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Source:
sssbpt.org
Gurupoornima 2005 discourse
EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON GOD’S
GRACE
Everyone
has to face the consequences of his actions. Who has made the bats to hang
from the branches of a tree with their heads downwards? Has anyone done it
out of hatred? No. It is their Karma (fate). Likewise, nobody can escape
from the consequences of Karma.
(Telugu poem)
Birds
fly in the sky with the help of wings. Likewise, bats too fly in the sky,
but unlike other birds, they hang with their heads downwards from the
branches of trees. Is it not their fate? One may perform any activity, but
one is bound to face the consequences of one’s action. This is the law of
nature.
Students – Boys and Girls,
People may act as they please, but they cannot escape from the
consequences of their actions. Whether he is a pamara (simpleton) or a
mahaneeya (noble soul), he has to face the results of his actions. Let no
one be under the illusion that one can commit sin and still go scot-free.
Hence, one should enquire before undertaking any activity whether it is
good or bad. Wherever you go, the results of your actions will follow you
like your shadow. However, it is possible to escape from the consequences
of action by the grace of God.
God
is always by your side saying “Tathastu!”, “Tathastu!” (so shall it be!).
Man is not taking cognisance of this truth and is indulging in wicked
deeds. He knows pretty well what is good and what is bad, yet, he is
unable to give up his evil ways. One’s experiences in life, good and bad,
depend on his actions.
No one can comprehend the ways of God. They are beyond description. You
may think that you can commit a mistake surreptitiously and feel that no
one has seen you. But you cannot hide your actions from God. The
consequences of your actions will haunt you wherever you go.
One should not be judged by his external appearance. One may look noble
and speak in a pleasing manner, but his actions may not be in consonance
with his words. We may undertake a number of good activities, yet we
cannot escape from the consequences of our past deeds. We have to bear
this truth always in mind.
Embodiments of Love!
The world is full of wonders and mysteries. The law that governs human
life and the world at large is beyond the ken of human understanding. The
principle of divinity is not visible to the naked eye, but it is what
prompts you to perform action and experience the consequences thereof.
The story of the Lord is amazing,
It purifies the lives of people in all the three worlds,
It is like the sickle that cuts the creepers of worldly bondage,
It is like a good friend who helps you in times of need,
It is like a shelter for the sages and seers doing penance in the forest.
(Telugu poem)
Embodiments of Love!
You may not be able to comprehend fully all that is being said. But you
will understand it through experience. It is impossible to escape Karma
Phala (fruits of action). We read a number of books, but do we put into
practice whatever we have learnt? No. No. We put into practice only that
which is convenient and necessary for us and ignore the rest.
Students!
You may wonder if there is a way to escape from the consequences of Karma.
Yes, it is possible for those who earn the grace of God. Once you become
the recipient of God’s grace, you will not be affected by Karma Phala.
Hence, you should strive to earn Divine grace. Scholars say, it is
impossible to escape Karma.
What they say is
true to a certain extent. But once you earn Divine grace, even if you have
to experience the consequences of Karma, you will not feel the pain. Take
for instance a bottle containing medicine. You find the expiry date
mentioned on the bottle. After the expiry date, the medicine will lose its
potency. Likewise, God’s grace will make the Karma Phala ‘expire’, i.e.,
it nullifies the effects of Karma. Hence, it is possible to escape from
the consequences of Karma. Man should cultivate the necessary strength and
will power to deserve Divine grace. You will be free from the shackles of
Karma once you attain Divine grace.
Lord Easwara had granted only sixteen years of life-span to Markandeya.
But Markandeya was unaware of this. One evening, he found his parents full
of sorrow. On enquiry, they revealed that his end had approached and that
was the cause of their sorrow. They said, “Lord Easwara had ordained that
you would live only for sixteen years and today happens to be the last day
of your earthly sojourn. Tomorrow our earthly ties will be snapped.”
