God Is The Only True Friend

20 May 2000, Summer Course 2000, Brindavan

Published English.

1

2

3

4

Human life is hard to obtain. One may ask: "How can one assert that Divinity is latent in the human being?" The is the authority. It declares:

5

. (I the Universal Spirit am present in all beings).

6

The Lord’s declaration is the proof, if any is needed. says, "I am present in all beings." It means that the Universal Spirit or the Lord is present in all beings as the Prime Motivator. Man alone has the capacity to recognise the latency of the Divine within; other beings do not have this capability. That is the reason why human life is regarded as a precious gift to be used carefully.

7

Man is enveloped by five or sheaths. They are: (food sheath), (life sheath), (mind sheath), (sheath of wisdom), and (sheath of Bliss). Whereas other beings can at best reach out to three , man can easily go to the fourth and even beyond, if he makes the effort. This is what makes man so superior. It is through wisdom that man can perceive the underlying unity between the individual Self and the Universal Self.

8

9

All beings are subject to or attachment but man is capable of breaking away and attaining or liberation.

10

This capacity for the transition from to is once again an expression of the divine force within. Although divine capability finds greater expression in man than in other beings, Divinity is actually latent in all things in the Universe. It is this Omnipresence that provides a powerful undercurrent of unity to the otherwise apparent and bewildering diversity. What the eyes see is superficial; that which is True lies beneath.

11

or delusion arises on account of the three (intrinsic tendencies), namely, the (gentleness), the (aggression), and the (torpor). leads to or attachment, which is of three kinds – (attachment to wealth), (attachment to wife), and (attachment to one’s progeny). One who transcends the three , is totally free from both delusion as well as attachment.

12

Clearly, therefore, if you want to be rid of attachment, you have to go beyond the three . So long as you are in the grip of the , you cannot escape and . The says:

13

. God is both mobile and immobile; these two aspects of mobility and immobility are present in all living creatures.

14

When a pot is immersed in water, there is water in the pot as well as outside the pot. In the same way, God is not only in you but also above you, below you and behind you. That is why the declare:

15

. The Lord is present within, without, and everywhere.

16

17

There is only one God and only one divine principle. That which is latent within, is seen as a reflection without. That is why often says that the world is merely a reflection of the Inner Being. If there is no reality within, how can there be a reflection outside? How can one say the world is real and deny the Indweller? Reality is within, and it is seen as a reflection outside.

18

In the same manner, action originates from within while reaction comes from outside. Total Reality is a composite of everything within and everything outside. of yore grasped this truth and proclaimed it to the entire world. It is such teachings of truth that helped ordinary people of those days to rise to exalted levels.

19

20

21

22

23

How can education that caters to the stomach produce in the Heart a yearning for liberation? Modern education promotes only (craving for worldly things) instead of (desire for liberation). In olden times, students controlled their desires and reduced their worldly wants, increasing instead the desire for liberation. What is the meaning of worldly desires?

24

25

Gratitude to the In those days, there was gratitude to those who showed the right path. Students never failed to prostrate before their , and they gave expression to their gratitude in many ways. Whatever the wanted was given unhesitatingly and with much love.

26

27

28

Such are the fall-outs of modern education, which is supposed to be so advanced. Students of olden days were humble and obedient to their . The tribal boy provides the classic example.

29

adopted the celebrated as his , even though the latter refused to accept as his pupil. never received any instructions in archery from his adopted ; yet, there was never any doubt in his mind that was his . He became an archer par excellence through self-effort.

30

One day, took his favourite disciple into the forest.

31

They took a hunting dog along with them. On spotting a wild animal, the dog started barking. All of a sudden, found five-six arrows coming from somewhere and piercing the mouth of the dog. The person who shot the arrows was none other than . Though he could not see the dog, guided by the barking sound, he shot the arrows one after the other that found the target. They both were stunned. They then started searching for the archer and soon located .

32

asked the tribal boy, "Who is your ?" pointed to and said, "He is my ."

33

angrily said, "I am not your . I never taught you anything."

34

replied, "Sir, that may be, but in my mind I adopted you as my . For me, there is none other. My respect and devotion for you have enabled me to acquire all skills, even though you personally never taught me. I have learnt it all from within."

