"Desires should not become Necessity..."

 February 21, 2002 (Thursday)

Swami came to Ganesh portico around 4.00 pm.

Swami: (To a student) What happened to your hand ?

Student: Swami, sprain.

Swami: (To another student) Who spoke today?

Student: Swami, Sri Vijay Kelkar (Executive Director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan at the International Monetary Fund, U.S.A.).

Swami: What did he speak about ?

Student: Globalisation, Swami.

Swami: Will you put in practice whatever he said?

Prof. A. K. : Some people will practice.

Swami: There must be some limit to anything. If you cross them, you will face difficulties and losses. The natural resources are limited. You should not exploit them as you wish. You should maintain proper balance.

Prof. A. K. : How is it possible?

Swami: You should keep your desires under control. They should be minimal. Nowadays, on one hand they keep on digging the ground (for mineral wealth) and on the other the hand, they keep building skyscrapers. Then where is the balance? Due to this calamities occur. If you use any thing beyond limit, it leads to danger. So, you should have ‘Ceiling on Desires’. I don’t have any type of desires and I am always happy. I don’t cause harm to any one.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, sometimes desires turn into necessity.

Swami: What?

Prof. A. K. : Swami, in the past, phones and fans were a luxury. But now they have become a necessity.

Swami: Considering them to be a necessity is your big mistake. We should not go beyond our needs. If you think that it is not needed, then it is not a necessity. Desires should not become necessity.

Prof. A. K.: What is the difference between desire and necessity?

Swami: Desire is not necessity. Hunger is not desire. You should eat for living. 

But the rice can be bought either for Rupees two, four or six. The food may be different, but hunger is the same. One should eat to the level it is necessary.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, this is at individual level, but what about at the society level?

Swami: This applies to everyone, either in the village, state or country. 

Everyone should have control.

Prof. A. K.: Avasaram, Aasha and Korika (Necessity, wants and desire). 

Swami: Desire comes because of Asha (wants). Sometimes Asha is also necessity, but not always.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, if we have desire, it leads to improvement in the standard of living?

Swami: It does not improve, instead it leads to danger. (After pausing for a minute.) What else is the matter?

Prof. A. K.: When American President George Bush went to China and Japan for talks on globalisation, people raised anti-globalisation slogans.

Swami: Advanced countries have exploited everything and become rich. For India, removal of hunger is very important. Advanced countries go beyond control in exploiting Nature. Acquiring wealth is important for them. In Andhra Pradesh, they are providing more funds to Information Technology and developing it. They don’t know what to put where and where to invest. Science and technology is not useful for the villagers. If you do any work, it should give joy to everyone. That which falls from the hills dries up, but a good thought in you will be permanent. People borrow money for various things. The way of thinking of the world is different now.

Prof. A.K.: Swami, this world is full of desires. 

Swami: Our institutions should not have this type of desires.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, what is Aadhunikam (modern)?

Swami: Aadhunikam means cutting down our likings. Aadhunikam does not mean building up of desires. People live happily if they do not have desires. People should not increase their desires as they wish. In ancient days, people were content with what they had. Nowadays desires are very strong. In My opinion, civilisation means reducing desires. Desires should be in limit, one should be content with whatever one has.

Teacher: Yes, Swami, or else future generations will suffer.

Swami: Nothing will remain for their younger generations. So, nothing should be used in excess. One should have ceiling on desires.

Prof. A. K.: This is for individual level Swami, what about at society’s level?

Swami: Society must always be kept at a balanced state. All living beings must be treated equally. One should not feel bad that someone has a mansion. Rather, he should feel happy that he has at least a hut and be content because there are so many not having even that.

Prof. A.K.: With competition and development, society can achieve anything.

Swami: For us, achieving is not important, protecting is important. We should protect our strengths and resources. Then everything will come to you automatically. 

Teacher: Swami, civilisation is only responsible for the New York incidents?

Swami: Present civilisation leads to many problems. Not only there, in times to come, many more will occur.

Prof. A.K.: Swami, still that event is not forgotten.

Swami: It cannot be forgotten. Not only there, wherever such things take place, it cannot be forgotten. Many more events which cannot be forgotten will occur in the future. 

Prof. A.K.: The solution for all this is mental transformation.

Swami: What does transformation mean?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, change.

Swami: Change is human nature. One should cultivate good feelings, and reduce desires, which are man’s fantasies. In natural state, there are no desires and no bad thoughts. I have been very happy and comfortable for the last 76 years. Even a common man should be like Me. What else?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, in Brahmo Samaj, the social customs are different. There also desires are less.

Swami: Whoever has more desires is poor, while whosoever has fewer desires is rich. What do you mean by poor and rich? The more the desires, the poorer he is, and the lesser the desires one has, the richer he is.

Prof. A. K. : In spirituality, if one desires for God, is it not a desire?

Swami: It is also a desire; everyone should think that he is one with God. If he considers that God is different from him, it is not spirituality. What is spirituality?

Prof. A. K.: Feeling that God dwells everywhere in this world.

Swami: Laukikam (Worldliness) is also spiritual. Real spirituality means shedding of one’s animal qualities and transforming one’s humanity to Divinity. Go up and up. Don’t go down. For one’s selfish needs man should not descend from top to down. One should kill one’s animal qualities, cultivate good qualities and should transform to Divinity. To aspire for Divinity is not a desire, it is natural.

Prof. A. K.: What  is the difference between desire and selfishness?

Swami: To crave for what you don’t have is desire. If noble thoughts are born, it leads to a noble world. No calamities will be there. 

Prof. A. K.: Everyday we pray “Loka Samastha…”; is that also not a desire?

Swami: No, not a desire. Whatever is good for you, you want that for all. Whatever satisfies you, all should get that. Whatever pains you, you pray that it should not pain others. You pray that all should be happy. This is natural.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, I did M.Sc. but all cannot become M.Sc. holders.

Swami: That is for the world, I don’t need that. At Atmic level such rights (Arhatulu) and roles (Paathralu) don’t exist. In Atmic stage, mind, position, goal, wealth (Mati, Sthiti, Gati, Sampatti) are important. For example, a Dhobi (washerman) takes clothes from different people in the morning and returns them all by evening to the right person. Who is intelligent?

Prof. A. K.: All know that a washerman is better than an educated person.

Swami: His position of intellect gives him direction which leads to happiness, which is his wealth.

Prof. A. K. : Does not wealth (Sampatti) mean property?

Swami: Property is not your true wealth; your good qualities are your true wealth. That which is unseen, feeds you. That is Brahma. That which is seen, deludes you. That is Bhrama. Brahma is unseen, Bhrama is seen. 

Prof. A. K.: What is the point of intersection between Bhrama and Brahma? 

