Embodiments
of love!
God's creation is wonderful and mysterious. Spiritual aspirants undertake
various Sadhanas to have the vision of God. Every mantra is a combination
of words with profound inner meanings. It has myriad meanings, but we
have to take that which is suitable to our place and circumstances. The
Divine Dakshinamurthy gave inner meanings of these mantras for
the benefit of seekers so that they could understand them easily and experience
bliss. He taught the Mantras to the world in a simple and lucid way. He
laid special emphasis on three words representing Jeeva (individual),
Deva (God) and Manas (mind).
What is the role of mind which separates individual and God? God is the
embodiment of Chaitanya (consciousness). Mind is assigned the task
of bringing together Jada (inert) and Chaitanya. Individual,
God and the mind in conjunction constitute a Mantra. Jeeveswaraprakriti
is the term used to describe these three. The duty of mind lies in transforming
individual into Divine. How does the mind perform this function? The individual
is represented by the term Vyashti, whereas God is the embodiment of
Samashti (society). Mind is a combination of Vyashti and
Samashti. Hence, the mind is endowed with sacred power. In this modern
age, the mind is described as a mad monkey. It is not as mad a monkey
as people believe. Mind represents mankind. It acts as a link between
man and God. Hence, the mind is highly sacred and powerful. Manah Eva
Manushyanam Karanam Bandhamokshayo (mind is responsible for both bondage
and liberation of man). The power of mind is unique. But people have not
grasped the greatness and grandeur of the mind and hence have not accorded
due respect to it. They have not even understood the correct meaning of
the word mind and are using it for trivial worldly tasks. The mind is
very intense and has several facets. It is endowed with purity, valour,
courage, etc. No one has been able to understand the nature and power
of the mind. Without the mind, the terms Jiva and Deva will lose their
significance. It is the mind that demonstrates the mighty power connecting
the individual and God. One has to make efforts to understand the difference
between mind, individual and the divinity therein.
As I told you yesterday, the mind represents Vishnu, the breath,
Easwara and the speech, Brahma. It is said that Brahma
has emerged from the navel of Vishnu. Likewise, speech originates
from the mind. Speech is endowed with immense power. The Vedas and the
Upanishads contain many teachings, each consisting of three words.
These words became Mantras themselves. Not all can comprehend the
essence of these Mantras. Tat Twam Asi (That Thou Art),
Ayam Atma Brahma (this Atma is verily Brahman), Sarvam Khalvidam
Brahma (verily all this is Brahman), Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati
(the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman himself). All these teachings of
the Upanishads are verily sacred Mantras. Even the divine
names, which appear as mere appellations are Mantras. They can
be interpreted in many ways. There are four profound statements in each
of the four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana
Veda. These give the very essence of the Vedas. Each Mantra
contains the essence of all the Mantras. Hence, it is not necessary to
know all the Mantras and their meanings. Take for instance, Tat Twam
Asi (That Thou Art) and Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). When
you enquire deeply, you can very clearly see that both mean the same.
The Mantra, Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (All this is verily Brahman)
also conveys the same truth. In this manner, all the Mantras essentially
proclaim the same truth. True spiritual practice lies in understanding
this unity. Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati (the knower of Brahman
becomes Brahman himself). One who understands unity verily becomes God.
This is the message of the Upanishads.
Embodiments of Love!
You are God. Understand this truth in the first instance. Every one is
divine. Then, you may wonder where is the need to worship God? You have
to worship Him till you understand and experience this unity. You are
leading a very ordinary and worldly life. Such being the case, how can
you understand the transcendental divine principle? You are Vyashtiswarupa
(individual self), whereas God is Samashtiswarupa (Cosmic Form).
Hence, it is not possible for Vyashti to understand Samashti. Neither
spiritual practices nor chanting of the Mantras can transform Vyashti
into Samashti. Transformation is possible only when Vyashti identifies
himself with Samashti. Vyashti should firmly believe, "I
am God".
A potter collects clay from the river bank, mixes water in it, puts it
on a wheel and makes pots. The pot cannot hold water unless it undergoes
Agni Samskara (refinement through fire). Just as a pot becomes
strong when it is processed in fire, man becomes God when he undergoes
refinement in the fire of wisdom. The pot which came from mud will ultimately
disintegrate and become one with it. Likewise, every object and every
being in this world will ultimately go back to its source of origin. Human
being can be compared to a pot and God is the potter. If the 'pot' is
not processed in fire of wisdom, it will break when put to use. What is
wisdom? Advaita Darshanam Jnanam (perception of non-duality is
wisdom). One should refine oneself in the fire of wisdom and experience
non-dualism. Clay gains value when it is refined and made into a pot.
