DISCOURSE BY SRI SATHYA SAI BABA
Tamil New Year
14 April 2002

Punar Vitam, Punar Mitram,
Punar Bharya, Punar Vasahu,
Ye Tat Sarvam Punar labhyam,
Na Sariram Puna Punah

Again money, again friends,
again wife, again property.
Everything may be gained again
but the body cannot be gained again.
(Swami sings a Sanskrit sloka)

IT WILL NOT COME TO US AGAIN
Embodiments of Love!
Time is infinite. We are gaining numerous experiences in this infinite time. All of these experiences appear suddenly and disappear again.
Punar Vitam (again money). Sometimes we lose money. But there is no need to worry about this. This wealth will appear to us again at another time.
We meet numerous friends. There is no permanent friend in the universe. Physical, worldly and secular friends are not permanent friends. We are losing and again gaining so many friends like that.
Punar Patri (again wife), Punar Vasuh (again property). Every individual in this world is taking refuge in the householder stage, in order to have numerous kinds of happiness and peace. Yet, any husband or any wife is not permanent. After some time they are changing. Even if the wife is lost, one can have a happy life marrying another wife.
Punar Vasuh. We acquire lands. However, based on time and situation, we lose those lands. We lose money. It (the same money) doesn’t come again. We lose friends. However, those same friends don’t come again. We lose our wife. We don’t get the same wife again. We lose land and we don’t get that same land back again.
However, man wears this body and has its nature. If this body goes (dies) just once, it will not come to us again. Therefore, there is a body, so earn permanent bliss through the (help of the) body. Dharma and the spiritual bliss of wisdom has to be experienced through the worldly and physical (body).

ATTACHMENT TO WEALTH, WIFE AND SON
Through this body man gains numerous joys and peace. He is receiving wealth, gold, things and vehicles. He is also succumbing to numerous difficulties, loses, sorrows and worries. What is the root cause for all of these? What is the main foundation? It is the attachment to wealth, wife and son (children). Through these three attachments, man gains so many different types of happiness and joy.
So many numerous kings gained so much wealth. However, they lost that wealth before their own eyes. Therefore, wealth is not permanent. Wealth can never uplift man. Man cannot get permanent happiness out of wealth. Man cannot experience a sacred state through wealth. The wealth of spirituality is the true wealth. Therefore, man is not experiencing (true) happiness through such an attachment to wealth.
Even though happiness is not experienced, man desires money. There should be money. However, we have to experience it under limitations. Therefore, the attachment to money that man has does not bring true and permanent happiness.
Then, attachment to wife. Happiness may be experienced for some time with the relationship of a family: having wife, children and many earnings. This is also not a true and permanent happiness. This is also temporary and not truth. It is false. So, to think that we will gain (permanent) happiness through attachment to wife is very foolish.
Then, attachment to children. People desire a son. Of course it is necessary. People hope that numerous joys will come through a son. Yet this is also not truth.
Numerous sons were born to Dhritharashtra. However, did Dhritharashtra experience any kind of happiness through those sons? Due to his sons, Dhritharashtra succumbed to numerous difficulties, losses, sorrows, criticisms and blame. He also lost his kingdom due to his sons.

There were numerous Kaurava sons, was any joy experienced through them? Wasn’t Suka who had no sons, happy?
(Telugu poem)

So, we should not feel that the one who doesn’t have sons has suffering and the one who has sons has happiness. As the buffalo grow, their horns also grow. Hence, man is under the delusion that attachment to a son gives happiness and bliss. All of this is complete delusion.
Attachment to wealth, attachment to wife, and attachment to a son: these three attachments tie up man and succumb him to numerous problems. However, if there is one son of truth it is enough.

SUMITRA DIDN’T HAVE ANY DESIRES AT ALL
There is a good example for this. This is the month of Chaitra. It is the significant month of Rama’s birth. Sri Ramachandra was born on Chaitra Suddha Navami. (Chaitra = month; Suddha = bright half of the fortnight; Navami = the ninth day). Therefore, this month of Chaitra is very chitra (amazing, wonderful, etc).