Swami: Brahma has everything. Remembering this principle we should carry out our duty. (Here Swami narrated a small story.) Once there was a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. One day the daughter-in-law’s brother came to see her and asked about her to the mother-in-law. The mother-in-law replied that the daughter-in-law was a thief. She drinks the milk while boiling, eats curd while curdling, and eats butter while making buttermilk. Then the brother asked his sister, “Why do you commit so many mistakes? If you drink just milk that is enough as milk has everything.” 

(Swami narrated the above incident to highlight the point that if God (milk) is there in our hands, then the whole world (curd, butter, etc.) will automatically be in our hands.)

Prof. A. K. : Swami, is this due to Kaala Paristhiti (time)?

Swami: No, this is due to lack of your Buddhi (intellect). I have told all this so many times, but you keep forgetting. What I tell today, you forget by tomorrow. For this even Buddha went searching for many people, reading many texts, but not being satisfied, he went and sat under a tree and meditated. He shed away desire, anger, greed and attachment and attained Brahma Jnanam (knowledge of the Self). One should have good vision, hear good things and speak good things. Then, in the end, one will get Nirvana (liberation). One should not take in all that is in the exterior world. Only the good things should be observed, that is the role of the Buddhi. 

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2001-2004)

Sri Sathya Sai Experience in Sri Lanka - By Atul Selvanathan

In many Sathya Sai Discourses, we hear Him saying, “Life is a drama, enact it”. But how can one call life a drama? If we think deeply, the answer suggests itself to us, that the Lord has planned every detail of the world before He brought it into existence. What does God plan? He plans out everything: every act of man, his birth, his parents and his life itself.

It was in August 1977, when one evening I heard an announcement. It was a special announcement made by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. It said that all the citizens of Sri Lanka were forbidden to come out of their houses until further notice.

It started out as a happy day for me because my father came home early from work. I was in the seventh class that time and being the youngest in the house, my father used to play a lot with me. My mother brought a lot of vegetables, bread and other food items. I was shocked to see such huge quantities of vegetables. Who could eat so much! But it was necessary because the shops might be closed for another week. All the food articles were stuffed in the refrigerator.

That much was really necessary because my uncle and his family had also come to our house to spend their holidays, the previous day. We were nine in all - father, mother, two elder brothers, I, uncle, aunt and two small cousins.

I was busy playing with my brothers and uncle. My father asked us to end our play at 7.30 p.m. “Why?” I queried. My father had received information from the neighbors that hooligans from some other place were breaking into houses and even burning people alive. The Sinhalese neighbors were good enough to give us this information. The big fight had actually started in a small village and it spread like wild fire.

The gangs were moving from house to house leaving only those houses they felt were empty. So, my father quietly asked us to have an early dinner and go to bed. His responsibility of protecting our lives grew from five to nine, and included small children. Somehow my father and uncle kept awake and made us lie down, but would it have been possible for us to get sleep at such a time? No, none of us slept. We were all lying down and whispering in very low voices. My mother was saying that in the event of anything untoward happening, we might have to jump over the seven foot wall and hide in the back yard of the neighboring house.

Even though I smile now thinking of how funny it would have been for us to scale the wall, we were dead serious then. It is really difficult for a student of seventh class to jump over the seven foot wall. But I was confident of climbing over the wall through a sense of sheer bravado because any moment gangsters could come, break open and enter our house. If they decided to torch the house, the furniture and curtains would be the first to catch fire. After that it would be a matter of time before everything would be reduced to ashes.

All of a sudden, we heard a voice. My elder brother got up and tip-toed out of the bedroom to see what was happening. In a few seconds we heard a louder shout. Just then my father and uncle were coming in from outside the house. Father asked brother to go to bed and he entered the prayer room. After a while he came and lay beside me as I was small and afraid. What had happened?

There is a small passage opposite our house leading to a big ground. A group of the hooligans had come through that passage and were hiding behind some bushes. My father could see that they had petrol barrels. He went outside to take a closer look at them. Suddenly, they espied my father and shouted at him ordering him to go inside the house. Yes, our worst fear was confirmed. They wanted to burn the house.

By then it was too late for us to escape from the house by jumping over the compound wall because we might be seen by the thugs. We were trapped inside the house. It was then my father entered the prayer room and placed the responsibilities of saving our lives at the Lotus Feet of Sai.

Though it seemed late for him to seek Divine help, God had a solution to our problem. Has not Baba said, “There is no crisis in the world that God cannot solve”? What that fervent appeal achieved is nothing short of a miracle. Within a few seconds we could hear the splash of raindrops from heaven. Yes, it rained - something that had not happened in five months! Meanwhile about forty Sinhalese who sympathized with us mustered themselves together in front of our house. Seeing this show of support and strength, perhaps the gangsters felt that it would be nearly impossible for them to burn our house. In any case, they disappeared into the darkness of night.

The next day a special order was issued by the President of Sri Lanka to the effect that the whole area where he contested for election should be well protected. Fortunately we too were in that zone, and were safe. I would not have been alive at this moment to relate this miracle of Divine protection had not Sai showered His grace that day.

A minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month and even a year can be late enough to make a fatal difference for humans, but for God it is never too late. Even at the last minute, if we surrender, He protects us. Space and time do not impose limits on Him. 

- Atul Selvanathan

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday)

"There is nothing wrong in creation. The mistake lies in one’s vision..."

 February 20, 2002 (Wednesday)

Swami: Chief Minister wants Me to take up the water project, which is lying half complete. He said that if the Government takes it up, it will cost around ₹700 crores. But if Swami takes it up, it will cost only 300 crores. I asked him how? He said that if they do it, lot of money may get wasted due to so many reasons. I told him that if I start, I always do, ‘from starting till ending’. The Chief Minister along with other engineers is coming. I said that I will do. Not to make him happy, but to keep up My word. It is not for prestige, but for the people. (Talking about Prof. Anil Kumar) This is his 59th year. Next year, he will be 60. Do you celebrate it?

Prof. A. K.: No Swami. We follow Brahma Samaj principle. (Brahmo Samaj is the societal component of Brahmoism which was started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Debendranath Tagore in 1828.)

Swami: What is that?

Prof. A. K.: It was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Swami: What does it mean?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, worshiping one form.

