Humanness (manavatva) means the complete harmony of thought, word and deed. (SS Sept 91 , p. 236)
It should be realised that the body, the mind and the Atma (the Self) together constitute the human being. The first (body) concerns action. The second (mind) relates to cognition. The third relates to Being. Action, Cognition and Being together make up humanness. (SBML, p. Foreword)
Every man must make an effort to rise to humanness, shedding his animal and demonic qualities, and then strive to realise his Divine nature. Nowadays, we find that men are going down in the reverse direction, from the human to the demonic and animal states.
How can one progress from the human to the divine level. What is needed is the destruction of the animal and demonic qualities in man. Man, today worships inanimate idols and images, but makes no attempt to Love his fellow human beings in flesh and blood. This was the first message of Jesus. Though one sees his neighbours day after day, he does not choose to love them. How can one believe that such a person can love an invisible God?
If a man cannot love a fellow human being who is visible before his eyes, how can he love what is not visible to him? This is not possible. Only a man who loves living beings around him can love the invisible Divine. Love must start with love for beings that have form. It must be extended to all beings. This is the primary stage in spirituality. (SSS Vol.25)
Satya (truth), Dharma (righteousness) and Tyaga (sacrifice) constitute humanness. Satya is Neeti (morality), Dharma is Reeti (code of conduct) and Tyaga is Khyati (reputation). The combination of all these three constitute Manava Jati (human race). Today we find only Akara Manava (human in form), but not Achara Manava (human in practice). Today man is subjected to restlessness due to the vagaries of mind. But the mind is essential for man. Only the one with mind is man. Therefore, man should conduct himself fully aware of the divinity within. Unfortunately, many do not believe in the existence of God. Where is God? He is all- pervasive.
Sarvatah Pani padam Tat Sarvatokshi Siromukham,
Sarvatah Srutimal loke Sarvam avrutya Tisthati
(Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 verse 14)
(With His limbs, eyes, ears, mouth and head He pervades the universe completely. He permeates the entire universe.)
(SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 32)
Humanness is sacred and divine. But man today is wasting such a sacred and divine nature by consigning to earth such a sacred and divine humanness. This is utter folly. On the other hand, one has to sanctify one’s humanness. Your education, your intelligence, your physical strength and power, all these are short-lived. You have to strive to realise the eternal Atma-tattva instead.
You are not the body. Supposing somebody comes and enquires, ‘Who are you?’, you reply, ‘I am so and so.’ Thus, you introduce yourself. Taking into account your physical body, your occupation, the place where you live, etc., you say, ‘I am Ramadas.’ This is a name given to you by your parents. Whenever someone enquires, ‘Who is Ramadas?’, you reply ‘I’. The name ‘Ramadas’ pertains to your body. ‘I’ is your real name. That ‘I’ is real and eternal. Who is Ramadas? He is the servant of Rama, the son of King Dasharatha. The name Dasharatha in this context does not pertain to the King of Ayodhya. Ayodhya means the place where no armed foe can enter. (DD on 14.08.06 , pp. 3-4)
Humanness is sustained by the twin principles of love and truth. Both are essential for humanness to blossom. People have to open their eyes and recognize this fact. (SSS Vol.39, p. 129)
Whatever learning one may acquire, whatever positions one may occupy, however great a scientist one may be, if he lacks human values, he is no human being at all. What is humanness? Essentially it means unity in thought, word and deed. When what one thinks differs from what he says and what he does, he ceases to be human. He becomes a demon. Today what men have to cultivate is unity and purity in thought, word and deed. True human qualities can grow only in a heart filled with spiritual aspirations, like a seed sown in a fertile soil and not on a piece of rock.
Hence, to develop these qualities, men will have to develop compassion and equanimity amidst the vicissitudes of life. Man, today is caught up in meaningless worries, endless desires and unattainable ambitions and has no peace of mind. To one who is groping in the darkness of ignorance and peacelessness, it is spiritual illumination alone that can reveal the right path. Today cynicism and apathy are rampant. People are not interested in religious discourses. The reason is that these discourses are confined to the platform. There is no earnest enquiry into the value of these teachings, nor is there practice of the precepts. The foremost need today is to live the life of the Spirit. (SSS Vol.22)