The world is sacred with crops, friends, forest dwellers, people and citizens. Such wonders in the three worlds! It is the wonder of Vishnu.
(Telugu poem)

Out of the three wives of Emperor Dasaratha, (favorable mention of) the second wife cannot be seen in any story. Kausalya obtained good reputation due to Rama (her son). In the Suprabhatam (morning hymn) Kausalya’s name is said very first: “Kausalya Suprajarama…” Due to the desire that the kingdom should be given to her son Bharata, Kaika (the second wife) exceedingly loved and praised Bharata.
However, Sumitra didn’t have any desires at all. Sumitra had very good qualities and good conduct. She spoke sweet and helpful words. Sumitra showed herself to have conduct appropriate to her name, ‘Sumitra’ (‘good friend’).
Two sons were born to her. (Sumitra thought,) ‘The kingdom would not be gained by either of them. They won't become kings. Why should I have sons?’ Then that Sumitra demonstrated the ideal feeling of seva (selfless service) to the entire world.
She desired that. ‘When Rama becomes king, my son should become the main sevak (one doing selfless service) to Rama.’ There are sevaks right beside the leaders. ‘My son’s seva is his most important kingdom for him. My first son Lakshmana should be immersed in the seva of Rama. If Bharath becomes the king, my second son Shatrughna should remain in Bharata’s service.’
So Sumitra offered her son to such a sacred path of Divine seva. If you read the story of Rama once, you will be able to understand how expansive, deep and ideal the feelings of Sumitra were.
When Rama went to exile in the forest, Kausalya was crying loudly. At that time, it was only Sumitra who was not crying. (Sumitra consoled Kausalya saying,) “Sister! Why should you worry? My son Lakshmana is going with Rama to do His seva. No danger will happen to Rama. There won't be any difficulties. My son Lakshmana will look after Rama like the eyelids (guard the eyes). Lakshmana is going therefore, there is no reason for you to be sad.” Will any mother speak like this?
One may come as an obstacle saying, “A promise was given so Rama has to go to the forest. What (reason) does my son have (to go)? So there is no need for my son to go.” But Sumitra did not put any objection like that.
(Sumitra thought,) ‘He (Lakshmana) was born to do seva to Rama. He (Rama) is taking His instrument (Lakshmana) with Him. It is not as if I am sending him or that Lakshmana is simply going. It is Rama’s right. Rama has that authority.”
So she blessed Lakshmana, “Dear son, look after Sita and Rama well and return.” She blessed him thus. She conveyed courage to Kausalya.
Then, Bharata: Bharata was going to his Uncle Kaikeya’s kingdom. Shatrughna had no information at all. Meaning, the news did not reach them. Nothing was said telling him to come, telling him to go or telling him to stay. Bharata was ready. Why? Satrughna was ready to do the seva of Bharata.
Hence, because these types of mothers gave birth to those sons, the mothers offered (their sons) for seva of the great, great ones. The history of Bharath teaches this in (many) sacred ways.

URMILA DID NOT SUCCUMB TO ANY SORROW
Then, the wives. The wife of Rama was Sita, the daughter of Emperor Janaka. (She told Rama,) “You only are my life. You are the one with me. Leaving Rama, I cannot remain even a moment in this world.” She felt very bad and said, “I am coming (with You)!”
However, there is also Urmila (the wife of Lakshmana). The name of Urmila cannot be seen anywhere (not in too many places) in the Ramayana. Both Sumitra and Urmila were very sacred individuals. They were ones who demonstrated an ideal life. They sanctified their daily lives.
So, Urmila did not succumb to any sorrow at all. She did not know that they were going to the forest. She was expert in painting. She was painting a picture. She kept the inkbottles (nearby). She used it to paint all of the time.
Lakshmana went. He said, “Urmila!” She became afraid and got up. When she got up, her sari rubbed against the inkbottle and it fell on the painting. The painting was spoiled. She felt bad thinking, “Oh dear, it is ruined!”
He (Lakshmana) asked, “What are you doing?” She said, “Tomorrow is the coronation of Sita and Rama, isn’t it? I am nicely painting that scene. This picture has to be sent to my father, Emperor Janaka. This sacred sight has to be spread throughout the world. For that reason I am painting the coronation of Sita and Rama.”
Then Lakshmana said sorrowfully, “The coronation of Sita and Rama has been cancelled due to Kaika. Your painting has been spoiled today due to me. The whole coronation has been stopped. Hence, you don’t need to be worried. I am going immediately with Sri Ramachandra.”
Will any wife keep quiet if her husband says he’s going with Rama to the forest for 14 years of exile? She would ask so many questions. She may argue saying, “What is the reason for you to go with him? You have no command (to go). So you don’t need to go.”
(Yet,) She was very happy. She said, “Lord! You are the only one who has gained the seva of Sita and Rama. Go without fail and without wasting even a moment.” Then Lakshmana said, “You will not see Sita and Rama for fourteen more years. Go once to the house of Sita, see Sita and come.”
She didn’t move at all. Without moving, she said to her husband who was giving the order, “I might obstruct your journey with Sita and Rama. Don’t be late. Go to Sita and Rama and immediately start off. Take part in their seva. Just you have to give one promise to me.”
“You will be in the forest for fourteen years. You may sometimes think of my name or form. But don’t keep it in your mind. Don’t remember the name of Urmila. Be immersed in the seva of Sita and Rama, saying, ‘Sita Rama, Sita Rama, Sita Rama.’ If I would come with you, I may get in the way of (you doing) their seva. Lord! I will remain here only, so I will not come in the way of your sacred seva.”
Lakshmana could not contain his joy. He was happy thinking, ‘Are there such wives in the world?’ He said, “I am going now.” She also told him to go auspiciously.
There are so many such sacred wives and sacred mothers in this world and in the country of Bharath. The land of Bharath is a country that gained such good name and fame even from ancient times.

BHARATIYAS ARE ONES WHO SPREAD RADIANCE
There are the Himalayas in northern Bharath. What does the Himalayas symbolize? These cool and sacred mountains are a boundary to Bharath. The perennial rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, the embodiment of Tri Murthis, are flowing in this sacred country of Bharath. These three are flowing to teach devotion, wisdom and detachment to all Bharatiyas.
Not only this. The Ramayana and the Bhagavatha also have stories that have gained great reputation in this country of Bharath. The three Ramayana, Bhagavatham and the Bhagavad Githa, give an ideal for man’s life. The Bhagavad Githa teaches about the unity that pervades the world. Scriptures like this arose in the country of Bharath.
Bharatiyas are ones who choose this ‘Bha’. ‘Bha’ means ‘radiance’. ‘Bha’ means ‘light’. ‘Bha’ means ‘effulgence’. So Bharatiyas are ones who spread radiance and light. So, Bharata (Rama’s brother) was one who protected this (country of) Bharath. So, the thing that Bharatiyas should protect today is the (radiance symbolized by the letter,) ‘Bha’. Effulgence should be protected. Divinity should be chosen. One should merge in sacredness.
You can investigate how great such a history of the country of Bharath is. What kind of sacredness did this country publicize from ancient times? It gave peace and security to all countries. Even Buddha was born in this country. He realized the truth in the statement:

Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah.

If Dharma is protected, Dharma will protect.
(Sanskrit sloka)

Therefore, he taught this Dharma in the world. From ancient times the country of Bharath conveyed such ideal sights and ideal ways to the people.

