Seeing Unity In Diversity Is True Spirituality

All names and forms are the manifestations of the Supreme Being who is the embodiment of peace and auspiciousness. He is Existence, Knowledge, Bliss Absolute and non-dual. He is Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram (Truth, Goodness, Beauty).
(Sanskrit Verse)

Embodiments of Divine Atma!

People today acquire many types of education in this world but they lack the knowledge of humanness. They see diversity in unity but cannot see unity in diversity. Embodiments of love! It is very easy to see diversity in unity; anyone can do that. But it requires a lot of effort to recognize unity underlying the entire diversity that exists in this world.

Recognize The Divine Principle Present In All

Man today should try to acquire the knowledge of the Atmic principle that is uniformly present in all. One who knows the principle of the Atma knows everything. Consider all human beings in this world as one and recognize the oneness of the entire mankind. 

Religions are many but goal is one. 
Clothes are many but yarn is one. 
Jewels are many but gold is one. 
Cows are many but milk is one.

There is unity in the entire creation of God, but man causes many divisions in it. Unity of the entire mankind is the need of the hour. When you develop unity, there will be purity in your heart. Where there is purity, there is divinity. Unity, purity, and divinity are closely interlinked and interdependent. But man today is drifting away from unity. I have been telling, “Religions are many, but goal is one.” So many people have gathered in this hall. Though they took different routes to come here, the destination for all of them was the same. In the same way, all have to reach one God. Divinity is immanent in every human being. Human life is not possible without divinity. Daivam manushya rupena (God is in the form of a human being). Who is a human being? Without understanding the meaning of this term, people consider someone as a human being who is endowed with human form, with hands, feet, ears, eyes, etc., like a human being.

But it is not so. In fact, man is not different from God. He is not a separate entity. One who realizes his oneness with God is a true human being. There may be differences in physical forms of human beings, but the same divine principle is present in all. However, some people cause differences between man and man by various ways. This is the cause of all types of conflicts, sorrows, and miseries in the world today. When man understands the truth that the same divine principle is present in all, there will be no room for differences and troubles. Therefore, we should always focus on the divinity of man. All our difficulties arise when we multiply our differences, forgetting our divinity.

Therefore, we should firmly install the divine principle in our heart which is the same in everyone.

You Can Accomplish Everything By Chanting The Divine Name

I told you a few days ago, how Hanuman crossed the ocean and reached Lanka by the power of the divine name of Rama. Before this, all the Vanaras gathered on the seashore were asked the question, “Who can cross the ocean in one leap?” Some of them said they could cover a distance of 40 Yojanas (leagues); others said they could go up to a distance of 50 or 60 Yojanas. But when the same question was put to Hanuman, he said, “By the grace of Rama, I can cover any distance.” While others had a limited understanding of Rama’s divinity, Hanuman alone had the total perception of the reality. It is not the spiritual practices like japa, tapa, yoga and yajna that give us the direct perception of God. Many people have been undertaking these practices. But, what have they experienced and achieved? These are merely physical and external practices. It is the name of God that is most important. When you know this truth, you will know everything. That is why I keep on telling you from time to time “*Hari bhajan bina sukha shanti nahin ...*” (There can be no happiness and peace without chanting the name of God). You can accomplish everything by chanting the name of God alone. Hanuman crossed the vast ocean by constantly chanting the name of Rama. But other Vanaras misunderstood this truth.

At the time of construction of the bridge over the ocean also, Hanuman told the Vanaras to write ‘Ra’ on one stone and ‘ma’ on the other and throw them in the ocean. Then the stones would join together to form the bridge. Rama, Lakshmana and the Vanaras crossed the ocean and reached Lanka by walking on this bridge constructed on the principle of unity of the divine name of Rama.