The metal gold gains added value and strength when it is made into a beautiful
ornament. Likewise, refinement manifests the latent power in man and increases
his value.
God's Will is Vajra Sankalpa. God is known as Hiranyagarbha
(one with a golden womb). He is present in everyone. As you are the embodiments
of God, I address you as 'Bangaru'! (gold). It is not enough if you merely
have gold. It has to be made into an ornament. In order to make an ornament
out of gold, you need to add a few metals like copper, brass, etc. Only
then gold will become strong, heavy and sturdy. Science students can easily
understand this. The food that we eat contains many metals like gold,
copper, iron, etc. Iron content is more in leafy vegetables. Tamarind
and lemon preparations develop amla, which is the basic constituent
in the formation of cells. In this manner, food strengthens our body.
The dreams that you experience are actually the reactions of your food
and habits. There is an intricate and inseparable relationship between
food, head and God. Food plays a vital role in the spiritual path. When
we consume the right kind of food, it helps us in our effort to understand
Divinity. As is the food, so is the mind. Only one with pure mind
can understand Divinity. In order to cultivate purity of mind, you should
partake of pure and Sathwic food. You should consider food as God.
It is said, Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as you think so you become).
If you consider food as mere Padartha (matter), it will remain
so. Depending on the feeling, it undergoes change. Take for instance,
the magnetic power in the body. It gets transformed into electric power.
It gives rise to sound energy and develops Tejas (effulgence). Jewellery
shines with added brilliance when it is polished. Likewise every man is
endowed with Tejas which is known as Chaitanya Shakti (power of
consciousness).
If you enquire deeply, you can visualise God in every human being and
in every material. Any Padartha (matter) should not be looked upon
as mere Padartha. It should be considered as Parartha (the
essence of Divinity). There is a gulf of difference between Padartha
and Parartha. Padartha corresponds to worldly matter, whereas
Parartha is the transcendental divine principle. Since Padartha
is viewed as mere matter and not as Parartha, its value is demeaned.
We attach value to that which has no real value. On the other hand, we
do not value that which has to be valued most. The mind is responsible
for all this. Hence, we have to purify the mind and focus it on Divinity.
When the mind is focused on Divinity, our Tejas also increases.
Today man is wasting his energy by entertaining bad thoughts and feelings.
To keep bad thoughts in check, one has to develop divine thoughts. What
are divine thoughts? You should consider everything as divine. Every drop
of blood in your body is suffused with Divinity. Food generates blood
and energy in the body. This divine energy has to be properly utilised
by entertaining divine thoughts.
One cannot partake of paddy in its raw form. It has to be de-husked and
refined into rice and then cooked well. Only then will it be fit for consumption.
When paddy undergoes refinement and becomes rice, its value enhanced several
fold. The process of refinement involves grinding, separating the husk,
removing the dust and polishing. In the same way, one cannot get happiness
for the mere asking. One has to work for it. The more one engages in right
works, the greater will be the reward. So, one should be prepared to work
hard and get refined. Studying, eating, walking, sitting, running, smiling
and weeping, all these constitute the process of refinement. How does
weeping refine man? When one weeps, one gets rid of impure water.
The process of refinement lies in accepting that which is good and rejecting
all that is bad. Consider our breathing process for example. We inhale
oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Wherever a marriage function is held,
people gather in large numbers, and hence more carbon dioxide is released
polluting the atmosphere. Green leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release
oxygen. That is the reason our ancients used to decorate the venue of
marriage with buntings of fresh mango leaves and plantain leaves. Unfortunately,
people have forgotten the inner significance of such sacred tradition.
They decorate their houses with buntings of plastic leaves because they
are long lasting and easy to procure. In the name of modernism, they are
spoiling their health. They do not understand the sanctity of food. They
adopt modern methods to prepare food and in the process waste a lot of
money. Modernism has made them lazy. They are prepared to pay a rupee
to a coolie to carry vegetables purchased for half a rupee. Such is the
sorry state of affairs.
Embodiments of Love!
Consider food as Parartha (God) and not mere Padartha (matter).
Take care that the food that you eat helps you maintain good health. Do
not consume stale food. It is like poison.
Students!
You are not putting into
practice what you are studying. You have learnt that the combination of
hydrogen and oxygen results in water. But how far is it useful in your
daily life? What is the use of doing experiments in the laboratory if
people are not benefited by it? Today people in several places are suffering
from water scarcity. Is it possible to mix hydrogen and oxygen and provide
them water? No. There are many rivers in Bharat, but what is the use?
Their waters are flowing into the ocean without being properly utilised.
