“ …….. Yet I Continue to Work”

In the following article, a long-time devotee of Bhagavan Baba, M.V.N. Murthy, draws a parallel between the present avatar and Sri Krishna. Both avatars did not need to work, but they carried on righteous work to be role models. The author notes that devotees have to act in accordance with dharma if they want others to act likewise. 

“Whatever a great man does, the same is done by others as well. He sets up a standard, and it is followed by the world. There is nothing in the three worlds, O Arjuna, for Me to achieve, nor is there anything to gain which I have not gained. Yet I continue to work.”

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter III , Verses, 21-22

Sri Sathya Sai Baba once explained that He accompanies devotees to temples [at times] to set an example. He emphasizes that example is better than precept.

Generally, we tend to believe that only avatars can set examples. However, if we deliberate, we would find that failure to set examples causes most of our contemporary ills. In other words, we cannot have two sets of values—one for ourselves, and another for others, including our children, friends, parents, and subordinates. We lie to our children—thinking they are too young to understand, but are shocked when they, in turn, lie to us.  In short, we expect praise from others, but hardly give any; we expect to be forgiven, but are unprepared to forgive others. We go to office late and leave early (especially if we are ‘bosses’) while unwilling to let a subordinate do the same. Basically, if we are discourteous to others, we should not be surprised if others are discourteous to us.

If we are in doubt, let us observe the way Baba lives, acts, and speaks. He calls us “Premaswarupulara” [Embodiments of love], and He speaks to us in a sweet voice even when he chides us. When we come face-to-face with Him inside the Interview Room, He is not a condescending Avatar; instead, we meet the most considerate and courteous being. He does not criticize, saying, “You are like this.” In contrast, He says, “Let us not be too strict with others. We all tend to act like that.” He uses the word “we” and not “you.” He never addresses us in the second person singular always in the second person plural—the traditional form of addressing others with respect.

Thus Baba is setting up a standard for us to follow, if we care to emulate. He does not have to achieve or gain anything in the three worlds; yet He continues to work!

~M.V.N. Murthy
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, May 1964