Month: January 2012

31
Jan
2012

Parents are your God

Bhagawan has always stressed on the importance of respecting our parents and showing our gratitude to them. He puns on the word “parent” and calls it as “pay rent”. That is we need to pay our rent in the form of gratitude to our parents to whom we owe our very existence. In this posting, Bhagawan elaborates on this obligation of every son and daughter. 

There are six Discourse excerpts presented in this posting. These are taken from Divine Discourses given by Bhagawan in the years 1995, 1996 and 2004. 

 

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the Clip, Year-Month-Date of the Audio Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s message.    
1. Love your Parents-Show your Gratitude to them-3.25-1995 Aug 23
The most sacred teaching of the Vedas in Bhaarath are three – Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava. Students, this is one aspect you must always bear in mind in future. Who is God? Mother and Father are God. As soon as you are born, you see your mother. It is the father who nurtures you. Therefore, forgetting these physical God’s who are directly in front of you, trying to seek for God elsewhere is of no use. They are the ones who are with us in our difficulties, loss and sorrows, who understand us, and nurture us. Therefore, your blood, food, head and wealth are parents’ gift. Therefore, first you should express your gratitude to your parents. You must respect them. This is the ideal set by Sri Ramachandra. He followed the command of his father, he gave up the kingdom over which he had full right. Today, even undeserving people desire for a kingdom to rule. Rama stood for truth and obeyed the command of his father and followed his word. He was never worried that leaving the kingdom he would have to go to the forest and face difficulties. Therefore, first respect your parents and follow their command. Follow in their footsteps and lead an ideal life. Then only can you be a true devotee. On one side bringing tears in the eyes of your parents and on the other side worshipping the Lord, what is the use? No no, you must love the beings and chant the name of God. There is no greater devotion than Love. Love, love and love. Love your parents first. If you do not love your parents, you can never have true love. Parents were there even before you were born. Without loving your parents who existed even before you did, if you love your wife who has come in the middle, can you achieve anything? Wife and children are the ones who come in the middle, like passing clouds. Parents are of primary importance. They were there even before you were born. Therefore, first love your parents. Respect your parents. Please them. When you make them happy, your life will be happy throughout.

2A. Gratitude to Parents-1.27-1996 July 10
The one who has no inclination to study becomes lazy. He has lot of time, not that he does not have time. He wastes so much time, money and energy and causes so much anxiety to his parents. They get so worried, “what will happen to my child?” You should bring a good name to your parents. Your blood, food, head and money are gifts of parents. Therefore, first you must express gratitude to your parents. You should never be the cause for any anxiety to your parents. Be such ideal students. It is such ideal students whom I often refer to as ‘bangaroo’, ‘bangaroo’. All of you should become gold. What type of gold? Not roll gold but pure gold.

2B. Parents-Respect Them and Never Cheat Them-0.38-1996 July 08
Therefore, our hearts should be full of noble feelings that enable us to make our parents happy and express our gratitude to them. If you cheat your parents and let them down, and go on the wrong path, you are the worst fellow. There is no use of any education. Instead of studying like that it is better if you beg going from house to house.

3. Take care of parents-serve them-do not claim property-1.43-2004 January 12
The moment we get our degrees, we want to run away to foreign countries like America, Japan, Germany etc. In case our parents visit us there, we ask them to go and dine in the restaurant. The modern education does not cultivate the virtue of even serving food to your own parents. Today children are offering such a gory treatment to their parents. No, no, this is not sacred. This is worst of the sins. You should take care of your parents. You should take them close to you. You must take great care of them as they advance in age. Children start claiming their share of the property once parents come of age. Children are ready to share the property but are not ready to nurture a proper mind. We need a proper mind. That will take us to the Supreme state. Try to attain that Supreme state. The more our education, the more should be the virtues in us.

4. Never forget parents-If you do not respect them-You will get no respect-1.56-2004 January 12
If we do not respect our parents, the dogs too will not respect us. The Bhaaratiyas are ruining their life like this today. Whichever country you may go, whatever position you may be in, you must never forget your parents. The Vedas say – Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Athithi Devo Bhava. They nurtured such noble virtues. Bhaarath has fostered such noble virtues in all of us. When we travel to other countries, it makes us forget our parents too. What is the use of such education? Whoever it may be, first respect your parents and follow their command. Such children will reach great and noble heights in their life. Embodiments of love, students, whatever may be the difficulties, you must take care of your parents. Facing any type of challenges, even working a as coolie, they take care of you and bring you up. If you do not respect such parents today, how do you expect the world to respect you?

