Shanti

11
Mar
2013

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-1

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11th March 2013 to 14th July 2013

 

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.  
08 July to 14 July 2013
Can we hold the mind responsible for all our bad actions?
Can we hold the mind responsible for all our bad actions-3.48-1990 May 24
Mind is responsible for both
Bondage and Liberation

The mind is very noble. Mana Eva Manushyaanaam Kaaranam Bandha Mokshayoho – Mind alone is responsible either for man’s bondage or for his liberation. So, how can you condemn the mind as bad, when it is capable of leading you to Moksha (supreme goal of liberation)? It can lead you to bondage and it can also set you free from bondage. We need to recognize the right method to use the mind. We may have a knife in the hand. The knife can be used to cut fruits, vegetables or any knot in a rope. However, in a fit of anger, we could also use it to cut the throat. But is this the fault of the knife? No. No. It is the defect in the manner in which we use the knife. The mind is also similar. If used along the right path, it will take us to the most sacred (elevated) place. The mind is also referred to as delusion.

The mind may be compared to a cat. It is indeed a cat. If we enquire correctly into the nature of a cat, we will find the impact of mind very similar to it. In order to protect its kittens, the cat gently catches hold of them with its mouth and takes them to a safe place. With the same mouth, when it catches a rat, it takes away its life. The mouth is one, but in the former case, because of the feeling that they are her kittens, she takes them to a safe place. And in the case of the rat, thinking that it is its food, it punishes it (by killing it). 
The mind too is similar to this. For those who contemplate on God, perform noble activities, entertain a noble mind and walk along the righteous path; the mind takes them along the appropriate path to a safe destination. On the other hand; it inflicts suffering on the wicked and the evil and on those who engage in unrighteous conduct.
Therefore, though the mind is one, it assumes many forms. This is just like mono acting. Each thought takes its own unique form.       
 
24 May 1990




01 July to 07 July 2013

What are the four roles played by the human mind?
What are the four roles played by the human mind-4.18-1990 May  24
Four manifestations of the mind

The mind itself assumes subtle forms in the name of Antha Karana (inner instruments). It dons four roles, namely: Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta(memory), and Ahamkara (ego). Buddhi, Chitta and Ahamkara are the subtle forms of the mind itself. The mind takes on a particular name when it performs a particular function; just as the same Brahmin individual is called a priest (pujaribrahmin) when he performs worship in a temple, a cook (brahmin cook) when he cooks in the kitchen, a teacher (aadhyapikabrahmin) when he teaches students, and an astrologer (panchaanga brahmin) when he interprets the almanac (panchaanga). Though the Brahmin individual is the same; based on the profession he takes up, he assumes such different names.

In the same manner when the mind is engaged in wavering thought processes, it is called Manas (mind). When the mind is engaged in the process of enquiry with discrimination, so as to arrive at some decision, it is named as Buddhi (intellect). This form of enquiry based on discrimination is also called Discrimination knowledge. The third aspect is Chitta. When the mind functions as a repository of memories, it is known as Chitta (memory). When the mind identifies itself with the physical body, it goes by the name of Ahamkara (ego). Thus, it may be seen that the same mind, although basically one, displays these varied forms on account of the different roles and positions assumed by it. In fact, the mind alone is the cause of all things. This entire world is based on the mind – “Manomoolam Idam Jagat”.
24 May 1990



24 June to 30 June 2013

What is true purpose of listening to Scriptures and Masters?
What is true purpose of listening to Scriptures and Masters-2.31-1996 August 22
What is true listening?

At the time of king Bhojaraja, a sculptor brought three idols and presented them to the king. All the three idols were made by the sculptor in such a way that they looked exactly identical. All were beautiful. The king summoned the Minister. He asked the Minister to decide which among these was the best “first class”; deserving enough to be given a prize.  

“Lord, forgive me, I will return in 5 minutes”, said the Minister to the king. The king replied, “The idols are here only. Why then do you need 5 minutes? Do you need to go to the bathroom? What other work do you have?” The Minister went in and came out with a metal wire. He took the wire and inserted it into the ear of one of the idols. It came out of the other ear of the idol. He said this is the worst idol and pushed it aside. He then inserted the wire into the ear of the second idol. The wire came out of the mouth. He said, “this idol must receive the second prize”. Next, he inserted the wire into the ear of the third idol. The wire went inside. He said, “this must receive the first prize”.
What does this mean? Taking things that we hear into us (i.e. assimilating what we hear and learn) begets the first prize. The one who repeats whatever she/he hears, like a parrot, would get only a second prize. In this modern world, there are many who listen through one ear and let it out through the other ear. There are others who repeat like a parrot, what they read in scriptures or hear from Swami. There are yet others, who absorb what they hear and assimilate the same.
 
22 August 1996



17 June to 23 June 2013

What is the freedom that we human beings must strive for?
What is the freedom that we human beings must strive for -3.59- 1990 May 22
What is true freedom?

