Embodiments
of Love!
God pervades every cell and atom of the universe spreading His divine
effulgence everywhere. The Upanishads have declared that God is all-pervasive
and all that one sees is only the manifestation of divinity. Unfortunately,
man today is not making any attempt to understand and experience the teachings
of Upanishads and that of ancient sages and seers. Though the Upanishads
have revealed the all-pervasiveness of Divinity in the simplest manner,
it is rather surprising that man is not making any effort to understand
the same. A number of examples can be given to prove the existence of
Divinity. Who is responsible for the sweetness in sugarcane? Who has made
the chillies hot and spicy? Every object in this world has a unique attribute
which proves the existence of divinity as its very life principle. Who
is the cause for the bitterness in Neem and fragrance in flower? It is
the manifestation and expression of Divinity. Any number of examples can
be given which will help you to understand the existence of Divinity.
People say fragrance is the natural quality of a flower and do not enquire
further. Who is responsible for this natural quality? You feel thrilled
when you look at a mountain. Boundless joy flows through you when you
see a stream in full flow. You feel ecstatic watching a lush green forest.
Is it just the law of nature or the mystery of God? It is not merely the
law of nature but the mysterious manifestation of God in the form of nature.
How can one explain the presence of bird inside an egg? All these are
pointers to Divinity. You do not need to undertake any particular Sadhana
in order to visualise Divinity. You can experience Him in each atom and
each cell of the creation.
Man is born to parents. Everyone including you and Me are born out of
mother's womb. But people have forgotten the truth that God is the Mother
of all. God knows the desires and feelings of man, but man cannot understand
what God expects from him. None can understand God's Will. Parents can
understand the feelings of the child. Mother knows the likes and dislikes
of her child. In the same manner, the child can understand the likes and
dislikes of the mother. But a devotee cannot understand the Will of God,
what is acceptable to Him and what is not. How can one, who cannot understand
his fellowmen, understand God? Man's mind is limited, whereas Divinity
is expansive and transcendental. This being so, how can man understand
God in His fullness? Hence, it is not easy to please God and earn His
grace. Only when you understand the divine principle fully well would
you have worshipped God in the true sense. How can one understand the
divine principle which is Nirgunam, Niranjanam, Sanathana Niketanam,
Nitya, Shuddha, Buddha, Mukta, Nirmala Swarupinam (attributeless,
pure, final abode, eternal, unsullied, enlightened, free and embodiment
of sacredness). Can anyone comprehend the mystery behind the existence
of the bird in an egg? How has the sugarcane acquired sweetness? It is
not possible to understand these subtleties. The sweetness of sugarcane,
the hot taste of chilli, the sour taste of tamarind, the bitter taste
of neem
all these are the expressions of God. God has created these
things to make us understand His existence. The mighty mountains, the
beautiful rivers and the raging waves of ocean
all these speak
of the mystery, grandeur and beauty of God. It is impossible to describe
the splendour of God and to comprehend His powers. But man tries to estimate
the infinite Divine power with his finite mind and limited capacity.
Embodiments of Love!
Divinity can neither be expressed in words nor can it be gauged by the
mind. Yatho Vacho Nivarthanthe Aprapya Manasa Saha (whence the
words along with the mind rebound in futility without comprehending Divinity),
people attempt to describe God based on their own finite understanding.
Only Himself and none else knows God's plans, His mysterious nature and
ways. When your mind is unable to comprehend even trivial matters, how
can it estimate the infinite Divine principle? Hence, do not try to
understand the ways of the Divine. Instead purify your heart and
try to know your true nature. The same is stated in Vedanta: "Know
Thyself". Modern students argue foolishly, "Where is the need
to know, 'who I am', when I am already aware of it?" They think that
knowing their names, nativity, profession, nationality, etc., amounts
to knowing themselves. They say, "I am so and so, I belong to such
and such a place. I do such and such job, etc." These answers relate
to the body and not to the real Self. These are born out of body attachment
and not out of awareness of the Self. The vedantic statement "Know
Thyself" does not mean knowing about your physical body-height, weight,
complexion, etc. You are not merely an individual (vyashti). Your true
identity corresponds to samashti (society). The same 'I' exists in you
as well as in society. Sarvata Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham,
Sarvata Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thishthati (With hands, feet,
eyes, heads, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire
universe). The Atmic principle is all-pervasive and is uniformly present
in all beings. There may be difference based on names, forms and educational
qualifications, but the Atma is one and the same in everyone. You have
to make efforts to visualise and experience this oneness.
