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Have Faith in God, the
only True Friend
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
delivering the Divine Discourse
on
17th October 2004 (Dasara) at
Prashanti Nilayam
Text of the Divine Discourse
delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 17th October 2004
(Dasara) at Prashanti Nilayam, Sai Kulwanth Hall
How is it that the sun rises
in the morning and sets in the evening with utmost regularity
everyday? How is it that the stars glitter beautifully in the
sky at night and hide themselves during the day? How is it that
the wind blows incessantly and sustains the living beings
without taking rest even for a moment? How is it that the rivers
make gurgling sounds as they flow perennially?
(Telugu Poem)
The whole world, nay, even every individual is permeated by the
Pancha Bhutas (five elements of earth, water, fire air
and ether). What is Prapancha (world)? 'Pra' means
vast and 'Panchamu' means permeated by the five elements.
Therefore, Prapancha means the vast space, permeated by
the five elements. Wherever you see, you will find the
effulgence of the five elements enveloping the vast world.
Embodiments of Love!
God is the source and sustenance for all creation. No one can
question why God acts in a particular fashion. He is the Supreme
Lord of the Universe and He can act according to His Divine
Will. The creation, sustenance and dissolution of the Universe
are all His Will. But whatever He does is only for the good of
the world. For example, one cannot find a place or time without
air; though air is not visible, one can experience it. Every act
in this world, the tiniest one, is happening as per the Divine
Will. For instance, a particular act of God may bring you some
inconvenience or sorrow. That is at your individual level. But,
in God's creation, there is nothing like sorrow. Whatever God
does is for the welfare of humanity. Some people feel depressed
and wail as to why God gave them troubles and sorrows. But,
sorrows and difficulties are our own making. God does not
differentiate or cause trouble to anyone. Sorrows and
difficulties are only your feelings. Everything in God's
creation is meant to provide happiness and convenience to the
living beings. That is what I have been repeatedly emphasising.
Whether you are in sorrow or enjoying happiness, always think
that everything is for your own good. One has to develop a firm
conviction that whatever God does is for one's own good and not
for putting one to trouble. Unable to realise this truth, man
experiences all sorts of difficulties and sorrows. This is not
the correct attitude. One has to strive to recognise the truth
underlying God's creation. There are countless people in this
world with various feelings. Also, there are several people
striving to sharpen their intellect. But, there are very few who
strive to cultivate noble qualities. Without cultivating noble
qualities, what is the use of intelligence alone? All ancient
Rishis had exhorted people to cultivate noble qualities. It
is a great mistake to consider oneself as very intelligent and
well educated, merely by acquiring high degrees. Mere
intelligence and acquisition of high degrees in education are of
no use. One has to cultivate noble qualities along with
education and intelligence. Intelligence without noble qualities
is undesirable.
Today is the first day of the Navaratri celebrations
which are held for nine days (Nava Rathrulu). All
festivals are meant to remind mankind that they should cultivate
noble qualities by engaging themselves in activities beneficial
to one's own self and society. Whatever activity we undertake,
we must analyse for ourselves whether our intention, and resolve
to do the same are good, and whether we would be able to develop
noble qualities by performing such an act. Due to the effect of
Kali Yuga, man has been able to develop his intelligence in
several areas by conscientious effort, but he is not making any
effort to cultivate noble qualities. Man has lost confidence in
himself. Though he is able to occupy high positions in worldly
life with his intelligence, it is of no use without noble
qualities. Therefore, the need of the hour is for man to deepen
his Nammakam (faith). Faith is like the two eyes to a
man. Devoid of faith, man is blind. It is only when he has faith
in himself, can he have faith in God.
Some people declare "I have no faith in God". This is a
meaningless statement. If they have no faith in God, on whom
else do they have faith? It is only when one develops faith in
God that he can have faith in everything else. Therefore, one
has to develop faith in God, in the first instance. With faith
in God, one can achieve success in all his endeavours. One who
has faith in God will be able to develop faith in every
individual. Such a person will develop a firm conviction that
God is immanent in every living being. The Upanishads declare
Isavasyam Idam Sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by
God) and Easwara Sarva Bhutanam (God is the indweller of
all beings). God is immanent in every being as "Nammakammu"
(faith). Therefore, one has to cultivate faith in God, as his
first and foremost duty. All the Vedas, Upanishads and
scriptures emphasise this as duty of a man.
