Unity : key to rural progress

2 February 1985, Seva Samiti of Thiruthani, Thiruthani

Professor Kasturi's English.

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(right actions) make human life meaningful and edifying. The goal of man is to realise the divinity that is in him. This can be achieved only by getting rid of all bad qualities and filling one's mind and heart with love and compassion. "Love is God and God is Love." A life without love is sterile and barren. Whatever one's difficulties or troubles, one should try to help others to the extent possible. Selfless, loving service to others, is the highest form of . It represents true devotion - . Such is not affected by the reverse of fortune or changes in circumstances. One should not be concerned only about one's own welfare, career and prosperity. It is not for the enjoyment of personal possessions and comforts that man has taken birth. He has greater goal to achieve, something more permanent and lasting. It is the realisation of oneness with the Divine, which alone can give lasting bliss. Even while being engaged in the activities of the secular world, we should strive to sanctify all actions by dedicating them to the Divine.

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There must be heart-to-heart unity For people consuming rajasik food, it may not be easy to control anger or passion. But such feelings should not be allowed to grow into hatred or bitterness. There are in more than seventy of people. If all of them were to feel as one and act as one what is it that cannot be achieved by them? Unfortunately there is no unity amongst them. If four persons in a house have four different opinions, how can they achieve anything? Without unity, we cannot have either peace or happiness. Life will be meaningless like that of jackals and dogs.

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You have been waiting in the hot sun for my arrival. It shows your devotion to me and your yearning to see me and listen to me. The patience with which you have borne the heat of the sun is a form of (penance) which you have performed out of your love. Your yearning for and the joy I have given by my visit and address represent real unity of spirit. There is no use in mere talk about unity. There must be heart-to-heart unity based on mutual love. Promote love. Wake up with love. Do every act with love.

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Love is divine in its essence Love in different contexts is called by different names. The love between a husband and wife is called (fascination). The love between mother and children is known as (maternal affection). The love of relatives and friends is described as (mutual regard). The love of God is described as (devotion). Although these forms of love are described differently, essentially love is one, divine in its essence. Love of anyone is a recognition of the divinity in everyone, When we become conscious of the omnipresence of divinity, our thoughts, speech and actions will become pure. We will not use offensive language against anyone or think of causing harm to anyone.

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What has been done in your village so far is gratifying, but much more remains to be done. You will have my blessings and support for all your undertakings in a spirit of service and dedication. After the day's labours, everyone of you should devote some time to thoughts on God and purify your hearts by sacred actions. From today you must cultivate unity of spirit and work harmoniously for the prosperity and the progress of your village. You have the assurance that the Organisation and will help you in every way.