The following discourse has been translated into English from Bhagavan's Telugu speech as heard on this festival's ashram audiocassette. It is a complete, literal translation made with the objective of preserving Bhagavan's precious original poetic style as much as possible.

DIVINE DISCOURSE BY SRI SATYA SAI BABA

We are forgetting today that from ancient times so many sages were born in this sacred land of Bharat. This sacred culture of Bharat spread to the whole world and gained the name and fame of spirituality.

You have to recognize the truth that the land of Bharat is only dependant on the wealth of spirituality, but not on other powers. Just consider the state now of this sacred country of Bharat that had made the Divine radiance to shine at all times and gave it to all countries.

Every human being who was an ideal, experienced numerous types of sufferings, troubles, losses, sorrows and grief. However, to offer an ideal to the world, each was steady in their determination.

You have to remind yourself today about the nature of Jesus, who was an ideal. From time to time during past ages, great ones like this, ones of great power, spread to the world noble types of teachings. All the numerous people who were ideals gave teachings and help to everyone. They did good to the world with Divine feelings, though they went through numerous difficulties.

However, foolish men, unable to understand the inner meaning in this, only disrespected spirituality. Even from the time that Jesus was born, he had to undergo numerous types of difficulties, losses, sorrows and grief.

When the Divinity of great men is spread to the world, numerous people become jealous. Anasuya (absence of jealousy) and Asuya (jealousy), both are sisters. One may teach stories to Bharatiyas in a way that makes the meaning well understood. Kama (desire or lust), anger and hatred are the three children of Asuya. Anasuya has three children. They are ones who have good qualities: Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Siva). However, the children of Asuya - lust or desire, anger, and greed - became greatly evil, and they harmed others in numerous ways. They also gave a lot of suffering to Jesus in many ways.

Jesus went through many struggles, desiring to give peace and security to society. He brought near to him poor people, spiritual seekers, and those with difficulties in their lives. He then took away their difficulties and reduced their troubles with his compassion.

However, unable to bare these sacred activities, many people created obstacles in numerous different ways. At last, this hatred increased day by day. Some communities began to hate him a lot. Priests also became envious of him.

What was the cause for this? Jealousy, due to the increasing name and fame of Jesus, was the main reason for this. All the poor and gentle fishermen worshipped this Jesus a lot. In this same way, all the young people also loved him a lot. As they became his disciples, his fame, name and repute increased day by day.

A number of people were unable to bear his name and fame increasing like that. So they devised numerous types of obstacles. They also imposed many types of sufferings. At last they even tried to take away his life. Even one among his disciples also participated in this. There were twelve disciples. Out of them, the twelfth one was Judas.

In those days, there was one Judas. Today numerous Judas's are starting out. Due to so many Judas's following this unsacred path, in view of their increase in the world, peacelessness is growing and there are many types of agitation all around.

Many with mean intelligence like this, only tempted by money, have fallen. This Judas gave up his Guru to the authorities, desiring only twelve rupees. This dependence on wealth had started even 2000 years ago. They gave Jesus suffering due to their desire for money and other unsacred desires.

By giving and accepting money, they make use of money to harm many people in many different ways. Taking part in unjust, unrighteous, bad activities of untruth, and by attributing terrible evil, which is not really there, they propagate a path contradictory to pure, eternal Truth. That is the way of the world both in those days and these days. No one should have any kind of fear regarding this. Why should we be afraid of faults that are not in us? Why should we tremble at faults, which are not in us?

Reputation spreads in the world when there are true, eternal feelings and teachings about the principle of Divinity. Thus some become jealous. Even in those days, many people entered upon those kind of unsacred paths. Today also it is no different. Due to the name and fame of Sai increasing day by day, many people are becoming jealous. Never mind if at least they are doing good activities. But they are truly not trying to do good.

Has anyone of repute in the world given even a drop of water to Rayalaseema? (Note: Rayalaseema is the name of the area in Andhra Pradesh in which Puttaparthi is located. It is the driest region in the State. Even the name means, "place of bare rocks".) Even from the time of the British, they weren’t able to give the region water to drink. There are so many rich people. There are so many leaders. Not even one is taking part in good activities. Therefore, feeling that water is life and it was necessary to quench the thirst of those in this Rayalaseema, Sai Baba gave everyone water. (Applause) He gave water to every single house.

To cure the disease of any individual, if they want a heart operation, so many hundreds of thousands of rupees are needed. Without giving any trouble to the people by charging money, He built a Super Speciality Hospital and is having many hundreds of thousands of people undergo heart operations.

