Bliss

Dec

2013

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-4

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This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every Sunday for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as your driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!

The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.

21 April to 27 April 2014

What is the role of sports, games and cultural activities in human life?

What is the role of sports, games and cultural activities in human life-3.26-1989 January 14

There is a need for undertaking physical effort or exercises. That is why it is said that the one who puts in krushi(efforts) becomes a rishi (saint). It is necessary to follow a daily routine that includes studies, games, sports, prayers, etc. to keep the body fit. Health is wealth. Health is very essential for happiness. For health, games are very important. While playing games, we must follow the right path and protect the rules. We must not waste time. God being the very embodiment of time, we must experience happiness through action (utilization of time with proper action).

Therefore sports and cultural activities have come into practice for the purpose of yielding health and happiness and not for the purpose of business. Today, games and cultural programmes have become a business. Our Institute students should participate in sports and cultural activities in order to develop good memory, good strength, good health and joy. However, with the passage of time, students tend to move away from sports and cultural activities. In our Institute, every student should compulsorily participate in sports and games. We must give up all selfishness and self-centeredness. We must develop equal mindedness. We must develop divine equality considering all as our brothers and sisters. Without hating each other, without criticizing each other, regarding love as the most significant principle of humanity, keep love as your important goal and strive to achieve it.

14 January 1989

14 April to 20 April 2014

What is the early morning discipline that we are expected to follow?

What is the early morning discipline that we are expected to follow-2.51-1989 January 14

Many of you would have studied the epic Bhagavatham. In it, there is a story about a person named Dundhubhi. Students should get up between 4 am and 5 am and complete their morning ablutions, have their bath and engage themselves in their studies. Bhagavatham refer to those who get up, have their bath and go about their morning activities between 4 am and 5 am as those who have had Rishi Snaanam (saintly bath). Those who take their bath and perform morning prayers between 5 am and 6 am are referred to as those who have had Maanava Snaanam(human bath). Bath taken after 7 am is referred to as the Raakshasa Snaanam (demonic bath). Dundhubhi used to take his bath after 7 am. That is, he used to waste away and misuse the sacred Brahma Muhurtam time.

There is another title for Dundhubhi; the one who wastes and misuses time is also referred to as Dundhubhi. When Suprabhatam(early morning prayers) and meditation goes on between 4 am and 5 am, it is not correct for us to desecrate our time and continue sleeping, covering ourselves with rugs. By desecrating time like this, our radiance also diminishes. The one gets up late from sleep will turn out to be a lazy person. When one gets up early, the good and quick blood circulation that takes place in the body, enhances memory power.

14 January 1989

07 April to 13 April 2014

Does the mind trouble us or do we trouble ourselves and blame the mind?

Does the mind trouble us or do we trouble ourselves and blame the mind-2.38-1990 May 21

We keep saying, “meditation, meditation”. What meditation are we doing? We close our eyes and sit comfortably. However, the mind keeps wandering around to some washerman’s house or bazaar. Instead of performing mediation in this manner, it is better to engage in action, in service and undertake social work. Without knowing the secret of meditation, merely closing your eyes and sitting for any period of time will only bring you sleep but will never bring you Samadhi (true meditative state). Therefore, first of all, we need to understand what the mind is. Only then, we can control the mind.

An old woman came to Me and cried out prayerfully, “Swami this wicked mind is subjecting me to so many types of troubles, it is making me wander to so many places, it is subjecting me to such terrible situations”. When I asked her, “Who is troubling you?”; she replied, “Swami, my mind”. I told her, “Show me where your mind is, I will catch it and kill it”. She replied, “Swami, I do not know where it is”. When you do not know where your mind is, how do you know that the mind is troubling you? Is the mind troubling you or are you troubling yourself? When you know that a particular person is troubling you, you can get rid of that person; but when you do not know what is troubling you, merely blaming the mind and sitting down is sheer laziness.

Thus, we must make an attempt to understand the principle underlying the mind. We must also make an effort to understand the principle underlying the senses. Everything in God’s creation is embedded with great significance. God will never create anything that has no meaning. Everything has some meaning, is full of joy and most valuable. However, we are not making an effort to realize this truth.

21 May 1990

31 March to 06 April 2014

Why should we entertain good thoughts and seek good company?

Why should we entertain good thoughts and seek good company-4.26-1990 May 24

If we wish that good thoughts express themselves in us, we need to enter into the spiritual path. Without doing so, we can never develop good and noble thoughts. We must associate ourselves with good company. Only when we join good company, we experience the contagious “disease” that these thoughts are affected with. Right from inception, thoughts have this “disease” of contagious nature. If we join the company of people with bad feelings, the bad feelings will get into us also. If we associate with someone who has anger, then the anger will surface in us also.

Here is an example. Suppose you get angry with someone. Thereafter, that person will also get angry with you. But what is the cause of anger in that person? It is your anger, which has provoked or triggered anger in that person. This is the disease of contagiousness. That is why we must never join bad company. This is what Einstein said, “Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are”. If we want to tell something about ourselves, we must first examine our company.

Thus, we must join good company.

Satsangatve Nissangatvam

Nissangatve Nirmohatvam

Nirmohatve Nischalatatvam

Nischalatatve Jeevanmukti

The company of the good (Satsangatvam) weans one away from false attachments (Nissangatvam); from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion (Nirmohatvam), when the delusion ends, the mind becomes unwavering and steady (Nischalatatvam) and from an unwavering and steady mind comes Jeevan Mukti (liberation even in this life).

