|
Four important discourses by Sri
Sathya Sai Baba
The Revelation
17 May 1968
(Sathya Sai Speaks VI, 210-213)
[Editor's note. This is the last part of Sathya Sai Baba's
discourse at the World Conference of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organizations in Bombay, 17 May 1968. It states plainly and
directly that Sathya Sai Baba is an incarnation of God, come to
restore righteousness (dharma).]
Since at this place those who have devotion are gathered and
people of all nations have come, I cannot but tell you one fact.
World conferences dedicated to religion or spiritual problems have
no doubt been held before; also, conferences of followers of
particular faiths. But these have been held only after the demise
of the founders and divine inspirers. This is the very first time
that a World Conference is held, of persons devoted, while the
incarnation is present before every one, with the body assumed for
the purpose, bearing the name that is chosen for it by Itself. I
must tell you this fact, because ninety-nine persons out of
hundred among you do not know my Reality. You have come here drawn
by diverse needs, a taste for spiritual matters, eagerness to
develop the institutions to which you are attached, admiration or
affection, love or reverence or a spurt of enthusiasm to join
others and share with others your own exultation.
In truth, you cannot understand the nature of my Reality either
today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent
inquiry even if all mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short
time, you will become cognizant of the bliss showered by the
divine Principle, which has taken upon itself this sacred body and
this sacred name. Your good fortune which will provide you this
chance is greater than what was available for anchorites, monks,
sages, saints and even personalities embodying facets of divine
Glory!
Since I move about with you, eat like you, and talk with you,
you are deluded into the belief that this is but an instance of
common humanity. Be warned against this mistake. I am also
deluding you by my singing with you, talking with you, and
engaging myself in activities with you. But, [at] any moment, my
Divinity may be revealed to you; you have to be ready, prepared
for that moment. Since Divinity is enveloped by humanness you must
endeavor to overcome the
maya (delusion) that hides it from your eyes.
This is a human form in which every divine entity, every divine
principle, that is to say, all the names and forms ascribed by man
to God, are manifest. ... Do not allow doubt to distract you; if
you only install, in the altar of your heart, steady faith in my
Divinity, you can win a vision of my Reality. Instead, if you
swing like the pendulum of a clock, one moment devotion, another
moment disbelief, you can never succeed in comprehending the truth
and win that bliss. You are very fortunate that you have a chance
to experience the bliss of the vision of the Sarvadaivathwa
swaroopam (the form that is all forms of the Gods) now, in
this life itself.
Let me draw your attention to another fact. On previous
occasions when God incarnated on earth, the bliss of recognizing
Him in the incarnation was vouchsafed only after the physical
embodiment had left the world, in spite of plenty of evidence of
his grace. And the loyalty and devotion they commanded from men
arose through fear and awe at their superhuman powers and skills
or at their imperial and penal authority. But ponder a moment on
this Sathya Sai Manifestation; in this age of rampant materialism,
aggressive disbelief and irreverence, what is it that brings to it
the adoration of millions from all over the world? You will be
convinced that the basic reason for this is the supra-worldly
Divinity in human form.
Again how fortunate you are that you can witness all the
countries of the world paying homage to India (Bharatha);
you can hear adoration of Sathya Sai's name reverberating
throughout the world, even while this body is existing --not at
some future date but when it is with you, before you. And again,
you can witness very soon the restoration of the Ancient and
Eternal Religion (Sanathana
Dharma) to its genuine and natural status, the
righteousness (dharma) laid down in the
Vedas for the good of all the peoples of the world. The
revival of vedic
dharma is the Sai
sankalpa (the resolve that Sai has) not only drawing
people toward me, attracting them by the manifestation of my
shakti (power) and samarthya (capacity). This is
not a
bhramathathwam (phenomenon of delusion). This phenomenon
will sustain truth, it will uproot untruth, and in that victory
make all of you exult in ecstasy. This is the Sai sankalpa
(will).
Some persons, even those who have reached a certain stage of
leadership and authority, have started exchanging the Vedic
formulae and the principles of Indian (Bharathiya) culture
for lucre, selling them, in fact; and westerners too are inclined
to purchase them! These truths and discoveries are not merchandise
to be sold and bought. Therefore, I am going to western countries
soon, in order to apprise them of their real worth and put a stop
to this bargaining. Already, the authorities of universities in
the United States of America and the leaders of the students of
those universities have written that they are eager to welcome me
and they have drawn up programs for me. It was only yesterday that
passports for my visit to Africa have been brought, praying that I
may visit those countries soon; I am proceeding to Africa before
the month of June.
So utilize the chance of association with me as much as
possible, and endeavor as quickly and as best as you can to follow
the directions that I have been giving. Obeying my instructions is
enough; it will benefit you more than the most rigorous asceticism.
Practice
sathya,
dharma,
santhi and
prema, which are dear to me; resolve to keep those ideals
before you ever, in all your thoughts, words and deeds. That can
confer on you the summum bonum of mergence in the supreme
substance of Divinity.
|