DISCOURSE BY SRI SATHYA SAI BABA
Tamil New Year 14-04-2001

Maanam Hitva Priyo Bhavati
Krodham Hitva Na Shochati
Kaamam Hitva Arthaat Bhavati
Lobhaam Hitva Sukhi Bhavati

Without ego, there will be dearness
Without anger, there will be no sorrow
Without desire, there will be wealth
Without greed, there will be happiness.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

NO LOVE WHEN THERE’S EGO
Embodiments of Love! As long as ego, pomp and show are in man, no one will love him. Even his children, even his wife won't love him. They will pretend to love him but that is not love. Reason? In man, ego and pomp is coming as an obstacle to this love.
Krodam Hitva Nashochati. As long as anger is in man, he cannot escape sorrow. As this anger increases in man, sorrow also increases. If he wants to be free from sorrow and experience peace, anger he has to get rid of anger.
Kaamam Hitva Nashochati. As long as man has desires, wealth won't look in his direction. Therefore, for man, less luggage, more comfort. We have to reduce our desires.
Lobham Hitva Sukhi Bhavati. As long as there is greed, man will not have any type of happiness. The day that greed reduces in man, that day all prosperity, all comforts, all bliss will be gained by him.

PROSPERITY DEPENDENT UPON ACTIONS
Today in the New year. This has to the name of 'Vishu.' However, many such new years have passed and we keep on experiencing them. Every single man is waiting to see what prosperity, what welfare of the world and what bliss will be gained in the new year.
However, the prosperity of the country is dependent upon the actions of man. The actions of man is dependant on the mind. The actions of the mind depend upon the Sankalpas. Only when Sankalpas, become Sat Sankalpas, the world will be prosperous. Therefore, every man who hopes for the prosperity of the world and the welfare of the world, the actions in him should be correct and good.
The good and bad of man, the happiness and sorrow of man, the sin and merit of man, are dependent upon actions. Only when actions are good, the result will also be good. However, man of today are not thinking at all about the results of actions. He keeps performing actions just as he likes. Actions are very easy indeed. But their results turn into a mountain and come as an obstacle to us.

SALUTATION TO ACTIONS
Therefore, all the good and bad are dependent upon the actions preformed by man. Therefore, the Upanishads declare,

Tasmai Namah Karmane.

I bow to the action.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

It is said, "Oh form of action! To you Namaskar." Every action that I do should be pure, for the welfare of the world and helping to spread throughout the world. Therefore, at the very beginning of every action that I do, I will bow to it. This is the important culture of Bharat.
Even from ancient times, from a small work to a very big work also, every man used to bow to it and then only do it. A dancer, before doing the dance she puts the anklets to her eyes and then fastens them on the ankles. They used to do this. The ones who play the Tabla in Bhajan, first and foremost, before playing they will do Namaskar to the Tabla and then they began.
Whatever action is about to be preformed, first Namaskar was done to it and then they started the action. Not only educated ones, not only illiterate ones only, even dunces also (did this). When one went to driver an inert lorry, first and foremost the driver, would do Namaskar to the steering (wheel). This is the sacredness of ancient culture. Whatever you are starting, first and foremost do Namaskar to it.
What does Namaskar mean? Only the feeling devoid of ego. So, today they have forgotten such an ancient culture. They are doing actions just as they please. Therefore, the Baadhas also are giving Baadhas, just as they please!
When Baadhas are experienced, (we cry,) "Ayyo! Baadhas!" We are troubled but at the time of performing the action we are not thinking, "Is this good or bad?" Therefore, first before we perform: "Is this good or bad, is it good or bad? They have to think. Don't be hasty at all. Hence, haste makes waste, waste makes worry so do not be in a hurry. Therefore, without us being hasty, the action has to be participated with peace.
The happiness and sorrow of every single man is gained due to the actions that he performs. The new year does not bring our happiness or sorrow, bliss or distress. We are experiencing these results only through the actions that we perform. Therefore, first and foremost, to the works that we do, inquire and do good works, see to them. Actions that help others should be participated in. Without giving Baadha to others, actions that give bliss to others should be preformed.