5. Make your parents happy-Be good-not necessary to be great-1.20-2004 January 12
Children, you have to learn these habits, nurture these traditions, and earn a good name and recognition in the future. Make your parents happy. They should feel happy that their children are listening to them and following their word. If you earn that one repute, it is enough. You cannot earn God’s Grace by just worship and ritual. People should say – see how obedient this person is to his parents. The more you study, your ego increases. It does not enhance your humility and faith. Therefore, make an effort to increase your humility and faith. Then only you will be the future leaders of the country. You do not need to be great. If you are good, that is enough.

A Short Quiz
1. What is the difference between parents as our God and God?
2. What are the four main gifts from our parents to us?
3. How does Bhagawan set priorities in our love towards our parents and our family members?
4. How does Bhagawan reward ideal students who show gratitude to their parents and respect them and make them happy?
5. How does Bhagawan condemn the act of cheating one’s parents and letting them down?
6. What according to Bhagawan should we do rather than claiming a share of our property from our parents?
7. What would be the result if we would not respect our parents?
8. God’s Grace cannot be earned by mere worship and ritual. What is that one thing Bhagawan expects from His students which will earn them His Grace?
9. How does Bhagawan sum up all His expectations in just one phrase?
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31
Jan
2012
Significance of the Gayatri Mantra

Significance of the Gayatri Mantra

 

The Gayaathri Manthra is perhaps the most universal Manthra that is known and chanted by people across the continents. In this posting Bhagawan explains the importance of chanting the Gaayathri Manthra and its inner significance.
There are four Discourse excerpts presented in this posting. These have been selected from the Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the year 1995. 
Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. At the end of all the excerpts, are some personal reflections. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s Message.  

1. Gayathri Mantra – Materialization-Vibration-Radiation-2.11-1995 Aug 23

Bhu, Bhuvah and Suvah are within us only

The first line in the Gayathri Manthra is Om Bhur-Bhuva-Suvah. This manthra is imagined to refer to three worlds: the earth, the middle world and heaven (or Swarga, the land of the gods). Bhu refers to the body. It is made up of the five elements (Pancha Bhutas). These five elements constitute nature (Prakriti). There is an intimate relationship between the body and nature. The same five elements that are in nature are also in the body. Therefore, Bhu represents the physical body only. What is Bhuvah? Bhuvah is the life force that animates/pulsates the body (Praana Shakthi). Even if the life force exists, without Jnana (Awareness – which is represented by Suvah) the body will be of no use. It is on this account that the Vedas declare: Prajnaanam Brahma (Constant Integrated Awareness is Brahma). It is by the presence of Prajnaana that the life force is able to animate the body.

The body represents inert matter – materialization. The life force pulsating this body is vibration. This vibration derives its power from Prajnaana, which finds expression as radiation. Therefore, the body, the life force and the Awareness (Atma) – i.e. Bhu, Bhuvah and Suvah are within the body only, not anywhere else.


2. Gayathri-Savitri-Saraswathi and Panchamukhi-4.07-1995 Aug 23

Gaayathri is the Mother of all Vedas

Who is Gaayathri? Gaayathri is not a Goddess. Gaayathri is the mother of the Vedas (Gaayathri Chandasaam Maathaa). She is the essence of the four Vedas. Where is Gayathri? Gaayantham Thraayathe Ithi Gaayathri. Gaayathri redeems the chanter of the manthra. Gaayathri is present wherever the manthra is chanted. 

Gaayathri has three names: Gaayathri, Saavitri, Saraswathi. These three are our very own forms. Gaayathri represents the senses, power of sense. It is the master of the senses. Savitri is the master of the life-force (Praana). Many Bharatiyas are familiar with the story of Saavitri who brought back to life her dead husband, Sathyavaan. Saavitri signifies truth. Saraswathi is the presiding deity of speech (Vaak). The three represent purity in thought, word and deed (Thrikarana Suddhi). The feeling in the mind, the words in the speech and the actions in our hands – all the three must be in unity. This is what is called – ‘The Proper Study of Mankind is Man’. Although Gaayathri has three names, all the three are in each of us: as the senses (Gaayathri), the power of speech (Saraswathi) and the life-force (Saavithri). 

