Equality Through Love

Real equality among men has to be achieved not by the equal distribution of material things but by the cultivation of love, which promotes a sense of the divinity that is inherent in all beings.

In this land of Bharat, through all the vicissitudes of history, the truth has been regarded as the highest value to be cherished by man. This is the essence of the cultural heritage that has been given down to us as Sanatana dharma. The ancient sages emphasized the importance of karma yoga, the discharge of one’s duties in life in a dedicated spirit. Through karma yoga, man achieves control of the senses and develops the qualities of universal love, forbearance and compassion.

Everyone should realize that the body has been given to us for performing selfless service. It should also be realized that nothing in creation is intended for the exclusive use of any one person. We should, therefore, discard the feeling: ‘These things have been given for my exclusive use, they are my own.’

A Life Without Love Is Meaningless

There has been the talk of achieving equality in society. The equal distribution of wealth through socialism is declared as the ideal, but is it possible to bring about such equality? Even if material wealth is distributed equally, can you ensure equality in desires and aspirations? Only when you have equality in terms of desires and aspirations can you get true equality. By taking away a part of a rich man’s property and giving it to a poor man, you may give satisfaction to the latter, but what about the dissatisfaction caused to the man who has been deprived? You must look beyond material things to the Supreme Being who is the provider of all things. When you recognize the One as present in all beings and respect everyone as a manifestation of the divine, you will achieve equality in the true sense of the term. All those who claim to be Bharatiyas should strive to bring about this kind of equality through love for all beings.

A life without love is meaningless. The more you love, the more it grows. True love should be distinguished from attachment either to persons or things. Attachment is based on selfishness. Love is based on selflessness. Love is the fruit which is born from the flower of your good deeds. Only when we engage ourselves in selfless service can we experience the essence of this pure love.

Unity Comes Only Through Sacrifice

There is considerable progress today in various fields scientific, economic, political and so on, but all man’s actions are motivated by selfishness. Man has become a plaything in the hands of his own selfishness. There is no unity among men. Unity can come only through tyaga (sacrifice), not through the pursuit of desires and comforts. You must cultivate charity, which does not mean giving some money to a person in need or to an organization. Charity calls for the removal of all evil thoughts that are within you and the development of largeness of spirit. Charity will confer purity, and through purity, unity will be achieved. Once you have purity and unity, you can realise divinity.

When you look around today you find that there is little evidence of sacrifice for the sake of society. A person may call himself a great devotee, or sadhaka or scientist, but without a spirit of sacrifice, there is nothing great in him. Seva (service) is the salt which lends savor to life. The spirit of sacrifice imparts fragrance to living. One may live for 60, 70, or 80 years but it will have no meaning unless his life has been devoted to the ennobling of one’s character and rendering devoted service to others. What you must aspire for are not buildings, positions or factories or industries. A good character is the greatest wealth you can acquire. More vital than the five pranas (Prana, Apana, and others), satya, dharma, shanti, prema and ahimsa are the vital life-breath for everyone. Of these, the greatest is prema (love). Fill yourself with love. Love should express itself in service to society. You should look upon society this way. We exist for society and society exists for the good of all. Try to sanctify your life by doing service and spreading joy and comfort all around.

Discourse at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleswaram, Bangalore, 11 Dec 1985