Recognise The Principle Of 'I'

Embodiments of Love!

Where the mind is active, all three worlds exist there. Where there is no mind, nothing exists there. The mind is the main cause of man’s suffering and misery. To control the mind, man has to keep his desires under check.

The trees demonstrate the sacred principle 
of equality by providing shelter to everyone 
irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, and nationality. 
The mighty mountains withstand the cold, 
rains, and the severe heat, thereby teaching man 
not to be unduly attached to the body. 
The birds are satisfied with what they get to eat each day. 
They do not store food. 
Thus they teach the sacred lesson 
that one should not be worried about the future. 
Death conveys the message that the body is temporary 
and the feeling of 'I' and 'mine' is but an illusion. 
Nature is the only school which confers on man 
true wisdom, and God is the only Sadguru.

(Telugu poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Nature sets an ideal for the entire humanity to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and lead a spiritual life. Anityam Asukham Lokam Imam Prapya Bhajasva Mam (the world is temporary and full of misery, so contemplate on God). Under these circumstances, why is it that man is not able to cultivate the spirit of sacrifice? In spite of his knowing the truth that the body is temporary, he is still bound by desires. As there is no end to desires, man is subjected to endless misery. To get rid of his misery, man should follow the ideals of Nature. Nature is the best preacher. It exhorts man to cultivate love, compassion, and the spirit of sacrifice.

Since ancient times, in this sacred land of Bharat, many sages, seers, and also the kings propagated the spirit of sacrifice and the principle of spirituality, showing to humankind the way to peace and security. Bali was one such king who propagated the spirit of sacrifice through his own example by undertaking many sacred rituals like Yajnas and Yagas. He even discarded the advice of his Guru, Shukracharya, who tried to dissuade him from keeping up his promise to Vamana. He told his Guru that there was no greater sin than going back on one’s own promise, and that he would abide by his word to Vamana, come what may.

Let Intellect Control The Mind

Bharat, which has given birth to such noble kings and has been the land of sacrifice, spirituality, and peace, has now become a place of injustice, untruth, and restlessness. One should never get carried away by this body, which is bound to perish one day or the other. Only the principle of the Atma is true and eternal. One should lead one’s life keeping this eternal Atmic principle in view and not the fleeting materialistic pleasures of the world. Nature is endowed with two aspects. One is related to the worldly view and the other to the spiritual view. All that you see, hear, and think is related to the physical world. The unmanifest principle of the Atma is the basis for this manifest Nature.

Here is a mansion. You can see its grandeur and beauty, but not its foundation. The body can be compared to a mansion and the mind to its foundation. Just as the mansion is based on its foundation, likewise the body is based on the mind. If the mind is steady, so too is the body and vice versa. Having attained human birth, it is necessary to understand the nature of the body, the mind, the intellect, and the senses to make proper use of them.

The Mind Exists Even After Death

Before driving a car, one should know where the brake, clutch, accelerator, etc., are located and how to operate them properly. Our body is a car, the mind is the steering, eyes are the headlights, the heart is the engine, the stomach is the petrol tank, and the four objectives of human life, namely, dharma, artha, kama, and moksha are four wheels. The tyres, which are outside, are under the control of the steering, which is inside. Likewise, the mind is the steering which controls the direction of the journey of human life. So, one should make every effort to understand the nature of the mind. The mind exists even after death. The purity of man depends upon the purity of his mind. If the mind is polluted, it pollutes all his life.

Though the mind of modern man is highly polluted with negative thoughts, he aspires to live in peace and happiness. But, how can he expect positive results without giving up negative thoughts? The peace and happiness that he experiences in the world are only temporary. In fact, real happiness is not in the world outside; it is within. The mind is the cause for everything, good and bad, happiness and misery. The Vedas declare: "Manah Eva Manushyanam Karanam Bandha Mokshayo" (mind is responsible for both bondage and liberation of man). If man follows the dictates of the mind, he becomes worse than an animal and ultimately ruins his life. His life will be sanctified only when he follows the dictates of Buddhi (intellect). He who goes by the vagaries of the mind can never be steady in life. How can he then attain permanent happiness?