Gaayathri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi. Is there anybody in the world with five faces? No. In the Ramayana, Ravana is said to have ten heads. If really he had ten heads, how would he be able to lie in his bed or move about? This is not the inner meaning of this description. He is said to be ten headed because he was the master of the four Vedas and the six Sastras. Likewise, Gaayathri is described as five faced. The five faces are: Om (the Pranava) is the first face. The Pranava principle is the very foundation of everything and it represents the eight different forms of wealth (Ashta Aiswarya – Shabda Brahmamayi, Charaacharamayi, Jyotirmayi, Vaangmayi, Nityaanandamayi, Paraatparamayi, Mayaamayi and Sreemayi). The second face is: Bhurbhuvas-Suvaha. The third face is: Thath-Savitur-Varenyam. The fourth face is: Bhargo-Devasya-Dheemahi. Dheeyo-Yo-Nah-Prachodayaath is the fifth face. When the Gaayathri mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised that all the five aspects of Gaayathri are within each of us. 



3. Description-Meditation-Prayer-Power of Gayathri-1.45-1995 Aug 23

Do not treat the Gaayathri Manthra casually

The Gaayathri manthra has all the three elements which figure in the adoration of God: description, meditation and prayer. We describe God in so many ways as Sachidaananda Swarupa (one of eternal bliss), Karunaamayi (one of love), Dayaamayi (one of compassion). The essence of all these is one – Om Bhur-Bhuvas-Suvah Thath Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya. These first nine words of the mantra represent the attributes of the divine. Dheemahi pertains to Dhyaana (meditation). Dheeyo Yo Nah Prachodayaath is the prayer to the Lord. The mantra is thus a prayer to God to confer powers and strength to our intellect. 

Sarvaroganivaarini Gaayathri: Gaayathri is the reliever of all diseases. Sarvaduhkha Parihaarini Gaayathri: Gaayathri wards off all misery. Sarvavaancha Phalasiddhi Gaayathri: Gaayathri is the fulfiller of all desires.

Gaayathri is the cause for all that is bestowed on us. If the mantra is chanted even once, various kinds of powers will emerge in one. Hence the Gaayathri mantrha should not be treated casually.



4. Chant Gayathri while bathing-before taking food-1.20-1995 Aug 23

Chant the Gaayathri Manthra whenever you can

It may not be possible for you to chant Gaayathri three times a day – in the morning, in the noon and in the evening. Therefore, chant Gaayathri whenever you can, anytime in the day. As you get up late at 8 am, you have to go to school, you have no time and so you may think how you can chant the manthra. This is sheer laziness. After you get up in the morning, do you not brush your teeth, do you not go to the bathroom, do you not take your bath? You must consider chanting of this manthra also as one of your daily duties. When you take your bath, chant the manthra, it will be equivalent to performing Abhishekam (sacred bath)to Gaayathri. While taking your food, before placing the first morsel of food into your mouth, chant the manthra, it will be equivalent to offering Naivedya (sacred offering) to God.


Personal Reflections 
The concept of an Avataar is truly amazing and can never be comprehended in its totality. One aspect that touches me most is the number of discounts and exemptions that the Lord offers when He descends as an Avataar, for the ascent of humanity. He relaxes all the stringent rules and regulations prescribed in the scriptures, highlights the inner significance of all rites and rituals and cajoles humanity to start walking on the royal pathway to Godhood.
Earlier, the chanting of the Gaayathri Manthra and the Vedas  was believed to be the privilege of only the men, but Swami opened up the same for women too. As per the Vedic prescription, the Gaayathri Manthra is to be recited along with performance of the ritual called Sandhyaavandanam, thrice a day – at dawn, noon and dusk. But as we hear in the final clip, Bhagawan says it does not matter where and when you chant – it is enough if you start chanting with sincerity.
We ought to be very grateful to Bhagawan for demystifying so many traditional practices and beliefs held by the masses. Every teaching of His is so simple, clear, logical and pragmatic. Can we still have any reason for not following His message? I guess we have no choice now, but to follow His footsteps and make our life His message.   

A Short Quiz:

1. In the Gayathri Manthra, what aspects of our human personality do Bhu, Bhuvah and Suvah truly represent?

2. Therefore, what is the relationship between Bhu, Buvah and Suvah?

3. Who is Gaayathri?

4. Where does Gaayathri reside?
 
5. What are the three names of Gaayathri? What do these three names represent?

6. What do the ten heads of Ravana represent?

7. Gaayathri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi. What are the five faces?

8. Pranava or Om is the foundation for everything in life and represents all the eight forms of wealth? Name these eight forms of wealth.

9. The Gaayathri manthra has all the three elements which figure in the adoration of God: description, meditation and prayer. Identify these three components of the manthra.

10. What are the boons that Gaayathri bestows on the one who chants the manthra?

11. What is the crash formula that Bhagawan gives to the current generation of youth who claim that they do not have time to chant the manthra?
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29
Jan
2012

Code of Conduct for Smiling / Laughing

 

There appears to be no topic related to human life that Bhagawan has not touched upon in His Divine Discourses. In this posting, Bhagawan delves into the nuances of a very significant aspect of our behaviour – smile. How should one smile or laugh? Swami says that it is very important to consider the time, the place, the context and the company in which you smile or laugh. A wrongly timed smile or laughter can land us in innumerable problems.

There are four Discourse excerpts presented in this posting. These have been selected from the Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1996, 2002 and 2007. 

 Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s Message.  

 
1.   Speech and Laughter should be under check-1.07-1996 July 09
We must exercise restraint over our talk too. Where and how we must talk is important. There are some who sing foolish songs when some ladies pass by. Is this the song you should be singing with this tongue? What a sacred tongue and what funny and cheap words! By using such abusive words you lose your reputation and you earn a bad name. You become a victim of ridicule. Therefore, we must exercise some restraint on our talk, looks and smiles. In order to earn respect our actions must also be respectful. When we are good, the respect people have for us will grow.

2.   Smile of God-Hasan and Prahasan-1.17-2002 May 23

Manda Smita Vadanam
Bliss has no form. Bliss has only one form – form of experience as laughing. Ha ha ha ha – but one should not laugh like that. Laughing like that making a sound is Prakriti Tatva – i.e. outwardly. How does God smile? His smile is Manda Smita Vadanam – soft beautiful smiling face. It is a smile with no sound. It is a smile where the mouth is not opened. It is a smile that bestows happiness on all. It is a smile that confers bliss. The laugh with sound is called Prahasan. The smile without sound is called Hasan. Smile and laughter are different. Therefore, God is always smiling means, He is not laughing by making a sound. All this is cinema laughter. As we watch the movies, we think that God also laughs like that!

3.   Laugh-Should be timely-Case Study of Draupadi in Mayasabha-4.58-1996 July 09
Next is the mouth. How should we talk with whom? When should we smile and when should we not? This also should be understood by the students. At times in society, watching certain scenes, one tends to laugh. A smile (that is not timely) can put one into lot of difficulties. Draupadi had to face so many difficulties only because of this reason. Dharmaja got a Maya Sabha built. Maya built the palace and handed it over to Dharmaja. How is this palace? Where doors are not there, an illusion of doors is created, and where doors are actually there, it is not seen. Though there is no water, an illusion of a lake is created. Duryodhana entered into this Maya Sabha. Duryodhana entered the palace full of jealousy at the fact that Dharmaja had got such a palace built. He was going straight. Where there was no door, it appeared as though a door was there. Where doors were truly there, it appeared as though there were no doors. Deluded in this manner, he went straight into one of the illusory doors. He hit against the solid wall. He somehow recovered himself and went further. Everything appeared very clean. There was no trace of water or a lake at all. He walked straight looking on either side. His heart was full of jealousy. Jealousy is the reason for one’s destruction. As he walked straight, he fell into one of the lakes. At such times, anyone would be driven to laughter. The maids of Draupadi laughed aloud. Truly speaking Draupadi was not there at that point of time. Hearing her maids laughing so loudly, Draupadi came out from inside her room. Unfortunately, Duryodhana saw Draupadi exactly at that point of time. He thought it was Draupadi who laughed at him and he felt insulted. He then took a vow that since you have laughed at me in public, I too will make sure that you will be laughed at in the open public. Therefore, we must understand when, where, how and in what manner, one should laugh. 
There are two types: Hasan and Prahasan. Hasan is a silent smile. Prahasan is smiling or laughing loudly – Ha ha ha ha ha. This is very bad. Friends get together and laugh for some reason. At that time, some ladies may pass by. They would feel mistakenly insulted. The reason you may be laughing may be totally different. Therefore, when ladies are walking by, we must never engage in any laughter. If you laugh at others’ ladies, will others not laugh at your ladies? 
There are some people who go and sit in front of shops in towns without any work at all. They go on laughing looking at people going and coming. Will the women folk related to these bad people never go those shops? Looking at them, there will be others who will laugh. Therefore, one can never escape reaction, reflection and resound. One will have to bear the fruits of one’s actions. Such bad actions will also take you far away from God. The one who would bring himself a bad reputation can never be near God.

4.   Smile must be Sweet and Soft-1.19-2007 October 21
Sweet and Soft Smile

Soon there will be a time when all will consider each other as brothers. Brother, brother, brother. Sister, sister, sister. Generally we greet each other with a hello. But inside there is only hollow (i.e. no feelings at all). All of you should be smiling always. You should not laugh loudly – Ha ha ha ha. The smile should be sweet and soft. That is the true smile. If you laugh loudly, it is only artificial and it creates turbulence.

 

A Short Quiz
1. What are the two types of smiles / laughter?
2. What is the phrase that describes God’s smile?
3. Can you sing any Bhajan where the phrase ‘Manda Smita Mukha” appears?
4. In which Parva of the Mahabharata does the episode of Draupadi and her maids laughing at Duryodhana appear?
 
5. Where was the Maya Sabha built?
6. Who built the Maya Sabha?
7. In what context does Bhagawan caution us about Reaction, Reflection and Resound?

8. How should a good smile be?

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27
Jan
2012

Always Speak the Truth

 


This posting is about the need to maintain a code of conduct in speaking. Most importantly, Bhagawan highlights the need to speak the Truth. There are five Discourse excerpts presented in this posting. These have been selected from the Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1995 and 1996. 
 
Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. At the end of all the excerpts, are some personal reflections. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s Message.  

1A.  Slip of leg can be retraced but not slip of tongue-1.41-1996 July 12

 

Anudvega Karam Vaakyam, Satyam Preeti Hitam Chayat
Kaalujarina Maralimpagalaraugaani
Noru Jarina Maralimpaleru Sumi
Maata Tappina Ee Manujulendu
Deekshakunanga Vasama Ee Dharanaiendu

If you slip, you can recover and get back your leg into position. But a slip of the tongue cannot be taken back. Likewise, the ones who cannot keep up the word given, how can they take up any great task in this world?

1B.   Slip of leg can be retraced but not slip of tongue-1-0.21-1996 July 12
 
If you slip, you may somehow escape and come out unscathed, but you can never escape (the outcomes of ) a slip of the tongue.
 
Kaalujarithe Kalagadu Nashtam
Naalagu Jarite Narakamera
If you slip, there is no loss, but a slip of the tongue takes you to hell.

2.   Truth is the life for our Word-1.44-1996 July 12
 
Truth is the Life of our Word

Students! The value that the ‘Word’ has, even a note (currency note) does not have. There are two types of notes. One is a currency note and the other is a promissory note. If these notes do not possess the characteristics that they ought to, they would be of no use. Truth is the life for the Word, the army is the life for a fort. The life for a note is the signature on it. If we forget this essence of the spoken Word, it would amount to forgetting humanity itself.  

 
3A.   Speech-Code of Talking-1-2.06-1996 July 12
 
Students! Whenever we need to talk, we should talk in a nice way that is appropriate to the circumstances and the situation. We must speak with all humility, in a way that does not cause pain to anyone, in a manner that is pleasing, and say that which is factual. Our words must not be hurting. But that does not mean we speak lies to please somebody. Nor must we speak the truth when it is bitter. 
 
Truth must be spoken as such, not being influenced by the likes and dislikes of the audience. We should have full faith in our conscience and speak accordingly. Only when we speak in such a manner, we would command respect in society. In order to uphold the dignity and respect of the individual, society and nation, we must consider the spoken word as our very life. Therefore, our words are verily our life.

 
3B.   Speech-Code of Talking-2-0.45-1996 July 12 
 
Today, we should not speak as we like, we should not speak lies and lose our respect. What is the true ornament for us. Truth is the real ornament for us. That is why the Vedas declare – Satyam Bruyaat, Priyam Bruyaat – Speak the Truth, speak pleasingly; Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara – Speak the Truth, practise Dharma; Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam – never speak the truth that is bitter.

