IN THE DISCOURSE FOR HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY, AFTER A BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SAI BABA TALKS ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT OR  CRITICIZED HIM

LOVE AND CHARACTER- THE WAY TO GOD 

In the world, there is a constant strife between good and evil. There were many who were jealous and subjected him (Abraham Lincoln) to slander. You should attach no importance to such falsity. Praise and abuse are common to mankind. In Bharat also, several famous people have suffered similar difficulties but have overcome these with success. If we live in truth and love, we will not be subjected to any harm. The body is bound to fall sometime or the other. Merely to save it one should not take to bad ways. Body is perishable while truth is eternal. Hence, strive for truth. There is nothing greater than truth.

Creation emerged from Truth and it merges into Truth,
Is there a place where Truth does not exist?
This alone is absolute Truth.
(Telugu Poem)

There are some, whose desires are not fulfilled, turn away and get into bad ways opposed to the principles of Swami. The defect is theirs, not Bhagavan's. There are four kinds of people who cavil at God. The first type is the atheist, one who professes that there is no God at all. Second, those who speak against God out of jealousy towards others who are better off than themselves. The third type are those who are disillusioned when their desires are not fulfilled. The fourth, those who lament at the high reputation and fame of others, which they are unable to achieve themselves. There are others who resort to improper and mean ways to attain their ends. They ask, "Swami, I am starting a school or a society and I need so much money." I tell them the truth, "Son, this is a different country and yours is a different territory. The currency of this country is of no value in your country. If you have to receive this money, we will have to resort to illegal methods and cheat the Government. I shall never accept such a practice. Don't associate Bhagavan with it." Under such circumstances, they go back to their place and make all kinds of false assertions against Bhagavan. Whatever others may proclaim, Bhagavan's Truth is sacred and unfaltering. Do not pay any attention to praise or slander. For your conscience is your own. Divinity is based on faith. Faith is not something, which is bestowed. Everyone's faith is his own. All Bharatiyas believe that there is Divinity.

There are a few who say that God does not exist. For those who refuse to believe, there is no God. For those with faith, there is God. As far as Bhagavan is concerned, it is all Yes, yes, yes. (Telugu Poem)

Each individual's conscience is his own witness. Do not waste your energies on negative criticism. You should never abandon your faith, your self-confidence and your Atma. Some people become jealous at the steady growth of prosperity of others. Jealousy is a demon. In a tree flush with leaves, fruits and flowers, if a pest enters the root, the entire tree dies quickly. The pest is not visible to the eye and works insidiously. This is no fault of the tree. A jealous person conceals his jealousy within his heart and transmits it to others secretly. These are evil ways. However, in Bhagavan's view, there are no evil persons. All evil behavior changes sooner or later. Bhagavan's truth is one. All belong to Bhagavan's fold and Bhagavan belongs to them. Bhagavan's only wealth is LOVE. "I embrace all with this equal love. Even people who come to Me with hatred in their hearts are dear to Me", says Bhagavan. Bhagavan does not discriminate between the wrongdoers and the blemishes. Bhagavan stands in His own Truth. All should take note of this equanimity of Bhagavan and appreciate His attitude of unity. From unity follows purity and from purity, Divinity is attained. If you have to attain Divinity, you have to cultivate purity and for purity all should be mixing with each other in harmony. Only then the goal is attained.

DIVINE DISCOURSE ON 23 Nov 2000 OCCASION:75th Birthday PLACE:PRASHANTI
NILAYAM