Month: September 2014

08 December to 14 December 2014

What are the characteristics of the three Gunas?

What are the characteristics of the three Gunas-4.40-1988 January 08

Transcend the Three Gunas

The entire world is the form of the three Gunas (attributes). It is a manifestation and a play of the three Gunas. The world is verily the embodiment of the three Gunas. Of the three Gunas, the Tamo Guna needs to be destroyed first. Tamo Guna means foolishness, stupidity and dull headed. Such a person questions each and every thing. We must first put a check on such a foolish mind and foolish arguments. We must enquire clearly into the things around us. We must then digest / assimilate the things that we have enquired into and understood. Only when we digest, we can acquire its strength. We must not get into an argument for every matter. These arguments only lead to increase in enmity but do not bring any peace. They can never show us the Truth. Thus, a Tamasicperson can never recognize the Truth, nor can He attain Divinity or enjoy sacredness. Their life is always a saga of birth and death – Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam – to be born again and to die again. 

The one with Rajo Guna will be very satisfied if his desires are fulfilled. If not, he becomes egoistic. If his desires are not fulfilled, he gets angry. Whether his desires are fulfilled or not fulfilled, it leads to only bad qualities. It does not yield the right type of fruits. Such people become dull and weak because of burning with anger and excitement. Rajo Guna develops qualities that will make a person’s blood “boil” (i.e. it leads to anger and restlessness).    

The third quality is Satva. This quality also binds. One would get fulfilment only when one offers the sacred fruits of such Satvic actions to God.

Tamo Guna is identified with a particular colour. It is identified with black colour as it stands for darkness and ignorance. The black colour is a symbol of darkness. Rajo Gunaon account of rage and restlessness, heats the blood in the body and progressively speeds up its circulation, resulting in a red coloured face. The eyes too become red in colour. Thus, red is the natural colour of Rajo Guna. Next the Satvic quality. This is totally and absolutely pure. The white colour represents this purity.    

08 January 1988

01 December to 07 December 2014

Why is Rajasic Sadhana not desirable as a means to attain God?

Why is Rajasic Sadhana not desirable as a means to attain God-7.46-1991 September 02

Rajasic Sadhana is not desirable…

Only when we practice what we believe in, we would be able to develop our faith. It is because we do not practice what we believe in that our faith deteriorates. Our mind hovers only on the external mantra (sacred utterance), yantra (mystical diagrams or amulets) and the (physical) form. Here is a small example:

Once upon a time, King Vikramaditya donned the disguise of an ordinary man and toured around his kingdom. An old Brahmin was performing a Yajna(sacrificial offering) in a particular region. It was not clear as to how long the Brahmin was performing the Yajna, but the sacred ash coming from the sacrificial fire had piled up like a big hillock. The sacred ash of the Yajnaappeared like big mountains. King Vikramaditya saw this. He asked, “Swami, what is this task you are performing?” The Brahmin replied, “Son, I am performing Yajna since the last 60 years. All this ash is the dust rising from the Yajna. For the last 60 years I have been performing this difficult Yajna without taking rest even for a second. But I have not been able to win the grace of the Yagna Purusha (Cosmic being who presides over the Yajna). I have not been able to see His form. I am far removed from His Grace”. Saying so, the Brahmin lamented.

King Vikramaditya’s heart melted, watching the difficulties undertaken by this Pundit (priest). King Vikramaditya sat in meditation. He performed a very difficult penance. Inspite of performing the penance for a very long time, the Yajna Purusha did not manifest Himself. The king then asked himself, “What is the benefit of all the Sadhana (spiritual practices) that I have carried out? Why continue this life of mine that has not been able to earn the Grace of the Lord?” He drew out the sword carried by him in his robes. “What is the use of my life? Is life only about eating, living and growing one’s body every day? No, this is not the purpose of life. The supreme goal of my life is to see God.” Thinking so, he said, “O Yagna Purusha, as you did not give me your Darshan (holy vision), here I am offering my life to you”. Saying so, he drew out his sword whole heartedly.

The Yagna Purusha manifested instantly. He took away the sword from the hands of Vikramaditya. The Yagna Purusha said, “Vikramaditya, this is only Sahasa (courage or adventure) but not Sadhana (spiritual practice). Where am I?

Aham Vaishvaanaro Bhutvaa, Praaninaam Dehamaashritaha

Praanaapaana Samaayuktaha, Pachaamyannam Chaturvidham

(I am in the form of Vaishvaanara in your stomach and am digesting the four types of food eaten by you). 

