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Everything Depends on
God's Grace
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
delivering His Divine Discourse on 21st July 2005 at
Prashanti Nilayam
Text of the Divine Discourse
delivered by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 21st July 2005,
Guru Purnima, in Sai Kulwanth Hall, Prashanti Nilayam
Everyone has to face the
consequences of his actions. Who has made the bats to hang
from the branches of a tree with their heads downwards? Has
anyone done it out of hatred? No. It is their Karma (fate).
Likewise, nobody can escape from the consequences of Karma.
(Telugu poem)
Birds fly in the sky with the
help of wings. Likewise, bats too fly in the sky, but unlike
other birds, they hang with their heads downwards from the
branches of trees. Is it not their fate? One may perform any
activity, but one is bound to face the consequences of one's
action. This is the law of nature.
Students – Boys and Girls,
People may act as they please, but they cannot escape from the
consequences of their actions. Whether he is a pamara
(simpleton) or a mahaneeya (noble soul), he has to face
the results of his actions. Let no one be under the illusion
that one can commit sin and still go scot-free. Hence, one
should enquire before undertaking any activity whether it is
good or bad. Wherever you go, the results of your actions will
follow you like your shadow. However, it is possible to escape
from the consequences of action by the grace of God. God is
always by your side saying "Tathastu!", "Tathastu!"
(so shall it be!). Man is not taking cognisance of this truth
and is indulging in wicked deeds. He knows pretty well what is
good and what is bad, yet, he is unable to give up his evil
ways. One's experiences in life, good and bad, depend on his
actions.
No one can comprehend the ways of God. They are beyond
description. You may think that you can commit a mistake
surreptitiously and feel that no one has seen you. But you
cannot hide your actions from God. The consequences of your
actions will haunt you wherever you go.
One should not be judged by his external appearance. One may
look noble and speak in a pleasing manner, but his actions may
not be in consonance with his words. We may undertake a number
of good activities, yet we cannot escape from the consequences
of our past deeds. We have to bear this truth always in mind.
Embodiments of Love!
The world is full of wonders and mysteries. The law that governs
human life and the world at large is beyond the ken of human
understanding. The principle of divinity is not visible to the
naked eye, but it is what prompts you to perform action and
experience the consequences thereof.
The story of the Lord is
amazing,
It purifies the lives of people in all the three worlds,
It is like the sickle that cuts the creepers of worldly
bondage,
It is like a good friend who helps you in times of need,
It is like a shelter for the sages and seers doing penance
in the forest. (Telugu poem)
Embodiments of Love!
You may not be able to comprehend fully all that is being said.
But you will understand it through experience. It is impossible
to escape Karma Phala (fruits of action). We read a
number of books, but do we put into practice whatever we have
learnt? No. No. We put into practice only that which is
convenient and necessary for us and ignore the rest.
Students!
You may wonder if there is a way to escape from the consequences
of Karma. Yes, it is possible for those who earn the grace of
God. Once you become the recipient of God's grace, you will not
be affected by Karma Phala. Hence, you should strive to
earn Divine grace. Scholars say, it is impossible to escape
Karma. What they say is true to a certain extent. But once you
earn Divine grace, even if you have to experience the
consequences of Karma, you will not feel the pain. Take for
instance a bottle containing medicine. You find the expiry date
mentioned on the bottle. After the expiry date, the medicine
will lose its potency. Likewise, God's grace will make the
Karma Phala 'expire', i.e., it nullifies the effects of
Karma. Hence, it is possible to escape from the consequences of
Karma. Man should cultivate the necessary strength and will
power to deserve Divine grace. You will be free from the
shackles of Karma once you attain Divine grace.
Lord Easwara had granted only sixteen years of life-span to
Markandeya. But Markandeya was unaware of this. One evening, he
found his parents full of sorrow. On enquiry, they revealed that
his end had approached and that was the cause of their sorrow.
They said, "Lord Easwara had ordained that you would live only
for sixteen years and today happens to be the last day of your
earthly sojourn. Tomorrow our earthly ties will be snapped."
