From the time one gets up from bed till one goes to bed again, why should one waste all one's time earning money?

Embodiments of Love!

It is not good to waste time and energy in vain pursuits without attending to one's ordained duties. Time is sacred and valuable. Time waste is life waste. You are all students who have to lead others in future.

Every individual has some desires. But students especially have to control their desires. This is their duty. No doubt, desires crop up in your mind endlessly one after the other. But it is the foremost duty of a student to control them. The word vidya (education) has its root in the word vid, meaning light. It means that education shows us light. Education illumines our path to progress.

Dear students!

You must stand as an ideal to everyone. It is only with this hope that we are bringing you up with great love. You all know that educational institutions in the outside world charge money for everything. But we do not collect any money from our students toward fees. Education in the Sathya Sai Institutions is totally free from K.G. to P.G.

In fact, education, medicine, and water supply projects undertaken by the Sathya Sai Organisation are not revenue earning departments. On the other hand, we ourselves are incurring huge expenditure on students' education. Also, we are helping a number of destitute children in so many ways by providing them material support, free education, financial help, etc. You must realise this truth. Education is your property.

Education is not merely to help make a living in the world. It is not merely for making a decent living in the material world. Even the uneducated are able to live well in the material world. Then, of what use are your degrees like M.Sc., M.A., M.B.A., etc.? This is not the purpose of education. Education may help one to earn a decent living in the outside world to a certain extent. But that is not the be-all and end-all of life.

There is a higher purpose to education: providing an inner life based upon the five human values, viz. truth, righteousness, peace, love and nonviolence. These human values provide a secure, real, and meaningful life to us. Sathya (truth) is the basis for everything in the Universe.

The creation emerges from truth and merges into truth.
Is there a place in the cosmos where truth does not exist?
Visualise this pure and unsullied truth.
(Telugu poem)

God is the creator of all living beings right from a tiny ant to a mighty elephant. Nothing in this universe will move without His Divine Will. Even tiny ants are born out of God's will. The same truth has been explained in Saint Thyagaraja's famous kirtan, Cheemalo Brahmalo Siva Kesavaadulalo Prema Meera Velasi Unde Birudhu Vahinchina Rama Nannu Brovara (Oh Rama! In Your pure and unsullied form of love, You dwell in all beings, from an ant to Brahma as well as in Siva and Kesava. Please be my protector too).

No doubt we are aware of it, but once an ant bites us, we immediately kill it. On the other hand, when Lord Brahma appears before us, we offer our pranams (salutations) to Him with folded hands. Though the names and forms are different, the same Atma permeates all living beings. One who develops faith in this Truth will not hasten to cause any harm to any living being.

Every individual develops desires to satisfy themself. One always chants "self, self, self". Every individual repeats, "this is my body; this is my mind; this is my head," etc. Who is "my"? When you say, "This is my body," perhaps it may be true for today or tomorrow. But where is your body the day after tomorrow? What happens to it then?

You are nourishing this body with great love and care. But this body is not yours. It is a gift of God. In fact, everything in this universe is God's gift. For instance, this is a handkerchief. From where did it come? Has it fallen from the sky? No! It has come from cotton. From cotton came the thread, and the thread is woven into a cloth. Hence, there can be no thread without cotton and no cloth without thread. Thus, everything in this universe has a basis and a source.

Unfortunately, today, we are forgetting this fundamental principle. That is why we are experiencing several difficulties.

When you hear the word "God" repeatedly, you are tempted to enquire, "where is God?" God is with you, in you, around you, behind you. In fact, you are God! Develop that firm faith. The same God as Atma Thatwa (Atmic Principle) permeates all the millions of human beings in this world; nay, every living being in the world.

We are witnessing millions of living beings with different names and different forms in this Universe. Though the names and forms are different, the Atma Thathwa in them is only one. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanthi (truth is one; the wise say it in different ways).

Gold is one, jewels are many. When the different ornaments are melted, what remains ultimately is gold only! Hence, Oh, Embodiments of Love!, try to realise the source and sustenance for all objects in this universe.

You consider that you are different from your father and mother. Again, you treat your mother as different from your father. No; this is not correct. Both father and mother are one. You are part of them. Hence, the question of difference does not arise. A man with dual mind is half blind. Do not have a dual mind.

All the education you pursue is not for you only. It is for helping your fellow human being as well as fellow living beings like birds, animals, and insects. Then only does the education you have acquired become meaningful.

Whenever you encounter a person whom you consider as your enemy, say "hello". Love everyone. Never hate anybody. You might have noticed that no one hates Swami and all people love Him.

You may ask Me whether there are people who really do not deserve Swami's love. I wish to emphasise that all people deserve Swami's love. I love everyone. I do not hate anybody. I do not cause trouble to anyone. I do not offend anyone. Since the feeling of Ekatma bhava (one Atma permeating all living beings) is so strong in Me, many people love Me. The whole world loves Me, and I love all. My word, My song, and My divine leelas (plays, sports) are all dedicated to your welfare. You must therefore try to understand My real nature.

Develop faith in the Atma Thathwa. From faith comes love. When faith and love go together thus, your desires will be fulfilled. Both faith and love are most important for a human being. All others are like passing clouds, which just come and go in between. Do not attach much importance to them.