We should treasure this truth in our heart. Instead of observing differences on the basis of names like Ramanna, Lakshmanna, Bhimanna, etc., we should recognize the Atmic principle in them and consider all as the embodiments of divinity. Spiritual practices like japa, dhyana, yajna and yoga have little significance if divine name is absent in your heart. You have a name which has been given to you by your parents after your birth; you were not born with this name. What you are born with is the principle of Rama. That is the Atma. Call it Atma, call it Omkara, call it Rama, all refer to the same divine principle. Even if you come across your enemy, offer your salutations to him. Your salutations do not go to your enemy, they reach God. When you greet him lovingly saying “hello”, he will also give up hatred and become friendly with you. But people today out of their ego identify themselves with their names. They consider themselves as Ramaiah, Krishnaiah, etc., instead of saying Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). This is the root cause of all our differences. The name that is universally present in all is the name of Rama. When you offer your salutations to others while contemplating on Rama, your salutations will reach Rama. Therefore, do all actions to please God. All our daily chores like cooking, eating, etc., are suffused with the principle of Rama. People undertake worldly, external and physical practices because they do not understand this subtle truth.

Ego And Attachment Are The Cause Of Man’s Bondage

All the developments in science are only at worldly and physical level. Scientists have developed aeroplanes which can fly at a high speed and cover hundreds of miles in a minute. But they expose man to all sorts of dangers. All the worldly things are bound to perish one day or the other. A potter makes many pots. But if they slip from our hand, they break into pieces.

There is no greatness in all that we do for our individual benefit; whatever we do should be beneficial to society and community. Our welfare lies in the welfare of the society. But today nobody thinks about society. Wherever we go, we find selfishness and self-interest rampant. That is why there are so many conflicts and differences in the world. There are divisions even in one family. Due to the increase of differences among people, unity has been shattered. Therefore, we should strive for unity. You and your neighbour are one. There is difference only in your names, but divinity immanent in both of you is the same. There is no mistake in calling people by different names when the divine principle of unity is firmly embedded in your heart. Perform your grahastha dharma (duty as a householder). This is your worldly duty. But you must recognize your Atma dharma (duty as a divine being) which is universal. That is why I address you as ‘_Divyatma Swaroopulara_’ (Embodiments of Divine Atma). When somebody wants to say what he is saying is absolutely true, he would use the term ‘_Atma sakshi_’ meaning Atma is his witness. Therefore, we should conduct ourselves recognizing the principle of Atma.

Unity of the world today has been destroyed due to the abnormal increase in the differences of people. Therefore, we should not observe differences on the basis of names and forms. We should develop faith in the Atmic principle. Atma is only one. It is indivisible and cannot be broken into pieces. Only the body dies, but the Atma lives forever. It is said that every human being undergoes the cycle of birth and death. But it is only the human body that takes birth, grows and dies, not the Atma. Therefore, know the oneness of the Atmic principle. Let people say anything, you should recognize that your Atma is your witness. Do not give up this divine principle under any circumstances. Whatever you do, do it for the sake of Atma. Whatever delicious items of food you eat, consider them as an offering to God. Whatever you do in life, do it with the feeling of offering it to God. Sarva karma bhagavat prityartham (do all actions to please God). When you have such sacred feelings, you can attain liberation easily.

One can attain moksha (liberation) only when one gives up moha (worldly attachment). The feeling of ‘I’ is the cause of ego and that of ‘mine’ is the basis of attachment. Ego and attachment are the cause of your bondage. Therefore, first and foremost you should try to get rid of ego and attachment. As much as you reduce these two, that much closer you will go to liberation. Less luggage more comfort makes travel a pleasure. Man should reduce the burden of his desires. But man, on the other hand, keeps on adding to the burden of desires as he grows. As his desires increase, humanness in man decreases and he loses the awareness of his divinity. Therefore, we should develop divinity in us. Everything else is bound to perish one day or the other. Howsoever safe and secure we may keep our possessions, ultimately we have to lose them. We may deposit all our money in a big bank, put it under lock and key and arrange proper security for it. In spite of all that, we are bound to lose it some time or the other. We should not have temptation for things which are perishable. What remains with us forever at all places is the principle of the Atma.

Develop The Spirit Of Unity

Though thousands of years have passed since Rama incarnated as the son of Dasharatha, all people, from a child to an old man, even today chant His name. People say, ‘Rama, Rama’ when they encounter any difficulty. This sacred name is whispered into the ears of a dying man. It is the name of Rama that you should love and nothing else. As He attracted everyone, He was given the name ‘Rama’.

You may chant any name of God, but you should have firm faith that the Atma within you is the divine principle. Then you will not have any difficulties. We accumulate so much money. But for whom? Can we carry even a paisa with us when we depart from this world? No, no. We leave even our body here. The mind may waver and the intellect may be clouded, but the Atma remains as the eternal witness. That is the principle of Rama. The name Rama does not denote any particular form. It denotes the divine principle. Therefore, always chant the divine name, be it Rama, Krishna or any other name. Shiva means auspiciousness. It is only the name of God which imparts auspiciousness to us. We may say Srinivasa, Venkatesha, Rama, etc. All these denote the same divine principle. Install this divine principle in your heart. People chant ‘Rama, Rama, Rama’ and perform japa. When the japa comes to an end, Rama is also forgotten. But we should never forget Rama. Whatever work we may be doing, we should constantly chant the divine name.

In Kali-yuga, Nama-smarana is prescribed as the means to attain liberation. Realizing this truth, Guru Nanak started the practice of community singing. All should come together and sing bhajans. The mind of some may go to other directions. But at least a few of them will focus it on God’s name. Therefore, when you do bhajans in a group, the prayers of at least one or two may reach God which will benefit all. Do we eat all the fruits that ripen on a tree? No. We eat only a few and distribute the rest to others. We prepare payasam (sweet pudding) in our house. All the family members partake of it; one who prepares it does not consume the whole lot.

When Dasharatha performed Putrakameshti yajna (sacrifice for the birth of a son), an effulgent being emerged from the yajna fire and gave him a vessel of payasam for distributing it to his three wives, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. (Here Swami narrated the story of the birth of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna and revealed the mystery why Lakshmana always followed Rama and Shatrughna followed Bharata).

There was such a strong bond of love between Rama and Lakshmana as well as between Bharata and Shatrughna that they never left the company of each other. See, how much power this unity holds! Union is strength. When you don’t talk to each other and develop enmity, you achieve nothing. Even if some feelings of enmity arise in you, you should try to adjust with each other. Devotees should conduct themselves gracefully with proper understanding and adjustment. Even if someone criticizes the deity you worship, do not react to that criticism. Rather, you should think that it is your deity only who has assumed the form of the critic. Praise and censure make no difference to God. You should always love all. When you love everyone in this manner, all evil qualities like hatred, anger and greed will leave you. When you become free from these evil qualities, you will attain liberation easily. You claim that you are a devotee, but what is the use when you have hatred, anger, jealousy, hypocrisy, malice, etc., in you? These evil qualities will ruin your life. Talk smilingly to others and develop the spirit of unity.

So many people have come here. All of them have participated in bhajans. But, how many have true devotion in their heart? Even if there are ten people with true devotion, it is enough. All of you should imbibe the spirit of unity. Whomsoever you come across, say, “He is my brother, she is my sister.” In this way, consider all as your brothers and sisters and conduct yourself with unity. All are the children of God. Therefore, if at any time feelings of hatred develop between you and others, remind yourself that you are not separate from them. Consider that all are one, attain unity and experience its bliss. Seeing unity in diversity is divinity and true spirituality. Study of scriptures, performing rituals, doing worship, etc., do not signify true spirituality. Recognizing the unity of the Atmic principle is true spirituality. When you realize this unity, you will earn divine grace. You are always chanting, ‘Sai Ram’, ‘Sai Ram’, ‘Sai Ram’, but this alone will not develop devotion in you. You should imbibe the spirit of unity and chant the divine name to develop true devotion. If you have even a trace of true devotion in you, you should do good to others and live in harmony with them. Do not hate anyone. Love all. If you have love and faith, you will develop non-violence. Then only can you experience bliss.