Verse from Bhaja Govindam by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Good company leads to good thoughts. Students, develop good thoughts and fulfill your lives with good feelings. Set an ideal for others. Do not entertain bad thoughts, bad feelings and bad actions for temporary and short lived happiness and joy. Bad thoughts yield fruits just for that moment, but later we will be subject to ten times and hundred times greater danger.

Therefore, keep the future in mind. Have belief in the truth that everything has reaction, resound and reflection. Whatever you do, the fruits will be bestowed on you. Whatever seeds you sow, you will reap similar fruits thereof. When you are born from your mother’s womb, no garland is seen around your neck. You would not find any garland of pearls or any gold chain or chain of diamonds and emeralds. But there will certainly be a garland around your neck. Based on the actions performed by you in your past birth, be it good deeds or bad deeds, Lord Brahma sends you into this world with a heavy garland, a necklace that is made with all your karmas (karmic consequences). So, let us do good and wear a good garland. We need not perform bad actions and wear a bad garland.

24 May 1990

24 March to 30 March 2014

What should be our relationship with God?

What should be our relationship with God-2.30-1986 October 11

I recently told the students three important points. Do not make an attempt to walk in front of Me. Don’t walk in front of Me. I may not follow you. Don’t walk behind Me. I may not lead you. Still, walk beside Me and be My friend. If you make an attempt to walk in front of Me, you may possibly direct Me also on the wrong path, as you do not know the right path. In case you try to walk behind Me and follow Me, you may escape from Me and go away. Walk beside Me; then there will be no scope to escape from Me or go along the wrong path, because I am with you.

The inner significance of this is that you and I are One. Divinity is all pervasive. He resides as the inner being in every body. He exists as the indweller in every being. In such a case, you cannot walk behind Me or in front of Me. Therefore, you will have to take Divinity with you, along with you. This is the characteristic of a real Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant).

11 October 1986

17 March to 23 March 2014

What is the right answer to the question-Where is God?

What is the right answer to the question-Where is God-2.27-1989 February 17

I ask a number of people, “Where is God, where is God, where is God?” Many people give the reply, “He is in me, He is in me, God is in me”. Some others say, “God is everywhere, He is omnipresent”. All these responses are mere spoken words. But how do we know that this is the real answer? This must come from experience.

Among all these answers, the response, “God is everywhere” is right. But this is not practical knowledge. This is mere bookish knowledge or it is the knowledge gained from hearing to the elders.

However, the answer, “God is in me” is a wrong answer. Where is this kerchief (pointing to a kerchief that Swami is holding in His hands)? This kerchief is in my hands. Therefore, my hand is bigger and the kerchief is smaller. Similarly, if you say, “God is in me”, it means you are bigger and God is smaller.

Thus, “I am in God” is the right answer. You are in God. God is not in you. When God is everywhere, how can you exist separately and how can He exist in you separately? In fact, you are in God.

We must develop such Vishaala Bhaavam (broad mindedness). Therefore, wherever we go, we must consider that we are travelling in God. Whenever we eat food, we must consider that we are eating food with God. Whenever we talk with someone, we must consider that we are talking with God only. If we develop and nurture this kind of feeling, there can no greater devotion than this.

17 February 1989

10 March to 16 March 2014

What is true freedom?

What is true freedom-1.55-1989 February 17

Many people, especially in the West, desire for freedom, the freedom to act as they wish. What is freedom? Does freedom mean behaving as you please, wandering around as you please? No, no. Controlling one’s senses is true freedom. One may wish to get married. But does getting married lead to freedom? No, it leads to bondage, not freedom. How can this be called freedom? One may desire to drink a bottle of wine. But, when he consumes the drink from the bottle, he gets intoxicated. Then where is freedom? He loses control over his mind. How can this be described as freedom? Merely living and moving around as you please is not true freedom.

Atma Nigraham (Self-control) is true freedom. Atmaanandam (bliss of the Self) is true freedom. Atma Jnaanam (knowledge of the Self) is true freedom. That is why it is said, “the end of wisdom is freedom”. Wisdom is freedom. Once we understand this principle, we realize that the whole universe is Divine; everything is the Divine principle.

17 February 1989

03 March to 09 March 2014

How does human love assume different forms at different points of time?

How does huamn love assume different forms at different points of time-2.52-1989 February 17

Love is the very nature of man. But we do not experience this love in an enduring manner. Soon after we are born, we love our mother. Once we grow and commence our education, we love our friends. Gradually as we grow in years and enter our youth, we love our wife (spouse). After a few more years, our love towards our wife (spouse) diminishes and we start loving our children. Once the children grow big and we need to assume greater responsibilities to nourish them, we start loving wealth. Thus, we keep changing the form of our love continuously. First the mother, then friends, then wife (spouse), subsequently children, following that wealth; this is how our love keeps on changing. But we must develop that love which does not change. The love of God does not change. We must make an effort to love God who is truth and eternal. Thus, in humanity, so many changes keep taking place. But In God, there is love that never changes. Such love for God, which is real and eternal, is called devotion.

17 February 1989

27 February 2014

Shivaratri Special

What is the uniqueness of Shivaratri-The night of Shiva?