Some students who consider themselves to be very clever and smart, try to argue thus, Look at the birds. They are having full freedom to eat what they want, to make friendship with anyone they want and to fly or wander as they wish. Cattle and beasts also are enjoying their own freedom. When birds, cattle and beasts enjoy their freedom, is it not necessary for man to enjoy his freedom? True, you too can enjoy freedom. But, what kind of freedom do the cattle enjoy? They enjoy cattle freedom. What kind of freedom do the animals enjoy? They enjoy animal freedom. You are a human, so you can enjoy human freedom. There is nothing wrong in that. But being a human; is it not wrong of you to enjoy animal freedom?

We are trying to give several wrong meanings, misleading interpretations and definitions to the word “freedom”; thus forgetting its true meaning. This is not true freedom. What is the meaning of freedom? Is to be free to wander around wherever you want? Is it to be free to indulge in your senses as you wish? No, no, no, no. Atma Jnanam (knowledge of the Self), Atma Nigraham (self-control or self-restraint), Atmaanandam (bliss of the Self) – is true freedom.  
However, some stubborn people claim that it is God’s mistake to have given an outgoing orientation to man’s senses. There is no mistake of theirs in it. They argue that God has given them eyes, but He provided the eyes with doors that open to the outside (world) and not inwards; He gave ears that turn outwards towards the external world (to hear external sounds) but did not turn them inwards; He gave noses that can only inhale the air from outside and not from within. They contend, therefore, that the fault lies with creation only and there is no fault of humans in this. This is wrong.
People make many mistakes and say, “I am after all a human”. This is so wrong. It is a sin. They justify themselves stating that they are humans and to err is after all natural to humans. This is very wrong. Being humans, you must actually not make mistakes. If animals commit mistakes, it is quite understandable. As it is an animal, it behaves like an animal. Being a human being, you must not make such mistakes. To consider that making mistakes is natural to human beings is only a defensive attitude. Being born as an animal, it behaves like an animal. It is so contradictory that we are born as human beings and we behave like animals. Therefore, conduct yourself as human beings.  
22 May 1990



10 June to 16 June 2013

How do we divert the mind away from undesirable thoughts?
How do we divert the mind away from undesirable thoughts-3.28-1990 May 22
Divert mind towards good thoughts

There was a preacher of Christian religion by name Thomas. He used to go to every village and propagate his religion. One day, he boarded a horse carriage and was travelling to a village. On the way, there came a (railway) level crossing. The horse was running very well; there was no problem in its movement. But as they approached the level crossing, the driver took the stick and started beating the horse severely. As Thomas was a preacher of religion, he had faith in compassion as the main message of Jesus. He asked the driver, “Sir, why are you troubling this horse that is running so well?”

The driver replied, “Sir, close to the level crossing, some stones painted in white have been placed. The horse gets frightened when it sees these white stones. Now the fear of being beaten with my stick overpowers the fear of those white stones. In order to get the horse rid of that fear (of white stones), I am making it face this fear. At that moment, Thomas thought to himself that he had learnt how to divert the mind from a horse carriage driver.
When the mind or the senses runs behind one object; in order to make it escape from that object and make it run behind some other object, it needs to be given appropriate training. The mind (and senses) goes in various foolish directions. When it is shown something in the opposite direction and even more powerful, it will leave its current path and will travel along the right path.
Take for example a stray cow. It goes to some field to graze. If we offer it better fodder, more green fodder at our own home, it will never go to graze any other grass. It will stay at home only and eat. When we offer something much more than what it desires, its original desire will become a disappointment and it will move on a nobler path.  
22 May 1990




03 June to 09 June 2013

Why should we exercise control over our senses?
Why should we exercise control over our senses-4.22-1990 May 22
The ten senses need to be kept under restraint

The senses should be experienced by putting them to right use as ordained by God. If we do not put them to right use, we will have to suffer from lack of peace.

It is well known that even when an individual has just one wife, the family has to face lot of challenges. If one has two wives, nothing more needs to be said!  King Uttanapaada had two wives. On account of difference of opinions between them, the child Dhruva had to be sent to the forest. King Dasaratha had three wives. Here again because of difference of opinions, it was not possible for Dasaratha to treat them equally and keep them all comfortable. In order to please his wife (Kaikeyi), he had to send his own son Sri Rama to the forest and he lost his life in turn. If these are the dangers being faced by those having just two or three wives, imagine what more dangers will one having ten wives be subjected to!
 