In fact, faith is the reflection of love, and love is the very form of God. Hence, Love is God, Live in Love. Truth is truth for all times – past, present, and future. It will never change. That is why it is said, "Truth is God."

Do not think that God is present somewhere in a distant place. God is not separate from us. The entire universe is an embodiment of Divinity. Therefore, constantly contemplate on that Divinity, who is none other than Unity.

Dear Students!

You read several books. However, all those books have been written with the help of only 26 letters. There are a number of lawyers. They carry books, which are very bulky in size. But all those books contain only letters, ultimately. Health, wealth, happiness and bliss — the source and sustenance for all these things is only God. Good or bad, everything is God. You cannot find bad anywhere separately. Wherever you see, it is only good. But you are not able to realise that good. You are confused.

The bad, if any, is only a manifestation due to the difference of time. Today, we partake a variety of tasty dishes. But, the next day they are transformed into excreta. Today's phala (fruit) is transformed into mala (excreta) tomorrow.

Divinity is present in all things — both good and bad. There is no place or object in this world where God is not present. No one can say with any authority that God is "nowhere or only here".

Several names and forms are ascribed to Divinity, and a lot of confusion is created thereby. The reason for this confusion is based on how one relates oneself to God at the individual level. Therefore, try to set aside this individual relationship at least to a certain extent. It is only for this purpose that we are pursuing many types of education. The moment the individual relationship merges into a feeling of oneness with God, what remains is only Divinity everywhere.

Religions are many but goal is one.
Clothes are many but yarn is one.
Beings are many but breath is one.
(Telugu poem)

Several jeevas (individuals) are sitting here. They have different bodies, but there is only one God immanent in all the bodies. Hence, whomever you see consider, them as God. Whomever you love, consider them as Embodiments of Divinity.

You are all encountering several difficulties due to deha bhranthi (identification of the self with the body) and differences in feelings. You alone are the root cause for these difficulties. Both good and bad are the products of your mind. You may learn many subjects and acquire several degrees, but consider the Atma Thathwa (Atmic Principle) as one and only one.

The same Truth has been explained in the aphorisms Ekameva Adwitheeyam Brahma (God is one without a second) and Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanthi (truth is one; the wise say it in different ways). You must preserve this truth in your heart safely and securely.

You consider someone as your enemy. No, no; this is not true. It is only a change in your attitude and love toward them that made them your enemy. There is no change in them at all. Everything in this world is reaction, reflection, and resound. However, reality is only one. If you develop such an attitude, you can experience any amount of happiness.

You think, "Swami is always cheerful and smiling. How is it possible?" Yes; I am always smiling! The reason being I treat all people as one. The happiness of all of you is My food. Hence, you should also develop that attitude.

The other day, the children put up a playlet. I felt very happy on witnessing it. The children put up the show unitedly.

We use the words "I" and "we". From where did the word "we" come? It has come from "I". Without "I", there can be no "we". Thus, "I" is the one and only one entity. It is like a vertical wooden pillar.

When another piece of wood is nailed across in the middle horizontally, it becomes a cross. It means that when "I" (ego) is broken, it becomes a cross. We must always endeavour to keep "I" as only one.

You consider all people as your brothers and sisters. These brothers and sisters are not separate entities. All are one. If you thus make an enquiry, everything in this universe represents only the principle of oneness. If you establish this truth firmly in your heart, the same feeling will reflect everywhere.

Suppose you love a girl. Who is that girl, anyway? Yourself only. It means you loved yourself! The girl is not separate from you. When you treat her as separate, you refer to her as "wife". On the other hand, when you treat her as one with you, you become one. Realise this unity.

What could be the reason for such great diversity in the living beings in the world? They are a manifestation of the divine principle Ekoham Bahusyam (the one Divinity manifested as many).

Embodiments of Love! Dear students!

You must all become ideal men and women. Only when you lead an ideal life will the whole society become ideal. Do not entertain any differences of those people and these people. "All are one; be alike to everyone." Remember this always. Only then can you become ideal students. Otherwise, you remain merely as educated people.

Who is an educated person in the real sense? One who has realised that all are one. Education implies only learning. On the other hand, vidya is one that symbolises oneness. Vidya spreads the light of oneness with God. If you lose this enlightenment, you have to live in darkness.

Embodiments of Love!

Let your love be diverted toward God, and it will confer bliss upon you. If you direct it toward worldly objects and persons, it is likely to change every now and then. Whoever you come across, develop the feeling that they are all your brothers and sisters.

Once, a gentleman was addressing a meeting. He started his speech with the address, Dear brothers and sisters". But he made an exception in the case of only one lady. Someone enquired why? He replied that the lady was his wife. Strictly speaking, no exception need be made, since he addressed all people as brothers and sisters. But once he married her, she became his wife. If there is no marital relationship between them, all are one. I exhort you once again to lead your lives with a feeling of oneness and a sense of sharing.

Arjuna, among the Pandava brothers, won Droupadi in the Swayamvara. When the Pandavas returned home along with Droupadi and told their mother that they brought home a fruit, instantaneously mother Kunthi advised them to share it equally among the five of them, without being aware that they were referring to Droupadi. Accordingly, she became the chaste wife of the five Pandavas.

Even Lord Krishna testified to her chastity thus:

Draupadi dutifully obeyed the command of her husbands.
She would never say to any one of them that she had no time to serve him.
She was satisfied with whatever she got in life.
She was the supreme example of chastity and
None could match her in this respect.
(Telugu poem)

The Pandavas shared and cared for each other and led a life of discipline and control.

