The Message of the Upanishads - 2 · Sathya Sai Speaks 1993

The Message of the Upanishads - 2

20 October 1993, Dasara, Avatar Day, Prasanthi Nilayam

Published English.

1

The quest for happiness There is no penance other than (stillness of the mind). It is the ornament adorned by saints and it is what every one yearns for in his heart. Saint sang that there is no comfort or happiness without peace "."

2

(the state of enjoyment of happiness) is like heaven. The pleasures derived by the senses from worldly objects are transient, while real happiness lies in experiencing the bliss from the Inner Self. People are unhappy because of , or the insatiable thirst for worldly pleasures. Desires are always multiplying endlessly. The only way to overcome misery or grief is to put a curb on desires.

3

(compassion) is inherent in every human being. But few are prepared to share this with their fellow-beings. Man is deluded by the trivial pleasures from mundane things and is filled with greed and lust. This is the main obstacle in the spiritual path.

4

Basis of adhvaithik principle is The deal with rituals and worship, which imply a dualism between the worshipper and the object worshipped. spells out the principle of (non-duality). It is interpreted in different ways, but the real basis of the Adhvaithik principle is , that is the feeling that there is only one pervading everywhere and none else. "" (Wisdom lies in the perception of oneness). The preach this oneness, based on the concept of unity in diversity. means "near," represents "" and means "sit". Upanishad means that one should sit near the preceptor to acquire the Supreme Spiritual Wisdom.

5

The originated during different periods of time. That is why we find that the teachings of the different are not based on the circumstances obtaining at one particular time, but they are applicable universally at all times as they teach only what is vital for the welfare of humanity.

6

"" says the . There is no place in the universe where God is not present. Just as air is everywhere even though we cannot see it with our eyes, Divinity is all pervasive. But for this Divinity, the Sun and the Moon cannot shine, rivers will not flow, crops will not grow. The Divine governs the whole universe. All things in creation are for the use of the entire world. No one can claim exclusive right over these gifts of Nature.

7

The teaches man how to combine with (enjoy the world with an attitude of sacrifice). One imbued with the feelings of (sacrifice) will not revel in mundane pleasures. Sacrifice and sensual pleasures cannot co-exist just as water and fire cannot co-exist. What, then, is the inner significance of this directive that man should enjoy (pleasurable experiences) with (renunciation)?

8

It means that though one is not interested in mundane things, he has to do his duty. He cannot escape doing . He should shed his ego while doing his work and should not consider himself as the doer. He should do his duty without any desire for the fruits thereof. Because man is filled with ego and is not interested in experiencing the real bliss, he suffers from (disease). When work is done with a selfless attitude there is no difference between and . We find today in the world only (persons afflicted with disease) and not or . You should give up attachment to worldly things and direct your attachment to the Divine only. Sage taught his wife this principle of oneness. The same (Supreme Self) is present in everyone in the form of Awareness.

9

Desireless action leads you away from misery The teaches that this (Truth) is changeless. It is the basis of the that has been followed in . Man cannot live without (action). But he should do it without the feeling of ego and desire for reward. When the seed is sown, the tree will grow and yield fruit whether you like it or not. The desire for fruit is the cause of misery. The teach the way of getting rid of the ego.

10

is like a mirror which reflects whatever object is placed before it. When you look into the mirror there are three entities - yourself, the mirror and the reflection. But if you remove the mirror, there is only one left and that is 'you.' The reflection is gone. Because of worldly feelings, you look at the reflection. Remove the worldly feelings, you see your Inner Self which is the Reality. When you get rid of the feelings of I and Mine everything becomes one.

11

The taught the difference between pleasure and pain. If you shed your ego and experience Divinity you will get rid of your pain and enjoy lasting bliss. The teach through stories the subtlest truths. You should understand their inner significance · and taste the nectarine sweetness. This is possible only when there is (inner purity). Purity of heart leads to - Self realisation.

12

13

Love, Compassion, Self-Confidence and Sacrifice are the real human qualities. You are (Son of Immortality). Purity in thought, word and deed is a basic requisite for man. Under any circumstances, man should not allow this threefold purity to be affected. Patience is another ideal quality one should develop. Whatever troubles or obstacles one may meet with while doing his proper duty, he should bear with them. One should not get depressed when others blame or abuse him but should stick, to the path of truth. The third quality is perseverance which is indeed a prime need for any one in any field but more so in the spiritual path.

14

Once you have taken up a vow to do a good thing, you should not go back on it under any circumstance. You should fulfill it even at the cost of your life. This is the hallmark of a true devotee. In ancient times, people had this determination and became good souls. The had to spend their lives in forests feeding on leaves and fruits. Still they never gave up their adherence to the plighted word. In the devotees have to face a lot of trials and challenges, but they should not waver even a wee bit in their devotion to God.

15

16

The divinity in man With (feeling of pure love) you can realise your oneness with the world. Every object has five attributes, namely , , , Name and Form. The first three - Existence, Cognisability and Utility - - are permanent and changeless, while Name and Form are subject to change. Human beings with different names and forms are just like waves on the ocean of . They are also ame . The essence is the same in all names and forms. The realisation of this truth is spirituality. This is the message of the . It does not matter if you cannot understand every word of the . It is enough if you realise the truth that you are embodiments of the Divine.

17

When you get some troubles, you cry in a state of despair and even blame God. There is no need for you to feel aggrieved at all. All troubles are passing clouds. The clouds cannot hide for long the effulgence of the Sun which is permanent. Similarly the cannot be affected by anything. If you identify yourself with this Reality you will have no cause for grief at all as you will be embodiments of bliss.