A True Human Being

27 January 1985, Mumbai

Published English.

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Without (Truth), (Righteousness), (Love), and (Peace), The mastery of all skills and all types of knowledge and education would be a futile exercise, the value being zero. Without , , , and , All acts of charity, all acts of mercy would be rendered null and void. Without , , , and , All the good that one does, all the good deeds that one performs, the fruit of such actions would be a zero. Without , , , and , To occupy positions of power or authority, the results of actions which follow in the wake of this positions of authority would be a zero. These ancient principles of , , , and are verily four cornerstones. They're verily the fourfold pillars on which the rest of one’s life rests. What else than this could I possibly communicate to you all, pious members, the virtuous and the noble members of this august assembly.

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If man has to bring to the fore his innate personality, he has to develop ethics and morals. Without the guiding principle of morality, man cannot progress far in this life. This word, has its origin in the Sanskrit word . This word, , could be understood thus, that which you do through the capacity to discriminate. This word, is associated with good behavior, a good trait. Now this Morality or is the beacon light that leads you far.

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Today we are born as members of the human race. We're brought up as members of the human race. We make a living in the community of human beings, but we do not understand the meaning of the word . Every person who wishes to be called Man or should first and foremost understand the meaning of these words . The English connotation, the meaning of this word , is human value. This human value is not a separate subject by itself. This idea of human value is part and parcel of our existence in our daily lives. We have forgotten that which is very much us, which is part and parcel of our own nature. As a result, we are seeking external ways and means of trying to know what the subject of human values is all about.

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In order that you might further this idea of human value and the essence of human existence, a special effort has to be made. Alongside education you should also have this necessary culture which would go with it so that you can fulfill your life. Without this idea of culture or the transformation proper, mere education does not lead man far. One can master all types of skills, all types of education, and conquer an assembly of people. He could also be a valorous valiant one and win wars. He could be born a king among kings and rule over a vast empire. He could also indulge in acts of charity by way of giving away cow and cattle. He could also count all the stars in the skies. He could also recount to you the names of all the living forms of life. He could master all the eight types of education, . He could also reach the moon. However, to control one's bodily senses, to still the mind and look inwards, to be steady and one of equipoise, it's impossible.

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This idea of , this process of trying to imbue these human values, is to try to bring about a harmony between the thought, word, and deed. That word which is not defiled by untruth; the actions of the body which are not impure which do not indulge in violence; and the mind which is not defiled by ideas of ego and attachment. This is true human values. What you must imbibe. This also is called, “The proper study of mankind is man”. So, what you mean by the proper study here is this perfect consonance that prevails between thought, word, and deed. When these three become sacred and pure you have really lived your life.

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Consciousness, Conscious, Conscience Today's life is made up of two components. The body is a field of action, . is the field of , . So this field of should take on this field of action, the action oriented purpose - and thereby it should become the Divine - . It is in this context that the proves that is one that brings you benefits. is that which brings you fear. here means , all that goes in the name of the is . By , you should not mean it is mere conscience. It is in fact all-pervading consciousness. Once you go by your consciousness, whatever you do becomes proper and that leads you on. This consciousness is also called . This principle is present everywhere.

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This principle of consciousness which is present everywhere gives rise to conscience. This conscience is the witness proper. This witness in turn is dependent on what you do or say. It is dependent upon your own daily behavior and conduct. From this conscience is born conscious. So here today we are having this vesture of a body and experiencing life is conscious. Being a witness of yourself, that becomes conscience. If we exhibit, manifest in all that we do externally, that becomes consciousness.

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Therefore, the body is one. The mind is second thing, and the is third thing altogether. So is (Eternal Truth). The mind is (Consciousness). And the body is a medium which experiences the joy of these two and . Once and come together, the body experiences joy or bliss. means “Being”. is “Awareness”. Awareness is your life. is “” (God consciousness). So once this godhead becomes part of your own life, then you have happiness. This is true human quality. This is human value. This truly is the essence of your life . You have become forgetful of it; you are going after the fleeting pleasures of the world. In the process you're subjecting yourself to grief and sorrow.

