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The Inner Significance of

A Study Guide based on the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is Shivaratri? e are spending nights daily ever since we are born, but not all those nights oday is the holy day of Shivaratri. W can be termed as Shivaratri. People meditate means auspiciousness. Where there is T upon, sing, and listen to the glory of the Shiva (auspiciousness) there cannot be shava divine name and experience the divinity of (inauspiciousness). This holy day of Shivaratri Lord Shiva. Since the whole night is spent in must be spent in the constant contemplation and singing the glory of the of God chanting the holy name of Shiva right divine name of Lord Shiva, this night is called from early in the morning till you go to bed. Shivaratri. Not only this night, whenever you The Lord’s name must dance on your tongue. spend the entire night meditating upon the March 8, 2005 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/you-are-all-amrutaputras-sons-immortality divine name, that night is also Shivaratri. Lord Shiva is not a separate . Shiva means auspiciousness. Since Shiva February 23, 2009 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/love-god-and-meditate-him resides in us, does that imply that we too must be auspicious? How do we then feel auspicious at all times? The night is a blessed night and in all discourses during Shivaratri, Swami has How can we constantly remember to emphasized its importance. How can we chant the name of the Lord on better prepare ourselves for Shivaratri? undertaking some form of spiritual exercise for this special night?

sathyasai.org The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri

o one seems to have made an effort to oday we are celebrating Shivaratri. What Nrecognize the meaning and significance Tdoes it mean? (night) is associated of Shivaratri. In fact, the very word Shivaratri with darkness. The declare, reveals its meaning. “Shiva” means auspi- “Chandrama Manaso Jatha, Chaksho Suryo cious and “ratri” means night. Thus, Shivaratri Ajayatha (the moon was born out of the mind means auspicious night. Then the question and the sun out of the eyes of the ).” arises: who is Shiva? The divine conscious- Moon is the presiding deity of the mind. So, ness pervading all the living beings is none mind should be pure and unsullied. other than Shiva. This Shivattwa (divine con- February 14, 1999 sciousness) permeates not only human https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/cultivate-love-your-heart beings but the birds, beasts, and animals as well. In fact, every moment in our life can be Why does Shivaratri place its taken to be Shivaratri. We need not wait for importance on the mind? Shivaratri on a particular day in a year. What relevance is the significance of March 9, 2005 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/experience-all-pervading-divine-consciousness Shivaratri to our daily living?

The night is only an orientation program ou will be observing Shivaratri in the true for us to imbibe the spirit of Shivaratri Yspirit of the term only when you give up and make this an integral lifestyle for the bad qualities and cultivate divine love. Merely rest of our lives. What transformational observing vigil on Shivaratri is not sufficient. changes do we want to see in ourselves? You have to contemplate on God incessantly. What new resolutions can we make on Many people claim that they have observed this night to bring a transformational jagarana (vigil) on Shivaratri night by playing change? cards. The fisherman goes on watching intently to trap the fish in the net. Can this be termed meditation? If one abstains from food on account of quarrel with one’s wife, can it be called ? No. Similarly, obser- vance of sacred vigil on Shivaratri night is not achieved by playing cards the whole night. You should spend this night chanting the name of God, using the time in doing good deeds. February 14, 1999 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/cultivate-love-your-heart

Here the emphasis Swami is making on the need to move away from mechanically carrying out rituals as opposed to appreciating the real purpose of these auspicious events. Contemplate and describe the various rituals involved during Shivaratri and find relevant significance behind each one of these acts.

