http://www.internety.com/premsai

  THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - PENSAMIENTO DEL DIA:  2000   -   2001 

The following discourse has been translated into English from Bhagavan's Telugu speech as heard on this festival's ashram audiocassette. It is a complete, literal translation made with the objective of preserving Bhagavan's precious original poetic style as much as possible. NOTE: Certain words or phrases may be added in parentheses to clarify the meaning. Such 'Notes' are not Swami's words.

Mahasivarathri SANDESH

Divine Discourse

By

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

22-02-2001

Prasanthi Nilayam

A compassionate heart:

To one whose speech is an ornament of Truth,

To one whose body is used for the welfare of others,

There will not be the effect of Kali Yuga,

To one who has a heart of compassion

(Sanskrit Sloka)

Yasya Bhashitam:

Whoever’s heart is supremely sacred, full of peace and security,

Sathya Bhushitam:

Whoever’s words are Truthful,

Kaaya Parahite Yasya Kalitasyam Karotikam:

Whoever’s body participates in actions helpful to others,

Such a man’s life is blessed.

Even the effects of Kali (Yuga) cannot trouble him.

Classification Of Living Beings

        All the living beings in the world are classified into four categories. In each category, there are 21 lakhs of species. Hence, man refers to 84 lakhs of living beings.

         There are 21 lakhs of species in Andaja (category). It means there are 21 lakhs of species, life forms that are born from eggs. In Pindaja, that which arise out of the (mother’s) womb, there are 21 lakhs of species.

Swedaja: this is life forms that are born from the earth (sweat). These are 21 (lakhs) of species. Then the fourth one, Dwaja (Uthbhija), is that which arises or splits out of the earth. If these four come together, there are 84 species of living beings.

Three Kinds Of Afflictions

There are three types of difficulties that are troubling these 84 lakhs types of species: Adhibhouthika, Adhidaivika and Adhayatmika. Adhibhouthika means (refers to) numerous types of afflictions and diseases which increase due to disease and due to attachment. These diseases are also obtained through a few animals that are born in this world. A few diseases are also obtained through these mosquitoes. Due to these mosquitoes and flies also, man is suffering from numerous diseases. These all have the name of ‘Bhouthika Roga’ (physical diseases).

Then the second, Adhidaivika, means (refers to) the afflictions that are suffered due to the Sankalpa (Divine Will) of God: earthquakes, total annihilation, cholera, plague. Diseases like these arise out of the Sankalpa of God.

Then Adhayatmika: It means (refers to) afflictions that happen due to our food and recreation; due to animals; wicked people and those that hate. In this way, these are Adhayatmika.

The diseases that mankind experiences are only due to these three, Adhidaivika, Adhibhouthika, and Adhayatmika.

However, what is the cure for all of these diseases? Only to have firm faith in Atma is the proper type of medicine for all of these diseases. Accordingly, we have to struggle in our life for Self-respect, for Atmananda (Bliss of the Self), and for the Pratijna (determination or firm conviction) of Atma.

Paths To Grace Of God

So, if we want to obtain the Grace of Atma, nine paths (of devotion) are described: Sravanam (Listening), Kirtanam (Singing), Vishnu Smaranam (Contemplation on Vishnu or remembering God), Pada Sevanam (Service to the Feet), Vandana (Salutation), Archana (Worship), Dasyam (Servitude), Sneham (Friendship), Atma Nivedanam (self [ego] Surrender).

By these nine paths, we can even cure the serious diseases that we experience. However, wherever a living being forgets his own (true) place (state), to a man like that, numerous types of afflictions are experienced.

Where There Is Krishna, There is Dharma And Victory

        A small example for this: When Duryodhana and Dussasana were going to the great Mahabharata war, they came to their mother, Gandhari, and they saluted her. Gandhari had a pure heart, steady mind and selfless love. Then she said,

Yatho Dharmah Thatho Jayaha.

  Where there is Dharma, there is Victory.

      (Sanskrit Sloka)

  “Dear! Wherever there is the appropriate type of Dharma done, that Dharma only will protect you.

You have been born as a human being.

Are you following the Dharma of a human being?

When that is followed, that Dharma only will protect you,” she said.