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For this an example here, in the a mention is made of a unique character, a peculiar character. Now this character has a form which is very peculiar. This character has no neck. When you say it doesn't have a neck, it's not the neck that we all have. The neck of this person rests on his stomach instead. The name of this character is . The inner meaning of this is that for the sake of filling his stomach, he's making use of his head. Today's educated people are very much like this . In the sense that all they have learned, all the degree of proficiency they have achieved, they're using for the sake of filling their stomach. Now you might go on filling the stomach, but you never can fill it. It will never lead you to satisfaction. You must eat in order to live. Not live in order to eat.

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A life which is healthy, a life which is full of happiness and joy, a life which is an ideal or a model, that is a true human value which can bring to the fore these qualities. First one is unity, and integrity is necessary. Second one is steadfastness of purpose is necessary. Third one is equally important, to have this element of brotherhood. –integrity and equal mindedness, –steadfastness of purpose, –brotherhood of man: these are the three necessary things that make up mankind.

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Nature is the best teacher There are any number of themes that we can garner in this nature of ours. This , the joy, you get through this medium of nature is unequal. means “to know” in the Sanskrit word . Now today we build castles in the air in terms of what we have learned through the medium of this education. Alongside education as you know it to be, you must also develop humility and obedience. This is called —true culture—that which transforms your life. That's why it is called .

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(Truth), (Righteousness), (Peace), (Love), (Non-Violence), these five great cardinal principles which are at the basis of the entire creation. They are very much like the five (vital life principles), like the five elements. And flowing beneath these like an undercurrent is this element of love. Without this element of love it is like living death. It is this love which permeates all things, all beings, all activities, all tasks, and it is present everywhere. When this love enters our thoughts, it manifests itself as . When this love enters the actions, it becomes . When this love enters our feelings and emotions, we experience . When this love enters in understanding, that transforms itself into . So, either in , , or in it is this love which is undercurrent. Today we must try and further the cause of love. Try to remove hatred. Try to keep a check on your impulses and anger. Exterminate your ego, this is the essence of human values that you associate with a living being in mankind.

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So, in this human existence of ours, try and bring together the element of divinity (Atmic principle) on the one hand and the very essence of your human nature on the other. Now this body which is external is like the negative. The thought processes which are linked to the inner existence of yours is like the positive. When the positive goes one way and the negative goes another way, it is of no use. The positive and negative should be brought together. Our bodies are like the wire. Now a wire linked to another wire, there is no current by itself. Rather, you peel the skin off this wire, make a connection between the copper that is going in the two bits of wire then the electricity will flow. Our body is like the external sheathing or insulation of wire. Our mind within is like the copper wire. When one mind is linked to cosmic mind there is this current flowing through this copper. Try to understand the mind. Without having a proper understanding on a mind-to-mind basis, you want to have an understanding externally, it is no use. So, if you understand this on a mind-to-mind basis, adjustment becomes easy. If we first of all understand this salient fact, that it is the same divine which is in all beings, then they'll be no problem at all. So, either the wealthiest of the people or the pauper on the streets, it is the same Atmic principle that's present in both.

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But then we give way to greed and excess desires. That's why we are subject to grief and sorrow. Now there is an excellent illustration in the to illustrate this. One (spiritual aspirant) went to Lord (God of Creation) and asked him a question, “O Lord, why have you created this Mountain—the mountain of gold and wealth? By creating this mountain of wealth, what is the result? What is the fruit of it? If you wanted to give this mountain of wealth and gold to the wealthy man, he never can be satisfied. If you give him thousands of such mountains, he never can be satisfied. There is no use in trying to satisfy a person who never can be satisfied. On the other hand, if you want to give this to a person who's always contented, no purpose is served. So why have you created this mountain of wealth?”

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So, here you have your own contentment, there you have (Peace). That is the true value in mankind. A question is asked, who is the richest man in this world? The proper answer will be, he who has much satisfaction is the richest man. Who is the poorest man? He who has much desire is the poorest man. So, try and bring down your desires. While bringing down your desires, you need to introduce these human values. Now we tend to look upon our life as something else.

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A contented sleep, satisfying food, clothes for the body, a house full of children, all comforts and all luxuries and comforts in life: We feel this is what life is all about. This is OK as far as material existence is concerned, but this is not the primary aim and goal of life. These are things which are confirmed to the body and the mind. Now there is a third thing called .