This very important person, namely the mind, has ten wives – the ten senses (the five sense organs–Jnaanendriyaas and the five organs of action- Karmendriyaas). Each sense organ insists on enjoying objects of its own choice. For example, the nose is attracted by the smell of masala dosa(a South Indian delicacy) and wants to have it. The ear wants the radio to be tuned, so that it can enjoy melodious music. The eyes hanker after a newly released film. Thus when all of them are keen on enjoying their own particular desires, how can the master (the mind) satisfy them all at the same time? Unable to satisfy them, the mind gets frustrated. How can this husband (mind) wedded to ten wives enjoy peace? Peace is very far away from it, because it is very difficult to fulfil the desires of these senses. It is only when the senses are kept under proper control that man can be happy and those around him can also be happy.  
22 May 1990




27 May to 02 June 2013

What is the true meaning of Brahmacharyam?
What is the true meaning of Brahmacharyam-2.57-1996 January18
Brahmacharyam means being in Brahman

Brahmacharyam is interpreted in many ways by the people of the world. One meaning is remaining unmarried. This is not the correct meaning. This meaning is only from the worldly point of view. The true literal meaning of the term is “Moving in Brahman.” Brahmacharya means ceaseless contemplation of God. “Charya” means moving or treading. Brahmacharya means “moving in Brahman”, or “treading along the path of Brahman”. Brahmacharyashould not be imagined to be related to the physical losses, difficulties, sorrow or worry. Mere bachelorhood is not Brahmacharyam. Such a person may be called as just “unmarried”.

 
A married man is called Girhastha (house-holder). There is Brahmacharyam even in a householder’s life. This consists in his leading the conjugal life with his wife (Ardhaangi) alone. If a married man leads a promiscuous life he is not observing Brahmacharya. Not just physically, even in thoughts and feelings, one should observe continence. Brahmacharyam acquired its importance as a human value because of its strict observance by our ancient sages. Therefore, there is lot of inner significance in this aspect of Brahmacharyam. Unconsciously or otherwise, human beings tend to waste their energies. All these are lapses from Brahmacharya. Sense control is vital in practising continence. It is easier to conquer Indra (the Lord of Gods) than to subdue the Indriyas (senses).  
 
18 January 1996



20-26 May 2013

Is this Life Real or a Dream?
Is this life real or a dream-2.35-1996 July 05
Life is a dream, realize it!

Life is a dream, realize it. Which is the dream? The entire life is a dream. Now in this morning, all of you are seated and are listening to Swami’s Discourse. This is not a dream. We are seeing this with our eyes, we are hearing with our ears, we are thinking with our mind and our hearts are thus melting. We consider all these changes as direct evidence. But how long can this be direct evidence? At night, when we sleep after eating, all this direct evidence vanishes. In the dream, many kinds of happiness and sorrow surface. But how long do these joys and sorrows remain? Only so long as the dream is there; as soon as we enter the waking state, all that becomes false.

Thus during the day time, the night dream does not exist and during the night sleep, we can never remember the day time experience. Therefore, this is day dream and that is night dream. In the day dream, there is no night dream and in the night dream, there is no day dream. But in both, the night dream and the day dream, you are there. Therefore, you are omnipresent. Both the states are dreams only. Therefore, as both day and night is a dream; life is a dream. Realize it. That is religion. To realize is religion. To recognize the truth, is religion.    
05 July 1996



13-19 May 2013

Why and What is the tax we need to pay to God?
Why and What is the tax we need to pay to God-2.28-1996 May 20
God has bestowed all Gifts on mankind

God has no selfishness and self-interest. He does not expect any benefit in return from you. God has graced the world of human beings with all gifts to remove the restlessness and lack of peace that is engulfing it. This cannot be accomplished by any human being.

We may place any number of light bulbs, but can it ever equal the light of the sun? One may use any number of pumps for pumping water, but can any human being provide the water equal to that which we receive during one night of heavy rains? You may place any number of large fans, but who is the one who provides air to the entire world and protects all the beings therein? Therefore, God bestows on all the beings, gifts in varied forms that are beyond the capacity of human beings.
When an electric connection is provided from the grid to our homes (for the purpose of supplying electric current), we are charged tax for it. When water provided by God in the lakes, wells and reservoirs is supplied to us, water tax is collected from us. When we pay tax and express our gratitude for all such trivial things, is it not necessary to express our gratitude to God who has supplied this air, this water and this light to this entire vast universe? Thus, we need to express our gratitude for all the five elements. They are the very form of God!
 
20 May 1996




06-12 May 2013

What is True Education?
What is True Education-0.49-1990 May 25
Adhyaatma Vidya Vidyaanaam

Chaduvullaniyu Chadivi Chaala Vivekiayi

Magidi Tannerugadu Mandamatudu
Enta Chaduvu Chadivi Ye Neeti Unnanu
Heenuni Gunambu Manaledu
Tarachi Chaduvu Chaduva Tarka Vaadame Kaani
Purna Jnaanambepudu Pondaledu
Chaduvu Chaduvu Chadivi Chaavanganetiki
Chaavileni Chaduvu Chaduvavalayu
After having studied all types of education and becoming a great intellectual, the foolish person does not know who he truly is. Whatever education one may acquire, with any kind of principles, he does not give up his mean qualities. While discriminating all kinds of education, it only leads to argumentation but never gives you complete wisdom. Why keep on studying such education and dying? It is far better to study that education (Atma Vidya) which confers immortality (liberation) on you.
25 May 1990




29 April– 5 May 2013

Why should we sing Bhajans?
Why should we sing Bhajans-4.04-2000 May 20
Why sing Bhajans?

