Learning Through Reading

1313 · Nov 27, 2022

S. – Why are people born with physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities, Baba?
SAI: – Most likely, in previous births such people were completely immoral, without any discrimination between right and wrong, good and bad. Their moral level was probably very low, and they committed immoral acts. Such people are born again with physical disabilities and thus suffer for their past mistakes.

S. – And what can You say about stillborn children, Baba?
SAI: – They were born that way because their karma determines their short life in the physical world: only a few months, to work off their karmic debt. In fact, they are enlightened souls who will complete their karma during these few months and depart. They will not be born again. The parents of such children should consider themselves happy and blessed.
Sathya Sai Baba
Streams of Sathya Sai Nectar

1313 · Nov 28, 2022

Embodiment of Divine Love!
Your Mission has begun. Here are My Words to you, My Devotees.
Each of you has been given a unique and priceless role to play in this life. Only those whom I have called can serve Me.
My Mission has now reached the point in time when there is work for each of you.
This planet has a Purpose in the Great Galaxy in which it exists. This Purpose is now being revealed before your eyes.
I call upon you to radiate the Bhakti—Devotion—that is within you, so that Its invisible Power may embrace everyone who enters your orbit.
To successfully fulfill your role, always focus on Me. Strive to convey the purity of Heart that is within you to all human beings and every living thing, and do not seek the fruits of your labor.
This part of My Mission is carried out in absolute silence. You are My instruments, through which My Love will pour forth. Always remember that the moment you allow your ego to take possession of you, My Work will cease. When you overcome the negative indifference within yourself, you will once again become My Source.
The growth of My Love will be felt throughout the world. I have prepared you for this work over many lifetimes. I have brought you to Myself.
I have advanced toward My Mission in giant strides through past Incarnations. My work is endless, and therefore your work is not has no end.
Know that I am within you and outside you; there is no difference. Rid yourselves of all pettiness forever. You are now Me, and I am now You. There is no distinction.
My Darshan will flow to you and through you. You may not even be aware of its constant action. Always keep your Heart and Soul pure, and throughout your life you will bring Good to humanity through your Unique Qualities.
Others will also join Me in this Mission when I draw them to Myself. The time is approaching when all humanity will live in Harmony. This time will come sooner than can be expected. Before it arrives, be ready for everything required to reveal to every living being the True Purpose of existence. It is not something that one living on Earth can imagine. It is not something a person can aspire to. It is beyond all understanding. I can say that its Beauty is so Majestic—it surpasses every dream. And as each of you carries out your silent work, I will hold you to My Heart—and then your Souls will rise, and your eyes will open to My Presence within you.
This is what I say to all My Devotees from the Summit of the Mountain of the Lord, where all Universes merge into One.
Carry out My work, My Beloved Devotees. Your breath will bring the Fragrance of Heaven’s Blossoming. Your example will be the example of Angels. Your joy will be My Joy.

Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Nov 29, 2022

A person is destined to become involved in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and will have to suffer a crushing defeat in this cycle; this is an experience that teaches us that the world is unreal. No lectures will prove to you that it is a trap until you become convinced through your own experience. Touch fire and feel the burn; nothing else can teach you that fire must be treated with caution. Until you burn yourself, you will see only light in fire. Fire is both light and heat. Likewise, the world is both truth and falsehood. In other words, the world is unreal.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 1 (Part 2), (1953–1960)

1313 · Nov 29, 2022

What effective methods will enable us to live happily and in good health? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us today, bestowing priceless pearls of wisdom.

The only effective way to overcome all sources of physical and mental illness and weakness is to realise one's Atmic Reality. This will bring an upsurge of love and light, for when a person realises that they are the Atman, they recognise the same Atma in everyone; then they share both the joys and sorrows of others and experience both everyone's weakness and strength. When a person strives for the happiness and prosperity of all humanity, they are blessed with the wisdom and strength to show the way and lead people along it. In everyone, such a person sees God. Every action they perform will be as pure, sincere and sacred as an offering to God. Health does not depend on medicine. Good words, good manners, seeing what is good, and good thoughts are what is needed. What can even the strongest and most expensive medicines do if a person is ill with bad thoughts and feelings? On the other hand, a virtuous life, beneficial thoughts, lofty ideals and righteous conduct can bestow not only health, but also something even more precious—Atmananda—the ecstasy of realising reality as it is. — Divine Discourse, 20 November 1982

Good health brings peace of mind. Mental agitation harms the health of the physical body.

