Sri Sathya Sai Speaks

Indescribable joy and glory come within the reach of man when the Universal Immanent Principle decides to assume human form. You are all standing in the scorching sun for hours and so, you can realise what it is to be offered a cool drink when you get parched in the heat. The Avathar comes to offer this cool comforting drink to parched humanity. Mere repetition of the words, Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi and Prema will not quench the thirst; the words rice, curry and rasam (soup) will not satisfy hunger. How can you get anandam from words? Practise them, that is the message that the Avathar brings, with all the authority that It can wield. What you have heard and seen must be spoken out, without exaggeration or abridgement; that is sathya or truth speaking. Of course, when the mind is controlled, the intelligence is sharpened and purified; you see only the one everywhere, in everything, at all times; then that one becomes the only Truth, which you see, hear and speak of - for, there is nothing else to see or hear. "Sathyannasthiparo dharmah" - "There is no duty higher than Truth." Some people raise the question, "How can we make a living if we adhere to Truth?" Well, you cannot escape death, whatever way you spend your days. It is far better to die, adhering to Truth, than die, sliding into falsehood. Do this duty to yourself first; then, consider the rights of others. Falsehood looks easy and profitable; but, it binds you and pushes you into perdition. Purify your feelings and impulses; do not worry that others are not doing similarly. Each man carries his destiny in his own hands. You will not be bound, because others are not freed. You should strive for your salvation, at your own pace, from where you started when you were born into this chance. One coconut garden may have a thousand fruits; the neighbouring garden which belongs to you may have only eight hundred. But, you are rich only to the limit of the number that grew in your garden. You have no right to the fruits grown on another's tree. Earn yourself, for yourself. Two people may have two acres each in the same village; but, they reap different quantities of grain, depending on the skill and attention they bestow, and the quality of the soil, the seeds and the manure they use.

For each person, there is a code of conduct laid down in the Shastras (scriptures), according to age and status, the profession adopted, the stage of spiritual attainment reached, the goal of life accepted, etc. Do not carp at the behaviour of others, or at the efforts they make, to get consolation and courage amidst the turmoils of life, for the path that one has chosen, the Name and the Form of God he prefers! Also do not give up your code of duties and take up that recommended for some one else. Arjuna was overcome by human sympathy when he refused to slaughter his kith and kin and seek regal luxury through such sinful means; he preferred being a mendicant. Then, Krishna had to remind him of other levels of dharma, which override the purely natural dharma. They were: (i) the Varnadharma of a Kshatriya, which insisted on his fighting the forces of evil and which branded withdrawal from the battlefield as a heinous sin; (ii)Atmadharma, which urges you to concentrate on the Athmic reality, and not worry about defeat or success, fame or dishonour, but be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Along the lines already familiar to you, continue the worship of the God of your choice; then you will find that you are coming nearer and nearer to Me; for, all Names are Mine and all Forms are Mine. There is no need to change, after you have seen Me and heard Me. That is what I wanted to tell you, since the Shastri spoke to you of Avathars and their significance. You have stood too long in the hot sun: if I speak longer to you, I would only be adding to the misery; so, I shall stop now. Go to your several places now, without rushing or pushing, causing trouble and confusion. There are children, old persons and many sick people among you. So, be careful.