Today different States are engaged in conflicts with each other over the
water issue. Why don't they make proper use of the water available? Make
proper use of the rivers that are flowing in Bharat. Bharat is a highly
sacred and prosperous land. It has earned the appellation 'Annapurna'
(land of plenty of food). But today, people of Bharat are suffering for
want of food. What is the reason? People are misusing the available resources.
If you put them to proper use, you as well as your fellowman can be happy.
Embodiments of Love!
Do not waste anything. Even while washing their hands; some people open
the taps too much and in the process much water gets wasted. Wastage of
water really pains Me. Don't waste water; don't waste food. Many people
in the world are dying of hunger. Hence, instead of wasting food, give
it to those who are in dire need of it. There are some who resort to escapist
solohistry saying that the food they throw will not be wasted because
dogs would feed on it. Even dogs would not touch such food because it
would be in a completely spoiled state. In this modern age, not only human
beings, but even animals are very intelligent. They decide to eat or not
to eat it only after sniffing at it. Don't waste food, time, energy and
water. Understand that time is very important. Time wasted is life
wasted. Yesterday, I spoke to you at length on various topics. As
I am speaking everyday, My voice is becoming louder and clearer. It only
shows that when you speak good words, you will get more strength. Do not
indulge in unnecessary talk. Speak to the extent needed. Don't waste your
word. If you talk loudly, it amounts to wasting your word. Only those
for whom they are meant should hear your words. There are some who talk
very loudly even while walking on the road. Nobody will respect such people.
You have to uphold your self-respect and manifest it by your speech and
conduct. Na Sreyo Niyamam Vina (without discipline, there can be
no welfare).
Why do I walk slowly? It is only to give you Darshan for more time. I
can walk much faster, but I don't like to do it because if I walk slowly
all of you can have My Darshan to your heart's content. I am happy when
you are happy. I walk slowly only to make you happy.
Students!
Do not talk without restraint. You will earn the respect of others only
when you respect your words. You may study well and get good marks but
that is not enough. You should develop self-confidence and follow the
dictates of your conscience. When you satisfy your conscience, you will
certainly attain an exalted position in life.
Abraham Lincoln
was born in a poor family. In his childhood, he did not have even proper
food to eat. His dresses were torn and dirty. His fellow students hailing
from rich families used to make fun of his dress. Lincoln could not bear
the humiliation any longer. One day, he came back from school crying.
When his mother questioned, he said his classmates were making fun of
his poverty. He wanted a pair of new clothes to be stitched for him. His
mother consoled him saying, "Son, let others say what they want.
You respect all. Do not hate anybody. Understand our family position and
act accordingly. With our meagre income, we cannot afford to buy a new
dress for you. Keep your dress neat and clean. Develop self-confidence.
Uphold your self-respect." The words of his mother made an indelible
impression on the tender heart of Lincoln. He followed his mother's teachings
and ultimately became the President of America. He could occupy such an
exalted position because of his self-confidence. He respected all.
I am giving you My own example.
When I was studying in 3rd standard and 4th standard, I had only one pair
of shorts and shirt. I could not afford to give them to dhobi for washing
and ironing. Everyday, after returning from school, I would wear a towel
and wash My clothes. I used to put live embers in a small metal container
and use it for ironing. Later on, I had two pairs of dresses for the whole
year. Whenever Pedda Venkama Raju enquired whether I needed a new dress,
I used to say, "I have enough number of dresses. I don't need anything."
I did not want to waste money. Misuse of money is evil. In those days,
a pair of shorts and a shirt cost only a few annas. Yet I never used to
ask for them. I always used to do My work Myself. Even now, I do My work
Myself. People may think that Swami is having a number of servants to
do His work. Nobody need to serve nor do I expect any service from others.
Since My childhood, I respected all. Today the whole world is respecting
Me. As I told you the other day, when you love and respect all, you will
be loved and respected by all. Love everybody irrespective of caste, language,
religion and nationality. Then God will shower His love on you. The more
you serve others with the spirit of sacrifice, the greater will be the
reward.
Modern students lack goodness.
They are not concerned about their parents. They wear all types of fancy
dress and roam about in the streets. Students should develop humility
and give respect to others. You should not talk to elders in a disrespectful
manner. First of all, learn to respect everyone. If you want to attain
good name, your conduct should be good. Today the whole world respects
Me because I respect everyone. I address devotees as Bangaru and talk
to them lovingly. Likewise, you too should learn to talk in a pleasing
manner. Lincoln faced acute poverty and yet could come up in life because
of his humility and self-confidence. Emulate his ideal. Be satisfied with
what you have. Do not entertain excessive desires.
Students!
Many sacred teachings are contained
in the Upanishads. Put them into practice and earn a good name for yourself.
You need not become great, it is enough if you are good.
Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan
Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin
"
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