Reality

Swami:           Well! You look so full of joy today! 

Bhakta:          You have yourself said that man is the embodiment of joy, isn’t it?

Swami:            Then you must always be in this mood; do you remain so?

Bhakta:          I am trying as far as possible.

Swami:           Why say ‘trying’? Does not sorrow flee the instant Reality is known?

Bhakta:          But what is the Reality, Swami?

Swami:           All that ‘is’ is unreal! The efforts you under­take, the words you utter, are all unreal; when you know this, the Reality will be evident. Remove all the unreal ideas, opinions, acts, and the Truth that is hidden can be seen. Piling up all this on top, if you ask, what is Reality. how can it be seen?sri-sathya-sai-

Bhakta:          How is it possible to take all that is done, spoken, seen, felt, listened to, as unreal?

Swami:           First, understand who is experiencing all these. You refer to the body as ‘I’, ‘I’, isn’t it? That is unreal. When the experiencing ‘I’ is itself unreal, how can the experiences be real? All have the same atma. The person who experienced is not ‘you’, the person who list­ened is not ‘you’. You only witnessed all this.

Bhakta:          You said, Swami, that in everything there is atma; is there atma in a dead man?

Swami:           Oh! A good question, indeed! Is it more to solve your doubt or the doubt of a dead person?

Bhakta:          Mine.

Swami:           Well, it is only when you have awakened from deep sleep or sushupthi that you are aware there is an ‘I’, isn’t it? In the same manner, there is the atma in the corpse also.

Bhakta:          Then how can it be called dead, how can death happen when there is atma?

Swami:           If you discriminate properly, there is no dying and no living. A moving body is called living and a still one dead. In dreams any number of living bodies and corpses are seen. On waking they do not exist. Similarly, this world, both moving and still, is non-existent. Death means the fading out of the ‘I’ consciousness. Re-birth happens when ‘I’ consciousness comes again. This is what is called birth and death, my boy! Ahamkara [ego] is born, ahamkara dies, that is all.

Bhakta:          So, I exist always, is it?

Swami:           Of course, you do! When the ‘I’ consciousness is there, you exist. When it is not there also you exist. You are only the base for the awareness; you are not the awareness.

Bhakta:          But they say, ‘attained liberation’, ‘attained mukti’, etc. What is that?

Swami:           Understanding the root of death and birth, one must destroy completely the awareness of the separate ‘I’; that condition is ‘mukti’.

Bhakta:          So, when I die, I and You are One, isn’t it?

Swami:           Who said ‘No’? That feeling of One, when you are firmly established in it, there is nothing separate at all.

Bhakta:          Until then, in order to identify the real ‘I’ in the unreal ‘I’, they say that the support of a Guru is wanted; how far is that true, Swami?

Swami:           It is only when you have so many ‘I’s that you need someone’s support, is it not? When all is One, why seek another? Still, until that aham or that ‘I’ fades out, this speaking ‘I’ and this listening ‘You’ have to be there. When that I is gone, whom to speak to? Who list­ens? All are One: The reflection of atma, conditioned by chith is Easwara: Easwara conditioned by the anthah­karana is the jiva, is it not?

Source: Sandeha Nivarini

Reality

In the journey of spiritual awakening, Reality is often misunderstood by the human mind. People usually believe that material success, temporary happiness, and worldly achievements define life. However, sages and enlightened souls have always taught that true Reality lies beyond appearances. The outer world keeps changing every moment, while the eternal truth within remains constant and untouched. Understanding this divine truth helps a person move from confusion toward peace and wisdom.

Human life becomes meaningful when one begins to question the nature of existence. What we see with the eyes may not always represent the complete Reality. Emotions change, relationships evolve, and possessions disappear with time. Yet the soul continues its journey beyond all temporary experiences. Spiritual teachings encourage seekers to look inward and discover the light that shines eternally within every heart. This inner discovery is the path toward understanding the higher Reality of life.

Many saints associated with Devotional India explained that attachment to illusion creates suffering. When the mind becomes trapped in greed, anger, and pride, it loses sight of divine truth. Meditation, prayer, and selfless service purify the heart and help individuals recognize the deeper meaning of existence. Through devotion and faith, one can slowly realize that the world is like a passing shadow, while the divine presence alone is permanent Reality.

The scriptures of Devotional India repeatedly remind humanity that truth can only be experienced through inner transformation. Reading sacred texts is valuable, but practicing compassion and humility is even more important. Every spiritual seeker must travel through challenges, doubts, and lessons before discovering the eternal essence of life. The wisdom of saints teaches that love is the bridge connecting the soul to ultimate Reality.

Modern life often distracts people with endless desires and competition. In the race for comfort and recognition, many forget the spiritual purpose of human birth. True happiness does not arise from external achievements alone. It emerges when the heart becomes calm and aligned with divine consciousness. The realization of Reality removes fear and fills life with inner strength. A peaceful mind begins to see unity in all beings and understands the sacredness of creation.

Spiritual masters from Devotional India have always inspired people to live with truthfulness and devotion. They taught that every action should be performed with purity of intention. When a person surrenders ego and serves humanity with love, divine grace naturally flows into life. Such a life becomes an expression of higher Reality, where compassion replaces selfishness and wisdom replaces ignorance.

The journey toward Reality is not limited to monks or saints. Every individual can walk this sacred path while fulfilling daily responsibilities. By practicing patience, gratitude, and remembrance of the divine, ordinary life itself becomes spiritual. Even small acts of kindness can awaken inner awareness and bring one closer to eternal truth. The heart that seeks sincerely will always receive guidance from the divine source.

Ultimately, Reality is the eternal presence of truth, love, and consciousness that exists beyond the changing world. Those who realize this divine wisdom experience freedom from fear and attachment. Through faith, devotion, and self-discovery, humanity can rise above illusion and live in harmony with the universal spirit. The teachings preserved by Devotional India continue to inspire seekers to discover this timeless Reality within themselves.

-Obstruction of Past and Present