DEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO SERVE SOCIETY -Swami's 79th Birthday Message

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79th Birthday Message

All your education, all your positions of authority, all your acts of charity

and service have little value without the four virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Prema

and Santhi (truth, righteousness, love and peace). (Telugu poem)

Embodiments of Love!

You are all forgetting the purpose for which you have come into this world.

Wherever you are, you must remember three things, namely, Where did we come

from? Where are we at present? and what is the purpose of your coming here?

Supposing you are dropping an envelope or letter in a post box, it should have

the “From” address and “To” address written thereon. If these two addresses are

not written, where will the envelope or letter go? It will go to the “dead

letter office”. Similarly, you are in the world now without these two

addresses. You can very well imagine what will happen to such an individual.

You must therefore find out yourself an answer at least for one of the three

questions. Otherwise, your life itself will become a waste.Here is a small

story. The business people in the delta areas of East and West Godavari

districts in Andhra Pradesh cross the river on boats. Once, a businessman was

travelling in a boat. There was no

one else in the boat except himself and the boatman. Usually, people would like

to engage themselves in conversation with somebody during travel in order to

forget the tedium of the journey. Therefore, he started a conversation with the

boatman to while away the time. He asked the boatman, “Do you have a newspaper?”

The boatman replied, “Sir! I don’t have a newspaper. I cannot read and write.”

To this, the businessman commented, “Alas! If you cannot read and write, one

quarter of your life is consigned to the waters of Ganga.” The boatman felt

sorry for his pitiable condition and kept quiet. After a few minutes, the

businessman enquired again, “My dear! Do you know the present prices of gold

and silver in the Bombay market?” The boatman replied, “Sir! I do not have any

experience in gold business. Hence, I do not know the prices of gold and silver

in the Bombay market.” Then the businessman commented, “If you do not know about

gold business, half of your life is consigned to the

waters of Ganga*.” The conversation continued. Observing the wrist watch worn by

the boatman, the businessman again enquired, “My dear! What is the time now?”

Though the poor boatman had a watch on his wrist, he did not know how to read a

watch. The businessman again asked, “Why then did you wear a wrist watch?” The

boatman replied, “Though one does not know how to read a watch, it is a fashion

nowadays to wear a wrist watch. That is why I am wearing one.” Then, the

businessman commented, “If you do not know even to tell the time from a wrist

watch, then three-fourths of your life is consigned to the Ganga.” Meanwhile, a

gale started with great force raising high waves in the river. The boat started

tossing up and down and became unsteady. The boatman then asked the

businessman, “Sir! By the way do you know swimming?” The businessman replied,

“Alas! I do not know swimming.” Now it was the turn of the boatman to comment,

“Then, your entire life is about to be consigned to the waters

of Ganga.” Today, we are all in the same situation and are tossed in the river

of this world. But, unfortunately we are not making any effort to know why we

are here, what have we to learn in this world, where do we have to go and by

knowing what we could reach there, etc. Thus, by being ignorant of these

aspects, our entire life is being consigned to the Ganga. Therefore, we have to

first try to find out answers to the queries of: Why have we come here? What are

we supposed to know? and Where do we go from here? If we are not able to know

the answer to at least one of these queries, our life’s journey will be without

a purpose. It is only when we are aware of the “From” address, “To” address and

the “present resident” address, our life will be meaningful and sanctified.Dr.