Swami: What does Eesha Vasyam Idam Jagat mean? (Getting no satisfactory reply, Swami said) Everything is Divine. This is the true meaning. How many Kalas (attributes) does God have? (Everybody started telling different numbers, then Swami said) God has six Kalas. They are Aishwaryam, Dharmam, Yashas, Jnanam, Upasanam, Vairagyam. Aishwaryam is the first one. That is why it is said, Sakala Aishwaryam. Everything is Aishwaryam. Education, body and everything. Next is Dharmam. It is said, Dharayate Iti Dharmam. Next is Yashas, which is fame. Next is Jnanam. Then is Upasanam. Finally Vairagyam. Body and mind are also Aishwaryam. Atma is Sakala Aishwaryam. Atma is wealth. It has no form. Daanam means Dehanike Anukulamainadi Danam (that which is favourable for the body). Giving alms to beggars is not Daanam. It is the nature. The nature of Agni (fire) is Ushnam (warmth). Same way the nature of man is Dharmam. The nature of sugar is sweetness. If it is not sweet, then it won’t be called sugar. It will be sand. What is the nature of Man?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, Human Values.

Swami: What are they?

Prof. A. K.: Swami, Satya, Dharma,…

Swami: No, it is Satyam, Sahanam and Sahanubhuti (truth, forbearance and compassion). Dharmam is the ultimate. There is also Saamaajika Dharmam (societal duties). If you like something, you should understand that others may also like it. If it is bad for you, then it is bad for others. If you want something, others too will want it. This is Dharma. That does not mean if I suffer, others too should suffer. Isa Vasyam Idam Jagat (Divinity pervades and controls the entire creation). Man is God. Animals are God. Everything is God. Evertything in nature is Divine.

Teacher: Swami, all living and non-living things too?

Swami: Yes, everything. Chaitanyam (Consciousness) is there in everything. When a stone is thrown at you, you get hurt. The pain is caused by the stone. 

Prof. A. K.: Swami, what is Jadam (non-living)?

Swami: There is nothing called Jadam. Everything is energy. There is nothing called Padartha (matter). Everything is energy. Everything is Divine.

Prof. A. K.: Swami, then why does’t man understand this?

Swami: Because of body attachment. The main reason for everything is body attachment. Because of body attachment, you have mind. Mind consists of both Sankalpa (thought) and Vikalpa (counter-thoughts). 

Teacher: Swami, is Vikalpa bad?

Swami: Vikalpa is good. Sankalpa is also good. In good there is no bad. In bad also there is good. It is very subtle. It is same in Drishti (vision) also. There is nothing bad. It is the thought that makes it bad. Srushti Lo Tappu Ledu, Drishti Lo Tappu Unnadi (There is nothing wrong in creation. The mistake lies in one’s vision). It depends upon likes and dislikes. It also depends on taste. Morning you eat Puri. Next day you excrete the waste. It is the same substance, but the colour has changed. It is the difference of time that makes it different. If a small boy is given diamonds, he will not like them and will throw them. If he is given toys, he will like them and play with them. It is because he does not know their value. You know their value, he doesn’t.

Teacher: Swami, can’t we change it.

Swami: You can. It is the Dosham (mistake) of taste. Taste varies. You like Aavakaya (mango pickle) and dislike Gongura (another leafy pickle). Both are pickles. The Dosham lies in taste. You like one item, but another may not like the same. (Pointing to a teacher seated in the front.) If you don’t like him, you don’t like something in him. How is this possible? Both of you are made up of the same Pancha Bhutas (five elements). So the Dosham lies in the taste. What is Adhyatmikam (spirituality)? (There was no response from the teacher.) Isa Vasyam Idam Jagat. See Divinity in all. This is Vedanta. The end of Vedanta is Advaita. Adhyatmikam means everything is Divine. Some people blame Me. Even some devotees blame Me and some others blame Me without any knowledge about Me. This is the Dosham (defect) of discrimination. Once a lady said, “Swami, my husband died”. I said, “Manchidi (Good)”. She then started shouting, “If my husband has died what happiness are You getting?” I always see only good. I always say ‘Manchidi’ (good). I am always happy. 

Teacher : Swami, less luggage, more comfort.

Swami : Yes.

Teacher : Swami, can man achieve this?

Swami : For man everything is possible. He can achieve anything. Jantunaam, Nara Janma Durlabham (Human life is the crest jewel of all creation). Emi Samacharamu? (What news?) I think I am disturbing you all by speaking so much. I will go. (Saying so, Swami started walking.)

Prof. A. K.: Swami, it is we who are seated here comfortably and You are standing for a long time speaking to us. We only want to listen to You. Swami, please sit down for some time.

Swami: When you go to classroom you don’t sit down and teach. You stand up. Teacher will stand up and teach, and students will sit and listen. The same is here.

Teacher: Swami, in Gurukul (ancient day schools) teachers and students both used to sit down. Swami, You can also sit down.

Swami: This is not Gurukul. This is Samakul (Everyone is same). You and I are One. Isa Vasyam Idam Jagat (This universe is the residence of the Lord). Man and God are same. If I sit down, then you have to stand up. Upanishad means – ‘Upa’ means close, ‘Ni’ means low, ‘Shad’ means sit. Upanishad means sit down close and learn. It is to sit down and not to stand up. 

(Students then started praying to Swami to come to the Hostel.) What is hostel? Where students live is hostel. Everyone is here. So this is hostel. (Students then started praying to Swami to bless their altars.) Last year the students showed them. They were all distorted figures. They were made of thermocol. They cut them in all shapes and sizes and spoiled them.

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2001-2004)

Lessons in Karma and Dharma from the Mahabharata

The edifice of man's life is erected on four walls: Janma, Karma, Dharma, Brahman (Birth, Actions, Duties and Supreme Reality). These four walls are interdependent and inextricably connected with each other. What for does birth take place? To perform actions. How are actions to be done? Actions should be filled with Dharma (Righteousness). Through righteous actions one should realise the Brahman.

Man has forgotten this goal. Today actions are related to physical needs and Dharma is concerned with getting on in the world. There is no awareness of the Supreme. Without four bare walls, even a cottage cannot be erected. The mansion of life has to be supported by the four essential walls of Janma, Karma, Dharma and Brahman. Karma (Action) is the cause of birth. It is the life-sustaining force. The body is the instrument of this vital force. Karma sustains life in the body, through the body. Every action done by man is described as Karma. Man performs actions for the fruits thereof. He takes birth again to experience the results of his actions. That is why, it is declared in the Gita: "Karma Anubandheeni Manushyaloke" (Man's life in the world is bound by his actions). It is not possible to get away from action, but it is essential to perform actions properly.

Our condition in life is determined by our actions. Our habits are governed by our actions. Habits determine conduct. And conduct determines our future. Hence it is supremely important how we act. Good and evil in life are determined by the nature of our actions. To claim that "I am the doer, I am the experiencer and I am the enjoyer," is a sign of egoism. Good and evil result from actions, whether one is aware of their consequences or not.