What is the uniqueness of Shivaratri-The night of Shiva-7.07-1978 March 07

According to numerology, the word Shivaratri has four syllables in it – “Shi”, “Vaa”, “Raa” and “Tri”. As per the science of numbers, the number associated with the syllable “Shi” is 5. The number 4 is associated with “Vaa” and the number 2 is associated with “Raa”. These numbers 5, 4 and 2 add up to 11. This is referred to as Ekaadasa Rudra (11 Rudraas). Numbers are associated only with the three syllables “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” However, these three syllables join together and give rise to “Tri”. That is, “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” join together to form Tridalam, Trigunaakaaram, Trinetrancha Triyaayudham, Trijanma Paapa Samhaaram, Eka Bilvam Shivaarpanam. The triad gives rise to the fourth syllable “Tri”. Just like “A”, “U” and “M” join together to give rise to “Aum”, similarly, “Shi”, “Vaa” and “Raa” give rise to “Tri”. It is this triad that takes the form of the Ekaadasa Rudra.

Here Rudra consists of the 5 sensory perceptions and the 5 sense organs, which join together to make 10. The mind joins with them and become 11. These 11 Rudraasinfluence the Buddhi (intellect), turn it towards the sensory objects of the world and enslaves it. As the mind takes charge of the 10 senses, they lose control and the 11 Rudraas make the Buddhi (intellect) go onto the wrong path. Therefore, the 11 Rudraas, in this sacred life of ours, make us lose control of the intellect and the mind over the ten senses, thus allowing them to move around freely and become the victims of desperate situations and circumstances among the sensory objects of the world. Thus the mind, along with these senses, takes the form of the 11 Rudraas.

But during Shivaratri, the Atma, which is the master of the mind, also comes into the scene and takes the form of the Dwaadashaaditya(the 12^th aspect of the sun). Thus as the Atma assumes the position of the sun, it takes charge of the mind and the senses and they remain in its control without any freedom of their own. Thus the sacred Shivaratri conveys the truth that the principle of Dwaadashaaditya(Atma) will help us to exercise control (over our mind and senses). On this night, there is an opportunity to transform any small sacred act, any sacred thought, or any chanting of the sacred name into one of great significance. This is because, the rays of the Atman fall directly on the Buddhi (intellect), the rays of the intellect fall on the mind, the mind makes its impact on the senses and the senses become inert. Therefore, on this day, we have the great opportunity of letting the rays of the Atma fall directly on our heart, on our intellect and on our mind.

07 March 1978

24 February to 02 March 2014

What is the source of Divine Bliss?

What is the source of Divine Bliss-4.04-1989 February 17

Embodiments of love. Man is filled with bliss, he is the very embodiment of bliss. Being the very form of bliss, he attempts to derive bliss from the external world, in so many ways. When your very form is bliss, if you search for bliss in the external world, how can you get it? As it is said, “Sarvatra Paani Paadam” – His Hands and Feet are everywhere. In the same way, God is in the form of bliss everywhere.

We have butter in every particle of milk. But when we see the milk, the butter is not visible to us. When the milk is curdled and the curd is then churned, the butter becomes visible to us. If however, we blame the milk for not revealing to us the butter in it, how can we get the butter? In the same way, bliss permeates the entire mind of man. If the mind is churned, then we will discover bliss in it. But without churning the mind, without enquiring into the mind, if we merely seek for bliss, we will never get it.

Air is present all around us. But our eyes cannot see it. We cannot catch hold of it. But without air, we cannot live. We cannot deny the existence of air just because we cannot see it and we cannot grasp it. Divinity and bliss are present everywhere. To seek bliss in the external world is a sign of ignorance. Our bliss is right within us.

17 February 1989

17 February to 23 February 2014

What are the four practices of Ceiling on Desires?

What are the four practices of Ceiling on Desires-8.48-1989 February 17-1990 May 21

We have instituted four important practices in Ceiling on Desires. The first one is “Don’t waste money”, because misuse of money is evil. We should not misuse money. The second one is “Don’t waste food”; food is God. We should not waste food. The third one is “Don’t waste time”. This is very, very important. Time is everything. Time waste is life waste. You are all wasting lot of time (outside the Ashram). You may sit together, read some sacred texts, sing Bhajans, or learn some devotional songs. But instead of this, if you roam around the roads outside, it is such a waste. Is it not, you tell me. Thus, you are wasting lot of time. Next, “Don’t waste energy”. You waste energy through seeing and through talking all the time. Therefore, you need to reduce unnecessary talk, unnecessary seeing and unnecessary roaming.

We have thus advised you about the four practices of Ceiling on Desires.

Don’t waste food

The first one is “Don’t waste food”. Why should we not waste food? Food is God. This physical form, which we don, has emanated from food only. This entire life is based on food, exists on food. That is why, wasting food amounts to wasting life itself.

Don’t waste money

The second one is “Don’t waste money”. Misuse of money is evil. Today, youth are spending and wasting money in unnecessary ways. This leads to bad habits and leads them on the wrong path, subjecting them to various forms of misery. To the extent possible, we must reduce the misuse of money. This is not at all good.

