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Here is his speach at Prasanthi Nilayam for Mahashivratri,
at
which time he (by tradition) materialized a sacred "lingam"
from his mouth, viewed by the thousands of followers who were,
then as each year, present for the event.
Speech given at the ceremony of Mahashrivratri
Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the occasion of Mahasivarathri
Celebrations on 12th March 2002 in Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi
Nilayam
" God is the basis of the universe.
Truth is the essence of God. The virtue of noble souls is
truth. Such noble souls are verily Divine. "
(Sanskrit Verse)
Embodiments of Love!
Our ancients enquired into the nature of divinity through
many paths, but were not successful in recognising the reality.
Hence, they started worshipping Prakriti (Nature).
Thereafter, the Bharatiyas took to Murthi Aradhana
(idol-worship). Every creature that takes birth in this universe
has a form (Murthi). Idols are inert in nature and
do not possess the qualities of compassion, love, forbearance,
etc. It is for this reason that some people are against idol-worship.
This is ignorance. You use your forefinger to point a specific
object, say, a flower or a tumbler. Similarly, idols are like
pointers to Divinity. Once you recognise divinity, you don't
need the pointers, say, idols. Such being the case, is it
not foolish to object to idol worship? Are you not worshipping
the pictures of your parents and grandparents? Do these pictures
have life in them? No. Nor do they have the qualities of compassion,
love, sacrifice, etc. Then what is the point in worshipping
them? It is through these pictures that we are reminded of
their virtues and ideals they stood for. Take for instance
a hundred rupee note with dimensions of 6 inches x 4 inches.
There is neither life nor virtues of love, compassion, etc.,
in this currency note. Yet people love it and would like to
possess it. Is there anybody in the world who dislikes money?
Irrespective of the country or religion, everyone loves money.
There are innumerable instances wherein people gave up their
lives for the sake of money. The currency note is valuable
because it bears the government's seal. Similarly, we respect
the national flag for the value it stands for, though it is
merely a piece of cloth, which is inert. If idol worship is
considered foolish, then the same should apply to love for
money and respect for flag, which are also lifeless. Man's
beliefs are based on his likes and dislikes.
Isavasyam Idam Jagat (the entire world is permeated
by God). Every being is an embodiment of Eswara. It is also
said, Eswara Sarva Bhutanam (God is the Indweller of
all beings). He is present in all beings in the form of Consciousness.
Eswara is the master of six forms of wealth - Dharma
(righteousness), Aiswarya (wealth), Yashas
(fame), Shakti (power), Jnana (wisdom) and Vairagya
(detachment). Eswara has another name, San(m)kara.
'Sam' refers to Chidanandam (eternal bliss)
and Atmanandam (bliss of the Self). 'Kara' means
one who bestows. Therefore, Sankara is one who confers
eternal bliss. Every word has a deep inner meaning. Take for
instance the name Sathya Sai. Sathya stands for
Rig Veda. 'Sa', 'Aa' and 'Ya' in
Sai stand for Sama Veda, Atharvana Veda and
Yajur Veda, respectively. Therefore, Sathya Sai
is the very personification of the four Vedas. What
is the meaning of the term Linga? It is the symbol
of divinity, as it has neither beginning nor end. Divinity
is immanent in the heart (Hridaya) of every man. Hridaya
means that which is suffused with compassion. So, Divinity
is the embodiment of compassion.
Today people are unable to understand the principle of Divinity.
Though the modes of worship vary, they all are directed towards
different forms of the same God. You may call Him Rama, Krishna,
Easwara, etc. All are one. They refer to the same God. Each
person worships a particular form according to his or her
likes. Some people worship Rama because they are attracted
by Rama's Name and Form. It is said, Ramayate Iti Rama
(Rama is one who captivates the hearts of one and all).
Today is Sivarathri, meaning auspicious night.
Siva symbolises the breathing process 'Soham',
that takes place in every man. This is referred to as Hamsa
Gayatri. '(A) Ham' refers to 'I' and 'So'
means 'That' (God). This message of 'I am God'
is conveyed through this breathing process - 21,600 times
a day. Such teachings have been propagated and practised since
ancient times.
It is the finger that points to a flower. Likewise, idols
point to the divinity. So, idol worship cannot be considered
foolish. Never disregard idols because they are inert. Even
in inert objects, there is Chaitanya (consciousness).