Then they went to the Preceptor Dronacharya and saluted him. He also said:

Yatho Dharmah Thatho Krishnah,

Yatho Krishna Thatho Jayaha.

Where there is Dharma, there is Krishna.

Where there is Krishna, there is Victory.

(Sanskrit Sloka)

“Wherever is your Dharma, there God will be there for you.

Wherever there is God, there your Victory will be gained.”

Origin Of Man

        Based on this, what is the cause?

         Wherever we are following Dharma, …(Swami did not complete this sentence, but went on Immediately to the following example.)

        A small example for this: There is a fish. That fish is born in water. Yet it cannot leave water and live for one moment (outside of water). Their own place is their protection. Their place of birth gives them the right type of bliss. Leaving the water, the fish cannot live for even a moment.

Mamaivamsho Jeeva Loke

Jeeva Bhuta Sanathanaha.

The eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My being.

(Sanskrit Sloka)

        Even man is a part of God, the nature of Atma. So you have arisen out of Atma. Therefore you contemplate on Atma. The day that you forget Atma, that day you will obtain Adharma. You will experience death. Numerous afflictions will stalk you. Therefore, you are one who has come from the place of Atma. Therefore don’t forget Atma at all. Have faith in Atma (Self-confidence). Give respect to Atma. You live with Atma as support.

Have Self-Confidence

Therefore, what is the suitable type of protection for mankind? Self-confidence only. Self-respect only. Only Atmananda (Bliss of Atma). Therefore, man has come from Atma. Therefore so many works can be done in the world. But faith should only be put in Atma (Self).

        Ladies go to the river and bring water, putting it (in pots) on their heads. The child was put in the cradle and kept at home. The women continue talking in all conversations with the women who are with them. They give their minds and speak answers to all of those words. Then they are doing so many different types of works. But their whole mind is on the child: ‘Maybe the child has got up? Maybe the child is crying? I have to go quickly and reach home.’

In that same manner, man may do numerous actions. (Any) job may be done. Actions may be practiced. The right kind of Dharma may be obtained (followed). No matter how many (duties) may be done, only Self-confidence should be firm. That only is his aim. That only is man’s aim. Therefore, that aim only should not be forgotten.

Keep The Mind On God

        All night you did Bhajan. No matter how much Bhajan is done, no matter what Ragam (tune) is sung, no matter what beat (Thalam) is mixed in that, the mind only should be on Atma. Therefore, any number of activities can be done, keeping our mind on Atma.  It is not wrong. Therefore, all actions should be offered to please God.

        Arjuna said, “If the contemplation of God is always done, how can I do my own duty?”

        (Krishna responded:) “Crazy fellow! Keep your mind on God even when you are holding your bow and fighting in the war. Therefore, even when you join the war, put your mind on God. That which is fighting the war is your body, your Karmendriyas (senses of action). The nature of your senses is mainly responsible for you.”

        Therefore, man should not give his heart to the senses. Yesterday I said that our senses are the main cause for all sins. Our senses are also responsible for all Paapa (sins). Our senses are responsible for all Punya (merit).

        Say good words and develop a good mind. Due to that, you will get respect.

        You cannot always oblige but you can speak always obligingly.

        What will be lost in (speaking good) words? You speak softly and sweetly. That only is Atma Chintha (contemplation on the Self).

        You may look, but don’t you have external outlook. Keechaka put his vision on Draupadi, who was doing her own work as a slave. Due to putting this vision, Bheema came and broke his head. Due to bad vision, so many dangers are experienced.

Don’t Listen To Bad Words

        Not only this. We should not listen to bad words. We should not listen to words that criticize (accuse) others. We should not listen to words that blame others.

        Mandhara came to Kaikeyi (and said), “Mother! They are doing the Coronation of Rama! How much injustice! How unfair! What wrong action! It is against Dharma.” She fought so much in so many ways. “Dasaratha is the one who betrays. He is not giving the Kingdom to your son like he promised.” So, she poured all these bad words into  Kaikeyi’s ears.

        Kaikeyi loved Rama a lot. She even forgot Bharat who was born to her and used to look after Rama with so much love. This poison was mixed in that love. Kaikeyi heard all the bad teachings that Mandhara said. However, she heard them and followed. Finally what did she experience? The Kingdom did not come to her son. She even sent the embodiment of Dharma, Rama, into the forest. Therefore, to the lady that listened to bad words, finally a bad result was gained.