Don’t waste energy

Here is a small example. Let’s take a radio. You have tuned in to some station. Now, you may either keep the volume very high or quite soft. Once you switch on the radio, whatever may be the volume, whether you listen to it or not, several units of electricity are consumed anyway. In the same manner, our human body is like a radio. We are constantly thinking, talking, talking loudly, talking to ourselves within, talking in our sleep and before we sleep. We are constantly engaged in talking within ourselves (in the form of thoughts) right from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep. Through this, we lose so much of energy. On account of wasting energy, our lives get transformed into an allergy. Therefore, we must make an effort to use the energy in this human body in the right manner, for a good cause. Then alone, there will be a right balance in life. Students, only when the body is healthy and fit, we can enjoy the right balance in life.

Don’t waste time

Do not worry about the past. Forget the past. We have anyway seen the road that we have treaded on, then why look back again? Even if we were to spend lakhs or crores of rupees, we cannot get back even one second, nor can we tread back even one inch in our life. Why should we then worry about that which can never come back? The future is not known to us, it is unfathomable. We say tomorrow, tomorrow. But what is the guarantee that we will live until tomorrow? What is the guarantee about the next day? Why do we then think about that which is not guaranteed? Future is not sure. Why insure on that which is not sure? Our life gets wasted on account of worries related to these two (past and future). What is the reason for today’s people, specifically the youth, being subject to sorrow, worry and ill health? They are not contended with they have and are aspiring for what they do not have. That is why they are victims of lack of peace. Students, past is past, future is future. We need not worry about these two. The present is very important. Present, present, present…this is not ordinary present; it is omnipresent. This means that the fruits of the future are contained in the present. Whatever seeds we have sown in the past, the sprouts of the same have come now. Whatever seeds we sow now, we will bear the fruits of those in future. Thus, both the future and the past are actually contained in the present. Therefore, use the present in a proper way. Do not give scope for any type of worry. When we spend our life in a proper manner, only then we will be able to lead an ideal life, an immortal life. This will bestow on us immortality and will sanctify our lives.

17 February 1989 and 21 May 1990

10 February to 16 February 2014

How can our human body be compared to a limited company?

How can our human body be compared to a limited company-2.14-1990 May 21

Our entire life may be compared to a field of business (a limited company). If the temperature of our body (ideal temperature being 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) rises beyond 99 degrees Fahrenheit then it results in diseases (like fever). Our blood pressure is supposed to be 120 / 80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury over normal atmospheric pressure). If this (diastolic pressure) goes beyond 90 mmHg, then it results in high blood pressure. Even our eye balls can see only limited amount of brightness of light. If it goes beyond a point, the retina will get burnt. Our ear drums too cannot withstand sounds of any decibels. If it hears sound beyond certain decibels, the ear drum will get damaged or will burst. Thus, our human body is like a limited company. To protect such a body we need to exercise certain limits. There must be moderation in the food that we eat, water that we drink, words that we speak and sounds that we hear. Our entire life needs to operate within certain limits. When we exceed the limits, we are subject to danger.

Ati Tindi Mati Haani

Mita Tindi Ati Haayi

(Too much food harms the mind; limited food gives great comfort and welfare)

Ati Bhaasha Mati Haani

Mita Bhaasha Ati Haayi

(Too much talk harms the mind; limited talk gives great comfort and welfare)

Therefore, human beings must practice and follow the path or the way of living that gives happiness.

21 May 1990

03 February to 09 February 2014

Who is the real doer-Who is responsible for failure or success in life?

Who is the real doer-Who is responsible for failure or success in life-3.45-1990 May 29

Because the human beings get associated with dehaatmabhaavam(the feeling that I am the body), the aham(ego) makes it go round and round in so many ways (takes it for a real good ride). Distorted feelings such as “I am doing this”, “I am experiencing this”, “I have gained this victory” are on the rise day by day in humans.

Students, success or failure are not because of your actions, your pursuits or your efforts. You are getting drowned in delusion, and assuming that you have accomplished something because of your efforts; you are enhancing your ego all the more. Have we not seen any number of initiatives in this world, where in spite of all the efforts, there has been no success? Also, have we not seen large number of initiatives, where without much efforts, there has been success? Instead of putting in all your efforts, finally meeting with failure and subjecting yourself to so much worry; if you have faith in God, consider all that you do as God’s work and attempt to understand your true (Divine) principle, then you will gain victory in all spheres of life.

We must correctly recognize that there is nothing which we can accomplish, merely with our efforts. The evidence for this is manifest right within our own human body. What effort are you putting in to beat the heart in your body? What effort are you putting in for the inhalation and exhalation (of breath) that you are undergoing every second? What effort are you putting in to digest the food that you have eaten? Can all these be accomplished with your efforts? No, not at all. Just by hoping that you will continue to live, can you keep on living? Similarly, just by wishing that you should die, can you die at your will? Are you responsible for your birth? No. no, no. Therefore, if you enquire deeply into this, it is only your kartritva (doership) and bhoktritva (enjoyership) that are enhancing your ahamkaaram (ego) and mamakaaram (attachment) all the more.

29 May 1990

27 January to 02 February 2014

How can we learn the lesson of love and human values from our own human body?

67-How can we learn the lesson of love and human values from our own human body-2.44-1986 March 09

We experience the mutual interrelationship and interdependency of our limbs in our day to day life. Suppose we are walking on a street. The eyes are up and the legs are down. The eyes see a thorn on the street. We may not understand their interrelationship from outside. But they have an inner connection. We do not know how and when it has communicated? What type of phone or telegram it has used? But the moment the eyes see the thorn, the legs cross over the thorn and walk by. Legs do not have eyes. Then, how have they crossed over the thorn? The eyes have seen, but the legs have crossed over it. This is the close relationship that exists between the eyes and the legs.

If the legs do not listen to the command of the eyes and place themselves over the thorn, they will start bleeding. Now, the legs have got the injury but the eyes start crying. Try to understand; when the thorn pricks the legs, the eyes feel so bad. The eyes can remain unperturbed, thinking that after all the thorn has pricked the legs and not me (but they do not do so).

We must try to understand the love and attachment between the eyes and legs (and for that matter between all our limbs). This is humanity. Only when we consider the pain being experienced by others as our own pain, true humaneness manifests itself. Our own sense organs are our true gurus (preceptors) and they teach us the lessons of human values. There are so many lessons we can learn from the machine called the human body.

09 March 1986

20 January to 26 January 2014

How can we learn the lesson of cooperation and harmony from our own human body?

How can we learn the lesson of cooperation and harmony from our own human body-5.23-1986 March 09

Every human body is a workshop. The physical body is like a machine. The physical body works effectively like a machine because it recognizes the role played by every limb of the body and the interrelationship that exists between them; and acts accordingly. In this machine of the body, every organ has a specific role to play in mutual relationship with other organs. It is not just a passive mutual relationship between the limbs; they actually share their joys and sorrows with each other. In this workshop of the human body there are many desires and attachments. There is unity among all the limbs. This principle of unity, i.e. the principle of living together, sharing and caring for each other, is taught by the human body. Once we introspect and investigate into this workshop of the human body, we would not need to look into any other workshop.

Let us assume that the mind desires for a particular object. Immediately, the legs make an effort to acquire that object. For example, let us say the mind desires for a fruit on a particular tree. The mind cannot experience the fruit as soon as it wishes for it. The legs go walking to that tree. It becomes the duty of the legs to fulfil the wish of the mind. The legs perform their duty and go and stand near the tree. Once they stand there, the waist takes over its duty and it bends down. The waist has duly completed its duty. But still the fruit has not been acquired. Next, the hand picks up a stone. Just by picking up a stone, it cannot get the fruit. However, it has done its duty and it keeps silent. Next, the shoulder starts its task. It throws the stone towards the tree (at the fruit). Once the fruit drops down, the fingers pick it up and do their duty of offering it to the mouth. The mouth also performs its limited duty. It tastes the fruit to check whether it is sour or sweet. If it is sweet, it says “I do not need it. O stomach, you are the master of everything”, and it sends the fruit inside. In case it is sour, then it says, “O, this is not good for the body, it will become a cause for disease” and it offers it to mother earth. It spats it on the ground (Thuuu). Thus, the stomach receives the fruit that has been sent inside with the effort of all the limbs; but it does not consume the fruit all alone with pride. The digestive fire in the stomach digests the fruit well and distributes the essence of it (in the form of energy) to all the limbs of the body, acknowledging the fact that it is all these limbs that have worked together to send this fruit to the stomach. Thus, there is an opportunity to demonstrate such mutual interrelationship and mutual interdependency in our human body.

09 March 1986

13 January to 19 January 2014

What is the real crop that we need to harvest in this human life?

What is the real crop that we need to harvest in this human life-4.57-1986 March 09

You may think that we have started this Education in Human Values some 5 or 6 years before. I started this more than 50 years back. When I was in the house of Karnam Subbamma, I used to sing a particular song as part of the Bhajans.

Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu

Jeeva……

Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu

Oh human being, you need to carry out your life with the values of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace) and Prema (Love).

Karmayogame Janma Dharmambu

Deeniki….. Karmayogame Janma Dharmambu

Smaraname Maanava Marma Rahasyamu

Saadhane Bhaktula Saaralakshnamu

Sathya Dharmamu Shanti Premalato Nee Nitya Jeevana Yaatra Saaginchu

Karma Yoga is the Dharma (duty) of your very human birth,

Remembering the Lord is the great secret,

And Sadhana (spiritual pursuit) is the devotee’s hallmark,

Proceed, oh man, on your life’s pilgrimage

With Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love.

Regard the heart as a vast field. Use the mind as a plough. Treat the gunas (qualities/attributes of Satva, Rajas and Tamas) as bullocks. Use the viveka (intellect/power of discrimination) as a whip. With these aids, cultivate the field of your heart. What is the crop that is to be grown in it? Sathya(Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace) and Prema (Love) are the seeds to be sown, Bhakti (devotion) is the rain, Bhaava(feelings) is the manure, and Brahmananda(Divine bliss) is the crop.

So what is our duty today? Keeping the plough of the mind in our control, tying it to the bullocks of the gunas, taking the reins of viveka (intellect) in our hands, we must grow the crop of love, truth, righteousness and peace in our heart.

This crop has to be raised in our heart and should be shared with others. Our life is like a block of ice which is melting away every moment. Before it spends itself, devote it to the service of others. Education in Human Values is commenced to prepare everyone for this life of dedicated service.

09 March 1986

06 January to 12 January 2014

Is it mandatory to know the meaning of Vedas to benefit from its chanting?

Is it mandatory to know the meaning of Vedas to benefit from its chanting-1.40-1993 October 18

Mere listening to Vedic chants gives joy!!

