Sai Madhuryam

Men seek a good time, position and good life 

But will not cultivate good thoughts, wisdom or right conduct. 

Do you know why legs have been given? 

Is it to roam aimlessly in alleys and bylanes? 

No. It is to take to the shrine of Lord Siva. 

Do you know why you have been endowed with eyes? 

Is it to gaze on all kinds of things? 

No. It is to behold the Lord of Kailasa.

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Suffering

"When I think about the misery

Of those in this world,

Their sadness becomes mine.

Oh, that my monk's robe

Was wide enough

To gather up all

The suffering people

In this floating world."

~ Ryokan ~

The Watch

"The watch will teach Sathyam. It warns against evil, and alerts you to be good, Sivam. It is worn as a jewel so it is Sundaram, too, besides being a teacher and reminder of human values. The watch is the symbol of Time. We are powerless before Time but Time's Creator and Director can be won and attained by the wise .use of Time. 

Instructing others on this inner meaning of the Watch and the Panchaakshari Mantra derivable from the five letters WATCH are not enough to fulfill your duty. The watch advises you to watch yourself whether you have the credentials to teach. A hundred eyes will be watching every word and deed of yours to discover whether you have mastered the human values and whether you are practising them. 

And, most important of all, God, the Universal Watcher, is witnessing and weighing your every thought, word and deed. The God in you examines and judges and you are able to acquire self satisfaction through sincerity and serenity. Prove your humanness by the practice of the values which are the unique qualities of man."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 7.3.1986)

Yagnas and Yagas are Highly Valuable

"Good deeds done in a dedicatory spirit do not add to the length or strength of Yama's rope; they give santi and santosha, in plenty.  Why, you had a very good illustration of this just today.  The final offering of sacred objects in the sacrificial fire of the Rudrayaga was done here at 10 a.m. and there was a welcome downpour of unexpected rain at 10.05 a.m.!

Those who do not know the true values of yagna and yaga ridicule these rites and shout that they involve the loss of precious ghee and fuel, which could be put to better use.  They do not realise that the food they themselves consume is a colossal waste, for they do no good to the world or for themselves.  The cigarettes are a waste, indeed, a dangerous waste.  The bush coasts, the films they see, the radio hours they listen to, are all waste.  You see a sculptor working away at a rock with his chisel and you condemn his work of chipping pieces as waste of precious time, and valuable stone.  You do not know that one day a form of divine beauty will emerge.  You see the ryot scatter valuable seeds on the mushy field; you blame him for wasting eatable stuff.  You do not realise that he will harvest it a hundredfold in a few months.  Your criticism is born of ignorance.

The rain that fell this morning and surprised everyone did not surprise Me, for it is the inevitable consequence of the yaga.  It is a special science, which pundits know; honour them for it."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(From the book "Chinna Katha 1")

Baba's Storytime - The Desire to Die

There was a woodcutter once, going daily into the forest and collecting a bundle of fuel which he sold in the village nearby for a pittance, which just sufficed to keep his wife and children alive.  

One morning, while he was stepping out of his hut, the wife reminded him that it was Yugadi (the New Year Festival) the next day; she pleaded with him to collect a heavier bundle of fuel that day, so that they could get a few more paise to give the children a morsel of sweet rice each.  The man nodded assent and walked on.  He succeeded in gathering an extra huge bundle but, with that heavy load on his head, he was soon exhausted; he had to deposit it on the ground before he could approach the village.  

This set him thinking of his plight.  He had lost all his old zest for living.  He called upon the Angel of Death, the Mrthyudevatha, to relieve him.  He cried, "O Death!  Have you no mercy toward me?  Why have you forgotten me so long?  How I wish I could die and escape from this daily grind!"

The Angel of Death took pity on him and appeared before him to fulfil his wish.  But the woodcutter suddenly receded; he cleverly changed the purpose of his appeal to the Angel.  He had no wish to die, though in his despair, he had called for her help.  He said, "No, no.  I have no one here to lift this bundle on to my head, so I called on you to come to my aid.  That was the only reason behind my prayer.  Please help me to lift this burden and place it on my head; I have to reach the village soon!"

Since man is innately immortal, he recoils from the grasp of death; the will to live is very strong, much more persistent than the will to die.

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

Quotable Quotes

"There is nothing so disobedient as an undisciplined mind 

and there is nothing so obedient as a disciplined mind."