Krishna and Dharmaraja

After the end of the Mahabharata war, Krishna approached Dharmaraja and told him: "Dharmaraja! The battle is over. You have been victorious. You must now be crowned as king." Dharmaraja did not accept Krishna's advice. He told Krishna: "Did I kill so many of my kinsmen and friends only to assume the crown? For whose sake should I become the ruler? I killed many of my kinsmen and I was also responsible for the death of many others. Over whom should I rule? What joy can I derive from such rulership? I have no use for this paltry kingship. I do not wish to be crowned." Dharmaraja pleaded in this way with Krishna and would not agree for his coronation. Krishna realised that it was no use himself arguing with Dharmaraja.

The ways of the Lord are mysterious. In everything He does, He sets an example to the world. No action of the Lord is without a purpose, though its meaning may not be obvious. When the Lord comes in human form, proximity to the Lord may conceal the full import of His words or actions.

Bhishma asks Dharmaraja to follow Krishna

Krishna thought that Dharmaraja would be more amenable to advice if it came from a venerable elder like Bhishma. So He took Dharmaraja to the grandsire of the Pandavas, who was lying on a bed of arrows. Krishna knew that Dharmaraja would heed Bhishma's sage counsel. If Bhishma advised and encouraged Dharmaraja to go through the coronation and accept the burden of kingship, Krishna felt that Dharmaraja would not refuse. So, after leaving Dharmaraja with Bhishma, Krishna retired.

Bhishma looked at Dharmaraja with tears streaming from his eyes and said: "Dharmaraja! Will you wholeheartedly respect my words?" Dharmaraja held the hands of his grandsire and

reverently promised him that he had never gone against Bhishma's injunctions in the past and would never do so in the future. 

Bhishma then said: "Dharmaraja! Before the war you relied on Krishna. You regarded him as your mentor. He, whom you revered as your mentor before your ends had to be realised, is worthy of the same regard even after your purposes have been realised. It is unworthy of you to ignore Krishna's advice now. You are looking upon him only as a kinsman. Krishna is God incarnate. No doubt he is your kinsman and friend, but you have no conception of his powers. Looking at the world externally, you are wasting your time. Look within and see the Truth," advised Bhishma.

Dharmaraja replied: "Grandsire! I know full well with what love you brought us up when we were left fatherless. You fostered us with greater care than even a father could have bestowed. But we fought against you in the war and brought you down. We resorted to a deceitful stratagem to make our Guru Dronacharya, lay down his arms. We killed numerous dear kinsmen and friends in the war. After all this, what joy can I derive by ascending the throne? Please spare me from the ignominy of coronation." Dharmaraja piteously pleaded with Bhishma in these words.

The Bonds of Karma and Time

Bhishma smiling at Dharmaraja said: "The world is bound by Karma. Dharmaraja! You are well versed in the scriptures. Nevertheless, you speak about killing so many people. Who are the killed? And who are the killers? You do not have the power to kill or to make others kill. Killing and getting killed are consequences of past Karmas. Karma is responsible for everything that happens. Let me illustrate this by a story."

Bhishma then related the following story: "A woman who had an only son lost her husband. Taking her son with her she was going through a forest to go to another village. On the way she rested under a tree with her son sleeping on her lap. Suddenly the boy woke up with a shriek and started crying. The mother woke up and noticed that a cobra had bitten her son and was wriggling back into an anthill. Within a few moments the boy died. While the mother was wailing helplessly over the death of her son, a highway robber, who was passing by that way, heard her cries and enquired about the cause of her grief. Learning about the death of her son from a snake bite, the robber decided to dig up the anthill and kill the cobra.

At that stage, the woman took hold of the robber's hands and pleaded: "Dear man! Please do not kill the cobra. Will my son get back his life if you kill that cobra? I cannot escape my fate." The robber said: "That poisonous snake can cause the death of others who may come here. I have a duty to destroy poisonous creatures." Then the mother replied: "Son! It is by the dictates of Kaala (Time or Fate) that this poisonous cobra bit my son. His death is the result of his own past karnum."

Karma is responsible for everything

"We are not aware of the consequences of our actions when we do them. We grieve over our calamities when they occur. Behind every good or bad event them is a cause, Dharmaraja! People talk about Yama, the God of Death. He comes in innumerable forms to take life at the appointed time. Yama is called Time or Destiny, Dharmaraja! Karma is responsible for everything. How is it that you could not see that a simple woman realised so clearly? You are well versed in all the Shastras and know what is wrong. Knowing that gambling is among the five great sins, you succumbed to play the dice and as a result had to endure innumerable difficulties including living in the forest as an exile with your family. Were not all your ordeals the consequences of your action? No one can escape from the consequence of one's deed. With God's grace the results can be overcome. But if one disobeys the command of the Lord, no one can save him. By going against Krishna's command, you will not save yourself from the consequences of your actions," concluded Bhishma.

Submit to the Divine Will

Finally Bhishma exhorted Dharmaraja in these words: The Divine Will is the basis of all action. The Divine can annul the consequences of these actions or provide the means of expiation for them. Hence, your duty is to carry out faithfully the Divine command. If you act to the contrary you will be ruining your life. Bow to Krishna's command and get yourself crowned."

Dharmaraja, however, continued to be racked by doubts as to how the law of Karma operated. Was the boy's death from the cobra bite a decree of Fate? Bhishma reassured Dharmaraja, the Lord grants the fruit of every action, according to each person's deserts, in any form, in any situation, through any agency. All results follow from the actions. The wicked Kauravas, although they knew the principles of morality and justice, subjected the noble Pandavas to such troubles and ordeals that ultimately their entire clan was destroyed. Because the Divine was on their side, the Pandavas were victorious. Bhishma, therefore advised the Pandavas not to ignore Krishna's advice in the hour of their success.

It is not easy to explain in what form and in what manner Karma follows a person. A cow, which feels proud about its horns and its size, finds itself controlled by a rope through its nostrils on account of its Karma. Hence one must bear with whatever troubles that may come, treating them as the consequences of past actions. But the effects can be mitigated or removed by earning the grace of the Divine.

As you sow, so shall you reap

Men today do not view things in this manner. Considering some person as the author of his misfortunes, they tend to abuse him, without thinking about their own actions. They should realise the Truth of the saying: "As you sow, so shall you reap." Your present state is the result of your past actions. Therefore, by doing good acts in the present, you must ensure beneficial results in the future. Everyone should realise that for happiness or sorrow, profit or loss, his own actions are responsible.

Of all actions nothing is so reprehensible as the violation or ignoring of the Divine's injunctions. The Vedas have emphasised the important role of Karma and urged that due regard should be had for its operation. 

Students should try to understand the inner meaning of all teachings. They should not concern themselves with the actions or words of individuals. They must concentrate on their respective duties. Intelligent persons may discuss matters of moment. The small-minded may discuss personalities. Both types of discussions are likely to be exercises in futility. What should be realised is that nothing happens without a cause and that every result is the outcome of a particular action. Once the cause is understood, one should act on that understanding, avoiding actions which are bound to have undesirable consequences and performing actions which will yield beneficial results. Do not be concerned whether someone is watching your actions or not. God is certainly watching your actions. Therefore you must take care to act righteously at all times and in all situations.

