Embodiments of Love!

Time is infinite and you are undergoing varied experiences. These experiences are momentary. At times you may lose money, but you don't need to be worried about it for you can earn it again. You come across many friends, but none of them is permanent. You lose some and gain some. At some stage in life, people get married and enter Grihasthashrama (householdership). But neither the husband nor the wife is permanent. If the wife passes away, man can marry again to carry on with his life. Similarly, if you lose your piece of land, you can buy another. But once the body is lost, it is lost for ever. So, while you are alive in this body, you should experience happiness at worldly and spiritual levels. Man acquires wealth and property, experiences pleasure and pain through this body. What is the cause for all this? Dhaneshana, Dhareshana and Putreshana (desire for wealth, wife and progeny). This Ishanatraya (triple desire) is responsible for man's happiness and misery.

Kings in the past acquired wealth and property. They could not retain them for ever. Wealth is not permanent. It can never redeem man. Wealth can never confer permanent happiness. Spiritual wealth is the true wealth. Man is not able to enjoy true happiness due to his greed for money. Yet man craves for money. No doubt, money is necessary, but it should be under certain limits. The second is Dhareshana. One may have wife and children, wealth and property and enjoy family life for some time. But such happiness is not true and eternal. It is foolish to think that one can remain happy for ever in family life. The third is Putreshana. Man wants to have a son thinking that he would bestow happiness on him. There is nothing wrong in aspiring to have a son, but that happiness will also be temporary. King Dhritarashtra had many sons, but did he enjoy happiness through his sons? No. He in fact, had to undergo a lot of suffering and was put to disrepute because of his sons.

It is a mistake to think that the one with sons will enjoy happiness and the one without a son will suffer. It is but an illusion to think that wealth, wife and children will give happiness. In fact, Dhaneshana, Dhareshana and Putreshana are binding man and subjecting him to suffering. What is the use of having many sons who are wicked? It is enough if you have at least one son who is noble and ideal.

Take the Ramayana for instance. According to the Telugu calendar, this is the month of Chaitra. This is the month that witnessed the advent of Lord Rama. He was born on the Chaitra Suddha Navami day. This month of Chaitra is most wonderful. The same can be said of the stories of the Lord.

Among the three wives of Dasaratha, not much has been said about the second wife Sumitra anywhere in history. Kausalya attained good reputation because of her son Rama. Her name figures first in the Suprabhatam, which begins with the words - "Kausalya Supraja Rama …" (Oh! The noble son of mother Kausalya …) Kaikeyi desired that her son Bharata should be made the crown prince, but Sumitra had absolutely no desire whatsoever. Sumitra was the epitome of all virtues. She was Mitha Bhashi and Hitha Bhashi (one who talks less and in a pleasing manner). Her behaviour was in consonance with her name Su-mitra (good friend). She had two sons, Lakshmana and Satrughna. There was no way that either of them could become the crown prince. Yet Sumitra was not worried. She demonstrated the ideal of service to the rest of the world. "When Lord Rama becomes the king, my first son Lakshmana should dedicate himself to His service." This was her desire. Likewise, she wanted her second son Satrughna to be in service of Bharata. The servant is always by the side of the master. That is why Lakshmana followed Lord Rama and Satrughna was always in the company of Bharata. She understood the sacredness of service and exhorted her sons to follow the same path. When you carefully go through the sacred story of Lord Rama, you will be able to understand and appreciate the noble and ideal feelings of mother Sumitra.