Markandeya was surprised to hear this. He also felt sorry that
he was not made aware of it earlier. He said, "I would have made
proper use of my time if I had known that I would live for only
sixteen years." He went to the temple of Easwara without wasting
even a moment, hugged the Siva Linga and started chanting Om
Namah Sivaya wholeheartedly. At the appointed hour, Lord
Yama (God of death) cast his noose around the neck of young
Markandeya. As he was hugging the Linga, the noose fell around
the Siva Linga also. Easwara manifested there and remonstrated
with Yama, "How dare you cast the noose around Me?" Pleased with
the devotion of Markandeya, He blessed him with the boon of
immortality. In fact, it was Easwara who had stipulated 16 years
of life-span for Markandeya. But on account of Markandeya's
intense devotion and total surrender Easwara had to change His
decree. Markandeya's episode bears ample testimony to the fact
that one can escape even from the God of death if one becomes
the recipient of Lord Easwara's grace. Hence, contemplate on God
and chant His Name incessantly.
Once when Lord Yama was going round the world, he noticed that
everyone was chanting the divine name. Wherever he went, he
found devotees contemplating on the Lord. "If everyone starts
chanting the Divine Name, how am I to discharge my duties? How
can I cast my noose around a devotee?", he wondered. He started
praying to Lord Easwara thus. Then Easwara appeared before him
and said, "You may cast your noose on anyone at the appointed
time. But, remember that only those who have experienced the
fruits of their actions will be ensnared by your noose. It
cannot touch those who have no trace of Karma Phala
(fruits of action). That is why Markandeya became My property
and I showered My grace on him."
That is why people start chanting the divine names such as
"Rama, Krishna, Govinda…" as the end approaches. As demonstrated
by Markandeya, devotees can alter the Will of God by their
sincere prayers. In matters relating to Divinity, the word
'impossible' does not exist. God can accomplish anything. If you
surrender to Him completely, He can cancel the consequences of
your actions and confer His grace on you. One need not feel
depressed or dejected thinking that he is bound by Karma
Phala. God can cancel your Karma Phala if your
prayers are sincere. In this manner, God protected the lives of
many devotees and alleviated their suffering in response to
their prayers. Some people out of their ego doubt the power of
God and try to test Him. They think, "Let us see, how he will do
this." But God cannot be understood or experienced by such
tests. Such tests are futile exercise. Evil qualities like ego,
jealousy and hatred will ruin man's life. One should make every
effort to earn the grace of God. Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu
Sarvatra Hari Chintanam (everywhere, at all times, under all
circumstances contemplate on God).
That is why Swami is exhorting you to undertake spiritual
Sadhana. Nagar Sankirtan is one of the Sadhanas
that is prescribed for devotees. No one knows when one's end
approaches. Yama has no consideration of what one is doing, good
or bad at the time of casting his noose. One may leave his
mortal coil even when one is doing Nagar Sankirtan.
Hence, one should always be prepared to face Yama by chanting
the Divine Name. You should undertake spiritual practice and
earn the divine grace so as to be free from Karma Phala.
One need not feel depressed and resign to one's fate. One can
easily overcome fate with sincere prayers. The story of
Markandeya proves this point beyond doubt. Everything depends on
God's grace.
Embodiments of Love!
You may undertake any number of spiritual practices, but never
forget God's Name even for a moment. Only then will you be
protected. Never do anything that will take you away from God.
You can achieve anything through prayer. You do not need to pray
loudly, it is enough if you pray mentally. Some people have a
mistaken notion that God will not come to their rescue if they
do not pray loudly. God resides in your heart. He listens to
your prayers. If you aspire to attain His grace, you have to
contemplate on Him incessantly. Worldly difficulties come and
go. One should not attach much importance to them. However,
through prayer, one can overcome any difficulties. Only God's
grace is true and everlasting. One should strive to attain it.
Embodiments of Love!
Chant the name of God day in and day out. That alone will
protect you at all times. Just as air is all-pervasive, God is
present in you, with you, around you, below you, above you.