        You see one small example: Will any lady keep the name of Kaikeyi? No one will keep the name of Kaikeyi. What is the reason? Kaikeyi heard bad words. Complete pollution came to her name.

        Then this Mandhara: Mandhara made her listen. She made her listen and made the heart of Kaikeyi, which was Amritha (nectarine), change fully into poison. Will any lady keep the name of Mandhara? To the one who speaks bad words, to the one who listens to bad words, those names will fully be removed from the society.

Don’t Speak Bad Words

        Therefore, we should speak good words. If at some time the things that are heard trouble us, when they give you trouble when you hear, why should you give your trouble to another? These words should not be spoken to another. Therefore, those kind of bad words you should keep tightly (within). We may hear bad words. Hearing, you should also throw them away. You should not put it into another ear. That is very great.

        However, today it is not like that. If anyone speaks bad words against another, they will go on a hill and "Thom! Thom!" (the sound of a drum; meaning, to announce) to everyone. That is very bad. Not only are you going bad, you are also making the society bad (spoiled or ruined).

        Don’t tell it to anyone. In the way that you have Baadha (suffer, hurt, feel badly or afflicted), the ones who hear will also get Baadha. So, you should not give your Baadhas to others.

        Due to it being (following) like this, these senses get a lot of merit. Therefore, the senses only immerse us in sin. The senses only take us to merit.

Paropakara Punyaya Papaya Parapeedanam.

  One attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them.

(Sanskrit Sloka)

That which gives Baadha to others, they are our sin. That which gives joy to others, they are our merit. Therefore, we should say words that give joy to others. The fruit of doing Bhajan all night is this inner feeling. You contemplated on the Name of God. There is no criticizing of others in this at all. There’s no other harm of (to) others. There is no blaming of others.

Sishupala Abusing Krishna

However, in this there is also the Paraninda Prarthana (a type of prayer in which the devotee reminds God of those who troubled Him). However, this was done by Vidhura. He said:

                                              Why won't You come to the house?

                                                 Why won't You come to our house, Krishna?

                                                          I didn’t do any kind of hurt to You!

                                           I didn’t tie You to a pillar and beat You!

I did not harm You like Kamsa did.

I did not accuse You like Sishupala.

  (Telugu poem)

Sishupala blamed Him so much! One time when Dharmaja was making an offering of respect with love (to Krishna) in such a big assembly, Sishupala got up and said:                

Is this you giving this offering? Don’t give to Krishna.

                                                                                What is the reason?

  Are you making this offering to (this) one because he spends all his time playing pranks with cowherd women here?

Stop all this narration. Enough is enough! Shut your mouth!

(Telugu poem)

        He abused Krishna so terribly in the big assembly. In Open Court, Krishna was accused. Krishna made it so all the people that were in that gathering applauded Him. He threw back the plate that had that betel leaf (as an offering of respect) on it. He didn’t bring specially his Chakra (the round wheel weapon that Vishnu holds in one of his four arms). He cut Sishupala’s throat with that plate.

Therefore, when bad times come to us, everything is a failure.

Even a stick will turn into a snake and bite, isn't it so?

(Telugu poem)

If bad times come to us, even a stick will turn into a snake and bite. If good times come, even a snake will turn into a stick.

So, we have to install good feelings in our heart. There are so many of these types of teachings in the history of our sacred Bharat. The stories of sacred Bharat are not useless. They are sanctified. They are sacred.

Use The Senses For Good

Forgetting stories like these today, we are entering into worldly, physical and Dharmic matters, having all bad thoughts. Don’t want, don’t want, don’t want this! We should bring all good stories into our heart. Bring good feelings in the heart. We should enter (bring) good feeling into our heart. We should listen to good things with our ears. We should say good things with the tongue. We should do good works with the hands.

Do you know why the hands were given? Only to offer the mouth a morsel of food? It has not come for this. Do you know why the feet were given? To go around the streets and alleyways? No, no, no, no! To go around the temple of Sri Rama. The feet that you are walking on are not (given) just to walk around lanes and by-lanes.