35

In those days, there were no books and all instructions were by word of mouth. Word was therefore considered very sacred. In Sanskrit, means word but it also means Imperishable, a term used for God. Thus, Word is God!

36

was unhappy to see another archer whose skill was greater than that of his favourite student . Wanting to ensure that was number one and that there was none to excel him, told , "If I am your , then what about my (fees paid to the teacher)?"

37

replied, "Master, what is it that you want?"

38

Without the slightest trace of magnanimity, angrily demanded, "I want your right thumb as my payment."

39

knew that without the thumb, ’s career as an archer would be finished; and automatically, would move to the number one position. On hearing ’s demand, pulled out his knife, cut his thumb off without any hesitation whatsoever, and offered it as .

40

41

42

For the sake of their , they were ready to sacrifice anything, including their lives. Just compare this with what is happening to day! Both the teacher and the student are found wanting.

43

The teacher stretches his hand out for money even before the instruction is complete. The student is regarded as a source of income rather than as a responsibility. In olden times, things were different. The not merely had affection for his disciples but actually looked upon them as his own sons. , however, was an exception to this noble tradition, having most disgracefully betrayed the trust placed in him by who was not even formally enrolled with him. Would have done such a thing to his son?

44

. As the action, so is the consequence.

45

In due course, had to pay for his cruelty. As the action, so is the reaction. No one can escape the inexorable law of reflection, reaction, and resound.

46

47

You should not be immersed in books all the time; you must be virtuous and also do service to your teachers in such a manner that would please them. In every human relationship, there should be balance and parity. At one time, the brothers and were inseparable; but enmity developed and they parted company. While remained in his place, hid himself in the mountains to avoid ’s wrath. was all the time wondering how he could overcome his brother, now his enemy. was very strong and powerful and could be defeated only by one who was more powerful than him. consulted his companion for advice and the latter suggested that should be patient; time would show the way.

48

One day, while and were wandering in the hills, they spotted two people in the distance. There was an extra-ordinary radiance about them. It appeared as if they had descended from the very Heavens. asked to investigate and ascertain who those two were. He said, "Find out if these two are ’s agents who have come in disguise."

49

Clearly, ’s observation was a reflection of his inner fear; otherwise, how could he have made such a statement, considering that the strangers had a distinct divine aura about them?

50

replied, "To me these two look divine. Anyway, I shall go and investigate."

51

Coming down from the mountain, approached the two effulgent strangers, who were none other than and .

52

introduced Himself and said, "We are the sons of Emperor , presently in the forest in exile. Recently someone abducted My wife , and we are wandering about in search of her."

53

A king should always speak the truth, and did what a king ought to.

54

Hastasya bhusanam danam. Kanthasya bhusanam satyam. Charity is the ornament for the hand. Truth is the ideal necklace. Listening to sacred words is the jewel that should adorn the ear. What more ornaments do you need? Every word uttered must be true. He is mighty, who always adheres to truth.

55

told , "Lord, I shall take you both to my King who lives over there. Kindly tell him your problem, and he might be able to help."

56

Carrying and on his shoulders, leapt over the hills and landed where was. Seeing the two brothers, forgot all his problems and became ecstatic. Beaming, he said to , "Lord, You must be tired. Kindly rest here for a while, and partake of these fruits.

57

58

But and were not interested either in rest or in food. sensed the power latent in and was eager to befriend Him. Now what sort of a friend should one have? Not the one who feigns loyalty but betrays with cunningness; not the one who speaks sweetly but never matches words with action. He alone is fit to be called a friend who swears by truth. True friendship implies one breath though there are two bodies involved. wanted such a friend so that with his help he could overcome .

59

wondered: "Is strong enough to overcome ?"

60

He decided to check up ’s power and capability. On the following day, took to a huge fig tree and said, " do you know what tree this is? It is a jungle tree that grows to a big size and is very strong. There are six trees in a row here. Once my brother shot an arrow that pierced through not just one but two trees. I am on the lookout for someone who can excel that feat." then requested to despatch an arrow and the latter obliged. ’s arrow went through not just two trees but all the six of them and flew beyond to a great distance. immediately prostrated at the feet of and declared, "You are the friend I have been looking for all along."

61

Who was this friend that had found? He was the very Lord Himself! The friendship between and was formally solemnised with fire as the sacred witness.

