Saturday, January 30, 2016

Quotable Quotes



"We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable happiness."

~ Dalai Lama ~

Friday, January 29, 2016

Farewell to a Dirty Habit

There goes a saying, “Old Habits Die Hard” meaning existing habits are hard to change. When Bhagawan is personally involved, the act becomes instantaneous. Read on how Prof Kasturi got rid off his decades-long ‘vice’ companion. An episode from the Professor’s autobiographical account - Loving God.
On my first night at Rishikesh, the sacred spot on the Ganga, I gained a victory which had eluded me for over nine agonising years. I must admit that I had fallen a victim to snuff during my years at the Royal City of Mysore. The preparation of a dark variety of capsules which when pressed between thumb and index finger became flavourful snuff to be inhaled and enjoyed was an art known only to a few families there. It was an aristocratic aromatic acquisition. My friend Swami Siddeswarananda, the poet Puttapa and many others of that generation were devoted to that exciting device for mental arousal. For over three decades, that vice led me by the nose.
When I yielded to the impact of Baba, I decided, like Sindbad, to overthrow the old man who was riding on me. But he sat astride firmly. Baba often spoke sharply within my hearing on the habit. But luckily only in general terms. He spoke disparagingly about a few persons whom I knew, and condemned the weakness which prevented them from wriggling out of the dirty dusty snuff habit. I felt glad that he had not black-listed me, by name. When I joined the Rishikesh party I armed myself with a pound weight of the previous stuff bought at Madras, so that I could happily nose around the snuffless region.
That crucial night, Baba came over from the cottage in the Ashram complex which was allotted for His stay into the dormitory where I and five others were settling down for rest. I had prepared my bed and was enjoying the stretching of limbs, when Baba appeared, followed by Satchidananda and Sadananda. He came near my cot and turned the pillow over to expose the snuff-box cosily resting there. I shivered in remorse. I remembered the centuries old ritual, which Hindus observe when they reach pilgrim spots. They give up a habit that is dearly loved. Baba looked at me sternly. He said only one single Word, “Dirty”. I took the box and threw it far into the thick night. I clenched my teeth to lock my sobs in. I took an explosive vow, touching Baba’s Feet. ‘No more Swami! I am giving it up from this moment!”
Baba gave me a soft pat on the shoulder. I bent under the cot, dragged out my leather luggage box and took hold of the one pound tin of the disgusting stuff and was about to cast it into the bushy under-growth when two renunciants in ochre robes snatched it from my hands. They said (they were evidently, not a part of the Sivanandarsam) they were getting their supplies of the ‘Jnana Choornam” (the Powder that promotes the Intellect) from New Delhi, which was too far away.
Hearing the noise, Baba turned back and laughed. Satchidananda and Sadananda too laughed. I have not inhaled that rajasic poison since. It was indeed a pity that what I, a house-holder, threw to the winds was caught and treasured by those Sanyasins!

Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu!

(Source: The Prashanti Reporter)

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Sai Madhuryam



How can Sai be pleased with you 
If your thoughts are not good,
If your words are not pleasing,
If your actions are not right? 
Good thoughts, sweet speech 
And right conduct--these alone 
Constitute true education. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Grow in Love



"Consider the suffering of others as your own.  Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.  Love is the basis of everything.  Grow in love."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(S.S. Jan. 2006)

Divine Wisdom




Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Quotable Quotes



Baba's Storytime - Steadfastness and Deep Faith



When you have filled your heart with sympathy for the distressed, the Lord will shower His grace.

Draupadi had earned the grace through her devotion and virtues.  Sita, too, stuck to the highest ideal of life, in spite of the severe suffering she underwent.  Hanuman, who discovered her in the grove where she was kept as a prisoner by her abductor, offered to re-cross the ocean with her on his shoulders and take her safe to her Lord, Rama.  But she replied that she will not allow herself to be abducted back from the custody of Ravana since that will deprive Rama of the chance to punish him for his crime and retrieve her through his own heroism!  Splendid words, these!  Quite in consonance with the dictates of Dharma!  No wonder the Lord's grace saved her in good time!

If you have no steadfastness and no depth of faith,
you can have no grace.


