Passage 8

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In plain words

With a ‘negative mind’ we cannot succeed in any task we take up, however small. You need a ‘positive mind’. You must develop a mind that always experiences Ānanda. You must share that Ānanda with everyone. That is true humanness. What is the meaning of ‘mānavuḍu’? ‘Mā’ means ignorance, ‘na’ means without, ‘va’ means conducting oneself. One who conducts himself without ignorance or unrest, never stooping to injustice and wrongdoing, is a mānavuḍu. Students! You are pursuing many studies and winning great titles. What is the greatest title of all? “Śṛṇvantu viśve amṛtasyaputrāḥ”: “My dear one! You are a son of immortality”: so the Veda says. Without upholding so sacred a title, you hanker after petty titles.

Embodiments of Prema! Fill your hearts with Prema. Nourish your mind with Satya. Do divine deeds. Worldly studies too are needed. But true education is to recognise the unity that is in diversity. Unity must not be split up into diversity. You must regard diversity as unity. That is true Culture. What do you think Culture means? It does not belong to a caste or to a religion; it belongs to the heart alone, and it is filled with divinity. The Prema of the one Ātma is true Prema. That is a Prema that never changes. You all love Swami. That Prema is not a Prema that drifts away. Think, “Swami is mine, and I am Swami's.” Achieve that oneness. That is the true path. You must lead a life that is true and eternal. You must set an example for all. That is the mark of the truly educated. To turn your head into a book is no greatness. Whatever the time, never forget God, never let go of God. If you forget God, you will become devils. You are children of immortality. Make that name come true. Do not waste your strength and ability. Offer everything to God. All the powers in the body are gifts of God's grace!