True Quality of a Devotee

 

What is the true quality of a devotee? How will a person of God handle problems in life? Bhagawan clearly explains today, through the example of Dharmaja.

"Arjuna once charged Dharmaraja with callous indifference to the sufferings of his other brothers, Draupadi and her children; he flung arrows of scorn at him for his blind adherence to ‘morality and righteousness’. 

Dharmaraja, with no sign of resentment, replied calmly, “Patience, tolerance, love—these alone can bring success; of what use is victory if it is gained by falsehood and ferocity? Such a war will breed wars forever. We should always act as if we are in the presence of God, as if God is watching and weighing every thought, word, and deed. See yourselves in all, see all in yourselves; that is the road to lasting peace and joy. Let us not seek the outer empire; let us become rulers of the inner empire. Let us not try to defy the outer enemy, leaving the inner foe to grow in power. We have Krishna with us; who can defeat us? We shall win through winning His Grace.” 

Never stray from the path of right, whatever the trouble or temptation. Do not allow faith to be upset. If you attach importance to riches or children or fame or fortune, you are thereby announcing that you are devoted, not to God, but to riches, children and the rest. 

If you are devoted to God, how should you manifest that devotion? By manifesting divine qualities, divine virtues, divine love and divine strength, become Sai, be Sai."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(Divine Discourse - September 26, 1972)

You cannot destroy anger by anger, cruelty by cruelty, hatred by hatred. Anger can be subdued only by forbearance; cruelty can be overcome only by non-violence, hatred yields only to charity and compassion. – BABA

Gems of Wisdom

 

"Prayer becomes truly meaningful when it inspires compassion.  A thousand words of faith cannot replace one act of kindness.  Don't just pray for a better world; become someone who makes it better through love, service and understanding."

Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu

May All Living Beings in All the Worlds be Happy

 

Shirdi Sai Baba

 

"Shirdi Sai Baba was born on September 27, 1838.  He was born in a poor Brahmin family in the village of Pathri in Aurangabad District."

(Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25, 1992)

On this 27th September, we lovingly remember Shirdi Sai  - Divine Avatar and Guru, whose life was a living testament to the unity of faiths, selfless service, compassion and unconditional love.

They Lived for 100 Years

"Bhagawan Baba always exhorts that the secret of longevity, happiness, health and bliss is only this - to allow things to be as they happen, not to interfere with the circumstances of life.

"Oh God, I humbly submit myself to You!"  This is  what is meant in Christians' prayer, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."  "Oh God, let things happen according to Your plan.  I surrender unto You, I submit myself to you because you know best.  You are the best judge.  You know what is good for me.  You know better than what I know."  This is called "Surrender".

There are examples of those who lived with Baba, lived for 100 years.  One of them was Professor Kasturi who always had an attitude of humility and surrender.  When Bhagawan asked him to go for a health check up, Kasturi answered, "Swami, I am fine.  Why should I go for a health check up?"  Still, Bhagawan insisted.  Kasturi went to the hospital and Bhagawan went to see him, giving Kasturi instructions for the rest of the things to follow.

Meanwhile, Bhagawan was also giving instructions to the caretaker of the mandir, Kutumba Rao to arrange for the cremation of a dead body.  As Kutumba Rao was making arrangements for the procession, the news came that Professor Kasturi had expired.

The same can be said of Kamavadhani who also lived for 100 years.  Kamavadhani used to go to Baba twice a day.  On a particular day when he went to Bhagawan to have padanamaskar, Bhagawan gave His blessings and said, "Have your lunch.  Better that you don't come in the afternoon."  Accordingly, Kamavadhani went and had a sumptuous lunch and slept and while sleeping, he passed away."

Baba gives this message: "Just allow things to happen as per Divine Design and the Master Plan."  In other words, flow with the tide.

*********

(From the book "Sai-chology" by Prof. K. Anil Kumar)

Divine Wisdom

 

Sai Blossoms

"You may engage in daily activities.  There is no need to give up your job and business, but you must always keep your mind on God.  Only then will you have peace and happiness."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(September 28, 1998) 

Attachment

 

"Devotees should strive to transform their hearts and minds so that they totally give up attachment to worldly objects and get immersed in God.  God values your feelings and not your worldly achievements."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

(September 23, 1997)

The Mind

 

How can we keep our minds steady and under our control? Bhagawan explains and lovingly gives us a few critical tools to achieve it.

*When we develop love for God, the mind can be controlled very easily. On the other hand, if the mind is not turned towards God, it can never be controlled. 

Whatever you do, consider it as God’s work. Everything happens as per the Will of God. Do not think that your will alone can make things move. If that be the case, why are you not able to exercise any control over certain events that take place in your life? 

Understand that everything moves as per the Divine Will. If something good happens to you, consider it as the will of God. If something bad were to happen, accept that also as the will of God. There is certainly some purpose behind whatever He does, which you cannot comprehend. Whatever He does is for your own good. 

Hence, leave everything to His will. Sukha-duhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau (one should remain equal-minded in happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat). Whatever may happen, consider it as an act of divine love and welcome it wholeheartedly.*

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba -

(Divine Discourse - July 22, 2008)

Keep your mind directed towards God at all times. Only then can you experience peace. 

- Baba

Wise Words