BOTH MY SONS HAVE BEEN BORN TO SERVE
Then, another thing: you should recognize to some extent the Divine feelings of Sumitra and Urmila. It is not seen (mentioned) anywhere in the Ramayana.
Lakshmana became unconscious during the war with Ravana. Due to it being said that the Sanjiva Mountain was needed to revive him, Hanuman brought the entire mountain. He took the mountain in his hand and was proceeding. It became necessary to go through Nandi village.
Bharath (who was staying there) saw that he was going through Nandi village. He had some bad feelings, thinking, “It is some demon. Not only did he kill my brothers, he is also coming to take me away.” He shot an arrow. Hanuman fell down along with the mountain.
Then, Hanuman folded his hands. He said, “Bharath, namaskaar (salutation) to you! Why have I come? Lakshmana fell unconscious during this war. Rama is crying, sitting by the side of Lakshmana who had become unconscious. He is grieving. In order to dispel his grief, I am taking this Sanjiva Mountain. (The herbs on this mountain will revive Lakshmana.)”
Bharath became so happy. He called everyone. He even called his mothers. Sumitra and Urmila also came. However, hearing that Lakshmana was unconscious, Kausalya and everyone felt bad. Sumitra didn’t cry. Urmila did not feel worried at all. She bent her head and was listening to all the words that Hanuman was saying.
Sumitra said, “Dear, my son went to serve Rama.” Thinking that Rama was suffering, Kausalya loudly cried. Sumitra called Kausalya near and was advising her. “Sister, this is not something that you should be worried about. No danger will ever happen to Rama. My son Lakshmana is protecting Him in all ways. So you don’t need to worry.”
She gave her courage, saying, “If at sometime my Lakshmana becomes unconscious and dies, I will send my second son Satrughna to serve your son.” Will any mother begin to have such sacrifice? “Don’t worry. Both of my sons have been born to serve. Therefore, even though Lakshmana has become unconscious, I will send my second son Satrughna to serve Rama.”
Afterwards Bharath went and told Urmila, “Mother.” They used to call everyone “Mother” there. Then he went and said, “Mother, you may be worried. Your heart might be moved, hearing the news that Lakshmana has become unconscious.”
Then she said, “Son, I am not sad at all about Lakshmana becoming unconscious. He is with Rama. The Name of Rama is always completely present in every cell and in every atom of my husband. So, with such a Name kept in his heart, no dangers will happen to my husband.”
Then he (Bharata) asked (Hanuman) what Rama was doing. Then Hanuman said, “Mother, his (Rama’s) brother has fainted. It is very difficult for him (Lakshmana) to recover again. It is very difficult to recover and survive. For that reason Rama is very sorrowful.”
Then Urmila (Hanuman) said, “The main cause for Rama being sad is Love. Lakshmana is very dear to Rama. Lakshmana is the second body of Rama. Rama feels he was His second life. So due to such a Lakshmana fainting, Rama may be sad.”
Then Urmila laughed outright. “Hanuman, no one in the world can recognize (understand) the thathwa (true nature or reality) of Rama and the swabhava (nature or personality) of my husband Lakshmana. Rama is the Supreme Self. He doesn’t need to be sad. This is a drama He is acting.”
“Then, about my husband Lakshmana? He is not worried about anything. This losing consciousness is not (real) fainting. Lakshmana may have been injured to some extent due to Ravana’s son shooting an arrow. He may be affected due to that injury. However, it is only due to Rama’s Name being present in Lakshmana’s every cell and every atom, that Lakshmana has no worry at all. He is sleeping happily and peacefully. It is not fainting.”
So, no one in the world understands the matters of Lakshmana and Rama. Everyone came (around Rama). He was suffering a lot. Unable to bear the sorrow Rama said, “If I search anywhere, I may be able to obtain a wife like Sita but I will never get a brother like Lakshmana. Lakshmana is equal to my life.”
In this way, the subject of Lakshmana and Satrughna is very great. However, this world is worldly therefore physical ideals should be demonstrated. People talk about these two, ‘Rama Sita, Rama Sita’ but the subject of Lakshmana, Satrughna and their wives, is not measured anywhere.
Then she said, “Dear, you don’t need to be any later. Go quickly, go! I am the daughter of Emperor Janaka and the daughter-in-law of Dasaratha. I'm the wife of Lakshmana. As these three are true and eternal forms, no danger can happen to my husband.”
Until that day (Urmila), remained standing in the same place she stood when her husband left. She had said, “Until you come again after fourteen years, I will be here only.” She thus remained in that place, painting pictures.
Therefore, Kausalya and Sumitra might have wavered a bit but Urmila didn’t have any worry at all. The nature (personality) of Urmila is eternally pure. It is untainted. It is selfless. Until this day no Bharatiya recognizes such a nature of Urmila.
Till this day no one in the world recognizes (the greatness of) a mother like Sumitra, either. That mother had (her sons) only to serve but she didn’t have them desiring that they would be leaders.

