Dedicated for Defence

Discourse of Sathya Sai Baba, Bangalore, 5 Jan 1973
Published by Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust
Web posted at Apr 25, 2002

India is a land dedicated to truth, right action, peace and love; you are dedicated to the service of the motherland, to defend her and preserve her independence. This is in accordance with the ancient injunction, "Maathru Dhevo Bhava" - "Revere the mother as you would revere God." You are ready and prepared to sacrifice even your lives in her service, whatever others may do or may not do. I am glad your devotion is so strong and so sincere. Truth, right action, peace and love - these are the four pillars on which the mansion of happiness, here and hereafter, is built. India too must build her happiness on these columns only. They are the real supports of India, of India's security, prosperity, and glory. We have forgotten this truth; we have neglected the foundation; hence all this suffering today.

God will always be with you in your struggle for the defence of this land. From within you, He will be guiding and inspiring you, to discharge your duty. Truth is God, and work is worship. By unselfish service, strict adherence to duty, and dedication to the cause of peace you are promoting the welfare of India and of all humanity. The Mahaabhaaratha war is a good example of the guidance that God grants when virtue defends itself against the forces of evil. Krishna was the very heart of the Paandava body; Dharmaraaja, the eldest of the five brothers was the head; Bheema, the second brother, was the stomach; Arjuna, the third, was the arms. Nakula and Sahadheva, the twins, were the legs - and Krishna was the heart. God will not merely speak and guide from the heart; He will Himself be the heart, provided you pray to Him to bless you so.

Be ever aware of God who is the real 'you'

We achieve peace and joy, only through sacrifice. Giving yields more joy and grasping. Since you are all prepared for the highest sacrifice, you are genuine sons of Bhaarath. Many do not realise the joy that can be derived from unselfishness; they waste their years and their lives in the pursuit of selfish ends. They are so conceited that they do not revere parents, elders, the saints and the sages. They do not invoke the grace of God through prayer. As a result, India is leaving off its age-old traditions and taking on new fashions and patterns of behaviour, thus landing people in misery.

The body is referred to in the Geetha as Kshethram, that is to say, a holy place where God is installed. Kaashi is a Kshethram, Bhadhraachalam is a Kshethram. The body-Kshethram is Dharmakshethram as well as Kurukshethram, the abode of virtue and of activity. God in the Kshethram is the Kshethrajna (divine knower), the Shivam (eternally good) without whom the body is but Shavam (corpse). Therefore, be ever aware of the God who is the real 'you,' and seek solace, sustenance and guidance from Him through prayer.