I am existent right within you (as Vaishvaanara  – the digestive fire). On one hand you are attempting to kill Me (by killing yourself) and on the other hand you are attempting to realize Me (the one residing within you); is this the characteristic of Sadhana (spiritual pursuit)? I am right within you. This approach is only Rajasic (extremely active, excitable, or passionate)courage but not Sadhana. Devotees should never venture into such adventurous acts (in the name of Sadhana). The path to realize Me is the path of Love and not the path of adventure.

Whatever you do and whatever you see, feel the Divinity in it. Then work will be transformed into worship. The Brahmin mentioned above performed sacrifices from 60 long years. But the Brahmin had no idea about the meaning of the mantras being uttered by him. He was mechanically uttering those mantras as just words, thus generating mere noise. He was not invoking the Yajna Purusha with true genuine feelings. If the mind is focused on the mantras but the desire is focused on Me, how can he attain Me? I will manifest only before the one who worships Me by focusing his / her thoughts, words and deeds on Me. This is Trikarna Shuddhi (purity of the three). It is the unity of the mind, tongue and the body that is the primary goal. If one does not have the strength to carry out this, then let Him at least just follow My command. If I say, “Do this”, then just do that. Do not give scope to doubts such as “how can I do this?”

   02 September 1991

24 November to 30 November 2014

Who is the true friend with whom we must make friend?

Who is the true friend with whom we must make friendship-1.04-1996 December 25

The one who has love, the one who aspires for Divine Love, he / she is My real friend. But today’s friends act in a contradictory manner. When there is money in the pocket and when father is in a good position, hundreds of friends come to you saying “Hello, Hello, Hello”. But when there is no money in the pocket and when father has lost his position, they would not even tell you goodbye! Is this friendship?

God is not like that. God is always with you, in you and around you. We should acquire such a good friend. Therefore, the real friend is God! We must try to associate ourselves with such a permanent friend.   

25 December 1996

Birthday Special

23-11-2014

Birthday Message-When can one be truly happy?

Birthday Message-When can one be truly happy-2.54-1989 November 23

This morning when I came downstairs, all My boys told Me, “Happy Birthday!” I told them, “I am always happy. You people who are not happy, must experience happiness”. Therefore when every human believes in his Divine principle, acts according to it and experiences it, he will always remain happy. Divinity does not reside in some separate region or land. Divinity is not any specific form. We must recognize the fact that that we are verily the Divinity that is omnipresent, resident in all beings, the Atma in all beings, all powerful and omnipotent.

The subtlest among the subtle and the grossest among the gross, the principle of the Atma is verily Brahma and Brahma is verily the Atma. We must recognize this Truth. He is the one who has no birth or death; He has no beginning, end or middle; He is neither born nor does He perish nor can He be killed; He is the Truth that always exists and He is God.

Everything that changes is associated with this physical body. Taking the body that changes as the basis, we must experience the changeless Divinity. All this Diversity is based upon Unity. This is what the scholars refer to as, “Ekam Sath Viprah Bahuda Vadanti” (Truth is One, scholars describe it in different ways. Though there is only One, several scholars describe it in several different ways.       

23 November 1989

Birthday Special

21-11-2014

What Birthday Gift does Bhagawan expect from us?

What Birthday Gift does Bhagawan expect from us-3.39-1990 November 23

Embodiments of Divine Atma! I do not desire anything from you nor am I asking anything from you. Just develop the principle of Love. Consider the entire humanity as your brothers and sisters. Consider everyone as the child of God. Do not develop hatred or jealousy towards anyone. Do not cause pain to anybody’s mind. Such kind of broad mindedness alone will give vast happiness to our life.

If we are all celebrating Swami’s Birthday today, then all you need to give Me is this one thing. All of you be united. Develop the ancient culture of Bharath once again.

When I was coming here, so many people wished Me “Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday”. I am always happy, I do not need any happiness. Convey your Happy Birthday wishes to those who do not have happiness. I have infinite happiness.

There is no day or a second, when I have been worried even for a moment. Why? Because everything is ephemeral; they are passing clouds. What is the use of worrying about such things? We should not worry, whatsoever, about birth or death. Neither should we get elated nor should we get depressed.

When we are born, we do not bring even a tiny piece of cloth with us. When we leave this world, we do not give our address to our kith and kin. Then how can others belong to us? All these are consequences of being in this creation.        

So long as we are living, we should all mix with each other and spend our lives happily. We can put an end to all our problems only by thinking about (contemplating on) God. Forgetting God, believing in this world, what are you able to achieve? Have faith in God. Never develop differences on account of caste and religion and never develop hatred at any cost.

