Knowledge of the Self is Real Knowledge

When the branches of a tree rub against each other incessantly, fire is produced. When you churn curd continuously, butter comes out of it. Similarly, continuous enquiry will lead to the realisation of Reality. Listen to this, oh valiant sons of Bharat!
(Telugu Poem)

Divinity is Immanent in Every Being

Practice is necessary to perform any task in this world. Human effort is required for anything. Practice is required even for walking, talking, eating, writing and reading. Likewise, proper effort is required if you want to attain Divinity.

Fundamental Principle of Divinity is One

If the food served in your plate has to reach your stomach, don’t you have to put your hand and mouth to work? On the other hand, if you go on repeating the names of the food items served in the plate even for hundred times, your hunger will not be satiated. Similarly, mere mechanical repetition of the Divine Names, Rama, Krishna, Govinda is not enough unless you express your devotion to the Lord in the form of service. Any work that you do with the intention of serving others becomes God’s work. But man today wants to have everything easily without putting any effort. Divinity is immanent in every being just as there is oil in sesame seeds, fragrance in flowers, juice in fruits and fire in wood. It is only with proper effort that you can get butter out of milk, oil out of seeds, juice out of fruits and fire out of wood. Similarly, due effort is required to experience divinity that is immanent in man. But in the present circumstances, students and youth have forgotten Divinity which is true and eternal. Due to their misunderstanding, they consider truth as untruth, untruth as truth and waste their time, effort and energy. Forms may appear to be different, and you may give different names to these forms. The experiences arising out of the diversity of names and forms may also vary, yet the fundamental principle of divinity which is the basis of all names and forms is one and the same. This is the principle of Advaita propounded by Adi Shankara.

You sow a mango seed, and after sometime it grows into a tree with branches and sub-branches. The tree may have thousands of leaves and flowers, and hundreds of fruits. The fruits and flowers appear to be totally different from each other. Similarly, nothing appears to be common between branches and leaves. Not only that, the leaves, flowers and fruits may be put to many different uses. You may prepare pickles out of unripe fruits. Leaves may be used to make festoons to decorate houses. The dried branches can be used as firewood and the ripe fruits may be eaten. But it is the same seed that is the basis for all the branches, sub-branches, leaves, unripe fruits and ripe fruits. Without seed, there can be no tree; without tree, there can be no branches and without branches, there can be no fruits. Lord Krishna declared this truth in the Bhagavadgita when He said, Beejam Maam Sarva Bhutanam (I am the seed that is the origin of all living beings). The principle of Advaita demonstrates the underlying oneness of everything.

This visible world appears with varied names and forms, but when you enquire deeply, you will realise that the underlying principle of divinity is the same for all diverse forms.

Knowledge is Meant to Attain Wisdom

Yesterday, I told you the story of Adi Shankara who took to Sannyasa with the permission of his mother after the death of his father. After acquiring the knowledge of the Vedas, Shastras (scriptures), Itihasas (epics) and Puranas (mythological texts), he approached Govindapada, who was the disciple of Gaudapada for initiation into the order of Sannyasa. Shraddhavan Labhate Jnanam (one with steadfast faith attains wisdom). As Shankara was endowed with great Shraddha, he could master the four Vedas and six Shastras at the young age of sixteen years. Age is not the criterion to learn something if one has the required Shraddha.

For everything, time is important. It is with the passage of time that a child grows into an old person. A child becomes a boy at the age of ten; he becomes man at the age of thirty and a grandfather at the age of seventy-five. But the child, boy, man and grandfather are one and the same. All these changes in the names and forms occur as a result of change of time.

In order to test the skill and knowledge of Shankara, one day Acharya Govindapada decided to engage him in a debate. Shankara being one of humility and obedience offered his salutations to his Guru and sought his permission before entering into debate with him. This debate was a wonderful demonstration of Shankara’s knowledge wherein he gave befitting replies to the questions raised by his Guru in consonance with the teachings of the Vedas and Shastras. He explained how one could follow the path of Nivritti (spirituality) while leading a worldly life.

In those days, there were many eminent scholars but they were using their knowledge for the acquisition of wealth. They ignored the truth that knowledge was meant to acquire wisdom and not wealth. Even today students think that all their education is meant to earn money. It is a misconception. Agriculture is for food and education is for knowledge. Therefore, Shankara strived to show the right path to scholars so that they make proper use of their knowledge and not waste it in mundane pursuits. What is the use of worldly education?

