The Avatar and the Devotees

More effulgent than the Sun,
Purer and Whiter than snow,
Subtler than Space(Akaasa),
The Supreme Self pervades everything,
From the minutest particle,

Holding everything within Him,
Illumining everything,
By His Consciousness.
The Divine(Brahman) is in you
And you are in the Brahman
There is no difference
Between you and Brahman.
What greater truth can I convey
To all of you assembled here?

Embodiments of the Divine Atma!

When the Lord (Narayana) incarnates in human form, He cannot avoid abiding by the regulations set by Him. You should not forget that even if the Lord is the director of the cosmic drama, in His human form he is playing a specific role. If He does not act according to the role assumed by Him, either overdoes or underplays the role, departing from what is appropriate, He will be failing in His purpose. When the Divine assumes human form, He has to serve as an example of ideal actions.

Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu, impelled by their hatred, embarked on many inquiries in search of Narayana. They felt after their prober that Narayana was not in any of the five elements. But the tide of time and circumstances led to situations in which they faced the Lord in His most dreadful forms and met with their end.

THE KRISHNA AVATAR

When Krishna made His advent on earth, he also had to play His part according to His role. While Sisupala was railing at Krishna, He allowed him a long rope and destroyed him, when the appropriate time came. The Bhagavatham relates the story of how Krishna retreated repeatedly in His encounters with Jarasandha. How can the All-knowing, All-powerful, Omnipresent Lord flee from anywhere? Where can He hide Himself? This is utterly fanciful.

When one has faith in the ways of the Lord and abides by the will of the Lord, the Lord can be understood and experienced.

For instance, there is an example of Draupadi in the Mahabaratha. In the court of Duryodhana, although she was humiliated and dishonoured by Duryodhana and Dussasana, Krishna, in accordance with the role He had to play, did not intervene, as both of them were destined to meet with their death at the hands of Bhima.

During Krishna's life-time, he was the target of attacks and accusations by many wicked persons. But the Divine has no likes or dislikes. The wicked persons suffer from the consequences of their own actions according to their deserts.

What one gets in life is dependent partly on what he has earned by his actions. This is called "Praarabdham". This is by its nature temporary. What is got as the fruit of a past action will not last long. Forgetting this fact and forgetting also his true nature ("Swabhavam") man is carried away by the transient and acts according to his whims.

When an actor in a play is assigned a certain role, he studies the entire play. But while acting his role, he has to play his part alone in each scene as required in the play and not all the roles that he knows. He has to suit his actions to the demands of his role in each scene in the play. Likewise, the Lord, when He has assumed a role in the cosmic play, has to act in each situation according to what is appropriate to it and according to the rules of the game.

MANKIND'S FALL

From ancient times, in accordance with the spirit of Bharatiya Culture, Bharatiyas have been according the highest place to renunciation or sacrifice (Thyaga). They adored Dharma (Righteous conduct). They were pledged to upholding justice. They adhered to Truth. People today have ignored those values of Bharat's ancient culture. They have fallen a prey to worldly and sensuous, believing that only earthly existence is real.

People in the world today are taking to evil ways and cherishing evil thoughts the like of which have never before prevailed. Men are consumed by a limitless passion for wealth and power. No doubt money is necessary for meeting one's daily needs. But even here there should be a limit. The vast ocean, when it swells beyond its bounds, causes disaster. The food that is required for sustaining the body is conducive to health only when it is consumed within limits. Over-eating poisons the physical system. Food may give satisfaction or cause illness. By his food habits man is becoming a prey to disease. Food is essential, but it must be taken within limits for it to be wholesome. Likewise wealth is essential but within limits. When there is excessive wealth, many dangers ensue. With excessive wealth man turns arrogant and loses the sense of discrimination between right and wrong. He becomes a Duryodhana who exemplified greed rather than a Karna (who was noted for his generosity).

WEALTH AND SACRIFICE

Together with the growth of one's wealth, one's spirit of sacrifice should grow commensurately. Increase in wealth should bring an increase in generosity. These days wealth increases but not magnanimity.