Michael Goldstein (Chairman, Prasanthi Council and a devotee of Swami) and his

wife visit Puttaparthi often. When I was going to the college one day,

he approached Me and requested, “Swami, if You kindly permit me, I will

accompany You to the college.” I told him to come. While we were travelling in

the car, I asked Mr. Goldstein, “What is your programme?” He replied, “Swami, I

have to start my journey back home today.” Then I advised him not to leave on

that day. He again told Me, “Swami, I shall go today, but I shall take the next

day’s flight from Bombay. “Thereupon I told him firmly, “You do not talk to Me

about all those things. If I say don’t go, it is final.” Goldstein could not

realise that his life itself would be in great danger if he decided to start on

the same day. At last I told him, “Okay, you can go, if you so wish.” Then he

returned to his room, packed up his luggage for the Bombay flight. Thereafter,

he boarded the plane for USA. Soon after the plane took off, it was realised

that there were some hijackers in the plane. The entire atmosphere in the

aircraft was extremely tense. Two hijackers stood guard at the

entrance. Another two were roaming about in the aircraft with fully loaded guns

pointed at the passengers. It is then that Goldstein realised why Swami wanted

him not to board the aircraft on that particular day. He could not do anything

in the situation and was praying to Swami as his sole refuge. His wife is a

great devotee of Swami. She started chanting Swami’s Name, “Sai Ram, Sai Ram,

Sai Ram”. When the aircraft gained some altitude, the hijackers started

shooting the passengers. The passengers were struck with terror not knowing

what to do. As the hijackers opened fire, the aircraft was strewn with dead

bodies. He and his wife were seated on the front portion of the aircraft. The

hijackers started shooting the passengers around them. They thought it would be

their turn next. Goldstein then told his wife, “Swami advised me not to start on

this day, but I did not follow Swami’s instruction completely and that is why we

are in this situation.” Meanwhile, one hijacker set his eyes

on the couple. Goldstein’s wife, however, had been chanting the Name of Swami

incessantly forgetting everything. The chanting of Swami’s Name worked wonders

and Goldstein’s wife was spared. Goldstein then got up and stood at the

entrance of the aircraft. The hijackers, however, could not notice him even

though he was such a hefty person. Thus, the life of Goldstein was saved by

Swami’grace. They remained on the plane as hostages for a long time without

food, water and sleep. They were very much depressed. Goldstein’s wife has

intense devotion for Swami. Normally women are more devoted than men. It is not

that men do not have devotion, but they do not show it outwardly. Goldstein’s

wife advised him, “You do not worry, contemplate on Swami.” At this point the

hijackers began to shoot men, women and children mercilessly. Goldstein and his

wife, however, continued to pray to Swami, “Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai Ram”. They

silently prayed to Swami closing their eyes. In the meantime, all the

ammunition in the guns of the hijackers was exhausted. The police caught the

hijackers. Goldstein and his wife were released and put on board on another

aircraft bound for America. However, the ordeal that they underwent continued

to haunt them. After a few days, the police came to enquire about the incident.

Goldstein was offered some compensation, but he did not accept it. After two or

three months, Goldstein again came to Puttaparthi and had Swami’s Darshan. Now

he realised through his own experience that he need not fear anything under any

circumstances if he did Namasmarana (chanting of God’s Name). After he had

Swami’s Darshan, calmness was restored in him. From then on, when Swami would

enquire about his return journey he would leave it to the Lord’s Will. He

realised that it would be better to leave the matter in Swami’s hands. From

then on Goldstein developed unshakeable faith in the words of Swami and stood

firmly by them.

roman">People today are unable to realise from where they came and where they

would go. It is only after people have undergone such experiences that they

realise the strength of faith. They have come into this world and somehow spend

their time. When someone questions them how they spend their time, they reply

that they have come into this world for enjoying food and comfortable sleep.

However, it should be understood that man has taken birth in this world not

merely for enjoying food and drink. The same truth has been explained by Adi

Sankara in his famous Bhaja Govindam song thus: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.)When people are

questioned why the

human birth was given to them, most of them would reply that it was for Khana

(food), Peena (drink), Sona (sleep) and Marna (death). This assumption is

totally incorrect. There are several things in life that one has to achieve.

The purpose of a human birth is not for enjoying food and comforts. It is not

even for pursuing education. The purpose of human birth is totally different

and the people have forgotten it. You have to fulfil your life and sanctify

your birth. The body comes, grows and dies, and finally undergoes decay. Before

the body dies, one has to fulfil the purpose for which he has come into this

world.Embodiments of Love!There will be several trials and tribulations in the

journey of life. One has to acquire the power by which he can courageously

encounter them. That is the power of spirituality. One should not become

diffident and withdraw from his effort in the middle. In this Bhavasagara

(ocean of life), there

will of course be, turbulent waves which will toss your boat up and down.

Punarapi Jananam Punarapi MaranamPunarapi Janani Jathare SayanamIha 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.)The purpose of human birth is

not to be born again and again from the womb of the mother, spend the life

aimlessly and finally depart from this world. There is a specific purpose why

one is born in this world. Therefore, one has to realise the purpose and

sanctify his life. Our education, our work and the money we earn, all these

must be spent in a purposeful way. The students of the present-day are pursuing

education to

make a living. They are acquiring degrees with the sole purpose of earning

money. What is so great about struggling for filling one’s own belly? Even dogs

and foxes fill their bellies. You might have observed in the circus that even

the monkeys learn several types of feats and display them. You, who are born as

human beings should not behave like dogs, foxes and monkeys. If you do so, of

what use is your education? The education you acquire must be put to proper

use. Only then will it become meaningful and will give strength to your

personality. The purpose of your life is not merely pursuing education and

acquiring degrees. Of course, you may study, but it is not enough if you simply

study for acquiring degrees.Can you call all those who know how to read and

write educated?Can one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees?Can you

