Nature of the Self

Trees bear fruit for the benefit of others
Rivers flow for the betterment of all
Cows yield milk for the benefit of others
Human body has been given to man to help others
(Sanskrit Sloka)

In this world, trees, rivers and cows help others without any trace of selfish motive. They do not expect anything in return. Without trees, rivers and cows, the world cannot exist. In fact, it is they which sustain it. But, the irony is that man does not make any effort to help and serve others. The spirit of sacrifice evident in trees, rivers and cows is absent in man today. He spends all his time in fulfilling his selfish desires and does not give even a moment for doing good to others or for helping them. Sai Avatar has incarnated in this Kali Age with the divine mission of making every individual realize his relationship with the community, and ultimately with Divinity.

Transformation at individual level is absolutely essential. But, today man is wasting his time in evil practices. He indulges in unholy activities day in and day out. He demeans himself by his evil habits. He kills animals and eats their flesh. Instead of purifying his mind, he debases it by taking intoxicants. He defiles time, which is the very form of Divinity, by gambling. He nurtures evil qualities by indulging in evil activities. In addition to this, he involves himself in demeaning activities like stealing and denigrating others. He reads vulgar books, which generate evil thoughts and violent feelings in him. As he indulges more and more in wicked activities, he pollutes and corrupts the society also. When individuals take to evil ways, the entire society degenerates. Teaching and propagation of spirituality is essential for the purification of the individual and the society.

I said the other day, "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" (verily all this is Brahman). This is a Mantra. "Easwara Sarva Bhutanam" (God is the indweller in all beings) is another Mantra. It is essential for everyone to understand and realize the inner significance of these Mantras. Every Mantra is pregnant with deep inner meaning. It is impossible to understand the true meaning of the Mantras without acquiring virtues. What are these virtues? Right vision (Samyak Drishti) is one. Humanity will be in danger without right vision. The image of every seen object gets imprinted in the mind. Therefore, first of all one must have right vision. Right vision is that which is untainted by the baneful influence of evil feelings, evil thoughts and evil deeds. See no evil, see what is good. That which develops your insight to understand what is good, eternal and true is right vision. Next comes right listening (Samyak Sravanam). You should lend your ear only to good speech. Under no circumstances should you listen to evil talk. For this you should listen to sacred texts, Bhajans and talks about sacred acts.

Everything in this world is impermanent. The Vedas say, "Yath Drisyam Thannasyam" (all that is seen is bound to perish). All that you see will disappear one day or the other. For the nine-fold path of Bhakti (devotion) good listening (Sravanam) is the beginning. Sravanam, Keerthanam, Vishnusmaranam, Padasevanam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dasyam, Sneham, Atmanivedanam (listening, singing the glories of the Lord, constant remembrance of the name of Vishnu, serving the Lord's feet, worship, salutation, servitude, friendship and self-surrender) are the nine paths of devotion. The first step to the final act of self-surrender (Atmanivedanam) is Sravanam (listening). Sruti (divine sound e.g. Vedas) is derived from Sravanam only.

Buddha performed Tapas (penance) for many years to put his five senses on the sacred path. Mere bookish knowledge is of no consequence. It is related to art, and is in fact artificial. Mere textual knowledge will not lead you to right vision. Similarly, your sense of hearing does not become holy by listening to the expositions of a teacher. Good thoughts cannot be acquired by reading scriptures or by listening to the teachings of the preceptor. By self-effort you should put your senses of Sabda (sound), Sparsa (touch), Rupa (form), Rasa (taste) and Gandha (smell) to right use. That alone leads you to proper Sadhana (spiritual practice). When you put your senses in the right direction, your life too will enter the right path. For the wrong attitude of man today, senses are the cause. As the senses become impure, the entire life too becomes impure and unsacred. It you want to make your life sacred, you have to first sanctify your senses. So, Buddha who did penance for several years understood that all ritualistic practices were useless. He declared that right vision, right listening, right speech, right thoughts and right acts as the five primordial principles for the guidance of man.