Truth Originates From The Hridaya

So, first and foremost man should make his mind steady and sacred. Before undertaking any activity, he should discriminate whether it is good or bad, right or wrong. But, man is using his vivekam (power of discrimination) only to suit his selfish ends, which is individual discrimination. What is needed today is fundamental discrimination, that which is based on the sacred principles like truth, love, and righteousness. Truth is God; love is God. So, live in love. Truth is the one and same for all countries in all periods. Truth originates from the Hridaya. The mind can be controlled once you have total faith in truth and follow it implicitly.

The primary effort of man should be to control the mind. This is not possible unless the desires are put under check. But, today, man is filled with excessive desires. No doubt one can have desires, but they should be within limits. Today even the Sanyasins (renunciants) do not have control over their desires, leave alone the common men. When their ashrams grow, their desires also grow more and more. Why should one have unlimited desires? Adi Shankara declared: "Ma Kuru Dhana Jana Yauvana Garvam, Harati Nimeshat Kalah Sarvam" (Do not be proud of wealth, progeny, or youth, the tide of time may destroy them all in an instant). Youth and wealth are like passing clouds.

Keep Control Over Mind In Times Of Difficulties

One should keep one’s mind under control and act according to the situation. You have just heard a singer singing Tyagaraja’s composition, “Samayaniki Tagu Mataladene.” Tyagaraja was one who understood the truth and had a love for God. But, one cannot keep control over one’s mind in times of great difficulties. It is because of this weakness that one even starts blaming God for one’s own troubles. Tyagaraja was no exception to this. When he was unable to withstand suffering in the face of difficulties in life, he blamed Rama, saying, “O Rama, my bhakti (devotion) towards You is very strong, but You do not have the shakti (power) to protect me.” Then he enquired deeply within and repented for his indiscreet statement. He sang,

“O Rama, if You lacked power,
would a mere monkey jumps across the mighty ocean?
Would Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, become Your consort?
Would Lakshmana worship You?
Would the intelligent Bharata serve You?
How can I, with my limited mind,
Understand the greatness and grandeur of Your Divine Power?”

(Telugu poem)

One has to have a broad mind to understand the infinite divinity. Today man has become so narrow-minded that he has given up ashayalu (ideals) and is leading his life only to fulfill his ashalu (desires). Lead a life full of sacred feelings. Give up worldly feelings. Have total faith in God. You can accomplish anything with faith.

Only The One With The Mind Is Manava

Satya (truth), dharma (righteousness), and tyaga (sacrifice) constitute humanness. Satya is neeti (morality), dharma is reeti (code of conduct), and tyaga is khyati (reputation) The combination of all these three is Manava Jati (human race). But, all these are missing in modern man. So, we find only akara manava (human in form), but not achara manava (human in practice). Today man is restless due to the vagaries of the mind. But the mind is essential for man. Only the one with the mind is manava (man). Bereft of the mind, he is not man. Therefore, man should conduct himself fully aware of the divinity within. Unfortunately, many do not believe in the existence of God. Where is God? He is all-pervasive.

Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvato’ksi Siromukham 
Sarvatah Srutimalloke Sarvamavritya Tishthati.

(With hands, feet, eyes, mouth, head, and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe).

Embodiments of Love!

More than physical prowess, man needs the power of the mind. Man should have control over his emotions and keep them under check in times of distress.

Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a game, play it. 
Life is a dream, realise it. 
Life is love, enjoy it.

Man bereft of love is lifeless — love, love, love. Love is everything. Live in love. Love lives by giving and forgiving; self lives by getting and forgetting.

Experience Of Oneness Is True Wisdom

The present population of the world is approximately 600 crores. But, the principle of ‘I’ is the same in everyone. Each one refers to himself or herself as ‘I’. How can one know these 600 crore people? Once you recognise the principle of ‘I’, you would have recognised all. Here you find many bulbs glowing; the same current flows through all of them. Similarly, the principle of ‘I’ is the same in all. Instead of questioning, “Who are you?”, question yourself, “Who am I?” Know yourself first; then you will know all.

What is the cause of conflicts and restlessness in this world? Lack of recognition of the principle of oneness is mainly responsible for this. If someone were to criticise you, do not get agitated. Remember that the same Atmic principle is present in both of you. The one who accuses and the one who is accused are not two different entities. There will be no scope for agitation if you understand this truth. Peace and serenity will reign supreme in the world once this principle of oneness is recognised.

