DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 Part – Twenty Eight

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79

Discrimination and detachment are the first and the second steps that man has to take in order to reach the Eternal Atmic Truth. The mind can be steadied only by means of the mastery of desire, the quality of unwavering Detachment. Once the mind is still, peace reigns and bliss prevails. Detachment or the giving up of the tendency to pursue what attracts the mind, is often misconstrued as asceticism which renounces social and family life and escapes into the loneliness of the forests. But, it involves, more than anything else, awareness of the basic blemish in all material things. Without this inquiry and this discovery, all claims for detachment or renunciation are false. No one can have real detachment in their absence. The sense of dislike that results from the recognition of the temporariness and triviality of pleasure is best called `practical detachment’.

The giving up of external struggle is not enough, nor is it a great achievement. The real struggle is internal – the withdrawal of the extrovert senses into the mind and making them ineffective through the exercise of the intellect or discrimination. Investigate each material object that entices the senses by beauty, fragrance, sweetness and softness. Realise that these are all momentary, depending on your mental condition, physical health and emotional balance. Man is enamoured of such fleeting phenomena; he accepts them as valid and valuable. He is entangled in these unrealities and he strays far away from the path of liberation. This is really not man’s goal.

When we are drawn towards some source of pleasure, we examine it carefully and analyse the pleasure that it promises to give. Imagine that you have longed to eat a particular sweet dish. You have got it cooked and served on your plate. You are anticipating all the while the relish it can confer.

So too, when you examine the quality of the pleasure you hope to derive or the fame you toil to earn by your struggles, you will certainly blame yourselves for being so serious about them. It may be asked: we build a house for us to live in; is that not a source of joy? We listen to fine music; is that not a source of joy? Does it not fill the heart with tenderness? In the same manner, are not these worldly pleasures real? Consider for a moment, whether even fine music will give uniform joy, if listened to continuously for hours! Even the heavenly musicians, Narada and Tumburu will tire a listener if they hold forth for too long, however mellifluent be their voice. Sweetness too is bound to be disliked after some mouthfuls. After the limit is reached, every additional mouthful gives less and less pleasure, while disgust intervenes.

The classical poet-philosopher Bhartrhari asks, “How can medicine, resorted to for the sake of curing an illness, be deemed a luxury, a desirable pleasure?” Hunger is a `disease’. Food is the medicine that cures the disease. That is the plain fact but no one recognises it and behaves accordingly! They have made it a costly ritual, a futile feast, a fertile source of further diseases! For, they cater to the whims and fancies of the tongue and behave like slaves of the senses.

The King was hunting in the depths of a forest from dawn until early afternoon. He was afflicted by intense thirst. At last, he found a hermitage where he took refuge. The inmates gave him cool clear water to drink. That was the medicine which he needed most. It made him fresh and fine. If the drink intoxicates him, robs him of reason and degrades his personality, it is the cause of many other diseases. Discrimination will reveal the dangers lurking in becoming a bond slave of the senses.

The special instrument that God has allotted man, namely, Buddhi or the Intellect, has to be used by man to become master of these down-dragging senses. The Intellect has to be used to judge and decide the means for the upliftment of the human to the Divine. It has to help man to realise God and nothing less. Nevertheless, it is now misused in finding others’ faults and belittling others. It is like using a mirror, not to improve one’s appearance, but to ridicule the appearance of others!

The Antahkarana has four instruments that prompt man. Of these, Buddhi is two-faced; it draws light from the Atma to which it is closest; it illumines with that light, the mind and the senses. It regulates the passions and emotions, the impulses and instinctive reactions. Some perverse minds confront with questions, like, “Is not ensuring the safety and happiness of our wives and children our duty? How can you declare that it is not desirable?” Yes. But remember the prime purpose of the education you earn in this life is to concentrate on your Atmic Truth. Do not be diverted from this fundamental duty. Other activities must smoothen and straighten this Path. They must be contributory Sadhanas for this basic purpose of man.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 – A sacred message of truth, love, and spiritual living

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 is a meaningful spiritual theme that reminds us how divine words can guide human life from confusion to clarity. A divine discourse is not only a speech; it is a stream of wisdom meant to awaken the heart, purify the mind, and lead people toward righteous living. When such teachings are heard with humility, they become more than knowledge. They become a path for transformation.

