Dec 24, 1997
German Academy
Human life is a combination of body (matter) and spirit (vibration). Isn’t it?
Joy is forgetting that you are matter and becoming an intense vibration.
Carnal instincts also make you feel intense vibrations momentarily, and that’s how they give a glimpse of joy. But the thing is, this joy is short-lived and it makes you dense later on.
Pleasure that comes from Satsang is of a higher nature. Mantras and singing create vibrations in the spirit. That’s why when you sing, the ecstasy stays for a long time.
Pleasure from the gross is short-lived, tiring and binding. Pleasure in the subtle is long lasting, energizing, refreshing, and freeing.
When you know you are electricity (vibration/energy), then craving, greed, lust, and anger disappear. Then you become a true celebration.
Message for Christmas:
You are the Christmas tree that points upwards with branches on all sides. At the time of year when other trees are barren, you are green with many gifts to offer.
You bear gifts and lights — not for yourself, but for others. Remember that all the gifts you are carrying in your life are for others. Anyone who comes to you, offer them your gifts.
There were lots of presents around Gurudev’s couch. John asked, “Are you going to open the gifts?” Gurudev winked, pointed at the people and replied, “I am always opening the gifts.”
Your life is a gift. And you have come to unwrap this gift. In the process of unwrapping, remember to also save the wrapping papers. Your whole environment, situations, circumstances, and body are the wrapping papers.
Often when we unwrap, we tear the wrapping papers. At times we are in such a hurry that we even destroy the gifts. With patience and endurance, open your gifts – and save the wrappers!
News Flash:
As hectic activities continued in the Bangalore Ashram, Gurudev moved on to Madras for a huge Satsang. Then he went to Delhi where he met with the Vice President of India. An unscheduled Satsang of 1,200 devotees gathered just by word of mouth! That same night Gurudev left for Germany. Every corridor and corner of the German Academy wears a festive look. Smiles from people of 18 countries are the moving decorations. The seva team transformed the Academy into a warm and cozy home. Many of the nicely wrapped gift boxes of various sizes given to Gurudev were found to be hollow and empty!