When Lord Rama was leaving for the forest, mother Kausalya was inconsolable. It was only Sumitra who did not shed a tear. She tried to pacify Kausalya and instil courage in her saying, "Dear sister, my son Lakshmana would accompany Rama to the forest to look after His needs. He will make sure that Rama is put to no inconvenience under any circumstances. Just as an eyelid protects the eye, Lakshmana will constantly engage himself in the service of Rama. You don't need to be worried about Rama's safety and security." She willingly sent her son to the forest along with Rama. Will any mother act in such a courageous and selfless manner? As per the boons granted by Dasaratha to Kaikeyi, only Rama was supposed to go in exile. It was not obligatory for Lakshmana to accompany Him. Sumitra could have argued in this manner and prevented Lakshmana from going to the forest. But Sumitra did not raise any objection whatsoever. "Lakshmana is born only to serve Lord Rama. He is an instrument in Rama's hands. So, Rama is taking His instrument with Him. Who am I to send Lakshmana with Him and who is Lakshmana to decide about his going with Rama? Rama has every right to take Lakshmana with Him." This was her feeling. She blessed her son Lakshmana and said, "My dear, take proper care of Sita and Rama."

When Bharata was proceeding to his uncle's kingdom of Kekaya, Satrughna had no information whether to stay back or follow. Yet, Satrughna got ready to accompany Bharata as he knew it was his duty to serve him. In the history of Bharat, there are many noble mothers like Sumitra who encouraged their sons to take to the path of service.

For Sita, Rama was her life. She could not bear separation from Him even for a minute. So, she begged to be allowed to accompany Rama to the forest. As in the case of Sumitra, the name of Urmila, Lakshmana's wife, does not find a place of prominence in the Ramayana. Both Sumitra and Urmila were highly sacred. They lead a life of sacrifice. She was a very good painter. She used to spend most of her time in painting. She was not aware that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana were going on exile. At that time, she was painting a beautiful picture with the paint pot by her side. Lakshmana went to her and called her by her name in a raised voice. She was afraid and at once stood up, in the process the paint accidentally spilled over the picture she was painting. She felt sad that the picture was spoiled. Lakshmana asked her as to what she was painting. Urmila replied, "I am painting the picture of Sita Rama's coronation as it is going to take place. I want to send this picture to my father Janaka. The whole world will enjoy seeing this beautiful picture."

Lakshmana was dejected and told her about the events that took place. He said, "The coronation of Sita Rama is cancelled because of Kaikeyi and the picture you are painting is spoiled because of me." He told that he was accompanying Rama to the forest. Will any lady keep quiet when she comes to know that her husband is going to the forest for 14 years? She would ask many questions - "Why should you follow him? You are under no obligation to go to forest. Only Rama is ordered to go. So, you need not go with him." Any ordinary lady would have argued in this manner. But Urmila did not raise any objection. In fact, she was very happy that her husband got an opportunity to serve Sita and Rama. She said, "You are very lucky to have got this great opportunity. Please follow them without wasting a minute." Lakshmana told her, "You will not be able to see Sita and Rama for the next 14 years. So, go to the residence of Sita at once and take her blessings." But Urmila did not move from there. On the other hand, she hurried him to go with Sita and Rama, saying, "I don't want to come in the way of your going with Sita and Rama. Please do not waste even a minute. Go with them at once and be in their service."

Before going, she wanted Lakshmana to give her a promise. She said, "You are going to live in the forest without me for fourteen years. It is possible that you would think of me and mention my name at some time or the other. So, I want you to promise that you would not think of me or mention my name at any point of time. Contemplate constantly on the Divine Names of Sita and Rama and serve them with all sincerity and devotion. If I accompany you to the forest, you may not be able to devote your entire time to their service. I will stay back so as not to become an impediment in your way." Hearing the words of Urmila, Lakshmana was surprised and elated. "Can one find such a noble and devoted wife anywhere else", he exclaimed to himself. He took leave of her and left the place immediately.

In this land of Bharat, there are many noble mothers like Sumitra and virtuous wives like Urmila. Since ancient times, Bharat has attained great reputation because of such noble women. In the northern side of Bharat, we have the Himalayan mountains as the boundary. This land is sanctified by the perennial rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. These three symbolise the triad of Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya (devotion, wisdom and renunciation). Not merely this, the great epics of this land, the Ramayana, the Bhagavata and the Mahabharata shine as beacons illumining the path of man. They teach how man should mould his life into an ideal one. This land is the birthplace of sacred scriptures like the Bhagavadgita which gave the message of unity to mankind. This land has given birth to noble souls like Buddha who propagated the message of non-violence. He taught Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaha (non-violence is the highest Dharma). The syllable 'Bha' stands for light, radiance and effulgence. So, Bharatiyas are those who aspire for light and divine effulgence. Hence, you should live up to your reputation as Bharatiyas by making your lives sacred and attain divinity. When you make an enquiry into the sacred history of Bharat, you will know that since ancient times this country has propagated the sacred message of divinity and conferred peace and security on the other nations.

