Learning Through Reading

[1313]

BECOME THE LORD'S FLUTE

Essentially, each of you should try to rid yourself of selfishness; then the Lord will regard you as His Flute.
Once I asked people what they would like to be in God's hands. The answers varied greatly: someone said they would like to be a lotus, someone a conch, someone a Chakra, but no one mentioned the flute (Murali).
I would advise you to become the flute, because then the Lord will come to you, lift you up, place you against His lips, and breathe through you.
From the space of your heart, which you have attained through the complete absence of egoism, He will draw forth a captivating melody that delights all Creation.
Become straight, without any mental scheming or personal desires.
Dissolve your will in God's Will.
Breathe with God's breath.
This is Divine Life, and I want all of you to attain it.

Discourses of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Venkatagiri, April 1957

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<div class="bbWrapper">BECOME THE LORD'S FLUTE<br /> <br /> Essentially, each of you should try to rid yourself of selfishness; then the Lord will regard you as His Flute.<br /> Once I asked people what they would like to be in God's hands. The answers varied greatly: someone said they would like to be a lotus, someone a conch, someone a Chakra, but no one mentioned the flute (Murali).<br /> I would advise you to become the flute, because then the Lord will come to you, lift you up, place you against His lips, and breathe through you.<br /> From the space of your heart, which you have attained through the complete absence of egoism, He will draw forth a captivating melody that delights all Creation.<br /> Become straight, without any mental scheming or personal desires.<br /> Dissolve your will in God's Will.<br /> Breathe with God's breath.<br /> This is Divine Life, and I want all of you to attain it.<br /> <br /> Discourses of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Venkatagiri, April 1957</div>

 

[1313]

God is the source and foundation of all creation. No one has the right to ask why God behaves this way and not another. He is the Supreme Lord of the universe and may act according to His divine will. The creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe—all this is His will. But whatever He does, He does only for the good of the world. Every action in this world, even the most insignificant, is carried out in accordance with divine will. For example, a particular action of God may cause you some inconvenience or sadness. That is your individual point of view. But in God's creation there is nothing resembling sadness. Whatever the Lord does, it is all for the good of humanity. Some people feel depressed and complain that God sends them worries and sorrows. But sorrows and difficulties are your own creation. God does not distinguish between people and does not cause trouble for anyone. Sorrows and difficulties are only your feelings. Everything in God's creation is intended to provide happiness and comfort to living beings. This is what I constantly emphasize. Whether you are sad or enjoying happiness, always think that it is all for your good. A person should develop the firm conviction that the Lord performs all actions for the good of humanity, not to cause trouble. A person is unable to realize this truth and therefore experiences all kinds of difficulties and sorrows.

Sathya Sai Baba
Prashanti Nilayam, October 17, 2004
SSG vol. 37, ch. 19

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<div class="bbWrapper">God is the source and foundation of all creation. No one has the right to ask why God behaves this way and not another. He is the Supreme Lord of the universe and may act according to His divine will. The creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe—all this is His will. But whatever He does, He does only for the good of the world. Every action in this world, even the most insignificant, is carried out in accordance with divine will. For example, a particular action of God may cause you some inconvenience or sadness. That is your individual point of view. But in God's creation there is nothing resembling sadness. Whatever the Lord does, it is all for the good of humanity. Some people feel depressed and complain that God sends them worries and sorrows. But sorrows and difficulties are your own creation. God does not distinguish between people and does not cause trouble for anyone. Sorrows and difficulties are only your feelings. Everything in God's creation is intended to provide happiness and comfort to living beings. This is what I constantly emphasize. Whether you are sad or enjoying happiness, always think that it is all for your good. A person should develop the firm conviction that the Lord performs all actions for the good of humanity, not to cause trouble. A person is unable to realize this truth and therefore experiences all kinds of difficulties and sorrows.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Prashanti Nilayam, October 17, 2004<br /> SSG vol. 37, ch. 19</div>

 

[1313]

Connect with the Principle of Krishna through Love

You celebrate the birthdays of Krishna, Rama, and Sai. But They were not born. They do not grow old. They appear and disappear like the rising and setting of the sun. You are tossed and shaken. They, however, remain constantly in a state of peace! They create this impression so that you may realize the Infinite and, in this spiritual ecstasy, forget the finite in whose captivity you are held.

Do not stop at worshipping icons and images, or at reading or singing hymns or praises to the Lord. Move on to the higher level of Service, and then to the highest level—the level of Bliss, symbolized by Go-Loka! Realize your own reality, and the reality of all beings will be revealed to you; in that very moment, you will become Radha, and since Radha is Krishna and Krishna is Radha, you will merge with the Principle of Krishna (Krishna-Tattva), the Divine Truth. One who worships Krishna unceasingly, without being distracted by other thoughts and feelings, is Radha. See with the eyes of Love; listen with the ears of Love; work with the hands of Love; cherish thoughts of Love; feel Love in every cell. The God of Love, Krishna, will come to you on the wave of Love and fill your heart with Himself!

Do not confine Him within the frame of an icon or the form of a statue. All forms are His forms. All names are His names. He is the Reality of all beings. It is better to lose your head over Krishna than over the world. Someone wrote a song about Me saying that I cure madness and give madness, that I wipe away tears and cause tears! Yes, losing your head over God is better than losing your head over wealth and fame.

From Bhagavan’s discourses on the Day of Krishna’s Advent.
SANATANA SARATHI, August 2012

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<div class="bbWrapper">Connect with the Principle of Krishna through Love <br /> <br /> You celebrate the birthdays of Krishna, Rama, and Sai. But They were not born. They do not grow old. They appear and disappear like the rising and setting of the sun. You are tossed and shaken. They, however, remain constantly in a state of peace! They create this impression so that you may realize the Infinite and, in this spiritual ecstasy, forget the finite in whose captivity you are held. <br /> <br /> Do not stop at worshipping icons and images, or at reading or singing hymns or praises to the Lord. Move on to the higher level of Service, and then to the highest level—the level of Bliss, symbolized by Go-Loka! Realize your own reality, and the reality of all beings will be revealed to you; in that very moment, you will become Radha, and since Radha is Krishna and Krishna is Radha, you will merge with the Principle of Krishna (Krishna-Tattva), the Divine Truth. One who worships Krishna unceasingly, without being distracted by other thoughts and feelings, is Radha. See with the eyes of Love; listen with the ears of Love; work with the hands of Love; cherish thoughts of Love; feel Love in every cell. The God of Love, Krishna, will come to you on the wave of Love and fill your heart with Himself!<br /> <br /> Do not confine Him within the frame of an icon or the form of a statue. All forms are His forms. All names are His names. He is the Reality of all beings. It is better to lose your head over Krishna than over the world. Someone wrote a song about Me saying that I cure madness and give madness, that I wipe away tears and cause tears! Yes, losing your head over God is better than losing your head over wealth and fame.<br /> <br /> From Bhagavan’s discourses on the Day of Krishna’s Advent.<br /> SANATANA SARATHI, August 2012</div>

 

[1313]

True love is an expression of Divinity. Like a navigator’s compass, it always points toward the Divine, wherever the Divine may be present. Just as oil makes a lamp burn, love illuminates life itself. What is called love in ordinary worldly life is not true love at all. It is merely a form of attachment based on human relationships in the family or society. True love is pure, selfless, free from pride, and full of bliss. Such love can be attained only through love. All worldly attachments are not true love; they are transient. Infinite, pure love arises from the heart. In reality, it is eternal and all-pervading. Why, then, is a person unable to recognize such all-pervading love? This happens because the human heart has become barren and polluted today. The heart is filled with all kinds of desires, and there is no room in it for pure, untainted love. Only when worldly attachments are driven out of the heart will there be room for true love, which will live and grow there.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, July 27, 1996.

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<div class="bbWrapper">True love is an expression of Divinity. Like a navigator’s compass, it always points toward the Divine, wherever the Divine may be present. Just as oil makes a lamp burn, love illuminates life itself. What is called love in ordinary worldly life is not true love at all. It is merely a form of attachment based on human relationships in the family or society. True love is pure, selfless, free from pride, and full of bliss. Such love can be attained only through love. All worldly attachments are not true love; they are transient. Infinite, pure love arises from the heart. In reality, it is eternal and all-pervading. Why, then, is a person unable to recognize such all-pervading love? This happens because the human heart has become barren and polluted today. The heart is filled with all kinds of desires, and there is no room in it for pure, untainted love. Only when worldly attachments are driven out of the heart will there be room for true love, which will live and grow there. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, July 27, 1996.</div>

 

[1313]

At present, everyone is seeking pleasure and comfort. This is the essence of all their efforts. If you tell someone that they can eat everything they like, and as much as they want, the person will be delighted. But if you add that this may lead to the development of certain illnesses, you will be treated as an enemy. Discipline and self-control have never been popular. Yet inner strength develops precisely through self-control, restraint, and adherence to certain rules. A person becomes steadfast and resilient only when they bravely face difficulties. Work on yourself, and you will gain the strength to achieve success. Always seek the basis of the visible in the invisible! The foundation of a skyscraper lies deep underground. The basis of the visible world is the Invisible God (Paramatma). Your body is an instrument with which you can seek, investigate, and discover the fundamental foundation of all existence.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, 23 November 1964