I am quite well. No one need worry about My health. Not only My body, everything is alright. My mind does not waver. I have a steady and ever alert mind. The body may undergo some changes; but I am always My own Divine Self.

People enquire, "Swami! You are always smiling! Did you never encounter sorrow?" No. Not at all! Sorrow is nowhere near Me. Whatever has to happen will happen. If you go on worrying about it, will it be warded off? That will lead to much more worry. Hence, one should not give scope for worry at all. Once your mind starts worrying, it will never end.

You worry, "Examinations are nearing; Oh! God! How do I prepare myself!" What is all this worry about? Why do you fear to write answers for those questions, which you already know? Surely you will fare well in the examinations. Do not develop any fear of examinations.

No one can measure the distance of the sky from the earth. That is why it is said that the sky is blue. Similarly, none can describe the form of Divinity. In order to portray God, artists started using the colour of blue. In fact, God has no colour at all! If God were to be born with a blue colour, He would have been put in an exhibition as an object of wonder.

Divinity cannot be changed. You may change; but your Atma will never undergo any change. It is nirgunam, niranjanam, sanathanam, nikethanam, nithya, suddha, buddha, mukta, nirmala swarupinam (God is attributeless, unsullied, the final abode, eternal, pure, enlightened, free and embodiment of sacredness). That is why it is said, Buddhi grahya matheendriyam (the Atma is beyond the ken of the senses and can be understood only by the intellect).

Earn a name for yourselves as good boys. Bring honour to your parents. Also, let society be proud of you. If society is to be transferred into a good society, it can happen only through the students. Today, wherever our students are, people say they are very good. I am getting the news. Try to live up to that name. I donÕt aspire for anything else.

I will give you whatever you want. In fact, I gave Myself to you. May you all be happy! Do not quarrel with anybody. Do not abuse anyone. May you all live like brothers and sisters! That is the fruit of education. That is real education. In spite of their education and intelligence, a mean-minded person will not give up their evil qualities.

Always conduct yourself as good boys. First and foremost, make your parents happy. If you cannot make your parents, who brought you up, happy, how can you make Me happy? Hence, you should all go to your homes and live happily with your parents. Then, I will also be happy. When people praise you, saying that your are a student of Sri Sathya Sai University, it is a matter of pride to you as well as to the Institution.

The University Grants Commission in New Delhi did not recognise several educational institutions in the country for a long time, whereas the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning was conferred the status of a Deemed University within the second year of its inception.

Dr. Madhuri Shah was the Chairman of the University Grants Commission then. She visited Puttaparthi and put forward a proposal to make our Institute into a Deemed University. Several objections were raised to her proposal on the ground that it was still a nascent Institute in its second year and that it would not be proper to confer the status of a University on it in such a short time.

Dr. Bhagavantham was with us at that time, translating My speech. He confidently said, "this is impossible; impossible." I told him very emphatically that it is possible. The U.G.C. committee visited our Institution thereafter in the second year itself and unanimously recommended to confer the status of a Deemed University on Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. As per the committee's own admission, "This is the first college" to be conferred a Deemed University status within the second year of its starting.

Later, Dr. Madhuri Shah came here to formally open the Deemed University. She openly said in a meeting, "Dr. Bhagavantham! You said it is impossible to make it into a University in such a short time. How had it been possible now?" The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning a Deemed University has since been made into a full-fledged University with the combined efforts of all people.

All our students are men of noble character. They are well behaved and well educated. You may not perhaps know how famous our Sri Sathya Sai University is all over the world, especially in the United States of America.

About 180 past students now work in America in different fields. Recently, they all came here in a group. They prayed to Swami, "Swami! We do not wish to go to our homes here. We will go back direct to America from here, after this visit." Such was their love and dedication to Swami and Sri Sathya Sai University.

(Bhagawan then called Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman and Director, Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation and asked him to speak for a few minutes about the former students now working in America.)

Develop The Spirit Of Brotherhood

This land of Bharat has given birth to many noble women like Savitri who brought her dead husband back to life; Chandramati who extinguished wild fire with the power of truth; Sita who proved her chastity by coming out of the blazing fire unscathed and Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity. This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and prosperity and became the teacher of all nations of the world
because of such women of chastity.
(Telugu Poem)

Human life is meant to demonstrate an ideal to the world. Man is
endowed with infinite powers. But, he leads a life of ignorance,
being unaware of his innate powers. Though everyone is endowed with
divine powers, only a few are able to manifest them. In others,
these powers remain hidden. Everyone should make efforts to realize
their inherent divinity. Man appears and behaves as if he is an
ordinary human in spite of being one with infinite divine powers.
Janakiramaiah (Swami's younger brother) is one such divine power. He
was younger to this body by 2 1/2 years. However, he was an expert
in the field of politics. He would mince no words in expressing his
opinion. At times, I used to caution him,

"'Ramaiah, you do not know the abilities of others. Do not use harsh
words. Talk with restraint." He might have used harsh words when the
situation demanded, but he was always tender-hearted.