If one wants to join in a school the child who is born and does not know even the alphabet, first and foremost Rs. 20,000 in fees has to be given. Unworthy men, who cannot take care of the education of his own children, are indulging in this type of bad propaganda.

Who did this thing? Who is offering education for free? Is any government doing it? No, no! (Applause) Is any government giving free medical care? They are not even realizing what things are being done. All the highly educated ones of these days have very low, mean-minded intelligence.

How are the works that are being done? Is anyone doing even a thousandth part of it? No, no, no! Only one, Sathya Sai Baba. Without any trace of selfishness, He is doing all this for others. (Long Applause)

Not only that. The people of one religion are giving money and creating propaganda to make those of other religions convert. Numerous people are putting on ochre cloths as renunciates. Even those ones who put on the orange cloth see one Swami, imitate another Swami, see another Swami, and imitate that Swami. They are carrying on like this with bad propaganda.

Again, now in Bangalore also, we are spending three hundred crores of rupees and building a Super Speciality Hospital. (Applause) In this state of Karnataka, has even one Minister entered even a tiny bit into works like this? Then, they go sitting and talking great exaggerations.

Even ones who are great, great millionaires, if one comes to their house saying, "Mother! I am hungry," they are releasing their dog and having it jump on them! Are they human beings? Are ones like this educated? Are ones like this leaders? Chi, chi, chi, chi! ("Very bad, terrible, shameful!") It is a matter of shame even to call them leaders or ones of authority. Are they able to do even a thousandth part of what Sathya Sai Baba does? Then, how are they coming foreword with propaganda? This is shameful for them only.

This type of evil arises at the time of every Avatar (Divine Incarnation). When Krishna came to show the world numerous ideals, wicked ones like Kamsa, Dantavakra and Sisupala came as demons. Saying, ‘Dharma, Dharma, Dharma,’ Rama came to propagate Dharma. At last, useless, negative reasoning made him undertake exile in the forest. So many troubles were put to him in the forest. Also later, due to separation from his wife, he experienced many sorrows and problems.

The ladies in 'Kingdom of Mother Sathya Sai' (Note: the organization formed by the girls graduated from Swami’s college, now named 'Messengers of Sathya Sai') are doing so many types of seva (service) in so many countries. They are even putting the husbands that they married on this sacred path. They are also undertaking seva through them.

Switzerland, America, Japan, Germany, China, Russia - our children have entered in all directions. Some foreigners are trying to bribe them. They are saying, "See, foolish ones! I will give this much money. I will give so many dollars. I will give this many pounds. You write and give some stories against Sathya Sai Baba."

Ones of certain religions create this bad publicity leading to conversions. They are offering bribes like this. Even one girl staying in Switzerland said that they told, "You write a story and give us." That girl took the boots which she was wearing from her feet and yelled, "Is this the Truth that your religion teaches? Is this the ideal Truth of your religion? Chi, chi, chi, chi! ("Very, very bad!") Go!"

Many of these Judas's get desire for money and they are entering into things like this. Entering into such activities, at last what happened to Judas? He said the name of Jesus, revealing him to the authorities to be captured. After the deed happened, he sat with tears in his eyes. "Cha! Did I do such deceit to my guru? I am Guru Drohi, betrayer of the guru, betrayer of God." Saying this, he hit himself.

One small example you know: Buddha was moving, wandering about. When he was going, a demon came, the demoness of Asuya (jealousy). "Buddha! I will kill and eat you."

Then Buddha smiled and laughed. "Oh dear! Are you coming to me with jealousy? Asuya (Jealousy)! I am also loving you!" By the time he said those words, that Asuya transformed into a dove of Peace and Love, and it went flying upward.

Therefore, we also have to overcome jealousy. We have to overcome hatred. We have to conquer anger. We have to Increase Peace. Then only we will become true devotees.

Only being happy with people who praise, and hating those who blame, is not good. Both should always be the same for us. There should not be hatred for them just because they have criticized. Just because they praise, don't take them as friends.

All criticism, praise, rejection and acceptance also, all is from the mouth but not for us. All of these are obstacles to progress. Therefore, you don't hold any hatred for anyone. See good anywhere. Accept it. If there is bad anywhere, without looking at it, leave it.

Therefore, continue the sadhana that you do without any change, regardless of the matters which are heard. It is only due to them putting so many troubles to Jesus, isn't it, that today the whole world is worshipping him.