Markandeya was surprised to hear this. He also felt sorry that he was not
made aware of it earlier. He said, “I would have made proper use of my
time if I had known that I would live for only sixteen years.” He went to
the temple of Easwara without wasting even a moment, hugged the Siva Linga
and started chanting Om Namah Sivaya wholeheartedly. At the appointed
hour, Lord Yama (God of death) cast his noose around the neck of young
Markandeya. As he was hugging the Linga, the noose fell around the Siva
Linga also. Easwara manifested there and remonstrated with Yama, “How dare
you cast the noose around Me?” Pleased with the devotion of Markandeya, He
blessed him with the boon of immortality. In fact, it was Easwara who had
stipulated 16 years of life-span for Markandeya. But on account of
Markandeya’s intense devotion and total surrender Easwara had to change
His decree. Markandeya’s episode bears ample testimony to the fact that
one can escape even from the God of death if one becomes the recipient of
Lord Easwara’s grace. Hence, contemplate on God and chant His Name
incessantly.
Once when Lord Yama was going round the world, he noticed that everyone
was chanting the divine name. Wherever he went, he found devotees
contemplating on the Lord. “If everyone starts chanting the Divine Name,
how am I to discharge my duties? How can I cast my noose around a
devotee?”, he wondered. He started praying to Lord Easwara thus. Then
Easwara appeared before him and said, “You may cast your noose on anyone
at the appointed time. But, remember that only those who have experienced
the fruits of their actions will be ensnared by your noose. It cannot
touch those who have no trace of Karma Phala (fruits of action). That is
why Markandeya became My property and I showered My grace on him.”
That is why people start chanting the divine names such as “Rama, Krishna,
Govinda…” as the end approaches. As demonstrated by Markandeya, devotees
can alter the Will of God by their sincere prayers. In matters relating to
Divinity, the word ‘impossible’ does not exist. God can accomplish
anything. If you surrender to Him completely, He can cancel the
consequences of your actions and confer His grace on you. One need not
feel depressed or dejected thinking that he is bound by Karma Phala. God
can cancel your Karma Phala if your prayers are sincere. In this manner,
God protected the lives of many devotees and alleviated their suffering in
response to their prayers. Some people out of their ego doubt the power of
God and try to test Him. They think, “Let us see, how he will do this.”
But God cannot be understood or experienced by such tests. Such tests are
futile exercise. Evil qualities like ego, jealousy and hatred will ruin
man’s life. One should make every effort to earn the grace of God. Sarvada
Sarva Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari Chintanam (everywhere, at all times, under all
circumstances contemplate on God).
That is why Swami is exhorting you to undertake spiritual Sadhana. Nagar
Sankirtan is one of the Sadhanas that is prescribed for devotees. No one
knows when one's end approaches. Yama has no consideration of what one is
doing, good or bad at the time of casting his noose. One may leave his
mortal coil even when one is doing Nagar Sankirtan. Hence, one should
always be prepared to face Yama by chanting the Divine Name. You should
undertake spiritual practice and earn the divine grace so as to be free
from Karma Phala. One need not feel depressed and resign to one's fate.
One can easily overcome fate with sincere prayers. The story of Markandeya
proves this point beyond doubt. Everything depends on God's grace.
Embodiments of Love!
You may undertake any number of spiritual practices, but never forget
God's Name even for a moment. Only then will you be protected. Never do
anything that will take you away from God. You can achieve anything
through prayer. You do not need to pray loudly, it is enough if you pray
mentally. Some people have a mistaken notion that God will not come to
their rescue if they do not pray loudly. God resides in your heart. He
listens to your prayers. If you aspire to attain His grace, you have to
contemplate on Him incessantly. Worldly difficulties come and go. One
should not attach much importance to them. However, through prayer, one
can overcome any difficulties. Only God's grace is true and everlasting.
One should strive to attain it.
Embodiments of Love!