All names and forms belong to God.

Sahasra Sheerusha Purushaha Sahasraaksh Sahasrapaat

The (Cosmic) Being with Thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, thousands of limbs…

Purusha Suktam

All these are the Cosmic Form. Therefore, have faith in such Divine feelings. Remember the Divine name and sanctify your lives.  

23 November 1990

Birthday Special

20-11-2014

How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday?

How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday-0.56-1994 November 23

How can we make Swami Happy on His Birthday-0.56-1994 November 23

Embodiments of Love! You all are considering this day as the 69^th Birthday of Swami. I do not have any such desires. As I was coming here, so many people wished Me, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday! I am always happy. Why do you need to wish Me happy birthday? 

You be happy. Your happiness is My happiness. If you wish to be happy, then considering this as a gift to Swami today, offer three habits – consumption of non-vegetarian food, consumption of liquor and smoking; as offerings to Swami. By sacrificing these three, you will be fine, society will be fine and the country will also be fine.  

23 November 1994

Birthday Special

19-11-2014

Why does Swami celebrate His Birthday?

Why does Swami celebrate His Birthday-2.02-1997 November 23

When you ask a student, “What Degree have you passed?” He may reply, “I have passed an M.B.A.”. Who has passed the M.B.A. programme? The degree is related only to the physical body. God has neither an M.B.A. degree nor a B.A. degree. God has no degree at all for that matter. There is only One and that is Nirgunam(attributeless), Nirmalam (pure) and Advaitam (non-dual). That is why God remains in bliss always.

When I was coming here (to the Mandir), many people wished Me, “Happy Birthday!” You may please wish those who are not happy. I am always happy. I do not need your wishes of happiness. God is in eternal bliss.  

Swami does not like these birthday celebrations. But since you all have come here, this celebration is being organized for your satisfaction. I do not have any wish. You may believe it or not, but I do not have any desires. From head to toe, I am absolutely desireless. Whatever I do, it is only for you. Whatever I speak, it is only for you. You must recognize this Truth.

I have no enemies. No one is My enemy. No one hates Me. All are Mine. I belong to everyone. That is why, “Lokaa Samastaa Sukhino Bhavantu” (May the entire world be happy). That is My wish. Everybody should tread along the noble path. Everybody should get a good name. We must consider everybody as the embodiments of the Atma. We too must experience the principle of the Atma.  

23 November 1997  

Birthday Special

18-11-2014

When is the Real Birthday of Bhagawan?

When is the Real Birthday of Bhagawan-1.14-1998 November 23

Birthday is for this physical body. I have no birthday at all. Because you all have come here and because you all have this desire, I am regarding this as a birthday celebration. This birthday is not important for Me. That day when you all remain happy, is My real Birthday. I wish such happiness for all of you. It is this principle of Love that I wish for. It is this principle of sacrifice that I wish for. I need nothing else.

My true happiness lies in seeing all of you becoming embodiments of sacrifice, bliss, spiritual aspirations and thus experience Divinity. You all must set an ideal with your life, full of peace and security. You must develop noble feelings in your heart, on this sacred and Divine day.   

23 November 1998

17 November to 23 November 2014

How should we sing the song

Love is My Form-Truth is My Breath?

How should we sing the song-Love is My Form-Truth is My Breath-2.46-1996 December 25

Love is God. Live in Love.

Love has no limits. Love has no birth. Love has no death.

Love is My Form, Truth is My Breath, Bliss is My Food

My Life is My Message, Expansion is My Life

No reason for Love, No season for Love

No Birth, No Death

You sing “My Form”. It is not just My Form (Swami’s Form). Whoever is singing, it pertains to his/her form. You must say to yourself, “Love is my form”. My form is Love, Truth is my breath. You must feel like this about yourself (not just about Swami). Only then, you will unite with the principle of Swami.

“Love is My Form” – to regard this as God’s Form alone is of no use. “My life is my message, expansion is my life”. “My life is my message”; therefore, you are the messenger. If you consider yourself as the messenger, you must transform your life into the message. “No birth, no death”. There is no birth for Love, no death for Love.   

Therefore, only when you relate what Swami says to your own self, you will be able to reach the final state of “I and you are One”. In Vedanta, this is referred to as Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art) and Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman).

25 December 1996

Global Akhanada Bhajan Special

9^th November 2014

What is the easiest way to worship God in Kali Yuga?