Anoraneeyan Mahato Maheeyan (Brahman is subtler than
the subtlest and vaster than the vastest). This Chaitanya
is present in the smallest to the biggest. From your point
of view, an object may appear to be inert, but from the Vedic
point of view, everything is Chaitanya. It is foolish
to overlook the existence of Chaitanya. One may question
if Chaitanya is all-pervasive, why is it not visible
to the naked eye? You are all well aware of the fact that
there is butter in every drop of milk. Can you deny its existence
merely because it is not visible to the naked eye? The process
of obtaining butter involves curdling the milk and then churning
it. Man is unable to perceive this Chaitanya principle
because of two defects:
1) He overlooks his innumerable mistakes; and
2) He magnifies the minutest mistake of others.
One can attain divinity only when he stops hiding his mistakes
and highlighting the faults of others. It is a great sin to
search for others' faults. Instead, look for your own. Consider
your smallest defect as a great blunder and try to rectify
the same. Ignore the faults in others however big they may
be. Do not criticise others, instead criticise and question
yourself - Is this the way I should behave, having been born
as a human being ?. True spiritual practice lies in finding
out one's own mistakes and correcting them. It involves giving
up of evil tendencies and developing noble traits. That is
'Sa' 'Dhana' (spiritual practice). 'Sa'
symbolises divinity which is the embodiment of all forms of
wealth (Dhana). Today the people who seek the faults of others
are on the rise. This is the cause for restlessness in society.
All those who aspire to be peaceful should eradicate all their
defects. Only then can you ealize Sivatwa (Divinity).
Man is falling a prey to anger. Who is affected by this anger?
It is not others but he himself. It is said, "Anger
is one's own enemy, peace is the protective shield, compassion
is the true relation, happiness is verily the heaven and misery
is the hell." (Telugu Poem) Therefore, make efforts
to control your anger. Do not consider yourself to be superior
to others.
Where is God? He is present in every human being and in every
living creature. That is why it is said, Eswara Sarva Bhutanam
(God is the Indweller of all beings). Daivam Manusha Rupena
(God takes the form of man). When you consider all as
divine, you will never indulge in criticism. God judges a
person by his feelings not by his actions. God is Bhavapriya,
not Bahyapriya. So, make efforts to turn your vision
inward. Pashyati Iti Pashuhu (One who goes purely by
external vision is an animal). A true human being is one who
looks inward. The moment an animal spots a green patch of
land, it immediately rushes to that spot without weighing
the pros and cons. It is the duty of man to use his power
of discrimination and act accordingly. Man should be conscious
of his duties always. Otherwise, he has to pay a heavy price.
Whenever there is a delay in the arrival of a bus or a flight,
the passengers start criticising all those responsible for
the delay. This is because of the fact that duties were not
carried out diligently. Likewise, man becomes an object of
criticism if he does not discharge his duties properly.
Man cannot be called a human being unless he practises human
values - Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa.
These are like the five life-breaths of man. The absence of
these life-breaths amounts to living death. Each one is responsible
for his own downfall. Man kills himself by not practising
these human values.
Embodiments of Love!
Love is your greatest asset. Develop love and always speak
the Truth. Truth sounds bitter whereas people are easily pleased
by falsehood. People do not relish milk, which is brought
to their doorstep, whereas they are prepared to traverse miles
together to consume a bottle of liquor. Falsehood has become
order of the day. Falsehood may please others but not your
conscience. Strive to satisfy your conscience before satisfying
others. Under all circumstances follow the path of Truth.
In case the utterance of Truth is likely to lead to some danger,
remain silent. A hermit was deeply engrossed in the contemplation
of God. He had vowed to speak "Truth always".
Lord Eswara wanted to subject him to a test. He assumed the
form of a hunter and started chasing a deer, which, out of
fear, hid in a bush close to the hermitage. This was noticed
by the hermit. On being questioned by the hunter about the
whereabouts of the deer, the hermit was in a dilemma. He could
not feign ignorance and say that he had not seen the deer
as that would amount to uttering a lie. At the same time he
could not reveal the whereabouts of the deer, lest the hunter
should kill it. In that case he would be a party to the crime.
He prayed to Lord Easwara fervently to show him a way out.