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<div class="bbWrapper">At present, everyone is seeking pleasure and comfort. This is the essence of all their efforts. If you tell someone that they can eat everything they like, and as much as they want, the person will be delighted. But if you add that this may lead to the development of certain illnesses, you will be treated as an enemy. Discipline and self-control have never been popular. Yet inner strength develops precisely through self-control, restraint, and adherence to certain rules. A person becomes steadfast and resilient only when they bravely face difficulties. Work on yourself, and you will gain the strength to achieve success. Always seek the basis of the visible in the invisible! The foundation of a skyscraper lies deep underground. The basis of the visible world is the Invisible God (Paramatma). Your body is an instrument with which you can seek, investigate, and discover the fundamental foundation of all existence. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, 23 November 1964</div>

 

[1313]

PURITY OF INTENTIONS BRINGS GOOD RESULTS.

As the feelings, so are the actions.
As the actions, so is the result.
Sometimes you may be confused by the unfavorable outcome of some good deed. But truly righteous actions will never have bad consequences. A bad result indicates that the intentions were not entirely pure.
It is a human weakness to see only the good in oneself while denying the bad…
Sometimes actions performed with good intentions can produce bad results. The result may seem unfavorable, but goodness is hidden within it.
A person is essentially good. Therefore, one should lead a worthy life. But now doubts assail people at every step.

Sathya Sai Baba
The Principles of Life of a True Human Being.
Discourses 2001. Chapter 1

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<div class="bbWrapper">PURITY OF INTENTIONS BRINGS GOOD RESULTS. <br /> <br /> As the feelings, so are the actions.<br /> As the actions, so is the result.<br /> Sometimes you may be confused by the unfavorable outcome of some good deed. But truly righteous actions will never have bad consequences. A bad result indicates that the intentions were not entirely pure. <br /> It is a human weakness to see only the good in oneself while denying the bad…<br /> Sometimes actions performed with good intentions can produce bad results. The result may seem unfavorable, but goodness is hidden within it.<br /> A person is essentially good. Therefore, one should lead a worthy life. But now doubts assail people at every step.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> The Principles of Life of a True Human Being.<br /> Discourses 2001. Chapter 1</div>

 

[1313]

Do not serve for the sake of receiving a reward, attracting attention to yourself, or gaining gratitude, nor out of pride in your superiority in skill, wealth, status, or position. Serve because love impels you to do so. If you succeed, attribute it to the grace of God, who prompted you to act through Love in your heart. If you fail, attribute it to your own incompetence, insincerity, or ignorance. Examine the impulses behind your actions and cleanse them of the slightest traces of ego. Do not blame those you serve, those with whom you work hand in hand, or God for your failure.

Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">Do not serve for the sake of receiving a reward, attracting attention to yourself, or gaining gratitude, nor out of pride in your superiority in skill, wealth, status, or position. Serve because love impels you to do so. If you succeed, attribute it to the grace of God, who prompted you to act through Love in your heart. If you fail, attribute it to your own incompetence, insincerity, or ignorance. Examine the impulses behind your actions and cleanse them of the slightest traces of ego. Do not blame those you serve, those with whom you work hand in hand, or God for your failure. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

What is spiritual practice (Sadhana)? True spiritual practice is serving those in need. Serve society. Treat everyone as your brothers and sisters. Only through selfless service can you fulfill your purpose on Earth and attain liberation. Regard service to others as service to God. Unfortunately, today people serve while expecting something in return. They become obsessed with money. Excessive wealth makes a person selfish, and selfishness contributes to the development of bad habits and character traits. Excessive desires give rise to suffering, and as desires increase, suffering also grows. “An unsatisfied person suffers twice (asantrupttho dvijo nashtaha).” They do not experience happiness from what they have and feel unhappy because they lack something. Be content with what you have. Remain in bliss and share it with others. If you have devotion, the Lord Himself will bestow bliss upon you.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, September 30, 1998

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<div class="bbWrapper">What is spiritual practice (Sadhana)? True spiritual practice is serving those in need. Serve society. Treat everyone as your brothers and sisters. Only through selfless service can you fulfill your purpose on Earth and attain liberation. Regard service to others as service to God. Unfortunately, today people serve while expecting something in return. They become obsessed with money. Excessive wealth makes a person selfish, and selfishness contributes to the development of bad habits and character traits. Excessive desires give rise to suffering, and as desires increase, suffering also grows. “An unsatisfied person suffers twice (asantrupttho dvijo nashtaha).” They do not experience happiness from what they have and feel unhappy because they lack something. Be content with what you have. Remain in bliss and share it with others. If you have devotion, the Lord Himself will bestow bliss upon you.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, September 30, 1998</div>

 

[1313]

Life is like a ladder leading to God. At birth, you are on the first rung. Each day is another rung that you must climb. So be vigilant, sincere, and steadfast in your aspiration to rise. Do not count the rungs ahead or rejoice over those you have climbed. Advancing one step forward is already enough of an achievement to be satisfied and receive support and inspiration for the next step. Do not slip from the rung you have already reached. Every step forward is a victory to be cherished. Every day lived in vain becomes a defeat of which one should be ashamed. “Slowly but surely forward”—this should be your motto! Regularly practice repeating the Lord’s Name and meditation. Just as a doctor prescribes a specific amount of medicine and warns that a smaller dose will be ineffective while a larger one will be harmful, so should you balance your spiritual practices. Do not overdo them, but neither neglect them.


Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, March 17, 1961

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<div class="bbWrapper">Life is like a ladder leading to God. At birth, you are on the first rung. Each day is another rung that you must climb. So be vigilant, sincere, and steadfast in your aspiration to rise. Do not count the rungs ahead or rejoice over those you have climbed. Advancing one step forward is already enough of an achievement to be satisfied and receive support and inspiration for the next step. Do not slip from the rung you have already reached. Every step forward is a victory to be cherished. Every day lived in vain becomes a defeat of which one should be ashamed. “Slowly but surely forward”—this should be your motto! Regularly practice repeating the Lord’s Name and meditation. Just as a doctor prescribes a specific amount of medicine and warns that a smaller dose will be ineffective while a larger one will be harmful, so should you balance your spiritual practices. Do not overdo them, but neither neglect them.<br /> <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, March 17, 1961</div>

 

[1313]

When you said “Yes” to Me, you gave up the right to be like everyone else. And so you draw to yourself experiences that will cleanse you of everything incompatible with who you are.
Again and again, over and over, until I make you see that the past no longer has any power.
I challenge you and tempt you every day with your past, so that you may see that the past is the final illusion.
When you said “YES” to Me, you gave Me your body, your thoughts, your actions. When they do not suit your new self, the discomfort is unbearable.
It will be this way every time, until you fully realize it.
Then, and only then, will you completely cast aside your desires, for this is the only way a person learns. Very rarely does one truly learn from quiet reminders. Human desires and traps are arranged so that I may do My work. When you surrender completely, the temptations will disappear.
I will never leave you.
Each slip will be harder to bear and harder to correct. You will grow tired of your own foolishness, because I love you, and although you are not fully aware of it, you truly said “YES” to Me.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Truth in Aphorisms.

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<div class="bbWrapper">When you said “Yes” to Me, you gave up the right to be like everyone else. And so you draw to yourself experiences that will cleanse you of everything incompatible with who you are.<br /> Again and again, over and over, until I make you see that the past no longer has any power.<br /> I challenge you and tempt you every day with your past, so that you may see that the past is the final illusion.<br /> When you said “YES” to Me, you gave Me your body, your thoughts, your actions. When they do not suit your new self, the discomfort is unbearable.<br /> It will be this way every time, until you fully realize it.<br /> Then, and only then, will you completely cast aside your desires, for this is the only way a person learns. Very rarely does one truly learn from quiet reminders. Human desires and traps are arranged so that I may do My work. When you surrender completely, the temptations will disappear.<br /> I will never leave you.<br /> Each slip will be harder to bear and harder to correct. You will grow tired of your own foolishness, because I love you, and although you are not fully aware of it, you truly said “YES” to Me.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Truth in Aphorisms.</div>

 

[1313]

The significance of Vinayaka Chaturthi is explained in various ways. Is it possible to transplant an elephant’s head onto a human body? The esoteric meaning of Ganesha’s form is that He was given an elephant’s head because He is known for His extraordinary intelligence. The elephant symbolizes such unparalleled intelligence. In everyday speech, an intelligent person is said to possess gaja telivi (the intelligence of an elephant). Ganapati is described as “Buddhi Vinayaka” and “Siddhi Vinayaka” (Vinayaka, the Wise and the Perfect). Thus, every name and every form has a profound meaning. If we saw a person with an elephant’s head in everyday life, we would regard it as something ugly. But everyone can see that Ganesha’s elephant head has its own attractiveness. It is a symbol of extraordinary intelligence and intellectual abilities.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, September 15, 1988

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<div class="bbWrapper">The significance of Vinayaka Chaturthi is explained in various ways. Is it possible to transplant an elephant’s head onto a human body? The esoteric meaning of Ganesha’s form is that He was given an elephant’s head because He is known for His extraordinary intelligence. The elephant symbolizes such unparalleled intelligence. In everyday speech, an intelligent person is said to possess gaja telivi (the intelligence of an elephant). Ganapati is described as “Buddhi Vinayaka” and “Siddhi Vinayaka” (Vinayaka, the Wise and the Perfect). Thus, every name and every form has a profound meaning. If we saw a person with an elephant’s head in everyday life, we would regard it as something ugly. But everyone can see that Ganesha’s elephant head has its own attractiveness. It is a symbol of extraordinary intelligence and intellectual abilities.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, September 15, 1988</div>

 

[Веретенников Сергей]

This story is one of the shortest stories, taking up only a few lines.

The woolen blanket he had recently been given at a charity shelter comfortably wrapped around his shoulders, and the boots he had found in a dumpster that day did not pinch at all.​

The streetlights warmed his soul so pleasantly after all that chilling darkness…​

The curve of the park bench felt so familiar to his weary old back.​

“Thank You, Lord,” he thought, “life is simply wonderful!”​

You have just read a story.
Author of this short story: Andrew E. Hunt
Title of the story: “Gratitude”

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<div class="bbWrapper">This story is one of the shortest stories, taking up only a few lines.<br /> <br /> <div style="margin-left: 20px"><i>The woolen blanket he had recently been given at a charity shelter comfortably wrapped around his shoulders, and the boots he had found in a dumpster that day did not pinch at all.</i>​</div><div style="margin-left: 20px"><i>The streetlights warmed his soul so pleasantly after all that chilling darkness…</i>​</div><div style="margin-left: 20px"><i>The curve of the park bench felt so familiar to his weary old back.</i>​</div><div style="margin-left: 20px"><i>“Thank You, Lord,” he thought, “life is simply wonderful!”</i>​</div><br /> You have just read a story.<br /> Author of this short story: Andrew E. Hunt<br /> Title of the story: “Gratitude”</div>

 

[1313]

The world is a continuous spectacle in which people with different views of life take part. There are people who always appear calm, and people who are always full of sorrow. There are people who express both joy and sorrow, but there are also those who, having surrendered themselves to divine love, constantly abide in bliss. What is the reason for such different states of human beings? The reason lies in the mind.
Within a human being are a demon, an animal, a human being, and the Divine—and this is the reason; but the main source of these states is the mind.
Only in a human being do “Human-Divine,” “Human-human,” “Human-demon,” and “Human-animal” come together.
All these states have become deeply rooted in the human mind.
It is said: brahmanishtha paro devah (one who abides in Brahman is the Supreme Divinity).
Once established in divine consciousness, performing actions and fulfilling duties that bring joy to God, a divine person sees the Divine everywhere. For such a person, all forms and beings appear as reflections of the divine principle, and he spends his life in joy, enchanted by God.

Sathya Sai Baba
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1993, Ch. 7

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<div class="bbWrapper">The world is a continuous spectacle in which people with different views of life take part. There are people who always appear calm, and people who are always full of sorrow. There are people who express both joy and sorrow, but there are also those who, having surrendered themselves to divine love, constantly abide in bliss. What is the reason for such different states of human beings? The reason lies in the mind. <br /> Within a human being are a demon, an animal, a human being, and the Divine—and this is the reason; but the main source of these states is the mind.<br /> Only in a human being do “Human-Divine,” “Human-human,” “Human-demon,” and “Human-animal” come together.<br /> All these states have become deeply rooted in the human mind.<br /> It is said: brahmanishtha paro devah (one who abides in Brahman is the Supreme Divinity).<br /> Once established in divine consciousness, performing actions and fulfilling duties that bring joy to God, a divine person sees the Divine everywhere. For such a person, all forms and beings appear as reflections of the divine principle, and he spends his life in joy, enchanted by God.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Summer Showers in Brindavan 1993, Ch. 7</div>

 

[1313]

Today is the sacred festival of Ganesha Chaturthi. In reality, He has no birth at all. He created the entire universe. All the Vedas are the result of the divine will of Lord Vinayaka. All forms of knowledge arose from Him. All festivals originate from this point—the celebration of Ganesha’s birthday.

What does the term Ganapati mean? “Ga” means intellect (buddhi). “Na” means wisdom (vijnana). Therefore, Ganapati is the Lord of intellect and wisdom. He is also the Lord of all the Ganas (spiritual beings). The Ganas symbolize the senses. Thus, Ganapati is the Lord who commands the senses. Therefore, during the festival dedicated to Ganapati, you should purify your mind and offer it to Ganapati. Intellect blossoms only when a person has a pure mind. Siddhi (the spiritual goal) is attained only when intellect blossoms. Vinayaka presides over Buddhi and Siddhi (intellect and spiritual realization). Siddhi is the realization of wisdom. That is why the sacred texts say that Siddhi and Buddhi are Vinayaka’s consorts, while Kshema (well-being) and Ananda (bliss) are His two sons.


Ganapati is also called Mushika Vahana (He whose vehicle is a mouse). You may wonder how such a small mouse can carry a figure as heavy as Vinayaka on its back. Here, mushika has nothing to do with an ordinary mouse. It symbolizes the darkness of ignorance, because a mouse runs in the dark. Therefore, Mushika Vahana is He who overcomes ignorance and dispels darkness. Only by understanding the inner meaning of the principle of Vinayaka can we celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi properly.

Sathya Sai Baba
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GANESHA PRINCIPLE
Divine Discourse, September 6, 1997

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<div class="bbWrapper">Today is the sacred festival of Ganesha Chaturthi. In reality, He has no birth at all. He created the entire universe. All the Vedas are the result of the divine will of Lord Vinayaka. All forms of knowledge arose from Him. All festivals originate from this point—the celebration of Ganesha’s birthday. <br /> <br /> What does the term Ganapati mean? “Ga” means intellect (buddhi). “Na” means wisdom (vijnana). Therefore, Ganapati is the Lord of intellect and wisdom. He is also the Lord of all the Ganas (spiritual beings). The Ganas symbolize the senses. Thus, Ganapati is the Lord who commands the senses. Therefore, during the festival dedicated to Ganapati, you should purify your mind and offer it to Ganapati. Intellect blossoms only when a person has a pure mind. Siddhi (the spiritual goal) is attained only when intellect blossoms. Vinayaka presides over Buddhi and Siddhi (intellect and spiritual realization). Siddhi is the realization of wisdom. That is why the sacred texts say that Siddhi and Buddhi are Vinayaka’s consorts, while Kshema (well-being) and Ananda (bliss) are His two sons.<br /> <br /> <br /> Ganapati is also called Mushika Vahana (He whose vehicle is a mouse). You may wonder how such a small mouse can carry a figure as heavy as Vinayaka on its back. Here, mushika has nothing to do with an ordinary mouse. It symbolizes the darkness of ignorance, because a mouse runs in the dark. Therefore, Mushika Vahana is He who overcomes ignorance and dispels darkness. Only by understanding the inner meaning of the principle of Vinayaka can we celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi properly.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GANESHA PRINCIPLE<br /> Divine Discourse, September 6, 1997</div>

 

[1313]

Ideas of superiority and inferiority arise only in a heart afflicted by egoism. If some people claim that they are superior to others and that their path of worship is more sacred, this is proof that they have missed the very essence of faith. Spiritual efforts (sadhana) should manifest unity throughout all creation. Ask yourself: When you rise after bhajans or meditation, do you see everyone in a pure light, as endowed with Divinity? Do you love more, speak less, and serve others more earnestly? These are signs of success in Sadhana. Your spiritual progress must be confirmed by your character and conduct. Even a cobblestone, under the action of the sun, rain, heat, and cold, will turn to mud and become fertilizer for a tree. Sadhana must transform your attitude toward living beings and things; otherwise, it is pretense and a waste of your time! Remember, even the most cruel hearts can be softened, and the Divine will sprout within them—so do not cease your efforts!

Sathya Sai Baba
(Divine Discourse, January 13, 1969)

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<div class="bbWrapper">Ideas of superiority and inferiority arise only in a heart afflicted by egoism. If some people claim that they are superior to others and that their path of worship is more sacred, this is proof that they have missed the very essence of faith. Spiritual efforts (sadhana) should manifest unity throughout all creation. Ask yourself: When you rise after bhajans or meditation, do you see everyone in a pure light, as endowed with Divinity? Do you love more, speak less, and serve others more earnestly? These are signs of success in Sadhana. Your spiritual progress must be confirmed by your character and conduct. Even a cobblestone, under the action of the sun, rain, heat, and cold, will turn to mud and become fertilizer for a tree. Sadhana must transform your attitude toward living beings and things; otherwise, it is pretense and a waste of your time! Remember, even the most cruel hearts can be softened, and the Divine will sprout within them—so do not cease your efforts!<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> (Divine Discourse, January 13, 1969)</div>

 

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MAN MUST CONTROL THE SENSE ORGANS

God has endowed man with every power.
The human body is connected with the senses, which are responsible for both good and evil.
Therefore, the proper use of the sense organs is man’s foremost duty....
Those who cannot restrain their senses are worse than animals. Even animals develop the ability to control their sense organs. But man, despite being endowed with all kinds of wisdom—vijnana, prajnana, and sujnana—makes no effort to control his sense organs.
Desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, and matsarya) are all animal qualities.
Today, such animal qualities have appeared in man, and he himself is becoming an animal.
Man is neither an animal nor a mass of inert matter. He is, in fact, an embodiment of consciousness and bliss.
Indulging in animal qualities is a disgrace for man.
First and foremost, he must learn to control his senses. There are spiritual practices prescribed for controlling the senses...
What is the purpose of human life? It is not merely to eat, drink, and make merry. “The human body is meant to do good to others.” Man must dedicate himself to serving society.

Sathya Sai Baba. God Is Born in a Pure Heart.
Talks 2003. Chapter 5

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<div class="bbWrapper">MAN MUST CONTROL THE SENSE ORGANS<br /> <br /> God has endowed man with every power.<br /> The human body is connected with the senses, which are responsible for both good and evil.<br /> Therefore, the proper use of the sense organs is man’s foremost duty....<br /> Those who cannot restrain their senses are worse than animals. Even animals develop the ability to control their sense organs. But man, despite being endowed with all kinds of wisdom—vijnana, prajnana, and sujnana—makes no effort to control his sense organs.<br /> Desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, and matsarya) are all animal qualities.<br /> Today, such animal qualities have appeared in man, and he himself is becoming an animal.<br /> Man is neither an animal nor a mass of inert matter. He is, in fact, an embodiment of consciousness and bliss.<br /> Indulging in animal qualities is a disgrace for man.<br /> First and foremost, he must learn to control his senses. There are spiritual practices prescribed for controlling the senses...<br /> What is the purpose of human life? It is not merely to eat, drink, and make merry. “The human body is meant to do good to others.” Man must dedicate himself to serving society.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba. God Is Born in a Pure Heart.<br /> Talks 2003. Chapter 5</div>

 

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I must warn you about two dangerous diseases that are currently raging in our country: selfishness and the habit of insulting other people.
First, find out everything thoroughly and verify it; only then will you have the right to pass judgment. And when you have found out and verified everything, you will understand that the best way to serve yourself is by serving others; you will understand that you can spend the short time allotted to you in this life far more profitably than by insulting or praising other people.
Instead of taking an interest in the mistakes and successes of others, you should watch your own mistakes much more diligently and care about your own successes. This is My advice to you today.

Sathya Sai Baba
SSG vol. 4, ch. 57

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<div class="bbWrapper">I must warn you about two dangerous diseases that are currently raging in our country: selfishness and the habit of insulting other people. <br /> First, find out everything thoroughly and verify it; only then will you have the right to pass judgment. And when you have found out and verified everything, you will understand that the best way to serve yourself is by serving others; you will understand that you can spend the short time allotted to you in this life far more profitably than by insulting or praising other people. <br /> Instead of taking an interest in the mistakes and successes of others, you should watch your own mistakes much more diligently and care about your own successes. This is My advice to you today.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> SSG vol. 4, ch. 57</div>

 

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It is useless simply to acknowledge the advent of the Lord without striving to derive the greatest possible benefit from it. Offer Him your entire self and your whole life. In this case, your worship and devotion will completely transform you, and you will quickly merge with God. You will think, feel, and act as He does. You will be transformed by Him just as a sculptor transforms a stone into a beautiful Deity worthy of the worship of many generations of pure-hearted men and women. In the process of transformation, you will have to endure quite a few unpleasant “blows of the hammer and chisel,” for the Lord is your “sculptor,” freeing you from rigidity! Therefore, offer your heart to the Lord today, and gladly allow Him to transform you. Practice three spiritual disciplines: silence, purity, and tolerance. In silence you will be able to hear the Voice of God; through purity you will become faultless; and with the help of tolerance you will be able to develop love.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, November 23, 1968

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<div class="bbWrapper">It is useless simply to acknowledge the advent of the Lord without striving to derive the greatest possible benefit from it. Offer Him your entire self and your whole life. In this case, your worship and devotion will completely transform you, and you will quickly merge with God. You will think, feel, and act as He does. You will be transformed by Him just as a sculptor transforms a stone into a beautiful Deity worthy of the worship of many generations of pure-hearted men and women. In the process of transformation, you will have to endure quite a few unpleasant “blows of the hammer and chisel,” for the Lord is your “sculptor,” freeing you from rigidity! Therefore, offer your heart to the Lord today, and gladly allow Him to transform you. Practice three spiritual disciplines: silence, purity, and tolerance. In silence you will be able to hear the Voice of God; through purity you will become faultless; and with the help of tolerance you will be able to develop love. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, November 23, 1968</div>

 

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EGO AND THE VICES IT CREATES

Like a tadpole’s tail, the ego will fall away when you grow in wisdom. The tail must fall away by itself: if it is cut off, the poor tadpole will die...
Only intensive spiritual practice will help you know the “I”—practice unclouded by anger, envy, and greed, the vices born of the ego. When you become angry, you behave like someone possessed by an evil spirit: your face becomes ugly and frightening... Immediately withdraw to a quiet, secluded place; under no circumstances give free rein to your tongue.
Envy and greed also arise from the ego; they must be watched carefully and not allowed any leeway...
So do not worry about the ego: develop wisdom and discernment, understand the impermanent nature of material things, and then the tail will no longer grow back.

Sathya Sai Baba, The Vedas as a Message of Love.
Talks, 1965. Chapter 2

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<div class="bbWrapper">EGO AND THE VICES IT CREATES <br /> <br /> Like a tadpole’s tail, the ego will fall away when you grow in wisdom. The tail must fall away by itself: if it is cut off, the poor tadpole will die...<br /> Only intensive spiritual practice will help you know the “I”—practice unclouded by anger, envy, and greed, the vices born of the ego. When you become angry, you behave like someone possessed by an evil spirit: your face becomes ugly and frightening... Immediately withdraw to a quiet, secluded place; under no circumstances give free rein to your tongue. <br /> Envy and greed also arise from the ego; they must be watched carefully and not allowed any leeway...<br /> So do not worry about the ego: develop wisdom and discernment, understand the impermanent nature of material things, and then the tail will no longer grow back.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba, The Vedas as a Message of Love.<br /> Talks, 1965. Chapter 2</div>

 

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“You will become what you consider yourself to be” (Yad bhaavam, thad bhavati).

One who condemns themselves day and night as insignificant and weak will never be able to accomplish anything. One who thinks they are a failure and a nobody thereby becomes a failure and an insignificant person.
If, instead, you develop the awareness that you are a spark of God, that your reality is Divinity Itself, you can truly become genuinely Divine and gain access to all the necessary powers.

What you feel and believe is most important. It is the foundation of everything within you.
Have faith in the Atma, in the “I.” This is essential for a person. In the absence of such faith, a person degenerates into a monster reveling in vice and evil. Your ancestors attained prosperity, peace, and joy, and succeeded in achieving their goals solely through this faith. If people lose this faith, they are doomed to fall. The reason is that this faith is itself the breath of life. In the absence of breath, a person becomes a corpse (Shavam). With the breath of this faith, they become Divine (Shivam), like Shiva Himself.
Faith in the “I” is the manifestation of the Principle of Shiva in a person; this faith can provide a person with every form of strength and bring them into a fulfilled and complete state (Purna). For the Atma, by its very nature, is self-sufficient and complete.
No other Sadhana is needed to realize this state.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Vidya Vahini, Ch. 14

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<div class="bbWrapper">“You will become what you consider yourself to be” (Yad bhaavam, thad bhavati).<br /> <br /> One who condemns themselves day and night as insignificant and weak will never be able to accomplish anything. One who thinks they are a failure and a nobody thereby becomes a failure and an insignificant person.<br /> If, instead, you develop the awareness that you are a spark of God, that your reality is Divinity Itself, you can truly become genuinely Divine and gain access to all the necessary powers.<br /> <br /> What you feel and believe is most important. It is the foundation of everything within you.<br /> Have faith in the Atma, in the “I.” This is essential for a person. In the absence of such faith, a person degenerates into a monster reveling in vice and evil. Your ancestors attained prosperity, peace, and joy, and succeeded in achieving their goals solely through this faith. If people lose this faith, they are doomed to fall. The reason is that this faith is itself the breath of life. In the absence of breath, a person becomes a corpse (Shavam). With the breath of this faith, they become Divine (Shivam), like Shiva Himself.<br /> Faith in the “I” is the manifestation of the Principle of Shiva in a person; this faith can provide a person with every form of strength and bring them into a fulfilled and complete state (Purna). For the Atma, by its very nature, is self-sufficient and complete.<br /> No other Sadhana is needed to realize this state.<br /> <br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Vidya Vahini, Ch. 14</div>