Shabda brahmamayi, characharamayi, jyotirmayi vaagmayi,
Nityanandamayi, niranchanamayi, thathwamayi chinmayi,
Tattvatitamayi parathpara mayi mayamayi srimayi,
Sarvaisvaryamayi sadshuvamayi, maama pahi meenambike
It flows in eight streams: Sabda brahmamayi (manifesting as all-pervading Cosmic sound); Characharamayi (pervading all moving and unmoving objects); Jyothirmayi (all-pervading effulgence); Vaagmayi (sacred speech); Nityanandamayi (eternal-bliss); Parathparamayi (embodiment of the Omni-will); Mayamayi (manifestation of Maya) and Srimayi (the embodiment of all prosperity). (SSS Vol.19, p. 77)
The Purusharthas
The Bharatiya Culture which laid emphasis on the four Purusharthas (the basic aims of life--Dharma,Artha, Kama rind Moksha), looked upon life as a journey to the Divine---the attainment of Moksha (Liberation). (SSS Vol.28, p. 186)
In Bharatiya culture, the four goals of human existence--- Purusharthas--have been declared to be: Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (earning of wealth), Kama (fulfilment of desires) and Moksha (Liberation). It: may not be possible for all human beings to achieve these four goals.
There are four qualities which man has to develop if he is to pursue properly the four Purusharthas. These are very necessary for students today. It is the failure to understand these four requisites properly that has been the cause of many grave consequences. These four are:
Maitri,Karuna, Mudita and Upeksha.These are four important qualities required by everyone. (SSS Vol.22, p. 100)
In all these different ways, the Vedas, have served to promote the well-being of mankind. The Vedas, however, have been regarded as the lower knowledge - Apara vidya - as distinguished fromPara vidya (Knowledge of the Absolute). Vedic ritualism was regarded as helpful for dealing with worldly concerns, but not of much use with regard to the understanding of the transcendental. The Vedas were useful for achieving mundane and heavenly pleasures and overcoming pain and giving encouragement and support in the pursuit of such objectives. Their main concern was with the first three Purusharthas-- Dharma, Artha and Kama. Moksha (spiritual liberation) could be attained only through jnana (as distinct from rituals and Yajnas performed with Vedic mantras). The higher wisdom can be won, not through rituals, wealth or progeny, but only through sacrifice or renunciation. (SSS Vol.19, pp. 77-78)
The ancient sages experienced the unique value of Bharatiya culture and bequeathed it as a precious legacy to the world. Today many are not aware of what is Bharatiya culture. What is our culture, what are our traditions and what is Sanathana Dharma? One who is not aware of the three cannot call himself a child of Bharat. Bharatiya culture is one that is ageless. It has withstood the vicissitudes of time. The soul of this culture is Sanathana Dharma.
It is the bounteous nectar that has emerged from the dedicated efforts and severe penances of the rishis. Those sages did not embark upon these exercises out of blind faith or ignorance and lack of knowledge. They were profound seers, free from attachment and self-interest. After discovering the basic truth through disinterested enquiry and personal experience, they gave it to the world.
In the world today, knowledge and skills have grown immensely, but human qualities have not developed at all. Every subject is riddled with controversy. The reasoning process is invoked, without understanding what exactly is reason. It must be clearly understood that the Divine cannot be known by ordinary perception or through rules of logic and reasoning. (SSS Vol.19, pp. 36-37)
Bharatiya culture represents blossoming of the Fundamental Truth, which is unaffected by Time, unspoiled by history, not destructible even by a cataclysm and not amenable to an iota of addition. The Veda is the basis of this Truth. The Upanishads (highest spiritual truths of the Vedas) originated from the Veda. The Bhagavad Gita gives us the essence of the Upanishads; the Brahma sutra axioms summarise the same. Imbibe the Upanishads by listening (shravana); reflect on the epigrams of the Brahma sutras (manana); digest and assimilate the Gita (nididhyasana). All three have to be valued as sacred scriptures and not treated as forms of literature. Devaluation of these texts has brought about stagnation.
It is asserted by many that the Gita is a unique treasure of the Hindus which they should hold for themselves alone. But, how can the Gita be so limited? This is a narrow and restricted view. It has to receive worldwide acceptance, for it helps solve some problems as and when they arise. It acts as the breath of life to all people and all faiths. In fact, every text everywhere that reveals God to man is a Gita. Considering the Holy Quran as belonging to Muslims, the Holy Bible as a Christian Text and the Granth Sahib as the scripture for Sikhs, differences have become wider and the path to God has been split. (SSS Vol.20, pp. 7-8)
Bharatiya culture teaches not merely the truth about visible objective world; it lays bare the truth of the subjective invisible world of the spirit also. This is the task of SanathanaDharma or Veda Dharma. This religion has in it the principles of all contemporary religions. Those who doubt this should examine the spiritual sources in an impartial spirit. Due to the wide influence of Western civilisation, absence of exposition and explanation by persons who have accumulated experience, inability to clearly grasp the meaning of the texts, and neglect of Sanskrit language which is the precious Bharatiya culture is largely unknown today. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 102)
Bharat Samskriti (Indian Culture) is being revered as an ideal constructive contribution to human welfare but its legitimate inheritors are neglecting it and losing the peace and joy that it can confer. This Samskriti is a huge tree, whose branches have spread over the entire world, giving comforting shade to all the peoples. The basic discoveries of this culture that teach the methods of acquiring that peace and that Joy cannot be challenged and negatived by science, for, science can only manipulate material things and study their interactions, behaviour, composition and structure. Moreover, in science the hypothesis that is found valid today may be negatived by a new set of facts that come to light tomorrow. The spiritual laws that the sages of India have discovered and laid down will never be over-ruled; they stand valid for ever. Further research in spiritual laws can only strengthen and confirm their authenticity as further facets only render the diamond more brilliant. Bharat has contributed to the world the priceless gem of Truth: ‘ishvarah sarva bhuta naam hridhese, Arjuna thishthathi’---’God is the resident motivator of all beings’. Until this fact is realised by the individual, he will be tainted by traces of anger, pride and hate, for he sees others as distinct and different. (SSS Vol.8, p. 74)
Bharatiya Culture has to be fostered first
Bharatiya culture belongs to all mankind. Time, place and conditions of life may vary. But the basic principles governing human conduct are the same. If people want to proceed to a higher state, the first requisite is improvement in one’s conduct. When the foundation under your feet is shaky, how can you expect to build up the mansion of life? Your conduct is the foundation, Your actions are the means. Develop faith. Without faith life is a waste. Man today believes in everything except God. This is his misfortune.
God is omnipresent. The man who has no faith in God has no faith in himself. Develop self-confidence, which is the basis for any nation’s progress. On that foundation of faith erect the walls of Ananda (Bliss). Then place the ceiling of Vairagya (detachment) on them. Live under the roof of tyaga (sacrifice). This is the way to Self-realisation. Chant the name of the Lord to secure mental peace and purify the heart. You can then lead a Godly life. (SSS Vol.25)
The entire Universe is pictured as but the Body of Vishnu, by the Vedas. And, Bharat (India) is as the eye of the Universe, the reason being that she has the most correct vision of the Cosmos in the context of Time. The mother desires that the son should uphold the honour of the family; the son should uphold the fair name of the mother and father. So, every Indian has to learn and practise the spiritual science that the sages of this land have explored and discovered. However, due to hostile forces, evil company, ignorant fascination, Indians have neglected this foremost duty. The infection has come; it is well settled in the organism. Now, it has to be cast out. This Conference and the organisations you represent are attempts to cure that illness. The purpose is the same, whatever the name---Prashanthi Vidvan mahasabha, Sathya SaiSevaSamiti , Sathya Sai Seva Dal, or Sathya Sai Bhakta Mandali.
The first aim is to foster and cultivate Bharatiya Culture. Let its validity be examined through actual living, and one’s own discovery of its values; and communicated to others by those who have experienced the peace and joy derivable from it. I do not want the extolling of the drug by persons who have not been themselves cured by it. Today, in the very land where this culture grew and flourished, immorality and corruption have destroyed happiness and contentment. Many condemn these things, but those are the very persons who commit the wrongs they deplore. Those who profess to lead the people are themselves led astray by the temptation to fall. So, the very first ideal you must keep in mind, when you start and run these organisations is: Do not crave for status or authority or position; do not allow any pomp, or show; do not compete for publicity or recognition or praise. (SSS Vol.7)
The culture of India is the oldest and yet the most active even today. It is ever fresh, for, it is based on beginning-less and eternal truths concerning human nature and the external world which impinges on human consciousness. This culture has emphasised that human activity is best done as dedication to God, the Sat-Cit-ananda (Existence-Awareness-Bliss Absolute), that pervades and envelopes the Universe. It has taught man to work with reverence and humility; then it draws out the full potentialities of the faculties, with which God has endowed man.