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oday is the sacred day of Shivaratri. get full control over the mind by contemplat- TLegend has it that when Shiva, in order ing on God. Hence it is considered as an aus- to save the world, swallowed (poi- picious night. Unfortunately, in this Age, son), He lost consciousness and fell down. people observe the vigil of Shivaratri by see- The resultant heat affected the world. In ing cinema shows or playing cards all through order to cool down the world, Shiva created the night. This cannot be called Shivaratri. the . Then He placed the Himalayas Every moment of the night should be devoted on His stomach. As a result, the Himalayas to the thoughts of God and chanting of His absorbed all the heat from His body and He name wholeheartedly. The chanting should got up. People celebrate this event as come from within. This is what is called the Shivaratri. But, this is only a worldly inter- reflection of the inner being. pretation. Truly speaking, the Himalayas are March 4, 2000 within you. In fact, the whole world is within https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/sheaths-self you. The Divinity within you has neither birth nor death. The body may undergo The most important night of all nights is change, but the Divine Principle remains the Shivaratri. It appears that this is the same. Love never undergoes any change. It night, with appropriate vigilance and steadfast devotion we might get a leap remains love always. The quality of sugar is of consciousness. What intensity and sweetness. It does not change whether it is intention should we possess in order to added to coffee, tea, water or rice pudding. gain this opportunity? February 15, 1999 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/manifesting-divinity-lingodbhava How much more dedication must we pour to make the event a memorable Swallowing Halahala (poison) by Shiva is one? What extra vigilance and a very important event. How can we steadfastness that we need this time to relate this to daily life events? be sharper and more devoted to the Lord of our hearts? Shiva created the Himalayas and placed in his stomach and thereby absorbed oday is the very auspicious day of the heat. Again these can be left as stories but there is a deeper inner TShivaratri. Shiva stands for auspicious- significance of these two events. ness. What is so special and auspicious about Contemplate on the inner significance of Shivaratri? Mind has 16 aspects, of which 15 these two events and assess how these are merged on this night and only one is can be relatable in daily living. remaining. Make proper use of this holy night by undertaking Sadhana with devotion he nights you experience on other days and steadfastness. What sort of Sadhana you Tare ordinary nights. But Shivaratri is an must undertake? Cleanse your heart of all auspicious night. How is it auspicious? It is evil qualities. Evil qualities arise in you auspicious when you spend your time in an because of the misuse of the senses. It is the auspicious way singing the glories of the root cause of all sins. Sadhana does not mean Lord. The mind has sixteen aspects. The doing and meditation. You should moon is the presiding deity of the mind. Of develop pure and divine feelings in you. the sixteen aspects of the moon, fifteen are Consider everyone as divine. Respect them. absent today. If you sing His glory through- “All are Mine and I belong to everybody.” out the night wholeheartedly, even the Once you have such firm conviction, you can remaining one aspect can also be merged enjoy immense happiness in life. There will with the Divine. On this day, it is possible to

3 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri be no trace of worry in your life Have Firm n order to rise to the level of divine, satsang Faith In God. Iis very essential. “One thought, one , February 21, 2001 and one action.” These three must be unified. https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/vision-atma Shivaratri is celebrated to recognise the one- ness of Divinity. When you do Contemplate on the negative qualities tonight, you will have only one thought. You that we have and can we be better will experience the bliss of bhajans. It is the prepared to surrender this negative nondual bliss. Why is it prescribed that you traits to Lord Shiva on that night. should do bhajans all through the night? Imagine a life without these negative is done to control the mind and focus qualities in our lives. Imagine the it on Divinity. Some people keep discussing envisaged peace and love we would worldly matters even while they are doing experience in the future, leading a life bhajan. Do not go anywhere near such without these negative qualities. Anchor people. on the possible envisaged future and March 1, 2003 readily and willingly surrender these https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/experience-unity-real-satsang qualities. Alignment of thought word and deed. herefore it is said, Truth is the life of the Take a vow not to engage in any other Ttongue. Righteousness is the life of activities but remain silent and vigilant hands. Non- violence is the life of the heart. over your thoughts. Spent this night on constant contemplation. Contemplate Shivaratri is celebrated to teach man the on this very deeply and assess how significance of these values. Shiva also many times did the mind did not obey stands for humility. A person with humility this injunction that you have imposed on is one of Shivam (auspiciousness). On the yourself. This is the first step towards other hand, a person with is verily a meditation. To become vigilant over savam (corpse). your thoughts . Use this night profitably March 12, 2002 to gain a mastery over your mind. https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/idols-are-pointers-divinity The Shiva-consciousness is all- Swami has said that one of the first pervading. How can we limit it to a qualities of a seeker heading towards particular time and place? the light of truth is humility. Shiva stands for humility. The whole objective of the night is to be vigilant and absorb the Sarvatah Panipadam qualities of Lord Shiva. Hence Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham contemplate in your life the incidences Sarvatah Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya that made you realize that your own ego Tishthati manifested in your life which resulted in the spring of anger, hatred etc. Use this (With hands, feet, eyes, head, mouth auspicious night to anchor back to our and ears pervading everything, He innate true nature and make a permeates the entire Universe). commitment to always manifest humility and make humility an integral part of f we carefully analyze this aspect once, it one’s lifestyle. Iwill be obvious that all that we witness around is Shiva consciousness, and nothing else. Shiva does not mean a particular form with matted hair and tiger skin. Wherever we look and whichever form we come across

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–whether a child or an elderly person, evelop virtues and lead an ideal life. whether a woman or a man– in every form, DOnly then will Swami be pleased with the Shiva consciousness is resplendent. How you. If you make Me happy with your ideal can you describe that all-pervading Shiva- conduct, I will confer much more happiness consciousness or limit it to a particular time on you. Your happiness is My happiness. and place? People display a particular dance Wherever you go, earn a good name for your- form to portray the Shiva (the cos- self. Your character is very important for Me. mic dance of Lord Shiva and ). But Hence, make every effort to mould your this is only symbolic and does not portray the character and be an ideal to others. This is real Shiva Tandava. How can one describe the message I would like to give you on this the transcendental Shiva consciousness, auspicious day of Shivaratri. The day on which words cannot describe or the mind which you experience eternal bliss is cannot comprehend? Shivaratri for Me. I shower My blessings on March 9, 2005 all of you on this holy night of Shivaratri. https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/experience-all-pervading-divine-consciousness Sing the Divine Name throughout the night. To the extent possible, spend the night in This beautiful extract of the speech contemplation of God. Only then can you summarizes the conclusion of the experience divine bliss. You can even witness experience. Our consciousness must the manifestation of divine effulgence. Sing graduate to a point in which we confine the Divine Name wholeheartedly. You may the term Shiva to a particular form, space and time. All whom we see must sing any name, but you should understand be seen with auspiciousness. All whom its inner meaning. we encounter must be with February 26, 2006 auspiciousness. How can we evolve to https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/limit-not-all-pervading-brahman-names-and-forms the level of consciousness? What new ideals can I form on this?

Significance of s Bhagawan was continuing with His Adiscourse, He started showing signs of uneasiness as the emergence of the Atma Lingam was imminent. He sat down and sig- nalled the students to start singing Bhajans. After a few moments, a golden lingam emerged from Bhagawan’s mouth, and He held it aloft for everyone to see. As Bhagawan was continuing with His discourse, He started showing signs of uneasiness as the emergence of the Atma Lingam was imminent. He sat down and signalled the students to start singing Bhajans. After a few moments, a golden lingam emerged from Bhagawan’s mouth, and He held it aloft for everyone to see. During the process of Lingodhbhavam (the emergence of the lin- gam), the body, of course felt some strain.

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However, I assure you that you need not be his Principle of Love is . worried about it. Suffering for the body is TThis Hiranyagarbha is situated on the quite common. It just comes and goes like right side of the human body, with the phys- passing clouds. ical heart is on the left. The physical heart on February 18, 2004 the left side has to be left one day or the https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/divine-discourse-38 other, in some circumstance or the other. Hiranyagarbha, located on the right side of During the emergence of the Linga, the human body is always right. It is immor- Swami says the body goes through tal, divine, eternal, and all-encompassing. It some strain. But Swami does not feel the is present not only in human beings but also pain. What is the pertinent lesson for us in birds, beasts, and all other living beings. here? The Vedas declare: “Eswara Sarvabhoothanam (God is present in all living beings),” here is the principle of Hiranyagarbha “Isavasyam Jagat (God pervades the within every individual. Hiranya means T entire cosmos).” Love is the reflection of gold. When gold is mixed with other metals Hiranyagarbha and originates from it. The such as copper, silver, brass, it loses its bril- three principles of reaction, resound, and liance, value, and identity. Then it becomes reflection have also originated from impossible to ascertain whether it is gold or Hiranyagarbha. silver or brass or copper. Similarly, man’s February 15, 1999 heart, which is Hiranmaya, is losing its bril- https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/manifesting-divinity-lingodbhava liance, value, and identity on account of its association with vishaya vasanas (sensual Love usually pours from the heart and desires). Consequently, it is impossible to here Swami is saying that if love poured ascertain whether one is a human being or from Hiranyagrabha, it will be immortal, an animal or a devil or a demon. divine, eternal and all encompassing. February 14, 1999 How can we cultivate this quality of https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/cultivate-love-your-heart love?

What is the significance of How do we contemplate and ensure that understanding this Hiranyagarbha? the understanding of reaction, resound and reflection is embedded in all my day How can the heart of man lose its to day living activities? brilliance and value by associating with sensual desires? Provide examples and hat is the significance of Lingodbhava? evidence that this phenomenon is really God is known as Hiranyagarbha (one taking place. W having a golden womb). The golden essence By our thoughts, words and deeds how () present in His womb undergoes a vig- will Swami judge us – human being or an orous churning process and assumes the animal or a devil or a demon? shape of a Linga. Linga means a symbol or a sign. [Showing the golden Linga that He cre- ated in the beginning of His Discourse, Bhagawan said] As you can see, it has no dis- tinctive features like eyes, face, etc. It has nei- ther feet nor head. It can be placed in any manner. It symbolizes the formless Divinity. Leeyathe Gamyathe Ithi Lingaha. It is the basis of everything. The golden essence (rasa),

6 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri after assuming the shape of a Linga, emerges Purpose of Fasting out. You need fire in order to melt gold. ou must free yourself from all thought of Similarly, the fire within melts the gold and food and concentrate on the thought of moulds it into the shape of a Linga. Hence, Y God. If thoughts of food bother you, if pangs the difficulty at the time of its emergence. It of hunger disturb you, then, it is much better has to assume the form of a Linga and come to eat and then start Sadhana. Upa-vasa, the out. word for the vow of fasting, means “living in March 13, 2002 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/realise-magnetic-power-within the proximity of God” (Upa-near; vasa-living) and so, the vow is meant to liberate you from The linga is said to be the “formless” the worry and bother of preparing and eating form. How can Linga be considered the food, so that you might dwell more inti- basis of everything? mately with God. Remember that the pur- pose of Fast is spending time in the The process of manifesting the linga contemplation of God and not simply pun- appears to be a deep inner message for ishing the body by cutting a meal or a series us. How can we draw the significance of of meals. Vows, vigils, fasts, etc. along with all this message and relate to daily living? kinds of voluntarily imposed or involuntarily suffered hardships are to be looked upon as his body is an Angamu (limb) of society. promoting spiritual strength, not as weaken- TThere exists a Sangamu (association of ing physical stamina. attributes) in Angamu, a Jangamu (individual February 1966 soul) in Sangamu, and Lingamu (Paramatma) https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/saalokya-saayujya in Jangamu. Linga is Atma, which is our very ou will be observing Shivaratri in the true life principle. That is why the Atma is consid- spirit of the term only when you give up ered to be of the form of Linga. A Linga has Y bad qualities and cultivate divine love. Merely neither a beginning nor an end. It has no observing vigil on Shivaratri is not sufficient. head or feet. Hence, when you perform wor- You have to contemplate on God incessantly. ship, you can keep it anyway you like. The Many people claim that they have observed Atma has a name but not a specific form. Jagarana (vigil) on Shivaratri night by playing Bliss is its true form. cards. The fisherman goes on watching March 1, 2003 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/experience-unity-real-satsang intently to trap the fish in the net. Can this be termed meditation? If one abstains from Discovery of the self (Linga) appears to food on account of quarrel with one’s wife, be the fundamental basis for our can it be called fasting? No. Similarly, obser- forming relationship with self, family and vance of sacred vigil on Shivaratri night is society. The answer to the world’s not achieved by playing cards the whole problems perhaps lies in the fact that all night. You should spend this night chanting our association with the world is perhaps the name of God, using the time in doing devoid from our connectivity with our good deeds. Atmalinga. Contemplate on this fact and February 14, 1990 assess if this is the truth and if so how do https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/cultivate-love-your-heart we make this connectivity. What is the purpose of fasting which is prescribed in most rituals? We can substitute abstinence due to other reasons but the real reason should be develop self-control. Sleep can be

7 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri

overpowering and yet if we dedicate our efforts towards having spiritual stamina and strength to overcome sleep then we are exerting self-control. Is this really necessary? What benefits can be accrued by this effort?

What other activities can we undertake in preparation for this great night?

Unity in Diversity (Shiva’s Family) n the divine family of Lord Shiva, there are Ionly four members, namely, Lord Easwara, peacock, whereas the elder son Vinayaka’s is his consort Parvati, and the two sons, the tiny mouse. They move about the whole Subramanya and Vinayaka. This is an ideal world on such strange vehicles, which are family. There is no difference of opinion antagonistic in nature, they but still lead a whatsoever either between husband and wife perfect and harmonious family life. or the two brothers. There is perfect accord March 2, 2003 and harmony in their family. Parvati https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/let-unity-be-undercurrent-everywhere and Lord Parameswara wanted to set an example to the whole world in the matter of The night is a reminder to assess how a most harmonious, perfect and loving rela- harmonious is our own family. Dedicate tionship between a wife and husband and some time and exert effort in order to between brothers. A family is the most gain greater harmony and peace in the family. The diverse family members with important functional unit in the world. If the different animals can create havoc. It is a family is running on sound lines, the world message that family harmony is vital and will also run smoothly. If the unity among is necessary to have peace and love in the family members suffers even to a small the family. This night is also a night to extent, the world will face the repercussions. reflect how much am I contributing to Unity gives strength to the lives of the family the harmony of my family. These members. Therefore, every family should questions can help: strive for achieving unity and harmonious Am I an ideal son or daughter? relationship among its members. Every fam- ily should strive to emulate the example of How can I be a better son or daughter to Lord Shiva’s family. Today, even if there are my parents? only two sons in a family, there is no har- mony between them. Similar is the case of What efforts can I take before Shivaratri husband and wife. This is not the position in to settle any outstanding issues with my respect of Lord Shiva’s family. The vehicles family members in order to achieve they ride, the circumstances in which they peace and love? function, the wealth they possess - in fact, in How can I be more humble and create every aspect, the members of this divine fam- peace among members of the family? ily set an example to the whole world. For example, Lord Shiva’s vehicle is , the Can I amend rifting relationships and be bull. Mother Parvati’s vehicle is the Lion. The a of peace and happiness for younger son, Subramanya’s vehicle is the others?

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ever criticize God. Never deny Him. ord Shiva has no special ornaments on NEverything is the manifestation of LHis body. All his ornaments are the ser- , , and Maheswara. All are pents that He wears round his neck, the mat- divine. This is what you have to learn on this ted locks, the crescent moon, the cool water auspicious day of Shivaratri. There is noth- of the and the (holy ash) that ing other than Divinity in this world. The he smears all over His body. This Divine form principle of Divinity present in a grain of of Lord Shiva is beautifully portrayed thus: sand and in a big laddu (a sweet) is one and Lo! Behold The Lord of the icy peak same. Once you realize this truth, you Crowned with crescent moon become Brahma verily. You do not need to Glistening matted locks, search for Brahma elsewhere. You are Bedrenched by heaven descending Ganga Brahma, you are Vishnu, you are Shiva, you Flaming eye in the forehead, are the very embodiment of the Divine Venomous potion - poison - Halahala Trinity. It is only your feeling that assumes purpling the beauteous neck the form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara. Live bracelets of wriggling Serpents and a You are subjected to unrest and suffering belt of Cobra holding up the Elephant hide, because of your dualistic feeling. You per- His sole garment. ceive unity as diversity, instead of visualizing Pearly ash smearing the chest unity in diversity. Unity confers purity, which will in turn lead to Divinity. Hence, all of you A blinding white spot of vermilion on the must stand united. You belong to the human Forehead beside the searing eye race. You belong to one family. Hence, you Ruddy lips smeared by Fresh chewed betel, must conduct yourself like brothers and sis- Diamond studded earrings Of purest gold, ters. Absence of such spirit of unity will dancing like Stars twinkling in the sky, diminish purity and take you away from Vision negating form Divinity. The fair person of the Lord Radiating February 26, 2006 Effulgence Divine. https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/limit-not-all-pervading-brahman-names-and-forms (Telugu Poem) Lord Shiva has donned this divine form in Why does Swami stress on the principle of Unity? order to teach a renunciant outlook to the world, including his consort, Parvati. His What does it mean when Swami says another habit is to beg for alms. Parvati, how- that our restlessness and suffering is due ever, did not develop any aversion or disgust to dualistic feeling? toward her husband, Lord Shiva, on account of His strange attire or habits. She did not run away from Him saying, “How can I lead a family life with such a person?” She faithfully followed Him, submitting herself to His wishes and happiness. Both of them lived in peace and harmony. Now about their sons. The vehicle of the younger son, Lord Subramanya, is the peacock, which is by nature an enemy of the serpents worn as ornaments by the father. The serpents begin hissing at the sight of a peacock. They hate each other. Similarly, the vehicle of the elder son, Lord Vinayaka, is the rat, which again is

9 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri a natural prey of the serpent. They are bitter forehead. These two are conflicting forces. enemies. In spite of such divergent natures, Yet they maintained perfect harmony and set all the members of the family of Lord Shiva an example to the world. Thus, there was not lived happily in perfect peace. Each member, even slightest difference of opinion or dis- while discharging their duty, provided happi- cordant note in the universal family of Lord ness and joy to others. Shiva. It is a perfectly ideal family, which the entire world should emulate. In sharp con- March 2, 2003 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/let-unity-be-undercurrent-everywhere trast to this situation, there is bitter hatred today between one person and another. Contemplate on each of the symbols Hatred is ruling all fields in the world. Even and relate its significance to deriving in the same family, there is discord between happiness and peace in daily living. husband and wife, between parents and chil- dren, and between brothers. Lord Shiva and This great night is a lesson for us to Mother Parvati by their own example are destroy our enmity and not our enemies. exhorting the entire world to shed hatred How can we share love with all those and enmity. with whom we might have a March 2. 2003 misunderstanding? https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/let-unity-be-undercurrent-everywhere

ven in the form of Lord Shiva Himself, The principle of Ying-Yang is Ethere are apparent contradictions. He has emphasized here where a correct Ganga on His head and the crescent moon in balance of the opposites is necessary to His matted locks. These are signs of coolness. create the right balance on earth. The In contrast to these, He has literally fire in principle of unity in diversity becomes apparent. Contemplate on the the third eye in His forehead. Thus, there is differences you encounter in people or cool water on His head and fire below on His events which annoys or disturbs you. This beautiful message tells us that we need to change our perspectives and include everyone as the family of Shiva. This reminds us that we need to experience unity in diversity.

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Lord Shiva is giver of Jnana How do we look at the world with the hat is liberation? It is not just reaching eye of wisdom and not with a physical WGod, it means complete merger with eye? the Divine. Rivers like Ganga, Godavari, and Saraswathi have different names and forms, ou have to recognize that Atma Thathwa but once they merge in the ocean, they lose Y- not by your charmachakshu (physical their name and become one with the ocean. eyes) but by the jnanachakshu (eye of wis- Similarly, once you merge in God, there will dom). Then, the question arises as to what is be no difference whatsoever. Experiencing jnana (wisdom)? Is it physical knowledge or such is the true objective of secular knowledge or knowledge relating to human life. the objects of nature? No, none of these. The February 15, 1999 true and eternal Atma Thathwa is immanent https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/manifesting-divinity-lingodbhava in one’s own body. It can be realized only by the jnananetras (eyes of wisdom). You have to What does liberation mean to you? gradually give up dehabhimana (attachment to the body) and cultivate Atmabhimana (love The rivers lose their distinctive names toward the Atma). You think you are the body when they merge into the ocean. and develop attachment to it. Similarly, the identification with body, February 19, 2004 mind and intellect disappears when we https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/concentration-mind-divine-real-sadhana realize our true nature as Atma. Thus, humility and simplicity become the hallmark of a spiritual person. How can we develop in daily life Atmabhimana and give up Is this true and is it evident in our lives? dehabhimana?

ou have to understand the true signifi- ishnu and Shiva are not limited to a phys- Ycance and philosophy underlying the fes- Vical frame. They are beyond description. tival of Shivaratri. First, realise that you are They are formless and attributeless. God is not the physical body, which is perishable attributeless, unsullied, final abode, eternal, and impermanent. You have to look at this pure, enlightened, free, and the embodiment objective world with jnanachakshu (the eye of of sacredness (nirgunam, niranjanam, sana- wisdom), not with the charmachakshu (phys- tana niketanam, nitya, suddha, buddha, mukta, ical eye). The animals, insects, birds, and nirmala swarupinam). Shiva then clarified beasts are looking at this world with their that God has no name and form; He is physical eyes. If you also look at this objec- changeless; He has neither birth nor death, tive world with mere physical eyes, what dif- neither beginning nor end; He is eternal and ference is there between you and those the embodiment of Atma (Atmaswarupa). He beings? You will then simply remain an ani- also emphasized that it is illusion to ascribe a , bird, beast, or insect. You will not be able name and form to God. The formless God to realize your true nature, which is beyond manifests with a particular form and name as the physical world. You have to comprehend per the wishes of the devotees, to fulfil their the transcendental reality, which is beyond aspirations. the body and the mind. This is possible only February 23, 2009 with the help of jnanachakshu (the eye of https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/love-god-and-meditate-him wisdom). February 19, 2004 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/concentration-mind-divine-real-sadhana

11 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri Meanings of names of Shiva One of the names given to this divine Consciousness is Shivattwa (Shiva pend the whole night in chanting the holy Consciousness). It is not therefore correct to Name and spread this spiritual energy to S describe Shivattwa by such appellations like the world at large. Who is Eswara? He is Mukkanti, Trinetra, etc. Shivattwa means the all-pervasive. Just as the wind blows freely all-pervading divine Consciousness. In fact, everywhere, so also do we find the principle all the devotees sitting in this Hall are embod- of Eswara pervasive. Share your love with all iments of Lord Shiva. Sarvam Shivamayam and propagate the Divine Name to the entire (all that you witness in this objective world is world. a manifestation of Shiva). It pervades all the March 12, 2002 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/idols-are-pointers-divinity three worlds - the earth, the space, and the nether world. It exists in all the three periods ne of the names attributed to Lord Shiva of time - the past, present and future. It is Ois Mrityunjaya, which means one who indescribable. Any length of time is insuffi- has transcended death. cient to describe the Shivattwa. March 8, 2005 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/you-are-all-amrutaputras-sons-immortality March 9, 2005 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/experience-all-pervading-divine-consciousness ord Shiva, however, chose to name the Lchild Amrutaputra. In fact, every human “Digambara” is one of the names of Lord being is an amrutaputra (son of immortality). Shiva. Digambara, in common parlance, Even the declare him so. The refers to the one who is naked. But if you Upanishads reveal the true identity of a enquire into the inner meaning, you will human being by addressing as Srunvantu know that “Digambara” is the One who has Viswe Amrutasya Putrah (Oh the children of dikkulu (four sides - east, west, north, and immortality) south - as His ambara (vesture). There is a March 8, 2005 possibility that people misunderstand this https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/you-are-all-amrutaputras-sons-immortality word and think that Shiva does not wear anything on His body. Hence, it is better that ry to understand the true nature and sig- you do not use this word in bhajans. Tnificance of the names. It is a fact that February 26, 2006 nobody has ever seen Lord Easwara in per- https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/limit-not-all-pervading-brahman-names-and-forms son. People call Him “Kailasavasi” (the Lord who resides in Kailasa). Where is Kailasa? It is aswara knew her nature and Parvati knew only when you contemplate on Him in the EShiva’s nature. They are, in fact, not dif- depth of silence that you can visualize Lord ferent from one another. Lord Shiva is Shiva- Easwara in Kailasa. sakti-atmaka-swarupa (embodiment of Shiva March 8, 2005 and Sakti). So too is Parvati. Isavasyam idam https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/you-are-all-amrutaputras-sons-immortality sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by God). The power of Lord Shiva permeates ord Shiva is described by some as Mukkanti the entire universe. The foremost duty of a L(the Lord with three eyes). All of you have human being is to love Easwaratwa (the only two eyes. But the Lord has a third eye as divinity of Lord Easwara). Actually, the same well. You are aware of only the past and the divine power is immanent in every human present. You cannot visualize the future. body also. Just as the human body is covered Only God can. Lord Shiva, who can visualize with a cloth, Divinity is enveloped in the future with His third eye, i.e. jnananetra, (illusion). Hence, though Easwaratwa is is therefore referred to as Mukkanti. omnipresent it is not visible. In accordance

12 The Inner Significance of Maha Shivaratri with the maxim Easwara sarva bhutanam Significance of Snake (God is the indweller of all beings), n the science of , the vital Easwaratwa is permeating every living being. energy of man lying dormant like a coiled Parvati explained that this Easwaratwa tran- I snake, at the bottom of this column in the scends age and it is in no way related to exter- lowest Muladhara Chakra (the Basal Plexus) nal appearance. is awakened and aroused, so that it courses February 17, 2007 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/give-ego-and-attachment-become-great up through six more wheels (centers of supe- rior consciousness) until it reaches the Sahasrara (thousand-petalled Lotus Energy Significance of Vibhuti Centre) at the very top of the skull. The pas- Abhishekam for the Kundalini is through the he Shivaratri Festival, as celebrated here, Sushumna nerve in the center of the spinal Tis an example for you. You might ask, column. The worship of the snake, ridiculed “Swami has often declared that all days are as superstition, is the symbolic counterpart holy days, that there is no special rite or rit- of this great Yogic sadhana which confers ual that has to be observed on any single day; vigor and vitality. but Swami Himself is pouring vibhuti (holy February 20, 1974 ash) on the Idol and calling it abhisheka https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/shiva-all (anointing the idol); is this right?” Swami is doing so, to teach you a lesson. February 20, 1974 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/shiva-all

hat greater offering can you give God Wto glorify Him than the ash signifying your triumph over tantalizing desire? Ash is the ultimate condition of things; it cannot undergo any further change. The Abhisheka with Vibhuti is done to inspire you to give up desire and offer Shiva the ashes of its destruc- tion as the most valuable of all the articles you have earned. Ash cannot fade as flowers do in a day or two; it does not dry and disap- pear or get soiled and unpotable as water does; it will not lose color as leaves do, in a few hours; it does not rot as fruits do in a few days. Ash is ash for ever and ever. So, burn your viles, your vices, your bad habits; wor- ship Shiva, rendering yourselves pure in thought and word and deed. February 20, 1974 https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/shiva-all

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