this? It is only because the Bharathiyas are

not giving proper respect and place to women in society. The

fault lies squarely on the men.

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

rituals, adherence to truth is the greatest penance. (Telugu poem)

The truthful character of the women is really their Tapas (penance). Therefore,

such noble women must be encouraged and honoured. If you can put this one great

principle into practice, your life will be sanctified. Those who ill-treat their

wives can never be happy and prosperous. If men cannot protect their women who

are prepared to sacrifice even their lives for the sake of their husbands, what

for is their existence? Women are really the presiding deities of their homes.

Our primary duty is to protect them. Never let your women shed tears. If women

shed tears, such homes will be ruined in no time. Women are ideals to the

society. Never cause them distress.

Men should lead a life of truth and righteousness. Only then can they protect

the country and become worthy of being called real men. Otherwise, how can they

become heroic men? Several people go to temples. When they visit a temple, they

must make a vow that they would respect and protect the women. Only then will

they be protected. It is only when the women are safe, the whole world will be

happy. Therefore, if you wish to protect Dharma in the world, you must first

protect your Dharma towards women.

Embodiments of Love!

Imagine a situation wherein you are in the role of women and some men torture

you. How miserable and helpless you would feel! Women are prepared to sacrifice

even their lives for the sake of their husbands. But, men do not have such

spirit of sacrifice. Men should also cultivate such a spirit of sacrifice, like

women. Only then will you be fit to be called men. Otherwise, you will be men

only in form, but lacking in masculinity. You consider women as Abala (weak).

But, the truth is they are Shakti Swarupas (embodiments of strength and power).

Only, I know the plight of women who lost their husbands. It is our duty to

protect such women. If you can discharge this duty properly, you will be happy

throughout your life.

Embodiments of Love!

You must follow truth even in small matters. There are three letters “Sa”, “Tha”

and “Ya” in the word “Sathya”. If you reverse the order, it will become “Ya”

“Tha” and “Sa”. This means when you do Thapas with austerities like Yama

(control of the inner senses) and Niyama (control of the outer senses), you

will have the divine vision of Sathya Swarupa (Embodiment of Truth). You have

to thus, recognise the inner meaning of every word and follow them

meticulously.

King Janaka, a great renunciant king, used to propagate truth and righteousness

to his subjects among his own example. His daughter, Sita, also led a pious

life based on truth and righteousness. You are not studying the life history of

such ideal women. Instead, you are reading trash. No. No. This is unbecoming of

you. You should study the ancient history of Bharat, which is so sacred. The

character and morality of women in Bharat are very sacred. You will become

worthy of being called men only when you undertake to protect such great women.

By mere sporting a moustache or growing a beard, will you become men? Moustache

and beard are not the real signs of masculinity. You must protect ladies and

uphold the dignity of the family. Only then can you become great heroes and men

of character.

Embodiments of Love!

Consider women as embodiments of truth. Even if some minor faults are noticed in

them, do not give credence to them. Respect and revere them. Do not use even a

single word that would offend them. If they really wish, they can achieve any

great task. You should be even prepared to lay down your lives for the sake of

protecting and fostering women. At least from today, all of you should come

forward to protect the honour and dignity of women in the world. Women also

should undertake a vow to contribute their mite in this great task of

protection of Sthri Dharma. As regards men, there is nothing great or new in

trying to protect women. That is your duty. Her duty is to foster and maintain

the entire family as a unit. If women are protected, they in turn will protect

the entire world. Never belittle women and treat them as

mere playthings. I hope all of you men will, at least in future, undertake to

protect the dignity and honour of women and thereby protect your own dignity

and honour. I conclude My discourse blessing you all.

(Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, “Rama Rama Rama Sita …”)

Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Janmashtami_Discourse.htm

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