NO DANGER CAN EVER HAPPEN TO GOD
This day in the month of Chaitra (Ram Navami) is the day that such a sacred history was born. This is the month of Chaitra. In this month of Chaitra we should not only remember Rama and Sita. We should also remember Lakshmana and Urmila. Bharata should also be remembered.
Hence, the four are like the four Vedas. At one time, when someone asked whether women had the authority to recite the Vedas, Vasishta said that the four Vedas: the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda, took the forms of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna, and these four Vedas played in the house of Emperor Dasaratha.
Therefore, that which we should contemplate on today is that no danger can ever happen to God. They create stories like these to act in such a great drama. It is only possible for great ones, whose hearts are sacred and wonderful, to comprehend this. Only Urmila comprehended the sacred mind of Lakshmana but no one else comprehended it. So, only Sumitra comprehended the qualities of Lakshmana and Satrughna but no one else comprehended them. Therefore, only the mother knows her son’s nature but no one else knows.
Numerous mothers like this were born in this sacred land of Bharath. So this country of Bharath gave the great jewels of ideal mothers and ideal wives.
In the Ramayana so many amazing and wonderful matters are conveyed. Hence, it is essential that we should recognize all of them and practice accordingly.

MANY CHANGES ARE CONTINUING MOMENT TO MOMENT
We feel that today is the New Year day. It isn’t a new year at all. Every single second is a new year. How will the situations of this year be? What will the situations of the leaders be? What will be the situation of businesses? How will the __________________ be?
Thinking this, numerous people are only worrying according to their position, but truly, there will not be any changes at all. Change doesn’t need to come just because of a New Year. So, many changes are continuing moment to moment.
Therefore, people may wonder what big changes will happen in this New Year. The same things that happened in the year that has passed will happen in the coming year also. These are not what we should contemplate on.
No matter how many years pass, our bad thoughts are not changing into sacred feelings. What we should know today is that bad qualities, bad thoughts, bad contemplations and bad intentions have to be sacrificed.
Today is the New Year, so sacred feelings should be developed. We should develop Divine thoughts. We should behold the Divine. Forgetting the perceivable world, we have to experience the unperceivable bliss in the Atmic way.

BLISS THAT COMES FROM THE HEART
Embodiments of Love!
The bliss that we should obtain cannot come through things and vehicles. It truly doesn’t come though individuals at all. So the thing that is needed is the bliss that comes from the heart. Turn your vision towards the heart. It is said:

Antar Bihischa Thath Sarvam
Vyapa Narayana Sthithah.

Inside, outside, everything is That.
Narayana pervades all over.
(Sanskrit sloka)

Hence, when we develop the inner vision, bliss will manifest to us. We are thirsty for bliss. There is no need to search for bliss. It is in, with, beside, above, below us and protecting us. So we don’t need to struggle for bliss. Happiness? What happiness? Physical happiness?

This body is a basket of dirt, disease-prone, a filthy basket wondering through life, and cannot cross the ocean of samsara (worldly life). Oh mind! Do not be under the delusion that the body is permanent. Instead take refuge at the Divine Lotus Feet.
(Telugu poem)

What joys do we get with a body like this? There won't be any. The Feet of the Lord is true happiness for us.
So today in Bharath, devotion and surrender have reduced. The mind is under delusion on physical, worldly and secular matters. What is this illusion? What are these delusions? What are these joys? All of it is only seen like a puppet show.

This leela of the world, isn’t it a puppet show? He is a king, he is a laborer: will anyone say it isn’t so?
(fill in) __________ ____________ ______ ___________ _____________ ______________ ________________________________
Isn’t this the situation? Know well! In the world, darkness isn’t recognized. Isn’t this the situation? Know well!
(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

The whole world is dark. This is only ignorance. This is only the form of thamo guna (dullness or inertia). We live in thamo guna: if we want to know about the power of sacredness, how will it be possible to find out?

GIVE A SACRED IDEAL TO ALL COUNTRIES
Embodiments of Love!
It is so fortunate to be born in this land of Bharath! It is even more fortunate to live in this country of Bharath. It is a matter of great pride to say, “I am a Bharatiya.” (Applause) We are forgetting today the sacred nature of the land of Bharath. When anyone asks, “What is your degree?” It is a great degree to say, “I am a Bharatiya.” (Applause) What a sacred meaning it has to say that one is a Bharatiya!
Oh Bharatiyas! Give a sacred ideal to all countries, give ____________ to the people of all countries, and also make the effort to ___________ them. There are crores and crores of people in the country of Bharath. Remain as a demonstrating ideal, practice, be joyful, and give it to all.
However, they (good qualities) cannot be seen. Sacred feelings are not something that can be seen. They can't be heard. They can't be thought. They can only be demonstrated. Why are we forgetting such sacred feelings?