Today, man has faith in everything in the objective world. For
example, when a news item appears in the newspaper that so and
so died in Russia under such and such circumstances, we believe
that news without an iota of doubt. How did we believe that
news? Who gave this news to us? It is only through the
newspaper. We are able to believe the newspapers, but, we are
unable to believe an experience born out of eternal truth and
its practice in daily life. In order to develop firm faith in
the eternal truth, we have to cultivate noble qualities. This is
our foremost duty. By doing so, our faith in God also increases.
Unfortunately, today we are setting aside our faith in God and
believing in what others say. We thereby are entering the wrong
path. We have to develop self-confidence first. Only then can we
develop faith in every aspect of God's creation.
Dear Students! Devotees!
What is of utmost importance today is to develop faith in God.
Man develops ego, believing that he knows everything in this
world. This ego is, in fact, a sign of ignorance. Without having
faith in God if one says that he believes everything in this
world, then such kind of faith is not based on solid foundation.
Man today believes everything in this world, even that which he
has not seen. But, he is not prepared to believe that which is
right in front of his eyes, the manifestation of Divinity in
ever so many ways. There is fire latent in the branches of a
tree, which becomes patent when one branch rubs against the
other and friction is generated. Can anyone deny the existence
of fire in the branches of a tree? But, why is man unable to
recognise this truth (Divinity)? It is because of his ego. Just
as the fire born out of the branches of a tree destroys the tree
itself, so also the ego born out of a human being destroys the
very human being. Hence, man has to develop firm faith in the
existence of God. Without this faith, man degenerates himself
into a demon.
Students! Teachers! Patrons of education! You
should understand the true meaning of education. Education does
not mean mere acquisition of bookish knowledge.
Can you call all those who know how to read and write
educated?
Can one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees?
How can you attain the eternal knowledge if you do not know your
true Self?
(Telugu Poem)
You should make efforts to know your true identity. All your
education will prove futile if you do not know who you really
are. When you are seated here, you listen to the discourses in
rapt attention. But, once you leave this place, you forget
everything. You will lose faith in what you have heard here.
This is not expected of a human being. You should have total
faith in the spiritual teachings, put them into practice and
experience bliss.
Faith is the first and foremost quality that man inherits by
birth. He develops faith in his mother in the first instance.
His mother may scold or beat him, yet his faith in his mother
remains firm. That is the greatness of the love of a mother. Man
should develop as much faith in God as he has for his mother.
But unfortunately, he lacks such firm faith in God. Everyone
wants to have the direct vision of God. Who is God? Where is He?
It can be said that the sun is the direct manifestation of God
as he gives us light and sustains our life. The sun-god bestows
his love on all in the form of light. If you do not have faith
in the light of love, your life will be filled with darkness.
Once a disciple asked his Guru, "Where is God?" The Guru replied
that He was everywhere and was present in all beings. The
disciple expressed his doubt as to how it was possible for God
to be present in all beings. The Guru asked him to bring ten
vessels and fill them with water. The reflection of the sun
could be seen in all of them. Likewise, God is present in all
beings. Vessels may vary, but the sun's reflection is one and
the same in all. Hence, the sun is the Pratyaksha Paramatma
(direct manifestation of Divinity). However, there can be no
reflection without water. Our physical body can be compared to a
vessel and the Vasanas (inborn tendencies) to water. If
your thoughts and feelings are good, you can see the reflection
of Divinity clearly. When your thoughts are impure and bad, you
will not be able to see the reflection of Divinity. Mistake lies
in your thoughts and not in the reflection. Likewise, you alone
are responsible for your happiness or sorrow. Hence, cultivate
noble and sacred feelings in the first instance. I often tell
you that the physical body is like a water bubble and the mind
is like a mad monkey. Therefore, do not repose your faith in the
body or in the mind. You should have firm faith in your Self. It
is from the Self that the body and the mind have originated.
Students!
When you have faith in your Self, you will not experience
difficulties and sorrows. Therefore, you should at least have
faith in the teachings of elders and follow them implicitly. The
sun-god is only one, but he appears separately in different
parts of the world. When the sun rises in America, it is time of
sunset in India. The Indians will say that the sun is setting
and at the same time the Americans will say that the sun is
rising. There is no question of argument here. Time may vary,
but both are correct from their own points of view.
