Quotable Quotes

 

"We practise to learn letting go, not to increase our holding on.

Enlightenment appears when you stop wanting anything."

~ Ajahn Chah ~

(From the book "No Ajahn Chah - Reflections")

Let All the Worlds Be Happy

The True Abode of God

 

"The true abode of God is the body, which God Himself has designed and created.  The body is a living temple, a talking temple, a moving temple.  No ordinary engineer has designed this temple.  It has been created by the pure Will of God.  Hence, it is a sanctified gift of God.  You must guard this sacred gift with utmost care.  You must use the body in the right manner for the realisation of the Supreme Self."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 21.5.2000)

Divine Wisdom

 

 

"Dharma (right conduct) illumines the entire world.  The word "Dharma" means that which "upholds".  It is Dharma which teaches the right relationship between man and man, man and society and society and society.  Dharma reveals to man through his heart what is right and what is wrong.  What is true and what is false.  It is Dharma which promotes the welfare of society.  Dharma protects the protector.  The world cannot exist without Dharma."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 23.1.1977)

God's Wheel

 

 

God says to me with kind of a smile,
"Hey, how would you like to be God awhile
And steer the world?"
"Okay," says I, "I'll give it a try.
Where do I set?
How much do I get?
What time is lunch?
When can I quit?"
"Gimme back that wheel," says God,
"I don't think you're quite ready yet."

 

~ Shel Silverstein ~

Be Thankful

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?" asked the father. 

The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

 

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

"We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Swami says, “Contentment is the most precious treasure… He who has greatest satisfaction in life is the richest man. He who is filled with desires is the poorest man in the world.”

~ SSEHV Newsletter, February 2007 ~

A Hundred Times More Beautiful

 

That which God said to the rose,
and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty,
he said to my heart,
and made it a hundred times more beautiful.

 ~ Jalai ed-Din Rumi ~ 

 

Devotion

  

"Devotion should not be converted into a form of business.  You should not say you will offer something to God if you get a certain thing which you desire.  God needs nothing from you.  Everything belongs to God.  You brought nothing with you at birth and leave the world with nothing.  Only the Divine is with you.  Hence, cherish faith in God."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 14.10.1995)

Holy Ganesha Chaturthi 2014

 

"What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity? The elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant's foot is larger than that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest jungle. In this way, it signifies the quality of a leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is also known for its faithfulness and gratitude. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be grateful to those who have helped him".

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba 

(Divine Discourse - 7.9.1997)

Who is Elder?

  

Ganesha and His brother Lord Subramanya once had a dispute as to who was the elder of the two. The matter was referred to Lord Shiva for final decision. Shiva decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole world and come back first to the starting point had the right to be the elder. 

Subramanya flew off at once on his vehicle, the peacock, to make a circuit of the world. But the wise Ganesha went, in loving worshipfulness, around His divine parents and asked for the prize of His victory. 

Lord Shiva said, "Beloved and wise Ganesha! But how can I give you the prize; you did not go around the world?"

Ganesha replied, "No, but I have gone around my parents. My parents represent the entire manifested universe!"

Thus the dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha, who was thereafter acknowledged as the elder of the two brothers. Mother Parvati also gave Him a fruit as a prize for this victory.

(Source: About.com Hinduism)

The Ganesa Principle

"The world has many exemplary leaders, but none like Vinayaka. He is also called Vigneswara,because he is regarded as the presiding deity for obstacles. Even as Yama is the presiding deity for births and deaths, the grace of Ganapathi removes all obstacles. 

Ganapathi means the Lord of Ganas. He is the Lord of Sound and has the form of Om (Pranava).

What is the esoteric meaning of Ganesa's elephant head? The elephant is noted for its acute intelligence. Ganesa's elephant head symbolises sharpness of intellect and the highest power of discrimination. Because of the purity of his intellect, Vinayaka is also called the giver of Buddhi (intellect). He responds to the prayers of devotees and hence he is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who grants what is sought).

