Start the New Year with the Spirit of Love

If the feelings and intentions 
Behind your actions are good, 
The results will also be good. 
If your intentions are bad, 
You will certainly meet with failure.

(Telugu poem)

Embodiments of Love!

Thoughts are the permanent asset of man. Thoughts are based on feelings and feelings on the mind. As the thoughts, so the mind. If thoughts are good, humanity will blossom into divinity. Today, man's behavior is not good because his thoughts are polluted. As the thoughts and actions of man have become perverted, the country is passing through troubles and turmoil. Man has filled his mind with thoughts about mundane, ephemeral, and transient things. This is totally negative in nature. Only thoughts based on truth are positive.

The Spiritual Wealth of Bharat

In ancient times, the Bharatiyas, before partaking of food, used to chant the prayer “Annam Brahma, Raso Vishnu, Bhokta Devo Maheshwara” (food is Brahma, the essence is Vishnu, and the one who partakes of it is Maheshwara). The essence of food permeates the whole body and gives physical strength and satisfaction. It is the food that sustains the physical body. The subtle part of the food becomes the mind, and the subtler part of the food becomes speech. Human quality is expressed through thoughts, words, and deeds. The gross part of food is Brahma, the subtle part is Vishnu, and the subtlest part is Shiva. So, the Divine trinity is present in the food that we partake. Sacred thoughts, good words, and noble deeds are the true human values. But, modern man lacks in human values.

Today, man is bereft of gratitude, which is one of the most essential qualities. He forgets the help rendered to him by others. So long as man is alive, he should be grateful for the help he received from others. There are two things you have to forget—the help you have rendered to others and the harm others have done to you. If you remember the help you have rendered, you will always expect something in return. Remembrance of the harm done to you by others generates in you a sense of revenge. You should remember only the help you received from others. The one with these sacred qualities is an ideal man.

In this ephemeral and transient world, man always aspires for peace and security. But money, education, the position of authority, and physical comforts cannot confer peace and security. Peace originates from the heart. Man can experience peace and security only when his heart is filled with love. Love is God; love is nature; love is life, and love is the true human value. Bereft of love, man is equivalent to a corpse. You should lead a life filled with love. Love even the worst of your enemies. It is based on the principle of love that the culture of Bharat has declared: “Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu” (may the whole world be happy!).

The Land of Bharat is Suffused with Love

Since ancient times, this sacred land of Bharat has shared its spiritual wealth with the rest of the world to foster peace and security. It is because of its immense spiritual wealth that Bharat continues to be a land of peace and security in spite of many foreign invasions in the past. Without Bharat, there will be no trace of spirituality in this world. There is truth in the air of Bharat; there is dharma in the dust of Bharat. The land of Bharat is suffused with love. The water of Bharat overflows with compassion. Having taken birth in this sacred land of Bharat, you must uphold and sustain the principles of truth, love, righteousness, and compassion. For whose sake should you uphold these principles? Is it for the sake of society or the country? No. You should uphold these principles for your own sake. Only when everyone fosters these principles will the country prosper.

Today man is engulfed in selfishness and self-interest and is leading an unsacred life. Our ancient seers used to partake of food with the feeling that food is Brahma, the essence is Vishnu, and the one who partakes of it is Shiva. Such a feeling would foster pure and sacred thoughts in us. Today, man has strayed away from the path of truth and righteousness. People criticize those that follow truth and righteousness. It is very easy to criticize, but very difficult to understand. The Vedas say: “Satyam vada, Dharmam chara” (speak the truth and follow righteousness). Since ancient times, the Bharatiyas have considered these two as their two eyes.

Greatness Lies in Purifying Our Thoughts

You would have celebrated many Ugadi (New Year day) festivals in your life. Certain traditional practices go with every festival, such as having a sacred bath, wearing new clothes, cleaning the house, and decorating it with buntings of green leaves. Greatness lies in purifying our thoughts, not merely the transient human body. The significance of a festival does not lie in wearing new clothes, but in cultivating new and noble thoughts. The house should be decorated not merely with the buntings of green leaves, but with buntings of love. Share your love with everyone who visits your house. Only then we would be celebrating the festival in its true spirit.

