Embodiments of Divine Atma!
Man gets liberated only when he knows himself. What is the use of conquering the whole world when one loses the Atma, that is losing oneself? What we should know is the form of Truth, but not of physical world, mind or body. Even though all these are necessary in life and cannot be leftout, it is essential to know about the true form and nature of Atma. It is the Atmic potency that is becoming manifested in all appearances and activities. Man’s duty lies in realizing that oneness of humanity cannot be achieved by external contacts and relationships, but man must transcend the mind, the vital forces and the body and reach the abode of Atma. Only the awareness of Atma permeating body and mind will lead him to the Divine state.
Liberation for humanity depends upon the integrated development on an individual as well as collective basis. An individual gets emancipated only when the spirituality behind human birth is realised. Otherwise, one will grope in the ignorant mental and lifeless fortifications and useless pursuits and will perish.
Towards this great mission, efforts must be made to develop tools that improve humanity’s external life and social behaviour. Spirituality should not be construed as spending a lonely life. It involves consideration of the entire humanity as a single entity of Atma, and to love it as such. It also involves sowing seeds of love among humans, blossoming flowers of tolerance and providing fruits of peace to the society. The religion of Bharat is acceptance of humanity. It is the result of efforts of saints.
The first step of Devotion (Bhakti) involves elimination of hatred towards anybody, avoidance of hurt to living beings and to help the destitutes consideration. He who inflicts sorrow to living beings and worships God, can never become a devotee. If one casts aspersions at others and meditates on God, how can he be considered as a spiritual aspirer? The mark of spirituality is to realise the truth that the same God whom one is worshipping is shining in all in the form of Atma; and to eliminate hatred, jealousy, pomp and ego. One must also ignore defects in others and must recognize good in them. This kind of quality is a Divine quality; and is a true mark of spirituality. Srishti (creation) is turning into good or bad in accordance with our Drishti (sight or outlook). Our own thoughts are reflecting on external things. The cause for good and bad is our own thoughts or feelings but not others. This is the aspect that is to be considered first and foremost.
A heart of compassion is a temple of God. Money, gold, materials, vehicles and positions are like passing clouds. It must be said of those who rely on them, as crazy people. Those who lead a life relying on heart are like lions. Those who rely on physical strength are like sheep. They have to spend life in fear and worry. Those who lead a life basing on their own goodness will be fearless and will lead a life in constant happiness. The proper path involves expression of unified Atma and Divinity.
God is not grasped or realised through superficial attires and displays. He only looks at your feeling (Bhavam) but cares not your external (Bahyam) show. The external look is that of animal (Pashu), while the inner look is that of Ishvara (Pashupati). Therefore, devotees will grasp Jnana (knowledge) by cultivating inward look. “Abheda Darśanam Jñānam” (Non-differentiating vision is Wisdom). May you (all) discard differentiating vision, develop non-discriminative outlook and become eligible for Grace.
Thus, Sathya Sai