Today people claim to be working for world peace. How can those who have not achieved peace within themselves hope to achieve world peace? Those who have not learnt to look within themselves and cultivate a broad spiritual outlook are not competent to work for peace in the world.

Education is for acquiring Wisdom

Students! Your actions are responsible for your good or ill, your fame or disgrace, your joy or grief. Do not get excited over petty demands and desires. Fix your minds on permanent ideals. The discipline you observe should not be confined to your tenure in the college. When Bhishma questioned Yudhisthira whether his faith in Krishna endured only as long as the war lasted, Yudhisthira was bitten to the quick. He realised his mistake and felt repentant deep in his heart. 

Today's students, however, seem to be immune to such appeals. Do you need Sai Baba only for obtaining a seat in the Institute? Don't you need the help of Sai after you have finished your studies? You will need Sai always. You must not forget how you completed your studies and what the Sathya Sai Institute has done for you. If you forget this, you are in for all sorts of troubles. You should not forget the pledge you have given to the Institute, whatever difficulties you may confront. Remember the example of Emperor Harischandra who went through every kind of ordeal to honour his plighted word. Treat your word as a sacred expression of the Divine. Do not speak ill of others. Do not give room for attachment and hatred in your hearts. Education is for acquiring wisdom, not for getting material wealth.

Bear in mind the Message of the Sages

Do not treat lightly your human birth. Show respect for words of elders, parents and teachers. The Yadava clan, in which Sri Krishna was born, was totally destroyed because of the disrespect shown to a sage. Bharat's history is full of the lives of great souls. Bear in mind their message, which will be of use to you sometime or other. Their teachings are wholesome medicine for the spirit.

Mundane existence is subject to a variety of diseases. For all of them, remembrance of the name of the Lord is the panacea. When you install the name of the Lord in your hearts, revere your parents and respect the Divine that is present in all beings, you will be able to lead ideal lives. Pursue your studies for achieving consummation. Cultivate good habits. Thanks to your good Karmas in previous lives, you are having the good fortune of studying here. Take full advantage of this precious opportunity.

Krishna operates "Cancer" in the body politic

Dharmaraja once asked Krishna: "Krishna! Why did you bring about this disastrous war for the sake of this contemptible rulership over a kingdom? 40 lakhs of warriors died in this battle. Only the Pandavas have survived. Is there any justice in sacrificing the lives of 40 lakhs of men for the sake of the five Pandavas?" Krishna replied "Dharmaraja! You are looking at the numbers involved I am looking at the principles at issue. Can any crores of insects equal a lion?

"Kurukshetra is comparable to the body. Kuru means work. The body is the instrument of action. Because it is the field in which action takes place, it is called Kshetra (field). Supposing in the back of the body, them is a gangrene. If it is allowed to grow, it will spread throughout the body. If the gangrene is on the arm or the leg, you can remove it by the amputation of the limb concerned. But when it is in the back, how do you deal with it? A major operation will be necessary. Likewise, the evil qualities in the Kauravas were like cancer in the body politic. If they had been ignored, the entire nation would have got infected. Hence, acting as a surgeon, I carded out the operation of the Mahabharata war, with Arjuna as my assistant. In the process, 40 lakhs of "microbes" died. For the sake of saving these microbes should we let the patients die? To save the individual you have to eliminate the cancerous microbes. Likewise, persons with evil qualities are like cancer cells. I saved the nation by destroying these bacteria. There is no sin in this," declared Krishna.

How the Divine acts

If for doing a good deed, you have to cause a little harm, even that should be regarded as a help. But, in all such cases, there should be absolutely no element of self-interest. Whatever help is rendered, with a selfish motive behind it, is no help at all. Because the Divine is totally free from self-interest, whatever He does is utterly blameless and is solely for the welfare of the world. It is foolish to question the propriety of God's actions. There is nothing beyond His powers. He is the creator, the protector and the destroyer. When He protects, no one asks why He protects. But when He does not protect, questions are asked about His inaction. When the Lord punishes, the question is asked: "Why does God inflict punishment? Is it not wrong on His part to do so?" Such questions are motivated by selfishness and self-interest. God is totally free from any taint of self-interest. To indulge in controversies over the Divine actions is supreme folly.

There is a valid reason behind every action of the Divine. Therefore, your duty is to pray to God and secure His grace. Take, for instance, the case of Sakkubai. When Sakkubai wanted to join the pilgrims going to Pandharpur, Krishna could have openly arranged for her joining the party. But He did not do so. If she would have gone against her husband's will, she would have got a bad name. To maintain her good reputation and show her as an example to the world, Krishna assumed Sakkubai's form and subjected Himself to all kinds of harassments of the mother-in-law, while the real Sakkubai was sent to Pandharpur. Why did Krishna do this? The Lord is ready to assume any form and subject Himself to any hardship to uphold Dharma. On the one hand, public opinion has to be respected. On the other side, the devotee should not go astray. Only the Divine knows how to reconcile these opposites. 

Men in general can look at things only from their personal point of view. They cannot have an integral view of things. Students should note that on one side they have to set an example to the world by their behaviour. At the same time they have to conform to the Will of the Divine. They have to follow both these courses. They have to please their parents who have done so much for them. They have to bring credit to the Institute which has been their Alma Mater. Whether you are here or elsewhere, your conduct must be the same. It is unworthy of a human being to vary his behaviour according to place and time.

Sanctify every Act

Recognising the supremacy of action, you must see that everything you do is pure and holy. Action is not limited to what you do with your hands. What you hear, what you see, what you

speak and even what you think - all of them constitute action. This means that the things you see, the words you hear, the thoughts you think and the speech you make should all be pure. All that you take in through your five senses should be wholesome and pure, and not merely your food alone. Only then can it be Sattvic. Devotion is not confined to Bhajans and exhibiting a yearning for Swami. Every one of your actions should be filled with devotion. Each one is the architect of his destiny. And as Bhishma pointed out to Dharmaraja, no one can avoid the consequences of his actions. What he can do is to pray to the Lord and show him how he can atone for his wrong doings.

It is essential to suffuse all our actions with Dharma. That Dharma should be dedicated to the Divine. When this happens, life becomes sanctified. There may be no rebirth at all. Therefore, build your lives on the four pillars of Janma, Karma, Dharma and Brahman. This is my benediction for all of you.

Source: Divine Discourse to Students of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Hostel, February 21, 1988

Vice Chancellor Felicitation and Changing Ceremony at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

 Thursday, February 24, 2005

The new Vice Chancellor - Sri Anil Gokak with Chancellor Sri Sathya Sai

In a function held in the Institute Auditorium on 24th February 2005, at Prashanti Nillayam, Sri Anil Vinayak Gokak (son of the first Vice Chancellor of the Institute - Prof. Vinayak Krishna Gokak) took over from Sri S.V. Giri, as the 7th Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. 

On 24th morning, Bhagavan was offered a traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham at the Institute at 8.00 am. Sri S.V. Giri, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Institute, welcomed Bhagavan and introduced Sri A.V. Gokak, IAS (Retd.). Sri Sanjay Mahalingam, Ph.D student of the Institute and Sri Gokak addressed the gathering. Bhagavan then delivered His Benedictory Discourse. He said:

“It is your good luck and fortune. You will certainly realise this because, right from the inception of this University you have had many distinguished, eminent, prominent Vice-Chancellors and faculty members. The first Vice-Chancellor of this University was Prof. Gokak. It is the seed sown by him that has sprouted into a mighty, gigantic tree that has won immense reputation and esteem.

Sri Sathya Sai University Will Lead the Whole Country

I am unable to express in words the fortune and good luck of the students of this University. I am very happy noticing the University and the wonderful things you have been through all along. In future you will find this University attaining and reaching greater heights and in fact it will be the leader for the whole country. There may be some ignorant people who begin to doubt the statement, feeling how is it possible that a University from a rural background can be a leader. People may think in their own way. But this University is bound to be illustrious and glorious. It will also give wider opportunities to people to know their own talents, their own skills. You are thinking of this University from the academic point of view only. You view this University from the point of academic excellence and textual information. This is not merely an educational institution. We don’t have to set our limits as that of an educational institution only. This University will proceed further as to reach the heights of Educare and enjoy and share with the people the profundity, the depth and the insight of the Self, the Atma, the Spirit. The education is external, merely limited to writing and reading, but underlying is the undercurrent, the fundamental principle of Educare. Very soon you will know Educare in this University.

Educare has already made its beginning there in Delhi. Experts, scholars, lawyers, administrators, emancipators of education have associated themselves in the process of Educare. It is not that it is going to be an individual achievement, but at the same time the capacities and the abilities of the individual also come into view. You may find an element of pride in education, but not in Educare. Educare wants everyone to be humble with a sense of discrimination, endowed with wisdom. Why do you feel proud of being educated? Of all the educated lot in the world, what fraction do you have? Never be egoistic for all the learning you have. It is true education if it helps to render service to society. Infact the good and bad are fostered and they prevail because of the society.

It is the human behaviour that decides ultimately what is good and what is bad. From the worldly point of view, we may distinguish good and bad, but both then happen to be the creation of the same God. Therefore knowledge being the creation of the Divine cannot be distinguished into good and bad. Why do you feel proud of your scholarship? Of all, you know only a fraction, a segment. It is only humility which is a jewel to an educated man. Humility is the essence of education. Humility must be reflected in our conduct and behaviour and it should not be simply limited to verbal or vocal expression.

The Story of Abraham Lincoln 

The light of spirituality which is beyond comprehension and description lies within. The Americans, the British, the Japanese, Germans consider their achievement due to individuals. All the achievements are due to the tender-hearted, sacred-minded youth, youngsters and students.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865); 16th President of USA

What was the qualification of Churchill? He was the Chief of the Army. He went on encouraging everybody. Such people who encourage others to proceed in the right direction are responsible for the advancement of the strength of the nation. The topmost dignitary, the American President; what was his qualification? While he was young, his mother had taken care of him. Because of poverty, she had to maintain the family working as tailor stitching worn out clothes. That son became the President of America. His name was Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln while sitting on the lap of his mother went on feeling sad, sharing with his mother, the thought that he was disrespected and put to shame by his classmates. The other classmates were wearing prestigious dresses. And Lincoln could not afford the costly dresses. As he was wearing old, dirty dresses he was not accepted by his classmates and they maintained their distance from him. Though people had isolated him, because he enjoyed the benediction and blessings of his mother, he could reach great heights in life. It was his mother who said to him that poverty, though cheap in the sight of the public, will finally one day help him gain respect. Always speak the truth unmindful of your financial position. And because of her advice Lincoln became very famous in later times. Lincoln clearly declared, “You may disrespect me, but the truth cannot be disrespected. The truth will be triumphant. I proceed on the path of truth and my mother is my ideal”. Infact those people with the blessings of their mothers, happen to be leaders of different countries. Infact such good and noble mothers are present in this land of Bharat. But today we do not find such people who encourage their children inspite of their conditions. However in the recent times, we do have some noble mothers. The parents because of their love for their son sacrifice everything. This is ultimately responsible for the esteem and prestige earned by their son. Infact Lincoln used to proceed to school, after rendering salutations to his parents. While all other friends used to proceed in groups, he used to walk all alone. It is humility that makes you deserving and affluent and eventually helps you attain Divinity. Therefore humility is most important. We should always respect and revere our parents and consider this education as their gift. It is for that reason that since ancient times people have been speaking very highly of parents. The scriptures declare Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava  (Mother is God, Father is God, Teacher is God, Guest is God) and Truth is God; follow the path of righteousness. There are many people who have attained and achieved these values.

Respect Your Parents 

Students! Your parents are responsible for all the education you are receiving here. They undergo so many sufferings to educate you. They pay your fees. At times for this they may even have to fast. But in our University there are no fees, whatsoever. Everything is available to you totally free of charge. Sports is free. There are no examination fees. We do not collect even a single naya paisa. Therefore it is important on your part to bring a good name. You should emulate the example of Lincoln. You should be as great as that person. That is true education. Your education begins with respecting your parents. We should foster the patriotic spirit and uphold national values. To maintain the prestige of the family, we should revere our parents. You can be a true student only if you are humble, only if you are obedient, only if you respect your parents. You should not be artificial; you should not simply do these things to win the praise and acclaim of the people around.

Students! What you need is humility. Students with humility and obedience will progress in their career. Such students are needed today. We have good lot of such of students here. They did not have a scope to express these values earlier. I have now willed to give them a number of chances in the future, so as to manifest all the values latent in them.  You should demonstrate to everybody that humility and obedience are of prime importance.

Get a Good Name

You think that securing ranks and getting first class is all that you should be proud of. No. Do not limit yourself to being a rank holder. You should make every effort to be true to yourself, true to your heart. Many people as they are affluent, go abroad. You should be prestigious right here in your own motherland. I will never be happy if you humiliate your own country and get a good name abroad.

