4 April, New Delhi – Bharata Yatra 2015
Amma inaugurated the 3-day ‘Rashtreeya Seva Sangam’, a national convention of all allied NGOs of Rashtriya Seva Bharathi at New Delhi. The 3-day convention Rashtriya Seva Sangam held at Blue Sapphire and City Park on the outskirts of New Delhi in Alipur.
By lighting the lamp, Amma inaugurated the 2nd National conference, which happens in every five years. Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Krishna gopal, and Subash Chandra of Zee TV were all sharing the stage with Amma.
Addressing the gathering, invited 3800 delegates from 800 organisations, Amma said “When the attitude of ‘I’ cross the limit, problems begins in the world. Message of sacrifice and dharma is the contribution of India to the world. love and compassion is the basic foundation of service.”
“One’s motherland is superior to even heaven” – जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी . This is the faith of the people of Bharat. We serve and worship this country as both Mother and Goddess because we see her as being both the source of all paths, religions and cultures as well as the light that illumines them.
“Everyone gathered here today has resolute faith in the ancient culture of the rishis and is striving to live in tune with that culture. Mother India, verily a treasure trove of love, watches over a vast ocean of wisdom. There is nothing she wants to do more than to share that milk of wisdom with her children. In her infinite compassion, she allows that wisdom to flow forth to one and all, and you have all imbibed and savoured it. Your hearts have known that unique experience. The lap of this mother is as expansive as the heavens. Amma is overjoyed to see all of you gathered together, to spend some time with you, and to share a few words with you-you who have dedicated your lives to serving Mother India.”
“It’s redundant to put a signboard in the middle of a flower garden that says “Flower Garden.” In truth, Amma feels that speaking to you about seva is similar. Whether Amma says you are sevakas or not, your service-minded nature remains the reality. Children, you have embraced the path of karma yoga, taught by Sri Krishna, the Lord of both the universe and of the Bhagavad-Gita. For this reason, Amma has faith that you will attain your goals.”
“The world today is in the grip of violence, corruption and a constant battling for political domination. Fundamentally, the main reason for all of this is man’s improper handling of the sense of “I.” Sanatana Dharma teaches us to be considerate even to our enemies. However, today, the attitude of “I and mine” has spiralled out of control. We have mistaken that which is the ego for the intellect. That being the case, one group tries to brand another “stupid” and then tries to oppress and exploit that group’s members in every possible way. This is a worldwide phenomenon. The atmosphere of everything from our homes to that of the world—Will they be good or evil? Happy or full of sorrow? Peaceful or full of discord?—all of this depends upon by how we handle our sense of “I.” This is the teaching of our revered teachers since ancient times. This truth was, is and always will be valid.”
“Sri Krishna was the most luminous personality in the history of the world. In every situation he faced, he always followed the most practical course of action. Krishna never dwelled in the past with regards to any incident, experience or action. So determined, astute and sincere was his approach to life, he never worried, “Was that a bad decision? Should I have done that? Should I have said that?” Boundless self-awareness and self-confidence were his hallmarks. He was the greatest leader in the history of the world because he was an incomparable servant of humanity.”
“In reality, everything in creation is of the nature of pure consciousness, which transcends name and form. You are also that consciousness itself. This universe, solar system and galaxies like the Milky Way are all within you. You are completeness itself—the source of infinite power. Therefore, forsake all enfeebling thoughts such as being a sinner. Stand firm in your dharma. Work without selfish desires. That itself is seva to God.” This is the message Sri Krishna bequeathed the world through the Bhagavad-Gita. We must become the hands, eyes and ears of God. Our inspiration, strength and courage must come from God. Then, fear, doubt and sin will never stain us. This is the essence of the message the Lord gave Arjuna.”
“The sun does not require candlelight. Similarly, God needs nothing from us. Sanatana Dharma teaches us to serve nara as Narayana—to serve humankind seeing them as God. Sooner or later, the body will perish. Therefore, isn’t it better for it to wear out from the activity than to let it rust away from lack of use? Many people die unexpectedly from accidents and diseases. Wouldn’t it be better to breathe our last while living a life of service? Otherwise, what’s the difference between people and worms? Worms also reproduce and eventually die. No matter how expensive a pen might be, if we do not use it, its ink will dry up; the pen will become useless. Our life shouldn’t be like that. An opportunity to serve others is priceless; never waste it.”
“We should always maintain the awareness and understanding that no matter what we do, the power behind our actions is God’s. Offering your own self into the burning yajna kunda of the infinite power that is God—that is real seva. Atma-samarpanam—offering your self—is a law of the universe. A few rare individuals live according to this truth. Most are ignorant of it altogether.”
“What makes seva complete is tyaga—renunciation of either its fruits or of the ego altogether. One cannot separate seva from such renunciation, nor can one separate such renunciation from seva. Seva devoid of such renunciation is a farce. When done that way, like any other action, seva becomes a mere job—just another way to make a profit. This is what most people in the world have done to seva. Such seva is like fatal cancer, gnawing away at the insides of our motherland. In contrast, selfless actions performed as a true offering have a unique transformative power. Children, remember, you are the pillars of our culture.”
