SATHYA SAI SPEAKS

THE TRUE MARK OF EVERY PERSONALITY AND SOCIETY - MORALITY

The most essential requisite in any society is Maanavathvam (humanness); whatever be one's scholarship or scientific knowledge or position, one has to develop human qualities. To the extent these qualities are developed, to that extent the society, the state and the nation will progress. Where human qualities are absent the society ceases to be civilised. And the nation itself forfeits her place of honour.

Spirituality – the Basis for Morality and Integrity

It is only morality and integrity which entitle human beings to be respected. Students have to cherish human qualities. Only by adhering to the spiritual path can human qualities be promoted. They will not flourish in other conditions. A seed will sprout and grow into a plant only if you sow it in proper soil and water it. It will not grow in a tin can; it will only rot.

Morality can be upheld only through control of the senses. Only the person who has self-control is competent to exercise authority over others. How can one who is too weak to control himself be able to control others? There must be unity in word and deed. Only then can one achieve great things.

The Essence of Education – Sacrifice

It is undoubtedly necessary to seek a job for one's livelihood. But one should not regard finding a job and earning money as the be-all and end-all of life. Even in a job, one should try to uphold morality and integrity, and set an example to others. Looking at the world today, it would seem that education is for the purpose of practising fraud on the people, making money through bribes and other immoral and unrighteous ways without regard for truth. Certainly this is not the purpose of education. Its aim is the acquisition of knowledge. The true values of education have been lost owing to excessive concern for making money. There is nothing wrong with money or education. Everything depends on how it is acquired or utilised.

Students! You have to exhale as much as you breathe in. This is inescapable. If you do not exhale, the lungs will burst. Likewise, while you have to acquire education and earn wealth, you must utilise both in a righteous way. The education you have received must be given back to society for promoting public well-being. Equally what is earned should be given back to society. Unless this is done, your education and wealth are utterly worthless. What has been received from the community should be given back to the community. That is true seva (service).

This kind of sacrificing spirit is rare among students. They are interested in acquiring more and more. Life is reduced to a one-way traffic. This is not proper. What is earned should be utilised properly and shared with others. This is the way to ennoble life.

In swimming, you have to push the water back so that you may move forward. Likewise, renouncing material things is the way to spiritual progress. But, what you have to renounce is not wealth alone; you have to get rid of all your bad qualities. That alone is true sacrifice. Giving up hearth and home is not a big sacrifice. It is the giving up of all vices that is true renunciation. That alone can result in the blossoming of the human personality.

The Ideal Priorities in Life

People should realise that they are born in society, grow in society and live in society. Today most people are content to think only about themselves and their families and are indifferent to their obligations to society. As a result, they lose peace and happiness. Even devotees are more concerned about their personal interests and give secondary place to God. Consequently they are unable to experience real bliss. They lead purposeless and meaningless lives.

The Kauravas are an example of persons who sought worldly gains and power, forgetting God. Although they had immense wealth, what happened to them in the end? They had many valiant heros and preceptors fighting on their side. But all their material resources, their intellectual abilities and their armed might were of no avail.

The Pandavas relied on the strength of the Divine and the power of righteousness. The Bhagavad Gita has clearly explained that the Divine helps those who adhere to Dharma. The Pandavas relied on God for everything. Hence they were crowned with success. No doubt the Pandavas had to encounter many difficulties. But these did not overwhelm them.

The Pandavas placed God first, the world next and the "I" last. Hence they were successful. The Kauravas placed "I" (the ego) first, the world next and God last. Hence, they lost everything! Students! Give a back seat to the ego. Our history is full of instances of persons who set an example in sacrificing the ego.

Love – As Vital as Breathing

Students! Bear in mind these things: Bharatiyas have always been votaries of truth and righteousness. Justice has been their watchword. Students must ceaselessly endeavour to adhere to Truth, Righteousness, Morality and Integrity. Live up to the Vedic injunction: “Speak the Truth. Follow Dharma".

Above all, whatever anyone may say or do, you should not give up your devotion to God. Without the love of God, this cosmos is an empty void. Love is God, God is Love. Develop this Divine Love.

Cherish it in your hearts at all times and in all situations. Do not give it up, whatever troubles or difficulties you may be faced with. That Love will be with you, in you, beside you and protect you.

- Divine Discourse during Summer Course at Brindavan

on June 2,1990.