JOIN USThere is a mistaken notion that only Hindus practice Vedanta, the philosophy based on the Upanishads— that teaches how to live happily.
The fact is, innumerable persons who follow other religions or who don’t have come to accept Vedanta, the idea of Oneness, as the highest truth. For example, years ago several so-called “Romantic” poets of England and the Transcendentalists of the United States studied and practiced Vedanta.
According to Avatar Sai Baba, “The term Vedanta is generally used by many to indicate a school of philosophical thought, but Vedanta is only a special section of Vedic literature. All the Upanishadic texts form part of Vedanta. Vedanta is the consummation of Vedic thought.”
People claim to be spiritual seekers and they often show what appears to be sincere devotion. Is this devotion coming out of the heart or is it payment towards liberation? Many believe that doing good deeds will save them from rebirth, but without love prompting their actions, there can be no result.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai said, “True liberation consists in giving expression in words to the thoughts which arise in the mind and to practice what one says. The ancients considered this triple unity as a form of yoga.”
What is the use of thinking that being honest at all times is wrong, then on Sunday preaching that one should never tell a lie, then on Monday actually speaking untruth? This behavior is not only inconsistent, it’s ludicrous.
“Hence, every man should strive to achieve unity in thought, word and deed,” Sai taught. “That is the hall-mark of humanness. This profound truth is proclaimed by the Vedantic pronouncement that the body is a temple in which the eternal Atma (soul) is the Indweller… The essence of Vedanta is the triune unity of thought, word and deed. In this unity, true bliss can be experienced. It will also demonstrate the spiritual basis of divinity.”
Practicing this triune unity is a must. The Lord of Puttaparthi explained, “There are today countless numbers of scholars who expound the Vedanta and they have numerous listeners. The outcome of it all is precious little. This is because there is no practice of the teachings of Vedanta. All study of Vedanta is of no avail if the precepts are not practiced.”
“People have to find out what are the easy methods of putting into practice the precepts of Vedanta. The easiest way is to cultivate harmony in thought, word and deed….
Rather than listening to a ton of precept, it is better to practice an ounce of teaching.”
Vedanta is monistic, not dualistic. Therefore, according to Swami Sai, it is, “…the feeling that there is only one Atma pervading everywhere and none else.”
Our Precious Baba understood the exact nature of each and every one of his followers He is Preceptor and Doctor, prescribing the necessary guidance to all.