“Whether one is serving their country or the world, an attitude of selflessness and sacrifice is necessary. Most importantly, one must be guided by the light of spiritual wisdom. This is what Sri Krishna advised Arjuna when he said, “Surrendering all your actions to me, renounce desire and attachment in favour of spiritual thoughts and fight the war.” Lord Krishna did not counsel Arjuna to prepare for a war merely to gain him a kingdom and wealth. If that had been the case, the world would regard Krishna as cruel and bloodthirsty. On the contrary, it’s because of Krishna’s spiritual outlook that the Bhagavad-Gita has brought self-confidence and inspiration to so many people all over the world, and continues to do so even today.”
“In truth, we are all standing on a battlefield unbounded by time. No one can flee from it. Compared with this immense battlefield, the Kurukshetra of The Mahabharata is but a few grains of sand. The Mahabharata War was just another culmination of a chain of events caused by selfish minds. When the Lord advised Arjuna to fight and thereby do his dharma, he was ultimately preparing Arjuna to face the relentless war of time.”
“It is important to remember that external success doesn’t last forever; it is always temporary. Therefore, along with our external success, we must also put in an effort to subdue the mind and overcome its weaknesses—inner success. To attain inner success, gathering information and knowledge about the external world is insufficient; spiritual awareness is required.”
“The sun doesn’t know the difference between light and darkness; it knows only light. Day and night exist only from our perspective here on earth. Likewise, there is no good or bad for the consciousness that is God. In its ultimate reality, God is beyond right and wrong. However, if we wish to live in unity and harmony, we must adhere to spiritual values. If we drive according to the traffic rules, we can minimize accidents. In the same way, if we live with an understanding of dharma and adharma, we can avoid most problems in life. Furthermore, the love and compassion of those who wish to make seva their way of life must not be constrained by interpersonal relations and situations. Their love and compassion must transcend all such limitations. They should not regard love and compassion from the narrow perspective of the emotional mind but through the expansive vision of Viveka-buddhi—an intellect imbued with discernment.”
“There is a rhythm to everything in creation, an undeniable relationship between the entire universe and every living creature within it. The universe is like a vast interconnected network. Suppose there is a net. If it is shaken in one place, the vibration is felt throughout. Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation—whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain. Thus, we need to watch our every word and action because someone, somewhere, is watching us, seeing us as their role model.”
“There are two kinds of poverty in the world today: a poverty of food, clothing and shelter, and a poverty of love and compassion. We should pay more attention to the second type of poverty because if people have love and compassion in their hearts, they will wholeheartedly serve and help those without food, clothing and shelter.”
“The current gap between the haves and the have-nots is a curse upon the entire world. This disparity is increasing daily. A mountain on one side and an abyss on the other—such is the current situation. On the one hand, there are those who live, squandering lakhs and crores on luxuries. On the other, there are those who struggle to make enough for just one meal’s food—to make enough for just one day’s medicine. If we postpone reducing this gap any longer, it’s going to culminate in violence, even war. There must be a bridge of love and compassion in joining these two groups. The rich must step forward to help those suffering from poverty. If we succeed in bringing joyful smiles to the faces of the suffering, not only their lives but also our own lives will become blessed. It would be good to identify villages marked by poverty and to encourage companies that are ready to sponsor their welfare.”
“Poverty is a terrible blight upon humanity, destroying all goodness and talent. It is the cause of all moral erosion.
Amma has one more request: India is a land that has worshipped women as a mother, goddess and the embodiment of love and self-sacrifice. India’s respect towards women used to be an example for the rest of the world. It is this attitude that helped make India splendorous. But what is our state today? Many people feel no shame assaulting young girls, women—even children and the elderly—right in the middle of the road. The rate at which this collective insanity—this mass hysteria—is spreading throughout our country is unbelievable. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati should be at the forefront in snuffing out this disgusting trend. An environment in which men respect women and womanhood, and in which women are able to live in society fearlessly, with a sense of independence, must be fostered.”
“We are heirs to a glorious culture that has bequeathed to the world the highest conceptions of spiritual truth and love for humankind. That culture is our strength. We must work with our feet planted firmly in that culture. At the same time, we must be prepared to accept the views and ideas that come with the changing times. There is a Vedic prayer: “Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.” The attitude that everything ancient is good and everything modern is bad is incorrect. We must be broadminded enough to reject whatever is outmoded from the past and to accept whatever is good from the modern. Only then can we make progress.”
“Children, whether or not God exists might be a source of debate. Whatever be the case, no rationalist will ever say that suffering humanity does not exist; we can see their suffering with our own eyes. Amma considers that helping such people, wiping their tears, easing their suffering is to be puja—worship. Amma prays that this self-sacrificing attitude awakens in her children. May the world come to realise through all of you that the waters of love, compassion, selflessness and sacrifice have not dried up in human hearts.”
“When we stand before a photographer, we are asked to smile because it makes the photograph more captivating. Children, likewise, may you always be able to maintain your smile regardless of the circumstances of life. May compassion make your hearts tender, and may your determination make them stronger. Children, may the obstacles of the world never deter you. May spiritual knowledge and spiritual power help you at all times and in all circumstances.”
With this prayer, Amma concluded the speech. “May the tree of our lives be rooted in the soil of love. May good deeds be the leaves, kind words be the flowers, and peace be the fruit. May the world flourish as one family, united in love. May we thus be able to create a world in which peace and contentment prevail. This is Amma’s prayer to the Paramatman.”
Apart from the delegates and invitees, a lot of visitors were also there who are attending the conference. The three-day conference also showcased the activities of different Hindu organisations across the country through the different stalls put up at the venue.
-Sakshi