When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, Rama lamented thus, "'If
I were to search in the world, I may get another wife like Sita, a
mother like Kausalya, but not a brother like Lakshmana." In this
manner, Rama was deeply touched by the fraternal love of Lakshmana
and extolled his qualities. There are many such families in the
world where the parents, brothers and sisters have demonstrated
great ideals. You don't need to doubt whether such ideal brothers
exist even today. They do exist. There may be temporary differences
of opinion, but they always have love for each other.

Every man must necessarily make efforts to realize the principle of
Atma, which is present in all. The sweetness of Atmic experience is
unparalleled. In the spiritual field, what one has to attain is the
experience of Atmic bliss. He, who realizes the inherent divinity in
humanity is a true human being. The Atma has no specific form. It is
full of love and bliss. This has to be realized and experienced by
every individual. One may know the nature of an individual, but it
is not possible to understand and estimate the nature of the Atma.
In order to understand the principle of Atma, you have to emulate
the ideals demonstrated by Rama and His brothers.

One day as the brothers were playing a game, Bharata came running,
sat on the lap of Mother Kausalya and complained, ""Mother, whenever
I am about to lose the game, Rama manages to lose and makes me the
winner."' Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna would tell their mothers
that it was their great good fortune that they had Rama as their
elder brother. They would praise Rama saying, He was full of love
and nowhere they could find a brother like Him. They always wanted
to be in the company of Rama and serve Him. There was such unity and
love among them. They enjoyed intimate and inseparable relationship.
Even today, there are many such brothers in the world. But, the
situation of the world is such that people are not encouraged to
practice brotherhood of man. Our institutions should demonstrate the
ideal of brotherhood and show the way to the rest of the world. You
call each other brothers and sisters. Mere verbal expression will
not suffice; it should be reflected in your conduct. While in exile,
Rama would not bear separation from Lakshmana even for a moment. He
would anxiously ask Sita about Lakshmana's whereabouts whenever he
was not found by His side. In. this manner, Rama taught the ideal of
brotherhood by His example.

Today, students are acquiring education with the sole purpose of
occupying high positions in society. They are not prepared to share
their love with their fellowmen and demonstrate the ideal of
brotherhood. The need of the hour is to practice the ideal of
brotherhood. Brothers should lead their lives in an ideal manner.
Bodies may be different, but their life principle must be one and
the same. There is no dearth of such ideal brothers in this land of
Bharat. But, there are some who are not able to translate their
sacred feelings into action and set an ideal to others. It is only
when we share our love with fellowmen, can we experience Divinity.

What is the hallmark of a true student? Manasyekam Vachasyekam
Karmanyekam Mahatmanam (those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in
perfect harmony are noble ones.) It is said: The proper study of
mankind is man. But, today we do not find true qualities of mankind.
People may show respect towards each other outwardly, but they do
not experience true love, unity and happiness inwardly. They say
they that belong to mankind, but in reality they have monkey mind.

What is true humanness? You should treat your fellowmen as your own
brothers. You deserve to be called a human being only when you
cultivate the spirit of unity. Where there is no unity, there you
find enmity and hatred. Consequently, the principle of love is lost
altogether. Man's foremost duty is to share his love with others.
Only then can he realize the dictum: Brotherhood of man and
fatherhood of God. But, unfortunately, such idealism is not found
today. You may not believe in the fatherhood of God, but you must
have faith in the brotherhood of man; practice it and experience
bliss there-from. Our country, Bharat will regain its pristine glory
only when we achieve such unity. There should be unity and love not
only among brothers but also between the husband and wife.

Today, you have heard that a doctor from Singapore (Dr. Pillai)
wants to establish an institution in memory of his late wife. Pillai
has been a devotee of Swami for the last 20 years. His wife was also
a highly virtuous lady. She always had a smiling countenance and
would always speak softly and sweetly. There are many such noble
women in this country. It is because of such women that the country
is full of auspiciousness, plenty and prosperity. There are many
such devotees who express their love in an unostentatious manner.

The country of Bharat is highly sacred. But people are flocking to
foreign countries with the false hope that they would find happiness
there. The happiness that you do not find here cannot be found
anywhere in the world. It is said, Yanna Bharate Thanna Bharata
(that which is not found in Bharat is not present anywhere else).
That is why Bharat has been able to live in peace and amity with the
rest of the world for the past thousands of years. The Bharatiyas
share their love with others and maintain brotherly relationship -
In fact, they have lived up to the ideal of Brotherhood of man and
Fatherhood of God. In spite of many foreign invasions, the love and
unity of Bharatiyas has not diminished a bit. At times., you may
find infighting, but this is only a passing cloud. There is,
however, the sweet fragrance of love in everybody's heart.

There is no point in talking sweetly if there is no sweetness in
your heart. Sweetness in speech and bitterness in heart is not the
quality of a human being. There should be sweetness in your thought,
word and deed. This is the true sign of a human being. You should
fill your life with love. There is nothing superior to love in this
world. Man is considered to be most sacred because he has the unique
quality of love in him. But you are not able to realize the value of
human birth. God incarnates in human form in order to spread the
message of love. Once you have love in your heart, you can conquer
the whole world. There is love in you, but you are not able to
express it in the proper way.

Students!