MONEY SPENT FOR GOOD
One time, King Ashoka did his birthday. Many neighboring kings brought presents according to how they felt and offered them to that King. Every King offered the King tax that he had collected. At last, the King of Magada (came, but he) didn't even bring a single coin. He (Ashoka) asked, "King! Why didn't you bring your tax?"
"Great King! This year my kingdom has had numerous troubles. Floods and drought have increased. People are suffering Baadhas that should not be suffered. There is no water to drink. There is no house to live in. At the time when the situation is like this, all the wealth that I collected as tax, I offered it for water for the people to drink. All the tax that was collected, was used for small kids to study. All this wealth that I collected, I did not put to bad use. To the ones with ill health, I built hospitals that give health. All my tax was used for this. There is not even a single coin in my hands to offer to you.
Emperor Ashoka was so happy (joyful) at these words. He called him, "Magada King! Come here. You have done very great works. You have made selfishness distant. You have offered every paisa to (the welfare of) others. Water gives Praana. The heart maintains the body. Study develops the brain. Then, Vidya (knowledge) is for the progress of Buddhi (intellect). Heart is for the protection of health. Water is to foster the body. Development of these three are important to man." Then, Emperor Ashoka taught this well to all these Kings who had gathered.
Today 'tax, tax, tax:' many people are complaining that tax is being collected. If tax was not collected, the helpful works that have to be done, we couldn't do any of them. From where does the Government get this money? Tax must be collected. That (which is collected) has to be put to good use. Therefore, we have to feel that this tax is a gift of God. It has to be known that, 'I am guardian for this gift.' It has to be put to good use. This only is the true Seva.
Bhakti, Bhakti, Bhakti. Bhakti means, not that which has Bhakti. I do not want your Bhakti, I want your transformation. (Applause) What does Bhakti, Bhakti mean?

Paropakarardhamai Edam Sareeram.

Body is given to help others.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

DO ACTIONS THAT HELP OTHERS
We have to do actions that help others. Actions have to be started that give bliss to others. Therefore, every single man has to determine to do Seva activities. Therefore, man of today is wasting all the time only saying 'Bhakti, Bhakti.' Actions that sanctify the time should be undertaken. Do as much Seva as you have Shakti (energy or ability). Only that but it is not desired that you do great Seva to the whole world. Therefore, keeping God in the heart,

Deho Devalaya Prokto, Jivo Deva Sanathanah.

The body is a temple and the Jiva inside is the eternal God.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

The body is a temple. Atma is the God in it. Therefore, no matter what body is seen, feel that it is a temple. Have the faith that in that temple, God is there as Atma. Therefore, there is no place without God. There is no name which is not God's.

Sarvatah Paani Paadam
Tat Sarvatokshi Siromukham
Sarvatah Srutimalloke
Sarvama Vruthishtathi (Sarvamavritya Thishtati )

Feet, eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everywhere, God permeates the entire universe.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

ALL IS GOD
All is the form of God. You can do any work: you (should) do it for the pleasure of God. So, we have to have faith that every single body is a temple. But there is not that kind of faith. Thinking, "This is a body of five elements. It is a body that will die some time or the other." What is the use of taking this as a basis? Not like this. In this unlasting, impermanent, untrue body, the eternal, true Divinity, Atma, is contained. (It is) Chaitanya, consciousness.
Due to this (Atma of) consciousness as Atma being there, the Witness of conscience as Witness appears. There is no place at all without consciousness. That only is the Chaitanya Swarupa. That Chaitanya Swarupa, is in the body in the form of Praana Swarupa. However, quantity is different but it is the same quality.
You take a tumbler and go to the ocean and bring water. You take a pot and go and bring water from the ocean. You take a lorry tank and bring water. That is tank water, this is pot water and this is tumbler water. You will think of the quantity (quality) like this. No, no! The salt in all of it is of one quality only.
The Divinity which is present everywhere, God, is the embodiment of Chaitanya. That which comes only in the pot of this body is conscience. In this body there is the conscience of this Atma. In the senses that act it is conscious. This conscious, that conscience, that consciousness, three are one only. Chaitanya is pervading the whole world. The whole world is only one God.

Sarva Khalvidam (Kalvidam) Brahma.