~ Buddha ~

May All Living Beings of All the Worlds be Happy

Divine Wisdom

Juice of Love

'Just as every day you engage in exercise and consume tonics, calculating the intake of calories and vitamins, and paying meticulous attention to the nutritional value of the food, pay attention also to the intake of impressions into the mind - whether they debilitate or strengthen, whether they add to the power of resistance of the mind against the viruses of greed, envy, hatred, pride, malice, etc. Have a meal of good acts of service, divine thoughts, and drink the premarasa (juice of Love), so that they may be washed down, and digested well. Then you can be shining in mental health, happiness and wholesomeness." 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 6y.10.1970)

Sai Madhuryam

In this world life is transient, 

Wealth and youth are not permanent; 

Equally impermanent are wife and children; 

Only Truth and reputation are lasting. 

Concerned only with one's good and teaching the truth, 

The preceptor may chastise or beat one, 

Like the mother who administers unpalatable medicine 

For the good of her child. 

Do not forget this truth. 

What greater gift is there than the gift of food? 

What greater deity is there than one's parents? 

What greater morality is there than promoting the public good?

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Happy Vijaya Dashami 2015

May you all be blessed!

A Touch

When I was 16 years old I had thick, wavy, brown hair that covered my head including my ears. I used to part it in the middle and comb it back. It was so heavy, though, that the bangs often slipped back down under my glasses when I lowered my head to read. Sometimes when I was doing my schoolwork at the kitchen table I could feel the hair starting to slide down into my eyes again. Usually I'd just let it hang there, but every now and then I would feel a gentle touch on my forehead moving the hair back into place. It was my Mom smiling down at me. She would then wash the dishes behind me while I finished my homework. I think that she enjoyed those little moments as much as I did. I was too old and too big to sit in her lap or be carried in her arms anymore, but she could still show me how much she loved me with a touch.

Now I am 46 years old. My hair is thin and light with more gray than brown. The wavy bangs have retreated all the way up my forehead with only a few strands resting on the very top. I no longer have to worry about it falling into my eyes. It is too busy falling out of my head. My Mom too has been in Heaven now for 21 years. Yet, there are times when I close my eyes and bow my head in peaceful, prayer that I can still feel the slightest touch on my forehead. When it happens I have such love surging through my heart. I know at that moment that my Mom loves me and is watching over me even now.

A touch can do so much to help others in this life. The touch of a hand can share love, ease pain, and bring joy. The touch of a kind word can catch a sinking spirit and give it wings. The touch of God's love can change your heart, heal your soul, and make you a mighty force for good in this world. May you spend the rest of your days here then touching hands, touching hearts, and touching Heaven with your love.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Three Steps

"By these three steps, you will come near to the Gods:

Speak the truth

Do not yield to anger

Give even though you have but a little to give."

~ The Dhammapada ~

Humble Pranams ...

Manasa Bhaja Rey Guru Charanam

Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam ...

O Mind! Meditate on the Feet of the Guru, 

which will take you across the wearisome sea of Samsara or worldly existence...

Avatar Declaration Day - 20 October 2015

Human Life

"Today human life is wasted in the pursuit of sensuous desires. All of them are negative in nature. Instead, men should entertain positive desires, which are natural to human beings. Divinise every desire and every action."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 28.2.1998)

Quotable Quotes

"Every step, every breath made in mindfulness

is an act of true love."

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

Total Surrender

"The right attitude of the devotee should be one of total surrender. As one devotee declared: "I am offering to you the heart which you gave me. I have nothing I can call my own. All are yours. I offer to you what is yours. What else can I do?" This was the spirit in which Lakshmana served Raama. As long as this spirit of total surrender is not developed, man will have to be born again and again. One should offer one's heart to the Divine, and not be content with offerings like flowers and fruits."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 1.7.1996)

Spread Love

Spread love everywhere you go,

First of all in your own house.

Give love to your children,

To your wife or husband,

To a next-door neighbour.

Let no one ever come to you

Without leaving better and happier.

Be the living expression 

Of God's kindness;

Kindness in your face,

Kindness in your eyes,

Kindness in your smile,

Kindness in your warm greeting.

~ Mother Teresa ~

Divine Wisdom

Baba's Storytime -A Lesson Gandhi Learnt

"If Gandhi, who was an ordinary person, was able to achieve greatness and world renown, it was because of the lessons in good behaviour which he learnt from his mother. The mother used to observe a vow: she would take her food only after the cuckoo sang in the morning. 