62

then said, ", from today I am Your servant while You are my master and preceptor. Please relieve me of my sufferings, give me courage, and lead me to victory over my brother."

63

kept His promise to and killed . This story teaches that if you are looking for a friend to help you, then that friend must be stronger than your adversaries. In life, obstacles are the main adversaries, and the only friend who can help you across is God; He is the only True Friend.

64

Lack of virtues leads to doubts Doubts readily spring to the mind of the worldly wise. They may be clever and intelligent where worldly matters are concerned but pretty dumb where real discrimination is required. was one such person. In his heart he felt that was divine; yet, he had to test ’s skill in archery – there were doubts in his mind; the mind and the heart were not in harmony. provides a striking contrast to in such matters. From the moment he first set eyes on , there was never even an iota of doubt that was God Himself. It is the so-called educated ones who become plagued with all sorts of doubts. This is what is happening today. Man is totally preoccupied with the acquisition of worldly skills and worldly knowledge, completely ignoring basic values and the necessity for the cultivation of virtues.

65

66

Can you afford to be blind? No! Without virtues and the Grace of God, you cannot really achieve anything. was rich, strong, and powerful, but he distanced himself from and . What is the use of wealth and skills if you do not have the Grace of God?

67

68

This mighty , who had many good qualities, did not submit himself to God. He refused to become a servant of . If you fail to serve God, all the intelligence you might possess is of no value. In fact, the intelligence then gets misused. Since spurned , he eventually fell in battle despite his strength and physical prowess. One must always strive to earn the protection of and the Grace of God. You become strong only when you harmonise your activities with divinity.

69

70

71

If character is gone, everything is gone The story of illustrates how sacred and pure were students in ancient times. Pure and divine feelings must radiate from every heart, which is possible only when virtues and character are present.

72

All of you are aware of . He was a student just like you, in fact much younger in age. What extraordinary character he possessed, even at that age! Thanks to this blessing, in later life he was able to achieve much success and victory. He could even vanquish , the chief of the or demi-gods.

73

became depressed by his defeat and began exploring all possibilities for regaining his kingdom.

74

One day, the preceptor of the summoned and said, " is presently performing the sacred ritual called . On such occasions, gifts are given as charity. You must present yourself before , and ask for his character as a gift. You will then be able to regain your kingdom." got the hint. Disguising himself as a , went to the court of .

75

The latter was impressed with the and asked, "Sir, what is it that you would like to have?"

76

[posing as a ] replied, "O King! I want very little. Just give me your character."

77

A surprised said, "That I can easily give but you should really ask for something more substantial. I am ready to give you anything you want. Why then are you prepared to settle for something so little?"

78

The cunning replied, "For me, this small thing is enough. I do not want much."

79

said, "As you wish." Immediately, ’s character peeled off and merged in . did not seem to be bothered.

80

A little later, another entity emerged from and left him.

81

was surprised and asked, "Who are you?"

82

83

In this manner, lost everything. This story teaches that once character is lost, everything is lost.

84

A crestfallen now realised what had happened to him.

85

86

It was thus that came to realise the very important role that character played in life. In fact, character is three-fourths of one’s life. prayed to the Lord for the restoration of his character. At this point, pleased with ’s willingness to part with even his character in order to keep the word he had given, returned the gift he had received.

87

88

89

90

Taking God as your friend, your heart as the teacher, and the world as the Great Book, acquire all the knowledge you wish to. You should master this (book) using your (head)! Books printed on paper are not so important as this book composed and written by God Himself. It is available everywhere, to everyone, at all times, and is absolutely free. So, even as you pore over your regular textbooks, remember your the Heart; and make sure you always have your true Friend God near you!

91

. (Think of God at all times, and at all places.)

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

Be aware that man has within himself all the powers that one can think of. said:

102

. I am present in all beings.

103

104

If you sincerely cultivate this feeling, you would, without fail, be able to have access to the Divine Power within you in full measure. With such a feeling, man can penetrate through all the five or sheaths surrounding him. That is why it is said:

105

. Among all the living forms, the human form is the most precious.

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

Embodiments of Love! Always think of God, constantly chant His Name, and sing, whenever possible, His Glory through . Propagate to the entire world the greatness and the glory of .