All this universe is Brahma
(Sanskrit Sloka)

There is no where seen without the nature of Brahma. All of you are The Cosmic form. (You are) seeing God in this form (but) thinking, "I have not seen the Cosmic form." This is (a lot of) weakness. So, we have to have faith that our body only is the temple of God. Without putting this body to bad use, it has to be entered onto the sacred path.

DO WHAT IS GOOD
Temple. Will they make the temple unsacred? There are many doors to this temple. In it, the five doors are very important. Therefore, tongue is a big door. Even this door should be entered on the sacred path. Then, the ears are other doors. All the matters that are also heard, sacred matters should be heard.

Talk no evil, talk what is good.
Hear no evil, hear what is good.
See no evil. See what is good.
Think no evil, think what is good.
Do no evil, do what is good.
This is the way to God.
(Applause)

These five elements also. Only you have to put (putting) them to sacred use, is the right type of security to (these doors of) the body. In the Bhagavad Gita, or in sacred Bharatiya culture, that which man should practice, are nine proper paths.

Sravanam (Hearing), Kirtanam (Singing), Vishnu Smaranam (Remembering), Pada Sevanam (Service to the Feet), Vandanam (Salutation), Archanam (Worship), Dasyam (Servitude), Sneham (Friendship), Atma Nivedanam (Self-surrender).

The ancient culture teaches that these nine paths are the proper ways to participate in the worship of God. Therefore, we have to chant the name of God with this mouth. Hence, not only contemplation upon God. Also actions. There should be the faith that, "I am doing this for the welfare of (this to help) others."

CONTROLLED BY ACTIONS

Karmadanm Manishi Loke.

Men in the world are controlled by actions.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

This birth of man is controlled by actions.

Karmadinam Manishi Jivitam.

Man's life is controlled by actions.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

Our very life has become controlled by actions. It is not possible for us to survive a moment without these actions. It has to be felt that every single action is a prayer of God. This true eternal path is expressed in the Upanishads as,

Tasmai Namah Karmaye.

I bow to the action.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

"First and foremost, oh actions! I am performing you. Gift me it as a good action." This sacred action should be an action offered to God. It should be (actions) helpful to others. They should be for the welfare of the country. They should be for the peace of the world. Therefore, all of my actions should be for the welfare of others.

REDUCE OTHER’S TROUBLES

Paropakaardham Idam Sareeram.

Body is to help others.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

This body has come only for giving joy to others. It is not only for selfishness. Selfishness should be changed to Selflessness. Therefore, we have to get rid of (make) this selfishness (distant). Due to this selfishness being in us, we are participating in numerous actions we're not aware of. It (There) should be selfless work. Making this attachment to body distant, have faith in attachment to the Atma that is in you and in me. There is one Atma only in you and in me.
See here: lights are seen. Each light is seen separately. Here each light is seen separately; the names and forms are seen as separate but the current is one. In that same manner, all bodies (this whole body, all) are like bulbs. In these bulbs, (the one) current is (the) one as the principle of Atma.
Whoever is suffering (having Baadha), see that it is reduced. As far as possible for you, do some help to others (him). Based on this only, the Veda declares,

Paropakaartham Idam Sareeram.

Body is to help others.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

Not only that. It is said,

Paropakara Punyaya Papaya Parapeedanam.

One attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

Meaning what? Help ever, hurt never. If we spend our life with these two, what is greater Sadhana? What is the manifestation (realization of God) other than that? This only becomes the basis (cause) for Self-realization.

ALL IS ONE
They said Self-realization. What is the meaning of the Self? Self, Self, Self. Meaning, the Atma is Self. There is only one Self. Not two.

Ekam Yeva Adviteeyam Brahma.

Brahma is one without a second.
(Sanskrit Sloka).

We are only thinking that there are many but it is not many at all. One.

Ekam Nitya Sathyam, Vipam Masam.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

(I) don't understand why (you) are not having faith in Divinity that is one like this. Man of today has faith in everything. He will believe a TV. He believes in cinema, (then another,) he believes in radio. However, he's not having faith in God (Divinity). Not having faith in the sacred path. All these unsacred actions are so sweet. No, no! This sacred Atma Visvaasam (faith in the Atma, or Self-confidence) only, is the true Visvaasam (faith). The one without Self confidence is only blind.
Therefore, in every action that we do, the principle of Atma is contained. Therefore, in every bondage, due to Atma we are being bound. There is no other (thing) in the world except (for) Atma. Whoever is seen, feel that body is a temple. If someone comes in front of you, don’t think, "Who is he that has come?" He is the embodiment of God.

