"Do your Duty with Detachment"
June 21, 2002
Prof A.K. : Swami, but they say Jada (inert matter) and Chaitanya (energy).
What is Jada then?
Sri Sathya Sai in the portico of Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam
Swami : Nothing in this world is Jada. Everything is full of Chaitanyam. This
is nothing but energy. There is no matter. Everything is energy. Even the body,
which is said to be inert, is full of energy. There is an intimate relationship
between matter and energy. Clouds are formed out of water and these clouds
become water again in the form of rain. Similar is the relationship between
matter and energy. They are both interchangeable. For example, we have an egg
from which a bird is born and vice-versa. It is the case with a seed and a
tree, or a mother and child. All these keep changing. What is the reason for
all these changes? In this world, everything is energy. There is no matter
which is separate from energy. This energy is what is called Brahma. Everything
is a combination of atoms. These are forms of Divine energy. Scientists make
the mistake of differentiating between matter and energy. It is because of
their mistaken notion. For example, the body derives its energy from food. This
means that the food is not inert. It has energy. Because of the food, you
become strong. So, energy is omnipresent. Even the atom has a lot of energy.
There are many things that we cannot see. As we press our thumb onto the chair,
lakhs of lives are being destroyed, though you cannot see them. Everywhere,
there is this atomic energy, which is the same as Divine energy. To receive
this energy, you don’t have to wait. You can see the form of this energy in a
moment. You think it is difficult to have this vision and you undertake various
methods of Japam (chanting), Pooja (worship), etc. In order to see your own
form, you needn’t undertake all this.
Prof A.K. : But Swami, I see my form.
Swami : Not only this form. The form is only one and it is everywhere. All are
your forms. Concentrate for a second and you can see all forms everywhere. They
keep changing like pictures on a cinema screen. Because of the speed, you think
that the images are moving, walking, etc. But, there is no movement actually.
When you cut your finger, it bleeds. As you lose a drop of blood, you lose many
of your forms in a moment’s time. This is why you feel weak when you lose
blood. Every drop has your form. Even the hairs have your form in them.
Prof A.K. : Swami, then where does detachment come in?
Swami : You say that this is your shirt. If it is torn, will you throw it out
or keep it with you? You have used it for a long time. Now, there is no
relationship between you and the torn shirt. If it is useful, you claim the
shirt to be yours. This attachment is delusion. For example, you are going
towards the hostel when it is pitch dark. On the way, you find a rope and
mistake it to be a snake. You feel scared and fear comes in. Put on the torch
and you will find the rope. All the time, it was the same rope. Only the
feelings vary. Delusion is responsible for our fear. The body is only an
instrument. Think thus and use it without getting attached to it. Do anything,
but do it without being deluded. All these worldly pleasures are like passing
clouds. Before marriage, there is no relation between the husband and the wife.
After divorce, also there is no relation. All these relationships are like
passing clouds. They are impermanent. Do your duty with detachment. Do not
claim ownership of your body. The only owner is God.
Swami then retired, leaving one and all introspecting, after this enlightening
session.
Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2000-2004)
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