One disciple came, a youth, and he asked Jesus, "Guruji! When I have difficulty, in what way should I remove it?" Jesus answered, "Crazy fellow! Are you wanting your difficulty, sorrow and worries to be discarded? God, who is fully pervading in your heart, love Him. Whoever is causing you difficulty, love the form of Atma that is also in him. If you love everyone, then where will you have sorrow? Your heart will be full of Bliss and Love. Therefore, you don't try at all for the removal of sorrow."

Once Arjuna also questioned Krishna that same thing. "Swami, is there anyone that you have a close, intimate relationship with?" Krishna answered, "Crazy fellow! I don't have any differences of one close and others enemies. Who is it in your heart? I only am in your heart. It is I only who am in the hearts of those who criticize Me. Love God, who is the Indweller in all hearts. Only he who sees God as the Indweller in all hearts has a close, intimate relationship with Me. They are the ones who have a close, intimate relationship with Me, not those related by birth. I have close relationship with those having Love for Me. Therefore, Arjuna! You didn't get to know this after so much time? Arjuna! I thought you were a great man. However, you made Me sit in your chariot, but you did not seat Me in the chariot of your heart, isn't it?"

We have to seat God in every single heart. You don't need to seat Him. He only is already there. It is enough if you recognize that He is there. If you recognize that one Truth, without fail you will also become Embodiments of God (Divine).

It is only the quality of Love that has to be spread the world now. There is nothing else in this world except for this Love.

Your mind should not waver in any situation. This mind that wavers will go very bad. Therefore, once Tyagaraja also said that:

(Telugu poem)

You are still suffering, being deluded in this way. For that reason only, we should not be deluded by anything and we should not waver due to anything.

Just don't leave Truth. We have to continue our lives with Love. The life that is continued with Love is so sacred. He is a true Jeeva (living being). He is a true human being.

Therefore, there is unity in everything. So, we have to develop our Love, spend life with Truth, do our activities with Dharma (Righteousness), and dedicate our lives with Peace. Therefore, Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love are supports to us. There are no better ideals for us. There is no better support for us. There is no better strength for us. Truth only is a big strength. Carry on daily life with Sathyam, Dharma, Shanti, and Prema.

We don't need to fear anything. Even if a thunderbolt falls on the head, never mind. You don't be afraid. If life goes, it only goes once, but not a second time, isn't it? If not today, it may go tomorrow. Therefore, you don't need to be afraid that your life will go.

Continue on with Sathya, Dharma and Prema. The fruits that we have to eat are these only: Sathya, Dharma, Shanti fruits. Give to the world the fruit of Shanti. The fruit of Sathyam induces Divine life. The fruit of this Prema gives Shanti in all ways to the world.

(Telugu poem)

Why this suffering? We should not give any chance for this suffering. When doing contemplation on God, how can suffering enter? It will never come. It will never come.

Hence, if there is true devotion to God, say 'Jesus', say 'Rama', say 'Krishna'. Give any name at all. God is one only.

(Applause)

We have to put this in our heart. You should not waver in numerous ways, considering this Name of God and that Name. Therefore, you proceed in your life with Unity. Wherever you are, it is OK. You should not leave this.

'Kingdom of Mother Sai' kids (graduated students from Swami’s schools, now named 'Messengers of Sathya Sai') are doing very great service. In what way they are doing it? They are even giving up eating. However, you should not ruin the health like that.

We are building a hospital. The other day in Bangalore, the girls said, "Oh dear! In what way can we do any service to so many living beings? We are unable to! Our power is very small. We are ladies. When we consider giving help, carrying rocks or bricks like gents, we are unable to do it." So, saving, saving, saving a lot from the salary that they get, the other day they credited 75 lakh rupees in the Sathya Sai Trust. (Applause) 75 lakh!

Then, there are the gents (boys). They also, all the old boys (former students) are the ones who left, after graduating from our college. Although they are outside, they are my people only. However they also, Paapam! (It's a pity!) are going to trouble. They are saving, "Here is a little." Still every month they will be waiting (for their salary). Paapam! If they eat in the morning, they won't eat in the evening. If they eat in the evening, they won't eat in the morning. Saving, saving, saving in that way, all of these Sathya Sai old students came together and yesterday they credited 45 lakh rupees to the Central Trust.

You may feel something like, 'All big, big people are giving millions, millions, millions and millions to the hospital.' We are not asking big, big people at all. They are not giving us. However, I am happy with small, small donations.