Once Vyasa embarked upon writing the Mahabharata. Because of immensity of the task of writing down millions of verses, Vyasa sought the help of Brihaspati, the preceptor of the Devas, for a suitable scribe. Brihaspati told Vyasa that none but Vinayaka could carry out the work.Vyasa appealed to Vinayaka for aid. Vyasa stipulated that everything that was written should be understood by the scribe. Ganesa, in his turn, laid down a condition that Vyasa should not pause in dictating the verses so that the stylus with which he would be inscribing the verses on the palm leaves should have no rest. 

Vinayaka could write down the entire Mahabharata because he was the embodiment of all knowledge. Vyasa could accomplish his prodigious task with Ganesa’s aid.

The mouse is Ganesa's vehicle.  The mouse is a clever and lively creature.  As a symbol it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions.

There is special significance in placing Vigneswara in the forefront before embarking on any undertaking.  In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for others to follow.  Likewise, by invoking Ganesa, the path is cleared for our undertakings.  The elephant's foot is so large that when it moves, it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal.  Here again, the symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesa is accorded the place of honour.  The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesa.

On Vinayaka Chaturthi day, students place books in front of the Ganesa idol and offer worship.  They pray to the deity to illumine their minds.  Hence Ganesa is known as "Buddhi Pradayaka", one who grants intelligence.  No one should regard Ganesa as uncouth because of his elephant head and his immense belly.  Vinayaka is a deity who encompasses the universe within himself.  He is a deity of infinite potency.

Vigneswara is described as one wearing a white cloth.  His body is ash grey.  He is depicted as having four arms and a cheerful countenance.  The white cloth signifies purity of mind and heart.  By worshipping Him, you must endeavour to achieve similar purity.  Vinayaka always appears serene and calm.  By his grace, the devotee must seek to achieve similar equanimity, whatever may be the ups and downs in life."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Address at the Sathya Sai Institute Hostel - 4.9.89)

Lord Ganesha and His Love for Laddoo

 
Lord Ganesha is very fond of Laddoo (Modaka - a sweet delicacy). Once upon a day of Ganesha Puja, Ganesha went from house to house and accepted the offerings of laddoo. He stuffed himself to the capacity and decided to take a ride on his mouse at night.

Along the moonlit road they got to see a large snake and the troubled rat stumbled, with the consequence Ganpati fell down .He hit the ground hard and as a result his stomach burst open. All the laddoos came out but Ganesha again stuffed them into his stomach. He caught the snake and tied it round his belly.

Moon witnessed the whole event and laughed heartily. Lord Ganesha lost his temper and furiously looked about for something to throw at his tormentor. Getting nothing, he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it at the moon.

He cursed the moon that no one should look at the moon on the day of Ganesha Puja .If anyone would look at it, he will get a bad name, criticism or ill reputation. If anyone gets to see the moon by chance, he would be free from that bad name or blame, after hearing the story of Lord Krishna's clearing his personality in respect of the Syamantaka jewel. Thus, Ganesha was happy to proclaim this.

(Source: Iloveindia.com)

Let All The Worlds Be Happy

Divine Wisdom

"When Swami administers what may appear as bitter medicine, it is for your own good.  God is the physician for the ills of human existence.  You may not relish the taste of His medicine.  But whatever Swami does, says or gives, is all for your good."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(From Bhagavan's inaugural address  to the Sixth World Conference

of Sai Organisations on 18.11.1995)

Realising the Divine

 

"The Divine is omnipresent.  The entire cosmos is permeated and sustained by this Divine energy.  Everyone should endeavour to experience the Divine.  Man must make the effort and he is bound to realise the experience.  The necessary sacrifice must be made.  All the bad qualities have to be renounced the moment they invade the mind.  True devotion means elimination of all the animal tendencies in man.  Man should seek to realise the eternal Divine in him.  That is the primary purpose of human life."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 23.10.1995)

God's Work

 

"Trust everything as God's work, whatever your vocation or profession.  By dedicating all actions to God, you sanctify every act in daily life.  That is the message of the Vedas."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 22.10.1995)

Oneness

Have you ever had a moment of Oneness?