Once when Gandhi was a boy, the mother was waiting for a long time to hear the call of the cuckoo. Observing this, Gandhi went out of the house, imitated the call of the cuckoo and came in and told his mother that the cuckoo had sung and that she could take her food. The mother, who saw through her son's trickery, slapped him on the cheek and said, "You wicked fellow; what sin must I have committed to bear a son like you?" She felt sad that such a child should have been born to her. Her grief touched the heart of Gandhi.

From that moment Gandhi took a firm resolve never to utter a lie again. 

In his childhood, Gandhi used to be full of fear. There was a maid in his home called Rambha. Gandhi disclosed to her how he was always afraid. Rambha told him: "Child, always recite the name of Rama. By chanting Rama's name, your fear will go away." From that time Gandhi was always chanting the name of Rama. The habit of reciting Rama's name, which began in his boyhood, continued fight up to the moment of his passing. Nor was that all. 

By adhering to the chanting of Rama's name, Gandhiji was able to achieve his aim of winning the country's freedom by non-violent means. For such a life of purity and virtue, the parents were primarily responsible."

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

Sai Madhuryam

The Lord of the cosmos permeates the entire universe. 

Remaining invisible in the visible universe, 

The cosmic consciousness illumines everything 

Like the thread that runs through a necklace of gems. 

All things happen, good and bad, according to the dictates of Time. 

Time is the cause of joy and sorrow, gain and loss. 

Realise that Time is the cause of all happenings in the world. 

There is none who is not subject to the sway of Time. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

True Message of Navratri

“The life of a man who cannot respect and love one’s mother is utterly useless. Recognizing one's mother as the very embodiment of all divine forces, one must show reverence to her and treat her with love. This is the true message that this nine-night festival (the Navratri) gives us. 

The supreme Shakti manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga grants us energy - physical, mental, and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us all forms of wealth - not just money but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character, and others. Even health is a kind of wealth. She grants untold riches to us. And Saraswati bestows intelligence, the capacity for intellectual inquiry, and the power of discrimination on us. 

The Navaratri festival is celebrated in order to proclaim the power of the goddesses to the world. One's own mother is the combination of all these divine beings. She provides us with energy, wealth, and intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So she represents all the three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri festival.”

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 14.10.1988)

Happy Navratri

May this Navratri light the lamp of happiness,

prosperity and knowledge for all.

Happy Navratri!

It's Up to You!

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!

(Author Unknown)

May All the Living Beings of all the Worlds be Happy

Quotable Quotes

Quality, Not Quantity

"Today people chant the divine name, not from source, but out of force. No benefit accrues from chanting the divine name unless it is done wholeheartedly. Chant His name wholeheartedly at least for half a minute, that is enough. One tea spoonful of cow’s milk is better than barrels of donkey’s milk. God is interested in Quality, not in Quantity."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 4.3.2000)

My Life is Love

"Promote love in your hearts and share it with others. That is the best form of worship. Love is the only property of Sai. My life is love. That is what I offer to one and all. I go on giving, giving. But to what extent are you putting into practice Svaami's teachings? Practise silence for at least ten minutes in a day. Meditate on Svaami's teachings at that time. Realise that in this transient world the Eternal is immanent. Hold fast to God. Experience the bliss of union with the Divine. Make love your life-breath. With love of God in their hearts the ancient sages could transform even the wild animals in the forests."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 13.4.1996)

Quotable Quotes

The Hand of God

I think that most of us go through our days here with our eyes half-closed because we so seldom see the Hand of God working in our lives. It happens in countless ways every single day. Let me give you an example. Two years ago several of the Hawaiian shirts that I love to wear had become worn and threadbare. I really wanted some new ones so I saved any extra money I had for several weeks to pay for them. Finally, I headed to my favorite clothing store with a large denomination bill in my wallet to buy them.

When I got to the store I saw a local charity collecting money for the poor. I reached in my wallet for a five dollar bill to help them out. I grabbed it and dropped it in the bucket. As I let go of it, however, I noticed that it wasn't the five dollar bill but rather the large denomination one that I had saved to pay for my new shirts. I went back home disappointed at my mistake, but I quickly made peace with it. I knew I could wear my old shirts for a while longer and it felt good knowing I was helping to buy food and clothes for people in desperate need.

The next week I stopped by the local Goodwill store to make a donation when I noticed several Hawaiian shirts brightening up the clothing racks. I went through them and picked out enough to last me a long while for a fraction of the price I would have paid for new ones. It made me laugh and smile when I realized that God had given me all I needed and also helped me to help others as well. I thanked Him for guiding my hand and for guiding my heart that day.