Embodiments of Love!
Instead of visualising the unity in diversity, man is doing the opposite.
The essence of Vedanta lies in seeing unity in diversity. Vedanta is the
quintessence of the Upanishads. What is the inner meaning of the term
Upanishad? 'Upa' - near, 'ni' - down and 'shad' - sit. It means that you
should sit down at the feet of the master and listen to his teachings.
Even in schools, the teacher is seated on a higher pedestal and the students
sit down close to him. The Upanishads contain many lofty ideals and sacred
inner meanings. The truth the Upanishads teach is embodied in the principle
of the Atma.
The Atma is formless and steady. It has no feet, but moves about everywhere.
It has no ears but can hear everything. It is present everywhere, but
none can grasp it. Everything is under its control. This is the mysterious
and magnificent power of Atma.
When you respect and love
an individual, he will respect you and love you in turn. But when you
respect and love everyone, God Himself will respect you and love you.
You should make efforts to become recipients of God's love.
The divine principle of Atma present in humanity is all-encompassing.
Its vastness is beyond any description or estimation. However, physical
forms can be considered as pointers to it. When someone asks you, "Sir,
have you seen Anil Kumar in Prasanthi Nilayam?", you say, "Yes,
I have seen him. He wears a good suit, speaks good English, is brown-complexioned,
talks in a humorous manner." You are able to recognise only his physical
features and behaviour. But there are many more things in him which you
cannot see. Can you recognise the feelings he has in his mind? It is impossible.
You are able to see only the physical body and the external behaviour.
But you are not able to visualise the eternal flow of bliss within. All
types of power are latent in man. You may be highly educated, but from
where did you acquire your education? You have not acquired it from outside.
It has originated from the Self.
Non-dualism is the essence of Vedanta. Advaita Darshanam Jnanam
(Perception of non-duality is the supreme wisdom). Not all can have the
experience of non-dualism. Man is immersed in dualism. Dual mind is the
root cause of unsteadiness. A man with dual mind is half blind. How can
such a person understand the sacred teachings of Vedanta? The teachings
that are found in Vedanta are not found in any other text. Each verse
in Vedanta is a repository of supreme bliss. Even if you were to use the
ocean water as the ink, it will not be sufficient to describe the greatness
of these verses in full. Each sloka is pregnant with such profound meaning.
Man is not making any attempt to understand these slokas. As a result,
he is being immersed in shoka (sorrow).
Sage Valmiki composed the great epic Ramayana, the inner significance
of which could not be understood by all. G.G. Krishna was a great astrologer
and a saint. He said that, as he read the Ramayana repeatedly, he was
able to get new insights into the sacred epic. He was curious to know
how Sage Valmiki described the mysterious birth of Sita. It is mentioned
in the Ramayana that King Janaka found her while he was ploughing the
field for the performance of a Yajna. But, nothing is mentioned as to
how she was born. He called her Bhujaatha, meaning, one born out of Mother
Earth.
King Janaka had the Siva Dhanus (bow of Lord Siva) in his palace. It was
so heavy that no ordinary mortal could lift it. When Sita was young, one
day she was enjoying a game of ball with other girls. It so happened that
the ball rolled over and went under the case in which Siva's bow was kept.
All the girls tried their might to move the bow aside, but in vain. Other
strong men were called and they used all their strength to move the bow,
but it did not budge an inch. King Janaka was watching all this from the
balcony with curiosity. But, Sita did not notice her father. After some
time, she smilingly asked everybody to move aside and casually pulled
the bow with her left hand and retrieved the ball. King Janaka was astonished
at Sita's mighty power. He thought, "It is because of merits done
in many past lives that I could have Sita as my daughter." He decided
that he would give her in marriage only to the one who could lift Lord
Siva's bow. He performed a grand Yajna and invited many kings to try their
hand at lifting Lord Siva's bow and win Sita's hand. Many kings and princes
assembled in King Janaka's court. The bow was so heavy that hundreds of
elephants were required to carry it to the place of contest. People wondered
as to how anybody could lift such a heavy bow. Kings, one after the other,
tried to lift the bow, but miserably failed in their attempts. Then came
Ravana. His very appearance instilled fear in the minds of people. They
felt that Ravana was no match to Sita, the embodiment of all beauty. Sita's
mother Sunayana was praying fervently to Lord Siva to see that Ravana
failed in his attempt to lift the bow. Meanwhile, Ravana used all his
might to lift the bow, and in the process, lost his balance and fell down.
He got trapped under the bow and could not extricate himself. He felt
humiliated in the open court. At the instance of Viswamitra, Rama walked
slowly and majestically towards the bow. Lakshmana was sure that Rama
could lift the bow. People were stricken with awe, watching the splendour
and gait of Rama. They felt He was a perfect match to Sita. Sunayana also
had the same feeling. But she was anxious whether the young Rama would
be able to lift the mighty bow and win the hand of Sita. As people watched
with amazement, Rama effortlessly lifted the bow with his left hand, even
as Sita had done it with her left hand earlier. As Rama bent the bow to
string it, it broke with a deafening sound. The musicians with their various
instruments burst into song. King Janaka's joy knew no bounds. He at once
came towards Rama along with his daughter Sita, who was holding a garland
in her hand. He said, "Rama, I had made a promise that Sita would
be given in marriage to the one who lifted the bow of Lord Siva. I want
to give my daughter to you and keep up my promise." But Rama was
not willing to accept the marriage proposal without the permission of
His parents. He was the paragon of all virtues. "Sarve Loka Hithe
Rathah (one engaged in the welfare of all). Sarve Jnanopasampannah
(one who is endowed with all wisdom). Sarve Samudhitha Gunaihi (one
replete with all praiseworthy virtues)". Rama embodied these ideals.
When Janaka brought Sita to Him, He did not even look at her for He considered
it improper to look at her before marriage. The conduct of modern youth
stands in stark contrast to the exemplary behaviour of Rama. They are
besides themselves at the thought of marriage. The question of their seeking
the permission of their parents does not even arise in their minds. Viswamitra
also tried to persuade Rama to accept the marriage proposal. But Rama
was firm in His resolve. He said, "I have to follow Dharma, and not
the wishes of individuals. However, I respect everybody."
After three days, King Dasaratha
along with his entire family, friends and relatives arrived in Mithila.
It is only after obtaining His father's permission that Rama agreed to
the wedding. But, later on, when His father Dasaratha and preceptor Vasishtha
urged Him to ascend the throne, He did not pay heed to their words. He
went to forest against their wishes. His only intention was to uphold
the promise made by His father. He did not want to put His father's name
to disrepute. Hence, He sacrificed the kingdom and all comforts, and left
for the forest.
The marriage ceremony was
in progress. As part of the ritual, a curtain was placed between the bride
and groom. As long as it was there, they were not supposed to look at
each other. But, Sita and Rama, being highly virtuous, did not look at
each other even after the curtain was removed. Both were looking down.
Then Viswamitra in a lighter vein said, "Oh Rama! Sita is the daughter
of Mother Earth. Why don't You look at her, instead of looking at Mother
Earth?" Rama had not seen Sita till then. As He had not tied the
Mangalasutra till then, He felt it was a sin to look at her. He considered
all women to be His mothers. One should try to emulate such exemplary
behaviour. In a family, both husband and wife should lead a virtuous life.