There are many incidents which speak of the nobility of Sumitra and Urmila that are not mentioned in the epic Ramayana. When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, in order to revive him, Hanuman had to bring the Sanjivani herbs from a mountain. As he was unable to locate the required herbs, he lifted the entire mountain and was on his way back to the battlefield. He had to fly over the Nandigrama en route. Bharata mistook him for a demon and shot an arrow at him. Hanuman fell down along with the mountain. He offered his salutations to Bharata and explained to him the situation in the battlefield, and the purpose of his carrying the Sanjivani mountain. Bharata was happy to note that Lakshmana would be revived. Immediately, he sent word for his mothers and all his subjects. Urmila also came over there. Everyone except Sumitra felt sad that Lakshmana had fainted in the battlefield. Even Urmila was not perturbed. She bent her head and listened to the narration of Hanuman. On hearing all this, mother Kausalya broke down. Then Sumitra consoled her saying, "Sister, why do you worry? No danger can ever befall on Rama. Lakshmana will take good care of him. Both my sons are born to render service to Rama. In case Lakshmana dies in the battlefield, I will send my other son Satrughna to help Rama in the battle."

Will any mother be prepared for such a sacrifice? Bharata said to Urmila, "Mother, you may be grief-stricken that your husband Lakshmana has fainted in the battlefield." In those days people used to address women as mother. Urmila replied, "I am not at all worried about this for my husband is with Lord Rama Himself. In fact, every cell of his body is filled with the Divine Name of Rama. Hence, I am sure that nothing untoward can happen to him." Then Hanuman told her, "Mother, none can say for sure that your husband will be revived. It is a very difficult situation. Rama loves Lakshmana most dearly. He considers him as His very life. Hence, Rama is grief-stricken." Hearing this Urmila laughed and said, "Hanuman, no one in this world can understand the Divinity of Rama and the nature of my husband. Rama is verily the Paramatma. There is no question of his worrying at all. All this is His Divine play. Even my husband Lakshmana has no worries at all. Perhaps he might have been hurt a little by the arrows shot at him by Ravana and his sons. As every cell of his body is filled with the Divine Name of Rama, there is absolutely no danger to his life. In fact, he has not fainted; he is enjoying a good and peaceful sleep." None can understand the bond of sacred love that existed between Rama and Lakshmana. When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, Rama lamented, saying, "If I were to search in the world, I may get another wife like Sita, but not a brother like Lakshmana".

In the Ramayana, not much has been said about the greatness of Lakshmana and Satrughna. As this world is physical in nature, people give importance only to physical aspects. They talk only about Sita and Rama, but do not bother to note the sacrifices made by Lakshmana, Satrughna and their wives.

Urmila told Hanuman to proceed without further delay as Rama and others would be waiting for his return. She said, "I am the daughter of the King Janaka, the daughter-in-law of the King Dasaratha and the wife of Lakshmana. As these three are men of truth and righteousness, no danger can ever befall on my husband." Her resolve was such that she remained in the same place where she was when her husband Lakshmana left for the forest. She had told Lakshmana that she would remain in the same place till his return from the forest. She spent all her time in painting. Even Sumitra was worried a bit, but Urmila was unperturbed. The nature of Urmila was pure, unsullied and totally selfless. But to this day, Bharatiyas have not known the nobility of Sumitra and Urmila. Mother Sumitra had no ambition that her sons should occupy positions of authority. She wanted them to follow the path of service.

It is not enough if you think of Rama and Sita. You should also remember the great ideals demonstrated by Lakshmana and Urmila. The four brothers - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna are like the four Vedas. Once Sage Vasishta said that the four Vedas assumed the forms of these four brothers and played in the house of King Dasaratha.