Students! I am very happy in the company of you students. You are also equally ecstatic in the company of Swami. You are getting good name because of this intimate association with Me. I am ready to give you whatever you want. I am ready to sacrifice My Life for your sake. Get a good name. Be humble and obedient and uphold the national prestige. The national prestige depends on morality. Without morality, nationality will be in ruins. It is a true nation if it has got proper conduct and morality. Great people were always moral. In this world there are many educated people who use this education to earn money. Spiritual knowledge is not a commodity to be put on sale. It makes people closer to each other and win respect and esteem. That spiritual education is necessary today.

In future be prepared to sacrifice. Sacrifice does not mean giving up everything in life. No, you should get a good name in society where you are born and brought up. The position may bring you name today and once you are out of the position you lose it. But in spiritual field, the name you get will be eternal and permanent. Basing on this, it is said, Tyagenaike Amrutatwa Manashuhu (Sacrifice leads to Immortality) 

Embodiments of Love! I am very happy in the midst of students. I am happy because we have students who Love Me 100%. And infact the real value lies in this Love. I am unmindful of the cost and the expenditure involved. There is no greater value than Love. See that this Love never diminishes. Never give any scope for ego. Humility is the breath of God. We should never waste our breath. In all humility and obedience, we should learn and acquire knowledge and serve the society.

We must make every effort to experience the Self, Dehi, the Indweller. Dehi is eternal. The Indweller has neither birth nor death, nor attachment, nor liberation. There are many people who concentrate on the Indweller, Dehi. You are Dehi, the Self not Deha, the body. Dehi is immortal. It has neither beginning nor end and the Indweller is verily Divine. The sustenance of life is because of God, not merely because you are taking care of the body. Body also has to be taken care of. Body is important to discharge your duties. You discharge your duty with this body going by the principle of Dehi, the Self and get a good name in this country. Students! Don’t have too much attachment to the body. To achieve success this body is also essential. Without this body you cannot accomplish anything. While taking care of the body, you should always keep in view the Self, Dehi and carry on your life sojourn.

In conclusion at every meeting, we should say, Loka Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (Let the whole world be happy), because individual peace depends on the peace around. Therefore, we have to pray for world peace, so that we can be peaceful.” 

Revered Chancellor Sri Sathya Sai felicitates the outgoing Vice Chancellor Sri S.V. Giri

Bhagavan blessed Sri S.V. Giri with gold bracelets and Smt. Giri with a gold necklace. The students of the Brindavan Campus enacted a drama in Sai Kulwant Hall that evening. Bhagavan had group photographs taken with them.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1986-2005)

How Sri Sathya Sai Organisations transformed a Village in South India - By Ramachandran

Swami’s Divine Will or Sankalpa can transform even the hardest of hearts. It has brought millions of erring people into the path of morality. Here is an example of Bhagavan’s Will which helped in bringing water to the starving people of a village.

In Bodupatti – a village near Palani in South India – resided a teacher by name Alagu Sundaram. He was an atheist, and was very much against idol-worship. His mother fell ill, and was admitted in a hospital. She had to be given blood and as members of the Sai organization used to donate blood, the doctors advised him to approach them for this purpose. The teacher was in a dilemma, whether to approach or not. At last, he approached a member, who gladly donated blood and thus his mother was saved by Swami’s grace. He got immediately transformed and started believing in God. He attended Swami’s Bhajans also. This was the first step in the Divine plan that benefitted the teacher. Next it was the turn of the villagers, to get the benefit.

In this village, there was not enough water even for drinking. People had to walk for miles to fetch a pot of water. They petitioned to the government and the government started digging bore-wells in the year 1986. Even after digging for 150 to 200 feet there was absolutely no trace of water and so they gave up digging bore-wells.

After the teacher came into Swami’s fold, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation adopted that village in the year 1987 and in this regard they organized a function in the village. A speaker in that function narrated the following story. 

“Once upon a time, this Bhoomi (earth) was very wealthy, green and the people were very happy. God Indra was not able to bear this sight and went to Varuna (Lord of rain) and asked him to stop the rain. But Varuna replied that it was not in his hand, that only if Lord Vishnu blew His conch, he would send the rain. Then Indra went to Vishnu and requested Him not to blow His conch, and Vishnu agreed to it. So there was no rain for more than ten years on the earth. Everybody started doing some work other than agriculture as there was no rain. But one man used to plough his land everyday whether there was water available or not. The people used to ridicule him, but he replied that if he did not plough for a long time he may forget the art of ploughing. Hearing this statement, Lord Vishnu realised that if He did not blow the conch for a long time, He may also forget to blow the conch. So, he immediately took His conch and blew it, oblivious of Indra’s request. Immediately Varuna sent the rains.”  Thus completing the story he said, “Now, that the Sathya Sai Seva Organisation has come, we hope we will get water.”

To the surprise of the villagers, the unseen hand of Swami started working in that village. The next day the Government machinery entered the village along with the rigs and started the drilling work. But the villagers were again doomed, when the drilling machine developed trouble. And to their amazement and wonder, another rig came and they started digging. At a particular place, by the Grace of Swami, water started gushing out at a depth of fifty feet itself. The villagers became very happy and immediately informed this news to the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation and also arranged a Bhajan at that spot. The water was carried from that well and Abhishekam was performed in all the temples of the village. The water, being sweet, is now used by villagers for drinking and for other purposes.

 

Thus, Swami’s Grace, like the water, is available in plenty and it is left for us to use our faith to tap that unending flow of Divine Love. 

- Ramachandran

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Prasanthi Nilayam

Source: Sai Nandana 1995 (70th Birthday Offering)

Importance of Transforming the Feelings of Youth

Sri Sathya Sai speaking to His Students in Trayee Brindavan

Modern boys, because of the impact and propagation of foreign culture, are following the wrong path. They get deluded. Parents also show all undesirable programmes to their children. It is said that we should have a pure vision. When we have a pure vision, we have pure thoughts. You must listen to sacred things. Then you will get pure feelings in your heart. This is what should be taught. Always listen and talk good things. Then life also would be good. That’s what Buddha also taught. Because of the bad feelings, we have a bad vision. You should give up such things. You must have sweet feelings. You have to give up old experiences and old thoughts. Human life is very sacred. You should have ideal heroes for the society. You should become ideal men and citizens. Then you can have an ideal life. Don’t change your mind and thoughts for any silly reasons. When you change something, it is you who is getting changed and not Me. Every evening I tell you many good things, but what’s the use? You do not practice them. If you are eager for a sweet, why do you ask for the bitter things? You have taken only bitter things earlier. You have eaten tamarind all the time and your tongue is full of its taste. How can you then understand the taste of sweet dates? 

