Surrender

 

 

"The essence of all creeds is one and the same thing.  Man's primary duty is to surrender to God.  "Surrender" means attaining the state in which the devotee feels he is one with God.  This feeling arises out of the conviction that the same divinity is present in all.  Bodies of human beings are varied like bulbs, but the current passing through them is the same.  The colour of the bulbs or their wattage may vary.  But the current activating them is the same."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 25.12.96)

Jai Shri Ram

  

Sanjay always went to the temple on Tuesday evening to offer sweets to the Lord.  Thereafter he would distribute them to the poor children lined up outside the temple.

He would occasionally take chocolates, biscuits or sweets to give to these children.  He felt happy giving them things that they could not afford to buy for themselves.  The look of happiness on their faces when they reached out for a chocolate would melt his heart.  He would insist that each one of them repeat the words "Jai Shri Ram" after him individually as he handed out the goodies to them.

The children smiled gleefully when he entered the compound and said "Jai Shri Ram uncle" has come!  One day he came in holding a carton of Mango Frosties in his hand, and said, "Who wants mango juice today?  Those who don't repeat "Jai Shri Ram" after me won't get the juice."  So saying, he started distributing the tetra paks and each child reiterated the name of Lord Rama after him. One child, however, did not, he asked her thrice to say "Jai Shri Ram" but she just smiled shyly.  Only to prove a point, Sanjay did not give the juice to the child, and moved on to the next one.

After he had handed out 3 to 4 packets, one boy said, "Sir, that girl cannot speak!"  That floored him!  He went back to the girl, touched her head and said, "I'm sorry."   So saying, he gave her two packets of mango juice.

In our eagerness to enforce discipline, we sometimes overlook the fact that each one around us may not be as lucky as we are. Sometimes we don't give discount to others for things that are beyond their control.  If only we would stop for a second and view the situation from the other person's perspective, we would be able to relate better to people around us.

(From:"Sunrays for Tuesday" by Priya & Sanjay Tandon)

Quotable Quotes

"Love one another as God loves you.  If we could love each other, there would not be so much suffering in the world.  I do not think everyone realises how important the family is.  If we could bring back love in the family, the world would change."

~ Mother Teresa ~

Inherent Divinity

"It is only when each one realizes his inherent divinity and leads a Godly life that all will be happy.  Divinity is not confined to any specific place or form.  Each one should realize that this all-pervading, all-powerful Divinity is within him."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - S.S. Dec.1989)

My True Self

  

To know and be at one with God

That is my biggest goal.

To feel the wondrous joy of life,

To understand my soul.

To lend an ever helping hand

To friends along the way;

Share love with those so close to me

A love that grows each day,

And if it is my fortune

That these things will come to pass,

I know I will see my own true self

As in a mirrored glass.

~ Joan Miller ~

(S.S. Jan. 1997)

 

The Fish Who Worked a Miracle

Once upon a time, the Enlightenment Being was born as a fish in a pond in northern India. There were many kinds of fish, big and small, living in the pond with the Bodhisatta.
 
There came to be a time of severe draught. The rainy season did not come as usual. The crops of men died, and many ponds, lakes and rivers dried up.

The fish and turtles dug down and buried themselves in the mud, frantically trying to keep wet and save themselves. The crows were pleased by all this. They stuck their beaks down into the mud, pulled up the frightened little fish, and feasted on them.

The suffering of pain and death by the other fish touched the Enlightenment Being with sadness, and filled him with pity and compassion. He realized that he was the only one who could save them. But it would take a miracle.

The truth was that he had remained innocent. by never taking the life of anyone. He was determined to use the power of this wholesome truth to make rain fall from the sky, and release his relatives from their misery and death.

He pulled himself up from under the black mud. He was a big fish, and as black from the mud as, polished ebony. He opened his eyes, which sparkled like rubies, looked up to the sky, and called on the rain god Pajjunna. He exclaimed, "Oh my friend Pajjunna, god of rain, I am suffering for the sake of my relatives. Why do you withhold rain from me, who am perfectly wholesome, and make me suffer in sympathy with all these fish?"

