The Exhortation of the Upanishads

"This Sadhana of Service should not be polluted by the spirit of competition among the sadhaks or even by dejection when obstacles loom large. God's grace will certainly be your support when you are on the march together to reveal the Atmic spring of strength, to people suffering from weakness. 

"Together"! That is the key to success. The Upanishads also teach the same lesson. Saha naa vavathu; Saha nau bhunakthu; Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai. 

In other words, the exhortation of the Upanishad is: 

Together, all together, we shall toil and travel; 

Together, all together, we shall steadily grow. 

Together, all together, we shall feed and foster 

Fortune and friendship, full vigour and virtue. 

Together, all together, the knowledge we have gained 

We shall brighten, and brighten, till it enlightens all. 

Together, all together, we shall share as friends 

The fortune we have earned, the vision and thrill. 

Together, all together, we shall acclaim Peace 

Till we raise its praise into worshipful deeds. 

Together, all together, we shall intone the Pranava 

OM, OM, OM, OM--we shall together sing. 

You have in you both the talent and the desire to uplift your fellow men. This country needs your service urgently today. God welcomed the urge to manifest the Cosmos. Ekoham Bahusyaam (I am One; I shall become Many), He said to Himself. You must also feel the need to blossom and expand. Derive Ananda in the process, possess it and share it, in order to increase it. 

The Upanishads proclaim the message of courage, of strength. Give up the idea that you are weak and helpless. Na Ayam Atma balaheenena labhyah (The Atma cannot be gained by the weak). Believe that you have in you the strength and skill you need. 

Those who can sing Bhajans (spiritual chorus) can, as a beginning, lead villagers in Nagara Sankirtan (street singing of spirituals) and teach them to sing in groups. Those who can speak on spiritual topics can gather the people, when they have returned from the fields, and explain to them, in simple language the mystery of God, Nature and Man. Persuade them to give up habits that undermine their health and peace. Promote in them the qualities of mutual aid, truthfulness and non-violence."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Valedictory discourse at Akhila Andhra Saadhu Parishath on 4-1-1987)