Have you ever had a moment when you felt at one not only with your highest self but also with life, love, the universe, God, and everyone everywhere?

Have you ever had a moment when you felt the heart beating in your chest was in perfect rhythm with the song of all creation?

Have you ever had a moment when you finally felt the joy inside of you that you have wanted all of your life?

The first time I had a moment like that I was a little boy sitting on my Mom’s lap while she read me a story. In that second everything felt right with the world. I remember too having moments like that each time I held my own baby children in my arms and gently rocked them to sleep. Holding those peaceful angels so close made my heart grow warmer and my love grow deeper.

I had another moment like that the first time I realized that God loves me just as I am with all my weaknesses and faults. It was then I first decided I wanted to grow better for the Heavenly Father who loved me so much.

Over the years these moments of Oneness have grown more frequent as well. Each one has filled me with joy. Each one has connected me with others. Each one has brought a wholeness, completeness and divinity into my life. Each one has made me more at One with the Love that created us all.

Our moments of Oneness are the greatest moments in life. They are moments we would all forever create if we could. Well, the wonderful truth is we can!

How do you create these moments of Oneness? You just love.

It is that simple. It is that easy. The more you love the more you become one with others, with life, and with God. The more you love the more these joyous moments begin to fill your life. The more you love the more you bring the eternal Oneness of Heaven down here to Earth.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Celestial Poems of Sathya Sai Baba

"How can a wretch, bereft of pure mind,

Ever attain the knowledge of the Self?

Only the one with a pure mind

Can gain the knowledge of the Self.

This is the Truth I proclaim."

  ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~ 

With Two Teeth

 

"Your letter has not reached Me yet; but, I have read it already. You posted it to Madras, not knowing that I have come back here. I was near you when you wrote it. Your mother must now be very much better; is it not?" This is what Baba wrote to a devotee, some years back. He is Sarvantaryami; He is in all places, at all times.

Our letter did not reach Him. Even when it reaches Him, He need not open it and read the contents!

One day, I happened to be in His room when the post came. When He dropped on the floor one letter unread and unopened, some newly arrived person muttered, "Swami, you have not read that letter. It may be some tale of misery." Baba smiled and said, "No, No. It is a tale of joy, He says that a son has been born to him; but he is worried that the baby was born with frontal teeth." Then He told us the whole story with the envelope in His hand.

"A Vaisya couple from a village in Telangana had come on a pilgrimage to Puttaparthi a year ago; they prayed that they may be blessed with progeny. I gave the man an apple and asked him to share it with his wife. He took it in his hand and examined it. Finding some marks on the skin, indicating that it might have been bitten by a rat or so, he asked Me what it was, evidently nervous about eating it. I told him that they both could eat it. 'Only, the baby will have two frontal teeth at birth. Don't worry.'

He has now written that the child has been born and (here, He tore open the envelope, took out the letter and turning over the lines showed us the very sentence) "he has asked Me whether any shanti has to be performed, to alleviate what he fears be a calamity!"

Looking at that sentence, we stood amazed, in the resplendent Presence of Bhagawan.

Baba is Sarvajna, Sarvasaktha, Sarvaantaryami.

~ N. Kasturi ~

(Sanathana Sarathi - June 1960)

 

Seriousness

 

"My friends, please remember seriousness is not a sign of spirituality.  Seriousness is the sign of a sick man, not of a spiritual man - because bliss is God and God is bliss and Bhagawan has gone one step beyond and said, "The one who smiles, the one who is blissful is God, and the one who cries is human."  If you want to be truly spiritual, you should have this sense of humour.  A kind of laughter, we should be able to enjoy."

~ Anil Kumar ~

(From his book "Divine Directions")

Let All The Worlds Be Happy

The Name of God

"The only hold that man has in this dreadful darkness is the name of God.  

That is the raft which will take him across this stormy sea darkened by hate and fear, 

churned by anxiety and terror."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Sanathana Sarathi - Nov/Dec 1995)

See Good

 

I open my eyes and what do I see?

God in man, in bird, in tree,

God is every stick and stone,

For everything is God alone.

He's in each tiny beetle, in soft furry cats,

In snakes and in spiders, in monkeys and rats,

The sun, the moon, the faraway star,

Everything, Baba, is what you are.

You're the air that I breathe, the water I drink

The blue of the sky and the cloud, rosy pink.

Above and behind me, in front and beside,

There's nowhere, from Baba, that I can hide.

I close my eyes and what do I see?

Everything is God to me.

~ Deirdre West ~

(Sanathana Sarathi - Nov/Dec 1995)

Things Aern't Always What They Seem

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel: "How could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him", she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die."

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."

"Then last night as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

 ~ Author Unknown ~

Anger

 

 

"When you are agitated by anger or hatred or agony, drink cold water, lie down quietly, sing a few bhajan songs.  Or walk some long distance alone, fast, so that the pestering thoughts are driven into silence."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Divine Wisdom

"On your land, you can grow food as you like, or you can be idle and let it lie fallow.  You owe yourself the cause of ruin or progress.  The tools are in your hands; you can learn the skills and break the shackles and escape, but if you decide to spend life in slavery and bondage, who can save you?  Do not blame fate.  The status in the present life is decided on your actions in the previous life.

Bad deeds never yield good,

Good deeds never breed bad,

Neem seeds never yield mangoes,

Mango seeds never breed neem."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Sananthana Sarathi - Nov/Dec 1995)

You Also Are God

 

Swami loves children and can be frequently seen talking to them [especially the Birthday boys] in the veranda in Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam. 

 

A favourite question of His is: "Boy, how old are you?" When the boy concerned replies, Swami's next question would be: "How do you know?" Invariably the answer would be, "My mother told me." 

 

Swami would then smile and remark, "Yes, it is always the mother who is the first teacher." 

 

Changing the subject, Baba would then ask: "Where do you come from?" Quick would come the reply: "Swami, I have come from You!" Swami would laugh and then say, "I just want to know where you were born." 

 

After a bit of light banter like this, Swami would then ask, "Who am I?" Without any hesitation, the boy answers, "Swami, You are God!" Swami would smile, pat the boy and slowly say, "You also are God!"

 

 

 (Source: Radio Sai)

 

"Who Are You?"

 

If Baba asks me, "Who are you?" I will certainly want to say what's true,

But what is "true" to my own mind is not SAI TRUTH for all mankind.

Should I respond, "I am You", although my blindness hides that view?

Enough of this ego on my part!  My answer should be from the heart.

So if He asks me, "What are you?"  I hope my courage will say what's true

and my response, in Maya, would be, "I am your stumbling devotee."

~ A Devotee ~

(Sanathana Sarathi - Nov/Dec 1995)

"This One is Mine"

  

Perhaps one of the finest of  the prayers that man could ever pose unto God was scripted by God Himself, as Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.  This is a prayer of contentment, listing out a few of "I Do Not's" and "I Shall Not's".  Read on this timeless message penned by Bhagavan.

I do not need any riches; for, why should I?

A carefree mind is enough, O Father,

That is a Million for me!

I shall not yearn for Fortune; for, why should I?

A smile-lit face is enough, O Father,

That is a Million for me!

I shall not pine and want: for, why should I?

A glance from Thy Eye is enough, O Father,

That is a Million for me!

I shall not crave for Wealth; for, why should I?

The joy of being Thine is enough, O Father,

That is a Million for me!

Enough for me these things I have,

Whatever Thou hast gifted now;

Why think of getting more? 

I’ll have them when Thou wishest;

Enough for me Thy undiminishing Grace

Which falls on all whom Thou hast blessed,

With the words: “This one is Mine.”

(Source: Sai Spiritual Showers)