Why do we sing Bhajans? Enquire clearly. It is because we remember the name of God so nicely. The name gets merged into the sound waves in the air. Getting mixed with the sound waves, it destroys all the bad feelings and aspects present in it. It is to transform all the bad into good, that we sing God’s Bhajans.

Students, as is the fire so is the smoke. As is the smoke, so is the (formation of the) cloud. As is the cloud, so is the rain. As is the rain, so is the crop. As is the crop, so is the food. Therefore, we must have a good fire (flame, to start with). If we put all bad material in the flame, the smoke will also be bad. That will get transformed into a bad cloud. When it gets transformed into a bad cloud, the rain we receive will also be bad. When there is bad rain, the crop will also be bad. When the crop is bad, we will get to eat bad food only. When we eat bad food, we will get bad diseases. Therefore, all the defects are in the (preparation of the) food.
The sun transforms (the water) into water vapour. When the sun transforms the sea water into water vapour, though the sea water is salty; the water vapour has a sweet taste. The vapour is then transformed into cloud. The cloud has also got sweet water in it. The cloud then comes down as rain, the good rain of love! This rain of love gets transformed into the water of the Ganges.
Thus, the sun of the intellect should transform the water of our bad feelings into vapour. Only then, the vapour of good qualities will arise in us. When the vapour of good qualities increases in quantity; there will be the rain of love. The rain that falls is the rain of Love. The cloud that forms is the cloud of Truth. The rain of love – the love drops, come from the cloud of truth. These love drops go and merge in the ocean of grace.  
Therefore, all our efforts must be sacred. When we think of God continuously, the entire air will become purified. The air is one with the sound waves. It travels all around the world. If somebody is singing in the radio station at Delhi, within a minute it can be heard even here (at Puttaparthi). How does the sound reach us? It reaches us through the sound waves. The bad too gets mixed up in this manner. Therefore, develop good sound, good sound waves. It will bring good air. We inhale this good air and the sound waves (along with it), which goes inside (our body) and transforms all the bad feelings therein.
  
20 May 2000



22-28 April 2013

What must we truly offer to God?
What must we truly offer to God-1.49-1996 July 01
God needs your heart!

Body is like a water bubble; mind is like a mad monkey; Don’t follow the mind, don’t follow the body, follow the conscience. We must follow the Atmic principle (principle of the Self). That is the “heart”. It is to offer this “heart” to God, that we must prepare ourselves as aspirants of God and not to offer some fruit, flower or leaf. You do not have anything with you that is not with God. Everything is there with God. There may be so many things with God; no one knows. There are so many valuable things with God. But to offer some cheap fruit and flowers that dry and fade away – is this the tax to be offered to God?

The leaf of the (physical) body, the flower of the heart, the fruit of the mind and the water of bliss (tears of bliss), must be offered to the Lord, not tears of sorrow. In this manner, there are so many things that we need to offer to God. But we are not making an effort to recognize such eternal truths. We offer only those things that we can see or are visible to our physical eyes. All that is visible to us is ephemeral.
01 July 1996




15-21 April 2013

What is True Solitude (Ekaantam)?
What is true Solitude-3.21-1996 July 11
True Solitude!!

God is the very embodiment of Truth. Truth is God. We must take the help of this Truth. Truth is our very form (nature). It is not newly bought by us. However, when we sit in solitude (Ekaantam), this Truth will manifest to us. But what is the meaning of this solitude?

Many people think about solitude in a distorted manner and give it wrong interpretations. Many consider solitude as sitting all alone in a room, closing all the doors and windows. This is not Ekaantam (solitude); it is Ekaanki (loneliness). Others think that we can live in solitude, all alone, by going to the forest and sitting below a tree, or in a bush or in some caves. This is not solitude.
Being amidst all, being anywhere, either sitting in the bazaar, or sitting in an assembly; wherever you may sit, keeping your mind concentrated on God is true solitude. You must direct your mind towards God. Your mind must not waver, thinking about your body, your feelings, or your family. The mind should be the link between you and God. Solitude is that which relates (connects) you and God. Nothing should come in between as an obstacle, not even a mosquito. That is real Ekaantam (solitude).    
Therefore, people give rise to many different meanings for (the word) solitude. You may do anything, you may travel in a bus, train or plane; you may go anywhere, but your mind must be focused on God. That is called solitude. Not keeping any connection with others, at the time of Dhyaana (concentration) or thinking of God; it must be you and God alone. There must be no scope for anybody (or anything) else (to come in between).
11 July 1996



08-14 April 2013

Why is every limb of God compared to the Lotus?
Why is every limb of God compared to the Lotus-2.00-1996 July 11

 

Why is every limb of God compared to a Lotus?
Image Source

Tulasidas has also said, “Hasta Kamalam (Lotus Hands), Paada Kamalam (Lotus Feet), Mukha Kamalam (Lotus Face), Netra Kamalam (Lotus Eyes). All limbs of God are like the lotus. Why have they been compared to a lotus?