What you have to realise or understand today is that the Lord can never be put to any danger. He enacts a divine drama in order to set an ideal to the world. Only those whose heart is pure can understand His ways. Urmila alone could understand the sacred heart of Lakshmana. Only mother Sumitra knew the greatness of her sons Lakshmana and Satrughna. It is but natural that the mother understands the nature of her sons. This sacred land of Bharat has given to the world the most precious gems in the form of ideal mothers and ideal wives. Many more wonderful and mysterious events took place, but they are not revealed in the Ramayana.

Today you are celebrating the commencement of the New Year. But, in fact you should treat every second as the beginning of a New Year. Many people are worried as to what changes would the New Year bring in the social, political and economic fields. But no changes will take place. Any change if it were to take place will not wait for the arrival of the New Year. In fact, many changes are taking place from moment to moment. You may wonder as to what are the big changes that would take place in this New Year. Whatever happened in the previous year would take place this year also. One need not be concerned about these things. You should be concerned that there is no transformation in your heart though years are rolling by. You have to get rid of evil tendencies in your thoughts, words and deeds. You should celebrate the arrival of New Year with noble and divine feelings. You should experience bliss by visualising the non-apparent Atmic Principle in this apparent world.

Embodiments of Love!

No individual or wealth can confer eternal bliss on you. Bliss originates from your heart. So, turn your vision inward. Antarbahischa Tatsarvam Vyapya Narayana Sthita (That all-pervasive God is present within and without). When you develop inner vision, you will automatically experience the eternal bliss. Man is Ananda Pipasi (one who aspires to attain bliss). He need not go in search of bliss. It is in him and with him. Happiness is not related to the body.

How can such a body give you the eternal happiness? Only the Lotus Feet of the Lord can grant you true happiness. There is no devotion and sense of surrender among the Bharatiyas today. People are deluded by the worldly, physical and ephemeral things. Are they able to derive any happiness out of these? Nothing whatsoever. It is all a mere puppet show. "All that you witness in this world is nothing but a puppet show. One is a king and one is a pauper. Is this not all what you witness? Can anybody deny this? This is the trend that prevails in the world." The darkness of ignorance is the root cause for the delusion. How can you understand the Sathvic (pious) principle when you are immersed in Thamo Guna (ignorance)?

Embodiments of Love!

To be born in Bharat is in itself your good fortune. To live here is a greater fortune. You should take pride in the fact that you are the children of Bharat. If someone were to ask you your qualification, you should proudly say, you are a Bharatiya. This is in itself a great qualification. There is a sacred inner meaning in this word Bharatiya. But you are not making efforts to understand this.

Oh! the children of Bharat! Lead your lives in an exemplary manner and radiate peace and happiness to the rest of the world. Since ancient times, many Bharatiyas made their lives ideal to the rest of the world, experienced happiness and shared it with others. Why are you forgetting such ideals?

Embodiments of Love!

You should never forget the sacred history of Bharat. Don't brush it aside saying it is rather old. It is not easy to understand the subtle principles contained in our history. You might have gone through the Ramayana many times, but have you understood the nobility of Sumitra and sacredness of Urmila? No. Urmila was Janaka's own daughter and Sita was found when he was ploughing the field. So, Sita can be called his foster daughter, whereas Urmila was his own daughter. So, he had decided to give Sita and Urmila in marriage to Rama, Lakshmana respectively. Sita was the embodiment of Shakti (energy). What type of Shakti was it? Sita being the daughter of mother earth, was full of magnetic power. Rama, being Divine, was the very personification of magnetic power. Hence, Sita was married to Rama. Urmila was wedded to Lakshmana. Who was Lakshmana? He was Adhisesha himself, who bears the weight of mother earth. Urmila was one of noble qualities. She was such a great painter that she could draw anything in no time.

