To Divinity Through Service

This cosmos is sustained by one fragment of the Divine (ekamshena sthitam jagat), proclaim the scriptures. The universe is permeated by the Divine. The Sun’s rays cannot emanate, if there is no Sun; the universe cannot exist without God. We say there is a ‘pot,’ there is a ‘picture,’ there is a ‘tank’ and so on. The basic word in these statements ‘is’ proclaims the existence of God.

The five basic elements that constitute the primary factors in creation are present throughout the universe. If the five elements, which are products of creation, have this limitless power of presence throughout the universe, how can we doubt that the Creator permeates everything in the Universe?

The first of the five basic elements is prithvi (the earth substance). It is the base on which everything—mountains, forests, rivers, oceans, cities, and villages rest. Though the earth is rotating fast, it holds in position all that rests on it. But, what is the base on which the earth so revolves? It is the Divine Principle, the immanent Divine Will that regulates its function. The second element is apa (water), which too is present everywhere in space, whether patent or latent.

All Religions Accept The Omnipresence Of God

The third, agni (fire) is also omnipresent. Indeed, all living beings function because of the existence of this latent jatharagni (‘digestive’ fire). Fire is present even in inanimate objects like rocks. How else could fire be produced by striking stone against stone?

The fourth element is air. Although air is not patent to the eye, its presence can be noticed in a breeze or storm. In living beings, it exists as the inner vital force. The fifth element is akasha (space). This ether is present everywhere. The Upanishats (highest experiential philosophy of the Vedas) have therefore declared it as the most pervasive element.

When we understand the nature of these five basic elements that constitute the created universe, it needs no argument to realize the truth asserted by Prahlada, quoted in the Bhagawatam: “Do not doubt whether God is here and not there. You will find Him wherever you seek Him.”

Persons unaware of the omnipresence of God develop antagonisms among themselves based upon religion, caste, and race. All religions have accepted the timelessness and the omnipresence of God. So, it is strange that even those who accept this truth display such narrowness of mind. For, hatred between people professing different religions leads ultimately to the destruction of faith in religion itself. Those who are bent upon destroying religion must be utterly thoughtless. What has to be destroyed is religious bigotry, not religion itself.

Respect The Beliefs And Practices Of All Others

To despise other people’s religion out of love for one’s own religion is like demonstrating one’s love for one’s mother by denigrating the mothers of others. One should realize that other people have the same regard and devotion for their faiths, as one has for one’s own religion. Young men of today should, while cultivating attachment to their own religion, respect the beliefs and practices of all others.

To give one example of intolerance: The Vedas declare that the Divine permeates everything in the universe: “Ishavasyam idam sarvam.” (“God resides in all this.”) With faith in this declaration, the people of Bharat revere trees, ant-hills, mountains, rivers, and even serpents. This holy attitude towards all things in creation is interpreted by some people professing other faiths, which teach the omnipresence of God, as blind superstition! The obvious absurdity of this dual attitude has not struck them.

The urge in the mind that animates the senses is stronger than the sense organs themselves. The eyes, for instance, are merely instruments for seeing, but seeing itself is a power that is superior to them. Similarly, hearing power is higher than the mere ear. The mind is superior to the sense organs and superior to the mind is “buddhi” (intellect), the power of discrimination. Above the buddhi is the animating Life Principle the jiva. Above the jivatma (the individual soul) is the paramatma (Supreme Soul). Between the individual and the Divine, there is an attractive deluding veil, maya (illusory power). When this veil falls, the individualized Self and the Universal Omni-self become one.

When the mind turns away from the senses to the buddhi for enlightenment, ananda (Divine Bliss) starts to flow and the glory of “_atma_” (Divine Soul) is revealed. Buddhi promotes the search inward. While the sense organs—the eye, the ear, the nose, the tongue and the tensile skin—open out towards external objects, true sadhana (spiritual discipline) consists in turning the vision inwards, in fact, to swim against the onrushing current. It is seldom realized how near is the goal of self-realization when once the sense organs are turned inwards.

Every Act Of Service Is Service To The Divine

Students should realize the importance of service to realize the Divine. It makes one’s life significant and purposeful. The first requisite for service is the elimination of the ego. Divine grace and the power it can confer can be acquired by rendering social service in a selfless spirit. Students! Except for the Grace of God, nothing else will stand by you for long. Develop faith in this never-failing source of strength and support. The famous wrestler King Kong, who could stop a fast-moving car, died in a car accident! That reveals the limitations of muscle power. How many kings have left the earth, leaving no trace of their wealth or power. Do not postpone the cultivation of devotion to God. Start serving God through service to fellow beings. Every act of service, however small, is service to the Divine. Demonstrate by reverential behavior, selfless service, truthfulness, and integrity that you are pursuing the ideals for which the Sathya Sai Educational institutions stand.

Discourse while inaugurating the social service programme of students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Purnachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam, 24-7-1983