These five principles are the Pancha Pranas (five life forces) and five Koshas (life sheaths) of man. Physical body is Annamaya Kosha (food sheath). Body is transient. But you should nourish it, because only a properly nourished healthy body can support the Pranamaya Kosha (life sheath) and Manomaya Kosha (mind sheath). Pranamaya Kosha helps in the balanced flow of Prana (life force) in the body. Human beings limit themselves up to these three Koshas. Nobody attempts to reach fourth sheath, Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom sheath) which is beyond food sheath, life sheath and mind sheath. This sheath is reached only after transcending the first three sheaths. What is the nature of these three sheaths? The one you think you are is the food sheath (physical body). What others think you are is the mind sheath. The one you really are is the life sheath. When the human being enters the wisdom sheath, only then he experiences true bliss. So, man has to maintain sound body. But, he should know that as the body is associated with the senses, he should channelise them into the right path. When the senses follow the right path only then the life force vibrates in the body properly. This vibration is Divine in nature.

In the Gayathri Mantra, the word 'Bhur' refers to the body. Body is composed of gross materials such as water, lime, lead, iron, etc. All these materials may not cost more than one rupee. But, the value of the body is not one rupee. Its value is immeasurable. 'Bhur' also stands for the earth. The earth is made up of matter, which is transient. The word 'Bhuvah' in the Mantra stands for vibration. The body is made up of gross matter, which cannot have any movement without the life force of vibration. In the absence of this vibration, the body is mere lifeless matter. What is the source of this vibration? This vibration originates from radiation (Suvaha) which is related with spiritual knowledge.

This spiritual knowledge comes from the Vedas. The four Mahavakyas (profound statements) of the Vedas which give this knowledge are Prajnanam Brahma (knowledge is Brahman), Ayamatma Brahma (Atma is Brahman), Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman) and Tatthwamasi (That you are). Life force (Prana) or vibration works only through radiation. Without the radiation of Prajnana, vibration cannot have any movement. It becomes inert. True humanness lies in harmonizing these three principles. Man should therefore achieve the unity of materialization, vibration and radiation. Harmony in thought, word and deed, is referred to as Trikarana Suddhi.

I shall relate to you an example from the Mahabharata to illustrate this. Dharmaraja, the eldest brother of the Pandavas, was an embodiment of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa. Draupadi, born out of fire, represented Prana. Bhima, the son of the wind God, symbolized Chaitanya Shakti (power of awareness). You know that life without awareness is Jada (inert). Arjuna symbolized the Antahkarna Shakti (power of the inner motivator). Nakula and Sahadeva represented the Jnanendriyas (organs of perception) and karmendriyas (organs of action) respectively. Truth, righteousness, peace and love join the senses of action and cognition, enter the Antahkarna (seat of thought and feeling) with the help of life force called vibration and live there. So, Divinity which exists in every individual is associated with the five cognitive senses - sound, touch, vision, taste and smell. To recognize the nature of this truth, man should first attain the unity of thought, word and deed and bring about complete harmony in them. This is the real spiritual practice. Today, the typical individual thinks something, speaks something else and acts in altogether a different way. "Manasyanyath Vachasyanyath Karmanyanyath Duratmanam" Such a manner of functioning is typical of a wicked person.

Arjuna was the epitome of Trikarana Suddhi (purity of the triad - thought, word and deed). Nakula and Sahadeva, who symbolized the senses of cognition and action provided the right sources. Bhima, the son of the wind God, stood by the side of Dharmaraja. His presence was as vital as the presence of oxygen in the environment. Draupadi symbolized life force. With the help of this life force only, Dharmaraja could foster truth, righteousness, peace and love. The Pandavas thus represent the proper use of all the powers in the body in purity and harmony.

Epics like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata and other Bharatiya scriptures expound these spiritual realities. Though Bhima and Arjuna were seethed with anger and revenge when their sons were killed by Aswatthama, Draupadi pacified them. Though she was grief-stricken at the loss of her children, she maintained a perfect state of equanimity. When Arjuna, in a fit of anger, was ready to kill Aswatthama, she quoted the scriptures and changed his mind. Draupadi was known for her immaculate character. She was also called Panchali. This word is often misinterpreted as a woman married to five men. No, it is not correct. She was able to co-ordinate the functions of the five cognitive senses-sound, touch, vision, taste and smell in an impeccable manner. When Arjuna was about to kill Aswatthama, she advised him in the following manner:

"Oh Arjuna, it is an unrighteous act to kill the one who is fear-stricken, the one who is in distress, the one who is asleep, the one who is unaware, the one who has surrendered himself, the one who is helpless, the one who is unarmed, and the one who is a female." (Telugu Poem)

"Your speech is full of anger. It is a dangerous trait. No human being should possess anger The one who is filled with anger achieves nothing but disgrace. Anger motivates one to do evil deeds. Such an individual is despised by everyone." (Telugu Poem)

