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Sathya Sai Speaks 1974 · An epic moment

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  1. An epic moment

    June 1974, Brindavan

    Professor Kasturi's English.

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    THE agonising years of torment, hope, and disillusion were over; the moment of decision had come, though it was sought now, by the sharp edge of the sword and not the soft words of Lord . The armies gathered by the from their kingdom and from their allies were standing face to face with the forces of their cousins. Cavalry, chariotry, elephantry and infantry, eager to start the destruction of the enemy, the chief actors all dressed and equipped for the fray! Conches were blown; trumpets rent the sky with their blare. The air was tense with hope, fear, anxiety and anger. Blood in million bodies became redder and warmer; hearts pounded quicker; arms grasped weapons in deadly grip. , the 'eldest of the brothers, suddenly, removed his footwear; he laid aside his armour; he slid from his chariot; he walked towards the opposing cohorts, towards , the Generalissimo of the enemy forces. , the eldest of the Kaurava brothers, the cousin most responsible for the war, the unyielding opponent of the , saw cross over to the aged . He was overjoyed; he guessed that had decided surrender, for, he was by nature against bloodshed and battles.
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    will guard those who follow The four brothers of were astounded. , the redoubtable hero of a hundred contests with the , the person most .eager for the battle to begin, felt foiled of victory. He recalled the many occasions when had stood in the way of revengeful action against the . He feared that he would apologise and withdraw like a craven from the bloody gamble of war. , the formidable bowman, witnessed his brother's defection with horror and anger. and , the twins, were struck dumb at their own helplessness. Lord studied the situation from the seat of the charioteer on the chariot of , which was in the front line of the army. He signed to the four of them to follow their eldest brother and do likewise. He said, "All these years you have revered' him, and trod on his footsteps. Do so now. Do not hesitate; do not doubt." was the very embodiment of (right action); he knew the right and he practised it whatever the consequences. He knew that will guard those who follow . He never did a hypocritical or a non- Vedhic act; he never took a wrong step. He went straight to and fell at his feet. Standing before him with folded hands and bowed head, he prayed. "Grandfather! We had no chance to experience the love of the father; he passed away too soon. You brought us up from infancy with love and care, and made us what we are today. We have no fight to "fight against you; but, fate has conspired to bring us now into battle with you. Please have mercy on us; permit us to raise our arms against you."
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    Adherence to ensured victory was naturally charmed and overjoyed at the humility and righteousness of ; his eyes were filled with tears at the strange turn that destiny had taken; he blessed him and said, "! You have stuck to , in spite of the temptations this situation has placed before you. What a noble example you have set before the world! This that you follow will itself give you victory." Next, and the brothers moved towards General , the Preceptor, who had taught archery to both the and their cousins, the . fell at his feet too and prayed, "Highly revered Preceptor! We five are your pupils; how can we rightfully take up arms against our Preceptor? The times have indeed gone awry. Pardon us, for this wrong. Permit us to engage with you in battle." , the , was visibly moved by this appeal. "Ah! How great and good, this is ! Even at this moment when the hounds of war are to be let loose to spread death and fury, he is sticking to the dictates of !" was thrilled at the thought. He clasped in his arms and said, "Son! You are dearer to me than , for, I am drawn to him only by duty, whereas I am drawn to you by love. You are all my sons, for, I love you as such. Your right will certainly earn victory over our might." It is this adherence to that ensured their victory. Or else, was there any one on earth at that time who could force the redoubtable to lay down his arms? Could any one excel in archery? The , whom and sought to support were defeated because they trod the path of (vice), while the never deviated from the path of . gave them the skill, strength, courage and tenacity to defeat these great masters of military strategy.
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    The went counter to their parents and their God. Their mother, , counselled her children in a thousand ways not to continue their vendetta, against their cousins, the . But, they did not heed her. Their father pleaded with them to desist from the path of hate; but, to no avail. They turned a deaf ear to the advice offered by their Preceptor, , to make' peace with the cousins and give them their legitimate share of the realm. When the Lord, Himself, went to them as a messenger of peace, as an Ambassador with the Mission of Peace, they refused to listen to His Divine words; they attempted even to overpower Him and put Him into bonds! If you follow the same line of wilful blindness, you will have to meet the same fate - total destruction. The five brothers are, you should believe, worthy of your reverence and have to be regarded as your 'five vital airs,' 'five sheaths,'. 'five sense-organs.' Have them as ideals to be followed; you can then win the Grace of God. The memory of their travail and triumph will act as a to purify and strengthen you, and elevate you to the Divine status which is your heritage.