Sri Sathya Sai Message for Rural Progress

Saturday, February 02, 1985

Bhagavan, during His visit to Madras in 1985, visited the village Nallathur on this day. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Major General Mahadevan, President of the Sathya Sai Organisation of Tamil Nadu, and Sri T.G. Krishnamurthy. 

Sri Sathya Sai giving Darshan to the villagers; following Him is Major General Mahadevan

He inaugurated a new building, ‘Sri Sai Sundaram’, that was to be utilised as the service centre for the villages covered by Tiruthani Sathya Sai Samiti. Bhagavan unfurled the Sai Flag and blessed the Bal Vikas students. Sri T.G. Krishnamurthy gave a welcome speech. This was followed by Bhagavan’s Address to the villagers. Excerpts are included below:

Samskaras (right actions) make human life meaningful and edifying. The goal of man is to realise the divinity that is in him. This can be achieved only by getting rid of all bad qualities and filling one's mind and heart with love and compassion. "Love is God and God is Love." A life without love is sterile and barren. Whatever one's difficulties or troubles, one should try to help others to the extent possible. Selfless, loving service to others, is the highest form of Sadhana. It represents true devotion - Bhakti. Such Bhakti is not affected by the reverse of fortune or changes in circumstances. One should not be concerned only about one's own welfare, career and prosperity. It is not for the enjoyment of personal possessions and comforts that man has taken birth. He has greater goal to achieve, something more permanent and lasting. It is the realization of oneness with the Divine, which alone can give lasting bliss. Even while being engaged in the activities of the secular world, we should strive to sanctify all actions by dedicating them to the Divine.

There must be unity and harmony among the villagers in the reconstruction of their social life. Look upon each other as brothers and sisters and develop the sense of unity, dust as all the fingers in the hand combine to work together, all the individuals in the village should combine to strive in unison for the welfare of the village and the progress of the nation. Petty differences over minor matters should not be allowed to create divisions amongst them. By recognising the divinity that is in everyone, they should come together and act as one, whatever their differences may be.

Heart-to-heart unity

For people consuming Rajasic food, it may not be easy to control anger or passion. But such feelings should not be allowed to grow into hatred or bitterness. There are in Bharat more than 70 crores of people. If all of them were to feel as one and act as one what is it that cannot be achieved by them? Unfortunately, there is no unity amongst them. If four persons in a house have four different opinions, how can they achieve anything? Without unity, we cannot have either peace or happiness. Life will be meaningless like that of jackals and dogs.

You have been waiting in the hot sun for my rival. It shows your devotion to me and your yearning to see me and listen to me. The patience with which you have borne the heat of the sun is a form of Tapas (penance) which you have performed out of your love. Your yearning for Swami and the joy I have given by my visit and address represent real unity of spirit. There is no use in mere talk about unity. There must be heart-to-heart unity based on mutual love. Promote love. Wake up with love. Do every act with love.

Love is divine in its essence

Love in different contexts is called by different names. The love between a husband and wife is called Moham (fascination). The love between mother and children is known as Vatsalyam (maternal affection). The love of relatives and friends is described as Anuraga (mutual regard). The love of God is described as Bhakti (devotion). Although these forms of love are described differently, essentially love is one, divine in its essence. Love of anyone is a recognition of the divinity in everyone, When we become conscious of the omnipresence of divinity, our thoughts, speech and actions will become pure. We will not use offensive language against anyone or think of causing harm to anyone.

Engage yourselves in social service for the uplift of your village. Banish all differences and unite in the cause of promoting the welfare of everyone in the village. When the villages grow, the cities and the States grow and the nation on the whole prospers. The progress of the nation is based upon the progress of the villages. Everyone should be interested in the welfare of the villages.

What has been done in your village so far is gratifying, but much more remains to be done. You will have my blessings and support for all your undertakings in a spirit of service and dedication. After the day's labours, everyone of you should devote some time to thoughts on God and purify your hearts by sacred actions. From today you must cultivate unity of spirit and work harmoniously for the prosperity and the progress of your village. You have the assurance that the Sai Organisation and Sai Sevaks will help you in every way.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926-1985)