Bhima was also furious. Draupadi spoke to him thus: "Anger destroys one's riches. It destroys one's respect. It distances one from relatives. It causes loss of everything." (Telugu Poem)

Aswatthama had killed all her five sons. One can imagine the state of her mind. She would have been justified to use the harshest language. But, she did not have harsh feelings. She ran and fell at the feet of Aswatthama and questioned his ruthlessness in a gentle way:

"They didn't wear weapons and rage against you. They were not in the battlefield They didn't cause even the least harm to, you. They were not adept in fighting. How did you feel like killing such innocent children who were asleep!" (Telugu Poem)

Draupadi spoke in such a gentle manner. She never used harsh words. Even in moments of extreme distress, Draupadi could speak softly and graciously. In fact every individual should speak softly.

What should a man learn today? He should utilize his senses in the right way and thereby make an endeavor to attain Divinity.

In this human life, the most significant thing to know is devotion. Jnana (wisdom) is the root of the tree of love. Its fruit contains sweet juice. It is the juice of devotion. The juice or essence (Raso) is the very form of the Divine. Raso Vai Sah (He is sweet essence). So, Bhakti is the very essence of Divinity. Sweetness of Bhakti should reflect in your speech. Hence, every word uttered by you should be sweet. Only then do you deserve to be called a human being. When can you speak sweetly? When you contemplate on the Divine, your speech becomes sweet. However, it may sometimes necessary to use harsh words to correct some people who act and behave in evil ways. Though the words may appear to be harsh, the feelings behind them should be saturated with love. Sometimes when it rains, hailstones too fall along with the gentle raindrops. They too are nothing but water in frozen form. In this context, I shall give you an example.

During the Mahabharata war, one day Aswatthama vowed that he would behead the Pandavas before the sun sets. Draupadi came to know of this vow. She prayed to Krishna, "I don't want anything. I don't want the kingdom. Save the Pandavas" Krishna said, "That is not in my hands. The vow cannot be changed?" Draupadi pleaded with Krishna, "There is nothing in this world which is beyond Your capacity. Everything is in Your hands. If You will, You can do anything." So saying, she fell at His feet.

Lord Krishna blessed her and immediately chalked out a plan. In the darkness of night, He went to sage Durvasa. The Pandavas who accompanied the Lord waited outside as instructed by Krishna. To protect His devotees, the Lord has to enact many roles. If He does not act, the play simply loses its significance and it becomes uninteresting. Durvasa gave an ecstatic welcome to Krishna.

Krishna said, "I have come here with a purpose. It is a very difficult task. You have to help me." Durvasa said, "I am ready to do any task except telling a lie." Krishna said, "Uttering lies is not acceptable to Me also. I am Divine Myself. I always adhere to truth. How can I tell you to utter a lie? I have made a plan. Please act according to it. That will fulfil My desire."

"Lord, do You have a desire?" asked Durvasa. "I have desires for the sake of others. I have no desires for My own sake. Whatever I do, whatever I speak, it is for the welfare of others. I never seek My own welfare", Krishna replied.

"Lord! what should I do?" asked Durvasa. Krishna said, "Dig a big pit. Put a strong plank over it and place your throne on it. Then sit on the throne. The Pandavas will hide in the pit. When Aswatthama comes here along with his accomplices and asks the whereabouts of the Pandavas, tell him that the Pandavas are under you. But say this in a harsh tone."

Durvasa was known for his temper. Aswatthama searched everywhere and at last came to Durvasa. He offered salutations to Durvasa and enquired about the Pandavas. Durvasa said in an angry tone, "Pandavas are under me" He spoke truth but changed the intonation. Fearing that the sage would curse him, Aswatthama ran away from that place.

In this way, God has to contrive some situations for the protection of the world. His attempts are not only to protect the holy people, but to protect the holiness itself. This sacredness is present in every being. To protect this sacredness the Lord incarnates. "Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashay Cha Dushkritam Dharma Sansthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge," (to protect the righteous and destroy the wicked I incarnate from time to time to establish Dharma). Righteousness can never be annihilated. It is ever present in every age. But occasions arise when its very existence is threatened. The Lord incarnates to re-establish Dharma and to accord proper place to it. If Dharma is vulnerable to destruction, how can we call it Dharma? So, Dharma can never be vanquished. But, it becomes obscure. To make Dharma more manifest is the purpose of the Avatar.

