Following are the highlights of the Sankranthi Discourse:
Of all festivals, Sankranthi is the most important one. In fact, in Bharath, everyday is a festival! Sankranthi is the festival when the bridegrooms visit the homes of their in-laws. This festival is generally viewed as a festival of the bulls. During Sankranthi, people worship the cows. The bulls are decked with good dresses and jewels and taken in a procession. People even perform marriages of the bulls with the cows. The person who accompanies the bull also has a specific costume.
The bull is named Rama and the cow is named Sita. The animals are trained to respond to the movement of the stick. First the cow is questioned, "Do you like Sri Rama?" The cow is made to nod her head indicating "No". Then the bull is questioned in the same way and he too is made to answer in the negative. In fact, this is the same practice even in the world today among men and women. However, finally marriage is performed between the cow and the bull. Thus, Sankranthi is a holy festival even for the animals.
This festival is also very important for the farmers. By this time, the harvest is over and the house is full of grains. The fields are empty. This is a festival for all people right from the farmer to the king. It is celebrated in all countries, though the names may differ. The main purpose of Sankranthi is to make everybody Blissful. As the grains are brought home, even the birds partake of it and experience happiness and joy!
Every man struggles to be blissful in this world. We must understand that Bliss comes from within and not from outside. It is all a question of Reaction, Reflection and Resound. Ananda has to come only from one's own heart! Today man is experiencing artificial happiness. Bliss from the heart is permanent.
Students, bear all this in mind and conduct yourself accordingly in the future. One can never be happy by hurting others. Such a festival cannot be called a festival at all, where all are not happy.
During this Pushya Masa (month) so many changes occur. "Kranti" means change. There must be a change from Misery to Bliss - from Ashanti to Prashanti. Students, you must understand the inner significance of every festival. We must be ready to sacrifice anything. Body is not important nor is the mind. Mind is a mere collection of thoughts. Body is made up of five elements. These are present everywhere. We must brush aside the six vices and nurture happiness, health, peace and prosperity.
Today, man is restless even in accomplishing a tiny task. All say - "I want peace." Where is Peace? Outside we have only pieces! True peace is inside. In spite of prolonged heating, milk does not change its colour. Though water is mixed with milk, milk remains white in colour. So too, the heart is always pure. It is ever radiant and effulgent!
Resist and control the evil qualities and experience true Bliss! How does anger arise? When desires are not fulfilled, it leads to anger. We must experience pleasure even in pain. Bliss is in you, with you, around you. Where then do we need to search for it? True Bliss does not come from wealth or material comfort. Good company leads to Bliss. Bhagawan is always Blissful! He has no worries, no troubles, and no problems!!
Some people ask, "Swami, don't you have any worries?" What is worry - I have no idea at all!! Bliss is sweeter than sugar and tastier than honey. Many things come and go. Swami does not mind about these things. Love always remains with you. But you are using it in the worldly way. In times of sorrow, think of the happy moments. Then you will remain joyful!
Body is like a water bubble, mind is like a mad monkey. Do not follow the body, do not follow the mind, follow the conscience!! Lead your life with Love. Differences are related only to the body. True Bliss is in the heart. Happiness is union with God!
Sankranthi means a series of changes. But do not go by that which changes. It is only Divine Love that remains changeless! God is the very embodiment of Bliss! If you are sad, it is of your own making. Here is a white kerchief. To colour it, it has to be dyed.
Bliss is your true nature. You are full of Love. It just overflows from within you. But you are closing the doors. Because of excessive desires, we lose this Bliss. Whiteness is the very nature of the cloth. Because of frequent use, it becomes dirty. Its true nature is whiteness. So too the heart of Bhagawan! It is always white and bright!!
If somebody asks, "Are you happy?" you must say, "Yes, I am happy". Small unpleasant things do happen in life. But never mind all that. It is your weakness to get affected by these tiny problems.
Students, never worry about anything. Suppose you fail in an examination, tell yourself - "O.K. I did not do well, therefore I have failed". But do not keep brooding over it. You must understand that the reason for failure is your own thoughts.
Last month, there was a lot of misery all over. Many lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck so many countries. Remember, never indulge in wrong action. They lead to all such problems. This year, there will be more troubles. More than last year. But do not get worried. These are all like passing clouds.
The Tsunami is the result of human behaviour. It has nothing to do with God. All this is because of what man has made of man and not because of what God has made of man. Man's thoughts are responsible for all this. We must not consider it as God's Prasadam. God has no hatred at all. He loves everyone. He showers Bliss on each and every one. Suppose a student fails in the examination, he must consider that - this is good for me. Whatever happens it is good for all.
Without difficulties, there can be no happiness. Both are intertwined. Fruition of difficulties itself is happiness! God will never put anybody to suffering. He confers Bliss and peace on one and all. How can He give misery to anybody? If you know the true meaning of all this, you will understand that it is good for all.
This Sankranthi is Premakranthi. Welcome it wholeheartedly. We must pray "O God, You are the very embodiment of Bliss. Share that Bliss with me. Gift that Bliss to me."
Even Jesus questioned God at the time of crucifixion. However, crucifixion too is out of compassion! All difficulties will ultimately confer Bliss. Share this Bliss with others. Today it is just the reverse. We keep happiness with us and share our sorrows with others. This is not correct.
Today being Sankranthi, there should be a transformation in your hearts so as to become happy and Blissful. We must transcend humanity and ascend to Divinity. Bliss must become your food. Be hungry for Bliss at all times. Strengthen your faith, put in your best efforts - all the rest will happen automatically.
Bhagawan concluded His Discourse at 10.10 a.m. with the Bhajan - Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin....