Of What use is wealth if one cannot be happy
Even if a river is overflowing,
A dog can only tap a little of it.
For a greedy man, there is no contentment
Even if he has large hoards

Today, when a man's riches increase, he becomes increasingly miserly. As a result, he forgets his true nature.

When money earned by honest means does not always confer happiness, how can you get happiness through money earned by dishonest means? Hence, it should be realized that excessive wealth can never confer peace or happiness. When you have large wealth, offer it for good causes to help others. Thereby you will derive satisfaction.

POWER AND MORALITY

The second evil is the passion for power. From the villager to the topmost man in a city, everybody is after power. Power carries with it limits and obligations. There are five kinds of power - (strength) the power of knowledge, intellectual power, the power of fame, the power of character, and the power of sacrifice. Only the person who has all these five attributes should aspire for a position of authority.

These days men conduct themselves in positions of power without any understanding of how to exercise authority. Every man aspires for positions of power from that of the Panchayat President to the head of the government of the country. In the pursuit of power, men are prepared to use any means, sacrificing morality and justice. All sorts of corrupt practices are being restored to for securing power. Law and order are being undermined. In this manner, the true nature of man is being forgotten. This is a highly dangerous situation. Those who seek positions of authority should recognize their obligations. They should exercise power with due regard to the restraints to be observed. "Nassreyo Niyamam Vinaa" (Nothing great can be achieved without restraint.) Thus both wealth and power have to be used with restraint. But these restraints have been violated at present.

THE TIME FACTOR

All the troubles and disorders the country is experiencing today are due to these violations. Men are failing to recognize the nature of the Divine. Even though the Divine has come down as an actor on the world stage, He is biding for the proper time to play His full role. A fruit takes time to ripen. When the fruit is ripe it falls down of its own accord. Likewise when the time is ripe for one to reap the fruits of his actions, he must be ready to gather them according to the nature of the actions. It is one's own actions which lead to bad or good results. That is why the scriptures have declared that man's mind is the cause of bondage or liberation.

Hence, the mind has to be turned towards the sacred path. It should be concentrated on actions related to service to others. It should be devoted to concern for the welfare of the world. Only then the purity of the mind expresses itself.

THE DIVINE WITNESS

For all the confusion and conflict prevailing in the world today, it is the feelings and thoughts of people that are responsible. To take offence when someone criticises you or to think of retaliation when one does some harm to you, is not the right way of reacting to them. Consider whatever good or bad that happens to you as the consequence of your own actions. Do not attribute them to acts of the Divine. God is like a postman. The postman delivers one letter to one address and the people in the house rejoice over the good news contained in it. He delivers another letter at a second house and there is lamentation over the sad news contained in the letter. Is the postman responsible for the joy or sadness of the recepients of the letters? No. It is the content of the respective letters that is responsible. What you experience by way of joy or grief is a consequence of your own actions. God is only a witness.

EARN GOD'S GRACE

In human society today, egoism is rampant. Ostentation is ubiquitous. Can peace and security be ensured in such a milieu? Can God's grace flow in such a state? No. Whatever one's scholarship or wealth, as long as there is egoism (Ahamkaara) God's grace will not flow. Grace, like water flows from a higher to a lower level. God's grace will be showered on those who have humility and discipline. Humility is essential for securing God's grace. Revere elders. Be content with what you have. Develop goodwill towards anyone. When you desire that all should love you, you should equally love all.

The history of Bharat bears testimony to the pacific attitude of Bharatiyas. They defended themselves when the country was invaded by outsiders, but they never embarked on wars of conquest. The ancient Bharatiyas never restored to wrongful or unrighteous policies. Adherence to peace and truth was natural to them. Unfortunately today, in the pursuit of power people are giving the go-by to morality and integrity. In western countries many leaders resorted to violence to capture power. In Bharat also there have been examples of Muslims who killed or imprisoned their fathers or kinsmen to seize the reins of power. This greed for power converted men into demons.