call it education which does not confer virtues?(Telugu poem) It is only when

you keep education for both life and for living as your goal, your education

will be meaningful. Therefore, every human being must keep the purpose of life

in view. Of what use is it, if you exult in your success thinking, “I have

passed MBA; I have acquired several degrees.” Those degrees must be put to

proper use. Only a human being has the power to realise the purpose of his

life. If one is satisfied thinking, “I am born, I am educated, I earned money,

I have sufficient bank balance, I have got my children educated and sent them

for higher education to foreign countries”, that is not the sole purpose of

life. You should never forget the purpose why you were born in this world.

Unfortunately, today, you have forgotten the purpose of your life and are

indulging in futile activities. As long as you live you must experience peace

until your last breath. You should attain true and

eternal bliss.Mahatma Gandhi went to London and was conferred with the degree of

Bar-at-Law. He wished to fulfil his life by utilising his education in the

service of society. Therefore, after his return to his motherland, he joined

the Indian National Congress. He sacrificed his entire life for achieving

Independence for the country. He started wearing a simple dhoti and a piece of

cloth to cover the upper portion of his body. He underwent several difficulties

in the north Indian States during the freedom struggle. He was beaten by the

police with lathis (baton) in Lucknow. However, in spite of undergoing several

difficulties and physical torture at the hands of the police, he did not give

up his resolve to attain Independence for the country. He started practising

Law. Even then, his life did not go smoothly. He joined the Independence

movement on behalf of the Indian National Congress and underwent great torture

at the hands of the British. Nevertheless, he did not lose

heart. His wife Kasturba was a noble lady. She always served her husband with

great devotion, even when Gandhi was in jail. Simultaneously, she was also

engaged in service to the country. It is only her spirit of service that

protected her throughout. During the days of their involvement in the

Independence movement, there were occasions when the husband and wife got

separated. But Kasturba was reconciled to the situation that whatever happened

was for her good only. Thus, people who serve others with a noble heart will

always see good only. At last, the country attained Independence and Jawaharlal

Nehru became the first Prime Minister. Subhash Chandra Bose was another great

leader of the freedom movement who was good at heart and was a great patriot.

It is only because of the efforts of such men of sacrifice, the country could

attain Independence. However, it is not merely Swatantrya (Independence) that

we have to wish for. We must attain Swarajya. That is great. Swatantrya

is a temporary phenomenon of freedom from foreign rule while Swarajya is

concerned with and attained by the heart.Dear Students!

You must be prepared to sacrifice even your life for the country. You are not

the body. The body is only an instrument and a means for achieving something

higher and noble. The body has to be put to use for achieving these higher and

noble aims. The body is like the dress we wear. One day or the other the dress

is bound to decay. Till then the body has to be maintained properly. It is only

by sacrifice one can attain Yoga. That is what the Veda has proclaimed, Na

Karmana Na Prajaya DhanenaThyagenaike Amrutatthwamanasu (immortality is not

attained through action, progeny or wealth; it is attained only by sacrifice).

Having been born as human beings we must dedicate our lives in the service of

God and in the constant contemplation of God. If you do so, none of the

physical ailments will trouble you.A small example which I would like to

narrate to you. When I was in Bangalore sometime back, this body fell in

the bathroom. There were two students by name Satyajit and Achintya who used to

attend to My needs. They did great service to Me. I told them “I have no body

attachment. You may conduct an operation on this body, but I have nothing to do

with this body. I am not this body. As long as the body is there, I have to do

My work.” The doctors wanted to put Me in bandage, but I did not agree. They

advised Me to undergo an operation so that the fracture would be healed

quickly. I placed this body in the hands of the doctors and let them do

whatever they wished to do with it. I continued to walk which I am still doing.

I have no pains or suffering. Several devotees are anxious that Swami is walking

with great difficulty and perhaps is undergoing great pain. I would like to

reiterate that I do not undergo any pain or suffering. Till today, I did not

undergo any body pain whatsoever. If you thus sacrifice your Dehabhimana, you

can achieve anything in life. Whatever I do, I tell the same thing.

One has to do what he says and say what he does. That is what is meant by

ManasyekamVachasyekam Karmanyekam MahatmanamManasyanyathVachasyanyath

Karmanyanyath Duratmanam(Those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect

harmony are noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked.) That is

the real Manavatva (human nature). I can stand for any length of time though

the doctors advised Me against it. Even now I have been standing for a long

time. I have no suffering at all. I don’t take even a single tablet. I don’t

put on any bandage. Mine is Atmabhava and Atmabhava alone. I set an example by

My own actions.Dear Students!

