Proximity To God Is Real Wealth

21 April 1996, Sai Shruti, Kodaikanal, TN

Published English.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Man should develop equal-mindedness and consider all work as God’s work. This is the way to make progress on the spiritual path. Secondly, there should be no scope for ego. If your ego is inflated and you consider yourself a great person, then you should analyse your position. On the world map, you see India as a small country, the city of is even smaller, and your house in in which you live is just a small dot on the world map. Then why should you have so much ego? It is sheer foolishness to become egoistic. When you think that you are one with God, then there will be no scope for ego. God is present in every atom of the universe as God is the basis of everything. The entire macrocosm (universe) is permeated with Divinity. In every tiny seed, there is a tree. Therefore, the smallest and the biggest are one and the same. God created everything and every being. All that God has created is for the good of mankind.

12

13

14

15

16

Though gold is one, the jewels made of it have many forms and shapes. Have the faith that God is one though He has many forms. This is what man must realise, which is the goal of his life. Primordial sound Om is the fundamental principle of the entire creation. Om is or God. This is the Truth. Truth is the same in all periods of time – past, present, and future. It is the world that changes. Truth is eternal. Truth is God. Everything in the world is temporary like passing clouds. God alone was there before the creation and will be there after the destruction. God is the hero; the world is zero. Zeros have value only due to the number one with them. Any number of zeros have no value without the number one. Love only God which signifies Truth, not the world which has no value. Love is infinite and indefinable. Love is God. Today love in man has changed into hatred and envy; it is tainted with jealousy. Divine love is changeless. Individuals may have liking for different names, forms, and colors, but the basic love should not change. Here is a small story to illustrate this.

17

18

19

Take the example of King . He sacrificed his kingdom and even sold himself and his wife for the sake of Truth. That is why he is known as and has attained an exalted place in the history of India. But people today do not yearn to earn a good name; they only desire to acquire more and more money. Such people have no place in history; they have only hysteria for wealth. What is history? Real history is His story, the story of God and His devotees. King ’s story is history. Follow the example of King and develop , , and (love, truth, and sacrifice).

20

Perform Sacred Actions Man today has limitless desires. Everyone in the country wants to amass more and more money. That is why the country is facing great economic problems. Everyone wants to be rich. Be rich in love and sacrifice. Who is the richest man? One who has much sacrifice and contentment is the richest man. And who is the poorest man? One who has too many desires is the poorest. The sky is the limit of man’s desires today. In countries like U.S.A., every family has three or four cars. Each member of the family has a separate car. If a person wants to cross a road, his wait becomes endless. For good health, man needs to walk, because walking is a good exercise for physical fitness. But we want to use the car even for a short distance. People today want to have an air conditioner in all the rooms and even in the bathroom. We need a to carry even a small bag. Do your work yourself. People today do not want to work with their hands. But they keep on filling their belly. If you sit and eat, your health will be spoilt. Physical work is very necessary for good health. Modern man is mad with excessive desires. Develop sacred thoughts and perform sacred actions. When sacred actions are done to please God, your conscience will not permit you to make mistakes. But today few people have sacred thoughts. However, there are some noble souls who perform sacred actions silently without any publicity. They are not known to all.

21

22

23

Develop Nearness With God The real wealth of man is his character. Money comes and goes. Where are all those mighty kings who ruled over big empires? Where is their wealth? No one comes into this world with wealth and no one can take it with him when he leaves the world. But you carry with you the fruits of good and bad deeds from life to life. So, perform only good deeds. Good is God. The word good has two zeros, one of which is the world. Leave this world, which is zero, behind. Then only God will remain with you. Everything in the world except Divinity comes and goes. Proximity to God is the true wealth. A spoonful of cow’s milk is more valuable than a barrel of donkey’s milk. Attain the milk of Divine wealth. sang,

24

Oh ! Sing a sweet song, and fill my heart with nectarines words and bliss. Distil the essence of the , transform it into divine music, play it on Your enchanting flute, and captivate me with Your melody. Sing, oh Mukunda! Sing for me!!

25

26

What is the meaning of flute here? The flute means one’s body with nine holes. The body should be filled with the Divine music which is the milk of the . What does milk refer to here? The milk denotes the four . Just as we draw milk from the four udders of a cow, the four supply spiritual nourishment to our minds and bodies. The essence of the is . The inhalation and exhalation of breath makes the sound (That I am). It continuously reminds us “I am God”. That is what man needs to realise. Then only can he experience nearness with God. When you develop nearness with God, you will get all types of prosperity – worldly as well as spiritual.

27

Limit your desires for money. No doubt, money is necessary for living in the world. But do not amass limitless money. Share your excess money with others who are in need. Why do you want the entire when a container of water is sufficient for your needs? When you limit your desires, the economic problems of the country will be reduced. When you share your excess money with others, you will earn health, happiness, and longevity. Drink the wine of Divinity and enjoy bliss. Do all your work with divine feelings. Then it will be pleasing to God. Remove the negative qualities of jealousy, hatred, and anger. If you give up the bad qualities, you will live long and become immortal. Less luggage, more comfort makes travel a pleasure. You can lead a happy life when you reduce the burden of desires.

28

( brought His Discourse to a close with the “ Vandita Charana”.)