Even if one of them is wanting in virtues, they cannot enjoy peace and
happiness.
The wedding took place. It was now time for the garlanding ceremony. Sita
waited with the garland in her hands. She, being short in stature, could
not garland Rama, who was tall and broad-shouldered. Moments passed but
Rama would not bend His head! He did not want to bend His head before
a woman in order to protect His own honour. He looked at Lakshmana and
made an almost imperceptible gesture. The four brothers were always sharp
and alert. This was depicted in Thyagaraja's song.
"But
for their devotion to Rama,
Would a monkey cross the ocean?
Would the goddess Lakshmi worship You?
Would Lakshmana willingly serve You?
Would the highly intelligent Bharata offer his prostrations to You?
Oh! How great indeed is the power of devotion to Lord Rama's strength"
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(Telugu
Poem) |
Lakshmana was the
incarnation of Adisesha - the heavenly serpent that carried the entire
world on its hood. He understood that Rama wanted him to raise the portion
of earth where Sita was standing. He indicated that if Sita was raised,
so would everyone else! Lakshmana hit upon an idea. All of a sudden, he
fell at Rama's feet and would not get up. Rama was forced to bend down
and raise Lakshmana from His feet. Sita was highly intelligent. Grabbing
this chance, she at once placed her garland on Rama's neck. There should
be such an understanding between husband and wife.
If you aspire to attain God, you have to make efforts to acquire the necessary
eligibility. That is true spirituality. That is the essence of the Upanishads.
God submits Himself to those who understand the essence of the Upanishads
and act accordingly. Who is God? What does He look like? Do not limit
Him to a name and a form like Rama, Krishna, Govinda, Narayana etc. In
fact, He has no specific name and form. He is the embodiment of Energy.
These Navaratri celebrations are meant to worship God in the form of energy.
One should not pray for temporary results. Instead, one should pray for
Divine grace with pure, steady and selfless devotion. Once you have Divine
grace, you can achieve anything.
Embodiments of Love!
Nobody can understand the efficacy of the Mantras that the Rithwiks chant
during the performance of the Yajna. These brahmins are pure-hearted.
I want to tell you a small example. At 12 o' clock in the noon, the brahmins
assembled for lunch here. But the person who was doing the Sahasra Lingarchana
did not get up from his place as he had not completed the ritual. Similarly,
the person who was reading the Bhagavata and the four Brahmins who were
doing Veda Parayanam did not get up from their seats till they completed
their tasks. The person who does Sahasra Lingarchana did not get up till
2'o clock in the afternoon. It is because of their dedication and devotion
that the Mantras they chant assume greater significance. Even if you do
not understand their meanings, you will derive immense benefit by listening
to them. This listening will ultimately take you to liberation. Sravanam
(listening), Kirtanam (singing), Vishnusmaranam (contemplating
on Vishnu), Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), Vandanam
(salutation), Archanam (worship), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham
(friendship), Atmanivedanam (Self-surrender). So long as you do
not develop Sneham with God, you will not be able to attain the stage
of Atmanivedanam. The first step to self-surrender is Sravanam.
The Yajna that we are performing now is meant for Loka Kalyanam
(good of the world). Do not think that we are performing the Yajna just
because people are performing Yajnas elsewhere. This Yajna is being performed
with total spirit of sacrifice. We have no desires or expectations. Our
only desire is that everyone should be happy. People perform Yajnas and
Yagas to overcome famine and drought situations. But I don't take such
things into consideration. I do not give scope for such constricted vision.
Famine, drought, etc., come and go. Whatever you do should confer everlasting
happiness on all. It should help you to attain Divine grace.
Tomorrow, I shall explain the teachings of Upanishads and their inner
meanings.
(Bhagawan concluded His discourse with the bhajan "Hari Bhajana
Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi...")
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