The message of DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 inspires seekers to understand that human birth has a higher purpose. Life is not meant only for earning, eating, sleeping, competing, and fulfilling desires. These may be part of worldly existence, but they are not the final goal. The real purpose of life is to discover the divine nature within, live with purity, serve others, and remember God with sincere devotion.

One important teaching is truth. Truth should not remain only in speech. It must be present in thoughts, intentions, duties, relationships, and actions. A person may face difficulties while following truth, but the heart remains peaceful because there is nothing to hide. Falsehood may bring temporary gain, but it creates fear and weakness within. A life built on truth becomes strong, calm, and sacred.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 also reminds us that love is the foundation of spiritual life. Real love is not selfish attachment or temporary emotion. It is patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, kindness, and understanding. A loving person does not hurt others through harsh speech, ego, jealousy, or careless behavior. Love becomes divine when it expands beyond family and friends and embraces all beings with compassion.

Discipline is another necessary part of spiritual growth. Without discipline, even good thoughts remain weak. A person may wish to pray, study, serve, or improve character, but without steady effort, the mind easily becomes distracted. Discipline teaches proper use of time, control of speech, moderation in food, honest work, and daily remembrance of God. It is not a burden; it is protection for the soul.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 teaches that education must be connected with character. Knowledge alone does not make a person noble. A clever mind without values can become selfish or harmful, while knowledge joined with humility and compassion becomes a blessing to society. True education should create respect, responsibility, truthfulness, service-mindedness, and devotion to noble ideals.

Service is one of the purest expressions of devotion. Feeding the hungry, helping the sick, comforting the sad, guiding the confused, and supporting the weak become sacred actions when done with love. Prayer purifies the heart, but service proves that prayer has become real. Devotion remains incomplete if it does not become compassion in daily life. A person who serves without pride becomes an instrument of divine love.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 also gives a deep lesson about controlling desires. Desires are endless when they are not guided by wisdom. One wish creates another, and the mind never feels fully satisfied. Contentment does not mean laziness or lack of effort. It means knowing the difference between need and greed. A contented person works sincerely, lives responsibly, and remains grateful without becoming a slave of comparison or luxury.

Prayer gives strength during difficult times. Life will not always move according to personal wishes. There will be delays, illness, misunderstandings, failures, losses, and painful moments. During such times, prayer gives courage and patience. It may not remove every problem immediately, but it gives peace to face the situation with faith. A heart connected with God does not break easily.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 also reminds us that spirituality should not remain limited to outer worship. Lighting lamps, offering flowers, singing bhajans, and reading sacred texts are beautiful when they purify the heart. But if a person continues to speak harshly, act selfishly, or hurt others, devotion remains incomplete. The real offering to God is pure thought, gentle speech, honest action, and selfless love.

Humility is also essential. Pride creates distance from God, while humility brings the heart closer. A humble person does not boast about knowledge, service, devotion, or success. Such a person understands that every talent, opportunity, and blessing comes from divine grace. Humility makes the heart soft and ready to receive wisdom.

DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 teaches surrender as a practical way of living. Surrender does not mean weakness or inactivity. It means doing one’s duty sincerely and leaving the result to divine wisdom. A student must study, a worker must work honestly, a patient must take treatment, and a devotee must practice good values. After sincere effort, the heart should accept the result with faith and balance.

In the end, DIVINE DISCOURSE: 26-9-79 is a sacred reminder that divine wisdom is meant for daily transformation. It guides seekers toward truth, love, discipline, service, contentment, humility, prayer, and surrender. When these teachings are practiced sincerely, ordinary life becomes meaningful. The mind becomes calmer, the heart becomes kinder, and every day becomes a step closer to God.