The question arises, "Who is God?" You are all the forms of God. The Atmatathwa (Self) present in every being is in fact God. It is Divinity in its true sense. "Mamaivamso Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta Sanathana," (an aspect of My Divinity is resident in each being). Do not search for God. Look within. Divine will manifest in you. Spiritual texts may be many, the teachings of spirituality may be different, but the Atma is the same. In any country, at any time, in any surroundings, the Atma is the same. There is no such thing as a Japanese Atma or American Atma or Atma of any other country. It transcends all divisions of creeds and castes. It has no distinctions like man and woman. It is beyond all distinctions. Nirgunam, Niranjanam, Sanathanam, Niketanam, Nithya Buddha Mukta Nirmala Swarupinam (The nature of the Self is described as attributeless, pure, eternal, free from bondage, unsullied and immortal). This eternal Atma is present in every human being.

At one time, someone questioned Shirdi Sai Baba, "Are you God?" What was His reply? "All are the forms of the Divine. I am not only Divine, but also the Divinity that is present in the Divine," said Baba. So, the same Divinity is present in every being as all are the forms of the Divine. But, people are not able to realize the Divine because they drink intoxicating wine of worldly desires. Wine leads to ignorance but not to the Divine. So, you should consume something that promotes Divinity. What is it? It is love. If you taste the fruit of love, you need no other nourishment. Love is the essence of all fruits. It is the goal of all goals. It is the end of all spiritual practices. You should cultivate such love with pure and steady mind. For this, you should keep the body, mind and senses on the right track.

I told you yesterday the three ways, which would help you to streamline your life: "Bend the body mend the senses and end the mind." What does the maxim, 'bend the body' stand for? Is it bending the body to carry out some task? No. You should bend your body with humility, respect and love when you see elders and your parents. In olden days in town and country, the entrances to the houses were a bit low. Visitors had to bend their heads to enter the houses. To highlight the significance of the maxim, 'bend the body,' the ancients used to keep the height of the entrances low deliberately.

Mend the senses. Through right vision, right listening, right speech, right thoughts and right actions you have to control your senses. That is the end of the mind. Here is an example. This is a piece of cloth. You call it cloth as long as the threads are intact. If you remove the threads one by one there will be no cloth. The threads symbolize your desires. It is said, "Less luggage more comfort, make travel a pleasure." You are increasing your luggage day after day. This burden has become a great hindrance to your progress and happiness. You should remove this hurdle and move closer to Divinity. Salokya is closeness to Divinity. Sarupya is to attain the form of Divinity. How is this possible? The Vedas say, "Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati" (the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman). Prahlada, who contemplated on Lord Narayana, became Narayana himself. The dacoit Ratnakara recited the name of Lord Rama and transformed himself into sage Valmiki. Hanuman contemplated on the name of Lord Rama. He is worshipped by the devotees of Rama. Sayujya is complete integration or merger with the Lord. This is the end of all Sadhanas.

Several ways of spirituality are enunciated in the Vedas, the epics and the Puranas, but love is the essence of all these ways. Love is changeless. There should not be any change in love. You should cultivate this changeless love and redeem your life.

Start the day with love,
Fill the day with love,
Spend the day with love,
End the day with love,
This is the way to God.

You should saturate your life with love and end your life with Divine love. All other thoughts will disturb your equanimity.

Once a king did penance. He had no children. God manifested before him and asked him to tell his wish. The king said, "Lord, I want to see my great grandson ruling the kingdom." How many desires are contained in one desire! He should have children. His children should also beget children. The kingdom should be under his control till his great grandson grows up and rules over it. His eyesight should be intact to watch this progress. This single desire expressed by him contains all the other desires. Likewise, if you pray to God for love, all your worldly desires too will be fulfilled.

"Man is seated under a tree bearing twelve worries. Birth is a worry, life is a worry, family is a worry, death is a worry, childhood is a worry, old age is a worry, success is a worry, failure is a worry, action is a worry, obstacles are a worry, joy itself is a worry, all uncertainties are a worry. Oh ye, all come and carry away this gift. All your worries will end." (Telugu Poem)

This tamarind tree of worries is not a fit tree for shade. If you receive God's love, all these worries will vanish. This is your only need. This should be your only desire. All other spiritual practices are of no use. Love cannot be acquired by these practices. Prayer and Bhakti with intense yearning for Gods love and grace will fill your heart with love. Chant the Lord's name ceaselessly to attain that love.