A brilliant idea flashed in his mind by God's Grace. God is
always with you, in you, around you, above you guiding and
guarding you. Why fear when He is near? The hermit replied,
"O hunter, that which sees cannot speak; that which speaks
cannot see." By such a tactful answer, the hermit not
only upheld his adherence to Truth but also protected the
life of the deer. Then Lord Eswara manifested in His true
form and declared, "Such Yukti (tact) which
safeguards your interests as well as those of others is true
Yoga." Therefore it is said, Truth is the life of
the tongue. Righteousness is the life of hands. Non-violence
is the life of the heart. Sivarathri is celebrated
to teach man the significance of these values.
Siva also stands for humility. A person with humility
is one of Sivam (auspiciousness). On the other hand,
a person with ego is verily a Savam (corpse).
By constant prayer, man can overcome any difficult situation.
You should develop noble thoughts and help the needy. Do not
harm anyone. The harm that you inflict on others will boomerang
on you. Criticism and accusation are worldly traits and negative
in nature. Develop positive tendencies. What is the use of
all your education if you cannot give up your evil tendencies?
"In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish
man will not know his true Self and a mean-minded person will
not give up his wicked qualities. Modern education leads only
to argumentation, not to total wisdom. What is the use of
acquiring worldly education if it cannot lead you to immortality?
Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal."
( Telugu Poem)
Paropakara Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam (one attains
merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them).
Help ever, Hurt Never. This is the essence of the eighteen
Puranas. Never mind if you have to suffer, but do not put
others to suffering. God will take care of you.
Your behaviour should be befitting human birth. Neeti
(morality) and Nijayati (integrity) are the life
principles of Manava Jathi (human race). Develop morality
and lead an honest life. Only then can you attain Easwaratwa.
The main teaching of the "Culture of Bharat"
is to realise unity in diversity. But today man fragments
unity into diversity because of his narrow-mindedness
Embodiments of Divine Atma!
Never give scope to the feelings of I and mine. First know
yourself. Question yourself, "Who am I?"
Once you know who you truly are, you will realise the oneness
of all. Once you realise that you are the embodiment of Atma,
you will know that all others are also embodiment of the Atma.
However, in your daily life, it is difficult to recognise
this equality based on profession.
What is Adhyatmikam (spirituality)? Weeding out animal
qualities and rising to the level of Divine constitutes true
spirituality. Adhyatmikam refers to Adhi (eternal)
and Atma. Therefore, true Adhyatmikam is that
which relates to the eternal Atma. Recognising the
fact that I and you are one is true Adhyatmikam.
When Dharmaraja offered Krishna the Agratambulam (prime
offering), the wicked Sisupala felt that Krishna did not deserve
it. He abused Krishna endlessly and said:
" Do You think that You deserve this
honour because You stole the Saris of Gopikas when they were
having a bath or do You think that You deserve this because
You played pranks with the Gopikas. Stop this self-aggrandisement
and shut up! "
(Telugu Song)
Krishna smilingly replied, "Yes, you are right, you
speak truly".
Dharmaraja felt deeply hurt and fell at Krishna's Feet and
said, "O Lord! How is it that you continue to smile
in the face of such harsh criticism? You may be smiling, but
I am shedding tears of sorrow." Then Krishna replied,
"Dharmaraja, praise or blame relate to the body, not
to the Atma. Why should one feel depressed when criticised
and elated when praised? In fact, we criticise our own body
because it gives scope to various diseases and makes us suffer.
Hence understand that whoever criticises your body is in fact
doing you a favour." Dharmaraja was immensely satisfied
with Krishna's reply and said "Because there is a
shortage of such teachers people are afflicted by ignorance".
What about Duryodhana? He was no ignoramus. But in spite
of knowing all (about right and wrong), he fell into the path
of ignorance. He also asked Dharmaraja to keep his mouth shut.
What is silence? One should never speak ill of others. Mounath
Kalaham Nasthi (strife does not arise out of silence).
Salute those who offend you. Don't return offence with offence.
If you act in the same manner as your opponent, how can you
become greater? While saying that the other is acting wrongly,
will you be right if you act in the same manner? Never act
in this manner. Let those who commit offence continue their
offensive behaviour. You should never react. Wish for the
welfare of everyone. Our daily prayer is Loka Samastha
Sukhino Bhavantu (May all people of the world be happy!)
