Service Without Distinctions

Through right action one achieves purity of heart, which leads to the acquisition of jnaana (the higher spiritual knowledge). When right action is coupled with jnaana, there is true service. To feel that one should be the sole enjoyer of the results of one's actions is a sign of selfishness. It is naive to think that one alone is the doer of one's actions. All the things in the world are not intended for the exclusive enjoyment of any single person. They are to be shared by all.

It is only when attachment to the fruits of one's actions is discarded that the action becomes yoga (Divine communion). Members of the sevadal should overcome the sense of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’. When they embark on service activities, they should regard it as a privilege to serve others and look upon it as a form of worship of the Divine. They should look upon service to society as the means of finding self-fulfillment in life. They should face whatever problems may arise with faith and courage and carry on their service activities without fanfare in a spirit of humility and dedication.

Bharat Should Be Made The Land Of Tyaaga

In the Sai Organisation, there is no room for distinctions of race, religion, caste, class, or community. All should regard themselves as the children of one God. When they are united by this sense of Divine kinship, they will act with love towards all. They should shed all narrow and limited ideas and engage themselves in service with a heart full of love for all. True seva (selfless service) can come only out of a pure and loving heart.

There are many service organisations in the world. The uniqueness of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation consists in the fact that it regards seva as a form of service to the Divinity that is in each being. The bliss that is derived from such service is incomparable. It is a spiritual experience.

You should not be content with what you have accomplished so far. You should do a great deal more to make this great country an exemplar to the world of the great ideals of its seers and sages. Bharat should be made the land of tyaaga (sacrifice) and not bhoga (indulgence in luxury). Tyaaga is yoga. Bhoga is roga (disease). To live up to the ideal of tyaaga is your duty today.

In the world today, one does not see anywhere unity or love. Life appears to be a totally mechanical affair. Man does not mean merely the external appearance of a human being. We should have the conviction that he is a soul dwelling in a body. This may be an act of faith. But without such faith, life has no meaning. Today we believe in things which should not be believed and have no belief in the things in which we ought to believe. We should have faith in ourselves. We should understand our true nature and rectify our failings. Discovering our true self, we should live up to its demands.

Purnachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam, on 18-11-1984