"I was born among fish, for whom it is customary to eat other fish - even our own kind, like cannibals! But since I was born, I myself have never eaten any fish, even one as tiny as a rice grain. In fact, I have never taken life from anyone. The truthfulness of this my innocence gives me the right to say to you: Make the rains fall! Relieve the suffering of my relatives!"

He said this the way one gives orders to a servant.

And he continued, commanding the mighty rain god Pajjunna: "Make rain fall from the thunderclouds! Do not allow the crows their hidden treasures! Let the crows feel the sorrow of their unwholesome actions. At the same time release me from my sorrow, who have lived in perfect wholesomeness."

After only a short pause, the sky opened up with a heavy downpour of rain, relieving many from the fear of death - fish, turtles and even humans. And when the great fish who had worked this miracle eventually died, he was reborn as he deserved.

Moral: True innocence relieves the suffering of many.

(From: Buddhist Tales for Young and Old)

Celestial Poems of Sathya Sai Baba

 

"If you cultivate, forever, truth, righteousness and love,

The mother Earth will rejoice a lot.

They lend universal peace and comfort humanity.

Listen, oh valorous son of Bharath!"

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Divine Wisdom

"You should say to yourself, "I am not man, I am divine; I am not body, I am Atma".  The body is like a dustbin of all foul matter and flesh and bones.  You are "awareness" or Chaithanya.  The instruments are negative and work through positive divinity.  Tread along the divine path so that you can get peace.  Let us experience peace and share it with others.  Then we will be liberated and the world will be happy."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse at Kodaikanal - 18.4.98)

Building Others Up

 

 My wife and I had one of those rare occasions lately when we both had a free morning. We decided not to waste the opportunity to enjoy a little time together and went out for lunch at one of our favorite places. The meal was delicious and it was a delight just being there together. As we were eating the waitress came over to ask how everything was. My wonderful wife told her just how great the service was and thanked her for everything. 

I would have joined in the praise if my mouth hadn’t still been full of the savory food. You should have seen the waitress’ face when she heard those words. Her eyes shone with pure happiness and her smile was beautiful to behold. It was clear to me that these kind words meant so much to her and brightened her whole day. It is so fantastic to appreciate others for the good they bring to this world. I wonder why more of us don’t do it more often.

If you want to make someone’s day then skip the constructive criticism. Give them some constructive praise instead. Every single one of us is something special.

Every single one of us deserves to know it too. Why do we always try to tear others down when it is so much better to build them up? Look for the good in everyone. It is there. Sometimes it may be hidden, but it can be found. When you see that good mention it, compliment it, praise it, and help to build it into something even greater. It is so simple and so easy to do.

The greatest thing you can do with the love and the joy that God gives you in this life is to share them with others. Jump at every chance you can to do so whether it be by giving a hug, telling someone you love them, praising your children for all the good things they do, complimenting a friend, or sharing a simple "thank you" with a hard working waitress. 

 

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~
 

Do Something Beautiful for God

Come with me into a world of poverty,

Into a land where men are dying endlessly,

into a world of inhumanity .....

Can't you see they're starving,

Where's your charity?

They laugh and cry, they're people

Just like you and me

They need help and not just sympathy.

Show each one something beautiful for God above,

Something beautiful to show your love,

Show each one something beautiful for God above,

Something beautiful to show your love,

A day goes by, the night is long for everyone,

A child is crying, perhaps he'll live to see the sun,

And yet he knows the morning may not come.

Throughout the world our brothers live in poverty,

They're everywhere, if only we had eyes to see,

So look around and find your sanity,

Show to mankind the love that He has shown to you,

And feed His lambs as He has fed each one of you,

He loves them as much as HE LOVES YOU.

Show each one something beautiful for God above,

Something beautiful to show your love,

Show each one something beautiful for God above,

Something beautiful to show your love.

~ Mother Teresa ~

Always Be Happy

Always be happy, Baba says

Life is a miracle in the human race

Joys and sorrows in life will come

Treat them like passing clouds and sing the Lord's grace

Love all, serve all, Baba says

Giving love and kindness is the way of life

Open up your heart, Sai Baba says

Rainbow and sunshine will come into your life

(English bhajan)

Dedicate it to the Lord

 

 

"If everything is dedicated to the Lord, there will be no room for worry or sorrow, or even of joy.   If you rid yourself thus of attachment, shanthi can never be disturbed.  'I', 'my', 'mine', 'you', 'yours' - when these ideas take hold of the mind, shanthi suffers a setback."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Prashanti Vahini)

The Prisoner of Love

There is One, in this world

Who is unlike any other;

for He is the servant of all,

the willing, loving prisoner.

Our hearts lock and bind Him,

Our prayers hold Him firm.

We pray for Him to guide us

Through this life that is a storm.

He is the willing captive

The chains that bind are strong;

A prisoner of our rapture,

When our heads do long.

He holds us in His spell,

Just as we hold Him in our Love,

No other in our hearts will dwell,

None other cause to move.

The yearning of our deepest self,

Devotion full, pure and true;

A glimpse we gain of Bliss itself,

And we are born anew.

~ Phillys Cottingham ~
(S.S. Jan. 1997)
 

The Whatnot Tree

  

 Once upon a time there was a caravan leader.  He went from country to country selling various goods.  His caravans usually had at least 500 bullock carts.

On one of these trips his path led through a very thick forest. Before entering it, he called together all the members of the caravan. He warned them, "My friends, when you go through this forest be careful to avoid the poisonous trees, poisonous fruits, poisonous leaves, poisonous flowers and even poisonous honeycombs.
 
"Therefore, whatever you have not eaten before - whether a fruit, leaf, flower or anything else - must not be eaten without asking me first." They all said respectfully, "Yes, sir."

There was a village in the forest. Just outside the village stood a tree called a 'whatnot tree'. Its trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits look very similar to a mango tree. Even the colour, shape, smell and taste are almost exactly the same as a mango tree. But unlike a mango, the whatnot fruit is a deadly poison!
Some went ahead of the caravan and came upon the whatnot tree. They were all hungry, and the whatnot fruits looked like delicious ripe mangoes. Some started eating the fruits immediately, without thinking at all. They devoured them before anyone could say a word.

Others remembered the leader's warning, but they thought this was just a different variety of mango tree. They thought they were lucky to find ripe mangoes right next to a village. So they decided to eat some of the fruits before they were all gone.

There were also some who were wiser than the rest. They decided it would be safer to obey the warning of the caravan leader. Although they didn't know it, he just happened to be the Enlightenment Being.
When the leader arrived at the tree, the ones who had been careful and not eaten asked, "Sir, what is this tree? Is it safe to eat these fruits?"

After investigating thoughtfully he replied, "No, no. This may look like a mango tree, but it isn't. It is a poisonous whatnot tree. Don't even touch it!"

The ones who had already eaten the whatnot fruit were terrified. The caravan leader told them to make themselves vomit as soon as possible. They did this, and then were given four sweet foods to eat - raisins, cane sugar paste, sweet yogurt and bee's honey. In this way their taste buds were refreshed after throwing up the poisonous whatnot fruit.

Unfortunately, the greediest and most foolish ones could not be saved. They were the ones who had started eating the poisonous fruits immediately, without thinking at all. It was too late for them. The poison had already started doing its work, and it killed them.

In the past, when caravans had come to the whatnot tree, the people had eaten its poisonous fruits and died in their sleep during the night. The next morning the local villagers had come to the campsite. They had grabbed the dead bodies by the legs, dragged them to a secret hiding place, and buried them. Then they had taken for themselves all the merchandise and bullock carts of the caravan.

They expected to do the same thing this time. At dawn the next morning the villagers ran towards the whatnot tree. They said to each other, "The bullocks will be mine!" "I want the carts and wagons!" "I will take the loads of merchandise!"