You are so ready to hear the gossip of the neighborhood,

But you will not allow matters of God near either ear.

You are going to see useless cinemas,

But are not satisfied.

To stand one moment in the Presence of God,

It is trouble for you, oh eyes?

(Telugu poem)

As soon as we go into the Presence of God, we close our eyes. What is this wonder? You are opening your eyes and looking at the whole world. But, as soon as going into the Presence of God, you are closing your eyes. This only is (due to) something sinful (due to having done wrong actions and feeling the fear or weight of such sin).

No Need To Ask God

        So, all the senses are doing Punya (merit) and doing Paapam (sin). Hence, without putting all these senses on the path of sin, they should be put on a sacred path. Therefore, we don’t need to ask God (for) anything at all.

Oh mind, don’t ask!

If you ask more and more, it will be neglected.

Without asking, things will be done.

Do not ask repeatedly, oh mind!

Didn’t He not grant the wish of Sabari without her asking?

Didn’t He give a good fate for Jatayu who didn’t ask?

Don’t ask, oh mind! Do not seek, oh mind!

(Telugu poem)

Did Jatayu ask? Did Sabari ask? No. God even grants that which is not asked for. Therefore, first and foremost make your heart sacred. That will attract everything.

Purify The Mind

No matter how powerful a magnet is, if dirt settles on iron, that also cannot be attracted. Then iron will think, 'This magnet does not have power.' Let the iron think anything. But the magnet says, “I need very much perfect cleanliness.” Make that same iron clean and the magnet will pull it all at once!

Making the iron of our mind dirty today by bad qualities, by bad thoughts, by bad company, and by bad behavior, if one says, "Lord! Lord! Make my mind attracted,” in what way can He attract it?

Therefore, first and foremost, make it perfectly clean. This means you clean your senses. Keep good vision in the eyes. Take good hearing into the ears. Speak good words with the tongue. Do good works with the hands. When it is done like this, without fail, God will grace you even before you ask!

Yesterday Sacred

Yesterday at six o’clock (evening) was a very sacred time. This six o’clock (evening) came. Everything arises in it. The moon has sixteen aspects (and so too the mind). Fifteen of those were fully merged. There is only one part (left). It means, it is just in the middle border. Whatever goes around, it will fall into that (get merged). And (then) it becomes sacred. It will be sanctified. Therefore, that which is sanctified, that which is sacred, that which reaches the Divine path, is this true, sixteenth aspect, when it gets merged.

The Tongue

        This total merger will take place only when the tongue chants the Divine Name continuously and wholeheartedly. The tongue only is very important of all the senses. Each of the senses also does a bad thing. The tongue is not like that.

O Tongue, the knower of taste,

Who loves sweetness,

Speak Truth in a pleasing way.

O Supreme Speech,

Chant the sweet letters:

'Govinda, Damodhara, Madhava'.

O Tongue!

O Tongue that knows taste, sacred Tongue!   

You are so fortunate!

(Telugu song)

There are two works for the tongue that is so fortunate. It extols (praises or describes) others. It tastes. But it does not give any opportunity at all for criticism.

Do you know the Thyaagam (sacrifice or renunciation) of the tongue? It tastes sweet things. “It is very sweet! Oh, Jataragni (digestive juices inside the body)! You only experience it!" Saying this, it sends it inside. If that is bitter, "Chi! (Note: an expression of disgust or displeasure) Me sending something like this to Jataragni? Don’t want to!" Saying this, it spits it out (with the sound of) THOOO! and passes it out to Bhu Devi, Mother Earth (Goddess).

Therefore, this tongue has such a good quality.

The tongue that knows taste loves sweetness.

This means, it speaks sweet words. Not only this. This tongue knows respect. It won't go to anyone else’s house. It will not cross its threshold and go to another’s house. It will not cross over the lips and go out. So many works it will do inside. What a respectful tongue!

Therefore,

Oh such a Tongue,

Oh Tongue that speaks sweet words,

Tongue that does good to others and makes others happy,

What is the work that you have to do?

Say 'Govinda, Damodhara, Madhava'.

You speak sacred words like these.

The place where you were born is a very sacred place.

(Baba poem)

The tongue was given the ability to speak words. The tongue was given to talk and to taste. However, make the taste sacred and use words in a sacred way.

