Serve the Poor and Downtrodden for Self-Realisation

6 October 2000, Dasara, Prasanthi Nilayam, AP

Published English.

1

2

Nothing is permanent in this world. Be it life itself, material wealth, or your kith and kin, each of them is like a passing cloud. Human life is highly valuable. Man, endowed with the five senses, is wading through the ocean of . The body acts as an armour for the mind. Each and every life form has the body as its armour. This body should be utilised properly. Cultivate good qualities and derive happiness therefrom. Man is under the false impression that the mind is imprisoned in his body and hence he is entangled in bondage.

3

4

5

Enquire into this truth and never trust this body to be permanent. O mind! Take refuge at the Lotus feet of the Lord .”

6

7

Once upon a time, had lost his kingdom and he approached sage in this regard. The sage told him, “My dear son! At present is engaged in the and is ready to give away anything in charity. You go to him in the guise of a poor and ask for charity.” Being advised by the sage thus, went in the guise of a poor and asked for his character as alms. smiled and enquired, “What is the use of taking my character? You can ask as a boon that which eliminates the problems of your daily life.” In turn, the insisted that he needed nothing but ’s character. To satisfy the poor 's desire, conceded to give his character.

8

Immediately an effulgent personality emerged from ’s body and entered the . Prior to the entry, enquired of this personality who he was and why he was entering the 's body. The person replied that he was ’s character. He said, “As you have given me in charity to the , I am entering him.” After some time, another effulgent form emerged from . Upon enquiry, the person introduced himself as the commander-in-chief in service of character. He reasoned that he was leaving because of the absence of character. Next, a beautiful woman emerged from . She was the goddess of the kingdom. She too reasoned that she was leaving because both character and its protector had already left. Then started worrying. He recognised the value of character. Without character, man loses his wealth. From that day onwards, started propagating the importance of character. Hence, youngsters today should recognise that youth and wealth are not permanent in this world. They should cultivate good qualities. This is their primary duty. Every man should have proper conduct. You should never trouble or hurt others. You should engage yourselves in serving the poor. Cultivate divine feelings. You should work for the progress of society.

9

This creation has originated from God. Thus God (), Creation (), Society (), and Individual () are very much interlinked. As all the organs constitute this body, all types of people too should come together and, based on the principle of unity in society, work for its welfare. This is the true meaning of humanness. The very birth of man is for the welfare of society and not for fulfilling material needs. One should serve this society. An individual should never work for selfish purposes. He should enter society and endeavour to uplift it. It is only then that one can visualize the God principle. When an individual forgets his duty, how can he realize Divinity?

10

11

12

13

Everyone should essentially understand the principle of humanness. What is this human quality? The source of values like , , , and is not external. They are born along with us. It is foolish to try to realise these values in the outside world. Human values lie within the individual. Only when you cultivate your character can you experience the joy in society and enjoy true bliss therefrom.

14

15

16

17

18

19

Man today is blinding himself in these mean desires, which is very much like the boon asked by . “On whomsoever I place my hand, may he be reduced to ashes”, he asked, but didn’t realise that at some time or another the hand would find its place on his own head. The hand should be engaged in good actions. It is said that charity is the ornament for the hand. Truth is the jewel of the throat. God has given us this throat only to speak the truth. Hands are given to man not to hurt others or to do wicked deeds, but only for charity. The hands should be used in a sacred manner thus by helping others. When you try to hurt others, you are asking for trouble in your own life. Thus not only do you destroy your life, but you also spoil that of others too.

20

21

22

23

24

I came across a tragic incident in a newspaper. It was about an uneducated and helpless mother and her three children. They were in such a pathetic state of poverty that the mother had to starve herself in order to feed her children. As their situation worsened, she took to the extreme step of committing suicide after poisoning her children. It’s a shame on ! Can we be so stone-hearted and wicked to allow such a painful event to take place? So we should go to each and every village and provide food, clothing and education to the needy. In addition, make them understand that should the mothers themselves act in such a cruel manner then can anyone improve their lot?

25

26

27

28

29

30

Along with education, teach the children of the villages proper conduct to ensure an ideal future for . It is my aspiration that every one of you uphold the value of humanity. But, “Can the lines of fate ever be erased, even if you brood over them for a thousand years.” (Telugu Poem) There may be some who may err, but most of our students will undoubtedly stick to the right path. Do not fall victim to desires, bad habits and bad company. Stand as ideals endeavouring on the right path. You are educated; do not conduct yourselves as animals with no reason and season. Never indulge in unjust and wrongful acts. Only then can you earn the name as an ideal student of Sri Sathya Sai Institute.

31

32

is that which confers good thoughts, good conduct, devotion, discipline and a sense of duty. This is what the should aspire to acquire.

33

What is the use if you lose such sacred qualities when you go outside? Whatever you have learnt here should be imbibed by you. Try to alleviate the suffering of others. These are the ideals which wants the students to follow. Your teachers shall be there to guide you. Develop selfless love.

34

35

36

37

'O ! Even the great who ruled over the earth with steadfast adherence to Truth could not take a little of this earth when he departed. Emperor , who reigned over the entire world, could not take with him anything when he passed away. Did king who adorned the carry any wealth with him when he left the earth? Even the great who built a bridge across the ocean is not to be seen on the earth today. Many kings have ruled over the earth, but none of them could carry even a fistful of earth with them. Oh noble one! Do you think you can carry the kingdom and its riches on your head when you leave the world?'

38

39

40

41

(Telugu Poem) This is true happiness. Love and joy are eternal. Love is always tranquil, truthful, eternal, ever blissful, selfless, immortal and nectareous. That is why man is called (son of immortality). If such an resorts to falsehood, the education he has pursued becomes worthless. Education should elevate man. Mere bookish knowledge or superficial knowledge is useless. You should possess practical knowledge. Only then you can uplift the world.

42

43

Love is your true nature. Fill your heart with love. Don’t give scope for hatred, jealousy, and ego. Ego is very dangerous and powerful. It ruins your character. It is foolishness to consider yourself great in any aspect of life, as there are always people greater than you. Your true name is Love. Live up to your name. Only then will feel happy.

44

45

46

During this festival, you have to tread the path of nine types of devotion. They are (listening to the sacred name), (singing), (contemplation), (service), (salutations), (worship), (servitude), (friendship) and (self-surrender). Follow these paths, cultivate good manners and strive for the betterment of society. When you read the newspaper, you will recognise the suffering of the masses. Poor people die of hunger. Students should understand the problems of society and try to solve them. Don’t have a narrow mind. Consider the problems of the country as your own problems. All are brothers and sisters. When you consider as your Mother and Father, are not these people your brothers and sisters? Work with this type of attitude. If needed, be ready to share your property with your brothers and sisters. Be determined to lead a truthful, sacred, and pure life.

47

48