But when they got to the whatnot tree they saw that most of the people in the caravan were alive and well. In surprise, they asked them, "How did you know this was not a mango tree?" They answered, "We did not know, but our leader had warned us ahead of time, and when he saw it he knew."

Then the villagers asked the caravan leader, "Oh wise one, how did you know this was not a mango tree?"
He replied, "I knew it for two reasons. First, this tree is easy to climb. And second, it is right next to a village. If the fruits on such a tree remain unpicked, they cannot be safe to eat!"

Everyone was amazed that such lifesaving wisdom was based on such simple common sense. The caravan continued on its way safely.

Moral: The wise are led by common sense; fools follow only hunger. 

(From: Buddhist Tales for Young and Old)

  

Transformation

 

 

"Not information, but transformation; not instruction but construction should be the aim.  Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practised when it can be lightened into Wisdom, and assimilated into daily life.  Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(S.S.S. Vol.IX)

Divine Wisdom

 

"Speak lovingly, act lovingly, think with love and do every action with a love-filled heart.  There is no need for counting beads or sitting meditation, while your mind is preoccupied with worldly matters.  The japa you have to perform is constantly to remind yourself of the Divine within you."

 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 5.7.96)

The Smaller Beatitudes (3)

Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others:

you may be taken for a fool but this is the price of charity.

Happy are you if you know when to hold your tongue and smile:

the gospel has begun to seep into your heart.

Blessed are they who think before acting and pray before thinking:

they will avoid many blunders.

Above all ...

Blessed are those who recognise the Lord in all whom they meet:

the light of truth shines in their lives.

They have found true wisdom.

(Anon)

Sweet Change

 

 

A woman once came to Gandhi ji and asked him to please tell her son to give up eating sugar. Gandhi ji asked the woman to bring the boy back in a week. Exactly one week later the woman returned, and Gandhi said to the boy, “Please give up eating sugar.” The woman thanked the Mahatma, and, as she turned to go, asked him why he had not said those words a week ago.” Gandhi ji replied, “Because a week ago, I had not given up eating sugar.”

"Be the change you wish to see in the World"

~ Mahatma Ghandi ~ 

Vitamin G

 "When the mind of man is unattached to the ups and downs of life, but is able to maintain equanimity under all circumstances, then even physical health can be assured.  The mental firmament must be like the sky, which bears no mark of the passage through it of birds or planes or clouds.

Illnesses are caused more by malnutrition of the mind than of the body.  Doctors speak of vitamin  deficiency;  I will call it the deficiency of Vitamin G, and I will recommend the repetition of the Name of God, with accompanying contemplation of the glory and grace of God.  That is Vitamin G.  That is the medicine; regulated life and habits are two thirds of treatment, while the medicine is just one third only."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~ 

(Voice of the Avatar - Pt.l)

Celestial Poems of Sathya Sai Baba

"If you plant flower-bearing plants, you obtain flowers.

If you plant thorny plants, you obtain thorns.

The world functions this way:

As is the feeling, so is the result."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Faith

The big heart of faith can push the crushing circumstances of life wide apart.  The positive mind is not limited.  It has extra problem-solving power.  People who have big hearts and big minds need not be afraid of what may come, for those hearts and minds determine the quality of the future.

(Anonymous)

Devotion

 

 

"There are two truths that must be accepted by every pilgrim or devotee:

(1) Devotion has to be full, free and comprehensive;

(2) Divinity must be conceived as full, free and comprehensive.

On the other hand, devotion today is almost always "part time".  That is to say, whenever disease, defeat or disappointment happen to assail you, you turn to God and pray for His grace; but when you are happy, prosperous, healthy and in good shape, you ignore God and claim that they are all due to your own abilities and achievements.  God is ignored in sunshine, He is wanted only when there is night.

Devotion must persist and flourish, unaffected by time, place or circumstance."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(S.S.S. Vol.IX)

Divine Wisdom

  

 "God is in every one, so the love that surges in your heart towards God must flow towards all, for all are embodiments of the self-same Divine."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(S.S.S. Vol.IX)

The Smaller Beautitudes (2)

Blessed are those who know when to be quiet and listen:

they will learn a lot of new things.

Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously:

they will be valued by those about them.

Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly:

you will go far in life.

Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown:

you will walk on the sunny side of the street.

(Anon)

Delhi to Los Angeles

It was Arjun's 18th birthday after a week.  He had asked his father to let him go to Los Angeles for a holiday as a birthday gift.  Father told him that he would surely send him, but at this time he was financially a little tight, so he would send him next year.  The boy persisted but the father did not give in.

On the day of his birthday, Arjun realised that father had organised a small Prayer Ceremony.  When he came down from his room in the morning, he saw the family Brahmin (priest) preparing for a Havan and a Puja.  Arjun was irritated; he had told his father he wanted a party with his friends.  Arjun sat through the prayer, fretting and fuming all the while.  At the end of it, his father handed over a gift to him.  Arjun smiled as he proceeded to unwrap it.  But what was this? ..."The Bhagawad Gita"!  What a gift!  He didn't want it .. what about his holiday?  He just put it aside and said, "Dad, I'm getting late for college, I'd better go now."

Arjun walked out and did not come back home.  He struggled to support himself.  He completed his studies and worked part time.

Many years passed.  He was now living in Mumbai, far away from his home town.  One day he bought a bunch of bananas from a roadside vendor.  The vendor put them in a paper bag made of old newspaper.

Arjun's gaze fell on a picture in the newspaper.  It was an obituary message.  The picture was that of his father!  Through the tears in his eyes he read the message below it.  Father had passed away, three months ago.  Feelings of remorse came over him and his eyes gave vent to the tears.

The next day he reached his hometown, a small place on the outskirts of Delhi.  The door was opened by the old servant. Arjun found everything just as he had remembered it.  When he opened his father's drawer, he found "The Bhagawad Gita" there, neatly placed in the same old wrapping paper.  Hesitatingly he took it out and started leafing through it.  As he flicked the pages and reached the last page, he could not believe his eyes!  For, attached there was an air ticket from Delhi to Los Angeles and another one for the return.  It was an open ticket, the date was not specified.

It was then that he sat down and cried like a baby.

How he regretted his hasty decision!  How he wanted to turn back the clock ten years.  How much his father had loved him!  How much he would have missed him!  But ... it was too late!

Life offers us many things; they may not come to us in the packaging we expect.  They may be well within our reach but only after some hard work or effort.  If we do not care to look beyond, well, it's our loss.

(From: "Sunrays for Tuesday" by Priya & Sanjay Tandon)

Shanthi

"Shanthi is essential for everyone.  Having it is having all.  Not having it takes away the joy if everything.  Though shanthi is the very nature of man, anger and greed succeed in suppressing it.  When these are removed, shanthi shines in its own effulgence."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Prashanti Vahini)

Celestial Poems of Sathya Sai Baba

"As the reflection does not stick to the mirror

As water does not wet the lotus leaves,

Sins do not affect a person having the power of devotion.

The words of Sai are the ones which show the Truth."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

The Smaller Beautitudes (1)

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves:
they will have no end of fun.

Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill:
they will be saved a lot of bother.

Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses:
they are on the way to becoming wise.

(Anon)

Use the Present Moment Best

 

 

 "Every tick of the clock snips a length off the thread of life.  Money when unspent remains in your account at the bank but spent is your life with every moment whether wisely or unwisely.  It marches relentlessly on.  Use the present moment best, to sharpen your skills, to broaden your intelligence, to expand your heart and to master the technique of facing the challenges of life with courage and equanimity."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(S.S.S. Vol.IX)

Bamboo's Father

Once upon a time, there was a teacher who meditated much and developed his mind. Gradually his fame spread. Those who wished to be guided by a wise man came to hear him. Considering what he said to be wise indeed, 500 decided to become his followers.

