Spiritual Practices

What are the true manifestations of the spiritual practices we undertake? 

"There are many sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) who enjoy perfect calmness and equanimity while sitting in meditation or while in the Puja room before the shrine. But once they rise and come out into the open, they behave like demons. The Gita says, Satatam yoginah - Be in Yoga, always. Be immersed in love, with no trace of pride or envy. This is the highest Sadhana. 

At the present day, all grades and groups of people all over the world resort to violence and hatred in order to satisfy their desires and demands, bringing about fear, anxiety, panic and revolution. The gains through such tactics are not much; the gains will be greater and more lasting if the path of love, tolerance and peace is followed. 

Love brings people together; hatred drives them apart. You cannot be happy when you cause misery to others. God showers grace when the nine steps of bhakti (devotion) are observed. Masters or rulers can be won over by the same means - sacrifice, love, devotion, and dedication in the path of duty. When success is achieved by means of unrest and violence, it has to be preserved and prolonged only by further unrest and violence."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

 (Divine Discourse - February 20, 1974)

When there is no desire to warp the mind, Love could be true and full. – BABA