The holy culture of this ancient land has been spoilt by just one impurity; intolerance, intolerance of another’s success, prosperity or progress. If you cannot help another, at least avoid doing him harm or causing him pain. That is itself a great service. What right have you to find fault with another or to talk evil of him? When you say that nothing can ever happen on earth without His Will, why get annoyed or angry? Your duty is to cleanse yourself and engage in your own inner purification. That endeavour will bring you the cooperation of all good men and you will find strength and joy welling up within you. (SSS Vol.1, p. 75)
Bharatiya culture is a sublime one. It is incomparably great. But the advance of modern technology has shaken the traditional institutions like a powerful cyclone. It is true that materially, scientifically and economically, great progress has been made. But morally, spiritually and socially man has fallen a great deal. Moral values have been shattered. In trying to make life more comfortable with the help of machines, men have become slaves of the machine. It is, therefore, incumbent on students to see that science and technology are used on right lines for the good o£ mankind. Unfortunately, even those who profess to be leaders of society and who claim to be interested in promoting the well-being of the people, are not acting along right lines to set a good example to the students. (SSS Vol.22, p. 258)
For the people of the present Kali Age, there is a new prescription since neither constant meditation nor the performance of yajas and yagas is possible. To attain God, all that one has to do is namasmarana, i.e., constantly chanting the Name of God. There are no rigid stipulations or conditions regarding the chanting of the Name of God – one may sing or just chant His Name anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance. In the beginning, it used to be incessant namasmarana; but slowly, the time devoted to the pursuit of even this most easy path to God, has dwindled. From this one fact alone, you can judge for yourself the extent to which the great culture of Bharat has declined. (SSB 2000, p. 244)
In the Treta-Yuga, Rama declared, Janani Janma bhumischa Swargadapi Gariyasi. One’s mother and motherland are greater than the very heaven. Today, who is bothered about the motherland? Who worships the motherland? Who is fired by patriotism? Such feelings are not to be found anywhere. What is the reason for this indifference? Politics polluted heavily by evil designs, cunning manipulations, and patently selfish interests is responsible for this tragic decline. Today, who bothers about patriotism? There are so many politicians, but is there anyone concerned about upholding the prestige of the country? No one; everyone is driven solely by selfishness and self-interest. He alone is a true politician who is prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of the country. But unfortunately, such a spirit of sacrifice is not to be seen anywhere. Present-day politicians exploit the wealth and the resources of society for their personal benefit and advancement. Their effort is concentrated entirely on acquiring power and achieving status. Their sole desire is to enjoy position and esteem in society. Can one afford to neglect one’s country in this callous manner? Can politics exist if there is no country in the first place? How can a person who does not respect his country ever be a politician?
Can a leader who does not know what service means,
Ever serve the people and the country?
Can the one hankering after position
Ever have a pure heart?
Listen to this truth, O brave sons of Bharat!
Today’s politicians want power alone and not the welfare of the country. On account of extreme selfishness and self-interest, politics has become completely degraded. It is such polluted politics that has destroyed the sanctity of Bharatiya culture. A thousand promises are made but not even one is fulfilled. Many talk about Bharatiya culture but no one knows whether these people really understand what our culture is all about. What good has come out of this practice of placing party loyalty above the country? (SSB 2000, pp. 244-246)
Bharat stood as a beacon-light to the world in ancient times because of its spiritual ideals. This sacred land is the land of Tyaga (sacrifice), ofYoga, and of Karma (Righteous action). Today’s education tends to make it a bhogabhumi (land of indulgence). With the result that all kinds of roga (maladies) are present in educational institutions.
Cultivate respect for Bharat’s ancient culture
You must cultivate respect for Bharat’s ancient culture, follow its ideals and experience the joy to be derived therefrom. Society today suffers from lack of peace. Evil forces are rampant owing to the unchecked growth of selfishness and self-interest. These tendencies have to be rooted out. This can be done only by taking to the spiritual path. It is the duty of parents to sow the seeds of spirituality in the children from their early years. They should not think that parental responsibilities end with sending the children to school or college. They have a duty to see that the children grow into worthy citizens of the country. Great men likeSankaracharya, Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi became ideal men because of the example set by their parents in their daily lives. When the parents lead upright lives, the children will follow them. Hence, parents as well as teachers should serve as ideal examples to the students. (SSS Vol.22, pp. 262-263)
Bharat’s entire culture is based on Sanskrit. Culture means that which sanctifies the world, which enhances the greatness and glory of a country and which helps to raise the individual and society to a higher level of existence. Culture contributes to the refinement of life. The process of refinement or transformation is essential for improving the utility of any object. For instance, paddy has to be milled and the husk has to be removed before the rice is fit for cooking. This is the process known as Samskriti or transformation. This means getting rid of the unwanted elements and securing the desirable elements. With regard to men, Samskriti (culture) means getting rid of bad qualities and cultivating virtues. The cultured person is one who has developed good thoughts and good conduct.
In Sanskrit, the term Atma refers to the Self (I) and ‘mine’. Where the ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are present strong attachment develops. This is described as Atma abhimanam (attachment to the self).
Even in relation to trivial matters, when there is mention of ‘I’, the person concerned places his hand on his heart. This shows that the self (I) that is referred to is not the body but the spirit.
When a person declares, ‘Whatever the disaster, whatever the trouble I may be confronted with, I am not afraid,’ he reveals his confidence in his Atma (Self)which is the basis for his fortitude. (SSS Vol.23, pp. 4-5)