ALL ARE GOD
Don't criticize anyone. We should not ridicule anyone. What is the reason? All is the principle of God. Whoever is criticized, it is just like criticizing God. Whoever you give any harm (Baadha) to, it is just like giving Baadha to God. Therefore, we should not hate anyone.

Sarva Deva Namaskaram Keshavam Prathi Gacchate.

Whatever god you bow to, it reaches Keshava.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

It is said, ‘Whoever you do Namaskar to, that is also Namaskar to God.’ Whoever is ridiculed, that is ridiculing God only.
Importantly, meditation, Japa, Yoga, they are doing all of these. This is what should be done only. These are sacred actions indeed. However, the unity in all actions is one feeling. Know the feeling of oneness in everything.

There is only one God, He is omnipresent.

Whomever is seen, He is there. Why are you not having faith in a Divinity like that? If a friend who shows a bad path comes, you are having faith in him. If one comes who is telling good to you, teaching you good, and who follows the good path, you don't have faith in it. This is the effect of Kali (Yuga). This is the defect (fault) of the education of man.

WORLD IS A BOOK TO BE LEARNT
Education, education, education, education. What education? It is bookish knowledge. What is in this bookish knowledge for you? Your book is one. All the world coming together, the whole world is your book. You are one who should study such a world. What is there that comes from studying a small notebook?
First and foremost, bookish knowledge is superficial knowledge. How is this superficial knowledge be? This should come to practical knowledge. How should this practical change? It should come as experience knowledge. Only when it comes like that, you will become sanctified.
Embodiments of Love! The Love that is in everyone is one.

Love is God, live in Love.
Start the day with love,
Spend the day with love,
Fill the day with love,
End the day with love.
This is the way to God.

You, keeping this love, why are you being ruined without this love? Whomever you see, you are hating (Wherever is seen, hatred) only. Finally, even seeing the parents, hatred only. It is a big mistake.

Matro Devo Bhava
Pitro Devo Bhava
Acharya Devo Bhava
Athithi Devo Bhava.

Feel the mother is God
Feel the father is God
Feel the guest is God
Feel the teacher is God.

(Sanskrit Sloka)

We just have to respect everyone. The one who does not respect a mother and father like this, then in what way will you be able to respect God? The teaching that the Mother does, no one can do. Therefore, this mother only the true God.

SELF-CONFIDENCE OF LINCOLN
You know, there was one, Lincoln. He was born in a very poor family. He used to go to school with a few people, rich village children. But these rich people, seeing those poor kids, they used to talk, making fun of them. "Hey! See his clothes! There are no bracelets on the hands, there are no earrings in the ears," They used to ridicule them like this.
A small boy so, he was unable to bear. He came back to the house. He was simply crying. Mother went, "Son, why are you crying?" "Mother! all the school children are making fun of me. They say my dress is not OK. They say I have no ornaments. They say I am useless. They are saying that it is not possible to join with our students."
Then the mother brought the son close, "Son! You know our situation. Let anyone think what they want. You live with Self-respect. Have Self-confidence. That only will give everything to you." She spoke good teachings to the son. Self-confidence, Self-confidence, Self-confidence. That is what she taught.
“You don't believe (have faith) at all in the words spoken by others. You don't feel Baadha about that at all. With Self-respect, you have Self-confidence.” From then, Self-confidence, Self-respect, Self-respect. No matter what anyone scolded, he didn’t care. That became worship of God.
Finally, Abaa!, what happened to him? He became President of America. Small boy. Due to Self-respect, it developed and he became President of America. Meaning, how much greatness!

ALL IS GOOD FOR US
Therefore, Self-respect gives everything to us. When any kids give any kind of Baadha, none of you should not have Baadha at all. Think, ‘It is good for me, good for me, good for me.’ Think like that. No matter what anyone does, think that, ‘It is good for me.’ In that way you teach equanimity. If you develop equanimity who is there greater than you? Japa, meditation, Yoga are not important.