        Hence, each sense only does one work. But (the one who speaks) words, Tongue, does two works. Therefore, this (tongue) has two works. So this has to be put under control to some extent. If this power is not put under control, it will succumb to any number of sins.

If any anger comes, observe silence. Thinking, ‘Anger has come, isn't it?’ numerous words should not be said with the tongue. Therefore, Vedanta also said, "Work more," meaning, Do more work and less talk. You talk less. Do more work.                     The heart will become sacred to the extent that you reduce talk. This is Sadayam Hridayam, Sadayam Hridayam. It sees both. Yasya Bhashitam. It speaks that Truth.

Sadhana is To Purify And Control The Senses

So, the main reason for contemplation of God is to remove the faults that are in our senses. Today in the world, the senses are not under control at all. They (People) leave them free. Even an animal has senses under control. At least they (animals) have a season and reason. But man of today has no season, no reason. He is letting his senses roam just as they please. Therefore, he is experiencing sins just as he pleases.

Therefore, first and foremost, all the sacred Sadhanas that we do is (in order) to control the senses. This (tongue) has to be put under control. We have to eat food. The tongue is needed. Eat as much as the hunger is (to appease the hunger). Make (Divide) the stomach into four parts. Fill one part with water. Fill one part with air. One part, fill it with food. Another part, keep it empty.

Today it is not like that. Eating, eating, eating! They eat until it is up to the throat! (Swami laughs) It is not even possible for the one who sits to get up! Therefore, they get diseases of indigestion. Therefore, even our stomach has to be made (divided) into four parts. This (eating) also has to be put under control.

No Limit For Prema And Shanti

For Prema, there is no limit. There is no limit for Love at all. (You) can love everyone as much as you like. What is the meaning? (Love with) the Love that doesn’t have anything to do with the senses.

"All are my people." ("All are mine.")

"It is my Praana (life-breath) that is in everyone."

You can love anyone with that feeling. However, only for Love we should give complete freedom. Only Love we should not put under limit.

Not only this. They say, "Shanthi, Shanthi". This Shanthi also, don’t keep it under limit. We are saying, we want peace. There is no limit to this peace. We can be peaceful anywhere.

Feelings In The Heart Produce Tendencies

Therefore, we have to keep the right kind of procedure. The type of feelings that we have in the heart, that kind of Vasanas (innate tendencies) will begin.

 A good, new newspaper just now came, as soon as (you are) getting up in the morning. There is no smell in this newspaper at all. You have read it. Afterwards, your wife in the house has made Pakoda (a deep-fried snack of flour and onion). You are taking it, wanting to give it to someone. You wrap those Pakodas in the paper and go. Afterwards, this newspaper will get the smell of these Pakodas.

You go to the market and buy dried fish. Wrap those fish in this paper. That smell only will come to this paper.

Then you are going to another market, to the flower market. You have purchased nice jasmine flowers. You bring those and wrap them in this paper. That smell only will come to that paper.

Our heart is only like a free (clean) paper, like a sacred paper. It is like a very Divine paper. The kind of feelings that we put in it, that kind of Vasanas only will begin in us. Therefore, bring good feelings. Hear good words. Speak good words. Have good vision. Then your heart will become sacred.

Accordingly, even Kali (Yuga) cannot move (or shake) ones like that. Even when the Prabhaava (effect, influence, might, strength) of Kali is so great, the Prabhaava of our heart is very great (greater). Therefore, we should steady that Prabhaava.

That Prabhaava is your Swabhaava (true/natural Nature or Self). The Prabhaava of Atma only is your Swabhaava. (Your true nature is that of the Self.) The Prabhaava of sacred works are your Swabhaava.

However, today you have forgotten this Swabhaava and you are developing the Prabhaava (might or strength in the world). Therefore, today even the water that is in the earth is reducing. The Dharma in man has weakened. Therefore, even the water inside the earth is reducing.

The Jaathi With Neethi

There is no humanness in society. Due to there not being sacredness in this humanity, the society is also suffering. There is no morality in politics. Therefore, if you have Neethi (morality), without fail your Jaathi (race, nationality) will be sustained.

The Jaathi with Neethi is the true Jaathi!