Today we are celebrating Ugadi, which means the commencement of a new era. It denotes the beginnings of Kali-yuga, not Krita-yuga or Treta-yuga. This is why God is extolled as Vatsara Swaroopaya Namah (salutations to the one who is the embodiment of vatsara). Time is God. Vatsara is its cosmic form. So, time and vatsara connote the same divinity.

The New Year has to be sanctified by sacred thoughts and broad feelings. Today humanity is stricken with fear and restlessness. Courage and strength are on the decline because you have unsacred thoughts and wicked feelings. Your enemies are not outside. Your bad thoughts are your worst enemies and thoughts based on truth are your best friends. But, today, people do not befriend their thoughts based on truth, which is essentially Divine. You have to make friendship with Sat, the eternal truth. Sat means Being, the ever-existent God. The worldly friends and enemies change with time, but Sat is the true and eternal friend. This friend is always with you, in you, around you, above you, below you, and protects you just as the eyelid protects the eye.

Exemplary Devotion of Delhi Sevadal

Embodiments of Love!

There is nothing great in going round the world and getting accolades. Lakhs and lakhs of people in Delhi and Mumbai enjoyed the Divine bliss during Swami’s visit last week. It was not temporary joy; it was the everlasting love etched in their hearts. That is why, while I was leaving Delhi, they expressed their feelings by putting up a huge banner with the words, “Thanks for a visit. Please come back soon!” The aerodrome is situated miles away from the city. During Swami’s drive, thousands of youth of the age group of 25 to 30 flanked both sides of the road with devotion, discipline, and enthusiasm. Usually, one does not find such well-behaved youth in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. It was a clear indication of the transformation brought about in them.

What wonderful service they have rendered! I have been observing the service activities of various Sevadal groups for the past 50 years, but the service rendered by the Delhi Sevadal was of a very high standard. They discharged their duties forgoing even food and drink. They said, “Since Swami says duty is God and work is worship, we are ready to sacrifice even our lives in following Swami’s commands. Only then we shall have pleased Swami.” Such was their devotion!

No one exactly knew Swami’s schedule. Therefore, one could find a Sevadal in every nook and corner of Delhi carrying a cellular phone to exchange minute-to-minute information regarding Swami’s movements. There was no complaint whatsoever from any quarter. You are all aware of the fact that neither the police nor the media take note of our Sevadal activities. But this time in Delhi, the police personnel, as well as the newspapers, extolled our Sevadal sky high. They said such selfless and dedicated youth are found only in Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.

The Sevadal youth were ten thousand in number. Whomsoever I asked, “What do you want, boy?” the reply was the same, “Swami, I want you, I want your love.” They were very humble in their approach and spoke softly and sweetly. I often say, “You cannot always oblige, but you can always speak obligingly.” That obliging nature was very much evident in Delhi Sevadal. They brought a good name to Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation by their exemplary behavior. In other States also Sevadal are doing good work. The whole world has recognized the truth that if there is any organization where love, unity, friendship, cooperation, and selfless service are practiced, it is only Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. There are many organisations in this world, but nowhere would you find the idealism that is found in Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.

The Revival of the Ancient Culture of Bharat

While I was in Mumbai, the Health Minister of Maharashtra came to Me and said, “Swami, we have many doctors here, and we would like to work in collaboration with the Super Speciality Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam. Every little activity that Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation undertakes is an ideal to the rest of the world. We have seen many organisations, but the spirit of sacrifice that is found in Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is not found anywhere else. We have spoken to many members of Sai Sevadal. They are all highly devoted, dedicated, and disciplined. Such an ideal organisation should spread all over the world.”

You Should Be ‘Bigger,’ Not a Beggar

Swami does not ask anything for Himself. Today there are many Swamis and Ammas who are making money in the name of spirituality. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation has no connection whatsoever with them. You should not have anything to do with them. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation should progress with the spirit of sacrifice. Only then will the pristine culture of Bharat be firmly reestablished. It will not be long before you are a witness to this. Very soon, we are going to revive the ancient culture of Bharat. All the members of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation should develop sacred thoughts and noble feelings. We should perform all our actions based on truth. Then victory will certainly be ours.

You should keep this in mind: never ask anything from anybody. If you want anything, come to Me, I will give. Only beggars stretch their hands in front of others, not devotees. You should be ‘bigger,’ not a beggar. Help the poor and the needy, serve the society, and lead an ideal life. Only then you will be called a true devotee. I have explained to you many times the qualities of a true devotee. They are: virtues, good intellect, truth, devotion, discipline, duty. Participate in service activities.

This morning I am going to Kadugodi to inaugurate a Vriddhashram (home for the aged). There are many older people in society who are leading a miserable life since they have been deserted by their children. Everybody is welcome to this home for the aged. This is started to see that older people may lead a peaceful life until their last breath. One should be in bliss at the time of death, and not be shedding tears of sorrow. One’s last moments are the foundation for one’s next birth.

Life Bereft of Sacrifice is Inhuman

All members of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation should cultivate the spirit of sacrifice and service to help others. There are many affluent people in society, but few have this spirit of sacrifice.

Life bereft of sacrifice is inhuman. The Vedas said: “Na karmana Na prajaya Dhanena Tyagenaike Amritattva manashuh” (one can attain immortality neither by rituals nor by progeny nor wealth; only sacrifice confers immortality). We do not need any publicity or advertisement. Work silently. Before leaving for Delhi, I instructed Kulwant Rai not to give any prior publicity about My impending visit. Why worry about newspapers? There should be heart-to-heart and love-to-love connection. Love expands automatically all over the world.

We can listen to the programs broadcast from the Delhi radio station through radio waves. Similarly, good thoughts are like radio waves. These waves should spread through love, not through publicity. Pracharam (publicity) is not the Aacharam (practice) of Sai Organisation. We should work for the progress of the Organisation through practice and spread the message of love throughout the world. The entire humanity should unite and live like one family.

Ushering In An Era of Peace

The name of the New Year is Pramadi, which implies dangerous prospects. But no danger would befall this world. The name may imply danger, but in reality, the world will attain prosperity. We shall escape from all dangers. Be prepared to face anything with love and broad-mindedness. There are no dangers either for the world or for the nation or the society or the family. A person bearing the name Dharmaraja may not follow dharma at all. Similarly, this year although named Pramadi will not bring any calamities.

Embodiments of Love!

Do not get elated by listening to what happened in Delhi and Mumbai. They have done it for their satisfaction. I have nothing to do with that. Praise or censure does not affect Me. Your devotion also should be steady. Some people shower praise on Me only when their desires are fulfilled. Happiness is obtained not when desires are fulfilled, but when desires are destroyed. Whether your desires are fulfilled or not, you should always be happy. Strive to attain this state of bliss. Develop friendship with God. Worldly friends have their dwellings outside, but God, your true friend, resides in your heart. So, you need not search for Him outside. Turn your vision inward and there you will find God.

Love is the most essential of all the qualities we should possess. So, cultivate selfless love. Love is God; God is love. Today is the New Year’s day. In this New Year, drive away all bad thoughts, breed good feelings, and spend the time in contemplation of God. When you tread along this path, you can achieve anything. You will not have any problems. Many of you are apprehensive of what lies in store for you this year. Nothing will happen. What we encounter depends on our thoughts. So, entertain good thoughts, and you are bound to be successful.

Keep In Mind The Welfare of the Nation and Society

Embodiments of Love!