As part of Navaratri celebrations, people worship
different forms of divinity. You should develop sacred feelings
and experience divinity. What is the inner meaning of
Navaratri celebrations? These nine nights represent nine
planets. Each planet has its own significance. However, these
planets are not outside, they are within. If your feelings are
impure and unsacred, the result also will be the same. You are
responsible for the good and bad you think and experience. They
are not the products of outside world. They are the reaction,
reflection and resound of your inner being. Man faces the
vicissitudes of life as he is bound by these three. But he
forgets these three and tries to search for solutions to his
problems. He thinks he is highly intelligent. In fact, that is
not true intelligence. He lacks faith in Divinity. That is the
real cause of his suffering. God is one. Likewise human beings
are one though Akara (forms) and Acharana (behaviour)
may vary. But due to his narrow-mindedness, man is unable to
understand this unity.
When you eat a mango, you cannot get the belch of a cucumber.
Likewise, whatever you experience is the result of your own
thoughts and feelings. No outside force is responsible for it.
Do not be carried away by the external influences. Follow the
sacred feelings that originate from your heart. Navaratri
celebrations are symbolic of the nine forms of energy. What we
have to cultivate during this Navaratri is the feeling of
oneness. Though there are nine forms of energy, the underlying
truth in all of them is one and the same. That is the principle
of Atma. It is all-pervasive. It is present not only in human
beings, but in all living beings.
If you are walking towards the West when the sun is rising in
the East, your shadow will be moving ahead of you, much bigger
than your size. As the sun rises gradually, your shadow becomes
smaller. At noon when the sun is right above your head, the
shadow will be right under your feet. Likewise, when you develop
equanimity, your ego will be subdued just like the shadow under
your feet. First and foremost, you have to give up ego to
understand the oneness of the Atma. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha
Vadanti (God is one but the wise refer to Him by various
names). Ekam Eva Adviteeyam Brahma (God is one without a
second). There is only unity everywhere; multiplicity is your
own imagination. Mistake lies in your vision, not in the
creation. We should make efforts to understand the underlying
principle of oneness. Firstly, develop faith in yourself. See
only goodness in others. If you see bad in others, it is the
reflection of your own feelings. Develop Atmabhimana
(love for the Self) and Atma Shakti (will power).
Exercise self control. Only through self control, can you
achieve self satisfaction. Visualise unity in multiplicity.
Embodiments of Love!
You are the Ekatma Swarupas (embodiments of one principle
of Atma). You have only one heart, not two. If you have two
hearts, you have to be admitted in the hospital. Likewise, there
is only one Atma. That is the ultimate truth. Hence, develop the
feeling of oneness. If you follow the path of truth, you will
find the manifestation of truth everywhere. There is only one
principle of love in you. But, you are dispersing it in diverse
ways. You think that there are various forms of love. It is only
your imagination.
Make efforts to understand the principle of spirituality. Have
firm conviction that you are the embodiment of Atma and there is
no second entity in this world. All worldly relationships such
as mother, wife, children, etc., are of your own making. It is
only a temporary relationship but not the reality. You should
not get deluded by such worldly relationship. Develop firm faith
in your 'real nation' i.e., the Atma. Do not believe in the
world. Believe in yourself. Have firm conviction that God is
everywhere. Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham,
Sarvatah Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Tishthati (with
hands, feet, eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everything, He
permeates the entire universe). But, you see duality because of
your mistaken identity and delusion.
Embodiments of Love!
Love is in you. It need not be acquired from outside. Worldly
love is based on worldly relationship. Whomever you love, you
love your own reflection. It is a mistake to think that you love
someone else. You point to somebody and say, "He is my friend."
But in fact, God alone is your true friend. He will never betray
you. Sometimes, you may doubt your true friend, but He will
never doubt you or forsake you. Your feelings may change
according to time and situation, but God is changeless. He
always has the feeling of oneness. Once you consider God as your
true friend, everyone will be friendly towards you. Truly
speaking, you have no enemies. There is none other than you in
this world. When there is no second person, how can there be an
enemy? All are like passing clouds. But you think they are
permanent and repose your faith in them. Consequently, you are
unable to have faith in God who is pure and selfless. You are
forgetting the Divine love and getting intoxicated with the
'deep wine' of worldly love.
