31 August 1983 - Evening, before a playlet depicting incidents from Lord Krishna's life
"Today is the very auspicious festival of 'Janmashtami' - the birthday of Lord Krishna. I have only one request to make of you all - the inhabitants of this area. Just as you have come today to attend this festival, I wish to have the pleasure of your company for other festivals, too. You must know that by living together in a united way, anything may be achieved in this world. People in this area must become united to progress. There is great power in union. If there is unity and love among you, then only can you lead a peaceful and happy life. We must work unitedly. We must all work together to complete our task. In this way, all work becomes easy. Through division of opinions, great kingdoms and many city states were ruined in the past; but by living in unity, ruined kingdoms have received new life. On this auspicious day, everybody should take a vow to work together in this life.
"Try to develop your villages. There is a Sanskrit proverb which says that in the Kali Yuga there is power only through organized groups. We must be of firm determination to progress. Then only success is certain. Modern man has even traveled in space; he has been to the moon and intends to visit other planets; but people in this area are where they were - they have made no progress. Now here we should make efforts to progress, as well. As in these modern times, science and technology have advanced, so we, too, should strive to advance in every way.
"The first thing to do is to root out inaction. As long as you do not become great human Yogis, you can achieve nothing. Today you should all take a vow to root out idleness. Through hard work, it is possible to achieve anything in this world. You can even change creation itself. Have faith in Karma Yoga. Get peace and happiness through Karma Yoga. Idleness is the root of all misery in this world.
"You must understand that future generations have to make greater progress than we have made. Make efforts so you yourselves become shining lights in future. There is one path to peace and happiness - Karma Yoga. If we are prepared to work, we can overcome pain and poverty. If there is unity among us, we can even bring down Governments.
"Train your children in Karma Yoga, that they may become people of good and strong character.
"JAI MAHAMAYA KI JAI!"
Topic: 31 August 1983 - Evening (Read 8185 times)