Many people gave presents to Jesus. One very poor lady came and gave a small coin. All big, big people gave crowns and necklaces. He threw all of them away. He only kept that coin with him. He did not leave that coin from his hand till he died. That coin was given with Love. The form of that coin was his Love. It is told like that.

You develop your good intelligence. You develop your virtue. You increase your morality. Develop your character. You develop your courage. You share the nature of your Love with everyone. Therefore in this way, devotees and kids are like this. Outsiders don't know at all.

Parents are suffering, "Why is our son losing weight? Why is our daughter getting thin? They are not even paying attention to their health. They are sending them to Swami’s service." I don't need service like that. You eat. Jeeva (the individual being or soul) is Deva (God). Even the Jeeva should not be harmed. You eat well. Be blissful. Afterwards, you enter into activities.

You are going village to village and doing service. Is there any service higher than that? That amounts to millions in money. Therefore, you develop that wealth of service. Go village to village. Help all poor people. Give some food to the one suffering from hunger.

Now I also told this before, last time. It came in a small paper. The father died. There was a mother and child. The mother did not have the power to bring up that child. She was going for alms (begging) and somehow was raising the child. Some time ago, there were fifteen days of heavy rains. It was not possible even for the mother to go for alms.

Then that kid came in the morning. "Mother! I am hungry! Hungry! Give me some food!" What food can the mother give? She shed tears. "Son, God did not give me the power to give you food." Saying that, she suffered within herself.

At last she obtained some poison from somewhere. She mixed that poison in some water. She made the child drink and she drank it and both died. That was put somewhere in a paper and was found by Me.

"Cha! (What a shame it is!) In the sacred land of Annapoorna (Goddess of Food), in this Bharat, are there mothers unable to raise their children? Do they not even have the power to give them some food and raise them?" I felt badly.

Saying that, I arranged one lakh rupees fixed deposit in the names of some mothers and their children. As long as they live, if there is a lakh in the bank, Rs. 1,000 will come each month. If Rs. 1,000 comes, can't the mother and child live?

However, so many of those who deceive are coming. Wherever money comes, there all these conflicts begin. They say, "Hey! What will you do, keeping this one lakh rupees in the bank? You take it out. We will do business. A lot of money will come!" They will do all tricky strategies.

Therefore I gave strict orders to the Bank Manager. Whoever comes, don't sign it. As soon as the first of the month comes, only if the husband and wife both come and they both sign, the money should be given.

So, putting one lakh rupees in fixed deposit for them, we will make the kids to study. No one can look after them if they are in some distant village. Therefore we wanted to bring those in distant villages near. When the government was asked, the government didn't give any land at all. Why? We will not vote, isn't it? Therefore, why should they give land to us? Chi! (Very bad!) Are they prepared to spend notes (money) for no votes? Thinking this, I stopped asking them.

I will educate these kids. No need to fear about education at all. There are so many of our students. There are so many of our girl students too. They can also go and educate them. Therefore, our girls and boys are ready for any service. Kids like this cannot be obtained anywhere.

Now, I am going to Puttaparthi tomorrow. The Annual Sports Day will also be performed. Those kids have to give a lot of enthusiasm in these sports also. Then, there I am also making efforts to build these houses.

Then again, on 19^th January I have to come here to Bangalore and arrive at (inaugurate) Sathya Sai Hospital. It is great. It will give joy to the whole of Karnataka. All the heart patients in the state of Karnataka should be cured.

Therefore, girls or boys, obey the order of the parents and also give them Bliss. If they want it, you also get married and become ideal householders. I am hoping and blessing this, and I am ending my long discourse.

In only a few minutes, again these 'Kingdom of Mother Sai' people are enacting a drama in this hall. That drama also is an ideal drama. They won’t bring all crazy, useless novels and enact them.

We have to close our eyes when we go anywhere and see things. It may be the craziness of this government but, wherever one looks in this world, there is TV, TV, and TV! The government is spoiling the children through this TV. Never mind if something good is shown. It doesn’t matter (harm). But they are showing very, very bad things. They are putting things regarding deceit and stealing. Is this what the government should teach? Chi, chi! (It's very bad! Very bad!)

You enter into that. If they are proceeding along for their own selfishness, we should not also bang cymbals and go along (joining and playing to their tune). They have made it a habit. However, we should not make it a habit.

(Applause)

(Bhagavan closed His Divine Discourse by chanting the Bhajan, "Hare Rama, Hare Rama…")