Embodiments of Love!
If you want to know God, imbibe the principle of oneness. When
you have the feeling of oneness, you can see the direct
manifestation of God. The sages of Vedic times adored the sun as
the direct manifestation of God as described in the Gayatri
Mantra. Consider God as your mother, father, friend and
everything.
Twameva Mathascha Pitha Twameva,
Twameva Bandhuscha Sakha Twameva,
Twameva Vidya Dravinam Twameva
Twameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva
(He alone is the father and mother, friend and relation, wisdom
and wealth to every individual).
But people have forgotten God and are craving for fleeting
pleasures. Nothing is permanent in this world. All your worldly
relations are temporary. Your life itself is temporary. Such
being the case, how can you consider someone as your permanent
friend? There is only one permanent friend; He is God. If you
want to experience true love, have full faith in God. God's love
is steady. It never diminishes. You may undergo any amount of
suffering, yet you belong to God. You are His and He is yours.
No third person can come between you and God. It is only because
of illusion that you think there is a third person. You say, "He
is my classmate; he is my sportsmate." But none of them can come
to your rescue. You have to look after yourself. You should have
faith in yourself. Only then can you realise the truth.
Embodiments of Love!
Never forget love. Love is the form of God. Love is God.
Live in love. Only then can you understand the reality.
Do not go by what others say. Follow your conscience. Never lose
faith in God under any circumstances. Sometimes even your
parents may try to dissuade you from taking to God-ward path.
You should tell them that God means everything for you. He is
your true friend. You love your mother because it is she who has
given you birth and fostered you. You consider someone as your
teacher because you learn your lessons from him. You treat so
and so as your mother, father, teacher, etc., based on your
relationship and experience. Truly speaking, all these
relationships come and go just like moving pictures on a cinema
screen. Do not be deluded by the pictures that appear on the
screen. Have the picture of God imprinted on your heart. Develop
strong conviction and consider Him as your sole refuge. Only
then can you have the vision of God.
This morning a Russian lady came to Me. During the course of
conversation, she said, "Swami, I have a friend." When I asked
as to who he was, she took out her wallet and showed a small
photograph. Then I told her, "Mother, he is your husband, not
your friend. Do not consider your husband as your friend or your
friend as your husband." She said, "Swami, this is what I have
been doing all these years. Is it a mistake?" I said, "Yes, it
is a mistake, it certainly IS a mistake." Then I asked her as to
when she had met him first. She said that she knew him for the
last three years. I told her, "This type of relationship is
temporary. God alone is your true friend. You may forget Him,
but He will never forget you. He will be with you even after
your death. Hence, treat God as your true friend. Ultimately,
you will become one with Him."
Embodiments of Love!
There are many in this world who do not understand what is true
spirituality and thereby forget the reality. God alone is your
true friend. That is the reality. He is your mother, father,
Guru, etc. Develop such firm conviction. Then God will always
take care of you. When you cultivate Ekatma Bhava, all divine
qualities will manifest in you. You will be an ideal to the
world. You will be free from suffering. You will have neither
death nor any punishment. You will realise your true identity.
If someone puts a question, "Who are you?", say with firm
conviction, "I am I." Never identify yourself with the body. He
who realises this truth is a blessed one. I will elaborate on
this subject in the days to come.
Worldly Gurus undergo change with the passage of time. God alone
is changeless and He alone is your true Guru. Have total faith
in God. Develop faith day by day. Only then can you be called a
true Manava (human being). Daivam Manusha Rupena (God
incarnates in the form of a human being). Hence, consider
yourself as divine. Declare with total conviction, "I am I."
When you lead your life with such a sacred feeling, divinity
will certainly manifest in you. Never be under the mistaken
notion that God is elsewhere. He is always in you. Your
reflection is God's reflection. Your reaction is His reaction.
Everything is basically divine in nature. It is God who makes
you play your role in this cosmic drama. It is He who makes you
sing, dance, etc. He is the cosmic play director. You may call
Him by any name. But He is only one.
Embodiments of Love!
If you want to attain God, develop Ekatma Bhava. You will
certainly be able to see and experience Him, everywhere.
(Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Prema
Mudita Manase Kaho?")
Source:
http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Dasara_17th_Discourse.htm
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