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Satsang December 23, 2006
To celebrate Christmas, the satsang was treated to a performance by the Shakti Players, who retold the Grinch tale, with a Shiva Process twist. With the help of A-, B- and G-Statements, the Grinch was transformed into a realised being.
The satsang then enjoyed a host of musical talent, which led to Swamiji’s welcome. Swamiji spoke of the fact that ‘sometimes we lose that spirit of directness [of welcoming with love], and we get religion’. He reminded that the ‘essence of my teachings is the great beings, those who have attained a certain state of Consciousness. They show us a place within we can attain’.
Baba spoke of one such great being, Jesus, saying Christmas ‘is a very great day because it is sacred to a very great saint who is certainly aware of the inner Self seated in the heart’.
Swamiji explained that the sages say we have to bring knowledge and wisdom into the arena of our daily life.
Baba also spoke of Janeshwar, the poet-saint, who said: ‘One who receives the universe as his own home, as his own dwelling place, becomes established in this vision.’
Swamiji added: ‘To see the universe as a place where you are comfortable, not a place of threat or a place of loss – this is the mark of a very great yogi.’ He noted that ‘this is something you have to cultivate by practice: meditation, letting go of negative tendencies, Self-inquiry’.
Baba spoke of such a one, saying that ‘Christ was a great saint who looked upon all equally’, who is ‘worthy of the highest reverence’. He described Jesus as a ‘pure being who transcended religions’.
Swamiji stated that the ‘religion of the inner Self says be who you really are, discover who you really are. When you get in touch with that, you’ll be full of love and wisdom, and very strong and certain. All you need to do is look within, inquire within; don’t live in fear of everyone’s opinion’.
Baba quoted Jesus’ dictum that ‘The kingdom of God is within you’, which Swamiji incorporated into the closing meditation, saying: ‘Let’s use that. What does that mean? The kingdom within is in every one of us. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you, Buddha said the kingdom of God is within you, Sridi Sai Baba said the kingdom of God is within you, Bhagawan Nityananda said the kingdom of God is within you, Ramana Maharshi said the kingdom of God is within you, all the great Sufi saints say the kingdom of God is within you. When we look outside, we lose the plot, so turn within and understand that within me lies perfect love, a place of great peace, a place of fulfillment, a place of joy and energy and aliveness. This is the paradox and mystery of the inner Self. Only the agitation of the mind leads us to lose touch with the Self’.
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