To Those who are Mine

Discourse of Sathya Sai Baba, Deogiri Mines, 9 Mar 1974
Published by Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust
Web posted at Jun 20, 2002

The world is a furnace and factory, where man has to shape destiny by his honest efforts. He who takes up this challenge and spends his allotted years and the skill and intelligence with which he is endowed, in purposeful activity, is really entitled to the status of Karma Yogi. You, who work in these Deogiri Mines are genuine Karma Yogis. For, from dawn to dusk, you utilise every ounce of your energy in work that is beneficial to yourself and the people of this country. You do not waste time in wasteful habits; you devote your strength and stamina for productive aims; you strive to feed and foster your wives and children and sit down for your meals with them in the happy family circle. Really, God is delighted to reside in your hearts. Keep the heart pure, unsullied by evil or vice. Let the rays of love illumine it. Let the foul bats of hatred and greed fly away from the cavity of your hearts; let the clean air of mutual co-operation and help render the cavity safe and sweet.

You see these trees; they are able to stand firm and grow, because of the roots that have spread out of your sight. You see this garland in my hand. The hundreds of flowers are held together by a thread, which you do not see. You see this building over there; the walls have risen so high, because the foundations inside the earth are also high, though you cannot see them. So also, this world is so plentiful, so charming, so rich, so comfortable, so regular in its movements and moods, because it has an unseen master and lawgiver, God. The unseen is the sustainer of the seen.

The Rich desire more and so are disappointed more

Have faith in His grace, and lead a virtuous life, a life devoted to service of the weak, a life spent in thoughts about the might and glory of God. The nation relies on you to supply it with very essential commodities; you are in duty bound to answer that call. Pray that you may carry out that duty well. God will certainly answer your prayer, for, you are so simple and innocent. Let Me tell you that you are really more fortunate than most of the so-called rich, for, the rich do not sleep as soundly as you. Their burden of worry is much heavier; they desire more and so are disappointed more. They are tempted into worse and worse styles of living and so, they alienate themselves more and more from grace.

When you spend your hours in thoughts about God, you are also free from evil ways. You will not be tempted to abuse others or harm them in any way. You live in love, accepting all the events of life as His gifts. Homes such as yours are, really speaking, heavens on earth; the joy that bubbles in your hearts is the symbol of Vaikuntha; the earnestness and care that you evince in your work is the sign of Kailaash, the abode of Shiva. Hearts dedicated to these noble ideals are indeed 'golden'. They cannot be tarnished by the ups and downs of life; they can remain unaffected and pure.

Approach your Work in a reverential Spirit

You are drawing wealth out of Prakrithi (nature). Prakrithi is the manifestation of Purusha (God). When you desire to master Prakrithi, and bend it for your needs, you have to earn the grace of Purusha. So, approach your work in a reverential humble spirit. Raavana sought Seetha (who is Prakrithi, since she was the daughter of the earth, discovered by Janaka in the furrow on the field he was ploughing). But, he did not first win the grace of Raama, the Purusha (God), who is the master of nature. So he brought untold disaster on his head and on the heads of all his kinsmen, clan, and followers. Everyday before you begin work, pray to God a few minutes at least; and, at the end of the day, when the work is over, gather in some consecrated spot, a Mandhir (hall of worship), and offer grateful thanks to the Lord, singing his name and meditating on his majesty. That will make you real Karmayogins, even heroes of the Karma path.

This place is full of charm; it is quiet, with a forest all around. Such retreats are sought after by Saadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and sages, but, you have the luck to be working in these surroundings. This is a Thapovan (hermitage), I should say, a spot which aspirants would love to settle down in. I bless that you all have lives of joy and happiness, of love and service, of the ceaseless shower of divine grace.