One cannot cross over the ocean of worldly life by position, pilgrimage, scholarship or repetition of the Name. It can only be crossed by serving good people.
(Sanskrit Sloka)

Seva is most important to us. This Tapas, this meditation, and this Yoga are not more than this (Seva). Your most important Seva is that which gives joy (bliss) to God.
Embodiments of Love! No matter who we see, respect them. That respect only, will again give you respect. Whatever you give to others (the people), that will become the result back to you. Reaction, resound and reflection. The very nature of this is the result of actions. In this result only, is everything contained for us. The manifestation of God (Daiva Sakshatkaara) (is) also depends (contained) in the results of actions.

GAIN BLISS WITH TYAAGA
Therefore, today is the New Year. Meaning, the New Year does not bring anything new. This is: yesterday's day is the day of this morning (the same day that was yesterday, has come today). However, the good actions that we do today, will give good results. This action we have to make sacred without fail. The bliss got from Karmanandam (bliss of action) only, is permanent Ananda.

Na Karmana, Na Prajaya
Dhanena Tyage Naike Amrithatwa Manasu (Mritatam Anasuh)

Not by action, not by position or wealth; Sacrifice alone confers immortality.

(Sanskrit Sloka)

We have to gain bliss with this Tyaaga. The result of action only is the rich man's wealth for us. That wealth will never melt, break or diminish. Such a thing that does not melt, break or diminish, that is eternal, is contemplation of God. We have to spend (spread) our time in it.

NO FEAR WHEN GOD IS HERE
Wherever the step is put, God is there. All that is seen with the eye, is God. All that is heard with the ears is the remembrance of God only. All that is thought with the mind is also contemplation of God. Therefore, when God is everywhere, why should we be sad (or worried)? Why should we have Baadha? No need to have Baadha. We don't need to be afraid of anything.

Why fear when I am here?
(Applause)

We should not be afraid of anything when God is with you, beside you, in your house and in your very eyes. He is coming as your shadow beside you. That shadow won’t leave you and go! That only is permanent. That is truth. That is eternal. We should always have faith in such an eternal, true Divinity. However, others can say any number of words however, are they filling our stomach? No. It is said,

Whether in the forest, in the sky, in the city, in the village, on the hill or fallen in the stream, there is only God for those with no refuge.
(Telugu poem)

Divinity is all-pervasive. Don't think that "This is a hill, this is a town." Today the Ashanti in towns is not in any village. The pollution that is in the towns is not in any village. The whole world, humanity has become pollution. The feelings of the mind has become pollution. Therefore, where is pollution? It is everywhere that is seen.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Therefore, if we make the mind clean, all will become clean. Keep away (Make distant) all these worries that come. Past is past, forget the past. We should not sit worrying about that which has past. Future. Future is not sure. Who can have the faith that we will be here tomorrow? We may go today. So, there should not be worry of the future at all. Do not worry over the future.
Present. This is important for us. The present we are experiencing right now. It’s not ordinary present: Omnipresent. We have to experience bliss in the present. The bliss of the present can’t be attained anywhere else.
Students! Devotees! Saying Bhakti, Bhakti, we are only reading scriptures and going on doing Pujas. Do it. But, only our heart should be kept the same without changing. No matter what else changes, keep the faith in the heart without changing. All these are passing clouds, comes and goes, comes and goes, comes and goes. But, in the feeling of the heart, comes and grows.

LOVE IS GOD, LIVE IN LOVE.
You have to develop that quality of love that grows. There is no other God at all higher than love. Love is God, live in Love. Love protects our Praana (life or life-breath). Our love only is our Praana. Love only is our relative. Love only is our friend. Love only is our food.
Love is our everything. Love only is the important thing. The heart that has love will never be polluted. No poison will ever enter into it at all. Prema is nectarine. Love that is nectar like that, why are we, you wasting it?
Embodiments of Love! Due to you not knowing this matter, you are wasting it in many ways. Is there any wealth better than love? This love only is our true Bhagyam (welfare). Our whole world, change it to being full of love. It will become a country of Saubhaagyam (auspiciousness). In order to protect the nation.
Only love should be developed. Every single work that you do, do it with love. Whoever you love, you keep love. Therefore, love will always give pure result. Therefore,

Prema Muditha Mana Se Kaho...

(This is NOT an edited version).