Faith Should Be Your Breath

22 August 1982, Prasanthi Nilayam, AP

Published English.

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All over the world people are giving undue importance to physical appearances and external details. This is an indication of ignorance. This is in fact leading to diversity and difference. You may go to a marketplace, a cinema theatre, or while traveling – there are no distinctions of race, caste or creed. Yet in certain aspects, we come across these distinctions. A few people are magnifying differences for their selfish interests. But truth is one. The reality of man is the same all over. Religion, caste, and other differences are non-existent for the inner core of human beings. The self has no separate identity like , , , , rich, poor, and so on. Also, there is no special truth that pertains to a rich man or a poor man or pertaining to a particular country. Truth is one and the same. Truth is the form of God. People are imparting status in the external context; but there lies the inner core of truth in which all humans are alike. Man must strive to contemplate on the inner truth that is covered by the external body; and must realize the unity therein. This is his fundamental duty. You may consider from a secular, spiritual, or any other angle. You will find that birth and death are the same for all beings. Man cannot escape from this truth.

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Similarly, hunger and thirst are also the same for all human beings. There are no distinctions of religion, caste, race, rich or poor in this regard too. Mind and life are common to all. But, the way in which these two are channelized determines the evolution of humans. When the mind moves away from the traits of anger, jealousy, lust, etc. and dwells in sacred thoughts, that person is considered as pious. Such a person may even attain the status of (God). Man can become . On the other hand, one may use his mind in evil traits and degrade himself to the state of an animal or even a demon.

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Awake And Arise The body is like a glass bottle. It may fall and break at any time. Therefore, it is necessary to realize the inner truth before this body gets destroyed. Until this truth is realized, this fragile body has to be looked after with due care. The exhorts people saying, ‘, ’. It means, ‘Oh man, wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Take proper care of your future (to realize one’s own truth).’ Life must be lived in the light of knowledge.

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‘’ in means man. Ra denotes destruction. ‘Na’ means ‘No.’ Therefore, man is basically indestructible. All the five basic elements – Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth have emanated from nara. By nara, we should not construe man as a weakling, or as a being entangled in the shackles of deeds or . The external body may perish. But, there is no destruction for the . Our body is like a pot. The aspect of the mind is like water in this pot. As long as this water is in an agitated condition, by the effect of senses and desires, the principle of appears to be unsteady. In fact, remains ever steady and permanent. Even after the pot (body) breaks, remains without any change whatsoever. There is no change or destruction for the . No birth or death for it. No migration is involved as far as is concerned. These attributions and differences are for the body only, and not for the Soul (). But, the body should not be neglected, as it is the most important tool for attaining liberation. (virtuous deeds) has to be practiced by the body in order to free the self from its bondage. ‘ — This body is meant for practicing .’ But unfortunately, this body is being used as an incessant loading and unloading machine. You must know the meaning of in its proper perspective. ‘ – the two most significant phrases of all the are, “ — Helping others is Merit; hurting is Sin.’ Therefore, Help ever, hurt never.

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is of three kinds – Physical, Mental, and Oral. By deeds, we don’t mean physical deeds alone. The words we speak and the thoughts we contemplate on all come under the purview of deeds. We must strive to engage ourselves in pure and sacred deeds pertaining to these three channels. Our words should never hurt any heart. We get gradual transformation through persistent devotion and care. , , and are like flowers, raw fruits, and ripe fruits. They are like different forms and stages of the same fruit.

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In the , among the two brothers, was in fact more powerful than . He had thrown out of the capital city. ’s prowess was great indeed. One day he was engaged in his daily ritual of . At that time mighty challenged him to a fight. had held under his armpit and continued with his ritual. So great was his strength. was afraid of his powerful brother and took shelter in mountain range, along with four of his ministers.

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One day he saw two princes coming towards the mountain. He noticed their brilliance. He suspected them as ’s men. So he sent to ascertain their intentions. , though a monkey by birth, was having extraordinary intelligence, power, and character. He approached and with humility, and recognized their reality. He carried both of them on his shoulders and brought them to . Friendship was established between and . promised to kill and promised to help in the search for . But, was somewhat skeptical of

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Truth Is Your Eternal Companion ’s capabilities vis-a-vis ’s power. So, he took to a place where there was a row of seven palm trees. Showing them to , he said, “I will be convinced of your strength if only you succeed in cutting off these trees with a single arrow.” accomplished the task in a playful manner. was convinced that was a divine persona and he totally surrendered himself to . In order to conquer (Illusive power of nature) one has to seek the help of God, because, is under the total control of God. It is difficult for anyone to conquer in spite of one’s strength, intelligence, and education. Therefore, it is necessary to seek God’s help and grace to achieve anything.

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The easiest way to deal with desires is to offer all our desires to God. God’s compassion is like an ocean. All the stream of desires must flow towards the ocean of God. Therefore, you must relieve yourself by surrendering to God. Man is incessantly troubled by three kinds of botherations. These three kinds pertain to wealth, wife, and children. People are subjecting themselves to various troubles for the sake of the above three. But like , we must be prepared to face any kind of hardships for the sake of truth, even if it involves great sacrifices. Relatives and friends honor you only as long as you are hale, healthy, and wealthy. At best they will accompany you up to the burial or cremation ground. Truth is your eternal companion. Truth is God. God is our real friend. Other friends are like frogs in a tank. When the water in the tank dries up, all frogs will leave the tank. Therefore, it is not proper to have deep commitments with friends. Of course, you must be ready to help anyone who is in need. But you must live for God, near to God, and within God. Also, you must see God in everybody. Education is necessary so that you live in full freedom (). means heart, whereas is the body and is the breath. Therefore, independence means a life filled in God. Also (another name for freedom) is which means Desire for . Knowledge, self-restraint, and bliss is (freedom). You must develop such sacred thoughts, so that in the future your children will also grow in such an atmosphere of freedom. Wherever you go, you will find unrest and fear. You must drive away fear through firm faith in God. You can achieve anything with faith.

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teaches how to swim well in this ocean of the mundane world. Family is like an ocean. Human life is a stream. is very helpful, to float in this stream of life. But you must keep in mind that , , , and other texts are in fact the practical tools. They are not mere theoretical philosophies. When you want to reach , you will have to travel on a particular road. Otherwise, you cannot reach the destination. The first step is to find the proper road. Then, you must start traveling on the road. Therefore, when you wish to reach God, it is not enough if you keep in your hand and keep on uttering the word or God. It is necessary to follow the injunctions of . Remember what had said to - “ — I shall obey your command.” Only then took full responsibility and enabled to win the war. is known as . A sibling of the earth is known as . Therefore, every man is a . You must have full faith in the fact that God is the charioteer of the chariot of your body. asked , “Oh, , at (which is known as a land of ) what are my sons and the doing?”

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When people go to the battlefield they will naturally be engaged in fighting. But, the question is who will achieve victory? Therefore, after narrating the entire war, said finally,

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" Yatra Partho dhanurdharah Tatra Shrirvijayo bhutir neetir matir "

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Wherever and stand together, certainly there will be victory. The one holding a bow is a . It really means holding onto faith. is one who had a pure heart. So, it is clear that God stays with one who has a pure heart and firm faith. When God is with you, success will surely follow. Therefore, consider faith as your breath. May you all achieve success in life.