Unity Of Human Race Is Imminent

What is the real purpose of telling you to develop truth, righteousness, peace and love? Righteousness emerges from truth. Satyannasti paro dharmah (There is no dharma greater than adherence to truth). Without truth, there can be no righteousness. Similarly, love cannot exist without righteousness. If you have love, you will not hate or disrespect anybody. Satya, dharma, shanti and prema are the primary human qualities. Anger, jealousy, malice, hypocrisy, lust, hatred and greed are not human qualities. If you have love and peace, all other virtues will develop in you automatically.

People keep on repeating, “I want peace, I want peace.” Can anybody get peace by this type of constant repetition? No, not at all. You can have peace only when you develop love. Peace is not a commodity that you can buy in the market. It comes from the heart which is filled with love. Where does love come from? Love comes from righteousness and righteousness comes from truth. Hence, truth is the source of righteousness, righteousness is the source of love and love is the source of peace. Where there are both peace and love, non-violence comes there on its own. Therefore, truth, righteousness, peace, love and non-violence are the qualities of a true human being. Consider them as your Pancha-pranas (five life-breaths). Man has forgotten today these five life-breaths of human qualities. Instead, he is harbouring evil qualities like lust, anger, etc., considering them as his life-breaths. That is why he is enmeshed in so many difficulties. When you develop human qualities, you will surely attain peace. Therefore, man should preserve his innate human qualities like his five life-breaths. He should keep away from evil qualities like lust, anger, etc.

Believe it or not, in the next 25 to 30 years, the entire human race will become one. People of all religions like Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc., will be united. There will be complete unity in the world. It is from Bharat that the spirit of devotion for God will spread to all other parts of the world. Treasure this truth in your heart. People consider culture as a way of life. No, no, it is not so. Unity of all is culture; purity is culture. You will realize divinity when you burn all your impurities. When you develop love, all your evil qualities like hatred, etc., will wither away.

People develop hatred and jealousy against those who excel them, saying, “How much money he has accumulated! What a high position he has attained!” They hate those who have greater achievements. This is not good. If someone has achieved more than you, you should consider that it is your own incapability which is the cause of your lesser achievement. You should expand your love and broaden your heart.Then you will succeed in achieving more. Victory and defeat depend on the feelings of your heart. It is with reference to this that the Vedas declare, Mana eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoh (mind is the cause of bondage and liberation of man). Our mind is the root cause of our feelings of love or hatred. Whatever work we do, we should do it with the spirit of unity. Perform all your actions to please God. That will surely lead to universal good. After bhajan, we all chant, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the beings of all the worlds be happy!) What is the great achievement if you alone are happy? All should be happy. Your happiness lies in the happiness of all, your well-being lies in the well-being of all. You cannot be happy when others are not happy. Therefore, you should pray for the welfare of all, including small creatures and insects. This is the real meaning of unity. Only the heart that desires the well-being of all is dear to God.

All that I have said today is profound truth. This is the essence of devotion. What does devotion mean? It is not a big ocean. It is an ocean of bliss. That is what is described as Nityanandam, Paramasukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim, Dvandvatitam, Gagana-sadrasam, Tatvamasyadi-lakshyam, Ekam, Nityam, Vimalam, Achalam, Sarvadhi-sakshibhutam, Bhavatitam, Trigunarahitam sadgurum Tam Namami (God is the embodiment of eternal bliss, wisdom absolute, beyond the pair of opposites, expansive and pervasive like the sky, the goal indicated by the Mahavakya That Thou Art, one without a second, eternal, pure, unchanging, witness of all functions of the intellect, beyond all mental conditions and the three attributes of Satva, Rajas and Tamas). We should attain this eternal bliss.

Divine Discourse, Brindavan, 31-5-2008