URMILA HAS GREAT, SACRED QUALITIES
Embodiments of Love!
We should not forget this sacred history. We should not put aside the ancient history. No one can understand the great nature that is in that history.
You have been reading the Ramayana since so long. But have you understand the feeling of Sumitra? Have you understood at all the pathi dharma (the exemplary nature of a chaste wife) of Urmila? No, no, no (you haven’t)!
Urmila was the own daughter of King Janaka. Sita was a child who was found in the plowed fields (Mother Earth). So, Sita is an artificial child but the real child (biological, natural daughter of Janaka) was Urmila.
So first and foremost Janaka made the decision that these two (daughters) should be given in marriage to the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana. He wanted his two daughters to be given to both Rama and Lakshmana.
Sita is the embodiment of shakthi (the great universal power or energy). He gave that shakti (Sita) to shakti (Rama). How is this shakti? It is magnet power! It is 100% magnet power. So, Sita should be given to Rama who is also like that.
Then, who is Adi Sesha? (Adi Sesha is the thousand-headed serpent which supports the world, and which also is used as a bed by Lord Vishnu. Lakshmana is said to be an incarnation of Adi Sesha.) He is one who holds the whole world. Such a one who holds (the world), (marries) Urmila.
Urmila means one who has great, sacred qualities. If she put her mind to it, she was able to paint an entire painting in a moment. Urmila was such a greatly virtuous one. Nowadays no one even has the name of Urmila. However, they have names like Kaika and Manthara. Manthara and Kaika are not important for us. Crores and crores of people were corrected (inspired) by this child (Urmila).
The nature of Urmila was very delicate. She remained in the same room that she was in when Rama (and Lakshmana) left, until Lakshmana came back again. She didn’t accept any kind of worldliness anytime, in anything. It may be said but they cannot understand.
Sita went for fourteen years of exile in the same yellow colored sari that she wore for the coronation. Urmila was like that only. The sari that she wore when Lakshmana left, it was that same sari (that she wore for) fourteen years, until Lakshmana returned again. One wife, one cloth.
Such noble daughters were the daughters of King Janaka. For that reason they got the name of Vaidehi. He (King Janaka) was one who didn’t have attachment to the body. So he got the name of King Vaideha. He also gave the name of Vaidehi to Sita. So, if we inquire into the sacred meaning of each name, we can go very deeply.
Even Bharatiyas do not understand a tiny bit the story of the Ramayana. They just read it as the story of Sita and Rama. If anyone questions, “Who is Sita?” It shouldn’t be said anywhere but, one individual was commenting on the Bhagavad Githa. Then, when it was asked, “Who is Rama’s wife?” he couldn’t remember the name! He said, “Mrs. Rama.” (Laughter)
Have you seen? They didn’t even know that name! Bharatiyas of today are immersed in such ignorance. Therefore, they are falling into modern conduct. Due to us being immersed in the conduct of this modern age today, we are forgetting the ancient culture.
So we have only one friend. He is only God. We have only one book. That only is the country of Bharath. The land of Bharath is our book. The history of Bharath is what we should read. Only that but we shouldn’t read crazy, crazy novels and imprint in our hearts the matters that are in them. It is gradually polluting everything. They cannot purify at all. These sacred feelings will come only to the one who purifies the heart.

