Sunday, October 30, 2016

Sathya Sai -The Epitome of Love and Mercy



In spite of His merriment and miracles, there were some who harboured ill will towards the young Sathya Sai Baba. They even went to extreme measures to test Him.

One woman in the neighbourhood beckoned Him away from Subbamma for a breakfast of poisoned food. Knowing what was coming, Baba ate her lethal vadas with relish. His blood became toxic and body turned blue. When concerned neighbours, suspicious of the woman’s intentions, arrived on the scene, Baba calmly asked for a glass of water. When He touched the tumbler, the water became blue and Baba recovered. Ever a teacher of right action, Sathya Sai refused to let the family members retaliate.

One night, a group of men locked Baba’s room from the outside and set it ablaze! Bhagavan has told us He laughed through the window assuring the concerned children outside and exhorting them to have faith:

He told them: “Don’t worry! Since we are protecting Truth and Righteousness, they will in turn protect us.”

In a few seconds, there was a downpour but only on the burning structure. All else remained dry. The rain put out the fire. Once again, Sai Baba simply demonstrated a spirit of forgiveness and mercy to the men who had committed the deed. With tears of remorse in their eyes, the repentant men carried the young Baba on their shoulders.

Subbamma reportedly said to them: “You consider this boy to be an ordinary village urchin. He is not. In truth, He is a Thunderbolt.”

(Source: Radio Sai) 

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Sai Madhuryam



It is the power of love that is responsible 
For the earth to rotate without a pivot. 
It is the power of love that makes the stars 
Stand across the sky without falling on the ground. 
It is the power of love that keeps the oceans 
Within their limits. 
It is the power of love that makes the wind 
Blow incessantly in all the worlds. 
That power of love is mysterious, infinite, 
Most wonderful and one without a second; 
It permeates the entire cosmos. 
The entire creation is saturated with love. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Love All and Serve All




"One can serve God only through Shrama and Prema, (effort with love). The best way to serve God is to love all and serve all. 

There was an old lady in Mathura. She used to take blankets in the darkest hour of the night and distribute them to poor people who were shivering in cold. One day she was bending her head and serving the poor. 

A few youths gathered there and asked her "Oh! Lady! while you are doing such selfless work why are you bending your head and walking?" She replied: “God has given so much of wealth to the people with so many hands. But I am able to serve the people only with my two hands. Is it not a thing about which I should feel ashamed?" 

We are not prepared to share with others and are only ready to receive whatever we can get. This is one way traffic. "There is no chance of immortality without doing sacrifice" say the Vedhas. You should sacrifice and share what you have with others. Then only you may have peace. You should make others happy. You must do the Saadhana of Sacrifice. You should provide help to other devotees. Charity is the beauty for hands and not decoration with bangles."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse in Madras - 21.1.1993)



Quotable Quotes





:"Be as simple as you can be; you'll be astonished to see
how uncomplicated and happy your life can become."

~ Paramahansa Yogananda ~



Gopala Radha Lola



Gopala Radha Lola
Murali Lola Nandalala
Keshava Madhava Janardhana
Vanamala Vrindavana Bala
Murali Lola Nandalala

Chant the name of the charming flute player, Lord Gopala,
the beloved of Radha (devotees).
Chant the name of the Prince of Nanda,
who moves about in the Vrindavan Garden
wearing a garland made up of many beautiful flowers.
Worship Lord Keshava, Madhava and Janardhana.

(Bhajan)

Realise the Truth




"Man has been sent into the world in order that he may use the time and the opportunity to realise the truth that he is not man but God.  The wave dances with the wind, basks in the sun, frisks in the rain, imagining it is playing on the breast of the sea; it does not know that it is the sea itself. Until it realises that truth, it will be tossed up and down, when it knows it, it can lie calm and collected at peace with itself."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(From: "Sathya Sai Baba Speaks" by N. Kasturi)

Divine Wisdom



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Sai Blossoms



Act of Kindness and Love


When I decided to major in English in college I thought it would be fun because I loved to read so much. It turned out to be a lot more difficult, though, than I thought it would be. The differences in the language over hundreds of years made many passages hard to comprehend. Trying to understand Shakespeare gave me headaches and Chaucer was even worse. Reading Byron, Keats, Shelly, Emerson, and Thoreau was easier but still took a lot of effort. There were times, however, when I read passages that illuminated my mind, opened a door into my heart, and shared their wisdom with my soul.

One of these was by William Wordsworth. It went: “The best portion of a man's life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” The first time I read that I could feel it speaking to the deepest part of myself. I vowed then and there to build up the best portion of my own life. I vowed then and there to fill my days with acts of kindness and love. 

I didn't always succeed, of course. But over the years I slowly but surely began to love more and more. Over the years I did more and more to be kind, to help others, and to live the way I knew God wanted me to live.

What would happen if everyone followed Wordsworth's wisdom and lived from the best portion of themselves? What would happen if everyone of us filled our lives with acts of kindness and love? Would we cease to hate? Would we put an end to war? Would we make sure that no child on this Earth was hungry, lonely, or neglected? Would we all start to work together to make this world the beautiful, loving place that God meant for it to be?

Let's find out. Let's all fill our days with acts of kindness. Let's all fill our lives with acts of love. Let's all be our best selves for each other, for this world, and for God.



~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~



Quotable Quotes




Sunday, October 23, 2016

Living with God is True Education



"He (Bhagavan) watches every student how he conducts himself.  And if there is any mistake, He will at once point out.  Starting from dining manners, He teaches how one should conduct oneself in day-to-day life.  When there are so many guests, how to serve?  That also He teaches them very carefully.  And how to receive guests and extend hospitality, how to talk to elders, how to dress?  All these minute things Bhagavan teaches them.  These days, even parents have no time to observe their children and teach them these basic things.  They are busy in their own way.  But Bhagavan being more than a parent cares for them.  The result is, the parents will be surprised to see a great transformation in their child when he returns home.  That is Bhagavan's way of bringing about transformation."

(As related by Sri Anil Kumar - S.S. May 2006)

Love and Service





"Love and service are like two wings by which man can soar to higher levels of consciousness.  If you have the spirit of love and service, divine grace will follow you like a shadow wherever you may be - in a forest or in the sky, in a village or a city, in a river or atop a mountain cliff.  God has no limitations."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 16.10.1999)

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Sai Madhuryam



Whenever you look, you must only see God; 
'Tis folly to see anything else. 
When you walk, you must walk with God; 
‘Tis foolish to take any other path. 
When you speak, speak only the Truth; 
All other talk is futile. 
When you sing, sing about the greatest truths; 
All other singing is an aberration. 
When you hear, you must listen only to the Lord's bhajans. 
You must seek only to see God. 
God must be your only Goal. 
What greater truth is there than this, 
Oh good people that are assembled here? 

Sweeter than sugar, 
Tastier than butter 
More sweet than pure honey, 
When you utter the Name 
It is like nectar itself: 
Reflect on it always Oh mind! 
On the name of Rama. 
Life is impermanent in this world 
Youth and wealth are also transient; 
So are wife and children, 
Only Dharma and Fame endure for ever.

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Baba's Storytime - Sacrifice is the Noblest Virtue



You might have heard the story of Laila and Majnu. Laila was a rich lady while Majnu was very poor. She wanted to know whether he really loved her because she wanted to marry him. She thought of a plan and sent two of her maid servants to him. They approached Majnu and told him that Laila was very sick and was in need of blood. 

Majnu said that he was willing to sacrifice his life itself for the sake of Laila and that her well being was his prime concern. When this was conveyed to Laila, she realised how pure and selfless Majnu’s love was. She repented for not having properly estimated Majnu’s love for her. 

Likewise some people do not understand Divinity and the inner meaning of God’s acts. God does not desire anything for Himself. All His desires are meant to uplift and redeem the lives of His devotees. Whatever He does is only for others. 


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


Pleasure and Pain



"Years come and go, so also pleasure and pain. Nothing confers permanent bliss except the experience of the Atma. Man cannot attain peace and happiness from his actions unless he has sacred feelings within."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 1.1.2001)

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy



Eat Dessert First!

My wonderful daughter made me a red velvet birthday cake this year using her own special combination of creativity and love. It was huge and I cut myself the biggest piece. With the first bite I closed my eyes and smiled. It was so moist and sweet. The butter cream icing on top was delightfully thick. It had countless calories and it was so delicious without being necessarily nutritious. I didn’t mind, though. I savored every bite and added a few scoops of ice cream as well. My sons and I polished off every bit of it. When we were done our bellies were full, our souls were satisfied, and dinner was still four hours away. We had followed that wise saying of a happy existence: “Life is short. Eat dessert first!”

I have spent way too many years of my life putting off the desserts I was given until everything else was done. Like far too many people in our society, I thought that work came first, duty came second, and joy was somewhere way down the list. It took me a long time to see God’s simple truth that: “We work to live but we live to love.” Without love, without laughter, without joy, without goodness, without all the simple pleasures life can bring, our existence becomes a dull and miserable journey. Thankfully, I finally realized that when you put love first in your life, everything else tastes so much sweeter.

Don’t put off the simple joys that life can bring. Don’t put off the beautiful love that you can give. Eat dessert first! Give your kids hugs before homework. Jump in the leaves before bagging them. Dance on the floors before sweeping them. Do random acts of kindness and goodness. Play with your dogs. Pet your cats. Watch the sunset. Give thanks to God. Shine your smile. Spread your sunshine. And share your love with everyone. You will be amazed at how wonderful life will be when you “Live to Love” while you “Work to live.”

~ Joseph J. Mazzella

Monday, October 17, 2016

Being Alive



Being Alive is to feel the breath…that cannot be felt after the death…

Being Alive is to feel yourself beyond the senses…that capture your spirit in all the instances…

Being Alive is to feel the real you…feeling the consciousness, pruning the virtual you…
Being Alive is to feel yourself as nature’s most beautiful creation… to be yourself without the shadow of others’ reflection…
Being Alive is to feel your inner self beyond the tags of money, position, power, gender, caste, colour, and creed… realizing all what matters is only your good deeds…
Being Alive is to feel the higher perspective in this transient life… to gain the knowledge of your spiritual side…
Being Alive is to shower sheer love, kindness and generosity… to manifest your being in all its humanity…
Being Alive is to feel the essence of your very existence in life… to liberate your soul beyond the worldly clutter, awaken yourself and rise…
~ Jyotika Rajput Mehra ~

The Path of Service



"God is present in each and every cell of human body in the form of 'Angeerasa' and it is He who protects and sustains human life.  Man is therefore deeply indebted to God who vibrates in every limb of his body in the form of Divine energy.  The only way man can clear his debt to God is by undertaking sacred actions and by working for the welfare of fellow human beings.  That is why the path of service has been prescribed for man to clear his debt to God."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 12.4.2000)

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Divine Wisdom



Blankets on Easwaramma Day



"The blankets were distributed to the poor people who had assembled in "Sai Sruthi" Mandir (Swami's residence at Kodaikanal).  Suddenly, Swami said, "Let us go out."  He got into His car and the convoy started moving.  He stopped here and there, noticing poor people, got down and started personally distributing the blankets.  It was because some of them were disabled and could not come to receive the blankets.  He said, "You should take every opportunity to serve the poor and the needy."

This is an example that everybody should learn from Bhagavan.  You should not expect them to come to you; you should go to the Daridra Narayana (God in the form of poor people) and serve them with love.  Not only that.  On our way to Kodaikanal, sometimes He suddenly stops the car.  He finds a beggar going over there.  He finds a village woman carrying a head load of firewood. He stops and gives them money.  They never see Swami and they never know that it is Sai Baba who gave them the money.  He simply gives money like that.

When I mentioned this to Him, He said, "I do not want recognition.  I don't want publicity.  I cannot see these poor people suffering like that.""


(As related by Sri Anil Kumar - S.S. May 2006)

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Quotable Quotes



“We are very good at preparing to live, but not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty remembering that we are alive in the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive.” 


Sai Blossoms



Saturday, October 8, 2016

Discontentment



"Discontentment affects man in two ways: 
One is lack of peace of mind. 
The other is unhappiness resulting from lack of peace."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 19.1.1989)

Friday, October 7, 2016

Baba's Storytime - Practise Humility



Once, an Indian and a foreigner were travelling together in a railway compartment. The Indian was a chain-smoker. Not only that, he was puffing the smoke on the face of the foreigner. The foreigner tolerated it for sometime and when he could not bear it anymore, he told the Indian, “My dear son! I am not feeling well. I cannot bear cigarette smoking. If you want to smoke, please go to the toilet.” 

The Indian who was brought up with modern education replied, “If you cannot tolerate my smoking a cigarette, you may go to the toilet. I have bought the cigarette and I will smoke freely. I am at liberty to smoke and puff the smoke as I please.” Thus, he began quarrelling with the foreigner. 

The foreigner was helpless. After sometime, he went to the toilet and returned. In the meanwhile, the Indian student threw out the shoes of the foreigner from the compartment. The foreigner saw this but thought that it was not wise to argue with this arrogant boy. He, therefore, went up to the upper berth and stretched himself. 

Now it was the turn of the Indian boy. He went to the toilet. Before he returned, the foreigner threw away the coat of the Indian boy, to teach him a lesson. The boy returned from the toilet and enquired where his coat was. The foreigner replied that it had gone in search of his shoes, which were thrown out of the compartment by the boy. Then the boy realised his mistake. 

As you are aware, for everything, there will be reaction, resound and reflection in this Kali age. When you speak softly and sweetly to others, you will receive the same in return. If you are rude to others, others will also be rude towards you. Every individual, irrespective of his age and country, must, therefore, speak softly and sweetly. Whether one is educated or illiterate, one must speak softly and sweetly. He must have humility.


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

Sai Madhuryam



No trace of peace anywhere; 
Truth has become equally scarce; 
Fearsome weapons are stocked up galore; 
Others abound who cover with dread; 
Self love, the cause for this wicked furore; 
Such is the truth of Sai’s word. 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Spirituality



"Spirituality does not mean doing worship, going on pilgrimages or doing bhajans alone. Spirituality lies in destroying the animal tendencies and rising to the level of divinity. So long as there are animal tendencies in man, he cannot rise to the level of divinity"

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 24.2.2002)

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Jaya Durga Lakshmi Saraswati



Jaya Durga Lakshmi Saraswati
Sai Jagganmata
Sai Jagganmata
Mam Pahi Jagganmatta

Victory to Mother Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati
and the Mother of the Universe, Sai Mother!  
Protect us!


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Navaratri



"The Navaratri celebration is an occasion for revering nature (Prakriti) and considering how natural resources can be used properly in the best interest of mankind. Resources like water, air, power and minerals should be used properly and not misused or wasted. Economy in the use of every natural resource is vital. Pollution of the air has many evil consequences. The inner significance of observances like Nagar Sankirtan and Bhajans is to fill the atmosphere with sacred vibrations and holy thoughts. The inauguration of the Navaratri celebrations means that you should use this occasion for offering worship to nature and resolving to make sacred use of all natural resources." 

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(S.S. Nov. 1992)

Sunday, October 2, 2016

How Old Are You?


I have another birthday coming up soon. With the card, cake, present and hugs will, of course, come the inevitable question, “How old are you?” 

I have gotten to the point now where I can honestly say, “I’m not sure.” This body of mine is going to be 50 years old. This vehicle that carries around my soul will have been here half a century soon. Parts of it look younger and other parts of it feel older. 

My energy level has certainly gone to the dogs. Some of the time I feel like my two month old puppy who is chewing on my toes right now. Some of the time I feel like my twelve year old beagle who is napping by the fan. Mentally my age varies too. In some things I feel like a wise old sage. In other areas I feel like a first grader. Emotionally there are times when I feel like a five year old playing in the sunshine. There are other times when I feel like a nineteen year old looking forward to the rest of my life. There are still other times when I feel like a ninety nine year old wondering where all the years have gone. 

Spiritually it is just as confusing. I feel like the eternal soul that I truly am. Yet, that eternal soul is also forever young. From now on then I am just going to live each day with all of the love, laughter, and joy that I possibly can and let the years take care of themselves.

After all, it isn’t the number of years you live that matters. It is how you LIVE them. For all of us here the longest life is too brief. Why then should we waste a single moment not living our lives to the fullest? Why should we pass up a single opportunity to love, to share, to help, to care, to smile, to pray, to laugh, to sing, to dance, or to be kind?

How “OLD” are you? Are you the slowly aging body you see in the mirror or are you the forever young soul within it? Are you a collection of wrinkles and gray hairs that will one day turn to dust or are you a Child of God meant for an eternity of love?

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Quotable Quotes




“Every day try to help uplift physically, mentally, or spiritually suffering people, as you would help yourself or your family. If, instead of living in the misery-making selfish way, you live according to the laws of God, then, no matter what small part you may be playing on the stage of life, you will know that you have been playing your part correctly, as directed by the Stage Manager of all our destinies. Your part, however small, is just as important as the biggest parts in contributing to the success of the Drama of Souls on the Stage of Life. Make a little money and be satisfied with it by living a simple life and expressing your ideals, rather than make lots of money and have worries without end.” 


Sai Blossoms