What is the easiest way to worship God in Kali Yuga-7.56-1996 July 12

It is easiest to reach God in Kali Yuga

In those olden days there were no anxiety pills. Today, if there is any anxiety, you are given a pill (tablet) and that makes you totally dull. We must not take all these pills (tablets). What are the pills (tablets) that we need to take? We need to take the name of God.  

Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam

(Complete verse with reference given at the end)

There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way other than chanting of the name of the Lord

This is most important in Kali Yuga. If we do Naama Smarana (chanting of the name of God), there is no medicine greater than this. Therefore, we must chant the name of God. It is only by singing the name of the Lord, we get peace, good fortune and joy. What is the mighty power in this age of Kali Yuga?

Naasti Naasti Mahaabhaaga Kali Kaala Samam Yugam

(Complete verse with reference given at the end)

Why is it that the kali Age is the mightiest and greatest among all ages?

Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam

It is the chanting of the name of the Lord, which is the appropriate medicine. In Kruta Yuga, it was Dhyanam (meditation); in Treta Yuga, it was Yajnam (sacrificial rituals); in Dwapara Yuga, it was Archanam (worship) and in Kali Yuga it is Naama Smaranam (singing and chanting the name of God). What an easy path this is. Compared to Kruta, Tretaand Dwapara ages, the Kali age has advocated a very easy path. However, we are not able to practice and follow even this easy path. We are unable to sit steadily even for two minutes. Then, how can we perform any Tapas (meditation)? This is not possible. That is why we must chant and sing the name of the Lord.

A boy (speaker) said now, “There is nothing greater than remembrance of God’s name”. Great scholars described and glorified texts of various subjects, scriptures, theories, etc. All these just got transformed into sound energy. But the truth was recognized by Shankara. He went to the scholars of mathematics and said,

Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam (2)       

Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate

Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam       

Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate

Sampraapte Sannihite Kaale (2)

Nahin Nahin Nahin Rakshati Dunkrun Karane

Nahin Nahin Rakshati Dunkrun Karane

Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam       

(Bhaja Govindam, Adi Shankaracharya)

O foolish man, sing the name of Govinda

When the end (of your life) approaches, no rules of grammar will come to your rescue

Yogaratova Bhogaratova
Sangaratova Sangaviheenah

(Complete verse with reference given at the end)

One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, one may have attachment or detachment. 

All these are so trivial. What is this Yoga (spiritual practices), what is this Bhoga (pleasure)? All these are Roga (disease). Our Raaga (desire) is our greatest Roga(disease). We must not cross the limits of our Raaga. (Incidentally, Raagaalso means melody or musical notes in music). There must be no wrong note in the music. Only then the music will be melodious and will fill the listeners’ hearts with feelings. Otherwise the same music will become stinking, full of foul smell. Therefore, we must first achieve beauty and order. We can acquire this only by thinking of God.

We must chant the name of God, gradually pacifying all the bad qualities existing within us. There is so much joy in this singing. That is why God is referred to as Gaana Lola and Gaana Priya(lover of music). Narada and Tumbura always keep singing the name of God, staying near Lord Narayana. That is their job for full 24 hours. God in turn becomes intoxicated with their music. There is so much of joy in that singing. It attracts the mind. It makes us forget ourselves and delights our heart. It intoxicates everything with bliss. This is the great value that music has got.

Even if we do not know the Shruti (pitch), Raaga (melody) or Tala (rhythm/beat), the song of yearning must emerge from an overflowing heart. There are three paths for remembering the name of God. We may pray to Him through words.

O Rama Nannu Kaapaadu Ra (O Rama save me)

We can say so in words or as prose.

We could also present the same as poetry:

O Rama Nannu Kaapaadu

However, both these would not be that pleasing and melodious. If the same is sung as:

Rama, Nannu Kaapaadu

It just attracts our heart. There is so much of sweetness and bliss in songs. That is why, as Narada has no work, no family, no house; he always keeps singing Narayan, Narayan, Narayan. He keeps on chanting this name.

Govinda Damodara Narayana (2)

Govinda  – Damodara

12 July 1996

Complete verses with reference

Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam

Kalau Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Gatir Anyatha

(Brhan-naradiya Purana 38.126)

       

In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.

Naasti Naasti Mahaabhaaga Kali Kaala Samam Yugam

Smaranath Keerthanaat Vishno Prapyate Paramam Padam

(Pandava Gita ??)

O great fortunate one! There is no age, there is no age equal to the
Kali Yuga, during which the Ultimate Supreme Goal is attained simply
by the loving remembrance and devotional chanting of the Holy Name
of Vishnu. 