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your belly. You acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields. Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness have you achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in acquiring worldly knowledge and earning wealth while forgetting God.
(Telugu Poem)

Oh man! Do not feel proud of your education. If you do not offer your salutations to God and do not think of Him with devotion, all your education will become useless.
(Telugu Poem)

Shankara felt deeply distressed to see such a scenario. His preceptor Govindapada saw how sad Shankara was. Gaudapada also understood his feelings and observed that Shankara, being endowed with all knowledge and noble feelings at such a young age, was capable of driving away all the injustice, untruth and impropriety prevailing in the world and firmly imprint the teachings of Vedas and Shastras in the hearts of people. Both of them called Shankara and told him, “Dear one! You don’t need to be here any longer. Tomorrow itself, you embark on your journey to Kasi (Varanasi). Teach all those eminent scholars of Kasi the great truth of Advaita and propagate it to the entire world. There is none else more capable than you to achieve this task”. Likewise, students today should also realise this truth that they are most capable of driving away injustice, impropriety and other evils from society.

Shankara Propounded the Principle of Advaita

As per the command of his Guru, Shankara set out on his journey to Kasi. In those days, there were no such modes of transport as aeroplanes, trains and buses. Therefore, he travelled on foot along with his disciples. When he came near Kasi, he saw a person sitting under a tree and repeating the rules of Panini grammar Dukrun Karane, Dukrun Karane. In order to put this person on the right path, it was here that Shankara recited the first Sloka (verse) of his famous composition “Bhaja Govindam”:

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, 
Govindam Bhaja Moodha Mathe, 
Samprapthe Sannihithe Kale, 
Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrun Karane.

(Oh foolish man, chant the name of Govinda; the rules of grammar will not come to your rescue when the end approaches.)

What do you achieve by learning the rules of grammar? Will this grammar come to your rescue when you are to depart from this world? Therefore, sing the glory of God and contemplate on Him. When you leave this world, none of your friends, relatives, or wealth will come with you. It is only the Name of God that will be with you and will protect you always. Thus, Shankara taught the importance of reciting God’s Name.

Just as the light of the moon goes on increasing day by day in the bright fortnight, the teachings of Shankara started spreading far and wide day by day, radiating light of knowledge. Once there was a conference of scholars in Kasi. Many scholars came there donning thick gold bracelets, gorgeous shawls and garlands of beads showing their high status. There was no dearth of pomp and show in the conference. Only Shankara came to attend the conference in all simplicity wearing only an ordinary Dhoti and a small towel covering his shoulders. Many scholars looked down upon him thinking, “What sort of a scholar is he? He doesn’t have even a single garland of beads. What can we expect from him?” However, there were some scholars who knew the level of Shankara’s scholarship and started extolling him, “Shankara, we have heard so much about you. You have mastered the Vedas, Shastras, Itihasas, Puranas, Brahma Sutras, grammar and logic. You are the one who propounded the principle of Advaita”. When his turn came, Shankara smilingly ascended the stage and offered his salutations to the assembly of scholars and began his speech.

Shankara said that knowledge of scriptures should not be used to earn money. He said to the scholars, “Why do you crave for money? Pandita Samadarshina (A Pandit is one who is equal-minded)”. Though he was young in age, he declared this truth emphatically in the presence of scholars that they should yearn for God and not crave for money.

Oh man, give up your thirst for money. Give up all your desires by proper discrimination. The wealth you have is nothing but the result of your past actions. Therefore, be contented with whatever you have.
(Telugu Song)

What you earn with hard labour is true wealth. When you work with both hands, you will certainly get food to sustain yourself. How compassionate God is! He has given you two hands and one stomach. Are two hands not enough to fill one belly? But today, you don’t work with both hands. That is why you are not able to fulfil all your needs. Do not give room to laziness. Give up thirst for money and develop thirst for God and righteousness. Shankara gave a wonderful exposition of the doctrine of Advaita and exhorted the august gathering of scholars to realise the divine principle of oneness of all creation. The scholars and their disciples were wonderstruck listening to the profound words of Shankara. Just as the saying goes, a small sparrow chirps loudly, the young Shankara started imparting great moral teachings to one and all. Not only his teachings, his behaviour was also exemplary. This is the hallmark of noble souls. Manasyekam Vachasyekam, Karmanyekam Mahatmanam (Those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are noble ones).

Man should develop purity of thought, word and deed. First and foremost, purity of mind is essential. When the mind is pure then speech will be pure. Pure thoughts and pure words will lead to sacred actions. This is described as Trikarana Shuddhi which was very much evident in Shankara. Many scholars started asking him questions, “What is the principle of Advaita?” “It is nothing but the vision of oneness. Advaita Darshanam Jnanam (experience of non-dualism is wisdom)”. What is this knowledge? Is it physical knowledge, worldly knowledge or secular knowledge? None of these. It is the knowledge of the Self. That is the fundamental knowledge. But no scholar is making efforts today to recognise this fundamental principle. Understand this truth clearly. Jewels are many, but gold is one. Likewise, the fundamental principle of the entire creation is only one although it manifests in various names and forms. A gold ornament worn on the wrist is called a bracelet. When it adorns the ear, it is called an earring. When you wear it on your finger, it is called a ring. When it is worn around the neck, it is called a necklace. Though the names and forms of these ornaments are different, is not the gold same in all of them? Shankara spoke about this principle of oneness in the assembly of scholars. Why do you observe differences based on name, form and use? Heart is the basis for everything. Therefore, follow the dictates of your heart. This is called conscience. In this manner, Shankara propounded great truths in simple words.

Jewels are many but gold is one. 
Cows are many but milk is one. 
Beings are many but breath is one. 
Castes are many but humanity is one. 
Flowers are many but worship is one.
(Telugu Poem)

When you enquire deeply in this manner, you will visualise the underlying unity in everything. Yesterday also I spoke about the fundamental principle of oneness. Mritpindamekam Bahubhandarupam (pots are many, but clay is one). The Vice Chancellor also mentioned this in his speech. Pots have emerged from clay. There is clay in the pot but not pot in the clay. There are many people gathered here. Their names, forms and feelings may be different but the same five elements are present in all of them. This principle of five elements is the principle of Divinity. This is present in all. You, he and I are all the embodiments of Atma. You are all the embodiments of Brahman. That is why the Upanishads have declared, Tattwamasi (That thou Art). Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). Who can deny this? What does Brahman signify? It signifies expansiveness. That is why there is the quality of expansiveness in man. Though you are here, your mind travels to Chennai, Mumbai or Delhi in an instant. This power of expansiveness is termed Brahman. This power is latent in every man. But he is unable to develop it because of his desires and greed for wealth and power.

Greed Ruins Man

There was a farmer who had a small piece of land. He wanted to acquire more land so that he could be called a Zamindar (landlord). His friends told him, “You want to acquire vast land, but you don’t have sufficient money for that. Therefore, we will give you an idea following which you can have as much land as you want”. A greedy person listens to evil talk not with two ears, but with twenty ears.

Oh ears, you are interested in listening to vain gossip and tales about others, but you pay least attention when the wonderful stories of the Lord are narrated.
(Telugu Song)

Man does not give ear to good talk but he is all ears for evil talk. The farmer listened to the advice of his friends with great interest. They told him that in this region of Andhra Pradesh, one could not get a big piece of land with a small amount. They asked him to go to the Himalayan region where he could get as much land as he desired.

As per the advice of his friends, he went to meet the king of a Himalayan region and requested him for a huge piece of land. The king told him, “My dear, since you have come from such a far off place like Andhra Pradesh, I will certainly fulfil your wish”. The king promised to give him all the land that he could walk around from sunrise to sunset on a single day. So, in his uncontrollable greed, he rose with the rise of the sun and without wasting a minute for breakfast, he walked fast. Indeed, he ran very fast in order to cover as much land as he could. He never took a second’s rest; he was happy that he could get a pretty vast area free when the sun was about to set. He was within a few paces of the point from where he had started. He was too exhausted to take even the few steps he needed; he fell down on the ground he coveted so much and breathed his last. His heart could not stand the strain of walking so fast, so long, with such hurry and tension. The people gathered there told the king, “Alas, he breathed his last in his greed to acquire hundreds of acres of land. Now what he requires is only six feet of land”.

Acquire Education to Serve Society

What a great misfortune the farmer met with because of his greed! Therefore, there should be a limit to your desires. Limitless desires will lead to danger. That is why Shankara taught mankind, “Give up your thirst for money”. But students today make preparations to go to foreign lands to earn more money as soon as they get their degree.

Students!

Understand this clearly. Yanna Bharate, Thanna Bharata (what is not there in Bharat cannot be found anywhere else). Bharat is the master of all nations. That is why people from many foreign countries come to Bharat. Bharat is Karma Bhumi, Punya Bhumi, Yoga Bhumi and Thyaga Bhumi (land of righteous action, merit, spirituality and sacrifice). Even with a small income, you can lead a peaceful life here.

What is the use of acquiring high education if one is found wanting in virtues? What is the value of such education? What is the use of ten acres of barren land? Instead, a small piece of fertile land is good enough.
(Telugu Poem)

Students are wasting their time, energy and money in their craze to go to foreign lands. You are born and brought up in Bharat. You eat and drink the food and water of Bharat and call yourself a Bharatiya. But what is it that you will achieve by giving up this sacred land and going to foreign countries? Give up this greed for money. Serve your motherland. Serve the poor and destitute in this land. Not only for your self-interest, work for the interest of others too. Acquire your education with a view to serve and strengthen society. There is no point in acquiring merely high degrees. Many educated people go abroad, and when they don’t find proper employment they do even menial jobs like cleaning of cups and plates in hotels. They think, nobody from here would know even if they sweep the roads or clean plates in a hotel. But the same people don’t want to wash their own tiffin plates in their house. Why should one be ashamed of doing work in his own house? The sacredness and glory of Bharat is diminishing because of such false sense of prestige of students.

Love is a Divine Quality

You should develop love for the motherland, not attachment to the body. However, do not belittle or criticise other nations. Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the beings of all the worlds be happy!). This is what the culture of Bharat teaches. After slaying Ravana, Rama wanted to crown Vibhishana as the king of Lanka. At that time Sugriva, Jambavan, Angada and other prominent warriors approached Rama and requested Him, “Swami, now that Ravana is killed, it will be better if You take over the reins of Lanka which is full of affluence and riches”. Lakshmana also said, “Brother, anyway Bharata is ruling over Ayodhya. Therefore, it will only be proper if You become the king of Lanka and sanctify this place”. Then Rama said, “Janani Janma Bhumishcha Swargadapi Gareeyasi (the mother and the motherland are greater than heaven even). Can we call some other beautiful woman as our mother just because our own mother is not so beautiful? Even if she is not so beautiful, our mother is our mother”.

Students should develop such exalted feelings of love for motherland. They should work for the honour of their country.

Students!

He is verily a living corpse who does not declare with pride that this is my motherland, this is my mother tongue and this is my religion.
(Telugu Poem)

Shankara, who was born in Kerala, brought great name and fame not only to Kerala but the entire country with his profound teachings of Advaita. It is goodness that brings good name. Goodness is godliness. Without goodness, man becomes godless. First of all, you should understand that you yourselves are divine. There is nothing greater than divinity. Your innate quality of love is a divine quality. That is the true human quality. You should develop this human quality of love. You will be called a human being in the true sense of the term only when you have the qualities of compassion, love, tolerance, empathy and forbearance. Man today is human only in form but not in practice. He appears only as human but he lacks human qualities. One can clearly say, he is human only in form but not in practice.

Students!

Shankara was also a student like you, but even at the young age of sixteen years he earned such a great name and fame that it will continue to shine Age after Age like a precious jewel whose splendour never diminishes. Every student should emulate his ideal and lead an exemplary life. Give happiness to your parents. Earn a good name in society, uphold the great name of motherland and thus sanctify your human birth.

You should not think it otherwise. Shankara tried to develop a sense of renunciation in everyone through his composition “Bhaja Govindam”. Some people may say, “Sai Baba is teaching renunciation to students”. Let people say what they want. I am not afraid. Why should one be afraid to speak the truth? Is it so easy to attain renunciation? It is not possible for everyone. There has been no transformation even in those who have been listening to My discourses for a number of years. Such being the case, can we expect a sudden change in you by merely listening to this discourse? It is only the most fortunate few who can develop the sense of renunciation. What great good fortune can there be other than developing the spirit of renunciation naturally? That is why I repeatedly tell you, Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Thyagenaike Amrutatthwamanasu (immortality is not attained through action, progeny or wealth; it is attained only by sacrifice). It is only the spirit of sacrifice that ensures your well-being. What is meant by sacrifice? If you don’t exhale the air that you inhale, your lungs will get spoiled. Your stomach will be upset unless the food you eat is digested and excreted. Similarly, blood has to continuously flow in all parts of the body. If it remains in one place, it develops into a boil. The same can be said of money also. The money that you earn should be spent for righteous purposes. Only those who have such spirit of sacrifice can really be called truly fortunate. So long as you remain distant from God, you will not be able to understand the principle of Divinity. As you go closer to God, all the mysteries of life will be revealed to you. Not only that, you will develop a sense of detachment without any effort. Your heart will be filled with divine feelings and your life will be sanctified. As the saying goes, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati (the knower of Brahman becomes verily Brahman), you become one with God. Therefore, develop good qualities and the spirit of sacrifice. Sage Vyasa has given the essence of eighteen Puranas in two sentences, Paropakara Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam (one attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them). Help Ever, Hurt Never. If you put this dictum into practice, you would have followed the teachings of Vedanta in the real sense.

(Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, “Hari Bhajan Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin...”)

– From Bhagawan’s Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall on 7th September 1996.