Today we are neglecting the Vedas, making fun of it. We have no faith in it and consider it as merely some sort of chanting with no specific significance or use. Embodiments of love, it is ok even if you do not know the script of the Vedas, it is enough if you merely listen to the chanting. There is great happiness is mere listening.

The mother places the baby in the cradle and sings a lullaby to it. But can the baby understand the meaning of the lullaby that its mother sings? No, the baby cannot, but the mere tune of the lullaby puts the baby to sound sleep. In the same way, even if you do not know the meaning of the Vedas, when others chant the same in the correct manner, you can listen to it joyfully. You will experience happiness by merely listening to the chanting. You must contemplate on that very listening and that very contemplation will get assimilated within you.

Therefore, there is so much joy in mere listening too. It is sound and there is great power in this sound.

18 October 1993

30 December 2013 to 05 January 2014

What should be our approach to the celebration of the New Year?

What should be our approach to the celebration of the New Year-1.12-1998 March 29

Happiness, prosperity and pleasure are not conferred on us by the New Year. This day too shall pass away like any other day; the same sunrise and the same sunset. Many people look forward eagerly expecting that the New Year will confer on them some good results. This is 100% negative thought. The New Year does not bring anything for us. Just based on the calendar, we consider this as a New Year.

We must discover a new path. We must discover a new life. We must experience a new happiness. But we do not think about this. We merely remain expectant that the New Year will bring something. We have to work ourselves to get something; the New Year will not confer on us anything. Think to yourself – introspect, surrender yourself to God, and immerse yourself in the awareness of God. Then you will be able to achieve anything.

29 March 1998

23 December to 29 December 2013

What is the threefold message of Jesus to humanity?

What is the threefold message of Jesus to humanity-4.43-1982 December 25

Jesus was one with a pure heart. To begin with, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the messenger of God”. Taking the physical body as the messenger, he engaged in tasks and activities related to the body. Regarding the body as a messenger sent by God, he offered his body to relieve the pain and suffering of the sorrowful and the downtrodden. He started spreading the message to the people though the actions of his body.

Gradually, he moved to the domain of the mind from the domain of the body. He expressed the principle of the mind and his feelings through the proclamation, “I am the son of God”. Using the principle of the mind, he started investigating into what is real and what is unreal; what is truth and what is untruth? The entire universe is merely a projection of one’s perception (vision). All actions are the reflection of the feelings of the mind. He recognized this truth.

Having completed the enquiry into the mind, he then entered the domain of the intellect. At this stage, he declared, “I and my father are one!” That means, the father and the son are close and related.

This is where every Sadhaka (spiritual seeker/aspirant) must recognize this aspect. Every being is the child of God. The child inherits the qualities of the father. A goat cannot be born in the womb of a tiger nor can a tiger be born in the womb of a goat. Just as a tiger alone is born in the womb of a tiger, the human child born from the Divine father must have the qualities of the father only. Thus, when he realized that there was no difference between him and his father, he referred to the “Holy Ghost”.

Therefore, at the level of the physical body, we must engage in action; at the level of the mind, we must enquire into the real and the unreal; and at the level of the intellect we must develop proximity and a bond (with Divinity). Then alone, “Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati”; we will get the strength to recognize the unity of the two.

25 December 1982

16 December to 22 December 2013

What is the inner significance of waking early in the morning and offering prayers?

What is the inner significance of waking early in the morning and offering prayers-1989 June 29

Even in the domain of time, we have Satva, Rajasand Tamas. From night 8 pm to morning 4 am, it is Tamasic time. Even birds and animals sleep during this time period. This is defined as the time for the demons. This time period is very powerful for the demons (demonic qualities in man). This time slot is very conducive for carrying out Tamasic activities. Therefore, the 8 hours period from night 8 pm to early morning 4 am is Tamasictime.

The time period from morning 8 am to evening 4 pm is associated with Rajo Guna. Everybody start performing their tasks during this period. All the authorities work and offices remain open from 8 am to 4 pm. This is the time for doing all work. This 8 hours period is Rajasic.

From morning 4 am to 8 am we have 4 hours. Again in the evening from 4 pm to 8 pm we have another 4 hours. When we add the two 4 hours, it becomes 8 hours. This is the Satvic period.

Thus, 8 hours Tamasic, 8 hours Rajasic and 8 hours Satvic; 8 x 3 = 24 hours. It adds up correctly (to the number of hours in a day).

Therefore, the Satvic period starts from early morning 4 am. We should be awake by then. We must commence our Sadhana or even studies in this Satvic period; this is the most sacred time. Getting up, having a bath, awakening all our senses, ourselves falling into all dirt; we need not do all this. We need not even have a bath. The sense organs are very calm and peaceful at this time. It would be taking rest. During this peaceful period whatever you think, it (thoughts or prayers) will smoothly go and reach God. Even things that we have forgotten come to our memory at this time. Therefore, to the extent possible, we must commence our prayers during this Satvic period.

Some say, “O! it is not possible to get up so early at 4 am”, and they wake up at 8 am. There are others who wake up at 9 am and go to school with an unwashed sleepy face. These are all the brothers of Kumbhakarana!

We must get up at 4 am. First complete your ablutions and wash your face; then sit with joy. Why should you wash your face? It is only to avoid feeling sleepy. If we understand and recognize all these subtle aspects, we will be able to practice Dhyaana very easily.