Today people remember the names of Kaikeyi and Manthara but not the name of Urmila who demonstrated sacred ideals. She remained in the same room where she was when he left for the forest, for fourteen long years, till he returned. She never had any worldly desires. I may reveal certain things, but not all can understand them. Sita wore a yellow colour Sari for coronation. She spent all the fourteen years in the forest wearing the same Sari. The same was the case with Urmila. She wore the same Sari till Lakshmana returned. Being the daughters of King Janaka, they had no body attachment. That is why they were known as Vaidehis. King Janaka was known as Videha, one without body attachment. When you enquire deeply, you will know that there are many hidden secrets in the Ramayana. But the Bharatiyas themselves are not making any effort to understand them. Once a person, after listening to many discourses on the Ramayana, was asked to tell the name of Rama's consort. He replied, "Mrs. Rama", as he did not remember her name. Such is the sorry state of affairs. Bharatiyas are leading a life of ignorance. They are ignoring our ancient culture and are being carried away by modernism.

We have only one friend, and He is God. There is only one sacred text and that is the ancient history of India. You have to study this sacred text, and do not spoil your mind by reading meaningless novels. He who has purified his heart alone can inculcate sacred feelings.

Embodiments of Love!

From this New Year Day onwards, contemplate on the sacred ideals demonstrated by the men and women of the Ramayana and follow in their footsteps. You should attain happiness and share it with others. Uphold the good reputation of Bharat. Develop the feeling of nationality. Never forget your motherland. If someone were to ask you as to who you are, you need not say, I am Ramayya, Krishnayya, etc. You should proudly proclaim that you are a Bharatiya. Ramayya, Krishnayya are Pettinna Perlu (names given to the body), whereas Bharatiya is your Puttina Peru (the name you have acquired by birth). Who is a Bharatiya? 'Bha-rathi'. 'Bha' means effulgence, light and divinity. Hence, Bharatiya is one who has intense love for God.

Bharat is the centre of peace and security. That which is not present in Bharat is not present anywhere else in the world. No other country has attained such noble reputation as Bharat. The glory of this country has to be upheld. Follow the teachings of the Ramayana and make your lives sacred. This sacred epic has a great message to convey. Many histories could not stand the test of time, but the Ramayana, though thousands of years have passed, continues to remain ever fresh in the minds of people. The name Rama was given by Sage Vasishta. When you utter the word 'Ram', you first open the mouth with the sound 'Ra'. All your wicked qualities go out when your mouth is open. When you utter 'M' by closing the mouth, the entry is barred against wicked qualities that have gone out. This is the inner meaning of chanting the Name of Rama.
On this New Year Day, you have learnt many new things. Sanctify your lives by putting into practice whatever you have learnt.

[Bhagavan sang the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina " and continued His Discourse].

Embodiments of Love!

Yesterday happened to be the Telugu New Year Day, Ugadi. Today we are celebrating Tamil New Year Day and also the Malayalam New Year Day, Vishu. Names are different but the inner significance is one and the same. Celebration of a festival does not merely mean getting up early in the morning, having a sacred bath, wearing new clothes, partaking of sweet dishes, etc. When you understand their inner significance, you would have celebrated the festivals in their true sense.

What is the meaning of the name Puttaparthi? Parthi means effulgence. So, Puttaparthi is the place of effulgence. It is the beacon light. Earlier it was called Puttavardhini. Putta means anthill. There used to be anthills and snakes all around. The Ramayana also has emerged out of anthills in the sense that its composer Sage Valmiki was born in an anthill. He was completely covered by anthills and snakes were moving in and out of them. In your heart which can be compared to a anthill, there are many snakes of wicked qualities. When you do Namasmarana (singing of the Divine Name), all the 'snakes' will come out. Namasmarana is like Nadasvaram which attracts snakes and brings them out of anthills. This Nadasvaram is your Jeevanasvaram and Pranasvaram (life and breath).

One has to repeat God's Name in order to get rid of evil qualities. Today there are many who do not attach any importance to Namasmarana. It is a great mistake.