Where is the lotus born? It is born in mud. Where do they live (grow). They exist (bloom) over the surface of water. The lotus does not allow the mud, from where it is born, to get into it. Nor does it allow the water, where it exists, to get into it. However, without the mud or the water, the lotus cannot live even for a moment.
Similarly, I was born in the mud of My past births – Kruta Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga. Past is like the mud. Present is like the water. I stand on the surface of the water (present). There is no use of My existence without the past or the present. But with both the past and the present being there, I do not allow them to affect Me. What is the reason? To be right in them but yet not allow them to influence us is the true meaning of the Lotus. Therefore, you live in the present. You live on the water of the world. But do not allow the water of the world to get into you.
Divine Discourse
11 July 1996



01-07 April 2013

What is the True Spirit of Narayan Seva
(Feeding of the Poor)?
What is the true spirit of Narayan Seva-2.37-1975 November 21

 

What is the true spirit of Narayan Seva?

When you have so much enthusiasm (to serve), I too feel enthusiastic to give you a small piece of advice. You may not have the strength to procure 10 or 20 sares (a measure of grain) of rice at one point of time, so as to get it cooked for feeding the poor; or conditions may not be very favourable for you (financially).

The word you utter is “Daridra Narayana Seva” (service to God in the form of the poor). Who is Narayana? He is the very form of God. You offer every day, in your worship room, some Naivedyam (offering), to God. Instead of doing this, before you cook or your wife cooks at home, every day, take one handful of rice or any other grain and keep it aside as alms for Swami. In a week this will accumulate into a considerable amount. Then, once a week, all Sai devotees can get together and use this for feeding the poor. This is the right approach to Narayan Seva (You must have the feeling that you are putting this grain aside for the sake of Swami). There is nobody poor in this world; Swami is truly the poorest person. Make an effort to offer alms to (the poor in the form of) Swami Himself.          
Divine Discourse
21 November 1975
 


25-31 March 2013
Why should we clap while singing Bhajans?
Why should we clap while singing Bhajans-0.43-1996 July 06

Why should we clap while singing Bhajans?

Symbolically, we are sitting below the tree of love. All bad qualities in the form of birds are perched on this tree. What do you do to drive away birds sitting on a tree? You need to sit under the tree and clap loudly to drive away the birds. In the same way to drive away the birds of bad qualities on the tree of love, we need to clap loudly and sing Bhajans – chanting Rama, Krishna, Govinda and Narayana.

Divine Discourse
06 July 1996

 

18-24 March 2013
Why do we always chant Shanti (Peace) three times?
Why do we chant Shanti three times-0.44-2000 January 01
Why do chant Shanti three times?

Why do we chant three times – Shanti, Shanti, Shanti?

Shaareerika Shanti (Physical peace), Maanasika Shanti (Mental peace) and Atma Shanti (Peace of the Soul).
That is why, you are not one person but three –
The one you think you are – Physical body;
The one others think you are – Mental body;
The one you really are – Atma.
We need peace for all these three levels. Not just for these three levels, even for three thousand, or three crores or thirty crores; the solution for all is Love alone.  
 
Divine Discourse
01 January 2000




11-16 March 2013
Who is a true Sadhaka?
Who is a true Sadhaka-3.17-1975 November 21
Who is a true Sadhaka?

The true Sadhaka (spiritual seeker) is one who seeks to establish an interdependent relationship (between oneself and God). In Western countries, many people undertake Sadhana (spiritual exercise) that keeps changing from second to second. Truly, a Sadhaka must have an (Chalinchani manasu) unwavering mind and a vision free from delusion (Brahminchani drushti). But today you have one Guru, tomorrow you have another Guru and the day after tomorrow, yet another Guru. A Guru for 3 days, a Guru for 4 days; is the Guru a bushcoat to be changed everyday?  

The one who has missed his Guri (goal) is the one who keeps changing the Guru (Master). Truly, the one who has a single goal, will stick on to just that goal, that target, throughout one’s life. How much ever difficulty, loss, pain, criticism or tough challenges they may face, they will never change their goal. Such people are true Sadhakas and ideal devotees.

When one has happiness, joy and profit; one hangs some 10 photos of Swami on the wall. When there is difficulty, when one’s desire is not fulfilled, or when there is loss, even the photos that are hanging are turned (in the) reverse (direction). Is this the characteristic of devotion? It is only the characteristic of bad quality and not of good feelings. It is necessary to recognize this. This is only Guna Jeevitam (life based on our Gunas) and not Manas Jeevitam (life based on a pure mind). If we entertain such feelings, we will never get salvation at any point of time. The one who desires salvation must be ready to bear any type of difficulty.    

Divine Discourse
21 November 1975

   

Posted by ssschv-wp-admin in HismessageHisvoice, 2 comments
23
Feb
2013

Value Heroes

 

Bhagawan Baba, in all His Discourses throughout His earthly sojourn, has propagated and stressed on the practice of the five fundamental Human Values as the basis of all worldly and spiritual pursuits. These are Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Divine Love) and Ahimsa (Non-violence). These fundamental Human Values manifest themselves in our life through a number of instrumental values. Understanding each one of these Human Values demands tremendous effort, time, experience and maturity.
As Bhagawan Baba says, life is the best teacher and nature is the best preacher. As we move along the journey of our life, these values unfold their true meaning and purport to us, provided we make a serious and sincere attempt to understand, appreciate and above all, put them into practice in our day to day life. However, an easier way of understanding and appreciating their meaning is to study the lives of great heroes / heroines who have actually lived and demonstrated these values in their lives. This posting is an attempt in that direction. There are many such great personalities embodying these Human Values spread across the length and breadth of our globe. However, the focus in this posting, which is just a sample, is on the rich and sacred epics and texts of the East. In Bharath, the name that goes synonymously with Sathya (Truth) is King Harischandra, popularly known as Sathya Harischandra. Yudhisthira, the eldest brother among the Pandavas was verily called Dharmaja, because of his strict adherence to Dharma (righteousness) in life. Shanti or forbearance was embodied by Draupadi, the consort of the Pandavas. Bhagawan narrates a possibly less known anecdote in the life of Draupadi, where she has demonstrated the forbearance of the highest order, an ideal for all people to follow. Ahimsa was verily the life-breath of Lord Buddha and the very centre-point of his message to humanity. Finally, Love crystallized in a human form and walking on two feet is none other than our beloved Bhagawan Baba. The five audio extracts in this posting have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan in the years 1984, 1996 and 2000. There is one extract from a Discourse delivered in the year 1966, for which the audio version is not available.
Clip-1 focuses on the value of Truth, through the example of the life of Sathya Harischandra. In Clip-2 Bhagawan narrates a unique episode from the life of the Pandavas, wherein Dharmaja manifests equanimity of a high order and at the same time fulfils all his duties as per his Dharma. In Clip-3 Bhagawan highlights a very special episode in the life of Draupadi that sets an example of the quality of peace in the form of forbearance, for the entire world to emulate. As it would be apt to end the posting with Bhagawan’s life story, we cover Non-violence first and then Love. Clip-4 focuses on Non-violence and narrates a wonderful story from the life of Lord Buddha that is pregnant with profound wisdom and insights. Finally, Clip-5 presents one of those many episodes in the life of Bhagawan Baba, where He has showered His immense Love and Grace on His devotees.  
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.

The Five Fundamental Human Values

 

01-Always Speak the Truth-1.36-1996 July 13
Sathya Harischandra – The King of Truth
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Rama is the very embodiment of Truth. But we utter all lies. We perform the Satyanarayana Vratam once a year; that is all. That is not right. Satatam Satyam. We must speak the truth always. Sarvada Sarvakaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam. We must think of God always, at all times and everywhere. We must at least make an effort to speak the truth. But we are not doing that. The moment we open our mouth, it is lies. Whatever we say, it is lies. It is not even possible to know what the truth is.

Therefore students, do not give up truth under any circumstances, even if it comes to losing your very life. It is truth that will be with you, around you, front of you, behind you and will protect you like the eyelid of the eye. This is how Harischandra got transformed into Sathya Harischandra. He was challenged with so many difficulties and pains. He sold his wife and children; he sacrificed his kingdom, and finally became a cemetery worker. But he did not get shaken and he never gave up the truth. Finally, God Himself had to submit to him. God manifested before him, gave him back everything that he had lost and honoured him with the tile “Sathya Harischandra”.

02-Equanimity of Dharmaraja-Adherence to Dharma-3.45-2000 November 14
Dharmaja – The embodiment of Dharma
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Forty-two years after the (Kurukshetra) war, Arjuna was returning from Dwaraka. In what situation was he returning? The entire clan of Yadavas was embroiled in squabble, as a result of which Krishna had left His mortal coil, and Balarama and the Yadavas all perished. Knowing that Arjuna is coming, Kunti got up and sat down. No one has ever suffered as much as the Pandavas did. Since they experienced so many difficulties, they were able to stay so close to God. Kunti got up and awaited the arrival of Arjuna. Dharmaja went forward and received Arjuna. He asked, “Arjuna, how is our Krishna? Our friend, our brother-in-law, our relative; how is He?” Arjuna could not utter any words. “Krishna is no more!”, saying so, Arjuna collapsed. Hearing this news, Dharmaja went to his mother and said, “Mother, Krishna has passed away”. “Did Krishna pass away? Did Krishna pass away?”, she uttered thus thrice and gave up her life. The body (of Kunti) that gave up its life, fell on the lap of Dharmaja.

Holding mother Kunti who fell into his lap, Dharmaja was enquiring, “Mother, as Krishna has gone away, have you also gone to find Him? It appears to me that you have gone in search of Him. What for this life without Krishna? So long we have lived with Krishna, we have experienced Him, we have been victorious; we have been able to achieve all this only because of the help of Krishna”. Saying so, he called Bhima and Arjuna. He also called for Nakula and Sahadeva. He told Nakula and Sahadeva, “Start making preparations for our onward journey”. He called Bhima and told him, “Make preparations at the cemetery for the final rites of Mother (Kunti)”. He called Arjuna and asked him to organize the coronation of the young one (his grandson Parikshit).
How strange is this? On one side is the death of Kunti Devi, and she was being taken to the crematorium. On the other hand, arrangements were being made (for the Pandavas) to proceed to the forest. Yet, on the other hand, all were getting ready to coronate the young one (Parikshit). All these three events happened on the same day. Who can do this? No one can do this. Only devotees who have earned the Grace of God can accomplish such a task. Dharmaja alone could perform such a sacred task.

03-Forbearance of Mother Draupadi-An ideal for all-3.35-2000 May 19
Draupadi protects Aswathama – Epitome of Forbearance
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After the gruesome murder of the Upa-Pandavas (children of the Pandavas), Arjuna tracked Aswathama (the perpetrator of the atrocity) and dragged him (before Draupadi). Draupadi, the consort of the Pandavas, fell at the feet of the wicked Aswathama and enquired:

These children were at home
And did not enter the battlefield;
Nor did they hunt and kill;
They were just tiny tots,
Devoid of all ill feelings.
Why then did you cruelly strike them,
And in the darkness of night slaughter them?
They were the children of Dronacharya’s disciples,
That very same Drona,
Who was also your father and guru.
Can you truthfully declare,
That what you did was right?
(Telugu poem)
Bhima could not bear to see what Draupadi was doing. (Exploding in anger) Bhima roared:
Here is this demon,
Who has slaughtered our children,
And this foolish woman,
Is trying to reason with him!
Should the murderer be spared,
Or dealt with as he deserves?
If no one is willing to punish him,
I shall with bare hands,
Crush him to pulp!
(Telugu poem)
Consumed by fury, most of the Pandavas were about to jump on Aswathama. Draupadi raised her hand and said, “Stop, you should not kill such a person.”
O Phalguna (Arjuna)! It is wrong to kill
One who is afraid,
One whom courage has abandoned,
One who is asleep,
One who is intoxicated,
One who seeks refuge,
And finally, a woman.
(Telugu poem)
“You should not kill Aswathama, for he is your preceptor’s son. Just shave his head as a token punishment and set him free.” This is how Draupadi reacted to the situation; she did not show the slightest anger towards the one who mercilessly wiped out all her children.

04-Non-violence-Buddha refuses to react-6.02-1984 September 06
Lord Buddha – Personification of  Non-violence
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Once upon a time Buddha set out to seek alms. He neared the village that he was supposed to go to. All the residents of that village had great faith in Buddha. However, as he reached close to the village, some rowdies (ruffians), taking to the wrong path, started abusing him in all ways. Instead of travelling further, Buddha sat there on a rock. He asked (the ruffians), “Children, what is the pleasure that you get in abusing me?” Not giving any reply to him, they started abusing him in a more heinous manner. Buddha sat there stating that they could abuse him as long as they wanted.

They got exhausted by abusing him continuously and finally they were preparing to leave the place. As they were about to leave the place, Buddha addressed them thus, “Children, in the village that is nearby, all the people love me very much. If you would have behaved like this after I reached that village, they would have cut you down to pieces. Therefore, to make you escape that danger and to give you an opportunity to abuse me as long as you want, I sat here all this while”.
In order to make others happy, we have to put in lot of effort and spend lot of money. But today, it is so comforting to me that without spending even a naya paisa (a former monetary unit of India, the 100th part of a rupee) and without putting in any effort, I have been able to give so much happiness to so many of you. If you are so happy to abuse me, then am I not responsible for (giving you) that happiness? I have to satisfy you somehow. Therefore, I am happy that I have satisfied you.
To make others happy, there are many who build choultries, dig wells and perform several other tasks to help others. But without putting in any such effort, in this unique way, I have been able to make you wicked people so happy. This amounts to accomplishment of such a great task by me.
Buddha taught them one more lesson in a manner that made a great impact on their heart. Children, (let us say) a beggar comes to your house. He asks for alms – Bhavati Bhikshaandehi. You get some alms. But it is not the alms sought by the beggar. You have brought some other alms. The beggar asks, “What would you do if I do not accept the alms?” Your reply would be, “If you do not take the alms, I will take it back with me. It will belong to me only”.
In the same way, you all made an attempt to offer me the alms of abuses. I did not accept that. Then, whom will these alms reach? Redirect – it will reach back to you only. Therefore, you all are abusing yourselves and not me. If we post a registered letter to a friend, and if the friend does not accept the registered post, what would happen to that cover in the post office? It will be redirected and will reach the person who has sent it. In the same manner, if you have abused somebody, or if you have criticized somebody, and if they do not care about it, it will all get redirected to you only. Therefore, hatred and jealousy actually hurt you only. To think that it causes harm to others amounts to mean satisfaction.