In the evening too, you return from the college. You have time from 4 pm to 8 pm. You can go and play and participate in games. But then after 6 pm, wash your hands and legs and at least sit for 5 minutes (in meditation). Dhyaanam is only for 2 minutes and 24 seconds. You do not need to sit for hours. If you practice like this, it will be so sacred. Truly you try this and see; your joy, your brightness / luster and your sacredness will get so enhanced.

Today, you are engaging continuously only in crazy thoughts and crazy feelings and therefore if one sees your face, it appears so odd. It looks like the face of a sick person. There is no brightness / luster on the face. Purity is the root cause for Tejas (brightness / luster). If there is purity within, there will be so much brightness / luster on your face.

29 June 1989

Nov

2012

ABC of Life – Always Be Cheerful

Happiness is union with God, says Bhagawan. Therefore, the first step to move closer to God on the path of spirituality is to be happy. The external manifestation of inner happiness is a cheerful face, a face that is ever smiling. As it is rightly said, face is the index of the mind.

Bhagawan has always stressed on the need to remain happy. Right from the earlier years, it was not uncommon to hear Bhagawan in informal interactions, referring to a castor oil face. He would insist that one should never put on a castor oil face. He gave us the formula of the ABC of life – Always Be Cheerful.

However, surprisingly, this phrase of “a castor oil face” got into His Public Discourses much later. A quick search into His Discourses revealed that Swami started using this phrase very often only from the year 2006 onwards. One possible explanation could be that looking at Swami’s physical body going through so much of suffering, devotees would have perhaps put up pale faces and sad looks. In response, the Master, the ideal role model that He ever is, demonstrated to all as to how one can transcend physical suffering and still be ever cheerful and smiling.

In the seven audio extracts in this blog post, Bhagawan refers to His favourite phrase of a “castor oil face” and appeals to all His devotees and students to never put up such a face and to be ever smiling and cheerful, irrespective of the challenges of life. These seven extracts have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan during the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

In Clip-1 Bhagawan advises us that we must smile and also make others smile. In Clip-2 He asks us to be always happy. Pleasure, He says, is after all an interval between two pains. Clip-3 talks about reaction, reflection and resound. Bhagawan explains how whatever we get depends on what we give. In Clip-4 Bhagawan states that happiness is union with God. We must never fear examinations and challenges of life. Clip-5 explains how love comes naturally to a person who is ever smiling. In Clip-6 Bhagawan advises us not to worry about examinations and challenges of life. He says the quicker we pass these, the quicker we will be promoted to the next higher class or phase of life.

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 from these extracts.

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

01-Be ever cheerful-Have no castor oil face-Smile and make others smile-1.46-2006 September 05

Smile and makes others smile!

Students, boys and girls; all of you should pray for peace of the whole world. The status of Bharath is very great. From ancient times it has always strived for peace of the world. But today, on account of the influence of the English language and infatuation (with modern culture), the peace has turned into pieces. We must be peaceful and must not come down to pieces. You may learn any language, but have peace in your heart.

You must lead your life being mentally happy and smiling always. You must not put on a castor oil face under any circumstances. You must always be smiling. Those who look at you must also smile. Therefore, you must smile and also make others smile. You must be happy and make others happy.

02-Be ever smiling-Have no castor oil face-Pleasure is an interval between two pains-2.30-2008 January 01

Pleasure is an interval between two pains

Peace is within us. It is of no use searching outside. It is right within you. Truth and Love, both are within you. Living with love, you can achieve anything. Love is the biggest property of Swami! My duty is to distribute that Love to all. If you receive this in the right manner and understand it correctly, it will be good for you. Other than Love, nothing else can protect you. Therefore, all should understand this principle of Love.

All are brothers and sisters. However, being true brothers and sisters, there are differences even between them. So, by knowing the principle of Love, we can know everything else. Be always smiling, smiling! Never put on a castor oil face. Then only our lives will be exemplary and ideal. We must always be happy. After all, what do we lack? Everything is within us.

Some are not able to bear the difficulties that they come across. However, if we are a little patient, then that (difficulties) will also give us happiness. Pleasure is an interval between two pains.

03-Always smile lovingly-Have no castor oil face-Reaction-Reflection-Resound-6.32-2009 February 02

Everything in life is Reaction-Reflection-Resound

The snake has poison in its fangs. The scorpion has got poison in its tail. Every being has poison in different places. The fish carries poison in its throat. That is why, while cleaning the fish, people pluck out that part and throw it away. Thus, every creature has poison in a particular location (of the body).

Some (people) have poison in their words. Whatever words they utter, it is like poison. It causes pain to everybody’s mind. Therefore, talk sweetly. Do not hurt anybody with your words. Where is the poison in a human body? In a human body, the poison is there from head to toe. Kicking with the leg is poison. Slapping with the hand is poison. Speaking (bitter) words is also poison.

Some look at others and laugh cynically. There is poison even in this laughter. But, there is no poison in a sincere smile. There is no poison in a loving smile. Swami smiles at everybody as He comes along (for Darshan). All wait eagerly for that very smile. One should have a smiling face. One should not have a castor oil face. The one with a castor oil face has anger, hatred and jealousy. The one with these three qualities will have a castor oil face. Therefore, one should never put up a castor oil face. The one with a castor oil face looks like a drunkard. We must not put up such a face. We must always have a smiling face.

Even when somebody abuses you, you must smile. Keep smiling for everything and even they will smile. They will not abuse you. Enquire, “How are you brother?” Even if they are your enemy, they too will enquire, “How are you brother?” Thus, the response will be in accordance to the sound. Reaction, Reflection and Resound. As is your action, so will be the action from the opposite side. As is your sound, so will you get the resound. Therefore, everything (in this world) is Reaction, Reflection and Resound. If we enquire (politely), “What Sir, how are you?”, they too will enquire in return, “What Sir, how are you?”. However, if you shout, “How are you?” they too will shout back in the same way. Therefore, Reaction, Reflection and Resound are all intermingled. We must be good, talk good and conduct ourselves in a good manner. These are the main human qualities.

04-Remain in bliss-Ever smiling-Happiness is union with God-Have no castor oil face-2.21-2006 September 27

Happiness is union with God!

Students, do not waste time. (If you do so), you will become one who makes the sacred time unsacred. Use the time in a sacred way and experience happiness there from. Human being is one of bliss, full of bliss. Therefore, you must always be blissful. Never be depressed on account of desires. Happiness is union with God. Therefore, you must be ever smiling and happy.

You must not put up a castor oil in spite of having to face any examination (challenges of life). You must be always smiling. The more enthusiastic you are, the more the inner (Divine) Principle will blossom forth. Your happiness is the cause for your enthusiasm. Thus, be happy. What is the worry you have? There is no worry at all. If you studying well for the forthcoming Examinations, then why should you have any fear? It is only the one who has not studied who has to worry. If you are studying well, that (effort) itself will fetch you marks. Study well, pass well, earn good ranks and uplift the country.

05-True devotion is love for God-Smile will manifest love naturally-Have no castor oil face-3.34-2007 July 28

True devotion is love for God

Devotion does not mean merely worship, meditation and penance. True devotion means love for God, unwavering love. It must be changeless. It must always be constant. It must be steady. There is nothing beyond love. Anything may happen to the body but nothing can happen to the love within. Love is unwavering, changeless and can never be destroyed. You must safeguard and maintain such love. Then you will easily attain Divinity.

Because of our association with this world, the demonic qualities are enhanced. Not only demonic qualities, desire and anger also develop in us. They are our greatest enemies. Be always with love and smile. If you keep smiling, love will come naturally to you. However, the faces of some people are so serious, like castor oil faces. You must always keep smiling.

God always smiles. He never entertains any worry. There is no sadness or sorrow in Him. I always smile and smile. That is why I have no suffering. I am always healthy.

06-God hates none-He is ever smiling-Never put up a castor oil face-Accept tests readily-1.59-2006 April 07

Examinations are for our good only

God has no hatred towards anybody. He looks at everybody and smiles always. The eternal smile is the most important aspect of God. Where there is the never changing smile, hatred can never come there. Therefore, no one will cause pain to the one who smiles. So, always have a smiling face. You should never put up a castor face.

When examinations (challenges of life) come, you start worrying that examinations have come close. Yes, they may have come close. You must consider that as for your good only. Examinations have come soon and you will also pass soon. You must take this in the right spirit. You may think that it would have been better if the examinations were delayed. This is not good. The quicker it comes, the better. The quicker it comes, the quicker we will pass. We will then move on to the next higher class. We must be in a hurry to go to the next higher class. This hurry will not lead to any worry. And with worry you cannot be in a hurry.

07-Swami hates none-He loves all-Ever smiling-No castor oil face-2.40-2008 November 22

God is ever smiling!

We must not hate anybody. Till this moment, I have never had any anger or hatred towards anybody. That is why everybody loves Me. There is only Love in Me. Wherever I am, people come after Me. It is this Love which brings everybody closer.

However, there are some who have hatred towards Me. That is their own imagination and has nothing to do with Me. I have no anger towards anyone. People may wonder, how come Swami is so peaceful, (though) He sees so many people. For Me, peace is My very nature. I am always smiling. I never put on a sad face or a castor oil face. For Me it is always smiling and smiling.

God asks you to be always happy. When you all are happy, it gives me great happiness. If you do not have happiness, then I too do not have happiness. Therefore, your happiness is My reflection. If you create hatred and entertain the same, it is your fault and not My fault.

A Short Quiz

01-According to Bhagawan, what must be our fervent prayer?

02-Where is peace available according to Bhagawan?

03-What is Bhagawan’s biggest property?

04-What is the quality that Bhagawan expects us to have to face the challenges of life?

05-In which part of their body, does the snake, scorpion and fish have poison?

06-In which part of the body, do human beings have poison?

07-What are the three qualities that make a person have a castor oil face?

08- How according to Bhagawan, should we respond to a person who abuses us?

09-Bhagawan says that everything in this world is reaction, reflection and resound. Explain.

10-What should we do to enable the inner Divine Principle to blossom forth?

11-Who should be the one who should be truly worried of Examinations?

12-What is true devotion?

13-What are the two qualities that Bhagawan calls as our greatest enemies?

14-What is the right spirit with which we must face the examinations or challenges of life?

15-What gives the greatest happiness to Bhagawan?

Bliss

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-4

ABC of Life – Always Be Cheerful

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