1961: Light the inner consciousness

Teachings to treasure, teachings that transform. In this auspicious year 2015 commemorating the 90th birthday of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we offer a compilation of key messages from the over 140 discourses in the month of July, including Guru Poornima Days between the years 1958 and 2009.

1961: Light the inner consciousness

It is not God (or god’s idol) that needs illumination. It is body, the temple that one is carrying about that needs illumination.  Body is the temple (“Deho devaalayah prokthah”), and in that temple is installed the indweller (“jeevo devah Sanathanah”), who is the “timeless” God.

The inner motive force is God, and when He is dwelling in the heart of man, He is called the individual soul (jivi). The soul is not recognised as God because of the darkness of delusion. You mistake a stump for a person in the darkness; in the same way, the individual soul is mistaken to be a separate, changing individual. The principle of the individual is given more importance, and the divine principle or principle of infinite consciousness is ignored on account of the darkness. So the lights have to be switched on in the person’s inner consciousness (anthahkarana), rather than in the house where the image of the Lord is installed and worshipped.

Material world is a stick that helps a person to walk, character and virtue are the limbs that enable a person to walk. For developing those limbs of character and virtue, spiritual discipline is essential – any form of discipline suited to the taste and capacity of the individual.

Those living closer to ‘God’ not only see the splendour of light but also feel its warmth. Divine power is innate for everyone, and can be experienced by practicing “namasmaran”, repeating Lord’s name.

One must be sincere in spiritual field. Do not pretend and deceive yourself and others. Egoism in the hearts has to be weeded out from the roots. This can be done by insisting “Not I, but the Lord”. Study of scriptures should make one humble and more resistant to temptation. The innate divine nature can be manifested by cleaning the dirt of delusion with the soap of ethics and the water of practice.  

It is the ignorant person who argues loudly and angrily and talks cynically. The wise man will pause before judging; he will see all sides of the problem, relate it to his own experience, and hesitate to accept it or condemn it. He will hear less and taste more.

Even for a householder, Lakshya (Objective) and Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) are both equally important. He too has an objective, which he forgets at his peril. Wealth should not hamper that goal or hide it from the eyes. For an ascetic, wealth is taboo; only the objective is to be pursued.

Points to ponder

·       What is the true meaning and relevance of illumination near God

·       How can we relate to material world in our spiritual journey

·       How should a spiritual aspirant conduct himself/herself