Yogarato Vaabhogaratovaa

Sangarato Vaa Sangaviihinah .

Yasya Brahmani Ramate Chittam

Nandati Nandati Nandatyeva

(Bhaja Govindam, Verse-19)

One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, one may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman, enjoys bliss, no one else.

            

10 November to 16 November 2014

Who is most dear to the Lord?

Who is most dear to the Lord-1.02-1996 December 25

Today, we need to develop compassion. That is the principle of Love gifted to mankind by Jesus. Love, Love, Love… Love is God. Live in Love. Therefore,

Start the day with Love

Fill the day with Love

Spend the day with Love

End the day with Love

This is the way to God

We must always live in and with Love. Only such a person is very dear to the Lord. Yo Mad Bhaktaha – He is My true devotee (as stated in the Bhagavad Gita). The one who lives with Love and who aspires for Divine Love, he is My true friend.

25 December 1996

03 November to 09 November 2014

What is the permanent Visa that we must seek from God?

What is the permanent Visa that we must seek from God-1.27-1996 December 25

Give Love…Take Love

(Swami in an address to devotees assembled from all parts of the world in Sai Kulwant Hall on Christmas day) So many of you have assembled here. Where have you all come from? Germany, Japan, Italy, France…you have come from so many countries. But, however happy you may be – staying here, once the money you have with you gets exhausted, you will have to return (to your nation). If your Visa expires, you will have to return to your country. You will not be able to stay close to Me.

But staying with God should not be temporary like that. You must earn a permanent Visa. That permanent Visa is Grace! That permanent Visa is Love! Love! Love! Once you earn that Love, it will become permanent.

Therefore, embodiments of Love, there is Love inside each one of you. You must develop that love. You must share that love with 10 other people. You must experience that love with 10 other people. Love is not one way traffic. Give and take, give and take, Give and take. Once we live like this, we do not need to go to any other Ashram.       

25 December 1996

27 October to 02 November 2014

What should be our approach towards Death?

What should be our approach towards Death-2.12-1993 May 20

We must have attachment only for God and not for the physical body

When we make an attempt to understand the true meaning of words that have emerged in this world, we find that the word “Manava” actually relates to the Atma. Embodiments of the Divine Atma, you must have complete faith in the Atma (Self). Do not put your faith in the physical body donned by you. The body, mind, intellect, awareness, senses, inner senses; all these are mere instruments. They are like the dress worn by us. The dress also gets worn out at some time.

Jesus also said, “Death is the dress of life”. We think it is death; but it is actually akin to removing your dress and wearing another dress. When we remove our dress and give it to the washer man for washing, do we cry? No. But then why do we cry (when someone dies)? We cry because we develop attachment with the physical body for a long time and experience bonding and relationship with it. Once we understand that these bonds and relationships are all temporary, we will never experience any sorrow (on account of death).

Attachment is the root cause for all joy and sorrow. What should we have attachment for? We must have attachment for God. Relationship with God will never undergo any change. That is eternal and true. Hence, we must believe that we are forms of the Divine.

Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman), Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art), Prajnaanam Brahma (Awareness is Brahman), Ayam Atma Brahma (I, the Atma is verily Brahman) (these are the four Mahaavaakyas – aphorisms found in the Vedas). I am Atma, I am Brahma. We must develop such feelings.    

20 May 1993

20 October to 26 October 2014

What is true-Waking state or Dream state?

What is true-Waking state or Dream state-3.58-1993 May 21

The Self present in all states of existence is the ultimate Truth

Everything is Maya (illusion). In this waking state we listen to everything, see everything and experience everything. After we go to sleep, we get drowned in a dream. Where is this waking state in that dream state? The waking state is completely forgotten. We consider and believe the dream state to be true. But for how long does the dream state last? Once the waking state dawns, we neglect the dream state. Is that true or is this true? This is a day dream and that is a night dream. Therefore, both are verily dreams.

Once upon a time, King Janaka, the one of great wisdom, a Karma Yogi, a Videha (the one without body attachment); had his dinner at night and was discussing some matters with his ministers. He suddenly felt very sleepy. In order to avoid any inconvenience to him, a cot was laid there and he was made to sleep.

(“Janaka had a vivid dream in which neighbouring kings had invaded his kingdom and driven him into the forest. He was wandering as a destitute in the forest. He was overwhelmed with dejection and hunger. He began shouting, “I am hungry! I am hungry!” Some tribals were nearby, eating rice. He ran to them. The tribals gave him a leaf as a plate and shared their rice with him. All of a sudden an eagle swooped down upon the leaf and scattered the rice on the ground. Janaka screamed in anguish. At this point Janaka really started screaming in his sleep…”. This is an extract from the Divine Discourse delivered on 21-05-1995 and is included here to make the narration complete. The audio for this extract is not available).