When all are happy, you are included. We pray for the welfare,wealth
and health of all. Never wish for the misfortune of any other
person. There is no room for hatred in this world. All are
friends. If you persist in this manner, wishing well for everyone,
praying for their prosperity, you become an ideal for the
whole world. You are born in this world for this ideal only.
There is a purpose behind the creation of every individual.
That is why God created you. And for this you have been gifted
with the capacity to love. Act according to your conscience.
Consecrate to God every action of yours.
" O Lord! That heart which You have gifted me, all
its actions are being offered back by me. What else is there
for me to worship Your feet with? Please accept this with
my humble salutations." (Telugu Poem)
"The one valuable gift that You have bestowed on
me is love. It is my duty to share this love with all my fellow
beings. That is the sign of my understanding Your gift."
One who is filled with anger, hatred and envy will be shunned
by all those who are near to him including his wife and children.
Hence, you should avoid these evil tendencies. Once you understand
the principle of love, all these evil tendencies leave you
by themselves. Humanness is Divinity in essence. When a child
is born, he is naturally pure, but as he grows, he starts
accumulating these evil tendencies more and more. The evil
tendencies are of your own making. They will ultimately destroy
your humanness itself. Don't ruin your human nature. How sacred,
how noble, how humble and how valuable is humanness! Such
a noble humanness is wilfully ruined by you. Never harm others
for the sake of your selfish and greedy desires. Be happy
at the happiness of others. Then only will you realise humanness.
Being born a man, don't turn mean. Cruelty is the nature of
animals. By hurting others, you lose your humanness and become
a beast. When you threaten others, you become a wild beast.
If you are scared by somebody, you become an animal of prey.
You are neither a hunting beast nor an animal of prey. You
are a human being. Never hurt anybody; cultivate an attitude
of happiness in yourself. Then you will be doubly happy. The
Lord is constantly saying, Thathastu, Thathastu! (So
be it !). As you wish, so will it happen. If your intentions
are evil, evil will result. If you are always filled with
good intention, they are equally blessed by God. The consequences
of all your actions will result in reactions. May be not immediately,
but definitely sooner of later. Therefore, we should live
without hurting others or being harmed by others, and thus
lead a blissful life. Put your learning to good use. Give
respect and take respect. This is true humanness. Love and
be loved in return. Your education is meant to cultivate such
virtues.
Students study some limited subject or the other. Of what
value is such specialisation? All such academic undertakings
are essentially negative. There is a saying in Telugu that
a washerman is better than a scholar. When the washerman collects
clothes from your house, you make a detailed record of the
number and type of clothes, if nowhere else,atleast by a few
marks on the wall. But the washerman does not need any such
devices and carries all the information in his head, and will
return your clothes to you duly washed and pressed. What study
has he made? This is not the only type of studies one should
undertake. You should study positive things. Your education
should benefit the society at large. Only when you help others
do you become pure.
Our ancients worshipped Nature. It is Nature that gives us
food, raiment and shelter.Not merely that, it also gives us
precious metals like gold and silver. So, what is wrong in
worshipping Nature? All the modes of worship that our ancients
practised were highly sacred. Bhumatha (Mother Earth),
Gomatha (cow), Vedamatha (the Vedas) and the
Dehamatha (physical mother) are to be revered. As people
have stopped worshipping God, we find chaos all over the world.
People are plunged in sorrow as they have lost faith in the
Self. What is the use of life without self-confidence? Worship
of God alone can safeguard the nation. The country will be
blessed with plenty and prosperity and people will lead a
happy life once they start thinking of God. We repeat the
Santhi Mantra thrice in our daily prayers. What does
this mean? We should attain peace at three levels, i.e., physical,
mental and spiritual. There is no peace in the external world;
we find only pieces. Peace is in fact, within you. Make efforts
to manifest your inner peace.
Embodiments of Love!
Spend the whole night in chanting the holy Name and spread
this spiritual energy to the world at large. Who is Eswara?
He is all-pervasive. Just as the wind blows freely everywhere,
so also do we find the principle of Eswara pervasive. Share
your love with all and propagate the Divine Name to the entire
world.
Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, Hari Bhajan
Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi…
Other sites of the Shirdi Sai, Satya Sai
Baba, and Prema Sai:
http://www.saibabaofshirdi.net/miracles_of_sai_baba.htm
http://www.saibabaofshirdi.net/
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