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Date:18 Mar 1999 Occasion:Ugadi Place:Brindavan

Start New Year with 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.

Spiritual Wealth of Bharat

In ancient times, the Bharatiyas, before partaking of food, used to
chant the prayer. Annam Brahma, Raso Vishnu, Bhokta Devo Maheswara (food
is Brahma, the essence is Vishnu and the one who partakes of it is
Maheswara). 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 Siva. So, the Divine
Trinity is present in the food that we partake of. 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, 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 on the basis of the principle of love that the culture of
Bharat has declared: Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (May the whole world
be happy!).

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 for 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 Siva. 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: Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak the truth
and follow righteousness). Since ancient times, the Bharatiyas have
considered these two as their two eyes.

True Spirit of Celebrating Ugadi

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 beginning of Kali Yuga, not Krita Yuga or Treta
Yuga. This is the beginning of Nuthana Samvathsara (New Year). Vathsara
is another name of God. That is why God is extolled as Vathsaraswarupaya
Namah (salutations to the one who is the embodiment of Vathsara). Time
is God. Vathsara is its cosmic form. So, Time and Vathsara 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 the thoughts based on Truth, which are
essentially divine. You have to make friendship with Sath, the eternal
truth. Sath means Being, the ever existent God. The worldly friends and
enemies change with the passage of time, but Sath 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 Seva Dal

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 the 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 Seva Dal groups for the past 50 years, but the
service rendered by the Delhi Seva Dal was of 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 Seva
Dal 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 Seva Dal
activities. But this time in Delhi, the police personnel as well as the
newspapers extolled our Seva Dal sky high. They said such selfless and
dedicated youth are found only in Sri Sathya Sai Organization.

The Seva Dal youth were ten thousand in number. Whomsoever I asked,
"What do you want, boy?" the reply was one and 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 speak always obligingly." That obliging nature was very much
evident in Delhi Seva Dal. They brought a good name to Sri Sathya Sai
Organization by their exemplary behavior. In other States also Seva Dal
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 Organization.
There are many organizations in this world, but nowhere would you find
the idealism that is found in Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization.

Revival of 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 Specialty Hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Every little activity that Sri Sathya Sai Organization undertakes is an
ideal to the rest of the world. We have seen many organizations, but the
spirit of sacrifice that is found in Sri Sathya Sai Organization is not
found anywhere else. We have spoken to many members of Sai Seva Dal.
They are all highly devoted, dedicated and disciplined. Such an ideal
organization should spread all over the world."

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
Organization has no connection whatsoever with them. You should not have
anything to do with them. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization should
progress with the spirit of sacrifice. Only then will the pristine
culture of Bharat be firmly re-established. It will not be long before
you will be a witness to this. Very soon we are going to revive the
ancient culture of Bharat. All the members of Sri Sathya Sai
Organization 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 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 old people in the
society who are leading a miserable life, since they have been deserted
by their children. Anybody is welcome to this home for the aged. This is
started to see that the old people may lead a peaceful life till 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.

All members of Sri Sathya Sai Organization should cultivate the spirit
of sacrifice and service to help others. There are many affluent people
in the society, but few have this spirit of sacrifice. Life bereft of
sacrifice is inhuman. The Vedas said: Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena
Thyagenaike Amruthatwamanasu (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 are able to 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. Prachar (publicity) is not the Achar
(practice) of Sai Organization. We should work for the progress of the
Organization 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 broadmindedness.
There are no dangers either for the world or for the nation or for the
society or for 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
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.

Embodiments of Love!

I bless you with a long, happy and healthy life. Set an ideal to 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 11th evening.
Vajpayee again came on 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 the world depends on the welfare of the nation; the welfare
of the nation depends on the welfare of the society. So, whatever you
do, bear in mind the welfare of the 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 five in peace and harmony
without any conflicts." (Telugu Poem)

Only then Bharat will prosper. Bharat is the leader and an ideal to 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
Bhagavata and the Mahabharata teach us very good lessons to control
lust, greed and anger, which are the enemies of man. Ravana, who had
mastered al the 64 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.

Hiranyakasipu was a great scientist. Today scientists have traveled only
up to the moon, but Hiranyakasipu could travel even to the sun. He had
control over all the five elements, but he became a victim of his 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 many 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, Yath
Bhavam, Tath Bhavathi (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 Sathya, Dharma, Santhi,
Prema and Ahimsa. If you follow the values, success will follow
automatically.

Cultivate the Spirit of Love

Today 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 friends 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, 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: Loka Samastha 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.

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[Bhagavan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina
Sukha Santhi Nahi ..."]