(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Sunday, January 24, 2016

An Act of Worship



"You may not get a chance to participate in some gigantic scheme of service, through which millions may be benefited, but you can lift a little lamb over a stile or lead a blind child across a busy road.  That too is an act of worship."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(S.S.S. Vol. VIII)

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Self-confidence



"The man who is filled with love has great peace of mind, is pure at heart and is unruffled by any adverse circumstances, failures or losses. This fortitude is derived from love of the Lord, which endows him with self-confidence. Self-confidence generates an immense internal power. Everyone has to develop this power. Everyone has to develop this self-confidence so that the Atma-Ananda (bliss of the Self) may be experienced."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 9.10.1989)

The Quest for God



"In his life-long quest for happiness man forgets that he can secure enduring bliss only by pursuing the spiritual path. Towards the end of his life, when all other sources have failed, he turns towards God. Man cannot secure real happiness by relying on worldly objects. Only by turning towards the Spirit can he secure bliss."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 5.10.1989)

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

I Don't Know



Being an inspirational writer I get a lot of letters from readers asking a lot of questions that I can't answer. I have learned a lot of things in this life, but there are many things I don't know and may never know.

I don't know why people have to die. I don't know why a disease will take one person's life and spare another's. I don't know how some people can rationalize hurting and humiliating others. I don't know why some people start wars, crave power, and live in selfishness. I don't know why children are starving when there is enough in this world for everyone. 

I don't know why some people go through so much suffering in this life. I don't know why we hate. I don't know why we fear. I don't know why we kill. I don't know why we create so much pain, problems, and misery. I don't know why we divide this wonderful world up into us and them. I don't know why we choose to live in conflict instead of cooperation. I don't know why we blind ourselves to the fact that we are all brothers and sisters.

There are, however, a few things that I do know. I know that God loves us. I know that our Heavenly Father wants us all to live as one family in this world. I know that love is stronger than hate. I know that faith drives out fear. I know that death is only a doorway. I know that pain can bring growth. I know that hardship can make wisdom. I know that while this life can be a struggle it is worth it. I know that a far greater life awaits us too; a life full of love, joy, and light. I know that Heaven isn't just above us but also within us. I know that we can share our Heaven with every choice we make and everything we do. I know that when we LOVE we will have JOY. I may not know everything, but what I do know gives me hope for the future, for our world, and for us all.


~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Quotable Quotes



"Every single living being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do.  Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer.  So let's take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies.  This is the basis for true compassion."

~ Dalai Lama ~

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy



Divine Wisdom



Sai Madhuryam



Goodness, humanness, morality and one's own culture 
should be made evident by practice. 
The one who who practises them is the true Sadhaka. 
This is the truth which Bhagawan is emphasizing.

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Unity



True spirituality lies in knowing the Self.  But you are unable to know the Self as you identify yourself with the body.  Identification with the body gives rise to ego.  One with ego cannot know the reality.  Your welfare and also of others will be ensured when you have a firm conviction that all are Divine.  Develop the spirit of unity.  You cannot expect divinity to manifest in you unless you cultivate unity.  The Vedas teach the lesson of unity:

Let us all move together, let us all grow together,
Let us all stay united and share our knowledge,
Let us all live together with friendship and harmony.
(Telugu song) 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~ 
(Divine Discourse - 17.8.2005

Thursday, January 14, 2016

The Seeker




The more I focused on lack and on what I couldn’t have, the more depressed I became.  The more depressed I became, the more I focused on lack.  My soul whispered that what I really yearned for was not financial security but financial serenity.  I was still—quiet enough to listen.  At that moment I acknowledged the deep longing in my heart.  What I hungered for was an inner peace that the world could not take away.  I asked for help and committed to following wheresoever Spirit would lead me.  For the first time in my life I discarded my five-year goals and became a seeker, a pilgrim, a sojourner.  When I surrendered my desire for security and sought serenity instead, I looked at my life with open eyes.  I saw that I had much for which to be grateful.  I felt humbled by my riches and regretted
that I took for granted the abundance that already existed in my life.  How could I expect more from the universe when I didn’t appreciate what I already had?

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~
  

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Divine Wisdom



Baba's Storytime - The Power of Love



The power of Love is infinite. It can conquer anything. 

Once while Lord Buddha was journeying, he was confronted by a demoness who threatened to kill him. Smilingly, Buddha said: "You are not a demon; you are a deity! I love you even if you behave like a demon." Hearing these loving words, the demoness turned into a dove and flew away. 

Love can change the heart of even an inveterate enemy. It is this kind of Universal love that should be cultivated by everyone. There are people professing different faiths in the world - Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Zorastrians and so on. There should be no difference or distrust amongst them, for all of them uphold Truth and Dharma. 


(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Absence of Peace



"The greatest disease is the absence of peace.  When the mind is peaceful, your body will be healthy.  So everyone who craves for good health must pay attention to their emotions, feelings and motives that animate them.  Just as you wash clothes, you must wash your mind free from dirt everyday.  To cleanse your mind, you should mix in good company and avoid dirt elements like falsehood, injustice, indiscipline, cruelty, hate, etc.  Truth, righteousness, peace, love - these form the clean elements.  If you inhale the pure air of clean elements, your mind will be free from evil bacilli and you will be mentally sturdy and physically strong.  As Vivekananda said, you should have nerves of steel and muscles of iron.  You must brim in hope and joy as your unshakable resolution, not display despair and dejection."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba "
(Divine Discourse - 21.9.1960)

Monday, January 11, 2016

Quotable Quotes



"The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hate."

~ Dalai Lama ~

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Human Values



"Of all human values, three are most important. The foremost is love of God. Where there is love there is sacrifice. There arises purity of heart. There should be a fusion of love, sacrifice and purity. They are not mere human qualities. They constitute vital organs of a human being. They are as essential for a human being as the head, hands and legs for the body. Without these attributes, no one is a complete human being."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 13.1.1984)

Sai Madhuryam



The body is made up of five elements 
and is bound to perish sooner or later 
but the indweller has neither birth nor death. 
The indweller has no attachment whatsoever 
and is the eternal witness. 
Truly speaking, the indweller, who is in the form of Atma, 
is verily God Himself. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Dedication



"Dedication is to be carried out in various ways.  Take the food that we consume.  Offer it to God before you partake of it.  Then it is rendered pure and potent.  Any act done for the glorification of God is thereby rendered pure and potent.  It is incapable of harming the doer, the beneficiary or society, for it is saturated with Love, which is God."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(S.S.S. Vol.IX)

Start Today



"What can you do when you have done nothing but mess up your whole life long?"  These were the words I heard when I turned on the television the other day.   They were coming from one of the talk shows that are so popular on television these days.  I started to turn the channel but the words I had heard made me stop for an instant.  I looked at the speaker of them.  He couldn't have been more than eighteen years old, but already he was writing off his life as a useless waste.

I wanted to yell back at him:  "You're not dead yet!"

It is so sad that so many people cannot get beyond their pasts and live in the present.  There are so many people like that talk show guest.  There are people still in their teen years thinking that their lives are over.  There are people in their twenties who already feel like they have missed the boat to success and happiness.  There are people in their thirties and forties who sit around moaning that life has passed them by.  I want to shout to them all:  "Wake up!  You're still alive!  What have you done today?"

If you want a happy life you can't dwell on your past mistakes.  If you want joy and love in your life you have to choose them today.  God gives us a new chance at life every time we wake up in the morning.  It is up to us to seize it.Today can be the beginning of a new life for each of us.  We can choose joy right now.  We can share love today.  We can live in delight starting at this moment.  It doesn't matter how miserable our past has been.  Our present can be full of joy and our future can be full of happiness.  It doesn't matter if we are eight or eighty--we can still make our lives wonderful.  

Life isn't over until your last heartbeat.  
Start today, then, to make your heart beat with joy, love, and light.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

New Beginnings




How often we wish for another chance
to have a fresh beginning
A chance to blot out our mistakes
and change failure into winning.
It does not take a new year
to make a brand new start.
It only takes the deep desire
to try with all your heart.
To live a little better
and to always be forgiving
To add a little sunshine
to the world in which we are living.
So, never give up in despair
and think that you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow
and a chance to start anew.


~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Monday, January 4, 2016

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy




Who Am I?



""I am not the body, nothing is mine." This is what you should know. Question yourself, "Who am I"? You will get the reply, "I am I". When you understand and experience this truth, nobody can cause any suffering to you. You cannot escape from suffering so long as you are immersed in the dualistic feeling that you are a mere mortal and God is separate from you. The feeling that "I am separate from you" is your own imagination. When 'I' and 'you' are joined together, it becomes 'we'. However, 'we' + 'He' (God) becomes only 'He' who is changeless. 'I' and 'you' change constantly."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 25.12.2003)

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Quotable Quotes




The Best Way to Love God



"Every man should recognise that the body has been given to him to render service to others.  You must use the body for promoting the welfare of society.  Of what use is the endless study of books if you do not use your knowledge for the good of others?  A mind that is not utilised for importing joy to others or a body that is not used for the service of others are totally useless.  The best way to love God is to love all and serve all.  Students should imbibe this ideal."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 19.1.1997)