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Get on the path of truth You want to have satisfaction of the ? Then you must get on the path of truth first. The described this state thus: The declared that person, to be a true human being, is one who has known the efficacy of truth and practices it. The Bible likewise says that nation which follows the path of truth enjoys peace and prosperity. Mohammad likewise taught that along with this word of truth, the actions also should demonstrate it. Buddhism is nothing but men and women getting faith in truth and following it. And it was this Mohammad who sacrificed his life for upholding the principle of truth. And Jesus likewise gave himself up to be crucified for upholding the principle of service. To uphold truth sacrificed his children and wife.

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The quintessence of all religions, the primary point of origin of all the paths and goals, and the essence of all (scriptures) is the (true form) of love. So, the essence of all religions is one. And the philosophy is the quintessence and the oneness of all religions. That indeed is our true religion. This is the ritual we need to experience in our life. Once we experience this ritual, our lives will be sanctified. So, with this innate divinity in us, plunge into activities pertaining to the society and do service.

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This body has been given so that you can serve others.

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Today in the country of , it's been said eighty percent are the youth. The remaining twenty percent are the middle aged and the old ones. And through this component of youth any amount of good can be done in this country or the world. So, by taking care of these youngsters and making them perform service activities to manifest this divine spark latent in man and publicize it, this is an ideal to the whole world.

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should take the pledge to spread this message to every nook and corner of the globe. This is the field of action - . It is a field of - . It is the field of sacrifice - . It is a field of - , not - not a field of or pleasure. Today you are going by this idea of comfort, comfort in everything that you say or do. It ends up in your saying, “come for tea”. Comfort is not important.

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If your mind is at peace with itself, you can always adjust and understand each other. You wish to do some - service. Let God dwell within your heart, perform your . . It is said, God in your hearts and service through the medium of your hands. Hands in society, head in the forest is the real rest. True real rest is, hands in society head in forest. You should take part in such activities. Organizations are sanctifying their purpose by indulging in such activities. We should try and give this inspiration to youngsters. The minds of the youth are like a double-edged sword. If they go awry, go astray, it's impossible to rectify. If they go to the good and the noble ways, you cannot curb or arrest that.

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Sacrifice in education So, today's education system should explore ways and means of turning the youth, channelizing the youth into doing good and noble activities. In addition to caring for and guiding students in the right direction, we must also educate and train teachers. The teachers are like the water tanks and the students are like water taps. If these tanks are filled with good water, the taps also would give you pure and good water. If the tank is filled with dirty water, the taps also will give you dirty water. We must impart proper training to the teachers in the first place. Therefore, it's not a mistake of the teachers, because the teachers of today were students themselves yesterday. So, they too are not aware of what is right and wrong. They too have to be given this training and trained in the proper way. And today this is precisely what the organization is doing.

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Because the teachers basically are good and noble, because they have sacrificed a great deal on their part, they regard the students who come to them as their own children. But because the teachers are not able to foster noble ideals and virtuous deeds, the students are not able to derive any benefit. That's why in the (Indian culture) it is being said, it is not through actions, not through wealth, not through comfort or luxury, but it's only through the element of sacrifice that you can become immortal. It is only through the element of sacrifice that you can become immortal. It is sacrifice which confers protection to you.

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So, try and make efforts to bring home the idea of human values to every school, to every life. Every person should take this upon himself as a primary task in this country of . You should not neglect this cause of human value, thinking that government will do or an organization will do. A single flower by itself does not become a garland. Many flowers together become a garland. So, all should take a hand in this idea of human values. Every house should become a center. This idea of human values should be imparted to every. That's the way can regain its lost glory.

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Embodiments of love, having been born as human beings, let us behave like human beings. We should not behave like a beast or an animal. A man living as man, that is the essence of human value that he has. That becomes divinity, that is unity, that is purity, that is charity. Once you can experience all these together, that is the essence of human values. So, don't get carried away with this bodily existence of yours. The mind and are equally important. Make the body part of the mind and , plunge into society through the medium of love.

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There is nothing beyond love in this society of yours. You may believe it, you may not believe it. Love is God, love is man, love is everything in this society, in this existence, in this creation. So it is this love, the medium of love which translates into action that is going to bring back the ancient glory and splendor of this . Every child should be made to realize this truth. I'm hoping and blessing that all will become aware of this love. Thus, I am bringing this discourse to a close.