Hear, oh mighty son of Bharat!

(Telugu poem)

        This is what you have to listen to. Neethi only is Jaathi for us. Not "this Jaathi, that Jaathi, this Jaathi.’ Neethi only is our Jaathi. If there is no Neethi, it is not Jaathi at all.

The Word ‘Thu’ In Bhajans

So, Embodiments of Love!

Wherever we look, we should take the Prabhaava of a few sounds. The kids are singing some songs with Hindi words. However, they are using the very bad word of “Thu” (Hindi for “You”). One may say, “Thu Hai Rama” (You are Rama), “Thu Rama”, “Thu Krishna”, “Thu Sai”, “Thu”, saying “Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu, Thu.” Is this what we should be learning? Is this what we should be saying? (Applause)

Words that are respectful may be said. Therefore, in words also there are a few words we should take in a sacred way. We have to take them in a respectful way. Therefore, these words also should be learned in a sacred way. In Telugu, “Thu” is very humiliating.

Regarding Pothana

        Yesterday Raju talked of Pothana. Pothana did it with such a sacred heart. (Note: Pothana composed the Bhagavata in Telugu language)

That which is spoken is the Bhagavata, it is said.

What he said was spoken through him by Rama, it is said.

(Telugu poem)

        Therefore, what He speaks that only I will speak. (I only utter) the name of God. For that reason, he said (is called) ‘Pothana’. In the word of ‘Pothana’, he kept the ‘Thana, Thana, Thana,’ and removed the ‘Po’. (Swami says loudly) “Po! Po! You go!” ‘Thana’, that is (Self). If ‘Po’ is removed (the feeling of ‘I’ and ‘mine,’ that which comes and goes), then he became ‘Thana’ (the Self) . Therefore, he became a great devotee.

        His only child, his son, married the daughter of Sri Natha. Pothana’s family used to have faith in Bhu Devi (the Earth Goddess, Mother Earth) and Go Devi (Mother cow, referring to the sacred nqture of the cow)  and live (as agriculturalists, farmers). The son-in-law was ploughing the field. Sri Natha had got on a palanquin. He was swaying past on that way. “Hey, farmer! (said sarcastically) Are you well?” Is this how the son-in-law should be addressed? He said, “Hey, farmer! What are you doing?”

        He (Pothana’s son) did not get angry. He said with love, “Sir! Doing service near the king, eating the food that the king gives, you have got on a palanquin and are going about. I don’t need that sacred servitude. I have faith in Bhu Devi and Go Devi. That only is my Praana. Therefore, we don’t have any lack at any time.”

Forgetting Bhu Devi

        From the very beginning also, Bharatiyas used to take Bhu Devi (Earth Goddess, Mother Earth) as a support and live (a life dependent on the land as agriculturalists). Today, leaving the sacred Bhu Devi, spending (their lives in) a town life, seeing the TV, selling the earth, buying a house in the town, there they are living a worldly life.

        Today food is at a lack (lacking). After leaving Bhu Devi, how can Bhu Devi give you food? You are wishing for money and you are arriving at the towns. Villages are the important birth-home of Bharatiya culture. Today also, more or less, the Bharatiya culture is only in the villages, but not in towns. If they (who live in towns and cities) are asked, “What is Sanskrit?” they will say, “What do I see of Sanskrit? I don’t know! Go!” However, only the villages still know the culture of Bharat.

So, today they have forgotten Bhu Devi. Therefore, Bhu Devi has gotten angry. It is bringing numerous kinds of disasters. Hence, forgetting is your fault only, but not the fault of the Earth.

So, this is the big work which Pothana did. That which is ‘Po’ (that which is coming and going, the sense of ‘I’ and ‘mine’), he lost. ‘Thana, Thana, Thana, Thana, Thana’ (meaning the Self): he had faith in the nature of Atma. Having faith in the nature of the Self, then he has made all other natures distant. Therefore, the name of Pothana regarding (who composed) the Bhagavata, is evident so much in the world (even today). He used to respect so many so much. He was struggling for Self-respect.

Vishnu Saving Gajendra

Lakshmi and Vishnu were playing (Paakaata, a game of cards). Not Paakaata (Swami laughs), dice. They were playing chess. When they were playing, Lakshmi caught the horse of Vishnu (in the game). Afterwards, she also caught the elephant. In that (game of) chess, she made it so there was no moves (possible).