Chant the name of God day in and day out. That alone will protect you at
all times. Just as air is all-pervasive, God is present in you, with you,
around you, below you, above you. Hence, you should be in constant
communion with divinity. When you develop faith in Divinity, you will
naturally have unity. Consequently, there will be no scope for enmity. You
need not perform any rituals in order to win the grace of God. It is
enough if you do Namasmarana (chanting the Divine Name) from the depth of
your heart. Bhajan Bina Sukha Shanthi Nahin… (one cannot attain peace and
happiness without singing the glory of God). If you incessantly chant the
divine name “Rama”, no harm can ever befall you.
Embodiments of Love!
It is because of your good fortune that you all have gathered here today.
Do not fritter away this opportunity. Make the best use of your stay here
and get the maximum benefit out of it. Remember that God is always with
you wherever you are.
God is your sole refuge wherever you may be, in a forest, in the sky, in a
city or a village, on the top of a mountain or in the middle of deep sea.
(Telugu poem)
Students, Embodiments of Love!
I am very much aware that you think of Swami always. It does not matter
whether you sing the Divine Name loudly or silently. I see only the
feeling behind it. Nothing can come in the way of God and His devotee.
Rishis of yore went to the Himalayas in order to spend their time in
contemplation of God. Wherever you are, God listens to your prayers. Do
Bhajans sincerely. Swami will certainly listen to you. Never give room for
any type of weakness. Be always courageous. When you adhere to Swami's
words, the power of Sai will manifest in you. Chant any name of your
choice, Easwara, Rama, Krishna, etc., but always remember that God is one.
I will never force you to chant a particular name. One should not limit
God to a particular name or form. You may call Me by any name, I shall
respond.
Recently, a strange incident took place. Subramaniam of Larsen & Toubro
and Chief Engineer Kondal Rao had gone to East Godavari and West Godavari
region in connection with the Water Supply Project works. As they were
conducting a survey in a forest area, they were confronted by a group of
naxalites. The naxalites questioned them, "Who are you? Why have you come
here? Who has sent you here? How dare you enter our area without our
permission?" They replied, "We have come here in your own interest. As
there is scarcity of water in this region, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
has sent us to make arrangements for the drinking water supply." On
hearing this, the naxalites were stupefied and overjoyed. They said, "We
are living in the forests and hence are not aware of the magnificent
service activities that Swami has undertaken." They guided the engineers
as to where to lay the pipes and fix the taps. They are all coming here
for Swami's Darshan. The Water Supply Project works in East and West
Godavari districts are nearing completion. We have already drawn plans for
a water supply project in the Krishna District also. I am taking up these
projects and completing them of My own accord, without anybody's asking.
Water is very essential for the survival of everyone. It is the sustainer
of life. What else can be of greater service than providing drinking water
to the needy? It is the source and sustenance of life. I do not expect any
rituals or worship from you. I am doing it out of My love for you. East
Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna districts are now being covered under
Sri Sathya Sai drinking water supply project. The people of those
districts are extremely happy. There can be no greater service than
providing drinking water. That is what I have been doing. You need not ask
for it. I am giving it out of My own accord. Till today no government or
anyone for that matter has taken up the task of providing drinking water
to Krishna district. It is only Sai who is providing water to all. I am
always engaged in such humanitarian projects. I do not involve Myself in
any other work. Water is essential for human life. Hence I am prepared to
provide water for all. Devotees should pray that everybody should have
water to drink. Pray for the welfare of all. Prayer is the need of the
hour. You may be worried that Swami is not able to walk. But always
remember that Swami is not the body. I have no connection with the body. I
am always happy and healthy. Do not pray to God for the fulfilment of your
desires. Pray for the welfare of all. When I had a fall, the people of
East Godavari and West Godavari came and prayed, "Swami, we want only Your
health and not water." I told them, "Your welfare is My welfare." They are
bringing a helicopter for Me with the prayer that I should pay a visit to
East Godavari and West Godavari districts. Very soon, I will be visiting
these districts.
Recapitulate and savour these blissful moments you have spent here. Do
Namasmarana.
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