The body may undergo any amount of suffering. It is like a water bubble. The

mind is like a mad monkey. Therefore, we should not follow either the body or

the mind. We must follow our Antharatma (conscience). We must develop

Atmabhimana. If Atmabhimana is developed, no pain can trouble us. It is only

for teaching you about this Atmabhimana, I am undergoing all this trouble. I

don’t feel any pain at all. I am telling you the truth. I am not suppressing

the facts. In fact, I don’t know or feel what pain is. We must face the

difficulties courageously. It is only to teach you this steadfastness and

courage, I have taken upon Myself this pain. You must follow My ideal. Do not

ever give importance to the suffering of the body. Give up Dehabhimana.

However, engage the body in proper activities. Engage the body in the service

of God. Our body is a gift of God. For what purpose has God given us this body?

It is only for dedicating it in the service

of the Lord. Embodiments of Love!The body has been given to you for performing

sacred Karmas (actions). Several people wonder why Swami does not feel tired in

spite of undergoing so much physical suffering. Especially, the ladies can

observe the signs of weakness quickly. I want to assure you that I am

maintaining a constant body weight and good health throughout. Neither I have

put up weight nor become weak. I can walk swiftly, but I am desisting from

doing so only to satisfy the doctors. The doctors are particularly pressurising

Me not to walk swiftly. They advised Me, “Swami, please do not walk fast. You

always keep two students with You to help You.” It is only to please them and

satisfy them that I am keeping these two students with Me. I am not causing any

inconvenience to these boys. Both these boys, Arun and Prusty go to their

offices and work there besides attending to My needs. The moment I call Prusty,

he immediately

rushes in. I ask him to get Me a glass of water and I drink the water given by

him. Similarly, both these boys constantly attend to My needs. They are serving

Me with great devotion and love. I do not cause any inconvenience to

anybody.Embodiments of Love!Today you are celebrating Swami’s birthday. In

fact, it is the body that has a date of birth. This body has already passed 78

years and has entered the 79th year. But do I look like a 79 year old man? No.

No. Not only now, even after 80 or 90 years of age, I will be like this only. I

will never depend on anybody. My eyes and teeth are in perfect condition.

Normally, by the time a person attains 79 years of age, all his teeth will be

lost. His eyesight will be affected by cataract. His skin will have wrinkles,

but I have no wrinkles at all. I will not have old age. In fact, I have no old

age. Similarly, you also develop such courage and confidence. You will

certainly feel good.

Not only Myself, all of you should be in sound health. But you are spoiling your

own health. You are misusing your physical strength in so many ways. If you put

your body to proper use, you can come up well by Swami’s grace. You can serve

any number of people with a healthy body and a sound mind. Therefore, you have

to maintain your body in healthy condition in order to serve others, not to

show off your beauty. Even for Me, this body is required for serving others. In

the service to humanity, I am prepared for anything, even to sacrifice My life.

Similarly, you must also be ever ready to serve others. Do not ever consider

that the body is very important. Neither, you fritter away the physical

strength. You must make proper use of the physical body. You must also gain

enough mental strength. You must come up well in your educational career and

make your life sanctified in the service to humanity. You must always be ready

to face any situation in life boldly. That is the real nature

of humanity. Whenever your services are required, you must respond immediately,

saying, “I am ready, I am ready, I am ready.” Develop such a courage and

confidence and set an ideal to the world. This body is a den of dirt and prone

to diseases; it is subject to change from time to time; it cannot cross the

ocean of Samsara. It is nothing but a structure of bones. Oh mind! Do not be

under the delusion that body is permanent. Instead take refuge at the Divine

Lotus Feet. (Telugu poem)You seek refuge in the lotus feet of the Lord. Do not

mind any amount of suffering of the physical body. You serve the country to the

extent you can. Utilise every small opportunity to serve the country and

society. Even a small help done to an old woman that you come across on the way

is service. Do not ever think, “What do I gain by helping this woman?” There is

great merit even in such a small service. Therefore, continue to serve. There

is no greater Sadhana than service to the fellow human beings. Seva Bina Nirvan

Nahi (there is no redemption without service). You should not mind any

inconvenience that you may undergo while serving others.I have no intention of

celebrating My birthday on a grand scale. My only intention is that the body

should be maintained in a proper condition and through the body service should

be rendered to others. You must always be prepared to dedicate your life to

serve society. That is the real service. (Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with

the Bhajan, “Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin…”)

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