Karma, Bhakthi and Jnana

Dear Devotees,

“Lokopakaaram”, the duty of national service has acquired today the primary place among social activities. National service implies service to every being in the nation. Whoever undertakes national service should realise, that because he is a part of the nation, he is serving himself when he is serving others. This realisation itself will be a great national service. Very often, men tend to cloak their own self interest in the garb of national service.

Our ancients were convinced that if one follows Dharma, he will be automatically serving both himself and the society. Just as an elephant’s foot-print can contain within it the foot-prints of all other animals, the concept of Dharma comprehends every form of service to others, every type of activity for the promotion of national welfare, peace, and prosperity. They were convinced that all the acts that contribute to the physical, mental and spiritual development of the people are based on Dharma.

Dharma in common parlance is regarded as comprising the recognised traditional practices of a country. In all our traditional practices, service to society is inherent. Even in estimable activities like charity and actions of religious merit, the motive of self—interest may not be absent. Those who undertake these activities may be concerned about the fruits of their actions in regard to their future lives. Whatever action one may do, there is bound to be an element of self—interest in it; it will not be entirely for the sake of others.

Normally when one refers to social life, it is asked what connection it has with spiritual pursuits? Similarly, when one speaks about spiritual life, it is assumed that it has no connection with social activities of any kind! Both these views are mistaken. Spiritual life contributes not only to the Divine unfolding of society and the divinisation of mankind, but it makes the society itself a manifestation of the cosmic being. The Divinity that is at the basis of the society is reflected through the Divinity of the individual. 

The physical universe is perceivable, but the divinity that sustains it is not directly seen. Similarly, the individuals who manifest Divinity can be seen, but the whole of society cannot be seen. Society is not something made up of the five elements (panchabhuthas). It is a projection of the Divine Will. Only through an inner spiritual consciousness can this be realised. A mere aggregation of human beings does not constitute a society. It is not through numbers, but out of a sense of belonging to like-minded community that a society comes into existence. That sense of community is derived from the spiritual idea of the all-pervasiveness of the Divine — Sath-Chith-Ananda (Being, Awareness and Bliss). The concept of society cannot be dissociated from the concept of God.

Spiritual understanding makes one realise what is true and real beyond the transient and experience it. For the sculptor to undertake sculpture, he must learn all about the essential basis of his art (Rasa-Jnana) and not details about the materials he uses for his work. Mere knowledge of the sources from which these materials have come or their history will not be of any avail. What applies to sculpture applies in greater measure to the spiritual sphere. 

Though spiritual realisation of the Divine is immanent in creation, man alone can realise the Divine principle that provides the integral link between creation and society. Through this understanding, man can use in the proper way the various powers that are in the Universe, for the good of the society. Instead of being a prisoner of creation, man can become the master of creation by invoking within himself the power of the Divine. All the animate and inanimate objects that have emerged in the process of creation belong to various groups, species and communities. Nothing in creation stands alone.

Every object belongs to some group or species or genus. In all these multifarious groups and species, the Divine Power is present according to its specific requirements and conditions. Where this Divine Power is present in its fullness and excellence, it is known as ‘Vibhuti’. The Divinity that is immanent in everything is proclaimed by the manifoldness of nature. Out of the One have come many. It is by realising the infinite creative power of the Divine in the Cosmos, that the Divinisation of society can be achieved.

The realisation that the whole of mankind is one divine family is the means to understand the basis of society. It is because society is a manifestation of the Divine purpose, that individuals are enjoined to realise the Divine through living in society and not by getting away from it. The link between social life and spiritual life is not a casual connection. Social life is the very basis of spiritual life. Between the Cosmos and man, there is a Divine link.

The cosmos is a projection of the Divine will and it reflects the Divine. The expression “Sahridayam sarva bhoothaanaam” (He resides in the hearts of all living beings) shows that the Lord is not merely a friend but the Eternal Companion residing in the heart.

Dear readers, instead of loading your minds with bookish knowledge, fill your hearts with love that will bring about the real fulfilment of life. In this land of Bharath, the different creeds and communities are like many beautiful gardens redolent with fragrant flowers of different colours. To protect and nourish these vast gardens is the primary duty of castes and creeds. What is needed is the abolition of the barriers and divisions built up on the basis of castes and creeds. This is the primary duty of Bharatiyas today.

With love and Blessings,

Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

27-07-80

Prasanthi Nilayam