Likewise, God and devotee are not separate from each other. The one who worships and the one who is worshipped are the same. The devotee worshipping God actually means worshipping himself. "Ekatma Sarva Bhutantaratma" (the same Atma is present in everyone). This principle of oneness is Brahma. Viewing this oneness as many is Bhrama or Bhranti (illusion). It is this Bhrama that is responsible for the restlessness in the world. True spiritual practice lies in cultivating the spirit of oneness. There is no greater Sadhana than this. Whatever Sadhana one undertakes, one should do it with love. Then there will be no scope for anger and jealousy.

To understand the Vedic dicta, "Ishvara Sarva-bhutanam" (God dwells in all beings), "Sarvam Khalividam Brahma" (all this is verily Brahman), one should inculcate noble qualities. "Na karmana Na prajaya Dhanena Tyagenaikena Amritattva Manashuh" (neither wealth nor progeny nor good deeds can confer immortality; it can be attained only through sacrifice). People respect you as long as you occupy exalted positions in society. But nobody follows you when you lose your position and power. The Vedas address human beings as Amritasya Putra. You should live up to that title. You are Amritasya Putra (sons of immortality), not Anritasya Putra (sons of falsehood).

Understand The Truth That You Are God

There is Chinmaya (awareness) in mrimaya (physical body). That awareness is true wisdom. The Vedas refer to this as ‘_Prajnanam Brahma_’ (constant, integrated awareness). It is this constant, integrated awareness that makes the body, the mind, and the intellect function. All the four Mahavakyas namely, ‘_Prajnanam Brahma_’, ‘_Ayam Atma Brahma_’, ‘_Aham Brahmasmi_’ and ‘_Tat Tvam Asi_’ speak of this constant integrated awareness. Understand the truth that you are God. You may think that you are separate from Swami. But in fact, I and you are not separate. ‘I am yours, you are Mine,’ ‘You and I are one.’ Understand this truth and act accordingly. "Abheda Darshanam Jnanam" (experience of oneness is true wisdom). There is only one without a second. If you go on adding the number 1 to itself, the value increases. On the other hand, even if crores of ‘I’s are added to ‘I’, it still remains ‘I’. That ‘I’ is Divinity. Once you understand this truth, you will realise that all are Embodiments of Divinity. The essence of Vedanta is contained in these four Mahavakyas.

The Vision Of God Through Love

You have all come from Kerala. You might have heard the arguments of many atheists that they do not believe in the existence of God as He is not seen. Where can you find anything without form? One cannot deny the existence of air just because it is not seen. Likewise, one cannot deny the existence of God. God exists, but you cannot see Him. All the names and forms are His. Once you develop this faith, you will develop a love for God.

Gopikas could not bear the pangs of separation from Krishna when He left for Mathura. On deep enquiry, they realised that there was no separation between Krishna and them as He is present everywhere at all times. The one that went to Mathura was not ‘Krishna,’ but his body. Realising this truth they sang this song, “O Krishna, can we ever understand You? You are the smallest among the small and mightiest among the mighty. You are present in all the 84 lakh species.” None can decide that God is here and not there. He is everywhere. Only through love can one have the vision of God. One can see one’s own reflection in the mirror only when a particular chemical is coated on the other side. Likewise, coat the chemical of love on your Hridaya to have the vision of God. Fill your heart with love, and then there will be no place for evil qualities like jealousy, anger, and hatred. Wax melts when it comes into contact with heat. The heart also melts like wax when the rays of love fall on it.

The story of Prahlada is direct proof of this. He constantly chanted the name of Narayana with all love even in the face of innumerable hardships. He was pushed from the mountain top and thrown into the sea. Attempts were made to get him trampled upon by huge elephants and bitten by poisonous snakes. But, not even once did he give up chanting the name of Narayana. Love of Prahlada melted the heart of the Lord, and He came to His rescue in times of need. True devotion lies in being in a state of equanimity both in pleasure and pain. Prahlada stands testimony to this. He had neither grief nor fear in the face of severest sufferings. He had total faith that God was within him.

There can be no room for grief or fear wherever God’s name is chanted as God Himself manifests there. Sukhaduhkhe Samekritva Labhalabhau Jayajayau (one should remain equal-minded in happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat). Such equanimity can be attained only through love.

Embodiments of Love!

All are Embodiments of love. Love is a fundamental force. When once you develop love within, you will never hate anybody. Today hatred is on the rise everywhere. Ego is the root cause for hatred. Give up ego, and you can have the vision of the Atma. All of this can be accomplished only through love. You should lead your life with love. There is no greater devotion than this.

Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam on 25-08-1999