You read a number of books. You also study history. But, do you go
through the history of Rama? Have you understood the strong bond of
love that existed between Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna?
First and foremost, you should develop the spirit of brotherhood.
Even when you come across your bitter rival, address him as brother
and talk to him with love. When you address him as brother, his
heart will melt and hatred will disappear at once. You can conquer
the whole world with the weapon of love. There is nothing that you
cannot achieve with the power of love. Love is the supreme power.
True human value lies in sharing and experiencing the supreme love.
But, today man wastes this noble quality of love in worldly
pursuits. This has become his taste. He does not realize that love
is Div 'me. The Gopikas had realized this truth. That is why they
prayed to Lord Krishna thus:

Oh Krishna, play your sweet flute
and sow the seeds of love in the
desert of our loveless hearts.
Let the rain of love fall on earth and
make the rivers of love flow.
(Telugu Song)

The power of love is unmatched. When you fill your heart with love,
all people will become your brothers and sisters. You will not have
enemies at all!

Embodiments of Love!

Truly speaking, you are the very embodiments of love. Let the stream
of love flow from one heart to another. Consider love as your life.
This is your foremost duty. You may search anywhere in the world,
you cannot find anything greater than love. Here is an example. So
many of you have gathered here today! What is the reason? It is
Swami's love that has attracted all of you. Love is the divine
magnetic power present in man. In all the sacred epics like the
Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata, you find love as the
undercurrent Once you cultivate love, you do not need to acquire any
other property. You can attain God only through love. He cannot be
attained by any other means. Love is the magnetic power that can
transform even your bitter enemy into a dearest friend.

Students!

Develop love. This is more important than your worldly education.
Love is life. Not merely that. Love is light. It illumines your path
and helps you reach the goal. Your journey of life will be safe and
secure when you carry the light of love with you. You will never
find darkness. Fill your heart with love. Love is God. Live in love.
This is what you have to learn today. Today, people merely utter the
words "'love is God", but they do not actually live in love. This
should not be the case. Your life should be suffused with love.

Embodiments of Love!

You have heard the talks given by C. Sreenivas, the present and the
former Vice-Chancellors. They spoke with love in their hearts and
emphasized on the need to cultivate love. They are, in fact, ringing
the bells of love in your heart, but you don't seem to pay attention
to them. Once you hear the bells of love, you cannot waste even a
moment. You will dedicate your whole life to the cause of love and
ultimately merge in love.

Students!

You may acquire various types of knowledge and travel across the
globe. But, in spite of all your worldly achievements, you may not
able to understand the principle of love. Once you have the taste of
love, you will see the world in its real form. Therefore ore, become
truly embodiments of love. Let love flow incessantly from your
heart. Immerse yourself in the flow of love. Out of love, emerge
truth and righteousness. Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth,
practice righteousness). Truth and righteousness are the two pillars
on which the mansion of human life rests. It is love that gives rise
to these two principles. There is no knowledge greater than the.
knowledge of love. You may read a number of Pustakas (books), but
love cannot be acquired from such books. What is the use of reading
Pustakas when your Mastaka (head) is filled with "dirt'? It is
because of such 'dirt', you become an animal losing the sense of
discrimination.

Adore love. Live in love. There is no greater education than this.
Traverse the path of love. Partake of the food of love. It is not
enough if you merely partake of love, you should also assimilate and
digest it. Only then the essence of love will spread to every cell
of your body giving you immense strength and wisdom.

Students!

Today's education is leading to agitation. True education lies in
assimilating and digesting the principle of love. You are the
embodiments of love. You are filled with love. You may not know
this, but I can see love in you from top to toe. In future, the
principles of Ramayana will be manifested in a glorious manner. The
Ramayana will fill your lives with love and make you forget
yourselves. Let your love be directed towards Rama. Rama + Ayana is
Ramayana.

Students!

I hope I am not causing any inconvenience to you by speaking at
length. In fact, it should not be a trouble at all for you. You
cannot find the love that Swami showers on you, anywhere else. Day
after day, I will fill your hearts with more and more love. I have
no other work. My only job is to fill your hearts with love.

(The programme ended with Bhajans by students)

Bhagavan's Divine Discourse
Develop The Spirit Of Brotherhood
Prashanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi
17 Oct 2003

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Source: http://www.kingdomofsai.org/DISCOURSES/Disc20031017.html

Tread the Path of Truth

by Constantly Contemplating on God

Bhagavan demonstrating that Truth is the Source of All Creation

16th February 2007, During His Divine Discourse.

The creation emerges from truth and merges into truth,
Is there a place in the cosmos where truth does not exist?
Visualise this pure and unsullied truth. (Telugu Poem)

Truth is all-pervading. Truth is omnipresent. We are witnessing Truth everywhere. In fact, all our Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan are associated with Truth only! Where is Shuddha Sattwam (pure consciousness)? It is everywhere. Truth has no form. Whatever we see is Truth! (Swami has created an object) This is Truth. From where did it come? It has come from Truth and it will merge in Truth. It is said, Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is Brahman). Truth is the embodiment of Brahman. Truth is indivisible. It is not two; one and only one. Yet, people have to make a lot of effort to realise this Truth. Truth is not merely a word. It assumes several forms. Similarly, Brahman assumes infinite number of forms. Yet, Brahman is one only. That is the reason why it is said, Brahma Sathyam Jagan-mithya(Brahman alone is real, the world is a mistaken perception). Everything else is the reflection of Brahman, nothing else. Truth is one, but the wise say it in different ways.