I bless you with a long, happy and healthy life. Set an ideal for the rest of the country. Very soon, all countries will come together and will attain peace and security. I told Vajpayee, “Vajpayee, you are a good person, making efforts in the right direction. But, develop friendship with Pakistan and China. If India, Pakistan, and China become united, they will make a formidable force.” I told this on the 11th evening. Vajpayee again came on the 13th and informed that he was happy that both Pakistan and China had responded positively to his invitation. He said, “It is Swami’s Divine will that has made it possible.”

But, in fact, there is no unity amongst Bharatiyas themselves. Today, one finds several groups in a single party. Parties may vary, ideologies may differ, but all should stand united. Never attach undue importance to parties and ideologies. Keep in mind the welfare of the nation — the welfare of society. So, whatever you do, bear in mind the welfare of society and the nation. There may be differences of opinion, but they should not stand in the way of unity. This is what the ancient culture of Bharat taught in the beginning.

Let us move together, let us grow together 
In intelligence and share the knowledge 
That we have acquired, 
Let us live in peace and harmony without any conflicts.

(Telugu poem)

Only then Bharat will prosper. Bharat is the leader and an ideal for the rest of the world in the field of spirituality. So, all Bharatiyas should foster broad feelings. Today, the country is facing problems because people have become narrow-minded.

The Worst Enemies of Man

Every human being has the evil tendencies of kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), etc., in him. The great epics, the Ramayana, the Bhagavatam, and the Mahabharata teach us very good lessons to control lust, greed, and anger, which are the enemies of man.

Ravana, who had mastered all the sixty-four branches of knowledge and was a great scholar and a mighty warrior, lost his life and caused the ruination of his entire clan because of lust. It is not enough if you merely read the Ramayana; you should grasp its real significance.

Hiranyakashipu was a great scientist. Today, scientists have traveled only up to the moon, but Hiranyakashipu could travel even to the sun. He had control over all the five elements, but he became a victim of anger. His anger was directed at God Himself. Ultimately, what happened? He ruined himself. He subjected his son to all sorts of trials and tribulations and sought to kill him by any means, like throwing him from the hilltop, casting him into the sea, putting him in a pit of poisonous snakes, and making the elephants trample upon him. As Prahlada was chanting the name of Narayana ceaselessly, all the obstacles became Narayana for him, and he came out unscathed. That is why it is said, Yad bhavam, Tad bhavati (as is the feeling, so is the experience). God manifests on the basis of the feelings of the devotee. If you pray to God with purity of heart and love, you will experience God.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana personified greed. He refused to share the kingdom with the Pandavas and denied them their rightful share. Due to this greed, he perished along with his entire clan. These three illustrations echo the need for the eradication of the feelings of lust, anger, and greed. The Pandavas emerged victorious because they practiced all the human values of Satya, dharma, shanti, prema, and ahimsa. If you follow the values, success will follow automatically.

Today, the New Year has begun. With sacred feelings and Divine thoughts, cultivate the spirit of love in you. God is not found separately in a temple or in an Ashram, etc. Truth is God. Love is God. Dharma is God. When you worship God by following these principles, He will manifest Himself then and there. There is no doubt about this. You should love God wholeheartedly. Pray to God and make friendship with Him. You can achieve anything if you have God as your friend.

What you have to learn today is to fill your heart with love and adorn your hand with the ornament of sacrifice. Sacrifice is the jewel for the hands; the truth is the necklace one should wear. You must develop the habit of adorning these jewels in the New Year. In this New Year, develop Divine love and foster peace in the country. You must pray with a broad feeling: Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu (May the whole world be happy!). Start the New Year with this prayer. Then you will lead a blissful and peaceful life full of enthusiasm. To lead such a life, you have to cultivate noble thoughts. So, love God, make friendship with Him, and you are bound to be successful in all your endeavors.

Discourse in Sai Ramesh Hall at Brindavan on 18-03-1999.