RAMAS EXAMPLE

But look at what happened in the Ramayana. To carry out the promises of his father Rama renounced the kingdom and chose to live in exile for fourteen years in the forest. He did not aspire for power or position. He cherished Dharma (the code of right conduct.) Shortly after their entry into the forest, one day, when Rama and Lakshmana were sitting under a tree, they heard the neighs of horses and cries of elephants. Rama asked Lakshmana to find out the reasons for the unusual presence of horses in the forest. Lakshmana climbed to the top of the tree and surveyed the scene. He noticed the advancing of a huge army, but only the flag fluttering high over the haze could be seen clearly. Lakshmana concluded from the emblem on the flag that it was Bharata who was coming with the army.

Lakshmana got down and asked Rama to get ready with this bow and arrows. "What for?" asked Rama. Lakshmana said that at the instance of his mother, Bharata was coming with his army to seize them. Amused at Lakshmana's naivety, Rama told him smilingly: "Bharata is not such a person. He will do no such thing. He is coming to see us because he did not find us in Ayodhya when he came back to the city." Lakshmana retorted: "If he is coming to see us, why should he bring the army with him?" Rama said: "To allay the feelings of the people, Bharata is coming with all the citizens. Lakshmana! you have failed to realize that no one born in the Ikshvaaku line will ever shed blood to ascend the throne. Those who seize the throne by the sword cannot be righteous rulers. No such kings will ever be born in the Ikshvaaku dynasty. The rule of conduct for the Ikshvaaku kings is to inherit the throne by righteous means and the rule with the consent of the people. The spirit of service should inspire those who seek positions of authority. Without knowing how to serve one cannot become a true leader." Rama allayed Lakshmana's apprehensions in this manner.

Meanwhile, Bharata came running towards Ram, crying "Oh Brother!" and fell at his feet. Watching this scene, Lakshmana regretted his misjudgment and sought Rama's forgiveness.

TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

Thus, from ancient times, the rulers in Bharat never resorted to violence or unrighteous means to ascend the throne. They were dedicated to the practice of Dharma. Sathyam Vada: Dharmam Chara (Speak the truth, follow Righteousness). These were the two basic tenets of the ancient Bharatiyas. They esteemed them as their two eyes. Today the rule has been reversed. "Sathyam Vadha" (Kill truth), "Dharmam Chara" (Imprison Righteousness). Today it is the reign of falsehood. Unrighteousness is prevailing moral code. It is because of these tendencies, Bharat today is a prey to disorder.

Every individual should try to practice and protect truth and righteousness. This is the bounden duty of every citizen of Bharat. This is the service they have to do to the nation. The nation will not be protected by an army or by the most modern weapons. If the people safeguard truth and righteousness, the latter will protect the nation and the world.

SWAMI'S ENCOUNTERS WITH INDIVIDUALS

Once, more than two decades ago Sri K.M. Munshi convened a conference of intellectuals in Bombay to be addresses by Swami. The so called individuals today seldom have any intelligence. They are filled with conceit. The intellectuals in the gathering were proud and arrogant, gloating over their scholarship and book knowledge. Bhagavan was the Chief Guest at the meeting and Munshi was seated next to Swami. Munshi requested Swami to clarify the doubts of intellectuals regarding spirituality and right conduct. Many questions were put to Swami and Swami answered all of them clearly and convincingly.

One member of the audience asked Swami whether it was not necessary for India to equip with atom bombs in view of the fact that both affluent America and Communist Russia had huge pile of atom bombs. Swami replied" "What folly is this ! When there are millions in the country who lack food, clothing and shelter, the provision of these necessities is the most urgent task and not the manufacturing of the atom bombs. Of What use are the bombs when you cannot feed the people? Crores are being wasted on armaments. I cannot agree to such a wastage."

Then another member asked: "How are we to meet an attack from outside?" Swami replied : "Our country's name is Bharat. For this country the Mahabharatham is the authentic guidebook. The heroes in this epic are the five Pandava brothers. Among them, Arjuna and Bhima are incomparable warriors. Nevertheless, they submitted themselves to Dharmaja, the eldest of the brothers. If India upholds Dharma, America and Russia will have to respect Bharat. Confronted by Dharma, anyone, however powerful, will be cut to size. Therefore, the most vital thing for Bharat is Dharma."

When Swami gave this reply, the entire gathering cheered Swami for fifteen minutes. Thereafter Swami told them: "It is not enough to clap your hands; open the taps of your minds. Take to the path of Dharma. There is no use merely applauding my words."

PRECEPT AND PRACTICE

There are many in the country who worship the Ramayana as the sacred text. How many of them honour the words of the father? Of what use is it to recite the Ramayana without following its precepts? You have discourses on the Gita in every street. But is anyone acting up to even one of its teachings? If you go on learning for years, when are you going to start practising the lessons? The endless study of books is sheer folly; to put into practice a single word is better than such studies. Today Bharat is full of such foolish persons.

Many of you have been coming here for over twenty or thirty years. You may have listened to Swami's discourses many times. Swami has repeatedly declaring that immortality can be achieved only by sacrifice and not by deeds, wealth and progeny. How many are making sacrifice? Why are you gathered here? It is all useless unless you practice at least one of the teachings. What is my directive? what is it that will please me? what is it that I desire? Only one thing; Love, Love, Love. That is Sai's most potent weapon. Was any invitation sent to any of you to come here? So many of you have gathered here attracted solely to the power of Swami's love. There is nothing that cannot be achieved in the world through love. Some things may be achieved through other means, but through love even the Divine can be held in the palm of ones hand. (Swami here recited a poem praising the heroism of Savitri, Chandramati, Sita and Damayanthi and said they stood exemplars of Indian womanhood). People read books about them, but do not follow their example. The reason is that people are swayed by the evil thoughts. These bad qualities are due to the bad habits relating to food and recreation.

ESCHEW MEAT, LIQUOR AND SMOKING

Today, let it be anyone, whether one deems himself a devotee or not, he should give up meat eating. Why? meat eating promotes only animal qualities. It has been well said that the food one consumes determines one's thoughts. By eating the flesh of various animals, the qualities of these animals are imbibed. How sinful is it to feed on animals, which are sustained by the same five elements as human beings! This leads to demonic tendencies, besides committing the sin of inflicting cruelty on animals. Hence, those who genuinely seek to become devotees of God have to give up non-vegetarian food. Calling themselves Sai devotees or devotees of Rama and Krishna, they fatten the chickens. How can they be deemed Sai devotees? How can God accept such a person as a devotee? Therefore, whether they are devotees in India or outside, they should give up from this instant meat eating.

Next, there is the question of drink. The water that one drinks is life giving. It issues from the head of Siva. It is sacred. Instead of such wholesome drink, it is wrong to drink intoxicants. It makes a man forget his true nature. Alcoholic drink is utterly obnoxious. It degrades the addict. It makes him forget God. The drink addict is not conscious of what he says or does. The very sight of such a person is revolting. The drink evil has ruined innumerable families. Alcoholics have caused misery to their wives and children by wasting all their money on liquor. Of what use to the world are such derelicts?

In addition to liquor, many are addicted to smoking tobacco. Today cigarette smoking is the cause of many diseases like asthma, lung cancer, eosonaphilia and heart ailments. The evil effects of smoking is easily demonstrated. If a whiff of cigarette smoke is blown at a handkerchief, the cloth turns red at the spot. If smoke can cause such a damage to a piece of cloth, how much damage will it not do when it gets into the blood stream? It ruins one's health and shortens one's life-span. Therefore, those who aspire to become devotees of God must give up meat, liquor and smoking.

Drink addiction is the cause of many evils. But no government can stop this. The change must take place at the individual level. This can take place only through a mental transformation and not as a result of preaching by others. Each one has to recognize the truth and reform himself.

BE HAPPY

Embodiments of Love! You are deeming this day as the sixtyninth birthday of Swami. I have no desire to celebrate such birthdays. As I was coming I was greeted by many wishing me "Happy Birthday". I am always happy. Why should anyone wish "Happy Birthday" for me? Be happy yourselves. Your happiness is my Happiness.

Today as an offering to Swami, give up meat eating, consuming liquor and smoking. By renouncing these three, you will benefit yourselves as well as society and the nation. If you wish to carry out Swami's aim, renounce from this moment itself these three bad practices. Do not put it off to tomorrow. Take the resolve from this moment. Expecting that you will carry out Swami's wish and thereby promote the well being of your family and the nation, I bless all of you.

[Bhagavan concluded His discourse with the Bhajan "Bhajana Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi."]