 
4.   Satyam Bruyat-Priyam Bruyat-2.10-1995 November 20
 
Always Speak the Truth

Satyam Bruyaat – Speak the Truth. This is the Moral value. Priyam Bruyaat – speak in a pleasing way. This is the Dharmic value (Ethical value). Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam – never speak the truth in an unpalatable way. This is the Spiritual value. Therefore, for the moral, ethical and spiritual value, Truth is of prime importance. From the moral standpoint, we must always speak the Truth. How should this truth be spoken? It should be spoken in a pleasing manner. Once we adhere to speaking the truth in a pleasing way, we would never utter a lie. Once we understand this Truth, we would be able to understand everything in life.

 
Anudvega Karam Vaakyam, Satyam Preeti Hitam Chayat. This is a message from the Bhagavad Gita. Though we must speak the truth, we should not speak that which hurts others. On the other hand, just for the sake of pleasing others, we must not speak the untruth. The truth should never be presented in a harsh way. It must be pleasing, soft and sweet.

 
5.   Always Speak the Truth-It is the easiest thing to do-1.14-1996 July 13 
 
Students! Under any circumstances, speak the truth only. In the beginning it may be little difficult. I am telling you the truth, to be honest is most easy. We need no effort to speak the truth. But to speak lies, we have to plan so much. We have to think a lot. So much effort is required. Why should we put in so much effort and engage in speaking lies? Speak the truth in a most easy way. Speaking the truth is as easy as crushing the soft petals of this flower! How easy it is to state facts as they are. If anyone asks you as to who translated the discourse, in a trice you can say it is Anil Kumar. If you want to avoid the name Anil Kumar, then you have to plan so much. Why all this trouble? Why can we not speak the truth that is seen?

 


Personal Reflections

Most of what Bhagawan says here is straight forward. However, one aspect may seem apparently contradictory. In audio clip 3A, Bhagawan says that we must speak the truth as it is without being influenced by the likes and dislikes of the audience. However, in audio clip 3b and 4, Bhagawan states that we must never speak the truth that is bitter. So, should one speak the truth as it is or avoid speaking truth that is bitter? As I understand what Bhagawan means is that when the truth would not cause pain or trauma to anyone, it must be spoken as it is, without any distortion. However, when the truth is likely to cause pain to somebody, it is better to avoid speaking the same.

For example, if we hear one of our associates, say Mr. X criticizing Mr. Y and speaking very badly about him, we need not take pleasure in sharing this truth with Mr. Y and causing pain to him, unless there is a specific need to do so. Another example could be when we hear about the death of say, the mother of one of our close friends, how would we break the news to him? Would we go to him straight and yell out the truth that his mother is no more? Or would we break the news in a delicate manner?

In other words, in my opinion, Bhagawan expects us to avoid speaking a bitter truth, unless it is essential to correct somebody, or give feedback to somebody or is a legal/moral requirement on our side (like acting as a witness in the court and revealing the truth).
Another interesting aspect is the manner in which Bhagawan builds a hierarchy even in the matter of speaking the truth.
Satyam Bruyaat, Bhagawan says is the Moral imperative. This is associated with the heart or the intellect which discriminates and guides us in doing the right thing.
Priyam Bruyaat, Bhagawan says is the Dharmic imperative. It could also be referred to as the Ethical imperative / Social imperative. That is, the truth in the social context has to be pleasing. This must be our social code of conduct and is related to the mind.
Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam, Swami says is the Spiritual imperative. This is at a much higher level and is a subtle imperative. No doubt, we must speak the truth. But a caveat follows. Evaluate whether the truth would hurt somebody, would cause agony to somebody. If yes, avoid speaking the same.
Bhagawan ends this module in His own inimitable way, by cajoling us to follow His Message. He says, speaking the truth is indeed easier than even crushing the petals of a flower!! One must truly learn the art of motivating people from Bhagawan!!
 
A Short Quiz

After reading and hearing the clips, try answering these questions:
 
1. What is the life for a currency note, a fort and the spoken word?
 
2. How should we speak in order to command respect in society?
 
3. What are the two maxims regarding speech that is found in the Vedas?
 
4. What is the maxim regarding speech that is found in the Bhagavad Gita?
 
5. In the maxim, Satyam Bruyaat, Priyam Bruyaat, Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam; what three types of values do the three phrases represent?
 
6. What is the caveat that immediately follows the maxim Satyam Bruyaat, Priyam Bruyaat, Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam and also Anudvega Karam Vaakyam, Satyam Preeti Hitam Chayat?
 
7. Finally, how does Bhagawan cajole us to speak the truth always? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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