How to Experience Divinity
Embodiments of Love!
Your names and forms are different, but the principle of love is the same in all of you. That is why I address you as the “embodiments of love”. Love is always one, it should not be divided. Consider God as one and love Him wholeheartedly. Such one-pointed love toward God can be termed true devotion. Devotees like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and Eknath developed such divine love and sanctified their lives. Likewise, Mira and Sakkubai had unwavering love and devotion toward God. They did not worship various names and forms. They followed one path. They installed one name and one form in their heart and contemplated on their chosen deity incessantly.
Those who are dual-minded and change their path every now and then are bound to ruin their lives. Hence, never be dual-minded. Experience divinity with ekatma bhava (feeling of oneness). You may choose any name you like—Rama, Krishna, Eashwara, etc.—and contemplate on the form. You will certainly reach the goal of life. Lead your life with your mind always focused on the goal.
Once Radha could not find Krishna anywhere. Since she was deeply attached to Krishna’s physical form, she went in search of Him everywhere. She always yearned and pined for His physical proximity. The name and the form are one and the same. However, people are unable to enquire deeply and experience such oneness.
The power of love is unparalleled. It is beyond the ken of human understanding. Love can be understood only through love.
Mira’s husband, Rana, had built a mandir (temple) for Krishna. Being a great devotee of the Lord, Mira was always found in the mandir singing His glory ecstatically. Consequently, she earned the wrath of Rana. He commanded her to leave the mandir. This came as a great shock to Mira. She thought to herself, “When Krishna is all-pervasive and not confined to this mandir alone, how can Rana take me away from Him?” She left her home and hearth and set out to Mathura. Where is Mathura? It is not some geographical location. The heart suffused with nectarine love is Mathura.
She sang, Chalo Re Man Ganga Yamuna Teer (Oh mind! Go to the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna). Here, Ganga and Yamuna symbolically mean ida and pingala (left and right nostrils). The central part of the eyebrows where ida and pingala meet stands for Mathura. This is the esoteric meaning of the song.
She proceeded toward Mathura, chanting the name of Krishna incessantly while crossing rivers, hills, dales, and forests. When she ultimately reached Brindavan, she found the temple doors closed. In spite of her repeated prayers, the doors did not open. Then she said, “Oh Krishna, my heart is Your temple. I have installed You in the altar of my heart.” She banged her head against the temple door calling out to Krishna. She had the vision of Krishna and merged in Him. King Rana repented for having driven away Mira from the temple. He prayed to Krishna for forgiveness.
People these days do not enquire into the inner meaning of certain words they use. They are carried away by the worldly meanings and interpretations. You should take into consideration the feelings that emerge from your heart, which is true and eternal. This is how Mira experienced oneness with Krishna. If one wishes to tread the path of devotion, one should hold on to the principle of love firmly. Ordinary mortals do not have such firm determination, but a true devotee will never deviate from the path of love under any circumstances. No other path except love can take us to God. Develop love more and more. Wherever you are, love is your sole refuge.
Many devotees proclaim, “Oh God, I am in you, I am with you, and I am for you.” They repeat these words like parrots but do not say them from the depths of their heart. Actually God is never separate from you. Pray to Him wholeheartedly with the conviction that He is always in you, with you, above you, below you, and around you. When you offer such a prayer to God, He will certainly redeem your life.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 38 (2005)
Embodiments of Love! The main aim of human life is to acquire the knowledge of the Self. This is the true Purushartha (goal of life). Human life will find fulfillment if this goal is attained.
The ability to distinguish between that which is permanent and that which is transitory, the ability to control the internal and external senses, yearning for liberation and the path of inquiry—all these four (the four auspicious qualities) depend on devotion. The word bhakti (devotion)—derived from the root word bhaj means pure, unsullied, and selfless love toward God.
In this world, no other virtue is greater than love. Love is truth, love is righteousness, and love is wealth. This world originated from love, is sustained by love, and ultimately merges in love. Every atom has its origin in love.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999)