After a while, he got up. He started repeating, “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” Whatever anyone asked, he gave no reply. He just kept saying, “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” Watching the emperor in this state, the ministers were summoned. But whatever anyone asked, he gave no reply. All he said was “Is that true or is this true? Is that true or is this true?” The Queen was also summoned assuming that if she came, he would possibly say something. She asked, several questions, “King, what is this strange behaviour? Why are you speaking like this? What did you see?” Be it the Queen or a farmer, there was no reply at all. It was just, “Is that true or is this true?”     

Finally, they summoned Sage Vashishta. He saw the Truth through his Yogic powers. He told the king, “O King, neither is that true, nor is this true. It is only you who are true. You experienced certain things in the dream. You also experienced certain things in the waking state. In the waking state, there is no dream and in the dream state, there is no wakefulness. But you are there in the waking state and you are there even in the dream state. Therefore, you are Truth. Thus in wakefulness, there is no dream and in dream there is no wakefulness. You are the one who has had experience in both the waking state and the dream state. So, you are omnipresent. Therefore, human life is omnipresent; it is Divine life. 

21 May 1993

13 October to 19 October 2014

What are the three primary truths expounded in the Upanishads?

What are the three primary truths expounded in the Upanishads-3.32-1993 May 20

Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman), Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art),Prajnaanam Brahma (Awareness is Brahman), Ayam Atma Brahma (I, the Atma is verily Brahman) (these are the four Mahaavaakyas– aphorisms found in the Vedas).

I am Atma, I am Brahma. We must develop such feelings. I am so and so, I am a man, I am Ramaiah, I am Krishnaiah – we must not go by such cheap bodily feelings (illusion). Who gave birth to (gifted) this body? It is our parents. Who gave a name to this body? It is our parents. The name is only given and not born (with you).

But there is one, which is neither born nor does it die. That is the Atman (Self). Based on this, the Upanishads have preached three paths (to the Truth).

1. That which, once it comes, it never goes
2. That which, once it goes, it never comes
3. That which never goes and never comes

The Upanishads advised mankind to correctly recognize these three.

That which, once it comes, it never goes. What is this? This is Jnana (wisdom). Once it comes (dawns), it never goes. That is true Jnana. That which comes and goes away can never be Jnana (wisdom).

That which, once it goes, it never comes. What is this? This is Ajnana(ignorance / maya). Once ignorance is gone, it will never come (envelope us) again. If it keeps coming and going, coming and going, then it is only birth and death, birth and death. There is no second option here. Once it (ignorance) goes, it will never return.

Then, there is the third one, which is most important. That which never goes and never comes: that is the principle of the Atma (Self). I also gave a small example for this in Kodaikanal. There is a physical body. Some people question: after the physical body dies, where does the Atma go? Where to and how does it travel? Many have such doubts. After the death of the physical body, where does the Atma go? How long does it hover around? When will it return and enter a physical body again? These all appear to be ridiculous / humorous questions.        

You have the current wire. Once you connect a bulb, you get the light. If you disconnect the bulb, the light is gone. The bulb was brought and taken away. Even before the bulb was brought and connected, the current was there; even when the bulb was connected the current was right there and even when the bulb was disconnected and taken away, the current remained there only. The current has neither come from anywhere nor will it go anywhere. The current always remains there only. In the same manner, the body has come and it will go. The Atmahas neither gone anywhere nor has it come from anywhere. It is right there. It can go only if there is some other place (where it is not), is it not? If I have to go somewhere outside, there should be a geographical space called “outside” (with reference to my space), is it not? But, there is no “outside” at all.

20 May 1993

06 October to 12 October 2014

Which is the true Head Office of God?

Which is the true Head Office of God-4.15-1993 May 20

The permanent address of God is our Heat!!

Kailasa…Vaikunta…That which never withers away is Vaikunta. Kailasa is the place where there is happiness always. There is no specific city called Kailasa, nor is there any special city called Vaikunta. When Narada asked God, “O Lord, where indeed is your head office?”, He said:

Mad Bhaktaha Yatra Gaayante Tatra Thisthaami Narada

(Where My devotees sing My glory, I install Myself there)

Where My devotes sing from their heart, I install Myself at that very place. Kailasa, Vaikunta, Heaven, all these are just branch office addresses. The permanent office is only one and that is the seat of the (human) heart. Therefore, if we ask “where is God?”, the answer is, “He is in our heart”.

