THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY Part – Ninety One

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY

Nearly two and half decades ago while speaking to the students of His university on this day of India’s independence Baba clearly set forth before the young minds the ideals and idols they should pursue. He also elucidated what independence means in its truest sense. Here are a few excerpts from that revealing discourse delivered on August 15, 1985.

One must learn lessons from one’s mistake, repent and resolve not to commit it again. The history of India holds forth before us the folly of repeating the wrongs already done.

The French, the Portuguese, the Moghuls and the Afghans have all warned Indians against this nature. French Governor Dupleix has recorded that he was able to establish French rule in the then Karnataka region with the help of the Nizam. Mir Jaffer helped Lord Clive to conquer Bengal. Raghunatha Rao Peshwa helped the foreigner to conquer Maharashtra.

Foreign rule was established in India, with the help of Indians themselves. Inhabitants of an island, eleven thousand miles away, were able to conquer India, sixteen times its size having eight times its population, and rule over it for one hundred and ninety years, because of one basic defect – disunity caused by mutual suspicion, selfishness and jealousy. Union is strength; disunion brings disaster.

When Gandhi was twenty-four years old, he proceeded to South Africa at the invitation of an Indian business house to conduct a court case. There he witnessed the humiliation being heaped upon Indian settlers by the Whites. Differences can exist between man and man in health, education, wealth and temperament. But fundamentally all men are equal and should be treated as such. But racial animosity was the accepted policy of the White rulers in South Africa.

Gandhi stayed on among the oppressed Indians and native blacks and devised the strategy of Sathyagraha (passive resistance or civil disobedience) to end the exploitation. When the movement showed signs of quick success, General Smuts invited Gandhi for discussion.

Gandhi explained to him that he had to resort to non-violent Sathyagraha since the inhuman policy of insulting and injuring humans having black skins had to be resisted and exterminated. General Smuts retorted by pointing out to Gandhi how millions of Indians – human beings like the rest – were kept out of villages and condemned as untouchables. The General’s word acted as a bullet shot right at the heart of Gandhi.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY – divine wisdom for positive living

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY is not raised only on a battlefield, in a competition, or after gaining worldly success. Real victory is won inside the heart, where truth defeats falsehood, love defeats hatred, humility defeats pride, and faith defeats fear. A person may conquer lands, earn wealth, or receive praise from society, but if the mind remains restless and the heart remains impure, that victory is incomplete.

In ordinary life, people often measure victory by outer achievements. They feel victorious when they gain position, money, name, comfort, or power. These things may bring temporary happiness, but they cannot give lasting peace. Outer success can be lost at any time, but inner strength, good character, and divine awareness remain as true treasures. This is why spiritual wisdom teaches that the highest victory is mastery over oneself.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY is lifted when a person controls anger instead of being controlled by it. Anger can destroy relationships, peace, and wisdom in a single moment. Many people think that shouting or hurting others shows strength, but real strength is patience. When someone remains calm during insult, responds with understanding, and chooses peace over reaction, that person wins a noble victory.

Another important victory is victory over ego. Ego makes a person believe, “I am greater, I know everything, and others must respect me.” This attitude creates distance, conflict, and inner blindness. Humility opens the heart to learning, love, and grace. A humble person does not become weak; rather, such a person becomes closer to truth. The flag of victory rises when pride bows before wisdom.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY also shines through truthfulness. It is easy to speak truth when there is no loss, but it takes courage to stand by truth during difficulty. Falsehood may seem useful for a short time, but it creates fear and weakness within. Truth gives inner freedom. A truthful person may face challenges, but the heart remains light because there is no burden of deception.

Life constantly gives us choices. We can choose kindness or harshness, service or selfishness, forgiveness or revenge, faith or doubt. Every noble choice becomes a silent victory. Even if the world does not notice, the soul becomes stronger. God sees the purity behind every action, and divine grace supports those who walk the path of righteousness.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY is not about defeating other people. It is about defeating the lower tendencies within ourselves. Jealousy, greed, laziness, hatred, fear, and attachment are the real enemies. They disturb peace and keep the mind trapped in suffering. When these weaknesses are reduced through prayer, discipline, selfless service, and good thoughts, life becomes brighter and more meaningful.

A person who forgives has also won a great victory. Forgiveness does not mean approving wrong behavior. It means refusing to carry bitterness in the heart. Revenge keeps the wound alive, but forgiveness begins healing. The one who forgives becomes free from the burden of anger. This freedom is a beautiful form of spiritual success.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY becomes visible in service. When we help others without expecting praise, we rise above selfishness. Service purifies the heart because it teaches us to think beyond “me” and “mine.” Feeding the hungry, comforting the sad, speaking gently, respecting elders, and supporting someone in difficulty are all sacred actions. They may look simple, but they create deep inner growth.

The world may admire power, but the Divine values purity. A person may be unknown to society, yet spiritually victorious if the heart is filled with love and truth. Another person may be famous, yet inwardly defeated if the mind is full of greed and pride. Therefore, we should not judge victory only by outer appearance. The real measure is peace, compassion, humility, and closeness to God.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY also teaches that failure is not the end. Sometimes defeat in the outer world becomes the beginning of inner awakening. A loss can teach detachment. A mistake can teach humility. A delay can teach patience. A painful experience can teach faith. When we learn from every situation and become better, even difficulties become steps toward victory.

Faith in God gives courage during this journey. Human effort is necessary, but divine grace gives strength beyond our limited ability. When the mind becomes tired, prayer brings hope. When the path becomes unclear, remembrance of God gives direction. A person who trusts the Divine does not collapse easily because the heart feels protected by a higher power.

THE TRUE FLAG OF VICTORY finally belongs to the one who lives with purity, love, discipline, and surrender. Such a person may not always win every worldly battle, but they win the deeper battle of life. Their thoughts become peaceful, their words become kind, and their actions become useful to others.

True victory is not noise, pride, or display. It is the quiet joy of a clean conscience and a loving heart. When we conquer anger with patience, ego with humility, selfishness with service, and fear with faith, life becomes sacred. Then the real flag of victory rises within the soul, shining with divine peace and eternal grace.