One of these 500, who considered his teachings to be wise, was a certain pet lover. In fact, he loved pets so much that there was no animal he did not wish to keep as a pet.

One day he came upon a cute little poisonous snake, who was searching for food. He decided he would make an excellent pet. So he made a little bamboo cage to keep him in when he had to leave him alone. The other followers called the little snake, 'Bamboo'. Because he was so fond of his pet, they called the pet lover, 'Bamboo's Father'.

Before long, the teacher heard that one of his followers was keeping a poisonous snake as a pet. He called him to him and asked if this was true. Bamboo's Father said, "Yes master, I love him like my own child!"

The wise teacher said, "It is not safe to live with a poisonous snake. Therefore, I advise you to let him go, for your own good."

But Bamboo's Father thought he knew better. He replied, "This little one is my son. He wouldn't bite me. I can't give him up and live all alone!" .

The teacher warned him, "Then surely, this little one will be the death of you!" But the follower did not heed his master's warning.

Later on, all 500 of the teacher's followers went on a trip to collect fresh fruits. Bamboo's Father left his 'son' locked up in the bamboo cage.

Since there were many fruits to collect, it was several days before they returned. Bamboo's Father realized that poor Bamboo had not eaten the whole time he was away. So he opened the cage to let him out to find food.

But when he reached inside, his 'son' bit his hand. Having been neglected for all that time, Bamboo was angry as well as hungry. Since he was only a snake, he didn't know anything about poison!

But his 'father' should have known better. After all, he had been warned by the very teacher he himself considered wise.

Within minutes of being bitten, Bamboo's Father dropped dead!

Moral: There's no benefit in following a teacher, if you don't listen to what he says.

(From: Buddhist Tales for Young and Old)

The Spirit of Peace

 

 

The Spirit of Peace looked over the world

And a tear trickled down from his eye

He looked North and South, East and then West,

Whilst giving a deep and mournful sigh.

Said he, "There's a sadness wherever I look

Hear the sound of our children crying

There's anger and greed, through man's selfish need

Whilst innocent victims are dying."

The Spirit of Peace felt the sadness around

All the hurts, pain and sorrow

He appeals to us all, to answer the call

"Prepare for a peaceful tomorrow".

Bloodshed and war have no place in those hearts

That are filled with Love for each other

"Forgive the past sadness, and live only gladness

And the world will be richer indeed".

~ Mary Dinsley ~

Divine Wisdom

"How then is Prema to be cultivated?  It can be done through two methods:

(1) Consider always the faults of others, however, big, to be insignificant and negligible.  Consider always your own faults, however insignificant and negligible, to be big, and feel sad and repentant.  By these means, you avoid developing the bigger faults and defects and you acquire the qualities of brotherliness and forbearance.

(2) Whatever you do, with yourself or with others, do it, remembering that God is omnipresent.  He sees and hears and knows everything.  Whatever you speak, remember that God hears every word; discriminate between the true and the false and speak only the truth; whatever you do, discriminate between the right and the wrong and do only the right.  Endeavour every moment to be aware of the omnipresence of God."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Prema Vahini)

You are the Atma

"Be convinced that you are the universal, immortal Atma.  That will certainly make every subsequent sadhana easy.  If, instead, you fondle the illusion that you are the body, the senses and this individual self only, any sadhana that you undertake is just like tender, rot-ridden fruit.  It will never grow and become ripe.  The sweet fruit of ananda cannot then be won even at the end of many lives."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Prashanti Vahini)

These are My Wishes for You (3)

 

Find time in each day to see beauty and love in the world around you.

Realize that each person has limitless abilities but each of us is different in our own way.

What you may feel you lack in one regard may be more than compensated in another.

What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.

Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgement of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.

~ Sandra Sturtz ~

Sing!

 

 

Sing at least one song every day.  This may not add to the enjoyment of your family or friends, but it will be a wonderful tonic for you.  Actually, a hymn is best - a hymn with the morning shower will wash your mind on the inside as soap and water do on the outside.