Draupadi prayed to God in so many ways (when she was being humiliated by the Kauravas in the court), “Hey Dwaraka Vaasa”, “Hey Brindavana Sanchaari”, “Hey Mathurapura Vihaari”. But in whatever way she prayed and glorified God, Krishna did not appear there. Finally, she got exhausted. Her voice too faded away. She cried out “Hey Hrudaya Vaasi” and dropped down. Immediately, Lord Krishna manifested there.     

Sometime later, when she could meet Krishna alone, she asked Him, “Brother, the other day when I was humiliated so badly, though I called out to You so many times, why did You not come?” Krishna replied, “Yes, I did not come. Do you want to know the reason? You called Me, “Hey Dwaraka Vaasi”. Though I am so close to you, to make your words come true, I had to go all the way to Dwaraka and come from there. In those days, were there any helicopters or aeroplanes? No. Therefore, you did pray in many different ways. When you called out “Brindavana Vihaari”, I had to go to Brindavan and come back. Else, your words would not be true. To make your words come true, I had to go there and come and hence the delay. Finally, when you called Me “Hrudaya Vaasi”, I came instantly. I was right there and so I appeared immediately.

Therefore, God has to make many modifications just to make the words of the devotee come true. When you called Me, “Brindavana Vihaari”, if I were to not go there and come, there would be no truth in your words. Sathyam Kantasya Bhushanam (Truth is the ornament for the neck). Truth is the jewel for the neck. To make you the embodiment of truth, I had to do go through all this.          

Therefore, God dwells in our heart. Where else is He? We can never get Him anywhere as close as this. God is closer to us than our very mother. The mother may also be far away for some time, but it is impossible for God to be away from us. There is nothing like “distant” for Him. In other words, you are verily God.   

20 May 1993

29 September to 05 October 2014

What is Jnana (wisdom) and how can it be achieved?

What is Jnana(wisdom) and how can it be achieved-10.09-1989 October 04

Perception of Unity in Diversity is Wisdom

What is Jnana (wisdom)? There are many types of Jnana. Loka Jnana(worldly knowledge), Bhautika Jnana(physical knowledge or knowledge of the physical world), Samanya Jnana (general knowledge). But what we are referring to here is not knowledge of the physical world. It is Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Atman). It is not mere pursuit of knowledge or enquiry of the physical body, senses, objects or nature. When we enquire into mere physical objects of the world, we acquire only worldly knowledge of the physical world. It is only when we go deep and enquire into spiritual matters that we can acquire knowledge of the Atman to some extent.    

Atma Jnana cannot be taught by a Guru nor can it be acquired by reading scriptures. It is not an object that can be taken or given by anybody. It has to emerge from within. However, the Guru or the scriptures can teach to some extent. But for the one who wishes to practice it, to seek the experience, he/she has to enquire within. Enquiry or self-introspection has to be carried out. A critical investigation has to be done.

A mother has a child. To teach the art of speaking to the child, the mother utters the words “Amma” (mother), “Appa” (father) with her mouth. The child looks at the mouth of the mother and learns to speak the words “Amma’ and “Appa”. This is the way the child has to learn. The mother cannot put her mouth into the child’s mouth and make it speak “Amma”. In the same way, the Guru, through the scriptures, the Vedas and the Upanishads; can speak about the matters they have heard or known. But eventually, Jnana has to be sought and manifested from within.

What is this Atma Jnana? Advaita Darshanam Jnanam (vision of non-duality is wisdom). It is the perception of Unity in Diversity. Thousands of people are sitting here in this assembly. The names and forms of all these people are different. But we must recognize the Truth that the principle of the Atman is one and the same in all. We must very clearly recognize the Truth that the Omnipresent Divinity in the form of Awareness is only One. It is not about merely uttering in words. It must be brought into our experience. Only such a Jnani (wise one), will be blissful forever, all the time. Only the one who has acquired such bliss can be called a Jnani.     

To acquire the high level of a Jnani, first of all we need to cross the levels of Karmopaasana, i.e. Karma (action) and Upaasana (worship). It is impossible to become a Jnani without following the path of Karmopaasana and achieving success in it. How is this possible? We call a student as a B.A. graduate. What is the inherent meaning of calling one as a B.A. graduate? It clearly implies that this person has cleared his school and intermediate studies. One cannot come to B.A. level without passing in school and intermediate finals. In a similar manner, we call an individual as a youth. When we call one as a youth, it is very clear that he has crossed childhood, boyhood and then come to be a youth. One can never be a youth without crossing the levels of childhood and boyhood. When we take a fruit and identify it as a ripe fruit, it means that it has first been a bud and a raw fruit and only then come to be a ripe fruit. Without first being a bud and then a raw fruit, it can never become a ripe fruit.