— BABA

1313 · Nov 30, 2022

Understand that when you greet someone, you are greeting yourself. That person is your own reflection. Look at other people as your reflection in a mirror. When you are surrounded by many mirrors, you see many reflections. There are many reflections, but the person is one.

There are many reactions, reflections and echoes, but Reality is one. Names and forms may be different, but all beings are an integral part of one and the same Divine Principle. Divinity is the Fundamental Principle underlying the visible diversity of the world. When I speak, My voice is heard from every loudspeaker in this hall. Similarly, the Principle of Unity is present in the Heart of each of you, and you must realise it.

From a discourse by Sathya Sai, 13 May 2006

1313 · Dec 1, 2022

Speaking the truth is the most important quality of a human being. In fact, only truth should pass from your lips. It is unbecoming of a human being to lie or speak irresponsibly. If you indulge in useless and disorderly talk, how can it be called truth? Before saying something, you should examine whether it is true or not. Speak only the truth that arises from the heart. The entire world has emerged from truth, and everything dissolves into truth. Clouds moving across the sky sometimes obscure the Sun; when they pass, we can see the Sun’s radiance again. Similarly, only when the dark clouds of doubt leave our hearts will truth triumph. The five human qualities are not independent of one another. They follow one another closely. These five qualities are God’s gift to humanity. Everyone should manifest these five human values by practicing them.

(Divine Discourse, September 29, 2006)

1313 · Dec 2, 2022

What is the purpose of the Vedas, and what is their relevance in our daily lives, filled with the pursuit of material pleasures? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us today.

Every being living in the world strives to acquire what it desires and avoid what it dislikes. Know that the Vedas teach how to succeed in both these endeavors. In other words, they indicate what should be done and what should not be done. By observing these prescriptions and prohibitions, one can attain good and avoid evil. The Vedas concern both the material and the spiritual, both this world and what lies beyond it. In truth, all of life is filled with the Vedas. It is impossible not to observe their injunctions. Veda derives from “vidya,” meaning “wisdom.” Thus, Veda means and encompasses all spiritual knowledge (jnana). What distinguishes human beings from animals is the spiritual wisdom (jnana) with which they are endowed. When people lose spiritual wisdom, they become like animals. — Leela Kaivalya Vahini, Chapter 2.

All knowledge, all principles of righteous living—all this has been taken from the Vedas. — Baba

— BABA

1313 · Dec 3, 2022

Mother is the foundation of everything. Amma (mother) is the first word. That is why she is called the embodiment of God (Matrudevi). In the culture of Bharata (India), there are four important sayings: “Revere your mother as God (Matru Devo Bhava),” “Revere your father as God (Pitru Devo Bhava),” “Revere your guru as God (Acharya Devo Bhava),” and “Revere your guest as God (Atithi Devo Bhava).” A mother gives birth to children. She shows them their father, as no one else can do this. Only a mother has the right to show a child his or her father. Then the father takes the children to the guru. The guru leads the child to God. This is the ancient tradition and essence of the culture of Bharata (India).

We say that this world is full of conflicts. Where do they come from? From within. Therefore, whenever we celebrate Women’s Day on November 19, we should cultivate good thoughts. And not only that. Good thoughts must be cultivated in every family. You should raise children with good thoughts. Women should remain calm even if their husband is a bad person.

This day dedicated to women is auspicious. If women change, men will undoubtedly change as well. Women should follow the right path. Then men will also follow the right path. Since a woman possesses leadership qualities, she is half of a man. If a woman has good thoughts, she can change a man at any time. Therefore, women should cultivate compassion, love, and self-sacrifice. There is no quality greater than self-sacrifice.”

From Bhagavan’s Divine Discourse of November 19, 1995

1313 · Dec 4, 2022

SAI: The observation about gold is very important. Gold deposits are not limited to one place in the world, but only certain people find gold. God is not confined to one place. He is everywhere, and He can be found everywhere. But this is possible only for those who have a pure heart. By the latter, I mean a heart in which there is love.
HISLOP: There is no doubt that gold may be found everywhere, but large deposits of gold are rarely discovered. The same is true of large sources of water. In Baba, we find the source of Divine sweetness.
SAI: Water from a spring is often impure. Pure water can be found by drilling a well. One person may dig 100 feet, while another may find pure water at a depth of forty or ten feet. The same applies to spiritual life. The amount of work required to attain Divine sweetness depends on the purity of the heart.
HISLOP: Does a person attain unity with God only through the power of love for God? Or are there other effective means?
SAI: The most blessed thing that can happen to a person is to attract God's love to oneself. His love for God is less important, for it is an imperfect mixture of divine and human love. The most important means of attracting God's love is righteousness, dharma. Gold, silver, copper, iron filings, diamonds, rubies, silks and other valuable things may be scattered on a level surface. But a magnet pays no attention to the value of these things. It chooses only the iron filings. The same happens with a devotee of God. God does not base His choice on wealth. He looks at the purity of the heart.

How can you develop purity? Purity cannot be attained by experiencing negative feelings. First and foremost, it is necessary to develop unity. Where there is unity, there is purity. Where there is purity, divinity will manifest. Therefore, first and foremost, develop unity and purity. Only then will you be able to attain Divinity. Therefore, all of you must unite.
I do not look at the book you are printing; I look at what is happening in your minds. Rajan brings Me many books and other publications published by the Trust. But they do not bring Me satisfaction. I look at the purity of the heart of the person who wrote the book. Food will be tasty if it is prepared in a clean vessel. It is very important that the vessel be clean. The same can be said about purity of the heart. Therefore, make your heart pure and sacred.

Divine discourse by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
at the office of the Sri Sathya Sai Book and Publications Trust on 24 August 2007.

1313 · Dec 5, 2022

Question:
When a person immerses themselves in divine bliss, are they aware of it?

Sai: He is the witness of this bliss. A person loses their limited consciousness in order to gain complete divine consciousness. Deep sleep is samadhi, where there is neither the external world nor the mind, but only awareness of “I.” Freedom (liberation) is the same experience, but in full awareness.

Question: Is this state of bliss temporary? What happens afterward in the ordinary daily cycle of life?

Sai: Such a state, if fully realized as natural, remains forever. Then the external world remains as bliss, constant bliss. Think of God, eat God, drink God, breathe God, live in God.

Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Dec 6, 2022

If the physical world is inert by nature, how does it bring us joy and entice us? Bhagavan lovingly clarifies this profound truth from the Vedas.

If the cosmos is considered inert and devoid of awareness, a question may arise: how can it then be so enticing and attractive? It cannot be lifeless and gray, for then it would always remain the same. No. Such a view is mistaken. God is the efficient and material cause of the cosmos. He Himself has become all this. He is both the inner and outer truth, and therefore He is the Light that illumines and reveals, attracts and manifests. Flour by itself is not appealing to the tongue; only the addition of sugar gives it flavor. Similarly, wherever charm, attraction, or splendor manifests in the Cosmos, it is none other than a manifestation of the Cosmic Spirit (Paramatman). As the Vedic texts affirm, the Cosmic Spirit creates, cherishes, nurtures, and sustains the entire cosmos and ultimately impels it to merge with Himself. The Cosmic Spirit is the sole Creator, the sole Enjoyer, the sole Protector, and the Lord. This is what the Vedas affirm.
- Sutra Vahini, chapter 09.

The same divine light is always and everywhere present in all beings.

—BABA

1313 · Dec 7, 2022

If the physical world is inert by nature, how does it bring us joy and entice us? Bhagawan lovingly clarifies this profound truth from the Vedas.

If the cosmos is considered inert and devoid of awareness, the question may arise: how can it then be so enticing and attractive? It cannot be lifeless and dull, for then it would always remain the same. No. Such a view is mistaken. God is the efficient and material cause of the cosmos. He Himself has become all this. He is both the inner and outer truth, and therefore He is the Light that illuminates and reveals, attracts and manifests. Flour by itself is not appealing to the tongue; only the addition of sugar gives it taste. Similarly, wherever charm, attractiveness, or splendour manifests in the Cosmos, it is nothing other than a manifestation of the Cosmic Spirit (Paramatman). As the Vedic texts declare, the Cosmic Spirit creates, cherishes, nurtures, and sustains the entire cosmos and ultimately impels it to merge with Himself. The Cosmic Spirit is the sole Creator, the sole Enjoyer, the sole Protector, and the Lord. This is what the Vedas declare.
— Sutra Vahini, Chapter 09.

The same divine light is always and everywhere present in all beings.

—BABA

1313 · Dec 8, 2022

The mind, intellect, and sense organs are always inclined toward external objects; they are always oriented outward! As soon as a sound from the external world reaches the ear, it hears it. As soon as the ear catches the sound, the eyes see the object. The moment the eyes see it, the mind develops a desire to possess it. The intellect immediately approves this idea and sets about obtaining the desired object as quickly as possible. Thus, all the sense organs, unhappy and restless, chase external objects one after another, supporting one another in the process. It is necessary to bring under control the mind, the power of discrimination, and the sense organs that chase objects of pleasure aimlessly. They should be trained to focus all their attention on the Glory and Grandeur of God and to follow this discipline unwaveringly. Direct them all toward the higher path. They should be cultivated through repetition of the Name (japa), meditation (dhyana), good deeds, or any sanctified and uplifting activity that promotes purification. — Bhagavata Vahini, Chapter 31

When consciousness becomes pure and spotless, God will dwell within it.

— BABA

1313 · Dec 9, 2022

Many, sorrowfully, say: “I have heard that the Sight (Darshan) of a Holy person destroys our sins. Yet despite meeting Holy and Wise people repeatedly, my evil fate has not left me, and I suffer even more than before.” Yes, perhaps you have had many encounters with Holy and Wise people, and perhaps you have sown new seeds of Love, Faith, Devotion, Good company, Pious thoughts, Constant contemplation of God, and so on in your Heart.

Perhaps you have also learned the art of intensively cultivating and fertilizing the soil of your Heart and have sown new seeds in its purified expanses. However, you did this only recently, while the troubles and anxieties you are experiencing now are the harvest of your previous sowings. Therefore, do not grieve or lose heart.

Everyone must eat their entire previous harvest before tasting the new one. Be patient until the new harvest ripens!

Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, March 1983

1313 · Dec 10, 2022

Man is destined to be involved in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and he must suffer a crushing defeat in this cycle; this is an experience that teaches him that the world is unreal. No lectures will prove to you that it is a trap until you become convinced through your own experience. Touch fire and feel the burn; nothing else can teach you that fire must be treated with caution. Until you burn yourself, you will see only light in fire. Fire is both light and heat. Likewise, the world is both truth and falsehood. In other words, the world is unreal.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 1 (Part 2), (1953–1960)

1313 · Dec 11, 2022

Nature is God's garment. Wherever you look, you will see the manifestation of His Beauty, Perfection, Wisdom, and Power everywhere. Yet today people have lost the art of seeing the Lord everywhere and in everything. They deny His existence and live in the darkness of ignorance. The entire surrounding space is filled with radio waves from various stations, yet you do not hear the music being broadcast. But if you have a radio receiver and tune it to a particular frequency, you can hear the desired broadcast!

But if you tune the receiver incorrectly, you will hear noise instead of music! In the same way, the Lord is everywhere: above, below, within and without, near and far. And to know Him, what is needed is not some device (yantra), but a mystical formula (Mantra). Meditation (Dhyana) is like choosing the right radio station, Love is the precise tuning of the receiver, and Awareness of the Supreme Reality and the Bliss it bestows are like pleasantly listening to a radio broadcast!

Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, January 1, 1971

1313 · Dec 12, 2022

Why is it said that the mind is the cause of all suffering, but also the means of liberation? Bhagavan explains and enlightens us.

Truly, the mind is the universe (jagat); for the individual, the mind is the entire world. In deep sleep, the mind does not function, and the universe practically does not exist for the person. It is born (or “arises in consciousness”) and dies (or “disappears from consciousness”) according to the mind’s capacity for cognition. Therefore, when the mind is destroyed, the world is also destroyed, and the person becomes free, is liberated, and attains moksha. Anyone who has achieved success in controlling consciousness (chitta) can attain the vision of the Atma. Consciousness is like a grown tree; the seed is the ego, the feeling of “I.” When the “I” seed is cast aside, all the activity of consciousness automatically ceases. An ascetic sincerely striving to achieve these results must always remain vigilant. The senses can restore their lost dominion at any moment and enslave a person.

Jnana Vahini, Chapter 7

The cessation of the mind’s activity can result from gradually freeing oneself from desires, just as threads are drawn out of fabric.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Dec 13, 2022

Think Before You Ask

As soon as Baba entered the grounds of Dharmakshetra in Bombay, He saw a team of drillers preparing to drill a water well. The foreman asked, “Swami, may we drill here?” “Yes,” Swami replied, “you may drill there.” They thanked Him and began drilling, while Baba entered the house.

They drilled for several days, but there was still no water. They had drilled the well much deeper than usual, but to no avail. Then the foreman approached Baba again and said, “We keep drilling there and drilling, but there is no water.” “Yes, I know; there is no water there at all,” Swami replied, “but you did not ask Me whether there was water there. You only asked whether you could drill there.”

We must be very careful when we turn to Baba or ask Him for something, because He gives us exactly what we ask for. So think before you ask for anything!

Diana Baskin

1313 · Dec 14, 2022

How can we, as devotees, become dear to the Lord? Bhagawan lovingly explains this to us so that we may strive toward it.

A person endowed with spiritual wisdom (jnani) is distinguished by single-pointed devotion, whereas the devotion of others is directed toward many different objects. Some people feel attached to certain objects and states they wish to attain, and for this reason they are also attached to the Lord. They are devoted not only to the Lord but also to the material world. The wise do not turn their gaze toward anything other than the Lord. Even if they do, they see only the Lord wherever their gaze falls. That is why the Lord said that the wise are dearest to Him. Of course, everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord; but for those who have realised the Lord’s Presence and are here, love is evidently manifested and directly known and felt. Thus, the wise are closest to the Lord and therefore dearest to Him. Of course, when you are trembling with cold, it is the nature of fire to warm you.
But how can it help you stay warm if you do not approach it and keep your distance? Similarly, one who sincerely seeks to eliminate the chill of worldly troubles must seek the fire of wisdom, which is attained through God’s grace, and remain in His immediate presence.

- Gita Vahini, Chapter 13

You should pray only for Grace. This single-pointed devotion can be attained only through prolonged sadhana, especially namasmarana.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Dec 15, 2022

How should you organise your life so that it becomes a journey toward God? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us not to miss this opportunity.

To a superficial observer, life seems to be an alternation of eating, drinking, working and sleeping. But in truth, life has a much greater purpose and a far deeper meaning. Life is a sacrifice (yajna). Every action, even an insignificant one, is an offering to the Lord. When the day is spent in activities performed in the spirit of surrender to Him, what else can sleep be but complete immersion in God (Samadhi)? People make the great mistake of identifying themselves with the body. They accumulate all kinds of things to maintain and provide comfort for the body. Even when the body becomes weak and decrepit with age, people try to support it by one means or another. But how long can death be postponed? When Yama’s “messenger” arrives, everyone must depart. Position, self-respect and power—all disappear in the face of death. Realising this, strive day and night, with purity of body, mind and spirit, to know the Supreme Self through service to all living beings.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Prema Vahini, Chapter 6.

The body is an instrument given to you for service. Remember, you are not this body; the body cannot be you!