Everything in this Universe is born out of Truth. Dharma (righteousness) has emerged out of Sathya (Truth). It is said, Sathyannasti Paro Dharma (There is no Dharma greater than adherence to Truth). When Truth and Righteousness go together, Peace is the result. From Peace comes Love. This Love envelopes one and all. There is no place in this world, where Love is not present. Similarly, there is no place in this world where Truth is not present. Thus, from Truth and Righteousness emerges Peace and from Peace, Love; and finally from Love emerges Bliss. Where there is love, there is no scope for hatred. It is exactly at such a place, non-violence makes a beginning. Hence, if you wish to promote non-violence, you must cultivate love. If only there is love, all will become one.

The Bhagavadgita says, Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhuta Sanathana (the eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being). The impact of this declaration is “All are My Amsa (part). You are not different from Me. You are My own reflections! You are Me and I am you.” Names and forms may be different, but, the Atma present in everyone is the same. Each body assumes a different name. These names are given for the purpose of identification. They do not, however, reflect your true self. It is the same Atma that is in all life. Hence, love that Atma. Then, it amounts to loving yourself. Today, love has assumed different names and forms in the world. The love between a husband and wife is termed as Anuraga. Similarly, the love a mother has towards her children is referred to as Vatsalya. These are all mental feelings only! However, the love that permeates all individuals is only one. With such a universal love, all can be united. There will be no scope at all for differences. There will be no duality. Where there is no duality, all are one! A man with dual mind is half blind. We are not blind. Are we? We have two eyes; together, they see one object only. Hence, we are all one.

When the feeling of fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man is cultivated, the feeling of difference, fighting with one another, unrest, agitation, etc., will be wiped out from the world. All are children of one father, God! We have to foster such a noble feeling today. Only then will humanity become one. How do you refer to yourself? You say, “I am a human being.” Who is a human being? A person full of Kama (desire) and Krodha (anger)? No, no. The real meaning of the word Manava is one who conducts his life with no feeling of difference. In fact, we should not entertain any feeling of differences. We are all embodiments of Divine Self! We are the children of one father, verily! The names and forms appear to be different. Basing on these names and forms, we should not develop a feeling of differences. Wherever we go, we must all be united. Is it not a fact that the hand is only one, though the five fingers are different from one another?

Jewels are many but gold is one.
Cows are many but milk is one.
Beings are many but breath is one.
Castes are many but humanity is one.
(Telugu Poem)

We have taken birth as human beings. We are all human beings. Though we are all human beings we may have differing capabilities, but the Atma in all the human beings is one only. Look! There are several electric bulbs glowing here. Though the bulbs appear to be different, the current flowing in them is only one. Human bodies are like those bulbs. Each bulb may be of different wattage. I will always be happy to drive home this point of oneness. I have received lakhs of letters recently urging Me to restrain Myself from drawing out lingam from My body. They prayed, “Swami! You are making the Atma Linga emerge out of Your body. The doctors are also advising against it. You are, of course, required to produce the Linga to make the human beings realise the truth and experience its divine effulgence.

The Hiranyagarbha Linga will be in liquid form in the body. For it to solidify, a lot of energy is required. To expel the Linga calls for a lot of strength of the body. Each Linga that emerges out of your body has much weight. It is not good for your physical body to spend so much energy to draw out those Lingas. Let those who believe your Divinity do so; have no concern for others who do not. Please do not strain Your physical body under any circumstances. Your body is very important for us. We have, in fact, sought refuge in You. If you thus weaken Your body, we are very anxious. Hence, kindly restrain Yourself and conserve Your physical energy.

God, by His Divine Will can achieve anything. He can change the earth into sky and vice-versa. It is very easy for Him. But, of what use it is? What will happen to the Sadhakas, thereafter? Hence, please do not make use Your precious divine energy to make the people happy or to satisfy them.” True. This body is already 81 years old. This will last for a few more years. I have to maintain this body to provide joy to all of you in several ways. Very soon, I will provide you infinite bliss. For those who will be happy to see My physical body in good condition, the body is important and necessary. Hence, it is also My duty to take good care of My physical body.

In Bharat devotion is very important. You call this country as ‘Hindu’ country. The five letters in this word ‘Hindu’ stand for several pentads of entities such as Panchabhutas (five elements), Pancha Pranas (five life-breaths) and Pancha Koshas (five life sheaths). Then, what is the inner meaning of this word ‘Hindu’. The letter ‘H’ stands for Humility, ‘I’ for Individuality; ‘N’ for Nationality; ‘D’ for Divinity and ‘U’ for Unity. It is only when you maintain unity, you can achieve divinity. Similarly, it is only when you develop divinity, you can achieve peace and happiness. We have to safeguard the national feeling. We have to develop faith in the unity of the nation. If we lose the national feeling, we cease to exist. What is it that protects national feeling? The individuality will sustain humanity.

We have to set a limit to our aspirations in this world. Only then will we have peace. God is omnipresent. The entire universe emerges from truth. The entire creation reflects collectivity. Wherever you see, it will only be equality. Do not imagine that God is somewhere far away in a niche of his own. You are all embodiments of Divinity! You develop that feeling. In fact, this truth is being experienced by every human being directly. You just reflect on yourself for a moment, closing you eyes: “Who am I?” What did you see on closing your eyes? Nothing. But, you hear one question constantly ringing in your ears: “Who am I? Who am I?” Then you will realise, “I am not this form.” All these names and forms are transient. They are never permanent.

The body is given to you to toil hard. You should not feel bad about sorrows and difficulties. If there are no difficulties at all, you will not know the value of happiness. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. In fact, we derive pleasure out of pain only. Even difficulties are only for a short period. If you wish to acquire more happiness, you must experience some difficulty and pain at least. Saint Purandaradasa sang thus:

Oh! Rama! Who is the one that painted the peacock’s feathers?
Who is the one that gave a red beak to a green parrot and made it beautiful?
Who is the one that watered the tree on a hill?
Who is the one that provides food to the frog in the rock?
You are the sustainer of the entire universe.
(Telugu Poem)

Divinity is the direct witness to humanness
May you therefore protect all!
May you pervade all living beings!
You are omnipresent as the Divine Atma
The Atma protects Atma, none else;
Oh! God! May you grant all, the awareness to realise this truth.
(Telugu Poem)

We have to develop faith in the Atma Tattwa. Atma has no name and form, whatsoever. Yet, if you develop faith in the Atma Tattwa, it will protect you always. In fact, Atma is the living divinity!

Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvatah Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Tishthati (with hands, feet, eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe).

The Atma Tattwa that pervades all living beings is true and eternal. The Atma is indivisible. The same Atma permeates all, just as the same current flows through all bulbs. If the electric wire that carries current to all the bulbs is cut at one place, all the bulbs cease to glow.

Dear students! The scientific advancements are creating lot of havoc in the world. Several difficulties are arising on account of these scientific experiments. Cows are being fed with tripe in America, with an expectation that they will yield more milk. But, those cows are suffering from several other diseases. In fact, those who drink their milk are also exposed to diseases. Each country is experimenting with some new changes. It is only the Bharatiyas who are leading a natural life till now. One should not lead a life of artificiality. If you lead such a life, everything in your life will be artificial. For example, you might have observed a lot of changes in the vegetables we consume of late. We the Indians consume a lot of green leafy vegetables. The leafy vegetables provide good strength to our body. Now, they are grown with the polluted water flowing through the drainage system. Today, all the vegetables and green leafy vegetables are polluted. Several people in India, especially those living in the southern states like brinjal curry (called Vankaya in Telugu). There is a poem which extols the taste of this curry thus:

Matchless is the taste the curry of Vanka(ya)
Matchless the face of virtuous Sita like a blossomed Panka(ja) (lotus)
Unmatched is the compassion of the Lord Sanka(ra)
Unequalled indeed is the valour of the victor of the Lord of Lanka.
(Telugu Poem)

But, this poem does not apply to the present-day brinjals. They are totally polluted. Because of this increasing pollution day by day, our minds are also polluted.

Dear Students! You are well educated. You should not read all sorts of trash and pollute your mind. Follow our glorious Indian culture. Indian culture is very sacred. Our ancestors experienced the glory of our great culture and led their lives happily. I am sure that in the very near future even the people from overseas will fully realise the greatness of our Indian culture and adopt it. We, however, need not wait till such time. Let us take to the noble path right now. God protects all in every way. He knows everything. When God Himself is in us and with us, we need not fear anything.

Prior to independence in our country, I used to conduct meetings in villages. I used to tour the villages with a view to help the poor people. When I was moving about in the villages wearing a knicker and half sleeves shirt, people used to restrain Me treating Me as an immature boy. They used to bring a dhoti and make Me wear it over My shorts so that I may look like an adult to match the kind of activities I was doing. I used to go to the houses of the harijans and teach them some folk songs. Here is one such song that is meant to bring about a transformation in the rich, in their attitude towards the poor:

We toil in the fields day and night
ploughing and sowing and harvesting;
You sit in the cozy comfort of your mansions
eating, drinking and making merry;
You don’t even get down and enquire our welfare,
Toil is ours and all comforts, yours;
Is it proper? (Telugu Song)

The harijans used to sing songs composed by Me in the public. Whenever anyone questioned their intransigence, they used to sing another song composed by Me, as a reply:

The earth is God’s gift, not the property of the rich,
If you attack us with your might, God is there for us;
Great souls there are, charged with the feeling of brotherhood,
Awake! Awake! Rise up from the slumber of Maya. (Telugu Song)

While I was thus charging the poor and downtrodden with My songs, the rich used to feel embarrassed and attack Me. Even the elder brother of this body used to reprimand Me, saying “Why do you engage yourself in such activities in the public? You don’t go out. Sit quietly in the house and study Your lessons. You should not stir out of the house, hereafter.” So saying, he used to lock Me up in a room at home. All My regular companions would come to our house and call Me, “Raju! Raju! Raju!” Poor souls! They were so much attached to Me. I used to counsel them saying, “My dear ones! Bear with Me for sometime. I shall surely come out and fulfil your aspirations. I belong to you.” Thus, I have been helping the poor since then, till date.

To protect the poor, provide succour to them by giving food, shelter and water and thereby make them happy is My duty. Even now I am sending My students to every nook and corner of the villages to distribute food to the villagers. Whenever a hungry person stands in front of our house, I used to provide food to him even foregoing My share of food. For those who had no clothes to wear, I used to give away My clothes. Thus, I have been helping every needy person since My childhood.

My motto then as now is Help Ever, Hurt Never. I had a lot of experience in helping others since childhood. Several people pay ‘lip service’ to the poor, but they do not really help them. Manasyekam Vachasyekam, Karmanyekam Mahatmanam; Manasyanyath Vachasyanyath, Karmanyanyath Duratmanam (Those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked). I have been protecting, fostering, counselling and making the people tread the right path since My early days till today. I never did any harm to anyone. I have never shown anger or hatred on anyone. However, some people out of egoistic envy are fabricating some stories about Me and publishing them in the newspapers. They are resorting to false propaganda about Me in the print and electronic media. All this does not perturb Me. I am not afraid of anybody.

My very name is Sathyam Sathyam Sathyam (truth). I am bound by truth. The name of this body is Sathyam (Truth). I will never stray away from the path of truth. Persons indulging in vituperative publicity impelled by envy, greed or hatred will reap the appropriate consequence. The time has come when proper action has to be taken to dissuade these people from resorting to such false propaganda. Of course, they are also not to be blamed. They are resorting to such false propaganda for the sake of money. They must try to realise their mistake. There is not even an iota of dosha (impurity) in Me at any time. Hence, you all follow Sai. You can achieve anything in this world by following the path of truth. Tread the path of truth by constantly contemplating on God. (At this point, Swami enquired the children whether He is causing any inconvenience to them by giving a long discourse. The children replied in one voice, “No, Swami!”)

It had never been My intention to cause suffering to anyone. Such thoughts do not come anywhere near Me. Whatever I do is for your own good, not for Me. In fact, even the food I partake is for you only! The water I drink is for you! Thus, all the activities I undertake are for your good only! Those who realise this truth will be benefited. Their lives will be sanctified.

I was deeply pained to know that people in some upland areas of the East and West Godavari districts are drinking polluted water. Immediately I arranged for the supply of pure drinking water at a cost of rupees two hundred crores. Nearby in the lowlands the Godavari flows, but they had not even a drop of water to drink. Hence, I arranged for lifting of the Godavari water to the upland areas through pipes. They are all very happy now. I intend to visit those people shortly. That is great news for them. They are very happy and give expression to their joy thus: “Swami! We never imagined that You will shower such abundant grace on us. Your love and compassion are unparalleled. We are extremely happy and grateful to know that You are visiting us.” They are cleaning all the roads en route and making all arrangements for My visit. Ramakrishna and Kondal Rao, who executed the project, are accompanying Me. Thus, we must help others and do good to all, to the extent possible. If you thus lead your life, you will also be happy. Everything will be turning out good for you as well.

Dear students! Whenever you come across an enemy, offer Pranams (salutations) to him lovingly and say, “Oh! Brother!” They will also wish you in the same way, with love. All are brothers only! It is only when you conduct yourself in such a manner that you would have earned good name to our Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. We are not taking even a paisa from the students. Not even examination fees. Students from different parts of the country and even abroad come here, pursue their education and go with high academic degrees. We are even providing for research degrees like Ph.D., at great cost. If all the students develop such exemplary character as in Sathya Sai Institute, our country will earn great name. We have good news about our past students pursuing their vocations in America. Recently, a plane load of our past students from U.S.A. visited Prasanthi Nilayam. The plane was specially chartered from America for their visit in appreciation of the services rendered by them in that country. They said, “Swami! There are several students from your Institute in our country. They are great people. They are giving us a lot of joy.” There are two hundred past students from our Institute. They, along with their families, numbering 250 in all came here. They experienced great bliss during their stay in Prasanthi Nilayam. While leaving, they expressed their gratitude saying, “Swami! We never imagined even in our dreams that You will provide so much grace to us.”

I intend to undertake a world tour, shortly. Several devotees are coming here from Africa and Russia. The devotion of the Russians is indescribable. There are several Russian devotees sitting in this hall. They enjoy a lot, My discourse. (Pointing towards the Russian devotees) “Look! Those devotees with raised hands are all Russians.” They are all very devoted. (Pointing towards the Russian devotees again …) “You are not Russians. You belong to our country only! I love you all.”

Dear students! There are several countries in the world like Russia, America, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, etc. Though the countries are different, the people living in all those countries belong to us only! They helped a lot for the construction of the Indoor stadium in Prasanthi Nilayam. They worked hard day and night. They love Swami intensely. Wherever I go, they follow Me. They run after My car. They even came to Chennai (Madras) recently when I was there. They are coming here, unmindful of the great difficulties and expense. You have to learn a lot from their devotion to Swami.

Source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Shivarathri_Discourse16feb2007.html

ATHI RUDRA MAHA YAJNA FOSTERS THE DIVINE NATURE OF HUMANS

9th August 2006

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Divine Discourses (Audio)

Selection of the Divine Discourses delivered by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba over the last few decades. The files are in MP3 format. You can download them to your computer by right clicking on the discourse Audio and selecting 'Save as..'.

"[The following is a small selection of the Divine Discourses delivered by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba over the last few decades. The files are in MP3 format. You can download them to your computer by right clicking on the discourse Audio and selecting 'Save as..'. Please note that discourses range in sizes from 5 to 10 Megabytes (up to 90 minutes in duration). Download times will vary according to your connection speed. You can listen to the Divine Discourses with any MP3 player such as Real Player, Windows Media Player, Winamp, Portable MP3 player etc.]"