Hence, you should be in constant communion with divinity. When
you develop faith in Divinity, you will naturally have unity.
Consequently, there will be no scope for enmity. You need not
perform any rituals in order to win the grace of God. It is
enough if you do Namasmarana (chanting the Divine Name)
from the depth of your heart. Bhajan Bina Sukha Shanthi Nahin…
(one cannot attain peace and happiness without singing the glory
of God). If you incessantly chant the divine name "Rama", no
harm can ever befall you.
Embodiments of Love!
It is because of your good fortune that you all have gathered
here today. Do not fritter away this opportunity. Make the best
use of your stay here and get the maximum benefit out of it.
Remember that God is always with you wherever you are.
God is your sole refuge
wherever you may be, in a forest, in the sky, in a city or a
village, on the top of a mountain or in the middle of deep
sea. (Telugu poem)
Students, Embodiments of
Love!
I am very much aware that you think of Swami always. It does not
matter whether you sing the Divine Name loudly or silently. I
see only the feeling behind it. Nothing can come in the way of
God and His devotee. Rishis of yore went to the Himalayas in
order to spend their time in contemplation of God. Wherever you
are, God listens to your prayers. Do Bhajans sincerely. Swami
will certainly listen to you. Never give room for any type of
weakness. Be always courageous. When you adhere to Swami's
words, the power of Sai will manifest in you. Chant any name of
your choice, Easwara, Rama, Krishna, etc., but always remember
that God is one. I will never force you to chant a particular
name. One should not limit God to a particular name or form. You
may call Me by any name, I shall respond.
Recently, a strange incident took place. Subramaniam of Larsen &
Toubro and Chief Engineer Kondal Rao had gone to East Godavari
and West Godavari region in connection with the Water Supply
Project works. As they were conducting a survey in a forest
area, they were confronted by a group of naxalites. The
naxalites questioned them, "Who are you? Why have you come here?
Who has sent you here? How dare you enter our area without our
permission?" They replied, "We have come here in your own
interest. As there is scarcity of water in this region, Bhagawan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba has sent us to make arrangements for the
drinking water supply." On hearing this, the naxalites were
stupefied and overjoyed. They said, "We are living in the
forests and hence are not aware of the magnificent service
activities that Swami has undertaken." They guided the engineers
as to where to lay the pipes and fix the taps. They are all
coming here for Swami's Darshan. The Water Supply Project
works in East and West Godavari districts are nearing
completion. We have already drawn plans for a water supply
project in the Krishna District also. I am taking up these
projects and completing them of My own accord, without anybody's
asking. Water is very essential for the survival of everyone. It
is the sustainer of life. What else can be of greater service
than providing drinking water to the needy? It is the source and
sustenance of life. I do not expect any rituals or worship from
you. I am doing it out of My love for you. East Godavari, West
Godavari and Krishna districts are now being covered under Sri
Sathya Sai drinking water supply project. The people of those
districts are extremely happy. There can be no greater service
than providing drinking water. That is what I have been doing.
You need not ask for it. I am giving it out of My own accord.
Till today no government or anyone for that matter has taken up
the task of providing drinking water to Krishna district. It is
only Sai who is providing water to all. I am always engaged in
such humanitarian projects. I do not involve Myself in any other
work. Water is essential for human life. Hence I am prepared to
provide water for all. Devotees should pray that everybody
should have water to drink. Pray for the welfare of all. Prayer
is the need of the hour. You may be worried that Swami is not
able to walk. But always remember that Swami is not the body. I
have no connection with the body. I am always happy and healthy.
Do not pray to God for the fulfilment of your desires. Pray for
the welfare of all. When I had a fall, the people of East
Godavari and West Godavari came and prayed, "Swami, we want only
Your health and not water." I told them, "Your welfare is My
welfare." They are bringing a helicopter for Me with the prayer
that I should pay a visit to East Godavari and West Godavari
districts. Very soon, I will be visiting these districts.
Recapitulate and savour these blissful moments you have spent
here. Do Namasmarana.
Source:
http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Gurupurnima_05_Discourse.htm |