GOD PROTECTS THOSE WHO PROTECT SATHYA AND DHARMA

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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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 Premalatho

Nee 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.