        Women are very intelligent. They play with a lot of intelligence. Men also have intelligence. However, their intelligence is unsteady (or wavering). Then, he (man) plays, but the mind goes somewhere else. However, women are not like that. Whatever they do, they will immerse their minds in it.

        Then she caught the elephant (in the game of chess). Vishnu got up. He said, “Oh elephant! Wait, wait! I will protect.” What was her feeling? She thought He would protect the elephant that she had caught (in the game of chess). She said, “You can’t do it!” She said, “You won't be able to do it.”

He went. He got up. He was going, he was going, he was going. What elephant? He was going to protect the elephant Gajendra. (Note: Vishnu’s devotee, the elephant Gajendra, was caught by a crocodile. After struggling a long time, he had realized it was futile. Then he prayed to be saved, surrendering all to Vishnu.)

Gajendra had asked for so many desires from so long: strength of the body, strength of the shoulders, strength of intelligence. In this way, looking after the strength of his Jaati (physical prowess), he was proud and went. (But now in this struggle with the crocodile) he was tired. He was (so) tired. He prayed:

Swami! Except for You, I have no one else.

You only have to protect me.

Come, oh Lord!

Oh Lord, come to protect me!

(Telugu poem)

        He went. When He went, Lakshmi was afraid. “What is this? So strangely He is starting off! If He thinks He wants to protect anyone, He should take all the weapons and go, isn’t it?” Then she said:

                                                              She went quickly, wanting to ask.

                                                                              (Telugu poem)

        Thinking she’ll ask, “Where are You going?” she also went quickly.

        Just see her feelings. She went fast, wanting to ask (Him). Will her husband say or not? As she was going very fast, her braid loosened.

        What a great poem he (Pothana) said (composed)! (Here Bhagavan recited a beautiful poem composed by Pothana, describing Lakshmi’s plight as she found her husband Vishnu rushing to save His devotee without telling her and without even taking any weapons with Him.) With what a great feeling he composed! It means, her feeling was the same only (as he described). (Note: Swami lovingly scolds the translator who translated all of the above simply by saying “poetic expression”.)

        Only that?! But (Pothana was) not just saying words like “Poetic expression!” (Swami breaks off laughing; the audience also laughs.) However, Pothana didn’t have things like that (meaning, short phrases like “poetic expression”, to explain away all the beautiful feelings in the poem).

        If things like that are like that, then why was it stated:

That which was spoken was the Bhagavata,

the One who says it is Rama.

(Telugu poem)

        He (Pothana) said, “It was spoken through me.” Why did he say it?

        The Mutha (combination, bundle) of the Tri Veda (three Vedas) is the word of Pothana. The word of the Trikaala (three periods of time) is the word of Pothana. For the ones who want liberation, this only is the Raja Baata (Royal path or way). A Pothana like that did not only do it (compose poems) merely (for the sake of) poetic (expression). There should also be (Divine) Poetry. This depends upon the taste of those who hear the words.

Don’t Cause Agitation

        So, every word of ours should be changed into a sweet word. Do not speak words which give Baadha (trouble) to others. In case if you hear it (bad talk) sometime, you digest it within yourself. Don’t go to others and pour it into their ear.

        Say that you have a friend. Your friend abused (accused or criticized) badly another friend. If you go and say, “Hey! Your friend abused you in this way,” how angry he will become! How badly he will feel! Afterwards, he also (your friend) will get angry (even with you). They are only increasing agitation in this way. But now they are not trying to control agitation.

        We should just be, without talking about these kinds of disturbances. When it is like this (when you behave like this), it will let life flow on (smoothly). Others will love you. You will give such an ideal for life.

        Hence, all the Bhajan that all of you are doing, it has no fault at all. You put to use words that are without any fault. In our Bhajan also, don’t put any fault of accusations. If it is done in this way, in every single word sweetness will shine.

    Bhagavan closed His Divine Discourse with the Bhajan "Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahi" and

"Subrahmanyam".

                  THOUGHT FOR THE DAY  -  PENSAMIENTO DEL DIA :   2000   -   2001