Transformation Is What I Want
In His discourse on the morning of October 2, 1987, Bhagavan laid stress on the need to put into practice at least a fraction of Swami’s teachings.
“I do not want your praise. I want your transformation,” observed Bhagavan Baba, in an inspiring exhortation to devotees to fill their hearts with love and lead a godly life, in His discourse on the last day of the Veda Purusha Saptah Jnana Yajna, in the Poornachandra Auditorium at Prasanthi Nilayam.
There was a record gathering in the auditorium. The Saptah Yajna [a week of worship], which was initiated by Bhagavan on September 26, concluded with the Poornahuti [complete and final offering] on Vijayadasami day, October 2. From the 27th September to October 1, Bhagavan delivered discourses in the evening on themes relating to the Vedas. He explained the significance of the Vedas—Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana and emphasized the unique importance of Pranovapasana meditation on the Pranavamantra “AUM.”
Today marks the completion of the Veda Purusha Yajna with the performance of Poornahuti (final offering in the yajna homa). The offering that you have to make in the yajna is that of your bad thoughts, bad desires, and actions. This is more important than anything else. People are not doing this now. You have listened to hundreds of discourses over the past forty years or so. But your mind remains where it was. There is little change in your attitudes or actions. The heads are filled with scriptural lore and book knowledge, but no attempt is made to fill the heart with love. Many have been residing in the ashram for years and have been attending various festivals and functions here. But there is no change in their lives. They have not inscribed Swami’s message in their hearts.
Curb on desires
If there were no spiritual transformation in your way of life over the years, you would be guilty of having wasted all your energies, time, and opportunities. You have been coming to Prasanthi Nilayam for the past many years and have been listening to Swami’s discourses. But your desires seem to be ever on the increase, while the spirit of “tyaga” (renunciation) has not developed to the slightest extent. Should you not try to curb your desires to some extent? Living in the ashram, your thoughts are about samsaram (the family). This is not true sadhana [spiritual practice]. Sometime or other you will have to give up your material possessions. Only he is a hero who gives up his possessions before they go from him.
The Saptah Yajna concludes today (samaptam). The true meaning of “sama‑aptam” is realization of Brahman. To recognize the Omni‑Self that is in every being is Self‑realization. Today, people boast about the tremendous progress of science and technology, but if this claim is true, why does ignorance (ajnana) persist on such a large scale? The fact is, much of the progress of science today is confined to satisfying man’s selfish desires, and not for promoting the genuine well‑being of the world. Is it a sign of true progress if a country arms itself to the teeth to destroy another? Is this an index of scientific advance? It is really a sign of ignorance.
True devotion
Good thoughts, good words, and good actions are absent today. How, then, do you expect the Divine to fulfill your desires? Men are behaving in a manner worse than that of animals. How can they be called human at all? They are perpetually concerned about wealth, family, and children. They hardly think of God. There are fleeting moments of devotion, but these are more demonstrative than genuine expressions of faith in God. Such artificial exhibitions of devotion serve only to confirm the atheists in their disbelief. Unless faith in God expresses itself in a godly life, it is sheer hypocrisy.
I do not want to know that you have listened to my discourses well. What I want to know is that you have thoroughly transformed yourselves. It is such a transformation that is the mark of true devotion. If the ground is not wet, what is the point of saying that there has been a downpour? Those who claim to be devotees should show in their actions some evidence of their faith. They must live up to their professions. “Sai Ram” in words and dishonesty in thoughts is brazen deception. “Sai Ram” must emanate from the depths of one’s being. Whether in the Sai Organization or elsewhere, there must be sincerity and unity of thought, word, and deed.
Develop fraternal feelings toward all. Differences of opinion should be resolved by compromise. If egoistic pride is given up, all difficulties can be overcome. From today, make a bonfire of your ignorance and egoism and develop love in your hearts. Live up to Swami’s teachings as far as possible and thereby redeem your lives.
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Oct. 1987