(Author unknown)

Be in the Sun

"Do not spend much thought on the body; some people worry always about health, and they are never satisfied with the care they bestow on the body.  Be in the sun; let the sun's rays penetrate into the home, let them fall upon the body for some time, let them warm and illumine clothes and food; that will suffuse them with health."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Voice of the Avatar - Pt.1)

Where is God?

Once upon a time, a monk wearing the ochre robe chanced to enter a village full of atheists. He fell in with a gang of defiant youth who challenged him to show them that the God, whom he was adoring, actually existed. He said he could, but before doing so, he asked for a cup of milk. 

When the milk was placed before him, he did not drink it. He sat looking at it, long and silently with increasing curiosity. The youths became impatient. Their clamor became insistent. 

The monk told them, “Wait a minute. I am told that there is butter in milk. I must say this cup does not have it, for I do not see any of it, however hard I look into it!” 

The fellows laughed at his innocence and said, “Silly man! Don’t rush to such absurd conclusions. Milk has butter in every drop. That is what makes it so nourishing. If you must see it as a separate, concrete entity, you have to boil the milk, cool it, add sour curd, wait for some hours for it to curdle, then churn it and roll the butter that floats into a ball.”

 

Ah,” said the monk, “that makes my task of showing you God much easier! God is in everything, every being and atom of the Universe. It is because of this that they exist and we can cognize them and enjoy them.

To see Him as a concrete entity, you have to follow a prescribed procedure, earnestly, strictly, and sincerely. Then at the end of it all, you can experience His Grace and His Glory.”

(Chinna Katha from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Celestial Poems of Sathya Sai Baba

"When the heart is devoid of divine feelings,

Two flaws haunt man:

First, to conceal innumerable shortcomings in oneself;

Second, to highlight the smallest of mistakes in others."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Divine Wisdom

"The ego is most easily destroyed by Bhakthi, by dwelling on the magnificence of the Lord and by rendering service to others as children of the Lord.  You can call on the Lord by any name, for all names are His; select the Name and Form that appeals to you most."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Voice of the Avatar - Pt.1)

These are My Wishes for You (2)

May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who know hate, and let that love embrace you as you go into the world.

May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them.

Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.  It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.

~ Sandra Sturtz ~

Quotable Quotes

If you are depressed,

you are living in the past.

If you are anxious,

you are living in the future.

If you are at peace,

you are living in the present.

~ Lao Tzu ~

Liberation

 

"People aspire for liberation (Mukti).  They have no idea what constitutes liberation.  Man seeks liberation from the ills of the body, the senses, the mind, the intellect and the Antahkarana (internal motivator).  All these are no doubt necessary.  But liberation in the ultimate sense consists in the liberation from the cycle of birth and death.  This means one should redeem one's present life so that one is free from rebirth."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Brindavan Campus - March 1998)

These are My Wishes for You (1)

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world which you may not always understand.

May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism.

Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.

May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.

~ Sandra Sturtz ~

Divine Wisdom

 

 

"Be bound to the Atma in you.  Take rest and refuge in it.  Meditate on it without interruption.  Then the bonds would loosen themselves, for the bond with which you attach yourself to the Lord or the Atma has the power of unbinding all other bonds."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Prashanti Vahini)

The Human Body

 

"The human body, so filled with skills, so capable of great adventures, is a gift from God to each of you. It has to be used as a raft on which you can cross this never-calm sea of samsara (change) that lies between birth and death, bondage and liberation.  Awaken to this primal duty even when your physical and mental faculties are keen; awaken even while your power of discrimination is sharp.

Do not postpone the launching of the raft for it may become unserviceable soon.  It may be burdened with illness so that all your attention will have to be spent on its upkeep.  Think of the incomparable joy that will surge within you when you approach the shore of liberation!

Ride safe on the raging waters of samsara; be a witness, do not crave for the fruit of action, leave the consequence of all acts to God's will.  He is the doer, you are but the instrument. Pursue nobler ends, have grander ideals; sensory pleasures are trinkets, trivialities."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Voice of the Avatar - Pt.1)