THE LAND OF BHARATH IS A SACRED LAND
Embodiments of Love!
From this New Year’s Day, the sacred story of Rama should remain in our heart and we have to live in the footsteps of the men and women who give sacred and ideal examples. We have to experience that bliss. The bliss that is experienced should be shared with others.
The land of Bharath is a sacred land and you have to uphold its fame. Yet, people have spoiled the name and fame of the country. This is not what we should do. (You should declare,) “The land of Bharath is my sacred Motherland. I should not forget this sacred land. I am a Bharatiya.”
If anyone asks, “What is your name?” You shouldn’t just say, “Ramayya, Krishnayya, Govindayya.” (One should say,) “I am a Bharatiya.” That is enough for us. Those are names which are given. The birth-name is ‘Bharatiya’.
So, Bha-rati. ‘Bha’ means radiance, effulgence, Divinity. The one who protects this is a Bharatiya, Bha-rati. Hence, even Bharata demonstrated an ideal of such a sacred country.
At one time, when speaking of the history of this country of Bharath, when saying that the race of Bharatiyas is sacred, that which is in this land of Bharath is not in any other country. The name and the fame that is in Bharath came to no other country. So the fame of the country of Bharath should flow everywhere. Hence, the land of Bharath: we should uphold the fame of the land of Bharath.
Therefore, what you should know today is that we should contemplate on the ideal people in the Ramayana. The Ramayana is so great! All (many other) stories (history) have been lost. Even though it has been a few thousand years, the story of Rama is like a brand-new story today also.
It is contained in the very name ‘Rama’, which Vasishta gave. He said, ‘Ram’. What does ‘Ra’ mean? Calling out all at once the evil qualities that are inside, “Ra!” (‘Ra’ in Telugu means ‘come’) They all come out, (Bhagavan demonstrates by opening His mouth and repeating,) “Ra!” They all came out.
To prevent the bad qualities which have come out, from entering in again, (Swami demonstrates with closed lips,) “M.” It is closed! That only is (the significance of) ‘Ram’. There is such an inner meaning to the Name of Rama. Ra: they have all come out. M: it protects so that they don’t come again. So, we are forgetting today such sacred stories as these.
Hence, today is our New Year’s Day and we have learnt about new things. We should put into practice the new matters that we have learnt, and in this way make it meaningful. Our whole life will become sacred when it is made meaningful (sanctified).

Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse by chanting the bhajan, ‘Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahi…

THE TOWN OF PUTTAPARTHI
Embodiments of Love!
People have given different names saying that today is Tamil New Year and the Vishu (New Year) of the Malayala people and yesterday was Telugu New Year. The names are different but the inner significance is the same. When we consider these inner meanings, all is the New Year.
We are considering the signs of this New Year’s festival as wearing new clothes, taking head-bath, following the ideal path and eating sweets. But it is not only this.

The town through which flows the Chitravathi River making its way with wonderful shores,
the auspicious town that is surrounded by high quality mango trees,
the town in which Siva and Parvathi guard the four directions without leaving,
the town in which the greatly miraculous Madhava (God) installed Himself in the center (referring to the Venu Gopal Temple),
in which area there is a big and stable tank formed (referring to the tank in Bukkapatnam)
the place which gave King Bukkaraya permanent fame in the country,
is the town of Puttaparthi, the fame of which cannot be extolled.
(Telugu poem)

(Applause)
What does ‘Puttaparthi’ mean? ‘Parthi’ means ‘radiance’. Puttaparthi is where radiance is born. In the past it had the name of ‘Putta-vardhini’ (‘vardhini’ means ‘growing or increasing’ in Telugu). Putta (anthills) used to grow wherever one observed. Snakes used to live in the anthills. So for that reason they gave the name of Puttavardhini. Anthills were observed everywhere.
Ramayana also speaks of the same thing. Valmiki: where was he born? He was born in an anthill. (Referring to how an anthill grew up around Valmiki as he practiced austerity. After he attained realization, he came out of the anthill.) An anthill grew up all around him. Snakes wondered around the top of that anthill. The Ramayana (written by Valmiki) was thus born out of an anthill.
Hence, there are snakes of bad qualities and bad habits in the anthill of our heart. For (to dispel) this, contemplate on the Name of God. (Then) All will come out. That only is nadaswaram (sound). That only is nagaswaram. That only is _____________________. If we send (repeat) once these sounds, all the snakes in the anthill will come out. So if you want the bad qualities in man to go, one should do Divine Namasmarana.

NAMASMARANA IS VERY SACRED
Nowadays many people mock (or make fun of) the Name. It is a big mistake, mistake, mistake!

Harih Nama Harih Nama, Harih Namame Kevalam,
Kalo Nastiva, Nastiva, Gatih Nidha.