There should be a transformation in the feelings of the students. Students should always engage themselves in good talk. But when they get together, they start criticising others. That is the type of talk they indulge in. Many times they do not adhere to the path of discipline. As punishment, sometimes they may even get a beating from their teacher for doing wrong things. But then they start accusing him, blaming him, saying that the teacher is very bad. Is it right to blame teacher who teaches right things?  Students must do right things, must talk right things and must not think about the wrong. When they know their own shortcomings they do not consider them. One who is sincere knows everything. Today’s students are vulnerable to bad qualities. When two people get together, they start criticising others. Why to think ill of others? Think of yourself first. First enquire about yourself as to what you came here for? You should not criticise others. Others are not bad. They are, in reality, God. If you criticise others, it is a great sin. Even if somebody harms you, you should not talk ill of him. Be good. You think he is a bad person. If you blame him how can you become good? If you blame others you are also a bad person. 

The mind is the witness for everything. Mind is the witness for the mind. Character is the witness for the body. And Swami is the witness for everything. For a foolish man, all his thoughts and actions are a witness. Others need not come and be witness for him. His bad actions are his witnesses. You should always lead a good life. All students are good, though there are a few exceptions. But because of the minority, all students get a bad name. In the night, for instance, a mosquito comes and bites you and you suffer with pain. You feel that these mosquitoes are disturbing your sleep. When you get up in the morning feeling the pain, you tend to get a mosquito repellent spray and kill all the mosquitoes in the room. Only one mosquito bit you. But you are feeling that there are so many mosquitoes, and you try to eliminate all of them. Similarly, even if there are only one or two bad boys, all boys get a bad name. When a good boy sees someone indulging in improper activities or undesirable talks, he must go and slap the one indulging in such acts. Only then will the bad boy learn a good lesson. Otherwise he will remain a foolish man. He should ask the other person, “Should you talk like this? Are you out of your senses?” Good boys should advise the erring ones in this way. Then the erring ones will become alright. 

Don’t Follow the Body; Don’t Follow the Mind

Think that God is the resident of your heart and think of Him always and experience everything and practice. If you go on criticising others, you are not doing your duty properly. It is your foolishness that you consider the good advice given by the others as useless. You don’t know what is good and what is bad. How can you criticise or blame others? It may give you temporary happiness. But in future it will not give you any happiness. They are like temporary waves. Nothing is permanent in the world, everything is temporary. Only the Divine is permanent. All others are passing clouds. They come and go. You have to get that permanent form into your heart. Swami also told during the Sports Meet when He fell down and had a fracture that if the mind changes, everything else will change. Swami was having very severe pain. But Swami said that He diverted His mind and concentrated on the performances of the students. Even devotees were watching Swami and were unaware of Swami’s pain. If you are suffering from hardships, divert your mind to God and do not care for the difficulties. Divert your mind, and there will be no need of changing man. Men change. It is natural. It is the law of nature. You cannot do anything about it. 

There is a clock. You turn the key. All the three hands keep moving. If you don’t have the key, it will stop there only. The second hand, in a minute it goes to 60 places. The minutes hand, in one hour it goes around 60 places. But we cannot see the hour hand moving. The hour hand is the main. If you do not have the hour hand, how can you tell the time with the minute and the second hand? It is the hour hand which gives value to the other two. The body is the second hand; it keeps moving round and round everyday and in a minute goes to 60 houses. But the mind, in one hour goes round sixty worlds. But the Atma will never move. In order to understand the value of the Atma, you have the body and mind. Without the hour hand, there is no use of the minute and the second hand. The body is like the seconds hand. The mind is the minute hand. The body is like the bubble and the mind is like the mad monkey. Do not follow the mind and body, but follow the conscience. You follow the hour’s hand. Often you have to turn the key. What is that key? Remembering God is the key. Singing Bhajans is like energising the clock. Contemplation is spinning the key. Then you have a good life coming out of it. 

Your Conduct should match the Dress you wear Give up bad conduct, bad thoughts and bad feelings and follow good values. Then your life will be ever good. You must become individuals of character. And when you have studied in Sathya Sai Institutions, you should get a good name and reputation. What type of dress are you wearing? You are wearing a white dress. Just like the dress, the mind also should be white. The thoughts should be white and the conduct should be pure. If you have white dress and black thoughts, then what is the use of that? You should have thoughts worthy of your dress. 

General Kariappa (in black dress) and Sri Vajpayee with Sri Sathya Sai

Many of you don’t know General Kariappa. He was the first commander-in-chief of the Indian army. He used to come here. He was always dressed in a good suit, tie and also a good coat. Even when he was 100 years old, General Kariappa used to go alone to have his dinner in his suit. He used to wear dresses matching his character as a commander. You should have a dress which is connected to your conduct. You should have character worthy of the dress. That is the right action for us. When you behave that way, your parents and your fellow beings will be proud of you. 

Swami is always with You

Nobody can defy the Divine command. They may defy but they can’t really bear it. Even a foolish person cannot defy the Divine power. You have to practice the Divine command and become ideal heroes, ideal citizens. Give up bad talk and bad thoughts. See no evil, See what is good. Hear no evil, hear what is good. Talk no evil, Talk what is good. Do no evil, Do what is good. Think no evil, Think what is good. That is the way to God. You have to take this path. Do not indulge in bad actions, bad talk and bad thoughts. If someone comes and tells you wrong things, slap him on his cheeks! Then other students will also learn from this. Don’t criticise anyone, whether it is the teachers, parents, workers, Guru or God. What makes you to do such an act? What stage are you in? You don’t even know who you are? You don’t know what you are going to do next moment. How can you think of your future? Only God knows the past, present and the future. It is very difficult for you to remember the past. You study today and tomorrow you go to the exam and forget everything. How can you remember your past life? How will you think of the future things? No, you cannot. You forget even the present. It is only God who knows the past, present and the future. Keep this in your heart and lead your life.

 

Wherever you are, you must earn a good name. Become ideal persons and set an ideal for the parents also. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. Without darkness, there is no value for the light. Do not worry. Swami is always with you. You see an unripe fruit on a tree. Once it is ripe, then you can eat it. Therefore take your time. Then you can enjoy. Whatever Swami says is not for His sake but it is for your own good. Because of your mean and narrow-minded feeling you may think that it is not appealing. Swami does not desire anything. Everything is in Swami’s hand. Why should He desire anything from others? Swami is telling only for your good. You get joy when your desire is fulfilled. But it is only when the desires fly away that you can get real joy. Offer everything to God. Offer you actions to God. Then you will be victorious in everything. If all the time you think of yourself and think that everything is yours then you will never succeed. Study well. Get a good degree. Get good marks and go for higher studies. Get a good name. That name is very important. You can earn bad name in no time. But you have to work for many years to get a good name. You need to sacrifice to get a good name.

Source: Discourse 8, My Dear Students Volume 3, Divine Discourse delivered on February 22, 1999 at Trayee Brindavan