In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two important celebrations, among others. These celebrations lead the followers of Judaism to reflect on their actions and feelings, sincerely repent for wrong actions and derive strength not to repeat them. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a new year in the Hebrew calendar. Jews are confident that Rosh Hashanah represents either figuratively or literally God's creation of man. The New Year was the beginning of the cycle of sowing, growth, and harvest. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with 24-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
How to sincerely repent for wrong actions and derive strength not to repeat them? Swami emphasizes forbearance in a discourse given on 16 July 2000.
The quality of Kshama (forbearance) is the most essential for one and all.
Forbearance is truth, forbearance is righteousness, Forbearance is non-violence, Forbearance is the teaching of the Vedas, Forbearance confers happiness and heavenly bliss. (Telugu Poem)
Forgive those who have harmed you and criticized you. Have faith that whatever happens is for your own good. If someone hurls abuses on you, do not retaliate. Enquire within yourself whether he has criticized the body or the Atma. If he has criticized the body, indirectly he has done a favor to you because body is nothing but a heap of flesh, blood, bones and fecal matter. On the other hand if he has criticized the Atma, it amounts to criticizing his own self because the same Atma exists in both of you. One should cultivate this kind of forgiveness and broad-mindedness.
Embodiments of Love!
Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance arising out of body attachment. Body is but an instrument. God has given you the body to take to the path of action. It is God’s gift. Deho Devalaya Prokto Jeevo Deva Sanathana (body is the temple and the indweller is God). Consider all bodies as temples of God and offer your salutations. Salute even your enemies. Sarva Jeeva Namaskaram Kesavam Pratigachchhati and likewise Sarva Jeeva Tiraskaram Kesavam Pratigachchhati (whomsoever you salute, it reaches God and whomsoever you censure, it also reaches God).
Understand The Principle Of Unity
I often address you as bangaru (gold) because you are the embodiment of Hiranyagarbha. The principle of hiranyagarbha is present in your heart. You may change the shape of the jewel, but gold remains changeless. The value of gold decreases when it is mixed with various metals like copper, brass, etc.
Likewise, man by birth is highly pure and most valuable. But on account of his association with evil desires and bad company, he loses his value.
Thyaja Durjana Samsargam, Bhaja Sadhu Samagamam, Kuru Punyam Ahorathram, Smara Nityamanithyatham.
Discard bad company, join good company, perform meritorious deeds day and night and enquire into that which is permanent and that which is ephemeral). This is your dharma.
Consider All That You See As the Form Of God
Embodiments of Love!
It is said, Janthunam Narajanma Durlabham (birth as human being is the rarest of all beings). So, sanctify your life by making proper use of your senses. Do not talk as you please. Talk softly and sweetly. Have proper control over your vision. You all know what happened to Keechaka when he looked at Droupadi with evil intentions. Bhima smashed his head into pieces. That is why Buddha exhorted mankind to cultivate samyak drishti (sacred vision). Buddha attained enlightenment only after he cultivated sacred vision. Consider all that you see as the form of God. Think what is good, see what is good, hear what is good, talk what is good and do what is good. Only then can you attain divinity.
Embodiments of Love!
This body is approaching its 75th birthday. All these years, I have remained blissful because I am aware of the principle of unity. You too can experience bliss if you understand this truth. I do not hate anybody; nor do I have any enemies. I have absolutely no fear because everything is My own form; the same Atma exists in all. When an innocent child smiles at you, you too smile at it. Likewise, when I smile blissfully, all of you do the same. Have a sacred heart. Cultivate sacred feelings. Then the result also will be sacred. Have faith that God is everywhere. You may have to undergo trials and tribulations, but never lose faith in God. Consider faith as your very life-breath. Each one of you is an embodiment of love, but because of improper food and habits, evil qualities like jealousy and anger arise in you. As is the food, so is the head; as is the head, so is God. So, consume only sathwic (pure) food. Then you will have only sacred feelings and your speech will also become sacred.