Whatever action you undertake, do it as an offering to God.

Make Proper Use of Your Senses

The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish one day or the other. But in such a transient body there exists the eternal divinity in the form of the Atma. The all-pervasive divinity is known as consciousness, the limited form of which exists in the body as conscience. Consciousness and conscience are the same in terms of quality, only  the quantity differs. You may collect water from an ocean in a tumbler, in a big pot and  in a tank. The water in these three differs only in quantity, the salinity is the same in all of them. The body may be compared to a pot. All-pervasive consciousness exists in it as conscience. The whole world is pervaded by consciousness. On this basis, theVedas declare,

There is no matter in this world that is not pervaded by Brahman. You are all the embodiments of Cosmic Divine. Though you see God day in and day out, you feel you haven't. It is a sign of your weakness. Have the firm faith that the body is a temple. Will anybody utilise a temple for unsacred purposes? So, make proper use of your body. There are many doors in this temple, but the doors of senses like the ears, the eyes and the mouth are very important. Do not allow any evil to enter your body through these doors

The safety and sanctity of the body lies in making proper use of the five senses. The culture of Bharat has taught nine paths of devotion to sanctify the senses. They are:

1. Sravanam (listening),
   
2. Kirtanam(singing),
   
3. Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on God),
   
4. Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet),
   
5. Vandanam (salutation),
   
6. Archanam(worship),
   
7. Dasyam(servitude),
   
8. Sneham (friendship),

Chant the name of God and perform all actions for the benefit of others.  Karmanubandheeni Manushya Loke (Man is bound by action). Your life is controlled by action. You cannot live even a moment without action. Let every action of yours be a  prayer to God. This is the true and eternal path prescribed by the Upanishads, and  contained in the prayer, "Thasmai Namah Karmane." You should offer your prayer to the God of action so that He makes you perform noble deeds that are beneficial for one and all and lead to world peace.

Recognise the Principle of Unity

Human body is meant to serve others, not to indulge in selfish deeds. As selfishness has become a part and parcel of your life, you indulge in many sinful activities. Eschew selfishness, take to selfless service. Give up attachment towards the body. Become attached to the Self. Understand that the same Self (Atma) exists in everybody. Though you find myriad bulbs glowing here, the current that is passing through them is the same. Bodies are like bulbs, the principle of the Atma is the current that is present in them. With such a feeling of oneness, make efforts to alleviate the suffering of your fellowmen.

Sage Vyasa has given the essence of 18 Puranas in the following dictum,

So, "Help ever, hurt never." There is no higher Sadhana than this. This is the basis for self-realisation of man.

Self is nothing but the principle of the Atma. There is only one Self. Hence, it is said, Ekameva Advitiyam Brahma (Brahma is One without a second). It is rather surprising that man is unable to believe this principle of unity. He has faith in what is broadcast on television and radio, but does not have faith in the Self. One without faith in the Self is verily blind. In this world nothing exists except the Atma. Everybody is the embodiment of divinity.

Likewise, whomsoever you criticise, it reaches God. So, do not criticise or hate anybody.

There are many people who undertake spiritual practices like Japa, Dhyana and Yoga. No doubt, they are sacred activities and one may undertake them. But it is very essential to recognise the principle of unity. There is only one God and He is omnipresent. Why are you not able to believe this all-pervasive Divinity? You are ready to believe those who put you on the wrong path. But you don't believe those who tell you the right path. This is the impact of Kali Age and the result of modern education. Modern education is limited only to bookish knowledge which is nothing but superficial knowledge. There is one book that you have to study and that is this world. Instead of learning lessons from this big book of the world, you are confining yourself to your small textbooks. Of what use are they? Do not be satisfied with mere bookish knowledge. Try to acquire practical knowledge. Only then will your life find fulfilment.

Embodiments of Love!

There is love in everybody. Love is God, live in love. When you have such sacred love in you, why are you unable to translate it into action?

Self-confidence is the Key to Success

There are some people who hate even their parents. It is a grave mistake.

One who cannot respect his own parents, how can he revere God? None can match the mother in imparting sacred teachings to the children. You might have heard the story of Abraham Lincoln. As he was born in a poor family, he did not have even proper clothes to wear. While going to school, his fellow students made fun of him. Lincoln could not bear the humiliation. One day he complained to his mother, crying, "Mother, my fellow students in the school make fun at my dress. They look down upon me and say that  I am not worthy of their company. His mother consoled him, saying, "Son, you are aware of our financial condition. So, don't pay heed to what others say. Uphold your self-respect. Develop self-confidence, which alone can bestow all the wealth and prosperity on you." From that day onwards, as per his mother's guidance, Lincoln grew in self-confidence, upheld his self-respect and ultimately rose to become the President of America. Though born in a poor family, Lincoln could reach such an exalted position only due to his self-confidence and self-respect. Self-respect confers grace. Do not get dejected if others subject you to criticism and ridicule. Think that whatever happens is good for you. Once you develop such equanimity, there will be none greater than you.

Fill all your Actions with Love

Embodiments of Love!

Respect and be respected. What you give to others will come back to you. You are bound to face the reflection, reaction and resound of your actions. Everything, including God-realisation, depends on your actions. Today the New Year has commenced, but it has not brought anything new with it. Today is in no way different from yesterday. If you do good now, you will reap its benefit in future. So, sanctify your actions.

The bliss that you get out of sacrifice is eternal. That alone is the true wealth, and it can  never diminish. In order to acquire such everlasting wealth, spend your time in the contemplation of God. Divinity pervades all that you see, hear and feel. Being in the constant company of such all-pervasive Divinity, why should you worry and fear? Why fear when I am here? (loud applause) Never be afraid of anything because God is in you, with you, above you, below you, around you. He follows you like shadow. Never forget Him. The atheists may talk as they please. No. God alone is your refuge wherever you are in a forest or in the sky; in a city or a village; on the hill or in the middle of deep sea. Today cities have become centres of pollution and unrest. There is pollution everywhere, as man's mind has become polluted. If mind becomes pure, everything else will become pure. So, cleanse your mind. Drive out all your worries. What is the use of brooding over the past? Past is past, forget it. Future is uncertain. What is the guarantee that you will be  alive till tomorrow? Don't worry about your future. Present is very important. This is omnipresent, not ordinary present. So, make the best use of present and be happy.

Students and Devotees!

Devotion does not merely mean reading sacred texts and undertaking rituals. You may continue to do them, but keep your heart always sacred. Whatever may happen, see that your faith does not waver. All the worldly things come and go like passing clouds. But the principle of love comes and grows. There is no God other than love. Love is your life, your friend, your relative, your food and your everything. Heart that is filled with love can never be polluted. Love is nectarine. Once you fill it in your heart, the poison of evil will have no place in it.

Embodiments of Love!

As you are not aware of the sacredness of love, you are wasting it by diverting it on worldly things. Love is the greatest wealth and treasure. Let the whole world be filled with love. Love alone can safeguard the country and make it prosperous. Let every action of yours be filled with love. Love begets sacred rewards. So,

[Bhagavan concluded with this beautiful Bhajan.]