In the same way, one may call himself a Jnani. This is only a Vedanti (wise one) by words not in reality. A Jnani is always in bliss. Are there any such indications? Has such a person crossed the stages of Karma (action) and Upaasana (worship)? Without crossing these two, how can one become a Jnani? This is impossible. That is why the Vedas propagated the Karma Kanda (path of action), Upaasana Kanda (path of worship) and the Jnana Kanda (path of wisdom) in sequence, one after the other. The three paths were propagated to realize the oneness of God.

It has rained. What is the indication that it has rained? The ground must be wet. Without the ground becoming wet, if one says it has rained, this cannot be true. One may say he has developed fever. If so, the body must be hot; there must be some sign of fever. At least the thermometer must show a rise in temperature. However, without all this, if one says, he has developed fever, then this is only a stunt. On these lines, today many claim and declare themselves to be Jnanis. Such Vedantinsare on the rise today. Among such Vedantins, it is not possible to recognize even one genuine Vedantin among crores of them.

Thus, in order to acquire such Vedanta (wisdom), first of all we must enter the path of action. Along this path of action, we must perform sacred actions. We must consider all our actions as an offering to the Lord. However, if one performs only those actions of one’s choice, and assumes that to please the Lord, it is of no use. We must keep aside our likes and dislikes. We must perform actions as prescribed by the scriptures. We need to discriminate as to what is good. We need to enquire as to what actions are advocated by the Vedas. Even if we do not understand all this, if we perform our actions willing and thinking that we are performing sacred actions, with our heart as our witness, then these very actions will become sacred.

04 October 1989

22 September to 28 September 2014

What is the scientific meaning of the Ardhanarishwaraprinciple?

What is the scientific meaning of the Ardhanarishwara principle-2.59-1991 September 02

The entire universe is Shiva Shakti Swaroopa

Students in this modern age should understand the scientific meaning of the Ardhanrishwara(see note below) principle. No scientist is explaining this concept elaborately and clearly. One must enquire into the similarities that exist between the Ardhanrishwara principle as talked about by the ancients and the terminologies and key words used by modern scientists. There are many more such similarities.

Every object is made up of atoms. In every atom, there are two types of energy particles – protons and electrons. The electron is referred to as Vama bhaagam, i.e. the left side and the proton is referred to as Dhana bhaagam, i,e. the right side. Electron is the feminine principle, while proton is the masculine principle. The union of these two constitutes the form of every object. The union of these two represents the Ardhanarishwara principle. It consists of the feminine principle and the masculine principle. Ardhanarishwara means half man and half woman. Therefore, electron is the feminine principle and the proton is the masculine principle. When the two unite, it takes the form of the atom. Every object in this world is the very form of the atom. Thus the ancients of the yore concluded that this entire world is the very form of Ardhanarishwara.              

Note: Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purushaand Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardhanarishvara

02 September 1991

15 September to 21 September 2014

Tarakam, Sankhyam and Amanaskam – The way to Divinity

It is very difficult to know the different levels prescribed by Vedanta. The entire Vedanta may be summed up into three Yogas. More than anything else, we need to understand these three most importantly. Students must listen with great attention. These three (Yogas) are the most significant things that we need to know (in Vedanta). The first one is Tarakam, the second one is Sankhyam and the third one is Amanaskam. These three are the goals, the end and the essence of Vedanta. 

1. Khechari: – Khechari means focusing on the ‘Bhroomadhya’ (place in between the eyebrows) either by closing the eyes or keeping them open
2. Bhoochari: – Bhoochari means to focus the sight at the tip of the nose without shaking the eyes
3. Madhyama: – Madhyama lakshyam means to focus the sight in the middle of the nose portion and to concentrate inwards of one’s self
4. Shanmukha: – Shanmukha means to focus the sight at the Bhroomadhya after closing the two eyes, two ears and two nostrils (using fingers)
5. Sambhavi: – Sambhavi mudra means to fix the mind constant, removing all distractions by focusing inwards within oneself

Past is past…forget the past…

We should never worry about the past. Nor should we worry about the future. The future is not known to us. It is hidden in the womb of time. The past will never return again. Therefore, we must recognize the present situation.