04-A-Non-violence-Buddha refuses to react-1966 February 02 (No Audio File)
A Naasthika (atheist) came near Buddha and challenged him in violent language, abusing him, casting aspersions on him and his associates, exhibiting foul manners of the most reprehensible kind. Buddha listened to him but did not react at all. The poor fellow’s tongue got exhausted and he became mad with anger. He went out of the presence, in great huff. When asked the reasons why he did not speak a word in reply, the Buddha said, “When someone comes to your door with the intention to be your guest, the slightest indication that you have become aware of his coming, a word like “Hello” or “when did you come?” is enough to make him settle down in the house. But, if you do not notice him or react to his talk, he will return without much ado.”
Many of you are pained by the calumny that some papers are indulging in, regarding Me. Many are urging that something should be done about it. But, I am holding every one back, for that is the best way to deal with both praise and blame. The ocean knows no overflowing or drying up. It is ever full, ever majestic, ever unconcerned.
05-Love of Swami is that of a Thousand Mothers-4.44-1996 July 04
Embodiment of Love!

A small example. Though I do not want to remind you about this, but even a small boy, having given a promise to Swami, has been keeping up his promise to this day. The boy who spoke first, hails from Simla. I am seeing that boy now. He was so young ten years back. He was studying in Primary School. This and the other boy are brothers.

From Himachal Pradesh, the mother (of these children) was brought on a stretcher. They brought her to Brindavan. I took these two boys close to me and told the mother, “These are My children. You do not need to have any more anxiety. Do not worry about your children”. The mother also promised Swami, “Here take my children, O Sai Maata, I am offering them to you”. She handed over the sons and gave up her life. I brought these children here, from Brindavan. Then, they were very young. The boy said, “Mother Sai is my true mother. It is not that (physical) mother, but it is this mother who is most important to me”. The father also made a similar promise. Since then, both these children in Prasanthi Nilayam have not shed a single drop of tear. The tender hearts know pretty well the power of the promise given. Once a promise is given and upheld, there will be no sorrow in life. That is surrender. Mother died. The father too does not come here frequently. He has left them as Swami is taking care of them.
Every morning and evening, I am watching them, talking to them and enquiring about their well-being. The tender hearts have such total faith. Today, that boy spoke about faith so well. His heart is full of such faith. They have never experienced the pain of the absence of their (physical) mother. 
One day, saying that he is missing his mother, the Warden brought the boy to Me, from the Primary School. She said, “Swami he is not eating any food. He is crying”. At that time, the boy was five years old. He was studying in first standard. I called him, made him very happy, took him to the interview room, gave him a ring, pampered him in so many ways and made him forget his sorrow. From that day onwards he is always smiling and smiling.
Thus the hearts of the children are so sacred. The elders today are not able to recognize that sacred love. Love is so sacred. It gives you all the courage and valour. Would these children have survived had it been any other place? No! Because they were with Swami, they could live so well. Swami takes care with the love of a thousand mothers!

 

Value Heroes

 

A Short Quiz
01-What is the Sanskrit verse that advises us to think of God always, at all times and everywhere?
02-What were the three entirely independent events that Dharmaja was able to initiate and handle at the same time, with total equanimity?
03-In this age of multitasking, can the three tasks handled by Dharmaja in parallel, be considered as a great challenge? If yes, why?
04-What are the questions raised by Draupadi that testify the unjustified killing of the Upa-pandavas?
05-Draupadi with all her forbearance and wisdom prevents the Pandavas from killing Aswathama. She points out six situations wherein it is not justified to kill a person. What are these six situations?
06-Finally what are two reasons Draupadi states to ensure that the Pandavas do not kill Aswathama, the murderer of their children?
07-Evetually, does Draupadi let Aswathama go scott free?
08-Why does Buddha feel so happy in allowing the wicked people to abuse him continuously?
09-What is the reason that Buddha gives for sitting on the outskirts of the village so long, allowing the wicked people to abuse him?
10-What is the analogy of the beggar and the alms that Buddha gives to explain to the wicked people, as to why he did not react to their abuses?
11-What is the analogy of the guest that Buddha gives to explain to the wicked people, as to why he did not react to their abuses?
12-Bhagawan says that the tender hearts know the power of the promise given. What are three vows or promises that Bhagawan has given mankind as the Avataar of this age?
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