Saint Francis of Assisi said: "While we have time, let us do good!" Do all the good you can then in the days you are given here. Give all the help you can. Share all the love you can. Spread all the joy you can. Scatter all the sunshine you can. Utter all the truth you can. And don't be surprised if the unseen Hand of God sometimes helps you out along the way.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Quotable Quotes

"Do everything in mindfulness,

so you can really be there,

so you can love."

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

Sai Madhuryam

All names and forms are the manifestations of the Supreme Being
who is the embodiment of peace and auspiciousness.
He is Existence, Knowledge, Bliss Absolute and non-dual.  
He is Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram (Truth, Goodness, Beauty).

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Divine Wisdom

Baba's Storytime - Sacrifice

Once three persons reached the gates of Swarga (heaven). One of them declared that he was the master of all scriptures and therefore the gates should be opened to let him in. The guardians of the gate said: "You are familiar only with the texts. You have no practical experience. You may leave." 

The second man said: "I have performed many Yagas and Yajnas" (sacrificial rites and rituals). The guardians told him: "You have performed the sacrifices for selfish aims. You have no place here." 

The third person, a farmer, neared the gates and said: "I am a poor farmer, owning a hut on two acres of land. I have been offering food and drink to passers-by and giving them shelter when necessary. I have shared with them whatever little I had. This is all the sadhana I have been able to practice." The guardians said: "You may enter." 

The story illustrates the truth that only those who are prepared to sacrifice what little they have for relieving others in need, are entitled to enter heaven. Many have read a great deal and listened to innumerable discourses. What effect have these had on them? Has them been any change in their lives? If they examined their lives, they will find that the answer is negative. While listening to a discourse they may be inclined towards renunciation. They welcome the teaching. But after a few moments, they return to their original selves. 

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

The Cosmic Exhibition

"This cosmos is a vast exhibition. It is the creation of the Lord. All are entering this exhibition and taking whatever they choose. Some seek jobs, others wealth and so on. They are content to take objects of their choice. But no one asks the question: "Swami!. If I take away one thing or another, what is it that I gain? If You become mine all these will become mine." When you have entered the Cosmic exhibition, you must seek the Divine. Then, the whole universe becomes yours. You must seek that which is lasting and unchanging. There is no meaning in going after one thing after another. There is no end to that process. There is no satisfaction in that. What you acquire today, loses its charm the next day and you desire something new. But once the Divine is attained, all things are obtained."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - 16.4.1988) 

Success

In the eyes of the world I am not seen as much of a success. I have a tiny house not a mansion. I don't wear fancy clothes. I don't own an expensive car, or a plane, or a yacht. My bank account is always empty at the end of the month. I am not a CEO of a corporation. I haven't made a movie, won a Grammy, or sold a million books. I am not famous. My picture has never been on a magazine cover. I have never had my own reality television show. Yet, in spite of all of this there are many times when I do feel like a success.

When my grown up son gives me a hug and says: "I love you Dad", I feel like a success. When my big dog walks over to me, puts his head on my lap, and looks up at me with his adoring brown eyes, I feel like a success. When I share a laugh with the cashier in the grocery store, I feel like a success. When I give my smile to a stranger I am walking by and find my gift returned, I feel like a success. When I send what few dollars I can to a charity and know that I am helping someone in need, I feel like a success. When I get a letter from someone who has been touched by the simple stories I write, I feel like a success. When I remember that God loves me in spite of all my faults and failings, I feel like a success.

Perhaps what this world needs is a redefining of what success really is. Perhaps this world needs to recognize that fame fades, money is soon spent, power never lasts, and material things always turn to dust. Perhaps this world needs to see that the most successful life of all is one where you love God, yourself, and others. Perhaps we all need to realize that a successful life in the eyes of the world isn't always a successful life in the eyes of Heaven.

May you always see the success in your own life. May you always be a success in loving, giving, caring, and sharing. And may you always succeed in making God smile.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Sai Madhuryam

There is pain in pleasure also; 

none can separate them. 

It is pain that leads to pleasure. 

In fact, both pain and pleasure are the effects of Kali Age.

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Quotable Quotes

"Man lives in confusion and fear until he discovers the uniformity of the law in nature; 

until then the world is a stranger to him."

~ Rabindranath Tagore ~