Only God's Name, God's Name, God's Name
will grant liberation, grant liberation in the Kali age.
(Sanskrit sloka)

Namasmarana is very sacred. Due to Namasmarana reducing today, difficulties in the country are increasing. Increase Namasmarana. Repeat the Name throughout every street, in every cell and in every atom. The bliss, courage and boldness obtained through the Name cannot be observed in anything else.
Let anyone ridicule. They make think, “What is this, he is also doing Namasmarana! Should such a great man be like this?” Each one can do as they want, as everyone’s heart is the same. Is he a big ICS officer? Shouldn’t an ICS officer do Namasmarana?
It is alright whoever it is, everyone may do it. From a young boy to an adult, from low to bliss (high), from the great to the small, Namasmarana should be done. Only foolish people who don’t know will see Namasmarana as a joke but (Bhagavan repeats A.K.’s translation of ‘fools’) fools, fools, fools. (A.K. goes on a roll, repeating, ‘Double fools, triple fools, multiple fools! Audience laughs) They are the ones who will make fun of you. But one who has a full mind will not see it as a joke.
So Namasmarana is very important. Let anyone think anything. If anyone asks the question, “What is this sir, do you also have devotion?! You also have a God? Are you also doing God's Namasmarana?” (You should answer,) “Yes, yes! Am I such a great man? Not only you, your grandfather or your great-grandfather. Everyone can do it. If God's Namasmarana is not done, then why be born as a human being?”
He may say, “I don’t have faith.” “If you don’t have it, you can leave it. I have faith. I will do Namasmarana on that which I have faith.” So, we have to argue. “Sir, if you don’t have (faith), you can let it be. You don’t have your God. Doesn’t my God exist for me? Who are you to say my God doesn’t exist? Who are you? What authority do you have? My faith is mine.” The day that you do Namasmarana with that courage is the day you will gain success. (Applause) Put aside all else. Do Namasmarana without fear. Then you will obtain the right bliss.
Today is the New Year and the new day of Sunday. Begin now, from this sacred day. It doesn’t matter if we do not have sruti (tune), raga (melody) and tala (rhythm). The music from the heart is enough.
Our mind is a veena. See that bad feelings don’t come to that mind. See that this veena is not out of tune. (One sentence inaudible.) See that it doesn’t come. Play the heart very well with God's Namasmarana. Then the true type of ____________ will come to you.

HOW COULD THEY PRAY TO GOD?
After Krishna went to Mathura, at one time all the gopikas were suffering a lot. Everyone came together in one place. Yet how could they pray to God?

Sing a song Krishna, like the honey of Your words. Speak to us, make us happy and bring relief to the mind! Collecting the essence of the Vedas, convert it into the Brahma of sound. Fill it up in the flute and change it into sound. Sing a song, Krishna!
(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

‘Just once Krishna! Sing just one song!’ What song?

Collecting the essence of the Vedas, convert it into the Brahma of sound. Fill it up in the flute and change it into sound. Sing a song, Krishna!
(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

They heard that song only once, and then they died. They had so much bliss in such a song. They forgot all the suffering that they experienced since so many years. Hence, the feeling that is in song is so sweet.

BECOME BLESSED, MERITORIOUS AND GAIN BLISS
So all the people from Kerela call this ‘Vishu’. ‘Vishu’ means ‘may you have bliss, may there be peace, may you obtain courage.’ Lead a good life. Have a good life in the future. Experience happiness and joy blissfully. This is Vishu.
Then, (today is also) the New Year of (the state of) Tamil Nadu. That is also the same (has the same meaning). Increase health, peace, comfort and prosperity, and you should give an ideal to others in all ways. You also should maintain ideal behavior. I am thus hoping that you will become blessed, meritorious and gain bliss. May everyone obtain bliss and peace! You should experience this bliss taken from within. You don’t need to search for it.
So, from today those who are devotees shouldn’t be affected by this (what others say). Develop devotion and surrender. Wherever it may be, do Namasmarana without fear. That is our true life. Being born in Bharath, we should obtain this type of sanctified name.
Very soon other countries will follow this country. The land of Bharath has to accept the responsibility of leadership. This is what I am hoping. The leadership of spirituality.

(Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse.)

This translation from Telugu to English is done word-by-word to get the literal meaning. It is NOT an edited version.