Love is the only offering I accept

21 November 1985, Prasanthi Nilayam

Professor Kasturi's English.

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We have here at the World Conference delegates from many counties, wedded to different cultures and traditions, languages and styles of dress, food etc. But, this variety should not hide from our vision, the unity of Divinity inherent in all of you. The world today is afflicted with formidable problems and fast-spreading fear–fear of war, of famine, and of demonic terrorists, problems of racial, religious and regional conflicts, of economic recuperation and survival, of student indiscipline, of credal clashes, of frenzy and fanaticism, of power-grabbing and extreme egoism. The only remedy for this creeping fear is an attitude of (non-attachment).

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When one is attached to the body-mind complex and the I-and-Mine limitation, fear is inescapable. The Adhwaithic awareness, that what we witness is but a super-imposition of our own mind on Reality; it is the best cure; and service is the most effective . Our deeds reveal our motives; our motives design our habits; our habits decide our character; our character determines our destination.

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Service should be rendered without egoism Deeds are the very root of our fate. They sprout as birth, after death. The family and society into which one is born, lead us through their moral code and the journey ends when the goal is reached. and the door keepers of , the abode of God, fell into demonic careers in the world, as the result of an impertinent gesture against holy sages. , though a demon by birth, attained the presence of God as a result of his total dedication to Divinity. The mind-stuff of the former two was polluted with the poison-of egoism, while that of was cleansed by surrender to His Will.

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The scriptures speak of (five vital airs) that energise the functions of the human body. More vital than these are the five sustainers of the of inner health and strength, the – , , , , and . Of these, (Love) is the basic element, the motivator of the other four.

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is the highest form of worship The four (life-goals) – , , , and , have been laid down to teach man that he should earn (wealth) through (right means) and direct (desire) towards (release from bondage). But man ignores and and struggles to direct towards . His sense of values has become topsy turvy; for example, he is delighted when the sun rises and happy when it sets, for he can work during day and rest at night. He does not realise that the sun is, with each passing day, shortening the time allotted to him for earthly existence. He does not remind himself that the earth is but a caravanserai and that he has to leave behind all that he claims to possess. The wise ones use money, strength, intelligence, skills, aptitudes and opportunities for helping others and making their lives happier. Thus, they win Divine Grace, for is the highest form of worship. There are millions who are hungry, desperate and miserable. I am directing you to limit the intake of food to actual need, so that you can share it with the poor. Do not waste food. Do not fritter away money for harmful purposes; use it for helping others. Do not waste time and energy; allow others to benefit by your skills.

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Human Family Though desires have not been curtailed sixty of have been collected from the States in India, as an offering to , ostensibly as the sum so saved. I accept only one offering from the World, Love – sacred selfless Love, manifested as service, as brotherhood, as tenderness of heart, as compassion. Not this day, but all days in the past and for all days in the future, money does not attract me or affect me. My hand is for giving, not receiving. Therefore I am returning this amount to the State Presidents themselves, so that they may give back the money to the districts which have contributed it. Let them utilise it for some service activity under the supervision of a Special Committee and the guidance of the State President.

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I am emphasising another point today. You are using the name family while addressing devotees, and referring to yourselves as members of the family. This is a narrow, restrictive expression. I have no limits or restriction. I am in all, for all. There can be no distinct family. Whatever the Name and Form they address, , , etc. they all belong to me, to God. To assume that God responds to one Name only and can be adored in one Form only, is a sacrilege.

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