Singing the glory of the Lord is highly sacred. Today the country is facing a lot of problems as people are not doing Namasmarana. Let each and every street reverberate with His Divine glory. Let each and every cell of your body be filled with His Divine Name. Nothing else can give you the bliss, courage and strength that you derive from Namasmarana. Let anybody make fun of you. Do not bother about it. People may say, "He is an I.A.S. officer. How is it that he is also doing Namasmarana?" Whoever has a heart has the right to do Namasmarana. Heart is the same in everyone. What is wrong if an I.A.S. officer does Namasmarana? Be he young or old, rich or poor … everybody has to do Namasmarana. Only fools make fun of people doing Namasmarana.

If someone were to ask you, "What, you too have become a devotee! You are also doing Namasmarana!" You should say, "Yes, I am a devotee of the Lord. I am not such a 'big' person as not to repeat God's Name. Not only me, you, your father, your grandfather, your great grandfather … will have to repeat God's Name. What is the use of being born as a human being if you do not think of God?" The other man may say that he does not believe in God. "If you do not have faith, that is your fate. But I have faith and I will do Namasmarana. God may not exist for you. But He exists for me. Who are you to deny the existence of God? What right do you have to question my faith?" When you do Namasmarana with such courage and conviction, you are bound to meet with success in all your endeavours. Do not be afraid of anyone. Sing the glory of God wholeheartedly without any inhibition. Only then you can experience the Divine bliss. Begin this sacred Namasmarana right from this moment on this New Year Day. You do not need to have musical instruments for this. It is enough if it originates from the core of your heart. Take care that your mind is not polluted with evil thoughts. Your mind is like a Veena. Any evil thought will produce Apasvaras (discordant notes). So, fill your mind with noble thoughts and sing His glory. Only then will you become the recipient of Divine grace and energy. Once the Gopikas prayed to Krishna thus:

"Oh Krishna, please sing for us with all the sweetness and melody. Talk to us and fill our hearts with joy. Take the essence of the Vedas, transform it into Divine melody, fill it in your divine flute and let it flow out in the form of a melodious song… Oh Krishna, please sing for us…"

Listening to the sweet song of Krishna, they forgot themselves in ecstasy. They forgot all the troubles they had undergone. Such is the sweetness of divine music.

Today Keralites are celebrating Vishu and Tamilians are celebrating their New Year day. On this auspicious occasion, I bless you all to enjoy peace, happiness and prosperity. May you sanctify your lives by leading an ideal life and giving happiness to all. May you lead a blissful life. You don't need to search for bliss outside. It is within you. From this day onwards develop your devotion and sense of surrender. Be fearless and sing the glory of the Lord wherever you are. Only then, you would have led a true human life. Having been born in this sacred land, lead your lives in a befitting manner. Very soon all the countries of the world will have to follow Bharat. Bharat should become the leader of the entire world in the field of spirituality. This is what I desire.

Our ancients worshipped Nature. It is Nature that gives us food, raiment and shelter. Not merely that, it also gives us precious metals like gold and silver. So, what is wrong in worshipping Nature? All the modes of worship that our ancients practised were highly sacred. Bhumatha (Mother Earth), Gomatha (cow), Vedamatha (the Vedas) and the Dehamatha (physical mother) are to be revered. As people have stopped worshipping God, we find chaos all over the world. People are plunged in sorrow as they have lost faith in the Self. What is the use of life without self-confidence? Worship of God alone can safeguard the nation. The country will be blessed with plenty and prosperity and people will lead a happy life once they start thinking of God. We repeat the Santhi Mantra thrice in our daily prayers. What does this mean? We should attain peace at three levels, i.e., physical, mental and spiritual. There is no peace in the external world; we find only pieces. Peace is in fact, within you. Make efforts to manifest your inner peace.

Embodiments of Love!

Spend the whole night in chanting the holy Name and spread this spiritual energy to the world at large. Who is Esvara? He is all-pervasive. Just as the wind blows freely everywhere, so also do we find the principle of Esvara pervasive. Share your love with all and propagate the Divine Name to the entire world.

[Bhagavan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi]