Our ancients enquired into the nature of divinity through many paths, but were not successful in recognising the reality. Hence, they started worshipping Prakriti (Nature). Thereafter, the Bharatiyas took to Murthi Aradhana (idol-worship). Every creature that takes birth in this universe has a form (Murthi). Idols are inert in nature and do not possess the qualities of compassion, love, forbearance, etc. It is for this reason that some people are against idol-worship. This is ignorance. You use your forefinger to point a specific object, say, a flower or a tumbler. Similarly, idols are like pointers to Divinity. Once you recognise divinity, you don't need the pointers, say, idols. Such being the case, is it not foolish to object to idol worship? Are you not worshipping the pictures of your parents and grandparents? Do these pictures have life in them? No. Nor do they have the qualities of compassion, love, sacrifice, etc. Then what is the point in worshipping them? It is through these pictures that we are reminded of their virtues and ideals they stood for. Take for instance a hundred rupee note with dimensions of 6 inches x 4 inches. There is neither life nor virtues of love, compassion, etc., in this currency note. Yet people love it and would like to possess it. Is there anybody in the world who dislikes money? Irrespective of the country or religion, everyone loves money. There are innumerable instances wherein people gave up their lives for the sake of money. The currency note is valuable because it bears the government's seal. Similarly, we respect the national flag for the value it stands for, though it is merely a piece of cloth, which is inert. If idol worship is considered foolish, then the same should apply to love for money and respect for flag, which are also lifeless. Man's beliefs are based on his likes and dislikes.

Isavasyam Idam Jagat (the entire world is permeated by God). Every being is an embodiment of Eswara. It is also said, Eswara Sarva Bhutanam (God is the Indweller of all beings). He is present in all beings in the form of Consciousness. Eswara is the master of six forms of wealth - Dharma (righteousness), Aiswarya (wealth), Yashas (fame), Shakti (power), Jnana (wisdom) and Vairagya (detachment). Eswara has another name, San(m)kara. 'Sam' refers to Chidanandam (eternal bliss) and Atmanandam (bliss of the Self). 'Kara' means one who bestows. Therefore, Sankara is one who confers eternal bliss. Every word has a deep inner meaning. Take for instance the name Sathya Sai. Sathya stands for Rig Veda. 'Sa', 'Aa' and 'Ya' in Sai stand for Sama Veda, Atharvana Veda and Yajur Veda, respectively. Therefore, Sathya Sai is the very personification of the four Vedas. What is the meaning of the term Linga? It is the symbol of divinity, as it has neither beginning nor end. Divinity is immanent in the heart (Hridaya) of every man. Hridaya means that which is suffused with compassion. So, Divinity is the embodiment of compassion.

Today people are unable to understand the principle of Divinity. Though the modes of worship vary, they all are directed towards different forms of the same God. You may call Him Rama, Krishna, Easwara, etc. All are one. They refer to the same God. Each person worships a particular form according to his or her likes. Some people worship Rama because they are attracted by Rama's Name and Form. It is said, Ramayate Iti Rama (Rama is one who captivates the hearts of one and all).

Today is Sivarathri, meaning auspicious night. Siva symbolises the breathing process 'Soham', that takes place in every man. This is referred to as Hamsa Gayatri. '(A) Ham' refers to 'I' and 'So' means 'That' (God). This message of 'I am God' is conveyed through this breathing process - 21,600 times a day. Such teachings have been propagated and practised since ancient times.

It is the finger that points to a flower. Likewise, idols point to the divinity. So, idol worship cannot be considered foolish. Never disregard idols because they are inert. Even in inert objects, there is Chaitanya (consciousness). Anoraneeyan Mahato Maheeyan (Brahman is subtler than the subtlest and vaster than the vastest). This Chaitanya is present in the smallest to the biggest. From your point of view, an object may appear to be inert, but from the Vedic point of view, everything is Chaitanya. It is foolish to overlook the existence of Chaitanya. One may question if Chaitanya is all-pervasive, why is it not visible to the naked eye? You are all well aware of the fact that there is butter in every drop of milk. Can you deny its existence merely because it is not visible to the naked eye? The process of obtaining butter involves curdling the milk and then churning it. Man is unable to perceive this Chaitanya principle because of two defects:

1) He overlooks his innumerable mistakes; and
2) He magnifies the minutest mistake of others.

Man cannot be called a human being unless he practises human values - Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa. These are like the five life-breaths of man. The absence of these life-breaths amounts to living death. Each one is responsible for his own downfall. Man kills himself by not practising these human values.Sivarathri is celebrated to teach man the significance of these values. Your behaviour should be befitting human birth. Neeti (morality) and Nijayati (integrity) are the life principles of Manava Jathi (human race). Develop morality and lead an honest life. Only then can you attain Easvaratva.

Siva also stands for humility. A person with humility is one of Sivam (auspiciousness). On the other hand, a person with ego is verily a Savam (corpse).

Paropakara Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam (one attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them). Help ever, Hurt Never. This is the essence of the eighteen Puranas. Never mind if you have to suffer, but do not put others to suffering. God will take care of you.

Our ancients worshipped Nature. It is Nature that gives us food, raiment and shelter.Not merely that, it also gives us precious metals like gold and silver. So, what is wrong in worshipping Nature? All the modes of worship that our ancients practised were highly sacred. Bhumatha (Mother Earth), Gomatha (cow), Vedamatha (the Vedas) and the Dehamatha (physical mother) are to be revered. As people have stopped worshipping God, we find chaos all over the world. 

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H2H Articles Feed Get the latest article feeds from Heart2Heart E-Journal and the Sai World. Sai Geeta AFTER THE STORM MUSINGS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM by Prof. G. Venkataraman Loving Sai Rams and greeting from Prasanthi Nilayam. I am sorry I have been off the air for sometime. Many have written to me and some have even phoned to me about this ‘silence’ of mine. While some have been gently critical, others have expressed annoyance; for a change, one listener or reader – I do not know which – admonished me in what I would say unusual language (that’s putting it politely!), telling me that I would be doing a service if I were to j ust shut up! Such diversity of opinions is common in the broadcasting world and does not bother me. As for my prolonged silence there are several reasons, but I shall not go into that now. Instead, let me now turn to what I wish to say now. < br / > < br / > SAI SHINES IN US AND THROUGH US Speech by Mr. Narendranath Reddy on May 4, 2011 (Aradhana Mahotsavam Day) in Sai Kulwant Hall On the morning of May 4, 2011, a special Aradhana Mahatsovam – a ceremony of Prayer beseeching Lord Sai to incarnate again was conducted in the Sai Kulwant Hall; it was the 11th day since Bhagawan Baba had shed His mortal coil. In the evening of the same day there was a special congregation of devotees again in the Sai Kulwant Hall and four distinguished el ders of the Sai family addressed the gathering. < br / > < br / > The third speaker that evening was Mr. Narendranath Reddy who was introduced to the audience by Mr. G. S. Srirangarajan. Presented below is the transcript of this talk along with the introduction. RI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST PRESS MEET ,June 28, 2011, Prasanthi Nilayam On the morning of June 28, 2011 the members of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT) interacted with the Media in the Indoor Stadium in Prasanthi Nilayam. This was the second such Press Meet after Bhagawan Baba's Maha Samadhi on April 24, 2010. < br / > < br / > Their first press meet was held on April 28, 2011 as the members of the SSSCT had felt the need to organise such a Media Interaction session because sadly at the time there were plenty of stories floated by the Media which were imaginative untruths garnished with unsubstantiated and malicious allegations. Unfortunately the scenario remains the same even today. < br / > < br / > In the past few weeks the Media has again circulated many a fabricated and totally baseless news items about the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, its members and its activities. To clear all this confusion the Trust addressed the Press for the second time. < br / > THE GIFT OF DARSHAN - I - A video presentation from Radio Sai " After My darshan, always find a quiet corner, where you may enter into the stillness and receive the completion of My blessings. As I pass you, My energy goes from Me into you. If, immediately after darshan, you start talking, the precious energy gifted to you gets dissipated and returns to Me unused. Be assured that whatever My eyes see, becomes vitalised and transmuted. You are being changed day by day - never underestimate what is being accomplished by the act of My Darshan. < br / > < br / > " My walking amongst you is a gift yearned for by the gods of the highest heavens; but here you are receiving this Grace without much effort. Be grateful for what you are getting. The blessings you receive would express themselves in due course, when the time comes. But also remember: To whom much is given, from him much also would be demanded! � BHAGAWAN BABA – THE SOLE ETERNAL INDWELLER OF OUR HEARTS Speech by Mr. V. Srinivasan < br / > on the occasion of Aradhana Mahotsavam Day (May 4, 2011) in Sai Kulwant Hall BHAGAWAN BABA – THE SOLE ETERNAL INDWELLER OF OUR HEARTS Speech by Mr. V. Srinivasan < br / > on the occasion of Aradhana Mahotsavam Day (May 4, 2011) in Sai Kulwant Hall AGONY OF THE FLESH AND ECSTASY OF THE SPIRIT Speech by Mr. B. N. Narasimha Murthy < br / > on May 6, 2011 (Easwaramma Day) in Sai Kulwant Hall TOWARDS AN ENLIGHTENED LIFE... SOAKING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE BUDDHA Two thousand and five hundred years ago a warrior prince turned into an ascetic and so tremendous was the power and spiritual intensity of his new personality that even now millions all over the globe find solace and peace by just remembering Him and ruminating on His teachings. < br / > < br / > The Buddha demonstrated to mankind how even an ordinary person can unlock the power of the spirit within and reach super human heights of Love, Peace and Sublimity. TIRED FALSEHOOD AND THE ACTUAL FACTS What follows relates to a recent article in the OPEN PAGE of THE HINDU, and Prof. Venkataraman's response, also published in the OPEN PAGE by THE HINDU on May 29, 2011 (Sunday). This exchange in the OPEN PAGE has also been covered by Radio Sai. 2009 Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation