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Bharat: Culture and
Tradition
Guru of Nations
Baba always refers to Bharat as a holy land
of sacrifice and merit. He refers to Bharat as the engine,
which will steer the destiny of other nations which are like
bogies of a train. In His birthday message on the 23rd of
November, 1990, Baba elaborated on this subject in a great
detail. Here are a few excerpts from that discourse-
"Bharat" denotes the entire human
family.
“When we refer to Bharat, the term
is not related to any particular individual, country or circumstance.
Although many different derivative meanings have been given
to the term by different authorities, these are only their
individual interpretations…
‘Bharathi’ denotes Goddess Saraswathi
who is the Vaakdevata (Goddess of Speech). Hence every man
born with the gift of speech is a Bharatiya. The name is not
associated with any particular individual or country. The
term ‘Bharatiya’ is applicable to the entire human
family. "Bha" refers to the Principle represented
by Divine Knowledge. "Self-knowledge" is "Bha."
"Bharatiyas" are those who take delight in Self-knowledge.
Hence everyone who shines by his own self luminous power is
a Bharatiya.
Bharatiya (Indian) is one who acquired divine
strength by Atmabalam (the power of the Spirit). So, whoever
one may be, whatever one's country, he has to acquire this
strength of the Spirit.”
Foundation
of Indian Culture
On the 6th of January, 1975, in Mumbai, Baba
explained the basis of Indian Culture when He said,
“When one lamp lights many lamps, all
shine with equal brilliance. The Param jyothi (the Supreme
Effulgence-God) is the origin and source of all the Jeevan
jyothis (light of all the lamps-individuals); it is only 'ONE',
without a second. The same wind is referred to as breeze,
whirlwind, storm, typhoon, hurricane, etc. the same God is
referred to by different Names. This is the very foundation
of our culture. So, your duty is to emphasize the One, to
experience the One in all that you do and speak. Do not give
any importance to differences in religion, sect, status or
colour. Have the feeling of Oneness permeating every act of
yours.”
Ref: “Sathya Sai Speaks”, Vol.-XIII,
Chapter-2.
Land of sages
and saints
“Bharat has produced many great sages
and saints who have taught profound truths. It is a land of
heroes who fought for the freedom of the country. It has been
the leader in the knowledge of various arts and sciences,
in music and literature. It is most unfortunate that many
born in this sacred land are unaware of its unique greatness.
Love for the mother is a sweet virtue. What a pity that today,
love for the Motherland should have declined!
You must love your Motherland. Resolve to
dedicate your lives in her service. Unity is the primary requisite.
People celebrate the birthdays of our great ones, but few
care to follow their teachings. There is nothing great about
celebrating birthdays. Every effort must be made to understand
their teachings and act unto them.”
Fill your hearts
with the heritage of Bharat
“Embodiments of Divine Atma! Esteeming
love as the essence of divinity, you have to engage yourselves
in loving service to society. You have to restore the glory
of Bharat. Bharat has been in the past the preceptor of all
nations. All other people are coming to acquire peace and
enlightenment. In this situation, it is a great misfortune
that Bharatiyas (Indians) themselves are not conscious of
their greatness. Bharatiya history reflects the achievements
of Bharat in the realms of the physical, the mental, the spiritual
and all other aspects of life; we have to fill our hearts
with this heritage.”
Bharat is a
land of plenty
“It is high time you realised what
a sacred country Bharat is. In this holy land, nothing is
lacking. ‘What cannot be found in Bharat cannot be found
elsewhere’ is an ancient saying. In spite of these multifarious
endowments, this country is being regarded as poor and backward.
This is ignorance born of delusion. Only when we free ourselves
from this delusion, we can experience Atmic bliss. We can
experience Brahman (divinity) only when we can get rid of
bhrama (delusion).”
Promote the
glory of Bharat
“When everything is available within
Bharat, why go begging to other countries? Everything has
originated from Bharat. Hence, having taken birth in Bharat,
strive to promote the glory of Bharat. Every devotee should
take a pledge to protect and promote the greatness of Bharat.
Like an elephant that does not know its own strength, Bharatiyas
are unaware of their power. Despite their myriad capacities,
they are behaving as weaklings, like an elephant before its
mahout. You have to get rid of this weakness.”
“Strive to make India strong and happy
so that it may not be dependent on other countries, or become
vulnerable. She was once the guru of humanity; let her assume
that role again. Lead a life in such a manner that you are
respected and revered as a child of Bharath, a life that will
be an example and inspiration for all.”
Ref: “Sathya Sai Speaks”, Vol.-XXIII,
Chapter-34.
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